Interesting news from one of the well-known artists in the music industry, Rico Blanco, who is by the way has finally dropped the official music video for his new solo single in four years.

With various footage taken here and abroad, the visuals for “This Too Shall Pass” take a closer look at how the pandemic has brought the entire world to a standstill.

Given the unprecedented uncertainty and challenges that COVID-19 poses, the video doubles as a tribute to the unsung heroes and frontliners leading the fight against an invisible enemy, showing us the true meaning of bayanihan in times of crisis.

Intercut with scenes of the “new normal” from around the globe, it also depicts the alt-rock icon performing the song at the confines of his home: devoid of flashy production designs and envelope-pushing concepts, but framed with an underlying message of resilience and hope.

Positive Reception
Two weeks earlier, “This Too Shall Pass” was released on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide under Sony Music.


The massive anthem has received critical acclaim from various publications in the country. MYX Philippines praised his work for giving listeners “a sense of reassurance, something we all need given the current situation.” Bandwagon Asia called the song an “ode to the light of the human spirit in dark times,” while GMA News described it as “a perfect source of inspiration.”

An Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief
To help fund the collective COVID-19 response in the Philippines, Rico Blanco is waiving his artist royalties for the music video of “This Too Shall Pass,” and Sony Music Philippines will be donating 100% of the global proceeds to www.puhon.ph for the first 6 months of release.

Puhon means “hopefully” in Visayan. The site contains inspiring stories and messages of encouragement to people at the frontline of fighting the pandemic.

Using the tagline #MakeHopeViral, to date, the site has raised P4.6M for personal protective equipment (PPEs) & nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, COVID-19 testing kits, and relief goods for daily wage workers. Other SME Philippines artists with messages of support & encouragement on the site are SB19, Zelijah, Dionela, Nathan & Mercury, Alex Bruce, Ace Banzuelo & syd hartha.

The music video of Rico Blanco’s “This Too Shall Pass” is now out on YouTube.

Strengthening the music industry by having new music for the ears, makes it more interesting to hear, music to my ears. Let us hear more with their performances and single videos (if they have one).

Now leaning toward a more exciting sonic direction, Nathan & Mercury has raised the bar in terms of producing songs that combine a wide variety of music styles.

Fans will be elated to know that the pop/R&B outfit is back with two new singles, “Fools (Reprise)” and “Fake Love”—released on the very same day via Sony Music Philippines.

Written, composed, arranged, and produced by the band, both tracks update their foray into multi-genre experiments with newfound ambition and front-to-back confidence, discarding their inhibitions to make room for more past and present sonic convergence, soul and gospel influences, and shamelessly honest songwriting.

On Fools (Reprise)

The new iteration of “Fools” unpacks rare moments of emotional vulnerability and restraint. The reprise version, according to guitarist and vocalist Nathan Huang, includes a different set of lyrics and a more stripped-down arrangement, but manages to capture the moroseness of the original.

“We had a different vision in mind for Fools,” Huang shares. “However, we want to give off the same message, each line still sung with pain and yearning for better days. While Fools is already gospel-y as it is, we kicked it up a notch by adding in instrumentation and a much colorful play of the chorale. Short but sweet with a total running time of 1:28, Reprise, as we fondly call it, gives off a solemn and intimate vibe.”


On Fake Love

“Fake Love” sets the course of where Nathan & Mercury is headed as a musical group. “In as short as 3:34, we experimented on our usual repertoire by mixing in instruments we’ve never used before (i.e. brass),” Bassist Angelo Sison explains. “We mixed together several of our influences, particularly in pop and R&B, with hints of gospel and hip-hop. As a song, it speaks of not wanting anything less than real love—one that shouldn’t cost anything but is freely given.”

Guitarist Alex Samonte points out how difficult it is to produce and arrange “Fake Love,” which initially had 3-4 versions ended up getting scrapped at the very last minute. “We had to get a choir and brass players and the whole thingamajig, then took us a good while to gel everything together. But after a month or so of production, it all went well. I mean, I’d like to think it did.”

Both songs are intended to be released as a single track, given that it goes without saying that the two are connected: From being a fool to craving for real love. But according to Daniel Monong, the band’s drummer, they felt that “Reprise” and “Fake Love” can stand on their own individually. “So yeah, we’re releasing them on the same day because the two belong to each other.”

Fun fact: Nathan & Mercury spent a total of 30 studio hours for the whole production of both songs, not including the mixing and mastering. It’s also their first time to record for 13 hours straight in a single studio session.

Nathan & Mercury’s dual singles “Fools (Reprise)” and “Fake Love” are now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

If you've been to her first concert then you'll definitely know that this girl is gifted with a beautiful voice. Thankfully, Zephanie Diramanan has released her newest single titled “Pangako Ko,” her third offering since winning in “Idol Philippines.”

Produced under Star Music, “Pangako Ko” is an emotional ballad that highlights Zephanie’s crystal clear voice and impressive vocal range and captures one’s devotion to a loved one through the promise of an everlasting love.

“Pangako Ko” follows the success of her debut single, “Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo,” and her rendition of Ebe Dancel’s “Bawat Daan,” which was used as a subtheme song in the recent series "The Killer Bride."

The music video of “Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo” now has over two million views on YouTube. Meanwhile, the lyric video of "Bawat Daan" already has over three million views.

Zephanie performs regularly on “ASAP Natin ‘To” and is part of the group J.E.Z. along with “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” champion Janine Berdin and “The Voice Kids” champion Elha Nympha.

Fulfill your heart’s promise and listen to Zephanie’s newest single, “Pangako Ko” on Spotify, YouTube and other digital music streaming sites. For more details, like Star Music on facebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @StarMusicPH.

One of the rising OPM bands that I have been following from their cover songs, Pinoy pop-rock band Agsunta, has finally brought something new to the music industry as they drop all of their original songs in their EP titled "Feels Trip". This EP is under DNA Music.

“The six songs of the EP will evoke lots of "feels." It's like a rollercoaster ride of emotions—there's sadness, joy, and anger,” the band said.

The EP, which includes six original tracks namely, “Bagong Umaga,” “Alas Dose,” “Kung ‘Di Na Ako,” “Liwanag,” “Lokomotor,” and “Hayskul Hits”—came after the band signed with the record label last year, after a brief hiatus from the limelight.

Last December 27, Agsunta released “Haykul Hits,” a nostalgia-filled track which takes listeners down memory lane, from forgotten friendships to wistful young loves, the song that finally concluded the all-original EP.

The OPM band also staged their first major concert last year, “Agsunta Feels Trip,” where they performed their “hugot” songs as well as their acoustic hits.


This Saturday (January 25), they are set to perform on a gig for the benefit of the Taal volcano eruption victims together with other OPM artists like SUD and Mayonnaise. The benefit show will be held at the Jesus Our Hope International Assemblies in Cubao, Quezon City

Set to work on another EP this 2020, Agsunta is just one of the promising OPM artists under DNA Music, a record label under ABS-CBN Music committed to support the local bands' industry and shine a spotlight on the talent of rock and alternative artists.

Download the “Feels Trip” EP, now available in various music streaming sites, and watch out for the upcoming projects of Agsunta this 2020! For updates, follow DNA Music @dnamusicph on Facebook and Instagram.

Two of the renowned icons in the music industry, singer song writer Rey Valera and former Side A frontman Joey Generoso, are matched together into this one sweet serenade concert called "Acoustic Playlist." An unusual combination from two different genre of music but put together to give a wonderful musicality in this coming month of Hearts.

During the press conference the two performers gave their insights about their journey and what they are planning ahead of them. Joey G. shared his transition from being in a band and coming out as a solo artist while Rey Valera with his recent medical breakthrough he explained that he's no longer expecting what is planned but instead he trust to what the divine one  has planned. So it's more of changing perspective in life. Plus, Rey also shared about his journey in Tawag Ng Tanghalan.

The concert "Acoustic Playlist" will be on February 7, 2020, Friday 8pm at Palacio De Maynila. You may call 84702222, or at the venue 85247606, 85273239. Aside from their performances they will also have guests Like Jona. This concert is considered to be as preparation for their US Tour which will begin on May 1 at Los Angeles, then Las Vegas, then Atlantic City. To know more about the details of the concert and the upcoming concerts, check starmediaentertainment.com.

The best way to put your year in rhythm is to listen fresh songs from different artists. Let this be your listening habit to make you in tune with your goals and resolutions. These new music will accompany you as a listener to a journey of reflection, healing, and new beginnings.

Here are some of the freshest tunes to blast in welcoming the new year:



1. Zion PH x KZ Tandingan – “Bagong Yugto”

The new year often connotes a new chapter, a fresh start, and shying away from the pain of the past year by moving forward with life. But moving on from the hurt is not easy, and uncertainties abound especially with opening oneself to another person again. This is explored in KZ Tandingan and Zion’s collaboration “Bagong Yugto,” which despite voicing doubts on entering a new relationship, also hints that it may, indeed, work out just fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klEaBhNBHUM


2. Leila Alcasid – “Better Weather”

Leila Alcasid’s chill new record is basically a love letter about meeting someone new who has made a positive impact in your life. Perfect for someone who needs to have faith again in the beauty of love, it expresses the fresh yet intense emotions of wanting to cherish a relationship that has just begun, but could also possibly last a lifetime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcHluOnzzuc


3. JMKO – “Aahon”

This emotional ballad by emerging singer-songwriter JMKO will surely resonate with couples who have been separated by fate, since it talks about a person’s unrelenting desire to rise up and weather any challenge just to be reunited with a special someone. “Aahon” will also be used as the theme song of the Chinese drama “Story of Yanxi Palace,” which will soon be airing on ABS-CBN.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3l6X8QzOQQ


4. “Agsunta - Hayskul Hits”

Even though it’s inevitable to enter the new year with the urgency to forge ahead and leave terrible memories behind, it’s also important to preserve all the wonderful moments of life that are worth reminiscing. Agsunta’s nostalgia-filled track “Hayskul Hits” takes listeners back to their high school days, and talks about relatable topics such as forgotten friendships, classroom bullies, kikay classmates, and of course, undying first loves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJadPcuO63s

Music is the lullaby of our souls, let us be at peace and in tone with our lives this New Year.

Listen to these new tracks on ABS-CBN Music and Tarsier Records’ YouTube channel, and on all digital streaming platforms worldwide.

Indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben brings in a different flavor, a unique musicality, and a spirited rendition of the song “Make It With You,” which will be used as the official theme song of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil’s return to television in 2020.

Originally sung by American soft rock band Bread, “Make It With You” reflects on the freshness and beauty of finding someone that you want to be with despite the uncertainty of love. It also evokes hope of togetherness, of wanting to be with a special person through thick and thin.

The band members were obviously thrilled to announce the new project under Star Music, writing “ma, may teleserye theme song na kami huhu,” on their Facebook page.

YouTube subscribers were also ecstatic with the single’s release. “Bread fan here, Ben&Ben gave justice to this song, hope they could make more Bread covers,” Morris Isla posted as comment on the “Make It With You” lyric video, which is currently trending on the video streaming platform.

Meanwhile, LizQuen fans hailed the band’s beautiful rendition. “Ang gandaaaa,” LizQuen TFC Global posted on Twitter.

Ben&Ben rose to fame through popular hits such as “Kathang Isip,” “Leaves,” “Pagtingin” and “Maybe The Night.” Just recently, the nine-member group was also named as one of the most streamed artists on Spotify in the Philippines for 2019.

Meanwhile, the LizQuen-starrer series “Make It With You” is set for an early 2020 airing on ABS-CBN. The story revolves around an OFW working in Croatia—where some of the show’s scenes have been shot—and a young man finding joy in his life.

Listen to Ben&Ben’s “Make It With You” on Spotify and on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel.

Talk about music, we all love it! 4 Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Otso alumni, who we've witnessed their musicality during their days inside the PBB House, are now breaching the music industry. These former PBB Otso housemates Lie Reposposa, Jem Macatuno, Shawntel Cruz and Kiara Takahashi are conquering new tasks as StarPOP’s newest artist starting with the launch of their respective digital singles “Sana Sana,” “Can’t Get Out” and “Reason Enough.”


StarPOP head Rox Santos hailed the four Starmates for their talent and said that even when they were still inside the PBB house, they were already seen as promising artists who could do projects under the youthful label.

Here are the three songs which were officially launched last Saturday (November 30) that you should most certainly add to your playlist:



1. “Sana Sana” by Lie Reposposa

Bringing a new flavor to Angeline Quinto’s original song, Lie joked that she can relate to the track because someone she used to like now yearns for her attention. But in all seriousness, she said that being a recording artist is a dream come true for her. “I still can’t believe this is happening because I used to just dream about being on TV. Now I’ve been given this opportunity, you’ve all heard my song. I feel so blessed and happy.”




2. “Can’t Get Out” by Jem Macatuno

Jem initially wrote his original composition in Tagalog while still inside Camp Star Hunt before it was translated by his co-Star Dreamer Ashley in English. The young singer-songwriter, who previously joined “The Voice Teens” before being a housemate, shared his thoughts on writing songs about love. “The pain is already a part of love, so when it comes to music about love, you can either inspire or hurt a person. But that’s the goal of songwriting, to make someone feel something,” he shared.

3. “Reason Enough” by Shawntel Cruz and Kiara Takahashi

Adult housemates Shawntel and Kiara said they were excited to collaborate together on “Reason Enough,” a meaningful song about allowing oneself to fall in love again originally sung by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. “It suits our voices and our genre, so when they put us together, they said we were perfect for the song,” Shawntel said.




For Kiara, the song transcends the definition of a romantic love song. She enthused, “This song isn’t just about love, in general, it could also be about family and friendship—having someone as a ‘reason enough’ to make you smile, make you feel loved.”

Lie, Jem, Shawntel and Kiara were all part of “PBB Otso,” the latest edition of Pinoy Big Brother where they were able to showcase not just their genuine selves but also their talents, among others. Lie went on to place 6th overall, while Kiara was hailed as the 2nd big placer.

Check out our coverage of the digital conference.




Stream Lie, Jem, Shawntel and Kiara’s respective singles, “Sana Sana,” “Can’t Get Out” and “Reason Enough” on all digital platforms worldwide and on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel. For more details, like StarPOP PH on facebook.com/starpopph, and follow it on and Instagram @starpopph.

Why do we love music? Well, there are many reasons and sometimes these are emotions pouring out of our souls and since the beginning of our love for music, there's always that few songs that mark or lingers in our ears. Of course, OPM does it well.  

OPM has confidently thrived not only through timeless hits that resonate with listeners here and abroad, but also because it has become even more affecting due to the complementary visuals of music videos.

As such, here are some of the latest music videos from ABS-CBN Music that will either make you want to hug a pillow or cry your eyes out:



1. “Maaari Ba” by Wilbert Ross
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prh0RYJEm6Q
“It’s Showtime’s” mainstay Hashtag Wilbert Ross proves his singing talent in his song “Maaari Ba.” The singer’s painful plea for an ex-lover to confront him about their relationship’s collapse is perfectly captured in its music video, which is starred on by Wilbert himself and YouTube vlogger Zeinab Harake. Its release last week hit the number one spot on YouTube Philippines’ Trending Videos chart, garnering 4.4 million views as of writing.



2. “Kung ‘Di Na Ako” by Agsunta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSCJh0GvFEs
Rising OPM band Agsunta delivers another heart-wrenching message in their latest single “Kung ‘Di Na Ako,” which talks about the process of giving up on a lover who has already fallen in love with somebody else. The music video adds an even more somber tone to the track, which shows the bittersweet reunion of a couple with a painful past as they reconnect many years after their break-up.



3. “Tama Na” by Cane City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdqWABez5SM
Cane City, an alternative rock band under DNA Music, punches a hard-hitting jab in the heart through their latest song “Tama Na.” The ballad tackles the excruciating decision that lovers make to conclude their relationship, which was seamlessly interpreted in the music video by presenting a couple who broke up and are with other people already but seem to still be in love with each other.


4. “Diyan Ba Sa Langit” by Morissette and Jason Dy
The powerful vocalists’ much-awaited collaboration is surely a treat from heaven, as they show off their impressive pipes by belting out the song’s poignant lyrics. Although the record voices doubts on a love broken by death, it also subtly drops a little hope for when the couple gets to meet again. Watch out for the release of “Diyan Ba Sa Langit’s” music video soon, but in the meantime, its teaser can be watched here.

Check out these amazing music videos on ABS-CBN’s Star Music channel on YouTube and stream the songs in various digital music platforms. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

One of the big companies running in the Philippines, Transcom Worldwide Philippines, raves their more than 2,000 employees to a night of good Pinoy music. Transcom Worldwide Philippines’ Manila sites gathered at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City last September 14, 2019 to celebrate camaraderie and togetherness in the second year of the company’s MusicFest dubbed as Tunog Transcom Tayo.

It's a night of more than the booze but of talent and the love for music. These number of employees sung and enjoyed the night. It's not always working, so for this time, it's about having their night off from work and of course the cause.


The event was graced by live performances from various well-loved Filipino musicians and bands such as Ebe Dancel, Mayonnaise, Chiquerella, Sponge Cola, Where’s Ramona, This Band, Ben&Ben, and Aegis.

"As we've been transforming our business in recent years, creating a positive culture where our folks can express themselves has been and continues to be a key focus. Tunog Transcom Tayo, our annual MusicFest, is just one building block in the foundation that is Transcom Tayo and sits alongside our annual CSR activities, our support for the LGBTQ community and our HIV & AIDS awareness campaign in conjunction with The Red Whistle,” said Mark Lyndsell, Transcom’s CEO for the Global English Region.


This is also the second year that a Karaoke-inspired singing contest which Transcom coworkers participate in was incorporated in the music event.


"Our awesome multi-talented coworkers are placed at the heart of Tunog Transcom Tayo and have been auditioning for months as part of our very own Viral Voice competition. Filipinos are known across the globe for their musicality and singing abilities and this is no exception here at Transcom where our finalists will be showing off their talent alongside bands such as Sponge Cola, Ben&Ben, and Aegis,” Lyndsell further shared.

Tunog Transcom Tayo is sponsored by Seda Hotel, Caronia, Jergens, and Liese.

OPM isn't dead, it's just evolving! Well, that's what I thought after attending the Press Conference and Launch Event of the Debut Single of SANDIWA.




SANDIWA, which means iisang diwa is bringing their music to the main stream under Ivory Music and Video and their debut single 'Gunita' is now out to different digital stores and music download platforms. According to them "... Kami ay pinag-isa para sa iisang layunin na ihatid ang tunay na 'Pag-ibig' gamit ang musika. Maghatid ng pag-asa at gawing obra ang mga luha na nagsilbing inspirasyon sa awitin ng ating puso."


This era's music is just evolving and SANDIWA is just one proof that OPM is moving. And also there are other rising bands that would definitely bring you good entertaining music.

SANDIWA'S Gunita, their debut single, comes with heart-wrenching lyrics and smooth rhythms. This song, that is released last March 22, 2019, will have you head-bobbing while reminiscing yesterday's beautiful love. It seems that SANDIWA is in for more sawi or hugot music to listen to. According to them they consider their music genre as cenimatic, that's perhaps due to love aches and hugot themes that is great for movies.



The band is composed of Samuel Mopal, Yeoj Rivera, Jeremiah Torda, Harold Tabuno and Alex Rale, SANDIWA is managed by Ms. Thea Pollisco, under the same umbrella as renowned OPM artist Gloc-9 and newest hiphop hitmaker Shanti Dope.


With that these two great artists are present during the Gunita Single Launch Event of SANDIWA last April 10, 2019, at Historia Boutique and Bar. Special guests include are Mr. Joey Ayala, Ms. Cookie Chua, Room for Cielo and Sons of NOA.


If you want to know more of the band visit Kwento Ni Toto's 5K Challenge for something interesting.