ANGELINA CRUZ Releases Latest Single 'KAYA MO BA?'

Following the successes of her debut single 'Sumilong Ka' and her lovely rendition of the Orange and Lemons classic 'Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby), both of which have reached over 1 million streams on Spotify, Angelina Cruz is back to serenade listeners with her latest single 'Kaya Mo Ba?'

The taglish song explores the story of a girl's longings and well wishes to her possible suitor, waiting to see if they're up for the test of being in a relationship with her, all while being 'narrated' through Angelina's signature sweet-sounding voice.

Talking about the tune, Angelina says "I love how this is is my first taglish song; it shows how my [upcoming] EP has a variety of songs, allowing me to expand both my musical genre and language more.'

Maine Mendoza Signs With Universal Records

(L-R) Universal Records Operations Manager Peter Chan,
Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go,
 Maine Mendoza, Business Manager Rams David

After weeks of anticipation, Maine Mendoza has officially signed a record deal with Universal Records. The contract signing was held at the Universal Records office. Present during the signing were Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, Business Manager Rams David, and Maine. 

Hints of Maine’s signing first hit the web after Universal Records posted a teaser photo of a ‘mystery girl’ wearing a leather jacket bearing the word Universal on it. Fans were quick to catch on, as #MaineForUniversalRecords became the #1 Trending Topic on Twitter in the Philippines and Worldwide not long after the teaser was posted.

Julie Anne San Jose's Latest Single 'TAYONG DALAWA' Debuts at #1

Asia's Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose has added yet another achievement to put on her track record — her latest single "Tayong Dalawa" has reached #1 on the iTunes Philippines All-Genre Chart just 30 minutes after its release. This is her second consecutive certified #1 hit under Universal Records, following the chart-topping release of her debut single "Nothing Left" on the same chart earlier this year. 

Written by the talented songstress herself, the original track speaks of one's hopeful longings for a loved one who's currently out of reach. With the cinematic feel of the song, combined with the singer's powerful vocals, long-time fans will be delighted to hear the Julie they know and love with a brand new sound. 

Fate Smiles On Mark Oblea

As a contestant on Pinoy Boyband Superstar, Mark Oblea was called the “Kwelang Bad Boy ng Bacoor.” But while it’s true that he got into his fair share of trouble when he was younger, he isn’t all bad. The truth is, under his leather jacket and tough demeanor beats the heart of a responsible, softhearted young man. 

Case in point : when Mark was eliminated during the grand finals of the show, his first thought wasn’t for himself or the opportunity he lost. It was for his family. His burning desire to give his mother and siblings a better life was the main reason he joined the competition in the first place. “Sila talaga ang nasa isip ko the whole time na lumalaban ako”, Mark says.

His thoughts also went to his mother who had been a struggling single parent. Mark promised her he’ll take on the responsibility of being the breadwinner for their family. It was then that Mark decided to establish a showbiz career. He believed doing so was the fastest way to secure his family’s future.However, finding success as a performer proved to be harder than he thought it would be. Mark went on many auditions but he always came away empty-handed. He also performed whenever and wherever he could, booking gigs at town fiestas and the like.

Ice Seguerra Releases New Single "Angel Sa Lupa" Under Universal Records

Multi-platinum recording artist Ice Seguerra (artist formerly known as artist Aiza Seguerra) is back with "Anghel Sa Lupa," his first single after the release of Gold certified album "Araw Gabi: Mga Awit ni Maestro Ryan" in 2015.

Ice rose to prominence being a former child star, appearing in over thirty films since his debut in Vic Sotto's Okey Ka Fairy Ko. From there, he has become one of the country's most respected singer-songwriters, with hits such as 'Pagdating Ng Panahon" and "Pakisabi Na Lang," among many others.

Known for his more "hugot" and melodramatic songs, Ice changes pace with this new single, a fresh acoustic tune that perfectly encapsulates the inexplicable feeling of being in love with someone. Though it gives more of a light-hearted feel than his previous songs, Ice still manages to deliver his signature vocals prominent in his well-loved body of work.

Claudia Barretto Releases Much-Awaited Debut EP Under Univeral Records

Claudia Barretto is ready to make her mark in the music industry with the release of her self-titled debut EP on May 18, 2018 (Friday), 8:00 p.m. at Yes Please, 11th Avenue corner 38th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Coming from a family of Filipino entertainment royalty, Claudia has opted to follow her passions and pursue a career in music, instead of following the path of her parents, sister, and aunts in the field of acting. The young, pretty, and talented singer, with her raw potential and certified hits will certainly be a force to reckon with in the years to come.

After months of anticipation, Universal Records proudly presents Claudia Barretto’s five-track debut EP. Leading up to the EP’s launch, three tracks, featuring different collaborations with local and internationally acclaimed artists have already been released. Her debut single ‘Stay,’ was written by popular singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre, garnering more than 1 million streams on Spotify, with its music video garnering over 500,000 views in just one month. Following this success, Claudia collaborated with Spotify Viral singer-songwriter-producer Fern. to produce the track ‘You’. In addition to this, she has also released the song ‘Finally Found It,’ which was well-received internationally and playlisted in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Doony Pangilinan's 18 Year-Old Sister Hannah Signs With Universal Records

Hannah Pangilinan, daughter of TV personalities Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, and sister of teen heartthrob Donny, has signed a record deal with Universal Records. At 18 years-old, Hannah has a bright future in the music industry, already garnering a big online following through her vlogs, song and dance covers on YouTube. The contract signing was held at the Acacia Hotel Manila in Alabang. Present during the signing was Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy Go.

She now joins her brother Donny, Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, The CompanY, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Sponge Cola, Ice Seguerra, Claudia Barretto, Shanti Dope, Fern., Julie Anne San Jose, and Elmo Magalona in the elite roster of Universal Records’ prime artists.

Hannah is currently preparing to record her original songs and is set to release her debut single soon.

Follow her on Instagram @hannahpangilinan, Twitter @hannahkathleenp, and her YouTube channel Hannah Kathleen.

Pinoy Boyband Superstar Finalist Mark Oblea Releases Debut Single 'LANGIT PAG NANDIYAN' Under Universal Records

A Pinoy Boyband Superstar finalist is ready to make his mark into the OPM scene with the release of his debut single 'Langit Pag Nandiyan'.

23-year-old singer-songwriter Mark Oblea was first discovered in the hit reality singing competition Pinoy Band Superstar (the show originally aired in 2016), in which he made it as one of the Top 7 finalists.

Though he did not win the competition, Mark, with his penchant for writing his own songs and playing guitar, still decided to pursue his music career.

Having signed a recording deal with Universal Records in December 2017, Mark is now set to release his first single entitled 'Langit Pag Nandiyan.' The song was written by Gracenote lead vocalist Eunice Jorge, and produced by hit-making producer Ito Rapadas. Talking about the meaning behind the song, Mark says "The song is about honoring someone [special in your life]. It can be a song for a friend, a loved one, a relative, or [anyone who's always there to support you despite different setbacks and challenges.] At the same time, it is also a personal anthem for all the people who've been a part of my journey to pursue my dreams"

FERN. - This New Kid Brings Beat of the Millennial Generation

Despite so many musicians out now, we were surprised with a new artist named FERN. - who just launched his EP last March 30 under Universal Records.

The 17 year-old singer-songwriter-producer having only been active on the scene for a few months has already garnered multiple achievements. His first single ‘Into You,’ debuted and stayed at #1 on the Spotify Philippines Top 50 Viral Chart for one week, and has garnered over 1.5 million plays on Spotify. ‘Into You,’ along with his latest single ‘Wanna Dance With You’ have both been included by Spotify in playlists in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines. On top of this, Fern. has been featured on Scout Magazine’s 'Teens Under 18 To Watch Out For In 2018,’ and has already been given opportunities to collaborate with young OPM artists such as Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, TALA, and Claudia Barretto.

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).

Ice Seguerra renews recording contract with Universal Records

Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Ice Seguerra has renewed his recording contract with Universal Records. The contract signing was held on February 27, 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 Ice. 

Neocolors Signs With Universal Records

One of the biggest names in the OPM scene, Neocolours, will finally release new songs this year. To jumpstart this awaited music launch, the band signed up today with its record label, Universal Records. Universal Records’ top executives led by VP Ramon Chuaying , General Manager, Kathleen Dy-Go and Operations Manager, Peter Chan welcomed the members of the band during the contract signing.

Neocolours' songs have been a mainstay of many Filipino listener's playlist. Their songs such as Maybe, Kasalanan Ko Ba, Hold On, Say You'll Never Go and Tuloy Pa Rin have transcended generational barriers and repeatedly re-recorded by some of the country's top recording artists. With the release of new songs starting this March, the band hopes to continue this artistic and musical tradition. Aside from the completion of a new album, Neocolours' other music activities includes a 30th year anniversary show at the Music Museum on April 28, as well as a national tour for the rest of the year.

16-year-old rapper Shanti Dope releases “Materyal” EP; Debut single “Nadarang” zooms to #1 on Spotify PH’s Top 50 Viral Chart!

Shanti Dope is a 16-year-old rapper from Manila, who started writing verses in 2013 following the footsteps of local rappers who use songwriting as a way to tell stories. Influenced by the idea of storytelling through rap, his first long verse got him into rapper Smugglaz 2015 album Walking Distance. 2017 marks the year he comes out with his own EP with Universal Records.

Along with Smugglaz, he counts as influences Loonie, Ron Henley, and Gloc-9, whose wordplay, context, rhymes, and narratives he aspires for in his own work. The name Shanti Dope meanwhile is borne of the influence of his father, who was a practitioner of Krishna Consciousness. Shanti is the sanskrit word for “peace,” which, alongside “dope” could mean “Peace is my natural drug.” This call for peace, given songs that actually speak of injustice and inequality, that insists on discussing the state of the nation, is what sets him apart from many rappers his age.

Universal Records Signs New Promising Band Better Days

Better Days formally signed a recording contract with Universal Records on Monday. The band is composed of Daniel Paringit on vocals and guitars, Jaro delos Reyes on guitar, Gelo Cabigon on bass and Rosner Mabuti on keyboards. Better Days is managed by Soupstar Entertainment, home to 6cyclemind, Imago, Sandwich, Hilera, Pedicab, and Moonstar88. They now join Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, The CompanY, Sponge Cola, Aiza Seguerra, Claudia Barretto, Donny Pangilinan, Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona, in the elite roster of Universal Records’ prime artists.

Asia's Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose Signs with Universal Records

Kapuso Singer-Actress Julie Anne San Jose inked her recording contract on October 27, 2017 at Universal Records office. Present during the signing are Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, Senior AVP for Alternative Productions of GMA Gigi Santiago-Lara and Julie Anne San Jose. She joins Jose Mari Chan, Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Sponge Cola, Aiza Seguerra, Claudia Barretto, Donny Pangilinan and Elmo Magalona, in the elite roster of Universal Records’ prime artists.

Gloc-9 Marks 20 Years In The Biz With The Realease of “ROTONDA” EP

Gloc-9 is not one to brag about his work because he believes that it should speak for itself. Yet there is no underestimating his 20 years in the music industry, especially since it is not just about being rapper and performer, but also about being a songwriter.

It also is about having struggled to get to this point where he has nothing to prove, and now realizing that he has in fact put in the work and must only compete with himself. “Kung titingnan ko ‘yung 20 years, parang siguro ang biggest lesson ay ang magpatuloy lang do’n sa gusto mo talagang gawing mga kanta. Kasi siyempre maraming kailangan i-consider minsan, pero kung gano’n kasi, baka hindi ka na makakasulat,” he says.

Elmo Magalona Renews Contract with Universal Records

Elmo Magalona renews his recording contract with Universal Records executives on October 24, 2017.

Present during the contract signing were Universal Records Operations Manager Peter Chan, General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go, Elmo Magalona and Elmo’s momager Pia Magalona. 

Elmo signed with Universal Records in 2015 and the partnership has produced the Gold-certified debut self-titled ELMO.

Elmo is currently working on new materials for his upcoming album which will be released very soon. Elmo was last seen on #MMKLiftedByLove episode and will soon be seen in Regal Films’ My Fairytail Love Story with onscreen partner Janella Salvador.

Elmo Magalona scores GOLD RECORD for debut album

Elmo Magalona's debut album ELMO is now certified GOLD! Elmo received his Gold Record Award last September 3 on ASAP Chillout from Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy Go. This surprise came after the performance of his debut single "Kay Dali." Elmo's debut album includes the hits "Kay Dali," "Tayo Na," "Huwag Kang Matakot," and "Alam Mo Ba" with Janella Salvador.

Catch Elmo LIVE at the following mall shows:

September 15 - Walter Mart, Taytay

October 21 - Walter Mart Balayan, Batanga

Christian Bautista Launches Much Awaited album “Kapit” on September 29 at the Music Museum!

“This album is a journey to find my next music path, a challenge to write more songs and to continue writing songs for others,” revealed Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautista, as he was in the process of concocting yet another masterpiece.

This September 29, Christian Bautista is poised to unveil his 7th album under Universal Records entitled Kapit, duly named after his famed song. The Kapit album launch, happening at the Music Museum, will also serve as a concert treat for his listeners. For only PHP 500, fans can get their hands on Kapit while watching Christian Bautista and renowned performers like The CompanY, plus other surprise guests, live!

The single, Kapit’s success, bolstered by constant radio airplays and a spot as Koreanovela Innocent Defendant’s theme song, led Stages and Universal Records to produce the event for the OPM icon’s latest album. “[Kapit is] a song about holding on despite the many hardships of any relationship,” shares Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautista.

Noel Cabangon Continues His Journey with New Album, “Byahe Pa Rin”

OPM legend Noel Cabangon recently unveiled his 7th album under Universal Records, entitled “Byahe Pa Rin”—the third installment in his Byahe album series. Compared to previous albums in the Byahe series, “Byahe Pa Rin” revitalizes with its modern array of songs interpreted by the multiplatinum artist. The album prequels both garnered multi-platinum record awards, and the most recent addition is already hitting the airwaves.

“Byahe Pa Rin” features Noel’s version of well-loved OPM modern classics, such as “Tadhana” by Up Dharma Down, “Hari ng Sablay” by Sugarfree, “Kahit Kailan” by South Border, “With A Smile” by Eraserheads, “Ikaw” by Yeng Contantino, “Sa Kanya” by Ogie Alcasid, among many others. The “Kanlungan” singer reinvents modern OPM classics while exploring different styles.