AUDIOJUNKIE: The Weeknd x Ariana Grande, Sarah Geronimo, newbie Earl Agustin, Josh Cullen lead new singles releases

Published February 27, 2023, 7:02 AM

by Punch Liwanag

From left: The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Sarah Geronimo, and Earl Agustin

The Weeknd and Ariana Grande does it slow but grooving on a remix of “Die For You.” Originally from The Weeknd’s 2016 album “Starboy,” the just-released remix is basically a reboot of the track as a duet between these two modern pop stars. Whereas the original was a one-way laundry list of reasons for The Weeknd why he won’t leave his girl, with Ariana on board, it has become a call-and-response between two lovers working the kinks of their relationship.

The Weeknd and Ariana trade falsettos in between robust synth stabs and R&B-tinged choruses. “Die For You” is not the first time The Weeknd and Arianna paired up. The most recent was back in 2021 with “Save Your Tears” which to date has just surpassed a billion streams just on Spotify alone.

Newcomer Earl Agustin is a promising artist who just released his label debut via his original titled “Dalangin.” Mixing R&B, retro pop elements and catchy OPM lyricism that comes out entirely fresh in the hands of Earl. Southern-bred singer-songwriter Earl Agustin had an indie-released single titled “Tapos Na.” Said single puts on display Earl Agustin’s vocal stylings that’s similar to fellow southerner Arthur Nery. And while a case could be made that the former sounds a bit like the latter, the sure thing that can be said about the two is their deft handling of the R&B style. 

Now this is something really worth checking out. For the first time, Sarah Geronimo sings on an almost bluesy number on her recently released single titled “Himig.” Released Valentine’s Day 2023, the song opens with rhythm and blues styled guitar lines that outline the bluesy nature of this new song. For her part, Sarah Geronimo equally sings the soulful melodies of this Jin Chan-written song (who wrote Sarah’s disco inflected “Dati Dati) and is arranged by ace guitarist Janno Queyquep of South Border. Minimalist Sarah Geronimo on vocals coupled with a clean and fat-sounding neck pickup guitar sound? Yes please!    

Josh takes a break from all things SB19 on his solo debut “Wild Tonight.” Synth bass lines rumble, and the club vibe is strong on this upbeat track that sees Josh Cullen Santos channeling modern day club sounds and rapping about haters and why he’s unfazed by all of it.   

Singer-songwriter Kyla Miel Camerong collaborates on a modern love song titled “Sige Sige.” Kyla sings over boom bap beats and lo-fi guitars about giving love another chance. Supplying rap verses is rising P-pop solo artist Valfer Alo.

Blindside is a rockin’ three-piece band led by lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Riane Foronda, bassist and back-up vocalist Mathew Dooma and wonder kid drummer Wakin Ramos. Blindside’s new single titled “Antok” is their version of the classic “Harana” and an energetic take at that.

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After a brief spell of absence, BennyBunnyBand returns with an introspective new song titled “ParePareho.”  Songwriter Benny James Giron is a skilled electric ukelele player and can coax the most out of said instrument besides being a decent songwriter. And we can hear it in this tune–with those uke-guitar fills in between his rhythmic stabs and singing–all while looking back at his journey so far and how life has shaped him, which he posits, we all go through.

Palace: PBBM admin to upskill PH workers as foreign investors come to PH

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is preparing for the entry of more foreign investors in the country, particularly by ensuring that the Philippines has a pool of well-educated and highly-skilled workforce, Malacañang said.

(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULELTIN)

In a statement, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said that the DOLE is paying attention to resolving job mismatch issues by upskilling Filipino workers.

Citing Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Garafil added that the upskilling of workers must be industry-led and demand- and market-driven so they can find employment that suits their skills. 

In a press briefing, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the government needed to boost its efforts to digitalize available jobs so workers would have the chance to choose where they want to work and the type of work they wanted to do.

He added that job mismatch issues could also be addressed by conducting jobs fair, with the DOLE focusing on knowing the requirements of every industry to manage them effectively.

Energy supply 

Meanwhile, Garafil said another focus of the Marcos administration is ensuring that the Philippines has a cheap and stable energy supply that could sustain manufacturing industries that create jobs with the expected influx of foreign investors.

Citing Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, the Palace official said the DOE targets to have 35 percent of the country’s supply coming from renewable energy sources (RE) by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

In a press briefing, Fuentebella said the shift to RE was timely because of the high fuel prices that burden power-generating plants.

He added that part of the government’s initiative to lower electricity prices is the diversification of energy sourcing.

According to Fuentabella, another government strategy is educating the public on saving energy. He said it would address other issues like inflation, environmental degradation, high electricity prices, and the Philippines’ competitiveness with other countries.

BAGONG LPA, PAPASOK NA! MAGIGING MALAKAS NA BAGYO⚠️😱⛈️ |

BOOMING BAJADA SKYLINE IN DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES

‘Likha’ brings together weavers from all over the Philippines under one roof

by John Legaspi, Manila Bulletin

Weaving is an integral part of the Philippines’ culture. Every indigenous group in the country has its own unique weaving heritage that immortalizes its vibrant traditions and stories. These hand-loomed textiles aren’t just testaments to the wonders Filipino hands can make but also to the discipline and respect our ancestors have in preserving our national identity. 

Weavers Gemma Monon, Rey Rose Dillera, and Adelene Monon of Salinta Monon Bagobo Tagabawa Weaving Association

To further bring the country’s weaving heritage closer to many Filipinos, the Office of the First Lady, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched “Likha,” a week-long event bridging traditional textile communities, designers, brands, and manufacturers to communicate, innovate, and co-create a sustainable pathway of Philippine textiles for the local and international market. 

According to Marga Nograles, chief operating officer of TPB, the idea behind “Likha” stemmed from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s vow to protect the creative industry in order to preserve the “Filipino brand” during his first State of the Nation Address. 

Traditional Filipino garbs on display at ‘Likha’

“Taking this to heart, we put our weaving tradition and colorful fabrics in the spotlight of our Filipino heritage,” Nograles said during the launch. “Trade, industrialization, globalization, technology, circular economy, and the importance of culture and national development have changed the value and purpose of handloom weaving over time. They transform it into what it is today, an assertion of identity, a means of income, an emerging design trend, and a source of cultural pride.”

For a week, the PICC Forum 2 will be the home of over 57 weavers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as they showcase their handloom textiles and intricate beading works. Guests will have the chance to get a closer look at how Filipino textiles are made, talk with the weavers, purchase their products, and also participate in various seminars and talks. 

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos together with Filipino weavers from all over the country

Present during its launch last Feb. 21 were First Lady of the Philippines Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Christina Frasco, and Rustan Commercial Corporation president Bienvenido Tantoco III.

“It is our hope that this week-long activity will inspire both the weavers and the talented designers to come up with innovative ideas to help the weaving industry,” the First Lady said. “Tayo na at lumikha (Let’s go and create)!”

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“Likha” will be open to the public on Feb. 25, and will run until Feb. 28 at the PICC Forum 2 in Pasay City.

Marcos boosts PH tourism revival amid Covid recovery

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos MB

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured that the government would promote the tourism sector as the country recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (File photo)

Marcos said this during the celebration of Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano: The Festival of Festivals in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

In his speech, the President said that boosting the country’s local tourism remains his administration’s top priority. 

“I assure you that the government’s commitment to strengthen the domestic tourism industry remains a top priority, and Ilocos Norte will play a very large part in that,” he said.

Marcos said it was now time to “reclaim lost opportunities” after the pandemic sidelined the celebration of festivals and other crowd-drawing events.

“The darkest hours of the pandemic we pray are over,” he said.

“Now, we are ready to reclaim the time and opportunities we have lost for the last few years as we now emerge stronger than ever,” he added.

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The President hoped the Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano festival would stimulate economic activity and support Ilocano families by driving tourism industries and sustaining local livelihoods.

He likewise urged the next generation of Ilocano artists “to be proud of your identity and integrate our rich customs and traditions into the art that you showcase.”

“Let us share with our fellow Filipinos and the rest of the world the story of our roots in the upland indigenous communities, the vibrant communities of Ilocos, many of which have been crucial in molding us into what we are as a people today,” Marcos said.

Flash flood victims in Davao City receive relief aid

by Ivy Tejano, MB

DAVAO CITY — Over 1,000 families affected by the recent flash flood here received relief assistance from the Office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte on Wednesday morning, Feb. 22.

Personnel from the office of Congressman Duterte distributed emergency food packs, hot porridge, and breakfast to the flood victims in barangays 2-A, 5-A, 8-A, 9-A, 10-A, 19-B, Matina Gravahan, and Maa in the early hours of Feb 22.

As several barangays in the city were flooded, authorities ordered an evacuation on Tuesday evening following a heavy rainstorm which caused water levels in a river to rise and forced the 1,093 families or 4,300 individuals to leave their houses. 

The First Congressional District Office assured that all victims were given appropriate assistance.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) issued warnings about the water levels in the city’s five rivers, namely Davao River, Lasang River, and Bunawan River which were under code red, and Talomo River and Matina River which were under orange level.

CDRRMO head Alfredo Baloran said that water in the three major rivers in the region rose because of the rain, and that the roadway connecting Lasang and Bunawan had to be closed to traffic until Wednesday as portions of the road was under floodwater.

Davao City, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental sustained moderate to heavy rainfall on February 21 at 7 p.m. due to a localized thunderstorm that led to flooding in various barangays. Not a single person was reported injured or missing in the incident.

‘Hindi puro taxi’: Recto wants more buses deployed to NAIA for arriving passengers

by Ellson Quismorio, MB

House Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto is calling on authorities to field more buses to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from pick-up points like malls and a carousel system that will link NAIA’s terminals.

Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto (Facebook) 

Recto, in a statement Saturday, Feb. 25, said the proposal to deploy more buses to NAIA are inexpensive “low-hanging fruits like curbside improvements”.

“Kung kaya nating umutang ng P356 bilyon at hukayin ang ilalim ng lupa para sa isang subway, siguro naman mas madali ang pag-deploy ng maraming bus (If we can borrow P356 billion and dig the earth for a subway, then I guess deploying additional buses is easier),” Recto said.

Recto said government should bring affordable mass transportation at NAIA’s doors, “and in the absence of trains, buses are the next best choice”. 

In the Philippines, taxis–although potentially expensive–are the easiest way to get from point A to B once land at the airport, particularly NAIA.

“Sa lahat ng airports sa buong mundo, ang buses ay bahagi ng isang integrated transportation system servicing an airport,” Recto said.

“This is so because an air passenger’s experience and comfort extend beyond an airport’s gate. The global trend in airport management is how to make it easier and faster for people to go to an airport,” he noted.

He said the choices of an arriving air passenger should not be limited to taxis and other vehicles-for-hire. “If we have liberalized the air industry, then we should do the same for land transportation to and from the airport.”

The former Senate President pro tempore said government should bring affordable mass transportation at NAIA’s doors, “and in the absence of trains, buses are the next best choice”.

He said that in all parts of the world, buses are part of the integrated transportation system servicing an airport. 

“This is so because an air passenger’s experience and comfort extend beyond an airport’s gate. The global trend in airport management is how to make it easier and faster for people to go to an airport,” Recto said.

He said the choices of an arriving air passenger should not be limited to taxis and other vehicles-for-hire.

“If we have liberalized the air industry, then we should do the same for land transportation to and from the airport,” the House leader further said.

Lovi Poe to join Panagbenga flower festival, signs new endorsement deal

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Lovi Poe

For the first time, Supreme Actress Lovi Poe will join the 27th edition of the Panagbenga or Baguio flower festival in Baguio City on Sunday, Feb. 26.

Lovi, who is currently seen in the popular Kapamilya series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” said that she’s excited to ride the float of Eevor Skin Care Depot or SCD during the annual month-long flower festival in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

“I’m so excited na first time akong makakasama sa Panagbenga Festival sa Baguio City at happy ako na sasakay ako sa float ng SCD family ko! Excited na akong makasama ang mga taga-Baguio on Sunday!” Lovi said. 

This is the first time in three years that the Panagbenga Festival will resume after it  was halted due to the pandemic.

Grace Mangulabnan-Angeles (left), CEO of Eevor Skin Care Depot and Supreme Actress Lovi Poe

The Panagbenga flower festival will start at the DILG/Casa Vallejo at 8 a.m. and will conclude at the Melvin Jones Grandstand and Football Grounds.

Grace Mangulabnan-Angeles, CEO of Eevor Skin Care Depot, welcomed Lovi to the SCD family after she signed an endorsement for the skin care company last Feb. 23.

In 2016, Eevor Skin Care Depot or SCD was established in Olongapo City, where it currently holds its office and production facility. It has a wide array of skin care products developed and crafted with high quality and environment-friendly ingredients. SCD has various distributors and resellers across the Philippines and is set to reach the international market. 

The company is the brainchild of Mangulabnan – Angeles, a full-time wife and mother of three, and a devoted businesswoman who started venturing into the herbal soap business in 2006 under Grace Herbal Garden. 

After a long break from business, she then opened SCD’s doors with her own formulated soaps and her breakthrough product, The Peeling Skin Lotion.

“The universe of skincare products is drastically growing. We, at SCD, set our mission based on the needs of our customers, our environment, and our advocacy to help others grow and be successful with us: to provide excellent quality skincare products that are sustainable and environment-friendly, improve our customer’s well-being by taking care of their skin and offer them a wide range of products, helping them choose the correct products that will match their needs and budget; and open an avenue for entrepreneurship and business opportunity to individuals through distribution and reselling of our products,” she said.

 

Mazie drops debut album ‘Blotter Baby’ out today

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

mazie (Photo by Jade Sadler)

With darkly fantastical lyrics and kaleidoscopic arrangements that pull from pop, punk, and electronic music, LA-via-Baltimore artist mazie is helming the next evolution of psychedelic pop.

Today (Feb. 24), mazie shares her ambitious debut album, blotter baby (a nod to her love of hallucinogens), along with a trippy music video for “are you feeling it now.” The 23-year-old confronts coming-of-age heartbreak and a Gen-Z doom mindset with catharsis and absurdity throughout her self-described “exploration into psychedelia.”

blotter baby traverses decades of psychedelic rock influences; arriving in 2023 to meet mazie’s brazen and fatalistic lyricism, and Elie Rizk’s (Bella Poarch, Remi Wolf) polished alt-pop production. Through ’60s and ’70s-inspired pop hooks, mazie shamelessly sings of sapphic makeout sessions (“girls just wanna have sex”), wanting to look hot at her own funeral (“i look good”), and her own toxic relationship patterns. 

The sonic references range from bouncy Beach Boys-esque chords (“life is a long goodbye”) to dreamy beats that echo Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon (“somebody to lose”). mazie leans into her own intuition for infectious, earwormy pop with tracks like “menace” and the spacey “are you feeling it now.” The album also features her massive hit “dumb dumb,” a manic anthem that has since gained more than 250 million global streams, 1 million TikTok creates, and a feature in Netflix’s original film Do Revenge.

mazie describes the journalistic record as her “biggest investment into songwriting,” attesting, “Every song I’ve ever made has actively been a reflection of me being in my life – all of the songs were me sitting in the studio unpacking my life at that exact moment.” She says of the writing process for blotter baby, “During this album, I was never writing song just for the sake of writing it.” mazie demonstrates her flair for floral lyricism in songs like “as it was before it how it ends,” singing, “i was walkin’ to andromeda / observin’ the phenomena / to help me clear my mind/ from my / delusion of grandeur / lookin’ for answers / to why.” But she knows when and where to cut a cheeky dig, like in the friend-breakup “all i ever wanted (was you)”- “you hate yourself cuz you hate your mom / your mom hates me and i hate your mom,” or the deceptively upbeat “give up!” where she exclaims, “when i gave up everything got better!”

(Photo by Jade Sadler)

Psychedelia, as both a musical genre and therapeutic practice, is integral to mazie’s artistry and the sonic infrastructure of blotter baby. She explains, “I use psychedelics to connect with my humanity and personal psychology. I feel as though my relationship with psychedelics has emboldened my understanding of intersectionality, strengthened my empathy, and all around made me a better and more understanding person.” Drawing upon those experiences, mazie illuminates her emotional truths in tracks like the breakup-confessional “it’s not me (it’s u),” and the optimistic light towards the end of the tracklist, “u and i will always be okay.”

All the while, she gleans inspiration from both classic psychedelic rock influences (The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead) and modern acts of the genre (Crumb, Tame Impala, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard). Fragments of mazie’s muses are refracted through her prismatic rose-colored glasses, exemplified in “another life,” “all i ever wanted (was you),” and “life is a long goodbye.” 

Having studied classical and jazz singing from an early age, mazie found her online breakthrough with 2020’s “no friends,” the whimsical debut single she crafted with then-neighbor and producer Elie Rizk. Taking the success as a sign to drop out of college, move to Los Angeles, and never look back, mazie then quickly issued the rainbow cassette, her debut 2021 EP that became what she calls “an ode to an ending of my childhood.” Now pushing her artistry into more over-the-top, vulnerable, and musically adventurous territory with blotter baby, mazie is now emerging as a multifaceted icon who’s aspirationally imperfect. “I hope people can see themselves in me, but I’m definitely not the first person you’d think of to ‘set a good example,’” she says with a laugh.