SKYGARDEN Set To Release First Single Under GMA's altG Records

If you haven't caught their videos yet, you must go and check SKYGARDEN on YouTube to see how these 3 Japanese guys (Ryo, Iwa and Hiro) ended up in the Philippines. Today, they announced signing with GMA's altG Records (an arm of GMA Music) and will be releasing their first single called KOKOA in digital platforms this coming September 1st. They've been doing a lot of covers on YouTube, Facebook and social channels . They have been also gaining attention in recent months because of their hit long form videos about pranks, their efforts in doing Fiilipino things, and also pretending to be BTS in some of their videos which has gained millions of views.

SKYGARDEN signs with GMA's altG Records and releasing their first single KOKOA

I've met them this afternoon and they're a pretty fun bunch of guys. During the pandemic, Ryo saw his 2 best friends who lost their jobs and struggled with their mental state in Japan. It was then when he bought two tickets for them to bring them to the Philippines so they could experience the culture, and how it is to live here. They ended up adoring Filipinos, their couldn't believe how some of the people they met were generous, welcoming and kind despite their economic stature. This is just one of many reasons why they now choose to live here, and now they're not just content creators, and chose to make their brand of music. 

 

If you get to listen to KOKOA, you'll see how it is a bit of a JRock experience, with the choice of using Filipino for the lyrics. So in a nutshell, it's a combination with Japanese rock with OPM. It'll remind you of those intros and outros of anime shows you've been watching online. It's something they are heavily influenced with. With their success, they plan to actually put it to good use and do a lunch movement, it'll be like CSR programs to feed those who can't by adopting schools. Aside from that, they plan to still continue to create content together to make sure they pay back those who supported them all these years.

Here's our conversation at the mediacon this afternoon.

They're funny, good looking and pretty driven about what they want to do in the content creation industry and music. They're in it full time and plan to do more of it in the next few months. You'll definitely see more of them in radio, different shows, online to promote their new single, which they hope you'll love. You can already pre-order it on Apple Music buy buying it now, then it'll alert on September 1st when you can play it. For the other platforms, you can start purchasing it on the same date. I like how they mentioned how supportive their parents are with their chosen careers. They really wanted them to follow their passion. This is under altG Records of GMA Music.

Congratulations Ryo, Iwa and Hiro. Keep on doing what you love!

KULTURA MANILA To Hold Fashion Show at Jones Bridge

It's been a while since a major fashion event has happened in Manila. That's about to change this coming September 8 as Manila sets the stage for Manila International Dance Festival aka MIDFest 2023. A fashion event called KULTURA MANILA will happen around October, utilizing an unfamiliar runway at the Jones Bridge. Yes, you've read that right. If you're not aware, much of these happen in Paris, Milan and New York, but the plan is to do it at one of the busiest thoroughfares of the city of Manila which I feel is pretty awesome.

This project is spearheaded by Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo. When the MIDFest 2023 event was announced, he also bared news about Kultura Manila, Mister Manila and a Sports event for Manila policemen and government personnel. The city is a historical and cultural hub and it's important to not forget that while we get back on track after the pandemic. Several of Manila's top Fashion Designers will dish out their best pieces showcasing inspiration from the pre-colonial and also those from the Spanish era. Think of it as a travel through time, which makes this even more exciting!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

 Fashion Designer Norman Penaflorida had us see a couple of pieces he's done worn by some of Mister Manila's contestants. Sure enough, we've seen nicely formed jackets and clothing, all of which look very current and wearable despite it being couture. He actually had a show prior which showcased non conventional textile drawn from flour bags of local bread makers. He's the house stylist for mostly all the shows at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, a little iffy about the designer title but if you think about it, he's been doing this for years. Aside from that, he's done work with the National Center for Culture and the Arts and done Production Design, Stage Management, Hosting, beside being an accomplished Actor and Singer. He held off on constructing his new atelier in Sampaloc, Manila as Kultura Manila preparations went underway. I mean, look at those fabrics he used as accents to these uni jackets! (He says he'll be using them extensively on the show).

There's going to be more designers to be featured in October, which makes me feel all the more excited about what's about to happen. This is part of the projects of Vice Mayor Yul Servo and heavily supported by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna together with the council, Verde Creatives and the men and women behind the Manila International Dance Festival. They also plan to do this yearly, so imagine the scale of these events unfold in the city including Rizal Park, several Manila based universities and different locations around the metro. If you want to partner up, they're very open to that. Get in touch with them via midf2023(at)gmail.com.

See you on the runway!

Shopee Taps VICE GANDA as Newest Brand Endorser

She's the one and only unkabogable Vice Ganda and she's the new brand ambassador for Shopee. This comes as they launch the 9.9 Super Shopping Day (starting on the 1st of September) plus new efforts to digitize Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the country. They partnered with the League of Provinces (hence the lawmakers present in the event) which they hope to help local entrepreneurs get tapped on the platform. Mind you, the org has a membership of over 81 provinces so there's definitely a lot who could benefit from it. They'll be trained and also guided how to get onboard the platform (just like what they've done in the past) but of course, with an entirely new audience.

Was this a shade????? LOL!

Shopee is also making this event a good one as they implemented FREE SHIPPING everyday, up to 70 percent off on products sold on Shopee LIVE, plus more discounts on the Fashion and Beauty category. This is good news for those who are into make up, grooming, and those who plan to change their wardrobe soon.

Here's Vice Ganda's statement when she was announced as the brand ambassador.

Brands that I saw during the event include itel, the good people from Pfizer, Vice Cosmetics, Shigetsu, INSPI, Mikana (who had awesome accessories btw!), Platinum Karaoke, and my favorite these days GameXtreme (heck I bought a lot of games from there!). There are also phone brands like Tecno, OPPO, Vivo, clothing brands like Penshopee, OXGN, Bench, Regatta, shoe brands KEDS and Crocs. So imagine the things you can get on 9.9!

They've got the right endorser today, and I wish Shopee gets back on track. They encourage you to install it, or re-install if that's the case. Those discounts are seriously good.

Dreams Come True at Villar Group’s Bankathon 2023

The Villar Group's Bankathon 2023

It's been a really interesting year for real estate this year. Much of the city dwellers found refuge in suburban homes outside the metro while a lot of those who still braved the city choose to stay in different type of residences like condominium units which are easy to maintain and live in.

It's also secured, pretty near work and most of the time, have all the needed stores and amenities you need to not even leave the building. Much of these also are already urban planned communities so you get to also have access to religious centers, markets, schools and universities. If you're in the look for a place in Makati, Taguig, Manila, Mandaluyong or Quezon City, leading the industry is no other than Vista Residences, the official condo developer arm of Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. Which reminds me, there was a Bankathon 2023 last August 16 and 17 at the Vista Shaw Mandaluyong - Function Hall. In it, home seekers got fast home loans and deals with properties from the Vista Land group.

It was participated by leading banks Banco De Oro, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Unionbank, Security Bank, AllBank, Maybank, Chinabank Corporation and Bank of Commerce. This is a dream come true for those who wish to have their own home as they offered pre approved bank financing to come with it. They also streamlined the application process. All they need to do is to submit 2 valid ID's, birth or marriage cert, proof of billing in current residence, and proof of income. They prefer certificate of employment or current payslip to check what avenues you can do in order to obtain your own home. If you are interested in one, visit their website vistaresidences.com.ph or their official FB page facebook.com/VistaResidencesOfficial. Maybe this is the one you are looking for.