National Book Store, a cherished Pinoy brand and trusted partner for generations of Filipinos, has fueled our love for literature and creativity ever since childhood.
As the new school year fast approaches, the brand released a heartwarming and mind-bending film that captivates audiences with a unique narrative about rediscovering passion, creativity, and love for learning.
Their newest film “Passion,” revolves around a seemingly ordinary mother with a secret that is anything but ordinary.
The film’s main turning point is when the mother, after seeing National Book Store’s diverse selection of sulit reads and bestselling books, is triggered to molt her human guise to reveal her true self.
Watch the full film to witness her shocking transformation.
This unexpected transformation symbolizes the constant internal conflict between personal passions and parental duties, resonating deeply with viewers of all ages.
As shown in the film, there’s only one place to help us rediscover our love for reading, creativity, and learning — and it’s National Book Store.
If you also want to rekindle your personal passions, or just planning to do your back-to-school shopping, you can head to any of the 240+ National Book Store branches nationwide. They have awesome deals and sulit bundles, lowest price finds from Best Buy, new and bestselling school supplies from trusted brands, and more!
National Book Store is also revamping their Loyalty Program, Laking National. By signing up for free at lakingnational.com, you can get free cashback every time you shop with your Laking National QR! You may also use your Laking National QR when you shop at their online store here and at any of the official stores on Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, and Zalora.
Shopping at National Book Store has never been more exciting with these new rewards. And with the release of their film, it just proves that rediscovering our slumbering passions for reading, creativity, and learning at the place Filipinos hold close to their hearts for generations has never been more welcoming.
Felip pushes his artistry with his newest album, 7sins. 7sins, while not religion-centric, is a journey of acknowledging human shortcomings. The album will take you on a journey of honesty and acceptance about unsaid feelings and emotions, to embracing one’s true self.
Felip releases 7sins the album on July 5, 2024. The album is composed of nine (9) songs, with “envy” as the title/focus track. With the release of the album on streaming platforms, the album will also be released on Felip’s Youtube channel. The other songs represent the other sins such as wrath, greed, and pride, and the album ends with a track called “ache,” which is about redemption and acknowledgement. 7sins is a genre-bending album with songs that show the different sides and stories of Felip.
Despite being busy with SB19 engagements, shoots, and projects, Felip persevered and took a hands-on approach in the writing, creating and producing his album. The album took 7 months of work to write, record, and mix, with late night sessions with Luke April of PLAYERTWO and Isagani Palabyab.
The album also features collaborations with artists like Belgian-Filipino Cyra Gwynth, whom Felip looks up to as an artist. He and his producer felt it was an interesting and good blend to create a song or two together. Cyra Gwynth wrote “greed”, an emotional song about loving the wrong person that will surely resonate with a lot of listeners, she also co-wrote and features in the song, “lust.” We also get another collaboration with fellow Warner Music Philippines artist, PLAYERTWO, for the song “gluttony,” who Felip had previously collaborated with for the songs “FLYYY” and “Pagdali.”
The album release will lead up to Felip’s solo concert, 7sins the Album Concert on July 27, 2024. The concert will be held at the Space at OneAyala and thousands of fans are expected to attend. As Felip took creative control of the 7sins narrative, the fans will see and feel a lot of his influence, style, and artistry in the album as well as during the concert.
Superior Pass tickets, valued at P10,000 each, were sold out within 2 minutes of the ticket selling last June 24, 2024. Each Superior Pass ticket comes with priority entry, stage tour, and post-show send off along with 7sins exclusive merch and freebies. Last few Gen Ad tickets are still available at felip.helixpay.ph and are expected to be sold out before the concert.
Felip, or known by his stage name Ken, is a Filipino singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer, and producer. He is the main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist of the boy band SB19. He has already released solo songs such as “Fake Faces” and “Kanako” and his EP “COM.PLEX.”
For the latest updates on your favorite musicians, follow Warner Music Philippines on their social media pages:
TGIFridays is redefining the midday meal with an offer that’s as appetizing as it is affordable. For only P350, you can create your ideal lunch combo from a selection of hearty starters and enticing entrées. Available every weekday from 11 AM to 4 PM, this deal is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their lunch routine without breaking the bank.
Starters That Steal the Show
First up, choose from a trio of tempting appetizers to kick off your meal. Are you in the mood for something cheesy? The Mac & Cheese Bites might just be your pick. Or perhaps the crisp Truffle Potato Crisps or golden Onion Rings catch your fancy? Whatever you choose, it’s the perfect setup for the main event.
Enticing Entrées to Enjoy
Next, select from four delightful entrées that promise to satisfy any craving. Opt for the fresh Tomato Arugula Pasta, the savory Crispy Smoked Fish, the flavorful 6-Spice Chicken, or a comforting Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Whether you pair Potato Crisps with the 6-Spice Chicken or Mac & Cheese Bites with Tomato Arugula Pasta, each combination is a guaranteed palate pleaser.
Drink Up: Classic Iced Tea or Bottomless Mojitos
Wash it all down with a Classic Iced Tea, and if you’re feeling particularly festive, why not upgrade to bottomless for an additional P80? Speaking of bottomless, TGIFridays shakes up the scene with an all-day, every day offer of BOTTOMLESS Mojitos for only P345. It’s the perfect excuse to gather your crew for some midday mojitos and enjoy the lively ambiance as bartenders showcase their flair skills.
It’s Always Friday at TGIFridays
No matter the day, TGIFridays brings the Friday feeling with vibrant energy and delicious dishes. From mouth-watering burgers and ribs to endless Mojitos, the experience is as fulfilling as it is fun. So why wait for the weekend? Make it Friday any day at your nearest TGIFridays location.
About The Bistro Group
Since bringing TGIFridays to the Philippines nearly three decades ago, The Bistro Group has transformed the casual dining scene. Today, it boasts a diverse portfolio of dining concepts ranging from American staples like Buffalo Wild Wings to sophisticated spots like Bistronomia’s Spanish/Mediterranean restaurants. At the heart of The Bistro Group’s success is its commitment to quality, passion, and exceptional hospitality.
For a taste of what’s cooking and more information on The Bistro Group’s vibrant restaurant offerings, visit their website.
Filipino-American actor Brandon Perea, known for his role in the sci-fi series “The OA” and his breakout performance in Jordan Peele’s acclaimed horror film “Nope,” is set to dazzle audiences once again. This time, Perea takes on the role of Boone, an extreme meteorologist, in the highly anticipated disaster film “Twisters.”
A Modern Chapter to a Classic Tale
“Twisters,” a contemporary sequel to the 1991 blockbuster “Twister,” follows a team of storm chasers as they endeavor to predict and possibly tame nature’s most destructive forces. Perea’s character, Boone, partners with Tyler Owen (played by Glen Powell) to lead a diverse group of thrill-seeking storm chasers from Arkansas.
“They’re a diverse group of fun and crazy hooligans who work efficiently together, but there’s a higher purpose in what they do,” Perea explains. “They’re cool because everyone’s just being their genuine honest self, no false fronts. Their goal is to help people and have fun while doing it, and as they reveal themselves to the audience, they will earn everyone’s respect.”
The cast of “Twisters” found inspiration in the original “Twister” character, Dusty, played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. “I know that I’m talking about one of the greatest actors of all time,” Perea says. “Hopefully I can bring even just a pinkie-nail amount of that fun-kooky energy he brought to the film.”
Director Lee Isaac Chung also aimed to honor Hoffman’s legacy by infusing some of Dusty’s aesthetic into Boone’s character. “I also wanted to pay respect to Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was so beloved in ‘Twister,’ for playing this quirky, thrill-seeking character, Dusty, and whose spirit can be seen in the storm wranglers,” Chung shares. “Perhaps the most explicit of those homages are on Boone, Tyler’s right-hand man and hype beast, played by Brandon Perea, who rocks some tie-dye, and on Lily, played by Sasha Lane, the group’s free-spirited drone flyer, whose pants have swatches of floral fabric, all nods to Dusty’s wardrobe prints.”
Prepare for a thrilling ride as Boone and his team of storm chasers battle tornadoes and brave the elements in “Twisters.” This epic disaster film promises heart-pounding action, a touch of nostalgia, and a cast of characters you’ll love.
“Twisters” crashes into Philippine cinemas on July 17. Don’t miss the chance to see Brandon Perea and the rest of the crew in action!
Photo and Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.”
This summer, eight civilians find out in NO WAY OUT: The Roulette, a new fictional Korean action thriller premiering July 31 on Disney+. After serving 13 years for heinous crimes, Korea’s most hated man, Kim Gukho, is released on parole. Outraged by his release, a mysterious citizen offers a ₩20 billion ($14 million) bounty to anyone who can track down and kill the notorious criminal.
Targeted by desperate citizens, Kim Gukho must rely on his police protection team to survive.
Starring:
Cho Jin-woong (Signal) as police officer Baek Joongsik
Produced by Studio X+U, written by Lee Sujin (The Devil’s Deal), and directed by Choi Kook-hee (Default) and Lee Hubin, this series is set to be an electrifying ride from start to finish.
Goodbye sky-high electricity bills and hello to a stable, renewable energy source! Ping Mendoza, a renewable energy expert, joins forces with popular YouTuber Oliver Austria to illuminate the advantages of solar energy in the Philippines. Their insights are particularly timely, given Austria’s recent exploration in his video, “Is Solar Worth It in 2024?”, where he unpacks the simplicity and substantial benefits of solar power.
Oliver Austria uncovers the potential of solar energy in his “’Is Solar Worth It in 2024?” YouTube video
Solar Power: A Game-Changer for the Philippines
Austria’s video simplifies solar energy, portraying it as the most cost-effective and reliable electricity source in the country, ideally suited for the Philippines’ sunny climate. Mendoza supports this view, explaining how sunlight activates silicon within solar panels to generate household electricity. He reassures Filipinos that these installations are designed to withstand harsh weather, making them a robust choice for homes nationwide.
“Thanks to our country’s proximity to the equator, we have consistent sunlight throughout the year and across most areas in the country,” Mendoza notes, highlighting the geographic advantage of the Philippines.
Beyond Coal: A Cleaner, Greener Future
Despite the clear benefits and suitability of solar power, the Philippines still relies heavily on coal, sparking concerns among experts like Mendoza and Austria. They caution against the volatility and environmental impact of coal energy, emphasizing its role in exacerbating climate change and health risks due to air pollution from ash.
“Coal and other fossil fuels are very unstable sources of energy because we could run out of coal [anytime],” shared Austria. “Kasi kung nakita niyo naman, nagkagera lang sa ibang lugar na malayo sa atin, tumataas na agad ang presyo ng langis at coal. At dahil dyan, pati na rin ang kuryente natin. So that’s why I love renewable energy, specifically yung solar kasi walang may control sa presyo niyan.”
Photo Credit from Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; Modern solar panels powering homes and hopes for a greener future
Embracing solar energy means harnessing a resource that is always present and beyond the control of market forces or geopolitical tensions. As Austria aptly put it, “The sun is always here for you,” highlighting the dependable nature of solar power and its potential to transform the country’s energy landscape.
Coal-fired power generation also releases harmful carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change. Additionally, coal storage and combustion produce fine ash that pollutes the air, posing health risks.
Embracing the Sun: Affordability and Getting Started
The negative impact of coal makes switching to solar an attractive option. But is it affordable, and how can Filipinos get started?
Austria’s video delivers positive news: solar energy is more accessible than ever. He showcases practical solar-powered products like power banks and lights for those starting small. For those considering installing solar panels, a return on investment can be achieved within just five to six years.
Ping Mendoza, President and Board Member of PSSEA, spearheading Shell’s renewable generation business in the Philippines
Mendoza reinforces this point, explaining that solar solutions can be tailored to fit different budgets and energy needs. Selecting the right system size for your home is crucial, with the potential to slash electricity bills by 30-50%. While the initial cost can range from 150,000 to 250,000 pesos (depending on the battery), the investment often pays for itself within three to six years in many parts of the Philippines.
Photo Credit from Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; A cleaner, greener future starts here – harnessing the sun’s power with rooftop solar panel systems.
Expert Tips for Going Solar
Mendoza advises homeowners and communities to assess their daytime energy consumption before making the switch. Solar power is most efficient when tailored to daytime usage, eliminating the need for batteries in areas with a stable power grid. This approach also ensures the quickest return on investment. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable installer with a proven track record, as solar systems are designed to last 25-30 years. Strong after-sales support is crucial for long-term satisfaction and system performance.
For finding the right supplier, Mendoza suggests checking out yuda.com.ph, a valuable resource for comparing installers and their offerings. The website provides detailed information on pricing, products, and services, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your requirements and budget.
Solaric Philippines | A bird’s-eye view of a sprawling solar farm atop a factory complex, showcasing the industry’s embrace of sustainable energy
Leveraging Net Metering for Optimal Benefits
Mendoza also suggests looking into net metering programs, which allow homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid. This setup not only speeds up the return on investment but also maximizes savings, making it the most cost-effective solar adoption strategy.
He encourages those considering solar to explore grid-tied systems with net metering, a program under the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Net metering allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid, offsetting the cost of electricity purchased from the local utility when solar energy falls short. This setup offers the most cost-effective solution for solar adoption, providing the quickest return on investment and significant savings on electricity bills.
Take Your First Step Towards Renewable Energy
Interested in making the switch to solar? Start by watching Oliver Austria’s informative YouTube video on the transition to renewable energy. It’s time to power up your home sustainably! #LetsGoRenewablePH
This detailed exploration into the viability and benefits of solar energy in the Philippines is not just timely but essential, offering a practical guide for Filipinos eager to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace a sustainable future.
Last July 2, the cast and director of the new K-Drama produced by Disney+ ‘Red Swan’ held a press conference on the day before the first episode was released on the streaming platform. ClickTheCity was invited to watch as the cast – which includes Korean superstars Kim Ha Neul and Jung Ji-Hoon (better known as Rain) as well as Jung Gyu-woon, Seo Yi Sook, and Ki Eun Se – talked about the show and showed off their vibrant personalities.
The drama promises to be an action-packed suspense thriller with a very healthy dose of romance. Kim Ha Neul stars as Oh Wan Soo, a former world champion professional golfer who marries into a chaebol family and becomes a UN Goodwill Ambassador whose work threatens terrorist organizations and has her at their crosshairs. Jung Ji-Hoon plays a former policeman who becomes Wan Soo’s bodyguard, but he has an agenda of his own. From the first two episodes, while Wan Soo faces a threat from the outside, her biggest threat may come from her husband’s mother (Seo Yi Sook).
Photo courtesy of Disney+
Like any press conference, the moderator invites each of the cast to come up on stage for photos and then asked the two leads, Kim Ha Neul and Jung Ji-Hoon to pose together. Immediately, you can see their chemistry playing off of each other when the moderator asks them to pose as their characters, and Rain immediately imitates a security detail, complete with gesturing towards his ear as if he was wearing an earpiece. The two laugh at the gesture but are able to get serious enough for one good shot.
From the get-go, you can see how comfortable they are with each other which plays off well onscreen as the passion between the two characters are already evident as early as episode one.
On the flipside, when Seo Yi Sook joins the two on stage, they were asked to make “fatal pose” and Rain opens his arms for a hug to Seo Yi Sook, who also laughs. The irony is at play here as it seems that Seo Yi Sook may play the main villain.
Photo courtesy of Disney+
When it was time to answer questions from the press, the cast was joined by Park Hong-kyun. The first question was directed to the leads, and they were asked why they accepted to do ‘Red Swan.’ Kim Ha Neul opened up about how she had loved ‘The Bodyguard’ with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston so it was a chance to do her own version. But what really gripped her was how strong the script was. For Jung Ji Hoon, he had always wanted to work with director Park Hong Kyun and every time a project would surface, something always came up and the project never pushed through. So when this show was offered to him, he said yes immediately.
Director Park Hong Kyun is known for his action-packed style of directing and had always wanted to work with Rain in an action-led series. He knew what Rain could do as an action star and was very happy that Rain was always giving a lot of ideas in how to do certain action scenes. The two seemed like willing collaborators to make the show more thrilling. It also gives a glimpse of Rain’s experience and creative side. Jung Ji-Hoon is a very physical actor and likes to do his own stunts. “I like to be responsible for my action sequences,” he said. What shocked Park Hong Kyun, though, was Jung Ji-Hoon’s emotional strength. He was the last person cast for the drama and he was chosen because of his experience in action but his vulnerability became the show’s hidden strength.
“My character doesn’t have a lot of lines,” Jung Ji-Hoon said. “So, I have to work a lot with just how I look and I have to act with only my eyes.” Park Hong Kyun was amazed and was not expecting this side of Jung Ji-Hoon’s range as an actor. He also shared that Rain had worked closely with their consultant on how to properly project and come off like a real bodyguard and Rain said that part of it was having to speak with a “cool tone,” which he had observed from his research. The moderator then asked him if he could try speaking with his modulated voice and the actor asked for a moment and he fixed his posture and then, with a totally new tone of voice asked the audience to please support the drama.
For Kim Ha Neul, she watched a lot of Goodwill Ambassadors and tried to capture their grace and poise. And while she golfs in her leisure time, she had to really train hard as her character “was the best in the world” and she knew she couldn’t just fake it. For Jung Gyu-woon, who plays the husband of Kim Ha Neul, he wanted to steer away from a stereotypical chaebol heir. While his character is problematic, he pushed for the character to be truly in love with Oh Wan Soo so that there would be a tortured nuance to the character. “He’s a complex character,” he said, “And I want to show him struggling that his wife, which he loves so much, has so much friction with his mother.”
Photo courtesy of Disney+
On the other hand, Ki Eun Se sees her character as a sort of comic relief. From the first two episodes, she comes off as a family friend, sometimes a nanny to On Wan Soo’s child but she has her own agenda and it’s to take Jung Gyu-woon for her own. “Her story is the one that breaks all the tension,” she says, laughing.
With the many genres that are playing out in ‘Red Swan,’ the two leads were asked what approached did they focus on the most and while Kim Ha Neul felt that her character was more focused on the threats to her life, that as an actress, she focused on the mystery and the intrigue – the suspense genre that pushes the show’s plot forward – but for Rain, he felt that he wanted to focus more on the romance aspect of the story. Because he wanted to put the relationship of Oh Wan Soo and her bodyguard at the center, he opted to say the lines as written and to avoid from doing improvisations to help Kim Ha Neul work with him for their passionate scenes.With the show’s pedigree of great talent involved and the sort of camaraderie that they projected during this press conference; ‘Red Swan’ may be a show to watch out for on Disney+.
Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusively brings another acclaimed Filipino film to the theaters with “Marupok A+.” Directed by Quark Henares and starring EJ Jallorina, Royce Cabrera, and Maris Racal, the film centers around the use of catfishing in the online dating world.
Watch the trailer here below:
When Janzen Torres (EJ Jallorina), a transgender woman, matches with Theo Balmacenda (Royce Cabrera), it seems that love is right around the corner, but she soon learns that not everything is what it seems, and Theo might be luring her into something dangerous.
The cast includes EJ Jallorina, who started out as a child star in the hit TV show “Goin’ Bulilit”, and star of the tv shows and films such as “Marry Me, Marry You” and “Mamu, and a Mother Too”. Identifying as a transgender person, she was part of Preview’s iconic Pride cover for June 2024.
Royce, meanwhile, had his breakout role in the 2019 Cinemalaya film “Fucbois” and went on to portray significant roles in the GMA TV series “Makiling”, “Lilet Matias, Attorney At Law”, “The Write One” and “Widows’ War”.
Playing Beanie, a playful yet twisted director who is heavily involved in the Janzen-Theo affair, is Maris Racal. The Pinoy Big Brother alumnus is known today for her breakthrough role as Irene Young-Tiu in the ABS-CBN Netflix series “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to showcase internationally-acclaimed and culturally relevant local titles to moviegoers across the country with “Marupok A+.” Initially shown at last year’s Cinemalaya, dive into the mystery of “Marupok A+,” showing exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting July 10.
As the rainy season sets in, there’s no better time to cozy up indoors with Netflix’s exciting lineup of new releases for July 2024. Whether you’re looking to escape the dreary weather with a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming story, or a gripping drama, Netflix has something for everyone this month. From highly anticipated original series and blockbuster films to captivating documentaries and family-friendly favorites, get ready to dive into a world of entertainment. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new on Netflix this July 2024, perfect for those rainy day marathons.
A young autistic museum guide lives by a strict routine — until he falls in love with his coworker and must confront a whirlwind of new, intense emotions.
The Boyfriend (Series) Launch date: July 9 | Stream it here
Over the course of a month, a group of men live under one roof and run a coffee truck together to connect and hopefully meet their one true boyfriend.
At a lavish destination wedding, two singles whose one date ended badly pretend to be a couple to pacify her interfering parents and make his ex jealous.
A family enters a power struggle following the death of their patriarch, who leaves behind his diamond empire — and the housekeeper he recently married.
Tokyo Swindlers (Series) Launch date: July 25 | Stream it here
A team of swindlers gets wind of prime real estate worth 10 billion yen and will stop at nothing to pull off their most ambitious scam yet.
Elite sprinters navigate training, media scrutiny and fierce competition in this sports series following their race to become the world’s fastest humans.
It’s the ultimate fight between good and evil when God and his nemesis, the spawn of Satan, are sent to Earth to live with humans — as talking cats.
T・P BON: Season 2 (Series) Launch date: July 17 | Stream it here
Now an official Time Patrol agent, Bon continues his extraordinary rescue missions through space-time while mentoring his new assistant, Yumiko.
Skywalkers: A Love Story (Documentary) Launch date: July 19 | Stream it here
“Two real-life daredevils test the limits of their love and trust by illegally scaling one of the world’s tallest buildings to perform an acrobatic stunt. “
As the rain continues to pour outside, Netflix ensures that your indoor entertainment is anything but gloomy. With this month’s impressive selection of new releases, there’s plenty to keep you captivated and cozy throughout July. From heart-pounding thrillers to inspiring documentaries and everything in between, Netflix has curated a diverse array of content to suit every taste. So, grab your favorite blanket, settle in with some snacks, and enjoy the endless entertainment that awaits. Happy streaming!
Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to celebrate her birth month with ‘CHANGES OVER TIME,’ a brand new collection of original music in tandem with producer Gabe Dandan, as well as a series of shows across the metro.
‘Changes Over Time’ is a four track EP that lures the listener into a labyrinth of sound that traverses through themes of time. Orchestral elements and intoxicating rhythms are delicately coalesced into the electronic components of the songs to compliment artist Nicole Asensio’s poetic propensity and meandering melodies. All the tracks were mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos by Waxiefied Sound Production.
“This EP is a cocktail of different styles from me and Nicole’s favourite eras of music. There are elements from the 80s, acid jazz influences from the early 90s, neo-soul influences from the mid 90s and a melding of 70s disco and modern house/electronic. The Dilla swing feel is present throughout the EP but expressed through the different sonic platforms each of these eras of music have.” – Gabe Dandan
“We wrote the initial demos during a lock-in session in my home, and later brought them into the the Dolby Atmos equipped production suite “Waxiefied Sound Production.”it was a tireless three day process of writing and producing on the fly, but the spontaneity of our process for this EP is what gave these songs their unique charm and sound.” –Nicole
Welcome to the dream… nothing is what it seems.
“Amused” is a tune reminiscent of a smooth cocktail served over the plush velvet seats of a swanky bar. The instrumentation is robust yet laid back, opening with a full orchestra sound and slipping into a slow groove, full horns section. Much of the style is inspired by 80’s soul-r&b. Nicole’s uniquely textured vocal and a section of female backups garnish the track with sensual subtleties.
“Hours into our session, Gabe continued to stack tracks as I was simultaneously writing words to match them. I already had a melody in my head for the next song, but our first couple attempts to match ideas weren’t jiving just yet. After an ear-break we decided to jump into the next song “Where We’re Meant to Be” a track that is inspired by accepting our circumstances because we cannot chase, change or turn back time. Despite the heavy connotation of this topic, I wanted to keep the vibe light, warm and summery. Lyrically, the song is about accepting that everything happens at the right time and there is nothing one can do to alter that, after all, We still can choose to count the blessings and live in the moment when everything else seems out of sync. –Nicole
The second track “Where We’re Meant to Be” blends hints of acid jazz and soul into a spirited and upbeat brew. Percussive elements and classic jazz melodies meld into modern elements and production styles creating a bounty of musical flavours.
The third track “Mirages” was inspired by a recent experience we had in Siargao island. While skimming the streets, driving a dusty motorbike on a sweltering hot day, the roads began to fade into a silver haze, mirages of water shone on the path and as we got closer they would disappear. The track opens with exotic string and wind instruments such as a koto and lute, as the arrangement rises to a hilt, it suddenly plunges into a dark beat reminiscent of trudging footsteps on desert sand. I kept the low and slow on this track, to give the ear a different place to go. I was thrilled to have Gabe finally share a little bit of his vocals on this track too! It took quite a bit of coaxing as he can be extremely shy about singing, but I am glad he finally decided to come out of his shell and share it on this EP.” – Nicole
Time in motion it won’t stop for no one…
“The message of this EP is about how ephemeral our lives are. We cannot escape the movement of time and the fact that everything and everyone around us changes as well. These four songs are our way of expressing how we should grow and evolve without losing what it truly good and beautiful about us. I feel the music reflects the changes over time because of how unconventional the song forms are with the combination of different genres plus all of the abrupt sonic changes that would intentionally throw listeners off yet reel them in again a few seconds later.” – Gabe
The fourth and final track which is also the EP title “Changes over Time” is comprised of four parts or “seasons” within itself. As the title suggests, the track has multiple shifts in tempo and feel. The song opens with 2000’s influenced house beats, string elements and effervescent vocals, then descends into slow, intimate musings of sadness over a sultry groove, it then picks up again and shape-shifts with the help of electronic elements such as vocoders and synths, the cycle repeats before fading into a gospel choir influenced outro. Truly a sonic experiment reminiscent of the many changes that come as we sift through sands of time.
“We retained a lot of elements from our first writing session such as the bass, keys and some of the synths. We then headed to onQ studios where we got to work with music stalwart Mr. Marvin Querido who tracked our live sessions with drummer Randall Enriquez and a horn section spearheaded by Michael Guevarra. Nicole and I recorded lead vocals and backup vocals at Waxiefied Sound Production Dolby Atmos suite. We blended in vocals from industry friends Mel Torre, Sarah Holmes and Dominic Dimagmaliw. After most stems were in place, singer-songwriter Kevin Yadao added some more smooth backups to the mix. One of the highlights of working on this EP is guesting L.A. based world renowned trumpet player Aaron Janik, who plays alongside some of the greatest musical acts in the international scene. The entire team was comprised of titans in their own right, and we were honoured to work with each player. Finally, I added guitar as a finishing touch. We brought to Waxie Joaquin to mix and master because of his expertise and understanding for this multi-genre type of music. Waxie, Nicole and I would stay up everyday till 5 in the morning working on the immersive experience and getting everything to its optimal sound across the board. After Mastering was done, Jiggs Hermano did the quality control and after a couple of hours of careful listening we all agreed it was ready and sent it out for distribution through Warner Music Philippines.” – Gabe
“Working on “Changes Over Time” was a refreshing immersive experience. Bringing all the songs to life was such an impressive sonic journey. These songs were truly conceptualised composed and arranged to be heard, listened and “felt” in Dolby Atmos.”
– Waxie Joaquin, Waxiefied Sound Production
The tandem paints a sonic landscape that is both peculiar and familiar in the same deep breath. Through the shifts in tempo, rhythm and language from English to Filipino, there remains two common threads—homage to soul music and an earnest articulation of words from the soul.
‘Changes Over Time’ will be released on all digital platforms on July 5, 2024 at 12mn.
There will be a countdown launch gig on July 4, 2024 at 8:30PM in 19EAST, east service road, Sucat followed by the following tour dates:
July 7– A birthday show at Salon De Ning, The Peninsula Manila.
July 12- The Astbury, Poblacion (by invite only)
July 19 – 78-45-33 Salcedo Makati
July 26- The Spirits Library, Poblacion.
More Road tour dates across the Philippines to be announced.
FULL CREDITS CHANGES OVER TIMe
Lyrics: Nicole Asensio Music: Nicole Asensio, Gabe Dandan Producer: Gabe Dandan Executive Producer: Nicole Asensio Musical Director: Gabe Dandan Drums: Randall Enriquez Percussion: Migui Bautista Bass: Gabe Dandan Guitar: Gabe Dandan Piano, Synths, Vocoder: Gabe Dandan Lead Vocals: Nicole Asensio Horns Arrangement: Michael Guevarra / Aaron Janik Saxophone and Flute: Michael Guevarra Trumpet: James Mixto Trombone: Darius Mendoza Flugelhorn: Aaron Janik String and Woodwind Arrangement: Gabe Dandan Vocal Arrangement: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio Backup Vocals: Nicole Asensio, Melinda Torre, Sarah Holmes, Gabe Dandan, Kevin Yadao, Dominic Dimagmaliw Tracking Engineers: Marvin Querido, Gabe Dandan, Isagani Palabyab, Enrique Santamaria Mixing Engineer: Waxie Joaquin (Waxiefied Sound Production) Mastering Engineer: Waxie Joaquin (Waxiefied Sound Production) Distrubuted by: Warner Music Philippines
