Hi everyone! My book, Speak Blog Live, is now available exclusively at https://linktr.ee/speakoutsam 📕 I hope that you can support me by purchasing a copy! To know what the book is all about, please read the description on the website. My work will only be available on that link. 💻 My book has been classified under “Computer Science” by the National Library of the Philippines 🇵🇭 Thank you in advance for your support! NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!✨
Framed Sheerness
Here’s a DIY project that I can recommend for you all: framing your artworks! I chose to frame these sheer embroidery works that I made as a pattern tester for The Craft Central. I purchased these floating wooden frames here, then I simply placed the embroidered fabrics inside the acrylic pieces.
I liked the end result. These frames can also hold photos, drawings, doodles, concert tickets, notes, plant specimens, and other memorabilia. Best of all, they cost less than Php130 each.
I hope that you can also try this project soon! Enjoy!
Hackensack Carhop
I experienced vintage Americana with my Hackensack carhop experience! I ordered their 50’s cheeseburger and strawberry milkshake, which were both delicious! Their car tray added a touch of nostalgia and whimsy.
I highly recommend their burgers! Check out their Instagram account to view their menu and updated schedule. Enjoy!
PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp integrates workshop-based approach to this year’s virtual edition
Thyro and Yumi, Marlon Barnuevo and Krina Cayabyab talk about major adjustments to foster a more inclusive learning environment for DigiCamp participants
Despite the challenges of adapting to a virtual setting, PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders has successfully integrated strategic innovations to its curriculum that would help aspiring singer-songwriters enhance their skillset and be part of a progressive learning experience.
Facilitated by some of the Philippines’ most respected educators, artists, and music leaders via Zoom, the country’s premier songwriting competition continues to hold a series of lectures and workshops for a period of four months (from July to October 2021) to put a spotlight on the next generation of OPM stars and future music industry fellows.
PhilPop Program and Marketing Manager Gab Cabangonreiterates that the team has always believed in the importance of opening several opportunities for the attendees to learn different aspects of music outside of songwriting. “We wanted to give the fellows options, guides, and tools that could help them with the direction on their music journey. The additional skills that they learn from this could help them evolve as practitioners in the music industry and further fuel their passion and love for the craft of music. Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to also encourage songwriters to learn how to write songs to make society a better place for everyone.”
Marlon Barnuevo, PhilPop finalist 2013 and one of the resident coaches, considers PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders as one with the most matured curriculum for a songwriting camp. “Aside from the fact that most of the coaches came from the acclaimed Elements Songwriting Camp, all the past PhilPopbootcamps provided valuable knowledge that allowed the teaching contents to be refined into what we are currently delivering now.”
Given the virtual format of this year’s bootcamp, the coaches have tweaked some of their best practices to adhere to a more inclusive learning environment. As a college educator, Marlon has been doing full-online modality since the pandemic started, so there was little adjustment on his part when it comes to delivering lectures for the PhilPop DigiCamp participants.
“PhilPop has also successfully adapted the synchronous-asynchronous method of delivering lectures, which is now a very common approach in all academic institutions around the country,” Marlon beams with pride. “What I had to adjust to, and what I sorely miss is the absence of face-to-face fellowship activities. In all the previous camps, it has always been a tradition to hold jamming sessions every evening over food and drinks. This form of fellowship is what’s missing in this year’s camp.”
In order to compensate with the need to make the songwriting mentorship more interesting, PhilPop coaches provided a workshop-based approach to give participants an inclusive and well-rounded perspective on different areas and fields in the music industry such as songwriting, music production, digital marketing, and advocacy writing—to name a few.
A first-time coach herself, University of the Philippines instructor and Baihana member Krina Cayabyab shares that aside from making slides and presenting music during her lecture, she made her sessions more informative by giving clearer pointers that are essential for interacting with the current creative and digital economy.
“I believe this virtual setting has given more flexibility and opportunity for the participants to sink deeper into their work and absorb discussions further, and make the most out of these in their own time, capacity, and space,” says coach Krina. “Though it might be challenging in some circumstances, collaborating with fellow participants and meeting them virtually, I think, still achieved much of the DigiCamp’s objectives. It’s really like accomplishing tasks through today’s reality, and the DigiCamp has made it happen as effectively as it can ever be.”
Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter, producer, and composer Thyro Alfaro is generally satisfied with how the participants took the new format this year despite the prolonged period of remote learning. “I think they’re enjoying the process,” the two-time PhilPop winner explains. “I can hear it in their songs that they’re really applying what we’re teaching.”
Yumi Lacsamana, another acclaimed pop/R&B multi-hyphenate and two-time PhilPop grand champion, echoes Thyro’s observation, pointing out how her mentees have managed to adapt easily in a virtual setting. “It’s not the same but it’s more challenging on their part collaborating with the other fellows virtually. And the outcome is pretty good.”
Yumi emphasizes that some of her best moments during the DigiCamp as a mentor includes seeing the participants grow as artists and turn their songs into a fully realized material that has potential to be massive. In terms of personal adjustments, Yumi makes the most out of her time holding a more relaxed conversation with the participants regarding what needs to be improved on their songs. “It felt like we’re not in a camp. It’s more of like we’re just in a video call talking to a friend and asking/giving an advice.”
Notwithstanding some minor drawbacks of remote learning, the DigiCamp proves to be a game-changing alternative for the traditional setup as it supported collaborative and higher-level learning through breakout room sessions, and fostered a virtual learning experience that allows participants to learn at their own pace. To quote Marlon Barnuevo, “If I were to gauge how much the participants were able to ‘step up and deliver’ through the quality of their most recent song submissions, I’d be proud to say that the entire PhilPop team has been very successful in meeting its goals.”
PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's virtual event is co-presented by MAYNILAD, SMART, MULTISYS, TUNECORE and BELIEVE.
Source: Nyou
Over October navigates uncertainty with hope on new EP, Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow
Listen to Over October’s EP, Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow: https://overoctober.lnk.to/MTMT
Filipino alternative rock quartet Over October has spent a good chunk of their early days making a definitive bid for legitimacy with their brand of melodic and transcendent music. They started building their cred by playing for small gigs in bars such as Route 196 and Saguijo, before eventually headlining bigger venues and releasing two critically acclaimed records within the last 7 years: the delightful EP Free and the sonically arresting full-length album Press Play, both released under MCA Music Inc. in 2019.
Fast forward to 2021, Over October returns with a brand-new EP helmed during a time when everyone is navigating the pandemic with an uncertain future. Their latest EP, Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow is their answer to the ongoing crisis: a collection of songs that reflect their feelings, frustrations, and hopes during a tumultuous period in their respective lives.
“At the same time, we wrote the songs during the well-known, often-cliche, but still heavy-hitting quarter life crisis happening in our personal lives,” Josh Buizon (lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist) shares in a statement. “It speaks about the journey of loss, self-reflection, emotional and mental struggles, perseverance, and wanton joy despite things turning to shit. Some of these are in the context of love songs, but ultimately the message that we want to get across is that even though the world we live in is in chaos and the future seems so bleak, there is hope.”
The bulk of songwriting in the album was done by Josh Buizon and Joshua Lua (lead guitarist), but all the members have a hand in writing lyrics one way or another. Over October also took part in arranging the tracks off Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow, with guidance from their producer Jazz Nicolas and sound engineer Peavey Nicolas. This also marks the group’s most collaborative and experimental work to date, harnessing new sounds and arrangement styles to elevate the material into what it is now: a more eclectic sonic brew that’s more open to possibilities, without letting go of the accessibility that defines most of their releases in the past.
“In these songs, we were able to try arrangements and instruments that we haven’t used before,” Lua admits. “It’s honestly amazing how the songs transformed from the first day of the recording to how they are now.”
To start the recording process for the EP, the members of Over October holed up on a house in La Union for fivedays to write and arrange their material and spent another two weeks in Manila-based Big Baby Studios with Jazz Nicolas and Peavy Nicolas for recording. Because of the current state of the pandemic, they stayed together for two weeks under a bubble, and the experience somehow gave the band a deeper perspective on the music-making side, and tested their friendship along the way.
“Chemistry-wise, since we’ve been working with the Nicolas brothers for the past few releases, it was also easier to come up with ideas during the recording itself,” Buizon says. “They’re very chill and cool people, actually. Outside of recording, we’d watch Netflix documentaries about spicy food. They have a lot of different chili sauces in their studio and we’d get to try them all.”
Other than the fact that it has some Tagalog songs—a first in Over October’s repertoire, their brand-new EP, Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow is a lot more introspective as compared to their other releases. The songwriting is moresophisticated and subdued, with lovely moments where you can picture the emotions as if it were speaking to you in the dark. And most importantly, the new EP is musically cohesive, flowing neatly without sounding too curated or rehearsed. “That’s probably the best part— when you get in the studio and don't know what to expect,” Janessa Geronimo (drummer) points out. “We surprised ourselves a lot during this project. The most conscious effort we put in was probably writing in Filipino and trying to come up with new and refreshing sounds that still retain our music style.”
Joric Canlas (bassist) also shares that the album reflects how they’ve grown as individuals. “The EP’s a new feel because of being able to collaborate more with Sir Jazz and Sir Peavey and even amongst ourselves. You can cry, laugh, or even dance to these songs but the whole EP is meant to be a release and an encouragement to everyone who’s currently in a hard place.”
Over October’s new EP, Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow is out now on streaming platforms worldwide through Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc.
About Over October
Over October is an alternative pop/rock band from Manila, Philippines. The band consists of Josh Buizon (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Josh Lua (lead guitar), Janessa Geronimo (drums), and Joric Canlas (bass). They are known for their EP Free (2016) and their singles 'Never Stop' (2017), and 'Wait' (2018). In 2019, they released three more singles 'Mr. Sun,' 'Alive,' and 'Without Your Love,' and their debut album Press Play. In 2020, the band signed with Island Records Philippines.
Over October is a group of friends bursting in the seams with personalities that translate coming-of-age experiences and life lessons through an easy-listening sound with cleverly crafted lyrics. Through their songs, Over October invites their audience to go through life with them: a never-ending road trip that is best enjoyed with your friends.
Follow Over October: Facebook | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Source: GNN Entertainment Productions
Sheer Embroidery Day 3
I have finally completed the Sheer Yellow kit from The Craft Central. This concludes my pattern tester duties for this round.
This third pattern was more challenging because of the wavy leaves. This did not stop me though, and I still enjoyed stitching the pattern to life! The result was worth the effort! I think I found a new hobby.
Visit The Craft Central for embroidery kits and more crafts!
Rising alt-pop artist Mezzaluna conquers music on her own terms
Watch the music video of her brooding, sultry number “In Situ”
Introduced earlier this year as one of the first Asian artists to join pan-regional music label, OFFMUTE, Mezzaluna has captivated music fans with her jazzy, soulful and sometimes brooding take on pop music. With deep, sultry vocals and intensely personal storytelling style, the Indonesian newcomer delivers inspiring and powerful songs with a universal reach.
She also grew up in a musical household as the daughter of Indonesian rockstar, BimBim — drummer of the legendary Indonesian rock band Slank, and started picking up the piano and guitar at an early age. Despite coming from a lineage of acclaimed and respected musicians, Mezzaluna forged a path of her own, and developed her own sense of artistry in a uniquely humbling way.
This sense of eclecticism is deeply felt on her debut single “In Situ,” which she wrote at the start of her music journey. “It was one of the quickest writing processes I’ve done as I was being honest with my feelings,” Mezzaluna shares. “Since it was based on my own personal experience, I was just speaking from my heart.”
Carrying the weight and wisdom of heartache beyond years, the alt-pop star explores darker but relatable themes that come from a place of experience. The glacially paced pop tune, which threads the line between darkwave and trip-hop, soul and jazz, came to fruition with Indonesian producer Gio Wibowo.
“Working with Gio on the song was surreal to me as I didn’t think that I would make it this far,” the 20-year-old artist admits. “It started out as a fun little project that I thought would only stop there but it turned out great and I really am proud of it.”
The track is accompanied with a music video helmed by Deby Sucha and produced by Howdy Productions Indonesia. The visual treatment conveys the anxious wistfulness and melancholy Mezzaluna sings about in her song: The juxtaposed imagery of light and dark mirrors the feelings of exposed vulnerability and obscured hopelessness, while exuding the polarizing tension of stillness in waiting and restlessness of impatience.
"'In Situ is a song about reaching out to someone that isn't responding, so what's left is a feeling of hopelessness to the point where you just accept anything without expecting or fighting for it anymore," Mezzaluna explains. "The music video truly captures the essence of the song. I couldn't be prouder."
Mezzaluna’s In Situ is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via OFFMUTE and Sony Music.Check out the music video here.
FOLLOW MEZZALUNA ON SOCIALS:
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ABOUT OFFMUTE
OFFMUTE is a new pan-regional label by Sony Music Entertainment focused on championing new and emerging Southeast Asian artists from across all genres, giving them a dedicated platform to pursue their creative vision and reach audiences across the region.
The new label will support Southeast Asian artists in amplifying their music and building a strong pan-regional audience base with the enhanced promotional, marketing, and artistic development of Sony Music’s global expertise and resources.
OFFMUTE is the first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia, embracing the eclectic appeal and rich diversity that Southeast Asia has to offer, and empowering artists with the resources and expertise to find cross-border success.
OFFMUTE was launched in March 2021 with new artists signed from Indonesia (Mezzaluna), the Philippines (Clara Benin), and Malaysia (liesl-mae). Source: Nyou
FOLLOW OFFMUTE ON SOCIALS:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok
Source: Nyou
Eve Alai makes quarantine bearable with club anthem “Touch Me”
Electronic producer Eve Alai lights up the virtual dancefloor with bouncy house chords and throbbing percussions on his latest single “Touch Me,” to be released on October 8, 2021 under Umami Records. Featuring fiery vocals from Z, the infectious raver makes isolation bearable as it delivers another ecstatic shot of energy from start to finish.
Even with the absence of clubs, “Touch Me” works as a soundtrack to late-night revelry. It’s a techno-inspired bop that underscores the healing power of being confidently sensual and hopeful despite being enveloped into the dark, trying times.
With influences that range from British electronic producer Chris Lake to Grammy-nominated Australian music producer FISHER, Eve Alai takes “Touch Me” to effervescent places with its glorious serving of after-hours party music.
Unbeknownst to everyone, the slinky material has undergone several changes in the production, and wasn’t initially penned as a dance anthem. “It was written originally as an R&B song,” Eve Alai explains. “I took that vocal and transformed it into a house track.”
Thanks to Eve Alai’s ‘90s techno production and Z’s robo-soul chops, the song delivers some of the most assured electronic music releases in Asia so far. It also speaks to an act of movement relevant to the current situation that people are facing right now.
Pre-save “Touch Me” via Umami Records: https://www.umamirecords.sg/touch-me/
About Eve Alai
Singapore based electronic producer-songwriter Eve Alai makes dance music fused with timeless melodies, designed to give listeners a sonic experience that will move them emotionally and physically. Eve Alai’s sound is the sound of summer - parties, road trips with friends, and the beach.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Eve Alai completed his degree in music at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. His 6-track debut EP will be released in early 2021
“Melancholic nu disco meet nu garage vibes lay over a modern house groove, with sultry pop vocal top lines and stabs reigning through. Think of a slowed down two-step remix of a vocal banger from the early two-thousands, this Asian collaboration has done a bit of digging around to carve their sound.” - MixmagAsia
About Umami Records
Umami Records is a Singapore-based indie record label founded in 2013. Much like the “5th taste” reputation of its namesake, the label strongly believes in discovering new, interesting sounds that run underground and away from the mainstream. The label’s tight-knit, curated roster includes releases from Linying, The Steve McQueens, brb., Evanturetime, CampFire, Martin Baltser, Phoria, Oriental Cravings, and more.
UmamiRecords.sg · Instagram · Facebook · Twitter · YouTube
Source: Nyou
Sheer Embroidery Day 2
I enjoyed day 2 of my sheer embroidery journey as a pattern tester for The Craft Central. This pattern has given me a few hours of crafting bliss. I was swamped with month-end tasks, so this gave my brain a much-needed respite. I was able to practice my embroidery skills while giving myself a break. Definitely a win-win!
Check out The Craft Central for more embroidery kits and ideas!
Sheer Embroidery Day 1
I recently signed up again as a pattern tester for The Craft Central. Their sheer embroidery kits enticed me to sign up again, and I was willing to be their guinea pig again. Pattern testers try out the shop’s newest kits in exchange of Php999 money back to buy from their tester rewards catalog. Since I am a customer of The Craft Central in the first place, this is a win-win situation for me!
Their sheer yellow kit was my testing set of choice. So far, I am enjoying the process. Sheer fabric is a challenging material to work with, but I am winging it! The first pattern I finished was completed while listening to podcasts. I would say that this is intermediate level, considering the material used.
I still have two patterns to work with, and I am definitely excited. I hope that you also have projects that interest and excite you these days!
Nitro 7 Peppermint Mocha
My favorite local cold brew is from Nitro 7. I love their peppermint mocha cold brew! In my opinion, it tastes way better than international cold brew brands. It is really delicious, and it hits the spot each time.
It manages to wake me up every time, and it is great value for money. And the peppermint syrup is just enough to brighten up my day!
I hope that you also try this soon. Nitro 7 Coffee has branches all over the metro, and the closest one to my home is at SM North Edsa. Enjoy!
Japan’s Tokimeki Records finds new city pop muse in Filipina singer-songwriter syd hartha
Listen to the boogie-infused cover of The Cardigan’s “Carnival”
After gaining prominence with some notable pop classics, Japanese music project Tokimeki Records brings boogie and ‘80s retro sounds back to the dancefloor with a reimagining of The Cardigans’ “Carnival.”
Featuring Filipina singer-songwriter syd hartha on vocals, the new version of “Carnival” evokes pre-pandemic Tokyo where neon pulses through the towering skyscrapers and a random stroll downtown offers the best form of therapeutic escape. Trading the ‘90s twee-pop sound of the original for a more lighthearted disco-pop affair, electronic music producer Yutaka Takanami of Tokimeki Records embraces the carefree bliss that has come to define his previous releases, while infusing spacious production and sticky-sweet, synthesizer melodies to the mix.
“One of the most influential western pop songs of the 1990s for me was Carnival,” Tokimeki Records’ very own Yutaka Takanami shares. “It was also played on TV at the time, but it was also played and covered in the Japanese club scene. I've been wanting to get an Asian singer to sing this song, and I was hoping that syd would sing it for me. It was a dream came true.”
According to Yutaka Takanami, he found out about syd harthafrom Kevin Foo, the former label owner of Singapore-based Umami Records and currently the General Manager of Sony Music Taiwan. “I also checked out her YouTube page, and after watching her sing cute but mature songs, I fell in love with her all over again.”
Elevating the track’s uniquely nostalgic vibe with effortless subtlety and grace, syd hartha delivers a sophisticated performance that is quite different from anything that she’s released in her folk-pop catalog. The award-winning Sony Music artist is eternally grateful to explore other opportunities with Tokimeki Records, including the honor to get handpicked to represent the country in this prestigious project.
“It’s fulfilling to try new things, and succeed in going out of your comfort zone as a musician,” the 20-year-old singer-songwriter admits. “I’m really happy that I was able to put my own take on a beloved ‘90s tune and work with a globally renowned producer like Namy for this track.”
“Carnival” is the first release under Yutaka Takanami’s new label, “Namy&” and is part of Tokimeki Records’ efforts to “express the old, nostalgic atmosphere and worldview in the modern age” and bring nostalgic sounds to pop consciousness.
Pre-Save and listen “Carnival” here: https://tokimeki.lnk.to/Carnival
About Tokimeki Records
When the night falls on the city, Tokimeki Records take the stage to bring you the nostalgic sounds. When the summer was nearing its end in 2019, a musical project was launched to cover 80’s-90’s hit songs of Japan and abroad. Electro-boogie sounds highlighted by synthesizers are infused with the singer’s soulful & sensual voice to tell stories of sophisticated, mellow and sultry evenings.
About Yutaka Takanami
Yutaka Takanami was born and raised in Japan's snow country, Niigata Prefecture, where nature abounds. As a traveling sound selector, he sometimes creates and sometimes selects music with musicians from Japan and abroad to accompany scenes and people.
As a traveling sound selector, he works with musicians from Japan and abroad, sometimes creating and sometimes selecting music that is close to the scene and people, and enjoys his daily activities.
He is also a producer of AmPm, a masked project with over 70 million plays on Spotify.
When AmPm released "Best Part of Us" as a limited distribution in March 2017, it ranked #38 on Spotify's global viral chart and #6 on the US viral chart. It was an unprecedented hit for an indie Japanese artist (total views as of April 2018: 12.2 million).
In 2017, he represented Japan at his first live performance at "Spotify On Stage" hosted by Spotify in Indonesia in front of an audience of about 10,000 people.
In February 2018, he became the first Japanese artist to officially remix one of the world's leading EDM artists, Afrojack. In March, he was invited to perform at the 20th anniversary of the world's largest dance music festival, Ultra Music Festival in Miami.
He has become a household name in Japan and around the world at an exceptionally fast pace. He has also been involved in various other music projects, and has released 10 original albums under the name Namy, as well as selecting BGM for "TRUNK (HOTEL)" and "STARFLYER".
With his music project Namy, "I Can't Wait" and "Not This Time" debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart in the Breakout category for the second consecutive year.
About syd hartha
syd hartha broke through the public consciousness with songs that are intensely personal in nature, but universal in a way that it captures volume and vigor beyond words. While her contemporaries are busy chasing algorithm-driven trends, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Manila finds beauty in ruins and self-reflection, showcasing unguarded moments of vulnerability with captivating rawness.
After making rounds in the gig circuit, syd caught the interest of Sony Music Philippines, which eventually signed her as one of its esteemed rosters. It was with her involvement with the international record label that syd started to polish her sound with understated grace and newfound maturity. She wrote empowering anthems such as “ayaw,” which affirms her stand against sexual harassment and abuse towards women in general, and the assertive “paruparo,” an earthy but compelling affair that features her current backing band for the first time: Raisa Racelis on bass, Pat Sarabia on drums,and Bea Fabros on guitars on percussions. Both songs topped Jam 88.3’s top 10 countdown—a weekly roundup of the biggest hits on the Philippines’ only alternative rock station.
The following year, syd hartha proved to be a vital force in several award-giving bodies in music. The multi-talented artist earned her first nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 2020 MYX Awards 2020 and another one for Wish Contemporary Folk Song of the Year at the 5th Wish 107.5 Music Awards. A few months after, the young singer-songwriter bagged her first win for Best Folk Recording at the 33rd Awit Awards, the country’s equivalent of the Grammys.
To date, syd has racked up more than 10 million streams on Spotify alone—a testament to her growing fanbase. She has recently released songs that pivot towards radio-friendly territory—from the rap-inflected “Hiwaga” to the electronic pop jam “All My Sins,” which features Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Sarah Barrios.
The Hiwaga songstress is also slated to release her up-and-coming debut record next year under Sony Music Philippines.
Source: Nyou
Cyma Gyro
I first had a Cyma chicken gyro in 2007. It was a flavorful party in my mouth that I couldn’t get over with! Now that it’s already 2021, I still enjoy this delicious entrée.
It is a complete meal in itself, and it is made with grilled chicken slices, greens, their house pita bread, and their yummy fries. Their hot sauce hits the spot, and brings unexpected heat to this dish.
Make sure that you order this on your next visit to Cyma! They also deliver via Grab Food or Food Panda. Enjoy!
Hibiscus Top
I recently finished crocheting the Hibiscus Top designed by Filipina crochet designer Mgypsy. For this project, I used milk cotton yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and a 4.00mm Tulip Sorbet hook from Oh My Yarn.
The top is supposed to mimic the hibiscus flower. The petals add textural dimension to the top, making it an instant conversation piece! I will definitely wear this out someday.
I highly recommend this to intermediate crocheters who are looking for a project to work on while on quarantine. It is satisfying to work on while watching movies and webinars.
Enjoy!
Def Jam Philippines releases “Puso At Diskarte,” another game-changing hip-hop anthem
Listen here: https://DefJamPH.lnk.to/PusoAtDiskarte_SP
Manila, Philippines — Def Jam Philippines, considered as one of the most respected record labels in the country, returns with a game-changing posse cut featuring some of the most important rap acts of our time.
“Puso At Diskarte,” the first single off the label’s second compilation EP, RHAPSODICITY, brings together veteran and rising Filipino hip-hop artists such as ASTRO of Owfuck, ZARGON, HONCHO of Ex-Battalion, DCOY (Wakin Burdado) of Madd Poets, MIKE KOSA of 187 Mobstaz, PRICETAGG and LAYZIE FU of 4 East Flava on the same page—each offering distinct expertise and star power to the mix.
Produced by CURSEBOX, the anthemic banger delivers show-stopping verses that set the bar high for hip-hop collaborations, and massive, titanium-grade beats that blur the boundaries between gangsta rap and contemporary urban music.
According to Allan Mitchell “Daddy A” Silonga, A&R Senior Manager of Def Jam Philippines, “Puso At Diskarte” started out as a concept which aims to gather hip-hop icons from different affiliations and groups within the community. “With the help of Dcoy, we’ve messaged them one by one, and explained to them the vision behind the project,” the label honcho shares in a statement. “We’ve always wanted to foster dream collaborations that push the envelope in terms of artistry and impact, and produce an iconic music video to complement the bigness of the idea. ‘Puso At Diskarte’ not only shines the spotlight on grander themes in hip-hop, but also elevates it as an art form and a cultural force.”
Lyrically speaking, the all-star collab track documents the struggles of every hip-hop artist involved in the project and how they managed to survive the odds through determination, commitment, and hard work. All the participating artists penned their parts, with Daddy A co-writing some of the verses and the bridge. This exchange of ideas resulted into a compelling rap tune that fosters a sense of community and teamwork, honoring what Def Jam stands for in the first place both as a label and as a pioneering hip-hop dynamo.
“Puso At Diskarte” serves as the maiden track off Def Jam Philippines’ collaborative EP, RHAPSODICITY, which is touted as a “lyrical EP.” The upcoming compilation will also feature tracks such as the propulsive jam “Lahing Maangas,” the lyrical heavyweight “Diversity,” the future smash “Lakbay,” and the Pino G.-produced “Epic.”
As Daddy A puts it, “This EP will be remembered because of the lineup of artists and their collaborators. It’s really a miracle specially during this pandemic to put together a massive EP like this. This is gonna be epic!”
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About Def Jam Recordings
Founded in 1984, Def Jam Recordings began as a maverick independent label inspired by downtown New York City's vibrant street culture and the emerging sound of hip-hop. Def Jam has represented the very best in cutting-edge music for 35 years, pioneered by iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the following two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with superstar acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and the inimitable Kanye West. Now in its fourth decade, Def Jam's music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand – synonymous with creativity, quality and authenticity – encompassing a diverse roster of marquee and emerging stars like West, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Vince Staples, Jeremih, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Dave East, and Jhene Aiko, among others.
Follow Def Jam PH for more updates:
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Source: GNN Entertainment Productions
Filipino-Australian artist Bryan Estepasparkles with newfound exuberance on 6-track EP, Back To The Middle
Two years on from the release of his sixth studio album, Sometimes I Just Don’t Know in 2019, Filipino-Australian artist Bryan Estepa returns with another exciting set of soulful and melodic guitar pop. Released under Lilystars Records, Estepa’s new EP, Back To The Middle grows closer to home with its penchant for warm, inviting hooks and sunburst instrumentation.
Lyrically speaking, there is no set thematic agenda when the acclaimed singer-songwriter conceptualized and penned Back To The Middle. In an authentic troubadour fashion, Estepalets the song take him to where it wants to go most of the time. “But by the end I did notice a leaning towards the idea of letting go and acceptance,” Estepa shares in a statement.“Life throws us curveballs that we may not want or see coming, but then we ask ourselves how do we deal with them? There’s always a slither of light ahead.”
While his previous record, Sometimes I Just Don’t Know exhibited a more melancholic, brooding treatment, Estepa’ssix-song EP essentially gravitates on a balance between light and shade, with songs whose bright sparks pop up. Expanding his sonic palette with power pop choruses and irresistible exuberance, Back To The Middle sounds brighter and jumpier than he’s never sounded before, and is buoyed with a renewed sense of energy.
The new EP includes the weightlessly effervescent ‘Trick Of The Light,’ which NME praised for “evoking classic pop harmonies and alt-rock unease” and the ‘90s alt-rocker‘Admit Now, Pay Later,’ which garnered approval from Rolling Stone Australia for heralding “a change in his own approach to songwriting.”
The title track ‘Back To The Middle’ is particularly interesting in a way that it evokes a different kind of joy and feel-good melody on a resonant level. “To me, it’s a good little upbeat pop tune that has all the hallmarks that I like in a song – a good hook, catchy harmonies and jangly guitars,” Estepaexplains.
‘Everything You Wanted’ changes gear with its wistful Americana-leaning power pop vista, while ‘Little White Lie’reveals itself to be a kaleidoscopic beauty of a tune that allows Estepa to experiment with keys, synth horns, baroque pop flourishes and artful backing harmonies. Rounding out the release is a lilting cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘I Threw It All Away,’ from the 1969 album, Nashville Skyline.
Back To The Middle was recorded during the pandemic period, and was a product of Bryan Estepa’s eagerness to connect with people again, at least on a musical level. Needing to scratch a niggling creative itch, he got together with multi-ARIA and APRA award-winning Australian songwriter Josh Pyke, who helped shape the record with richness and timelessness embedded in its layers.
According to Estepa, what makes the record a clear cut above the rest is how he gave way to Josh Pyke’s production ideas and allowed the award-winning producer’s creative spin to add magic to these songs. “It felt really good to let Josh Pyke take control of production duties from the moment I handed over a bunch of my demos to him,” the pop-rock artist admits. “I have normally come to the studio very much prepared with production and overall sound ideas. But we approached this differently in that we built each song over the day and sometimes even finished writing them together just before we hit record, like on ‘Everything you wanted’. It was exciting watching the songs unveil themselves as we were trying new arrangements, going with weird instrument choices and not being afraid to try anything that will make the song distinct in its own way.”
About Bryan Estepa
Born in Cubao, Quezon City in the Philippines, Estepa and his family moved to Sydney, Australia in 1987. It was there, at the age of 15, that he began to pursue the craft of songwriting before starting his adult musical journey fronting indie pop band Swivel in the late-90s pub scene. He recorded hisinaugural CD with the band, which paved the way for his solo career. A year of travelling across the USA and performing at open mic nights inspired songs for his debut EP, Start Again in 2003 and since then Estepa has gone on to release six critically acclaimed solo albums (All The Bells And Whistles, Sunday Best, Vessels, Heart Vs Mind, Every Little Thing and Sometimes I Just Don’t Know).
Estepa recently wrote a piece for SBS detailing his formative musical years as a Filipino growing up in Western Sydney and early in 2021 he appeared as a guest-host on ABC Radio's Weekend Evenings, broadcast live across Australia, discussing his career in music.
Source: Nyou
Beef Noodle Goodness
Pilya’s Kitchen serves the best beef noodle soup in the country! I am a fan of their biang biang noodle soup by their chef, Kriza Palmero. You have to try this dish!
Order your own beef noodle soup from The Grid Food Market today!
Hya, Alfa Join Alessandra de Rossi-helmed AWOOO Records, Which Launches Today
Fresh from the success of her directorial debut My Amanda in July, Alessandra de Rossi is now setting her sights on different waters. This time around it’s music, which she’s revisited more vigorously as of late: adopting the functional moniker ADR, reissuing her 2012 debut Adrift via LilystarsRecords, even penning songs for her films.
The difference is it’s other people’s music now. And no, De Rossi isn’t simply pimping playlists or fawning over new discoveries on her socials. She’s taking things a notch higher, putting up her own label AWOOO Records, which she’s formally unveiling to the public today (September 24) after making an under-the-radar announcement earlier in the month.
To the character-actress-turned-indie-darling, it’s not so much about scratching a visionary itch but passing deserving talents the mic. “I think [Filipinos] really stand a chance in changing how the world looks and sounds,” she says, confident that local music can enjoy the same attention other art forms like cinema are getting. “All we need is to offer something pure, peculiar, and distinct. I think we can make it, too!”
And “pure, peculiar, and distinct” was precisely what she saw in AWOOO’s two inaugural artists, both women: the Fil-German San Carlos City chanteuse Hya, and the SoCal-based singer-songwriter Alfa. The former was a talent-show champ who’s previously made the rounds—Rising Stars Philippines, Just Duet, The Will to Win—before landing a spot in Bangon Talentadong Pinoy, where De Rossi was a judge who found herself fangirling instantly.
“She sounded like an angel, and my world just stopped. I knew in my heart that this girl, given a chance, could be someone new singers can look up to,” De Rossi says of Hya(or Lee’Anna Weber Layumas), whose impressive range and knack for soothing melodies the actress also singled out. Her lilting debut single “Raindrops,” arranged and co-produced with Nick Lazaro for La Balls Studio, is out today.
Alfa, whom Eric Gnezda of PBS’ Songs at the Center calls “everything you want in a singer-songwriter,” is a schooled multi-instrumentalist who gravitated towards songcraft very early on, eventually releasing three albums, an EP, and snagging herself top honors in the world category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2020.
While shades of chillwave and ambient pop permeate the music of AWOOO’s banner artists, De Rossi insists she is more after a feeling. “As long as you make me feel something, or if you make me feel like I'm not alone—when your music can be my best friend—it really becomes AWOOO,” she says playfully, speaking of how Hya provides “courage in times of unrest” and how Alfa “sings like no one is listening.”
AWOOO, which means “a world of our own,” is a sublabel of Lilystars Records, whose head honcho Clem Castro serves as partner and de facto adviser.
“It took twenty years for people to actually believe in me,” the AWOOO label head says, alluding to her slow but steady ascent in film and television. “I hope God blesses me with the right people, so that I can serve these artists and they don’t have to wait as long to be heard and understood.”
Source: Nyou
Human Nature Body Scrub
I have been using this Human Nature Coffee & Vanilla Body Scrub for more than five years now. It has kept my skin smooth and healthy. The subtle coffee scent has been a nice scent to wake up to during early morning showers. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves body scrubs! And yes, this is safe for sensitive skin. I should know, because I am selective with the products I use on my skin.
Buy your Human Nature Coffee & Vanilla body scrub from my online store today! Experience the difference and enjoy your at-home spa escape!
Pebble House
Ben&Ben has recently released Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, their sophomore album under Sony Music. I have already published the album’s official PR here, which you can check out! I personally enjoyed the album, and my favorite track is Lunod.
Do scan the Spotify code in the on my photos to enjoy the album today!
