Sponge Cola finds connection in uncertain times on ninth studio album, Hometown, Part 2

The anthemic pop-rock album includes focus track “So Close,” featuring award-winning pop singer Morissette

Filipino alt-rock outfit Sponge Cola has officially dropped their ninth studio album, Hometown, Part 2 via Sony Music Entertainment.

Embracing the anthemic immediacy of their 2022 outing with newfound warmth and restraint, the four-piece band’s latest album proves to be a vital example of how music can be a therapeutic outlet for expression and healing. The new collection of songs also sees the band exploring themes of triumph over adversity, resilience, and unfulfilled relationships. It also serves as a continuation of the band’s full-length album, Hometown—released in December 2022.

As lead guitarist Armo Armovit describes it, Hometown, Part 2 is all about finding connection in uncertain times. “We explored new ways of expressing familiar feelings with renewed perspectives incorporating different production elements, arrangement choices, and improved approaches to performance.”

The title also speaks for itself, serving as a continuation of one’s story, much like coming home to rest after a long journey and staying an extra weekend to reset. The record’s songwriting, on the other hand, was inspired by the members’ collective and individual fascination with K-drama and documentaries, as well as first-hand experiences with real-life events.

Drawing a lot of inspiration from pop and electronic elements, the 19-track album is produced by constant collaborator Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, who has worked with some of the biggest and most underrated Philippine acts, including Ang Bandang Shirley, syd hartha, Coeli, and more.

Armo explains, “Joey Santos did a great job crafting the treatment for songs and dressing them in colors and styles that best express the message. The process was very organic and natural.”

Hometown, Part 2 is accompanied by the release of its focus track, “So Close,” which features pop singer Morissette. The song was specifically penned by Yael Yuzon, and tackles the story of two people who have built a deep connection over time, but whose relationship never really progressed into something that could last a lifetime.

“It's a song that took me 20 years to write,” shares vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon. “Inspired by Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez and The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, So Close talks about the possibility of a mirage in our poetic memory, a ‘what if’ that may have been nothing more than a light radiating from a dead star. We might just be romanticizing things.”

Other songs in the album include previous releases “Labis-labis,” a soaring tune that puts a uniquely captivating but relatable spin on the ‘love song’ format; “Hometown,” a grungy pop track with electronic textures and a catchy chorus; and “Siguro nga,” a pop-rock ballad based on a character study of a popular K-drama character. 

Track list:

1. Hometown

2.  Alamat (MLBB 5th Anniversary Theme)

3. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito

4. Lumipas Ang Tag-araw

5. Laman Ng Panaginip

6. Labis-Labis

7. Siguro Nga

8. JAIRAH

9. Kung May Oras Ka

10. Signal #4

11. So Close (feat. Morissette)

12. Champions

13. In the End

14. Labis-Labis - Acoustic

15. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito (Remix) (feat. Matthaios and Clien of ALLMO$T)

16. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito - Acoustic

17. Siguro Nga – Acoustic (feat. Kai Honasan)

18. Siguro Nga (TMAC's lo-fi Mix)

19. Laman ng Panaginip – Acoustic

Sponge Cola’s Hometown, Part 2 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. 

The pop-rock outfit will be officially performing the songs off their new record with an on-ground album launch in Eastwood City Central Plaza on August 12 from 6 pm onwards. Admission is free!

Acer brings together the best musical performances for an epic experience at Acer Day 2023: #AceYourWorld concert

It was a double celebration as Acer Philippines marked Acer Day 2023 and its 20th anniversary on August 6 with an epic concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The line-up made the Acer Day 2023: #AceYourWorld concert a dream concert, with Acer brand Ambassadors Sarah Geronimo, Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, international superstar Sandara Park, and a powerhouse cast of artists that included, Sunkissed Lola, December Avenue, Zach Tabudlo, Sponge Cola, Mayonnaise, Ben&Ben, and Ely Buendia.

“We chose a line-up that Filipinos of different generations will enjoy so everyone can watch the concert and have a great time,” said Acer Philippines Senior Marketing Manager Princess Laosantos.

It was a full house at the SM MOA Arena and on Facebook, with an estimated 15,000 attendees watching in person and online.

Sponge Cola drops “Hometown,” a song inspired by hit K-drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

After a successful concert tour in Canada to mark their 20th anniversary as a band, Sponge Cola returns with a new single inspired by K-drama smash Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.

Combining grunge rock elements with electronic textures and anthemic pop sensibilities, Sponge Cola’s “Hometown” is a song for coming home after a long, tiring journey. It’s a perfect description that sums up their collective feelings at the moment. 

Embodying home in the form of a person, the captivating rock tune was penned by vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon as a way to reimagine the coastal town, with its nosy neighbors forming a tight community, and a love story that “felt very warm and familiar,” despite being entirely new and foreign.

Sponge Cola reveals the inconvenient truth about regret on new single “Laman Ng Panaginip”

The new single is inspired by the power ballads of the ‘80s and ‘90s

Filipino alternative rock outfit Sponge Cola addresses the truth about regret and longing on their heart-wrenching single “Laman Ng Panaginip”—released via Sony Music Philippines.

Redefining love songs with reckless abandon, the Filipino quartet expresses the complexity of impossible choices in a world that is grounded in the familiar and often neglected reality of prioritizing practicality first before anything else, including love.

“This idea is mentioned concretely in the song almost as blunt exposition,” lead vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon stresses. “I really wanted the listener to feel that slab of reality to the face as opposed to something vague and symbolic. No figures of speech here; just feel it and let it all out. It’s the type of material that deserves to be sung out loud in the videoke over drinks with our friends and family for some kind of release.”

According to Yuzon, the song is about a love that never was. “The courage and reckless abandon that goes with singing a power ballad oftentimes come from a place of regret.” 

In terms of sonic approach and arrangement, “Laman Ng Panaginip” is inspired by the power ballad movement of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. With guidance from producer Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, the track delivers another high point in the band’s career with indelible catchiness and impressive musical chops to back it up.

“It's a direct reference to a specific genre and time period that had a very influential impact in our formative years,” guitarist Armo Armovit shares in a statement. “It was recorded in Love One Another with producer Joey Santos making sure each layer of production had meaning and told the story.”

The song’s release is accompanied by an arresting visual helmed by filmmaker Ken Tan. Referencing Armovit, the MV director “did an excellent job in conveying the dream vs reality theme with the most minimal of elements.” The Sponge Cola’s resident guitarist adds, “The dancer, Ysabel Lava, delivered a captivating and emotionally charged performance with every move she choreographed herself.”

“Laman Ng Panaginip” is the fifth single released off their upcoming new album, CLASSIC—to be released sometime this year. The new record will serve as the band’s eighth full-length album, following a string of multiplatinum and critically acclaimed hits that span for more than two decades.

Sponge Cola’s “Laman Ng Panaginip” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

Heaven Peralejo stars as a vampire on the music video of Sponge Cola’s “Kung Ako Ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito”

The visual narrative is an allegorical take on walking away from an unhealthy, toxic relationship

Filipino actress Heaven Peralejo stars as a deeply conflicted vampire on the music video of Sponge Cola’s “Kung Ako Ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito”—the new single dropped ahead of their full-length album to be released in 2022.

The MV sees Heaven on the verge of a domestic breakdown as she adjusts to a life of uncertainty and fear from the sunlight. 

Two puppies star in the rom-com music video of Sponge Cola’s “Labis-labis”

Two puppies fall in love in the most adorable, unexpected ways on the music video of Sponge Cola’s “Labis-labis”—out now on YouTube. Showcasing unadulterated romance from the perspective of pets, the visual narrative steps into the world of meet-cute and courtship between two-year-old poodle, Alex and six-year-old mixed breed aspin, Jamie. 

According to guitarist Armo Armovit, the romantic comedy-inspired story pays tribute to the unconditional loyalty and friendship that their pets have given them through the years. “We all have pets and love them very dearly, and this is our way of saying thanks.” Vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon shares the same sentiment, honoring the dogs that have been with them through thick and thin. “My dogs have been taking care of me. It makes sense to pay tribute to Mini Me and Finny Finn Finn.”

Sponge Cola puts a refreshing spin on romance with new song “Labis-labis”

Aside from churning out modern rock classics that carve a special place in our collective consciousness, Sponge Cola has always been adept in capturing the divine feeling of romantic high, the cautionary tale that comes after, and the journey caught in between the respective timelines. 

The “Siguro Nga” hitmakers have mastered the art of helming the soundtrack of our lives with universal appeal, and this time, they are putting a uniquely captivating but relatable spin on the ‘love song’ format with the release of their new single “Labis-labis” via Sony Music Philippines.

Sponge Cola releases “Siguro Nga,” a song inspired by K-drama series, Start-Up

Sponge Cola is no stranger to writing music inspired by their love for cinema and pop culture. In fact, the four-piece alternative rock outfit named their debut full-length album, Palabas to acknowledge the compelling impact of shows—be it a theatrical play, a dramatic film, or an episode in a television series—in making us understand our own lives, the lives of those around us, and the lives of people whose contributions to humanity deserve to be celebrated at all cost.

With this creative pursuit comes a tribute to the blockbuster K-drama series, Start-Up, which is currently heaping praises all around the world for its gripping story on young entrepreneurs aspiring to make it big in the competitive world of Korean high-tech industry. Sponge Cola released “Siguro Nga” as a song born out of vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon’s love for Han Ji-Pyeong, a prominent character whose unconventional upbringing and misfortunes in life enabled him to become a principled, self-made man with a tough exterior and unbeknownst to everyone—a tender heart. 

Bayanihan Musikahan reveals this week’s lineup for online fundraising concert

Bullet Dumas, Gloc-9, Morisette, Chito Miranda, and more to perform and raise funds for COVID-19 relief.

After a successful first few days of Bayanihan Musikahan, featuring Ryan Cayabyab, Ebe Dancel, Karylle, Sponge Cola, Top Suzara, Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas, Jazz Nicholas, Davey Langit, Keiko Necessario, and more, the concert series continues for another round of online performances this week. The marathon online concert is the biggest citizen-action juggernaut to raise funds and immediately address the food and personal protection needs of the most vulnerable Filipinos in the National Capital Region. 

All-Star Line Up Of OPM Acts And Celebrity Guests Lead Grand Chinese New Year 2020 Celebration

Get ready for the biggest celebration to kick off the Year of the Rat! The Office of the Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, in cooperation with the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc. (FCGCCI), and Manila Chinatown Development Council is holding several activities to celebrate the new year. Join the Chinese New Year Countdown 2020 Street Party, happening this January 24, 2020 from 7PM-12MN at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila. 

The show will feature special celebrity guests, and some of the biggest acts in OPM including Parokya Ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, Ex-Battalion,  Darren Espanto, Angeline Quinto, Janine Berdin and many more musical acts to keep the night festive. Also joining the festivities are all-star celebrity guests from ABS-CBN and GMA including Joshua Garcia, Derrick Monasterio, and Rita Daniela. To top the New Year Countdown off will be a 30-minute grand firework display to start the year with a big bang. The following day, January 25 will see a Grand Float Parade which will travel along the streets of Binondo and Sta. Cruz, also featuring special celebrity guests. This is one grand celebration you wouldn’t wanna miss! ADMISSION IS FREE for all events.

Tunog Transcom Tayo Year 2 Lets Employees Enjoy Live OPM

As part of their rewarding their employees for a productive year, Transcom Worldwide Philippines gives back to their team members with another year of Tunog Transcom Tayo held at Metrotent Convention Center. An early Christmas treat for them, it is now becoming a tradition for the company to let them enjoy a night of OPM performances and even a competition of the best singers that comes from different sites of Transcom.

Sponge Cola Stages "Sea Of Lights Concert At Power Mac Spotlight

It has been a while since we had a solo concert for the band Sponge Cola which has been playing for almost two decades now and their music is still loved and played all over. To give back to fans and friends, they will stage their one-night intimate concert to be held at the Power Mac Spotlight Circuit Makati on March 29, 2019 at 7PM. Called "Sea of Lights" is the name of the latest album under Universal Records.

Sponge Cola To Hold "Sea"Of Lights "Concert On March 29, 2019

This year, Sponge Cola will be celebrate another great year of being one of the premiere OPM rock bands in the industry - and in true Sponge Cola fashion, they’re bringing their songs, both old and new, straight to their audience through their one-night intimate concert “Sea of Lights” on March 29, 2019 at the Power Mac Spotlight Circuit Makati at 7PM.

Since they started, the band (composed of frontman and lead singer Yael Yuzon, guitarist Erwin “Armo” Armovit, bassist Gosh Dilay, and drummer TedMark Cruz) has been delivering non-stop hits that are already integral to many Sponge Cola supporters and OPM fans alike. Their catalog spans all their multi-awarded albums, which include certified hits such as “Jeepney,” “Gemini,” “Nakapagtataka,” “Bitiw,” “Tuliro,” “Puso,” “Tambay,” “Kunwari,” and so much more. They have no doubt been a part of the journey of many Filipinos, may it be through teleserye soundtracks or their life soundtracks.

Sponge Cola Renews Recording Contract with Universal Records

Sponge Cola has renewed their recording contract with Universal Records. The contract signing was held on February 28, 2018 at the  Universal Records office in Quezon City. Present during the signing are Universal Records Executive Vice President Ramon Chuaying, General Manager Kathleen Dy Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, Head of OPM Production Ito Rapadas, and Sponge Cola: Yael Yuzon (Vocalist), Gosh Dilay (Bass), Erwin Armovit (Guitar), and Ted Mark Cruz (Drums).

The Scooter of The Future Arrives In Manila: Honda Click 125i!

For 2015 Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), introduces a major lead in mobility with the introduction of the “future of scooters” with the New Honda Click 125i, at Trinoma last Saturday.

With the growing need for mobile vehicles, there has been a growing market for motorcycles and scooters, and Honda has been in the Philippine market and is still the leader in sales and market share. And with the launch, they brought in key leaders of Honda in the Philipines, as well as riders' clubs and to cap of the launch is a performance by Sponge Cola.

The Honda Scooter revolution continuous from the unique concept of Honda Zoomer-X which is the 1st scooter of its kind to Honda CLICK 125i which is another Philippines’ 1st scooter of its kind never seen before in Philippine market. This model will surely capture the hearts of every Filipino customer not only for the young generation but for the young at heart as well.

MUSIC LYF: Jane Oineza ‘moves on’ with Sponge Cola

Teen Star and former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Jane Oineza opens the new year with a milestone – the release of her first single “Move On,” a collaboration with Sponge Cola.

“Kinabahan talaga ako, pero tinuruan naman ako ni Yael, so nawala na ang kaba ko,” adds Jane. “It has always been a dream of mine to have a single, and eventually an album of my own.”

She adds that the experience was really “unbelievable.”

According to vocalist Yael of Sponge Cola, “Move On” is a sincere, straightforward song about bunch of friends telling someone to “move on.”

MUSIC LYF: Sponge Cola releases new album Ultrablessed

Diamond-recording band Sponge Cola’s newest album Ultrablessed reflects the band’s fun journey as musicians. Composed of 10 new songs, the album gives people a glimpse of the more than a decade of friendship between the members of the band.

Ultrablessed will be launched this January 31, 8 p.m., at the Eastwood Central Plaza. A bonus DVD of their last concert Maximum Capacity is also included in the album.

Composed of Yael on vocals, Armo on lead guitar, Gosh on bass and TedMark on drums, Sponge Cola considers this album as a celebration of years of blessings.

PhilPop 2013 Winners!

The 2013 PhilPop has concluded and we would like to send our congratulations to the PhilPop 2013 winners:

Grand Prize: DATI COMPOSED BY THYRO AND YUMI, INTERPRETED BY SAM CONCEPTION, TIPPY DOS SANTOS FEAT QUEST

First Runner Up: KUNG 'DI MAN COMPOSED BY JOHNOY DANAO, INTERPRETED BY NET DIMACULANGAN

Second Runner Up: PANSAMANTAGAL COMPOSED BY JUNGEE MARCELO INTERPRETED BY SITTI NAVARRO AND JULIANNE TARROJA

Smart People's Choice: KUNG 'DI MAN COMPOSED BY JOHNOY DANAO, INTERPRETED BY NET DIMACULANGAN

Meralco Special Award: SEGUNDO COMPOSED BY PAUL ARMESIN, INTERPRETED BY YAEL YUZON OF SPONGECOLA

MUSIC LYF: Sponge Cola headlines Maximum Capacity Concert

Diamond recording band Sponge Cola celebrates their 13-year-old in the local music industry with a major concert bille Maximum Capacity this July 19, 8pm, at the Music Museum.

Expect the biggest hits of Sponge Cola to be performed during the concert.

"Aside from being a celebration of our 13 years in the business, Maximum Capacity is also our way of giving thanks to everyone who have generously supported us through the years through our music," says frontman Yael Yuzon. "It will be one  fun night of Sponge Cola music."

To make Maximum Capacity even more exciting, OPM's sweetheart Zia Quizon and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano has agreed to be part of the celebration.