Manila/ Vibe/ Artists

May 17, 2025

Lola Amour on 'Dance with My Mistakes' and Songwriting Therapy Sessions

May 17, 2025

It’s been a couple of years since “Raining in Manila” took over the airwaves and we’re still listening to it today if we’re being honest. But Lola Amour shows no signs of stopping despite their 12-year-long history and ICYDK they’re back with a brand-new song that's sure to be an earworm.

Produced by renowned producers Hyuk Shin (EXO, SHINee, Justin Bieber) and CUURLEY, “Dance with My Mistakes” blends their signature style with fresh influences from their global journey, proving that they’re ready to take their music beyond the Philippines. Fresh from their collaboration with Australian artist Oliver Cronin for “Maria,” the seven-piece Filipino Indie band is showing listeners that they’re sound is ever-evolving, which is what makes them one of the most unique and beloved bands among an impressive lineup of talented local artists.

The Beat Asia hung out with Pio Dumayas (Lead Vocalist), David Yuhico (Keyboardist), and Raffy Perez (Drummer) to talk about their exciting musical journey, the evolving sound of Lola Amour, and the inspiration behind their new dancey single.

Hi Lola Amour! Can you describe your musical journey so far?

Pio: It’s been long. *laughs* It’s been nine years for the band in total. A lot of growth and a lot of things that we never thought would happen to us, but in a good way. Also, a lot of excitement.

David: And a lot of change! Every time there’s a new single that pops, the sound shifts. And then the next thing that pops up is also so different. There are a lot of changes, but a good kind of change.

You mentioned before that you started the band as a hobby. Was there a moment when you realized Lola Amour meant more to not just yourselves but your listeners?

Pio: I think it was when we started making enough to quit our day jobs so we could finally dedicate everything — our entire workdays — to the band. Everything changed when that happened. One by one, we started resigning from our day jobs. Zoe (Guitarist) was the first to resign, and he was so happy.

Also, during the [COVID-19] pandemic, we realized that being in the band isn’t just about playing music. When you make friends with your fans, they start to feel like your actual friends. During the pandemic, we helped some of them out — those having a hard time, like that one fan whose house caught fire. Over time, it’s become not just about the music.

You’ve been together for many years, and we’ve seen members come and go. How do you deal with these major shifts and changes as a group?

Pio: David actually joined during the pandemic. It was easy because we have been missing a keyboardist for a while.

David: It was easy because I was very good. *laughs* Kidding aside, every time it changes, our sound also shifts, because it’s not only what the new member brings but what the new member brings out of the other members, as well. The sound shifts, and so does the band’s personality, because we all adjust. It’s part of the fun and the challenge. It’s simply part of being in a band.

Pio: Was it difficult? Always. There’s always a temporary void that everyone’s sizing up. There’s that transition of adapting to this new change.

Raffy: When I first joined, I often thought about 'How do I make sure that we don’t lose that Lola Amour sound, but at the same time, it’s still me?' There’s a bit of a transitional period where I had to figure out what’s best for everyone. But I think eventually, once you understand the core of the band, it becomes easier.

David: And there also has to be mutual respect for those who left. There are parts like in “Pwede Ba” that I don’t touch because that’s Martin’s (former keyboardist) part. I don’t want to change that because it’s an iconic part of the song. You must have that respect for the person who has been replaced.

Pio: I just realized that I don’t know what you guys are talking about because it’s never happened for me.

David: [Joking] So soon, when he leaves. *laughs*

You mentioned how your sound is often shifting. Do you ever feel nervous about introducing a new sound to your fans? Or is it more exciting?

All: Exciting.

Pio: We don’t make new songs with sounds that we don’t want to explore or music that we’re not excited about. We do think sometimes that this might not be the sound people are used to. Then again, when you look back, they have nothing to get used to because all our songs are different. It’s always been the nature of our music to just try out whatever we’ve been listening to and make our own frantic style from all these.

Let’s talk about your new song, “Dance with My Mistakes.” What was the inspiration behind it?

Pio: 'Dance with my Mistakes' is a song about coming back to someone that you let down before because of circumstances, like not being ready, personal issues, timing — and then coming back to them at some point in time and saying, 'I’m ready. Let’s try it out again if you’re down' — knowing that you might not be granted that second chance.

David: It’s a personal story of mine. It’s about the right person, wrong time, and then after a while — after the healing — is it now the right person, right time? Like, do you know if that person is even willing to have you back in their life?

Pio: Yes, especially with all the history and baggage your last encounter has induced.

Can you walk us through the process of producing it?

David: We were all in the room, and Shin, our producer, loves to talk. Part of the process is getting everyone on board and hearing the idea of the song. He was like, 'Does anyone have a story to tell?' That was our first day of writing, and everyone was still shy, so nobody was willing to share. So, I took it. I said, 'What if we talked about regrets?' Shin wanted more answers. It was like a group therapy session at that point, and everyone was looking at me. We had to be vulnerable. I hated it. *laughs* That’s how it started.

After that, Pio started writing the lyrics in his corner while we did the music. And then suddenly, he comes back with only one line, really excited. He was like, 'Hey guys! I have a line: I’m gonna dance with my mistakes.' And then we used that as the seed to build the song.

Speaking of your producers, how was working with Hyuk Shin and CUURLEY? How did the collaboration come about?

Pio: It was really fun working with them. It’s our first time working with producers on that scale of a project. It was a different experience, especially having us sit in a room at the beginning of the day to talk about our feelings. That was new. I didn’t know people did that. *laughs*

They really knew how to bring out the best in what we were trying to do. They can see you cooking something up, and even when you can’t say the words, they help you bring it out. We met them at a songwriting camp, and they enjoyed our company so much that they told us to come back for more songs.

David: We kept that relationship. You know how, after you end a project with someone, they’re like 'Oh yeah, hit me up,' but it doesn’t mean anything? But for this one, it felt real. So, we came back and worked with them.

Were there any musical influences that created the tune?

David: It started with a jam. We just started playing, tried a few chords. It wasn’t really gelling at first, so I tried the chords that I wrote, and then Shin was like: 'Okay, that one!' And there were a few edits. There weren’t really influences or references that we were looking at. It was just what we were feeling at that time.

Raffy: And we wanted a jumpy beat, like something to dance to.

David: Yes! Part of the prompt was that we wanted it to be dancy and up tempo even if the lyrics or theme is sad. I wanted to dance!

Has it always been intentional to go beyond the local music scene?

Pio: Not intentional. I think it’s just the next step we want to be taking. We toured the Philippines, and now we’re getting inquiries from other countries. It’s just that things are happening, so we’re doing them.

David: If the opportunity presents itself to us, we’re more than happy to perform abroad and represent the Philippines. Whoever wants us, we’ll be there!

Raffy: I remember it wasn’t really a thought even when “Raining in Manila” was skyrocketing in the country. We were just touring around, it's really fun, and the song is so popular! Then the next thing we know, we have an inquiry to play in Singapore. So, like David said, it’s really just as long as the opportunity presents itself, let’s take it! I wouldn’t say it’s intentional. If the eyes see us and they want us to play there, then of course we’ll do it.

Who is your current dream international artist collab?

David: Dua Lipa. So fire!

Raffy: I’d probably say Carly Rae Jepsen. My pop queen!

Pio: I guess Bon Iver. Idol!

Do you have a message for your fans about this new single?

Pio: Thank you so much for the support. We enjoyed making this song, and we were so excited to release it. We made it around six months ago, and it’s finally here! We hope you guys will check it out and appreciate David’s vulnerability.

David: But written by Pio. *laughs*

What’s next for Lola Amour? Anything we should look forward to this year?

Pio: We have a lot of songs coming up. We actually have one at the end of May and more to come soon after. We definitely have a lot in store for everyone. We’ll also be doing a small local tour and maybe some shows abroad.

Raffy: We’ll just see you there!

For updates on their latest music release and shows, stay tuned on Lola Amour’s official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram pages.

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Manila/ Vibe/ Artists

June 07, 2025

The Beat Manila’s Up-And-Coming: Singer-Songwriter Kylu

by: Katrina Ricarte

June 07, 2025

by: Katrina Ricarte

The Beat Manila’s Up and Coming is a series where we feature rising talented artists from the Philippines, giving them a platform to share what they’re passionate about and to promote the music they (and us too!) would love for the world to hear. Do you want or know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at [email protected] or slide through our DMs on Facebook or Instagram!

Despite being musically gifted, Kylu’s first dream hadn’t been to pen songs that would rack up millions of streams or perform in front of thousands of people. In fact, he wanted to stand on a different stage, specifically on a basketball court.

“My first love is basketball, and it was the one thing I really wanted to pursue,” he told The Beat Asia. “But because of the pandemic, I couldn’t go out to play. I realized then that basketball might not be for me.”

Kylu had been passionate about the game for as long as he could remember, but when the whole world went on lockdown, he discovered a new hobby which eventually turned into a passionate pursuit. Let’s just say that in true Troy Bolton fashion, Kylu went from game player to songwriter.

“It really started in the pandemic. I was just at home and didn’t have anything to do when I came across an app on the App Store that can record songs. I just tried it out and enjoyed the process, which led me to write my first song. I recorded a short song about education because I didn’t feel like the online classes were effective for me.”

What started out as curiosity became a hobby as the artist realized how enjoyable it is to record and experiment with different mixes, which eventually made up his unique sound. He’s called “chefkylu” on his social media channels because he’s always cooking up new sounds, which are usually a combination of multiple genres and styles.

“I’m not sure if that’s just me, but [my music] sounds different from other artists, and I can’t really name an artist with a similar sound. I think my sound is whatever comes out from my head or what I’m feeling at the moment. I just go with the flow of the melodies I create,” he explained. “Kung ano lang po 'yung feel ko na melody sa moment na 'yun, I just base it there. Siguro halo-halo narin po ng styles ng pinapakingan ko through the years (Whatever I feel at the moment, I just base the song from there. I suppose my genre is a mix of styles and sounds I’ve listened to through the years).”

However, Kylu mentioned rising Filipino rapper Kiyo as the one who inspired his melodic raps that can usually be found in his songs.

On Songwriting and Channeling Emotions

Kylu began posting original songs on his YouTube channel back in 2020, which gained the attention of music labels and fans alike, as they were drawn to his chill Hip-Hop and alternative R&B sound. He signed with Viva Records in 2023 before moving to Ivory Records just last year. Kylu broke into the mainstream music scene with the single “dito ka lang,” which became his most popular track to date with over 4.5 million streams as of writing. It also topped several Spotify Philippines playlists and ranked on Spotify’s and Apple Music’s Viral hits charts.

His follow-up single “OTW,” which he collaborated with Yamada, also gained significant traction thanks to popular TikTok AU (alternative universe) fiction writer, storiesfromace, who used the song for a story. Kylu told us about how he got into reading AU because of this, using the short fiction pieces as inspiration for new songs and to master his songwriting skills in general. He was created a sad version of the song for the story!

We asked the singer about his songwriting process, which he described almost as if it were as easy as baking a cake, proving his talent and commitment to the craft. “Usually, it’s beat or chords first, then I’ll create a melody. If it clicks, then I’ll start thinking about the lyrics. I usually start with the chorus and write around it.”

As a songwriter, Kylu has a knack for expressing the things people often find hard to communicate or put into words. In his latest single, “Panandalian,” he addresses the so-called “red flag enjoyers,” or those who are well aware of their partner’s behavior but still stick around for the thrill. The song tackles this kind of craving, and how some people would grab that short-lived opportunity and deal with moving on later.

When asked about what made him write the track, Kylu explained that it was inspired by the experiences he observed among his friends in high school who fell in love with — well, the “problematic” choice for the plot — or their fondness for character development.

When asked how he channels the emotions surrounding an experience he only observed from the outside looking in, Kylu replied, “I look at the picture and try my best to put myself in their shoes, their eyes, or hearts to understand how they see a certain situation. Back in high school, I was very open with my friends, and in return, they also opened up about their problems to me, and I suppose that’s how I was able to channel those emotions — sa mga pag-kwento nila at pakikining ko (from their stories and confessions and how I listened to them).”

We also asked if it was harder to write something based on someone else’s experience, to which he responded, “It’s harder. I try my best to put myself in their shoes, but it would be easier if it’s from personal experience.”

Speaking of writing outside of his personal experiences, Kylu had also produced songs for other artists. His most popular track is ALAMAT’s “Hiraya” which he penned with fellow rising artist Matt Wilson. We asked the artist about the experience and how it differed from producing his own music.

“When I write my own songs, kung ano lang maisip ko, 'yun na, 'di ko na masyado kailangan i-overthink (I usually go with whatever I come up with and that’s enough. I don’t have to overthink it). When I wrote for ALAMAT, they gave us a prompt, and we would submit a demo every two or three days, and Direk (director) would comment on it. It’s challenging because I have to fit the song to the artist, but it’s a good experience!”

“I would still prefer writing for myself since I’m more comfortable then, but I’m up for the challenge and I do enjoy it!” He added. “My favorite part about collaborating is our differing ideas, like with Matt, he would think about something that’s completely far from what I would’ve thought or envisioned. But by the end of the day, we’re able to connect those ideas and blend them into one song.”

Having only started a few years ago, Kylu has already achieved what many musicians dream of, and he’s only getting started. When asked about his goals and aspirations, he answered humbly about his desire to move people and bring about change.

“I can’t really say I’ve experienced it yet, but I’ve always envisioned my music to inspire people to become better persons. 'Yung gumawa ng tama, mabuhay nang tama, at pumili ng mga tamang desisyon (For them to do right, live right, and make the right decisions).”

As for what he enjoys most about his career so far, the producer expressed how he’s always grateful to listeners and fans who would message him and thank him for writing a song or tell him how his music had comforted them. “I like knowing my songs have made an impact.”

He also mentioned being able to perform at the UP Fair last year was one of the most rewarding moments of his career, as he was given to chance to perform for a huge crowd and share the stage with local artists whom he listened to and looked up to.

“I want to achieve millions of listeners and streams, but in terms of impact, I want to be able to influence people to do good, and to inspire them to reach for their dreams — to let them know that it can be achieved as long as you do right and work hard for it.”

As for what we can look forward to, he hinted that he has a bunch of songs hidden in his folders and that he can’t wait to share them with everyone. He even announced — and you heard it here first — that he would be releasing two new songs this year, plus more performances, visualizers, and music videos to come soon!

Stay tuned for Kylu’s new song releases and upcoming performances by following him on Facebook, TikTok, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and by subscribing to his YouTube channel.

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Manila/ Fashionista/ Style

June 02, 2025

Converse’s 'Love, Chuck' Celebrates Self-Expression Across Generations

by: The Beat Asia

June 02, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Tags:

Converse Love, Chuck Campaigns Artists

Converse celebrates the timeless legacy of Chuck Taylor — a cultural icon that has built a profound relationship with the creative community and more across generations — through its global campaign, “Love, Chuck.”

The legacy shoe brand goes all out in celebrating its storied history as both a symbol of nonconformity and a badge that speaks to something more important: a sense of community, of shared values, and of human experience.

This year, the “Love, Chuck” campaign sets its sights on the Philippines, inviting and inspiring all creators and visionaries to overcome the fear of failure and to pursue what they love with authenticity and confidence. This campaign reaffirms Converse’s commitment to championing self-expression and creativity in style, qualities that have defined the brand for over a century.

The "Love, Chuck" Live! event was held at Nokal Manila last May 28, 2025 — Courtesy of Converse Philippines

During the “Love, Chuck” Live! event at Nokal Manila last Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Converse Philippines introduced the Chuck Taylor All Star Double Stack — a bold new take on the classic that’s sure to turn heads. Tailored for those who like their timeless favorites with a modern twist, this drop reimagines the signature Chuck for a new generation — standing taller, cushier, and unapologetically confident. The sneaker is also equipped with a CX foam sock liner for extra cushioning and a rubber outsole with traction lugs for stability across terrains.

Adding to the event’s highlights was the premiere of the “Time Machine” music video from the acclaimed singer-songwriter juan karlos. Chosen as a brand ambassador for his fearless voice and authenticity, he embodies the spirit of a new generation. juan karlos’ raw energy and unique perspective made him the perfect figure to champion a message of self-expression and individuality.

juan karlos was joined by a dynamic lineup of celebrated indie acts, including Sunkissed Lola, Kreme Soda, and Allen & Elle. Each one delivered standout sets and underscored the campaign’s spirit of identity and fearless creativity.

Courtesy of Converse Philippines

Guests were also invited to personalize their brand-new Chuck Taylor All Star pairs at a dedicated customization booth, where enamel pins and charms were also offered. This interactive experience embodies the campaign’s central ethos while empowering individuals to leave their mark — literally and figuratively — on a beloved cultural icon.

The “Love, Chuck” campaign honors the deep bond and cherished memories Converse has nurtured with diverse creative, athletic, and subcultural communities worldwide. As encapsulated by the campaign’s global messaging, “When someone laces up a pair of Chuck Taylors, they’re not just putting on a shoe — they’re tapping into a collective memory, a reservoir of emotions, and a sense of belonging that transcends borders, genres, and generations.”

More than just a nostalgic nod to the past, “Love, Chuck” speaks to a timeless truth: that the Chuck Taylor is not merely worn; it is lived in.

Follow Converse Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Visit the Converse Philippines website here.

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Manila/ The List/ What's On

June 02, 2025

Raise Your Rainbow Flags at These Must-Attend #PRIDE Events in Manila!

by: The Beat Asia

June 02, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Tags:

Pride Month Races LGBTQIA+ Art Theater

Cue the confetti — Pride Month is here! Manila’s event calendar is packed with everything from art markets and musicals to drag brunches and rainbow-filled runs. It’s camp, it’s culture, it’s community. So lace up your boots, dust off your flags, and make this year's #PRIDE celebration your boldest and loudest yet!

KOMIKET PRIDE

If you're looking to celebrate queer creativity, Komiket Pride 2025 is where it's at. Running from June 6 to 8, 2025 at Ayala Malls The 30th, this Komiket edition is a vibrant showcase of queer Filipino creativity. Flip through zines, grab exclusive prints, and discover komiks that will make you laugh, cry, or feel seen — all made by LGBTQIA+ artists and creators. Admission is FREE! Come with curiosity, leave with inspiration — and maybe a tote full of queer comics, too!

QUEZON CITY PRIDE RUN 2025

Run, don’t walk — literally! — to the Quezon City Pride Run 2025, the city's first official Pride-themed dash happening June 7, 2025. Setting off at 5 PM from Tomas Morato, this 5 km run is your chance to break a sweat and raise a flag for love and inclusion. It’s a fun, active way to show up for the LGBTQIA+ community. The P500 registration fee comes with a singlet, bib, and medal, but let’s be real — the best part is running shoulder to shoulder with folks who believe in equality!

Dalaga na Si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza

Maxie’s coming-of-age story gets a dazzling new chapter this Pride Month in "Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza," with scheduled shows from June 13 to 22, 2025 at Illumination Studio, Makati. Maxie returns older, bolder, and more unapologetically herself, navigating the mess and magic of growing up queer in Manila. Expect powerful musical numbers, interactive storytelling, and fierce performances by rising theater stars and drag queens!

QUEERLAYAAN: A Pride Celebration and Art Market Year 2

Art meets advocacy at QUEERLAYAAN 2025, uniting over 200 queer artists, crafters, and performers, on June 14, 2025 at UNILAB Bayanihan Center. Entry fee: P100, or FREE with 1 GlobeOne Rewards Point (subject to limited slots, processed on-site). All proceeds will go toward the Ayala Foundation, contributing to ongoing feeding and typhoon response programs. Presented by StickerCon and ARTEGOph, and backed by Globe, this is your Pride weekend stop for handmade art and unique merchandise.

RUNRIO Pride Run 2025

RUNRIO Pride Run 2025 is ready to turn streets into runways. Co-presented by SM Supermalls, this running series takes over Cebu (June 22), Davao (June 29), and Manila (June 29) with rainbow flags flying high. Featuring 5K and 10K routes, a new pet-friendly race, and plenty of post-run perks, the event welcomes everyone: fast runners, casual walkers, and fierce marchers alike. Registration is now open, with race fees starting at P1,200 depending on category.

HERE COMES THE PRIDE

Who's up for brunch with a full cast of drag royalty? HERE COMES THE PRIDE brings the party to Vice Comedy Club on June 21, 2025 for a morning of glitter, glamor, and a good old-fashioned serve. This inaugural Pride Drag Brunch from Adonis Prod House features Brigiding, Jayvhot G (Maxie Andreison), Khianna, Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas Deluxe, Angel, Arizona Brandy, Bernie, Shewarma, and Russia Fox — hosted by the ever-unfiltered Buknoy Gonzales! Don't miss it!

LOV3LABAN 2025 PRIDE PH FESTIVAL

Get ready to take up space and celebrate loudly — LOV3LABAN 2025 is marching into UP Diliman on June 28, 2025. Touted as the largest Pride event in Southeast Asia, this powerful gathering brings together LGBTQIA+ Filipinos and allies in a show of resistance, love, and visibility. Organized by Pride PH, this year’s program is set to feature moving speeches, music performances, and, of course, a sea of rainbow flags. Come loud, come proud!

Don’t let your event or deal go unnoticed! Seize the opportunity to be featured in our The List, Top Deals, and Delish Insider newsletters, the go-to source for the city's most captivating events and can’t-miss deals. Click here to get started!

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Manila/ Vibe/ Artists

May 29, 2025

Lola Amour's 'Raining In Manila' Awarded at Music Awards Japan

by: The Beat Asia

May 29, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Tags:

Indie Music Music Awards Japan Bands Lola Amour

Filipino band Lola Amour earned recognition at the debut of Music Awards Japan (MAJ), winning an award for their single "Raining in Manila."

The record-breaking hit was awarded the Special Award for Philippine Popular Music, which recognized its status of excellence in the Philippines. This award honors six artists whose creations have been celebrated in their respective countries. Other winners who nabbed the award were SEVENTEEN (South Korea), Jeff Satur (Thailand), Zhou Shen (China), Salma Salsabil (Indonesia), and Tùng Dương (Vietnam).

Music Awards Japan, which took place on May 21 and May 22 at Kyoto's Rohm Theatre, aims to celebrate the finest in Japanese and Asian music. Its inaugural edition featured leading Japanese stars like Hikaru Utada, Atarashii Gakko!, Number_i, and Creepy Nuts.

Since its release in June 2023, Lola Amour's "Raining in Manila" has racked up millions of streams across various streaming platforms and gone viral on TikTok, garnering them fans from all over the globe. The track also showcases the band’s first time experimenting with a Japanese music genre – city pop.

You can stream it here:

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think that we would receive international recognition and what an honor it has been to receive it at the Music Awards Japan 2025. ‘Raining In Manila’ was inspired by the themes of 80s city pop, so it hits even closer to home. To all our friends around the world that inspired ‘Raining In Manila,’ this one's for you!” Lola Amour vocalist Pio Dumayas shared.

What's more, since the band is celebrating nine years together, they are pulling out all the stops with a new single, "Misbehave," and a live concert!

Pre-save 'Misbehave' for a chance to watch them live at Luneta Park on May 30, 2025! You can pre-save and receive free passes to the show here.

For more information, visit Lola Amour on their official Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Location: Luneta Park, Roxas Boulevard 1000 Manila City

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Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

May 28, 2025

The Beat Manila’s Up-And-Coming: P-Pop Group Raya

by: Katrina Ricarte

May 28, 2025

by: Katrina Ricarte

Tags:

PPop Girl Groups Up and Coming Music

The Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) movement is taking over the country as more and more groups emerge into the local music scene. There’s no denying that the genre is gaining momentum in terms of popularity as more listeners, especially today’s youth, are getting hooked on their catchy sound and often inspiring messaging.

Last Apr. 25, 2025, a shining new group took to the stage at the Viva Café in Cubao, showcasing a group of fierce young ladies ready to make their mark in the P-Pop scene. Introducing Raya, the newest girl group under Viva Artist Agency (VAA) championing femininity and confidence with their signature sound that blends pop and hip-hop.

Before debuting, you might have already heard of these girls or have seen their pre-debut covers of the Hotdog classic, “Bongga Ka Day” and Sarah Geronimo’s hit “Kilometro.” The covers were released with equally impressive performance videos, which showcased their talents and commanding stage presence. The group has also performed in various mall shows and opened for concerts, including ALAMAT’s Ragasa concert last December.

Now an official artist of Viva, Raya made a bold entrance with their debut single, “Bling!” which talks about having the confidence to make your mark in the world, which further solidified their group’s concept inspired by the Filipino ancient term “Hiraya,” meaning hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

The Beat Manila got to sit down with the stunning new gems of P-Pop, composed of Jemima (the eldest), Rona (the nonchalant), Kash (the youngest), Priscilla (the hidden weapon), Aviona (the guardian angel), Abel (the princess), Ash (the “makulit” – naughty one), Anna (the “biritera”— one who sings high notes well), and Sofia (the diva), to get to know more about how they came together and what they intend to showcase as rising artists in the industry.

Raya Coming Together: The Fate of Celestial Gems

“Diamonds on my neck, diamonds on my wrist.” This is one of the memorable lines in Raya’s debut single, and it turns out that it goes beyond the song’s theme of empowerment and self-worth, but is actually deeply rooted in the group’s concept.

Raya mentioned in the interview how they are each assigned a gemstone in the Navaratna (meaning nine gems in Sanskrit), which are historical and astrological celestial stones deemed valuable across various Southeast Asian cultures. As we asked the girls about how the group was formed, we were fascinated by their individual stories of hope and perseverance.

The members auditioned for VNEXT at Viva Café last year, a nationwide audition held by the artist agency in search of the next generation of P-Pop idols. It seemed that Raya was brought together by fate, considering how most of them had only tried their luck or were already on their way to pursuing different career paths when they caught wind of the auditions.

Anna was preparing to go into nursing, while Jemima, after a few failed auditions, finally decided to pursue studies in the US. Abel had always seen herself as part of an alternative rock band, and Ash had never seen herself entering show business but enjoyed performing, having been part of dance troupes and choirs back in school.

On the other hand, this isn’t Sofia’s first rodeo, having been part of two other girl groups that unfortunately disbanded, while Kash, Aviona, and Priscilla were all actively auditioning and pursuing their dreams of debuting in a girl group. Their stories were woven into a web of dreams, hopes, and harsh realities as they all had their ups and downs in their journeys of becoming professional performers.

If these girls had one thing in common, however, it was that they were all dreamers and by some cosmic force, Viva had brought them together to form this new group, like constellations finally aligning.

“Since we all came into Raya with high hopes, we thought: 'Why not name our group ‘Hiraya?’” Shared Sofia when asked about the origin of their name. “The word is too long, so we shortened it to ‘Raya.’ We want to inspire the youth to reach for their dreams despite the difficulties.”

Raya on ‘Bling!’ and Being Symbols of Hope

Raya made a bold entry into the P-Pop scene with their impressive pre-debut covers and their debut single “Bling!” — a girl power track oozing with confidence and charisma, tied together by a sound that blends both pop and Hip-hop.

When asked about what their new single is about, Jemima explained, “‘Bling!’ tells more about women empowerment and celebrates how she values her worth, her shine, and her spark. It also connects to our concept, which is gems of P-Pop. It aims to inspire women and young girls to know their worth — their gem, or what really makes them shine. So, women empowerment, confidence, girl power. Period!”

Raya had also contributed in the production of the song, and mentioned how their team had always encouraged them to suggest ideas for lyrics. They also attended songwriting camps and are continuously honing their ability to create more songs that are, as Kash described, “songs that come from our hearts.”

“We were given a lot of freedom. Originally, ‘Bling!’ was written in English, and they translated it to Tagalog,” Anna told The Beat Asia. “There was once a part in the rap where our producers felt it was a little bit too fierce for a rookie girl group *laughs* and we actually helped revise it.”

Abel also shared that the team was able to identify their strengths and capabilities early on when we commented on how each member seemed to fit their assigned roles for dancing, singing, and rapping. “During our training periods, we’ve had evaluations where we were given the chance, like for myself, to rap, which I’ve never done before,” she said. “Throughout that training, we discovered our strengths.”

When asked about Raya’s signature sound, the members unanimously agreed that it all comes down to the theme. “We will always gravitate towards humble confidence,” said Raya Anna. “There’s always that undertone of confidence, of ‘Kaya ko ‘to’ or ‘Kaya natin ‘to!’ (We can do this!). It’s songs about strong women. It’s confident, it’s women empowerment, that’s Raya.”

Beyond their musicality, Raya follows a rigorous training schedule to be able to dance through those complicated choreographies. They shared that their athleticism may be one of their strengths as a group. Priscilla walked us through their routines, and boy, we were already sweating after hearing about the amount of workouts they do every day, which ranged from cardio, strength, to military-style training like core workouts, push-ups, and handstands. All of that before they even run their choreographies.

When asked about how they spend their downtimes, Raya still proved that their determination to become the best versions of themselves remains a priority.

“Most of the time we go out in cafes and that’s where we evaluate the things we need to improve on,” Aviona shared. “Like with steps, facial expressions, and even vocals. That’s where we share our thoughts on how we can be better.”

“When we go out, we’re hitting two birds with one stone,” Kash added. “We debrief and we hang out. We get to talk about us — about Raya, and other things outside of the group.”

P-Pop is definitely becoming one of the most listened to genres in the Philippines, and with it comes an army of emerging idols and hopeful artists bringing exciting new sounds and explosive performances. As a rookie artist, it could be difficult to find your footing in the industry at first, but Raya seems to know clearly what their strengths are and where they stand — proof that they were made to do this together.

“We all have unique and diverse personalities that are very distinct from each other, yet they come together really well,” Jemima expressed. “When you look at Raya, you don’t only see them as a group, but you see them for each individual as they are. The fact that we’re so many, like nine members with different personalities, and yet manage to look as one, says a lot about Raya. I think it also sends a message that you can be so different from one another, but be united as one in different ways.”

“Since we just debuted, we're trying to explore different genres, different styles, and we believe we’ll be able to show the diversity of what our group can do soon. We’re still experimenting, but there’s a lot more to come from Raya,” added Kash.

Colorful, hopeful, and strong. These are just some of the words the girls used to describe the group. At its core, Raya is about diversity and finding balance between strength and weakness, which is what makes up each individual and makes them the distinct gems that shine not only under the light but even in darkness.

Despite only getting started, Raya already has experienced the rush of performing for big crowds, having opened for concerts and accomplishing their showcase where they performed six consecutive songs — the most tracks they’ve performed for a setlist.

“It was the moment that we felt, this is it! Ito na yung Raya (This is Raya)! This is us finally showing ourselves to the world — showing them who we are,” expressed Jemima.

Just like how they entered the group with big dreams, Raya is continuing their journey with the same positive outlook and hopes for the future.

Aviona told The Beat Manila, “We want to release more songs that inspire. We want to send a message that there’s always hope, even though there are challenges in life. We are your hope, and if you can’t find hope in your life right now, you can always come to Raya.”

“We want to be braver and show more creativity as Raya,” added Kash. “I see it a lot in other P-Pop groups like SB19. They’re showing a lot of creativity in their crafts, and hopefully, Raya can reach that level and show that girls can do amazing stuff as well. We also want to share more with everyone, not just in the Philippines but also internationally.”

Anna also mentioned looking up to their brother group, ALAMAT, and the way they “bring out the Filipino identity through their music,” hoping that someday they would be able to write songs and choreograph dance routines the way they do artistically.

As for what we can look forward to from them, they’re still keeping things under wraps, but you can catch them on mall shows and Viva events, which are announced on their official social media pages. Although it may be too early for a newbie group, it’s never too early to manifest their own solo concert. With their talent and dedication, we believe anything is possible.

Don’t miss Raya’s upcoming music and performances by following them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

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Manila/ Vibe/ Artists

May 27, 2025

The Next Wave: Meet the New Generation of P-Pop Idols

by: Katrina Ricarte

May 27, 2025

by: Katrina Ricarte

It’s no secret that the P-Pop (Pinoy Pop) revolution shows no signs of slowing down this year. With trailblazing acts like SB19, BINI, and ALAMAT leading the charge and gaining international recognition through chart-topping songs and sold-out shows, they’ve paved the way for a new generation of groups brimming with talent, charisma, and the desire to make their mark on both local and global stages.

Whether they’re delivering genre-defying sounds or championing Filipino narratives, these rising acts are capturing the attention of fans and have the potential to make it big. Here are some of the names you’ll want to keep an eye on the charts, and who could potentially be the next big stars of P-Pop.

Pix!e

Debuted Oct. 3, 2024

We suppose this six-member girl group can be described as “sugar, spice, and everything nice,” as their concept embodies "sweet girl energy." Pix!e was formed under Dream Cloud Productions, headed by singer-songwriter Krissha Viaje, and consists of Mita (leader and lead vocalist), Pearl (main vocalist), Nicole (center), Jane (main rapper), Hana (lead rapper), and Kath (main dancer).

They signed on to Viva Artist Agency in March 2024, before officially debuting in October. Their debut single, “Iced Coffee,” was a fantastic introduction to the group, which showcased their undeniable talent and wholesome chemistry.

Follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

SY•NC

Debuted Nov 8, 2024

This independent and self-produced P-Pop group was introduced last year and has already been making waves in the country with sold-out shows and big endorsements being the brand ambassadors of Eggdrop in the Philippines. SY•NC means “Simple Yet Not Common” as the group wanted their concepts to be simple and relatable, but at the same time distinct and memorable to fans. It’s composed of seven members: Pen, Asa, Jai, Sevi, Lee, Clyn, and Drew.

In an exclusive interview with The Beat Asia, member Clyn explained that the meaning behind their name has a deeper meaning, quoting, “our journey was how our bond was formed, as brothers, which made us stronger and molded us as SY•NC. SY•NC is also derived from the word “synchronize,” because we also believe that everything [really] aligns for us.”

Their debut single, “Balang Araw,” is a strong reflection of their crafts and dreams and was described by Clyn as a “song of healing for [their] fans and families,” setting it apart from the more high-spirited and choreo-centric debut tracks of many P-Pop acts.

Follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Raya

Debuted Apr. 25, 2025

Launched by Viva Artists Agency, this nine-member girl group officially debuted in April with the debut single “Bling!” which currently has 400k streams on Spotify. The group made a bold entrance in the P-Pop community with this debut track that talks about empowerment, self-worth, and positivity through catchy pop tunes mixed with a Hip-Hop sound.

Short for “Hiraya” — a Filipino term that refers to the fruits of one’s hopes and dreams — Raya is composed of Jemima, Rona, Kash, Priscilla, Aviona, Abel, Ash, Anna, and Sofia. They were previously known as “PPOP Generation,” but after the group disbanded, they were rebranded as Raya. They first impressed fans last year when they released their pre-debut covers of the Hotdog classic “Bongga Ka Day” and Sarah Geronimo’s “Kilometro” — where they showcased their talent and undeniable charisma.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

1621

Debuted on Nov. 23, 2023

This six-member boy group, composed of Pan, Win, Migz, DJ, JM, and JC, was formed via StarPop, ABS-CBN’s music label. Currently managed by PPL Entertainment and ABS-CBN Music Management Group, 1621 debuted in 2023 with the single “Laruan” — which translates to “toy” and is a song that talks about playing with one’s feelings. The group also mentioned in their previous interviews that, like their debut track, their records will be a fusion of Pop, R&B, and traditional Filipino music.

The group made a comeback earlier this year with “BAGAMUNDO,” an upbeat OPM (Original Pinoy Music) track highlighting their determination to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their goals. More recently, 1621 launched their second EP, “Sapuso,” which gifted fans and avid listeners six brand new songs!

Follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud.

6ENSE

Debuted on Dec. 13, 2024

The six-member P-Pop boy group first gained attention with their single “Amin Amin,” which sparked a TikTok challenge in 2024. Signed under Sony Music Philippines and managed by F3 Creatives, 6ENSE is composed of artists Wiji, Axis, L.A., Ruko, Caizer, and Hunter.

Their group name pertains to their unique sound and powerful performances that resonate on a deeper level, taking fans on an emotional journey that goes beyond the ordinary. The group released a new single last month called “Para Sa Iyo” (For You), which tells about the kind of love stories that begin and end in silence. So if you’ve ever had feelings for someone and wished they knew, you might want to listen to this track!

Follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

Aster

Debuted on July 21, 2024

P-Pop groups are known to have several group members, but if you think having six or seven members is a lot, wait till you hear about Aster, which features twelve talented idols!

This Filipino boy group under AsterisK Entertainment consists of members Tatin, Loyd, Kean, Wayne, Laurence, Miguel, Kiel, Cray, Alas, Charlie, Gee, and Gem. Most of the group members came from reality survival shows, while the others were previously members of the group, Zion (Charlie, Alas, and Gee).

Aster is mostly known for their flashy outfits and funky sounds and has even performed as guests in popular events such as Globe’s G Fest and “Beyond the BINIverse: The Afterparty,” proving their popularity among the P-Pop community.

Their debut single “BINGO” encapsulates the group’s journey and experiences from their training days up to now as they’ve achieved their dreams of debuting.

Follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

CLOUD 7

Debuted on Aug. 20, 2023

Managed by PowerHouse Entertainment (PH Entertainment) and signed under GMA Sparkle Artists, CLOUD 7 is among the youngest P-Pop groups in the roster, with the youngest member being 14 years old! The group is composed of seven members, namely, Lukas, Johann, Egypt, Kairo, Migz, PJ, and Fian who all have impressive vocals, dance ability, and exude magnetic stage presence.

The group released their debut track “Tara Na” in 2023, which showcased their youthful energy and fun sound. They followed this up with an uplifting track in October entitled “Silipin ang Mundo,” which showcased a more heartwarming melody with lyrics dedicated to their fans.

Follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

GAT

Pre-debut

GAT (Gawang Atin ‘To) is a five-member group launched under the collaboration of Ivory Music and Viva Artists Agency, set to conquer the OPM landscape with hit songs and exciting performances. The quintet consists of Ethan David, Charles Law, Michael Keith, Derick Ong, and Hans Paronda. The name “GAT” is derived from the Tagalog honorific “Gat,” which means nobleman.

Although the group has not officially debuted yet, they’ve already been making waves in the music scene with their pre-debut cover of James Reid’s “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit,” which was an instant hit among fans. They also released “Daleng Dale,” which ranked #3 in the Viral Songs PH Chart last March. The single was the official opening track of Viva One’s hit series “Ang Mutya ng Section E,” in which some of the members are part of the cast.

Follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Listen to them via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

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Manila/ The List/ Nightlife

May 21, 2025

K-Pop Boy Group Highlight Set to Ignite Manila with 'Ride or Die' Tour

by: The Beat Asia

May 21, 2025

by: The Beat Asia

Hold on to your seats, K-Pop lovers, because the four-member K-Pop boy group Highlight is gearing up to bring their electrifying performances to Asia this summer 2025.

Announced on Monday, the group revealed that Manila will be one of the key stops on their upcoming "Ride or Die" tour on Aug. 23, 2025, making it an event fans won't want to miss.

After kicking off the tour Seoul from July 11 to July 13, the tour will take Highlight through an exciting roster of cities, including Taipei (Aug. 2 to Aug 3), Macau (Aug. 9), Tokyo (Aug. 30 to Aug. 31), Bangkok (Sept. 20), and Kuala Lumpur (Sept. 27).

Highlight, composed of members Yoon Doojoon, Yang Yoseob, Lee Gikwang, and Son Dong-woon, has a rich legacy in the K-Pop scene.

Originally known as Beast, the group debuted in 2009 under Cube Entertainment and quickly rose to stardom with hits like "Shock" and their first studio album, "Fiction and Fact." In 2017, the group re-debuted as Highlight with the extended play (EP) “Can you Feel it?”

Despite a few member changes over the years, Highlight has proven their resilience and dedication to their music and fans, most recently releasing the hit single "Chains" from their 6th mini album, "From Real to Surreal."

While information about tickets and venues has yet to be released, the excitement is already building.

Stay tuned on their social media for updates on ticket sales, or via Manila stop's concert promoter, Three Angles Productions, on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Stay connected to Highlight on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

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