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GMA Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
SB19's Simula at Wakas kickoff: Pinoy artists, international content creators stand in awe of P-pop kings
Those who watched SB19's back-to-back concerts at the Philippine Arena this weekend witnessed history unfold as the group delivered a show for the ages to kick off their "Simula at Wakas" world tour. This became even more apparent on Day 2, when scores of Filipino personalities arrived to watch SB19 perform in the world's largest indoor arena. Celebrities attending concerts is nothing new, but this felt different: it was not just about showing up to support a fellow artist. It was a desire to be part of something big. Something that cannot be missed. Something to aspire for, to be proud of. History. Usually, celebrities show up like fans for international acts. That's how we know SB19 is right up there: if you can make and Gary Valenciano attend your concert, you are truly world-class. The Simula at Wakas kickoff was also the realization of the group's long-held dream—to see international fans travel to the Philippines to support homegrown talent. 1Z Entertainment, SB19's own company, organized a Global Fan Package to achieve this aim, and the response was overwhelming: packages sold out in minutes. At the concert, fans who came from the United States, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries were welcomed by the community of A'TIN who knows how to take care of their own. International YouTube reactors were treated like online friends you're meeting for the first time, but have known for a while. SB19's two-night show became a powerful celebration of fandom that transcended generations, backgrounds, languages, and borders. If you're curious about who attended the concerts, here is a list of local and international personalities who graced the group's "Simula at Wakas" world tour kick off. Artists and Celebrities Vice Ganda AiAi delas Alas KZ Tandingan and TJ Monteverde Maki Arthur Nery Jean Garcia and son Kotaro John Prats Jason Dy Aiza Seguerra and Liza Diño Empress Schuck Alodia Gosiengfiao Maymay Entrata The Juans Coleen Trinidad, former member MNL48 Dwta Filipino content creators Jayat Gaming Arshie Larga Pamela Swing Eryka Lucas Ericka Pineda Innah Bee P-pop groups KAIA Wrive Yes My Love G22 HORI7ON NEW: ID 1STONE CLOUD 7 PRESS HIT PLAY CALISTA YARA ELEVEN11 AJAA GAT International YouTube reactors Doki and Ambrielle, a couple from the United States who discovered SB19 just a few months ago The Siu Twinz, content creators from New Zealand who have been to the Philippines a few times to watch SB19 shows Melanie Reacts, a content creator from Australia and long-time fan who has been learning Tagalog Sol & Luna, social personalities from Dominican Republic —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
‘Singapore-exclusive' concerts are the way forward, while we still have the upper hand
The strategy of Singapore-exclusive shows by international superstars could fuel the country's aspirations of being a global entertainment epicentre. PHOTO: HOONG QI HAO/ @QHVENTURES News analysis 'Singapore-exclusive' concerts are the way forward, while we still have the upper hand SINGAPORE - In the snaking lines for Lady Gaga merchandise in the Singapore Sports Hub's foyer two weeks ago, one could hear a smattering of Tagalog and Vietnamese, Thai and Hindi, and mainland Chinese Mandarin among the chatter. It was a smorgasbord sampling of fans from Asia and beyond, who had descended on Singapore for Lady Gaga's only shows in the region at the National Stadium from May 18 to 24. If they wanted to see Gaga in the flesh in this part of the world – on a brand-new tour that had been performed in only three other cities – they had to come to Singapore. As with Taylor Swift's runaway success of sold-out shows in March 2024, the Republic had once again managed to work out a deal making sure that the artiste played only here. Besides the economic boost, this strategy of Singapore-exclusive shows by international superstars could fuel the country's aspirations of being a global entertainment epicentre – and is one that should be pursued for as long as possible. Slower uptake, but optimistic signs from Gaga concerts In March 2024, pop star Swift held six sold-out concerts at the National Stadium – a series of shows that were later revealed to have been secured by Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM), which runs the Sports Hub, and a team led by then Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong. Swift set a high bar, with six shows that sold over 300,000 tickets. Paired with British band Coldplay's six shows in January 2024, private-sector estimates said the two shows injected up to $450 million into the Singapore economy, bringing in high international visitor arrivals, high hotel occupancy rates and tourism revenue. Lady Gaga's shows were expected to draw over 200,000 local and international fans, according to KASM. But it appeared that tickets took longer to sell. Up until the week of the concert, checks by The Straits Times showed there were still unsold tickets. When asked, concert promoter Live Nation did not confirm if all four shows were sold out, nor how many tickets were sold. Any tangible impact on the economy at large will be seen only when the numbers are crunched in the coming months, but early signs are optimistic. Many hotels and food and beverage and nightlife establishments in town, and the Central Business District area especially, saw brisk business. Marriott International, which has almost 20 properties in Singapore ranging from hotels for budget-conscious travellers to luxury hotels, saw an increase in occupancy and revenue during Gaga concert week. 'The third day of the concert, May 21, saw the highest uplift in revenue per available room, of more than 70 per cent over the same time last year,' said a spokesperson. Other hotels like Swissotel The Stamford told ST that it saw a 'double-digit percentage increase in revenue driven by both higher occupancy and average rate across the complex'. There was high demand from countries such as China, Thailand and Hong Kong, said a spokesperson, adding that 'much of this business materialised at the last minute, with bookings made within the same month'. For some, like nightlife venue Restroom, these were the first signs of life for business in a slow 2025 so far. The bar, which hosted Lady Gaga-themed after-parties and hired local drag queens to perform, had snaking queues every night, and saw revenue double during the week of the concerts. Co-founder Keith Tan hired 50 per cent more staff to cope with the sheer volume of visitors who came from Taiwan, Vietnam, Europe and the US. 'It was not just concertgoers who came for drinks after the concerts ended at around 10.30pm... these are also tourists who typically stay (in Singapore for) a few days before or after the day of the concert they have tickets for,' said Mr Tan. However, others like cocktail bar Night Hawk said the rise in business during the week of the Gaga concerts was far less pronounced than when Coldplay and Taylor Swift were in town in 2024. Paradoxically, tourism experts say the climate of global economic uncertainty could encourage spending on such one-off events. Associate Professor Kuan-Huei Lee , director of programmes, business, communication and design at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), said: 'During periods of crisis and economic uncertainty, individuals may increase their spending on emotional or aspirational goods and experiences that they perceive as 'once-in-a-lifetime' events, such as a Lady Gaga concert.' Proven formula, but can it be repeated? Lady Gaga's recent run of shows is the second time in two years that a major international act has chosen Singapore as its only regional stop. However, pulling off such 'once-in-a-lifetime' events on a regular basis could be a challenge. Not only is it contingent on mega artistes' touring schedules and attracting them to Singapore, but other countries in the region could also emulate the Republic's strategy. However, observers agree that Singapore is well placed to keep the momentum going. Several key factors make it a preferred choice in the region, noted tourism expert Benjamin Cassim, senior lecturer for hospitality and tourism management at Temasek Polytechnic. This includes the availability of hospitality and tourism infrastructure for travelling artists, their teams and visitors attending the concerts, as well as venues with a proven track record that are equipped to deliver in terms of size and technical support. Accessibility is another element, including the ease of getting to Singapore, and travelling within it safely, with an efficient public transport system that is close to venues. Mr Cassim noted that the Republic has already established itself as a premier entertainment and sports events destination, not just within the Asia-Pacific region, but also globally. 'A major catalyst for this transformation is probably the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix event, that Singapore started hosting in 2008,' he said. The F1 Singapore GP's consistently stacked and high-quality off-track entertainment line-ups – with concerts by A-listers from Queen and Shakira, to Ariana Grande and Green Day, built around the marquee race event – have been a template that has since been imitated by other F1 races around the world. 'The more concert and entertainment events Singapore hosts, the more experience the relevant stakeholders get at honing their craft,' said Mr Cassim. 'This increases our levels of expertise to successfully deliver top-notch events.' For concert promoters as well, Singapore is a reliable choice, though it is the most expensive in the region. It costs about 25 per cent to 30 per cent more to stage a concert here, compared with other countries in the region such as Seoul, Bangkok and Jakarta, noted Mr Zaran Vachha, co-founder of independent touring company Collective Minds. 'Bringing someone like Lady Gaga here costs millions of dollars, and at that level, they don't want things to go wrong,' said Mr Vachha. 'And in the region, despite it being the most expensive, Singapore is the least risky place to do that – in terms of everything from securing venues, licensing, approvals and visas (for artists and crew), to (ensuring) ticket demand. 'It's a safety net for both promoters and artists.' Securing the next big fish While Singapore has a first-mover advantage in this space, and the ability to make it happen again, it should pursue this 'Singapore-exclusive' strategy for as long as it can before others catch up. 'Replicating Singapore's advantages as a tourist destination is challenging,' said SIT's Prof Lee, noting that organising such events involves well-oiled coordination between the public and private sectors such as the Government, venue operators, lodging and logistics. He added: 'As neighbouring countries continue to lag behind in competing with Singapore up to now, it is crucial for Singapore to secure exclusive agreements. 'These should align with fan travel patterns, capitalise on logistical strengths, integrate additional activities for tourists to enjoy outside the concert, and closely observe emerging competitors in the region to adapt and adjust.' In 2024, Singapore hit a record $29.8 billion in tourism receipts, driven largely by visitors from markets such as China, Indonesia and Australia, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Between January and September 2024, tourism receipts showed that spending grew across all categories, led by the sightseeing, entertainment and gaming category, which increased by 25 per cent to $4.6 billion. STB's outlook for 2025 is even more bullish, with expectations of receiving 17 million to 18.5 million international visitors, bringing in $29 billion to $30.5 billion in tourism receipts, surpassing 2024's numbers. After 2024's sold-out shows by Taylor Swift and 2025's run of shows by Lady Gaga, perhaps Singapore should angle for its next big fish in 2026. With such marquee concert events in the year attracting top tourism eyeballs and dollars, and with Singapore shifting priorities to quality tourism instead of quantity in terms of visitor numbers, the Republic must strike while the iron is hot – and continue on its rodeo run to lasso the highest stratosphere of superstars in the world. There is a very limited list of such stars, and one Beyonce Knowles Carter – currently on her reportedly 94 per cent sold-out run of Cowboy Carter shows around the US and Europe for 2025 – happens to be on it. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
South China Sea Convoy Challenges Beijing's Territorial Claims
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A coalition of Philippine civilians has embarked on its third mission to defy China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. While the Atin Ito coalition—Tagalog for "This is Ours"—anticipated a possible challenge from China's assertive coast guard, the volunteers sought to send a "message of peace and unity," spokesperson Rafaela David told local media on Monday. Why It Matters China claims sovereignty over roughly 90 percent of the South China Sea, citing "historical rights," despite a Hague-based arbitral tribunal's 2016 ruling dismissing the claims as incompatible with maritime law. China's expansive moves in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone have been met with pushback. The result has been spiraling tensions and dramatic standoffs between the countries' government forces, raising concerns about a potential conflict that could trigger the Philippines' Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email for comment. A Chinese Coast Guard ship monitors a Philippine fishing boat during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition, in the disputed South China Sea... A Chinese Coast Guard ship monitors a Philippine fishing boat during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition, in the disputed South China Sea on May 16, 2024. More Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images What To Know More than 150 volunteers—including activists, fishermen, musicians, and civic and church leaders—set sail for Philippines-controlled Thitu Island early Tuesday morning as part of a convoy centered on the civilian vessel Kapitan Felix Oca. Tensions over Thitu, the only inhabited feature in the Spratly Islands archipelago and home to a modest military outpost, flared up again in recent days. Last week, China's coast guard executed close-quarter blocking maneuvers and deployed its water cannon in nearby waters while attempting to drive off a Philippine fisheries bureau vessel that Manila said was supporting a scientific mission. The group said it aimed to distribute supplies such as food, medicine and fuel to local fishermen and servicemembers stationed at the garrison. Performers will also hold a concert on the island as a message of solidarity. "We are not just asserting territory. We are asserting that ordinary Filipinos have a stake here," David told reporters before departure from Manila on Monday. "We will not be intimidated." The Philippine coast guard said it deployed one of its largest patrol ships, the BRP Melchora Aquino, along with the smaller BRP Malapascua, to escort the Felix Oca. As of 3 p.m. local time, two Chinese coast guard ships were observed "shadowing" the civilian convoy about 66 miles off the north coast of Palawan province, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The Chinese vessels reportedly issued radio challenges asserting China's claim and citing "domestic and international law," while rejecting the 2016 arbitral decision. "In response to the unauthorized patrol by the China Coast Guard, the Philippine coast guard vessels have initiated radio communications to challenge [Chinese coast guard vessel] 3306's claim of operating under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China," Tarriela said. What People Are Saying Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a Philippine navy spokesperson, told Newsweek: "We do not speculate on the actions of any adversary. Nevertheless, we are ready to respond to any threat that may face the Atin Ito convoy." The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, in a statement: "Nansha Qundao, including Tiexian Jiao, has always been China's territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao [the Spratly Island group] and its adjacent waters. What Happens Next The Atin Ito participants are scheduled to begin their return trip to Manila on Friday.
Boston Globe
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘How to Read by Moonlight' has a lot of light to go with the darkness
The immersion into the themes the show explores starts outside in the hallway, where a snack stand sells ube-filled crackers, and materials from organizations such as Audience members can also share their reactions to the show on moon-shaped yellow sticky notes, read more about The story (in English and Tagalog) is rife with serious themes augmented by a montage of news segments with headlines about ICE and the president projected onto boxes onstage. However, Eddie's joy and the fun he has with his imaginary friend (Jude Torres)—decked out in a bright outfit by designer Mikayla Reid that looks like a fun mash-up between the popular Rainbow Brite doll of the 80s and a unicorn—overshadows the seriousness of what his family is up against. Advertisement It's easy to get caught up in the elements the play offers, which also stars Alfredo Reyes (Tatay) and Nicholas Papayoanou (Missus Josie, the landlord, Jason and others). There's lots of music, under the direction of Jeffrey Song, who also did the arrangements, and an imaginative set from the show's director and scenic designer, Natsu Onoda Power. The set cleverly evokes its various locations, with skyline-painted boxes where the windows light up, a wood pallet for Eddie's bed, and small seating areas on a second level where Tatay calls from the Philippines from one side of the stage and Asunción narrates from the other. The props designer, Kelly Smith, and puppet designer Amanda Gibson do great working bringing the story to life. There's also clever depictions of turtles and snowflakes from Smith and Gibson's navy blue and silver flying dragon puppet is lovely. The whole creative team, including the lighting (Ashley Ting Yung), sound (Anna Drummond) and projection (Grace Kroeger) designers have packed the show with awe-inspiring moments. Sometimes, though, the emotion gets lost in the wonder. 'Learning How to Read by Moonlight' is one of several recent productions highlighting the experiences of underrepresented communities and questions of assimilation. ' Advertisement Tatay and Nanay have conflicting ideas. While Eddie's parents hope that their child's life is better in the U.S., when Eddie seems to speedily assimilate in America thanks to his mastery of English, it seems bittersweet for them. In the program, Trinidad explains that 'learning to speak multiple languages is to cradle within yourself multiple souls, each immersed in histories and cultures,' in an interview with dramaturg Michelle M. Aguillon. As Eddie and his mom figure out how to thrive in America, this audience member can't help but hope that these characters, and those of others in the same situation, hold on to all the languages, histories, and cultures dear to them. LEARNING HOW TO READ BY MOONLIGHT Play by Gaven Trinidad, directed by Natsu Onoda Power, dramaturg and tour direction, Michelle M. Aguillon, music direction, Jeffrey Song. Presented by CHUANG Stage and Company One, at the
AFP
18-05-2025
- Politics
- AFP
No recent overhaul in Philippine education system
"Starting June 2025 DEPED stop (sic) accepting K-12," says a May 11, 2025 Facebook graphic that bears the logos of several Philippine government agencies including the Department of Education (DepEd). "All 5 years old can accept in (sic) Grade 1 (even without going through Kindergarten)," it further says in a mix of English and Tagalog. "Grade 10 graduates can go straight to college." The image has been shared over 5,300 times after being posted on a page called "Dole Phil", the acronym for the nation's labour and employment ministry. " " is shorthand for the Philippine national education programme, established through a 2013 law that added universal kindergarten coverage and two years of senior high school. The legislation replaced an earlier 10-year basic education cycle with the intent of aligning the country's education system with the rest of the world. Image Screenshot of the false post, taken May 15, 2025 The K-12 system has become a frequent target of misinformation, as critics questioned its implementation and long-term viability. Similar posts spread across social media, drawing comments from users who believed it showed a legitimate policy announcement. "My gosh, it seems so difficult -- a 5-year-old going straight to Grade 1!" one user said. Another commented: "Thank God. Senior high is too expensive." President Ferdinand Marcos had said he was looking at making some changes to improve the K-12 programme but no recent overhaul has yet been implemented (archived link). "The circulating post on social media about the removal of the K to 12 program in the upcoming SY 2025-2026 is fake news," DepEd said in a May 14 post, urging the public "to stay vigilant and discerning against misinformation" (archived link). A review of the websites of the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives found no new legislation has been passed as of May 18 scrapping the K-12 programme (archived link). A June 30, 2022 resolution urging Congress to review the programme remains "pending with the Committee on Basic Education and Culture since 2022-08-24" (archived link). Image Screenshot of House of Representatives' website showing the status of the resolution Meanwhile, a proposed "Education Pathways Act" for junior high school finishers passed in the House but is waiting for a counterpart measure in the Senate (archived here and here). The false announcement was shared by a Facebook page with just over 1,000 followers impersonating the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) -- a government agency that has no mandate over education policy. DOLE's official page has a verified badge confirming its authenticity and has over 1.4 million followers.
