Pollstar, a prominent trade publication for the concert and live music industry, has announced its 2026 Women of Live list, celebrating influential professionals and visionaries worldwide. Among this year’s lone Asian honoree is Weining Hung, Founder and Director of 9 Kick—a Taipei-based management and booking agency responsible for playing a crucial role in connecting Asian indie artists with international audiences. Hun
g is widely recognized for her work as co-founder of LUCfest, Taiwan’s premier showcase festival and conference. Launched in 2017, LUCfest became a vital meeting point for international industry professionals and Asian talents. As the festival enters its next phase of growth, LUCfest is currently exploring strategic cooperation and new partnerships to carry its legacy in ensuring its continued impact on the global stage.
Hung has recently pivoted het focus toward “deliberate career architecture” through her agency 9 Kick. “Last year has been less about scale and more about precision,” Hung told Pollstar. “Judgement is the real scarce resource.” Her current work with artists such as Phum Viphurit, ADOY, and WIM exemplifies this philosophy: building durable touring foundations rather than chasing temporary spikes is the key for longevity. As the only awardee from the Asian region at the honoree dinner in Los Angeles,
Hung joined executives from global giants such as Live Nation, WME, and AEG. Her career trajectory, from building a trusted industry platform to refining the international paths of top Asian talent, positions her as a key link between the burgeoning Asian music ecosystem and the Western mainstream market.
“It’s an honor to see the work we are doing in Asia recognized on the other side of the world,” said Hung. “Whether it was building LUCfest into a trusted platform or now focusing on long-term artist careers with 9 Kick, the goal has always been to ensure Asian talent has a durable seat at the global table. I’m excited to keep building these bridges and to see even more Asian faces in these conversations in the years to come.”
About 9 Kick 9 Kick is a premier artist management and booking agency specializing in navigating the complexities of the global live music market for Asian talent. By prioritizing long-term market development and “Asia to Universe” connectivity, 9 Kick has successfully established sustainable touring foundations for independent and pop artists across Thailand, Korea, Japan, Europe, and North America.
P-Pop trailblazers SB19 has officially dropped Wakas at Simula—a 24-track release that serves as a closure of their formative era in music and the beginning of a new imperial phase. Their second full-length album chronicles their path to self-discovery, identity building, and the cultivation of public trust, all fortified through years of experience and learning.
“At the same time, this marks a new beginning,” SB19 adds. “We hope to express ourselves more openly, explore deeper and more relatable themes, and move forward with clarity, care, and creative freedom, ready to face new challenges together.”
Wakas at Simula stands as a cohesive anthology, weaving together key selections from the group’s trilogy of acclaimed EPs (Pagsibol, Pagtatag, and Simula at Wakas), alongside six new tracks that showcase a reinvigorated approach in production and songwriting. The result is a future-forward pop record that embraces genre fluidity and maximalism, made more compelling by SB19’s unmistakable energy and charisma.
Pablo, SB19’s leader and chief producer, emphasizes the intention behind the album’s sonic direction, putting into consideration the history behind these songs. “We did not want to simply remake them; we aimed to reintroduce them with greater depth. We explored more mature arrangements, stronger dynamics, and a careful balance of raw emotion and refinement. Sonically, I focused on warmth, atmosphere, and storytelling, ensuring that every choice reflected who we are today. This approach allowed the music to honor its origins while also showcasing our growth as artists.”
SB19’s sophomore album also features international collaborations with some of the pop greats this side of the hemisphere. Queen of C-Pop JOLIN is prominently featured in “Emoji,” a euphoric club anthem with a little bit of Brazilian funk thrown in the mix.
SB19’s Ken, who co-produced the track with PLAYERTWO’s Luke April, offered an insight into its creation. “I thought this was a fresh and exciting sound for us, so I created a Brazilian phonk inspired track with the help of my friend Luke. Pablo, JOLIN, and I wrote the lyrics together. The song explores social media and how people often mask their true emotions behind emojis. It reflects on the contrast between online personas and genuine feelings, highlighting the subtle ways technology shapes human expression.”
The release of “Emoji’ will be accompanied by a music video set in what looks like two versions of an underground dungeon. SB19’s Justin explains, “The direction for the music video was to keep it simple and accessible while maintaining high quality and showcasing an impressive performance. Our creative director carefully ensured that the set designs and overall concept subtly reinforced the song’s message. The video features two distinct layouts: one glamorous and polished, the other messy and chaotic, representing the contrast between the idealized image people present online and the reality they often hide behind emojis.”
Another highlight of the album is a collaboration with Japanese pop group BE:FIRST, who joined SB19 on the floor-thumping jam “Toyfriend.” Other new songs in the album include the catchy R&B tune “Memories,” the sonically daring but refreshing “Everblack,” and the emotional ballad “Wakas,” which showcases SB19’s extraordinary vocal abilities and heartfelt delivery.
The award-winning P-Pop boyband also reworked the songs from their 2021 EP, Pagsibol, incorporating new arrangements with layers of nuance and artistic growth. With more experience and perspective, SB19 admits that the new versions offer a more refined direction, with emotions naturally running deeper and the lyrics carrying greater meaning.
“For us, it was about respect and progression,” Pablo explains. “We wanted the songs people already love to retain their emotional core, while the newer tracks pushed the album forward. Nostalgia gave the project its roots, and the new songs gave it momentum. The goal was to make the album feel familiar while still showing growth and evolution.”
Ahead of the release, SB19 revealed the official track list for Wakas at Simula during a press conference on March 23, 2026, which was simultaneously streamed live on Weverse. The video has amassed more than 300,000 views and 30 million likes within 24 hours, cementing their popularity on the global fandom platform.
The P-Pop powerhouse is also scheduled to perform in two of most prominent music festivals in the world: Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, which will run from July 30 to August 2, 2026, and the recently announced Summer Sonic in Tokyo, Japan, happening on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
SB19’s “Wakas at Simula” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the music video release of “Emoji” (Feat. JOLIN) today at 7:00 PM via SB19’s official YouTube page.
At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.
Featuring “Iceman Freestyle” & “Slaughter” Ft. J Hus
Central Cee releases his highly anticipated EP, ALL ROADS LEAD HOME. The seven-track project arrives in the wake of two stand-out records, “Iceman Freestyle” and “Slaughter” featuring J Hus. “Slaughter” saw two of the UK’s most influential voices unite on record for the first time, a landmark collaboration for Cench, whose work with UK artist collaborations have been notably selective to date. The track has quickly emerged as a fan favourite, underlining the chemistry between the pair and setting the tone for the wider project. The EP’s accompanying artwork sees Central Cee standing at a recognisable bus stop in Shepherd’s Bush, a visual nod to his West London roots and the journey that has shaped his rise.
ALL ROADS LEAD HOME captures Central Cee at a pivotal moment in his career, balancing global ambition with a return to his roots. Across seven tracks, the EP blends introspection with sharp lyricism and genre-fluid production, reinforcing his position at the forefront of British rap’s global evolution. The release caps off an extraordinary run for Central Cee. It follows the one-year anniversary of his chart-topping debut album Can’t Rush Greatness and lands as he continues the Asia leg of his Can’t Rush Greatness tour.
With ALL ROADS LEAD HOME, Central Cee continues to push boundaries, delivering a project that reflects both his journey so far and the road ahead.
TRACKLIST
ICEMAN
SLAUGHTER FT J HUS
WAGWAN
FEELINGS
DC-10
MAKA FT A2ANTI
Y FI DAT
More on Central Cee:
Central Cee is one of the most visionary figures in contemporary British rap and hip-hop, an artist who has not only dominated charts at home but also broken unprecedented ground on the global stage. Emerging from Shepherd’s Bush with a unique voice and undeniable ambition, Central Cee has rapidly become one of Britain’s greatest rap exports, consistently shaping the sound of UK hip-hop.
He first made waves in 2020 with “Day in the Life” and “Loading”, breakout singles that helped establish drill as a mainstream sound in the UK. His debut mixtape Wild West (2021) landed at #2 on the UK Albums Chart, followed by his second mixtape 23 (2022) which soared to #1, marking a landmark moment for British rap. Tracks such as “Commitment Issues” and “Obsessed With You” quickly became anthems, signalling his ability to fuse sharp lyricism with global appeal. In 2022, Cee released “Doja”, a track that became the most streamed UK rap song on Spotify at the time, peaking at #2 in the UK and charting worldwide.
The following year he joined forces with Dave on “Sprinter”, which debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for a record-breaking 10 consecutive weeks, becoming the longest-running rap Number One in UK chart history. Today, “Sprinter” has surpassed 950 million streams, while “Doja” has cleared 850 million, asserting him as a key force in the rap scene.
By 2025, Central Cee had firmly broken into the United States with the release of his debut album Can’t Rush Greatness. The record entered at #1 on the UK Albums Chart and at #9 on the Billboard 200 – making history as the first UK rap album ever to break into the US Top Ten. With nearly 20 million Spotify streams in its first day and #1 debuts across multiple international markets including Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and the Netherlands, the album confirmed his rare ability to resonate on a global level. Today, the album has accumulated over a billion streams already.
Across his career to date, Central Cee has already amassed over 10 billion global streams. His collaborations with international heavyweights including Lil Baby, 21 Savage and Drake highlight his ambition to build bridges between UK and US rap, and his presence on global festival stages has made him one of the most in-demand artists of his generation. Beyond the numbers, Central Cee’s impact lies in how he has redefined British rap’s place on the world stage.
He has been instrumental in taking drill and UK hip-hop from London’s streets to arenas and charts across the globe, while his creative versatility and uncompromising authenticity have made him a voice of his generation. His songs reflect the contradictions of modern fame – brash confidence paired with vulnerable reflection, creating a duality that has made him both relatable and aspirational to millions of fans worldwide.
Central Cee’s achievements have already been recognised with multiple MOBO Awards and BRIT Award nominations, but it is his role as a cultural pioneer that stands apart. He has modernised British rap’s identity, set record-breaking benchmarks, and paved the way for others to follow.
Central Cee is not just one of the UK’s most successful rap exports – he is a visionary, a standard-bearer for a new era of British music.
Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Chakrabarty
Taguig City, 27 March 2026 – Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Chakrabarty underscored the importance of inclusive and values driven protection solutions in helping close the country’s protection gap during the Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit.
“Financial protection is no longer simply a financial product. It is an essential foundation for resilience,” said Chakrabarty. “As insurers, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that protection solutions are accessible, relevant, and aligned with the needs and values of the communities we serve.”
Speaking at the summit themed Financial Inclusion 2.0: Building Resilient and Intelligent Banking and Insurance Models, Chakrabarty highlighted how insurers can expand financial protection through innovative products, digital distribution, and data-driven insights. He also discussed how solutions such as Takaful and microinsurance can help extend protection to underserved communities.
The summit brought together senior leaders from across the banking and insurance sectors in Asia to exchange insights on strengthening financial resilience and expanding access to financial services.
Chakrabarty emphasised that in an environment marked by economic uncertainty and rising healthcare costs, accessible and relevant protection solutions play an increasingly important role in helping families manage financial risks and build long-term resilience.
He also highlighted the potential of Takaful, a Shari’ah compliant form of insurance based on mutual assistance and shared responsibility, in expanding protection access for Muslim Filipinos. Through initiatives such as PRUTerm Lindungi, Pru Life UK aims to provide culturally relevant protection solutions that resonate with the needs and values of diverse communities.
Pru Life UK participated in the summit as the sole life insurance company sponsor and hosted an on-ground booth showcasing protection and income solutions, while engaging with industry stakeholders and event participants.
Through its protection solutions, financial literacy initiatives, and partnerships, Pru Life UK continues to support efforts to expand financial inclusion and help more Filipinos build financial security and resilience.
Connecting with industry stakeholders at the Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit,Pru Life UK showcased its protection and income solutions as the event’s sole life insurance company sponsor.
East of Metro Manila, Philippines, March 26, 2026 – The wait is finally over—global pop supergroup BTS has made their most-awaited return with their powerful new album, Arirang. Marking a new era for the icons who have redefined music and fandom culture worldwide, this comeback has sparked excitement across the globe—and at SM Supermalls, the celebration went all out for all ARMYs.
Bringing together through SM Fandom, ARMYs across the East Metro gathered for a series of immersive, music-filled events designed all for you—a true Gala to the Max experience that turned every moment into a shared memory.
ARMYs across the East Metro came together in full force as SM Supermalls delivered back-to-back comeback celebrations. At SM Center Antipolo Downtown, the BTS The Comeback Live Viewing Party turned Shakey’s into a concert-like experience, with cheers, lightsticks, and fan chants filling the space as fans witnessed BTS’ much-anticipated return.
Meanwhile, SM City Masinag mall facade was washed in red during the ARIRANG | ARMYRang Cupsleeve Event, where themed setups, fan-made merchandise, and exclusive freebies created a vibrant tribute to BTS’ new era. The excitement continues with the another cupsleeve event on April 9 at SM City San Mateo, promising more fan activities and shared moments as the SM Fandom celebrates the Arirang era together.
From live viewing parties to fan-led gatherings, SM Supermalls continues to be the home of unforgettable fandom experiences—bringing communities together in ways that are truly all for you.
Graduation is a time to celebrate, and for many Filipino families, that means coming together for a hearty meal. This season, SM Hypermarket Baliwag makes it easier to plan a memorable graduation feast without going over the budget.
A flavorful roasted chicken serves as the highlight, along with beef caldereta, a rich and comforting favorite that fits any special occasion.
No Filipino celebration feels complete without crowd-pleasers like juicy pork barbecue, crispy lumpiang Shanghai, and Pinoy-style spaghetti. These classic dishes bring back good memories and add a special touch to the gathering.
To end the meal on a sweet note, smooth and creamy leche flan is the ideal dessert. Combine it all with delightful sparkling juice for a festive feel that’s enjoyable for all ages.
Whether it’s a small or big gathering, throwing a graduation feast does not have to be expensive..
With SM Hypermarket Baliwag’s smart selections, families can celebrate milestones with a delicious spread and great memories.
The excitement was undeniable as ARMYs gathered in full force across SM malls to celebrate one of the most anticipated K-pop comebacks of the year.
At SM City Valenzuela, excitement filled the air during a lively listening party as fans came together to enjoy BTS’ music. With synchronized chants and impromptu sing-alongs, each song became a shared moment, showing that BTS celebrations are best experienced with fellow ARMYs.
Over at SM City Grand Central, the celebration continued with a lively fan meet where ARMYs bonded over their love for the group through activities, games, and unforgettable fan moments. It was more than just an event. It was a heartfelt gathering of a community that spans the globe.
All of this buzz leads up to BTS WORLD TOUR ‘Arirang’, which fans can catch on the big screen at SM Cinema of SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela on April 11, 12 , and 18.
Watch out for more events at your most-loved SM malls in Grand Central, Valenzuela, and Sangandaan, the home of everyday celebrations. Visit and gala to the max at your favorite SM Mall!
GCash echoes calls for values-driven fintech to drive long-term financial progress
In a country where millions are newly entering the formal financial system, inclusion must be measured not by sign-ups or transactions, but by whether people are becoming more financially resilient over time.
Filipinos deserve access to innovative and seamless financial services so they can participate and thrive in the growing digital economy, underscoring that GCash has remained steadfast in expanding digital financial inclusion.
Rowie Zamora, chief strategy officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, said the real measure of inclusion lies in helping users build healthy financial habits that allow them not just to transact, but to thrive.
“Access is only the starting point,” Zamora said. “Financial inclusion should ultimately help people manage their money better, prepare for uncertainties, and work toward their long-term financial goals.”
Zamora then explained the company’s goal to support Filipino users across different life stages to help manage their money better through a framework that shows how Filipinos are meeting daily needs, building emergency savings, and planning for the future. At its core is the belief that financial security should feel achievable, especially for first-time savers.
The emergency phase focuses on helping users set aside money for unexpected expenses using simple tools that match how people actually save, such as putting away small amounts and working toward manageable goals. On the other hand, the long-term phase is about building future financial security by giving users easier access to investment and retirement-saving options.
“Financial health starts with small, everyday habits. By helping Filipinos save for emergencies and plan for the future through simple, accessible tools, we make long-term security feel achievable for everyone,” Zamora said.
This shift, from access to outcomes, requires not just better products, but smarter, more responsible technology.
Building on this focus on financial health, Sara Venturina, chief data officer of GCash, underscored that the next evolution of financial inclusion will be shaped by technology that enables sustained financial progress, guided by clear human values.
While GCash has already made strides in democratizing access to digital payments, savings, and credit, the real challenge now is ensuring these tools work hard for its users, in helping them grow, protect, and make sound financial decisions over time.
Artificial intelligence is the driving force behind GCash, quietly democratizing access, affordability, and safety for users. It expands fair lending access through Fuse Financing, boosts security with tools like Double Safe, and personalizes services with tailored offers through the upcoming GCoach feature.
However, Venturina stressed that innovation must be matched with shared responsibility. “AI should not only optimize systems, but it should also serve people fairly and transparently. The future of fintech depends on the values we embed in our technology,” she said.
She added that GCash takes a deliberate, human-centric approach to AI by evaluating potential risks and unintended consequences before rolling out new products and features in the GCash app. This ensures that innovation builds trust, promotes financial literacy, and works for users regardless of their backgrounds and levels of digital readiness.
By aligning advanced technology with empathy and accountability, Venturina said fintech can move beyond convenience and become a long-term partner in improving financial well-being.
In the Philippine context, where financial vulnerability and rapid digital adoption coexist, combining financial health with responsible AI is what allows inclusion to scale sustainably. When technology is guided by values and designed around real human needs, digital finance becomes not just a tool for transactions, but a long-term partner in building resilience, opportunity, and economic participation.
After a breakout 2024 run, the band brings bigger energy and deeper connections this April 2026
Manila, Philippines – After the massive success of their 2024 Taiwan debut, The Itchyworms are gearing up for a highly anticipated return this April 2026.
The pop-rock hitmakers are heading to the land of vibrant night markets for Akin Ka Na Lang TAIWAN Part 2—a three-city tour that will once again bring their signature wit, warmth, and crowd-rousing sing-alongs to Taiwan’s eclectic live scene, proving that great music knows no borders.
The iconic band’s previous tour struck a chord with diverse audiences in Taiwan, reinforcing what Jugs Jugueta puts simply: “Music is a universal language.”
Apart from charming Taiwanese locals who have learned to appreciate music outside of their turf, The Itchyworms have always been vocal in deepening their connections with Filipinos abroad. Known for their infectious humor and relatable storytelling, The Itchyworms aim to create a shared space of nostalgia, joy, and Pinoy pop culture.
“We constantly try to get to know the Filipinos in Taiwan,” Jugueta shares. “Filipinos are really so friendly, so we will just talk about life in Taiwan and the struggles of not seeing your family very often. We will bring them back to the Philippines through our music!”
Each night promises a one-of-a-kind experience, with performances shaped by the crowd’s energy: no two shows are the same, every moment alive.
“It feels great that not only are we sharing The Itchyworms’ music, but we are also sharing OPM and Filipino music with the world,” Jugueta adds.
Check out the cities and dates for the upcoming Akin Ka Na Lang TAIWAN Part 2: • April 3 (Friday) – Kaohsiung, LIVE WAREHOUSE • April 4 (Saturday) – Taichung, Legacy Taichung • April 5 (Sunday) – Taipei, Legacy Taipei
MANILA, PH – March 2026 – Sun Life Philippines, the country’s No. 1 life insurance company in terms of total premium income, recently hosted the Women’s Business Mission of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada at the company’s head office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region through research, dialogue, and strategic business engagement. Its Women’s Business Mission brings together women-led and women-owned Canadian companies to explore opportunities for collaboration, trade, and investment in key markets across Asia, while advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
The Women’s Business Mission event underscored Sun Life’s commitment to empowering women in the insurance and financial services industries by championing innovation, collaboration, and technology-driven solutions that strengthen connections between the company and its Clients.
As part of the experience, delegates were given a firsthand look at Sun Life’s digital transformation initiatives through interactive technology booths showcasing tools developed in-house to enhance both advisor and Client experience. These included Advisor Social, a digital content management platform for advisors; Advisor Buddy, a digital onboarding and navigation tool for new advisors; and Medical Document Translation, a cost-efficient, low-risk solution that helps accelerate underwriting decisions.
“We are incredibly proud of the tools we build in-house, but true innovation requires knowing what you can’t build alone,” said Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines. “At Sun Life, we actively look for opportunities to partner with startups because they bring the agility and niche expertise we need to solve complex problems fast. We treat our partners as co-creators, and looking at the brilliant women founders in this room, my genuine hope is that some of your companies will soon join our ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison, highlighted Sun Life’s Canadian roots. “What began as a Canadian company’s commitment to the Philippine market has grown into a long-standing partnership with Filipino families, businesses, and communities, and we’re excited to do more,” he said.
Present during the event were Sun Life’s women leaders, including Joy Castillo, Chief Operations Officer of Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc.; Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines; Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer of Sun Life Philippines; and Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines.
Sun Life Philippines continues to champion women leadership across its organization. Women make up 73% of the company’s more than 22,000-strong advisor force, while 51% of its senior leadership roles are held by women. This reinforces Sun Life’s belief that inclusive leadership drives stronger outcomes for Clients, communities, and the business.
