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Recommended K-Drama Series If You’re Not in the Mood for Sappy Love Stories
by: The Beat Asia
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Photo by Netflix
September 17, 2021
by: The Beat Asia
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Warning: This article may contain spoilers!
Featuring South Korea's appealing culture and attractive artists, Korean dramas (better known as K-drama) are one of the obsessions of Filipinos nowadays.
Pop culture connoisseurs know that almost all K-dramas contain love stories like love triangles, unrequited love, or tragic romance. But if you’re not in the mood to see kissing scenes and love confessions, below are some recommended K-drama films you can binge-watch while we’re on lockdown. Happy watching!
‘Reply 1988’ (2015)
Genre: Family comedy
Starring award-winning South Korean actor Park Bo-gum, “Reply 1988” features the story of living back to the late 1980s through Korean culture and practices.
Perhaps one of the most relatable K-dramas in 2015, “Reply 1988” shed light on the different struggles of typical families including work, financial, education, and social issues. Moreover, the sub-plots surely touch the viewer’s heart with the love and care shown by parents to their children.
Sadly, “Reply 1988” is one of the K-drama movies that will be removed from Netflix on Sept. 30, 2021.
'Kingdom' (2019)
Genre: Horror thriller
“Kingdom” is one of the highly recommended K-dramas if you’re into anything extreme or just mentally preparing for the apocalypse (in case that becomes a reality).
You will absolutely be enthralled with “Kingdom’s” story about horrific discoveries and political intrigue.
Premiered in 2019, “Kingdom” is a political period horror thriller TV series that revolves around the life of the crown prince (portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon). The story highlights political conspiracy, throne deposition, and the mysterious plague that critically infected their territory.
Each episode contains sprinting zombies that cause the characters to always be in trouble. Apart from that, zombie movie fans would also appreciate its historical setting, cinematography, mythology, and stunning costumes.
‘Awaken’ (2020)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller
“Awaken” is a Korean drama TV series that follows the story of a special team in the National Police Agency including Do Jung Woo, Gong Hye Won, and Jamie Leighton. The team’s main goal is to uncover the mysterious killings in their village.
The K-drama highlights tragic incidents, serial killer’s cryptic messages, as well as the characters’ interesting backstories.
'The Uncanny Counter' (2020)
Genre: Supernatural drama
Tired of romantic stories and cheesy lines? “The Uncanny Counter” is the perfect K-drama for you! The series contains little to no love plot elements, as it features the adventures of the “Counters” who work as employees in a noodle shop during the day and turn into demon hunters at night. Each character uses their special abilities when chasing evil spirits that target innocent people.
The Counters is made up of four individuals including Do Ha-na (Kim Se-jeong), who has mastered the ability to sense evil spirits and read someone’s memories through touching them. Ga Mo-tak (Yoo Jun-sang) has the power of strength and can jump farther than the average person. Choo Mae-ok (Yum Hye-ran), on the other hand, has healing powers. The fourth member of the Counters was killed during a battle with a strong spirit.
This is a recommended K-drama for those who enjoy the thrill of action sequences and choreographed martial arts.
‘Law School’ (2021)
Genre: Legal drama
Starring former “Boys Over Flowers” cast member Kim Bum (alternatively Kim Beom), “Law School” is one of the recommended K-dramas you shouldn’t skip watching.
The story is about the “grim incident” that happened in a law school which involves the main characters Yang Jong-hoon, Han Joon-hwi, Kang Sol A, and Kim Eun-sook.
Even if you’re not a law student, you’ll surely want to check out this K-drama featuring real-life crimes, the struggles of law students, and Korea’s legal system.
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It’s only been a couple of months since “Dance with My Mistakes” took over the airwaves with the funky “Misbehave,” following suit not long after, giving Lola Amour fans a reason to hit the replay button on repeat. But we should’ve known that was only the beginning.
Last July 17, the Filipino band surprised fans and friends from the media with the announcement of their second album, “Love on Loop,” slated to release on Aug. 15. The Beat Manila got to witness this exciting moment as the band held an intimate listening session and exclusive conference at Warner Music Philippines office in Bonifacio Global City — just a few hours before their new single, “The Moment” featuring Kokoro of the Japanese boy band, PSYCHIC FEVER, dropped.
Courtesy of Warner Music Philippines
“It’s been more than a year since we released our last album, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been hard at work,” said Pio Dumayas, the band’s lead vocalist, as he shared how the band has been strengthening their relationships outside of the country from collaborating with foreign artists, making connections, and working with Warner Music in other territories. From this, they were able to conceive their sophomore record with a lineup of songs that were packed with sincere storytelling, relatable themes, and a fresh sound that somehow blends and bends existing genres today.
“This is an album we worked on last year. We went to Malaysia to write with Hyuk Shin (EXO, SHINee, Justin Bieber) and CUURLEY. This album has eight songs, and each song is a story about an experience with love from a band member. It tackles each stage of love.”
Pio also explained the concept behind the title, which is meant to highlight the “cyclical nature of falling in love, falling out of love, and finding yourself.”
Love at First Listen
One of our favorite things about a full album is the journey. In the age of singles and EPs, nothing hits hard quite like a full record with a bunch of songs that tell a story from start to end. Because that's what music is all about — telling stories and expressing the emotions that happen in between its events.
“Love on Loop” is basically a collection of love songs — an exploration of love experiences and relationships from the heart-skipping first glances to the devastating heartbreaks and woes of regret.
The album opens with an instrumental intro that sets the vibe. The tone is funky, a glimpse into the album’s overall mix of genres, composed of retro-inspired sounds. The track then transitions to the first full song, “The Moment,” a song that describes that thrilling rush of meeting someone new, their presence lighting a flame that burns all sorts of questions.
In an exclusive interview with The Beat Manila, we asked the band how the collaboration came about and what it was like working with the Japanese singer.
“Japan’s work ethic is kind of crazy,” commented David Yuhico (Keyboardist). “They’re so honorable. When they say they’ll do something, they’ll do that and three more things! This song was done remotely. We already recorded the song with Pio singing all of the vocals. They liked it and said they wanted to collaborate.”
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Jeff Abueg (Saxophonist) also added how Kokoro truly brought his unique texture to the track, while guitarist Zoe Gonzales shared how PSYCHIC FEVER and their team were so accommodating with them despite currently being on tour during the production process. “It’s been really smooth sailing with them. The turnover was quick,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kokoro also made a guest appearance at the conference via video, where he talked about the collaboration — his first since joining the label — and how he hopes it will be a door for their group to visit the Philippines and meet their fans, as well as expand both the scope of their activities and musical range.
“It’s a style of singing and atmosphere that I personally haven’t expressed before. Since PSYCHIC FEVER’s songs and this collaboration differ in sound and overall vibe, I think that contrast is something listeners can enjoy,” the J-Pop artist shared.
Courtesy of Warner Music Philippines
As the listening party went on, we got to hear glimpses of the other unreleased tracks. “One Day Away” showcases an up-tempo sound, while “Did My Time” was a track that represented the breakup stage. Pio also described this song as the most challenging to translate into music.
“That one was a bit harder to write. The persona here is a little resentful; may galit (there’s anger). It’s a topic that we haven’t explored before. We’re trying not to act too angry since it’s not the point of the song. The point is seeing the red flags in retrospect after the relationship. The person this song is about — it was hard to translate his problems. Putting it into writing was challenging.”
Meanwhile, “With You” gave us another genre shift as it presents a more toned-down and tender sound without much instrumentation, leaving Pio’s vocals more exposed. We thought it matched the vulnerability of the song well, which the vocalist shared was inspired by an actual love letter. It’s a song that describes the feeling of longing for someone you have already lost and wanting to get back together with them.
Rounding up the album alongside previously released singles “Misbehave” and “Dance with My Mistakes” is “Love on Loop,” which is the ribbon that ties it all together, forming a cohesive storyline of love, heartbreak, and finding the strength and courage to start all over again.
“When we wrote ['Love on Loop], it was not really a point in the story. It’s more of a credit song, the ‘Happily Ever After’ or the beginning of the next story. That’s really what the whole thing is about,” Pio explained.
Courtesy of Warner Music Philippines
We also learned an interesting, fun fact about the forthcoming record: how it was actually written within two weeks — nine working days to be exact! When asked how they would describe their music’s evolution from the first album to the next, Pio replied:
“Here, we explored a lot of different recording techniques and workflows. It’s our first time working with a producer for the whole album. It’s a different experience. Yung dating naming album, isang taon naming sinulat. Ito, two weeks lang (We wrote our first album in a year, but this one only took two weeks). In my opinion, it’s a step up from the last album. But I think what hasn’t changed is that 'dimo talaga alam yung genre namin (you still won’t know what our genre is). Every song is a different kind of song. But what has changed is, I guess, the way we’ve been able to construct the songs — the form is much simpler. More digestible.”
“This body of work is the first where we were all in the same room from conception to finishing the songs,” David added. “So we were all onboard and very invested in what we were writing. And we had producers who — you know, their job is to bring out the best in you and cut out your bad ideas. It’s still you, but suddenly you sound 'expensive.'”
And speaking of sounding expensive, it’s noticeable that the band’s second album leans towards a more international vibe, with its entirety written in English. The band had mentioned expanding the scope of their music, but when asked if it had been intentional to make “Love on Loop” an album that caters to a wider musical audience, they answered that it was more of a practical decision.
“The producers we worked with don’t speak Tagalog, and they’re not just there to write music but also there to look at the lyrics and give suggestions,” explained David. “They’re so invested in our music as well that they want to make sure it’s the best. How can they do that if they can’t understand the content?”
Despite this, the band assured that their identity has remained intact and that they’re still a Filipino band first and foremost who want to spread the magic of OPM. The experience of working with a renowned producer has only sharpened their music-making, which has allowed them to create songs more efficiently and with a clearer purpose throughout the process.
“The thing about a great producer is they bring out the best in you. It’s still a hundred percent you, just the best parts of it. So, it doesn’t really change your identity. It’s more like, 'Oh! Finally, I have these things in mind. I didn’t know that I could do this.' All the things that you wanted to do but you didn’t know how, suddenly they can guide you to get to the sound that you want,” David shared.
“We developed a different mindset, like less is more,” Zoe added on how the band has become more discerning of the things that should be included and cut out from a particular song they’re creating.
From left: Zoe Gonzales, Manu Dumayas, David Yuhico, and Jeff Abueg | Photo by The Beat Asia
“Love on Loop” is an example of artistic growth, and Lola Amour just demonstrated how musicians can achieve this by simply exploring what’s out there, experimenting, and riding the wave of creative ideas. Fresh, adventurous, and sincere are three words the band used to describe their new album, but if you were to ask us, we’d say elevated — sonically, emotionally, and creatively. We simply can’t wait to hear the album in its full glory — out on all streaming platforms on Aug. 15.
In the meantime, stay tuned to Lola Amour’s official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram pages for updates on their album drop and upcoming live performances.
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Get ready, Manila film buffs! Disney’s back with a body-swap sequel, or should we say freakquel, that’s even better and freakier than its cult-classic predecessor.
Mark your calendars: "Freakier Friday"isset to hit Philippine cinemas on Aug. 6, 2025, but if you can’t wait that long, this is your shot to see it before anyone else!
On Aug. 5, all roads lead to the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia, where the red carpet is rolling out for its premiere of Freakier Friday. Even better? Filipino-Canadian heartthrobManny Jacinto will be present.
“Hi, Philippines! I will be coming to visit to promote the film, Freakier Friday. I hope to see you guys there soon,” the actor teased on social media.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Jacinto has racked up some serious cred in recent years: from his breakout role as Jason Mendoza from "The Good Place to "Nine Perfect Strangers" and "Star Wars: The Acolyte."
Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company
Now he’s stepping into Disney territory with "Freakier Friday," starring alongside a stacked cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan continuing in their same roles — who are also executive producers on the film — along with Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Chad Michael Murray, Rosalind Chao, Vanessa Bayer, Mark Harmon.
Directed by Nisha Ganatra, this new chapter picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan)first walked a mile in each other’s shoes. Now, Anna is a mom herself, juggling the challenges of parenting and a growing blended family on the way, until, as you might expect, another magical mishap turns their world upside down once again.
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From the shores of Pangasinan to the iconic walls of Intramuros, a wave of personal storytelling has landed at the NCCA Gallery this July.
The exhibition, titled “Wala Yan Tongtong Co”— loosely translates to “I have a story to tell,” and is a vibrant showcase of lived experience and the different ways diverse communities preserve and represent their local culture.
Running from July 4 to 31, the show is part of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) 2025 National Arts Month festivities.
If you’re curious what is pulsing through today’s provincial art scene, this show, curated by Mimi Santos, is a must-see.
Photo from Facebook/NCCA Gallery
The spotlight is on A Salty Project, a Pangasinan-based art collective made up of young, boundary-pushing artists who have built a community around creatively expressing their personal histories and identities.
The collective isn’t new to the province — but now they’re taking their creative storytelling to Manila!
Featured artists include Gino Tioseco, Rei Chan, Dogzeyeview, Aica, Mark Laurence Lopez, Patrick “Kinigtot” Bacolor, Sinag Waweng, Joshua Laron, Ciaste, DionieFernandez, and Mareen Jean Tolentino.
Their work uses a mix of bold styles and mediums to explore identity, memory, and how we each carry our own version of the past.
For more information, visit NCCA Gallery on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. Check out A Salty Project on their Instagram and Facebook.
Location: 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
Date: July 4 to 31, 2025
Opening Hours: from 9 AM to 5 PM
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Multimedia creator and visual artist Raco Ruizis set to return to the gallery scene with his fourth solo exhibit, "NO WORRYS," on July 27, 2025, at Secret Fresh in Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan.
Known for having a colorful yet chaotic visual style, Raco will spotlight his original character Razzl the Clown, who was first seen in his 2024 exhibit "CLOWNRRY," to the center stage once again. As the soft-spoken personification of Raco's anxious thoughts, Razzl takes over Secret Fresh's Gallery B to represent quiet resilience and hope amidst fears of failure, burnout, comparison, and loneliness.
Poster by Raco Ruiz
Following the success of "CLOWNRRY" and his sold-out 2023 solo exhibit "SURREALICIOUS," this upcoming exhibit aims to connect with art enthusiasts, new and longtime fans, young creatives, and those who simply relate with the inner struggles and real-life worries we overcome each day.
Themed like a carnival, "NO WORRYS" marks the final bow for Razzl the Clown. Catch the exhibit this Sunday as it opens from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Location: Secret Fresh, Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Ave., San Juan
Raco Ruiz’s 4th Solo Exhibit: 'NO WORRYS' Secret Fresh Sun, July 27 2:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Visual artist Raco Ruiz returns to Secret Fresh on July 27, 2025, for "NO WORRYS," his fourth solo show spotlighting Razzl the Clown.
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Hold onto your soda caps, music lovers — Coca-Cola Philippines just dropped the hottest lineup for Coke Studio Live Season 9 fandom concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and it's stacked with must-see acts!
Mark your calendars for Sept. 5, 2025, because this is one concert you do not want to miss.
After NewJeans owned last year’s stage at MOA Arena, Coke Studio is leveling up with none other than American artist Lauv — the king of soul-baring pop anthems! The "I Like Me Better"hitmaker is making his grand Manila return since his 2023 show, bringing all of his hit tunes for Season 9.
Expect sing-along moments to his biggest tracks, from "Chasing Fire” to"Love U Like That"to his songs with Martin Garrix and LANY — and maybe there will even be a surprise collab!
At the same time, the chart-dominating P-Pop queens BINI will be making their Coke Studio debut! And if that’s not enough, ALAMAT is back to bless us with their genre-blending magic.
Photo from Instagram/Coca-Cola Philippines
Rounding out the killer lineup are true blue pop stars from the Philippines like up-and-coming acoustic singer songwriter MRLD, alt-pop star Ena Mori’s, Filipino indie rock band Over October, and hip-hop maestro Alex Bruce. Not only are you guaranteed to lose your voice at this concert, but your playlist can also get a fire upgrade.
If you want in, here’s how to score tickets. Just check out a Coke, Royal, or Sprite that's worth P150 on LazMart, confirm your consent via chat, and hit "Order Received" to join the raffle pool. It's that easy. To join the raffle, click here.
You can also snag tickets through Jollibee, Grab, Lazada, or 7-Eleven, because who doesn’t love a side of concert tickets with their midnight snack?
Location: Araneta Coliseum, 14 General Araneta Street, 1109 Quezon City, Metro Manila
Date and Time: Sept. 5, 2025, 5 PM onwards
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Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is making waves as the first Philippine-produced film and music documentary to be screened at the comic book and multi-entertainment convention, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 2025.
This documentary chronicles the enduring legacy of the iconic rock band Eraserheads, from their formation to their reunion concert in 2022, unpacking their lasting impact as the most successful rock band in the Philippines.
This marks a milestone for Filipino cinema. After being released in the Philippines this summer under Warner Bros, it reached critical acclaim, with GMA News calling it a “history lesson on an important chapter of Pinoy pop culture."
“I’m incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to represent our people and country on a more global platform,” Director and Producer Diane Ventura said. “It’s long been my dream to spotlight the ingenuity of Filipino art, talent, and creativity and to be part of a movement that reframes the Filipino narrative. This is also my way of putting out a more nuanced and extensive depiction of our people while bringing to light the richness, humor, and depth of our stories.”
Courtesy of Eraserheads: Combo on the Run
To ramp up the excitement further, there will be a panel discussion at Exhibit Hall 6BCF,led by director and producer Diane Ventura, and featuring Ely Buendia, the legendary frontman of Filipino rock band Eraserheads and a central figure in the documentary. Meanwhile, a limited-edition one-shot comic book named after the film — Combo on the Run — is set to crash-land at SDCC.
Created through a powerhouse team-up between Kid Heroes Publications, Eraserheads, and DVent Pictures, this comic is penned by the dynamic duo Patricio Ginelsa and Justin Quizon, and tells the story of musicians turned superheroes in an anthology format.
The cover art is designed by notable local artists such as Whilce Portacio and Stephen Segovia, and award-winning artists Raymund Lee, Felix Morales, and Ardie Aquino also contributed to the illustrations in the comic.
Fans can pre-order the comic book now via the official Kid Heroes website. Tickets for Comic Con San Diego have already sold out, but Eraserheads: Combo On the Run will be screened in theaters worldwide in 2025.
Location: 111 W Harbor Dr., San Diego Convention Ctr, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: July 24 to July 27, 2025
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Ja Morant is officially pulling up to Manila, and he’s not just here to sightsee. The Memphis Grizzlies guard and Nike signature athlete is making his first-ever international tour with Nike this month, and the Philippines is on the map!
Dubbed the Make Them Watch Tour, Ja’s globe-trotting itinerary hits the U.S., China, Japan, and wraps up with a slam dunk finale right here in Manila, his first time in the Philippines!
The tour is all about connecting with the next generation of hoopers, pushing creativity and style on the court, and getting a feel for how the game lives and breathes in different parts of the world.
“Basketball is all about work and creativity — putting in that grind but also playing with your own style,” said the two-time NBA All-Star. “I’m excited to pull up and share a piece of my journey with the next generation of hoopers around the world, and I also want to check how basketball is played in their own communities. Getting to learn new cultures through hoops is a unique opportunity, and I’m hyped about that.”
Courtesy of Nike
While in Manila, Ja’s plans include hosting local high school players for an exclusiveworkout session and pulling up for an exhibition Make Them Watch game that’s sure to have fans lining up for blocks.
It’s a celebration of Manila’s deep hoops roots — and a chance for Ja to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city, from courtside energy to local street eats.
And because it wouldn’t be a Ja Morant tour without some sneaker heat, he’s dropping three new styles of his signature Nike Ja 3 sneaker.The EYBL and NY vs NY editions are exclusive to their events, but the Lightshow colorway will drop in select stores across China and Japan before landing globally on SNKRS this Aug. 5, 2025.
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It’s 2025, and nothing still beats screaming “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” at the top of your lungs. If there’s anything that can beat that singular experience, it's sharing it with strangers who feel exactly the same way.
Last June 14, deep inside Taguig City, a crowd of millennials and Gen Zs gathered to celebrate Emo Night Manila’s 2nd anniversary.
The gates of McKinley Whiskey Park opened exactly at 9 PM, and all of a sudden, the open-air venue was covered in a sea of black tees, fishnets, battered Vans, and perfectly chipped nail polish manicures. Some had Hot TopicFall Out Boyshirts; others arrived in full Gerard Way regalia, their black suit and red tie combos taking us all the way back. And don't worry, not one attendee forgot to come in black eyeliner, eager to prove that emo isn’t just a phase.
Photo by Alyssa Muyco for Emo Night Manila
After all, it’s been about 20 years since the release of My Chemical Romance’s iconic songs, and yet, we still found ourselves belting out the lines like it was just yesterday. And while older millennials have sworn off the studded belts and side-swept fringes, Emo Night Manila gave everybody the permission to return to those simpler times and rock those fits again. If we’re being honest, however, it felt less like coming back to our “emo phase” and more of an overdue acknowledgement that while our clothes have changed, our feelings towards emo have never actually retired.
As The New York Times once wrote, emo is “punk that wears its heart on its sleeve and tries a little tenderness to leaven its sonic attack.” That night, that tenderness was in full display, tattooed – some literally – over our hearts, ready to swing back bigger than ever.
Pre-Show Vibes
Lines began long before 9 PM, as everyone was eager to enter the venue as soon as possible. And for good reason, the first 30 people who got in were rewarded with free Vans tote bags, while the next 170 snagged P500 vouchers!
Inside, people were already browsing through the Nine Lives Tattoo & Piercing pop-up’s catalog, lured in by the “Buy One, Take One” deal on ear piercings for only P1,500 that night. Nothing is more punk than a good deal and supporting local businesses – plus the fact that your parents aren’t around to say something about your second lobe stud.
Photo by Alyssa Muyco for Emo Night ManilaPhoto by Alyssa Muyco for Emo Night Manila
Emo Night Manila merch was also available for grabs: limited-run t-shirts, caps, and totes for those who wanted to immortalize the night with wearable souvenirs.
Across the faux grass and sea of tables was a Charles & James Whiskybooth serving no-nonsense highballs: Ginger Ale Whisky & a straightforward Whiskey & Coke mix. Were they boundary-pushing mixology creations? Nope. But were they exactly what you needed before screaming to iconic emo hits? Absolutely.
As the lawn filled up, everyone quietly milled around with their drinks, settled into their tattoo seat for a session, or found their spot in the grass. The DJs continued to spin not-so-forgotten hits as millennials dusted off their 2004 angst, while Gen Zs emerged ready to emote after last week’s breakup. Still, everyone agrees: we can feel our feelings here – and shout it out to the universe.
Deep Cuts, Mashups, and Chicosci
A rotating roster of DJs started off the night with an emo time capsule, serving a setlist that had everyone mouthing lyrics to songs they hadn’t heard since Multiply was a thing.
Then came the interesting mashups – equal parts cursed and genius – that got everyone hyped. A Paramore x Chappell Roan mashup mixing “Still Into You” and “HOT TO GO!” was an unexpected combo that worked out perfectly. Soon after, the DJ played a Paramore x TWICE mashup, putting together the background music of “Brick by Boring Brick” with the vocals of “What is Love?”
Cross-genre music has never sounded so good, and everybody was all for it. Those who know would know that punk, at its core, is about self-expression, accepting individuality while rejecting intolerance. While Chappell Roan’s songs are pop, her camp aesthetic and attitude reject societal norms for what a young girl in pop should look like and how they should act. And while TWICE is a huge K-Pop girl group, K-Pop still gets its share of judgment as a genre that is lyrically foreign for the most part. True emo kids accepted these mashups with open arms, pushing forward the inclusive ethos of the genre.
Photo by Alyssa Muyco for Emo Night Manila
Around 11:30 PM, Chicosci stormed the stage to the squeal of feedback and a sea of black tees crowding the lawn near the stage. The veteran emo/pop-punk/rock band knows their audience well, and as the crowd yearned for the full-blown, eyeliner-smeared homage to the iconic epitome of emo, My Chemical Romance, they obliged. The crowd screamed and sang out loud to “I’m Not Okay (I Promise),” “Teenagers,” and “Helena.”
Chicosci also slipped in their own classic hits, such as “A Promise,” triggering an instant response from the crowd as it reminded us that the Philippines has plenty of home-grown emo hits to shout to.
By the time their set ended an hour later, the crowd’s energy barely wavered, and the DJs returned to deliver hit after hit. It was like playing a “Greatest Hits” playlist without slowing down, serving hits from Fall Out Boy, Paramore, All American Rejects, Blink 182, Green Day, Linkin Park, Simple Plan, Panic! At The Disco, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and more.
The night wasn’t young, and the crowd wasn’t full of emo teenagers anymore, but it sure felt like the event could stretch forever, and our backs weren’t hurting.
Photo by Alyssa Muyco for Emo Night ManilaPhoto by Alyssa Muyco for Emo Night Manila
Emo Night Manila
Detractors love to mock emo as just teenage angst that couldn’t quite reach the hardcore nature of metal. But the subculture refuses to be pushed underground, and emo was never just about the age- and it most certainly was not just a phase! It’s about sharing your emotions out loud, vulnerability amplified through speakers, practically culminating in group therapy as you look around and realize that others feel the same way. No matter how sad, lost, and confused you may feel, you are never alone.
While screaming/singing out loud until your throat hurts may not solve your problems, Emo Night Manila served as a safe, judgment-free space where you don’t have to keep it bottled up inside. And if this second anniversary is any indication, then we’ll find ourselves back here next year, screaming with lined eyes and distressed skinny jeans, and very much okay with not being okay.
Keep an eye out for Emo Night Manila's future happenings. Check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Photo by Alyssa Muyco for Emo Night Manila
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Cadbury Philippines is back with a freshly revamped take on its signature chocolate bar — and it’s teaming up with global K-Pop boy bandENHYPENfor its new campaign: Fall in Love with Chocolate Like Never Before, one that aims to bring people closer to the things they love.
Cadbury's new recipe promises to enhance their original creamy profile with a richer, more chocolatey taste. And here’s where it gets sweeter: Filipino fans now have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fly to South Korea and meet ENHYPEN in person through the "One, Two Connect in Korea with Cadbury and ENHYPEN" raffle promo!
Known for stirring hearts with music, ENHYPEN — made up of Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki — is celebrated for hits like “FEVER,”“Drunk-Dazed,” and“Bite Me.”
When you purchase P200 worth of Cadbury Dairy Milk (imported by Mondelez Philippines), you can join the One, Two Connect in Korea with Cadbury and ENHYPEN raffle draw. Head over to Cadbury PH’s official Facebook Messenger, upload your raffle details, fill out the form, and you’re in!
Courtesy of Cadbury Philippines
The promo runs from June 22 to Aug. 31, 2025. There will be nine weekly draws that start on July 1 and end on Aug. 26, with 30 winners scoring exclusive ENHYPEN merch — from jackets and earrings to signed albums and posters! Also, the grand prize includes a 5-day all-expense-paidK-Pop adventure from Manila to Seoul for four lucky fans, complete with round trip airfare, hotel, and meals.
During the grand draw, eight lucky winners will receive signed ENHYPEN posters and another eight will receive ENHYPEN albums. Ten more will win limited-edition ENHYPEN merchandise.
For more information on The One, Two Connect in Korea with Cadbury and ENHYPEN raffle promo, visit Cadbury Dairy Milk on their Facebook and Instagram.
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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 FacebookorInstagram!
Love has always been a central theme for many songs today, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good love song? But this promising new artist in our latest up-and-coming exclusive stated that, more than personal relationship experiences, love songs can also be born from one’s deepest desires and insecurities.
That’s how singer-songwriter Dana Paulene, came up with her follow-up single, “Akong Ako,” a track that delves into vulnerability and the kind of love that offers reassurance and the freedom to be one’s most authentic self.
The singer opened up about the emotions she unpacked for this new single in a teaser TikTok video, and shared, “May sinulat akong kanta na tungkol sa taong tatanggapin ka even at your lowest point. ‘Yung tipong wala kang make-up, ang laki ng eyebags mo, umiiyak ka sa harapan niya, pero tanggap ka niya. And even more, mahal ka pa rin niya (I wrote a song about a person who will accept you even at your lowest point. A person who will accept you even without makeup on, with your deep eyebags, as you cry in front of them. Even then, they love you all the same).”
The Beat Manila sat down with the talented songwriter to talk about her musical beginnings, how busking paved the way for her songwriting, and the process of creating her latest single.
Busking Through Life
Dana’s musical career began at a very young age, having a theater and classical background. She found herself transitioning from this genre and into busking and street performing only a few years ago.
“At that time, I wasn’t really versed in the busking community. I was living in Taguig City, and there was a bazaar on the ground floor of our condominium. A few people were singing at that bazaar, and my mom was like, ‘Can my daughter sing a few songs?’ And that's really when it started. *laughs* They began giving me gigs outside the condominium bazaar. There wasn’t anyone who inspired me to busk. It's really just the right set of circumstances that led me to it.”
Dana honed her performing skills through song covers, which she also posted online on her YouTube channel and TikTok page. She admitted, however, that she never posted any of her original songs at that time. While busking, she was discovered by Punch Liwanag of Viva Music Group and eventually got signed to the label. It was only then that Dana pursued songwriting more seriously.
“I'm a very sentimental person, so I think it really started at the height of the pandemic when I was struggling to let my thoughts out of my mind,” she told The Beat Manila. “There was really no one to talk to, and so I figured, 'Oh, I can play the guitar, I can also sing. So, why not write songs about them?' That's really when it started.”
When asked about what shaped her songwriting, the singer shared how she always felt like she needed to create rather than cover, and had always craved for originality in her music. “I started realizing that I have a voice outside of covering songs after I joined TV competitions. I realized that I wasn't really finding much connection with the songs I'm singing and that I really wanted to make songs that are that are tailor fit for me. That’s when it hit me that I had to make songs of my own.”
Photo from Facebook/Dana Paulene
Dana broke into the local music scene with her 2024 debut, “Uod Love Story,” which was a product of the infamous relationship question, “Would you still love me if I were a worm?” The track falls under the folk and dream pop genre, a sound that complements her siren-like vocals. When asked about her musical influences, she replied, “The artists I look up to are mostly local. But if I were to be honest, the artists I really look up to right now are my friends, and I think that’s kind of unique because I believe inspiration comes from the people you are closest to.And so I'm really happy that I have friends that I look up to.”
As for her songwriting essentials, Dana told us that she only needs three things: her guitar, and the voice recording and notes apps on her phone. “There’s a shortcut on my phone for my voice recording app, so whenever I get the inspiration, I just press that button and then it records my voice already.”
Speaking of inspiration, the singer also stated that she has an unlimited supply of it, as it comes whenever and wherever.
“There's really no routine for it. Some people say that in songwriting, you really just have to show up like it's a job. But for me, I don't feel like it has to have a routine. Even if I don't set a time every day, it just comes out of me. It’s just whenever an inspiration hits, which is every day, because inspiration is everywhere.”
On Her New Single
Dana Paulene returns to the music scene with “Akong Ako” this 2025, a song about finding someone who loves you for who you are. The singer gave us a glimpse into how the song came to be and where the idea came from.
“I really just wanted the song to be like a diary entry of some sort, and like I always say in my TikTok videos, it describes a love that brings out the truest, most authentic version of yourself,” she explained. “I wrote that song because I wasn’t very comfortable with showing my face without makeup, and there’s a line in the song that says: ‘Nakita mo na akong nakatitig sa ‘yo, nang walang kolorete sa pagmumukha ko (You’ve already seen me staring at you without any makeup on).’ That was the starting point of that song besides the melody.”
Photo courtesy of Viva Artists Agency
The artist shared that the song came right out of her notes app and that she had been hesitant at first to complete it because it felt too raw. She pitched the song to her friend Joe Castro, the bassist of the band NaÏV, with whom she produced the song.
“He really got my ideas right. I'm really thankful for him because ‘Akong Ako’ is the product of what I wanted the song to be in my mind,” she said.
The new song follows her debut’s heartfelt theme of loving someone unconditionally and authentically. When asked what drew her to write songs about forever and unconditional love, she expressed an interesting reason.
“I think it’s a belief. A friend made me realize that maybe I write these types of songs because this is the type of love that I want to receive. So maybe that’s where it’s coming from.”
From performing on the streets to writing and performing music on stage, Dana is showing us that music is more than just a hobby but a part of her, and she’s only getting started. The singer-songwriter also collaborated with singer-songwriter Earl Agustin and had a duet track on his debut LP, called "Minamahal." She also has a few more songs on standby and is continuously recording and writing music.
“I guess my short-term goal would be to play in big events at arenas,” she shared as we asked her about her plans for the next few years. “But I guess my long-term goal would be to connect to an audience that resonates with my music.”
Dana then reminisced on her most memorable gig where people just started lying down as she performed “Uod Love Story.” “That was a fun experience because I've always wanted to do that! *laughs* In gigs, I try my best to connect with each one of the people who come because I want to feel like it's a community. I just don't want to build a fan base but a community.”
She then ended our interview with a heartfelt message for her avid listeners. “I guess just a genuine thank you. I never thought that I would find an audience that really appreciates me for me. Well, yes — akong ako.”
You can stream Dana Paulene’s music on all major streaming platforms. Follow Dana’s musical journey by keeping updated on her TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articles here.
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