SCYE aims to debunk ‘mental health’ stigma on new song “Paru-Paro”

Single: https://Scye.lnk.to/ParuParo
Lyric Video: https://Scye.lnk.to/ParuParo_LV

Considered as one of the most promising acts in contemporary Philippine hip-hop, SCYE has successfully established himself as a rapper with incisive songwriting style and undeniable talent. This year alone, the acclaimed rookie has enjoyed prominent attention with the release of his single “Aking Kabanata,” which received praises from industry veterans such as Gloc-9, and with a participation on the hip-hop remix of Olivia Rodrigo’s chart-topping hit “drivers license,” featuring the biggest music acts in Def Jam Southeast Asia.

Now ready to conquer the insurmountable, the Bulacan-based rapper returns on triumphant terms with a new song centered around the importance of tackling mental health and depression with an open mind. Released under Def Jam Philippines, SCYE’s latest single “Paru-Paro” is a four-minute urban opus that tells the story of someone battling the demons inside his head.

“The intention of ‘Paru-Paro’ is to connect with people who are struggling with the traumas they've been going through since childhood that cause them to drown in depression, panic attacks, anxiety and suicidal attempts,” rapper SCYE says in a statement. “This song also aims to remind their relatives and friends to give at least a little time to talk to them and listen to their struggles about their mental health issues.” According to SCYE, the song also wants to give people who are making fun of the struggles in and out of social media, a matter of perspective in debunking the stigma, and hopefully, normalizing conversations about mental health issues. 

Driven by lush strings and soaring instrumentals, “Paru-Paro” also features the vocals of Chin Detera of pop-rock quartet CHNDTR. Chin delivers powerful vocals in the chorus, asking relevant questions that deserve to dominate the public discourse: “Ang buhay ba'y nagbibiro? ako'y nalilito / takbo ng oras, 'di ba hihinto?” 

The track is produced by Dennis Cala, whom SCYE started working with last January 2021. “We’ve experimented a lot in terms of sounds and music details, but we decided to take direction to something more cinematic,” SCYE reveals. “We want the production to complement the bigness of the storytelling, and with Chin’s haunted vocal delivery adding more emotional weight to the overall appeal of the track, I just couldn’t ask for more.”

About The Artist

26-year-old John Orlan Padilla Lopez, also known as SCYE, was born in Malabon but hails from Bulacan. Raised into the world of pop-inclined local inspirations between the likes of the Eraserheads and Parokya niEdgar to AJ Rafael, he transitioned into the world of hip-hop in his teen years by way of Eminem and Gloc-9. These inspirations informed his songwriting, which borrows elements from a variety of genres within and beyond hip-hop. He took his name from the PC games he grew into; in fact, he’s confident in being a good video game player. Over time, his storied childhood and adolescence lead him to reflect on his life—a quality he’s kept until now. He tackles relationships and politics in his lyrics naturally.

SCYE’s “Paru-Paro” is out now on all streaming and digital platforms worldwide via Def Jam Philippines and MCA Music Inc.

Follow SCYE on his social media platforms:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scyeee

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scyemusic/

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2pyYSb2bdrRTyv6vJlfTAA?si=p4yh-mdERb-VHtRb2em9OA

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/scyeroux

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

ASEAN Music Showcase Festival 2021 adds two more countries, heads 3-day virtual event this September

ASEAN Music Showcase Festival (AMS) is slated to return on its second edition with an initiative to help regional artists stay connected with their fanbase and introduce themselves to new audiences despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southeast Asia’s first collaborative intraregional music showcase festival will have its online premiere on September 11-12, 2021 (Saturday and Sunday) via YouTube. Virtual speed meetings aimed to provide one-on-one networking opportunities between emerging regional musicians and global music industry professionals will be held as a private event on the following day, September 13, 2021 (Monday).

With the live music and entertainment industries being hit hard across the globe, AMS promises to offer an alternative but viable platform that connects global music networks to Southeast Asia, primarily the seven co-organizing countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand; with Cambodia and Vietnam further expanding this year’s programming with additional participating delegates and more up-and-coming and established local artists to the regional lineup. 

AMS co-founder and Director of Educational, Governmental, and Overseas Partnership of Bangkok-based music company Fungjai, Piyapong ‘Py’ Muenprasertdee, shares that instead of waiting for the pandemic to end, the participating organizers of each country aim to help regional artists be proactive and put their music in front of potential talent buyers from all over the world. “Because of the pandemic, many showcase festivals around the world are going online, which means artists don't need to spend money on travel and accommodation to join—and consequently, international music professionals and talent buyers need to hop on this virtual online landscape as well—opening the door of opportunity to more export-worthy artists.”

“We were conceived during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, so we weren't able to organize the showcase festival physically and were naturally forced to organize it virtually,” Py explains. “However, we do hope to organize it physically and rotate the host country each year after the pandemic is over.”

AMS is co-organized by Fungjai, NYLON Thailand, and Bangkok Music City from Thailand; The Rest Is Noise PH from the Philippines; Steady State Records from Singapore; SRM from Indonesia; City Roars Festival from Malaysia; Baramey Productionfrom Cambodia; and Monsoon Music Festival and Swan Zoo from Vietnam. 

This year’s edition is co-presented by Malaysia’s Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and US-based TuneCore, a leading digital music distribution, publishing, and licensing company with over 150 premium partners across the globe. 

AMS is also supported by Music Copyright (Thailand) Ltd. (MCT) and festival partners Golden Melody Awards & Festival and LUCfest in Taiwan, as well as Global Toronto in Canada and Live at Heartin Sweden.

For more information about the second edition of ASEAN Music Showcase Festival, visit the officialwebsite.

Source: Nyou

John Mayer releases retro-inspired new album, Sob Rock

GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, guitarist, and producer John Mayer has finally released his eight studio album, Sob Rock via Columbia Records and Sony Music. Produced by John Mayer and Don Was, and recorded at Henson Studios in Los Angeles, the album marks Mayer’s first solo offering since 2017’s The Search for Everything. 

In an Instagram post a few days ago, John Mayer dubbed Sob Rock, as “the only record I’ve made that I listen to recreationally.” With incredible pop craftmanship and smooth production, the recording star’s latest record also features collaboration with artists such as country pop sensation Maren Morris on lead single “Last Train Home” and hip-hop/R&B producer No I.D. on “New Light.”

Upon its release, the infectious, retro-inspired rock release earned positive reviews from music critics, with Rolling Stone calling it “a warm, classy record,” praising in particular the “the effortless warmth in his voice, which never puts too much weight behind his heartbreak or his happiness.” Pitchfork notes that its “vision is complete and confident,” while The Philadelphia Inquireremphasizes that the songs are “all neat, emotionally legible,” and the “guitar solos, keyboards, and drums almost universally hearken back to the period Mayer is harvesting for inspiration.”

Following the album release, Mayer has also dropped the music for “Shot in the Dark.” Directed by Mathew Miguel Cullen, the visual narrative is delivered in slick-looking, ‘80s-inspired fashion. The first single and video from the album, “Last Train Home” was released last month to critical acclaim. 

To promote Sob Rock in the country, Sony Music Philippines is also mounting a John Mayer “Sob Rock” Projection at Arco De Emperador in Arcovia in Pasig Cityfrom July 16 to July 24. Some of the album highlights will be projected at the 19-meter tall monument designed by Spanish sculptor Gines Serran Pagan.

John Mayer’s new album, Sob Rock is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Columbia Records/Sony Music.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

The Steve McQueens continue to defy simple description with new single “Mila Ascending”

“Art created with thought and feeling often defies simple description; but closer inspection rewards the listener with layers of discovery and revelation. For those who enjoy the hidden twists and detours, Mila takes us on that journey.”   

”Mila Ascending” is The Steve McQueen’s first single release from their much awaited fifth studio album, The Observer. The mercurial band went directly from touring Japan and the Asian festival circuit into the studio to record this collection of new music which simultaneously invokes alternative R&B, chill-pop, 60’s Motown and nu-soul. 

The acclaimed band has recently celebratedtheir 8th year on the road with this release of coy and inconspicuous observations, and early listeners say it’s their best yet:balancing unique forms, ear-catching sounds and clever storytelling with an accessible pop sensibility.

Fans of their electrifying live sets will be happy to re-hear “Mila Ascending,” the first single release on Friday, 16 July.

Asked about the song’s title, keyboardist Joshua Wan answers in typical cryptic form: “Mila Ascending is about the 3 cornerstones of maturing: Expectations / maintenance, thinking vs feeling, failure and eating cow tongue. Coincidentally, these also apply to cheese…”

About the album’s direction, the band shares, “I think one of our goals was to capture the energy and intimacy of live performance, to make the music really speak, and to allow a restlessness to pervade that would let you hear something different at every listening. We think of that as the ‘tilt’ – chords that don’t go where you’d expect, sections that morph and discarded beats strewn everywhere that kinda throw you off-balance a little. I mean, what's the point of so much predictability? Or maybe we’re just borderline sociopaths; it’s hard to say.”

The new album, The Observer will drop on September 16, 2021 in conjunction with an album launch concert at The Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore. The Observer is the band’s fifth studio release, and will feature eight new tracks.

Listen to “Mila Ascending” via Umami Records:https://www.umamirecords.sg/mila-ascending/

About The Steve McQueens

The Steve McQueens refuse to be pedestrian; they don’t live in the transient, or the touch-and-go. Swerving between cool seduction and gripping magnetism, they are ambitious to light the world up with their progressive brand of self- titled neo-vintage soul-funk. 

They have played to growing attention at festivals like the Tokyo Jazz Festival and Summersonic (Japan), Java Jazz (Indonesia), SingJazz (Singapore), Melbourne International Jazz Fest (Australia) and Jarasum International Jazz Festival (Korea).

The quartet formed in 2013 as a forging of four mercurial talents in Singapore, a small country punching above its weight in Southeast Asia’s music scene. Critically acclaimed, The Steve McQueens will leave an indomitable mark on any listener with their music. 

Facebook · Instagram

About Umami Records

Umami Records is a Singapore-based indie record label founded in 2013. Much like the “5th taste” reputation of its namesake, the label strongly believes in discovering new, interesting sounds that run underground and away from the mainstream. The label’s tight-knit, curated roster includes releases from Linying, The Steve McQueens, brb., Evanturetime, CampFire, Martin Baltser, Phoria, Oriental Cravings, and more.

UmamiRecords.sg · Instagram · Facebook · Twitter · YouTube

Source: Nyou

Hair for Hope

I would like to thank Hair for Hope for recognizing my donation. I feel fantastic after donating my hair!

I encourage you to consider donating to Hair for Hope as well. Please visit their Facebook page for more details. Thank you!

Fern. Drops his first tagalog single “Kagandahan”

Listen to Fern.’s ‘Kagandahan’: https://open.spotify.com/track/7yz5eoUsbaqtdMJI86ruSl?si=88f5c31508b5474f

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!

Blythe Top

I recently finished crocheting the Blythe Top by Filipina crochet designer Gottahook. I was impressed with the clarity of the instructions. I enjoyed working with the lemon peel stitch, which is new for me.

For this project, I worked with yarn from Oh My Yarn!, and a 4.00mm hook. I made it while listening to podcasts and watching videos. I would say that it is Netflix-friendly!

Do purchase this pattern and support Filipino talent today!

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!

Bianca waxes poetic on memory and longing with debut single “Tenth of July”

After racking up more than 2.5 million steams on Spotify with her heartfelt reimagining of an alt-rock classic, rising singer-songwriter Bianca fulfills the promise of her music journey with the release of her proper debut single under Sony Music Philippines.

Written by Bianca herself, “Tenth of July” delivers emotional resonance note per note, while retaining the spare, soothing vocal quality that listeners have grown to love from her. Seizing the moment with bedroom intimacy and captivating folk-pop detail, the track speaks fondly about memory and longing, and the beauty of remembering—as if it were words to live by.

“July of 2020, I had constant recurring dreams about someone I missed and it triggered me to write the song in order to cope with my emotions,” the young newcomer says in a statement. “Tenth of July to me is a reminder that we’re still able to reminisce and experience memories through dreaming and I hope that people who long for someone or something will be able to find comfort in the song.”

The endearing tune was produced by Joey Santos, whose cozy and lilting arrangements complement the warmth of Bianca’s songwriting and performance. Bianca recalls having a great time working with Santos, and appreciating his sense of enthusiasm and open-mindedness. “We both shared playlists to get inspiration from artists we thought would help with our brainstorming process. It was very easy to converse with him since he knew what I liked and he also introduced me to artists, who eventually became some of my favorites. He immediately applied my vision and inspirations to the production of the song, which ultimately unified it.”

Recording the harmonies and the guitar parts at home, Bianca shares that the sole purpose of completing the song is not to confront her own ego, but to comfort her future listeners. In terms of the track’s overall vibe, she wanted to showcase the more organic, mellow side of her music, but ensuring that the chorus powers through with the balance of inspirational message and confessional honesty.

“Tenth of July” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.Watch out for the premiere of her lyric video on July 10 (Saturday) at 7:00pm.

Universal link: lnk.to/Bianca-TenthofJuly

Source: Sony Music Philippines

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!