I just finished this sunflower embroidery project! Instructions were in English, so I immediately got the hang of it. I used all the materials included in the kit. I was able to finish it in a week’s time. I really enjoyed making this!
Buy it here! It looks great with other sunflower-themed objects, such as my mom’s sunflower bouquet.
Enjoy!
I enjoyed reading Not Invisible by Filipina blogger and author, Frances Amper Sales. She is the brave and articulate woman behind the blog Topaz Horizon. I have been reading her blog ever since I was in university. This is why I can still relate to her posts. While she has included motherhood and marriage into her posts, she still writes with candor about everyday life. Her posts always end on a positive note, reminding her readers that life goes on inside her apartment with her husband and three kids. I like her energy and will to live.
Her book is an extension of her blog. I felt excited when I first heard about her book, because this has been a part of her plans ever since. I know that I can always access her blog, but it’s still different when you read one’s memoir. I laughed, cried, and felt encouraged while reading this. I can relate to Frances’ strong beliefs about staying single and child-free when she was younger, until she met her future husband Vince.
I am now in a relationship, and when I grow up, I would like to have a family that is similar to hers!
I was pleasantly surprised to find my name in the Acknowledgements section. I am touched that the author remembered me! I hope that you will also enjoy Frances’ writing. You will love this book! Buy it here.
Enjoy!
I have been a Sunnies Face Airblush user for two years now. I love this cheek tint because the formula is perfect for my normal skin type. It also stays in place over my sunscreen. I have no allergic reactions to it. Plus, it is a Filipino brand!
My recent fave is this shade called Disco. It may look red on the pot but trust me, it registers well on my medium skin tone and keeps me looking fresh whether on selfies or on Zoom.
Buy it here and see the difference today!
I am so proud to announce that I am part of the upcoming literary anthology Warm Tea on a Rainy Day edited by Edison Dizon. It is an international collection of stories on the theme Writer’s Choice.
It is going to be released both in print and on Amazon. I am so excited, and honored to be part of this endeavor!
The team behind this remarkable anthology will be accepting literary submissions until 25 September 2021. I encourage you all to submit your entries! For more details, please visit the book’s official Facebook page.
Best of luck to all!
I recently bought a KFC Double Down and ate it in less than five minutes! It’s so good! I buy this whenever they release it. It’s an indulgent treat that I allow myself to have because it reminds me of happy memories. I highly recommend this!
Order here and enjoy your KFC Double Down!
If you want to try something new especially during this rainy season, let me recommend the this delicious Tapa Flakes meal from Gubat. The UP Diliman restaurant has become a source of joy for me and my family during the pandemic. We have become patrons of their binalot meals, and they always arrive fresh and hot.
Please support them and order here. Enjoy!
I recently got featured by the Intramuros Administration on their Facebook page. I shared my photo at the Casa Museum Museum.
I shared my story on the Walled City:
There was a time, before the pandemic when I would go to Intramuros every week. I am an avid brisk walker, and the change of scenery sparked my imagination while burning calories. What would have been my life if I lived during the Spanish era? Will I be happy in this bedroom? Will the cobblestones inspire me to keep on exploring beyond the walls? Will there be a place for me under the colonial sun? My Intramuros walks inspired me to think of a life different from my own. These walks pushed me to read historical fiction during the lockdown. I look forward to returning to Intramuros when things are much better.
I am passionate about the Walled City because it is a witness to our nation’s history and culture. I enjoy my walks there, and I want to go back once it is safe to go to out again. I hope that the pandemic will be over soon so that I can continue #myintramurosstory.
Local small business Bamba Buns has been making waves of late online. I have seen their mouthwatering photos, so I ordered a boxed set of three chicken burgers and two sides for me and my family.
WE LOVED OUR BAMBA BUNS!
I got the Caesar which was a sandwich version of my favorite salad. It was so flavorful! Meanwhile, their onion rings and homemade fries were also delicious.
I recommend this to anyone who likes chicken sandwiches as much as I do! Check out Bamba Buns on Instagram to place an order today!
I just received my copy of Didache 2022. This daily Bible devotional makes me feel blessed with the articles and true stories from believers. I have been a Didache reader since I was in grade school, and I just never stopped since this annual book has kept me going. When the going gets tough, I just kept on believing thanks to Didache’s stories. I highly recommend this little book not just to Catholics, but also to Christians of every denomination.
To get your own copy of Didache 2022, buy here! May God bless you!
After going viral on TikTok and subsequently charting on Spotify Global Viral 50 Chart where it peaked at No. 17, Singapore-based singer-songwriter Sezairi is currently on the rise with the recent success of his single “It’s You.”
A rousing ballad that showcases the journey of putting one’s fears to rest when it comes to loving someone, “It’s You” is part of Sezairi’s recently released EP, Undertones.
“I had a lot of things in mind when writing this song but I guess the underlying theme is love,” the chart-topping artist opens up about the inspiration behind the track. “It’s like going on this crazy journey just searching for ‘the one’ and then having a sudden realization, and disbelief even, that you already know who you were looking for and that they were always there and will always be there for you no matter what. It’s also a sort of ode, a thank you to that special someone in your life.”
The song is steadily climbing on Spotify Philippines’ Top 100 charts, ranking at No. 57 overall, and has received significant push after SB19’s Stell mentioned the song in a group interview with Rolling Stone Magazine. “It’s You” has also peaked at No. 2 and No. 7 on Spotify Philippines Viral 50 and Spotify Pop Rising Philippines respectively, No. 1 on Spotify Singapore and Malaysia Viral 50 charts, and No. 3 on Indonesia’s iTunes charts. To date, it has amassed over 42 million streams on Spotify alone, making it one of the biggest songs in the Southeast Asian region.
Few months ago, Sezairi also released a brand-new single called “Blue” which features up and coming Korean artist and fellow Sony Music labelmate, msftz. The smooth and jazzy pop funk number has an upbeat tempo and welcomes listeners into a proverbial safe space to talk about matters of the heart.
According to Sezari, 'Blue' is a song that he wrote to remind himself that “loving each other means that you share a space, free of all judgement and anger.” He adds, “the song is in itself a conversation — a call of vulnerability that requires a pillar of support in response.”
“It’s You” and “Blue” (feat. msftz) are available now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.
Source: Nyou
Following his viral success on TikTok and other online music platforms, Clinton Kane is taking the country by storm with the release of his stripped-down pop ballad “I GUESS I’M IN LOVE,” under Columbia Records and Sony Music.
Detailing the winding journey and range of feelings that come with finally finding true love, the emotional single is currently at No. 4 on Spotify Philippines charts, and has amassed nearly 23 million streams since its release last August 20, 2021. The track is currently a mainstay on various local radio charts, ranking within the top 20 of Manila-based mainstream radio stations, RX 93. 1 and 99.5 Play FM.
Over at TikTok, The Filipino-Norwegian star’s chart-topping track has been covered by Filipino artists, including SB19’s Pablo, whose stellar rendition garnered close to 200k views in less than an hour.
Overseas, the Australia-based artist has also debuted at the US Billboard Hot 100 at No. 90, and continues to climb on several official music charts all around the world, including his home country Australia (ARIA, No. 27), Canada (Canadian Hot 100, No. 50), UK (UK Singles Chart, No. 23), New Zealand (RMNZ, No. 27), and more.
“I GUESS I’M IN LOVE” has been building fan fever since Clinton Kane began teasing the track on his social media. With the song racking up pre-saves and over 40k fan-made TikTok videos using the sound, Clinton has finally shared the love song of 2021 that listeners everywhere have been waiting for. Continuing to connect with each release, “I GUESS I’M IN LOVE” follows his February breakthrough hit “CHICKEN TENDIES,” which has accumulated over 90M streams worldwide.
Follow Clinton Kane:
Website | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Clinton Kane’s “I GUESS I’M IN LOVE” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Columbia Records and Sony Music.
Source: Sony Music Philippines
I discovered Rice Rocket’s fried chicken fillet a few months ago, and it has become my favorite boneless fried chicken. Their butter gravy reminds me of comforting days spent in bed all day long. Their garlic rice is generous in serving, and provides a satisfying backdrop to the innate flavor of their fried chicken. You have to try this.
Rice Rocket is available at select Army Navy stores and through food delivery apps.
I recently made my third embroidery piece as The Craft Central’s pattern tester for their Daisies kit. I enjoyed this project, and I even learned some life lessons along the way.
Here were the lessons that I have uncovered while learning embroidery:
It is okay to be a beginner at something new.
Learning a new skill grows our mindset and improves our adaptability.
Starting something new as an adult teaches humility.
Finishing a project gives satisfaction and joy, especially during the global pandemic.
So, if you think that you need some time away from your gadgets, I highly recommend embroidery! Visit The Craft Central to browse their embroidery kits. Stitch tutorials can be found on YouTube! This is a skill that will help you relax as you expand your mind.
Enjoy embroidery!
Acclaimed rapper-songwriter Peaceful Gemini honors the importance of Filipina identity on the music video of “Mariposa,” her first official single under Sony Music Philippines.
Directed by young filmmaker Josh Cesario, the visual narrative brings to life the shared historical and socially contingent relationship between women and nature.
Centered on the themes of sisterhood, women empowerment, feminine intimacy, and rituals, the “Mariposa” music video finds both Peaceful Gemini and fellow rapper DB tha Girl embracing the tropical island vibes with an anthem that carves out a space for women of color to move past patriarchal pressures and embrace their innate power.
“Women are worth so much more than what society tells us,” the Las Piñas-born artist explains. “'Years and years of misalignment with the truth of our importance and worth is rapidly opening a door to a new paradigm wherein women are to be honored and that becomes the norm. We are divine. Through our womb is the portal of life. We bring balance. We birth life into the world. Mariposa is anthem to embody these messages. It is a reclamation of our divinity as women and as a Filipina. Embracing what we got - whether struggles or success - because they are testament to our growth. Women deal with a lot of complexities but it is in returning back to our roots that makes these layers easier to understand. Turning back to nature, to community, to rituals, to honoring our ancestors - helps us make sense of things that once used to bewilder us.”
Crushing stereotypes and capturing the essence of what it means to be a Filipina, Peaceful Gemini teams up with fellow rapper DB tha Girl in setting the precedent of incorporating women empowerment themes in modern hip-hop. The duo started working on the track since 2019, with prolific producer Pope Fiction dropping a soulful, Partynextdoor-inspired beat to complement the tune’s rallying sentiments.
Peaceful Gemini recounts, “we allowed time, space and experience to marinate the song. Three years later, everything just flowed organically into place. Nothing rushed or forced because the process of creating it carried an energy and intention that respected the natural flow.”
The music video of “Mariposa” is out now on Peaceful Gemini’s official YouTube page.
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About Peaceful Gemini
Known for her sharp, introspective lyricism and spiritual eloquence, Filipina rapper and songwriter Peaceful Gemini continues to helm socially conscious narratives that capture the collective and marginalized voices of women in general—reclaiming their place in a genre that often dismisses their historical contribution and importance.
Born Nicole M. Leonar, the eclectic artist has found her footing in the independent and underground music scene as part of the alternative hip-hop outfit, Assembly Generals, and as the person behind Peaceful Gemini.
Her music as Peaceful Gemini is presented as a journey in itself, where sharing her stories, ideas, intentions, art, energy, and music with the rest of the world is her way for more healing to open up and hopefully, inspire more lost souls to find their purpose in the process.
In 2019, Peaceful Gemini released her first EP, Middle OfNowHere. The soulful and hypnotic record was an ode to that phase in time wherein the practice of staying grounded to the present moment was the ideal. Moreover, Middle Of NowHere is about Peaceful Gemini’s self-discovery that led her to explore spiritual and outside themes within the context of hip-hop. The EP garnered critical success upon its initial release, with ABS-CBN News’ Rick Olivares praising it as “an expression of Peaceful Gemini’s femininity and seeking to push the envelope in this new world.”
The acclaimed album was followed by the release of her biggest hit so far, the empowering anthem “Warrior Princess.” The 2020 single offers devotion “to raising awareness with the world and within ourselves” and champions the need to build new and better systems to spark some drastic and major changes in the country.
At present, Peaceful Gemini is signed to Sony Music Philippines in preparation for her new music era. She is also one of Spotify’s RADAR artists in the Philippines, the platform’s global emerging artist program that aims to help up-and-coming artists in all stages of their development as they connect with new audiences.
Source: Sony Music Philippines
I recently finished my second embroidery piece as a pattern tester for The Craft Central. So far, I learned that embroidery takes a lot of patience for the stitches to look polished. Also, I was able to stay away from my phone as I was making this project. It was a lesson on focus and determination during the lockdown.
I recommend this project to beginners like myself, as well as to anyone who wants a new hobby that is not gadget-related! Check out The Craft Central for embroidery kits and future announcements regarding pattern testers.
AMS kicks off with week-long panel discussions
The second edition of ASEAN Music Showcase Festival(AMS) kicks off with week-long activities spotlighting the thriving music scenes in the region aimed at fostering stronger and sustainable global connections amidst a pandemic-stricken industry and well after.
This year, AMS continues its program expansion with the latest addition of week-long panel discussions beginning on Monday, September 6, featuring respected music industry leaders in Asia and beyond.
Deeper exchanges
AMS co-organizers recognize the importance of collaboration. Having built their professional and creative relationships through participating in international showcases and conferences through the years, one of the integral parts of these events is the panel discussions.
The esteemed panelists represent various music showcase festivals, agencies, labels, managements, and other music organizations and companies, including LUCfest, Sun Eater, DMZ Peace Train/Flipped Coin Music, The VenopianSolitude, Seen Scene Space, MASPAM Records, SCAPE, Warner Music Asia, and Tunecore.
Guest speakers and moderators will delve into topics including touring around Southeast Asia (September 6); identifying and differentiating consumer versus showcase festivals (September 7); dissecting case studies of successful ASEAN artists (September 8); the roles of independent and major music labels in today’s musical landscape (September 9); and a candid talk from AMS organizers themselves (September 10). The panel discussions will stream live on AMS’ Facebook daily at 8 PM, Singapore time.
Celebrating multi-genre, multicultural music artistry
As a showcase festival untethered to conventional methods of traditional or consumer music festivals, it’s vital for AMS to match the right artists with the right kind of talent buyers. “Seeing it through my own experience, music conference and showcase festival delegates who are most active are the ones who energetically jump from venue to venue hoping to see as many bands as possible. So, for AMS we also try to select artists who have that same secret sauce but do not have to belong in the same genres,” shares co-organizer Piyapong ‘Py’ Muenprasertdee.
Over the weekend (September 11-12), AMS will broadcast genre-defying sets from 28 ASEAN artists from ASEAN, including indie-pop band Sobs and singer-songwriter Kitty Purrnaz, which were added as part of the Singapore artist lineup.
Cultivating opportunities
The final part of AMS 2021’s program takes place on Monday, September 13. The privately held virtual networking event aims to open doors for ASEAN artists to grow and expand their network. Delegates from the panel discussions and representatives from ASEAN-based Okhna Park, BeritaAngkasa, Gelombang Maju Jaya, FFWD Records, Amity Asia, altspace.id, Tala Records Asia, The Wknd, TONGTONG Asia, Raising The Bar, Island Records Philippines, Indie Manila, GNN Entertainment Productions, Melt Records, Where Are The Fruits, Pulse City, HipHopDXAsia, Baybeats/The Esplanade, Speakerbox, Cat Radio & Cat Expo, Big Mountain Music Festival, Maho Rasop Festival, Coracle Festival, Locally Trapped Wildlife, Hanoi Community Radio, and 1900 Le Théâtr, Dusted Recordings, and Gig Life Pro will join in the virtual networking event.
International delegation (specifically East Asia, Australasia, Europe, and North America) comprise of MusicDish 独立小炒, New Noise, Sound of the Xity, Inter Idoru, Music From Okinawa, BIG ROMANTIC RECORDS, Highjinkx/Beeline Records, Golden Melody Awards, Tron Music, Clockenflap, Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO), This Much Talent, Club Media, Achord Agency, Earth Beat, Live At Heart, Smallfish Artist Management Agency, SXSW, Small World Music / Global Toronto, Beat House, and Jaded Media LLC.
AMS is brought to you by Fungjai, NYLON Thailand, and Bangkok Music City from Thailand; The Rest Is Noise PHfrom the Philippines; Steady State Records from Singapore; SRM from Indonesia; City Roars Festival from Malaysia; Baramey Production from Cambodia; and Monsoon Music Festival and Swan Zoo from Vietnam.
This year’s edition is co-presented by Malaysia’s Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA); the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); the National Arts Council, Singapore; a US-based digital music distributor TuneCore; Singaporean NPO that supports youth, talent and leadership development, *SCAPE; and Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO).
The festival is also supported by Music Copyright (Thailand) Ltd. (MCT) and festival partners Global Toronto; Live at Heart; Golden Melody Awards & Festival; LUCfest; ZAshare; Sound of the Xity; Trans Asia Music Meeting (TAMM); and Institut français de Hanoi-L'Espace.
Source: Nyou
I recently finished my first embroidery piece as a pattern tester for The Craft Central. I had fun working on this project, as I realized that I can definitely do embroidery! The instructions were clear. When I also shared on my socials that I was beginning embroidery, my friends messaged me tips on stitches and notions. I am grateful to have discovered this craft!
I highly recommend being a pattern tester at least once in your life. You will learn new stitches, find out what patterns make you happy, and expand your skill set.
Follow The Craft Central to know more about their upcoming pattern tester batches, and to support their shop.
They say that you have to do something that terrifies you every now and then. Guess what- embroidery scares me! I may be skilled in crocheting and knitting, but embroidery just intimidates me. So, I challenged myself by signing up as The Craft Central’s pattern tester for their Daisies beginner kit.
First impressions: the kit was packed in bubble wrap. It arrived on September 1st, and I think I have enough time to overcome my fear of embroidery by the challenge deadline on the 30th!
The kit came with carbon paper, three pieces of cloth, two embroidery needles, embroidery floss, stitch guide (in English!), patterns, and embroidery hoop.
The first step is to trace the pattern onto the cloth. Since I used to work in a bank, I am familiar with carbon paper! I can do this, no worries!
I got the tracing done in one go. Now on to the actual stitching!
I used the color guide to match the thread to the appropriate parts of the pattern. Since the first stitch needed was the satin stitch, I did not have any problem with just doing it. Before I knew it, I was stitching yellow petals and I felt confident with my progress!
I may be a slow stitcher, but I will get there! Slowly but surely, I will overcome my fear of embroidery and finish my first pattern.
Wish me luck!
I recently finished reading Covid Proof Your Soul by Marjorie Duterte. The book was “unputdownable” due to its practical tips on how to survive the pandemic and beyond. The author wrote about her goal for the book: for it to become a vaccine for our souls during these unprecedented times. I think that she was able to fulfill this goal because of the following:
She shared her own personal stories on how she overcame personal challenges which strengthened her and emotionally prepared her for the pandemic.
Her experience with grief and heartbreak has allowed her to be more empathetic. She was able to write a book on this and has enumerated steps on how to overcome the emotional challenges that we will experience during this time.
She integrates scriptures into the book. She reminds the reader that God is in control.
She shares online resources that the reader could call or email should the need arise for counseling and professional help.
Get your copy of this ebook today and be blessed! I really hope that it helps you as much as it has worked wonders for me.
Stay safe and healthy!
Award-winning British girl group Little Mix storms back into the global pop consciousness with their new single “Love (Sweet Love)”—out today via Sony Music.
Written by Jade and Leigh-Anne with solid gold hitmaker MNEK, alongside Lauren Aquilina and Sakima, “Love (Sweet Love)” is a soaring pop anthem about love and passion, made more exciting by the trio’s stunning vocal harmonies and the track’s upbeat production.
The highly anticipated track is the first single off Little Mix’s first greatest hits album, Between Us, which the girl band considers as a “celebration of 10 years of hits, friendship and new tracks."
"We are so excited for ‘Love (Sweet Love)’ to be the first single released from Between Us,” Leigh Ann shares. “We loved shooting the video for this song, it feels like a real moment and we can’t wait to share it.”
Little Mix’s upcoming compilation album, Between Us pays tribute to a decade of global tunes from a record-breaking pop band. All of their biggest hits are featured on the album including their No.1 singles “Wings,” “Black Magic,” “Shout Out To My Ex” and “Sweet Melody,” alongside major hits such as “Touch,” “Move,” “Power,” “Salute,” and their latest top 3 smash “Heartbreak Anthem.”
The campaign will also feature five brand new sensational Little Mix songs that the trio have been working on over the last few months, bringing their decade of chart smashes bang up to date.
Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards have established themselves as the world’s biggest girl band - they have sold over 50 million records worldwide, collected over 19 million Spotify listeners, received over 3 billion YouTube views, and collated 12 billion streams worldwide.
2021 has proved to be a record-breaking year so far for the band. Earlier this year Little Mix won 'Best British Group' at the 2021 BRIT Awards, the first female group in history to ever win the award. Then this August saw Little Mix celebrate 100 weeks in the Official UK Singles Chart Top 10, the most for a girl band in history.
Earlier this year the band hit No.1 in the UK with their smash hit single ‘Sweet Melody’, their 5th UK No.1 single. Their 6th album, Confetti has so far spawned four hit singles and had track sales of over 4 million.
2022 will see the band finally hit the road with their highly anticipated Confetti Tour taking in arenas across the UK and Ireland.
Little Mix’s “Love (Sweet Love)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.
Source: Sony Music Philippines
