More and more, we are getting closer to the eventual rush of Christmas music. But it is October, not yet December, and starting the month is a varied collection of new tracks and albums from local and international artists who are adding bops, bangers, and a little bit of emotion to our playlists. Below, check out a selection of fresh tracks if you’re on the lookout for something new to press play on.
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Luha ng Buwaya – KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9
This unapologetic protest song sees KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9 for a defiant anthem on why we should never fall for corrupt politicians’ fake tears. It makes for an impactful OPM track that hits harder with the issues facing the country today.
That’s Why I Love You – Victoria Monét and Bruno Mars
Victoria Monét gets us in a loving mood with the release of her latest studio album, Frequency of Love, an over an hour-long showcase of her immense talent.
10yrs – Nadine Lustre
For her latest track off her upcoming studio album, Nadine Lustre looks back on her past decade in 10yrs. More than focusing on the past, this introspective ballad is a reflection of growth, heartbreak, mistakes, self-discovery, and transformation, and embraces every experience, both difficult and beautiful, as essential to becoming the person she is today.
Realidad – HEY JUNE!
Your OPM playlist for daily commutes and errand runs just got more lively and immersive with the Filipino band’s new studio album.
IMPERFECT – XONARA
The P-pop girl group embraces self-love in their new single about choosing authenticity over impossible expectations. It reveals a more vulnerable and personal side of the group as they confront self-doubt, overthinking, and the pressure to live up to standards set by others. Its message goes beyond simply accepting flaws, encouraging listeners to break old patterns, pursue their dreams, and recognize the people around them who may also feel unseen.
Draw You Out – Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan takes his folksy vibe to The Hunger Games franchise with his new, emotional track for the upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping film.
World’s Greatest! – Lil Nas X
Following a bumpy year, Lil Nas X reflects on his past actions and projects an aura of confidence with his new single.
ANIMAL – BOYNEXTDOOR
K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR has a lot more to show with their first repackaged album that expands on the HOME album with new tracks, including the unrelenting electro single ANIMAL.
Broken chair – Rachel Chinouriri
As we get closer to the release of her new album, Rachel Chinouriri gets emotional with her new track. In it, she explores her relationship with partying and alcohol and the realization that she doesn’t need to rely on them to become the person she wants to become.
Molly – Emei
Following the release of her EP Night at the Opera earlier this year, Chinese-American rising pop star Emei expands her theatrical world with a high-energy, empowering, anthemic track that tackles the feeling of having to overcome heartbreak, personal struggles, and emotional intensity.
Manloloko – RAMONA
RAMONA’s new rock song is an anthem for anyone who has ever been cheated on but, more importantly, has also learned from the experience in finding a better partner.
NIGHTLIGHT – Mark Tuan and MILLI
Mark Tuan joins forces with Thai rapper MILLI on a smooth track about making the night last long with a special someone.
Why – apl.de.ap and BAMBOO
apl.de.ap and BAMBOO use their gritty collab to navigate mixed feelings of love, which can also be an allegory for loving a country that does not love them back.
Featured Image: NADINE LUSTRE (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
“Luha ng Buwaya” is a protest song from KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9. MEGA describes it as a defiant anthem about why people shouldn’t fall for corrupt politicians’ fake tears, and as an OPM track that hits harder given the issues facing the country today.
“10yrs” is an introspective ballad from Nadine Lustre’s upcoming studio album. It looks back on her past decade, reflecting on growth, heartbreak, mistakes, self-discovery, and transformation, and treats every experience, difficult or beautiful, as essential to who she is today.
Victoria Monét’s new studio album is Frequency of Love, described as an hour-plus showcase of her talent. The roundup features “That’s Why I Love You,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars.
KZ Tandingan and Gloc-9 (“Luha ng Buwaya”), Nadine Lustre (“10yrs”), HEY JUNE! (the album Realidad), XONARA (“IMPERFECT”), RAMONA (“Manloloko”), and BAMBOO with apl.de.ap (“Why”) are the Filipino and Filipino-linked releases in the roundup.
Noah Kahan’s “Draw You Out” is a new emotional track for the upcoming film Sunrise on the Reaping, which MEGA says brings his folksy style to The Hunger Games franchise.

Rafael Bautista
Rafael Bautista is the Senior Pop Culture Writer of MEGA Asia, with a focus on producing articles and features about local and international entertainment, popular culture, and lifestyle.
Before this role, he spent five years in the youth-oriented magazine NYLON Manila, where he served multiple positions, including Deputy Editor, and created stories, profiles, and content on digital and print geared towards a Gen Z audience. In 2025, he was awarded Jr. Deputy Editor of the Year.
With years of experience in digital media, Rafael has an interest and passion for writing about movies, shows, pop culture, and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on titles, trends, and personalities who are making waves in modern culture or are on the cusp of becoming the next big thing people will talk about.
