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2022 has been a great year for Clara Benin. Aside from getting featured on a Times Square billboard in New York ahead of International Women’s Day, the folk darling received two nominations at the recently concluded 8th Wish Music Awards and collaborated with international artists such as British singer-songwriter Lowswimmer. On top of her achievements, Benin also dropped a song called “Affable Dork,” which garnered rave reviews for “adopting a jazz-pop approach.”

This year is no different for the prolific act, as she continues to delight Clarafied (her official fans club) with her remarkable consistency. Benin opens 2023 with a soothing tune that revels in the idea of ‘what ifs’ and how it often sparks curiosity and wonder. Her new single, “different…“ draws inspiration from a rom-com classic, a common theme among her last few releases.


“I wrote this song after being inspired by the movie, When Harry Met Sally,” Benin admits. “My song “different…” is about having a really good friendship with someone and wondering if you two could take that relationship somewhere different.”


In “different…,” Clara Benin takes a familiar musical route without losing the riveting earnestness of the subject. As expected, the FIlipino singer-songwriter has mastered the art of subtlety, and on “different,” it’s here to stay: beautifully woven as if it’s an integral part of Benin’s identity as an artist.

The track is produced by Francis Lorenzo and Gabba Santiago, with her dad Joey Benin playing fretless bass. Clara initially recorded the vocals and guitars of the song in her dad’s studio in December 2021, during the time when she visited her family in her hometown. The rest, as they say, is history.

“We went for a more stripped-down instrumentation so we could really highlight the lyrics,” reveals the talented singer-songwriter. “I really wanted to play around with more organic sounds. Majority of the percussive sounds that you hear in this song are actually just Gabba tapping on random things around my studio.”

Check out Clara Benin’s “different…” is on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.

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Manifest luck in 2023 and celebrate the Year of the Water Rabbit at SM Center Pulilan. This year’s Lunar New Year celebration exudes joy and fortune with the festivities, colorful performances, and delightful attractions at the mall. Capture some IG-worthy photos or take a peek at what is to come at the Zodiac Forecast Panels found inside the Year of the Rabbit centerpiece. Also check out SM Hypermarket’s classic Chinese favorites like tikoy, hopia, and other delicacies for a prosperous Year of the Rabbit celebration. Prepare for a feast as participating food tenants will offer promos and meal bundles for friends and family, while lucky charms, lanterns, and other Year of the Rabbit-inspired merchandise can be found at selected stores in SM Center Pulilan.

Filipina singer-songwriter Kai Buizon marks her official arrival in the local music scene with the release of “The Meadow,” her debut single under Sony Music Entertainment.

Her folk-pop track brings to mind the picturesque view of the countryside, with soothing vocals that thrive within the realm of summer nostalgia and first love.


According to Buizon, “The Meadow” was meant to be arranged to evoke nostalgia inspired by tracks that shaped her generation’s childhood years, including The Legend of Zelda’s “Great Fairy’s Fountain Theme” or Disney’s “A Whole New World” from Aladdin (1992). The intricately dreamy tune was produced by One Click Straight’s Tim Marquez and Gabba Santiago, both remarkable musicians who are known for their stellar work with artists such as Ena Mori and Clara Benin.


“Brainstorming with Gabba about the structure and direction of the track flowed so easily,” says the talented newcomer. “We met up at a coffee shop and basically had the entire song mapped out after just an hour. He was really able to capture the acoustic features of the song as well as the ‘homey’ authenticity that I was shooting for. With Tim, he was able to enhance the dreamy, magical aspect of the track with the more electronic or processed production components. I also appreciate how he added a second guitar to support my own arrangement.”

Written and performed by Kai Buizon, “The Meadow” is a song that encapsulates the hesitations, uncertainties, insecurities, and ‘what-ifs’ that brew before completely giving into a romantic confession. Beautifully delivered with emotional vulnerability, it feels lackadaisical in the best possible way. The track works either as an intimate revelation, a deep sigh of relief, a teen romance fodder, without being made intentionally to cater to those fields.

“I imagine a lot of people tend to feel afraid, or at the very least, hesitant, when it comes to approaching the unfamiliar, such as falling in love for the first time,” Buizon reflects. “Anyways, long story short, I called that mental space a meadow. And as my fellow romantics may already be familiar with, the meadow is also a prevalent symbol in classic literature of a place where lovers meet. So, basically, I wrote ‘The Meadow’ to encapsulate this whirlwind of feelings that comes before revealing that you’re actually in love with the other person.”

The promising solo act expressed her gratitude to Nico Pascal, who arranged the demo that she sent to Sony Music Entertainment. Buizon reveals, “he was the first person to see the track’s potential, and his enthusiasm really helped in motivating me to present the song.”

Kai Buizon’s “The Meadow” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Singlife Philippines may be the new kid on the block, but it’s definitely not playing around. In just two years, the company has been able to give clients a full range of alternatives to save & protect their financial future. Protecting your income from disability or death, shielding customers from high medical costs, and preparing parents for the high costs of Children’s education – all these can now be done in just a matter of minutes on your mobile phone via GCash, the country’s largest e-wallet. 

With a client base of more than 100,000 clients, Singlife Philippines has proven to be the alternative the market has been waiting for. The company received an excellent rating from customers on the customer review platform, Trustpilot.  Customers cited having transparent products that are good value for money, easy claims handling, and customer service that offers solutions fast as reasons for the Company’s excellent ratings. 

“Singlife Philippines offers a better way to save for, plan, and protect the financial future of every Juan and Maria. Research has shown that the upcoming middle income class understand the value of being financially protected and prepared, but they felt uncomfortable talking to an agent or sales representative in a bank,” said Rien Hermans, CEO of Singlife Philippines. “Customers feel intimidated, monthly premiums are above their available budget, and benefits and charges are unclear, all leading to unpleasant experiences and frequently a financial loss.”  

To answer what clients indicated they looked for, Singlife Philippines built a new business model from the ground up with the main objective of meeting the client’s needs and alleviating most, if not all of the pains that they experienced in finding suitable solutions from the traditional life insurance industry.  
 
Singlife Philippines’ products are geared towards the main worries that people shared during research: not being able to provide for the family after the loss of the main income earner; being confronted with an illness in the family that incurred large hospital bills and being ready for times when extra money is needed for fulfilling big goals. With this information, Singlife Philippines developed new propositions and partnered with GCash to make Fuss-free insurance available to many Filipinos.  

Cash for Income Loss for example provides monthly cash benefits to families so that they can sustain their lifestyle in case the main income earner is unable to work due to disability or death. The minimal amount of PHP 289* a month already protects the family with 3 years of monthly pay-outs of PHP 30,000/month. 

Singlife Philippines’ medical cost protection products, which are most in demand, relieve the financial distress caused by high medical bills. Cash for Medical Costs pays for hospitalization and provides a cash benefit when diagnosed with any of the 125 covered critical conditions. For as little as PHP 600, you can already have your family protected against these unforeseen expenses.    

Singlife Philippines’ latest offering, Cash for Goals (Education), is the company’s first investment-linked product. It was designed to help parents save and grow their money, so they can afford their child’s college education. Apart from supporting parents to save and grow their money, the product also ensures that the education fund is available in case the paying parent passes away. With just PHP 500 per month parents can already start building up their child’s Education Fund.

Apart from these products Singlife Philippines offers ‘starter’, budget-friendly products like the 3-in-1 Protection Plan, or Cash for Income Loss (Accidents). The 3-in-1 Protection plan offers coverage for hospital bills due to dengue, COVID-19, while Cash for Income Loss (Accidents) replaces your income in case you are unable to work due to disability or death incurred in an accident.    

“All of our products are designed to be hassle-free to buy, manage, and claim; they can be adjusted to fit your needs and your budget; and they can be accessed anytime, anywhere through your GCash app. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved this year and excited about our future plans. Our target is to insure at least a million people in the Philippines, so there is still a long way to go.” furthered Hermans. 

  There is no slowing down, for Singlife Philippines! The company is continuously developing more solutions to support customers with a better way to save for, plan and protect their financial future.   

This 2023, say goodbye to the roaring tiger and usher in the spirited rabbit as you celebrate Chinese New Year at your favorite SM malls nationwide!

From January 9 to 22, SM Supermalls has lined up exciting activities and events for a prosperous Year of the Water Rabbit festivities. If you are up for some hoppin’ fun adventures, here are exclusive CNY deals for you to enjoy.

Share good luck over good food at SM

Chinese New Year will always be about family dining and spending time together. This month, indulge in a delicious dine-in experience at SM with the whole family and enjoy sumptuous Lucky Feast deals from participating tenants.

Have a stroll at the Lucky Park

Don’t miss out on the fun of strolling around SM Supermalls’ Lucky Park. Snap a photo with the whole family at the Bunny Family Photo Spot, or take selfies at the magnificent Money Trees and the lighted rabbits. You can also read through your luck this year with the Zodiac Forecast Panels or put your A-game on at the Lucky Finds Pop-Ups in the area to win CNY exclusive deals.

Witness a Lion and Dragon Dance

Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during the Chinese New Year? At SM, lion and dragon dance performers will go around the mall to get all the lucky hanging hong baos. Catch them perform live from January 13 to 22!

Usher in good fortune this year with tips from a Feng Shui expert!

When it comes to Feng Shui, SM Supermalls knows how you can harness the positive energy that the new year brings. And with the help of Feng Shui expert, Ms. Marites Allen, you’ll surely discover what 2023 has in store for you.

Just present a minimum SM receipt worth Php 1,000 to get a chance to talk to her in person in the following malls:January 14, 2PM – SM City Olongapo Central
January 15, 2PM – SM City San Lazaro
January 19, 2PM – SM City Fairview
January 20, 2PM – SM City Dasmariñas
January 20, 5PM – SM City Sta. Rosa
January 2 1, 2PM – SM Megamall
January 21, 5PM – SM City North EDSA
January 22, 2PM – SM City Bacoor
January 22, 5PM – SM Mall of Asia

Scan and win amazing prizes in this AR hunt game

Test your luck at the Lucky Rabbit Hunt in SM malls! Join this AR hunt game by opening the app on your mobile device. Hunt for the triggers, scan the area, and catch lucky rabbits all around the mall with your family and friends.

As the Year of the Water Rabbit predicts hope this 2023, SM Supermalls wishes their shoppers longevity, peace, and prosperity this Chinese New Year. So, hop on luck and enjoy all these CNY-themed activities safely and conveniently at your favorite SM Mall!

SM City Baliwag led by Assistant Mall Manager Eugene Martin (left) and Building Administration Manager Jay Esquivel (right) together with Lokal Bayong representative Ms. Rose Ann Natividad (2nd from left) turnover 25,840 worth of cash donation to Baliwag South Central School, the beneficiary of 100 Days of Happiness campaign at SM City Baliwag. Accepting the donation on behalf of the school is the Principal, Ms. Rosalie Santos (2nd from right).

SM Malls in Bulacan have raised at least 192K for various organizations and charities through the “100 Days of Happiness” campaign.



Launched last year at 100 days countdown to Christmas, the campaign aims to create a circle of happiness in the communities where SM has malls. Through viable livelihood support and partnerships, SM intends to raise resources for noble advocacies and beneficiaries in all 76 participating malls nationwide.


SM Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Pulilan, and Baliwag partnered with several organizations in Bulacan to provide opportunities, raise funds, and create livelihood for chosen beneficiaries and charities.

SM City Marilao was able to raise a total ofPhp.154,291.00 for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) within 100 days starting September 16, 2022. By partnering with Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the mall was able to showcase PDL creation and products such as art paintings, native and twine bags, baskets, bead accessories, coin banks, rugs, handicrafts and home décors that are perfect holiday gifts for loved ones. Proceeds and generated revenue were turn over to PDL through BJMP. During the turn over ceremony, Jail Chief Inspector Delight Ercilla of Welfare and Development Division thanked SM City Marilao for opening an avenue where people can patronize PDL’s creation and products.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa SM City Marilao sa malaking tulong na nagawa po nila sa aming mga PDL sa pagkat binigyan kami ng oras para maipamalas ano man yung talento ng aming mga PDL sa pamamagitan ng pagdisplay ng mga PDL livelihood products sa loob ng mall” shares JCP Ercilla “Malaking tulong po itong na generate na amount kasi makakatulong ito sa kanilang pamilya sa labas at sa kanilang pang araw-araw na gastusin dito sa loob ng BJMP” Ercilla added.

For the 100 Days of Happiness campaign inSM City San Jose Del Monte, the mall partners with City Related Establishment Society on Tourism (CREST) of the city. Peanut butter, resin pieces as well as leather goods were on display for 3 and a half months at the mall. Dumagat Tribe Community at Brgy. San Isidro SJDM benefitted from the campaign as part of the sales from 100 Days of Happiness selling were donated to the said tribe with a total amount of Php.12,667.35.


SM City Baliwag, in partnership with Lokal Bayong, likewise took part in a meaningful school year as they lead the turnover of Php.25, 840.00 worth of cash donations for the public school students and teachers of Baliwag South Central School.

“The donation raised from SM’s 100 Days of Happiness campaign will help in the projects and activities the school has lined up for the development of students and teachers,” shares SM City Baliwag Assistant Mall Manager Eugene Martin.

SM Center Pulilan together with Tonyo’s Kitchen turnover proceeds from the 100 Days of Happiness campaign to the marginalized members of the Pulilan Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association.

Jarlo Base

By Carissa Alcantara

Filipino artist Jarlo Bâse deftly incorporates contemporary pop, R&B, gospel, and alternative music influences with haunting soundscapes on his new single “O Sana, Hosanna”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

The song draws listeners to its emotionally powerful narrative while making great strides in songwriting and production.


According to the talented music act, the concept of his new track came from his filmmaker/choreographer friend Jobert Lachica.

Who pitched a story about the cycle of abuse and being abused, or, in the words of Charles Eads, the theme surrounding the phrase “hurt people hurt people.”

“So, from there, I thought of sharing the perspective of someone who is going through a dark phase in his/her/their life, and what it might feel like to constantly have an ongoing battle with one’s self,” Jarlo explains.

“O Sana, Hosanna” was written by Jarlo Bâse, who also serves as the 2023 single’s sole producer. He constructed a sonic equivalent of a battlefield, or to quote him directly, “a scene from an anime where the main character is struggling to break his limits in a fight.”


“O Sana Hosanna” will be launched for the first time on a live stage this Jan. 20, at the Social House in Makati City.

Enjoy up to Php 1,000 discounts on OPPO IOT devices when you purchase any OPPO smartphone until January 31

Calling all OPPO fans! Kickstart your year with not just one, but two brand new OPPO devices, as the global smart device brand offers special IOT discount vouchers for every smartphone purchase for the month of January. Whether it’s a smart watch, earbuds or even a tablet, let OPPO help you hit your goals, increase productivity, and maximize downtime this year with this new year promo.




One of the reasons you should take advantage of this promo is being able to enjoy the highest discount on OPPO IOT devices if you purchase OPPO’s recently launched smartphone under the OPPO Reno8 series, the OPPO Reno8 5G 12+256GB. The new OPPO Reno8 12+256GB comes in a new glossy, fingerprint resistant color of Sunkissed Beige with a larger RAM at 12GB and 256GB ROM. With this, you can experience an upgraded performance that is smoother compared to the OPPO Reno8 5G original release. Capture more memories with a larger storage and experience no lags for better productivity.




Along with your new OPPO Reno8 5G 12GB+256GB, you will also get an exclusive discount of Php 1,000 off on IOT devices worth over Php 3,000. You can make a fresh start to the year with a new mobile phone, plus your very own ultra slim OPPO Pad Air, the ever reliable OPPO Band 2, OPPO Watch Free, OPPO Enco X2, and many more.




Customers who are eyeing other OPPO smartphones can also take advantage of a Php 700 discount voucher for any IOT product worth over Php 3,000, or a Php 500 discount voucher on IOT gadgets under Php 3,000. You can grab a new pair of the OPPO IOTs like the Enco Buds first release, the Enco Buds 2, Enco Air, and even smartwatches like OPPO Band.




This is your sign to upgrade and experience better performance with IOT devices that are made to pair perfectly with a new OPPO smartphone. Don’t walk, but run to any OPPO Brand store or retailer nationwide because these promos will only last until January 31, 2023!




For more information on OPPO smartphones and IOT products, visit https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or check out OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.

To welcome the Year of the “Rappit,” your dependable online grocery store is offering a host of exciting deals and offers this Chinese New Year to reward customers for their loyalty to the platform.



Rappit ushers in fortune and luck with a Chinese New Year Sale from January 13 to 22, where you can enjoy discounts of up to 20% OFF on grocery favorites!



On top of that, don’t miss out on the incredible flash sales, with discounts of over 50% OFF on select items: Del Fabric 1L (for only P75 on January 17), Kojiesan Skin Lightening Soap Classic 65g (3 packs) (for only P35 on January 31).



Rappit also has a Piso Sale where you can take home select items for an incredibly low price of P1! This includes Safeguard Soap Ivory White 60g (on January 18), Indomie Mi Goreng Fried Noodles 85g (on January 23), and Tang Orange 20g (on January 25).



For more savings and fortune, you can enjoy the JANMAYER voucher only offered this January: get P200 OFF + FREE DELIVERY, and this offer is yours when you shop with a minimum spend of P3,500.



“We hope these offers will help our customers get savings as they shop for their Chinese New Year celebrations. We are committed to being their go-to grocery sidekick and ensure that they are rewarded for their loyalty to our platform,” said Cindy Toh, CEO of Rappit.



Whether you’re looking to buy gifts that bring good luck such as Tikoy for your friends and loved ones this Chinese New Year or stock up on your daily grocery must-haves, this is the perfect opportunity to save money while you shop and Rappit is your ultimate sidekick.



Rappit is a collaboration between the Puregold Group and Globe’s 917Ventures Learn more by visiting https://rappit.ph/.