Alessandra de Rossi signs with Lilystars Records; releases remastered version of “Make It Better”

It’s official: ADR, the ambient music project of actress/producer/director/writer Alessandra de Rossi, officially joins the growing roster of music acts under Manila-based indie label, Lilystars Records.

Her first major project as a solo artist is the re-release of the landmark single “Make It Better”—now out on all digital platforms worldwide this October 2, 2020 (Friday). Delicately arranged with ethereal soundscapes, trip-hop beats, and New Age-inspired vocals, ADR’s self-penned and self-produced electro-pop number has been given a remastered treatment, making it sound more polished than ever.

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO OF “MAKE IT BETTER”HERE.

Written in as early as 2010, “Make It Better” is a product of its time: a confessional outlet that simmers with disappointment and heartbreak. “It’s supposedly written for someone, but maybe I was looking for the exact words that I really wanted to tell myself,” the multi-hyphenate artist shares in a statement. “But dedicating it to someone else felt easier. Is it too vague? Don't worry, the feeling is mutual.”

Aside from “Make It Better,” ADR’s debut record, Adrift will also make its way to several music platforms soon in remastered format. Initially released in 2012, the 13-track chillout, electronic and ambient album was made available for free download as a zip file. 

“I was told by so many, that no one would buy my music because it’s not pop enough for radio,” ADR said. “But it’s 2020: everything is much more accessible, thanks to all online streaming platforms. I'm just really happy that people who don't have access to laptops or computers can now finally hear it through their phones. And skip throughout the whole song, if it's not pop enough.”

Music was once just a hobby for ADR, and dropping old and new music under a record label felt very new to her, despite giving out songs for free since 2008. “Now under Lilystars, it makes me feel crazy to be lined up with musicians who are really legit, and I’m still trying to let everything sink in. I don’t know if I should be terrified or very terrified.”

The remastered version of “Make It Better” is now available worldwide via Lilystars Records.

Source: Nyou

PhilPop goes global with #MusicBreakingBorders

PhilPop has always been a reliable and trusted platform in fostering appreciation for quality and original compositions that reflect Filipino culture, experience, and identity. This year, the country’s premier songwriting competition plans to continue its mission of promoting homegrown music on a scale that’s never done before: by going global and forging regional ties.

With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, PhilPop is committed to celebrating and showcasing the diverse appeal of Filipino music through its Songwriting Festival.

This also serves as an opportunity to empower underrated music talents from the Philippines to harness their potential in the international music arena, and give them the necessary support to widen their reach and adapt to various challenges and trends in the industry. 

Music Breaking Borders

National Artist and PhilPop Music Fest Foundation Board Member and Bootcamp Master Ryan Cayabyab puts into perspective the fascinating story and direction for original Pilipino music for which PhilPop dares to achieve. “Filipino music and songs become more meaningful, more colorful and more diverse when we tear down the barriers that separate us. The color that each language brings, the unique stories that each music creator conjures or creates, and the diversity of possible creations to choose from makes for a more exciting direction for Philippine popular music to take. Hence, we in Philpop has adopted the theme, Music Breaking Borders to achieve what we have set out. The other facet of Philpop’s #MusicBreakingBorders is, you probably have guessed – the task of Philippine pop music to break barriers in the international scene,” Cayabyab shares in a statement.  

PhilPop Boot Camp coach and folk icon Noel Cabangon also emphasizes the importance of giving voice to new, original Filipino pop songs from different parts of the country, and that an overwhelming number of aspiring songwriters outside Metropolitan Manila, have produced and written material that deserves to be heard on the mainstage. “The idea of breaking borders is to somehow break the “monopoly’ of music emanating from the National Capital Region (NCR).” 

Cabangon explains, “We have to admit that there is a diverse musical sound of diverse influences from the regions. Music has been one of the popular art forms that expresses the culture and way of life of the people from the region. I’m not just talking about indigenous sound and ideas but distinct people’s character and sensibility. #MusicBreakingBorders is also not just an accommodation of music from the other parts of the country, but the idea being inclusive, in the sense of original Filipino music. We somehow want to break the wall of confinement in the center and allow/open the arena, and create a broader stream. Somehow this broader stream can lead all of us to the sea and to the ocean, where borders are opening up to new ideas.”

Overwhelming response

The 2020 PhilPop Music Festival started accepting entries last April 25, 2020 from all over the country in 5 different clusters: Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the National Capital Region. 

More than a thousand entries have already been submitted, with original and unpublished compositions not restricted to any genre, and written in various languages—from English to Filipino, from Bicolano to Ilocano, from Cebuano to Waray, and more. 

Submission of entries is still ongoing until July 4, 2020. For more details on how to join, feel free to register online via their official website. 

To date, PhilPop has produced some of the biggest songs of the last two decades, including massive streaming and radio hits performed, composed and written by Ben&Ben, Thyro and Yumi, The Itchyworms, Sam Concepcion, Johnoy Danao, Kyla, and Joey Ayala—to name a few. 

The respected music institution has also created a world-class and sustainable curriculum for its annual workshops and seminars, facilitated only by the best in the Philippine music industry. 

This year alone, PhilPop conducted several talks and performances online through its banner showcase, Q&A + Kwentuhan Songwriting and PhilPop Live, which can be streamed on its Facebook page. 

According to PhilPop 2020 President Ricky Vargas, the country’s biggest songwriting competition aims to strengthen its presence by “coming up with digital initiatives and strategies to engage future music industry professionals with different approaches in songwriting, production, and other modes of creative expression that are at par with international standards.” He adds, “Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we remain as a stabilizing force in discovering world-class songwriters and composers, and making sure that their work stands out in terms of innovation, cultural pride, and global appeal.

Advice to aspiring composers

When asked about his advice to new and upcoming composers and songwriters, Ryan Cayabyab shares a few important reminders to achieve their goals of making it to the international stage. “The balance to be original and to be universal all at the same time is the key that anyone aspiring for global recognition needs to achieve. It also means that a careful balance between science and art should be the direction to take. This will entail a lot of observation and experimentation and a lot of creative spirit and practice to get to that point where one is ready to take flight! Like all types of experiments, there will be a lot of failures along the way, so we need to be prepared for the long haul: prepared physically, mentally and emotionally.” 

Noel Cabangon encourages everyone to focus on honing the talent and turning the process into a habit. “Get inspired, keep on writing, open your ears and eyes to new ideas and transform and them your own.”PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's PhilPop is co-presented by SMART, MERALCO, and MAYNILAD.

Source: Nyou

UE Jam Sessions pay tribute to the frontliners with original song, “Lalaban Tayo”

UE Jam Sessions (UEJS), the premiere music organization in University of the East, released a tribute music video dedicated to the medical practitioners and frontliners of the country, who are risking their lives amidst the pandemic crisis.

“Lalaban Tayo” was written by Jenny Legapi, arranged by Choi Felipe, and executive produced by Tommy Tanchanco. Featuring 34 singers and musicians from UEJS Manila and UE Caloocan, the collaborative effort was recorded and filmed during the lockdown period in the confines of their own homes. 

Despite the limited resources and massive challenges that the students have to go through in the recording process, they were able to improvise and produce a studio-recording quality of the uplifting pop-rock anthem that champions the daring and uncompromised sacrifices of our modern day heroes. It’s their contribution for all the hard work that our medical, security and essential frontliners had to endure during these uncertain times. 

“As we move forward in these trying times, we put our hopes in one another,” 12 Stone Records CEO Tommy Tanchanco shares. “Reshaping our lives this quarantine can never be easy for all of us, but still, let us not forget those people who risk their own lives on the front line and go beyond their call of duty.”

Its accompanying music video, which was edited by Cher Manulit, interspersed individual recordings from the participating student-musicians with inspiring clips showcasing the acts of kindness and compassion of our frontliners, particularly those in the medical field.  

Source: Nyou

“Lalaban Tayo (A Special Tribute To Frontliners)” is now released via 12 Stone Records.

Benjamin Kheng and Ben&Ben to grill each other on Instagram Live Show, B.B.Q.

After their much buzzed TikTok collaboration which attracted an audience of more than 3 million, Singapore-based alt pop artist Benjamin Kheng and award-winning Filipino band Ben&Ben will be blessing the regional social media feeds once again with their follow-up collaboration on Instagram Live next week, June 23 at 10 pm. 

The nine-piece collective behind hits such as “Lifetime,” “Pagtingin” and “Doors” will be joining Benjamin Kheng’s IG Live show, B.B.Q.—short for Ben’s Burning Questions. 

Known for its hilarious banters and challenges, B.B.Q. encourages celebrity guests to pass 10 challenges with varying levels of difficulty.

If the participants surmount the test, they will be given a chance to “grill” Benjamin through a burning question or a flaming dare. The online show airs live on Benjamin Kheng’s Instagram every week. 

Benjamin Kheng releases solo debut EP

Following his previous singles “Wicked,” “Find Me,” and “Lovers Forever,” the Singaporean multimedia star has just released his highly anticipated EP, A Sea That Never Stops.

The 6-track EP features three new tracks ‘Shiny’, ‘Already Home’, and ‘Make Do’ in addition to his previous singles. 

A Sea That Never Stops focuses on fresh music – with each song embracing nuanced stories paired with novel production, yet heavily drawing upon Benjamin’s musical influences of gospel, rock, and musical theater. It fully encompasses Benjamin’s creative range and lends promise to his future musical endeavors.

Reflecting wholeheartedly on the significance of the EP title, Benjamin says, “Time has a way of teaching us how to say goodbye to things and people we're not ready to – it just happens. Things simply end, people simply die, and we're dragged on with time. We're saying hello to new chapters before we've closed old ones. I guess I started writing these songs at the biting point of saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new, and I slowly began accepting the fact that I was part of a sea of waves that would eventually crash, disappear and go back into the ocean.”

Ben&Ben’s “Lifetime” amasses more than 5 million hits in a week

The critically acclaimed group is breaking records once again with the release of their new single, “Lifetime.” The folk-pop ballad has amassed more than 5 million streams on Spotify and YouTube combined, giving listeners a taste of their introspective songwriting in a time that needs comforting words and hope.

Ben&Ben premiered the hit song on TikTok Live! last June 13. It’s their first live performance together in one place after the lockdown period. 

Benjamin Kheng’s solo debut EP, A Sea That Never Stops! and Ben&Ben’s latest single, “Lifetime” are both available on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Source: Nyou

Listen to Twenty-Nine Eleven’s take on 6cyclemind’s “I”

Filipino pop-rock outfit Twenty-Nine Eleven has finally released their remake of 6cyclemind’s “I,” off the upcoming Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project.

The song serves as the second single of the online compilation, produced by 6cyclemind and their management Soupstar Music, and released by Sony Music Philippines. 

The aforementioned tribute record aims to introduce the band’s legacy as reliable hitmakers that continue to define an entire generation’s collective consciousness.

A captivating take

Twenty-Nine Eleven’s version of the alt-rock classic was handpicked as one of the three winners of the Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project—an initiative that encouraged fans to submit covers of their favorite songs from 6cyclemind’s catalog. 

Their captivating take stands out with its earnest simplicity and delicate arrangements, giving the song a refreshing spin while maintaining the original’s timelessness and emotional appeal.

According to Fony Alfonso, the lead vocalist of the five-piece band, the song is already great on its own. “However, in order to make it sound like us, we wanted to rearrange the song and add more of our personality to it. As with all of the songs that we've done before, we experimented with it until we got the right ‘feel’ that we wanted to express as a band.”

An inspiration to young musicians

The independent band considers 6cyclemind as one of their inspirations. “After spending time with the members of 6cyclemind, we were able to understand that it wasn't only their music style that made them successful, but also their perseverance in pursuing their career and passion,” guitarist Alexandre Abesamis shares. “As they've told us back then, there were a lot of other better and more skilled bands than them, but what made them stand out is that they never stopped playing.”

Currently, Twenty-Nine Eleven is working on new material and experimenting with various sounds and techniques culled from their individual music influences. Drummer Jerell Co adds, “Ever since high school, we were subjected to various styles and genres of music from the most dramatic love songs to the heaviest rock songs. That alone has developed the kind of music we could make now.” 

Twenty-Nine Eleven’s rendition of “I” is now available on various music streaming and download platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

John Legend’s new album, Bigger Love celebrates Black Culture and Pride

Multi-platinum artist John Legend is slated to drop his sixth studio album, Bigger Love on June 19 (Friday) via Columbia Records.

On a lengthy Instagram post, the Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) winner reveals that Bigger Love was written and produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the #BlackLivesMatter protests happening around the world. According to him, the upcoming album is a “celebration of love, joy, sensuality, hope, and resilience” and an important showcase of what makes black culture so influential and empowering.

“It’s important for us to continue to show the world the fullness of what it is to be black and human,” John Legend takes pride. “Through our art, we are able to do that. I’m under no illusion that music can save the world or solve the world’s problems, but I’ve always turned to music to help me through tough times and I know many of you have done the same.”

His new album, Bigger Love features 16 soulful, R&B-laden, and pop-influenced tracks, and includes guest spots and collaborations with Gary Clark Jr., Jhene Aiko, Koffee, Rapsody, and Camper. It is executive produced by Raphael Saadiq—the award-winning neo-soul artist who co-produced two of the most critically acclaimed albums of the last two decades: Solange’s A Seat At The Table and D’Angelo’s Voodoo. 

The All Of Me singer-songwriter dedicates his upcoming record to his wife, his family, and “the rich tradition of black music that has made me the artist I am.”

The album’s focus single is “U Move, I Move,” a duet featuring Jhene Aiko. With its velvety harmonies, lush arrangements, and an inescapable chorus, the R&B slow jam embraces the emotional range and vulnerability of both artists, taking listeners to a place of romantic high with just the right amount of warmth. Upon hearing the track, Legend’s wife, multimedia star Chrissy Teigen tweeted, “One of my favorite ones is one with @JheneAiko. Why don’t u guys just get fuckin married.” The tweet has racked up more than 40,000 likes and a thousand retweets. 

For more information about the album, please visit: www.johnlegend.com.

About John Legend

Critically acclaimed and best-selling artist John Legend has garnered eleven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award, making Legend the first African-American man to earn an EGOT. 

He has released six celebrated albums including, Get Lifted (2004), Once Again (2006), Evolver (2008), Love in the Future (2013), Darkness and Light (2016), and A Legendary Christmas (2018). Legend starred in NBC's "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert" in 2018, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special and nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor (Limited Series). Legend joined "The Voice" for Season 16 (2019), winning with his mentee Maelyn Jarmon and is currently a judge on Season 18. 

John is a partner in Get Lifted Film Co., serving as an Executive Producer for "Southern Rites," "United Skates," WGN America's "Underground," and films "Southside with You" and "La La Land." As a philanthropist, Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign in 2015 to change the national conversation surrounding the misguided criminal justice policies in the US and to end mass incarceration.

Source: Nyou

Ben&Ben to release a song inspired by a fan’s heartbreaking story

Award-winning Filipino band, Ben&Ben will drop their new single, “Lifetime” on June 4 (Thursday) via Sony Music. 

The intricately produced, folk-pop ballad was written as a response to a fan’s YouTube comment on their hit song “Pagtingin,” which to date, has amassed more than a hundred million streams on YouTube and Spotify combined. 

The fan, who goes by the alias of “Anne Jou,” shared her story of regretting not being able to express her feelings because she was afraid to lose the friendship.

“…instead of telling him what I actually felt, I hid and buried my feelings. And you know what happens to feelings that are buried? They grow. The like I felt for him became love. I wrote poems, songs. After 8 years, I attended his wedding [last] January. And guess what? The world is really overly-cruel. Before his wedding, he thanked me for being his best friend and told me that before he met the girl he got married to, he loved me first. For 5 years. But he was also scared of losing me so he just decided to keep it. I was shocked and I slightly had anger towards the world. We didn't know that if only one of us dared to make a move, a lifetime was waiting for us. So people, while you can, please express how you really feel so that in the end you won't regret anything.”

The nine-piece collective decided to make song inspired by a fan’s online confession—a proof of how powerful and moving words can be, when shared from a place of earnestness and raw honesty. 

Notwithstanding the technical limitations and struggles in recording brought about by the pandemic, Ben&Ben pulled through in a few days and finished the song in their respective homes with just their instruments and a studio software. 

The intimate recording session led to what is “Lifetime” now: an emotionally affecting song that leaves us wondering, what could have happened if we only mustered the courage to admit our feelings to the person we’re pining for, regardless of the outcome? 

“Lifetime” was mixed by veteran sound engineer JP Verona, and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Leon Zervos (Pink, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Beastie Boys, and Willie Nelson). It was written by Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin, and recorded and produced by Ben&Ben.

Ben&Ben’s “Lifetime” will be released on all digital platforms worldwide on June 4 (12 midnight, Thursday).

Source: Nyou

Limitless Entrepreneur Day 5

I just finished the Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat! It was created by mastermind coach Melyssa Griffin to train creative entrepreneurs to have an abundance mindset. I personally took it because I wanted to develop my entrepreneurial mindset.

Here are some of my answers to Melyssa’s questions for Day 5:

What is the offer that you’re going to launch?

• My offer is WRITING! I aim to utilize my communication skills primarily in writing and public speaking to become an asset to my future employer.

What impact will this product make in the lives of your buyers?

• I will ensure that my clients will notice that I practice empathy when dealing with them and producing output for them. By putting myself in their shoes, I can create effective copy that they can use for their businesses.

How do you want your customers or clients to FEEL after purchasing your offer?

• I want them to feel good as they know that they can trust me to help them communicate effectively to their target audience.

Imagine them chatting with a friend after purchasing your offer. What do you hope they say to their friend about what it was like to purchase from or work with you?

• “Sam is able to help us provide better services to our clients by producing effective and concise messages for our marketing emails, social media posts, and customer service templates.”

How can you incorporate this “vibe” into your onboarding and sales process? What can you do to make sure your clients or customers FEEL the way you want them to?

• I will make sure that I will ask my clients what they want, how they want to be perceived by their clients, and who their clients are. I want my clients to feel like I am a friend whom they could trust to help them communicate better to their customers.

Which onboarding tactics are you going to implement to ensure that your buyers feel taken care of?

• I will confirm that they receive my services and that they are satisfied with my work. I will make sure that this is done in writing, preferably via email between me and my clients.

• I will ask for feedback and if they are satisfied, I will request for testimonials for my future clients’ reference.

I really enjoyed this course, and I hope that you will also learn from it! Click here to take the course yourself and watch your mindset shift from fear to abundance! Enjoy!

Limitless Entrepreneur Day 4

Today is my blog www.speakoutsam.com’s third anniversary! I am celebrating it whilst at home due to the enhanced community quarantine. While the lockdown is only temporary, my learning journey is a lifelong one. This is why I signed up for Melyssa Griffin’s Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat to make the most out the quarantine by learning how to have an entrepreneurial mindset.

Here are some of my answers to Melyssa’s Day 4 prompts:

Help them visualize the transformation they’ll experience if they work with you. How’s their life like now?

I realized that the world will not be the same after the pandemic ends. We are already aware of the possibility of productivity at home. Work is possible even while at home thanks to technology. Working with me will make life easier for my employer because I am able to utilize the available technologies to communicate the client’s message to his target audience. I am also capable of meeting clients and upper management face-to-face, which is an advantage when making pitches or networking. I am flexible while also prioritizing time management when it comes to achieving results.

How will it be after working with you/purchasing your products and experiencing the transformation you can get them?

I have a Human Nature online store (please support! We deliver during the ECQ) which enables me to deliver high quality natural personal and home care products to Filipinos during the quarantine. I am able to provide a ritual for self-care and cleanliness during a period of uncertainty. I am also working as a freelance writer during this time. I am also a volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH as a crocheter.

I am able to share my passion for natural products, writing skills, and crocheted earsavers during the pandemic. I provide a sense of humanity in the face of an unseen virus. I give hope when there is so much negativity and fear in the world through my ability to communicate, sell, and for my volunteer work, to crochet for frontliners.

Now, this transformation needs to be real and achievable. Don’t promise them something you can’t deliver, you want to be honest and help your audience get actual results. Do you have a personal transformation you can share? What might their transformation look like if they purchase your offer?

A couple of months ago, I was a freelance writer with an online business. I also had my blog which has enabled me to attended learning and networking events. My life completely changed when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented. I has to quickly pivot since I had to be safe at home during the entirety of the pandemic. I chose to volunteer as a crocheter for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH because I wanted to help our frontliners. It became a journey of transformation because my focus shifted on something bigger than myself. Since then, I no longer thought of this pandemic as a period of loss and solitude. Rather, I saw it as an opportunity to serve those who heal the sick.

Gather all your friends for AJ Mitchell’s Manila mall shows!

American pop sensation AJ Mitchell is set to serenade and meet his Filipino fans for an upcoming series of mall tours.

The eighteen-year-old pop singer-songwriter will be performing in select Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, from January 17 to 18, 2020 with the following schedule:

• 01/17/20: Uptown Bonifacio (Friday, 7pm)

• 01/18/20: Venice Grand Canal Mall (Saturday, 3pm)

• 01/18/20: Eastwood City (Saturday, 7pm)

“This will be my first time in the Philippines,” the teen heartthrob reveals in an interview. “I’m so excited to experience the culture and see as much as I can while there. I can’t wait to eat the amazing food and hopefully see some of the beaches as well.”

With Nathan Huang of Nathan & Mercury and featuring Any Name’s Okay as opening act, the American recording artist will perform some fan favorites, including the mid-tempo jam “All My Friends” and the global smash “Slow Dance.”

Getting to know AJ Mitchell

With a slick and show-stopping voice, charismatic personality, and sharp songwriting chops, it’s no surprise that the fast-rising star has already charted three hits on the US top 40 radio chart in a span of less than two years: “Girls,” “All My Friends,” which peaked inside the top 25, and the Ava Max duet “Slow Dance,” now ranked #29 and still climbing. 

In terms of streaming, AJ Mitchell has racked up more than 100 million streams and 4.15 million monthly listeners on Spotify, cementing himself as 2019’s most promising male artist.

Outside the US, the Philippines is considered to be one of the biggest music markets of AJ Mitchell, whose latest single “Slow Dance,” a collaboration with hit-maker Ava Max, is currently making waves in local streaming playlists and top 40 radio stations. “I was pleasantly surprised when I first learned this and I’m so excited to finally get to meet some of my Filipino fans,” the young musician/performer opens up about the warm reception on his previous and recent releases. 

As for Ava Max, the pop phenom who has shown significant international attention with “Sweet and Psycho,” which topped the charts in 26 countries and landed a top 10 peak at the Billboard Hot 100 last year, the All My Friends singer has always been vocal about admiring her work ethic and talent. “Working with Ava Max was such an incredible experience. After sending her the track, she sent back her verse within hours. Even on the very first take she sounded so amazing that we immediately knew she was the one for the song.”

New album in the works

This year, AJ Mitchell will be releasing his debut full-length album under Sony Music. “This has been a wild ride so far and every day I think of how blessed I have been,” the budding pop personality reflects. “Over the next few years, I have so much more I hope to accomplish. Right now I can’t wait to finally release my first album called Skyview. Beyond that, I hope to have a #1 song, win a Grammy, go out on an international tour, and so much more.”

AJ Mitchell’s latest single “Slow Dance” is now available on all music streaming and download platforms worldwide.You can watch the official music video of “Slow Dance” on Youtube, and stream the track in its entirety on Spotify.

source: Sony Music Philippines

Digital Transformation

Yesterday, I got to attend the Rocket Boosting your Business through Digital Transformation conference at the Luxent Hotel. It was hosted by GEP Solutions. It aimed to impart new views and insights, teach new business trends, and allow industry disruption.

It was an honor to meet fellow blogger Loida of Happy Pinay at the event. One of the perks of attending industry events is networking. I am really blessed to meet like minded individuals every time.

It is important to know now that we are in the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that change is inevitable. Thus, we have to innovate in order to survive. As keynote speaker Andrew Chow from Singapore said, “technology is our friend, not the enemy”. We must learn to embrace the resources available to us in order to digitally transform our business and improve the quality of our lives.
My key takeaway is that digital transformation is a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight. With GEP Solutions, it is possible to have an infrastructure that is capable of operating in and adapting to the rapidly changing FinTech landscape.

Many thanks to GEP Solutions and to Rotary Club of Commonwealth for having me!

Shopee Unveils New Christmas Jingle with Jose Mari Chan on Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special

Shopee Unveils New Christmas Jingle with Jose Mari Chan on Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special

On November 11, Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale will offer all-day sitewide free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend

MANILA, NOVEMBER 10 2019 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, kickstarts the festive season with star studded performances by Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza and Jose Mari Chan on the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special aired on GMA and Shopee Live. During the TV Show, Shopee brand ambassador Jose Mari Chan amazed viewers with an exclusive live performance of the newest Shopee Christmas jingle. Shoppers can look forward to the official launch of the Christmas jingle on all online channels on November 12.

The newest Shopee Christmas jingle is a fun rendition of Jose Mari Chan’s highly popular original “A Wish on Christmas Night”, and was specially composed to welcome Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing, Shopee Philippines, said, “We’re very happy to once again work with the Father of Philippine Christmas Music, Jose Mari Chan, for our new Christmas jingle. Last year, our Christmas jingle with Jose Mari Chan received great success, garnering over 19 million views online. This year, we are bringing him back with a new jingle to bring more fun and joy for our shoppers as we usher in the year-end celebration. Together with Jose Mari Chan, we look forward to celebrating the festive season and invite everyone to lookout for our upcoming Christmas sales.”

Jose Mari Chan, said, “I am excited to be working with Shopee again to bring joy and laughter to Filipinos during this festive season. Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations in the Philippines and I am thrilled to be given an opportunity to work with Shopee to release a new jingle. I always have an enjoyable time with Shopee and hope my fans will look forward to what we have in store throughout the holiday season.”

Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale with discounts up to 95% off

On November 11, Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale will offer consumers unbeatable deals including all-day sitewide free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend. There will be up to 95% off from leading brands including Pampers, Silverworks, Bosch, Unilever, Maybelline, Olay, Pantene, Globe, Anker, Safeguard, Watsons, Huawei, and more. Viewers of Shopee Live can also tune in to a 12-hour livestream session with non-stop prizes including vouchers and iPhone 11 giveaways.

Catch these crazy deals during Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale on November 11:

● Silverworks: Users can score up to 80% off on all Silverworks products including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

● Maybelline: Users can enjoy up to 60% off Maybelline best-sellers such as Maybelline Sensational Liquid Lipstick, Superstay Full Coverage Foundation, and Hypercurl Waterproof Mascara.

● Unilever: Users can get up to 50% off popular products such as Dove Intense Repair Shampoo, Ponds Cleansing Balm and Surf Detergent Powder at Unilever Official Store.

● Huawei: Users can anticipate exciting discounts and special bundles on Huawei products such as Huawei Band 4, Huawei Mate 30 Pro, and more at Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale.

● Bosch: Users can look forward to up to 55% off on Bosch power tools and accessories such as cordless drills, hammers, and more.

● P&G: Users can watch out for discounts of up to 50% on favorite P&G brands like Pampers, Olay, and Safeguard.

Find out more about Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale at https://shopee.ph/11-11.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Saxophone Idols Live!

As a blogger, I get to be invited to various seminars, conferences, and events. While it is an honor to feature learning opportunities, I am also keen on writing about concerts.

So you can just imagine my thrill when I was invited to attend the SILA 2.0 Concert at the Newport Performing Arts! It was not only my first time to feature a saxophone concert on my blog, it was also my first time to watch a show at this theater.

I went there early to unwind after my crochet workshop at MCAD. I was able to claim my ticket before grabbing a bite at one of the nearby restaurants. Then, I proceeded to my seat where I got to crochet while waiting for the show to commence.

The show was great from start to finish! I was especially drawn to saxophone diva Nicole Tejedor, who brought the house down with her powerful numbers and stage presence. It was refreshing to watch a female saxophonist rock the house and look awesome while doing so.

I also enjoyed the Beatles medley, as the saxophonists brought a unique twist to the famed songs of the Fab Four. They did not disappoint!

It was an honor to watch these talented saxophonists onstage, and be with other music lovers as well. I have always been an old soul, so the current sounds on the radio are not necessarily my go-to music. I still prefer the classics, along with the jazzy riffs of the saxophone.

I hope to be invited to more concerts in the future, and to watch more saxophone shows again!

S.I.L.A. 2019

I am attending the S.I.L.A. 2019 concert on Saturday, October 12! It’s my first time to attend a saxophone concert. I’m very excited to watch various saxophonists perform, and I can’t wait to meet fellow music enthusiasts as well.

For tickets, contact Ticketworld at 891-9999 or ticketworld.com.ph.

Quezon and Sarah G

I finally got to have my eyebrows professionally waxed at Benefit. People underestimate the power of good grooming, and having freshly trimmed eyebrows does wonders to my self-esteem. It made me feel alive again.  

I had some free time in the afternoon, so I watched Quezon’s Game in the cinema. I enjoyed the historical experience and I was moved by the film’s premise of Quezon saving more than a thousand Jews. It was a masterpiece that I hope more people will watch. 

Later that day, I went to the event that I was invited to: Sarah Geronimo’s concert and Pop Studio makeup line launch at the New Frontier Theater. 

I enjoyed the event because I am genuinely a Sarah Geronimo fan.  

I sipped some awesome cheese milk tea from Paper Moon prior to the event.  

Then, it was party time with the Popstar Royalty herself!

It was a fun night, which I ended by purchasing a lipstick from Sarah’s line. 

I chose a mauve shade that can go with my everyday looks.  

It was a privilege to watch a touching historical film and a concert in one day. Here’s to more days where I can have it all!

Risk Management Masterclass Day 2

Yesterday was the second day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass series at the Asian Institute of Management. I had the Sicilian Pasta Salad with pesto dressing at Juju Eats to kickstart my day.  

I reached my destination in a heartbeat thanks to the improving MRT.  

A case study got everyone in the Masterclass awake and in high spirits for the information that was going to be imparted to us. 

I learned that there are careers in risk management, and there is a need for people to lend their expertise in preventing mayhem from ensuing before and after each disaster. Communication also plays a key role in improving systems in place and informing the general public. 

After the class, I went to Landmark Makati to buy some essentials for my family.  

It was nostalgic as my family and I used to shop for groceries here when I was a kid.  

I also went to St. Clare Monastery to offer eggs and pray for my special intentions.  

Again, the MRT wowed me with cool AC and efficient crowd control on the way home.  

I ended my day with some Fried Chicken Master!

I am thankful for yesterday’s learning opportunity, and I look forward to the last day in the masterclass series!

SCbit

Yesterday, I drove to the UP Main Library to catch SCbit, an exhibit to remember the UP Shopping Center. Despite having been burned down, many people have wanted to relive the memories in this nostalgic place. I myself had a lot of happy memories here even if I wasn’t a UP student. I drank strawberry chocolate shakes, ate plates of tapsilog, brought my books for photocopying, and even had a pair of fashionable specs made.

The facade of the library was lovely! 

I think it is commendable that students from the UP Library Science department have taken the time to put this exhibit together. They have diligently looked for photos, interviewed stakeholders, and researched at the University Archives.  

My photos were included in the exhibit! I am thankful that Nicole, one of the organizers, has reached out to me to ask for permission. I gladly said yes!

I miss the Shopping Center (SC), primarily for the food, cheap photocopy shops, and the Sarabia Optical Shop, which was where I got these fashionable specs!

The exhibit was a walk through memory lane. It was touching to see the efforts of the students in putting this exhibit together. I hope that the SC will be rebuilt so that more people will be able to have a one-stop shop in the middle of UP again.