Samantha Lucas: Career Talk on Passion and Purpose at UA&P

It was an honor to speak at my alma mater 👩‍🎓 UA&P @uapasia about my career as a published author. It was also great to see my fellow speakers and colleagues @juanekis, @keyboardavenger of @tablaynovel, and @paolo.herras of @komiketph. It was an evening of learning, encouragement, and real talk. I am hopeful for the future, and I look forward to collaborating again with the university and its Creative Writing program! Thank you for having me!🥹⚡️#amazonauthor #authorlife @ukiyotopublishinghouse @centralbooksph

Samantha Gail B. Lucas on Nyra Vol. IV

Hello all! My latest poem was featured in Nyra Vol. IV published by @ukiyotopublishinghouse! It is now available on Amazon. 🖤 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!

ADB Signs Loan for First Cross-Border Wind Power Project in Asia, First Plant in Lao PDR and Largest in Southeast Asia

VIENTIANE, LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC (1 March 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited (Monsoon) signed a $ 692.55 million nonrecourse project financing package to build a 600-megawatt wind power plant in Sekong and Attapeu provinces in the southern region of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to export and sell power to neighboring Viet Nam. Comprising 133 wind turbines, the project will be the largest wind power plant in Southeast Asia and the first in the Lao PDR.

As sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, ADB has, arranged, structured, and syndicated the entire financing package—the largest syndicated renewable project financing transaction among ASEAN countries to date. The package comprises a $100 million A loan from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, a $150 million syndicated B loan, $50 million in concessional financing, $382.55 million in parallel loans, and a $10 million grant. Cutting edge use of concessional blended finance was critical in overcoming the project’s bankability hurdles to crowd in commercial capital.

“Developing economies in Asia and the Pacific face shortfalls in climate investments that are needed to clear a pathway to green growth. The syndication of development and commercial financing for this project bridges this gap by mobilizing private capital to develop wind resources which are translated into clean power generation that can spur economic and social advancement in the region,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury.“ The financing from ADB and its partners will help unlock the Lao PDR’s untapped wind resources, providing a basis for a transition to clean energy and green growth that will have lasting benefits for the economy.”

Cross-border power supply has been a pillar of the Lao PDR’s economic growth. Harnessing the country’s untapped wind resources can provide energy diversification as the seasonality of the wind resource is countercyclical to the rainy season, which supports the country’s hydropower generation. The project will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 748,867 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The B loan comprises $100 million from Siam Commercial Bank and $50 million from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation while the concessional financing administered by ADB comprises $20 million from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP) and $30 million from the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia (CFPS, CFPS II). Parallel loans include $120 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, $100 million from Kasikorn Bank, $72.55 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, $60 million from the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, and $30 million from the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited. A $10 million grant from ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF) – Private Sector Window (ADB-PSW) will help mitigate key project risks, including potential curtailment risk, which is a key bankability issue for lenders.

“Together with ADB, we take this milestone step in the global fight against climate change coupled with our own corporate mission to uplift the well-being and happiness of the local communities we work within,” said the project’s developer Impact Electrons Siam Company Limited Chief Executive Officer Peck Khamkanist. “We thank ADB for its leadership in their catalytic arrangement of this deal’s financing bringing together multiple parties both from commercial as well as the development sphere.”

LEAP is an ADB-managed fund capitalized with a $1.5 billion commitment by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Established in 2016, LEAP focuses on delivering high-quality and sustainable private sector infrastructure projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and offer accessible and affordable health care, education, and communication services to ADB’s developing member countries.

CFPS and CFPSII are ADB-managed concessional funds, established with contributions of $231.5 million from Global Affairs Canada. The funds are designed to support greater private sector participation in climate change mitigation and adaptation in low and lower middle-income countries and upper middle-income small island developing states in Asia and the Pacific. The funds also seek to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

ADB-PSW is a facility approved by ADF donors in 2020 that supports private sector development in frontier markets by offering grant resources to fund financial products that address and reduce common financing constraints that hinder many private sector transactions.

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; photo by ADB

ATARASHII GAKKO! RELEASE NEW SONG “THE EDGE” Via 88rising

TRACK FEATURED IN ALL-NEW CRUNCHYROLL SEASONAL TRAILER 

“Please inject this chaotic Japanese idol group straight into my veins.” - i-D

“Whatever ATARASHII GAKKO! are doing next, we’re listening.” - The Fader  

“Indescribably enticing” - Bandwagon

Tokyo-based and wildly special four-girl progressive pop-group ATARASHII GAKKO!, are thrilled to release their brand new song, “The Edge,” via 88rising. A high energy, addictive hyper-pop track matched with a commanding vocal delivery from the group creates this undeniable banger evocative of a song perfect for a superhero movie montage. Click HERE to listen!

“The Edge” is the soundtrack of global anime brand Crunchyroll’s new seasonal trailer, featuring an incredible lineup of anime shows currently streaming on their platform for the winter 2023 anime season. Click HERE to stream the world’s largest library of both new and beloved anime on Crunchyroll and watch the trailer HERE from February 24th, 9AM PT!

The group paired with Japanese artist and visual designer Fantasista Utamarofor the song’s artwork and visualizer. His unique ultra pop and technicolor style speaks to groups’ spirit that is limitless, colorful, and celebratory. Utamara reflected, “I moved to NY from Japan to introduce Japanese art and culture through my art. It was my pleasure to creative-direct this project for ATARASHII GAKKO!, featuring elements of Japanese pop culture such as low-fi gaming, manga style, and neon colors. Shout out to pixel artist APO+ who did the super cool pixel animation!" 

About the release the band said, “It was such a great experience working with UTAMARO-san. He made the cover art and visualizer look so cool and kawaii! We’re all running in it the entire time which is fantastic! On another exciting note, our music is used in Crunchyroll’s seasonal trailer that includes Kanon’s current favorite anime - Blue Lock. We’re all very stoked about this release and hopefully we can perform for our fans sometime soon!”

Single artwork HERE

Last year, the group dropped their surprise release, “HANAKO.” Originating from a Japanese urban legend of ‘Hanako-san’, a girl ghost who haunts school bathrooms, the track was released on Halloween matching the spooky tone. The song followed the band’s successful run of sold-out U.S. shows in 2022 in addition to a performance at Head In The Clouds Festival.
 
In 2021, the group released their SNACKTIME EP, which was produced by the legendary Money Mark, who is most widely known for his work with the Beastie Boys. Mark is also known for his extensive collection of vintage keyboards and drum machines, and his masterpiece Mark’s Keyboard Repairfrom 1995 helped to usher in a new movement of bedroom pop during the 90s.
 
ATARASHII GAKKO!  (literally meaning “new school” in Japanese) are a group of four young women who are redefining what it means to be a girl group. While most J-Pop female idol groups are known for their squeaky high voices, perfectly synchronized dance moves, feigned images of purity and innocence, and an excessive drive to always be kawaii (cute), AG! isn’t into any of that. They wear sailor-fuku (sailor suits) uniforms in a style that were worn by Japanese students back in the 70s and 80s with long skirts and pulled-up socks, and staunchly refuse to be objectified. Their aggressive and expressive dance moves, which they choreograph themselves, are a hybrid of the energy of Japanese butoh dance, heavy metal headbanging, and hip-hop street dancing. Musically, AG! brings together elements of modern J-Pop, Showa-era kayokyoku, rap, punk, dance music, but it would be pointless to try to categorize them in any genre.

ABOUT 88RISING
88rising is a global entertainment powerhouse focused on celebrating Asian stories, talent, and culture. Their roster includes Rich Brian, Joji, Higher Brothers, Niki, Jackson Wang, and more. 88 is trailblazing the way for groundbreaking content and is  a leader in progressive music and the apex of youth culture worldwide.
 
About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love. In addition to free ad-supported and membership Premium content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles, and manga publishing.
 
Anime fans have access to one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll and translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Viewers can also access simulcasts—top series available immediately after Japanese broadcast.
 
The Crunchyroll app is available on over 15 platforms, including all gaming consoles.
 
Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

Connect with ATARASHII GAKKO!
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

Source: Blackstar

Clothes Folder

Buy this clothes folder here. 👚 Be like Sheldon and fold your clothes the Big Bang Theory way now 😂 #shopaholicsam #shopeesambassador

Samantha Gail B. Lucas at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2023!

My books, #onlygrowingup and #breakingupforward, are now at the New Delhi World Book Fair! It runs until March 5th. 📖 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!⚡️#authorlife #amazonauthor

16 Years with World Vision

I started being a @worldvisionphl sponsor in 2007. I recently celebrated my 16th anniversary as a child sponsor. 🧡 Also, I claimed my 15th anniversary certificate during the organization’s first in-person event for child sponsors in a long time. 🧡 I would like to thank @askmigslopez for accompanying me to the event, and to Rona of World Vision for assisting me. 🧡

PRODUCER SYN COLE TEAMS UP WITH NOVIA BACHMID FOR UPLIFTING DANCE ANTHEM “WITHOUT IT”

Buy/Stream “Without It” HERE
Watch visualizer HERE

Ahead of his performance at Ultra Music Festival in Miami this year, Estonian multi-instrumentalist producer Syn Colereleases the lyrical dance single “Without It” featuring artist/songwriter Novia Bachmid via Helix Records.

“Without It” opens with an uplifting reverberating piano synth & guitar riff that sets the tone for Novia Bachmids powerful vocals & melodic verse, quickly accompanied by Syn Cole’s irresistible dance beat that has both bounce and clap. The chorus’ drop introduces new exhilarating instrumental elements, making “Without It” the perfect carefree dance anthem.

Syn Cole began his career on Avicii’s label LE7ELS and has since amassed over 1 Billion streams which has solidified his place in the Dance space worldwide. Cole kicked off his remix duties with Avicii's "Silhouettes", which became his first BBC Radio 1 spotlight. His second Avicii remix "Hey Brother" sparked both radio and DJ support across the globe. Subsequent singles include “Miami 82” (with remixes from Avicii and Kygo). “Who You Are,” and “It’s You” have also achieved global success and gotten multiple sync placements in film and commercial, including a Sprite TV commercial featuring BLACKPINK. Cole has played at major festivals Tomorrowland, Creamfields, EDC Las Vegas & Ultra Miami.

Novia Bachmid is an artist and songwriter originating from Indonesia. Novia’s passion for singing and creating music found her at a young age. Her rise to fame in Indonesia happened after participating in a talent search event on television called Little Idol. Novia has also participated in talent search shows such as The Voice Indonesia & Indonesian Idol - from the latter TV Show, she joined Hit Records and released her debut single “Wanna Fall In Love”. Since then she has released multiple singles with multi-millions of streams and grown her fanbase online, most notably Tik Tok amassing 2.2 Million Followers. Along her musical journey and rise to fame, Novia has also garnered high profile music award nominations, at the Indonesian Music Awards for Best Newcomer and the Indonesian Dangdut Awards for Most Heartfelt Dangdut Collaboration.

“Without It” is available to stream on all platforms here, with a visualizer out on the day of release, and an official video to follow.

CONNECT WITH Syn Cole
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

CONNECT WITH Novia Bachmid
Instagram | Facebook | Tik Tok | Twitter

Source: Blackstar

Barbie Almalbis celebrates 25th anniversary with the release of Tower Sessions Live album and a ‘reunion’ concert

Photo by Chealsy Dale

Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a monumental milestone in music with the official release of her Tower Sessions Live album under Sony Music Entertainment and a reunion concert featuring her iconic bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Both celebrations honor her 25th anniversary in the local music scene as a woman who successfully navigated the realm of Pinoy rock with emotionally resonant songwriting and artistic independence.

Presenting a new arrangement of her old and new songs, Barbie Almalbis’ Greatest Hits live album was produced by Eric and Carlo Perlas of Tower of Doom, recorded by Kyle Cayton, and mixed/mastered by Simon Durias. It will also feature career-defining hits such as “Firewoman,” “Torpe,” “Tabing Ilog,” “The Dance,” “Goodnight,” and “Just A Smile,” along with fairly new tracks: “Days Are Long,” “Silaw,” “Tigre,” and “Kumpas,” the album’s carrier single.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to record our songs live, because we’re always rearranging songs as a band, and I think there’s something special that gets captured when the we play live together,” Almalbis shares. “My producers and collaborators did such a great job of making you feel like you’re at the gig. You can feel the power of the kick drum and the bass, and then have guitars blasting in your ear — in a pleasant way, of course.”

Aside from the release of Tower Sessions Live on digital platforms, Barbie Almalbis is set to headline her 25thAnniversary concert at 123 Block, Mandala Park on March 11 (Saturday), from 2pm onwards. Celebrating the impact of her music as a guide to many people’s journey in life, the show will reunite her with former bandmates in Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Aptly titled Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the mini-music fest will also feature sets by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

Reflecting on her career as an artist, Almalbis expressed gratitude to her fans who have been supportive of her endeavors through the years. “I didn’t have so many plans growing up, but always just dreamt of playing music. I’m so grateful that I get to do this and share the experience with others too. I’m always touched by the support of my fans and friends, and really humbled and encouraged by their words and stories about how these songs have also become part of their journey.”

Barbie Almalbis’ Tower Sessions Live is now available on all digital platforms worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment.

Tickets to her upcoming concert, Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis are available for purchase via TicketMelon. The event is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store, D&D, Smirnoff Mule, and 123 Block.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 Source: Nyou

Watch sci-fi inspired music video forRico Blanco’s “Palibot libot”

Acclaimed singer-songwriter/producer Rico Blancoexplores sci-fi themes in the music video of “Palibotlibot,” his current single under Sony Music Entertainment.

Helmed by Cris Escolano and Rico Blanco himself, the visuals present a story of humanity in a world completely engulfed by hopelessness. The MV stars Rico Blanco, model Tuti Pon, and “The Entity,” a robotic figure created by Richard Somes.

According to Pon, she had fun playing the female lead and embracing the intricacies needed to pull off her character convincingly. “It was definitely a new experience for me and I’d do it again if I got a chance.”

Production Designer Justine Arcega-Bumanlag expressed enthusiasm in working with the team and conveying the fantastically imaginative vision of the material. She shares, “For this, Rico Blanco was aiming for a classic-looking music video that stands the test of time. He wanted to veer away from CGIs, so we started building a set that looks like a wreckage from an unknown planet, and using it all throughout the time.”

The song, which reflects on the uncertainty that thrives between friendship and relationship, was inspired by one of the characters in a series that he filmed in La Union last year. 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.

“Palibot libot” will be part of Rico Blanco’s fourth studio album to be released under Sony Music Entertainment.

Watch the music video of “Palibot libot” here.

Source: Nyou

Tiffany Circle Coffee

My fave coffee mix is @tiffanycircleph because it has moringa, collagen, and vitamin C, among other healthful ingredients. It also tastes great! ☕️ Buy it here. ☕️ #shopaholicsam #shopeesambassador

Samantha Gail B. Lucas Books at Bokus Sweden!

Dreams do come true. My books are now available at @bokus_com Sweden! 🇸🇪 Mabuhay!

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTHWITH CHICAGO HOUSE MUSIC LEGENDSTEN CITY

NEW ALBUM 'LOVE IS LOVE' OUT FEBRUARY 17

ON HELIX RECORDS

“When we started house music 35 years ago, I wanted to do music that was accessible and would reach everybody and people would love it. We can’t be selfish with house music if we want it to go forward. Not only should we be happy to see Cardi B and Drake and Beyonce doing it, but we also should embrace it. Slick Rick is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. I would like to see the same thing for house music, see some of the originators receiving lifetime recognition. House music, it’s a very positive music and I don’t want to hold it in in the underground.” – Ten City’s Byron Stingily as told to Variety

Proof that disco evolved rather than died can be heard throughout the discography of house group Ten City. Set apart most obviously by singer Byron Stingily, a powerhouse falsetto between and distinct from inspirations such as Philip Bailey and Sylvester, the Chicago group's recordings epitomize deep house with a basis in gospel and soul, and messages of love and positivity. Teamed with dance music pioneer Marshall Jefferson, Ten City emerged in the late '80s with two of their biggest hits, "Right Back to You" and "That's the Way Love Is," the latter of which topped Billboard's dance/club chart and cracked the Top Ten of the U.K. pop chart.

Before their mid-'90s disbandment, the group in their original trio incarnation issued four albums ranging from Foundation (1989) through That Was Then, This Is Now (1994), and charted with seven additional singles. Nearly three decades after the fourth album, Ten City returned with Judgment (2021), made by Stingily and Jefferson, which in 2022 earned a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Electronic/Dance Album.”   Due to popular demand and the feel-good vibe from the recording of Judgement, Ten City are back in 2023 with Love Is Love due out February 17 on Helix Records.

"2023 is the year of Loving Self and Self Affirmation!” declares Byron Stingily.  These themes are prominent throughout the album.  Just check out the singles such as the title track and its remix by fellow Chicago house artists DRAMA, and “I Love Me,” a collaboration with bubbling UK producers Wh0.

Love Is Love Album Pre-Save:

https://helixrecords.ffm.to/loveislove-album

Tracklist:

1. Love is Love

2. All In One Night

3. Losing My Mind

4. Strange Times

5. Casual

6. A Girl Named Phil

7. I Love Me w/ Wh0

8. Magic

9. Family

10. Woman of the Sun

Follow Ten City:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Source: Blackstar

ICONA POP RETURN WITH NEW SINGLE,‘I WANT YOU’ WITH GALANTIS – OUT NOw Confirm NEW ALBUM IS ON THE WAY

Global chart-topping duo Icona Pop return today with ‘I Want You,’ an exciting new collaboration with Swedish electronic outfit Galantis.  

Listen to ‘I Want You’ with Galantis HERE

‘I Want You’ offers fans the first taste of what’s to come musically from the duo in 2023, as they put the finishing touches on their forthcoming new album. As civilization slipped into lockdown Caroline and Aino left Los Angeles and returned to Stockholm to quarantine. Soon after, they found themselves back in the studio “where it all started.” Conjuring a sweet sentiment of nostalgia, it also pushed them to re-engage with their electronic and alternative roots, but this time from an evolved perspective with years of experience behind them both as proven performers and accomplished chart topping songwriters.

“We got back to what we love,” Aino affirms. “It was the quietest period we’ve experienced in ten-plus years, so it’s crazy we made such danceable music. We felt the need to do something more up-tempo.”

Last year, Icona Pop graced the clubs worldwide with the irresistable ‘You’re Free’ (LISTEN) joined by legendary singer, songwriter, DJ, and producer Ultra Naté, paying homage to the1997 Billboard’s Dance Club Songs Chart #1 hit ‘Free.’ Preceding the release of ‘You’re Free’was the 10-year anniversary of the duo’s hit single, ‘I Love It’ (feat. Charli XCX); commemorated with a re-imagining of the track by Caroline and Aino, alongside producers Osrin and Ellis. Listen to ‘I Love It (I Don’t Care 2022 Re-Edit)’ HERE.

Icona Pop continue to slay since the release of their 2013 full-length debut, This Is… Icona Pop, which garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork and Rolling Stone as the duo performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and America’s Got Talent in addition to featuring on the iconic HBO series Girls and a popular Saturday Night Live sketch. They canvased the globe on sold out tours with Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and One Direction and joined Tiësto for the banger ‘Let’s Go’ in 2014. Along the way, the duo has performed alongside everyone from Avicii to The Chainsmokers as well as gracing the stages of Ultra, Tomorrowland, Mark Ronson’s Club Heartbreak, and more. Since then, they have consistently filled the gap in music when it comes to upbeat, carefree, quality dance-pop, including a series of powerhouse collaborations in 2021, including “SPA” with SOFI TUKKER (WATCH), “Off My Mind” with VIZE (LISTEN), and more.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements from Icona Pop coming very soon.

‘I Want You’ with Galantis is available everywhere now.

Source: Blackstar

Ace Banzuelo drops catchy, upbeat banger “Tadhana”

The prolific singer-songwriter/producer expresses pure joy and romantic connection in his newly released track

After topping the charts last year with his hit single “Muli,”Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo continues his winning streak with the release of his 2023single “Tadhana”—out on Friday, February 17 via Sony Music Entertainment.

The prolific solo act returns with a catchy, upbeat track that keeps listeners basking in summer’s eternal glow. Providing R&B-inspired vocals atop new wave beats and disco elements, Banzuelo tips its hat to the pure joy of bringing the past and the future together with another pulsating bop.

“This feels dreamy yet groovy at the same time,” describes the talented multihyphenate. “All of these things contribute to my vision and how I just really want to be myself. I'm definitely back making music that makes people move.”

According to Banzuelo, “Tadhana” deals with romantic connection and destiny, and explores losing one’s inhibitions for something that might be fulfilling in the long run.

“Tadhana is about this magical encounter you have with someone and how you're instantly drawn to that person,” the young hitmaker shares. “The connection is so intense it kind of scares one of you but you're here telling that person that hey it's okay maybe what's on your mind is also what's on mine.”

Ace Banzuelo considers “Tadhana” as a happy accident that eventually evolved into a song that moved him, not just physically, but on a more resonant level. In a way, he wanted a familiar tune that he can play anywhere—be it live or just a recording, and would make people get all wrapped up with its undeniable groove.

“I went all out with my vocal performance for this track and produced it in a very, very precise manner. The subtlety of all the elements beneath the vocals, the crunchy guitars, dreamy synthesizers, drums, and my voice, contribute to the overall groove of this track. In fact, most of these elements were recorded and finalized in one take.Everything just came together as if it were all meant to happen.”

Ace Banzuelo’s “Tadhana” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Australian artist RUEL announces free mall show In Manila this weekend!

The young singer-songwriter will be performing in the country to promote his upcoming debut album, 4THWALL

Australian singer-songwriter Ruel returns to Manila for a special mall show happening at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City this Saturday, February 18, 2023.

The free event is part of a campaign to promote his highly anticipated debut album, 4TH WALL, which is slated for a March 3, 2023 release via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment. Ruel's long-awaited debut album explores his most personal and stellar musical offerings to date.

In an announcement posted on social media last week, the 20-year-old hitmaker expressed his excitement about visiting the country for the second time since performing here in 2019.

He shares, “Manila! I’m so excited to play a FREE show next week! I’ve created a Manila channel in my discord so we can all talk ahead of the show.”

Ruel’s current single “MUST BE NICE” is currently making waves in the Philippines, thanks to its emotive pop sensibilities and relatable lyrics. Written and produced with longtime collaborator M-Phazes (Khalid, Noah Cyrus), along with the TMS Production Team (Lewis Capaldi, DuaLipa) and songwriter Sean Douglas (Lizzo, Thomas Rhett), the piano-driven ballad showcases Ruel’s stunning voice, which glides effortlessly from gritty tenor to airy falsetto.

The talented artist has also released two well-received singles so far, “SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEM” and “YOU AGAINST YOURSELF.”

Ruel: Live at Venice Grand Canal Mall is presented by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Venice Grand Canal Mall, with MYX as the Official Media Partner.

About Ruel:

At just twenty years old, the performer born Ruel Van Dijk has experienced several careers worth of success. Since debuting in 2017 at the age of fourteen on producer M-Phazes “Golden Years,” Ruel was the youngest artist to appear on the popular live segment “Like a Version” on renowned Australian youth radio station triple j. He has since released three EPs, earned five platinum records, and amassed over two billion streams worldwide. As the youngest artist to sell out the Sydney Opera House (twice), he has been hailed by the likes of Elton John, and touring partners Khalid and Shawn Mendes, while being declared by media critics as “the next global pop star in waiting.” His decorated career includes two MTV Europe Music Awards, a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award, an ARIA Award, and numerous nominations. 

To Buy/Stream “MUST BE NICE”:

https://ruel.lnk.to/MustBeNice

Follow Ruel:

TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Website

Source: Nyou

The Lucas Journaling Method 🐱

#thelucasjournalingmethod is now available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, and via this link. 📖 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! 🐱 #amazonauthor #authorlife @ukiyotopublishinghouse

WATERWALK RECORDS releases “MANLILIKHARI,” the first single off 10-song series project, Sambahan

WATERWALK RECORDS announces the release of Sambahan, a 10-song series project that contains worship songs from grassroots, church-based songwriters who connected and collaborated through an unconventional ‘lab’ setting via the synergetic fellowship, KONEKOLAB.

Its first single, “MANLILIKHARI,” is a portmanteau of two words, which interestingly allude to that one Being who assumes both roles of a Manlilikha (Creator) and a Hari(King). As WATERWALK RECORDS A&R Jungee Marcelo puts it, “MANLILIKHARI” qualifies God’s sovereignty “over all creation, over everything, over you and me. It’s worthy of worship and adoration.”

Marcelo adds, “The word ‘create’ is very dear to us, and with this song we offer our highest praises to the true Creator, King of everything. “Konekolab Worship aims to cater to the needs of local church congregations for singable worship songs in the local vernacular. Who better to concoct these original worship songs than the very church people in the community. The hope is for each of these songs to become a staple in the church music lineup, as well as in personal times of devotion andprayer.”

“MANLILIKHARI” is co-written with Irving Galang and Mary Ozaraga, both community-based, church leaders whose artistry is balanced by their deep sense of faith. According to Galang, the song celebrates the “awesomeness of our Creator, the ultimate Artist, and our King who did not just create us but also took full responsibility over us by loving us to the fullness of our being, no matter how seemingly small and insignificant we think we are.”

Ozaraga shares that joining this project provided a lot of new challenges for her: writing with a collaborative mindset, and penning a song in Tagalog. “Armed with the Bible, a guitar, and Google Translator, I was able to take on the challenges, greatly inspired by the hard work of Sir Jungee and my team leader, Sir Irving, and was able to witness how God honors faith-fueled hardwork."

“MANLILIKHARI” is produced by Jungee Marcelo, and arranged with Joshua Capule on piano, Junjun Regalado on drums and percussions, and Ardie De Guzman on guitars. Capturing the Church worship experience with intricate instrumentation and vocal congregational textures, the spiritual anthem reveals a solemn quality to it that soars even as it calms. The expertise of sound engineer extraordinaire Angee Rozul binds everything together with a mix that is divine-like, but filled with so many layers and depth.

The track is sung by Gianne Hinolan, who considers the collaboration a gift. “Seeing how passionate these artists are about communicating the message of God already spoke to me. This is why it was easy for me to say yes to sir Jungee when he invited me to sing the song. As singers, we are expected to be the ones ‘delivering’ our listeners, but here, I was the one who was delivered.Delivered from my doubts and delivered closer to knowing who He is; who God is as our Creator and our King. Wonderful.”

“MANLILIKHARI” is out now on all digital music platforms via WATERWALK RECORDS.

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

WATERWALK RECORDS: Facebook | Instagram

Source: Nyou

Reverb Worship Drops Soulful Music Video for Jex De Castro’s “Sa Piling Ko”

Experience Reverb Worship’s inspirational single, “Sa Piling Ko,” all over again with a brand-new music video featuring Tawag Ng Tanghalan All-Star Grand ResbakFirst Runner-Up, Jex De Castro.

The official music video, directed by John Valdes Tan, shows Jex singing this ballad with soul and poignancy, inspiring listeners to a deeper appreciation of God’s unconditional and unending love.

“When you feel as though you’re all by yourself, all you need to do is look to God. His arms are wide open. That brings such great comfort and reassurance,” encourages Jex.

“Sa Piling Ko” was written and composed by Chino Alfonso and Alwyn Villaruel. It was produced by Reverb Worship as the official theme song for CBN Asia’s Holy Week Special, “In My Father’s Arms,” starring Jodi Sta. Maria.

Jex reflects on how he now connects with the song since its initial release in 2017, “I must say that this song has a deeper meaning for me now because of the struggles I experienced during the pandemic. It was at that time that I experienced my lowest point, but every time I sang this song, I felt my faith being renewed.”

No matter where you are in your faith journey, it is never too late to come back to God.

The song’s timeless message of unconditional love, hope, and freedom, is a truth that is important for everyone to hear at any period in their life. 

Feel the warmth of God’s loving embrace. Stream “Sa Piling Ko” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital streaming platforms. The official music video is also now available for streaming via Reverb Worship’s YouTube channel.

New songs are coming soon from Reverb Worship PH! To catch the latest updates, follow Reverb Worship PH on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Source: CBN Asia

Samantha Gail B. Lucas at The Last Bookstore Los Angeles

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