VIBE PH Showcases OPM Artists, 70's-80's Music on LIVE Performances

Spent the afternoon and evening over at VIBE and watched their weekend show at the Meralco Theater. The lineup was just something I couldn't pass on because they promised a couple artists to be there. Particularly OPM Icons Top Suzara of popular band FREESTYLE, alternative pop rock bands SHAMROCK and NEXXUS. There's also the young, good looking and talented lad Kenaniah, promising OPM act Hezekiah, 25 year old Yael Yuzon and his band Spongecola, plus the very lovely Gigi de Lana (who's doing a number on the same stage!). 

They call this the OG Night which is done live on TV5 Saturdays at 6:15 PM. It's unbelievable to see the work they put out from this place because it took a whole town to set it up. Hosts we saw (or rather called Vibe Jocks) include Ana Ramsey, Dylan Menor, Ryle Santiago, Paulo Angeles (who was also nursing an injured foot), Kych Minemoto, Queenay Mercado and a few more millennial jocks later on in the evening. They came out guns blazing singing OPM numbers from late 70's to early 80's. It was absolutely fun!

 

We got to talk to them behind the scenes, after their photoshoot, they got me hooked up to talk to the artist before they went on stage. Let me tell you about Kenaniah. 

 

 

The boy called KENANIAH

Been following Kenaniah for a while now. I've seen him do shows left and right, create his own music and sing them with so much gusto, and definitely see how passionate he is with his craft. It's no surprise to see him on the Vibe PH stage as he gets on the 9th spot of the Main Vibe Leaderboard. The lyrics embody a guy who doesn't see the value of his efforts and end up questioning if it is enough. It is pretty sad, but he made the misery music quite catchy. The man is a genius, and I can't wait to see him be in bigger stages soon. Check out how he did it on the Vibe stage:

 

 

After doing it LIVE, I got a hint that he's a bit sick (it was the reason why he wasn't able to perform the previous week. He's got new music and plans for more gigs soon, follow him on socials @imkenaniah on IG since he updates regularly there. Thank you Kenaniah for ALWAYS being so nice! 

 

 

Also got to talk to 25 year old Yael Yuzon, Spongecola and the very beautiful Gigi de Lana. The VIBE stage is the actual second time they are performing their new song "NAGHIHILOM". Yael describes it as heavy, as it is about healing. They were very nervous about it, but knows people will LOVE this song. Gigi described it as a difficult process, even told the audience that healing is never easy process. All I can say is, I hope this isn't the last time they'd make songs. It's amazing!

SHAMROCK has got a new vocalist named Bradley Holmes (of The Voice fame), and he's being loved the same. With the plethora of songs they've got being immortalized on GMA dramas, the audience got to sing along with it when they performed on the Vibe stage. They've got a new single called PASAKIT, and it's a bit different from their previous songs because it's a bit catchy, pop rock ish, something you'd play on a drive and jam with. Here's a short chat we had with them:

 

 

If you have time, there's a couple more videos I uploaded on my YouTube channel (YouTube.com/kumagcow) These are just some of the things that you can expect with Vibe. Make sure you watch their prime time show on TV5 or their social channels because they also post performances there. I enjoyed my time covering the show and I can't wait to see more Filipino artists on the Vibe stage. They're now LIVE on Saturdays at 6:15 PM so don't miss it!

JOJO MENDREZ Wish to Cease Airing of DIREKwentuhan Interview by Director Ronald Carballo

Filipino "Revival King" Jojo Mendrez recently expressed his wish to not have his recent interview with Direk Ronald Carballo be published on platforms on his show DIREKwentuhan (on YouTube). He feels this would affect him and his artistry negatively as some parts of the interview might have onlookers feel offensive and or uncomfortable.  

He mentions how talk around his sexuality, how he got his title as Revival King, might have felt too personal to get published. He initially agreed to do the show expecting they'd talk more about his music but felt parts were a bit inappropriate, and didn't seem to align with his purpose to promote his music. He hopes this episode won't be aired, and issues be solved amicably. 

Director Ronald Carballo as of publishing has not expressed what will happen to the episode, but his show DIREKwentuhan has always been about conversations with personalities in the entertainment industry. Mendrez for now will be concentrating about his music and upcoming projects, more revival hits which he hopes people would continue to enjoy. 

Fire and Ice Entertainment Signs New Artists, Unleashes Exciting Acts This 2026

There's really no stopping Fire and Ice Entertainment this 2026 as they launch more talents, concerts, shows and several movies this 2026. 

This is the handy work of their people from Fire and Ice Live!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and their brand Fire and Ice Consultancy. They've been working hard to put up live events, theater productions, films, TV series, and cultural consultancy services for a lot of people. It's a haven for artists that is sustainable, built on making sure authorship and collaboration happens when needed. CEO Liza Diño Seguerra always believes in long term support for projects and with these 5 new brands, they would be able to ensure audiences get their money's worth, and they're excited for you to know what they've got up their sleeves.

This is the handy work of their people from Fire and Ice Live!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and their brand Fire and Ice Consultancy. They've been working hard to put up live events, theater productions, films, TV series, and cultural consultancy services for a lot of people. It's a haven for artists that is sustainable, built on making sure authorship and collaboration happens when needed. CEO Liza Diño Seguerra always believes in long term support for projects and with these 5 new brands, they would be able to ensure audiences get their money's worth, and they're excited for you to know what they've got up their sleeves.

Their shows:

Being Ice LIVE! at the New Frontier Theater this February 27 

Artist: Ice Seguerra, planned tour in Australia and Europe 

Love, Sessionistas on April 18 at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel in Cebu City

Sittiscape: The City of Bossa on May 17th at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City

Artist: Sitti Navarro

 

 

Divine Divas : Divine Rules the World on May 31st at the Newport Performing Arts Theater 

Artist: Divine Divas 

Fire and Ice LIVE! and Fire and Ice Studios will also mount Still Alice on September 27 to October 5

Night, Mother on November 26 to December 5

Fire and Ice Music: Building Artist Centric Careers

They also announced the release of several EP's like Tamang Panahon of Ice Seguerra, Always You of Louise, Divine Rules the World of the Divine Divas, and Still Here of Princess Velasco.

The Films:

Aid by Brillante Mendoza

Karaoke News by John Paul Su

Becoming Ice documentary by Tey Claymore

Funeral Flowers by Liza Diño and Ice Seguerra

Island Girl by Fire and Ice Media and Ice Seguerra

The Series (currently in development)

Never The Bride by Liza Diño

Behind the Line by Liza Diño

Talk Sheets by Ice and Liza (their second podcast season)

They also have signed their new talents, which includes super talented acoustic singer and musician Princess Velasco, new belting powerhouse Louise, drag superstars Brigiding winner of Slaysian Royale, first RPDR Ph Winner Precious Paula Nicole, and National Mouth Queen and Shoot record holder Vinas Deluxe. This also of course includes Ice Seguerra as a talent too. Here's what happened at the media conference a few days ago: 

Ice says "I never imagined that it would become as big as this. I learned a lot throughout the years and it's not just work, but being ethical, and if you are doing it with Fire and Ice artists, they wouldn't be a headache. This is just the beginning. The struggles will always be there, but I'd like to think we're both insatiable. It's just going to be different each time, we welcome that because it gives us experience to deal with it. When Liza ended her time with FDCP, the papers for Fire and Ice was on our table, all approved and done. If we didn't see that as a sign, we would be crazy. Now we've grown big, and I can say we were given what we could do. We won't be happy if one of us would be hungry, we'd do it with everyone would be happy."

Liza added "Ice is an authority in the room, her ideas, it comes naturally because of her experience. He knows everyone, from utility to crew by first name. He knows what longevity is, shares values, very generous with our artists. He's a pillar in Fire and Ice. Our company was needs based, we were working with 8 people, and woke up one day that we were having a lot of projects, initiatives, and so we had to hire more people. It was organic, not planned, Ice met Louise because she was a judge in a Taiwan show. We didn't plan, it was just the natural thing to do to maximize their visibility, to help their music career, we had to create content, and later on now have about 30 people creating music, production, and we have standards... where we are now is a response to what we needed at this time. We connect people, and it came naturally to partner, and trusting people is difficult. People see our struggles, one time we had 10 thousand in one of our accounts, because we are self funded but we believe the universe gives us the things we CAN handle. Even if it's a struggle, we do it as long as we are creating executions not just for us, but for our audiences, they won't tell us they've been shortchanged about experiences we put out there."

This is just the tip of the iceberg, there's plenty more plans for their artists and we've seen a small portion of it during the event. You should equally be excited about what they will be doing this 2026, and the shows they have beyond that. They will take good care of them, their careers, and their passions. 

VIBEPH Powers 38th Awit Awards

The recent 38th Awit Awards was one for the books. It's the most excellently produced awards show I've ever seen in recent years. This was powered by the same folks who produced VIBEPH which is under MQuest, an entertainment subsidiary of the MVP Group. When they announced their partnership with Awit Awards and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) a few weeks ago, that was when we knew they'll be working with them for the Awit Awards. This is also presented by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Awit Awards remains as the premier award giving body to honor OPM artists, songwriters, Producers, industry pros and music professionals. Ours is a rich and diverse one, so with a multitude genres, it's just apt to recognize them during this evening. 

Hosts of VIBEPH or Vibe Jocks also hosted the event, with their fun banters and fun chat in between, it made the long hours bearable. But the Purple Carpet started getting full with OPM artists, they were so generous in posing for photos. I had so much fun being their in the afternoon!

As expected the internationally acclaimed PPOP groups SB19 and BINI got much of the awards, including individual awards for the boys since they have other singles made, my bias FELIP included! SB19 copped Best Global Collaboration Recording (with Gloc9), Best Rap Hip Hop Recording, Best Cover Art and Best Music Video. BINI got People's Voice Favorite Album and Group Artist, and Best Dance/Electronic for the single Salamin Salamin. 

Usual suspects Ben & Ben, Lola Amour, Cup of Joe, Dionela also won awards, plus special ones for rock god Ely Buendia and Viva head Vic Del Rosario. Congratulations to PARI, MQuest Ventures, VibePH, PCSO who all helped make this happen. It was so nice to see Regine Velasquez and that tribute to Ely Buendia, can't wait to see your next partnership!

38th AWIT AWARDS Gets Powered by VIBE PH at MERALCO Theater

The 38th Awit Awards is very near and this year is going to be a LOT different as it is going to be powered by the folks from VIBE, the awesome OPM lovin online and TV show on TV5, Cignal and their partner platforms. 

I've been watching them almost everyday and the fans of not just the artists actually follow their antics especially on weekends where they obviously prepare a whole lot of performances indie or mainstream fans would enjoy. Doing the Awit Awards would be something really fun as the organization partner up with MQuest Ventures, and poke a little youthful energy in the 38 year old body. 

It's going to be a huge celebration for OPM and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) which holds this show every year. With the mission to push OPM forward, they'll be preparing to showcase some of the country's hottest acts, including some of the year's awardees and generations of performers the country has produced. 

The show will also be directed by newly joined legendary star maker Johnny Manahan, and Vibe jocks Dylan, Elijah, Joao, Ana, Maxie, Paulo, Kych, Queenay and favorite boy Ryle Santiago. Telling folks about side quests, red carpet and backstage happenings will be the Vibe Gen V guys and gals who have in recent episodes have gotten a huge following too. This will all happen on November 16th at the newly renovated Meralco Theater. It'll be streamed live on Vibe PH, TV5, MQuest Ventures and Awit Awards Facebook pages and their affiliates. This is going to be heck of a lot of fun!

ZELLE Sets Ablaze Her Comeback with New Single MARTIR

After a grueling 13 years in Sweden, OPM artist Zelle is back in the country for new music, a new perspective with empowerment, her truth and the process of healing. Her single "Martir" talks about the trials and tribulations of love and the complexities of relationships.  

This resurgence didn't come easy as it stemmed from her own life experiences which happened recently, a matter that compelled her to go back to the country. 

She admits experiencing depression, but realized how she could use music as an expression. It was something that she knew was important, to use it to heal. Her gift is now being used with intention and fervor, which is why her music feels more genuine than ever. A way to show her truth, and strength which she hopes to also inspire other women. 

Love certainly is still part of her songs creative process, but says she uses a more psychological aspect in writing about it. She shares how one shouldn't lose their identity while experiencing love. That's a pretty strong statement!

She now is doing gigs and tours with a dependable band. With John Abiathar De Leon on drums, Archie Salvador on guitar, Chester Ventura on violin, and Jing Gonzales on bass plus a few more people in charge of production, she's ready to perform in different stages, here or elsewhere. She's also preparing a release for another single "Liberate Me" which she's doing soon. In the meantime, listen download and stream "Martir" on all streaming platforms and take that awesome healing and feisty journey with Zelle.

Majestic Views, Art and More at the Santa Maria MUSIC and FILM Festivall

The Sierra Madre mountain range has once again been the talk of the town as it played a part in slowing the track of the recent Super Typhoon. This starts from the province of Cagayan to the south in Quezon, but did you know that the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival (SMMFF) is also happening here? I distinctly remember the 2023 run when they featured various films, musical acts while nestled in the great outdoors! With the  theme "See What Others Can't" they've managed to celebrate year after year with the 2025 edition happening at the founder Jennifer Maliwanag's family mountain property in Santa Maria, Laguna (which is also part of the range). 

It's pretty remote and atop clouds in the morning, but this didn't stop them from featuring even more participants this year. Imagine, having 39 films from 17 different countries Australia , EU, Canada, South America, the US and a few from Southeast Asia) all to be showcased in this year's SMMFF. All of which are being celebrated, and to make this platform be their voice, and allow us to experience their different stories (and See What Others Can't). 

Quarter Finalists include Cotton Candy by Jesse Klick of USA, To Be Anders Widmark by Peter Östlund of Sweden, Image Dance by John Dawson also from the USA, First Refusal by Courtney Sanello from the USA, American Pot Story: Oaksterdam by Ravit Markus & Dan Katzir from the USA, Reborn by Ken Izumisawa of Japan, Castle in the Air by Jess D'Aguanno of Australia, Clout Chaser by Lubomir Atan of the USA, The World of UConn Stamford’s Campus Library by Dorian Robinson of the USA, Inspire Me by Geoffrey Fighiera of France, Chance Encounters by Hasi Eldib of Canada, Guiding Light by India Anne Mitchell of the USA, Life in Tandem by Joseph Litzinge & Mia Grimes who are also from the USA.

This will happen on my birthday December 6th from 4-8:30PM at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema located at 143 Summit Barangay Pao-o in Santa Maria Laguna. If you want to experience it, visit their official website santamariafestival.com and register for a seat. It'll be one awesome day to see and feel music, film under the sky and stars!

This is organized by Jennifer Maliwanag (Festival Director), Rex Lopez the Producer and Creative Lead, and Jerico Maliwanag a Film Creator and Communications Lead for this year's SMMFF.

Queen of Soul JAYA To Stage "JAYA ALL HITS" Concert, Introduces Daughter SABRIYA

She's been out of the scene for a while but here she comes with a concert called JAYA ALL HITS to be held at the New Frontier Theater this September 14. Taking on her most popular songs that have been heavily missed, she's going to give one memorable night that only an icon could do. The Queen of Soul's show will be directed by John Prats with Musical Direction by Jem Florendo.

She will be joined by guests Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos and Jason Dy. This is going to be one exciting night of vocal supremacy, reminiscing, and fun!

Ms. Jaya says "God is so good because when I went to the US, we had the pandemic. After that, producers wanted to do shows so from 2021 til now the concerts didn't stop. There are a lot of Filipinos there and they have supported artists, they want to go back to listen to artists like me for nostalgia too. I had work, even do wakes singing beside coffins. I wanted to sing for any reason. My son is Sophomore, want to also take college courses, God has his plans for me. I'm currently doing businesses here, have a laundromat in Dasmariñas, cook too, and they wanted to do have someone who will fall in love with the business."

She also adds "We were worrying about a lot of things during that time but we sold the house, we assessed things, and it was because my family which is why we left. Back in Folk Arts, I had my Mom and Ms. Pilita to be with me on stage and that was super good. Now I'm going to introduce my daughter SABRIYA. I'm a little frazzled because of the time because the concert will be this Sunday."

Here's more of what we talked about this evening:

 

SABRIYA is a 19yo singer, composer and music producer. She was supposed to do college but had the courage to do music in the Philippines and bought tickets last minute. She's also very talented because she can play a lot of instruments. She also admits to have a different kind of genre compared to her mom Jaya, and grandma Ms. Elizabeth, and plans to do everything she can. You'll see her perform in the concert too, so there's a lot to look forward to.

This is produced by Cornerstone Concerts, L-Squared Production and CAL Studios. Tickets are available through Ticketnet.com.ph so get them before they run out fast!

ELIJAH CANLAS Outs "JosephK" Music Video

This evening was so much fun as we got to spend some time off our regular coverage and see what actor Elijah Canlas is up to. Apparently, the good looking man is wearing another hat as he is given the opportunity to pursue singing and songwriting. He began indulging himself with his type of hip-hop music, and after hearing some of it earlier, we loved every bit of it. The single is called "JosephK", and it's been in his coffers for a while now because of creative reasons. 

Elijah says "I love how they (recording corps) are giving value to the song, it's the least pop single with those that I have, but it is very personal. Thank you to Cornerstone, Project8, Island Records. This is black and white and it's cinematic, really cool."

He adds "JosephK is actually something I didn't want to explain, but for trivia, it's based on the novel called The Trial. It was when he was woken up on his birthday and sent to court, accused of something but never told what it is. Now it's a little grimey (the treatment for the video), I am JosephK. This is just a huge flex, I didn't expect this to happen but thanks to UMG and Island records for pursuing it. I hope it would be listened to by folks around the world and here in the PH. This is special because there's a lot of cameos with my friends. I feel how they love and support me. Direk Dan also conceptualized it, these are people I have worked before, and I am very grateful."

He also mentions "I wrote this in 2021, but it felt like a Christian song, I shelved it because I didn't like how it sounded. I told myself that maybe the right time will come, a better version. I asked other musicians and they said sometimes it takes years to finish a song. It took me 4 days to do this song. Sometimes you just have to listen to it again and change the melody. It's personal and based on the book I mentioned earlier. You can compare that with the lead, and I just changed it into Filipino. I want to have more gigs, to perform more of my songs, take out songs, wrote and make more of it to everyone. I hope to also join UP Fair."

To date, he's got 4 out of 10 tracks that he plans to release. He told us "I think I can do an album. It has a story, collaboration with other artists, then hopefully a concert in the near future. I don't put myself on a pedestal, if you want to know me, listen to my music because it's deeper."

Here's the event as he talks about his music:

The single "JOSEPHK" is now out on digital streaming platforms. If you loved his new songs, you'll love this even more. It also has similarities to Brandy's Full Moon which is a genre they called reverse RnB in the 2000s. I also loved how he kinda mixed Manila sound to his first few songs. I like what I see so far and from the looks of it, Elijah is not done. You're about to see him get even better. He's just starting.

Congratulations Elijah! Happy for you! 

Will.I.Am and LG Philippines Launch LG XBoom AI Line

The energy was high as LG Philippines welcomed the one and only Will I Am to Manila's shores, a one in a lifetime experience for all the fans of music producer and artist. He's also a stalwart of education for underserved students around the world, now putting his experience to the LG XBOOM AI line.

He started the event by reminiscing how many times he's been in the country for shows, and how the Filipinos have gone to support them during their early years as a group with BEP, and his best friend Apl D Ap. He also mentioned how he has been in the audio business as one of the first few folks who worked in the most popular one years ago, and this came at the most opportune time. See he didn't just use LG when they got connected this year, but it has been a regular household name for him and his family. He's got plenty of home appliances that bear the same name and yes, he wants a cohesive home which this will definitely complete. The LG XBoom Bounce is for those who are always listening to music. It has a nice form and has got 30 hours of playtime, and really good bass if you are the outdoorsy type. The LG XBoom Grab on the other hand  is very light, has over 20 hours of battery and is good for outdoors, you won't get too tired working out or enjoying a day with friends and family. For those who prefer the LG XBoom Stage, it's the perfect karaoke companion of you're into voice performances or busking. It can last 12 hours of battery, you can host shows, entertain guests like there's no tomorrow. I've also been using the new LG XBoom Buds which are so good for listening to music, podcasts and even meetings when I feel like it. 

They also have AI which they plan to go improve in the coming weeks, and Will.I.Am even showed us what it could possibly do in the coming months. He was getting interviewed in English during one part of the program, but then changed it to English without the need for other things to do it. 

Just imagine the things it can do in the future as they develop more things for the devices, speakers and app, the whole LG environment too. Will.I.Am also revealed some back stories for those hit songs you love from the whole Black Eyed Peas and the individual artists that they're with in the group.

Here's the whole conversation we had with him at OKADA. 

If you want to know more about these new speakers from the Will.I.Am LG XBoom AI line, visit their official site or social channels because they'll be putting out content about it there too!

ZELA Releases "LOCKHART" Album Under AQ Prime Music

The hunger for PPOP is certainly evident and with the Philippines answering with great artists, it's fun to know we've got a lot of them coming in the following months. Today is pretty special as we begin to get to know ZELA. She's a triple threat, one who can write songs, sing and dance. She is also based in the US but knows how this is an opportune time to do PPOP through her label AQ Prime Music. This was something she's been dreaming of since she was a kid, and now she has the chance to inspire more people through her genre of music!

Zela says "I want people to be empowered when they hear my music. I make them inspired with my experience, I'm a soloist and friends suggested I do it. Performing during the Waterbomb Festival last February was memorable because I met Jessie, a very popular artist in Korea. She told me I was very skinny, it was surreal because it was a chance to meet someone I idolized, and they asked who I wanted to meet, I always mention her name. The name Lockhart came from my last name, and it describes how I am with my goals (as I am locked in(, and women empowerment is very important for me. I want to use my platform to become the voice for those who don't have it. People mention how we kinda look like Sandara and I take it as a complement. I just think she's way prettier, and who wouldn't like that. My music video is also out on AQ Prime Music. The creatives also helped me make the concept a reality."

She adds "What sets me apart is the fact that I do everything on my own. I don't share my lines, I wrote most of the songs in the album. Specifically the 6 tracks, the other 4 I've worked with another composer too. I can do any genre, and don't have to consult. It gets super lonely sometimes but I just focus on goals so I don't have to think about it. We are here to lift each other, and there's always space on top."

She already debuted in 2023, and has been rewarded with a PPOP Top New Artist of the Year award. She's released her first single called "KARMA" during that time and has gotten really good traction with it. She also followed up with "POGI BOY" later in the year and gave her third one called "01/01" during her birthday. She deem this a great gift to her fans as she has wished for. 

She also had the opportunity to do the 1st Waterbomb Festival last February and was the only PPOP Soloist act during the event. She is also releasing her new album "LOCKHART" that's got 10 tracks which she also wrote. The songs include ACE, Arangkada, ZL, GOAT, Paraiso, Chaos, Bababa, Hanap Ka Na Lang Ng Iba, and Leave Me. 

She's raring to release these songs and make it known worldwide, she's absolutely ready to go! She sends her thanks to Atty. Aldwin Alegre and Atty. Honey Quiño for supporting her goals all these years. She credits them for the successes she's had and says she's excited for what plans they've got for her in the near future. Go stream it today on popular streaming platforms, I particularly like "Bababa" so make sure you listen to it!

Take an Emotional Journey with BECOMING ICE

It's HIS time, and Ice is taking you to an emotional journey with his music under Fire and Ice Music and Star Music. It's called BECOMING ICE, a full album of original songs from Ice Seguerra. It's been a while since he released songs, so this is a welcome development for those who have been eager to listen to his songs, the emotional pipes, and the story that comes with it.

Producer Liza Diño says "Ice has been here in Noctos for a couple gigs now and thanks to them for opening their doors as a venue for Being Ice the album and Being Ice Live The Concert Experience. We've seen him transition to a lot of roles, and still wear many hats to this day. We had a successful Becoming Ice a few years back, but still we ask who he is, how he separates his professional to his personal. He is still discovering things, for the first time he is more open to share his vulnerabilities, his first all original album. Sharing these songs and bringing out his thoughts, he wants you to witness this in the album and the concert. It'll drop o. August 8 and will be performed September 12 and 13, all on his birthday, to sing with you. You will get to see it all, raw and with emotions. This is a point where he will embrace himself, all the more with the passing of Mommy Caring, I am very excited about this as it is the culmination of being in the business for 30 years!"

Ice says "Like what Liza said earlier, it took me a while to do this. Being in this industry, it was more of fear to fail in writing my own songs. It has to be a hit, and when it fails, it will fall on me. I equated it like that for a long time. I was afraid to fail and make mistakes. Maybe I've thought about doing this in the past, but I had to mature, it's a challenge to release something personal. My songs are very quiet, and I had to accept that I can move forward. I was afraid of not being successful. This is a serious job, but I can own the word artist now because I can own what I'm putting out there, my failures and success."

He adds "During the pandemic it was a hard time, when I lost my work I lost my purpose. I wrote this on my laptop, showed this to Jonathan, and said he would know how to make sense of this. Now it has structure, I hope you feel this when you are lost, to remind you that there is always hope."

I've heard a couple of his songs from the album, but hearing him live was just a whole lot different. You could feel where it was coming from, I bet there were a lot of people who cried while he was performing on stage. It was that good 

Now go stream on streaming platforms and download it today. It was a super emotional afternoon to listen to it. The album is good, but I would suggest you hear it live, grave!

Meet The Newest PPOP Girl Group in Town: VVINK

After covering one of the biggest PPOP collabs just a few days ago, here we go drowning ourselves in PPOP content with the arrival of a new female group called VVINK through their debut showcase held today at the HYPE club in Quezon City.

While they've already released songs in the past, that was their pre-debut which mostly showcased their individual talents. This time, they will be taking a huge leap with their new single TULALA under their label FlipMusic.

They took the risk to do this so their listeners would be able to get to know them at their best. The group is composed of their leader Angelika, main vocalist Jean, main rapper Ayaka, main dancer Odri and the all rounder Mariel. This new song has a very dreamy vibe, quite upbeat, while trying to express the feeling of one's first love. This is just the first of a plethora of songs they plan to release in the next few months which will be included in the album expected to be done til the 2nd quarter of 2026.

These ladies come from different places, but were all hand picked by their COO Jumbo Belen and CEO Jeli Mateo to become a part of this group. Unconventional as it may have seem to be launched like this, they were able to showcase their individual voices and genre. They also feel that with the training they went through, that it was all worth it. Here's the press conference in full on video:

Later in the day, they gave us a glimpse of their upcoming singles (to be launched this year til the 2nd quarter) and by the looks of it, they absolutely killed it on stage. The titles include "Tatlong Hiling", "Baduy", "Kailan Aamin", "Ikaw Lang Ang Kulang", and "Tulog Pa Si Ganda". Aside from being singers, some of them are talented songwriters and are pro choreographers. They contribute what they can for VVINK.

I think I loved what I saw today, and if you're raring to support these girls, make sure to follow their social channels by looking of VVINK PH on FB, IG and others, become VVINKies as they start their journey to conquer the world!