Monthly Archives

October 2020

Entertainment

‘Tomorrow the game’ released single of Singaporean alt-pop jaye return this Halloween

jaye

Unlike others, this clown re-haunting is a much-welcomed one: TOMORROW’s comeback is in reciprocation to popular demand and audiences’ growing morbid enthusiasm. This time however, the clown returns in tandem with ‘Tomorrow the Game’ – a hypertextual PC horror game adaptation dedicated to expanding the TOMORROW universe.

The game of the same name will be released free-of-charge for promotional purposes and to inspire good thrill this coming Halloween – along with attendant social media scare cam activations. The mechanics involve you having to rescue your kidnapped bunny from jaye (Tomorrow’s Killer clown) and escape a derelict shut-down New York Subway station before getting mauled by him. To find it, you will require the discovery of new tools to progress through the gamescape. Trust your peripherals, as the clown ​will​ be trailing you.

The TOMORROW experience morphs phantasmally from format to format converging into a resonant audio-visual-physically reflexive one at the end. This enables audiences to immerse themselves in an expressionist experience of jaye’s warped world when it was on edge, at an atmospheric level.

In its own right, game reception has been ahead of its time. In a 1 month pre-release trial, the game garnered over 1K downloads and spawned YouTube reaction videos raking in about 498K in visibility. Likewise, the track democratizes anesthetic mental health-related issues such as suicidal ideation, anhedonia, alter-ego conflict and disinhibition in a way that prizes emotional experience over the physical. This allows audiences to visualize everything classified as “more than meets the eye” aka in the thick of that inner existential pain, making it less of a one-man terminal feeling but a universally-relatable one.

In prior gamification history, the artist crystalized his gaming aspirations with an ​IG filter game linked to his latest single ‘ADHD’ – which also brought forth a 4-part interactive and somewhat ​gamified MV​.

Recap

To recap, jaye’s ‘TOMORROW’ is an alt-pop single that alludes to his own history with suicidal ideation. The young artist had contemplated it so many times that he considers himself lucky to be alive. The lead up began when jaye enjoyed freedom living overseas but too much of that good turned sour, forcing him to return home. Eventually, heavy drinking became the only way to numb his ensuing home ground loneliness and later, the prospect of abandoning his mother once more in her old age as he needed to move out. Depression and filial guilt enveloped jaye, triggering memories of his doldrum moments – all of which fuel the depraved carnival tuned alternative track.

This had ultimately caused him to no longer fear death and everything else – including their consequences – hence the tagline, “the greatest fear of all is really fearing nothing at all.” In so feeling, he experienced something far worse than fear: apathy.

The music video is on a dark scale to signal the fact that this is a dark and self-aware “comedy” with a narrowed binary perspective of death and life that is also tempered by delirium and themes of escapism. Upon regular watching, it converts to become a surprisingly liberating and humanizing experience.

The ‘TOMORROW’ MV has amassed 1.2 M views on YouTube thus far and the single has 121K streams on Spotify to date. Most aptly, merch proceeds from the release went to the non-profit Samaritans of Singapore in support of suicide prevention.

‘TOMORROW’ was co-written with ​The Click Five​’s frontman, Kyle Patrick, and co-produced with him and Will Snyder. The chaotically tasteful music video was directed and conceptualized by bless7up, paying homage to the infamous super villain, ​The Joker,​ in the film directed by Todd Philips.

 

News

In commemoration of World Savings Day Cebuana Lhuillier lists 5 easy ways for you to achieve financial freedom

Talking about financial freedom during this pandemic may seem counter intuitive. Many people have lost their jobs and more are just trying to survive on a daily basis. But as the most successful businessmen would say, it is precisely during crises when golden opportunities arise that can turn one’s fortune around.

Financial freedom may appear to be a lofty goal reserved only for the well-off but it is actually an achievable dream even for those who may be swimming in debt right now or living in a hand-to-mouth existence. Here are five simple and practical steps to empower you to take control of your finances and let go of money worries:

  1. Reflect

This is your starting point. Take stock of where you are right now – your sources of income, owned assets, monthly expenses, outstanding debt, and many others that impact on your financial situation.

Then make a realistic target of where you want to go. It can be wiping out your debt or building your dream house or sending your son to a prestigious university. Seal it with your desired deadline.

  1. Reduce

It may be disheartening to see your expenses and debt payments to be much more than your income sources and assets. But no matter how deep in the red you might be, there’s always a way to go back to black.

The simplest but may not always be the easiest way is to cut expenses. It can be from just cooking at home than having food delivery or bringing down electricity charges by turning off your air conditioners or electric fans during cold, rainy nights.

Next is reducing debt. Most people will advise you to pay off those with the highest interest rates first. But to help build up your confidence, it may be helpful to settle the low amounts first so that you’re encouraged to push ahead when you see these small victories.

As a final measure, you can let go of unnecessary stuff and turn them into cash. It can be things that are just gathering dust at home like old books or hardly used clothes and shoes.

  1. Add

Having a 9 to 5 job may not be enough for you to achieve your goals within your set time frame. Thus, you need to look for additional sources of income. During this pandemic, business opportunities are boundless from re-selling anything to home-cooked food deliveries or growing and selling succulents for your neighborhood plantitos and plantitas. The work from home set-up can also open doors for you to take side jobs that match your knowledge and skills set.

  1. Invest

The point to all these is for you to live a happy life, right? So, go ahead and invest in things that make you happy whether they’re experiences or material stuff. We use the word invest here, and not splurge, because these “investments” should bring you some kind of a return. They should uplift you and not bury you deeper into debt and desperation.

  1. Save

The last but definitely not the least important step to financial freedom is to save. Save for rainy days. Save for emergencies, like this pandemic. Save for your dreams. Save for your retirement.

And saving has been made easier by leading Philippine financial institution Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank with its Micro Savings Product that allows anyone to open a savings account with just one valid ID and P50 initial deposit through its 2,500 branches nationwide.

In the spirit of World Savings Day on October 31, Cebuana Lhuillier invites everyone – especially the millions of unbanked Filipinos – to take this journey with them towards financial freedom.

 

 

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, News

Less is more, ADP introduces NOVUHAIR Petite

Novuhair Petite

We are still in the midst of a worldwide pandemic but the reality of adhering to the different related health protocols until this global health crisis is under control while slowly relaxing the expansive social restrictions to boot up the economy refers to our “new normal”.

The good news is ADP Pharma Corporation introduces to the island of Luzon the new NOVUHAIR® Petite, the fit and clear-cut choice to meet the ever-changing needs and essentials in facing the challenges and the impact of the new normal.

Read more: https://bit.ly/37Iar5U

But why choose NOVUHAIR® Topical Scalp Lotion?

  • Formulated with 19 of nature’s finest and standardized herbal extractsand essential oils that work in synergy to help prevent and reduce the progression of hair loss
  • Clinically proven safe and effective by a clinical trial designed by and for Filipinos
  • No harmful chemicalssuch parabens and sulfates
  • Proudly Philippine-made, FDA-registered, compliant to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and USA Cosmetic Guidelines
  • Comes in a 200mL bottle good for about 4 months use

Benefits of Novuhair Petite

NOVUHAIR® Petite will be available online and offline soonfor the special price of ₱1,990 good for 2 months, highly recommended to those experiencing excessive hair shedding and to those who have been clamoring for a smaller pack for trial purposes. Sounds good?

Petite Warning Signs

NOVUHAIR® products are available at all Mercury Drug stores and other leading drugstores nationwide and online at Lazada, Shopee and regaloservice.com.

May this new offer help you feel secured and happy despite the woes of hair loss during this pandemic crisis and gain so much more value in your life.

Choose natural. Nothing to lose.

For more updates about NOVUHAIR® Petite, follow our Facebook page and Instagram account @NovuhairOfficial.

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, News

Santé Welcomes New Daily C Ambassador Catriona Gray

In the face of the ongoing pandemic, people are advised to take extra precautions to avoid getting infected by the COVID-19 virus.

These precautions include washing of hands regularly, wearing face masks and face shields, staying at home, and eating healthy food such as fruits and vegetables.

Another way to avoid getting sick and to boost one’s immune system is through the intake of Vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C can be found mostly in the food we eat, but taking an extra dose of this important nutrient can help the body’s immune functions, as well as other health benefits.

Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also agrees that Vitamin C is an important nutrient that the body needs. “Keeping a healthy lifestyle, which starts with eating a well-balanced diet to get the right amounts of important nutrients and vitamins, is important to help maintain a healthy immune system. One of these important nutrients is Vitamin C, which has been featured in supplements due to its promising properties,” Catriona said.

The beauty pageant titleholder is known for her healthy lifestyle choices, and as a fitness inspiration for all, Catriona encourages everyone to get that extra dose of Vitamin C as she joins the Santé family as the new brand ambassador of Daily C.

In a webinar held by Santé last October 30, I personally had the opportunity to ask Catriona why she decided to become the new endorser of Santé’s Daily C. Catriona said that she chose Daily C because it’s locally made and it helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She also said that Daily C has a lot of benefits that’s good for the body.

“Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to take good care of our health and overall wellbeing. I’m glad that I am able to promote this mindset as the newest brand ambassador for Santé Daily C,” said Catriona.

Santé’s Daily C is a suitable supplement for the whole family, especially for professionals who work all-day. Since it’s non-acidic, Daily C is safe for daily consumption and gentle on the stomach. The product also provides an extra dose of Vitamin C, which not only aids the immune system but also prevents scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency); an extra level of protection by enhancing the absorption of iron and the formation of collagen in our bodies; as well as an extra aid in speeding the process of wound healing.

After 5 years of marketing Daily C in 500mg, Santé now introduces Daily C’s new look and additional variant, the Daily C in 750mg. This is a bigger serving of the trusted Daily C – ascorbic acid as sodium ascorbate, now in vegetable capsules.

Joey Marcelo said, “amid these uncertain times, we all need to take extra precautions. We are glad that we have our country’s pride, Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, as our new brand ambassador for Daily C as we encourage everyone to keep themselves healthy and strong, especially amid the current global health crisis.”

Santé, known for its flagship Santé Barley™, is a company that has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products which are made with organic barley grass, as certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency. Daily C is just one of the many other organic health and wellness products offered by Santé.

As the world continues the battle against COVID-19, people should maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, and Santé’s Daily C is a product that’s sure to help.

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at santebarley.com.

 

 

 

 

Sports

Brandon Vera Predicts Aung La Makes Easy Work of De Ridder, Willing to Give ‘The Burmese Python’ a Shot at Heavyweight Title

Reigning ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera of the Philippines is one of the most dominant world champions in ONE Championship history. He’s a cage veteran who has faced the biggest names in the sport, including guys like Randy Couture, Fabricio Werdum, Frank Mir, and even Jon Jones.

When Vera came over to ONE Championship from the UFC, he instantly made a mark, winning his first four fights for the promotion, capturing the heavyweight belt in the process. It wasn’t until he tried his hand at the light heavyweight title, held by Myanmar’s “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang just last year, when Vera finally tasted defeat.

This Friday night, Aung La will see action against undefeated Dutch fighter Reinier “The Dutch Knight” De Ridder in the main event of ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on 30 October.

Vera, like a true fan of “The Burmese Python”, will be watching intently from his home in Guam, and has made his pick for the winner very obvious.

“Of course, I have Aung La winning this fight,” said Vera.

“I’m very excited to watch the champ-champ compete again and do his thing. De Ridder better be in shape. Try and not let Aung La hit you.”

While many fans and observers expect the Aung La-De Ridder showdown to be an action-packed affair, Vera sees it differently. After sharing the Circle with the two-division ONE World Champion, Vera knows exactly how Aung La fights and operates.

“The Truth” makes a bold prediction, that De Ridder will be easy pickings for the Myanmar legend.

“I don’t think this fight is going to be a war. The champ has grown past that. You might see flashes and bangs, even booms when needed,” said Vera.

“But working with his team at Sanford MMA and Coach Henri Hooft, he is becoming a refined warrior. Technique plus power is what you are going to witness this Friday night.”

One of Vera’s biggest goals in his career was to become a two-division World Champion. Which is why he challenged Aung La for the light heavyweight belt in the first place. However, those dreams were squashed after he was sent back with a devastating second round knockout care of “The Burmese Python” himself.

When asked whether or not he would like to challenge Aung La again, Vera had an interesting but firm response.

“No way! I am never cutting back down again, ever! I’m done with weight cutting in my career,” said Vera.

“But man, I’d give anyone a shot at the heavyweight title if they are in line and challenging, champ-champ included. Of course, he gave me a shot at his championship belt. It would probably seem rude not to. Aung La is #1 right now. He’s the GOAT at ONE.”

ONE Championship returns on Friday, 30 October with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The blockbuster features four World Title bouts for a total of six compelling martial arts contests.

In the main event, reigning ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar defends his middleweight title against top contender Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder of The Netherlands.

 

 

 

Food, News

Tiendesitas Food Village, Now Cooler and More Flavorful

Everytime I go to Tiendesitas I don’t miss to eat at their Food Village since many of us, food isn’t just a way to provide us energy for the day, but it’s also a way to socialize, unwind, and enjoy with others while also discovering new flavors and savoring our favorite comfort food. With quarantine making us miss good food and the company of our friends. Good news to every food lovers like me that Tiendesitas is proud to reopen the 2nd floor Food Village starting October 30, Friday – with new food concepts you’ll fall in love with, now in a fully air conditioned space.

Whether you’re looking for a simple meal or devouring a fiesta-like dinner with hearty Filipino dishes or doing an exhilarating food crawl, you’re sure to have a great time at Tiendesitas Food Village. Check out below their new and exciting food concepts available this Friday!

ElverdeFood Trading                                                Fruitas            

Boy Kanin                                                                    LuzvimindaDelicacies

VMJ Greens Trading                                                 Bonanno’sRestaurant

Farinas IlocosEmpanada                                          Jherand Mon Rice Trading

Streat Bites atbp by Leoman                                     Mama Valenciana by Bulacan Lugaw

Rub’s N Spices                                                              Happy Chef

Beer Belly Steakhouse                                                 Chef Sinauna

GatchaaBlendzMilk Tea                                               La Aysee/ Kakanin ATBP by Aysee

Zorro Kitchen by Joyce                                                SamRamRestaurant

Happy Chef                                                                     Franny Bites

Mommy Khay’sKitchen                                                 ZulloCoffee

Pancit Cabagan by Kuyang                                           Ferinos

Ortigas Malls continues to make dining and family bonding more comfortable and convenient for everyone. Check out the fully air conditioned Tiendesitas Food Village now.

For more information you may check their official Facebook pages – Greenhills, Tiendesitas,  Estancia, and Industria.

 

Lifestyle, News

Recognizing Bonifacio High Street’s effort in maintaining a bike-friendly commercial establishments in NCR

Congratulations Bonifacio High Street!

BGC – New Bike Lanes

Why BGC is one my favorite place? Aside from eco-friendly environment, Bonifacio High Street was recently awarded as one of the “Most Bike-Friendly Commercial Establishments (Silver)” in the first-ever Mobility Awards. The Mobility Awards was launched last September 2020 by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, MNL Move, The Climate Reality Project Philippines, and 350 Pilipinas.

In keeping with the promise of providing new normal solutions and becoming a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) friendly community, BGC has taken further steps to ensure that BGCitizens can easily ride their way within its confines, extending its existing 9.5km bike lanes with another 3.65km covering 26th street, 29th street, 1st ave, 2nd ave, and Burgos Circle.

BGC – New Bike Racks

Aside from that, BGC has also deployed new bike racks in twenty different locations within the city.

With these efforts, BGC aims to create a safer, more conducive and more convenient environment for its BGCitizens and more. For updates, visit Bonifacio Global City’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcityph.

Entertainment

Filipina singer-songwriter Meagan Trees inhabits wisdom beyond years on “Take Me Away”

Meagan Trees

Meagan Trees has always brought an understated sense of spontaneity into her storytelling approach, leaving plenty of room for both personal awakening and introspection to take off and not miss a mark. On her latest single, “Take Me Away,” the Dumaguete-based singer-songwriter reflects on the importance of being vulnerable and taking risks—something that most of us aren’t willing to become.

Delicately produced and delivered with heart-stopping quietness, “Take Me Away” inhabits wisdom beyond years. There’s nothing messianic about it; no platitudes to feed the ego, and no gate keeping of moral ascendancy to prove a point. What makes the song truly human is that it’s willing to embrace every bit of the experience—be it good or bad, and that there’s beauty in wanting to wake up your inner child and be open to possibilities, no matter where it takes you.

According to Meagan Trees, the song was based on a late night adventure with a friend. “We went to the beach at 3am and I thought that was such a cool, wholesome, happy experience which then led me to write ‘Take Me Away’ the next day,” the folk songstress shares.

In terms of the production details, “Take Me Away” doesn’t feel like an intuitive concept or a meticulous foray into sound design. “This song was pretty much free flowing,” Meagan Trees points out. “A few good friends, Simon and Jorbas, pitched in their ideas, I explained how I wanted this song to feel, and we came up with something very simple yet euphoric. My brother then added the guitar parts which I think made the song very youthful.”

Its impulsiveness birthed an ethereal folk ballad that’s lovingly spare but filled with emotional resonance, a song that values the ‘journey’ more than the destination itself.

Meagan Trees’ “Take Me Away” is now available on all streaming and digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

 

Entertainment

Embracing the Global Potential of Visayan Pop: PhilPop 2020 Introduces Second Batch of Songs

PhilPop, the country’s premier songwriting competition, returns with an eclectic set of new releases from the finalists of the Visayas cluster.

The sophomore batch takes regional pride to unprecedented heights with its sterling showcase of contemporary pop songs representing authentic Visayan expressions through language, culture, and experience.

Distributed by Warner Music Philippines, the homegrown tracks are available today, October 30 (Friday) on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide. The entries include “Suyo,” composed and interpreted by Noah Alejandre and Reanne Borela also know as the duo reon; “Hinungdan,” composed by Michael Catarina and interpreted by James Gulles; and “Ayaw Na Lang,” composed by JerikaTeodorico and interpreted by Lourdes Maglinte.

Suyo: Love beyond cultural differences

Breaking cultural barriers, “Suyo” tells the story of quarreling lovers from the opposite sides of the country. Over the course of the intricately produced jam, composers Noah Alejandre and Reanne Borela exchange sweet banters to win each other back in Bisaya and Tagalog, respectively.

“This song breaks the norms of OPM songs having only one language and giving emphasis on couples who are from different parts of the country,” Alejandre explains the inspiration behinf the new tune. “Both of us never really experienced being in a relationship, yet we made the song as if we were in one and took inspiration from our imaginations. Reanne took inspiration from her friends who were in relationships and have witnessed how they would fight about the simplest things and get back together right after. They took this as an opportunity to create a playful song that resulted into the song.”

With its understated charm and infectious pop songwriting, “Suyo” stands out for putting a new spin on the classic love song template. It seamlessly blends the charm and tension points of two different languages, showcasing a pure kind of love that goes beyond cultural and geographical differences.

Hinungdan: Subtlety done right

Weaving folk-pop instrumentation with striking vulnerability, “Hinungdan” brings back earnestness and subtlety at the forefront of the songwriting process, allowing words and melodies to wander into the open space and take off.

Cebu-based composer Michael Catarina cites British singer-songwriters Ed Sheeran, Passenger, and James Bay as major influences in writing “Hinungdan”—a song about “a person who is having a hard time telling his feelings for someone.”

Catarino relates to the universal appeal of the self-penned composition, sharing how he felt the same at some point in his life: “I can’t deny but I have personally experienced this as well. Way back then, when I wrote this song, I was just embracing the moment of being frustrated by writing the things that I couldn’t say.”

Ayaw Na Lang: Sultry jam for the lovelorn

According to PhilPop finalist JerikaTeodorico, “Ayaw Na Lang” is a Bisaya phrase that translates to “never mind” in English. “The lyrics are from the perspective of a lovelorn person slowly acknowledging and accepting the fact that although her love interest seems to return even a fourth of the feeling, a romance between them just won’t do,” the Cebuana composer and songwriter reflects. “It’s a very confusing feeling to deal with, and as a songwriter and a person who has a hard time processing my thoughts and emotions, I felt compelled to make a monument out of that half-joyous, half-torturous moment. It was also me trying to assure my love interest that it was fine, and there were no hard feelings after that night.”

From a musical standpoint, there’s nothing over-the-top about “Ayaw Na Lang” in terms of production and arrangement, but its charm lies on the gritty, throwback vibe that arranger and co-producer AnjeloCalinawan brought to the mix, making it sound like an ‘old-meets-new’ kind of jam. The overall product is something that Amy Winehouse or Duffy wouldn’t mind singing their hearts out, but in the entry’s case, it’s songstress Lourdes Maglinte filling in the shoes to interpret this smoky, jazz-pop original with both sass and soul.

“Suyo,” “Hinungdan,” and “Ayaw Na Lang” are now available on streaming and digital platforms worldwide via PhilPop and Warner Music Philippines.

Entertainment

R&B sensation Gareth.T explores the stinging effect of loss on new song “November Rain”

Hong Kong-based producer and singer-songwriter Gareth.T tackles the stinging effect of a loved one’s death on his new single “November Rain”, out on October 30, Friday via indie label Umami Records.

Writing and producing the emotional R&B track felt like getting a huge piece of stone off Gareth.T’s chest, and somehow, the recording process gave him time to mourn and find the silver lining at the end of the tunnel.

The multi-hyphenate artist shares, “My uncle passed away from cancer a decade ago. We were so close, and I wish I could see him for just a little longer. He passed in November and the day he was buried it was raining heavily, I thought November rain would be the perfect title.”

Perfectly encapsulating the experience dealing with the loss of a family member, “November Rain” holds tight to important memories before letting it go forever. There’s more to the song than its sentimental refuge. The production is divine at carving out interesting sonic spaces with ‘90s disco drum grooves and a dash of hip-hop at the helm. It’s meticulously written and arranged with a floating, languid sound in mind.

Gareth.T

“This took me 2 years to write,” Gareth.T adds. “I felt every word I sang, from ‘being afraid to put songs about him out in the past, cause it felt like I was saying goodbye’ to ‘not being used to the empty chair on my grandma’s table at Christmas’. Every word I wrote, I meant. I still cry when I listen back to this song.”

Currently based in Boston while studying at Berklee College of Music, the prolific producer has been dropping a new track every 4 weeks, and has no plans to slow down.

Listen to November Rain by Gareth.T everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/november-rain/

About Gareth.T

Hong Kong R&B artist Gareth.T coalesces the smooth tones of R&B and the rough edges of hip-hop music, using his diverse musical experience to tell his unique story.

Now based in Boston, Gareth.T was born and raised in Hong Kong, bringing an eastern metropolitan perspective to his music. A classically trained violinist, Gareth.T is also a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer, allowing him the complete creative freedom to express his own unique style.

Gareth invites you to accompany him on his journey throughout this year as he continues to craft his soulful, experimental soundscape.