This is how a Photowalk around Escolta and Ongpin in Binondo sounds like

In line with the recent launch of adidas Originals' Neighborhood stores around the metro and their newest NMD Collection, we were inspired to create our own idea of their campaign message, "Urban Exploration through Sound". We partnered with Buwanbuwan Collective member, local music producer, Escuri, for this Soundscape Exploration. The idea is for us to take photos and record sounds side by side while walking around our chosen area. Conceptually it was already mind-boggling, but to actually hear and see the final product of this project is even more astonishing.

Together with Escuri, we chose to do the Soundscape Exploration around the reincarnated Binondo area, specifically at Escolta and Ongpin streets. We felt that they were the best places to do it since there are so much life to experience, and spirit to capture in those historic locations. And luckily, we were right, even on a slow Sunday afternoon we found interesting subjects and happenings that portrayed a burgeoning neighborhood. You can view the photography slideshow we made below, and be transported to that Sunday afternoon exploring we did. Let our very own, Marvin Conanan's photos accompanied by Escuri's track "good morning, good night" made from the sounds we heard during the walk, to bring you that same feeling we felt throughout the exploration. 

In addition to the pilot track "good morning, good night", Escuri went on to create two more tracks using the other sounds that he recorded from the walk. He produced "dusk" and "after dark" to make it an EP. You can stream the two other great tracks below. Plus, you can also download the whole EP for free, just follow the directions indicated after the tracks. 

If you like what you've just heard, we have all the three tracks up for free downloads for all those who accomplish our short reader and community survey. It will only take you less than 10 minutes to accomplish the survey, and as soon as you're done, the download link will be given to you. And moreover, you will now be on our digital club mailing list where we will send more exclusive content and updates straight to your email.

You can visit these pages to know more about Escuri; Facebook, Soundcloud and Bandcamp

Witness Surreal Hypnosis Releases ϟF . 16 Collection

Local clothing brand Witness Surreal Hypnosis has released its latest ϟF . 16 collection. The new collection features two shirts bearing the signature surreal design of WSH - the first, called KISSIN PINK, features a bare retro-style eye in the front and its remaining image in the back, while the second, titled PERSISTENCE OF TIME, features renowned surrealist painter Salvador Dali and his most famous work The Persistence of Memory. A departure from usual lookbooks released by other clothing brands, WSH’s newest release feels almost like a fashion and art editorial, with the newest designs presented with various verses and artworks. Get your hands on the collection at We Legendary at Mountain Dew Park Circuit, Makati City.

adidas Originals welcomes you to the Neighborhood through two new stores in the Philippines

adidas Originals has finally landed in Manila, and since then has opened two Neighborhood concept stores. Neighborhood is a concept that celebrates culture and community, so each one that opened in the major cities across the globe took inspiration from stories of their very own neighborhoods. The flagship stores in Uptown and Glorietta demonstrate just that: the scene and feel of Manila and its people. adidas Originals is the brand's retro concept that recreates classic models such as the Superstar and the Stan Smith plus the recent hype, NMD, which fuses the iconic running silhouette with modern technology – So to celebrate the opening of Neighborhood in Manila, adidas Originals launched eleven of the NMD's new colorways for sneaker enthusiasts to take to the streets.

A Peek inside Stache, Baguio's newest hangout for the Gentlemen

It looks like the barber culture in the country is only growing, now extending its reach to the mountains of Baguio City through Stache Man Hive and Barbers. More than providing men haircuts, Stache aims to revive the old barbershop culture where men can hang out with a cup of coffee or a glass of booze while getting groomed. A film by Leo Perez and produced in partnership with Baguio-based clothing brand Pine 74 offers a preview into Stache and the community it fosters.

Photo from Neil Torres

Stache is located at Marian Palazz Hotel, #38 Military Cut-off Road, Baguio, City. For more information, visit them on Facebook.

Faintlight's Losing Control is set to become your Newest Rock Anthem

After a long hiatus in releasing new tracks, Faintlight is set to make a comeback with their newest EP "In Transit". As we wait for the entire tracklist's release, we can make do with Losing Control, the first single they just officially dropped. Based on the teaser we've seen posted on their Facebook page, we could see how the song is very personal and telling about Faintlight's musical re-calibration and their journey. Indeed, the band has been rolling with the punches since its inception a decade ago in 2006. They've been through tough times having lost three lead vocalists and just recently, guitarist Bryan Gadia. Fans of Faintlight have more reason to smile though because the dynamic trio led by Ron Dela Cruz on guitars and vocals, Dave Pimentel on drums, and Emil DelaRosa on bass show no signs of slowing down. 

Photo by Ouie Sanchez

Losing Control has all the right elements to make it the newest rock anthem and if that isn't any indication enough, have a listen to the full track below.

Relive early 2000 3D feels with Nouvul's "Plié" Music Video

Heartbreak's never felt so psychedelic. Recently, Nouvul - a brainchild of Jorge Wieneke V of similarobjects fame - launched its "This Quiet" EP, followed by the official music video for "Plié,"a single off the record.

While the whole EP exudes a sort of exuberance with its neo-techno underpinnings and bright, bittersweet tones, "Plié" in particular holds a more melancholic feel than the other two - starting off with simple, minimalist beats before moving into the vocals. In contrast, the music video is a smorgasbord of early 2000 pop culture references - bringing back old school emoticons, animation, and even pop-up ads. But maybe that's just it. Maybe it's the nostalgia that bring both song and video together - one for a lost past, another for a lost love.

For more information about Nouvul, you could check out their FB page here, or visit their Soundcloud.

Black & White Photographer Erin Nøir collaborates with KLTRD for a Capsule Collection

The Makati independent community purveyor, KLTRD is at it again. After their successful collaboration with barber collective, Slick Barbers Co., and skate team and brand, Stargate, the brand is set to release another one this coming Saturday. This time they look to photography for the collection's expression, and fittingly, Erin Nøir is who they found. Her passion for the local photography community is similar to KLTRD's passion for the Makati independent culture, a common denominator that drives the collaboration. The Capsule Collection includes t-shirts by KLTRD, and tote bags and postcards by Erin Nøir. It will all be launched this coming Saturday at Satinka Naturals in Makati City, you can visit the event page for more details. There will be music sets by various local producers and artists such as, Calix, Like Animals, Paincake Patrol, Alisson Shore, Indio Bendana and more. 

In addition, Erin Nøir will also be releasing the first MONO Collective Photo Zine. It features 50 black and white photographs by local photographers. More about it in this link. So if you have nothing planned for this coming Saturday, it's a good day to immerse yourself to the ever growing independent culture.

Girl In Transit's "Hardly A Promise" Collection is the Commute Aesthetic you need in the Metro

Following their debut collection, Lovers in the Parking Lot, Girl In Transit is at it again with the launch of their second lookbook, Hardly A Promise. The much anticipated collection draws inspiration from East Asian flair which range from color palettes to traditional garments. Here, you can expect a variety of pieces from t-shirts to outerwear. Stand above the commute crowd as you wear their "Girl" statement tees in pops of color, like yellow and red. Or opt to amp your look for the day with their "Girl" noragi or their "Girl" coach jacket. Then, while you're at it, throw in their "girl x Satchmi" cap for good measure.

The items will first be made available live via a pop-up store happening this Friday, August 26, at Special Affair, Girl In Transit's official launch party. The launch will feature performances from the likes of Curtismith, BP Valenzuela, Crwn, and Olympia, and will be held at The Belle and Dragon. But for the mean time, as we wait on our toes, you can have a sneak peak of their newest lookbook below.