NDFY - A Platform for Local Independent Music

With how easy it is for just about anyone to publish music on the internet nowadays, the task of finding new local music can be daunting with so many artists out there. Fortunately, NDFY is now up and running to provide a platform for local independent music to reach the ears of tons of listeners both here and abroad. Much like Spotify, the site offers a streaming service with a growing roster of local independent musicians and bands spanning a vast range of genres. Glen Macadaeg, NDFY Founder, recently sat down with Scout Magazine to talk about the platform and his plans for how people can enjoy local independent music in the future. Read more about it on the Scout Mag website.

Source: Scoutmag.ph

Stance x Grind: Skate Legends Collection Launch

The action sports retail shop, Grind, launched the Stance Skate Legends Collection last week. The launch included a skateboarding event where local skaters had the chance to compete and interact with each other. The event started on a scorching afternoon, but nevertheless, the skaters willingly played and skated around the makeshift skate park. This is only proof that the scene is just getting bigger and better. The enthusiasm and passion for the sport is so strong nowadays. So it is just timely that Stance and Grind has released the Stance Skate Legends Collection. It includes designs inspired by skateboarding legends Christian Hosoi, Ray Barbee, Steve Caballero, John Cardiel and Jeff Grosso. All sock designs are now available in all Grind shops.

WSH Riders on the Storm Lookbook

Skateboarding-inspired local streetwear brand, Witness Surreal Hypnosis, more known as WSH has released their "Riders on the Storm" collection a few months ago. A brand that is heavily influenced by the rebellious side of skateboarding, their aesthetic is reminiscent of punk and radicals. However, along that chaos, they find meaning through representing the idea of being and "outsider". Not conforming to norms and pursuing a revolt over what is called "normal". The collection "Riders on the Storm" is inspired by workwear, infused with WSH's own taste and aesthetic. It includes a short-sleeve and long-sleeve workwear shirt and a long-sleeve tee. You can go to their page to check if they still have a few pieces left from this collection.

WIP Caps x Legit Misfitz Snapback

WIP Caps owe much of the six years that they clocked in so far to the local artists that support the brand. And WIP always find ways to give back. This time, they are proud to present the Legit Misfitz "XX" snapback. This latest piece is a collaboration with hip-hop legends Dash Calzado and Jhego Catabay. Legit Misfitz first came into the scene back in 1994 with their debut album Sons of Flip Hop. Now 20 years older and better, they are still at it, going strong and making moves in the music scene. Their headgear features green and maroon front panels, each sporting an "X" to proudly proclaim the duo's 20 years. "Legit Misfitz" is written in gold between the two letters. Grab yours through www.wipcaps.com or via their trusted stockists.

Purveyr Instagramer: Kelsey Cheng

Instagram has become a powerful tool for one to freely express themselves through beautifully snapped photos and well thought of captions. It is a simple way to capture and share special moments, to see the world through the eyes of others, and to allow its users to experience other people's lives through photos as they happen. Because of this, we decided to do a monthly feature to showcase our favorite Filipino Instagrammers.

The #PurveyrInstagrammer for the month of December is Kelsey Cheng.

"I am Kelsey Cheng or @klccheng. I am a BS Food Technology graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman."

Beautiful places, interesting objects, and mouthwatering food make up this girl's Instagram feed. The cool blend of colors in her photos gives you a sense of peace and serenity, making you feel so calm and relaxed. Drop by Kelsey's Instagram account, and we're pretty sure you'll get that same sensation, then you'll be surprised how she still doesn't have at least a thousand followers. So go on, click that follow button.

We asked Kelsey about her love for Instagram, and here's what she has to say.

How long have you been using Instagram and what made you decide to give more effort in it?
I’ve been using Instagram for 2 years or so but only made my account public 4 months ago. My interest in it really started because my boyfriend would make these beautiful dishes and it was a waste to not share them.

How would you describe your approach (style) to photography?
I like my photos to be bright and cold at the same time. I normally shoot inanimate objects so my feed is mostly composed of top shots.

What are your usual subjects?
Food is easily the center of my feed. Coffee is also a favorite subject, especially cups with really good latte art.

What makes for a good Instagram shot?

Lighting, composition and editing make all the difference. It helps to keep a look out for things and angles that people would normally miss.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve done for an Instagram photo?
It’s pretty normal for me to hover around food and coffee when eating out but the worst would be one time I was taking pictures for a restaurant. I stood on a chair barefoot in the middle of service just to fit the whole table in the frame.

Are your photos on Instagram solely taken from your phone, or do you use other devices, such as SLRs, digital cameras, etc? Do you think the equipment one uses is a big factor in producing stunning Instagram posts?
My more recent pictures were taken with an Xperia Z2 but I only use phones for pictures. If we’re talking about phone models, I’d say that some take better raw photos than others but while it may limit the subjects or lighting of your photos it shouldn’t limit how good they can be.

What inspires you? And how does it influence your passion for photography?
What excites me the most about taking pictures is that there are unlimited opportunities for it in the most unlikely places. I’ve started to really look at my surroundings and appreciating things I wouldn’t normally care about. Like how a shadow on a table, dead leaves, and puddles suddenly have functions.

Who are your favorite Instagrammers?
International: @urbanxkoi, @mell0wfell0w, @thetrottergirl, @tworedbowls and @local_milk
Local: @additur, @jelitodeleon, @iamronjosel, @kimijuan and anyone associated with The Girl + The Bull

What do you dislike about Instagram?

Since they added the edit after posting feature, nothing really.

What is Instagram for you?
Activities in Manila used to seem limited to malls and familiar places no more than 30 minutes away from your house. Instagram has changed this for me completely. It showed me Manila’s cultural character and led me to these amazing galleries, museums, and restaurants I had no idea existed. Instagram, for me, allows you to share your view of the world and in turn, see how others view theirs. 

WIP Caps WIPLIFE 2014 Recap

Friends and supporters of WIP Caps headed over to B-Side, Makati last November 22, 2014 to support WIPLIFE 2014. The event is a way of WIP to give back to the people who have shown some love for the brand through the years. Local artists, bmx riders, skaters,  musicians, and WIPHeads, with some travelling from as far as Bicol and Iloilo, all showed up and took part in the festivities. And the night was spent with activities like skate & bmx competitions, beatbox battles and performances from PureVox, live art, and rocking sets from Greyhoundz, LDP, Ron Henley, and Legit Misfitz. WIP Caps also unveiled their new designs, the WIP x Artifice and WIP x Legit Misfitz snapbacks. Check out all the craziness that went down that night.

Photos by Goks.

Big H Skate Co. The Spinner

Hot on the heels of their previous board release a short while back, Big H Skate Co. is releasing another board for the urban commuter in mind. Measuring up at a lean 30" x 9.5" the Spinner boasts Canadian maple construction while a symmetrical riding platform ensures riders get the same board feel whatever their stance may be. The board's drop-through construction puts the board lower to the ground, allowing for a more forgiving ride for those new skaters looking to get on board. Completes will be made available soon at all Big H Skate Co. stores.

GoBru - Batangas

Local indie filmer Gobru shows some out-of-town shredding goodness down south with his latest video offering "Batangas". Linking up with heavy hitters Rasheed Al Rasheed and Dondon Villela, they head out and slay some seaside concrete and downhill roads. From ledge assaults to powerslides with some flip tricks flicked in between, Rasheed and Dondon skated hard but looked chill as they should be 'cause they are in a rural escapade. Opting to cover the scenery side by side with the skating, Gobru succeeds in depicting a maple-popping adventure.