Itchy worms. The Itchyworms: Journey to Success and Chino Singson’s New Chapter

07.01.202208.06.2023 by alexxlab

How did The Itchyworms achieve their breakthrough. What is the significance of their hit song “Beer”. How is lead guitarist Chino Singson’s departure impacting the band. What can fans expect from The Itchyworms in the future.

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The Rise of The Itchyworms: From Debut to Breakthrough

The Itchyworms, a beloved Filipino band, has been making waves in the music industry for over two decades. Their journey to success, however, was not without its challenges. The band’s major label debut album, “Little Monsters Under Your Bed,” released in 2001, failed to make a significant impact. It was a diverse collection of styles that didn’t quite resonate with the audience or the industry at large.

However, the band’s perseverance paid off with their second studio album, “Noontime Show.” This album marked a turning point for The Itchyworms, finally allowing them to connect with listeners and establish their unique sound.

The Magic Behind “Noontime Show”

What set “Noontime Show” apart from its predecessor? The album showcased a more cohesive sound and style, reflecting the band’s growth and maturity. It was during this period that The Itchyworms began to develop their signature blend of catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and nostalgic themes that would become their hallmark.

The Birth of “Beer”: A Turning Point in The Itchyworms’ Career

One of the most significant outcomes of the band’s evolution was the creation of their hit song “Beer.” This track became an anthem for many listeners and played a crucial role in cementing The Itchyworms’ place in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene.

The Story Behind “Beer”

What inspired The Itchyworms to write “Beer”? The song’s creation was influenced by a piece of advice that shaped the band’s songwriting approach. This guidance encouraged them to focus on relatable themes and everyday experiences, resulting in a track that resonated deeply with their audience.

Chino Singson’s New Chapter: A Bittersweet Transition

In a recent development, lead guitarist Chino Singson announced his departure from the Philippines. This news has sparked curiosity and concern among fans about the future of The Itchyworms.

Singson’s Role in The Itchyworms

Chino Singson, primarily self-taught, is known for his unique left-handed guitar playing. His contributions to The Itchyworms’ sound have been integral to their success over the years. During the pandemic, Singson even began offering guitar lessons via Zoom, showcasing his commitment to music education.

The Band’s Response to Singson’s Move

How is The Itchyworms adapting to Singson’s relocation? Despite his physical departure, Singson has emphasized that he is not leaving the band. He plans to continue working with the team, assisting with social media and back-office tasks. The band has also welcomed two new members, Mikey Amistoso and Weckl Mercado, who will perform alongside the remaining members.

The Itchyworms’ Legacy and Future Prospects

With a career spanning more than two decades, The Itchyworms have left an indelible mark on the Philippine music scene. The band, comprising Singson, Jugs Jugueta, Jazz Nicolas, and Kelvin Yu, has produced numerous fan favorites beyond “Beer,” including “Akin Ka Na Lang.”

Recent Achievements and Collaborations

Collaboration with Ely Buendia in 2019 for singles and a concert
Short film “The Life I Know” showcased at the 38th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Release of the album “Waiting For The End To Start” in 2021

The Emotional Impact of Change

How is Singson feeling about this significant life change? In his own words, “Is it difficult to part ways with something that has given and taught me so much over twenty-five years? Totally. Completely. Absolutely.” This sentiment reflects the deep emotional connection Singson has with the band and its members, whom he considers family.

A Message to the Fans

Singson’s message to The Itchyworms’ loyal followers is one of hope and continuity. He encourages fans to keep the band in their “hearts, minds, and ears,” promising that “the best is yet to come.” This positive outlook suggests that despite the changes, The Itchyworms are committed to continuing their musical journey.

One Last Performance: A Farewell Concert

In an unexpected turn of events, Singson’s departure has been delayed, allowing for one more performance with the complete lineup. The band has announced a special concert titled “One Last Time with Chino (Bago Siya Kunin Ng Canada)” scheduled for September 8, 2022, at 123 Block.

Concert Details

Date: September 8, 2022
Venue: 123 Block
Ticket Price: PHP 500

This farewell concert provides fans with a unique opportunity to witness the original lineup perform together one last time before Singson’s relocation.

The Itchyworms’ Musical Evolution and Impact

Throughout their career, The Itchyworms have demonstrated remarkable versatility and growth. Their ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound has been key to their longevity in the music industry.

Signature Sound and Style

What defines The Itchyworms’ musical style? The band is known for their catchy melodies, clever wordplay, and a nostalgic quality that often resonates with listeners. Their music often blends elements of pop, rock, and alternative genres, creating a unique sound that has become instantly recognizable to fans.

Lyrical Themes and Storytelling

The Itchyworms’ lyrics often explore relatable themes such as love, friendship, and everyday experiences. This approach to songwriting, as evidenced by hits like “Beer” and “Akin Ka Na Lang,” has allowed them to connect deeply with their audience on an emotional level.

The Itchyworms in the Digital Age

Like many artists, The Itchyworms have had to adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry, particularly in the digital age. Their approach to creating and sharing music has evolved alongside technological advancements.

Virtual Collaborations and Performances

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Itchyworms demonstrated their adaptability by continuing to create music virtually. Singson’s statement, “And like we did in 2020, we will make music even though we aren’t together physically,” highlights the band’s commitment to their craft regardless of physical constraints.

Expanding Their Artistic Horizons

The Itchyworms have also ventured beyond traditional music formats. Their short film “The Life I Know,” which accompanied their 2021 album “Waiting For The End To Start,” showcases their willingness to explore new mediums of artistic expression.

This multimedia approach not only demonstrates the band’s creativity but also provides fans with a more immersive experience of their music.

The Future of The Itchyworms

As The Itchyworms navigate this new chapter in their journey, fans and industry observers alike are curious about what the future holds for the band.

Potential International Performances

Singson’s move to Canada opens up new possibilities for The Itchyworms. His statement, “You might still see me in gigs outside the Philippines,” hints at potential international performances, which could help expand the band’s global reach.

Evolving Sound and New Collaborations

With the addition of new members Mikey Amistoso and Weckl Mercado, The Itchyworms’ sound may evolve in exciting new directions. These fresh perspectives could lead to innovative collaborations and musical experiments, keeping the band’s sound fresh and engaging for both long-time fans and new listeners.

Continued Legacy in Philippine Music

Despite the changes, The Itchyworms’ impact on Philippine music is likely to endure. Their ability to create relatable, catchy, and meaningful songs has established them as a significant force in the OPM scene, a position they are poised to maintain and strengthen in the coming years.

As The Itchyworms embark on this new phase of their musical journey, fans can look forward to more of the creativity, wit, and musical prowess that have defined the band for over two decades. While change is inevitable, the band’s commitment to their craft and their connection with their audience remains constant, promising exciting developments in the future of The Itchyworms.

The Itchyworms throw a send-off gig for lead guitarist Chino Singson |

The Itchyworms‘ lead guitarist is moving to Canada.

In a Facebook post published on 26 August, Chino Singson announced on The Itchyworms’ Facebook page that he will be leaving the Philippines at the end of the month together with his family.

However, he emphasized on the same Facebook post that he will not be leaving the ‘Di Na Muli‘ act.

“To be clear, I’m not leaving the band as a member. “Change venue” lang kumbaga.” He writes. “I’ll still be working with the team, helping out with social media and back office tasks.

“And like we did in 2020, we will make music even though we aren’t together physically. Who knows? You might still see me in gigs outside the Philippines.”

Singson also took the opportunity to welcome Mikey Amistoso (Ciudad) and Weckl Mercado, the two new members of the band who will be stepping in to perform with the rest of The Itchyworms.

Primarily self-taught, Singson is an accomplished guitarist, made popular by the fact that he is a lefty. During the pandemic, he started giving guitar lessons over Zoom.

With more than two decades of making and performing music, The Itchyworms comprises Singson, Jugs Jugueta (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, percussion, keyboards), Jazz Nicolas (lead vocals, drums, piano, keyboards, keytar), and Kelvin Yu (bass guitar, backing vocals). Over the years, they have produced numerous fan favorites, including ‘Beer‘ and ‘Akin Ka Na Lang.’

In 2019, they collaborated with Ely Buendia for a couple of singles and a back-to-back concert. Earlier in May this year, their short film The Life I Know was shown at the 38th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. This film was the visual accompaniment of their 2021 album and carrier single, ‘Waiting For The End To Start. ‘

“Is it difficult to part ways with something that has given and taught me so much over twenty-five years? Totally. Completely. Absolutely.” Singson revealed in the same post. “Jazz, Jugs, Kelvin and Julie are my family. Our band is eternal.

“This is not ‘goodbye,’ this is ‘see you later’.”

Singson ended his statement on social media with a message for his and the band’s fans: “Keep The Itchyworms in your hearts, minds, and ears. The best is yet to come.”

(UPDATE 01/09): Singson’s trip has been delayed, giving him and the rest of The Itchyworms time to perform together one more time. One Last Time with Chino (Bago Siya Kunin Ng Canada) is happening on 8 September 2022 at 123 Block. Tickets are available at PHP 500.

Watch ‘Di Na Muli’ here:

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Who told the Itchyworms to create “Beer” song

Guide

Music

The Itchyworms’s debut album wasn’t a hit, but their second was!

by Press Release

Aug 9, 2021

The Itchyworms (L-R): Jugs Jugueta, Jazz Nicolas, Chino Singson, and Kelvin Yu

PHOTO/S: The Itchyworms

Not many people know that when The Itchyworms came out with their major label debut album in 2001, it wasn’t a massive hit.

Little Monsters Under Your Bed was a mish-mash of different styles, and, consequently, flew under the radar within the industry.

It wasn’t until the band’s second studio album, Noontime Show, that The Itchyworms finally hit their stride and connected with listeners.

The Itchyworms: (L-R) Jugs Jugueta, Jazz Nicolas, Kelvin Yu, and Chino Singson

How exactly did Noontime Show come about? What did they do differently?

And what was the biggest piece of advice that shaped the band’s songwriting and helped them come up with one of their most popular songs, “Beer?”

Find out in this clip from OG’s full-length feature on The Itchyworms to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. You can view the full video here.

Video: OG Channel.

OG Channel is Summit Media’s latest all-video brand. For our first series, OG puts the spotlight on our vibrant OPM scene. Subscribe to the channel here and watch other OG videos here.

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NOOD KA MUNA!

Regional Dermatovenerological Dispensary, Lipetsk

Enterobiasis: how to repel the attack of pinworms

Along with roundworms, pinworms are the most common parasite in the children’s (and in adults, to be honest) digestive tract. They mainly affect the upper parts of the large intestine. Why enterobiasis? It is derived from the Latin name for pinworms – Enterobius vermicularis. They are transmitted only from person to person, domestic and other animals are beyond suspicion here. So, to paraphrase a well-known saying, a person is not a friend to a person in relation to enterobiasis, and even more so not a brother, but a source of infection. Perhaps the most inquisitive readers of our site have already read the articles on ascariasis and toxocariasis, and they have a question: what, in general, is the difference? Worms – they are worms, why go into details so much. This is a fairly common mistake young mothers make. It is erroneous, because Parasitic organisms, even within the same species group (in our case, Nematodes), may differ, which requires different approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of helminthic invasions.

Close-up of a pinworm

The look of a pinworm is not intimidating at all, unlike, say, a liver fluke: it is a nondescript white worm about 1 cm long (female) or 3-4 mm long (male). The front end (oral part) of the helminth has a slight thickening for attachment to the intestinal wall. The rear end of the female pinworm is pointed (sorry for the involuntary pun), while the male is rounded.

The pinworm lives for about 4 weeks, passing through a number of important milestones of its life during this period. Fertilization of the female takes place in the usual environment for the pinworm – in the large intestine, after which the male dies, and the female, at the call of her nature, rushes to the exit from the rectum. Then comes the stage of egg deposition, which, in order not to go far, the female lays around the anus, in the fold under the buttocks or in the perineum. This usually happens at night: eggs are attached to the surface of the skin with a special sticky substance that causes itching and irritation. Having given a start in life to future offspring, the female also dies. And then…

Way of transmission of pinworms

After the birth of the egg, the larva matures in it for some time – about 5 hours, after which it is ready to continue the parasitic lifestyle of its ancestors. As mentioned a little above, the process of laying eggs is accompanied by severe itching, forcing a person to scratch the itchy place. This is exactly what pinworms are waiting for: through hands contaminated with parasite eggs, they spread further: under the nails, on bed linen, dishes, common items and, most importantly, in the oral cavity, then they are swallowed and returned to their native land (i.e. in colon). Once in the intestines, pinworms come out of the eggs and begin to grow. After two weeks, they are ready for further procreation. Thus, the route of transmission of pinworms is fecal-oral. It can be prevented by observing the rules of personal hygiene.

Symptoms of enterobiasis

We list the main symptoms of enterobiasis, among which there are both local, caused by irritation of the skin, and general:

• sensation of itching on the eve of the anus at night and early morning hours;

• combs. This sign of enterobiasis is a direct consequence of the previous one. In addition, with the progression of helminthic invasion, itching on the inner surface of the buttocks and in the area of the external genital organs becomes even more accentuated, as a result of which the child constantly scratches these places, resulting in skin disorders in the form of scratches and scratches. And if an infection gets into these scratches, then they are set off by redness, swelling and soreness;

• disorders of the nervous system. It happens when pinworms are present in the intestines for a long time and prolific. Somnological disorders develop (due to itching, sleep becomes inferior), headaches, irritability;

• digestive disorders (poor appetite, increased gas, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, mucus or blood in the feces).

The last two groups of symptoms are associated with the vital activity of the parasite. Pinworms feed on blood from the intestinal wall, releasing mucus and toxins in return, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body, acting incl. and on the nervous system.

One should not think that enterobiasis is such a harmless disease. Intensive reproduction of the parasite contributes to its entry into the organs adjacent to the epicenter of its vital activity. In the absence of an adequate response, a number of unpleasant complications are possible. So, pinworms can provoke inflammation of the vaginal mucosa (vaginitis), appendicitis, cholecystitis.

Diagnosis of enterobiasis

Diagnosis consists of taking an anamnesis (complaints of the patient, the time of the appearance of the first signs, the presence of similar symptoms in other family members, what is the situation with hygiene). Then, under a microscope, an analysis of feces or scrapings from the skin near the anus is examined. The third stage of diagnosis is a blood test, which reacts to the presence of parasites in the body with eosinophilia and, in severe cases, anemia.

Treatment of enterobiasis

Treatment of enterobiasis is not an intractable task, but this thesis is valid only if preventive measures are taken in parallel and the rules of personal hygiene are strictly observed, not only by the patient, but by all members of his family. In the process of treating enterobiasis, it is necessary to regularly wash the anus, change underwear, which should be boiled and ironed.

Otherwise, the helminths must be removed from the body. For this purpose, the following drugs are used in enterobiasis:

Mebendazole (Vermox, Wormin)
It deprives the pinworms of the ability to move in the intestines, as a result of which they die and are excreted;

Piperazine adipate (piperazine). It inhibits the transmission of neuromuscular excitation, due to which pinworms lose their ability to adhere to the intestinal wall;

Pyrantel (nemocide, helminthox). The action is similar to the previous drug: blocking the neuromuscular transmission;

The selection of an anthelmintic agent and control of treatment should be carried out only by a doctor. The duration of treatment depends on the extent of the lesion: from 1 to 5 days with a possible repetition of the course after 3-4 weeks. Unfortunately, to date, the fact of the formation of immunity to pinworms has not been confirmed, which makes it possible to re-infect if sanitary and hygienic rules are not observed.

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis is a helminthic infestation, which is also called “river blindness”. The nematodes infect the lymph nodes, skin and eyes. This leads to the formation of an itchy rash, fibrous nodes, ulcers, and the development of lymphedema

The most serious damage occurs in the infected eye. Which leads to chronic conjunctivitis, inflammation of the cornea, glaucoma, cataracts, inflammation of the vessels of the eye. The risk of developing blindness is very high.

Disease definition

Onchocerciasis is caused by parasitic helminths in the human body. The disease is transmitted by the bites of infected midges. They live near fast-flowing rivers near fertile lands. Therefore, people involved in agriculture are most often affected. In countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation, there are more than 20 million people suffering from this disease. About 2% of them suffered significant loss of vision or went blind.

WHO classifies onchocerciasis as a neglected disease. However, it is still found in the world. First of all, in the countries of Africa, Latin America, Yemen. Occasionally there are isolated cases in other countries.

In 2013, Colombia received a certificate of eradication of onchocerciasis from WHO. In 2014, Ecuador became such a country, in 2015 Mexico, and in 2016 Guatemala. To eliminate the disease, groups and communities are treated with ivermectin. Drug treatment is carried out not only in humans, but also in animals. As a rule, large-scale campaigns are carried out twice a year, and additional ones as patients are found on the ground. It sometimes takes more than a dozen years to completely get rid of the parasite in the country.

Reasons

Onchocerciasis is caused by parasitic helminths, the nematodes Onchocerca volvulus. The infection is spread by infected midges of the genus Similium. The life cycle of an onchocercus consists of several stages:

When bitten, a midge infects a person.
The worm penetrates the subcutaneous tissue and grows to a sexually mature form.
Females give birth to microfilariae. They are localized under the skin, in the lymph nodes. Sometimes they are detected in the blood and urine, can get into the eyes. If at this stage a healthy insect bites a person, then it becomes infected and passes the microfilariae that have fallen into it to the next.

Onchocerci are filamentous roundworms, 19 to 50 mm long at maturity. The size of the larvae ranges from 0.05 to 0.35 mm. Females are larger than males. The life span of the larva is up to 2.5 years, adults can live up to 15 years. During the year of life, females produce up to 1 million microfilariae.

Parasitizing in the skin, helmites cause dermatitis, depigmentation, onchocercomas, and ulcers. When the lymph nodes invade, lymphostasis and lymphadenopathy develop. The penetration of the larvae into the eyes leads to damage to the vessels, retina, optic nerve.

Symptoms

The formation of the disease is long, the first signs appear on average 12 months after infection. Include the following symptoms:

Fever with an increase in body temperature up to +40 C.
General malaise, weakness.
Filarious scabies, accompanied by dryness, peeling, itching, hyperpigmentation of the skin.
A papular rash that forms into pustules and ulcers that do not heal for a long time.
Blood eosinophilia is an increase in the number of eosinophils, blood cells that protect the body from parasites.

Significant and repeated invasions lead to serious lesions of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Elasticity is lost, the structure changes, the skin seems to be covered with an orange peel. This condition is sometimes referred to as “elephant” or “crocodile skin”. Depigmentation of the skin develops, these areas are conditionally called “leopard skin”.

Most often, changes occur in the legs, axillary and groin areas. As a result of pathological changes, the epidermis, sweat glands, and hair follicles atrophy. In some patients, huge hanging folds of skin form, inguinal and femoral hernias occur.

If the lymph nodes are affected, they can increase to such a size that they lead to lymphostasis of the scrotum and lower extremities (elephantiasis).

Another pronounced clinical picture is the formation of onchocercomas. These are subcutaneous nodes, reaching a diameter of up to 10 cm. They are dense, painful on palpation. Most often occur on the head, upper back, in the pelvic area. If an onchocercoma develops near a joint, it will lead to arthritis.

Migration of an onchocercus into the ocular environment

Onchocerciasis is most dangerous when larvae migrate into the environment of the eye. Microfilariae deposited on the cornea cause conjunctivitis. Among the symptoms:

photophobia,
lacrimation,
puffiness.

Due to the death of parasites, foci of keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) are formed. This is expressed by the following symptoms: “flies in the eyes”, redness, inflammation, a decrease in the transparency and luster of the cornea.

Further damage leads to punctate keratitis, iridocyclitis, corneal cysts, damage to the optic nerve. Often you can observe depigmentation of the iris. Over time, chorioretinitis, cataracts, glaucoma, and blindness develop.

Diagnostics

Clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis

The presence of the disease can be suspected by specific dermatitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes, eye lesions and onchocercas. It is important to establish the place of infection, to find out whether the patient has visited countries with an unfavorable epidemic over the past year. environment.

Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics of onchocerciasis

There are several ways to confirm the diagnosis:

Microexamination of skin sections;
PCR of skin samples;
determination of the level of antibodies by ELISA, RSK.

Antibody testing should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, as it is of limited value on its own. First of all, it cannot differentiate some helminths from others. Secondly, it does not allow to distinguish the infection that existed before from the current one.

An ultrasound machine is used to detect subcutaneous nodules. It is important to study the condition of the eye tissues. For this, biomicroscopy is performed. You can detect the parasite when viewed with a slit lamp. If microfilariae were detected as a result of the examination, an ophthalmologist should also monitor the patient’s condition and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics make it possible to differentiate onchocerciasis from similar diseases with similar symptoms. Fungal infections of the skin, infection with the Loa loa eye nematode, syphilis and other diseases should be excluded.

Treatment

Therapy of onchocerciasis is carried out by a parasitologist, under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, dermatologist, immunologist. The treatment regimen is prescribed individually, carried out within the framework of the hospital. This is due to the fact that the mass death of parasites can lead to severe allergic and intoxication reactions of the body.

To suppress allergies, antihistamines, corticosteroids are prescribed, and blood is purified by plasmapheresis. Onchocerciasis nodes are removed surgically. Physical removal of parasites also significantly reduces microfilaremia rates.

Disease prevention

You can protect yourself individually in midge habitats by wearing protective suits and using repellents.

At the level of local or state authorities, programs for the destruction of peddler insects should be organized. To do this, insecticides are sprayed on the territory from helicopters and planes, which destroy the larvae of the Similium midge. In endemic regions, it is necessary to carry out the prophylaxis of the disease with ivermectin. Similar programs supported by WHO have been deployed in many African countries.