2022 has been a stellar year for Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo with his emotional single “Muli” breaking through the mainstream pop consciousness two years after it was released—thanks to its relatable lyrics and vibey, electro-ballad sound. After trending significantly on TikTok, the song launched Banzuelo into the spotlight, unmovable at the top of the Spotify Philippines and YouTube Philippines Trending charts for an extended period of time.
Fast forward to November 2022: Banzuelo continues to build on the success of “Muli” with the release of “Kulang,” an unabashedly vulnerable track with trap, R&B, and bedroom pop influences. Decked in retro-futurist synthesizers and laid-back, hip-hop beats, “Kulang” finds the 22-year-old multi-hyphenate aimlessly writhing over heartbreak in his quiet, subdued time, wallowing in loss or lack of personal direction.
According to the Himala artist, “Kulang” examines a stage of grief where you find out that you have been wronged but still try to make things work. He goes on to say, “The story is inspired by a time in my life when I was questioning myself about where I went wrong, and where I lacked. Whatever I’d do, it was just the same thing all over again. You’re aware that you’re in this drama, and you keep coming back to it, but you just want it to stop.”
In true Banzuelo songwriting style, “Kulang” belongs to the crop of tunes that depict heartbreak, grief, and relationship fallout in their most vulnerable state, be it confessional or observational. “I’m here to talk about things most people are afraid to let out,” the young hitmaker adds. “I’m not often sad, it’s just the mood of my music right now, and I think the beat and production style speak for themselves.”
He also recorded, produced, performed, and engineered the entirety of “Kulang,” but what distinguishes it is Banzuelo’s effortless ability to wrap melancholy in incredibly catchy packaging. To make it special, he also adds a rap verse in the middle of the song. “I kind of collaborated with that side of me. Being a hip-hop head myself, I’ve always wanted to experiment with performing songs in a certain way. I’m not a rapper yet, but this is a much-welcomed reprieve from the usual.”
Ace Banzuelo’s “Kulang” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Listen to the song here.
Manila, November 2, 2022 – Ahead of the official launch of Disney+ in the Philippines on November 17, Alipay+ together with its e-wallet partner GCash today announced that it will offer Disney+ as part of a special package to users of the Philippines’ No.1 e-wallet, GCash.
As part of an early bird deal from November 4 until November 16, GCash users in the Philippines with Alipay+ Rewards can sign up for the special package that includes Disney+ annual subscriptions, when they pay with their GCash e-wallet via Alipay+ Rewards on the GCash app.
Subscribers will be able to start streaming Disney+ from November 17, to watch exciting general entertainment content from iconic brands including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic and Star.
“We’re delighted that consumers in the Philippines will very soon be able to access our vast library of entertainment content on Disney+ and connect with their favorite characters and stories anytime they want,” said David Shin, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, The Walt Disney Company. “Consumers will be able to stream exclusive originals, blockbuster films, series, documentaries, and incredible content from Disney’s iconic suite of brands and franchises.”
Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home of an ever-growing library of global, regional and Asian language content such as blockbuster films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to award-winning Pixar animation, to Korean content featuring BTS and other top Asian stars, under the Star brand.
Star also offers renowned movies and shows such as Emmy-award winning Grey’s Anatomy, Only Murders in The Building, The Bear, The Simpsons and The Kardashians. In addition, Star delivers exclusive originals produced in collaboration with producers and directors in the Asia Pacific region.
“As a company committed to delivering more value and choice to our customers, we are thrilled to be bringing Disney+ to consumers to offer access to a great selection of global, regional and Asian language entertainment to consumers across the Philippines,” said Jing Yin, General Manager of Global Strategic Accounts of International Business Group at Ant Group. “With innovative payment and marketing solutions, Alipay+ serves as a cross-border economic connector enabling consumers to make payments on global platforms to enjoy more rewards including world-class entertainment experiences through their preferred digital wallets.”
“Through GCash and Alipay+, Disney fans can enjoy their favorite movies and shows in just a few taps. We recognize this significant opportunity in the entertainment and streaming space and have high hopes for Disney+ in the Philippines market,” said Winsley Bangit, Chief Customer Officer of Mynt – operator of GCash.
After the debut of Disney+ on November 17, consumers in the Philippines can continue to use their GCash e-wallets via Alipay+ to subscribe for the popular global streaming service.
They say that traveling or living in a different country is the ultimate life education – you get to learn new cultures, languages, skills, and values that can help you develop and grow as an individual.
Healthcare job applicants who are looking to further their careers while attaining personal growth can gain all that and more by exploring great opportunities abroad. And TrueProfile, a platform that provides Filipino healthcare professionals around the world with the tools they need to secure a lucrative career abroad, further emphasizes this as it lists the benefits of an international experience:
Great healthcare training opportunities. Many overseas countries are well-equipped with advanced healthcare facilities which may be new to you. This can serve as a great training ground for you to develop professionally, as you are exposed to different medical technologies and techniques that will be valuable as you continue to practice your profession.
Great global network. When you start working abroad, you will get to meet fellow healthcare professionals who can share useful insights and experiences. You will also learn a lot by networking with fellow Filipinos in the healthcare profession. For instance, by registering as a member at TrueProfile.io, you will get access to a community of health workers based in different countries who can share tips that can help you look for jobs abroad, first-hand experiences in your target country and updates on the latest trends and developments within your industry.
Valuable employee traits. Living abroad puts you in situations that compel you to harness invaluable life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, adaptability, and social interaction. By having an international exposure, you discover more about your strengths and weaknesses, and develop your versatility and readiness. In the work setting, these qualities will be very useful when trying to overcome challenges or when working with a team with different working styles and cultural backgrounds.
A host of better opportunities await you. If you’re a healthcare job applicant looking for better career opportunities, gaining overseas experience can greatly help you achieve just that. You can take the first step by checking out the host of job opportunities available on the TrueProfile.io website. Simply visit the ‘Jobs’ tab on TrueProfile.io page (https://www.trueprofile.io/member/jobs) and explore job openings that are suitable for your skills set and expertise.
Simultaneously, you can start creating your TrueProfile.io account. To register, visit https://sso.trueprofile.io/register. Once registered, click on “Career Toolkit” and “Verification” to see the different verification options. You can start building your digital resume and make it more visible to prospective employers by choosing the Profile Visibility Preferences on your TrueProfile.io account.
With Disney+ now available in the Philippines, Globe brings some of the unforgettable moments from The Walt Disney Company’s stories and brands to Filipinos this November.
Be part of special launch events being hosted in three cities – Manila’s BGC, Cebu, and Davao – this weekend as Globe showcases content from one of the most enduring and beloved names in entertainment.
To kick off the Disney-inspired celebration, Globe is hosting an evening of live performances on Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Taguig, where Idol Philippines Season 1 Winner Zephanie, will serenade spectators and guests with popular songs from Disney. There will also be games and prizes to win in special raffle draws, and a colorful fireworks display to cap off the night.
Disney fans in Manila’s Bonifacio Global City district, Cebu and Davao will have many opportunities to capture photos with re-creations of iconic scenes from Disney’s Encanto, Marvel Studios’ She Hulk: Attorney at Law, Disney, Pixar’s Lightyear and Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, and BTS Permission to Dance on Stage-LA from Star.
The Disney inspired ‘World of Wonder’ events will be held in three locations:
● Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Taguig from November 18 to 20
● Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center in Cebu on November 18
● SM Davao Annex Ecoland Activity Center in Davao on November 18
“Storytelling has always been a part of Globe’s DNA, because we know that Filipinos love stories. And we feel that the greatest stories mirror our values, strengthen our convictions, push us forward, inspire, and uplift us every day”, said Globe’s Head of Marketing Pia Colby.
“As Globe celebrates its distribution of Disney+, we hope to bring some of the world’s best stories to Filipinos. And it all starts here. Together with Disney+, we bring to life wonderful moments from iconic movies and shows to offer consumers a weekend of fun activities,” said Issa Cabreira, Globe Chief Commercial Officer.
With Disney+ now available in the Philippines, be sure to subscribe to the streaming service which features over 1,800 films and 32,000 episodes, including an extensive and ever-growing collection of Disney+ Originals and beloved library titles, spanning almost a century of unrivaled storytelling.
Globe customers may choose from a range of subscription plans to enjoy access to Disney+ including the Mobile Plan for P159 per month or P1,150 per year or, for streaming on up to four devices, the Disney+ Premium Plan for P369 per month or P2,950 per year.
Postpaid customers may charge the subscription to their bill, while prepaid users may opt to pay via their load credits. Globe Platinum customers may, meanwhile, avail of a Disney+ subscription and charge it to the monthly consumable allowance of their Platinum Plan. Customers with the GlobeOne app may also subscribe to Disney+ using Globe Rewards points at 127 points for a monthly Mobile Plan, or 295 points for a monthly Premium Plan. To get more Rewards points, Postpaid subscribers on GPlan PLUS 799 and up may convert their GBs to Rewards points.
New Globe At Home customers who apply to GFiber Unli Plan 2499 or higher and recontracting customers who upgrade to GFiber Unli Plan 2499 or higher will be able to enjoy Disney+ Premium Annual access on us.
New and recontracting Mobile Postpaid customers who apply or renew to GPlan PLUS 1299 to 2499 can get an annual Mobile Plan for Disney+ at no additional cost. The GPlan PLUS promo runs from November 17 to December 31, 2022.
What are you waiting for? Enjoy Disney+ with Globe!
To know about how to watch your favorite Disney+ movies and series with Globe, go to glbe.co/DisneyPlus.
It’s never the ancestral house itself, not even the intricate wood carvings no matter their uniqueness and value, but the stories of lives lived and interwoven within these structures. These provide the romance, the appeal, the Old World charm of Negrense heritage.
November 5 being a provincial holiday in Negros Occidental, celebrating history and patriotism depicted in the declaration of the Negros Republic more than a century ago, the Negros Season of Culture chooses to spotlight the Old World charm of Negrense culture.
We have three features of note. Greg Urra, born and raised in Bacolod City, embraces fashion from old cultures and turns them into pop. Greg’s creations, under the brand name Vintage Black Label, are regularly featured at the Manhattan Vintage Show. See his great concoctions in our story, Old Culture, Pop Culture.
Old Culture, Pop Culture
A great story on heritage home restoration is our feature, Faith, Family, Food. Found in historic Silay City, just north of Bacolod, the house of Jose “Pitong” Ledesma and wife, Anita Locsin, has recently been restored to its glorious origins. And it will be adapted to new use, as Negrense restaurateur Tony Boy Escalante (of Tagaytay’s Antonio’s and Balay Dako) has leased the property from the Ledesma family.
Over Fields of Dreams
Finally, down south, in Binalbagan town, we have an outstanding example of adaptive reuse. The ancestral house of Carmen Yulo and husband, Sabas Locsin, has since been acquired by a school. In Over Fields of Dreams, we get insights on how modern-day work functions can exist side by side heritage features.
Filipina songstress Hazel Faith spreads the joy of the Yuletide season with the release of her upbeat Christmas tune “Pasko Kasama Mo” via WATERWALK RECORDS and Sony Music Entertainment.
Revisiting the holiday experience with technicolored bounce, funky chords, and ‘80s city pop lilt, “Pasko Kasama Mo” finds the rising phenom bringing back the gilded memories of Christmas while reminding listeners why it’s the best time of the year.
“My mother has been asking me to write Christmas songs since forever,” says the multi-talented act. “But I had a hard time writing my own because I felt like all the great Christmas messages had already been made. For that reason, and the truth that I only saw Christmas as a tradition, left me uninspired. But after the Lord renewed my faith, it’s like my vision turned technicolor. Suddenly, I was excited to celebrate Christmas. Not because of the parties, the foods, or the gifts but because I was finally looking at the One whom Christmas is all about. Truly Christmas felt hollow without Christ himself. And that led me to writing Pasko Kasama Mo. This was finally something I had a unique perspective to.”
The track was written by Hazel Faith herself, and was arranged, produced, mixed, and mastered by Albert Tamayo, a good friend of the gospel-pop sensation. Faith, in particular, felt eternally grateful to Tamayo for being part of her music journey and lending his talent to the project.
“It’s a joy for me to be able to showcase his genius in Pasko Kasama Mo as well,” adds Hazel Faith. “When it came to the vibe, it was probably influenced by my feeling of nostalgia and then looking forward to all that is new. But honestly, I just told kuya Albert to make it sound like a station ID.”
With guidance by award-winning composer Jungee Marcelo and a rap verse by WATERWALK RECORDS’ very own Jericho Arceo, “Pasko Kasama Mo” captures the spirit and glow of Christmas with a retro-modern appeal. It’s a bop that echoes the feel-good comfort of a home, bursting with so much life, energy, and natural charisma.
For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:
November 18, 2022 Manila, Philippines – Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO is ready to welcome the community of Santa Rosa, Laguna to its newly opened roadside store in Nuvali. It also features the first ever Green Park by Ayala, in partnership with UNIQLO sustainability.
“Our roadside stores highlight our commitment to bringing LifeWear closer to more Filipinos. Opening a roadside store promises a simple, local one-stop shopping experience for customers to enjoy a quick and convenient trip close to their homes, especially this Holiday season,” says UNIQLO Philippines COO, Geraldine Sia.
The store is a standalone 1,418 sq. m. building that carries a wide selection of LifeWear staples for men, women, kids, and babies. It offers a convenient and exciting shopping experience for customers with over 300 parking slots, a special kids’ play corner, and eleven fitting rooms, including one specially fitted for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
THE POWER OF CLOTHING
The UNIQLO Nuvali Roadside Store highlights the retailer’s sustainability mission. The store features a special corner that shares how UNIQLO channels their initiatives to help our planet, people and society. Customers can see the information of how their favorite UNIQLO pieces are sustainably made and sourced such as the Fluffy Yarn Fleece Jacket and the Ultra Light Down Jacket.
They can also drop off their pre-loved UNIQLO pieces here via the Re.UNIQLO box, where the retailer gives new life to old LifeWear pieces through reusing and upcycling. Lastly, the space also proudly displays upcycled furniture made from roped plastics and old UNIQLO denim scraps by JunkNot.
Outside the store, customers can enjoy and appreciate nature, and be educated about UNIQLO’s efforts at the Green Park, that was made possible in partnership with Ayala and UNIQLO Sustainability.
The space has a bicycle rack to promote a sustainable mode of transportation, a kids’ active zone, and a pedal power charging station for the community to experience and enjoy. A mural painted by local artist AG Saño which conveys UNIQLO’s campaign about caring for the environment greets customers after a day of shopping.
LIMITED OFFERS
UNIQLO is welcoming its customers on its opening weekend with limited offers.
Men’s Pocketable UV Protection Parka
This parka has been updated with a roomy 3D cut in the body, shoulders, and sleeves for greater ease of movement. It features a pocketable design with a storage pouch attached to a loop on the inner left side. It offers both style and UV protection for people who love to do outdoor workouts. Now available at Php 1,490.00 from Php 1,990.00
Men’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
This t-shirt is developed by the Paris design team, led by artistic director Christophe Lemaire. The result is a garment designed with meticulous attention to detail and a stylish cut. It is one of UNIQLO’s top-rated styles season after season. The retailer updated the t-shirt with new colors to elevate one’s style making it perfect for casual or everyday look.
Now available at Php 490.00 from Php 590.00
Men’s Ultra Stretch Active Short
The short pants are made with quick-drying and athlete-approved DRY-EX technology for a stay fresh feel. Its ultra-stretch fabric offers freedom of movement to its wearer with an active lifestyle.
Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00
Women’s Mercerized Cotton Short Sleeve Mini Dress
The A-line cut flutters elegantly as the wearer walks, while the mini length gives a sleek and flattering look. Its mercerized cotton has a sophisticated sheen that suits all skin types. This dress is a go-to casual outfit for women who want to be stylish yet comfortable.
Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00
Women’s Smart Ankle Pants
The Smart Ankle Pants have a gently tapered and flattering silhouette that can be dressed up or down. Its fabric has a premium look and is made with recycled polyester. The elastic waistband and two-way stretch fabric promise all-day comfort while giving a clean office look.
Now available at Php 1,490.00 from Php 1,990.00
Women’s AIRism Seamless Type Boat Neck Long T-Shirt
The T-shirt is made using UNIQLO’s AIRism technology that provides all-day comfort perfect for the country’s humid weather. The seamless hem design with a long silhouette makes it versatile for a quick workout at the gym or for everyday errands.
Now available at Php 590.00 from Php 790.00
Girls’ Seersucker Camisole Dress
The breezy, lightweight camisole dress has a voluminous flared cut for a cool style. Its textured cotton seersucker fabric promises a gentle feel and gives a laidback vibe to the wearer. This dress is perfect for girls looking for a quick stroll around the park or going to the mall.
Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00
Kids’ Striped Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
The t-shirt has a loose-fitting cut perfect for everyday wear while they play and move around the park or the mall. This is complemented by a fun striped pattern in kid-friendly colors inspired by the 90s street fashion styles.
Now available at Php 490.00 from Php 590.00
SPECIAL STORE OPENING DEALS
UNIQLO is also offering special deals for shoppers. For a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 3,000.00 from November 18 to 20, 2022, customers can get these gifts:
A limited edition 2023 UNIQLO planner
A 10% discount for a minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 300.00 at Krispy Kreme Ayala Malls Solenad
Free one (1) piece Best Taco in Town with any purchase in Pancake House Paseo de Sta. Rosa
A free box of four (4) Brownie Bars or Lemon Bars with any whole cake purchase at Café Mary Grace Ayala Malls Solenad*
One (1) free iced or hot coffee from UCC Coffee for claiming at the UNIQLO Nuvali Roadside Store from November 18 to 20
One (1) free affogato for a minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 1,200.00 at UCC Clockwork Ayala Malls Solenad
One (1) free serving of Fried Truffle Cheese Wontons for a minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 1,500.00 at Nono’s Ayala Malls Solenad
Php 4.00 off per liter for gasoline (V-Power Racing, V-Power Gasoline, or FuelSave Gasoline) or Php 3.00 off per liter for FuelSave Diesel when customers present the voucher and the Shell Go+ app at Shell Nuvali
*Terms and conditions apply
For more updates about the UNIQLO Nuvali Roadside Store, please visit its special page at UNIQLO Philippines’ website at https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/spl/uniqlo-nuvaliand download the UNIQLO APP via Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Follow UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph), Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial), and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@uniqlophofficial) and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com
MSI is offering unreal price drops and freebies this Christmas time. MSI is sharing amazing bargains and some giveaway bundles, slashing prices up to PHP 22,000 on select laptops until December 31, 2022.
Gamers and enthusiasts may reap the benefits of the Vector GP, Katana GF, Stealth 15M, Crosshair 15 and GF63 Thin are a trickle of Intel 11th and 12th gen-powered gaming laptops with GeForce RTX Graphics that play a part of this year’s Christmas promotion.
Business professionals and students may also enjoy the blessings with the Intel or AMD-powered MSI Modern 14 and Modern 15, which are also part of the campaign.
May your presents be many, and your troubles be few as for every purchase of the participating laptops, you can get exclusive freebies from various gaming bundles including an MSI H991 Gaming Headset, MSI gaming mouse, MSI Thermos Bottle, and many more!
Jupiter Street, Makati service branch is convenient, professional and efficient
HP recently opened an extraordinary service center in town, where you can enjoy your time while they get your device back in tip-top shape.
Located at 34 Jupiter Street in Makati City, the new and improved HP service center is designed to give customers a convenient and relaxing experience while HP professionals attend to their hardware and software needs.
Guest in a classy clubhouse
Scandinavian inspired interior design, the service center goes beyond being merely customer-friendly, offering unique amenities you’d feel like a guest in a classy clubhouse.
If you’re up for a wholesome drink, free, unlimited refreshments are available. There’s a free Wi-Fi connection – which is perfect in case you’re on a work-from-anywhere mode and multi-tasking to meet an office deadline. If you’re in the mood for some action, take the in-house gaming station for a spin.
This service center has an automated queueing system to ensure you get served in a timely manner without suffering any ‘queue anxiety’. While waiting your turn, you can lounge around enjoying the infotainment played on the big screens or just scroll through your phone, thanks to the fast internet. There’s also a demo area in case you want to window shop or take a peek at some of HP’s latest products.
If you also came to shop for HP PCs, laptops, or printers, there’s no better place to be. The center has the best and latest models to choose from, and the sales staff offer information to help you decide which devices may be right for your needs. If you are low on ink and other HP consumables and accessories, this HP Service Center has your back.
Parking space is available free for customers on a first come, first served basis.
Experience first-class service
Enjoy a first-class experience the next time you need to have your PC, laptop, or printer repaired. Visit the HP service center at 34 Jupiter St., corner Planet St., Bel Air, Makati City. The shop is open from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except on holidays.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reaffirmed its commitment to support the recovery of local hotel operators as they bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a webinar recently organized by Meralco, the power distributor, which has long been a partner of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), pledged to continue providing stable and reliable electricity service, and energy solutions befitting to the needs of the industry moving forward.
The pandemic, at its peak in 2020, led to the temporary closure of businesses and loss of income for the hospitality industry. Despite the challenges, the industry supported the government in its fight against the pandemic.
“For the past two years, our customers from the Hotel Industry were among the hardest hit by the sudden decline in occupancy. Their facilities were used for quarantine, requiring them to operate as quasi-hospitals and to strictly implement health and safety protocols while providing the utmost care to travelers that had to be accommodated. During this time, Meralco initiated contract right-sizing to assist our customers with hopes of preventing further loss of business and employment,” said Meralco Vice President and Head of Enterprise and National Government Engr. Ma. Cecilia M. Domingo.
According to PHOA Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon Jr., Meralco played a vital role in helping PHOA members deliver on their commitments with energy-saving measures, such as contract rightsizing and temporary waiving of the Guaranteed Minimum Billing Demand (GMBD).
“PHOA sees Meralco as an institutional and vital industry partner. We hope to strengthen our relationship so that together we can continuously improve the delivery of services to our clientele,” Bengzon said.
Raffles and Fairmont Hotel Group, a member of the PHOA, similarly recognized the crucial role that Meralco plays in the recovery of the industry.
“Meralco is an essential partner in our business by providing for the electricity of the hotels. Customer satisfaction is one of our goals and we could have not attained it if power supply is unreliable,” said Raffles and Fairmont Hotel General Manager Aubrey Ada.
As local tourism takes off this year, Engr. Domingo said: “Meralco is more than happy to assist the hotels to ensure energy-readiness once again. Further, their aptitude for economic recovery through participation in the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) is laudable.”
ILP is a demand-side management program of the Department of Energy where large businesses are asked to temporarily de-load from the grid when the Luzon grid is placed under red alert.
Participation of companies is crucial to the success of ILP, since this may spare an estimated 4,000 households and small businesses from power outages for every 1-megawatt of de-loaded power.
Among the companies in the hospitality industry within Meralco’s franchise that are enrolled under the ILP are Taal Vista, City of Dreams, Discovery Suites, Diamond Hotel, Sofitel Manila, and Raffles and Fairmont Hotel.#
