Popolo Music Group and Daewon Entertainment Launch AuditionKpop.com

 

Popolo Music Group (PMG) and Daewon Entertainment have launched AuditionKpop.com, a groundbreaking global audition platform that allows aspiring P-Pop and K-Pop artists to audition for over 50 music labels and production companies through one unified site. Exceptional applicants will be invited to join PMG’s elite 6-month training program, focusing on singing, dancing, stage presence, and media handling, with the chance to earn a full recording contract under PMG.

Popolo Music Group (PMG), a global leader in P-Pop innovation, and South Korea’s Daewon Entertainment, a cornerstone in K-Pop artist development, have announced a groundbreaking joint venture to launch AuditionKpop.com — a unified, professional audition platform connecting aspiring idols with over 50 music labels and production companies worldwide.

AuditionKpop.com is the first-ever platform that allows aspiring P-Pop and K-Pop artists to audition simultaneously for multiple top-tier agencies through a single digital submission. Built with user-friendly technology and global accessibility in mind, the site offers singers, dancers, rappers, and performers the opportunity to be seen by major industry players without needing to travel or apply separately.

“Our goal is to democratize access to opportunity in the music industry,” said Paul “Pooh” Lunt, CEO of Popolo Music Group. “This platform opens doors to undiscovered talent in the Philippines, Korea, and beyond — and brings the global stage within reach.”

AuditionKpop.com is more than a submission portal. It serves as a direct gateway to PMG’s rewarding 6-month intensive training program, designed for exceptional talents who stand out during the audition phase. The selected few will receive professional training in vocals, dance, stage performance, media handling, and overall artistry development, guided by industry veterans from both K-Pop and P-Pop training systems.

At the end of the program, top trainees will be offered a chance to debut under Popolo Music Group, with a full recording contract, international promotional support, and access to live performance platforms through PMG’s global touring arm, Popolo Live.

AuditionKpop.com is now live and accepting applications worldwide. The platform accepts candidates aged 14 to 25, fluent in any language but preferably with the ability to communicate in English, Korean, or Filipino, and is open to individuals or group submissions.

About Popolo Music Group

About Popolo Music Group:

PMG is a global P-Pop powerhouse headquartered in Honolulu, with offices in Manila, Seoul, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Dubai. The company is committed to developing Filipino artists and introducing them to the international stage through world-class training, fair contracts, and ownership-driven creative development.

About Daewon Entertainment:

Based in Seoul, Daewon Entertainment has helped shape some of K-Pop’s biggest acts through its elite training system, international showcases, and cross-border collaborations. The company is known for nurturing talent with global potential.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Changemakers Gather at Impact Happy Hours to Discuss the Wellbeing of Filipino Parents and Families

 

On July 2 at Shangri-La Plaza, changemakers gathered for Impact Happy Hours, a community event co-hosted by Villgro Philippines, xchange, and Ashoka Philippines. The evening featured the Good Start Challenge, which will support and fund bold ideas improving parental and caregiver wellbeing. Social entrepreneurs shared local solutions from human milk banks to digital mom communities. Applications for the challenge are open until September 17, with funding of up to €200,000. Learn more at goodstart.challenges.org.

Changemakers from various backgrounds and sectors gathered at Impact Happy Hours last July 2, at Refinery, Shangri-La Plaza Mall. The event has been running since 2017 and has been a community space for individuals and organizations interested in social impact to connect and collaborate. Impact Happy Hours’ main organizers are entrepreneur support organizations Villgro Philippines, xchange, and Ashoka Philippines, but the event has also been co-hosted with different partner organizations who have designed several ways to facilitate connections between attendees. The featured partner of last night’s event was the Good Start Challenge.

Attendees of Impact Happy Hours were invited to reflect on modern parenting, wellbeing, and caregiving within the family. “How difficult is it to get on a crowded city bus with a baby—and how many other challenges do parents face in daily life? We need to ask: can we redesign systems, services, and infrastructures for the wellbeing of parents and caregivers?” said Kathy Nothstine from Challenge Works, one of the implementing partners of the Good Start Challenge.

“We’re excited about the huge opportunities in the Philippines—especially with the growing digital economy, the rise of technology and innovation, and the potential to tap into indigenous solutions that can create more sustainable, lasting impact. At the same time, we are aware of the complex challenges Filipino parents face—from the increasing risks of climate-related disasters to high rates of teenage pregnancy—issues that disproportionately affect women and families in vulnerable communities,” Kathy added, highlighting why the Philippines is one of the eligible countries for the challenge.

The Good Start Challenge will support up to 22 finalists globally to develop their solution with €50,000 in funding and a package of non-financial support. Organizations that are addressing the wellbeing of caregivers from pregnancy and the first years of parenthood, are meeting the needs of underserved and marginalized communities, and have demonstrated effectiveness and are ready to take the next steps towards scaling are invited to apply. 

At the end, up to six winners will receive €200,000 and the opportunity to showcase in front of prospective funders and partners. Entries are now open from 22 May 2025 to 17 September 2025, 1pm (UTC). Full details are available at https://goodstart.challenges.org/ 

The Good Start Challenge was made possible by the Van Leer Foundation, FEMSA Foundation, Fundação Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal, LEGO Foundation and Challenge Works. 

The opening remarks were followed by a panel of three social entrepreneurs, namely Nadine Angelica Gadia Casiño (ALIMA Mother Support Center), JM Dioso (Project Payatas PH), and MK Bertulfo (FH Moms) who shared their real stories and insights of systems-level solutions that center parental wellbeing. 

“Aside from the lack of opportunities and education, one thing that I wanted to emphasize is that a lot of moms already have access to equipment and the experience but they lack the confidence,” said MK Bertulfo of FH Moms, speaking on the barriers women face.

Adding to the discussion on maternal challenges and care systems, Nadine Angelica Gadia Casiño of ALIMA Mother Support Center shared, “There are daycare centers, there are schools, but where are the spaces for moms?”

“We partnered with local government units to establish the first-ever city human milk bank and lactation support center—not just a pasteurizing facility, but a space where mothers receive skilled, individualized breastfeeding support… If we can create more breastfeeding clinics and mother support centers, then mothers will know where to go and I think collaboration is key for us to make that happen.”

The panelists’ stories and perspectives offered a glimpse into what’s possible when community-led solutions are given the support to grow. These served as a call to action for entrepreneurs with bold ideas to join the Good Start Challenge and scale their impact for parents and caregivers who need it most.

To stay updated on upcoming Impact Happy Hours events, follow the co-organizers on Facebook: Villgro Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/villgrophilippines/), xchange (https://www.facebook.com/xchangephilippines), and Ashoka Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/AshokaPhilippines/)

About Ashoka Philippines

About Challenge Works

Challenge Works is a global leader in designing and delivering high-impact challenge prizes that incentivise cutting-edge innovation for social good. It is part of UK innovation foundation agency Nesta. For more than a decade, it has run more than 100 prizes, distributed more than £210 million in funding and engaged with 16,000 innovators.

About the Van Leer Foundation

The Van Leer Foundation initiated the Good Start Challenge. The Van Leer Foundation is an independent Dutch organization working globally to foster inclusive societies where all parents, children and communities can flourish. Van Leer Foundation brings together people with different perspectives and supports them to achieve large-scale impact. Support involves a unique combination of funding, networks, executive education, technical assistance, and knowledge.

About Villgro Philippines

Villgro Philippines is a gender-smart incubator that funds, mentors, and nurtures enterprises addressing the pressing social and climate issues. Over the last 5 years, Villgro Philippines has supported more than 120 enterprises across South and SE Asia.

About xchange 

xchange is an impact venture builder, offering tailored mentorship to help impact-driven enterprises achieve scale and sustainability efficiently. 

About Ashoka 

Founded in 1980, Ashoka has created the first and largest professional network that supports leading social entrepreneurs around the world, with nearly 4,000 Ashoka Fellows from 93 countries. Ashoka envisions an “Everyone A Changemaker” world where each individual has the freedom, confidence, and societal support to address any social problem and drive change.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

From Boracay to Palawan: Xpress Super App Expands Island Mobility Network

Xpress Super App is set to launch in Palawan Q4 2025, following its proven success in Boracay. By co-designing with LGUs and communities, Xpress delivers smarter, greener mobility aligned with local needs. The expansion covers Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa, offering app-based rides, driver digitalization, and congestion management while supporting sustainability goals. Its localized, trust-based approach improves accessibility, boosts livelihoods, and enhances tourism flow. With planned ferry, hotel, and bundled tourist integrations, Xpress positions itself as the scalable model for island transport modernization. Palawan stands to unlock its full potential once live.

Manila, Philippines — After a landmark success in Boracay, Xpress Super App is gearing up to launch operations in Palawan this Q4 2025, aiming to transform island mobility once again — this time with deeper government collaboration and community integration.

Xpress, a Philippine-grown mobility platform, has redefined transport on Boracay by embedding technology, sustainability, and local alignment into a single user-first ecosystem. Since launch, it has improved the flow of both people and commerce, reduced congestion through e-trike deployment, and created digital income streams for local drivers.

“You don’t just drop tech into an island. You co-design with the people who live there,” said a senior Xpress representative.

In Boracay, this approach worked:

Ridership grew steadily among locals and touristsTransport delays and inefficiencies droppedStakeholder support surged from LGUs and operators alike

Now, with momentum established, Xpress is eying to expanding to Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa, supported by co-created mobility programs in partnership with the Palawan provincial government and municipal LGUs.

These partnerships aim to:

Bring app-based rides to underserved barangaysTrain and onboard local drivers digitallyManage congestion in tourism hotspotsAlign transport with Palawan’s sustainability goals

What sets Xpress apart is its commitment to localized execution. Instead of importing a model, it builds transport systems designed around each island’s specific rhythm — from port arrivals to resort connections.

The Palawan launch will include route optimization, bundled ride offers for tourists, and optional integrations with ferry and hotel services, all accessible through the Super App.

Once operational, Xpress is expected to increase accessibility, reduce friction in tourism movement, and create fresh livelihood opportunities for locals — all while supporting Palawan’s environmental agenda.

“When transport becomes smarter, everything moves better — economies, experiences, and equity,” the company added.

As the Philippines looks to modernize infrastructure in its most visited islands, Xpress offers a model that scales — not just by adding vehicles, but by unlocking smarter, greener systems that people trust.

About Xpress Super App

Xpress Super App: Pinoy-Built, Island-Smart Mobility

Xpress Super App is a proudly Philippine-grown mobility platform redefining transport in tourism-driven destinations. Designed around sustainability, technology, and local alignment, Xpress delivers smarter, greener, and more equitable mobility ecosystems. From its landmark success in Boracay — reducing congestion, empowering drivers, and improving flow — Xpress scales its co-designed model to islands like Palawan, integrating rides, ferries, hotels, and tourism offers into one seamless app. Trusted by LGUs, operators, and communities, Xpress creates measurable economic, social, and environmental impact. More than rides, it builds smarter systems people trust. Ready to unlock your destination’s potential? Let’s move!

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES 

Japanese Rock Legend HYDE's "Beauty & The Beast" Live Concert Performance to Be Broadcast Live in Cinemas Across Japan and Melbourne, and Streamed Globally!

Japanese rock star HYDE's concert performance from "HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2025 WORLD TOUR BEAUTY & THE BEAST" at KT Zepp Yokohama will be broadcast live in cinemas on Sunday August 10, 2025. The live viewing will be available for fans in theaters across Japan and Melbourne, and also via live stream worldwide.

HYDE's concert will be a specially themed "BEAUTY & THE BEAST" performance, which will split the standing room area into two halves: women (BEAUTY) and men (BEAST) on the left and right sides.

Last year, HYDE released his first original album in about five years, HYDE [INSIDE], and toured Japan, Asia, and the United States on the "HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2024 WORLD TOUR".

On June 21, 2025, HYDE kicked off his "HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2025 WORLD TOUR", which will include performances in Japan, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. HYDE's visit to Europe will be his first performance in the region since the VAMPS UK tour in 2015. The world tour will be the largest in HYDE’s career, with 24 shows in 16 cities, thanks to enthusiastic fan support from around the world.

In addition to his solo work and his performances with L'Arc〜en〜Ciel, HYDE is known to anime fans worldwide for creating theme songs for Attack on Titan, Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc, Blood+, DARLING in the FRANXX, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa, Rurouni Kenshin, and numerous others.

◼️HYDE Official Website: https://www.hyde.com/
◼️Link to Trailer: https://youtu.be/HAu2cznWCJQ

Event Outline

Title:
HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2025 WORLD TOUR BEAUTY & THE BEAST

◆CINEMAS◆
https://liveviewing.jp/overseas/hydelive-2025-eng/

Date/Time:
Sunday August 10, 2025 18:06 start *AEST

Venue:
Village Cinemas：
・Crown https://villagecinemas.com.au/cinemas/crown

Price:
$45 AUD
*Other fees apply when purchasing tickets from the theater.
Please check the theater’s website before purchasing tickets.

Tickets on sale:
From Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:00 P.M. *AEST

◆HOME VIEWING◆
Purchase: https://liveship.tokyo/en/hydelive-2025/

Date/Time:
Sunday, August 10, 2025, 17:50 Open / 18:06 Start * AEST
◆Unlimited replay viewing available through Thursday, August 14, 24:59 *AEST.

Streaming Media:
LIVESHIP

Price:
4,500 yen (tax included)

Tickets on sale:
Friday July 18, 2025 13:00 〜 Thursday August 14, 2025 22:00 *AEST
※Livestream ticket holders will have unlimited access to view the stream during the archive streaming period.
 ※Please note that the stream will shut off at the end of the archive streaming period, even if you are actively streaming at the time.
※The archive stream footage may be edited. Thank you for your understanding.

《CINEMA EVENT / LIVESTREAM》
1. Please note that this is an active livestream event where attendees are free to clap and/or show support, similar to an in-person live concert. Please make sure to understand this format prior to purchasing your tickets and attending the show. 
2. In case the length of the livestream excessively exceeds the scheduled timeframe, the livestream may be terminated before the completion of the show. Thank you for understanding.
3. This is a livestream event; therefore the image and sound quality of the stream may be affected by potential network connectivity issues.
4. Purchasing tickets for commercial purposes, reselling, transferring (online auctions, ticket websites, ticket stores) are strictly prohibited.
5. In case of loss, theft, damage, or failure to bring/present your tickets, there will be absolutely no reissuing under any circumstances.
6. Please note that you may be seated separately within your group due to seating arrangements at the theatre(s).
7. Recording of any kind (audio recording, filming of footage shown on the screen) with cameras, smartphones, and/or any other devices is strictly prohibited. Uploading or sharing such material online may be subject to criminal penalty. If such conduct is observed inside the theatre(s), we will demand all recorded material to be deleted, and your ticket(s) will not be refunded.
8. As a record of the event and/or for media use, photos and/or videos may be taken in the screen. These materials may be used in various media. We ask for your understanding and cooperation.
9. Some theatres may have limitations around food and beverage consumption.
10. In case of earthquakes or other disaster warnings, regardless of the location of the audience or the show, the livestream may pause for safety precautions.
11. No separate announcements or notifications will be made in case of changes in the content of the event.

【CINEMA EVENT ETIQUITTE】
1. When using concert items such as light sticks and towels, please be mindful as to not interfere with the show viewing experience of other guests. (Any use of items that may obstruct the show viewing experiences of other guests is prohibited.)
2. Please refrain from actions that may disrupt the show viewing experiences of other guests, such as making excessive noise.
3. Please make sure to be seated in your assigned seat and enjoy the livestream from the seat shown on your purchased ticket.
4. Each theatre’s rules and regulations may vary. 5. Please review the official website for your theater and comply with their rules and regulations.

《HOME VIEWING / LIVESTREAM》
1. Due to the nature of this being a streaming event, while viewing the livestream, you may experience possible distortion, temporary interruption and/or early termination or of video and/or audio, caused by system and/or internet line issues. The organizers are not liable for technical difficulties caused by the viewer’s internet and/or viewing environment, and there no refunds will be made for these matters.
2. Viewers are responsible for their own internet / data charges to stream the show.
3. Using wifi is recommended as high data usage is expected for streaming.
4. Commercial use of the stream footage, such as streaming the show in a restaurant or other gathering spaces, whether for free or for a fee, is prohibited.
 5. When viewing the livestream, if a viewer begins viewing after the stream has started, the footage shown will be from that point on, and rewinding of the footage will not be available.

HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2025 WORLD TOUR BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Information site: https://liveviewing.jp/hydelive-2025-eng/
Organizer: VAMPROSE
Distributor: Live Viewing Japan / Live Viewing Entertainment
©VAMPROSE Inc. All Rights Reserved

About LIVE VIEWING JAPAN

Live broadcasts of concerts, stage performances, and other live entertainment to cinemas both domestically and internationally, as well as via internet streaming. Planning and distribution of recorded content such as films, concert films, and documentaries. Planning, development, and management of new intellectual property such as animation and games.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES