One of the biggest solo female voices of the OPM Pinoy Rock scene, Kitchie Nadal, is ready to enter uncharted territory with her first solo concert titled “New Ground Manila” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 21, Saturday 8:00 PM.
Seeking to grow her younger fanbase, this concert won’t be your typical "Kitchie show."
With her upcoming concert, Nadal decided that this is a chance to not only reconnect with her OG fans, but also a time to try and break New Ground.
“We’ve had such an amazing response at our concerts over the past few years, especially from the younger crowd. Their energy kind of inspired us to put together New Ground,” Nadal said.
Talking about her inspirations, Nadal mentioned that her kids and life in Spain—where she is currently based—drive her to continue writing songs. Currently, she is a mother based in Spain. “Living in Spain has exposed me to a lot more European and Spanish music, some of which expresses current social issues that are really relevant today. Those main things are what inspire and drive me to write songs,” Kitchie elaborated.
Originally the lead vocalist of Mojofly, Nadal became the biggest female OPM solo pop-rock artist, leading the resurgence of the ‘00’s with her self-titled solo album featuring her hit single, “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin”. The album also housed other massive hits such as “Bulong!!!”, “Same Ground” and “Breathe”. The album also debuted at number 4 on the Philippine Albums Chart, and by 2004, became a certified 7× Platinum in the country.
With New Ground as her first headline concert at the Big Domethe Smart Araneta Coliseum, Nadal hopes to set her musical direction in a new course. “You can expect fresh music, new collabs, and an even bigger experience than what we shared at the 20th Anniversary concert held last 2024,” Nadal said.
“It’s my first time headlining at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, so I’m really thrilled! I’m super thankful to everyone who made this happen, and of course to all the people who’ve inspired us to bring this show to life,” she added.
Nadal also expressed her enthusiasm for new collaborations, especially with artists she’s never worked with before. “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.” she added.
This 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.
At the University of the Philippines (UP), music is never just about entertainment. And at UP Fair 2025, the rhythm of resistance roars louder than ever. More than a festival, it’s a week-long platform where art and advocacy collide which brings people together not just to revel in melodies but to rise in solidarity.
Set against the backdrop of the UP Sunken Garden, this year’s fair, true to its core, pulses with purpose, shedding light on the struggles of urban poor communities, women, peasants, and national minorities. With each night dedicated to a different cause, UP Fair 2025 echoes that while everything is political, resistance can still dance, sing, and take the stage.
Kalye Tunes: UP Fair Wednesday
Wednesday’s Kalye Tunes resonates with the struggles of the urban poor. Featuring a powerful lineup of local bands, rap artists, and spoken word performers, the night turns the spotlight on the plight of informal settlers, workers, and underprivileged communities.
Headliners include Gloc-9, O Side Mafia, Flow G, Abra, Loonie and more.
Through their lyrics and fiery anthems, performers articulate the realities of poverty, gentrification, and labor exploitation. On-ground activities include art installations depicting urban displacement and community-led dialogues on the fight for housing rights.
Quests 2024: UP Fair Thursday
Thursday’s Quests 2024 puts women and gender issues front and center. The night celebrates feminist resistance and gender equality, with a lineup of women-led acts and queer performers taking the stage. Through raw, empowering sets, the festival amplifies calls to end gender-based violence, fight discrimination, and promote LGBTQ+ rights with headliners Cup of Joe, Ben&Ben, Yeng Constantino, Morisette and more.
Elements 2025: UP Fair Friday
Friday’s Elements 2025 stands in solidarity with Filipino farmers and peasants, whose struggles are often overshadowed. Folk and grassroots musicians, along with socially conscious bands, take the stage, weaving narratives of landlessness, agrarian reform, and rural poverty into their performances.
The night becomes a moving tribute to the resilience and resistance of the rural sector with December Avenue, Sponge Cola, Gloc-9, Adie, Lola Amour, Zild and more.
REV Music Festival: UP Fair Saturday
Closing the festival with a powerful message, REV Music Festival on Saturday celebrates and uplifts national minorities, spotlighting the struggles of Indigenous Peoples and Moro communities. Honoring cultural heritage while voicing calls for self-determination, ancestral land protection, and resistance against displacement, the event features 6cyclemind, Kitchie Nadal, Imago, Maki, TJ Monterde and more.
As the night skies fill with music, the grounds of UP Sunken Garden become a testament that the fight for justice will always have a rhythm, and the people’s struggle will always have a song.
If there’s one band that knows how to deliver music packed with heart and emotion, it’s The Juans. From chart-topping tracks like the ever-relatable “Hindi Tayo Pwede” to the sing-along favorite “Tama Ka Na,” this Filipino band has been a steady source of soulful anthems for fans across the nation. Now, as they approach their 10th anniversary, The Juans are setting their sights on an even brighter future, with big plans for 2025.
“We’re working on a full album that we’re really excited for people to hear,” shares Carl Guevarra, the band’s lead vocalist and keyboardist, in a press release. “It’s got that familiar hugot that everyone loves pero this time, we’re also exploring new themes.” Fans can expect something familiar yet fresh, as the band steps out of their usual soundscape.
Acoustic guitarist RJ Cruz gives a glimpse into the creative process, hinting at a colorful evolution in their music. “Each member is stepping up to take a bigger role in shaping the band’s sound this time. We're not just sticking to what’s familiar—trying kami this time ng ibang genres and we’ll push our creative boundaries to bring something fresh sa fans,” RJ explains.
But new music isn’t the only thing on the horizon. The Juans have planned a tour spanning the Philippines and beyond. “We’re looking forward to connecting with Juanistas again,” Carl adds. “It’s going to be a year of growth for us and our fans.”
Lead guitarist Japs Mendoza believes their live shows play a key role in defining who they are. “Iba talaga ang energy ng crowd,” he shares. “We love testing new songs in our live shows and seeing how people react. If we’re excited, they’re excited. If we’re feeling something deep, they’re feeling it too.”
Beyond the music, The Juans remain grounded in their roots. As Carl often says, they began as “mga simpleng juan na nangangarap at patuloy nagsusumikap.” Their three-stripe logo may seem minimalist, but for the band, it holds a deeper meaning tied to their faith: “By His stripes, we are healed. Three days later, He rose from the dead.”
Bassist Chael Adriano shares how the band’s future tracks will mirror their personal journey. “We plan to release more tracks that explore our journey through relationships, healing, and finding our way.”
With a full-length album on the way, a year packed with performances, and music that continues to evolve, The Juans are ready to take the next big step. Ten years in, they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
This week's MYX News Hot List, new episodes weekly at www.myx.global/myxnews
This week's MYX News Hot List, new episodes weekly at www.myx.global/myxnews
This week's MYX News Hot List, new episodes weekly at www.myx.global/myxnews
This week's MYX News Hot List, new episodes weekly at www.myx.global/myxnews
This week's MYX News Hot List, new episodes weekly at www.myx.global/myxnews
G. Lonzo and Ryannah J are two rising names in the local Filipino hip-hop and R&B scene. The two join forces on a new collab titled "Dito Ka Lang," which features production from PARADISE RISING alumni Steven Peregrina. On the song, both artists give their take on the complexities of modern relationships; with G. Lonzo discussing being willing to do anything to keep his love interest close and Ryannah J speaking on wanting to give into love despite her trust issues from past heartbreaks and her desire to stay independent. According to G. Lonzo, "Dito Ka Lang" is inspired by not joining his partner on a vacation. Check out the visualizer below!
The GRAMMYs released a list of "12 Rising Girl Groups To Know Now" and they acknowledged some familiar female Filipino talent: BINI and UNIS. The illustrious academy had the following to say about BINI: "Amid K-pop's global domination, Filipino pop — commonly known as Pinoy pop, or simply "P-pop" — is becoming one of the fastest-growing music markets. Leading the revolution are the eight women of BINI: Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoannna and Sheena." They also shared the following statement about UNIS: "Leading Korean television network SBS held their own competition series with 2023's "Universe Ticket," which brought together talent across Asia, including Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines and more. Their final lineup, also known as UNIS — short for "U & I Story" — marks some of the first Filipino idols in the K-pop industry." Check out the full list here!
Fresh off both visiting the Philippines for the first time ever and holding her biggest concert ever in the country, Filipino-American pop star Olivia Rodrigo surprised fans with another major announcement. If you weren't able to catch the Guts World Tour at its various stops worldwide, you will have a chance to watch the show exclusively on Netflix starting on October 29. Netflix Philippines first announced the news to Filipinos via X, before Rodrigo confirmed the news as "her last stop" on her Instagram account. We can't wait to watch the concert film and hope that it has footage from our favorite pinsan's first visit to the Philippines!
This week's MYX News Hot List, new episodes weekly at www.myx.global/myxnews
