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06 April 2024

Newsletter: Henry Moodie releases new single “beat up car”

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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 Scene Around: The Last Rakrakan Festival Day 2

04/05/2024 04:20:53 PM

It was said that The Last Rakrakan Festival was bound to be the end all be all of all the Rakrakan Festivals that were staged before. Although a part of me think that this was meant to be the end due to the fact that it was rescheduled for a few times since their original date slated for 2020 was hampered down due to COVID, and there was another postponement due to whatever reasons.

The question: did this weekend-long festivity deliver? Although it may sound an unfair assessment coming from me since I haven't been into any other Rakrakan Festival before, and the decision to go through this show came at the last minute.

And here are some of the observations I've had.

05 April 2024

Kamote Republic

03/21/2024 05:36:37 PM

Mukhang wala na tayong magagawa. Nasa panahon nga tayo kung saan ang hari ng kalsada ay hindi na mga jeepney.

Newsletter: Finding Nellie: Olongapo mystery solved by father-daughter team

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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?

04 April 2024

Newsletter: Globe rolls out local prepaid eSIM

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Globe, a leading Mobile provider in the Philippines, ushers in a new era of sustainable digital connectivity with the rollout of its local prepaid eSIM.

The Gigs: Where To Catch Your Favorite OPM Bands (v. 2024, Part 2 of 2)

03/30/2024 04:15:43 PM


I first wrote The Gigs as part of the music issue of the Philippine Panorama (Yes, the Sunday magazine of Manila Bulletin) back in February 2018, wherein I featured some of the places which houses live music scene. Add to that is how and why online is also the place to be if one looks for sources of new music.

Fast-forward to 2024: It has been two years since the time the Manila gig scene resurfaced for good. The months of February and March were the times when music events had its full-blown resurrection for good after being halted by another wave of community quarantine at the start of the year 2022. Some of us have to understand that this was an era of a convergence of the new normal and returning norms as some of our beloved venues closed, a bunch of personalities we know passed away (be it due to COVID or not), and everything noisy has mostly been made virtually. As we know it, the shutdown has put us in uncertainty; but eventually, we found our way back to hum tunes with our voices and instruments. 

In 2022, we may have been walloping over the closure of Upperhouse, Conspiracy Garden Cafe and Route 196 (along with other shops and restaurants in various business fields that we didn't have chances to bade farewell), but new houses emerged to serve live music and all the merrymaking we barely missed that two-year stretch, and that was something we discussed a while ago.

For more of The Gigs, we shed the spotlight on the other names which probably rang the bell, also made their respective returns – although, in different locations. Add to that are the reopening of the venues that remained alive and kicking up to this day.

03 April 2024

The Dexcon Wrestle Storm Experience

03/30/2024 10:34:29 PM


Sometime last year, there was a collective effort made by some of my friends form the local wrestling circle – an event called Dexcon, I won't bore you with the details as I may tell a few words about them later on.

This year, Dexcon has transformed into a collective organization of people from the likes of Channel Fourteen, Fight Sport Manila, and Kayfabe Cafe, to name a few. But more than that, Dexcon has drove away from their usual wrestling event watching parties at CardBros Hobby Shop and some meet and trade for cards. Their event has evolved into an exciting weekend of wrestling.

Newsletter: Empowering women at Asticom: Nurturing success in life and work

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Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, President and CEO

Asticom Technology Inc., the country’s premier shared services company, proudly honors the remarkable women who drive its success. From mothers balancing work and family to senior leaders forging new paths, Asticom recognizes the invaluable contributions of women and is committed to fostering an environment where they can thrive in all aspects of their lives.

02 April 2024

Newsletter: Beyoncé releases new album, COWBOY CARTER

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Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, COWBOY CARTER is taking the world by storm with its top-notch songwriting and production, as well as incredible commercial success. The critically acclaimed record is expected to land at No. 1 on several countries for the tracking week, particularly in major markets worldwide.

The WWE on Disney+ Problematic Experience

03/20/2024 12:52:15 AM


I knew it from the moment the news came about WWE Network going out of the Philippine shores back in late 2022. I wasn't that hopeful when the announcement of Disney+ acquiring WWE programming as part of its portfolio of offerings to the country.

01 April 2024

Newsletter: Grammy-winning Amapiano Pop-R&B sensation Tyla arrives with her self-titled debut album, TYLA

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A record-setting finish to 2023 set the stage for Grammy award-winning Amapiano pop-R&B superstar Tyla to step firmly into her stardom in 2024, and today the South African superstar makes it official.
Tyla’s self-titled debut album, "TYLA", featuring guest appearances by Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and Kelvin Momo is now available.

The Best and Worst WrestleMania Moments in the Last 10 Years (Part 2 of 2)

03/21/2024 04:14:31 PM

WrestleMania 39 (Photo credits: AP, WWE, Arab News)

I have been following professional wrestling (although not in a very religious way) since 2012. I have seen WrestleMania during Holy Tuesday of the said year; and it has been a yearly thing for me to watch the show, be it live, primetime replay, or on-demand. That said, it's fair to say I have watched WrestleMania for 12 consecutive years – and probably going on 13 by April 6-7 (or April 7-8 by the Philippine Standard Time).

31 March 2024

Newsletter: Kaspersky sets records by leading 94 percent of independent tests – TOP3 metric results

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In 2023, Kaspersky's products held the leading position in the TOP3 metric. During the year, Kaspersky participated in 100 independent tests and reviews, with its products being awarded 93 firsts and 94 TOP3 finishes, achieving the highest result of all years. 

Newsletter: Tothapi joins Sony Music Entertainment family, releases new single “Kutsinta”

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Breakthrough Bicol-based band Tothapi is the newest addition to the Sony Music Entertainment family, which includes some of the biggest OPM acts in the country such as Ben&Ben, SB19, Denise Julia, Clara Benin, Ace Banzuelo, O Side Mafia, NOBITA, Demi, The Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, Any Name’s Okay, and more.

30 March 2024