I recently got featured on Spot.ph’s newsletter as their Spotter of the Week! This is a huge honor for me, as I have been a reader and fan of this website for many years now. I hope this you will also check out this website and subscribe to their newsletter to be updated with the latest food and lifestyle trends in the city.
Beer Sorbet
I had a beer sorbet from Pedro’s Gelato yesterday. It was to die for! As a beer fan, “eating” my favorite alcoholic beverage instead of drinking it was a welcome treat.
I first tried Pedro’s Gelato during my Coron, Palawan trip back in 2019. It was one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had. Now that they’re at SM North Edsa, I will surely be a regular of this homegrown dessert brand.
As always, this is not an ad. I’m just a happy customer. Hope you can also enjoy Pedro’s Gelato soon!
Belfry Cafe
Yesterday, I went to Belfry Cafe at the Manila Cathedral. It was also their opening day so it was great to catch them on their first day of operations- before everyone else discovers this hidden gem!
I was pleasantly surprised to see the bells above me. I knew it was a belfry, but I did not realize that the bells would be close enough to touch. Kudos to the design team for making this possible and incorporating the bells with the cafe setup.
It was very steampunk, and my latte and cheese roll were both delicious. It was a delightful experience straight out of a science fiction novel. Ironically, it was situated at the seat of the country’s Roman Catholic Church.
I highly recommend this cafe as it lives up to the hype with strong coffee and a lovely ambiance. Check out their Facebook page and visit them before it gets crowded.
Elha Nympha reasserts confidence with new soulful single, “Do It”
Listen to Elha Nympha’s “Do It”: https://ElhaNympha.lnk.to/DoIt
Elha Nympha arrives with both finesse and maturity on “Do It,” her comeback single under MCA Music Inc.
Now exploring a more sophisticated take on R&B, pop, and neo-soul, the former champion of The Voice Kids Season 2 reasserts confidence and sass in delivering a romantic confession that appeals beyond her particular demographic.
When she sings, “Come on over a little closer / Take me where I’ve never been,” she takes full control of the quiet storm brewing: her voice fluttering effortlessly over dreamy arrangements and soft keyboard tones, taking the spotlight with ease.
“Do It” is a suave R&B jam that tackles the beauty of taking bolder steps when it comes to love. Upon hearing the song for the first time, Elha got excited to record the material as it barely sounds like anything she’s recorded in the past. “I’m happy with where the direction of my music is going,” the 16-year-old star said in a statement. “Do Itunravels a more vulnerable side of my artistry, and this is exactly the kind of music that I want to keep making—something that is young and current, but very much me.”
“Do It” has earned comparisons with the likes of SZA, Jhené Aiko, and H.E.R., embracing the fundamental agency of womanhood and young love in all its messiness and glory. While Elha is elated with the feedback that she’s been getting from her mentors and music listeners, she wants to forge a path of her own and make music that is distinctly a product of her own sense of style and adventurousness. The promising pop sensation admits, “As a fan, I can definitely see myself doing the same kind of music. But there’s more to my sound than being pigeonholed into a category. For now, I’m ready for where this journey would take me, musically. I’m definitely looking forward to creating something that is original and unique.”
Elha Nympha’s “Do It” is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via MCA Music Inc.
About Elha Nympha
Elha Nympha is a Filipina R&B/pop singer who became a household name after winning the second season of The Voice Kids in 2015. As a recording star under MCA Music Inc., she has released her self-titled studio album, Elha, with best-selling songs "Susunduin,” "Emotions,” and "Love on Top” as the carrier singles.
The young diva has appeared on several international music programs, including Steve Harvey's Little Big Shotswhere she performed Sia's "Chandelier" and the French counterpart of the top-rating franchise.
Embracing a new musical direction that showcases both her signature range and newfound love for a more current R&B and soul/pop sound, Elha Nympha is set to enter a new music era that documents her head-turning transition from a vocal powerhouse to an all-around young performer.
At present, she’s one of the performers of the longest-running Sunday variety show, ASAP Natin To.
Follow Elha Nympha: https://ElhaNympha.lnk.to/FollowElha
Follow MCA Music: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Source: Nyou
Silakbo Chocolates
I first fell in love with Silakbo Chocolates when I received their choco bombs last Christmas. I combined the choco bombs with black coffee, and the experience was unforgettable. Not to mention that the chocolates themselves were delicious and richly flavored.
Now, Silakbo introduces their smash hearts, which are candy-filled hollow chocolate hearts. It comes with a mallet that is used to pound the hearts open. How’s that for a Valentine’s Day treat?
I had fun smashing my chocolate hearts as it was therapeutic! Plus, the chocolates were simply divine. If you want to brighten up your day at home, please check out Silakbo Chocolates, and experience their chocolates for yourself!
Kipp’s and Coffee
Kipp’s Chicken is a gem of a foodie find. Located at SM Megamall Food Court, it offers nostalgic fried chicken with no frills and an absolutely delicious 90’s vibe. It may not be the fanciest chicken out there, but it definitively gives me all the joyful feels of simpler times.
It is best enjoyed with 7-Eleven French Vanilla, which is another unapologetic cheap thrill.
I hope that amidst all the fancy establishments that are popping up everywhere, you will still find time to try nostalgic food such at Kipp’s. You surely won’t be disappointed!
La Cathedral Cafe
Yesterday, I went back to La Cathedral Cafe at Intramuros, Manila. I first visited the cafe back in 2020, and I loved their ambience and iced latte! This time, they relocated to another roof deck still beside the Manila Cathedral. Their iced latte is still delicious, and so is their carbonara!
I highly recommend reserving in advance via their Facebook page so that you can have guaranteed seats. The food and coffee are excellent and I swear you won’t be disappointed. Plus, the view is simply divine.
Give this cafe a chance next time your at the Walled City!
Estero De Binondo
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my good friend Joice at Estero de Binondo. We had a very late lunch consisting of steamed lapu-lapu and buttered chicken. Both were delicious! I highly recommend this hole-in-the-wall eatery for its no-frills ambience and value for money Chinese cuisine.
We capped off our catch-up session with some ube milk tea at Eng Bee Tin beside Binondo Church. It was a refreshing way to end a day of stories and laughter.
I will always go back to Binondo for cheap, delicious eats! I hope that you can also visit the world’s oldest Chinatown soon.
Covo 24K Colored Piyao
Yesterday, I returned to Covo 24K Jewelry at Chinatown Gold Center for some retail therapy. I purchased an enamel piyao charm which I matched with pearl beads on-site.
I was going for a feminine vibe here, and I think it has been achieved. Gold, pearls, and rose quartz make a lovely combination for all occasions.
What is your go-to jewelry combo? I hope that you can also find yours!
SZA makes a splash on PH charts with hit single“Good Days”
The numbers are in: SZA’s “Good Days” is officially her biggest hit to date in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world. In the country alone, the soulful single remains unstoppable with its No. 2 peak at Spotify Philippines Viral 50 and a top 15 placement at Spotify Philippines Top 50.
Photo by Blair Caldwell
Over at mainstream radio, the critically acclaimed R&B songstress is performing well on several top 40 stations. This week, “Good Days” ranks No. 5 on 99.5 Play FM, a major pop station; No. 7 on Wave 89.1 FM, a rhythmic and urban-leaning station; and has gained prominent spots on Magic 89.9 (No. 23), and more.
“Good Days,” the second track following 2020’s “Hit Different,” is one of her two new headline releases since 2017’s groundbreaking multi-platinum debut, CTRL—an album that garnered significant critical attention for “laying bare the kind of vulnerability most often whispered in private” and for its “believable insights into one woman's quest for erotic self-determination.”
Written and produced by SZA, Jacob Collier, Carlos Muñoz, Carter Lang, and Christopher Ruelas and mixed by Shawn Everett, the laid-back tune was released as a surprise drop on Christmas eve last year. More than a week after its debut, the buzzy empowerment anthem skyrocketed at No. 1 on US Spotify Streaming Chart, and has since peaked within the top 10 of other major music markets including the US, UK, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, and New Zealand.
To date, the track has racked up more than 75 million streams on Spotify and more than 20 million cumulative hits on YouTube in just a month.
Aside from its commercial triumph, “Good Days” also made an indelible impression among music critics. Hip-hop magazine, The Source praised the new song for “mastering bliss and serenity all at once.” The publication adds, “In particular, the rawness of her vocals creates an ethereal energy that dives deeper into SZA`s unmatched creativity as a songwriter.” British music bible, NME called her comeback single “worth the wait,” citing how her voice has grown more sophisticated and carefree through the years.
SZA’s “Good Days” is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide via Top Dawg, RCA, and Sony Music.
Source: Nyou
I Crocheted a Blankie
I recently finished crocheting a lap blankie using Lion Brand’s I Wanna Make a Blankie yarn. I purchased it from local small business Cozy by Mei.
It took me a fortnight to finish this. I used a size 10mm hook and chained 60 for the foundation chain. Then, I worked a double crochet stitch in all chains for a total of 41 rows.
I highly recommend this project as it is satisfying to create your own blankie. It is perfect for cozy nights, and I personally wrap it around myself while reading.
Happy crocheting!
Noodles and Necklace Repair
Recently, I went back to Binondo to have my thin gold necklace repaired. I went to Chinatown Gold Center for the repair and I was impressed that the whole process took less than twenty minutes.
For only P180, I had my chain repaired and it was done in record time!
Before going home, I had mushroom meatballs tossed noodles and soy milk at Tasty Noodles. It is my favorite whenever I’m at Chinatown.
I hope to spend more free days at Chinatown! I love indulging in cheap, yummy eats and I always end up enjoying myself.
To more good times and foodie adventures!
Pilya’s Kitchen
I am a fan of thick noodles and rich soup broths, so when I heard about Pilya’s Kitchen a few months back during the lockdown, I did not hesitate to order their biang biang noodles. It was a heavenly take on traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup.
I have become a regular customer, and I recently ordered their cumin lamb soup. It was delicious! The lamb slices were tender and the soup was not overpowering. Of course, the noodles had a fantastic chew and thickness. I loved it.
They are opening a pop-up kitchen soon, so stay tuned! You won’t regret trying their sexy noods.
Koomi Vertis North OpenIng
Yesterday marked the opening of Koomi’s Vertis North branch. I have been a fan of the brand’s yogurt-based drinks. They’re not too sweet, affordable, and delicious! And since I’m trying to reduce my sugar intake, I always opt for their less sweetness option in their drinks.
I am fond of their Australian yogurt variation. They also carry a Filipino yogurt blend for those who prefer sweet and creamy yogurt. I like mine sour, just like traditional plain yogurt, which is exactly how their Australian blend tastes like.
For the event, I ordered Avo Nice Day, which is their take on the avocado shake. It is yummy and delightful! I also received a purple hoodie which I will definitely rock in chilly airconditioned mall trips.
I look forward to more healthful Koomi drinks this year, and I hope that you will also get to try their yogurt soon.
Filipino indie rock quartet Paper Satellites deals with childhood nostalgia on new single “Towns”
In a span of five years, Paper Satellites have been churning out tropical-infused indie rock songs that certainly had its rickety charms, most prominent of the bunch is “Golden Age”—a brash, unapologetic anthem that calls back to the days when Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not and Twin Door Cinema Club’s Tourist History were the jam.
Fast forward to 2021, the promising quartet from East Manila continues to ride the familiar train with a dancier, more groove-oriented approach. “Towns,” their latest single under Lilystars Records, balances pop’s pleasure principle with their penchant for guitar-driven hooks, synth-noodling pipes, and big, ecstatic choruses. “Sound-wise, we took inspiration from various guitar-based artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club, Two Door Cinema Club, and a bunch of other bands with ‘Club’ in their names,” says vocalist and guitarist Jyle Macalintal. “It was also inspired by the music one hears from small town festivals.”
According to the band, “Towns” started as a demo helmed by Jyle, whose love for tropical house beats and electronic pop music clearly operates within the track’s sonic spectrum. Jyleadds, “from a production standpoint, it also has a lot of percussive and synth elements that pushes the song’s festive vibe forward. We were trying to achieve that for a more contemporary-sounding appeal.”
Lyrically, the song deals with childhood nostalgia and outgrowing certain relationships in the past despite the fond memories that it left behind. Quoting the band’s statement, “Town” was penned at a time when Jyle was still living in Angono, Rizal. “It’s about witnessing childhood friends move out of town for work, and move on with their respective lives. It’s a sad reality that some of us had to endure, but it’s part of growing up. We just have to accept it for what it is: a piece of nostalgia, a living memory, an inspiring chapter that’s fun to reminisce from time to time.”
“Towns,” is the first material that Paper Satellites wrote, recorded, and produced during the pandemic. With the guidance of their new record label, Lilystars Records, the indie quartet is currently on the preliminary phase of their first full-length album, which they described as “intimate musings from the lens of a young adult trying to navigate a world that’s completely untapped and unfamiliar.”Jyle shares, “Expect a lot of songs and content coming out from us. Despite the pandemic, we arecoming back strong and we’re pretty excited to share new material that we hope our listeners would like.”
Paper Satellites’ “Towns” is out now on various streaming platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.
Source: Nyou
For Ginny
My good friend Ginny Sonico has been battling breast cancer, and I am truly devastated with the news. However, I am optimistic that she will overcome this disease. So when I heard that a group of her friends have set up Notre Amie to support her medical expenses, I quickly placed an order of dried flowers to spruce up my space.
I am pleased with my order as it matches my personality. Those close to me will know that I am not into flowers or frills, but this arrangement of dried hydrangeas, berries, and eucalyptus is right up my alley. It is simple yet chic.
I hope that you will also help my friend Ginny kick cancer’s butt by purchasing from Notre Amie! You surely won’t regret it.
God bless us all!
Bayaniyarn
I finally completed my volunteer work for local charity Bayaniyarn! I enjoyed crocheting 60 preemie beanies and 76 octopus amigurumi dolls. These specially handmade items will be donated to premature babies at NICU wards in government hospitals.
Crochet has truly given me a way to help others during this pandemic. I am grateful for this skill, and the gift of health that enables me to keep going. If you have a talent or a skill that will let you be a blessing for others, please put it to good use. Let us all help each other rise during these difficult times.
Stay safe everyone!
Covo 24K Beads
Last Sunday, I went back to Covo 24K Jewelry Shop at Chinatown Gold Center, Ongpin, Binondo. This is not a sponsored post by the way. I am simply a happy returning customer who values gold jewelry at affordable prices.
During my visit, the price for their jewelry was Php3,600/gram. Their 18K gold chain was Php930, and their service for adding beads to an existing bracelet was free.
I bought a necklace, pendant, and money bag bead all for less than Php1,700. Not bad, eh?
If you want genuine 24K gold beads and other jewelry at accessible price points, I highly recommend Covo 24K. Do take note of the following to make your visit bearable and pleasant:
The gold center has no parking. Best to park at Lucky Chinatown Mall then just walk to Ongpin.
There is a queue to the shop. Get a number from the guard at the building’s exit.
Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes as it was quite hot in the premises.
They only accept cash payments.
Always keep an eye on your belongings to prevent being pickpocketed.
I hope that you will have a fruitful visit to one of my favorite jewelry shops! It is always worth the trip from my Quezon City residence. Happy shopping!
ZAYN scores another No.1 album in the Philippines with ‘Nobody Is Listening’
ZAYN’s third studio release Nobody is Listening makes history once again as it debuts at No. 1 on iTunes Philippines Top 100 albums chart a few hours after its release. Co-written by ZAYN, the project highlights his R&B influences and showcases deeply personal lyrics. Nobody is Listening sees ZAYN in complete creative control, from designing the album cover art to his sound, he has created a moment in music that is all his own.
The album contains the previously released singles “Vibez” and “Better,” both of which were embraced by fans and critics alike, with Wonderland proclaiming ZAYN was here to “save 2021” with the release of “Vibez” and Billboard calling “Better” a “straightforward R&B track, expressing love in spite of disagreement and designed to showcase one of the most skilled voices in modern pop.” The latter single has accrued over 105 million streams across all platforms, and upon release the video received a half a million views in the first 10 minutes.
ZAYN’s critically acclaimed debut album Mind of Minesaw him become the first male solo artist in the world to simultaneously chart at #1 on the UK and US album charts in the first week of release. The album's lead single “Pillowtalk” hit #1 in 68 countries around the world and was recently included in Billboard’s “Songs That Defined the Decade” list.
His follow up, Icarus Falls, captivated fans and garnered over 5 billion worldwide streams across all platforms in less than a year, a staggering feat for any artist. Alongside his solo success, ZAYN has also collaborated with a variety of artists, including Taylor Swift and SIA and most recently lent his vocals on “Trampoline” with Shaed, which received an iHeart Music Award for “Best Remix.” Alongside building a reputation as a world class music artist, ZAYN has become one of music’s biggest fashion icons. He has graced the cover of every major magazine from Highsnobiety to Vogue. In addition to being named “Most Stylish Man” at the GQ Man of the Year awards, he also was awarded “New Artist of the Year” at the American Music Awards and “Top New Artist” at the Billboard Music Awards. Nobody is Listening was released via RCA Records.
Listen to Nobody is Listening:
Track Listing for Nobody is Listening:
1. Calamity
2. Better
3. Outside
4. Vibez
5. When Love’s Around (feat. Syd)
6. Connexion
7. Sweat
8. Unfuckwitable
9. Windowsill (feat. Devlin)
10. Tightrope
11. River Road
Follow ZAYN:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
ZAYN’s Nobody is Listening is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.
Source: Nyou
Filipino-Australian artist Bryan Estepa kicks of the new year with Josh Pyke-produced 'Trick of the Light'
In 2020, Bryan Estepa released two new songs, continuing on from the success of his exceptional 2019 album Sometimes I Just Don’t Know. The second of those singles, ‘Admit Now, Pay Later’, received a video premiere on Rolling Stone Australia, was featured on NME Australia and had strong national radio airplay - including selection as one of the featured Singles of the Week on 2ser FM in Sydney. Now the Sydney-based Filipino songwriter reveals the second of his collaborative efforts with multi ARIA and APRA award-winning Australian songwriter Josh Pyke.
Estepa has always had an undeniable ear for hooks. Combined with classic pop and rock arrangements, (like his heroes You Am I, The Beatles and Wilco) his songs always possess a timeless quality. He’s proved it over and over again across six acclaimed albums and live shows in Australia, Japan, the USA, UK, Spain, Sweden and the Philippines.
On 'Trick of the Light', Estepa combines heavenly melodies and a melancholic air on this irresistible slice of indie guitar pop, singing about acceptance, letting go and allowing yourself to feel whatever it is that comes out while you’re treading new waters. As always with his songwriting, there are layered poetic brushstrokes in the way Estepa blends and informs his songs with multiple meanings, as he explains. “I also like the idea that the presence of light does not necessarily signal happiness or life but can also mean that emotions and perception can be blurred by its appearance.”
Working with Pyke, Estepa was impressed with the producer’s instinct and ability to enhance the inherent strengths of Estepa’ssongs. “It's exciting watching Josh work! You sense that his creative light is always on and he needs to get his ideas out quickly before it starts to flicker. He takes on what I think the song’s direction might be but adds a couple of detours that are normally right on the money.”
Pyke is quick to reciprocate the praise. “Bryan’s a great writer and collaborator. He’s got a classic pop sensibility but is really open to feedback and experimentation which made my job as producer really fun and free.”
Sonically, there’s a beautiful weightlessness to the production and instrumentation that gracefully carries the song. Guitars sparkle and lightly jangle amid some sublime piano, backing vocals and percussive elements that add unique detailing to the melodic richness of the track.
About Bryan Estepa
Born in Cubao, Quezon City in the Philippines, Estepa and his family moved to Sydney, Australia in 1987. It was there, at the age of 15, that he began to pursue the craft of songwriting before starting his adult musical journey fronting indie pop band Swivel in the late-90s pub scene. He recorded his inaugural CD with the band, which paved the way for his solo career. A year of travelling across the USA and performing at open mic nights inspired songs for his debut EP, Start Again in 2003 and since then Estepa has gone on to release six critically acclaimed solo albums (All The Bells And Whistles, Sunday Best, Vessels, Heart Vs Mind, Every Little Thing and Sometimes I Just Don’t Know). Read more about Estepa’s musical and life journey in this piece he wrote for SBS.
Bryan Estepa’s ‘Trick of the Light’ is now available on all streaming and digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.
TRACK CREDITS
Produced, Recorded & Mixed by Josh Pyke
Recorded at TimshelIndustries
Mastered by Josh Schuberth
Bryan Estepa - vocals, guitars, banjo & toy piano
Josh Pyke - bass, synths, xylophone & percussion
Russell Crawford - drums, percussion & backing vocals
Jadey O'Regan - piano & organ
SOME REVIEWS
“Both the track and its video are a testament to Estepa’s status as a widely-unsung hero of the Australian music scene, and gives listeners an idea of what is still to come from this beloved and critically-acclaimed artist.” Tyler Jenke – Rolling Stone Australia (‘Admit Now, Pay Later’)
“The result is the best work he’s ever done: concentrated in its writing, playing, sound and intent, and not just satisfying, but lasting.”
Bernard Zuel (Sometimes I Just Don’t Know)
“Bryan Estepa offers us a rock at the crossroads of The Rolling Stones and the Beatles. The title is really a compromise between these two worlds, these two camps.” Direct Actu (‘Admit Now, Pay Later’)
“… he has a knack for crafting melodic mini-masterpieces.” Jeff Jenkins (Rhythms)
“Estepa truly flaunts the beauty of music in his own beautiful and unexpected ways.”
U Do U (‘Admit Now, Pay Later’)
Source: Nyou