PUREGOLD OPMCon 2025 Makes History: OPM Generations Showcased!

I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't despise going to the Philippine Arena because 1, it's too far, 2, travel is too tiring, and 3 if the artist is worth it. I reckon it's the same sentiment for almost anyone from Manila right? Well the folks from PUREGOLD got me thinking because as members, they'll be giving us VIP treatment plus a lineup of artists that NOBODY in the right mind could ever resist. Imagine, the BIGGEST acts in Filipino entertainment all in one place. The boys from SB19, girl group BINI, top band Sunkissed Lola, vixens G22, rising KAIA, artists Skusta Clee and talented Flow G in one stage made me say a resounding YES as soon as I heard it. Whatever hardship I'll be experiencing traveling there will all be worth it just as long as I see them all.

As you can see on the top photo, I'm a silent A'Tin and have that guy Ken as my bias. But no, that doesn't mean I don't like the rest, because I do. There's a reason why, because they've continued to represent the country, and really, they've made us all proud! This goes the same with the other groups in the list, and I just can't believe it happened. Plus, there's more. 

BINI with James Reid

KAIA

Sunkissed Lola

G22 was so hot!

Flow G

Skusta Clee

They did a collab too!

When SB19.went out, everybody just lost it!

The finale song was super sweet, a fitting end to see them all singing one song!

At the event, they also surprised us with other iconic artists that performed with them. Names like James Reid, Rico Blanco, Mayonnaise, Yeng Constantino shocked us. . . then went on and did collabs with each other. It was really crazy, but crazy good. I felt I was witnessing history, thanks to Puregold who put this together out of their own pockets. They also had free stuff given away by their partner brands like Nestle, Nescafe, Koko Krunch, Chuckie, Tide, Safeguard, Cream Silk, Surf, Champion and Colgate. There were more but I didn't get to see them so they will remain unnamed haha! 

PUREGOLD OPMCON 2025 was certainly one for the books! It made history, seeing them all in one place was just a dream come true. Whoever says there was a group or fan war must be crazy. They're literally friends, and I'm sure this is not the last time that PUREGOLD is doing this. Thank you PUREGOLD!

CALISTA: And Then There Were FOUR

Bullish and still raring to go, CALISTA just released their newest EP called FOUR which means Finding Our Unique Rhythm. They used to be 6 but since Laiza went on to pursue studies and Olive went to act with Sparkle, they are now a 4 member girl group full with optimism and flair, you will still love them the same when you see them perform. 

In the EP they have 4 singles which you will love to hear like Alas Dose which is a pop afro beat single that will showcase their vocal prowess and still danceable. They also have LMK or Let Me Know which is on the more R&B side, you will fall in love with how they perform it live. Bongga Ka Day is a revival from the Manila Sound days originally by The Hotdog. When you want something more upbeat, they have Oops My Bad that is on the more playful side while one hidden song called Wag Na is more of a ballad, something the more traditional folks would love. 

Anne, Dain, Denise and Elle will be bringing you new flavors, a new sound since treatment will be a whole lotta different from when they were 6. These ladies will surely impress you once again because as far as what I saw earlier in the launch, they've got what it takes to be on top!

Make sure you follow their social channels and see what FOUR girls can do!

JOLLIBEE Taps BINI for Cheesy Yumburger

Jollibee got us at the Trinoma Activity Center as they transformed it into Cheesy Yumburger BESTFest to welcome the country's well loved girl group BINI. They are officially endorsers of the cheesiest, beefiest and best tasting Yumburger across the country... the Cheesy Yumburger. If that wasn't enough, they also represent the NEW Double Cheesy Yumburger.

I don't want to just write about it, so I'm sharing the video coverage we did that afternoon!

It was fun, the girls were extremely talented, and the whole place was quite crazy. Would you consume just one Cheesy Yumburger after all these? I don't think so! 

The girls even talked about how they were spending so many nights, right after China, Korea, they ordered right from the airport so when they get home, they just eat a whole burger and Chickenjoy because they miss it. It reminds them of home.

Congratulations ladies! You did good!

XOXO Unleashes New Upbeat OPM Song GLNG (Go Lang Ng Go!)

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we miss XOXO. They're GMA's premiere girl group that's got super powerful vocals, and has very successful individual acting careers too. Members Lyra, Dani, Real and Mel started the event quite excited, showing why they're one of the most sought after performers by telling stories that made us all roll in laughter prior to them singing. They've got A LOT of personality, they can work out a crowd and get away with it. They're also great ambassadors of body positivity and about loving who you are no matter what color, race or ethnicity is. They pointed out how varied they are and proved how talent, music, encompasses everything!

This foray to OPM is somewhat a new endeavor for them. They made sure it's got dance, more upbeat than usual because it's something that is supposed to inspire you when you're down. It's something that could encourage you to learn, and leave those worries behind especially when you're with people who support you like friends and family. This is where they say "Go Lang ng Go!", here's where they performed it for us that evening!

@kumagcow UPBEAT SONG GLNG (GO LANG NG GO) RELEASED BY XOXO Under GMA Music #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter #ppop ♬ original sound - John Bueno

I didn't get to talk to her after the show, but she's my bias if you could say that. If you haven't seen Muriel on TikTok, you should definitely give her a follow. She's not only entertaining, showcasing her powerful vocals there, but takes time to tell different stories that touch the heart, interacting with her fans is certainly something that she does quite good, but something tells me she's gotten busy that she doesn't stream live as much anymore, but that's a good thing. It only means they're rising, doing performances not just in the country, but abroad too. 

Which reminds me, Lyra, Dani, Real and Mel will be at the Best of P-POP and S-POP Concert this coming June 11. It will be held at the Esplanade Recital Studio and is produced by AOR Global Pte. Ltd. so make sure you get your tickets prior to the show. As said, there's going to be several groups performing with them like BGYO and BINI, plus a few more Singapore based artists so make sure you get tickets at sistic.com.sg as early as now because it's going to be absolutely crazy! They also told us they're very excited to work with fellow Filipino PPOP groups which they haven't done in quite a while. Here's how our interview with them that evening!

So if you're loving what you are hearing, go stream them on Spotify and other streaming platforms where available. Again, this is produced by GMA Music (who had their executives there btw). Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you XOXO! Can't wait for more music, take OPM where you're goin!

CALISTA Undergoes Tough KPOP Dance Training for New Single

After having a very successful "VAX TO NORMAL" Concert a few months ago, Calista is relentless in making sure they're taking their skill game seriously as they undergo a full blown KPOP Dance training from world renowned KPOP choreographers Park Ji Yeon and Lee Eun Kyung.

The two have been spending hours upon hours training Anne, Dain, Laiza, Elle, Denise and Olive new choreography for their 2nd single which will be coming out soon. What was evident was the difference between what they've been dishing out in the past (which according to the choreographers was explosive and powerful). The KPOP style they're teaching CALISTA this time is going to be cute, feminine, sultry and playful. This surely will be something quite different to present to A-listas who have been supporting them since day 1. We got to see them in a press conference they held at the Tyronne Escalante Artist Management offices in Quezon City, and sure enough, we got to talk with them about the things they went through to make this possible. Head honcho Tyronne Escalante says "We listened to A-listas, PPOP, iPOP fans and asked about who would be the perfect fit to teach them new skills, and I think we've got the right people to do it."

Here's part of the press conference which happened last Saturday.

CALISTA admitted it was really hard for both parties in the beginning because the language barrier. Good thing is, they have watched so many KDrama shows and understood some of the words they uttered during the training. Then they had us see a part of the things they've been working on for the second single of CALISTA called "Don't Have Time" composed by Tera and produced by Marcus Davis who also did their debut single "Race Car". 

 

 

 

To give you an idea, Lee Eun Kyung and Park Ji Yeon has worked with different artists and groups like Aster, ERICA, WTF Den Team, Seoul Land, the MBC Show Musical Fantasy, Hwang JinLea, Elec Cooke, artists Yeon-ja Seojin Park, Ri Chang Wook and even one of our faves 2NE1. With regards to their performance after our press conference, let me just say they really look and felt different with the KPOP moves they learned from these talented ladies. The girls of CALISTA also promised they'll make sure that even after the training, they'll be mixing in some of the PPOP moves that CALISTA is known for so it wouldn't be entirely foreign, some of that Filipino flavor everyone is looking for. 

Congratulations to CALISTA, their producer Merlion Events Production Inc. and Tyronne Escalante Artist Management, people will love this new look, flavor and skills you've instilled with the girls. A-listas should be ready for this!

MNL48 Launches New Single "No Way Man"

Your fun and bubbly MNL48 just got us all so excited about their new single called "No Way Man" which was launched today April 6th, in simple ceremonies during our mediacon. Present were center girl Abby, Sheki, Jamie, Ruth, Ella, Jan, Andi, Jem, Yzabel, Princess, Lara, Coleen, Rianna, Lyza, Dana, and Dian who were all game to answer our toughest questions.

 

Their single is out now on digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music and wherever available outside the Philippines. MNL48 fans should be happy, they're very candid in this video... I kinda like their personality, it felt like we were just among young friends today. Congrats MNL48!

i-Pop Girl Group CALISTA Release Empowering Single RACE CAR

New girl group CALISTA

I loved what I saw earlier at the launch of CALISTA, the newest iPOP Girl Group set to conquer the world by storm. They scoured the country for a little over a hundred talented girls and pick the ones right for the mix, and that's what we saw earlier. They've been training for months and with fire in their eyes, they're raring to go do the legwork to become the biggest girl group act in the world. 

This is the first time I'm seeing Anne, Olive, Denise, Dain, Laiza and Elle as restrictions from COVID in the country was just relaxed this month. Their launch coincided with International Women's day and that couldn't come at an opportune time. They came from different backgrounds, Anne is a triple threat and previously released singles, she also appeared in projects from Regal Films. Olive on the other hand is my personal favorite. She's very pretty, and was crowned Miss Teen Cebu 2019. Denise on the other hand has been doing dance for a few years now. She also has done international dance championships in Australia and wants this opportunity with Calista to soar. Dain has been in the pageant circuit. She's also a model and balance her studies successfully. Laiza has appeared in different TV shows, movies, a very versatile actress. Elle is also a beauty queen and a spirited dancer, you'll love what she does on stage and we saw them all happen today.

Calista with Niana Guerrero who performed this evening!

Here's their new single RACE CAR

Their first single called RACE CAR written and produced by Marcus Davis was also a hit with the press. With the catchy tune and fierce lyrics, it fit Calista to a T and personified who they are as a group. Answering some tough questions from the trad media earlier, they reiterated that they're not in the industry to become famous, but become an inspiration to people who would love their songs, dance and performances. They know their lives will change and in the next few weeks, they'll be doing a concert called VAX TO NORMAL in Araneta Coliseum. This means they'll be working doubly hard as they do that on April 26th, this is under Merlion Events Production. The concert will be shown on TV5 and will include Yeng Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elmo Magalona, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto and Ken San Jose. Last thing, although they're very talented women, they still have a long way to go and they're all raring to prove (and know) that they're worth it. You'll have to see them brave 

Before things go haywire, make sure you check out Calista on their website at calistasocials.com and follow their channels @CalistaMusicOfficial on IG and Calista PH on FB.

BINI The Launch: BINI On The Runway

I think I have seen BINI perform before but this was a little glimpse of who they are on a more personal level. Blooms (as they call their fans) must be so happy to see their idols tell their personal stories and how they ended up in the girl group.  They're singers, dancers, but during this series, they delved into runway which I adore. Oh and if that's not enough, the one and only Francis Libiran is going to dress them up. He's quite known internationally, dressed Hollywood stars, even did America's Next Top Model for cryin out loud.

They're very pretty, some of them live outside Manila and you could see how dedicated they are judging from the BTS shown in the launch. Clad in PPE's, they got to the studios and were made up, met the designer and started to get to know them. The goal was to combine their talents, to have BINI wear athleisure, different materials, things that could further make them shine and stay comfortable while performing. Sure enough, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena looked so nice in metallic, modern, futuristic clothes. Aside from that, they had a different set in modern Filipiniana. With butterfly sleeves in tow, it envibed a more powerful look, something that young Filipinas could wear and enjoy. 

This was still a runway show, but it felt a little different because they had their little dance numbers in between. BINI showcased their confidence, they indeed combined talent and Francis Libiran's work of art. Now what's up on June 11th? I think there's something more up their sleeves, a music video? New music? Perhaps... perhaps. 

I think they deserve it.

Discovering Pop Icons of this Generation: PoPinoy

New and fresh content coming out of TV5 just isn't a surprise anymore, quite expected. I'm saying that because as I logged in on a zoom press conference a few days ago, the stars from other networks have converged on TV5 to make a one of a kind talent show called PoPinoy aimed to discover even more world class Filipinos, put them on stage and make it their way to stardom!

What's more interesting is the composition of mentors and judges which includes her Majesty Maja Salvador, King of RnB Jay-R, Viral Dance Sensation DJ Loonyo and Theatre Siren Kayla Rivera. You see, the folks responsible for these are Cignal, production house Archangel Media and communications company TNT. They know this industry front and back, so this would be like a reality show wherein we'll be following the contestants journey into stardom. In a way, if you get attached, we wouldn't be surprised. I felt all their excitement as stars on the show shared stories.

TV5 President and CEO Robert P. Galang says "Cignal and TV5 is commited to give you relevant and quality content that not only entertain, but to empower our kapatids. With TNT, we are launching this to showcase talented Filipinos around the world! We will be with them all the way, we hope you support the new show here on TV5!"

Mike Tuviera of Archangel Media says "I can't wait to open this nationwide. We are meeting more people, develop their skills and talent to make them the best performers and singers too." 

Jane Basas of Smart says "TNT has always championed pinoy talent and we always support it. We want to present them in a bigger platform so we are doing this nationwide. TV5 is the best partner as they share the same vision. We're glad to become part of the journey of our talents. They will also be TNT's ambassadors, we will bring them all over the Philippines. We'll have a TNT Pop Show that will also be hosted by Darren Espanto wherein we will have new guests that you will all love! I can't wait to see more of our Filipino talent and the winner of this show. TNT believes they have the same passion as ours to discover more talented Filipino youth hence this partnership." 

Hosting the show is Paolo Ballesteros and Maine Mendoza. Maine says "I have seen in Eat Bulaga the sheer amount of talent that Filipinos have... and it needed a platform so they too can be seen. This show will be different, because it is different! We're also going to tell their stories which would make their journey more interesting. There's lots of things you should look forward to in PoPinoy!" 

Maja Salvador adds "I am excited to work with these talented people. They made ways to really put us together and requested that we need to do this... and now this happened. This was just something off that awards night when I signaled that I wanted to work with them, remember that? Me managing talents is not a one man team, I have a lot of people who help me and it really is not my decision alone. We're going to judge and train them more in this competition, which is a bit difficult because it's not just a singing competition, everyone is going to audition and we have to see their potential. That part is going to be challenging."

You'll be seeing how they will discover the biggest PPop sensation, you'll be seeing the girl and boy groups on a primer this coming June 6th at 8PM, while the first episode will happen on June 13, Sunday at 7PM on TV5 and a catch up episode on Colours and on Cignal at around 9:30pm the same day. You can also watch it on the Cignal Play app so if you haven't downloaded that on your smartphone, maybe this is a good day to do it.

Discover world class talent in this joint, see you on Sunday ha?!

XOXO Launches First Single

As I’m writing this, we’re currently talking to ladies from Filipina girl group called XOXO. We were there when they were launched a year ago and they had small delays releasing their new single because of the pandemic. Honestly, they are such a talented bunch of singers individually and initially, they had different styles. Today is one of those days where they proved they have been working their a$$ off working on their harmonies and dance skills which they have been training for in the past few months. 

They attribute these successes to their soldiers, to GMA Artist Center and to people who love their songs. Their closeness even grew over the months of quarantine in Manila. Their goal is to bring women empowerment, body positivity with these songs and they’re so glad it came out this way. They come from different parts of the country and they too have been suffering of work restrictions, but now it’s a good time to hear their music. They gave us a sample of their covers and songs in this video. Take a look!

Oh and they really appreciate them being called the female counterpart of SB19, they absolutely love the PPOP group too and they were too shy to talk to them a couple months back. Crushing? Haha!

Their single XOXO is coming out September 10 on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and other digital stores worldwide. They’re a fun bunch, congratulations to Riel, Dani, Lyra and Mel. You’re going places!