The Invisible Battle: How to Watch Out and Speak Out against Verbal Abuse

Manila, Philippines— 1 out of 4 or 25% of Filipinos, aged 15-49, is revealed to have experienced some form of violence during the ongoing health crisis. This includes verbal abuse, which has become a hidden battle faced by most women on a regular basis.

Verbal abuse can often be confusing not just for the survivors but also for the abusers because it manifests differently—gaslighting, judging, blaming, name-calling, condescension, and verbal threats, among others.

According to the  Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), verbal abuse often contributes to psychological abuse experienced by women and can be penalized as a violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

“Violence in the homes is not ‘away pamilya’ and is everybody’s concern,” says GWAVE Executive Director, Sheema Bajana-Samson. “People should be vigilant and watch out for signs of abuse through what is heard verbally and body language as well.”

GWAVE is one of many non-government organizations and independent agencies that helps rescue survivors by offering legal assistance and rehabilitation.

“We have survivors also accompany their fellow survivors in hearings, and they do home visitations to other survivors as a form of moral support towards each other.” continues Bajana-Samson. “We’re happy to share that we now have a number of survivors who are emotionally and psychologically ready to become advocates themselves.”

In celebration of International Women’s Month, and the advocacy to build a better world for women, Avon sounds the call to #SpeakOut, take a stand and be more self-aware to help others fight verbal and other forms of abuse.

Based on a global study of more than eight thousand women in eight countries, including the Philippines, found that one in five women are consistently subjected to verbal abuse by an intimate partner. Nearly two in five respondents aged 25-34 are experiencing potential signs of verbal abuse within their relationship - the highest amongst the age groups.

Avon Philippines PR and Communications Head, Marion Limlengco wants to encourage more Filipinos to join dialogues and be more aware of this silent battle that has been affecting more women than actually perceived. “Filipinas are very resilient women, but it turns out, there are some of us who are going through such invisible battles and we don’t even know it. That is why we are tapping a platform where we can freely discuss this issue with no holds barred while still centering on positivity and freedom of expression.”

Avid podcast listeners can also look forward to collaborations with popular popcasts such as

·       Adulting with Joyce Pring, (March 25 via Spotify)

·       Camp Confidence Radio Podcast with Ayn Bernos and Rizza Lana-Sebastian, (March 30 via Spotify and YouTube)

·       The Eve's Drop Podcast feat. Delamar Arias, Monica Francesca Tobias, and Gelli Victor with special guest, Ms. Universe 2015 and Avon Intimate Apparel ambassador, Pia Wurtzbach (March 30 via Spotify)

Everyone is also invited to catch Avon’s collaboration with the livestreaming app, Kumu, where viewers can enjoy talks, performances, and fun challenges—all to foster awareness on verbal abuse and raise funds in behalf of Avon’s partner organizations that help abuse survivors. Here’s the full lineup:

·       #SpeakOut Dialogues with Women (March 25 via @kumunityheroes)

·       #Speakout Kumunity Challenge (March 28 to April 3)

·       #SpeakOut Fundraising Livestream (March 30)

·       #SpeakOut Dialogues For All (April 4 via @kumunityheroes)

People are also encouraged to support the cause through our fundraising items like the #SpeakOut Avon True Color Lipstick, Women Empowerment Umbrella, Evita Watch, and Self-love Accessory set available on avonshop.ph where part of the proceeds will be donated to partner organizations including Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Ing Makababaying Aksyon (IMA) Foundation, and Luna Legal Resources Center for Women and Children.“Through these fundraising efforts, we hope to spark courage and reinforce a sense of community so that no one could feel alone or neglected in their individual battles. It’s time we shed light on this invisible crisis and we can effectively do that only if and when we #SpeakOut.” concludes Limlengco.

It’s time to redefine a culture where everyone becomes more accountable for the words being said so that no form of abuse—verbal or otherwise—will be tolerated nor pushed against others.

Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on the scheduled dates of all podcasts and Kumu livestreams and join the dialogues against Verbal Abuse. Shop for your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.

Filipino girl group KAIA pushes pop music forward with official debut single “BLAH BLAH”

 

The modern banger is produced by global hitmaker Lee Oh Won

KAIA sets their sights on going global with their official debut single “BLAH BLAH”—released under Sony Music.

The upbeat bop is helmed by Lee Oh Won, the producer behind some of the most remarkable tunes by international artists such as Stray Kids, SHINee’s Taemin, TVXQ, and SB19. Exploring a future-forward sound that ties together different elements and styles, “BLAH BLAH” marks the arrival of ShowBT-managed KAIA as a P-Pop newcomer with hitmaking potential.

 

The five-piece group wrote “BLAH BLAH” as a creative unit, deriving from their collective experiences in dealing with romantic love and infatuation, and how it’s not always “as beautiful as what we think.”

“Writing BLAH BLAH is somehow easier considering our chemistry has improved a lot since then,” KAIA’s very own Sophia shares in a statement. “We finally learned how to trust each other on a deeper level, hence the making of a song about love. Aside from this, everyone puts their 100% effort into this official debut. Even when one of us gets stuck in writing, the other four members make sure to help out when needed. That being said, our closeness and dedication made us more comfortable and confident in writing BLAH BLAH.”

The song is accompanied by a music video that provides a stark contrast between the dream world and the reality. With director Angelo Balanon at the helm of the visual narrative, the clip translates the very essence of the song with cosmopolitan, movie-like sheen that is at par with K-Pop and J-Pop music videos.

KAIA’s debut single serves as the first chapter of their journey towards self-discovery. As showcased in the concept trailer that preludes the music video, the multi-talented quintet deals with finding their own voice in an industry that is completely challenging and unfamiliar to them.

For fans of P-Pop who are looking for exciting new sounds, KAIA’s “BLAH BLAH” is definitely your jam: a global-ready tune that blends pop music conventions with sonically interesting ideas and lyrical autonomy.

KAIA’s official debut single “BLAH BLAH” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music. The song release is part of Sony Music Entertainment’s  "Angat, P-Pop!" initiative for the month of April - which aims to put a spotlight on this new generation of Pinoy Pop hits by up-and-coming groups from the label's roster and beyond.

 

 

ABOUT KAIA

KAIA is an upcoming 5-member girl group from ShowBT PH, the same company that launched P-POP Kings SB19. The members consist of Sophia, Angela, Charice, Charlotte, and Alexa. The name KAIA is inspired by two tagalog words: First is Kinaiya, which is a tagalog noun that describes your inner character. These aren’t just your good traits, but all the traits and characteristics that make you who you are. The second word is Kaya, which is a generic tagalog term Filipinos use in their everyday lives, mainly to overcome their struggles. “Kaya mo paba?” “Kakayanin.”

KAIA is a word that sounds feminine, but means powerful. Accepting who you are, and using it as a strength to overcome your goals despite what may be thrown at you. This is what the group represents now that they have finally debuted.

Guiding Light books Ph

 

Guiding Light Books ph sent me their books after attending their launch or virtual presscon. The books are for 4-7 years old. They are not only coloring books but also books that have values and Bible verses. Some books are translated from English to Tagalog.

Follow their instagram @guidinglightbooksph.

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SB19’s PABLO gets up close and personal on his debut single “La Luna”

 

The creative force behind P-Pop’s biggest hits is ready to shed society’s unrealistic expectations with material he can call entirely his own

SB19’s PABLO embarks on his journey as a solo artist with the release of his debut single “La Luna”—out today via Sony Music Philippines.

The eclectic banger, which the 27-year-old artist composed and produced himself, is all about freeing yourself from the need to meet society’s unrealistic expectations.

As PABLO sums it up, the song is about learning to embrace imperfections in pursuit of achieving acceptance and self-love. “We all have flaws and we need to accept those imperfections because those are what make us who we are.”

The prolific singer-songwriter and producer adds, “to be mentally healthy, we need to come to terms with ourselves, that what we feel is valid. We shouldn't suppress it just so we can please everyone and avoid confrontation. There will always be black in white and white in black. We should maintain balance within us. That's how we remain sane and alive.”

 

“La Luna” cements PABLO’s foothold as one of the most imaginative figures in P-Pop and a creative force with a knack for ambition. Aiming for a grander, more cinematic-sounding track, PABLO rips through the speakers with punchy cadences over a hard-hitting bed of bass, strings, wind instruments, hip-hop-inspired drums, and choral harmonies.

“I always like the cinematic feeling the music scoring bring upon movie scenes,” the SB19 member reveals. “It amplifies the emotion that is currently being portrayed. I decided to incorporate that in my music. I want it to be grand and full to bring out the intensity of the song's emotion.”

In an official statement, PABLO’s decision to release “La Luna” is a way for him to confront his personal battles. He considers making his own music as an outlet to express all his emotions in its messily beautiful but unfiltered state.

“Its focus is mostly about myself, my feelings, my beliefs, how I view the world and how it affects me,” the certified hitmaker explains.

“La Luna” marks PABLO’s first official release after teasing the public with an unreleased song titled “???” last week. Outside his stint as a leader of SB19, PABLO has done exemplary work as a producer/composer, and has even won the top prize at last year’s Djooky Music Awards for his collaboration with rapper Josue on “Determinado.” He also wrote all the songs from SB19’s 2021 EP, Pagsibol.

PABLO’s “La Luna” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

SB19 launches premium merch line inspired by record-breaking EP, Pagsibol

 Released in collaboration with ShowBT and Sony Music Philippines, the merch promises a ‘full fan experience’ with its three main collections

Filipino pop supergroup SB19 is welcoming 2022 with an exclusive merch line named after their record-breaking EP, Pagsibol.

 The official Pagsibol merchandise features an assortment of designs heavily referenced by the emerging global stars’ chart-topping songs, as well as their corresponding videos and artwork.

 Proudly made in the Philippines, the premium merch promises a ‘full fan experience’ with its three main collections: What? Collection, which includes an Iron-On Patch and Enamel Pin as inspired by the critically acclaimed first single; MAPA Collection, which includes a bundled T-shirt and a collectible photocard, handmade resin keychain, along with its own Iron-On Patch and Enamel Pin inspired by the smash anthem for parents and family; and Pagsibol Collection, which includes a poster and a photobook.

 A first of its kind in the P-pop scene, the SB19 photobook is full of inclusions and goodies for the fans such as the collectible streaming plaque, SB19 poster, postcard, sticker sheet, and the much-anticipated random member photocards included in each unique copy. “It was curated by fans for fans, and we wanted to make sure that it would live up to expectations especially with it being the first of its kind for P-pop,” the Sony Music Philippines merchandise team shares in an official statement. “Fans are sure to hunt down for their bias in SB19, or even all the member photocards.”

 The exclusive merch line was conceptualized and produced by Sony Music Philippines, SB19, and ShowBT. To help execute the ideas, the merchandise team collaborated with Filipino artists Irmay Ledesma and Bea Zaragoza to come up with top-notch designs that reflect the SB19 brand, as well as what their music stands for. The team also made sure that the merch line adheres to the Filipino group’s vision, and is representative of the aesthetic of SB19 and their music.

 Given SB19’s status as one of the biggest and most awarded boybands in Asia, the team wanted to bring the same big-caliber treatment that fans of international and K-Pop artists have experienced when it comes to merch. “We made sure to involve SB19 members and ShowBT in every step of the way - from concept, design, down to execution and production. We presented our own ideas in the beginning, and from there, the ideas evolved as to what the whole team envisioned for the project. Specifically, SB19’s Justin De Dios serves as a co-creative director for the project, pitching in his input for all the studies and acting as liaison for the rest of the members when it comes to creative decisions.”

 As of press time, the official Pagsibol merchandise has been getting good feedback based on the volume of orders and online hype. According to the merch team, the fan anticipation has been high, especially for the release of the photobooks, which received a large number of pre-orders prior to its release.

The official Pagsibol merchandise is available on the following channels:

For local online purchases:

http://sb19pagsibol.officialcostore.com

For international purchases (ships worldwide):

http://sb19pagsibol-int.officialcostore.com

For pick-up and in-store purchases, items are available at the CO. Store, 3/F Shoppesville Mall in Greenhills, San Juan. The merch line will also be available for purchase soon via Shopee and Lazada.

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