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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The Philippines’ ABS-CBN, Japan’s BMSG, and Thailand’s XOXO Entertainment have joined forces for the inaugural “ASIA POP GIRL FEST 2027”, bringing together three entertainment companies and three leading girl groups to champion Asian pop music beyond their home markets. Featuring the Philippines’ BINI, Japan’s HANA, and Thailand’s 4EVE, the collaboration connects the P-Pop, J-Pop, and Thai pop scenes through four shows across three countries. The festival gives each group a platform to introduce its music to the others’ fans, supporting the partners’ shared ambition to bring Asian talent to wider audiences around the world.
The partnership brings together the companies’ experience in artist development, music production, and entertainment with BINI, HANA, and 4EVE showcasing the talent emerging from their respective markets. “ASIA POP GIRL FEST 2027” opens with two shows on January 22 and 23 at LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY in Chiba, Japan. It then heads to BITEC LIVE in Bangkok, Thailand on February 13 before concluding at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on February 19. For ABS-CBN, the collaboration provides another international platform for Filipino music through BINI. The Philippine content company produces entertainment across television, film, digital platforms, and music, and develops homegrown artists for local and international audiences. Dubbed the nation’s girl group, the eight-member BINI debuted in Coachella this year and is now on its second world tour called “Signals”. Tokyo-based BMSG brings its experience in artist management, music production, and creative development. Its roster includes BE:FIRST and HANA, the seven-member girl group that debuted in April 2025 and already scored four No. 1 hits on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, including the single “ROSE”. Thailand’s XOXO Entertainment focuses on Thai pop and artist development. Launched in 2020, the label introduced the seven-member 4EVE that same year and has supported the group’s growth at home and its expansion into international markets via festivals and their English album “Glow”.
Through “ASIA POP GIRL FEST 2027”, the three companies are creating opportunities for fans to discover artists from neighboring countries — building connections across Asian music communities and helping their artists reach further.
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Dingdong And Marian's “Remember” Finds Special Connection In Quebec
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| The cast and creative team of the film Remember during its global media launch at Eastwood Mall Cinemas in Quezon City, Philippines. L-R: Ana Abad Santos, director Mae Cruz-Alviar, actress Marian Rivera, actor Dingdong Dantes, child actress Zia Grace, writer Daisy Cayanan Merajes, writer Enrico Santos (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera’s “Remember” finds a special connection in Quebec, Canada where the film was shot for the first time, bringing a story of love, hope, and second chances to cinemas nationwide on November 11, 2026. Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, the film follows an estranged couple who must come together when their daughter, played by Zia Grace, is diagnosed with a rare genetic illness. As they face their daughter’s condition, they must confront their past and reconsider the love they once shared.
During the film’s media conference, Dingdong praised Marian’s portrayal of Ria, saying her performance inspired him to step up his own portrayal of Joseph. He shared, “Kakaiba talaga yung portrayal ni Marian dito. Kahit araw-araw ko na siyang nakikita, pero noong nag-roll na yung camera ni Direk Mae, talagang ibang tao yung nakita ko. Yung performance kasi ni Marian gave me more reason to step up as Joseph.” Marian, meanwhile, credited Dingdong’s openness as an actor for helping her explore Ria’s emotions, stating, “Hindi ako natakot na magbigay ng iba’t ibang klaseng emosyon na nasasakyan niya at ino-open niya, niyayakap niya, kaya naging madali sa akin na hubugin yung character ni Ria.” Cruz-Alviar also praised Dingdong and Marian as passionate actors who are dedicated to their craft.
“Remember” also stars Joross Gamboa, Kyle Echarri, and Ana Abad Santos. The film is a collaboration among ABS-CBN Studios, Star Cinema, APT Entertainment, AgostoDos Pictures, and Regal Entertainment. “Remember” opens in cinemas nationwide on November 11, followed by international screenings in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Australia, and New Zealand on November 12 and in the US, Canada, and Guam on November 13. The film will also be coming soon to Malaysia and Singapore.
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Shawn Mendes Releases Three New Versions Of Illuminate (10th Anniversary Edition)
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Universal Music Group) |
GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes released two new versions of Illuminate (10th Anniversary Edition) via vinyl and streaming platforms. Originally released in 2016, Illuminate, recently certified 3x-Platinum by the RIAA, marked an important chapter in Shawn’s career and featured some of his biggest songs including “Treat You Better”, “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”, “Mercy”, and “Ruin”.
Illuminate continues to make waves today. “Treat You Better” recently attained a 9x-Platinum RIAA certification. After attaining viral success and amassing 25-million creates on TikTok, the song has re-entered the Billboard charts 10 years after release, hitting No. 62 on the Global 200. The song continues to be a top 40 smash hit and reached No. 37 on Global Excl. U.S. charts this year. On Spotify, “Treat You Better” charted for 150 consecutive days and reached a new peak at No. 17 on the Global Chart this year. “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” recently achieved its 9x-Platinum RIAA certification, and rose to new heights on Billboard charts, reaching No.111 on the Global 200 list, and No, 88 on the Global Excl. U.S. charts. It continues to stand as Mendes’ longest-charting hit having now spent 114 weeks on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. On release, the song reached No. 5 on the Spotify Global Chart and currently holds a 122 consecutive day streak. “Mercy” recently became certified 6x-Platinum. Upon the announcement, Shawn released and sold out the Blood Records limited-edition vinyl of Illuminate (10th Anniversary Edition), featuring the exclusive 2016 demo of “She’ll Be The One”. The two new versions of the album both feature a different previously unreleased demo from 2016. The DSP version features the exclusive 2016 demo of “Cold in California” and the D2C edition, available on Shawn’s store, includes the exclusive 2016 demo of “What If I Told You A Story”. All three versions include three new live performances of “Treat You Better”, “Ruin”, and “Mercy”, recorded in New York, Boston, and Montreal on Shawn’s sold out 2025 tour On The Road Again.
Shawn originally announced the release last September 16 which was 10 years to the day that the Illuminate tracklist was first revealed to fans in 2016. Prior to the announcement, he hinted at the anniversary edition on social media by reposting a tweet from 2016. As part of the rollout, all track titles were visible on the Spotify countdown page, except for Track 16. Fans started noticing lyrics from an old unreleased 2016 demo called “Cold In California” on billboards around the world and the track was officially revealed on Spotify and socials last September 23 which is the actual anniversary of the album. On release night, Shawn partnered with Gucci to celebrate the release of Illuminate (10th Anniversary Edition) with fans at the Gucci Milano Monte Napoleone Flagship. On the eve of Gucci’s The Store Show, fans flooded the streets to celebrate 10 years of Illuminate where Mendes surprised 100 lucky fans with an intimate performance of songs from the album. The event comes as part of Shawn’s ongoing relationship with Gucci which recently included his appearance as one of the faces of the brand’s Primavera campaign. Shawn was named a Gucci brand ambassador earlier this year following his appearance at Creative Director Demna’s debut Resort show in New York in May.
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Thai Pop Sensation Jeff Satur Signs With Universal Music Southeast Asia
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Universal Music Group) |
Universal Music Southeast Asia (UM SEA), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announces the signing of Jeff Satur, the acclaimed Thai artist, singer-songwriter, producer and actor who has gained widespread recognition both in Thailand and around the world. The partnership between UM SEA and Jeff Satur brings together UMG’s global reach and one of Thailand’s leading artists.
Satur’s distinctive singing, songwriting, and production have earned him a growing fanbase spanning Asia, the United States, and Latin America. His music has surpassed 2 billion streams across all platforms worldwide, following hits such as “Fade”, “Dum Dum”, “Hide”, “Ghost”, and “Black Tie”. With UMG’s global network and support, he will have greater opportunities to bring his music and live performances to audiences worldwide. Jeff Satur’s international popularity is evidenced by the success of his 2025 Red Giant Tour which saw standout performances in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Peru including two sold-out performances at IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, the biggest indoor arena in Thailand. In 2026, he became the first Thai artist to participate in a conversation and performance at Global Spin Live at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, and to perform live on the popular television programme Good Day New York on WNYW FOX 5 in New York City. These milestones underscore the growing international interest in Jeff Satur’s music and artistic identity, and the increasing appeal of Thai music worldwide. Following his signing with UM SEA, Jeff Satur is set to release his second studio album in Q2 2027, followed by his first solo stadium concert in Bangkok, and a world tour in late 2027 through 2028. The world tour will mark a significant milestone in his journey as a Thai artist on the global stage, building on his international presence and the global fanbase he has cultivated over the years. Following his signing with UM SEA, Jeff Satur is set to release his second studio album in Q2 2027, followed by his first solo stadium concert in Bangkok, and a world tour in late 2027 through 2028. The world tour will mark a significant milestone in his journey as a Thai artist on the global stage, building on his international presence and the global fanbase he has cultivated over the years.
The partnership will see UM SEA provide global, holistic career support at a time when Satur is looking to expand his presence on the world stage. This support includes music development and artistic direction, marketing and communications strategies, audience growth, world tour support, business opportunities, and collaborations with world-class producers and artists. Satur said, “At this point in my career, it was important for me to find a partner that truly understands my vision, one that can help me bring my ideas to life without losing what makes them mine. I’m excited for Saturn to meet the Universe and begin the next chapter of creating without borders, because at its heart, music has always been my universal language.” UMG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Adam Granite said, “Jeff Satur is an exceptional artist whose creativity and international appeal reflect the enormous potential of Thai music today. This partnership reinforces our commitment to investing in high-potential Thai artists and helping them reach audiences around the world. We are delighted to welcome him to the UMG family and look forward to working with him to achieve even greater success on the world stage.” UMG CEO for SEA and Korea and Senior Vice President for Asia Calvin Wong said, “Jeff Satur is one of Thailand’s most exciting and distinctive artists, with an impressive career and a passionate international fanbase. We see tremendous potential to take his journey even further with the strength of UMG’s global network behind him. We’re excited to work with him to expand his reach across Asia and around the world, and help him on his journey to becoming a global superstar.”
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Acoya Brings The Complexities Of Modern Romance To Life In ‘Hookup Hangover’ EP
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Filipino-Dutch singer-songwriter and producer Acoya captures the intoxicating rush of attraction and the emotional aftermath of modern romance in his five-track EP “Hookup Hangover”, now available on digital music streaming platforms under ABS-CBN Music International (AMI). Blending contemporary pop and R&B with intimate storytelling, the EP follows the journey of one unforgettable night, from the excitement of an unexpected connection to the bittersweet realization that some feelings linger long after the moment has passed.
When asked about the inspiration behind the project, Acoya shared, “‘Hookup Hangover’ is about that feeling when you meet someone and get so caught up in the moment that you forget to think about what happens next. I wanted to capture everything that comes with that experience — the excitement, the chemistry, the vulnerability, and waking up the next morning realizing that maybe it meant more to you than you expected. Each song represents a different part of that night, and together, they tell a story that I think a lot of people can relate to.” The EP showcases Acoya’s evolving artistry through five tracks: “DUI”, “Rendezvous”, “Runaway”, “Love Song”, and “Hookup Hangover”. Together, the songs create a cinematic narrative exploring infatuation, desire, vulnerability, and the complexities of fleeting relationships. Opening the project is his previously released single “DUI” which captures the intoxicating feeling of falling for someone. The story continues with “Rendezvous”, a flirtatious encounter filled with anticipation, followed by “Runaway”, an adrenaline-fueled escape driven by impulsive attraction. The mood shifts with “Love Song” as a spontaneous connection begins to develop into something more meaningful. Closing the EP is the title track “Hookup Hangover” which explores the emotional aftermath of a fleeting romance and the realization that moving on isn’t always as easy as expected.
Born and raised in San Francisco and now based in Los Angeles, Acoya continues to carve out his place in the Pop and R&B scene. Having trained at the Los Angeles Academy for Artists & Music Production (LAAMP) where he received mentorship from acclaimed production duo Stargate, the artist brings his distinct musical perspective and emotionally driven songwriting to his latest project. Acoya further marked a milestone in his rising career as an opening act for the Rohnert Park and San Diego stops of BINI’s “Signals” World Tour 2026. With “Hookup Hangover”, Acoya invites listeners to experience the excitement of falling fast, the vulnerability of wanting more, and the emotions that remain when the night is over. After all, some feelings hit harder the morning after.
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STARGLOW Slams Into Their Toughest Dance Routine Yet With “Slam Dunk” After League Of Legends Crossover
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/BMSG) |
STARGLOW is taking their performance to new heights with “Slam Dunk”, the latest pre-release single from the group’s first album “Aurora”. The energetic hip-hop track comes with some of the most challenging choreography the five-member group has taken on yet with dance crew RHT.’s ReiNa bringing its aggressive energy to the stage.
Built around basketball, “Slam Dunk” captures STARGLOW’s determination to break through the obstacles ahead and defy expectations as they carve out their own future. The music video pushes that spirit further, with the members performing atop a basketball hoop suspended high above the ground against a city-night backdrop. It is a bold showcase of the group’s growing performance range, matching the track’s drive with a visual concept that reaches sky-high. The single sets the stage for STARGLOW’s debut album “Aurora”, arriving on November 18, 2026. Since debuting in January 2026, STARGLOW, a five-member group under SKY-HI-led BMSG, has rapidly expanded its presence across the music scene. Shortly after debut, they became the only Japanese act named to NME’s “100 Artists to Watch in 2026”. Its second single, “USOTSUKI”, reached No. 1 on Oricon’s Weekly Digital Single Ranking and No. 2 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100. By August, the group had already performed its first arena show, just seven months after debut. The members have also stepped into the world of League of Legends. STARGLOW’s TAIKI, KANON and ADAM covered “Live My Life”, a track by Riot Games’ virtual group HEARTSTEEL. The video follows the trio as they record their version, bringing out the song’s bright, refreshing spirit and message of living freely as yourself, while offering a glimpse of the three members’ more unguarded side.
With “Aurora” on the way, STARGLOW will carry this momentum into 2027 with its first arena tour, “STARGLOW 1st Arena Tour 2027 ‘Aurora – The Dawn -’”, featuring 14 shows across seven cities in Japan. From a debut in January 2026 to an album release and arena tour within little more than a year, “Slam Dunk” offers a timely snapshot of a group still pushing its limits.
