Barbie’s Cradle reunites for a comeback concert, announces new music

The influential Filipino alternative rock outfit marks its comeback with original music and an intimate one-night-only concert this August 2026

Barbie’s Cradle, one of the Philippines’ most iconic alternative bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s, are set to stage their highly anticipated comeback this year.

Fronted by lead vocalist and guitarist Barbie Almalbis and composed of members Wendell Garcia on drums, Rommel dela Cruz on bass, and Kakoy Legaspi on guitars, the multi-awarded supergroup will return with the release of three new songs, culminating in a special one-night-only concert on August 1, 2026, at the Music Museum.

“We’re excited to revisit the greatest hits and misses while also sharing new songs that reflect where we are now in our lives both as musicians and human beings,” shares Barbie Almalbis. “We’ve reached a point where we approach music-making with greater confidence and purpose. This new body of work is more collaborative and intentional than ever. We’ve poured months of hard work into these songs, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve created.”

Barbie Almalbis, Clara Benin, Janine Berdin, syd hartha, and more to headline GNN’s Lilet Fair this March 2026

syd hartha photo courtesy of Sony Music
Entertainment; Janine Berdin’s
photo care of Universal Music Group

From pop-rock icons to drag performers and industry trailblazers, the event champions women onstage and behind the scenes

Despite women’s significant contributions to the entertainment industry, they continue to face significant challenges throughout history, from being at the receiving end of discrimination and harmful stereotypes to being overlooked for production roles or leadership positions. Apart from the lack of opportunities, they often experience pay inequity, harassment, and underrepresentation in major industry spaces, overlooking the power they hold as creative forces and culture shifters.

For the upcoming Women’s History Month, GNN celebrates women who have been at the forefront of community building and creative expression, opening new spaces, building opportunities for others, and using their platform to rally for meaningful changes within and outside the system.

“The number of women behind the scenes remains relatively low,” shares Marie Lara Pauline Bobier, GNN’s events director. “While the music community is generally welcoming and respectful toward women, there are still instances in which they are made to feel that they must continually prove their credibility and competence in the field. This celebration is not only about championing female practitioners in music and entertainment, but also about recognizing the female fans and pro-women advocates who actively support the local music scene.”

Barbie Almalbis takes over Shibuya Crossing in “All U Wanna Do” music video

The award-winning singer-songwriter braves rain, rush hour, and onlookers in a spontaneous Tokyo shoot directed by Niña Sandejas

Photo by Nina Sandejas

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis has released the music video for her latest single, “All U Wanna Do.” 

The striking visual piece was shot guerilla-style at the iconic Shibuya Crossing, capturing Almalbis’ impassioned performance amid a bustling city life in Tokyo, Japan.

Singing with only her earphones as accompaniment, Almalbis stands in stark contrast to the rush of strangers around her, transforming a fleeting moment into a deeply personal expression of frustration, resilience, and artistry. 

Barbie Almalbis ignites a loving mosh pit in “Platonic” music video

The visuals capture the chaos, clarity, and catharsis of true friendship in motion

Photo by Nina Sandejas

Filipino alt-rock icon Barbie Almalbis has dropped the official music video for “Platonic,” a standout track from her critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Not That Girl. Helmed by long-time creative partner and award-winning photographer Nina Sandejas, the video features a gritty glimpse into a night of sweat and sound at Mow’s—an underground music venue in Quezon City.

Set against the backdrop of Barbie’s recent performance at the iconic gig space, the video unravels a documentary-style montage of mosh pits, dance breaks, and crowd surfing—fueled not by angst, but by the deep joy of shared, meaningful experience in music. “I wanna see a pit… lovingly,” Barbie calls out before launching into the two-minute burst of cathartic energy that is “Platonic.” 

Tanaw Collective celebrates new beginnings in debut single “Landslide”

Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas bring new meaning to a timeless classic

Photo by Kris Rocha. 

Tanaw Collective, a newly formed supergroup comprised of celebrated singer-songwriters Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas, releases their first official single, “Landslide,” today across all digital music platforms worldwide.

A poignant and minimalist cover of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1975 hit, “Landslide” represents their shared sentiment of letting go and embracing new beginnings both in careers and personal lives. The track conveys a collective journey of maturity, acceptance, and spiritual growth, marking another chapter in their musical evolution.

Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis drops fifth studio album, Not That Girl

The experimental pop record offers a bold, introspective journey into healing, resilience, and self-discovery

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a pivotal chapter in her music career with the release of her fifth studio album, Not That Girl. Out now on all digital platforms, the album offers a fresh, fearless direction in Almalbis’ ever-evolving sound, blending personal reflection with sonic innovation.

Far from her previous works, Not That Girl explores themes of emotional healing, resilience, and the challenges of navigating mental health—subjects Almalbis approaches with raw honesty and vulnerability. This collection of songs is not just an artistic evolution; it is a candid exploration of the singer’s own journey, breaking the silence around mental health struggles often shrouded in stigma.

Pinoy rock queens reunite for “TANAW: The Repeat” concert at Newport World Resorts

Due to insistent public demand, Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas are staging another run of their sold-out concert, TANAW. The highly anticipated show will take place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on February 9, 2025 (Sunday) at 8:00 PM.

The powerhouse women of OPM, known for their defining contributions to the late ’90s and early 2000s music scene, will reunite for an unforgettable night of their biggest hits, collaborations, and new material. TANAW: The Repeat will also feature special arrangements of select songs, performed alongside a mini-orchestra led by The Manila String Machine, adding a fresh, symphonic dimension to their timeless music.

Barbie Almalbis to launch fifth studio album, Not That Girl next month

Award-winning singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis is set to release her highly anticipated fifth studio album, Not That Girl, on Friday, January 10, 2024, on all major digital platforms worldwide.

The upcoming album marks a personal chapter in Almalbis’ life and career as she openly discussed her mental and emotional health journey through music. The songs explore themes of healing, resilience, and self-discovery, breaking the silence around the stigma often associated with depression. 

As part of the album’s launch, Almalbis will take the stage for an exclusive live performance on the same day of the release at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City. The intimate event will feature a long set that includes both fan favorites and new tracks from Not That Girl. Joining Almalbis for the special celebration are some of the Philippines’ most exciting musicians: Kai del Rio, .bird, Twin Lobster, and Johnoy Danao.

Barbie Almalbis tackles her bouts with mental health on “Happy Sad”

The song serves as the third single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year

Photo by Nina Sandejas

Barbie Almalbis continues to confront her inner struggles by releasing another song that openly addresses them in a musical way, following the release of her previous songs "Desperate Hours" and "Homeostasis."

Her new song, "Happy Sad," reflects on her own mental health and the stigma behind it, while helping her process her feelings through writing songs.

The alt-pop figure explains, “Sometimes we have to let go of things, and there are just things beyond our control, and we just got to continue, walk in and through the ‘wilderness,’ but I’ve always found hope in God that even through the hard times, He is still doing something good.”

Barbie Almalbis explains overcoming internal struggles on new single “homeostasis”

The song serves as the second single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year

Photo by Nina Sandejas

Following the critically acclaimed comeback single “Desperate Hours” last month, Barbie Almalbis makes her early-awaited return to deliver another eclectic follow-up to mark the continuation of a new music era.

The award-winning singer-songwriter has released her second single, “homeostasis,” which was derived from a biological term that illustrates our body’s regulating process as a way to adjust to changing external conditions.

“I’m no scientist, so I’m using this concept very loosely and explaining it in the simple way I understand it,” explains the Dahilan pop-rock visionary. “It’s the process by which our body always returns to equilibrium, a balanced state, like how we involuntarily sweat when we’re too hot and shiver when we’re too cold. It’s the same with emotions: our body doesn’t want us to stay too ecstatic or too sad; it tries to bring us back to a steady state.”

Barbie Almalbis confronts deep pain and longing on eclectic new song “Desperate Hours”

The song serves as the first single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year

After collaborating with indie-folk band Munimuni on “Tupa” and co-headlining the Mist Music Festival in Canada, Barbie Almalbis gears up for a new era in music with the release of her new song “Desperate Hours.”

Produced by La Ball’s resident arranger and studio whiz Nick Lazaro, who has done exemplary work for artists such as Clara Benin and BP Valenzuela, “Desperate Hours” serves as the first official single off Barbie’s upcoming fifth studio album, to be released at the end of the year.

Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Acel Bisa, Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise and more to join Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert

Check out the “first batch” of music guests for Kitchie’s homecoming concert

Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Lougee Basabas, Hannah Romawac, Acel Bisa, and Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise are joining the first batch of guests for SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert, happening on June 2, 2024 (Sunday), at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Kitchie Nadal’s fellow contemporaries in the local music scene recently teamed up with her in a display of solidarity for the sold-out TANAW concert at the Solaire Theater in 2022. Monty, on the other hand, will also perform with the Y2K alt-rock royalty for a special number.

Barbie Almalbis releases new synth-pop single “Wicked Heart”

The award-winning singer-songwriter finds herself reflecting on misguided actions based on emotions

Photo credit: Nina Sandejas

Multi-awarded singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis wraps up her tremendous year in music with the release of “Wicked Heart,” her new single under 12 Stone Records and Sony Music Entertainment.

Barbie’s new song reflects on the repercussions of making rash decisions out of emotion. According to Barbie, “Wicked Heart” also presents the rhetoric that while our desires and emotions are a beautiful part of who we are and how we experience life, there must be something “truer” than the heart.

Barbie Almalbis celebrates 25th anniversary with the release of Tower Sessions Live album and a ‘reunion’ concert

Photo by Chealsy Dale

Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a monumental milestone in music with the official release of her Tower Sessions Live album under Sony Music Entertainment and a reunion concert featuring her iconic bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Both celebrations honor her 25th anniversary in the local music scene as a woman who successfully navigated the realm of Pinoy rock with emotionally resonant songwriting and artistic independence.

Presenting a new arrangement of her old and new songs, Barbie Almalbis’ Greatest Hits live album was produced by Eric and Carlo Perlas of Tower of Doom, recorded by Kyle Cayton, and mixed/mastered by Simon Durias. It will also feature career-defining hits such as “Firewoman,” “Torpe,” “Tabing Ilog,” “The Dance,” “Goodnight,” and “Just A Smile,” along with fairly new tracks: “Days Are Long,” “Silaw,” “Tigre,” and “Kumpas,” the album’s carrier single.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to record our songs live, because we’re always rearranging songs as a band, and I think there’s something special that gets captured when the we play live together,” Almalbis shares. “My producers and collaborators did such a great job of making you feel like you’re at the gig. You can feel the power of the kick drum and the bass, and then have guitars blasting in your ear — in a pleasant way, of course.”

Aside from the release of Tower Sessions Live on digital platforms, Barbie Almalbis is set to headline her 25th Anniversary concert at 123 Block, Mandala Park on March 11 (Saturday), from 2pm onwards. Celebrating the impact of her music as a guide to many people’s journey in life, the show will reunite her with former bandmates in Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Aptly titled Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the mini-music fest will also feature sets by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

Reflecting on her career as an artist, Almalbis expressed gratitude to her fans who have been supportive of her endeavors through the years. “I didn’t have so many plans growing up, but always just dreamt of playing music. I’m so grateful that I get to do this and share the experience with others too. I’m always touched by the support of my fans and friends, and really humbled and encouraged by their words and stories about how these songs have also become part of their journey.”

Barbie Almalbis’ Tower Sessions Live is now available on all digital platforms worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment.

Tickets to her upcoming concert, Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis are available for purchase via TicketMelon. The event is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store, D&D,  Smirnoff Mule, and 123 Block.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Barbie Almalbis honors Filipino optimism with “Umagang Kay Ganda” music video

Filipina rock icon Barbie Almalbis hopes to encourage and inspire listeners to rise above the extraordinary times. 

With the official release of “Umagang Kay Ganda,” the third single of her upcoming new album under Sony Music Philippines, the Dahilan singer-songwriter uses her platform to pay tribute to the courage and optimism of the Filipino people.