R&B sensation Denise Julia is joining the stellar lineup for MYX's TFW ("That Feeling When") event in Chicago.
Denise Julia is the viral artist behind chart-topping hits like "NVMD" and "B.A.D.," known for her smooth vocals and commanding stage presence.
After its successful debut in Los Angeles, MYX, the online music hub from ABS-CBN, is bringing its live concert experience "TFW" to Chicago on August 16, 2025, at The Riviera.
Also performing in MYX's TFW are P-pop group BGYO, singer-songwriter Gabe Bondoc and R&B artist Jeremy Passion.
For more info, visit https://myx.global/tfw/.
See you there!
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
After its successful debut in Los Angeles, MYX, the online music hub from ABS-CBN, is bringing the electrifying live concert experience "TFW (That Feeling When)" to Chicago.
The event where "music moves you and vibes connect you," is set to happen on August 16, 2025, at The Riviera.
MYX, known for championing Filipino artists and music on a global scale, is bringing together a stacked lineup of favorite Filipino and Asian-American artists in the said event.
Joining the list of performers are pop group BGYO, singer-songwriter Gabe Bondoc, R&B artist Jeremy Passion, and more artists to be announced soon.
Tickets for the said event are available via https://myx.global/TFW/.
MYX is thrilled to announce the premiere of "BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL" starting Thursday (June 26), 7 PM PHT on MYX YouTube Channel. It is an exclusive three-part series offering an unprecedented look into the phenomenal girl group BINI's groundbreaking venture into the Los Angeles global music scene. Fresh off the massive success of their hit songs "Cherry on Top" and "Blink Twice," this special invites fans to witness BINI's exciting journey as they conquer new international stages last year.
"BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL" takes viewers behind the curtain, showcasing the raw energy, dedication, and undeniable talent of BINI as they navigate a series of pivotal moments in the entertainment capital of the world. Each episode promises an intimate glimpse into the group's experiences, from high-stakes performances to candid moments off-stage.
The three-part special includes:
· KCON: Witness BINI's electrifying debut at the highly acclaimed KCON Los Angeles, an experience that marks a significant milestone in their global expansion
· ASAP: Go backstage and on stage as BINI rocks the sold-out ASAP California show, delivering a show-stopping performance for their adoring fans.
· PRESS TOUR IN LA: Follow BINI as they navigate a whirlwind of press appearances, charming media outlets and expanding their reach to new audiences across Los Angeles.
"We are incredibly excited to share 'BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL' with BINI's growing fanbase worldwide," said Nino Llanera, Head of Content for MYX. “BINI has truly cemented their status as a global force, and this special allows fans to relive every pivotal moment."
This special serves as a powerful testament to BINI's accelerating international momentum, offering an exclusive look at the dedication that powered their recently concluded, triumphant Biniverse World Tour 2025. Fans who immerse themselves in "BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL" will gain a deeper appreciation for the journey that led to their global stage takeover.
Don't miss the Premiere of "BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL":
@MYXGlobal YouTube Channel
Part 1 - June 26, 7:00 PM PHT
Part 2 - July 3, 7:00 PM PHT
Part 3 - July 10, 7:00 PM PHT
MYX Cable & Satellite
Part 1 - June 28, 07:30 PM US/DUBAI/PH
Part 2 - July 5, 07:30 PM US/DUBAI/PH
Part 3 - July 12, 07:30 PM US/DUBAI/PH
Prepare to be inspired by BINI's resilience, passion, and unyielding spirit as they continue their meteoric rise.
About MYX
MYX is an online music hub and a subsidiary of ABS-CBN. It is dedicated to showcasing Filipino music and artists to a global audience. MYX plays a crucial role in promoting OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and connecting Filipino communities worldwide through music and entertainment.
For more details, follow, watch and subscribe MYX @myxglobal on YouTube, Facebook, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, and visit myx.global.
OST singers of VivaOne series Ang Mutya ng Section E graced their fans with games and special performances during the Ang Mutya ng Section E OST Live In Concert held at the New Frontier Theater on June 21.
During the event, hitmakers and rising OPM artists Earl Agustin, Amiel Sol, and Rob Deniel performed their songs from the series’ OST “Tibok,” “Bawat Sandali,” and “Miss Miss,” respectively. Earl Agustin also sang “Dalangin,” “Dito Sa’kin,” and “How You Feel” with guest singer and original singer Aubrey Caraan.
Meanwhile, Amiel Sol serenaded the audience with his songs about simple, everyday love—”Di Na Akin,” ”Nahanap Kita,” and “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan.” Sol’s performance of “Bawat Sandali” was also sung in duet with Ashtine Olviga (Jay-Jay), followed by Olviga’s performance of “Duyan.”
Rob Deniel hyped up the Section E nation with five songs for the night—”Sinta,” “Happy Ending,” “Ang Pag-ibig,” “Miss Miss,” and “RomCom.”
The night also featured special performances by members of the P-Pop group GAT and cast members GAT Ethan David (Calix), Derick Ong (Blaster), Michael Keith (Eren), and Charles Law (Ci-N). The group performed their rendition of Sarah Geronimo’s “Ikot-Ikot,” South Border’s “For You,” their pre-debut single “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit,” and hit OST from the series ‘Daleng Dale.”
Ang Mutya ng Section E Girls also showcased talents beyond their acting prowess as Angela Muji (Rakki), Heart Ryan (Ella), Rafa Victorino (Mica), Sara Joe (Freya) gifted the fans with two dance numbers—and a sneak peek of Season 2.
To promote their ongoing series Seducing Drake Palma, Muji and Rabin Angeles (Yuri) also blessed fans with their duet performance of “No Erase.” Angeles also showed his charm with a dance number of “Haharanahin Kita,” where he personally went down the stage to give some fans roses.
The concert concluded with a performance from all the cast and musicians in attendance, as well as the grand announcement of Viva One’s Vivarkada: The Ultimate Fancon and Grand Concert on August 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The grand concert will feature the cast of VivaOne’s hit series like Ang Mutya ng Section E, Seducing Drake Palma, and Safe Skies, Archer.
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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 Ricabelle Bayanin
She came. She saw. She sautéed. Sautéed?!
Before Klarisse De Guzman entered the Pinoy Big Brother house, she was known for her songs like “Wala Na Talaga” and “Ikaw Ay Ako” which cemented her place in the local music scene. But when she stepped inside the Pinoy Big Brother house, the nation saw another side of her. One that is more than just a soulful diva, The Voice Philippines runner-up, Your Face Sounds Familiar champion, and Tawag ng Tanghalan hurado. She showed a side that served us with great and big mowm energy!
Inside the PBB Celebrity Collab kitchen, you’ll find more than just delicious meals made on a tight budget and random conversations on any given day. It’s where Klarisse, better known as Klang, truly shines as the Nation’s Mowm!
@pinoybigbrother63 HAHAHAHAHAHHA NILARO hudyat ng ina ni Ate Klang ang narinig ng housemates na mag luto na si Klarise #pbbcelebrityedition #pbbupdates #pbbcollab #pbb #klarissedeguzman #davidlicauco #makeitviral #viralvideo #viral #trending ♬ original sound - PBB COLLAB EDITION
In Filipino homes, mealtimes have always been sacred. It’s when families sit down together, share stories, and reconnect. That’s exactly what Klang brought into the house. Every time she called out, “Kain na!,” it was an opportunity to pause, be present, and feel like a family—in the midst of all the tension and competition—even for just a while.
‘yung sarap na sarap si brent sa luto ni klang 🤣 his reaction is so funny hahaha pic.twitter.com/bzghplFIgD
— luv ♡ (@ultklang) May 3, 2025
She naturally stepped into the role of nurturer, checking in on housemates, cracking jokes during meal prep, and sometimes throwing playful shade while stirring the pot (literally and emotionally). Of course, who could forget the now-iconic “OA, sobrang OA!” line? Delivered with full-on mowm frustration and flair, it was Klang at her most unfiltered which was really a moment so real, so MOWM, that it instantly went viral. Because let’s be honest, only a true mother figure can call something out as “OA” with that much honesty and still have it come from a place of love.
@pin0ybigbrother ♬ Funny - Gold-Tiger
But whether she’s portioning rice from Ralph’s beloved kaldero for the housemates or giving them hard-truths during meal time as any mowm would, Klang’s secret ingredient has always been the kind of warmth she had that made people open up, not just their appetites but their hearts, too.
Until Klang stepped in, food prep was more budget-focused chaos than a coordinated routine. Now, evidently, housemates waited around the table not just for the food but for the conversation, the laughter, the presence of someone who made everything feel lighter. Even viewers at home felt it. TikTok edits, X threads, and Reddit discussions all say the same thing, that Klang is the glue that held the celebrity household together.
"Wala silang ulam sa loob!!" - Klang after eviction
byu/Huhuhellyeahh inChikaPH
Even in the middle of a high-pressure, competitive environment, she found a way to create a sense of home. In a house full of cameras, confessions with Kuya, and competition, Klang reminded everyone, housemates and even viewers, that care can be quiet, simple, and still incredibly powerful.
Because in truth, it’s not just about the cooking. It’s not just the food on the table, but the very act of preparing it. Having to wake up earlier than everyone else, the careful budgeting, the constant thinking of what to cook next, and doing it all again the next day. It’s the kind of effort that takes time, energy, and heart. (And probably a strong back, kasi girl, imagine cooking for how many housemates?!)
klang wasn’t just the cook. let’s not reduce her to that.
— Opinionated Sarah | PBB Collab Era (@letspillthetea) June 14, 2025
if it were just about knowing how to cook, sure, most hms could make something up. but managing food inside the house? that’s a whole different skill. figuring out what to cook when there’s barely a budget, turning scraps…
She didn’t just make food. She made space. For rest. For laughter. For healing. For comfort.
@pbbcollabupdat KLARISSE, NAGING EMOSYONAL SA PAGBAHAGI TUNGKOL SA KANYANG HILIG SA PAGLULUTO! BIG APPRECIATION DIN KAY ATE KLANG SA PAGLUTO SA MALAKING KALDERO NG PARES! NASA KANYA NA LAHAT @klarissedguzman #foryoupage #gma #abscbn #foryou #pbbcelebrityedition #pbbupdatetoday #pbbhousemates #pbbcollab #pbb #klarissedeguzman ♬ original sound - pbbcollabupdate - pbbcollabupdate|mjpedits
And Klang didn’t even have to do it, especially in a house filled with people who aren’t her own blood. That says something. You don’t willingly take on that kind of task unless you have the kind of care, patience, and quiet strength that mothers, titas, and true nurturers have.
Ate Klang and Will Ashley, never beating the Nation's Mowm and Nation's son allegations.#PBBCollabDuoMatch pic.twitter.com/jG8mfVRx6s
— PBB 2025 Multi Stan (@KennethAlter6) June 19, 2025
And perhaps the most heartwarming example of this nurturing side? Her unexpected yet endearing bond with Will Ashley, quickly dubbed by fans as the “Nation’s Son” to Klang’s “Nation’s Mowm.” It wasn’t loud or showy, but in the little things: the way she’d check on him, tease him in true motherly fashion, or simply sit beside him during quiet moments. Klang and Will’s bond gave the show its most wholesome mother-son dynamic. It was the kind of bond that felt familiar, like home away from home.
will and klarisse has been the best duo so far. klang helped him to get out of his shell, and now, weeks later, he jumped in the pool for her without hesitation even held her to calm her down. that “ate klang please…”🥺🥺🥺
— nicki (@airplaininncity) May 2, 2025
nation’s mowm and son fr!! #PBBCollabNightOut pic.twitter.com/j2dvvGShNe
Cooking for yourself is survival. Cooking for a household of different personalities, moods, and appetites? That’s love. That’s presence. That’s selflessness. (Yes, she didn’t only cook, but ATE!)
From stage lights to late-night deep talks, microphones to ladles, and standing ovations to standing up for other housemates, Klang has proven that she truly ‘mothered’ just by simply being real, strong, and loving.
Proof that Klang sees herself as just the “taga luto.”
— namaine 🧟♀️ (@skuztaklang) May 2, 2025
The way she told Kuya “hindi nila malalaman kung nasan ako, promise”😭 she really thinks they wouldn’t notice she’s gone.
I hope she sees how much the housemates truly love her for her not just for the food she cooks🥺 pic.twitter.com/jTVW1M1Q5a
That’s why she’s more than just a housemate. She’s more than just “the one who cooks.” She’s Klang, the Nation’s Mowm. A soft place to land. A warm meal when you need it most. And a reminder that even in unfamiliar places, kahit sa Bahay ni Kuya, kindness has a way of feeling like home. She may not have made it to the Big 4 alongside her “daughter” and final duo Shuvee, but the moments she created left a mark for the past three months that even casual viewers couldn’t deny it.
And that, in itself, is already a big win for this season's "mowm."
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Written by Ricabelle Bayanin, a Communication and Media Studies student at the University of the Philippines Visayas, and Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Cover art by Leana Infante
Kitchie Nadal’s New Ground concert is truly an event of many firsts for the renowned OPM Pinoy rock artist.
Nadal revealed that she is collaborating with Gen Z OPM artists Zild, Skusta Clee, and P-pop group Kaia for the first time in her upcoming Big Dome concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 21, Saturday.
“We’re doing something really out of the box this time, mixing genres and creating moments that are totally unexpected, something fans definitely haven’t seen from me yet,” Nadal stated in a previous press release.
Delving deeper into her upcoming performances, Nadal shared that she rearranged her songs to adapt to digital formats. “The way [the new arrangements] sound, it won’t change. To put it simply, the songs won’t be a sore thumb if there was a playlist,” she added.
In her future releases, Nadal mentioned that her new song “Landas” will be the first time that she has a horn section in her arrangement. She expressed excitement that listeners are now more open to varying genres such as reggae.
“New Ground is all about me exploring a new direction in my music career,” Nadal said. “You can expect fresh music, new collabs, and an even bigger experience than what we shared at the 20th Anniversary concert held last 2024.”
Kitchie Nadal's "New Ground Manila 2025" will take place on June 21, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum. This iconic event is presented by RG Productions, Black Star Entertainment, and Flow Asia. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet physical branches and online at ticketnet.com.ph
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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.
Art card by 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
Have you ever missed the chance to watch your ult group live? Well, I have. Actually, I would call myself a primary resident of Team Bahay at this point.
For Filipino fans, usually P-Pop or K-Pop groups, the term "Team Bahay" is not new. It’s how we refer to people who cannot attend their ult group’s concert in person, so they show their support from home instead (hence, the name).
two different personalities of team bahay: pic.twitter.com/BTUP6YHRvb
— ica 🐶 (@jsikaminwonie) January 17, 2025
If you’re a casual listener, you might wonder what it is exactly about concerts that they’re such a big deal for fans to end up wallowing in despair just because of artists who probably don't even know they exist (Ouch!). “Aren’t fans doing too much for a parasocial relationship?,” someone else would probably ask.
Though such sentiments may be right to some extent, for fans around the world, concerts and live events go beyond getting the chance to see our faves live. Of course, it’s generally a way for us to support the artist. However, each fan also has their personal reason for said support.
Becoming a fan is one thing, but having a reason to stay is another, and for me, showing up to their events—especially ones that come very rare—is a way to express my gratitude, because the artists I support are one of my primary sources of healing and motivation. So, that’s why it’s such a big deal for me when I cannot attend a BTS concert, whether it be the whole group or one of the member’s solo concerts.
@thedarylvan finally made it #walktheline_in_bulacan #enhypen ♬ Sweet Heat Lightning - Gregory Alan Isakov
That said, each side of the world has its distinct way of coping with the inability to attend a concert they’ve been waiting years for. In Western countries, missing your favorite group’s concert would equate to moping around inside your room the whole day, accompanied by a bucket of tears and maybe questioning your priorities.
The Philippines, however, is a different breed. Instead of wallowing in despair, Filipinos usually find creative ways to enjoy the concert, even behind their device screens. Maybe it’s the subtle acceptance of the fact that, most of the time, we’re unable to secure tickets for circumstances out of our control.
Insufficient savings. Location too far. Personal commitments that cannot be set aside (unfortunately, being a fan isn’t a full-time job for most of us). You were the 100,001th person in queue for a 100,000 capacity venue. You name it.
Yet, Filipino fans always find ways to see the light where others might perceive the tunnel to have hit a dead end. Instead of spending the whole day upset, we channel our pakikisama (companionship) and spend it as Team Bahay.
@dm.casi Replying to @Faith 🖤 so count: 1Billion #fatetourenhypen #concert #teambahay #enhypen #engene #kpop #fyp ♬ original sound - dani saw enha
I vividly recall turning off the lights in our living room, with a livestream of J-Hope’s concert flashed on my laptop and waving my ARMY Bomb along as if I was actually in MOA Arena. When the livestreams crashed, I continuously refreshed my feed for fancams, squealed over them on my feed, then watched the same moment from at least a hundred different angles.
Team Bahay’s activities do not end there, though, because some fans also give out freebies outside the concert venue or spearhead fan projects that non-concert goers can participate in as they stay outside.
It is through Team Bahay that we Filipino fans get to showcase the resilience and pakikisama that the Philippines is known for. I may not be able to see BTS live, but I also don’t have to wait in long queues, or get squished in VIP standing where the short girlies like me barely see a thing. Instead, I watch the livestream of a fan near the barricade and sing along, immersing myself in the moment.
So, the next time you can’t attend the concert of your favorite artist, just remember, you have the ultimate front row seat in the house (literally)—and it’s free of charge. (Don’t be fooled, though, if a free ticket to BTS lands on my lap, I Will take it.)
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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.
Cover art by Christian Gonzalo
Summer is over, but things are only about to get hotter.
Ready yourselves because BGYO is here to steal hearts with their upcoming single, “All These Ladies,” set to release this June 19, 9 PM PHT.
Over the past few days, the five member P-Pop group has also teased the mysterious yet alluring concept of their music video through sketches of three ladies named Casey, Tracey, and Daisy—just who could they be?
If the dance challenge is anything to go by, “All These Ladies” will be a high-energy song, accompanied by contrasting choreography that showcases a more suave side of BGYO.
Keep your tabs open and prepare to catch all these feels by pre-saving through orcd.co/bgyo_alltheseladies.
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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.
If you tune in to Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, you’ve probably come across at least one WillCa (Will Ashley and Bianca De Vera) edit—whether you support them or not—with the most heart-wrenching OPM song as its background music.
Those eyes, which fans or even casual viewers mostly assume, paired with a carefully chosen song, unveil a silent longing that tugs at a string like a fragile thread hanging in the air, teasing with the possibility of what could be if fate were just a little kinder.
@biancadrjfts their song 🥹😔 #fy #fyp #pbb #pbbcollab #biancadevera #willashley #abscbn #gma #pinoybigbrother #pbbcelebrityedition #unbreakmyheart #willca #ashbi ♬ Multo - Cup of Joe
There’s a distinct charm about the way Filipinos portray longing and yearning in songs that just captures listeners’ attention and transcends even to global audiences. If you’ve heard Multo by Cup of Joe, you would know exactly what I mean. To quote the song: Hindi na makalaya, dinadalaw [ako] bawat gabi (I can’t escape, it haunts me every night).
When you search up the dictionary definition of the word yearning, Merriam-Webster defines it as “a tender or urgent longing.” Yet, even this description sounds tame compared to the emotions that are evoked by OPM songs. There are so many layers to the concept of yearning when you place it in the context of Philippine culture.
Historically speaking, Filipinos have always been known as romantics. Before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines in 1565, Batangueños (then known as Comintanes) gave birth to the traditional dance-song of love and courtship called kumintang. After the Spanish colonization, the kumintang evolved into what Filipinos commonly known as the harana and the kundiman.
@lee3dits_ oh, mr. antipatiko 😉 #willca #willbi #willashley #biancadevera #pbbwill #pbbbianca #pbb #pbbconnect #pbbcelebrityedition #fyp ♬ Mr. Antipatiko - Nadine Lustre
Now, if you compare these traditional approaches to modern OPM, you would notice that the latter still reflects the same touch of sentimentality and deeply-felt emotions that our ancestors had when they were courting or serenading their significant others. Although the terms harana and kundiman are rarely used nowadays (unless you’re in a family that believes in traditional courtship), OPM love songs still inherently have within them that intense feeling of longing.
Oftentimes, yearning is portrayed as one-sided love or the “right person, wrong time” trope (Think Sana by I Belong To The Zoo and The One That Got Away by Katy Perry). While the deeper meanings behind OPM songs are easily understood by Filipinos, it is undeniable that modern OPM’s unique charm has found its way to the global market, with foreigners sharing their own reactions to songs that captured their souls.
Some renowned Korean personalities such as 10cm and Cha Eun Woo have even made their own renditions or music covers of OPM music. If I were to put myself in a foreign listener’s shoes, I’d describe listening to OPM in the same way as how I would react to watching a K-Drama without subtitles. I would not understand a single word the characters are uttering, but I would still cry and laugh along with them if their emotions reach me as they intended.
Maybe that’s why those WillCa edits hit so hard. Maybe that’s why we keep replaying them, even when we know the ending might hurt. Because OPM doesn’t just accompany these moments, it defines them. It’s the perfect soundtrack to almosts and to the kind of connection that leaves us asking, “What if?”
Nonetheless, I believe that there are more layers behind OPM’s portrayal of yearning that listeners frequently overlook. Nowadays, Filipino music does not only focus on the heartbreak and painful aspect of love, but also a more positive view of the concept. OPM has opened doors for yearning that speaks of patience, of a desire to be someone’s safe space, of a love that’s willing to endure no matter how many hurricanes may come its way.
@heyykookie WHAT IF? 🤭 #mikbrent #mikasalamanca #brentymanalo #pbbmika #pbbbrent #fyp ♬ original sound - ✧ kookie ✧
OPM also has a knack for conveying its message and emotions, even with the instrumentals alone. If you try to take a peek into the songwriters’ and the producers’ minds, it would dawn on you that every beat, every measure, and every instrument has its own intention. Accompany these with lyrics and you have a song that’s bound to awaken your inner hopeless romantic (if you aren’t already).
So you see, OPM doesn’t just make you teary-eyed, it makes you weep. It doesn’t just make you smile, it makes you kilig. It’s not just about love, it’s about the deeper emotions behind them. It captures that silent, aching hope for something more, something less, or something yet to find closure—much like the gaze in WillCa’s eyes at the start of the season, or even as they begin to drift apart toward the end.
And that’s exactly why OPM executes the concept of yearning best.
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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.
Cover art by Christian Gonzalo
