Mina V. Esguerra on Building a Community of Filipino Romance Writers

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. 

Fashion and art have always been inextricably linked throughout history, and Art Underground made no reservations in blurring the lines between canvas and cloth for their 10th Anniversary. 

In an intimate event held last June 7, 2025 on the 5th Floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Art Underground showcased the dynamic partnerships of Arce x Joe San Antonio and SAIS x Daryl Maat, unveiling the seamless collaborations between Filipino contemporary artists and fashion designers. 

The show unveiled original canvas works alongside modern fashion, each piece echoing the spirit and language of its counterpart. Arce’s sculptural, emotive masterpieces breathe life into Joe San Antonio’s graceful silhouettes, while SAIS’ monochromatic musings on identity and unity find their sartorial reflection in Daryl Maat’s contemporary, structured forms.

The result was a conversation where pigment and fabric speak as one, and where two disciplines embrace each other’s nuances in a celebration of vision and craft, and a symphony of brushstrokes and drapery, an ode to mutual respect, artistic synergy, and creative courage. 

Deseree Mangulabnan, Gallery Manager at Art Underground, stated that the artists and designers were a “perfect fit” for each other, allowing their works, shared visions, and styles to blend seamlessly into stunning pieces. 

"Tambour" by Arce and Joe San Antonio

Arce’s works of dimension, movement, and texture meet Joe San Antonio’s intricate fluidity in “Tambour.” 

Traditionally used to keep the fabric taut during needlework, the tambour frame becomes a metaphor for the creative process itself: the tension required for beauty to unfold, the stillness necessary for precision, and the structure within which intricacy takes shape. 

Arce’s visual compositions and richly textured artworks investigate the tambour as a space where artistry and reflection merge, each echoing a reflection on fragility and foundation. 

Joe San Antonio, known for her romantic and lyrical silhouettes, extends this ethos into fashion, treating fabric as a medium and thread as the narrative. 

Together, Arce and Joe present “Tambour” as a composed homage to the virtues of precision and patience, a celebration of the threshold where contemporary art and couture meet. It is an ode to the craftsmanship of becoming, where lives, like textiles and paintings, are shaped through intention, detail, and a steady hand. 

“Guhit ng Gunita” by SAIS x Daryl Maat

Childlike wonder and a nostalgic longing for one’s youth takes centerstage in “Guhit ng Gunita.” 

Daryl Maat revisits his formative years by deconstructing and reweaving the school uniform with motifs rippling between nostalgia and rebellion. Traditional silhouettes, pleated skirts, crisp collars, and the translucent barong are contrasted with whimsical embroidery patterns, calling back to a time when creatively flowed fiercely. 

SAIS complements this vision through his portraits of wide-eyed children, mirroring the emotional texture of memory, rendered in charcoal and softened by time. His imagery evokes the meaning of what it means to be young, impressionable, and perpetually in flux. 

Together, “Guhit ng Gunita” creates a landscape of remembrance and memory that is neither literal nor linear. It is an elegy to imagination’s first bloom, a tribute to the years that have shaped humanity, and the unrefined beauty of our earliest marks on the world. 

Follow Art Underground on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on their future exhibitions.

"Asia’s Phoenix," Morissette, is making her triumphant return to the spotlight with her much-anticipated solo concert "Ember," set to ignite the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 28, 2025.

Produced by Underdog Music and Gabi Na Naman Productions (GNN), "Ember" marks a milestone moment for Morissette — her first major solo show at the Big Dome since her Morissette is Made concert in 2018. 

This electrifying event will celebrate her remarkable 15 years in the music industry, showcasing the evolution of a true powerhouse whose voice has become synonymous with passion, versatility, and awe-inspiring range.

Morissette’s journey to stardom began as a teenage semi-finalist on the first season of The Voice Philippines, where her exceptional vocal prowess first captured the nation’s attention. Her signature whistle register and emotional delivery make her one of the most distinctive voices in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). 

Since then, she has shared the stage with international music legends such as Michael Bolton and Alan Menken and lent her voice to the Philippine release of Disney’s live-action Aladdin. 

But her artistry doesn’t stop at singing. Morissette also stars and sings in the highly anticipated musical drama "Song of the Fireflies," premiering on June 25, 2025.

Tickets and more information about "Ember" will be announced soon, so fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates. Mark your calendars! 

Stream Morissette’s music now on Spotify. For more information, visit Morissette on Instagram and Facebook. 

Location: Smart Araneta Coliseum, General Roxas Ave, Araneta City, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila

Date and Time: Oct. 28, 2025, starting at 8 PM

Heads up, toy collectors! It’s TOYCON season again! 

TOYCON PH, one of the biggest pop culture events in the Philippines, is celebrating its 22nd year this 2025! Embracing the theme “Celebration” in partnership with MINDstyle’s POP LIFE Festival, they’re bringing together the biggest brand names in toys — both new and old — and connecting them with the ever-expanding TOYCON community! 

Renowned for having exclusive, limited-edition collectibles, exciting reveals, and more, TOYCON POP LIFE 2025 is set to be their biggest and most exciting event yet! 

Here’s what you should look forward to this June 13 to 15, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City!

TOYCON PH is embracing more trading card games (TCG), cosplay, and battle gaming communities into their growing community! This year, the dealer floor is set to be larger than it ever was, featuring over 400 exhibitors and vendors to cater to everyone’s toy and collectible needs!

TOYCON will also be the stage of the Philippine launch of exciting brands like MINDstyle’s Collectormates and ThrillJoy, and sponsor Infinite Brands launches Minix, CaDa, RaStar, and more!

TOYCON is also supported by long-established brands such as Lego, Bandai, Banpresto, Tamashii Nations, Bandai Namco, Shokugan, Legendary Beast Studios, and more! 

For the first time ever, the NBA brand will be joining TOYCON PH, offering official apparel and merchandise. This marks TOYCON’s reaching out to the sports collectors’ market and enthusiasts, which is also a growing community in the Philippines. 

TOYCONCert and TOYCON’s Contests and Competitions

TOYCON’s signature events and competitions, including CosKon will be greatly featured in this year’s TOYCON PH. TOYCON will also be debuting the TOYCON International Art Toy Design Competition this year, where the winning design will be chosen and produced by MINDstyle as a premium collectible!

TOYCONCert also makes a return this year, featuring a lineup of dynamic musical performances from both international and local artists. This year’s lineup includes Starmarie, Miura Ayame with Miko, Pastel Mix, Dela, Saya, Wanmini, Ziga, Shane Shen, Beverly, and more. 

TOYCON’s long-running toy custom contests are still one of the highlights of the event, such as the Action Figure Customization Contest, Custom Mecha Figure Design, Doll Dress-Up Customization Contest, TOY CLICK Toy Photography Contest, and COSCLICK Cosplay Photography Contest. 

A Stellar Lineup of Exciting Guests at TOYCON

TOYCON is never complete without an exciting list of guests — from Japanese actors and seiyuus to cosplayers! Here is a rundown of the guests set to join attendees at TOYCON PH this year!

Japanese actors

• Ryota Ozawa (Gokai Red, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger)
• Yui Koike (Gokai Pink, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger)

Japanese seiyuus

• Miyuki Ueda: the voice of Megumi Oka/Jaime Robinson from Voltes V, Chizuru Nanbara from Combattler V, Erika from Daimos, and more.
• Rica Matsumoto: the voice of Ash/Satoshi in Pokémon, Ryo/Yami Bakura in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Gon Freecss in the Hunter x Hunter OVA, and more.
• Yuriko Yamaguchi: the voice of Nico Robin in One Piece, Ritsuko Akagi in Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Nurse Joy in Pokémon.

Cosplayers

• Een
• Liabear
• Kitz Cua
• Pompomny
• Tiny Asa (Vietnam)
• Chanel Yui (Singapore)
• Eri (Indonesia)
• Riela (Indonesia)

For the first time ever, TOYCON proudly presents the “One Piece” Tagalog Voice Actor cast of the complete Straw Hat Pirates for an exclusive meet-and-greet session! This gives fans a chance to interact with the talented voice actors, as well as get a rare glimpse into the world of voice acting in the Philippines. 

One Piece Tagalog Voice Actors

• Candice Arellano (Monkey D. Luffy)
• Vincent Gutierrez (Zoro and Franky)
• Ray Miranda (Sanji Vinsmoke)
• Je Utanes (Usopp)
• Nica Rojo (Nami and Nico Robin)
• Maynard Llames (Tony Tony Chopper and Jinbe)
• Anthony Steven San Juan (Brook)

TOYCON PH’s Artist Alley

The Artist Alley is set to be bigger than ever, featuring over 100+ talented exhibitors and a wide range of creative works. From local toy designers to independent artists, small press and creators’ unique products and original art, attendees shouldn’t miss the chance to celebrate Filipino talent and creativity!

Pinoy Pop Culture Icon Awardee

Who do you think this year’s Pinoy Pop Culture Icon Awardee will be? This annual recognition honors individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to elevating and shaping the Filipino pop culture landscape. 

Past awardees were Mars Ravelo (Darna), Alodia Gosiengfiao (Cosplay Queen), Pol Medina (Pugad Baboy), Berlin Manalaysay (Combatron), Michael V. (Actor, comedy genius), and Big Boy Cheng (hobbyist, collector, and Secret Fresh founder).

Excited for this year’s TOYCON? Mark your calendars and head on over to the SMX Convention Center for the biggest pop culture event in the Philippines! Tickets are available via SM Tickets Online and are also available at the door. Tickets are priced from P200 (Kids Pass), P500 (1-Day Pass), and P1,300 (3-Day Pass). 

For more information, follow TOYCON PH on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

Location: SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Ln, Pasay City

Dates: June 13 to 15, 2025

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM (June 13-14), 10 AM to 8 PM (June 15)

Ticket Prices: P200 (Kids Pass), P500 (1-Day Pass), P1,300 (3-Day Pass)

Bold. Brave. And Bongga (spectacular)! These are just some of the words to describe the newest show strutting its way through the Philippine theater scene this June!

It’s surely going to be a Happy Pride Month as the 2013 original Filipino musical, "Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” finally gets a sequel with a brand new story following one of Filipino pop culture's most beloved queer icons. 

"Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Music Extravaganza" combines theater and drag — putting them together onto one stage with the promise of an immersive Pride celebration like no other. This bold reimagining builds on the legacy of the award-winning 2005 film and invites audiences to step directly into the protagonist’s glitter-filled, heartbreak-prone, and fabulously complicated world. Set five years after the first musical, the sequel follows Maxie as she navigates love, identity, and resilience. The new show is slated to run from June 13 to 22, 2025 at Illumination Studio in Makati City. 

The Beat Manila got to attend the media launch last June 5 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City, where we got to meet the cast and see a special sneak peek at the upcoming play. In that 15-minute preview, it was clear to see that this show is packed with explosive performances by talented drag artists who will not only entertain you with their songs and impressive dance moves, but also make you laugh out loud with their silly antics and comedic spiels. 

This highly anticipated production is directed by Melvin Lee and written by Julia Icawat Enriquez and Mikaundre Gozum Santos, with musical direction, arrangement, and additional original songs by JJ Pimpinio.

As for the cast, the star who wears the crown of the iconic Maxie Oliveros is rising star Jamila Rivera, who came all the way from Naga City, Camarines Sur! Jamila stated that Maxie is the reason he pursued drag and was eager to showcase his talent at the auditions, where he blew everyone away with not just his dynamic drag artistry but also his exceptional singing voice. 

When asked how it felt being chosen to play such an iconic character and about the importance of queer representation, he replied, “I’m nervous, excited, halo-halo siya (it's a mix of everything)! But I’m with the right people, with the right production, and with the right team. We want to deliver this story so that more people will be introduced to this colorful world.”

“I believe I represent a lot of people. Not just queer kids but also people who felt lost and found their community, found their place,” he shared. “I think it’s very important because many people are looking for a sense of belongingness, and I want to tell everyone who watches ‘Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros’ that you’re not alone in this world. You will find your people, or the right people will find you. Just continue to be yourself.” 

As for the best part about playing the role, Jamila happily expressed, “The best part is getting to sing my heart out!” 

And indeed, in that short preview, we got a glimpse of his singing talent, and safe to say, crowds will be blown away!

Also joining Jamila on stage are some of the country’s top drag performers: Zymba Ding, Corazon, MRS TAN, and Winter Sheason Nicole — alongside equally-talented actors Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher, and Gabriel Villaruel. 

“It’s good that we rally queer representation in media, but this time, we hope they won’t only be represented or seen, but also understood,” said Gabriel Villaruel. “This story gives the spotlight to new stories of queer and trans people in the Philippines and we hope to shed some light and hope on the things the community is going through.”

MRS TAN also shared her appreciation for their production team, J+Productions and PETA Plus, for casting real drag artists and allowing them to tell their own stories. “Malaking bagay ‘yun sa amin (It’s a big deal for us).”

“I think for all of us, especially those who have seen the original 2005 film, it really is such an honor to be part of the continuation of the story that has become such an icon in the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines,” shared Gerhard Krystoppher. “We were all part of that story, and we hope that when you watch it, you will also feel that you’re a part of it too.”

Rounding out the powerhouse ensemble are Ado Villanueva, Air Paz, Gerald Magallanes, Honey Bravo, Jay Cortez, Marit Samson, Misha Fabian, and Robert Macaraeg. 

This new play is more than just a sequel but a theatrical experience that puts the viewer within the story, as the line between the stage and seat blurs — each performance unfolding in and around the theater space, providing an intimate and interactive celebration of queer joy, survival, and transformation. Part drag show, part musical, and part rallying cry, this spectacular live stage feature is both a Pride celebration and an educational experience, as it portrays the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Whether you’re a part of the community, a fan of Maxie, or simply looking to have a good time, this is a show worth blocking a few hours for. Tickets are available at Ticket2Me and are priced at P2,500. You can buy them here. 

For updates, follow their official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages. 

Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Music Extravaganza

 Show Playdates:

• June 13 (Fri) – 8 PM
• June 14 (Sat) – 2 PM & 8 PM
• June 15 (Sun) – 2 PM & 8 PM
• June 17 (Tue) – 8 PM
• June 18 (Wed) – 8 PM
• June 19 (Thu) – 8 PM
• June 20 (Fri) – 8 PM
• June 21 (Sat) – 2 PM & 8 PM
• June 22 (Sun) – 2 PM & 8 PM

Venue: Illumination Studio, 2723 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Cor Sabiosan Lorenzo, Makati City 1200

Tickets: P2,500. Get your tickets here.