Kaset tapes were an affordable opportunity for Indonesian listeners to access contemporary Western pop culture – this unique culture would influence young local musicians to play Rock-and-Roll, but make that sound their own. Bootleg Kasets became so wide spread due to price and ease that it sparked a global debate about copyright in the international music industry.

Twelve mythical creatures. Five natural elements. That makes a 60 year cycle. The year of the Water Tiger 🐯 has arrived. Here's Keshia Hannam with how the Lunar Year Zodiac Signs work. Happy very Lunar New Year! 🎉 May the year of the Water Tiger bring you Joy, Health, and Prosperity.

By 2100, climate change will make most of the Maldives uninhabitable. Solution? The world’s first floating city to house 20,000 people, at a price most Maldivians can’t afford. Meanwhile in Japan, a man has come up with “edible” plastic bags to protect deer. These floating cities sound great until you learn that each home costs an estimated $250K. Taking the GDP of Maldives into consideration, each person would need 30 roommates to afford a house. What’s the point of solutions that lack income awareness? And speaking of short-term solutions to a long term problem, edible plastic bags are a new invention to protect an animal considered sacred in Japan: the deer. It’s going to take a lot more than biodegradable plastics to fix climate change, but doesn’t every effort count?

In many East and Southeast Asian countries, Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday of the year. The origins can be traced to ancient China 3,500 years ago, traditionally a time to honor ancestors and deities. Today, 2 billion people still celebrate, and you can too. Here’s how. Lunar New Year celebrations consist of food, family, and gratitude rituals for ancestors and heritage. Commonly known as “Chinese New Year”, LNY is a cultural holiday that lasts 15 days and is celebrated in many countries outside of China. And this year is the Year of the Rabbit. Many brands understand the significance of this holiday, and exploit it with “LNY collections”. Make sure you’re buying from brands that are Asian owned or have a connection to that heritage. And if you haven’t celebrated the Lunar New Year before, here’s how you can join in on the festivities in a respectful way–rooted in celebration and not appropriation.

Pawang Hujans are rain shamans. In a country like Indonesia that experiences sudden monsoon downpours, Jendi Afriandi is hired to talk with spirits and keep outdoor events rain-free. Indonesians are deeply spiritual, and now that the country is easing COVID restrictions, this Rain Shaman is back at work. This is a day in his life. Would you hire a rain shaman for your outdoor event?

“To Live and Die in Manila” features interviews with local artist who speak openly and frankly about their scene, their music, and their thoughts on the city they call home. Featuring; Eyedress, Owfuck, BP Valenzuela, Teenage Granny, RH Xanders, Den Sy Ty, and Jeona Zoleta.