My #barnaclemug by @miacasalceramics is so chic! Buy it here: https://shp.ee/avng2jx #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam
Pasig River
Stunning as always.
The Itchyworms release second installment of holiday-themed album, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin
The continuously expanding record contains two new tracks “Halo-Halo and “Meri Xmas 2 U”
The Itchyworms continue to celebrate their 25thanniversary with the second installment of their holiday-themed album, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin—out today, December 8, 2021 (Wednesday) on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines.
Capturing the spirit of Pinoy Christmas with songs that will surely make its way into classic status, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin contains two new tracks, “Halo-Halo” and “Meri Xmas 2 U,” and last year’s “Have A Merry Christmas” and “Maligayang Pasko.”
Written and produced by drummer and lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas, “Halo-Halo” is a festive reinforcement of the classic tradition with characteristically Pinoy sensibilities. It’s an upbeat tune that celebrates the Yuletide season in a way that feels home.
According to Jazz, “Halo-Halo” is a metaphorical reference to the various beliefs and traditions of Filipinos about Christmas. “There are people who believe in God, there are people who just shop, and there are people who consider it as a perfect time for receiving gifts. It all happens during Christmas, and it’s a magical feeling for everyone.”
Another new offering, “Meri Xmas 2 U” is a fun and sparkly reimagining of the Pinoy Christmas carols in one rocking shimmy treat. Complete with kundiman-charged guitars, raw percussions and tambourine sounds, and infectious vocal harmonies, the track pays tribute to the street caroling traditions in the country during the pre-pandemic times.
“This is an ode to the kids who knock on doors to sing Christmas songs,” lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jugs Jugueta shares. “They rarely have real instruments with them, but sometimes when they’re lucky, they bring acoustic guitars or makeshift tools. They use cans with stretched plastic on top for the ‘drums’ and flattened tansan as tambourines. While they don’t sing in perfect tune, the happy Christmas vibe that they bring is what gets you and tugs your heartstrings.”
“Meri Xmas 2 U” is written by Jugs Jugueta, and performed by the alt-rock band with their families and friends who sang and played makeshift instruments: Jug’s wife Andie, Chino’s brother Echo, Jazz’s brother Peavey and his fiancé Antonette, and their road manager Gabs.
The 2021 AWIT Awards Winner for Best Musical Arrangement also plans to add more songs every year to complete the Yuletide-themed album. This well-curated process gives them the opportunity to create music at their own pace, while giving casual listeners something to uplift their spirits before the year ends.
As Jugs put it, “It is an ever-growing Christmas album. Wereleased two Christmas songs last year, then we added two more this year, and we plan on releasing more Christmas songs every year! And every time we add songs, we also add elements to the album cover. It’s now streaming on Spotify and other digital platforms, but once we have enough Christmas songs, we hope to release it as a physical album on vinyl.”
Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin is part of the band’s celebration of their 25th year in the Philippine music industry, which follows the release of their original track “Eto Na (Ang Maliligayang Araw)” and the six-part series, Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast.
The year-long musical treat commenced with the vinyl pressing of their album, Waiting For The End To Start, which immediately sold out upon its release, the launch of “The Life I Know,” the first of its kind in the Philippine stop-motion animation music video, and the release of “Waiting For The End To Start” music video, which serves as an artistic take on the ‘dystopian future post-pandemic’ life in the Philippines.
The Itchyworms are also set to drop a mockumentary that chronicles their 25 years in the music industry at the end of the year.
“Halo-Halo” and “Meri Xmas 2 U” are out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines.Listen to the partial batch of ‘Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin’ here.
Source: Nyou
The Loggia
tick, tick...BOOM! Official Soundtrack dazzles with powerhouse performances from star-studded cast
The songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Netflix film features 17 tracks of musical extravaganza
Sony Music Masterworks has released the official soundtrack to the acclaimed Netflix film, tick, tick… BOOM!—an album containing music from the film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical directed by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The soundtrack features songs by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent, as performed by the film’s star-studded cast, which includes Academy Award® nominee & Tony Award® winner Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Tony Award® nominee Robin de Jesús, Tony Award® nominee Joshua Henry, Emmy Award® nominee Mj Rodriguez, Emmy Award® winner Bradley Whitford, Grammy® Award winner Tariq Trotter a.k.a. Black Thought of The Roots, with Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Judith Light and Vanessa Hudgens.
Rounding out the 17-track collection are 4 bonus numbers, including a special end credits reprise of “Come To Your Senses” featuring multi-Grammy®-nominated powerhouse singer/songwriter Jazmine Sullivan and a cover version of the previously unreleased Jonathan Larson song, “Only Takes a Few” performed by acclaimed folk band The Mountain Goats.
The soundtrack was produced by Grammy®, Tony® and Emmy® winners Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman along with Kurt Crowley, mixed by Grammy® winner Greg Wells and music supervised by Grammy® winner and Emmy® nominee Steven Gizicki. In addition to the digital release, the album is set to be released in physical formats, with its CD out now and vinyl arriving in 2022, which you can preorder here.
tick, tick...BOOM! which marks the feature directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda, premiered in select theaters on Friday, November 12 and was released globally on Netflix last Friday, November 19.
The film follows Jon (Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have?
tick, tick...BOOM! (SOUNDTRACK FROM THE NETFLIX FILM) TRACKLISTING:
1. 30/90 – Andrew Garfield, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, MjRodriguez
2. Boho Days – Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens
3. Green Green Dress – Joshua Henry
4. No More – Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús
5. Johnny Can't Decide – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry
6. Sunday – Andrew Garfield, The Moondance Diner Ensemble
7. Play Game – Tariq Trotter
8. Therapy – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens
9. Swimming – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry
10. Come to Your Senses – Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens
11. Real Life – Robin de Jesús
12. Why – Andrew Garfield
13. Louder Than Words – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry
14. Come to Your Senses (End Credit Version) – Jazmine Sullivan
15. Green Green Dress (Bonus Track) – Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp
16. Out Of My Dreams (Bonus Track) – Veronica Vasquez
17. Only Takes a Few (Bonus Track) – The Mountain Goats
tick, tick… BOOM! (Netflix film) Official Soundtrack is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Masterworks.
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Source: Nyou
SZA tackles rocky romantic relationships on new single “I Hate U”
The soulful R&B jam is officially available on DSPs worldwide after its Soundcloud tease a few months ago
Top Dawg Entertainment’s multi-platinum selling, chart-topping and award-winning recording artist SZA has officially dropped her new single “I Hate U.”
Initially released on an anonymous Soundcloud account this year along with “Nightbird” and “Joni,” the irresistible slow jam emerged as a favorite among fans.
The track is produced by Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, thankgod4cody, and Dylan Patrice. With her soulful vocals enveloping a minimalist sonic backdrop and laid-back synths, SZA reflects on a rocky romantic relationship that seemed to have taken a toll on her emotional health.
Upon its release, the mesmerizing urban track received positive response from various music critics all around the world, with Brooklyn Vegan calling an “airy R&B” in “fine form.” It also marked an impressive performance on its first day as it debuted at No. 1 on both Spotify US and Apple Music US charts despite the surge of holiday-inspired tracks, and is predicted to place high on the Billboard Hot 100 charts next week.
Here in the Philippines, “I Hate U” is slowly gaining a foothold on the upper tier of streaming charts. The track is currently at No. 16 on Spotify Philippines top 50, and is steadily climbing on a daily basis.
“I Hate U” comes nearly a year after SZA released “Good Days” on Christmas 2020. Grammy-nominated for Best R&B song, “Good Days” quickly became SZA’s greatest gainer solo single release, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and marking her first time in the chart’s top ten as the main artist.
SZA’s latest single “I Hate U” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via TDE/RCA Records/Sony Music.
Source: Nyou
Sony Music taps Backspacer Records as the official distributor of Adele’s best-selling LP, ‘30’
Filipinos in the throes of a pandemic don’t need to wait in vain as the vinyl format of Adele’s fourth studio album, 30 has now made its way to the Philippines.
Sony Music confirms that Backspacer Records, an independent record store based in Metro Manila, is the official distributing partner of Adele’s chart-topping LP, 30.
The indie record shop, which gained popularity for housing limited edition and exclusive OPM releases, as well as rare and wide-ranging international titles, will be selling an exclusive Japan pressing of the beloved album in standard black vinyl.
Backspacer Records co-founder Robert Tuazon takes great pride in carrying the British singer-songwriter’s landmark LP, which not only broke records in terms of digital sales and streaming all over the world, but also smashed physical sales performance for both CDs and vinyl this year.
“We’re grateful to Sony Music for entrusting us with this special project,” said Tuazon. “Tasha and I are excited to open our doors to music fans who have been wanting to get a copy of this remarkable pop release.”
Adele’s 30 contains two 180-gram LPs with printed inner sleeves and standard jacket. On hand copies of the vinyl can now be purchased via Backspacer Records’ official website and its physical store located at the 2nd Floor of D’ Ace Plaza in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Metro Manila.
The global superstar’s acclaimed record is also available through Backspacer Records’ retail partners: Plaka Planet in Makati City, Stereofiles in Quezon City, and Baihaus in Cebu City.
Source: Nyou
Ayala Museum 2021
I had the privilege of visiting the Ayala Museum during its first day of operations since its renovation. It was a real treat to be surrounded by their dioramas, Spanish-colonial artifacts, paintings, and sculptures once again. I love this museum so much that I signed up to be one of its members for a few years. I appreciate its accessibility to the people, as well as their tasteful approach to curating our nationhood and cultural heritage.
Book your visit now on the Ayala Museum website to ensure a safe and tranquil experience for you and your family. Enjoy!
Filipino-Norwegian chart-topper Clinton Kane reels from a terrible breakup on rock-leaning single ‘Go To Hell’
Filipino-Norwegian singer-songwriter Clinton Kane has finally released “GO TO HELL,” a breakup song that finds him reeling from the dissolution of a romantic relationship.
Often referred to as “the rock song” on socials, the track shows a different side of the dynamic artist while keeping Clinton’s songwriting at the forefront.
Speaking about the new track, Clinton emphasizes that the song is completely different from anything that he has released in the past, and that it has a more alternative rock-leaning edge to it. “ Hey my family. Third single of the f*cking year, the rock song, is finally out. I Love you with all my heart. This is Clinton Kane rock era baby! I hope you love the song, and I love you for your patience. I know I’m a big tease, but you are my everything. Go Listen to ‘Go To Hell’ everywhere.”
A few months ago, the 2022 Vevo DSCVR Artist to Watchset the Philippine music charts blazing with the success of “I Guess I’m In Love,” which peaked at No. 4 on Spotify Philippines charts, and lorded over local mainstream radio for several months. The heartfelt ballad also emerged as one of the biggest success stories over at TikTok Philippines, with artists such as SB19’s Pablo covering the track.
The Australian-based artist is set to headline a North American tour on spring with a 23-date trek that kicks off on April 8 in Oakland, CA and includes stops in Chicago, Boston, New York, Nashville, and more before concluding at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre on May 12.
“GO TO HELL” is lifted off Clinton Kane’s forthcoming debut album due early next year via Columbia Records/Sony Music. The track is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video here.
Source: Nyou
Alex Bruce turns bangers into hip-hop gold on her self-titled EPThe 5-track release includes “Dime Girls,” an empowering track that puts her eccentric persona on display
After hitting it big with feisty hip-hop singles that brim with confidence and unapologetic candor, Alex Bruce releases her self-titled debut EP under Sony Music Philippines.
With her first collection of scintillating new tunes and familiar favorites, the 14-year-old rapper cements herself as a prolific young talent with incredible skillset. On the 5-track EP, Alex goes hard with sharp, playful tunes that celebrate life, puppy love (specifically “Yakap,” which features SB19’s Justin De Dios on the music video), and being a young girl trying to make her way into the cutthroat and competitive hip-hop music landscape dominated by men.
In terms of lyrics, Alex doesn’t follow a specific writing style or narrative format. “I just write wherever my pen takes me to,” the young artist shares. “Every song I wrote has its own story to tell and that depends on how I’m feeling during the process.”
While anchored in crossover bangers and hook-laden jams, Alex finds new compelling ways to incorporate different music genres and elements, with influences that range from trap to soul, lo-fi hip-hop to reggae, boombap to contemporary R&B, new school to old school.
“First of all, I really love hip-hop—I think that’s the first thing that pushed me to start this,” says the gifted rookie. “This is an experimental project. I didn’t focus on a specific style; I just came up with some random ideas that best fit me.”
The highly anticipated EP features co-writing and production duties from some of the biggest names in the global and Philippine music industry, including BTS and Justin Bieber collaborator August Rigo on “Go Crazy,” Michael Cursebox on “Yakap” and “Fake Friends,” Jim Poblete on “Pull It Off,” Markbeats with Brian Lotho on “Dime Girls,” and Bok Bruce on majority of the tracks.
The EP’s carrier single “Dime Girls” puts her eclectic personality on full display. With an intricate showcase of Oriental-sounding instrumental hooks and confrontational beats, the track finds Alex rapping about empowerment.
Inspired by Ruby Ibarra’s mantra of “Island women rise, walang makakapigil,” the breakthrough rap star also encourages women of all backgrounds, to uplift each other and challenge patriarchal bias. “Giving in isn’t an option,” Alex Bruce insists. “Women are the bosses. We don’t get on our knees for no man.”
The track release is also accompanied by a performance video directed by AWIT Awards nominee Jiggy Gregorio.
Alex Bruce’s self-titled EP is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Stream her latest single “Dime Girls.”
Source: Sony Music Philippines
BLASTER essays the profound sadness and grief of celebrating the holidays on new song “PASKO’Y HINDI NA MASAYA”
Listen to BLASTER’s “PASKOY’ HINDI NA MASAYA”:https://BLASTERSILONGA.lnk.to/PHNM
Filipino experimental/alternative artist BLASTER redefines the Christmas tune canon with a new single that essays the profound sadness and grief of celebrating the holidays in the time of pandemic.
His latest offering “PASKO’Y HINDI NA MASAYA,” out today via Island Records Philippines, is dedicated to countless of people whose lives were hit hard by unfortunate circumstances, and are dreading of how challenging the days might be—be it experiencing Christmas with the loss of a loved one or abandoning expectations at least for this season’s run as a way of coping.
“This one is not really about celebrating Christmas,” says the eclectic singer-songwriter and producer. “It’s more of a tribute to those that we’ve lost, and a nostalgic yearning of how Christmas used to be.”
While BLASTER’s “PASKO’Y HINDI NA MASAYA” doesn’t fall under the conventional holiday songs that articulate the merry warmth of the yuletide spirit, the modern day anthem gives a sobering reality to some folks who happen to experience Christmas in a different light, recognizing sadness and nostalgia as they find a way to rise above life’s obstacles.
With production by BLASTER himself and Max Cinco, “PASKO’Y HINDI NA MASAYA” retains the sparse but innovative musical direction that the prolific artist is known for. But what makes it extra special is BLASTER’s ability to cut across universal themes with a balance of accessibility and experimentation.
“I decided to make it sound old and new, while maintaining some classic melodies in the mix,” shares the DiskoForever act. “I’ve also incorporated some electronic and synth elements to give it a more contemporary flavor. In terms of lyrics, Dan Tanedo helped me with writing the song.”
The holiday track will be accompanied by a music video featuring a compilation of old Christmas videos from the 80s and 90s.
BLASTER’s “PASKO’Y HINDI NA MASAYA” is out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines.
Source: Nyou
Filipino folk-reggae artist JAPPH captures the groove of surf town life on “I Will” music video
Watch the official music video of “I Will”
Filipino indie singer-songwriter JAPPH projects an aura of bohemian cool when it comes to his music.
His work, an infectious blend of campfire-friendly folk and light reggae lilt, has summer written all over it. He aims for carefree breeziness that zips through the airwaves with images of a laid-back trip to the beach or the mountains—a sonic trademark that he pulls off with unassuming confidence and warmth.
On his official debut single “I Will,” the acoustic troubadour delivers feel-good music that resonates on a broader front: sun-dappled guitars that coast with melodic ease, a laid-back singing devoid of complications and runs, and a winsome hook to whistle your way to the countryside. It’s an acoustic surf track built around a blissful vibe, ready to soundtrack your long drives and sunset chills at the hammock anytime soon.
The song is accompanied by the release of a music video that JAPPH directed himself with cinematography by Welvin Medina. Its visual narrative takes listeners to a journey on the quiet and comfy corners of Liwliwa, a surftown in San Felipe, Zambales. The cozy town’s name, which when flipped backwards, recalls the title and hook of the easygoing tune.
“I Will is a song about a situation that gives you relief and peace,” the 27-year-old reggae/pop/folk artist said. “it’s asafe haven. It could be anywhere, anyone or anything. And for me, the one that inspired me is a place called 'Liwliwa' a small town in San Felipe, Zambales. Whenever I’m there, I always feel that I’m in my safe haven.”
The concept revolves around friends escaping the bustling city life over the weekend, and enjoying the no-fuzz thrills of Liwliwa, its beaches and hidden gems, and the simple pleasures that it offers. “It was smooth and fun working with the team,” JAPPH shares. “They’re also my friends in real life, so the shoot doesn’t feel like work at all.”
“I Will” is the carrier single off JAPPH’s upcoming album, Life Is Way Too Short For Bad Vibes to be released on January 2022. The full-length record evokes mantra-life positivity with songs about life, love and everything in between.
Watch the music video of “I Will” here.
Links:
YouTube / Facebook / Instagram
Source: Nyou
Silent Nights and Happy Ever Afters
@nbdb_phil has shared the book that I’m part of. Here’s what they had to say: ❤ Feel the warmth of love as you read through a timeless collection of Filipino romance stories set during the best season of the year—Christmas!
20 Romance Stories by:
✒ Under the Mistletoe | Archeraye
✒ Rio’s Card | Rosa Maria
✒ Book-a-Person | Zen Marquez
✒ Spirit of Christmas Karaoke Past | Pauline Navarro
✒ To Love or to be Loved | Elaine
✒ A Procrastinating Author’s Christmas Love Story | Lia Salen
✒ The Number One Fan | Alfredo Figueroa
✒ Christmas Confession | Vin Vosotros
✒ Snow Crystal | Abe Llarenas
✒ Ghosts of Christmas Future | Cris Santos
✒ My Broken Christmas | Send Orbillo
✒ Hiling | Johanna L. Lee
✒ Nine Plus One | Charles V. Tomeldan
✒ Mr. Officer and Ms. Penguin | Marigold Andres Uy
✒ The Only Gift | Liv Licardo
✒ Peppermint and Hot Chocolate | Mariel Sigaya
✒ To be Frank | Samantha Gail B. Lucas
✒ The Bests’ Christmas Reunion | Rachelle Ersando-Ybañez
✒ Pasko ni Pina | Judith C. Flores
✒ Blue Christmas | Cindy Wong
‼️ Limited copies! Grab yours here: https://forms.gle/WFg7KjLCoEC4QWMz7
Ben&Ben is PH’s most-streamed OPM Artist of 2021 according to Spotify Wrapped
On top of the streaming recognition, the band also reaped major honors at the 34th Awit Awards and landed top-tier collaborations with National Geographic and Jollibee
Ben&Ben is ending the year right with record-breaking achievements on major fronts: from dominating streaming platforms in the Philippines to landing top-tier multimedia collaborations, from sweeping major categories in every important award show to staging their game-changing headline concert.
For a second consecutive year, the nine-piece collective was named the Philippines’ most-streamed OPM Artist and Group of 2021—thanks to the success of their sophomore album, Pebble House Vol. 1: Kuwaderno. According to Spotify Wrapped, the platform’s annual rundown of 2021’s biggest hits, Ben&Ben has amassed nearly 300 million streams in 170 countries, setting a new record for the folk-pop outfit. The Lunod hitmakers also showed impressive performance in the playlisting category as their songs ended up in 5,809,115 major and curated playlists on the digital platform.
On top of the streaming recognition, the acclaimed band recently bagged the top honors at the 34th Awit Awards—the country’s version of the Grammys. Ben&Ben earned the recognition on four major categories, including the Most Streamed Artist, Record of the Year and Best Inspirational Recording for their chart-topping hit “Di Ka Sayang,” as well as Best Ballad Recording for “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay.”
Ben&Ben also made headlines for their advocacy work a few days ago, particularly for lending their song “Kayumanggi” on the music video campaign that supports the coastal communities in La Union. The project, which was spearheaded by Emerging Islands, a coastal-based arts organization and National Geographic, showcased the cultural richness and scenic beauty of Bangar and Bauang, San Juan, as well as its hard-working people.
To cap off a successful year, their smash single “Pasalubong,” a collaboration with Moira, was used as the main song for the John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo reunion film, One True Pair, which streamed on Jollibee’s official YouTube last December 1, 2021.
In an official statement, Ben&Ben expressed that there have been a lot of trade-offs in their personal and collective lives in the past year, but they’re grateful for the success and support of their fandom, Liwanag in every project that they’re part. “With everything happening and all the blessings coming our way, it’s a whole lot to be grateful for indeed,” the band shares. “The hard work is worth it in that sense for sure, but we do go through our fair share of personal struggles as well, especially with this year and even the past year being two of the absolute most challenging years so far, not just for us but for so many in the world too. We want to thank our listeners especially though, because they really were the ones that give us that daily reminder that it is all worth it.”
This weekend, the multi-awarded group is set to perform at the Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert, their biggest headline show to date. Shot live at the Araneta Coliseum, the digital concert is set to redefine the virtual concert-going experience with a fusion of creative disciplines, from theatre to dance, orchestra to technology. The band will also be playing songs off their recently released sophomore album, Pebble House Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, as well as some crowd favorites and hits. Tickets to the show are still available via ktx.ph.
Source: Nyou
#TikTokNamamaskoPo Christmas Party
Manila, Philippines - On December 23, 7-10PM, streaming via the TikTok PH official account tiktok.com/@tiktokphilippines, we will be hosting a grand Christmas Party featuring special performances from top TikTok creators, Zion Aguirre, Matthaios, I Belong To The Zoo, Maris Racal and SB19.
What’s more, we will be revealing the wonderful items that await the winners of the Mystery Box. The event will be hosted by the beautiful and the hilarious Ashley Rivera.
Search for #TikTokNamamaskoPo to discover more and be part of this festive virtual event.
This event is co-presented by Globe and Vivo, and made possible by our major sponsors SM Supermalls and MLBB, and minor sponsors Colourette Cosmetics and KonsultaMD.
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About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, Mountain View, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com.
Source: TikTok Philippines
Banaue 2021
Our Buscalan Tour was able to make a stopover at Banaue for some photos and stretching. The nine-hour van ride back to Manila was tiring, so seeing nature and stretching our legs in front of the famous rice terraces was a real treat!
I first made the trip to Banaue in 2018, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned how to knit there, and it was where I first appreciated delicious coffee from the mountains. I am forever grateful to have left a piece in my heart in these mountains.
Banaue is the final stopover of the Buscalan Tour being offered by Bahaghari Tours. Message them for more info if you also want to book your own mountain vacation! It will be a priceless experience that you will never forget.
Buscalan 2021
Meeting Apo Whang-Od!
I was inked by the Last Mambabatok and the oldest living tattoo artist in the world, Apo Whang-Od! I made the trek to Buscalan, Kalinga to see the tattoo village and meet the But But tribe whose tattoos are now famous around the world. It was a pleasure to see nature first-hand since the pandemic started. Oh yeah, this also marks my first time to travel during Corona times.
I was first inked by Apo’s apprentice Grace in Manila. I was able to see Grace again, and I was able to give her a shawl that I crocheted myself. Seeing her village is the highlight of my pandemic era.
With Grace, Apo Whang-Od’s grandniece and apprentice
My Buscalan experience was made sweeter with unlimited coffee and peace. I left the mountain with a lighter and more grateful heart.
To book your own tour to Buscalan and get inked yourself, visit Bahaghari Tours! I am happy that I trekked to Buscalan. It is one of the best memories of my life.
#AMENMakesHistory
Did you hear about the World’s First-Ever Couture Mask Fashion Show? It was by a Filipina-led couture fashion brand, @amen_ph! ❤️ I was there and let me tell you the deets!
The show itself was so unique and eye-catching, the runway models’ heads were inside glass encasings! Since we could only see the models’ heads wearing the masks, the focus really went to the beautiful designs and the stories being told, it was just pure genius!
The ÀMEN masks were dazzling and intricately embellished, you could definitely see the high quality craftsmanship. But apart from its beauty, ÀMEN really considered the masks’ usability. The pieces have passed the 4 Crucial Safety Test, and also have premium nude adjustable straps that allow the perfect fit for our face! Guess what? For extra protection, each purchase comes with 10 sheets of PureMASQ filters and a silk ÀMEN dust bag for storage as well.
Thank you ÀMEN for the masks, the fashion show and inspiring life lessons! By the way, you can catch the replay at @zaloraph’s Z-Live! And you can even shop the new collection there too, just visit: https://www.zalora.com.ph/amen/
#AMENMakesHistory
Source: ÀMEN
Filipino hip-hop group 8 BALLIN’ tackles love in its varied forms on new single “DI NA”
8 BALLIN’ explore exciting new grounds with the release of “DI NA,” their debut single under Def Jam Philippines.
With its minimalist beats and uniformly gentle guitar licks, the Filipino rap crew’s crossover anthem allows the group to set an acoustic-tinged blueprint for local hip-hop, and infuse it with a contemporary-sounding approach to production.
"Di Na was produced by zp3nd,” says the all-star ensemble. “What we really want at that moment was to give off an LA/West Coast sound with a mix of early 2000s feel. zp3nd did a great job mixing and mastering the track and made the most out of our unique voices.”
Lyrically, the track tackles love in its many forms and iterations, rejecting stereotypical presentation of the usual subject with something that is sincerely inclusive yet whose appeal remains universal.
“This song is pretty much a diverse kind of love song because it doesn't only pertain specifically towards a single person, but also to each artist’s chosen significant others—be it a lover, a friend, a family member, or something beyond the actual human form,” the hip-hop group explains in a statement. “With this song, the artists showed each of their perspectives on what love truly is —that love is about doing whatever it takes; that love is about giving our all even without having anything, that true love transcends distance, and that love is more than justsaying ‘I love you’ because it is more about showing it and making your significant others feel it.”
According to 8 BALLIN’, “DI NA” is a progressive step forward in terms of musicality and lyrics. It’s a more coherent and confident work that is receptive to diverse music style and storytelling. “We were much improved versions of ourselves when we decided to make this song,” says the promising group. “Our different paths and choices in life defined our character that was manifested with our music.”
The music video for “DI NA,” which is helmed by budding filmmaker TMP, will be out on December 3. In true entertaining fashion, the visual narrative complements the vibrant appeal of the track, and resonates with its carefree message. As the 10-piece crew puts it, “We really had a great time shooting the video and I hope our audience feels the same way we did upon making the MV. The concept was more about its visual side and how we wanted the video to evoke and feel.”
“DI NA” is available now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Def Jam Philippines.
Source: GNN Entertainment Productions
Guiding Light Books
@guidinglightph has recently launched a line of books that teaches Bible stories and values education to kids and kids at heart! Check out their educational books which are perfect for Christmas gift-giving here: https://guidinglight.com.ph/ 🎄 @gabinanamanprod