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Entertainment

Revelation: The concert filled out the Alex Theater, meeting the need for live entertainment

The return of ABS-CBN International and TFC Events to live shows paid off, as the Los Angeles leg of Revelation: The Concert Tour in the United States was well-attended. Fans from all around California, including Arizona, flocked to see Dingdong Avanzado, his wife Jessa Zaragoza, and their daughter Jayda perform at the Alex Theater. After sitting at home for the past two years since the pandemic began, it was evident that the audience was looking forward to in-person events. “Finally, we had the chance to get together and connect,” Annabel De Leon of Rancho Cucamonga exclaimed.

Avanzado assured the crowd that their only job that night was to have fun, and fun was had as the concert goers were treated to an array of songs that took them down memory lane.

The original Prince of Filipino Pop, Avanzado, and his wife, Zaragoza, touted as the Phenomenal Diva of the Philippines, had the audience singing along to their hearts’ content and dancing to the songs that were nostalgic, fun, and familiar.

Their daughter, Jayda, was a revelation herself proving she was an artist of substance as she sang songs from her official debut album. She also accompanied herself, playing the keyboard, and then the guitar, showing proficiency in her craft.

Developing and perfecting her artistry has always been Jayda’s mantra. She explains that for her, the highest form of compliment is when people recognize her artistry, “which is something I really work hard at, and I am really proud of.”

Fely Pasamba of Los Angeles enthused that she loved the concert “because I love to dance, and we love Jessa and Dingdong and their daughter.”

Pearl Sarabia of Fontana announced  that they had so much fun. “We’ve seen Dingdong before but this one is different because it’s the whole family. It’s a great show!”

And Ed Rame, also from Los Angeles, shared that “you can feel the inspiration that wrapped the entire theater that truly brought so much joy.” He added that, “It’s a well-conceptualized concert, executed well and performed excellently.”

It was a night of fun and many amazing revelations.

Annabel of Rancho Cucamonga also emphasized how the show was refreshing. “It’s a good reminder that God is always faithful, and they brought that message loud and clear tonight,” she adds.

Audiences have one more chance to experience the fun and learn of the many other discoveries to be brought to light when Revelation goes to Northern California on March 26 at the Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063. Tickets start at $25. Part of the proceeds for the Fox Theater show will go to the ABS-CBN Foundation International for the continuing rehabilitation efforts for the victims of Super Typhoon Odette.

Ding.com and Sendwave, along with Media Partners – Philippine News Today, Inquirer.net, FilAm Star, and Asian Journal, are presenting the show on March 26.

For tickets and more information, go to myTFC.com/revelation.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

How Can Artists Make Money Through Gigz?

“You’ll never make any money as an artist,” people used to say. Now, it’s time to put the pessimism aside and embrace real hope, because Gigz is changing the game for artists in this digital (and pandemic) age.

If you’re an artist who’s struggling to replace lost revenue streams in the wake of the current pandemic,

Gigz may just be the solution you need.  In today’s world, there are more opportunities than ever which allow entertainers (musicians, comedians, etc.) to do what they love and generate a sustainable income. And as long as you’re willing to put in the time and work, you too can reap the incredible rewards of this new age by being creative enough.

Gigz was founded in 2021, providing an online platform to help entertainers earn by simply uploading their videos or performances. The platform features music, comedy, video podcasts, films, events, and more.

It operates in a way similar to YouTube except that Gigz has a donation button that allows fans and followers to contribute any amount to support their favorite artists.

Furthermore, artists might choose to charge for their performances so that fans can pay and watch them on demand, on any device, at any time. Additionally, Gigz marketing initiatives assist artists in raising their profiles and creating awareness, allowing them to be noticed globally. On Gigz, being an artist is simple. Simply log in to the website (https://gigz.online/), establish an account by entering your email address, creating a password, and uploading a profile photo and video, and you’re ready to start creating content and earning money

Entertainment

Ace Banzuelo’s seductive serenade “Babae” kicks off International Women’s Month

The release of “Babae,” a ’80s-inspired ballad with warm, analog-sounding synths and love lyrics, Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo seeks to carve out a unique path in pop music. The retro-infused track acts as the official anthem for Sony Music Philippines’ #BabaeAko campaign, which aims to highlight women and female artists on the label’s roster through a variety of online and promotional events in March 2022. In the zoom meeting that was held we were astonished at how Ace Banzuelo delivered his song. He indeed possesses that great quality of voice that will surely hook a lot of the listeners. And we are greatly amazed by him as he shows his talent during the virtual event.

According to the Alive hitmaker, it’s an honor to lend his platform to an important cause that empowers women in creatives who have long been deprived of equal opportunities.

Babae was already finished months ahead and it was set to be released earlier than the target date,” says the 21-year-old artist. “When the team approached me about the possibility of using my song as part of a women-focused campaign, I immediately said yes. I’ve worked with many talented women all my life, and it’s about time that we recognize their legacy and how they have contributed significantly in pushing the culture forward. They are as great or even as better than their counterparts if truth be told.”

The music video of “Babae” is in fact, helmed by Katrina Arciaga, a budding female director who has worked with Ace on several projects before. “We’ve worked on small projects as independent creatives before, but this time without a doubt I knew we could pull off my vision and bring it to life.”

The visuals tell a story of a person earning someone’s trust. In Ace’s words, it’s a “sweet, magical and mysterious” metaphor on the various stages of liking someone, including the challenges that come with it.

“I came up with the playful concept last minute actually,” the eclectic pop phenom shares in a statement.

Aside from its interesting music video concept, Ace also takes pride of writing a multilingual song that highlights the poetic beauty of Tagalog and Cebuano, with a generous sprinkling of English, Japanese and Spanish.

To make this happen, the skilled newcomer enlisted the support of friends and family in penning the song’s lyrics, which required precision and proper word usage. “I’ve always thought that adding those little language changes to the track would add an interesting layer.”

Ace Banzuelo’s “Babae” is the follow-up to his sparkling bop “Alive,” which ushers in his new era with genres ranging from K-Pop to city pop, ’70s disco to dance music. Ace has amassed over 12 million Spotify streams to date and is set to release his full-length first album later this year.

Babae is currently available on all digital music platforms across the world. Watch the music video here. The song is part of Sony Music Philippines’ International Women’s Month celebrations, which begin on March 17 with a curated playlist including Sony Music’s local and international female artists, as well as a series of videos/online performances from the label’s roster of acts. For more information, visit Sony Music Philippines’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

“Revelation: The Concert Tour in the United States” is TFC’s first ever LIVE event in the US

The performance is described as a “family affair,” with Dingdong Avanzado, the “Original Prince of Pinoy Pop,” and his wife, Jessa Zaragoza, the “Phenomenal Diva” and one of the Philippines’ best female music artists. In the zoom conference that was held, Dingdong Avanzado answered the reason why they named it “Revelation”. He discussed that because of this pandemic they discover a lot of things and what they have experienced during those times will be revealed. Through this concert also they will have a lot of revelation with their daughter, Jayda.

Jayda, their daughter, will be joining them, and she is being billed as the next big thing in music. She had exceptional musicality from an early age, writing her first song at the age of twelve.

Dingdong and Jessa are two of the big-name artists in the 90s and many 1st-gen FilAms would be familiar with their discography, while Jayda is an up-and-coming artist for the new generation of music lovers.

In Southern California, Revelation: The Concert Tour will be on March 12 at the Alex Theater, 216 N Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203. Ticket prices for the Glendale leg are: $158.00; $128.00; $98.00; $78.00; $70.00; $65.00; $50.00.

Revelation goes to Northern California on March 26 at the Fox Theater, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063. Ticket prices for this venue are: $55, $45,$35.

Go to myTFC.com/revelation to get your tickets and for more information.

Dingdong Avanzado

Dingdong Avanzado is known as the Philippines’ Prince of Pop. He is a multi-platinum recording artist and songwriter. He is regarded as one of the most outstanding concert performers in the Philippines over the last two decades.

His hit songs like “Makapiling Ka Sana”, “Basta’t Kasama Kita”, “To Love Again”, “Tatlong Beinte Singko” and “Paalam Na” all became love anthems and movie themes in the late eighties and early nineties making Dingdong one of the most celebrated recording artists of his time.

Dingdong has one distinct thing in common with other notable Philippine singers and music artists like Ogie Alcasid, Randy Santiago, Carlo Orosa, Louie Ocampo, Mel Villena, Rowell Santiago, and Gary Valenciano, to name a few – they were all members of Kundirana.

The Kundirana is a renowned high school music ministry and organization composed of 3rd and 4th year high school students from La Salle Green Hills. The group is known for developing successful professional singers and musical artists. Once chosen from a rigorous audition, a Kundirana member undergoes intense training in both singing and dancing, eventually becoming ambassadors of goodwill.

Jessa Zaragoza

Jessa Zaragoza is known as the Philippines’ Phenomenal Diva due to the success of her hit song “Bakit Pa?”. The song became the number one ballad in the Philippines in the late 90s. It is also the carrier single of her album, Just Can’t Help Feelin, which reached sextuple platinum months after its release in 1996.

She is married to Dingdong Avanzado and has a daughter, Jayda.

Dingdong and Jessa were two of the most well-known performers in the 1990s, and many 1st-generation FilAms would be familiar with their repertoire, while Jayda is a newcomer to the music scene.

Jayda

Jayda, Janelle Amanda Loyola Avanzado in real life, is Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza’s only daughter. She’s building a name for herself in the music world lately. With her popular song “Happy For You”, a single from her debut EP, In My Room, published in 2018, she established herself as a singer-songwriter. Jayda has also played at 1MX, the world’s largest Filipino music festival. In 2019, it was held in Singapore, and in 2021, it will be held in Manila. Jayda is one of the Philippines’ newest rising stars.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

“Bam Bam”, new single of Camila Cabello new collab with Ed Sheeran

RELEASES CINEMATIC MUSIC VIDEO
NEW ALBUM FAMILIA COMING APRIL 8

Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, global superstar, multi-platinum, and chart-topping singer/songwriter Camila Cabello gearing up for her biggest, boldest, and brightest release yet, will unveil her anxiously awaited blockbuster new single and music video “Bam Bam” [feat. Ed Sheeran] via Epic Records on March 4, 2022. Pre-order/Pre-save “Bam Bam”HERE. “Bam Bam” was produced by Ricky Reed, Edgar Barerra and Cheche Alara, and was written by Cabello, Ed Sheeran and Ricky Reed.  The video was directed by Mia Barnes, in collaboration with Dave Meyers, who also directed Cabello’s “Havana,” “Senorita,” “My Oh My” and “Liar” videos. Watch the video here.

“Bam Bam” marks her first release of 2022, and it stands out as one of the year’s most anticipated event singles. It notably reunites her with one of the best-selling artists in the world, four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Ed Sheeran. It continues a creative collaboration dating back to Sheeran’s gold-certified 2019 banger “South of the Border” [feat. Camila Cabello & Cardi B].

Most importantly, “Bam Bam” heralds the arrival of her third full-length album, Familia, on April 8.

Last year, she set the stage for the record with “Don’t Go Yet, which impressively gathered 232 million Spotify streams.

 

About Camila Cabello
Multi Grammy nominated Cuban born singer/songwriter Camila Cabello (Epic Records) released her debut solo album, CAMILA in January 2018 to rave reviews. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart at the same time as her single “Havana” Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Camila the first solo artist in nearly 15 years to reach the #1 spot on the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and Artist 100 charts in the same week. Camila also became the #1 artist on global Spotify. She took home awards for Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for her hit “Havana” at the 2018 Video Music Awards. At the end of 2018, Camila was nominated for two Grammys for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards including “Best Pop Vocal Album” for her album, CAMILA, and “Best Pop Solo Performance” for “Havana” (Live). Beginning her official solo career after four years in Fifth Harmony, Camila released RIAA diamond-certified smash hit “Havana,” in August 2017 where it obtained the #1 spot on the pop radio chart, marking her second top 40 #1 as a solo artist. “Havana” became the most streamed song of all time by a female artist and was the number one song of 2018 globally. Her triple-platinum single “Never Be The Same,” was released in January 2018 and peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Camila became the first artist in history to have two multi-format number one singles as the first two singles from their debut album.  Camila had previously earned a chart-topping smash with her double platinum-certified hit “Bad Things” with MGK which generated over 400 million on-demand streams. Camila released the global smash single “Señorita,” with Shawn Mendes in June 2019, it debuted at #1 on iTunes worldwide and broke Spotify’s record for the biggest debut from a male/female duet in its history. “Señorita” was the most streamed song of any song released globally on Spotify in 2019 and was nominated in the category of “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. In December 2019, Camila released her sophomore studio album, ROMANCE, which is certified platinum. At the 62nd Grammy Awards, Camila gave a stunning performance of her track, “First Man,” where she sang directly to her father in the crowd. Camila is the first female artist since Adele to triple up atop Billboard’s Hot 100, Billboard 200 & Artist 100 charts. Maintaining her momentum, “My Oh My” reached #1 at Pop Radio in 2020, becoming her 5th total number one as a solo artist following the success of “Señorita” the prior year. Camila is also an ambassador for Save the Children. In August of 2021, Camila released her new single “Don’t Go Yet” from her highly anticipated upcoming album, Familia. In September 2021, she made her acting debut starring in CINDERELLA.
Outside of entertainment, Camila is a spokesperson for L’Oreal. She is also an ambassador for Save the Children and was honored in 2019 with the Voice Award. In 2020, Camila, along with Movement Voter Fund, launched the Healing Justice Project, which provides direct grant funding for culturally relevant mental health and wellness resources to youth activists and grassroots organizations working at the intersection of racial and economic justice, electoral organizing and other movements that work towards bettering and moving this country forward.
About Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is an era-defining artist. From record-breaking sales across his recorded music and live performances, and a plethora of award wins to his name, the British singer-songwriter is the boundless talent behind some of the biggest songs in history.  The 4x GRAMMY award winner has consistently resonated with fans across the world with his peerless songcraft and exceptional music palate. With four multiplatinum, critically acclaimed albums under his belt – ‘+’ (2011), ‘x’ (2014), ‘÷’ (2017) and ‘No.6 Collaborations Project’ (2019) – Sheeran has amassed more than 60 billion streams and sold over 50 million albums, globally to date; he is also one of only six artists to have three songs – “Thinking Out Loud,” “Perfect,” and “Shape Of You” – earn RIAA Diamond-certification, for sales equivalents exceeding 10 million in the US alone.  An unparalleled live performer, Sheeran’s most recent, two-year ÷ world tour made history becoming the most-attended and highest-grossing tour of all time.  Last fall, Sheeran released ‘=’, the fourth installment of his symbol album series, highlighted by the hit singles “Shivers” and “Bad Habits,” which recently received a GRAMMY nomination for “Song of the Year.”  Debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200, ‘=’ is Sheeran’s fourth consecutive full length release to top the chart after its first week.   A global phenomenon, ‘=’ has also gone to #1 in 19 countries around the world.
Entertainment, Lifestyle

In a mysterious post, Elisse and Mccoy anticipate their breakup, “Ayoko na. Gabi gabi na lang akong walang tulog.”

Elisse Joson and Mccoy de Leon, also known as “McLisse,” were initially discovered in 2016 on the popular reality show Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7. Both candidates, particularly Mccoy, were quite vocal of their emotions. Fans have also noticed that they have an undeniable chemistry and connection. With the passage of time, the two Showbiz rookies transitioned from close friends to first-time parents to Felize McKenzie, their 10-month-old daughter.

Many fans follow the two PBB alums on their social media platforms, and they were left shocked and wondering what happened to the two especially just after Elisse’s birthday surprise party for Mccoy and Felize’s baptism. In the afternoon of March 04, 2022, Elisse published a cryptic post.

According to the actress, “Akala ko okay na pero nakakapagod pala. Gabi-gabi na lang akong walang tulog. Babad sa isip ko kung paano matitigil yung paghihirap namin ni baby. Ayoko na.”

This post did not sit well with fans of the couple. They shared theories on what could be the source of this tension. Some say there could be issues within their families, financial problems, and many more.

Later that day, Mccoy also took a jab at the issue and posted what he was feeling.

“Nahihirapan na din ako,” Mccoy said, adding that despite how difficult things are right now, he will find a way to protect his partner and daughter. “At sana kahit ganito, hindi tayo bumitaw dahil gagawin ko ang lahat mapasaya at maprotektahan lang kayo,” he said.

We’ve contacted both camps about this issue, but they have yet to react.

 

Entertainment

Benjamin Kheng’s new single, “Good For A Time”, collab with Singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo

Returns of the Singaporean singer-songwriter Benjamin Kheng with a brand-new song, Good For A Time — featuring an acoustic pop-R&B Filipino artist Bea Lorenzo on vocals. The track is available on all digital platforms via Sony Music Entertainment and the music video for Good For A Time premiers on 4th March 2022 at 6:00 PM SGT.

The radio-friendly pop ballad is a culmination of collaborations on multiple fronts. For the writing, Kheng teamed up with fellow Singaporean singer-songwriter, Linying, best known for penning and performing the theme song for 2021’s National Day Parade, ‘The Road Ahead’.

“Writing Good For A Time was as much fun as it was bittersweet. Linying was the perfect co-writer for this — breaking down heartbreak and joy is what she does best and it felt like we left little pieces of ourselves in this tune.”

Together, they penned lyrics that captured the desire to stretch time for as long as possible to savour the last moments before the unavoidable end of a meaningful relationship.

Good For A Time is more than just a breakup song, it’s about a couple presently breaking up and going through the painful process of untethering while looking back fondly and appreciating the love that was.”

Kheng leaned on the expertise of Snakeweed Studios’ Josh Wei (CL, Gentlebones) to oversee production on the track.

“Josh was a godsend. Not one stone was left unturned. We experimented with many arrangements on different instruments, and I’m glad we landed on this one.”

Filipino singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo, best known for her prowess with the Kalimba, was brought on as a feature to turn the song into a duet, highlighting the shared experience of heartbreak. Lorenzo describes the song as the seconds of silence between two people facing the realisation of no longer being good for each other.

Good For A Time takes that brief moment and stretches it into a bittersweet 2-and-a-half minutes, painting a picture of young love and the peace that can come with letting go.” On working with Kheng she says, “Working with an artist like Ben, who was so open-minded and caring throughout the process, I was reminded of the joys of honest songwriting and the power it holds in a storytelling space.”

“It was serendipitous having Bea Lorenzo as a duet partner,” says Kheng, “She gave the piece a stunning voice and made the story all the more poignant. Being separated by miles due to the pandemic gave an added depth to the reality of the song.”

This was especially true when producing the music video for Good For A Time. Set in the empty late-night cityscape of Singapore and Manila, the music video depicts Kheng and Lorenzo as ex-lovers reuniting for the first time since their separation.

Singaporean Photographer and Director Lenne Chai took the helm. Inspired by her own experiences as a young teen, Chai wanted to capture the feeling of young love and longing. We follow Kheng and Lorenzo as they mull over their memories of being in love and exploring the city to extend their time together.

Given that Kheng and Lorenzo were in different countries at the time, filming was done concurrently with a remote team in Manila led by director Simon Te and cinematographer Renz Gonzalez.

“The experience was wonderful, and I’m so glad we pulled it off,” says Chai. “This would not have been possible without our hotel partners, Conrad Centennial and Conrad Manila, who supported our production in both cities.”

 

FOLLOW BENJAMIN KHENG

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FOLLOW BEA LORENZO

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Entertainment

To encourage internet safety, Google and Ben&Ben have released a music video titled Mag-ingat

Google has released a new song in collaboration with the Filipino folk pop band Ben&Ben to promote internet safety and digital responsibility. The song, named “Mag-Ingat” (Be Safe Online), is part of Google’s commitment to assisting Filipinos in safely and responsibly using the internet.

The two-and-a-half-minute Filipino song discusses current internet concerns such as scams, misinformation, and catfishing, as well as the necessity of critical thinking and checking information through reliable sources to safeguard oneself and others. It also serves as a reminder to internet users to be aware of unscrupulous actors who lurk in cyberspace, just as they do in the real world. Many of us are facing this concern since we’re into social media and other platforms right now that we’re quarantined due to the pandemic. I also relate to this social media fraud and misinformation because I already experienced these things and it’s really not easy and it greatly affects me. And I really like the song because it conveys a great message to all the people out there.

Taken during the zoom meeting

This newest single from the young band ends strongly with a bridge conveying that online safety is a shared responsibility–people are all stewards of the digital world. It’s all in the hands of netizens to use the internet right and care for the online safety of one another.

The catchy and lively tune was written and performed by Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ #1 local artist of 2021. The award-winning nine-piece act is known for mixing Filipino folk music with pop to create songs about hope, love, and positivity.

“Filipinos are highly social people and most of us interact with one another digitally. In such a world, it’s no wonder that while the internet brings so many advantages, it also opens us up to many dangers if we are not careful enough. With ‘Mag-ingat,’ we wanted to use our music to spread awareness on such a timely and important issue–because all of us are responsible for making sure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone,” said Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben.

“Internet safety is so important to Google. Beyond tools, products, and policies that enable us to help people stay safe online, we deepen our local partnerships to promote digital responsibility. By partnering with Ben&Ben and through their music, we believe that we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with and becomes part of their everyday lives,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Philippines. 

Google’s comprehensive approach to digital responsibility is assisting millions of people in staying safe online. It also developed initiatives like Be Internet Awesome with the Department of Education and sponsored NGO efforts like the Cyberpeace project of the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, in addition to security precautions like the two-step verification process and security and password  inspections.

“We thank Google for being a steadfast partner in promoting and upholding the digital safety of Filipinos, and Ben&Ben for creating an anthem that will remind every Filipino who listens to it to ‘mag-ingat’ and take steps into becoming responsible netizens,” said Atty. John Henry Naga, National Privacy Commissioner. 

On Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel, the “Mag-ingat” music video is already available. “Mag-ingat” can also be found on all digital music platforms throughout the world.

Entertainment

LESHA has returned with its newest track ELEVEN: ELEVEN that will surely bring fascination and excitement

When the clock hits 11:11, it’s impossible not to make a wish. It’s known as Angel Numbers, and there are countless ways to observe it. All you have to do is keep your eyes open and you’ll see them. These numbers have a distinct effect on Lesha, a fast-rising electro pop performer. “Literally anything!” says Lesha when asked what she normally whispers secretly when the clock hits recurring numerical sequences. Because 11:11 is a reminder from your angels to reflect on your purpose, I usually love manifesting career or life opportunities.”

At this point in her career, Lesha is taking on more difficult challenges and focusing her drive on conquering a larger platform. She can only say that she’s living the dream right now and that she’s ready for whatever the Universe has in store for her next.

“At this point where I am on a journey on breaking it into the International stage, represent the Filipino music industry globally, and hopefully on a world tour. With all that I’ve achieved so far, I’m deeply humbled and somehow extremely in awed of how far I’ve come in my career. Never in my life I would’ve expected to release a global collaboration album or be under Lauv or Finneas’ label, AWAL.”

Before this year closes, she’s dropping her newest track entitled ELEVEN:ELEVEN, part of her soon to be released global album entitled SUN MOON RISING. This is the shortest track in the album and probably the most chillest one.   As compared to her other releases, Lesha is proud to say that this track is a one-woman-show. No collaborators or producers worked on this track which is another reason why she feels that this song is special because she get to show people the most authentic sound in its rawest form.

“Eleven:Eleven is a dreamy synth filled track that I produced in my bedroom studio one night when I got the idea to write about how I love wishing on angel numbers specifically 11:11.  I knew the concept of Numerology had to be a part of this album since it played a huge role in my journey of manifestation and spirituality. At the time I was writing this song, I already knew the title had to be Eleven:Eleven so I used that as the direction for the lyrics and just relating it to me and my personality. This song is my own way of reminding myself of my worth, that I’m divinely guided, and is also another way of protecting my energy from any negativity,” Lesha shares.

She worked the hardest in finishing this song, doing all the nitty gritty details from songwriting, putting on music, producing and even creating her own music video.  It’s not an easy feat, but her mind is focused to doing things her own way while following what she has envisioned for every track music video and maintain a global standard quality.

“I drew inspiration for my music videos through listening to my songs all day and try to visualize the sound or how I interpret the music. Sometimes my ideas can go from very abstract concepts into something that people can easily grasp.”

Admittedly, Lesha can become an obsessive perfectionist especially when it comes to producing and creating her music videos. But it’s tougher for her than you can imagine. Stretching her creative juices in every way, shape and form.  By the way, that’s where her resourcefulness came into play being able to come up a polished finished product in the shortest time possible.

For the Eleven: Eleven music video, Lesha has the concept of her shots as inspired by Alice In Wonderland. She explains, “I’ve always wanted to do a whimsical sort of character for a music video and at the same time have it look like an exaggeration of my personality. The mime in the video is another character we injected to represent more of the darker side of how people can really choose how they appear to other people.”

She gives advice to newbies who wants to do their own music videos, “When working on a music video, the key is to find the right people who also see your vision the way you do so they get to deliver the vibe you’re going for. On top of that, you also need to be looking at whether this person is easy to work with and is professional in all scenarios. I’ve encountered working with unprofessional people, no work ethics whatsoever and it really gives the rest of the team a harder (me and a huge headache when the deadline is fast approaching.”

Call Lesha a total game changer in this cutthroat music industry, but she is determined to achieve her vision to continue being a hardworking D-I-Y artist in charge of her own brand of music. “I don’t really like putting myself in a box of just making pop music, which is why I enjoy injecting different genres I feel would fit well in the track. I love that I get to make music that is authentic to me and what I vibe with, at the same time fit many other sub-genres into my style.”

But she acknowledges that her artistry is a work in progress and still evolving. You’ll be surprised  how Lesha can still be flexible and open minded to hone her craft.

“I’ve definitely grown a lot as a producer and songwriter through the years and I’m still constantly learning as I’m making more songs. I feel like I’ve gotten to refine my taste in music while working on this album and that’s the beauty of it. The more I experiment with different genres or styles, the more I’m able to sort of shape shift my sound into something that is unique to me and my listeners.”

ELEVEN: ELEVEN” is the fourth single from Lesha’s next worldwide collaboration visual album, ‘SUN MOON RISING,’ which will be released in early 2022. It will be accessible on all digital music streaming outlets on December 3, 2021. Lesha’s music is available on Spotify, and on her YouTube Channel, you can view original music videos, covers, and learn more about music production.

Entertainment

As per Spotify Wrapped, Ben&Ben is the most-streamed OPM artist in the Philippines in 2021

Ben&Ben are completing the year on a high note, leading streaming platforms in the Philippines and scoring top-tier multimedia collaborations, as well as winning key categories at every significant award show and putting on their game-changing headline show.

The nine-piece group was crowned the Philippines’ most-streamed OPM Artist and Group of 2021 for the second year in a row, following the success of their sophomore album, Pebble House Vol. Kuwaderno is number one. Ben&Ben have gathered almost 300 million streams in 170 countries, according to Spotify Wrapped, the platform’s annual summary of 2021’s best hits, setting a new record for the folk-pop group. The Lunod hitmakers also did well in the playlisting department, with their songs appearing in 5,809,115 prominent and selected playlists on the digital platform.

On top of the streaming recognition, the acclaimed band recently bagged the top honors at the 34th Awit Awards—the country’s version of the Grammys. Ben&Ben earned the recognition on four major categories, including the Most Streamed Artist, Record of the Year and Best Inspirational Recording for their chart-topping hit “Di Ka Sayang,” as well as Best Ballad Recording for “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay.”

Ben&Ben also made headlines for their advocacy work a few days ago, particularly for lending their song “Kayumanggi” on the music video campaign that supports the coastal communities in La Union. The project, which was spearheaded by Emerging Islands, a coastal-based arts organization and National Geographic, showcased the cultural richness and scenic beauty of Bangar and Bauang, San Juan, as well as its hard-working people.

To cap off a successful year, their smash single “Pasalubong,” a collaboration with Moira, was used as the main song for the John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo reunion film, One True Pair, which streamed on Jollibee’s official YouTube last December 1, 2021.

In an official statement, Ben&Ben expressed that there have been a lot of trade-offs in their personal and collective lives in the past year, but they’re grateful for the success and support of their fandom, Liwanag in every project that they’re part. “With everything happening and all the blessings coming our way, it’s a whole lot to be grateful for indeed,” the band shares. “The hard work is worth it in that sense for sure, but we do go through our fair share of personal struggles as well, especially with this year and even the past year being two of the absolute most challenging years so far, not just for us but for so many in the world too. We want to thank our listeners especially though, because they really were the ones that give us that daily reminder that it is all worth it.”

The multi-award-winning group will play at Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert this weekend, their biggest headline show to date. The digital concert, which was shot live at the Araneta Coliseum, is expected to alter the virtual concert-going experience by fusing artistic disciplines such as theatre, dance, symphony, and technology. The band will also perform songs from Pebble House Vol. 2, their recently released sophomore album. 1: Kuwaderno, as well as a few classics and audience favorites. The show’s tickets are still available on ktx.ph.