Lion Dance Amigurumi

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Lunar New Year!

I just finished crocheting this lion dance amigurumi doll using the free lion dollie pattern from Yarn It Darn It. I used cotone latte yarns from Oh My Yarn and a 4mm hook.

Crochet allows me to meditate and reflect on the events that transpired in my life. The pandemic has exposed to me who my real friends and family are. Crochet has been my meditative process of choice to weigh decisions and discern life choices. When it comes to trusting people, I make sure to tabulate the pros and cons of each individual. Crochet helps me think deeper and therefore, decide better who to trust and who to be wary of.

This is why it is only fitting that I welcome the Year of the Ox with an adorable lion dance amigurumi which has enabled me to reflect while crocheting it. I hope that you also have a process of thinking things through.

Have a prosperous year ahead, everyone!

Solo Dining For Ladies

I get a number of messages from my female friends asking for tips on how to dine solo. I have been eating out on my own for ages since I am an only child, so I consider myself a pro at this.

Dining solo may be a feat for some, but for me, it is simply my way of life. If you are also a woman and find this intimidating, read on some of my tips on eating and drinking solo in our city:

1. Bring a book or listen to music/podcasts! It helps to keep your mind entertained while eating, drinking, and people watching.
   

2. Order your favorites! Indulge. Enjoy yourself.
   

3. Be confident. You can pay for your own meal and drinks. That is powerful.
   

4. Order coffee. It is a source of joy along with your dessert.
   

5. Mind your posture. It makes you feel better about yourself.
   

My suggestions are nothing new but I hope this helps! Solo dining is liberating and a lot of fun. Don’t forget to tip your server and exit the restaurant with a smile. You are worth treating so just go for it!

Just Wait Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee has become all the rage these days. A quality one keeps the drinker awake and alert as it has more caffeine content than regular brewed coffee. It is also recommended for hyperacidic people as it contains less acid.

I am so happy to discover Just Wait Cold Brew online. They use glass bottles and straws which you can reuse for that aesthetic look. They use plantable paper labels so you can grow spinach! And best of all, their coffee is delicious.

Please visit Just Wait to order your cold brew today! This is not a sponsored post by the way. I’m simply a happy caffeinated customer.

YouTube sensations Agassi Ching and Jai Asuncion star in Sponge Cola’s “Siguro Nga” music video

Content creators Agassi Ching and Jai Asuncion are featured in the latest music video of Sponge Cola’s “Siguro Nga.” 

The onscreen and offscreen love team amassed a fandom in social media with pranks, viral videos, and challenges. In "Siguro Nga," JaiGa—as they are popularly known for—portray a fictional romantic couple in disarray.

According to the band’s vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon, Agassi is a dear friend whom he plays basketball with every Tuesday. “I also produced the song he wrote for Jai during the stricter quarantine period through file sharing,” he said. “I also watch their daily vlogs. On some level, I felt like I was always involved in their love story. It just made sense to cast them.”

The video shows Agassi Ching singing “Siguro Nga” in a neon-lit karaoke bar, while Jai Asuncion is in the very same room with friends, silently crying and hurting inside. Separated by their own version of realities, both characters try to move forward with the changes in their respective lives, albeit having a difficulty wiping out their memories together—especially with the song forever binding them in spirit.

“A person's go-to videoke song says so much about who they are and what they are about,” Yuzon reveals. “I'll just leave it at that.” 

Guitarist Armo Armovit shares that the visual treatment focuses on honoring people who are no longer present by living lives with meaning and memory. “We want them to feel nostalgia for a person in their past who was a meaningful presence in their lives; sadness for the loss, but also, hope for the future.”

The music video also comes with a meta-karaoke version of the track that allows fans to sing their hearts out and engage with the narrative.

Inspired by the hit K-drama, StartUp, Sponge Cola’s “Siguro Nga” was written by Yael Yuzon as a tribute to one of its beloved characters, Han Ji-Pyeong. Its lyric video features various footage from Seoul, South Korea that includes locations from the series.

The music video of “Siguro Nga” is out now on YouTube.

Source: Nyou

Medicine At Midnight proves that Foo Fighters are one of rock music’s living legacies

Foo Fighters have finally released their highly anticipated 10th studio album, Medicine at Midnight under Roswell Records/RCA Records.

Following delays due to the unprecedented challenges of releasing an album during the pandemic, Medicine at Midnight finally landed late last week with nine tracks of power-driven, anthemic rock tunes that drummer Taylor Hawkins described as more “pop-oriented” than previous releases.

On its first day, the American rock band’s latest record peaked at No. 1 on several iTunes album charts worldwide, and is raring for one of rock music’s biggest debuts on major music markets this year, including the United States, UK, Australia, and more. It also garnered significant traction from several music publications worldwide, with Wall Street Journal calling it “one of Foo Fighters’ best albums of this century,” and British music publication, NME declaring the new release as “the soundtrack to the summer we all crave.”

Medicine at Midnight’s release wraps up Foo Fighters' week-long partnership with Spotify, which featured surprise ‘Midnight Drops’ of exclusive video, audio, and playlist content— an occasion marked by the band’s larger than life appearance on Spotify’s Times Square billboard.

To celebrate the release of their new album, the Foo Fighters will host a special six-part radio series: Medicine at Midnight Radio on Apple Music Hits. Each band member will host an hour-long episode where they’ll explore their personal inspirations and reflect on the creative process behind the album. Fans can tune in every day next week, beginning Monday, February 8th at 4:00p PST on Apple Music Hits at apple.co/FFRadio and simultaneously on the band’s new limited-run SiriusXM channel, Foo Fighters Radio (channel 105). Dave also joined Zane Lowe on his daily Apple Music 1 show earlier this week to chat about the album. Listen to their conversation HERE. 

Medicine at Midnight is produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, engineered by Darrell Thorp and mixed by Mark “Spike” Stent.

Foo Fighters are Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, and Rami Jaffee.

Foo Fighters’ Medicine at Midnight is available on all digital platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

Spot.Ph Feature

I recently got featured on Spot.ph’s newsletter as their Spotter of the Week! This is a huge honor for me, as I have been a reader and fan of this website for many years now. I hope this you will also check out this website and subscribe to their newsletter to be updated with the latest food and lifestyle trends in the city.

Beer Sorbet

I had a beer sorbet from Pedro’s Gelato yesterday. It was to die for! As a beer fan, “eating” my favorite alcoholic beverage instead of drinking it was a welcome treat.

I first tried Pedro’s Gelato during my Coron, Palawan trip back in 2019. It was one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had. Now that they’re at SM North Edsa, I will surely be a regular of this homegrown dessert brand.

As always, this is not an ad. I’m just a happy customer. Hope you can also enjoy Pedro’s Gelato soon!

Belfry Cafe

Yesterday, I went to Belfry Cafe at the Manila Cathedral. It was also their opening day so it was great to catch them on their first day of operations- before everyone else discovers this hidden gem!

I was pleasantly surprised to see the bells above me. I knew it was a belfry, but I did not realize that the bells would be close enough to touch. Kudos to the design team for making this possible and incorporating the bells with the cafe setup.

It was very steampunk, and my latte and cheese roll were both delicious. It was a delightful experience straight out of a science fiction novel. Ironically, it was situated at the seat of the country’s Roman Catholic Church.

I highly recommend this cafe as it lives up to the hype with strong coffee and a lovely ambiance. Check out their Facebook page and visit them before it gets crowded.

Elha Nympha reasserts confidence with new soulful single, “Do It”

Listen to Elha Nympha’s “Do It”: https://ElhaNympha.lnk.to/DoIt

Elha Nympha arrives with both finesse and maturity on “Do It,” her comeback single under MCA Music Inc. 

Now exploring a more sophisticated take on R&B, pop, and neo-soul, the former champion of The Voice Kids Season 2 reasserts confidence and sass in delivering a romantic confession that appeals beyond her particular demographic. 

When she sings, “Come on over a little closer / Take me where I’ve never been,” she takes full control of the quiet storm brewing: her voice fluttering effortlessly over dreamy arrangements and soft keyboard tones, taking the spotlight with ease.

“Do It” is a suave R&B jam that tackles the beauty of taking bolder steps when it comes to love. Upon hearing the song for the first time, Elha got excited to record the material as it barely sounds like anything she’s recorded in the past. “I’m happy with where the direction of my music is going,” the 16-year-old star said in a statement. “Do Itunravels a more vulnerable side of my artistry, and this is exactly the kind of music that I want to keep making—something that is young and current, but very much me.” 

“Do It” has earned comparisons with the likes of SZA, Jhené Aiko, and H.E.R., embracing the fundamental agency of womanhood and young love in all its messiness and glory. While Elha is elated with the feedback that she’s been getting from her mentors and music listeners, she wants to forge a path of her own and make music that is distinctly a product of her own sense of style and adventurousness. The promising pop sensation admits, “As a fan, I can definitely see myself doing the same kind of music. But there’s more to my sound than being pigeonholed into a category. For now, I’m ready for where this journey would take me, musically. I’m definitely looking forward to creating something that is original and unique.”

Elha Nympha’s “Do It” is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via MCA Music Inc.

 About Elha Nympha

Elha Nympha is a Filipina R&B/pop singer who became a household name after winning the second season of The Voice Kids in 2015. As a recording star under MCA Music Inc., she has released her self-titled studio album, Elha, with best-selling songs "Susunduin,” "Emotions,” and "Love on Top” as the carrier singles. 

The young diva has appeared on several international music programs, including Steve Harvey's Little Big Shotswhere she performed Sia's "Chandelier" and the French counterpart of the top-rating franchise.

Embracing a new musical direction that showcases both her signature range and newfound love for a more current R&B and soul/pop sound, Elha Nympha is set to enter a new music era that documents her head-turning transition from a vocal powerhouse to an all-around young performer.

At present, she’s one of the performers of the longest-running Sunday variety show, ASAP Natin To.

Follow Elha Nympha: https://ElhaNympha.lnk.to/FollowElha

Follow MCA Music: Facebook |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

Source: Nyou

Silakbo Chocolates

I first fell in love with Silakbo Chocolates when I received their choco bombs last Christmas. I combined the choco bombs with black coffee, and the experience was unforgettable. Not to mention that the chocolates themselves were delicious and richly flavored.

Now, Silakbo introduces their smash hearts, which are candy-filled hollow chocolate hearts. It comes with a mallet that is used to pound the hearts open. How’s that for a Valentine’s Day treat?

I had fun smashing my chocolate hearts as it was therapeutic! Plus, the chocolates were simply divine. If you want to brighten up your day at home, please check out Silakbo Chocolates, and experience their chocolates for yourself!

Kipp’s and Coffee

Kipp’s Chicken is a gem of a foodie find. Located at SM Megamall Food Court, it offers nostalgic fried chicken with no frills and an absolutely delicious 90’s vibe. It may not be the fanciest chicken out there, but it definitively gives me all the joyful feels of simpler times.

It is best enjoyed with 7-Eleven French Vanilla, which is another unapologetic cheap thrill.

I hope that amidst all the fancy establishments that are popping up everywhere, you will still find time to try nostalgic food such at Kipp’s. You surely won’t be disappointed!

La Cathedral Cafe

Yesterday, I went back to La Cathedral Cafe at Intramuros, Manila. I first visited the cafe back in 2020, and I loved their ambience and iced latte! This time, they relocated to another roof deck still beside the Manila Cathedral. Their iced latte is still delicious, and so is their carbonara!

I highly recommend reserving in advance via their Facebook page so that you can have guaranteed seats. The food and coffee are excellent and I swear you won’t be disappointed. Plus, the view is simply divine.

Give this cafe a chance next time your at the Walled City!

Estero De Binondo

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my good friend Joice at Estero de Binondo. We had a very late lunch consisting of steamed lapu-lapu and buttered chicken. Both were delicious! I highly recommend this hole-in-the-wall eatery for its no-frills ambience and value for money Chinese cuisine.

We capped off our catch-up session with some ube milk tea at Eng Bee Tin beside Binondo Church. It was a refreshing way to end a day of stories and laughter.

I will always go back to Binondo for cheap, delicious eats! I hope that you can also visit the world’s oldest Chinatown soon.

Covo 24K Colored Piyao

Yesterday, I returned to Covo 24K Jewelry at Chinatown Gold Center for some retail therapy. I purchased an enamel piyao charm which I matched with pearl beads on-site.

I was going for a feminine vibe here, and I think it has been achieved. Gold, pearls, and rose quartz make a lovely combination for all occasions.

What is your go-to jewelry combo? I hope that you can also find yours!

SZA makes a splash on PH charts with hit single“Good Days”

The numbers are in: SZA’s “Good Days” is officially her biggest hit to date in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world. In the country alone, the soulful single remains unstoppable with its No. 2 peak at Spotify Philippines Viral 50 and a top 15 placement at Spotify Philippines Top 50. 

Photo by Blair Caldwell

Over at mainstream radio, the critically acclaimed R&B songstress is performing well on several top 40 stations. This week, “Good Days” ranks No. 5 on 99.5 Play FM, a major pop station; No. 7 on Wave 89.1 FM, a rhythmic and urban-leaning station; and has gained prominent spots on Magic 89.9 (No. 23), and more. 

“Good Days,” the second track following 2020’s “Hit Different,” is one of her two new headline releases since 2017’s groundbreaking multi-platinum debut, CTRL—an album that garnered significant critical attention for “laying bare the kind of vulnerability most often whispered in private” and for its “believable insights into one woman's quest for erotic self-determination.” 

Written and produced by SZA, Jacob Collier, Carlos Muñoz, Carter Lang, and Christopher Ruelas and mixed by Shawn Everett, the laid-back tune was released as a surprise drop on Christmas eve last year. More than a week after its debut, the buzzy empowerment anthem skyrocketed at No. 1 on US Spotify Streaming Chart, and has since peaked within the top 10 of other major music markets including the US, UK, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, and New Zealand.

To date, the track has racked up more than 75 million streams on Spotify and more than 20 million cumulative hits on YouTube in just a month. 

Aside from its commercial triumph, “Good Days” also made an indelible impression among music critics. Hip-hop magazine, The Source praised the new song for “mastering bliss and serenity all at once.” The publication adds, “In particular, the rawness of her vocals creates an ethereal energy that dives deeper into SZA`s unmatched creativity as a songwriter.” British music bible, NME called her comeback single “worth the wait,” citing how her voice has grown more sophisticated and carefree through the years.

SZA’s “Good Days” is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide via Top Dawg, RCA, and Sony Music.

Source: Nyou

I Crocheted a Blankie

I recently finished crocheting a lap blankie using Lion Brand’s I Wanna Make a Blankie yarn. I purchased it from local small business Cozy by Mei.

It took me a fortnight to finish this. I used a size 10mm hook and chained 60 for the foundation chain. Then, I worked a double crochet stitch in all chains for a total of 41 rows.

I highly recommend this project as it is satisfying to create your own blankie. It is perfect for cozy nights, and I personally wrap it around myself while reading.

Happy crocheting!

Noodles and Necklace Repair

Recently, I went back to Binondo to have my thin gold necklace repaired. I went to Chinatown Gold Center for the repair and I was impressed that the whole process took less than twenty minutes.

For only P180, I had my chain repaired and it was done in record time!

Before going home, I had mushroom meatballs tossed noodles and soy milk at Tasty Noodles. It is my favorite whenever I’m at Chinatown.

I hope to spend more free days at Chinatown! I love indulging in cheap, yummy eats and I always end up enjoying myself.

To more good times and foodie adventures!

Pilya’s Kitchen

I am a fan of thick noodles and rich soup broths, so when I heard about Pilya’s Kitchen a few months back during the lockdown, I did not hesitate to order their biang biang noodles. It was a heavenly take on traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup.

I have become a regular customer, and I recently ordered their cumin lamb soup. It was delicious! The lamb slices were tender and the soup was not overpowering. Of course, the noodles had a fantastic chew and thickness. I loved it.

They are opening a pop-up kitchen soon, so stay tuned! You won’t regret trying their sexy noods.

Koomi Vertis North OpenIng

Yesterday marked the opening of Koomi’s Vertis North branch. I have been a fan of the brand’s yogurt-based drinks. They’re not too sweet, affordable, and delicious! And since I’m trying to reduce my sugar intake, I always opt for their less sweetness option in their drinks.

I am fond of their Australian yogurt variation. They also carry a Filipino yogurt blend for those who prefer sweet and creamy yogurt. I like mine sour, just like traditional plain yogurt, which is exactly how their Australian blend tastes like.

For the event, I ordered Avo Nice Day, which is their take on the avocado shake. It is yummy and delightful! I also received a purple hoodie which I will definitely rock in chilly airconditioned mall trips.

I look forward to more healthful Koomi drinks this year, and I hope that you will also get to try their yogurt soon.

Filipino indie rock quartet Paper Satellites deals with childhood nostalgia on new single “Towns”

In a span of five years, Paper Satellites have been churning out tropical-infused indie rock songs that certainly had its rickety charms, most prominent of the bunch is “Golden Age”—a brash, unapologetic anthem that calls back to the days when Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not and Twin Door Cinema Club’s Tourist History were the jam.

Fast forward to 2021, the promising quartet from East Manila continues to ride the familiar train with a dancier, more groove-oriented approach. “Towns,” their latest single under Lilystars Records, balances pop’s pleasure principle with their penchant for guitar-driven hooks, synth-noodling pipes, and big, ecstatic choruses. “Sound-wise, we took inspiration from various guitar-based artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club, Two Door Cinema Club, and a bunch of other bands with ‘Club’ in their names,” says vocalist and guitarist Jyle Macalintal. “It was also inspired by the music one hears from small town festivals.”

According to the band, “Towns” started as a demo helmed by Jyle, whose love for tropical house beats and electronic pop music clearly operates within the track’s sonic spectrum. Jyleadds, “from a production standpoint, it also has a lot of percussive and synth elements that pushes the song’s festive vibe forward. We were trying to achieve that for a more contemporary-sounding appeal.”

Lyrically, the song deals with childhood nostalgia and outgrowing certain relationships in the past despite the fond memories that it left behind. Quoting the band’s statement, “Town” was penned at a time when Jyle was still living in Angono, Rizal. “It’s about witnessing childhood friends move out of town for work, and move on with their respective lives. It’s a sad reality that some of us had to endure, but it’s part of growing up. We just have to accept it for what it is: a piece of nostalgia, a living memory, an inspiring chapter that’s fun to reminisce from time to time.”

“Towns,” is the first material that Paper Satellites wrote, recorded, and produced during the pandemic. With the guidance of their new record label, Lilystars Records, the indie quartet is currently on the preliminary phase of their first full-length album, which they described as “intimate musings from the lens of a young adult trying to navigate a world that’s completely untapped and unfamiliar.”Jyle shares, “Expect a lot of songs and content coming out from us. Despite the pandemic, we arecoming back strong and we’re pretty excited to share new material that we hope our listeners would like.”

Paper Satellites’ “Towns” is out now on various streaming platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

 Source: Nyou