Little Mix’s Perrie goes solo with the release of new single “Forget About Us”

Global music superstar Perrie finally unveils her long-awaited debut solo single “Forget About Us.”

“Forget About Us” is a bittersweet uptempo pop song co-written by Perrie with Ed Sheeran and legendary songwriter David Hodges (“Because of You”—Kelly Clarkson, “A Thousand Years”—Christina Perri) and Steve Solomon.

 The euphoric track is the introduction to Perrie as a solo artist, highlighting her stunning vocal talent. “I don’t want you to ever forget about us in the front seat / listening to songs that made you think about me,” she sings, in this remembrance of previous relationships. 

 

Perrie says: “I look back on past relationships and do think happily about those times. Do I want to be there now? No. It didn’t work out that way and if it was supposed to be it would have happened. Relationships have been a huge part of my life and they've made me who I am now. I think it’s a nice sentiment to be honest about and it’s super relatable.”

Listen here: https://perrie.lnk.to/ForgetAboutUs

The beautiful video for the song, coming soon, was directed by Jake Nava (Beyonce, Britney Spears) and shot recently in Cape Town.

The world might know her as the self-assured Perrie from Little Mix, a group that boasts 3 Brit Awards over 17.49 million albums sales globally & 29.6 billion worldwide streams. However, her experience in one of the best-selling girl groups of all time was also transformative for a younger girl who was naturally shy and unsure of her immense talents. Previously, Perrie shied away from songwriting in Little Mix as she didn't have the confidence in her abilities, but through working on her upcoming debut album, her extensive songwriting contributions surprised even her. 

 

Across the eclectic and diverse record she had a heavy hand in creating, there are nods to her rock n roll-influenced childhood, motown, disco, country, 80s and, of course, bright, bold pop. The unifying thread is Perrie’s strong, soaring vocals that fearlessly grapple with each melody and top note. "Going into sessions as a solo artist now and being able to say what I want and I feel is just the most amazing experience. I never had the confidence to do that before, but this process has allowed me to believe in myself and explore all my different emotions and different parts of my life.”

Nearly all of the highly personal album was written and recorded at Perrie’s North London home, a place she feels the safest. Her fiancé Alex suggested they turn their unused dining room into a home studio, which he had built for her with everything she needed to lay down the tracks. “All of the content that I’ve done documenting the album has been made at home too—all the fans are commenting like, ‘Does she ever leave the house?’” Perrie laughs. As well as being embedded in her sanctuary she also explored working with producers and co-writers—the elite squad of which included artists Ed Sheeran and Raye as well as Johnny McDaid, Feli Ferraro (BTS, Normani) and Jon Bellion (Maroon 5, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber)— which allowed her to be as vulnerable and creative as possible for this debut product.

“I’m so proud of what I’ve done and created. I wanted it to be fun above anything else and showcase my singing through ballads and big vocal numbers,” she says, with her sights now set on taking her music out in front of the world and performing live with a band. “Having people singing your songs back to you is the best natural high in the world. I’m just so excited to see how fans react to my music now.”  Whether sensitive or powerhouse - Perrie's distinctive vocals stand proud as she emotes her way through songs that tell her story so far.

 

FOLLOW Perrie HERE

INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | YOUTUBE

 

Perrie’s “Forget About Us” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Olongapo Heritage Fair: Revealing Nellie E. Brown

Olongapo City, Zambales – On April 11, Ellie De Castro concluded the Finding Nellie Project at Nellie E. Brown Elementary School (NEBES) by revealing the true identity of her father’s elementary school namesake, Nellie E. Brown. Her audience consisted of NEBES’ current students and faculty, former and retired teachers and principals, alumni, Olongapo Historical Society members, local government representatives and Department of Education representatives.

 

The reveal comes after 646 days of research alongside 5 National Geographic Explorers and De Castro’s own family and friends. The day was called the Olongapo Heritage Fair, where a program filled with messages from the community and an interactive exhibit for both students and alumni were organized by the Finding Nellie Team with support from Olongapo City Vice Mayor Jong Cortez and West Bajac-Bajac Barangay Captain Billy Capistrano.  

 

“Sa hinaba-haba ng adventure, ay nahanap na din si Nellie”

 

Nellie E. Brown turned out to be a kindergarten teacher from Bangor, Maine. She did not establish NEBES nor was she a former teacher there – as many NEBES alumni and Olongapo citizens first thought her to be. Instead, one of her students, Roger Brown Nickerson, grew up to be a Captain on the US Navy and was eventually stationed in Subic Bay as a Commander from 1952 to 1953. He established NEBES in 1953 and named it after his favorite teacher, Nellie E. Brown. She passed away on February 26, 1954, a year after the school was built.

 

De Castro was able to find the answer after corresponding with the US National Archives and Records Administration, which led her to go on Ancestry.com and look up everything she has since found out about Nellie E. Brown from different stakeholders and sources. It seemed like a simple resolution after almost 2 years of research, but in her speech revealing Brown, De Castro shared that “the story of Finding Nellie isn't just about Nellie E. Brown and Commander Nickerson. In Finding Nellie, we also got to find the people who have built and made this community in Olongapo what it is."

 

To celebrate Finding Nellie with the local community, the day’s festivities awarded groups of students who took part in their own mini research projects after drawing inspiration from De Castro’s project with her fellow researchers and explorers. Winning research projects included topics on local food culture and solid waste management.

 

De Castro dedicates Finding Nellie to her father, NEBES alumnus Dr. Leo De Castro of the University of the Philippines. Although Nellie has been found, her team will continue to release material about their adventure and encourage students from different schools to keep being curious about their own heritage and identities. A public version of the exhibit and a screening of a documentary on Finding Nellie  will be held later in the year at a community center in Olongapo and in Manila.

Finding Nellie: The Project

What Ellie thought would be a quick Google search turned out to be an adventure that has lasted more than two years. Finding Nellie is a project that has made a team of archaeologists, educators, and storytellers scour through offline and online archives in the Philippines and abroad; inquire with libraries, cemeteries, historians, and even active and retired U.S. military personnel; get in touch with local and national  politicians; and message anyone who might remotely be related to a Nellie Brown on social media, via telephone, and even by knocking on their doors. On Instagram, the team shares every step of this journey through its colorful and interactive Field Notes.  

With the help of the National Geographic Society, Finding Nellie has allowed Ellie and her teammates to connect and reconnect with friends and family; foster an appreciation for community roots; and bring world history lessons a little closer to home – especially to the current students of Nellie E. Brown.

For more details, visit the project’s online spaces:

Instagram: @finding.nellie
TikTok: @finding.nellie
Website: https://www.elliedecastro.com/finding-nellie

Team Members’ Biographies

Ellie De Castro

Ellie is a Filipina archaeologist whose work focuses on finding avenues to connect heritage and youth. She led the HandiProject from 2015-2020, where she organized field trips to bring students from the Ifugao indigenous group to their world-renowned heritage sites, which they previously didn’t have access to. For the Dewil Valley Museum in El Nido, Palawan, she produced educational materials, artwork, and activities for the youth of the valley to engage them with the archaeological sites in their neighborhood. These projects focused on creating opportunities to connect with heritage resources in communities. Ellie seeks to enable participants of her projects to appreciate their homes in a new light and see the wonders of the world in their immediate surroundings.

 

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Basic Medical Sciences degree from the University of the Philippines-Manila and a Master of Science degree in Archaeology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman

 

Peg Keiner

 

Peg is an educator in the USA with 17 years of experience, including 4 years as an elementary technology coach and 8 years leading an inquiry-based International Baccalaureate school as the Director of Innovation. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Earth Education Expert, a 2018 National Geographic Certified Educator, and United Nations Association-Chicago Global Goal Ambassador.  As a 2017 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, she created immersive 360 content to transport students to Antarctica through inquiry science lessons. As a 2019 Nat Geo Education Fellow, she led the development of a week-long student workshop for GeoChallenge Participants and created the #31daysofcitizenscience video series to amplify the use of citizen science tools.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Instructional Technology and Design from Northern Illinois University.

 

Rachel Hansen

 

Rachel is an educator in the USA with 13 years of teaching experience, including 4 years of co-teaching experience with an English teacher, and 2 years spent working on an interdisciplinary team in a project-based program. She has much experience using participatory design and inquiry-based learning in her classroom. In 2021, Rachel was awarded the AP Human Geography Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education.

 

Rachel has endorsements in American History, World History, US Government, and Geography, with a B.A. from The University of Iowa in History. She is finishing her M.A. in Geography at the University of Northern Iowa, where her research focuses on tracking student learning progressions as they engage in map-making to tell stories of their communities.

 

Pau Villanueva

 

Pau Villanueva (he/they) is a Filipino photographer whose works are an exploration of the human condition - the discovery of self, of others, and the empathy through which we cross them. He is a National Geographic Explorer documenting land conflict and gender experiences in non-moro indigenous communities in Mindanao, and cultural heritage through historical geo-inquiry at Olongapo City. He is a mentee at the 2021 Women Photograph Mentorship Class and 2019 Angkor Photo Festival Workshop.

 

Pau teaches photography and advocates for empowerment and inclusivity through visual storytelling. He is a workshop mentor for indigenous communities in South Central Mindanao, the 2023 Angkor Photo Festival for Cambodian storytellers, and at the National Geographic Photo Camp guiding transnational Pasifika youth throughout the image-making process. Pau is an alumni of the Visual Journalism program at the Asian Center for Journalism in Ateneo de Manila University, and holds a BFA degree in Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.

 

Alexandra Lenore Ashworth

Alexandra aka Dzana is a Filipinx-American, Jewish, Mad, queer artist whose work spans video, poetry, and writing about kinship, belonging, and identity. They make art with Black and brown activists at home and in diaspora, radical Jewish, queer, and disabled communities, and abolitionist adopted, fostered, and trafficked people. Dzana was a 2022 Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellow, and she has produced for PBS, Art21, the MET, MOMA, and Brooklyn Museum, inter alia. They studied Spanish, magical realism, and screenwriting at Sarah Lawrence College.

Dzana is Associate Producer on documentaries FIRE THROUGH DRY GRASS (USA, 2023) and WHAT THE PIER GAVE US (forthcoming). Their upcoming short film, ON THE DAY I WAS BORN, is an experimental reflection on homecoming and adoption. They are working alongside cinematographer Christian Babista to bring the Finding Nellie adventure to the big screen to inspire students and explorers of all ages!

Source: Nyou

Manila City Gears Up for the Second RAMPA MANILA – A Celebration of Filipino Fashion

Manila City April 11, 2024 – Following the resounding success of last year's inaugural event, Manila City is thrilled to announce the return of RAMPA MANILA! In collaboration with Punto Consultancy, RAMPA MANILA 2 promises an even more captivating experience, set to take place on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Bulwagang Eulogio Rodriguez City Hall Manila.

 

Building upon the momentum of the first RAMPA MANILA, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, this year's edition embraces the theme Textile, Texture, and Technique, celebrating the artistry and innovation that define Filipino fashion.

 

Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan shared her excitement, stating, "RAMPA MANILA is not just an event; it's a celebration of our rich cultural heritage and the boundless creativity of Filipino designers. As we gear up for RAMPA MANILA 2, we look forward to showcasing the best of Filipino fashion to the world."

 

RAMPA MANILA 2 is honored to showcase the brilliance of both established and up-and-coming Filipino fashion designers. Among the esteemed designers headlining the event are:

 

- **Anthony Ramirez**: With 15 years of experience in the industry, Ramirez's creations reflect a journey of self-discovery and creative expression.

 

- **Neric Beltran**: Known for his detail-oriented and innovative designs, Beltran's pieces are characterized by cutting-edge design and meticulous workmanship.

 

- **Mark Rancy**: From humble beginnings in a car garage to earning a dual master's degree in Fashion Management, Rancy'sjourney is one of passion, talent, and dedication.

 

- **Val Taguba**: Renowned for his dramatic bridal looks and impeccable craftsmanship, Taguba's creations captivate with their bold colors and intricate details.

 

- **Jhobes Estrella**: With a timeless and ever-evolving craft, Estrella's designs have adorned celebrities, beauty queens, and luminaries alike.

 

RAMPA MANILA 2 also shines a spotlight on up-and-coming young fashion designers from prominent design schools such as College of St. Benilde and iAcademy. Among them are:

 

- **Dhenyze Guevara**

- **Morissette Magalona**

- **Joanna Santos**

 

RAMPA MANILA 2 is not just a fashion event; it is a celebration of Filipino creativity, talent, and innovation. Join us as we come together to witness the beauty and diversity of Filipino fashion on one dazzling runway.

 

For media inquiries, please contact Steph Ongkio (Punto Consultancy) at steph@puntoconsultancy.com

 

### About RAMPA MANILA:

 

RAMPA MANILA is an annual fashion event organized by the City of Manila in collaboration with Punto Consultancy. It aims to showcase the talent and creativity of Filipino fashion designers while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.

 

### Contact Information:

 

Steph Ongkiko

Punto Consultancy

steph@puntoconusltancy.com

Source: Nyou

XG Teams Up with VALORANT for Collaboration Single “UNDEFEATED” The Official Music Video premieres today, at 6PM JPT/KST (5PM MNL/SG, 4PM BKK/JKT)

12 APRIL 2024 - HIP HOP/R&B-inspired girl group XGrelease their collaboration single "UNDEFEATED" with the world's fastest-growing FPS game VALORANT today!

 

The accompanying official music video portrays the journey of a player whose fate is foretold by a fortune teller, and is led to become resigned to an inevitable defeat. He finds renewed hope and resolve when his friends encourage him to reject the prophecy. Ultimately, he rises to the occasion, defying fate and demonstrating that anyone can overcome adversity.

 

This captivating music video serves as an inspirational narrative for players, gamers and fans alike, delivering a powerful message that regardless of the obstacles one faces, they possess the inner strength to rise to the challenge and shape their own destiny.

 

Watch “UNDEFEATED” official music video here

Premiering @ 6PM JPT/KST, 5PM MNL/SG, 4PM BKK/JKT

 

“UNDEFEATED” official music video still (download image here)

 

Under the creative direction of JAKOPS, XG’s Executive Producer, “UNDEFEATED” embodies the unmistakable confidence and vibrancy of XG’s signature style. The song delivers a powerful message of fearlessness and seizing the moment, underscored by a pulsating baseline, minimalist drum drum composition and ethereal synthesizers. Featuring the distinctive vocals of XG members, the song serves as a rallying cry for those who dare to confront challenges head-on.

 

Stream “UNDEFEATED” here

 

Download image here

 

The collaboration single “UNDEFEATED” with the globally acclaimed game VALORANT is part of the Asia-Pacific regional event “VCT Pacific 2024,” an official international esports league that is currently underway, organised by Riot Games as part of the VALORANT Champions Tour 2024 (VCT).

 

 

###

 

 

ABOUT RIOT GAMES

 

Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports.

 

As League enters its second decade, Riot continues to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, VALORANT, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and multiple work-in-progress titles. Riot is also building the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, board games, and the upcoming animated series Arcane.

 

Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, and led by CEO Dylan Jadeja, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 2,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide.

 

ABOUT VALORANT

 

VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play.

 

VALORANT is a free-to-play game optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.

 

ABOUT XG

 

XG are a seven-member Hip-hop/R&B-inspired girls group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HARVEY, HINATA, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA.

 

The group debuted in March 2022 with their 1st single ‘Tippy Toes.’ In September 2023, they released their 1st Mini Album ‘NEW DNA,’ achieving a number one on Billboard JAPAN's ‘Hot Albums.’ In November of the same year, they held their first solo live audience showcase, 'XG 'NEW DNA' SHOWCASE in JAPAN' at the Pia Arena MM. They have performed all over the world, participating in major music festivals in the US, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE. XG has achieved numerous global milestones, including being the first Japanese artist to top the 'Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter' on the Billboard charts and gracing the cover of the 'Billboard' magazine as the first Japanese girls group.

 

In 2024, XG announced their first-ever world tour, the "XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL''. The name 'XG' stands for 'Xtraordinary Girls,' through their attention-grabbing and dynamic style of music and performance, they aim to empower people from all walks of life around the world.

 

XG Official Website: http://xgalx.com/xg/

XG OFFICIAL FANCLUB 'ALPHAZ': https://xg.pasch.fan/

XG Instagram: https://instagram.com/xgofficial

XG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@xg_official

XG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xg.official

XG Weverse: https://weverseapp.page.link/p3i5

XG Twitter: https://twitter.com/XGOfficial_

XG Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/XGOfficial

XGALX Official Website http://xgalx.com/

Source: Blackstar

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR LISA & LLOUD CO. ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH RCA RECORDS

 

LISA TO RELEASE NEW SOLO MUSIC WITH RCA RECORDS

 

 

Photo Credit: Mikey Asanin

 

[April 10, 2024 - Los Angeles, CA] Today, world renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, LISA (Lalisa Manobal) and LLOUD Co. announce a new partnership with RCA Records. Under the deal, LISA will release new solo music with RCA Records and have full ownership of all her recordings. This artist-first approach further demonstrates LISA’s ability to push boundaries in the music industry.

 

On signing with RCA Records, LISA shares: “I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career. Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing.”

“We are incredibly proud to partner with LISA and LLOUD CO.! LISA is a multidimensional talent and an irrefutable global force. We are thrilled to welcome her and her team to the RCA Records family” adds Peter Edge, Chairman & CEO, RCA Records & John Fleckenstein, COO, RCA Records.

 

In signing with RCA Records, LISA continues to solidify her place as a global force as the label is home to some of the world’s most prominent and creative artists from around the world including A$AP Rocky, Becky G, Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, KAYTRANADA, Latto, Mark Ronson, P!NK, Steve Lacy, SZA, Tems, Tate McRae, Victoria Monet, WizKid, and many more.

 

LISA is best known as a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, one of the most popular girl groups in history. With this new partnership, and the announcement of LLOUD CO., she is ushering in a new era as both an artist and entrepreneur. Launched earlier this year, LLOUD CO. was founded by LISA in an effort to create a platform to showcase her overall vision in music and entertainment that pushes boundaries. 

 

Beyond her success with BLACKPINK, LISA has broken several records globally as a solo artist. With the release of Lalisa in 2021, she was the first female artist to sell nearly 750,000 copies in the first week in South Korea. “Lalisa” and “Money” charted in the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200, while “Money” also holds the record as the longest-charting song by a solo female K-pop artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and on the U.K. Singles Chart. LISA broke three Guinness World Records in 2023 as the most Instagram followers for a K-pop artist (currently at 102 Million followers on the platform), she is also the first solo K-pop winner at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV European Music Awards.

 

Outside of music, LISA is set to star in the upcoming season of the hit HBO Original series, The White Lotus, season 3. This role will mark her major on screen debut and is filming in her native Thailand.

Along with her global dominance in music and unparalleled stage presence, she is known for her unique fashion sense and trendsetting style, making her a prominent force in the global fashion industry. She has had several major partnerships and is currently the face of Bulgari. 

FOLLOW LISA: INSTAGRAM 

ABOUT RCA RECORDS

Since its inception in 1900, RCA Records - the second oldest label in American history - has been home to some of the most iconic music artists of all-time celebrating music across all genres.  Our DNA, steeped in a rich musical history, compels us to amplify and empower the voices of our artists who continually push artistic boundaries and shape the cultural landscape on a global scale.  

We are Records.Culture.Art.

RCA Records is a Division of Sony Music Entertainment.

 

For more information on LISA, please contact The LEDE Company:

Christopher Iacullo |chris.iacullo@ledecompany.com 

Kristin Somin | kristin.somin@ledecompany.com

Alex Labrie | alex.labrie@ledecompany.com

 

For more information on RCA Records, please contact:

Jamie Abzug | jamie.abzug@rcarecords.com

 Source: RCA Records

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Immense Into Alt-Pop Artist t024's New Sensory Experience with "Cedarwood & Tangerine"

Listen here

Watch the music video here

 

 

t024, the pioneering Korean Alt-Pop duo celebrated for their groundbreaking creativity, unveils their latest single "Cedarwood & Tangerine," an intoxicating blend of ephemeral, vivid, and elusive nostalgia. This mesmerizing release signifies a noteworthy milestone for t024 as they continue to push the frontiers of musical innovation.

With "Cedarwood & Tangerine," t024 ventures into uncharted territory by not only stimulating auditory senses but also invoking olfactory sensations. This groundbreaking approach aims to immerse listeners in a multisensory experience, blending the power of music with the evocative nature of scent.

The track expresses the trembling of the moment found in the fragments of memories chaotically placed in the ambiguity of the past moment, along with the confusing attraction, as an afterglow and lingering image. It deeply immerses one into the whirlwind of unforgettable emotions of that day.

“The key thing here is definitely the scent. You know how sometimes you randomly smell something and it just takes you back? Like, it brings up a picture in your head or a certain vibe, even if you can’t pinpoint all the details. I thought that was super interesting and it’s actually what got me to write this song. It’s all about those good vibes and memories that come flooding back because of a scent.” says Senji, singer-songwriter of t024 about the inspiration behind “Cedarwood & Tangerine”.

Nap!er, producer of t024 added: "I am satisfied with whatever emotions listeners feel upon hearing our music. A perfume with a lingering scent doesn’t necessarily have a very strong top note. Similarly, moments without such longevity can be even more precious. In music, too, the depth and duration of emotions each listening experience brings can vary. I believe that if there are emotions felt, every moment has its own significance and value."

 

Cedarwood & Tangerine" creates a sophisticated and intense atmosphere by exquisitely blending various musical elements around a core band setup known for its rough sound texture. Breaking barriers within not only drawing from the Alt-Pop genre but also from Alt R&B, t024's last digital single, 'Complete Me,' has captivated audiences worldwide with its audacious blend of raw, dynamically crafted strings and atmospheric sounds. Released to widespread acclaim last year, this track has garnered an outpouring of adoration from fans across the globe, revealing the new possibilities for t024.

 

The innovative duo is preparing to soon unveil their inaugural EP, introducing audiences to their intriguing musical concept that ingeniously intertwines olfactory nostalgia with auditory delight. Get ready to embark on a sensory journey like never before.

 

t024 official press images

Download here

 

About t024

t024, also known as ‘To Twenty Four’, comprises singer-songwriter Senji and producer Nap!er. The moniker t024 stems from their shared vision of crafting music tailored for the intimate hours between 2AM and 4AM, a time period synonymous with heightened emotional experiences. This particular time frame holds a significant allure for the duo, encapsulating the essence of the precious moments and profound sentiments they seek to convey through their musical compositions.

 

Specializing in the alternative Pop/R&B genre, t024 delves into the realm of easy-listening music, skillfully reinterpreting classic sounds from the 70s and 80s, including New Wave, Synth Pop, and College Rock. Their compositions are characterized by a poignant sense of nostalgia, coupled with intricate narratives that invite listeners on an emotive journey. Through candid lyrics and heartfelt melodies reminiscent of genuine conversations, t024 endeavors to bridge the gap between artist and audience, delivering raw, relatable emotions that resonate deeply.

 

Listeners are invited to explore t024's music, where each track serves as a poignant vignette capturing everyday moments teeming with universal emotions. With t024, every song becomes a poignant snapshot of life, awaiting discovery and connection.

 

About Reff Records

‘Reff Records’ is a label established under the spirit of ‘support and backing for music’. It leads in comprehensive music content planning related to artist production and management. The managemental goal of Reff Records is not only to contribute to the creation of new cultural trends through music but also through all related genres including fashion, design, and art, and to spread the positive influence of music, inspiring diverse communities with varied inspirations. Reff Records builds a virtuous cycle and partnership where artists (IP), label, and customers influence each other, creating storytelling that evokes empathy and memories, and generating a new flow of energy. 

 

 

 

CONNECT WITH t024

YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Source: Blackstar

RIOT GAMES AND GIRL GROUP XG COLLABORATE TO RELEASE EXCLUSIVE TRACK ‘UNDEFEATED’ FOR VALORANT CHAMPIONS TOUR PACIFIC 2024

UNDEFEATED will drop globally on all streaming platforms on 12 April

 

 

 

8 APRIL 2024 - Riot Games and XG, the hip hop and R&B-inspired girl group, today announced the upcoming release of their collaboration single titled ‘UNDEFEATED’ for the VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (VCT Pacific) 2024 tournament.

 

UNDEFEATED is set to release globally on all streaming platforms on 12 April. The official music video airs on the VCT Pacific YouTube channel.

 

UNDEFEATED is XG’s first gaming collaboration and follows the announcement of their single, ‘WOKE UP’, which drops on 21 May. JAKOPS (SIMON), XG’s Executive Producer, directly oversaw the production, infusing the song with the unique confidence and colors of XG.

 

Fans of XG and VCT Pacific can look forward to a song that carries an inspiring message of “fearlessly seizing victory at all times,” and is crafted with a heavy bassline, minimalistic drum composition, and dreamy synthesizers. Through the distinctive vocals of XG members, the song seeks to energize those who dare to take on challenges.

 

"We're thrilled to collaborate with XG on the creation of UNDEFEATED for VCT Pacific," said Jake Sin, Head of VALORANT Esports APAC at Riot Games. "We hope the track will not only bring more hype to what will undoubtedly be a thrilling VCT Pacific season, but also demonstrate our commitment to our passionate community. It is the love and support from our fans so far that have encouraged us to seek more creative avenues for expression. We are grateful to work with XG to bring such a special track to life and hope our fans in the region and beyond will enjoy it as much as we do.”

 

JAKOPS (SIMON), executive producer of XGALX, expressed his thoughts on the collaboration saying, “I wanted to bring deep emotion and excitement to Valorant players worldwide and to everyone who loves music. While producing 'UNDEFEATED,' I aimed to convey the spirit of being 'undefeated' to listeners, just as the title suggests. Through this collaboration, I hope that everyone, including members of ALPHAZ as well as all players, will embrace the spirit of dreams, challenges, and never losing in competition, just like XG. I believe that the effort of artists on stage and the determination and effort of players striving for victory in matches are one and the same. Like XG and myself, I hope that the unwavering determination to move forward, even when the road ahead is not smooth, resonates with everyone. Additionally, I hope that this collaboration will be a great gift, along with the synergy that can only be shown through music to fans worldwide, in the VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific League.”

 

VCT Pacific is one of four international leagues in the wider VALORANT Esports ecosystem that includes VCT Americas, VCT EMEA and VCT CN. Pro-teams will fight through their respective international leagues to gain qualification into VCT global events, Masters and Champions.

 

With VCT Pacific Kickoff and Masters Madrid now over, VCT Pacific teams are gearing up to begin Stage 1 of the season where they will fight for a chance to represent the region at the second global event of the year, Masters Shanghai. Stage 1 will run between 6 April - 12 May in Seoul, South Korea.

 

Stakes rise even higher for Stage 2 where teams will then fight for a chance to go to VCT Champions 2024, the pinnacle of VALORANT esports where teams will battle for the title of world champion.

 

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ABOUT RIOT GAMES

 

Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports.

 

As League enters its second decade, Riot continues to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, VALORANT, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and multiple work-in-progress titles. Riot is also building the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, board games, and the upcoming animated series Arcane.

 

Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, and led by CEO Dylan Jadeja, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 2,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide.

 

ABOUT VALORANT

 

VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play.

 

VALORANT is a free-to-play game optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.

 

ABOUT XG

 

XG are a seven-member Hip-hop/R&B-inspired girls group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HARVEY, HINATA, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA.

 

The group debuted in March 2022 with their 1st single ‘Tippy Toes.’ In September 2023, they released their 1st Mini Album ‘NEW DNA,’ achieving a number one on Billboard JAPAN's ‘Hot Albums.’ In November of the same year, they held their first solo live audience showcase, 'XG 'NEW DNA' SHOWCASE in JAPAN' at the Pia Arena MM. They have performed all over the world, participating in major music festivals in the US, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE. XG has achieved numerous global milestones, including being the first Japanese artist to top the 'Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter' on the Billboard charts and gracing the cover of the 'Billboard' magazine as the first Japanese girls group.

 

In 2024, XG announced their first-ever world tour, the "XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL''. The name 'XG' stands for 'Xtraordinary Girls,' through their attention-grabbing and dynamic style of music and performance, they aim to empower people from all walks of life around the world.

 

XG Official Website: http://xgalx.com/xg/

XG OFFICIAL FANCLUB 'ALPHAZ': https://xg.pasch.fan/

XG Instagram: https://instagram.com/xgofficial

XG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@xg_official

XG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xg.official

XG Weverse: https://weverseapp.page.link/p3i5

XG Twitter: https://twitter.com/XGOfficial_

XG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XGOfficial

XGALX Official Website http://xgalx.com/

XG ‘UNDEFEATED’ VCT Pacific Collaboration Q&A

 

1. How did XG feel when Riot Games approached you for a collaboration for VCT Pacific 2024?

JURIN

● Actually, all of us members have been checking out the VALORANT Champions Tour footage on YouTube every year! It's amazing how every year, lots of people from all over the world gather at such a big venue, connecting the world through games and music. I've always been amazed by the enthusiasm of everyone. It feels like a dream to have this opportunity

HINATA

● Collabing with the gaming industry has always been a dream of mine, so when I heard about this opportunity, I was extremely happy!!

● It's a great honor to collaborate with Riot Games, who are loved by people all over the world ✨

 

2. What does XG hope VALORANT fans will feel when they listen to ‘UNDEFEATED’?

HARVEY

● I hope listeners will think 'I'm invincible!' 'I can do it!' 'I won't lose!' 'I'm the best!' I want them to listen with those feelings in mind! 'UNDEFEATED' is a song filled with confidence, both in its lyrics and its melody, it has a strong sense of power!  Whether you're facing a challenge or trying to calm yourself down, listen to 'UNDEFEATED' with us, and let's shine brightly and powerful!

JURIA

● I believe the lyrics of 'UNDEFEATED' are empowering and uplifting. Through this song, I want to deliver strong confidence, courage, and hope, to those who listen.

COCONA

● UNDEFEATED is truly a song that empowers and makes you feel invincible, encouraging self-confidence and strength. I believe it's a song that can provide a tremendous boost of energy when listened to during exercise or when working towards whatever goals you have. I would be delighted if it becomes a powerful motivator for everyone!

 

3. Is there anything XG would like to say to their new fans coming from the VALORANT community?  

MAYA

● Our doors are always open to just have fun and enjoy music!! We wanted to say thank you and also that we’re super excited to make more and more new memories with you all! Our new journey starts now!

CHISA

● I hope that listening to XG's music will make gaming even more enjoyable for you 🎮🎶

● And in the future, I hope you continue to feel passion, dreams and hope through our music! Let's go on a journey through the universe together 🪐🚀❤️‍🔥


Source: Blackstar

Doja Cat drops deluxe album, Scarlet 2 Claude

“MASC” music video featuring Teezo Touchdown, out now!

 

 

GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat drops her deluxe album, Scarlet 2 CLAUDE todayvia Kemosabe Records/RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment. With this new release, Doja Cat also unveils the music video for her new track off the album, “MASC” featuring Teezo Touchdown. The music video was directed and shot in Los Angeles by Doja Cat and Jamal Peters and made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards.

 

Scarlet 2 CLAUDE Tracklist

1. ACKNOWLEDGE ME

2. DISRESPECTFUL 

3. URRRGE!!!!!!!!!! feat. ASAP Rocky 

4. OKLOSER 

5.  MASC feat. Teezo Touchdown 

6.  PISS 

7. HEADHIGH

 

Last year, Doja Cat released her highly anticipated and critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Scarlet. The album featured smash hits such as “Attention”, “Paint The Town Red”, “Agora Hills”, and more. Her hit single, “Paint The Town Red” spent three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart at No. 1; that marked the first rap song to hit No.1 on the Hot 100 Chart last year. In addition, the song was No. 1 for a total of four consecutive weeks on the Billboard Global 200 Chart. Furthermore, Doja Cat’s fan favorite track “Agora Hills” went No. 1 at Top 40 Radio in February 2024 making it her eighth No. 1 at the format. “Agora Hills” also peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. 

Towards the end of 2023, Doja Cat completed her first-ever North American headline tour, The Scarlet Tour. This year, Doja Cat is set to headline the 2024 Coachella Music Festival on Sunday, April 14th and April 21st. At the start of this summer, Doja Cat will be embarking on the European/UK leg of her Scarlet Tour and performing at various UK music festivals starting on June 9th in Manchester, England before wrapping at the Wireless Music Festival on July 14th. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.dojacat.com/tour/. 

 

 

About Doja Cat: 

GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat made her first upload to Soundcloud in 2013 at just 16 years old. Having grown up in and around the LA area, she developed a knack for music by studying piano and dance as a kid and listening to the likes of Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and more. Signed to Kemosabe/RCA Records in 2014, she released her Purrr! EP and followed that with her debut album Amala in spring 2018, but it was her August 2018 release of “MOOO!” which catapulted her into the mainstream and was met with critical acclaim. 

Doja Cat released her sophomore GRAMMY-nominated platinum album Hot Pink in November 2019 to mass critical acclaim; the album has garnered 7 billion streams worldwide. It features
“Streets”, the viral sensation that soundtracked the ‘Silhouette Challenge,’ one of the biggest TikTok trends to date and her GRAMMY-nominated #1 smash record “Say So” which has been RIAA certified 6x platinum and catapulted Doja Cat into global superstardom. 

 With over 28 billion worldwide streams to date, Doja Cat’s creativity and showmanship as a performer have been praised time and time again, she has delivered unique and show-stopping performances on nearly all the major Award Show stages and music festivals throughout the world. Doja Cat’s GRAMMY award-winning album Planet Her came out in June 2021 and dominated the charts, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and generated the highest first day Spotify streams for an album by a female rapper. GRAMMY award-winning “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA, the lead single off Planet Her is certified 5x platinum by the RIAA and hit #1 at Top 40 and Rhythm radio with over 2.5 billion streams worldwide. That fall, Doja Cat became the first rapper to have 3 songs in the Top 10 at Top 40 radio. Her hit track “Woman” went to the top of the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay charts which ascended her to become the first women to have four #1 hits from one album, other hits including “You Right” with The Weeknd and “Need to Know.” She went on to land at #1 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart for the first time. Amongst others, Doja Cat has won 5 AMAs, 5 Billboard Music Award, 5 MTV VMAs, 3 BMI Awards, 2 MTV EMAs, 1 GRAMMY Award and 1 NAACP Image Award along with garnering a total of 19 GRAMMY Award nominations. Additionally, Doja Cat has been nominated for 20 Billboard Music Awards, 17 MTV VMAs, 9 AMAs, 9 BET Awards, 8 MTV EMAs, 5 BMI Awards and dozens more. Doja Cat was named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2023 where she was featured on the April 2023 cover issue and performed at the TIME100 Gala in New York City. In September 2023, Doja Cat performed at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards and won a VMA Award for Art Direction for her track, “Attention.” Later in that same month, Doja Cat released her fourth studio album, Scarlet. At the end of 2023, Doja Cat wrapped her first-ever North American headline tour, The Scarlet Tour.  

 

Buy/Stream Scarlet 2 CLAUDE:

Multi: https://dojacat.lnk.to/s2claude

 

Watch “MASC” ft. Teezo Touchdown:

https://dojacat.lnk.to/s2claude/youtube

 

Follow Doja Cat at:

Instagram |  Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Source: Nyou

Steve Aoki and Kiddo Share New Single “Drive”

Listen here: https://steveaoki.lnk.to/Drive

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYtP1LQe0Eg&feature=youtu.be

 

 

April 5, 2024 - 2x-Grammy-nominated artist and producer Steve Aoki and Swedish singer/songwriter KIDDO release their festival season anthem “Drive.” This track comes after Aoki's recent releases “Get Lower” featuring Lil Jon and “Everything You Do,” a collaboration with Afrojack under the Afroki name. Similarly, KIDDO has released new singles, including "Always On The Run," popular dance tracks “Headlights” by Alan Walker and Alok, and “These Nights” by Loud Luxury.

 

Aoki and KIDDO premiered “Drive” during Aoki’s headline set at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami last month. KIDDO's vibrant live vocals and Aoki's electric production provided a standout moment in Aoki’s set, which also featured special guest appearances by Timbaland, Ryan Key of Yellowcard, Kiesza, and Kalan.frfr. Billboard hailed Aoki's high-octane set as one of the "best moments of Ultra Music Festival 2024.” Watch Aoki’s full Ultra Music Festival performance here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9t2Qo2Hw_Y

 

Aoki shares: "I'm absolutely stoked about our collaboration on 'Drive' with KIDDO. Her vocals are pure magic and perfectly complement the high-energy vibe of the track. Seeing the crowd's reaction when she performed live at Ultra Music Festival was beyond words. This song is all about capturing the festival spirit, and I can't wait for everyone to experience it.”

 

Kiddo shares: "I'm so excited about this new release and getting the chance to work with Steve Aoki. Everything with the song has come so naturally to create this catchy summer smash."

 



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ABOUT STEVE AOKI:

Counting nearly 3 billion music streams to his name, Steve Aoki is a true visionary. Billboard described the 2x-GRAMMY-nominated music producer, artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, NFT futurist, and Dim Mak Records founder as “one of the most in-demand entertainers in the world.” A Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Traveled Musician in a Single Calendar Year,” Aoki has performed at nearly every top festival around the world, including Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock Festival, Tomorrowland, and Electric Daisy Carnival. Aoki also graced recent covers of Entrepreneur Magazine, Success Magazine, Electronic Musician, and Adweek as their “Visionary of the Year.”

 

As a globally successful cross-genre solo artist, Aoki has collaborated with an impressive list of varied artists, including BTS, Maluma, Snoop Dogg, Linkin Park, blink-182, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Uzi Vert, 2 Chainz and Daddy Yankee, on top of having released three Platinum singles, six Gold singles, and over ten Top 10 radio records. After unveiling four Neon Future albums, Aoki recently released HiROQUEST 2: Double Helix, the second in his HIROQUEST series, featuring collaborations with Paris Hilton, Galantis, ERNEST, Akon and more.

 

Aoki approaches each new endeavor with the same sense of dedication he’s put into his past achievements, including the Grammy-nominated Netflix documentary I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2016) and his memoir BLUE: The Color of Noise(2019). In 2012, he also founded THE AOKI FOUNDATION to support organizations in brain science and its research. His influential record label Dim Mak, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021, is known for being a launching pad for the careers of prominent acts like Bloc Party, The Chainsmokers, Bloody Beetroots, The Kills, Zedd, and Diplo. Most recently, Aoki created the A0K1VERSE, an NFT membership community, powered by the Passport, that welcomes his fans to both virtual and real-world experiences. In whatever space Steve Aoki enters, the multi-hyphenate innovator continues to set trends and inspire creativity on a global level.

 

ABOUT KIDDO:

KIDDO is a singer/songwriter from the northern parts of Sweden that entered the scene with her singles "Drunk & I Miss You", "Bang My Head" and "Coming Down".

She was chosen by Max Martin to be apart of the Equalizer project for Spotify that strives for women in the music industry to take the place they deserve.Her gold and platinum certified single "All We Got" featuring Robin Schulz became a giant hit, reaching #1 in the German and European airplay charts and became a stepping stone for KIDDO. This led to certified records with Tiesto featuring Charli XCX - Hot In It, Alok & Alan Walker featuring KIDDO - Highlights as well as Lost Frequencies - The Feeling. Besides the previously mentioned artists, she has also written for artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Icona Pop, Loud Luxury, Felix Jaehn, GASHI and more.

KIDDO has a fully specced 2024 both as an artist and a songwriter. This makes her one of the most prolific songwriters in Sweden.

 

 

MORE FROM KIDDO: Source:

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

MORE FROM STEVE AOKI:

ONLINE  | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Source: Blackstar

Henry Moodie releases new single “beat up car”

The track serves as follow-up to the chart-topping hit “drunk text,” which gained prominent traction in the Philippines thanks to viral covers by Paolo of Ben&Ben and Paolo Sandejas

 

 

Future global pop superstar Henry Moodie has released his incredible new single, ‘beat up car’ via Robots & Humans (UK), Columbia Records (US) and Sony Music Entertainment. The single is accompanied by a music video.

The release of the track follows the regional success of his previous hit “drunk text,” which peaked at No. 1 on streaming platforms in Malaysia and Indonesia, and charted across Southeast Asia. The aforementioned song also gained traction and virality in the region, with notable covers from NCT (popular K-Pop boy group) member Chenle, Paolo of Ben&Ben, and Paolo Sandejas.

On Henry’s new single “beat up car”, the British pop sensation delivers yet another epic ballad; his exquisite vocals flourish as the crux of the new single, accompanied by sublime production that features exquisite guitars alongside an invigorating beat. It is beautiful and charming in equal measures, holding a deep relatability that fans and news listeners will no doubt resonate with. The single is accompanied by a beautiful video directed by Ned Botwood, and together they demonstrate once again why Henry Moodie is seen as one of the most exciting new UK pop stars on the scene today.

Speaking about ‘beat up car’, Henry said, “beat up car is a song fantasizing about running away with someone who makes life feel less scary. When I'm feeling down, I have a couple people I know I can call to remind me of all the beautiful parts of life - love and friendship. I wanted this song to feel uplifting and cinematic - just like how it feels to be with a soulmate!”

At just 19-years-old, Henry Moodie already achieved more than 250 million streams worldwide, landed in the Top 10 most viewed UK artists on TikTok in 2022 and has been named amongst Amazon Music’s Artists To Watch in 2023. Following the completion of a songwriting diploma at music school BIMM, Henry found his voice as a solo musician and songwriter, oozing a level of emotional vulnerability, and sweeping, timeless lyrics.

Henry released his debut EP, ‘in all of my lonely nights’, in the winter of 2023. With a combined 250m streams across tracks including self-penned and produced ‘you were there for me’, global hit 'drunk text' and the heartfelt ‘pick up the phone’, a track which received 350k streams in it’s first day alone. With his first headline UK and European tour selling out in days, support tours with Mimi Webb & Lauren Spencer-Smith under his belt, Henry has currently been embarking on his biggest solo tour to date with over 15,000 tickets sold in UK, Europe & USA plus festivals in Asia during the summer.

‘beat up car’ Single Artwork - DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES HERE

…

LISTEN TO ‘beat up car’ HERE

DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS HERE

FOLLOW HENRY MOODIE ON SOCIALS

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

 

Henry Moodie’s ‘beat up car’ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Robots & Humans(UK), Columbia Records (US) and Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Terno Para Sa Chemo!

If you need pajamas, please consider buying from @affordapol_store, as they are raising funds for the business owner’s chemotherapy. The fabric is cool even in this summer heat. Buy their pajamas here: https://shope.ee/7AGarbcquW ☁️ #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam

Finding Nellie: Olongapo mystery solved by father-daughter team

Introduction

On November 6, 2021, Dr. Leo De Castro —a Philosophy professor at the University of the Philippines—received four birthday cakes from an old grade school friend. They both studied at Nellie E. Brown Elementary School (NEBES), a public school in Olongapo City.

Connected to Subic Bay and facing the West Philippine Sea, Olongapo is known for being part of a US Naval Base from 1901 to 1959. Placenames in Olongapo tell stories about this time, as streets, schools, and establishments carry foreign names – most of which can easily be traced to navy officials who were previously stationed there, local government officials, and even American presidents.

But who was Nellie E. Brown?

This is the question that Leo’s daughter, Ellie, kept asking. Her Dada, his brothers, and the people they grew up with apparently didn’t know.

There are many stories about who Nellie could have been: a teacher, a volunteer, or maybe even a business owner. But no one knows for certain as official documents about the school’s first days are missing. The official history of NEBES, as documented by the Department of Education, mentions that Nellie was a Peace Corps volunteer who helped build the school. However, the timing doesn’t match: the Peace Corps started only in 1961, while the school was founded in 1953.

Why was a school named after her? And why doesn’t anyone seem to know?

Finding Nellie

What Ellie thought would be a quick Google search turned out to be an adventure that has lasted more than two years.

Finding Nellie is a project that has made a team of National Geographic explorers (archaeologists, educators, and storytellers) scour through offline and online archives in the Philippines and abroad; inquire with libraries, cemeteries, historians, and even active and retired U.S. military personnel; get in touch with local politicians (even a Senator!); and message anyone who might remotely be related to a Nellie Brown on social media, via telephone, and even by knocking on their doors. On Instagram, the team shares every step of this journey through its colorful and interactive Field Notes.  

With the help of the National Geographic Society, Finding Nellie has allowed Ellie and her teammates to connect and reconnect with friends and family; foster an appreciation for community roots; and bring world history lessons a little closer to home – especially to the current students of Nellie E. Brown.

Two years and a few months later, the team is ready to announce: that Nellie has been found.

On April 11, 2024, Finding Nellie, led by Ellie De Castro, will announce the official identity of Nellie E. Brown. The event will be held at the grounds of Nellie E. Brown Elementary School, from 7:00-9:30 a.m., in front of the school’s current students, faculty, and the City of Olongapo’s active community participants.  It will be followed by an interactive exhibit that showcases the team’s journey of #FindingNellie.

For more details, visit the project’s online spaces:

Instagram: @finding.nellie
TikTok: @finding.nellie
Website: https://www.elliedecastro.com/finding-nellie

 

Team Members’ Biographies

Ellie De Castro

Ellie is a Filipina archaeologist whose work focuses on finding avenues to connect heritage and youth. She led the HandiProject from 2015-2020, where she organized field trips to bring students from the Ifugao indigenous group to their world-renowned heritage sites, which they previously didn’t have access to. For the Dewil Valley Museum in El Nido, Palawan, she produced educational materials, artwork, and activities for the youth of the valley to engage them with the archaeological sites in their neighborhood. These projects focused on creating opportunities to connect with heritage resources in communities. Ellie seeks to enable participants of her projects to appreciate their homes in a new light and see the wonders of the world in their immediate surroundings.

 

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Basic Medical Sciences degree from the University of the Philippines-Manila and a Master of Science degree in Archaeology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman

 

Peg Keiner

 

Peg is an educator in the USA with 17 years of experience, including 4 years as an elementary technology coach and 8 years leading an inquiry-based International Baccalaureate school as the Director of Innovation. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Earth Education Expert, a 2018 National Geographic Certified Educator, and United Nations Association-Chicago Global Goal Ambassador.  As a 2017 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, she created immersive 360 content to transport students to Antarctica through inquiry science lessons. As a 2019 Nat Geo Education Fellow, she led the development of a week-long student workshop for GeoChallenge Participants and created the #31daysofcitizenscience video series to amplify the use of citizen science tools.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Instructional Technology and Design from Northern Illinois University.

 

Rachel Hansen

 

Rachel is an educator in the USA with 13 years of teaching experience, including 4 years of co-teaching experience with an English teacher, and 2 years spent working on an interdisciplinary team in a project-based program. She has much experience using participatory design and inquiry-based learning in her classroom. In 2021, Rachel was awarded the AP Human Geography Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education.

 

Rachel has endorsements in American History, World History, US Government, and Geography, with a B.A. from The University of Iowa in History. She is finishing her M.A. in Geography at the University of Northern Iowa, where her research focuses on tracking student learning progressions as they engage in map-making to tell stories of their communities.

Source: Nyou