‘Unheard Voices’ Brings Six Ghost Stories to Makati Stage on November 8

‘Unheard Voices’ Brings Six Ghost Stories to Makati Stage on November 8

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

The original monologue reading will feature stories by seven independent writers, with performances scheduled at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Kontempo Community Studio.

Six ghosts gathering for a Halloween party set the stage for Unheard Voices: Original Monologues, an independent theater production scheduled for November 8 at Kontempo Community Studio in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati.

Presented by The People Diary, the stage reading will explore the lives, struggles, and experiences of six individuals before their deaths through original monologues written by independent writers.

The production will feature two performances on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The event is co-presented by Kontempo Community Studio, Ayala Circuit Makati, and Ayala Foundation Inc.

Colorful costumes put a different spin on stage readings

Unlike conventional stage readings, which often use minimalist black attire, Unheard Voices will feature bold, colorful costumes as part of its presentation.

The production also draws on drag as a form of self-expression and creative exploration, using visual elements to complement the stories performed onstage.

Through the six characters, the production aims to bring lesser-heard personal narratives into a shared theatrical space, encouraging audiences to reflect on the lives and experiences behind each story.

Veteran theater practitioner directs production

The show is directed by Prof. Romualdo “Ronie” M. Protacio, an educator and cultural worker with more than 40 years of experience in the arts.

Protacio has worked as a theater director, actor, and writer for stage, film, and television, as well as a professional singer. He has also served on national cultural committees and conducted workshops on theater, leadership, and the arts.

He is a faculty member at the University of Makati and a former executive director of its Center for Curriculum and Materials Development.

Seven independent writers contribute original monologues

The production features writing from seven contributors with backgrounds spanning creative writing, journalism, medicine, music, communications, and the arts.

The writers are:

Miguel Louie B. de Guzman, a development worker based in Quezon City and an MA Creative Writing student at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Mavs Alviar, a writer, dramaturg, and performance-maker from San Pedro, Laguna.

Ann Figueroa, a music producer and composer whose work includes scoring for television, including GMA Network.

Ella Mae Masamayor, an internist-endocrinologist and published writer whose work includes contributions to Inquirer Young Blood, Rx Narratives, and Santelmo 7.

Catherine Orda, a Quezon City-based writer and editor whose work has appeared in Rappler, CNN, and Inquirer, as well as fiction anthologies.

Janelle Capiral, a communications and marketing strategist and creative.

Myra Ho, a former finance professional who now works as a creative, portraitist, and writer while pursuing an MA in Creative Writing at UP Diliman.

According to the organizers, the monologues were written out of the contributors’ passion for storytelling, with the project creating a platform for voices outside mainstream theater channels.

The People Diary stages its debut production

Unheard Voices marks the first stage reading production of The People Diary, which developed from a human-centered narrative blog into a collective of independent writers.

The group aims to create opportunities for independent writers and performers through stage readings that encourage empathy, dialogue, and community connection.

The production will be held at Kontempo Community Studio, a creative engagement space at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati that hosts programs, performances, and talks. The venue is part of the development toward Kontempo – Center for Contemporary Art, Philippines.

The event is supported by Azuthai Thai Restaurant and the University of Makati’s Collective Arts of Students and Thespians (CAST). Makeup partners are Mayette Bucatan, @miki_makes, and Eldy Aquino Beauty. OhOhLeo.ph is the media partner.

How to watch ‘Unheard Voices’

The monologue reading will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Kontempo Community Studio, Ayala Malls Circuit Makati.

Matinee: 2 p.m.

Gala: 6 p.m.

Venue: Kontempo Community Studio, Ayala Malls Circuit Makati

Interested theatergoers can reserve seats through the official ticket registration form.

Unheard Voices: Original Monologues offers audiences an opportunity to experience original storytelling through a theatrical format that brings together independent writers, performers, and visual expression.

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Live-Action ‘Moana’ Sets Disney+ Philippines Premiere on October 21

Live-Action ‘Moana’ Sets Disney+ Philippines Premiere on October 21

Friday, October 16, 2026

Moana and Maui are heading back to the ocean as Disney’s live-action Moana arrives exclusively on Disney+ Philippines on October 21, 2026, bringing the beloved island adventure to family movie nights with new visuals, familiar songs, and a new musical number.

Ready to journey beyond the reef again? Disney’s live-action Moana is bringing the story of the courageous wayfinder to streaming, giving Filipino audiences a chance to experience the adventure with a new cast and a live-action take on the world first introduced in the animated film.

Catherine Lagaʻaia stars as Moana, while Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the larger-than-life demigod who joins her on a mission to restore prosperity to her people.

The film begins streaming exclusively on Disney+ Philippines on October 21, 2026.

What Is the Live-Action ‘Moana’ About?

Set on the island of Motunui, the story follows Moana as she answers the Ocean’s call and ventures beyond the reef for the first time.

She teams up with Maui on a journey that takes them across the ocean as they work to restore prosperity to her community. Along the way, the adventure explores courage, identity, friendship, and the connection between people and the natural world.

The live-action adaptation revisits the story that made the original animated Moana a favorite among families, while bringing its characters and island setting to life in a new format.

Who Stars in Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’?

The film features two central performances:

Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana: The young wayfinder who ventures beyond the reef to help her people.

Dwayne Johnson as Maui: The demigod who joins Moana on her ocean voyage. Johnson reprises the role he voiced in the original animated film.

Johnson’s return gives the character continuity between the animated and live-action versions, while Lagaʻaia takes on the lead role in this new interpretation.

‘How Far I’ll Go’ and Other Songs Return

Music remains a major part of the Moana experience. The live-action film features familiar songs, including “How Far I’ll Go” and “I Am Moana,” alongside a new song titled “Along The Way.”

For families who enjoy singing along during movie night, the soundtrack is one of the familiar elements carried into the live-action adaptation.

The combination of recognizable music, ocean adventures, and new performances gives viewers a fresh way to revisit the story.

Why ‘Moana’ Remains a Disney Favorite

The original animated Moana has continued to attract viewers through its themes of self-discovery, family, and responsibility to one's community.

Disney says the animated film has accumulated more than 1.5 billion hours streamed globally on Disney+, making it the platform’s most-watched movie of all time, according to the announcement.

The live-action adaptation builds on that audience familiarity while offering a new visual interpretation of Moana’s journey. It also gives families who enjoyed the original another opportunity to return to Motunui and its memorable characters.

When Can You Watch Live-Action ‘Moana’ in the Philippines?

Disney’s live-action Moana begins streaming exclusively on Disney+ Philippines on October 21, 2026.

Families can watch through the Disney+ app on supported devices. For subscription information and streaming details, visit the official Disney+ website.

Whether it is your first trip beyond the reef or a return to a familiar ocean adventure, Moana is set to bring a new version of the story to family movie night this October.

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Disney+ Announces Korean Fashion Reality Show ‘Style Wars,’ Premiering November 11

Disney+ Announces Korean Fashion Reality Show ‘Style Wars,’ Premiering November 11

Seventy-two fashion enthusiasts will compete to become Korea’s next style icon in Style Wars, a new Korean reality competition series streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting November 11, 2026.

From bold streetwear to creative personal styling, Korea’s fashion scene is heading into competition mode. Disney+ has unveiled the 72 contestants of Style Wars in a newly released teaser, giving viewers a preview of the personalities and outfits set to take center stage in the upcoming series.

The contestants come from different backgrounds, including students, models, influencers, hobbyists, and retirees. They will face a series of fashion challenges designed to test their creativity, individual style, and ability to put together standout looks.

Who Will Judge the Contestants in ‘Style Wars’?

The contestants’ creations will be evaluated by a panel of personalities from fashion, entertainment, and digital media.

The judging panel includes:

• Hyeri, actress and K-pop star
• Hong Jinkyung, former supermodel
• Jung Wookjun, designer behind the juun.j fashion brand
• Choi Silzzang, YouTube personality
• Bae Jungnam, former model

Their different backgrounds bring together perspectives from celebrity culture, fashion design, modeling, and online entertainment as the competitors battle for the title of Korea’s next style icon.

When Does ‘Style Wars’ Premiere on Disney+?

Style Wars premieres exclusively on Disney+ Philippines on November 11, 2026, with its first two episodes dropping on launch day.

Two new episodes will then arrive every Wednesday, leading up to the season finale on December 9.

Here is the announced release schedule:

• November 11: Two-episode premiere
• Every Wednesday after the premiere: Two new episodes
• December 9: Season finale

The weekly format gives viewers a chance to follow the contestants as the competition progresses and see whose fashion choices stand out to the judges.

Who Is Behind the Korean Fashion Competition?

The series is produced by Kim Nahyun, Jung Jongchan, and Kim Hyein of Shijak Company, the production team associated with Netflix’s Single’s Inferno. Youn Shinhye, known for Kian’s Bizarre B&B, serves as the writer.

With contestants ranging from fashion hobbyists to industry professionals, the show brings together a mix of experience levels and personal styles in a competition built around self-expression.

More Korean Reality Shows to Watch on Disney+

Style Wars joins Disney+’s growing lineup of Korean reality and competition programs.

Viewers interested in high-stakes challenges can also check out Deadly Tag, which follows contestants trying to survive across a large battlefield, and Battle of Fates, featuring 49 fate readers competing to demonstrate their abilities.

For fashion fans, however, Style Wars offers a different kind of contest: one where personal taste, creative vision, and the ability to make an outfit work could determine who emerges as Korea’s next style icon.

The series premieres November 11, exclusively on Disney+. Visit Disney+ for subscription and viewing information.

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Ben&Ben Submits ‘Leaves (Reimagined)’ for 2027 Grammy Awards Consideration

Ben&Ben Submits ‘Leaves (Reimagined)’ for 2027 Grammy Awards Consideration

Ben&Ben is taking a step toward its Grammy dream with “Leaves (Reimagined),” submitted for consideration in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category at the 2027 Grammy Awards.

The Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben has submitted Leaves (Reimagined) for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, marking a significant step toward a goal the group has long hoped to achieve.

Submitted through Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, the track is being considered in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category. The Recording Academy’s first-round voting period runs from October 12 to 22, 2026, with nominees scheduled to be announced on November 16. The 2027 Grammy Awards ceremony is set for February 7, 2027.

The submission does not guarantee a nomination, but it gives the band an opportunity to have its work considered by Grammy voting members.

Why ‘Leaves (Reimagined)’ Holds Special Meaning for Ben&Ben

For Ben&Ben frontman Paolo Benjamin, the song is more than a reworked version of one of the band’s well-known tracks. It reflects a personal experience with hurt, forgiveness, and the difficult decision to move forward.

Paolo shared that someone close to him had hurt him unexpectedly, leaving him to choose between forgiving that person and walking away. He chose forgiveness, and the song became a way for him to process the experience.

He also described the track as a source of comfort during some of his darkest moments, crediting his faith with helping him find strength through it.

With Leaves (Reimagined), Paolo hopes listeners will see forgiveness as an act that can bring freedom, even when choosing to forgive is painful.

He also hopes the song will encourage people to continue loving selflessly, while acknowledging that the people closest to us can sometimes cause the deepest hurt.

Ben&Ben’s Grammy Dream

The band said receiving a Grammy Award has long been one of its dreams. Ben&Ben expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take an initial step toward that goal by submitting the song for consideration.

For Filipino artists pursuing recognition on the international stage, the submission also puts a spotlight on the music coming out of the local scene. The next milestone will depend on the Recording Academy’s voting process and whether the track advances to the official nominee list.

‘Nine’ Celebrates the Band’s Journey

The Grammy submission follows the release of Nine, Ben&Ben’s album that the group describes as a love letter to its listeners and a celebration of the friendship behind the band.

The nine-track album includes reimagined songs from different stages of Ben&Ben’s musical journey, alongside newer material. Its tracklist features Leaves (Reimagined), the 2026 hit Saranggola, and the new song Harinawa.

Earlier this month, the band performed all nine tracks at its sold-out Saranggola: The Concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, bringing the album’s material to fans in a live setting.

As the Grammy Awards process moves forward, Leaves (Reimagined) represents both a personal story of healing and another milestone in Ben&Ben’s continuing musical journey.

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DEMI Releases ‘Sinasabi Ng Iba,’ a New R&B Song About Choosing Love

DEMI Releases ‘Sinasabi Ng Iba,’ a New R&B Song About Choosing Love

Filipino singer DEMI returns with “Sinasabi Ng Iba,” a laid-back R&B single about standing by someone you love despite what other people think.

Released worldwide through Sony Music Entertainment, the track pairs DEMI’s signature sultry sound with more mature songwriting. It explores the decision to trust your own feelings rather than allow outside opinions to dictate a relationship.

The release also marks a step in DEMI’s artistic growth. While the song retains the smooth, intimate sound associated with her earlier music, its message reflects a more thoughtful approach to love, loyalty, and personal conviction.

What Is DEMI’s ‘Sinasabi Ng Iba’ About?

“Sinasabi Ng Iba” centers on choosing a relationship even when other people question or disapprove of it. The song presents love as a personal decision, one that does not always need public approval or outside validation.

For DEMI, the single connects the sensual R&B style that listeners recognize with a more mature perspective on relationships.

“I believe it’s the perfect blend of my old era and the direction I want to take moving forward,” DEMI shares. She explains that the sound remains familiar while the writing reflects a more mature and wholesome outlook.

The song may resonate with listeners who have experienced relationship doubts or felt pressured to explain their romantic choices to others. Rather than focusing solely on longing, it emphasizes the confidence to stand by someone when outside voices become difficult to ignore.

How Did DEMI Develop the Song’s Sound?

Although DEMI wrote the lyrics in 2023, the song's musical direction took shape later. She revisited the track in 2025 and found the sound she wanted for its eventual release.

During that period, American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas was among the artists she listened to frequently. His music helped inform the atmosphere DEMI envisioned, while producer, mixing and mastering engineer, and track engineer Jianluigi “Plumberboi” Masongsong developed the arrangement with his own interpretation.

The resulting production uses a relaxed R&B approach that gives the lyrics room to breathe. Its warm, intimate atmosphere supports the song's message without overwhelming the directness of DEMI's writing.

“The writing is still the same, raw, DEMI—but more emotionally mature,” she explains.

The process also shows how a song can evolve between its initial writing and final recording. The core lyrics remained intact, but DEMI took time to find the musical treatment that best reflected her artistic direction.

Why Does ‘Sinasabi Ng Iba’ Reflect DEMI’s Growth as an Artist?

For DEMI, artistic growth means allowing her music to develop alongside her own experiences and changing outlook.

“Syempre, I grow old, I mature—so gusto ko sabay lang din yung direction ng art ko,” she says.

That approach is reflected in “Sinasabi Ng Iba,” which retains her established R&B sensibilities while exploring a more grounded view of love. Instead of abandoning the sound associated with her earlier work, she builds on it through more intentional storytelling.

The single offers a glimpse of the direction she hopes to pursue: music that remains emotionally honest while reflecting a clearer understanding of the values and perspectives she wants to communicate to listeners.

When Does DEMI’s ‘Sinasabi Ng Iba’ Lyric Visualizer Premiere?

DEMI's lyric visualizer for “Sinasabi Ng Iba” was scheduled to premiere on October 14 at 7 p.m. on her official YouTube channel.

The visual takes an unconventional approach to the song's romantic theme. Rather than simply illustrating a couple's story, it places DEMI in a setting where she explains herself to members of the media and reporters.

The concept draws a parallel between answering public questions about one's intentions and feeling compelled to justify a relationship to people outside it.

This approach reinforces the song's central idea: when it comes to love, the opinions of others do not always reflect what the people in a relationship know and feel themselves.

Where Can You Listen to ‘Sinasabi Ng Iba’?

DEMI's “Sinasabi Ng Iba” is available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms through Sony Music Entertainment.

Listeners can search for the single on their preferred streaming service and visit DEMI's official YouTube channel for the lyric visualizer.

With its smooth R&B arrangement and more mature perspective on romance, “Sinasabi Ng Iba” marks another step in DEMI's evolving sound, balancing the intimacy of her earlier music with a clearer sense of the stories she wants to tell.

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Gab Cabangon Releases ‘Learn to Love Again,’ a Debut EP About Healing and Rediscovery

Gab Cabangon Releases ‘Learn to Love Again,’ a Debut EP About Healing and Rediscovery

Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon explores burnout, heartbreak, and the courage to begin again in Learn to Love Again, his debut five-track EP released through Underdog Music.

Described by Cabangon as an “open diary,” the collection draws from his experiences navigating the music industry, balancing creative ambitions with professional demands, and rediscovering his love for songwriting and performing. Rather than presenting healing as a quick fix, the EP follows the gradual process of confronting disappointment, allowing space for rest, and reconnecting with the people and passions that matter.

The release marks a personal milestone for the Awit Award-nominated artist, who turned his frustrations about life, career, and love into a collection of songs shaped by collaboration with fellow musicians.

What Is Gab Cabangon’s ‘Learn to Love Again’ EP About?

Learn to Love Again follows five emotional stages, moving through frustration, vulnerability, rest, and rediscovery before arriving at a more hopeful understanding of love.

Cabangon began questioning his relationship with music after years of juggling live performances, behind-the-scenes work supporting other artists, and plans to release his own material. The pressure of managing these responsibilities affected his confidence and enthusiasm for his craft.

Instead of allowing those frustrations to end his creative journey, he worked with friends in the music scene to turn his experiences into songs.

“I also realized after writing everything that I just needed to show up,” Cabangon shares, reflecting on the importance of leaning on his wife, family, friends, and community during difficult periods.

The EP's message extends beyond romantic relationships. It also speaks to people who have struggled with creative burnout, career setbacks, or the feeling that they are falling behind while others move forward.

‘Love Again’ Leads the EP’s Message of Starting Over

The focus track, “Love Again,” captures the central idea behind the EP: stepping away from something meaningful does not necessarily mean losing it forever.

Cabangon wrote the song after taking a brief break from music during the pandemic. The pause gave him time to reconsider his relationship with songwriting and reconnect with the reasons he began making music.

That experience shaped the song's message about letting go, healing, and finding the motivation to return to a once-loved pursuit.

“I think it taught me to rest and to pause,” he explains. “That I didn’t have to be impatient and do music non-stop. It didn’t make me less of an artist.”

His reflection challenges the idea that constant productivity is the only measure of commitment. Sometimes, taking time away can help people understand what they want to return to and how they want to move forward.

For Cabangon, learning to love again is not a straight path. It involves accepting setbacks without losing sight of the reasons behind the journey.

What Are the Five Songs on ‘Learn to Love Again’?

Each track contributes a different perspective on disappointment, recovery, and renewed connection.

1. “Ikot Ulit”

The song confronts the anger and frustration that come with false promises, repeated disappointments, and obstacles that make progress feel difficult.

2. “Pieces”

This track embraces vulnerability, acknowledging that healing can involve grief, emotional breakdowns, and accepting help from others.

3. “Kama”

A reminder to slow down, “Kama” explores the value of rest in a culture that often places productivity above personal well-being.

4. “Love Again”

The EP's emotional centerpiece reflects on stepping away from a passion and gradually finding the courage and inspiration to return.

5. “ngayon at kailanman”

The collection closes on a hopeful note, looking toward love built on honesty, reassurance, and genuine connection.

Together, the songs present recovery as a process rather than a single turning point. The collection acknowledges frustration and uncertainty while leaving room for renewed affection, creative ambition, and personal growth.

Who Worked on Gab Cabangon’s Debut EP?

Cabangon collaborated with musicians and producers who helped develop the songs from acoustic demos into finished recordings.

David Lina handled arrangement and production, working with Cabangon through collaborative studio sessions. Shadiel Chan and Jan Fuertez of Nine Degrees North handled mixing and mastering, while Cha Martinez contributed lead guitars to “Love Again.”

For “Kama,” Cabangon worked with Gab Lazaro of Project Yass, vydd, Kyla Miel, and his wife, Geli, exploring different instrumental and vocal textures.

The collaborative process reflects the EP's broader message: creative work does not have to happen in isolation. Support from other musicians helped Cabangon shape a project rooted in personal experiences into a collection intended to connect with listeners facing their own uncertainties.

Where Can You Listen to ‘Learn to Love Again’?

Gab Cabangon's Learn to Love Again is out now through Underdog Music. Listeners can search for the five-track EP on their preferred digital music platform.

With this debut release, Cabangon offers a perspective on starting over that avoids easy answers. The songs acknowledge that disappointment, exhaustion, and uncertainty are part of life, but they do not have to mark the end of a meaningful journey.

Sometimes, moving forward begins with allowing yourself to pause, accepting support, and remembering why you started in the first place.

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Vietnamese Artists CHIVAN and MINH Perform at SONIK 2026

Vietnamese Artists CHIVAN and MINH Perform at SONIK 2026

Vietnamese artists CHIVAN and MINH performed at SONIK Philippines 2026, held September 11–12 at Green Sun in Makati, as part of efforts to strengthen music industry connections between Vietnam and the Philippines.

Their participation was supported by CisuMusiC, an international music platform that connects artists, audiences, festivals, and industry networks across different markets. The showcase gave the Vietnamese performers an opportunity to introduce their music to Filipino audiences and connect with music professionals working across the region.

SONIK Philippines 2026 brought together local and international artists, music professionals, and industry representatives for two days of discussions and live performances focused on music export, touring, international expansion, and industry networking.

What Happened at SONIK Philippines 2026?

SONIK Philippines 2026 combined industry discussions with live performances, creating opportunities for artists and music professionals to connect beyond the stage.

The first day of the showcase featured performances from Filipino acts, including SID and One Click Straight, before Itchyworms closed the day with a sing-along set.

Day 2 continued the live music program alongside conversations about how Filipino artists can develop international careers and reach audiences in other markets.

For CHIVAN and MINH, the event provided a platform to perform in the Philippines while meeting members of the local music community. Their appearance also highlighted the role of showcases in introducing artists to audiences outside their home countries.

How Is CisuMusiC Connecting Artists Across Borders?

CisuMusiC works across music festivals, live showcases, Livehouse tours, fan platforms, and media networks to connect artists and industry communities in different countries.

Its network includes connections across Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and other international markets.

Through these activities, the platform aims to help artists build audiences beyond their domestic markets and develop relationships with music organizations, promoters, and other industry partners.

The participation of CHIVAN and MINH at SONIK Philippines 2026 brought that approach into the Philippine music scene, using a local showcase as a point of contact between Vietnamese performers and Filipino industry professionals.

Could Filipino Artists Find More Opportunities Overseas?

The exchange could also create opportunities in the opposite direction. CisuMusiC sees potential to develop relationships with Filipino artists, festivals, music organizations, and industry partners, connecting them with opportunities in other Asian and international markets.

Cross-border showcases can help artists introduce their work to new audiences while building relationships with potential collaborators and industry contacts. These connections may support future performances, festival invitations, and other international projects, although such outcomes depend on the partnerships developed after an event.

For Filipino musicians looking to expand overseas, regional music networks can provide a starting point for exploring new markets and connecting with people who work within them.

What’s Next for Philippine-Vietnam Music Connections?

SONIK Philippines 2026 marks a point of engagement between CisuMusiC's international network and the Philippine music industry.

The participation of CHIVAN and MINH brought Vietnamese artists to a local stage, while the event's industry program created opportunities for broader conversations about international music careers.

As these relationships develop, further exchanges could give Filipino and Vietnamese artists more opportunities to perform in each other's markets and connect with audiences across Southeast Asia.

For now, the SONIK showcase highlights how music events can serve not only as performance venues but also as meeting points for artists and industry communities looking to build connections across borders.

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