FRCA NOMINATION!

Please buy my @filipinoreaderschoice nominated book, #speakwritelive, at the @manilabookfair @centralbooksph @publishondemand booth! MIBF 2022 will be at SMX MOA until Sunday, September 18th. ✨PLEASE VOTE FOR ME HERE. ⭐️ #authorlife

Book Signing Alert!

Hello! I will be at the @feu_publications booth tomorrow at the @manilabookfair from 4-4:30PM to sign and meet you all! Hope to see you there! Buy my books here. 📖 @ukiyotopublishinghouse #amazonauthor #authorlife

MIBF 2022

A DREAM COME TRUE: My books, #speakbloglive and #speakwritelive, are now available at the @manilabookfair! Look for the @centralbooksph booth!!! My books will be here until Sunday, September 18. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!✨✨✨ #authorlife #amazonauthor

SORN releases new single “Nirvana Girl”

“Nirvana Girl is about shaking off the labels I used to let define me, and learning to become the most authentic version of myself.”

— SORN

Today, multi talented pop singer SORN returns with her latest single “Nirvana Girl” via WILD Group/Universal Music Singapore.

Empowering and catchy, “Nirvana Girl” is SORN’s fourth digital single. It is her swan song as she navigates her new journey of self discovery. With lyrics that allude to the spiritual in her pursuit of freedom and enlightenment, Sorn describes the meaning of “Nirvana Girl” as shaking off the labels she used to let define her, and learning to become the most authentic version of herself.

“Nirvana Girl” features SORN’s former K-Pop girl group CLC member Yeeun, the first time the pair will be reunited on a track since 2020. In addition, the music video for the track drops today.

About SORN

SORN is a multi talented artist who discovered her passion for singing and performing on stage from a young age. After participating in (and winning) tVN’s “K-Pop Star Hunt,” SORN moved from Bangkok to Seoul at the age of 15 where she would train to debut as the lead vocalist of female K-Pop group CLC in 2015.

In 2021, SORN departed CLC and her former company Cube Entertainment and signed with global hybrid management company WILD Group to embark on her long-anticipated solo career. SORN has since released three digital singles, all of which have amassed international recognition and a strong listener base, particularly across the Southeast Asia region. Her debut single “Sharp Objects” garnered millions of streams and topped iTunes charts in numerous countries.

With an amassed following of over 5 million followers on social media, SORN has cultivated fans around the globe while showcasing her fun-loving and bubbly personality. She has been known for producing viral and popular video content across her social platforms, which she uses as a means to connect with her audience.

SORN is passionate about taking charge of the music making process from start to finish—from songwriting and developing concepts, to taking control of music video production. 2022 has been a year of immense creative growth for SORN, who as an artist is set to bring music from Asia to new global heights.

Source: Nyou

P-Pop kings SB19 cement their status as an emerging global powerhouse with disco-pop anthem “WYAT”

The sparkly new track has entered the iTunes chart in a total of 14 countries, peaking at No. 1 in the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, and UAE

 Filipino five-member boyband SB19 reaches even greater heights as their new single “WYAT” continues to gain foothold in the Philippines and abroad.

In less than a week, the disco-pop track has peaked at No. 1 on iTunes Chart in several countries and territories, including the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, and UAE. It has also charted in 9 countries outside the country: No. 2 in Bahrain and Antigua & Barbuda, No. 4 in Saudi Arabia, No. 8 in New Zealand, No. 20 in Canada and Cambodia, No. 54 in Azerbaijan, No. 55 in Malaysia, No. 70 in the US, and No. 74 worldwide.

The retro-modern tune, which documents the hitmaking quintet’s efforts to reconnect after a tumultuous phase in their personal lives, further cements their status as a global powerhouse. In a recent article by Billboard Magazine, SB19 gained acclaim for their vision to “push the country’s current pop renaissance” to a bigger, broader level. Pop culture critic Jeff Benjamin writes, “With its wider pop ambitions thanks to an undeniable chorus and multiple visual access points thanks to the video and styling, WYAT (Where You At) puts SB19 in the best position to grasp the international spotlight.”

To date, “WYAT” has amassed more than a million views on YouTube in less than 3 days, trending as high as No. 4 on the platform upon its release. Over at Twitter, the song has trended at No. 1 on Trending Topics Philippines, and No. 2 Worldwide, maintaining its impressive stats for days.

Lead rapper and sub-vocalist Josh credits the success of the envelope-pushing single to A’TIN—the fandom responsible for ensuring their mercurial rise to commercial prominence. “We’re very thankful and overwhelmed, especially to our A’TIN. We didn’t expect it to top in various charts not only in the Philippines, but different parts of the world. This was truly unexpected as we haven’t been around for a while. Hopefully, this release isn’t the only one that will turn out successful, but the tour as well.”

To further promote the beginning of their new music era via “WYAT,” the P-Pop phenoms are set to embark on their biggest local and international tour to date. WYAT [Where You At] Tour kicks off on their sold-show concert at Araneta Coliseum on September 17, 2022, to be followed by a series of shows in Clark, Cebu, Davao and more. In the following months, the tour extends globally as SB19 heads to multiple countries - US, UAE, and Singapore to name a few. International A’TIN can expect SB19 to drop by their city starting October 2022.

When asked about what to expect on their upcoming global tour, main vocalist and dancer Stell confirms that music listeners will be seeing a different SB19 this time around. “The same passion is there, the same dedication is there, but we’re just going to give more for this tour. Like we usually do, we try to level up and improve every time.”

Sub vocalist and WYAT creative director Justin also emphasized how rigid their preparations are in terms of upping the ante, quality-wise. “It is our first time having dance and vocal coaches helping us in our concert preparation. So that’s one thing the fans can look forward to, the improvement of our dancing and singing skills.”

For more information about SB19’s series of shows, check out the updates on their social media accounts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/SB19OfficialYT 

SB19’s “WYAT” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

I⚡️Befriended⚡️Myself

I wrote my tenth book #ibefriendedmyself in response to our changing times. We are still in a pandemic, yet we are also shifting to back to the way things were before. Amidst all of these shifts, I think that it is best to rely on ourselves by befriending ourselves, so that we can find fulfillment within. ✨ Please buy a copy of my latest book from Google Play (available worldwide) or via this link. 📖 My other books are also available through this link, and at Barnes and Noble. 📖 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!✨ #authorlife @ukiyotopublishinghouse @flowerstore.ph

I Befriended Myself 📕

My tenth book, #ibefriendedmyself, is perfect for our current reality. It can be challenging to be with people as there is still a pandemic, and let’s face it, a lot of changes have occurred. It is important to learn how to thrive by ourselves, find genuine joy in our own company, and be the best version of ourselves! 📖 Please support me by buying a copy on Google Play and via this link. ✨ Never give up on your dreams! ✨ #authorlife #amazonauthor @ukiyotopublishinghouse

Filipino alt-rock visionary Rico Blanco releases stirring synth-pop track “Palibot libot”

The subdued but sophisticated composition comes from a place of earnestness rather than merely trend-hopping

Rico Blanco reflects on the uncertainty that thrives between friendship and relationship in his new single “Palibot libot,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment. 

According to the award-winning Filipino artist, the track was inspired by one of the characters in a series that he filmed in La Union recently.

With its storytelling “anchored precariously on someone’s steadfast devotion,” albeit a one-sided one, the song minces no words about the reality of love: It’s not always synchronized. It comes with complications, but that’s the beauty of it.

Originally intended to be recorded with a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, “Palibot libot” explores a more synth-pop direction that unfolds with a soaring chorus and minimal ambient touches.

While the certified hitmaker has written and produced songs that have prominent synth elements to it, dating back from his work as a keyboardist of Rivermaya in the ‘90s to his experimental phase with electronic music on critically acclaimed solo album Galactik Fiestamatik, Blanco’s new track feels like a monumental execution that comes from a place of earnestness rather than merely trend-hopping.

The result, as expected, is defiantly but distinctly Rico Blanco: a sophisticated pop composition that paints an impressionistic portrait of quietude and confidence.

The release of “Palibot libot” comes after the prolific musician staged a successful solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum last September 11, 2022. Met with glowing praises from the attendees, the Big Dome show finds the alt-rock visionary performing some of the most iconic songs from his decades-old discography. Blanco also debuted “Palibot libot” live during the concert, and announced its surprise drop at Monday midnight, September 12, 2022.

Rico Blanco’s “Palibot libot” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

I am Nominated at the Filipino Readers’ Choice Awards 2022!

Hi everyone! My book, Speak Write Live, has been nominated to the Filipino Readers' Choice Awards 2022! Please vote for me here. You may purchase a book at the CentralBooks booth at the Manila International Book Fair from September 15-18, or via this link. 📚 PLEASE VOTE FOR ME! And please continue supporting me by buying my books. 📖 Never give up on your dreams!✨ #amazonauthor #authorlife #speakwritelive Publish On Demand

I Am Now on OPAC!

Some of my books are now on Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)! It has always been my dream for my books to be part of a library. My books can be accessed at the Quezon City Public Library, and they are also sold worldwide on Amazon, Google Play, Barnes and Noble, and via this link. ✨ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!! #authorlife #amazonauthor

I Am Now on Barnes and Noble!

Some of my books are now sold on @barnesandnoble! This is a huge honor for me, because this is one of my favorite bookstores in the world. As a published author from the Philippines, 🇵🇭 I feel very proud to share my work to the world! My books are also available worldwide on Amazon, Google Play, and via this link. 🗺 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!✨ #barnesandnobleauthor #amazonauthor #authorlife @ukiyotopublishinghouse

Gear up for the Typhoon Season with EcoFlow “Super” Power Banks

With September fast approaching, heavy rainfall can be expected in and around the country. Prepare for the inevitable blackouts with a power station that can supply energy for all your devices, big and small.

EcoFlow’s DELTA series consists of portable power stations designed to accommodate your specific energy needs.

DELTA 1300 and 1000

Does your family use multiple devices and home appliances? The DELTA 1300 and 1000 are family-friendly models that can support devices that use power under 1800W. Think desktop computers, single electric stoves, and mobile devices. Your work and study won’t have to be interrupted in case the electricity goes out.

DELTA Mini

If you like to be on the go, the DELTA Mini is a perfect choice. It’s the lightest of all the DELTA models but packs just the right amount of battery power to support your lifestyle. With an output of 1400W, it can handle most electronic devices like hair dryers, toasters, and even a table saw.

DELTA Max

This expandable model has extra batteries so you can power more of your devices. It can expand its power up to 6kWh and can handle heavy-duty appliances that use 3400W and below. With DELTA Max, you won’t have spoiled food or wet laundry because it can power your refrigerator and dryer. 

DELTA Pro

The best model in the series, DELTA Pro combines all the features of the other models and makes it even better. It has a 3.6kWh capacity that expands to 25kWh thanks to its customizable function that lets you add Extra Batteries, Smart Generators, and a Smart Home Panel. You can even pair two units together and get to 7200W capacity. 

All the DELTA models are equipped with fast charging technology and come with multiple outlet types like AC and USB. They can be charged using the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel which is sold separately.

The bifacial features a 220W primary side and a 155W side on the back that lets you capture up to 25% more solar energy for faster charging of your DELTA model. Made with tempered glass, it is five times tougher than comparable brands and can withstand heat of 300°F.

Moreover, the bifacial solar panel is dust- and water-proof so it’s protected from the elements while in use. It also comes with a carry case so it’s just as portable as the DELTA power stations.

Which DELTA model suits your lifestyle? Find out more at this link.

EcoFlow aims to be the industry leader in providing the world’s most innovative and eco-friendly power solutions. The goal is to reinvent the way people access power through renewable, clean, and technology-driven products.

Source: EcoFlow

Alex Bruce showcases her versatility as a singer-rapper on R&B-leaning single“Ayoko Pa”

Over slick beats and boppy melodies, the young Filipina artist expresses her decision to take her time before entering in a relationship

Alex Bruce flexes her versatility in “Ayoko Pa,” a top-tier R&B jam produced by frequent collaborator Cursebox.

Over a bed of slick beats and boppy melodies, the 15-year-old artist calls out her suitor for coming off way too strong, and emphasizes her decision to wait for love at the right time.

“It’s a song that expresses my stand on not being ready for a commitment,” says the trend-setting singer-rapper. “I know my priorities, and I don’t reject people just because I don’t feel a connection or synergy. It’s just that I’m too young to enter into a relationship that would easily fizzle out.”

Reiterating her right to be treated with respect, the music virtuoso from Batangas sees this aggressive action as a red flag for most women. Bruce reflects, “Sometimes all it takes is knowing when to take a hint. When someone says no, learn how to respect the decision and back off.”

The release of “Ayoko Pa” is accompanied by a colorful visual that showcases Alex Bruce’s stand on prioritizing life outside of a romantic relationship. Starring rising rapper Benedic Fragata and TikTok personalities Yvon and Achi, the music video also introduces Bruce as an all-around performer, vibing in seamless choreography.

“I’m also very much involved in the creative aspects of the video,” shares Bruce. “It’s a collaborative process to begin with, and it helps that everyone on the set really gave their all. Props to the director, talents, and crew behind this production.”

Alex Bruce’s “Ayoko Pa” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Multi-arts portal Pelikulove launches the “Shout Out Fest” Online Festival from September 19-25 for free.

Pelikulove, a multi-arts portal which aims to provide arts education and a platform for artistic and socially-relevant content, is launching the first-of-its-kind “Shout Out Fest (Maghayag at Lumikha)” Online Festival from September 19 to 25, 2022.

In cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, the “Shout Out Fest” is a seven-day online festival of short films and stage plays ,a culminating activity of the enrollees of the Pelikulove master classes of National Artist for Cinema and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, and Palanca Hall of Fame awardee Rody Vera. The works are produced in cooperation with regional theater and film organizations and can be viewed for free at pelikulove.com beginning September 19. 

There are three sets of works to be showcased; each set is composed of three productions. 

Set A features the short films  “How to Make an Effective Ad Campaign,” written by Paul dela Cruz and directed by Roman Perez, Jr. of Indiopendent Films and “Hyper Ext”, tackling intimacy issues, written and directed by United Kingdom-based Pinoy visual artist Jovi Saysay, a member of SOA Philippine Studies, University of London; and the short  play “Quarantine 5” , a story of five former activists written by Andrew Estacio and directed by Sari Saysay of Sining Banwa ,Bikol. 

Set B features the short films “No Trespassing” set in the sugar plantations in Iloilo written and directed by Dada Grifon and co-directed by Julius dela Peña of the LaSalle Film Society of Bacolod   and “Till Human Voices Wake Up and We Drown”, about mambabarangs now working as nurse and caregiver, also from the UK group, written by Rogelio Braga and directed by Nyel Camilon, and the short play “Ilaw sa Labas ng Tahanan” , on two women trying to cope with their husband’s deaths, written by B. Salvador and directed by Benjie Kitay of the theater company Yatta in  Dumaguete. 

Set C features the play “When a Manananggal Loves a Man” by Raymund T. Barcelon and directed by Neil Azcuna of Ipag theater company, of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, and the short films from the UK “Cooking with Love” written by Viva Andra O’Flynn and directed by Delfin Castillo; and  “Libro for Ransom” tackling the theft  of Jose Rizal’s masterpieces written by Ralph Morales and directed by Arjanmar Rebeta. 

Aside from the short films and plays, the “Shout Out Fest” Online Festival will also present virtual learning seminars, talkbacks, Q&As with artists and mentors. Festival visitors will have access to e-books, self-paced courses on playwriting and scriptwriting and other arts and culture-related content. 

Organizers would like to reiterate that the access to the festival’s content is free. However, due to the platform’s limitations, only selected audiences can join through prior arrangements. Early registrants have a chance to avail of  e-books by Ricky Lee, Rody Vera and film critic Joel David ,without any fee.

Shout Out’s board of festival directors include National Artist Ricky Lee,  Palanca Hall of Famer Rody Vera, TV and film director Jeffrey Jeturian, University of London Professor Cristina Martinez-Juan, University of the Philippines director and educator Issa Manalo Lopez,Artistic Director of Harlequin Theater Guild, De La Salle University and Pelikulove’s Program Director Raffy Tejada,  and indie film director and Pelikulove’s Chief Creative Producer  Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil. The festival’s council of evaluators includes film critic Joel David, actress-screenwriter-playwright Bibeth Orteza, and playwright and Ateneo ‘de Manila’s Theater Arts Program Coordinator Glenn Sevilla Mas. 

Pelikulove’s founder and President Ellen Ongkeko Marfil declares, “We are very excited to hold the first ever ‘Shout Out Fest’ as this festival epitomizes Pelikulove’s mission of nurturing an engaging and open environment towards building a creative community. We’d like to show that art is the soul of our lives and it must continue to thrive even in the midst of a pandemic. Now, more than ever, is the time to shout out our fears and triumphs, and shout out for the future.”

For questions and inquiries about the “Shout Out Fest” Online Festival, contact mobile (+63) 923359 6286 or the Pelikulove’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube social media accounts. The festival’s complete schedule is available at pelikulove.com. 

Source: Pelikulove

Israel-Philippines Conducts Political Dialogue

The State of Israel and the Republic of the Philippines held the 12th Philippines-Israel Joint Commission Meeting (Israel-Philippine Political Dialogue) to discuss the bilateral relations between the two countries. Deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific at Israel Ministry for Foreign Affairs Hon. Rafael Harpaz headed the delegation from Israel while Assistant Secretary for Office of Middle East and African Affairs Hon. Alfonso Ferdinand Agbayani Ver led the Philippine delegation.

The Commission reviewed the relations between the two countries while highlighting the main areas of cooperation between Israel and the Philippines including agriculture, trade and economy, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel, innovation and technology, defense, and tourism.

Deputy Director General Harpaz emphasized the historically close and warm relations between the two countries. He congratulated the expansion of the Israeli Embassy in Manila which recently opened two new offices: the Economic and Trade Mission and the Office of the Defense Attaché. He highlighted the cooperation during the pandemic including the early vaccination of all OFWs in Israel and the deployment of Israeli medical teams to Manila to share the Israeli experience both on the vaccination campaign and the clinical treatment.

Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines H.E. Ilan Fluss shared that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked Israel to enhance cooperation with the Philippines in the area of agriculture. “We are happy to share our expertise in the field of agriculture with the Philippines to address productivity and food security,” Ambassador Fluss said. Other topics discussed werethe solar-powered irrigation project, the agriculture internship program in Israel for Filipinos, and the PH-IL dairy programs.

The Israeli delegation emphasized building bridges of innovations between the two countries in the areas of agritech, watertech, cybersecurity, ICT and connectivity, and more.Also included in the agenda is the topic of counterterrorism and the expansion of the defense cooperation between Israel with the Philippines.

Among the regional and international topics discussed during the JCM were bilateral political relations, developments in the Middle East and the Abraham Accords, Iran, the West Philippine Sea, and more.

Accompanying Deputy Director General Harpaz during his visit to the Philippines was Ms. Mor Ben Moshe, Desk Officer for South-East Asia Department, Asia and the Pacific, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also in attendance were Israel’s Head of Economic and Trade Mission Mr. Tomer Heyvi, Israel’s Defense Attache Mr. Raz Shabtay, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Nir Balzam, and the political and consular staff of the Embassy.

Among the attendees from the Office of the Middle East and African Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines were Hon. Shirlene Mananquil, Deputy Assistant Secretary; Ms. Mary Grace Perpetua, Acting Director; and Mr. Nonito Carbrera Jr., Assistant Director. Also present were Ms. Reichel Quinones, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel; and representatives from different Philippine offices and agencies: Department of Agriculture, Department of Migrant Workers, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, Office of Civilian Authority, and Office of the United Nations and other International Organizations.

DDG Harpaz served as the Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines from 2018 to 2021. The Israel-Philippine Political Dialogue was held on September 5, 2022 in Manila, Philippines.

 Source: EMBASSY OF ISRAEL MANILA

ASEAN Music Showcase Festival 2022 goes full throttle with artist-centric activities & events at first in-person showcase since the pandemic

ASEAN Music Showcase Festival takes its showcase and artist and business networking activities in-person in Singapore

ASEAN Music Showcase Festival (AMS) is not only taking its first in-person showcase in Singapore this weekend (September 10-11) but will also be hosting several artist-centric activities that aim to personalize their experience in industry outreach but also optimize opportunities to connect with AMS’ international delegates that boast a wide variety of expertise and backgrounds in the music industry around the world.

As borders start to ease restrictions, more than 30 music acts and music industry delegates from ASEAN and beyond will be flying to Singapore this coming weekend in person—the first live event since AMS held its first edition online in 2020.

On September 9, an invite-only welcome party hosted by the AMS founders and organizers willformally kick off the showcase, a chance for artist performers and the delegates to meet each other. Artist networking sessions will be held officially on the early afternoon of Saturday, September 10, from 12:00 PM onwards before the first-day showcase starts at 3:00 PM.

The artist networking sessions will consist of speed meetings, where artist performers can sit down with delegates to discuss opportunities, which can be extended to private meetings upon request. A designated outdoor networking area for artists and delegates will be available at the showcase venue, Haw Par Villa.

As this year’s edition of AMS expands its pool of performers, now featuring artists from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, as well as non-ASEAN markets Australia, India, and Taiwan, there are also more than 60 music industry delegates with backgrounds, from artist management to live show businesses who will be in attendance, with a few joining in remotely.

In the tradition of the past AMS editions, music fans from all over the world will continue to enjoy this year’s in-person showcase sets in Singapore and the virtual showcases from the comforts of their own home—which will be broadcasted live via AMS’s official YouTube channel on both days.  

Tickets to ASEAN Music Showcase Festival 2022 are still available to purchase online via Sistic at https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/asean0922. 

For more information about the third edition of the ASEAN Music Showcase Festival, visit the officialwebsite.

***

About the ASEAN Music Showcase Festival (AMS)

AMS is co-organized by Fungjai, NYLON Thailand, and Bangkok Music City from Thailand; Steady State Records from Singapore; SRM from Indonesia; City Roars Festival from Malaysia; The Rest Is Noise PHfrom the Philippines; Baramey Production from Cambodia; and Monsoon Music Festival and Swan Zoo from Vietnam.

AMS 2022 is proudly supported by the National Arts Council, Taiwan ASEAN Music Action (TAMA) - supported by the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, with Haw Par Villa - managed by Journeys Pte Ltd as venue sponsors, and TuneCore as a general sponsor. 

Source: Nyou

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo and ex-boyfriend Paolo Benjamin star in the music video of Ben&Ben’s “The Ones We Once Loved”

Ex-lovers Bea Lorenzo and Paolo Benjamin star as a couple enduring the harrowing process of a breakup in the music video of Ben&Ben’s international single “The Ones We Once Loved.”

Based on the former couple’s real-life story, the visuals take an intimate look at how healing starts with owning up to one’s mistakes, apologizing for the pain committed during the relationship, and taking steps to forgive yourself in order to completely move on.

“We recognize that it is quite rare to attain the kind of closure that Pao and Bea have, and much more so create a piece of art that gives respect and honor to the relationship that has passed,” shares Ben&Ben in a statement. “Everyone in the team really gave it their best to amplify that message to all who watch the MV: that closure, even if it is a painful process, is cathartic.”

The MV follows the journey of acclaimed singer-songwriter and artist Bea Lorenzo and ex-boyfriend Paolo Benjamin as they navigate the ups and downs of a relationship, part ways to restore the sense of self, and let go of any resentment and anger towards each other with newfound learnings in life and love.

With the storytelling coming from a place of unapologetic poignancy, music video director Niq Ablao values the message of the song, particularly the importance of“making amends with one’s self, and the person on the other end of the grieving process.”

Ablao has been a long-time collaborator of the band, having directed the MV of “Paninindigan Kita,” which starsBen&Ben’s very own Pat Lasaten and Agnes Reoma, and“Upuan,” which features Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano. “She is one of the most accommodating, and kind directors we’ve worked with,” Ben&Ben adds. “We admire her gift for capturing the nuances of human emotion on film.”

“The Ones We Once Loved” serves as Ben&Ben’s official single in support of their Philippine send-off concert and North America/Canada Tour in 2022. Released last week, the song has already racked up more than 3 million streams on Spotify and YouTube combined.

Ben&Ben’s “The Ones We Once Loved” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony MusicEntertainment. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Help Yourself Choose

My ninth book, Help Yourself Choose, is now at the @nationallibraryphilippines! 🇵🇭 Do you want to know how to make better decisions in life without the guilt? Learn from me by buying a copy of my book 📖 on Amazon, Google Play, and via this link. 🗺 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!⚡️ #authorlife #amazonauthor @ukiyotopublishinghouse

P-Pop phenom SB19 cuts across generations with new single “WYAT [Where You At]”

The release of the disco-pop track comes with captivating visuals that explore themes of time travel and connection

P-Pop Kings SB19 arrive in triumphant style with the release of their highly anticipated single, “WYAT [Where You At].” Produced by SB19’s very own Pablo and his real-life brother Josue, the catchy new track delivers another show-stopping moment that cuts across boundaries and generations.

According to the Billboard chart-topping quintet, “WYAT” is a song that chronicles the reconnection of a bond after a very challenging phase in life. “We’ve been performing for almost half of our lives together, and due to the pandemic, our world was suddenly put on hold,” shares Pablo. “I felt a disconnection among the group brought about by the lockdown, and I’ve wanted to reach out to them through this song.”

Propelling their artistry forward with a masterful blend of disco, electronic, and pop music, the five-member hitmaker sets the tone for a new era by incorporating the elements of the past with accessibility that is relatable to the present time. As Josh puts it, “Our team often tries to do something different from what we’ve done before; we’re always evolving.”

“WYAT” first made rounds during SB19’s sold-out online concert Our Zone last year, and was re-recorded at Pablo’s studio for a fuller, more polished touch. It marks their first official release after being on a hiatus since launching their 2021 EP, Pagsibol.

The infectious bop is accompanied by the release of a music video that is built around the themes of time travel and connection. Joyriding through history with shiny, retro-spiked colors and exciting visuals, the MV stays true to the vision of the song—thanks to Justin de Dios’ creative direction and the group’s collaborative contribution to the brainstorming process.

“Everything we put out is connected,” Justin says. “It all started from the teaser during the present day then we went back to the past, from the 50s (diner) to 70s (roller disco) to the 90s (arcade) and back to the present.”

To mark the arrival of “WYAT,” the Filipino pop phenomsare set to embark on their biggest local and international tour to date. WYAT [Where You At] Tour kicks off on September 17, 2022 at Araneta Coliseum, to be followed by a series of shows in Clark, Cebu, Davao and more.

In the following months, the tour extends globally as SB19 heads to multiple countries - US, UAE, and Singapore to name a few. International A’TIN can expect SB19 to drop by their city starting October 2022.

For more information about SB19’s series of shows, check out the updates on their social media accounts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/SB19OfficialYT 

SB19’s “WYAT” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

 Source: Nyou

Gold of My Own

Transit Dialog has published my essay, Gold of My Own. Here it is:

“𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.”

𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘆 𝗢𝘄𝗻

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴

I have been buying my own jewelry since I started earning money in my early 20s. It was my way of forging my own identity.

Back then, I simply wanted to invest some of my hard-earned money in gold. I learned early in life that gold appreciates in time, and I was eager to invest my money in something valuable. Little did I know that this small decision would change my life a decade later.

While I had some relationships in my 20’s and 30’s, I did not wait for the people I dated to gift me jewelry. The pieces I bought for myself were dainty yet sturdy, since I wanted them to be wearable everyday. I enjoyed mixing and matching my jewelry, and I must say that I was proud to wear objects I have worked hard for.

I also sold a few pieces every now and then to make room for new ones, and it was satisfying to witness how gold truly appreciates over time.

My love for jewelry has helped me self-publish my first book in 2021, as I sold a few necklaces for its production. I wanted to build my career as a published author, and I was determined to produce my first book which I have written during the pandemic.

I was not sad to see these necklaces go. In fact, I was happy to give my career a much-needed boost. I was fulfilling my dream, and there was no better way of rewarding myself than by giving myself the opportunity of a lifetime.

No money could buy the happiness that I felt when my first book was released in October 2021. Today, I am now under a traditional publisher who is based overseas, but my first two self-published books are still available on the market. They were made possible by my simple hobby of collecting gold jewelry, and I must say that time and good financial decisions are gold.

I really appreciate the pieces that I have now because they are minimalist and functional. I avoid pieces that are tacky and gaudy. I stick to everyday designs, which will look good with a cocktail dress or a pair of jeans and a crop top. I like wearing my jewelry everyday because I do not subscribe to the belief that they are only for special occasions. For me, life is the special occasion. And I know that my hard-earned pieces not only sparkle, but they also have innate value. Just like me.

I never compromised my taste because I believe that I can use my creativity to attain the best that I can afford. Sure, I can look for more practical alternatives, but I always stick to my vision and my values. My taste has helped me navigate through life, and it has crossed over to other aspects.

I am able to appreciate good coffee, food, craft beer, and destinations. I know how to enjoy life for what it is worth, but mind you, I do not live beyond my means. I am aware of what I have, and I know what to do with it with prudence. Gold has taught me how to do that.

It makes me excited to know that I am still young enough to enjoy life without regrets, as I should. In fact, a life which has been lived with much thought can be lived without regrets. Since I purchased my own gold jewelry, I learned how to be sure of myself, and to be confident in my own decisions.

I am proud to have invested not just in jewelry, but in myself at large. And I do live life as if it is the main event, and not just a journey with a few special occasions. It is too short to begin with, so I live a big one despite the limited resources that I have.

I hope that you will also find the enthusiasm and courage to do the same.

𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘉. 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘵𝘳.𝘦𝘦/𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘢𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮.

Source: Transit Dialog