“The Philippine Dream” is an honest Hip-Hop journey into the complex problems that plague the developing nation of the Philippines. Knowa Lazarus, a Fil-Am and 1/2 of the multi-award winning super duo music group Q-York was compelled to create this album as a means of catalyzing social consciousness to issues happening in The Philippines and how it relates to the world. Q-York, originally from Queens, NY are dual citizens who have been living in the Philippines now for 6 years. Knowa Lazarus and Flava Matikz view this work of art as their thesis statement of their experiences and perspectives. As Q-York moved back to their motherland to discover their roots, this album also takes their sound back to their New York, Hip Hop roots. Soulful beats, paired with introspective and conscious lyrics, sophisticated flows, powerful messages and masterful musicality explore the experiences of a Filipino being born and raised abroad. Furthermore, it confronts the issues and hypocrisies that exist in the beautiful but enigmatic island paradise of the Philippines. “Mistakes” discusses the fact that us as nations and people sometimes deny our mistakes, and if we do that there is no way to move forward. “Redefinition” asks ouselves, what does it truly mean to be Pinoy? “Tan” encourages us to be proud of our skin tone and to not try to be something we are not. “I am Grand” is an inspiring song empowering children to realize the world is really theirs, not ours. Each song on the album was crafted with pride to speak our truth to the world. The Philippine nation is now a global force with 11 million Pinoys living abroad. It’s time to awaken the sleeping giant, it’s time for “Change”. *Portions of the proceeds of the album sales of “The Philippine Dream” will be donated to the SEED program of Gawad Kalinga to build classrooms and give scholarships to underprivileged youth. What is the SEED? Launched last August 11, 2014 and starting with about 43 bright and determined students from various public schools in Bulacan, the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) aims to produce graduates who will tackle poverty through agriculture and innovation. The program will initially run for 2 years with a curriculum co-developed with TESDA, and will become a ladderized 4-year program in partnership with CHED. This is where young students from public high schools will emerge as globally competitive social entrepreneurs with love of country and fellow Filipino poor, helping raise many others from poverty through social enterprise that does not leave the poor behind. Partner with us! - Build Classrooms - Build Scholars - Build “The Philippine Dream” movement through the power of music. - Build University tours to spread the message to the youth. For more information visit www.q-york.com/thephilippinedream or e-mail us at: info@q-york.com