MASCULADOS Outs New Single "SAGING"

Your favorite muscled men of Filipino novelty music MASCULADOS just got a new single out called "SAGING" under Universal Records.

Known for their hit songs Jumbo Hotdog, Macho Papa, Lagot Ka and more, they're adding this new single for a newer, fresher take as they continue their careers this 2026.

They never really left the scene but concentrated in provincial tours so they get to cater their audience, the masses who have been supporting them all these years. Eric Mofar, Nico Cordova, David Karell, Robin Robell, Richard Yumul and Orlando Sol were all smiles when they went up stage and performed for us their hits. They also did the LIVE version of SAGING which we found very catchy and amusing. The naughty lines were always there and in the coming holidays, this will surely be something that would land in everybody's playlist especially those dance numbers for new employees during Christmas parties, for sure! 

The men also shared how they're in the works of doing concerts not just locally, but internationally. Universal Records has plans to do a few locations in Australia in the coming months, imagine how much fun it would be to see them with our kababayans in different states too. They are going to perform in other countries, so make sure to follow their social channels as they'll post updates about it there.

As for their music, SAGING is going to be one of a few tracks that they plan to release this year til the next. Even if we already fancy this one, they're hinting even better ones to be unleashed soon. There's no stopping these guys from doing it! Here's the rest of the press conference on video:

The event was sponsored by Shinagawa, The Cart Collective, Chasing Bananas Cafe and Bakery, Orich, Secret Fresh, Pacquiao 3 in 1 Coffee, Healthy Tropics, Grafiq Advertising and Noctos Music Bar.

They are currently managed by GLXY Talent Management. This is just the start. Go check out their music video at the Universal Records YouTube channel and download their tracks on Spotify. You'll love their SAGING!

Rap/Musical Artist GAT PUTCH Featured on "Listen Ka Sa KYCH" Podcast This Month

Just got off the Makati studios of Kych Minemoto, and his podcast "Listen ka sa Kych" streamed on platforms (of course Spotify). His guest was Gat Putch, rap and musical artist with millions of subs on Spotify, plus a cult following in the same genre. Gat Putch used to be a DJ, did production, even did bartending, and later on had producers work with him. He also made sure to work with different people so he could make a variety of music. His experiences made him an even better artist now. He also mentioned how other artists take fame into their head, but his advice is to still listen to your parents, your loved ones because they care for you.

I've only seen Kych do hosting gigs on TV, sing and dance on shows but never a podcast. He's been doing this for a while now and by all means, he's doing remarkably well talking to artists, some of his close friends in the industry, and very interesting folks.

Gat Putch says "Not all the things I write came from real life, I do fictional things, even Cerveza Negra, it depends on the style I feel that time. I also get inspired from other peoples stories, I need to do that to make sure they get involved in the song. I also do on the spot things, build the chorus first then just freestyle. I really had to work hard because it wasn't instant. I had to work first so I could support my family, save a little before I went full time in rap. I also did clothing, it was hard at first but since I've got friends, I was able to support myself."

He adds "I did everything online and started a business, had a brand and all, but couldn't maintain it and work. You can't just be bleeding all the time, I had to make sure I put food on the table together with my family, friends, you have to prepare for that. It's teamwork for me,  they even have that in sports. I was able to release my singles, back in 2018. I was still selling clothes too when I did music. I built connections, collaborated with other artists and some requested to also work with me. My music is timeless, I also consult my wife if she likes my music and like how it becomes all so natural sounding. You should listen to the songs we did, everything is on Spotify. You always have to experiment, don't stop learning, even small things may have worth with other people."

GAT the Brand

Gat was something he built while watching documentaries. The luxury brands inspired him to do his own line of clothes. GAT came from the term used with national heroes line Gat Jose Rizal and Gat Andres Bonifacio. 

Gat was released in batches. When he did marketing, half of it was given to his popular friends in the industry. Now he is also releasing limited edition shirts which people now fancy. Some are very unique, and will stay one of one, something you wouldn't see with other people. He says it's not for everybody, he wouldn't force it to those who would not like it. He's glad it's being worn by other artists in music videos, as he designed each item with an attached story.

He also thinks he hasn't failed yet because he was always been doing the grind religiously. He needed to continue it and keep going because he was not just supporting himself but his family. He also knows life isn't perfect. He is thankful for his partner because he knew someone was believing in him, supported him and even invested in him (used life savings for his business) despite getting pregnant early. People have been so kind to him, and he is so thankful for that!

Gat Putxh also said "You don't need to promote on conventional means because there's social media. You can also use your presence so you could market yourself. You also need people you can trust especially if you are an independent artist. Don't be swayed by millions of pesos in contracts. Remember, I started in a small room in La Loma, and look at us now!"

Green House Records

He sends his thanks to the people and artists who are part of GHW and the community!

Kych lets the interviewees talk, and tell their stories. I am quite sure he's going to get more people in Q Studios and use his knack for talking into something that people can learn from, just like what he's doing in "Listen Ka Sa Kych". Make sure you listen and sub on his podcast today!

ISHA PONTI Launches "LIKAS" Album

Super talented singer songwriter Isha Ponti gave us goosebumps last night at the VIVA CAFE where she celebrated her birthday and launched her new album "LIKAS". 

Isha says "If there's someone who acts like an anchor in my life, I would like to say thanks to my Mom and Dad, happy father's day! I always do this every year but this is special because being 20 means I've already experienced things and applied it to my songs. Some good, some that hurt, but it's okay. I'm good!"

She sang her singles "Darating" (an upbeat hopeful love song),  "Hinga" (a call for pause before loving again), "Proud to Say" (not part of the LIKAS album but she made this song when she was 13), "Raining In Manila" (her cover), "Kabanata" (where she proudly showed her heartwarming music video too), Man I Need & So Easy (both an Olivia Dean original- her cover), and a few more to the delight of the crowd. She also did "Warmth", "Gulong" (about a hurtful relationship), "Halika" (a ballad about asking to admit love), "Bakas" (she cried on this bit), "Kung Di Rin Tayo sa Huli" (her cover of the December Avenue song),  "Numero" (about self worth), "Riversky" (about believing in  yourself), and the finale song the danceable "Mismo" (where everyone stood up!). Isha reminds us that her new album "Likas" is all about loving, learning, and experiencing her truth and I totally agree. 

In the audience, she also had her relatives, friends from school, and press who have been helping her get her music out there. She thanked them all! 

Isha acknowledged a few artists from VIVA, a PPOP girl group and of course, one of GMA's prime actors Kelvin Miranda (who did a duet with her btw!). 

OPM is so blessed to have to someone like you Isha! Here's hoping you get to even more places. Seeing how passionate you are in your craft and how hard you've worked for it, please keep on writing and singing more songs!

ISHA PONTI Takes Emotional Journey with New Album LIKAS

Her smile and infectious charm was felt across the room. She began holding the mic and immediately grabbed our attention, like any other talented Filipino would do. She's ISHA PONTI, and yes, we felt right away how she wanted us to listen to her songs. 

Albeit quite familiar with her previous songs, she's taken a little different path than usual. She's launching a new album called LIKAS which she dubs as a more emotional and personal album. She sang her heart out in between conversations , and she began mustering the courage to let it all out, feel her songs made of love, her growth as an artist and undoubtedly raw self discovery. LIKAS for her was an authentic outlet, so she gives her time to be her truthful self, both as a songwriter and a storyteller. She also worked with several producers such as Adonis Tabanda,whom she worked with for her artistry and sensibility. She also garnered the nod of the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music, a feat for a very talented person of her age in the industry. 

A few of the songs she sang resonated with me, particularly KABANATA which was about hope, love and longing. There's also NUMERO which was a bit catchy, and HINGA which was a bit of an emotional journey. If you're a bit more involved in OPM, she's got more singles like Darating, Halika, Warmth, Gulong, Bakas, Riversky and Mismo.

You may listen to her songs now on all streaming platforms, or listen to radio stations nationwide by requesting for it. In each single she plans to release, you'll see her vulnerability, and hopeful beginnings. 

If you want to see her perform live, she's having an album launch this coming June 20th at the Viva Cafe in Quezon City. Show starts 7pm and she will be with other special guests to join in on the fun too. LIKAS is her vehicle to make sure you're going to hear more of her songs, and if you're up to it, she's on social media via Ponti Entertainment Productions. Follow Isha's and their account for more information. 

See ANNE HATHAWAY Differently in MOTHER MARY

Just had the opportunity to watch MOTHER MARY, the Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel artsy psycho drama thriller made for the cinema by David Lowery. This will be out in Philippine cinemas on April 22, but I'd love to tell you more about it before you'd dive in on the movie.

Anne plays the role of MOTHER MARY, an artist that's like a cross between Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, who went bonkers and stopped in the middle of her success, and tried to find out what's making her lose track of her life. The film is like a hodgepodge of poetry lines + a visual feast of music, fashion, boldness, curses, artistry, confusion, weirdness, on being lost, style, fantasy and gore. Michaela Coel plays top fashion designer Sam, also MOTHER MARY's best friend and go to person for everything she wears on tour. The movie concentrates on their relationship, on finding out why she couldn't see that former spark that made her who she is as the pop star. This film is very cerebral, might scare some of how deep it is. You'll be a little uncomfortable on some scenes but I think it is essential on how it is presented. You'll hear some music from this generation's pop stars, intertwined with the story. My favorite line was when Anne's character said "I'm being dressed by everyone but it doesn't feel like me" and then Michaela replied "Tell me what you are feeling and I'll make that into a dress!"

It's a fashion spectacle, like fitting in a whole day of the Met Gala into the screen. It may take a while to get digested, but you'd be glad they took time to do it. I love Anne Hathaway in her previous roles, but this persona is certainly different even compared to her other dramatic roles. 

After seeing it, I get it. You'll also get to question your understanding after a few minutes which I think is the whole point of this movie. You won't be sticking to your realities, and might ask yourself very often (OMG WT* DID I JUST WATCH!). 

This is produced by A24 and released in the country by Creazion Studios International. I'd give a strong 4/5, and might suggest this for more mature fans of Anne Hathaway. It ain't Princess Diaries alright. It's like a living long form fashion editorial which I love. Go watch it!

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!