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CHINESE POP ARTIST XIN LIU RELEASES DEBUT ENGLISH-LANGUAGE SONG “REALITY” VIA 88RISING
THE SONG PREMIERED ON THE COACHELLA STAGE ON APRIL 14 DURING
XIN LIU’S FIRST-EVER US PERFORMANCE
Singer, dancer, producer and Chinese superstar XIN LIU is making her highly-anticipated English-language debut today with the global release of “Reality,” out today via 88rising. XIN debuted the song live onstage this past weekend at Coachella during the 88rising Futures set in a thrilling performance that paid homage to her roots, with Chinese street dance and dancers donning the traditional clothing of her hometown of Guiyang, China.
The song is released alongside an official video. Filmed in a vintage store in Los Angeles, CA, the video was directed by Daniel (Cloud) Campos and features choreography by award-winning dancer Jillian Meyers. About the song, XIN LIU says, “Keep it real, with all the imperfections, yet still perfectly enough.”
Watch/Share: Official “Reality” Video:
Listen/Share: “Reality”:
About XIN LIU:
XIN LIU is not only one of the biggest artists to emerge from China in recent years, but she's also the most intriguing. An artist who's created a name for herself not only as a singer, but as a dancer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and fashion icon. An artist whose hook-laden, genre-splicing pop is eminently danceable, but also impressively wide-ranging: she can deliver emotive ballads with the same ease as her vocals on a gritty, trap hi-hat banger. Her talents, along with her instantly recognizable, effortless androgynous style, have landed her on the covers of Vogue China, Harper's Bazaar, and GQ, as well as a coveted spot as the brand ambassador of Dior China. Add to this mix her compelling live shows and you can see why XIN has won herself a legion of fans to the tune of 26+ million followers on socials and 2.05+ million on streaming platforms, and she's just getting started. Hailing from Guiyang, China, XIN LIU has carved out her path by breaking the traditional mold of Chinese female artists. She first rose to fame in 2020 after winning the Chinese reality show "Youth With You 2" and her 2021 debut album broke platform sales records in China, with over 7 million albums sold.
About 88rising:
88rising is a pioneering global music and media company representing the best of Asian talent. Since its inception, 88rising has paved the way for many music industry firsts: the Asian artist to top the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts, Spotify’s Weekly Global Albums chart and enter the top 10 on Mediabase’s Top 40 chart, the first to launch an all-Asian radio channel in North America, and the first and only record label to have a main stage slot at Coachella. 88rising is also most notably the first company to present an Asian-centric music festival in the United States, Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival, now in partnership with powerhouse promoter Goldenvoice. The festival expanded globally, for the first time, to Jakarta, Indonesia and Manila, Philippines in 2022. In 2023, the festival also expanded domestically from the flagship location in Pasadena, CA to Queens for the inaugural Head InThe Clouds New York. In 2021, 88rising executive produced and curated the soundtrack to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Marvel Studios’ first Asian-American superhero. Previously, in 2019, 88rising was awarded Label of the Year by NetEase, one of China's largest music streaming platforms. With over 160 million followers across global social media platforms and over 50 billion total streams and views, 88rising’s global influence is undeniable.
Photo Credit: Le3ay Studio
FOLLOW XIN LIU:
Weibo | Instagram | Douyin | X
Source: Blackstar
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Bullet Dumas to stage ‘Nananatili’ concert
The award-winning folk/experimental artist pens his first solo concert in five years.
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor Bullet Dumasreturns to the concert stage for a night filled with stories of love, grief, and acceptance.
Aptly titled Nananatili, the intimate concert serves as a personal reflection on death in a permanent, transitory world—an elegy, a eulogy, and a funeral drama all rolled into one.
The highly anticipated show marks Bullet Dumas’ first solo concert since 2018’s Usisa, and will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 7 pm onwards at the Music Museum.
It also serves as his first venture into concert co-production, working with GNN (Gabi Na Naman Productions) to bring the vision to life.
“Ang working concept ko ay last day ng funeral kung saanlumalabas lahat ng kwento ng patay,” Dumas explains. “Mas nakikilala natin yung patay kahit tingi-tinging kuwento mula saiba’t ibang tao.”
Tickets to Nananatili ni Bullet Dumas are available via bit.ly/nananatili with the following prices:
SVIP: PHP 4,600 (with 1:2 meet and greet, signed poster, post card and reserved seating)
VIP: PHP 3,800 (with 1:8 meet and greet, post card and reserved seating)
ORCH: PHP 2,800 (with signed poster and reserved seating)
BALCONY: PHP 1,800 (free seating only)
Source: Nyou
88RISING MAKES TRIUMPHANT COACHELLA RETURN DURING SUNDAY NIGHT’S STAR-STUDDED “88RISING FUTURES” MEDLEY PERFORMANCE
Featuring ATARASHII GAKKO!, Awich, BIBI, Jackson Wang, Number_i, Tiger JK, XIN LIU, YOASOBI, Yoonmirae & more
“88rising Futures” follows 2022’s Head In The Clouds Forever, Coachella’s first-ever performance curated by a record label
Under the desert sky, 88rising once again assembled some of the greatest Asian artists around the globe for an electrifying performance. (Photo by Lindsey Blane)
Los Angeles, California: 88rising – the pioneering and internationally renowned music and media company amplifying Asian talent and culture – has wrapped its one-of-a-kind “88rising Futures” performance in Coachella’s Mojave Tent.The 63-minute ensemble performance marked 88rising’s tremendous return to Coachella after its historic Head In The Clouds Forever set in 2022.
Spotlighting the incredible artistry emerging from China, Japan, South Korea, the “88rising Futures” performance presented a new crop of electrifying Asian artists, showcased unexpected collaborations, and premiered new music on-stage. Festival goers were also treated to surprise appearances from marquee 88rising talent – the Chinese superstar Jackson Wang (in his third Coachella appearance in a row) and chart-topping Korean singer BIBI.
Artists included (in order of appearance): Tiger JK & Yoonmirae (Korea), YOASOBI (Japan), ATARASHII GAKKO! (Japan), Awich (Japan), JP THE WAVY (Japan), NENE (Japan), LANA (Japan), MaRI (Japan), & YURIYAN RETRIEVER (Japan), Number_i (Japan), Jackson Wang (China), BIBI (Korea), XIN LIU (China)
The ensemble performance unveiled exhilarating surprises from beginning to end. Highlights include world premieres of forthcoming music, such as Jackson Wang & BIBI’s steamy collaboration “Feeling Lucky,” XIN LIU’s debut global singles “Reality” and “Walls,” and a show-stopping remix to Number_i’s hit single “GOAT” featuring Jackson Wang. Unexpected on-stage collaborations and appearances were the theme of the night, starting with YOASOBI & ATARASHII GAKKO’s euphoric performance of the hit song “Idol.” Japanese hip-hop royalty graced the stage throughout Awich’s electrifying set, with special guests JP THE WAVY, NENE, LANA, MaRI, and YURIYAN RETRIEVER. The distinctly curated lineup is 88rising’s latest instance of globalizing Asian talent by exporting artists from their home countries onto U.S. and other international stages.
Reactions to this historic set were instant, with #88risingCoachella, #Number_i_Coachella, #JACKCHELLA (for Jackson Wang), and "ATARASHII GAKKO!" taking the top trending spots on X within minutes of their respective performances.
(Photo by Amy Lee)
88rising Futures setlist
● Tiger JK & Yoonmirae - "Topline"
● Tiger JK & Yoonmirae - "VOoDOo BOogie"
● Tiger JK & Yoonmirae - MONSTER
● YOASOBI - "Tabun"
● YOASOBI with ATARASHII GAKKO! - "Idol"
● ATARASHII GAKKO! - "Pineapple Kryptonite (Yohji Igarashi Remix)"
● ATARASHII GAKKO! - "Tokyo Calling"
● ATARASHII GAKKO! - Unreleased Song
● ATARASHII GAKKO! with Awich - "GIRI GIRI Remix"
● Awich - "THE UNION"
● Awich - "RASEN in OKINAWA"
● Awich with JP THE WAVY - "GILA GILA"
● Awich with NENE, LANA, MaRI, & YURIYAN RETRIEVER - "Bad B*tch 美学 Remix"
● Number_i - "FUJI"
● Number_i - "GOAT"
● Number_i with Jackson Wang - "GOAT Remix"
● BIBI - "Sugar Rush"
● BIBI - "Bam Yang Gang"
● BIBI & Jackson Wang - "Feeling Lucky"
● XIN LIU - "Hurricane"
● XIN LIU - "New And More"
● XIN LIU - "Walls"
● XIN LIU - "Reality"
● XIN LIU - "Boom Tick Boom"
About 88rising Futures Performers
● ATARASHII GAKKO!: The Japanese progressive pop quartet ATARASHII GAKKO! is breaking down genre walls and fusing infectious musicality with raw energy and expressive choreography – all while sharing messages of empowerment and self-determination.
● Awich: Straight out of Okinawa (by way of Atlanta) with an omnivorous ear and a story of survival, Awich rules the Japanese charts with her defiant and globally minded hip-hop. Awich will also bring on DJ U-Lee, NENE, MaRI, LANA, and Yuriyan Retriever as part of her 88rising Futures performance.
● BIBI: The singer, rapper, songwriter, and actor BIBI is one of South Korea’s fastest-rising stars, known for her cheeky stage presence and vocals. Recently, BIBI swept the Korean music charts with her latest single, "Bam Yang Gang," a breezy and expressive love song named after the traditional Korean desert. The single topped the Circle Digital Chart for several weeks and earned the artist the elusive “perfect all-kill”.
● Jackson Wang: The multi-hyphenate Chinese performer Jackson Wang cemented his status as an international superstar with the release of his sophomore album MAGIC MAN in 2022. The project, which was met with widespread critical acclaim, debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart. Jackson has made history as the first Chinese artist to perform at Coachella a third time. Jackson is also a fashion designer, creative director, and founder of TEAM WANG, and has amassed over 97 million followers across social media.
● Number_i: The three-member group Number_i represents the rebirth of J-pop royalty as they emerge as a new musical force taking Japan by storm. Since its release earlier this year, the single “GOAT” has amassed over 17 million streams on Spotify globally and surpassed 40 million views on its music video.
● Tiger JK:The Korean-American rapper Tiger JK is highly regarded as a pioneer of Korean hip-hop and credited with helping bring the genre into the mainstream. The Los Angeles Times in 2011 referred to him as "perhaps the most popular Korean rapper in America, Asia and the world."
● XIN LIU: A multifaceted singer, dancer, and producer hailing from Guizhou, China, XIN LIU has carved out her path by breaking the traditional mold of Chinese female artists. She first rose to fame in 2020 after winning the Chinese reality show "Youth With You" and her 2021 debut album broke platform sales records in China, with over 7 million albums sold. XIN LIU is the newest artist signing to 88rising.
● Yoasobi: Since debuting five years ago, J-pop duo Yoasobi has risen to the top of the Japanese music scene in just five short years since its debut. With their first single “Yoru ni Kakeru,” YOASOBI became an overnight sensation—eventually topping Japan’s Orion Combine Singles Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
● Yoonmirae: Internationally recognized as the "Queen of Korean Hip-Hop," Yoonmirae is acclaimed for her unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and K-Pop that has significantly influenced the Korean music scene. Her music serves as a testament to Yoonmirae's resilience and creativity in a male-dominated industry, exemplifying her as a defiant force who continually pushes boundaries.
88rising Futures follows 88rising’s legendary Head in the Clouds Forever takeover of the 2022 Coachella Main Stage, which made history as the first time that a record label was given an official performance slot to showcase artists, trended #1 worldwide and across the United States, and ultimately “proved to be Weekend One’s biggest surprise hit” (Billboard). “Head In The Clouds Forever” also brought together legendary artists across Asia including Jackson Wang, CL, Hikaru Utada, NIKI, Rich Brian, and reunited K-Pop pioneers 2NE1 for one of the festival's most-talked about moments.
Stay tuned for new surprises ahead from 88rising’s main stage performance during the festival’s second weekend.
(88rising Futures official artwork here)
About 88rising
88rising is a pioneering global music and media company representing the best of Asian talent. Since its inception, 88rising has paved the way for many music industry firsts: the Asian artist to top the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts, Spotify’s Weekly Global Albums chart and enter the top 10 on Mediabase’s Top 40 chart, the first to launch an all-Asian radio channel in North America, and the first and only record label to have a main stage slot at Coachella. 88rising is also most notably the first company to present an Asian-centric music festival in the United States, Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival, now in partnership with powerhouse promoter Goldenvoice. The festival expanded globally, for the first time, to Jakarta, Indonesia and Manila, Philippines in 2022. In 2023, the festival also expanded domestically from the flagship location in Pasadena, CA to Queens for the inaugural Head In The Clouds New York. In 2021, 88rising executive produced and curated the soundtrack to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Marvel Studios’ first Asian-American superhero. Previously, in 2019, 88rising was awarded Label of the Year by NetEase, one of China's largest music streaming platforms. With over 160 million followers across global social media platforms and over 50 billion total streams and views, 88rising’s global influence is undeniable.
Source: Blackstar
Connect with 88rising:
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Kitchie Nadal headlines solo concert to mark 20th year in the music scene
Kitchie Nadal celebrates the 20th anniversary of her solo career with a concert happening on June 2, 2024 (Sunday), at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.
Dubbed SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert, the homecoming show chronicles the singer-songwriter’s journey as an artist who blazed the trail for women in alternative and pop music with uncompromising individuality.
The solo concert also marks Nadal’s return to the Philippine concert scene, with special guests that include some of her closest music peers in the industry.
“We have a lot of surprises in store for everyone who hassupported my work for almost two decades,” shares the award-winning singer-songwriter. “I can’t wait to go back home and celebrate this landmark feat with my friends, family members, and fans.”
SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert is presented by Big Brew and Rolling Gum, in partnership with GNN Entertainment Productions.
Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and via their website. Check out the ticket prices below.
SVIP - ₱4,000.00 (with Meet and Greet + signed poster)
VIP - ₱3,500.00 (with signed poster)
ORCHESTRA CENTER - ₱2,900.00
ORCHESTRA L&R - ₱2,500.00
LOGE - ₱2,000.00
BALCONY - ₱1,200.00
Source: Nyou
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SB19's Justin releases "Sunday Morning" on streaming platforms
The jazz-infused pop track is a cover of a Maroon 5 hit
Thanks to its growing popularity and demand among music fans, Justin’s “sunday morning” is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The track, which reimagines the Maroon 5 classic with a jazz-infused flavor, finds the SB19 member on top of his game. Over funky, irresistible melodies and lighthearted arrangements, Justin delivers a smooth serenade to brighten up the weekend.
The song is produced by RADKIDZ’s Josue, who turned the 2004 smash into a contemporary jam complementing Justin’s personality as an artist.
“sunday morning is one of my personal favorites and it’s one of my go-to karaoke staples since childhood,” the multi-talented pop act said. “I was supposed to perform the song in the Asian leg of the PAGTATAG! World Tour, but the shows got cancelled as we were resolving some internal issues. We took the chance to drop it as one of my solo releases and the rest as they say, is history. The response from the fans was overwhelming that we decided to release it officially on DSPs. We really owe it up to our supporters for the positive reception.”
Earlier this year, Justin De Dios shared the cover with a performance video set against a backdrop of scenic mountains and blue skies. The video has racked up nearly 800,000 views on YouTube.
The SB19 singer and creative director also teased the pre-save link of “sunday morning” last Friday, April 12, with a cover art capturing a photo of him wearing a black beret hat and preppy, long sleeves.
“sunday morning” serves as the second song released by Justin as a solo recording artist, following the success of his first single, “surreal,” which has amassed more than three million streams on Spotify alone in less than two months. The latter serves as Justin’s ode to meaningful coincidences and dreams.
Justin’s “sunday morning” is out now on all DSPs.
Source: Nyou
Crwn to celebrate long-awaited debut album, Séance with an event launch
Featuring a total of 11 collaborators, crwn’s first full-length album delivers a selection of sounds that span genres and movements across the globe
Press photos here
Photographed by Renzo Navarro
After 11 long years as an artist forging creative partnerships, acclaimed producer King Puentespina, known as Crwn(stylized as crwn), will be launching his long-awaited debut album, Séance, on May 11, 2024, with an intimate event that not only marks the culmination of his years of musical exploration, but also serves as the first opportunity for fans to experience the album's dynamism live with all its collaborators.
The dance music-centric album boasts an impressive roster of 11 familiar and new collaborators, showcasing the deep bonds crwnhas cultivated throughout his career.
“I was conceptualizing Séance and working on a lot of songs for around 5 years after releasing Orchid in 2018,” the prolific electronic musician shares. “It was a lot of thinking, absorbing art, researching and drafting concepts and tracks into existence. The backbone and foundation of the project took time, but the actual making of the music went smoother and a lot quicker than I expected. It was like finding the ingredients took forever, but summoning the art into the world was easy.”
Puentespina adds, “The creative process with my collaborators was smooth and natural. I’d like to say we were all building worlds and stories at a comfortable pace. Everyone got to share what they wanted to share quickly and without any hiccups.”
Photographed by Renzo Navarro
This debut album has been years in the making, and while honing his craft, he has also played in prestigious international festivals like Wonderfruit (Thailand), Malasimbo, and Wanderland, headlined the renowned KARPOS LIVE Concert Series, and captivated audiences in big cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, and New York.
Fans can get their first taste of the album's energy with the release of the lead single on April 26th. The single, a collaboration with the first of eleven talented artists, promises a dynamic sound that sets the tone for the album.
Details regarding the event's location and additional featured artists will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Fans eager to join the celebration can secure their tickets for The Gathering on May 11, 2024 through the following link: bit.ly/seancebycrwn.
Source: Nyou
Little Mix’s Perrie goes solo with the release of new single “Forget About Us”
Global music superstar Perrie finally unveils her long-awaited debut solo single “Forget About Us.”
“Forget About Us” is a bittersweet uptempo pop song co-written by Perrie with Ed Sheeran and legendary songwriter David Hodges (“Because of You”—Kelly Clarkson, “A Thousand Years”—Christina Perri) and Steve Solomon.
The euphoric track is the introduction to Perrie as a solo artist, highlighting her stunning vocal talent. “I don’t want you to ever forget about us in the front seat / listening to songs that made you think about me,” she sings, in this remembrance of previous relationships.
Perrie says: “I look back on past relationships and do think happily about those times. Do I want to be there now? No. It didn’t work out that way and if it was supposed to be it would have happened. Relationships have been a huge part of my life and they've made me who I am now. I think it’s a nice sentiment to be honest about and it’s super relatable.”
Listen here: https://perrie.lnk.to/ForgetAboutUs
The beautiful video for the song, coming soon, was directed by Jake Nava (Beyonce, Britney Spears) and shot recently in Cape Town.
The world might know her as the self-assured Perrie from Little Mix, a group that boasts 3 Brit Awards over 17.49 million albums sales globally & 29.6 billion worldwide streams. However, her experience in one of the best-selling girl groups of all time was also transformative for a younger girl who was naturally shy and unsure of her immense talents. Previously, Perrie shied away from songwriting in Little Mix as she didn't have the confidence in her abilities, but through working on her upcoming debut album, her extensive songwriting contributions surprised even her.
Across the eclectic and diverse record she had a heavy hand in creating, there are nods to her rock n roll-influenced childhood, motown, disco, country, 80s and, of course, bright, bold pop. The unifying thread is Perrie’s strong, soaring vocals that fearlessly grapple with each melody and top note. "Going into sessions as a solo artist now and being able to say what I want and I feel is just the most amazing experience. I never had the confidence to do that before, but this process has allowed me to believe in myself and explore all my different emotions and different parts of my life.”
Nearly all of the highly personal album was written and recorded at Perrie’s North London home, a place she feels the safest. Her fiancé Alex suggested they turn their unused dining room into a home studio, which he had built for her with everything she needed to lay down the tracks. “All of the content that I’ve done documenting the album has been made at home too—all the fans are commenting like, ‘Does she ever leave the house?’” Perrie laughs. As well as being embedded in her sanctuary she also explored working with producers and co-writers—the elite squad of which included artists Ed Sheeran and Raye as well as Johnny McDaid, Feli Ferraro (BTS, Normani) and Jon Bellion (Maroon 5, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber)— which allowed her to be as vulnerable and creative as possible for this debut product.
“I’m so proud of what I’ve done and created. I wanted it to be fun above anything else and showcase my singing through ballads and big vocal numbers,” she says, with her sights now set on taking her music out in front of the world and performing live with a band. “Having people singing your songs back to you is the best natural high in the world. I’m just so excited to see how fans react to my music now.” Whether sensitive or powerhouse - Perrie's distinctive vocals stand proud as she emotes her way through songs that tell her story so far.
FOLLOW Perrie HERE
Perrie’s “Forget About Us” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Source: Nyou
Olongapo Heritage Fair: Revealing Nellie E. Brown
Olongapo City, Zambales – On April 11, Ellie De Castro concluded the Finding Nellie Project at Nellie E. Brown Elementary School (NEBES) by revealing the true identity of her father’s elementary school namesake, Nellie E. Brown. Her audience consisted of NEBES’ current students and faculty, former and retired teachers and principals, alumni, Olongapo Historical Society members, local government representatives and Department of Education representatives.
The reveal comes after 646 days of research alongside 5 National Geographic Explorers and De Castro’s own family and friends. The day was called the Olongapo Heritage Fair, where a program filled with messages from the community and an interactive exhibit for both students and alumni were organized by the Finding Nellie Team with support from Olongapo City Vice Mayor Jong Cortez and West Bajac-Bajac Barangay Captain Billy Capistrano.
“Sa hinaba-haba ng adventure, ay nahanap na din si Nellie”
Nellie E. Brown turned out to be a kindergarten teacher from Bangor, Maine. She did not establish NEBES nor was she a former teacher there – as many NEBES alumni and Olongapo citizens first thought her to be. Instead, one of her students, Roger Brown Nickerson, grew up to be a Captain on the US Navy and was eventually stationed in Subic Bay as a Commander from 1952 to 1953. He established NEBES in 1953 and named it after his favorite teacher, Nellie E. Brown. She passed away on February 26, 1954, a year after the school was built.
De Castro was able to find the answer after corresponding with the US National Archives and Records Administration, which led her to go on Ancestry.com and look up everything she has since found out about Nellie E. Brown from different stakeholders and sources. It seemed like a simple resolution after almost 2 years of research, but in her speech revealing Brown, De Castro shared that “the story of Finding Nellie isn't just about Nellie E. Brown and Commander Nickerson. In Finding Nellie, we also got to find the people who have built and made this community in Olongapo what it is."
To celebrate Finding Nellie with the local community, the day’s festivities awarded groups of students who took part in their own mini research projects after drawing inspiration from De Castro’s project with her fellow researchers and explorers. Winning research projects included topics on local food culture and solid waste management.
De Castro dedicates Finding Nellie to her father, NEBES alumnus Dr. Leo De Castro of the University of the Philippines. Although Nellie has been found, her team will continue to release material about their adventure and encourage students from different schools to keep being curious about their own heritage and identities. A public version of the exhibit and a screening of a documentary on Finding Nellie will be held later in the year at a community center in Olongapo and in Manila.
Finding Nellie: The Project
What Ellie thought would be a quick Google search turned out to be an adventure that has lasted more than two years. Finding Nellie is a project that has made a team of archaeologists, educators, and storytellers scour through offline and online archives in the Philippines and abroad; inquire with libraries, cemeteries, historians, and even active and retired U.S. military personnel; get in touch with local and national politicians; and message anyone who might remotely be related to a Nellie Brown on social media, via telephone, and even by knocking on their doors. On Instagram, the team shares every step of this journey through its colorful and interactive Field Notes.
With the help of the National Geographic Society, Finding Nellie has allowed Ellie and her teammates to connect and reconnect with friends and family; foster an appreciation for community roots; and bring world history lessons a little closer to home – especially to the current students of Nellie E. Brown.
For more details, visit the project’s online spaces:
Instagram: @finding.nellie
TikTok: @finding.nellie
Website: https://www.elliedecastro.com/finding-nellie
Team Members’ Biographies
Ellie De Castro
Ellie is a Filipina archaeologist whose work focuses on finding avenues to connect heritage and youth. She led the HandiProject from 2015-2020, where she organized field trips to bring students from the Ifugao indigenous group to their world-renowned heritage sites, which they previously didn’t have access to. For the Dewil Valley Museum in El Nido, Palawan, she produced educational materials, artwork, and activities for the youth of the valley to engage them with the archaeological sites in their neighborhood. These projects focused on creating opportunities to connect with heritage resources in communities. Ellie seeks to enable participants of her projects to appreciate their homes in a new light and see the wonders of the world in their immediate surroundings.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Basic Medical Sciences degree from the University of the Philippines-Manila and a Master of Science degree in Archaeology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman
Peg Keiner
Peg is an educator in the USA with 17 years of experience, including 4 years as an elementary technology coach and 8 years leading an inquiry-based International Baccalaureate school as the Director of Innovation. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Earth Education Expert, a 2018 National Geographic Certified Educator, and United Nations Association-Chicago Global Goal Ambassador. As a 2017 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, she created immersive 360 content to transport students to Antarctica through inquiry science lessons. As a 2019 Nat Geo Education Fellow, she led the development of a week-long student workshop for GeoChallenge Participants and created the #31daysofcitizenscience video series to amplify the use of citizen science tools.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Instructional Technology and Design from Northern Illinois University.
Rachel Hansen
Rachel is an educator in the USA with 13 years of teaching experience, including 4 years of co-teaching experience with an English teacher, and 2 years spent working on an interdisciplinary team in a project-based program. She has much experience using participatory design and inquiry-based learning in her classroom. In 2021, Rachel was awarded the AP Human Geography Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education.
Rachel has endorsements in American History, World History, US Government, and Geography, with a B.A. from The University of Iowa in History. She is finishing her M.A. in Geography at the University of Northern Iowa, where her research focuses on tracking student learning progressions as they engage in map-making to tell stories of their communities.
Pau Villanueva
Pau Villanueva (he/they) is a Filipino photographer whose works are an exploration of the human condition - the discovery of self, of others, and the empathy through which we cross them. He is a National Geographic Explorer documenting land conflict and gender experiences in non-moro indigenous communities in Mindanao, and cultural heritage through historical geo-inquiry at Olongapo City. He is a mentee at the 2021 Women Photograph Mentorship Class and 2019 Angkor Photo Festival Workshop.
Pau teaches photography and advocates for empowerment and inclusivity through visual storytelling. He is a workshop mentor for indigenous communities in South Central Mindanao, the 2023 Angkor Photo Festival for Cambodian storytellers, and at the National Geographic Photo Camp guiding transnational Pasifika youth throughout the image-making process. Pau is an alumni of the Visual Journalism program at the Asian Center for Journalism in Ateneo de Manila University, and holds a BFA degree in Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.
Alexandra Lenore Ashworth
Alexandra aka Dzana is a Filipinx-American, Jewish, Mad, queer artist whose work spans video, poetry, and writing about kinship, belonging, and identity. They make art with Black and brown activists at home and in diaspora, radical Jewish, queer, and disabled communities, and abolitionist adopted, fostered, and trafficked people. Dzana was a 2022 Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellow, and she has produced for PBS, Art21, the MET, MOMA, and Brooklyn Museum, inter alia. They studied Spanish, magical realism, and screenwriting at Sarah Lawrence College.
Dzana is Associate Producer on documentaries FIRE THROUGH DRY GRASS (USA, 2023) and WHAT THE PIER GAVE US (forthcoming). Their upcoming short film, ON THE DAY I WAS BORN, is an experimental reflection on homecoming and adoption. They are working alongside cinematographer Christian Babista to bring the Finding Nellie adventure to the big screen to inspire students and explorers of all ages!
Source: Nyou
Manila City Gears Up for the Second RAMPA MANILA – A Celebration of Filipino Fashion
Manila City April 11, 2024 – Following the resounding success of last year's inaugural event, Manila City is thrilled to announce the return of RAMPA MANILA! In collaboration with Punto Consultancy, RAMPA MANILA 2 promises an even more captivating experience, set to take place on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Bulwagang Eulogio Rodriguez City Hall Manila.
Building upon the momentum of the first RAMPA MANILA, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, this year's edition embraces the theme Textile, Texture, and Technique, celebrating the artistry and innovation that define Filipino fashion.
Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan shared her excitement, stating, "RAMPA MANILA is not just an event; it's a celebration of our rich cultural heritage and the boundless creativity of Filipino designers. As we gear up for RAMPA MANILA 2, we look forward to showcasing the best of Filipino fashion to the world."
RAMPA MANILA 2 is honored to showcase the brilliance of both established and up-and-coming Filipino fashion designers. Among the esteemed designers headlining the event are:
- **Anthony Ramirez**: With 15 years of experience in the industry, Ramirez's creations reflect a journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
- **Neric Beltran**: Known for his detail-oriented and innovative designs, Beltran's pieces are characterized by cutting-edge design and meticulous workmanship.
- **Mark Rancy**: From humble beginnings in a car garage to earning a dual master's degree in Fashion Management, Rancy'sjourney is one of passion, talent, and dedication.
- **Val Taguba**: Renowned for his dramatic bridal looks and impeccable craftsmanship, Taguba's creations captivate with their bold colors and intricate details.
- **Jhobes Estrella**: With a timeless and ever-evolving craft, Estrella's designs have adorned celebrities, beauty queens, and luminaries alike.
RAMPA MANILA 2 also shines a spotlight on up-and-coming young fashion designers from prominent design schools such as College of St. Benilde and iAcademy. Among them are:
- **Dhenyze Guevara**
- **Morissette Magalona**
- **Joanna Santos**
RAMPA MANILA 2 is not just a fashion event; it is a celebration of Filipino creativity, talent, and innovation. Join us as we come together to witness the beauty and diversity of Filipino fashion on one dazzling runway.
For media inquiries, please contact Steph Ongkio (Punto Consultancy) at steph@puntoconsultancy.com
### About RAMPA MANILA:
RAMPA MANILA is an annual fashion event organized by the City of Manila in collaboration with Punto Consultancy. It aims to showcase the talent and creativity of Filipino fashion designers while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
### Contact Information:
Steph Ongkiko
Punto Consultancy
steph@puntoconusltancy.com
Source: Nyou
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XG Teams Up with VALORANT for Collaboration Single “UNDEFEATED” The Official Music Video premieres today, at 6PM JPT/KST (5PM MNL/SG, 4PM BKK/JKT)
12 APRIL 2024 - HIP HOP/R&B-inspired girl group XGrelease their collaboration single "UNDEFEATED" with the world's fastest-growing FPS game VALORANT today!
The accompanying official music video portrays the journey of a player whose fate is foretold by a fortune teller, and is led to become resigned to an inevitable defeat. He finds renewed hope and resolve when his friends encourage him to reject the prophecy. Ultimately, he rises to the occasion, defying fate and demonstrating that anyone can overcome adversity.
This captivating music video serves as an inspirational narrative for players, gamers and fans alike, delivering a powerful message that regardless of the obstacles one faces, they possess the inner strength to rise to the challenge and shape their own destiny.
Watch “UNDEFEATED” official music video here
Premiering @ 6PM JPT/KST, 5PM MNL/SG, 4PM BKK/JKT
“UNDEFEATED” official music video still (download image here)
Under the creative direction of JAKOPS, XG’s Executive Producer, “UNDEFEATED” embodies the unmistakable confidence and vibrancy of XG’s signature style. The song delivers a powerful message of fearlessness and seizing the moment, underscored by a pulsating baseline, minimalist drum drum composition and ethereal synthesizers. Featuring the distinctive vocals of XG members, the song serves as a rallying cry for those who dare to confront challenges head-on.
Stream “UNDEFEATED” here
Download image here
The collaboration single “UNDEFEATED” with the globally acclaimed game VALORANT is part of the Asia-Pacific regional event “VCT Pacific 2024,” an official international esports league that is currently underway, organised by Riot Games as part of the VALORANT Champions Tour 2024 (VCT).
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ABOUT RIOT GAMES
Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports.
As League enters its second decade, Riot continues to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, VALORANT, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and multiple work-in-progress titles. Riot is also building the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, board games, and the upcoming animated series Arcane.
Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, and led by CEO Dylan Jadeja, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 2,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide.
ABOUT VALORANT
VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play.
VALORANT is a free-to-play game optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.
ABOUT XG
XG are a seven-member Hip-hop/R&B-inspired girls group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HARVEY, HINATA, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA.
The group debuted in March 2022 with their 1st single ‘Tippy Toes.’ In September 2023, they released their 1st Mini Album ‘NEW DNA,’ achieving a number one on Billboard JAPAN's ‘Hot Albums.’ In November of the same year, they held their first solo live audience showcase, 'XG 'NEW DNA' SHOWCASE in JAPAN' at the Pia Arena MM. They have performed all over the world, participating in major music festivals in the US, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE. XG has achieved numerous global milestones, including being the first Japanese artist to top the 'Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter' on the Billboard charts and gracing the cover of the 'Billboard' magazine as the first Japanese girls group.
In 2024, XG announced their first-ever world tour, the "XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL''. The name 'XG' stands for 'Xtraordinary Girls,' through their attention-grabbing and dynamic style of music and performance, they aim to empower people from all walks of life around the world.
XG Official Website: http://xgalx.com/xg/
XG OFFICIAL FANCLUB 'ALPHAZ': https://xg.pasch.fan/
XG Instagram: https://instagram.com/xgofficial
XG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@xg_official
XG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xg.official
XG Weverse: https://weverseapp.page.link/p3i5
XG Twitter: https://twitter.com/XGOfficial_
XG Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/XGOfficial
XGALX Official Website http://xgalx.com/
Source: Blackstar
GLOBAL SUPERSTAR LISA & LLOUD CO. ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH RCA RECORDS
LISA TO RELEASE NEW SOLO MUSIC WITH RCA RECORDS
[April 10, 2024 - Los Angeles, CA] Today, world renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, LISA (Lalisa Manobal) and LLOUD Co. announce a new partnership with RCA Records. Under the deal, LISA will release new solo music with RCA Records and have full ownership of all her recordings. This artist-first approach further demonstrates LISA’s ability to push boundaries in the music industry.
On signing with RCA Records, LISA shares: “I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career. Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing.”
“We are incredibly proud to partner with LISA and LLOUD CO.! LISA is a multidimensional talent and an irrefutable global force. We are thrilled to welcome her and her team to the RCA Records family” adds Peter Edge, Chairman & CEO, RCA Records & John Fleckenstein, COO, RCA Records.
In signing with RCA Records, LISA continues to solidify her place as a global force as the label is home to some of the world’s most prominent and creative artists from around the world including A$AP Rocky, Becky G, Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, KAYTRANADA, Latto, Mark Ronson, P!NK, Steve Lacy, SZA, Tems, Tate McRae, Victoria Monet, WizKid, and many more.
LISA is best known as a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, one of the most popular girl groups in history. With this new partnership, and the announcement of LLOUD CO., she is ushering in a new era as both an artist and entrepreneur. Launched earlier this year, LLOUD CO. was founded by LISA in an effort to create a platform to showcase her overall vision in music and entertainment that pushes boundaries.
Beyond her success with BLACKPINK, LISA has broken several records globally as a solo artist. With the release of Lalisa in 2021, she was the first female artist to sell nearly 750,000 copies in the first week in South Korea. “Lalisa” and “Money” charted in the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200, while “Money” also holds the record as the longest-charting song by a solo female K-pop artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and on the U.K. Singles Chart. LISA broke three Guinness World Records in 2023 as the most Instagram followers for a K-pop artist (currently at 102 Million followers on the platform), she is also the first solo K-pop winner at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV European Music Awards.
Outside of music, LISA is set to star in the upcoming season of the hit HBO Original series, The White Lotus, season 3. This role will mark her major on screen debut and is filming in her native Thailand.
Along with her global dominance in music and unparalleled stage presence, she is known for her unique fashion sense and trendsetting style, making her a prominent force in the global fashion industry. She has had several major partnerships and is currently the face of Bulgari.
FOLLOW LISA: INSTAGRAM
ABOUT RCA RECORDS
Since its inception in 1900, RCA Records - the second oldest label in American history - has been home to some of the most iconic music artists of all-time celebrating music across all genres. Our DNA, steeped in a rich musical history, compels us to amplify and empower the voices of our artists who continually push artistic boundaries and shape the cultural landscape on a global scale.
We are Records.Culture.Art.
RCA Records is a Division of Sony Music Entertainment.
For more information on LISA, please contact The LEDE Company:
Christopher Iacullo |chris.iacullo@ledecompany.com
Kristin Somin | kristin.somin@ledecompany.com
Alex Labrie | alex.labrie@ledecompany.com
For more information on RCA Records, please contact:
Jamie Abzug | jamie.abzug@rcarecords.com
Source: RCA Records