<\/p>\n
PODCASTING in the Philippines is entering a new phase defined by sustained audience growth, fan communities, and creator-owned brands built for the long term. This year, The KoolPals <\/i>and Dear MOR<\/i> received Spotify\u2019s Creator Milestone Award, a global recognition program honoring their journey and performance. Evaluated quarterly, the global award recognizes the shows that build consistent, returning audiences over time. Other podcasts recognized by the program include Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett<\/i> and Critical Role<\/i>.<\/p>\nSponge Cola, Gigi De Lana collaborate on single<\/h2>\n
OPM BAND Sponge Cola and artist Gigi De Lana have released their first collaborative single, \u201cNaghihilom.\u201d Alongside the track is an official music video. It is about healing and the quiet, complicated aftermath of heartbreak. The track is anchored by Sponge Cola\u2019s signature alternative rock sensibility, unfolding through textured instrumentation and a slow-burning arrangement, with Gigi De Lana\u2019s restrained yet deeply felt vocal performance. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.<\/p>\n
BABY Panchi or Punch, a macaque living in Japan\u2019s Ichikawa Zoo, captured the world\u2019s hearts after being rejected by his mother at birth and forming an emotional bond with an orangutan soft toy, IKEA\u2019s Djungelskog. To pay homage to this, IKEA Philippines has launched Project Panchi Akap Pabalik<\/i>, where up to P1 million from soft toy sales this April and May will be donated to support key social and environmental causes. For every soft toy purchased during the campaign period, P50 will go toward IKEA\u2019s initiatives in partnership with the Better World organization.<\/p>\nThe Ransom Collective drops first release in 4 years<\/h2>\n
OPM band The Ransom Collective has returned with a new single, \u201cTongue Tied,\u201d their first official release after a four-year hiatus. The bossa nova-infused indie pop track aims to be \u201ca gentle reopening of a well-worn photo album: familiar, warm, and unexpectedly alive.\u201d According to the band, the song draws inspiration from the simple but profound feeling of becoming \u201ctongue-tied\u201d in the presence of someone new. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.<\/p>\n
THIS March, the Quezon Club at Solaire Resort North is bringing 1990s Original Pilipino Music icon Radha Cuadrado back into the spotlight. Known as the powerhouse vocalist of the R&B and hip\u2011hop group Kulay, Radha will be performing nostalgic favorites such as \u201cBurn,\u201d \u201cVibestation,\u201d and \u201cChapter What?!\u201d. The shows, set for March 18, 20, 25, and 27, will run from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Tables can be reserved at quezonclub.com<\/i>, or via 8888-8888 and snrestaurantevents@solaireresort.com<\/span>.<\/p>\n FILIPINO celebrity James Reid has dropped a new music video for his latest single, \u201cTraffic,\u201d released under Careless Philippines and Sony Music Entertainment. Caught in the gridlock of Metro Manila, the video finds Reid driving around, visibly stressed and tired, yet holding on to the thought that the moment, like traffic itself, will soon pass. The music video was helmed by Jonathan Tal Placido of Philippine-based production house Toothless, with creative direction by Issa Pressman. It marks the singer\u2019s first official 2026 single.<\/p>\n VISA and RCBC are bringing two-time Grammy-winning artist Laufey closer to her fans in the Philippines through an exclusive concert ticket presale for RCBC Visa credit cardholders for her upcoming A Matter of Time Tour<\/i>. RCBC Visa credit cardholders can access selected ticketing platforms until March 10, 10 a.m. Laufey will perform in Manila for two nights on May 26 to 27 as part of her Asia Pacific tour, where Visa serves as the Official Payment Partner.<\/p>\n GRAMMY award-winning artist Shakira and rising Colombian star Be\u00e9le have released their new track \u201cALGO T\u00da<\/i>.\u201d Produced by A.C., Flambo, Shakira, and Be\u00e9le, the track is out now via Sony Music Latin\/5020 Records. Their range of styles blend on the track, delivering a Latin and Afro-fusion song with a nod to autochthonous instruments such as the Colombian gaita<\/i> (pan flute), evoking the city of Barranquilla where both Shakira and Be\u00e9le were born. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.<\/p>\n AUSTRALIAN home and lifestyle brand Anko is hosting free in-store activities and dropping an affordable Easter collection. Every weekend from 2 to 5 p.m., Anko Club parents can treat their kids to Easter coloring sessions across all Anko stores. Little artists who post their work on social media will receive an exclusive Easter goodie bag. Digital copies of the coloring sheets are also available for free download from Anko\u2019s website. Anko will also have a face painting activity at the Glorietta Activity Center on April 4 and 5.<\/p>\n AFTER taking a year-long hiatus from releasing music, singer-songwriter Lags has marked his return with the new single \u201cPansamantala<\/i>.\u201d Currently managed by GLXY Talent Management and signed under Universal Records, he expresses the painful reality of loving someone who ultimately chooses their past over the present in an acoustic ballad. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.<\/p>\n BRITISH-Norwegian pop band A1 is set to perform for their Filipino fans once again, in Cebu on Oct. 16 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, and in Manila on Oct. 17 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. Following their successful Valentine\u2019s tour in the same cities in February 2025, the group, consisting of Paul Marazzi, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read, and Ben Adams, will return to deliver the soulful harmonies of \u201cLike a Rose,\u201d \u201cEverytime,\u201d and \u201cHeaven by Your Side.\u201d With more than five visits to the Philippines under their belt, A1 has evolved from international idols into honorary locals. Tickets for both shows officially go on sale on March 13, 12 p.m., via SM Tickets & TicketNet.<\/p>\n THE fourth studio album of British pop star Harry Styles, KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. <\/i>is out now on all digital music streaming platforms. It marks his first music release since 2022\u2019s record breaking album, Harry\u2019s House, <\/i>which was named Album of the Year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. The new 12-track album was written by Mr. Styles and executive produced by Kid Harpoon via Erskine\/Columbia Records.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nJames Reid releases music video about traffic<\/h2>\n
Visa, RCBC offer ticket presale for Laufey concert<\/h2>\n
Shakira, Be\u00e9le collaborate on new single<\/h2>\n
Anko reveals Easter event lineup<\/h2>\n
Lags returns with new single<\/h2>\n
A1 announces return to Manila in October<\/h2>\n
Harry Styles releases new album<\/h2>\n