Spotify launches new K-Pop site
SPOTIFY has launched a site dedicated to all things K-Pop: K-Pop ON! Track. The site will be a home base for all of Spotify’s K-Pop news, as well as exclusive artist interviews, happenings within the industry, up-and-coming trends, and more. K-Pop ON! Track is filled with varied K-Pop content. From breaking down K-Pop terminology to step-by-step guides on creating a Spotify Blend playlist with BTS, from a series dedicated to who “We Stan” (kicking off with NCT127) to sit-downs with Spotify’s K-pop music experts, the site celebrates the talent behind the tracks and the fans at the forefront of K-Pop. The launch of K-Pop ON! Track comes as Spotify continues to see momentum of K-Pop streams around the globe. The newly named K-Pop flagship playlist K-Pop ON! has racked up billions of streams for the genre since it first launched in 2014. K-Pop ON! has more than 3.9 million followers as of May 2022, with the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines topping the ranks for countries that stream the playlist most.
Seasoned traveler shares travel tips
KACH Umandap, a Filipina who has already toured 173 countries using her Philippine passport, is all set to share travel and immigration tips in the new FYE Channel show Travel with Kach. A visa consultant and blogger behind Two Monkeys Travel, Ms. Umandap will talk about her journey around the world while sharing information on how to easily get visas to both top destinations and off-the-beaten countries. Travel with Kach airs on FYE Channel on Kumu every Friday at 9 p.m.
Lego adds to Botanical Collection
THE LEGO Group has two new additions to its Botanical Collection: a Lego Orchid and a Lego Succulents selection. The new Orchid set features six large flowers and two newly opened flowers which can be customized to create an arrangement for any space. The set also comes with a blue fluted vase and bark mix made from Lego elements. The Succulents set has nine individual succulents in their own containers. The separate plants and cacti can be built and connected together, depending on the owner’s preference. The new Lego Botanical Orchid and Succulents sets are now available in all leading toy stores including the Lazada LEGO Flagship Store and Shopee Mall, and the Lego Certified stores in BGC, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, The 30th, and UP Town Center. Suggested retail price for the sets is ₱3,499.75. To know more about the LEGO Botanical Building Sets, check out www.bankeebrick.ph.
New Minions movie out on June 29
TAKING the franchise into new territory, Minions: The Rise of Gru tracks how the Minions met their ultimate boss during his younger self as an aspiring villain back in the 1970s. Being cautious as a young villain aspirant trying to get in the infamous supervillain group called the Vicious 6, Gru is at first resistant towards the Minions but is eventually won over by their hard work and irresistible charm. Minions: The Rise of Gru features the voices of Steve Carell, Taraji P. Henson, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Michelle Yeoh, Russell Brand and Oscar-winner Julie Andrews as Gru’s mom. Minions: The Rise of Gru is the fifth film in what has become the biggest animated global franchise, earning more than $3.7 billion worldwide. A Universal Pictures and Illumination animated feature film, Minions: The Rise of Gru opens in cinemas nationwide on June 29.
Final episode of Pokémon animated web series out
THE POKÉMON Company, makers of the Pokemon Legends: Arceus animated web series, based on the namesake Nintendo Switch monster-catching game, recently released the final episode, “Two Hues,” on YouTube. This original series includes three episodes in total and takes place in the Hisui region. For more information, check out the official Pokémon YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQo7jlHehrYMRkuXBZ-iKjLAMzNmdKhOk.
Netsky and Rita Ora team up for new single
RITA Ora joins forces with award-winning producer and DJ Netsky on summer anthem “Barricades,” released via Helix Records. The track was produced by the recording and producing duo Stargate. “Barricades” combines Netsky’s trademark energetic production style and knack for a soaring pop chorus with Ora’s distinctive uplifting vocals. The track’s music video was filmed in Los Angeles by director Joe Mischo.
