Clara Benin navigates her journey towards healing on the music video of “blink”

Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin returns with the visual accompaniment to her new single “blink.” 

Heavily inspired by Michel Gondry’s romantic sci-fi film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the music video finds the folk-pop phenom waking up in bed on a distant shoreline of a beach, while navigating her journey towards healing and self-preservation.

The ethereal clip is directed by Josh Elefan, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Benin. “We actually came up with the concept together,” said the 28-year-old multi-talented artist. “This video is so personal to the both of us.”

A month ahead of the International Women’s Day, Clara Benin was featured on a giant billboard at Times Square in New York for Spotify’s EQUAL campaign, a global movement which serves as an initiative of the streaming platform to amplify the work of outstanding women and gender-nonconforming musicians. 

Having amassed more than 40 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.

The Parallel Universe singer-songwriter is currently working on a couple more singles in the coming months. 

Check out Clara Benin’s “blink” on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE. Watch the music video here.

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

About Clara Benin

Clara Benin is touted as the indie darling of the Philippines. She is one of the first artists under Sony’s new regional label OFFMUTE. Her signature angelic voice and melodic acoustic guitar playing bring a kind of serenity that her listeners gravitate towards. She has collaborated with Singaporean artists Charlie Lim for a remake of her hit single “Wine” and Gentle Bones for the pop track “A Day At A Time”. 

Widely loved for her warm and quiet demeanor, the acoustic-folk artist has played in notable festivals like Wanderland Arts and Music Festival in the Philippines, Music Matters in Singapore, and Zandari Festa in Korea. She sold out her first solo concert in 2016 for her album “Coming Home” and had a back-to-back concert with fellow artist Ben&Ben in 2018.

Source: Nyou

Sharlene San Pedro sprints through borrowed time on pop-rock single “Running”

The punchy midtempo tune takes listeners through a journey of introspection

 Outside of her acting and hosting accolades, Sharlene San Pedro has successfully branched out into a music career, landing a top 10 hit with a cover of Mayonnaise’s “Paraan” in 2016 and dropping her second single “Stars & Caramel Bars” to commercial acclaim in 2017. With the guidance of Mayonnaise’s lead singer and chief songwriter-producer Monty Macalino, the young multimedia star has released songs that balance teen pop with easy-listening sensibilities—a signature sound that she continues to hone and develop through her stint in the music industry for more than five years.

Fast forward to 2022, Sharlene returns with a new song that takes listeners through a journey of introspection, in search of something possibly out of reach. Written and produced by Macalino, with Angee Rozul as its sound engineer, “Running” is a punchy midtempo tune that ranks among her finest in terms of range and delivery. “My past releases are slow and easy listening, so this time, Yellow Room Music, especially sir Monty, is trying to aim for a little upbeat kind of song for my new single,” Sharlene shares in a statement.

According to the 22-year-old singer-actress, the pop-rock track is all about “feeling all the emotions and trying to live in that particular moment or memory but you know you're running out of time.”

The release of the single is accompanied by a music video directed by Janelle Cristobal, with assistance from her teammates Miko Pelino, Andrei Fonseca, DaryleGuevarra, and Nathan Dacillo.

“I have worked with them before for MYX when I was a MYX VJ,” the multi-talented artist reveals. “I chose their team because these days, I really wanna work with people whom I really trust.”

Upon the MV release, the tag ‘running out now’ trended on Twitter Philippines for several hours. The hashtags #RunningSSP #RunningMV #RunningVisualizer #SharleneSanPedro also came with a Custom Twitter Emoji made specifically for the alt-pop star, and was used by her fans as part of the online campaign to promote the song.

“Running” also serves as one of the culminating releases for Sony Music Philippines’ International Women’s Day Campaign #BabaeAko, which aims to put a spotlight on women and female artists under the label’s roster through several online and promotional activities this March 2022.

Sharlene San Pedro’s “Running” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via YR Music and Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Swipe Right

So exited to share that my short story, Only Adults, is part of Swipe Right Vol. 1! It will be available soon under Ukiyoto. It is a privilege to do what I love for a living 📝 Please continue to support me by buying my books here. 📖 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!#authorlife

Buy My Books Today!!!

Hi everyone! Please buy my books! My books are as low as $2.99 for an ebook and every copy sold will help me overcome my challenges and continue writing. Please support! This is my book, I Helped Myself, which is now sold on Amazon worldwide. I will be releasing more books soon. I hope that you will continue supporting me by buying here. 📖 THANK YOU! #authorlife #ihelpmyself #amazonauthor

I Helped Myself: An Amazon Book

My high school friend @itsmeshermee gave her own honest review of my book, #ihelpedmyself, which is now available both in print and ebook formats! Order now from Amazon and via this link. 📖 #authorlife #amazonauthor

I Helped Myself: Now on Amazon!

My high school friend @a.kimmykimmy just purchased my book I Helped Myself from Amazon! You too can buy your own copy. This book is about overcoming life’s challenges 💪 Find out how I raised funds to publish my first book and even how I thrived during the pandemic! The sequel will also be out VERY soon! Buy my books here. #authorlife #ihelpedmyself #amazonauthor

I Moved Forward: Accepted for International Publishing!

My international publisher has just accepted another manuscript for publishing both in print and ebook forms. I Moved Forward is the continuation of my book, I Helped Myself, which is now available on Amazon. Hope you can support me by buying my books here. 📖 #authorlife #imovedforward

I Helped Myself: Now Available In Print In The Philippines!

My US-based friend @experien_cez purchased a copy of my book I Helped Myself on Amazon! Good news for my friends based in the Philippines: print copies of my book may now be purchased via this link. 📕 Please support by getting a copy today! 📖 #authorlife #ihelpedmyself #amazonauthor

Any Name’s Okay drops summer-themed music video of “Yugto”

The MV also stars acclaimed indie actress Elora Españo

 Filipino alternative pop outfit Any Name’s Okay has finally released the music video of “Yugto,” their first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

Shot from the perspective of an anonymous lover, the visuals take viewers to the coastal scenery of Sambal Beach Farm in Botolan, Zambales—the backdrop to a cute, romantic story helmed by Ria Red.

“Our co-manager and beloved director, Ria Red, was the one who came up with the idea of making the music video take a different point of view as compared to other videos,” the five-piece band shares in an official statement. “Since the song is very much a love song sung in a first person POV, the video followed Ria’s vision of making it a story but told through the eyes of someone in a long-term relationship, who took the time and effort to get to know their partner, and is now wholly committed to them.”

Filmed during the height of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the MV stars acclaimed indie actress Elora Españo (Kalel 15, Signal Rock, Citizen Jake), and was shot with the smallest team possible. “Our production team, headed by Ria, took extra precautions to make sure everyone involved was safe. Nevertheless, we were very involved in the pre- and post- production stages, and creating the video was very fun and collaborative.”

“Yugto” is the first single off Any Name’s Okay’s upcoming 6-song EP, Leaving Home—slated to be released this year. Specially written and produced for their performance in Taiwan PASIWALI Festival in 2019, the song talks about the joy and confidence of being in a long-term commitment.

“It is about savoring the experience of love in contrast to people who see the passage of time as tiring or boring and are afraid of the long run,” the five-member act said. “Being inspired by anime OSTs, we wanted to produce it in a way that gave it a strong feel of rhythm and a driving arrangement. We also decided to add a lot of percussion as it seemed very appropriate.”

Any Name’s Okay’s “Yugto” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

My Book is now on Amazon!

My US-based high school friend @lorainelopez bought my book I Helped Myself from Amazon! She reminded me today of how much I enjoyed writing since we were in school 🥺 I’m really thankful that my books are reaching my friends all around the world! Buy my Amazon debut here to support me. 📖 #authorlife #ihelpedmyself

Pop-It Toys!

Kill stress away with these pop it toys! Buy them here. 💚 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam

I Helped Myself Print Copies Now AvaiLable!

My college friend Aisha was the first buyer of my book I Helped Myself on Amazon! She already received her copy, and I’m really happy to have supportive friends who appreciate my work ❤️ Buy my book via this link. 📕 #authorlife #ihelpedmyself

I Helped Myself Book Launch

Celebrated the launch of my Amazon debut title, I Helped Myself! This book is my first international release, and it means a lot to me to celebrate it with my loved ones. Please support by buying a copy here. 📖 #ihelpedmyself #amazonauthor #authorlife #flowerchimp

Rex Orange County drops new single “Open A Window,” featuring acclaimed rapper Tyler, The Creator

"OPEN A WINDOW" (feat. Tyler, the Creator)

LISTEN: ROC.lnk.to/OpenAWindow

WHO CARES? ALBUM

LISTEN: ROC.lnk.to/WHOCARES

Rex Orange County shares "OPEN A WINDOW" featuring Tyler, The Creator, the third offering from his brand-new album WHO CARES? The track finds Rex reunited with one of his earliest champions in Tyler, who contributes a verse, marking the first time the two have collaborated since Tyler's 2017 album Flower Boy.

"OPEN A WINDOW" is laid-back with jazzy keys and drums that flow freely behind Rex's stand out vocals. It follows the previously released single "AMAZING" and the lead single "KEEP IT UP," which Billboard described as "a tasty bit of happy-go-lucky pop-rock." Additionally, Rex appeared as the musical guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last weekend, which you can watch HERE.

"OPEN A WINDOW" also arrives on the heels of Rex recently announcing a North American tour that will see him play iconic venues across the continent like Forest Hills Stadium in New York, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and The Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre in California before hitting the UK and Ireland in July and August for a 4-date string of shows. Tickets are on sale HERE.

WHO CARES? will mark Rex's first release since 2020's Live at Radio City Music Hall EP taken from his two sold-out shows at the venue in 2020 just before his international Pony tour was cut short in Berlin due to Covid-19. As it turns out, however, that tour being cut short is part of the genesis of this album. After spending the bulk of 2020 quarantined back home in the UK, Rex made the trek to Amsterdam that fall to record with Benny Sings, with whom he crafted the 2017 platinum selling breakout single "Loving Is Easy."

What started as sessions without expectations turned into an incredibly productive 48-hour window of recording with Benny, prompting a follow-up trip to Amsterdam. The subsequent 10 days of work together produced his fourth album, made in close partnership with Benny, that is a playful record by an artist in a playful mood.

Check out "OPEN A WINDOW" and WHO CARES? links above and tour routing below and stay tuned for more from Rex Orange County coming soon.

. 

WHO CARES?

Rex Orange County

March 11th, 2022

Sony Music

1. KEEP IT UP

2. OPEN A WINDOW (Feat. Tyler, The Creator)

3. WORTH IT

4. AMAZING

5. ONE IN A MILLION

6. IF YOU WANT IT

7. 7 AM

8. THE SHADE

9. MAKING TIME

10. SHOOT ME DOWN

11. WHO CARES?

 Source: Nyou

Sarabia Optical: A Go-To Optical Brand in Town

Sarabia Optical opened its doors this year, as itcontinuously innovates the field of optometry in the country. The brand started its year with a vision—providing excellent and best-in-class vision care services and products that patients may have not yet experienced before. Sarabia Optical is eager to make people see life clearly, and be the go-to optical brand of every Filipino.

Your Modern Eye Expert

The brand is known to offer tailored-fit services and products to customers who are in need of vision care. Its comprehensive vision exam is unlike other optical businesses, as it is comprised of series of interviews to know the customer’s lifestyle, and analysis to create aproper recommendation to help customers see clearly, and this way of giving vision care to people, it has given Sarabia Optical loyal customers through generation, making the brand the go-to optical brand for their vision care.

House of Premium Brands

Sarabia Optical is a house of multiple designer brands such as Lindberg, Randolph, Mykita and many more, showcasing unique and upscale style in affordable prices, recommended to customers who have different lifestyle

Pertaining to premium products, Sarabia Optical is also one of the largest retailers of Essilor, the #1 spectacle lenses worldwide, standing to its mission to improve lives by improving sight to people. Its flagship brands are Varilux®, Crizal®, Transitions®, Eyezen™ and Xperio®.You can avail the multi-pair best deal offer this 2022 with your 2nd pair of any Essilor lenses with Crizal at 50% off. Essilor Multi-pair offer is available at any Sarabia Optical Shops nationwiden to find the perfect pair of Essilor lenses suited to your lifestyle needs. Aside from optical lenses, Sarabia Optical also has contact lenses in partnership with Alcon, the global leader in eye care, specifically in contact lenses such as Air Optix, Freshlook, and Dailies.

Dedication to Vision Care

The brand is dedicated to vision care since 1906, showcasing Sarabia Optical’s passion to Optometry. The brand also envisions further expansion around prime locations in Metro Manila. Recently, Sarabia Optical opened its 29th store in Festival Mall to cater more patients, who are in need of extensive vision care.

Source: Sarabia Optical

I Helped Myself: Now on Amazon!

My book, I Helped Myself, is now available on Amazon! This is my international debut as an author, and I hope that you can support me by buying a copy here. 📖 Read on how I overcame challenges and helped myself! Buy now! #authorlife #ihelpedmyself

Yamada Specs

It’s the weekend! Don’t forget to relax 🍻 Buy my glasses from @sarabiaoptical 👓 via this link. 🤓 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam

15 Years of Child SponsorshIp

Celebrating 15 years of being a @worldvisionphl child sponsor with a self-development webinar! I started being a child sponsor when I was still in college, and I never looked back! And just like that, it’s been 15 years of sharing my blessings and knowing that I am able to impact a child’s life. 🧡 Please also consider sponsoring a child by visiting @worldvisionphl! 🧡 #worldvisionph

Ace Banzuelo kicks off International Women’s Month with captivating serenade “Babae”

The Filipino singer-songwriter/producer releases a music video helmed by budding female director Katrina Arciaga

 Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelocontinues to carve out a new lane in pop music with the release of “Babae,” an ‘80s inspired track steeped in warm, analog-sounding synths and romantic lyrics.

The retro-infused jam serves as the official anthem for #BabaeAko, an International Women’s Month campaign by Sony Music Philippines which aims to put a spotlight on women and female artists under the label’s roster through several online and promotional activities this March 2022.

According to the Alive hitmaker, it’s an honor to lend his platform to an important cause that empowers women in creatives who have long been deprived of equal opportunities. 

“Babae was already finished months ahead and it was set to be released earlier than the target date,” says the 21-year-old artist. “When the team approached me about the possibility of using my song as part of a women-focused campaign, I immediately said yes. I’ve worked with many talented women all my life, and it’s about time that we recognize their legacy and how they have contributed significantly in pushing the culture forward. They are as great or even as better than their counterparts if truth be told.”

The music video of “Babae” is in fact, helmed by Katrina Arciaga, a budding female director who has worked with Ace on several projects before. “We’ve worked on small projects as independent creatives before, but this time without a doubt I knew we could pull off my vision and bring it to life.”

The visuals tell a story of a person earning someone’s trust. In Ace’s words, it’s a “sweet, magical and mysterious” metaphor on the various stages of liking someone, including the challenges that come with it.  

“I came up with the playful concept last minute actually,” the eclectic pop phenom shares in a statement.

Aside from its interesting music video concept, Ace also takes pride of writing a multilingual song that highlights the poetic beauty of Tagalog and Cebuano, with a generous sprinkling of English, Japanese and Spanish. 

To make this possible, the talented newcomer asked help from friends and family in taking into account preciseness and proper word usage when it comes to writing the lyrics of the song. “I always felt that adding those little language twists would add an interesting layer to the track.”

“Babae” is Ace Banzuelo’s follow-up to the sparkly bop “Alive,” which kicks of his new era with genres that range from K-Pop to city pop, ‘70s disco to dance music. To date, Ace has racked up more than 12 million streams on Spotify alone, and is slated to release his full-length debut album this year.

“Babae” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video here.

The song is part of Sony Music Philippines’ multiple activities planned out for the International Women’s Month, which kicks off with a curated playlist that highlights Sony Music’s local and international female artists, and a series of videos/online performances from the label’s roster of acts from March 17-29. Check out the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter of Sony Music Philippines for details.

Source: Nyou

Israeli Embassy Launches The ISHA Project:A Woman's Health and Wellness Advocacy for Women’s Month

Signing of the ISHA project which provides free health and wellness package for women in uniform and women from the marginalized sector

In photo: Dr. Victor Gisbert President of MakatiMed Foundation; 

Ms. Mikaela Luisa Teves, Executive Director of Spark Philippines, 

Ambassador Ilan Fluss; Ms. Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Ms. Universe Philippines

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines launched the ISHA Project in celebration of the International Women's Day on March 8. 

The project aims to serve as an effective tool for responding to the pressing health needs of Filipina women from underserved sectors and communities in cooperation with Makati Medical Foundation, Miss Universe Philippines, Spark Philippines, and MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for Development Cooperation.ISHA is the Hebrew word for "woman".

Beneficiaries from the marginalized sector will be given a free Women's Health and Wellness package sponsored by the Israeli embassy. The package will help detect and prevent women's illness through consultation with OB-GYN specialists, breast examination, and PAP smear done at MakatiMed.   

"This year, in the Philippines, we decided that we will focus on the issue of women's health, which is extremely important," Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss said during the inauguration of ISHA project. "It is very important because not everybody has access to health services for free especially the marginalized sector. It is a critical issue so I'm very happy that we're able to inaugurate this program," he said.

The Israeli Embassy advocates women's health and wellness through the periodic conduct of health-related projects and activities. 

Ambassador Ilan Fluss launched the project together with the President of MakatiMed Foundation Dr. Victor  Gisbert; Ms. Marge Barro, Executive Director, Makati Medical center Foundation; Director of SPARK Philippines Ms. Mikaela Luisa Teves; Director of Miss Universe Philippines Ms. ShamceySupsup-Lee; Ms. Universe Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez; the embassy and MakatiMed staff; and the recipients of the health and wellness package.

 Source: EMBASSY OF ISRAEL MANILA