Acclaimed singer-songwriter lullaboy drops debut album, chapters of you

Singapore-based Indonesian-American artist lullaboy ringsin the new year with his debut compilation album, chapters of you—released independently and available now on all major digital streaming platforms. The recordcomes with two new songs: “deja vu” and “open up.”

After being rejected by countless labels, lullaboy decided to take matters into his own hands across 2021, releasing a song every month for the whole year. Each song explored different perspectives around a central theme of discovering what love means, in all its different shapes and forms. With his storybook lyricisms and genuine, heartwarming vocals, it didn’t take long for fans around Southeast Asia (and the globe!) to take notice. This persistent approach garnered him tens of millions of streams, and grew his following to an incredible 1.5 million monthly listeners by the turn of the year. 

Hundreds of fans then came together to co create the artwork for chapters of you, each submitting handwritten versions of their favorite lyrics and lines from his catalogue, to be placed alongside each other in the final image. 

“From songs about crushes to self worth, from regret to filial and spiritual needs, “chapters of you” represents a photobook that I’m showing a significant other, but I also hope it represents every single fan’’s own experience,” the rising singer-songwriter shares. “I hope that listening to the album will be like looking into a mirror and realizing that true love is found in every chapter of your life.”

“dejavu” is the lead single off of this album, and will be accompanied by a music video filmed in Malibu, California. The track is an anthemic one, created together with longtime collaborator Nacho Larrazza, and combines lullaboy's signature pop sensibilities with powerful, upbeat soundscapes. It will be released at 2pm (SGT) on the 24 January.

--

Listen: here (Private listening and download link)
Socials: Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube

Source: Nyou

J-Pop queen Hikaru Utada delivers another pop masterpiece with eighth studio album, Bad Mode

J-Pop queen Hikaru Utada makes an impactful return with the digital release of her eighth studio album, Bad Modeon January 19, Wednesday—the same date as her birthday. 

Delivering yet another pop masterpiece with sophisticated edge, the global superstar solidifies her iconic status with a string of envelope-pushing jams such as “One Last Kiss,” the theme song to EVANGELION:3.0+1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME; “PINK BLOOD,” the soundtrack to anime drama To Your Eternity; and “Face My Fears,” which was written and produced by Hikaru Utada alongside chart-topping producers Skrillex and Poo Bear—to name a few.

Utada’s new record contains four bonus tracks and three new songs, including self-titled “BAD MODE,” “Kibunja Naino (Not In The Mood),” and “Somewhere Near Marseilles.” The former is a euphoric electro-pop tune that is characterized by breezy melodies and soaring vocals, a quality that is rampant throughout her latest release. Its music video, directed by Joe Conner (Sam Smith’s” Pray” and Coldplay’s “Everglow”), is set to premiere during her online concert, "Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios.” 

Hikaru Utada’s new studio album, Bad Mode will be available on CD format (February 23), and on vinyl format (April 27). Following its release, the best-selling Japanese singer-songwriter and producer will be reissuing all her beloved classic albums on limited-edition vinyl: First Love, Distance, and DEEP RIVER, will drop on March 10, while ULTRA BLUE, HEART STATION and Fantôme will be available for the first time on vinyl this April 27, as well as an encore pressing of the Hatsukoi vinyl.

Bad Mode was introduced last month with lead single “Kimini Muchuu,” which was recorded with frequent collaborator and producer A.G. Cook—a renowned PC Music producer who has done incredible work with international stars Charli XCX, Hannah Diamond and SOPHIE.

Check out the track list of Bad Mode here:

01. BAD MODE

02. Kimini Muchuu (Main Theme for TBS Friday Night Drama Saiai)

03. One Last Kiss (Theme Song for EVANGELION:3.0+1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME)

04. PINK BLOOD (Main Theme for Anime Series To Your Eternity)

05. Time (Main Theme for NTV Sunday Drama Bishoku Tantei Akechi Goro)

06. Kibunja Naino (Not In The Mood)

07. Darenimo Iwanai  (SUNTORY Tennensui CM Song)

08. Find Love  (Featured in SHISEIDO's Global Campaign "POWER IS YOU")

09. Face My Fears (Japanese Version) / Hikaru Utada & Skrillex

(Opening Theme for Action Role-Playing Game KINGDOM HEARTS Ⅲ)

10. Somewhere Near Marseilles

11. Beautiful World (Da Capo Version) 

(Theme Song for EVANGELION:3.0+1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME)

12. Kireina Hito (Find Love)

13. Face My Fears (English Version) / Hikaru Utada & Skrillex

(Opening Theme for Action Role-Playing Game KINGDOM HEARTS Ⅲ)

14. Face My Fears (A.G. Cook Remix)

Hikaru Utada’s new album, Bad Mode is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

Grwm Milk Tint

Hindi po ako beauty vlogger 😅 and this post is so not sponsored 💄 pero I just really like @grwmcosmetics milk tint in wintermelon and it’s currently on sale! Buy it here. 🧡 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam

Upcycled Scrunchies

For fun handmade scrunchies made of deadstock fabric, buy here. 🎀 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam

Buy my Books and Support my Dreams

How much do you believe in your dreams? Last year, I turned my dreams of becoming an author into a reality. I released two books on the discipline and habit of writing, which also include self-help lessons that even non-writers can appreciate. Please support my dream and purchase my books here. 📖 #authorlife #speakwritelive

SB19 launches premium merch line inspired by record-breaking EP, Pagsibol

Released in collaboration with ShowBT and Sony Music Philippines, the merch promises a ‘full fan experience’ with its three main collections

Filipino pop supergroup SB19 is welcoming 2022 with an exclusive merch line named after their record-breaking EP, Pagsibol.

The official Pagsibol merchandise features an assortment of designs heavily referenced by the emerging global stars’ chart-topping songs, as well as their corresponding videos and artwork. 

Proudly made in the Philippines, the premium merch promises a ‘full fan experience’ with its three main collections: What? Collection, which includes an Iron-On Patch and Enamel Pin as inspired by the critically acclaimed first single; MAPA Collection, which includes abundled T-shirt and a collectible photocard, handmade resin keychain, along with its own Iron-On Patch and Enamel Pin inspired by the smash anthem for parents and family; and Pagsibol Collection, which includes a poster and a photobook. 

A first of its kind in the P-pop scene, the SB19 photobook is full of inclusions and goodies for the fans such as the collectible streaming plaque, SB19 poster, postcard, sticker sheet, and the much-anticipated random member photocards included in each unique copy. “It was curated by fans for fans, and we wanted to make sure that it would live up to expectations especially with it being the first of its kind for P-pop,” the Sony Music Philippines merchandise team shares in an official statement. “Fans are sure to hunt down for their bias in SB19, or even all the member photocards.”

The exclusive merch line was conceptualized and produced by Sony Music Philippines, SB19, and ShowBT. To help execute the ideas, the merchandise team collaborated with Filipino artists Irmay Ledesma and Bea Zaragoza to come up with top-notch designs that reflect the SB19 brand, as well as what their music stands for. The team also made sure that the merch line adheres to the Filipino group’s vision, and is representative of the aesthetic of SB19 and their music.

Given SB19’s status as one of the biggest and most awarded boybands in Asia, the team wanted to bring the same big-caliber treatment that fans of international and K-Pop artists have experienced when it comes to merch. “We made sure to involve SB19 members and ShowBT in every step of the way - from concept, design, down to execution and production. We presented our own ideas in the beginning, and from there, the ideas evolved as to what the whole team envisioned for the project. Specifically, SB19’s Justin De Dios serves as a co-creative director for the project, pitching in his input for all the studies and acting as liaison for the rest of the members when it comes to creative decisions.”

As of press time, the official Pagsibol merchandise has been getting good feedback based on the volume of orders and online hype. According to the merch team, the fan anticipation has been high, especially for the release of the photobooks, which received a large number of pre-orders prior to its release.

The official Pagsibol merchandise is available on the following channels:

For local online purchases:

http://sb19pagsibol.officialcostore.com

For international purchases (ships worldwide):

http://sb19pagsibol-int.officialcostore.com

For pick-up and in-store purchases, items are available at the CO. Store, 3/F Shoppesville Mall in Greenhills, San Juan. The merch line will also be available for purchase soon via Shopee and Lazada.

Source: Nyou

Emmy Meli inspires a global movement with soulful new track “I Am Woman”

21-year-old singer-songwriter Emmy Meli is currently making waves with the viral popularity of her new single “I Am Woman.”

The soulful R&B/pop track, which carries an uplifting message, recently spawned a global movement on TikTok where women of all stripes posted videos of themselves that match the description presented in the chorus. 

To date, “I Am Woman” has racked up more than 31 million views on TikTok, and has inspired more than a million videos on the platform alone.

Outside of the video app, “I Am Woman” is gaining tractionboth on streaming and radio. The track continues to climb on Spotify US at No. 68, and currently sits inside the top 200 of Spotify Philippines at No. 131. 

Emmy Meli’s latest hit has entered the top 40 of US Mainstream radio and various charts in several countries worldwide, including the UK (No. 67), US (No. 74), Canada (No. 55), Australia (No. 28), and New Zealand (No. 15)—to name a few.

With the rising artist taking the world by storm, Emmy is working double time in the studio to finish her debut album to be released under Arista Records. According to the American-born recording star, the biggest reward of writing a smash single is seeing it take off and create a positive impact to listeners out there, most especially women.

“The reason I went into music was to inspire and to create something that nobody had ever created before,” she told Variety in an interview. “I want to help people love each other.”

Emmy Meli’s “I Am Woman” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Arista and Sony Music.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

Sam’s Bestsellers

Get to know my Human Nature online shop bestsellers here: our natural cooling cream is a hit with customers who love walking and working out! I use it myself as I do cardio everyday. Our men’s shampoo bar is also popular because of its cooling effect. Buy these products from my shop today. 🌻 #samsellshumannature

My New Year

2022 has been good to me so far. I thought of sharing with you how my year has been doing and what I have been up to lately.

For starters, I have been eating breakfast at Ikea and I have been loving their breakfast plate! For only Php59, I get a chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, and two pieces of pandesal. Talk about a great start to my day! Oh, and their brewed coffee is free for Ikea Family members until 10:30am. It is a sweet deal which I have been enjoying, and trust me, this is not a sponsored post.

Working out has always been my number one priority. Reps to the Rhythm has been keeping me company in the morning, and I enjoy his workout videos. Here is my current favorite:

Lastly, my Sarabia Optical Yamada specs has been really making my days lighter. The frames weigh next to nothing, and I am loving the Essilor Transitions lenses which protect me from both UV light and blue light. I am very lucky to have these Sarabia specs in my life.

I hope that you will continue supporting me this 2022! My books are still available here, and you can buy Human Nature essentials from my online store.

Have a blessed year ahead, everyone!

Heaven Peralejo stars as a vampire on the music video of Sponge Cola’s “Kung Ako Ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito”

The visual narrative is an allegorical take on walking away from an unhealthy, toxic relationship

Filipino actress Heaven Peralejo stars as a deeply conflicted vampire on the music video of Sponge Cola’s “Kung Ako Ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito”—the new singledropped ahead of their full-length album to be released in 2022.

The MV sees Heaven on the verge of a domestic breakdown as she adjusts to a life of uncertainty and fear from the sunlight. 

“It was a treat meeting and working with Heaven Peralejo,” Drummer Tedmark Cruz shares in a statement. “Being part of a project or shoot with the nicest people just makes everyone’s jobs a lot easier.”

Budding filmmaker Lamar Roque directed the music video, which serves as an allegorical take on walking away from an unhealthy, toxic relationship and finding the courage to love yourself. Despite the several changes in terms of shoot dates, the production team headed by Lamar covered all the bases, and made sure that it wentsmoothly as planned.

“It took almost a year with all the lockdowns and delays,” vocalist Yael Yuzon said. “Direk Lamar and his team did a great job capturing the gravitas while adhering to all safety measures during the shoot. It was a long logistical juggling act that must have added to the weight of the end product. We're mighty proud of the visual masterpiece.”

“Kung Ako Ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito” was written by vocalist/guitarist Yael Yuzon, with additional parts from bassist Gosh Dilay. According to Yael, he penned the song from the perspective of the one who leaves the relationship. “Walking away, cutting clean is theoretically easy but usually isn't. Whether it's comfort and familiarity, an inability to be alone or whatnot, most people who leave find themselves circling back which isn't something people tend to focus on since we usually think of the ones left behind.”

The song was produced by constant collaborator Joey Santos, whom the band has worked with on previous singles “Siguro Nga,” “Labis-labis” and “Alamat,” the Mobile Legends Bang Bang 5th Anniversary track. The alt-rock quartet aims for a minimalist, ambient, but very punctuated approach in doing a ballad, and with Joey’s expertise in conveying the band’s vision for the sound design, everything turned out better than expected.

As Ted puts it, “Working with Joey Santos has been wonderful. From file sharing over Google Drive, to creating a dedicated WhatsApp/Telegram group, to recording and doing online shows, and most recently traveling to Dubai, I believe we’ve bonded very well. And boy are we all excited to share the sound we’ve come up with in this latest album with you all.”

“Kung Ako Ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

The Craft of Writing Certificate

I finally received my certificate for The Craft of Writing! It was a short course taught by THE Jessica Zafra. I highly recommend her writing boot camp because her teaching style is straightforward and practical. I suggest that you make time for any of her courses because her valuable insights has helped me produce quality written output lately.

For more information on Jessica Zafra, click here.

To purchase the 25th anniversary edition of Twisted, click here.

Zack Tabudlo teams up with James Reid on the emotionally captivating single “Hatdog”

Listen to ZACK TABUDLO’s “HATDOG”

Prolific singer-songwriter/producer Zack Tabudlo is starting the year right with a high-profile collaboration featuring multimedia superstar James Reid.

The pair teams up on “Hatdog,” a soulful pop ditty written, mastered, mixed, and produced by Zack Tabudlo himself. With its swoon-worthy chorus and sterling guitar work, the song not only benefits from the duo’s impressive vocals, but also from their undeniable talent to a tackle an emotionally captivating song.

According to the breakout recording artist, “Hatdog” is all about loving and waiting for the right person despite the other camp’s hesitation to give in. “Hatdog is about giving reassurance, love, and support to the person who has mixed feelings for you. You are there for them no matter the situation is even if it will hurt in the long run.”

Prior to their exciting new teamup, both Zack and James have worked together on the music video of the former’s hit single “Para Sa Mga Ex,” off his critically acclaimed 2021 album, Episode. It was the first time they’ve talked in person. Upon meeting, both Zack and James clicked, became friends, and decided to collaborate on a music project.

“James was just very chill to work,” the artist with Spotify's most streamed song in the Philippines last year, reveals. “He was very open to ideas. He really has an edge with singing as well. The character in his voice pushes out the uniqueness of how it sounds, which makes it very different from what we hear from singers and artists nowadays. He has his own thing.”

Zack finished writing “Hatdog” in 30 minutes and made James listen to it in his studio. The Careless CEO and On The Wings Of Love actor immediately loved the track, and decided to finish recording his part in 4 hours. The rest, as they say, is history. 

“We were supposed to just hangout to kind of talk about what song and style and everything else we should do,” Zack shares. “But we ended up finishing the material. I’m happy James came along, and added magic to the song.”

The finished product shares the familiar aesthetic sensibility that defines Zack’s previous songs: an easygoing pop/R&B tune with soulful, slow-rock edge to it and infinitely catchy verses that build up and soar. As the 20-year-old hitmaker puts it, “Hatdog is definitely one of the most ‘chill’ songs that I've released so far. It’s super laid back and just easy to listen to.”

Zack Tabudlo and James Reid’s “Hatdog” is out now on streaming platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines.

 Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

Sunnies Studios

Buy my @sunniesstudios shades 😎 here. 🕶 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam

How it Started vs. How It’s Going

How it started vs. How it’s going ➡️The second book that I was part of was “Career Life Choices”. It was published in 2013 by Central Books, which was how I discovered my publisher. In the first photo, I’m the girl in the black blazer on the second row. It was a fun experience to learn about the writing and editing process that goes behind completing a book. I now have two books, and my second one “Speak Write Live” talks about the systems that worked for me when I wrote my first book, “Speak Blog Live”. Please support me by buying my books here. 📖 Who knows, you might also be inspired to write your own book 📕 #authorlife #speakwritelive

5 Reasons to Choose a Hisense ULED 4K Smart TV for Gaming

Gaming just got better with Hisense’s Game Mode Pro Technology!

Manila, Philippines - January 9, 2022 - When you really want to have the best experience while playing video games, you need to pair your console with a TV that’s packed with the best features for gaming. Great picture quality, a wide range of colors, and minimal input lag are just a few of the things you should look for when selecting a gaming TV. All these can be found in Hisense’s U6GS 4K ULED Smart TV with Game Mode Technology 

. This technology is capable of recognizing gaming sequences, automatically optimizing the TV’s settings to deliver the best possible gaming experience. 

Hisense 4K ULED Smart TV: Gaming Just Got Better

With its ULED category, Hisense takes on the pursuit of picture quality, aiming to provide consumers with a comprehensive viewing experience, with the help of four key features - Ultra Color, Ultra HD Resolution, Ultra Smooth Motion, and Ultra Contrast. These very same key features help make the Hisense 4K ULED Smart TV great for gaming. 

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should choose a Hisense 4K ULED Smart TV for gaming. 

4K Resolution

Many video games now feature 4K resolution, and consoles have been quick to adapt. In order to enjoy these games to the fullest, you should be able to play them on a 4K TV as well. Hisense’s 4K ULED Smart TV features a 4K display with 3840×2160 resolution that is perfect for this. 

HDR10 Display

Another of this TV’s features that is great for gamers is its HDR10 Display, which enhances the color and contrast of images on your TV screen. This means that you get to see every vibrant color in your game, with improved brightness and contrast for even more superb visuals. 

Hi-View Engine

This TV is equipped with Hisense’s proprietary AI-powered Hi-View Engine, which enables fast graphic processing. This guarantees the finest image, and the clearest motion in any content that you are watching, including video game scenes.

Game Mode Technology

With this TV’s Game Mode Technology, you are assured of minimal input lag on the Hisense 4K ULED Smart TV. This simply means that your TV screen is quickly able to react to commands that you input in your gaming controller, and any delay is minimal, and hardly even noticeable. Game Mode also enables this TV to have ultra fast refresh rates, ensuring smooth motion while you play. 

Large Screen Size

Finally, Hisense’s 4K ULED Smart TV comes in sizes ranging from 50” to 65”, and these large screen sizes are great for gaming in bigger spaces, together with your family or group of friends.  

Other key features of the Hisense U6GS 4K ULED Smart TV include:

● A 4K Upscaler that can upscale Full HD into a 4K display.

● Dolby Vision that brings extraordinary color, contrast, and brightness to the screen.

● Dolby Atmos, Dolby’s object-based surround sound that makes it seem like different sounds and effects are coming at you from all angles.

● Hisense’s fast, easy to use, and customizable VIDAA U Operating System, which gives you access to all the best streaming apps, including Netflix, Youtube, Prime Video, NBA TV, and iWant TFC.

● The HTML5-based VIDAA Store that gives you automatic access to apps for enjoying music, videos, games, social networking, and news, without the need to log in and out.

● VIDAA Art, which turns your TV screen into a beautiful art display using 370 million available artworks on Deviantart, and even your own photos.

● Pre-installed streaming apps, Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, NBA TV, iWant TFC, and Facebook Watch.

● Screen Sharing using Anyview Cast that can wirelessly mirror your Android phone’s screen onto your TV.

● Audio only mode, which allows you to turn off your TV’s display to save on electricity, and use your TV as a speaker for listening to music and other audio content.

● A Bluetooth Function for connecting your TV to an external speaker without the need for cables.

● A One-Touch Access button on your remote control that makes launching Netflix and YouTube more convenient.

● The ability to navigate through your TV using your smartphone through the Remote Now app.

Get the 55” Hisense U6GS 4K ULED Smart TV for only Php 38,950, at the Hisense Flagship Store in Lazada, and the Hisense Philippines Official Store in Shopee Mall. Every purchase of any of these units includes a free soundbar. Also watch out for Hisense’s upcoming big sale to score amazing deals and discounts on fantastic TVs from the brand. 

Hisense also has other TV categories available in the Philippines, including its 4K Laser TV, Android TV, and Digital LED TV. You may check out all of these TVs at leading appliance stores nationwide. 

For more updates, visit the Hisense website (www.hisense.com.ph) and follow its official social media accounts on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HisensePhilippines/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hisenseph/).

Source: Hisense Philippines

Human Nature 2022

Hello! Here’s a friendly reminder to buy your Human Nature essentials from me! 👩🏼‍🎤 Buy from my shop by clicking on this link. 🌻

And if you like my @themasqcollection nude mask, buy it here. 😷 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam

Vision Board 2022

I made a vision board! I used magazines recently gifted to me by a Filipino organization and an illustration board from the bookstore. Use those old magazines at home and make a keepsake you can treasure this year and beyond!🎆 Never give up on your dreams! ✨

Sarabia Light

Used my Sarabia Optical pair in the outside world yesterday and it didn’t feel like I was wearing glasses 🤓 My Essilor Transitions lenses also protected me from glare while commuting. Buy my frames here 👓 #seelifeclearly #sarabiaoptical #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador

Sarabia Optical

I love wearing glasses! I have a growing collection of specs to suit my style. My newest pair is from @sarabiaoptical, which has over 115 years of excellent service. Here I am with my Yamada frames which are the most lightweight ones I’ve ever had! These have @essilor Transitions lenses which shield my eyes from BOTH UV light and blue light. I will definitely use these so that I can have a lighter and safer 2022! They also have a Shopee store which you can visit here: https://shp.ee/i6gr4zh 👓#seelifeclearly #sarabiaoptical #essilor

Fave Cardigan

This cardigan is a staple in my closet. Buy it here. #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam