Olivia Rodrigo and Zack Tabudlo Release Our Favorite New Music of the Week

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of Christmas music slowly taking over the charts and radio stations. And while the holiday season shifts into high gear with season-appropriate tracks, that doesn’t mean it lacks the more regular releases, which the first week of November isn’t lacking in. The month starts with local and international artists who prove that even the last two months of the year still have bops and bangers to look forward to. Check some of them out below.

RELATED: How P-Pop Is Helping Bring Southeast Asia Together

take me home (4 christmas) – Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo is in the holiday mood with the release of her first Christmas song. The catchy tongue-in-cheek number sees the musician wanting to be taken seriously by her partner over the holidays.

Tsaka Nalang – Zack Tabudlo

For many artists, inspiration can come from anywhere. And for OPM hitmaker Zack Tabudlo, it’s the new season of Pinoy Big Brother. Inspired by the popular ship of housemates Jeo Ong and Gehlee Dangca, Tabudlo penned a track about admitting your feelings to someone you like that feels relatable to anyone who’s ever been in the same scenario.

Hong Kong – The Weeknd

The Weeknd has never been shy about his love of Hong Kong.  He takes that admiration to his music with his latest track that samples Monsoon by Hong Kong singer Faye Wong. First premiered during his residency at the Kai Tak Stadium, the song gives classic cantopop energy, the kind you listen to during an evening stroll around town.

DEPENDS – XG

XG might be unsure of where to take the relationship with their new single, but it’s certain that the track is another banger in their discography.

Elvis – Rex Orange County

For his new studio album, Rex Orange County embraces different personas in an attempt to win over the girl he loves, leading to a multi-faceted 12-track body of work about love and identity.

hey boyyy – Slayyyter

Slayyyter put her foot on the gas and didn’t let up for four and a half minutes of pop excellence.

Someone to Hold – JENNIE

For Netflix’s upcoming animated movie Steps, JENNIE delivers a solid track for its OST that checks the boxes for a satisfactory pop single.

breaks open – Dove Cameron

Why it took this long for Dove Cameron to release her debut full-length studio album, we don’t know. But now that Final Girl is here, it’s clear Cameron knows her way around pop music.

Pag-ibig ng Ikaw at Ako II – Earl Agustin and a!ka

OPM crooner Earl Agustin is joined by rising musician a!ka for a sequel to his hit track that delivers with its emotions and moving vocals.  

Sama-Sama Tayo – BINI

In honor of the upcoming ASEAN Summit, BINI champions togetherness in their celebration of Southeast Asia and the power of community.

call back – Nameless Kids

If you’re looking for more OPM recommendations, Nameless Kids and their new album dinner4two is awaiting a listen that’s worth the reservation.

Featured Image: OLIVIA RODRIGO (via Instagram)

Rafael Bautista

Senior Pop Culture Writer

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.

See more stories by Rafael Bautista