Fusion exec praises Ben&Ben: ‘They take their music seriously’ | ABS-CBN
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Fusion exec praises Ben&Ben: ‘They take their music seriously’
Fusion exec praises Ben&Ben: ‘They take their music seriously’
Josh Mercado
Published Jan 31, 2025 11:58 AM PHT
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Updated Jan 31, 2025 02:56 PM PHT
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There have been previous claims about the alleged "diva" behavior of the country's most popular band Ben&Ben, which Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival founder Gladys Basinillo believes is unfair, given that she is currently working with the band, who will headline the highly anticipated Filipino music fest.
There have been previous claims about the alleged "diva" behavior of the country's most popular band Ben&Ben, which Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival founder Gladys Basinillo believes is unfair, given that she is currently working with the band, who will headline the highly anticipated Filipino music fest.
Praising the famous band, Basinillo said, “Baka nami-misquote lang or nami-misunderstood. Kapag sobrang laki ng event, marami talagang nangyayari. As producers, na-experience namin ‘yun, e. Suddenly may nangyari rito so kailangan mong mag-shift ng mga pagkakasunud-sunod. Kapag live show, anything can happen lalo na kapag sobrang daming nakasalang na artists.”
Praising the famous band, Basinillo said, “Baka nami-misquote lang or nami-misunderstood. Kapag sobrang laki ng event, marami talagang nangyayari. As producers, na-experience namin ‘yun, e. Suddenly may nangyari rito so kailangan mong mag-shift ng mga pagkakasunud-sunod. Kapag live show, anything can happen lalo na kapag sobrang daming nakasalang na artists.”
The Fusion music fest executive also complimented the band's professionalism, artistry, and passion for music.
The Fusion music fest executive also complimented the band's professionalism, artistry, and passion for music.
“Kung sabihin na sila ay unreasonable or difficult to work with, I don’t think that’s fair. Diva is not the term but they take their music seriously so they’re very detailed in terms of their requirement sa technical aspect which we feel there’s nothing wrong with that kasi they work naman with whatever supplier we have, budget we have. They are reasonable naman kaya hindi ko rin talaga masabi na diva,” she shared.
“Kung sabihin na sila ay unreasonable or difficult to work with, I don’t think that’s fair. Diva is not the term but they take their music seriously so they’re very detailed in terms of their requirement sa technical aspect which we feel there’s nothing wrong with that kasi they work naman with whatever supplier we have, budget we have. They are reasonable naman kaya hindi ko rin talaga masabi na diva,” she shared.
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She continued, “Nagre-rehearse sila. Nagsa-sound check sila. ‘Yun ang importante.”
She continued, “Nagre-rehearse sila. Nagsa-sound check sila. ‘Yun ang importante.”
Fusion founder Gladys Basinillo with Ben&Ben. Photo: Handout
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According to Jake Habitan of Praxis, Ben&Ben is one of the most skilled bands, based on his interactions with them during meetings and rehearsals.
According to Jake Habitan of Praxis, Ben&Ben is one of the most skilled bands, based on his interactions with them during meetings and rehearsals.
“They’re very collaborative kung paano mapapaganda at mapapabongga ‘yung show,” he said.
“They’re very collaborative kung paano mapapaganda at mapapabongga ‘yung show,” he said.
Fusion returns with star-studded lineup
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival will feature some of the most celebrated OPM artists, including Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Zack Tabudlo, The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, Maki, Jan Francis, and ALLMO$T, as well as an exciting lineup of rising stars and dynamic DJs on March 15 at the CCP Open Grounds.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival will feature some of the most celebrated OPM artists, including Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Zack Tabudlo, The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, Maki, Jan Francis, and ALLMO$T, as well as an exciting lineup of rising stars and dynamic DJs on March 15 at the CCP Open Grounds.
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Founded in 2015 with the goal of bringing all genres, generations, and managements together in one massive celebration, it stood out from the start as a testament of OPM's strength, uniting the country while giving top-tier production value to promote and encourage local talent.
Founded in 2015 with the goal of bringing all genres, generations, and managements together in one massive celebration, it stood out from the start as a testament of OPM's strength, uniting the country while giving top-tier production value to promote and encourage local talent.
It has evolved over time into a cultural movement, a rallying cry for Filipinos to be proud of their creativity. More than just a festival, it acts as a platform for homegrown talent, bringing together legacy icons, global Filipino musicians, and emerging artists for a one-of-a-kind OPM experience.
It has evolved over time into a cultural movement, a rallying cry for Filipinos to be proud of their creativity. More than just a festival, it acts as a platform for homegrown talent, bringing together legacy icons, global Filipino musicians, and emerging artists for a one-of-a-kind OPM experience.
“Now is the time to put OPM in the spotlight. While international acts continuously fill arenas and festivals across the country, our own artists and music deserve the same level of support. Fusion is here to make that happen — to give Filipino music the recognition it deserves,” said the founder of Fusion.
“Now is the time to put OPM in the spotlight. While international acts continuously fill arenas and festivals across the country, our own artists and music deserve the same level of support. Fusion is here to make that happen — to give Filipino music the recognition it deserves,” said the founder of Fusion.
Reflecting on their legacy, Fusion’s event director Paul Basinillo added, “This 10th year of Fusion is a milestone for OPM, proving that Filipino music continues to evolve, grow, and inspire. But more than that, it’s a milestone for live entertainment in the Philippines. This is our chance to set the standard for what a modern Filipino music festival can be — something that rivals international festivals, with our own unique identity. This isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. This is about the next generation of Filipino music, artists, and fans. This is about bringing people back to live events, making concerts an experience they will always want to be part of.”
Reflecting on their legacy, Fusion’s event director Paul Basinillo added, “This 10th year of Fusion is a milestone for OPM, proving that Filipino music continues to evolve, grow, and inspire. But more than that, it’s a milestone for live entertainment in the Philippines. This is our chance to set the standard for what a modern Filipino music festival can be — something that rivals international festivals, with our own unique identity. This isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. This is about the next generation of Filipino music, artists, and fans. This is about bringing people back to live events, making concerts an experience they will always want to be part of.”
Tickets for Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival are available at Ticketmelon (ticketmelon.com). Aside from the performances, fans can look forward to interesting activities on March 15 at the CCP Open Grounds.
Tickets for Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival are available at Ticketmelon (ticketmelon.com). Aside from the performances, fans can look forward to interesting activities on March 15 at the CCP Open Grounds.
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EXCLUSIVE: Ron Henley on returning to the hip-hop scene after a break: ‘Nag-focus muna ako sa pagiging ama’
EXCLUSIVE: Ron Henley on returning to the hip-hop scene after a break: ‘Nag-focus muna ako sa pagiging ama’
Push Team
Published Feb 25, 2025 11:14 PM PHT
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Filipino hip-hop artist Ron Henley was part of the artist lineup at the recently concluded OPM Series: Hip Hop Fest, held at the SM North Edsa Sky Dome on February 22.
Filipino hip-hop artist Ron Henley was part of the artist lineup at the recently concluded OPM Series: Hip Hop Fest, held at the SM North Edsa Sky Dome on February 22.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, he shared that his break in the past months was due to him focusing on becoming a father.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, he shared that his break in the past months was due to him focusing on becoming a father.
“Sa bahay lang kasi nag-aalaga din ako ng anak. Nag-focus muna ako sa pagiging ama. Kababalik ko lang magtanghalulit. Ito nandon pa rin yung kaba, yung excitement,” Ron Henley shared.
“Sa bahay lang kasi nag-aalaga din ako ng anak. Nag-focus muna ako sa pagiging ama. Kababalik ko lang magtanghalulit. Ito nandon pa rin yung kaba, yung excitement,” Ron Henley shared.
The hip-hop star is now a proud father to his eight-month-old daughter, Shira Haza Nirvana, whom he happily brought along during his recent music fest stint.
The hip-hop star is now a proud father to his eight-month-old daughter, Shira Haza Nirvana, whom he happily brought along during his recent music fest stint.
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Just last December, Ron Henley also shared his first Christmas with Shira on Instagram.
Just last December, Ron Henley also shared his first Christmas with Shira on Instagram.
On back to performing live, the rapper-songwriter admitted that it was refreshing to have a different set of audiences, stepping away from their usual gigs with a more intimate setting.
On back to performing live, the rapper-songwriter admitted that it was refreshing to have a different set of audiences, stepping away from their usual gigs with a more intimate setting.
“Parang na-expose kami sa ibang set naman ng audience. At nakaka-tuwa din na may bago kang tagapakinig. Para sa kanila fresh pa yung kinakanta mo years ago, nakakabigay ng gana ulit.” he shared.
“Parang na-expose kami sa ibang set naman ng audience. At nakaka-tuwa din na may bago kang tagapakinig. Para sa kanila fresh pa yung kinakanta mo years ago, nakakabigay ng gana ulit.” he shared.
The "Hagdan" hitmaker, along with fellow rapper, Loonie, also offered advice to emerging artists in the hip-hop scene, noting that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them along the way.
The "Hagdan" hitmaker, along with fellow rapper, Loonie, also offered advice to emerging artists in the hip-hop scene, noting that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them along the way.
“Gawin mo lang nang gawin, wag kang matakot magkamali. Habang maaga pa, maitatama yung mga mali. Saka siyempre, kung talagang passion mo, lahat gagawin mo para maitawid yung passion mo na 'yon. Kumbaga, gawin mo lang yung nasa puso mo, mahalin mo lang yung ginagawa mo, ‘yun lang,” he added.
“Gawin mo lang nang gawin, wag kang matakot magkamali. Habang maaga pa, maitatama yung mga mali. Saka siyempre, kung talagang passion mo, lahat gagawin mo para maitawid yung passion mo na 'yon. Kumbaga, gawin mo lang yung nasa puso mo, mahalin mo lang yung ginagawa mo, ‘yun lang,” he added.
The hip-hop artist also shared that in songwriting, inspiration can be found in the simplest things you encounter or experience daily.
The hip-hop artist also shared that in songwriting, inspiration can be found in the simplest things you encounter or experience daily.
He even revealed that his love for plants, as a self-proclaimed "plantito," served as the main inspiration for his song "Ilandasanwakan," a reversed word for "Nakaw Na Sandali.” The song featured words such as flowers, gumamela, and santan.
He even revealed that his love for plants, as a self-proclaimed "plantito," served as the main inspiration for his song "Ilandasanwakan," a reversed word for "Nakaw Na Sandali.” The song featured words such as flowers, gumamela, and santan.
"Mahilig kasi ako sa mga halaman eh plantito. One time naging, ano, plantito. Kaya, isa sa mga, ano, mga naging inspirasyon ko, yung mga halaman na alaga ko,” he explained.
"Mahilig kasi ako sa mga halaman eh plantito. One time naging, ano, plantito. Kaya, isa sa mga, ano, mga naging inspirasyon ko, yung mga halaman na alaga ko,” he explained.
Fans can also expect more songs and collaborations from the rapper-songwriter.
Fans can also expect more songs and collaborations from the rapper-songwriter.
“Sulat-sulat lang din ako, collab-collab. Last na collaboration na nagawa ko is yung with Skusta (Clee) and Yuridope,” Ron Henley shared, referencing their song "La Luna."
“Sulat-sulat lang din ako, collab-collab. Last na collaboration na nagawa ko is yung with Skusta (Clee) and Yuridope,” Ron Henley shared, referencing their song "La Luna."
—By Jemuel Tandoc
—By Jemuel Tandoc
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