CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso release new album FREE SPIRITS

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso release their new album FREE SPIRITS, a bold and wildly inventive project from one of the most unpredictable acts in global music.

If PAPOTA introduced a wider audience to the duo’s singular universe, FREE SPIRITS expands it even further. Across the album, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso stretch their already unpredictable blend of trap, rock, pop, and left-field spectacle into something bigger, sharper, and more emotionally unguarded, without losing the humor, volatility, and musicianship that have made them one of the most magnetic acts to emerge from Argentina this century.

WATCH: FREE SPIRITS SHORT FILM

The album arrives following a surreal campaign that included “GOO GOO GA GA” featuring Jack Black and “HASTA JESÚS TUVO UN MAL DÍA,” featuring Sting, who was unveiled as the unlikely architect of the mysterious FREE SPIRITS Center, a fictional holistic retreat that became the conceptual backdrop for the album’s rollout. Across the project, CA7RIEL & Paco, and their featured guests––Sting, Jack Black, Fred again.., and Anderson .Paak––undergo Sting’s FREE SPIRITS therapies to channel ego death, absurdity, personal reckoning, and hard-won clarity into a body of work that feels both wildly entertaining and unexpectedly revealing. Watch the album’s accompanying short film to get a more detailed sense of the groundbreaking techniques employed at the FREE SPIRITS Center.

FREE SPIRITS

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

March 19, 2026

1. Nada Nuevo

2. Goo Goo Ga Ga (featuring Jack Black)

3. No Me Sirve Más

4. Ay Ay Ay (featuring Anderson .Paak)

5. Vida Loca

6. Muero

7. Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día (featuring Sting)

8. Ha Ha

9. Soy Incredible

10. Himno Del Mediocre

11. Todo Ray

12. Lo Quiero Ya ! (featuring Fred again..)

More about CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso:

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso are the most original and groundbreaking duo to emerge from Argentina’s music scene in the past decade. Friends since childhood, they first met in primary school, bonding over a shared love of music—one played guitar, the other violin. In 2011, they formed Astor, a progressive rock band, and by 2019 they debuted as a duo, blending trap, hip hop, and pop with a fresh, unpredictable twist. Their early hits like “OUKE” and “JALA JALA” positioned them as bold voices of a new generation.

In 2024, they released BAÑO MARÍA, their first full-length album together, and made waves with their Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, showcasing a more organic and musically sophisticated side. A couple of months later they released PAPOTA, a conceptual EP accompanied by a short film and displayed a continuous evolution of their sonic identity.

In 2025, the duo embarked on the PAPOTA Tour—their most ambitious yet—they played more than 60 dates across four continents, including performances at iconic festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Roskilde, and Fuji Rock, as well as a U.S. television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. At Coachella, they delivered one of the festival’s standout performances, as well as joining Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic on-stage, creating one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.

PAPOTA earned the duo their first GRAMMY® win in February for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album and they also ended 2025 with a historic sweep at the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards. With 10 nominations—the most ever for an Argentine project in a single year—the duo took home five major awards: Best Short Form Music Video (“#TETAS”), Best Long Form Music Video(PAPOTA), Best Pop Song (“EL DÍA DEL AMIGO”), Best Alternative Music Album (PAPOTA), and Best Alternative Song (“#TETAS”).

Their work has been praised by global outlets including a Rolling Stone en Español ‘Future of Music’ cover and coverage from Rolling Stone US, Billboard, Variety, ELLE, Los Angeles Times, Genius, and the Recording Academy. They've also made waves in fashion, launching their own collection in collaboration with Bershka, and taking part in both the Spring/Summer 2025 Paris Fashion Week with Yves Saint Laurent and the Fall/Winter 2025 Haute Couture show with Jean Paul Gaultier.

photo by Victoria del Sel

Connect with CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso:

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Source: Nyou

Indie Pop Trailblazers PREP Release 'One Day In The Sun', A Feel-good Sophisti-pop Escape

LISTEN HERE

March 23rd, 2026 — Philippines — English four-piece indie-pop band PREP return with their new EP, 'One Day In The Sun' via Bright Antenna Records— a retro-future sophisto-pop universe that glides across hemispheres and eras. Brimming with sun-soaked, feel-good melodies and lighthearted yet quietly bittersweet lyricism, the new record marks a refreshing and refined evolution of their signature sound. The four-track EP also features their previously released lead single, a standout collaboration with Taiwanese heavyweights Sunset Rollercoaster. Fans can stream the new EP HERE.

After two albums and four EPs, this release marks a significant moment for a band whose global footprint is increasingly defined by their devoted Southeast Asian audience. 'One Day In The Sun'  combines the elusive vibe of 1970s jazz and West Coast US rock and soul, the precision of 1980s studio techniques, the distinct flavour of Japanese City Pop, and the uniquely London, contemporary sensibility that defines PREP. The result is at once nostalgic, meticulously crafted, and unmistakably PREP — a record that bridges eras, geographies, and genres.

PREP – "One Day In The Sun" (Official Visualizer)

Complete with finger-popping beats and soaring saxophone, the title track feels at once like a lost gem from Peak MTV 1985 and a New Music Friday banger of autumn 2025. It's a Möbius strip of perfect, shiny pop — playful, sophisticated, and utterly infectious. "It's about wishing you could fix a situation someone else is in, wishing they's believe that chorus line, "one day in the sun could make it alright". It's a line that was in some doubt the day we recorded the backing vocals and the studio was so hot the microwave started melting. But the heat was back on our side when Parthenope sent us over her sax solo—pure fire," Tom says.

"That's really what we're trying to do with everything. We're aware that, in terms of the way we structure songs, and the melodic shapes we use, there is something which taps into earlier generations of music. But we're also always trying to keep the sound fresh—and surprise ourselves, as well as anyone listening to the music."

— Tom Havelock, vocalist, PREP

As a treat for their Southeast Asian fans, PREP also teamed up with local venues to host exclusive early listening sessions in Singapore, Manila, and Bangkok last week, giving devoted fans in the region a first taste of the new tracks ahead of the official release.

PREP has amassed over 380 million streams across DSPs and was recently ranked among the top 25 pop soul artists in the world (Chartmetric). They have previously completed sold-out tours across Southeast Asia, including a successful 2024 Asia run, during which they played shows in Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila. In 2023, they performed at VERY Festival in Thailand, followed by a series of headline shows in China, before closing out the run at Clockenflap in Hong Kong. Southeast Asia remains a key stronghold for the band, where audience growth continues to outpace other regions. On the digital front, their viral cover of Harry Styles' "As It Was" has garnered over 5.8 billion views and 1.6 million TikTok creations, underscoring their massive online reach. PREP's top global audiences rank #1 Indonesia, #2 Thailand, #3 Philippines, #5 Malaysia, and #7 Taiwan, with top listener cities including Bangkok, Jakarta, Quezon City, Taipei, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, solidifying the band as one of the region's most beloved indie-pop acts. PREP are also set to take the stage at the Seoul Jazz Festival this May.

"I feel like when we started out, we were making music that sounded really American," concludes Tom. "But I've come to realise more and more that we are a band making smooth, groove-based music—but that comes from a slightly melancholy British perspective. Like it's LA music made by people who've grown up with English weather! It's the same with City Pop—people in Japan in the '80s trying to make music that sounds like American music. What you end up with, inevitably, is something else. And we don't know quite what that something else is. But that's what we are."

'One Day In The Sun' Tracklisting:
1. Do What You Gotta feat. Sunset Rollercoaster
2. Fade To Blue
3. One Day In The Sun
4. The Face

Stream 'One Day In The Sun' EP here
Watch the "One Day In The Sun" official visualiser here
Purchase the EP on vinyl here (Asia) / here (International)
 

About PREP

PREP is the London-based band consisting of vocalist-lyricist Tom Havelock, keyboardist Llywelyn ap Myrddin, drummer Guillaume Jambel, and producer-guitarist Dan Radclyffe—all songwriters and producers in their own right. Formed in 2015, the band has since developed a signature sound: smooth, groove-based music with a slightly melancholy British perspective, as if LA-style soul and funk were filtered through English weather. Drawing inspiration from genres like Japanese City Pop—where 1980s musicians in Japan reimagined American music—PREP's work inevitably becomes something wholly their own.

Over two albums, four EPs, and an upcoming new EP, PREP has refined a sound that sets them apart from their UK peers, making them arena-scale outliers across East and Southeast Asia. Their retro-future, sophisto-pop grooves are paired with rich world-building, story-driven graphic design, and an online presence that has cultivated a massive, devoted fanbase.

With an intuitive grasp of timeless, boundary-less songcraft, warm, intimate production, and global resonance, PREP's past works have established them as a singular voice in indie-pop. Collaborations with Eddie Chacon, Phum Viphurit, James Alyn, Vicky Farewell, and Anomalie highlight their versatility and love for melody and groove. Endorsed by hugely popular Korean R&B singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Dean, their music bridges cultural and regional boundaries while remaining unmistakably their own.

Looking ahead, PREP are preparing for heavy touring across Asia in 2026, with plans for further live performances in the UK and around the world, continuing to build on a decade-long career of immersive, genre-defying, groove-based indie-pop music.

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Part-Filipino American musician, artist, and actor from Euphoria, Dominic Fike, leads the Spotify Global Chart at #1 for the song 'Babydoll'

Watch the music video here

For the first time in his career, Filipino-American musician, artist, and actor Dominic Fike has reached no. 1 on the Spotify Global Chart with his song “Babydoll.” The chart milestone shows a significant global streaming increase for the track, positioning the fast-rising pop star as one of this year’s breakthrough bets.

“Babydoll” first made waves as an official single in 2018, released as the third song on his criminally underrated debut EP, Don’t Forget About Me, Demos. Solely penned and produced by Dominic Fike himself, the intimate, lo-fi bop continues to find new audiences, enjoying a renewed surge in listenership across all platforms.

The track’s ascent to the summit of the streaming charts was propelled in part by the release of its official music video on March 5, 2026.

Dominic Fike is better known for his role in the HBO series,Euphoria, where he has appeared as part of the show’s ensemble cast. His dual presence in music and television has contributed to his broader visibility and audience reach.

Dominic Fike’s “Babydoll” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

--

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here. 

About Radical Company

Radical Company is an artist management and talent agency with record label services that works closely with artists and creatives as they develop their careers and bring their work to wider audiences. Founded as a creative home for talent, Radical supports artists through management, creative development, and strategic direction while helping them shape the direction of their careers. As a growing company, Radical is driven by a long-term vision of pushing Asian talent to the global stage.

Instagram: @radicalmusic.ph

 Source: Nyou

Offshore music announces summer slate, featuring Ligaya Escueta, Sexy Jay, ALYSON, and Halina

Upcoming releases explore themes of love, identity, and experimentation across multiple genres

Manila, Philippines – Offshore Music, a Manila-based label championing the real, the raw, and the refreshingly original in Filipino music, continues to expand its global footprint with a roster of new and upcoming releases scheduled for the summer of 2026 (and beyond).

Founded in 2016 by a collective of business minds and musical visionaries, the prominent label is headed by Ely Buendia, a Filipino rock icon responsible for writing and producing some of the most important OPM anthems of all time, including music for ‘90s alternative legends The Eraserheads.

This year, Offshore Music is committed to introducing a new wave of Filipino talents who dare to challenge sonic conventions and make a mark in the industry with their incredible sense of individuality, musical direction, and style. From ‘80s kitsch to Basil Valdez-indebted soul, from dreamy indie pop to neo-Manila Sound, Offshore’s upcoming and new releases will surely add an intriguing layer of novelty and freshness to today’s evolving music landscape.

Sexy Jay (Jay Villarosa)

Sexy Jay introduces “DAGA” (out March 13, 2025), a playful and inventive track inspired by the tale of a mother and a child mouse. Built from the ground up, Villarosa singlehandedly helmed the song’s sonic identity, drawing from ‘80s-inspired analog synths and drum machines. Villarosa independently produced the track, with mastering by Diego Mapa. Additional content, including a music video and live performances, is expected to follow.

Ligaya Escueta (Abigail Escueta)

Ligaya Escueta returns with “June” (out March 27), a lush, introspective love song that finds beauty amid uncertainty. Sifting through hazy textures and dreamy arrangements, “June” features contributions from bandmates Kristo, Diego, and Ninja, alongside Mikey Amistoso and izen. Apart from “June,” the young indie rock darling plans to release a few more singles this year, which hopefully will lead to the completion of a full-length album with a target release of early 2027.

Halina (Divino Dayacap)

Halina, the solo music project of Davino Dacayap, has recently released a Marvin Gaye-inspired track called “Tukso,” which transports listeners back to heydays of Manila Sound and ‘70s Motown. In two months’ time, the eclectic singer-songwriter and producer will be releasing Tagalog Baroque pop song that evokes the sound the 1960s, with its contrapuntal guitars and grooving baseline reminiscent of the Doors. The forthcoming, still-untitled single (out May 2026) revolves around unrequited feelings, embodied through a character likened to a nonchalant pet cat.

ALYSON

ALYSON will soon drop “Kung Sakaling Tanawin” (out March 27, 2026), the second single from their forthcoming album, After Ours. The piano-backed orchestral ballad explores themes of reflection and unresolved emotions in past relationships. Inspired by Filipino teleseryes and K-dramas, the song shows range and accessibility in an exciting new form, with Pio’s tender songwriting brushing against a richly layered, cinematic arrangement that recalls peak Basil Valdez and Rey Valera. With their album releases and touring plans on the horizon, ALYSON continues to move away from safe territory with newfound influences and ambition.

Source: Nyou

Imago delivers creative new peak with latest EP, Pasimple

The five-song EP highlights the band’s emotional storytelling and musical growth across more than two decades of Pinoy rock influence

Filipino alternative outfit Imago continues to shape modern OPM with the release of their EP, Pasimple, unfolding a new era for one of the most vital forces in Pinoy rock. The 5-track collection marks the band’s first official studio release under Sony Music Entertainment and their sixth overall.

For nearly three decades, Imago has redefined their sound with emotional introspection and expansive, guitar-driven arrangements. In Pasimple, they carry the legacy forward with confidence. Produced and arranged by the band alongside longtime collaborators Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, the new EP expands Imago’s signature sound while introducing subtle new influences that reflect the band’s openness to explore off-kilter and interesting instrumentations, textures, and songwriting styles.

Sonically, Pasimple reflects a band operating at full momentum. “We're at peak creativity with this album with songs inspired by our years as music lovers, plus fresh creative input from Kurei(vocalist and chief songwriter). The EP is a representation of the interlocking energy and vibes of the members, and our life experiences from the past until the present.”

The 5-track EP also serves as one of Imago’s most collaborative efforts to date. Working closely with Marasigan and Zabala, the band intentionally pushed their arrangements into unfamiliar territory. “We set out to write more collaboratively than ever,” they say. “Taking the bumps and the smooth ride that comes with it and exploring things we haven’t done before.”

The EP’s focus track, “Lagi Na Lang,” captures the exhausting and repetitive patterns of a relationship in slow decay. Buoyed by restrained guitars, steady drums, and emotionally grounded vocals, the song explores the feeling of letting go in a relationship that sadly no longer works.

Track list:

1. Gulong-gulo

2. Pasimple

3. Lagi na lang (Focus Track)

4. Andito na tayo

5. Sayang Na Sayang

With Pasimple, Imago proves that their creative momentum remains vital as ever, reaffirming their place in the Filipino alternative rock space and managing to secure it since the late ‘90s. As the band looks ahead, one thing is certain: the stage is where they belong, and they’re eager to take the songs far and wide across the country.

Imago’s sixth EP, “Pasimple” will be available for streaming on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

The Dawn celebrates 40 years of legacy with Kwarenta concert

From breakthrough hits to enduring anthems, the band is set to perform a career-spanning set featuring new arrangements and a few surprises

Pinoy rock icons The Dawn returns to the big stage with another major concert celebrating their 40th anniversary in the local music industry.

Following the successful staging of Ballet & Ballads, a special collaboration between the band and Ballet Manila held early this year, The Dawn is gearing up for another special show featuring the current band lineup and some exciting surprises that will surely make headlines once announced.

Dubbed “Kwarenta,” the highly anticipated concert will take place at The Theatre at Solaire on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The concert also marks The Dawn’s legacy as one of the pillars of Filipino rock music, producing remarkable classics that resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

Directed by Paolo Valenciano, Kwarenta will showcase a career-spanning setlist drawn from The Dawn’s 1987 self-titled debut up to 2018’s Ascendant, signaling an even more ambitious and carefully curated production—both in concept and design.

Emerging in the mid-1980s, The Dawn helped define the modern Filipino band movement. Over the decades, the band has built a formidable catalog anchored by enduring anthems such as “Enveloped Ideas,” "Salamat," and “Iisang Bangka,” which have transcended eras and shifted cultural discussions. Their work has become part of the collective memory of Filipino audiences: performed in intimate gatherings and singing contests, large-scale concerts and battle-of-the-bands competitions, and everything in between.

Kwarenta, as a concept, is a comprehensive portrait of The Dawn’s journey as a collective. Their story is one of persistence and reinvention. Lineup changes, industry shifts, and the loss of key figures—including founding guitarist Teddy Diaz—have emboldened their history and catapulted them into the pantheon of Pinoy rock greats. Few acts achieve such longevity while maintaining audience connection and renewed creativity.

As vocalist Jet Pangan reflects, reaching 40 years was never assumed; it is, in many ways, the result of hard work, discipline, and support from fans. ”Four decades is something to be really thankful for, and it's all because there are still people out there who enjoy our music and gigs.”

Sharing Jet’s enthusiasm, guitarist Francis “Kiko” Reyes promises a 40^th anniversary show that will go down in history as one of the decade’s finest. “40 years is quite a big slice of time. We wanted to highlight the stuff that has happened across four decades. It’s a milestone; it’s definitely not lost on us. It will be special and, I think, quite emotional. It won’t be just a ‘the best of’ gig.”

Audiences can expect reimagined and exciting new arrangements, incredible production values, and the possibility of surprise guest appearances. The celebration extends globally with the KwarentaTour, with confirmed dates across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and more cities to be announced.

Event Details:

Kwarenta: The Dawn 40^th Anniversary Concert

June 27, 2026

The Theatre at Solaire, Paranaque City

The bar opens at 6:00 PM / The show starts at 8:00 PM

Exclusive after-party (SVIP bundle) at 11:00 PM

Tickets will be available starting 12 noon, 6 April 2026.

For tickets, please contact:

Ticketworld: www.ticketworld.com.ph

Ticketworld: +63 917 550 6997, +63 999 954 5922

The Dawn Hotline: +63 949 686 6768

Aource: Nyou

OPM fever hits Taiwan again as The Itchyworms stages Akin Ka Na Lang Taiwan part 2 tour

After a breakout 2024 run, the band brings bigger energy and deeper connections this April 2026

Manila, Philippines – After the massive success of their 2024 Taiwan debut, The Itchyworms are gearing up for a highly anticipated return this April 2026.

[MORE PRESS PHOTOS HERE]

The pop-rock hitmakers are heading to the land of vibrant night markets for Akin Ka Na Lang TAIWAN Part 2—a three-city tour that will once again bring their signature wit, warmth, and crowd-rousing sing-alongs to Taiwan’s eclectic live scene, proving that great music knows no borders.

The iconic band’s previous tour struck a chord with diverse audiences in Taiwan, reinforcing what Jugs Jugueta puts simply: “Music is a universal language.”

Apart from charming Taiwanese locals who have learned to appreciate music outside of their turf, The Itchyworms have always been vocal in deepening their connections with Filipinos abroad. Known for their infectious humor and relatable storytelling, The Itchyworms aim to create a shared space of nostalgia, joy, and Pinoy pop culture.

“We constantly try to get to know the Filipinos in Taiwan,” Jugueta shares. “Filipinos are really so friendly, so we will just talk about life in Taiwan and the struggles of not seeing your family very often. We will bring them back to the Philippines through our music!”

Each night promises a one-of-a-kind experience, with performances shaped by the crowd’s energy: no two shows are the same, every moment alive.

“It feels great that not only are we sharing The Itchyworms’ music, but we are also sharing OPM and Filipino music with the world,” Jugueta adds.

Check out the cities and dates for the upcoming Akin Ka Na Lang TAIWAN Part 2:

       ​• April 3 (Friday) – Kaohsiung, LIVE WAREHOUSE

       ​• April 4 (Saturday) – Taichung, Legacy Taichung

       ​• April 5 (Sunday) – Taipei, Legacy Taipei

Get your tickets here.

 Source: Nyou 

Thai artist pami evaluates the cost of heartbreak in a relationship with new single ‘cry jar’

After continuously bringing vibrant energy to the music industry, the highly talented artist pami from Juicey is back with her latest sassy single, cry jar, her first release since her highly acclaimed debut album puffette, and fresh out of her “Best Hidden Gem of the Year” award win at the prestigious TOTY Music Awards in Thailand yesterday.

This pop track features a light, easy-listening vibe contrasted with biting lyrics that challenge everyone to evaluate the cost of heartbreak in their relationships. ‘cry jar’ represents the transformation of pain into something measurable through the concept of an "emotional compensation” jar.

“If you don’t want to try in love, then fine! Pay the price. Every time you make me cry, those tears go into the jar as proof that the pain isn’t disappearing—it’s piling up,” said pami about the single.

[LISTEN TO PAMI’S ‘CRY JAR’ HERE]

‘cry jar’ was written by pami during a song camp in Sydney, Australia, an environment that sparked new inspirations for her. The track is designed with a playful, bright, and almost sweet sound to contrast its straightforward and sarcastic lyrics.

pami adds: “I didn’t want this song to feel heavy or dramatic. I wanted it to be a dark joke that reflects the truth: if someone keeps hurting you without care, that damage comes with a price.”

pami is a Thai singer-songwriter who debuted in 2024, quickly catching the attention of fans worldwide with her pop sensibilities and warm vocals in her debut EP out of nowhere. This was quickly followed by her debut album puffette in 2025, which introduced pami to a wider audience that has followed her growth since.

Over the past year, pami has stood out as one of the brightest young and rising acts in Asia, playing in festivals across multiple countries such as LaLaLa Festival in Indonesia, BiKN Shibuya in Japan, Zandari Festa in South Korea and Bangkok Music City in Thailand.

INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | APPLE MUSIC

 Source: Nyou

She Matters: Merck’s Women’s Health Summit Champions Health, Economy, and Planet

Manila, March 7, 2026 – Merck, a leading science and technology company, hosted its second She Matters: Women’s Health Summit at Conrad Manila, bringing together doctors, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and advocates in a shared declaration and call-to-action to improve women’s health across every stage of life and planetary health.

Anchored on the theme “Healthy Women, Healthy Economy, Healthy Planet”, the summit underscored how improving women’s health has ripple effects far beyond individual wellbeing—strengthening families, boosting productivity, and helping societies thrive.

“Today, we gather not just to discuss health but, more importantly, women’s health—She Matters. Her health matters, her voice matters, her future matters. And when she thrives, the world thrives with her,” said Martha Paiz, Managing Director and General Manager of Merck Inc.

Paiz emphasized that the summit reflects Merck’s commitment to advancing women’s health through stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, and communities.

[DOWNLOAD PHOTOS HERE]

[MERCK HI-RES LOGO HERE]

Cardiometabolic Health: A Growing Concern for Women

One of the summit’s key discussions centered on cardiometabolic health covering hypertension, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other metabolic conditions that are increasingly affecting women at younger ages.

Experts emphasized that these diseases often go undetected because women may present subtle or atypical symptoms, delaying diagnosis and treatment until serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, or heart failure occur.

By raising awareness and encouraging early screening and treatment, healthcare leaders hope to prevent these conditions from progressing and improve long-term health outcomes for women.

Healthy Women, Healthy Economy

The summit also highlighted the strong relationship between women’s health and economic development.

“When women are healthy, they can participate fully in society as professionals, caregivers, leaders, and innovators. Investing in women’s health is not only a healthcare priority but also a powerful economic strategy that strengthens communities and economies,” said Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Chief Health Officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc.

Thyroid Health: Small Gland, Big Impact

Another major focus of the summit was thyroid health, which disproportionately affects women.

Though small in size, the thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, fertility, mood, pregnancy outcomes, and cardiovascular health. Because symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, menstrual irregularities, or infertility may appear subtle, thyroid disorders often remain undiagnosed.

“Screening for thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy among Filipino women is important because early detection and treatment can protect both the mother and the child. In the Filipino population, strengthening awareness and screening practices can significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes,” said Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr., President of the Philippine College of Physicians and Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.

Beyond clinical care, experts also emphasized the need to recognize thyroid disorders as part of the country’s broader noncommunicable disease (NCD) burden.

“Thyroid disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they remain under-recognized in many national health agendas. Recognizing thyroid disease as part of the NCD framework can help expand screening, improve treatment access, and elevate public awareness,” said Dr. Jeremy Robles, Director of the International Society of Endocrinology and Past President of the Philippine Thyroid Association.

Plastics, EDCs, and the Future of Women’s Health

The summit also explored how environmental exposures including microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may influence hormonal health.

These substances are increasingly found in food, water, and air and may interfere with the body’s hormonal signaling systems, potentially affecting fertility, metabolic health, and thyroid function.

“Planetary health reminds us that the health of people and the health of the planet are deeply interconnected. Climate change, pollution, and environmental exposures are shaping the diseases we see today. Protecting the environment is therefore essential to protecting human health,” said Dr. Renzo R. Guinto, Associate Professor and Lead of the Planetary Health Programme at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, National University of Singapore.

Healthy Women, Healthy Planet

The connection between environmental sustainability and women’s health was further emphasized by public health leaders.

“Healthy women and a healthy planet go hand in hand. Climate-resilient health systems must place women at the center because protecting their health strengthens families, communities, and future generations,” said Dr. Ronald Law, inaugural Director of the Health and Climate Change Office at the Philippine Department of Health.

A Platform for Advocacy and Collaboration

Ultimately, Merck’s She Matters: Women’s Health Summit aimed to spark greater awareness, stronger collaboration, and concrete action to address women’s health challenges. The summit reinforced that women’s health must be prioritized not only in hospitals but also in workplaces, communities, and national policy discussions. More than a scientific gathering, the summit served as a platform for advocacy bridging medicine, policy, and planetary stewardship.

All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

 Source: Nyou 

Harry Styles delivers career-high global debut, KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. #1 in 20 album charts globally

GRAMMY Award®-winning global superstar Harry Styles new album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY.  has delivered the strongest global debut of his career with over 1 million units sold to date, dominating charts across the world and strengthening his position as one of the most daring and influential artists in modern music.

The new album has debuted at #1 in the U.S. on the Billboard 200 chart with over 430,000 units in consumption, the largest first week of the year. This huge debut is Harry’s fourth consecutive #1 solo album debut, extending his record as the first U.K. male artist, and second male artist ever, to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 with their first four albums since Nielsen Music began electronically tracking sales data in 1991. He also logs the biggest first week vinyl sales for a male artist in the US, beating his Harry’s House record. 

The amazing U.S. debut comes hot on the heels of Harry’s massive international success where the album has entered charts at #1 in 19 other countries, earning the biggest selling album of the year in the U.K., Australia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, Canada, and Spain, while landing #1 in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and topping the Czech Republic Spotify Album Charts. 

It becomes Harry’s third UK #1 album with 183,000 first week sales, comfortably surpassing the 113,000 copies Harry’s House achieved on release. It has also achieved the highest first week vinyl album sales figure for a UK artist this century. The album accomplished a rare chart double in the UK and Canada as both Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally and “American Girls” have simultaneously topped the album and singles charts. This also marks the biggest week one sales from a male solo artist since Ed Sheeran’s Divide in 2017 in the UK & Australia. In Germany, it has become the best-selling album by a male solo artist in almost six years and best-selling album by an international male solo artist in nine years, doubling the sales of Harry’s House in Germany, Sweden, Austria and Switzerland and tripling it in the Netherlands. 

Harry celebrated the release with a special ‘ONE NIGHT IN MANCHESTER’ live show at Co-Op Live in Manchester UK. Relive the concert HARRY STYLES. ONE NIGHT IN MANCHESTER. available to stream now on Netflix globally. This weekend, Harry returned to NBC’s Saturday Night Live as host and musical guest. He will make his long-awaited return to the global stage with a seven-city residency in 2026. Together, Together will include 67 stops in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney from May through December. Highlights on the run include 30 shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and a 12-night run at Wembley Stadium. Special guests include Robyn, Shania Twain, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and Skye Newman across select dates.  Please visit hstyles.co.uk/tour for a full list of dates and more information.

 Source: Nyou

Imago delivers creative new peak with latest EP, Pasimple

The five-song EP highlights the band’s emotional storytelling and musical growth across more than two decades of Pinoy rock influence

Filipino alternative outfit Imago continues to shape modern OPM with the release of their EP, Pasimple, unfolding into a new era for one of the most vital forces in Pinoy rock. The 5-track collection marks the band’s first official studio release under Sony Music Entertainment and their sixth overall.

For nearly three decades, Imago has redefined their sound with emotional introspection and expansive, guitar-driven arrangements. In Pasimple, they carry the legacy forward with confidence. Produced and arranged by the band alongside longtime collaborators Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, the new EP expands Imago’s signature sound while introducing subtle new influences that reflect the band’s openness to explore off-kilter and interesting instrumentations, textures, and songwriting styles.

Sonically, Pasimple reflects a band operating at full momentum. “We're at peak creativity with this album with songs inspired by our years as music lovers, plus fresh creative input from Kurei (vocalist and chief songwriter). The EP is a representation of the interlocking energy and vibes of the members, and our life experiences from the past until the present.”

The 5-track EP also serves as one of Imago’s most collaborative efforts to date. Working closely with Marasigan and Zabala, the band intentionally pushed their arrangements into unfamiliar territory. “We set out to write more collaboratively than ever,” they say. “Taking the bumps and the smooth ride that comes with it and exploring things we haven’t done before.”

The EP’s focus track, “Lagi Na Lang,” captures the exhausting and repetitive patterns of a relationship in slow decay. Buoyed by restrained guitars, steady drums, and emotionally grounded vocals, the song explores the feeling of letting go in a relationship that sadly no longer works.

Track list:

1. Gulong-gulo

2. Pasimple

3. Lagi na lang (Focus Track)

4. Andito na tayo

5. Sayang Na Sayang

With Pasimple, Imago proves that their creative momentum remains vital as ever, reaffirming their place in the Filipino alternative rock space and managing to secure it since the late ‘90s. As the band looks ahead, one thing is certain: the stage is where they belong, and they’re eager to take the songs far and wide across the country.

Imago’s sixth EP, “Pasimple” will be available for streaming on all digital music platforms worldwide starting March 20 via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Sony Music Entertainment

Jay R sounds off on MRLD-OC Records controversy, calls out industry power imbalance

The Filipino R&B icon urges young artists to protect themselves – an issue mirrored in his new film, Songs For Selina

Filipino R&B king Jay R recently weighed in on the controversy surrounding the exploitative practices in the local music industry.

This comes after young singer-songwriter MRLD broke her silence about her departure from OC Records, alleging unfair compensation and limited marketing support, with claims that have sparked broader conversations online about transparency, artist rights, and the power imbalance between emerging musicians and record labels.

[WATCH THE TRAILER HERE]

[PRESS CON PHOTOS]

[MORE PRESS PHOTOS]

In a TikTok video posted over the weekend, Jay R spoke out about what he calls “uncomfortable truths,” reflecting on the dark side of the industry that has long placed new artists at a disadvantage.

“I’ve been in this industry for more than 20 years, and situations like this really do happen to artists,” Jay R said. “It has happened to me as well. When you’re starting out, you enter record deals and contracts without fully understanding what’s written in them. Sometimes, you don’t really comprehend the terms.”

He stressed the importance of legal advice and contract literacy for emerging musicians navigating the complexities of recording agreements.

“That’s why it’s important for artists to carefully read their contracts,” he added. “You should have a lawyer and review everything line by line. You need to understand exactly what you’re getting into. It’s a harsh truth about the industry, but it’s real. And honestly, I think it’s perfect timing that this issue has come to light. Artists need to be educated about what really happens behind closed doors.”

The short-form video post has garnered more than a million views on TikTok and Facebook, combined, fueling wider debate about accountability with the music business.

Jay R further expanded on the topic during the press conference for Songs For Selina, a music-themed film that he produced and stars in. While fictional in form, the project echoes the same tensions now being publicly discussed: creative ownership, exploitation, and the invisible pressures artists face behind the spotlight.

“Artists sometimes fear being marginalized or even blacklisted when they speak about the truth,” Jay R shared. “The story of Songs For Selina comes from real experiences: ours and the stories of fellow artists who have lived through these realities.”

Starring Rachel Coates and Mica Javier, Songs For Selinaexplores the power structures embedded in the music industry and the ethical dilemmas confronting artists as they navigate ambition, loyalty, and survival in a competitive landscape.

Whether by coincidence or design, the film’s themes now resonate with real-world conversation unfolding across the Philippine music scene—one that many believe is long overdue.

Songs For Selina opens in Ayala Cinemas nationwide beginning March 18, 2026.

Source: Nyou

Malcolm Todd shares new single & video “Breathe”

Photo credit: Aidan Cullen

After a breakout 2025 that saw his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, hundreds of millions of streams across his self-titled album, and a sold-out international headline tour, Malcolm Todd kicks off 2026 with his new single “Breathe.” Co-produced by Todd, the track arrives alongside an official music video directed by longtime collaborator Aidan Cullen and featuring choreography by Lexee Smith, signaling the start of a new chapter for the Los Angeles artist and performer.

At 22, Todd has quickly emerged as one of alternative pop’s most compelling young artists, hailed by Rolling Stone as both a “knockout” and “a new kind of male pop star.” Released in 2025, his self-titled album Malcolm Toddhas accumulated more than 600 million global streams since its release, propelled by the breakout single “Chest Pain (I Love),” which earned Todd his first Billboard Hot 100 entry and has tallied over 350 million streams worldwide. The song’s reach extended even further in 2026 when Don Toliver prominently sampled it on his hit “E85,” which climbed to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and currently tops the Hot Rap Songs chart.

The album’s momentum carried directly onto the stage. In 2025, Todd completed the sold out Wholesome Rockstar Tour, selling more than 85,000 tickets in the U.S. before heading overseas for shows in London, Berlin, Paris, and Australia. Standout festival sets at Camp Flog Gnaw, Pitchfork Paris, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits have confirmed Todd as one of music’s most compelling young frontmen, performing with an easy charm that translates his breakout songs into crowd-sized moments. Malcolm also took the late-night stage, making his debut performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! For 2026, Todd has already been announced on tastemaking festivals Outside Lands and Osheaga.

Along the way, fan favorites including “Sweet Boy,” “Earrings,” and “Roommates” have continued to resonate widely, with all three still landing within Spotify’s Top 200 despite having come out two years ago — further proof they’ve become defining songs for Todd’s rapidly growing fanbase.

With “Breathe,” Todd offers the first glimpse of what comes next.

Connect with Malcolm Todd

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

 Source: Nyou

SKYE NEWMAN RELEASES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR ‘WALK’

WATCH HERE / LISTEN HERE

10th March 2026 – Following the release of her latest single ‘Walk’, Skye Newman today unveils the official video for the track, directed by KC Locke and premiering on YouTube.

The visual brings a new dimension to the song’s message of self-preservation and emotional clarity. It opens with Skye and a close frienddriving through quiet woodland roads - laughing,smoking and sharing the kind of unguarded moments that define young friendships. As night falls, the pair arrive at an open clearing where they light a bonfire, throwing personal objects intothe flames, suggesting the remnants of a relationship being left behind.

As the fire burns, the symbolism becomes clear. The objects represent the emotional baggage and memories tied to the relationship described in the song. The video ends with the two friends walking away from the flames together, leaving the past behind and reinforcing the song’s central idea - that reclaiming your power sometimes simply means choosing to walk away.

Directed by KC Locke, the video mirrors the directness of the song itself, translating Skye’s sharp songwriting into a visual story aboutclosure, friendship and the quiet strength thatcomes from letting go.

Originally released on 27th February, ‘Walk’ marks Skye Newman at her most direct and unfiltered. Written alongside long-time collaborators Boo and Luis Navidad, and her first collaboration with Chrissi, the track captures the moment when patience runs out and self-preservation takes over. With restrained production and characteristically honest lyricism, Skye traces the emotional imbalance of a relationship before drawing a clear boundary.

Speaking on the track, Skye explains: “‘Walk’ is about taking back your power when a relationship is no longer serving you, putting your heels on and walking away.”

The release continues a remarkable ascent for the South London artist. Skye Newman is the winner of BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026, a two-time BRIT Awards nominee for Song of the Year and Breakthrough Artist and a MOBO Awards nominee for Best Newcomer. Her catalogue has now surpassed 217 million global streams.

Recent releases have cemented her impact on both charts and culture. ‘Family Matters’ peaked at number five in the UK Official Charts, spent seven weeks in the Top 10 and is certified Gold, while ‘Hairdresser’ reached number 15 and remained in the chart for 14 weeks, also achieving Gold status.

Beyond the charts, Skye continues to build apowerful cultural presence. She has amassedover 1.5 billion short-form video views, supported Lewis Capaldi across the UK and Ireland, appeared on stage with Ed Sheeran in Ipswich and joined Sienna Spiro on her EU tour. InDecember this year, she will open for Harry Styles on the Sydney leg of his Together Together tour.

With her upcoming The Woman I Am tour selling out in minutes, the ‘Walk’ video offers a strikingvisual companion to one of her mostuncompromising releases yet - another confidentstep forward from one of the UK’s most compelling new voices.

The official video for ‘Walk’, directed by KC Locke,premieres today on YouTube.

‘Walk’ is out now on all major platforms.

WATCH HERE / LISTEN HERE

Skye Newman on socials:

Instagram / TikTok

Source: Sony Music

Ballet Philippines’ PAGLALAKBAY Explores Movement As Origin and Return

A choreography shaped by landscape, carried by memory, and anchored in one of the oldest human impulses: to move toward a horizon. The company’s new full-length work, PAGLALAKBAY: The Journey of the Sea People, premieres April 10–12, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire, tracing the ancient Austronesian migration through a movement language that feels both precise and instinctive.

Choreographer Mikhail Martynyuk turns to the terrain of Batanes as his guide. There, wind is constant, the ground is uneven, and the ocean draws clean, steady lines across the edge of the land. These elements find their way into the body. Weight dropped into the floor as if meeting resistance, torsos tipping forward with a sense of direction, arms shaped not for decoration but for purpose. The movement is classical in foundation but shaped by the environment that inspired it.

The ballet’s emotional framework comes from librettist Sheree Chua, who brings the narrative to life through personal history. She speaks of movement as expansion, an opening outward that still holds its point of origin. Through her lens, the Sea People’s voyage becomes both an epic crossing and a familiar gesture passed through generations. What might have been a distant historical arc becomes a present, lived line.

To create the production’s visual world, Leeroy New with assistant designer Arvie Santos traveled to Batanes and immersed themselves in the island’s rhythms. They observed how grass shifts direction with the wind, how cliffs meet the ocean with absolute clarity, how the horizon stretches without interruption. These impressions shaped a design built from natural materials, chosen for the way they move. Costumes follow the same principle, made to lift and ripple with each step so the dancers appear to share breath with the landscape they evoke.

PAGLALAKBAY also carries the spirit of Ballet Philippines’ Ballet Brigade outreach in 2024, where over 200 locals in Batanes gathered with the company to share dances and stories. The exchange offered a grounding sense of continuity, the ballet remembers that day in its tone, its gestures, and its commitment to honoring the community that inspired it.

Presenting the work as the finale of the company’s 56th Season, BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein sees PAGLALAKBAY as a step toward giving Filipino narratives the full breadth of the classical stage. The ballet acknowledges the magnitude of the Austronesian migration while offering something equally present: a renewed sense of identity, carried forward through movement.

In PAGLALAKBAY, dance becomes a way of returning, returning to land, to lineage, to the stories that continue to move with us. The past does not sit behind the dancers; it travels with them, quiet and steady, shaping each line and each shift of weight. Through choreography, light, and a visual world shaped by wind and earth, the ballet invites audiences to experience history not as something fixed, but as something still in motion.

When and Where To Watch It

PAGLALAKBAY: The Journey of the Sea People
April 10–12, 2026
The Theatre at Solaire

How To Get Tickets

● www.ticketworld.com.ph

● www.ballet.ph

● Solaire Box Office

About Ballet Philippines

Founded in 1969, Ballet Philippines is the country’s leading classical and contemporary dance institution. With more than 400 works in its repertoire, the company continues to shape Filipino identity through movement that is rigorous, expressive, and deeply rooted in story. This season’s theme, Our Stage, The World, reaffirms BP’s commitment to bringing Filipino narratives to audiences both local and global.

Source: Nyou

MOVEMENT IS THE HEART OF BALLET PHILIPPINES' BEAUTIFUL NEW PIECE “PAGLALAKBAY: The Journey of the Sea People”

Ballet Philippines (BP) continues to break away from traditional repertoire and break new ground with their latest production, “PAGLALAKBAY: The Journey of the Sea People.” A full-length original Filipino ballet, it’s a celebration of heritage and a powerful statement of where the company is headed — championing local narratives on the classical stage. Its world premiere gala happens on April 10, and runs for four more performances from April 11 to 12, 2026, at the Theatre at Solaire.

Pushing the boundaries of classical ballet, the piece is a cultural journey emerging on stage. Choreographed by BP Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, with a libretto by Sheree Chua, it’s inspired by the Austronesian Migration and tells the story of the Sea People and their epic paglalakbay (journey) to their ancestral homeland in Batanes, the northernmost islands of the Philippines.

With a musical score composed by Ronald Vincenzo Khaw de Leon, an emerging young Filipino global talent, who artfully blended traditional beats of the Kalusan with the strong rhythmic foundations of ballet.

A tale of migration, an homage to people who never stopped moving despite harsh weather — movement, and what’s created from movement, is the heartbeat of the ballet. But not just movement in the sense of migration thatshaped islands, but also movement as the physical grace of dance, and movement as an emotional, transformative energy of a new generation of audiences discovering ballet for the very first time.

“Migration is often framed as displacement, but my mother showed me that movement can also be expansion, a widening of self without losing origin. In her life, I witnessed resilience, adaptability, and a deep, unshakeable sense of identity. Those same qualities underpin the Austronesian Migration story that informs this work,” says Sheree Chua, librettist of the ballet. “My mother is the emotional architecture of the piece. Through her, I understood that heritage is not static — it breathes, shifts, evolves — yet remains anchored in something internal and enduring. This ballet becomes both historical and intimate: a large-scale narrative of seafaring peoples, and a personal tribute to the woman who first taught me how to move through the world.”

While classical technique is the skeleton of the performance, the history of the Sea People and the Austronesian Migration form a unique, special choreography. “I rely on vertical alignment, purity of line, variation in form —pas de deux, ensemble, and solo work. However, academic technique is a form, not a style,” says Mikhail Martynyuk, Artistic Director. “Batanes is wind, rocks, and ocean. As the scenery changes, the quality of movement changes as well. In ‘PAGLALAKBAY’, choreographic language becomes the main narrator: A low center of gravity, steady in the wind; steps are wide and grounded, moving against resistance; the body tilts forward, always in dialogue with the elements; the hands are not decorative, but functional, like a sailor’s. All of this makes the choreography more complex, yet at the same time, clear and accessible to the audience.”

Movement also played a central role in the production design. “We wanted the stage design to emulate the key visuals and movement of the Bataneslandscape — waves crashing on the shore, jagged rock beaches, wild winds hitting the grass eroding soil from cliffs,” says Filipino contemporary fine artist Leeroy New, Production Designer of the ballet. “When I visited Batanes with my assistant designer, Arvie Santos, we experienced firsthand the primal energy of the terrain, we heard the language and stories from the locals, and this only further stressed our responsibility to approximate the best we could that experience for our audiences. To share a glimpse of what remains of our early architectures, lifestyles, and crafts.”

In a time when movement defines so much of Filipino life, from the OFW experience to internal reinvention, Ballet Philippines’ “PAGLALAKBAY: The Journey of the Sea People” comes alive as both an artistic and cultural commitment. It signals that Filipino stories aren’t peripheral. They’re central.

PAGLALAKBAY was conceived and created in direct response to BP’s Ballet Brigade outreach program to Batanes. In May 2024, the Ballet Brigade gathered together with over 200 locals — including community officials, revered elders, and students — at Batanes National Science High School to exchange cultures, perform dances, and share in each other’s rich heritages.

The whole experience was a testament to how dance can bridge cultures, bring communities together, and provide momentum to both personal and collective journeys. And this was also the momentous inspiration behind Sheree’s libretto.

The ballet was truly a special journey in itself. “Ending our 56th Season with ‘PAGLALAKBAY’ was a bold investment for the company. It meant the company would spend time on cultural immersion and dialogues with the Sea People’s elders and children,” says Kathleen Liechtenstein, BP President. “It reflects our belief that local indigenous stories deserve the grand scale and artistic rigor of the classical stage. We hope audiences leave with a deeper appreciation of the Sea People’s journey — the massive migration of theAustronesian language-speaking people in 3000 BCE — and a renewed sense of pride in Filipino identity. Because our stories are epic, resilient, profoundly human, and universally interconnected.”

“PAGLALAKBAY: The Journey of the Sea People” runs from April 10 to 12, 2026, at the Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are available via www.ticketworld.com.ph, www.ballet.ph, and the Solaire Box Office.

Ballet Philippines (BP) is the country’s leading professional classical and contemporary dance institution and the first resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), founded in 1969 alongside the CCP at a pivotal moment in the nation’s cultural history. For over five decades, BP has shaped contemporary Filipino identity through innovative productions that blend classical rigor with distinctly Filipino movement and storytelling.

With a repertoire of 400 works, Ballet Philippines continues to bring Filipino narratives to the global stage. As a cultural ambassador of the Philippines, BP embodies its 56th Season theme, Our Stage, The World — championing homegrown artistry while engaging audiences across borders.

Source: Nyou

‘Songs For Selina’ tackles the exploitative nature of the record label industry

The film’s arrival coincides with the growing debate in the local music industry about exploitation, unfair treatment, and sexism

Songs For Selina, an independent music-themed drama about two musical soulmates whose friendship was tested by the cutthroat music industry, will officially premiere in select cinemas across Ayala Malls starting March 18, 2026.

The timing of the release proved strikingly timely after a young female artist’s revelation about the exploitative practices and unfair treatment of the record label industry went viral.

[WATCH THE TRAILER HERE]

[PRESS CON PHOTOS]

[MORE PRESS PHOTOS]

Jay R, who serves as the film’s executive producer, describes Songs For Selina as both a love letter and a critique of the industry that he loves, advocating for reforms that ensure artists receive respect, fairness, and rightful compensation for their work.

“We hope Filipino audiences take away the importance of discernment—being mindful of what you wish for and why,” the king of R&B adds. “Not everything that glitters are gold, and every opportunity comes with a cost. At its core, the film is a reminder to stay anchored in your values and moral compass, especially when navigating ambition and success. Knowing what you’re entering a career for—and holding on to who you are—matters deeply in staying whole and intact through the inevitable highs and lows of the journey.”

The film stars Mica Javier and Rachel Coates, as Selina and Maya, alongside a powerhouse ensemble from stage, music, and television: Rachel Alejandro, Audie Gemora, Nicole Laurel, Leanne Mamonong, Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla, and Jay R.

Having spent much of her life pursuing music and entertainment, lead star and co-producer Mica Javier notes that the story of Songs For Selina holds a special place for her, as it mirrors aspects of her journey as an artist.

“The film explores the highs and lows artists experience while chasing their dreams, and the sacrifices that often come with that pursuit,” Mica explains. “I joined this venture because I believe these stories deserve to be told with honesty and heart. It was also important to me to help create a platform that showcases Filipino creatives to a global audience.”

Prior to its Philippine release this month, Songs For Selina first made waves in the US, after it got picked up last year by Amazon Prime US and Tubi, two of the biggest streaming platforms for movies and serialized content.

Songs For Selina is brought to you by Homeworkz Entertainment and is distributed in the Philippines by Black Cap Pictures.

Source: Nyou

RAMONA fires back at gossip culture with explosive debut single “GAGA”

Watch the music video here

RAMONA makes a splashing debut as a pop star provocateur, a rebellious troublemaker, and a fearless outsider. As a daring new voice in modern OPM, she comes off as a refreshing anomaly in an industry that often rewards conformity over disruption. From here, the world she builds only gets louder, more vivid, and unmistakably punk.

Just in time for Women’s Month, RAMONA unleashes “GAGA,” a sharp-witted commentary on celebrity gossip and fake news culture. Her explosive debut single exposes how misinformation distorts truth in the digital age. Rather than retreat from the noise, RAMONA confronts it head-on, transforming public scrutiny into a weapon of her own.

Instead of debunking public accusations, RAMONA reclaims the narrative with biting wit and defiant sassiness. Labels often thrown at outspoken and strong women such as “pa-victim,” “malandi,” and “toxic” are reframed as hollow buzzwords, stripped of their intended sting through repetition and satire. The result is a rallying anthem that challenges the machinery of gossip and the digital mob mentality that fuels it.

“People talk, people guess, people decide what’s true before they even know anything,” RAMONA explains. “GAGA just throws it all back.”

Produced by Tim and Sam Marquez of One Click Straight,the track proves that RAMONA is here for the long haul. Driven by grungy guitars, sing-along chants, and manic, driving rhythms, “GAGA” blends abrasive textures with irresistible pop instincts. But beneath the distortion and defiance lies something more important: RAMONA, reclaiming her voice, turns rumor into resistance and accusation into empowerment. As RAMONA describes her debut work, “GAGA” is “bold, emotional, a little rebellious, a little messy, and not pretending to be perfect.”

With the release of her debut single, RAMONA makes it clear that in an era obsessed by gossip cycles and fake news narratives, she refuses to be spoken for. She would rather speak back.

About the music video

The accompanying music video places the song’s themes within a satirical courtroom setting. The music video follows the story of an ordinary security guard at the center of a highly publicized trial after being falsely accused of stealing from a powerful figure. As the case unfolds, the courtroom turns into a ridiculous spectacle that highlights how power and public perception can shape what is accepted as truth.

The MV stars multi-awarded actor Pepe Herrera as the accused protagonist and RAMONA as his defense lawyer.

RAMONA”s “GAGA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Harry Styles releases highly anticipated new album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY.

GRAMMY Award®-winning global superstar Harry Styles has released his highly anticipated new album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. via Erskine/Columbia Records. Accompanying the album is the music video for “American Girls,” directed by the GRAMMY Award®-winning James Mackel.

KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. is the fourth studio album from Harry Styles and first music release since 2022’s record breaking album Harry’s House, which took home the top prize for Album of the Year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. The new 12-track album was written by Harry and executive produced by Kid Harpoon, and includes the #1 single “Aperture”, see full tracklist below.

To celebrate the album release, Netflix is bringing fans the very first live performance of the new album on Sunday March 8th at 7pm GMT, tune in to watch the show he performed Friday March 6th in Manchester, England in full globally.

Harry has also launched KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. pop-up shops around the world in partnership with American Express with 16 locations in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Berlin, Chicago, Houston,  London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Paris, Phoenix, Rome, Seattle, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. The pop-up gives fans a chance to experience and celebrate Harry’s new album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. together with special activations and unique merchandise designs, additional information HERE.

Next Saturday, Harry will return to NBC’s Saturday Night Live as host and musical guest for the second time on March 14th. He will make his long awaited return to the global stage with a seven city residency in 2026. Promoted by Live Nation, Together, Together will include 67 stops in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney from May through December. Highlights on the run include 30 shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and a six night run at Wembley Stadium. Special guests include Robyn, Shania Twain, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and Skye Newman across select dates. Please visit hstyles.co.uk/tour for a full list of dates and more information.

KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY.TRACKLIST

1. Aperture

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles & Kid Harpoon

Produced by: Kid Harpoon

2. American Girls

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

3. Ready, Steady, Go!

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon, Additional Production By: Tyler Johnson

4. Are You Listening Yet?

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

5. Taste Back

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon, Additional: Tyler Johnson

6. The Waiting Game

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

7. Season 2 Weight Loss

Music & Lyrics by Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon

8. Coming Up Roses

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles

Produced by: Kid Harpoon

9. Pop

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

10. Dance No More

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles & Kid Harpoon

Produced By: Kid Harpoon

11. Paint By Numbers

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson

Produced By: Kid Harpoon & Tyler Johnson

12. Carla’s Song

Music & Lyrics: Harry Styles & Kid Harpoon

Produced By: Kid Harpoon

Listen to the album here

Source: Nyou

Singapore's Indie Pop Darling Shye Unveils Haunting New Single "I Always Knew" & Announces Long-Awaited New Album 'The Doves Came Home'

LISTEN HERE

ANNOUNCES LONG AWAITED NEW ALBUM
'THE DOVES CAME HOME' OUT MAY 8

March 9th, 2026 — Singapore's indie pop sensation, singer-songwriter and producer Shye unveils her latest dream-pop single, "I Always Knew". The track delves into the quiet devastation of recognising you're going to hurt someone you love and choosing inaction over intervention. Fans can stream the song HERE. This release comes alongside the announcement of her long-awaited new album, which will drop on May 8th.

The song sits with that awareness, unfolding at a restrained pace that mirrors emotional paralysis. Distance arises not from conflict or confrontation, but through quiet inaction — the kind that feels easier in the moment yet leaves lasting impact. "Instead of framing heartbreak as a sudden rupture, the track traces how emotional detachment slowly erodes connection until loss becomes inevitable," Shye explains. As it progresses, the focus shifts from loss to accountability.

Shye – "I Always Knew" (Official Video)

As with Shye's previous works, "I Always Knew" lets the soundscape guide the emotional direction before the narrative fully forms. Leaning into dream-pop with subtle shoegaze textures, layered chorus-soaked guitars, soft distortion, and sustained tones create an immersive, self-contained world, while repeated melodic motifs reinforce the sense of being trapped in emotional patterns. Rather than building to a traditional climax, the arrangement remains restrained, cultivating quiet inevitability. Her vocals sit buried in the mix with reverb and delay, blending into the texture to mirror distance and internal reflection, as gradual, almost imperceptible changes echo the slow accumulation of emotional detachment.

Inspired by the Silent Hill game and film's use of fog, ambient noise, and looping repetition, the reference is reimagined as a psychological refuge — a trap of recurring patterns and false escapes that leaves listeners suspended in a haunting, unresolved emotional space. Shye extends this influence into the song's sonic landscape, layering hazy, immersive textures that feel both enclosed and cyclical. The Silent Hill reference becomes a powerful metaphor for a mental space defined by avoidance, one that must be confronted before any sense of release or resolution can be found.

"I hope the song encourages listeners to sit with that discomfort rather than turn away from it. Not to assign blame but to recognise patterns before they repeat themselves. If the track allows someone to hear the quiet part out loud, the part where self-reflection turns into accountability, then it has achieved what it sets out to do."

— Shye

Drawing from over two years of creative exploration, Shye's forthcoming album 'The Doves Came Home' invites listeners into her world of vulnerability, self-reflection, and quiet revelations. Due out on May 8th, this deeply personal and emotive collection showcases her evolution as an artist, blending dream-pop and soft rock, introspective lyrics, and atmospheric soundscapes to deliver a record that's both haunting and healing.
 

Stream "I Always Knew" here
 

About Shye

Shye is an independent singer-songwriter and producer known for her dreamy blend of indie-pop and alt-rock. Entirely self-taught, she writes, records, produces, mixes, and masters all her music, crafting an unmistakably DIY sound that's both intimate and expansive.

Shye first emerged onto the scene at just 16, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Vans Musicians Wanted competition in 2018. Since then, she's released a steady stream of work, including her debut EP 'Augus7ine' (2018), followed by the genre-blurring 14-track debut album 'days to morning glory' (2020), which won 'Album of the Year' at the Youth Music Awards in Singapore in 2021. Next came the experimental EP 'hello TRINITY'  (2021), 'idk it’s complicated' (2022), and '9LIVES' (2023). In 2024 and 2025, Shye maintained her momentum with a series of new singles paving the way for a new album in 2026.

Shye has performed at music festivals such as Tiger Den SXSW in Austin Texas (2023), Axean Festival in Singapore (2023), Asia Rolling Music Festival in Taiwan (2022), Urbanscapes in Malaysia (2019), Baybeats in Singapore (2023, 2019), Asiya Festival in the Philippines (2024), and virtually for Music Lane Okinawa (2021) and Bangkok Music City (2020). In 2024, Shye performed at the swearing-in ceremony of Singapore's new Prime Minister and concluded the year with a performance at The Alex Blake Charlie Sessions alongside international acts such as Wisp. Continuing to expand her regional footprint in 2025, she performed at Taiwan's Emerge Fest, headlined her first solo show in Bangkok, made her Indonesia debut at AXEAN Festival Bali, and appeared at Music Matters Live Singapore, World Expo Osaka, Creatorweek Macao, as well as VGIG: The Sonic Garden Concert, ending 2025 at the Sing60 Festival in Singapore. Shye kicked off 2026 with a festival performance at Bangkok Music City, further cementing her rising presence across Asia's indie music scene. She is set to perform next at PRESSPLAY 2026 in Singapore and All Of The Noise 2026 in Manila, continuing her momentum on the regional stage.

Her presence has since extended far beyond Singapore: from gracing a Times Square billboard for Spotify's EQUAL campaign to being named Freshmusic's 'Best New Artist' in 2021 to 'Best New Act from Asia' at the 2022 BandLab NME Awards and receiving the KKBOX 'Rising Star Award' the same year. Shye has also been featured on Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2023), Tatler Asia's Gen. T Leaders of Tomorrow (2024), Prestige 40 under 40 and Dazed 100 Global and Asia (2024), and Top 10 in Asia: Southeast Asia's Best Emerging Female Singers (2025).

Shye has supported international acts such as Daniel Caesar, Clairo, Superorganism, Sales, Men I Trust, The Chairs, and most recently, Wisp, during their tours in Singapore. In addition, she has represented Singapore in regional music reality TV shows such as 青年派计划 (Youth π Plan) in China and Chuang Asia in Thailand. Shye was also featured in the 2021 National Day theme song, "The Road Ahead" and took the stage at Singapore's SG60 National Day Parade in 2025.

Beyond music, Shye was invited by Chanel to attend her first overseas fashion show, the Chanel Cruise Replica Show in Hong Kong in 2024, an event attended by celebrated musicians such as G-DRAGON and Angèle. She also broke ground as the first Singaporean invited to Chanel's Paris Fashion Week show in 2025 as a celebrity guest. Most recently, she attended the milestone Chanel Cruise Replica show at Raffles Hotel, sitting front row alongside celebrity A-listers including Tilda Swindon, Rebecca Armstrong and Raye, who also performed. Shye has graced the covers of magazines such as FEMALE, Men's Folio, Prestige, Her World, Grazia, Aplus and ELLE Singapore, and most recently appears in this month's issue of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore. Over the years, she has also worked with numerous brands, further cementing her influence as a creative force across music, fashion and culture. 

Whether onstage or in her bedroom studio, Shye is guided by her love for storytelling and emotional connection. Writing music that feeds the soul and warms the heart, her songs aim to always comfort, sometimes cautions but always convey what words can't. For anyone who needs a place to land, breathe, and feel, Shye invites listeners into her world, one self-made track at a time.

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