Nicksy Once Monthly | Niko Batallones | Substack

Playlist #42: What is and what should never be

Here's a playlist for when you look up to the stars, wonder when they'll align for you, and remember that you can never hope for that to happen—even if it just might.

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

Oct 6, 2025 • Niko Batallones

We knew we were never, ever, ever having Taylor Swift over

Mar 1, 2024 • Niko Batallones

When Alex Eala aced her way into our hearts

Mar 31, 2025 • Niko Batallones

It's about time we give up on the 'spirit of EDSA'

Feb 23 • Niko Batallones

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Playlists

Playlist #42: What is and what should never be

There's nothing I can do about the stars in the sky. Featuring music from I.O.I, Ila—and, yes, Led Zeppelin.

Jun 12 • Niko Batallones

Playlist #41: More songs from the in-between

For the things that can't be said... if I could put it that way. Featuring music from Karol G, Lovehead and Jennaloo.

May 8 • Niko Batallones

Playlist #40: The world is falling apart—and you're still looking for love?

An attempt to make a very anxiety-inducing month more bearable. Featuring music from Raye, Latency and Kim Pureum.

Apr 10 • Niko Batallones

Playlist #39: At least we're still trying

Another playlist randomly thrown together... supposedly. Featuring music from Kisum, New Lore and Kassa.

Mar 13 • Niko Batallones

Plaka Notes

Plaka Notes #27: Really Got Me Thinking by Clara Benin

After years of writing about internal transitions, the singer-songwriter turns to warm, fuzzy contentment on her new EP.

May 22 • Niko Batallones

Plaka Notes #26: Woman Like Me by Dia Maté

I know she is capable of doing more, but the question remains: am I being too hard on Dia?

Apr 24 • Niko Batallones

Plaka Notes #25: rOe / Ore by Ena Mori

She's both difficult to categorize, and also easy to understand. No wonder those who truly know her love her.

Mar 27 • Niko Batallones

Plaka Notes #24: Maduming Timog by Hev Abi

A willingness to experiment and evolve, even if it doesn't work, makes Hev Abi worth watching... even if you're not into hip-hop, like me.

Feb 27 • Niko Batallones

Features

Stephen Colbert is, unknowingly, my role model

All this time I have never fully articulated that I looked up to the comedian and late night host.

May 18 • Niko Batallones

My Life As A Playlist #1: Bethany Paige Campbell

The singer-songwriter shares music from Taylor Swift, Sydney Ross Mitchell and Erin LeCount.

May 4 • Niko Batallones

Song Trigger #5: "Last Goodbye" by AKMU

Please play this song on my funeral.

Apr 17 • Niko Batallones

How should we represent the Philippines on the global stage?

We've got the keys. We can now tell our stories to the world on our own terms. So how do we go about it?

Apr 6 • Niko Batallones

Nicksy Once Monthly

Music, pop culture and the Filipino perspective, through the particularly specific filter of Niko Batallones.

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