Bianca waxes poetic on memory and longing with debut single “Tenth of July”

After racking up more than 2.5 million steams on Spotify with her heartfelt reimagining of an alt-rock classic, rising singer-songwriter Bianca fulfills the promise of her music journey with the release of her proper debut single under Sony Music Philippines.

Written by Bianca herself, “Tenth of July” delivers emotional resonance note per note, while retaining the spare, soothing vocal quality that listeners have grown to love from her. Seizing the moment with bedroom intimacy and captivating folk-pop detail, the track speaks fondly about memory and longing, and the beauty of remembering—as if it were words to live by.

“July of 2020, I had constant recurring dreams about someone I missed and it triggered me to write the song in order to cope with my emotions,” the young newcomer says in a statement. “Tenth of July to me is a reminder that we’re still able to reminisce and experience memories through dreaming and I hope that people who long for someone or something will be able to find comfort in the song.”

The endearing tune was produced by Joey Santos, whose cozy and lilting arrangements complement the warmth of Bianca’s songwriting and performance. Bianca recalls having a great time working with Santos, and appreciating his sense of enthusiasm and open-mindedness. “We both shared playlists to get inspiration from artists we thought would help with our brainstorming process. It was very easy to converse with him since he knew what I liked and he also introduced me to artists, who eventually became some of my favorites. He immediately applied my vision and inspirations to the production of the song, which ultimately unified it.”

Recording the harmonies and the guitar parts at home, Bianca shares that the sole purpose of completing the song is not to confront her own ego, but to comfort her future listeners. In terms of the track’s overall vibe, she wanted to showcase the more organic, mellow side of her music, but ensuring that the chorus powers through with the balance of inspirational message and confessional honesty.

“Tenth of July” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.Watch out for the premiere of her lyric video on July 10 (Saturday) at 7:00pm.

Universal link: lnk.to/Bianca-TenthofJuly

Source: Sony Music Philippines

Writing as Play

Today, my BDJ Spark Your Magic workbook presented me with this journaling prompt:

“Think back to playtime when you were younger. What did you love playing with? A toy? A game? A book? Write about this childhood experience. Feel that moment again.”

When I was younger, I pretended that I was a writer. I would write and draw on my journals about my day. I enjoyed chronicling my happenings even at such a young age. This is evident in my blog www.speakoutsam.com, where I still enjoy sharing my activities. No wonder blogging feels just like playing for me!

I enjoy blogging primarily for myself. I am my own audience. While I also enjoy featuring brands and artists that I resonate with, I still primarily blog to inspire myself everyday. I would say that this is like keeping the child in me alive.

Cafe Latte

Lately, it has been raining everyday during the afternoon. I usually have a cup of coffee to wake myself up during this time. The other day, I had coffee and an oatmeal cookie at Cinema ‘76 Cafe at Anonas after donating my hair. It gave me all the feels as it was emo weather and I had comfort food.

I highly recommend this cafe because it offers al fresco dining, affordable snacks and coffee, and of course, OPM music on repeat. Do check this out on your next cafe trip! You won’t be disappointed.

I Donated My Hair!

I recently donated my hair! This was my first haircut in more than two years, so it was a momentous occasion for me.

I had my haircut at Heads by Volu-med Salon, as they offer a discounted cut and style package for those who want to donate their hair to cancer patients. Best of all, the shoulder the shipping fee of the hair donation to Hair for Hope Philippines.

This is my second time to donate my hair to cancer patients. I feel so empowered to have the ability to help them in my own little way.

Please visit Hair for Hope to also donate your hair! God bless you!

The Itchyworms mark 25th anniversary with the release of stop-motion animation film, “The Life I Know”

Iconic pop-rock outfit The Itchyworms kick off their 25thanniversary in the music industry with the official video release of “The Life I Know,” a piano-backed ballad off their fifth studio album, Waiting For The End To Start—released on digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines.

Helmed by partners Marie Jamora and Jason McLagan of Indie Pop Films with animation from Apartment D, the music video is a first of its kind in the Philippines to feature a stop-motion animation format that is embedded with Filipino cultural sensibilities. 

The journey of Awit

According to award-winning filmmaker Marie Jamora, the music video follows the story of Awit, a toddler who begins to understand her place in the world as she gets more independent from her mom. Tension arises when an incoming new sibling threatens to take the place that was once her own comfort space. Marie Jamora adds, “with this spiritual quest, Awit realizes that she needs to accept her new baby brother in order to reconnect once again with her mother.” 

“Being a new mother myself and remembering the experience of having a baby in my own womb, I always wondered what was going on inside, whether there was a different universe that my baby lived in,” says Jamora. “This all inspired and informed me for our video. I don’t think I would have ever thought of this concept if I didn’t go through this experience.”

Director of animation Cami Kwan is proud of how important the film is in documenting the universal experience of growing up, and relates the concept to how a child starts to lose the world they’ve known, and navigate a new realm that is both uncomfortable and terrifying, but is part of a bigger life process. “There is a beauty and awe in embracing a wider world, of seeing beyond yourself, but there is an inherent loss in that as well, and we wanted to explore that sense of melancholy as well as that sense of power and joy.”

Trusted collaborator

Having worked with The Itchyworms for so many years as a former manager and music director for their timeless hits “Antipara,” “Buwan,” and “Love Team,” Jamora is a trusted collaborator of the band who has maintained a formidable friendship with them through the years. Lead vocalist, drummer and all-around musician Jazz Nicolas explains that of all the directors they’ve collaborated with, Jamora is the one that knows them really well. “I fully trust her with making this video. I asked her to make us a music video and to choose any song from the album she wanted to work on. She chose The Life I Know. I trust that she would put her whole heart into it and come up with something awesome, as she always does.”

“Personally, I always thought that her talent is really for the international stage,” co-lead vocalist, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Jugs Jugueta speaks fondly of Jamora. “With this project, we hope The Itchyworms too, can reach an international audience.”

Dream Weaver

As for the visual execution of the music video, Cami Kwan was excited with the infinite possibilities of the stop-motion animation as it “brings real materials to life in a way that no other art form can.” In true Filipino fashion, Kwan reveals that the team has always wanted to celebrate the tradition of weaving that exists in the country, specifically the textures and pattens in the work of T'Boli Dream Weaver. “The Dream World is made entirely of these traditional woven fabrics, and the characters are all made out of wool and other weaving materials,” the animator points out. “This fundamentally links the characters to the Dream World, which we also designed to evoke the feeling and patterns of a womb. Dreams and wombs are safe spaces, where anything is possible and where life can be created from nothing.”

The music video release of “The Life I Know” is part of a campaign series that aims to champion the legacy of Jazz Nicolas, Jugs Jugueta, Kelvin Yu, and Chino Singson a.k.a. The Itchyworms as one of the definitive bands of our time, a true mark of an artist that continues to shape pop culture consciousness for more than two decades and redefine Pinoy artistry with cross-generational classics. As part of the multiple celebrations that mark their existence for two decades and a half, The Itchyworms are also set to release the 25th anniversary single “Eto Na,” a music video to their title track “Waiting For The End To Start,” a mockumentary chronicling their official ‘untrue’ story and Worms Upon A Time podcast.

The music video of The Itchyworms’ “The Life I Know” will be out on the band’s Official YouTube Channeland WeTV at 7:00pm.

Source: Nyou

Bow Tie Top

I just crocheted this beautiful Bow Tie Top! I followed this tutorial by Filipina crochet designer Purple Haze Crochet. I used milk cotton yarn from Oh My Yarn!, and I worked with a 5.00mm hook.

This project is fun to make as you can easily watch a movie while crocheting. The tutorial was also clearly taught, so finishing it is a breeze.

I hope that you can also try this project out!

MAX DYLAN MAKES A STATEMENT WITH NEW LOOK AND SINGLE “+LEGENDARY+”

Listen here: https://MaxDylan.lnk.to/Legendary

+LEGENDARY+ | MAX DYLAN

If you’re a hip-hop fan in search of your next anthem, Max Dylan’s latest single “+LEGENDARY+” is exactly what you’re looking for.

“The title is self-explanatory. It’s about four dudes being legendary,” he grins. “Gusto ko siya maging youthful and almost like a flex sa mga haters. I wanted to drop a single na sobrang rockstar, if you know what I mean.”

(English translation: The title is self-explanatory. It’s about four dudes being legendary,” he grins. “I want it to sound youthful and almost like flexing to my haters. I wanted to drop a rockstar single, if you know what I mean.”)

Max says he wasn’t inspired by anything in particular when he wrote this song. All he wanted to do was create something powerful and raw. He did that by giving himself over to the strong emotions he felt when he first heard the beat.

“I felt na sobrang tumugma yung vibe niya sa energy ko nung time na yun. At the time nakaramdam ako ng rage, teen spirit and youth,” he explains.

(English translation: I felt that the vibe matches my energy during that time. I remember feeling rage and that youthful teen spirit.”)

Max is the kind of artist and person who’s not afraid to shake things up. When he was in elementary school, he became a Green Day superfan. He was also drawn to artists like Marilyn Manson and Ozzy Osbourne. Their aesthetics and energy inspired Max to forge his own path when it comes to fashion and music.

“It might be mysterious and weird to some, pero ganitotalaga yung gusto ko noon pa,” he says of his new look, which he debuted at the same time as “+LEGENDARY.+”

(English translation: “It might be mysterious and weird to some but this is how I wanted to look ever since,” he says of his new look, which he debuted at the same time as +LEGENDARY+. ”)

Max collaborated with three other hip-hop greats on “+LEGENDARY+”: AkoSiDogie, JRLDM, and King Promdi.

Watch the music video here: https://MaxDylan.lnk.to/MVLegendary

“Nung una kong ginawa yung kanta, alam ko na agad kung sino yung gusto kong makasama sa recording. SinaJRLDM at King Promdi talaga yung una kong naisip kasiat the time, kalalabas lang din nung kanta nilang‘Eighteen’ na napakalupit. Ang lupit ng tandem nila. Si Dogie naman, naisip kong isama kasi nakatrabaho na rinniya si King Promdi dati.”

(English translation: When I first made the song, I already know who are the people I want to record it with. It was JRLDM and King Promdi that time and it was also the same time when they released their dope track ‘Eighteen’. Their collaboration is out of this world. Akosi Dogie, on the other hand, I thought of him to collab with me on this track since he has also worked with King Promdi before.”)

Together, the four of them represent the dawning of a new era in OPM, specifically the local hip-hop scene. Max has definite ideas of what needs to happen in order for it to grow—so much so, in fact, that talking about it gets him all fired up.

“May iba kasi diyan na sobrang sarado na ang utak. I understand that may kanya-kanya tayong taste, kaso yungmentality nilang ganun holds us back. Madami pang sounds ang pwedeng ma-introduce dito. Once we move past their way of thinking, it’s only a matter of time para kumalat sa Pilipinas yung new sounds na sinasabi ko.”

(English translation: For sure there are people who are very close-minded. I understand that we all have different tastes and preferences but I think that mentality of being close-minded holds us back. There are a ton of sound and style that are yet to be showcased. Once we move past that way of thinking, it’s only a matter of time until these various sound and style will be viral in the Philippines.”)

With his devil-may-care attitude, Max Dylan is exactly the kind of shot in the arm Philippine hip-hop needs.

“If I were to describe my music, no boundaries siya. It’s innovative and true to who I really am. In the future, I want to show everyone kung ano ang kaya kong gawin as an artist,” he says.

(English translation: If I were to describe my music, I’d say it has no boundaries. It’s innovative and true to who I really am. In the future, I want to show everyone what I’m really capable of as an artist,” he says.)

“+LEGENDARY+” is out now on all digital music platforms. 

About Max Dylan:

Max Dylan is all about sticking to his guns no matter what. His influences include Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi Vert, and Ron Henley. Max describes his creative process as laid-back, and his music as “unapologetically him.” He goes where inspiration takes him when writing songs, and it usually takes him to exciting places.

Follow Max Dylan on social media:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Spotify  |  Twitter  |  YouTubeVEVO

Follow Def Jam PH for more updates:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  TikTok  |  YouTube

Source: Def Jam PH

Israel-Philippines Conclude 1st JCM on Science and Technology

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Israel and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines virtually held the 1st Philippines-Israel Joint Committee Meeting on Innovation, Science, and Technology on 30 June 2021 to discuss and agree on the priorities and specifics of the collaboration.

Delegates of the 1st Philippines-Israel Joint Committee Meeting 

on Innovation, Science, and Technology held virtually on 30th of June 2021

MOST Chief Scientist Avi Domb expressed his excitement in pushing through the collaboration with the Philippines. He also wished that the two countries will have long-term cooperation and will continue to discuss and prioritize the areas. Artificial Intelligence (Robotics), Agriculture (Water Management), and Health (Biomedical Engineering and Drug Discovery) are the initially identified topics.

DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina Guevara conveyed her appreciation that the meeting is convened to discuss joint activities to be pursued under the umbrella of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Scientific Cooperation signed on 03 September 2018. Undersecretary Guevara also emphasized that Israel is a valuable and priority partner for the DOST and hoped that the partnership will be fruitful and will benefit the people.

At the end of the meeting, the Philippines expressed its intention to send experts to Israel for training on drip irrigation systems, biomedical engineering and drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, among others. They also discussed joint development of AI applications for government or public service and emergency response. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on potential and priority areas of cooperation between Israel and the Philippines.

In attendance to the 1st JCM are the delegation from MOST headed by Prof. Avi Domb - Chief Scientist; Philippine delegation from DOST headed by Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara - Undersecretary for R&D; Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv headed by Philippine Ambassador to Israel H.E. Macairog Alberto; representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Pnina El-Al - Director, Culture, Education and Academic Cooperation Department; and Israel Embassy in the Philippines headed by Mr. Nir Balzam, Chargé d’Affaires a.i.

Source: Embassy of the State of Israel, Manila

LEAH HALILI SHARES ROMANTIC JOURNEY ON DEBUT SINGLE, FOURTH OF JULY

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili has taken her sound to warmer, more intimate places with the release of her debut single “Fourth of July”—out today on all digital music platforms worldwide.

A lovingly crafted, indie-folk tune that offers moments of pure bliss, the song tackles a romantic journey between two people who met and found instant connection. “I was inspired by life stories, and my personal story as well,” Halili shares. “Fourth of July is more than just a love song; it’s an ode to the immediate but unexpected thrill, the magic that only music can legibly explain.”

The song was written by Leah Halili herself, and produced by acclaimed singer-songwriter Carlos Castaño, who added remarkable layers to the arrangement. The collaboration resulted in a spare, but intricately beautiful piece that conveys Halili’smost compelling sense of artistic identity yet, which one could compare to the likes of Laura Marling and Lucy Rose.

“I wrote and finished the song sometime in June and sent it to my friend Carlos who instantly wanted to work on it,” says Leah Halili. “It was exciting to see how the song grew from just my vocals and guitar to a full band with strings. It was a bit challenging to record because I had to trust my musician friends to add their own sound to the song, and interpret it in a way that doesn’t compromise the integrity of the material. I’m glad that I took risk, and allowed these talented people to be part of my personal journey.”

“Fourth of July” boasts a competent pool of accomplished musicians, including Oh, Flamingo!’s Pat Sarabia on drums, John Apura on guitars, and Princess Ybanez on strings. Radiating positive energy, “Fourth of July” aims to resonate with anybody trying to rebuild themselves in the aftermath of uncertainty, finding light in love and second chances, and turning outwards to express one’s feelings with a more assured stance. “I want my listeners to feel the warmth of the song through its lyrics and overall sound. I hope they get to smile again, just by hearing the track.”

About Leah Halili

Leah Halili makes confessional folk-pop songs that memorialize small, intimate details and resonant experiences with a stripped-down direction. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is currently working on an upcoming EP to be independently released soon, with “Fourth Of July” as its first single.

With music influences that range from Bon Iver to Lucy Rose, Leah Halili challenges herself to find new dimensions in writing heartfelt songs about love, the lack of it, and its fugitive presence to most of us. 

Leah is also the bassist and vocalist of acclaimed six-piece band, The Ransom Collective.

Source: Nyou

Dance for Hope and A Cure

Yesterday, I joined a dance party for a friend’s fundraiser. She is undergoing chemotherapy, so a common friend organized a Zumba party via Zoom. In keeping with the times, we kept on dancing to some retro beats online. Our socially distant party was a lot of fun and I really burned some calories while at home.

While I miss dancing outdoors at our local park, I understand that the pandemic is still upon us and it is best to just workout at home. I am glad that there are online options to stay fit and active! I hope that this inspires you to also exercise while on quarantine.

Small Business Owner

Today, I took care of some orders from my small business. I am an online Human Nature distributor. I sell natural products for the whole family, the home, and even pets. Human Nature champions the poor because they employ the marginalized and empower micro entrepreneurs such as myself. All of our products are Made in the Philippines.

Please support my small business by buying from my online store! Every purchase is a step closer to my dreams. God bless you!

Alt-R&B trio brb. releases performance video of hit single “saint”

Internationally acclaimed R&B trio, brb. has finally dropped the performance video of their latest single “saint” at 11pm on July 2, 2021 (Friday). 

This marks the first time that brb. is putting out a live performance showcase for one of their new releases. 

“Planning this performance was a fun challenge for us,” brb.’s very own Marc Lian shares in a statement. “This pandemic was a real reset for us and we hope that our fans will like this new direction that we are taking.”

Auzaie Zie reveals that he had a great time being in the same room together with brb., and performing “saint” live with the gang for the very first time. “It's nothing close to the energy being on a real stage but it was really fun nonetheless. I can't wait to perform this song live for everyone to hear.”

"saint" is the lead track of their sophomore EP, fleur, which chronicles a change in direction for the R&B’s group in terms of sound and vibe. Fans can look forward to more experimentation and some incredible collaborations they have lined up with amazing artists from all over Asia in the coming months

Source: Nyou

Calico Flowers Scarf

I just finished crocheting the Calico Flowers Scarf. I followed this free pattern from Yarnspirations. I used a 6mm hook and rainbow cotton yarn from Shopee.

The pattern is intermediate-level, but I think it can be doable even for advanced crocheters. Just be sure to count stitches and ensure that the gauge is followed.

I hope that this inspires you to make something during this pandemic. Creating beautiful things is uplifting and fulfilling. Do give it a try!

Iced Coffee Trip

I was craving for some me time earlier this week, so I headed to Cinema ‘76 Cafe for an afternoon by myself. I ordered their delicious iced latte and tried their oatmeal cookie. It was a winning combo that I will definitely order again!

I love indie cafes like this one because they have soul. I feel more aligned with myself after some coffee and a pastry. It is a privilege to enjoy a few hours by myself during the pandemic. I look forward to having coffee again next week in order to regroup and reflect on my life and plans.

Auric and Ice

I am happy with my latest jewelry purchase. I got Auric and Ice’s crescent flatback for my conch and I am really impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and sparkle! They used G+ colored diamonds for this piece, and it is internally-threaded. It is the perfect piece for downsizing my conch piercing.

For genuine gold and diamond local piercing jewelry, follow Auric and Ice on Instagram! This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a satisfied customer.

Alex Bruce comes swinging with unapologetic banger “Fake Friends”

After gaining crossover success with her previous single “Yakap,” a charming ode to young romance in hip-hop/R&B form, Alex Bruce is putting her feminine swaggeryet again on display with the release of her new track “Fake Friends.”

Propelled by spirited delivery and eclectic production, the prolific rapper’s supremely fun single takes a swipe at former friends who take more than what they give. According to Alex Bruce, the song pokes fun at the unnecessary drama caused by backstabbing pals, expressing her sentiments on how she refuses to be part of its narrative.  “Fake friends are everywhere, but I decided to focus more on pressing matters,” Bruce recounts. “This song is a return to form: a banger that allows me to speak my mind and be honest about what I feel.”

The versatile young rapper comes swinging with another standout that recalls her more unapologetic jams, with its vibe decidedly upbeat and packed with energy, and Bruce’s rapping conditioned for a showstopping performance that exceeds expectations without even appearing like she’s trying. The catchy tune is produced by frequent collaborator Cursebox and Brian Lotho, and co-written by Alex Bruce with her dad.

“This song is four months in the making,” says Alex Bruce. “I wrote the verses last year during the first lockdown, and I’m grateful that Sony was kind enough to give this tune a chance to be released in public. I’m really proud of the production and the unexpected transitions within the song. It’s quite a game-changer, musically speaking.”

The song’s cover art, which includes Bruce wearing venomous snakes on her head as part of a colorful collage, was designed by renowned artist War Espejo who has worked with the likes of Lourd de Veyra and Spot.ph.

The “Fake Friends” official release also comes with a performance video set to premiere on Alex Bruce’s YouTube channel at 7pm on June 30, 2021. Shot at the All Stars Dance Studio South, the endearing clip features Alex Bruce on vocals, with fellow Nike endorser and Philippine All Stars’ very own AC Lalata as the choreographer, and Titus Cee as video director.

Alex Bruce’s “Fake Friends” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

Bow Ring

I recently bought an 18k gold bow ring for myself from Maria’s Gold Iloilo. I have always liked ribbons, but I was told that I was not girly enough to wear them. Now that I am 34 years old, I have realized that my style can be a mix of girly and fierce. In this case, my bow ring ties together my feminine and edgy styles.

I think that it is okay to be both feminine and sporty. I also have an edgy side, which is evident in my piercings and love for black. What matters most is that I carry myself with elegance and dignity no matter what my outfit of the day is. Confidence is timeless.

Quielle Knot Ring

My partner recently gave me a Quielle Knot Ring when he visited our home for the first time. He met my mom and gave her some pastries. It was a good day and I will forever cherish this ring to remind me of our relationship.

Guys, if you want to give a present to your special someone, observe what she usually buys and where she buys them from. I am a longtime Quielle customer so this gift makes me feel special. I highly recommend this item as it is locally-made using high quality stainless steel.

Have a good week ahead, everyone!

For Goodness Cake: The Story of Sweet Resilience As Told By Conti’s Employees

Cake has always been a signature of Filipino celebrations—a symbol of gratitude for the life of others. It serves as a gift and a reminder that one’s existence is special; cake is a universal item of love and appreciation.

 When the pandemic struck, many of us were restricted within our homes, and getting together is not as easy as before. But distance did not stop us from celebrating our loved ones through a round cake at the center of the dining table.

Thanks to the “pasabuy” effort that is born from the spirit of bayanihan and resiliency among Filipinos, buying did not have to be risky and difficult. Not only does it support small-time businesses, it also opened an earning opportunity for people who lost their jobs amidst the crisis.  

Indeed, many businesses were affected by the quarantine. Conti’s is no different. The popular Bakeshop & Restaurant had to reassess the situation to gain back their footing. This was when they found out about the pasabuy diskarte that people started employing.

The idea inspired Conti’s to continue bringing delight to Filipinos. They wanted to do something for the growing community of pasabuyers who have been making a living out of doing all these shared deliveries. 

 That is how Conti’s brought the Delight Shoppers Program to a start. By training pasabuyers in the proper handling and proper delivery of their cake products, they not only opened a working opportunity for many Filipinos, but they also found a solution on how to reach more far-flung areas that they weren’t able to reach before.

The pasabuyers, now called the Delight Shoppers, continue to provide innovative service and delight to more Filipinos.

“This is a program we are truly proud of, it is a testament to Conti’s commitment to helping the community. We are here really to delight customers, and be able to share those memorable experiences with everyone,” quips Joey Reyes, President and CEO of Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant.

To date, Conti’s Delight shoppers number to about 75, and because of them, the cake goodness of Conti’s now reach the areas of Tacloban, La Union, and Quezon. 

Conti’s released a video about the campaign’s beginnings, documenting the human stories behind the wonderful initiative.

Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=971349370299041

Follow Conti’s Bakeshop for more updates:

Facebook | Instagram | Official Website

Source: Nyou

SB19 and Ben&Ben make history with generation-defining version of “MAPA”

SB19 and Ben&Ben, two of the biggest Philippine acts, are making history again with a re-recording of the former’s smash single “MAPA” under Sony Music.

In a year marked by self-imposed isolation and forced withdrawal from the outside world, the inspirational ballad brims with positive light as it honors every loving and hardworking parent out there, who made our journey toward life bearable, and filled with important lessons.

According to Roslyn Pineda, Sony Music’s General Manager, Philippines and Vice President, Business Development, Asia, there was clamor from the general public for #SBen19 since last year.

Mutual love and respect

“How did it happen? Basically, SB19 had an idea — a band version of MAPA,” Pineda discloses. “And Ben&Ben said yes in a heartbeat, which perhaps shouldn’t have come as a surprise given their ‘Ma, may ___ na kami’ captions on social media that make their devotion to their parents public knowledge. As their label, it was wonderful for us to see SB19 and Ben&Ben get along so well.  And when they performed together on one stage, I don’t think anyone could deny—it was pure magic!”

SB19 shares Pineda’s enthusiasm, adding that when they were still trainees, the internationally recognized boyband had been dreaming of what it would be like working with the nine-piece collective. “It was really nice because while working, we were able to share stories and experiences that brought us closer. Also, during the shoot of our video, we were encouraging each other to gain confidence and just enjoy the performance.”

Both SB19 and Ben&Ben made a surprising announcement about the release of the new version of “MAPA” last June 18, which sent #SB19BenAndBen and #SBEN19MAPA to the top of the Twitter trending topics at #1 and #2 respectively.

Delicate arrangements and intricate details

Packed with jazzy, orchestral details, inviting harmonies, and expansive arrangements, the new version of “MAPA” frames its extraordinary paean of parental love with commitment to emotional sincerity and nuanced storytelling. SB19 was gracious enough to give Ben&Ben(whose debut album, Limasawa Street is now certified-triple platinum) permission to rearrange the material, ensuring that it stays faithful to the creative vision of both groups, collaboratively and individually. 

According to Ben&Ben, “We were 100% involved with the process. They gave us free liberty to arrange the song, only giving us additional comments to help make some parts flow better. Pablo (SB19) and Pat were directly coordinating and constantly giving updates, and the suggestions he gave greatly helped us during the final recording sessions.”

Ben&Ben revealed that all of the band members were creatively responsible for their individual parts, but the entire arrangement was mainly conceptualized and spearheaded by Pat and Poch. “They’re two of the most technically proficient in the band when it comes to arranging intricate sections, and they wanted to add that to support the powerful message of the original song. Arrangement-wise, we wanted to make it distinct from the original, adding fun rhythms and grand sections. We felt that doing this added weight, and served to support the powerful vocal performance of both acts.”

The instrumentation takes a huge artistic leap by updatingthe original with layers of sonic ambition and introspection, and as a result, rebuilding the sound from the ground up, while creating magic that transcends beyond the material. “We want people to have a different vibe about the song,” SB19’s Pablo points out. “The original version is more mellow, while this version gives it a rich, well-rounded, and a happy feeling - put together in such a way that it makes listeners feel more uplifted when they hear the song.”

Historic first

In what could be a landmark-defining event to promote the team-up, SB19 and Ben&Ben recently shot a performance video of the song at the historic Manila Metropolitan Theatre.

Pineda takes immense pride in this feat. “The Manila Metropolitan Theater is a revered national treasure,” the record label executive shares. “Apparently, it’s the only existing art deco building of its size and integrity in Asia. So to have SB19 and Ben&Ben be the first artists to grace this iconic venue after 6 years of restoration is nothing short of a groundbreaking cultural moment”.

The performance video will officially drop on June 27, 2021 at 7pm on SB19’s Official YouTube account.

SB19 and Ben&Ben’s “MAPA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Source: Sony Music Philippines