Zsa Zsa Padilla, the Divine Diva, is celebrating her 42nd year in the music industry with the release of a new album, 'Pag Tinadhana, set to drop this Friday (May 16). The veteran singer will also mark the milestone with her concert, Through The Years, on Saturday (May 17) at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

Reflecting on her long journey in the industry, Padilla couldn't help but feel nostalgic while performing at the Dolphy Theater, named after her late partner, comedy legend Dolphy. “It brings back so many memories. Performing here feels like he’s still watching over me,” she shared, her voice tinged with emotion.

Excited to perform tracks from her latest album, Padilla revealed that fans can expect familiar hits with fresh arrangements. “You will hear a lot of my hit songs. Para maging kakaiba siya, may mga rearrangements na mangyayari. I’m also introducing to my audience the new sound,” she shared.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis is set to release her fifth studio album, Not That Girl, on Friday, January 10, 2025. The album will be available on all major digital platforms worldwide.

Not That Girl offers a glimpse into Almalbis’ personal journey, tackling themes of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. The album draws inspiration from her experiences with mental and emotional health, using music to open conversations about overcoming challenges and addressing the stigma surrounding depression.

To celebrate the release, Almalbis will perform live on the same day at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City. The intimate show will feature a mix of her greatest hits and tracks from the new album. Joining her onstage are notable local artists Kai del Rio, .bird, Twin Lobster, and Johnoy Danao, making the event a night to remember for music fans.

A few hours ago, Almalbis shared a vulnerable reflection on her experience with depression, emphasizing the importance of support and self-expression. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “But through it all, I was never really alone. I had the support of people who prayed for me, listened to me, loved me, and continually reminded me to remain in God. Their presence was a lifeline. In the midst of the pain, my friends encouraged me to write. And so, I did. The songs came so naturally, almost effortlessly. I was reminded of the days when I was a teenager, overwhelmed by emotions, and the only way I could process them was to pour them into my writing. It felt like I was reconnecting with something deep within me.”

Filipino music icon Ely Buendia is set to release his second solo album, Method Adaptor, on Friday, November 8, 2024. The album, under Offshore Music and Sony Music Entertainment, marks a significant moment in his solo career.

Method Adaptor stays true to the signature sound that has made Buendia a legend in OPM and Pinoy rock. The album dives into themes of memories, life experiences, and social issues, showcasing his growth as a storyteller. Known for crafting relatable narratives with heartfelt lyrics and intricate music, Buendia blends emotional depth with musical complexity. His latest work offers a rich listening experience, skillfully balancing simplicity and sophistication to captivate his audience.

As Ely explains it best, “I think all the songs have something to do with rebelling—be it from the disappointments and hardships of life or from the control that people want to have on your mind. I would say these are the most defiant songs I’ve written so far.”

Navigating through themes of sorrow, anger, joy, and triumph, the ten-track record shapes up to be one of the most captivating rock releases that came down the pike in recent memory. After being in the music business for more than 30 years, Ely admits that this album explores vulnerability that comes from a place of complicated humanity, revealing moments of fragility and darkness as he deals with the pressures of social expectations and career.

“Fame didn’t mix well with me,” Ely Buendia shares. “I just felt it got in the way of my trying to evolve as an artist and made me more guarded as a whole. Coming out for me means owning everything, both my failures and successes.”

Produced by Jerome Velasco and Audry Dionisio, with a little help from Erwin Romulo, Method Adaptor sounds consistently delightful from top to bottom, but with enough room to surprise or provoke.

"Kandarapa," the album's focus track and one of its highlights, is about fighting through the hard times not knowing if you can make it until the end. The music legend reveals that there are times when pressure in life can be a bit overwhelming, and all you want is to buckle and submit to the whim. “Sometimes you feel like you’re going to have to battle your way through the rest of your life.”

Other featured tracks in the album include previously releases “Tagpi-Tagping Piraso” and “Bulaklak Sa Buwan;” the somber piano ballad “Faithful Song,” the brooding, synth-pop tune “Kontrabando,” and the menacing stomper “Tamang Hinala”—to name a few.

Check out the Method Adaptor track list:
1. Faithful Song
2. Kandarapa
3. Bulaklak Sa Buwan
4. Tamang Hinala
5. Deadbeat Creeper
6. Sige
7. Tagpi-Tagping Piraso
8. Kontrabando
9. Chance Passenger
10. Esprit de Corpse

Ely Buendia’s Method Adaptor is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Offshore and Sony Music Entertainment.

The latest episode of the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE features the Filipino boy band SB19.

Episode 449 marks SB19's first appearance on THE FIRST TAKE. The five-member group gained international recognition as the first Southeast Asian artist nominated for Top Social Artist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards.

SB19 will perform their hit song “GENTO,” known for its catchy phrase and unique dance moves on TikTok. The song conveys the message that small efforts lead to success, and this special version is available exclusively on THE FIRST TAKE.

“It was a true first take, so we were very nervous and overwhelmed, but it was fun and an amazing experience,” SB19 shares. “Above all, we are grateful for this opportunity and for being able to represent the Philippines by performing our song here. We are honored to showcase our music and culture to the world through THE FIRST TAKE.”

THE FIRST TAKE is a Japanese YouTube channel that invites top singers and artists from all over the world to perform a song recorded in one take. Videos on The First Take are filmed in a studio, with shots of the performing artist and a microphone, set to a background that is usually white.

SB19 on the other hand, is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino to be invited in the influential music media outlet. After the initial announcement, HALA THE FIRST SB19 skyrocketed at No. 1, 2, and 35 of X’s trend list in the Philippines, Japan, and Worldwide, respectively.

Aside from this recognition, the Philippines' five-member boy group also recently bagged a nomination for Favorite Asian Act in the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

SB19’s performance airs at 9 pm today, Manila time via THE FIRST TAKE’s YouTube channel. Watch it here.

About THE FIRST TAKE

THE FIRST TAKE is a YouTube channel that clearly captures the performance of musicians and singers performing in a single take. With the concept “capture the take. This moment. This sound. THE FIRST TAKE. It only happens once,” THE FIRST TAKE presents pure music in overwhelming quality with no exaggerated performance.

The channel started on 15 November 2019 and has now hit 9.69 million subscribers (as of 7 June 2024). Total views have exceeded 1.4 billion, and contents have been viewed from over 220 countries and regions around the world. Growing as a comprehensive music platform, new initiatives have been launched and become viral contents. THE FIRST TAKE INTERNATIONAL features international music stars such as Harry Styles, Avril Lavigne, V from BTS, Jason Chan and Jolin Tsai, having them to give their 1TAKE performance exclusively on the channel.

Follow THE FIRST TAKE on socials:

Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_firsttake
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake
X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take
THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp

The girl group, BINI, has brushed off allegations that their hit song "Salamin, Salamin" promotes witchcraft. This controversy erupted after a religious content creator claimed to have evidence that the song was linked to dark practices. However, BINI members were quick to dismiss these claims, clarifying the true, endearing nature of the song.

BINI Colet couldn’t help but laugh when she saw the post, mentioning that the group often encounters amusing interpretations of their music. "Actually, nakita ko po yung post na yun, nakakatawa po, pero mas meron pa po nakakatawang post bukod dun. Natatawa na lang po kami kasi may nabubuo na po silang kwento sa mga kanta namin," she said. (Actually, I saw that post; it's funny, but there are even more funny posts besides that. We laugh about it because they are creating a story in our songs.)

Meanwhile, BINI Maloi confidently labeled the claims as "fake news" and reiterated that "Salamin, Salamin" is simply a good song. "Fake news po. Hindi po witchcraft ang ‘Salamin, Salamin.’ Maganda lang po ‘yung song,” she affirmed. (It’s just fake news. ‘Salamin, Salamin’ doesn’t promote witchcraft. The song is just nice.)

The misunderstanding likely stems from the song’s use of the phrase "mirror, mirror on the wall," reminiscent of the evil queen’s line from the Snow White fairy tale. The phrase might evoke images of magic and witchcraft, but the lyrics of "Salamin, Salamin" are far from sinister. Instead, they tell a tale of a girl’s longing for her crush to notice her, wrapped in the relatable context of youthful infatuation and hope.

The song's lyrics express a common teenage experience: the uncertainty and excitement of a crush. Lines like "Mahiwagang salamin kailan ba niya aaminin, Kaniyang tunay na pagtingin" (Magic mirror, when will he admit his true feelings) capture the mix of hope and anxiety familiar to anyone who has ever had a crush.

Darren Espanto, the singer who stole hearts as a young contestant on "The Voice Kids Philippines," is set to celebrate a major milestone in his career. On June 1, Espanto will take the stage at the Araneta Coliseum for his highly anticipated "D10" concert, marking ten years of remarkable achievements in the music and entertainment industry.

Darren's journey began in 2014 when he wowed audiences with his powerful voice and captivating stage presence on "The Voice Kids Philippines," finishing as a runner-up under the mentorship of Sarah Geronimo. Since then, Darren has grown into one of Asia's most beloved pop artists, known for his wide vocal range and emotive performances.

Filipino music superstar James Reid has once again captivated fans with his latest single, "Hurt Me Too," marking his debut project under Sony Music Entertainment. This emotional ballad delves deep into the theme of heartbreak, showcasing Reid's talent for combining raw emotion with compelling storytelling.

With a career spanning over a decade, James Reid has become a key figure in contemporary pop and R&B music in the Philippines. His chart-topping records, sold-out tours, and successful brand campaigns have made him a household name. But it’s his ability to balance commercial success with artistic integrity that truly sets him apart.

In "Hurt Me Too," Reid presents a stripped-down ballad that hits hard emotionally. The song, produced by Tim Marquez, finds Reid at his most vulnerable, reflecting on past heartbreak with a mix of fondness and pain. "I wrote the song three years ago together with Seth Reger, an artist from LA," Reid shares. "He really helped me tap into these emotions that I didn’t even know I was feeling at that moment."

Reid's exploration of heartbreak in "Hurt Me Too" marks a significant shift in his musical direction. Known for hits like "Cool Down," "Turning Up," and "16B," Reid's previous work has often leaned towards upbeat, feel-good tracks. However, this new single introduces a more introspective side of the artist.

"For this next album I’m working on, I wanted to focus on the core of who I am as a songwriter with minimal but intentional music production," Reid explains. "Hurt Me Too is like a palate cleanser for me in a way that it introduces a change in sound and direction."

The heartfelt tune is complemented by a music video directed by Elena Virata, a close friend of Reid's. "The concept was simple but powerful, focusing on unreleased emotions and frustrations," he adds. The video’s simplicity allows the song's emotional depth to shine through, creating a poignant visual experience for listeners.

James Reid's music has always resonated with fans due to its authenticity and relatability. His ability to connect with listeners on a personal level is evident in his extensive catalog, which includes popular tracks like "Right There," "On Top," and "The Life." These songs, much like "Hurt Me Too," showcase his knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies.

Reid's journey in the music industry began with his win on the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010." This victory catapulted him into the limelight, leading to a successful career in both music and acting. Over the years, Reid has continued to evolve as an artist, consistently pushing the boundaries of his craft.

Joining Sony Music Entertainment is a significant milestone for Reid, aligning him with other prominent Filipino artists such as SB19, Ben&Ben, and Clara Benin. This partnership is expected to further elevate Reid's career, providing him with new opportunities to reach a global audience.

Reflecting on his career, Reid expresses gratitude for the support he has received from fans and collaborators alike. "I’m grateful for the journey and the growth I’ve experienced over the years," he says. "Each song, each album is a part of my story, and I’m excited to share this new chapter with everyone."

As "Hurt Me Too" gains traction on digital music platforms worldwide, fans are eagerly anticipating Reid's upcoming album. This next phase promises to delve deeper into his personal experiences, offering listeners a more intimate glimpse into his life and emotions.

James Reid’s ability to convey profound emotions through his music is a testament to his talent as a singer and songwriter. "Hurt Me Too" is not just a song; it’s a reflection of his journey, his struggles, and his growth. It’s this authenticity that continues to endear him to fans, old and new.

Reid's work stands out for its enduring impact. His songs have the power to evoke memories, inspire reflection, and provide comfort. With "Hurt Me Too," James Reid reaffirms his place in the music industry, proving that true artistry lies in the ability to touch hearts and minds.

James Reid's "Hurt Me Too" is available now on all digital music platforms. As he continues to explore new themes and sounds, one thing remains certain: James Reid is an artist whose music will continue to resonate for years to come.

Yeng Constantino, a name resonates to everyone in the Philippine music scene, has embarked on yet another musical venture, captivating audiences with her latest single, "Babala." After 17 remarkable years in the industry, Constantino continues to evolve, staying true to her roots while fearlessly exploring new musical territories.

Sometimes it takes just the right blend of emotion, melody, and relatability to ignite a global phenomenon. Such is the case with Shaira's cover of "Selos," originally penned by Lenka as "Trouble is a Friend." Despite being a cover, Shaira's rendition has captured hearts and sparked a wildfire of attention, transcending borders and languages.

P-Pop sensation Josh Cullen and acclaimed rapper Al James have joined forces for their latest hit single, "Yoko Na," now available through Sony Music Entertainment.

The lyrics of "Yoko Na" delve into the unspoken sentiments amidst a relationship's decline. It recognizes the bittersweet reality that even the most promising love can falter, despite earnest efforts to salvage it.

The song embodies the essence of a summer anthem, featuring catchy rap verses from both artists, a memorable chorus, and a dynamic arrangement fusing contemporary hip-hop and R&B elements with emotive undertones.

Producer Brian Lotho, collaborating with Josh, skillfully captures the song's essence with unwavering determination. He enhances its authenticity by incorporating unique sound effects like shattering bottles and flipping tables, adding depth to the portrayal of irreparable heartbreak.

Don't miss out on "Yoko Na," a poignant musical journey through the complexities of love and loss, brought to life by two talented artists.