Mark Oblea renews contract with Universal Records
SINGER Mark Oblea renewed his contract with Universal Records Philippines, just in time for his 27th birthday. The virtual contract signing held on Jan. 18, included the singer, Cornerstone Entertainment, Inc. Vice-President Jeff M. Vadillo, AVP for Music/Senior Artist Handler Caress A. Caballero, Universal Records Marketing Head Jhofer Eleria, and Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go. Mr. Oblea has attracted over 95,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. His latest release, a remake of “Tulog Na” by Sugarfree, now has 258,000 streams and counting on the streaming platform. His 2020 album Panimula, under Universal Records, which features the song “Tabi,” now has over 4.5 million streams.
Viu Philippines releases complete Still soundtrack
VIU Philippines released the complete official soundtrack of its first Viu Original series, Still. Comprised of 13 OPM tracks, the songs capture the stories of each character in the eight-part musical TV series. The songs were composed by Nica Del Rosario (composer of the hit song “Tala”), Matthew Chang (musical director and composer of the stage musical Dekada ’70) Mike Shimamoto, and Flipmusic. The complete official soundtrack is now available on streaming services Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Tidal. All eight episodes of Still are also available on Viu. The app is available on the App Store, Google Play and selected Smart TVs, or visit www.viu.com.
Season 2 of Agimat ng Agila kicks off
SEASON 2 of the GMA fantasy drama series Agimat ng Agila promises more action and more adventure when it premieres on Jan. 29. The series follows Major Gabriel Labrador (played by Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.), who is the bearer of the powers of an enchanted eagle, as he sets off on various missions to battle evil forces and protect the environment. Also returning to the series cast are Sanya Lopez, Elizabeth Oropesa, and Benjie Paras. Joining the cast this season are Gardo Versoza, Betong Sumaya, Kim de Leon, Lia Salvador, Sandro Muhlach, Shermaine Santiago, and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Rabiya Mateo. Directed by Rico Gutierrez, Agimat ng Agila Book 2 premieres on Jan. 29, with succeeding episodes airing every Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
DZBB holds interviews with presidential, VP candidates
GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station, Super Radyo DZBB, has started airing its election information and advocacy programs, Ikaw Na Ba? The Presidential Interview and Ikaw Na Ba? The Vice Presidential Interview. Anchored by senior broadcasters Melo Del Prado and Kathy San Gabriel, the one-hour program gives the presidential and vice-presidential candidates the opportunity to present their platforms, discuss issues, and answer questions as the country gears up for the May elections. The show first aired during the 2010 presidential election. Ikaw Na Ba? The Presidential Interview and Ikaw Na Ba? The Vice Presidential Interview are being held Mondays to Fridays, 8 to 9 a.m., from Jan. 24 to Feb. 4, on Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and Dobol B TV on GTV. It is simulcast on all Super Radyo stations nationwide.
Young Cocoa’s single in ENYOEN’s playlist
FILIPINO hip-hop artist Young Cocoa’s debut single “Manila,” which was released on Oct. 2021, has been played more on streaming service Spotify since K-Pop music act ENHYPEN included it in its Ami Paris XVI – Curated by Enhypen playlist. Handpicked by the members of the Korean supergroup, the new edition of the fashion house playlist includes a selection of upbeat and summery tunes by Justin Bieber, Yerin Baek, 5 Seconds of Summer, and more. The placement boosted Young Cocoa’s profile on the streaming charts ranking, with “Manila” currently in the Spotify Viral Top 50 list in the Philippines (No. 14) and South Korea (No. 15). The feel-good bop has also been included on several other playlists, including Trending Tracks Philippines, Bago Sa Rap, and ALL HITS RADIO. “Manila” initially made it on BTS’ resident rapper RM’s online playlist, and has received endorsements from Korean artists such as Yeri of Red Velvet, Eric of The Boyz, Omega X, Dawon of SF19 and Lia Kim from 1Million Dance Studio. It has also entered the Melon Korea Overseas Chart, along with his other track “Zesto.” As of press time, the Manila-based artist is working on his upcoming EP to be released under OFFMUTE, a new pan-regional label by Sony Music Entertainment focused on championing new and emerging Southeast Asian artists from across all genres. “Manila” is available to stream on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.
Marry Me premieres in cinemas on Feb. 9
JENNIFER Lopez and Owen Wilson star in Marry Me, a fresh romance for this modern age. In Marry Me, Kat Valdez (Lopez) is half of the sexiest celebrity power couple on Earth with hot new music supernova Bastian (Maluma, in his feature-film debut). As Kat and Bastian’s inescapable hit single, “Marry Me,” climbs the charts, they are about to be wed before an audience of their fans in a ceremony that will be streamed across multiple platforms. When Kat learns, seconds before the ceremony, that Bastian has cheated on her, she decides to marry Charlie (Owen Wilson), a stranger in the crowd, instead. A Universal Pictures International release, Marry Me opens in Philippine cinemas on Feb. 9.
Upstream PH now on Gcash
VIDEO-ON-DEMAND platform Upstream is now available on GCash through GLife, which gives users access to lifestyle services, from food delivery and retail to transport and entertainment. Click on GLife on the GCash dashboard, search for Upstream PH, and enjoy a new streaming experience. “Upstream PH has a full line-up of content where there’s something for everyone, from movies to series to live events. The good thing is, you can enjoy watching in the comfort of your own home, with just one ticket payment for the whole family. With our partnership with GCash, choosing what you want, paying for it and watching it can be conveniently done on Upstream PH inside GLife,” said Upstream PH CEO Dondon Monteverde. Upstream PH has a wide selection of films and series from around the world, with blockbuster local and international titles available at a special rate of P50 for GCash users. There will be special offerings on Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, and the streaming service also has a Throwback Thursday movie treat. On the subscriber’s birthday, they can enjoy their movie of choice for free. Upstream’s catalog features original productions, critically acclaimed Filipino and international films, classic Philippine movies, and a variety of web and TV series across genres. A video on-demand platform created by Filipinos, Upstream M was launched in November 2020. To learn more, visit upstream.ph.
