SB19 and Ben&Ben make history with generation-defining version of “MAPA”

SB19 and Ben&Ben, two of the biggest Philippine acts, are making history again with a re-recording of the former’s smash single “MAPA” under Sony Music.

In a year marked by self-imposed isolation and forced withdrawal from the outside world, the inspirational ballad brims with positive light as it honors every loving and hardworking parent out there, who made our journey toward life bearable, and filled with important lessons.

According to Roslyn Pineda, Sony Music’s General Manager, Philippines and Vice President, Business Development, Asia, there was clamor from the general public for #SBen19 since last year.

Ben&Ben drop new version of “Leaves,” featuring K-Pop star Young K

After topping the search chart of South Korea’s most prominent music streaming site, Melon in 2020, Filipino folk-pop collective Ben&Ben have teamed up with Seoul-based singer-songwriter and rapper Young K for the new version of their 2017 hit single “Leaves.”

Set for an international release, the re-recorded material comes with fuller, more intricate arrangements and subtle, background harmonies. Aesthetically, there’s something inherently grand about the new version of “Leaves” which transports listeners to the late 2000s when acclaimed musicians like Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens made intricate, chamber pop music with indie folk sensibilities. “The new version of Leaves is based heavily on how the full band adapted the song for live performance through the years,” lead singer and guitarist Miguel Benjamin said in a statement. “As compared to the original piano and guitar only arrangement, the new one features the rest of the band’s full instrumentation and additional choir-esque harmony arrangement by Toni, Andrew, and Poch on the intro and first verse.”

Ben&Ben come to terms with loss and grief on “Magpahinga” music video

The poignant music video stars award-winning actor Joel Torre and actress-filmmaker Bela Padilla.

Ben&Ben took the month of May by storm, teasing fans with the grandest way possible to announce a new era in music. First, there was “Upuan,” a cinematic piece of pop music that swirls intimately against a backdrop of nature retreat. And then there’s “Magpahinga,” a lovingly sparse ballad that embraces the importance of healing on one’s own terms. Instead of recapturing old glories, both songs are bold enough to leave us ending in places both infinite and enduring, widening our sense of appreciation for the band on a purely intimate level. 

Smart Bro lets you win tickets to Ben&Ben’s kumu Live Events concert on May 22

Get ready for a night of heartfelt music as the country’s top artist and Smart ambassador Ben&Ben takes on the concert stage in a live virtual show exclusively via kumu Live Events on May 22, Saturday, starting at 7 p.m.  

Presented by kumu Live Events and MYX Philippines, and sponsored by Smart Bro, the virtual concert gives band members Miguel, Paolo, Pat, Agnes, Poch, Keifer, Andrew, Jam, and Toni a platform to reach out to their fans and perform their chart-topping hits including "Maybe the Night," “Leaves,” "Pagtingin," "Lifetime," and "Kathang Isip.” The concert will also be the first time the band will perform their latest singles "Upuan" and "Magpahinga" live.  

Smart Bro is giving subscribers a chance to win concert tickets to stream the concert, and some lucky winners can even score a VIP access for a virtual meet-and-greet with the band after the show. You need to have a kumu account to access the show on the kumu app.

Ben&Ben offer reassuring warmth on introspective new single “Magpahinga”

Ben&Ben offer words of genuine compassion and encouragement to every person out there who might be going through a lot in these difficult times. On their latest single “Magpahinga,” the nine-piece collective wrote a lovely piano ballad from the point of view of someone who is in dire need of guidance.

“It’s a song that reminds us to check up on ourselves and address our own inner struggles,” lead vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin points out in a statement. “But also, it is a song that aims to accompany the listener, and remind them that in those moments of hardship, they are not alone.” Without resorting to being preachy, the band’s latest offering also reminds listeners that there’s nothing to be ashamed of in taking some time to step back from the situation and heal on your own terms. 

Ben&Ben paint breathtaking imagery of young love on new single “Upuan”

It’s official: Ben&Ben have finally released “Upuan,” the first single off their upcoming sophomore album to be released under Sony Music.

Written in 2019, in Dumaguete upon arrival at the hotel after one of their shows, their new song takes a nostalgic look on young love, and as Ben&Ben describe it, “the palpable romantic tension that arises from friendships that are formed by sitting next to each other, and the adventurous conversations that ensue.”

Lyrically, “Upuan” draws breathtaking imagery that interprets gestures in such lifelike ways, capturing a play of details with romantic earnestness. The band points out, “we incorporated a more visual style in the song, painting a picture for the listener and transporting them to that familiar place, of falling in love with someone they just met, whether that is in a classroom, by the beach, at a restaurant.”

Over 200,000 online viewers tuned in as Ben&Ben, Smart light up Manila skies in special drone show

Last February 28, more than 200,000 online viewers were glued to Ben&Ben's and Smart’s official Facebook accounts to witness 100 aerial drones dominate the skies of Metro Manila in a rare musical display made possible by Smart and Ben & Ben.

A one-of-a-kind musical display called “The Inevitable Drone Show” held at the Burnham Green in Rizal Park, Manila, Smart and award-winning folk pop OPM band Ben&Ben collaborated for an unexpected visual treat. This online event also capped the weekend when Smart released the sequel to Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s latest TVC.   

Ben&Ben’s “Inevitable,” which is also the theme song of the latest campaign starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, inspired Smart subscribers who were able to watch the spectacle online. 

Ben&Ben to light up Manila skyline with first drone show

Ben&Ben are set to make the impossible possible by headlining The Inevitable Drone Show—the first of its kind to feature a music performance with drone lights show illuminating the Manila skyline in synchronized fashion.

Presented by SMART 5G, the eco-friendly and innovative show will surely grab headlines as Rizal Park and its nearby areas will get to experience the modern lights show LIVE on February 28 (Sunday) at exactly 7pm. It will also simultaneously air on Ben&Ben’s official Facebook page.

An ‘Inevitable’ Pairing: How Ben&Ben’s music made it to Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s TVC for Smart

While it was important for Smart to grant wishes of its subscribers when it comes to bringing consumers closer to their foreign idols, the latest Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin TVC presented an opportunity to put a Filipino band behind the soundtrack and musical scoring.  

Here’s where Ben&Ben comes in, providing “Inevitable,” the song that is heard in the background while Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin pursue each other in this romantic-sci-fi TVC.  

With lyrics inspired by real-life events, Ben&Ben members simply happen to be CLOY fans as well. In a collaboration set to motion by the band, Smart, and Sony Music, things started falling into place when it came to lending soundtrack and musical score for this collaborative campaign.

Ben&Ben surprise listeners with Valentine’s-themed track “Inevitable”

Filipino folk-pop outfit Ben&Ben have officially dropped a soaring new single called “Inevitable” this Valentine’s Day via Sony Music.

Inspired by recent events surrounding the band’s lives, their latest song encourages listeners and music fans to live in the moment freely and truthfully without the need to succumb to expectations. 

Ushering into a reinvigorating sense of calm, the empowering track ascends to a place where love can be inevitably beautiful even in its simple, unassuming terms. It was written by Paolo Benjamin (lead vocals and acoustic guitars) during a random afternoon run by the beach near the place where Ben&Ben live—coming into fruition after a solitary moment spent with nature and the spiritual force above him. Paolo reflects, “Inevitable is a song that tries to describe the nature of fate, and how all our actions somehow lead us to some better place that is destined for us. It’s also a song about being real with someone, and that no matter how scary that may seem at times, there is freedom in bearing your truest nature with someone dear to you, even if that someone is yourself.” 

Ben&Ben teams up with Smart to simply inspire the Filipino youth

The year 2020 may have turned our world upside down, but it has also brought out the best in people who rose above the pandemic by helping others. We’ve seen people come together despite the physical distance via online fundraisers and virtual gigs that push forward our passions with a purpose. Indeed, “walang imposible” for Filipinos when it comes to providing for their loved ones or caring for those who truly matter.

With this in mind, folk pop band Ben&Ben and mobile services provider Smart Communications have teamed up to inspire more Filipinos. Smart and Ben&Ben’s paths have crossed way back during the band’s PhilPop days as the network has always championed the annual songwriting festival.

Ben&Ben music video of KathNiel-starrer “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay”

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla stars as a romantic couple stuck in a time loop in the new music video for Ben&Ben’s “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay.”

Helmed by the band’s resident director Jorel Lising and written by Gaya Sa Pelikula creator Juan Miguel Severo, the song’s visual narrative explores the complicated relationship dynamics of two lovers who have lost and found each other in a fated cycle of events.

Complicated love in a time loop

Severo reveals that “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay,” a song that deals with the “possibility of another life to succeed in love,” complements the KathNiel starrer that he has in mind. Having written Hintayan ng Langit, an evocative piece that examines eternal romance in the afterlife, Severo decided to do away with another reincarnation story for his interpretation of the material. 

“Then it hit me, what about a couple stuck in a time loop?”, the prolific writer points out. “What if every time one dies, they go back to their first date with one of them carrying memories from their previous run? It took the band, Direk, and I a couple of zoom calls, brainstorming ideas to compound on that concept and get everything laid out before I presented it to KathNiel.”

Ben&Ben, Darren Espanto, Moira, SB19, Maximillian, and more to headline BYE2020

Philippine record labels and musicians of all stripes are standing up for solidarity with the biggest concert event of 2020. 

With the utmost goal of bringing together the Filipino people through music and inspiring them to help cope better in the face of adversity, BYE2020 is a powerful statement that not only recognizes the small but impactful triumphs of the music community despite a very challenging year, but also honors the collective efforts of everyone in holding each other up during the pandemic.

Ben&Ben releases Kintsugi-inspired video for “Di Ka Sayang”

Ben&Ben’s new single “Di Ka Sayang” managed to surpass expectations when it trended at No.1 worldwide on Twitter and debuted at the top spot of Spotify Philippines’ top 50 overall chart upon release.

Following its massive debut on Friday, Ben&Ben’s “Di Ka Sayang” continues to spread its winsome streak as it drops the official music video on November 9, Monday at 6pm. Helmed by Jorel Lising, the band’s frequent collaborator and the director behind their hits “Pagtingin” and “Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin,” the visual accompaniment of the song follows the band performing in random intimate spaces with ‘Kintsugi’ artform as the backdrop.

Ben&Ben hopes to empower listeners with massive new anthem “Di Ka Sayang”

Filipino folk-pop outfit Ben&Ben marks a definitive new era in music with the release of their new single, “Di Ka Sayang,” out this November 6 (Friday) via Sony Music. 

Now more confident than ever with their newfound direction, the nine-piece collective drops an empowering anthem that respects individuality without prejudice.

Empowerment in the face of adversity

According to guitarist and vocalist Paolo Benjamin, “Di Ka Sayang” was inspired by a conversation with his brother Miguel Benjamin in a hotel room last year during one of their out of town shows. “Migs and I were having a conversation on our career choices and how hard it was to fight for who we really are and what we want to do in life, amidst societal and family expectations,” Paolo explains. “A year later, we decided to release it, at a time where we feel it is most timely, with everything tough going on, and with many of our dreams being crushed by the pandemic and other circumstances.”

Ben&Ben launches BBTV in celebration of 1M subscribers on YouTube

After reaching more than a million subscribers on YouTube, multi-awarded nine-piece collective Ben&Ben have heeded the call of fans for more exclusive content in the coming days.

The acclaimed band has recently announced the launch of their upcoming weekly series, BBTV on July 31, Friday to celebrate this important milestone in their career. 

“We've been making vlogs that showed our life behind the scenes, but eventually the band and its team came up with the idea,” vocalist and guitarist Miguel Benjamin shares. “Its primary goal is to simply find more ways to connect to people through more varied content.”

Ben&Ben portrays family drama on “Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin” music video

Award-winning Filipino band Ben&Ben explores the complicated dynamics of a fictional family in the music video of “Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin.” 

Revolving around a realistic depiction of a family on the verge of dysfunction, the narrative hits home with each member learning how to listen to each other, and speak their minds.

It also examines the flawed but beautiful relationships that we nurture within the family, and the decisions we make in extraordinary circumstances.

Benjamin Kheng and Ben&Ben to grill each other on Instagram Live Show, B.B.Q.

After their much buzzed TikTok collaboration which attracted an audience of more than 3 million, Singapore-based alt pop artist Benjamin Kheng and award-winning Filipino band Ben&Ben will be blessing the regional social media feeds once again with their follow-up collaboration on Instagram Live next week, June 23 at 10 pm. 

The nine-piece collective behind hits such as “Lifetime,” “Pagtingin” and “Doors” will be joining Benjamin Kheng’s IG Live show, B.B.Q.—short for Ben’s Burning Questions. 

Known for its hilarious banters and challenges, B.B.Q. encourages celebrity guests to pass 10 challenges with varying levels of difficulty.

If the participants surmount the test, they will be given a chance to “grill” Benjamin through a burning question or a flaming dare. The online show airs live on Benjamin Kheng’s Instagram every week. 

Ben&Ben to release a song inspired by a fan’s heartbreaking story

Award-winning Filipino band, Ben&Ben will drop their new single, “Lifetime” on June 4 (Thursday) via Sony Music. 

The intricately produced, folk-pop ballad was written as a response to a fan’s YouTube comment on their hit song “Pagtingin,” which to date, has amassed more than a hundred million streams on YouTube and Spotify combined. 

The fan, who goes by the alias of “Anne Jou,” shared her story of regretting not being able to express her feelings because she was afraid to lose the friendship.

Pop-jazz sensation Ardhito Pramono invites Ben&Ben as special guests for digital concert

As part of the initiative to forge regional ties with likeminded artists in Asia, Indonesia’s very own Ardhito Pramono will be joining forces with acclaimed Filipino band, Ben&Ben and Singaporean alt-pop artist, Benjamin Kheng for a star-studded virtual show.

Aptly titled, From His Backyard, Online #HappyConcert with Ardhito Pramono and Friends, the first online concert in Indonesia to feature local and international artists, will happen on June 8, 2020 (Monday) at 9 PM (Philippine time) via Loket. Tickets are available here.