Clara Benin joins Sony Music Entertainment’s new Southeast Asian label ‘OFFMUTE’

  OFFMUTE offers emerging artists from across all genres a dedicated platform to pursue their own creative vision and reach audiences across Southeast Asia

 New artists on board include acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin, Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae

 

  Sony Music Entertainment announced today the launch of OFFMUTE – a new pan-regional label focused on championing new and emerging Southeast Asian talent by drawing on the combined experience of Sony Music’s entire Southeast Asian team.

 OFFMUTE gives emerging recording artists across all genres an opportunity to develop their own music and follow their creative vision. The new label will support Southeast Asian artists in amplifying their music and building a strong pan-regional audience base through enhanced promotional, marketing and artist development, drawn from Sony Music's global expertise and resources.

 “OFFMUTE is a first-of-its-kind label in this part of the world, embracing the eclectic appeal and rich diversity that Southeast Asia has to offer, empowering artists with the resources and expertise to find success in a diverse region,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development, Asia and Middle East, Sony Music Entertainment. “That offering is compelling for a new generation of artists in the region and we’re excited to help these artists fulfil their potential in the years to come.”

 Ariel Fung, Executive Vice President, Sony Music Southeast Asia, expresses his enthusiasm on the label’s attempt to solidify its foothold in the global music industry. “I am so excited to see the launch of OFFMUTE which embraces different genres of artists with their unique culture and style, and with the potential of cross-border success.”

 

NEW OFFMUTE ARTISTS FROM PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

 

OFFMUTE also announced today three new signings for the label: acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin; Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna; and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae.

 An acclaimed singer-songwriter in the Philippines, Clara Benin is renowned for her captivating songs that blend unspoken ruminations with commitment and depth. Amassing more than 25 million streams on combined music platforms Spotify and YouTube, Benin frequently headlines local and international music festivals, and won multiple awards including Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year for her song “I Rose up Slowly”.

 Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, speaks of Benin’s potential to leave a mark with the international audience. “When my team and I discussed the vision for OFFMUTE, we immediately thought Clara Benin embodied what the label was all about,” Pineda reveals. “And it’s great that the other markets think so too.  With a Southeast Asian team supporting her, we’re thrilled that Clara’s moving vocals and introspective songwriting will reach new audiences across the region.”

 Another addition to the OFFMUTE family is Mezzaluna, a talented and gifted singer-songwriter based in Indonesia who comes from strong musical lineage and quickly emerged as a standout artist with incredible achievements in her own right. With deep, soulful vocals and an intensely personal storytelling style, the 20-year-old alt-pop sensation marks her journey as a solo star capable of delivering inspiring and powerful songs with a universal reach. She will be releasing her debut single this year, which OFFMUTE will be amplifying across the region.

 Malaysia’s liesl-mae completes the record label’s wide-ranging selection of music acts. Making waves in the Malaysian music scene with her soothing, almost-lullaby-like tunes, the recording star will now see her talent showcased across Southeast Asia through OFFMUTE. She plans to release her own music and collaborate with other artists under the new label, as well as harness her newfound platform to advocate for mental health education and awareness.

 

Follow OFFMUTE on socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offmuteASIA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/offmute

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offmute/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offmute

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I was able to join the virtual launch of OFFmute music label.

Looking for Good Films to Binge-Watch on YouTube? CBN Asia Presents “Tanikala Rewind”

 

Here are some great films to see for FREE!

As the pandemic continues, many Filipinos are spending more time at home. And if you are looking for something to binge-watch as you spend time with your loved ones, CBN Asia brings you Tanikala Rewind – a weekly YouTube marathon of its previous Tanikala offerings.

 Tanikala is CBN Asia’s made-for-TV films that bring real-life stories of transformed lives every Holy Week. Starting March 6, you and your family can catch these inspiring, heart-tugging, and truly extraordinary films that starred top-caliber artists!

Below is the schedule for Tanikala Rewind:

·       March 6 | 8:00 PM - Wasak starring Icko Gonzalez, John Arcilla, and Roselyn Lopez

·       March 7 | 8:00 PM - Unos starring Amy Austria, Mike Lloren, and Alden Richards

·       March 13 | 8:00 PM - Gapos starring Jun-jun Quintana, Bembol Roco, Sonjia Calit, and Mike Lloren

·       March 14 | 8:00 PM - Tinig starring Dulce, Francheska Farr, John Arcilla, and Isabella de Leon

·       March 20 | 8:00 PM -Liwanag sa Dapithapon starring Jun-jun Quintana and Ryza Cenon

·       March 21 | 8:00 PM - My Sister, My Lover starring Jan Manual and Sheena Halili

·       March 27 | 8:00 PM - Hatol starring Trina 'Hopia' Legaspi back-to-back with Ama Namin starring Diva Montelaba, Mike Tan, Tricia Amper-Jimenez, and Jason Fernandez

·       March 28 | 8:00 PM - Sa Isang Iglap starring Glaiza De Castro and Ana Marin

 

Take a trip down memory lane with these upcoming weekend movie nights! 

Tell your friends and set your alarms on weekends, at 8:00 PM for Tanikala Rewind. Subscribe to CBN Asia’s YouTube Channel and click the bell button to never miss any premiere.

See you on YouTube!

Select Your Dream House and Lot With Just Few Clicks on Your Phone

It gives you peace of mind to have your own house and lot. It is a place where you can create memories with your family. In a neighborhood which houses are beautiful there are many things you can do like walk or jog around the area to unwind, play with your kids at the play ground or play with your friends at a basketball court or simple have a chat with your friends at a garden. Selecting a house is made easier by Lumina Homes with their virtual 360' tour. You don't have to travel far to see the design of the house. In this digital age, there are easier ways to buy a house and lot for your family. You can now purchase via Lazada and Shopee!

Lumina Homes, the affordable housing arm of Vista Land, finds ways to handle the crisis. Not only is Lumina future-ready with its digital innovations, but it was also among the first real estate companies with ready technology to provide homebuyers in the Philippines and abroad with safer and all-digital reservation options and more.

Lumina Homes developments are part of master-planned communities that come complete with amenities like a community hall, basketball court, mini gardens and playground, and commercial areas in the near future. By building in accessible locations close to major thoroughfares, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, and business and leisure centers, Lumina not just builds a self-sustaining community, it also provides every Juan the pride of homeownership.

Started in August 2012, Lumina envisions itself as becoming one of the top-listed housing developers in the country. Lumina already has over 50 developments in key locations across the country: Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.

How to reserve house and lot in Lumina Homes online?

To ensure safety, we built a way to make "virtual tripping" possible. Lumina Homes is equipped with virtual 360-degree house tours of its best-selling homes — a pleasing way to choose your house unit right on your computer or smartphone.

If you want to explore Lumina Homes in 3D, all you have to do is visit our official website: www.lumina.com.ph, and view our best-selling home models: 

·       Aimee Rowhouse, a 22 square meter home with a one-bedroom provision;

·       Angelique Home Model (available in Townhouse and Duplex), a 35 square meter home with provision for two bedrooms;

·       Angeli Home Model (available in Townhouse, Duplex, and Single Firewall), a 42 square meter home with provision for three bedrooms

·       Lumina Homes' signature showcase area with a preview of what a typical Lumina Homes community looks like is also available in 3D.

To see actual videos of the house units as well as insightful vlogs about Lumina Homes’ projects, visit Lumina Homes’ YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/luminahomesofficial and watch the playlists for Lumina House Tours and Lumina Vlogs.

To reserve your chosen house model, there’s Lumina Homes Online, a one-stop home reservation site that allows homebuyers to access available house-and-lot units and pay the reservation fee through debit or credit card, GCash, or over-the-counter.

 

How to reserve using Lumina Homes Online?

Step 1: Registration

Whether you want to reserve an affordable house and lot in Rizal, a house and lot for sale in Batangas, an affordable house and lot in Laguna, a house and lot for sale in Bulacan, or wherever you prefer, you can do everything at Lumina Homes Online in just minutes.

 

Go to https://onlinereservation.lumina.com.ph and register.

 

Step 2: Choose a location, house model, and the specific block and lot you want to avail

Step 3: Payment of reservation fee.

When you selected the best house and lot for you, the next step is the reservation fee payment. Among the options, choose your preferred payment method and add the required details

Step 4: Confirmation of reservation via email.

Once you've paid, check the confirmation email sent to know the status of your reservation.

 

Are you planning to purchase an affordable house and lot? Nasa Lazada' Yan!

 

Lumina Homes, the affordable house and lot segment of Vista Land, has been future-proofed with an engaging website, online payment capacity, 360-degree virtual home tours, and stores in top online shopping platforms, including Lazada.

Here is a step by step guide on how to avail Lumina Homes e-voucher in Lazada:

1. Go to Lumina's official Lazada Store at www.lazada.com.ph/shop/lumina-homes.
2. Check Lumina's available e-vouchers. Read the e-voucher description. You may also click the Chat Seller button for more information before purchasing any questions about the e-voucher. You can expect an immediate response since a certified Lumina Marketing Representative is always on standby to attend to inquiries.
3. Choose your preferred e-voucher, then click Add to Cart or Buy Now.
4. Fill-out required Payment Details and Buyer's Information.
5. Review details, then Check Out to pay for the transaction.

 

The payment options for your home reservations e-vouchers through Lazada are: 

• Lazada Wallet
• VISA
• MasterCard
• GCash

 

After buying an e-voucher of Lumina Homes through Lazada, what comes next?

Here is how to secure a Lumina Unit after purchasing an e-voucher:

1. After receiving your Lazada purchase confirmation, go back to Lumina's official Lazada Store and click the "Chat Now" button.
2. You will be attended by a seller (certified Lumina Marketing Representative) who will provide you with available blocks and lots on your chosen Lumina Homes' project.
3. Once you have selected a specific unit, the Seller will give you reservation documents via email to complete the reservation process. 

How to Reserve through Shopee?

Lumina Homes is the first housing company to launch an online store on Shopee PH, the fastest-growing online shopping platform in Southeast Asia.

Shopee enables you to choose a Lumina home model and reserve the unit via e-vouchers or digital vouchers equivalent to actual reservation fees. An e-voucher corresponds to a specific Lumina home model and you can use it to reserve that home model in your preferred Lumina Homes project.

Visit Lumina Homes Shopee Mall store at www.shopee.ph/luminahomesofficial and check out the best-selling home models which you can purchase or reserve for as low as P4,500* (discounted rate).

A Lumina Homes expert is on standby in case you click the “Chat Seller” button to inquire about Lumina Homes or the offered e-vouchers. Like any other goods available in Shopee, you can pay through credit card or digital wallets like Shopee Pay or GCash.

 

Here’s the simple and easy process to reserve your Lumina home now:

1) Follow Lumina Homes Shopee Mall store at www.shopee.ph/luminahomesofficial;

2) Browse through the available or featured products which are home reservation e-vouchers;

3) Read the product description and chat with the seller to inquire about the different Lumina Homes projects where you can use the e-voucher;

4) Click “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” and pay for the e-voucher through credit card, Shopee Pay or GCash.

5) The Lumina expert will be notified of the sale, then he/she will contact you to set an online appointment for marketing briefing and completion of documents.

 

Lumina Homes are built with high-quality materials and cost from Php 500,000 to Php 1,700,000. If Pag-IBIG Fund qualified as a "low-income earner," a buyer can pay as low as Php 1,898 a month at 3% interest for a brand new house and lot in a safe and secure Lumina community.

Being recognized again as a Top Developer in the recently held Pag-IBIG Chairman's Report for 2020, Lumina Homes is working hand in hand with Pag-IBIG Fund in providing value-priced housing segments to every Filipinos.

SB19 stakes its claim to global domination with larger-than-life single “What?”

 

After exciting the public with impressive teasers that raised the bar to global standards, SB19 finally unravels a new music era that not only elevates their sense of creative aptitude and sonic ambition, but also uncovers their range and discipline as thespians of their own craft.

Their new single “What?” under Sony Music Philippines stakes its claim to global domination with a contagiously massive sound that’s larger and louder than life. Veering away from the glossy, dance-pop tunes and anthemic ballads of Get In The Zone, SB19 are pushing the envelope production and songwriting-wise on their latest track, as they command supremacy of P-Pop’s explosion in the global market without resorting to formulaic tricks and pandering to trends.

This time, the acclaimed boy band are transcending the genre that positioned them to become the formidable stars that they are now: comfortable with the convergence of personalities, styles, and influences — while embracing a musicality that is hard to pin down, and refuses to be categorized. “The song ‘What?’ is really different from what we have done before,” main rapper and lead vocalist Pablo shares in a statement. “This one has a more aggressive take to it compared to our previous songs, so I really had to force out the ‘oomph’ in the voices of the members. I was really meticulous with the recordings, but so were they. That's why we would record 'til morning and until everyone was satisfied with their parts. The feeling had to be there.”

SB19’s very own Pablo, who is also credited as one of the songwriters and producers of SB19’s latest song, reveals that “What?” proves that they’re “not just here to play games or act cool.” He admits, “A lot of people still doubt us, denouncing everything that we do and everything that we're trying to achieve. We love what we do, that's why we do it respectfully. ‘What?’ is about self-love and empowerment. Each of us has our own flag. We should be proud of it and raise it as much as we can. As SB19 and as individuals, we know that we're not the best at everything, but that shouldn't stop us from what we want to achieve.”

The release of the song comes with a visual accompaniment that marks a triumphant return to the band’s groundbreaking aesthetic and empowering message. The music video of “What?” shows SB19 in battle mode as they claim freedom in a fictional, post-apocalyptic war zone, and exude an aura of power and longevity to go along with its cinematic appeal.

SB19’s “What?” is the first single off the award-winning group’s yet-to-be-revealed but highly anticipated follow-up to their debut album, Get In The Zone. 

Japanese pop superstar Hikaru Utada returns with the music video release of new single “One Last Kiss”

 

Hikaru Utada has finally dropped her long-awaited new single “One Last Kiss,” which serves as the theme song for the anime film, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice upon a Time.

The music video of “One Last Kiss” was directed by Hideaki Anno who is the author, screenwriter, and director of the film Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time. The visual accompaniment was released on Tuesday the 9^th of March at midnight, the same time the song was released.

 

The collaboration, which has finally come to fruition with the conclusion of the "Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition" series, has received rave reviews from fans of both Hikaru Utada and Evangelion. The music video has already garnered more than 200,000 views on YouTube in the first 30 minutes, and has amassed over a million views in less than a day since it premiered.

 

By request from Hikaru Utada, Anno readily agreed to work on the video, saying "under the present circumstances [requiring measures for COVID-19], a possible way to create a music video without actually directing a video shoot would be for the artist to film herself and any other footage on her end, then sending them to me to cut and edit into the final video." Anno sent specific instructions via email including some requests for eye focus and lip sync.

 

With minimal staff help and implementation of all the necessary COVID precautions, the artist filmed the music videos in the outskirts of London. The video footage gathered during shoot , was then sent to Anno and his team in Japan for finishing.

 

The music video of Hikaru Utada’s “One Last Kiss” is available here.

James Arthur makes a huge comeback with autobiographical single ‘Medicine’

 

Fresh from the huge global success of his song ‘Train Wreck’, English singer-songwriter James Arthur returns with his brand new single ‘Medicine’.

“Medicine” is boldly autobiographical. The track was the very first song James wrote during his first writing session for the new album.

James says, “Medicine is an uplifting ode to self, to relationships, to community and connection, and to the healing, restorative powers of love over adversity. It is, you might say, the perfect song for spring 2021.”

“The last year has forced any couple to look at themselves. It held a mirror up to us all, didn’t it? And my partner was hugely supportive through that whole time. There are some pretty dark lyrics in there: ‘When I’m suicidal, you don’t let me spiral…’”

The journey to his new record began in January 2020 whilst James was on a European tour, and old demons began to resurface. “On stage in Madrid, I had this brutal panic attack. I’ve obviously suffered from anxiety over the years but I’d never had that before, not on stage, not it taking hold of me – to the extent that I had to get off because if I didn’t, I was gonna die. Then the next day I developed really bad flu symptoms and had to be rushed into hospital. They found that I had a gallbladder infection, and had to remove it immediately.”

Arthur spent a week in hospital in Switzerland, having cancelled the tour. When he got home, he checked into Nightingale Hospital in central London, and subsequently used his new home as his place of rehab. He undertook therapy 3-4 times week, embarked on a course of medication, began practicing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), gave his gym a good work out and, to relieve the pressure, cancelled the American tour. 

By March James was fighting fit enough for his UK arena tour. “And it was probably the best tour I’ve ever done.” But then Coronavirus and lockdown hit. By late spring, with restrictions easing, Arthur was back working. His foresight in building a studio and investing in industry-standard recording gear paid immediate dividends. “And all of a sudden, the music started sounding great. From day one there was a sound that I wanted to go for. Even early on it sounded like a real album, a proper body of work.”

James recently signed a new deal with Columbia Records UK, a co-deal with Columbia Records Germany, who have worked with James for the last five years since his No.1 album 'Back From The Edge'.

He has sold over 30 million records worldwide and has released three hugely successful albums 'James Arthur' (No.2), 'Back From The Edge' (No.1) and 'YOU' (No.2), alongside nine solo UK Top 40 singles. He has had two No.1 smash hits and was awarded a disc for reaching a billion streams on Spotify with ‘Say You Won't Let Go’, the No.1 global hit that brought the singer-songwriter from Middlesbrough back from the edge (it currently has 1.6 billion streams on the platform).

James recently dominated the airwaves and charts with his storming collaboration with Sigala ‘Lasting Lover’. The track was a No.1 airplay song in the UK, No.1 on iTunes and Top 10 on the Official Singles Chart. He also recently hit the Official UK Chart with ‘Train Wreck’, a track written and recorded for his 2^nd album ‘Back From The Edge’, that found a new lease of life via Tik Tok. The track has had an incredible 365 million streams to date.

SPARK! and partners to launch weekly roundtable discussions on women’s issues this March 2021

 SPARK! Philippines, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Austrian Embassy Manila, the British Embassy Manila, the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the Philippines, the German Embassy Manila, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, UNFPA, Philippine Commission on Women, Women Inter-Industry Network, Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, Zarah Juan, AGREA, Lily of the Valley, SCALE, Campus Erasmus Mundus, Inc., Third Team Media, Dalareich Food Products , Love Bohol, and official Media Partner Inquirer POP, co-presented by Carefree Philippines, TELUS International, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc., SMART, and PLDT-SMART Foundation, present #Women2021: Women in Action.

 This March, SPARK! and its partners are celebrating Women’s Month through a weekly four-part series of roundtable discussions to address a wide range of issues that affect women’s active, effective, and productive participation in nation-building and global progress.

Looking Back and Moving Forward: Women and the Pandemic (8 March 2021)

On International Women’s Day, SPARK!, will tackle the topic of women’s leadership during the time of COVID-19. This multi-sectoral discussion will center on the challenges that women faced and are facing during the pandemic, and what solutions should be implemented moving forward.

 Ambassador Saskia de Lang of the Embassy of the Netherlands and Deputy Chief of Mission John Law of the U.S. Embassy will be delivering the opening remarks. Vice President Leni Robredo, Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat will follow as the event’s keynote speakers. Moderated by renowned TV Host and Broadcast Journalist Korina Sanchez and hosted by TV Personality Michele Gumabao, the panel will include Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Makati Med Wellness Center Head and mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison, World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Atty. Lesley Cordero, Designer Zarah Juan and Interior Designer and People Asia’s “People of the Year 2021” Kim Lim. Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno will close the program.

 Looking Back and Moving Forward will premiere on SPARK!’s and its partners’ Facebook pages on 8 March 2021 at 2:00 PM.

The Other Woman: Women and Diversity (15 March 2021)

The second roundtable discussion will put forward the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity for a truly gender-equal society. The Other Woman: Women and Diversity will be an opportunity to celebrate women with diverse SOGIE while also highlighting their struggles and the othering of LBT women as a double minority.

 Former EU Gender Champion and gender advocate Ambassador Bita Rasoulian of the Austrian Embassy Manila is joining this episode to open the program. Representative Geraldine Roman of Bataan’s 1st district, the first transgender woman elected to the Congress of the Philippines, will deliver the keynote speech. The panel, moderated by Rappler’s Sex and Gender Columnist Ana Santos, is made up by Maroz Ramos of GALANG Philippines, Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan, Miss Universe Philippines 4th R.U. Billie Hakenson, Mikee Inton-Campbell of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), Giney Villar of the #TitaTibx Podcast, and Dr. Helmut Graupner of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex Law Association. Deputy Head of Mission Alastair Totty will deliver the closing remarks.

The Other Woman: Women and Diversity will broadcast live on SPARK!’s page at 2:00 PM.

 Political Participation: Women and Governance (22 March 2021)

With the 2022 National Elections nearing, highlighting the significance of the Women’s Agenda is crucial. Through this third installment, SPARK! aims to educate the public to be critical when selecting candidates who are true advocates of women’s rights and gender equality.

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda is joining this event as the keynote speaker. COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, Marikina City District Representative Stella Luz Quimbo, Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago, Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco of Cebu, and Czech academic Adela Gjuricova will be part of the roundtable discussion for this episode, which will be moderated by Ginggay Hontiveros, Vice President for Sustainability of Aboitiz Group. Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries will deliver the opening remarks and Czech Ambassador Jana Sediva will close the program.

Political Participation: Women and Governance will stream live on SPARK!’s page at 2:00 PM.

SPARK Conversations: Women and Feminine Health (29 March 2021)

To continue SPARK Conversations on mental health, SPARK! Philippines, in partnership with Carefree, will end Women’s Month by leading the way in creating a bigger platform for women to talk about feminine health - championing women’s stories to inspire more Filipinas to embrace their femininity and everything that beautifully comes with it, especially in the context of a global pandemic.

At this day and age, Filipinas are becoming more honest, comfortable, and open when it comes to conversations on feminine health. With the help of Carefree, we’re putting women’s issues and challenges will take to center stage in order to empower more women with the tools to overcome and to create awareness about the realities they are their facing as they grapple with difficult struggles, some of which are inaccessibility to basic feminine care and lack of education on feminine hygiene in the onset of COVID-19.

 Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel of the German Embassy Manila will be doing the opening remarks and Deputy Head of Mission Laura Oexle will be joining as a panelist to share how Germany abolished taxes on menstrual hygiene products. Camille Escudero, Founder of Lily of the Valley, will be moderating the panel discussion. Also joining the panel is Carefree Philippines Brand Ambassador Gabbi Garcia, and many more.

Tune in to SPARK!’s pages at 2:00 PM to catch this episode on Women and Feminine Health.

 Carefree will also be launching its Panty Proud Series with Carefree’s Brand Ambassadors. This series aims to foster to surface holistic conversations about women empowerment, mental health, and feminine hygiene, among others, in celebration of Women's Month. The Panty Proud Series will be happening on March 4, 10, 12 and 18 from 7-8PM. For more details, check out www.facebook.com/CarefreePH

Aside from this four-part series, SPARK! will also be involved in several other activities all throughout Women’s Month. To know more, visit our Facebook page at https://facebook.com/SparkPhilippinesInc. 

SB19’s Justin De Dios stars as Alex Bruce’s love interest in “Yakap” music video

 

SB19 fans (or A’TIN) are in for a treat as their very own Justin De Dios makes a surprise cameo in the music video of Alex Bruce’s endearing bop “Yakap”.

Justin De Dios portrays Alex Bruce’s love interest in this visual spectacle filled with incredibly surreal and romantic scenes. “It's a fun and creative concept,” De Dios said. “I really like the fact that the MV showcases both the ‘maangas’ and cute sides of Alex.”

 

Appearing like a P-pop charmer that Alex Bruce has been pining for in her dreams, De Dios was seen exchanging smiles with the young hip-hop sensation, sharing cute moments together as they engage in pillow fights, fake tattooing, and other onscreen activities.

According to the R&B/hip-hop star, working with Justin De Dios was totally fun, especially given how friendly and warm he is with everyone on the set. Alex Bruce fondly shares in a statement, “I’m really into Korean dramas, and Justin somehow looked the part: innocently good-looking and very much charismatic. As a leading man, he really shone effortlessly in terms of acting, and gave us the kilig that we truly deserve.”

De Dios returns the favor by praising Alex Bruce’s artistry and talent. “I am really impressed with her skills. I wanted to introduce her to A'TIN as she could be a source of inspiration for a lot of young dreamers too.” He recounts how Alex was very shy during their first meet, but as the shoot went on, they eventually got along very well. “She's an interesting kid, and we had a lot of fun talking to each other about random things. One thing I also noticed while working with her is how close she is to her parents. It’s very adorable!”

Alex Bruce is grateful to the production for allowing her to showcase some of her personal artworks and Beanie Boos collection. “I love owls, so there’s plenty of them in my shelf—as seen in the music video. I had a great time drawing and showcasing my artworks for the very first time. I hope it won’t be the last.”

“Yakap” was penned by Bruce as a tribute to young love, and was conceived as a three-way collaboration featuring the fourteen-year-old teen star, her Australia-based dad, and music producer Cursebox. The song garnered significant attention in late October 2020 for its infectious pop sensibilities and to quote Rappler, for its “first brushes at puppy love.”

The “Yakap” music video is out now via Sony Music Philippines.