April 2024

Scaling Up: 2024 World Music Festival @Taiwan opens its call for emerging artists

Embracing Diversity, Cultivating Talent, and Elevating Global Music Scene

Embarking on its 8th edition, the 2024 World Music Festival @Taiwan (WMFT) is thrilled to announce the opening of its Showcase applications, accepting submissions until May 25th. Scheduled to unfold from October 11th to 13th across three stages at Taipei’s premier musical venue, this year’s event promises to build upon the resounding success of previous years.

Notably, artists from last year’s festival are invited to perform at renowned showcase festivals worldwide this year, including Colours Of Ostrava (CZ), Tallinn Music Week (EE), Seoul Music Week (KR), and beyond, thereby etching a new chapter for diverse music on the global stage.

Under the banner theme “GROOVE TO YOUR ADDICTION,” this year’s festival aims to explore the intricate relationship between artists and audiences, delving deep into three distinct facets: Hooked On Music, Immersed In Music, and Touched By

Music. WMFT remains dedicated to curating diverse musical experiences while providing a professional platform for burgeoning global talents.

Excitingly, the selection process now boasts 16 showcases, comprising nine from Taiwan and seven from overseas. To ensure a fair competition, applications are divided into two categories: Jury Selection and New Talents, catering to emerging artists of varying degrees and ages who are seeking discovery and cultivation.

The 2024 WMFT proudly welcomes 15 esteemed international experts from across the music industry, and the first wave list has been announced! Among them are Darek Mazzone from KEXP; Filip Košťálek and Zlata Holušová from Colours of Ostrava; Martyna van Nieuwland from Music Meeting Festival; Noda Ryuji from Music Lane Festival Okinawa; Phuong Le from Wonderfruit Festival; Takuya Salam Unagam from NHK; and Umair Jaffar from Small World Music Festival.

Participating in face-to-face sessions with artists, such as Speed Meetings, Networking, and Industry Conferences, these industry stalwarts not only explore opportunities for emerging talent but also impart invaluable insights to participants.

Reflecting on her experience at the 2023 WMFT, Minna Huuskonen, founder of Minnamurra Music, shared, “I was especially interested in the indigenous music and was amazed how the small island captures many areas of flourishing musical life.”

The WMFT offers musicians a golden opportunity to captivate both Asian audiences and international industry experts with their exceptional skills. Through years of fostering diversity and excellence, it has solidified its position as an indispensable music festival in East Asia.

Applications are now open to independent and emerging artists worldwide, with final results slated for announcement on June 19th, 2024.

Don’t miss out on realme’s limited-time summer discount, available until April 30 only

Summer is all about visiting local and international tourist destinations and capturing moments to share online or to look back on. Make this season more memorable with a game-changing offer for the realme C67 that will only be available for a limited time.

Here are some reasons why the realme C67 can redefine the Squad’s next summer outing:

A pro-level camera wherever, whenever

Part of the summer experience is shooting content to share on social media. Make photos and videos look professional with the realme C67’s 108MP camera, enhanced by its 3x In-Sensor Zoom and EIS. These result in a boost in clarity, texture, and depth. Street and Night Modes are perfect for mobile photographers experimenting with their shots.

Stay on top of work and play with a high-performing processor

A smartphone is not just a partner at play, but it can also support day-to-day tasks at work. This is especially true for those taking their work with them on their vacation. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 with 8GB in storage paired with Dynamic RAM Expansion, is powerful enough to shoot content effortlessly, attend video meetings, send emails, and run high-graphic games. Work-life balance becomes so much more fun when it’s out of town.

A powerhouse that can fit in any pocket

The realme C67 is a powerhouse nestled in a 7.59 mm Ultra Slim Body built with a seamless curved body design that has no plastic bracket. This guarantees a comfortable in-hand feel at the beach or up the mountains that leads to a more enjoyable experience. Its Sunny Oasis Design comes with a 3D light effect that matches the spirit of the summer, making it the perfect fashion statement.

Beat the intense heat with these hot deals

The Squad can take advantage of the exciting, temporary price drop until April 30, 2024 only, in all physical realme stores and official distributors nationwide.

To learn more about realme’s latest updates, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook.

OPPO brings an exciting treat to Filipino Carats as they launch an exclusive promo with the latest faces of the OPPO Reno11 F 5G and OPPO Reno Experts, BSS (SEVENTEEN)!

The subunit of the renowned K-pop group SEVENTEEN has risen to fame with the popularity of their hit songs “Just Do It”, “Fighting (Feat. Lee Young Ji)”, and “7 PM (Feat. Peder Elias)”. The three members’ embodiment of youthful energy and a genuine love for self-expression perfectly represents the key features of OPPO’s latest smartphone, reflecting the dynamic qualities that set the OPPO Reno11 F 5G apart in the market.

OPPO Reno Expert Seungkwan

OPPO Reno Expert DK

OPPO Reno Expert Hoshi

Starting April 21, 2024, every customer who will avail the #PortraitExpert OPPO Reno11 F 5G from participating OPPO stores nationwide, OPPO’s official Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop channels and via installment through Home Credit for as low as P759/month at 0% interest will receive an exclusive postcard set which includes two postcards each of BSS (SEVENTEEN) members SEUNGKWAN, DK and HOSHI.

Participating OPPO Brand Stores:

OPPO Brand Stores NCR (starting April 21) – SM North EDSA, SM City Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Ayala Market! Market!, SM City Fairview, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City Grand Central Mall, Glorietta and SM Cubao

OPPO Brand Stores Provincial (starting April 28) – SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Calamba, SM City Lipa, SM City Batangas, SM City Sta Rosa, SM City Bacoor, SM City Cebu, Robinsons Place Dumaguete, SM City Baguio, Robinsons San Nicolas, SM City Legazpi, SM City Naga, SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, Robinsons Malolos, SM City Cabanatuan, Gaisano Mall Davao

SM City Davao, SM City Mindoro, SM City Lanang

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a limited BSS (SEVENTEEN) charm with OPPO Reno11 F 5G.

The OPPO Reno11 F 5G is now available in the Philippines for PHP 18,999. With vibrant, eye-catching style, a 64MP Ultra-Clear Triple Camera and a 120Hz AMOLED Borderless display, the Reno11F 5G is a winning combination of fresh looks and smart experiences. It comes in three colorways – Coral Purple, Ocean Blue, and Palm Green.

For more information about the OPPO Reno 11 Series 5G, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ and Facebook page.

*Terms and Conditions apply

*DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-190560 Series of 2024

MANILA, Philippines.– In a sector traditionally associated with men, the significant contributions of women in agriculture often go unrecognized. Official data from Philippine Statistics Authority from 2007 to 2016 shows that about 25% of workers in the agricultural sector are female, but this data may not fully reflect the actual participation on the ground according to a report by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

In its website, the PCW states that “women’s work in agriculture is normally considered to be extensions of their household tasks and therefore not reported as work.” As such, a large number of women may be unaccounted for in the agricultural sector.

In this piece, the Jollibee Group puts a spotlight on the stories of three women farmers who are proof that women can also thrive and succeed in agriculture work.

Celebrating women farmers

Maricel Sevilleja of San Jose, Nueva Ecija; Noralyn Lopez of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; and Bernadeth Carandang of Magallanes, Cavite are among the women farmers under the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) of the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group.

The FEP was started in 2008 to help smallholder farmers become entrepreneurs—they learn technical and business skills so they can improve not only their produce, but also their source of livelihood. JGF partners with various organizations to provide the training and interventions, such as helping famers form clusters, so they can collectively meet the volume and quality requirements of buyers like the Jollibee Group.

Sevilleja, now 41 years old and a mother of two, started farming in 2006 when her parents became too old to farm. “Farming is not only for men. We can do what men can,” she said. “Farming may be hard but when you think about it, no work in this world is easy. We only need to learn how to love and enjoy our work.”

“To my fellow women farmers, don’t be afraid to grow and learn more about modern farming. For those who would like to become farmers, welcome! Let’s show the world that women can be great farmers too.”

Like Sevilleja, Noralyn Lopez is also a farmer’s daughter. But farming wasn’t her first choice for work. “Six years akong nagtrabaho as office staff. Tumigil ako last year at nagsimulang tumulong sa tatay ko sa pag-supply ng onion sa Jollibee Group,” she shared.” (I worked as an office staff for six years. I stopped working last year to help my father in farming onions to supply to the Jollibee Group.)

Lopez also shared her encouraging experience: “Wala naman ng gender issue. May gender equality naman na po. Ang mga kasama naman namin sa farming, itinuturing naman na akong kapatid.” (There’s a sense of gender equality. My colleagues see me as their sibling.)

Thriving in agriculture work. Bernadeth Carandang (middle in sky blue) and other women farmers proudly show their harvested onions. Aside from being a farmer, Bernadeth is also a teacher and a leader of the Mag-Samakame farmers’ cooperative in Cavite.

Bernadette Carandang shares the same sentiment. “Kaming mag-asawa, parehong magsasaka. Hindi limitasyon ang pagiging babae para sa ganitong larangan,” she said. (My husband and I are both farmers. Being a woman should never be a hindrance for this type of work.)

Before becoming a farmer, Carandang used to work in an electronics company. Today, she’s also a teacher and a farmer leader of Mag-Samakame cooperative in Cavite. She emphasized the need for sustained programs that help farmers improve their livelihood, such as the FEP.

Helping farmers to become entrepreneurs

“Tinuruan ako ng FEP na gawing matatag na negosyo ang pagsasaka,” Carandang shared. “Bukod sa kaalaman sa makabagong pagsasaka dahil sa mga bigay nitong teknikal na kaalaman, ang paghubog sa aking kamalayan na ang pagsasaka ay isang profession ay hindi matatawaran.” (FEP taught me to turn farming into a stable business. Apart from the technical skills in modern farming that I have learned from them, I have also developed the mindset that farming is a profession. This to me is invaluable.)

The white onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables that the Jollibee Group uses in select products of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal come directly from smallholder farmers across the Philippines like Sevilleja, Lopez, and Carandang. In the last five years, FEP farmers have generated a total of P370 Million worth of sales.

“Jollibee Group po ang aming unang institutional buyer. Tumaas po talaga income namin. Ngayon, plano po namin na mas mapalawak pa ang koneksyon namin sa institutional buyers, in coordination with our local government unit,” Carandang said. (The Jollibee Group is our first institutional buyer. Our income definitely increased. We aim to expand our connection with institutional buyers in coordination with our local government unit.)

But one of the greater challenges that must be addressed these days is how the younger generation perceives farming. “Sabi ko nga sa mga estudyante ko, ‘Ano ang gusto niyo maging pag dating ng araw?’ Walang may gusto mag farming. Ngayon, tinuturuan ko sila na ang agriculture ay hindi pang mahirap. Ito ay business. Kung may farmer, may pag-asa,” Carandang said. (I asked my students, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ No one wants to become a farmer. Now I’m teaching them that farming is not a poor man’s job. It is a business. When we have more farmers, we have more hope for the future.)

Capacitating women in agriculture. These women farmers from San Jose, Nueva Ecija, receive agro-entrepreneurship training from JGF and representatives of local government units.

HORI7ON, the newest South Korean-based, Filipino boyband, sets sail on SM City Baliwag in line with their comeback tour across the Philippines.

Rocking the stage at the Mall Atrium, HORI7ON delighted fans with a powerful performance and a thrilling fan signing event.

In collaboration with MLD Entertain PH, SM Malls Online presents an exclusive partnership with HORI7ON, offering fans the chance to treat themselves to special HORI7ON merchandise like never before.

HORI7ON’s exclusive photos from their new digital single “Lucky” and Friend-SHIP album, all packed with other special merchandise, will be available for purchase exclusively through SM Malls Online.

Fans may also grab the exclusive HORI7ON suitcase box set, offered solely through SM Malls Online and on-ground selling.

Purchasing this special product not only grants you access to the Manila showcase event in SM malls but also enters you into a draw to join the exclusive VIP Fan Meet, where 30 lucky winners will get up close and personal with their idols.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ exciting events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Manila, Philippines – Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines (HAP), a national nonprofit organization for people with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders, proudly announces the success of its latest awareness campaign. Held at the Festival Mall, Alabang on April 13, 2024, World Hemophilia Day brought together about 250 patients, members, supporters, and advocates from across the country in a collective effort to raise awareness for those affected by hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that affects about 10,000 Filipinos. However, in the 2020 study conducted by the World Federation of Hemophilia, only around 1,600 cases have been diagnosed and registered.

Through educational discussions led by HAP’s medical advisors from the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital, attendees, mall goers, and Facebook live spectators learned more about hemophilia care in the present age. The gathering also highlighted testimonies of how HAP’s partnerships with other organizations created opportunities and positive impact to improve the quality of life of persons with bleeding disorders.

This event also strengthened our efforts to call forth the attention of the Philippine government to hasten the passage of the Bleeding Disorders Standard of Care Bills that have been pending in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The generosity and compassion displayed by the guest speakers, advocates, and performers including Peter Harbinson a renowned Australian Opera Singer, underscored the importance of coming together to increase awareness and provide opportunities for individuals living with bleeding disorders to lead better lives.

HAP successfully commemorated World Hemophilia Day thanks to the commitment of its volunteers, donors, as well as foreign and local partners including Festival Mall-Alabang, Save One Life, Project Share, Virtualahan, Jollibee, and the media sponsorship by Inquirer.net, Cebu Daily News Digital, Pop!, Preen.ph and Be An Inquirer.

The funds raised through donations and merchandise sold will directly support HAP’s initiatives to make information accessible and comprehensive care available at the grassroots level.

“We are overwhelmed by the incredible support we received during this event,” said Andrea Trinidad, HAP’s President. “Every donation, every step taken, and every conversation had a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by hemophilia. Together, we are making a difference and providing hope for a brighter future.”

HAP extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the event. Your generosity and commitment to our cause are invaluable, and together, we are creating a world where individuals with hemophilia can live healthier, happier lives.

For more information about Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines and how you can continue to support our mission, please visit hemophilia.ph or contact our Executive Director Ms. France Alviz at 09955505315.

Slow Fashion: Keeping IP Culture Alive

Nowadays, our streets and public places are overwhelmed with fast fashion – low-priced stylish clothing based on current trends bought from retail stores. But with the emergence of the nostalgia trend in today’s generation, people are now embracing back slow fashion as consumers value sustainability and quality.

With the rise of slow fashion, traditional loom weavers can take advantage of changing consumer behavior.

Traditional loom-weaving methods, practiced for centuries by indigenous peoples (IPs), is a sustainable approach to fashion as it opts to use locally sourced materials. Made with utmost care and precision, woven pieces reflect the hard work of its weaver.

With close to 17 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines², we are rich with cultural expressions. But the United Nations Office for Project Services also point out that they are among the most disadvantage peoples.³ Protecting indigenous culture and promoting the handloom weaving industry need public, private, and civil society interventions.

In Barangay Capisaan in the upland town of Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya, Alayan Pag-asa Abot-Palad Association of Women are trying to keep their Ifugao-Twali culture alive through weaving. They are among the pilot beneficiaries of the Loom Weaving Industry program of the Department of Trade Industry – Nueva Vizcaya (Region 2) in 2014.

Among the women weavers’ association’s products is the famous Ifugao shawl crafted in a chain rib weave with embroidered seams. These shawls are worn in various ways including as a skirt or as a scarf.

If you prefer a full attire, the Twali-Ifugao weavers also make skirts paying homage to ancestral woven patterns.

To increase their economic viability, Barangay Capisaan, Municipality of Kasibu, the Didipio Mine of OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc and DTI Region 2 have forged the Mun-Abol (Maximizing Network and Unveiling Natural Talents through Acceleration of Business Opportunities and Livelihood) Project to strengthen the industry through upskilling, training and capital equipment financed through the Didipio Mine’s IP Culture Revitalization Program. The project’s name, “Mun-Abol” is an Ifugao term meaning “to weave.”

Signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the Mun-Abol Project on August 25, 2023 represented by Kasibu Mayor Romeo C. Tayaban; Vice Mayor Alberto D. Bumolo Jr., represented by Sec. Manuel Binwag; DTI Provincial Director Marietta B. Salviejo; and Atty. Joan Adaci-Cattiling, General Manager of OGPI, represented by Ms. Desiree Baldevino, External Affairs and Communication Superintendent.

With an established front store named Mun-Abol Capisaan Weaving, the project supports 16 women weavers, most of whom are mothers, with an additional source of income.

Barangay Capisaan is among the 11 communities supported by the Didipio Mine’s social development and management program.

“The Mun-Abol Project is more than just a social enterprise; it’s a vibrant tapestry of culture, creativity, and community empowerment. Rooted in the rich traditions of Indigenous People, this project weaves together threads of heritage and innovation to support the orange economy and revitalize creative culture,” Vincent Flores, Didipio Mine Community Development Supervisor, said. Apart from its contribution in the Mun-Abol Project, OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. also established a scholarship program for college students from various indigenous communities in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, and sponsors community trainings of indigenous dances for the youth keeping the culture alive.

“This project increases our livelihood sources while transferring our knowledge of weaving to the next generation,” Capisaan Barangay Captain Patrick Batulon said.

So, if you ever come visit Nueva Vizcaya, be sure to visit Mun-Abol Capisaan Weaving’s shop in Kasibu or you can just send them a message on Facebook

MANILA, Philippines – This June, you have the chance to win an unforgettable experience at the heart of European football fever at UEFA EURO 2024. With 24 of Europe’s top nations, including reigning champions Italy and perennial contenders like England and Spain, every match promises edge-of-your-seat excitement.

Filipino football fans are in for a treat as GCash and Alipay+ have launched a raffle to give you a chance to watch the UEFA EURO 2024 games live in Germany and more, including:

1. Exploring Germany’s cities and architecture

Germany might be known as a football powerhouse, but it’s also a destination steeped in culture and rich history. As UEFA EURO 2024 unfolds across 10 iconic cities in Germany, you have the chance to soak in the historical stadiums and gorgeous architectural views, making your trip a delightful fusion of football frenzy and cultural exploration.

2. Immersing yourself in cultural programs set up exclusively for football fans

Football excitement permeates throughout the country with programs and sights that you can’t miss. At the sprawling Fan Festival along Straße des 17. Juni street in Berlin, the iconic Brandenburg Gate transforms into the world’s largest football goal for four weeks for the perfect photo opportunity.

Meanwhile, at the fan zone on Platz der Republik, you can catch all the UEFA EURO 2024 games live via large screen, complemented by the world’s largest fan bar and a rich cultural program featuring installations and art events.

3. Scoring exclusive UEFA EURO 2024 merch

Browse through an impressive selection of apparel and gear, including national team football shorts and tops to show your passion for the game when you watch the matches live.

You can also discover an extensive collection of accessories such as hats, stickers, bags and other souvenirs to add to your excitement and keep the memories of UEFA EURO 2024 alive long after the tournament is over!

Use GCash to earn raffle tickets and win

By simply using GCash to pay, whether locally or internationally, you can be one of 16 lucky winners who will receive 2 tickets to watch an elimination round match as well as roundtrip airline tickets from Manila to Germany and an exciting 4 days, 3 nights stay at a 4-star hotel in their destination city.

You can use GCash Scan To Pay at millions of merchants worldwide, including restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, and more – just look for the Alipay+ sign to check if GCash is accepted as a payment method. Then, pay with your GCash app by scanning the QR code or generating your own code for the merchant to scan.

Paying with GCash abroad scores you 10 raffle tickets per transaction, while local payments get you one raffle entry each. Each user can earn raffle entries from a maximum of 4 transactions on a daily basis, so keep using GCash to increase your chances of winning!

Don’t miss out on the chance to fly to Germany for free and witness the best of European football this year! For further information and updates on the UEFA EURO 2024 promo, visit GCash’s official website.