PERKINS TWINS releases new album “Can’t Stop” under Universal Records

Inspired by their diverse musical influences, from the Beach Boys to Justin Timberlake, Filipino-American pop twin brothers Jesse and Christian Perkins better known as the Perkins Twins release new album under Universal Records. The album is titled "Can't Stop" and is now available in stores nationwide.

As to the album title, Jesse explains “We chose ‘Can't Stop’ because the term is a universal expression. ‘Can't Stop’ is a love story for our fans who we are forever grateful for and we can’t stop thanking them all. ‘Can't Stop’ also reflects the concept of never quitting and always putting your best forward through hard work in everything we do”.

The first single "Can't Stop" was one of the first songs the twins wrote on the record. When asked to describe the songwriting, Christian recalls, “We wanted to write something that young people can really relate to. We tried to capture the feeling of how it feels to be in love and the joy that almost supernaturally comes along with it. When you're in love, you can't stop thinking about that special someone, and that's what the song is about. There is a subliminal message there for the love of Jesus as well.”

In the music video, Christian and Jesse was joined by the beautiful Claudia Baretto in a story of young adults discovering one’s true love. “Making our first music video was an awesome experience. We were allowed to create the concept for the story line. We wanted a fresh looking female lead in the video and we were blessed to have Claudia Baretto join us. She was a pleasure to work with” Jesse said.

With sumptuous intertwining harmonies, the duo underscores five of their original compositions and one Tagalog song written by Kiko Salazar. “Kung Aamin,” the only Tagalog song in the album was described by the twin pop act as ‘very emotional’ and ‘soulful.’ Jesse also adds, “We love singing Tagalog songs! What’s bizarre is that we sing Tagalog quite naturally; probably more naturally than when we actually speak Tagalog.”

Despite getting their start just over a year, their pop tunes are fresh and connected. The brothers first broke through into mainstream in 2015 when they released their debut album with original Tagalog songs by Vehnee Saturno. Soon after, they were signed with Universal Records and released the twin’s new album produced by Ito Rapadas.

“We wanted to write songs that are positive and also songs that young people can relate to. They reflect experiences, either directly or those we have experienced vicariously through our friends and family,” Jesse further shared.

Born in the Philippines and raised in California, these young lads prove that there is no rule book that needs to be followed when it comes down to success. “We loved music growing up in California. Our family always sang in the house and in the car. We sang in the church choir when we were younger. But we never performed in public nor considered singing as a career and we were discovered as singers quite by accident,” Jesse recalled.

Be sure to follow PerkinsTwins on Facebook; @PerkinsTwins on Twitter and pick up Perkins Twins’ “Can’t Stop” album at any leading music stores nationwide.

In order to watch the music video of “Can’t Stop”, you may visit the official music video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fdz6W0BVCU) on YouTube. Additionally, the song is now available for download on iTunes, Amazon & Spinnr and song preview on Deezer.

For more information, follow Universal Records’ official social media accounts at Twitter.com/universalrecph, Facebook.com/universalrecordsphfanpage and Instagram.com/universalrecordsphilippines.

OPPO Defies Market Slowdown with 50 Million Sales in 2015

Global electronics company grows 67% year on year OPPO Philippines in their year-end celebration

OPPO sold 50 million units in 2015, representing a year-on-year growth of 67 percent. Propelled by this success, OPPO has broken into the top 10 smartphone brands worldwide, ranking 8th in global market share, according to a recent report by TrendForce. OPPO soared in 2015 on its "simple, focused" strategy, which prioritized product quality and user experience above all. Meanwhile, a host of innovative signature technologies, such as the VOOC Flash Charge quick-charging solution and a versatile, feature-packed camera platform, won the favor of consumers around the world. 2015 saw the release of a wide range of new OPPO products, including the R7 series, the Mirror 5, and the Neo 7. The products of the R7 series made OPPO a commanding force in the mid-range and upper mid-range market segments. Taking China, the largest smartphone market in the world, as an example, OPPO accounted for 27.9 percent of the country’s offline sales in the RMB2000-2999

WWF-Philippines appoints Iza Calzado as its Female National Ambassador

Environmental solutions-provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) announced the appointment of its latest National Ambassador – multi-awarded actress and TV personality Iza Calzado.

Calzado joins the growing family of celebrities who are helping spread WWF’s solutions on climate change, conservation, resource protection and environmental education.

WWF-Philippines President Joel Palma believes she is a natural choice. “Iza embodies the empowered Filipina who leads an active, healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Plus, she’s actively involved in raising environmental awareness.”

The actress is excited to become part of the organization and hopes to share WWF solutions – plus her own unique lessons – to raise public awareness on ecological issues. “It’s time for us to give extra attention to environmental solutions and how we can turn the tide if we work together, today,” said Calzado.

"Chicago Fire's" Taylor Kinney Braves the Haunted "Forest"‏

Popularly known for the hit TV series “Chicago Fire” now on its fourth season, American actor Taylor Kinney has consistently crossed over to the big screen: from the gripping “Zero Dark Thirty,” to the wacky comedy “The Other Woman.” As 2016 begins, Kinney’s stepping into a lead role opposite “Game of Thrones's” Natalie Dormer for Columbia Pictures' terrifying horror thriller “The Forest.”

In the film, a young American woman, Sara (Dormer), journeys to Japan's Aokigahara Forest in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared. In the company of expatriate Aiden (Kinney), Sara enters the forest having been well warned to “stay on the path.” Determined to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, Sara will have to face the angry and tormented souls of the dead that prey on anyone who dares come near them. These malevolent spirits lying in wait for Sara at every turn will plunge her into a frightening darkness from which she must fight to save herself.

DepEd to establish new schools for indigenous peoples in Mindanao

Pursuing its commitment to provide culture-based education and help ensure lasting peace in Mindanao, the Department of Education (DepEd) will establish 5 new schools for Higaonon communities in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.

The new schools will be established in Barangays Kalipay, Hindangon, Bantaawan, and Bal-ason, and will be ready to accept its first batch of learners this coming school year (SY) 2016-2017.

Meanwhile in other parts of Mindanao, DepEd will establish 246 more schools for the indigenous communities in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and XIII. The Agency will establish a total of 251 schools in time for SY 2016-2017.

Power of Three at Paradizoo‏

Experience one of the celebrated events in the field of agriculture as Paradizoo reveal the annual “Power of Three" (floral, vegetable and livestock festival). From January 9 to March 31 expand and relish your understanding towards agriculture as they will exhibit and display farm produce, orchids, bonsai, veggies and livestock.

Be enthralled to variety of breathtaking floral designs, orchids and flower arrangement , opening of Bonsai at Eclectic Garden and Seminar with Atish during Flower Festival starting Jan 16 up to Feb 6. And since it's the love month they will have a Pre-Valentine's Day Special Event on the 13th of February.

Everyone Deserves To be Beautiful: Cosmetologie 2016

As a service to our beauty industry, the much-awaited biggest gathering of suppliers, stylists, salon owners and beauty enthusiasts will converge for COSMETOLOGIE 2016 on February 16, 9am-7pm at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia. 

The event is organized by PICA (Philippine International Cosmetologists Association), the country's biggest organization of hair and make-up professionals with chapters all over the country and also the only organization that is accredited by TESDA to certify professional stylists. 

Show the world your creative skills in hair, make-up, nail art and overall styling.  Push yourself and compete in the most prestigious and credible  beauty competition in the country. Join us on the Love Month and network with your fellow stylists, learn from the best industry experts  and source among the best suppliers showcasing their products and services in the exhibition. 

Winners of the competition (Ladies Haircut&Color, Men's Haircut&Color, Bridal Makeup and Red Carpet Look) will be receiving cash prices and a trophy of the Fanny Serrano Excellance Award. Additional new categories are the Nail-Art competition and Avant Garde Hairstyle on mannequins only). 

For more inquiry: PICA website  and the event page on facebook.

Rebel Wilson, the Party Animal in "How to Be Single"‏

Fresh from reprising her breakout role as fan-favorite Fat Amy in the smash comedy “Pitch Perfect 2,” Rebel Wilson now stars opposite Dakota Johnson in New Line Cinema's “How to Be Single.”

Based on the book by Liz Tucillo (TV’s “Sex & the City,” “He’s Just Not That Into You”), the film follows a host of singles at various stages of—and with varying opinions on—the single state.

Wilson plays the aggressively spirited Robin, who makes it her mission to not only show her new co-worker Alice (Johnson) the ropes at the office, but after business hours as well. “Robin really loves being single and wants everyone else to love it as much as she does,” Johnson offers. “Alice, on her own for the first time, figures she might as well learn from the master.”

WTF! Wala Talagang Forever, the celebrated Jon Santos comedy show, lands a new home this 2016!

Jon wields his riotous brand of satirical laughter to inaugurate the brand-new Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Resorts World Manila, on the nights of Feb 17,18,19,20,24,25,26 and 27, and on Mar 4, 5, and 6, with his latest send-ups of the most notorious and hilarious politicians, celebrities, stars and wannabes that crowd the Philippine headlines this season.

WTF! Wala Talagang Forever, turbo-charged with new punches and targets, features the even wilder adventures of presidential aspirant Miriam Da Defensive Defender as she corrects Miss Universe Pia Horseback on her answers on the US Bases issue. Concert goddess Majonna reveals her shocking discoveries about the sensual possibilities of balut and ube ice cream during her Philippine tour. Future ex-president Pi-Nyoy spills the beans on his post-Malacanang plans, and it includes marriage to this mystery girl! Resurgent Grace Foe wrecks revenge on her DQ attackers in a way that puts FPJ’s action scenes to shame. Is Diyoning, the big bad mama of Pakyaw, still with her cougar ways? Is Ate Vi, running for senator, or running away from the ballot?

Redmayne Aims for Back-to-Back Oscars with "The Danish Girl"

He already won the Best Actor Oscar last year for “The Theory of Everything,” and this January, Eddie Redmayne has racked up Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations for his role as a transgender woman in the 1920s love story “The Danish Girl,” opening Feb. 3 exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas.

Pundits are wondering if he could be the first actor since Tom Hanks to win back-to-back Academy Awards. (Hanks won for 1993's “Philadelphia” and 1994's “Forrest Gump.”)

(Watch the featurette “Who is the Danish Girl?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99YdQQ_oAI4.)