Dear Survivor Of The Still Uncertain World

How Are you?
Hello, how are you?

Yes, I am you but I come from deep inside. I am a truth beyond the smile and resilience that you show to the world because you have been the model of strength. Let's talk for a while and discuss the things you have gone through in the past year. You may be still at home but you have gone through a lot. Sometimes it almost brakes your spirit, but you are still here, and you are still fighting.

I know you are a good guy in general with rare quirks and mischief. But generally you are good, which keeps you on the right track. But can we talk about last year again? It was quite an exciting string of events that led you through things you never expected.

Remember that last year we got to eventually ease up with the lockdown and somehow we are getting invites to online events to have that feel that this will be the new normal. You can now go further with transportation now available. At some point, we were able to cross the bridge to Makati which was the furthest you went to. 

KZ Tandingan reignites Pinoy pride with TNT’s new song “Yan Ang Pinoy”

Certified platinum and multi-awarded singer-songwriter, Asia's Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan is out with a new song, “Yan Ang Pinoy,” which reignites Filipino Pride and encourages listeners to keep chasing their dreams.

Teaming up with mobile brand TNT, KZ lends her voice for this inspiring track that also celebrates Pinoy talent and values such as perseverance, resilience, and determination.

LRMC ties up with Angkas for exclusive fare discount

In line with its mission to provide a seamless and convenient journey for Filipino commuters, LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has announced a new partnership with the country’s leading app-based motorcycle taxi ride-sharing service Angkas to beat Metro Manila traffic.

In an exclusive promotion, LRMC has designated select LRT-1 stations with visible, easy-to-find signages as official pick-up and drop-off points for commuters taking Angkas. Angkas passengers riding to or from participating LRT-1 stations can avail of a Php 15 discount (valid for 3 rides) when they use the following codes to book either as pick-up or drop-off areas:

FLØRE Shares New Single, "Bad Medicine"

FLØRE is back with a new single ‘Bad Medicine’ after her first single ‘Dead Boys’ back in January 2021 and her acclaimed debut Oct 2020 EP release “SUPERBLOOM” which was produced by Berlin’s Indie Pop artist NOVAA.  This is the  second single by the enigmatic singer songwriter enroute to her full, soon to be released EP ‘ROMANIAC’.  It centres on toxic relationships and the irony of being in one. 

Speaking about her new single “Bad Medicine” , FLØRE explains: “This song is about that kind of person you know is not good for you, but you just can't let it go. Being close to that someone doesn’t make you feel better, but that’s what you wanna feel sometimes. Being heartbroken, but you know you're alive. 

Night shots in the Metro worthy to #PictureLifeTogether with OPPO Reno5 Series

Living in an urban jungle like Manila, we sometimes take for granted the beauty of the city, as we go through our daily grinds as safely and as hurriedly as possible. But even in between all the concrete, nighttime shines a different light on the city - the bright lights and neon signs give a level of warmth that’s meant to be remembered and captured. 

Check out some shots of Manila by night captured by the camera powerhouse smartphone, OPPO Reno5 Series that can preserve magnificent night time views in full definition. With a  64MP rear quadcam matrix and a 44MP ultra clear front camera for Reno5 5G and a 32MP ultra clear front camera for Reno5 5G, you can take crisp, clear photos and videos even in lowlight. Its smart AI camera features, particularly the AI Video Highlight and Ultra Dark Mode, perfectly preserve color and detail to bring out the magic of nighttime, even those almost invisible to the naked eye, in your photos and videos.

Doja Cat exceeds expectations with legacy-turning pop album, Planet Her

Global superstar Doja Cat has finally released her highly anticipated new album Planet Her via Kemosabe/RCA Records/Sony Music. Critics are already raving about Planet Her, with Vulture saying “Like a runway show where every look clicks, Planet Her makes a case for Doja as our new ice-cool pop-queen supreme” and Stereogum simply stating “The new album slaps, everybody.” 

Alongside the album release comes the highly anticipated video for “You Right,” a collaboration with multi-platinum R&B superstar The Weeknd. The video was shot earlier this month and was directed by Quentin Deronzier. 

Earlier this month Doja Cat dropped the showstopping futuristic video for her track “Need To Know.” The lead single off Planet Her, “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA, continues to dominate the charts: it was just certified Platinum by the RIAA, hit #1 at Rhythm radio and it currently sits at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has over 678 million streams worldwide. 

Tolak Angin Boosts the Filipino Family's Immunity and Digestive Health

Now more than ever, it is important for Filipinos to take care of their health. With the increasing pressures of everyday life, now made even more challenging by the current health crisis, they must try to find added support that can help them push through. 

Tolak Angin, a liquid herbal supplement that is designed to boost your immune system, has been around for 90 years in the market and is a trusted herbal supplement from Indonesia. The name itself is roughly translate to “expel the wind” – as the supplement is meant to be a remedy for people who experience “Masuk angin” (entry of the wind or “Lamig” in Filipino) and other ailments and conditions that are caused by weakened immune system, such as upset stomach, dry throat, chills, or any other early cold symptoms. 

This herbal supplement is made from 12 natural herbs, including ginger, mint, honey, oryza sativa, fennel, Indian screw tree, and clove leaves among others – all high-quality herbs and natural ingredients that are processed carefully and thoroughly using state-of-the-art equipment to maintain their benefits, under strict standards of sanitation and quality control. 

Beko introduces eco-friendly appliances for a healthy planet

Beko, Europe’s No. 1 appliance brand, has launched seven new sustainable products as it presented  the results of a sustainability survey that was carried out among European consumers.

As a global company, Beko is aware of its responsibility in terms of environmental protection and sustainability.

“Our sustainability goals and our leading efforts in sustainable innovation are two parts of the same, closely related whole. It is up to us to find better, greener ways to lead our lives. With a range of environmentally friendly Beko appliances that we are introducing today, our customers can now make their homes more sustainable,” said Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Arçelik, Beko’s parent company.

realme 8 5G achieves sold-out success within hours of official launch

Over 7,000 Filipinos capture infinite possibilities with the latest 5G innovation from the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand

realme, the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for Q1 2021, marks another milestone with the widely successful launch of its mid-range 5G game-changer, the realme 8 5G.

Officially unveiled to the public via a special livestream on June 24, the realme 8 5G sold out within the first few hours of its exclusive Shopee launch. realme’s latest 5G innovation also sold out after every flash sale launched throughout the day. In addition, remarkable sales were also generated by the brand from realme stores and partner dealers nationwide.

Dominic Chin drops stripped-down versions of “clse2u” and hit EP, License To Cry

Dominic Chin has finally dropped the stripped-down version of his emotional pop ballad “clse2u.” Released under Umami Records, the reimagined material features a duet with Singaporean singer-songwriter Jean Seizure, whose captivating vocals add a layer of dreaminess to the track. 

About “clse2u (reimagined)”

“Jean was a longtime friend, and we always wanted to collaborate but there was never a chance,” says Dominic Chin. “When the idea for the album popped up, it was only natural for me to want to work with Jean on this very special song.” 

Incorporated with lush orchestral arrangement and dramatic flourishes, “clse2u (reimagined)” offers some truly transcendent moments that you would rarely encounter in modern pop—an extraordinary gift, to be exact. 

Globe raises bar for data protection to #StopScam

Globe raises its standards further to ensure the data privacy and information security of its 8,000 employees and over 80 million of its customers, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to synergize digitalization. Since transitioning to remote work set-ups, companies have put premium attention on data privacy and security within digital workplaces and among employees.

Highlighting the importance of data privacy and security across its workforce, Globe conducted a learning session for employees in early May. The forum covered two primary topics: “Data Privacy and Security in relation to the work from home set-up” and “Data Privacy in contact tracing.”

SB19 and Ben&Ben make history with generation-defining version of “MAPA”

SB19 and Ben&Ben, two of the biggest Philippine acts, are making history again with a re-recording of the former’s smash single “MAPA” under Sony Music.

In a year marked by self-imposed isolation and forced withdrawal from the outside world, the inspirational ballad brims with positive light as it honors every loving and hardworking parent out there, who made our journey toward life bearable, and filled with important lessons.

According to Roslyn Pineda, Sony Music’s General Manager, Philippines and Vice President, Business Development, Asia, there was clamor from the general public for #SBen19 since last year.

IABC Philippines elects new Board of Trustees

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines announced its new Board of Trustees for 2021 - 2023 with proven expertise and fresh perspectives in the dynamic field of business communications.

The diverse group of trustees include leading communications professionals from different fields, such as banking, insurance, media and entertainment, utilities, and advocacy groups, to the heavyweights of the country’s top communications agencies.

Durex strengthens PPE campaign to help address STI and HIV incidence in the Philippines

With over a year in lockdown, we find ourselves still in the midst of the pandemic, cautious yet with a glint of optimism with COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. Raising awareness of safe sex and sexually-transmitted diseases has become more relevant as the Philippines currently records 29 cases per day as of January 2021 according to the Department of Health (DOH). The agency has tagged HIV as a continuing public threat, and has called for the continued cooperation and collaboration of all local communities, civil society organizations, key stakeholders, and the government in jointly addressing this pressing matter.

As part of its mission to protect Filipinos from the threats of sexually-transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS, Durex continues to promote the importance of using proper protection during sexual intercourse through education and awareness programs. Durex carries on with its own impactful initiatives under its Protection and Preparedness Education (PPE) campaign.

United City FC Secures Major Jersey Partnership With Allianz

United City Football Club (UCFC) proudly announces its jersey partner for the upcoming AFC Champions League and the 2021 Philippine Football League (PFL).  

"We are proud to announce this ground-breaking partnership with Allianz for our Club.  Not only were we able to bring such a leading global brand with a strong reputation to engage in long-term sports partnerships but also because it shows that football partnerships are possible in the Philippines – even amidst a global pandemic," states Eric M. Gottschalk, President, and Co-founder of United City Football Club. 

"Football has been steadily on the rise in the country, and having Allianz support our Club might be just the attention-getter for other brands to support local and regional football."

Allianz is best known for its global stadium naming rights and Club partnership with FC Bayern as well as Juventus Turin. Still, its involvement in sports goes well beyond just football when it is set to become the Worldwide Olympic Insurance Partner following the Tokyo Olympic Games.  

Scan and Donate to Different Charity Organizations via ShopeePay

Make safe and secure donations to your preferred beneficiaries such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hope, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, and UNICEF

ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, partners with more than 30 foundations to offer users an easier, safer, and more convenient way to donate to their beneficiaries of choice. Over the last three months, there was a steady increase in foundations adopting digital payment options like ShopeePay. These newly onboarded foundations are AHA Learning, Animal Kingdom, For Our Farmers, Green Space, Hope, LovedVolunteers, Silid Aralam, Save Philippine Seas, TV Maria, and Waves for Water.

7 Items You can Get to Make the Rest of 2021 Yours at Shopee’s 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

Start the rest of the year on a good note with these products, all on sale until July 7

Time goes by so fast—can you believe that we’ve already made it mid-way through the year? Congratulate yourself for powering through the first half of 2021!

Now that we’ve made it to June, make it your goal to finish the remaining half of the year just as  strong. Motivate yourself, whether it’s by holding a small party for your family, exercising more to lift your mood, or even just treating yourself to some makeup to boost your confidence. 

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili teases release of first solo single “Fourth of July”

Indie-folk singer-songwriter Leah Halili is set to premiere her first solo single “Fourth Of July.”

Brimming with delicate arrangements and lush vocals, “Fourth of July” is her first official release outside of The Ransom Collective, which she is still a part of.

According to Halili, the song is about “that warm, fuzzy feeling that you get after meeting the person you like. These moments evoke the joy and happiness this special day brings to a lot of people on the other side of the world.”

Following the official announcement through a teaser video, Leah Halili has been giving a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes details of her upcoming solo release, which includes home studio sessions and recording previews of her new track.

WWF-Philippines, Cisco Systems make pitch for food security in Northern Palawan amid pandemic

A farmer plants rice in a field on the island municipality of Dumaran, Northern Palawan. WWF-Philippines and WWF-Singapore are pushing for food security for Dumaran. Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

In a bid for sustainable food security, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, with the help of Cisco Systems, has committed to the construction of food sheds in rural communities in Northern Palawan.

The project comes in response to livelihood disruptions caused by the pandemic. With lockdown restrictions making travel between towns difficult, many farmers and fishers have had difficulty selling their produce. Regional tourism has also plummeted, pushing coastal communities once reliant on visiting tourists further into poverty.

The new realme 8 5G delivers top-notch 5G experience without compromise

The latest 5G innovation from the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand is now available for PHP10,490 this June 25

realme, the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for Q1 2021, enables Filipinos to capture the infinite possibilities of 5G technology with the launch of the realme 8 5G, available first on Shopee on June 25.

Unveiled via a special livestream event on the realme Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, the realme 8 5G is the brand’s latest innovation as it eyes to lead the fast-growing 5G segment in the Philippines. As 5G infrastructure develops at a rapid pace in the country, realme is committed to providing 5G access and connectivity to as many Filipinos as possible.

Shopee Among Top 30 on the List of GradPhilippines’ Top Graduate Employers of 2021

The ranking acknowledges Shopee for its popularity and quality among companies in the Philippines

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has been voted as one of the top 30 Graduate Employers to work for in the Philippines. 

GradPhilippines, is a platform that connects students, recent graduates, and early career talents with potential job opportunities, employers, internships, and more. It is the most sought-after employer awards in the Asia Pacific Region, especially in countries like Australia and New Zealand. 

Smart Padala by PayMaya makes remittances easier with new service 

Collecting your remittance has never been easier! You can now walk in and collect funds sent by your loved ones at any of the over 40,000 Smart Padala agents across the country with Smart Padala by PayMaya’s Claim Anywhere service. 

With this new Claim Anywhere service, all the sender needs to do is to provide the recipient’s mobile number, and the funds can easily be claimed by their recipient at any Smart Padala agent anywhere in the country.  

This new service makes receiving money much easier and hassle-free. Best of all – customers don’t have to pay additional charges on top of the transaction fee to avail of this convenient option. Smart Padala by PayMaya customers just need to follow these simple steps:   

World Vision highlights child protection and peacebuilding in the Marawi Week of Peace

Child-focused NGO World Vision Development Foundation conducted a series of child protection and peace-building activities during the celebration of the Marawi Week of Peace, spearheaded by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

World Vision provided school bags, notebooks and pens with learning materials promoting child protection to at least 1,679 students from five public schools.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Ministry of Basic Higher Technical and Madaris Education and the Marawi Operation Center, World Vision also conducted mental health and psychosocial support activities for 90 parents and 60 children. 

Luis Manzano Named The Sweet Ambassdor For SweetVia

For over a decade, Santé has successfully positioned itself as a trusted industry leader in the Philippines, consistent in developing and distributing premier natural and organic health and wellness products and services. The company culminates the second quarter of 2021 as it formally welcomes Luis Manzano as the official endorser of SweetVia – a sweetener from a natural source with amazing health benefits.  

SweetVia contains potent natural plant ingredients, such as Chicory Root Fiber Inulin and Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana) - a safe and non-toxic herbal extract that aids in keeping blood sugar low. 1In both human and animal studies, the addition of inulin has been found to normalize blood lipid and glucose levels (Gibson & Delzenne). Also, it showed a reduction in food intake and decreased body weight. On the other hand, 2Stevia is an accepted sugar substitute that can contribute to weight management and improved caloric control. And unlike other sugary foods, stevia inhibits the formation of cavities and plaque (Elkins, 1997). 

Shopee reveals 4 types of Filipino online shoppers, offers something for everyone this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

42% of Filipinos surveyed are Sulit Shoppers, who are driven by the best deals and prices online

A survey conducted by Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, revealed four types of online shoppers in the Philippines and their motivations for shopping online.

Shopee surveyed more than 3,000 Filipinos and found that value is the most important factor for online shoppers, with 42% of respondents stating that they are driven by the best deals and prices. 71% of them are females, ranging from 18 to 34 years of age.

"The Suicide Squad's" New Trailer Further Reveals the Mad Mayhem

Our only hope to save the world is a bunch of supervillains -- what could go wrong? Check out “The Suicide Squad” - Official “Rain” Trailer which has just been released by Warner Bros. Pictures.  Watch the film in Philippine cinemas this 2021.

Facebook: https://fb.watch/6i4JCsAAya/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/95v4i3moXpE

About “The Suicide Squad”

From writer/director James Gunn comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ superhero action adventure “The Suicide Squad,” featuring a collection of the most degenerate delinquents in the DC lineup.

Welcome to hell—a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out—even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X. Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin and everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Trekking through a jungle teeming with militant adversaries and guerrilla forces at every turn, the Squad is on a search-and-destroy mission with only Colonel Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave…and Amanda Waller’s government techies in their ears, tracking their every movement. And as always, one wrong move and they’re dead (whether at the hands of their opponents, a teammate, or Waller herself). If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them—all of them.

Learn how to invest in your passions and grow your savings in GCash 2nd Money Talks series

During this time of pandemic, some of us might think investing for the things you desire is a waste of money and time. Even though you have extra funds to make it happen, weighing your wants and needs is the first thing that comes to mind. 

GInvest, the first-ever digital investment platform on GCash that allows Filipinos as young as 18 years old and with a valid ID, lets you explore easy ways and means on how to start investing and conveniently grow your money through a tap on the app. 

To further educate Filipinos on the many investment possibilities using GInvest by GCash, GCash is mounting its second webinar series Kaya Mo Money Talks on June 24 at 8pm on GCash’s Facebook page. 

The webinar aims to help customers, specifically the young adults, to unlock their financial goals so they can experience their passions, and teach them the ropes on how to invest and grow their money using Gcash.

Zack Tabudlo continues Binibini’s winning streak with global collaborations

After gaining tremendous success with “Binibini,” Zack Tabudlo continues to build momentum with collaborations featuring top-caliber artists from all over the world.

One of his buzziest partnerships is a rework of his smash single “Binibini” with British singer-songwriter James TW. Titled “Binibini (Last Day On Earth),” the international version was performed by both Island Records artists, with rewritten lyrics in English. 

Binibini ‘English version’

According to Tabudlo, the new version has a lot of similarities with the original, and was reimagined to capture a wider audience outside the Philippines. “The production was minimally changed and the overall ‘original’ feel is still there,” the hitmaker shares in a statement. “Lyrics-wise, it still has the spirit of the original in it, but it sort of focuses more on a ‘love until the end of time’ type of story.”

The unexpected team-up happened when James TW, an up-and-coming pop artist with over 800 million streams to date, heard the song at the peak of its streaming domination, and started covering it on TikTok. Both artists decided to hit up each other for a possible collaboration, and the rest as they say, is history. 

Teleperformance Philippines celebrates diversity and inclusion through TP Pride

Teleperformance Philippines aims to be outspoken allies in support of Pride Month through recognizing the contributions and influence of the LGBTQ+ community. As part of its 25th Anniversary, Teleperformance Philippines is celebrating TP Pride, as it seeks to strengthen employee engagement and promote a diverse and inclusive culture through month-long festivities.

TP Pride is an initiative that kickstarted in 2018 that sought to raise awareness and educate Teleperformance employees about the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Teleperformance aims to go all-out despite the ongoing pandemic by inaugurating a group of inspiring, formidable representatives of the LGBTQ+ community as the Pride Council tasked to lead the activities they have lined up for Pride Month.

Make it Perfect x Simple with Hada Labo Premium Whitening Range

Hada Labo skincare embraces the philosophy “Perfect X Simple” with face washes, lotions and creams that have the finest, purest, and most effective ingredients for your skin. To make its products even safer for the skin, Hada Labo eliminates all the unnecessary additives, alcohol, mineral oils, colorants, and fragrances.

Hada Labo recently brought to the country its Premium Whitening Range, which harnesses the Hydrating power of Hada Labo and combines it with a Brightening effect for visibly brighter and bouncier skin with a youthful glow. 

Aside from providing intense moisturizing benefits, which is the Hada Labo signature, the Premium Whitening line also makes use of the power of Tranexamic Acid to brighten skin and prevent dark spots, skin pigmentation and more. The Hada Labo Premium Whitening Range can help you achieve hydrated, radiant, and brighter skin!

Always have hydrated lips with Mentholatum LipCare

Our lips are always exposed to the elements and come in contact with food, substances in the air and so much more. They're also prone to dryness and chapping because they lack oil glands.

The best way to treat dry lips is hydrate and nourish them with a good lip balm. Kiss dry and chapped lips goodbye with Mentholatum LipCare products. Apply it before you put on your lipstick or after you've applied all your skincare products. Your lips deserve the same TLC as your skin.

Mentholatum Therapy Lip Balm and Mentholatum Therapy Lip Gel not only repair and protect chapped lips with camphor for effective healing against dryness and windburn. They also provide comfort from the soreness and burning caused by exposure to the sun, wind, and harsh weather. Mentholatum Therapy Lip Balm and Mentholatum Therapy Lip Gel have SPF 15 UV Protection and menthol that provides a cooling and refreshing feel to lips. 

40,000 housing beneficiaries nationwide to benefit thru Globe KonekTayo WiFi and NHA partnership

Filipinos’ digital life changed drastically with the constant need for connectivity. Distance learning and work-from-home arrangements continuously challenge the underprivileged families struggling to cope with digitalization.

Driven to address this need, Globe entered into a partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to deploy KonekTayo WiFi in over 100 NHA resettlement sites nationwide. Within the year, the KonekTayo Wifi will benefit about 40,000 housing beneficiaries.

Zelijah maps creative journey with new EP, Press F To Drop Out

Award-winning rapper, songwriter and producer Zelijah has finally dropped his long-awaited EP, Press F To Drop Out, a collaboration with rising rapper Ellis G.

The 6-track release navigates a story of two college dropouts pursuing their passion in music and arts, while facing the challenges of juggling adult responsibilities and landing a lucrative career out of their chosen paths. Lyrically, it’s a self-assured work that thwarts expectations, which allows Zelijah and Ellis G to break out of their mold and embrace vulnerability.

On a musical standpoint, Press F To Drop Out is an innovative piece of work that explores music beyond the fringes and outside of the two artists’ comfort zone. “We made it happen by incorporating unusual sounds and instruments, as well as trying new genres we wouldn’t usually dive into,” Zelijah points out. “The ending result is a colorful EP that caters to every emotion.”

Satisfy Your Comfort Food Cravings with ShopeePay ₱1 Deals

Enjoy discounts at restaurants such as Potato Corner and Frankie’s and cafes like Coffee Project and Tiger Sugar when you pay with ShopeePay

Treat yourself with your ultimate comfort food and satisfy your cravings with ShopeePay ₱1 Deals. 

Users can now purchase ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on Shopee and redeem discounts when they pay at our partner merchants via in-store QR codes using ShopeePay. To avail of the promo, purchase the discount or cashback voucher on Shopee, pay via QR code in-store, and select which voucher to use before payment confirmation.

Filipino-American R&B artist H.E.R. bares soul on new album, Back Of My Mind

We’re halfway through 2021, and Filipina-American R&B sensation H.E.R. (who is halfway to EGOT status), has not let her foot off the gas! The Grammy and Academy Award winner has finally released her highly-anticipated full-length album, Back of My Mind, via MBK Entertainment/RCA Records. 

Clocking in at 21 tracks, Back of My Mind includes a star-studded lineup of guest features by Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Cordae, Lil Baby, Thundercat, Yung Bleu, DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller, and YG.   Producers Hit-Boy, KAYTRANADA, Cardiak, Rodney Jerkins, DJ Camper, and more provide lush and repeat-worthy productions, leaving adequate space for the four-time Grammy Award winner’s pristine vocals (and guitar shredding skills) to shine throughout. R&B at its core, Back of My Mind showcases H.E.R.’s unique versatility as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. 

Steve Aoki Teams Up With GATTÜSO and Aukoustics on the Summer Anthem “Losing My Religion” ft. MKLA

2x-Grammy-nominated artist Steve Aoki has teamed up with GATTÜSO and Aukoustics to create a modern reimagination of R.E.M’s “Losing My Religion,” featuring MKLA. MLKA’s euphonic vocals glide over the animated beat, as she sings the instantly recognizable lyrics. With a driving beat and energetic dance floor drops, the group fashions the ideal summer anthem. Listen here: smarturl.it/LosingMyReligionSA

While this marks the first joint single between these artists, Aoki previously called upon GATTÜSO to remix his Sting and SHAED collaboration “2 In A Million,” as well as his single “Popcorn” with Ummet Ozcan and Dzeko. Seeking a fresh collaboration, Aoki invited GATTÜSO to his Las Vegas studio to workshop some songs. Steve heard GATTÜSO’s “Losing My Religion” demo, loved it and immediately went into the studio to rework it with his signature Aoki sound.

P&G’s Safeguard Equips All Shopee Xpress Riders Nationwide With Sanitizers for SAFE Deliveries

Safeguard continues to educate Filipinos on proper hand hygiene and helps provide access to handwashing facilities through its #SafeWash Program. 

The brand has partnered with  the Department of Health, LGUs, hospitals and public spaces to help protect more and more families from illnesses caused by poor hand hygiene True to being the #1 family germ protection soap and helping keep the nation safe for  more than 56 years, Safeguard never stops innovating and expanding its impressive portfolio of products. With its hand sanitizer that promises the same 99.9% germ protection, Safeguard expands its #SafeWash campaign to those in the frontlines.

Filipino rapper Flict G releases music video of inspiring hip-hop anthem “Aking Lahi”

Filipino rapper Flict G has finally dropped the official music video of his new single “Aking Lahi.”

Interspersed with a performance that features Flict G looking through the camera and spitting bars, the music video also depicts various footage of activists redressing their grievances on the streets to uphold human and labor rights, and hip-hop artists ‘lipping’ the lines in local language or dialect. 

Gloc-9, Mang Tomas shout out to all “ganadads” in Father’s Day song

ICONIC Filipino rapper Gloc-9 collaborated with Mang Tomas All Around Sarsa in a catchy and heartwarming song that pays tribute to the noble characteristics and sacrifices of Filipino dads.  

The song, titled “Anong Macho Ang Tatay Mo,” will be released on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, and other digital streaming platforms on June 18, while its official music video is scheduled to drop on YouTube and Facebook just in time for Father’s Day on Sunday.

The music video is a timely and fitting tribute to all hard-working and dedicated dads out there. It shows Gloc-9 taking off the Mang Tomas’ iconic salakot and barong ensemble to slip into a more familiar role as an average dad. Audiences will surely get a kick out of seeing the usually “siga” rapper struggling to balance his household tasks at home—from cooking and doing the laundry, to watering plants and making grocery runs.

Leading housing developer BRIA Homes to hold Virtual Nationwide PlanTahanan Day

Top housing developer BRIA Homes is set to hold a
nationwide event called the Virtual Nationwide PlanTahanan Day
 on June 30, 2021, at 10 a.m., on BRIA’s official Facebook page.

Leading property developer BRIA Homes, the brand that fosters sustainable living among its residents and homeowners, is mounting a nationwide virtual event called Virtual Nationwide PlanTahanan Day on June 30, 2021, at 10 a.m., on the BRIA Homes official Facebook Page

BRIA’s annual PlanTahanan Day initiative aims to promote a positive environmental impact through the following themes: sustainability, relevance of wide open spaces, and the benefits of trees.  

Sustainability, which basically means managing our natural resources to ensure a healthy environment for future generations, is a recurring subject in all discussions about environmental awareness. On PlanTahanan Day, BRIA will enable participants at the virtual event to explore everyday habits that reduce their ecological footprints such as reusing and recycling, supporting local economies, eliminating plastic wastes, planting tress, and using mass transit—instead of driving—to nearby destinations. 

Smart celebrates all kinds of #SimplyLove for Pride Month

In celebration of the annual Pride Month by the LGBTQ+ community across the world, leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has launched its #SimplyLove campaign to pay tribute to all kinds of love and promote a culture of diversity and inclusivity for a better world.

Smart’s #SimplyLove campaign kicked off with an online video defining a better world as one where "everyone is accepted, equal, loved, and proud." 

World Vision’s “Reasons” campaign highlights the importance of supporting our children amid COVID-19

2021 is turning into a humanitarian crisis for many children.

In an assessment prepared by World Vision about their recent operations in far-flung areas, our children are at their most vulnerable due to many challenges they have to endure, some of which are further amplified by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic such as lack of access to education and a healthy meal.

The functional literacy level of children has remained at ‘critical risk’ with negligible improvements in some learning indicators. In an assessment made by World Vision in 2019, results shows that below 50% of the overall surveyed children across are able to read with comprehension by end of basic education.

Gift Ideas for our Superhero Dads

There's no denying that times have changed – and the roles of the modern day dad have changed as well. Years ago, many of us would associate them to be the household breadwinners, mainly providing for the family’s necessities through their 9-5 jobs. But now, dads are doing so much more than that. 

Those who used to have desk jobs are now taking on more responsibilities at home all while still providing for their family’s needs. On the other hand, dads who are in the service industry have been working tirelessly not only for their families but also for the hundreds and thousands of people they are serving daily in these challenging times.

Rated Korina Now Available On More Platforms Starting June 19

After a month-long hiatus, the top-rating lifestyle magazine TV show Rated Korina kicks off its second season starting June 19 via multiple media platforms: A2Z (Saturday, 6-7pm), TV5 (Sunday, 10-11pm), Kapamilya Channel (Saturday, 11pm-12am), OnePH (Saturday, 7-8pm), and ABS-CBN's international channels TFC and iWantTFC.

With a more extensive global reach, Rated Korina is guaranteed to be a regular weekend viewing staple among Pinoy households all over the world.

The show makes its comeback with a bevy of fresh episodes guaranteed to tickle the interest of Pinoy pop culture fans.

For starters, pageants will definitely have a field day with its "Gandang Pinay" episode featuring an intimate tete-a-tete with today's recently-anointed queens, plus a sneak backstage peek behind two of the biggest and most-awaited local pageants.

World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia join forces to support MSMEs

Aside from plaguing the health of people all over the world, COVID-19 has affected global economies, with businesses closing down leaving millions of people jobless. In developing countries like the Philippines, small businesses are hit the hardest as they struggle to survive in the current climate. Consumers are looking for brands that care about social issues, but with most business enterprises in the country made up of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), these businesses might not have social issues at the top of their priority list as they try to cope with the pandemic. In line with this, World Vision in the Philippines, an international child-focused non-profit organization, has partnered with ComCo Southeast Asia, a trailblazing and globally award-winning integrated communications agency in the region, for Cause Marketing for Good – a campaign to support MSMEs during these difficult times and to teach them how they can champion social issues through their marketing efforts.

GOMO: Data that never expires fulfills the needs of digital Pinoys nationwide, #1 selling SIM on Shopee

GOMO, the first fully digital telco brand in the Philippines, continues to deliver innovative products and solutions by giving customers more freedom with their data. Since its launch in October 2020, it has allowed customers to stay connected with its game-changing offers and seamless digital experience from buying a SIM, to purchasing promos, and managing data amidst the pandemic.

It is the only SIM in the country that offers data that never expires, and unlike other mobile phone plans, GOMO does not issue bills nor require load. Customers may likewise convert their unused GBs (data) to actual calls and texts with ‘Mo Creds. So far, there have been 2.4 million 'Mo Creds conversions to calls and texts. To make the digital experience even better, each GOMO SIM is already 5G-ready for users to enjoy a leveled-up digital experience, with connectivity that won’t hold them back and allowing them to do more with their data.

Over 350 trusted stores await online shoppers at PayMaya Mall

Widest mobile shopping choices at your fingertips

PayMaya leads in powering the digital lifestyle of Filipinos as it expands its PayMaya Mall feature to over 350 trusted brands in food, groceries, beauty, fashion, and many more - the widest list of mobile shopping choices available via any e-wallet today.  

As the ultimate one-stop-shop for your everyday shopping needs, PayMaya Mall empowers consumers to easily purchase goods at their favorite stores, including Jollibee, McDonald’s, Chowking, Burger King, Bonchon, Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, AllDay, Landers, FreshMart, Boozy, National Bookstore, Shein, Rustan's, Gap, and many others.  

Let's Review and Unbox The Xiaomi Mi Band 6

I’m excited to try and check out this smart band which is filled with lots of great features. First let’s open and see what’s inside.

Inside the box we have the Mi Smart Band 6 and the strap, a user manual and the charging cable.

Let’s now turn it on and see it come to life. It has a 1.56 inch Full Screen AMOLED Touch Display. It has a resolution of 152 x 486 pixels and brightness of up to 450 nits.

You can customize the watch face with more than 60 band displays , though I would still prefer the original which perfectly fits the screen. It’s also made with tempered glass with anti-fingerprint coating.

Now for the functions. Of course along with the default watch face, you can swipe to see the functions of this smart band such as SpO2 tracking, Sleep tracking, Breathing exercises, Stress monitoring, Female health tracking , PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence)  which is its unique feature from other smart bands, Idle alerts and Camera remote shutter. 

Acer drops huge laptop discounts and a free Acer tablet with new Learn from Home program KathNiel leads Acer’s Learn from Home Program

  • Acer introduces Learn from Home Program that entitles consumers up to Php8,000 off laptops, monitors, and projectors
  • Get a free Acer Tablet when you purchase a participating Acer laptop
  • Predator offers up to Php40,000 off on gaming laptops and monitors with a free gaming chair and loot bag
  • Acer kicks off Learn from Home Program with country’s leading loveteam, KathNiel

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your study set-up with Acer’s Learn from Home Program. Get the biggest deals on Acer laptops, desktops, monitors, and projectors with discounts up to Php8,000 plus a free Acer tablet (on selected models) from June 16 to July 18, 2021. Predator gaming laptops, desktops, and AOPEN monitors will also be up for grabs with discounts up to Php40,000 and a free gaming chair (on selected models).

With the shift of the educational sector to digital, students and most importantly the parents had to adapt to the new norm. Classes are being held online, and with this new method of learning, having the best learning set-up is essential. Acer laptops are equipped with the latest mobile processors and specs needed to further boost any student’s productivity.

Teleperformance supports Davao frontliners with donation to the Southern Philippines Medical Center

Dr. Ricardo B. Audan (middle), Medical Center Chief II of Southern Philippines Medical Center, receives a check representing the Php 300,000 donation from Teleperformance. Joining him were Teleperformance Davao Site Director Ervin John Gok-ong and Human Resources Manager Josie Sacala

In line with its commitment to help cities across the country in their fight against Covid-19, Teleperformance Philippines, through its corporate social responsibility arm Citizen of the World, is making a donation to the Southern Philippines Medical Center.