This radio is so handy! I can use it with or without earphones. Sometimes, it is nice to unplug from the Internet and just listen to the radio 📻 Buy it here 🎶 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
ADB, GreenYellow Sign Deal for Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar in Viet Nam
HO CHI MINH, VIET NAM (11 September 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and GreenYellow Smart Solutions Vietnam Co., Ltd. (GreenYellow), have signed a loan agreement of up to $13.8 million for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar systems to help increase the supply of clean and affordable energy for commercial and industrial consumers in Viet Nam.
The loan will support the development and operation of solar PV systems located on the rooftops of commercial and industrial businesses across the country. The financing package comprises a $3 million A loan from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and $10.8 million parallel loans from FMO, a climate fund managed by responsAbility Investments AG, and Societe Generale, with ADB as mandated lead arranger.
A $3 million grant from the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF), administered by ADB, will also be provided. The grant will help crowd in an international commercial bank by addressing two critical hurdles in financing solar assets with a long economic life in Viet Nam: the lack of long-term dong funding at a fixed interest rate, and potential volatility of the dong–United States dollar exchange rate.
“As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, ADB is increasingly focused on mobilizing private capital to finance renewable energy projects that the region urgently needs,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. “Solar PV rooftop offers an efficient way for Viet Nam to deploy substantial amounts of additional renewable energy capacity while providing reliable, low-cost energy to consumers, which helps to attract and retain business and enhance Viet Nam’s global competitiveness.”
This is ADB’s first financing of a solar PV rooftop portfolio for the commercial and industrial segment in Viet Nam. Rooftop solar is an emerging form of renewable energy supply in Viet Nam and its adoption in this sector has been hindered by a high upfront costs and limited financing channels. With a planned total installed capacity of up to 32.3 megawatts at its peak, this project is set to increase clean energy supply to the sector by at least 31.5 gigawatt-hours annually, reducing 15,530 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2025.
“Embedded within our core business is a profound commitment to development impact, and our collaboration with ADB uniquely aligns with our corporate mission toward innovative power distribution and driving energy transition," said GreenYellow Vietnam Chief Executive Officer Sebastien Prioux. “ADB’s instrumental role in fostering connections among like-minded partners is integral to our collective journey in actively advancing sustainable development.”
CIDF is a blended finance facility managed by ADB, established in September 2021 with an initial $25 million philanthropic commitment from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Goldman Sachs. The fund has the potential to unlock up to $500 million in private sector and government investments to support sustainable low-carbon economic development.
Established in 2007, GreenYellow is a French energy transition partner, specializing in decentralized solar photovoltaic production, and energy efficiency, storage and monitoring services. It currently operates in 16 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, and entered Viet Nam in 2019. GreenYellow is responsible for the development, funding and operation of infrastructure projects, enabling its clients to produce local and competitive green power, reduce their energy consumption and fast-track their decarbonization.
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
Margot Specs by Sunnies Studios
Buy my specs here 👓 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam @sunniesstudios @askmigslopez
Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill
Our cats love this! Buy Shameless Pets catnip here 🐈 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
R&B SENSATION VEDO UNVEILS VISUALS TO NEW SINGLE "SPLIT" ANNOUNCES SECONG LEG OF MOOD SWINGS TOUR AND NEW ALBUM
Atlanta, GA – September 8, 2023 – Chart-topping R&B Singer-Songwriter, VEDO, releases tantalizing visuals to his latest single, "Split" delivering an emotionally charged performance that delve into the intricate dynamics of a passionate yet tumultuous relationship. Offering a glimpse into a breakup to makeup kind of love, VEDO’s pen combines his signature blend of emotion, sensuality, and relatability.
Listen Here
Behind the scenes, Split boasts an all-star lineup of producers & co-writers who have contributed their magic to some of the biggest names in music. The sexy lovers’ quarrel record was produced by Cubeatz (Drake, Future, Lil Uzi, Travis Scott), Keyz (Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller, Diddy) and co-written by R.City (Rihanna, Maroon 5, Ariana Grande). Their collaboration with VEDO has yielded another sonic masterpiece that's bound to set the R&B airwaves on fire.
Directed by AM Visuals, a frequent collaborator with proven synergy, they masterfully capture the essence of a relationship teetering on the edge. VEDO’s soulful vocals and evocative lyrics coupled with fiery moments of fighting turned to passion is impossible to resist. “We’ve all at one point thought that it was sexy when your significant other got mad at you. Even if they are overreacting. That’s just them letting you know “Don’t Play Wit Me” That’s how we know they actually care. Just know when they stop getting upset, you have a major problem” Says Vedo.
Watch Here
VEDO recently announced the second leg of his highly successful U.S. tour, Still Having Mood Swings, slated to kick off October 15th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After a sold-out initial run, fans nationwide can expect a live experience like no other filled with soul-stirring melodies, unforgettable moments, and a few surprises.
The eagerly awaited release date for his new album will be revealed soon, promising a collection of tracks that will further solidify his position as one of R&B ‘s most consistent and talented artists in the game. The new music is a testament to VEDO's exceptional talent as a storyteller with his ability to deliver heartfelt performances that resonate with fans around the world.
Follow Vedo on all social media platforms
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube|
Source: Blackstar
British singer-songwriter James Arthur announces brand-new album, Bitter Sweet Love
Photo Credit: Edward Cooke
Following his recent return with new tracks ‘Blindside’ &‘A Year Ago’, James Arthur today announces his fifth, brand new studio album Bitter Sweet Love - out January 26th, 2024 on Columbia Records.
As well as featuring the two recently released singles, Bitter Sweet Love is James back to his very best, producing thirteen bites of world class music. After being on stage, it struck him how his fifth album should sound. A sold-out crowd was singing along to his hits, immersed in the emotion that James could hear in his own voice.
Within days of the tour ending in the States, James began sessions with different producers to see who could click with his vision. His final stop was in L.A. with Steve Solomon, with whom he co-wrote his 2016 megahit ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’.
Back in Britain, James attempted to write with more producers, but none came close to his bond with Steve, who flew over to finish the album at Miloco Studios in South London last summer, and produce a mature body of work, full of depth and oozing the impeccable songwriting quality that has defined James’s esteemed career to date.
The Middlesbrough-born, recent Brit Billion-certified artist has scored 4 top 10 albums, with 2016’s Back From The Edge hitting the Number 1 spot and over his career has collaborated with the likes of Anne-Marie, Sigala, Rudimental, Marshmello & many more.
James is one of the world’s biggest streaming artists, with over 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. ‘Say You Won't Let Go’ became his breakthrough hit in the US. It was officially the UK's most streamed song in 2016 and has gone on to be enjoyed via 4 billion streams while the song's official video has achieved 1.5 billion views on YouTube. Earlier this year, the track became his first RIAA Diamond Single with 10 million certified units – making James one of just 100 recipients of an RIAA Diamond Single certification in the programme's history.
Other huge hit singles include: ‘Impossible’, ‘Can I Be Him’, ‘Sun Comes Up’, ‘Naked’, ‘Empty Space’, ‘Rewrite The Stars’, ‘Falling Like the Stars’, ‘Train Wreck’ and ‘Lasting Lover’, which are all certified platinum records. The song Cars Outside is currently becoming another global hit for James.
Back from the Edge was released on October 28, 2016 and entered the UK Albums Chart at #1. James’ last album, 2021’s It’ll All Make Sense In The End, was a lockdown project recorded at home that leant heavily on programmed beats.
“The more albums you make and the more success you have, the more the pressure tends to be upon you. But I genuinely felt like a kid again, just making music I loved, not worried about trying to please everyone.”
Source: Nyou
Human Nature Tinted Lip Balm in Poppy Punch
Buy @humanheartnature tinted lip balm in their new shade Poppy Punch here ❣️ It’s a flattering red lip balm that looks good on everyone! ❣️ #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
September Fever to champion Filipino regional indie music with ‘Music Talks’ and ‘Showcase Festival’ programming
The two-day festival aims to give back to the indie music community in Cebu by fostering inclusivity and representation with tried-and-tested methods that work well in a DIY setting
Photo courtesy of September Fever
Taking center stage with an electrifying twist, September Feverreturns with a two-day festival that puts a spotlight on the regional independent music scenes in the Philippines.
Now in its sixth year, the event reformats into a Music Talksand Showcase Festival, improving its programming with a more grassroots-leaning, pro-independent music approach while providing an opportunity for budding and self-sustaining musicians to explore the ropes of the industry and learn from key resource speakers in the music business.
September Fever Festival Director Karl Lucente explains, “In a nutshell, this year’s edition of September Fever Music Festival is a dynamic blend of electrifying performances, informative discussions, and a strong sense of community. It's a moment when music takes center stage, artists shine, and audiences come together to celebrate the power of creativity and the love of music.”
Day 1: Music Talks and Networking Night
Music Talks, a new segment that was introduced by September Fever this year, is designed to empower and educate the participants on the crucial aspects of the industry. Curated by The Rest Is Noise PH, the forum will cover four main topics and has invited speakers from the scene to discuss the nitty-gritty of DIY ethos with tried-and-tested methods to communicate one’s music brand: Music Marketing and Branding (Ian Urrutia from The Rest is Noise PH and NYOU Consultancy); Music PR and Media Pitching (MC Galang from The Rest is Noise PH and AXEAN Festival); Artist Perspective: Touring Local (Mich Paclioga of Loop PH); and Music Production (Tim Marquez of One Click Straight).
“Beyond the performances, the festival is now introducing a series of engaging music talks,” shares Karl Lucente. “These talks feature industry experts who share valuable insights and advice, particularly for those embarking on their musical journey. From practical tips to behind-the-scenes stories, these discussions provide a wealth of knowledge that can guide aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike.”
From music marketing and branding strategies to navigating the complexities of music production, these guest speakers will share practical insights and valuable tips that can truly make a difference in one's musical journey. “Additionally, they'll shed light on touring in our own land from the artist's perspective, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a mark on the global stage,” Lucente reveals.
Following 'Music Talks,' the event seamlessly transitions into an insightful Roundtable Discussion that provides invaluable expertise on industry-related topics pertaining to the promotion of local artists. This discourse also proposes the unification of production teams from diverse regions, forming the foundation for September Fever's 2024 Regional Caravan. Esteemed music producers, production leaders, and industry experts gather to chart a path that transports VisMin's artists nationwide while championing the indie music movement—a convergence of creative energies where innovation meets collaboration, shaping the future of VisMin's indie music scene. The Roundtable Discussion will be attended by various professionals in the Philippine music scene: KC Salazar of Indie CDO (Cagayan de Oro); J Martino “Bobbi” Olvido of John Bottles (Cebu); Sandy Kiamko of Holodeck (Davao); Philip Biboso of Southlab (Koronadal); and Josh Alipe of Sapphire (Cebu).
Day 1 is then capped off with a Mixer/Networking Night that aims to connect the press, industry leaders, musicians, entrepreneurs, creatives, and VIP attendees with the goal of fostering meaningful collaborations and opportunities for the artists. Cebu-based rising artists Lolita Grey and Franciskoe will be performing, followed by a DJ set by the Baihaus spinners.
Day 2: Showcase Festival
While Music Talks lays the groundwork for aspiring musicians in the local indie scene, Day 2 presents a celebration of music excellence featuring some of the most notable names in the Philippine music scenes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—be it independent, mainstream, or anything in between.
This year’s September Fever Music Festival artist lineup consists of Cebuano acts Coloura, Kali Hoods, Tomorrow For Sure, Renzo Sy, Sansette, and Wonggoys. They are also joined by guest acts from all over the Philippines: Aira Casti, KRNA, Loner, One Click Straight, Oh, Flamingo!, The Itchyworms, and DJ Love.
Lucente emphasizes that the curation for the showcase format aims to highlight the vibrant tapestry of the Philippine music scene as represented by the eclectic and diverse lineup representing various regions in the country. “This comprehensive approach blends education, entertainment, and cultural exchange, ensuring attendees enjoy the performances while gaining enriching insights for their own musical pursuits,” he adds.
September Fever Music Festival VI is made possible with the partnership of The Rest is Noise PH, Filla Killa, Black Straw Prod Co, and Missing Scene. The music talks and showcase festival will take place on September 22 and 23 at From Here and Draft Punk in Cebu City, respectively.
For more updates on the festival, follow September Fever Music Festival on:
Instagram: septemberfeverfest
Facebook: fb.com/septemberfevermusicfestival
Visit linktr.ee/septemberfeverfest to secure your tickets for the event!
ABOUT SEPTEMBER FEVER
September Fever is a yearly event initially curated to showcase electronic music, but has transformed to become an annual celebration of Cebu indie music and other acts from the Philippines.
In this sixth iteration, September Fever aims to become an even bigger event, bringing together acts from Luzon, Visayas, and. Mindanao to showcase and uplift the best local indie music.
Source: Nyou
Knitted Set from Shopee 🤎
This knitted set is comfortable enough to wear in the warm Manila weather! Buy it here 🤎 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
Shoti makes Cebu proud with viral smash “LDR” topping streaming charts in Southeast Asia
LDR” is accompanied by a music video showing the young singer-songwriter/producer and his friends having fun and enjoying the moment
Filipino singer/producer Shoti is making waves with his crossover hit “LDR” topping various streaming charts in Southeast Asia. The sped-up version of “LDR” alone has been holding its ground in key markets within the region, peaking at Spotify Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia at No. 13, 49, 61, and 147, respectively.
The laid-back tune recently went viral thanks to its sped-up version, which inspired countless dance covers on TikTok and provided a soundtrack to a new generation of listeners who are caught up with the relatability of the lyrics.
With the song delivered in English and Cebuano lyrics, Shoti continues the tradition of asserting cultural and geographical identity to mainstream music, while remaining current and true to his vision as an artist. This prompted Sony Music Entertainment to sign him as one of their new artists on their esteemed roster, and eventually co-release what could be one of the biggest local pop/hip-hop songs in recent memory.
“The Sony Music Entertainment family treats me not like a business partner but as a member of the family,” shares the 16-year-old bedroom pop sensation. “They’ve been guiding me in terms of putting my music out there and reaching as many people as I could. If we have problems, they make sure to work on them ASAP.”
Shoti’s latest single, “LDR” is accompanied by a music video helmed by Anthony Hejie Suralta. Released yesterday on YouTube, the visuals showed the young artist and his friends in a happy, carefree state, giving out roses to random girls as a form of appreciation. Shoti reveals that the concept behind it was impromptu and casual, with his friends cherishing a cheerful moment together.
“I told our music director that I wanted something candid, just me and my friends laughing,” the Cebu-based artist adds. “It was super easy working with them because they are my family friends.”
In just one day after release, the music video for “LDR” debuted inside the top 20 of YouTube’s Trending For Music chart and is currently gaining traction at a rapid pace.
Shoti’s “LDR” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
Source: Nyou
Oversized Rimless Eyeglasses on Shopee
Buy rimless eyeglasses here 🤓 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
BENJAMIN KHENG TO DROP GLOOMY BOOGIE VOL 1,THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF HIS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED TWO-PART DEBUT ALBUM, ON 25 AUGUST
Singapore, Aug 15, 2023 – Benjamin Kheng, the multi-talented artiste and singer-songwriter, is dropping the first part of his eagerly-awaited debut album, titled GLOOMY BOOGIE Vol 1. The release includes the previously released single, ‘Rock Bottom Blues (feat. James Reid)’, and also the follow-up single, ‘Break From The Party’.
The second single off of GLOOMY BOOGIE Vol 1 is the track ‘Break From The Party,’ a number penned by Kheng himself. The track exudes his signature style, blending poignant and sobering lyrics (I hate it here/my space is invaded/Everyone’s faded/They’re shiny and jaded) against a slick production and arrangement produced by Los Angeles-based rising producer Rence (Jonny Orlando, Sarah Barrios, Alex Porat). “‘Break From The Party’ was, hilariously, written entirely in a bathroom stall at a social event where I simply couldn’thuman anymore,” Benjamin recounts. “I wrote about 5 verses worth of feelings and had to really cull it down.”
“It was as honest as a journal entry or therapy session, and really easy to write to. I thought of the struggle of fighting for a genuine connection in a room of people all fighting their own insecurities. Also, the atmosphere of a party is so intriguing – the same night could be euphoric for one person and a nightmare for the next person. It was therapeutic to give voice to that,” he continues.
Directed by Barnabas Chua of Murk & Marrow Films, the accompanying music video for ‘Break From The Party’ takes an intriguing and slightly twisted approach, presenting the song as a 10-step guide on how to step away from the revelry, with the first step being to “hit rock bottom”. Kheng’s acting chops are on full display here, setting the emotional tone of the song. Barnabas' creative direction seamlessly blends Benjamin Kheng's performance with the narrative laid out in the lyrics, immersing viewers in Barnabas’ artistic exploration of the song's themes.
GLOOMY BOOGIE Vol 1 comprises four tracks that weave together a thematic narrative of introspection, vulnerability, and growth. On top of ‘Rock Bottom Blues (feat. James Reid)’ and ‘Break From The Party’, there are also the lullaby-esque sentimental little slow-burner ‘Little Spoon’ and the unapologetic and defiant ‘Too Far Gone’. ‘Little Spoon’ was worked on with producer Charlie Kurata and musician LEW, while ‘Too Far Gone’ emerged as a creative offspring sparked by Benjamin's personal struggle to seek assistance during moments of crisis, alongside co-writer Zev Troxler (“We wanted to go for something confronting and stubborn, but still groovy”). Together, the songs provide a glimpse into the spectrum of emotions that Kheng explores fearlessly in the record.
“Before writing any of the tracks, I had a good think about the past decade of my career, and was surprised at how many moments I was dishonest with myself and didn’t dare honour my feelings of hurt, loneliness and general fatigue,” shares Kheng on the album. “This album felt like that awful hike your friends asked you to go for; you knew it would suck in the middle, be awesome at the top, and you knew you’d have to do it.”
The project was a labour of love that spanned years. Kheng embarked on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, collaborating with friends and fellow artists who shared his vision. Many of the tracks were co-written, a departure from his previous work, as Benjamin sought to bring together individuals who had walked similar paths of emotional turmoil. The writing process spanned a writing camp in Los Angeles in January 2022, as well as virtual sessions that commenced in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. The album was a culmination of emotions, with Benjamin's home studio serving as the backdrop for recording late into the night.
“GLOOMIE BOOGIE Vol 2 is still in the oven, but Vol 1 is ready and has some moments I’ll still bump for no reason other than to feel things again. It’s taken me a long time to be truly proud of my work but I’m finally close; I hope you guys love it as much as I do.”
OFFICIAL ‘GLOOMY BOOGIE VOL 1’ ARTWORK
GLOOMY BOOGIE Vol 1 featuring new single ‘Break From The Party ’ is available on all digital streaming platforms from Aug 25, 2023.
Link goes live upon release: HERE
Source: Sony Music Philippines
ADB, Deutsche Bank Sign Risk Sharing Agreement to Boost Supply Chain Financing in Asia
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (5 September 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Deutsche Bank have signed a risk participation agreement to enhance access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia and the Pacific. The agreement was signed between ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) and Deutsche Bank AG through its Singapore branch.
“Partnering with Deutsche Bank will allow companies, particularly SMEs, to access the global supply chain which can spur economic growth and contribute to job creation,” said ADB’s Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. “Partnerships like this one allow ADB to catalyze the private sector and mobilize capital for trade transactions that support development across the region.”
Supply chain finance is critical to increasing trade by providing working capital to suppliers by leveraging their relationships with larger corporates. With short-term revolving facilities for supply chain finance transactions, this partnership has the potential to support more than $200 million in additional trade in Asia and the Pacific each year.
The agreement will enhance Deutsche Bank’s ability to support SMEs and other corporate clients by releasing more capital for use in key economic sectors in the region, like pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
“We are proud to partner with ADB on this important initiative. Together, we will help smaller companies achieve growth through better access to supply chain financing. We believe this is important, as we are seeing increasing demand for this in the trade sector,” said Deutsche Bank Head of Trade Finance and Lending for Asia Pacific Matthew Moodey.
TSCFP is helping banks in Asia and the Pacific improve their ability to provide supply chain finance, particularly to SMEs. ADB estimates the gap between the demand for trade finance and the money available for it is at least $2.5 trillion, with SMEs the worst affected.
Backed by ADB's AAA credit rating and working with more than 250 partner banks, TSCFP is growing trade and supply chains with loans and guarantees that underpin economic growth. TSCFP is working 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
Coffee Buddy Vanilla Medium Roast
Vanilla coffee from @coffeebuddyph 👌🏼 Buy it here ☕️ #foodie #samantakaw #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
Global Trade Finance Gap Expands to $2.5 Trillion in 2022
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (5 September 2023) — The global trade finance gap grew to a record $2.5 trillion in 2022 from $1.7 trillion two years earlier, as rising interest rates, flagging economic prospects, inflation, and geopolitical volatility reduced the capacity of banks to deliver trade financing, according to the 2023 Trade Finance Gaps, Growth and Jobs Survey released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The trade finance gap is the difference between requests and approvals for financing to support imports and exports. Rebounding strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic, global goods exports grew in 2021 and 2022 at 26.6% and 11.5%, respectively. Demand for trade finance surged on the back of this sharp recovery but heightened economic risks made finance more difficult to secure than before, the survey indicates. Following a zero-growth rate during the last quarter of 2022, as of April 2023, global trade exports in value slowed year-to-date, showing a decline of around 3%.
The survey is the world’s leading barometer of trade finance health. It includes data from 137 banks and 185 companies from around 50 countries. Respondents said they faced continued constraints in 2022 due to rising interest rates and financial market uncertainties, set against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown, and geopolitical instability.
“The global trade finance funding gap has now widened to well over $2 trillion, as the global economy still struggles to rebound from the pandemic,” said ADB's Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. “That growing gap strangles the potential of trade to deliver critical human and economic development through jobs and growth."
Around 60% of responding banks reported that the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted their trade finance portfolios due to growing geopolitical uncertainty and increased commodity prices.
For the first time, the 2023 trade gaps survey focuses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, along with digitalization, in a bid to assess their impact on relevant supply chains and the trade finance gap. The majority of banks and companies that took part in the survey believe that ESG alignment could potentially help reduce the trade financing gap.
The top supply chain challenge cited by firms surveyed was insufficient financing. They identified access to adequate financing, reliable logistics, and the use of digital technology as the three most important components of resilient supply chains.
Backed by ADB's AAA credit rating, the TSCFP provides loans and guarantees to more than 200 partner banks to support trade, boosting imports and exports that foster growth. Since 2009, the TSCFP has supported $57 billion in trade across 45,510 transactions in markets where the private sector finds it challenging to operate. TSCFP is working to make global trade and supply chains green, resilient, inclusive, 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
Echoes of Diversity: A Global Musical Journey through 2023 World Music Festival@Taiwan
The four-day event is touted as Taiwan’s biggest outdoor festival dedicated to world music, and will feature a variety of music shows, cross-artform performances, international showcase events, exotic bazaars and more!
The 2023 World Music Festival @ Taiwan has officially announced its stellar lineup for this year’s edition.
The music-focused, multi-format event features headlining acts from Taiwan and the rest of the world, including Outlet Drift and Joanna Wang, South Korea’s ADG7, Japan’s Hitoto Yo from Japan, and more.
In its bid to broaden the horizons of Taiwanese audiences in terms of global music, the World Music Festival @ Taiwanis committed to expand their global perspective through the pulse of music. It seeks to increase the population of global music enthusiasts from various backgrounds, together weaving the unforgettable experiences and memories of a music festival that belongs to Taiwan.
This year’s event will be held at the Taipei Music Center on October 12-15, 2023, and will be divided ito two parts: Going Global Trade Fair on October 12-13, and the Our World Music Festival on October 14-15.
The highly acclaimed world music festival will feature twoco-productions that emphasizes global collaborations and cross-cultural exchanges: Ohelen (SK) and Leaf Yeh (TW) will team up together live, and Hitoto Yo (JP) will also step up their game with a special performance featuringTaiwan’s Sangpuy and Tzu-lung Hung.
For the first time ever, the multicultural festival held an open call for international musicians to participate in its global showcase. The result yielded submissions from more than a hundred artists from 31 different countries expressing interest in participating in the festival, including six from America, fourteen from Asia, seven from Europe, three from Africa, and one from Oceania.
From the entries collated, the largest global music festival in Taiwan is set to announce the 13 finalists who will be performing live on October 11-12 and will be watched by 11 international delegates.
Aside from its beefed up music programming, the World Music Festival @ Taiwan will feature a range of peripheral activities, such as interactive drumming shows, music and dance workshops, and nearly 100 exotic stalls showcasingcrafts and cuisines from around the world.
The festival ambiance will be reminiscent of a grandcarnival, featuring an assortment of world-class music and parties.
At World Music Festival @ Taiwan, cultures unite and take center stage. It’s a splendid celebration of music, where categories cease to exist and where people from all nations come together in shared joy.
Important links:
Official Website: https://wmftaiwan.com/en/2023en
Ticket booking: https://reurl.cc/aVovOG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldmusicfestivaltaiwan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WmfTaiwan
Image Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYrhYPTzQ18
Review on Songlines: https://reurl.cc/015olb
Aftermovie (Link with thumbnail): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy4GaUrq46M
Source: Nyou
Charlie Lim, Linying & Katz release new single ‘Definitely’
Official Pre-Save Link HERE
A lilting, melancholic opus for the season, ‘Definitely’ is a three-way collaboration from London-based Singaporean singer-songwriter/producer Charlie Lim, Melbourne producer and electronic artist Katz, and L.A. based Singaporean singer-songwriter Linying. The idea for the song germinated from an impromptu jam when Charlie was visiting his family in Australia and caught up with Katz, an old friend and frequent collaborator.
“We were just improvising with me on guitar and Adam (Katz) on piano and we left the camera running –and I’m so glad we did,” says Charlie. “Linying and I have also collaborated on a number of occasions before and I’m proud of the work we’ve done, but this was a whole different level. We all knew we were sitting on something really special after she sent her first take over.”
“I saw the video on Charlie’s Instagram of him and Adam jamming out an instrumental that sounded so pretty,” says Linying. “I impulsively ripped the audio with a free online converter and wrote a verse and a chorus within an hour. It was instinctive, immediate, and so enjoyable. To me, it’s about that sour, envious feeling watching someone suddenly be so sure about everything they were unsure of when it came to you.”
“I like writing chord progressions that feel like they’re folding in on themselves. The main chords in ‘Definitely’ never really resolve, which I think adds an air of tension in keeping with the subject matter of the lyrics,” says Katz about the process of arranging the song. “The contrasting intro/outro bookends the song, with a single, echoing piano note conjuring a sense of distance befitting the song’s themes.”
“This was also my first time getting to work with Lin; I was stunned when she sent through such a thoughtful and fully-formed topline so quickly after we posted the clip online,” says Katz, about how the spontaneity and trusting nature between the three of them drove its narrative. “Charlie and I have been friends for over a decade, and have been making music together for just as long; there’s a level of trust that comes from playing together for so many years which allows us to be really honest and productive as collaborators.”
“There’s really nothing like working with people you trust and respect, and with friends you can openly disagree with but still come to a happy medium that ticks all everyone’s boxes,” says Charlie, who oversaw the production of the track. “The track itself is quite deceptive –one might think that there’s only a couple of instruments and two voices, but it’s actually dozens of vocal layers and unorthodox harmonies that are stacked on top of each other and carefully placed in the mix,”says Charlie. “It gives this blurry, depth of field effect which I thought suited the song’s sentiment. I think we managed to capture something very personal and universal at the same time.”
Listen to ‘Definitely’ now, HERE.
Source: Blackstar
The Rain in España: Perfect for the Rainy Weather
Perfect read for this weather 😄 Buy one of my guilty pleasures, The Rain in España, here 🌧️ #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam
My Book Signing on September 17!
Thank you FEU Publications for including my book, Finally Loving Forward, as one of your bestselling titles for the Manila International Book Fair 2023! 💚 Join me as I hold my book signing at the FEU Publications booth on Sunday, September 17, from 3-4PM. ✍🏼 SEE YOU! 🤍 And please continue buying my books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and via this link ✍🏼 @ukiyotopublishinghouse @feu_publications @manilabookfair #finallylovingforward #authorlife #selfhelpbook #selfhelpauthor Photo by FEU
Rotating Rosary Ring from Shopee
For me, a good everyday rosary ring should be comfortable enough for all-day wear. It should also be made of sterling silver which is sturdy and easy to clean. Lastly, it should rotate so that it can also serve as a fidget ring. I am glad that I found this ring from a Korean Catholic store. Buy it here ⛪️ #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam