Speak Blog Live at the Filipinas Heritage Library

My first book Speak Blog Live is now at the Filipinas Heritage Library! I donated my work there because it is important for it to be part of a collection of Filipiniana books. My life may be short and finite, but my work can live on in a library where it can be read, cared for, and appreciated.

It is a huge honor for me as an author to be part of the Filipinas Heritage Library. Mabuhay ang Pilipinong Manunulat!

6cyclemind returns with soaring rock anthem “Langit”

The new single off their upcoming seventh album serves as a testament to their enduring power as a creative force

 Filipino pop-rock outfit 6cylemind makes a triumphant return to form with the release of “Langit,” the first single off their upcoming seventh studio album under Sony Music Philippines.

Characterized by its soaring introspection, “Langit” is a song about chasing one’s dreams, making it happen, and allowing yourself to fail and persevere in order to achieve your goals in life. As lead vocalist Tutti Caringal puts it, “It won’t always be a smooth ride. There will be bumps on the road, but what matters is whenever you fall you get back up and soldier on.”

The unapologetically brash anthem was written by rhythm guitarist Rye Sarmiento and Michael Lao, who initially made the demo for every dreamer out there to keep pushing and never give up on their dreams. 

With minimum health and safety protocols taken into account, the band went through several jamming sessions prior to hitting the studio to record their respective parts. Despite the restriction imposed during the peak of the pandemic period, 6cyclemind carried on with their brand of professionalism and work ethic, producing one of their finest singles to date. 

“I feel like we’ve surpassed our expectations in terms of sound and feel,” Rye said. “We’re trying to deliver a positive and empowering anthem that has that epic sound to it. Special shout out to our sound engineers, Oliver Romblon and Jam Bumanlag, whom we get to work for the first time. We’re grateful of how everything turned out.”

Still on the top of their game 20 years after the launch of their career-defining debut, 6cyclemind loves a good challenge, and on “Langit,” they’re still as persistent as ever, and are more risk takers when it comes to the creative aspects of the recording.

“What makes the single a cut above the rest is that the recording process challenged everyone in the band to give his best with limited physical and moral support from other members,” bassist and backing vocalist Roberto "Bob" Cañamo shares. “The song being technically self-produced by the band, was recorded with a little more personal touch by each member.  Everyone was so involved during the post production and was so excited to hear and release the final cut of our latest song, Langit.”

6cyclemind’s “Langit” is out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

SB19’S SISTER GROUP KAIA HOPES TO CONQUER THE AIRWAVES WITH PRE-DEBUT SINGLE “KAYA”

KAIA’s new track blends contemporary pop music with hip-hop and EDM elements

 After being publicly launched last month by ShowBTPhilippines, the global entertainment company responsible for catapulting SB19 into global stardom, P-Pop girl group KAIA is now ready to seize the spotlight with the release of their pre-debut single “KAYA”—out today on December10 (Friday) via Sony Music Philippines.

Derived from the Filipino word which means finding one’s own courage, the upbeat electro-pop track tackles the importance of coping with the turbulent times, and being able to bounce back stronger amidst the adversities in life. The song is written by Maegan Adriano and KAIA themselves, who took inspiration from the hardships that they’ve gone through as a group.

“We are nervous and excited at the same time,” the all-girl ensemble shares in a statement. “We are excited to show people what we've been working hard for in the past months, and we're hoping that people will give love and support to our pre-debut single, KAYA.”

Produced by Mr. Lee Oh Won (SB19, SHINee’s Taemin, Stray Kids, TVXQ and Wanna One) and Han Seungtaek, “KAYA” delivers a sonically adventurous sound built around contemporary pop trends and hip-hop/EDM elements. It’s a catchy banger that serves as a great introduction to the members’ interesting and diverse personalities, as well as their hands on approach towards the creative aspects of music-making. 

As ShowBT Philippines Content Strategist and Digital Marketing Specialist Reine Tan sums it up, “Aside from their major involvement in their music and content, their unique personalities and talent, complete with a carefully formulated concept and direction in terms of their music, KAIA will be able to tell a story from their own creative perspectives.” 

The official release of “KAYA” will be accompanied by a music video shot by Jonathan Tal Placido. KAIA reveals that they had a great time working on the visual showcase for the track, and despite the nerves, they soldiered on and gave their best to deliver a fantastic number. “Everyone behind the camera were professionals and very open to suggestions and opinions,” KAIA said. “The shoot went very smoothly. All in all, it was a great experience and we all had fun on set.”

Last month, ShowBT Philippines welcomed the members of KAIA (Charlotte, Angela, Sophia, Alexa, Charice and Joanna) through a series of concept videos and photos. According to ShowBT Philippines, the girls from the breakout pop group were handpicked from a number of trainees who joined the auditions. “The company held monthly evaluations and chose the members with the best chemistry and synergy until finally, the 6 members of KAIA showed their potential to debut,” Reine adds.

With KAIA’s enormous talent and determination shown on full display, ShowBT Philippines promises that SB19’s sister group will leave a mark in the local entertainment industry, and hopefully make a name for themselves on a global level. “We cannot say much of the plans as we want to give you a surprise and let you experience KAIA as they come, but one thing is for sure: they are definitely worth the wait.”

KAIA’s pre-debut single “KAYA” is out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines.Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

tick, tick...BOOM! Official Soundtrack dazzles with powerhouse performances from star-studded cast

The songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Netflix film features 17 tracks of musical extravaganza

Sony Music Masterworks has released the official soundtrack to the acclaimed Netflix film, tick, tick… BOOM!—an album containing music from the film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical directed by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The soundtrack features songs by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent, as performed by the film’s star-studded cast, which includes Academy Award® nominee & Tony Award® winner Andrew GarfieldAlexandra Shipp, Tony Award® nominee Robin de Jesús, Tony Award® nominee Joshua Henry, Emmy Award® nominee Mj Rodriguez, Emmy Award® winner Bradley Whitford, Grammy® Award winner Tariq Trotter a.k.a. Black Thought of The Roots, with Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Judith Light and Vanessa Hudgens.

Rounding out the 17-track collection are 4 bonus numbers, including a special end credits reprise of “Come To Your Senses” featuring multi-Grammy®-nominated powerhouse singer/songwriter Jazmine Sullivan and a cover version of the previously unreleased Jonathan Larson song, “Only Takes a Few” performed by acclaimed folk band The Mountain Goats.

The soundtrack was produced by Grammy®, Tony® and Emmy® winners Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman along with Kurt Crowley, mixed by Grammy® winner Greg Wells and music supervised by Grammy® winner and Emmy® nominee Steven Gizicki. In addition to the digital release, the album is set to be released in physical formats, with its CD out now and vinyl arriving in 2022, which you can preorder here.

tick, tick...BOOM! which marks the feature directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda, premiered in select theaters on Friday, November 12 and was released globally on Netflix last Friday, November 19

The film follows Jon (Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have?

tick, tick...BOOM! (SOUNDTRACK FROM THE NETFLIX FILM) TRACKLISTING:

1. 30/90 – Andrew Garfield, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, MjRodriguez

2. Boho Days – Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens

3. Green Green Dress – Joshua Henry

4. No More – Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús

5. Johnny Can't Decide – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry

6. Sunday – Andrew Garfield, The Moondance Diner Ensemble

7. Play Game – Tariq Trotter

8. Therapy – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens

9. Swimming – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry

10. Come to Your Senses – Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens

11. Real Life – Robin de Jesús

12. Why – Andrew Garfield

13. Louder Than Words – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry

14. Come to Your Senses (End Credit Version) – Jazmine Sullivan

15. Green Green Dress (Bonus Track) – Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp

16. Out Of My Dreams (Bonus Track) – Veronica Vasquez

17. Only Takes a Few (Bonus Track) – The Mountain Goats

tick, tick… BOOM! (Netflix film) Official Soundtrack is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Masterworks.

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 Source: Nyou

J&J Philippines marks 65th year in PH with nationwide care initiatives

Sixty-five years, 65 communities, and one goal—to make healthcare available to all.  

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (JJPI) is extending its signature brand of care to 65 communities nationwide through the donation of health kits in keeping with the strong “Culture of Care” that runs throughout the organization.  Distribution of the healthcare products is currently ongoing to communities in Caloocan, Rizal, Batangas, Zambales, Iloilo, and Leyte through partners ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc., World Vision Foundation Philippines, Americares Philippines, and Save the Children Philippines. In addition, hygiene kits for COVID-19 patients in Metro Manila weredistributed earlier this year in partnership with Operation Compassion Philippines. 

 

Johnson & Johnson upholds that good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress, and is committed to use its reach and size for good: to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body, and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. Wherever they are in the world, the Company’s 130,000 global employees work to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. This concern for the health of its stakeholders is articulated in the Johnson & Johnson Credo and is brought to life by the organization for its employees, its network of partners, beneficiaries, and, most especially, its consumers.

 

“Every innovation, product, and breakthrough for the benefit of public health and well-being is possible because of our two most important assets, our values and our people,” said the managing director of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc., Raghu Krishnan. “Because of our people, we are able to grow the positive impact that we have on the health and wellness of our communities each year.”

 

“By reaching out to these communities, we also continue to strengthen employee engagement, which is an important focus for us as they are the driving force behind Johnson &Johnson’s sustained growth,” adds Sean Zantua, Human Resources Director of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.

 

As a total healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson has continuously introduced new products and innovations for every need state. From iconic consumer brands to scientific breakthroughs in the field of medicine, Johnson & Johnson has helped people from all around the world to live healthier lives every day from their very first day.

 

This focus on making healthcare available to all is brought to life through Johnson & Johnson’s portfolio of consumer health products, medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, along with its numerous partnerships and advocacies. Amid this pandemic, arguably Johnson & Johnson’s most important initiative is the mobilization of its resources—a $1-billion investment—to quickly develop a COVID-19 vaccine which is now being used all over the world.

 

“We believe it is our responsibility to improve the communities where we live and work, as we ‘blend heart, science and ingenuity to help change the trajectory of health for humanity’. As we renew this responsibility on our 65th year in the Philippines, we will push for more initiatives for our consumers, partners, employees, and communities that provide them with the care they deserve,” ended Krishnan.

 

 

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About Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science, and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.

Source: Johnson & Johnson Philippines