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.
Tiffany Young, member of renowned second-generation group Girls’ Generation, is set to hold her second fan concert “HERE FOR YOU” in the Philippines on July 27 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier.
“I’m so happy to be able to meet you. We’ve prepared a lot, so please look forward to it and come and see us,” Young said in a video message to her Filipino Young Ones and ONCEs.
HERE FOR YOU in Manila is part of Young’s fan concert tour in Asia, organized by L-Squared Productions along with Sublime Artist Agency. Prior to Manila, the veteran artist has also played her shows in Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Taipei, Seoul, and Macau.
Tiffany Young first made waves in the music industry as a member of veteran K-Pop group Girls’ Generation, home to household favorites such as “Gee,” “Genie,” and “I GOT A BOY.”
In 2016, Young made her mark as a soloist with her debut EP “I Just Wanna Dance.” Since then, she has also been venturing in other creative industries such as acting in musicals and K-dramas, as well as modeling for global fashion events.
Filipino Young Ones and ONCEs who have yet to secure their tickets can still do so via tiny.cc/TIFFANYinMANILA.
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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.
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
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
K-drama fans in the country can look forward to an evening of musical nostalgia as KOSTCON 2025: Korean OST Concert is set to take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on August 6. The event will feature a lineup of Korean artists known for performing some of the most memorable soundtracks in K-drama land.
Presented by leading concert promoter Random Minds, in collaboration with international partners Hi-Five Entertainment Sdn. Bhd. and Kelebrity Worldwide Inc., KOSTCON 2025 aims to bring the emotional core of Korean dramas to life through live performances of their original soundtracks.
“All of us at Random Minds are thrilled to bring this experience to life,” said Random Minds CEO Allan Villegas in an official statement. “Filipinos have always had a deep love for Korean dramas, and we’re honored to give fans a chance to experience these powerful OSTs performed live on stage.”
The concert is expected to feature a selection of artists who have lent their voices to K-drama favorites, with songs that have resonated with fans and helped shape some of the genre’s most iconic moments.
Random Minds, known for organizing major international concerts in the Philippines, is promising an immersive and emotional experience for attendees. The event is designed not just as a musical showcase, but as a celebration of the stories, emotions, and soundtracks that have made Korean dramas a beloved part of Filipino pop culture.
Here's a closer look at the incredible artists and their iconic contributions to K-drama soundtracks:
Lyn, one of Korea’s most beloved ballad vocalists, is best known for her emotionally resonant OSTs. Her song “My Destiny” from My Love from the Star became an international sensation, earning her the Best Original Soundtrack award at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. She also touched hearts with “With You” from Descendants of the Sun, capturing the tender emotions of love and longing.
Kim Bum Soo, known for his soulful voice and emotional depth, will perform his iconic ballad "I Miss You" from Stairway to Heaven. His powerful OSTs have made him a beloved figure in the K-drama music scene.
K.Will’s powerful vocals shine through in "Beautiful Moment" from The Beauty Inside, a song that has become a fan favorite. Often dubbed the "Prince of OSTs," K.Will has captivated audiences with his emotional ballads, making him a standout presence in countless K-drama soundtracks.
Soyou, known for her captivating vocals, will perform "I Miss You" from Goblin, a song that has touched the hearts of K-drama fans worldwide.
Heize, with numerous OSTs under her belt, is known for "Can You See My Heart" from Hotel Del Luna, showcasing her soulful voice. She has also graced K-drama fans with her emotional tracks like "Hold Me Back" from Queen of Tears and "Round and Round" from Goblin.
Lee Mujin, known for his heartfelt track "Sweet" from Business Proposal, has captured the hearts of K-drama fans with his soulful voice. His YouTube series Lee Mujin Service has also become a go-to for intimate, live performances, where K-pop stars like D.O. (EXO), Jaehyun (NCT), and Karina (Aespa) have showcased their own musical talents in a relaxed, personal setting.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience that goes beyond a concert — it's an emotional journey through the highs and lows of drama, love, heartbreak, and hope, complete with guest MCs and stunning stage visuals that will leave you in awe!
TICKETS ON SALE SOON at www.smtickets.com
Catch us in multiple cities:
One word to describe Midnasty’s long-awaited comeback album? Hawod! Add another, and it’s hawod kaayo!
The phrase perfectly captures the pride and power behind the Bisaya rap trio’s latest release, “Tribute To Thyself.”
Ten years since their last full album, “Brave,” the Dumaguete-based trio returns with a record that’s both personal and powerful. True to their roots and tinuod nga istorya [real story], Midnasty opens up a new chapter with seven tracks that reflect their evolution not only as artists, but as mga tawo nga niagi og daghang pagsulay [people who have gone through many struggles].
“Ang journey man gud sa Brave is the world is for the bravest… we [had to] be brave ‘cause among gi-pursue ang what we love to do,” recalls Arkho, reflecting on how they chased their passion despite the odds.
Now, a decade later, much has changed — from collaborations to a growing community of fans. “Fast forward [to now], a lot has happened, our music has spread, people [collaborate] with us, and we have a community,” Arkho shares. “If ‘the world is for the bravest’ was the mantra of the last album, [this album’s mantra] is ‘man, you did good.’ [...] You need to say thank you, whatever tribute to yourself – like, you did a really good job for these past few years in the journey of Midnasty.”
Kung ang “Brave” maoy pasiklap sa ilang bibo nga estilo [If Brave was the showcase of their lively and energetic style], “Tribute To Thyself” marks a more mature, reflective phase. Songs like “GASIGA” are rooted in pagtuo (faith) and paglaum (hope), with Makoy reflecting on strength from a higher power. Meanwhile, “Arkohol” confronts mga pagsakit [painful experiences] and how one learns to cope.
But beyond the music, “Tribute To Thyself” serves as a message of pasalamat not only to themselves but to everyone who’s been part of their journey.
“Murag ang whole album kay designed nga inspiring and healing (It’s like the whole album was designed to be inspiring and healing),” shares Makoy.
With this comeback, Midnasty proves once again that they are truly hawod — commanding, confident, and always grounded in the Bisaya soul.
OPM collaborations remind us that Filipino stories know no bounds and when local talents come together, the result can be even more powerful than imagined. This truth comes to life in rising singer-songwriter Jan Roberts’ latest collaboration with Shirebound on their new single, “Hingalo.”
“‘Nung unang kita ko pa kay Shirebound, nahihiya pa ako lumapit sa kanya para magpapicture,” Jan fondly shares, reflecting on his early encounter with the artist he once looked up to. “Hanggang sa naging magkaibigan na kami, at habang gumagawa ako ng kanta, gusto ko ng ka-collab that time at ayun, game siya!”
What began as a moment of shy admiration has now blossomed into a collaboration that bridges musical generations in the ever-evolving OPM scene. For the “Sagip” hitmaker, “Hingalo” is a full-circle experience, as he finally works alongside the band who helped shape his own artistic journey.
“Hingalo” dives deep into the emotional unraveling of a relationship. It paints the picture of a person who poured so much of themselves into love that they were left with nothing in return. The exhaustion is palpable, the pain tangible, and yet within the sorrow lies a quiet triumph which is the courage to reclaim one’s self-worth after sacrifice.
Shirebound’s inclusion in the track lends the song a haunting gravitas, as his distinct musical signature adds texture to Jan’s raw storytelling. Together, they deliver a song that doesn’t just speak of heartbreak, but also of healing.
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.
After an eventful 2024, the Philippines’ very own pop sensation BINI is showing no signs of slowing down.
The eight-member girl group just wrapped up the local leg of their “BINIverse” World Tour with a historic, sold-out show at the Philippine Arena—making them the first Filipino act to achieve such a feat at the world’s largest indoor venue.
Kicking off the year with this groundbreaking concert, the nation’s girl group is now gearing up to take over playlists with their newest EP, “BINIverse.” Fans got an exciting sneak peek during their Philippine Arena show, where the group teased tracks from the EP, including “Secrets,” a collaboration with South Korean artist eaJ. Other fresh additions to their discography include “Zero Pressure” and “Out of My Head,” as well as their recent English releases “Blink Twice” and “Cherry on Top.”
Ahead of the full EP release on February 27, teasers for “Secrets,” "Out of My Head" and “Zero Pressure” have already heightened anticipation among Blooms.
The BINIverse is slowly unfolding… and the pressure is on! 🔥💎
— BINI_PH (@BINI_ph) February 24, 2025
Remember - Zero Pressure, zero diamonds. Are you ready?
Pre-save the BINIVerse EP now:
🔗 https://t.co/RZmHqhwKfC#BINI #BINI_BINIVerseEP #BINI_ZeroPressure pic.twitter.com/S0PImReUhB
The truth is out and "Secrets" has been uncovered. 🔑💘 But there's still more to discover. Stay tuned!
— BINI_PH (@BINI_ph) February 25, 2025
Dropping on February 27, 2025 at 9PM PHT!
Pre-save the BINIVerse EP now:
🔗 https://t.co/RZmHqhxi5a#BINI #BINI_BINIverseEP #BINI_Secrets pic.twitter.com/4nJ3u7uDdq
Adding to the excitement, BINI confirmed that their BINIverse World Tour will extend into 2025, taking them to Dubai, London, and multiple cities across North America. The international leg begins on May 18 in Dubai, followed by a London stop on May 25.
“OUT OF MY HEAD” and into the #BINI_BINIverseEP🌌✨
— BINI_PH (@BINI_ph) February 26, 2025
Tick, tock… the wait is almost over. The #BINI_BINIVerseEP drops TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 27 at 9PM PHT!
Pre-save the BINIVerse EP now:
🔗 https://t.co/RZmHqhxi5a#BINI #BINI_BINIVerseEP #BINI_OutOfMyHead pic.twitter.com/P429QiOzwd
From there, the group will make their way to the United States, kicking off on May 31 in New York. The tour will continue through Washington, D.C. (June 3), Boston (June 4), and Rosemont, Illinois (June 6), before heading south to Houston (June 9) and Dallas (June 10). West Coast fans can look forward to shows in Las Vegas (June 13), Los Angeles (June 14), and Temecula (June 15), with additional stops in San Francisco (June 17) and Seattle (June 20). The tour will conclude in Vancouver, Canada, on June 21.
As excitement builds, BINI has also announced exclusive presale access for BINI.GLOBAL members, ensuring fans get the best chance to secure tickets for what promises to be another historic tour.
Maymay Entrata is stepping into a new chapter, one that embraces self-worth and personal transformation.
Her latest dance-pop single, “Paradise,” marks this exciting phase, offering listeners an introspective yet catchy experience. The song’s music video, now available on YouTube, creatively juxtaposes two different visions of paradise which are contrasting ideas of happiness between two individuals.
Reflecting on her journey, Maymay opened up about her evolution in the industry. “Halos isang dekada na akong nasa industriya. Acting, hosting, modeling – napasok ko at inaral ko po lahat sa dahilang di ko pa alam kung ano yung gusto kong tatahakin,” she shared in an Instagram post. While she dabbled in music before, everything shifted after “Amakabogera.”
“I was empowered. I felt strong. Bigla kong naramdamang umaapaw ang passion ko po. I felt happy every time I learned something about music. That was the moment I decided to pursue it seriously.”
With more than a year of preparation for the project, Maymay teased her upcoming music, which she describes as a reflection of her experiences and emotions. “I’ve reached another turning point in my career. I want to remake myself, I want to be reborn.”
The track was written by Amy Allen, the 2025 GRAMMYs’ Songwriter of the Year, who has collaborated with international sensations such as Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Olivia Rodrigo.
“The first step to enter Paradise is realizing that you’re worthy. This song comes from the bottom of my heart po and I hope it speaks to yours,” Maymay further explained.
A rising global act under ABS-CBN, Maymay made waves with her viral hit “Amakabogera,” which clinched the Song of the Year award at the LionhearTV RAWR Awards. The track amassed over 10 million Spotify streams, while its music video has garnered an impressive 27 million views on YouTube.
With “Paradise,” Maymay is is redefining herself, embracing her passion, and inspiring others to recognize their own worth.
It’s going to be “Too Much of a Good Thing,” as the Jakarta-born, LA-based artist NIKI is bringing her Buzz World Tour to Asia in 2025.
Fresh off her sold-out shows in venues like Berkeley’s Greek Theatre and London’s OVO Arena Wembley, the “Every Summertime” hitmaker is ready to “Take a Chance” on seven cities across Asia, kicking off in February next year.
For the first time ever, NIKI will perform in Hong Kong, but don’t worry—she’s also making stops in other cities like Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Singapore, where her 2023 shows were “Plotlines” of success.
“My Asia and Australia fans have been patiently waiting, and I am excited to finally announce the Buzz World Tour official dates and venues,” she shares. “I am so proud of this show and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
If you’ve been vibing to her latest album, “Buzz,” this tour is your chance to experience its magic live. Released in August via 88rising, the album feels like “Before and After”—capturing emotions across tracks like the playful “Too Much of a Good Thing,” the nostalgic “Blue Moon,” and the emotionally raw “Did You Like Her In The Morning?” Whether you’re ready to Split your heart open or ride a “Tsunami” of feelings, NIKI’s setlist is a “La La Lost You” moment waiting to happen.
Tickets go on sale starting Wednesday, November 20, so mark your calendars! The tour begins on Feb. 11 and 12 at Manila’s SM Mall of Asia Arena, and if her track record is any clue, these tickets will be “Keeping Tabs” on your speed.
She will also be heading on Feb. 9 at the Asia World-Expo Hall 5 & 7 in Hong Kong. Fans in Jakarta can catch her at the Beach City International Stadium on Feb. 14 and 16, followed by a stop at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Feb. 18. The tour continues to Taipei on Feb. 20 at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) and Bangkok on Feb. 22 at the IMPACT Exhibition Hall 5. It wraps up with two nights in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 25 and 26 at the Mega Star Arena.
This week's MYX News Hot List, new episodes weekly at www.myx.global/myxnews
