Stress Management

I always get asked this question in interviews: “how do you deal with stress?”.

In the past, I would go window-shopping at malls near my office to decompress. But since the pandemic happened, I am both working and living at home. Because I live with my mom who is a senior citizen, it is my duty to avoid contracting the Covid-19 virus and to observe safety measures.

I had to be creative with stress management since I now do everything under one roof.

Here are some ways that I deal with stress, especially with the WFH setup:

  1. Listen to music- I have a work playlist that consists of classical music. This keeps me going while working.

  2. Journaling- Journaling everyday has allowed me to be aligned with myself and better manage my emotions.

  3. Working out every morning- I do an hour of cardio every morning, rain or shine. I used to attend aerodance classes at my local park, but for now, I am happy with jumprope, following Youtube videos, and my air stepper!

  4. Order food delivery- I satisfy my foodie cravings by ordering my favorites from time to time.

Remember that it is possible to manage stress at home. The pandemic is still ongoing so I personally manage my own stress in order to continue thriving during these difficult times.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Sienna Bralette

I just finished this crocheting this Sienna Bralette. The pattern was designed by Monique Salibio a.k.a. @purls_ph and I used indophil yarn from Shopee. I modified the pattern by adding rows, thus turning the bralette into a crop top. I also used a 4.00mm hook instead of the prescribed 3.00mm hook.

I would recommend this pattern if you enjoy the alpine stitch. It is also pretty easy to accomplish, and it can be crocheted while watching Netflix.

Enjoy crocheting!

On Asking For Help

I felt down the other day. I was tired from a Zoom call, so I allowed myself to rest. I took a nap, wrote in my journal, and listened to music.

I also listened to this episode of The Linya-Linya Show wherein Ali and his guest Doc Gia spoke about the importance of asking each other “how are you?” and asking for help. This particular episode comforted me because two years ago, I was the one in need.

I was struggling because my father was terminally-ill. I was asking for help, but a lot of people in my circle chose to ignore my pleas. It was heartbreaking to receive negative criticism from my friends. There were those who called me “pathetic”, and then there were some who called me “weak”, “a beggar”, and “foolish”. To make it clear though, I never asked anyone for money. I just asked my contacts to buy from my Human Nature Online Store (please support!), and to help me find employment.

I am grateful to those who supported my small business during that difficult time, and even until now. And while I am still looking for a corporate job, I am already aware of my worth and my capabilities.

Right now, I acknowledge that there is no shame at all in asking for help. There is also strength in extending help whenever we can.

May we always remember to help ourselves first, then become a shining light to others!

Not Everyone Will Be Happy for You

Today, I am reflecting on the quote that podcaster and entrepreneur Angely Dub always says on her show, Life in Progress: “not everyone will be happy for you.”

I have experienced this firsthand, when my friends would ask how a company would invite me to an event or offer me an opportunity to collaborate when I do not seem to be qualified. In fact, I had to severe ties with some people who were not supportive of me, especially during the pandemic. My circle may now be smaller, but I must say that I am more stable and at peace without these toxic people in my life.

If you are also dealing with people who constantly pull you down, I suggest that you block them out completely. You must prioritize your mental health. You need to perform psychological first-aid on yourself, so stick to people who lift you up and bring out the best in you!

Next, always ensure that you constantly work on yourself. Make sure that you are always doing your best to have the best life possible for yourself. Compete only against yourself.

Remember that in order to be happy with yourself, you have to be find joy in things that you can do and accomplish. Stop communicating with people who cannot be happy for you. Just be strong for your own self!

World Vision Virtual Community Visit

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Last June 4, we had a Virtual Community Visit to Baseco, Manila with World Vision Philippines. As a World Vision sponsor for the past fourteen years, I appreciated the online tour around Baseco. I felt blessed to be a part of this organization that champions children’s education and community development.

It was heartwarming to know that the children’s education has been uninterrupted during the pandemic, and that the livelihood training for their family members has been continuously thriving. One example was the tailoring shop where Baseco mothers found steady income and employment. Aside from that, World Vision also provided values training, financial literacy, and food assistance.

I look forward to more years of being a World Vision Child Sponsor! To also become a child sponsor, visit the World Vision website to learn more. And to help support World Vision’s blended learning initiatives during the pandemic, please donate via their Shopee page!

Thank you and God bless us all!

John Mayer embraces easy-listening rock with ‘80s Polish on “Last Train Home”

John Mayer is back today with a brand new single and music video via Columbia Records entitled “Last Train Home.”  

 Embracing retro-pop touchstones with soft rock production that brings to mind the golden years of Toto, the song itself stands out as classic Mayer with an unforgettable guitar riff, a twist of keys, and quotable lyrics. Not to mention, Maren Morris makes a cameo in the track and music video, while both percussionist Lenny Castro (Toto)and keyboardist Greg Phillinganes (Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Toto) perform, alongside Mayer.

 

Upon its release, “Last Train Home” garnered notable acclaim from music critics. Billboard praised the track for its “slick rock production with an '80s polish,” while Vulturewrote that it’s “80s enough to make Bryan Adams take that first real six-string back to the five-and-dime.”

 

About Sob Rock

 

After teasing its arrival on social media, on billboards, and in print, the GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, guitarist, and producer will unveil his eighth full-length album, Sob Rock, in stores and at all DSPs on July 16, 2021. Produced by John Mayer and Don Was, and recorded at Henson Studios in Los Angeles, the album marks Mayer’s first solo offering since 2017’s gold-selling The Search for Everything.  The pre-order/pre-save just went live—HERE. The full tracklist can be found below:

 

Sob Rock Tracklist

Last Train Home

Shouldn’t Matter but It Does

New Light

Why You No Love Me

Wild Blue

Shot in the Dark

I Guess I Just Feel Like

Til the Right One Comes

Carry Me Away

All I Want Is to Be With You

 

In late March, he took to TikTok to play a few bars from “Last Train Home” live, and he generated 1.4 million views in the process. Without warning, Sob Rock ads popped up in subways on both coasts in New York and Los Angeles before billboards lorded over L.A. last month. On Tuesday, he shared the cover art for Sob Rock via his Twitter and spoke with the Wall Street Journal about the single and album.   In classic fashion, Official Zines promoting the album have been mailed to fans who signed up at the official Sob Rock site. The issue notably features an interview between Mayer and producer Don Was. Sob Rock kicks off a new chapter for John Mayer and pop music. 

 

There’s nobody quite like John Mayer. He has emerged as a GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, celebrated songwriter, and iconic guitar player all at once. The Bridgeport, CT native introduced himself on the quintuple-platinum Room ForSquares in 2001 and has earned three #1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with the triple-platinum Heavier Things [2003], double-platinum Battle Studies [2009], and gold Born and Raised [2012]. In addition to selling over 20 million albums worldwide and gathering billions of streams to date, he has garnered seven GRAMMY® Awards, including “Song of the Year” for “Daughters.” In 2015, Dead & Company was founded, with Mayer on lead guitar as well as vocals. Since its formation, the band has completed six tours, playing to 3.4 million fans, and has become a record-breaking stadium act. Most recently, 2017’s The Search for Everything bowed at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and went gold. He reveals his eighth album, Sob Rock, in 2021. 

 

For more information, check Johnmayer.com and Sobrock.net.

 

Listen: JohnMayer.lnk.to/LTH

Pre-save/pre-order: sobrock.net

 

“Last Train Home” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Columbia Records/Sony Music.


Source: Sony Music Philippines

21 Things I Learned (So Far) In 2021

I was in shock when I realized that it is already the middle of the year. It seemed only yesterday that we were celebrating the New Year. Now, we only have six months to go before the year ends!

Before the rest of the year passes us by, allow me to share the twenty-one things I have learned so far in 2021:

  1. Walking is more sustainable than running

  2. A reusable tumbler is the first step towards saving money

  3. It is more fulfilling to save than spend money

  4. Investing in solid gold is wiser than spending on branded costume jewelry

  5. There are valuable life lessons to be learned in The Book of Job

  6. Keeping your blog regularly updated will work wonders in marketing yourself

  7. It is never too late to reinvent yourself

  8. it is never too late to get used to the taste of black coffee

  9. Journaling is a cheap and effective way to solve your own problems

  10. Prayer works when you take action on your hopes and dreams

  11. Discussing red flags early on will help your relationship thrive

  12. Working out in the morning instead of at night will cure insomnia

  13. Most arguments stem from insecurities. Work on yourself everyday

  14. Investing in quality pajamas will allow you to have more productive days at home

  15. Drinking enough water cures most headaches, at least in my case

  16. Driving and commuting while listening to podcasts will allow me to learn something new each day

  17. Journaling prompts only work when you have the willingness to learn

  18. Talking to service providers, and not just treating them as transactional agents, will give you better service

  19. Visit your late loved ones often and regularly reflect on their lives

  20. Take lots of photographs

  21. Always give love a chance

My lessons so far have helped me:

  • Heal from a breakup

  • Give love another chance

  • Begin a new relationship

  • Be productive at home

  • Recover from insomnia

  • Journal everyday

  • Learn more each day

  • Maximize my time

  • Stay fit and healthy

I hope that my simple life lessons have helped you reflect on the past six months and look forward to the next half of the year. We all have areas of improvement to work on, so never get discouraged! Let us all keep on growing, learning, and thriving.

God bless us all!

Your Favorite Superbook SuperGifts are Now Available on Shopee and Lazada!

SuperNews for all Superbook fans!

Wondering where to get awesome Superbook merch? Your favorite Superbook goodies are now just a few clicks away on SuperGifts PH – the official distributor of Superbook items on Shopee and Lazada.

 

You can now get your hands on Superbook’s original DVD collection, coloring books, devotionals, bags, hoodies, and novelty items. You can also send them as gifts to your family and friends! Just visit SuperGifts PH on Shopee or Lazada and check out your desired goodies. 

 

According to CBN Asia’s Chief Operating Officer John Valdes Tan, the faith-based organization has made SuperGifts available on the two e-commerce giants as they are now the “go-to” places for online shoppers. Likewise, the platforms open an opportunity for Superbookfans to support the ministry.

 

“It is now easier for Superbook fans to avail of merchandise and support the ministry. We are also excited to announce that we are producing exclusive Superbookmerchandise that will only be available on the SuperGiftsPH online store,” Tan said.

 

So whether you want to grow in faith, send encouraging gifts to your loved ones, or share God’s love to Filipino children by supporting Superbook, SuperGifts PH is your one-stop shop!

 

Visit SuperGifts PH on Shopee and Lazada and add your favorite Superbook items to your cart. For more information, contact (02) 8663-4700 or 0998-555-3577.

Source: CBN Asia Team – Digital Media Department

Calvin Harris drops future club anthem “By Your Side,” featuring Tom Grennan

LISTEN HERE!

GRAMMY® award-winning, multiplatinum-selling artist and heavyweight producer Calvin Harris has finally dropped his big energy new single, “By Your Side” featuring British pop sensation, Tom Grennan.

 

Released via Columbia Records, this bright and feel-good tune arrives just in time for fun. 

 

With immaculate production and clubland bombast, “By Your Side” delivers another career highlight from Harris. Bedford-born musician Tom Grennan sings atop infectious beats and sticky pop hooks with reassuring words of love and affection. It’s an electronic dance anthem that helps listeners get through the most trying of times.

 

In an Instagram post, Calvin Harris thanked Grennan for joining him on this massive, future chart-topping bop. “Thank you @tom.grennan for blessing this tune with your unbelievable voice! I absolutely love a summer record. You might have noticed this already.”

Grennan also expressed excitement with the release of his collaboration with the acclaimed EDM producer. “Just here thinking BY YOUR SIDE with @calvinharris is out on Friday. My birthday is next week and the sun is out. Life is good and I’m feeling very lucky.”

“By Your Side” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Columbia Records and Sony Music.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

First Tourism Group Lands in Israel Kickstarting the Country’s Return of International Travelers

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) has announced that the first international tourist group to enter Israel in over a year, departed Newark Airport on United Flight 090. Upon the flight's arrival Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, greeted the group in celebration, kicking off the official return of international tourism to the country.  

 “You are the first organized tourist group to visit Israel in over a year, since in March 2020 Israel shut its doors to tourists, and I am very pleased to be here with you on this momentous occasion, said Farkash-Hacohen. “Israel has overcome COVID, after being the world’s leading country to vaccinate its population, and we are back to normal—restaurants, hotels, concerts, markets, national parks, and sporting venues—everything is now safely open. You are the first of what I am sure will be many tourists and we are all excited to have you here!” 

 

This first group of tourists consists of 11 American theological students from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, escorted by their professor. The group’s arrival marks the official start of the country’s pilot program and over the next few days and weeks, 19 additional groups from around the world will arrive in Israel. The plan is to increase the number of groups allowed into the country and soon reopen to individual international tourists over the summer.  

 

In the interest of avoiding the spread of COVID-19, all visitors arriving in Israel must be fully vaccinated, have taken a PCR test that proved a negative result, and will be tested for antibodies upon arrival.   

 

“This is just the beginning of the long-awaited return of tourism to Israel – we plan to continue rolling out next steps and advancements in our phased approach over the coming weeks,” said Sammy Yahia, Director for India, and the Philippines. “Israelis are ecstatic and are ready, with open arms, to welcome international visitors back to the country.”

Source: Embassy of Israel, Manila

Finish Line

I recently completed an important project, and it felt fantastic. I celebrated this accomplishment with an ice cold beer. I reflected on my process while working on this project, and I realized that I was able to formulate a system that worked for me. Here it is:

  1. Workout in the morning- Working out in the morning ensures that you are naturally awake and energized. When I still worked out at night, I was sluggish during the day. When I switched my schedule to early morning workouts, I saw a massive improvement in my stamina. I was able to have fresher ideas, and I was excited to work because of all the energy from my cardio workout.

  2. Sleep- I was able to cure my insomnia by working out in the morning. With sufficient sleep, I was able to work on my project for hours on end, without feeling burnout or fatigue.

  3. Write an outline- If you are working on a text-based project such as mine, an outline will serve as your working framework. Set aside time for each part of your outline, then plot your timeframes within your schedule. I kept my deadlines for my project on my planner, and I am happy to share that I was able to finish ahead of schedule.

  4. Reward yourself with your favorite drink- I drank beer for every completed part of my outline. My favorite beverage motivated me to work smarter and finish my project!

My project has been turned over today to a professional for assessment. I look forward to seeing my project in its polished form, and I hope to share it with you soon!

I will surely keep you all posted!

Being Comfortable Without Effort

I just finished reading Being Comfortable Without Effort by Soo-hyun Kim. I am a fan of this author because of her candor and wit. I have also read her other book, I Decided to Live as Me. I have learned practical life and relationship advice from her books and I hope that you will also get to enjoy them!

I have shared excerpts of the book below. To shop Being Comfortable Without Effort, click here.

Quielle

I recently purchased these safety pin earrings from local accessories shop Quielle. I love these handmade stunners because the quality is top notch. The tips of the pins are not sharp, and the stainless steel material is polished to perfection. They are also lightweight enough for all-day wear.

Most of my accessories are from this shop. They do not tarnish, and their sparkle remains the same for a long time. I have been a Quielle customer since 2019! This is not an ad, and I simply want to promote this brand.

For your local accessories fix, be sure to check out Quielle!

Clam Top

I just finished crocheting this Clam Top. I followed the video tutorial by local crochet designer Yarns and Fins. I purchased the gradient yarn from Clover’s Crochet PH. For the top itself, I used a 3.00mm hook. It took me a week to finish this project.

Finishing crochet pattern boosts my confidence and enhances my mood. It helps keep me focused as my crochet time is an opportunity for me to stay away from gadgets. Having a hobby such as crochet is healthy and fulfilling, and I highly recommend it.

Do give it a try by buying a hook, a yarn, and tuning in to a tutorial online! Good luck!

Breakfast Bin

Breakfast Bin is one of my go-to places for a good all-day breakfast. This Maginhawa restaurant has been my venue of choice for countless dates, meetings, and catch-ups with friends. Their price points are budget-friendly, yet their food tastes premium.

I am especially fond of their Toasted Naked Longganisa with Talangka brown rice. It is the perfect match to a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Go ahead and give this a try! I promise you that this rice bowl will remind you of simple, Covid-19-free times.

Enjoy!

Diane at 34

Last May 27 was Diane’s thirty-fourth birth anniversary. I celebrated her life and legacy by visiting her grave and paying my respects.

I am honored to be her friend. She taught me to appreciate the little things in life. She was creative and self-determined. She believed that she was destined for greater things.

In college, she asked everyone to call her “Scarlett”, and her classmates did just that. She later enrolled in law school to better herself and fulfill her childhood dream. She always kept up with her love for books and poetry.

I am sad that she passed away so young. She would have loved Instagram and used filters to add drama to her photographs. She would have followed accounts like Daily Stoic. She would have also enjoyed listening to podcasts.

I wonder how she would have treated the pandemic. I bet she would have disliked staying at home. And yet, she could have thrived in the work from home setup. Yes, complete with a ring light and a top of the line laptop.

I miss Diane because she knew how to empathize with me. She did not judge me, and she was my biggest cheerleader. She would have also helped me find someone to date when I was still single. She really was one of my most selfless friends.

I hope that she is at a happier place now. I also hope that she could say hi to my dad and grandpa for me.

She was a morning person, so I hope that she can also help me in that department!

If Diane can read this, I hope she knows that I miss her so much.

DARREN EMBARKS ON A CAREER-TURNING NEW PHASE WITH THE RELEASE OF “TAMA NA”

Celebrated pop icon Darren Espanto has officially released his new single “Tama Na”—out today on MCA Music Inc. Now ready to embark on a new phase in his career, the multi-awarded young artist distills pop, hip-hop, and R&B into a modern bop that radio wouldn’t mind spinning at the top of the hour. His latest track is a rhythmically charged tune that approaches the verses with edginess and the chorus with suave.

 

On top of a smooth, urban-leaning production and trap beats, Darren sings about giving up on the person that used to occupy a special place in his heart. “Ayokong masaktan ulit / Ayoko nang lumuhapa't maging biktima,” the 20-year-old pop sensationdrops the bomb on the chorus, finally making sense of the situation that left him hanging for a long time. 

 

“Tama Na” is a song about unrequited love and finally finding the courage to walk away from a tedious, one-way relationship, which has done nothing but hurt your feelings. The song’s pitched-up samples, hard-hitting electronic beats, and hip-hop-informed sensibilities propel Darren’s soulful delivery to exciting new places. This gives Darren an extra push to showcase his versatility in terms of tone and appeal, turning his youthful fervor into something that resonates with the general public.

 

“Tama Na” is the latest collaboration between Darren Espanto and fellow hitmaker Zack Tabudlo, who wrote, produced, and mixed the track. According Darren, it has always been their plan to work together on a project, as he admits being a fan of Tabudlo’s music style and talent. “Last year, Zack told me how he became part of the MCA family and we thought that finally, this would be our chance to work together. In just a couple days, Zack created ‘Tama Na’ and I really liked the song instantly. It’s a sound that people haven’t heard from me before and it’s also a genre I’ve always wanted to try.”

 

A few months later, Zack and Darren went on a Zoom call to guide the latter throughout the entire recording process. Darren recalls, “It was honestly such a chill session, mostly because a lot of it was us just talking about random things that aren’t even related to the song.”

 

The song will be out in music video format soon andis slated to be part of Darren’s new album. With its aim to chart Darren’s evolution as both an artist and a performer, the upcoming record will be a major shift toward a more contemporary-leaning sound with dance and R&B music influences. It will also serve as his more artistically involved release so far, harnessing his songwriting skills and more.

 

At the moment, Darren Espanto is gearing up for his virtual concert on June 19—to be streamed live via KTX. 

 

He also made headlines a few days ago when a new set of photos showing his new hunky physique went viral on Instagram. Darren’s new look sheds his teenybopper persona and taps into a more ‘grown’ vibe, marking the celebration of his 20th birthday with newfound adventurousness in style.

Darren is on the cover of Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines 

Watch ‘TAMA NA’ Official Lyric Video HERE

About Darren Espanto:

In less than a decade, Filipino-Canadian artist Darren Espanto has made an impressive mark in the Philippine music industry with multiplatinum albums, sold-out concerts, acclaimed performancesand No. 1 singles under his belt. Darren is considered as one of the most successful Filipino male pop/R&B artists of the last decade, having amassed more than a hundred million streams on Spotify, and more than a hundred million views on YouTube alone. 

Known for his incredible vocal chops, stellar stage presence and fresh-faced appeal, he has achieved success not only as a recording star, but also as one of the country’s most sought-after brand ambassadors. He was recently appointed as the first celebrity Youth Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and has been actively involved in programs related to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and youth empowerment.

In recent years, Darren Espanto has developed his passion for songwriting and producing, and has been technically hands on in several of his new releases. From one song to another, Darren is relentless in pushing the envelope of pop craftmanship by exploring other music genres, from electronic pop to modern R&B, and everything else in between. He has grown before our eyes from being a youthful crooner with outstanding pipes to finding his own voice and style. In a very competitive pop music landscape, Darren stands out as a refreshing and endearing personality whose music speaks to you on an intimate, personal level. 

The pop sensation broke through the public consciousness in 2014 after placing second at the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. The then 13-year-old contestant was an instant favorite during the blind audition, and became a showstopping force from one round to another. During the same year, Darren joined ABS-CBN’s talent management outfit, Star Magic, and was immediately signed by MCA Music Inc., the Philippine regional branch of the multinational Universal Music Group. 

In December 2014, the Pinoy teen star released his first studio self-titled album, which debuted at No. 1 on Apple's iTunes and Astro charts. The award-winning record was certified Double Platinum by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), and produced the chart-topping singles “Stuck,” “In Love Ako Sa’yo” and the Jessie J cover “Domino.” 

In May 2015, the Filipino recording star staged his first solo concert at the MOA Arena, setting a record for the youngest artist to headline his very own show at the prestigious venue. The following year saw Darren releasing his sophomore album, Be With Meunder MCA Music Inc., which featured two of his very own compositions for the first time. The platinum-certified album has yielded three hit singles namely “7 Minutes,” "Starlight," and "Parachute.” All three tracks debuted at the top spot of the iTunes Philippines chart on the day of its release.

Darren went on to land several important music gigs here and abroad, and eventually made a huge comeback in 2017 when he released “Dying Inside To Hold You,” which serves as the official soundtrack of the hit movie, All For You, starring JennylynMercado and Derek Ramsey. The remake of the ‘90s hit eventually became one of the biggest hits of 2017, amassing more than a hundred million streams and views on Spotify and YouTube, combined.

His winning streak continued in 2019 when co-headlined a sold-out concert with Jonalyn Viray and Lani Misalucha in Cebu, Davao, and Manila. Darren appeared in notable international engagements, first as the Filipino guest performer in the grand finals of Singer 2019 in China, and another one as part of the eleven Asian singers invited to perform the theme song for the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit titled "Side by Side.” A rendition of the historic Disney duet, ‘A Whole New World’ was also performed by Darren together with Filipina pop star Morissette Amon last May 2019, now at 10.5 million streams on Spotify and 10 million views on YouTube.

The following year, Darren released his Christmas single, "Believe in Christmas", under MCA Music Inc. As expected, the song debuted at the top spot of the iTunes Philippines chart two hours after it was made available on the said digital platform. Its official music video has racked up more than a hundred thousand views within days.

Aside from releasing commercially successful albums and smash singles, Darren has bagged more than 70 recognitions on different award-giving bodies in the field of music and entertainment, most prominent among the bunch were Awit Awards, AliwAwards, MYX Music Awards, Wish Music Awards, MPC Star Awards for Music, Star Cinema Awards, MOR Music Awards, and many more. This year alone, he bagged several recognitions, which include Village Pipol Choice Awards’ Performer of the Year, Wishclusive Ballad Performance of the Year for “Sasagipin Kita,” Silver Exclusive Elite Circle and Push Cover of the Year for “A Whole New World” with Morisette Amon. He has performed as an opening act for international artists like Selena Gomez, Jessie J. and Alex Aiono, and later ventured into acting where he played the role of Yohan, Kathryn Bernardo’s younger brother in the romantic drama film, The Hows Of Us. The Kathniel-starrer went on to become the second highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time, earning more than 800 million in the box office.

As the first celebrity youth appointed by United Nations Development Programme, Darren has proven himself to be a reliable global ambassador who has brought a creative and inspiring perspective to the social and environmental issues that the entire world is facing today. In his capacity as the UNDP Philippines Youth Advocate, he was part of the #Mission1Point5 climate action global campaign, and was invited as a keynote speaker for the International Youth Day Youth Forum 2020 with the theme "Building a Better Normal with the Youth.” He celebrated his 19th birthday with an online charity concert entitled, D Birthday Concert from Home and raised P838,206.69 for ABS-CBN’s Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program.

Follow Darren to get the latest updates:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube

Follow MCA Music for more updates:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  Tiktok

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

Gareth Fernandez drops rousing ballad “Could Have Been Us”

Gareth Fernandez is back with the spiritual successor to 2019’s gospel-inflected track,

“Achilles,” and 2020’s emotional ballad, “Put You Through.”

The soulful pop singer pours his heart out on his latest single “Could Have Been Us”—released

today on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide. This song was co-written with the

inimitable indie darling Linying (Sticky Leaves, Paris 12), who also lends her hauntingly

beautiful vocals to the track.

With Shaykhandbake returning as producer, “Could Have Been Us” features tender piano lines,

and is enveloped by a rich, gospel-style choir.

While “Achilles” deconstructed our egos, and “Put You Through” challenged us to acknowledge

our faults in our pasts, “Could Have Been Us” retreads these heartbreaks one last time, before

setting them aflame and bidding them farewell.

About The Artist

Gareth Fernandez is an artist that draws influences from soulful singers like Sam Smith, John

Legend, and Adele. He writes about the millennial/Gen Z experience in today’s fluid, confusing

virtual insanity.

“Could Have Been Us” is out now on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou