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| (Image Source: Sunstar/GMA Network) |
Global music icon Apl.de.Ap returns to his roots with the release of his new EP under GMA Music entitled PPP, now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms. Standing for Power to the Pilipino People, the three-track EP marks a deeply personal chapter in Apl’s journey as an artist, serving as a love letter, a rally cry, and a testament of devotion to his home country.
Apl shares, “This is my first solo EP apart from the Black Eyed Peas. I wanted to make sure it represented who I am as a Filipino and I dedicate it to my home country, the Philippines. This EP comes from my love for the Philippines with songs that hopefully will inspire and empower every Filipino. It’s a reminder for Filipinos of our own power as individuals and as a nation, and how we can make positive, lasting change in our lives and in the lives of others if we all come together and help one another.” Rooted in Filipino values, culture, and language, PPP weaves together three distinct thematic pillars - love, hope, and peace - across its carrier single. Serving as the EP’s anchor on love, “Why” is a collaboration between APL and OPM rockstar Bamboo. The song addresses both the beauty and the heartaches of loving’s one nation, calling on leaders and citizens alike to stand up for integrity and positive change. Apl explains, “‘Why’ is a love letter to the country. And like any love story, there is heartbreak in what’s happening. It’s a shoutout to leaders and people in position, to care about the country and our countrymen - to act in the best interest of all and not just personal interests, and for Filipinos to not accept what’s happening and to stand up for their rights.” On collaborating with Bamboo, Apl adds, “Bamboo is a true Filipino artist that I respect so much. We have been wanting to do a collab, and I’m so happy this is the result that really showcases PPP. It’s a dream to be able to do this collaboration with him that shows our shared love for the country. It’s always a good time with my buddy Bamboo.”
Highlighting hope, “Turn Around” (feat. Fil-Am artist and co-Black Eyed Peas member J. Rey Soul) speaks of resilience through life’s steepest challenges. “After going through a tough time with all the challenges we face as individuals and as a nation, we can continue to hope. I am singing this song for myself also to help me overcome life’s challenges,” says Apl. “Pinoy United” (feat. the King of Moro Songs Datu Khomeini), on the other hand, champions peace. The anthem was inspired by the peace process and cultural richness of Mindanao, featuring music artist Datu Khomeini to represent the southern regions’ voice and heritage. With PPP, Apl.de.Ap continues to bridge global soundscapes with authentic Filipino storytelling, delivering a timely reminder of what unity and pride can achieve. Apl concludes, “My music always reflects who I am, with Filipino words, culture, and values incorporated into it. This EP is really about love, peace, and hope for the Filipino people.”
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The Country Music Association Brings Together Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company, And Nashville Convention And Visitors Corporation To Announce Combined US$1M Donation To Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
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| (Image Source: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library) |
The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation (NCVC), in collaboration with Belmont University, revealed that its previously announced commitment to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has resulted in a combined donation of US$1M (1 million US dollars). The announcement was made following "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration Of Dolly Parton", a star-studded tribute which was aired live and can be streamed globally on Disney+.
While the television special celebrated the music and remarkable career that have touched generations of fans, the donation honors another defining part of Dolly's life: her deeply personal commitment to inspiring a love of reading and encouraging children to dream big. Inspired by her father's inability to read and write, Dolly launched the Imagination Library in her home county in East Tennessee in 1995 with a simple dream: to inspire a love of reading in young children. "Dolly has always brought people together, and we built last night's event with that same intention. Because of the artists who took that stage and the partners who stood beside us, a night full of her music resulted in a $1M (1 million dollars) donation to Imagination Library so that children for years to come can open a mailbox and find a book with their name on it," says Country Music Association (CMA) current and outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sarah Trahern. Incoming CMA CEO Brittany Schaffer adds, "Through her music, her philanthropy and her heart, Dolly gave all of us a reason to come together. We are so proud that our community united for a magical evening that carries forward her legacy of love and literacy for generations of children around the world." "Dolly knew that a single book could change the course of a child's life. As a university, we see every day how a love of learning opens doors and shapes who young people become. It was a joy to celebrate her life on our campus, and we're grateful to play a part in putting more books into children's hands," says Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones.
"Dolly meant so much to Nashville, not only because of her incredible music, but because of her generosity and the way she cared for others. She was one of Music City's greatest ambassadors, introducing Nashville to fans around the world and inspiring so many to visit and experience the music and creativity that make our city special. We're proud to join our partners in honoring her legacy by supporting a cause so close to her heart and helping more children discover the joy of reading," says NCVC President and CEO Deana Ivey. "Last night's celebration was a beautiful reminder of how Dolly spent her life bringing joy to people through her music and encouraging them to believe in their dreams. The Imagination Library is rooted in that same spirit, inspiring children to love reading and imagine all the possibilities ahead of them. I couldn't think of a more meaningful way to celebrate Dolly's life than by investing in the dreams of future generations. We're incredibly grateful to CMA, Belmont University, Disney, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. for making this generous gift possible," said The Dollywood Foundation Vice Chairman and President Jeff Conyers.
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Takase Toya Connects With Filipino Fans In First-Ever Manila Concert, Promises To Return In 2027
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Black Star Entertainment Philippines) |
Japanese singer-songwriter Takase Toya (高瀬統也) marked a milestone in his international music career as he successfully staged his first-ever concert in the Philippines last October 16, 2026 at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, bringing his TAKASE TOYA ASIA TOUR 2026 “∞” to his growing Filipino fanbase. The intimate concert brought Takase face-to-face with Filipino fans who have followed his music across digital platforms, creating a memorable evening of live music, personal connection, and cultural exchange.
Known for his emotionally driven songwriting and distinctive contemporary Japanese pop sound, Takase delivered a live performance that highlighted his artistry and growing appeal among international audiences. One of the evening’s highlights was a special collaboration between Takase Toya and Angela of Filipino P-pop girl group KAIA who performed “It’s Finally the End of Our Love”, a track from Takase’s latest album, “∞”. The special stage brought together Japanese and Filipino musical talent, showcasing their vocal chemistry and highlighting the growing opportunities for cross-cultural musical collaborations between the two countries. The show also featured Japanese artist Fumiya Sato as the opening act, setting the tone for the evening before Takase took the stage. Beyond the performances, the concert reflected the increasingly strong connection between Japanese artists and Filipino music audiences. For Takase whose music has reached listeners in more than 80 countries and accumulated over three billion streams according to his official artist profile, the Manila show represented another milestone in his expanding international career. The concert was part of the TAKASE TOYA ASIA TOUR 2026 “∞” which spans multiple cities across Japan and Asia including Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, and Jakarta. The tour also supports Takase’s fifth album “∞”, showcasing a new chapter in his musical journey as he continues to connect with audiences across borders.
Adding to the excitement of his Philippine debut, Takase expressed his appreciation for the warm reception from Filipino fans and promised to return to the Philippines in 2027, giving his growing local audience something to look forward to. The evening concluded with Takase and his fellow performers sharing a memorable moment with the Filipino audience, commemorating his first concert in the Philippines and the warm reception from local fans. The Manila leg of the TAKASE TOYA ASIA TOUR 2026 “∞” was organized by TTT Inc., with production by SMC Entertainment Inc., Free Planet Music Co. Ltd., and Black Star Entertainment (BSE) Philippines. With his successful Philippine debut and plans to return in 2027, Takase Toya continues to strengthen his connection with Filipino audiences while opening opportunities for future performances and musical collaborations between Japanese and Filipino artists.
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Jericho Streegan Releases New Song “Jacket”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Cebuano singer-songwriter Jericho Streegan has dropped his latest single “Jacket”, months after moving to Metro Manila to bet on himself and further pursue his music career. “I don’t know exactly how I’m gonna make this work. What I know is I don’t wanna wake up five years, ten years later down the line and realize I never gave myself a chance. So, after a long time of back-and-forth, I’m here now. I left everything back home and I came here for music,” said Jericho in the first episode of his “Malabo” docuseries titled “what happens when you finally bet on yourself?”
Jericho shared, “For the longest time, I have known that I want music to be my life. I want to wake up and write. I want to wake up and produce music, record, and play live shows,” describing his lifelong passion for music. The Tarsier Records artist released the indie-pop single “Jacket” last October 23 which turns an ordinary object into a symbol of longing. The song, now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms, will be part of his upcoming EP “Malabo”.
Jericho’s musical journey began at just three years old, singing at school events and listening to his mother’s collection of music. At twelve, he taught himself to play the guitar, and by fifteen, he was writing songs inspired by his thoughts and emotions. His songwriting talent earned recognition in 2020 when he won the Visayan songwriting competition Dasig Bisaya with his original composition “Unta”. Among his previously released songs under Tarsier Records are “Back To You”, “Shine”, and “Unsa’y Gibati”.
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Marian Rivera Joins Vice Ganda In Hilarious “Gandang Gabi Vice” Debut
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Two box-office powerhouses share the stage for a night full of laughs, dancing, and heartwarming chats as the Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera makes her highly requested “Gandang Gabi Vice” debut, ready to take on the comedic antics of the Phenomenal Unkabogable Superstar Vice Ganda, with all their unfiltered moments now streaming exclusively on iWant.
For the first time on “GGV”, Marian sits down with Vice as she shares her humble beginnings before showbiz stardom, bares quirky facts about herself, and addresses some of the fans’ burning questions. Alongside Vice and the Geng Gang in their hilarious antics, Marian will also share her experiences filming Star Cinema’s upcoming family drama, “Remember”, coming soon to cinemas starting November 11. Co-starring Dingdong Dantes and directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, the film marks DongYan’s latest movie pairing following the success of their 2023 box-office hit “Rewind”. Catch all the uncut and unfiltered moments of Vice and Marian as well as those of previous guests on “Gandang Gabi Vice: Unfiltered” through iWant’s subscription plans starting at Php35 per month in the Philippines, US$12.99 per month in the United States, and US$4.99 per month for the rest of the world.
“Gandang Gabi Vice” airs every Sunday night at 10:00 pm on GMA, while also streaming the TV episode for free on iWant (for PH users only), available thru iWant.ph, Apple App Store for iOS, and Google Play for Android. New episodes of “Gandang Gabi Vice: Unfiltered” will be available one hour after its television broadcast. On the other hand, viewers can also catch “Gandang Gabi Vice” on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel with new episodes to become available every Wednesday at 6:00 pm.
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Imogen Celebrates Musical Growth In Debut Album
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
“It’s Showtime” kid IMOGEN marks a new milestone in her music career with the release of her self-titled debut album featuring 12 songs that trace her growth as an artist through the years. The album, now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms under Star Music PH, features two new tracks, “Mabuhay, Baby!” and “Para Sa Aming Bukas”, both composed by ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo and produced by Rey Cantong. The visualizer for “Para Sa Aming Bukas” is now available on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel.
The collection also brings together IMOGEN’s previous releases including “Mini Ms. U”, “Da Da Da”, “Sana”, “Dalandan Shake”, “Kokobom”, “Ang Init-Init”, “Matamis na Pangarap”, “Merry Christmas 2 U”, “Isang Pamilya Tayo Ngayong Pasko” with Six Part Invention, and “3 in 1” with Jamie Rivera and Fabio Santos. Now nine years old, IMOGEN made her recording debut in 2023 with “Da Da Da” at just six years old. The song has since garnered over 5.8 million all-time streams across different digital streaming platforms. She followed it with “Mini Ms. U” which went viral as the theme song for the “It’s Showtime” segment of the same name and has accumulated over 15.4 million all-time streams.
