Beautifully Connected: An Autobiography and Self-Help Book in One

I read Beautifully Connected by Carmie P. De Leon during a busy time of the year. My family from overseas was in the Philippines for a well-deserved vacation, and my partner’s family was caring for a recovering family member. I was also working as a full-time freelance writer and author. I could hardly keep up with my schedule. So, I decided to take some time to read Ms. De Leon’s book in order to learn from her decades of experience in life and work.

As expected, Ms. De Leon’s book is a relaxing read. I appreciate the fact that she gave us a glimpse of her humble beginnings, and her rise to the top of her corporate career. Her journey was far from perfect, and unlike some autobiographies, the author was able to include her own mistakes in life. It was noteworthy how she was able to turn these mistakes into opportunities. She also included some of her original poetry, which was a literary treat. Aside from that, she also included scriptures which set the tone for the chapters of her book. I found it to be generally pleasant and full of life lessons.

As someone who is not particularly religious, I read the book as a self-help work. There were references to Biblical verses which have supported the author during her challenging times, which were accompanied by testimonies from herself and her beautiful connections, who were her friends and family. Her life story was entertaining and educational, so while I normally shy away from religious works, I still found this appealing. It was an autobiography and self-help journey in one, and it was a privilege to have read it.

So, did I find the book to be an oasis in the middle of my busy schedule? I certainly did!

Beautifully Connected is available on Central Books’ website. Read it today!

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Beautiful For Me by Samantha Gail B. Lucas

Transit Dialog has published my article, Beautiful for Me. Here it is:

“𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵.”

𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴

I was once told that I am neither pretty or ugly. It was an unfortunate remark from a man who went on a date with me once. I never went out with him again, and I am now in a relationship with someone who finds me beautiful.

I was born to a family of tall and attractive people. I am not tall, and I am not classically beautiful. This reality has made me insecure.

Like most adolescents, I turned to my interests to compensate for my insecurities. As the years passed and I became a published author, I learned that people may be visual and notice imagery at the onset. However, first impressions are simply that — impressions.

There is more to life than being attractive. I built my career on my writing skills, and not through being beautiful. So, I became less insecure as I proved to myself that being a good person and a skillful worker are the key factors to getting ahead in life.

When I started dating, I observed that men would go for the beautiful ones. Dating apps made this more challenging for me. There were men who called me ugly. Good thing there is the option to block them. I dwelled on the fact that I was getting messages and comments that I was ugly left and right. But then, I learned that these comments reflected on their own insecurities rather than who I really am. So, I moved on, until I found the partner that I am with now.

Being beautiful is more than just what the world can see. My books get published because my original ideas resonate with others. I enjoy life because I try to be a good person, and I get everything that I share with others in return.

I am the best version of myself because I continuously work on myself. My life is far from perfect and my loved ones can attest to the fact that I have bad days every now and then. But I pick myself up and remind myself that I have come this far because I never gave up on myself.

Some people may criticize me for being over-confident. I beg to disagree. I think that beauty lies in the beholder, but it is more important to value your own beauty first. Rather than solely prioritizing beauty on the outside, we should all prioritize our inner beauty, too.

Education, not our looks, can make us qualified for a job. Being a good person can let us help ourselves and others in need. Loving ourselves can enable us to help ourselves and make us attractive to others. And being able to change the world by being kind can give us our own place in a cruel and judgmental world.

Take it from me, I was told by people that I was ugly, unattractive, and basically nothing. But I chose to listen to myself first and I kept going on. I chose to be beautiful for me.

I am beautiful for me because I know the value of education and hard work. I am beautiful for me because I know that relationships are built on trust and effort. I am beautiful for me because I believe in myself and the goodness of my heart. I may not be beautiful for everyone, but I do not mind that. That is already beyond my control.

The only thing that I control is my own self-perception. And for me, I am beautiful inside and out.

Source: Transit Dialog

FOR KING + COUNTRY scores multi-format hitwith “Love Me Like I Am,” featuring American R&B star Jordin Sparks

The Australian pop duo also expressed interest in going back to the Philippines sometime in the future

Multi-GRAMMY® award-winning duo FOR KING + COUNTRY is currently making waves with the crossover success of “Love Me Like I Am,” their current single featuring American R&B superstar Jordin Sparks.

Aside from topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay charts (dated February 25, 2023), the multi-format smash has recently entered Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts at No. 31 and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts at No. 17, becoming one of the biggest hits in the US by an Australian act this year. To date, the soulful ballad has amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone.

The Christian pop duo, which recently headlined Manila’s Found Music Festival in 2019 at Circuit Makati, also expressed their intent of going back to the Philippinessometime in the future.

“You know, we hope to always come back to the places that we’ve been, because every country has its own individual culture—taking part in that was a thrill for us,” says Luke Smallbone, one-half of the award-winning music act. “By visiting different cultures around the world, you can learn something from each of them. We just enjoyed being able to spend time with our Filipino friends.”

Their song “Love Me Like I Am” will be serviced in Philippine radio soon, thanks to its crossover appeal and inspiring universality that resonate to fans all over the world. A soaring pop tune that recognizes the fact that we all make mistakes, “Love Me Like I Am” highlights the importance of seeking and practicing forgiveness.

Luke Smallbone reflects, “I think, sometimes in today’s society, we feel like if we make a mistake, that puts us at odds, and we can’t be loved anymore.  The truth is if we all made mistakes, that means all of us would never be able to accept this wonderful gift called love. I think ‘Love Me Like I Am’ is obviously talking about heavenly love but I think it’s also a challenge for us to love our families that way. The gift of practicing forgiveness is probably the most important attribute of the world. And, I think, for us, that is what this song is talking about. Is love for people, mistakes, and all. And, look, people will live very differently when they recognize how deeply loved they really are.”

“Love Me Like I Am,” featuring Jordin Sparks, is part of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s chart-topping fifth studio album, What Are We Waiting For?, released via Curb | World Entertainment last year. The album reached No. 1 on iTunes in multiple countries, and debuted at No. 2 Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart.

About FOR KING + COUNTRY

FOR KING + COUNTRY is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have been awarded four GRAMMY® Awards, seven GMA Dove Awards, a Billboard Music Award, and 16 K-LOVE Fan Awards; and their 11 No. 1 songs have produced an astonishing 2 billion career streams. The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the U.S., Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand. FOR KING + COUNTRY’s WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? released this year, became the duo’s second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200; following their RIAA Gold certified album, BURN THE SHIPS, which also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The duo has had seven consecutive No. 1 songs including “For God Is WithUs,” “joy.,” “TOGETHER” (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly),” and the 11-week Platinum smash, “God Only Knows.”  Featured on major networks including MTV, BBC2, ABC and more, the global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, R3HAB, Hillary Scott and Timbaland, amongst others. www.curb.com

Source: Nyou

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BIBI DROPS REMIX OF “BIBI VENGEANCE” FEATURING BABY TATE & PRINCESA ALBA

REIMAGINED TRACK & VISUALIZER FROM DEBUT FULL-LENGTH ALBUM 
LOWLIFE PRINCESS: NOIR OUT NOW

DOWNLOAD SINGLE ARTWORK (CREDIT: FEEL GHOOD MUSIC) HERE

Today, South Korean based pop-star, BIBI, has released the remix of “BIBI Vengeance,” featuring Atlanta-native Baby Tate (“I Am,” “Hey, Mickey!” and “Stupid) and Chilean artist Princesa Alba (Besitos, cuidate”). The powerful, reimagined track comes from the artist’s debut full-length album, Lowlife Princess: Noir, with newfound accomplices in tow.

Purchase and stream to “BIBI Vengeance (feat. Baby Tate & Princesa Alba)” HERE
Watch the visualizer HERE

The remix to “BIBI Vengeance” is bold, powerful and a statement track, with malice-laced verses in English, Korean, and Spanish. The trio channel their inner femme fatale through lyrics overlaid with a punchy, hypnotic Latin-inspired beat that begs to be played on repeat. Baby Tate chides the listener, reminding them of the singers being the epitome of “a real bad bitch.”

“BIBI Vengence”, which was released in November of 2022, is currently averaging over 500k streams daily on Spotify and has 49.6M overall streams since release date. The edgy track has also accumulated an impressive 200k official TikTok audio creates, and 650k+ uses of the song across all user generated content. The viral music video choreography has inspired creators from all around the world to join in on the addictive dance. Princesa Alba created waves when she hopped onto the TikTok challenge, eventually being a key inspiration to the posse remix with Baby Tate who is notable for the TikTok viral track, “Hey Mickey!”. This spicy, upbeat anthem is a unique collaboration that is a perfect addition for your girls’ night out playlist.

Next up for BIBI include a performance at the Seoul Marathon Afterparty Hosted by Adidas (March 19th), two headlining shows at Yes24 Live Hall Korea (March 25th & 26th), and a performance at Rolling Loud Thailand (April 13th through 15th). She is also set to star in the upcoming film “Hwaran” (Romanized titled) alongside Song Joong Ki. “Hwaran” is a Korean noir film about precarious characters who make dangerous choices to escape hellish reality. The film will be produced by Sanai Pictures and HISTORY D&C.

About BIBI
BIBI is a singer, songwriter, and actor based in South Korea. As one of the fastest-rising stars in Korea, she performed on COACHELLA MAIN STAGE during the iconic 88rising HEAD IN THE CLOUDS set where she debuted her all English track “Best Lover.” No stranger to being viral, her performance made headlines for her cheeky stage presence and vocals following her Head In the Clouds Festival debut of “The Weekend,” setting off an internet frenzy mid-performance. The campaign follows BIBI’s highly anticipated feature on the iconic Marvel 88rising’s “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings: The Album.” She had her US television debut performance on Good Morning America, following her performance at iHeart Radio’s Wango Tango Festival. Fans were able to later catch her exclusive concert during her most recent McDonald’s global TVC and campaign with artists including Kid Cudi, blackbear, and Omar Apollo. Her latest US appearance was at 88rising’s 2022 Head In The Clouds Festival – the largest festival in LA County.

CONNECT WITH BIBI

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Source: Blackstar

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The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: A Life-Changer!

I first read The Overseas Fabulous Pinay by Donna Avellana Künzler back in 2020. It was the middle of the global pandemic, and the lockdown has given me the chance to explore my interests such as reading for extended periods of time. I was curious about living abroad even if I personally knew that I could not pursue it due to commitments and responsibilities here in the country. However, books are designed to change lives and worldviews. So, I sat down with the book and had the best two hours of reading and savoring its pages.

The author has a knack for humor which made the book an easy read. Her relatable prose kept the book fund and light even when dealing with serious matters such as keeping personal documents in order. Her personal anecdotes have given me the idea on how to survive by myself. Best of all, her step by step process of making it out there already has a proof of concept. The author has lived in three continents and has settled down in a country where English is not the native language. To prove this point even further, she married a Swiss man and they now have a baby girl. The author has carved out a wonderful life as an independent woman, which led her to meet the love of her life and begin a new chapter as an Overseas Fabulous Pinay wife and nanay.

To say that this book is impactful is an understatement. Despite my personal responsibilities, I still committed to transforming my own life and career by submitting my manuscripts to an international publisher. My books are now sold worldwide, and I owe my success to the persuasive and feasible message of The Overseas Fabulous Pinay. Independence comes in many forms, yet at its core is one’s ability to thrive alone. I have successfully done that, and I continue to see the world as a borderless land of opportunity. I thank the author for giving me the wings to fly and for pushing me to get out of my comfort zone.

If you are planning to work abroad, move to another country, or simply working on an international opportunity, I highly recommend The Overseas Fabulous Pinay!

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STEVE AOKI SHARES NEW SINGLE “HUNGRY HEART” WITH GALANTIS, FEATURING HAYLEY KIYOKO

From Left to Right: Galantis, Steve Aoki, Hayley Kiyoko
Download composite image HERE

Listen to “Hungry Heart” Here: https://steveaoki.lnk.to/HungryHeart

For Tour Dates, visit: steveaoki.com

Today multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Steve Aoki releases his new single “Hungry Heart,” alongside Grammy-nominated collaborative project Galantis, and featuring vocals by trailblazing popstar Hayley Kiyoko. Kiyoko penned the exhilarating dance-pop anthem from her own personal experience in a fast-moving romance. After working on the song with Aoki, the two reached out to Galantis to join the collaboration. Combined with Aoki’s iconic sound, Galantis’ catchy beats, and Kiyoko’s vibrant vocals, “Hungry Heart” came together as a trifecta. The music video, conceptualized and directed by Kiyoko, captures an action-packed arcade romance.

Watch “Hungry Heart” music video: https://youtu.be/A1JrlBfksRk

“Hungry Heart is a song that captures the desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We all share that hunger inside. For me, that hunger is creating community and bringing people together. I loved collaborating with Galantis and Hayley because they both give so much energy to the track and its message. This is the kind of song that lights a fire in your soul,” Steve Aoki shares.

“I'm so happy to finally be releasing this song with Steve after so many years of us wanting to collaborate. Hayley is such an amazing songwriter and artist, and when she and Steve came with the idea of a collaboration I knew it was a slam dunk. The tune has taken many turns and I've really enjoyed the process of how it's developed. I'm very proud of the result and excited for everyone to hear it!,” Christian Karlsson of Galantis shares.

Hayley adds, “It’s been a dream come true to collaborate with Steve Aoki and Galantis on ‘Hungry Heart!’ I co-wrote this song with Sean Douglas and Joe Janiak about being consumed by an instant romantic connection you can have with someone. The music video was so much fun to direct and create. It’s meant to take you on that rapturous ride you feel at the first undeniable spark of passion. I’m so excited to finally share this song with our fans!”

Coinciding with the new music, Aoki is currently headlining venues across North America on his HiROQUEST: Genesis Tour. This is Aoki’s first proper national tour since the pandemic halted live shows. The run includes performances in major cities including Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston. The tour wraps in New York City on March 16and 17 with two nearly sold-out nights at Terminal 5. Complete tour routing can be found below. Ticket information can be found here.

The new music and tour arrive on the heels of HiROQUEST: Genesis, Aoki’s expansive world-building album which included an array of collaborations from Kane Brown to Taking Back Sunday and Georgia Ku, MOD SUN, Bryce Vine, Santa Fe Klan, Lil Xan, Goody Grace, and more. In 2022, Aoki also graced recent covers of Entrepreneur Magazine, Electronic Musician, and Adweek as their “Visionary of the Year.”

Meanwhile Galantis, known, among others, for the 2x Platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated smash “Runaway (U & I),” is fresh off their latest single “I Want You” with Icona Pop.Over the past decade, Galantis has become one of dance music’s most dynamic and in-demand artists, receiving over four billion cumulative worldwide streams and one billion video views to date. Following their recent performance at EDC Mexico, fans can catch Galantis on tour this month at Miami Music Week and later this summer at Summerburst and World DJ Festival.

Celebrating her critically acclaimed sophomore album, PANORAMA, Hayley Kiyoko is gearing up to embark on The PANORAMA Tour which kicks off overseas on April 5th and travels through June 2nd with stops including The Wiltern in LA on May 16th and Irving Plaza in NYC on May 30th. For more details and ticketing info, please visit hayleykiyokoofficial.com/tour. Co-written by Hayley and produced by Kiyoko, Danja (Beyoncé, Britney Spears) and Pat Morrisey & Kill Dave, the transformative album received rave reviews from The New York Times, FADER, Billboard, SPIN, PAPER, V Magazine, Variety, Entertainment Weekly and more. Adoringly called “Lesbian Jesus” by her legion of fans, the multi-talented musician also graced the cover of Teen Vogue’s latest Music issue and was declared “Artist Of The Year” by Out Magazine as she covered the esteemed Out100 issue. This year, Hayley will debut her first novel, a coming-of-age romance based on her breakthrough hit song and viral video, GIRLS LIKE GIRLS, available for pre-order now and arriving on May 30th.

HiROQUEST: GENESIS TOUR DATES:
Fri, Mar 3 / Dallas / Factory in Deep Ellum

Fri, Mar 3 / Las Vegas / Omnia

Thu, Mar 9 / Denver / Mission Ballroom

Fri, Mar 10 / Los Angeles / Shrine Expo

Sat, Mar 11 / San Francisco / Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Sat, Mar 11 / Las Vegas / Omnia

Wed, Mar 15 / Boston / Big Night Live

Thu, Mar 16 / New York / Terminal 5 (SOLD OUT)

Fri, Mar 17 / New York / Terminal 5

Sat, Mar 18 / Las Vegas / Omnia

Source: Blackstar

Filipino alt-rock band NOBITA embraces vulnerable side on new single “Kalangitan”

Their new song proves to be another captivating sing-along with timeless edge

After outranking international hits with “Ikaw Lang,” Spotify Philippines’ most streamed track of 2022, NOBITA hits another career high with the release of “Kalangitan,” their new single under Sony Music Entertainment.

The pop-rock ballad showcases the vulnerable side of the band, while delivering a catchy sing-along in captivatingly familiar form.

Written by Jaeson, Mark and Richmond, and co-produced with their frequent collaborator Isagani Palabyab, “Kalangitan” is an inspirational tune about companionship through thick and thin.

"Just when you think that you have reached rock bottom, remember that there is always someone with you who will help you reach for the heavens," the band shares in a collective statement. "With an arrangement that stays true to our sound and a melody that transcends emotions, this is the type of material that we’d love to explore over and over. Dredging up emotions to the surface and turning them into a song that everyone loves are both gifts that we’re honored to share with our fans."

NOBITA never fails to miss the beat when it comes to perfecting the craft of writing emotional pop songs. This is evident in “Kalangitan,” a soaring anthem that takes ‘hugot’ in a strikingly familiar direction.

“We’re just trying to keep it simple and straightforward, hence, palatable to the general audience,” the chart-topping quintent adds.

The release of the track is accompanied by a music video directed by John Selirio. Doubling as a commentary on high school clique system and bullying, the MV also stars rising actors and content creators Joao Constancia and Queenay Mercado.

NOBITA’s “Kalangitan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

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How it Started vs. How It’s Going

How it started (2004-2008) vs. How it’s going (2023) 🖤 The first photo is from a party during my university years. I graduated from UA&P in 2008. I enjoyed my Humanities subjects, but my favorite class was APS Japan under @mitzie2014. 🫶🏼 The second photo was taken during my visit to @uapasia to talk about my career as a published author along with other accomplished authors. ✍️ Now, I have 13 published books and counting. My books are sold worldwide on Amazon, Google Play, Barnes and Noble. One of my favorite retailers is Books Kinokuniya in Japan, as seen in the last photo. 🖤 I am sharing this to remind everyone about the power of dreams, purpose, hard work, and passion. I hope that your experiences will inspire you to reach for your stars even during the darkest days. ✨ And do not forget to share your skills so that others will also learn from your journey. 🖤 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!🫶🏼 #authorlife #amazonauthor @ukiyotopublishinghouse

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. 🧡