Love for Living Animals: A Love Letter to God’s Creation

Love for Living Animals: Stories of Animals that are in Critical Danger of Extinction by Mona Sabalones Gonzalez was a love letter to God’s creation. Since this book specializes in endangered animals, it was bittersweet to read their plight and their stories. It felt like a race against time. I felt helpless because I could not do anything to help them, but reading about them felt like I was contributing to their well-being and overall health.

The author has given me a comprehensive background on endangered animals, some of which I have never even heard of. I enjoyed the book because it felt like the documentaries from National Geographic which I have enjoyed watching as a child- only in book form. The photographs by Elizabeth Barrett renewed my fascination with wildlife in their natural habitat. After reading the book, I wanted all of them to have a fighting chance for life. 

We need more books that shed light on the animals who are in critical danger of extinction. Sure, some skeptics will say that extinction is a function of evolution, but I disagree. Sometimes, we humans forget that we do not own the Earth. Rather, the Earth only accommodates us. We are mere passersby on this planet. So, we should not hasten the extinction of animals who are helpless in the face of progress and development. After all, can we really call our modern world as progressive if innocent creatures are the collateral for development? Maybe books such as this one can help us rethink our priorities and see the planet as the only home that we have.

Love for Living Animals is the wake up call for everyone to protect animals who are nearing extinction. It appeals to our humanity to help living creatures have a fighting chance for survival. It is now available!

Right the Wrong: A Verbose Novel

Right the Wrong by Adriano Nava Jr is a verbose novel. It was also a virtual trip to Adelaide, South Australia. I have previously worked in an Australian company, and reading the novel felt like a field trip to the land of my former employers. The accompanying pictures provided context to the novel, which taught lessons on life such as learning and owning up to our mistakes. Part of growing up is being accountable for your mistakes, and this novel shows that no matter where you live in the world, you still have to pay the consequences of your actions. 

I admire the author’s moral standpoint when it comes to this novel. I could see that this was dedicated to his granddaughter, and I believe that this book is a moralistic novel for the little girl. The photos provided by the author in the book reflected his love for travel. I can see that he has done his research in the scope of the novel’s settings. It could have been helpful though if the author listened to how actual teenagers in the area talked, and how people there behaved. There were parts of the book wherein the dialogue felt unnatural, but it was saved by the flow of the story. Overall, it was still a readable novel.

I hope that the author also provided a soundtrack to the book, given that this is targeted to the younger generation. A Spotify playlist could have given the readers an added layer to their experience. It could also give the book a more contemporary feel.

We need more books that teach the younger generation to become accountable for their actions. Right the Wrong does that, and it is recommended for young adult readers and above.

Right the Wrong by Adriano Nava Jr is now available!

My Life Plan: A Roadmap to Success

My Life Plan: A Personal Strategic Plan by Peter D. Henson is a planner girl’s dream. I am the type of person who still uses a paper planner. In fact, I am using two paper planners for 2024. This book has resonated with me because of its workbook component. I took some time off my phone and computer to just sit back and complete the exercises. The results surprised me.

The book is similar to the workbooks I have encountered during my past life in the corporate world. It is no surprise that the author has already climbed the corporate ladder and has written this book to help those outside his workplace. I enjoyed the activities because they had detailed instructions. While some of them could not be applied to my personal life, there were still activities that were ideal for me. I have a lifelong illness which requires special care, but this book has reminded me that while not everything applies to me, I can still apply myself in order to create my own life plan. 

As I was writing my name on the book’s front cover, I realized that the initial confusion I had regarding the author’s identity was intentional. While the author intended to make his planning strategies and corporate experience known, he did not want to make himself the star of his own book. He wanted the reader to become the protagonist of his book, which I believe is an act of generosity.

My Life Plan is a roadmap for success, especially if the reader completes the exercises and uses the habit trackers for the year. It can be read anytime of the year, and it is suitable for all ages. For people like me with unconventional family backgrounds and health issues, some parts of the book might be triggering. A disclaimer in the beginning of the book for those with traumas and chronic illnesses would have been helpful.

The book is a plan for success, but in reality, life is about the journey and not the destination. Thus, this book can become a guide when the journey becomes too tough, and the destination becomes blurry.

My Life Plan: A Personal Strategic Plan by Peter D. Henson is now available!

K-POP GROUP, CRAVITY RELEASE THEIR 7TH MINI ALBUM, EVERSHINE

STREAM THE MINI ALBUM ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “LOVE OR DIE” HERE

DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES PRESS PHOTOS HERE

[CREDIT: STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT]

FOLLOW CRAVITY ON SOCIALS:

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | COMPANY TWITTER |YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

[Los Angeles, CA] - Filled with the bright energy of youth, K-Pop group CRAVITY return with their 7th mini album, EVERSHINE. This mini album encapsulates the passionate love of youth, marking another chapter in CRAVITY's explosive growth. In the quiet of nightfall, the beauty of the afterglow is revealed, reminding us that even in darkness, there's a promise of a brighter sunrise. Following their successful first world tour, KCON LA performance, and official debut in Japan, CRAVITYshowcases a more distinct color than ever before, pouring out raw emotions in their latest musical offering. Named by Grammy.com as a “K-Pop Boy Group To Watch,” 2024 is poised to be their best year yet.

Focus track “Love or Die,” epitomizes CRAVITY’ssignature energetic vibe with its fast-paced drum and bass rhythm. As the song's mood intensifies, listeners can feel the strong determination of “I’d rather die than live without love,” showcasing the members' heightened confidence and dedication to their love.  The accompanying music video intensifies the members' journey for love. It shows that despite all the setbacks we may experience throughout the different moments of youth, we become stronger through the process and become able to face future challenges. After experiencing love, persisting through trials and overcoming different emotions and pain, we can welcome a new sun. EVERSHINE is the vivid story of CRAVITY’s present and future.

Each track on EVERSHINE offers a unique experience, from the pop-infused “C’est La Vie” to the psychedelic rock sounds of “Worst Thriller,” to the bright vocals of “Cherry Blossom.” Focus track “Love or Die,” which members Serim and Allen participated in writing, is complemented by a perfect blend of various genres like rock and EDM; capturing the explosive youth and the most passionate moments of life's brightest era. “Mr.”, a heavy EDM track fit for a festival or club, not only has Serimand Allen as co-writers on it, but also WJSN’s very own EXY. “Over & Over,” a track not only co-written by Allen, but also produced, closes out the album with its fresh guitar and heavy bass, expressing the heartfelt desire to go back to the past in order to hold onto a precious relationship.

MORE INFO:

The members of CRAVITY have shown immense growth since their debut album, released April 14th, 2020. Even with a debut in the middle of a pandemic, SEASON1.[HIDEOUT: REMEMBER WHO WE ARE] caused a wave of intrigue and excitement here in the states, with mentions in PAPER Magazine, Access, iHeart, J-14,MTV News, Earmilk, Teen Vogue, and Rolling Stone who referred to their title track as “An anthemic track from the K-pop rookies that combines 808-style riffs with the melodic sensibilities of early-2000s boybands (extended dance break included).”

“Though the group is still up-and-coming and developing their sound, they have begun to refine their artistry and make their mark on the industry. Their work on “Gas Pedal” proves just that, and more.” - MTV

Since their debut, CRAVITY have marked their relentless movement, sweeping rookie of the year awards at various music awards ceremonies in Korea. CRAVITY received the name “Super Rookie,” due to the success of their debut album, which hit No. 1 on the U.S. @iTunes Top K-Pop Albums chart, making them the first #Kpop rookie group to debut in 2020 to earn this achievement. Additionally, the group made a splash on social media shortly after their first album, debuting at No. 12 on Billboard's Social 50chart; making them the fifth-fastest South Korean group to enter Social 50. As we progress through the years, their success within the industry continues to thrive, with Variety naming them an “Up-and-Coming Group to Know” in 2022, and Forbes recognizing them as “ones to watch."

The inspiration behind the name, CRAVITY, came to fruition through the combination of “Creativity” and “Gravity,” and has been Starship Entertainment's new boy band for the first time in five years since Monsta X. Consisting of nine members, [Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Seongmin], CRAVITY, which is also an acronym for “Center of Gravity,” is meant to attract/gravitate listeners into their unique universe, by pulling them in with their creativity, charm, and pure talent.

Source: Blackstar

K-POP GROUP, CRAVITY RELEASE THEIR 7TH MINI ALBUM, EVERSHINE

STREAM THE MINI ALBUM ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “LOVE OR DIE” HERE

DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES PRESS PHOTOS HERE

[CREDIT: STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT]

FOLLOW CRAVITY ON SOCIALS:

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | COMPANY TWITTER |YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

[Los Angeles, CA] - Filled with the bright energy of youth, K-Pop group CRAVITY return with their 7th mini album, EVERSHINE. This mini album encapsulates the passionate love of youth, marking another chapter in CRAVITY's explosive growth. In the quiet of nightfall, the beauty of the afterglow is revealed, reminding us that even in darkness, there's a promise of a brighter sunrise. Following their successful first world tour, KCON LA performance, and official debut in Japan, CRAVITYshowcases a more distinct color than ever before, pouring out raw emotions in their latest musical offering. Named by Grammy.com as a “K-Pop Boy Group To Watch,” 2024 is poised to be their best year yet.

Focus track “Love or Die,” epitomizes CRAVITY’ssignature energetic vibe with its fast-paced drum and bass rhythm. As the song's mood intensifies, listeners can feel the strong determination of “I’d rather die than live without love,” showcasing the members' heightened confidence and dedication to their love.  The accompanying music video intensifies the members' journey for love. It shows that despite all the setbacks we may experience throughout the different moments of youth, we become stronger through the process and become able to face future challenges. After experiencing love, persisting through trials and overcoming different emotions and pain, we can welcome a new sun. EVERSHINE is the vivid story of CRAVITY’s present and future.

Each track on EVERSHINE offers a unique experience, from the pop-infused “C’est La Vie” to the psychedelic rock sounds of “Worst Thriller,” to the bright vocals of “Cherry Blossom.” Focus track “Love or Die,” which members Serim and Allen participated in writing, is complemented by a perfect blend of various genres like rock and EDM; capturing the explosive youth and the most passionate moments of life's brightest era. “Mr.”, a heavy EDM track fit for a festival or club, not only has Serimand Allen as co-writers on it, but also WJSN’s very own EXY. “Over & Over,” a track not only co-written by Allen, but also produced, closes out the album with its fresh guitar and heavy bass, expressing the heartfelt desire to go back to the past in order to hold onto a precious relationship.

MORE INFO:

The members of CRAVITY have shown immense growth since their debut album, released April 14th, 2020. Even with a debut in the middle of a pandemic, SEASON1.[HIDEOUT: REMEMBER WHO WE ARE] caused a wave of intrigue and excitement here in the states, with mentions in PAPER Magazine, Access, iHeart, J-14,MTV News, Earmilk, Teen Vogue, and Rolling Stone who referred to their title track as “An anthemic track from the K-pop rookies that combines 808-style riffs with the melodic sensibilities of early-2000s boybands (extended dance break included).”

“Though the group is still up-and-coming and developing their sound, they have begun to refine their artistry and make their mark on the industry. Their work on “Gas Pedal” proves just that, and more.” - MTV

Since their debut, CRAVITY have marked their relentless movement, sweeping rookie of the year awards at various music awards ceremonies in Korea. CRAVITY received the name “Super Rookie,” due to the success of their debut album, which hit No. 1 on the U.S. @iTunes Top K-Pop Albums chart, making them the first #Kpop rookie group to debut in 2020 to earn this achievement. Additionally, the group made a splash on social media shortly after their first album, debuting at No. 12 on Billboard's Social 50chart; making them the fifth-fastest South Korean group to enter Social 50. As we progress through the years, their success within the industry continues to thrive, with Variety naming them an “Up-and-Coming Group to Know” in 2022, and Forbes recognizing them as “ones to watch."

The inspiration behind the name, CRAVITY, came to fruition through the combination of “Creativity” and “Gravity,” and has been Starship Entertainment's new boy band for the first time in five years since Monsta X. Consisting of nine members, [Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Seongmin], CRAVITY, which is also an acronym for “Center of Gravity,” is meant to attract/gravitate listeners into their unique universe, by pulling them in with their creativity, charm, and pure talent.

Source: Blackstar

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My Catholic Faith: A Relatable Book

My Catholic Faith by Melchor Q.C. Sadang was a crash course in Theology. I must admit that I learned more about my faith from this book than in all the religion classes that I have taken in school. I was surprised that a religious book could be so readable. It was helpful in highlighting the cornerstones of our faith, such as Christ’s institution of the Church, the Eucharist, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was also useful in teaching me new information, such as the importance of having a moral life. 

It is the perfect book for all Catholics who are peer pressured to join other Christian denominations. I write this with the understanding that there is nothing wrong in converting to other religions, but before doing so, it is important for Catholics to study their faith in a deeper manner. It is not enough to convert simply because most people nowadays belong to a Christian church. Sure, it is valid to be dissatisfied with the Catholic Church, but it is still possible to remain faithful to its teachings through proper understanding of its doctrine. This book is also recommended to those who are Catholic but did not have religion classes in school. 

What sets this book apart from other Catholic works I have read in the past is that it calls the faithful to lead a moral life. It emphasizes the importance of using one’s free will in order to become a good person. When one makes better choices every day in accordance with the Magisterium, one can become a better Catholic. We need good Catholics in order to show the world that we are more than the faith that we follow. We also show our faith through the goodness of our hearts.

My Catholic Faith by Melchor Q.C. Sadang is now available!

My Farewell Slam Book: Preparation Made Fun

My Farewell Slam Book by Marissa Sanchez is a celebration of preparation. I was admittedly happy to read this book because I am a PWD. My health condition means that I am closer to death than most people, and I want to be prepared for that. Plus, I also witnessed my late father battle through a terminal illness in the span of only a few months. I saw firsthand how my father ensured that his own affairs were in order before he passed away. So, I gladly answered some parts of the slam book already, and I must say that it was a fun process.

I think that Filipinos should finally start the conversation of death preparedness without the taboo. This book was written by a veteran Filipino actress, who has already made a name for herself in the industry. I particularly appreciate her performance in Safe Skies Archer. Her sensitivity towards the characters that she portrays is evident in her slam book. She did not take anything for granted, including how you want your eulogy to be. Meanwhile, her sense of humor translates into the book itself with its vibrant layout and graphics. She really grew up during the height of slam books, when they were ring bound, colorfully presented, and filled with witty yet practical questions. My favorite part was the Dreams, Fears, and Regrets chapter. I had a lot to write there, and I even had to attach another page for that. I am sure that her readers will also have a lot to share in this part of the slam book.

As the author stated in her Preface, she wrote this book in order to be even more prepared for her “graceful exit here on earth”. After answering the slam book, I feel that I have already prepared for my own graceful exit. While I hope that it is not yet soon, it pays to be prepared for the inevitable moment of my own demise. I would like to thank Ms. Marissa Sanchez for helping me bring closure to my own unresolved issues and to look forward to death without dread and disgust.

My Farewell Slam Book is now available!

A Maze to Grace: A Heartfelt Journey

A Maze to Grace: A Journey of the Heart by M.C. D. Rial was a helpful read in the midst of my personal crisis. I was battling a problem in my life when this book was presented to me, and I was initially hesitant to delve deeper into it because I was already exhausted. An insomniac night led me to read this in one sitting, and it did not disappoint.

I did not find the answers to my questions. It did not provide me with specific solutions to my personal problems. But I knew that I felt a sense of peace after reading the book. In the chapter Three Years of Public Ministry Equals Eternal Victory, it was emphasized that Jesus made deliberate and purposeful actions in his preaching. He fulfilled his mission on Earth after leading an ordinary life outside of the public eye. What touched me the most was that Jesus was also fulfilling His own personal mission, similar to what I am currently doing. I am now experiencing difficulties, but I am still doing my duty in the roles that God has placed me in. I realized that Jesus was able to execute his mission and was still able to show unwavering love. He faced persecution, yet he still forgave and performed miracles. My key takeaway from this chapter is that I do not need to become a martyr in my situation, but I should move forward with love in my heart. I should never lose faith and feel that I am alone.

After reading the book, I felt that it was difficult to be a good person in our challenging world, but it is still possible to become one. We just need to make the right choices and never lose faith. It is our responsibility to renew our faith because it will help us to be hopeful for a future in Heaven. Our challenges are sacrifices which will test our faith, but we must not lose hope. Our faith must endure and we should strive to do everything for the glory of God.

A Maze to Grace: A Journey of the Heart by M.C. D. Rial is now available!

Accidental Entrepreneur: A Book of Opportunities

I read Accidental Entrepreneur by Joynivee Chua as a roadmap to success. As a former entrepreneur, I am no longer keen on putting up another small business. I am now focusing on my writing and other job opportunities as I take care of my health. But I was pleasantly surprised because Accidental Entrepreneur spoke to me despite my hesitation to read about business. Indeed, it was a book filled with guideposts which can also be used in the journey called life.

My favorite part of the book was about entrepreneurial mindset. I believe that everyone needs to have this. We all need to thrive in these challenging times, and having the right mindset will propel us forward. Taking the initiative to help ourselves, being curious, and embracing failure may sound like basic knowledge, but it is worth reminding people to nurture these skills. It was a wake up call for me because even if I have already moved on to other pursuits, I can still use the mindset that entrepreneurship has taught me.

Another part of the book which I truly appreciate was the author’s emphasis on community. The right people can help you as you are starting up. The right people can help you build your business. The right community will support you as you adapt to changing times. Unlike other business books that I have read in the past, the focus on community is what sets this one apart. And I believe that with this focus, this book can resonate with more readers who are still hesitant to set up their own business.

I only wish that the author is more active online. She has the potential to help more people by continuing the conversation both online and offline. Her approachable writing style and common sense technique are ripe for possible teaching opportunities. I hope she can write more books and translate her message of community to having an actual one, even just online.

Accidental Entrepreneur is now available!

Living Without: A Celebration of Minimalism

I read Living Without by Romulae Gadaoni Jr. during the first month of 2024. It was a time of new beginnings, and it was fortuitous that this was the book that I had in my hands. I started reading it while I was stuck in traffic, thinking that it was a leisurely read. Little did I know that it was packed with deep but digestible nuggets of wisdom on minimalist principles.

I have already read quite a number of books on minimalism. While I did a lot of general cleaning and closet purges, I must admit that the impact of these books were short-lived. What sets Living Without is its holistic approach to minimalism. Unlike the other books which focused more on letting go of things that no longer spark joy, Living Without presents the reader with a picture of contentment. It is a mindset shift which focuses on being thankful for what is in front of you. It is a celebration of simplicity and saving money. It is a journey made with small steps. The approach that the author gives the reader is a marathon rather than a sprint. Inner peace and contentment with having a smaller space, fewer material belongings, and affirming your wholeness sound better than simply throwing things away and buying more. 

Of course, it is difficult to maintain a minimalist lifestyle in today’s fast-paced world. This is the reason why the author includes financial tips on developing better spending habits which are relatable and practical. My favorite is making your own coffee at home. This may sound like a no-brainer, but spending hundreds of pesos for one cup of coffee has been draining my savings of late. This is a timely reminder that homemade coffee does the same job of waking you up while allowing you to use that money for more important things.

It was a treat to read Living Without, and I highly recommend this book to everyone!

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TECNO Expands AI Horizons with Dynamic 1, its Innovative Debut Robotic Dog

Step into the future with TECNO's latest AI-enhanced innovation, the Dynamic 1 robotic dog, set to be unveiled at MWC Barcelona 2024.

Barcelona, February 26, 2024 – Innovative technology brand TECNO will debut its first AI-enhanced robotic dog, TECNO Dynamic 1, at MWC Barcelona 2024. The advanced robot embodies TECNO’s “Stop At Nothing” approach to innovating the technologies of tomorrow, with capabilities that can enhance everyday experiences. From smart home entertainment to assistance, education, and training, its intelligent, user-friendly functionalities make Dynamic 1 the perfect pet-like companion of the future.

Innovative Biomorphic Engineering Enriches Human-Machine Interaction

Dynamic 1 is TECNO's latest exploration of the diverse possibilities of human-machine interaction. Merging cutting-edge artificial intelligence with a lifelike design inspired by the German Shepherd, Dynamic 1 achieves both high aesthetic appeal and functional precision. Powerful torque output (45 N.m/kg) and a sophisticated cooling system in the knee joints enable the robot to mirror a dog's natural movements, such as climbing stairs, bowing and handshaking.

Dynamic 1 is equipped with an innovative headlight system that both illuminates its path and serves as an indicator for interaction. Furthermore, four microphones and advanced AI-driven voice recognition algorithms ensure outstanding voice control responsiveness and even more intuitive interaction.

AI HyperSense Technology Allows Dynamic Mobility

Dynamic 1 features an AI HyperSense Fusion System, ensuring that each movement is as stable as it is spirited. The robot integrates an Intel® RealSense™ D430 depth camera, dual optical sensors, and infrared sensors for comprehensive obstacle detection and safe navigation. At the core of its agility and resilience is an 8-core high-performance ARM CPU, enabling dynamic stability, rapid post-fall recovery, and speeds of up to 3.7m/s.  Meanwhile, 64GB onboard storage and the latest WI-FI 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 further facilitate seamless and robust performance.

Varied Control Interfaces and Outstanding Endurance

Dynamic 1 offers users flexibility with a variety of options for controlling its functions, including via smartphone app, remote control, and voice command. With a 15000mAh battery, the robot is capable of up to 90 minutes of use, while its modular design allows for quick battery exchanges and simultaneous charging, minimizing downtime. A range of safety features give users peace of mind, protecting against common electrical issues.

In unveiling Dynamic 1, TECNO is showcasing its strength and imagination in the field of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. TECNO is committed to pursuing the development of cutting-edge technology for consumers.

TECNO welcomes all visitors to experience Dynamic 1 firsthand at MWC Barcelona 2024. The innovative device, along with the industry's first combined AR glasses and Windows gaming handheld set, innovative concept materials, leading smartphones and AloT devices, will be on show at TECNO’s show stand, located at 6B11, Hall 6, Fira Gran Via.

Source: TECNO

LUNADIRA STUNS WITH DEBUT ALBUM 'i'll be alright, right?'

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Amani Azlin

Singapore – Malaysian singer-songwriter Lunadira releases herhighly-anticipated debut album 'i'll be alright, right?'via TONGTONG Asia. The slow, scintillating reveal of thealbum's first four singles ("OVERTHINKING" & "GOSLOW", title track "i'll be alright, right?", and "cryingover nothing (wah wah)") offered a sneak peek into the artist's labyrinthine emotions, navigating the tumultuous waters of life, love, and self-discovery. Fans can listen to the album here: symphony.to/lunadira/ibar-album

Renowned for her saccharine vocals and lyrical brilliance, Lunadira tells stories that unfold like delicate flower petals,blending vulnerability, joy, and introspection. In 'i'll be

alright, right?' she bears a weariness with a thin veil of hope, streaked with familiar melancholia that’s heavy to feel but so easy to bop to. Balancing on this tightrope exemplifies how deft she has become as an artist since her salad days. From R’n’B to garage and grunge, she shapeshifts through a spectrum of genres and moods that constitute the pop of our times – eclectic and moving; fun and sultry.

She explains, "'i'll be alright, right?' as an album is a returning to one's self. It is not a celebration but an observation of the uncertainty of life and dealing with that ungracefully, and accepting thatthere is grace in uncertainty." Collaborating with longtime musical partner Reddi Rocket on the project, Lunadiraexplores new musical territories, emphasising authenticity over conventionality in their production process.

Having retreated into a creative cocoon after the release of herlast project 'Tangerine' in 2020, Lunadira has been re-discovering her sonic identity on the journey of completing her new album, honing in on and refining her craft – ever-evolving and boundless – to reflect her lived experiences in its truest form through her songwriting and sound.

The release of 'i'll be alright, right?' follows her recently-announced debut appearance at Joyland Bali 2024, where she will be playing alongside artists including JamesBlake, Kings of Convenience, and The Walters.

Lunadira - "i'll be alright, right?" (Official MusicVideo)

MORE ABOUT LUNADIRA

Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with music on the radio and MTV shaping a young Nadira, the enigmatic songstress had her start like many of her peers, posting earnest covers on the Internet until the first original track "Forever’s Not OurThing" lifted her from anonymity.

Following a slew of annual lovelorn laments, Lunadira’scollaborative EP with Reddi Rocket 'Tangerine' was released in 2020 to considerable fanfare, with the buoyant lead single "Hoodie" becoming an instant favorite, effectively expanding her reach of listeners.

The wide-eyed sweetness that oozed from 'Tangerine' has been sharpened by a personal reckoning that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emerged from it a woman still grappling with existential ponderings along with a heightenedawareness of herself and her main mode of catharsis—songwriting.

In her debut album 'i’ll be alright, right?', Lunadiraboldly confesses a sense of being unmoored, and thus endearsherself to fans – like the rest of us, she doesn’t have all the answers. Through her introspection, we see the parts of ourselves that also struggle; just like her, we want to know whether we’ll be alright.

Tastemakers around the world have taken notice of the risingartist as she has taken on the mantle as the first-ever Malaysian artist to perform on the COLORS stage. This landmark achievement has opened doors to further opportunities abroad, including invitations to perform at 2023's South By Southwest (SXSW) in both Austin and Sydney. Lunadira has shared the stage with global artists like Sabrina Carpenter, NxWorries, and Daniel Caesar, and is looking forward to what 2024 willbring, kicking off with her performance at Joyland Bali 2024.

'i'll be alright, right?' Tracklisting:

1. forever's not my thing

2. OVERTHINKING

3. GO SLOW

4. i'll be alright, right?

5. BITTER

6. I HATE IT HERE

7. BIRTHDAY

8. WISH U WERE DEAD

9. crying over nothing (wah wah)

Stream 'i'll be alright, right?' here:symphony.to/lunadira/ibar-album

###

For more information: Secret Signals | TONGTONG Asia Follow Lunadira:Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Source: Secret Signals

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Justin Timberlake drops new track “Drown”

New album, Everything I Thought It Was to be released March 15th via RCA Records – pre-order here

Multi-award-winning artist Justin Timberlake releases his new track “Drown” via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment.

Written by Timberlake, Louis Bell (Taylor Swift, Post Malone), Henry Walter, Amy Allen, Kenyon Dixon and produced by Louis Bell, Cirkut (Maroon 5, The Weeknd), “Drown” marks the American pop star’s second single release ahead of his upcoming sixth album, Everything I Thought It Was, which drops on March 15.

Justin recently teased his fans on Instagram with a clip featuring the snippet of the track. The Cry Me A Riversuperstar previewed the emotional track with a short, stripped-down performance while seated at a piano. 

Renowned musician, actor, and entertainer Justin Timberlake also announced the long-awaited European and UK leg of his momentous The Forget Tomorrow World Tour with thirteen new shows in 8 countries. Produced by Live Nation, stops include performancesin Poland, Germany, Belgium, the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and France. 

The tour now includes a significant 67 global shows spanning from April through December of this year. In North America, 22 performances have already sold out, and over 550,000 tickets have sold for the U.S. shows.   

Additional cities and date information to follow. For complete tour and ticket information, visit his official website.

Last month, Timberlake dropped his single and music video “Selfish,” which garnered over 57 million worldwide streams and over 14 million views on YouTube. Justin Timberlake also made a special musical guest performance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, where he performed his single “Selfish” and “Sanctified.” Additionally, Timberlake announced his highly anticipated sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was, which is set to be released on March 15^th (pre-order album HERE). 

ABOUT JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE 

Justin Timberlake is a multi-talented entertainer, recording artist, record producer, songwriter and actor. Throughout his career, he’s sold over 54 million albums and 63 million singles globally, and a further 70 million records as the lead vocalist of *NSYNC. Justin has won ten GRAMMY Awards across the pop, dance and R&B genres, including his successful solo albums Man of the Woods, The 20/20 Experience, FutureSex/LoveSounds, and his debut solo album, Justified – as well as his collaborations with Jay-Z. He’s garnered over 23 billion audio and video streams globally and won four Emmy Awards for his memorable stints on “Saturday Night Live.” On the big screen, he’s lent his voice to DreamWorks’ animated franchise phenomena TROLLS, including the third installment, 2023’s TROLLS BAND TOGETHER. His hit record “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” from TROLLS was nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 2017 Academy Awards. 

Follow Justin Timberlake:

Official Website | Instagram | YouTube

Justin Timberlake’s “Drown” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/RCA Records.

Source: Nyou

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Filipino indie-rock band CHEATS to celebrate 10th anniversary with intimate show

Filipino indie-rock outfit CHEATS will be celebrating their 10^th anniversary in the local music scene with a headline show happening on March 16, 2024, at Balcony Music House in Makati City.

The “Accidents” band will be performing a long set featuring fan favorites and rarities. Joining CHEATS are some of their long-time music peers, including SOS, Oh, Flamingo! and Sandwich.

“We wanted to do a show that has a 'party like it's the mid-2010s' vibe, which is the reason why we chose Sandwich, SOS, and Oh, Flamingo! to share the stage with us,” the eclectic 7-piece act explains in a press statement. “They were among the bands we loved (and still do) and played a lot with back when the band was just starting out. We’ll all play lengthy sets, and while we haven’t come up with a set list yet, we’ll likely play as many of our favorite songs as possible from the last 10 years.”

The intimate gathering also doubles as a launch for the band’s special limited-edition merchandise, particularly the classic CHEATS logo shirt with new colorways, re-released for those who haven’t had the chance to get one or want to collect them all.

CHEATS also expressed gratitude to the fans who have continuously supported their work all these years. “Thanks to everyone who has supported the band, whether you’ve been there since the early days or just discovered us fairly recently. This will be our first show since last September, so we’re itching to play again for all of you.”

CHEATS was first formed by Jim Bacarro in 2013 and features Bacarro on vocals, keys, and guitar; Saab Magalona and Candy Gamos on vocals; Manny Tanglao on bass; Jason Caballa and Kyle Quismundo on guitars; and Enzo Hermosa on drums. The 7-piece band has produced three critically acclaimed studio albums to date: 2016’s Cheats, 2017’s Before The Babies, and 2022’s Houseplants. They have also headlined several music festivals here and abroad, such as Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival, Laneway Music Festival, and AXEAN Festival, to name a few.

Tickets to 10 YEARS OF CHEATS are now available via bit.ly/cheats10. Early bird passes have already sold out, but regular passes are still available for PHP 800.

10 YEARS OF CHEATS is presented by CHEATS and GNN Entertainment Productions.

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

SZA releases 5-track audio bundle for “Saturn”

Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records’ 4x-time Grammy award-winning artist SZA, releases a 5-track audio bundle for “Saturn.”

The bundle includes the live version of “Saturn,” first heard during the 2024 GRAMMY Awards in a stunning performance from Mastercard’s GRAMMY House; plusthe main, sped-up, a cappella and instrumental versions.  

The reception for SZA’s new single has been positive so far. Variety praised the track for its dreamy and hazy qualities, noting that it’s “SZA in classic SZA form, singing of the despair and helplessness plaguing the world at large and setting it against rich, enveloping production.” Billboard calls it an “enchanting” new single which finds “the superstar disappointed with the world around her and wonders if life would be better if she could start over on Saturn.”

The main version of “Saturn” was written and produced by SZA, Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, Solomonophonic and Monsune. 

 Next month, SZA will set sail overseas for several festival dates, including Lollapalooza Argentina on March 16, Festival Estéreo Picnic 2024 on March 22, and more.  For all upcoming tour stops, please visit https://www.szasos.com/tour/. 

Links to “Saturn”

https://sza.lnk.to/Saturn

https://sza.lnk.to/Saturn/youtube

Continue to listen to SOS:  https://sza.lnk.to/SOS

 Download hi-res publicity photos: https://www.rcarecords.com/artist/sza/

Follow SZA:

https://www.instagram.com/sza/

https://twitter.com/sza

https://www.facebook.com/sza/

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For more information, please contact:

Theola.Borden@RCArecords.com

 SZA’s Saturn is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/ Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records.

Source: Nyou