LONDON – London-based pianist and composer Belle Chen releases "Rise", out 28th August 2026 on the Platoon label. The delicate neo-classical composition features the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Ben Palmer, arriving following the critical and commercial success of her 2024 album 'Ravel In The Forest'—which debuted at #7 on the UK Specialist Classical chart and #15 on the ARIA Classical Chart. The Composition: Between Dreaming and Waking "Rise" captures a fleeting moment of profound stillness—the gentle space between dreaming and waking. Belle describes the piece as a tender musical portrait of first light:

Release Date: 31 August, Monday Release Time: 00:00 (Local Store Turn) Type: Single Language: Japanese Genre: Pop An actor starring in a show, and writing the song that ends it, doesn't happen often. Riho Sayashi just did exactly that. She's the lead in a new drama adapted from a manga that's already sold over a million copies and racked up 100 million views online, and when its second teaser dropped, she'd written the song running under it herself. Riho Sayashi stars in "付き合ってあげてもいいかな How Do We Relationship?", the live-action adaptation of…

Acer marked a defining year in 2026 with the 10th anniversary of Acer Day. The milestone also coincided with Acer's 50th year as a technology company. In the Philippines, the celebration came to life with a concert at the Araneta Coliseum featuring some of the country's most exciting artists. Over 8,500 Acer fans filled the Araneta Coliseum on a Sunday night to witness the musical extravaganza headlined by Acer ambassadors SB19. Other featured artists were 6cyclemind, Hey June!, El Manu, Jessy Kang, Dionela, Fitterkarma, and Earl Agustin. There were surprise performances by Janine Berdin and Jose Mari Chan, who sang his holiday anthem, “Christmas in Our Hearts.” Host Luis Manzano kept the energy strong throughout the evening.This year's celebration carried the theme #ShiftTheGame, encouraging the youth to step out of their comfort zones, take ownership of their future, and find new ways to approach culture, work, and play.

In the wake of the recent flooding that inundated parts of the National Capital Region and Luzon, several rappers took to the microphone to voice their frustration and concerns, echoing the sentiments of many Filipinos over rampant corruption in government and the need for reform. KASSA started the “Baha Rap Challenge” with her song “BAHA,” featuring Poison 13 and Onad, in which she slammed government corruption and its impact on ordinary Filipinos who continue to bear the brunt of flooding during the rainy season. “Ayan na ang ulan, tumakbo na sa kawalan, lumangoy sa kasakiman, lubog sa kapabayaan,” the song says, highlighting the suffering caused by greed and government neglect.

For playwrights dreaming of seeing their masterworks on stage, Puregold Teatro Panalo may be their portal to the world of theatre. Puregold Teatro Panalo is now searching for original one-act plays and musicals from which selected entries will be professionally staged for its inaugural festival in 2027. Apart from featuring new work, the festival could propel these select few into full-length productions. Raring to submit a script? Here are six things you need to know. 1. ANY GENRE, STYLE OR THEME IS WELCOME Puregold Teatro Panalo is open to amateur and professional playwrights aged 18 and above.

The award-winning band revisits its enduring classic with a grander sound and a deeper reflection on healing, forgiveness, and human vulnerability Manila, Philippines – Nearly a decade after “Leaves” made a dent in pop culture consciousness with its unassuming tenderness, Ben&Ben reinterprets the heartwarming ballad with “Leaves (Reimagined),” a new rendition that transforms the original into a more mature reflection on forgiveness, second chances, and the complexities of growing together. Instead of recreating the original, “Leaves (Reimagined)” approaches the track from a different emotional vantage point, mirroring the profound depths and tensions of life in sonic form.

One of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines forays into the mobility market and expands its beauty & personal care portfolio as it celebrates 8 decades in the industry(Quezon City, Philippines) – Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab), one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines¹ continues to expand its health and wellness portfolio on its 80th year in the industry with the launch of two new health and wellness products plus new campaigns for its flagship brands. As it celebrates 80 years of delivering quality, family-friendly health and wellness products to Filipino families since 1946, PascualLab proudly enters the mobility market.

“Laika’s story inspired me deeply. I imagined Laika being brought into this world longing for affection, nurtured, and given love she thought was forever, only to end up as a mere tool to satisfy human arrogance. That tragedy made me reflect—why do we have to sacrifice another creature for what we chase? Those exact feelings became the representation for this entire album” — Nadin Amizah Celebrated Indonesian singer-songwriter Nadin Amizah officially releases her highly anticipated third studio album, 'Laika, Yang Ditinggalkan' (Laika, The Abandoned). Released under her independent label Sorai, the 11-track record is now available across all major global digital streaming platforms.

The Philippines' first queer dating reality show finally finds a new home with iWant as the fourth season of "Sparks Camp" heads to the streaming platform this September, promising bolder, sizzling romance from its newest set of campers as they share their journey and search for meaningful connection. Continuing from its previous iterations, "Sparks Camp" season 4 promises a sexier atmosphere for the campers, with a new set of intense challenges ready to test their sparks and chemistry, while continuing to provide a safe space for queer love and genuine connections that resonate with audiences.

Three leading girl groups from Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines are coming together for “ASIA POP GIRL FEST 2027.” Representing Japan is HANA, joined by Thailand’s hugely popular 4EVE and BINI, one of the Philippines’ leading girl groups. Together, the three groups will take the stage across Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines for a special series of three-act shows. Each group has established a powerful presence in its home country while gaining increasing attention beyond its borders. “ASIA POP GIRL FEST 2027” will bring all three together, featuring performances from each group as well as special stages that can only happen through this unique collaboration, connecting the music scenes of Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

ABS-CBN continued to earn recognition for Filipino talent and storytelling on the international stage as Angelica Panganiban, “Call Me Mother,” and “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” won honors at the ContentAsia Awards 2026 held Thursday (August 27) in Bangkok, Thailand.Angelica won Bronze for Best Female Lead in a TV Programme/Series Made in Asia for her performance as Jackie Carpio in ABS-CBN Studios and Prime Video’s mystery-thriller limited series “The Silent Noise.” Directed by Onat Diaz, the 10-episode series follows a family whose lives are disrupted by the mysterious death of their deaf son’s teacher, unraveling secrets and buried truths that test their trust in one another.

ContentAsia Awards 2026 Silver winner for Best Feature Film or Telemovie Made in Asia “Call Me Mother,” starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre, has soared to No. 1 on Netflix Philippines’ list of most-watched movies. The box-office movie directed by Jun Robles Lana, which premiered on the streaming platform on August 27, consistently captured the hearts of Filipinos with its heartwarming and relatable story of motherhood, exploring the countless sacrifices and unconditional love of a mother. It also previously clinched four awards at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal: Best Actor for Vice Ganda, Best Child Performer for Lucas Andalio, 3rd Best Picture, and the Gender Sensitivity Award.

“Hindi tumatanda!” “Kaya makipagsabayan!” “Mam Charo, puwede nang pambato sa Chinese drama!” MANILA, Philippines — Charo Santos is having a moment on social media—and judging by the comments, Filipinos are absolutely loving it. The veteran actress, host, and media icon recently joined the latest dance trend to NSYNC’s “I Want You Back,” and her Reel has fans cheering her on for being game enough to jump right into the fun. The comments say it all. “Hindi tumatanda!” “Kaya makipagsabayan!” “Doesn’t look 70!” And one description seems to be sticking: the new social media darling.

The acclaimed debut is now available in physical formats, offering listeners a tangible way to reconnect with the record that helped define the band’s early years Manila, Philippines – Nearly a decade into their career, Ben&Ben revisits where much of their story began with the physical release of the band’s acclaimed 2019 debut studio album, Limasawa Street—now available on CD and vinyl. Recorded when the band was still finding its footing, the record introduced Ben&Ben’s expansive, lush take on folk-pop while giving music fans a taste of their distinct songwriting style.

Because change does not begin only when young people become leaders, it begins when they recognize that their choices already matter. QUEZON CITY, Philippines—What’s next for PETA? Aligned with its continued commitment to advocacy and educational theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents “Gen G: GG na ’to!”—a new interactive play about choice, survival, and community. Created in partnership with Move to Change Foundation, Inc. (M2C)—a social purpose organization creating opportunities for young people to lead positive change—the production is part of Project GG: Game Changers for Good Governance, a youth-centered campaign that transforms civic education into lived experiences where young people learn that every voice matters and every act of participation helps shape more accountable communities and stronger democratic systems.

JENNIE releases her new EP Fallen Angel, sharing a deeply personal collection of songs that reflects her truest form of self-expression. The three-track digital EP features the title track “FALLEN ANGEL”, alongside “HEAVEN”, and “Less than a Lover.” A gift from JENNIE, with love, Fallen Angel offers a more intimate look into her world, with each song capturing different sides of her creative perspective. The EP is accompanied by the official music video for “FALLEN ANGEL,” offering a glimpse into the inner world of JENNIE’s glamorous exterior as she discovers, embraces and finds freedom in her true identity.

It’s a grand celebration of Filipino storytelling through music as 10 original songs go head-to-head this Sunday (August 30) at 9:45 PM in the “Philippine Selection Night,” where the country’s official representative to the “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026” will be chosen. The live musical showdown, to be hosted by Vice Ganda, will be streaming for free on iWant. Viewers can also catch it live on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Onlive Live. The event will also be available worldwide through TFC and will have a delayed telecast on MYX.

iWant brings the glitz and glamour of international pageantry while putting the spotlight on world-class Filipino singers as it streams the on-demand viewing of 75th Miss USA and the live broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night. Filipino viewers can get a front-row seat in reliving the crowning of the newest Miss USA as iWant brings the on-demand streaming of the Miss USA 2026 coronation night from the Ziff Ballet Opera House in Miami, Florida, 48 hours after its live broadcast last August 28. Marking the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most prestigious pageants, this year's Miss USA pageant saw 51 delegates from across the United States vie for the coveted crown, held recently by Nebraska's Audrey Eckert, and the opportunity to represent the country at Miss Universe 2026.

Global pop artist, songwriter and creative force Troye Sivan ushers in a new era with the release of “She’s the Best,” the title track from his forthcoming fourth studio album. She’s the Best arrives October 9, 2026, marking Sivan’s first new music since signing with Interscope Records. Written by Sivan, Leland, George Daniel, Jack Antonoff and Styalz Fuego, the track begins with spoken verses before guitars, strings and synths build toward an euphoric release. Cool, understated and cheeky while remaining tender at its core, “She’s the Best” celebrates the women, especially trans women, drag queens, feminine-presenting people and the feminine spirit that have shaped Sivan’s life and creativity.

Seven films. Seven wildly different stories. Each with a cast that brings together some of the biggest names and most exciting new faces in Philippine entertainment. The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is gearing up for its most spectacular edition yet, with John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Xyriel Manabat, Khalil Ramos, Agot Isidro, Joross Gamboa, Rochelle Pangilinan, juan karlos, Sassa Gurl, Ian Pangilinan, Rita Daniela, and more in the lead for its seven full-length films. From ghosts and hitmen to magical road trips, first love, and complicated families, this year’s lineup features a constellation of stars in roles disparate from audiences’ expectations.

Manila, Philippines – In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, PLDT Enterprise, together with PLDT and Smart, deployed Starlink satellite connectivity solutions and mobilized emergency communications support to assist communities, responders and local government units in maintaining critical links during a time of urgent need. PLDT and Smart immediately dispatched field and operations teams to assess network facilities and support restoration activities in affected areas, including General Santos City and several municipalities in South Cotabato. This was made possible through close coordination among PLDT Enterprise, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and local government units on the ground.

It's getting more exciting for the PPOP industry's one and only culminating annual event with the gathering of PPOP stars from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao uniting as one force showcasing the Filipino talent, music, and culture to the world. XONARA, X8, HAZEL FAITH, CALISTA, BILIB, NEO, 6ENSE, CLOUD 7, ONE SOUTH, NOVA, SYNC and more PPOP artists are joining the pre-show. Reserve you seat now as we come to celebrate together in the biggest venue ever with the local and international fans on this historical milestone for PPOP industry, marking the genre's growth and increasing global recognition.

The feel-good collaboration with Luke April previews the more assured musical direction of his upcoming album, honey, i’m home James Reid embraces the freedom of simply being in the moment with “Sunny Side,” his new single featuring producer and artist Luke April, out August 27, 2026, via Sony Music Entertainment. Driven by vibrant production, an easygoing rap section, and an experimental blend of filtered drums and guitars, the alternative pop track carries an infectious sense of movement without ever feeling rushed. Bright and effortlessly laid-back, “Sunny Side” also captures the feeling of having nowhere to be and being completely at ease with wherever the day might lead.

You have to admit—sometimes, the best plans are the ones that don’t require you to leave the house! You could be a bookworm itching to crack open a book from your TBR pile, someone who honors the sacred rituals of your “me time”, or simply an avid film (or series) buff just itching to press play on the next interesting title on your homescreen! No matter what kind of viewer you are, Netflix is here to deliver. So whether you’re in the mood to schedule a watch party with your friends, settle in comfortably on the couch with the whole family, or just want to step into make-believe worlds for an hour (or two!), there is something for you to stream this September on Netflix Philippines.

From calling each other “twins” during their “Pinoy Big Brother” days to playing siblings on screen, Esnyr Ranollo and Bianca De Vera take their friendship to a whole new level in ABS-CBN Studios and iWant’s upcoming vertical microdrama “Half Sisters.” Esnyr and Bianca play half-siblings Ramon and Emily in the new comedy series, with Brent Manalo joining them in a still-mysterious role. The recently released look test gives viewers a glimpse of the series, with Esnyr’s Ramon seen alongside Brent. While their roles remain under wraps, the scene hints at the fun and unexpected situations that await the characters.