Plaka Notes #21: Lab Songs ng Mga Tanga by Janine Berdin

I can't quite put a finger on why, but we might just have a legitimate classic in our hands.

Oct 24 • 

Niko Batallones

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Playlist #34: You are not sad. You just need cake.

When in doubt, seek the Scandinavians. Featuring music from Swan Lee, Jeon Somi and Olivia Dean.

Oct 10 • 

Niko Batallones

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8

We're forgetting a whole group of people when we talk about mental health

Discussions of mental health tend to shut out folks with neurodevelopmental disorders. This should never be the case.

Oct 6 • 

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12

September 2025

Plaka Notes #20: Rarara by Dilaw / Kolorcoaster by Maki

Two snapshots of where Filipino music is at right now—and they happen to be released weeks apart.

Sep 26 • 

Niko Batallones

6

Playlist #33: Everybody is performative

And also, please don't call me a performative male. Featuring music from the Beths, CMAT and Broken Social Scene.

Sep 12 • 

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5

Song Trigger #3: "Panakip-Butas" by Hajji Alejandro

How can a Filipino cover be much more painful than the English original?

Sep 8 • 

Niko Batallones

8

3

Still waiting for the next Turning Point

Another corruption scandal captures the Filipino imagination. Another opportunity to squander, as always.

Sep 1 • 

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16

August 2025

Plaka Notes #19: Love on Loop by Lola Amour

In an attempt to go global, the "Raining in Manila" boys risk sounding too cool to be liked.

Aug 22 • 

Niko Batallones

6

2

I found company in two high school girls chatting at a food court

Slice-of-life anime isn't just about the daily lives of its characters. It's about yours, too.

Aug 15 • 

Niko Batallones

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3

Playlist #32: Otherwise, it's been gloomy

A more downbeat playlist to reflect two weeks straight of rain, and then some. Featuring music from Tomoo, Project Yazz and Felivand.

Aug 8 • 

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4

July 2025

Plaka Notes #18: Himig at Pag-ibig by Earl Agustin

The singer-songwriter dips into the past for his debut collection of timeless romantic sentiments.

Jul 25 • 

Niko Batallones

7

Playlist #31: Big things, little things

Everything feels one-way in the end. Featuring music from Mariya Takeuchi, Baby Dont Cry and Yutori.

Jul 11 • 

Niko Batallones

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