October 2024

The indie-folk singer-songwriter will be launching her album with a special live set on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City

Filipino singer-songwriter Shanne Dandan has announced the release of her highly anticipated debut album, Kung Iyong Mamarapatin—officially due out on October 25, 2024 via Viva Records.

 The 10-track album serves as both an elegy for the unrealized self and a hopeful anthem for what is yet to come. Shanne penned and recorded the upcoming release after experiencing profound sadness and struggling to give herself the grace and acceptance she deserves.

 “Growing up, I’ve always sung what my mother and grandmother listened to,” says the indie-folk act. The way a singer uses their voice to tell a story has always resonated with me. Kung Iyong Mamarapatin is about saying goodbye to my broken dreams in hopes of creating new, brighter ones.”

 To celebrate the release of her debut album, the “Iyakin” recording artist will perform the new songs for the first time, with some live sonic surprises and a bigger backing band. The album launch will take place at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City on October 25, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. Joining Shanne Dandan are some of her music peers in the local music scene, including syd hartha, Coeli, jikamarie, and ALYSON.

 “I think there will be a lot of crying to expect from my album launch,” Shanne adds. Be it happy tears or not, I want to make people feel however they want to feel through my music and just let all their emotions flow. For that night, I will be performing with a bigger band than usual. I’ll be playing all the songs from the album with the people I recorded the album with.”

 Shanne Dandan: Kung Iyong Mamarapatin Album Launch is presented by NYOU. Early bird tickets are available at PHP500 via bit.ly/shannedandanalbumlaunch.

Ambassador Jamal Murray stars in the global campaign supporting the launch of a new colorway.

Photo Courtesy of New Balance

Manila, Philippines (October 1, 2024) — New Balance is celebrating the launch of the latest WRPD Runner colorway launching exclusively at Foot Locker with a global campaign featuring brand ambassador and 2023 NBA World Champion Jamal Murray.

Through this ongoing relationship, New Balance and Foot Locker continue to amplify their collective influence and shape trends in youth and sneaker cultures worldwide. The upcoming campaign highlights the beauty of simplicity and the WRPD Runner’s sleek design. In a world cluttered with complexities, the sneaker offers a clean design as a statement, not a compromise.

The WRPD Runner is a new perspective on the familiar. The shoe’s recognizable foundations provide a stable launching pad for innovative new designs and features. Rooted in FuelCell performance and design, the WRPD runner pays homage to New Balance’s running heritage while pushing the boundaries with a futuristic take on the classic running-inspired design.

As an athlete who is paving his own path on and off the court, Jamal Murray was a seamless choice for the WRPD runner. He is a Canadian professional basketball player for the 2023 NBA World Champion Denver Nuggets. Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, he has established himself as a prominent point guard and sharp 3-point shooter. Murray played one season of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before being selected by the Nuggets as the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Murray also represented Canada’s men’s basketball team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The new WRPD Runner colorway in Linen/Sea Salt/Dolce will launch exclusively at select Foot Locker branches beginning Tuesday, October 1.

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world.  New Balance employs 9,000 associates around the globe, and in 2023 reported worldwide sales of $6.5 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K.  New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales.  To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.

About Foot Locker, Inc.

Foot Locker, Inc. is a leading footwear and apparel retailer that unlocks the “inner sneakerhead” in all of us. With approximately 2,500 retail stores in 26 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and a licensed store presence in the Middle East and Asia, Foot Locker has a strong history of sneaker authority that sparks discovery and ignites the power of sneaker culture through its portfolio of brands, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS, and atmos. 

Filipinos who work long, tiring shifts and balance school with other responsibilities need to know their smartphone won’t fail them in their day-to-day activities. They should consider getting the OPPO A3 — a smartphone that exemplifies the A Series’ renowned outstanding durability and reliability and OPPO’s signature quality and seamless user experience. Here’s a list of the most practical reasons on why consumers should get the OPPO A3:

1. It can withstand sudden falls and multiple impacts with its Military Grade Shock Resistance

If your work requires you to be out and about or if you’re shooting content for social media, it puts your device at risk from falling out of your pockets or slipping from your hands. The OPPO A3 guarantees to remain intact and still operational when such incidents happen.

With its Military-Grade Shock Resistance, there’s no need to panic when your phone falls, even on hard surfaces. The reinforced build can handle falls from a height of up to 1.6 meters and from 1.2 meters for up to 20 times. The OPPO A3 also received a 5-star rating for overall drop resistance from a performance test conducted by SGS, making it officially the most rugged phone in its price range.

2. It can endure unpredictable and messy situations with its Multiple Liquid Resistance and Splash Touch technology

If you are at risk of getting wet from the rain when riding public transportation or getting your hands wet at work most of the time like a chef or a kitchen crew in fast food outlets or restaurants, the OPPO A3 is built perfectly for these environments, making it certain that your device is well protected and still usable even when it gets wet and soiled from time to time.

The OPPO A3’s Multiple Liquid Resistance allows you to stay productive even if the device encounters accidental spills of water, soda, or even hot coffee, tea or soup. All you have to do is rinse the phone off with water and you can go on as if nothing happened. Additionally, the Splash Touch technology ensures that your prompts on the screen will still be accurate and continues to be functional even with smudges of water or oil.

3. BeaconLink is now available in this device, allowing you to stay connected at all times.

There are areas that have low, or even, no signals which makes it difficult to stay in touch with loved ones whenever you go on a trip together. The OPPO A3’s latest software update grants access to OPPO’s industry-leading BeaconLink, a feature that was launched in the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G. This allows users to stay connected through beacon signals. Even if you find yourself in a totally disconnected environment, you can still make calls with supported devices via Bluetooth from distances of up to 80 meters in open and unobstructed areas and about 10 meters in crowded places.

4. The Ultra-bright screen, 5,100mAh Large Battery, and 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge provide long hours of play and productivity.

With all the fuss from work or school, it’s nice to make time for rest and relaxation. If you’re someone who’s into binge-watching movies or TV series, the OPPO A3 is the perfect device for you. Its Ultra-bright screen, with a max 1,000 nits peak brightness, provides the perfect setting for quality entertainment. For uninterrupted use, the 5,100mAh Large Battery can provide 13.2 hours of video playback while the 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge can charge your phone back up to full capacity in just ​​85 minutes.

5. Its sleek design and vibrant colorways are attainable for its budget-friendly price.

Don’t be fooled by the OPPO A3’s durability and reliability because it is equally stylish and premium-looking. Its sleek colorways are perfect additions to your OOTDs or your pop of color when dressing casually.

Available in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black, with Starlight White to be released soon, these colorways make for an eye-catching device. OPPO A3 provides a stylish smartphone that’s budget-friendly.

Built to face the rigors of day-to-day tasks, the OPPO A3 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM variant is priced at only Php 8,999 and is available at all official OPPO stores nationwide. It is also available on OPPO’s ecommerce platforms on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop.

Flexible payment terms are also available via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,079 or via credit cards in select dealers at 0% interest for six (6) months. You can also download the SM Malls Online app to see SM’s latest deals on the OPPO A3.

For more information, visit www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.

Jollibee Group employees from various functions planted 1,500 mangrove propagules during a reforestation activity in Brgy. Guinsay, Danao City, Cebu, on August 10, 2024. The activity was held in celebration of the International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

MANILA, Philippines.– With nearly 7,000 mangrove propagules planted to date, the Jollibee Group, through its social development arm, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), sustains its commitment to help mitigate the effects of climate change through ongoing mangrove reforestation projects led by dedicated employees from across the country.

Mangroves play a crucial role in safeguarding coastal regions, reducing erosion, and absorbing the impact of storm surges during hurricanes. Their dense root systems not only stabilize and build soils but also serve as nurseries for a diverse array of species, including fish, prawns, and crabs. Furthermore, mangrove reforestation enhances local ecosystems and marine life, thereby helping maintain food security and providing livelihoods to fisherfolks in surrounding communities.

Rehabilitating mangrove ecosystems supports sustainable aquaculture practices by creating breeding grounds for fish and crustaceans. This can lead to improved yields in coastal fisheries, providing food and income.

The ongoing project forms part of the Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda dubbed “Joy for Tomorrow.” Under its Planet pillar, the company has set goals and initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 2 Zero Hunger.

The Jollibee Group has supported the planting of close to 4,000 mangrove propagules in 2023, with the support of partners, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local government units (LGUs). It remains committed to sustaining the project this year, planting 3,000 mangrove propagules thus far.

Employee engagement

Jollibee Group employees from different functions and business units together with JGF held a series of planting activities along the coastlines of Alaminos, Pangasinan, Carmen, Cebu, and Lemery, Batangas this year.

In celebration of the International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, 30 employee-volunteers from Jollibee Group’s commissary Zenith Foods have also planted 1,500 mangrove propagules during the reforestation activity held in Brgy. Guinsay, Danao City, Cebu last August 2024.

JGF’s mangrove reforestation project aims to help restore the country’s mangrove ecosystem and build a resilient future for Filipinos living in coastal communities.

“Our employees have always played a big role in our environmental efforts, and it’s amazing to see them leading the charge in our mangrove reforestation project. Their leadership and participation reflect our vision of reaching out to communities and giving back to the environment,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson. “We’re also grateful for the guidance from the DENR and the support of our LGU partners, which are key to ensuring the mangroves thrive. Moving forward, we’ll keep tapping into the power of employee volunteerism and working closely with our partners to inspire more people to be responsible stewards of the planet.”

JGF is dedicated to expanding the reach of this project nationwide. With plans already in place, the Foundation will lead more Mangrove Tree Planting activities in Cavite and Bulacan, in the last quarter of the year, further strengthening its impact on environmental protection and community resilience.

As part of the continuing celebration of its 50^th Anniversary, Ayala Museum will hold its first-ever whole-day arts and music festival, AMplify, this coming October 19, 2024. Headlined by Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan, AMplify will be held in partnership with the premier entertainment and talent management agency Cornerstone Entertainment.

Aside from KZ, the music festival will also be bannered by other Cornerstone artists such as Zephanie, Markki Stroemm, and Agsunta. Ayala Museum’s frequent concert collaborator Manila Symphony Orchestra joins the roster of featured artists, as well as Viva Voce Voice Lab, classical guitarist Aaron Rafael Aguila III, ABECADARIO guitar quartet, harpist Vien Ignacio. DJ Arthur Tan from After the Noon Records will also be joining in the celebration.

“On our 50^th anniversary, we are presenting AMplify, the next big step in our music program. AMplify will celebrate the Filipino voice by marrying our fascinating collections and exhibitions with music and performance from some of the most popular and talented Filipino music acts. And in this endeavor, we have found the perfect partner in Cornerstone Entertainment,” said Mariles Gustilo, senior director for Arts and Culture of Ayala Foundation (AFI) at the launch of AFI and Cornerstone’s partnership launch event.

Ayala Museum is managed by AFI under its Arts and Culture Division.

Aside from musical performances, guests can also access all of the museum exhibitions throughout the day, attend various art activities such as live sketching with Urban Sketchers, and a shadow play performance by Mahiwaga St. Players, and listen to a lecture on Filipino music by the Filipinas Heritage Library. A whole day event, its activities will be held in all the venues inside Ayala Museum, with the banner performances to be held in the evening in the expanded lobby with a view of the Greenbelt Garden.

Tickets are at: P2,250 for the Festival Pass, which includes access to all the musical performances and art activities during the day and the headline performances during the evening; P1,900 for the Night Pass, which includes access to the headline performances during the evening; and P850 for the Day Pass, which includes access to all the musical performances and art activities during the day. There’s also a Barkada Bundle of three (3) Festival Passes for P6,000.

Visit ayalamuseum.org/amplify to buy tickets and for more information.

[Manila, Philippines] — EastWest, one of the country’s most consumer-focused and fastest-growing universal banks, proudly introduced elite gymnast and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo as its newest brand ambassador during an exclusive launch event held in Makati. The event celebrated Carlos Yulo’s historic athletic achievements and his inspiring financial journey as an EastWest client, making him the perfect embodiment of the Bank’s mission of nurturing dreams by championing sensible financial management for over thirty years.

With his exceptional rise in the field, Yulo has made a significant mark on the global stage, representing the Philippines worldwide. His dedication to his art and commitment to excellence align perfectly with EastWest’s values of pushing boundaries and striving for greatness. Just as Carlos Yulo excels as a world-class athlete, EastWest offers world-class services, always going further to empower Filipinos with the financial tools and guidance they need to achieve their dreams.

Yulo shared, “Itong partnership really started before ko po nakuha ang gold medals ko sa Olympics.  Talagang tinulungan ako ng EastWest from the start na maayos yung financial goals ko. Madami akong natutunan sa kanila, nag simula lang ako ng simpleng deposit ngayon meron na akong mga investments na nakatulong talaga sa plans ko. Pareho kami ng mindset ng EastWest, always pushing ourselves to improve. Kaya this partnership comes in so natural sa kin, pareho kaming may relentless drive na magtuloy tuloy hanggang makamit namin ang dreams namin.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

The event highlighted the distinct connection between Yulo and EastWest. From simply being a customer, he is now the face of the brand. His discipline, perseverance, and focus on the mastery of his craft, evidenced by his rigorous training, is mirrored by the Bank — persistently supporting clients’ financial journeys to ensure that they can confidently pursue their own goals.

EastWest SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, Rafael S. Algarra Jr., expressed the significance of the partnership, stating, “Carlos Yulo represents the dedication and passion that EastWest stands for. His journey from having raw potential to being a world champion reflects the same path we aim to provide for our clients—guiding them toward financial success, whether through our Priority services, consumer loans, or investment management. We believe this partnership exemplifies our service commitment—always pushing further for our clients so they can achieve their goals.”

Carlos Yulo’s Inspiring Financial Journey

Yulo’s partnership with the Bank also highlights his personal journey of financial growth and empowerment. He started with basic banking products to save and pay for expenses while training and competing.  As his financial capacity grew, he relied on the help of a dedicated EastWest Priority Relationship Manager to give him financial advice. With guidance, Yulo transitioned into investments, ensuring that his earnings were wisely managed, while he focused on training. Yulo shared, “Si EastWest po talaga has been so helpful in my journey—not just as an athlete, but also in managing my finances. Tinulungan po nila ako maging smart sa financial decisions ko and magkaroon ng solid financial plan and dahil dito, naka focus ako sa training and competitions ko. Nung nagsimula akong kumita, hindi ko talaga alam kung paano i-manage ng maayos ang pera ko. I had deposit accounts and a credit card with EastWest. Pero na-realize ko na kailangan ko ng mas malalim na understanding para mapalago yung pinaghirapan ko. Buti na lang, EastWest Priority assigned me a relationship manager who really guided me. Siya ang nagturo sa akin about investments and how I can grow my savings para I’m financially prepared.”

EastWest: Celebrating 30 Years of Financial Excellence

As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, their partnership with the Olympian marks another milestone. For three decades, EastWest has consistently provided its clients with personalized services that guide them through every stage of their financial journey, and clients like Yulo are proof of their commitment. While embracing innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of their clients, EastWest ensures that they never lose the human touch, balancing cutting-edge solutions with the warmth and care that have always defined their approach.

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo shares, “Carlos Yulo embodies resilience, focus, and the pursuit of excellence—values EastWest has upheld for the last 30 years. As we continue to innovate and grow, we proudly welcome Carlos as a partner who not only stands for athletic success but also a commitment to smart financial growth. Together, we aim to inspire Filipinos to push their boundaries and achieve their financial dreams with EastWest by their side.”

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a joint venture between Sun Life Philippines and the Yuchengco Group of Companies, recently sealed a strategic partnership with PTC Insurance Inc. (PTC Insures), a member of the Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTCI) Group, to offer affordable life insurance solutions exclusively for Global Maritime Professionals (GMPs).

This strategic partnership between PTC Insures and Sun Life Grepa underscores a shared commitment to providing customized, affordable, and accessible life insurance solutions that address the unique needs of maritime professionals, GMPs will have access to Sun Life Grepa’s extensive range of life and health insurance products, delivered through PTC Insures’ network.

“We are grateful to PTC Insures for placing their trust in us,” Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim said. “This partnership marks an exciting milestone for all of us as we work towards greater financial inclusion. Together, we are setting a new standard in supporting the maritime community and I hope we empower them with the financial security they deserve.”

“Our global maritime professionals deserve the best protection, both for their families and themselves. This partnership with Sun Life Grepa will ensure that they receive top-notch insurance services that are specifically designed for their needs,” said PTC Insures President Jaime Miguel G. de Sequera.

Established in 1979, PTCI is a crew management and diversified maritime services company dedicated to providing high-quality services and innovative solutions to the global maritime industry.

Visit www.ptcinsures.com.ph today!

Sun Life’s Corporate Secretary, Atty. Anna Katrina Kabigting-Ibero (middle), receives the Two Golden Arrow Award for Sun Life Philippines

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. has once again been honored by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) with the prestigious Two Golden Arrow Award for its unwavering commitment to good corporate governance.

The Golden Arrow Recognition ceremony was held recently at Manila Marriott Hotel, and Sun Life’s Corporate Secretary, Atty. Anna Katrina Kabigting-Ibero, personally received the award.

This award is bestowed upon insurance companies and publicly listed entities that have achieved a score of at least 80 points in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS). The ACGS evaluates companies based on their facilitation of shareholders’ rights and equitable treatment, their relationship with various stakeholders, and their commitment to transparency and accountability through timely disclosure of material information. Additionally, it assesses how the board strategically guides the company, monitors management, and ensures accountability to both the company and its shareholders.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that Sun Life has received such recognition, underscoring its dedication to integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head, Benedict Sison, expressed gratitude to the ICD for the accolade and reaffirmed the company’s pledge to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance. “With our Clients’ trust being the most important element of our business, setting high standards for corporate governance is non-negotiable. This recognition affirms the commitment of our advisors and employees to uphold Sun Life’s values in everything they do,” Sison stated. “We are grateful to ICD for this honor, and we promise to always champion its essence.”