Hazel Faith reinvents Christmas songs with technicolored glow in new bop “Pasko Kasama Mo”

Filipina songstress Hazel Faith spreads the joy of the Yuletide season with the release of her upbeat Christmas tune “Pasko Kasama Mo” via WATERWALK RECORDS and Sony Music Entertainment.

Revisiting the holiday experience with technicolored bounce, funky chords, and ‘80s city pop lilt, “Pasko Kasama Mo” finds the rising phenom bringing back the gilded memories of Christmas while reminding listeners why it’s the best time of the year.

“My mother has been asking me to write Christmas songs since forever,” says the multi-talented act. “But I had a hard time writing my own because I felt like all the great Christmas messages had already been made. For that reason, and the truth that I only saw Christmas as a tradition, left me uninspired. But after the Lord renewed my faith, it's like my vision turned technicolor. Suddenly, I was excited to celebrate Christmas. Not because of the parties, the foods, or the gifts but because I was finally looking at the One whom Christmas is all about. Truly Christmas felt hollow without Christ himself. And that led me to writing Pasko Kasama Mo. This was finally something I had a unique perspective to.”

The track was written by Hazel Faith herself, and was arranged, produced, mixed, and mastered by Albert Tamayo, a good friend of the gospel-pop sensation. Faith, in particular, felt eternally grateful to Tamayo for being part of her music journey and lending his talent to the project. 

“It's a joy for me to be able to showcase his genius in Pasko Kasama Mo as well,” adds Hazel Faith. “When it came to the vibe, it was probably influenced by my feeling of nostalgia and then looking forward to all that is new. But honestly, I just told kuya Albert to make it sound like a station ID.”

With guidance by award-winning composer Jungee Marcelo and a rap verse by WATERWALK RECORDS’ very own Jericho Arceo, “Pasko Kasama Mo” captures the spirit and glow of Christmas with a retro-modern appeal. It’s a bop that echoes the feel-good comfort of a home, bursting with so much life, energy, and natural charisma.

For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:

WATERWALK RECORDS: Facebook | Instagram

Listen to Hazel Faith’s “Pasko Kasama Mo” here.

Source: Nyou

RAUW ALEJANDRO’S ‘SATURNO’ Is Here to Forever Change Urbano

MIAMI (November 11th, 2022) - In today’s fast-paced release environment, it’s almost unheard of for an album to be more than just a collection of songs meant to fuel playlists and dancefloors. But for Saturno, Rauw Alejandro wanted to elevate the affair by crafting a true album experience–one that’s meant to be enjoyed from beginning to end.

“I wanted to take my fans on a ride through my mind, my emotions–the sounds that influenced me,” says the Puerto Ricans singer and songwriter. “This album tells a story from beginning to end.”

Right from the intro, the otherworldly sounds blend with stunning homages to hip-hop’s earliest pioneers–taking you back to the block parties in the Bronx. “For me this album is a collection of the sounds that shaped me. From early hip-hop, to freestyle, and of course reggaeton, these are the elements that make me who I am,” says Rauw.

Aside from continuously expanding the soundscapes that traditionally fit within the genre known as urbano, Rauw has even taken more of a hands-on role in producing this expertly curated offering, serving as co-producer on

18 of the album’s 18 numbers–ensuring his exact vision comes to life.

Even the name of the album has deep meaning for him. When Alejandro was growing up, his mother would often tell him he was from another planet. “I believed my mom, because I knew I was destined for something out of this world. That’s why I named the album Saturno,” says Rauw of his third album.

With Saturno’s already-successful singles like “Punto 40” Feat. Baby Rasta, “Lokera,” and “Dime Quién????” blowing up the charts, you can expect a steady stream of bops and bangers to flow from this album at a supersonic pace. 

An otherworldly experience like this doesn’t come often. So, sit back, strap in, and let El Zorro take you on a trek to perreo’s most distant cosmos.

Since the release of his first album, Afrodisíaco in 2020, Rauw has reached multiple accolades, including gold certifications, GRAMMY® nominations, and literally billions of streams. With Saturno’s release, Rauw will soon embark on a worldwide tour which will bring his eclectic sound to the masses.

Sigue a Rauw Alejandro en // Follow Rauw Alejandro on:

www.instagram.com/rauwalejandro/

www.twitter.com/rauwalejandro/

www.facebook.com/rauwalejandro/

www.youtube.com/rauwalejandroTV/

Source: Sony Music Philippines

My Books at the National Library

My internationally-published books, #ibefriendedmyself, #breakingupforward, and #boundariesforthebetter, are now at the National Library of the Philippines! 🇵🇭 It is an honor to have my books in the same building as the original #nolimetangere by Jose Rizal 🥹 You may support me and my work by purchasing my books on Amazon, Google Play, and https://linktr.ee/speakoutsam 📚 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!⚡️ @ukiyotopublishinghouse #authorlife #amazonauthor

ASEAN-India Music Festival 2022 to highlight university-centered music programs before and after main festival at Purana Qila, Delhi

The pre- and post-festival music programs will take place at Ashoka University, Government schools in association with the Global Music Institute and North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong

ASEAN India Music Festival (AIMF) returns this year with extensive music programs to be held at some of India’s premier universities. The three concerts will be part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.

Multi-genre contemporary acts from several ASEAN countries and India will be performing at three concerts which will be held at Ashoka University, Government schools in association with Global Music Institute and North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong. Similar to AIMF—which will take place from the 18th to 20th of November at Purana Qila, New Delhi—the concerts and workshops will be free of charge. 

Serving as a prelude to the main festival event, the Ashoka University concert will take place on November 17, 2022, 7:00 PM onwards and will showcase music from Tri Minh’s Quartet (Vietnam), Instamuzika (Malaysia), RizerXSuffer (Cambodia), and Empty Wallet (Brunei Darussalam).

ASEAN India Music Festival’s closing ceremony will be hosted on November 20, with Minister of External Affairs Hon'ble Dr S. Jaishankar as chief guest. 

On November 21, a lecture demonstration and workshop will be given at a Government school in association with the Global Music Institute in Delhi. Guests will also be treated to demonstrative performances from Lao Traditional Music Troupe (Lao-PDR), Makaohang (Thailand), and Bayang Barrios at Ang Nilayagan (Philippines).

Finally, wrapping up this year’s series of music festivities is the Shillong leg of the ASEAN-India Music Festival on November 22 at North-Eastern Hill University in Meghalaya, which aims to increase the students and youths’ awareness and celebration of music from the ASEAN region, which in turn help propel interaction and tourism between India and ASEAN.

The concert will feature performances from Shillong’s very own Colours, MRTV Modern Music band (Myanmar), Riau Rhythm (Indonesia), and Linying Band (Singapore). The concert starts at 5:30 PM.

“It is very rare that there is such a vast representation of music from Asean region where India has a lot of commonality in our shared cultural histories and traditions. Therefore it is only natural that the youth and the young generation of India should get to hear and have direct interaction with these musicians rarely seen and heard in India,” Sanjeev Bhargava, Director of ASEAN-India Music Festival 2022, shares. “These workshops and interactive sessions will go a long way in spreading awareness of common musical traditions between ASEAN and India."

The university concerts and lecture-workshop program are organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in collaboration with SEHER, who are also the main organizers of the second edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival 2022.

Source: Nyou

Boundaries for the Better Paperback

I am happy to announce that my 12th book, #boundariesforthebetter, is now available on paperback in the Philippines! Buy it on @ukiyotopublishinghouse’s website or via this link: https://linktr.ee/speakoutsam NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!#authorlife #amazonauthor

Boundaries for the Better

My 12th book, #boundariesforthebetter, is out now worldwide on Amazon and Google Play! I wrote this to help you navigate through our changing times with essential boundaries in place for your own well-being. Buy it today https://linktr.ee/speakoutsam #authorlife #amazonauthor @ukiyotopublishinghouse

ADB and Indonesia Partners Sign Landmark MOU on Early Retirement Plan for First Coal Power Plant Under Energy Transition Mechanism

BALI, INDONESIA (14 November 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today joined with key partners in Indonesia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly explore the early retirement of the first coal-fired power plant owned by an independent power producer (IPP) under ADB’s Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM).

The signing, which took place on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Bali, was attended by ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, Cirebon Electric Power (CEP) President Director Hisahiro Takeuchi, PT PLN (Persero) President Director Darmawan Prasodjo, and Indonesian Investment Authority (INA) CEO Ridha D. M. Wirakusumah.

The MOU agrees to open detailed discussions to accelerate the retirement of Cirebon-1, a 660-megawatt plant owned by CEP in West Java.

The planned transaction aims to achieve significant carbon dioxide emission reductions through a replicable model that can be applied to other IPPs in Indonesia, other parts of Asia and the Pacific, and beyond. Once a definitive agreement is reached among the parties, it is anticipated that ADB would provide an early retirement facility in the form of senior debt, on the condition that the tenor of the power purchase agreement between CEP and PLN will be shortened.

“This MOU with our trusted partners in Indonesia is a landmark moment for ADB’s Energy Transition Mechanism and the clean energy transition it will advance,” said Mr. Asakawa. “As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, ADB is proud to be showing the viability of this approach, supported by the outstanding leadership of Indonesia. We encourage other financial stakeholders to engage in the just and affordable energy transition here and across Asia and the Pacific."

"ETM provides an innovative approach for companies like CEP to make the transition from coal to clean energy while providing reliable and affordable power for Indonesia’s energy infrastructure," said Mr. Takeuchi. “This MOU is a big step forward for Indonesia and we are proud to be working with the Asian Development Bank and Indonesian Investment Authority.”

"PLN is committed to being a leader in Indonesia’s energy transition toward net zero emissions in a just and affordable manner," said Mr. Prasodjo. "PLN’s commitment to clean energy and working through the ETM with IPPs, such as CEP, can significantly accelerate the energy transition."

“INA’s role is to help attain Indonesia’s sustainable development and to build wealth for the country’s future generations,” said Mr. Wirakusumah. “The ability of INA to complement the other partners with equity can complete the suite of financial tools that can help to scale up ETM activities in Indonesia.”

ETM is a regional, transformative, blended-finance program that seeks to retire existing coal-fired power plants on an accelerated schedule and replace them with clean power capacity. ETM is one component of a larger set of initiatives both domestic and multilateral, that aims to help Asia and the Pacific mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, such as extreme sea level rise and destructive weather events.

The MOU was signed at an event in which Indonesia launched its ETM Country Platform, a government financing and investment framework that will fund and manage the country’s energy transition activities. ADB signed an additional MOU with PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) (“PT SMI”) to provide support, including staff resources and capacity building for the platform.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: ADB

BLACK EYED PEAS PRESENT MEGA-ANTICIPATED NINTH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM, ELEVATION, TODAY!

FEATURES A-LIST GUESTS ANITTA, EL ALFA, ANUEL AA, MARSHALL JEFFERSON, NICKY JAM, NICOLE SCHERZINGER, SHAKIRA, DAVID GUETTA, OZUNA, & MORE

(November 11th, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA) – Today, multi-platinum and six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning, genre-bending pioneers Black Eyed Peas proudly present their anxiously awaited ninth full-length album, ELEVATION, out now. Listen to ELEVATION HERE.

The 15-track juggernaut kaleidoscopically spins together hip-hop, Latin, R&B, electronic, trap, and more into a larger-than-life vision of what pop can be in the 21st century without boundaries or borders. From the jump, uncontainable energy surges through this bold body of work.

“MUEVELO” [feat. Anuel AA & Marshall Jefferson] glides along on bright keys and big handclaps offset by robotic transmissions, a command to “Move your body,” and a promise “We stay lit forever.”  Elsewhere, “Dance 4 U” hinges on a slick bass line and punchy groove. The sample on “Jump” predicts the reaction perfectly, “Somebody said when you play this song all the girls will go loca.” The kinetic stomp of “Firestarter” leaves flames in the wake of its incendiary vocals. The group shine brighter than ever.

Check out the full tracklisting below. 

Black Eyed Peas teased out ELEVATION with “SIMPLY THE BEST” [with Brazilian global pop superstar Anitta & El Alfa]. It has already generated over 2.9 million Spotify streams and 18 million YouTube views on the music video. Earning critical acclaim, mxdwn asserted, “‘Simply The Best’ acts as clear proof to fans that Black Eyed Peas remain just as capable of creating fun and energizing party tracks as they have been since their 1995 formation,” and That Grape Juice fittingly summed it up as “a global affair.”

Right out of the gate, “SIMPLY THE BEST” rides luminous dancefloor-ready keys towards a chantable chorus, “No it don’t get better than, better than this.” Black Eyed Peas, Anitta, and El Alfa trade verses back and forth, unlocking undeniable and unbreakable chemistry. At the same time, Anitta infuses the track with Brazilian swagger, El Alfa turns up with Dominican Republic flavor, and Black Eyed Peas exude laidback Los Angeles confidence in between these global rhythms. The visual continues a tradition of larger-than-life videos for the group as well. Once again, they pull out all the stops.

ELEVATION finds Black Eyed Peas expanding the collective musical consciousness and pushing boundaries yet again (like only they can). Of course, they bring a few friends along for this rollercoaster ride. The group link up with Daddy Yankee on the reggaeton banger “BAILAR CONTIGO,” while Nicky Jam ignites the funkified “GET DOWN” with fresh fire. Then, there’s “FILIPINA QUEEN” where they team up with J. Rey Soul and deliver an inimitable and irresistible bop. Nicole Scherzinger lends her powerhouse pipes to “NO ONE LOVES ME,” and Black Eyed Peas and Ozuna close out the album together on the universally-resounding “L.O.V.E.”

They initially teased ELEVATION with the international smash “DON’T YOU WORRY” [with Shakira & David Guetta]. It has already gathered more than 111 million Spotify streams and 113 million YouTube views on the music video. Meanwhile, it catapulted into the Top 40 at AC, in the Top 30 of the iTunes Top Pop Songs Chart, and Top 50 of the Shazam U.S. Top 200. Beyond recent acclaim from Billboard, NME, and more, the group also recently performed on ABC network’s Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series in Central Park.

It is ELEVATION season for Black Eyed Peas. Join them on the next level!

TRACKLISTING

01. SIMPLY THE BEST (feat. Anitta & El Alfa)  

02. MUEVELO (feat. Anuel AA & Marshall Jefferson)

03. AUDIOS 

04. DOUBLE D’Z (feat. J. Rey Soul) 

05. BAILAR CONTIGO (feat. Daddy Yankee)

06. GET DOWN (feat. Nicky Jam) 

07. DANCE 4 U

08. GUARANTEE

09. FILIPINA QUEEN (feat. J. Rey Soul)

10. JUMP

11. IN THE AIR

12. FIRE STARTER

13. NO ONE LOVES ME (feat. Nicole Scherzinger)

14. DON’T YOU WORRY (feat. Shakira & David Guetta)

15. L.O.V.E. (feat. Ozuna) 

ABOUT BLACK EYED PEAS:

Black Eyed Peas continue to fulfill a master plan to push the game forward devised way back in 1995. They execute each stage of this plan with focus and intent, allowing their evolution to play out in real-time over a series of game-changing albums, beginning with Behind The Front [1998] through Bridging The Gap [2000], Elephunk [2003], Monkey Business [2005], The E.N.D. [2009], The Beginning[2010], Masters of the Sun, Vol. 1 [2018], and, most recently TRANSLATION[2020]. Along the way, co-founders will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo have set music industry records that will probably never be exceeded, moved north of 35 million albums and 120 million singles, gathered six GRAMMY® Awards, and headlined the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and F1 races. The multi-platinum group launched the comeback of the decade after eight years of dormancy. The future matters the most to these trailblazers, which brings us to their 2022 blockbuster ninth full-length, Elevation [Epic Records]. The 15-track opus represents another logical step and the dawn of a new phase, boasting the smash “DON’T YOU WORRY” [feat. Shakira & David Guetta] and collabs with Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Anuel AA, Ozuna, Nicole Scherzinger, and more.

About the record, will.i.am comments, “We were behind the front, then we bridged the gap. We rode an elephant’s back to realize the industry was full of monkey business. That was the end, but the end is new beginnings. Becoming masters of the sun, mastering the industry, we realized we had to have translation in this complex world. But we be falling up, and never falling down. Black Eyed Peas is known for elevation. This is the next stage for us, reaching higher.”

# # #

Follow Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, Taboo, Apl.de.Ap:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackeyedpeas/
Instagram: @BEP
Twitter: @BEP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/william/
Instagram: @iamwill
Twitter: @iamwill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTaboo/
Instagram: @TabooNawasha
Twitter: @TabBep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apldeap/
Instagram: @Apl.de.ap

Source: Sony Music Philippines

KYGO RELEASES NEW ALBUMTHRILL OF THE CHASE

(Los Angeles, CA – November 11, 2022) – Today, global superstar, producer, and DJ Kygo shares his brand-new album, Thrill Of The Chase, out now via RCA Records.

The acclaimed artist’s first full-length body of work since his 2020 release Golden Hour, Thrill Of The Chase is a collection of songs that trace Kygo’s career over the past few years, showcasing his signature lush, piano-driven production while highlighting his penchant for genre experimentation. 

Across the 14-track album – which features collaborations with X Ambassadors, DNCE, Lukas Graham, Sam Feldt, Plested, Dean Lewis, and more – Thrill Of The Chase runs the gamut of vibrant, disco and house-infused singles like “Dancing Feet” and “Fever” to the soulful and melodic “Lost Without You” and “Freeze.”

“‘Thrill Of The Chase’ is a collection of songs I worked on over the last two years that started during Covid and ended with sessions in Los Angeles,” says Kygo of the release. “I've had the chance to play or tease the unreleased music throughout the year at shows and the feedback was unbelievable. A few of the songs on ‘Thrill Of The Chase’ are different from anything I've ever made in the past and I'm really excited for everyone to finally hear the album in its entirety."

Recently coming off headlining performances at Life Is Beautiful, Lollapalooza, BottleRock, and a sold-out show at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, last month Kygo teased several tracks off Thrill Of The Chase to fans during his headlining show at Madison Square Garden in New York. Later this year, Kygo will be hitting the road to tour across South America, with select dates in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima, and more. 

Full tracklist for Thrill Of The Chase is below, listen to the album here. 

Thrill Of The Chase Tracklist
1. Gone Are The Days (feat. James Gillespie)
2. Love Me Now (feat. Zoe Wees)
3. Lonely Together (feat. Dagny)
4. Undeniable (feat. X Ambassadors)
5. Thrill Of The Chase
6. Dancing Feet (feat. DNCE)
7. Fever (feat. Lukas Graham)
8. Woke Up In Love (with Gryffin feat. Calum Scott)
9. How Many Tears (with Sam Feldt feat. Emily Warren)
10. Never Really Loved Me (feat. Dean Lewis)
11. The Way We Were (feat. Plested)
12. Lost Without You (feat. Dean Lewis)
13. All For Love
14. Freeze

About Kygo

Whether behind the piano in his studio or headlining a sold-out festival, Kygo quietly reaffirms his status as a prodigious talent, forward-thinking producer, dynamic DJ, and influential global superstar. The Norwegian musician born Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll first introduced himself in 2013 and quietly became one of the most ubiquitous hitmakers in the world. Amassing 23 billion cumulative global audio and video streams by 2022, he has broken numerous streaming records. Kygo earned one of his biggest hits with the multiplatinum “It Ain’t Me” (feat. Selena Gomez), going Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and clocking over 2.9 billion streams worldwide. In 2019, Kygo unleashed “Higher Love” with Whitney Houston and generated another 1.4 billion combined streams/views worldwide and peaked at #1 on Dance Radio in addition to leaving his imprint on a classic. He heralded his 2020 critically acclaimed third full-length album Golden Hour [Sony Music International/Ultra Records/RCA Records] with the anthems “Like It Is” (feat. Zara Larsson & Tyga), “Lose Somebody” (with OneRepublic), and “I’ll Wait” (feat. Sasha Alex Sloan). The album has garnered over 2.5 billion streams worldwide. Following Golden Hour, Kygo released his remix of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” to rave reviews.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

Pentatonix and Lea Salonga spread holiday cheers with their rendition of “Christmas In Our Hearts”

Their version of a Christmas classic is part of Pentatonix’s new album, Holidays Around The World

American pop group Pentatonix lights up the holiday season with the release of their sixth album, Holidays Around The World—out via RCA Records.

The a cappella ensemble brings their global vision back to life as they collaborate with some of the biggest pop starsand idols from different parts of the world, including Chinese pianist Lang Lang, Congolese gospel singer Grace Lokwa, Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji, Latin band La Santa Cecilia, Indian superstar Shreya Ghoshal, Japanese YouTubers HIKAKIN & SEIKIN, British a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers, and American superstar Meghan Trainor.

As for the Philippines, Pentatonix teams up with multi-awarded Broadway icon Lea Salonga for the Yuletide classic “Christmas In Our Hearts,” which was originally written and performed by Diamond-certified Filipino artist Jose Mari Chan. Brimming with effervescent harmonies and powerhouse vocals, the rendition revisits the Christmas holidays with a comforting, dream-like spin.

“I had the most wonderful time recording this classic Filipino Christmas song with Pentatonix,” Salonga posted on Instagram a few weeks ago. “And yes, this is the Christmas In Our Hearts you think it is.”

The song is currently making rounds on local mainstream radio and streaming platforms, thanks to its crossover sensibilities and gift of familiarity.

Following its release, Pentatonix is set to embark on a multi-city tour in North America and Asia to promote their new album, Holidays Around The World.

Pentatonix’s Holidays Around The World is now available on all digital music platforms via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment. Listen to “Christmas In Our Hearts” here.

Source: Nyou

Israel Exchanges Smart and Sustainable Agriculture Techniques with PH

Israeli experts on agriculture share their experiences and insights with the key agricultural stakeholders of the Philippines. In photo left to right: Eli Simenski, Moshe Broner,

and Nina Lehmann.

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, through MASHAV – Israel Agency for International Development Cooperation, in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the United Nations Development Programme in the Philippines through Accelerator Lab, held a learning exchange seminar to tackle smart and sustainable agriculture of Israel and how to connect it to the current context and opportunities present in the agricultural sector of the Philippines.

“As the Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, I look forward to materializing the visions for the agriculture sector of the Philippines to address the request of President Marcos,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said. The Israeli Ambassador elaborated that Israel is ready to assist the Philippines to move from traditional subsistence farming to modern smart agriculture, which is based in agronomy, Science, technology, economics, and sustainability.

Three Israeli experts on agriculture shared their experiences and insights with the key agricultural stakeholders of the Philippines on the following topics: Global challenges, sharing Israel's agricultural experience by Nina Lehmann; Crop management - strategies in dealing with the new pest and unexpected challenges based on the case study of the mango pest called cecid fly (locally known as kurikong) by Eli Simenski; and Improving irrigation efficiency and resource management as a leading measure in dealing with climate change and market demands by Moshe Broner.

The seminar focused on the challenges in the Philippines and how Israel’s approach can be adapted in the Philippine context.Also discussed were the strategies on how to deal with the effects of climate change, new ways of working in the sector while collaborating with the private sector, commercial farming, Science-based approach to agriculture and water management, among others.

In attendance during the discussions were UNDP RR SelvaRamachandran, Assistant Secretary Agnes Catherine Miranda ofthe Department of Agriculture, and Mayor Floribar Bautista of Malay, Aklan. Also featured was Jackie Go, a Filipino entrepreneur who shared her experience and the promising results after using the Israeli approach in her cacao farm here in the Philippines. The seminar was held on 10 November 2022 in Quezon City.

Source: Embassy of Israel in the Philippines

Filipino alt soul/rock outfit of Mercury welcomes edginess with youthful exuberance on full-length debut album, CHANGIN’

The ‘Fools’ act submits to the pull of their heart with storytelling that fleshes out their journey as a band and as individuals

Filipino alternative soul/rock outfit of Mercury has finally dropped their debut studio album, CHANGIN’ via Sony Music Entertainment.

According to the band, the 12-track release serves as an exploration of the different experiences that “we face as humans.” Submitting to the pull of their heart without hesitation, CHANGIN’ dredges up old memories with refined maturity and no-filler honesty.

“One of the things that we did a bit differently is being able to write together,” the Fools trio shares in a statement. “The many songs that we wrote are some things that we have gone through as a band and individually: heartbreak, love, laziness, productivity, stress, doubt, confidence, fear, and realizations. These are just some of the emotions we go through in our lives.”

CHANGIN’ was co-produced by of Mercury with former bandmate knōwmaad, whose subtle experimentation added edginess to the music’s youthful exuberance. The result is a timeless sound that hardly feels dated at all, an artistically fulfilled effort that merges their past music influences with newly-found technical chops.

“Working with knōwmaad, there was a lot of things that we had in mind but couldn’t execute, and he was able to do it,” reveals of Mercury’s lead vocalist and guitarist Nathan Huang. “It was interesting to have him in our project because it felt like he came back to the group (since he was our former bassist). With our ideas and his ideas combined, we were able to pull off something beautiful and authentic.”

Initially released as a three-part volume, CHANGIN’ culminates with old and new songs that are all flesh and blood, as if extracted from a place of familiarity.

Its focus track “I KEEP FALLING” is a straight-up love song that doesn’t deny its sense of earnestness. Written during the pandemic, the song articulates the idea of inseparable love that lasts. “It’s about falling for the person over and over again no matter what,” Huang discloses with fervent adoration.

of Mercury is slated to debut the entirety their debut full-length album, CHANGIN’ live on Friday, November 11 at The Nook Molito in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Also billed as a celebration of their 6th year as a band, of Mercury’s CHANGIN’ Album Launch will feature a long set from the headliner themselves, and guest performances by their peers in the music industry, including Any Name’s Okay, Lola Amour, ONE CLICK STRAIGHT, and Over October.

CHANGIN’ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Reverb Worship Wins Best Inspirational Song, Best Music Videoat 44th Catholic Mass Media Awards

Reverb Worship’s inspirational songs stirred the hearts of listeners and took home major recognitions at this year’s Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

“Pilipinas Natin ‘To” performed by Bikolana creative Rhea Rodriguez and rising rapper Elai, was hailed as Best Inspirational Song. Striking a chord with its ethnic, hip hop-rock vibe and lyrics that evoke nationalistic pride, the song seeks to inspire unity among Filipinos during these divisive times.

“I can only say, this is a miracle!” Rhea exclaimed. “I praise God for this breakthrough. This is God’s project, and I was only used by Him. This is my first CMMA experience and I am beyond grateful for this award!”

The song, which was arranged by award-winning musical director, Mon Faustino, is Rhea’s first collaboration with Reverb Worship, CBN Asia’s music arm. She continued, “I thank everyone who took part in this song. I am blessed to be part of Reverb Worship and to partner with them in delivering a message of God's hope to the world. All praise and glory to God!”

Meanwhile, Joselle Feliciano’s feel-good single, “Love and Light” penned by songwriter Adrian Crisanto and directed by Icko Gonzalez, bagged the Best Music Video Special Citation. A cute, comics-inspired concept blended with colorful visuals, the song’s music video is a gentle nudge to rediscover joy, positivity, and prayer at any season in life.

CBN Asia’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Valdes Tan hopes that inspirational songs produced by Reverb Worship will continue to stir the listeners’ heart for country and faith in God.

“We thank the CMMA for giving Reverb Worship these two awards. They serve as an encouragement and an inspiration for Reverb Worship and CBN Asia to keep producing excellent songs and music videos for our Lord, Jesus Christ. We give God the glory and honor for these songs and these awards. Truly, all good things come from Him,” Tan said.

Stream “Pilipinas Natin 'To” and “Love and Light” on all digital streaming platforms worldwide! Stay tuned for Reverb Worship’s upcoming song releases, follow on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Source: CBN Asia Marketing

Speakoutsam at UA&P Library

I just donated all of the books that I have written so far to my alma mater University of Asia and the Pacific’s library! I am honored and thrilled because my books will soon be part of the university’s Filipiniana collection 🇵🇭 Special thanks to the Ms. Hazel and the rest of the Lib team for having me! Also, thank you UA&P Office of Alumni Affairs! ❤️ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!✨#authorlife #amazonauthor

ADB Invests in Onemed IPO to Support National Health Care and Affordable Local Medical Supplies in Indonesia

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (8 November 2022)—The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has subscribed to around 1 billion shares, worth $12.2 million (approximately 190 billion Indonesian rupiah), as part of the initial public offering (IPO) of PT Jayamas Medica Industri (OneMed) on the Indonesian Stock Exchange.

The proceeds of the IPO will support operational expansion across OneMed’s value chain by doubling the manufacturing facilities from two to four, the number of national distribution centers from one to two, adding 15 warehouses, and 25 new retail stores. The availability of affordable medical equipment and supplies is critical for the sustainability and expansion of Indonesia’s national health insurance program, Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional.

“Developing domestic production is a pivotal step toward self-sufficiency for health care in Indonesia,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department's Unit Head of Health and Education Investments Aniruddha Patil. “Supporting OneMed’s strong local presence in Indonesia will help strengthen Indonesia’s health care resilience and deliver better health outcomes for its citizens.”

“We greatly appreciate ADB’s support for our IPO and I look forward to working with the bank,” said OneMed President Commissioner Jemmy Hartanto. “The investment will help sustain OneMed’s commitment to support universal health care in Indonesia and to improve the overall level of health care in the country.”

Established in 2002, OneMed is the largest manufacturing and distribution company of medical equipment and supplies in Indonesia, covering 514 cities and 34 provinces. OneMed has the most comprehensive portfolio of medical equipment and supplies in the country, with key products including syringes, medical gloves, antiseptics and disinfectants, and infusion sets.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: ADB

Peaceful Gemini finds her way towards introspection and healing on her 4-track EP, Leo Rising

Filipina rapper-songwriter Peaceful Gemini has released a new EP shaped by her personal experiences, ideas, and beliefs.

Aptly titled Leo Rising, the 4-track release maps her journey as a woman finding her way towards self-discovery, healing, and introspection. According to the talented newcomer, her latest EP under Sony Music Entertainment is as personal as it gets, with each song reflecting the reality that she’s going through for the time being--her struggles and newfound learnings included.

“Through time, experience, and maturity, I changed and grew more mindful about my past and my roots, and started connecting with my body, mind, and emotions in order to heal. Leo Rising lands at a perfect time when I was able to address my inner worlds and wounds, and express my truth in a more fierce and radical way.”

The cosmic, soul-inflected EP is produced by Skeematic, who is known for fusing classic boom bap beats with bohemian flair. His work complements Peaceful Gemini’s conscious rap narrative, while maintaining a sense of rawness and grit.  

Other collaborators include Nicole Anjela, who provided supporting vocals for “Gising na Gising” and “Moment to Breathe,” and Nuevo for the romantic crossover track “Twin Flame.”

Leo Rising serves as a follow-up to Peaceful Gemini’s Middle of NowHere, a critically acclaimed record that explores spiritual and outside themes within the content of hip-hop. Considered as a bigger sister of Middle of NowHere, Leo Rising is a more matured and evolved affair that comes from a place of awareness.

Its focus track “Moment To Breathe” addresses healing with a deeper perspective. “Being tasked to frontline a shift that can be so fragile as an old world dies and a new paradigm emerges,” Peaceful Gemini shares. “I am facing it all, knowing that I am guided and blessed with the potential of a deeper understanding of an essence beyond me.”

Peaceful Gemini’s new EP, Leo Rising is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Filipino alt-rock icons Acel, Aia, Barbie, Hannah, Kitchie and Lougee form a ‘supergroup’ for a one-night concert at Solaire

The multi-awarded singer-songwriters are teaming up for a special performance at TANAW concert, happening on November 26, Saturday.

Aside from delivering individual performances that highlight some of the defining moments of their career, Filipino singer-songwriters Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal and Lougee Basabas will be collaborating for a special number at their joint concert dubbed TANAW, happening on November 26, Saturday (8pm onwards) at The Theatre at Solaire.

“It’s going to be a surprise, but let’s just say that we’re forming a group for a one-night-only performance that will surely delight music fans,” Barbie Almalbis shares in a press statement.

Rocking the big stage with a vibrant and dynamic set list that cuts across multiple generations, the six iconic artists are set to showcase their hard-earned legacy in a space that has always been dominated by men.

As pointed out by Aia de Leon, one of the TANAW headliners, the concert also serves as a celebration of meaningful friendships and solidarity.

“There is no other group of people who will have understood the fullness of my life, in every aspect, except for these ladies,” de Leon adds. “We grew up in an era together, we paid our dues together. We share a profound joy making music, writing songs, and performing them in front of a live audience. We've never braved a celebration in this scale together before, and I feel very blessed to be a part of this.”

TANAW marks the first time that the six solo acts will be performing together for a concert. From their early days as lead vocalists of late ‘90s/early 2000s bands, to establishing their identity as individual artists, the six acclaimed singer-songwriters have proven their staying power with sold-out tours and concerts, chart-topping singles and albums, and a dedicated fanbase.

The one-night show is produced by GNN Entertainment, and co-presented by Solaire Resort Entertainment City with valuable support by Official Glam Partner, David’s Salon and minor sponsors Payaba Flower Boutique and United Graphic.

Tickets to TANAW are available online via Ticket Worldand its partner outlets nationwide. Click here for a full list of ticketing outlets.

Ticket pricing:

SVIP with Meet & Greet: ₱4,600.00

SVIP without Meet & Greet: ₱4,100.00

VIP: ₱3,700.00

Lower Orchestra: ₱2,900.00

Upper Orchestra: ₱2,800.00

Lower Balcony: ₱1,700.00

Upper Balcony: ₱1,300.00

Source: Nyou

ASEAN India Music Festival to mark triumphant return to Purana Qila, New Delhi this year

The cross-cultural music festival aims to showcase the vast richness of India and Southeast Asian countries’ musical and cultural heritage

ASEAN India Music Festival (AIMF) returns with a more vibrant celebration this year as it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the music and artistic traditions as well as promotes cultural exchange between the Southeast Asian region and India.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in collaboration with SEHER is organizing the ASEAN-India Music Festival from the 18th to 20th November at Purana Qila, New Delhi. The free event boasts an eclectic lineup that presents the richness of each country’s musical heritage, as well as its shared cultural affinity.

The second edition of the festival will showcase 10 multi-genre contemporary music acts from Southeast Asia, including Empty Wallet from Brunei Darussalam, RizerXSuffer from Cambodia, Riau Rhythm from Indonesia, Lao Traditional Music Troupe from Lao-PDR, Instamuzika from Malaysia, MRTV Modern Music band from Myanmar, Bayang Barrios at Ang Nilayagan from the Philippines, Linying Band from Singapore, Makaohang from Thailand, and Tri Minh’s Quartet from Vietnam.

Five of India’s homegrown acts, Faridkot and Amar Jalal, Jonita Gandhi, Papon, Raghav Meattle, and Vishal and Sheykhar are also set to perform in one of the oldest forts in the union territory. The lineup was curated by SEHER, India’s premier cultural organization that works closely with the Gov’t of India in public diplomacy and promotion of cultural interaction between India and other countries.

The ASEAN acts are recommended by their respective Ministry of Culture and SOMCA, while the Indian artists are carefully selected to complement the diverse artistic backgrounds of their counterparts in the Southeast Asian region.

With its utmost goal of increasing appreciation and awareness of the ASEAN identity amongst creative intellectuals and the public at large, the cross-cultural festival has prepared multiple concerts apart from the main event at Purana Qila.

A special music showcase is slated to take place in Shillong, Meghalaya in Northeast India, on November 22, which is considered to be a gateway to ASEAN and serves as a representation of the ‘Act East’ policy.

"India has been looking up to the west for historical reasons, but thanks to our Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi we are now looking Eastwards through the Act East policy," Mr. Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder Director of SEHER, shares in a statement. "Now that we are organizing the ASEAN India Music Festival, the audience and especially the youth of India will get to see musical traditions and bands from the ASEAN region, which are rarely seen in this part of the world."

After its well-received inaugural edition in 2017, AIMF promises to cultivate a sustained cultural exchange and interaction between ASEAN and India, while championing its unique adoption of traditional and modern music influences and become recognized as the “gateway to ASEAN.”

"We are expecting more traditional instrumentation and how each country is contemporizing its music to fit current trends and the global stage," Bhargava adds. "More important is that they will be playing on the same platform as some of India’s most popular music artists."

For more information about the ASEAN India Music Festival, visit the official website.

Source: Nyou

ADB, GreenCell Sign $40 Million Financing for Safer E-Buses in India, Especially for Women Commuters

NEW DELHI, INDIA (7 November 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $40 million financing package with GreenCell Express Private Limited (GEPL) to develop 255 electric battery-powered buses (e-buses) to serve 5 million people a year on 56 intercity routes in India and enhance the safety of passengers, especially women, through improved security features including panic buttons connected to command controls for immediate response.

The financial package comprises $20.5 million loan (in equivalent Indian rupee) from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, ADB’s administration of a $14 million loan from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), grants worth $325,000 from the CTF and $5.2 million from Goldman Sach’s and Bloomberg’s the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF). ADB also assisted in mobilizing an additional parallel loan of $20.5 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

A defining feature of this project is the CIDF grant which will partially finance the decarbonization of 100 of the 255 e-buses by deploying solar power-plus-battery energy storage systems, resulting in the reduction of about 6,355 tons of carbon dioxide a year. Overall, the project will reduce emissions by 14,780 tons a year.

“Decarbonization of public transport in India is essential for the country to reach its net-zero climate commitments, and it’s important to ensure safety and security of women passengers to make travel more inclusive,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “By providing safe transport for women, these intercity buses will enhance their ability to participate in economic and livelihood opportunities,”

India’s public transport needs are expected to grow rapidly as the country urbanizes. In 2020, road transport accounted for 87% of all passenger trips, 18% of total energy consumption, and 11.7% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Safety features at project bus depots and e-buses will include cameras, panic buttons, adequate depot lighting, seating arrangements, tracking, and awareness-raising materials. Training programs will be held for bus drivers and cabin hosts on safety protocols focused on women passengers. GEPL is also implementing a diversity and inclusion roadmap to initiate a program to build a stronger pool of women in leadership and technical roles.

This project has qualified for a 2x gender financing rating, a challenge launched at the G7 summit in 2018 to encourage gender lens investing among development finance institutions.

“Electrifying transportation is a key driver of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our cities. This funding accelerates our agenda of promoting and investing in clean and sustainable businesses in India to achieve India’s climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals,” said EverSource Capital Managing Director and CEO Dhanpal Jhaveri. “With GreenCell Express Private Limited (GEPL) offering, we bring to the intercity bus travel segment, electric buses that reinforce safe, seamless travel experience for new age Indian travellers, especially women."

GEPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of GreenCell Mobility Private Limited (GreenCell), a platform company of Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF). GGEF is an Indian alternative investment fund in India managed by EverSource Capital with a mandate to mobilize institutional capital into green infrastructure in India.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: ADB

Tom Gregory “Forget Somebody”

With 770m+ global streams under his belt, UK singer-songwriter sensation Tom Gregory (“Fingertips,” “Never Let Me Down,” “Rather Be You”) is about returns with his first new single – “Forget Somebody” He has chosen Sony Music for this new chapter of his career, assembling a team comprising of Epic Germany, B1 France and Columbia UK.



Back from his stellar, sold-out first ever Headline tour through Europe, up-and-coming UK singer-songwriter Tom Gregory kickstarts the next chapter this month with his debut offering for new label Sony Music: “Forget Somebody” is an irresistible uptempo anthem and the first tune off his yet-untitled third full-length. Listen here.

“My dream has always been playing on big festival stages around the world, but then all my success came during Covid, so I had no chance to play the songs live,” says the 26-year-old songwriter from Northern England who released “two albums during the pandemic – a very strange thing to say,” yet managed to land massive hits including “Fingertips,” “Never Let Me Down,” (w/ VIZE), “River,” and “Footprints” along the way.

With 770+m global streams already under his belt, not to mention huge radio hits in major European markets including Germany and France, the Blackpool-born musician has spent the better part of last year in Los Angeles to work on songs that are going to define his forthcoming third full-length offering. “It’s going in a direction that I always wanted to end up in,” he says about the new single “Forget Somebody,” a surprisingly fast-paced track “about trying to move on,” as Tom puts it.

“I would say it’s sad uptempo. It’s not a happy record at all,” he says about the new single that incorporates 80s-flavoured guitars and also nods to his Indie Rock influences. “One thing I learned from playing live and touring is that people love to dance around and to get freaky with uptempo songs. After being gone for a while, I wanted to come out with something that wasn’t a midtempo song. I wanted to make people move.”

“I think you always come to that point in a break-up – when you leave somebody or someone else breaks up with you – where one person moves on, and the other person doesn’t,” he says about the feeling that inspired the new single. “With this song, we wanted to find a way of capturing the struggle of moving on from somebody. Trying to move on in a world with Social Media can be so hard – and I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to.”

Listen to “Forget Somebody”

Speaking about the forthcoming album he’s currently working on, Tom Gregory wants to create “something that I feel could exist in two different worlds – both on a festival stage and on Pop Radio. I think they are two really difficult things to achieve, separately, but together it’s even harder. Having achieved the radio part with a couple of my earlier songs, I wanted to show that I’m someone who can also exist on an Indie Rock/Pop festival stage – and this new music is me making that transition,” says the young musician whose inspirations range from The Killers and Kings of Leon to Britpop classics and even P!NK (“She’s a rockstar.”).

“I definitely want my music to have as much of a rock/pop edge as possible.” – Tom Gregory

Although he’s been a mainstay across European Pop Radio for years, Tom Gregory actually took a couple of detours to get to where he is today: A rather shy teenager, it was his dad who signed him up to audition for The Voice UK when he was 16 – only to get “knocked back: no one turned around for me,” he says about live audition round in London. Back home in Northern England and fighting with early bouts of depression, he was soon looking for a new outlet, and eventually nicked an acoustic guitar from his school’s music supplies. He tried playing with a band, but that didn’t work, he signed up for a course in music production, and ditched it after just one week to take on a role in BBC series The A Word – yet, “unfortunately, I hated acting!” Starting to work on solo material, he eventually found the right songwriting partners – and used that stolen guitar from his former school to write future hits like “Fingertips”…

With multiple radio #1s under his belt across Europe, Blackpool-born singer and songwriter Tom Gregory has been one of the UK’s biggest exports since the release of his debut single “Run To You” (currently 30+m Spotify) in 2017. His 2020 single “Fingertips” (148m) instantly hit the #1 spot in Germany (airplay) and was certified Gold (Germany) and Platinum (France) across Europe. Hooking up with German production duo VIZE, ‘Never Let Me Down’ (currently 246m+!) immediately went Platinum in Germany, hitting top-10 spots in the Austrian and German sales charts. Following his official debut full-length Heaven In A World So Cold (2020), he returned in 2021 with sophomore release Things I Can’t Say Out Loud – an album that featured multiple hit singles including “River” (68m; #4 airplay GER; top-15 annual German Radio Charts) and airplay smash “Footprints” (40m).

 Source: Sony Music Philippines