Discover pocket tales of Filipino romance in latest anthology series Sari-Sari Stories

   

Bookshelf PH launches the first Sari-Sari Stories collection, the Romance Edition at SM Aura Book Nook on August 14, 2024 at 4PM.

 

“Pabili po isang maikling kwento. ‘Yung tingi lang po.”

The quintessential sari-sari store is an embedded Filipino culture you can’t miss. Every barangay surely has this neighborhood fixture where a variety of goods are sold. Beyond being a go-to store where we buy chichiryas, instant coffees, and last-minute ingredients, the sari-sari store serves as an invisible string that ties communities together. It is where community stories, often chismis, are shared.

Paying homage to such a heartwarming culture, publishing house Bookshelf PH launches the first edition of its ongoing anthology called “Sari-Sari Stories: Romance Edition”. Just like the sari-sari store carries a variety of items, the books in the Sari-Sari Stories series will present various themes in each edition–from romance and family to other Filipino-centered stories and culture. For this Romance Edition, we present a diverse selection of love stories, each one a reflection of the different facets of Filipino romance.

From chance encounters and deceitful hearts to enduring love against all odds, the anthology promises something for everyone. Readers will find themselves immersed in narratives that range from sweet and tender to passionate and intense, each one leaving a lasting impression.

“We Filipinos love the feeling of kilig,” Monette Quiogue, Managing Partner of Bookshelf PH says. “Romance is a genre we naturally gravitate to, and there is no shortage of love letters and stories written by aspiring Filipino authors. Sari-Sari Stories: Romance Edition proves how each of us has a story to tell and that love can be found in the most mundane or even unexpected moments.”

A collection of four stories, the anthology showcases diverse voices and unique perspectives on various themes. Like colorful snacks and drinks from a sari-sari store, you’re in for an unexpected treat to satisfy your kilig cravings.

“Love is a universal experience and the diversity of these stories is what makes this collection rich,” Michelle Dulinayan, Managing Editor says. “We have stories about Filipino LGBTs, stories that romanticize modern haranas, and stories of love and dreams amidst ruins and heartbreaks.“

Bookshelf PH invites everyone to join in celebrating this literary milestone. The book launch featuring the four Filipino authors and the faces behind publishing the anthology is on August 14, 2024 at the SM Aura Book Nook.

Join the Sari-Sari Romance and feel kilig to the books by downloading the SM Online App then visiting this link to register: https://bit.ly/SSSRomance-Launch. The anthology is now available for purchase, print and ebook at Bookshelf PH’s website.

Let’s take a trip to the sari-sari store, and together, discover heartwarming tales and treats for our romantic souls.

About Bookshelf PH

Bookshelf PH is an online marketplace, publisher, and printer that is dedicated to promoting and printing books in non-fiction and fiction written by Filipino authors and producing local literature. Through workshops, publishing services, and community engagement, Bookshelf PH aims to make the journey of self-publishing accessible and enjoyable for all aspiring authors.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Comprehensive Guide and Capacity Building Program Announced to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities

  

The Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (CaRMPAC Project) will be officially launched on 16 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This significant regional initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution through targeted capacity building and implementation strategies. In conjunction with the launch, the outcomes of Phase 1 of the project have been published, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines for six key ASEAN cities, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities.

The Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (CaRMPAC Project) will be officially launched on 16 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This significant regional initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution through targeted capacity building and implementation strategies. In conjunction with the launch, the outcomes of Phase 1 of the project have been published, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines for six key ASEAN cities, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities.

Publication of Situation Assessment and Technical Guidelines

Phase 1 of the CaRMPAC Project focused on a comprehensive situation assessment and the development of technical guidelines, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities. This phase covered six key ASEAN cities: Pattaya, Nonthaburi, Hanoi, Iloilo, Manila, and Vientiane. The situation assessment revealed critical factors contributing to plastic leakage. That resulted in the creation of technical guidelines and manuals tailored to each city to improve recycling process and practices to prevent plastic leakage across both formal and informal sectors. The outcomes of Phase 1, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines, have been published and are available for free access here.

Launching Phase 2: Capacity Building Programme

Following the successful completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 of the CaRMPAC Project aims to expand its reach to additional cities and countries, including Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Bandung, Davao City, and others. Over the next 24 months, this phase will address the capacity gaps identified in Phase 1, with a particular focus on informal plastic recyclers and relevant city government regulators. The objective is to promote responsible recycling practices and sustainable plastic management through enhanced training, increased awareness, and improved regulatory support.

The CaRMPAC Project is being implemented by the Asian Institute of Technology’s Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific, with support from the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris of ERIA and the ASEAN Secretariat.

About RKCMPD

The Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (RKC-MPD) was established under the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in 2019. The Knowledge Centre’s mission is to provide information and support to ASEAN+3 Member States, thereby helping them to improve the circularity of plastic and prevent leakage into marine environments.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

SB19 and Gloc-9 join forces on uplifting new single “KALAKAL”

 

The collaborative track pushes their artistry in a bold direction

OPM is excited as P-Pop kings SB19 and legendary rapper Gloc-9 drop their joint single “KALAKAL” today on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The monumental collaboration finds both music titans taking their creative direction to previously uncharted

places and harnessing their gifts with a balance of star power and dynamism. 

SB19 said they reached out to Gloc-9 first for a potential partnership after performing together on the well-received

PAGTATAG! The finale concert was held at the Araneta Coliseum a few months ago.

“What sets this collaboration apart from anything that we’ve done before is that we took it upon ourselves to be as

involved as possible from the beginning of the creative process,” the GENTO hitmakers share in a press statement.

“Aside from brainstorming from scratch, we were really hands-on in sharing our melodic and lyrical ideas.

Sir Gloc-9 also approached the material with his own creative stamp and further solidified the storytelling aspects

of our final output. The result is something that we’re excited to share with our music fans: a rousing chant that

brings out the best of both worlds in uniquely inspiring ways.”

Cover art of "KALAKAL"

All members of SB19 and Gloc-9 contributed individual songwriting parts and verses on “KALAKAL,” while putting their collaborative hats together in coming up with the chorus and hooks. The five-piece pop act admits that the iconic hip-hop star’s presence motivated them to write from a place of vulnerability and truth while taking into consideration the anthemic aspects of the production. 

“We’ve always wanted to make a song that resonates with people of varying generations, a material that will encourage them to beat their chests out and sing along in their full emotional glory,” SB19 explains. “KALAKAL, with its impactful instrumentation and earworm appeal, was made in pursuit of authentic human connection.”

More than shining a light on unique Filipino consumerism, “KALAKAL” is a powerful track that showcases their journey of empowerment and longevity. It also chronicles their story of building their legacy as artists through years of hard work, perseverance, humility, and pure talent.

"Gloc-9 shares, “This song is all about believing in your own craft. Despite being years ahead of them, I was

actually inspired by SB19’s level of dedication and confidence. I also admire their willingness to learn and

explore ideas that may not necessarily reflect the way they work. I would love to collaborate with them again

if given a chance.” Stream SB19 and Gloc-9’s new single "KALAKAL" via Sony Music Entertainment. As part of their ongoing campaign to promote "KALAKAL" on a grassroots level, SB19 partnered with select local

businesses to engage its followers in exploring the deeper meaning behind the song through the members' individual

preferences. For more information, check out the social media pages of SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment

Philippines on how to join for a chance to win a special prize."

--

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Global pop sensation Henry Moodie captivates audiences across Southeast Asia

 Sony Music Southeast Asia is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of Henry Moodie’s recent promotional tour across Southeast Asia. The up-and-coming global pop superstar has captured the hearts and minds of fans across the region, demonstrating his star power and cementing his status as an artist to watch.

Moodie’s inaugural visit to Southeast Asia met with overwhelmingly positive receptions in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where his mall busking and showcases attracted a massive turnout of over 6,500 fans in total across all 3 performances.

TikTok videos featuring Henry's audio clips have tripled over the past month, resulting in a 132% increase in consumption to 7.9 million views on the platform. Collaborations with content creators across tour markets have generated over 42 million video views to date, demonstrating the high engagement inspired by Moodie’s music across social media.

Amid fervent fan support, the artist saw a considerable increase in Spotify streams across Southeast Asia. Average daily streams in the Southeast Asia region has peaked at 1.5 million, indicating a meaningful surge in audience engagement with the artist's catalog throughout the tour.

“The Asia promo trip was up there with one of my favourite experiences so far in my life. Southeast Asia has shown me so much love over the past couple of years so it was so nice to finally see everyone in real life and have a sing along! I’m so grateful for all the support and I can’t wait to come back!”, says Henry Moodie.

As a testament to his rising popularity, Moodie’s hit single “drunk text” saw exponential growth on Spotify charts during the tour:

• Peaked at #88 on Spotify’s Global charts
• Holding strong at #1 for 8 weeks in Indonesia
• Returned to #1 in Malaysia following his performance in Kuala Lumpur
• Now at Top 20 in Singapore and Top 200 in Thailand and Philippines

Moodie's dynamic stage presence and vocally impressive live performances have evidently connected strongly with fans.

The tour marks another global milestone for the breakthrough singer, who is on the path to becoming one of the most popular international artists in Southeast Asia following widespread airplay success over the past year.

Further expanding his footprint into Asia, Moodie will be performing at We The Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia (20th July), Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (21st July) and Summer Sonic in Bangkok, Thailand (25th August). Fans can also expect his highly anticipated new EP due for release later this year while he takes his tour globally to the US and the UK.