@abbybernardez with my second book #speakwritelive! Buy my books here. 📖 #authorlife #amazonauthor @centralbooksph @publishondemand
Sponge Cola reveals the inconvenient truth about regret on new single “Laman Ng Panaginip”
The new single is inspired by the power ballads of the ‘80s and ‘90s
Filipino alternative rock outfit Sponge Cola addresses the truth about regret and longing on their heart-wrenching single “Laman Ng Panaginip”—released via Sony Music Philippines.
Redefining love songs with reckless abandon, the Filipino quartet expresses the complexity of impossible choices in a world that is grounded in the familiar and often neglected reality of prioritizing practicality first before anything else, including love.
“This idea is mentioned concretely in the song almost as blunt exposition,” lead vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon stresses. “I really wanted the listener to feel that slab of reality to the face as opposed to something vague and symbolic. No figures of speech here; just feel it and let it all out. It’s the type of material that deserves to be sung out loud in the videoke over drinks with our friends and family for some kind of release.”
According to Yuzon, the song is about a love that never was. “The courage and reckless abandon that goes with singing a power ballad oftentimes come from a place of regret.”
In terms of sonic approach and arrangement, “Laman Ng Panaginip” is inspired by the power ballad movement of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. With guidance from producer Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, the track delivers another high point in the band’s career with indelible catchiness and impressive musical chops to back it up.
“It's a direct reference to a specific genre and time period that had a very influential impact in our formative years,” guitarist Armo Armovit shares in a statement. “It was recorded in Love One Another with producer Joey Santos making sure each layer of production had meaning and told the story.”
The song’s release is accompanied by an arresting visual helmed by filmmaker Ken Tan. Referencing Armovit, the MV director “did an excellent job in conveying the dream vs reality theme with the most minimal of elements.” The Sponge Cola’s resident guitarist adds, “The dancer, Ysabel Lava, delivered a captivating and emotionally charged performance with every move she choreographed herself.”
“Laman Ng Panaginip” is the fifth single released off their upcoming new album, CLASSIC—to be released sometime this year. The new record will serve as the band’s eighth full-length album, following a string of multiplatinum and critically acclaimed hits that span for more than two decades.
Sponge Cola’s “Laman Ng Panaginip” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.
Source: Nyou
NCT DREAM, WEi, and ALICE Express Excitement forKPOP Concert in Manila
Begin Again: KPOP Edition—the country’s first live KPOP concert in two years—is less than a week away. Scheduled to take place this Sunday, May 29, fans and performers can hardly keep their excitement.
Local promoter CDM Entertainment has posted a series of videos with NCT DREAM, WEi, and ALICE greeting their fans in Korean, English, and of course, Tagalog—much to the delight of Filipinos who have longed to hear their idols speak the country’s native tongue.
In the group’s video, NCT DREAM acknowledges the beautiful meaning behind the concert and adds that it makes the members even more excited to reunite with Philippine NCTzens. In a touching gesture, lead dancer Jaemin even expresses concern for fans. In his greeting, Jaemin can be heard saying, “Sana okay lang kayo,” alluding to the difficulties of living in a pandemic.
Similarly, WEi and ALICE have expressed their desire to meet Filipino fans. This will be WEi’s first time meeting Philippine RUi, making the boys eagerly anticipate the event. Meanwhile, ALICE is thrilled to reunite with Philippine BLRIS with two new members.
SHINee’s KEY, who is also part of the line-up, hasn’t released a video greeting yet but has nonetheless been vocal about his desire to meet Philippine Shawol.
With only four days until show day, CDM Entertainment has released venue guidelines with reminders on what to do on show day. The promoter has also granted the fans’ requests for reserved seating for Upper Box (originally free seating) and an extended stage, making the event even more special. Expect more announcements to be posted on CDM Entertainment’s social media accounts.
Tickets for Begin Again: KPOP Edition are still available. Get yours via https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/events/detail/Begin-Again-KPOP-Edition.
Source: CDM Entertainment
Happily Dining Alone: Your Next Read!
Buy your copy of my latest book Happily Dining Alone here. 📕 I teach here how I survived eating (and drinking!) alone and the lessons that I have learned along the way 📝 If you need a book to give you a confidence boost, then this is what you need ☑️ Buy now! 📚 #authorlife #amazonauthor
Happily Dining Alone: Now at the National Library!
My sixth book, #happilydiningalone, is now at the National Library! Please get a copy here. 📖 Read my book and learn how to find joy in delicious food and your own company! 📖 Special thanks to Ms. Ruth Salubre of NLP 📕 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! ✨#amazonauthor #authorlife
HARRY STYLES' CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ALBUM Harry’s HOUSE OUT NOW
'ONE NIGHT ONLY IN NEW YORK' PERFORMANCE AT UBS ARENA WILL STREAM TONIGHT LIVE ON APPLE MUSIC
HARRY'S HOUSE POP-UP OPENS IN 9 LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Harry Styles' critically acclaimed album Harry's House is out now.
Purchase the album here.
Listen to the album here.
Harry Styles ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY IN NEW YORK’ performance at UBS Arena at Belmont Park tonight will be available to stream exclusively to Apple Music subscribers in 167 countries around the world. The special show will celebrate his brand new album Harry’s House, and will see Styles performing his new album for the first time ever.
‘Apple Music Live: Harry Styles’ will be available to stream live on Apple Music today, May 20 at 9:00p EST / 6p PST HERE and will encore on May 22nd at 12:00p EST / 9:00a PT / 6:00p CET and on May 26th at 4pm BST / 5pm SGT / 7pm AEST.
Harry Styles' Harry’s House pop-up shops are now open around the world with 9 locations in Amsterdam, Berlin, Chicago, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, and Toronto. The pop-up gives fans a chance to experience and celebrate Harry’s new album Harry’s House live with special activations and exclusive merchandise designs only available at these locations. Exclusive items include specific city album box sets, a limited album zine, t-shirts, hoodies, towels, hats, and totes. A pop-up store exclusive Harry’s House orange vinyl is also available while supplies last.
American Express Card Members can experience more of Harry’s House pop-up with one hour of exclusive early access each day, and a limited-edition crewneck sweatshirt, only available for Card Members to purchase, while supplies last, at all locations. Full details can be found here.
Harry’s House Pop Up Store Locations, Dates & Hours
New York City , Los Angeles, and London:
Friday May 20: 12 am-2am and 4pm-9pm, Amex Card Member Early Access 3pm-4pm
Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22: 11am-6pm, Amex Card Member Early Access 10am-11am
Monday May 23-Wednesday May 25: 4pm-8pm, Amex Card Member Early Access
Thursday May 26: 4pm-7pm, Amex Card Member Early Access 3pm-4pm
All other locations:
Friday May 20: 4pm-9pm, Amex Card Member Early Access 3pm-4pm
Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22: 11am-6pm, Amex Card Member Early Access 10am-11am
Amsterdam Pop-Up Address: Looiersgracht 60, 1016 VT Amsterdam
Berlin Pop-Up Address: Rosa Luxemburg Strasse 2, 10178, Berlin
Chicago Pop-Up Address: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Dallas Pop-Up Address: 2117 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75201
London Pop-Up Address: 133-135 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 7DG
Los Angeles Pop-Up Address: 805-811 N La Cienega Blvd, LA 90069
New York Pop-Up Address: 533 Canal Street, NY 10013
Paris Pop-Up Address: 43 rue Notre-Dame de Nazareth 75003 Paris
Toronto Pop-Up Address: 501 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B4
Source: Nyou
Books for Your Self-Growth
Thank you Carmita for supporting my work 🥺 You too can buy my books! Read on my works which cover blogging to self-improvement 📚 Buy my books here. 📖 #authorlife #amazonauthor
Happily Dining Alone: Now at the CCP Library!
My sixth book, #happilydiningalone, is now at the @culturalcenterph library! 🇵🇭 Thank you to the @ccpintertextual team for accepting me and my works ❤️ Please support me by buying my books here. 📚 Sharing my books to libraries is a dream come true for me, and my books could help you reach yours!✨NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! 📖 #authorlife #amazonauthor
Young Cocoa infuses bossa nova sample with modern hip-hop flair on new single ‘Nova’
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 “Nova,” 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.
“We wanted to create a song that was an easy listen, had a lot of bounce, and felt ‘bubbly’ in the same way the lyrics were written,” reveals the rising Asian rapper. “Nova’s 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.”
The song comes with a performative visual that aims to bring to life the single art inspired by Wes Anderson—in some capacity. Young Cocoa adds, “The video is set in sunrise, midday, and sunset, where I basically perform as if I’m talking about/to the person I like.”
The Manila chart-topper also tapped filmmaker friend Miko Del Rosario to direct the “Nova” MV with Leo Malli as DOP.
Check out Young Cocoa’s “Nova” 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 BTS’ resident rapper RM included his track “Manila” in one of the global superstar’s 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 Cocoa’s 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 Indonesia’s 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 “Zesto,” 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 Music’s 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! 📖 The paperback edition is also available in the Philippines for my friends who prefer physical books! 🇵🇭 Please support and buy from this link. 📚 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! ✨ #authorlife #amazonauthor
Eighth Book to be Published Soon!
My eighth book will be published soon! 🍾 Please continue supporting me by buying my books here. 📚 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 🍽 It is available worldwide on Amazon and via this link. 🍴 Read on my solo dining adventures and how eating by myself has reinforced my self-worth. 🥡 Let me know what you think about it! 📖 #amazonauthor #authorlife @ukiyotopublishinghouse
Happily Dining Alone
Please buy my sixth book, Happily Dining Alone 📖 here. 🍽 IT IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON AMAZON!🍴This is my love letter 💌 to solo dining, which has helped me forge my own identity.⚡️Learn how to be more self-assured and confident while enjoying that meal 🥘 by yourself! Price starts at only $2.99. Buy now!🍻 #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 “Begin Again: KPOP Edition” taking place on May 29, 2022, 5 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Fans are sure to have a blast with NCT DREAM, SHINee’s 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 “Glitch Mode.” 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 years—a 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, they’ll 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 “Forever Yours,” which he quickly followed up with a full studio album titled “Face.” The album peaked at number 5 on Korea’s Gaon Chart and snagged a top 10 entry on the US World Albums Chart.
September last year, KEY released his first mini-album “Bad Love,” 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 “Love Pt.1: First Love” with “Too Bad” as the main title. The album sold more than 100,000 copies and placed at number five on Korea’s 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 “Power of Love,” 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. Don’t 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:
● Patron A PHP10,250
● Patron B PHP9,450
● Lowerbox PHP7,850
● Upperbox PHP4,950
● General Admission PHP3,250
*Prices are subject to ticketing charges.
“Begin Again: KPOP Edition” 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 📚 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. 📚 Please buy my books! 📖 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!📚 Special thanks to Ms. Bebang Siy, Ms. Rich, Ms. Al, Ms. Mila, and Ms. Jelly 🤗 #amazonauthor #authorlife #speakplanlive #ihelpedmyself #imovedforward
Israel 🇮🇱 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 🌑
Buy my book I Moved Forward today! 💡 Price starts at only $2.99 on Amazon. 📖 Read the book that earned me my first writing award! 🏆 Buy a copy here. 📚 #authorlife #amazonauthor @ukiyotopublishinghouse
Doja Cat drops “Vegas” from the ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Doja Cat has released her melodic, bouncy new single “Vegas” from the ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The soundtrack is set to be released the same date as Baz Luhrmann’s forthcoming film ELVIS, June 24th, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks.
The track incorporates “Hound Dog” 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 “…we’ve definitely seen all the evidence we need to say that Doja should have headlined Coachella 2022.” 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 Elvis’s 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 Cat’s 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
They’re Watching Vol. III
My horror 👻 short story is part of @ukiyotopublishinghouse’s They’re Watching Volume III! It is available on Amazon and via this link. 👻 #amazonauthor #authorlife
