No Rome Comes Out with New Single SPINNING featuring Charli XCX and The 1975

My kind of music is getting good attention, thanks to NO ROME,  a London based Filipino artist. I have long had his hit song "5 Ways to Bleach Your Hair" on my workout and shower playlist because I have long adored things that I could connect to on a personal level. It hits close to home.

His talent, has been given the nod from producers in New York, Los Angeles, but he's pretty much living it up in London with Dirty Hit Records. This new single is called "Spinning" which he did together with artists singer, songwriter Charli XCX and English pop rock band The 1975. You may purchase the track now here : https://norome.ffm.to/spinning

These artwork was made for No Rome, Charli XCX, Matty Healy and George Daniel by Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess-Johnson. Unbelievable!

As if the music and lyrics weren't already sick, he goes on and collaborated with Japanese artist Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess - Johnson so they could create a visual world around the release of this single, I must say, my eyes and brain exploded from all these chibi/pop/anime art. Each of the artist included in this song had their own character venturing into a psychedelic dream sequence after falling into a pit.  These works of art were later on sent to NFT platform Foundation to benefit 3 different charities where he sent his part to Right Start (care for poor/abandoned children), Charli to Girls Make Beats (for female musicians, producers) and Matty to One Tree Planted (tree planting charity). Great artists that also help? Yeap, that's them!

Here's a treat, check out the super cute video released a few hours ago!

No Rome is also set to release an album later this year, and we're all excited for that! Go stream them on platforms and get those views up to support this Fillipino artist. He's undoubtedly good!

Marites Allen: Thrive in 2021 Year of the Metal OX

We just got off the online preview of Marites Allen's Feng Shui Webinar which is going to happen this December 19th 2020. This is going to all happen online and will start around 9AM London (5PM Philippine Time).

A couple of us actually asked her about what happened during the last few months because the pandemic was obviously not foreseen, but she immediately dispelled it by facts saying "We didn't see the pandemic coming, we are not fortune tellers, we are Feng Shui masters. It could have been prevented by man in the beginning (makes total sense!)."

She further shared what the Year of the Metal Ox meant for all of us this 2021 and said "There was really a lot of people who didn't do well during the pandemic. This year, metal elements, earth elements is good, the optimism is a little absent. There will be doubts, not much trust, so people should save up and spend on things that matter. Economic structure is shaky, third quarter will show a little improvement but next year is a year of vaccination. It will take a lot of time to process and do things, but with the Filipino attitude, we will always get along no matter how far this pandemic will take."

About detractors she said "Honestly, I am too busy to worry about people who doubt feng shui. I am quite connected with my clients, the expertise of Feng Shui matters only means that we're not fortune tellers. If they doubt, it doesn't really matter to me."

She further shared optimism by saying "It's gonna be a while before people would trust traveling, or get back to normal. In the course of history, we have had pandemics, people die and suffered, but a lot survived. Nothing is new, it is just how people live with it. We all were never prepared for this even billionaires didn't see a magnitude like this. The lock-down in London isn't that strict, it's how people use their time. There is still so much opportunity in 2021."

Lucky Sectors: East, North East Rabbit, Ox and Tiger, Horse is Victory.

Sheep, Monkey will face arguments. Robbery star is on Boar. 

She adds "2021 will bring a lot of misunderstanding for couples. You can get the 2021 planner and almanac to guide you this year. Before the year ends, the energy is shifting so much, when December 21 starts, I'd like you to make a gratitude list so you can achieve good health, make sure you get a fortune plant. We are going to be still busy for this year. The webinar is going to be virtual, we used to do it face to face. What is different is that there is going to be a lot of videos to explain things, we will have models showcasing our Frigga items. It will be a lot different."

For Earth Horses like me, she bids these good news and said "It is good news for 2021, you have the victory star.  You really have to change if you get in that condition. Those who are the year of the sheep are going to have to work double time this year."

To further understand more about these, make sure you get your tickets via Frigga.co.uk or 09209509390. She will be also with King of Talk Boy Abunda on this date so make sure you get your tickets secured before that date!

Costa Coffee Sends Off Jyl Orila To London!

Serious. These three judges will be responsible on actually sending off one of the performers to London as Costa Coffee does the finale for #SingYourWayToLondon at the Costa Coffee Galleria Branch in Pasig City. I'm sure blogger extraordinaire David Guison, Paulo Valenciano and Kiana Valenciano will be having a tough time choosing the rightful winner because man... these contestants are gonna give it their all to get that all expense paid trip to the land of the Queen, Big Ben and all things British.

April Almonte of Costa Coffee says "We brought UK's best coffee here so we are bringing the best Philippine artist we could find to the UK, that's the best deal right? We are known to be good singers and this would be an opportune time to make that dream come true for someone and this would be it!"

Jyl Orila did a cover of SEND MY LOVE by Adele, pretty good, her upbeat version of it was done so it would be like coffee in the morning.

Inna Valera sang STOP by Spice Girls with her friend, despite some technical glitches they still sang their hearts out. Just like friends in a Karaoke booth, like no one is watching but in real life, the whole Ortigas Business district was there! LOL

Maqui Castelo sang Yellow by Coldplay, he was a bit nervous, we could actually hear and feel it but later on in the song, it was all okay. He did his best and that's what matters. They did this for fun, and we're already having fun! 

Maki Santos was doing this for her Mom's 60th birthday. She sang a medley of Brit songs. She startes with Adele's Rolling in the Deep, then Amy Winehouse's Rehab then back to Adele again though, she had angst and stuff. I guess the judges would have a hard time choosing the winner now.

Pia Gabrielle Alfonso sang something about moving on from a past relationship, it's called Your Song by Rita Ora. I actually enjoyed that song a lot. She was a little nervous but she did it anyway, she had fun too.

Then they announced the winner, congratulations Jyl Orila. I'm sure you'll love London! Congratulations Costa Coffee too, wish to join this too soon! 

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

EPSON x John Herrera: The AGILA Collection

I have seen his work a few years ago and it's been a while since I have seem him do a show in Manila. John Herrera has taken the world by storm by winning London Emerging Designer Awards back in 2015. He's known for his very detailed workmanship, drama, couture and travel inspired collections in the past and the award has paved the way and gave a lot of opportunities for the Filipino designer. 

He's gone to the limits, even the fine line of proper designed garments and textures which he finds interesting so he goes the mile to include it in his pieces. This time however, he worked with world renowned printer brand EPSON to create his new collection called AGILA (The Philippine Eagle), a mix of art and technology, a feat which he found very challenging. He's up for it though (judging from his reaction during the short interview in Shangri-la Plaza) and even though this process would mean printing his own fabrics, he trusted the people who made his vision into reality (graphic design and Photoshop included), and of course the lovely EPSON Sure Color F-series (which are dye sublimation digital textile printers) namely the Sure Color SC F9270 and the SC 6270.

Sure Color SC F9270 (top) and the SC 6270 (bottom)

These printers are designed for industrial level roll production. So imagine how you would be able to print your designs in fabric, the possibilities are endless! For designers, fashion enthusiasts and those who would like to have their original work make into an excellent outfit that your clients would be proud of to wear. This definitely will make prints that could get your images in the forefront of fashion, isn't that what people want in the first place?

I particularly like the hoodie coat that Mark McMahon wore during the press preview. It's edgy, the print was intricately detailed and quite uncommon. It's very neo-Japanese but still got that persona of the Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle done in feathers, actual bird images and colors in white shiny fabric. I also like the light quilting on some of the pieces (the jackets, the kimonos, don't get me started!), the bias cut skirts which he had later on in the show, the flowy printed scarf dress,  Oh and if you're already impressed with the output, this is actually the first time he's done this. That right there is pushing the envelope and the 30 piece collection done that night was equally stunning!

Here's photos from his IG account, credits to their house photographer:

I think the AGILA collection will also be shown in London a couple of weeks from now. Who would have known that a printer could do this right? I'm very impressed, just wished I brought my camera on the runway show though, perhaps next time! Thank you for the opportunity to cover your event EPSON Philippines! This is really unbelievable!

Photo credits: http://johnherreracouture.com/

For those who want to see the printers and more, check out https://www.epson.com.ph/. For John Herrera's work, take a look at his line over at http://johnherreracouture.com/.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

How to Become A Good Barista

I've been loving Costa Coffee since they got their London-ish kind of brew here in the Philippines - and by far, my most favorite item on their menu is the Flat White. This doesn't come easy because aside from assuring the ingredients are at par with the world's best, it takes proper skill to whip up an ingenious cup of coffee. It takes years too to get to that level and perhaps sheer talent and I'm glad I've seen that first hand in their branches.

They also are holding competitions for their own baristas called Barista of the Year (BOY) which I covered too in the past and recently, our very own country representative Justin Dela Fuente bested countries from Southeast Asia and India. That says a lot about the quality that we're getting in Costa Coffee Philippines and he also shared a couple of things about how to get that perfect cup!

He's a skilled barista so he deems a couple of things to be the criteria one should have in order to achieve great coffee. 

PATIENCE - It takes time to be an expert. It takes tons of spilled coffee, burns in the machine and cups for willing test subjects if you want to concoct the perfect cup! All you need to do is practice and don't be disheartened if you fail at times, because we all have to begin somewhere right? 

STAY HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE - Make sure you are always thirsty for knowledge. Learn from your mistakes, know the best practices from experts and apply it to your craft. Anything could be a learning opportunity. 

OVERFLOW WITH PASSION - There's nothing more miserable than a half hearted attempt on anything. Take that passion to heights and conquer your fears. Though I must say, always know when to edit. That is the key.

STAY FUN - A cup would be pleasing enough but make sure you still make it fancy. We all have that dream of the perfect cup and a little art never hurt anyone right? Take tons of unfamilliar flavors, introduce it to people and make it fun. There are ways to experiment and it doesn't have to be boring. Right?

SERVE YOUR BEST - Keeping the quality of your coffee and properly doing the process is the key. Make sure it's also the best cup you can make because people use hard earned money to purchase it. It's going to be a reason they'd come back. A good thing to do especially if you're building relationships and not just rapport. Who wouldn't want their perfect cup?

Those are just some of the nice things Justin shared about his goal of getting the championship this January in London. Make sure you support him by posting your Costa Coffee drinks online and use the hashtag #JustinForTheWin as he makes the country proud as he vies for Costa Coffee's Barista of the Year!

I'm posting one now! :) 

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

London Style Brew now in Manila: Costa Coffee

Great news for coffee lovers out there, there's a new brand in town and this really came in the right time when we're almost all bored about the usual coffee shop we see in major thoroughfares. London based Costa Coffee is now in the Philippines and they're gearing to put up more stores in the country soon.  Costa Coffee was founded in London by Bruno and Sergio Costa sparked by their love for premium quality coffee. They've got 40 years of experience to back that up and over 3,000 Costa stores around the world to prove it. Their goal is to be the worlds most loved coffee shop brand, a feat that they can well do in the next few years I bet.

The Interiors

The place has 2 floors and is pretty much reflected to be much like the streets of London inside complete with a red phone booth outside which you can take photos with. The interior's made of several brick walls, upholstered and regular seats that would gladly be reminiscent of an Austin Powers movie.

It's the London culture, the vibe, the colors that they would like you to see inside the store. There several corners in this place that I would have loved to reserve for myself when I get the chance to hang out in Eastwood, especially the window seats. Remember, the Brits are some of the worlds most demanding customers and if they want quality on their drinks or food, they need to get it and this is much of a standard thing in Costa Coffee shops I'm sure.

"Shrek The Musical" Live In Manila!

It's one of my favorite animated films since its inception , the green, huge, not so good looking monster who's as human as anyone we know gets to fall in love, live life, and persecuted by everyone else as if he doesn't have the right to do so. The fun starts when Shrek shows how he's good, a little off putting on ogre capabilities, but he's just as smart as you and me. He's also got a funny donkey as a sidekick that doesn't do much to help or doesn't even make sense at times but you can see how he cares at times when Shrek needs it. Then when it arrives, Princess Fiona makes Shrek the happiest ogre on Earth by giving him the one thing he dreams of... And that's love!

The Broadway and West End Musical made by David Lindsay Abaire and Jeanine Tesori will make you believe in love again - but will make you laugh at life's antics as they bring this performance to the Meralco Theater this September 19 to October 12, 2014 running for 4 weeks straight keeping you still believing in it no matter how impossible things may be. There are evil villains but like the animated film from DreamWorks, we'll have to see his whole journey to love, laughter, adventure and life. You'll still hear the favorite songs "I'm a believer" plus a lot more that you might not have heard yet but made for the musical to perfectly fit the situation in Shrek's life! Moms and Dads, Kids can even learn from this so come join the fun in Meralco Theater and see international level performances as they do it in the Philippines on the dates mentioned above. Family comedy at it's best and a lot more can be seen so rush to TicketNet outlets, or call 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph to see Shrek The Musical as soon as it opens its doors this month. The true value of friendship, honesty, love can be seen in this musical so all you gotta do is get them while it's still early!

Shrek The Musical is from Sam Mendes who's a really big fan of the animated film. I can't wait! 

For more information about their stores:

Shrek The Musical

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.ticketworld.com.ph

Rachelle Ann Go's Send Off Concert: February 22!

Ms. Rachelle Anne Go will be leaving the country for her 14 month stint at London's West End to be art of the long awaited remake of Miss Saigon. She'll be playing the part of bar girl "Gigi" in the said play. Before she leaves, she'll be staging a concert entitled "Miss Rachelle The Send Off Concert" this February 22 at the Meralco Theater. This is also to celebrate her 10th successful year in show business. It was my first time to see her in the flesh and I find her really charming. In the concert, she mentions that you'll also be seeing her journey in this industry laid about in songs. She'll also include a repertoire that will also tell the story on how she ended up in theater so you'll probably see songs from Broadway in the show.

She also says the number of rock, revivals and OPM songs that she've sung all these years paid off when she finally made it to Miss Saigon. She freaked out a little bit when she got the email from the West End production and immediately said yes when the role was offered to her. She felt all her harships paid off because it's her dream to be part of Miss Saigon.

Rachelle also says she's already had a few workshops here and plans to also have some more lessons in London. She also adds that she might need to spend a few hours in school and finish something for herself when advised by other Filipina actresses who did the same. She also is a little afraid because she'll be alone in London all throughout her stay. She's excited though because she'll get to visit the country in a different light when rehearsals are done. It's going to be 2 months of grueling practice for them starting March. She'll also participate in a charity concert late February for victims of Typhoon Haiyan together with other West End staged productions and shows.

Congratulations Rachelle Ann Go! You are doing the country proud!

She will also have Erik Santos, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista and Ms. Regine Velasquez. Addlib Dance Crew will be also performing with her on stage. This is going to be one nostalgic night of songs and performances. Make sure you get your tickets at TicketWorld Manila 891-9999 or visit their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For more information about her concert:

Cornerstone Talents

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.cornerstonetalents.net

3D VIZION: Changing the Advertising Landscape Worldwide!

Before I do give you first dibs on this one, let me ask you something. Do you know what 2D or 3D is?!

A 2 dimensional figure would only show you 2 sides; a flat surface; this actually accounts for mostly all the posters, tarpaulin ads you see on the street which doesn't really do anything because its plain and simple. 3D on the other hand makes this a whole lot different. You get depth of field and you get a perspective. Now with that already out, have you seen 3D Vizion?!

Seeing a glimpse of the future this would only mean that things will change in the landscape of the entire advertising industry. You will see a lot of things in a different way. Ms. Katrina Bantug, 3D Vizion's CEO and President talked about this huge change and how they want to do it in the Philippine landscape. This is somehow a redesign of how we do advertising; but when I saw what she was talking about this happened!

We saw 3D advertising for the first time and can't believe how far it popped out of the screen. Imagine beer commercials with the actual can out of the picture floating in your living room or your favorite mall! How about going to the casino with all the chips floating in midair after you hit the jackpot?! Your favorite cartoon series and the fight scene outside the TV sets like you are right beside them while kicking and punching. Some characters even rode an airplane and you can literally see the plane with its wings sticking out of the screen. Some way, somehow you feel it, you see it and you know why people open their mouths this much because of one thing. That's 3D Vizion!

I can't describe how much I love the experience of seeing this up close, these photos really do no justice. I didn't have to wear those unhygienic 3D glasses anymore. It's just so AMAZING in one word!

They have indeed studied the market and with this installed in almost every single corner where there is traffic, they saw a substantial amount of increase in catching the attention of the consumers. Imagine now if you were the company or person who got your product out in the market with this technology which is estimated to be 10 years ahead of it's time. You will get the mileage you need for the amount of money you spend for advertising. It's going to make every cent count and that's going to mean a lot of savings. Soft and pretty.

What's also great is that this particular venture is Filipino owned. The corporation is founded by Katrina Bantug, Mohan Kulkarni with DEMIKK Holdings, Inc. and the brand is represented by Ruben Tiu. It's definitely a relief that this technology and its use is not going to someone else's hand. It's just one thing to be proud of after another. If you want to take advantage of 3D VIZION please check out their website http://3dvscreens.com/ and blow away the competition! Don't be afraid to try it out and call them for a demo! I'm sure whoever gets first hand on what they offer would surely lead the pack!

For more information

Like them on Facebook!

3D Vizion Corp.

Visit their website!

http://3dvscreens.com/

Or simply call

Susana Eslava at 6951111 or 7067999