For great socks that feature designs by Filipino tribes, check out @indiheritagesocksph! Buy their socks here. 🧦 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
Sola Iced Tea
@solaicedtea is available on Shopee! Buy it here. 🍵 #shopeeambassador #shopaholicsam
ADB, MASDAR to Unlock Uzbekistan’s Renewable Power Potential With 3 New Solar Power Plants
TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN (6 April 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) have signed three loans to build three solar power plants in Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya (Sherabad), Samarkand, and Jizzakh regions. Together these power plants will be able to generate 897 MW, making them the region’s largest solar power development.
The financing package is composed of three loans from ADB’s ordinary capital resources amounting to $36.7 million for Sherabad, $13.5 million for Samarkand, and $14.3 million for Jizzakh power plant. Additionally, ADB mobilized much-needed private institutional capital for the three power plants. This was achieved through the arrangement of an aggregated B-loan syndication of $37.5 million. The B-loan participant is ILX Fund I, an Amsterdam-based SDG-focused emerging market private credit fund.
ADB is joined in the financing of the three projects by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank as parallel lenders.
"Uzbekistan has tremendous potential to generate clean energy through its abundant solar and wind resources, and ADB’s financing plays a part in Uzbekistan’s journey towards a carbon neutral economy. ADB strives to promote an enabling environment through these transformative projects,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “As Asia’s climate bank, ADB has increased its climate financing targets to promote meaningful decarbonization and expansion of renewables in the energy sector. Our participation helped to crowd in significant equity capital from a credible sponsor and mobilized institutional capital that will serve as a vote of confidence for future projects in Uzbekistan’s renewables sector.”
The Sherabad power plant project development, the largest of the three projects, was led by ADB through its public-private partnership transaction advisory services role to the Government of Uzbekistan which consisted of assisting in its preparation and structuring of the successful tender. ADB also provided a $9.1 million partial credit guarantee to support the tariff payment obligations of the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan, the offtaker. The three power plants will offset more than 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions annually on average, and power over one million households.
“Reaching this milestone for all three projects is a proud moment for Masdar and a key stage for Uzbekistan’s clean energy journey. Masdar is already playing a significant role in supporting the Government of Uzbekistan’s ambitious renewable energy objectives, and we look forward to continuing to grow our portfolio of projects in this key strategic market,” said Masdar Chief Financial Officer Niall Hannigan. “This achievement would also not have been possible without the support of the Government of Uzbekistan as well as our financial partners, who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to driving sustainable economic growth for the people of Uzbekistan.”
The solar power plants will improve the affordability and accessibility of reliable and clean energy for all the people of Uzbekistan, including households and businesses. Moreover, the borrower committed to implementing a gender action plan that will benefit women’s standing in the energy field, facilitate their access to jobs and economic opportunities in Uzbekistan’s clean energy transition, and encourage women’s overall participation in the renewable energy sector.
Masdar is a global leader in renewable energy, active in more than 40 countries and invested in projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 gigawatts (GW), enough to power over 5.25 million homes. The company is targeting a combined portfolio capacity of at least 100 GW by 2030, with expectations of doubling that in coming years.
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
Teach your Kids about Jesus this Holy Week – Here are 5 Lessons from Superbook
Do you want your kids to know more about Jesus this Holy Week season?
Watch the Superbook Holy Week Marathon with your whole family on the Batang Superbook Facebook page LIVE from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, 3:00 PM, and learn these amazing lessons about Jesus this Holy Week.
1. Jesus was baptized even though He didn’t have to.
Jesus got baptized to fulfill the prophecy that He is the Messiah. In the “John the Baptist” episode, when John baptized Jesus, a dove came over Him and God spoke that He is the Son whom God is well-pleased.
Being baptized is Jesus’ way of fulfilling His role as the obedient and devoted Son of God. Jesus’ obedience to God’s will resulted in the salvation of many people.
2. Jesus’ miracles builds faith.
In the Superbook episode, “Miracles of Jesus”,Jesus healed the sick, calmed the storms, and drove evil spirits away! He did all these impossible things because He wants people to have faith in Him as the Son of Godand to help them build their faith muscle.
You can believe that no matter how difficult a challenge can be, Jesus can make things possible.
3. Jesus is a humble King.
In “The Last Supper” episode, Jesus rides a donkey during His triumphant entry to Jerusalem. Later, He washed His disciples' feet. His actions are things that kings never do!
Even though He’s a king, Jesus showed humility. Jesus’ action sets an example for believers to be humbleservants just like Him.
4. We were saved from sin and death by God’s love.
Sin separates people from God, and no one can remove their sins based on their own efforts. Because God loves people so much, He sent Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for their sins.
Because of what Jesus did, men are saved from eternal death, the consequences of sin. This is God’s perfect love for mankind – taking upon Himself the punishment meant for humans.
5. Jesus is alive!
After three days, Jesus was raised from the dead. Through His death and resurrection, the relationship between God and mankind has been restored.
His resurrection also proved that death is not the end of life and sin has no power over His childrenanymore. If a person leaves this life, he will spend eternity with Jesus in heaven. Jesus wants to spend eternity with everyone, that’s why He commanded His followers to share the story of His resurrection.
Holy Week is yearly observed to remember God’s great love when He saved mankind from sin through His death and resurrection. This is a great time to go to church to pray and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross.
Help your kids learn more about the Holy Week through Superbook. Watch the Superbook Holy Week Marathon with the whole family on the Batang SuperbookFacebook page! LIVE from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, 3:00 PM.
Source: CBN Asia
Reverb Worship’s “Pansumandali” Gets the Short Film Treatment with A New Music Video Starring Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz.
Shekinah Gram's story of waiting, searching, and eventually finding the One True Love that stays, is brought to life in a new music video - with a special performance by Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz.
Produced by Reverb Worship and directed by Timmy Yee, the “Pansumandali” music video is a bittersweet reflection on how past experiences may inform the way our parents raise and guide us. At the core of the story is a mother-daughter relationship (the mother portrayed by Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz, and the daughter portrayed by Patricia Chu), that starts out strained but is ultimately redeemed through humility, love, and compassion.
“Pansumandali,” the single, was written and recorded by Shekinah Gram. The chorus’ first line, “Sabi ni Mama,” has become the song’s hook, with fans of the song reportedly mistaking it as the title when they first encountered it.
Shekinah herself has a very close relationship with her mother, whose personal experiences of loss, heartbreak, and ultimately finding God inspired the story concept. When asked about a formative memory with her mother, Shekinah answers, “I cannot think of just one. It’s all of the moments spent together - the late night chats over tteokbokki, the spontaneous trips, the weekend window shopping adventures - that I consider to have an impact in my life.”
The faith her mother instilled in her is the same faith she has sowed in her song and in the music video. Shekinah leaves viewers with this encouragement: “I hope that wherever they are in the seasons of life, they will be reminded that there is One Love that does not change or falter. We will always be chosen by a good and loving Father.”
Get to Know the One True Love that never wavers, never ends. Stream “Pansumandali” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital streaming platforms. The official music video is now available for streaming via Reverb Worship’s YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8U-avbJ_VI]
For music, motivation and current Christian content, follow Reverb Worship PH on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Source: CBN Asia
Bag Strap Shoulder Pad from Shopee
We all need this shoulder pad for our leather bag straps! Makes carrying our belongings easier on our shoulders 👜 Buy it here. ✨ #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
The Purpose Driven Life
I remember how this book changed my life in high school. Reading the miniature version again brought back memories! Buy the original version, and welcome blessings into your life, today. 📖 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam #purposedrivenlife #booksam
Shop guilt-free and save at the Logitech Shopee 4.4 Sale
High-quality Logitech headsets and webcams for less
Manila, Philippines - April 2023 - Spruce up your work and kids’ study areas at home over the holidays without splurging and without hassle. Take advantage of huge discounts during the Shopee 4.4 Sale from April 4 to 7 and shop at the Logitech Official Store in Shopee to get cool computer accessories that will make online collaborations more seamless and fun.
During the four-day sale, stretch your purchasing power with up to 50% discount on selected products. Get more discounts using vouchers and up to PhP38 discount on shipping at the Logitech Official Store in Shopee. Also up for grabs are free Sodexo vouchers valued at PhP500 and PhP100 for the purchase of select Logitech items. Value-for-money bundles and freebies will likewise be on offer. To get cashback rewards, register purchases at http://logitechrewards.ph.
Experience more meaningful online connections and collaborations with crisp audio and high-quality videos, even in dim lighting.
Versatile, everyday headsets
The Logitech H390 USB Computer headset is nice to look at, easy to use, and provides users enhanced digital audio experience with clear video calls and a noise-canceling microphone. It comes in off-white, graphite and rose colors. Simply plug in the USB connection and start collaborating with your team. Then use its in-line controls to manage the volume or go on mute without interrupting conversations.
The Logitech H340 USB Computer Headset is perfect not just for work and study, but also for entertainment. It’s a versatile everyday headset for chilling out and listening to music, going all out while playing games, and getting serious with online calls. The H340 USB Computer Headset is also flexible and comfortable. Its 180cm long cable and adjustable headband allow users to stand up, stretch or move about without losing connection. Plus, it’s a plug-and-play headset and is compatible with a PC or Mac computer with a USB-A port or adapter.
Make your presence felt
The Logitech 1080p Brio 300 webcam is stylish, compact, and packs a punch. The high-resolution webcam is enhanced with an auto light correction feature called RightLight 2, which works hard to compensate in a dim lighting environment. Users are assured of privacy with the Brio 300. Its integrated privacy shutter can be spun open or closed to completely block the camera when not in use. .
The Brio 300 is partly made of post-consumer recycled plastic, with a subtly speckled appearance. Users need not compromise their aesthetic with the Brio 300. The webcam comes in rose, off-white or graphite color.
The Logitech C920 HD PRO Webcam offers superior features that will ensure a strong and positive presence in any lighting environment. It has a full HD 1080p video that shows high-definition images with automatic light correction; full HD 5 element glass lens and high-end autofocus features.
The Logitech C920 HD PRO Webcam can record clear audio. It has two built-in microphones with natural stereo audio, and its automatic noise reduction feature will minimize distracting sounds.
Available online and at local shops
Logitech accessories are available at the Logitech Official Store in Shopee and other partner retail stores nationwide. Logitech products are also available at partner outlets, PC Express, Silicon Valley, DataBlitz, Octagon, Electroworld, Complink, iTech, Techwarez, Gameone, Interpace Computer Systems, GameXtreme, TTI, GameOne, DynaQuest PC, Digi-Serv Solutions, Concept Computer, NUTECH, DFE (Davao Futurebright Enterprises), Villman, PCWorx, Abenson, Digistore, and Greenware.
Visit the Logitech website and official Facebook Page to learn more.
Source: Logitech Philippines
ELEPHANTE, STEPHANIE POETRI, AND ZHANG YANQI TEAM UP FOR GROOVY NEW SINGLE “NO EXPLANATIONS”
LISTEN TO “NO EXPLANATIONS” HERE
Los Angeles, CA – Asian-American producer Elephante, Indonesian singer-songwriter Stephanie Poetri, and Chinese singer Zhang Yanqi have come together for a pop-disco influenced new single “No Explanations,” available now on all streaming platforms. Stephanie’s clear, sweet tones pair perfectly with Zhang Yanqi’s lower register that carries across the track with it a hint of huskiness. Both layer flawlessly on top of Elephante’s smooth and wavy melody; a new style he’s recently ventured into.
The new single “No Explanations” meets at the crossroads of Dance music and Pop music with its groovy rhythms and vulnerable yet bubbly lyrics, expressing a feeling that we all know too well: that in between stage where we’ve obviously fallen in love, but are still building up the courage to say it out loud. We pour all our feelings into actions, hoping that they feel the same way and reciprocate that emotion. The lighthearted music styles of Elephante, Stephanie Poetri, and Zhang Yanqi compliment one another beautifully for this collaboration that comes just in time for Spring, the season of new beginnings, and will no doubt be a staple on our playlists for a long time.
"No Explanations is a song about first love - that giddy, unapologetic feeling of falling for someone, and hoping that they’re doing the same for you. It’s a feel good, synthy BOP - it was a lot of fun working on something outside my normal comfort zone, and a blast putting the song together with Steph and Zhang." — Elephante
“‘No Explanations’ is a fun, summery, disco song! We wrote it about how much I love someone – so much that I don't need to actually say I love them, because the way I feel and behave already shows that.” - Stephanie Poetri
“There are so many wonders and uncertainties in life… You're not sure what's for dinner, or if tomorrow will come on time, but the feeling of love is certain, and you’ll perceive it clearly, it's here.” - Yanqi Zhang
For those who felt just listening wasn’t enough, fans had the chance to catch Elephante on his 20-stop ‘Heavy Glow Tour’ which touched down in cities such as Denver, San Francisco, Portland, and a sold out show at the iconic Hollywood Palladium, in Los Angeles; his largest show to date. You can see the dynamic DJ this summer at some of the most popular electronic music festivals in North America, such as The Grand Boston in Boston on April 7, Heatwave in Chicago on June 11, Escapade in Ottawa on June 25, and the legendary Moonrise Festival in Baltimore on August 13.
Stephanie Poetri made waves after signing with transformative, internet-savvy, musical powerhouse 88rising, a tastemaking giant for Asian talent, which allowed her to explore the other areas of artistic expression. She has an active presence on Twitch, along with other social media platforms, where she offers her fans an authentic look into who she is, and shares a very open mind with her fans and followers. Citing contemporaries like Beabadoobee, Julia Michaels, Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams—and the ever-present touchstone of Taylor Swift—Poetri has been working on plenty of new material and is ready to enter into a new phase as the pandemic era comes to a close.
CONNECT WITH ELEPHANTE:
Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - Spotify - TikTok
A wildly innovative producer, artist, and songwriter fusing melodic electronic dance music with pop, blues, rock, and other genres, Elephante (American musical artist Tim Wu) is living what many people might call “The American Dream”. As the son of Taiwanese immigrants, his Asian-American upbringing in Michigan was unique and sometimes isolating. He graduated from Harvard University and entered corporate America at a top global consultant firm….and HATED it, so he addressed his unhappiness — “the elephant in the room” — and pursued his passion in music. To date, he’s garnered hundreds of millions of streams across his two indie EPs: I Am The Elephante (2016), a nine-track exploration of progressive house, synthpop and trap; and Glass Mansion (2018), which shot to #1 on iTunes! U.S. Dance chart. His upcoming project, Heavy Glow, represents his first full-length studio album, a largely solo effort further pushing the boundaries of dance music, featuring the debut single, "High Water.” Elephante has headlined two sold-out national tours, played nightlife residencies including those at Hard Rock and Wynn Las Vegas, and appeared at major music festivals such as Lollapalooza, EDC Las Vegas, and Electric Zoo.
CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE POETRI:
Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - Spotify - TikTok
Like her name suggests, Stephanie Poetri’s music has a softness to it, an ethereal quality that comes through crystal clear in her stunning alto voice. Originally, her very first single, “I Love You 3000,” was just a snippet for social media, but the overwhelmingly positive response from Poetri’s followers sent her back to the studio to transform it into a full song. Stephanie followed that up by signing with transformative, internet-savvy powerhouse 88rising, a tastemaking giant for Asian talent, and a move to Los Angeles, which allowed her to explore the other areas of artistic expression. Along with music, Poetri’s creative background includes a love for visual arts and video games, both of which have been a big part of her aesthetic as an artist. In this new era, she’s incorporating edgier rock sounds into her own music, and a healthy dose of indie pop and indie rock is forever part of Poetri’s musical DNA. Citing contemporaries like Beabadoobee, Julia Michaels, Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams—and the ever-present touchstone of Taylor Swift—Poetri has been working on plenty of new material and is ready to enter into a new phase.
CONNECT WITH ZHANG YANQI:
Source: Blackstar
The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: Out Now on Shopee!
@ovfabpinay’s book, #theoverseasfabulouspinay, is out now on Shopee! Buy it here. #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam @centralbooksph @publishondemand
Finally Loving Forward: Out Now on Amazon!
My fourteenth book, #finallylovingforward, is now available on Amazon for only $2.99! If you need to love yourself more after a series of challenges, or if you simply want to have more love into your life, grab this book! 📖 Let me help you with my easy self-help advice 🫶🏼 To purchase, you may go to Amazon, Google Play, or to this link. 📕 NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!✨ #amazonauthor #authorlife #selfhelp #femaleauthors @ukiyotopublishinghouse
Sunnies Face Fluffmatte Lipstick in Milkshake
My fave matte lipstick 💄 Buy it here. 💋 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam @sunniesface
Download Tanglaw, the First Filipino Devotional App in Audio and Text Format!
Walk in God’s love and light with Tanglaw App—thefirst Filipino devotional mobile application in audio and text format. You may download the app for FREE!
Tanglaw is a daily devotional for iOS and Androiddevices, produced by CBN Asia and voiced by the hosts of The 700 Club Asia and friends.
Filled with powerful Scriptures, this devotional app is designed to draw you closer to the heart of God, shed light on your questions and musings, and bring daily nuggets of encouragement to readers and listeners each day.
Download the Tanglaw app and experience God’s Word and light—right at your fingertips! You can also stream it on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and Amazon Music.
Let your family and friends experience God’s encouragement, too! For more information, visit Tanglaw’s website, or send an email to info@tanglaw.org.
Source: CBN Asia
Glow as you are with the TECNO Spark 10 selfie smartphone
The best all-rounder smartphone that meets Gen Z's self-expression needs is coming to the Philippines
MANILA, MARCH 30, 2023 – Innovative global premier mobile phone brand TECNO Mobile is bringing to the Philippines the TECNO Spark 10 series, the all-rounder, high-performance smartphone designed for GenZ’s self-expression needs – perfect night time selfies, smooth gaming, and immersive video entertainment experience.
A trendsetting technology brand with operations in over 70 global markets, TECNO Mobile will make available the TECNO Spark 10 Series in the Philippines starting March 31. The smartphones will be priced competitively at less than PhP10,000, making it affordable to the youth and closing the gap between what they both want and need.
The TECNO Spark 10 series highlight TECNO's commitment to bring stylishly designed innovative and quality smartphones to progressive individuals who stop at nothing in pursuing their passions.
With the #TECNOSpark10Series smartphone, Gen Zs #GlowAsYouAre in every new beginning.
SPARK 10 Pro: A glow-up for selfies and performance
SPARK 10 Pro, the superior model of the brand-new SPARK Series is distinguished by its young and trendy design, advanced selfie capability, and strong performance in its target section.
SPARK 10 Pro features a 32MP ultra-clear glowing selfie front camera with dual flash for capturing amazing selfies in any light, as well as a 50MP rear camera. It has an adjustable three-level soft light feature for capturing the best selfies.
Besides perfect selfies, SPARK 10 Pro’s powerful MediaTek Helio G88 gaming processor creates an amazing experience for gamers and a super smooth user experience for daily use, while its unique hard-wearing starry glass back panel creates a glossy finish that is comfortable in the hand.
With these features, SPARK 10 Pro is perfect for trendsetters looking to express their vibrant, youthful energy.
The TECNO Spark 10 Pro, which features a RAM expandable up to 16GB and ROM of 256GB is priced at Php 7,499 only . Also available is Spark 10 Pro with 128GB ROM for a discounted price Php 6,899 until first sale period only. Get yours now at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee, TECNO Mobile PH Flagship Store in Lazada, TECNO Concept Experience Kiosks and TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide.
For more information, please visit TECNO Mobile at www.tecno-mobile.com
-ENDS-
About TECNO Mobile
TECNO is a premium smartphone and AIoT devices brand. With “StopAt Nothing” as its brand essence, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals across global emerging markets, giving them elegantly designed intelligent products that inspire consumers to uncover a world of possibilities.
TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations and design breakthroughs demonstrated through their mastery of serving consumers who are “young at heart” and never stops pursuing excellence. TECNO’s portfolio spans across smartphones, tablets, smart wearables and AIoT devices made for consumers in over 70 emerging markets world-wide.
For more information, please visit www.tecno-mobile.com.
Source: TECNO Philippines
ADB Signs Loan for First Cross-Border Wind Power Project in Asia, First Plant in Lao PDR and Largest in Southeast Asia
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (30 March 2023) —The Asian Development Bank (ADB), through its Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP), has initiated a series of discussions with government agencies in several of its developing member countries to help them align their regulatory frameworks with international laws that enable paperless trade.
In close collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Digital Standard Initiative (DSI), and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), ADB is advocating for the adoption and alignment of national regulations with UNCITRAL’s Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). MLETR creates a legal framework for national laws to enable the use and recognition of electronic transferable records, both domestically and across borders.
“Laws recognizing electronic trade documents are crucial to digitalize global trade and realize tremendous benefits for economies in terms of growth and jobs,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “We are convinced that the widespread adoption of MLETR, or comparable legislation, holds the promise of increased efficiency, security, and transparency of global trade and supply chains. Digitalization of trade is a key priority for ADB. We are working hard with our developing member countries to create more resilient, green, and inclusive trade and supply chains that are good for business, the environment, and economies.”
Replacing physical documents for trade, such as bills of lading, with electronic versions would allow more companies in developing Asia—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—to access global trade and supply chains. It will also make it easier to monitor activities in those networks to ensure adherence to environmental and social standards.
This year, as part of accelerating digital trade under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Integrated Trade Agenda 2030, ADB is providing technical assistance on MLETR to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Georgia. Working closely with the PRC’s Ministry of Commerce and with the Georgia Revenue Service under the Ministry of Finance, the initiative will raise public and private stakeholder awareness of MLETR, and its benefits to trade, as well as facilitate national-level discussions on the potential adoption of MLETR and enabling reforms to digitalize trade.
“This initiative is extremely welcome and provides a model of best practice for other multilateral development banks. Time and again, I hear the same story from businesses. The number one obstacle to delivering a cheaper, faster, simpler trade system is legal barriers. It’s absolutely essential these barriers to digitalizing trade documents are removed and legal systems are aligned to MLETR,” said Legal Reform Advisory Board (LRAB) and ICC DSI Co-Chair Chris Southworth. “This will enable trade information to flow in digital form and all the unnecessary paper, bureaucracy, and inefficiency to be removed. Removing legal barriers will provide a trading environment fit for the 21st century, enabling technology solutions to scale, reduce barriers to finance, and crucially allow more small companies to participate at a lower cost.”
ADB, the ICC, and the Government of Singapore have formed LRAB as part of the DSI to help harmonize legislative frameworks. ADB is joined in this global initiative by partner multilateral institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade, the Commonwealth, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the International Trade and Forfaiting Association, UNCITRAL, and the ASEAN Economy Community.
Backed by ADB's AAA credit rating and working with more than 250 partner banks, TSCFP enables trade and supply chains with loans and guarantees that underpin economic growth and create jobs to improve people’s lives. TSCFP initiatives help to make global trade and supply chains green, resilient, inclusive, transparent, and socially responsible.
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
Bluer Than Blue: An Ode to Unacceptable Goodbyes
Bluer Than Blue: Prose and Poetry by Jessa Erandio and Lorena Gaveria is a breath of fresh air in a sea of poetry books. First of all, the unassuming volume contains bits of prose which explains to the reader how the authors’ heartbreaks began, ended, and is still happening. The poems were well written and direct. Best of all, it says what the reader needs to know in its blurb: “...if it is not meant, a heart will stay bluer than blue…”.
The blurb declares the authors’ awareness that their heartbreaks happened because their relationships were not meant to be. The authors do not search for ways to mend their relationships because they know that these are already lost causes. Rather than hoping that things could still go back to the way they were, they process their heartbreaks in poems and paragraphs. As I read their works, I realized that there was power in simply not accepting the goodbyes that transpired in the past. However, it is also possible that while they were unacceptable, it is still possible to embrace lives without the people that we are not meant to love. This can begin by processing the heartbreaks that broke us, without allowing them to damage us completely. And while it is impossible to explain these heartbreaks through empirical means, it is possible to flesh out the details of these lost loves through prose and poetry. This was successfully done by the authors, and the conversations continue through their social media pages.
Bluer Than Blue: Prose and Poetry is not a tragedy. It is an ode to unacceptable goodbyes, wherein its authors did not allow themselves to be victimized by their own heartbreaks. Instead, they celebrated them through literary works which they have compiled in this book. I highly recommend this because local poetry books that are well written should serve as inspiration to people of all pages. Heartbreak can be turned into a superpower, if only it can be tapped to be used as material for great literary pieces.
Bluer Than Blue: Prose and Poetry will soon be available on the Central Books website.
Pinoy pop act raven recalls sweet, laid-back memories in new song “Sunday”
Filipino singer-songwriter/producer raven recalls his fondest moments with a lover in his new single "Sunday," out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
The balmy tune captures the essence of laid-back afternoons and countryside trips in a romantic way—a charming quality that the young artist from Balcony Entertainment has cultivated in recent years.
The bedroom pop soloist dedicates the song to his girlfriend, especially the lyrics, “o kay sarap magpalipas ng oras / lalo na kapag kasama kita (trans: time is well spent / when I’m with you).”
He explains, “The track speaks about remembering slow paced but fulfilling days with your loved ones and remembering those days while wishing for them to happen again.”
Written and produced by raven himself, “Sunday” is a pop-rapditty that glides smoothly into stripped-down territory, with the young artist’s penchant for catchy guitar riffs and lo-fi sonic details adding color to the production. Easily one of his catchiest tracks to date, the summery bop will surely win the audience over—thanks to its simplicity and earnest sensibilities.
According to raven, the release of the song will be “accompanied by a visualizer that brims with quirky aesthetics and a unique twist in the end.”
raven’s “Sunday” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Source: Nyou
ERIC BELLINGER & HITMAKA RECRUIT MUNI LONG, CORDAE, TINK & MORE FOR 1(800) HIT-EAZY: LINE 2 OUT NOW!
ACCOMPANIED BY THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “SUM 2 SEE” FEATURING BLXST!
2x GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Eric Bellinger & super producer Hitmaka release their new album 1(800) HIT-EAZY: LINE 2 via All Wins Ent./EMPIRE. The project is accompanied by the official video to the unheard single, “Sum 2 See” featuring buzzing newcomer Blxst.
STREAM 1(800)HIT-EAZY: LINE 2HERE
WATCH “SUM 2 SEE” FT. BLXST HERE
The highly anticipated album, 1(800) HIT-EAZY: LINE 2, follows Eric’s critically acclaimed GRAMMY-nominated album New Light and is the second installment of the 1(800) HIT-EAZY series from the artist and producer duo. The 14-track project features special appearances from Fabolous, Cordae, Tink, Blxst, Kalan.FrFr, & recent GRAMMY winner Muni Long in addition to previously released hit singles, “Obsession,” “Obsession” Remix ft. Muni Long, the gym anthem “BNB” (Brand New Body) and “Decide.”
Speaking about the project, Eric shares, “For the first time in a long time, I stepped outside of talking about my personal relationship & emotions to speak on behalf of the fellas! If you listen to the project from start to finish, you hear a 14-track story filled with love, vulnerability, and betrayal but this time from the male's perspective. We hear a lot about men living double lives, but we never heard the story when the roles are reversed. I took it upon myself to tell the story of the side dude.”
Accompanied alongside the album is an official music video for “Sum 2 See” featuring buzzing artist Blxst. The track samples the 1988 popular hit “Piece of My Love” by R&B group Guy and is directed by frequent collaborator Keoni Mars (Ty Dolla $ign, Masego). “Sum 2 See” visually picks up where “Obsession” left off, as Bellinger’s love interest finally gives him a chance to date.
1(800)HIT-EAZY: LINE 2 Tracklist
1. “Replay This”
2. “Nighttime Fantasies”
3. “Curious” Feat. Fabolous & Cordae
4. “BNB” (Brand New Body)
5. “Way You Move”
6. “2 Bad” Feat. Kalan.FrFr
7. “Obsession”
8. “Sum 2 See” Feat. Blxst
9. “IFYKYK”
10.“I’m Tryin’” Feat. Tink
11.“Decide”
12.“Patterns”
13.“Keep Me In Mind”
Bonus: “Obsession” Remix Feat. Muni Long
Bellinger is currently on the road for The “Obsession Tour” which is his first solo headlining tour with Trevor Jackson, Kyle Banks & more as openers. The tour kicked off on February 2nd in Seattle, and will make stops through Chicago, Atlanta, New York & more! Today, he will be able to celebrate the release of his project in his home city of Los Angeles at The Vermont.
For more information and ticket purchases, please visitwww.ericbellinger.com/shows
“The Obsession Tour” Dates:
March 30, 2023 – Orange County, CA – Constellation Room
March 31, 2023 – San Diego, CA – Voodoo Room
April 1, 2023 – Las Vegas, CA - StarBase
Keep Up With Eric Bellinger:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |YOUTUBE | TIK TOK
Source: Blackstar
Summer Flip Flops from Shopee
Buy these cute and comfy >₱70 slippers here. 🩴 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
Just finished reading #thelightwecarry by @michelleobama! Buy it here. 📖 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam