Buscalan Ink

8350D971-2E3B-4A2D-A045-5262C585953F.jpeg

I recently got inked by Grace Palicas, the grandniece of Apo Whang-Od. She was in Manila for a few days, and I caught one of her mambabatok sessions. I chose their design for prayer, as I wanted to symbolize that my faith is bigger than the sky, which is represented by my star tattoo.

It was not painful at all. It was rather uncomfortable but I would recommend it because Grace has a light and steady hand. She also inks quickly and efficiently. My tattoo was done in twenty minutes.

You may visit Grace Tattoo Buscalan on Facebook to follow her upcoming tours and schedules both in and out of her hometown. It was an honor to be inked by a true artist, and now, friend.

UE Jam Sessions encourage the youth to rock the vote with inspiring new anthem “Pinto”

Young artists COSINE, Shareena, and Autumn Tandogdeliver a bluesy tune with a compelling message about the upcoming 2022 elections

Promising newcomers COSINE, Shareena, and Autumn Tandog team up for a song that encourages the general public to vote for competent candidates who are willing to take a stand on important social issues and make a significant change.

On the rousing anthem “Pinto,” the artists from UE Jam Sessions call for effective leadership and urge their fellow countrymen, particularly the young ones, to exercise their right to vote. 

According to its main songwriter Shareena, who also lend her smooth and smoky vocals on the track, “Pinto” is penned from the perspective of someone convincing the youth to take complete ownership of their destiny and elect someone who cares about welfare of its people.

“By describing what the outside world looks like in a cruel reality, with the struggles of the people who are always overlooked, the character puts the kid in a dilemma of choosing between taking responsibility for making a change and having these people who have been knocking on his door forsaken and left behind,” the 17-year-old singer-songwriter shares the meaning behind their new track. "Hinihintay ka na nila," which means ‘they are waiting for you,’ serves as a reminder that their fate, like yours, is now completely in your control. It is your job to decide and select the finest alternative in this regard. That’s how Pinto was made to be remembered: a song that knocks on everyone’s doors of perceptions, obliging them to make a move.”

With its gothic, bluesy nature and brassy confidence, “Pinto” delivers an unconventional sound by pop standards. Shareena and Autumn Tandog put their ethereal spin on the material, singing as if they’re witnessing history unfold. Paolo Barrado and Marvin Cayosa’s intricate arrangements, on the other hand, turn the retro-inspired, musical motif into a modern torch tune inspired by the likes of Bita and the Botflies and Lana del Rey. 

COSINE’s Marvin Cayosa shares that despite limitations that took place during the pandemic, the producers were able to improvise, and the artists were able to record separately from their respective homes. “Given that we are in a pandemic, it’s been challenging for us to record because we are far apart. When I received the demo that Shareena gave to us, I started working on it right away. With the lack of equipment and hours of trial and error in recording my part, we still managed to pull it off.”

“Pinto” is one of the new music projects spearheaded by UE Jam Sessions, with 12 Stone Records’ Tommy Tanchanco and SSG President Nexie Joy Salvadorserving as Executive Producers, and Choi Felipe mixing and mastering the entire track. The music video for the track is edited by Cher Manulit.

“Pinto” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide such as Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.

Source: Nyou

Mind your back: What may seem like yourusual back pain can be Axial Spondyloarthritis

A mysterious backache could mean a lot of things. It could simply be from overuse or a small injury, or it could also be a telltale sign of Axial Spondyloarthritis.

 

Axial Spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton and it can cause significant pain and, possibly, complete disability if not treated. It is also a highly heritable disease, so families with a history of arthritis are at higher risk.

 

Axial Spondyloarthritis typically starts in early adulthood, even referred to by some as the “disease of the young.” Global studies reveal that there is an average diagnostic delay of 7 years for most patients, primarily because Axial Spondyloarthritis presents itself only as persistent pain in the lower back during the first few years. During this time, however, the disease would have already progressed, leading to irreversible damage.

 

It is for this reason that Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (J&J) has partnered with theDepartment of Health (DOH), Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), and Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of the Philippines (ASAPh) to create greater awareness for Axial Spondyloarthritis, and encourage suspect patients to seek medical help.

 

The importance of catching the disease early

The lack of awareness among the public and the lack of familiarity with the disease among primary care providers have resulted in fewer referrals to specialists and delay in diagnosis of patients.

 

“Axial Spondyloarthritis is fairly common and so are its symptoms,” said Dr. Bernadette Manapat-Reyes, chair of the Philippine Rheumatology Association for Spondyloarthritis. “The most common symptom is prolonged pain in the lower back. Some people also experience pain in the hips, swelling of joints, episodes of eye inflammation, and even weight loss.”

 

“While there is no permanent cure for Axial Spondyloarthritis, its symptoms can be managed and the speed of its progression can be reduced with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”

 

At best, Axial Spondyloarthritis can be managed with regular exercise and physical therapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and injectable biologics can also be used to help stop inflammation in patients.

 

“Together with DOH, PRA, ASAPh, and J&J, we conducted a lay forum last July 22 entitled Inflammatory Back Pain: Ating Suriin, Ating Alamin! to educate more Filipinos about chronic and debilitating conditions such as Axial Spondyloarthritis. We frequently distribute reference materials too, so that more people would become aware of the complications that follow this chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease if not acted upon immediately. It is also PRA and ASAPh's plea to make medications more accessible to patients in need,” added Dr. Reyes.

 

“We know Axial Spondyloarthritis has an early onset, but life doesn’t have to stop when it happens,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. “If you have been experiencing symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis, it is very important that you see a specialist immediately.You shouldn’t delay this because the disease can be crippling if left unchecked.”

 

“Axial Spondyloarthritis is a lifelong condition that may affect you differently at different times. Creating a treatment plan with your rheumatologist can greatly help in dealing with the challenges that come with living with Axial Spondyloarthritis.”

 

 

# # #

 

 

About Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science, and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.

Source: J&J Philippines

Le Fleur Coffee Holder

I recently purchased my second cup holder from local small business Le Fleur. Their vegan cup holders have made my coffee or juice experience more delightful and aesthetically pleasing. It also warms my heart that their cup holders are all locally made by hand. I am all for small businesses that champion local craftsmanship and style.

Buy your own Le Fleur cup holder here! Enjoy your coffee!

Traviel Bags

In 2020, I received a DOST Coursera scholarship which allowed me to explore my creative skills through writing and personality development classes. As I was posting my certificates online, I met Pao Manalang of Traviel, who was also taking Coursera courses under the same scholarship. We shared the same values, and this is evident in her brand’s vision of enriching and uplifting local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, I wanted to enrich and uplift blogging as a craft which can be written about in a book. So that’s what I did. When I launched my book (Buy it in the link above this post! 📕), I finally purchased my first Traviel bag. It is made of plant-based leather and textile. I am very happy to support a local brand whose values align with mine ❤️

AmiananPop champions North Luzon pop music with first edition of its songwriting festival

The movement aims to secure regional music’s place in the contemporary music canon

Event Poster.png

In an effort to foster a better understanding of the North Luzon culture and identity through contemporary music, AmiananPop Music Inc. is officially launching the maiden edition of its songwriting festival, which will take place online this December 4, 2021.

Taking a page from fellow contemporaries, Visayan Pop Music Festival (Vispop) and Mindanao Popular Music Festival (MinPop), the newly formed institution puts a spotlight on a new breed of composers, interpreters, musicians, and producers representing the Ilocos, Cordillera, and Cagayan region, as well as some non-Tagalog speaking areas in Central Luzon. 

Through AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021, artists from the North are encouraged to write, record, and produce songs in their own language as a way to present one’s individuality and debunk misconceptions about non-Manileño Filipino cultures. “Every language and/or dialect is unique, and so are the stories and nuances that come with it, and that is why this is the ultimate goal of the movement, to create a community of storytellers that will represent the NOW generation of Northern singer/songwriters,” says AmiananPop Co-Founder and Chairman Davey Langit.

The annual competition is committed to bringing modern regional pop music at the forefront of mainstream consciousness by making sure that the songs are well-produced and could compete on a global level. As EbeDancel, Co-Founder and President of AmiananPop sums it up, “All the finalists have excellently-written and arranged songs, and the melodies are great. How do we bridge the gap? We make sure that the songs are well-produced, so that when people not familiar with the language hear them, they will be encouraged to look for the translation of all songs.”

Going all out on its debut edition, AmiananPop aims to secure its place on the Philippine music map with its insistence to subvert old practices and embrace new forms of music-making that is at par with the professional level in highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila. Using the tagline Sikamimet!, which is an Ilocano word for ‘it’s our turn,” the regional songwriting event is keen on igniting a new music movement from North Luzon that turns the resounding battle cry into a marker of an evolving and dynamically growing scene.

“We have to bring it to the fore and show the people that we have an evolving culture, particularly, in music,” Co-Founder and Board Member Noel Cabangon explains the basis behind AmiananPop’s vision. “The songs that we know are already traditional songs. What about the stories and song of the new generation? That’s how important cultural evolution is. Dapat kasabay ng pag-evolve ng panahon ang kultura.”

This year’s finalists have shown promise in making generation-defining anthems that not only assert cultural identity in a compelling way, but also reflect the social conditions of their immediate environment and the community that shaped their individuality. The North Luzon artists that impressed the adjudicators in the preliminary rounds include:

Angelic Mateo, SUNGBAT

Harold Lumandaz, URAYEN KA

Jomabel Trapse, BISIKLETA

Fernan Castro Estrada (Composer) & Melchor Orpilla(Lyricicst), LAINËNG ONAN ARO

Ryan Madrid (Composer) & Kimberly Collado (Lyricist), PUDNO NGA AYAT

Ruth Lee Resuello, AGKA MAPAGA

Ruth Lee Resuello, ANTO KASI NGARAN TU MAN

Rivah-Anne Singson & Remedios Singson, NAPACURUG NGA AYA

Red Gumayagay, ARAPAAP

Patrick Visto, LAB STORY

The selection went through rigorous process of adjudication led by Chairman Davey Langit, President EbeDancel, as well as Foundation Board Members Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada, Ma. Cristina Joy Balajadia, Melvin Morallos, Christopher Donaal, and Agat Morallos.

According to Co-Founder Noel Cabangon, the finalists are selected based on musicality, lyrics, creativity and new sound. “We determine entries not on their winnability but how the songs are creatively crafted,” the award-winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter adds.

AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021 is the first project of AmiananPop Music Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to champion the beauty and diversity of contemporary pop music in North Luzon and its peripheral regions. This year’s festival is co-presented by official partners and sponsors: PhilPop, FILSCAP, NLEX-SCREX, PotenCee, Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, Office of Cong. Kristine Singson, Office of Cong. Christopher de Venecia, Mansho, and Island Living.

Source: Nyou