The Beat Manila’s Up-and-Coming Artist: Rookie P-Pop Group SY•NC

For over two decades, Sponge Cola has remained a powerful force in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene. Known to deliver emotionally charged anthems that have stood the test of time, the beloved Filipino band has carved out a legacy marked by authenticity, musical evolution, and lyrical depth. From the timeless ache of their breakthrough track “Jeepney” down to the fiery grit of “Bitiw” and the infectious energy of “Tuliro,” Sponge Cola has delivered a string of chart-topping singles and acquired several accolades and platinum records that continue to redefine longevity in the local music scene.

The band kicked off 2025 by exciting their fans with a double drop treat: the new single “Liwanag” and a reimagined take on their 2022 song, “Laman ng Panaginip,” which has now been renamed to “LNP.”

The Beat Manila sat down with the band’s lead vocalist, Yael Yuzon, to talk about the new release and how the band continues to uphold their creative identity while evolving with the times. 

Sponge Cola on Composition and Evolution

The band has been known for a string of hits, mainly rock anthems that have defined the 2000s and have become staples in OPM playlists. We’ve heard heartbreak songs, romantic ballads, and hype anthems that have made up the soundtracks of many Filipinos’ lives. 

When asked how “Liwanag” came to be and how this summer vibe anthem fit into their colorful discography, Yael told us how it was a product of wanting to write something that captured a particular moment.

“I was talking to my wife one morning about the idea of music being a time capsule of a given moment, and we both realized how we don’t have a lot of tropical island songs despite living on a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific. So, I went on to write something light, something that could be played while enjoying the sunset.”

He also added how the composition process was quick and efficient, and how once they “nailed the beat, everything just fell in place.”

“Liwanag” is an upbeat romantic track that captures the bright energy of the summer season. You can feel it from the moment the bright sound of guitars tickles your ears at the beginning, making you instantly feel like you’re in a car about to go on a road trip. The lyrics radiate optimism and warmth as the singer exults in the presence of a person who brings light into their world. The lines speak of someone bringing clarity and meaning, transforming “Dating may kulang (what was once missing something)" into a world made whole. 

The infectious chorus and the poetic imagery woven through the lyrics, coupled with the energetic rock rhythms and Yael’s unfiltered vocals, give listeners a sound that is fresh while still undeniably being Sponge Cola.  

As the song was inspired by summer getaways, we asked Yael if he had any memorable trips that had helped bring the song to life.

“There was that summer between high school and college when we just decided to take a bus to Baguio. We explored a bit, ate good food, and did some ukay-ukay (thrifting) hunting. Zero plans, really,” he shared. “Even from a production standpoint, we were pretty chill with our parts. Nothing abrasive, everything suave, no overthinking. Kind of like that road trip from our teenage years.”

Speaking of road trips, Yael also shared that his ideal vacation is anywhere with friends and childhood music in the background. He also mentioned a surprising and unusual request whenever he goes on one, which is to have his private bathroom! He also recommended a great place to visit, which he described as one of his favorite places in the country. 

“Maremegmeg Beach is my fave. Perfect balance of scenic without being stiff or daunting. Everyone feels welcome. You can find cheap beer nearby or a fancy meal if you want,” he told The Beat Manila. “I’m also cool with Batangas beaches. Grill some pork, fish, and chicken. Boom!”

The band’s other release, “LNP” may be familiar to most fans, considering it had been originally released in 2022 as “Laman ng Panaginip.”  The track began as a live session experiment, which evolved into a fully realized studio version, transforming it into a new version with a distinct arrangement and vibe. We suppose we could describe this version as more anthemic, turning what once was a personal statement into a collective cry.

“Most songs start in the studio, then you play them live,” Yael said, explaining how the new version came to be. “This kind of evolved onstage while playing it live. I love this upbeat version. Awesome how it all happened in reverse. That’s new for us, and 'new' is great for a band of two decades. We were pleasantly surprised.”

To mark this unique evolution, the band also dropped a heartfelt music video showcasing behind-the-scenes moments from their recent tour. The video featured electrifying stage performances as well as candid fan interactions that offer a glimpse into the band’s connection with their audience and with each other. 

The frontman also shared a memorable moment with their fans, whose support has pulled them through some of their darkest times. “During the pandemic, we would play these live online shows. We felt the need to do it as we had to be musicians. So in a way, the audience being supportive of these shows kind of carried us through the dehumanizing feeling of not having purpose.”

The fans have indeed been supportive and encouraging throughout their careers, which goes to show how their music transcends time, reflecting the band’s endurance and ability to evolve with changing music tastes, all the while without losing their identity. As to how they sustain this, Yael simply stated, “When you adhere to your truth, you’re good. Every song out there can be reduced to notes and words. So we just do what we do and it all works out.”
 
Since forming in 2002, the band has borne witness to inevitable changes and shifts in the music industry. However, they have remained steadfast in their purpose and continued to create music that not only caters to varying audiences but still remains true to what they stand for as a group. Sponge Cola has shown time and time again that despite their evolving sound, it’s possible to sustain both relevance and heart. 

Yael had also mentioned how the band has become more disciplined through the years and how they’ve also pushed to explore other genres and music styles, but had chosen not to intentionally make those shifts and instead incorporate certain aspects whenever needed to push meaning. The vocalist also expressed his thoughts on how the OPM industry has changed throughout their career. 

“It’s no longer one movement, it’s a bunch of things happening at once. The audience has become more accepting and the artists have become more open,” he stated before sharing a moment in their career that has shifted their perspective and has helped them evolve as a band.
 
“We played a tough crowd back in 2007, and I felt miserable afterwards. We were rookies, and I was pretending to be mysterious because I felt that was what it took. Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar told me, in a nutshell, to just be myself. There is nothing mysterious about me. I’m an ENFP. When we started being ourselves onstage, that really 'unlocked' our live shows. We all became fun, engaging, jolly even.”

More than two decades later, the band remains strong in their music-making. While embracing new cheer, the new compositions and evolved tracks still resonate with the melodic and heartfelt ethos Sponge Cola is known for: bringing nostalgic roots with fresh expression.  

“We just want to play EVERYWHERE,” Yael expressed when asked about the band’s goals. “There will be more songs, more shows, and a collab to start the next year.”

For updates on their latest music release and upcoming shows, stay tuned to Sponge Cola’s official Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram pages. 

It all started with a scroll. 

Then, for two unforgettable days, everything on the timeline stepped out of the screen and into real life. 

The &FRIENDS Festival wrapped up two days of nonstop music, pop culture, creators, and community — and what unfolded was more than just an event. It was a living, breathing experience of what we usually see on our screens. 

From the moment you walked into the sunlit scenes of the Creator Expo and the Glass Ballroom, to the beat of the rhythm of the crowd and the pulsing neon blur of the rave nights at Cove Manila — you could feel it. Everything and everyone was alive in that moment. 

If you were there, you’d get it; there were no fandom walls, no cliques. Just two full days filled with energy and unity, and all that mattered was being here, now, and together. 

The Moments That Moved Us

The Beat Manila didn’t just watch everything happen in those two days — we witnessed it. 

The schedule was quite jam-packed from the beginning, with events, meet-ups, performances, and experiences happening everywhere all at once. 

At the Crystal Pavilion, it felt like stepping into someone’s TikTok FYP, in the best possible way. TikTok stars and content creators just casually walked through the crowd like NPCs in some of your favorite games. But this time, they were real — laughing, vibing, and just as hyped as everyone else in the room. 

On one side, creators were deep in interaction mode, joining challenges and laughing along with fans around their booths. On the other, gamers were locked in — hunched over curated consoles or gathered around to watch livestreams of ongoing competitions.

As for everything else in between? Booths were packed with merchandise, trinkets, enamel pins, merch, and knick-knacks that make you think, “Do I really need this?” And the answer is almost always yes!

The air in the Pavilion was definitely alive. Conversations and interactions clashed with the loud music of the speakers in almost every corner of the expo. 

At the Creator Stage, creators and fans were living in their own bubble as activities and interactions went wild. As soon as the segments ended, fans stepped in and got the chance to snap selfies, share moments, and create memories they’d never thought they’d get to experience. 

A standout moment from Day 1? Content creators Antony Chen, Tuonto, and Justin Han teamed up with rapper bbno$ and popular cosplayers Knite and Stella Chu for a surprise cosplay collab as beloved characters from the viral game “Love and Deepspace.” At first, we didn’t even notice them passing by, it was the droves of fangirls that got us confused. 

Then we followed them, that’s when it hit. 

Another “wait a minute” came out of nowhere: Tokyo Sims, the viral street interviewer, casually doing interviews with Fred Liu and some of the most random people walking by in front of Jollibee. And yes, it is as chaotic and hilarious as it is on screen.

Day 2 buzzed with even more energy than the first, with almost all creator booths swarming with fans waiting in line to see their favorite content creators. The Pavilion felt like it had leveled up overnight with more energy, more people, and more everything. 

Then night hit, and the energy shifted. 

What started with sunlight turned into strobe lights, with the crowd doubling in size. Outfits changed, the vibe turned electric, and everyone was ready to party. 

Cove Manila practically became the final boss level at &FRIENDS, the room vibrated like it had a pulse of its own, syncing to every beat that dropped. The crowd moved like one, dancing along with the music. One moment, you were shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, and then the next, you were frat-flicking and singing your lungs out with them like old friends. 

Day 1’s headliners delivered an electrifying kickoff, setting the tone for a festival that embodied the “East meets West” energy. DJ HYO opened the rave with a high-voltage set that fused K-Pop precision with EDM grit — sharp and fierce — and never failed to acknowledge her fans while at it. 

She then handed the stage over to a wave of Asia’s rising stars, including Singapore’s Kiara and Thailand’s BOTCASH, who kept the crowd’s energy up and rising with genre-blending beats. 

Dutch electronic duo €URO TRA$H followed after, pushing the energy of the night to a full-throttle chaos that got everyone banging their heads. 

Everything came to a head when ZEDD finally took the stage. 

The crowd tripled right before he came on, with hands raised high, and everyone buzzed on drinks and dopamine. It wasn’t just a regular DJ set — it was the moment everyone was waiting for. 

ZEDD’s highly anticipated return to Manila felt like a whiplash back to simpler times, nostalgic and loud. He hit the rave-goers with a flawless run of his most famous songs: “Stay,” “Stay The Night,” “I Want You to Know,” “Beautiful Now,” “The Middle,” and more. Each track was met with roaring screams and glowing phones raised to capture every moment.

And when he ended the night with “Clarity”? That was the moment everyone was waiting for. Cove Manila shifted from organized chaos to an intimate harmony. Everyone sang every lyric perfectly and jumped to every beat. 

It was the perfect closer to the first day of a soon-to-be unforgettable festival. 

But that was only the beginning. 

If Day 1 was a lively welcome party, then Day 2 wasted no time in raising the ante. The energy in the room was rowdier, and the lineup even matched the crowd’s intensity. 

JEONGHEYON x KDH turned up the heat with their set, blasting fire tunes to the crowd that was ready to let loose. Then, soon after, NIGHTSHIFT owned the stage and brought tight transitions and heavy-hitting drops that got the crowd partying like it was already 3 AM. 

SEVEN LIONS came on to set, bringing a dreamy, ethereal vibe to the rave with his melodic dubstep, mellowing the energy by a tiny bit. It was impossible to describe at first, but hearing his sound was the perfect transition to what was to come next. 

bbno$ then entered the stage, decked in Ironmouse cosplay with his signature offbeat swagger, and drove the room into a frenzy with his tracks “Mathematics,” “it boy,” “Edamame,” “many poppins,” “C’ést La Vie,” and more. He and VTuber Ironmouse later performed their unreleased single “1-800-BLOWURMIND,” which was received with roaring applause from the crowd. 

During his set, bbno$ paid respect to the Philippines’ national anthem and danced along to “The Spaghetti Song” by the Sexbomb Girls. 

And then came Illenium. 

Just from the first note, you could feel the mood shift to something more than energetic. The crowd was wild, and the set went crazy with every beat drop, every effect, and it felt like an emotional release that everyone needed. 

TL;DR: We’re Still Not Over It

And just like that, everything is back on our screens and algorithms. 

Stories and recap videos went live, making everyone relive the moments and memories they’ve made from those two days. Anyone who wasn’t there was definitely feeling some FOMO from all that content, and it’s true! 

&FRIENDS Festival was that event you shouldn’t have missed. 

What happened at &FRIENDS wasn’t just for the timeline or for the clout. It was a one-of-a-kind experience when screens melted away, and everything we saw online just came to life. 

For those two days, the screen was replaced by real-life experiences. Parasocial relationships became non-existent, online mutuals became friends, and content creators showed their true, personal selves. 

The &FRIENDS Festival wasn’t just a moment; it was the moment. It showed us how community, creativity, and chaos come together to create a beautiful picture, all boiling down to what really matters: connection. 

What may have started as a scroll turned out to be something tangible and real. From content to connection, algorithms to real memories, and scroll to soul. 

And you know what? We’re totally psyched to see this festival happen again next year. 

Follow &FRIENDS Festival on Facebook and Instagram, and Clout Kitchen on Instagram to stay updated with what’s cooking next. 

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.