Barbie Almalbis to drop her fourth album, Scenes From Inside this Friday!

Filipina singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis is set to release her fourth studio album, Scenes From Inside on July 16 (Friday) via 12 Stone Records and Sony Music Philippines.

Delivering intricately produced pop-rock gems with melodic sweetness, the 9-track release is a testament to Almalbis’ consistency as an artist who never gets tired of leveling up her craft and expanding her vision with newfound inspiration.

“Recording is truly one of my favorite parts about being a musician, but working on everything in one go also often made me feel burned out, and it would take some time to get recharged,” Almalbis shares in a statement. “For Scenes From Inside, we got to focus on just a couple of songs at time, releasing singles instead of an album, allowing us to work at a more relaxed pace, and before we knew it, the album was done!  This new process has made this album the easiest one to finish.”

Scenes From Inside is considered to be Barbie Almalbis’ most collaborative work to date, bringing in a pool of co-songwriters that are dear to her heart, including real-life partner Martin Honasan, aunt Alya Honasan, friend Michelle Rivera, and more.

With Dari Crème and GNN Entertainment Productions as its official partners, the upcoming album will be launched with an online live performance featuring Barbie Almalbisand her bandmates: Karel Honasan on bass, Jonard Boloron drums, and Nikko Rivera on keyboards.

The virtual album launch will be streamed live on her official Facebook page this July 16 (Friday) from 7pm onwards, with Almalbis taking the virtual stage to perform the new songs from the album, as well as some classic favorites.

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

A-Meal-Ya’s

My family and I love ordering food from A-Meal-Ya’s! This cloud kitchen has been serving family favorites this pandemic. Their food has brightened up our days as they brought back good memories.

Our favorites are the pork binagoongan, steak rice, and orange chicken. We are repeat customers because we simply love their food. This is not a sponsored post! I am just that happy to promote their food so that you can also try them for yourself.

Eat well and stay healthy, everyone!

Pilya’s Kitchen July 2021

I recently visited Pilya’s Kitchen at The Grid Food Market for some delicious hand-pulled noodles! Their biang biang noodle soup has been my favorite food delivery during the pandemic. Since then, I have been a fan! I first visited their stall at The Grid last February. I missed their food so much.

Of course I had to order their famous beef biang biang noodle soup! It tastes like a hug on a rainy day. It is filling, comforting, and delicious.

Look at how thick these noodles are! Each bowl is prepared upon ordering. The noodles were hand-pulled with love by their resident chef, Kriza Palmero.

This is a sure winner so you better try this the next time that you are at Power Plant Mall! You won’t be disappointed.

And if you meet Chef Kriza there, please say hi! She is the nicest friend, so I hope you will also support her business!

Stay safe, everyone!

Everyday Happiness

Today, my BDJ Spark Your Magic workbook assigned to me this journaling prompt:

“When was the last time you laughed out loud? What was it about? Who were you with? Were you alone or with a good friend?”

I last laughed out loud while watching the Magulo Na Bacarros weekly vlog. I am a regular listener of the Wake Up With Jim and Saab podcast, so their vlog has also become a part of my routine.

I adore Saab Magalona and Jim Bacarro’s two sons Pancho and Vito. Their laughter and playtime makes me so happy. I feel like their playmate whenever I watch their vlog. I usually do so by myself while crocheting at home.

I look forward to each vlog episode because I remember the innocence of childhood and how awesome it is to be happy with the simplest joys. I hope to regain the ability to be glad with life’s everyday surprises!

I am so excited for Monday’s vlog episode!

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!

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

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