New Pinoy pop group draws inspiration from SB19’s success

BY now, every Filipino boy band coming out with layered and hookladen pop songs wants a slice of the pie laid hot by the success of SB19. Why not, the group has become the yardstick of what a Tagalog-singing-and-dancing bunch should be, especially in a Southeast Asian country bewitched by South Korean pop.

For a quick illustration, SB19 is the first Filipino and Southeast Asian artist to have earned a nomination at the Billboard Music Awards (for Top Social Artist), and entered the top 10 of Billboard Social 50 weekly and year-end charts. New act BILIB, which came out with their debut "Kabanata" early this month, certainly believes they still have a space in the hearts of Pinoy pop fans. Again, why not. They took a strong first step towards public recognition with a catchy song. The song's opening verse introduces them rightfully so, with a hint of what the members have gone through before reaching this crucial period in their lives.

"Bagong simula/ Naranasan ang bawat hirap at ginhawa/ Ako'y namamangha/ Nalagpasan ang lahat at pilit na kinaya," BILIB sings.

Each of the members is said to have something interesting to tell as far as their background is concerned, all contributing to their ensemble's dynamics. Meet Clyde, JMac, Carlo, Yukito, RC, Zio, and Rafael, described by observers as "all passionate performers with diverse talents and experiences."

Every good boy band would more or less do fine if backed by a producer with the business know-how and, more importantly, full trust in the capacity of the act. Enter AQ Prime Music which has played a significant role in honing BILIB and "ensuring they are ready to take on the industry," that's according to their press release.

"From extensive training to addressing their personal needs, the support provided by AQ Prime Music has allowed BILIB to focus on their growth and deliver exceptional performances for their loyal supporters," it added.

BILIB participated in the highly anticipated Ppop Convention last July 14 to 16, a three-day event held in Quezon City featuring both established and rising artists showcasing such a genre, and their engagement with fans. Mall tours and other types of gigs are set for them to further connect with supporters and expand their reach.

The song "Kabanata," credited to AQ Prime, takes pride in its lyrics that delve, according to a musical expert, "into themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth."

The chorus seems to inform listeners that BILIB has prepared well enough for their breakout and how they will sustain their momentum. The boys sing: "Di sasayangin ang panahon/ Upang matapos ang lahat ng aking gagawin/ Mahuli man ngunit darating pa rin/ Dahil walang atrasan/ Patungo na sa laban."

As for the music, there’s no doubt the genuine excitement that can be heard from the first to the last note does not cease. No boring passage whatsoever. I recall a few years back, I was present as a music journalist when the then relatively unknown SB19 was being formally presented to the public. At that time few may have thought they’re going to be as big as they are now.

So, what’s the fitting message for this new boy group? Well, they just have to (pun intended) BILIB.

GMA Network’s Anti-Piracy Committee. Strengthening the Network’s anti-piracy capabilities and initiatives to protect its content, GMA partnered with the world’s largest and most effective anti-piracy coalition, Alliance for Creativity & Entertainment (ACE), earlier this year.

In support of this, GMA Network has launched its anti-piracy advocacy campaign dubbed “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy.” aimed at encouraging people, especially the younger generation, to be aware of what is right and wrong and help raise awareness of the value of creative works. These piracy efforts were quickly recognized at the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards and Fashion Nights by the Intellectual Property of the Philippines. GMA Network was given a special citation for its contribution to the successful implementation of various anti-piracy initiatives, such as symposiums and anti-piracy videos. This distinction reflects the Network’s commitment to upholding the intellectual property rights of content creators in the country to create a sustainable creative industry. Read full story on manilastandard.net

Pops Fernandez unveils new track to mark 40 years in showbiz

By Nickie Wang

SEASONED singer Pops

Fernandez, is making a grand comeback with her latest single "Always Loved.” The song's launch coincides with her remarkable 40th anniversary in the music industry.

The announcement of her recording project was made during a special tribute to her on ASAP Natin 'To last Sunday, July 23. Fellow Kapamilya singers, Jona, Klarisse de Guzman, and Morissette, paid tribute to the original Concert Queen by performing some of her greatest Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hits.

Additionally, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos, and Regine Velasquez graced the stage to sing heartwarming duets with the celebrated artist.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Pops extended her grati- tude to the ASAP family and fondly reminisced about her early days with the show when she served as one of its original hosts.

ASAP will forever be my family. I will always consider myself a part of this incredible show. Celebrating my anniversary here, alongside the release of my new song, holds profound meaning for me," Pops expressed tearfully.

The TV host-singer cowrote the soul-stirring track "Always Loved" in collaboration with Jeremy G, SAB, Trisha Denise, and ABS-CBN Music director, Jonathan Manalo, who also produced the song under Star Music. This single aims to touch the hearts of listeners with its powerful message about love and happiness, emphasizing that validation is not always necessary.

Pops Fernandez’s new single ‘Always Loved’ tackles about love and happiness

Hollywood heavyweights lead strike rally in Times Square

HOLLYWOOD A-listers including Emmy winner Bryan Cranston and a group of Oscar winners on Tuesday led a large rally of striking actors and writers in New York's Times Square, as the stalemate with studios and streamers dragged on.

Academy Award winners Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, and F. Murray Abraham were among the stars joining the mass of demonstrators. Steve Buscemi and Christian Slater were also among the protesters.

Movie and television production has effectively shut down in the United States since thousands of members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) guild walked off the job on July 14, joining writers who have been on strike for weeks.

Both guilds are demanding better pay and job security, as well as safeguards against the threat posed by artificial intelligence as they pursue the first industry-wide walkout in 63 years.

"We will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots," Breaking Bad star Cranston told attendees, referring to fears about AI being used to recreate an actor's likeness.

Surrounded by Times Square's giant screens, which often advertise the latest movies and streaming series, Cranston delivered a message to Disney boss Bob Iger, the target of the actors' ire.

"We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living and, lastly and most importantly, we will not allow you to take our dignity," he bellowed, wearing a SAGAFTRA t-shirt and raising his fists.

Abraham, best known for winning an Academy Award for his starring role in the 1984 movie Amadeus, said unionism was "good for America."

"We're fighting for integrity, respect, and honor," said the 83-yearold, who recently featured in television hit series The White Lotus

SAG-AFTRA represents actors from mega-stars to day-players who take small roles in television series. It represents about 160,000 people, including stuntmen and dancers.

The industrial action not only prohibits actors from filming but also from promoting their productions in person or on social media. AFP