There’s something uniquely surreal about being an older Gen Z--growing up in the middle of multiple pop culture eras colliding at once. We witnessed the rise of 2000s pop-punk and emo bands that became the soundtrack of teenage angst, while also experiencing the dominance of global pop superstars and the explosive arrival of the Hallyu wave.
One moment, we were downloading band wallpapers and memorizing Dashboard Confessional lyrics; the next, we were learning K-pop fan chants and refreshing YouTube for new music video drops.
Now, as older Gen Zs and young millennials step into their late 20s and early 30s, nostalgia hits in a completely different way. We grew up copying lyrics into notebooks, waiting all day for our favorite music videos to air on television, and customizing our profiles with dramatic emo anthems playing in the background. And somehow, despite how fast everything changed, those songs still feel like yesterday.
And this May, the soundtrack of that era is suddenly alive again. From OPM legends to iconic voices we grew up hearing on the radio, here’s the ultimate concert and music guide for every “trentahin” who still says, “Grabe, parang kailan lang.”
The first thing on the map is the Playback Festival. Though the show has already wrapped up, Faber Drive, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Dashboard Confessional transformed the SM Mall of Asia Arena into a time capsule of nostalgic anthems that defined our elementary and high school years.
These were the songs that played during our first crushes, first loves, first heartbreaks, and every dramatic “main character moment” in between. The kind of tracks we blasted through earphones while staring out the window pretending we were in a music video.
It was a night of screaming “Tongue Tied” at the top of our lungs, reliving emo-phase memories through “Face Down,” and feeling every ounce of emotion that came with Dashboard Confessional’s heartbreaking lyrics. For one night, the “rawr XD” generation reunited: older, maybe more tired, but still knowing every single word by heart.
Back in 2012, older Gen Zs remember gathering around televisions, endlessly voting online, and proudly rooting for Jessica Sanchez during her unforgettable run on American Idol. For many Filipinos, she became a symbol of representation, talent, and pride on a global stage.
Now, years later, Sanchez returns to the Philippines in a completely new era of her life — not only as a globally recognized powerhouse vocalist and America’s Got Talent champion, but also as a new mom embracing a fresh chapter beyond the spotlight.
This May 16, she’s set to headline a major concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, joined by a star-studded lineup of guests including Vice Ganda, Morissette, James Reid, and more.
There was a time when nearly every café, acoustic night, and senti playlist in the Philippines carried the unmistakable sound of “Para Sa Akin.” Two decades later, the song remains one of the most recognizable OPM staples, covered by countless Filipino artists, performed in karaoke sessions, and still capable of triggering instant nostalgia with just a few opening notes.
Now, the Philippines’ “Bossa Nova Queen” is celebrating that legacy in a major way. This May 17, Sitti headlines “Sittiscape: The City of Bossa” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The concert marks 20 years of her iconic hit “Para Sa Akin” while also celebrating the anniversary of Café Bossa, the album that helped define an entire era of chill, acoustic-driven OPM.
If there’s one thing every trentahin can agree on, it’s that early 2000s OPM hit differently.
The emotional ballads of Freestyle, the smooth R&B grooves of South Border, and the unforgettable vocals of “Diamond Soul Siren” Nina became staples of radio stations, burned CDs, karaoke nights, and late-night senti sessions. These were the songs that played in the background of family road trips, school fairs, heartbreaks, and quiet moments alone with wired earphones plugged into an MP3 player.
On May 17 at 19 East, three OPM legends are coming together for one unforgettable night.
There are OPM songs that become hits, and then there are songs that become permanent chapters in people’s lives. “Pagdating ng Panahon” belongs to the latter.
Now celebrating 25 years since its release, the timeless ballad continues to resonate across generations. It carried feelings that were difficult to explain at the time and the kind of track that somehow grows with you, sounding completely different depending on what stage of life you’re in.
And even after two and a half decades, the opening lines of “Pagdating ng Panahon” still have the power to instantly soften a room. This May 23 at 8 PM, Ice Seguerra returns to the stage for Back “2” Back at the Winford Resort & Casino Manila. Adding even more emotion to the night are special guests Gerald Santos and ROUGE.
Another night of timeless hits and unforgettable performances awaits as MYMP and Side A take center stage for a feel-good OPM showcase, joined by Sessions with Brian Yamsuan. Happening on May 24 at 19 East, the evening promises a heartfelt throwback of acoustic classics and well-loved ballads that defined countless memories.
This is the generation that grew up in transition. We witnessed the rise of emo bands, acoustic café playlists, OPM ballads, pop superstars, and the Hallyu wave all at once, creating a soundtrack that felt uniquely ours.
And now, as adulthood moves faster and responsibilities grow heavier, hearing these songs live again feels almost comforting. Suddenly, we’re transported back to school corridors, family road trips, late-night radio sessions, Friendster profiles with autoplay music, and simpler versions of ourselves who thought those moments would last forever. Because no matter how much the world changes, some melodies will always sound like home.
More than a decade after their songs dominated playlists, Tumblr pages, and late-night emo sessions, three bands that helped define an era are making their way back to the Philippines for a nostalgia-filled music spectacle that is expected to unite generations of fans under one roof.
The upcoming is shaping up to be more than just another concert. For many Filipino listeners who grew up during the peak of punk, rock, and emo music in the 2000s, it is a chance to relive the soundtrack of their youth through the very artists whose songs became staples of heartbreak playlists, barkada road trips, and early social media profiles.
Set for May 8 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and May 9 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the festival will feature full performances from Dashboard Confessional, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Faber Drive.
Even years after the height of the emo and pop-punk boom, Filipino fans continue to stream and revisit the bands’ biggest hits. Songs like “Hands Down,” “Vindicated,” “Face Down,” “Your Guardian Angel,” “Tongue Tied,” and “When I’m With You” remain familiar anthems among listeners who grew up in the era of burned CDs, MySpace playlists, and emotional sing-alongs.
Following the success of the 2025 edition of Playback, organizers are once again banking on the enduring connection between Filipino audiences and the genre that once defined an entire music generation. The festival promises over four hours of live punk, rock, and emo performances, bringing together three influential acts on one stage for what many fans consider a rare concert experience.
Unlike typical multi-artist festivals where performers deliver shortened appearances, fans can expect a “3 concerts in 1 night” setup, with each band performing full sets loaded with fan favorites and signature tracks. From emotional acoustic moments to explosive crowd-jumping anthems, the event is expected to recreate the energy that shaped an entire generation of alternative music fans.
Meet the Artists
Dashboard Confessional
Fronted by Chris Carrabba, Dashboard Confessional became one of the defining voices of the emo movement in the early 2000s. Known for deeply personal lyrics and emotionally charged performances, the band built a devoted global following with iconic hits like Vindicated, Stolen, and Hands Down that captured heartbreak, hope, and everything in between.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
With explosive energy and emotionally driven anthems, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus carved their place in punk rock history. Their breakout hits – including Face Down, Your Guardian Angel, and False Pretense became staples of the mid-2000s alternative scene, resonating with fans through powerful melodies and lyrics that speak to resilience, love, and standing your ground.
Faber Drive
Blending pop-rock hooks with emo heart, Faber Drive quickly became a fan favorite with catchy choruses and relatable storytelling. Their infectious hits — including Tongue Tied, When I'm With You, and Candy Store defined their signature sound and earned them a loyal following worldwide.
Photo from UMG Philippines/Instagram
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when an artist meets a new audience for the very first time and Sienna Spiro’s Manila debut on May 2 felt exactly like that kind of moment unfolding in real time.
Held at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City, the exclusive, invite-only showcase presented by UMG Philippines introduced the 20-year-old English singer-songwriter to Filipino fans in a setting that felt close and even more personal. For Spiro, it was her first-ever performance in the Philippines.
Across the night, she brought her growing catalog to life with performances of “The Visitor,” “Maybe,” “You Stole The Show,” and her viral breakout track “Die On This Hill.” Each song carried its own atmosphere, but together they painted a clear portrait of an artist still early in her journey yet already fully formed in her voice and vision.
The room shifted when she returned for a final performance of “Die On This Hill,” this time reimagined with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. The familiar viral hit was transformed into something cinematic and expansive, wrapping the venue in a wave of strings and emotion. By the time the last note faded, the audience rose in a standing ovation, which was an unspoken welcome from Manila to an artist they were meeting for the first time.
Beyond the stage, she revealed that her song “Material Lover” has been selected for the official soundtrack of The Devil Wears Prada 2.
What made the night stand out wasn’t just the setlist or the milestones as it was the feeling of introduction. A new artist stepping into a new city, and a crowd responding as if they’d been waiting for her all along. With her Manila debut now behind her, Sienna Spiro leaves with a new audience listening closely, ready for whatever comes next.
Manila is set to pulse once more with electrifying beats as &FRIENDS Festival returns in 2026, bringing together some of the biggest names in electronic dance music alongside a powerful wave of Filipino talent. With an expansive lineup spanning global headliners, regional standouts, and homegrown artists, this year’s edition highlights the growing influence of the Filipino diaspora in the international EDM scene.
At the forefront of the celebration is Alan Shirahama, who joins the festival as one of its headliners. Known for his dynamic career as both a DJ and the leader of J-pop group GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, Shirahama’s presence reflects a cross-cultural bridge between Japan and the Philippines. His appointment as a Philippine Tourism Ambassador in 2023 adds even more significance to his participation, making his set one of the festival’s most meaningful moments.
Also returning to Manila is Ian Asher, whose globally streamed tracks and collaboration with SB19 have cemented his reputation in the pop-leaning electronic space. Meanwhile, Seduza continues to push sonic boundaries with genre-blending sets that span trap, house, and Jersey club, having previously performed at major festivals like Coachella. Filipino-Australian DJ Tye Turner completes the roster of globally active Filipino acts, bringing his high-energy performances and crowd-commanding presence to the Manila stage.
They are joined by local names such as Marc Marasigan and L.A, alongside Ace Ramos, Afinity, Ami Mura, and others, forming a robust Main Stage lineup that underscores the Philippines’ deepening footprint in electronic music.
Beyond its Filipino-led momentum, the festival also boasts an impressive international roster. Canadian duo Adventure Club will make their Philippine debut, while South Korean producer Aiobahn is set to bring his signature anime-inspired sound to Manila for the first time.
Headlining Night 1 are Porter Robinson and Subtronics, both known for their genre-defining contributions to EDM. Robinson returns following his massive “SMILE! :D” tour, while Subtronics continues his rise as a dominant force in bass music.
Night 2 will close with Galantis and Yellow Claw, two acts whose catalogs have shaped festival culture worldwide, from chart-topping hits to genre-blending anthems.
Across three stages and over 60 artists, &FRIENDS Festival stays true to its mission of delivering a world-class experience. The Club Stage offers a deeper dive into underground sounds, while the newly introduced Friendship Stage highlights collaborative sets and collectives from across Asia, reinforcing the festival’s community-driven spirit.
With no shortage of Filipino talent standing at the helm, the 2026 &FRIENDS Festival is shaping up to be as much a celebration of the Philippines and its people as it is a jam-packed weekend of non-stop raving and electronic music appreciation.
Tickets are available via Ticketmelon and AirAsia MoveTix, with options ranging from single-day passes to group bundles.
Following Back-to-Back Standout Sets as the First Filipina Group To Ever Perform at Coachella Ranking Among the Most-Watched Performances Worldwide
BINI ushers in a bold new era at the forefront of global pop’s evolution, kicking off their ‘Signals’ World Tour across Asia, Europe, and North America
April 24, 2026 - Los Angeles, CA – The Philippines’ history-making girl group BINI continues their unstoppable rise on the global stage, announcing their highly anticipated ‘Signals’ World Tour, set to hit Asia, Europe, and North America. This tour announcement closely follows the group’s latest highly anticipated release, the “Signals” EP, which marks a defining evolution for BINI, introducing a more confident, global-facing sound that reflects their growing presence on the international stage. Led by the breakout single “Blush,” the project is rooted in sensory experience, exploring the fleeting moments before emotions are fully expressed, capturing feelings as they are first recognized and felt. Following their third studio album, “FLAMES” and the vibrant energy of “BINIverse,” their new body of work expands the group’s sonic and visual identity, blending polished pop production, layered vocals, and a seamless interplay of English and Tagalog.
The announcement follows a defining cultural moment at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, where BINI made history as the first act from the Philippines to perform at the festival and emerged as one of its breakout acts. BINI’s Coachella debut didn’t just mark a milestone, it became one of the festival’s defining breakout moments. Their performance sparked massive global engagement, including more than 1 million mentions within hours of taking the stage and a No. 1 worldwide trend on X. Performance clips amassed tens of millions of views across platforms in just days, including the most-viewed Coachella 2026 performance by a female act on Instagram, while global search interest peaked on Google Trends, with a perfect 100 score, signaling a major breakthrough on the world stage.
“This means a lot to the girls,” Laurenti “Lauren” Dyogi, the head of Star Magic and Entertainment Group, BINI’s talent management agency states following BINI’s performance. He adds, “It actually means a lot to the entire nation.” –The Hollywood Reporter
With a global fanbase known as “Blooms” and a rapidly expanding digital footprint, BINI continues to build a powerful connection with audiences worldwide. As part of a broader global shift in pop culture, where diverse voices and cross-cultural sounds are increasingly shaping the mainstream, “Signals” positions BINI at the forefront of a new wave of international pop, further solidifying their role as boundary-breaking artists on the world stage.
The Signals World Tour follows the success of the group’s first-ever world tour, the “BINIverse Tour,” which launched with a historic, sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, making BINI the first Filipino act to achieve a solo sell-out at the world’s largest indoor venue with 50,000 seats.
With over 100 million followers across social platforms, BINI has rapidly become one of the most influential and globally recognized acts to emerge from the Philippines. Their debut Coachella appearance marks a major milestone in the group’s continued international ascent, joining a lineup that includes global superstars Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. As BINI continues to break barriers and redefine what global pop looks like, their second world tour and most recent EP signal the beginning of an exciting new era for the group and their ever-growing international fanbase.
The announcement follows a breakthrough period for BINI, driven by standout tracks including “Cherry On Top” and “Blink Twice” from BINIverse, as well as “Shagidi,” “Bikini,” and “Sweet Tooth” from FLAMES, which have contributed to their rapidly growing global momentum, helping propel them past two billion combined global audio and video streams across all platforms. Their recent releases, including the BINIverse EP (February 2025), marked a defining step in their evolution as a leading force in the rising Asian pop movement, building on recognition from outlets such as Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 2025, Spotify’s Breakout Artists of 2024 (as the only Filipino act featured), and GRAMMY.com’s “14 Pinoy Pop Acts You Should Know.” The group has also continued to gain international traction through collaborations such as “Blink Twice (Dos Veces Remix)” with Spanish-Mexican artist BELINDA, alongside award recognition including nominations at Brazil’s 2025 BreakTudo Awards and a win for “Female Group of the Year” at the 2025 Jupiter Music Awards
Alongside these significant milestones, BINI became the first Filipino pop group to perform at KCON Los Angeles, the world’s largest Korean culture and music festival, captivating global audiences. They have also earned major accolades including MTV EMA’s Best Asia Act and continue to live up to their title as the Philippines’ ‘Nation’s Girl Group.’ As they enter their new era of music, the group stands at the forefront of Filipino pop music’s international breakthrough, bringing Filipino music to bigger stages and broader audiences worldwide.
Pre-Sale Information:
May 11 - BLOOM MEMBERSHIP Presale
May 12 - Local Pre-sales
May 13 - Spotify Pre-sale
May 15 - General On-sale
2026 World Tour Dates:
Asia Leg 1
June 20 -- Manila, PH at MOA Arena
June 21 -- Manila, PH at MOA Arena
July 11 -- Cebu, PH at SM Seaside Cebu Arena
U.S. & Canada
August 1 -- Honolulu, HI at Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Arena
August 5 -- Los Angeles, CA at Peacock Theater
August 7 -- Rohnert Park, CA at The Event at Graton Resort & Casino
August 8 -- Las Vegas, NV at PH Live at Planet Hollywood
August 9 -- San Diego, CA at San Diego Civic Theatre
August 18 -- Vancouver, BC, CAN at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
August 21 -- Calgary, AB, CAN at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino - Grey Eagle Event Centre
August 22 -- Edmonton, AB, CAN at Edmonton EXPO Centre
August 24 -- Winnipeg, MB, CAN at Canada Life Centre
August 27 -- Toronto, ON, CAN at The Bowl at Sobeys Stadium
August 28 -- Brooklyn, NY at Kings Theatre
EU/UK
August 30 -- Amsterdam, NL at AFAS Live
September 1 -- Rome, IT at Cave of the Auditorium Parco della Musica
September 4 -- Paris, FR at Zenith
September 6 -- London, UK at OVO Arena Wembley
September 9 -- Zurich, CH at Komplex 457
September 11 -- Dusseldorf, DE at Mitsubishi Electric Hall
Asia Leg 2
October 25 -- Singapore, SG at Arena @ EXPO
November 15 -- Taipei City at New Taipei City Exhibition Hall
Please visit BINIWT2026.ABS-CBN.COM for more details and up-to-date information.
About BINI
BINI is an eight-member Filipino girl group (Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena) redefining global pop with their radiant sound and powerhouse performances. Crowned the Philippines’ “Nation’s Girl Group,” they have achieved a string of historic milestones, from becoming the first Filipino act to sell out the 50,000-seat Philippine Arena with their BINIverse World Tour, to making history as the first Filipino group confirmed on the lineup of Coachella 2026 alongside international stars Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. With over 2 billion audio/video streams, BINI has delivered viral hits like Shagidi, which trended #1 in the Philippines and sparked a dance craze across TikTok and YouTube, as well as fan favorites Blink Twice and Cherry On Top. Their collaboration with Spanish-Mexican star Belinda on Blink Twice (Dos Veces Remix) marked the first-ever partnership between a Mexican and Filipino pop act. Recognized as one of Spotify’s Breakout Artists of 2024 and featured in GRAMMY.com’s “14 Pinoy Pop Acts You Should Know,” the group has also earned major accolades including three nominations at Brazil’s 2025 BreakTudo Awards and winning “Female Group of the Year” at the 2025 Jupiter Music Awards, and were most recently honored with the Powerhouse Award at the 2026 Billboard Philippines Women in Music event. From stages across Dubai, London, the U.S., and Canada, to appearances at KCON Los Angeles, BINI continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With honors including MTV EMA’s Best Asia Act and growing recognition in Billboard and GRAMMY features, they are at the forefront of the global rise of Filipino pop, bringing their music to bigger stages and broader audiences than ever before.
CONNECT WITH BINI: OFFICIAL WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
MEDIA CONTACT FOR ALL BINI NORTH AMERICA PRESS INQUIRIES:
Miller PR | bini@miller-pr.com
Baryo HiFi returns to Historic Filipinotown for a one-day block party celebrating Filipino music, food, and community.
Expect a full day of DJs and live sounds, a curated marketplace featuring local Filipino-owned vendors, and food that feels like home. From streetwear to small businesses, from new artists to familiar faces — Baryo HiFi brings everyone together in one place.
This is an outdoor, all-ages community event with limited capacity.
When: May 16, 3-8pm
Where: Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. Entrance between Union Ave and Union place off Beverly blvd
Who: FREE FOR EVERYONE!
Register to secure your spot now!
Tickets secured yet?
After seven years away from Philippine stages, K-pop powerhouse EXO is set to make a highly anticipated return with their upcoming concert titled “EXOplanet #6 – EXhOrizon in Manila,” happening on July 4 and 5, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The two-day concert marks EXO’s first full-group appearance in the Philippines since their 2019 “EXplOration” tour, making it one of the most significant stops in their 2026 comeback schedule. This return carries added meaning as it follows the members’ completion of military service.
The show will also serve as a live showcase of EXO’s eighth full-length album, REVERXE, which is expected to headline the concert setlist. Fans can anticipate a mix of new material from the album alongside the group’s signature hits that have defined their career over the past decade. The concert is positioned not just as a performance, but as a reunion experience between the group and their long-supporting Filipino audience.
The Manila stop will feature members Suho, Chanyeol, Kyungsoo, Kai, Sehun, and Lay, marking a rare full-group stage appearance in 2026.
Ticketing details have also been officially announced. The EXO-L Membership (GL) presale begins on April 17, 2026, from 10 AM to 10 PM PHT via smtickets.com. Meanwhile, general ticket sales will open on April 19, 2026, starting at 12 PM onwards through SM Tickets.
Presented by PULP Live World, “EXOplanet #6 – EXhOrizon in Manila” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated K-pop events of 2026 in the Philippines.
https://pulpliveworld.com/Shows/291
JAKARTA, Indonesia — April 10, 2026 — Jakarta’s Gen Z tastemakers, top creators, and loyal Zushis gathered for an exclusive Listening Party with rising Filipino alt-pop star Maki, held at the buzzing Rumah Kenangan Senopati, in partnership with popular coffee chain Kopi Kenangan .
The night was a full-on vibe, filled with music, fandom, and Filipino-Indonesian connection. With his chart-topping Tagalog tracks playing alongside Bahasa-subtitled music videos, Maki’s songs hit different—opening new emotional layers for the Jakarta crowd who felt every lyric even more deeply.
The highlight? A surprise live Zoom appearance by Maki himself, where he connected with the crowd, shared his music journey, and soaked in the real-time reactions of Indonesian fans who already know his lyrics by heart. He highlighted some of his most-loved songs including Kailan, Dilaw, Turning Green, Indigo, and Kahel na Langit, building even more anticipation for his upcoming concert.
(Photo credits to Pierre Masairkayu)
Jakarta is officially Maki-pilled.
To cap it off, Maki dropped the news: he’s coming for his KOLORCOASTER Tour on June 14, and fans who bring their crew can unlock the Bughaw Bundle—a “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” deal on Platinum tickets.
From soft alt-pop bops to anthems that cut deep, Maki's music is connecting cultures—and Jakarta just might be his next home away from home.
Tickets are moving fast. Follow @myxglobal and @clfrnia_maki to stay in the loop.
Secure your crew. Ride the Kolorcoaster.
Check out JKT.FOLKS Reel Here
Check out Community.IDN Reel Here
Listen to Maki’s Songs with Bahasa Subtitles: DILAW, KAHEL NA LANGIT, KAILAN
Canadian sibling duo Bob and Clint Moffatt are set to return to the Philippines for a two-city concert run as part of the Music Travel Love – Philippine Tour 2026, scheduled for June.
Bob and Clint Moffatt, known for their acoustic music project Music Travel Love, began performing professionally at the age of four and have completed more than 6,000 live performances throughout their careers. The pair previously gained international recognition alongside their brothers Scott and Dave as members of the pop group The Moffatts.
During their early years as a band, The Moffatts were signed to Polydor Records in Nashville, becoming the youngest group at the time to secure a major-label recording contract. Their success extended across multiple regions, particularly in Asia, where they developed a strong fan base.
The Philippine leg of their 2026 tour will begin at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are set at ₱4,790 for VIP Reserved Seating, ₱3,730 for Gold Reserved Seating, ₱2,660 for Silver Reserved Seating, ₱1,600 for Bronze Free Seating, and ₱850 for Balcony Free Seating, inclusive of ticket service charges.
The duo will then perform at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on Sunday, June 28, 2026, also at 8 p.m. Manila ticket prices are ₱6,095 for Orchestra VIP Reserved Seating, ₱5,300 for Orchestra B, ₱4,505 for Orchestra C, ₱5,565 for Balcony VIP (Loge), ₱4,240 for Balcony 1, and ₱3,180 for Balcony 2, inclusive of service charges.
Tickets will go on sale beginning Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12 noon. Concertgoers may purchase tickets through SM Tickets and TicketNet outlets nationwide or via their respective official websites and hotlines.
The upcoming shows mark the duo’s latest return to the Philippines, where they have maintained a longstanding fan following since their early career as The Moffatts.
RIIZE’s Anton promised Filo BRIIZE that they would come back to Manila after their RIIZING Loud concert. Right now, I find myself counting the days until that promise is kept, just as I count the days wishing the magic of that night could linger a little longer.
Mornings after a much-anticipated K-pop concert, the kind you bought tickets for months in advance and counted down to obsessively, have always been the hardest for me. There’s a strange stillness that settles in after the lights go out. I’m left hovering somewhere in between, still carried by the energy of the night before while slowly realizing it’s already over. All that remains are fancams on my phone and a hoarse voice from screaming every lyric like it was my last chance.
[💌] 260118 | ANTON Weverse post
— RIIZE ANTON PH (@ANTONLEE_PH) January 18, 2026
okayy this is my third attempt at uploading plz work
hey MANILAlalala!!
made so many great memories with you all this time around, and can't wait to come back to see you guys soon (like we promised 😉🤙🏻)
the concert was so much fun and the… pic.twitter.com/r3ScKEo5XF
It’s a familiar feeling now. It came after NCT Dream’s The Dream Show 2 and 3, after seeing Treasure three times, and once again, after RIIZE’s. But even though I’ve felt this a lot of times already, why does the silence after the music still feel so loud?
When RIIZE held their first Manila show in 2024 for RIIZING Day, I wasn’t able to attend. That absence stayed with me, so this time, I made sure I would be there. The ticket was something I bought as a birthday gift to myself last year. For months, I imagined the moment shouting “east-to-the-south-to-the-north-to-the-west-side” at the top of my lungs or singing “Love 119” word for word.
They were my 2023 post-pandemic boys, one of the groups I clung to during quieter, lonelier days. I’ve always thought of them as NCT’s brothers, especially knowing Sungchan and Shotaro once stood on the NCT 2020 stage. Seeing them now, fully formed and commanding the crowd on their own, felt both surreal and deeply rewarding.
Wonbin, the ace he was that night, rated the show a 9 out of 10, arguably the highest score he’s given so far on this tour. He wouldn’t shout “Napakasaya!” in the middle of catching his breath for nothing. It was also the night I saw my soft-spoken bias, Anton, fully in the moment in the Philippines, aware that his face was projected onto the MOA Globe and happily indulging in lechon and sisig.
260118 NY Fansign #WONBIN
— 원빈시 (@wonbinhour) January 18, 2026
wonbin rated yesterday’s manila stage a 9/10! pic.twitter.com/11XIhGJ45x
Wonbin: /Out of breath/
— 🦋 Xelly J. (@HelloXelly) January 17, 2026
Also Bbin: "Napakasaya!" (It's so fun!)
🥹🥹🥹#RIIZINGLOUD_IN_MANILA #RIIZEInManila#RIIZE #라이즈 #WONBIN #원빈 pic.twitter.com/DBj43EkVwl
Shotaro was every bit the dancing machine he’s known to be, glowing onstage with effortless precision as if he had his own right light. Sohee showcased his top-tier vocals, steady and powerful throughout the night. Eunseok exuded charm with an idol-actor aura that made you believe he’s destined for a drama role someday. And then there was Sungchan, my concert bias, whom I couldn’t take my eyes off from start to finish.
Post-concert depression doesn’t arrive loudly. It creeps in the silence of the morning, in the absence of something you didn’t realize had filled you so completely. I felt that all over again with RIIZE. In one of their lyrics from “Inside My Love,” they ask, “Would you run / If you realized I’m someone who exists only for you?” I know my answer. I would always run, again and again. From Lower Box 218 or wherever I’m standing, it wouldn’t matter.
So how do I cope with post-concert blues? I let it linger. I feel it fully. I don’t fight it. I sit with the ache, replay the night in my head or in my Instagram stories, scroll through the fancams, and allow myself to miss something that meant so much.
Maybe that’s the price of loving something this much. Despite knowing the ache that comes after goodbyes, I’d still do it all over again—queue for tickets, lose my voice, and wake up the next morning missing a night that already feels like a dream. Because one day, they’ll come back, just as Anton promised, and until then, I’ll keep counting the days and treasuring the moments, waiting for the next time we can feel this alive together.
HIRAYA Music Fest is set to transform Clark Global City, Pampanga into a playground of sound, motion and spectacle on January 17 and 18, promising a two-day experience that pushes the boundaries of what a music festival can be.
More than a lineup-driven event, HIRAYA positions itself as a multi-sensory celebration.
Described as a festival “na hindi napapanuod but nararanasan,” HIRAYA blurs the lines between music, movement, and visual storytelling. From himpapawid to the ground, the festival brings together live performances, motorsport elements, and aerial displays, creating an immersive environment where drifting cars, paramotors, music, and visuals unfold simultaneously.
The concept underscores the festival’s ambition to integrate adrenaline-fueled action with artistic expression, highlighting Filipino excellence through innovation and scale.
At the heart of HIRAYA Music Fest is its bold integration of motorsport into a live music setting. Drifting demonstrations and paramotor flights will serve as dynamic backdrops to live performances, turning the venue into a constantly evolving visual canvas.
As the festival unfolds across two days in January, it invites audiences to step into a space where sound is seen, movement is felt, and every moment is designed to be lived.
Zack Tabudlo sent the crowd roaring the moment he stepped onstage for the first-ever live performance of his new single, “For You,” marking one of the biggest highlights of Watsons Playlist 2025. The song's debut set the tone for an evening dedicated entirely to creativity, connection, and “All The Feels.”
Held on November 29, 2025, the concert turned the Smart Araneta Coliseum into an arena of sound and shared excitement. While Watsons mounted the event, the focus remained firmly on the artists who brought the night to life through surprising team-ups and exclusive numbers crafted especially for the show.
Among the most buzzed-about moments was the rare three-way mashup of “Atin ang Mundo,” “Aya,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” The Juans, Earl Agustin, and Hey June joined forces for the performance and blended their distinct musical identities into a seamless, crowd-moving experience.
The energy inside the Big Dome only swelled as the night progressed, culminating in an emotional finale whispered about long before show day. The long-awaited partnership of Rico Blanco and Ben&Ben finally materialized as they closed the concert with “Your Universe.” Crafted solely for this year’s Playlist stage, the collaboration wrapped the audience in a wave of warmth and nostalgia, prompting thousands to sing along in unison.
Throughout the five-hour spectacle, Watsons Club members — some of whom secured free tickets through qualified purchases — joined thousands of other concertgoers in celebrating music’s ability to bring people together. From dancing and cheering to forming new friendships in the crowd, attendees described the marathon show as “truly worth it,” a sentiment echoed by the energy that never once dipped.
