Hello friends in the Philippines! I am happy to announce that the paperback copies of my latest book, #ibefriendedmyself, are now available! Bili na kayo sa link na to. 📖 #authorlife #amazonauthor @ukiyotopublishinghouse
PLAN B tackles the importance of chasing one’s dreams in “Balang Araw” music video
The Filipino hip-hop collective delivers another fun hip-hop jam with crossover appeal
Filipino group PLAN B puts a fun and delightful take on hip-hop with the release of their new single “BalangAraw.”
Tackling the beauty of chasing one’s dreams in a world where anything is possible, the 10-member collective transforms positivity and ambition into a universal call and delivers another hit-making jam for the crossover audience.
“The song is about people who are never afraid to dream big,” PLAN B shares. “We want to inspire them further to hustle responsibly, and never stop believing in themselves.”
The euphoric rap tune is produced by prolific beatsmithCTBeatsPH with the intention to make it sound uplifting and inspiring as far as creative direction is concerned. Almost half of the members have songwriting credits, with Kier, Gosge, and DK writing the first, second, and third verse respectively, and Mateo penning the chorus.
The release of the track is accompanied by a music videodeveloped and made by Chapters PH, a group of creative visual storytellers. According to the team responsible for working on the MV for “Balang Araw,” the narrative sprung from “a collaborative conceptualization on what to fit the boys’ image and very relaxed personalities as well.”
“We wanted to make sure we show how they portrayed themselves as they are and being able just be able to express their inner child and thankfulness to what has come to them,” Chapters PH says in a collective statement. “The ultimate goal is to just be light and fun."
PLAN B is an up-and-coming hip-hop/rap ensemble, consisting of members from all around the Philippines: Alyas Dom (Metro Manila), DK (Pangasinan), Dyno (Bicol), Gio (Metro Manila), G-Next (Laguna), GOSGE (Cavite), Kaizler (Pangasinan), Kier (Pangasinan), and Skyruz (Misamis Oriental).
PLAN B’s “Balang Araw” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
Source: Nyou
MITCH JAMES RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE ‘MOTIONS’ OUT NOW, AND ANNOUNCES SOPHOMORE ALBUM PATIENCE OUT NOVEMBER 4TH
Mitch James is back with an anthem for the times releasing ‘motions’ and announcing his sophomore album patience out November 4th, 2022.
On motions, Mitch says “it’s for all of you who have been lost or just look at life and think ‘are you fu@#ing serious right now?’
I had to open the album with this song. If I were to describe this song in one sentence I would say ‘it’s about the inevitability of losing yourself on the way to finding yourself.’
I had an extremely shit 4 years since my first album. My own health issues, family health issues, constant roadblocks in my career, COVID, failed album attempts, singles that didn’t work. I had to write a song that summarised that feeling of helplessness with life drowning you - but still having that will to see it through and stick it out to the other side.
It’s a powerful song that truly means a lot to me, and I hope you can relate to it in your own way. I remember being in the studio and coming in - Graham & Ryan already laid down the guitar chords. All I had to do was as channel the truth, and the words just came out.”
An official visualiser is being released with the track.
Today Mitch also announced his sophomore album patience is to be released November 4th this year.
“The whole focus of the writing was to be brutally honest and brutally vulnerable,” James says.
The bulk of the album was written and recorded in early 2022, after James travelled to Los Angeles and met up with writer, producer and former Tonight Alive guitarist, Whakaio Taahi.
James and Taahi struck up a creatively stimulating rapport, which allowed James to access new creative territory and fully embrace his position as a pop front person. Crucially, Taahi gave James the freedom to be himself.
“I’m a bit of an over-sharer,” James says. “That’s who I am and that’s who my fans want me to be.”
To date Mitch James has over 200 million streams globally, 6 million TikTok views and over 3 million video views and the release of‘motions’ and his upcoming album patience is set to only increase these impressive numbers!
‘motions’ is available everywhere now and patience is available to pre-order now.
Source: Sony Music Philippines
JUSTIN JESSO EP “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness”
Life is full of contradictions, and as humans, we all know there are two sides to each story. Just like most people, L.A. based singer and songwriter Justin Jesso has experienced the light and the dark, good and bad times, and knows that the secret to happiness lies in finding the right balance and learning to navigate between the ups and the downs. On his EP “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness”, he takes listeners on a sonic and emotional ride across nine incredible tracks that are all based on his own life experiences.
Divided into two parts, “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness” kicks off with the tracks “Lose Ya” and “Clarity”, which were both released earlier this year, and deal with the loss of oneself as well as a significant other, and exploring the confusion of trying to get both back. “If You’re Meant To Come Back” is about the realization that you really can’t control anything, and that if it’s meant to come back to you, it will. “There is both sadness and peace in that one,” Jessoexplains about track #3 on the EP, which is followed by the dramatic up-tempo ballad“Lifeline”. Track #5 is one of two songs on the EP which are unreleased to date: “Drink Alone”, which touches on the subject of coping with loneliness. With dark and pounding piano chords and heartfelt vocals, the track once again showcases Justin Jesso’s incredible talent for wrapping deep emotions into authentic, melodic earworms that many can relate to.
“Bigger than” rings in part two of “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness”, and talks about going after what is most important, with its follow up song “Miracle” (the second brand new track on the EP), covering the discovery of just that in a happy-go-lucky tune. In “400 Trillion”, Jesso sings about how incredible it is to find that special someone against all statistic odds, with“The End” - the last track on the EP - marking the beginning of a next chapter and discussing the realization that what you had and might have lost will always have a place of significance.
About dividing up the EP, Justin Jesso explains: “I split this EP into two parts - The songs where things are aspirational or going well, and the songs where I am struggling with the loss either of myself or of a significant other. The first part of the EP is where I am the loneliest … where I am struggling to find happiness or myself. The second part of the EP is where I have found the opposite of loneliness and am most happy.”
Aside from his own releases, Justin Jesso has made a name for himself writing for superstars like Ricky Martin, Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, and even the Backstreet Boys. Furthermore, his hit single, “Stargazing” with legendary artist Kygo, has garnered him hundreds of millions of streams, views, gold and platinum certifications in countries all across the world, and even a Grammy nomination. Describing his musical development, he says: “My Musical style is evolving. This two-part EP covers songs that were released right at the top of the pandemic, most reflective of me coming into myself and my sound, and newer songs like “Lose Ya” that push the envelope on where I plan to go musically.”
“Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness” (EP) byJustin Jesso is out now.
TRACK LIST:
EP - PART 1
LOSE YA
CLARITY
IF YOU’RE MEANT TO COME BACK
LIFELINE
DRINK ALONE
EP - PART 2
BIGGER THAN
MIRACLE
400 TRILLION
THE END
Source: Sony Music Philippines
Kenshi Yonezu joins Chainsaw Man soundtrack with opening theme song “KICK BACK”
The multiplatinum Japanese singer-songwriter and producer wrote the track specifically for the anime adaptation of the hit manga series
Sony Music recently announced that multiplatinum J-Pop singer-songwriter and producer KENSHI YONEZU’s new release “KICK BACK” will serve as the opening theme song to the much-awaited new anime series CHAINSAW MAN. The track features arrangements composed in collaboration with Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu, one of the most famous and best-selling Japanese bands, and includes samples from J-pop girl group Morning Musume’s single “Souda! We’re Alive.”
On the track, KENSHI YONEZU says, “I wrote this ‘KICK BACK’ for the anime adaptation of CHAINSAW MAN. This is such an honor, as I love the original manga series. Finding the right sounds for this immensely powerful series was challenging, but I created this song by patiently building it up, one piece at a time. I hope you enjoy listening to it. Thank you very much.”
Set for on-air on Tuesday, October 11 on Crunchyroll and others, the upcoming action-horror series is an adaptation of the global manga phenomenon by Tatsuki Fujimoto, which boasts sales of over 15 million copies for Volumes 1-11, with Part 2 currently serialized in Shonen Jump.
News of Yonezu’s opening theme was announced today at the CHAINSAW MAN World Premiere Event, which featured voice actors Kikunosuke Toya (Denji), Tomori Kusunoki (Makima), Shogo Sakata (Aki Hayakawa), Fairouz Ai (Power) and director Ryu Nakayama in attendance. After screening the first episode of the series, audiences were treated to a teaser video featuring “KICK BACK” alongside messages from Kenshi Yonezu and Daiki Tsuneta (King Gnu/millennium parade). News of the track was revealed alongside a number of exciting announcements surrounding the series, including additional cast members and the debut of new visuals from the anime. Also announced today was the series’ ending theme song and a list of tracks featured in the series from a lineup of 12 musicians. The ending theme songs for the 12-episodes for the TV anime "Chainsaw Man" will change every episode/week by ano, Eve, Aimer, Kanaria, Queen Bee, syudou, ZUTOMAYO, TK from Ling tosite Sigure, TOOBOE, Vaundy, PEOPLE 1. Viewers are able to find out which artist will be in charge of which episode every week with different ending videos.
ABOUT CHAINSAW MAN
Denji is a teenage boy living with a Chainsaw Devil named Pochita. Due to the debt his father left behind, he has been living a rock-bottom life while repaying his debt by harvesting devil corpses with Pochita. One day, Denji is betrayed and killed. As his consciousness fades, he makes a contract with Pochita and gets revived as "Chainsaw Man" — a man with a devil's heart.
Kenshi Yonezu is no stranger to breaking records and making history. His 2020 album STRAY SHEEP sold 1.5 million physical copies and, cumulatively with digital streams, 2 million copies on the Oricon Album Chart. The album charted at No. 1 across 54 countries, and Yonezu topped 46 year-end charts in 2020. The 15-track album features his smash hit single “Lemon,” which ranked No. 1 on Billboard Japan’s annual cumulative charts for two years consecutively, making history as the first-ever act to do so.
That same year, he became the first Asian artist ever to collaborate with FORTNITE for a virtual event – STRAY SHEEP in Fortnite. The innovative and global virtual concert, which reached the game’s audience of over 350 million players, is just one of the many contributing factors to his acclaim both within and outside of Japan. He collaborated with Uniqlo on a UT T-shirt available in shops worldwide and partnered in the GIVENCHY SS21 collection look book alongside a star-studded roster of celebrities across the globe. He ranked 7th in the IFPI GLOBAL Chart and was listed in Forbes as one of Asia’s Digital Stars 100. In Japan, he received the Best Newcomer, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Art Department Prize.
In January 2022, Yonezu wrote "POP SONG" for a PlayStation® commercial and appeared in the commercial, marking the first time ever an artist has had a new song unveiled through PlayStation. The campaign, “Play Has No Limits featuring Kenshi Yonezu,” won the Bronze Prize in the Entertainment for Music Category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the only work from Asia to win an award in that category.
In May 2022, he wrote "M87" as the theme song for the movie Shin Ultraman. He released the single with cover art featuring Ultraman, the world's third top-selling licensed character since the 1980s.
As for his music videos, “Lemon” has over 760 million views and the numbers continue to grow as he continues to set new records for a Japanese artist. A total of 15 songs (“Lemon,” “Eine Kleine,” “LOSER,” “Peace Sign,” “Haiiro to Ao [with Masaki Suda] [Grey And Blue],” “orion,” “Flamingo,” “Kanden,” “Uchiage Hanabi [Fireworks],” “Shunrai [Spring Thunder],” “Paprika,” “Uma To Shika [Horse and Deer],” “Paprika” sung by Foorin, “Machigai Sagashi” [Spotting The Mistake] sung by Masaki Suda) have been viewed a staggering 100 million times and he has over 6.3 million subscribers on his official YouTube channel.
Source: Nyou
Vote for Speak Write Live!
My Book Signing
My book signing at the @manilabookfair was a success! Thank you to @ukiyotopublishinghouse and @feu_publications for this opportunity ❤️ next year ulit! ⚡️ #amazonauthor #authorlife
Book Signing!
Join me at the @feu_publications booth for my book signing at 4pm, 09/17! This is my first appearance as an author at the @manilabookfair and I am thrilled to represent my two publishers, @ukiyotopublishinghouse and @centralbooksph 🖤 #authorlife
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