Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The Marikina-based trio delivers a no-skips album driven by blues-infused rock ’n’ roll and working-class struggles
Filipino blues rock trio AME has officially released Kwentong Barbero, a seven-track album that tackles the unfiltered realities of everyday Filipino life. As one of the few active blues bands in the local music scene, AME takes the genre to a thrilling new place through its riveting balance of classic blues sound, ‘70s psychedelic rock, and contemporary punk edge.
Redefining OPM with their eclectic sound and personality, Kwentong Barbero delivers a record wity easygoing charm and confidence. The retro-modern album features previously released singles “Ipagpatawad Mo,” “Hala Bira,” and “Palaboy,” alongside four new tracks ready to hit hard and stay with the listeners until the final note.
From the urban grit of “BluKolar” to the poignant farewell in “Langit,” the record paints vibrant stories of love, survival, identity, and hope into anthems that cut across generations. “BluKolar,” in particular, connects the album to broader themes of labor, migration, and resilience, grounding AME’s music in the everyday struggles and aspirations of Filipino communities.
Tracks like “Sana Makapili” stands out for its reflective patriotism, while heartfelt stompers like “Sandal” reveals the band’s vulnerable side both as songwriters and performers. The result is a well-rounded, no-skips album that balances emotional depth with the glorious raggedness of rock n’ roll.
Musically, AME’s new record serves as both a homage to the timeless tradition of Filipino storytelling and the trio’s infectiously gritty approach to blues-infused rock music.
Tracklist
Sana Makapili
Palaboy
Ipagpatawad Mo
BluKolar
Sandal
Hala Bira
Langit
AME’s debut album, Kwentong Barbero is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via evosound Philippines.
About AME
AME is an indie-alternative rock blues band from Marikina known for their genre-bending sound that fuses nostalgic rock influences with modern pop sensibilities and emotionally charged lyricism. Since emerging in 2019, the band has steadily built a growing following through music that balances youthful energy with introspective storytelling — from the infectious groove of Ipagpatawad Mo to the heartfelt collaboration Balang Araw with Frank Ely, and now their upcoming album, Kwentong Barbero.
Blending driving guitars, soulful vocals, and blues-rooted instrumentation, AME delivers a sound that feels both fresh and familiar within the local indie scene. Their songs often explore themes of love, identity, struggle, and hope, capturing the rawness of youth alongside the emotional weight of lived experience. As one of the few active bands carrying blues influences into modern OPM, AME continues to carve out a distinct space in Filipino music — proving themselves to be one of the most promising acts shaping the next wave of local rock and blues.
Now available on all digital music platforms worldwide, the 8-track release unfolds like a single emotional journey: carefully sequenced, richly detailed, and impossible to skip.
Manila, Philippines – Following the radiant charm of their critically acclaimed debut DEFINITELY LOVE!, ALYSON returns to the spotlight with AFTER OURS—a sonically ambitious sophomore album released via Offshore Music Philippines.
ALYSON’s second full-length album lingers in the aftermath of a romantic connection, exploring uncertainty after intimacy, the temptation that complicates devotion, and the painful realization that love endures not through perfection but through choice. Embracing a more sophisticated approach to songwriting and production, AFTER OURS treats the art of listening to albums as a sanctimonious experience, with each track carefully sequenced and every detail presented with intentionality at every level.
In an era increasingly dominated by algorithmic design and standalone singles, ALYSON wants listeners to rediscover the beauty of experiencing albums as complete bodies of work that are meant to be lived through in sequence, with no skips. The record feels like one long night stretching into dawn.
Here’s a track-by-track description:
IKAW LAGI
Opening the record with festive beats and magnetic arrangements, “IKAW LAGI” is described as a “summery, ‘80s Latin-disco anthem” where the feelings of attraction and love are amplified to the max by its inescapable energy. The dancefloor-ready track captures the excitement of attraction at the beginning of a night out: where possibility is endless and every glance feels electrifying.
LANDI
A nighttime 80’s dancefloor track that takes listeners deeper into the long night, the song transports you to the set of the 1987 film, Dirty Dancing. It brings back the physicality and intimacy introduced in the previous album, showing two people unexpectedly synchronized to the beat amidst the chaos of the dance floor, getting closer, skin to skin, almost to a sensual breaking point.
BIGHANI
Exploring the connection between city pop and Brazilian tropical rhythms, the track marks the emotional escalation of the album. Beneath its shimmering production lies an internal conflict: temptation can drive a person crazy after a wonderful night, leading them to question their outlook on loyalty and love.
KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN
Delivering the record’s grandest emotional statements, the track gloriously channels the Manila Sound ballads from the ‘70s and ‘80s with sweeping orchestral arrangements ala Basil Valdez and Rey Valera. Drunk with nostalgia and yearning, the track meditates on the painful beauty of memory, asking whether love would still be chosen if one already knew how complicated and fragile everything would become.
TALAGA
A playful synth-pop track inspired by both Pinoy and Japanese pop sensibilities circa 1986, the track chronicles a lover’s quarrel filled with teasing tension and undeniable chemistry.
The release of the song is accompanied by a music video that pays tribute to the late-night music television performances of the ’80s and ‘90s (e.g., Ryan Ryan Musikahan). It also features rising pop artist Paprikka, who is known for her charismatic singing and soulful delivery.
GOODBYE, SUMMER
Integrating big band jazz, Motown grooves, city pop, and crooner-style Manila Sound into one cohesive package, “GOODBYE, SUMMER” is considered one of the album’s technical highlights. The groovy tune captures the exhaustion of heartbreak while confronting the lingering pain that still shadows it.
24/7 LOVE & CARE
Handpicked as the album’s focus track, the song embodies the accessibility and warmth that define ALYSON in their sincerest form. Featuring a simpler arrangement centered largely around the band’s five core members, the track represents clarity after emotional turbulence: a realization that despite temptation, confusion, and imperfection, there remains comfort and peace in enduring love.
‘DI MAKAPANIWALA
Sitting at the intersection of Japanese City Pop and Manila Sound, “‘DI MAKAPANIWALA” is an earnest closing track meant to cap off the emotional complexities of a night that was. It’s a simple message of hopefulness for a love that can make it to the dawn. Credits roll.
ALYSON’s AFTER OURS is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide this May 22, 2026, via Offshore Music Philippines. Watch the music video of “TALAGA”, debuting on YouTube tonight 9PM.
Your next visit to an OPPO Service Center may come with a few extra perks. Through its newest ‘Happy Weekend’ promo, OPPO Care is giving customers access to freebies, exclusive discounts, and special rewards alongside its after-sales services.
Available from May 29 to 31, 2026, the promo lets customers enjoy added value when visiting participating OPPO Service Centers nationwide, whether it's for repairs, device checkups, or other support services.
Rewards Based on Your Repair Cost
Customers who complete their device repairs during the promo period can receive special freebies depending on their total repair cost.
For OPPO A Series users:
PHP 1,201 to PHP 2,300: FREE USB Flash Drive
PHP 2,301 to PHP 3,900: FREE Type-C USB Cable
PHP 3,901 and above: FREE Black Automatic Umbrella
Meanwhile, Reno and Find Series users can enjoy even bigger rewards:
PHP 2,401 to PHP 5,500: FREE 2-in-1 Pillow
PHP 5,501 to PHP 10,000: FREE Ollie Elemental item
PHP 10,001 and above: FREE Charger Set (head charger + Type-C USB Cable)
Extra Perks for MyOPPO App Members
MyOPPO App members can also enjoy an exclusive 15% OFF on OPPO Tempered Glass for repairs worth PHP 1,201 and above. Customers simply need to present or scan their MyOPPO App Membership ID at participating service centers to redeem the discount.
The Happy Weekend Promo will be available at selected OPPO Service Centers nationwide, including:
SM City North EDSA
SM City Manila
SM City Dasmariñas
Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces
Pampanga
Bulacan
Davao
CDO
Tacloban
SM City Iloilo
SM City Zamboanga
SM City J Mall Cebu
Tuguegarao
Nueva Ecija
Robinsons Santiago
Abanao Square Baguio
SM City Gensan
SM City Masinag
OPPO Care’s Happy Weekend Promo will continue on selected weekends every month, giving users more chances to enjoy exclusive freebies and after-sales perks.
Hurry now, until supplies last only!
For updates and future schedules, follow OPPO Care-PH on Facebook and TikTok, or OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ and Facebook page.
Payment solutions provider VeritasPay Philippines Inc. is scaling up its nationwide presence as it accelerates support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adapting to an increasingly digital economy.
From an initial focus on Metro Manila and the broader Mega Manila area in 2021, the company has since expanded its reach to serve merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting the growing demand for accessible and reliable digital payment infrastructure beyond urban centers.
Today, VeritasPay supports a growing base of merchants nationwide, offering businesses a unified platform to accept multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, QR code payments, and other digital channels.
“At the point of sale, speed and reliability are critical to customer experience,” Christopher James Payne, President and CEO of VeritasPay said, underscoring the role of seamless transactions in driving both customer satisfaction and business performance.
Unified payments platform
VeritasPay enables merchants to accept payments across various touchpoints from physical point-of-sale (POS) terminals and mobile devices to online checkout pages and banking channels, through a single provider. This integrated approach simplifies operations for businesses managing multiple sales environments or branch locations, eliminating the need to work with separate payment providers and enabling more consistent transaction processing.
“At VeritasPay, we remain committed to empowering businesses by delivering accessible, reliable, and innovative payment solutions that drive growth and long-term success,” said VeritasPay General Manager and Business Development Head, Carl Henrison Tienzo.
To support businesses at different stages of growth, VeritasPay structures its offerings into two core solution categories. Its In-Store suite, which comprises OnePOS, MobilePOS, and ExpressPOS, caters to day-to-day transactions at physical locations, offering merchants flexible options based on their setup and scale. Complementing this is its Online suite, which includes EasyLink, Checkout, Online Banking and Over-the-Counter, enabling businesses to accept payments remotely and expand into digital channels without overhauling their existing systems. Together, these solutions allow merchants to add new sales channels while operating within a single, unified payment ecosystem.
Growth targets for the year
Building on its nationwide footprint, VeritasPay said it now serves merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, delivering technology-driven payment solutions across the country. The company is targeting a 30–40% increase in its merchant base this year, alongside a 45% rise in processed transaction volume, supported by continued investments in internal capabilities and strategic partnerships. With its expanding footprint and integrated solutions, VeritasPay aims to play a larger role in enabling SMEs across the Philippines to scale their operations and meet evolving consumer expectations.
Enhanced visibility for businesses
As SMEs expand, transaction visibility and operational oversight become increasingly important. VeritasPay provides centralized reporting tools that allow merchants to monitor sales, review payment activity, and track transactions by terminal, payment type, or location.
Such capabilities help business owners and managers identify trends, address discrepancies, and make data-driven decisions, particularly for enterprises operating across multiple branches.
Consistent customer experience
The shift toward digital payments has also heightened expectations for consistency. VeritasPay’s platform supports uniform payment acceptance across locations and channels, helping businesses deliver a seamless checkout experience whether transactions occur in-store, online, or remotely. This consistency reduces friction for customers while standardizing processes for frontline staff.
For more information, businesses may explore VeritasPay’s suite of payment solutions designed to support both in-store and online transactions.
Manila, Philippines (May 22, 2026) — HUAWEI, the number one smartwatch and wristband company in the Philippines, has set the new benchmark for accurate and comprehensive sports and health tracking with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series. Now available in the Philippines, the series starts at PHP 8,999.
Blending advanced sports analytics and comprehensive health monitoring, the latest smartwatch series empowers users to turn everyday moments into opportunities for movement, wellness, and self-improvement — all with a wearable built to keep up with modern lifestyles.
Sophisticated, Detailed Design, and Vibrant Colors
The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro comes in premium Black, White, and Orange colorways, with the Orange edition featuring the breathable HUAWEI AirDry Woven Strap for added comfort. The White edition pioneers the use of Aerospace-Grade Nanoceramic Metal, delivering a warm, scratch-resistant ceramic texture. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 offers stylish everyday wear in Black, White, Purple, online-exclusive Green, and NFC-enabled Silver.
Comprehensive Health Monitoring and Improved Wellness with AI-Powered Insights and Accurate Analytics
The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series introduces advanced health features, led by the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro’s non-invasive Diabetes Risk Study, CE-certified ECG, and Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis. It also features Next-Gen Smart Sensing, Emotional Wellbeing 2.0, Cycle Intelligence, and enhanced TruSleep 5.0 for more comprehensive health tracking.
Built for active lifestyles, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro supports advanced outdoor sports like professional trail running, 40-meter freediving, and upgraded golf features with access to over 17,000 global courses. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series also supports over 100 sports modes, racket sports apps like PickleX, Tennix, and Goodshot, plus the new “mini-workout” feature with guided stretching sessions.
Seamless and Smart Ecosystem with Local App Integration
Designed for seamless everyday use, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series offers up to 10 days of battery life and broad compatibility with both iOS and Android devices.
For added convenience, the series supports local features like GCash WatchPay and Angkas. Users can also download apps like FiiT and Life Period Tracker via AppGallery (through OTA updates), while Komoot integration allows seamless syncing of cycling and running routes directly to the watch.
Choose Smarter, Live Healthier with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series
Enjoy limited-time promos for the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series for a limited time. PHP 1,000 early-bird vouchers are available on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. For purchases via the official HUAWEI Online Store, users can avail vouchers worth up to PHP 2,500.
From May 22 to June 21, every purchase includes a complimentary premium bundle of freebies and gifts:
To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series or to secure yours today, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
There are moments when you need a little extra funds, fast. Not because something went wrong, but because things don’t always line up perfectly: bills overlap, expenses come in early, or your sweldo hasn’t landed yet. It happens.
That’s exactly where Maya Easy Credit from Maya, the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, comes in.
Now with a higher limit of up to ₱50,000, Maya Easy Credit gives you quick access to extra funds when timing is off. Whether it’s covering overlapping bills, handling an expense before your next payout, or simply giving yourself more breathing room, it’s built to help you move through those moments—without overcomplicating things.
Because the reality is, many traditional options are designed for bigger, long-term commitments, often more than what’s needed for a short-term gap.
With Maya Easy Credit, there’s no need to lock yourself into something long-term. No need to overcommit. It works as a revolving credit line: use only what you need, repay within 30 days, and pay a service fee (starting at 3.99%) based only on the amount you actually use. Simple, clear, and manageable.
And honestly, this shift has been a long time coming. For years, credit carried a stigma. It felt like something to avoid, something you turned to only when things went wrong. But everyday financial life doesn’t really work that way anymore.
These days, it’s less about major emergencies and more about timing. Your gastos don’t always match your sweldo, and more often than not, the challenge isn’t whether you can afford something, it’s whether you have the funds right now.
That’s why credit is starting to feel different. Not a last resort, but a practical tool. Something you can use when it makes sense: short-term, flexible, and easy to manage, just enough to keep things moving.
And because Maya Easy Credit is built into the same app you already use for payments and savings, it’s seamless. From checking your available credit to repayment, everything can be managed directly in the app; no paperwork, no collateral, no extra steps, just access when you need it.
Having that option changes the way you approach your money. Because what’s really changing isn’t just how people use credit, it’s how it fits into everyday life. It’s not just something you turn to when things go wrong. It’s becoming part of how people handle the in-between.
And sometimes, that’s all it takes—just a little extra to keep things moving.
To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.
Combining reliable mobile connectivity with strengthened data protection to support stable credit recovery outcomes amid economic headwinds in the Philippines
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