Latest news with #Ado
NDTV
5 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Visa-Free Travel For Indians: Why The Philippines Deserves A Spot On Your Radar
Sometimes, the best travel stories come from places you never quite had on your list. The Philippines is one of those. This island nation has always had the stuff of daydreams - emerald rice terraces, powdery beaches and Spanish-era streets that still echo with stories. But for Indian travellers, it stayed just that: a daydream. Complicated visa processes and limited direct flights meant it often lost out to easier options. That has changed. Thanks to a recent move by the Embassy of the Philippines in India, Indian passport holders can now enjoy visa-free access for short-term stays, which means that island trip you have been putting off? It just got a lot more doable. Here Are 5 Things To Do In The Philippines That Belong On Your Travel List: 1. Soak Up The Sun In El Nido, Palawan El Nido feels like it belongs in a postcard your cousin sends and never stops talking about. Jagged limestone cliffs. Hidden lagoons. Water so clear it could be a mirror. Take a traditional banca boat to explore the Bacuit Archipelago, snorkel with schools of neon fish, or do absolutely nothing on Nacpan Beach. El Nido does not need selling—it sells itself. 2. Walk Through History In Intramuros, Manila History gets a serious glow-up in Intramuros, the walled city in central Manila. Built during the Spanish colonial era, it is a maze of cobbled alleys, 16th-century churches, and stone forts that have seen everything. Walk around San Agustin Church, stop by Fort Santiago, or try a bamboo bike tour if you are up for mixing heritage with a little cardio. 3. Feel The Pulse Of Cebu City Cebu City is where history and hustle shake hands. Visit the Basilica del Santo Niño, wander through local markets, and join a street food crawl that ends with grilled everything. From centuries-old churches to vibrant nightlife, Cebu proves that heritage and high energy do not have to be opposites. 4. Hike Through Living History At The Banaue Rice Terraces The Banaue Rice Terraces are not just scenic—they are ancient engineering marvels carved over 2,000 years ago and still used today. A trek through this UNESCO World Heritage site means jaw-dropping views and genuine encounters with local communities. Fuel up with a plate of pinikpikan and soak in a side of the Philippines that is quiet, earthy, and grounded. 5. Island Hop Through The Visayas Photo: Pexels The Visayas are not one island. They are a mood. From the postcard-perfect sands of Boracay to the underwater playgrounds of Bohol and the mystical stillness of Siquijor, there is no shortage of detours. Whether you are into diving, history, hammocks, or all of the above, this is your build-your-own-adventure territory. What Indian Travellers Should Know Before Visiting The Philippines: 1. When Is The Best Time To Visit The Philippines? Plan your trip between November and April. This is the dry season, perfect for island hopping, beach lounging, and avoiding sudden monsoon surprises. 2. What Should I Eat In The Philippines? Start with Adobo (a slow-cooked meat stew), then work your way through Sinigang (tangy tamarind broth), Lechon (roast pig), Pancit (stir-fried noodles), and Kare-Kare (a peanutty pork and ox tripe number). If you are feeling brave, say yes to Balut. Just once. 3. What Are The New Visa Rules For Indian Citizens? Indian nationals can now enjoy visa-free stays for 14 or 30 days, depending on which criteria they meet. If you do not qualify for visa-free access, the e-visa option is still available. Either way, travelling to the Philippines has never been easier. 4. What Should I Pack For The Philippines? Stick to breathable, light clothing - it is tropical, after all. Throw in a pair of walking shoes, something casual for evenings out, and swimwear - lots of it. So yes, you now have fewer excuses and more reasons to go. Whether you are into island life, culture, food, or history with a side of sea breeze, the Philippines is finally not just worth the hype—it is ready for you.
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
Yoasobi's 'Idol' Japan's Top Song for Second Consecutive Year
Japan Data 'Idol' by Yoasobi was the Japanese song that generated most royalties in fiscal 2024, topping the ranking for the second year running. 'Idol' by Yoasobi generated the highest royalties through distribution in fiscal 2024(April 2024–March 2025), according to data from JASRAC, the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers, and Publishers. The hit song, which was released in April 2023 as the opening theme for the TV animation Oshi no Ko, topped the ranking for the second consecutive year. It has racked up a total of 900 million streams in Japan since its release, as well as performing strongly worldwide. Ayase of Yoasobi, who wrote the song, commented, 'I'm just so happy that it was listened to so many people after it was released, and deeply grateful that it continued to be loved for so long, going over into a second year.' 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' by Creepy Nuts was second in the ranking, followed by Ado's 'Show' in third. Top 10 Japanese Musical Works by Royalty Distribution (FY 2024) Song Artist 1 'Idol' Yoasobi 2 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' Creepy Nuts 3 'Show' Ado 4 'Kawa no nagare no yō ni' (Like the Flow of the River) Misora Hibari 5 'Tensai bakabon' (Genius Bakabon) Idol Four 6 'Toshishita no otoko no ko' (Younger Boy) Candies 7 M. League Official Anthem Kawase Mikihiko and Satō Yōko 8 One Piece instrumental soundtrack Tanaka Kōhei 9 'Genki o dashite' (Cheer Up) Takeuchi Mariya 10 'Specialz' King Gnu From left, 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' by Creepy Nuts (© Sony Music Labels Inc.) and 'Show' by Ado. (© Universal Music). In fiscal 2024, music royalties rose by 5.4% from the previous year to ¥144.5 billion, marking a new record high. Interactive streaming, such as via music subscription services and YouTube, was the driving force behind the rise, increasing by 15.7% year-on-year to ¥56.4 billion. This area has been growing since around 2015, but the embrace of online activities across society during the COVID-19 pandemic boosted use of subscription services and video streaming. Revenue from performances, including live concerts, also made headway, rising by 9.7% to ¥26.0 billion, mainly because of the higher number of events that were held. (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: From left, the 'Idol' single cover [© Akasaka Aka, Yokoyari Mengo/Shūeisha, Oshi no Ko Production Committee] and Ayase of Yoasobi [courtesy JASRAC].)
AsiaOne
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Ado concert review: Singer without a face ignites fans while in cage with only silhouette visible, Entertainment News
Intimacy is one of the key allures of a concert, where you're just metres away from your favourite artiste — you would be forgiven for thinking you had a personal connection with them, even if just for a moment. But could you experience that intimacy if she appears in a cage on stage, obscured, with only her silhouette visible? Ado's Crunchyroll-powered Hibana world tour concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Wednesday (May 21) proved you certainly could, and perhaps far more than a casual listener might expect. Kicking off the show with her debut single Ussewa (2020), Ado ignited the crowd with her iconic, powerful vocals packed with raw emotions. In the confines of her cage, her silhouette danced, tumbled and thrashed, making the most of the small space she had. But the visuals were far from lacklustre — the laser lightshow more than made up for it, with beams of light spinning and overlapping, reminiscent of a rave. On the ground, the audience reciprocated with that same energy, waving their lightsticks and moving to the beat as the beams brushed over them. Ado's cage — purely physical — could do nothing to restrict the auditory delight that is her signature raspy-yet-tuneful screams as she belted out hit after hit. Each stood in stark contrast to the mellowed whispers that interspersed her songs, causing the audience to erupt in passionate cheers. Ado sang fan-favourite from One Piece Film: Red such as Fleeting Lullaby (2022) and Spy X Family season two's Kura Kura (2023), also powering through newer songs like Rockstar (2025) and Elf (2025). An impactful rendition of Sia's Chandelier (2014) was also delivered in the encore, which she closed with the rousing and hopeful New Genesis (2022) from One Piece Film: Red. 'Beyond language, beyond borders' During her encore, Ado also thanked fans present for their support. "These days, so many people know who I am... across oceans, around the world," she began. "No matter how much I think about it, it still feels surreal. I don't quite feel like myself, because at the beginning, I was completely alone." Recalling her past, Ado revealed that she used to sing alone in her closet at home, the only light in her room from her computer screen. "I sang and sang every single day," she reminisced, laughing as she shared how her mum used to yell at her to "turn it down" because she was too loud. There were people who criticised her voice or the way she sang, days when she felt very much alone and days where she felt like giving up on her dream of being a singer, Ado said. "Now, look at this," she said, her silhouette gesturing at the audience before her. "So many of you are right here in front of me. There are people all over the world who say they love my music. "I still can't believe it. This view feels like a dream, and I'm just... truly, deeply happy." Ado also wondered if there were people in the audience who were feeling the loneliness that she felt before. She empathised: "It's okay to be alone. It's okay to dream. Loneliness isn't something to be ashamed of. Even if you have insecurities, even if you feel like you're all alone — You're still allowed to dream. "No matter how lonely you are, you can still sing. That's the message I want to share — beyond language, beyond borders — with the world." Perhaps that's the secret behind Ado's popularity despite the impersonality of never showing her face — she isn't just a mysterious singer or an artiste to her fans, but more of a concept. In that concept is a silhouette — an outline which fans can fit themselves within, for them to find catharsis among other likeminded individuals and keep their own dreams alive. [[nid:716529]] bingchenghu@ khooyihang@
CNA
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Ado concert in Singapore: The mysterious Japanese singer shows off powerhouse vocals in one-of-a-kind experience
How hyped can you be from watching someone perform in a box? That was the question I had ahead of Japanese singer Ado's inaugural Singapore concert – titled Hibana – on Wednesday night (May 21). In the five years since the 22-year-old made her official debut, Ado has become one of the biggest Japanese music acts the world has heard. That's right: Heard. Because, ladies and gentlemen, despite a bevy of platinum-selling records and sold-out concerts worldwide to her name, no one has actually seen what Ado looks like. But it's not like fans are listening to a Spotify recording during her shows. Ado is indeed performing live on stage during her concerts, with choreography to boot. What sets her apart from other artistes is that she's usually belting out her hits in a box that lets only her silhouette be visible to audiences. In a past interview with British publication The Guardian, Ado explained her decision to conceal her identity, citing a desire for fans to focus on her artistry. 'When I perform live, it's about what can be expressed purely through the songs, the lighting and my silhouette…I hope audiences overseas can enjoy this new kind of culture.' Which brings us to Wednesday's concert. As a casual listener of Ado (who thinks her cover of Unravel is one of the best aural experiences in modern history), I already knew that she would slay in the vocals department. And I was right. Fan favourite songs like Usseewa, New Genesis and Kura Kura showed off her masterful range and impactful voice. What I wasn't prepared for, however, was just how fun and visually stimulating Ado's concert would be. Sure, she's performing in a box, but having witnessed it for myself firsthand, I can safely say now that the set-up augments the experience, rather than taking away from it. For 75 minutes straight, Ado sang, serenaded and screamed her heart out – barely pausing between songs. The giant LED screen behind her served as a carousel of punchy graphics which, coupled with the dazzling laser display, made me feel like I was in an anime music video. It was truly unlike any other concert experience I had. Another aspect of Ado's concert that deserves praise is her fans. In recent days, much has been said about how 'dead' Singaporean audiences can be at concerts. Well, that wasn't the case on Wednesday night. Thanks to the show's no-phone policy, everyone was in the moment, and the cheers were significantly louder than your average Singapore concert. Deafening screams of 'Ado' amidst a sea of lightsticks moving in surprising synchronisation only served to amplify the electric atmosphere.
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Concert review: Mysterious J-pop star Ado anchors sold-out Singapore show with stunning voice
The mysterious J-pop singer Ado performed while obscured in a box onstage for her sold-out show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, on May 21. PHOTO: TOMOKAZU TAZAWA/VANISHOCK Ado World Tour 2025 Hibana Singapore Indoor Stadium May 21 A girl in a box, with a stunning voice. That is, in essence, the short version of what went down at J-pop singer Ado's first concert in Singapore. The long version is that the mysterious 22-year-old star's sold-out gig at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on May 21 was one of the most unique shows this reviewer has seen. Aside from her age and gender, little is known about Ado. Despite being one of the biggest Japanese music artistes of the moment - she is the first female soloist to play Japan's National Stadium with two sold-out shows in 2024 that saw over 140,000 attendees - she has never revealed her face. Only her silhouette is seen when she performs live, while obscured within a translucent cube. It was also how she appeared at her Singapore show, which was sponsored by anime-centric streamer Crunchyroll. And while she may be physically constricted, her voice knows no bounds. Ado kicked off the two-hour show with her debut number Usseewa (2020), an angst-ridden teenage rant against what is deemed to be 'proper' adult behaviour and 'social mores', which served as a jaw-dropping display of her vocals. While she is a J-pop idol, her style of singing more closely resembles heavy metal rockers, and she punctuated Usseewa with explosive shrieks and angry screams. Her vocals were excellent throughout - working as an instrument and performer on its own merit. She switched between whispers and clean high notes effortlessly and with control, taking only a few brief breaks between songs. Her voice conveyed the emotions of her repertoire well too, desperate and crazed on songs like Aishite Aishite Aishite (2023), and rousing and anthemic on the banger Rockstar (2025). She also covered the hit song Chandelier (2014), no doubt a way of paying respect to Australian singer-songwriter Sia, who was also known for obscuring her face. And although only an outline of her could be seen, Ado was a very active performer, flipping her high ponytail around, dancing and belting her heart out. Props must also be given to the set design. With its star literally trapped in a cage, the show relied heavily on its lighting, which framed the stage, and digital screen visuals to create immersive scenes for the audience. The National Stadium next door might have played host to a dance party that was the third night of American pop star Lady Gaga's Mayhem concerts, but Ado brought a rave to her equally adoring fans. With laser beams and rotating lights, her show alternated between what felt like immersive video game scenes and psychedelic dreamscapes. It was disorienting - in a good way. Towards the finale, Ado lamented that she had yet to see the Merlion or swim in the infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands, drawing some laughs from the crowd. She then launched into an earnest speech about how glad she was to stand onstage in front of overseas audiences, when she used to be just a little girl singing so loudly in her closet that she annoyed her mother. Her final song was one of her most famous hits and an anime favourite. New Genesis is the theme song for the anime movie One Piece Film: Red (2022), and the first Japanese song to top the Global 100 playlist on Apple Music. Ado has come a long way since singing alone in her room, proving that her powerful hard rock and metal-inspired vocal stylings can win over legions of young pop music fans. While she may not be to everyone's tastes, one cannot deny the impressive voice, technique and stage presence she possesses. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
