RECENTLY.   

Manila, Philippines — For an artist who rarely speaks but whose music always travels far and stays relevant in our daily mixes, the silence around Al James has never been empty. It’s been a space for building, pausing, recalibrating. Years after reshaping the landscape with his distinct tone and unhurried confidence, he’s finally stepping forward again. Not louder, just truer.

Manila, Philippines — To John Odin, music has always been about defiance. Not defiance for spectacle’s sake, but for authenticity. A trance DJ turned techno staple, Odin has weathered scenes, trends, and industry resets without giving in to the easy path of adapting for commercial appeal.

Tagaytay City, Philippines — Janine Teñoso has always been known for her voice — soft, serene, and unafraid to cut through silence in the sweetest way possible. But beyond the stage, there is a quieter Janine, one who finds strength not in spectacle but in spaces of comfort. Stepping out of our usual studio for this month’s cover, we explore this more intimate version of the artist: cozy, reflective, and firmly in control of her own narrative.