Filipino rock band The Itchyworms are bringing their music to New Zealand this September with the Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour, marking three decades since the band formed in 1996.
The tour will take the group to Auckland on September 18, Wellington on September 19, Queenstown on September 25, and Christchurch on September 26.
Named after one of the band’s best-known songs, the tour puts the spotlight on a catalog that has made The Itchyworms a fixture in OPM for decades.
“Akin Ka Na Lang” appeared on the band’s 2005 album Noontime Show, which helped bring the group wider recognition. The song later appeared in advertising campaigns for brands including KFC, Close-Up and Zonrox.
Another enduring favorite, “Beer,” became one of the band’s signature songs and eventually inspired the group to launch a craft beer brand bearing its name in 2024.
Drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas described the band’s approach to songwriting as pairing catchy melodies with lyrics that can carry a different emotional weight.
“It’s like hiding medicine in chocolate. We like to put petty or tragic lyrics inside a catchy pop melody,” Nicolas said.
The band’s music has also explored darker themes. Its 2020 album Waiting for the End to Start moved into more somber territory while retaining the group’s pop-rock sound.
For frontman Jugs Jugueta, the New Zealand tour is also an opportunity to introduce the band’s music and Filipino culture to a wider audience.
“It’s very humbling. It’s really great that the world is now discovering all things Filipino,” Jugueta said.
He also encouraged Filipino concertgoers to bring their New Zealand friends and family to the shows.
“We encourage all Filipinos to bring their Kiwi friends and family so that we can show them how Filipinos party!” he said.
The Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour opens at Galatos in Auckland on September 18, followed by the Notre Dame Performing Arts Centre in Wellington on September 19.
The band then heads to the Queenstown Memorial Centre on September 25 before wrapping up the four-city run at Christ’s College Auditorium in Christchurch on September 26.
Tickets are priced at NZD $69 for general admission and NZD $99 for VIP admission with a photo opportunity.