Nicole Laurel Set To Launch 'Bawal'

BAKIT MASARAP KAPAG BAWAL?

“Minsan nababaliw, 

Kadalasan ay lasing

Ayaw tanggapin

Na hindi ka nga akin.”

So, what’s it all worth?— does the poisoned vine indeed breed finer wine? — is this thing we “love” even worth fighting for? Perhaps if it was so “bawal” then maybe it wasn’t borne out of love at all… 

Bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?

It had been a little while since noted multi-talented Nicole Laurel got back in the recording cycle. She didn’t stop writing new songs. In fact, there are dozens in progress. For this upcoming single 'BAWAL,' she collaborated with a co-musician she had met nearly 9 years ago but never really had the opportunity to write with— guitarist/ multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan. During an impromptu jam, he put down the guitar and began playing keys. Nicole began humminhinstantaneous melody and lyrics— the initial songwriting for “Bawal” was done in about 30 minutes.

Get Ready To Explore Hong Kong With "The Marvels in Hong Kong" Roving Exhibition

Now that many are traveling outside the country, one of the destinations that many would like to go to is Hong Kong which is known to be a favorite travel destination for many in Southeast Asia especially the Philippines. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is also celebrating their 25th anniversary along with the The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta), together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board wants to welcome guests with a showcase of exciting things about Hong Kong.

Obsessed With Korean Drama? Viu Original's K-Love Knows That Feeling!

It's undeniable that many are hooked with the K-Drama craze that has caused an emergence of demand for content, merchandise, and a lot of stuff by fans who can get enough of the stories which also many countries got hooked as well. With streaming services like Viu, K-Drama has a huge audience share and social impact. This situation made Viu look into the lives of fans and make it into an original show called K-Love.

The show is created by celebrated Hollywood producer Corinna Vistan, who previously worked at Marvel Studios as a Content Producer for theatrical releases and lent her expertise to record-setting blockbusters such as Avengers: Endgame and Ant-Man and the Wasp. It is directed by Bobby Yan, a seven-time Emmy-award winner.

Leah Halili teams up with The Ransom Collective girls on breezy pop track “Clear To Me”

Filipina singer-songwriter Leah Halili teams up with her fellow The Ransom Collective bandmates Lily and Muriel Gonzales on “Clear To Me,” a dreamy pop tune inspired by her relationship with now-husband, Nikee Banares. 

Produced by Carlos Castano, Halili’s new single captures the feeling of romantic affection and how it blooms into something more divine over time. Buoyed by breezy chords and delicate melodies, “Clear To Me” is a beguiling piece of work that was written from the four corners of her bedroom—about the same time her debut single “Fourth of July” was made.

KonsultaMD and National Bookstore partner for student health this back-to-school season

Leading telemedicine platform KonsultaMD and the country’s most beloved books and supplies retail chain National Book Store are all set to ensure that students are physically and mentally fit as they return to face-to-face classes.

For every minimum purchase of P299 at National Book Store, consumers can get a free one-month KonsultaMD health plan for up to five family members. This promo is available in over 214 NBS branches, as well as Art Bar and Kids Ink stores nationwide.

As a special offer, KonsultaMD is also giving away a complimentary Mental Health session with a licensed psychologist for every minimum purchase of P499 in any Art Bar branch. This intends to address mental health issues and burnout among students.

Filipino five-piece band Bajula blends ‘80s pop with sophisticated quietude on new single “One and Done”

The retro-infused track is produced by Ean Mayor of UDD and mixed/mastered by sound engineering extraordinaire Emil Dela Rosa

Filipino five-piece band Bajula revisits ‘80s pop music with retro-soul leanings on their new single “One and Done.”

Initially written by Jolo “Frazier” Juatco in his own bedroom with a stripped-down, electronic setup, the groovy track evolved sonically just when the former duo recruited three more members to join the band, and have the track rearranged with a fuller, more dynamic sound.

Sony Music Entertainment marks 25th anniversary of George Michael’s Older with a digitally remastered, expanded edition

The celebration also kicked off with a listening party and an exclusive screening of Freedom Uncut, a documentary about the late pop music icon

Sony Music Entertainment recently paid tribute to iconic superstar George Michael with a listening party featuring his re-released classic album Older and an exclusive premiere of Freedom Uncut—an acclaimed documentary that gives viewers a first-person account of his life as a pop legend, a music activist, and as a person coming to terms with love, sexuality, and celebrityhood.

Toyota enhances used vehicle program: “T-Sure, Toyota Quality Pre-owned Cars”

In response to the rising demand in reliable and flexible mobility options, leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announced that it is further expanding the possibilities for its customers by strengthening its used vehicle program.

Now called “T-Sure, Toyota Quality Pre-owned Cars” (T-Sure), the program offers an alternative to consumers who are looking for worry-free car purchase options without compromising quality, value, safety, and excellent service.

Previously known as Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV), T-Sure will now be the brand that will be used in Toyota dealerships that will be offering quality used cars to their clientele.

TMP senior vice president for marketing Masatoshi Toiya explained the name change saying, “the “T” stands for Toyota and “Sure” denotes trustworthiness. This new brand name sends a strong message that customers can have peace of mind in transacting with a T-Sure dealer, whether he is trading in an old vehicle or buying a pre-owned car.”

Ward 448, Debunking the HIV Stigma, Sowing Compassion and Understanding, Giving Information

“WARD 448” a play written and directed by Rodel Mercado is a trilogy that presents the stories of individuals that have HIV virus affliction. The play depicts the fight-or-flight response of persons infected with this devastating and life-threatening disease and how discrimination, ignorance and the stigma exacerbate the predicament of the persons with HIV.

From the point of view and reportage of Jennylyn Braza, a news reporter with Karina Macaspac and Jenney Cañeja as alternates, the story of three (3) RITM in-patients who stay in the same ward will figure in their news story.

The headliners are Carla Mae, a mother of three with Anna Escobia and Justine Torralba as alternates; the men who have sex with other men group who work at BPO are VJ Mendoza, Kevin Posadas and Rey Correjado; and seasoned thespians Ronnie Martinez and Roeder Camanag who alternately portray Francis, a jaded drag performer. 

Jay Garche Gives Heart-Rending Stripped Back Version Of Hit Love Song “Mahal Na Mahal”

Jay Garche releases his own version of “Mahal Na Mahal”, the hit love song that made lots of hearts melt with its profoundly romantic lyrics. (WATCH OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO HERE)

The song, which was originally popularized by Archie D in 1991 revived its pop stardom when Sam Concepcion did his lovable rendition back in 2013 as part of his Infinite album under Universal Records. This 2022, you will surely love to hear Jay Garche’s own take of this song which features a simple yet compelling stripped-back piano arrangement. It injects such a bittersweet flavor to the already known love song.

The Voice Teens Season 2 runner-up turned UR artist already finished recording the song in August and believes that it’s perfect to release the song right away. He’s also set to unveil an official music video for “Mahal Na Mahal” later this year. It follows the release of his debut original single “Hayaan Lang” last June.

Don’t sleep on this version and stream it on your favorite digital streaming platforms!

Stream “Mahal Na Mahal”:

Spotify | Lyric Video | Audio Clip