Monthly Archives: October 2023

Bulakenyos may look forward to a sumptuous k-feast as Dookki now serves at SM City Baliwag.

Established in December 2014 in Seoul, Dookki, which has been featured in well-loved Kdramas, has grown not just as a popular food franchise but as a leading company, expanding globally across China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, the U.S.A., and the Philippines.

 

Dookki means two meals: Topokki for the first meal! Fried rice for the second meal! Upon entering the store, foodies will instantly be transported to a Korean feast in buffet style with a wide variety of foods grouped into a street food section, a sauce bar, side dishes, the popular rice station where foodies can make their own kimchi fried rice, noodles that can be mixed with other ingredients, rice cakes, and unlimited drinks, among others.

 

With 20 store branches nationwide, Dookki Philippines targets providing quality food and the best service experience to Filipinos. Furthermore, Dookki aims to create a place where Filipinos can have fun and a space where friendships can be built over food.

 

It’s definitely a treat, as friends and family may take advantage of Dookki’s discount promo this holiday season. Instead of P599, patrons can enjoy an unlimited Korean buffet for as low as P549 until December 31, 2023. Hurry and visit Dookki at the mall annex of SM City Baliwag. Also, check out their other branch located on the second level of SM City Marilao.

*NSYNC has finally released their first song together in two decades, “Better Place,” from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together—out on October 20,, 2023.

Multi-award-winning artist Justin Timberlake returns as the soundtrack’s executive music producer alongside GRAMMY award-winning producer/songwriter Mike Elizondo. Timberlake wrote and performed new original music for the film, which also includes music from the cast and some of today’s top artists including Kid Cudi, Camila Cabello, Troye Sivan, Anna Kendrick and more. Through a collection of 14 tracks, the soundtrack stays true to Trolls’ signature psychedelic joy-bomb of new and classic pop hits.

Trolls Band Together (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) follows the 2020 Trolls World Tour Original Motion Picture Soundtrack which featured the track “The Other Side” with Justin Timberlake and SZA. It also received an American Music Award nomination for Favorite Soundtrack. The first installment and highly successful #1 children’s soundtrack for DreamWorks Animation’s 2016 musical hit Trolls featured the 4X platinum selling song, “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!,” which became the best-selling song of 2016, debuted #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, won the GRAMMY Award for Best Song for Visual Media and secured multiple nominations including an Academy Award®, a Golden Globe and many more.

1. Trolls Band Together (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Track List:
2. Better Place (from Trolls Band Together) – *NSYNC
3. Perfect – Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi & Troye Sivan
4. Let’s Get Married – Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Zooey Deschanel, Anderson .Paak, Kenan Thompson, Kunal Nayyar, Icona Pop & Ron Funches
5. Watch Me Work – Andrew Rannells & Brianna Mazzola
6. Vacay Island – Daveed Diggs, India Carney & Ty Taylor
7. BroZone’s Back – Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs & Anna Kendrick
8. Lonely People – Troye Sivan
9. Hustle Dimension – Joseph Shirley
10. It Takes Two – Camila Cabello, Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs & Kid Cudi
11. Mount Rageous – Andrew Rannells & Brianna Mazzola
12. Better Place (Family Harmony) – Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi, Troye Sivan, Anna Kendrick & Camila Cabello
13. Better Place (Reunion) – *NSYNC, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Troye Sivan & Kid Cudi
14. Family – Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Camila Cabello, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi & Troye Sivan
15. 9 to 5 – Zosia Mamet

The Filipino band encourages listeners to reach for their dreams and goals in life despite dealing with personal tribulations


Ben&Ben asserts the power of surviving personal setbacks in life with another inspiring anthem.


The Filipino folk-pop outfit dedicates the stripped-down version of their new song “Courage (acoustic version)” to the dreamers who are struggling to pull up the strength to confront an unforgiving world.



“The past few months have been mentally tough for the band, with challenges surrounding us and driving us to low points and times of discouragement,” the chart-topping band shares in a press statement. “These valleys have been the inspiration for Courage. We realized that, as visceral as the feeling of being hopeless may be for us, we wanted to channel it into an uplifting piece of music because it is something a lot of people are going through now but have a hard time verbalizing.”




Out today via Sony Music Entertainment, the stripped-down number is penned by Miguel and Paolo Benjamin and produced by frequent collaborator Jean Paul Verona, who wanted to focus on a back-to-basics approach while commanding the listener’s attention in every conceivable way—from the powerful lyrics down to the warm melodies.




The multi-awarded ensemble explains, “We went back to our roots for this one, wherein we let the reverberations of the acoustic guitars envelope the harmonies we did for the vocals. We kept it simple for the first release of Courage because we wanted to get the message of the song to our listeners as soon as possible.”




Taking a confident stride back to their distinct brand of intuitive intimacy, Ben&Ben’s “Courage (acoustic version)” offers a compelling snapshot of their journey as individuals and artists, one that isn’t necessarily perfect and full of wins but always clings on to perseverance and courage in a bid to make the world a better place to live in.




Ben&Ben looks forward to recording and arranging the final version of the song in the coming weeks. According to the nine-piece collective, this is the first time in their career that they’ll be premiering the track in a form that usually only the band members hear, which is the stripped-down version.




“Then, we’ll build it up together as a band as the weeks and months go by, and you’ll be hearing more of it as it happens,” the acclaimed band adds.




Ben&Ben has recently made headlines for bagging seven nominations at the 2023 Awit Awards, including the following categories: Song of the Year, Best Performance by a Group Artist, Best Pop Recording, Best Alternative Recording, Best Traditional/Contemporary Folk Recording, and Music Video of the Year. The Paninindigan Kita act is currently on a world tour, with remaining stops in Sydney and Dubai this month.




Ben&Ben’s “Courage (acoustic version)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Filipino singer-songwriter Ica Frias reflects on her fears of being vulnerable and intimate with someone in the new single “Oh Honey,” released under Off The Record.

The young artist delivers a soulful number brimming with hopeless romanticism and jazzy instrumentation. On “Oh Honey,” Ica is careful not to let her heart fall into the wrong hands, which might just crush it eventually.

The rising star explains, “The song Oh Honey is about the fear of falling in love with the person you’re quite unsure of. Regardless of what you feel for him or her, it’s normal to be cautious about being romantically committed to someone. You deserve to receive all the love you give, but it needs to be with the right person at the right time.”

The track was written by Ica herself, with the help of her friend Daniel Paringit. The latter also co-produced “Oh Honey” with Cluster Ng and Ricky Ilacad of OTR.

When asked about the musical direction for “Oh Honey,” Ica wanted a sonically arresting material that incorporates youthful sentiments with free-spirited melodies. She adds, “the whole vibe is countered by the upbeat treatment of the song, almost as if you’re making fun of yourself for seeing that person with rose-colored glasses.”

Ica Frias recently made a significant mark with the release of her first song, “Ayoko Na.” Upon the release of her debut single, the pop/folk/acoustic singer-songwriter landed on the cover of “Fresh Finds Philippines” and bagged the No. 1 spot on the said playlist. It also peaked at No. 36 in Viral 50 – Philippines.

Ica Frias’ “Oh Honey” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Off The Record.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) and Pepper Lunch Philippines strengthen long-term ties with three-year deal. Present during the ceremonial contract signing ceremony were (from left to right) PCPPI National Key Accounts (NKA) Key Account Manager Sandra Mendoza, PCPPI NKA-Food Service Director Alex Catindig, PCPPI Region Commercial Head Maricel Guro, Pepper Lunch Philippines Operations Head Mylene M. Talato, Pepper Lunch Philippines Chief of Staff Anthony M. Prudencio, and Pepper Lunch Philippines Finance and Accounting Head Mark Peplin D. Estrada. Through the agreement, PCPPI beverages will be served in key Pepper Lunch Philippines branches until 2026.



Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) and Pepper Lunch Philippines recently renewed ties to exclusively serve some of the world’s well-loved soda brands across key branches nationwide.

The three-year partnership strengthens relations between the two organizations, which remain committed to delivering memorable dining experiences to guests in Pepper Lunch’s trademark “fast-steak” restaurants. Present during the ceremonial signing event were PCPPI Region Commercial Head Maricel Guro, National Key Accounts (NKA) – Food Service Director Alex Catindig, and NKA Key Account Manager Sandra Mendoza, joined by Pepper Lunch Philippines Operations Head Mylene M. Talato, Finance and Accounting Head Mark Peplin D. Estrada, and Chief of Staff Anthony M. Prudencio.

With this partnership renewal, customers of Pepper Lunch Philippines can look forward to pairing their favorite meals with beverages such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mug, and Mirinda in select restaurant locations.




For more information about PCPPI and its brands, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.

Taylor Swift supremacy continues at SM Supermalls this October as SM Bulacan malls ride on the waves with a series of events dedicated to Swifties across all ages.

SM City Marilao will transform the mall atrium into a concert ground with The Eras Party on October 15. Take a trip down memory lane with listening party inspired by ‘Eras Tour’. There are fun photo snaps to capture memories, while merchandise displays featuring Taylor Swift and Eras Tour collectibles will also be available during the event. Tag your fellow Swifties and register now via the SM Malls Online App at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ERASPARTYSMMARILAO.

It’s double-the-thrill as SM City Baliwag throws Swifties Night Out on October 22. Get ready to swoon into live performances inspired by Taylor’s greatest hits throughout the years, while fun games and prizes also await the best-dressed winners. Admission is free! For pre-registration announcements, stay tuned to SM City Baliwag’s official Facebook page.

The fun never stops as SM Cinema Marilao and SM Cinema Baliwag bring the iconic ‘The Eras Tour’ to the big screen starting on October 13. Buy your tickets now via the website at https://bit.ly/TSTheErasTourFilmAtSMCinema, the SM Cinema app, or SM Cinema ticket booths.

The country’s premier life insurance company, AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life), recently announced that beloved young actress Kathryn Bernardo and her mother, Min, are now part of the company’s roster of ambassadors.


Kathryn and Min Bernardo were officially introduced to the public through a reveal in the company’s social media assets, giving AIA followers a first peek into Kathryn and Min’s very special vlog.


The mother and daughter duo gave viewers a glimpse of their personal lives, which have not been previously shared publicly. They stopped by a local ube halaya vendor which made Min reminisce her pregnancy with Kathryn. “Not sure kung alam ninyo ito—kaya ganyan yung skin ni Kath ay dahil pinaglihi ko sya sa ube!” revealed Min. Min also shared their regular after school trips to the bookstore, where Kathryn asked her Mama to buy little trinkets, which she indulged as gift giving is one of her love languages.

Coincidentally, Min was once a Cabanatuan-based financial advisor of AIA Philippines—a decision she made after experiencing a life-changing event which prompted her to protect her family with life insurance, and finally say yes to becoming a financial advisor. “Out of that bad experience came something good. Kumuha ako agad ng life insurance. Then it became a career. Nagtatop ako sa branch namin at the same time, nakakatulong ako sa ibang tao. Natulungan ko sila to understand kung ano ang life insurance at kung gaano ka important ito,” Min shared. The experience made Min an ideal person to encourage people to get the protection they need so they can enjoy a secure future no matter what happens.


Min’s short-lived career with AIA Philippines allowed her to better contribute to the family, and help her clients become worry-free with the protection products she was able to offer them. In her one year as an advisor, she became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a select group of financial advisors who are considered at the top of their field. Unfortunately, she could no longer continue after a few years, with Kathryn’s career starting to flourish in Manila.


Kathryn and Min Bernardo are great examples of how AIA Philippines has been instrumental in helping families save lives and protect dreams, despite untoward life events. This is why Kathryn and Min are the perfect duo to represent how AIA Philippines can help Filipinos.


“We at AIA Philippines are excited to welcome Kathryn and Min Bernardo to the AIA family. Through them, we will be able to reach more people and communicate the importance of our mission of racing against risk to protect every Filipino family and empower them to live healthier, longer, better lives,” said Kelvin Ang, AIA Philippines CEO. “As someone who has first-hand account of what happens to a family who was not protected, I can’t stress enough the value of life insurance as an expression of love to those who matter most to us—our families. And Min has experienced it too. This understanding of our mission makes Kathryn and Min the best people to help us spread the word on how love can be better said with AIA.”


Kathryn and Min Bernardo join other influential figures in the Philippines—Gary Valenciano, Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, and Wil Dasovich—as AIA Philippines ambassadors, individuals who help bring to life its brand Purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives.


Click here to view the latest video of AIA Philippines featuring Kathryn and Min Bernardo.

The year-end event redefines the concert-going experience with “select” orchestral arrangements and special guests

Filipino music icon AEGIS is set to stage a concert that aims to capture the spirit of the holiday season.

Dubbed AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert, the year-end celebration marks the first time that the OPM stars will be serenading their fans with Christmas-themed songs as well as their career-spanning Greatest Hits set.

The concert will take place on December 20, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. onwards, at the Theatre At Solaire in Paranaque City, Metro Manila.

Backed by an orchestra and rendered with intricate arrangements that elevate the experience of listening to AEGIS live, the concert finds the Pinoy vocal powerhouse at the top of their game, celebrating with fellow Filipino people in expressing gratitude for year-long blessings and love, and for the opportunity to spend more time with family during the holiday breaks.

“It’s hard to imagine the Christmas season without music that signifies humanity and love,” AEGIS shares in a press statement. “We feel that this concert is a great way to uplift our spirits during trying times. We want this event to be as festive and colorful as possible, but at the same time, we want to perform with the goal of spreading happiness and positivity among those who are yearning for something to make them feel at home.”

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, October 13 at exactly 1:00 pm via Ticketworld outlets nationwide and their official website.

AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert is presented by True Creators Studio, Upplause Events, and Solaire Resort Entertainment City, in partnership with event management partner, GNN Entertainment Productions.

The country’s premier life insurance company, AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life), recently announced that beloved young actress Kathryn Bernardo and her mother, Min, are now part of the company’s roster of ambassadors.

Kathryn and Min Bernardo were officially introduced to the public through a reveal in the company’s social media assets, giving AIA followers a first peek into Kathryn and Min’s very special vlog. 

The mother and daughter duo gave viewers a glimpse of their personal lives, which have not been previously shared publicly. They stopped by a local ube halaya vendor which made Min reminisce her pregnancy with Kathryn. “Not sure kung alam ninyo ito—kaya ganyan yung skin ni Kath ay dahil pinaglihi ko sya sa ube!” revealed Min. Min also shared their regular after school trips to the bookstore, where Kathryn asked her Mama to buy little trinkets, which she indulged as gift giving is one of her love languages. 

Coincidentally, Min was once a Cabanatuan-based financial advisor of AIA Philippines—a decision she made after experiencing a life-changing event which prompted her to protect her family with life insurance, and finally say yes to becoming a financial advisor. “Out of that bad experience came something good. Kumuha ako agad ng life insurance. Then it became a career. Nagtatop ako sa branch namin at the same time, nakakatulong ako sa ibang tao. Natulungan ko sila to understand kung ano ang life insurance at kung gaano ka important ito,” Min shared. The experience made Min an ideal person to encourage people to get the protection they need so they can enjoy a secure future no matter what happens. 

Min’s short-lived career with AIA Philippines allowed her to better contribute to the family, and help her clients become worry-free with the protection products she was able to offer them. In her one year as an advisor, she became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a select group of financial advisors who are considered at the top of their field. Unfortunately, she could no longer continue after a few years, with Kathryn’s career starting to flourish in Manila.

Kathryn and Min Bernardo are great examples of how AIA Philippines has been instrumental in helping families save lives and protect dreams, despite untoward life events. This is why Kathryn and Min are the perfect duo to represent how AIA Philippines can help Filipinos. 

“We at AIA Philippines are excited to welcome Kathryn and Min Bernardo to the AIA family. Through them, we will be able to reach more people and communicate the importance of our mission of racing against risk to protect every Filipino family and empower them to live healthier, longer, better lives,” said Kelvin Ang, AIA Philippines CEO. “As someone who has first-hand account of what happens to a family who was not protected, I can’t stress enough the value of life insurance as an expression of love to those who matter most to us—our families. And Min has experienced it too. This understanding of our mission makes Kathryn and Min the best people to help us spread the word on how love can be better said with AIA.”

Kathryn and Min Bernardo join other influential figures in the Philippines—Gary Valenciano, Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, and Wil Dasovich—as AIA Philippines ambassadors, individuals who help bring to life its brand Purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives.

Click here to view the latest video of AIA Philippines featuring Kathryn and Min Bernardo. 

GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as “Kontra-Bigay”, ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).

COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by COMELEC.

One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.

“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.

GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive elections that reflect the people’s will.

“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all candidates and voters,” added Sazon.

As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy, is for all.