Sponge Cola reveals the inconvenient truth about regret on new single “Laman Ng Panaginip”

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The new single is inspired by the power ballads of the ‘80s and ‘90s

Filipino alternative rock outfit Sponge Cola addresses the truth about regret and longing on their heart-wrenching single “Laman Ng Panaginip”—released via Sony Music Philippines.

Redefining love songs with reckless abandon, the Filipino quartet expresses the complexity of impossible choices in a world that is grounded in the familiar and often neglected reality of prioritizing practicality first before anything else, including love.

“This idea is mentioned concretely in the song almost as blunt exposition,” lead vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon stresses. “I really wanted the listener to feel that slab of reality to the face as opposed to something vague and symbolic. No figures of speech here; just feel it and let it all out. It’s the type of material that deserves to be sung out loud in the videoke over drinks with our friends and family for some kind of release.”

According to Yuzon, the song is about a love that never was. “The courage and reckless abandon that goes with singing a power ballad oftentimes come from a place of regret.”

In terms of sonic approach and arrangement, “Laman Ng Panaginip” is inspired by the power ballad movement of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. With guidance from producer Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, the track delivers another high point in the band’s career with indelible catchiness and impressive musical chops to back it up.

“It's a direct reference to a specific genre and time period that had a very influential impact in our formative years,” guitarist Armo Armovit shares in a statement. “It was recorded in Love One Another with producer Joey Santos making sure each layer of production had meaning and told the story.”

The song’s release is accompanied by an arresting visual helmed by filmmaker Ken Tan. Referencing Armovit, the MV director “did an excellent job in conveying the dream vs reality theme with the most minimal of elements.” The Sponge Cola’s resident guitarist adds, “The dancer, Ysabel Lava, delivered a captivating and emotionally charged performance with every move she choreographed herself.”

“Laman Ng Panaginip” is the fifth single released off their upcoming new album, CLASSIC—to be released sometime this year. The new record will serve as the band’s eighth full-length album, following a string of multiplatinum and critically acclaimed hits that span for more than two decades.

Sponge Cola’s “Laman Ng Panaginip” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

Yael Yuzon, Alex Medina headline Levi’s big sale

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Levi’s holds a two-day big sale at the Globe Tower to encourage office workers to be productive by wearing clothes that they are comfortable in.

Making a corporate sale event a fun affair, Levi’s brought in Spongecola vocalist Yael Yuzon and award-winning indie actor Alex Medina for a meet-and-greet during Levi’s two-day big sale at one of the biggest telecommunications offices in the country.

Award-winning actor Alex Medina hangs out at the Levi’s pop-up store at the Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The two influencers shared their We Are Original stories with Levi’s and gave some fashion talk and advice to Globe employees.

The Levi’s Tailor Shop for the customization of your Levi’s apparel.

“These two understand how to excel in their chosen fields. Today, they shared their stories with Levi’s and gave fashion advices to Globe employees so we all just had fun overall,” said Kaths Laudit, Levi’s Marketing head.

During the sale, Levi’s Philippine is pushing its agenda to encourage office workers to be productive by wearing clothes that they are comfortable in.

Spongecola vocalist Yael Yuzon gave some fashion talk and advice to everyone who shopped at the pop-up shop.

Back in the day, dressing for success meant donning predictable and boring office attire that usually meant blazers-and-slacks ensembles for the ladies and dress-shirt-and-tie combos for the gentlemen.

So, this move from Levi’s is a support to millennials and how they are redefining fashion as they do with everything else in their environment—from trends and styles to their choices of fast-fashion brands.

Brandishing the tools of the digital age and touting innovation, the Gen Y—who work mostly in design studios, BPOs, booming start-ups, or any other technology-driven profession—insist on making fashion work for them and not the other way around.

“Comfort equals productivity,” Laudit affirmed. “This event showed that Levi’s likes to evolve with the times and keep up with innovations while promoting comfort as key. In the past, professionals wore their Levi’s and colorful kicks on their off hours, but they now don their Levi’s in the workplace.”

Indeed, the enthusiastic response to the recent event means office fashion is changing and Levi’s is on top of it.

Recently held at the Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Levi’s jump-started the event by offering up to 50 percent off on selected Levi’s apparels.

At the pop-up shop, the first 100 buyers were given different prizes such as De Orro tickets, Zouk Out, Trail Mix, tickets to Palace Pool Club’s 1st Year Anniversary with DJ Deorro, denim bags, and other Levi’s merchandise.

Inspired by the success of the event, Levi’s is set to visit more offices and roll out bigger surprises this year.

Levi’s brought in actor Alex Medina for a meet-and-greet during its big sale at the Globe Tower in Taguig

Alex Medina shares his Levi’s story with Globe employees

Levi’s Philippine is encouraging office workers to be productive by wearing clothes that they are comfortable in