Get ready to โRrrravanโ once again, folks! Drag Race Philippines will be back on your screens for its 2nd season this August, and it promises to give a fiercer competition with 12 new queens spicing it up.
Presented by HBO GO and WOW Presents Plus, the show released a sneak peek of the new contestants gracing the competition through a beach-themed promotional video.
๐ด Meet The Queens of #DragRacePH Season 2! ๐ด@dragraceph is BACK and HOTTER than ever! โ๏ธ Here's where to watch Season 2 + Untucked, premiering August 2nd: https://t.co/OH56BgscQv
Fans were ecstatic over the announcement and anticipating who would be crowned this season, following Precious Paula Nicoleโs win in the previous season.
Here are the queens who will slay the second season of Drag Race PH:
Paradise has never looked this fabulous, darling ๐ @veruschkalevels#DragRacePH Season 2 + Untucked premieres August 2 ๐ด Use code: PHILIPPINES for 20% off your first month: https://t.co/OH56BgscQv
The most-anticipated comeback of Drag Race PH will also see the return of drag queen, actor, and host Paolo Ballesteros as its host. The showโs second season and its Untucked spin-off, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of the competition, will premiere via HBO, Crave Canada, and WOW Presents Plus platforms on Aug. 2.
In the meantime, you can watch for more details and updates via Drag Race Philippines' Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can also follow WOW Presents Plusโ social media pages.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!โฏClick here to subscribe.
In the daytime, Asia embraces a true hustle culture; by night, we let our hair down and erupt in a magnificent energy to good crowds and good music. In Tune With meets the electric DJs and music makers of Asia to feel their pulse and uncover why they entered the frenetic nightlife industry.
Chele Gonzalez is no stranger to commanding a room and connecting with people through his work.
In the Philippines, his name has long been tied to memorable meals and a culinary career that has earned him acclaim and admiration from within and outside of the industry. That reputation reached new heights in 2025 when Gallery by Chele received a MICHELIN One Star and a MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability, while Asador Alfonso also earned a MICHELIN Star.
Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez at The Westin Manila and Enye by Chele Gonzalez at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Cebu were both MICHELIN-selected as well. Add that to the everyday, more casual presence of Deli by Chele across four malls in Metro Manila, and it's easy to understand why many know him first as a chef.
But last Labor Day, The Beat Asia met a different Chele โ not behind a kitchen counter, but behind the decks.
Long before he built a life around food, Chele was moving โ and making others move โ to a different rhythm. In 1997, he was a professional DJ.
In his early 20s, while still studying marketing in college, he opened Club Montreal in Santander, Northern Spain, with his best friend, Fernando. It was ambitious for two young men, and Chele admits it was far from easy, but it was where his love for music found a home for a few years before it closed.
When that chapter ended, Chele started another and became a chef, eventually moving to the Philippines, where his work would become widely celebrated. But music was always there.
In recent years, Chele revealed that he has been returning to those roots with a renewed sense of freedom and love for the craft. As DJ Chele, or Cassette, he is mixing, playing, and reconnecting with sounds that first shaped him โ a passion that stretches back to his childhood, when he bought Michael Jackson's Badย on cassette and danced to it every day. In 2026, Chele co-founded BGC's newest hi-fi restaurant & bar Got Soul MNL, where he regularly plays and curates vibes. Right after our interview, we had the pleasure of enjoying his set.
In this "In Tune With" exclusive, The Beat Asiaย sat down with DJ Chele to talk about his love for electronic music, how playing has become both an escape and a form of release, and the spirit behind Got Soul MNL.
Courtesy of Chele Gonzalez
You have this deep connection with music which started early in your childhood. Looking back, do you think this connection shaped the kind of DJ you are today?
I think [music] is a seed inside me that, for some time, I was very much into. But things changed in my life, especially when I became a chef, and I had to leave it a bit, put it aside.
But then in the last few years, I connected with it again. It really brings me back to who I am. But the way I now use music, it's a bit different from how I used it before. I grew up during the revolution of electronic music, going to raves, clubs, all over Spain to listen to DJs. Then I started to play music, and I opened my own club when I was only around 21 years old.
[I was] a very young kid opening a business at night, it was difficult to manage, you know? There's a lot of alcohol, a lot of partying. I burned out. And the business side was also a challenge. But everything ended well, I sold the business and got my money back.
When I came to the Philippines, for a few years, I disconnected with music, because it was the time that everything switched to digital. And I had a really hard time moving to digital because of the technique at that time. Now the new CDJs (Compact Disc Jockeys) are much more similar to turntables.
Then in 2020, I started to reconnect. During that time, it was the pandemic. I was on full drive, bought the gear, and started to feel at home and more comfortable with digital. Now with Got Soul, I have my collection from Spain and buy new vinyls every month. In here, I play vinyl.
What sparked that reconnection with music during the pandemic?
I had more time. Because if you really want to take care of your craft [as a] DJ and do it right, then you have to spend hours.
Nowadays, I spend two to three hours every day with music. There are days I spend six or seven [hours]. I'm a perfectionist. If I do something, I do it until the end. If I get involved with something, either I don't do it, or I do it all the way.
Would you say that it's a misconception that DJs don't spend too much time honing their craft?
I think it's like with everything [you do], you know? We have a lot of restaurants here in Manila. You can see a lot in the streets, in the malls. But at the end of the day, how many restaurants are at the top of the top?ย
There are a lot of chefs, but it doesn't mean they are all doing an exceptional job. So, same with being a DJ.
Courtesy of Chele Gonzalez
In an Instagram post, you mentioned buying Michael Jackson's 'Bad' cassette when you were younger and playing it on repeat. What was the feeling back then, when you were first connecting with music like that?
Actually, it's the feeling that I have now about music. I just turned 50 years old, and I think there are moments in life when you start to look back and realize a lot of things that make you happy, and you understand better who you are. What gives you joy and happiness. And music is one of them.
I remember when I was a kid, I used to listen to Michael Jackson; he was my favorite. I remember buying all the cassettes, or seeing his videos, and dressing and dancing like him. That feeling about music going inside your body and your soul, it makes you feel something. It was early childhood when that happened for me.
When I was a teenager, [I'd go to] an afternoon club, [where] you cannot drink alcohol. It was called "afternoon session," from 6 to 10 PM. I remember [listening to] Madonna, dancing to "Vogue." I even used to breakdance.
Now, reconnecting and going back, I can feel those moments when I was dancing to Michael Jackson and Madonna all the time. That is the same feeling now when I play music.
Music, for me, it's energy, it's soul, it's art, and connection. It's deep.
How did you reconnect with that feeling during the pandemic?
I needed to educate myself again. Because the digital world was new for me, I had to shape [up], get deep, and get comfortable with the records.
There is a spiritual connection with records. You see a record; you know the songs on the record. When you take a record and put it on the turntable, the needle starts to play, and it can transport you to moments in your life. It's like a perfume or if you go to a place you haven't been to in a while, it brings back emotions.
But when I was learning digital, I would just see the name of the artist on the screen, and I was not connecting to it. That's why it was hard for me to move to digital, because it felt so cold. But slowly, I learned to adapt to it.
Every month, I push myself to download music. Every day, I research online. Then I start to create playlists, depending on my mood, if I feel a bit more disco, more minimal, more techno, etc. I play [anywhere] from Downtempo to Jazz House to New House and so on.
It's a never-ending road. If you are really passionate about music, it's so diverse, so many genres out there, it's just beautiful.
I [also] use music as a mental therapy. When my wife got pregnant, I decided that I wanted to change a lot of things in my life and be healthier. I dedicated time and did personal therapy to go deeper within myself. And in the middle of this evolution, music came back in, and I found that it really relaxed my mind, especially during weekdays.
I manage so many things, people under me, so many businesses. It's very stressful. I love what I do; I'm not complaining, but it's also a high level of responsibility.
How has the shift from analog to digital shaped your journey as a DJ?
For me, it's about having different sides, two different ways to play music and be a DJ. What makes a DJ is to have the ability to connect with people and connect people with the music.
There's Cassette, going back to the roots and the essence of what is analog. When I play as Cassette, it's a little more cultural. But if I go to a club tomorrow, I will play something much more energetic. Because it's about energy. So, in my sets, where I get more into the dance floor, [that is] as Chele. One is cultural, more deep. One is club, more dance floor.
I always push myself to put records that [are part of that era] that shaped electronic music today. Because I was there, I try to educate and put songs that are part of the history of electronic music.
But when I go to the vinyls, my style is softer. It's more soulful. And what I really like the most is deep house. Super elegant, defined with a lot of texture and structure. As a European, my culture of electronic music is different from the American one, where it's more disco. Mine is a little more German in the sense that it's a bit more minimal, deep tech.
When you're a chef, you prepare things for hours to be cooked in under a minute and served. With digging [for music], it's the same. You spend days, weeks, and months researching, and then you are going to prepare for each gig.
Photo from Instagram/ DJ Chele Musik
How has your work as a chef influenced your work as a DJ, and vice versa?
To be honest, I don't think they influence each other. They're like two parts of myself that are connected as art expressions. The same methodology: you prep, or what it's called in cooking: mise en place. You spend time cutting, preparing, and then it's service time, where the real art happens, where you have to cook, plate. As a DJ, you research, and then the real art is reading the energy when you go live.
But what I try to do with music is actually to escape from everything that it means to be a famous chef. When you have awards, that comes with a price. The price is that you need to be consistently at the top of your game. And I love what I do, I love being a chef, and the creativity. But the pressure is also very high. So I use music to escape from Chef Chele and just be Chele, you know?
But the thing with me and music is that I don't need to prove anything to anybody.
If I'm Chele, I'm focusing more on the dance floor. I give completely without compromising who I am or the quality of music, but I can go a little bit more mainstream. But with Cassette, it's more me and a little more personal. It's who I am, playing vinyl records for 30 years. So, these two personalities also go together.
Photo from Instagram/ Got Soul MNL
What advice would you give to young DJs, especially when it comes to crafting their own style?
With young DJs, I feel they sometimes try to play either for themselves or for other people, and what other DJs would think, and that's a big mistake. You cannot be selfish and not connect with people. Your responsibility is to please and connect with the audience. That comes with maturity.
Even with Cassette, while I'm a little more selfish, you are coming into my world, and I'm going to bring you on a journey and tell you stories. I'm telling you where House Music and Techno Music started. It's history and culture. With Chele, I adjust to the dance floor and give a little more. But again, I have a lot of hours behind the decks. I don't care about what anybody thinks about me as a DJ. If I have to prove something to anybody, it's to the people coming that night to listen, to give them an amazing experience.
But first, you have to enjoy. Understand that it takes time, it requires technical skills- that's the easiest part. [On the other side] it requires connecting with people.
For me, I will only respect a DJ as an artist when they really connect with the people and turn stories into a set. Not because they're putting some songs that are cool or what others think is cool.
Well, sometimes you need to educate. That's why I have Cassette, which is more underground, culture, history, heritage, and many other things. I really want people to understand that better.
Courtesy of Chele Gonzalez
Are there any lessons you learned back when you opened Club Montreal that you still apply to this day?
For me, personally, I'm a much better DJ now than back then. I have a strong respect for the community back in the days because to be a DJ then, you needed to have taste. You need to have a strong idea of who you are, what you want to play, and your style. But at that time, I was young. Too much partying, too much alcohol. So when I was playing then, I was not 100% myself. Now, when I play, that's 100% me.
But it's an evolution. It happens to everyone where you're given opportunities, and sometimes they're up there, and you don't see it. But we all have the chance to rebuild ourselves. I've experienced that in my life several times, certain moments where you're given two choices. And if you're able to see that opportunity for what it is when it's given to you, then you have the choice to step up, evolve, and mature.
I think that happened with me when it comes to music. I got this opportunity to reconnect with music, come back in a very beautiful way. I feel so happy now because I can experience music in its purest form, just the music and myself.
One time, my wife noticed me spending a lot of time with music. And I said that I also need to give time to myself. Outside of the time I spend with her, our daughter, my 200 kids (or the people who work under me), music helps me destress, to be less frustrated, less anxious. I think it even helped our relationship because it puts me in a better, calmer mood and helps me be more present in other aspects of my life.
Your ventures explore your passions for both food and music. How do you protect your passion while at the same time, run them as a business?
I'm hands-on and very responsible, so Got Soul needs to be a positive business because what's the point if not? But at the same time, I don't allow people to call me "Chef" here. I just want to be Chele Gonzalez, who curates the music. For me, this is a happy place. I like to come here and enjoy, not to feel the pressure of cooking or people expecting MICHELIN dining.
We created this place because we all wanted to connect with ourselves. And each one of us put something. Benjo [Marquez] made the design, and Jason [Soong] connected us all together. Jason is also a partner in Nokal, and we met way before. We connected a lot because of music, and we talked about opening a place.
It's a very personal project where we all want to enjoy. Of course, it needs to be sustainable and make numbers, but this is a happy place for us.
Photo from Instagram/ Got Soul MNL
Is there a specific sound, genre, or artist that you feel deserves more attention?
Matthew Herbert. He's a big influence for me because he was in between Deep House and Minimal House. If I had to describe my style, I would say that it's really Deep House, from Jazz and Disco to Minimal Techno. I also like Afro and Downtempo. Matthew Herbert, an English producer, has a very defined sound that can be Deep House, but Minimal House too, and it connects very well with a European sound. But right now, he's not producing much anymore.
One of my other favorite producers is DJ Garth from San Francisco. Together with E.T.I., they have a group called "Rocket." They have a label, Grayhound [Recordings]. For me, they did one of the best underground [music], something in between House, Disco, and Deep Tech House. He has a strong influence on the way I understand music.
Another producer is Schwag, another English producer. Very innovative, very electronic.
Are there any other misconceptions about DJs you'd like to debunk?
In the underground scene, everybody's normally criticizing Afro House. In Afro House, there are very quality and good productions, but there are shitty ones. Not because it became trendy, but the underground scene and DJs are also very fashionable. But I think it's the wrong approach to categorize that genre. It's better to analyze the sound by itself and not put them all in the same bucket. Don't generalize.
We need to understand that Afro House is warm and very easy for people who are not used to the underground scene. It's understandable. Sometimes the structure and way it's composed is very fine and well done, so it's not fair to exclude or criticize it.
In the late '90s and early 2000s, if you went to a club, everything would be House. And many of the songs that everybody now is raving and talking about, that was the essence of House music. At the time, it was part of Commercial House. So, you know, we need to understand that sometimes we need to be more open.
When I [first] experienced electronic music, it evolved so much because I was there in the beginning, where everything was innovation and avant-garde, somehow. During that time when I was going out, Electro was born, Techno was born, Minimal was born, House was born in many varieties. I remember you went out and you would be experiencing a new sound. It was amazing.
You've been a DJ for 30 years and your connection with music runs deep. Is there a key to longevity as a DJ?
Back in the days, we thought that being a DJ would only last 10 years. That after 10 years, people will stop DJing because they cannot party so much. But it's not true. Aside from the names that I mentioned who have disappeared, I would say 70 to 80% of the DJs have stayed alive [in the scene], producing and building, even at 50 or 60 years old.
If it becomes a career, that career can last until your last breath.
Photo from Instagram/ Got Soul MNL
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
To know more about DJ Chele and his sets, follow him on Instagram. Follow Got Soul MNL on Instagram for more information and updates.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous In Tune With profilesโฏhere.
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Filipino band Lola Amour is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a two-night birthday celebration this Mayย at the 123 Block in Mandaluyong!
Photo from Instagram/Lola Amour
Set for May 22 and 23, 2026, the anniversary shows bring together long-time collaborators and friends of the band, including Any Nameโs Okay, Jan Roberts, The Ridleys, Shirebound, and more interesting surprises in store for fans.
As a nod to the bandโs beginnings and earlier years, online tickets for the anniversary show on May 23 are priced at P350 โ the same rate they were a decade ago before inflation hit โ with walk-in rates priced at P450. Gates open at 4 PM for the main show, while the newly added โpre-gameโ show on May 22 opens at 5 PM. Tickets are available via Helixpay.
Created as an entirely intimate experience for Lola Amour, their friends, and the fans, the two-night shows offer a chance to celebrate the bandโs journey with throwback hits and more.
Location: 123 Block, Mandala Park, 312 Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Dates: May 22 and 23, 2026
Time: 5 PM (Pre-Game Show, May 22), 4 PM (Main Show, May 23)
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The P-Pop scene is welcoming a new act this May 2026, and they sure are making waves.
1Z Entertainmentโs newest girl group, XONARA, is making their highly anticipated official debut at Escolta Street, in front of the First United Building, on May 16, 2026. Happening from 12 NN to 10 PM, โXONARAโS WORLDโ unfolds as an open-format street event, blending high-energy live performances with interactive activations and pop-up markets.
Photo from Instagram/XONARA
Attendance is limited, with passes available via online registration here. Sign-ups close on May 11, 2026, at 12 NN.
XONARA is an upcoming seven-member girl group under 1Z Entertainment, consisting of members Tin, Eurekah, Dominique, Ella, Namie, Megumi, and Lei. The girl group moves through lived truth: raw, honest, and deeply human.
The girl group first performed in SB19โs โWakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finaleโ last Apr. 18 as a guest act and later made their festival debut at the Aurora Music Festival on May 2. XONARA will be releasing their first single, โUy Tabi Tabi,โ at their debut showcase.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!ย Click here to subscribe.
From the Philippines to the global stage, P-Pop Kings SB19 are set to take P-Pop to two of the worldโs biggest music festivals in 2026.
The five-piece boy group will perform at Lollapalooza Chicago in July, followed by Summer Sonic Tokyo in August โ marking a global milestone for Filipino acts on the international music scene.
SB19โs upcoming appearances build on their growing global presence, including a recent showcase at D.U.N.K., performing an unreleased collaboration with J-Pop group BE:FIRST.
Lollapalooza Chicago
Photo from Instagram/Lollapalooza
One of the United Statesโ most popular music festivals, Lollapalooza first began as a touring event in 1991, before permanently settling in Chicago in 2005. The music festival is renowned for blending a variety of genres into their lineups, including alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and soul.
In recent years, more Asian acts have graced the Lolla stage in its different locations: J-Hope, TXT, and Audrey Nuna in Lollapalooza 2022; NewJeans, Stray Kids, and beabadoobee in Lollapalooza 2023; SEVENTEEN in Lollapalooza Berlin 2024; and Fujii Kaze, TWICE, and Wave to Earth in Lollapalooza 2025.
SB19 is set to be the first Filipino act to grace the Lollapalooza stage in Chicagoโs Grant Park from July 30 to Aug. 2, 2026, joining Charli X, Tate MacRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, The Smashing Pumpkins, and The XX.
Summer Sonic Tokyo
Photo from Instagram/SB19
The Summer Sonic Festival is Japanโs biggest music event, featuring major international acts alongside Japanese artists. The festival bridges rock, alternative, electronic, metal, hip-hop, and pop across a one-weekend simultaneous festival held in both Chiba and Osaka. The festival lineup also features revolving sets, where artists first perform in Chiba, the next day in Osaka, and vice versa.
Some of the festivalโs past headlining artists include Green Day, Guns Nโ Roses, Oasis, Linkin Park, Metallica, Arctic Monkeys, The Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Beyoncรฉ, My Chemical Romance, and Kendrick Lamar.
Summer Sonic 2026 marks the festivalโs 25th anniversary, and the lineup is not one to miss. Joining this yearโs lineup are The Strokes, The Adults Are Talking, Reptilia, BUMP OF CHICKEN, Jennie, FKA twigs, keshi, Audrey Nuna, BABYMONSTER, LโArc-en-Ciel, BABYMETAL, LE SSERAFIM, and Pentatonix.
SB19 is the first P-Pop group to perform on Japanโs Summer Sonic Festival stage and is the second P-Pop group to join the festivalโs overall lineup, following fellow P-Pop group BGYO and their performance at Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025.
With SB19's upcoming appearances in Lollapalooza 2026 and Summer Sonic 2026, P-Pop is sure to be heard on a larger stage. Fellow P-pop artists BINI are also set to raise the Philippine flag on the Coachella 2026 stage this April.
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Filipino music is now stepping into a bigger and brighter spotlight โ now standing a chance to be heard alongside K-Pop and Latin music around the world.
Global powerhouse Sony Music Publishing has officially launched its new flagship office in the Philippines, marking a major step in amplifying Filipino songwriting on the world stage.
The new hub, now known as SMP PH, is dedicated to discovering, developing, and championing local songwriters โ helping their stories, melodies, and emotions travel from the Philippines to the world, while protecting their creative rights.
Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing, Philippines
โMusic comes from everywhere these days,โ said Guy Henderson, President, International, Sony Music Publishing, during the companyโs Philippine launch event on February 24, 2026. โThis has opened up new markets from around the world and the Philippines is one of those markets.โ
Guy Henderson also touched on how Filipino music has a strong domestic scene, noting its growing audience and momentum made this the right time for the company to expand locally.
The Philippine office builds on the foundation of Sony Music Philippines, which was officially relaunched under the leadership of Roslyn Pineda, now President for Asia at Sony Music Publishing. Known as โMama Sonyโ in the local industry and for fans, she played a key role in signing major acts such as Ben&Ben, SB19, and IV OF SPADES, as well as leading the acquisition of the ABS-CBN Music Catalogue in 2024.
โThe Philippines presents an exciting domestic market, and with music traveling around the world like never before, thereโs immense potential for Filipino songwriters,โ she said, echoing Guy Hendersonโs sentiments on the companyโs launch in the Philippines.
(From left) SB19's Pablo, Ben&Ben's Paolo Benjamin, and General Manager of Sony Music Publishing PH Stephanie Ortiz at a panel discussion | Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing, Philippines
The event also served as the introduction of Sony Music Publishing Philippines General Manager, Stephanie Ortiz, who will be closely working with the Filipino music industry, including labels and collection societies, to promote international networks and partnerships, as well as develop creative opportunities for Filipino composers and songwriters.
โIt truly is an honor to champion Filipino songwriters, from legendary voices to emerging talent,โ said Stephanie Ortiz at the launch. โWe look forward to bringing their music to the international stage, connecting their stories and creativity with audiences everywhere and supporting their continued growth and success.โ
Sony Music Publishing Philippines represents a monumental roster of songwriters and composers, including Ben&Ben, SB19โs John Paulo Nase (Pablo), Josh Cullen Santos (Josh), Justin de Dios (Justin), O SIDE MAFIA, DWTA, Ace Banzuelo, MATEO, Arnel de Pano, Mike Hanopol, Rey Valera, and more.
For more information and updates, visit Sony Music Philippinesโ website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Beat Manilaโs Up and Coming is a series where we feature rising talented artists from the Philippines, giving them a platform to share what theyโre 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 atย mnl.editorial@thebeat.asiaย or slide through our DMs onย FacebookโฏorโฏInstagram!
There are many artists who become overnight sensations, with virality often shaping the trajectory of their careers. In todayโs fast-paced digital landscape, aspiring musicians can feel pressured to chase views, streams, and follower counts, sometimes at the expense of the craft itself.
Rob Deniel, however, is the opposite. This rising OPM artist is living proof that slow and steady can still win the race. He began as a teenager with a guitar, writing songs, playing music, and sharing his work online, long before the spotlight found him. His journey wasnโt marked by instant virality, but by years of quiet persistence, experimentation, and a genuine love for music that allowed him to grow into the artist fans know today.
In our latest exclusive, Rob opens up about his creative process, what makes music-making deeply meaningful to him, and how he continues to find inspiration in the everyday. He also gave us a sneak peek into his upcoming concert and album, offering a glimpse of how his sound has evolved while staying true to the sincerity that has defined his work from the very beginning.
On Creating Honest Music
Robโs brush with music first started back when he was a teenager. As a student, he revealed that his focus was on his studies and hanging out with friends, which mostly involved pulling out his guitar to jam with his band.
โIt started for fun. I started enjoying playing the guitar while jamming with my friends or when we joined Battle of the Bands. It was really more of a hobby, and I never really thought about stepping into the music industry,โ he told The Beat Manila.
Being part of a band was what first sparked Robโs interest in songwriting. Back in 2018 and 2019, the local band scene was thriving, with acts like Ben&Ben, December Avenue, and IV of Spades dominating the airwaves. Even bands that are now household names, such as SB19, Over October, and One Click Straight, were making their mark during those years through debut EPs and early singles.
When the pandemic hit, however, Rob shared that his band naturally fell apart as restrictions made it impossible to meet and create together. Rather than letting this moment end his music journey, he chose to pivot. Rob dove headfirst into producing and songwriting on his own โ a shift that not only kept his career alive, but ultimately deepened his passion for the craft and sharpened his voice as a solo artist.
As for why he never pursued getting the band back together afterwards, he simply answered, โI just enjoyed the process of being a solo musician โ a multi-instrumentalist. I enjoyed playing drums, guitar, and piano, and making original music by myself. When my songs started getting attention, I also became known more as a solo artist, but during live performances, I would still have a band with me. That has never changed. I always treat them as part of my group, like weโre in a boy band.โ
From early breakthroughs like โMiss Missโ and โAng Pag-ibigโ to the more recent fan-favorite โRomCom,โ the song that catapulted him to viral sensation, the young songwriter has proven his ability to create songs that resonate with this generation of listeners. Most would describe his music as deeply personal, like pages straight out of someoneโs diary. His sound has retro pop influences, drawing inspiration from classic songs from the 50s or 60s.
Photo from Facebook/Rob Deniel
When asked what inspires him to write most, Rob expressed, โItโs like my journal. I do put in personal experiences, but there are also experiences from the people around me, like my friends. Thatโs why I enjoy it so much, because I never run out of ideas or stories for songs. Iโm still so thrilled when it comes to songwriting.โ
He also added that he takes inspiration from consuming media such as romantic films and television series. Sharing personal stories while making them relatable is something the singer has mastered when crafting songs. In fact, he revealed that itโs the easiest part.
โFor example, I had this song about my dog who passed away, and I wrote about missing someone when I was really thinking about my dog at that time,โ he explained. โIโm able to generalize my feelings so it could be dedicated to a person โ like a partner, your mother, or loved one.โ
โI always write songs with a lot of yearning. *laughs* Never nawala sa'kin 'yun (that has never disappeared),โ he added when asked why he thinks his music is so relatable. โThereโs always that constant yearning for love. Iโm really that kind of person. I also think that as we grow older, weโre always looking for something โ a missing piece that was present in the past. So I think thatโs partly why many people enjoy old-sounding music. We always crave that feeling of nostalgia.โ
As for what makes his music stand out, Rob puts importance on sharing his true self with his listeners and keeping that transparency, and letting it reflect through his songs. โI want to be always honest about what I want to express. I strive to remain consistent about that. Whatever I feel or think, I wonโt be afraid to write it into a song. From all the years of writing music, I always ask myself if itโs honest. I also make it a mission to enjoy what I do, because if I enjoy making music, then I believe listeners will also enjoy the songs.โ
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Robโs honesty has clearly resonated, cementing him as one of the most beloved voices of his generation. From soulful renditions of OPM classics like Ogie Alcasidโs โNandito Akoโ and โIkaw Sana,โ to his contributions to the โ100 Awit Para Kay Stellaโ soundtrack, where tracks such as โKumusta Na,โ โIisang Daan,โ and โSimoyโ climbed viral charts, Rob has consistently showcased both his versatility and wide-reaching appeal.
Last September 2025, he ranked as the Top #2 OPM Male Artist on Spotify, amassing more than 4.7 million monthly listeners. Itโs a milestone that proves heโs more than a musician known for โyearningโ anthems; heโs an artist whose work deeply resonates, inspiring listeners through sincerity, emotion, and craft.
Courtesy of Vicor Music
On His Upcoming Concert and New Music
Fast forward to 2026 and fresh from his successful concert with Arthur Nery and Amiel Sol last December, Rob is taking the Araneta Coliseum stage once again for his first-ever major solo concert on Feb. 27, 2026.
When asked what heโs most excited about, the singer replied, โIโm excited to see everyone โ the people I see at gigs, new faces, and to be together at such a big venue and to perform in front of all of them. Iโm also excited for my band and to see us execute the new arrangements of the songs, from the popular ones to the new songs, which Iโm so excited to perform for everyone.โ
Rob promises a musical night filled with all his beloved hits and covers, but upgraded with new arrangements and production. During our interview, he also revealed more about his upcoming album, โWander Boy,โ which was released on Feb. 13.
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โThe songs are about different kinds of love, like heartbreak or being crazy about someone. Itโs a mix of emotions, but the main theme is constantly seeking love or our journeys towards finding true love.โ
Rob revealed that the album is composed of previously released tracks from 2023, newer releases in 2025, and unreleased songs, marking it as a culmination album that spans three years of music making.
โThe process and preparations were long, especially when it came to arranging the music and finding songs that matched the concept of the album. It has the same sound as what Iโve previously released, as I felt that Iโm not yet finished with that kind of sound, so we continued it here. But there are also new sounds which I think people will really like. We stayed in the studio for two weeks to finish the new batch of songs,โ he shared with The Beat Manila.
He also shared that from all the songs on the album, โBALโ was the easiest to write and record with its acoustic and mostly stripped version, while the first track, โPwede Ba Tayong Lumabas?โ was the most challenging to create and execute.
Photo from Facebook/Rob Deniel
With a major concert and new album on the horizon, things are only getting better from here. When asked about a lesson he has carried throughout his career and what advice he would give to aspiring musicians, he shared, โTo be kind is what Iโve always brought with me. Be kind to everyone โ the supporters, the people behind the scenes, the people who play for me. Because when youโre kind, everything else follows. Everyone will be happy, and that joy can be felt through the music.โ
โJust enjoy,โ he advised. โ'Wag n'yo masayadong isipin yung mga mangyayari (Donโt think too much about what will happen). Donโt think about whether people will like it. Just focus on enjoying the process and being true to yourself. Donโt be afraid to express what you feel, especially if music is your biggest outlet. Keep it as your diary. Enjoy ka lang (Just enjoy), donโt overthink it.โ
Before wrapping up, Rob also invited everyone to his upcoming show, and shared a special message for his fans: โSa mga ROBBEARS ko at sa lahat ng nakikining ng music ko, maraming maraming salamat sa pag suporta. Kayo ang dahilan king bakit nakikita ako sa charts โ malaking parte kayo nun (To my ROBBEARS and to everyone listening to my music, thank you so much for the support! Youโre the reason why I can be seen on the charts โ youโre a big part of that). Thank you for coming along my journey and my growth as an artist.โ
Tickets to the โRob Deniel Showโ on Feb. 27, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum are now on sale. Prices are at P4,500 (VIP Standing), P3,700 (Patron), P3,200 (Lower Box), P2,200 (Upper Box), and 1,500 (General Admission). The show will also welcome special musical guests Janine Teรฑoso, Ashtine Olviga, Arthur Nerry, Amiel Sol, Adie, Pops Fernandez, and Ogie Alcasid.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For updates on music releases and upcoming shows, follow Rob Deniel on Facebook,ย X (Formerly Twitter),ย TikTok, andย Instagram. Listen to Rob Deniel on Spotify.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articlesย here.
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Strength meets sisterhood this March as Womenโs Run PH returns with a bigger and bolder celebration of International Womenโs Month and International Womenโs Day with the 2026 FCC Womenโs Run PH!
Set for Mar. 8, 2026, the highly anticipated run is bringing women of all ages, companies, and brands that champion empowerment, health, and wellness together for a day of movement, motivation, and community at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.
More than a race, Womenโs Run PH is a celebration of wellness and empowerment โ honoring womenโs strength, resilience, and stories through running, connection, and shared energy. The running event offers a perfect event progression to all women of all ages and different fitness levels, with distances starting from 5 km, 10 km, and 16 km!
Photo from Facebook/Women's Run PH
Whether youโre chasing a personal best or simply showing up (because that is more than enough!), Womenโs Run PH offers a space where every woman can feel their best with every stride.
With categories for beginners, seasoned runners, and young participants, the event welcomes everyone to celebrate strength in their own way.
This March, Womenโs Run PH invites participants to lace up, show up, and run in honor of empowered women. The upcoming race is presented by Womenโs Run PH, SM Supermalls, and Filipina CEO Circle.
It is also the first of the upcoming series of races to be held by Womenโs Run PH throughout the Philippines.
For more information and updates, follow Womenโs Run PH on Facebook and Instagram.
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Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is set to host Asiaโs first Portal, reinforcing its position as Metro Manilaโs leading business, lifestyle, and cultural district.
Debuting this Jan. 21, 2026, at Bonifacio High Street, the upcoming "Portal" sculpture will become the sixth one in the world โ connecting Manila to existing Portals in Vilnius (Lithuania), Lublin (Poland), Dublin (Ireland), Philadelphia (United States), and Ipswich (United Kingdom). More portals will be launching in Piauรญ (Brazil) and others later this year.
The installation offers a 24/7 livestream connection, creating a real-time window for human connection across borders, cultures, and continents.
The Portal sculpture in Ipswich | Photo from Website/Portals OrganizationThe Portal sculpture in Philadelphia | Photo from Website/Portals Organization
BGC is a dynamic cultural hub in Metro Manila, renowned for its public art, modern infrastructure, and vibrant cultural life. According to Portals Organization, BGC was the ideal environment to host Asiaโs first portal, with its forward-looking spirit offering a pure window to different cultures from around the world.
โThe opening of our first Portal in Asia is a powerful and exciting moment for us,โ said Benediktas Gylys, Founder of Portals Organization, in a statement. โBringing the Portal to BGC in Manila โ a city known for genuine warmth and deep sense of human connection โ expands our vision of a world connected not by borders, but by human encounter.โ
Enrique B. Manuel Jr., Chief Operating Officer in Bonifacio Global City, echoed this sentiment. โWith Portals and at BGC, we hope to create a new space for connection โ one that not only engages our community, but also proudly shares the vibrancy and richness of Filipino culture with the world.โ
The Manila Portal will be unveiled along 5th Avenue at Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City, with an opening ceremony on Jan. 21, 2026, at 6 PM.
The project was made possible with the support of their partners: Excell Contractors and Developers Inc., Euroasia Marble & Granite, Habitus Design Group, United Neon, Globe at Home, Unionbank, and CMC Contract Manufacturing Pte Ltd.
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Following its successful run at The Ayala Triangle Gardens for Art Fair Philippines 2025, the countryโs most renowned art fair is making a move to a new home over at Circuit Corporate Center One, Circuit Makati.
Hereโs what to expect from this yearโs edition of Art Fair Philippines on Feb. 6 to 8, 2026.
New Venue: Circuit Makati
From the wide expanse of the Ayala Triangle Gardens for last yearโs fair, the premier Philippine art fair is now moving to the site of the countryโs future arts and culture hub โ Circuit Makati.
โThe Art Fair PH moves here first,โ said Co-founder Trickie Lopa in a private media event held on Jan. 14, 2025, at The Social Hall, The CityFlats Circuit Makati. โEventually thereโs going to be a Contemporary Arts Center thatโs opening here, so itโs going to change the life of the city.โ
โCircuit was always envisioned from the beginning as a creative and cultural districtโ said Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, Creative Director of Ayala Land Inc., in a video welcoming the media. โA place where art, performance, and public life coexist across indoor venues, open spaces, and everyday settings, and also with the soon to rise Contemporary Art Center.โ
โMore than a venue, this moment marks the beginning of a longer cultural ecosystem being built in Circuit,โ she continued. โOne that will continue to grow through a broader cultural roadmap for the area.โ
Courtesy of Art Fair Philippines
What to Expect at Art Fair Philippines 2026
Participating Galleries
The 2026 edition of the fair brings together leading galleries from the Philippines alongside exhibitors from France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Spain. This wide selection reinforces Manilaโs growing role as a creative hub within the Asian and international art
ArtFairPH/Projects
ArtFairPH/Projects presents a curated selection of artists in different stages in their careers โ from modern masters to contemporary visionaries โ celebrating artistic excellence and experimental innovation.
Selected by the founders themselves, the artists featured in this part of the fair are to be presented to fairgoers for the first time.
This yearโs artist selection includes the foundations of Philippine art and an eclectic mix of modern artists. The contemporary lineup includes Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Ambie Abaรฑo, Ged Unson Merino, Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, Berlin-based Sa Tahanan Co. collective, and Spanish artist Ampparito.
Sa Tahanan Co. collective's work | Courtesy of Art Fair PhilippinesBrenda Fajardo's work | Courtesy of Art Fair Philippines
Late Filipino masters Brenda Fajardo, Constancio Bernardo, Solomon Saprid, and Romeo Tabuena complete the roster, ensuring that their legacies of feminist social realism and geometric abstraction continue to resonate with todayโs generation.
Nazareno/Lichauco will once again be designing this space, with this yearโs concept said to be a sort of a โtown plaza.โ
ArtFairPH/Digital
"The Keeper" by TRNZ | Courtesy of Art Fair Philippines
Art Fair Philippines continues its study on the connection of art and technology through this space, highlighting works that dabble in animation, virtual and augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the metaverse.
Artists presenting their work under this category are TRNZ, a painter and graphic artist debuting his animated short film โThe Keeper,โ and TLYR Collective, presenting their works that center on the theme of โdigital alchemy.โ
ArtFairPH/Talks
In partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, ArtFairPH/Talks continues the fairโs mission of developing audiences for contemporary arts.
The fair features daily sessions that deep dive into the evolving art landscape, as well as exchange views on art collecting and the art market. Speakers and topics for this yearโs sessions will be announced soon on the fairโs website.
ArtFairPH/Residencies
In contrast to the usual artist residencies, Art Fair Philippines expands the horizons of Filipino artists by inviting international curators for a global exchange of ideas about the vibrant Philippine art scene.
For this yearโs edition, the fair has invited New York-based independent curator and producer Anne-Laure Lemaitre as the recipient for this residency grant. She is recognized for her work in cross-disciplinary projects and her expertise in blending public art, technology, and cultural storytelling.
Applications for ArtFairPH/Residencies are now officially open.
BPI Sponsors Project
As co-presenter of the Art Fair Philippines, the Bank of the Philippine Islands is sponsoring multimedia artist AR Manalo and will be presenting his works at the BPI Lounge in the Art Fair.
10 Days of Art
Various public spaces around Makati City will be transformed into large public art installations from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8, 2026, celebrating the best of Makatiโs cultural spirit for 10 days.
"Carousel" by Ronald Ventura | Courtesy of Art Fair Philippines"Nagsasalitang Ulo" by Mich Dulce | Courtesy of Art Fair Philippines
These installations include works by Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan (Ayala Tower One, Fountain Area), Ronald Ventura (Ayala Malls Circuit), Mich Dulce (Greenbelt 5 Gallery), Joel Wijangco (Greenbelt 5 Gallery), and FotomotoPH (Paseo Underpass).
Participating galleries and exhibits will also be holding a Gallery Weekend from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2026, where audiences can visit the galleries in their own locations for a sneak peek of what theyโre showcasing during the fair proper.
Art Fair Philippines 2026
Tickets to Art Fair Philippines are priced atย P750ย (General admission),ย P500ย (available on-site; PWDs, Students, Senior Citizens), andย P300ย (Makati students and teachers). They are available now on Art Fair PH'sย website. Tickets will also be sold at the door on fair days for the same prices.
Art Fair Philippines is co-presented by Ayala Land Inc, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Globe. For more information and updates, followย Art Fair Philippinesย on theirย Facebook,ย X (Formerly Twitter), andย Instagramย pages.
Art Fair Philippines 2026 Circuit Makati Fri, February 6 10:00 AM
- 9:00 PM
Explore contemporary art at Art Fair Philippines 2026 from Feb. 6 to Feb. 8, 2026, at Circuit Makati.
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Heads up, tennis fans! The Philippines is gearing up to host its first-ever WTA 125 tournament, an international series of professional women's tennis tournaments organized by the Womenโs Tennis Association.
Happening on Jan. 26 to 31, 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, the Philippine Womenโs Open will showcase some of the best players in the world, including German legend Tatjana Mariaย and Filipina Tennis pride Alex Eala, whoโs currently listed as a wildcard as her stint still depends on the result of her Australian Open campaign. The Manila tournament will feature 32 players for the singles draw and a 16-team doubles field.
If youโre ready to welcome the tennis world to Manila, general admission tickets for the Qualifying Matches (Jan. 24 to 25) and the Main Draw (Jan. 26 to 29) offer free seating and are available via SM Tickets online and box office outlets. A limited number of tickets will also be available on-site on the days of the tournament. Prices are as follows:
Qualifying Matches: P200 per day
Main Draw: P1,000 per day (round of 32 โ Quarterfinals)
The semi-finals for both the singles and doubles events will be held on Jan. 30, followed by the Finals on Jan. 31. For these dates, spectators can purchase a reserved Standard Pass for P1,500ย (Rows K and up, East and West bleachers) or a Premium Pass for โฑ2,000 (Rows A to J, East and West bleachers).
For updates, follow the Philippine Women's Open onย Facebook andย Instagram.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!ย Click here to subscribe.
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