My book, I Helped Myself, was recently accepted for publishing by international publishing house Ukiyoto. I am very proud of my hard work! This means that this title will soon be available worldwide both in print and ebook forms. Finally, my friends outside of the Philippines can read a full-length book of mine 🥺 Please support me when this comes out! And also, please continue buying my first two books Speak Blog Live and Speak Write Live here. ✨ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think
This book! 💯 If your goal is to read more books this year but you’re struggling with finishing one, then begin with this! It is by @briannawiest, a Thought Catalog author who serves insights on personal growth, development, and change. You can read it in one go, like I did, or read an essay a day. Before you know it, you have already finished a substantial book. 📖 Buy it here. #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam
Tiffany Circle Choco
Craving for chocolate milkshake but on a healthy diet? Give @tiffanycircleph chocolate drink a try! It has fiber and chia seeds BUT IT’S STILL YUMMY! Order here. 🍫 #tiffanyhabit
Karga Script Bag
Using my script bag from @kargastoreph! As an author, I NEED STUFF LIKE THIS. 🥺 It is a smartly designed bag 💼 which can hold a laptop, tablet, or e-reader in a separate pocket. My favorite feature is the tumbler holder! And I like how minimalist it is. Order from @kargastoreph 🖤 #supportsmallbusiness
Sam for Quielle Jewelry
Kindle Paperwhite
Finally got myself a Kindle! And of course, my first book is by @colleenhoover 🖤 Shop my Kindle here. 📚 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam
Eddie Benjamin delivers message of optimism during troubling times on new single “Weatherman”
The music video highlights the rising star’s whimsical nature and love of all things classic
Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Eddie Benjamin introduces his upcoming debut album with new single, “Weatherman,” out today via Vol. 1 Records/Epic Records.
A defiant call for optimism in troubling times, the promising newcomer imbues his message of hope with old-school soul and irresistible pop hooks.
Over lilting keys, Eddie begins “Weatherman” with a plea for brighter days. “Go tell the weatherman I said, I want it sunny outside today,” he sings.
While the tone is uplifting, Eddie penned the song while battling anxiety. “I felt out of control and didn’t know what to do,” the 20-year -old artist tells Rolling Stone. “I couldn’t help how I felt, and it summed up all these extremities in a really vulnerable way. You’re talking to yourself, asking for a sunny day.”
With its confessional lyrics and heady blend of soul, jazz, and pop, “Weatherman'' combines his many influences for a sound that feels classic yet uniquely his. “I’d like to expose this generation to timeless songcraft in a contemporary way,” he says.
The addictive track also arrives alongside a colorful video, which made its broadcast premiere today via an MTV First Look, airing at the top of every music hour on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop, and simultaneously via a Nickelodeon Music premiere. Watch it HERE.
The visual narrative highlights the rising star’s whimsical nature and love of all things classic. Colorful, cryptic, and full of mysterious figures, it’s a surreal, rich video that suits the depth and character of the track. Directed by Tyler Yee(Lana Del Rey, G-Eazy), it adds yet another dimension to the richness of his textured sophistipop—upbeat yet complex, familiar yet new.
Alongside the release, Eddie joins Justin Bieber’s Justice World Tour, which kicks off tonight in San Diego, CA, an appropriate fit for a pop visionary in his own right. The tour, which also includes Jaden, Harry Hudson, and ¿Téo?, will traverse the US and Canada. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, while the tour routing can be found below.
Eddie Benjamin’s “Weatherman” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Vol. 1 Records/Epic Records/Sony Music.
Follow Eddie Benjamin:
Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
Source: Sony Music Philippines
Speakoutsam at ScrIbblory
I am grateful for writing orgs like @scribblory. They recently published my essay, Speaking My Story, in their newsletter. Read my essay! I hope that it can inspire you to speak your mind and write your story ✍️ Buy my books to support me here. 📚 #authorlife
Clara Benin appears on billboard in New York City’s Times Square
A month ahead of International Women’s Day, Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin lands on a Times Square, New York billboard as part of Spotify’s EQUAL Campaign.
The global movement, which serves as an initiative of the music streaming platform to amplify the work of outstanding women and gender-nonconforming musicians, turned its spotlight on Benin as this week’s cover artist of Spotify EQUAL Playlist in the Philippines, with two of her songs, “blink” and “Araw’t Gabi” occupying the top two slots.
“I feel really humbled to be featured on a Times Square billboard in New York and to have my songs be part of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist alongside these lovely and talented women,” the folk-pop phenom shares in a statement. “I really hope our music reaches and inspires more people from all over the world.”
Having amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone, Clara Benin is the first Filipino signed under Sony Music’s OFFMUTE— a Southeast Asian record label that’s entirely dedicated to giving artists a voice, an audience, and an opportunity for cross-collaboration within the region.
Benin recently released a new single called “blink,” which was produced by acclaimed electronic/indie artist The Ringmaster, and features prolific multi-instrumentalist Gabba Santiago on drums. Honoring memories like a fundamental aspect of human nature, the song finds refuge in reliving Benin’s past without any hint of regret.
She is also currently working on several new songs to be released soon. “I’ve been writing a lot the past two years and very excited to work on them this year for an upcoming album.”
Check out Clara Benin’s “blink” on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.
Follow CLARA BENIN on socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarabeninmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarabeninmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarabeninmusic
Follow OFFMUTE on socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offmuteASIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/offmute
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offmute/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offmute
Source: Nyou
Philippines makes history as the only Asian country to qualify at the 2022 Trek UCI Gravel World Series
Set to open the series, the Philippines kicks off the multi-cycling race series in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is set to hold its inaugural sanctioned gravel world championships series, with the first event to take place in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines on April 03, 2022.
The Trek UCI Gravel World Series will serve as its alternative off-road version for the premier UCI Gran Fondo World Series and World Championships, and the winners will be awarded with the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.
The Switzerland-based governing body for sports cycling, which also oversees international competitive cycling events, announced in a press release in September last year that it will “organize—in collaboration with eventsorganizer Golazo [Sports]—a UCI Gravel World Series consisting of events enabling athletes to qualify for the Trek UCI Gravel World Championships.”
With more than 15 events serving as qualifiers, the races are anticipated to be “mass participation events,” as Gravel continues to be a booming discipline around the world, combining elements of road and mountain bike, and takes place mainly on unsealed roads such as gravel, forest tracks, farm roads, and cobbles.
On the Trek UCI Gravel World Series’ first iteration’s criteria for participation, Erwin Vervecken, the off-road and gravel manager for Belgium-based sports marketing agency Golazo Sports, told American cycling magazineVeloNews that whereas the Gran Fondo focuses on masters and cyclotourists, the Trek UCI Gravel World Series is more geared towards non-professionals. “In gravel, elite riders of the top level, riders from the WorldTour, from UCI teams, can participate, can qualify and do world championships. We expect the top riders.”
In order to qualify for the 2022 Trek UCI Gravel World Series, participants must finish in the top 25% group per gender and age group, with each age group ranging fiveyears between 19 and 79. Riders with no license, holds amateur and masters license, cycling for all license, and elite license. The equipment and course regulations of Gran Fondo will apply to Gravel World.
While the final list of locations are yet to be revealed, races will be held in select event venues in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
The Trek UCI Gravel World Series Philippines event will include an 85km (qualifier distance for 19 to 49) and 62km course (qualifier distance for 50 and above)—the majority of the race is flat and fast. Starting in Vega Grande, located north of Bongabon, the 85km course is a mix of flat gravel roads along the river, forest roads, and dirt roads. The shorter, 62km course includes a shortcut to the same finishing point of the 85km course.
The first race of the Trek UCI Gravel World Series will coincide with Bongabon’s festive season, which includes the Sibuyas Festival, held every 10th of April. The celebration is a form of thanksgiving for a bountiful onion harvest. Perfect in the summer, tourists can also enjoy the Falls Deepsap waterfall at Barangay Labi and a visit to Mount Labi Peak.
Bongabon Mayor Allan Xystus A. Gamilla is honored that the municipality will be part of the upcoming UPCI Gravel Series in the Philippines. “Bongabon, being an emerging destination for cycling tourism and outdoor recreation, offers breathtaking sceneries with the most wonderful views of the Philippines’ untapped countryside. It’s also a great place with exciting backroads, trails, and routes that every adventure seeker would be thrilled to experience. Perfect in the summer, tourists can also enjoy the refreshing rivers and the cool weather at Mount Labi. It is also the home of the Bongabon Bike Park in Ariendo, an Enduro and Downhill MTB destination for the gravity riders.”
As the first Trek UCI Gravel World Series inch closer, organizers hope that its inclusiveness and scale will inspire “any rider who wants a shot at the rainbow stripes.”
The 2022 Trek UCI Gravel World Series – BongabonPhilippines is supported by brands and institutions who push the sport forward for the cycling community: Black Mamba, 8A Apparel, Genesis Eyewear, iGsport, Milo and Yakult.
Source: Nyou
CCP Library
My first two books, Speak Blog Live and Speak Write Live, are now at the @culturalcenterph library! As a published author, it is my goal to have my books used as research materials for fellow authors and researchers. Please continue supporting me by buying copies here.📕 Special thanks to Ms. Bebang Siy, my editor and partner Lorenz De Guzman, and my publisher @centralbooksph @rhegiedgzmn 📕#speakbloglive #speakwritelive #authorlife #ccp
Valentine’s 2022
Happy Valentine’s Day from me and Lorenz!
Give In To Your Heart’s Desires This Valentine’s Day At Market! Market!
Safely enjoy all the love month festivities at the mall with those you care about the most!
Manila, Philippines - February 15, 2022 - February is all about love, and Market! Market! has an awesome and safe celebration in store for mall-goers. Whether you are spending the love month with a special someone, or indulging in some much-needed self-love time, you’re sure to enjoy all the festivities happening at the mall for Valentine’s Day.
A Love Pop-Up To Remember
Shop for romantic gifts, treats, and other Valentine goodies at the various pop-up merchant stores located at the Activity Center from February 10 to 16, 2022.
And They Called It Puppy Love
Spend quality time with your furbaby through a fun playdate at The BarkYard across Starbucks Market! Market!. First 50 customers to present their pet's Ayala Malls PET ID at the Concierge Booth on February 14 will get FREE treats or toys for their pooch.
Wine And Dine At Seda Hotel
Shop for the chance to win a romantic dinner date at Seda Hotel. Simply present single or accumulated receipts worth Php 1,000 from Market! Market! retail store merchants, excluding Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, and Bills Payment, dated February 14 to 23, 2022, to get your e-raffle entry at the Concierge Booth.
View Love From Every Angle
Check out the anamorphic art installation that shows LOVE in All Angles starting February 13 at the Activity Center.
Self-Shoot Studio by Backroom Studios
Catch Backroom Studios’ first pop-up booth at Ayala Malls located at Serendra Wing near the Concierge Booth, from February 23 to 28, 2022. Capture great moments, and receive colored prints of your photos as keepsakes for the Valentine season.
Donate Blood and Keep the World Beating
Give so others may live when you participate in the Market! Market! Blood drive, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, at the 5/F, in front of Fun City, on February 14, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For more information on mall activities, schedules, and promotions at #iLoveMarketMarket, like and follow Facebook.com/MarketMarket, @ilovemarketmarket on Instagram and TikTok, and @MarketMarketBGC on Twitter. You may also visit www.ayalamalls.com.
Source: Fifth Gear PR
Candles by Ysa
Lorenz and I got my mom the @candlesbyysa x @dayysakitchen candle and cookies gift set for valentines! We love their eco friendly packaging aside from their yummy cookies and aesthetic candles 🕯 order here: @candlesbyysa @dayysakitchen 💕
Lucky In Love With Pocky
“In order to find love, you have to be open to receive it”, says my fortune slip from my @glico_ph Pocky box. When I started loving myself, I noticed that I attracted more love and opportunities into my life! So, what can you do today to be more open to love? 💕 Buy Pocky Sakura today as it’s the perfect Valentine’s gift for you and your loved ones! Shop here: https://shp.ee/mxa7a5r 🌸#LuckyInLoveWithPocky
Tiffany Circle Taro Milk Tea
Tried @tiffanycircleph’s taro milk tea and OMG it’s sooo good! I had it hot, and it was like a hug in a mug 💜 It was perfect before my trip to IKEA to buy plants 🪴 Buy Tiffany Circle Taro Milk Tea here. 💜 #tiffanyhabit
Hikaru Utada Shares “Face My Fears (A. G. Cook Remix)” Music Video on YouTube Premiere
Album BAD MODE debuted at #1 on digital charts in Japan and also significantly ranked in various charts in 21 countries and regions around the globe. The album will soon be available on CD, including the Single-run Limited Edition, on February 23.
While we wait eagerly for the CD release, Hikaru has shared the music video for one of the bonus tracks from the album, “Face My Fears (A. G. Cook Remix),” on February 10!
The music video has been released to celebrate the launch of the KINGDOM HEARTS series cloud versions on Nintendo Switch. Created by the video production team from REAL ROCK DESIGN, it features famous scenes from the series edited anew to sync with the music. Aworld-wide audience has been sending rave comments since the video release was announced, as proof, once again, of the global popularity of the Kingdom Heartsseries and its theme song
The original “Face My Fears (English Version) / HikaruUtada & Skrillex “KINGDOM HEARTS III” Opening Theme Song” charted in the US Billboard Hot 100, and the new version was remixed by A. G. CooK, who co-produced “One Last Kiss” and “Kimini Muchuu,” also on the album BAD MODE, turning out the brand-new banger.
The album will include three versions of the song: Japanese and English versions of the original and the A. G. Cook remix. Check out all of them!
※Face My Fears (A. G. Cook Remix) YouTube URL:https://youtu.be/SbT55Ggd__E
KINGDOM HEARTS Series Official Website: https://www.kingdomhearts.com/home/us/
Source: Japanese Culture PR Team
Day 10 of my #tiffanyhabit
Day 10 of my #tiffanyhabit was about drinking my @tiffanycircleph coffee to power me through a day of errands! I wore an upcycled top from @craftcha.ph and a Sailormoon mask 😷 for good vibes 💝 Buy Tiffany Circle coffee here. ☕️
Israel Turnovers COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits to DND
The Ministry of Defense of the State of Israel through the Israeli Embassy in Manila, donated 16,000 units of antigen test kits to the Department of National Defense of the Philippines to help its fight against COVID-19.
Israeli diplomats Ambassador Ilan Fluss and Defense Attaché Mr. Raz Shabtay turned over the antigen test kits to Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana.
“Friends support each other in times of need. Israel is a friend of the Philippines and will continue to assist and share its expertise in various fields. I am proud to deliver this Israeli assistance today to support the Department of National Defense of the Philippines in keeping this country safe and secure,” Ambassador Fluss said.
“The relationship between Israel and the Philippines, particularly the relationship between both defense ministries, is never as strong as it is now,” Mr. Shabtay said. “We are delighted to be able to support once more, in the form of contributing 16,000 antigen test kits, to help the Defense Forces of the Philippines in fighting this current Global Pandemic,” he added.
Israel continues to assist the Philippines in combatting COVID-19. In 2021, the Israeli government turned over personal protective equipment to the Department of National Defense and the Philippine National Police, two Israeli delegations of medical experts assisted the country’s national vaccination campaign and shared Israel’s local clinical guidelines for COVID-19 infection control protocols and hospital management. Israel also continues to share its experience and knowledge in emergency and pandemic response with the Philippines through webinars, courses, and joint meetings.
The handover ceremony was held at the DND Headquarters in Quezon City on February 9, 2022. In attendance were Asec. Jesus Rey Avilla, Usec. Ricardo Jalad, Director Franklin Gali, BGEN Edgar Cardiñoza, Usec. Raymundo de Vera Elefante, and staff members of the DND and the embassy.
Source: EMBASSY OF ISRAEL MANILA
Day 9 of my #tiffanyhabit
Day 9 of my #tiffanyhabit ☕️ I had @tiffanycircleph coffee to power through my Wednesday! I donated my book to the Filipinas Heritage Library, which is an honor as a published author. Make your dreams happen with coffee and hard work! Buy Tiffany Circle coffee here. ☕️#10daychallenge @lilyhanachan @soleandreaocampo @jade.ofall.trades @elle_of_tiffany
