For its maiden issue, Rolling Stone Philippines brings together the rock stars in their fields: OPM rock royalty, the Eraserheads; journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa; and genre-defying actor John Lloyd Cruz in conversation with National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee.

Also in the issue, a look at the forces shaping the 2025 midterm elections, from the way voters are picking candidates and parties to elect, to how social algorithms and a new breed of political influencers online are dictating how Filipinos cast their ballot.

In our short features section, “Opening Act,” pop protégé ena mori reshapes the genre in her own image, the Urban Bandits proves their brand of Pinoy Punk is still burning bright four decades after, and artist Pio Abad on how time and distance resonate in his art.

Plus, reviews of BINI’s Philippine Arena takeover, BLACKPINK’s solo releases, Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin’s comeback film, and more.