Film Review: Gomburza (MMFF 2023)

Rating: 2/5

Aside from being martyrs executed via garrote, most Filipinos do not know anything more about Gomburza - - - the trio made up of Padre Mariano Gomez (Dante Rivero) , Jose Burgos (Cedrick Juan), and Jacinto Zamora (Enchong Dee).

Pepe Diokno begins the film with a glimpse into the life of Hermano Pule, who ended up leading a quasi-cult of rebels just because he was not allowed to become a priest, no thanks to his Filipino lineage.

This sets up the expectation that the film would be about Gomburza's fight for equality when it comes to priesthood, or so I thought.

Instead, the film focused on how Burgos' defense of Pedro Pelaez upon the latter's accidental death paved the way to his notoriety in the eyes of both Filipino and Spanish priests, how his teachings roused the activism of his students though  he did not directly take part in it, and how the two other priests were just dragged along by being in the wrong time and place.

Yes, Gomburza, contrary to its promotional materials, actually questions the martyrdom of the said priests. We have Burgos the teacher, Gomez the plant lover, and Zamora the gambler.

I can't help but notice that Diokno's direction staggers the more people are in the scene unless it is focused on just about two subjects. My favorite scene is the conversation between Burgos and Gov. Carlos Maria dela Torra, with the tone going from jolly to dreary, as the topic of the change of guard came up and what it means for the Filipinos.

Enchong Dee shone in all of his scenes, even though he was given so little to work with, like Ketchup Eusebio, whose presence is felt even in his silence. 

Newcomer Borja Saenz de Miera was intriguing and menacing in the few frames he was in as Gov. Rafael de Izquierdo. 

In a dialogue-heavy biographical drama such as this, it is almost a commandment to cast actors whose stare alone evoke a whole paragraph. But alas, half ofthe Filipino supporting actors are bogged down by ham acting and exaggerated gestures, as opposed to the actors playing the Spanish supporting roles.

However, one of the best aspects of the film is its chiaroscuro laden cinematography, which was more obvious during candlelit and nighttime scenes. 

In the end, thanks to that little scene with Leo Rialp and the shadow puppetry, Gomburza was just a tool to rewrite history and absolve the friars of their culpability when it comes to death of the three priests. 

THE 1ST PHILIPPINE PAGEANTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS, 1ST BEST AWARDS AND 7TH PHILIPPINE BEST QUALITY BRANDS AWARDEES BARED

A celebration of the Philippine Pageantry Excellence Awards, BEST Awards, and Philippine Best Quality Brands with a glittering evening at Teatrino Greenhills. 

A fantastic and star-studded event took place at Teatrino Greenhills in San Juan City last Saturday, December 2. Rising performers in the Philippines provided engaging performances at the event, which honored remarkable individuals in their respective industries and recognized the top businesses in the country. Special guests attended. It turned out to be a very glamorous, glitzy, and joyous event. The guests were treated to a display of the best Philippine pageantry throughout the evening. 

Last Saturday, December 2, Teatrino Greenhills in San Juan City hosted a wonderful and star-studded event. Engaging performances by up-and-coming artists in the Philippines were shown at the event, which celebrated exceptional people in their fields and acknowledged the best companies in the nation. There were notable attendees. It proved to be an extremely stylish, lavish, and happy occasion. Throughout the evening, the attendees were treated to a showcase of the best pageantry in the Philippines. The Philippines Best Quality Brand event at Teatrino Greenhills, along with the Best Awards 2024 and the First Philippine Pageantry Excellence Awards, were a success. It honored exceptional people in their domains and emphasized their life accomplishments. The event created a lasting impression on everyone who attended and further reinforced the significance of aiming for greatness in the Philippines with its glamor, elegance, and outstanding performances. In attendance on the night of the awards to accept their individual prizes:

BEST AWARDS 2024: Cye Soriano (Promising New Singer / Recording Artist of the Year), Eraseph Winters (Live Entertainer of the Year), Faith De Silva (Promising Actress of the Year), Frankendal Fabroa (Operation Manager of the Year), Genesis Gallios (Talent Manager of the Year), Giani Sarita (Promising Young Singer of the Year), Ima Castro (Seasoned Singer of the Year), Capt. Jesus J. Dela Cruz Jr. (Businessman of the Year), Joel Cruz (Businessman of the Year), Johnny Abad (Fashion Designer of the Year), John Fontanilla (Media Personality of the Year), Kelvin Miranda (Teen Actor of the Year), Kim Atienza (TV Host of the Year), Kimson Tan (Promising Young Actor of the Year), Lito Gruet (Public Servant of the Year), Maxine Misa (Advocacy Queen of the Year), Atty. Persida Rueda Acosta (Public Servant of the Year), Rabiya Mateo (Promising TV Host of the Year), Raoul Barbosa (Businessman of the Year), Sephy Francisco (Seasoned Performer of the Year), Bigboy Villariza (Executive Producer of the Year) and Lloyd Umali (Seasoned Performer of the Year).

PAGEANTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024: Andrew Badiola (Pageant Fashion Designer – Barong de Calado), Arlene Cris Damot (Mrs. Universe 2023 2^nd Runner-Up), Arlene Jane Camus Knof (Model Mom Universe 2021-2022), Ashley Gomez (Miss Campus Role Model Philippines), Atheena Taccad-Dizon (Model Mom Philippines 2022), Avon Morales (Mrs. Asia Pacific Global 2019), AZ Martinez (Miss Summit International 2023), Braeline Jade Jimenez (Miss Pre-Teen Tourism World 2023 Grand Winner), Carlo Morris Galang (Manhut Philippines 2010 / PEPPS Man of the World / Misters of Filipinas), Cas Villones (Ginoong Laguna 2023), Catriona Gray (Miss Universe 2018), Daisy Reyes-Tobias (Bb. Pilipinas World 1996), Diane Querrer (Miss Philippines Air 2014), Emhilie Brenn Kimberly P. Ybanes (Miss Kid Humanity International 2023 / Princess of the Universe 2023), Eren Noche (President Noble Queen of the Universe / Mrs. Universe Philippines 2011), Erika Joy Santos (Mrs. Philippines 2023 Woman of the Universe 2023), Evangeline Pascual (Miss World 1973), Faye Tangonan (Ms. Universe International 2018-2019), Francine Reyes (Ms. Eco Teen Philippines 2023), Gianna Margarita Llanes (Miss Philippines Water 2020 / News Anchor – Mata ng Agila sa Tanghali & Mata ng Agila International), Gwen Furniol (Miss World Philippines 2022), Janelle Tee (Miss Philippines Earth 2019), Jeanne Angeles Harn (Miss Philippines Earth 2007), Jenette Fernando (Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 1993), Jenny Lin Maaño Ngai (Miss Pampanga 1999), JM Razon (Model Mom Universe 2021), John Jeffrey Carlos (Mr. Gay World 2019), Kirk Bondad (Mr. World Philippines 2021), Leandrea Batingan (Miss Humanity International 2022), Loue Manuel Bozhilov (Mrs. Continental International 2023), Mabel Vitor (Noble Queen of the Universe Philippines 2023-Mindanao), Maria Charo Calalo (Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019-2020 / National Director Mrs. Universe Philippines), Marjorie Rozol (Mrs. Philippines Tourism Globe 2023), Maxine Misa (Model Mom Universe 2023-2024), Melanie Marquez (Miss International 1979), Monaliza Hernandez Salenga (Mrs. Universe Philippines Northeast Asia 2023), Monique Teruelle Manuel (Miss Earth Philippines-Eco Tourism 2014), Patricia Fernandez (Bb. Pilipinas International 2008), Patricia Javier (Noble Queen of the Universe 2019), Rhonalyn Whigan Cabigao (Miss Eco Saver 2023 – 1^st Runner-Up), Dr. Riza Oben Dormiendo (Mrs. Philippines International Face of Beauty 2019), RJ de Vera (Misters Filipinas Manhot Star International 2023), Robert Douglas Walcher IV (Mister Teen International 2023), Sheralene Shirata (Noble Queen Earth 2022), Princess Margaret Olarte (Noble Queen of the Philippines 2023-Luzon), Susan Villanueva (Mrs. Face of Tourism 2023), Vanessa Magbojos (Elite Mrs. Philippines International 2023) and Mr. Wilbert Tolentino.

WINNERS FOR PHILIPPINE PAGEANTRY AWARDS based on Judges decisions:

PAGEANT SYSTEM OF THE YEAR (MALE): Misters Filipinas

PAGEANT SYSTEM OF THE YEAR (FEMALE): Miss Universe Philippines

PAGEANT BLOGGER OF THE YEAR: Edge Tenoria

PAGEANT BLOG SITE OF THE YEAR: Eventologie

PAGEANT VLOGGER OF THE YEAR: Adam GenatoHeyAdamG

PAGEANT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Carlo Morris Galang (Misters of Filipinas / Man of the World)

PAGEANT LENSMAN OF THE YEAR: Joy Arguil

PAGEANT CHRONICLER OF THE YEAR: Eton Concepcion

3 Lessons from the 'Unspoken Letters' Movie Opening on December 13

'Unspoken Letters' stars Jhassy Busran as Felipa, a teenage girl with autism spectrum disorder. She becomes the center of a conflict when the rest of her siblings come together for their absentee father's 70th birthday. Their late mom's letters might just hold the key to end all misunderstandings.

1. Communication is key to understanding each other's point of view.

Simon Ibarra plays Felipa's, as well as Ton-ton Gutierrez' father. The latter harbors ill will against his father, thinking that his dad hates him and always looks at his wrongdoings. This escalates when his father disappears on them. However, it turns out that his dad did not leave out of his own free will and if one of them just reached out to the other earlier, then grudges would not have been held and precious time would not have been wasted.

2. Spanking someone won't teach them obedience but fear.

Boomers, many of them our parents, disciplined us, their children, with hurtful words and physical punishment. When Gladys Reyes spanked Felipa, as was shown in the trailer, she displayed fear. When someone with the intellectual capacity of a child is punished, it will just result in a deep-seated trauma and avoidance of that adult.

What I liked about that svene, when I saw it in full, was the multiple emotions that Gladys was able to convey with her eyes. There was instant regret because of what she did, a sense of superiority over someone like Felipa, protectiveness as a mother, and the suppression of that innate nature og human beings to hurt others, all delivered in mere seconds.

3. Singing can make a movie weird but jovial

One thing that has disappeared from modern-day Filipino films is the element of sarswela in our movies, which would remind one of Bollywood. Memorable songs from 'Unspoken Letters' include the one about ABCs (abakada) between Felipa and her father at the grave of the matriarch.

The film might be flawed given the production budget, but it has many heartwrenching scenes, as well as unintentionally funny ones, which will entertain the family.

'Unspoken Letters' opens on December 13 in cinemas nationwide.

Visit the official Facebook page for more info

OPM Artists Come Together for A Cause: AGILA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023

Magkuno Defender Eagles Club, a sorority/fraternity non-profit organization, are bringing AGILA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 CONCERT FOR A CAUSE. The said event aims to raise funds for the construction of 2 classroom buildings equipped with full amenities located in Pantoc Elementary School in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.


With this, a lineup of talented and diverse artists from different genres are coming together to join in for a night of exceptional music experience, all for a greater purpose. The event will be featuring performances of the following:

YENG CONSTANTINO
FLOW G
CHOCOLATE FACTORY
TYPECAST
BLACK ROSARY
REPAKOL
HAGIBIS 4TH GEN
EYE CANDIES
NOELLE & NATASHA
REYMACK DUO
KEN
BRYAN & REN
RAMPAGE DUO
BEAUTY THE BEAST
IRENE DIVA
DARIUS CAÑETE

Hosted by POOH the Comedian

AGILA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 CONCERT FOR A CAUSE is happening on December 16, 2023, Saturday, at Amoranto Stadium, Quezon City. General admission tickets are available for 500PHP and can be purchased through the link below: https://www.ticketmelon.com/magkunoeag.../agilamusicfest2023

Film Review: As Long as We Both Shall Live

Opening in Philippine cinemas today, this is a film adaptation of the beloved light novel My Happy Marriage by Akumi Agitogi. This fantasy melodrama is set in the Meiji, in a world where there are families with bloodlines that allow them to possess special abilities [inou] to help rid the world of dark entities called paranormals and abberations.

Miyo Saimori (Mio Imada) belongs to such bloodline but is treated badly by her father who remarried as well as her stepmother and half-sister, because she's considered a disgrace and an imbecile for not having any powers at all. She's betrothed to Kiyoka Kudo (Ren Meguro), a cold-hearted soldier who possesses the power of fire and is rumored to have been left by his previous fiancées within the span of three days.

The storytelling for me was a little too fast-paced and there was information overload at first. However, as Miyo and Kiyoka interact with each other, causing changes in one another, that is where the movie goes interesting. I like the way the film tackled the development of romantic feelings without any physical intimacy whatsoever.

I was a little worried for the CGI at first when I saw the bird which was a little unsteady but the visual effects was satisfactory throughout the movie, especially during the climax in the dream world. 

My favorite part was when Kudo had to rescue Miyo and he had a one-on-one magical battle with one of her captors.

An area of improvement would definitely be the pacing, which could have been resolved by splitting the movie into two parts or making it longer, allowing more character development. The acting could also use some fine tuning but of course the Japanese are not really the best in that aspect so there is not really much that can be done about that.

Nevertheless, the film, as an adaptation, fulfilled its goal for me as an audience member with no background of the source material whatsoever, to be interested in it.

Does this need or deserve to have a sequel? Definitely. And I will be around to watch it.

RATING: 3.5/5

The film premiered in Vista Mall Taguig last November 27. 

For Southies like me, here are the cinemas in Makati, Alabang, Las Piñas, Taguig, and Parañaque where it is showing:

Vista Mall Las Piñas

Vista Mall Taguig

Ayala Malls Circuit

Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Glorietta 4

Market! Market!

Robinsons Place Las Piñas

When the stars align: Bea, Dennis, Andrea, and Sid on love and relationships

There’s no denying that Love Before Sunrise has taken us to a rollercoaster ride of emotions, most especially when it comes to love. We’ve seen what the characters of Atom, Stella, Czarina, and Roald have done and can do for love—what they’re willing to fight for, to sacrifice, and to go through hurt and pain for. 

That the lead actors of the show—Bea Alonzo, Dennis Trillo, Andrea Torres, and Sid Lucero—also have strong perspectives on love and relationships helps in drawing out their characters and bringing them to life. But have you ever wondered if they’re all aligned with their thoughts about matters of the heart? Viu Philippines spent a day with the Love Before Sunrise cast to ask them questions about love and relationships. Read on to find out more!

On staying single or looking for love

“For almost 30 years, I’ve been looking for someone who will match with me. Should I wait and let destiny do its magic or should I settle?”

Asked about waiting or pursuing, the ladies agree that a person should allow love to take its natural course. “Ako, don’t look for love but let love find you. There is someone out there just for you,” says Bea. “Go through a journey of loving somebody and let them love you.” 

Andrea adds that people should never settle. “If you don’t feel like you found someone you truly love and shakes you to your core, then don’t settle.”

Funnily, the boys had humorous responses to the question. “I don’t think I’ll be able to wait 30 years. I’ll lower my standards a little bit after 30 years. Maybe don’t wait that long,” he laughs. “Find an alternative for the meantime—but it must be hard.”

Sid, however, offers a different perspective. “We live in a society that puts a lot of importance on relationships. The value of romance is so high. If there’s no one yet, maybe there’s a reason. Maybe the universe or some higher power is telling you something. Maybe work on yourself.” Yes, Sid—there is indeed merit in self-love in order to love others well.

On marrying the one you love 

“Most men don’t marry the woman they love. They marry the woman that’s in their life when they’re ready to marry. Is this statement true or false?”

“I’ve heard this [before]. Women get married when they find one. But men get married depending on the timing,” shares Bea.  “I think it’s best when they meet both ways, when they love each other and they’re both ready to get married. Ang sarap kiligin kaya. But it’s also nice to have good timing.”

Bea and Andrea related the question to dating one’s best friends, which they acknowledged has its own risks. “If things go badly, you can never return your friendship. Sa una lang yung honeymoon stage, but you need to have a good foundation,” says Andrea.

“[But] what if  it would work, but you’re missing out on your chance? Personally, I would take that risk,” she adds.

On the boys’ side, Dennis and Sid balance Bea and Andrea’s insights “I always think that I’ll marry someone I love. But as I’ve gotten older, it’s not the most important thing. What’s most important is the companionship. And parang mas [importante] yun,” says Sid. 

Dennis reiterates, however, that it’s really important to find somebody that you want to be with every day. “It’s hard to settle on someone. You have to really find someone you love. It’s such a big decision and although, it’s really hard to find someone who you match 100%. Hindi pilitan yung pagkakasal.” 

What do you think about the thoughts of the stars of Love Before Sunrise? Do you agree with their perspectives on love and relationships? Watch the full video now on Viu Philippines’ YouTube channel and Facebook page!

To learn more about how Bea, Dennis, Andrea, and Sid channel these ideas into their characters, make sure to watch Love Before Sunrise for FREE on Viu anytime anywhere and on GMA Primetime!

Download Viu via the Appstore or Playstore or visit www.viu.com

A Daring Julia Barretto Is Tanduay’s New Calendar Girl

 Tanduay has chosen actress Julia Barretto as its 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl.

“Tanduay will be celebrating its 170th anniversary in 2024 and we wanted a strong,

confident, and hardworking personality to represent the brand. Like Tanduay, Julia has

weathered many challenges in her career and has emerged happy and successful,” the

brand said in a statement.

The World’s Number 1 rum added that Barretto has a fire in her soul and is not afraid to

show the world her truest self.

“In representing Tanduay, she shows the world that the brand champions courage and

empowerment,” Tanduay said.

The 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl was presented to the members of the media at

Elements in ETON Centris. According to Tanduay, their creative team worked with the

actress’ style team for the upcoming calendar and they tapped top editorial and

commercial photographer BJ Pascual to do the shoot.

Barretto is one of the most popular and talented actresses of her generation. She has

been in the industry since she was a child, appearing in numerous top-rating television

shows and movies throughout her decades-long career.

The actress is also considered a style icon and is one of the most-followed Filipino

celebrities on social media, with 11.4 million followers on Instagram as of this writing.

As the 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl, Barretto is also scheduled to appear in the brand’s

promotional events and materials in the coming year.

“2024 is a big year for Tanduay as it celebrates its 170th anniversary. We have lined up

activities that will showcase the brand’s evolution, how it captured the hearts of

Filipinos, and how it is now also gaining the attention of rum aficionados in the biggest

cities in the world. Julia is going to be a part of these major events,” Tanduay said.

Rock Into The Night: Rakrakan Festival 2023 Unleashes Epic Lineup With Ely Buendia And Rico Blanco Headlining!

Brace yourselves for the grand finale as The Last Rakrakan Festival 2023 promises two days of extraordinary performances, culture, and unity on November 25 and 26 at SMDC Festival Grounds, Paranaque City, featuring the best artists and engaging activities.

Day 1, on November 25, will be headlined by the iconic RICO BLANCO and feature artists such as December Avenue, Sugarcane, Munimuni, Orange and Lemons, Kiyo, Kjwan, Nobita, Razorback, Saydie, Skychurch, Galaw Tao, Autotelic, Barbie Almalbis, CHNDTR, Better Days, Mizael, Kiss N Tell, and more.

Day 2, on November 26, will headlined by the legendary rock star icon ELY BUENDIA taking the stage alongside Juan Karlos, Zild, Blaster, Unique, Dilaw, Mayonnaise, Valley of Chrome, Greyhoundz, Typecast, Chicosci, Bandang Lapis, Chocolate Factory, The Chongkeys, Brownman Revival, Pedicab, and more.

The Last Rakrakan Festival offers diverse activities, including a Car Show (B2B), a Skate Clinic (Malachi), a Street Art Competition (in partnership with Do It), Perya Games, a Food and Merch Bazaar, and more.

With three main stages—Peace, Center, and Mosh—and additional mini-stages like Busking, Manila Wrestling Federation & Sunugan Battles, Musiklaban Audition Stages, and Cosplay Stage, the festival promises a unique and immersive experience showcasing a variety of music genres and talents, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to shine.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic event, as The Last Rakrakan Festival bids a heartfelt farewell. Join us for an unforgettable event in the history of Original Pinoy Music. Be part of this memorable experience at the last Rakrakan Festival.

Tickets are available through various platforms:

SMtickets website: https://smtickets.com/events/view/12532

Available at all SM Ticket outlets nationwide

Beetzee (Gcash & Maya): http://rakrakan.beetzee.com

Lazada: http://lazada.com.ph/rakistaclothing

Shopee: http://shopee.ph/rakistaclothing

Additional SM Ticket charges apply.

Ticket options include:

GEN-AD: Access to all stages and common areas.

VIP : Access to all stages and common areas, VIP Areas (Closer to stages), Meet & Greet, Dedicated Portalet.

S-VIP : RF 2023 Official Event Shirt, Access to all stages and common areas, S-VIP Areas (The best view of the stages), Meet & Greet, Dedicated Portalet, and DSLR Access.

For further details and ticket purchases, visit the official festival website at www.rakrakanfestival.com.

Filipino writer-musician releasing solo records with US-based NSFU Publishing

After several years of recording music as a member of a band or two, writer-musician Yugel Losorata is releasing music as a solo artist. This development came after the multi-faceted talent received an offer from US-based NSFU Publishing to produce his own music outside of any band affiliation. NSFU means New Sounds From Underground.

 

The result is the release of the single “Hosanna Kapiling Ka” to digital stores on November 3, 2023, with Yugel, who wrote and had sung the song himself, credited as the artist. The track is a pop ballad with layered production that harks back to his band music influences, featuring the sound of glockenspiel that emphasizes the core message of missing a romantic partner during Christmastime.    

 

Affiliated with BMI, which is the largest music rights organization in the US, NSFU is a music publishing company owned by Ted Reyes, a Filipino singer-songwriter who moved to America two decades ago.   

 

Yugel is currently in California where the song was produced, right on the famed Sunset Boulevard. The said track is the first of several singles Yugel and Reyes plan to collaborate as recording artists.  

 

Back in the Philippines, Yugel served as chief songwriter and bass player for his bands Syato and The Pub Forties. Syato was signed by Ivory Music in 2005 and had produced two albums and several digital singles before becoming inactive in 2016, while The Pub Forties already has a number of singles and a couple of EPs on digital platforms since it started releasing music in 2017. The latter's latest EP "Escape to Alcaraz" was distributed by Widescope Entertainment. 

Yugel is also a veteran music journalist whose byline has appeared in various Philippine publications, including Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, and Manila Standard where he still writes a weekly column called Touchbass. For a time he wrote for Yahoo Philippines and served as copy editor for CNN Philippines. He is now a member of FAPCCA (Filipino-American Press Club of California).      

 

On the side of creative writing, he wrote a novel (The Lust Regime) and a collection of short stories (Rhythm & Bruise) with a Foreword by Philippines King of Talk Boy Abunda. Both were published by Ukiyoto Publishing, a traditional publishing house with a global outreach. His music memoir is set to publish sometime next year.

///

Hosanna Kapiling Ka Lyrics

Artist: YUGEL

Music & lyrics: Yugel Losorata 

Record producer: Ted Reyes, NSFU Publishing

To be dropped on digital stores Nov. 3, 2023

Recorded at Pirate Studios, Sunset Blvd. L.A, California

Intro:

I

Heto na ang panahong 

Pagninilayan ang kahapon

Sa tuwing humuhuni’ng mga ibon

II

Kung maaring di na lang 

Ngunit kailangan kong lumisan 

Para sa ating kinabukasan 

Chorus 

Hosanna kapiling na kita sinta 

Ngayong pasko sana’y di mawalay

Hosanna kapiling na kita sinta

Ngayong pasko sana ay mayakap ka

Repeat I & II except last line 

Para sa kinabukasan

Repeat chorus

Repeat last two lines 

Coda

Hosanna kapiling ka (2x)

Korean Indie-Pop Artist Peach Luffe Shares Dreamy New Single “Say It Back”

Nettwerk is excited to announce the signing of South Korean-born, Toronto-based bedroom pop artist Peach Luffe (Peach LOO-FEE). The project is the vision of Jong Lee, a classically trained violinist known for creating daydream-worthy pop, and leans on his classical foundation to build lush soundscapes that transport his listeners. The moniker Peach Luffe was inspired by his love of peaches and the manga One Piece’s main character, Luffy.

Out now, Peach Luffe shares the smooth indie-pop single, “Say It Back”, which features Jong’s soulful vocals and violin prowess layered over jazz-tinged full-band instrumentation. When asked about the inspiration for the track, Jong explains, “Getting into an argument with your significant other before going to bed is always an awful feeling. I personally wanna get it cleared up before sleeping, but sometimes the other person isn’t like that. All I want is, no matter what, we say ‘I love you’ before we head to bed. Even if we hate each other at that moment.”

Peach Luffe started as a solo project in Lee’s bedroom during the pandemic and gradually evolved into a full band, featuring numerous collaborators, as well as Lee’s beloved sidekick, Mango the cat. As a prolific songwriter, Jong has mesmerised listeners with his dreamy, ethereal sounds and lush vocals over a series of releases in just under four years – his first EP ‘Shimmer’ (2020), debut album ‘Everything is Peachy’ (2022), and four other EPs that have seen the singer rapidly grow audiences at home in Toronto, as well as further afield in Southeast Asia.

Peach Luffe’s Top 10 Streaming Markets worldwide now include Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Indonesia ranks #1 among his top Instagram followers, and the Philippines ranks #2 among his top TikTok followers.

He has received early support from global tastemakers like CBC, Atwood Magazine, as well as landing the cover of influential playlists like ORG. on Spotify Asia. Spotify also selected him for a billboard in Toronto’s Dundas Square for Asian Heritage Month in May of 2023. His single “Shimmer” has been synced in Korean advertisements and the 2022 film Swearing Jar. Peach Luffe is also a confirmed artist for SXSW 2024.

Pop Icons BTS’ Legendary Concert Movie BTS: Yet to Come Coming Exclusively to Prime Video

 Experience the magic of the global pop icons’ historic concert performed in Busan, South Korea, premiering on Prime Video in the Philippines and more than 240 countries and territories on November 9

Prime Video announced that the concert movie BTS: Yet to Come, will be available on Prime Video in the Philippines and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide starting November 9. BTS: Yet to Come, took place in October 2022, when the seven-member band performed in Busan, South Korea. As a part of Busan’s World Expo 2030 bid, the concert was held at the Asiad Main Stadium with approximately 50,000 people in attendance. BTS features RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.

The concert film, produced by HYBE, CJ 4DPlex, and Trafalgar Releasing, will include 19 performances of their hit tracks, such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “RUN,” “MIC Drop,” “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment),” and more. Touching speeches, electrifying stages, spectacular fireworks, and more will be palpable as consumers get a concert-like experience through watching BTS: Yet to Come on Prime Video. Prime Video consumers can enjoy the captivating show from anywhere, anytime, and rewatch it on their compatible devices.

“We are thrilled to partner with HYBE in welcoming BTS: Yet to Come to Prime Video,” said David Simonsen, director of Prime Video Southeast Asia. “We know the popularity of high-quality Korean content worldwide and we look forward to delighting consumers around the globe with BTS: Yet to Come. We are excited to see the concert movie and this genre find new audiences from different countries on Prime Video.”

Prime Video customers in the Philippines and 240 countries and territories worldwide will be able to stream BTS: Yet to Come starting November 9.  BTS: Yet to Come joins thousands of other shows and films available on the Prime Video catalogue, such as Linlang, Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen, Cattleya Killer, Ten Little Mistresses, Walang KaParis, and Deleter. Korean titles such as Jinny’s Kitchen, Island, The Kidnapping Day, The Killing Vote, HeartBeat, Lies Hidden in My Garden, Tale of The Nine Tailed 1938, and, anime hits such as Rurouni Kenshin, on top of award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Originals like Gen V, Citadel, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and Emmy and Golden Globe winners Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Prime Video members are able to watch films and shows anywhere and anytime on hundreds of compatible devices. In the Prime Video app, members can also download episodes on their mobile devices and tablets and watch anywhere offline at no additional cost.  Prime Video is available in the Philippines for just PHP149 per month.

PETA’s “One More Chance the Musical” featuring the music of Ben&Ben coming in 2024

On Sunday evening, after the closing performance of “Walang Aray,” the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) shocked audiences with a surprise performance of Ben&Ben, unveiling the company’s upcoming production, “One More Chance the Musical,” an adaptation of Star Cinema’s cult classic that will feature the music of the massively popular and award-winning Filipino nine-piece band.

The crowd erupted in cheers after lead cast members of “Walang Aray,” Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila, who play the lovers Tenyong and Julia, performed a scene from the movie as Popoy and Basha. The iconic lines, “She had me at my worst. You had me at my best” was enough to give clues to PETA’s next production.



The announcement was topped by another jaw-dropping surprise as the set curtains parted, revealing the Ben&Ben band. The audience went wild with their electric performance and sang along with the band’s hit songs, Kathang Isip and Araw-Araw, two of their heartfelt anthems that have defined an entire generation.

In the prime of their youth, the band has maintained a level of cultural relevance that earned its place in the history of contemporary Philippine music. For three years, Ben&Ben has emerged as the most streamed OPM Artist and Group in the Philippines, being the first Filipino act to surpass more than a billion streams.

“One More Chance the Musical” follows PETA’s string of successful jukebox musicals, from the phenomenal hit “Rak of Aegis,” which ran for seven seasons, to the critically acclaimed rap musical “Three Stars and a Sun,” featuring the music of Francis Magalona.

“One More Chance the Musical” is slated to open in April 2024 at the PETA Theater Center.