Tag: OPM

Entertainment & Currents

Ely Buendia, Chito Miranda, and Arnel Pineda to headline ‘OPM Legends’ concert in Abu Dhabi

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Abu Dhabi is set to witness a truly historic night for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as Ely Buendia, Chito Miranda, and Arnel Pineda unite on one stage for the very first time at the Etihad Arena on January 10, 2026. The highly anticipated concert promises an exciting celebration of music and legacy as it presents three rock icons who have left an indelible mark on the Filipino music landscape.

Fans can expect a powerful showcase featuring beloved anthems from each artist’s storied career, along with surprises that music fans would surely enjoy.

 

Ely Buendia, frontman and principal songwriter of the iconic Eraserheads, is credited for propelling Pinoy alternative rock to unprecedented commercial and artistic heights throughout the ‘90s and beyond. Apart from his timeless work with the Eraserheads, Buendia has successfully transitioned into a prolific solo act. His most recent album, Method Adaptor (2024), has garnered universal acclaim, recently winning Album of the Year at the New Hue Video Music Awards and Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino at the 38th Awit Awards. He was also part of a historic San Diego Comic-Con panel promoting Eraserheads: Combo On The Run, the first Filipino film ever featured at the event, set for global theatrical release in February 2026.

 

Parokya Ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda has long been celebrated for incorporating humor, wit, heart, and originality into one of the Philippines’ most enduring music catalogs. With classic hits such as “Harana,” “Your Song,” “Pangarap Lang Kita,” “Halaga,” and “Inuvman Na,” PNE has produced songs that deeply resonate with Filipino audiences. The band’s signature fusion of rock, novelty, and authentic Pinoy storytelling reflects the creative ingenuity that has defined their decades-spanning success.

 

Arnel Pineda, the powerhouse vocalist responsible for revitalizing global rock phenomenon Journey, stands as one of the country’s most important international success stories. Since joining the multi-platinum supergroup, Pineda has captivated fans with showstopping vocals and dynamic stage presence. His debut tour with the band has racked up more than $35 million in sales, leading to legendary performances that include the Super Bowl XLIII pregame show and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. His journey from promising local talent to global rock frontman remains one of the most inspiring achievements in modern music.

 

The special gathering brings together three musical forces whose impact transcends genres, eras, and borders.

 

The OPM Legends is proudly presented by Live Nation, DVent Productions, and Tiana Entertainment bringing world-class Filipino talent to one of the region’s premier live entertainment destinations. Concert veterans Rhiza Pascua and Bojie Yangco, along with filmmaker and producer Diane Ventura, conceptualized the show with the intent of putting together some of the most prominent Pinoy rock legends on the international stage.

 

Tickets for The OPM Legends are now available through Live Nation Middle East or Ticketmaster. For media inquiries, partnerships, or further information, please contact: info@livenation.ae

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; MAJOR OPM CONCERT ABROAD
Entertainment & Currents

Soupstar Music closes 25th year in style with ‘New Era’ partnership

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

The independent music company celebrates its milestone with limited-edition cap release and a series of year-end events honoring OPM, culture, and community.

Manila, Philippines – Soupstar Music celebrates its 25th year in the Philippine music industry with a special partnership with global lifestyle brand New Era. The limited-edition cap, which was launched on November 13, 2025, at Hideout Resto & Bar in Quezon City, encapsulates Soupstar Music’s enduring influence in bridging music, street culture, and contemporary Filipino lifestyle.

 

The launch brought together the label’s vibrant community of artists, partners, and long-time supporters, capped off by performances from Moonstar88 and HEY JUNE!. The event also marks a symbolic intersection of Soupstar Music’s legacy and future direction.

 

Reflecting on this milestone, Soupstar Music shares that the secret to longevity lies not in treating the journey as a race but rather as a series of challenging laps that foster growth, resilience, and purpose.

 

“When we started Soupstar, we didn’t set any strict expectations,” the team recalls. “Reaching 25 years is an important event for any management company. It’s a moment that deserves celebration, one that stands as a testament to our hard work, passion, and dedication through the years.”

 

Soupstar Music’s yearlong celebration includes Soupstar Night at 123 Block, the Soupstar Museum at Velvet Playground, and the packed anniversary event, 25 Years of Torete at Eton Centris. The collaboration with New Era stands as one of the company’s most distinctive commemorative highlights.

 

A longtime supporter of the headwear powerhouse, Soupstar Music CEO Darwin Hernandez shares how the partnership unfolded. “I am a big fan of caps, especially those from New Era. Through the years, New Era and Soupstar have been supporting each other in different events. One time, lumabas na lang yung idea na magkaroon ng New Era and Soupstar cap collab. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect since we’re celebrating 25 years this year.”

 

During the launch. Moonstar88 and HEY JUNE! delivered incredible sets that serve as a fitting homage to the label’s history and future. “It’s a simple celebration of Soupstar artists and friends,” adds Hernandez. “Moonstar88 is the first band that we signed and managed. Meanwhile, HEY JUNE! represents the start of our new era.”

 

Yearlong anniversary celebration

As part of its 25th anniversary festivities, Soupstar Music partners with Eton Centris and Redlines Entertainment Production for two major events this November:

 

Beyond Beats: An Eton Celebration of Music and Gratitude

November 5, 2025 – Eton Centris Activity Center, Quezon City

 

Eton City Thanksgiving

November 29, 2025 – Eton City, Laguna

 

Both events will be headlined by Moonstar88, who also celebrated the 25th anniversary of their iconic hit “Torete” this year. The band is gearing up to release new material in 2026, adding excitement to their participation in the festivities.

 

A legacy of championing OPM

For 25 years, Soupstar Music has shaped the landscape of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as a dedicated management team and independent record label representing diverse and genre-defining acts, including 6cyclemind, Banda ni Kleggy, Better Days, Gracenote, HEY JUNE!, Imago, Jem, Kiss n’ Tell, Mizael, Moonstar88, Sandwich, Teeth, The Vowels They Orbit, Ultracombo (Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala), and WE GOT.

The label has consistently expanded its reach by producing local concerts, bar tours, mall tours, campus tours, and corporate events. As the industry continues to evolve, Soupstar Music remains steadfast in its mission. “Tuloy-tuloy lang naman kami. Kung ano’ng available platforms, we are present. Furthermore, we continue to collaborate with record labels. I still stand and believe in this partnership,” Hernandez reasserts.

 

Looking Ahead

As it marks a quarter-century of elevating Filipino talent and artistry, Soupstar Music’s vision for the future remains rooted in its core values. “We’ll keep moving forward and continue to hold dear what we stand for and believe is important. We’ll continue to release songs and manage artists. We’re here to guide and provide quality support to the talents that we manage. We’re here to stay.”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment & Currents

OPM’s Rising Stars The Vowels We Orbit Unveil Their Most Personal EP Yet

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

the vowels we orbit wrap their sound in a nostalgic, melancholic haze, effortlessly channeling the spirit of ’90s rock. Listening to them feels like discovering Kitchie Nadal all over again, times two, with her distinctive influence clearly present in their sound. Their music is deep, contemplative, and wistful.

 

While comparisons may occur, the vowels we orbit, or simply VTO, have worked diligently to establish their distinct sound. With two EPs to their name, the band—comprising Nikka Melchor (guitar and vocals), Hannah dela Cruz (keyboard and vocals), Gene Santiago (guitar), and Patch Javier (drums)—has maintained their musical integrity throughout their careers, starting with Ang Unang Ikot in 2021, and tuloy tuloy tuloy in 2023.

 

These two EPs spawned hits for the band like Selos in 2019, already under Sony Music, and Kiliti a year after. Tuloy Tuloy Tuloy on the other hand, cemented VTO even more into familiarity with hits like Una, Sandali, Bangungot, and If You Come Back to Me, to name a few.

 

Moreover, their experience in the lull during the pandemic motivated them to create an even more uplifting and confident lineup of compositions, reflecting their ongoing personal growth and creativity. Introspection made releasing another EP feel destined. Yet, it took a full year before Soupstar Promotions finally recognized their efforts.

 

Perfect timing nonetheless propelled them even further as they dropped their third EP, fueled by the mentorship and wisdom of Eheads legends Buddy Zabala and Raymund Marasigan.

 

At a recent exclusive listening session, the band treated select members of the music press to an early taste of their latest EP,  gusto ko lang maalala. Introducing the foursome is Josh Villena, husband to VTO’s lead vocalist, who also performed two songs, namely Hello and Minsan.

 

As the group readied themselves and took the stage, a hush fell over the room, as everyone quietly soaked in the music and rediscovered the familiar singles that defined their sound from 2021 to 2023.

 

VTO performed two new singles for their third and latest EP called Para Bago and Miss Na Kita.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM BAND
Entertainment & Currents

Gloc-9 and Abaddon Share An Inspiring Message With Their Latest Release”BLGBGN”

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

(Glock-9 and Abaddon share an inspiring message with their latest release BLGBGN)

 

Award-winning artist and rap phenom Gloc-9 has just dropped his latest single, “BLGBGN,” featuring fellow rapper Abaddon. This new track continues Gloc-9’s impressive streak of monthly releases throughout the year, as he continues to share new music every month.

“BLGBGN” is an empowering song that encourages listeners to embrace life to the fullest. The track delivers the message that life is a journey filled with mistakes, challenges, and fears, but it’s essential to take chances and make the most of every moment. As the artists express, “Huwag kang matakot na magmahal at masaktan, isang beses lang ang buhay, wala nang balikan,” reminding us that we only live once and there are no do-overs.

In collaboration with Abaddon, Gloc-9 emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. The lyrics inspire listeners to not take life too seriously, to reach for the clouds, and to navigate through the seas of life even without a predetermined destination. “Abutin mo and ulap, languyin mo and dagat, bumiyahe ng walang patutunguhan, simulan mong lumakad, balagbagin mo ang ‘yong istorya,” they declare, encouraging everyone to keep moving forward and to craft their own unique stories.

 

GLOC-9: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

UNIVERSAL RECORDS PH: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | Youtube

 

BLGBGN
by Gloc-9 featuring Abaddon

 

Abaddon verse

Gising na pare ko, anong oras na

Madami ka pang dapat unahin kesa mahiga

Huwag mong masiyadong isipin lalo kang mapapraning

Gawin mo’ng mga gusto mong gawin (whooo, let’s go)

 

Sige kanta kahit ika’y sintunado

Banat lang kahit na medyo delikado

Huwag kang mag-hintay ng tamang panahon

Itagay mo ng itagay, baka walang alak do’n

 

Huwag kang matakot na magmahal at masaktan

Isang beses lang ang buhay, wala nang balikan

‘Pag pinasahan kita, tol huwag kang mag-papass

Hithitin mo tapos ibuga mo pataas

 

Chorus

Abutin mo ang ulap

Languyin mo ang dagat

Bumiyahe na walang patutunguhan

Tara, simulan mong lumakad

Balagbagin mo ang yo’ng istorya

Tindihan ang babauning ala-ala

Para ‘pag kasama mo na, mga tropa mong nauna sa’yo

Ikaw ang may pinaka-solid na kwento

 

Gloc-9 verse

Tingalain mga tala (tingalain)

Tanawin ang mga ulap sa himpapawid

Iwas sa maling akala (at lasapin)

Walang maiiwanan lahat ay ihahatid

 

Sige sama ka lang, sa buhay ‘di ka dapat nag-aalangan

‘Pano natin ito mapag-aalaman kung hindi mo gagawin o babalatan

Subok lang ng subok kahit matusok, tibo sa’yong paanan

(Sa bawat yapak alam mo na)

 

Papalagan hamon ng mundo, kahit pa iniwan ka ng syota mo

Ika’y gulong-gulo, (say what?)

Kasi sabi niya’y problema mukha mo

 

Chorus

Abutin mo ang ulap

Languyin mo ang dagat

Bumiyahe na walang patutunguhan

Tara, simulan mong lumakad

 

Balagbagin mo ang yo’ng istorya

Tindihan ang babauning ala-ala

Para ‘pag kasama mo na, mga tropa mong nauna sa’yo

Ikaw ang may pinaka-solid na kwento

 

3rd verse

Lumangoy sa Balabac

Tumakbo sa Patapat tapos

Manapak sa labas ng maangas

Mang-hablot ng alahas (takbo)

 

Tumulay sa matalas

Mag-mahal kahit malas, bakas lang bro

Kagatin ang mansanas

Lasapin, tuklawin man ng ahas sa noo

 

Pare hawak mo ang manibela

Manalo, matalo wala nang kwenta

Isipin mo parang pelikula, ikaw ang bida

Lupitan mo ang ganapan kada eksena

 

Wala nito sa eskwela (wala)

‘Di rin ito binebenta, ‘di pwedeng marenta

Mag-ipon ng mga dalaw, balang araw ‘pag pumanaw

‘Di manakaw, umaapaw at the best ka

 

Chorus

Abutin mo ang ulap (Abutin mo ang ulap)

Languyin mo ang dagat

Bumiyahe na walang patutunguhan

Tara, simulan mong lumakad

 

Balagbagin mo ang yo’ng istorya

Tindihan ang babauning ala-ala

Para ‘pag kasama mo na, mga tropa mong nauna sa’yo

Ikaw ang may pinaka-solid na kwento

Pinaka-solid na kwento

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: LOCAL ACT; OPM