Cleanfuel Celebrates Yuletide Season with Paskong Panalo e-Raffle Promo

Cleanfuel is celebrating the Christmas season with its Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo starting November 17, 2021.

Cleanfuel VIP card holders have a chance to win a one-year supply of fuel, a motocross training course at Cleanfuel Motocross Park, mountain bikes, full-faced helmets and air purifiers.

For every Php 500 spent on fuel products, such as AutoLPG, Diesel, Clean 91, and Premium 95 or any Motul engine oil products, Cleanfuel VIP members may earn one (1) e-raffle entry. For customers who are non-VIP card holder, Cleanfuel encourages the customers to apply to have a validated raffle entry.

After purchasing, Cleanfuel VIP card members can automatically scan the QR Code (Paskong Panalo wobbler design) attached at every Cleanfuel dispenser that will lead them to Cleanfuel’s Paskong Panalo Sign Up Page (https://cleanfuel.ph/raffle/) to fill out the necessary information needed. Once completed, the VIP card member will receive an SMS notification stating that their entry has been approved.

The Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel promo is applicable to cash, credit card, or any e-payment transactions.

The promo runs until January 26, 2021 and the electronic raffle draw will be held at Cleanfuel Head Office in the presence of a DTI representative scheduled on January 28, 2022. Winners of the raffle draw will be notified via SMS or email that is registered to the system of Cleanfuel.

Raffle winners may redeem their prize within sixty (60) days upon receiving the notification of their prize. Winners must physically visit the head office of Cleanfuel at Marcos Highway, Sitio Daan Cainta, Dela Paz, Pasig City to claim the prize and must present a valid ID, a Cleanfuel VIP card, and a screenshot of the SMS Notification.

The promo is not valid in conjunction with other Cleanfuel promotions or discount offers.

“As the Christmas season approaches, we want to show our gratitude by bringing joy to our valued customers through the Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo. We are thanking you for your continuous support to Cleanfuel. We are also encouraging our customers to become our VIP member to enjoy rewards and these raffle prizes,” said Atty. Jesus Suntay, president and CEO of Cleanfuel.

Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo is registered with DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 130937 Series of 2021.

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Are you 10-19 years old? Sign up now in my boosting self-esteem/confidence webinar on Dec 27 Monday 3-4pm

Interested to know more about ways you can develop your self-esteem and promote positive body confidence? Join our free online webinar, the Dove's Confident Me: Virtual Camp on December 27 Monday 3-4pm. This is for ages 10-19 years old. E-Certificate will be emailed after attending the 1 hour webinar.

https://forms.gle/wdayMAjzP6Uc96SN8

#freewebinar #webinar #selfesteem #confidence

Sb19’s Sister Group Kaia Hopes To Conquer The Airwaves With Pre-Debut Single “Kaya”

 

KAIA’s new track blends contemporary pop music with hip-hop and EDM elements

After being publicly launched last month by ShowBT Philippines, the global entertainment company responsible for catapulting SB19 into global stardom, P-Pop girl group KAIA is now ready to seize the spotlight with the release of their pre-debut single “KAYA”—out today on December 10 (Friday) via Sony Music Philippines.

Derived from the Filipino word which means finding one’s own courage, the upbeat electro-pop track tackles the importance of coping with the turbulent times, and being able to bounce back stronger amidst the adversities in life. The song is written by Maegan Adriano and KAIA themselves, who took inspiration from the hardships that they’ve gone through as a group.

“We are nervous and excited at the same time,” the all-girl ensemble shares in a statement. “We are excited to show people what we've been working hard for in the past months, and we're hoping that people will give love and support to our pre-debut single, KAYA.”

Produced by Mr. Lee Oh Won (SB19, SHINee’s Taemin, Stray Kids, TVXQ and Wanna One) and Han Seungtaek, “KAYA” delivers a sonically adventurous sound built around contemporary pop trends and hip-hop/EDM elements. It’s a catchy banger that serves as a great introduction to the members’ interesting and diverse personalities, as well as their hands on approach towards the creative aspects of music-making.

As ShowBT Philippines Content Strategist and Digital Marketing Specialist Reine Tan sums it up, “Aside from their major involvement in their music and content, their unique personalities and talent, complete with a carefully formulated concept and direction in terms of their music, KAIA will be able to tell a story from their own creative perspectives.”

The official release of “KAYA” will be accompanied by a music video shot by Jonathan Tal Placido. KAIA reveals that they had a great time working on the visual showcase for the track, and despite the nerves, they soldiered on and gave their best to deliver a fantastic number. “Everyone behind the camera were professionals and very open to suggestions and opinions,” KAIA said. “The shoot went very smoothly. All in all, it was a great experience and we all had fun on set.”

Last month, ShowBT Philippines welcomed the members of KAIA (Charlotte, Angela, Sophia, Alexa, Charice and Joanna) through a series of concept videos and photos. According to ShowBT Philippines, the girls from the breakout pop group were handpicked from a number of trainees who joined the auditions. “The company held monthly evaluations and chose the members with the best chemistry and synergy until finally, the 6 members of KAIA showed their potential to debut,” Reine adds.

With KAIA’s enormous talent and determination shown on full display, ShowBT Philippines promises that SB19’s sister group will leave a mark in the local entertainment industry, and hopefully make a name for themselves on a global level. “We cannot say much of the plans as we want to give you a surprise and let you experience KAIA as they come, but one thing is for sure: they are definitely worth the wait.”

KAIA’s pre-debut single “KAYA” is out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

 

i joined World Climate Run/ Walk 2021

74% of natural disasters between 2001 and 2018 were water-related. If we do nothing, expect more of the same

Populations are increasing but basic access to water resources is decreasing. We need to take action against climate change 

I joined the world climate run/ walk last Dec 4. This was almost 2 weeks after my oral surgery so I just placed 1 km walk but walked farther. I met a group of ladies along the way.

I joined the world climate run/ walk last Dec 4. This was almost 2 weeks after my oral surgery so I just placed 1 km walk but walked farther. I met a group along the way. #worldclimaterun #run #walk #climatdchange @minaguli @WorldWildlifeF

vid at https://t.co/pC4O5tMO6O pic.twitter.com/PfQyMRakcC

— demuresweetie | lifestyle blogger (@demuresweetie) December 8, 2021

Together let’s be a part of the solution to protect and conserve #ASEANbiodiversity!

 Hi guys! New Tiktok Video is up.

Please view and like. Please follow me in tiktok.

 It is a campaign or advocacy to love, conserve & preserve our environment

Lampara Books hopes to promote spiritual formation and values education through its Guiding Light imprint

 

The new Philippine imprint offers inspiring stories centered on Christ’s teachings and fun, purpose-driven storytelling

Lampara Books has recently launched Guiding Light, a new Philippine imprint that hopes to encourage parents and families to be a good influence on their children’s journey to life.

 The family-oriented and faith-based imprint aims to promote spiritual formation, values education, emotional growth, and community development through highly entertaining but transformative books written and designed by some of the world’s most promising and award-winning writers, illustrators, and personalities.

 “It has always been our goal to inspire adult readers, most especially parents, to engage with their children on stories of inspiration, joy, and life lessons within a framework of Christ-centered beliefs and teachings,” says Segundo D. Matias Jr., the Chief Publisher of Lampara Books. “Our activity books create bonding moments between mom and dad with their kids through storytelling that put good values at the forefront of its principles, while inspiring everyone to become a better human being.”

 For its premiere offering, Guiding Light has recently released its ‘Little Life Lessons on’ series—a collection of fun activity books that parents and their children can color, play around with, and use as a medium for purpose-driven instruction. Written in both English and Filipino, the series is made for childhood care providers and parents to help their kids learn important values in life. The ‘Little Life Lessons on’ catalog contains inspirational stories that depict kindness, obedience, respect, and love, among many others.

 The motivational imprint also takes pride of its Family Bible Illustrated edition, which has 365 pages of bible stories, meditations, and prayers for the whole family to reflect on together, and The Comic Book Bible, which offers a treasury of stories, known and loved by generations of readers.

 For readers who are looking for a refreshing spin to the familiar narrative, there is Classic Bible Stories, illustrated for pictures-and-words format by talented young artist Tommaso d' Incalei. Bringing stories to life for a new generation of readers, this timeless collection will inspire people discover the meaning behind the teachings of God in an exciting and easy-to-read way. Another significant title under its banner is The Classic Children’s Bible, which is beautifully illustrated and presented to cater to a younger readership.

 Other titles that are currently available at the Guiding Light website are Rhona Davies’ The Life Of Christ, strikingly illustrated to chronicle the important life events that Jesus Christ went through from his days in Galilee to joining God in heaven, and Angela M. Burrin’s Welcome To The Mass, a beautifully illustrated book that ‘explains the Mass by linking the liturgy to scenes from the Gospels.’

 The classic and new titles are available at the Guiding Light official website, https://www.guidinglight.com.ph.

 

I am now in Tiktok! username is demuresweetie

 

Tiktok username: demuresweetie

Let us connect via my other sites http://demuresweetie.blogspot.com http://facebook.com/demuresweetie http://instagram.com/demuresweetie http://twitter.com/demuresweetie

Ben&Ben to push the boundaries of concert production on a scale that’s never been done before with ‘Kuwaderno’

Different forms of art intertwine on the nine-piece band’s most ambitious concert so 

Ben&Ben are redefining the virtual concert-going experience with the biggest headline show of their career.

Aptly titled Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert, the Filipino nine-piece collective are pushing the boundaries of music shows in the new normal setting by integrating creative disciplines such as drama, dance, orchestra, and technology with a live performance. Their highly anticipated major concert will be staged at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, and will be streamed live on December 5, 2021, from 8pm to 11pm via digital streaming platform, KTX.ph.

“We can’t deny the fact that it’s the biggest project we’ve undertaken so far, and I think you just somehow know that it’s a leap of faith when the streams of guidance and providence lead you to the right people who believe in the same vision you have: To bring the music and the messages they carry to life,” the award-winning group said. “This spirit of collaboration was one of the defining themes of our album ‘Pebble House Volume One: Kuwaderno’ and it was only by natural desire that we brought the same spirit and attitude when we began working on the concert. As for the play between grand and intimate, we really wanted our listeners to relish in the grandiosity of what their support means to us. Doing a concert on this scale and bringing them closer into that bigger picture is our way of expressing immense gratitude to them as well.”

The audio-visual spectacle promises to bring the immense joy of experiencing live music and give an impression of conceptual grandness that are at par with the most memorable concerts in recent history. From mounting multiple-stage setups to performing in one of the biggest live music venues in the country, Kuwaderno aims to open new possibilities despite the limitations of the platform, and intimately build a connection with the audience all over the world.

The awe-inspiring creativity and ambition that Kuwaderno dares to achieve, wouldn’t be possible without the collaborators that painstakingly put their heart and soul into the project. Concert director Paolo Valenciano, along with co-director Maribel Legarda, Philippine Theater Association (PETA), and veteran light designer Shakira Villa-Symes—to name a few, understood Ben&Ben’s unique vision and translated them so clearly to create a cohesive piece of work. Ben&Ben attest to how significant their contributions are, not only in turning the concert into a reality, but in making sure that they are able to nurture a creative environment that promotes healthy exchange of ideas. “Working closely with them on this concert only made it clearer to us why they are the biggest names in the industry. The flow of ideas and creative energies really went on naturally because of their openness, and their generosity to share with us their thoughts, but what makes them more admirable is their skill to work within the limitations that we have and to adapt when faced with challenges. We definitely learned a lot from their work ethic.”

Believing in the magic that happens when different forms of art intertwine, the prolific folk-pop asserts that some feelings are best conveyed not just by the music elements alone. This prompted Ben&Ben and their team to include actors and dancers as part of the visual narrative to give the audience a semblance of being physically present with them throughout the concert journey. “Movement and dance and the entire visual narrative of it all woven into our music brought our songs to life,” the band said in a statement. “The talented dancers we’ve worked with, headed by choreographer Gio Gahol, are from different dance groups as well. It is amazing to see how they seem to get along and dance so passionately with each other easily.”

In terms of production design, the team stepped up their game in being more in line with the times, and pushing the envelope in terms of how the music can be represented visually. According to the nine-piece ensemble, each stage has its own purpose, its own symbolisms and visual elements. Even the lighting has its own poignant significance. “We want our listeners to know that each piece of the puzzle was thoughtfully included, and we’re excited to see them piece everything together when they watch the full show.”

The band is confident that Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert will not only deliver unparalleled innovation to local concert productions, but also bring light to a lot of people suffering in silence during the most challenging of times. “Having the opportunity to do so during the pandemic, we also felt such a huge responsibility to be able to inspire more people with stories of humanity and hope. We’ve received a lot of messages from Liwanag (the fan club) telling us how the band has helped them get through the tough times. Hopefully through this concert, we’ll be able to use our platform in making them feel that they’re not alone in this fight.”

 

Ms. Val Guico, the General Manager of Ben&Ben Music Productions, is also equally grateful to the people involved in the production for making strides in pulling off an envelope-pushing event. According to her, one of the main goals of mounting Kuwaderno is to extend help to the production team whose livelihood and work have been greatly affected by the pandemic. “Bulk of the concert earnings will be shared to everyone behind the scenes,” the concert producer reveals. “They are the unsung heroes of the show. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to bring Ben&Ben’s vision to life.”

Tickets to Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert can be purchased via the KTX website. The TINATANGI package (priced at PHP 8,000), which gives you access to the online concert, plus an Exclusive 1 on 1 Harana Session with the band on Zoom and a raffle entry to the Exclusive Ben&Ben House Tour, is already SOLD OUT. Other ticket tiers that are still available include KAIBIGAN (priced at PHP 1,000), MAGKA-IBIGAN (priced at PHP 3,500), and MAHIWAGA (priced at PHP 5,500)—all containing different packages and inclusions.

Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert is brought to you by Ben&Ben Music Productions and SMART Telecommunications Inc., and is co-presented by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Sony Music Philippines, Big Bulb, Chapters, Robinson’s Mall, KTX.ph, Elesi, Cream Silk, Primo, Phirst Park Homes, Novotel, JB Music, Urban Smiles, Summit, Philippine Red Cross, Sennheiser, Verona Audio Design, and Jilla Sara. Special thanks to the media partners: MYX, 96.3 Easy Rock, and Wish 107.5.

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I attended the virtual conference

Ongoing presscon of the concert of Ben& Ben #BenandBenKuwadernoConcert #BenandBen @BenAndBenMusic @sonymusicph pic.twitter.com/7XQVLlciZh

— demuresweetie | lifestyle blogger (@demuresweetie) November 15, 2021

SB19 addresses critics on the arcade game-inspired music video of “Bazinga”

 

The globally renowned pop group takes the visuals to the next level with themes of graffiti, gaming, and superhero noir

Filipino pop supergroup SB19 has officially dropped the music video for “Bazinga,” the third single off their critically acclaimed EP, Pagsibol.

 Set in an underground combat zone, the music video shows the multi-awarded quintet defeating their enemies in an Arcade combat game. In true SB19 fashion, it also doubles as an up-in-arms statement against the unwarranted criticisms hurled at the P-Pop group since the beginning of their music journey.

 The song itself is written as a response to the hostility that is rapidly proliferating on the Internet, and a wakeup call for the band to focus their energy instead on meaningful expressions of art and music, and the love that they’ve been getting from fans all over the world. “One way to lighten the load is by writing a song that proves that we won’t back down to the negative comments and we’ll persevere,” the chart-topping boyband shares in a statement. “As it says from the lyrics, ‘Hate niyo’y gasolina’ - we continue to flourish and emerge as better individuals, despite the hostility.”

 The “Bazinga” MV is directed by Jonathan Tal Placido, and co-directed by Chapters, the production team behind their post-apocalyptic “What?” video. SB19’s very own Justin de Dios also heavily contributed to the concept of the material, which blends themes of graffiti, gaming, and superhero noir against a chaotic but visually interesting anti-establishment backdrop.

 The release of the music video comes off the heels of SB19’s nomination at the prestigious MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Southeast Asia act. According to SB19, being nominated alongside the region’s biggest names is already an achievement, and makes them work even harder to put the Filipino music on the international map.

 “The BBMA nomination was a big, big thing for us already. Now being nominated for the EMAs, which is another prestigious and well-known award-giving body, has us so overjoyed,” SB19 says. “And being backed up by our loved ones, and A’TIN, further motivates us to keep pushing on. We hope to keep up the traction and to hit our goals of introducing Philippine music globally.”

 Aside from their notable achievements, the envelope-pushing pop ensemble and their label, Sony Music Philippines, will be releasing an exclusive line of merch slated to drop before Christmas. A representative from the label shares that the project stands out in terms of visuals, packaging, and presentation, and is aligned with the group’s global appeal and branding. “This line of merch is different from those previously available, and it went through a lot of revisions and quality checks to ensure that the products are top-notch. The look and feel is premium, plus fans can’t get these items anywhere else.”

 SB19 will also headline Our Zone 2021: Anniversary Concert, featuring performances, games, special guests, and surprises. The special event, which will stream live on 27 Nov 2021 (Sat) 5PM PHT and 28 Nov 2021 (Sun) 5PM PHT, marks the Pinoy boyband’s third anniversary celebration. Tickets are available at ktx.ph and www.sb19ozone.com.

 The ”Bazinga” music video is out now. Watch the music video here.

 

UE Jam Sessions encourage the youth to rock the vote with inspiring new anthem “Pinto”

 

Young artists COSINE, Shareena, and Autumn Tandog deliver a bluesy tune with a compelling message about the upcoming 2022 elections

Promising newcomers COSINE, Shareena, and Autumn Tandog team up for a song that encourages the general public to vote for competent candidates who are willing to take a stand on important social issues and make a significant change.

On the rousing anthem “Pinto,” the artists from UE Jam Sessions call for effective leadership and urge their fellow countrymen, particularly the young ones, to exercise their right to vote.

According to its main songwriter Shareena, who also lend her smooth and smoky vocals on the track, “Pinto” is penned from the perspective of someone convincing the youth to take complete ownership of their destiny and elect someone who cares about welfare of its people.

“By describing what the outside world looks like in a cruel reality, with the struggles of the people who are always overlooked, the character puts the kid in a dilemma of choosing between taking responsibility for making a change and having these people who have been knocking on his door forsaken and left behind,” the 17-year-old singer-songwriter shares the meaning behind their new track. "Hinihintay ka na nila," which means ‘they are waiting for you,’ serves as a reminder that their fate, like yours, is now completely in your control. It is your job to decide and select the finest alternative in this regard. That’s how Pinto was made to be remembered: a song that knocks on everyone’s doors of perceptions, obliging them to make a move.”

With its gothic, bluesy nature and brassy confidence, “Pinto” delivers an unconventional sound by pop standards. Shareena and Autumn Tandog put their ethereal spin on the material, singing as if they’re witnessing history unfold. Paolo Barrado and Marvin Cayosa’s intricate arrangements, on the other hand, turn the retro-inspired, musical motif into a modern torch tune inspired by the likes of Bita and the Botflies and Lana del Rey.

COSINE’s Marvin Cayosa shares that despite limitations that took place during the pandemic, the producers were able to improvise, and the artists were able to record separately from their respective homes. “Given that we are in a pandemic, it’s been challenging for us to record because we are far apart. When I received the demo that Shareena gave to us, I started working on it right away. With the lack of equipment and hours of trial and error in recording my part, we still managed to pull it off.”

“Pinto” is one of the new music projects spearheaded by UE Jam Sessions, with 12 Stone Records’ Tommy Tanchanco and SSG President Nexie Joy Salvador serving as Executive Producers, and Choi Felipe mixing and mastering the entire track. The music video for the track is edited by Cher Manulit.

“Pinto” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide such as Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.

Ben&Ben team up with Taiwanese Mandopop star WeiBird on dreamlike track “Cheap Love”

2021 has been a massive year for Filipino folk-pop collective Ben&Ben in terms of commercial and critical success. Their sophomore album, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno has earned glowing praises from reputable music critics and publications in the Philippines and Asia, with Rick Olivares of ABS-CBN News calling it a “brilliant masterpiece” and Paul John Caña of Esquire Philippines pointing out its vital role in establishing the band as the “pre-eminent artist of their generation.” In less than two months, Ben&Ben’s recently released album has surpassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone—a groundbreaking feat that attests to the group’s universal appeal and enduring impact for nearly an entire decade.

After achieving records in both streaming and digital sales and sending their songs to the top of the music charts, Ben&Ben are determined to put their work on the global music map with the release of “Cheap Love,” a new collaborative single with acclaimed and best-selling Taiwanese singer-songwriter WeiBird.

Epitomizing the moment when dawn shows its first light, “Cheap Love” is the sonic equivalent of wandering between a dreamlike state and an awakened mind throughout the night. It’s about the journey of finding a long, lasting love after having experienced so much pain in the past. According to William Wei, known professionally as WeiBird, the title of the song is a play on words, and nothing more than just faint bliss and ecstasy. “It’s a temporary band-aid for a big gushing wound, but it never fills the hole inside. Moreover, it increases the feeling of emptiness. What I’m trying to say is, you can’t bargain your way into love. Love is truly hard to find.”

Ben&Ben interprets the material in the same manner as WeiBird does, aware of the reality that comes with seeking genuine love in the direst of situations. “With the chorus repeating over and over how difficult it is to find a ‘rhyme better than you and I,’ it shows how drawn and enamored we are by the idea of love but oftentimes find ourselves in a pit when trying to really make it something more.”

With its stripped-down instrumentation embracing listeners with a sense of comforting warmth, “Cheap Love” expresses the woes and triumphs of a generation caught up in romantic longing and desire. The listening experience is made more compelling by the vocal harmonies of Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin, and the earnest delivery of WeiBird, making the audience feel more hopeful than ever despite the uncertainty of the present conditions.

“We’re grateful that by just being our authentic selves musically, we were able to add to the song both in production, vocals, and instrumentation something that WeiBird seemed to be happy with,” the nine-piece group shares in a statement. “We took an active role in building on the magic that the song already had, and we’re happy with how it turned out.”

The song was written and produced by WeiBird himself, with co-production and mixing duties by frequent collaborators Aven Tsai and Sean Sinclair. The Mandopop and folk-pop star explains that Ben&Ben also pitched in ideas for the arrangement and music side of things, resulting into a more polished, sonically impressive output that showcases the best of both worlds.

WeiBird adds, “I wrote, played and produced the whole song on the album version. However, for this collab I haven’t had to do much because Ben&Ben was amazing. I remember listening to a demo of them playing along to my original track, and I could already imagine how it would come to be later. And the final results were not far from my imagination. It was awesome.”

“Cheap Love” is the first single off WeiBird’s first official English album. It follows the success of his fifth studio album, Sounds Of My Life, which peaked at No.1 on Taiwanese album charts in 2020, and received four nominations at the 32nd Golden Melody Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Mandarin Album. The track also serves as the second international collaboration of Ben&Ben after “Leaves,” featuring K-pop star Young K.

“Cheap Love” is out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Taiwan. Click here to watch official music video.

AmiananPop champions North Luzon pop music with first edition of its songwriting festival

 The movement aims to secure regional music’s place in the contemporary music canon

In an effort to foster a better understanding of the North Luzon culture and identity through contemporary music, AmiananPop Music Inc. is officially launching the maiden edition of its songwriting festival, which will take place online this December 4, 2021.

Taking a page from fellow contemporaries, Visayan Pop Music Festival (Vispop) and Mindanao Popular Music Festival (MinPop), the newly formed institution puts a spotlight on a new breed of composers, interpreters, musicians, and producers representing the Ilocos, Cordillera, and Cagayan region, as well as some non-Tagalog speaking areas in Central Luzon.

Through AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021, artists from the North are encouraged to write, record, and produce songs in their own language as a way to present one’s individuality and debunk misconceptions about non-Manileño Filipino cultures. “Every language and/or dialect is unique, and so are the stories and nuances that come with it, and that is why this is the ultimate goal of the movement, to create a community of storytellers that will represent the NOW generation of Northern singer/songwriters,” says AmiananPop Co-Founder and Chairman Davey Langit.

The annual competition is committed to bringing modern regional pop music at the forefront of mainstream consciousness by making sure that the songs are well-produced and could compete on a global level. As Ebe Dancel, Co-Founder and President of AmiananPop sums it up, “All the finalists have excellently-written and arranged songs, and the melodies are great. How do we bridge the gap? We make sure that the songs are well-produced, so that when people not familiar with the language hear them, they will be encouraged to look for the translation of all songs.”

Going all out on its debut edition, AmiananPop aims to secure its place on the Philippine music map with its insistence to subvert old practices and embrace new forms of music-making that is at par with the professional level in highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila. Using the tagline Sikamimet!, which is an Ilocano word for ‘it’s our turn,” the regional songwriting event is keen on igniting a new music movement from North Luzon that turns the resounding battle cry into a marker of an evolving and dynamically growing scene.

“We have to bring it to the fore and show the people that we have an evolving culture, particularly, in music,” Co-Founder and Board Member Noel Cabangon explains the basis behind AmiananPop’s vision. “The songs that we know are already traditional songs. What about the stories and song of the new generation? That’s how important cultural evolution is. Dapat kasabay ng pag-evolve ng panahon ang kultura.”

This year’s finalists have shown promise in making generation-defining anthems that not only assert cultural identity in a compelling way, but also reflect the social conditions of their immediate environment and the community that shaped their individuality. The North Luzon artists that impressed the adjudicators in the preliminary rounds include:

Angelic Mateo, SUNGBAT

Harold Lumandaz, URAYEN KA

Jomabel Trapse, BISIKLETA

Fernan Castro Estrada (Composer) & Melchor Orpilla (Lyricicst), LAINËNG ONAN ARO

Ryan Madrid (Composer) & Kimberly Collado (Lyricist), PUDNO NGA AYAT

Ruth Lee Resuello, AGKA MAPAGA

Ruth Lee Resuello, ANTO KASI NGARAN TU MAN

Rivah-Anne Singson & Remedios Singson, NAPACURUG NGA AYA

Red Gumayagay, ARAPAAP

Patrick Visto, LAB STORY

The selection went through rigorous process of adjudication led by Chairman Davey Langit, President Ebe Dancel, as well as Foundation Board Members Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada, Ma. Cristina Joy Balajadia, Melvin Morallos, Christopher Donaal, and Agat Morallos.

According to Co-Founder Noel Cabangon, the finalists are selected based on musicality, lyrics, creativity and new sound. “We determine entries not on their winnability but how the songs are creatively crafted,” the award-winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter adds.

AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021 is the first project of AmiananPop Music Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to champion the beauty and diversity of contemporary pop music in North Luzon and its peripheral regions. This year’s festival is co-presented by official partners and sponsors: PhilPop, FILSCAP, NLEX-SCREX, PotenCee, Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, Office of Cong. Kristine Singson, Office of Cong. Christopher de Venecia, Mansho, and Island Living.

Summit SuperSHEroes Come in Pink! 100+ Leaders of Breast Cancer Patient Groups Band Together

Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz surprised a group of Breast Cancer patient advocate leaders on the last day of the 2-day Patient Power Summit led and organized by the ICanServe Foundation Inc.

A SuperSHEro herself, Diaz related her humble beginnings,  how she hurdled the  battles that got in the way of her dreams with the grace and determination of a champion’s heart.  Diaz emphasized, “Hindi ako sumuko. (I didn’t give up).”   She said, the formula was simple “level up your game to reach your goal.” As a sports icon and an authentic leader in her field, she said  the goal should always be to become a  survivor and a victor.

 In a gathering of cancer advocate leaders that represented 34 breast cancer patient groups from all over the country, the mission was beyond helping navigate a patient through wellness. “We continue to believe that early detection saves lives and we need to continue to make strides. But we also see the need to reach out and help each other, to share cancer resources, to work together to make an even bigger difference, to possibly come up with sustainable solutions for the breast cancer community,” Crisann Celdran, co-founder and Chairman of the ICanServe Foundation. She opened the summit with a call to the forerunners of the community to work closely together, elevate the advocacy and work towards speaking as one.

 Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, founding Chairman of the ICANSERVE Foundation, pointed out this is a unique time in the health space where one witnesses the most number of  founders of cancer patient groups carving a new path. “It’s a historical moment in the cancer space, as we witness the evolution of a new frontier we call the patient movement. We’re all founders, pioneers, and first or second generation volunteers. We have to be navigators for each other, as we shape a future, free of cancer,” Alikpala said.

 Cancer patient leaders in attendance belonged to organizations that were independently created, hospital based, or founded with the help of a cancer doctor or a socio civic group. Yet they all  shared the same concerns from psycho social, the drastic interruption in family life,  to financial, to lack of access to quality care and affordable or free cancer diagnostics, treatments, palliative and survivorship care. ICANSERVE President Nikoy de Guzman also observed they shared the same burning desire to serve, “walang survivor na hindi lumaban.”

 The patient leaders vowed they will not rest nor be complacent till breast cancer is diagnosed in its early stage cancer when it’s most curable, till every patient with cancer, no matter the stage, age, income bracket, religion, ethnicity, are given quality care and a chance to be with family for longer. Till seeing the end to breast cancer.

 The Patient Power Summit was made possible and successful through the help of partner brands and organizations such as Bio-ONCO, AIA Summit, In the Pink, Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Nestle, Mondelez Philippines and Skincare for Hope.

 To find out more information about how you can support breast cancer advocacy, like and follow the official ICanServe Foundation Facebook Page, www.icanservefoundation.org, and ICANSERVE on Instagram and Twitter.