Author: Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

I have been employed in the publishing industry for over two decades. My experience as an editor of entertainment-based publications, including song magazines and the entertainment magazine Funfare, which has since folded, as well as side projects of a similar nature, has enabled me to gain even greater experience. Additionally, under my employment, I have established relationships with prominent contacts in the entertainment industry. My initial foray outside of the office motivated me to explore freelance writing (on an assignment basis). I have since written for various music artists and managers, assisting them with public relations and other writing assignments. I also recently did PR work for a Filipino-owned, US-based LLC, Edren Entertainment, for the duo Sweetnotes, who just recently wrapped a round of performances in selected states in the United States this 2025. I have dabbled in graphic design (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and stayed informed about the latest technology, both during my tenure in the industry and after it ended. The industry I adore, which was once prosperous, may yet experience a resurgence.

Entertainment & Currents

Global Superstars Jisoo and Zayn Unite for Blockbuster Duet “Eyes Closed”

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas October 10, 2025

Los Angeles, CA (October 10, 2025) — Today, South Korean superstar singer, actress, and international style icon JISOO unites with multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist ZAYN to release the epic new collaborative single “EYES CLOSED.” Set to expansive, genre-swirling production, the duet captures the nervous anticipation and thrilling freefall of diving into new love without looking back. Listen to “EYES CLOSED” HERE via Warner Records.

The momentous team-up arrives as JISOO continues to delight audiences on BLACKPINK’s Deadline World Tour, which has sold out stadiums on multiple continents already — check out the full, ongoing itinerary below and find more info HERE. Meanwhile, ZAYN is set to kick off 2026 with his first-ever Las Vegas residency, marking the beginning of what will be a massive year as he gears up for his next chapter. Tickets are on sale now — go HERE for details.

“EYES CLOSED” opens on a tender moment. “Time is standing still and I don’t want to leave your lips / Tracing my body with your fingertips,” sings JISOO, and ZAYN replies, “I know what you’re feeling and I know you want to say it / I do too, but we gotta be patient.” Their cinematic story unfolds as the soundtrack deepens — warm keys and raw acoustic guitar mix with throbbing bass synth, and loads of gravity-free atmosphere. Together, their soulful vocals make a vow as they build into the huge chorus: “Say, oh, we should fall in love with our eyes closed / Better if we keep it where we don’t know / The beds we been in, the names and the faces of who we were with / And oh, ain’t nobody perfect but it’s all good / The past can’t hurt us if we don’t look / Let’s let it go, better if we fall in love with our eyes closed.”

Earlier this year, JISOO released her highly anticipated debut mini album AMORTAGE led by the singles “earthquake” and “Your Love,” which she’s been performing during her solo set on tour with BLACKPINK. AMORTAGE is JISOO’s most comprehensive solo work yet and marked a “rebirth” of the global superstar. Taking its name from a fusion of “amor” and “montage,” the four-song set explores the emotional stages of love and the many vivid moments of a relationship. The release debuted at #1 on the South Korea Albums Chart and also spawned the dancefloor-shaking Sam Feldt remix of “earthquake.” Listen to AMORTAGE in full HERE.

AMORTAGE has also solidified JISOO as a bona fide solo force of nature. Beyond generating nearly half a billion streams in less than 6 months, the set earned widespread acclaim. NYLON hailed it as “big, euphoric bubblegum pop that falls somewhere between Kylie Minogue and Carly Rae Jepsen,” and hypebae applauded how “the EP explores the different waves of love — from passion to heartbreak.” EUPHORIA. gave the mini album 4/5 stars, highlighting the way “the record speaks of the flaming nature of that oft-referenced and sung-about emotion we call love. In one, her love is so strong it could produce an earthquake and in another, cosmic laws are broken just because they’re together.” Plus, Billboard raved, “The BLACKPINK superstar delivers sonic surprises, confident vocals and radio-ready tracks to prove her global pop star status,” while NME proclaimed, “It’s refreshing to see JISOO make music as playful as her personality.”

ZAYN, known for his skyscraping vocals and hybrid style of pop and R&B, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. He made history with his debut solo album Mind of Mine, becoming the first UK male solo artist to debut at No. 1 on both the UK and US album charts in its first week of release. The album’s lead single, “PILLOWTALK,” hit #1 in 68 countries around the world and has since been certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. In 2024, he released his raw and revealing fourth studio album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS, via Mercury Records to critical acclaim, and embarked on his first-ever solo tour across the US, UK, and Mexico. Most recently, ZAYN collaborated with Borderlands 4 to release “Break Free,” an original song created for the latest installment in the popular video game franchise.

Attracting over 79 million Instagram followers and generating billions of streams, JISOO launched her meteoric solo rise in 2023. She earned accolades and made history with her debut single album, ME, which immediately became the best-selling album by a solo female artist in South Korea and the first to sell more than 1 million copies. With her breakout single “꽃 (FLOWER),” JISOO also became the first female K-pop solo artist to achieve 1 million preorders — before tallying the highest first-week sales by a female solo artist to date and the highest 24-hour viewership of any K-pop music video in all of 2023. The song also broke records for the highest-charting hit by a solo Korean female on the Canadian Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Stateside, it catapulted to #2 on the Billboard Global 200 and #1 on the Global Excl. U.S. Chart.

Along the way, JISOO’s influence has also spread across fashion and culture. She has served as a global ambassador for Dior, Cartier, and Dyson in addition to being named the face of ALO Yoga in 2024. That same year, she made waves as “the most-mentioned celebrity during New York Fashion Week” on social media. Plus, she stars in the K-Drama series Newtopia, streaming now on Prime Video. And, of course, she launched her career as part of global girl group BLACKPINK, selling out stadiums, winning numerous awards, and captivating millions of fans worldwide.

**BLACKPINK Deadline World Tour**

10/18 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan @ Kaohsiung National Stadium

10/19 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan @ Kaohsiung National Stadium

10/24 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium

10/25 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium

10/26 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium

11/1 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Gelora Bung Karno Stadium

11/2 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Gelora Bung Karno Stadium

11/22 – Bocaue, Philippines @ Philippine Arena

11/23 – Bocaue, Philippines @ Philippine Arena

11/28 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium

11/29 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium

11/30 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium

1/16 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome

1/17 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome

1/18 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome

1/24 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium

1/25 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium

1/26 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium

Zayn at Dolby Live at Park MGM (Las Vegas) Dates:

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

Follow JISOO:

Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press Assets

JISOO Website | JISOO App

Follow ZAYN:

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | X | Facebook

JISOO Press Contact:

Darren.Baber@warnerrecords.com

ZAYN Press Contacts:

TeamZayn@align-pr.com / Marisa.Bianco@umusic.com

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOREIGN ARTISTS

Entertainment & Currents

Christian Bautista Makes Vibrant Return to Recording with ‘Rainbow’

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas October 9, 2025

Christian Bautista bursts back onto the music scene, joining forces with Raisa for a lovely new take on South Border‘s ‘Rainbow.’ At the launch, Sony Music and Booya Bagels (BGC) treated bloggers, vloggers, and press to their signature bagels, with Christian himself handing them out and sharing smiles.

True to our word, we managed to catch up with Christian—sort of—and here we share updates on his 2025 plans, career moves, and current projects. We considered crafting a full article from his responses, but decided to present them as they are instead: unfiltered, honest, and straight from the heart.

We ride the waves. Change is good. We cannot be stuck. Technology changes, but emotions, drive, and heart do not.”

Hi, Christian, how’s it been since your last album? From originals to Jose Mari Chan, to theater, foreign TV guestings, etc, what has Christian Bautista not done yet that he wants to do (and is raring to do) in the near future aside from this new project?

It has been a great year with NYMA exploring ways to connect to my audience via social media and content creation. Since my last album, I have been writing, collaborating, and still releasing music. Also, I am very happy to be an artist under SONY Music Philippines. They have a dynamic team and solid leadership. Soon, I want our company, NYMA, and its talents to grow and be recognized as one of the best companies in the entertainment industry, championing Filipino artists on the world stage.

Tell us about how ‘Rainbow’ came about? Who thought about the concept? Is this a clue to what the next album will be all about? Has South Border reached out to you yet about your version? How do you feel about recording again after a long time?

Rainbow has always been a favorite song of mine. I am happy to find out that it was also one of Raisa’s favorite tunes as she was growing up in Jakarta. After a successful Japan tour, we decided to turn it into a duet. My next album is going to be exciting. I am happy that you are looking for clues as I curate them. I have messaged Jay Durias and thanked him again for making the song back in the day. It feels great recording it. Knowing that it is a timely and timeless song. Needed to be heard in every age.

I heard you already shot the video. Do you feel that everything has changed too the last time you recorded an album? Tell us about it.

Yes, we shot the MV in Jakarta. We move with the change. We ride the waves. Change is good. We cannot be stuck. Technology changes, but emotions, drive, and heart do not.

I am assuming that this will be a part of a new album. What would it be about, and how different would this be from the other albums you’ve made so far in your career? Are you at liberty to divulge the other singles that will be contained in the album (if it is). Why the long wait for another album?

We are building the album one song at a time. We are very happy with our current direction, and we are excited upon its completion. I am currently not at liberty to discuss the final concept as of now. But I am thankful that we are building momentum.

We saw you at Booya Bagels, and you seem to be in your element. Tell us about the highs and lows of a 20-plus-year career and how marriage has changed you as a person and performer?

In every career, there are days when things are bright and there are times when times are dark. We continue to hold on to the faith and the purpose for which lives are created. And I hold on to God, who I know loves me. Marriage has deeply made me fall in love with the themes of love even more. More so as I sing them.

If you can tell us a little about Kat Bautista with regards to how it affected, boosted, and inspired your singing career since the 2018s onwards, it would be a little plus for your avid fans.

Kat is an amazing wife and an amazing partner in NYMA. She is our rock. She has definitely inspired me with her love. I am so happy I get to work with her and tour with her on this journey. We believe in each other, and we cannot wait to build our future together step by step with God’s guidance.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: OPM ARTIST

Food Tourism

Taste, Smell, and Relax: A Café in Antipolo Offering Perfumes, Food, and Drinks

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas October 6, 2025

For those craving a unique café adventure in Antipolo, Perfume Hub Café invites you into a world where flavors and fragrances blend, creating an experience that delights every sense. Behind this unique concept is Ms. Tricia T., PH’s visionary CEO, who (you guessed right) is a lifelong perfume connoisseur.

Recognizing that coffee beans are natural scent neutralizers for perfume testing, Ms. Tricia saw an opportunity to create more than a perfume hub. She imagined a space where fragrance and coffee could coexist. Her vision gave birth to Perfume Hub + Café, a destination where scent exploration meets the warmth of freshly brewed coffee, elevating the experience of both. It’s the newest branch that just opened July of 2025.

Perfume Hub opened in Davao in December 2024, focusing on authentic, high-quality scents. By July 20, 2025, Perfume Hub + Café emerged, inviting guests into a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory experience. The perfect balance!

They also have a branch in Taguig, but focus more on their perfumery business.

Concept and Inspiration:

Uniting indulgence and wellness in one unique lifestyle space.”

With a carefully curated selection of authentic fragrances and testers for the sense of smell, as well as specialty coffees, teas, and nutritious drinks for body and spirit, Perfume Hub Café brings its vision to life. A wellness bar and lounge in one, this space is sure to reawaken your senses while providing a welcoming environment in which to unwind, indulge, and make new friends.

The initials “PH” carry a deeper meaning: they stand not only for Perfume Hub, but also for pH balance—symbolizing harmony, wellness, and equilibrium. At the same time, PH proudly represents the Philippines, where this pioneering lifestyle concept was born and built for a global vision.

Additionally, their expert scent consultations make the search for your signature fragrance an effortless and enjoyable experience. Consultation is free, by the way!

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

Perfume Hub + Café is designed to be light, elegant, and ageless like the original Perfume Hub. Of course, the color palette is also meant to match the brand, enabling a seamless transition between the perfume hub and café.

Moreover, with clean lines and gentle lighting that invite comfort and ease, while soft, neutral hues and subtle accents lend a touch of sophistication, the design gracefully blends modern elegance with a welcoming, lived-in charm, resulting in a space that feels both refined and inviting.

Everything from the furnishings to the decorative details is inspired by the perfumes’ delicate, complex, and unforgettable qualities. Like a great perfume, the café’s decor offers luxury and comfort throughout. The goal is to create a lifestyle destination where guests can enjoy their senses in a refined and inviting atmosphere.

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery, Online Availability

Quirk:

The merchandise combinations of perfumes, coffee, tea, food specialties, and ‘health concoctions’ are enough to spark your curiosity into full-blown wonder. It’s an entirely intriguing concept to begin with.

Where: Ground Floor, JMT Building, Manuel L. Quezon Ext, Antipolo City, 1870 Rizal
Branches: Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur; 3F Market! Market!, Ayala Malls, BGC Taguig
Contact: perfumehub.co@gmail.com; 09171307113
Typical spend: Php 99-250 (on food)

Specialties:

Perfumes

Authentic, hard-to-find fragrances at 50–70% off mall prices. We source the best deals worldwide so you can enjoy luxury scents without the luxury price tag. Every bottle comes with a Money-Back Guarantee, ensuring customer satisfaction and quality you can trust.

Insulin Tea with Chia Seeds

This sugar-free wellness drink is designed for health-conscious individuals. It contains chia seeds to provide fiber, hydration, and natural energy. Enjoy it hot or iced in flavors such as Dragon Fruit, Ginger Lemon, and Peach.

Frozen Yoghurt: Dubai Signature & Ferrero

Experience our most sought-after creation, inspired by the decadent chocolate desserts of Dubai. Imagine layers of velvety pistachio sauce, golden crispy kataifi, a smooth chocolate shell, and a lavish drizzle coming together for an unforgettable treat.

Premium Matcha with Oat Milk

Whisked with a traditional Chasen for a smooth, frothy finish. Antioxidant-rich, dairy-free, and perfect for balance and focus. Available hot, iced, or blended.

Their offerings also include specialty coffee and non-coffee drinks, croffles, yoghurt blends, our crowd-favorite Dubai Signature, delightful parfaits, and more.

These specialties embody their commitment to combining wellness, indulgence, and innovation in every sip and bite. And since the café’s still relatively young, don’t be surprised if PH adds more gourmet surprises to their repertoire sooner than later.

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—ANTIPOLO, RIZAL

Food Tourism

PiXies, The All-Filipino Cookie That’s Bigger, Bolder, and Just the Right Sweet

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas October 6, 2025

Since early 2024, Don and Ellah had discussed various business ideas. During a casual conversation, they decided to launch a home-based business specializing in unique cookies.

Though neither brought experience to the table, their fierce entrepreneurial spirit propelled them forward. It was their passion that fueled every step of their journey.

During my conversation with Ellah, she shared that starting the business involved challenges, from testing cookie recipes with family and friends to sourcing ingredients. They initially purchased ingredients from supermarkets, which led to mixed results. Over time, the couple refined their recipes and developed their specialties.

Over time, it became clear that their ube and mango-flavored cookies stole the spotlight, drawing in both new customers and loyal fans eager for another taste.

That is how PiXies was born. The name, short for Pinoy X (Cook)ies, reflects its roots. Inspired by beloved Filipino treats, the concept felt like a natural fit. PiXies specializes in Pinoy-Inspired Cookies, each one blending flavors from Filipino favorites and global classics.

Don and Ellah dream of opening a brick-and-mortar shop one day, but for now, PiXies! delights customers through orders and delivery.

Concept:

This cookie business stands out by offering inventive flavors inspired exclusively by beloved Filipino delicacies.

Store Format:

For now, they operate an online store, offering easy customer engagement through social media and prompt delivery with reliable courier partners.

Specialties:

Box of 4

Classic Chocolate Chip – 159

Bananaque – 159

Ube Halayum – 179

Buko Panda – 179

Mango Delight – 189

Assorted A (Chocolate Chip, Bananaque, Ube Halayum, Buko Panda) – 169

Assorted B (Mango Delight and Ube Halayum) – 179

Check options from their Menu…

Typical Spend:

Php 159-Php 189

Contact:

Ellah Escasa/ Don Rodriguez

0997708389/09672387262

Email:

pixies.pinoycookies@gmail.com

Note: Contact them for orders and delivery details.

For Filipinos, every journey is incomplete without the heartfelt mission of finding the perfect gift for loved ones. Whether exploring distant shores or nearby towns, they are always on the lookout for that special item to spark joy back home. This cherished tradition speaks volumes about the deep connection Filipinos feel for their homeland, a sentiment recognized by locals, expatriates, and even those from other cultures.”

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM; PASALUBONG CORNER-CAVITE CITY

Entertainment & Currents

Henry Moodie, a new single, an album release come October 24, and 2026 Tour Date Schedules

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas October 5, 2025

Friday 3rd October, future global pop superstar Henry Moodie released his new single, mood swings, out now via Robots & Humans (UK) and Columbia Records (US). Henry’s debut album, also titled mood swings, is set for release on Friday 24th October. Henry will also be embarking on a UK and EU tour in March/April 2026.

LISTEN TO mood swings SINGLE HERE

PRE-SAVE THE mood swings ALBUM HERE

On mood swings, Henry Moodie releases yet another future pop hit. His exquisite vocals flourish as the crux of the new single, accompanied by sublime production that features exquisite instrumental. It is yet another example of the refined songwriting Henry is capable, and highlights why he has been tipped to become the UK’s newest pop star.

To date, Henry has released five other tracks that appear on his debut album – ‘sunday morning’, ‘comedown’, ‘indigo’, ‘right person, wrong time’, and ‘drunk text’.

Speaking about the mood swings single, Henry said:

“Imagine you’re my therapist and we’re at our first session, then I sit down and word vomit all my insecurities at you. That’s what I want mood swings to feel like. Before we get into the detail of the album, I wanted to lay the groundwork for who I am first.”

In 2026, Henry will embark on what is set to be a truly sensational UK and EU tour. With a London headline show at O2 Forum Kentish Town on Friday 17th April, the tour will also see Henry play in cities including Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and many more. Full tour dates can be found below, and tickets can be purchased HERE.

At just 21-years-old, Henry Moodie has already achieved close to 1 billion streams worldwide across his entire catalogue, landed in the Top 10 most viewed UK artists on TikTok in 2022 and was named within Rolling Stone UK’s 2025 ‘Future of Music’ list. Following the completion of a songwriting diploma at music school BIMM, Henry found his voice as a solo musician and songwriter, oozing a level of emotional vulnerability, and sweeping, timeless lyrics. Henry released his debut EP, ‘in all of my lonely nights’, in the winter of 2023, and in 2024 Henry returned with his sensational sophomore EP, ‘good old days’.

mood swings Tracklisting

Mood Swings

Cigarette

Me Myself And I

Favourite Mistake

People Pleaser

Growing Pains

Sunday Morning

Comedown

Drunk text

Indigo

Ten years time

Right person, Wrong time

Pick up the Phone

Dear Drew

HENRY MOODIE 2026 UK AND EU TOUR DATES

27th March, MOJO Club, Hamburg

29th March, Komplex, Zurich

31st March, Kesselhaus, Berlin

2nd April, Live Music Hall, Cologne

4th April, Melkweg Max, Amsterdam

6th April, La Madeleine, Brussels

7th April, Le Cabaret Sauvage, Paris

9th April, Electric, Bristol

10th April, O2 Ritz, Manchester

12th April, SWG3 Galvanisers, Glasgow

13th April, O2 Institute, Birmingham

15th April, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin

17th April, O2 Forum Kentish Town, London

Follow Henry Moodie On Socials

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

For more information on Henry Moodie, please contact Tom.Mehrtens@s-414.com and Rob.Charlton@s-414.com

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ACT

Entertainment & Currents

Following Her Recent Wins, KREY Follows Up With “Why”

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas October 2, 2025

KREY has unveiled her newest single, “Why,” a hypnotizing alternative piece that whispers about complicated love. This release follows the warm reception of her earlier works “Waters” and “Meet Again,” which found their way onto Spotify’s discerning playlists — FRESH FINDS PH, OPM RISING, POSES, NEW MUSIC FRIDAY, and .PH — drawing listeners into her world of introspection.

In KREY’S words: “In a world overcomplicating love, ‘Why’ questions the mess and finds a simple truth. To my listeners, may this song be your guide to finding what feels right.”

The song’s indie alternative vibe invites you to daydream, stirring sentimental feelings of nostalgia and introspection. “Why” questions the irrational side of love. How can two people build a shared life and future together, only to end up as strangers or enemies? As the lyrics put it, “Wondering why life’s so weird that you meet someone that you won’t last with at all.”

Following her career wins, KREY has stayed active with live performances, including one at a Converge Philippines event and another at the Kadayawan Festival in Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao, last August. For those craving a live performance, KREY is set to launch the single alongside an exclusive music video screening in Manila. Stay tuned by following Diorama FM and KREY on all social media platforms.

KREY: Instagram l TikTok l Facebook DIORAMA FM: Instagram l TikTok l Facebook

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM

Entertainment & Currents

Gloc-9’s “Kakampi” Is For Those Who’ve Got Your Back

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas September 27, 2025

Life’s a rollercoaster, but when you’ve got the right person by your side, every twist and turn feels a little easier. That’s the vibe behind “Kakampi,” the latest track from Gloc-9, Abaddon, and Hero. The word “kakampi” means “ally,” and this song is all about being that ride-or-die partner who sticks with you through thick and thin.

Following Gloc-9’s previous release “Bonethugs,” which explored misunderstandings and quarrels in relationships, “Kakampi” serves as a reminder that at the end of the day, partners are allies who have each other’s backs: “Ramdam ko ang nasa loob, tandaan mo ang ikaw ay ako. Ang pangako’y pang-hawakan mo dahil sumpa ko yan sa’yo, ako’y kakampi mo.”

The track is a tribute to the person you can always rely on and grow with, the chorus highlights that perfectly: “Malalampasan din natin ang lahat ng ‘to. Walang hindi kaya, basta tayo’y mag-kasama. Pahinga lang saglit, huminga’t pumikit. Tapos laban ulit, gano’n tayo kalupit. Mas madaling lumaban, mas matindi ‘pag tayo ay mag-kakampi.”

“Kakampi” is out now on all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re in a relationship or you just want to remind someone special that you’ve got their back, this song is the perfect anthem for sticking together no matter what.

Follow Universal Records on social media!

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@universalrecph

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsph

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@universalrecph

Instagram – http://instagram.com/universalrecordsph/

X – https://x.com/universalrec_ph

Follow Gloc-9 on social media!

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/glocdash9/

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@glocdash9

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/glocdash9/

YouTube – www.youtube.com/@Gloc9official

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: OPM

Culture Entertainment & Currents

The Timeless Allure of Leila Barros, Volleyball Darling of the Philippines, Returns as a Senator in 2025

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas September 27, 2025

Leila Barros, the Brazilian volleyball player who captivated audiences from the 1990s to the early 2000s, has consistently demonstrated that despite the passage of time, her legacy still endures for her fans here in the Philippines. She became more than just an opponent on the court—she was a phenomenon: Leila-mania, a foreign athlete Filipinos cheerfully dubbed “crush ng bayan.”

How could she not? Leila’s warmth and constant presence in the media, paired with unforgettable performances, made her instantly relatable to fans. Old news stories and nostalgic features still capture how Filipino audiences were captivated by her. Add her fresh Brazilian beauty, effortless charm, and striking height, and she was impossible to miss.

It doesn’t even really matter that she talks in her native Portuguese tongue when facing the press; Carolina, her trusty and likewise beauteous interpreter, was there to keep things interesting as we learn new things from Leila today.

Even way back, the sports press particularly loved her, as she was always the most photographed on her team. Quite understandable, as stats and scores can get a little boring at times. Manila-based sports writers and publications frequently combined match analysis with audience reaction, personality profiles, and off-court features, portraying Leila not only as a world-class athlete but also as a celebrity.

This year, September 27, 2025, to be precise, Leila returned to the spotlight, captivating the press as an honored guest at the Men’s World Volleyball Championship, Philippines. The event, hosted by the indefatigable Sev Sarmenta, became a blend of fandom, nostalgia, and excitement. Seeing Leila again, now a senator in her homeland, was not just newsworthy but a thrilling addition to her growing list of remarkable achievements.

For Leila, politics felt like the perfect launchpad to champion the causes she believed in. Presently, she is her country’s president for the Commission of Sports.

She particularly emphasized to everyone present the challenges she faced as a woman in the senate, but provided a more positive update on how she made a difference in fighting for women’s rights, the environment, and the future of sports in their home country, particularly volleyball.

She made history as the first athlete in her country to rise to the rank of senator, a feat that stands as a testament to her extraordinary journey.

Leila felt a rush of excitement as she reunited with old friends, marveling at how the Philippines had kept their memories alive through all the years apart.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; CELEBRITY GUEST

Entertainment & Currents

Myles Smith Returns with new single ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas September 26, 2025

LISTEN HERE

September 26th, 2025 – Fresh off a world tour supporting Ed Sheeran, Myles Smith unveils his brand-new single, an upbeat anthem, “Stay (If You Wanna Dance)“.

This latest release marks another milestone in what has been a breakthrough year for Myles Smith, establishing him as one of the most exciting new voices in British music. The track arrives with huge anticipation, following a teaser campaign – boosted by global superstars Ed Sheeran and Alex Warren – in which Myles shared a clip of the song and revealed that he had written it just two days earlier, after performing in Copenhagen.

“This song is about escaping the cycle that makes life feel smaller than it really is. At its heart, it’s about connection, freedom, and choosing to live for now” – Myles says of the single.

Marking another bold step in his artistry, “Stay (If You Wanna Dance)” cements Myles Smith’s standing as a rising force in the British music scene, setting the stage for an exciting season to come – with his highly anticipated debut album also on the horizon.

This year to date, Myles has played to over 100,000 people across his own sold-out headline shows in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America, including a packed-out Glastonbury performance. In May, Myles won the the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work and just this week he was confirmed as the main support for Ed Sheeran’s US tour in Summer 2026.

2024 was also a landmark year for Myles. From winning the BRITs’ Rising Star award to being named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year and landing a spot on the BBC Sound of 2025 longlist, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His breakthrough single, “Stargazing,” became the biggest global hit of the year by a UK artist, spending 29 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and fast-approaching 1 billion global Spotify streams. Projected to hit 3 billion streams across his catalogue before October this year, “Stargazing” has cemented itself as a modern classic, topping airplay charts across the US, UK, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium and Switzerland.

His moment at the 2025 BRIT Awards also made headlines for more than just the award and his stand-out performance, his powerful acceptance speech called on the government to do more to support the arts and ensure future generations have access to creative opportunities, echoing the very message of resilience and advocacy found in his music.

Myles’ story begins in Luton, where he learned guitar and piano by age 12 and honed his craft playing pubs and open-mic nights. As his music began to connect with audiences online, heartfelt covers like “Sweater Weather” and “I Found” paved the way for original songs including “Solo” and “My Home” which ultimately led to his 2023 signing with Sony’s RCA label.

Myles Smith’s ability to connect through heartfelt storytelling and melodic sincerity has made him one of the UK’s most compelling new voices and his trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

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City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

For the Young and the Young-at-Heart: A 90s Meets 70s Inspired Restaurant Vibe at 1821 Cafe

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas September 23, 2025

1821 Cafe, as a name, might seem a little historically referenced. Perhaps after an important year in time, or maybe a famous ancestor’s birth year. But then again, it simply denotes the café owner’s desire since college (at 18-21 years old, as a scholar and working student), to give back to the community by hiring employees aged 18 to 21. And so it came to pass…

But don’t be fooled; everyone is welcome here regardless of age, including your pet. Just make sure your fur babies are wearing diapers. The café is a neighborhood establishment, as the majority of the local food outlets in this area of Gil Fernando and its street inlets are residences that have been turned into restaurants, bistros, cafes, and so on.