SOCIAL MEDIA

Kai Buizon captures the magic of romantic serendipity in new track “Milagro”

Sunday, April 13, 2025


Rising Filipino singer-songwriter Kai Buizon captures the wonder of unexpected connection in her latest single, “Milagro,” out via Sony Music Entertainment. So surprising yet profound, it feels like a miracle.

Co-written by Kai Buizon and her mother, Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon, the bossa nova-inspired track explores a love so unforeseen it feels almost supernatural. It delicately weaves a story of romantic serendipity, capturing the feeling of finding a love that feels like a rare blessing—one that brings a sense of safety and acceptance never felt before.

Buizon explains that the song speaks to someone who has never experienced love quite like this before. “When they finally find a love that makes them truly accepted in ways they never imagined, it does feel like a miracle,” she shares.

The lyrics draw inspiration from the Japanese concept of Koi No Yokan, which describes “the feeling upon first meeting someone that you will inevitably fall in love with them” or a more patient, intuitive version of love at first sight.

“It’s like having a hunch upon hearing the first few seconds of a song that you’re gonna love it,” Buizon adds. “That’s why in Milagro, even though the lyrics narrate the beginning of the connection as an initial attraction, it makes sure to say that the actual part of falling in love happened slowly. As the lyrics go, unti-unting umibig din.”

Buoyed by syncopated rhythms, lighthearted jazz arrangements, and sweet vocals, “Milagro” channels the influence of bossa greats João Gilberto and Astrud Gilberto while also embracing the modern indie aesthetics of Ginger Root and The Marias. Additionally, the promising young act cites Juan Tizol & Duke Ellington’s work “Caravan” as a sonic reference, pointing out how its subtle mix of warmth and nostalgia brought a different side of her, both as a vocalist and as a storyteller.

Interestingly, the song’s production took an unexpected yet organic turn when Raki Natividad, who Buizon invited to do the guitar solo, composed something entirely different from what was on the demo track. “My producer Rau Layug and I ended up liking the new solo so much that we decided to embrace the bossa-nova vibe throughout the rest of the track,” the artist explains.

During production, Rau Layug recorded himself scraping the surface of his wallet with a brush to evoke a scratchy percussive sound, adding a unique dimension to the overall appeal of the track.

Kai Buizon shares that Rau was such a joy to work with, complementing his Midas touch on the material. “I’ve always admired Rau for being talented in the mixing and mastering department,” adds Buizon.

Kai Buizon’s “Milagro” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the lyric visualizer on her official YouTube channel.
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Lace Up, Explore, Empower: "Takbo Para sa Turismo 2025" Invites You to Run for the Philippines!


Go out and enjoy the outdoors for a cause! The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) has partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT), for "Takbo Para sa Turismo" – a unique fun run which celebrates the Philippines’ beauty, while highlighting tourism’s important contribution to the company’s economy. To be held in Manila's iconic Quirino Grandstand on April 26, 2025, “Takbo Para sa Turismo” isn't your average race, it’s a call to action, inviting runners of all backgrounds to become tourism ambassadors by supporting the event.


Choose your challenge: 3K, 5K, and 10K, all three categories provide a rewarding test of endurance while showcasing the city's iconic landmarks.

"Takbo Para sa Turismo is a vibrant movement, a testament to the power of tourism to uplift communities," says Ms. Florence Rivera, National President of NAITAS. "Takbo Para sa Turismo is more than just a race; it’s a movement that highlights the importance of tourism in our country’s economy. By joining this event, runners will not only invest in their health but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of local tourism.”

A portion of the event's proceeds will be channeled directly into local communities, fueling tourism projects that create opportunities and preserve the unique character of the country’s many destinations.

Ready to run and support local tourism?

Sign up now for "Takbo Para sa Turismo 2025" and:

● Experience the thrill of the race.
● Discover Manila's iconic landmarks in a whole new way.
● Join a community of passionate tourism advocates.
● Directly support local communities and their tourism initiatives.

HOW TO REGISTER:

Interested participants can register online via: naitas.ph/takbo
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Born on April 22? Tokyo Tokyo has a special treat for you!

Saturday, April 12, 2025


Tokyo Tokyo, one of the Philippines’ most prominent JaPinoy restaurants, is proudly marking its 40th anniversary this coming April 22, 2025—and what’s a milestone without a little surprise?

For four decades, Tokyo Tokyo has delighted Filipinos with its signature dishes, from its famous Tempura and Beef Misono to its iconic Red Iced Tea. As the brand reaches this incredible milestone, it recognizes that its success is deeply rooted in the loyalty and support of their customers.

To make this celebration even more special, Tokyo Tokyo has something exciting in store for those who share the same birthday. Anyone born on Apr 22, 1985 is in for a delicious birthday surprise—a free a la carte Beef Misono bento meal available at any Tokyo Tokyo store nationwide.

“Our journey wouldn’t be possible without our customers. As we mark our 40th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible support and love we’ve received through the years. You have made us a part of your lives, and this milestone is just as much yours as it is ours,” said Ghena Austero, Tokyo Tokyo’s marketing director.

And it doesn’t stop there. For those celebrating their birthday on April 22, any year except 1985, Tokyo Tokyo celebrates with them by offering a free Sumo Red Iced Tea with any bento meal order.

To avail, simply present a valid government ID with your birth date at any Tokyo Tokyo branch on April 22, 2025, strictly from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM only.

What are you waiting for? If you or someone you know is either turning 40 or turning a year older on April 22, don’t miss out—come celebrate a special birthday treat with Tokyo Tokyo.

For more details, follow Tokyo Tokyo’s official social media pages @tokyotokyophilippines on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.


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Ace Banzuelo explores the hopeful, more meaningful side of love in “Kilala”

Friday, April 11, 2025

Ace Banzuelo

 
The track sets the tone for his new era in music

Ace Banzuelo examines the beauty of fleeting yet profound connections in his new single “Kilala,” released under Sony Music Entertainment.

A dreamy, melancholic pop track, “Kilala” revels in romantic longing: those heart-fluttering moments that often escape definition. In Ace’s universe, love doesn’t always require shout-from-the-rooftops kind of admission or grand declarations. Sometimes, it lingers in the quiet, unscripted moments that leave imprint long after they pass.

“You may not realize it, but it could be love,” he adds. “This song is about not wanting to lose someone you know you have a great connection with. A lot of people can relate to this.”

Set against a backdrop of minimal guitars, gentle synths, and electronic flourishes, “Kilala” delivers a vocal performance that is bright and hopeful, yet punctuated with emotionally incisive tone. The song proves that Ace thrives in the contemporary pop music realm, exercising his potential as a future visionary.

The Muli act speaks fondly about the creative process behind his new song, emphasizing his hands-on approach to songwriting and production. “I mixed real and digital percussive elements on this track and recorded with a new guitar. It’s my new baby, I love it so much. Kilala is one of the new songs I wrote and recorded in my new place/studio as well. I’ve been enjoying the view and making songs in that room.”

Having previous explored themes of heartbreak and missed connections, Ace is ready to embrace a different approach to songwriting, one that delves with the intricacies of love and emotional awakening. “Kilala” serves as a prelude to a new chapter in his release cycle, where he aims to channel these sentiments through his signature brand of alt-pop storytelling. It’s also his first release of 2025, which marks the beginning of his “love song” era.

“I’ve been coming out with a lot of heartbreak songs since my Red era,” admits Ace. “This time, I want to release songs that explore the softer, more optimistic side of love.”

Ace Banzuelo’s “Kilala” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The track’s visualizer will be out today at 7 pm.


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A Wickedly Grand Easter Celebration and Holy Week Dining Delights at The Manila Hotel

Friday, April 4, 2025

The Manila Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a season of reflection, culinary delights, and family-friendly festivities with a carefully curated lineup of Holy Week and Easter events, as well as special dining offers this April. From a magical Easter celebration to a spiritual Visita Iglesia pilgrimage, along with dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, and M Takeout, there is something for everyone to experience.

Easter at the EGGmerald City


Families are in for a wickedly fun Easter at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Inspired by the whimsical world of Wizard of Oz, Easter at the EGGmerald City will transform the venue into an emerald and pink-colored wonderland filled with activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake making, arts and crafts, egg decorating, a magic show, balloon twisting, a musical, and much more. Hotel mascot Willy the Bear will make a special appearance, ready to meet junior guests and pose for photos.

“We are thrilled to host a truly unique Easter celebration this year, bringing the wicked world of Oz into reality for the spectacle for our junior guests,” says Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories together in a fun and magical atmosphere.”

Tickets for Easter at the EGGmerald City is priced at Php 1,999 net, which includes admission for one child (12 years old and below) and one adult companion (13 years old and above).


For families seeking to extend fun, The Manila Hotel offers a special room package at Php 10,000 net inclusive of an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast buffet for two persons at Café Ilang-Ilang, and one complimentary ticket to Easter at the EGGmerald City. Booking period is ongoing until April 19, 2025. Stay date is on April 20, 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Numbers FTEB-217902 and FTEB-217877. Series of 2025.

Visita Iglesia: A Holy Week Pilgrimage

In the spirit of Lenten reflection, The Manila Hotel invites guests to join a meaningful Visita Iglesia tour on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. The tour will be led by The Traveling Salakot, Paul John Hernandez, a social science educator known for his engaging historical tours that highlight Filipino heritage. Recognized by the Department of Tourism and National Parks Development Committee, The Traveling Salakot brings deep insight into the significance of each church along the route.

Visita Iglesia will include visits to Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Santa Rita Chapel, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Church, Santa Maria Goretti, Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, and Our Lady of Remedies Church.

Priced at Php 1,500 per adult and Php 750 per child (12 years old and below), the package includes roundtrip shuttle service and snacks. Two schedules are available: 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Limited slots are available, and reservations are recommended through +632 8527 0011 or concierge@themanilahotel.com.


For a complete Holy Week retreat, guests can avail the Visita Iglesia Room Offer at Php 10,000 per room per night, which includes a stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast for two at Café Ilang-Ilang, and Visita Iglesia tour access for two adults and two kids. Reservations are open until April 16, 2025 through +632 8527 0011 or resvn@themanilahotel.com, with stay dates from April 16 to 18, 2025 inclusive.

Pampanga Food Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang

Back due to popular demand, the Pampanga Food Festival returns to Café Ilang-Ilang from April 1 to 15, 2025, showcasing the rich flavors of Kapampangan cuisine. Lunch and dinner buffet will feature a rotating selection of beloved regional dishes including Pako Salad, Sisig, Batuteng Tugak (stuffed frog), Sipo Egg, Pritong Itik, Suam na Native Mais, Kalderetang Bibe sa Gata, Adobo Balut, Bringhe, Tibok Tibok, Turrones de Casoy, and more.

Lenten Specials at The Manila Hotel


Observing solemnity of Holy Week, The Manila Hotel presents a special Lenten Menu at the Lobby Lounge, available until April 20, 2025, featuring a selection of flavorful meat-free dishes: Easter Salad, Barley Vegetable Soup, Salmon Carbonara, Shrimp Pesto Pizza, and Norwegian Salmon Fillet.

For those preferring to observe the season at home, M Takeout offers a Lenten Home Buffet, featuring traditional and seafood-based dishes including Green Mango and Singkamas with Bagoong, Tuna Kinilaw with Gata, Escabeche Maya-Maya, Halabos ng Hipon, Inihaw na Lumot, Rellenong Alimasag, Kilawing Puso ng Saging, Vegetable Pancit Bihon with Tokwa, and Steamed Rice. Available from April 1 to 30, 2025, this set is priced at Php 4,880.

For further inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.


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Taiwanese band The Chairs to headline this year’s edition of All Of The Noise 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025


Taiwanese indie pop trio The Chairs are set to headline this year’s edition of All Of The Noise (AOTN), a two-day music and culture event taking place at Astbury Makati on April 4-5, 2025.

Returning to the Philippines for the second time, the Taipei-based trio will be performing a special set for their Filipino fans, who expressed their excitement hearing The Chairs’ brand of ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired psych pop in an intimate live setting.

Known for their evocative songwriting that straddles between “somber love poems” and “joyful, laid-back summer anthems,” The Chairs have carved out a distinct space in the global indie music landscape, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. With four critically acclaimed albums to their name, the band’s artistry has been recognized with Best Group honors at the 30th Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan's most prestigious music accolade.

The Chairs will share co-headlining duties with an eclectic lineup of international acts, including Thai alt-pop band KIKI, Singaporean hip hop artist San The Wordsmith, and Indonesian experimental electronic act Logic Lost. Other performers spread across two days include Manila-based acts ena mori, SOS, Pedicab, Waiian, obese.dogma777, Cheeky Things, Pette Shabu, Pixie Labrador, SVATG, and Fashion Island; Cebu-based acts Mandaue Nights, IIICCCYYY, and Novocrane; as well as the debut performance of Paul Yap (UDD) and Mario Consunji (Musical O)’s collaborative music project Double Shy.

All Of The Noise 2025 is presented by The Rest Is Noise PH (TRIN), a music curation and events production outfit based in the Philippines. Known for its fearless commitment to music discovery, cross-cultural dialogue, and creative networking, TRIN is expanding AOTN's programming in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Beyond its stellar live music lineup, AOTN 2025 will offer a diverse array of multi-format activities, including music-themed documentary screenings, panel discussions, and keynote presentations in the morning and afternoon, followed by a live music showcase each evening. The event will also feature a special exhibit titled welcome to the static, featuring the work of Karen De La Fuente, a prominent music photographer based in Manila.

All Of The Noise 2025 is also supported by its international and local community partners AXEAN Festival, SRM, Filla Killa, Coast2Coast, GNN, Nyou, Winery PH, Greenwich, Guevarra’s, Flying Lugaw, Ateneo Musicians’ Pool, and UP Music Circle.

Ticket Details

Tickets are available via https://bit.ly/aotn2025 with the following packages:

PHP 800 – Day 1 (access to April 4 program – Friday), inclusive of all programs
PHP 800 – Day 2 (access to April 5 program – Saturday), inclusive of all programs
PHP 1,400 – 2-Day tickets (access to Days 1 & 2), inclusive of all programs
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SOS Memorializes Maturity In Highly Anticipated Sophomore Album, ‘It Was A Moment’


The second full-length album sees the band’s contemplative departure from the coming-of-age ‘Whatever That Was’ era


The highly anticipated sophomore album of SOS, It Was A Moment, is finally here.

Following the release of the carrier single, “Yumi & The Apocalypse” earlier this month, SOS’s latest 11-track project is characterized by the band as a complete departure from their beloved debut album, Whatever That Was, released in 2017. Whereas its predecessor is more reactive and immediate, It Was A Moment is lighter and less fussy in many ways, removing the proverbial chip on the shoulder. Technically, it’s as exacting as one can expect from the group—more sonically expansive and experimental, primarily thanks to the beautifully added sheen of synths and keys to classic SOS anthemic guitars—but thematically, It Was A Moment sees members Seña, Andrew, Anjo, King, and Ram become more deliberate spectators of others as much as themselves (“employing the ‘art of noticing,’” Seña remarks) while keeping the interior feel and unfading anxieties of Whatever That Was.

Of the shift in tone, Andrew explains, “Whatever That Was is a product of constant road-testing and weekly bar shows that shaped the performances of the tracks upon recording. It Was A Moment is more like a lab experiment.” King describes it as a reflection of “transitional stages” of their lives—entering into their 30s, with bigger worlds and more responsibilities. This also marks the band’s first full-length release since the addition of Ram in 2023.

The album includes four previously released singles, “Seryoso” and “Please Lang” (the only two Tagalog-language songs in the band’s discography so far), “Roses” and long-time fan-favorite “Amore” (which was finally released in October last year), as well as the carrier single, “Yumi & The Apocalypse.”

SOS continues to contend with weariness in “I’m Kidding” and “Money” while fighting off cynicism in “Yumi & The Apocalypse” and “It’s History.” Meanwhile, relationship woes become more bearable with faith in “Love Kept Us Warm,” but “French Exit” makes the case for knowing when to call it quits. While these binaries are broader, album closer and standout track “It Was A Moment” was described as “a love letter to SOS fans.” While it contains lyrical and sonic callbacks to past SOS eras, the title track dovetails the enduring appeal of the older SOS catalog with more adventurous production—and earns its longer runtime. It’s the kind of grownness that never punctuates, just evolves.

Following the album release, SOS is set to hit the road (and continue writing, according to Ram). “We’re planning on touring the album around Metro Manila first and we’ll probably have a few shows outside if time permits! We just want to share our journey as SOS and hopefully have the album resonate to people who need to hear our new songs,” shares King.

It Was A Moment was recorded at the band’s Bavarian Studios in La Union, mixed and mastered by Cholo Hermosa of 15D Studio Mix (“Please Lang” was mastered by Chris Gheringer), with vocal engineering by Eric Trono. Vocals recorded at Careless Complex, drums for “Amore” and “Love Kept Us Warm” recorded at Kwarto Studios. Trumpet on “Yumi & The Apocalypse” was performed by Kiddo Cosio.

It Was A Moment tracklist:

1.Amore
2.Roses
3.I'm Kidding
4.It's History
5.French Exit
6.Money
7.Please Lang
8.Seryoso
9.Yumi & The Apocalypse (carrier single)
10.Love Kept Us Warm
11.It Was A Moment

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