Sheer Embroidery Day 1

I recently signed up again as a pattern tester for The Craft Central. Their sheer embroidery kits enticed me to sign up again, and I was willing to be their guinea pig again. Pattern testers try out the shop’s newest kits in exchange of Php999 money back to buy from their tester rewards catalog. Since I am a customer of The Craft Central in the first place, this is a win-win situation for me!

Their sheer yellow kit was my testing set of choice. So far, I am enjoying the process. Sheer fabric is a challenging material to work with, but I am winging it! The first pattern I finished was completed while listening to podcasts. I would say that this is intermediate level, considering the material used.

I still have two patterns to work with, and I am definitely excited. I hope that you also have projects that interest and excite you these days!

Nitro 7 Peppermint Mocha

My favorite local cold brew is from Nitro 7. I love their peppermint mocha cold brew! In my opinion, it tastes way better than international cold brew brands. It is really delicious, and it hits the spot each time.

It manages to wake me up every time, and it is great value for money. And the peppermint syrup is just enough to brighten up my day!

I hope that you also try this soon. Nitro 7 Coffee has branches all over the metro, and the closest one to my home is at SM North Edsa. Enjoy!

Japan’s Tokimeki Records finds new city pop muse in Filipina singer-songwriter syd hartha

Listen to the boogie-infused cover of The Cardigan’s “Carnival”

After gaining prominence with some notable pop classics, Japanese music project Tokimeki Records brings boogie and ‘80s retro sounds back to the dancefloor with a reimagining of The Cardigans’ “Carnival.”

Featuring Filipina singer-songwriter syd hartha on vocals, the new version of “Carnival” evokes pre-pandemic Tokyo where neon pulses through the towering skyscrapers and a random stroll downtown offers the best form of therapeutic escape. Trading the ‘90s twee-pop sound of the original for a more lighthearted disco-pop affair, electronic music producer Yutaka Takanami of Tokimeki Records embraces the carefree bliss that has come to define his previous releases, while infusing spacious production and sticky-sweet, synthesizer melodies to the mix. 

“One of the most influential western pop songs of the 1990s for me was Carnival,” Tokimeki Records’ very own Yutaka Takanami shares. “It was also played on TV at the time, but it was also played and covered in the Japanese club scene. I've been wanting to get an Asian singer to sing this song, and I was hoping that syd would sing it for me. It was a dream came true.”

According to Yutaka Takanami, he found out about syd harthafrom Kevin Foo, the former label owner of Singapore-based Umami Records and currently the General Manager of Sony Music Taiwan. “I also checked out her YouTube page, and after watching her sing cute but mature songs, I fell in love with her all over again.”

Elevating the track’s uniquely nostalgic vibe with effortless subtlety and grace, syd hartha delivers a sophisticated performance that is quite different from anything that she’s released in her folk-pop catalog. The award-winning Sony Music artist is eternally grateful to explore other opportunities with Tokimeki Records, including the honor to get handpicked to represent the country in this prestigious project. 

“It’s fulfilling to try new things, and succeed in going out of your comfort zone as a musician,” the 20-year-old singer-songwriter admits. “I’m really happy that I was able to put my own take on a beloved ‘90s tune and work with a globally renowned producer like Namy for this track.”

“Carnival” is the first release under Yutaka Takanami’s new label, “Namy&” and is part of Tokimeki Records’ efforts to “express the old, nostalgic atmosphere and worldview in the modern age” and bring nostalgic sounds to pop consciousness.

Pre-Save and listen “Carnival” here: https://tokimeki.lnk.to/Carnival

About Tokimeki Records

When the night falls on the city, Tokimeki Records take the stage to bring you the nostalgic sounds.  When the summer was nearing its end in 2019, a musical project was launched to cover 80’s-90’s hit songs of Japan and abroad.  Electro-boogie sounds highlighted by synthesizers are infused with the singer’s soulful & sensual voice to tell stories of sophisticated, mellow and sultry evenings.

About Yutaka Takanami

Yutaka Takanami was born and raised in Japan's snow country, Niigata Prefecture, where nature abounds. As a traveling sound selector, he sometimes creates and sometimes selects music with musicians from Japan and abroad to accompany scenes and people.

As a traveling sound selector, he works with musicians from Japan and abroad, sometimes creating and sometimes selecting music that is close to the scene and people, and enjoys his daily activities.

He is also a producer of AmPm, a masked project with over 70 million plays on Spotify.

When AmPm released "Best Part of Us" as a limited distribution in March 2017, it ranked #38 on Spotify's global viral chart and #6 on the US viral chart. It was an unprecedented hit for an indie Japanese artist (total views as of April 2018: 12.2 million).

In 2017, he represented Japan at his first live performance at "Spotify On Stage" hosted by Spotify in Indonesia in front of an audience of about 10,000 people.

In February 2018, he became the first Japanese artist to officially remix one of the world's leading EDM artists, Afrojack. In March, he was invited to perform at the 20th anniversary of the world's largest dance music festival, Ultra Music Festival in Miami.

He has become a household name in Japan and around the world at an exceptionally fast pace. He has also been involved in various other music projects, and has released 10 original albums under the name Namy, as well as selecting BGM for "TRUNK (HOTEL)" and "STARFLYER".

With his music project Namy, "I Can't Wait" and "Not This Time" debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart in the Breakout category for the second consecutive year.

About syd hartha

syd hartha broke through the public consciousness with songs that are intensely personal in nature, but universal in a way that it captures volume and vigor beyond words. While her contemporaries are busy chasing algorithm-driven trends, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Manila finds beauty in ruins and self-reflection, showcasing unguarded moments of vulnerability with captivating rawness.

After making rounds in the gig circuit, syd caught the interest of Sony Music Philippines, which eventually signed her as one of its esteemed rosters. It was with her involvement with the international record label that syd started to polish her sound with understated grace and newfound maturity. She wrote empowering anthems such as “ayaw,” which affirms her stand against sexual harassment and abuse towards women in general, and the assertive “paruparo,” an earthy but compelling affair that features her current backing band for the first time: Raisa Racelis on bass, Pat Sarabia on drums,and Bea Fabros on guitars on percussions. Both songs topped Jam 88.3’s top 10 countdown—a weekly roundup of the biggest hits on the Philippines’ only alternative rock station.

The following year, syd hartha proved to be a vital force in several award-giving bodies in music. The multi-talented artist earned her first nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 2020 MYX Awards 2020 and another one for Wish Contemporary Folk Song of the Year at the 5th Wish 107.5 Music Awards. A few months after, the young singer-songwriter bagged her first win for Best Folk Recording at the 33rd Awit Awards, the country’s equivalent of the Grammys. 

To date, syd has racked up more than 10 million streams on Spotify alone—a testament to her growing fanbase. She has recently released songs that pivot towards radio-friendly territory—from the rap-inflected “Hiwaga” to the electronic pop jam “All My Sins,” which features Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Sarah Barrios.

The Hiwaga songstress is also slated to release her up-and-coming debut record next year under Sony Music Philippines.

Source: Nyou

Cyma Gyro

I first had a Cyma chicken gyro in 2007. It was a flavorful party in my mouth that I couldn’t get over with! Now that it’s already 2021, I still enjoy this delicious entrée.

It is a complete meal in itself, and it is made with grilled chicken slices, greens, their house pita bread, and their yummy fries. Their hot sauce hits the spot, and brings unexpected heat to this dish.

Make sure that you order this on your next visit to Cyma! They also deliver via Grab Food or Food Panda. Enjoy!

Hibiscus Top

I recently finished crocheting the Hibiscus Top designed by Filipina crochet designer Mgypsy. For this project, I used milk cotton yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and a 4.00mm Tulip Sorbet hook from Oh My Yarn.

The top is supposed to mimic the hibiscus flower. The petals add textural dimension to the top, making it an instant conversation piece! I will definitely wear this out someday.

I highly recommend this to intermediate crocheters who are looking for a project to work on while on quarantine. It is satisfying to work on while watching movies and webinars.

Enjoy!

Def Jam Philippines releases “Puso At Diskarte,” another game-changing hip-hop anthem

Listen here: https://DefJamPH.lnk.to/PusoAtDiskarte_SP

Manila, Philippines — Def Jam Philippines, considered as one of the most respected record labels in the country, returns with a game-changing posse cut featuring some of the most important rap acts of our time.

“Puso At Diskarte,” the first single off the label’s second compilation EP, RHAPSODICITY, brings together veteran and rising Filipino hip-hop artists such as ASTRO of Owfuck, ZARGON, HONCHO of Ex-Battalion, DCOY (Wakin Burdado) of Madd Poets, MIKE KOSA of 187 Mobstaz, PRICETAGG and LAYZIE FU of 4 East Flava on the same page—each offering distinct expertise and star power to the mix.

Produced by CURSEBOX, the anthemic banger delivers show-stopping verses that set the bar high for hip-hop collaborations, and massive, titanium-grade beats that blur the boundaries between gangsta rap and contemporary urban music. 

According to Allan Mitchell “Daddy A” Silonga, A&R Senior Manager of Def Jam Philippines, “Puso At Diskarte” started out as a concept which aims to gather hip-hop icons from different affiliations and groups within the community. “With the help of Dcoy, we’ve messaged them one by one, and explained to them the vision behind the project,” the label honcho shares in a statement. “We’ve always wanted to foster dream collaborations that push the envelope in terms of artistry and impact, and produce an iconic music video to complement the bigness of the idea. ‘Puso At Diskarte’ not only shines the spotlight on grander themes in hip-hop, but also elevates it as an art form and a cultural force.” 

Lyrically speaking, the all-star collab track documents the struggles of every hip-hop artist involved in the project and how they managed to survive the odds through determination, commitment, and hard work. All the participating artists penned their parts, with Daddy A co-writing some of the verses and the bridge. This exchange of ideas resulted into a compelling rap tune that fosters a sense of community and teamwork, honoring what Def Jam stands for in the first place both as a label and as a pioneering hip-hop dynamo.

“Puso At Diskarte” serves as the maiden track off Def Jam Philippines’ collaborative EP, RHAPSODICITY, which is touted as a “lyrical EP.” The upcoming compilation will also feature tracks such as the propulsive jam “Lahing Maangas,” the lyrical heavyweight “Diversity,” the future smash “Lakbay,” and the Pino G.-produced “Epic.” 

As Daddy A puts it, “This EP will be remembered because of the lineup of artists and their collaborators. It’s really a miracle specially during this pandemic to put together a massive EP like this. This is gonna be epic!”

###

About Def Jam Recordings 

Founded in 1984, Def Jam Recordings began as a maverick independent label inspired by downtown New York City's vibrant street culture and the emerging sound of hip-hop. Def Jam has represented the very best in cutting-edge music for 35 years, pioneered by iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the following two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with superstar acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and the inimitable Kanye West. Now in its fourth decade, Def Jam's music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand – synonymous with creativity, quality and authenticity – encompassing a diverse roster of marquee and emerging stars like West, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Vince Staples, Jeremih, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Dave East, and Jhene Aiko, among others.

Follow Def Jam PH for more updates:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

Filipino-Australian artist Bryan Estepasparkles with newfound exuberance on 6-track EP, Back To The Middle

Two years on from the release of his sixth studio album, Sometimes I Just Don’t Know in 2019, Filipino-Australian artist Bryan Estepa returns with another exciting set of soulful and melodic guitar pop. Released under Lilystars Records, Estepa’s new EP, Back To The Middle grows closer to home with its penchant for warm, inviting hooks and sunburst instrumentation.  

Lyrically speaking, there is no set thematic agenda when the acclaimed singer-songwriter conceptualized and penned Back To The Middle. In an authentic troubadour fashion, Estepalets the song take him to where it wants to go most of the time. “But by the end I did notice a leaning towards the idea of letting go and acceptance,” Estepa shares in a statement.“Life throws us curveballs that we may not want or see coming, but then we ask ourselves how do we deal with them? There’s always a slither of light ahead.”

While his previous record, Sometimes I Just Don’t Know exhibited a more melancholic, brooding treatment, Estepa’ssix-song EP essentially gravitates on a balance between light and shade, with songs whose bright sparks pop up. Expanding his sonic palette with power pop choruses and irresistible exuberance, Back To The Middle sounds brighter and jumpier than he’s never sounded before, and is buoyed with a renewed sense of energy.

The new EP includes the weightlessly effervescent ‘Trick Of The Light,’ which NME praised for “evoking classic pop harmonies and alt-rock unease” and the ‘90s alt-rocker‘Admit Now, Pay Later,’ which garnered approval from Rolling Stone Australia for heralding “a change in his own approach to songwriting.” 

The title track ‘Back To The Middle’ is particularly interesting in a way that it evokes a different kind of joy and feel-good melody on a resonant level. “To me, it’s a good little upbeat pop tune that has all the hallmarks that I like in a song – a good hook, catchy harmonies and jangly guitars,” Estepaexplains. 

‘Everything You Wanted’ changes gear with its wistful Americana-leaning power pop vista, while ‘Little White Lie’reveals itself to be a kaleidoscopic beauty of a tune that allows Estepa to experiment with keys, synth horns, baroque pop flourishes and artful backing harmonies. Rounding out the release is a lilting cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘I Threw It All Away,’ from the 1969 album, Nashville Skyline.

Back To The Middle was recorded during the pandemic period, and was a product of Bryan Estepa’s eagerness to connect with people again, at least on a musical level. Needing to scratch a niggling creative itch, he got together with multi-ARIA and APRA award-winning Australian songwriter Josh Pyke, who helped shape the record with richness and timelessness embedded in its layers. 

According to Estepa, what makes the record a clear cut above the rest is how he gave way to Josh Pyke’s production ideas and allowed the award-winning producer’s creative spin to add magic to these songs. “It felt really good to let Josh Pyke take control of production duties from the moment I handed over a bunch of my demos to him,” the pop-rock artist admits. “I have normally come to the studio very much prepared with production and overall sound ideas. But we approached this differently in that we built each song over the day and sometimes even finished writing them together just before we hit record, like on ‘Everything you wanted’. It was exciting watching the songs unveil themselves as we were trying new arrangements, going with weird instrument choices and not being afraid to try anything that will make the song distinct in its own way.”

About Bryan Estepa

Born in Cubao, Quezon City in the Philippines, Estepa and his family moved to Sydney, Australia in 1987. It was there, at the age of 15, that he began to pursue the craft of songwriting before starting his adult musical journey fronting indie pop band Swivel in the late-90s pub scene. He recorded hisinaugural CD with the band, which paved the way for his solo career. A year of travelling across the USA and performing at open mic nights inspired songs for his debut EP, Start Again in 2003 and since then Estepa has gone on to release six critically acclaimed solo albums (All The Bells And Whistles, Sunday Best, Vessels, Heart Vs Mind, Every Little Thing and Sometimes I Just Don’t Know).

Estepa recently wrote a piece for SBS detailing his formative musical years as a Filipino growing up in Western Sydney and early in 2021 he appeared as a guest-host on ABC Radio's Weekend Evenings, broadcast live across Australia, discussing his career in music.

 Source: Nyou

Beef Noodle Goodness

Pilya’s Kitchen serves the best beef noodle soup in the country! I am a fan of their biang biang noodle soup by their chef, Kriza Palmero. You have to try this dish!

Order your own beef noodle soup from The Grid Food Market today!

Hya, Alfa Join Alessandra de Rossi-helmed AWOOO Records, Which Launches Today

Fresh from the success of her directorial debut My Amanda in July, Alessandra de Rossi is now setting her sights on different waters. This time around it’s music, which she’s revisited more vigorously as of late: adopting the functional moniker ADR, reissuing her 2012 debut Adrift via LilystarsRecords, even penning songs for her films. 

The difference is it’s other people’s music now. And no, De Rossi isn’t simply pimping playlists or fawning over new discoveries on her socials. She’s taking things a notch higher, putting up her own label AWOOO Records, which she’s formally unveiling to the public today (September 24) after making an under-the-radar announcement earlier in the month.

To the character-actress-turned-indie-darling, it’s not so much about scratching a visionary itch but passing deserving talents the mic. “I think [Filipinos] really stand a chance in changing how the world looks and sounds,” she says, confident that local music can enjoy the same attention other art forms like cinema are getting. “All we need is to offer something pure, peculiar, and distinct. I think we can make it, too!”

And “pure, peculiar, and distinct” was precisely what she saw in AWOOO’s two inaugural artists, both women: the Fil-German San Carlos City chanteuse Hya, and the SoCal-based singer-songwriter Alfa. The former was a talent-show champ who’s previously made the rounds—Rising Stars Philippines, Just Duet, The Will to Win—before landing a spot in Bangon Talentadong Pinoy, where De Rossi was a judge who found herself fangirling instantly. 

“She sounded like an angel, and my world just stopped. I knew in my heart that this girl, given a chance, could be someone new singers can look up to,” De Rossi says of Hya(or Lee’Anna Weber Layumas), whose impressive range and knack for soothing melodies the actress also singled out. Her lilting debut single “Raindrops,” arranged and co-produced with Nick Lazaro for La Balls Studio, is out today.

Alfa, whom Eric Gnezda of PBS’ Songs at the Center calls “everything you want in a singer-songwriter,” is a schooled multi-instrumentalist who gravitated towards songcraft very early on, eventually releasing three albums, an EP, and snagging herself top honors in the world category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2020. 

While shades of chillwave and ambient pop permeate the music of AWOOO’s banner artists, De Rossi insists she is more after a feeling. “As long as you make me feel something, or if you make me feel like I'm not alone—when your music can be my best friend—it really becomes AWOOO,” she says playfully, speaking of how Hya provides “courage in times of unrest” and how Alfa “sings like no one is listening.”

AWOOO, which means “a world of our own,” is a sublabel of Lilystars Records, whose head honcho Clem Castro serves as partner and de facto adviser. 

“It took twenty years for people to actually believe in me,” the AWOOO label head says, alluding to her slow but steady ascent in film and television. “I hope God blesses me with the right people, so that I can serve these artists and they don’t have to wait as long to be heard and understood.”

Source: Nyou

Human Nature Body Scrub

I have been using this Human Nature Coffee & Vanilla Body Scrub for more than five years now. It has kept my skin smooth and healthy. The subtle coffee scent has been a nice scent to wake up to during early morning showers. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves body scrubs! And yes, this is safe for sensitive skin. I should know, because I am selective with the products I use on my skin.

Buy your Human Nature Coffee & Vanilla body scrub from my online store today! Experience the difference and enjoy your at-home spa escape!

Pebble House

Ben&Ben has recently released Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, their sophomore album under Sony Music. I have already published the album’s official PR here, which you can check out! I personally enjoyed the album, and my favorite track is Lunod.

Do scan the Spotify code in the on my photos to enjoy the album today!

La Creperie

My favorite hot chocolate is the Angelina’s from La Creperie! It is rich, thick, and filling. It tastes like a not-so-sweet embrace! I can taste dark chocolate, and when you add the whipped cream that’s included in the tray, it becomes like Christmas!

I always order their butter and sugar crepe along with the Angelina’s. Now that it’s the pandemic, I appreciate quality life experiences. La Creperie is my go-to place for quiet time with a book or my journal. Last weekend, I was able to bring my partner there, and he loved it too.

This is not a sponsored post. I am just a passionate La Creperie fan! I hope that you can try their Angelina’s hot chocolate and crepe soon.

Wilmur

I recently ordered these Wilmur specs in Smoky Tort from local optical powerhouse Sunnies Studios. I bought this pair from their online store due to the pandemic. I still have the same eye prescription (only 25 on my left eye as a result of astigmatism. My eyesight remains 20/20!), so ordering online was the best option. It was also a breeze as their website is well-designed and easy to use.

I may be a customer of various local optical shops, but Sunnies Studios remains to be my favorite. Their frames are the most stylish in my opinion, and they give great value for money. Their stores are also chic places to be in. Plus, their employees and directors have been very good to me through the years.

I highly recommend Sunnies Studios as their loyal customer, and not as a paid influencer. This is not a sponsored post! I simply love the brand, and I am delighted to own the Wilmur specs. I hope that you will find the perfect pair for you from their amazing selection!

Zack Tabudlo expresses the joy of unconditional love on new song “Habang Buhay”

Listen here: https://ZackTabudlo.lnk.to/HabangBuhay

Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Zack Tabudlotransports the joy of long, lasting real love on his new single “Habang Buhay”—out today on all streaming platforms via Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc.

Expressing security in the promises of unconditional romance, Zack Tabudlo allows himself to bask in the golden feeling of being swept away by love, while looking forward to more affectionate years with that special someone.

“Habang Buhay has its own life with the happiness itself of the song alone,” says Zack Tabudlo in a statement. “I haven't written any song with such a happy and positive meaning before, so this is definitely something different.”

Written, produced, mixed, and mastered by Tabudlohimself, the shiny, retro-pop tune is inspired by a lot of old school OPM classics such as VST & Company, and other ‘80s songbook stalwarts such as The Police and Fra Lippo Lippi. 

Taking into the account the nostalgic tendencies of his influences, the young music prodigy makes the song current with its explicit nod to more melodic, guitar-pop stylings that have come to define his hits—from the chart-topping “Nangangamba” to the streaming smash “Binibini.” 

A music video will be released soon to complement the song’s effervescent vibe, but Tabudlo is mum about its entire concept. The alt-pop hitmaker assures, “There will be a music video for it but I'd love to keep the people behind it a secret for now. I love to give the fans a big surprise.”

Zack Tabudlo’s “Habang Buhay” is out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc.

About Zack Tabudlo

Young Zack Tabudlo wanted to conquer the world—a feat that is aspired by many. An abstract concept that encompasses the realization of one’s ideals as they stand on top of all they have ever dreamed of. An end goal for many. A meter of success.

Zack thinks differently. Since he was a child, he’s had a clear view of the path he wants to take. He knows that conquering the world is not an overnight achievement nor a single-day celebration of whatever success means. For Zack, to conquer the world means to continuously wield the gift that is given to him—music.

At the age of 10, Zack became a finalist in the reality talent show Talentadong Pinoy. At 12, he made Coach Bamboo Mañalac turn his chair upon hearing the first note of his audition piece for The Voice Kids Philippines. 

Being a part of the competition pushed him to form the youth singing group, Gravity, with his fellow contenders. With Zack as its frontman, Gravity’s ensemble released Imposible, a song about an unrequited love sung in a catchy pop beat. Aside from Gravity, Zack was also one half of the teen pop duo Zack and Fritz with fellow The Voice Kids alumna Eufritz Santos.

He began his solo music career in 2018, venturing not only in performing but also in songwriting and music production. He believes that to conquer the world of music means to understand and experience it holistically. 

“[I have] Worked with different producers—international and local—for months. And having to incorporate all the styles these producers and artists have shown me—it’s definitely something different.”

He plunged even deeper into his passion under the mentorship of Jonathan Ong and Chris Anthony Vinzonsof Sonic State Studio. He was also mainly mentored by Cleng Saturno and even got the opportunity to learn from celebrated composer Vehnee Saturno.

In 2020, Zack joined Island Records Philippines where he continued honing his identity as a musician. His singles Nangangamba, Cruel, Sigurado, Iyong Iyo, and Elizabeth are testaments of his evolving creative songwriting and production style. The versatility in infusing the elements of pop and RnB with his arresting vocals is unique in his genius. 

This dynamic artistry has launched Binibini, another masterpiece that would bring him to an even bigger canvas in Times Square, New York City. Being featured in one of the most bustling cities in the world is more than just exposure—it’s the realization of his dreams. The record-breaking track reigned at the top of Spotify charts for six consecutive weeks and has been the longest-running #1 local track by a Filipino RADAR artist on The Philippines Top 50 Chart in 2021. The same song topped the charts for four consecutive weeks in the Global Viral chart of the same platform.

This gained him a global footing and made it to the Viral 50 charts of Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. His world-class appeal also gained him an international collaboration with British singer-songwriter James TW. Through this team-up, Binibini was reimagined in English with the title Binibini (Last Day On Earth).

“Everything that I achieve, small or big, are milestones to me.” 

For Zack, everything that happens in his career is an important experience that will make him grow more as an artist. His Alt-Pop and RnB genres that have captured the hearts of his listeners are, in his own words, “windows” to other genres he wishes to explore in the future. As an artist who continuously challenges convention, Zack is excited to create bigger things for his fans.

“There's a lot of power you can gain with your craft and a lot of consequences and responsibilities you have to commit along the way. Values and roots are also a big reminder to stay grounded through the process... To think of all the things you went through before, and people who believe in you and guide you, are in a way my motivation to become better and bigger at my craft.”

The young artist believes that keeping his feet on the ground means maintaining his footing as he continuously runs towards his dream--to conquer the world through music. Because for Zack Tabudlo, “music itself was the dream.”

Follow Zack Tabudlo:https://zacktabudlo.lnk.to/FollowZack

Follow MCA Music: Facebook |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

Lil Nas X Explores Love and Loneliness on Game-Changing New Album, MONTERO

Fresh off his MTV VMA win for VIDEO OF THE YEAR and his show-stopping Met Gala debut, global phenomenon and Grammy Award winning artist Lil Nas X has at last released his debut album MONTERO via Columbia Records today. The 15-track album was executive produced by Take A Daytrip and features tracks with Doja Cat, Elton John, Jack Harlow, Megan Thee Stallion and Miley Cyrus. 

Upon its release, MONTERO received overwhelmingly positive review from music critics. USA Today calls the album “an honest portrait of Lil Nas X at 22,” and praises the A lister’s “willingness to dabble in unadulterated pop, grimy rock and the rap-singing that has so far popularized his career.” Variety lauds the record’s “genre-stretching approach and refreshingly honest exploration of love and loneliness,” adding that it just proves how committed the rapper is in giving “voice to the fears and longings of a generation of queer kids.”

Launching alongside the album is the official video for “THATS WHAT I WANT.” The steamy and emotional visual features a story written by Lil Nas X with direction by STILLZ and includes a cameo from Billy Porter. 

Nas also premiered new visualizers for several album tracks, which all launched in support of a charity on his YouTube channel. This is a continuation of Nas’collaboration with the Gilead COMPASS Initiative®, which supports hundreds of organizations working to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Southern United States. 

Lil Nas X is also launching a very special and exclusive merch collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier on Monday, September 20 at 9am PT. The items will be available on lilnasx.jeanpaulgaultier.com.

Lil Nas X’s new album, MONTERO is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Columbia Records and Sony Music.

MONTERO TRACKLIST

1. MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)

2. DEAD RIGHT NOW

3. INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)

4. THATS WHAT I WANT

5. THE ART OF REALIZATION

6. SCOOP (feat. Doja Cat)

7. ONE OF ME (feat. Elton John)

8. LOST IN THE CITADEL

9. DOLLA SIGN SLIME (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)

10. TALES OF DOMINICA

11. SUN GOES DOWN

12. VOID

13. DONT WANT IT

14. LIFE AFTER SALEM

15. AM I DREAMING (feat. Miley Cyrus)

https://www.welcometomontero.com/ 

Follow Lil Nas X
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

 Source: Nyou

Merced Bakehouse

I ordered a cake from Merced Bakehouse for my mom’s recent birthday. It was their Sunflower Cake, with a mocha base. It was delicious, light, and satisfyingly vintage. Highly recommended, especially if you are fond of nostalgic cakes from your childhood.

Merced Bakehouse has been churning out cakes since 1972. Do give them some love by ordering cakes and other goodies here. Enjoy!

Stitching Sunflowers

I just finished this sunflower embroidery project! Instructions were in English, so I immediately got the hang of it. I used all the materials included in the kit. I was able to finish it in a week’s time. I really enjoyed making this!

Buy it here! It looks great with other sunflower-themed objects, such as my mom’s sunflower bouquet.

Enjoy!

Not Invisible

I enjoyed reading Not Invisible by Filipina blogger and author, Frances Amper Sales. She is the brave and articulate woman behind the blog Topaz Horizon. I have been reading her blog ever since I was in university. This is why I can still relate to her posts. While she has included motherhood and marriage into her posts, she still writes with candor about everyday life. Her posts always end on a positive note, reminding her readers that life goes on inside her apartment with her husband and three kids. I like her energy and will to live.

Her book is an extension of her blog. I felt excited when I first heard about her book, because this has been a part of her plans ever since. I know that I can always access her blog, but it’s still different when you read one’s memoir. I laughed, cried, and felt encouraged while reading this. I can relate to Frances’ strong beliefs about staying single and child-free when she was younger, until she met her future husband Vince.

I am now in a relationship, and when I grow up, I would like to have a family that is similar to hers!

I was pleasantly surprised to find my name in the Acknowledgements section. I am touched that the author remembered me! I hope that you will also enjoy Frances’ writing. You will love this book! Buy it here.

Enjoy!

Airblush

I have been a Sunnies Face Airblush user for two years now. I love this cheek tint because the formula is perfect for my normal skin type. It also stays in place over my sunscreen. I have no allergic reactions to it. Plus, it is a Filipino brand!

My recent fave is this shade called Disco. It may look red on the pot but trust me, it registers well on my medium skin tone and keeps me looking fresh whether on selfies or on Zoom.

Buy it here and see the difference today!

Warm Tea on a Rainy Day

I am so proud to announce that I am part of the upcoming literary anthology Warm Tea on a Rainy Day edited by Edison Dizon. It is an international collection of stories on the theme Writer’s Choice.

It is going to be released both in print and on Amazon. I am so excited, and honored to be part of this endeavor!

The team behind this remarkable anthology will be accepting literary submissions until 25 September 2021. I encourage you all to submit your entries! For more details, please visit the book’s official Facebook page.

Best of luck to all!