Please help me win an award by voting for my book FINALLY LOVING FORWARD here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UVenL78iHQoBgztS/?mibextid=WC7FNe 📕 THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!💞 #authorlife
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Number_I: The Rebirth of J-Pop Royalty as Former King & Prince Trio Unleash Eagerly Awaited Debut EP 'GOAT'
Tokyo, Japan (6th March, 2024) – The moment fans have been eagerly awaiting has arrived as Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, collectively known as Number_I, unveil their much-anticipated debut “GOAT (EP)”. The 6-song EP includes the title track "GOAT" alongside other remarkable numbers such as "Blow Your Cover,” "Is It Me?”, “Midnight City,” "Rain or Shine,” and their next focus single “FUJI.”
Since its release this year, "GOAT" has taken the digital music world by storm, amassing over 14 million streams on Spotify globally and surpassing 10 million views on its music video within just three days, now exceeding 38 million views.
The momentum continues as Number_I prepares to perform at the upcoming inaugural 'to HEROes 1st Super Live' concert at Tokyo Dome from 14 to 17 March 2024. Organized by TOBE, the entertainment agency led by Hideaki Takizawa, this event marks a significant milestone for the group.
With their rapid ascent and unwavering fan support, Number_I is poised to become an unstoppable phenomenon as they captivate and mesmerize audiences across the globe with their music, energy and talent.
For tickets to 'to HEROes 1st Super Live' and more information, visit here.
“GOAT (EP)” is available for streaming here. Watch the ‘GOAT’ music video here.
About NUMBER_I:
Rising from the legacy of J-pop phenomenon King & Prince, Number_I emerges as a new sensational musical force. Comprising former members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, this dynamic trio, under the esteemed TOBE record label, is poised to redefine the music industry as they embark on a journey symbolizing greatness and a fresh start, promising to captivate audiences and shape the future of music.
The group's name, Number_I, carries profound significance, representing both 'Only One' and 'Love.' This emblematic moniker reflects not only a message but also a pledge to their fans to journey together through the realms of music. For Sho, Yuta, and Yuta, Number_I embodies an exhilarating new chapter in their artistic endeavors.
Follow NUMBER_I:
Website | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
平野紫耀 Instagram | 神宮寺勇太 Instagram | 岸優太 X
Source: Blackstar
Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus team up on new single “Doctor (Work It Out)”
Listen here
Watch the official video here
Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus has teamed up for the release of their highly-anticipated new single “Doctor (Work It Out).”
Fresh off her first GRAMMY Award wins for “Record of The Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance” with hit single “Flowers,” Miley is featured in the accompanying official music video directed by Jacob Bixenman.
The video finds the award-winning pop star performing in an all-white background while having fun with her blown up.
Originally debuting at Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter show, “Doctor (Work It Out)” is the second single from Pharrell this year, having previously released his song “Good People” with British rock band Mumford & Sons.
The funky new bop also marks as Miley’s first release since her 2023 single “Used To Be Young.”
In an interview with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, both Miley and Pharrell confirmed that “Doctor (Work It Out)” was initially intended as part of the former’s 2013 album, Bangerz.
Miley shares, “We just believe so much in timing and in everything happening when it’s supposed to. And around the Grammys, Pharrell and I were talking about putting the song out, and it just felt like it was so serendipitous, and there were so many alignments and so many moments that made me know that now was the perfect time.”
Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus’ “Doctor (Work It Out)” out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Source: Nyou
Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus team up on new single “Doctor (Work It Out)”
Listen here
Watch the official video here
Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus has teamed up for the release of their highly-anticipated new single “Doctor (Work It Out).”
Fresh off her first GRAMMY Award wins for “Record of The Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance” with hit single “Flowers,” Miley is featured in the accompanying official music video directed by Jacob Bixenman.
The video finds the award-winning pop star performing in an all-white background while having fun with her blown up.
Originally debuting at Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter show, “Doctor (Work It Out)” is the second single from Pharrell this year, having previously released his song “Good People” with British rock band Mumford & Sons.
The funky new bop also marks as Miley’s first release since her 2023 single “Used To Be Young.”
In an interview with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, both Miley and Pharrell confirmed that “Doctor (Work It Out)” was initially intended as part of the former’s 2013 album, Bangerz.
Miley shares, “We just believe so much in timing and in everything happening when it’s supposed to. And around the Grammys, Pharrell and I were talking about putting the song out, and it just felt like it was so serendipitous, and there were so many alignments and so many moments that made me know that now was the perfect time.”
Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus’ “Doctor (Work It Out)” out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Source: Nyou
MBNEL puts the global spotlight on Filipino rap talent with GHOSTS 2 release
Stream “Ghosts 2”- HERE
Watch “Ghosts 2” Music Video- HERE
It seems like there’s really no stopping Filipino-American rap sensation MBNel. With his last single “JUST LIKE YOU” still sizzling hot from his creative oven, he’s come up with yet another masterpiece to put the spotlight on Filipino rap talent with the release of “GHOSTS 2”. The single’s music video was filmed entirely in Malate, Manila, which is proving to be the epicenter of Pinoy Hip-hop. Filipino Hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope, Hellmerry, O Side Mafia, Pricetagg, Fast Cash, and many others came out in full support and made appearances in the “GHOSTS2” music video—perhaps as a preview of possible future collaborations among Filipino rap talents from all over the world.MBNel himself admits, “I’m planning to work with some of the biggest Filipino rap stars soon”. Asked how he felt in having so many local Pinoy rap artists show up to support his music video shoot, the rapper was very appreciative, saying “It was really dope. Everyone was cool, and they were very welcoming of me.”
“GHOSTS 2” gives us a better glimpse of MBNel’s formidable rapping arsenal, and this latest impressive single from the Fil-American artist is quite frankly hard to describe in words. You’ll just have to listen to it yourself to truly appreciate the creativity, the flair, and the unique flavor that MBNel has put into it. And while we have to censor our words a bit unlike the single’s lyrics, we can say at least this much: The guy is pretty darn good.
Asked what his inspiration was in making “GHOSTS 2”, the ultra-talented rapper was rather very candid about his playful and spontaneous approach in making his music. “My first GHOST song was sampled off an Asian style video game, where I was just rapping all the way through. The GHOSTS 2 beat gave me the same vibe so I decided to off that”, says the artist.
Indeed, he has fully embraced his Asian lineage by infusing his music with lyrics and beats inspired by Asian pop culture. MBNel’s mixed heritage as a Filipino-American gives him a lot more dimension to draw inspiration from, and it adds to the unique vibe of his music. When you first hear him rap, his American accent and background of growing up stateside comes to the surface, and yet he drops plenty of hints of his Filipino and Asian heritage—which he has made abundantly clear he is very proud of. “GHOSTS 2” is his second straight music video that has prominently shown the Philippines, and the artist has publicly professed a deep love and connection for Filipino culture. He stands very proud to be one of us. “I loved coming back to visit the Philippines. My culture is something I’d love to keep learning about”, shares MBNel.
“GHOSTS 2” is out now on all digital streaming platforms.
ABOUT EMPIRE
EMPIRE is an American record label, distribution and publishing company founded by Ghazi Shami in San Francisco, CA. EMPIRE has been in partnership with prominent companies and artists, such as XXXTentacion, Snoop Dogg, Tyga, Iggy Azalea, Fat Joe, Anderson Paak, 88 Rising, Kendrick Lamar, Afgan, Alextbh and many more.
Find MBNel online:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nellynelmb/?hl=en
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@officialmbnel
Twitter https://twitter.com/nellynelmb?lang=en
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/people/MBNel/100058229255150/
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIaqpIXIkEa7Tp5j_dsJxLg
Source: Empire
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Commuting as a PWD is Hard
Transit Dialog has published my essay, Commuting as a PWD is Hard. Read it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/UtteJ59zbqc4Hoax/?mibextid=WC7FNe 🚊
"𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦... 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦."
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗪𝗗 𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱
𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴
I am a PWD. My disability is not apparent, so I may look and seem like I am well. However, I am far from it.
Each day is a struggle, and one of my biggest challenges is commuting. Public transportation in our country is already difficult to navigate, more so for the disabled like me. Thus, it is up to me to survive my trips, and to make sure that I reach point B without overexerting myself.
My biggest struggle is the discrimination that I face from drivers and operators. Whenever I ask for a discount, they give me a head to toe look. It is embarrassing, and there are times when showing them my PWD ID is still not enough. Most of the time, they laugh at me and tell me that I am not entitled to the discount.
Some drivers even tell me that I can walk or I can see. I never took no for an answer, and I always insist on getting that discount that I am entitled to. So far, being firm works for me.
Another challenge is riding the priority car in our trains. The senior citizens there always tell me to give up my seat for them. Sometimes, they even give snide remarks, which insinuate that I am not really disabled.
I give up my seat for those who really need them, especially those who are crippled, pregnant, blind, and the elderly. But those who are rude to me do not deserve my seat. Sometimes, I even insist that I need that seat, too. I am disabled and I deserve a seat as well. We do not need to be rude just to occupy some space in the priority seating area.
Dealing with the daily grind of commuting in the Philippines is taxing. As a PWD, it has become my responsibility to keep myself safe and sane during my commute. I opt to listen to music or read a book to pass the time. Blocking out the external noise helps me focus on my surroundings instead of hearing unnecessary comments from people who do not think I am disabled enough.
I also practice the art of 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘢 or ignoring comments that do not pertain to me. I always think that they reflect the character of these people, and if they have the nerve to be unkind to the disabled, then I would not want to engage with them.
I hope that as commuters, we choose to be kind to others. If we see someone who is in the priority area, just assume that he or she deserves to be there. People do not need our unnecessary judgment. Sometimes, we just need to mind our own business.
We also need to be mindful of how our words can affect others. For some people who are sick or undergoing medical treatment, it is already overwhelming to commute and be in public spaces. Unwarranted comments only show lack of sensitivity to those who are different from us.
I hope that drivers and operators of public transportation can also have sensitivity training on disabilities. They also need to be aware of the discount we PWDs are entitled to. Yes, they already have challenges on franchising and the threat of being phased out, but PWDs are paying passengers, too. We also deserve to be given the treatment that we deserve.
Remember, not all disabilities are visible. Please be kind to PWDs. I am a PWD, and I hope that this essay will remind you that disabled people need to be treated better. We deserve kindness, especially when taking public transport.
We are just trying to survive, and we hope that we can be respected for the people that we are.
#authorlife
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The Dog Who Wants a Home: Teaching Kids How to Love Shelter Animals
The Dog Who Wants a Home by Harrie Summer S. Martija is a children’s book which was written by a child. The precocious writing talent of the author shines in her maiden publication. The story is full of empathy and heart, which is much-needed in today’s fast-paced world.
I enjoyed reading this book because I could relate to the story. Like Berry, I also felt like it was difficult to fit in. I was not accepted, and I had to compete with other people just to make a name for myself. This may be a children’s story, but I was able to empathize with the dog who could not find a home in the beginning. I would like to commend the author’s parents for raising such a kind-hearted child.
Finding the meaning of home is the running theme in this book. Home may not be a place per se, but it can also be the feeling of belongingness. This book emphasizes the importance of adopting dogs who do not have a home, and who do not have owners yet. Before buying a dog or a cat, please consider adopting or fostering from an animal shelter first. I myself have volunteered at PAWS before, and it was an eye opening experience. I was able to feel like the dogs and cats were all happy to see me, even if I was only there to help out for a day. I felt loved, even if the animals around me were only there at that time.
I wish I could adopt a pet but our home is very small, and my living situation is not ideal for keeping a pet. I am lucky that my partner has seven cats who are all there to give me love when I am with them. This book reminded me of the importance of loving animals, especially shelter animals. We need more books to teach children about animal shelters, and how they can help out.
The Dog Who Wants a Home by Harrie Summer S. Martija is now available!
We Can Survive: Teaching Kids How to Be Resilient
We Can Survive by Jude Fenete Atienza is a book of poetry for children. What sets this book apart from others on the pandemic is that it is a collection of poetry in both Filipino and English. Almost all the children of my friends are having difficulties with their Filipino subject homework, so this book is a much-needed resource. We need more children’s books in Filipino, and it would be nice if there is also a portion in English, even if it is not a direct translation such as in this book.
The author’s poems are easy to read, especially for children who are not commonly exposed to poetry. The text is relatable and they deal with topics on the pandemic, such as the quarantine and the vaccine. Difficult subjects such as death are also tackled here. The illustrations by Jann Flloyd D. Atienza provide visual context to the bittersweet pandemic poems. The book is designed by Lyka D. Atienza, and it presents the book as a world class work.
To be honest, I enjoyed the Filipino poems in this book more. Perhaps it is because I am rarely exposed to poetry in the vernacular. It could also be because I simply enjoy reading Filipino works outside the academe. It is refreshing to appreciate our Filipino language in the literary sense, and I hope that this is the starting point for a lifelong love for Filipino poetry.
I hope that the author and his collaborators will write more books on difficult subjects such as death and sickness in the future. His background in science is a rich foundation for stories and poetry that children can learn from. We need more authors with his technical background. I am eagerly waiting for his upcoming books.
We Can Survive by Jude Fenete Atienza is now available!
Hunter Chronicles 1: A Visual Feast
Hunter Chronicles 1 Rizal: The Immortal Trial A Nosey Journalist, an Indomitable Hero Two Timelines…One Immortal War by Clifford T. Sychingiok did not disappoint the fantasy fan in me. I picked up this book thinking that it was solely about our national hero, but I realized that it was a fantasy artbook focused on a short story. The said short story was about Dr. Yuko Yamamoto, a bioengineering expert. The accompanying illustrations provided a glimpse into the author’s rich imagination. The equipment illustrations were detailed, and I was impressed with the various timelines in which these characters were presented. It seems that the author visualized these heroes to be able to help in different decades, settings, and locations. All that matters was their preparedness to help, and their skill sets.
Dr. Yuko Yamamoto focused on the legacy of resilience, which inspired her to use her expertise in order to help her countrymen bounce back after World War II. I felt inspired by her sense of purpose. She used her gift in order to help people after the war, and her sense of responsibility prodded her to help and make a difference. Yuko also channeled her hope that one day, Hiroshima will rise again after the war. Instead of focusing on that “one day”, she acted on her day one. She immediately took action. Decades later, she was able to use the same expertise to helm the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
It was an engaging short story, and I would like to know what happens next. The book is filled with richly detailed illustrations. I am curious if the author illustrated the book as well, as no one was credited for these artworks. I look forward to the author’s upcoming works.
The book tapped into my sense of wonder and imagination. We need more books that marry history and fantasy in order to inspire people of all ages to make the world a better place.
Hunter Chronicles 1 Rizal: The Immortal Trial A Nosey Journalist, an Indomitable Hero Two Timelines…One Immortal War is now available!
Childhood Journey: A Doorway to Understanding Children Better
I read Childhood Journey: Helping Children and Teens Fight Their Battles because I was curious about how psychiatry can help children cope with their own problems. The book was edited by Spes F. Romero-Reyes and Anna Vasquez, both veterans in their field. Reading it became a poignant experience because it brought me back to my childhood. I had my fair share of issues back then, which is part of growing up. Everyone encounters their own challenges, especially when they reach adolescence. The book brought me back to those issues, and some of it felt so familiar that I had to take breaks while reading it. Luckily, I was able to address my personal issues, and I am much better now. Also, reading has become one of my favorite pastimes, and I am thankful that to this day, this hobby still leads me to helpful resources such as this one.
The chapters were written by talented psychiatrists who took their time to describe various issues faced by children and adolescents as they grow up. It was difficult to read some parts of the book because they felt so familiar, that the words seemed to reverberate through my mind. It was painful to look back, but as I was taught in the past, it is always helpful to hurl myself back to the present. The present is all I have to address the issues at hand and to become a better individual. This book does not only help the general public understand young people, but everyone as well. After all, we were all children once.
Admittedly, it is a privilege to receive professional help. I hope that more people in the Philippines will consider taking better care of their mental health. Mental health is healthcare. Childhood Journey reminds us that if we give children the right tools to cope with their own issues, they will become better adults in the future. So, it is never too early or too late to get the help that we need.
Childhood Journey: Helping Children and Teens Fight Their Battles is now available!
Understanding the Self: A Roadmap to Self-Identity
I read Understanding the Self by Maria Asuncion Marissa C. Tanangco as I was undergoing a major personal crisis. It was fortunate that this book happened to be in my hands, as it was useful for my discernment about major life decisions. Little did I know that I would learn a lot more than the skill of better decision making, as this book was packed with information on how to know myself better.
I must admit that I was initially intimidated by the book because of its academic look and feel. Luckily, I was able to enjoy the book as I went through it. The author included some autobiographical parts in relation to the theories she introduced in the book, which gave it a more personal touch and feel. Her personal anecdotes made the psychological concepts easier to understand.
I am aware of the academic nature of this book, but I do wish that the author posted a disclaimer that readers with traumatic experiences in relation to their families will need to discuss the material first with their instructors. Some of the activities might not be appropriate for those with traumatic experiences in the family setting. Other than that, I found the activities relatable and easy to follow. It was also noteworthy that the author used plain language in writing her book.
I appreciate the personal stories of the author on her own challenges and grit. I admire how she was able to take on these challenges with bravery and self-awareness. I felt inspired to face my own challenges with the same spirit. It has really helped me put things into perspective.
I hope that the author continues to write resource materials which could help learners cope with current challenges and realities. We need more teacher authors to nurture our personal growth and development, and it pays to provide the right tools to equip students for the future.
Understanding the Self is now available!
Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa: Teaching Kids About Teamwork
Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa by Richard and Mira Lumiqued is a story about teamwork. The brother and sister in the story post a classic example of conflict between siblings. What warmed my heart about this story was its lesson on teamwork, and how working together can make things happen.
As an only child, I do not have any firsthand experience on sibling dynamics. From what I have heard from the people in my life, having a sibling can be a painful experience. However, when you think of your sibling as your ally, then it transforms into a rewarding experience. This book has given me a glimpse into the world of sibling conflict, and how it can be resolved through teamwork and compromise. I must admit that when I entered the workforce, I found it difficult to relate to some people because I did not have siblings to tease me or give me unwarranted opinions. I realized that having siblings can teach people how to resolve conflicts, work together, and build stronger relationships.
I found the illustrations by CJ Escurel very interesting. They were vibrant and lively. I would like to see more works from this talented illustrator.
I am excited to read the continuation of this story. The authors have built up quite a cliffhanger with their story. I also found it amusing that both husband and wife authors work in HR. I believe that their HR skills were rooted in their family lives, and having siblings has been the foundation of their fruitful careers.
I am thankful for this book because it reminded me that working together is better than resolving conflicts on my own. It is better to have allies than enemies in times of uncertainty and weakness.
Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa by Richard and Mira Lumiqued is now available!
Sundaes on Sundays: A Treat for All Ages
Sundaes on Sundays: A Fun Rhyme About Homophones by Cheerine Dy Choi is a treat for all ages. The text is easy and fun to follow. I read this book through the eyes of someone who enjoys reading children’s books even as an adult. The illustrations by Kate Adajar were too cute for words and overall, the book was adorable.
I read this book during an awful day. I received bad news, and honestly, I was too tired to read anything on my list. Luckily, this children’s book seemed to beckon me with its attractive cover (yes, I do judge books by their covers). So, I read the book aloud and before I knew it, I already had a smile on my face.
This book turned my frown upside down with its rhymes and witty sentences. I praise the author for her inventive prose, and her imaginative rhymes. I am also a fan of her discounted pricing for those who would like to donate this book. We need to raise more readers, and it can begin with the fascinating world of homophones.
I enjoyed reading the book so much that I wish that it could become a series. I also wish that the author could provide supplementary content such as QR codes that could lead to verbal examples of homophones. Perhaps an interactive content layout could become a possible future book idea for the author! I have high hopes for the author because her book made me smile on a terrible day. I felt like it was a Sunday, a day when worries seem to melt away.
If there are more Filipino books like Sundaes on Sundays, then the future of our country can be brighter and more intelligent.
Sundaes on Sundays: A Fun Rhyme About Homophones by Cheerine Dy Choi and illustrated by Kate Adajar is now available!
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