My sixth book, #happilydiningalone, is now at the @culturalcenterph library! đľđ Thank you to the @ccpintertextual team for accepting me and my works â¤ď¸ Please support me by buying my books here. đ Sharing my books to libraries is a dream come true for me, and my books could help you reach yours!â¨NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! đ #authorlife #amazonauthor
Young Cocoa infuses bossa nova sample with modern hip-hop flair on new single âNovaâ
The catchy, laid-back track will be part of his debut EP to be released sometime in 2022
After landing on several high-profile playlists curated by some of the biggest names in K-Pop, Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Young Cocoa returns with âNova,â his new single under pan-regional label, OFFMUTE.
Incorporating a bossa nova sample as foundation for the rest of the beat, the prolific hip-hop artist raps about young love with awe-inspiring giddiness, and delivers one of the breeziest crossover tunes to come out in a while.
The smooth bop was produced by Cavill, who captured the energy of the lyrics with undeniable ease. It will be part of his upcoming debut EP to be released in the latter part of 2022.
âWe wanted to create a song that was an easy listen, had a lot of bounce, and felt âbubblyâ in the same way the lyrics were written,â reveals the rising Asian rapper. âNovaâs creation really just started off of the exploration of a different sound, and progressed into a song that I wrote about having an innocent crush, or puppy love. The title is directly inspired by my favorite snack, Nova and the use of Bossa Nova elements in the production.â
The song comes with a performative visual that aims to bring to life the single art inspired by Wes Andersonâin some capacity. Young Cocoa adds, âThe video is set in sunrise, midday, and sunset, where I basically perform as if Iâm talking about/to the person I like.â
The Manila chart-topper also tapped filmmaker friend Miko Del Rosario to direct the âNovaâ MV with Leo Malli as DOP.
Check out Young Cocoaâs âNovaâ on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE. Watch the video here.
Follow YOUNG COCOA on socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyoungestcocoa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/youngcocoa_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_youngcocoa
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 Young Cocoa
As one of the most promising hip-hop artists in the Southeast Asian region, OFFMUTE signee Young Cocoa quickly rose to fame after BTSâ resident rapper RM included his track âManilaâ in one of the global superstarâs online playlists. The trailblazing bop, which finds the Filipino artist rapping over lo-fi beats and jazzy soundscapes, eventually went viral, and received endorsements and playlist inclusions from Korean artists such as RM of BTS, Jay of ENHYPEN, Yeri of Red Velvet, Eric of The Boyz, Omega X, Dawon of SF19 and Lia Kim from 1Million Dance Studio.
Currently based in Manila, the 24-year-old rapper and songwriter has established himself as genre-averse artist whose music draws a lot from his personal narratives and observations on life. With groove-oriented production and smooth urban sound, Young Cocoaâs work explores a diverse range of genres and sonic template that often reflects a state of dreaminess and escape, but whose verses embrace the confessional and authentic side of storytelling.
The eclectic Filipino artist considers Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Anderson Paak., Saba and Tyler TheCreator as some of his music influences. He works with some of the most underrated and innovative hip-hop and electronic producers in Asia, from Korean-based beatmaker Lazy Wanderlust to Indonesiaâs very own Ghidd. Blending his own artistry with sonic collages set up by his collaborators, Young Cocoa provides a unique music stamp with layers of childlike nostalgia, countryside daydream, and city futurism, and touches on themes derived from his experiences as a third culture kid.
As the first hip-hop artist under pan-regional music label, OFFMUTE, Young Cocoa is determined to push the Southeast Asian sound to the next level, while retaining his personhood in the creative process. He is currently working on new songs off his debut EP to be released soon.
His first official single is âZesto,â a bouncy electro-pop tune that reimagines the very definition of a summer anthem.
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 Musicâs 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
Happily Dining Alone Paperback
I am so happy to share that my latest book #happilydiningalone is now available worldwide on Amazon! đ The paperback edition is also available in the Philippines for my friends who prefer physical books! đľđ Please support and buy from this link. đ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! ⨠#authorlife #amazonauthor
Eighth Book to be Published Soon!
My eighth book will be published soon! đž Please continue supporting me by buying my books here. đ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! #authorlife #amazonauthor #dateyourselffirst
My Eighth Book
Two years ago, we were in the middle of a lockdown. I was busy crocheting earsavers for healthcare frontliners. I was playing a song on the flute and posting videos of me doing so each day. I found life at home to be better than I ever thought it would be.
This ability to create a new life for myself has inspired me to actually fulfill my childhood dream of becoming an author. I wrote my first book, Speak Blog Live, a year later. I released it in late 2021, surprising even myself as it was the boldest career move I have ever made. I later released seven more books after that, and I am proud to announce that my eighth published work, Date Yourself First, will be released on Amazon worldwide this 2022.
I am proud of my career as a published author. I am thirty-five years old as of this writing, and I am living proof that it is never too late to fulfill your own dreams of being whoever you want to be. Who cares if I am 35? I care about working hard and smart as an author. I care about making myself happy by writing. I care about inspiring others.
For the first time in forever, I am having so much fun in the present that I am actually excited for the future.
Please continue supporting my work by buying my books here. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!
Happily Dining Alone: Now On Amazon!
Hello! I just launched my sixth published book #happilydiningalone đ˝ It is available worldwide on Amazon and via this link. đ´ Read on my solo dining adventures and how eating by myself has reinforced my self-worth. 𼥠Let me know what you think about it! đ #amazonauthor #authorlife @ukiyotopublishinghouse
Happily Dining Alone
Please buy my sixth book, Happily Dining Alone đ here. đ˝ IT IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON AMAZON!đ´This is my love letter đ to solo dining, which has helped me forge my own identity.âĄď¸Learn how to be more self-assured and confident while enjoying that meal đĽ by yourself! Price starts at only $2.99. Buy now!đť #amazonauthor #authorlife #happilydiningalone @ukiyotopublishinghouse
Something BIG is happening at The Big Dome!
Four of the biggest South Korean acts are slated to visit Manila for âBegin Again: KPOP Editionâ taking place on May 29, 2022, 5 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Fans are sure to have a blast with NCT DREAM, SHINeeâs KEY, WEi, and ALICE performing their latest hit songs on the Philippine stage.
NCT DREAM will be headlining the show, coming on the heels of their widely successful album âGlitch Mode.â Released last March, NCT DREAM has recently wrapped promotions after selling an impressive 2 million albums. This makes them a double million-seller for two consecutive yearsâa feat only a handful of groups have achieved.
Seemingly a magnet for historic achievements, NCT DREAM is set to tick another one on its checklist. Back in 2020, the group is the last to hold a live concert in the Philippines before COVID-19 lockdown. Now, theyâll be one of the first international artists to perform live again after two years. Needless to say, NCT DREAM is making dreams come true with their return to the country.
Performing alongside the group is labelmate KEY, lead dancer, and lead rapper of SHINee. In 2018, KEY made his solo debut with the single âForever Yours,â which he quickly followed up with a full studio album titled âFace.â The album peaked at number 5 on Koreaâs Gaon Chart and snagged a top 10 entry on the US World Albums Chart.
September last year, KEY released his first mini-album âBad Love,â which earned him another top entry on the Gaon Chart. The titular track also enjoyed commercial and critical success with its Music Core win and The Ringernaming it the Best KPOP Song of 2021.
WEi, a six-member boy group from OUI Entertainment, is also joining in the fun. Though only debuting 2 years ago, the group is no stranger to the limelight. Members DAE HYEON, DONG HAN, YONG HA, YO HAN, SEOK HWA, and JUN SEO have different charms, and as a fourth-generation youth icon, WEi is loved by domestic and international fans.
In March of this year, the group released their fourth mini-album âLove Pt.1: First Loveâ with âToo Badâ as the main title. The album sold more than 100,000 copies and placed at number five on Koreaâs Gaon Chart.
Last but definitely not the least is ALICE, consisting of members EJ, Do-A, Chaejeong, Yeonjae, Yukyung, Sohee, and Karin. In 2018, the group was named the Best Rookie Group at the 24th Korean Entertainment Arts Awards. Fresh off the May 4 release of their latest single âPower of Love,â these fearsome femmes are ready to wow on the stage.
The 2-hour concert marks the first live KPOP show in the country since the COVID-19 lockdown. Donât miss this historic event and come see talented artists on one stage.
Pre-selling of tickets begins on May 17, 2022 (12NN) via https://www.cdmentertainment.ph.
Official ticket selling begins the next day, May 18, 2022 (10AM) via https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/ and all Ticketnet outlets nationwide.
Prices are as follows:
â Patron A PHP10,250
â Patron B PHP9,450
â Lowerbox PHP7,850
â Upperbox PHP4,950
â General Admission PHP3,250
*Prices are subject to ticketing charges.
âBegin Again: KPOP Editionâ is brought to you by CDM Entertainment in partnership with BRODYWORKS.
#BeginAgain_KPOP
Source: Nyou
My International Books at the CCP LibraRy
My internationally published books đ are now at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Library! My books I Helped Myself, I Moved Forward, and Speak Plan Live are published by @ukiyotopublishinghouse and are available on Amazon or via this link. đ Please buy my books! đ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!đ Special thanks to Ms. Bebang Siy, Ms. Rich, Ms. Al, Ms. Mila, and Ms. Jelly đ¤ #amazonauthor #authorlife #speakplanlive #ihelpedmyself #imovedforward
Israel đŽđą Congratulatory Message for the Philippines
Mabuhay!
We congratulate the Philippines for demonstrating democracy through the national and local elections last May 9.
Israel will continue to work closely with the incoming administration of the Philippines to strengthen the friendly historic ties of our nations and to deepen the existing partnerships in agriculture, food security, water, tourism, innovation & technology, defense, among others.
Source: Press - Embassy Of Israel In Manila
I Moved Forward đ
Buy my book I Moved Forward today! đĄ Price starts at only $2.99 on Amazon. đ Read the book that earned me my first writing award! đ Buy a copy here. đ #authorlife #amazonauthor @ukiyotopublishinghouse
Doja Cat drops âVegasâ from the ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Doja Cat has released her melodic, bouncy new single âVegasâ from the ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The soundtrack is set to be released the same date as Baz Luhrmannâs forthcoming film ELVIS, June 24th, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks.
The track incorporates âHound Dogâ in a unique, singular way that only Doja Cat could ever do.
Doja debuted the catchy single for the first time at Coachella this year, where she received high praise for her set; UPROXX proclaimed ââŚweâve definitely seen all the evidence we need to say that Doja should have headlined Coachella 2022.â She also brought out acclaimed Gospel artist, Shonka, who plays Big Mama Thornton in the film and will be on the upcoming soundtrack as well.
ELVIS is an epic, big-screen spectacle from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The soundtrack features Elvisâs extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, 60s and 70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today.
Doja Catâs Vegas is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via RCA/Sony Music.
ELVIS Movie Socials:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Doja Cat Socials:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Source: Nyou
Theyâre Watching Vol. III
My horror đť short story is part of @ukiyotopublishinghouseâs Theyâre Watching Volume III! It is available on Amazon and via this link. đť #amazonauthor #authorlife
My First Writing Award!
I just won my first writing award! đ Please continue supporting me by buying my books here. đľđ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!âď¸ @ukiyotopublishinghouse
National Library of the Philippines Book Turnover
It is an honor to turnover my internationally published books I Helped Myself, I Moved Forward, and Speak Plan Live to the National Library of the Philippines đľđ It is my dream that my books will be used as research materials. I encourage my fellow published authors to also donate their works to libraries đ Please continue supporting me by buying my books here. đ Special thanks to Ms. Ruth Salubre of NLP đ
Rivermaya dances the night away with comeback single âCasinoâ
The vintage, disco-punk stomper serves as their first single in 6 years
Rivermaya makes a triumphant comeback with âCasino,â their first single since 2018âs â#SBN.â
Blending post-punk and alternative rock influences with â80s dance grooves, the upbeat number deals with a love affair that instantly blossomed into a serendipitous, all-in romance.
The release of the track comes with a music video that features two strangers who met and connected in a speakeasy bar, and danced the night away like itâs their last.
âItâs also the first Rivermaya track with a four-on-the-floor feel all throughout,â lead vocalist and drummer Mike Escueta adds.
According to Escueta, the chorus, lyrics, and melody of âCasinoâ were written before the pandemic, and wererecently reworked when he saw the file in his Google Docs. âIt was just a matter of looking for chords that fit the melody. Once I had a rough arrangement down, with just drums, keys and chorus vocals, I started writing the verses around the story.â
Escueta mixed and co-produced âCasinoâ with musician-friend Paulo Zarate on Studio Z. Mike Elgar (vocalist/guitarist) recorded his guitar tracks at home, while Nathan Azarcon (vocalist/guitarist) went back and forth with the remaining elements of the song.
Born through online collaboration and never jammed in one space, âCasinoâ sets the tone for whatâs to come onRivermayaâs future music-making endeavors. The iconic band is targeting to finish an albumâs worth of songs.
âItâs been 5 years so we really miss putting out new music,â Escueta shares. âIt looks like we are gonna be able to do this a lot more often this year.â
Rivermayaâs âCasinoâ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.
Source: Nyou
I Moved Forward đľđ
I am very excited to announce that all of my international publications (so far) under @ukiyotopublishinghouse are now available on paperback in the Philippines đľđ and both on ebook and paperback WORLDWIDE đş via Amazon! To purchase a copy of my books, please buy here. ⨠NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! âď¸ #authorlife #imovedforward #amazonauthor
Ben&Ben and SB19 release âKapangyarihanâ performance video
The visuals take a closer look at the intentions of the people we will put in power in the next few days
Ben&Ben and SB19 make an important stand on issues concerning power abuse and public service with the release of âKapangyarihanâ performance video.
With theatrical performance as its overarching theme, the visual conveys the songâs message through a fitting medium that reflects the realities of life.
âTheatre is meant to be experienced live but we used its intrinsic quality in presenting the âKapangyarihanâ music video,â says Dexter M. Santos, the MV director. âBy infusing the music video with narrative, choreography, set, and costume design as well as video, we hope to deliver a sincere and emphatic performance.â
Shot in a stylized but dramatic approach, the video isinterspersed with snippets of historical context and stories that question leaders and call for a meaningful change.
âThe audience is reminded that this is a performance - yet a call to action is demanded from them; that there are bigger and stronger issues that we have to address after watching the performance,â Ben&Ben shares in a collective statement.
The release of the performance video comes just in time for the upcoming 2022 elections, where more than 60 million Filipinos decide on who will lead the country in the next 6 years. As Ben&Ben puts it, the visual narrative is a âconstant reminder that speaks to everyone involved in an election.â
âTo those in power itâs a reminder that the root of what they should be doing is service to the public, and if there is an abuse of that power then truth shall always prevail, no matter how anyone tries to hide it,â the nine-piece band adds. âTo the people it is a reminder not to put politicians on a pedestal, and that we must always hold those we elect accountable for their actions.â
âKapangyarihanâ marks the second time that Ben&Ben and SB19 have collaborated on a track. Both critically acclaimed groups first worked on the rousing pop ballad, âMAPA (Band Version),â which has racked up more than 25 million streams on YouTube and Spotify combined.
Ben&Ben and SB19âs âKapangyarihanâ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the MV here.
Source: Nyou
Benguet Coffee âď¸
Whether you prefer drip coffee bags or ground beans for your French press or coffeemaker, @coffeebuddyph has affordable Benguet âď¸ for you! Buy here. âď¸ #shopeeambassador #shopaholicsam #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph
Filipino band of Mercury embraces genre-melding experiments on three-part EP, CHANGINâ Volume 2
The eclectic trio also headlined a pop-up skate gig to promote âNew Highsâ and their new major label EP
After dropping the Crazy Donkey-assisted track âNew Highsâ last month, alternative pop/soul trio of Mercurypivots toward a more experimental direction on their new EP, CHANGINâ Volume 2âreleased under Sony Music Philippines.
Embracing genre-melding tunes with fresh, innovative production. CHANGINâ Volume 2 sets the stage for a groovy kind of trip.
The EP features three tracks that are rendered with amazing level of detail. Co-produced by their former bandmate knĹwmaad, the three-part release includes âSTRESSES,â a soulful, electro-pop anthem that is punctuated by retro-modern grooves and heavy 808 bass; âENERGY,â a club jam that articulates the frustration of wanting to enact changes within a retrogressive system; and âCHOLULA (Cut You Loose),â a feel-good bop with laid-back funk influences.
âIn this whole process, we explored new elements that we haven't tried before,â shares the band in a statement. âLyrics-wise, all the songs are different from each other.â
CHANGINâ Volume 2 follows the release of âNew Highs,â a collaboration with Chinese breakthrough producer Crazy Donkey. The song is co-written by multi-platinum award-winning songwriter, Jesper Borgen, who has been responsible for writing hits from the likes of Alan Walker, Bebe Rexha and many more.
The stand-alone track is accompanied by a music videodirected by LA-based filmmaker Garreth Hoffman. Shot in the iconic Venice Beach skate part, the visuals serve as the perfect embodiment of the songâs message. âWe wanted to showcase the process, including the ups and downs (and falls) that skaters go through on a day-to-day basis.â
To promote the âNew Highsâ MV and gear up for the highly anticipated release of CHANGINâ Volume 2, of Mercury hosted a pop-up skate gig at Chibz Resto Bar in Intramuros, Manila last April 27, 2022. Attended by outdoor sports enthusiasts, influencers, and music fans, the event featured skateboard activities in the afternoon, and performances by electronic producer Zelijah, rising hip-hop artist Young Cocoa, and of Mercury.
Check out of Mercuryâs socials:
CHANGINâ Volume 2 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video of âNew Highsâ here.
Source: Nyou