Pulso ng Bansa

  In celebration of National Heritage Month, Lampara Books unveils its latest collection of literary and educational releases that honor the long-standing traditions of Filipino storytelling and encourage cultural appreciation and values formation among the next generation of readers.   The lineup includes Filipino classics, modern retellings, and innovative educational series that share the publishing house’s mission of providing accessible, values-based, and culturally relevant literature for Filipino children and families.   Among the highlights of the launch are two of Philippine literature’s most enduring masterpieces: Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura. Edited by acclaimed scholar and children’s literature advocate Eugene Y. Evasco, the new edition of Ibong Adarna offers an enriched reading experience through chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and comprehension prompts designed to support students, teachers, parents, and independent readers alike. The vol...

  Muri performs alongside artists from Malaysia and Indonesia, bringing Filipino neo-soul and indie pop to one of Europe's leading international music showcase festivals WREXHAM, WALES — Filipino violinist and singer-songwriter Muri (Muriel Gonzales) made her Focus Wales debut on May 16, 2026, performing on the festival's AXEAN Stage as the sole representative of the Philippines. Joining artists from Malaysia and Indonesia on the AXEAN showcase — a curated spotlight on Southeast Asian music within the festival — Muri brought her signature blend of violin swells, neo-soul vocals, and introspective songwriting to the stages of Wrexham, North Wales. Now in its 16th edition, Focus Wales is one of the world's leading international music showcase festivals, welcoming over 22,000 attendees and featuring 250+ artists across 20 stages. Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, and the PRS Foundation, it is consistently recognised as one of the mo...

  Pivoting towards delicate soundscapes and lush arrangements, the 6-track release embraces a quieter form of introspection: the sonic treatment, pared down and intimate, leaning towards newfound openness in both sound and storytelling. “I’ve learned to sit with simplicity and to trust that not every space needs to be filled, that silence and restraint can carry just as much meaning as sound,” Benin explains. “Because of that, I allowed the words and melodies to breathe more, and I think it creates a more intimate listening experience, like you’re just sitting in the moment with me.” Benin adds that it’s her first time writing a record entirely dedicated to love from a more optimistic perspective. “Having an EP that’s entirely made up of love songs is something new for me. It feels like a different kind of openness and a big part of my growth as a songwriter.” According to the Parallel Universe act, the EP draws from the duality of rainy days—both simultaneously heavy and comforti...

GRAMMY® Award-winning rock band  Evanescence  has officially released their highly anticipated  new song " Who Will You Follow "  — available now for streaming worldwide. This powerful track serves as the latest preview of their upcoming album  Sanctuary , arriving June 5, 2026. The  Evanescence new song "Who Will You Follow"  was co-written and produced by Zakk Cervini (Bad Omens, YUNGBLUD, Bring Me The Horizon, Spiritbox) and Jordan Fish (Bring Me The Horizon, Poppy, House of Protection, Architects). The single follows the band's recent chart-dominating hits "Afterlife" and "Fight Like A Girl (feat. K.Flay)."   Amy Lee Reflects on Three-Year Journey to "Sanctuary" Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee opened up about the emotional weight behind the band's upcoming eighth studio album. "This album is over three years in the making, and finally listening back to it all at once, about to release it to the world, I am so d...

  The beloved Filipino indie pop outfit enters a mature creative chapter with a reflective new track, a Dolby Atmos first, and a major Orange & Lemons 2026 European tour spanning May and June.   Iconic Filipino indie pop band  Orange & Lemons  are stepping into an intimate yet expansive new era. They have announced the release of their upcoming single,  “Too Young To Be Old,”  alongside a 14‑date  Orange & Lemons 2026 European tour  that will take them from Dublin to Paris.   The single, set to precede their forthcoming album  Visions of Amber , explores the unease and beauty of mid‑life transition. Vocalist and guitarist  Clem Castro  describes it as “that strange middle space where you’re no longer reckless, but not quite settled either.”   A Quiet Conversation with Your Younger Self   Written by the band’s principal songwriter‑producer, “Too Young To Be Old” was sparked by a r...

 Filipino singer-songwriter  dwta  has never been afraid of vulnerability. But with her latest release,  “ Tabi !” , the Bicol-born artist steps into a defiant new spotlight—one powered by alt-pop swagger, grunge-inflected guitars, and the unshakable confidence of someone who has finally come home to herself. Released on her birthday, “Tabi!” is more than a track. It’s a statement. A sonic shift. And for fans of her earlier introspective work, it’s proof that  dwta  is evolving without erasing her roots.   From Soft Folk to Grunge-Pop: The Sound of “Tabi!” Long recognized for her tender, acoustic-driven storytelling,  dwta  now fuses alt-pop with folk textures, country-style banjo strums, driving percussion, and raw electric guitars. The result is surprisingly cohesive—a track where every genre clash feels intentional. “As I spend more time in the scene, I get exposed to so many creatives and different sounds,”  dwta  sh...