Maluma and Shakira Reunite on "Agua," a Merengue That Plays With Fire Their fifth collaboration on a global scale

Photo: @phraa 

The single is out now and brings a new sonic dimension to the world of Loco X Volver.

Listen here

Watch the video here.

Colombia, September 18, 2026. In under a month, Maluma's name has appeared alongside the two biggest female icons music has produced in the last decade. First came Beyoncé, who brought him onto "Cuerpo (Tumbao)" for the commemorative edition of B'Day. Now it's Shakira, with whom the global Latin star reunites on "Agua": "We went global with the queen." Available on all platforms now.

"Agua" is a sensual merengue that crosses tropical energy with contemporary production. The vocal chemistry between the two is once again the heart of the story, this time built around a simple, effective metaphor: no matter how much water they need, when they're together, everything ends up on fire. It's a song of tension, flirtation, and complicity, one that recognizes the DNA of their earliest collaborations without settling into nostalgia.

The artistic relationship between Maluma and Shakira began with "Chantaje," continued with "Trap" and "Clandestino," and also ran through the remix of "La Bicicleta" alongside Carlos Vives—a run that produced several of Latin music's biggest hits. Shakira was one of the first globally established artists to bet on Maluma when his international career was just beginning, and that closeness has held up over the years. The two recently spent time together again at the artist's horse-breeding ranch in Medellín, far from studios and cameras.

Within Loco X Volver, "Agua" adds a new sonic dimension to the project. The release comes with a music video directed by Hannah Lux Davis, one of the most recognized directors in international pop. The piece builds a world where water is the connecting thread: reflections, liquid surfaces, shine, movement, and dance sustain a constant tension between the two artists, in a narrative designed to become one of the album's strongest visual moments.

With two of the most defining names in Latin music together again, "Agua" arrives as one of the most significant releases in the Loco X Volver universe and as another chapter in a shared history now measured in years, not songs.

Shakira continues her hot streak following her headline performance of her global smash hit “Dai Dai” at the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, watched by 2 billion people worldwide. “Dai Dai” has been hailed as the biggest song of the year internationally, spending 7 weeks at No. 1 globally. The song’s video has officially surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube and Shakira is the most-viewed female artist on the platform, further cementing her status as a global icon. Later this month, Shakira will take the stage at Shakira Stadium for her sold-out Madrid Residency, which has sold over 500,000 tickets. For the highly anticipated residency, Shakira unveiled "Es Latina": a month-long cultural platform celebrating Spanish and Latin artists across music, fashion, art, literature, gastronomy, and dance at Macondo Park.

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About Maluma

Maluma has established himself as one of the most influential global icons in contemporary Latin music. With a career that began in 2010 and has evolved at a rapid pace, the artist from Medellín has left an indelible mark on the music industry, breaking down linguistic and cultural barriers with a unique style that fuses reggaeton, pop, trap, and urban music. Throughout his journey, Maluma has released multiple multi-platinum albums, topped global charts, and collaborated with superstars such as Madonna, Shakira, The Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, and, recently, Beyoncé. His impact extends beyond music, making him a key figure in fashion, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.

In addition to his work as an artist, he has solidified his role as the creative director of his lifestyle brand, Remanence, through which he has spearheaded initiatives in fashion, sports, and wellness across Colombia. He has also successfully ventured into acting, design, and business, remaining true to his vision of empowering new generations and promoting an authentic, conscious lifestyle.

Renowned for his versatility and constant artistic evolution, Maluma continues to demonstrate that his career knows no bounds. At this stage of professional maturity, he remains an unstoppable force in Latin pop culture while honoring his Latin American roots with every step he takes.

He has championed a narrative that places Colombia at the forefront—from his award-show performances to direct references to art (such as Botero) and his own roots in his releases.

His communication and musical choices reflect a more curated phase of his career, one in which he seeks not merely to produce hits but to build a project with greater conceptual depth and coherence.

Today, Maluma combines his media impact, sonic evolution, and cultural narrative, positioning himself not just as an entertainment figure but as an artist currently cementing his legacy within Latin music.

About Shakira

Shakira is a Colombian singer-songwriter and a multiple GRAMMY® Award winner. She has sold over 95 million records worldwide and earned numerous accolades, including four GRAMMY® Awards, fifteen Latin GRAMMYs®, and multiple World Music Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, to name a few. She is the most-viewed female artist—and ranks among the top 10 most-viewed artists of all time—on YouTube, with 27 billion cumulative views, and is one of the most-streamed Latin artists of all time on Spotify.

Shakira recently released her twelfth studio album, *Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran*, to critical acclaim, winning a GRAMMY® for Best Latin Album. The album stands as a dazzling testament to her resilience and strength, as well as the power of music to transform the toughest experiences into precious moments. Within its first 24 hours of release, the album became the most-streamed album of 2024 and achieved 7x platinum certification. Less than a week after releasing the critically acclaimed *Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran*, Shakira drew a crowd of over 40,000 people—the largest audience for a Times Square performance, surpassing even New Year's Eve crowds—with a mesmerizing show on the TSX stage in Times Square. In 2025, Shakira launched her *Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran* world stadium tour, breaking records with seven completely sold-out dates in Mexico City.

Shakira’s previous album, *El Dorado*, hit #1 on iTunes in 37 countries and won Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2017 Latin GRAMMY® Awards and Best Latin Pop Album at the 2018 GRAMMY® Awards. With over 12 billion streams, it ranks among the most-streamed albums by a female artist of all time. In 24 hours, “SHAKIRA || BZRP Music Sessions #53” made history on Spotify and YouTube, garnering over 14 million streams and more than 52 million views, respectively. The song debuted at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking another historic milestone for Shakira as the first female solo artist to reach the Top 10 with a Spanish-language song. It also holds the record for the most streams in a single day for a Spanish-language song in Spotify history. In September, Shakira received the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards and, in honor of the occasion, delivered a spectacular performance featuring her greatest hits.

Source: Sony Music

Watch Nadine Lustre “DONUTS” music video

With Apl.de.Ap lending his global star power, Lustre takes audiences into a richly imagined world of Filipino tradition and contemporary visual edge

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Nadine Lustre steps into a new era of fearless self-expression with the release of the official music video for “DONUTS,” featuring global hip-hop titan Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

Drawing inspiration from Filipino history, spirituality, and fashion, the music video presents the multi-hyphenate star as a warrior princess who seizes control of her power and freedom in a lawless, oppressive world.

“The video connects to a bigger body of work, which explores transformation, stepping into your power, and becoming more comfortable with who you are,” Nadine Lustre explains. “I wanted that world to feel rooted in being Filipino, with influences subtly woven in setting, style, and imagery.”

With Nadine Lustre at the helm of creative direction, the visuals reflect her newfound pride in embracing one’s identity and roots. Set against open fields and grasslands in a fictional countryside, the “DONUTS” MV reimagines pre-colonial motifs with a modern, dystopian edge.

For the award-winning actress-singer, however, creative ownership doesn’t necessarily mean working alone. She opened up about assembling a production team that helped translate her ideas into a fully realized visual spectacle.

“Everyone brought their own perspective, from the styling and production design to the movement and how everything would look on camera,” Lustre reveals. “I enjoy being hands-on, but I also love seeing people take an idea and add something I wouldn’t have thought of. So much of what makes the video special came from that exchange. It really was a collective effort.”

Despite their different backgrounds, Apl.de.Ap admires Lustre and her team’s commitment to experimentation and collaboration. He specifically praised the cinematic world of “DONUTS,” noting how its visual language complements the song’s larger-than-life energy.

“I love the video,” Apl.de.Ap shares. “It’s so mythical. Nadine and the team have such a unique lens.”

The “DONUTS” music video serves as an extension of Lustre’s continued growth as an artist, putting self-expression, identity, and creative freedom at the center of her work. Building on Filipino-inspired imagery and an envelope-pushing visual aesthetic, the MV sets up a bolder, more risk-taking direction for what comes next.

Nadine Lustre’s “DONUTS” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Cool Girl Records. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Fast-Rising Alt-Pop Sibling Duo Wasia Project Unveil Debut Album 'Nocturne', A Cathartic Coming-Of-Age Odyssey

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Photo Credit: Claryn Chong

"'Nocturne' is a striking progression for the band."

— Rolling Stone UK

September 18th, 2026 - Philippines — Wasia Project, the musical duo formed by siblings Will Gao and Olivia Hardy, has unveiled their highly anticipated debut album 'Nocturne', out now via AWAL Recordings. Charting a new hinterland for the duo, the album turns coming-of-age angst into catharsis, unfolding as a kinetic journey steeped in the lore of the night, moving between the heady introspection of twilight hours and the euphoric embrace of the dance floor where bodies commune and coexist. Fans can listen to the album HERE.

The 12-track finale arrives following a run of singles that have progressively revealed the distinctive sonic world of 'Nocturne': Lead single "2515" introduced the record's undulating electronic pulse and cinematic scale, followed by "Bleeding Gold" and "Whale Call", the latter featuring in Netflix's new feature film 'Heartstopper Forever', in which Will Gao reprises his role as Tao Xu. "Vogue", the album's final single, arrived as a euphoric body-talk anthem, becoming the duo's third consecutive album single to earn Jack Saunders' Hottest Record accolade on BBC Radio 1. "Vogue" was subsequently reimagined by acclaimed German DJ, producer and Running Back label founder Gerd Janson, who took the track's kinetic energy deep into the club.

Wasia Project – "Bleeding Gold" (Official Video)

Earlier this week, the duo shared the official video for "Bleeding Gold", the second entry from 'Nocturne'. Co-directed by Wasia Project and Harvey Frost, the video for visualises the song's themes of nostalgia and self-reflection. Starring Olivia and Will alongside a younger version of Olivia, the video moves between past and present, exploring the enduring connection we have to our younger selves. Tender and dreamlike, it serves as a poignant companion to the track's meditation on youth, memory and growing up.

The album's other tracks further explore the breadth of Wasia Project's new sonic world. "Strike Me Down From Heaven" pushes their neo-classical and electronic instincts into more experimental territory, while "Even If I Tried" draws on modern soul minimalism and trip-hop. "Moon Goddess" is a melancholic electro-acoustic nocturne inspired by the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. "Wildfire", the album's closer and focus track, brings its recurring themes of growing pains, crowded rooms and lovelorn melancholia to an explosive finale. ""Wildfire" is the cathartic end to 'Nocturne' and perhaps the emotional crux of the record. A massive, anthemic song about feeling estranged from someone you love deeply, the isolation that comes with that, and a desperate yearning to reach out and connect again," the duo says of the track.

"Our debut album 'Nocturne' is a collection of songs that take us on a journey through the night. A space and time where feelings and emotions play in a world of extremes. From the electric connection of a nightclub, to the isolation of a sleepless night, we present a piece of work that serves as a sanctuary for those moments in our lives, hoping to bridge the borders between ourselves and each other." 

— Wasia Project

'Nocturne' is the voice of youth in flux, both immediate and reflective. It captures the residual haze of the post-COVID years, examining distance, isolation and fractured connection within a disillusioned generation suspended between physical and digital worlds. In response, the duo embrace a darker, grittier and more nocturnal sonic palette, stepping away from the lightness of their earlier work in favour of something more textured, immersive and emotionally charged. Across 12 tracks, they transmute their classical foundations through the lens of club-adjacent dance music, cinematic piano-pop balladry, modern soul and atmospheric electronica, arriving at a sound that is at once deeply intimate and expansively cinematic.

Formed in 2019, Wasia Project's mixed British-Chinese heritage and classical background drive a global approach to pop that cuts across musical traditions and hemispheres. Their reach has expanded rapidly, amassing over 200M streams across their catalogue and peaking at 2.4M monthly Spotify listeners.

The duo's 2022 debut EP 'how can I pretend?' featured their breakout hit "ur so pretty", and was followed by a series of dewy-eyed standalone singles such as live-favourite "Petals on the Moon". They gestured at a cooler sonic palette on transitional EP 'Isotope', released in 2024 and accompanied by a beautiful short film. Their 2024 UK headline tour sold out within minutes, while their debut US run saw them support two-time GRAMMY Award winner Laufey across 13 dates. That same year, they also supported BRITs Critics' Choice Award winner Tom Odell across 18 European dates. The duo has also made notable festival appearances at All Points East and Lollapalooza Germany. Most recently, they made their Radio 1 Big Weekend debut and played a run of sold-out intimate piano shows across Asia and Australia, including the Philippines and Hong Kong, with extra dates added due to popular demand. Widely championed by leading publications including Vogue, The Guardian, NPR, GQ, DIY, and Rolling Stone, Wasia Project have also graced the covers of NME, BRICKS, Dork, and Notion.

With 'Nocturne', Wasia Project continues to dissolve the boundaries between genres and emotional states, crafting music that feels both deeply personal and collectively resonant. The album marks the beginning of a new creative chapter for the duo, where the interplay of stillness and euphoria, solitude and unity, defines their sonic landscape. 'Nocturne' is more than just an album, it's a journey through the complexities of youth, identity, and the ever-shifting space between the digital and the real.

'Nocturne' Tracklisting:
1. 2515
2. Vogue
3. Whale Call
4. Bleeding Gold
5. Voices in My Head
6. Even If I Tried
7. Sunken Quay
8. Strike Me Down From Heaven
9. Moon Goddess
10. Stay
11. Nightingale
12. Wildfire

Stream 'Nocturne' here
Watch the "Bleeding Gold" video here
 

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Two-Time OSCAR & BAFTA-Nominated Collective Son Lux Return With New Album 'Out Into', Their Boldest Sonic Statement Yet

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Photo Credit: Anna Powell Denton

September 18th, 2026 - Philippines — Son Lux, the critically acclaimed project of visionary trio Ryan Lott, Rafiq Bhatia, and Ian Chang, release their ninth studio album, 'Out Into', today via City Slang. The album arrives alongside a new music video for the title track, "Out Into Us", commissioned by MASS MoCA and Pioneer Works, produced by Caviar, and directed by Alex Cook. Fans can stream the new album HERE and watch the video HERE.

'Out Into' is Son Lux's most rhythmically sumptuous, lyrically urgent work yet. Across nearly two decades, Son Lux have earned its reputation for splendour and sweep, but 'Out Into' is something different: a punchy suite of tactile, detail-minded songs born from dazzling moments of collective improvisation. Recorded in bursts during downtime between film projects, 'Out Into' was brisk work stretched out over a two-year span, the gestation periods between studio sessions allowing the group's rhythms to sink deeper into the pocket while Ryan Lott's lyrics became more saturated with meaning. "These songs are about losing and finding ourselves. How we lose ourselves in relationships, in work, in our children, in our pursuits and desires," he says. "So how do we find ourselves? How do we find each other?"

Son Lux – "Out Into Us" (Official Video)

"Out Into Us", the release day focus track for their album, finds a middle ground between the hip-hop inflected rhythmic language that characterises the new album and the cinematic sweep and splendor that earned the band Oscar and BAFTA nominations for their 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' score. An intro of quintessentially Son Lux string and vocal surges gives way to a Madlib-inspired palette of sumptuous bass and shifty beats, which in turn transform into a phalanx of fraying, tentacular guitars.

"These songs are about losing and finding ourselves. We're continually changing as we learn who we are. That's partly what 'Out Into' means. We come out of something and into something else. Every moment is an exit and an entrance at the same time."

— Ryan Lott, founder and frontman, Son Lux

The album follows singles "Endlessly", "Want You To Love" and "No God Like A King", which introduced the record's themes of transformation, connection and change and the new video for "Out Into Us" expands on these ideas. Commissioned by MASS MoCA and Pioneer Works, produced by Caviar, and directed by Alex Cook, the music video reflects the song's themes of slowing down and lingering in transitional spaces, where fear, self-doubt, and emotional facades begin to give way to new unknown possibilities.

As a family waits for an approaching storm, what initially appears to be an external threat is gradually revealed as something constructed and sustained by anxiety and doubt. By stepping into the storm rather than retreating from it, the illusion collapses, allowing something uncontrollable but alive to pass through.

Their first-thought-best-thought approach may come as a surprise to those who have followed Son Lux's recent ascent through Hollywood's starrier corridors. They have earned two Oscar nominations and a BAFTA nod for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for A24's Best Picture winner, 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', with features from David Byrne, Mitski, and André 3000. Their extensive scoring work also includes Marvel Studios' 'Thunderbolts*' and Amazon MGM Studios' forthcoming feature directed by Bassam Tariq, 'Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother'. Beyond film, their hit single "Easy" has been sampled by Halsey on her RIAA Gold-certified track "Hold Me Down", G-Eazy on "Eazy", and Fall Out Boy on "Fourth of July", and reimagined in a version featuring Lorde, while their work has also been commissioned by The Royal Ballet, Kronos Quartet, and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

While this breadth of work has broadened the band's panoramic vision far beyond the margins of the cineplex screen, it has also inspired Lott, Bhatia, and Chang to return to something more immediate and direct. 'Out Into' finds Son Lux occupying a paradoxical zone between vast and intimate, spontaneous and refined, experimentally-minded and pop-spirited.

A 17-minute extended version of the music video is currently on view at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts and will travel to several art institutions concluding at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, New York. The installation deliberately pushes against how music is increasingly experienced in the social media era, where songs are often reduced to bite-sized fragments embedded without context into an endless scroll. Instead, Son Lux stretches the song into an expressionistic landscape, expanding the relationship between music and listener.

Son Lux will also take 'Out Into' on a world tour this Fall.

'Out Into' Tracklisting:
1. Want You To Love
2. Out Into Us
3. Endlessly
4. Break Bread
5. Even If It Hurts
6. You Could Be The One
7. Summer's Gone
8. Apparition
9. No God Like a King

Stream 'Out Into' here
Watch the "Out Into Us" video here
 

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GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST · MULTI-PLATINUM RAPPER ANDERSON .PAAK & CORDAE REUNITE FOR FEEL-GOOD NEW SINGLE "A GOOD DAY"

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FIRST TASTE OF FORTHCOMING
COLLABORATIVE ALBUM 'HEAVY IS THE CROWN'
DUE OUT OCTOBER 23

PRE-SAVE HERE

September 17th, 2026 - Philippines — GRAMMY-Award winning artist Anderson .Paak and GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum rapper Cordae today share "A Good Day", the first single off their recently announced forthcoming collaborative album, 'Heavy Is the Crown', arriving October 23rd via APESHIT + EMPIRE / Hi Level + Mass Appeal. An uplifting, soul-drenched anthem, "A Good Day" finds .Paak tapping back into his charismatic rap roots alongside Cordae's effortless flow, as the two trade witty bars over live drum grooves and infectious production. Fans can stream the new album HERE and watch the video HERE.

Built around a healthy dose of humour and effortless lyrical interplay, A Good Day" tips its hat to timeless musical touchstones, weaving echoes of Bill Withers' beloved classic, "Lovely Day", with the unmistakable energy of Fatman Scoop's legendary ad-libs. The result is a nostalgic yet fresh anthem driven by infectious optimism and a smooth summer-to-fall vibe. Equal parts playful and feel-good, the track captures the natural chemistry that has made the pair's collaborations so memorable.

Anderson .Paak, Cordae – "A Good Day" (Official Video)

The accompanying music video, starring Jennifer Freeman, brings that same nostalgia, humour and charisma to the screen with a playful homage to the cult classic film, 'Friday'. .Paak and Cordae channel the competitive dynamic of brothers going head-to-head over a love interest, all while maintaining the camaraderie at the heart of their partnership.

The release kicks off a new full-length collaborative era for the dynamic hip-hop duo. Known for seamlessly blending classic West Coast funk, neo-soul, live instrumentation, and top-tier lyrical hip-hop, the duo build on the critical and commercial success of their previous collaborations, including 2019's "RNP" (260M+ Spotify streams) and "Two Tens" (75M+ Spotify streams). Across their work together, .Paak's signature live musicianship, raspy vocals, and infectious hooks meet Cordae's thoughtful lyricism and sharp storytelling, creating a distinct chemistry that has established them as one of modern hip-hop's most compelling dynamic pairs.

To coincide with the release of 'Heavy Is the Crown', the duo has also announced a robust physical offering featuring six retailer-exclusive vinyl variants spanning Amazon through independent retail, alongside an animated zoetrope edition available direct-to-consumer. The collection is rounded out by cassette and CD editions, with the latter featuring a lenticular cover that transforms the album artwork into an image of .Paak and Cordae in the middle of a playful fight.

Stream "A Good Day" here
Watch the official video here
Pre-save 'Heavy Is The Crown' here
 

About Anderson .Paak
 

Anderson .Paak has emerged as one of contemporary music's most dynamic and influential artists, performers, and producers. Raised in Oxnard, California, he began his musical journey behind the drums in his church band, laying the foundation for a career defined by innovation, artistry, and boundary-pushing creativity. After releasing his debut album in 2014, .Paak quickly established himself as a force in music. Today, he is a 9x GRAMMY Award-winning artist, producer, entrepreneur, and cultural force who continues to extend his impact beyond music through the Brandon Anderson Foundation, championing community, creativity, and opportunity for the next generation. In 2026, Anderson .Paak earned a place among TIME's 100 Most Influential People, further cementing his impact on music and culture. 

About Cordae

Cordae has established himself as one of hip-hop's premier lyricists. Born in Raleigh, NC and raised in Suitland, MD he is a GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum, Emmy award winning rapper, songwriter, and lyrical powerhouse. Since breaking onto the national scene, Cordae has earned widespread critical acclaim with charting projects, platinum-certified records, and collaborations alongside some of music's biggest icons, including Eminem, Lil Wayne, Kanye West H.E.R., Anderson .Paak, and Stevie Wonder. Cordae and .Paak first connecting with on the fan-favourite "RNP" from Cordae's critically acclaimed debut album 'The Lost Boy' and have since developed one of hip-hop's most natural creative partnerships. 

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Sony Music Philippines leads 39th Awit Awards with 11 major wins

IV OF SPADES, SB19, Ben&Ben, and more SME artists earned top honors across recording, songwriting, production, and technical categories

Sony Music Philippines dominated the 39th Awit Awards, taking home eleven (11) honors across major categories.

IV OF SPADES led the night’s victories, with their acclaimed album Andalucia named Album of the Year. The four-piece band also bagged Song of the Year for “Aura.” Their song “Monster” earned Best Sound Engineered Recording.

Fresh from their Album of the Year win, IV OF SPADES closed the ceremony with a three-track set. They performed their latest single “Isang Pag-Ibig,” their hit track “Kabisado,” and the Song of the Year-winning “Aura.”

SB19 likewise enjoyed a festive night. “DUNGKA!” took home three awards: Best Pop Recording, Best Dance/Electronic Recording, and Best Music Video.

Ahead of the release of their first-ever anthology album, Ninethis month, Ben&Ben picked up two major awards, including Best Performance by a Group and Best Musical Arrangement for “Saranggola.”

Producer Brian Lotho was also named Producer of the Year, adding another major distinction to Sony Music Philippines’ haul. His winning body of work includes production for tracks from IV OF SPADES’ Andalucia, plus nominated recordings by dwta and the James Reid and TJ Monterde collaboration “Pahinga.”

Other winners include SB19’s John Paulo Nase (PABLO of SB19 / RADKIDZ), who was named Songwriter of the Yearfor his exemplary work on SB19’s Simula At Wakas, the P-Pop powerhouse’s 2025 EP. YARA and Nateman also won Best Remix Recording for “Sabi Ko Na (Remix).”

Aside from bagging major awards, Sony Music Philippines artists also took part in the ceremony’s live performances. Marina Summers brought “Walang Kaba” to the Awit Awards stage, with the track getting nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

Speaking on the label’s strong showing, Maan Atienza, the General Manager of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, said the recognition is a testament to the exceptional talent within the Sony Music Philippines family. “While commercial milestones are important, we believe that true success in music lies in artistic value. These awards reflect our commitment to supporting artists with strong, distinct voices and creative vision while giving them the space to create work that is authentic, game-changing, and inspiring. More than anything, we are proud that our roster of acts are being recognized for the quality, originality, and artistic vision they bring to the industry: something that we champion here at Sony Music Entertainment.”

The 39th Awit Awards took place at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on September 15, 2026. Presented by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry Inc. (PARI), the award-giving body “recognizes the artists, creators, and works that continue to shape the nation’s sound.”

Source: Nyou

Nadine Lustre drops “Donut” MV teaser

The multi-hyphenate star unveils the first glimpse of her visually striking collaboration with Apl.de.Ap

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Multi-hyphenate artist Nadine Lustre has dropped the official teaser for the music video of her latest single, “Donuts,” featuring global hip-hop superstar Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

The nearly 30-second clip offers a first look at an expansive visual world, introducing Lustre as a warrior princess. With creative direction by Lustre herself, the music video reimagines pre-colonial Philippine royalty through a post-apocalyptic lens, creating a world where tradition and futurism collide.

The official music video for “Donuts” is set to premiere on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM, PH time, via Lustre’s official YouTube channel.

“Donuts” marks the acclaimed actress-singer's second musical offering this year, following the widely received first single, “Personal.” The eclectic, hip-hop-driven track was written by Lustre, Andric Ivo Empreso, and Jan Roberts Baloloy, with production by Khalil Atienza, Elijiah Wudz Bitacura, andIsagani Palabyab.

Nadine Lustre’s “Donuts” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Cool Girl Records.

Source: Nyou

AXEAN Festival 2026 draws record crowd, strengthens Southeast Asia’s music connections

The Bali-based conference and showcase powerhouse pulls in over 4,000 attendees across three days of music, discovery, and exchange.

Ndarboy Genk commanding the crowd with their dangdut-infused bops

September 10, 2026 / Bali, Indonesia – AXEAN Festival 2026 wrapped up its latest edition with a strong finish, serving consistency and growth for Southeast Asia’s first intra-regional music showcase and conference festival. Taking place at Jimbaran Hub in Bali for the third time in a row, the Bali-based annual festival brought together a formidable mix of artists, music professionals, delegates, and audiences in a setting designed to foster exchange beyond the traditional conference. More than 4,000 attendees came over the three-day run (including private events), nearly double last year's attendance.

The positive response from audiences and international delegates reflected the festival’s astoundingly diverse reach. According to Piyapong Muenprasertdee (also known as Py), co-founder and co-teamleader of AXEAN Festival, one of the most vital measures of AXEAN’s success was seeing audiences move freely among genres and cultures.

“I love seeing people enjoy music regardless of genre, style, or language,” Py says. “At AXEAN someone might be moshing in a pit one minute and joining a dangdut ring dance the next, which is exactly what happened this year.”

He also emphasized that the festival’s continued presence in Bali has been instrumental to its identity and growth. “Firstly, we had more popular Indonesian artists grace the stage, which attracted a bigger local audience compared to last year,” Py shares. “Secondly, the creative communities here. Through our Bali-based correspondent, Chika, we partnered with Craft Hotel, a new hotel and art gallery in Ubud, and Amplitude, a skate park in Seminyak, to organize pre-event activities, including panel discussions with people from the scene and live music from Balinese artists.”

This year’s edition took pride in its solidified relevance as a platform for discovering, connecting, and championing music from Southeast Asia and beyond. The community-driven spirit in the AXEAN Festival was evident during the performance of Indonesian headliner Ndarboy Genk, whose dangdut, koplo, and Javanese pop repertoire brought audiences together in a communal dance. “That is what we built AXEAN for,” Py adds.

AXEAN’s conference and networking initiatives also proved to be vital in this year’s offerings, upholding its vision to amplify global and synergistic connections through speed meetings, pitching sessions, and panel discussions. The festival enabled participation from industry folks who might otherwise never find themselves in the same conversation. Partner activities included brunches hosted by Sounds Australia, programming by Korea Spotlight by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), and initiatives involving France’s Center national de la musique (CNM).

At the core of its mission, the festival recognized the importance of building spaces for organic, in-person connections. A VIP loungesupported by The Orchard and the closing after-party gave artists and delegates opportunities to connect outside formal meetings.

Beyond the artist- and industry-centered programming, one of the festival’s foremost highlights is the partnership with KEXP, which marked the Seattle-based music platform’s first-ever presence in Asia. AXEAN became KEXP’s first Asian festival partner for its Live at KEXPprogram, with twelve performances by Southeast Asian artists filmed and recorded in two Bali locations: Locca Sea House and Puri Bhagawan.

“Both sit on the Jimbaran cliffs above the sea, and both are run by Jimbaran Hijau, who also run Jimbaran Hub — the grounds where the festival and conference are held,” Py explains in a press statement. “KEXP reaches an international audience that Southeast Asian artists rarely get in front of. This time, twelve of them are now in it.”

While the program structure remained consistent with previous editions, AXEAN Festival enhanced the overall experience for attendees with a Southeast Asian street food hawker center and an arts and crafts area to engage younger attendees and families. Thanks to festival partners Tunecore and Empire, AXEAN Festival mounted a seamless three-stage setup ideal for attendees looking for music across different backgrounds and disciplines.

Next year’s edition intends to build on these gains while gearing towards AXEAN’s bigger purpose: promoting Southeast Asian music and bolstering its presence within the wider Asian music ecosystem. By keeping its place on the regional calendar and collaborating with complementary events across Asia, including a songwriting camp post-festival, AXEAN promises to make music discovery and export a top priority, just like in previous years, but more purposeful and intentional than ever.

“Our long-term vision is to raise the Southeast Asian music ecosystem and strengthen its place within the wider Asian one,” Py says, summarizing the goal.

About AXEAN Festival 

The AXEAN Festival is a prominent Southeast Asian music export platform, combining a music conference and showcase festival.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic by music professionals across Southeast Asia, AXEAN Festival has successfully hosted both virtual (2020-2021) and in-person (2022-2026) events. Over seven editions, it has featured over 290 artists from 23 countries, attracted over 530 delegates from 36 countries/territories, and reached over 46,000 virtual viewers, along with close to 22,000 live attendees.

With its growing international reputation, AXEAN has firmly established itself as Southeast Asia’s leading music export platform. Its first venture into a new market beyond its original home base in Singapore and Bali garnered widespread acclaim among attendees, music industry professionals, and participating artists.

 Source: Nyou

FKJ Unveils Highly Anticipated New Album 'Tyber'; World Tour to Hit Southeast Asia

LISTEN HERE

INTERNATIONAL TOUR TO HIT SOUTHEAST ASIA,
WITH STOPS IN BANGKOK, SINGAPORE, KUALA LUMPUR, HONG KONG & TAIPEI

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Photo credit: Jack McKain

September 15th, 2026 — Acclaimed French multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer FKJ finally unveils 'Tyber', his highly anticipated third studio album. Blurring the lines between electronic music, jazz, soul and live instrumentation, the album captures FKJ at his most expansive and instinctive. Shaped by years of movement, solitude, collaboration and renewal, 'Tyber' draws from the places he has travelled, the musicians he has encountered and an ever-evolving approach to his craft. The album arrives alongside an extensive headline tour, including dates across Asia. Fans can stream the album HERE and buy tickets HERE.

Across the 12 tracks, FKJ brings together piano, drums, saxophone, percussion, bass, guitar, synths and more, using detailed production and electronic manipulation to heighten rather than obscure the feeling of live musicianship at the heart of his work. The result is an album that resists easy categorisation. No two songs occupy quite the same space, but each is unmistakably connected by FKJ's instinct for intricate arrangements, improvisation and texture. Ahead of its release, 'Tyber' was unveiled to fans through exclusive listening parties across the globe, including Taiwan and Indonesia, where audiences were among the first to experience the record.

'Tyber' has been gradually taking shape in the public eye since the release of "Soulmates", with a series of singles introducing different sides of the album and establishing its distinct visual and sonic world. The new album brings together a dynamic cast of collaborators, including Baby Rose, Eryn Allen Kane, Bas, Labrinth, and Lucy Park. Baby Rose joins following a breakout year, including four sold-out nights opening for Olivia Dean at Madison Square Garden. Grammy-winning Eryn Allen Kane, whose voice has been championed by the likes of André 3000, Killer Mike and Prince, features on "I Want U", while Bas reunites with FKJ fresh from a feature on Jungle's new album. Labrinth, the multi-platinum-selling artist, producer and composer, contributes to "Little Little Voice", following the milestone of his hit single "Formula" surpassing one billion streams, and Lucy Park features on "How Much Does It Take To Shift It All", having recently released her new EP via 10K Projects. Each collaborator adds a distinct energy to FKJ's evolving sound, expanding the album into new territory while staying rooted in his instinctive musicianship.

Written and recorded across London, Los Angeles, Paris, Brazil and Mexico, the album reflects the changing environments in which it was made. The visual world surrounding Tyber has developed in parallel. Throughout the campaign, FKJ has released a series of cinematic live films shot in Japan, following him as he performs while travelling through space aboard a spaceship. The films draw on the feeling of FKJ's otherworldly home studio and the ideas that first sparked the album, creating a visual language around the record's themes of movement, transformation and change. Together, the music and films form an interconnected world that gives 'Tyber' a life beyond the individual tracks.

Following the release, FKJ will embark on an extensive headline world tour spanning Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Beginning in October, the run marks the first opportunity for audiences to experience the new album in its full live context, bringing the immersive world of 'Tyber' to life through the dynamic, free-flowing performances that have become synonymous with his name.

FKJ – Asia Tour Dates 2026

November 27th, 2026 — UOB Live — Bangkok
November 29th, 2026 — Arena @ Expo — Singapore
December 1st, 2026 — Zepp Kuala Lumpur — Kuala Lumpur
December 3rd, 2026 — AsiaWorld-Expo — Hong Kong
December 8th, 2026 — Zepp New Taipei — Taipei

FKJ is no stranger to Asia, having built a strong following across the region through a series of acclaimed live performances. He made his Southeast Asia debut in 2016 with an intimate DJ and live performance in Bangkok, followed by a 2017 Asia tour across multiple cities including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as part of his broader breakout run in the region. In 2023, he returned for a major Asia tour with stops in Jakarta, Bali, Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong (Clockenflap), Manila (Wanderland), Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, including several notable sold-out dates that further cemented his status as a consistent draw across the continent.

Over the course of his career, FKJ has earned widespread acclaim for redefining the boundaries of contemporary French electronic music. Often recognised as a pioneer of the New French House movement, he has developed a signature style built around live instrumentation, improvisation, looping and richly layered production. His French heritage remains a defining thread throughout his work, even as his music continues to absorb inspiration from cultures and communities around the world. Beyond the studio, FKJ has cultivated a devoted international following, with over 4.6 million fans across platforms, more than 4 billion global streams, and 2.5 million YouTube subscribers, cementing his reputation for the immersive visual and musical experience of his live performances. An artist whose work exists between timeless musicianship and experimentation, FKJ has built a singular musical world that blurs the worlds of jazz, soul, classical, hip-hop, funk, rock and electronic influences. As a result, his music continues to connect with a global audience drawn to both its technical intricacy and intimate atmosphere.

For FKJ, the album represents another step forward in an already distinctive career. His performances have become an extension of that philosophy, with songs able to evolve organically in front of an audience rather than simply being reproduced as they appear on record.
 

'Tyber' Tracklisting:
1. Journey
2. Clear
3. How Much Does It Take To Shift It All (ft. Lucy Park)
4. Burst (ft. Baby Rose)
5. Leaving
6. Changes Rising
7. Heavy Heart (ft. Bas)
8. I Want U (ft. Eryn Allen Kane)
9. Soulmates
10. Open
11. Little Little Voice (ft. Labrinth)
12. In Heaven

Stream 'Tyber' here
Buy tickets to the tour here
 

More About FKJ & 'Tyber'

'Tyber' is essentially a document of FKJ's self-discovery in the years since releasing 'V I N C E N T': first sinking into the abyss and then ascending back into brighter light than ever before. Stylistically, it's as adventurous as ever, flowing seamlessly through flavours of funk to jazz to rock to alt-pop to R&B. The songs take on myriad approaches, from his most groove-laden material since his debut, to a wealth of more song-focused compositions, through to jazzy instrumentals and sample-heavy tracks. Given its diversity, it's unsurprising to discover that it was crafted as he travelled the world. Each track is like a Polaroid snapshot of part of FKJ's story.

Balance is a recurring underlying theme throughout the record, reflected not only in its sound but also in FKJ's approach to collaboration, centred on artistry, connection and shared creative intent. This era extends into a wide range of recent one-off and external collaborations, including work with Yussef Dayes, JENNIE, Jordan Rakei, DEAN and Sofiane Pamart.

Now 'Tyber' is ready to take flight into the world, introduced through a series of cinematic, arthouse live films shot in Japan, where FKJ performs while travelling aboard a spaceship — a visual metaphor for both his otherworldly home studio and the origins of his creative journey, capturing the evolution traced throughout the record. Plans are also taking shape for live performances, with FKJ's current vision favouring solo shows that best reflect the album's fully self-directed creation.

This continues his exploration of unique, transportive performance spaces, following landmark sets including Cercle's performance at Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, Live From The Greenhouse with Yussef Dayes, and intimate performances from his own tropical home studio environment.

There's also something spiritual about FKJ sharing his story through songs, especially when others can immerse themselves in the 'Tyber' album experience, too. "All these events and places in the journey were essential, like a quest to become a more refined and evolved version of myself," he concludes. "I've listened back to the album over and over, and I still find myself being surprised and getting into a blissful state of mind. I just hope other people can feel the same way that I did while making the album."

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Lampara Books complements Department of Education's ARAL Program through a nationwide search in storytelling competition

Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista is part of the publishing house’s broader literacy efforts while encouraging children to find joy in reading

Lampara Books continues the tradition of promoting reading literacy through Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, a nationwide search for creative young storytellers. The Grand Finals concluded last September 12, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, where the top three finalists competed for the top plum in two separate categories.

Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, is part of Lampara Books’ broader advocacy to improve children’s relationship with reading. The initiative complements the literacy priorities identified by the Department of Education’s ARAL Program, which provides systematic intervention for learners requiring additional support in academic competencies, particularly reading.

Lampara Books has also championed its literacy programs, including Magbasa Tayo! (Marungko Approach) and Let’s Read! (Systematic Phonics). These initiatives form a continuum in Lampara Books’ varied reading advocacies, helping children develop a lasting appreciation for books and literature.

The winners of the Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, were announced during a key segment at this year’s Manila International Book Fair.

Category A (Grade 1-3):

1st Place: Catriona Xia C. Gacutan

2nd Place: Zander Skye H. Saplagio

3rd Place: Ameera Estelle E. Incognito

Category B (Grade 4-6):

1st Place: Czarina Sophia L. Hinanay

2nd Place: Ma. Daniela C. Mejos

3rd Place: Alamela G. Cacho

The finalists were evaluated by a panel composed of multidisciplinary artist and children’s rights advocate Pepot Atienza; storyteller, puppeteer, and professor Melanie Ramirez; UP Diliman creative writing and literature professor Eugene Evasco; UP Diliman Professor of Reading Education and children’s author Portia Padilla; and senior member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association, Csairus John Habla.

Inclusivity and representation

This year’s competition garnered 416 participants from 139 schools nationwide. 45 percent of the participants are from cities and provinces outside the National Capital Region (NCR). By allowing online submissions, Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 enabled children from far-flung communities and metropolitan areas to participate without the logistical challenges of traveling to the capital.

According to Segundo Matias Jr., the co-founder and president of Lampara Publishing House, Inc. (Lampara Books), the participants for this year’s edition stood out for their unique but spontaneous take on the craft. Instead of delivering obviously rehearsed interpretations, many of them approached the material with creativity and spontaneity despite their young age.

“Hindi maikakailang malikhain ang mga bata,” Matias admits, describing the participants’ performances this year as natural and highly creative. He noted that this quality gave the presentations a refreshing rawness, with the children interpreting the material with their own creative flavor.

A national concern

Reading advocacy remains a national concern that needs to be prioritized. Matias emphasized the need to cultivate a new generation of kids who see reading as meaningful, enjoyable, and worth returning to.

As children become increasingly reliant on advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista offers an alternative and sustainable pathway to promote the importance of reading in the modern age. The challenge is not to resist these changes but to ensure that technological progress does not come at the expense of children’s connection to reading. “Ang Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista ay isang inisyatibo para lalo pang matutong magbasa ang mga bata. Hindi tayo dapat magpabaya. Gusto ihatid ng Lampara Books na mas masaya ang pagbabasa, kaya ginawa itong pagtatanghal para lalo pang mapalaganap ang pagbabasa.”

Source: Nyou

Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK & Paledusk from YAO second single "FOR OKINAWA" debuts at #1 on Apple Music Japan

September 14th, 2026 – YAO, the newly formed Japanese music collective bringing together Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK, and Paledusk, has reached No. 1 on Apple Music Japan’s All-Genre Songs Chart with its second single, “FOR OKINAWA”. The track also topped LINE MUSIC’s real-time Top 100 Songs chart and is at no. 18 on the Apple Music global charts, marking a major milestone for the collective just two months after its debut.

Released on September 4, “FOR OKINAWA” has also extended YAO’s reach beyond music, featuring in the Netflix series 'Badly in Love 2', which stars YAO members Awich and Taka of ONE OK ROCK. The placement further connects the collective’s music with audiences across different forms of entertainment. The latest achievements come just two months after YAO made its debut with its first single, “777”, on July 7. With “FOR OKINAWA” becoming a No. 1 hit across two major Japanese music charts, YAO has already achieved a significant milestone with only its second release.

For its latest release, YAO turned toward something deeper and more personal: Okinawa. “FOR OKINAWA” grew out of conversations between the members, particularly around the experiences and perspectives of Awich and CHICO CARLITO, who were both born and raised in Okinawa. With its distinct culture and complex history, Okinawa became the starting point for a wider conversation about how people with different histories, values, and perspectives can understand one another. What began as a song rooted in one place ultimately evolved into something more universal — a reflection on what connects us when we look beyond the differences that often divide us.

While “FOR OKINAWA” begins with Okinawa, its message extends far beyond any single place. It is about understanding where we come from, listening to experiences different from our own, acknowledging different histories and perspectives, and considering the kind of world we want to leave for the next generation. In this sense, the song reflects the philosophy at the heart of YAO, inspired by “Yaoyorozu no Kami” and its belief in coexistence across different identities, values, and perspectives. Different sounds, different histories, different perspectives — not becoming the same, but learning how to exist together.

Listen to "FOR OKINAWA" here

About YAO

YAO is a new collaborative project uniting Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK, and Paledusk. The collective takes its name and inspiration from “Yaoyorozu no Kami,” an ancient Japanese concept that recognizes the sacred as existing in countless forms throughout the world. Rather than being centered around a single absolute belief, the concept has inspired YAO’s own philosophy of coexistence — that different people, perspectives, and values can exist alongside one another without having to become the same.

That philosophy sits at the heart of YAO. Bringing together four artists from distinct musical worlds, backgrounds, and perspectives, the collective embraces their differences as a source of creativity. Awich and CHICO CARLITO have emerged as distinctive voices in Japanese hip-hop, both carrying deep roots in Okinawa; ONE OK ROCK has built one of the most internationally recognised careers in Japanese rock; while Paledusk has developed a boundary-pushing sound from Japan’s alternative and heavy music scene.

Rather than coming together for a conventional feature or one-off collaboration, YAO was created as a collective with its own identity and purpose — exploring what becomes possible when different voices recognise, respect, and build alongside one another. It is a project rooted in connection, coexistence, and the belief that something entirely new can emerge when boundaries are transcended and differences are embraced.

Their debut single, “777,” introduced YAO through an explosive collision of their distinct musical identities, setting the stage for a project that continues to explore the possibilities of creative collaboration.

FOUR ARTISTS. DIFFERENT WORLDS. ONE PROJECT.

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Rol3ert Confirms Debut Album “meet me in my head,” Out October 21, and Reveals Cross-Border Collaboration with UK’s King No-One

(Credit: Exciter Records)

Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert has announced his debut full-length album, “meet me in my head,” arriving October 21, surprising fans by revealing the news live on stage at SUMMER SONIC 2026 TOKYO. The album marks his first-ever release on CD, alongside digital formats. The reveal capped a milestone summer that saw Rol3ert take the stage at both SUMMER SONIC 2026 TOKYO and OSAKA, delivering a 30-minute, full-band set in Tokyo on August 14 before dropping the album news at the very end of the show.

Spanning 14 tracks, “meet me in my head” brings together fan favourites like “savior” and “HOPE” alongside five brand new songs, plus reimagined album versions of “sweet tear” and “say my name.” The result is the fullest picture yet of an artist who has spent the past year and a half building a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world.

PRE-SAVE “meet me in my head” HERE

Album tracklist

1. Done

2. meaning

3. Boy

4. Aftertaste

5. i won’t see you anymore

6. savior

7. Realized

8. Kodoku

9. say my name - album version -

10. sweet tear- album version-

11. With you

12. (how could i be) honest?

13. HOPE

14. dreams

Manchester, UK indie band King No-One unveils “Transgressions” (feat. Rol3ert), out September 11, marking Rol3ert’s first collaboration with a UK band. The track is a standalone single and will not appear on the forthcoming album. “Transgressions” is King No-One frontman Zach Lount’s confessional anthem, where defiance against societal norms collides with the vulnerability found in love and self-acceptance. “Transgressions is an open and honest song about myself and how I never really got along with the normalities in our culture… until I fell in love and stopped resisting society and just accepted who I am,” he explains, inviting listeners to walk the same tightrope between rebellion and reconciliation.

After spending four weeks in Japan in the summer of 2025, King No-One connected with Rol3ert’s team, and the idea for a collaboration came together quickly. Rol3ert agreed without hesitation, and the wheels were set in motion to bring this exciting project to life. Although the two artists have yet to meet in person, completing the track entirely by exchanging audio files remotely, they share a mutual hope of one day meeting and performing the song live together.

For this new version, Rol3ert contributed vocals and new lyrics in Japanese:

届かない痛みの回想に浸ってくだけ, Lost in the echoes of an ache I cannot reach

壊れたままで, broken as I am

置いていかないで, don’t leave me behind

ただここにいて, just stay here

Where Zach arrives at self-acceptance in English, Rol3ert answers quietly in Japanese. And when the two voices melt into the refrain “Baby I belong to you,” the song is reborn as a duet between two solitudes, one in the UK, one in Japan, calling to each other across borders. As the obi-strip artwork, a homage to Japanese record packaging, suggests, this is more than a feature: it is UK indie and Japan’s new generation shaking hands through the music itself.

(Credit: King No-One, Exciter Records)

The album announcement caps a breakout year for Rol3ert. In 2026 he took home the Rising Radio Artist of the Year Award at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026, was selected for Spotify’s RADAR: Early Noise 2026, named one of Japan’s 25 representatives in Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music,” and chosen for SPACE SHOWER TV’s “NEW FORCE.” His single “savior” hit No.1 on the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart in February, and he sold out his headline show at Shibuya WWW X.

His international footprint has grown just as fast, with performances in Seoul, Singapore, and Taiwan, where his solo headline show sold out within three days of tickets going on sale. He now draws listeners from around the world on Spotify, has surpassed 160,000 YouTube subscribers, and videos featuring his music have amassed more than 21 million views on TikTok. His May collaboration with 17-year-old US singer-songwriter Maya, “ROMANTICIZE,” charted at No.20 on local radio in the Philippines.

Rol3ert will celebrate the album with “Rol3ert Live Tour 2026 ‘meet me in my head,’” hitting Osaka’s BIG CAT on November 6 and Tokyo’s Spotify O-EAST on November 12.

STREAM “Transgressions” HERE

About Rol3ert

Born in the United States in 2005 and raised in Japan, Rol3ert debuted in 2025 with a cross-cultural sound blending English lyricism and J-pop-influenced melodies. Over the summer of 2025, he performed at major festivals including FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ‘25 and SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025, and in October was honoured with the Best Breakthrough Artist award at the Tokyo Alter Music Awards.

Following viral covers surpassing 4 million views, he broke through with “(how could i be) honest?” and “savior,” both regional viral hits with over 500,000 Spotify streams in the first month. In 2026, Rol3ert was selected for Spotify Japan’s RADAR: Early Noise 2026, named one of Japan’s 25 representatives in Rolling Stone’s global “Future of Music” project, chosen for “SPACE SHOWER NEW FORCE,” and received the Rising Radio Artist of the Year at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026. Alongside overseas performances in South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, he also performed at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo and Osaka.

With a growing listener base across Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, Rol3ert heads into the second half of 2026 with significant momentum behind him, announcing his debut album meet me in my head and a feature with UK’s King No-One.

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For more information, contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

One of the most influential South Korean rappers Kim Ximya releases 'Dogma', his first full-length album in six years

LISTEN HERE

AND IT'S NOT THE ALBUM YOU THINK YOU'VE HEARD

September 11th, 2026 – Kim Ximya has released ‘Dogma’, his second full-length album and first in six years. The 10-track digital release follows the surprise arrival of a 26-minute video of the same name on September 4, offering fans two distinct ways to experience the project. Fans can listen to the album here and watch the music video here. 

Across all ten tracks, Ximya worked with Sound Supply Service, a label recognised for its innovative and distinctive sound. The project also extends beyond its digital release, with a limited physical edition that takes an unconventional form: a compact listening device with a built-in speaker rather than a traditional CD. From the beginning, it was announced that the physical edition would feature music that differs from the digital release, adding another layer to the listening experience. The edition sold 3,500 copies through pre-orders alone, temporarily selling out at select retailers.

The album’s release follows the premiere of the 26-minute 'Dogma' music video, directed by artist and filmmaker Park Chan-kyong. The film brings together Park’s own paintings and video work with archival footage from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), reworked into a new visual piece for 'Dogma'. 

Kim Ximya - 'Dogma' (Official Music Video)

'Dogma' Tracklisting
1. Me Life & Nothing Else
2. Move My Feet
3. T-H-I-R-S-T-Y
4. It's That
5. 9 Out Of 10
6. HDI HDI HDI HDI HDI HDI 
7. Zulu Love
8. Hanat Dool Set
9. SOTS
10. Keep Counting
 

Listen to 'Dogma' here
Watch the music video here

About Kim Ximya

Kim Ximya, one of modern day’s most influential rappers in South Korea, has been making unprecedented headlines with media giants like the New York Times, Pitchfork, Billboard and BBC Radio.

Known to venture away from traditional sounds, lyrics and song structure, his name first skyrocketed into the public consciousness when he released his debut EP ‘KYOMI’ under the collaborative duo name XXX alongside producer FRNK. Across their releases 'KYOMI', 'LANGUAGE', and 'SECOND LANGUAGE', the duo blurred the boundaries between music, visual art, and contemporary culture. Their collaborations with French animator Mattis Dovier earned Vimeo Staff Picks, coverage from VICE and Animation Magazine, and screenings at film and music festivals around the world and also helped opened a new avenue for Korean hip hop to elevate and expand into the West.

XXX's music also attracted international critical attention from major news outlets globally. 'LANGUAGE' and 'SECOND LANGUAGE' received Pitchfork scores of 7.3 and 7.5 respectively, making them among the highest-rated Korean albums reviewed by the publication at the time. In 2019, XXX won Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song at the Korean Music Awards and joined experimental hip-hop group Injury Reserve as support on their North American tour.

Outside of XXX, Kim Ximya has continued expanding his solo catalog through releases including 'Moonshine', 'DOG', 'Bundle 1', and 'w18c', further establishing himself as both a rapper and producer. His collaborators have ranged from Beenzino, CL, Crush, and Jay Park to Cautious Clay and French producer Simo Cell, while his songwriting has also appeared on releases by BTS's V and NewJeans. 

Across these projects, Kim Ximya has consistently occupied a space where underground experimentation, electronic music, and contemporary pop intersect without fully belonging to any one scene. Today, he is one of the most sought after, go-to artists for features and other collaborations.

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James Reid released third studio album, "Honey, I'm Home"

With the 10-track album, the artist finds meaning in love, presence, and embracing who he is

After years of exploring sound, identity, ambition, and the many directions an artist can take, James Reid arrives at a place that feels less like a destination and more like a state of being safe and sound with his third studio album, “Honey, I'm Home,”released under Sony Music Entertainment.

The new record treats home not as a sanctuary one spends a lifetime searching for, but as a feeling of being fully at peace with who you are and the people you choose to share your life with.

“Honey, I’m Home is obviously something you say when you walk through the door, but for me the idea of home became much bigger than a physical place,” Reid explains. “I think I spent a lot of my life looking for something, chasing success, experiences, relationships, trying to become a certain version of myself. And this project came from realizing that maybe home isn’t a place you eventually arrive at. It’s that feeling of being completely present and comfortable with where you are, who you are, and who you’re with.”

James Reid’s newly found perspective runs deep through the tracks, exploring romance, life, vulnerability, surrender, and intimacy through quieter moments where connections feel most meaningful in their stillness. On Honey, I’m Home, the multi-hyphenate superstar turns his attention to details that often go unnoticed: being in the living room with someone, feeling understood, and finding the safety to let one’s guard down.

For an artist who has spent much of his career looking forward toward the next achievement, experience, or version of himself, the songs emerged from a contrasting realization: perhaps nothing was missing after all. “What if nothing is actually missing?” Reid reflects. “Maybe I just wasn’t home?”

Instead of elaborate wordplay or lyrics meant to impress, Reid’s ten-track release relies on nuanced simplicity and honest songwriting. He wanted the words to sound conversational, like something he would genuinely say to another person.

The Palm Dreams hitmaker adds, “It feels warm and easy on the surface, but there’s something deeper underneath if you pay attention.”

Sonically and production-wise, Honey I’m Home draws from Reid’s appreciation for R&B and soul while expanding the template to incorporate funk, soft rock, yacht rock, and classic pop influences. Despite its warmth and character, the project doesn't try to recreate the past. Instead, Reid embraces familiar textures and reframes them through his contemporary sensibilities.

“I wanted it to feel warm, soulful, organic, and lived-in,” he says. “I love the warmth and style of older records, but I wasn’t trying to make a retro album. It was more about taking those textures and making them feel like me now.”

Instead of going for an overly polished direction, Reid and producer Luke April, who produced most of the EP, intentionally welcomed imperfections and organic movement for the record’s sound design. They left parts unquantized to the beat, preserving the subtle timing variations that give live music its much-needed humanity.

The EP also marks Reid’s most collaborative project to date, with Arthur Nery, Luke April, and ISSA each contributing distinct musical identities to the record. Rather than bringing collaborators into the project simply for the sake of collaboration, Reid approached each partnership with the intention of letting artists contribute what he couldn't achieve alone.

On “All Night,” Nery’s wispy R&B vocal style complements the song’s nocturnal atmosphere, adding dimension to its beat switch. April’s laid-back rap and R&B flow bring an irreverent, carefree energy to “Sunny side,” while ISSA’s sultry, textured vocals create an unexpected yet natural contrast with Reid’s clean and precise singing on “On My Way.”

The album’s exciting arc also expands through “Sunny Side,” “Blessed,” and most importantly, “Indiana,” which offers one of the project’s most intimate glimpses into Reid’s life. While the former two tracks contribute to the album’s warmth and sense of gratitude, “Indiana” takes the singer-songwriter/producer’s sentiment somewhere personal: into Reid’s experience of becoming a future father. The song captures the immense love he already feels for his child before their arrival, expressing a kind of anticipation that is at once tender, vulnerable, and unconditional. In the context of Honey, I’m Home, “Indiana” conveys the record’s central idea of discovering a sense of home in the people and moments that give life its deepest meaning.

For what it’s worth, James Reid’s new album, Honey, I’m Homerepresents a different kind of emotional maturity in Reid’s discography. It shows an artist who appears increasingly comfortable with his own creative instincts: less concerned with proving himself or conforming to a particular sound, and more willing to follow what feels honest.

“I think this is probably the most comfortable I’ve ever sounded in my music,” Reid shares. “A lot of my older projects were me exploring and figuring out what kind of artist I wanted to be. With this one, I don’t feel like I’m trying to prove anything or chase a certain sound. It just feels more instinctive.”

Check out the Honey, I’m Home track list:

1 Honey I'm Home (Intro)

2 Attention

3 All Night feat. Arthur Nery

4 Traffic

5 Sunny Side feat. Luke April 

6 Blessed

7 Indiana

8 Richest Man Alive

9 On My Way feat. ISSA 

10 Unbecoming

James Reid’s new album, Honey, I’m Home is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

IV OF SPADES searches for something real with new single “Isang Pag-ibig”

The band delivers an emotionally candid track about seeking genuine connection and learning that sincerity does not always promise love in return

Filipino alternative quartet IV OF SPADES releases “Isang Pag-ibig,” out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

The track explores the search for genuine connection while acknowledging a very painful truth: giving everything you have may not be enough to make someone love you back.

Sonically, the song embraces a no-frills approach. Built around jangly guitars, a simple three-chord progression, and a straightforward four-piece band arrangement, “Isang Pag-ibig” carries the loose, immediate quality of the period in which it was written. Its simplicity is part of its appeal, allowing the sentiment to come through clearly.

The track also signals an exciting period of renewed creativity and productivity for the band, hinting at a potential body of work to come.

The release arrives amidst a splendid year for the band, career-wise. Following their reunion in late 2025, Unique Salonga, Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, and Badjao de Castro continued their winning streak with a nationwide tour, high-profile appearances, award recognitions, and upcoming international dates—all while breaking streaming records and landing at the top of the charts.

The band’s Andalucia Tour 2026 extended its reunion-era momentum outside of Manila, with stops in Davao City, Santa Rosa, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, and Baguio. From there, the group will also take its music to North America in October, with confirmed performances in the USA and Canada. Their return has likewise earned multiple nominations at several award-giving bodies, including two People’s Choice nods at the Filipino Music Awards 2026 and multiple nominations at the 39th Awit Awards.

Their resurgence has also sparked renewed interest in their earlier work, “Kabisado,” which has earned nearly 80 million streams on Spotify alone. To date, it has peaked inside the top 10 of the Spotify Philippines Daily Chart and at No. 6 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100. That renewed attention reinforces the scale of their comeback.

Nearly a decade after it was written, IV OF SPADES’ “Isang Pag-ibig” turns back the clock without simply reverting backward. A song written at the beginning of their story now finds its place in a different chapter of their personal life and career.

IV OF SPADES’ “Isang Pag-ibig” is out now on all digital streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The music video is also out now on IV OF SPADES’  YouTube channel—watch it!

Source: Nyou

TEN Announces Release New Double Singles “OUTWEST” and “IRL”

PHOTO COURTESY: ILLIMNT

LOS ANGELES, CA – Hot on the heels of announcing his first solo U.S. showcase tour, TEN is set to release a new double single “OUTWEST” and “IRL on September 4 at 12:00 AM EST. This marks his first musical release since co-founding ILLIMNT, a global creative company and IP hub. These tracks officially launch a new chapter in his career, representing the first project he has overseen from end to end.

“OUTWEST” reaches outward, blending hip-hop, tech house, and R&B into an innovative, genre-bending sound. In contrast, “IRL” turns inward toward everyday life, serving as an energetic, bright ode to the community that has supported him throughout his ten-year career. TEN served as a songwriter on both tracks, signaling his new role as a director of his own artistic path. Listen to “OUTWEST" and “IRL" here.

TEN will bring his full musical catalog to the stage for his upcoming 14-city U.S. tour. The journey kicks off in Seattle and will travel through Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago, among others, before concluding with a grand finale in New York.

Full details on tickets and the tour are now available on official channels. 

Fans are encouraged to follow TEN’s social media platforms for the latest updates. You can view his full U.S. Showcase dates below.

TEN (10) U.S. SHOWCASE TOUR DATES

October 17 Seattle, WA

October 18 Portland, OR

October 21 San Francisco, CA

October 23 San Diego, CA

October 24 Los Angeles, CA

October 26 Phoenix, AZ

October 28 Houston, TX

October 29 Dallas, TX

October 31 Minneapolis, MN

November 1 Chicago, IL

November 3 Atlanta, GA

November 6 Baltimore, MD

November 8 Boston, MA

November 10 New York, NY

About TEN

TEN is a Thai artist best known as a member of WayV, NCT, and SuperM, and as the co-founder of the label ILLIMNT. Renowned for his elite performance skills, musical depth, and striking visual presence, he is now pursuing an independent solo path under ILLIMNT, carving out his own distinct lane in the global music scene.

Multilingual in Thai, English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, TEN has established himself as a global figure. He currently serves as a global ambassador for Saint Laurent and has graced the covers of leading publications including ELLEMEN Fresh, GQ Thailand, Esquire Singapore, Harper’s Bazaar Men, Flaunt, and more.

His discography includes his debut mini album TEN, his second mini album STUNNER, and his Japanese mini album Humanity. The title track “STUNNER” became the most-listened-to song on the Spotify Thailand chart in 2025, earned multiple wins on Korean music programs such as Music Bank, The Show, and Inkigayo Hot Stage, and was named Spotify Thailand’s Top Song of the Year in 2025. He also received the Best Choice Award at the 2024 Asia Artist Awards. His accumulated music streams exceed 460 million, with his music videos surpassing 35 million views. Lifetime streams with his groups are over 620 million, with more than 617 total chart entries.

TEN continues to build an exciting slate of projects as he enters the next chapter of his solo career.

TEN SOCIALS

Instagram TikTok| Spotify 

ILLIMNT SOCIALS

Instagram | X 

TEN OFFICIAL SOCIALS

Instagram | X  

For all inquires on TEN, please contact:

Mark Bonifacio | blackstar PH

mabuhay@blackstar.space

Rising Artist Paco Pastor Debuts New Single “Keep It Moving”

Paco Pastor for “Keep It Moving”

[LINK TO PR KIT]

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Manila-based 19-year-old artist Paco Pastor officially releases “Keep It Moving,” a single and music video out on September 4. The release marks Pastor's debut under indie label Offshore Music.

Inspired by the act of moving forward despite the odds, Paco Pastor wrote “Keep It Moving” as his own rendition of the term “this too shall pass,” connecting his personal struggle from when he initially started to pursue his passion for creating music, refining his creative identity, and trying to garner listeners all on his own. “At the time, I wasn’t validated for my art in music at all, and I was just an independent creator. To be recognized by a label, have a manager willing to put up with my schedule, and have praise from people after I get off stage means so much,” the artist shared, feeling grateful.

Keep It Moving official Art by Ana | @ana_gxm

This year, Paco Pastor signed with Offshore Music, an artist-run Philippine label, and joined Waddle House Manila, a local, newly launched artist management collective.

​In “Keep It Moving,” the pop performer stayed true to the song’s message by using dancing as its central image, reflecting the feeling behind the track: “It’s a funky feeling that keeps you moving,” and that is precisely what Paco Pastor wants everyone to feel when listening to his music. “I was lost in the sauce,” he said of the song’s production, noting that he finished the track in an hour. “Because of how quick-paced the song is, I knew it had to be about dancing somehow. So instead of writing lyrics that spoke in a literal sense, I translated the feeling of resistance and persistence into lyrics about dancing.”

Right now, Paco Pastor is in the phase of finding his audience by putting his music out into the world through social media and live gigs. For this new track, he hopes it reaches listeners looking for a little optimism in their lives and that “Keep It Moving” leaves people feeling positivity against any looming despair and uncertainty.

Follow Paco Pastor on all social media platforms for gig updates. Stream “Keep It Moving” now on all digital streaming platforms! 

                              About Paco Pastor  

At just 19 years old, singer-songwriter Paco Pastor may be a fresh face in the music scene, but he is no stranger to the craft. His passion for music—particularly soul—began at a young age and has since evolved into a deeply personal creative journey. Taking a hands-on, self-produced approach, Paco writes, records, and shapes his own sound, building a discography that is both authentic and distinctly his own.

In 2025, Paco released his debut single, "There Somehow," followed by his four-track EP, Gotta Be, featuring heartfelt songs such as "Talking to the Moon." He also showcased a softer, more intimate side with the warm and tender Christmas track, "Hey Dear," further highlighting his versatility as a songwriter and producer.

In 2026, Paco Pastor signed under Offshore Music PH and released his debut single “Keep It Moving” in September of the same year. 

Paco Pastor Socials:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/14kfaCrrZhk/

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/ppacopastor?igsh=NWNyMjY1amtrcjYx

YT: https://youtube.com/@pacopastormusic?si=05xYIW_NZcioM8dP

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@ppacopastor?_r=1&_t=ZS-98PBfe0S00r

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBknkAqiWOVPBQSwcCd1K?si=kaXMmyIqQcG6O949GcJtDw&utm_source=copy-link

Source: Nyou

Kasabian Ninth Studio Album Act III Out Now

Announce Winter 2026 UK Arena Tour

Photo Credit: Neil Bedford – Download image here

“'Act III' is a decisive, ruthless album, emblematic of the band's prolific nature" - DIY

"a blast of guitar-heavy festival-ready rock." - NME

“distorted basslines, huge riffs, swagger and psychedelic edge” - Clash Magazine 

Act III, draws together glam-rock stomp, psychedelic textures, towering riffs, swirling synths, bold beats, and melodic immediacy." - Songwriting Magazine

Kasabian has released their 9th studio album, Act III, which includes the pulsating four to floor banger and dance pit ready festival anthem ‘Nothing Better Than This’, the explosive single ‘Great Pretender’ and the synth-driven kaleidoscopic ‘SUPERPOWERS’.

Fresh off the back of a monumental show at Leeds Festival last weekend to a crowd of 90,000, as well as a sold-out headline date at Finsbury Park, Kasabian have announced a run of UK arena tour dates in December 2026.

Known for their high-energy, raucous live shows the band kick off the five date arena tour at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Friday December 11th, followed by dates at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Utilita Arena in Cardiff, The O2 in London and conclude with a date at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday December 19th. The band will be joined by very special guests The Vaccines. 

Kasabian play the following UK headline arena dates on the Nothing Better Than This Tour: 

December

Fri 11th                        Birmingham, Utilita Arena

Sun 13th                     Glasgow, OVO Hydro

Wed 16th                   Cardiff, Utilita Arena

Fri 18th                        London, The O2

Sat 19th                      Manchester, Co-op Live

The band’s 9th studio album, with their last 7 all going straight in at #1 in the UK Official Album Chart, Act III was produced by Serge Pizzorno and Mark Ralph at The Sergery and Club Ralph. Draped in Serge’s instantly recognisable hazy vocals, the album is 10 tracks of guitar-driven, psyche-infused pop and 3 interludes. Packed to the brim with hooks and a strong dose of swagger, the album cements Kasabian as one of the UK’s most essential bands of the 21st century. A culmination not just of the last six years with Serge at the helm, but Kasabian’s entire career, the album looks forward while taking aspects from the band’s earliest days with a visceral raw energy.
Kasabian are: Serge Pizzorno, Chris Edwards, Ian Matthews and Tim Carter.

https://www.kasabian.co.uk/

 Source: Sony Music

Nadine Lustre and Apl.de.Ap bring the heat with “Donuts”

The Cool Girl Records release takes the pop star’s sound into darker, grittier hip-hop and R&B territory

Manila, Philippines – Following the well-received comeback of “Personal,” Nadine Lustre teams up with Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas in “Donuts,” a sleek blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B released under Cool Girl Records.

Narrated by the commanding voice of Francis Brew of The Dawn, with haunting choir ‘oohs’ in the background, the track moves into a sonic battlefield of 808s, clever lyricism, and gritty dissonance.

“Donuts” stands in stark contrast to the polish and pop sheen of Nadine’s previous single “Personal,” while still retaining the attitude and candor that defined her earlier releases. She drops her rap-sung lines over retro-futurist production, backed by drums that sound like the stomps of a platoon march. The track shows her suave side effortlessly, pushing her sound toward a more urban direction.

Adding another layer of star power to the mix is Black Eyed Peas’ own Apl.de.ap, whose eclectic presence stands out on the track. The Pampanga-born rapper also delivers a powerful Taglish verse, showing how far he has come while still representing his roots by proudly referencing the historic Datu of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, and rapping about taking control of one’s destiny.

“Donuts” is written by Nadine Lustre, Andric Ivo Empreso, and Jan Roberts Baloloy, with production by Khalil Atienza, Elijiah Wudz Bitacura, and Isagani Palabyab. The anthemic, dignified track serves as the second installment in a string of singles, appearing to lead toward a bigger project by the multi-hyphenate star.

The award-winning actress, businesswoman, and pop star had earlier expressed her enthusiasm for working with Apl.de.ap in an Instagram post last September 5, 2026. She posted, “A little surreal making music with a legend, @apldeap. D O N U T S out on all platforms.”

Nadine Lustre’s “Donuts” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Cool Girl Records.

Source: Nyou

Pax Pineda shines a human light on Marcelo H. Del Pilar at new Ayala Museum exhibit

The Hong Kong-based Filipino curator reframes the national hero’s legacy through family, sacrifice, and the personal cost of patriotism

Exhibition curator Pax Pineda at the Marcelo: The Man Behind The Hero press con/opening held last Friday, Sept 4, 2026, at the Ayala Museum Ground Floor

Manila, Philippines – At 17, Pax Pineda takes an introspective approach to Philippine history, looking beyond the socio-political contributions of his great-great-great-grandfather, Marcelo H. Del Pilar,to understand the man who made extraordinary sacrifices for his family and country.

Through his debut exhibit, MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar), Pineda turns his attention to the human cost of Del Pilar’s patriotism. The exhibition runs from September 4 to October 18, 2026, at the 2F Lobby of Ayala Museum’s Diorama Experience Gallery.

According to Pineda, the project was conceived to examine Del Pilar outside of his legacy in the history books. “Often, history books shroud our heroes behind a dense wall of specific publications, dates, and political actions,” he says. By examining Del Pilar through family, personal loss, and sacrifice, Pineda hopes visitors can understand the humanity behind the historical figure.

Pineda’s perspective is informed by his unusual position as both descendant and researcher. While his family connection gives him a personal stake in the story, he approached the curation as an objective historical inquiry, balancing familial passion with rigorous research to keep the exhibition historically sound and grounded in facts.

“In traditional classrooms, Lolo Marcelo might at times appear as a static figure on a page—someone who did good things for his country but lacked qualities we can relate to,” Pineda explains. “This exhibition aims to strip away that historical mystery and introduce the actual character of the man. I want visitors to see that, despite his profound, enduring love for his wife and daughters, he was willing to sacrifice his happiness. He sacrificed the comforts of family life for a slim chance at building something beautiful: the very nation we inherit today.”

Beyond foundational materials such as Dasalan at Tocsohan and La Solidaridad, the exhibit also features personal letters that reveal Del Pilar as a loving, involved father to Sofia and Anita despite the thousands of miles separating them. For Pineda, these documents challenge the idea that his absence represented a lack of love. Instead, they present a loving man who endured poverty, isolation, and homesickness in the hope of securing a better future for his children and homeland.

The exhibition also places Del Pilar’s sacrifices in a more extensive contemporary context. As a Filipino growing up in Hong Kong, Pineda sees parallels between his ancestor’s life abroad and the experiences of Filipinos in the diaspora today—people who live far from their families while working toward better lives for those at home.

Ultimately, Pineda hopes the exhibition encourages younger Filipinos to see history through sympathy rather than memorization. “Young people might not relate to editing a reformist newspaper, but they absolutely understand love, homesickness, and standing up for what is right,” he says.

MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar) is co-presented by the Ayala Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

About the curator

Pax Pineda is a 17-year-old Filipino high school senior at the ESF South Island School in Hong Kong. He has been deeply interested in history, particularly American history, from an early age. His interest first came when he and his family traveled to the U.S. for a vacation and spent 24 hours in Washington, D.C. Over the last few years, he has become increasingly interested in Philippine history, especially in the life and work of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, who is his direct great-great-great-grandfather.

Pax has nurtured his love for history for more than a decade, be it through writing about it in his spare time, reading numerous history books, or, currently, through a passion project with the Ayala Museum—a pop-up exhibit on Marcelo H. Del Pilar. College plans include majoring in history at a university in the US. In his free time, he is an avid footballer and has played for years in Hong Kong's highest youth football division. He also enjoys running, watching sports, video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Source: Nyou