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30 April 2024

Newsletter: CHINESE POP ARTIST XIN LIU RELEASES DEBUT ENGLISH-LANGUAGE SONG “REALITY” VIA 88RISING

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Singer, dancer, producer and Chinese superstar XIN LIU is making her highly-anticipated English-language debut today with the global release of “Reality,” out today via 88rising. XIN debuted the song live onstage this past weekend at Coachella during the 88rising Futures set in a thrilling performance that paid homage to her roots, with Chinese street dance and dancers donning the traditional clothing of her hometown of Guiyang, China. 

29 April 2024

Newsletter: Science Majors Participate in Month-long Singapore-PH Leadership Exchange Program

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By Harvey Sapigao

Program participants at Mt. Pinatubo (Photo credit: Lillian Rodriguez).

Students of the UP Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) and the Republic Polytechnic in Singapore (RP) immersed themselves in the month-long Temasek Foundation International Specialists’ Community Action and Leadership Exchange (TFI SCALE) Programme, the first half taking place in Singapore on September 6 to 19, 2023, and the second half in the Philippines last March 31 to April 8, 2024.

28 April 2024

Newsletter: Urgent Call for Action: Strengthening the Philippine Clean Air Act to Safeguard Public Health and Environment

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]




As the Philippines gears up to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Clean Air Act in 2024, it's vital to acknowledge both the progress made and the challenges that persist in the work towards cleaner air.

27 April 2024

Newsletter: Two UPD College of Science Professors Win the NRCP Achievement Award

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By Harvey Sapigao

Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo receiving the Achievement Award (Photo credit: DOST-NRCP)

Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo and Dr. Reynaldo Garcia from the UP Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) received the prestigious Achievement Award from the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) in the recently held Annual Scientific Conference and 91st General Membership Assembly last March 12, 2024.

26 April 2024

Newsletter: Music Matters Live, Presented by TuneCore, is back at CQ @ Clarke Quay this May!

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The countdown has begun as the much-anticipated Music Matters Live 2024 gears up to bring the best new music from around the world to Singapore from May 8th to May 11th! Music Matters Live 2024 promises an exhilarating lineup of more than 50 emerging stars from across 16 countries - including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, France, India, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and the US. With most events being free for all, and some by invitation only, Music Matters Live 2024 is all set to captivate audiences across seven venues and four nights of music discovery. 

25 April 2024

Newsletter: PLDT, Smart block more than 13 million SMShing messages to combat ‘hijack profile’ incidents

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Elijah Mendoza, Digital Communications Senior Manager at Smart, shares tips on how to avoid falling for phishing messages.

PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has blocked more than 13 million SMShing messages in the first quarter of the year. It has also blacklisted almost 200,000 mobile numbers involved in phishing activities as the Philippine National Police (PNP) raised the alarm on ‘hijack profile’ cases.

24 April 2024

Newsletter: MULTI-AWARD-WINNING RAYE AND SUPERSTAR DJ SNAKE TO HEADLINE ISLE OF MTV MALTA 2024

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 MTV today announced that Isle of MTV Malta will return to the island’s il-Fosos Square on Tuesday, 16th July, with headlining performances from DJ Snake and RAYE. Promising huge, open-air sets, Europe’s biggest free Summer festival is held in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority.

23 April 2024

Newsletter: CreatorWeek 2024: Premier Gathering of Music, Creativity, and Innovation Announces Speaker Lineup and Programme

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As the highly anticipated CreatorWeek 2024 draws nearer, excitement continues to build for this annual event that celebrates the vibrant music and creator economy of the Asia Pacific region. Organised by Branded – the renowned producer committed to fostering connections between businesses, brands, creators, and fans – CreatorWeek promises to be an unparalleled convergence of talent, innovation, and inspiration. Additionally, this year's event will feature AI Matters, a groundbreaking conference track dedicated to exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the music and creator industries. 

22 April 2024

Newsletter: BULLET DUMAS to stage ‘Nananatili’ concert this June 8, 2024

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Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor Bullet Dumas returns to the concert stage for a night filled with stories of love, grief, and acceptance.

Newsletter: Common Myths About Clean Energy Transition in the Philippines: Debunked!

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

This Monday 22 April is Earth Day, and in the Philippines the transition away from coal and towards renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative but a critical move for public health and economic prosperity.

21 April 2024

Newsletter: Kaspersky: Local threats continue to haunt businesses in SEA

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

2023 witnessed nearly 43 million local threats targeting organisations in Southeast Asia. This is according to the latest data from global cybersecurity company, Kaspersky.
Business solutions from Kaspersky blocked a total of 42,700,000 local infections during the period of January to December last year. 

20 April 2024

Newsletter: 88RISING MAKES TRIUMPHANT COACHELLA RETURN DURING SUNDAY NIGHT’S STAR-STUDDED “88RISING FUTURES” MEDLEY PERFORMANCE

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

(Photo by Amy Lee)

88rising – the pioneering and internationally renowned music and media company amplifying Asian talent and culture – has wrapped its one-of-a-kind “88rising Futures” performance in Coachella’s Mojave Tent. The 63-minute ensemble performance marked 88rising’s tremendous return to Coachella after its historic Head In The Clouds Forever set in 2022.

PlayBack: Orange & Lemons – La Bulaqueña

06/28/2023 04:27:58PM


It's been one and half decades – or between the years 2007 and 2022 – since we haven't heard a new album from the Bulacan-based pop band Orange & Lemons (well, aside from the re-recorded first record before). We all know the long news about the disastrous break-up amidst their skyrocketed popularity before, right? Some of us were probably kids back then. This would probably sound better if I wrote such thing last year, no?

19 April 2024

Newsletter: SB19’s Justin releases “sunday morning” on streaming platforms

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Thanks to its growing popularity and demand among music fans, Justin’s “sunday morning” is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Newsletter: Power Mac Center offers free shipping on your Fri-YAY Finds

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If you have long been wanting to cop your favorite accessories from Power Mac Center’s online shopping platforms, this is the sign to finally pursue it.

18 April 2024

Newsletter: Little Mix’s Perrie goes solo with the release of new single “Forget About Us”

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Global music superstar Perrie finally unveils her long-awaited debut solo single “Forget About Us.”
“Forget About Us” is a bittersweet uptempo pop song co-written by Perrie with Ed Sheeran and legendary songwriter David Hodges (“Because of You”—Kelly Clarkson, “A Thousand Years”—Christina Perri) and Steve Solomon.

17 April 2024

Newsletter: Olongapo Heritage Fair: Revealing Nellie E. Brown

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On April 11, Ellie De Castro concluded the Finding Nellie Project at Nellie E. Brown Elementary School (NEBES) by revealing the true identity of her father’s elementary school namesake, Nellie E. Brown. Her audience consisted of NEBES’ current students and faculty, former and retired teachers and principals, alumni, Olongapo Historical Society members, local government representatives and Department of Education representatives. 

16 April 2024

Newsletter: Crwn to celebrate long-awaited debut album, Séance with a full performance on May 11, 2024

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CRWN. Photo credits: Renzo Navarro 

After 11 long years as an artist forging creative partnerships, acclaimed producer King Puentespina, known as Crwn (stylized as crwn), will be launching his long-awaited debut album, Séance, on May 11, 2024, with an intimate event that not only marks the culmination of his years of musical exploration, but also serves as the first opportunity for fans to experience the album's dynamism live with all its collaborators.

15 April 2024

Newsletter: Kitchie Nadal headlines solo concert to mark 20th year in the music scene

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Kitchie Nadal celebrates the 20th anniversary of her solo career with a concert happening on June 2, 2024 (Sunday), at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

14 April 2024

Newsletter: “Making the Invisible Visible” with Bird Window Strike PH

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By: Maria Alexandra Marmol

Panels featured in the “Making the Invisible Visible” pop-up exhibit. Bird displays serve as an example of the harm caused by window collisions. (Photo credits: Bird Window Strike PH & Marmol, 2024)

“Making the Invisible Visible” pop-up exhibition of the citizen science project, Bird Window Strike Philippines. 

13 April 2024

Newsletter: GCash lending arm Fuse empowers underbanked Filipinos with P118 billion loans disbursed

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Fuse Lending, Inc., the credit arm of GCash, surpasses the PHP118 billion mark in life-to-date disbursed loans through the country’s number one finance app as of the end of 2023 – putting both institutions well on their way towards their shared mission of financial inclusion.

11 April 2024

Newsletter: Immense Into Alt-Pop Artist t024's New Sensory Experience with "Cedarwood & Tangerine"

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Listen here
Watch the music video here

t024, the pioneering Korean Alt-Pop duo celebrated for their groundbreaking creativity, unveils their latest single "Cedarwood & Tangerine," an intoxicating blend of ephemeral, vivid, and elusive nostalgia. This mesmerizing release signifies a noteworthy milestone for t024 as they continue to push the frontiers of musical innovation.

10 April 2024

Newsletter: Get Singlife protection with just 5 Globe Rewards points

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]


Globe has partnered with leading life insurer Singlife to make protection virtually free for Filipino families, offering a health insurance plan for just 5 Globe Rewards points. 

09 April 2024

Newsletter: RIOT GAMES AND GIRL GROUP XG COLLABORATE TO RELEASE EXCLUSIVE TRACK ‘UNDEFEATED’ FOR VALORANT CHAMPIONS TOUR PACIFIC 2024

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Riot Games and XG, the hip hop and R&B-inspired girl group, today announced the upcoming release of their collaboration single titled ‘UNDEFEATED’ for the VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific (VCT Pacific) 2024 tournament.

08 April 2024

Newsletter: Doja Cat drops deluxe album, Scarlet 2 Claude

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GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat drops her deluxe album, Scarlet 2 CLAUDE today via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment. With this new release, Doja Cat also unveils the music video for her new track off the album, “MASC” featuring Teezo Touchdown. The music video was directed and shot in Los Angeles by Doja Cat and Jamal Peters and made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards.

07 April 2024

Newsletter: Steve Aoki and Kiddo Share New Single “Drive” Debuted During Aoki’s Momentous Ultra Miami Performance

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2x-Grammy-nominated artist and producer Steve Aoki and Swedish singer/songwriter KIDDO release their festival season anthem “Drive.” This track comes after Aoki's recent releases “Get Lower” featuring Lil Jon and “Everything You Do,” a collaboration with Afrojack under the Afroki name. Similarly, KIDDO has released new singles, including "Always On The Run," popular dance tracks “Headlights” by Alan Walker and Alok, and “These Nights” by Loud Luxury. 

06 April 2024

Newsletter: Henry Moodie releases new single “beat up car”

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Future global pop superstar Henry Moodie has released his incredible new single, ‘beat up car’ via Robots & Humans (UK), Columbia Records (US) and Sony Music Entertainment. The single is accompanied by a music video.

The Scene Around: The Last Rakrakan Festival Day 2

04/05/2024 04:20:53 PM

It was said that The Last Rakrakan Festival was bound to be the end all be all of all the Rakrakan Festivals that were staged before. Although a part of me think that this was meant to be the end due to the fact that it was rescheduled for a few times since their original date slated for 2020 was hampered down due to COVID, and there was another postponement due to whatever reasons.

The question: did this weekend-long festivity deliver? Although it may sound an unfair assessment coming from me since I haven't been into any other Rakrakan Festival before, and the decision to go through this show came at the last minute.

And here are some of the observations I've had.

05 April 2024

Kamote Republic

03/21/2024 05:36:37 PM

Mukhang wala na tayong magagawa. Nasa panahon nga tayo kung saan ang hari ng kalsada ay hindi na mga jeepney.

Newsletter: Finding Nellie: Olongapo mystery solved by father-daughter team

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]


Introduction

On November 6, 2021, Dr. Leo De Castro —a Philosophy professor at the University of the Philippines—received four birthday cakes from an old grade school friend. They both studied at Nellie E. Brown Elementary School (NEBES), a public school in Olongapo City.

Connected to Subic Bay and facing the West Philippine Sea, Olongapo is known for being part of a US Naval Base from 1901 to 1959. Placenames in Olongapo tell stories about this time, as streets, schools, and establishments carry foreign names – most of which can easily be traced to navy officials who were previously stationed there, local government officials, and even American presidents.

But who was Nellie E. Brown?

04 April 2024

Newsletter: Globe rolls out local prepaid eSIM

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Globe, a leading Mobile provider in the Philippines, ushers in a new era of sustainable digital connectivity with the rollout of its local prepaid eSIM.

The Gigs: Where To Catch Your Favorite OPM Bands (v. 2024, Part 2 of 2)

03/30/2024 04:15:43 PM


I first wrote The Gigs as part of the music issue of the Philippine Panorama (Yes, the Sunday magazine of Manila Bulletin) back in February 2018, wherein I featured some of the places which houses live music scene. Add to that is how and why online is also the place to be if one looks for sources of new music.

Fast-forward to 2024: It has been two years since the time the Manila gig scene resurfaced for good. The months of February and March were the times when music events had its full-blown resurrection for good after being halted by another wave of community quarantine at the start of the year 2022. Some of us have to understand that this was an era of a convergence of the new normal and returning norms as some of our beloved venues closed, a bunch of personalities we know passed away (be it due to COVID or not), and everything noisy has mostly been made virtually. As we know it, the shutdown has put us in uncertainty; but eventually, we found our way back to hum tunes with our voices and instruments. 

In 2022, we may have been walloping over the closure of Upperhouse, Conspiracy Garden Cafe and Route 196 (along with other shops and restaurants in various business fields that we didn't have chances to bade farewell), but new houses emerged to serve live music and all the merrymaking we barely missed that two-year stretch, and that was something we discussed a while ago.

For more of The Gigs, we shed the spotlight on the other names which probably rang the bell, also made their respective returns – although, in different locations. Add to that are the reopening of the venues that remained alive and kicking up to this day.

03 April 2024

The Dexcon Wrestle Storm Experience

03/30/2024 10:34:29 PM


Sometime last year, there was a collective effort made by some of my friends form the local wrestling circle – an event called Dexcon, I won't bore you with the details as I may tell a few words about them later on.

This year, Dexcon has transformed into a collective organization of people from the likes of Channel Fourteen, Fight Sport Manila, and Kayfabe Cafe, to name a few. But more than that, Dexcon has drove away from their usual wrestling event watching parties at CardBros Hobby Shop and some meet and trade for cards. Their event has evolved into an exciting weekend of wrestling.

Newsletter: Empowering women at Asticom: Nurturing success in life and work

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Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, President and CEO

Asticom Technology Inc., the country’s premier shared services company, proudly honors the remarkable women who drive its success. From mothers balancing work and family to senior leaders forging new paths, Asticom recognizes the invaluable contributions of women and is committed to fostering an environment where they can thrive in all aspects of their lives.

02 April 2024

Newsletter: Beyoncé releases new album, COWBOY CARTER

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Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, COWBOY CARTER is taking the world by storm with its top-notch songwriting and production, as well as incredible commercial success. The critically acclaimed record is expected to land at No. 1 on several countries for the tracking week, particularly in major markets worldwide.

The WWE on Disney+ Problematic Experience

03/20/2024 12:52:15 AM


I knew it from the moment the news came about WWE Network going out of the Philippine shores back in late 2022. I wasn't that hopeful when the announcement of Disney+ acquiring WWE programming as part of its portfolio of offerings to the country.

01 April 2024

Newsletter: Grammy-winning Amapiano Pop-R&B sensation Tyla arrives with her self-titled debut album, TYLA

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A record-setting finish to 2023 set the stage for Grammy award-winning Amapiano pop-R&B superstar Tyla to step firmly into her stardom in 2024, and today the South African superstar makes it official.
Tyla’s self-titled debut album, "TYLA", featuring guest appearances by Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and Kelvin Momo is now available.

The Best and Worst WrestleMania Moments in the Last 10 Years (Part 2 of 2)

03/21/2024 04:14:31 PM

WrestleMania 39 (Photo credits: AP, WWE, Arab News)

I have been following professional wrestling (although not in a very religious way) since 2012. I have seen WrestleMania during Holy Tuesday of the said year; and it has been a yearly thing for me to watch the show, be it live, primetime replay, or on-demand. That said, it's fair to say I have watched WrestleMania for 12 consecutive years – and probably going on 13 by April 6-7 (or April 7-8 by the Philippine Standard Time).