Frencheska Farr releases Surf Song with Just the Trip Video

Summer may almost be over, but not according to Frencheska Farr’s newly launched Surf Song. Produced in collaboration with Nick Lazaro of Twin Lobster, Moonwlk, and Birdforms, Frencheska sings an ode to her love, weaved through the motions and exhilaration of surfing. Part of an EP slated to be released in the latter part of the year, the track has the makings of a summer anthem with head-bopping beats and hopeful words. The accompanying music video is as feel-good as the song, following the singer’s escape from the traffic of Manila to the waves of Baler. Released by online content producer Just the Trip and directed by Gino Jose, the video documents Frencheska’s adventures as she surfs, snorkels, and skateboards. Browse other exclusive content through Just the Trip’s Facebook page.

Curtismith catches billionaire Branson's attention

Photo by Kitkat Pajaro

Curtismith continues his streak in turning heads with his rhyme and rhythm. And this time, it's renowned business magnate and philanthrophist Richard Branson who took notice. In the recently concluded ANC Leadership Forum in Manila, the rapper grabbed the opportunity to perform one of his earlier compositions, Going In For Life. 

"I'm that type of kid who dreams of shaking up the industry. I am hungry, I am driven, and everything in between. If you listen, I'm about to penetrate your soul. I'm a Filipino who's about to break the mold" spits Curtismith in his piece about his rough childhood and his perseverance to pursue his passion for the music industry. Richard Branson, founder of multinational branded venture capital congolemerate, Virgin Group, was all ears—impressed and touched by the rapper's verses. So much so that he instructed his staff to give his business card to the 22-year-old and even asked him to upload his demo to Virgin's blog.

Curtismith was entirely grateful for the exchange, still somewhat in utter disbelief since he considers the business magnate as one of his biggest influences growing up. He sums up the surreal encounter in his Instagram, "...in reality the only thing that matters is that I was able to speak to one of the biggest influences of my life and say a piece I would not have been able to write if it wasn't for him and his lessons. Hopefully this isn't the last interaction I have with the man himself @richardbranson there's still so much to learn."

Source: ABSCBN News

Bratpack Goes Back to School with #AlwaysInPacks

The school days are almost on our doorsteps. From the gentle hum of the ocean breeze, we'll soon hear our professors' nagging voices instead. The roster of films we watch on Netflix will soon be replaced by papers to submit, and the list goes on. But school won't be just as bad when you have like-minded people around - people whom you share the same interests and ideas with, as well as make fun memories and build meaningful friendships with. This is what Bratpack had as their inspiration in creating their Back-to-School campaign, #AlwaysInPacks, which highlights the brand of "camaraderie and collaboration" that we can only experience as students.

Being a brand that is there not only to sell top-notch items such as bags and other everyday essentials, but also offer their clients a different shopping experience, Bratpack makes sure that their offerings and campaigns are something that the youth can identify with and be empowered by. That’s why #AlwaysInPacks, being anchored on this objective, is made to be relatable for students. It aims to turn the idea of school from a solely stressful activity but an adventure that does not only expand our brains but also allow us to discover new horizons through the people we meet and the experiences we share with them.

To perfectly illustrate this idea, Bratpack teams up with Manila-based indie folk-rock band The Ransom Collective, composed of students from UP Diliman, to be their Campus Capers. The group met at school, forged friendship that started with a chance encounter, became a band that brought a refreshing new sound to the country's musical landscape, and did what they do best -- travel and go out and about the city -- together. They are then, without a doubt, #AlwaysInPacks.

Nike partnered with Commonwealth for SNKRS Studio in Manila

Last May 13 to May 19, lifestyle boutique Commonwealth, located at SM Aura, transformed into a sneakerhead haven, turning into the very first Nike SNKR Studio in Manila. Popular Nike kicks such as the Nike Air Force One, Air Max Thea, and Nike Air Max 90 were on display. While the Nike Air Presto Ultra Flyknight was also unveiled.

Sneakerheads male and female alike who purchased a pair were treated to an exclusive pass to the shoe exhibit, as well as cool freebies such as free laces and dubrae services, the latter of which has the options of "Nike," "MNL," "PHL," or your name on the engraving. A shoe cleaning booth using Jason Markk products was also available throughout the event. Participants of the NRC Women's Half Marathon last May 15 were free to avail of these exclusive freebies through a pass in their race kit. Kat DJ and Nix Damn P closed the night of the premier (May 13) with sick beats.

Nike SNKR Studio Manila is the first SNKR Studio pop-up event to be held in South East Asia. SNKR Studio gives participants exclusive access to the latest in Nike news, a well curated exhibit of pairs of iconic Nike products, as well as special SNKR services. Check some photos below to see what happened.

The Twelfth House launches Spring/Summer Collection Vol. 4 with Mr. Carmack and Jarreau Vandal

Local premium lifestyle brand The Twelfth House has released photos of their Spring/Summer Collection Vol. 4, to be launched at the end of May. Unlike the polos, caps, and tees that dominated the previous volumes of the brand’s Spring/Summer collection, the fourth installment features sportswear inspired shirts as worn by EDM musicians Mr. Carmack and Jarreau Vandal. They were in the country for the Manila leg of their World Tour, Mr. Carmack and Jarreau Vandal proudly posed wearing customized versions of the baseball-shirt inspired apparel in the collection. The full collection will be available on The Twelfth House’s website and Cubao Expo branch beginning May 20.

Ang Bandang Shirley teases New Album with Umaapaw

Ang Bandang Shirley stays true to their signature style of honest lyrics and soothing melodies with the recently released Umaapaw, the first single off their forthcoming album to be released under the label Wide Eyed Records Manila. The Ean Aguila penned track proves that there is magic in simplicity, narrating the quiet moments that reveal the most meaning in a relationship. Even the music video directed by Kathy Gener and Shinji Manlangit takes pleasure in long walks and quiet conversations between the two protagonists, set in UPLB and shot sans the fuss and frills of a full blown production. The single can be purchased through iTunes.

BKNW launches a Red Take on the Mandala

BKNW has recently released Mandala Red, a new take on its Mandala line of shirts showcasing the Sanskrit symbol representing the universe. Launched 7 months after the Mandala black and gray shirts, the wearable art brand from Iloilo launched Mandala Red through its signature lookbook style: featuring a muse and promoting the work of up and coming photographers of Manila. Ian Seraspi shoots BKNW’s latest muse Rani through the streets of the city and in the comfort of the indoors. The Mandala Red catalogue also offers BKNW’s Nocturne shirt, now available in gray. Shirts can be ordered through the brand's Facebook page. 

            

Lo The Label launches its First Collection

Behold, the arrival of Lo The Label. The chic ready-to-wear brand made for ladies who value simplicity, style, and edge just dropped their first collection. A dominantly neutral palette and understated elegance take centerstage through the pieces. The collection features sleeveless tops in ultra soft fabric, trendy white cotton dresses, crew-necked long sleeves that can be paired with any bottom you have in your closet, stylish co-ords that flatter the waistline, a power pantsuit in a striking orange hue, and St. Tropez pants that can easily take you from work to play. You can browse the entire collection on their website or their Facebook page.

Team Manila Teaches Philippine Design History with Unearthed Memorabilia

Team Manila Graphic Design Studio is starting a conversation on Philippine design history through social media. Publishing photos of Ermita Magazine’s January to April 1976 editions (back when magazines were sold for as low as ₱3.50), Team Manila aims to add more to the collection of rediscovered collections from days past in local design.

The scanned Ermita Magazine issues feature old advertising materials from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Folk Arts Theater, as well as ads for establishments like Rustan’s and Pension Filipina Hotel. The magazines offer features on “The Highs and Lows of Erotica Hunt,” “Lines towards a Portrait of Chess as an Art,” and “The Ray Albano Graphic Design System.” Local design pioneers Eddie Cheung, Frey Cabading, Papu Leynes, and Manuel Ongpauco also give their take on the importance of logos in business. The whole album is available through Team Manila’s Facebook page.