Author: Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

I have been employed in the publishing industry for over two decades. My experience as an editor of entertainment-based publications, including song magazines and the entertainment magazine Funfare, which has since folded, as well as side projects of a similar nature, has enabled me to gain even greater experience. Additionally, under my employment, I have established relationships with prominent contacts in the entertainment industry. My initial foray outside of the office motivated me to explore freelance writing (on an assignment basis). I have since written for various music artists and managers, assisting them with public relations and other writing assignments. I also recently did PR work for a Filipino-owned, US-based LLC, Edren Entertainment, for the duo Sweetnotes, who just recently wrapped a round of performances in selected states in the United States this 2025. I have dabbled in graphic design (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and stayed informed about the latest technology, both during my tenure in the industry and after it ended. The industry I adore, which was once prosperous, may yet experience a resurgence.
Food Tourism

IconBrews Coffee: A Must-Visit Café in Marikina for Creative Brews and Freshly Baked Cookies

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Nestled between the corner of Aquilina Street and the start of Gil Fernando Street to the west in Marikina is an enclave called Lamp Quarters. Upon entering the compound, one is immediately struck by the overwhelming sense that the location resembles historic New Orleans, USA, where food establishments also congregate. Fascinating, right?

 

Interestingly, this one enclave will provide you with the most welcoming environment, as each establishment in the area supports the others, ensuring a variety of options for consumers, regardless of which shop they choose within the compound. They call it ‘cross-orders.’ In hindsight, they prefer to have customers in rather than going out.

 

Regarding Marikina establishments, Lamp Quarters immediately exudes an affluent vibe while remaining inviting to everyone. Its atmosphere, privacy, and cozy ambiance create that feel for anyone who walks through its doors.

 

Though I haven’t been there in the evening, the photos I’ve seen of it at night give me the idea that it’s a lively spot. It has to be. This is the night spot in Marikina worth visiting if you value privacy while simultaneously seeking an enjoyable experience

 

Coincidentally, IconBrews Coffee is one of the food enterprises here that calls Lamp Quarters home. Already in its second year, the café serves innovative drink mixes and sweet delicacies that will make you reconsider how drinks and desserts are presented.

 

This café sources its coffee grounds from the same supplier as UCC.

 

Everyone is welcome here, regardless of age, including your pet. Just make sure your fur babies are wearing diapers.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

In general, the enclave appears tranquil; however, the brick-laden stores and greenery upon entering spark curiosity.

Never assume that all shops have the same layout, though. Find out as you peruse each store. Conversely, IconBrews Coffee lives up to its name—a warm cup of joe, and so much more. The counter layout, shop decor, and neatly distributed tables make for a polished appearance. The inside lighting and balanced ventilation are a plus as well. Overall, the shop is as cozy as it looks.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery (via 3rd party courier). The café can accommodate 25 people. Store opens at 11-10 pm on weekdays, and 11-12 pm on weekends

 

Quirk:

IconBrews Coffee serves a drink called “Raspberry Dream” only during the “Ber Months.” This beverage is a blend of mint, carbonated fizz, and just the right amount of sweetness. In addition to this unique offering, they also have other original creations. Explore and discover!

 

This café has its own food-tech/nutritionist staff. All products served here are safe and aboveboard.

 

IconBrews employs people often excluded elsewhere, such as PWDs, single mothers, and out-of-school youth. This is a noble and kind gesture.

 

P.S: Ms.Dang, IconBrews Café’s proprietress personally attended to me while I was there. My appreciation.

 

Specialties

Irish Coffee, Matcha Series, Smores Drink, Specialty cookies (See to appreciate)

 

Check other options from their Cafe Menu…

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA
Entertainment & Currents

Korean stars Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min are returning to the Philippines this December!

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Korean stars Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min are returning to the Philippines this December!

 

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is enlisting the star power of the two popular Korean celebrities to entice Korean travelers to discover the Philippines’ inviting weather during Korea’s winter season.

 

Signed with Universal Records and GLXY Talent Management, Myung Soo and Bo Min will be putting the spotlight on the Philippines—particularly Clark, Pampanga—as a premier tourist destination for Korean visitors, highlighting its relaxing atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and mild climate. As part of this promotion, the Runrio PUMA Clark Half Marathon will take place. If you’d like to run alongside our oppas, join us on December 14, 2025, for the half marathon.

 

Register for the PUMA Clark Half Marathon here:

https://raceroster.com/events/2025/109838/puma-clark-half-marathon

 

Myung Soo, known as “L” from the popular K-Pop group Infinite, is also an award-winning actor who has starred in K-Dramas like Angel’s Last Mission: Love and Royal Secret Agent. On the other hand, Bo Min is a former member of the idol group Golden Child and a former host of Music Bank. He also appeared in the GMA and Viu series Beauty Empire and is the endorser of BlueWater Day Spa and Ever Bilena.

 

Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min’s involvement underscores the growing cultural ties between Korea and the Philippines, encouraging fans and travelers alike to experience Clark’s serene landscapes and mild climate. This collaboration not only boosts tourism but also fosters stronger bilateral connections through shared entertainment and travel experiences.

 

 

Follow Universal Records on social media!

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@universalrecph

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsph

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@universalrecph

Instagram – http://instagram.com/universalrecordsph/

X – https://x.com/universalrec_ph

 

Follow Kim Myung Soo on social media!

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kim_msl/

 

Follow Choi Bo Min on social media!

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bomin._c/

Entertainment & Currents

Ponti Entertainment Productions hosts a concert for Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez at the Music Museum on December 13, 2025

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

In the entertainment industry, rising stars seldom have an opportunity to perform in a once-in-a-lifetime concert spectacular until much later in their careers, much less a show that is mainly dedicated to them. In any event, the two acts we have recently witnessed had to have possessed something very special for the legendary Rey Valera to take them under his wing and mentor them.

 

At Aromata, we were recently entertained by the pop princess on the rise, Isha Ponti, and the future bossa nova heir, Andrea Gutierrez. Up close, these two ladies might give you that unassuming air, but buried within their personas are the fire and thirst to prove their mettle. And as the proceedings progressed and the press asked questions, Isha and Andrea showed their fiery desire to succeed in their craft and carve a career path toward stardom.

 

Like, seriously, how could they not? This is literally a once-in-a-lifetime chance that they don’t want to miss out on!

 

Dubbed The Next Ones, the concert will be held at the Music Museum on December 13, 2025, at 8 pm. It will be a Rey Valera legacy as he passes on the baton to Isha and Andrea, as well as to the other acts supporting the duo, to carry on the music. Isha and Andrea expressed their admiration for the legend, recalling Rey’s counsel to embrace their individuality, both in music and in their personal lives.

 

Going forward, the duo performed several numbers, captivating the crowd. At just 19, Isha impressed the press with her versatile artistry. She has already developed significant production skills. Additionally, she is an accomplished dancer and deeply admires pop star Sarah Geronimo, whose energetic sing-and-dance style inspires her own performance.

 

Andrea, on the other hand, despite being dubbed as the Bossa Nova heir apparent, is no slouch herself, as she often channels Lani Misalucha early on in her singing career. In short, Andrea Gutierrez is not a one-trick pony. Expect some more from this lady on December 13.

 

Rounding off the December concert extravaganza are Director Calvin Neria and Music Director Adonis Tabanda.

For more information, contact Mr. Jemuel Salterio.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM-CONCERT

Entertainment & Currents

Shakira joins Spotify Anniversary Series to celebrate two of her most iconic albums: Pies Descalzos and Fijación Oral (Vol. 1 and 2)

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

 

 

Watch the Spotify Anniversaries special here

Listen to the EP here

Global superstar Shakira celebrates the anniversary of two of her most influential albums this year with Spotify—albums that left an indelible mark on her career and continue to impact new generations.

Thirty years ago, Shakira released Pies Descalzos, an album that opened doors across Latin America with tracks like “Estoy aquí,” “¿Dónde estás corazón?” and the beloved worldwide hit “Antología.”

A decade later, the iconic Colombian artist released Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation Vol. 2, two albums that solidified her international presence—one in Spanish and one in English—showcasing the singer’s universal appeal and global reach. These productions spawned hits like “La Tortura” featuring Alejandro Sanz, “Día de Enero,” “Las de la Intuición,” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 earned Shakira the third GRAMMY® Award of her career in the Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album category. At the Latin GRAMMYs®, the album received four awards: Album of the Year, Song and Record of the Year for “La Tortura,” and Best Female Pop Vocal Album.

For the Spotify Anniversaries series, Shakira shares never-before-told stories about her work while reflecting on the impact of these albums that, each in their own time, catapulted her to become one of the most beloved artists from her native Colombia and throughout Latin America. Watch the first episode here.

The episodes feature special performances where Shakira performs some of her fans’ most beloved hits. In the first installment, Shakira invited her fellow Colombian Beéle and British superstar Ed Sheeran to perform a new version of the iconic “Hips Don’t Lie.” EPs of these new versions will be available exclusively on Spotify.

Pies Descalzos and Fijación Oral (Vol. 1 and 2) have surpassed 6.1 billion global streams (including more than 955 million in the United States) and continue to resonate across generations—with Gen Z listeners driving more than half of Fijación Oral’s streams.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ACT

 

Entertainment & Currents

Globally Renowned Pop Group Westlife Announce UK & European Tour Dates for Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Tickets On Sale Friday 31st October At 10am At Livenation.Co.Uk

Announce New Album 25 – The Ultimate Collection out 13th February 2026

Pre-order here

Globally renowned pop group Westlife today unveil the UK and European leg of their 25th anniversary celebrations – Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour. The news follows two sold-out nights at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall next week, with additional dates already added in Dublin and Belfast at pre-sale due to overwhelming demand. Artist presale takes place on Wednesday 29th October at 10am local before tickets go on general sale on Friday 31st October at 10am at LiveNation.co.uk.

 

Access to Preferred Tickets is available to Mastercard cardholders in the UK on Friday 31st October at 10am. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more.

 

Running from September 2026, the tour will see the band deliver a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary 25-year career from timeless ballads to global chart-toppers. The UK leg includes shows in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Manchester, before returning to Belfast and onto Europe for their first headline continental run in two decades, with concerts in France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. More international dates will be announced soon.

 

Westlife also release “Chariot”, a brand-new single written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds and co-written and produced by Steve Mac. Arriving as a special release for fans to mark 25 years of music and memories, “Chariot” is a powerful, life-affirming anthem that celebrates love, family and the moments that truly matter. It received its world exclusive first play on BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show this morning. Listen HERE.

 

The single will feature on Westlife’s forthcoming album 25 – The Ultimate Collection, out 13th February 2026, a celebration of their record-breaking 25-year journey, combining 21 fan favourites including “You Raise Me Up,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Flying Without Wings” with brand-new material recorded by all four members of Westlife: Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark. 25 – The Ultimate Collection is available to pre-order on 1CD, 2CD deluxe, 1LP, Amazon Exclusive 1LP picture disc and cassette. Fans can access an exclusive artist pre-sale by ordering any format from the D2C store before 1pm BST on Monday 27th October. Pre-order HERE.

 

Westlife said: “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together and it still feels like only the beginning. The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special. We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together.”

 

Over the last 25 years, Westlife have become one of the most successful pop groups of all time. Their music has been streamed over 3 billion times globally; they’ve achieved 36 No.1 albums worldwide, 14 UK No.1 singles (ranking only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles), sold over 55 million records, surpassed 1 billion YouTube views, and sold more than 6 million concert tickets around the world. The Wild Dreams Tour sold over 1.2 million tickets alone. The band have performed over 200 shows since their reunion in 2019 across 30 countries. Westlife remain the UK & Ireland’s top-selling album group of the 21st century.

 

UK & IRELAND TOUR DATES

15 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

16 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

18 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

19 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

20 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

22 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

23 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

24 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

25 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

26 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

29 September 2026 – Aberdeen – P&J Live

30 September 2026 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro

3 October 2026 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena

6 October 2026 – Leeds – First Direct Bank Arena

7 October – Sheffield – Utilita Arena

9 October – London – The O2

13 October – Brighton – Centre

14 October – Bournemouth – International Centre

16 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

19 October – Cardiff – Utilita Arena

23 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

27 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

28 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

29 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

30 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

31 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

 

EUROPEAN TOUR DATES

15 November – Paris, France – Zenith

17 November – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena

19 November – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

20 November – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

21 November – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum

23 November – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

24 November – Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena

25 November – Cologne, Germany – LanxessArena

26 November – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

 

Fans can also experience Westlife 25 Live at the Royal Albert Hall in over 400 cinemas from 29th November. Tickets are on sale now at westlifeincinemas.com.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ACT
Entertainment & Currents

FOO FIGHTERS Release new single ‘Asking For a Friend’

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Listen Here

 

Foo Fighters are back with new single ‘Asking for a Friend’ and the announcement of a 2026 North American Stadium tour. Stay tuned for more dates added soon.

Featuring a decidedly darker melodic approach than the smash hit ‘Today’s Song,’ ‘Asking for a Friend’ ratchets up the energy and intensity of its predecessor in favour of hypnotic opening verses that build and explode into impassioned refrains of “What is real? I’m asking for a friend…” By the time the song’s final breakneck rave-up screeches to a halt with a throat-shredding “Or is this the end?”, FF fans of all ages will find themselves joyfully bludgeoned into submission. Listen to ‘Asking For A Friend’ HERE.

 

Dave Grohl wrote at length about inspiration for the new music and upcoming tour, in a post that read in part:

“Since our return to the stage in San Luis Obispo five weeks ago, we have been reminded of why we love and are forever devoted to doing this Foo Fighters thing. From reuniting as a band and staring at a list of 30 years’ worth of songs to brush off, to reimagining versions with the incredible blessing of the one and only Ilan Rubin behind the drums, to reconnecting with our amazing fans and blasting them with everything we’ve got (no matter the size of the venue) because we would not be here without them, we have the most solid core. And the sun is finally rising over the horizon.


What better way to share the view than with close friends?

In 1992 I first saw the legendary Kyuss perform at the Off Ramp in Seattle and met Mr. Josh Homme. The band were friends of a friend, and before long their album Blues for the Red Sun became the soundtrack to that summer. 33 years later and with many miles behind us, I have shared some of my life’s most rewarding musical moments with my dear friend, Josh. A lifelong bond that goes far beyond the sound we’ve made together. So it is with great happiness that we can share this next chapter together with his almighty Queens of the Stone Age.

Take cover.

But none of this would be complete without new music to share from Pat, Nate, Chris, Rami, Ilan and I. ‘Asking for a Friend’ is a song for those who have waited patiently in the cold, relying on hope and faith for their horizon to appear. Searching for ‘proof’ when hanging by a wish until the sun shines again.

One of many songs to come…”

To read the full statement, go to https://FooFighters.lnk.to/DG-TakeCover

 

Alongside the single comes the call to start training for your local rock and roll marathon as Foo Fighters confirm their first stadium tour since the massive 2023-2024 Everything or Nothing at All run that sold out football and baseball fields the world over. Kicking off August 4 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, the new tour will see Foo Fighters bringing the maximum volume euphoria of the band’s recent surprise US club gigs and overseas outdoor / arena spectaculars to a total of 12 North American cities, concluding (for now) September 26 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Queens of the Stone Age will be direct support on all dates except September 12 in Fargo.

 

2026 North American Stadium Tour Announced

FOO FIGHTERS 2026 Stadium Tour:

August 4 — Toronto ON — Rogers Stadium
August 6 — Detroit MI — Ford Field
August 8 — Chicago IL — Soldier Field
August 10 — Cleveland OH — Huntington Bank Field
August 13 — Philadelphia PA — Lincoln Financial Field
August 15 — Nashville TN — Nissan Stadium
August 17 — Washington DC — Nationals Park
September 12 — Fargo ND — Fargodome
September 15 — Regina SK — Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field
September 17 — Edmonton AB — Commonwealth Stadium
September 20 — Vancouver BC — BC Place
September 26 — Las Vegas NV — Allegiant Stadium

 

Foo Fighters are Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ARTIST
Entertainment & Currents

Grammy® Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter & Producer Rosalía Announces New Album Lux out November 7

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

ROSALÍA, the GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, shares the details of her immersive and innovative fourth full-length body of work, LUX, out November 7, 2025, via Columbia Records. The album was recorded with the London Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Daníel Bjarnason and features feminine voices including Björk, Carminho, Estrella Morente, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and the Escolania de Montserrat i Cor Cambra Palau de la Música Catalana, Yahritza, and Yves Tumor.

 

Last night, she introduced this movement with a monumental takeover of Madrid’s Gran Vía in which she turned off the lights across the area, plunged the city into darkness, and reignited it to reveal the official album artwork—all captured via livestream for fans around the world.

 

Watch HERE

 

This stunning global moment left fans in awe. It proved to be an apropos prelude of what’s to come, embodying the record’s exploration of themes of feminine mystique, transformation, and spirituality.

 

As the Executive Producer of LUX, the album traces a widescreen emotional arc of feminine mystique, transformation, and transcendence—moving between intimacy and operatic scale to create a radiant world where sound, language, and culture fuse as one.

 

The CD and vinyl editions of LUX feature three exclusive tracks, inviting listeners to experience the album in its most immersive form.  Pre-save LUX here.

 

Track List

MOV I 

  1. Sexo, Violencia y Llantas
  2. Reliquia
  3. Divinize
  4. Porcelana
  5. Mio Cristo

 

MOV II 

  1. Berghain
  2. La Perla
  3. Mundo Nuevo
  4. De Madrugá

 

MOV III 

  1. Dios Es Un Stalker
  2. La Yugular
  3. Focu ‘ranni [Exclusive]

 

  1. Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Jeanne [Exclusive]

 

MOV IV 

  1. Novia Robot [Exclusive]
  2. La Rumba Del Perdón
  3. Memória
  4. Magnolias

 

MOTOMAMI made history as the first album by a Spanish artist to debut at #1 on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, delivered the strongest Billboard chart debut for any Latin album in 2022, and earned the year’s highest Metacritic score.

 

Beyond music, ROSALÍA has cemented herself as a fashion and cultural icon. She commanded worldwide attention at the 2025 Met Gala in a custom Balmain gown featured across Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and more. She also starred in Calvin Klein’s Fall 2025 campaign and serves as a global ambassador for New Balance. ROSALÍA is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming third season of Euphoria in 2026.

 

Follow ROSALÍA

Instagram  – Substack – YouTube – Spotify

 

ABOUT ROSALÍA

ROSALÍA is a two-time GRAMMY® and 13-time Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and producer redefining global pop with fearless musical fusion and singular visual language. Her breakthrough El Mal Querer reimagined flamenco for a new era and earned her a GRAMMY plus eight Latin GRAMMYs including Album of the Year, making her the first Spanish-language artist nominated for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs. In 2022, she released MOTOMAMI, which she wrote, performed, recorded, and produced; it debuted at #1 on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, scored the highest Metacritic rating of the year, and powered her sold-out MOTOMAMI WORLD TOUR.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ARTIST
Entertainment & Currents

MTV History: How the Iconic Music Channel Started and Why It Ended in 2025

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas
Birth and Early Vision

The cable television network MTV — originally standing for Music Television — was officially launched on August 1, 1981 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States. From the outset, its programming was built entirely around music videos, operating 24 hours a day—an innovation in the entertainment and music industries.

Its first ever broadcast video was Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles — a pointedly symbolic choice, as the lyrics speak to the shift from radio-based music to the video image. Within that very first day, MTV aired a list of pioneering clips: for example, the second video was You Better Run by Pat Benatar.

From its early days, MTV’s format included so-called “VJs” (video jockeys) introducing videos, short interstitials, music news snippets, and a programming rhythm that mirrored radio but with the visual dimension taken as central.

MTV thus helped transform the music industry by making the video clip a major promotional vehicle for artists and labels, and by influencing fashion, youth culture, and the ways that music was discovered.

What It Presented When It Started

In its early years (1981-mid-1980s), MTV’s programming was dominated by new wave, rock, pop, and emerging artists — often British or American acts — and music videos continuously aired in rotation.

Some of the milestones in MTV’s early influence:

  • The clip for Beat It by Michael Jackson premiered on MTV and helped break down barriers for Black artists on the network.
  • MTV’s early slogan “I Want My MTV” became an indicator of youth culture’s demand for the network and the power it wielded.
  • Beyond just videos, MTV would eventually expand into original shows (though this came a bit later), such as interviews, live performances, countdowns, and culturally youth-oriented programming.

 

The End of an Era – Demise in 2025

While MTV as a brand continues (especially in the United States), the era of MTV’s dedicated music‐video channels around the world is coming to an end. In 2025, the parent company announced that five of its dedicated music channels — namely, MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live — will cease broadcasting by December 31, 2025 in the UK, Europe, Asia, Brazil and other markets.

In many of those regions, that marks effectively the end of the traditional MTV “music-video channel” phenomenon. Some commentary frames this as the “demise” of MTV’s original format.
Why? Because viewing habits have shifted, music videos are increasingly consumed on demand via YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services, rather than through a scheduled television channel.

 

The Last Broadcasts – Videos Days Before Shutdown

While I couldn’t locate a definitive public list of the exact final videos aired on those closing MTV channels, several reports note that the shutdown of the music channels by December 31 2025 will be accompanied by retrospective playlists and farewell programming in late December. For example, one blog notes the closure date and implies a final “sign-off” of music video programming.

Hence, it appears in the days before the channels fold, MTV music channels would likely have aired “farewell” or retrospective blocks — playlists of classic videos, final countdowns, and archival footage — honouring the decades of video history. However, no verified public schedule of the “last video ever” was found in my research.

Summary & Reflection
  • Birth: MTV launched 1 Aug 1981, with the first video Video Killed the Radio Star.
  • Purpose & impact: It introduced a 24-hour music-video format, shaped how music was marketed, and influenced youth and pop culture.
  • Firsts: pioneering video plays, first female video artist on promo rotation, first sustained visual-music channel aimed at youth.
  • Demise of the music-channel era: By 31 Dec 2025, five global MTV music channels will close — marking the end of the classic MTV music-video era (though the MTV brand continues in other forms).
  • Emotional response: Fans, artists and former staff express sadness, nostalgia, and a sense of cultural loss.

For many, MTV’s launch symbolised the excitement of a new medium; its winding down of music channels symbolises how much the media landscape has changed.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: MUSIC HISTORY
Entertainment & Currents

Ely Buendia Set To Drop Cinematic Official Music Video For “Kandarapa”, Collaborates With Emerging Visionary—Set For A Tiktok Live During Premiere

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—At this point, solid listeners and the general public alike are already used to seeing Buendia’s tenacity for acting as the perennial frontman has been on the big screen for “Pandamlagan (2025)”—a full-length period film featured at this year’s Cinemalaya, the most prestigious independent film festival in the country. In this particular release, the “Bulaklak sa Buwan” hitmaker undeniably showcased his freshly-honed acting capabilities on his own very own material, “Kandarapa.”

“Kandarapa” exists as the third single of Buendia’s latest solo oeuvre, “Method Adaptor”, an album that came from the depths of the artist’s soul which relishes on narratives personal and deep from within, ultimately creating a meaningful 10-track masterpiece. But at this moment, we shift our attention solely to the single’s official music video, furthering the plot of this new era of Ely Buendia.

Produced by the man himself, the “Kandarapa” music video is proudly “D.I.Y-ed” (do-it-yourself), with the help of Buendia’s own record label Offshore Music, even directed by one of its own hired hands and in-house creative, Gada Nyssa Zayco.

 

“When I first heard Kandarapa, I felt the courage behind it. It takes a certain kind of bravery and strength to begin a song with an admission to say that you or something is not okay right from the first line, before any instrument even begins,” shares Zayco, detailing her initial reaction to the song. “I wanted the visuals to feel like a dream you’re half-aware of, caught between wanting to wake up but at the same time trapped.”

Ely Buendia with Gada Nyssa Zayco, Photo taken by Lawrence Del Rosario

 

Zayco has done plenty of creative work in Offshore Music, most of which are for the internal side of the label and for its own impressive music roster, most regularly for official photos and visual collateral. But Zayco’s prowess in directing, shooting, and editing for these types of work have already been out in the open as she also directed the extremely relatable music video for Pinkmen’s song, “Di Pa Rin Sapat (Ang Sahod)”, a 5-minute mirror-to-society visualizer which heavily presents working class struggles through guerilla-style shots and political imagery, utilizing the song’s explicit message about underpaid labor as base for the video.

In Zayco’s terms, her directorial approach for “Kandarapa” differs from the mentioned music video through implementing more of an “art house” style in its overall concept, toying around with colors (and the lack thereof), significant props that borders on metaphors, and of course the most prevalent of them all, the ocean. “They all echo what it feels like to live through cycles,” the director says.

 

In the same breath, the young creative acknowledges the fact that this particular project holds a significant amount of weight, not only because she classifies herself as “fairly new” in her film journey, but also this marks her first time working on a project of this caliber with Ely Buendia. “He gives you space to create, yet challenges you to see things from a deeper place,” shares Zayco. “I used to see him as someone almost unreachable—a legend whose work defined generations.”

 

She also gets candid with her feelings, recalling the time when Buendia approached her to be the director of the single. She cites that the singer’s simple act of trust became her compass throughout the project.

The Kandarapa Music Video is set to premiere on October 19 (Sunday), 6PM on Ely Buendia’s YouTube channel. He also invites everyone to watch it with him through a livestream session on his TikTok account where fans can ask questions right after the premiere.

 

Link to MV: https://youtu.be/OWnvT8oIxOE

 

About Ely Buendia


More than the usual string of superlatives, Ely Buendia is a storyteller. Not just someone with above-average verbiage, or a propensity to weave hastily rhymed couplets. But the genuine article.   And whether it’s with the massively popular Eraserheads, or with any of his latter-era pursuits (the genre-bending rock outfit Pupil, rockabilly meisters Oktaves, or the soul/funk collective Apartel), listeners are assured of both pop smarts and an indefatigable sense of invention.   Buendia’s canon is a ride to be relished. From landmark Eraserheads classics (“Alapaap,” “Magasin,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo”) to smashers by Pupil in the mid-aughts (“Nasaan Ka?,” “Disconnection Notice,” “TNT,”), the tunes serve as balm to the weary soul.  But the lesser-known items is where we are given a picture of Buendia’s creative breadth: the one-off release Wanted Bedspacer; In Love & War (made with rap legend Francis Magalona); collabs with the Itchyworms (“Pariwara,” “Lutang”); and, more recently with indie rockers Cheats (“Plunder My Heart”).  Buendia is also committed to guiding a new generation of artists in the OPM scene. As co-founder and CEO of Offshore Music Philippines, he has shaped the future of Filipino music.  Now releasing a new single, “Bulaklak sa Buwan” from the new album “Method Adaptor” under Offshore Music, Buendia offers a glimpse of his currency as a songwriter and musician. Music that is sure to inspire new and old fans alike.

 

Ely Buendia Socials

 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560884825570

IG: https://www.instagram.com/elybumbilya/

X: https://x.com/elybuendia9001

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@elybuendia9000

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@theelybuendia

Entertainment & Currents

Viva Entertainment’s bold beauty play: how Viva Beauty — and its new face Angela Muji turned showbiz muscle into a cosmetics house

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

When you think of Viva, you likely think of films, music, talent management and streaming platforms. Over the last few years Viva Entertainment (Viva Communications) has quietly turned another corner: the group has developed a full-blown beauty and personal-care arm — Viva Beauty — building its own brands, pushing them through retail and experiential channels, and using its stable of stars to amplify launches. Their newest move: naming rising star Angela Muji as the face of Vibbi, Viva Beauty’s flagship line. The result is a business play that mixes old-school entertainment marketing with modern influencer commerce — and it’s gaining traction.

 

From studios to shelves: how Viva moved into beauty

Viva Communications began in the early 1980s as a film and entertainment company; over four decades it expanded into music, talent management (Viva Artists Agency), publishing, restaurants, and streaming (Vivamax/VMX, Viva One). Building on that diversification, Viva expanded into consumer products and beauty through a branded retail and product strategy under Viva Beauty — a move consistent with conglomerates that turn IP and talent into consumer goods. The company now operates multiple beauty sub-brands (examples include The Lab by Blanc Doux, Pick Cosmetics, BIN Perfume, and the newly highlighted Vibbi) and stages mall shows and press events to push products into retail and social channels.

 

Key tactical moves that paved the way:

 

Who thought of it — and why Viva was positioned to do it

The push into beauty followed Viva’s broader corporate strategy of brand and IP extension. Leaders in Viva — notably the Del Rosario family and the company’s executive team, who have steadily grown Viva into a diversified entertainment conglomerate — have pursued expansion into adjacent consumer categories for years. That institutional capability (production, marketing, distribution, and a deep stable of public personalities) makes launching beauty brands a natural fit: cosmetics are media-friendly, celebrity-driven, and highly scalable via e-commerce and retail partnerships. Viva’s preexisting retail and experiential channels (mall show circuits and social presences) allowed the company to test products and amplify launches quickly.

 

The Vibbi story — product, positioning and the Angela Muji partnership

Vibbi is presented as a flagship, youth-forward, “girlypop” cosmetics line under Viva Beauty’s umbrella. In its public rollout, Viva positioned Vibbi to be playful, accessible, and social-media friendly—packaged for mall pop-ups, influencer unboxings, and press occasions. Viva staged a press conference/launch event at Viva Café (Cubao), introducing the line and revealing Angela Muji as the brand’s new ambassador — branded in social posts as “VIBBIGIRL ANGELA.”

 

Why Angela Muji?
  • She’s a rising Viva artist with a strong social and media presence, making her a natural match for a youth-driven cosmetics line. Viva lists Angela among its talents, and her selection as Vibbi’s face was covered in Viva’s own channels and press posts. Viva Artists
  • The fit is strategic: Viva can simultaneously promote Angela’s entertainment projects while using her to humanize and amplify Vibbi (cross-promotion that benefits both talent and product). Social posts from Viva Beauty and partner accounts highlight the presscon and mall shows featuring Angela.

 

What made Viva Beauty (and Vibbi) successful so far

A combination of assets + approach explains the fast traction:

  1. Entertainment-to-commerce flywheel. Viva’s core competency is creating attention. It leverages that attention to create demand for products: press events, livestreams, mall shows, and talent endorsements move customers from awareness to purchase faster than a typical startup could.
  2. Built-in distribution and retail partners. Some Viva Beauty lines (for example, The Lab by Blanc Doux) have already been made available through known retail chains like Watsons, showing Viva’s ability to secure brick-and-mortar shelf space — a major credibility and sales channel for cosmetics. That helps new brands like Vibbi get to market quickly.
  3. Social and influencer orientation. Viva treats product marketing like content: campaign videos, influencer seeding, and presscon moments create shareable social content. The Vibbi launch included heavy social coverage and hashtags, maximizing organic reach.
  4. Affordability + aspirational positioning. By positioning some brands as affordable “everyday” cosmetics while keeping packaging and branding aspirational, Viva captures broad market segments — from young breakout consumers to more habitual shoppers at mall counters and online. (This is an observed strategy visible in Viva Beauty’s mix of brands and mall shows.)
  5. Talent synergy and storytelling. Using Viva Artists Agency talents (like Angela Muji) for product storytelling keeps campaigns cohesive: the same people who appear in Viva films, TV or streaming shows are the ones promoting the products — this builds trust for local fans.

 

What’s next — Viva Beauty’s future roadmap (observed signals + reasonable projections)

Based on Viva’s recent moves (multiple beauty sub-brands, mall-show strategy, talent tie-ins and the Viva One content ecosystem), likely next steps include:

  • More celebrity brand collaborations and exclusive lines. Viva will probably deepen collaborations that let artists co-create capsule collections or signature products (Vibbi is an example of a celebrity-forward brand).
  • Stronger retail partnerships and e-commerce integration. Expect more presence in pharmacy/beauty chains and integration with online marketplaces and Viva’s own order hotlines to scale sales. Early indicators show product placement in retail and active online ordering channels.
  • Cross-platform promotions with Viva One/VMX. Viva can cross-promote products through its streaming and content platforms (examples already exist where Viva stages events that blend entertainment with product promotion). This integrated model will likely be used more aggressively.
  • Regional expansion and licensing. If a brand shows strong local performance, licensing or regional distribution (ASEAN markets) would be the logical scaling path for Viva — leveraging film/music distribution knowledge to export beauty brands. (This is a reasonable projection given Viva’s multinational footprint in media.)

 

Viva Entertainment’s move into beauty is not a random diversification—it’s a strategic use of the company’s greatest strengths: stars, content, events and distribution. By launching multiple brands and using a hybrid event + social + retail playbook, Viva Beauty (and flagship lines like Vibbi) can get rapid reach in a crowded market. Naming Angela Muji as Vibbi’s new face is a textbook Viva cross-promotion: it boosts the artist’s profile while giving the product a youthful, media-friendly ambassador.

 

VIJAERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; ENTERTAINMENT AND BUSINESS