Fern. Drops his first tagalog single “Kagandahan”

Filipino singer-songwriter and producer Fern. has finally dropped his new single “Kagandahan,” a minimalist pop tune that tackles the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by beauty, and how people are afraid of it going away.

Released under Island Records Philippines, Fern.’s latest jam is essentially stripped-down to the core, with itsmessage offering a quiet, meditative space that doesn’t lose sight of what truly matters—even in the age of fast-paced modernity and fleeting romanticism.

“Kagandahan is about the beauty of anything in this world,” the prolific young artist explains its meaning. “It talks about how we're often scared of losing beauty that we believe is in our possession and how this fear often robs us of enjoying the beauty while its right in front of us.”

Originally penned by his dad, and rewritten and produced by fern. himself, “Kagandahan” reflects on these valid feelings about the ephemeral qualities of beauty, but also gives listeners a refreshing perspective on why it’s important to cherish every bit of it while it counts. 

Eloquently produced with restrained instrumentation and a lighter sound, Fern. slips amusingly into laid-back guitar-pop territory, veering toward intimacy. “I recorded all my vocals in my bedroom, and I think it’s because singing just hits differently when you’re alone—in my opinion, at least.” Sonny Zero mixed “Kagandahan,” and was careful enough to let the emotions flow through the music—“nothing more than that,” as fern. puts it. “It's always an experience to be working with people that you truly connect with.

Fern.’s “Kagandahan” is out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines.

About Fern.

Fern. is a music producer and songwriter from Manila, Philippines. He is known for his debut single ‘Into You’ (2017), another notable single ‘Lie 2 Me’ from his first self-titled EP, and his award-winning collaborative track with Julie Anne San Jose, ‘Down on Me.’ He is also known for co-writing and co-producing ‘You,’ Claudia Barretto’s second single. 

In 2019, he released his debut album Loveless. The album contained ‘Sweet’ and ‘Look Into My Eyes,’ collaborative tracks that feature Kiana Valanciano and Leila Alcasid respectively. He has then released three more singles: ‘Want U Bad,’ ‘Blinded,’ and ‘Angel Eyes.’ His song ‘Kaori’ was also included in 88rising’s debut album semilucent.

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

Barbie Almalbis shares her challenging but colorful adult life on new album, Scenes From Inside

Acclaimed Filipino artist Barbie Almalbis celebrates her 25th year in the music business with the release of her fourth studio album, Scenes From Inside—out today on all digital music platforms via 12 Stone Records and distributed by Sony Music Philippines.

Derived from her experiences as a musician, a mom, a friend, a wife, and a pet lover during the time of quarantine, the 9-track concept album marks a new chapter in Almalbis’ challenging but colorful adult life. 

According to the award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, the process of making an album can be tedious at times, but for Scenes From Inside, Almalbis was given a chance to record the album at a more relaxed pace, in her most convenient time. “I’m kind of used to recording at home and working virtually with producers, engineers, and my band, just sending files to each other back and forth,” the Dahilan singer admits. “I’m grateful for all the new tools that we have now. It has made collaboration and communication much more doable.”

Flickering through recent memories with warm, conversational flair, Scenes From Inside gives listeners a reason to keep coming back. Thanks to Almalbis’ introspective and engaging songwriting style and intricate production, the new record’s carefully constructed compositions evoke everything that we love from the ‘90s, from The Sundays to The Cardigans, while inhabiting a more expansive musical canvas to toy around with: jangly indie pop, electronic music, post-rock, alternative pop, Christian music, folk rock, and a whole lot more.

While this is easily her most sonically adventurous record to date yet, Scenes From Inside also takes pride in its arsenal of collaborators, especially on the songwriting department. Her husband, Martin Honasan, co-wrote four songs in the album, including “Silaw,” which was the first song the husband and wife penned together, with Lee Simon Brown helping the duo to finish the material. Almalbis’ “Tita” Alya Honasan also wrote the lyrics for “An Aspin’s Song” as a tribute to her late grand-aunt, Nita Lichauco. Additionally, her friend Michelle Rivera also co-wrote the track “Cover,” which initially appeared on her EP, Tigre.

Other collaborators in the album include the pop-rock sensation’s bandmates, Karel Honasan on bass, JonardBolor on drums, and Nikko Rivera on keys. “My bro-in-law, Karel thankfully lives just next door, and we got to arrange and record together throughout this season,” Almalbissays. Renowned sessionist and musician Rommel De La Cruz also played bass on “Iyong-Iyo” and “Comment,”while Michael Alba did drum parts on a new track called “Kumpas.”

To give music fans a taste of what Scenes From Insidesounds like when performed live, Barbie Almalbis will be performing the tracks from the latest album, plus some classic favorites on July 16, 2021, Friday from 7pm onwards. The online launch performance will stream live on Facebook, and will feature Almalbis performing with her bandmates together for the first time in years. “While my band and I truly miss doing gigs outside, we are so grateful to have this online platform where we still get to connect and share music with everyone,” Almalbisexplains. “This will be our first time to play together as a complete band in a while, and we are so looking forward to it.”

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

Sputnik 2

I wore my Blythe top which I crocheted to my second dose of Sputnik Covid-19 vaccine. I would like to commend the volunteers at the UP Diliman CHK vaccination site for their amazing work in ensuring that we all got our vaccine in a safe and organized environment.

I feel so blessed to have additional protection from the Covid-19 virus. I pray that this pandemic will end soon so that we can move more freely and have a more normal lifestyle.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Bolzico Beef to Go

I really enjoyed my Carne Asada rice bowl from cloud kitchen Bolzico Beef to Go. They have just started delivering in my area, so they have free Smirnoff Mule with selected items on their menu. I tried their food, and I was blown away because it tasted premium and high end. I will definitely order from them again!

If you also like Argentinian food and want value for money eats, try Bolzico Beef to Go on Food Panda. You won’t be disappointed!

Grape Escape Cloud

My favorite winebar, Grape Escape, has recently closed their physical store. They have opted to operate instead as a cloud kitchen, which is a welcome change in response to the pandemic.

As more and more people opt to stay at home for safety purposes, cloud kitchens have become the viable business model for restauranteurs. This also lets home buddies enjoy their favorite food at the comfort of their own homes.

Please support their cloud kitchen by ordering via their website. I am so excited to continue seeing them grow and thrive. Cheers!

Barbie Almalbis to drop her fourth album, Scenes From Inside this Friday!

Filipina singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis is set to release her fourth studio album, Scenes From Inside on July 16 (Friday) via 12 Stone Records and Sony Music Philippines.

Delivering intricately produced pop-rock gems with melodic sweetness, the 9-track release is a testament to Almalbis’ consistency as an artist who never gets tired of leveling up her craft and expanding her vision with newfound inspiration.

“Recording is truly one of my favorite parts about being a musician, but working on everything in one go also often made me feel burned out, and it would take some time to get recharged,” Almalbis shares in a statement. “For Scenes From Inside, we got to focus on just a couple of songs at time, releasing singles instead of an album, allowing us to work at a more relaxed pace, and before we knew it, the album was done!  This new process has made this album the easiest one to finish.”

Scenes From Inside is considered to be Barbie Almalbis’ most collaborative work to date, bringing in a pool of co-songwriters that are dear to her heart, including real-life partner Martin Honasan, aunt Alya Honasan, friend Michelle Rivera, and more.

With Dari Crème and GNN Entertainment Productions as its official partners, the upcoming album will be launched with an online live performance featuring Barbie Almalbisand her bandmates: Karel Honasan on bass, Jonard Boloron drums, and Nikko Rivera on keyboards.

The virtual album launch will be streamed live on her official Facebook page this July 16 (Friday) from 7pm onwards, with Almalbis taking the virtual stage to perform the new songs from the album, as well as some classic favorites.

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

A-Meal-Ya’s

My family and I love ordering food from A-Meal-Ya’s! This cloud kitchen has been serving family favorites this pandemic. Their food has brightened up our days as they brought back good memories.

Our favorites are the pork binagoongan, steak rice, and orange chicken. We are repeat customers because we simply love their food. This is not a sponsored post! I am just that happy to promote their food so that you can also try them for yourself.

Eat well and stay healthy, everyone!

Pilya’s Kitchen July 2021

I recently visited Pilya’s Kitchen at The Grid Food Market for some delicious hand-pulled noodles! Their biang biang noodle soup has been my favorite food delivery during the pandemic. Since then, I have been a fan! I first visited their stall at The Grid last February. I missed their food so much.

Of course I had to order their famous beef biang biang noodle soup! It tastes like a hug on a rainy day. It is filling, comforting, and delicious.

Look at how thick these noodles are! Each bowl is prepared upon ordering. The noodles were hand-pulled with love by their resident chef, Kriza Palmero.

This is a sure winner so you better try this the next time that you are at Power Plant Mall! You won’t be disappointed.

And if you meet Chef Kriza there, please say hi! She is the nicest friend, so I hope you will also support her business!

Stay safe, everyone!

Everyday Happiness

Today, my BDJ Spark Your Magic workbook assigned to me this journaling prompt:

“When was the last time you laughed out loud? What was it about? Who were you with? Were you alone or with a good friend?”

I last laughed out loud while watching the Magulo Na Bacarros weekly vlog. I am a regular listener of the Wake Up With Jim and Saab podcast, so their vlog has also become a part of my routine.

I adore Saab Magalona and Jim Bacarro’s two sons Pancho and Vito. Their laughter and playtime makes me so happy. I feel like their playmate whenever I watch their vlog. I usually do so by myself while crocheting at home.

I look forward to each vlog episode because I remember the innocence of childhood and how awesome it is to be happy with the simplest joys. I hope to regain the ability to be glad with life’s everyday surprises!

I am so excited for Monday’s vlog episode!

Cafe Latte

Lately, it has been raining everyday during the afternoon. I usually have a cup of coffee to wake myself up during this time. The other day, I had coffee and an oatmeal cookie at Cinema ‘76 Cafe at Anonas after donating my hair. It gave me all the feels as it was emo weather and I had comfort food.

I highly recommend this cafe because it offers al fresco dining, affordable snacks and coffee, and of course, OPM music on repeat. Do check this out on your next cafe trip! You won’t be disappointed.

I Donated My Hair!

I recently donated my hair! This was my first haircut in more than two years, so it was a momentous occasion for me.

I had my haircut at Heads by Volu-med Salon, as they offer a discounted cut and style package for those who want to donate their hair to cancer patients. Best of all, the shoulder the shipping fee of the hair donation to Hair for Hope Philippines.

This is my second time to donate my hair to cancer patients. I feel so empowered to have the ability to help them in my own little way.

Please visit Hair for Hope to also donate your hair! God bless you!

The Itchyworms mark 25th anniversary with the release of stop-motion animation film, “The Life I Know”

Iconic pop-rock outfit The Itchyworms kick off their 25thanniversary in the music industry with the official video release of “The Life I Know,” a piano-backed ballad off their fifth studio album, Waiting For The End To Start—released on digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines.

Helmed by partners Marie Jamora and Jason McLagan of Indie Pop Films with animation from Apartment D, the music video is a first of its kind in the Philippines to feature a stop-motion animation format that is embedded with Filipino cultural sensibilities. 

The journey of Awit

According to award-winning filmmaker Marie Jamora, the music video follows the story of Awit, a toddler who begins to understand her place in the world as she gets more independent from her mom. Tension arises when an incoming new sibling threatens to take the place that was once her own comfort space. Marie Jamora adds, “with this spiritual quest, Awit realizes that she needs to accept her new baby brother in order to reconnect once again with her mother.” 

“Being a new mother myself and remembering the experience of having a baby in my own womb, I always wondered what was going on inside, whether there was a different universe that my baby lived in,” says Jamora. “This all inspired and informed me for our video. I don’t think I would have ever thought of this concept if I didn’t go through this experience.”

Director of animation Cami Kwan is proud of how important the film is in documenting the universal experience of growing up, and relates the concept to how a child starts to lose the world they’ve known, and navigate a new realm that is both uncomfortable and terrifying, but is part of a bigger life process. “There is a beauty and awe in embracing a wider world, of seeing beyond yourself, but there is an inherent loss in that as well, and we wanted to explore that sense of melancholy as well as that sense of power and joy.”

Trusted collaborator

Having worked with The Itchyworms for so many years as a former manager and music director for their timeless hits “Antipara,” “Buwan,” and “Love Team,” Jamora is a trusted collaborator of the band who has maintained a formidable friendship with them through the years. Lead vocalist, drummer and all-around musician Jazz Nicolas explains that of all the directors they’ve collaborated with, Jamora is the one that knows them really well. “I fully trust her with making this video. I asked her to make us a music video and to choose any song from the album she wanted to work on. She chose The Life I Know. I trust that she would put her whole heart into it and come up with something awesome, as she always does.”

“Personally, I always thought that her talent is really for the international stage,” co-lead vocalist, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Jugs Jugueta speaks fondly of Jamora. “With this project, we hope The Itchyworms too, can reach an international audience.”

Dream Weaver

As for the visual execution of the music video, Cami Kwan was excited with the infinite possibilities of the stop-motion animation as it “brings real materials to life in a way that no other art form can.” In true Filipino fashion, Kwan reveals that the team has always wanted to celebrate the tradition of weaving that exists in the country, specifically the textures and pattens in the work of T'Boli Dream Weaver. “The Dream World is made entirely of these traditional woven fabrics, and the characters are all made out of wool and other weaving materials,” the animator points out. “This fundamentally links the characters to the Dream World, which we also designed to evoke the feeling and patterns of a womb. Dreams and wombs are safe spaces, where anything is possible and where life can be created from nothing.”

The music video release of “The Life I Know” is part of a campaign series that aims to champion the legacy of Jazz Nicolas, Jugs Jugueta, Kelvin Yu, and Chino Singson a.k.a. The Itchyworms as one of the definitive bands of our time, a true mark of an artist that continues to shape pop culture consciousness for more than two decades and redefine Pinoy artistry with cross-generational classics. As part of the multiple celebrations that mark their existence for two decades and a half, The Itchyworms are also set to release the 25th anniversary single “Eto Na,” a music video to their title track “Waiting For The End To Start,” a mockumentary chronicling their official ‘untrue’ story and Worms Upon A Time podcast.

The music video of The Itchyworms’ “The Life I Know” will be out on the band’s Official YouTube Channeland WeTV at 7:00pm.

Source: Nyou

Bow Tie Top

I just crocheted this beautiful Bow Tie Top! I followed this tutorial by Filipina crochet designer Purple Haze Crochet. I used milk cotton yarn from Oh My Yarn!, and I worked with a 5.00mm hook.

This project is fun to make as you can easily watch a movie while crocheting. The tutorial was also clearly taught, so finishing it is a breeze.

I hope that you can also try this project out!

Israel-Philippines Conclude 1st JCM on Science and Technology

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Israel and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines virtually held the 1st Philippines-Israel Joint Committee Meeting on Innovation, Science, and Technology on 30 June 2021 to discuss and agree on the priorities and specifics of the collaboration.

Delegates of the 1st Philippines-Israel Joint Committee Meeting on Innovation, Science, and Technology held virtually on 30th of June 2021

Delegates of the 1st Philippines-Israel Joint Committee Meeting 

on Innovation, Science, and Technology held virtually on 30th of June 2021

MOST Chief Scientist Avi Domb expressed his excitement in pushing through the collaboration with the Philippines. He also wished that the two countries will have long-term cooperation and will continue to discuss and prioritize the areas. Artificial Intelligence (Robotics), Agriculture (Water Management), and Health (Biomedical Engineering and Drug Discovery) are the initially identified topics.

 

DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina Guevara conveyed her appreciation that the meeting is convened to discuss joint activities to be pursued under the umbrella of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Scientific Cooperation signed on 03 September 2018. Undersecretary Guevara also emphasized that Israel is a valuable and priority partner for the DOST and hoped that the partnership will be fruitful and will benefit the people.

 

At the end of the meeting, the Philippines expressed its intention to send experts to Israel for training on drip irrigation systems, biomedical engineering and drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, among others. They also discussed joint development of AI applications for government or public service and emergency response. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on potential and priority areas of cooperation between Israel and the Philippines.

 

In attendance to the 1st JCM are the delegation from MOST headed by Prof. Avi Domb - Chief Scientist; Philippine delegation from DOST headed by Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara - Undersecretary for R&D; Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv headed by Philippine Ambassador to Israel H.E. Macairog Alberto; representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Pnina El-Al - Director, Culture, Education and Academic Cooperation Department; and Israel Embassy in the Philippines headed by Mr. Nir Balzam, Chargé d’Affaires a.i.

Source: Embassy of the State of Israel, Manila

LEAH HALILI SHARES ROMANTIC JOURNEY ON DEBUT SINGLE, FOURTH OF JULY

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili has taken her sound to warmer, more intimate places with the release of her debut single “Fourth of July”—out today on all digital music platforms worldwide.

A lovingly crafted, indie-folk tune that offers moments of pure bliss, the song tackles a romantic journey between two people who met and found instant connection. “I was inspired by life stories, and my personal story as well,” Halili shares. “Fourth of July is more than just a love song; it’s an ode to the immediate but unexpected thrill, the magic that only music can legibly explain.”

 

The song was written by Leah Halili herself, and produced by acclaimed singer-songwriter Carlos Castaño, who added remarkable layers to the arrangement. The collaboration resulted in a spare, but intricately beautiful piece that conveys Halili’smost compelling sense of artistic identity yet, which one could compare to the likes of Laura Marling and Lucy Rose.

 

“I wrote and finished the song sometime in June and sent it to my friend Carlos who instantly wanted to work on it,” says Leah Halili. “It was exciting to see how the song grew from just my vocals and guitar to a full band with strings. It was a bit challenging to record because I had to trust my musician friends to add their own sound to the song, and interpret it in a way that doesn’t compromise the integrity of the material. I’m glad that I took risk, and allowed these talented people to be part of my personal journey.”

 

“Fourth of July” boasts a competent pool of accomplished musicians, including Oh, Flamingo!’s Pat Sarabia on drums, John Apura on guitars, and Princess Ybanez on strings. Radiating positive energy, “Fourth of July” aims to resonate with anybody trying to rebuild themselves in the aftermath of uncertainty, finding light in love and second chances, and turning outwards to express one’s feelings with a more assured stance. “I want my listeners to feel the warmth of the song through its lyrics and overall sound. I hope they get to smile again, just by hearing the track.”

 

About Leah Halili

 

Leah Halili makes confessional folk-pop songs that memorialize small, intimate details and resonant experiences with a stripped-down direction. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is currently working on an upcoming EP to be independently released soon, with “Fourth Of July” as its first single.

 

With music influences that range from Bon Iver to Lucy Rose, Leah Halili challenges herself to find new dimensions in writing heartfelt songs about love, the lack of it, and its fugitive presence to most of us. 

 

Leah is also the bassist and vocalist of acclaimed six-piece band, The Ransom Collective.

Source: Nyou

Dance for Hope and A Cure

Yesterday, I joined a dance party for a friend’s fundraiser. She is undergoing chemotherapy, so a common friend organized a Zumba party via Zoom. In keeping with the times, we kept on dancing to some retro beats online. Our socially distant party was a lot of fun and I really burned some calories while at home.

While I miss dancing outdoors at our local park, I understand that the pandemic is still upon us and it is best to just workout at home. I am glad that there are online options to stay fit and active! I hope that this inspires you to also exercise while on quarantine.