Rising British singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro is set to return to the Philippines as part of her newly announced global "My House Tour," with a Manila stop scheduled for January 9, 2027, at New Frontier Theater.
Presented by Wilbros Live, the concert marks one of the highlights of Spiro’s largest international tour to date, which will see the London-born artist perform across North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Filipino fans eager to catch the fast-rising vocalist live can secure tickets during the presale beginning June 16 at 10 a.m. General ticket sales will follow on June 18 at 10 a.m. through TicketNet outlets nationwide and TicketNet's online platform.
Spiro expressed her excitement about embarking on the ambitious tour, which includes several destinations she has never visited before.
“I truly can’t wait for this tour. This is the biggest I’ve ever done and we’re going to perform in places I’ve never been before! I’m so excited to see you all and sing the songs from Visitor with you,” she said.
The announcement arrives amid a breakthrough year for the singer, whose profile has continued to rise through a series of acclaimed performances and major festival appearances. Before heading overseas, Spiro is scheduled to appear at notable U.S. festivals including Lollapalooza, Newport Jazz Festival, Outside Lands, All Things Go, and Austin City Limits.
The North American leg of the "My House Tour" will officially launch on October 13 at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium before making stops in major cities such as New York, Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, Vancouver, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. The run concludes on November 10 at The Wiltern in Los Angeles.
The tour also builds on the success of her recent live shows, which featured an intimate stage design that transformed concert venues into a warm, home-like setting. Plush curtains, vintage audio equipment, vinyl records, lamps, and carpeted floors helped create the atmosphere that inspired the tour’s title and introduced audiences to unreleased material, including the song “My House.”
With her debut Manila concert now on the calendar, Filipino listeners will soon have the opportunity to experience firsthand the voice and storytelling that have quickly made Sienna Spiro one of music’s most promising new artists.
True to the message they introduced themselves with years ago, P-pop girl group KAIA has always been here.
Long before viral moments and trending performances, the five-member act steadily built a reputation for delivering polished stages, empowering music, and a versatility that allowed them to shift effortlessly between fierce and feminine concepts. While the P-pop scene continues to evolve, KAIA has remained one of its most consistent performers.
Recently, more people have started paying attention.
KAIA's Angela, Charice, Sophia, Alexa, and Charlotte found themselves at the center of online conversations after their cover performance of HUNTR/X's "Take Down" gained traction across social media. The high-energy stage showcased the group's powerful side, drawing praise from both longtime supporters called ZAIA and new audiences discovering them for the first time.
For Angela, the unexpected attention was both surprising and deeply appreciated.
“We were honestly very surprised and incredibly grateful,” she shared. “Whenever we perform, our focus is simply to give our best and enjoy the moment on stage. We never really think about whether something will go viral or not.”
The group's approach has always centered on the performance itself rather than the numbers attached to it. That's why seeing clips spread online and hearing people talk about KAIA felt especially meaningful.
"Seeing people appreciate our performance, share it online, and discover KAIA through it was very heartwarming. There are so many talented artists out there, so the support and recognition we've received mean a lot to us," she added.
Behind the viral performance, however, was extensive preparation. According to Angela, "Take Down" demanded more than simply learning choreography. The group spent significant time strengthening their vocals, building stamina, and refining their stage presence to match the song's intensity.
She explained that one of the biggest challenges was maintaining the energy, precision, and vocal quality throughout the performance while still making sure they connected with the audience.
KAIA at BAICON 2026
Eeven as one moment spread online, another was unfolding offline. Recently, KAIA capped off a successful Cebu visit with a crowd-pleasing performance at BAICON 2026 held at Mactan Newtown, further strengthening their connection with a growing fanbase in the Visayas.
In Cebu, that online momentum translated into something more immediate—faces, voices, and a crowd reacting in real time.
"This has been one of our longest stays in Cebu so far, and we're very grateful for all the love we've received," shared the group. "Every visit reminds us how passionate and supportive Cebuano fans are, and we're thankful to everyone who continues to support KAIA."
‘Andito pa rin ako’
Yet just as audiences were embracing their fierce side, another song was revealing a completely different version of the group.
Their track "TANGA" has been steadily gaining attention for its playful charm, relatable storytelling, and lighter energy. Where "Take Down" is bold and commanding, "TANGA" embraces a softer, more carefree side.
For KAIA, that contrast is a reflection of who they are. They don’t try to force a specific image, instead, they focus on being authentic to the story and emotions of each song.
"We feel very fortunate to be able to explore different sides of ourselves through our music," Angela said. "Take Down and You Did It showcase a stronger and more performance-driven side of KAIA, while TANGA allows us to be playful, lighthearted, and relatable."
Rather than carefully choosing which image to present, the group allows each song to dictate how they express themselves. That philosophy has become one of KAIA's defining strengths. They embrace both the powerful and the playful, understanding that artists, like people, aren't limited to a single version of themselves.
"We don't see it as choosing one side over the other because both are genuinely part of who we are. Just like anyone else, we experience different emotions, personalities, and moments in life."
As their audience continues to grow, that versatility is becoming increasingly important to their identity. In fact, fans can expect to see even more sides of KAIA in the near future. Angela revealed that the group's upcoming EP will further explore different genres, concepts, and musical directions, allowing them to showcase the full spectrum of their artistry.
The recent success of both "Take Down" and "TANGA" has only strengthened their desire to keep evolving.
“This moment reminds us that people are listening, watching, and connecting with what we do, and that's very inspiring,” they shared.
More than chart numbers, streams, or viral clips, KAIA hopes to be recognized for something deeper. For a group that has spent years proving its place in the industry, this latest wave of attention feels less like an overnight breakthrough and more like the next step in a journey that's been building all along. And maybe that’s what “here” really meant from the beginning.
Filipino music took center stage as SB19, Maki, and December Avenue delivered unforgettable performances at Watsons Playlist 2026.
Held as part of Watsons’ yearly event, the concert showcased some of the country's most influential and fast-rising acts, creating an atmosphere where dedicated fandoms, casual listeners, groups of friends, and even couples shared one memorable night through music.
Leading the lineup was P-pop powerhouse SB19, whose appearance drew loud cheers from fans throughout the venue. As the newest brand ambassadors of Watsons, the group brought their signature stage presence and high-energy performances that have helped cement their position as one of the country's most successful music acts. Their influence extends beyond music, embodying confidence, individuality, and Filipino excellence which are qualities that align with the brand they now represent.
Meanwhile, OPM mainstays December Avenue reminded concertgoers why they remain one of the most beloved bands in the country. Known for crafting emotionally resonant songs that have become staples of Filipino playlists, the band delivered a set that highlighted their ability to connect with audiences through relatable stories and heartfelt melodies.
Representing the new wave of OPM was Maki, one of today's fastest-rising young artists. The singer-songwriter added a special moment to the evening by performing his newest track, “habangbuhay pansamantala,” live for the very first time. The debut performance drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd, giving fans an early glimpse of the song in a concert setting and further underscoring Maki's growing influence in the local music scene.
While each artist shined individually, one of the night's biggest surprises came when SB19, Maki, and December Avenue shared the stage for a special collaborative performance. The artists joined forces for SB19's hit song “Wakas,” creating a rare crossover moment that blended the strengths of P-pop, contemporary OPM, and Filipino band music into a single performance.
The collaboration became one of the concert's most talked-about highlights.
More than a concert, Watsons Playlist 2026 served as a gathering place for music lovers. Through performances from some of the country's biggest and most promising artists, the event reinforced the unifying power of music.
The Filipino global pop phenomenon continues its world tour momentum with three major ANZ dates this September
Sydney, Australia - June 1, 2026 - BINI is bringing the SIGNALS World Tour to Australia and New Zealand with newly announced stops in Melbourne, Auckland, and Sydney this September, marking another major expansion of the group’s growing global live presence.
Following a breakthrough year that has seen BINI capture attention from fans, media, and global music audiences, the eight-member pop group is set to bring its high-energy performances, signature sound, and powerful fan connection to three key ANZ cities:
The newly announced dates continue the momentum of BINI’s SIGNALS World Tour, a tour that reflects the group’s evolution from a beloved Filipino act into a global pop force connecting audiences across cultures, cities, and communities.
Known for their sharp choreography, bright pop sound, magnetic stage presence, and deeply engaged fanbase known as BLOOMs, BINI has become one of the most talked-about acts to emerge from Southeast Asia’s pop landscape. Their arrival in Australia and New Zealand is expected to draw both longtime fans and new audiences discovering the group through their international momentum.
Tickets are expected to move quickly, with fans encouraged to take advantage of early access windows.
Ticket Drop Dates:
The Australia and New Zealand leg of BINI’s SIGNALS World Tour is made possible through key partnerships across the region, amongst ABS-CBN Global, TFC and MYX, and in collaboration with Daybreak in Auckland.
More ticketing details and official announcements will be released through BINI’s official channels, MYX Global, and TFC.
With the SIGNALS World Tour, BINI continues to carry its music, message, and unmistakable energy across the world — one city at a time.
The beloved community flea market returns with curated thrift treasures, live hip-hop and R&B performances, and a celebration of self-expression.
Nostalgia is getting another stylish revival as Good Old Days returns for its sixth edition, transforming Pasig City into a hub for fashion, music, and community this May 31.
Set to take over the Metrotent Convention Center, Good Old Days 6 is bringing together some of the country’s most passionate collectors, vintage enthusiasts, creatives, and music lovers for a one-day celebration where culture and individuality take center stage. What began in 2022 as a gathering for like-minded communities has steadily grown into one of the most anticipated lifestyle events on the local calendar.
This year’s installment, powered by TMP Industries and Season Pass, promises its biggest and most curated experience yet. More than 80 merchants and brands are expected to fill the venue with everything from vintage gems and archive fashion pieces to collectibles, streetwear staples, and hard-to-find treasures.
For many attendees, the appeal goes beyond shopping. Good Old Days has become a destination where personal style, creativity, and community intersect. Every booth tells a story, with merchants carefully selecting pieces that reflect their own tastes and passions rather than following mainstream trends. The result is a shopping experience that feels more like a cultural exchange than a typical marketplace.
In a time when fast fashion dominates the conversation, the event continues to champion the value of secondhand clothing, unique finds, and sustainable consumption. Each item carries its own history, allowing shoppers to discover pieces that feel personal and one-of-a-kind.
The crowd-favorite Good Old Days photobooth is also making a comeback. Created in partnership with Kubo Disenyo, the installation has become a staple of the event, giving attendees a chance to immortalize their best outfits and favorite moments. Over the years, the photobooth has become synonymous with the event’s emphasis on self-expression, with snapshots often flooding social media long after the day ends.
Music will once again provide the soundtrack for the experience. Rising names from the local hip-hop and R&B scene, including Gaspari, Uncle Dags, and Baby Freeze, will share the stage with fan favorites Waiian and Kiyo, ensuring the energy remains high from start to finish.
For Douglas Brocklehurst, CEO of TMP Industries, the event’s success lies in its authenticity. “What makes Good Old Days special is that everything you see is curated by people who are actually part of the community,” he said.
That sense of belonging remains at the heart of Good Old Days. Whether visitors come searching for a vintage grail, discovering new music, or simply connecting with fellow creatives, the event offers a space where culture thrives and communities come together.
Photo credit: HYBE x Geffen Records
HYBE x Geffen is gearing up for its next major global debut as it officially introduces SAINT SATINE, the newest four-member girl group formed through the conclusion of the audition series World Scout: The Final Piece, streamed via ABEMA.
The announcement confirms a lineup that blends already familiar global trainees with a newly discovered standout. The group consists of Emily (USA, 20), Lexie (Sweden, 21), and Samara (Brazil, 20)—all of whom previously gained international attention through the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. Their journey now continues under a new identity as SAINT SATINE.
Emily - Lexie - Samara
Completing the roster is Japan’s Sakura (16), who was officially chosen during the show’s finale. Out of more than 14,000 applicants, Sakura emerged as the final member after a highly competitive selection process that unfolded in Japan and was documented throughout the series.
To mark the culmination of the project, HYBE x Geffen released the digital single album World Scout: The Final Piece – Finale, featuring two tracks that highlight the intensity of the final selection round.
One of the standout records, “PARTY b4 the PARTY,” brings together Sakura, Emily, Lexie, and Samara in a high-energy performance built on punchy beats, heavy bass shifts, and playful vocal exchanges. The track leans into a bold, club-ready energy, capturing the excitement of pre-party anticipation and the chemistry between the members.
The second track, “WE RIDE,” features finalist Ayana alongside Emily, Lexie, and Samara. In contrast to the first song’s explosive vibe, it offers a smoother, nostalgic sound inspired by early 2000s R&B, layered with soft harmonies and a laid-back rhythm.
With the lineup now complete, SAINT SATINE is officially set for its global launch. HYBE x Geffen describes the group as existing in a space between contrast and control. The name reflects that duality, with “SAINT” representing strong artistry and presence, while “SATINE” evokes softness, refinement, and sophistication.
Cover Art By Julie Greve
A new Gracie Abrams era is officially on the way.
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter revealed that her third studio album, Daughter from Hell, will arrive on July 17 via Interscope Records, marking her latest creative chapter alongside longtime collaborator and producer Aaron Dessner.
The announcement immediately sent fans into a frenzy online, especially after weeks of cryptic teasers and hints shared across Abrams’ social media accounts. Adding to the excitement, listeners won’t have to wait long for new music, as the album’s lead single, “Hit the Wall,” is set to be released this Friday morning in the Philippines.
For many fans, Daughter from Hell signals the beginning of another deeply personal journey from an artist who has built her career on vulnerability and emotional honesty. Abrams has become known for transforming heartbreak, self-reflection, and growing pains into songs that feel like pages taken straight from a diary, creating a connection that resonates strongly with young listeners around the world.
That connection is especially evident in the Philippines, where Abrams has steadily grown one of her most passionate international fan communities. Her music has become a staple among Filipino Gen Z listeners, frequently soundtracking TikTok videos, curated Spotify playlists, and relatable online content centered on love, loss, and self-discovery.
Photo Credit: Julie Greve
Tracks such as “That’s So True” and “I Love You, I’m Sorry” have found a particularly enthusiastic audience locally, with many fans embracing the songs’ raw storytelling and emotional depth. Their popularity has helped cement Abrams as one of the most streamed and talked-about singer-songwriters among young Filipino music lovers.
As her profile continues to rise, so do calls for her to finally perform in Manila.
Whenever Abrams announces new tour dates or project updates, Filipino fans are often quick to flood comment sections with requests for a Philippine stop. The latest album announcement was no exception, reigniting online campaigns urging the singer-songwriter to include Manila in her future touring plans.
The movement has even attracted attention from local celebrities, including actress and television host Anne Curtis, who previously joined fans in expressing hopes of seeing Abrams perform in the country.
With Daughter from Hell now officially on the calendar and “Hit the Wall” just days away from release, Filipino fans have plenty to look forward to as Abrams prepares to unveil the next chapter of her musical story.
Launches pink-colored new single “habangbuhay pansamantala” out on Sunday
Maki continues to make a mark in the music scene after surpassing 1 billion all-time streams on Spotify ahead of his “KOLORCOASTER” Southeast Asian tour and the release of his new single “habangbuhay pansamantala.”
The milestone comes on the heels of the massive success of his album “KOLORCOASTER,” which produced fan-favorite hits such as “Dilaw,” “Namumula,” and “kahel na langit.” Bringing the vibrant world of the album to the international audiences, Maki is set to perform at The Theater at Mediacorp, Singapore on June 13 and in Bengkel Space, Jakarta, Indonesia on June 14, with additional stops in North America, Australia, and New Zealand to be announced soon. Fans can avail tickets for the Singapore and Indonesia shows on MakiKolorcoasterTour.myx.global.
Before kicking off the tour, the Kapamilya singer-songwriter is set to drop his new single “habangbuhay pansamantala” on Sunday (May 24). Described by Maki as a “pink song,” the emotional track serves as an anthem for those stuck in a relationship where they are treated as second choice or kept on the backburner.
Maki composed the song himself. Even before its official release, a preview of the track has already gained millions of views across social media, resonating with listeners through its heartbreaking and relatable message.
To celebrate the launch of the single, Maki announced two special fan events, “Pink Fest” happening at TriNoma on May 29 and “Pink Room” at Quezon Club, Solaire Resort North on June 5. Fans can get “Pink Room” tickets via Solaire Rewards.
Join Maki in his “KOLORCOASTER” Southeast Asian tour and check out his new single “habangbuhay pansamantala” out on May 24 on digital streaming platforms.
For details, follow Tarsier Records on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or visit corporate.abscbn. com/newsroom.
ABOUT ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN Corporation is a media and entertainment organization in the Philippines. The Company is primarily involved in the
production of entertainment, feature films, news and information and audio content for domestic and international audiences.
ABS-CBN produces content and distributes its programs, feature films, and music on different platforms such as cable and satellite
TV, domestic free TV through various partnerships with local broadcasters and third-party digital platforms, as well as traditional boxoffice releases. ABS-CBN also distributes content through its streaming service, iWantTFC, and through co-production and syndication agreements with international streaming platforms, broadcasters and cable and satellite programmers. Related businesses include artist and talent management as well as concerts and events.
Singapore-based artist teem is continuing to step forward from behind the production desk and into his own spotlight, slowly shaping a solo identity that feels both intimate and intentional. Once widely recognized as producer Timothy Liew—whose work includes the viral Tagalog hit “ikaw, ikaw, ikaw” by ICEBOX and Eliza Maturan, which has already surpassed 30 million streams—teem is now writing his own story.
After unveiling his debut single in March 2026, “2X CHAMP,” which carried a more upbeat and rhythm-forward energy, he returns with a quieter but emotionally heavier offering titled “tomatoes.” Set for release on May 15 across all major streaming platforms, the track signals a clear shift in tone and texture, leaning into restraint rather than intensity.
“tomatoes” unfolds in a stripped-back folk-pop setting, where delicate acoustic guitar lines carry most of the emotional weight. Instead of layered production or sharp rhythmic hooks, the song breathes in silence and space, allowing its vulnerability to sit at the forefront. It feels less like a performance and more like a late-night thought you weren’t meant to say out loud.
At its core, the track reflects on the slow unraveling of a relationship that once felt full, now reduced to emotional distance. Using the metaphor of something once fresh gradually losing its life, teem captures the quiet ache of watching connection fade while still holding on to the idea of what it used to be. The writing is understated but heavy with feeling, painting love not as a dramatic collapse, but as a gradual disappearance.
This softer sonic direction also reveals a different side of teem’s artistry that leans into vulnerability and emotional clarity, echoing the sensibilities of modern indie-pop acts like Jeremy Zucker and LANY. It’s a contrast to his earlier, more structured production work, showing a willingness to step into discomfort and simplicity as creative tools.
Beyond his solo journey, teem’s influence in Southeast Asia’s music landscape continues to grow. He has also contributed to rising regional voices such as Regina Song. With an accompanying music video slated for May 22, “tomatoes” serves as another quiet but meaningful step in teem’s unfolding narrative
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.
