🎄 PARANG SHOWBIZ NA ANG YOUTUBE?

Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately—Is YouTube becoming like showbiz? 🤔 I’ve been reflecting on the ever-evolving world of YouTube, especially after seeing a tweet from one of my fellow YouTubers, Say Tioco. Her tweet made me realize just how much the platform has changed over the years and how it now feels almost like an entertainment industry of its own.

The Changing Face of YouTube 🎥

When we first started watching YouTube, it felt like a place for casual creators, everyday people sharing their lives, opinions, and talents. But now? It’s a whole different ballgame. With massive brands, influencers, and even celebrities hopping onto YouTube, it’s starting to feel a lot more like showbiz than a simple content-sharing platform.

From highly produced videos to sponsored content and brand collaborations, YouTube has evolved into a competitive space, and let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like you have to work hard for that spotlight. 🏆

What Does This Mean for New Creators?

If you’re thinking of jumping into YouTube or you’re a YouTuber already, it’s important to understand how the platform works today. Yes, it’s still an awesome place to share content, but there’s no denying that it’s now a mix of personal branding, influencer culture, and entertainment. This means you need to step up your game and bring something unique if you want to get noticed. 📈

My Thoughts

I’ve been on this platform for a while, and I’ve seen it change dramatically. At times, I feel the pressure to keep up with trends or produce content that aligns with what’s popular. But at the end of the day, I remind myself that YouTube is still a place for genuine connections and sharing content I love.

If you’re a creator or someone looking to start a channel, don’t get discouraged by the showbiz-like vibe of YouTube. Stay true to yourself, be consistent, and enjoy the process. After all, it’s about creating and sharing what you’re passionate about! 😊

Watch my video on this topic, where I dive deeper into this new world of YouTube and what it means for us creators! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts on this change.

🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

Why Are There So Many Alter Accounts on Twitter and Social Media? 🧐🔍

💙 Welcome to another deep-dive vlog, where we tackle one of the most intriguing social media trends—the rise of alter accounts on Twitter and other platforms.

If you've ever wondered:

• 🔍 What is an alter account?
• 🔍 Why are alter accounts so popular?
• 🔍 What are the risks and realities of having one?

Then stick around, because today, we’re uncovering the truth behind this hidden online subculture.

     🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

What is an Alter Account? 🤔

An alter account is a pseudonymous or second account that a person creates to express themselves anonymously. Unlike personal or professional social media profiles, alter accounts allow users to engage freely without revealing their real identity.

This trend is especially prominent on Twitter Philippines, where many people use alter accounts to:

• ✅ Explore personal interests, including LGBTQ+ topics 🌈
• ✅ Engage in discussions without fear of judgment
• ✅ Share content they wouldn’t typically post on their main accounts
• ✅ Connect with others who have similar lifestyles or experiences

The Origins and Popularity of Alter Accounts 🌍📱

The term "alter" gained traction on Twitter and other social media platforms as part of a growing online culture that encourages anonymity and self-expression. Filipino gay men, in particular, have built a strong community around alter accounts, using them as a space to reconstruct their sexual identity and freely express themselves.

 

Some of the reasons why alter accounts continue to trend include:

• ⚡ Privacy and Anonymity – People feel safer discussing personal matters behind an alias.
• ⚡ Freedom of Expression – Users can express thoughts without societal constraints.
• ⚡ Community and Connection – Many find a sense of belonging in the Twitter Alter Community.
• ⚡ Exploration of Identity – A space to explore aspects of sexuality, relationships, and emotions.

However, with these benefits come controversies and concerns—which brings us to the next topic.

The Pros and Cons of Alter Accounts ⚖️

✅ Pros of Alter Accounts

• ✔ A Safe Space – Users can discuss taboo topics without fear.
• ✔ Networking & Socializing – Many connect with like-minded individuals.
• ✔ Authentic Expression – People can be themselves without the pressure of real-life scrutiny.

• ❌ Cons and Risks of Alter Accounts
• ❌ Privacy Concerns – Even with anonymity, data leaks and exposure can happen.
• ❌ Misuse & Exploitation – Some use alter accounts for harmful activities.
• ❌ Violation of Social Media Policies – Twitter and other platforms monitor NSFW content and can restrict or suspend accounts.

As with anything online, staying aware and practicing digital safety is crucial.

Are Alter Accounts Here to Stay? 🚀

The alter culture continues to evolve, especially in the Philippines’ LGBTQ+ community, where these accounts serve as platforms for self-discovery, sexual identity exploration, and social interaction. While some view it as a controversial space, others see it as a form of digital freedom in a world where being openly yourself isn't always easy.

At the end of the day, alter accounts exist because people seek places where they feel understood and accepted.

What are your thoughts on alter accounts? Have you encountered them on social media? Let’s start a meaningful discussion in the comments!

⚠️ Beware of the "Brand Ambassador Scam" – Don’t Be the Next Victim!

In today’s digital age, scammers are getting smarter and more creative. One of the latest schemes making rounds, especially among social media users, is what I call the "Brand Ambassador Scam." It’s an alarming trend where individuals are tricked into paying for items they never intended to purchase under the guise of becoming a brand ambassador. Let me share my personal experience and some tips to avoid falling prey to this scam. 

The scam usually starts with an enticing message. You’ll be contacted by a "brand" claiming to admire your social media presence. They’ll offer you free items in exchange for posting a review or promoting their product on your platform. At first glance, it seems like a win-win situation, right? You get free goodies and collaborate with a brand – something many of us dream of. But the reality? It’s a well-disguised trap.

Once you agree, the brand will provide a catalog of items for you to choose from. Excitement builds as you pick your “free” product. Then comes the catch: you’ll need to pay a shipping fee before they send it to you. Upon closer inspection, you’ll realize that the shipping cost is almost the same as the actual price of the item, or worse, even higher! Essentially, you're not getting anything for free; you're paying for an overpriced product masked as a shipping fee.

To protect yourself, always verify the legitimacy of the brand before engaging. Check their website, social media accounts, and reviews online. Legitimate brands usually don’t ask influencers to pay for shipping or any fees upfront. Be wary of unsolicited messages, especially from unknown brands offering too-good-to-be-true deals. And most importantly, trust your instincts. If it feels off, it probably is.

I almost fell for this scam, but I’m grateful I caught it in time. That’s why I decided to create a sit-down vlog to raise awareness about this issue. Please watch and share it with your friends and loved ones – they could be the scammers’ next target. Stay vigilant, and let’s keep each other safe in this digital world.

🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

Overpass or Dumping Ground? A Harrowing Encounter at Mandaluyong's Reliance Pedestrian Overpass

     

After an overnight shift at work on January 25, 2025, I experienced an incident that shed light on a pressing urban social issue. A kind colleague offered me a ride and dropped me near Fame Residences along Boni Avenue MRT station to save me a bit of fare. From there, I walked the rest of the way home—a mere 10-minute journey along EDSA, using the Reliance Pedestrian Overpass in Mandaluyong City.

What seemed like a convenient shortcut turned into a disturbing encounter, exposing the neglected state of public infrastructure and the deeper challenges faced by a marginalized sector of our society.

The Disturbing Scene

As I approached the pedestrian overpass, I was met with an overwhelming scene of neglect and disorder. The staircase and walkways were littered with trash, food leftovers, and even human feces. Swarms of flies buzzed around, the stench was unbearable, and broken glass littered the path, making the overpass not only unsanitary but hazardous for pedestrians.

Adding to the chaos were makeshift shelters created by the homeless—cardboard, old tarpaulins, and abandoned belongings scattered everywhere. Vandalized messages directed at the barangay authorities were also visible, seemingly left by those displaced during recent clean-up operations.

Mixed Feelings: Empathy and Frustration

At first, I felt sympathy for the homeless people who have turned the overpass into a makeshift dwelling. It’s a harsh reality that they are part of a neglected sector in our society, left with little to no support system. These individuals don’t choose to be in such dire circumstances, and their plight reflects a systemic failure to address homelessness.

But as I walked further, the frustration set in. The overpass—built for pedestrians like me who pay taxes to fund public infrastructure—had been reduced to an unsafe, unsanitary space. It was evident that no efforts were being made by those occupying the area to keep it clean, adding to the inconvenience and risks faced by regular commuters.

It made me question: Is this negligence on their part a form of protest or simply disregard for the shared spaces we all rely on?

A Call for Balance and Accountability

This situation underscores the broader issue of fairness and accountability. While the plight of the homeless demands empathy, it should not come at the expense of others’ safety and convenience. Overpasses are public infrastructure designed for pedestrians, not makeshift shelters.

Local authorities, such as the barangay and LGU of Mandaluyong City, need to step up. Regular maintenance, stricter enforcement, and alternative solutions for the homeless are essential. Temporary shelters or relocation sites need to be provided to address the root cause rather than pushing these individuals from one place to another.

For the homeless community, there must also be a sense of shared responsibility. Leaving the area in a hazardous state only fuels resentment from the very society that could advocate for their rights. Respecting shared spaces is a step toward rebuilding trust and sympathy.

Conclusion

This post is not anti-poor; it’s a plea for fairness and mutual respect. The overpass serves a vital function for the working class who rely on it for safe passage. Neglecting its upkeep and misusing it creates a ripple effect of inconvenience and safety risks for others.

It’s time for both the authorities and the homeless sector to work toward a solution that benefits everyone. Fairness, empathy, and accountability must coexist to create a city that is inclusive and functional for all its residents.

Footage of the Scene

To better understand the situation, I’ve included footage of the overpass during my encounter. I hope this helps shed light on the urgency of addressing this issue.

🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

Let’s raise awareness and push for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive urban environment.

#ReliancePedestrianOverpass #SocialIssues #UrbanNeglect #FairnessForAll

🎁 My First Mail Time: A Special Gift from YouTube!

Exciting news, everyone! I just received my very first package from YouTube, and I couldn’t wait to share this moment with you. As a content creator, getting recognition from a platform I love and work hard on feels incredibly rewarding. This special gift was sent straight to my home, and unboxing it was an unforgettable experience.  

In my latest vlog, I’ll walk you through the unboxing of this amazing gift and share my reaction. It’s a thoughtful gesture that celebrates creators, and it truly motivates me to continue creating meaningful content for all of you. Don’t miss out on this milestone moment—watch the video and join me in celebrating this exciting journey. Let’s keep growing together! 🌟 

  🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

Welcoming 2025 with PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse: The Color of the Year

🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

 As we step into 2025, the Pantone Color Institute invites us to embrace PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, earthy brown hue that resonates deeply with our collective longing for comfort, connection, and indulgence. Inspired by the richness of chocolate and the cozy allure of coffee, Mocha Mousse serves as more than just a color; it is a reflection of our global mood and a timeless symbol of grounded sophistication.

Recently, during my visit to SM Aura, I found myself surrounded by elements that beautifully echoed this year's celebrated shade. From rustic wooden interiors and artisanal displays to natural tones in design pieces, the subtle presence of Mocha Mousse was impossible to miss. These everyday visuals perfectly encapsulate the essence of Pantone’s vision: a comforting yet aspirational hue that bridges simplicity and luxury.

The Meaning Behind Mocha Mousse

According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Mocha Mousse transforms how we view earthy tones. Traditionally grounded and modest, this shade has been elevated to evoke a sense of luxe without losing its approachable charm. Its versatility makes it ideal for everything from minimalist designs to intricate, detail-oriented aesthetics. This duality—simplicity paired with sophistication—reflects our evolving cultural desire for mindful indulgence in our daily lives.

Whether you're redesigning your living space, updating your wardrobe, or even curating an Instagram feed, Mocha Mousse offers a perfect foundation. The warm brown hue harmonizes beautifully with natural textures, muted greens, creamy whites, and even metallic accents, making it a flexible choice across creative industries.

A Global Mood Captured

The Pantone Color of the Year program has long been celebrated for its ability to capture the cultural zeitgeist in a single hue. Mocha Mousse encapsulates 2025's global yearning for comfort and connection, offering a sophisticated and lush palette that resonates with people of all walks of life. By highlighting a color that feels both grounded and aspirational, Pantone sets the tone for a year of mindful creativity and thoughtful indulgence.

Stay tuned for more content on how to incorporate Mocha Mousse into your lifestyle, and feel free to share your thoughts and ideas about this warm, inviting color as we embark on a new year of design possibilities. Let's celebrate the beauty of simplicity elevated to elegance!

Raving Inside a Church: When Julie Anne San Jose Sang ‘Dancing Queen’ and God Answered My Prayer.

I recently made a satire short video that had me cracking up—and it’s causing quite the buzz! In the video, I walk into a church, praying earnestly for a sign, and when God finally answers, I go into full rave mode. But wait, here’s the kicker—I look up, and there’s Julie Anne San Jose on stage, belting out ‘Dancing Queen’ like it’s a full-blown concert inside the church. Yes, you read that right—a concert, in a sacred space, with me dancing like there’s no tomorrow! Sounds ridiculous? Absolutely, but stick with me; there’s more to this than just humor.

At first, my video was all about the absurdity of mixing pop music with a religious setting. Imagine going to mass expecting a solemn experience, only to witness a concert right after the choir finishes their last hymn. While my video was meant to be funny, it does raise a valid point—should secular events like concerts take place inside a church? I get it, we all love Julie Anne’s angelic voice, but even I have to admit that there's a line between entertainment and respecting the sanctity of a place of worship.

Personally, I think it’s hilarious when humor exposes the contradictions in life. Churches are known for their quiet reverence, so the idea of turning it into a party spot seems outlandish and surreal. But when you step back and think about it, it starts to feel wrong. Sure, music is uplifting, and I’m all for celebrating, but the sacred space of a church has a purpose beyond entertainment. Julie Anne may have been killing it with ‘Dancing Queen,’ but I can’t shake off the feeling that it’s disrespectful to turn a holy venue into a concert hall.

It’s not that I’m against concerts or fun—I’m definitely not! My rave dance in the video speaks for itself. But even in satire, there’s an underlying seriousness. The mixing of religious settings with secular events like pop concerts blurs the line of respect for traditions and faith. It's important to honor what a church stands for. A place of prayer should remain just that—a place to reflect, connect, and practice faith, without the distractions of secular performances.

In conclusion, I hope my funny video gets the laughs it was intended for, but also sparks some thought about where we draw the line. A church is not just another event space; it’s a house of worship, and we should be mindful of its purpose. Let’s keep concerts where they belong—at venues that don’t double as sacred spaces. But hey, if God answered my prayer with a concert featuring Julie Anne, I guess I wouldn’t complain too much!

Small Youtubers in the Philippines React on Additional Changes to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

On January 16, 2018, Youtube released a pronouncement that there will be a new qualification of becoming part of Youtube Partner Program (YPP).  The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) lets creators monetize their content on YouTube. Creators can earn money from advertisements served on their videos and from YouTube Red subscribers watching their content. On Youtube Creator Blog, it has been mentioned that for you to qualify the YPP, a channel must have at least 1000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months.

Originally, this “qualification approach” of Youtube was initially started in second quarter of 2017 wherein a channel must have 10,000 lifetime views to get monetized, but later on changed into this recent threshold.  Upon posting the said news, it earned a massive and shocking reaction especially to those thriving small channels.

In the Philippines, the most active group of content creators is Youtube Vloggers Ph wherein most of the members are small youtubers; and got affected negatively to this major change. Some took it as a challenge but some became de-motivated as they really worked hard to achieve the first qualification – 10k lifetime views, yet YT changed the threshold it right away.

Truly, becoming an online creator now is not easy anymore in comparison to the previous years passed by. I am fortunate that I signed up Youtube Partner Program earlier and I was able to monetize my videos without those thresholds. However, this qualification is applicable also to all existing partner – that when I didn’t reach the qualification, my partnership might forfeited. Aside from qualifications, the fast growth of number of small youtubers became a challenge to each individual as Youtube community turned into a jungle of creative people, spammers, bad actors and etcetera.

Watch this video as I am going to tackle this issue in my “10th POWER Series– Episode 4”.
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

What are your takeaways on this new change? 

Leave your comments below and I’ll reply it as soon as possible.

#PubertyChallenge is not Just a Challenge, It has a Deeper Impact.

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Taking a glance at your old pictures of your childhood may be the best subject of laughter with your friends; those awkward pictures wherein you look so much different and awful than today. Some of us, we even tend to hide and never show those pictures to anybody assuming that it will just embarrass us.

Puberty may be the toughest stage –e.g. rapid development of your physical attributes, a dramatic increase of hormones, heavy loads both in school and at home, and personal problems. Indeed, it is a stage of “Make or Break”, are you gonna make it?

Recently, due to the rise of social media in which we can easily share our stories online, #PUBERTYChallenge became trending among netizens. This is a challenge that online people are encouraged to post their before and after photos highlighting their adolescence stage versus their current pictures.  Truly, it was a challenge since it is extremely difficult to brag your most unpleasant photos online and show how you became visually pleasant as time goes.

Honestly, #PubertyChallenge means a lot to me. It is a way for me to look back on my past, how I started to dream and how I did the move to reach those things that I dreamt about. And now, I am already 30 years old and when I look at those old pictures, I can see Jonathan Orbuda – who used to strive. It reminds me that I need to be grateful for what I have and who I am today.

Undeniably, we always complain about the difficulties we’re currently experiencing, to the point that we forgot to remember those days we started to build our dreams.  We focus on the negative sides saying “Ang Hirap naman ng Buhay” but if you take a look at your old pictures; can you still evaluate yourself today? Where are you at today in comparison to your old pictures? Are you really living with difficulties today or you’re just not being grateful? Try to take a look at your old pictures and compare it with your pictures today – do you see any growth and development? If none, then I must say, you have the right to complain and not to be grateful.

Last week, I created the #PubertyChallenge Contest. Below are the photos of who took the #PubertyChallenge.

The winner is ANA RICA CUNANAN– she will receive a limited Youtube Sunglasses from “I Love Tansyong TV”

Thanks to all who joined.

ANA RICA CUNANAN

Photos of the challengers:

Airish Mendez

Rafael Nicholas Trinidad

Edna De Lara

Dianne Jane “DJ” Bacong

Roselma “RC” Dacles.

Alfredo “Alvey” Mendoza.

Cesar Kevin  “Ces”  Ballesteros.

Youtube Philippines Launches the #PinoyCreator Community Ambassadors.

Taguig. On August 19, 2017, Millennials and young-hearted Youtube creators met up at Rilek Restaurant and Bar -to be part of the launching of #PinoyCreators Community Ambassadors in Manila, Philippines.

The YouTube Ambassador program is currently available in Austria, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Morocco, Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

Program features

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Want to help other creators grow on YouTube? As a YouTube Ambassador, you can become part of a community to help out and have fun with the next generation of creators by hosting YouTube events in your area. You’ll also get to know other YouTube experts and become a leader in your local creator community.

• Lead a YouTube Creator Day: Inspire the next generation of creators by leading an event with presentations on YouTube fundamentals, a top creator panel, and collaboration workshops.
• Host a meetup: Get together with your local community, hangout with new creators, and catch up with familiar faces. Meetups are all about fun, conversation, and making plans together.
• Unlock perks for YouTube Creators: Get access to perks like advanced training courses and Ambassador get-togethers. The more events you host and the larger your local community grows, the more benefits you’ll unlock.

Steps to become a YouTube Ambassador

They're looking for passionate creators who are knowledgeable about YouTube and eager to make a change in their local community.

You can apply to become an Ambassador if: 

You're in the YouTube Partner Program and your channel complies with the YouTube Partner Program policies. Learn how to become a partner.
You have 10,000 subscribers or more (Bronze benefit levels and up in the YouTube for Creators program).
You currently live in a country where the Ambassador program is available.

“Philippines is the 15th market around the world to have this program”, Su Zen Low- Philippine Community Manager proudly said.

“This is not just for Manila, but we’re planning to bring this to the other cities. In fact, we have scheduled this September 2017 in Cebu. We’re gonna hand-pick creators from Cebu to become their community ambassadors.” Su Zen added.

In Manila Community, there are four ambassadors named Say Tioco, Michael Josh of Gadget Match, Jako De Leon of Paperbug TV and Janina Vela. Moreover, Aaron of NumuTV was pronounced as the first Philippine Youtube Community Rising Star as he actively participating the Youtube Creator’s Community – an online forum for content creators that was offered to Filipinos five months ago. Su Zen Low also mentioned that these individuals are not paid; they are just Youtubers who are passionate in building a strong Pinoy Creators’ Community.

“Thank you for taking the challenge (Giggle)”, Su-Zen jokingly said to the ambassadors as it might be a hard-hitting responsibility to maintain the community’s vibrant culture.


Janina Vela who has 200k Youtube subscribers was the master of ceremony. Say Tioco , a beauty vloggger gave an ice breaker to the attendees – a game that highlights creativity and teamwork. In addition to that, Josh of GagdetMatch pronounced the new Youtube products and updates named – the new Youtube design which eliminates distraction and it has night mode feature, Live Stream both mobile and desktop which is perfect for fund-raising, Youtube Red , Youtube Original and etcetera.



“Each one of us has our own voice. We have to listen and respect other’s voices; don’t compare your own voice to others; and never underestimate others’ voices. We’re building community here.” Jako De Leon highlighted in building a rigid community.

(From the left ) Jonathan D. Orbuda of I Love Tansyong TV, Manuel of Apotipoti, Aaron Nomo of NumuTV and M.A. Buendia of M.A. Buendia HD.

The event was successfully ended at 3:00 in the afternoon wherein another batch of foods and drinks were served before the Youtubers left the vicinity. Indeed, a feedback form was also provided so that Youtube Philippines can get the success rate of the said event.

Jonathan Orbuda , Youtuber and Su-zen Low, Youtube Ph Content Creator Community Manager

📹 How Do I Think Of A Topic In My Blog? , A Fan Asked.

Hello guys, in the video below, an avid fan and my YouTube viewer sent me a list of questions in my Facebook Page. He just started a blog and wanted to know some tips coming from your humble blogger. Well, it is my first time to do a Q and A video due to the fact that I am just new in YouTube. But honestly, I love it because I discovered how to be more interactive to my viewers by answering questions.

Advertisement by Google: Watch the video below and don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel (CLICK HERE) for free.
I hope that I can do more Q&A videos in the future.

Thanks for watching guys! If you like this video just share this to your friends if you think that this might be helpful to them. If you also have suggestions consider leaving your comments down below at the comment box.  Don’t be reluctant to keep in touch in my social media.

Sing Karaoke By Smule - My Studio and My Account.

These past few days, I was hooked up with this famous karaoke smart phone application “Sing Karaoke” by SMULE.

Smule is an American mobile app developer headquartered in San Francisco. The company specializes in developing social music-making applications for iOS, Android, and Amazon.com Kindle Fire.

The company was founded in 2008 by Jeff Smith and Stanford assistant professor Ge Wang. Wang commented that the goal of the apps was to draw users in and "by the time they realize they're making music, 'it's too late — they're already having fun.'" In December 2011, Smule acquired fellow music app developer Khush. On July 31, 2013, Wang stepped down from his role at Smule to return to Stanford full time.

Sing Karaoke is one of their product lines. It was launched August 8, 2012 and became the most downloadable application in Play Store among Filipinos, due to the fact Filipinos are music lover by nature and Karaoke is part of the culture.

Indeed, I installed the said karaoke in my Android phone one week from now. I started to record songs however if you are just signing up for free – only limited songs are available and some features are disabled.  I signed up their VIP package for only PHP45 per month and PHP450 for one year – not bad. And , walahhhhhhh! I got the VIP features – unlimited song choice, voice editor features, duet so famous singers and members and etc.

Truly, this social –karaoke is one of my favourite applications that I did use daily. It is somewhat a recreational for me – karaoke singing.

Here are my few songs in my SMULE ACCOUNT.

1.  One Call Away By Charlie Puth and Jonathan Orbuda.

• 2. A Whole New World.

• Smule - Want You, Want Me by Jason Derulo and Jonathan Orbuda

• Walking in the Rain

Download SMULE - Sing Karaoke !