Raven turns romantic confession into pop-rap hybrid on “Paraluman”

Inspired by his observations on life and its parallel sources from film, art, literature, and pop culture, Raven makes genre-bending jams that resonate on a universal level. Aside from writing and performing his own songs, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter also dabbles into the production side of music-making, often blurring the lines of bedroom pop, lo-fi rap, indie folk, and chill music to create boundless singularity that appeals to a young generation of listeners. 

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On his debut single “Paraluman,” rising singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Raven captures the essence of young love. The catchy track is his first release under Sony Music Philippines, and is available today on all digital platforms worldwide.

Written as a tribute to the muse that inspired his music journey, the up-and-coming artist expresses his romantic admiration through a pop-rap tune that he recorded using a smartphone. In the first few verses, he compares the girl that he used to have a crush on, with the extraordinary muses that earned their place in the pantheon of art and literature’s greatest, from Mona Lisa to Ophelia. Raven then proceeds to spit poetry with a renewed sense of passion and excitement, hopping from one metaphorical reference to another in a bid to put his creative inspiration on a pedestal. 

Over stripped-down guitars and minimal flourishes, Raven taps into the zeitgeist with his version of pop music that is steeped in bedroom aesthetic and lo-fi hip-hop influence, distilling various music forms to create something that is palatable to the streaming generation. His distinct sense of music style has the potential to gain foothold in mainstream consciousness, particularly in the Gen Z demo, but what sets him apart from his contemporaries is the unassuming earnestness in his words and music—one that is lavishly crafted with a balance of accessibility and wallflower demeanor. It makes sense why “Paraluman” is destined to be a future hit just by scratching the surface: it knows how to compromise with prevailing trends while sticking to its principles by heart.

The next few months saw the song evolve into a more polished material—thanks to the guidance and support of Rico Blanco and Balcony Entertainment, who helped Raven realize his vision with a more defined music direction. For his part, Raven re-recorded the song with a slightly different approach, throwing in some new techniques and subtleties to deliver a jam that wouldn’t feel out of place on both radio charts and obscure playlists.

“Paraluman,” his debut track, will be part of his upcoming album, Lika Na under Sony Music Philippines. The new record is currently under production, and is slated to be released this year.

Stream Raven’s debut single here.

Source: Nyou

Giveon tops streaming charts in the Philippines with “Heartbreak Anniversary”

Buoyed by its popularity on TikTok and other video-sharing platforms, Giveon’s “Heartbreak Anniversary” currently ranks as the most streamed song in the Philippines this week. The R&B ballad shoots straight to No. 1 on both Spotify Philippines Top 50 and Viral 50 charts, respectively.

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With celebrities and online influencers hopping on the viral challenge, “Heartbreak Anniversary” receives a significant boost on digital streaming and sales, as it showcases wide-ranging appeal that resonates with the Filipino audience.

Tallying close to 50 million streams on Spotify worldwide, the song has also gained traction from international music critics and publications, with Cool Hunting praising the track for “fusing modern R&B with the baritone deliveries of legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Bobby Caldwell” and for its “simple instrumentals that radiate while Giveon’s vocals dive deeper.”

“Heartbreak Anniversary” appears on Giveon’s new EP, Take Time—released last year by Epic Records. 

Known for delivering another powerhouse lineup of songs with a timeless feel, Take Time includes the lead single “Like I Want You,” which has already clocked in more than 59 million streams to date, and lush opener “The Beach.”The 8-track EP illuminates the scope of his vision and the expanse of his talents.

Giveon’s “Heartbreak Anniversary” is now available on all digital platforms worldwide via Epic Records and Sony Music.

Source: Nyou

Spicebird Manila

I had the privilege of buying Spicebird’s quarter piri-piri chicken board for takeout. I first tried their chicken during my Boracay trip last 2019, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had.

Their Manila space is a godsend for us beach foodies who miss piri-piri and good vibes!

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It was just as I remembered- tender, flavorful chicken with their yummy rice and sauce. So good!

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Go check out Spicebird at The Grid! This is the best chicken you’ll ever have.

Pilya’s Kitchen At The Grid

Yesterday, I visited Pilya’s Kitchen at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell. I have been a longtime fan of their Taiwanese Biang Biang noodle soup, and have been ordering it for delivery throughout the pandemic. Now that they have a pop-up stall at a mall, I am so happy to experience their noodles in a fresh way!

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Their beef is tender and it melts in your mouth. They also serve apple soda which is perfect with the rich, savory broth.

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I also got to try their spicy smashed cucumbers, which was delicious as well! And their herbal beverage, which is tea-based, was the perfect palate cleanser.

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It was so cool to meet the chef behind Pilya’s Kitchen, Kriza Palmero. She is passionate about her craft and it shows as each dish is made with love and a lot of chili oil.

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You may find them at Stall 11 of The Grid Food Market! For delivery, please check out their Instagram bio. Trust me, you won’t regret trying their delicious hand-pulled noodles!

Solo Vday dinner

Last night, I celebrated Valentine’s Day with a solo five-course meal at Kapetolyo. It is a new restaurant and cafe that showcases local coffee and produce in their food. I ordered the shakshuka for my entree and of course, I indulged in free-flowing black coffee.

I appreciate the staff at this place because they went out of their way to make a solo female diner like me comfortable and happy. Everything was delicious and service was superb. I highly recommend this place beside Manila City Hall for your next dinner or coffee escape. Enjoy!

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Lion Dance Amigurumi

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Lunar New Year!

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I just finished crocheting this lion dance amigurumi doll using the free lion dollie pattern from Yarn It Darn It. I used cotone latte yarns from Oh My Yarn and a 4mm hook.

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Crochet allows me to meditate and reflect on the events that transpired in my life. The pandemic has exposed to me who my real friends and family are. Crochet has been my meditative process of choice to weigh decisions and discern life choices. When it comes to trusting people, I make sure to tabulate the pros and cons of each individual. Crochet helps me think deeper and therefore, decide better who to trust and who to be wary of.

This is why it is only fitting that I welcome the Year of the Ox with an adorable lion dance amigurumi which has enabled me to reflect while crocheting it. I hope that you also have a process of thinking things through.

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Have a prosperous year ahead, everyone!

Solo Dining For Ladies

I get a number of messages from my female friends asking for tips on how to dine solo. I have been eating out on my own for ages since I am an only child, so I consider myself a pro at this.

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Dining solo may be a feat for some, but for me, it is simply my way of life. If you are also a woman and find this intimidating, read on some of my tips on eating and drinking solo in our city:

  1. Bring a book or listen to music/podcasts! It helps to keep your mind entertained while eating, drinking, and people watching.

  2. Order your favorites! Indulge. Enjoy yourself.

  3. Be confident. You can pay for your own meal and drinks. That is powerful.

  4. Order coffee. It is a source of joy along with your dessert.

  5. Mind your posture. It makes you feel better about yourself.

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My suggestions are nothing new but I hope this helps! Solo dining is liberating and a lot of fun. Don’t forget to tip your server and exit the restaurant with a smile. You are worth treating so just go for it!

Just Wait Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee has become all the rage these days. A quality one keeps the drinker awake and alert as it has more caffeine content than regular brewed coffee. It is also recommended for hyperacidic people as it contains less acid.

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I am so happy to discover Just Wait Cold Brew online. They use glass bottles and straws which you can reuse for that aesthetic look. They use plantable paper labels so you can grow spinach! And best of all, their coffee is delicious.

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Please visit Just Wait to order your cold brew today! This is not a sponsored post by the way. I’m simply a happy caffeinated customer.

YouTube sensations Agassi Ching and Jai Asuncion star in Sponge Cola’s “Siguro Nga” music video

Content creators Agassi Ching and Jai Asuncion are featured in the latest music video of Sponge Cola’s “Siguro Nga.” 

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The onscreen and offscreen love team amassed a fandom in social media with pranks, viral videos, and challenges. In "Siguro Nga," JaiGa—as they are popularly known for—portray a fictional romantic couple in disarray.

According to the band’s vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon, Agassi is a dear friend whom he plays basketball with every Tuesday. “I also produced the song he wrote for Jai during the stricter quarantine period through file sharing,” he said. “I also watch their daily vlogs. On some level, I felt like I was always involved in their love story. It just made sense to cast them.”

The video shows Agassi Ching singing “Siguro Nga” in a neon-lit karaoke bar, while Jai Asuncion is in the very same room with friends, silently crying and hurting inside. Separated by their own version of realities, both characters try to move forward with the changes in their respective lives, albeit having a difficulty wiping out their memories together—especially with the song forever binding them in spirit.

“A person's go-to videoke song says so much about who they are and what they are about,” Yuzon reveals. “I'll just leave it at that.” 

Guitarist Armo Armovit shares that the visual treatment focuses on honoring people who are no longer present by living lives with meaning and memory. “We want them to feel nostalgia for a person in their past who was a meaningful presence in their lives; sadness for the loss, but also, hope for the future.”

The music video also comes with a meta-karaoke version of the track that allows fans to sing their hearts out and engage with the narrative.

Inspired by the hit K-drama, StartUp, Sponge Cola’s “Siguro Nga” was written by Yael Yuzon as a tribute to one of its beloved characters, Han Ji-Pyeong. Its lyric video features various footage from Seoul, South Korea that includes locations from the series.

The music video of “Siguro Nga” is out now on YouTube.

Source: Nyou

Medicine At Midnight proves that Foo Fighters are one of rock music’s living legacies

Foo Fighters have finally released their highly anticipated 10th studio album, Medicine at Midnight under Roswell Records/RCA Records.

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Following delays due to the unprecedented challenges of releasing an album during the pandemic, Medicine at Midnight finally landed late last week with nine tracks of power-driven, anthemic rock tunes that drummer Taylor Hawkins described as more “pop-oriented” than previous releases.

On its first day, the American rock band’s latest record peaked at No. 1 on several iTunes album charts worldwide, and is raring for one of rock music’s biggest debuts on major music markets this year, including the United States, UK, Australia, and more. It also garnered significant traction from several music publications worldwide, with Wall Street Journal calling it “one of Foo Fighters’ best albums of this century,” and British music publication, NME declaring the new release as “the soundtrack to the summer we all crave.”

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Medicine at Midnight’s release wraps up Foo Fighters' week-long partnership with Spotify, which featured surprise ‘Midnight Drops’ of exclusive video, audio, and playlist content— an occasion marked by the band’s larger than life appearance on Spotify’s Times Square billboard.

To celebrate the release of their new album, the Foo Fighters will host a special six-part radio series: Medicine at Midnight Radio on Apple Music Hits. Each band member will host an hour-long episode where they’ll explore their personal inspirations and reflect on the creative process behind the album. Fans can tune in every day next week, beginning Monday, February 8th at 4:00p PST on Apple Music Hits at apple.co/FFRadio and simultaneously on the band’s new limited-run SiriusXM channel, Foo Fighters Radio (channel 105). Dave also joined Zane Lowe on his daily Apple Music 1 show earlier this week to chat about the album. Listen to their conversation HERE. 

Medicine at Midnight is produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, engineered by Darrell Thorp and mixed by Mark “Spike” Stent.

Foo Fighters are Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, and Rami Jaffee.

Foo Fighters’ Medicine at Midnight is available on all digital platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

Spot.Ph Feature

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.

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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.

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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.

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As always, this is not an ad. I’m just a happy customer. Hope you can also enjoy Pedro’s Gelato soon!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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?

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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.

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It is best enjoyed with 7-Eleven French Vanilla, which is another unapologetic cheap thrill.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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