GRAMMY® nominated, genre-blending artist Halsey has released her highly anticipated new single, “Lucky.” The song, produced by Michael Uzowuru (Frank Ocean, SZA, Rosalia), features an interpolation of Britney Spears’ “Lucky” in the chorus, as well as the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 Hit, “Angel of Mine” in the track’s production.
Alongside Halsey’s first single in over 2 years, she shared the video for the new track. Directed by Gia Coppola (Palo Alto, Mainstream) with cinematography by Alexis Zabe (The Florida Project), the video stars Halsey and features a cameo from actor Simon Rex.
Last month, Halsey shared that she had been diagnosed nearly 2 years prior with Lupus and a rare T-cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder, and has been struggling with her health privately. After the announcement, Halsey issued a statement thanking her fans for their overwhelmingly positive support.
Halsey has amassed more than 50 billion global streams, with over 75 million RIAA-Certified adjusted singles and all 4 of her previous albums RIAA-Certified. She is one of the only artists ever to have four different songs hit 1-BILLION streams on Spotify. As well as have 2 RIAA-Certified-Diamond records.
WHEN Taiwan Excellence was established with the combined efforts of the Taiwanese government, mainly the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Taiwan’s prime nonprofit trade promoting organization, the objective was simple: to represent the island-country’s primary principle of incorporating ingenuity, creativity, and innovation in every product that comes out of the country and sold into the world.
It is because Taiwan firmly believes that it is only through innovation that a better and more prosperous life can be achieved, not just for Taiwan but for the whole world, where people can live a better life not just today but for the succeeding generations, a dream life rooted in excellence every day.
This is why the MOEA established the Taiwan Excellence Awards in 1983, to empower Taiwan-based companies to pursue and achieve a higher plane in product manufacturing, to create outstanding products that boast not just of high innovative value but will also proudly proclaim to the world “made in Taiwan” as something synonymous to excellence and innovation.
Taiwan Excellence Awards is often considered the “Oscars” of product excellence. Products undergo a rigorous selection process evaluating their innovative value across four aspects: R&D, Design, Quality, and Marketing. Winning products receive the Taiwan Excellence Award, a prestigious recognition. The government then promotes these products internationally, enhancing the global image of Taiwanese products and businesses.
“We believe the Taiwan-made products can make a huge contribution in making products that are not only innovative but of high value. Taiwan Excellence’s firm commitment is to use wisdom, creativity, and cutting-edge technology to make sure that the best of the best of Taiwan’s products become part of people’s lives every day, everywhere, leading to a better future,” explains Director Alex Lai of Taiwan Trade Center – Manila.
Since its establishment, Taiwan Excellence has been able to provide the world with top-class products for a higher quality way of life for many people, carefully choosing excellent products that will allow them to live an excellent life each day while creating an effective network within markets and countries around the world.
To date, Taiwan has been able to establish linkages with countries like India and the Philippines, for example, fostering win-win collaborations to develop effective business strategies when it comes to promoting Taiwan products available in these countries.
On the consumer side, some of these Taiwan products in various categories, from IT and digital devices to beauty and personal care to home appliances. Products like D-Link, MSI, Gigabyte, Acer, Aorus, Zyxel, ROG, Tatung, Asus, AOPEN and Derma Angel Philippines, are now available in the Philippines through PC Express.
Aside from promoting excellence in products, Taiwan Excellence made sure that it is the perfect partner in terms of excellence in initiatives that aim to promote culture and love for the environment.
Go Green with Taiwan is an example. This initiative shows the world that Taiwan “walks the talk” in caring for the environment and product sustainability. It welcomed the participation of the best and most innovative solutions from around the world that made use of Taiwan-made products that will enable mankind to help build a sustainable future that will benefit the whole world and future generations.
In the Philippines, Taiwan Excellence has held its cultural excellence promotion efforts called “Your Song of Excellence,” which is already in its fourth season. “It aims to bring out the best and the brightest among Filipino singers and songwriters to create songs that will ably display the ingenuity of Filipinos when it comes to music while showcasing and espousing world-class and excellent talent, which is among the principles of Taiwan Excellence,” according to Director Lai.
Taiwan as a nation has been the hallmark of excellence and product innovation, something that it steadfastly likes the world to know so that all people will experience a splendid way of living, now and in the years to come.
Whether it’s hiking a challenging trail, exploring a new city, or simply relaxing on the beach, traveling with friends is always an opportunity to create shared experiences that not only strengthen bonds but become cherished memories that you can reminisce about for years to come.
Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan are excited to launch their Beach Buddies promotion. These premier resorts managed by Discovery Hospitality, are celebrated for their top-notch hospitality and offer the perfect setting for a memorable beach escape with friends.
The Beach Buddies promo aims to enhance summer escapades, providing an unforgettable beachside vacation with a range of exclusive perks and activities. It includes roundtrip airport transfers, daily breakfast buffet, one-time lunch for four, complimentary drinks per night, and more.
Relax and Unwind at Discovery Shores Boracay
Enjoy the two-signature bedroom of Discovery Shores Boracay with your beach buddies
Get your vitamin sea fix with your besties at Discovery Shores Boracay! Nestled on the pristine shores at Station 1 of the world-famous island, this Discovery property offers an unforgettable tropical escape that combines relaxing accommodations, exceptional service, and a breathtaking setting to create a perfect vacation experience.
Book Discovery Shores Boracay’s Beach Buddies promo for Php 25,134 nett per night for 4 persons with a required minimum of 2 nights stay until October 14, 2024. Stay period is until October 17, 2024, subject to availability and black-out dates apply.
Get away from it all at Club Paradise Palawan
Enjoy the island vibes with your beach buddies at Club Paradise Palawan
Enjoy some much-needed beach therapy with your friends at Club Paradise Palawan.
Offering an unparalleled experience of luxury and nature, Club Paradise Palawan is a private island resort located on the pristine Dimakya Island that offers true paradise for travelers seeking an intimate and serene getaway.
Book Club Paradise Palawan’s Beach Buddies promo for Php 22,184 nett for 4 persons with a required minimum of 3 nights stay until October 14, 2024. Stay period is until October 17, 2024, subject to availability and black-out dates apply.
Visitors to the La Bulaqueña Exhibit at SM City Baliwag will have the unique opportunity to admire the remarkable masterpieces worn by Bulacan’s pride, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Ann Manalo, created by Bulakenyo fashion designer, jewelry and crown maker, Manny Halasan. The exhibit is open to the public until August 2.
An extraordinary tribute to Bulacan’s artistry through fashion marks the La Bulaqueña Exhibit at SM City Baliwag. On this unique occasion, mallgoers will witness the remarkable masterpieces worn by Bulacan’s pride, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Ann Manalo, created by Bulakenyo fashion designer, jewelry and crown maker, Manny Halasan.
In collaboration with SM Supermalls and Manny Halasan, the La Bulaqueña Exhibit highlights four iconic creations showcased at this year’s Miss Universe Philippines pageant. More than a visual feast, the exhibit stands as a testament to the undeniable creativity and skill of a true-blooded Bulakenyo designer, while also providing a glimpse of how these pieces came from vision to reality.
The La Bulaqueña Exhibit at SM City Baliwag highlights four remarkable Manny Halasan creations, including the Evening Gown, worn by Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Ann Manalo.
Depicting Chelsea Manalo’s journey to the crown, the Halasan creations showcased at the La Bulaqueña Exhibit were the National Costume “Mandaragit,” an illustrious depiction of the fusion between flowering trees and a quaint and exquisite bird that are both endemic in the Islands of the Philippines. The Preliminary Gown and Alternate Coronation Gown are inspired by the jewelries of Meycauayan, Bulacan. Finally, the Evening Gown, a masterpiece of intricate design, will captivate the audience with its layers of crystals and beads.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Ann Manalo’s National Costume “Mandaragit” is one of the creations showcased at the La Bulaqueña Exhibit in SM City Baliwag.
Visitors to the exhibit will have the unique opportunity to admire the creations up close, gaining insight into the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision that brought them to life. The La Bulaqueña Exhibit not only celebrates Chelsea Manalo’s success but also honors Bulacan’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence.
The La Bulaqueña Exhibit will run until August 2 at SM City Baliwag, and will conclude on August 9 to 23 at SM Center Pulilan..
Guest-centric hospitality that comes from the heart
July 2024, Manila — Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), a leading hospitality brand, introduces cutting-edge property management services that are set to transform the industry. DHC, known for its acclaimed and award-winning properties, demonstrates a comprehensive and dynamic approach that endures throughout time, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and exceptional guest experiences.
For more than two decades, DHC has always been a game changer in the industry. From pioneering serviced residences in the heart of Ortigas with Discovery Suites, to establishing luxury resorts in Boracay Island with Discovery Boracay, to towering along Ayala Avenue with Discovery Primea, and to elevating island travels and becoming sea guardians with Discovery Coron—these are just the few milestones of the group that paved the way for its name to be set on top of the tourism landscape. DHC has always done it right with products that speak and breathe quality, innovation, and brand love.
Trailblazing Property Management
The time right now has been fast and constantly changing more than ever. Managing these household brands, DHC pivots its business to collaborate with organizations the share the same values of bringing forth the best of Filipino hospitality. Its wide range of property management services are tailored to meet the dynamic needs of various property types, including resorts, hotels, and hostels. Everything from operational management and marketing to guest services and maintenance is provided, leveraging digital technology and advanced solutions to ensure the highest level of efficiency and guest satisfaction.
The strategic emphasis on digital transformation and increasing direct bookings is a major factor in its success as a property management company. By enticing visitors to make direct reservations via intuitive online channels, DHC not only increases process and operational efficiency for the hotels but also fosters closer, more personal links with guests. This approach has significantly increased direct bookings to 77% of revenue, well above the regional average, highlighting the brand’s ability to foster loyalty, enhance guest experiences, and cultivate brand love.
At the heart of DHC’s property management services is a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. This is the core of what makes DHC properties loved and considered home by their guests. With its standard of service and the famously known “Service That’s All Heart,” every interaction and experience is personalized. From extending thoughtful gestures to prioritizing guests’ well-being and happiness to ensuring they leave with lasting memories, all have been the pillars of what makes the group iconic.
DHC’s core also focuses on responsible tourism. Its policies include ensuring that green initiatives and eco-friendly practices are implemented. Further to this drive, the group engages with local communities and runs social responsibility programs to uplift and empower the locales they are part of.
Numerous distinguished honors that highlight DHC and its properties’ dedication to excellence are indicative of their unwavering commitment to its core ideals. Among the noteworthy honors are the World Travel Awards’ Leading Beach Resort designation for Discovery Boracay, Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards’ list of the best Island Resorts for Discovery Coron, and World Business Outlook’s designation of DHC as Leading Hospitality Brand.
Under this program, two new resorts have already stood on solid ground and established their properties firmly. The Signature Collection brand launched Manami Resort in Sipalay, Negros Occidental, highlighting the destination as a sought-after luxury resort off the beaten path. Discovery Samal, located in the south, is the first property to feature the redesigned Discovery Resorts brand. It offers a vast resort that spans Davao City and provides a wide range of island activities, fulfilling every traveler’s ideal vacation.
Looking ahead
Discovery Hospitality is known as a trailblazer in the industry, always standing first in line to enhance technological integration and continue to provide exceptional guest experiences. The group prides itself on having brands that cater to any type of wanderer—Discovery Resorts for stunning destinations, Primea for luxury city hotels, Kip&Kin for the young and vibrant, and Signature Collection for unique stories. And with its globally-recognized thought leadership and expanding property management services, explore new opportunities for growth, be part of this exciting journey in creating remarkable hospitality experiences, and drive the industry forward.
Interested organizations may contact DHC’s Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Operations, Lynette Ermac, at lynette.ermac@discoveryhospitality.com
Manila, Philippines — Surprise, Manila wolfies! Big Bad Wolf continues to take the city by storm. This time, the Wolf is heading up north of the metro! Opening this August 7 until August 15, the world’s biggest book sale is setting up shop at Ayala Malls, TriNoma Activity Center.
Big Bad Wolf returns to Manila after its triumphant runs at Parqal and Glorietta, extending its mission to reach one million new readers with the TriNoma book sale. Big Bad Wolf is bringing a collection of over two million books to the TriNoma Book Sale! With books from different genres, including self-help titles, Filipino literature, romance novels, and so much more, Manila wolfies are sure to find their next great reads at the book sale. Metrobank is also set to return as Big Bad Wolf’s official bank partner, offering credit cardholders a 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000.
Along with its third Manila book sale, Big Bad Wolf is continuing its partnership with Ayala Malls and extending its support for “BookLat: Open. Imagine. Discover.” This Ayala Malls initiative promotes reading for leisure and entertainment, providing an extensive collection of books at affordable prices.
Through “BookLat,” Ayala Malls targets to gather about 20,000 books for public school kindergarten to grade 3 students within Ayala Land Estates and Ayala Malls communities. Big Bad Wolf is set to donate 1,000 books towards the initiative.
Aside from returning partners, local publishers such as Feast Books, Adarna, Tahanan, Lampara, Bookmark, and independent book publishers will be joining the TriNoma book sale for the first time. Big Bad Wolf is committed to supporting local publishers, ensuring their unique voices and stories reach a wider audience. This collaboration promises to provide a richer and more diverse selection for book enthusiasts, highlighting the vibrant literary culture of the Philippines and offering a unique opportunity to discover new and exciting titles.
Get ready to be swept off your feet because Big Bad Wolf guarantees another unforgettable book sale for Manila bookworms! Cosplay enthusiasts rejoice as “501 Legion,” a storytelling activity infused with cosplay, makes a comeback at the TriNoma book sale! Young ones will get another chance to join the “Little Wolfies Crew” on weekends and experience life as part of the wolf pack. To learn more about the program and to stay updated on unbeatable deals, promos, and more exciting surprises heading your way, keep an eye on Big Bad Wolf’s social media pages.
Ready for more, Manila wolfies? Drop by the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at Ayala Malls, TriNoma, happening from August 7 to 15. Doors open during TriNoma mall hours: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 9pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm. This is a book sale extravaganza you won’t want to miss. See you there!
For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)
Tailoring insurance to meet women’s unique needs, concerns, and preferences is a crucial step in encouraging them to practice financial empowerment and security. This is according to Insular Life (InLife) Chief Marketing Officer and Bancassurance Head Gae L. Martinez.
“Women are incredibly diverse. They come from varied backgrounds, possess unique life experiences, and face a multitude of challenges. Therefore, our approach to selling insurance to women must be nuanced, empathetic, and tailored to individual circumstances,” she said in her speech before the Professional Insurance and Financial Advisors Association of the Philippines (PIFAAP) Congress.
The PIFAAP is comprised of leading insurance and financial service professionals dedicated to promoting high standards of ethics, client services, and productivity. It is focused on professional excellence through continuing education.
Understand what women need
Martinez emphasized women’s crucial role as catalysts for social progress and as substantial contributors to income generation and community investment. This is why insurance providers should devote themselves to genuinely hearing women, comprehending their distinct situations, and empathizing with their worries.
“Whether it’s supporting their families, planning for the future, or navigating life’s uncertainties, women possess specific needs that necessitate attention. The InLife Sheroes Landmark Study on Women in 2018, yielded valuable insights into the financial and health-related mindsets of Filipino women,” she shared.
The InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement is the flagship initiative of InLife for women empowerment through financial inclusion. It was launched in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2019. Initially targeting one million Filipino women in three years, it has surpassed expectations, reaching out to 4.56 million Filipino women by the end of 2021 and up to 6.5 million Filipino in 2023.
Martinez shared that InLife Sheroes has forged partnerships with various like-minded organizations that are committed to empowering women through on-ground events, webinars, and other initiatives. They include the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, Imaginable Impact, and What Glass Ceiling podcast among others.
Provide education, empathy, and trust
Empowerment through education is equally important. In order to make informed and wise financial decisions, women prefer comprehensive explanations and educational resources according to Martinez.
“As insurance professionals, it’s our responsibility to demystify complex insurance policies, explain coverage options in clear terms, and provide the necessary information for women to make informed choices,” she said.
Just as important as education is practicing empathy and building trust.
“To cultivate trust, it’s essential to go beyond mere transactions and foster genuine connections. Demonstrating empathy, by truly understanding and acknowledging women’s concerns, fosters a sense of being heard and valued. Transparency is equally vital, openly sharing information about products, processes, and potential outcomes instills confidence and removes uncertainty,” Martinez said.
Customize solutions
Martinez said that women’s insurance needs differ based on various factors such as life stage, civil status, family structure and career. Insurance companies must therefore offer personalized solutions that align with these.
Last year, InLife launched Resilience Female Cancers, a limited pay whole life critical illness plan that provides a guaranteed lump sum cash benefit upon the diagnosis of nine specific cancer types: breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer, uterine sarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, fallopian tube cancer and leiomyosarcomas.
Make insurance accessible and affordable
Martinez also encouraged insurance professionals to provide transparent pricing information and explain how insurance can be affordable, considering its long-term financial protection.
“Utilize digital tools and resources to make the insurance buying process more convenient and accessible for women,” she encouraged.
Martinez shared that InLife offers affordable insurance for women on Lazada for as low as P99 and through the UnionBank Insurance Marketplace. InLife products are also available through InLife financial advisors, and through the regional managers, financial advisors, insurance solutions managers of UnionBank.
“Selling insurance to women is more than just closing deals, it’s about empowering women to take control of their financial futures. By understanding their needs, educating them about their options, building trust, and providing personalized solutions, insurance professionals and financial advisors can play a pivotal role in ensuring that every woman has the protection and security she deserves,” Martinez said.
Now in its seventh year, the Ortigas Art Festival is expanding its horizons, putting the spotlight on more artists from all corners of the Philippines. With the theme “Art for All: A Celebration of Borderless Artistic Expression,” visitors can experience a grander Ortigas Art Festival from July 18 to August 18 at the East Wing of Estancia Mall, Pasig City, featuring thousands of Filipino artists to showcase their diverse regional artistry and a wide range of workshops for various disciplines.
Ortigas Art Festival is an award-winning event, earning recognition from the prestigious Anvil Awards (Silver Award) and Stevie International Business Awards (Go
ld Award) where its annual month-long free art exhibit features Filipino artists of various disciplines from all parts of the Philippines.
“Every year, we want to make the Ortigas Art Festival bigger to welcome more Filipino artists and organizations from all over the country. We successfully did that this year with artists from Angono, which is the art capital of the Philippines featuring the works of Totong Francisco, the grandson of Botong Francisco, and many others to showcase the diverse talents and artistic styles of these regions,” said Arch. Renee Bacani, Vice President & Head of Ortigas Malls
The 7th Ortigas Art Festival officially opens at Estancia Mall, celebrating art for all Filipinos. The opening ceremony was lead by (from L to R: Mr. Renato Habulan, Curator of Ortigas Art Festival; Mr. Totong Francisco, Grandson of National Artist Botong Francisco; Mr. Dennis Montera, Head of NCCA on Visual Arts; Atty. Michael David Abundo III, VP, Head Corporate Resources Division of Ortigas Land; Mr. Davee Zuniga, Chief Finace Officer of Ortigas Land; Ms. Helen Mirasol, Consultant of Ortigas Art Festival; Arch. Renee Bacani, VP, Head of Ortigas Malls; Coun. Angelu De Leon of Pasig City; Mr. Jose Javier Reyes, Chairman and CEO of FDCP; Ms. Avie Felix, Curator of Phil. Pavillion to 15th Gwangju Biennale; Ms. Alex Ortigas; Mr. Dio Ortigas; Ms. Jenna Belardo, VP, Head of Residential Business Unit of Ortigas Land; Ms. Monique Castañeda, AVP, Head Marketing of Ortigas Malls)
The opening ceremony was attended by Ortigas Malls Vice President Arch. Renee Bacani, Angono Vice Mayor Gerardo Calderon, Pasig Councilor Angelu De Leon, and other LGU members to represent their respective cities. Also gracing the event were Ortigas Art Festival lead curators and consultants Renato Habulan and Helen Mirasol, Dr. Dennis “Sio” Montera, the head of the National Commission for Culture and Arts’ (NCCA) National Committee on Visual Arts, and the artists representing the Philippines at the 15th Gwangju Biennale.
Ortigas Art Festival presents a diverse lineup of creative disciplines for people of all ages:
Visual Arts
Since launching in 2018, Ortigas Art Festival expanded its roster of featured visual artists. This year, Agos Studio led by Renato Habulan continues to highlight the vibrant paintings and sculptures of up-and-coming Filipino artists. It also features “Buklod”, consisting of artists from Iloilo, which further solidifies its purpose to bring people together and champion regional artistry. Plus, Habulan also launched “Lunduyan,” a two-year mentorship program for emerging artists.
Ortigas Art Festival lead curator and consultant Renato Habulan emphasizes the importance of democratizing art and making it accessible for all.
Linangan Artist Residency, known as an alternative art school headed by Emmanuel Garibay based in Alfonso, Cavite, creatively divides its Ortigas Art Festival exhibit into well-thought-out sections that encourage art education. The exhibit serves as a portal to creative discovery and learning through a series of solo exhibits, collaborative showcases, hands-on workshops, and enlightening lectures.
Several artists from Angono, the art capital of the Philippines, are showcasing their vibrant artworks at Ortigas Art Festival. This includes the versatile and dynamic works of Totong Francisco, the grandson of National Artist Botong Francisco, under Grupo Sining Angono. The Angono Artists Associationhelps young artists to develop their skills in art and teach the importance of preserving our culture and rich heritage. TheAngono Ateliers Association, an art group established 1975 in honor of Francisco, has remained committed for 45 years to develop the town of Angono into an “Artists’ Village.”
vMemeContemporary Art Gallery features the exhibit “Locations of Freedom,” a pre-departure exhibit for the Philippine Pavilion for 15th Gwangju Biennale in South Korea. It will include various art forms, like an audio-visual production, maquette and mini versions of sculptures, photographs, and other artworks related to the exhibit in Gwangju. It will feature the works of artists like filmmaker Sari Dalena, sculptor Toym Imao, and more.
From July 18 to August 18, Ortigas Art Festival visitors can experience the diverse creativity of Filipino artists from various regions of the Philippines and free workshops in East Wing, Estancia Mall, Pasig City.
The Pasig Art Club, founded in 1957, prides itself in the diversity of its members who come from a wide array of professions and disciplines. For the Ortigas Art Festival, it will showcase the works of Lita Wells, Ace Dimanlig, and other members of the club.
Photography
If you love looking at nostalgic photographs and shots that show a different perspective, the Ortigas Foundation Library and Redlab Gallery have displayed their prints in their respective exhibits. From alluring landscapes to the vibrant greenery of nature, viewers can see the captivating pictures eternally memorialized by talented photographer collectives.
Ortigas Foundation Library in cooperation with Nayon Photographers Club also showcases the unique art of paintography in its exhibit. This combines painting and photography to create elegantly vibrant images.
Film
Ortigas Art Festival has long been championing new talent and collaborating with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to showcase acclaimed Filipino films. There will be late-night movie screenings of award-winning films, Jopy Arnaldo’s Gitling, winner of Cinemalaya Best Screenplay in 2023; Raya Martin’s Independencia, which received the Critics Award and Special Jury Award at the Valdivia International Film Festival in 2009; and Zig Dulay’s Firefly, which won at the 2024 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards for Director of the Year and Child Star of the Year, and at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Child Performer; Kenneth Dagatan’s In My Mother’s Skin, premiered at Sundance Festival’s “Midnight” section in 2023, it was the sole non-English-language film featured nominated as one of the Best Motion Pictures in Catalonian International Film Festival and Best Production Design Nominee in Gawad Urian Awards 2024.
Jose Maria Socorro Reyes, chairman and CEo of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, showcases the award-winning films that are showing in Ortigas Art Festival for free: “Gitling,” “Independencias,” “Firefly,” and “In My Mother’s Skin.”
Attendees can also learn from FDCP experts, headed by their chairman and CEO Mr. Jose Maria Socorro J. Reyes at Ortigas Art Festival’s film talks.
Dance
One of the most amazing things about dance is that it’s a powerful way to express emotions and tell a story. The Halili-Cruz School of Ballet and Step by Step Performing Arts Studio will show Ortigas Art Festival attendees how dance has provided young girls and boys an outlet for their creative expression.
Ortigas Art Festival 2024 features many acclaimed galleries and organizations with thousands of local artists eager to showcase their works, as well as a wide range of workshops. There’s so much to offer visitors, especially young artists, who want to marvel at the beautiful works on display. Visitors can also purchase one-of-a-kind artworks for their homes.
Don’t miss these different expressions of art and storytelling at the seventh Ortigas Art Festival from July 18 to August 18 at Estancia Mall East Wing. Visitors can also express their love for art and their Ortigas Art Festival comments on the Expression Wall.
For more information and updates, like and follow Estancia Mall on Facebook. Sign up for the Ortigas Community Card via the Ortigas Malls app to get first dibs on amazing deals, discounts, and perks.
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Check out the complete list of exhibitors, films, and performers for Ortigas Art Festival 2024: “Art for All: A Celebration of Borderless Artistic Expression” below. For more details, check out the Ortigas Art Festival information sheet here.
Madison Beer continues her summer reign with the launch of her new music video and single, “15 MINUTES,” available now. Madison Beer teased “15 MINUTES” at her recent performance at Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Stage, as well as small snippet at the end of her latest video “Make You Mine.” Most notably, she has introduced snippets a handful of times on social media much to the delight of her fans, who feverishly viewed the previews in excess of three million times. Now, the thrilling new record is available to stream, and watch.
“15 MINUTES” features Madison Beer as she weaves a romantically thrilling tale that incites feelings of jubilee and intense curiosity – simultaneously. The cinematic video feature, directed by Madison Beer and Aerin Moreno, continues the storytelling theme found in Madison Beer’s recent video work, as the video finds Beer at the climax of a highly suspenseful escape room scene.
“15 minutes ago I was laying in bed / Then I had a crazy thought in my head / So I took the keys and got in the car / Don’t know how I got here but baby here we are,” she sings, meshing the lyrics with the unpredictable atmosphere of her new video. Viewers will need to buckle in.
“15 MINUTES” follows Madison Beer’s immensely successful last single, “Make You Mine,” which ascended to the #1 slot on the Billboard Dance Airplay charts in May, marking her first-career chart-topper as a solo artist. Its video, a feature inspired by the cult classic film Jennifer’s Body, earned Beer critical acclaim from outlets like Uproxx and Billboard, who raved of Beer’s dedication to creativity and intentional nostalgia.
It’s been quite a year already for Madison Beer, who received her first-career GRAMMY nomination at this year’s ceremony in February, a “Best Immersive Album” nod for her sophomore LP, Silence Between Songs. Subsequently, she released “Make You Mine,” a certified Dance hit, and just weeks later in April, she embarked on her 52-date Spinnin Tour, and released the “Make You Mine” video just before the first night of the tour’s North American leg.
During this run, Beer sold out the legendary Radio City Music Hall and Greek Theater venues, creating viral moments to last for her highly engaged audience, evoking headlines and in-depth coverage from Teen Vogue, Miami New Times, Vegas Sun and more. Most importantly, the live trek allowed her to reach her fans in ways Beer had been yearning to.
“I want to be honest with people. I feel like that’s why I have such a strong connection with my fans, because I am honest with them, and I want them to know that it’s not all just sunshine and rainbows.” she told Teen Vogue, which attended Beer’s performance at this year’s JBL Fest in Beer’s home state of New York.
Next up: a brief tour of Asia and Australia, beginning in Japan at the Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival on Aug. 17 and concluding in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 2, with stops in Indonesia, Singapore and Brisbane along the way. Tickets are available here. Full tour routing below:
Aug 17: Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival – Tokyo, Japan Aug 18: Osaka Summer Sonic Festival – Osaka, Japan Aug 22: Expo Hall 7 – Singapore Aug 24: Indonesia LALALA Festival – Jakarta, Indonesia Aug 28: Fortitude Music Hall – Brisbane, Australia Aug 30: Hordern Pavilion – Sydney, Australia Sept 2: Margaret Court Arena – Melbourne Australia
“What I’m going for is a relentless, huge pop punch to the face.I want people to be like ‘oh my god, I didn’t expect that’ – but then want to listen to it again.”
JADE, a.k.a. Jade Thirlwall of multi-platinum selling, BRIT Award winning pop phenomenon Little Mix, today releases her highly anticipated debut solo single, “Angel of My Dreams.”
JADE co-wrote ‘Angel of My Dreams’ in LA alongside Steph Jones (Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso), Pablo Bowman (Calvin Harris’ Miracle) and producer Mike Sabath (RAYE). The track is a frenetically shapeshifting, gloriously OTT banger that explores her love/hate relationship with a pop industry she’s been at the heart of since 2011.
“I didn’t want to do a safe first single, that was really important to me,” JADE states. “I’m setting the tone of who I am as an artist on my own. I want people to hear it and be like ‘what the fuck is that song?’. My worst nightmare is for someone to hear my song and go ‘that’s nice’.”
The lyrical themes are brought to life via an eye-popping video that takes the song’s playful storytelling and blows it up into big neon letters. Directed by Aube Perrie (Harry Styles, Megan Thee Stallion), and filmed over four days (“the budget was budgeting” laughs JADE), it’s a visual feast, inspired by the Fifth Element, Showgirls and Black Swan, that stars various versions of Jade all scrapping for the spotlight.
“There’s 11 looks in the video! The concept is sort of rags to riches It was emotional actually because for one bit I’m busking and walking past a Sainsbury’s Local. When I was 16, I would stand outside my local Sainsbury’s and sing Christmas songs.”
It’s been a long, carefully chosen path to get to ‘Angel of My Dreams’. When Little Mix announced their hiatus in 2022, JADE started to set her solo career in motion across multiple studio sessions with collaborators including MNEK, Cirkut, Lostboy, RAYE, Lauren Aquilina and Dave Hamelin alongside Mike, Steph and Pablo. ‘Angel of My Dreams’ immediately jumped out as the lead single. Built around a cheeky, knowing sample of Sandie Shaw’s 1967 hit ‘Puppet on a String’, lyrically JADE wanted to reflect on her time in an industry that has brought her both unimaginable highs and deep lows.
“It’s about how obsessed I am with the industry – so there are lyrics like “love when you call me a star” – but also there’s the dark side that comes with that. It’s not as glam as it seems.” The sample, which JADE had wanted to use in a song for years, was chosen very specifically. “In the beginning of our career you do think you are this puppet, but at the same time it isn’t true – we wrote a lot of our songs, and we were behind a lot of what we put out there. I resented that as a statement. So it felt natural to take that and show that it can be true and untrue at the same time.”
The track is Jade delivering Big Pop Girl Energy. It is, as she says, doing the most; it’s OTT, it’s ridiculous and it’s gloriously WTF.
“This dawn of pop girls giving people everything is so exciting. It couldn’t be better timing for my music. I’m so proud of it and I can say that with chest. The fans have waited long enough so now we just want to give it to them”.
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