BILIB, the latest sensation to grace the Pinoy Music Industry, has made a resounding impact since its grand unveiling on July 7, 2023. The group, together with their debut single "Kabanata," was introduced to a captivated audience during a media conference held at the prestigious Luxent Hotel. Under the guidance of music label AQ Prime Music, BILIB represents the label's first venture into the world of PPop groups, marking a significant milestone in their artistic journey.

 

Experience a nostalgic adventure with Abby Clutario, an indie artist with multiple talents, who has now joined AltG Records. She skillfully revives the timeless classic "Chichi Wo Motomete" from Voltes V, injecting it with fresh energy and vitality.​Embark on a nostalgic journey as multi-hyphenated indie artist and now AltG Records artist Abby Clutario breathes new life into the timeless classic, "Chichi Wo Motomete" from Voltes V, under AltG Records.

"Chichi Wo Motomete" is a popular Japanese song that served as the closing theme for the anime series "Voltes V." The song was composed by Asei Kobayashi/Akira Aoi and performed by Ichiro Mizuki. It was first used in 1977 and quickly became an iconic anthem associated with the show. It translates to "Searching for Father" or "In Search of Father” which captures the spirit of the characters' unwavering dedication to their mission and the emotional longing they feel for their fathers. It has become an enduring symbol of the series and holds a special place in the hearts of fans, evoking nostalgia and a sense of heroism.

This is probably interesting. Cryptic billboards and posters around the Metro and its alluding to a new Ben&Ben release have recently appeared in strategic locations all over Metro Manila.

The material, which contains discarded film photos with texts exposing some personal thoughts, is said to be part of the lyrics of an upcoming Ben&Ben song to be released sometime next week.

A few days ago, the nine-piece Filipino collective tweeted what looks like a snippet of lyrics offering an intimate take on the painstaking process of letting go. Ben&Ben also dropped a performance video of “Stand By You,” featuring Indonesian superstar Pamungkas. The collaborative visuals, which were recorded earlier this month at SoundCheck Studio, have racked up more than 220,000 views as of press time.

Set to conquer the international stage with their first North American tour, the Paninindigan Kita music act will be performing in iconic and key venues across nine cities in the US and Canada—ahead of their send-off concert on September 3 at the CCP Open Grounds.

 

Two of today's rising P-Pop group, less than a year after their official launches, BINI and BGYO have enjoyed several milestones with their fans: BINI’s music video for their debut single, “Born to Win,” was featured in MTV Asia last month and has already crossed one million views, while BGYO has landed on the number one spot on Billboard’s global Next Big Sound chart, coinciding with the release of their latest single “The Baddest,” which just surpassed one million views on YouTube.

Having grown together from being trainees to full-fledged rookie idol groups, BINI and BGYO are taking the next big steps that will define their journey and their sound as they gear up for their upcoming joint concert and respective debut albums.

BINI and BGYO are making history with their sibling concert – the first in P-pop – called “One Dream: The BINI x BGYO Concert,” which will be streamed worldwide on November 6 and 7 on KTX.PH, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV.

It is now part of our history, the Philippine Musical history, as singer and songwriter Moira Dela Torre made a clear mark as the very first OPM artist to receive 11 platinum certificates from her successful hit songs. 

Reaching a lot of ears by creating a different kind of sound that is what always hit the tone. Just this month Singapore r&b trio brb. has released their debut album relationsh*t via indie label Umami Records. Featuring two previously unreleased tracks, ‘do me right’ and ‘better’, and with two singles ‘cool with it’ and ‘talking to myself’ already passing a million streams on Spotify, the EP encapsulates the evocative reflections and textures of a prolific young band rapidly establishing themselves in the r&b scene.


relationsh*t showcases the trio’s thriving repertoire of songs about the highs and heartbreaks of romance, unravelling the ambiguous and timeless motif of love into its progression from thrilling ambivalence to inevitable submission and/or extinction. The release highlights include ‘do me right’ and ‘better’, two new tracks that uphold and surpass the band’s platinum standard. The band in particular picks out ‘do me right’, as “a snapshot of the distinctive pain of the discovery process of a partner’s unfaithfulness, one that is its own kind and can never be derived from anything else”. The tracks echo brb.’s distinct brand of funk-pop electronica, distilling different musical varieties into their very own uniquely refined embodiment of R&B that has bewitched young fans everywhere since their debut just over a year ago.


The result is intoxicating. Infectiously groovy and shamelessly relatable, listeners will be inclined to abuse that replay button, inevitably turning to the poignant lyricism for a virtual friend each time they bid romance adieu again.

‘relationsh*t’ is available everywhere at this link: https://ffm.to/relationshit

Stay tuned for more from brb.. Content for this release can be found in this digital press kit. Tracklist

1. talking to myself
2. do me right
3. can’t tell
4. whoops
5. better
6. cool with it
7. undone


About brb.
brb. are an R&B trio consisting of Clarence Liew, Auzaie Zie and Marc Lian. The group came about because of their mutual love for R&B, hip-hop and soul. What started as a “let’s do it for fun” project quickly turned into a legitimate music group after a couple of songwriting sessions, it became clear their creative intentions were aligned. The songs and visuals that accompany are designed to instill a melancholic vibe - this deliberate attempt to capture a certain feeling and mood in the art is what matters most.

Featuring today this Israeli artist, singer-songwriter, VANNA, with her recently released debut single entitled "High Hopes." It is via Singapore based indie label Umami Records, which will capture your attention and would probably listen to more of what's coming from this artist. The single was just released last Friday, 6 March 2020.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), High Hopes is a song about not giving up, even in the darkest, loneliest moments of one’s life. “In the end we must ‘run slow, with high hopes’, be patient, and face the future with optimism.” shares VANNA, “I wanted to let people know that they are not alone and there is always hope.” A gently fingerpicked acoustic guitar sits at the centre of Roy’s production which he combines with VANNA’s unique voice, wafting a piano, strings and other instruments in and out, immersing the listener into the raw emotions of this song.

A music video produced by award-winning independent filmmaker Matan Balalty, set in the beautiful forests of Mount Eitan in Jerusalem, accompanies the release of this single.

High Hopes is the title track of VANNA’s debut EP which will be released throughout 2020. Over the last 3 years, VANNA has been working closely with producer Roy Avital on this EP, delivering a delicate fusion of indie electronic, pop, and folk influenced by artists like RY X, Oscar and the Wolf, SYML and Sóley.


Born and raised in Tel Aviv, of Indian and Iranian parents, VANNA grew up immersed in music, culture and diversity. Creating music is her way of confronting and understanding the turmoil she feels within herself, and she hopes her songs will touch others going through the same struggle. She is also a graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.

VANNA’s next show will be at the Hateiva, Tel Aviv on 23 April 2020, and she is planning a tour to Singapore, India and Nepal in the fall of 2020.

High Hopes by VANNA is available everywhere at this link: https://ffm.to/high-hopes

One of my way to distress is to visit art galleries and by way of looking at different arts created by different great artist put at peace. Something that makes me relaxed. It is my serenity.

It seems that my usual place to visit will have an addition, though its only once a year. Yes, Ortigas & Company through one of its mall, Estancia, presents their 10-day Ortigas Art Festival. Their way of asserting their commitment to bring arts and culture closer to the people.

As it opens and celebrates the second year, Ortigas Art Festival establish Estancia as the art hub of Ortigas and they made this year's exhibit a place to visit and see arts at its finest. This year's approach brought individual artists to the spotlight, showcasing their creative individuality and placing them a the forefront of the art scene.
Hmmm... I hope I can also showcase my artworks. Maybe their next year.

It was the idea of Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter, to tap the various groups of artists from all over the country and give them a venue to exhibit their works. Ortigas Malls was receptive to the idea of promoting grassroots participation in the art scene. No gallery representation - just artists working together, no admission charge for the viewers - walk through the art for free.

Presenting the artists.

Among the featured artists is master engraver Benjie Torrado Cabrera, the only engraver in the country specializing in this laborious, centuries-old medium. His works, which are complex in detail, are inspired by his interest in cosmology, with geometric shapes and spheres that signify the universe.

Another one to look out for is Darwin "Japat" Guevarra, a self-taught artist inspired by the works of masters and his peers, showcases works that reflect his concepts of life and social realism, expressed through his mastery of the paintbrush, sculpting, photography, and experimenting with scrap and molded materials.

Also in the spotlight is photographer Bern Wong, with her camera that has captured the most moving meditative with breathtaking landscapes she has seen encountered in her travels. her works express the minimal, abstract, and even the surreal aspects of places she visits.

Don't forget to check out also the works of Richard Buxani, architect who has since harnessed his talent to create sculptures made out of metal. Inspired by Ronald Castrillo, Richard discovered a natural fondness for bending , crafting , cutting, welding and molding materials, which are showcased in the exhibit.

Artists and groups who also joined the art festival are AgawXena, Agos Kulay Maynila, Banta Artists Initiative, Hibon, Biskeg, The Guild, Group Artists of Taytay, Pinoy Printmakers Association, Hilaga, and Westgrove Fine Arts.

To create a more interactive and immersive art experience, the organizer of the exhibit lined up various activities for visitors that is all for free. On February 23, master engraver Benjamin Cabrera shows his prowess in print-making. On February 24 and March 2, artist Peter Sutcliffe will be holding tutorials on watercolors. On March 3, Renato Habulan introduces guests to Print Alla Prima with the Master. Throughout the festival, the public is also encouraged to participate through the "Comment Areas" where they can share their thoughts and opinions to let the artists know how their works are perceived.

The rapidly-evolving festival has already grabbed the attention of various artists from across the globe, including some from New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore who want to become part of this movement - a sign that bigger and better things will come about in the coming years for Ortigas Art Festival.

"Ortigas & Company is delighted to see that support for contemporary Philippine art has been growing. As part of our commitment to the arts, we are holding the second run of this art festival in the hope that this will increase appreciation for the creative individuality of artists. By holding this in Estancia, we are also making art accessible to Filipinos, especially for our mall patrons and the Capitol Commons community," as per expressed by Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company.

For more updates and information about Ortigas Art Festival, connect through their Instagram and Facebook page and use the hashtag #OrtigasArtFestival.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year, the exhibit of the Chan Lim Family of Artists and Students'  artworks continues as it mesmerize mall goers and art lovers. The art exhibit is on display at The Block Activity Center of SM North EDSA. It is composed of different artworks by different artists under the mentorship of the family patriarch, Jose Chan Lim of the Chan Lim Family of Artists and Students.

Kwento Ni Toto shares what's the news in the music industry. Read the details down below and check out if your favorite artists are on the list of the Grammy 2015 Nominees.

Bound to prove commercial and critical success can intertwine as the two stood side by side on the year 2014, the newest in the GRAMMY Nominees album series comes out this year featuring the most significant acts in music in the past year. "The exceptional mix of recordings featured on this year's compilation not only represent a roster of incredibly talented artists but also provides a unique playlist showcasing some of this year's outstanding GRAMMY nominees. It is fitting that our 21st installment album contains 21 exciting selections which music fans are sure to enjoy," Neil Portnow, the President/CEO of The Recording Academy, expressed.

SPIT or the Silly People's Improv Theater and the PETA Theater Center proudly present the Manila Improv Festival 2013 as they celebrate their 11th year anniversary which will run from June 25 – 30, 2013.

Kwento Ni Toto's correspondent Justin was able to attend a press conference of the said event and was able to know the details about SPIT's 11th year anniversary. So, for this year there theme is entitled “Follow Your Feet”, an improvisational theater concept which also ties in with the art form's return to PETA – the group that first introduced the improvisational theater to the country in the early 70s. As SPIT takes more ground on a new decade of laughter and innovation, the group decided to take bolder step in sharing the art of improv to bigger audiences through the festival and its partnership with PETA Theater Center.

As the artistic director of the festival and founder of SPIT, Gabe Mercado, shares the vision of the festival “SPIT was founded back in June 2002, because I saw the need for a new kind of comedy – one that differed from the usual stand-up comedy routines that we are used to seeing on TV and comedy bars. Improv appealed to me because of its grounding on truth, the magic of spontaneity, and the fun that on-the-spot creation brings about. We hope events like these help build the improv community of the country and the region.”

Get a doze of Hollywood glitz and glamour this morning as Star World brings viewers the biggest awards shows and red carpet events this February. Find out which films and which stars will garner the most honors at these prestigious occasions, and marvel at the celebrities as they parade up the red carpet and set the fashion world abuzz in their stunning designer suits and gowns.

One reason why it has become harder to penetrate the music scene these days is the stiff competition, especially with YouTube giving any talent the window to the world. But wait, there’s still truth to the saying that “many are called, but few are chosen.”

No doubt the likes of Gotye and Lana Del Rey belong to the few, with their chart-topping songs and staggering number of YouTube views providing credence to the claim. Both carrying likable stage names and having released significant indie recordings prior to mainstream success, they’re simply commendable to be labeled as “Breakthrough Artists of 2012.”





The Belgian-Australian Gotye, with his song “Somebody That I Used To Know” selling nearly five million downloads, is the first Australian act to top the Billboard 100 Chart this 21st century and the first Belgian to accomplish the feat since 1963. The track, which he recorded with the artist Kimbra, already accumulated 200 million views and counting, with several covers appearing everywhere.  

Recently, Gotye’s international hit, also reaching the top of the Billboard Digital Songs Chart and Billboard On-Demand Streaming Chart, was featured on Fox's hit show “Glee,” interpreted by Darren Criss and Matthew Bomer. It was likewise covered on "American Idol," featuring the voices of Elise Testone and Phillip Phillips.

Last February, he made his American television debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with him performing the piece "Eyes Wide Open", his first single off his latest album “Making Mirrors” and a nominee at the 2011 APRA Music Awards for Song of the Year category.

The album title inspired by an old artwork created by his father, he expressed, "The mirror reflects on the artwork and it is all very related to self-reflection and introspection on the album."




As for American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, her time has arrived as well. Her now released debut album “Born To Die” ushers the beautiful irony that she is here to survive the competition, armed with talent, original compositions, and charisma.  

The album, with nearly a million units shipped in just its first week in the market, already topped the iTunes chart in 18 countries, even becoming the fastest-selling digital album ever in France. For two weeks it also spent at the top of the Official UK Album Chart, thus resulting to two worldwide hits including the title track.

“Video Games,” the album's first single, spent almost ten weeks in the UK Top 20. Its YouTube views got past 28 million, while her Facebook page has gathered five million supporters and counting as of press time.

In an interview she stated, "I wanted to be part of a high-class scene of musicians. I was hoping that I would meet people and fall in love and start a community around me, the way they used to do in the '60s."

Recently she took home the Q award for the title "Next Big Thing", along with the Breakthrough Artist citation at the BRIT Awards 2012, beating the sensational Nicki Minaj. 

Both the breakout albums of Gotye (“Making Mirrors”) and Lana Del Rey (“Born To Die”) are locally distributed under MCA Music in CDs at leading record bars nationwide or online via mymusicstore.com.ph.




To download Gotye current single “Somebody That I Used To Know” on your mobile phones, just text KA136 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text STIUTK and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493375 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

To download Lana Del Ray current single “Born To Die” on your mobile phones, just text KA142 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text BORN2DIE and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493353 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

Universal Records dominated the 2012 MYX Music Awards with 23 nominations from 18 categories.

Parokya ni Edgar, enjoys seven nods for Favorite Music Video, Song (Pangarap Lang Kita), Artist, Group, Collaboration (One Hit Combo with Gloc9), and MYX Live Performance, plus Guest Appearance for JM De Guzman for Pangarap Lang Kita. Christian Bautista, on the other hand, earned five nominations (Favorite Artist, Male Artist, Remake for Love Moves In Mysterious Ways, Media Soundtrack for I Am Already King, and Guest Appearance for Alodia Gosiengfiao for All That’s Left), while Sam Concepcion got 3 (Favorite Male Artist, Remake for Forever Young, and Celebrity VJ).

Sponge Cola (Favorite Group, Mellow Video) and Kamikazee (Favorite Collaboration and Rock Video) have two nominations each.

JayR is nominated for Favorite Urban Video for Connection with Chelo and Q-York. Universal Records lords it over the Favorite K-Pop Video Category with 2NE1’s Lonely, Super Junior’s Mr. Simple, Big Bang’s Tonight.

There are 3 ways to vote: via MYXph, Facebook and Twitter.

HERE'S HOW:

On MYXph.com
Just click here http://www.myxph.com/mma2012/, select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On FACEBOOK
Click on the MYX Music Awards app on the upper left side of the MYX Philippines official fan page https://www.facebook.com/MYX.Philippines. Select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On TWITTER
Tweet your votes Follow the format "#mma2012 I am voting for for ."to cast your vote over Twitter.

Example:
#mma2012 I am voting for PANGARAP LANG KITA – PAROKYA NI EDGAR FT. HAPPEE SY for FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO .

FOR MORE DETAILS: http://www.myxph.com/features/2534/voting-for-myx-music-awards-2012-starts-now/

STAGES takes pride receiving 13 nominations in 18 categories from the 2012 MYX Music Awards.

Christian Bautista earned five nominations (Favorite Artist, Male Artist, Remake for Love Moves In Mysterious Ways, Media Soundtrack for I Am Already King, and Guest Appearance for Alodia Gosiengfiao for All That’s Left), while Sam Concepcion got 3 (Favorite Male Artist, Remake for Forever Young, and Celebrity VJ).

Karylle is one of the nominees for the Favorite Female Artist Category, while JayR is nominated for Favorite Urban Video for Connection with Chelo and Q-York.

OPM’s most promising solo act Zia Quizon enjoys four nominations – Favorite Female Artist, New Artist, Song for Ako Na Lang, Guest Appearance for Enrique Gil.

There are 3 ways to vote: via MYXph, Facebook and Twitter.

HERE'S HOW:

On MYXph.com
Just click here http://www.myxph.com/mma2012/, select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On FACEBOOK
Click on the MYX Music Awards app on the upper left side of the MYX Philippines official fan page https://www.facebook.com/MYX.Philippines. Select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On TWITTER
Tweet your votes Follow the format "#mma2012 I am voting for for ."to cast your vote over Twitter.

Example:
#mma2012 I am voting for PANGARAP LANG KITA – PAROKYA NI EDGAR FT. HAPPEE SY for FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO .

FOR MORE DETAILS: http://www.myxph.com/features/2534/voting-for-myx-music-awards-2012-starts-now/

JayR hits the first quarter of the Year of the Dragon.  Do you want to know why?  Read more the details here...

The country’s King of R&B and Soul JayR has been chosen to be the featured artist of the Manila leg of the international hitmakers Edwin McCain and Taylor Dayne this February 17 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. This concert is produced by Blue Dream Entertainment and CNCA Media Concepts, Inc.


JayR, who is one of the bestselling Filipino acts of his generation by spawning multiplatinum albums and hit songs, is set to remind everyone why he is considered one of the industry’s royalties with his dynamic vocals and awesome moves.

“I am so thankful that I have been given this chance to guest in this concert,” says the R&B and Soul King. “For all the romantics out there, this concert is something you shouldn’t miss.”

JayR is set to release his newest album in the second quarter of this year., under Universal Records.


Edwin McCain is familiar to the Filipino people because of his hit song I’ll Be. His other hits are I Couldn’t Ask For More, Walk With You, among others.


Taylor Dayne, on the other hand, is the voice behind immortal hits - Tell It To My Heart, Love Will Lead You Back, among others.

Manila show tickets are priced at P1,790 (Silver), P3,500 (Gold) and P4,800 (VIP). For SVIP, call 09399063430 or 661-5710.

For details, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or SM Tickets, 470-2222.