A Six-Year Vision Realized
Claudia Valentina is making a striking return to the spotlight with the release of her new single Candy, a sleek, genre-blending track that fuses pop, R&B, and electronic textures into a bold anthem about confidence, identity, and unapologetic self-expression. For Claudia, Candy is more than just a song, it is the realization of a vision she has held for six years. “The video for Candy I’ve had on my mood board for around six years, and for it to finally come to life feels super exciting,” she says. “It’s like a part of my brain finally got to step into the real world.” The result is a cinematic, fashion-forward piece featuring an all-female cast racing through open fields on vintage cars and ATVs, blending rebellious energy with high-gloss pop imagery (Galore Magazine).
From Guernsey to Global Pop
Born on the small island of Guernsey, Claudia began performing early, landing a role in Billy Elliot the Musical at London’s West End at age nine before attending the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School, whose alumni include Dua Lipa, Amy Winehouse, and Emma Bunton. By her teens, she was traveling to Los Angeles to write with established producers, eventually penning songs for global names like BLACKPINK, co-writing Jump and Jennie’s Mantra. In 2020, she debuted with her single Seven, a heartfelt piano ballad, followed by a self-titled EP under Universal Music. But after July 2022, she vanished from the release calendar for over two years. As she revealed in her Principle Magazine interview, the hiatus was a product of leaving a bad label deal, her entire team, and even her home in LA, moving to Berlin to rebuild from scratch. “Picking myself up from that point in my career forced me into really realizing who I am and learning how to do everything myself. It took longer than I expected, but now I’m in a place where I feel like I’ve learned pretty much every lesson an artist can learn.”
The “Bad Bitch” Mentality
This hard-earned independence is paired with a self-defined “bad bitch” mentality. In her Enfnts Terribles feature, she explained, “You can be confident and strong while also being sensitive and passionate. That’s the real definition of a bad bitch for me.” Claudia’s approach is entirely DIY. She often writes songs alone using just Apple headphones and BandLab, makes her own mood boards, designs outfits, and directs her music videos. She records in unconventional spaces, from strip clubs to dentist offices, and even while being kicked out of clubs, incorporating raw ambient sounds into her tracks.
DIY Creativity and Visual Direction
Fashion and visuals are central to her artistry. “If I’m not in the studio, I’m mood-boarding and making great decks for my stuff, planning everything,” she told Galore Magazine. For Candy, that meant mixing rebellious streetwear with vintage Americana and avant-garde textures, creating a look that is both timeless and forward-thinking. She sources inspiration from unexpected places, such as art pieces, melting wax sculptures, and crochet artists on Twitter, and isn’t afraid to show up to a video shoot with six liters of yogurt for a performance art–inspired scene.
A New Era with Electric Feel
Now working with boutique management at Electric Feel, Claudia enjoys creative control and a supportive team that values music quality over trends. “They’re not just telling me to make TikToks all day,” she says in Principle Magazine. Her 2025 plan is ambitious: release a new song roughly every six weeks, build toward an EP or album, and deliver visually daring live performances. She is also intent on pushing her sonic boundaries, creating a “melting pot of different genres” that forms its own unique world.
Building a Pop World of Her Own
Her influences range from icons like Rihanna and Rosalía to current pop powerhouses like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and RAYE, artists who create immersive worlds around their music. Claudia’s aim is no different. “I’m most inspired by artists that really create a world for themselves and that have something about them that is different. That’s what I’ve been building for the last couple years,” she told Principle Magazine.
With her track record of writing for global stars, her striking visual direction, and her refusal to compromise on authenticity, Candy positions Claudia Valentina as one of the most compelling voices in the new wave of pop, an artist who has turned career setbacks into a launchpad for a bold, fully self-defined era.
Stay Updated on Claudia Valentina
Stream “Candy” on Spotify
Watch the official “Candy” video on YouTube
Follow Claudia Valentina on Instagram
Zéla is an ACE. She is a Filipino-American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer and a model that started in the USA.
She’s been writing songs since she was younger, her genre is a mix of different musical styles because she likes challenging herself. Pursuing her music career as the first P-pop Soloist of AQ Prime Music. Zéla loves to share her crafts to inspire more people through her music.
In September 2023, she debuted with the single “Karma”. She was awarded as the Philippine Pop Top New Artist Of The Year, few months after she debuted. Been performing everywhere since then.
A year after, she released her 2nd single “Pogi Boy”. Followed by a comeback song “01/01” on her birthday as a gift for her fans.
She was given the opportunity of being the only PPop Soloist act to perform at the 1st Waterbomb Festival in Manila on 2025 of February.
After a month of hiatus, Zéla returns with her 1st Studio Album called “Lockhart.” The album contains 10 tracks and mostly written by her. She’s about to unleash her superpowers across the globe and make the world her stage.A Filipino-American singer, songwriter, rapper and dancer that started in the USA. Continuing her music career as Ppop Soloist. She will hit you with her strong uplifting debut single “Karma”, let’s all meet Zéla!
“ACE”
It was night time in February of 2025, I was having a conversation with a friend at a cafe. He called me an ACE because he said I can do almost everything. So it started there, I tried to remember all the compliments that I got from other people and put them altogether in a song. I wanted to Activate Confidence to Empower other people through my song because everyone is an ACE in their own way.
“ARANGKADA”
This song was the first one I’ve heard from EC. At first I was like “hmm Tagalog, what is this song about? Haha” I really like the beats, it’s kinda different from the music that I grew up with but it’s very refreshing. EC was nice enough to let me change some lyrics as well because I couldn’t pronounce some of the words properly.
“01/01”
I wrote this after pandemic, I was getting a lot of negativity during those times to the point that I wanted to prove myself to everybody. Then I came up with this song and decided to release it on my birthday that’s why it’s called 01/01 because my birthday is January 1 and also number 1 is the monthsary of Zélors (my fandom name). It was a gift for them.
“Z.L”
Z.L means Zone Leader but it could also mean ZéLa and Zélor. Because I was doing TikTok live last March (2025) when I wrote the 1st verse on the spot with Zélors. I asked them if they could give me any words that I can write a song into and someone said Z.L and Zone Leader. And then boom I tried to finish the song the next day. It’s a leader’s pov and a women empowerment song, that’s why there’s some lyrics there saying “HER is leader” because I’m a woman myself.
“G.O.A.T”
I was furious when I wrote this song. I felt like everyone was trying to pull me down to the point that it was affecting my career. I tried to write everything down for me to cool down. I’ve also wanted to be a rockstar as a kid that’s why I made this one a rock version. And rock genre went so well with what I was feeling that time. I was “unleashing my wrath”.
“PARAISO”
Hesitant, that’s how I felt after EC explained to me the meaning of the lyrics. The lyrics are about someone’s pov saying that she’s a paradise and then I thought “wait, isn’t this kinda sound arrogant if I sing it? People might think I’m so full of myself” but as the time goes by it starts to grow on me . I also love how the beats are just simple and magical at the same time. It makes you feel like in a paradise.
“CHAOS”
Writing this song was chaos. I was just in a mood to write a unique topic. It was my first time to write a not so love song lyrics with the help of Jo. He wrote some of the lyrics and he’s the featured artist in this song. The song is about a playboy who happens to fall in love with a female alpha.
“BABABA”
This song is also in full Filipino and EC explained the meaning of it. I had a hard time singing this song because there’s a lot of “bababa” words that it got me so confused. But it’s very catchy and a good song to listen to while driving or traveling.
“HANAP KA NALANG NG IBA”
EC wrote this song, and I thought it was gonna be the easiest song from him. But I was wrong, I couldn’t get the timing right on the post hook part, it took me a few hours to hit the right timing. But I really had fun recording it. I love the beats and vibe that it’s giving me
“LEAVE ME”
This song is very personal to me, I was having a mental breakdown while I was writing it. All the bad things that people have told and called me got into my head that I started to believe them. I knew myself better than anyone else but that time was too much. I thought maybe I was becoming someone I’m not because that’s what everyone is calling me or wants me to become. It took me hours to record this song because I couldn’t stop crying but thankfully I got to finish it with the help of Coach Karl.
Viral Pinoy Pop group GAT (Gawang Atin ‘To), comprised of members GAT Ethan, GAT Derick, GAT Michael, GAT Hans, and GAT Charles are chasing after a starlight in the darkest of nights in their highly-anticipated debut single, “Kakaiba,” released on August 1, 2025.
The debut track taps into an extraordinary kind of attraction towards someone, capturing the ecstasy of an undeniably intense infatuation. Entrancing as it sounds, listeners can deeply feel how spellbound the boys are in the lyrics, written by the GAT members themselves.
In their first original track, all members of the P-pop group had the opportunity to contribute to their music as they navigate their signature sound. Truly a masterpiece despite “Kakaiba” being their first-ever single, GAT has already proven their edge during their pre-debut era.
GAT first went viral for their phenomenal rendition of “Daleng Dale,” originally popularized by MMJ, which sent global audiences to join the dance craze. The pre-debut track also served as the opening song and an official soundtrack of the Viva One web series, Ang Mutya ng Section E.
Additionally, four members of the group, namely Ethan David, Derick Ong, Michael Keith, and Charles Law are among the recurring cast members of the internationally recognized show. With this, GAT is set to participate in the upcoming VIVA ONE VIVARKADA: The Ultimate Fancon and Grand Concert, happening on August 15, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, The Kennel, an international music publishing, production and management company based in Sweden which has written and produced music for number-one hits and artists all over the world, is among the people who produced “Kakaiba,” along with members of GAT and singer-songwriter and composer, Kylu Garcia (known for the tracks “OTW” and “Dito Ka Lang”). The song is a product of the songwriting camp spearheaded by The Kennel.
Following its digital release on all major streaming platforms, the official music video of GAT’s debut single “Kakaiba” is now available on their YouTube channel.
After an unstoppable 2024, marked by the release of his sophomore album ‘II: The Second’ in September and a record-breaking solo concert in October, Arthur Nery is not slowing down. The breakout R&B sensation and genre-bending hitmaker is ready to open another chapter with his newest single “Ayaw Baya” — a heartfelt tribute to his hometown and heritage.
A departure from his previous releases like “Isa Lang” and “I Gotchu”, where only traces of Bisaya appeared in a verse or two, “Ayaw Baya” marks Arthur’s first fully Bisaya-written single. The title, a Bisaya phrase, loosely translates to “please don’t” or “just don’t” — a gentle, aching plea that encapsulates the song’s emotional core.
Blending his signature neo-soul and R&B stylings with the rich texture of regional language, Arthur explores themes of love, abandonment, and the silent grief of unspoken farewells. It's a hauntingly vulnerable track that resonates with anyone who has ever been left behind without closure.
Known for pushing boundaries while staying true to his roots, Arthur Nery continues to redefine what OPM can sound like — viscerally honest, sonically sleek, and now, powerfully regional. With “Ayaw Baya,” he not only expands his artistic range but also elevates Bisaya music to the national stage.
Stay tuned on August 1 and stream “Ayaw Baya” on all major digital platforms and follow Arthur Nery on social media for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the single.
rhodessa is returning to the music game after dropping her comeback single, “ano na?”, which poses a big question in a situationship that seeks so much clarification.
When there have been so many signs, enough to assume that “something” must be going on between two “special” people, it might be the right moment to draw the “What are we?” card. However, the truth bomb is another thing to deal with. And what if the feelings are not mutual? According to rhodessa, “Sumaya naman kahit papa’no” (it made me happy somehow), so maybe it will all be okay, maybe not today or soon, but one day.
Her latest single was a product of the songwriting camp in April, led by The Kennel, a music publishing, production and management company based in Sweden. The Kennel is known to have written and produced music for chart-topping tracks and artists all over the world, such as “Oxygen” by the Korean pop group TWICE for their “More&More” album.
Interestingly, the “kisame” hitmaker is known to be a fan TWICE, with Mina, who inspired her to write “mina(mahal),” as her bias, and an avid reader of MiChaeng (Mina and Chaeyoung’s ship name) fan fictions, which led her to write and produce “kisame,” her most successful song to date.
rhodessa has already proven her edge as a musical artist, having won the “Wish Ballad Song of the Year” in the 2024 Wish Music Awards for “kisame,” which has 184 million streams on Spotify alone as of writing.
Recently, rhodessa took part in a project extended play titled “SWABE,” a carefully curated album that features heartfelt renditions of beloved OPM classics, where she contributed her version of “Antukin” by Rico Blanco. The album also includes performances by Earl Agustin, Amiel Sol, Janine, and Shanne Dandan. A reinterpretation of timeless hits, SWABE is a collaborative project by Viva Music Publishing Inc., Viva Records, Vicor Music, and Ivory Music.
Following her music comeback, “ano na?” by rhodessa is out now on all major streaming platforms.
Who doesn’t love an OPM artist who can do a bit of everything?
The Voice Kids Philippines alumnus Darren Espanto just dropped his second album “Ikaw Pa Rin”—the first one in eight years—and we can say, it’s truly a testament to the growth of a singer who’s been in the industry for 11 years.
In the album launch last July 4, hosted by MYX’s very own resident VJ Samm, he delivered D’ Total Performances for six out of 13 tracks from “Ikaw Pa Rin,” namely “Bibitaw Na,” Can’t Buy Me Love” teleserye single “Iyo,” “Paano Kung Tayo Nalang,” Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition eviction song “Paalam Muna Sandali,” “Di Makaramdam,” and “ANNAB.”
Following the album launch, the official music video for ANNAB—a certified fan favorite—was also released on July 4.
According to Espanto, this new album signifies a new era and a more mature side for him as a musician who has grown with the industry. “I used to be someone who didn’t want to sing his original songs [...] but as an artist you’re supposed to produce your own songs and content—I have that in my mind now,” he opened up.
He also shared that he’s now more hands-on and not afraid to experiment with his music, evidenced by the versatility of themes and genres in “Ikaw Pa Rin”—ranging from pop, ballad, to retro songs.
“I really like the songs on this album kasi ako yung nagsulat nung ibang kanta,” Espanto said.
In working on his latest album, the teen pop sensation mentioned that they did not realize how long had passed since his last album. However, he believed that this unexpected turnout was also a way for the fans to hear the difference in his voice from a 16-year-old to a 24-year-old musician.
As he embarks on his new era as an OPM artist, Espanto dedicates “Ikaw Pa Rin” to the Darrenatics who waited eight years for new music, to everyone who loves music, and to those who just want to listen to something easy to listen to.
In the near future, the young musician hopes to release a song internationally and host a concert where 80 percent of the setlist is composed of his original songs.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
British singer-songwriter James Vickery is entering a new era in his musical artistry with the upcoming release of his self-titled album ‘James’, out on September 12. Known for his soulful ballads and rich R&B vocals, he described his upcoming album as deeply personal and genre-bending–combining musical exploration with emotional depth, personal growth, and sense of identity.
With his album ‘James’, Vickery pivots towards something greater where he embraces the artistic freedom to evolve and explore. “I’m at this point in my life where I exhausted all avenues, explored every sound that I need to make, ” Vickery said. “I think it represents me not just as an artist but also as a man growing up in London.”
For Vickery, this album is the best representation and most authentic version of himself and he is proud of it.
Introducing himself with this self-titled album is a freedom from expectations and a commitment to growth that didn’t happen overnight. “I really don’t want to be one of the artists who just drops the same album every two years”, Vickery explained. Sharing his journey as an artist, Vickery also shared that he is open to evolving sounds while writing songs that he can sing without any limitations.
“It was definitely a tough decision and it took me a long time to write this,” Vickery expounded.
As Vickery steps into a new decade of age, introspection and personal journey led him to choose this title that feels rooted and authentic. “I want this to be the defining project that when I look back in 20 years, this is who I was and hopefully this is still the representation of the core essence of my personality.”
Releasing and naming this album after himself felt like the right moment for Vickery, both as an artist and as a person. “I’m much more mature now to look back and I want this to define where I am,” Vickery shared.
The result of his artistic exploration manifests with the album that traverses genres– from classic R&B to ‘70s funk and soul, synth-pop, and the pop sounds of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, where he turned to the music that shaped him especially with musical influences from Westerman and Vandross. “In order to get the true, authentic sound from things that inspired you, you have to go back and listen to the people before you and pay homage,” said Vickery.
Amidst all his musical and personal journey, Vickery remains grounded as he marks a turning point in his sound. “I would always call myself a soul singer but right now, I am more than that,” Vickery affirmed as he indicated that the thing he is not afraid to do is to experiment with sounds that are around him. And together with the people that surrounded him from growing up, he shared that it grounds him because people still believe in him.
Over the years, James Vickery’s music has been grounded in passion and built on emotional truth and resilience. His experiences have refined his songs into translating messages he hopes to resonate with the listeners. “To write authentically is to write about things that are passionate to you,” Vickery said while stating that being true to yourself is the way to get the best music.
Pre-Save and stream James Vickery’s upcoming self-titled album JAMES, this September 12 and experience a journey of his sound, self, and soul.
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Words and interview by Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Pinoy pop rock superstar Yeng Constantino just dropped her new single titled “Lumulutang Lumulubog,” and it’s about being high on infatuation, but also afraid of the uncertainties that it entails.
Constantino’s new single verbalizes the contradicting feeling of wanting to fall, but holding yourself back from doing so. Such a bittersweet meeting to a rather upbeat song.
@yengconstantinoofficial Ikaw ba to? Aguy! #lumulutangnahuhulog #yengconstantino ♬ Lumulutang Nahuhulog - Yeng Constantino
However, the renowned singer stated that the song was inspired by her current situation. In fact, the inspiration behind the song is quite unexpected.
“[Lumulutang Nahuhulog] is not about me in the present time, it [was inspired by] the cuteness that I saw from TikTok,” Constantino said. She revealed that her husband was even the one who suggested the push-and-pull theme for the song.
Expounding more on her fascination for TikTok, Constantino shared that her favorite trends on the app are one with soundbites and skits because these allowed her to see that acting can also portray emotions in different colors.
Recently, the OPM veteran has been active in her TikTok account, posting her own versions of the soundbites. “I’ve gotten more comfortable showing that side of myself because of TikTok,” she mentioned.
@yengconstantinoofficial Enebeeee 😆
♬ original sound - MAX REGUCERA
With nearly two decades since her entry to the OPM scene, Constantino advised aspiring artists and musicians to make use of their resources and connections to make their dreams come true. “[For example], kung ano yung money na meron ako, binabalik ko sa music ko,” the artist exemplified.
Constantino added that confidence is only built when you repetitively participate in competitive activities, stating that this is how integrity within is formed.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Imagine this: You’re in the car on a road trip to somewhere you don’t even know. It starts raining heavily and the ride is still long, so you put your earphones on and stare into the window, relapsing about the what ifs and what could have beens.
As if on cue, these are the songs that start playing:
Since its release in 2023, Raining in Manila has been a staple for when the weather starts feeling cold and nostalgic.
This song will make you think about your friends who you’ve lost contact with—whatever the reason may be—and how they’re doing, much like Lola Amour’s Pio Dumayas did when he wrote the song as he thought of his friends who left the country to pursue better lives in other countries.
“heather is the kind of song that deserves “heather - conan gray (crying alone in the rain)” edits” — Conan Gray.
The relapse does not end with friends, because as Conan Gray said, we all have a Heather in our lives. Someone we despise, but do not really have a reason to. Heather is for the brokenhearted lads who wish “Heather” was them. If that hit a bit too close to home, we hope you have tissues with you to wipe those tears away.
Melancholy and nostalgia, all in one song.
V of BTS perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the rainy season with “Rainy Days,” as he sings of being unable to fall asleep, reminiscing about a relationship that has become a fragment of bittersweet memories. This song will make you vividly remember the happiest times in a relationship, but it will also remind you of a connection forever lost in time.
Of course, this playlist won’t be complete without the OG hit song for the rainy weather.
As the pitter pattering sound of the rain transforms into loud thrums over the roof, Basang-Basa Sa Ulan is the perfect song to belt your heart out—as if in a battle for dominance with the droplets of water. This song by Aegis mirrors the hopelessness we face in many setbacks, yet we choose to desperately fight on.
“I’m still with you, even if you’re no longer with me”
There’s a certain kind of longing, holding on, and letting go that continuously lingers and whispers in the hush of memories. “Still With You” by Jungkook is a song that encapsulates the emotional in-between—where love still lives vividly in our hearts even after they’re gone, while stillness replays the words left unsaid. The sound of the rainfall, combined with the jazzy R&B instrumental, creates a rhythm of yearning between what ifs and what could have been—still reminiscing, still feeling, and still hoping. For the kind of days when rain drips down the window, this track sounds like a memory you never really moved on from.
While it plays like a cozy rainy day tune, this track hits just right for nostalgia and emotional relapse. “I Think I Like When It Rains” by WILLIS is a soft indie track that is perfect for unraveling thoughts you are not ready to forget. Like the lyrics. “And all that I can do is stop and think about the day”, This track is indeed introspective and conversational–where rain is a metaphor for the feelings that don’t just fall, but remember. This song indeed feels like a smile through the rain because it perfectly hits and sits with you, while it cradles you in a strange kind of comfort.
POV: You said you’re over them, but somehow, their presence still lives rent-free in your mind.
You swore to yourself that you had moved on, deleted all the chat conversations and photos, and suddenly “Isip” by Healy After Dark starts playing, like a memory on shuffle. Like the title of the song, one thing is for sure—they are stuck in your mind as you’re back at square one, mentally reliving your love for them. This track lingers on the thought of why a heart can’t forget what the mind constantly refuses to stop reminiscing. And even though you know that the person you like will never feel the same way anymore, you still think about them like a dream you didn’t want to wake up from.
“Umaasa” by Calein is the ultimate anthem for every person who still clings to that hope of rekindling the love, even though it tells you to “let go.” Together with the guitar riffs, emotional, nostalgic, and melancholic lyrics and vocals, the song indeed feels like a confession wrapped in pain as you wait for someone who might never return and be with you. This song is the perfect soundtrack for holding on, while it quietly haunts you with all of the memories and heart-fluttering scenes of the past. Kahit alam mong wala na talaga—umaasa at umaasa ka pa rin.
As the last few notes of the last song fade, the sun may already be shining again above the sky. But when the weather turns gloomy once more, let this playlist be your companion, sitting with you through the storm.
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Written by Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Cover art by Leana Infante
This is for everyone who tries their best to be their truest selves.
Chloe SJ just launched her debut EP titled “Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real,” and we’re being for real when we say that she might just be the next rising OPM artist. Composed of seven tracks, the album touches on themes of authenticity and love.
In her grand EP launch last June 24, Chloe SJ mentioned that her debut EP is about being “for real,” as well as protecting your peace and yourself.
“I hope that [the listeners] are able to connect more with me, especially [since] it talks about being for real and authentic, and also [it talks a little bit about] mahal and I’s love story,”
During the launch, she embodied her album’s theme as she performed “FR FR.” She also played her rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”—an ode to where she started: doing cover songs.
Touching on the transition from doing covers to releasing her original music, Chloe SJ revealed that it took a while getting used to the feeling of recording songs she could call her own. “When I started performing it live, [that’s when] I started to feel that ‘this is is me’”
Touching a bit more on the production process, the singer also shared that she initially did not know what to title her EP. “I was [initially] thinking ‘yung usual na cheesy stuff, but when I listened back to all the tracks, I [thought of] ‘Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real.’ It explains itself. It’s so me,” she said.
Throughout the night, she showcased her stage presence as she performed “Nonchalant” with guest singer and composer Trisha Denise, “Something Right,” “Dulo ng Bahaghari,” and “Iyo” which she mentioned was dedicated to her boyfriend and Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
P-Pop group 1621 also took to the stage during the launch, with performances of “Ikaw at Ikaw” and “Stuck.” They also gave an exclusive live version of their Bababa challenge with Chloe SJ.
If you’re looking for songs to ignite your self-discovery journey, stream Chloe SJ’s “Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real.”
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Videos by Leana Infante
Newest StarPop alternative rock artist Christophe Sommereux launched the music video for “Sine” on June 17 at the Dolphy Theater. This marks Sommereux’ first MV, following the release of his self-titled debut EP.
“Every single sequence was fun and playful. [It’s] very me,” Sommereux said as he talked about the filming process for the MV.
Talking more about his EP, Sommereux expressed that the entire EP itself represents him. In particular, the rising musician and son of Celebrity couple Gladys Reyes and Christopher Roxas recalled how “Take Care” was a song produced during the pandemic when he began his songwriting journey.
“It’s always hard to start because we want to avoid mistakes, [but] you can also never find the perfect way unless you start—that’s how ‘Take Care’ was formed,” Sommereux revealed.
As the OPM rookie begins his music career, he hopes to be remembered as someone loud and energetic in a highly competitive industry. “I’m ready to take on the OPM landscape with all the people behind me,” he said.
Although Sommereux is labeled as an alternative rock artist, he desires to be recalled for the genre he is currently producing. “When people step into a genre, they add something to it [because] there are different things we want people to feel when it comes to music.”
Prior to the MV screening, Sommereux performed “Sine,” “Take Care,” and “Sira.” He also invited fans to stay tuned for the upcoming release of the “Sira” visualizer coming out on June 27.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Photos by Ricabelle Bayanin and Leana Infante
“This one is for all the people who are challenged to be alone.”
That’s what Maki said when he talked about “Kahel na Langit” during his music video launch hosted by MYX VJ Eya on June 14 at the Mall of Asia Sky Amphitheater.
During the launch, Maki recalled how sunsets are so stunning, yet they also symbolize the ending of a day. “Endings can be beautiful and warm like kahel (orange),” the musician shared.
The "Dilaw" hitmaker also shared how “Kahel na Langit” is different from the other colors he’s released so far. This new single is a story of different people handling their own problems and challenges in life. Yet when the day ends, they find themselves alone.
“Kahel na Langit” is for those who always try to be warm for others, but sometimes also want someone to run to when they’re feeling exhausted and frustrated. It’s for the people who have lost the one who gave them warmth, and have learned to live with it.
It’s an ode to the ones we remember when the sun goes down, painting the sky in the color of warmth.
Delving deeper into the MV’s production, Maki stated that he does not want to reveal the metaphors in the music video, as he wants to give listeners the freedom to give their own message.
However, he revealed that one of the shirts he wears in the MV was handmade by him and the production team. “[Para siyang] bagay na luma at sira na pero (It’s like an old and worn item, yet) it still gives you warmth.”
Maki also shared how he chose to include the "zushi boys" because they’re the ones who give him warmth, especially during tours.
“Kahel na Langit” is the fourth color and single in Maki’s upcoming album, “Kolorcoaster.” He revealed that the album will have 10 songs with 10 colors, each representing different forms of love.
Maki’s MV launched featured his first performance of “Kahel na Langit” after its release, as well as “Namumula,” “Bughaw,” ‘Dilaw,” “Kailan?” and “Saan?”. The event also featured guest performances from muninn, Jarea, Janine Teñoso, and Angela Ken.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Photos by Christian Gonzalo
