Paham explores the complexities of young, modern love in self-titled debut album

Monday, February 3, 2025

Paham

The 12-track release serves as a love letter for a new generation of listeners

Five-piece “harana pop” outfit Paham has dropped their self-titled debut album today via Sony Music Entertainmentand Off The Record. The 12-track record invites listeners into a whimsical journey of love, resilience, and hope, woven together with themes that speak directly to the heart.

From the excitement of finding someone special to the trials that test its endurance, Paham captures the raw emotions and uncertainties of modern relationships. Each track is a heartfelt chapter in a larger narrative, navigating the complications and complexities of life and romance in the 21st century. 

“The inspiration behind Paham comes from our personal experiences,” the band shares in a collective statement. “We wanted to offer listeners a window into our journey, to make them see the world through our eyes, and to share our story as Paham.”

From tender ballads to anthemic pop-rock numbers, Paham is a personal letter set to music: straightforward yet brimming with sincere emotions. Shiny on the surface but layered with depth, the album effectively captures the zeitgeist of today, complemented by some of the strongest, most infectious melodies this side of contemporary pop.

“Our songwriting process evolves alongside cultural shifts,” the band explains. “We stay attuned to the conversations people are having, so when we release music, our audience can truly connect with it. It’s a challenge for us to maintain consistency, as we want every track to offer something unique in sound and emotion.”

At its core, the album serves as a refuge for anyone who feels lost and vulnerable. “We want our songs to speak to listeners, no matter what they’re feeling—whether it’s sadness, insecurity, or moments of doubt. Our music is for everyone, wherever they are in their own emotional journey.”

One of the standout tracks on Paham is the reimagined version of the band’s viral hit “Hiraya,” now retitled “Hiraya (Haharanahin Kita).” The new rendition features a subtle orchestral arrangement that adds an elegant touch to the song, elevating it to a more romantic, wedding-worthy ballad. 

“We wanted to give a more refined, graceful take on the song that felt like a celebration of love,” Paham explains. “It’s our way of making the song even more romantic and timeless.”

With over two million streams on Spotify and more than 11,000 videos shared on TikTok and Instagram, “Hiraya” has become an unstoppable anthem of love and longing for a lot of music fans.

Paham, the debut album from the band of the same name, is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Off The Record.
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Battle of the Champions: 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition lights up SM MOA

Thursday, January 30, 2025

12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

The night sky over SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is set to come alive with breathtaking colors and music as the 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) takes center stage at the iconic Seaside Boulevard starting February 15, 2025.

As the longest-running pyrotechnic competition in the Philippines, the PIPC has earned its reputation as a premier event that mesmerizes audiences from around the globe. This year, eight of the world’s top pyrotechnic teams, including reigning champions, will dazzle spectators with their explosive artistry in a bid to claim the coveted title of pyro supremacy. 


For five consecutive Saturdays, from February 15 to March 15, guests will be treated to a spectacular showcase of light and sound, where every burst of fireworks is synchronized with music, creating a symphony of color and emotion.

Against a backdrop of awe and excitement, Germany's Steffes Ollig Feuerwerk is declared the winner of the 11th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at SM Mall of Asia by the BAY last year.

Here’s the full competition schedule:

Date

Country

Team

February 15

Philippines

Platinum Fireworks Inc. (Opening Exhibition)


Austria

SteyrFire

February 22

France

Luxfactory Fireworks


China

Polaris Fireworks Co. Ltd.

March 1

USA

Rozzi Fireworks


Germany

Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke

March 8

South Korea

Faseecom


United Kingdom

Pyrotex Fireworx

March 15

Canada

Royal Pyrotechnie


Philippines

Platinum Fireworks Inc. (Closing Exhibition)



Guests can choose from a variety of seating options to best enjoy the dazzling pyrotechnic displays:

February 15, 22, March 1, and March 8:

Patron: P3,000
VIP: P800
Gold: P500
Silver: P200

March 15 (Grand Finale):

Patron: P3,000
VIP: P1,000
Gold: P600
Silver: P250

Tickets are available at the official 12th PIPC Booths inside SM MOA. Here are the locations: 

Level 1, North Entertainment Mall (In front of IMAX) 
Level 1, South Entertainment Mall (In front of Toby's Sports)
Level 1, South Main Mall (In front of Charles & Keith)
Level 1, South Main Mall (In front of Panda Express)
Level 1, South Entertainment Mall (In front of Haidilao)
Level 3, South Main Mall (In front of Macao Imperial)

Tickets are also available at all SM Ticket outlets and via the SM Tickets website.

Don’t miss the chance to experience a stunning display of lights, music, and emotions. Mark your calendars and join us at SM MOA for a world-class event that will light up your evenings and create memories to last a lifetime.

For more information on exciting SM Supermalls events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.


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Tate McRae releases “Sports Car,” off her upcoming new album, So Close To What

Monday, January 27, 2025

Tate McRae Sports Car


Her highlighly anticipated album drops on February 21, 2025

Multi-platinum pop sensation Tate McRae is set to release her highly anticipated third album So Close To What on February 21st via RCA Records. Through unfiltered lyricism and raw emotions, So Close To What represents the journey of growing up when the road ahead feels infinite and the destination increasingly elusive. It’s an introspective exploration of self-discovery, love, and searching for balance in moments of uncertainty. Pre-save HERE.

Today, Tate releases her irresistible new song “Sports car” alongside the official music video. It’s written and produced with hitmakers Ryan Tedder (Taylor Swift, BeyoncĆ©), Grant Boutin (Meghan Trainor, One Republic) and Julia Michaels (Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa).

The provocative video is directed by Bardia Zeinali (Sabrina Carpenter, Troye Sivan) and styled by Brett Alan Nelson (Doja Cat, Karol G). It follows Tate as a viewer into her own dynamic world intertwined with high fashion moments and different characters. In a society that is constantly watching and judging, Tate becomes the observer and takes back control. Through her perspective, we are immersed in a powerful interplay of style and identity, where fashion becomes more than just clothing— it’s the canvas for her evolving identity. Each look tells a story, reflecting a different persona she embodies. Check out Vogue’s exclusive first look of the video HERE.

“Sports car” follows “2 hands” and “It’s ok I’m ok” which hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart and earned the star her highest-debuting song of her career on the Billboard Hot 100.

In March, Tate will embark on her world ‘Miss Possessive Tour’ spanning South America, Europe, UK, and North America. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on March 18th in Mexico City at Pepsi Centre, with shows in SĆ£o Paulo, London, Amsterdam, Prague, New York, Nashville, and many more before wrapping up in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum on September 26th. Benee will be joining as support on all Europe and UK dates while Zara Larsson will join Tate across all US and Canada dates.

‘Miss Possessive Tour’ 2025 Dates:

Tuesday, March 18 - Mexico City, Mexico - Pepsi Centre
Saturday, March 22 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Lollapalooza Argentina*
Sunday, March 23 - Santiago, Chile - Lollapalooza Chile*
Tuesday, March 25 - Santiago, Chile - Teatro Coliseo
Thursday, March 27 - Bogota, Colombia - Estereo Picnic*
Saturday, March 29 - SĆ£o Paulo, Brazil - Lollapalooza Brazil*
Wednesday, May 7 - Lisbon, Portugal - MEO Arena
Friday, May 9 - Madrid, Spain - Palacio Vistalegre
Monday, May 13 - Stuttgart, Germany - Schleyer-Halle
Wednesday, May 14 - Antwerp, Belgium - Sportpaleis
Friday, May 16 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena
Saturday, May 17 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena
Monday, May 19 - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Tuesday, May 20 - London, UK - The O2
Friday, May 23 - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Saturday, May 24 - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Tuesday, May 27 - Paris, France - Accor Arena
Wednesday, May 28 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome
Friday, May 30 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal Arena
Sunday, June 1 - Stockholm, Sweden - Avicii Arena
Tuesday, June 3 - Hamburg, Germany - Barclays Arena
Wednesday, June 4 - Berlin, Germany - Uber Arena
Friday, June 6 - Lodz, Poland - Atlas Arena
Sunday, June 8 - Vienna, Austria - Wiener Stadthalle – Halle D
Tuesday, June 10 - Prague, Czech Republic - O2 Arena
Wednesday, June 11 - Munich, Germany - Olympiahalle
Friday, June 13 - Bologna, Italy - Unipol Arena
Monday, June 16 - Koln, Germany - Lanxess Arena
Wednesday, June 18 - Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Monday, August 4 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena
Tuesday, August 5 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena
Thursday, August 7 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place
Saturday, August 9 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre
Wednesday, August 13 - Saint Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
Friday, August 15 - Chicago, IL - United Center
Saturday, August 16 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena
Tuesday, August 19 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena
Wednesday, August 20 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena
Friday, August 22 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre
Sunday, August 24 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
Tuesday, August 26 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
Wednesday, August 27 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
Friday, August 29 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Sunday, August 31 - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena
Wednesday, September 3 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
Thursday, September 4 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
Saturday, September 6 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center
Tuesday, September 9 - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena
Thursday, September 11 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
Saturday, September 13 - Orlando, FL - Kia Center
Sunday, September 14 - Orlando, FL - Kia Center
Tuesday, September 16 - Austin, TX - Moody Center
Thursday, September 18 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
Saturday, September 20 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena
Wednesday, September 24 - San Francisco, CA - Chase Center
Friday, September 26 - Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum
Saturday, September 27 - Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum

*Festival

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Zedd Returns to Manila for &FRIENDS Festival

Friday, January 24, 2025


Prepare for an unforgettable celebration of pop culture and music as &FRIENDS Festival makes its debut in Manila, bringing together the world’s top creators and music artists on May 30 to June 1, 2025 in ParaƱaque.

Kicking off its star-studded lineup of guests is Grammy Award-winning artist Zedd. Known for chart-topping hits like Clarity, Stay, and The Middle, Zedd’s highly-anticipated return to the archipelago will be an unforgettable moment for fans in the Philippines.

The festival kicks off with &FRIENDS Music Night - Day 1 in the evening of May 30 – featuring a night of live EDM performances headlined by Zedd. &FRIENDS Music Night - Day 2 is set to follow the evening after on May 31 – boasting a variety of pop, rap and EDM acts alike, with its own headliner to be revealed soon.

Throughout the daytime of May 31 and June 1, the spotlight shifts to fan favorite creators, packed with events such as meet-and-greets, exclusive stage activities, interactive panels, and pop-up merchandise booths. The complete festival lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, promising even more surprises leading up to the festival.

“&FRIENDS as a brand is a celebration of modern pop culture as a whole – gaming, music, lifestyle… and the creators and communities surrounding them,” says Justin Banusing, CEO of Clout Kitchen, the organizers of &FRIENDS Festival. “The Philippines is one of the epicentres of fandom in the world, and it just made sense to kick-off the brand here in the country where we started.”

Tickets go on sale in early February 2025. Visit andfriends.live for updates and announcements.
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Crossover J-Pop superstar KENSHI YONEZU debuts “Plazma”, theme song to the new film Mobile Suit Gundam Gquuuuuux - Beginning

Wednesday, January 22, 2025


Global J-pop superstar KENSHI YONEZU releases “Plazma,” a new single and the official theme song to the latest installment in the iconic Gundam franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-. The track features electrifying vocals from Yonezu alongside high-tempo synths and electronic rhythms to match the vibrant universe of the mecha and their epic space battles. Today’s track is the latest in a string of prolific theme songs by Yonezu following his contributions to Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, the Final Fantasy XVI video game, and his global hit theme for the Chainsaw Man series.

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX -Beginning- premiered in a total of 426 theaters, including IMAX® theaters in Japan on January 17th, as a re-edited version title comprised of some of the episodes. The TV anime is scheduled to premiere later on in 2025 worldwide. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX -Beginning- is already a huge hit, grossing over 598 million yen (3,829,801 USD) at the box office and drawing over 350,000 viewers in just 3 days, hitting the top of the X trends chart for the entire day, with many enthusiastic comments being posted, waiting for the release of Yonezu’s new song “Plazma”. Today, along with the song release, a new promotional reel is out on official Gundam YouTube channel.

“Plazma” is a song written, composed, and arranged by Yonezu. The cover art is drawn by Yonezu himself, as an illustration of Amate Yuzuriha (Machu) and Nyaan, two of the main characters of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX -Beginning-. Yonezu announced the release of “Plazma” on the opening night of his 2025 Japanese tour, performing the new song live and giving fans an exclusive preview of the unreleased track. Rounding out a massive 2024 that included the release of his sixth studio album LOST CORNER, Yonezu kicks off 2025 with an extensive run of Japanese tour dates before gearing up for his first-ever run of international dates across Asia, Europe and the US, with stops at New York City’s world-famous Radio City Music Hall and Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater.


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Singapore F&B expert Andrew Tan brings global flavors to Araneta City’s World Kitchens

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Andrew Tan

Meet the man who helps bring the world’s best dishes to Metro Manila’s newest dining destination

Get ready to embark on a world-class culinary journey as World Kitchens, the newest and most exciting dining destination, opens its doors soon at Araneta City’s Gateway Mall 2.

Inspired by the comfort food of the world, WORLD KITCHENS is a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind 5-star dining destination created by Singapore’s food and beverage guru Andrew Tan Hock Lai. With 15 show kitchens and international chefs specializing in unique cuisines, this giant full-table-service restaurant offers a variety of international dishes at affordable prices. Serving great food at a single table, and using AI technology for seamless ordering, World Kitchens redefines dining as a global culinary experience.

He is highly regarded for his expertise in crafting menus tailored to the unique themes and requirements of specific events, as well as the refined tastes of prestigious guests. His meticulous attention to detail and culinary artistry have earned him opportunities to curate extraordinary dining experiences for some of the world's most distinguished figures. Among them are Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, the UK's Prince Andrew, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, and Japan's Emperor and Empress.

Tan is also renowned for his pioneering efforts in infusing technology into the F&B industry, particularly at Singapore's Colours by the Bay. He introduced innovative wireless systems with table-side ordering through handheld devices, self-service kiosks for personalized and convenient ordering, and payment solutions for faster and more secure transactions. By integrating technology to customize guest preferences and enhance loyalty programs, he set a new standard for blending innovation with hospitality.

"Keeping with times is not good enough. A restaurant must be well conceptualized and creatively designed with an infusion of arts to engage and to evoke the emotions of the audience,” Tan explained.

On making World Kitchens

His latest endeavor, the 2,544-square-meter World Kitchens, embodies his passion for creating dining experiences that are innovative, inviting, and designed to bring people together. Fifteen show kitchens, each helmed by international chefs, serve a medley of dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of every corner of the world.

“I love to eat, and I know how hard it is sometimes to decide what to order when you’re at a restaurant. That’s how the idea for World Kitchens came to life. Whether you’re traveling, dining with family, or out with friends—everyone has different tastes. You can order from different kitchens and enjoy exactly what you’re craving. It’s all about making dining an experience everyone can enjoy together,” Tan shared.

At World Kitchens, authenticity of taste is important as it is at the heart of every dish. He believes that food should transport diners to the places that inspired it, offering a culinary journey like no other.

“We want to invite everyone to experience World Kitchens, where every dish takes you on a journey. When you eat Japanese food, it’s like dining in Japan. When you try Italian, it’s prepared by an Italian chef just for you. Even our Filipino dishes are made by the best of the best, ensuring every meal feels truly special,” he explained.

True to Tan’s innovative thinking, World Kitchens showcases a seamless fusion of tradition and technology. It introduces a quick and effortless way to order from all of its kitchens with just a few swipes and taps on your phone, ensuring that every dining experience is not only delicious but also delightfully convenient. His vision elevates the dining experience and provides a culinary atmosphere that combines comfort with sophistication.
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TheKoolPals Bar: Metro Manila’s newest entertainment hub merges stand-up comedy and live podcast recording

Monday, January 13, 2025


The KoolPals continues to spread the gospel of stand-up comedy with the launch of their newest entertainment and live podcast hub. The powerhouse comedy ensemble has officially unveiled The KoolPals Bar, a go-to destination for comedy fans who are looking for an exciting blend of live performances, interactive podcasts, and world-class dining.

For the folks behind The KoolPals, the concept of opening their own place has always been a dream. “Ever since we started our group, we have always dreamed of having our own bar,” admits James Caraan, one of the founding members of the group. “The podcast has played a huge role in promoting stand-up comedy, and it’s amazing to see how it has helped us achieve this dream. Now, we have a venue where we can expand our reach and share our humor with even more people.”

A Collective Vision

The KoolPals Bar isn’t just another comedy venue; it’s the realization of a collective vision by The KoolPals’ dedicated hosts and their loyal fans. Key to its creation was JJ Tan, the Managing Director of Century Park Hotel Manila, who helped provide the space to build this comedy sanctuary. Together with the five hosts of the acclaimed podcast, who have brought the comedy scene to new heights, the bar is set to become a place where both fans and comedians can truly connect.

“The fans who believed in us have been a major driving force in making this happen,” Caraan adds. “The KoolPals Bar is a place to showcase our comedy, where everyone can enjoy a laugh and experience something unique in Manila’s entertainment scene.”

The KoolPals Bar sets itself apart from contemporaries as it is the only venue in the Philippines that offers both a live podcast studio and a comedy bar all in one place. Guests will not only get to watch live recordings of The KoolPals, the popular comedy podcast, but they will have the chance to enjoy the best of local Pinoy stand-up comedy, featuring the genre’s finest performers.

“This is a comedian’s playground,” says GB Labrador, one of the pioneering members. “It’s a space where good food, drinks, and comedy come together. It’s where people can relax, laugh, and make memories.”

Partnership with Century Park Hotel Manila

Collaborating with Century Park Hotel Manila ensures that The KoolPals Bar provides more than just laughter and entertainment. The food and service meet international standards, delivering an unforgettable dining experience to complement the show.

Although The KoolPals is known primarily for stand-up comedy, The KoolPals Bar is setting the stage for a diverse range of comedic experiences. The venue has already launched a new format with the Noontime Show, airing every Sunday at 4 PM, filled with fun games and unfiltered humor. This show is also broadcast live via Facebook and YouTube, allowing fans worldwide to tune in.

Big Plans for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, The KoolPals is gearing up for an exciting year. A nationwide tour will bring their live shows to cities across the Philippines, including Pampanga, Baguio, Cebu, and more. The tour will culminate in the recording of their very first comedy special, which they hope to stream on global platforms in the near future. As for the podcast, they are working on securing top TV comedians as guests in response to fan requests.

Apart from the tour, The KoolPals has teamed up with Arcade Film Factory, one of the leading production teams in the Philippines, to help create their first-ever comedy special. Directed by the award-winning Marius Talampas, the special will showcase the best of Filipino humor that could rival even their foreign counterparts.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Arcade Film Factory for this project,” shares Labrador. “They believe in our comedy, and with their expertise, we’re confident that our special will be not only funny but also world-class. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a groundbreaking year.”

Reflecting on 2024, The KoolPals celebrate their growth from humble beginnings. Caraan reveals, “We started recording in a small room with equipment we bought from Raon. Now, we have our own studio and bar, which is a dream come true. Winning Spotify’s Best Comedy Podcast in the Philippines after over 750 episodes is another huge milestone for us. The community we’ve built has been incredible, and we’re excited to see where 2025 will take us.”

For The KoolPals team, the journey is just the beginning. “Whatever show you come to watch at The KoolPals Bar, whether it’s a live podcast recording or a stand-up show, it will always be funnier than the last one,” Labrador promise.


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