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LAUFEY ANNOUNCES 'BEWITCHED: THE GODDESS EDITION' COMING APRIL 26

LISTEN HERE: laufey.ffm.to/goddess

Photo Credit: Gemma Warren

GRAMMY®-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Laufey is announcing new music with 'Bewitched: The Goddess Edition', due for release April 26 on AWAL. The expanded edition features four brand-new original songs that Laufey wrote in the wake of finishing her 2023critically celebrated album 'Bewitched'. The lead single “Goddess” is available now— fans can stream it here: laufey.ffm.to/goddess

Of the new single, Laufey notes, “'Goddess' is my most honest song yet. I wrote it alone at my piano after feeling like someonehad fallen in love with the version of me they’d seen on stage, just to find that I wasn’t what they projected once I was off stage. Theydeemed me to no longer be a shiny thing when the glamor wore off, reduced to skin and bone.”

Laufey is currently in the midst of the European leg of her sold-out “Bewitched: The Goddess Tour”. The sold-out North American dates will kick off in April, before she heads to Asia in May toplay at Jakarta's Java Jazz Festival and two sold-out ‘A Night AtThe Symphony’ concerts in Manila with Manila PhilharmonicOrchestra.

Asia Shows

May 25 - Jakarta, Indonesia - Java Jazz Festival

May 28 - Manila, Philippines - A Night At TheSymphony [SOLD OUT]

(with Manila Philharmonic Orchestra)

May 29 - Manila, Philippines - A Night At TheSymphony [SOLD OUT]

(with Manila Philharmonic Orchestra)

Laufey - "Goddess" (Official Audio With Lyrics)

2023 was a standout year for Laufey. 'Bewitched' was the biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify in history. It debuted at #2 onSpotify’s Global and U.S. Album Charts, as well as #23 on theBillboard 200, #1 on Billboard’s Independent Albums Chart,and #1 on Current Traditional Jazz Albums Chart. The album’s hit single “From The Start” is now RIAA-certified Gold. Last month, Laufey won the 2024 GRAMMY® for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”. She also performed “From The Start” at the award show’s Premiere Ceremony and played cello alongside Billy Joel during the performance of his new single “Turn The Lights Back On” during the telecast.

Los Angeles-based Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy) was raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C. with annual visits to Beijing. In 2020, while still a student at Berklee College of Music, Laufey released her debut single “Street by Street”, which went on to top the Icelandic radio charts. In 2022, she released her debut full-length, 'Everything I Know About Love', which reached #1on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart, featuring the popular track “Valentine” that peaked at #1 on the Spotify Jazz Chart. Today, she has over 1.7 billion streams across all platforms and is the biggest streaming artist from Iceland in the world.

Pre-save 'Bewitched: The Goddess Edition' here: laufey.ffm.to/goddessedition

Stream “Goddess” here: laufey.ffm.to/goddess

For more information: Secret Signals | AWAL

Follow Laufey: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook| Website

Source: Secret Signals

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STARS COLLIDE ON NEW APL.DE.AP & SANDARA PARK SINGLE ‘2 PROUD’

NEW SINGLE & OFFICIAL VIDEO OUT MARCH 8^TH

OFFICIAL SINGLE PRESS KIT

OFFICIAL SINGLE VIDEO

[MANILA MARCH 8^TH 2024] Superstars collide as Black Eyed Peas legend APL.DE.AP and 2NE1 K-Pop icon SANDARA PARK join forces on brand new collaboration ‘2 Proud’, out March 8^th on all digital streaming platforms.

Produced by long-time BEP music director Keith Harris, ‘2 Proud’ is an instant earworm, an infectious slice of pop infused with gentle hip-hop perfectly primed for global playlists. Speaking about the new music and working with SANDARA PARK, APL.DE.AP said: “It’s been a long time coming for SANDARA and I. Both of us grew up partly in the Philippines so to have been able to connect for the first time was a kind of magic. SANDARA was amazing on this track. We had made it during the pandemic but she was a star through everything. The song is a bit of a departure from a lot of what you’d expect from a Black Eyed Peas’ member, but I listen to a lot of different kinds of music. I hope you enjoy it too.”

SANDARA PARK commented: “APL.DE.AP and I have known each other for many years; we both have cherished memories of the Philippines, which bonds us over. As a huge fan of his music, working on this project was filled with excitement and joy. Even though we had to do everything far off separately due to the pandemic, we finally made it and the song came out super great. I hope you also enjoy our first collaboration and one day, I wish we could perform it live in front of the fans.”

The track’s official video is directed by Ben Mor, who has also been behind the camera for Beyoncé, Coldplay and the Black Eyed Peas. The ‘50s vibe video sees APL.DE.AP lounging poolside, soaked in soft Californian sunshine, SANDARA PARK channelled via a TV set indicative of the era. The easy feel and delicate palette of the video perfectly complement the track’s lilting, featherweight production, highlighting APL.DE.AP and SANDARA’s vocals as the standout elements.

The pair originally met in 2011 when 2NE1 collaborated with APL.DE.AP’s band member Will.i.am on original new music and have kept in contact ever since. South Korean SANDARA PARK grew up in the Philippines and speaks fluent Tagalog; American-Filipino APL.DE.AP is one of South East Asia’s biggest and most successful musical exports. As one third of legendary pop supergroup Black Eyed Peas, over a career spanning 36 years, APL.DE.AP has dominated global charts, secured multiple GRAMMY, AMA, MTV, BET, Billboard, NRJ and Soul Train awards, and performing to billions of fans worldwide. Already a platinum-selling music star and acclaimed actress in the Philippines, it was in 2009 as ‘SANDARA PARK’ – alongside Bom, CL and Minzy – that SANDARA PARK  achieved worldwide acclaim as K-Pop’s original girl band sensation 2NE1, still one of the best-selling girl bands in the world.

With more new solo music from APL.DE.AP rumoured to be on the horizon, and his regular schedule of major global tour dates as part of Black Eyed Peas, 2024 looks set to be one of the biggest years yet for this international music superstar.

APL.DE.AP & SANDARA PARK ‘2 PROUD’ IS RELEASED MARCH 8^TH 2024 VIA ALL DSPS AND DOWNLOAD SITES VIA VYDIA.

# # #

ABOUT APL.DE.AP:

Founding member of iconic supergroup Black Eyed Peas , Apl.de.Ap has carved his legacy across the global stage, holding nine GRAMMY Awards, eight American Music Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, four Billboard Latin Awards, one MOBO Award and countless more. Critically acclaimed, performing to crowds in their millions across a career that, to date, spans two and a half decades.

As Black Eyed Peas, alongside will.i.am and Taboo , their discography is stacked with chart-topping singles and multi-platinum releases. Nine studio albums spawned 40 singles – anthems like Where Is The Love?, Let's Get It Started, I Gotta Feeling and Boom Boom Pow all dominating global airwaves. An eight year hiatus ended with the 2020 album TRANSLATION and 2022 follow-up ELEVATION collaborating with the likes of Shakira, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin and more. A judge on The Voice Philippines, Apl.de.Ap also discovered the singer J. Rey Soul, who replaced Fergie as vocalist for Black Eyed Peas.

Apl.de.Ap uses his considerable influence to make waves in other areas including agriculture and sustainability. Never forgetting his Filipino farming roots but always at the cutting edge of technology and culture, Apl.de.Ap is behind the major new green energy movement biochar. Founded in 2011, his Apl.de.Ap Foundation, International (APLFI) focuses on youth education, providing underrepresented youth around the world with greater opportunity, resources, and access to the latest in education, arts, and innovation.

ABOUT SANDARA PARK:

SANDARA PARK, a multi-talented entertainer giving off pure energy, debuted as a member of the iconic group 2NE1, who are still on everyone’s lips. She initially gained popularity as a singer in the Philippines through the talent audition program 'Star Circle Quest' on ABS-CBN in June 2004.

In May 2009, 2NE1's debut song 'Fire' showcased a sophisticated and powerful music genre with a groundbreaking style and performance, setting the group as pioneers of the hot icon. Within the group, she established her unique image through unconventional style and onstage manner.

Subsequently, with hits like 'I Don’t Care,' 'I Am the Best,' 'Go Away,' 'UGLY,' and 'Can’t Nobody,' 2NE1 solidified their position as one of South Korea’s leading girl groups. In September 2009, SANDARA PARK also showcased herself with the release of 'KISS,' featuring CL, delivering a pop-oriented vocal style. From 2016, she expanded her presence through various fields such as TV shows 'I Live Alone' and ‘Unnies without Appetite,’ showing her bright energy to the public.

In 2023, she officially commenced her solo music career by releasing the mini-album [SANDARA PARK]. Sampled from a famous Korean song of the same name, the title track ‘FESTIVAL’ presents her vibrant and energetic vibes. The album includes diverse tracks collaborated with artists such as Heize, GRAY, and sunwoojunga (SWJA,) aiming to achieve completeness and diversity to appeal to all generations, thereby solidifying her unique character. 

Source: Blackstar

Alex Bruce drops empowering anthem “SWOOSH” in time for International Women’s Month

The track debuted live last year with a FIBA 2023 halftime performance and a NIKE campaign backing it up

Filipino rapper Alex Bruce explores themes of resilience, achievement, and empowerment on her new single “SWOOSH,” released via Sony Music Entertainment.

Fit for the celebration of International Women’s Month with its uplifting message, the bass-heavy, hip-hop track was initially penned for the FIBA campaign of international activewear brand NIKE, where she served as one of its ambassadors.

According to the young rapper, “SWOOSH” is about embodying the spirit of NIKE’s iconic trademark, “Just Do It!” in every aspect of life. “It’s more than just a song in a way; it’s an anthem, a testament to the power of determination, self-belief, and seizing the moment.”

The young rapper debuted the track live last year with a halftime show performance at FIBA 2023. Alex recalls having a great time performing the song for the first time with a global audience glued to their screens and with her fellow countrymen cheering for her.

“Performing at the FIBA halftime show was ‘the’ experience,” the BLING artist fondly shares. “Not only was I thrilled to be showcasing my artistry on such a huge stage, but I was also super excited to be joined by the amazing talents of ATEAM—sixteen dancers whose energy and passion added extra flavor and dimension to the performance.”

“SWOOSH” was produced for her by GOODSON and SHAQUIRO. Alex also vouched for her frequent producers’ level of talent and range and credited their mutual respect as one of the grounding elements that made the success of the collaboration possible.

“Plus, I am friends with them, which makes the working environment more fun and conducive to ideas,” Alex Bruce shares.

“SWOOSH” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

5x Grammy-Winner PJ Morton releases PLEASE BE GOOD as first single from new album

LISTEN: HERE

Photo by Cedric Tang

On the heels of winning his fifth career GRAMMY® Award recently on his seventh consecutive year of GRAMMY® nominations, PJ Morton’s launch of his career-spanning memoir Saturday Night, Sunday Morning further forecasts what is about to be the award-winning artist’s most prolific and tireless chapter to date. Last February 23rd, he released “Please Be Good,”the first single from a forthcoming album that he made entirely in Africa last fall. Fully written and recorded during a life-changing 30 days he spent traveling the continent, the record features collaborations with dozens of local musicians across South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt. Morton describes his time in Africa as “the best trip I’ve ever taken,” which turned into so much more than just about music. He immersed himself in the different cultures and genres that have shaped him, and formed deep connections with the land and people. It became a spiritual journey of self-discovery.

“Please Be Good” is a collaboration between PJ Morton and Nigerian producer P.Priime, an influential and international force of Afrobeats and hip-hop, whose credits include songs with Burna Boy, CKay, Davido, Fireboy DML, Wizkid and more. The track signals one of the new sonic directions PJ Morton is embracing and exploring on the upcoming LP.

PJ Morton has also written, arranged and produced original music for Disney's upcoming Disneyland and Disney World attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, opening this summer. As the first Black composer to write an original song for a Disney attraction, the project is another historic milestone for the New Orleans native and father of three, featuring new songs and fresh arrangements of Disney favorites.

He will also soon return to the road for tour dates in Asia(including Manila at The Wanderland Music and Arts Festival on March 10), New Zealand and Australia, plus US performances at the Kennedy Center, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Roots Picnic alongside Lil Wayne, The Roots and Trombone Shorty, as well as the next leg of Maroon 5’s Las Vegas residency, and more.

As the son of two pastors and gospel artists, PJ Morton grew up grounded by the sound of the Church, but soon found himself drawn to R&B, pop and soul, writing songs that the industry, his family, and community struggled to understand. In the face of mounting pressure, rejection and constant miscategorization, he committed himself to a steadfast path of independence: making music on his own terms, launching his own record label, joining one of the biggest bands in the world while staying true to his New Orleans roots. The risks he took paid off, and through his trailblazing transformation from preacher’s kid to one of the busiest men in showbiz – performing everywhere from his local congregation to the Super Bowl with Maroon 5, collaborating with everyone from his father to Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jon Batiste and Lil Wayne – PJ Morton hopes to inspire peopleto overcome obstacles as they seek their dreams.

PLEASE BE GOOD is out now on all digital streaming platforms.

###

PJ Morton Tour Dates

3/10 - Manila, PH - Wanderland Music & Arts Festival

3/12 - Beijing, CN - Blue Note

3/13 - Beijing, CN - Blue Note

3/15 - Seoul, KR - Musinsa Garage

3/17 - Tokyo, JP - The Garden Hall (Ebisu)

3/22 - Wellington, NZ - San Fran

3/23 - Auckland, NZ - The Tuning Fork

3/27 - Melbourne, VIC - 170 Russell

3/28 - Sydney, AUS - The Metro Theatre

3/30-4/1 - Byron Bay, AUS - Byron Bay BluesFest

5/4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

5/12 - Washington, DC - The Kennedy Center

6/2 - Philadelphia, PA - Roots Picnic

6/15 - Boston, MA - Berklee Performance Center

Follow PJ Morton:

Official Site

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

YouTube

Source: Empire

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Number_I: The Rebirth of J-Pop Royalty as Former King & Prince Trio Unleash Eagerly Awaited Debut EP 'GOAT'

Tokyo, Japan (6th March, 2024) – The moment fans have been eagerly awaiting has arrived as Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, collectively known as Number_I, unveil their much-anticipated debut “GOAT (EP)”. The 6-song EP includes the title track "GOAT" alongside other remarkable numbers such as "Blow Your Cover,” "Is It Me?”, “Midnight City,” "Rain or Shine,” and their next focus single “FUJI.”

Since its release this year, "GOAT" has taken the digital music world by storm, amassing over 14 million streams on Spotify globally and surpassing 10 million views on its music video within just three days, now exceeding 38 million views.

The momentum continues as Number_I prepares to perform at the upcoming inaugural 'to HEROes 1st Super Live' concert at Tokyo Dome from 14 to 17 March 2024. Organized by TOBE, the entertainment agency led by Hideaki Takizawa, this event marks a significant milestone for the group.

With their rapid ascent and unwavering fan support, Number_I is poised to become an unstoppable phenomenon as they captivate and mesmerize audiences across the globe with their music, energy and talent.

For tickets to 'to HEROes 1st Super Live' and more information, visit here.

“GOAT (EP)” is available for streaming here. Watch the ‘GOAT’ music video here.

About NUMBER_I:

Rising from the legacy of J-pop phenomenon King & Prince, Number_I emerges as a new sensational musical force. Comprising former members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, this dynamic trio, under the esteemed TOBE record label, is poised to redefine the music industry as they embark on a journey symbolizing greatness and a fresh start, promising to captivate audiences and shape the future of music.

The group's name, Number_I, carries profound significance, representing both 'Only One' and 'Love.' This emblematic moniker reflects not only a message but also a pledge to their fans to journey together through the realms of music. For Sho, Yuta, and Yuta, Number_I embodies an exhilarating new chapter in their artistic endeavors. 

Follow NUMBER_I:

Website | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

平野紫耀 Instagram | 神宮寺勇太 Instagram | 岸優太 X

Source: Blackstar

Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus team up on new single “Doctor (Work It Out)”

Listen here

Watch the official video here

Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus has teamed up for the release of their highly-anticipated new single “Doctor (Work It Out).”

Fresh off her first GRAMMY Award wins for “Record of The Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance” with hit single “Flowers,” Miley is featured in the accompanying official music video directed by ​​Jacob Bixenman.

The video finds the award-winning pop star performing in an all-white background while having fun with her blown up. 

Originally debuting at Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter show, “Doctor (Work It Out)” is the second single from Pharrell this year, having previously released his song “Good People” with British rock band Mumford & Sons.

The funky new bop also marks as Miley’s first release since her 2023 single “Used To Be Young.”

In an interview with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, both Miley and Pharrell confirmed that “Doctor (Work It Out)” was initially intended as part of the former’s 2013 album, Bangerz.  

Miley shares, “We just believe so much in timing and in everything happening when it’s supposed to. And around the Grammys, Pharrell and I were talking about putting the song out, and it just felt like it was so serendipitous, and there were so many alignments and so many moments that made me know that now was the perfect time.”

Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus’ “Doctor (Work It Out)” out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus team up on new single “Doctor (Work It Out)”

Listen here

Watch the official video here

Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus has teamed up for the release of their highly-anticipated new single “Doctor (Work It Out).”

Fresh off her first GRAMMY Award wins for “Record of The Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance” with hit single “Flowers,” Miley is featured in the accompanying official music video directed by ​​Jacob Bixenman.

The video finds the award-winning pop star performing in an all-white background while having fun with her blown up. 

Originally debuting at Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter show, “Doctor (Work It Out)” is the second single from Pharrell this year, having previously released his song “Good People” with British rock band Mumford & Sons.

The funky new bop also marks as Miley’s first release since her 2023 single “Used To Be Young.”

In an interview with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, both Miley and Pharrell confirmed that “Doctor (Work It Out)” was initially intended as part of the former’s 2013 album, Bangerz.  

Miley shares, “We just believe so much in timing and in everything happening when it’s supposed to. And around the Grammys, Pharrell and I were talking about putting the song out, and it just felt like it was so serendipitous, and there were so many alignments and so many moments that made me know that now was the perfect time.”

Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus’ “Doctor (Work It Out)” out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

MBNEL puts the global spotlight on Filipino rap talent with GHOSTS 2 release

Stream “Ghosts 2”- HERE

Watch “Ghosts 2” Music Video- HERE

It seems like there’s really no stopping Filipino-American rap sensation MBNel. With his last single “JUST LIKE YOU” still sizzling hot from his creative oven, he’s come up with yet another masterpiece to put the spotlight on Filipino rap talent with the release of “GHOSTS 2”. The single’s music video was filmed entirely in Malate, Manila, which is proving to be the epicenter of Pinoy Hip-hop. Filipino Hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope, Hellmerry, O Side Mafia, Pricetagg, Fast Cash, and many others came out in full support and made appearances in the “GHOSTS2” music video—perhaps as a preview of possible future collaborations among Filipino rap talents from all over the world.MBNel himself admits, “I’m planning to work with some of the biggest Filipino rap stars soon”. Asked how he felt in having so many local Pinoy rap artists show up to support his music video shoot, the rapper was very appreciative, saying “It was really dope. Everyone was cool, and they were very welcoming of me.”

“GHOSTS 2” gives us a better glimpse of MBNel’s formidable rapping arsenal, and this latest impressive single from the Fil-American artist is quite frankly hard to describe in words. You’ll just have to listen to it yourself to truly appreciate the creativity, the flair, and the unique flavor that MBNel has put into it. And while we have to censor our words a bit unlike the single’s lyrics, we can say at least this much: The guy is pretty darn good.

Asked what his inspiration was in making “GHOSTS 2”, the ultra-talented rapper was rather very candid about his playful and spontaneous approach in making his music. “My first GHOST song was sampled off an Asian style video game, where I was just rapping all the way through. The GHOSTS 2 beat gave me the same vibe so I decided to off that”, says the artist.

Indeed, he has fully embraced his Asian lineage by infusing his music with lyrics and beats inspired by Asian pop culture. MBNel’s mixed heritage as a Filipino-American gives him a lot more dimension to draw inspiration from, and it adds to the unique vibe of his music. When you first hear him rap, his American accent and background of growing up stateside comes to the surface, and yet he drops plenty of hints of his Filipino and Asian heritage—which he has made abundantly clear he is very proud of. “GHOSTS 2” is his second straight music video that has prominently shown the Philippines, and the artist has publicly professed a deep love and connection for Filipino culture. He stands very proud to be one of us. “I loved coming back to visit the Philippines. My culture is something I’d love to keep learning about”, shares MBNel.

“GHOSTS 2” is out now on all digital streaming platforms.

ABOUT EMPIRE

EMPIRE is an American record label, distribution and publishing company founded by Ghazi Shami in San Francisco, CA. EMPIRE has been in partnership with prominent companies and artists, such as XXXTentacion, Snoop Dogg, Tyga, Iggy Azalea, Fat Joe, Anderson Paak, 88 Rising, Kendrick Lamar, Afgan, Alextbh and many more.

Find MBNel online:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nellynelmb/?hl=en

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@officialmbnel

Twitter https://twitter.com/nellynelmb?lang=en

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/people/MBNel/100058229255150/

YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIaqpIXIkEa7Tp5j_dsJxLg

Source: Empire

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Commuting as a PWD is Hard

Transit Dialog has published my essay, Commuting as a PWD is Hard. Read it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/UtteJ59zbqc4Hoax/?mibextid=WC7FNe 🚊

"𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦... 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦."

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗪𝗗 𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴

I am a PWD. My disability is not apparent, so I may look and seem like I am well. However, I am far from it.

Each day is a struggle, and one of my biggest challenges is commuting. Public transportation in our country is already difficult to navigate, more so for the disabled like me. Thus, it is up to me to survive my trips, and to make sure that I reach point B without overexerting myself.

My biggest struggle is the discrimination that I face from drivers and operators. Whenever I ask for a discount, they give me a head to toe look. It is embarrassing, and there are times when showing them my PWD ID is still not enough. Most of the time, they laugh at me and tell me that I am not entitled to the discount.

Some drivers even tell me that I can walk or I can see. I never took no for an answer, and I always insist on getting that discount that I am entitled to. So far, being firm works for me.

Another challenge is riding the priority car in our trains. The senior citizens there always tell me to give up my seat for them. Sometimes, they even give snide remarks, which insinuate that I am not really disabled.

I give up my seat for those who really need them, especially those who are crippled, pregnant, blind, and the elderly. But those who are rude to me do not deserve my seat. Sometimes, I even insist that I need that seat, too. I am disabled and I deserve a seat as well. We do not need to be rude just to occupy some space in the priority seating area.

Dealing with the daily grind of commuting in the Philippines is taxing. As a PWD, it has become my responsibility to keep myself safe and sane during my commute. I opt to listen to music or read a book to pass the time. Blocking out the external noise helps me focus on my surroundings instead of hearing unnecessary comments from people who do not think I am disabled enough.

I also practice the art of 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘢 or ignoring comments that do not pertain to me. I always think that they reflect the character of these people, and if they have the nerve to be unkind to the disabled, then I would not want to engage with them.

I hope that as commuters, we choose to be kind to others. If we see someone who is in the priority area, just assume that he or she deserves to be there. People do not need our unnecessary judgment. Sometimes, we just need to mind our own business.

We also need to be mindful of how our words can affect others. For some people who are sick or undergoing medical treatment, it is already overwhelming to commute and be in public spaces. Unwarranted comments only show lack of sensitivity to those who are different from us.

I hope that drivers and operators of public transportation can also have sensitivity training on disabilities. They also need to be aware of the discount we PWDs are entitled to. Yes, they already have challenges on franchising and the threat of being phased out, but PWDs are paying passengers, too. We also deserve to be given the treatment that we deserve.

Remember, not all disabilities are visible. Please be kind to PWDs. I am a PWD, and I hope that this essay will remind you that disabled people need to be treated better. We deserve kindness, especially when taking public transport.

We are just trying to survive, and we hope that we can be respected for the people that we are.

#authorlife