Bonnie Bailey takes Titos and Titas back to Boracay of old with new rendition of 'Ever After'

By Neil Ramos

Published Jul 2, 2026 07:13 pm

For many Pinoys who spent their younger years dancing until sunrise in Boracay, hearing the opening notes of Bonnie Bailey's "Ever After" is enough to bring back memories of the island's legendary beach parties.

That wave of nostalgia washed over fans once again when the British singer-songwriter performed the dance classic aboard the Wish 107.5 Bus. The performance has since garnered more than 38,000 views and over 2,600 likes on YouTube, with many viewers reliving the soundtrack of their party years.

For Titos and Titas who packed Boracay's beachfront bars, open-air raves, and clubs in the mid-2000s, Bailey's performance felt like stepping back in time.

The comments section said as much.

"This song brings me back to the old Boracay," one viewer wrote.

"Our generation will never forget this anthem," another commented.

Others welcomed Bailey back to the Philippines, with one fan writing, "Still gives me goosebumps after all these years."  

Released in the mid-2000s, "Ever After" became an unofficial anthem of Boracay's nightlife. Whether at a beachfront bar, a sunset party, or a packed club, the song was almost always part of the night's soundtrack.

Its enduring popularity eventually earned Bailey the affectionate nickname "Patron Saint of Boracay"—not an official title, but one bestowed by Filipino DJs, clubbers, and partygoers who came to associate "Ever After" with the island's golden era of nightlife.

Bailey has embraced the connection over the years, returning to the Philippines several times to perform. She has often spoken about her fondness for the country, its beaches, and its fans, even calling the Philippines her "home away from home."

Artists, fans speak out on irresponsible show promoters

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom  

Published Jul 2, 2026 03:18 pm

Live music in the Philippines runs on a simple setup. An organizer mounts a show, books a venue, negotiates artists' fees, handles logistics and promotions, and fans buy tickets to see their favorite acts. At its core, the system relies on trust.

But according to artists, venues, labels, and fans, a troubling pattern has emerged in recent years. Several events organized by different production groups have reportedly ended with unpaid fees, last-minute cancellations, and organizers becoming difficult—or impossible—to contact afterward.

As a disclaimer, this article is based on publicly available statements and interviews from artists, venues, labels, and fans regarding separate incidents involving show organizers. The events discussed are not presented as legally connected unless publicly confirmed. Any individual or organization mentioned is welcome to provide their side, clarification, or additional context so this story may be updated. 

One of the most talked-about incidents involved a Baguio concert organized by Gideon Productions featuring The Ridleys and It All Started in May at Smoke & Barrel. Although the event had been promoted and tickets had already been sold, it was eventually canceled.

According to the bands, they did not receive the agreed compensation for the show.

Smoke & Barrel also reportedly reached out to ask whether the event was pushing through after payment for the venue had yet to be settled.

Following the cancellation, The Ridleys' Benny Manaligod posted a warning on social media: "Never work with Gideon Productions."

In an interview, Manaligod said the band initially had confidence in Gideon Productions because they had previously worked together successfully on a show in Bonifacio Global City. However, he said following up on payment became increasingly difficult. The situation escalated when the venue itself contacted the band to ask about the status of the event because of outstanding payment.  

The Baguio incident was not the first time artists had publicly raised concerns involving Gideon Productions.

An earlier concert featuring Bita and the Botflies, fitterkarma, and Jamiela also drew complaints over payment. Jamiela later released a public statement saying that neither she nor her label had received payment several days after the event.

Some musicians who performed at the show said they had been told they would be paid in cash on the day after organizers cited online banking issues. They added that communication reportedly stopped after the concert, while Gideon Productions' Facebook page later became inactive.

Within the independent music community, similar stories have circulated for years.

Several production sources told us that they had heard comparable complaints dating back to 2018. Some also believe the Baguio concert may have been one of several similar incidents reported this year.

The reporting also led to another production group that has figured in separate public controversies: Sunnyside Productions.

Among its most widely discussed incidents was the postponed fan meeting and concert of Ashtine Olviga. Some fans reported delays in receiving refunds, while several fan bases sought assistance from Viva Artists Agency after claiming Sunnyside Productions had become unresponsive.  

Sunnyside Productions was also the organizer behind FELIP's "The Cypher Room" concert, which was canceled just hours before it was scheduled to begin on May 16, 2026.

FELIP's management said the artist himself had only been informed of the cancellation shortly before the event and emphasized that the decision did not come from him.

His legal representatives later issued a statement saying they were coordinating with the relevant parties and that the matter was being handled while protecting the artist's contractual rights and obligations.

At present, there has been no public confirmation that Gideon Productions, Sunnyside Productions, or the individuals associated with them are connected.

What has emerged, however, is a recurring pattern described across multiple, separate incidents: artists and suppliers reporting delayed or unpaid compensation, events being canceled on short notice, communication breaking down afterward, and organizers' social media pages becoming inactive.

For independent musicians, these situations mean more than canceled performances. They can result in lost income, unrecoverable production expenses, and damaged trust throughout the live music community.

Despite these setbacks, many artists have remained committed to their audiences.

After the canceled Baguio show, The Ridleys returned to the city for "The Ridleys in Baguio (For Real This Time!)" at Pugon by Amare, Camp John Hay, giving fans the concert they had originally looked forward to. The band is also preparing for its biggest headlining event yet, "The Ridleys: Our Story," a three-night concert at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

The Philippine live music scene ultimately depends on trust. Fans trust organizers with their money. Artists trust them with their livelihood. Venues trust them with their business.  

When that trust is broken, the effects ripple across everyone involved. Many in the industry hope these incidents encourage stronger safeguards for artists, venues, and audiences alike—so that the focus remains where it belongs: on the music. (Ian Ureta)

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐒

With hearts united in faith and gratitude, the Municipal Government of Bansalan solemnly participated in the First Friday Mass held at the Gov. Dodo Cagas Gymnasium, Viacrucis Park, Poblacion Dos, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

This meaningful gathering served as a reminder that every act of public service is strengthened by faith, guided by wisdom, and inspired by God's unwavering grace. As one Bansalanon community, we lift our prayers for continued peace, good health, abundant blessings, and success in all our endeavors as we work hand in hand toward a stronger, more progressive, and God-centered Bansalan.

May this First Friday devotion continue to deepen our faith, renew our hope, and inspire us to serve with humility, compassion, and excellence for the welfare of every Bansaleño.

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Philippines achieves upper-middle-income status, along with Vietnam, et al.

 

The Philippines achieved its long-standing goal of attaining upper-middle-income-country (UMIC) status with a record-high gross national income (GNI) per capita in 2025. The World Bank had announced on July 1 (Manila time), that the Philippines, Jordan, Micronesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam had joined the ranks of UMICs, with their respective GNI per capita ranging from $4,636 to $14,375 in 2025. Read more

Meanwhile, lawmakers question the World Bank's upper-middle-income classification, saying most Filipinos still struggle and per capita income hides severe inequality. Read more

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, ALEX!

 Philippine Star

 

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Pilipino Star Ngayon Digital

Filipina tennis star na si Alex Eala, nagwagi laban kay Maya Joint ng Australia sa score na 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 sa second round ng Wimbledon sa London.

Dahil sa kanyang panalo, uusad si Alex sa round of 32 ng nasabing Grand Slam tournament.