The Itchyworms dedicate new song “Panic In My Mind” to Chino Singson

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The upbeat, ‘60s-inspired track can also be interpreted in many ways, according to lead vocalist and drummer Jazz Nicolas

The Itchyworms are back with an upbeat, retro-pop tune that deals with the dread of knowing that your loved one will be moving away to a different place for good.

Their new single “Panic In My Mind” was specifically written for their bandmate Chino Singson, who moved to Canada with his family to start a new life.

But according to Jazz Nicolas (lead vocals, drums, piano, keyboards, and keytar), who wrote the song based on a real-life event, the meaning behind “Panic In My Mind” can be taken in multiple ways. “The second half of the song shifts the narrative to a bitter person whose ex-partner in now with someone else, and is having a jealous existential crisis because of that.”

The Itchyworms' signature sound lives on in "Panic in My Mind," which blends intricate vocal harmonies and colorful melodies with ‘60s-style pop. A perfect accompaniment for its lyrics, which talk about pining over someone in a world where they are the anomaly, the arrangement turns up the excitement a few more notches with its nuanced musicality. It’s done with effortless grace and less of theatrics.

“We were going for a more organic sound with acoustic instruments as opposed to our previous album, Waiting For The End To Start, which had a lot of electronic elements,” Nicolas explains. “It also has a ‘60s vibe due to the jangly guitars and three-part harmonies.”

“Panic In My Mind” is produced by Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso. The latter is a long-time friend and collaborator, who is now officially part of the band.

“He co-produced the song with us, played various instruments, and sang harmonies,” Nicolas adds.

The Itchyworms are set to embark on their first US tour, dubbed “Akin Ka Na Lang, Amerika.”

The multi-city concert kicks off on March 24 in New York City, New York and will wrap up on April 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Here are the official dates and venues:

March 24 - New York (D'Haven),

March 25 - Fort Worth (Ridglea Theater)

March 26 - San Antonio (The Grand Event Center),

March 29 - Houston (Gerry's Grill),

March 31 - San Francisco (Bal Theater):

April 1 - Los Angeles (The Noypitz DTLA)

April 2 - San Diego (Lola Happy Bistro)

April 5 - Chicago (Michella Terrace)

April 7 - Las Vegas (Diversion Amusements)

For more information about the tour, visit the band’s official social media pages and revamped website: www.itchyworms.com

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The Itchyworms’ “Panic In My Mind” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

DSLR Smartphone HONOR X8a now available nationwide at Php 10,990

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The latest addition to HONOR’s X Series with 100MP Ultra-Clear Camera, HONOR X8a, is officially available starting March 25, 2023 for only Php 10,990 through HONOR kiosks and partner stores nationwide, and online through Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

“Our newly-launched smartphone is now up for grabs for a very affordable price. We are always looking out for ways to give quality products to our HONOR fans, and we believe HONOR X8a, which boasts a 100MP triple rear camera system, is absolutely perfect for people who love taking high-quality photos on the go,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

HONOR X8a’s Top-notch Camera and Display Technology

DSLR-like shots from the smartphone were made possible by its 100MP Main Rear Camera, supported by both a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera. With HONOR X8a, users can capture high-definition images in vivid details and clarity. It also features a 16MP Front Camera, perfect for your captivating selfies.

The device’s HONOR Display Color Calibration technology, paired with its 6.7-inch FullView Display, allows for a better viewing experience on a large screen, with a screen-to-body ratio of 93.6%. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, HONOR X8a is also equipped with low blue light technology, ideal for people who spend long hours in front of their screens. It also has a 4500 mAh battery, and on a single charge, can deliver up to 13 hours of music streaming, or 16 hours of uninterrupted social media browsing.

Pricing and Availability

HONOR X8a, priced at Php 10,990, comes in three majestic colors: Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black. Buyers may now run to the nearest HONOR kiosks, or buy via our Partner Online Stores – Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines

FWD supports financial inclusion with comprehensive health protection portfolio

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FWD Life Insurance (“FWD”) supports financial inclusion to cover the underserved sector of society who are vulnerable to critical illnesses through its comprehensive yet affordable health and wellbeing portfolio, which includes Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance, BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance, and Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance. The portfolio covers costs of hospitalization, recovery from illness, and disease management, offering different premium tiers for customers from diverse financial situations.

“We continue to innovate our products so we can contribute in closing the protection gap, making everyone from all walks of life get the protection they need,” said FWD PH Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer Roche Vandenberghe. “With these health protection plans, we’re changing the way people feel about insurance by encouraging them to invest in their health because they can now afford it.”

Being diagnosed with critical illness can be the beginning of financial concern for patients and their families. Open heart surgery alone, for example, may cost at least Php300,000 in a public hospital, depending on the disease and its severity. Given the grave risks posed by common critical illnesses, FWD took a proactive approach to help people prioritize their health and wellbeing through insurance protection. Filipinos now have access to comprehensive health protection that covers all bases while empowering them to celebrate living.

The Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance offers up to six times the claims for major critical illness, three times maximum claims for cancer and non-cancer respectively. It covers the insured from wellness to recovery, including proper health screening and maintenance, coverage from critical illnesses, and a supplement benefit for treatment and recovery. It also offers maturity or death benefit and minor critical illness benefit, among others. The plan allows consumers to customize their policy as necessary with protection boosters.

The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is an easy-on-the-pocket, easy-to-buy, and easy-to-claim health plan that protects against the top three critical illnesses: stroke, heart attack, and early-to-late-stage cancer. It provides high protection at minimum cost, alleviating Filipinos’ health-related financial concerns. At an affordable premium, customers can buy up to a maximum of Php 2 million total aggregated health benefit amount. They may also take advantage of the reward of unlimited consultation with licensed physicians at Aventus Medical Inc. clinics nationwide. The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is available via the FWD Online Shop at shop.fwd.com.ph.

The Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance, which covers 42 major critical illnesses and allows up to three times the claims for unrelated major critical illnesses. Dubbed as the zero-waste health plan, Set for Health guarantees that the insured gets a return from all premiums paid as it offers up to three times the claims for major critical illnesses, and 100% refund of the premiums paid if they never make a claim. Additionally, dependents get 100% of the benefit amount should the insured pass away before age 75. This plan is available via reaching out to a financial advisor or the FWD Online Shop, and it offers flexible payment options so customers can pay under their preferred terms.

Important financial decisions require help from professionals. Customers can talk to FWD’s financial advisors to seek expert advice on which plans they need, depending on their background and life plans. For more information about FWD Life Insurance’s health and wellbeing products, visit fwd.com.ph/health-and-wellbeing/.

About FWD Life Insurance

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2021, FWD Life Insurance ranks 3rd and 5th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and Total Premium Income2, respectively in the Philippines.

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with more than 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. FWD reached its 10-year anniversary in 2023. The company is focused on making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph.

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Total Premium Income

P-Pop star MONA recalls memories of being a fan on new single “Tagahanga"

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“Tagahanga” is produced by K-Pop/P-Pop producer OhWon Lee and written by MONA herself.

 

Filipino singer-songwriter MONA channels the inner thoughts of a fan girl on “Tagahanga,” her official second single under Sony Music Entertainment.

The song tells the story of a passionate fan who rallies around her idol, hoping to connect with them in a meaningful way and get noticed. It was also penned by MONA herself, who admitted that her experiences as a fan inspired the storytelling.

“To an extent, I’d say that these memories come from a place of love and adoration,” MONA shares. “I took the experience to heart when I decided to start a career in music, because at some point in my life, I know how it feels to be a fan.”

On “Tagahanga,” the promising songstress transforms her positive energy into a euphoric pop anthem. She delivers the material produced by K-Pop/P-Pop producer OhWon Lee with a balance of introspection and enthusiasm, singing as if she’s fully committed to the essence of the narrative.

“The producer prominently highlights the bass and guitar parts, creating a driving rhythm that encourages dancing and movement,” the Always Remember act adds. “This, in turn, sets the tone of the track, adding a layer of fun and excitement.”

MONA recently joined Sony Music Entertainment’s esteemed roster of P-Pop talents, which also includes KAIA, Fourth Impact and SB19 among its lineup. With more than 18 million followers on TikTok and a growing portfolio as an influencer, the breakthrough artist hopes to conquer the local music scene with her vocal abilities and solid pop instincts.

MONA’s new track “Tagahanga” serves as a follow-up to her debut single “Always Remember,” a song that values the importance of self-worth and preservation in facing one’s fears.

MONA’s “Tagahanga” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Ed Sheeran releases his new single ‘Eyes Closed'

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Ed Sheeran has released his new single ‘Eyes Closed’ alongside the official video (watch here).

Ed originally wrote ‘Eyes Closed’ a few years back. Starting out as a break-up song, the lyrics took on a whole new meaning after Ed suffered heartbreaking loss, which led him to revisit and reimagine the original version of the track for ‘-ʼ. One of the most pop-leaning sonics on his highly anticipated new record, ‘Eyes Closed’ captures the essence of love and loss, which is also reflected in the official video. Directed by Mia Barnes, we see Ed on a night out being followed by a blue monster - serving as a metaphor for grief, Ed is unable to shake it, wherever he goes, reminding him of the void that’s left in his life.

Speaking of the new song and the video, Ed says – “This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together. You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it.

When I was thinking of concepts for the Eyes Closed music video, I wanted to make a video inspired by movies like Harvey, where the main character has an imaginary friend who’s a giant rabbit that no one can see. There’s also a book I read my daughters where sadness is encapsulated by an imaginary creature. Often sadness is something that follows you around, engulfing the rooms you’re in, and you can feel and see it, but no one else around you can. So I decided to create my own big blue monster for the video. He gets bigger and bigger as the video goes on, til he takes up whole rooms, and is all I can see, just like sadness.”

Ed’s soul-baring new album ‘-‘ will be released on 5 May through Asylum/Atlantic. Written against a backdrop of grief and hope, Ed wrote and recorded the fourteen-track record with Aaron Dessner (The National) in February last year after a series of hard-hitting events impacted his life.

Announced earlier this week, his all-new, four-part documentary ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ will air on Disney+ from 3 May 2023. Blending never-before-seen personal archive, interviews and performances, the intimate documentary explores how his personal experiences have shaped him to become the artist he is today.

ED’S NEW ALBUM ‘-ʼ (SUBTRACT) SET FOR RELEASE

ON 5 MAY 2023

PRE ORDER

NEW DOCUMENTARY ‘ED SHEERAN: THE SUM OF IT ALL’ TO AIR ON DISNEY+ FROM 3 MAY 2023

OFFICIAL TRAILER

ED SHEERAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ