Nippon Paint recognizes winners of the Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA) Philippines 2019

Officials of Nippon Paint Philippines led by the company President Mark Webb (center) handed the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) Philippines 2019 winners their cash prizes and trophies in a ceremony at PETA Theter Center in Quezon City on January 23, 2020. The gold award for the architecture category was given to John Carlo De Jesus from the Bulacan State University (BulSU) while the Interior Design category top prize was bagged by Abigail Florence Taghoy of University of San Carlos University (USC) Cebu. Both went home with the P50,000 cash prize.

After the fun filled and painstaking process of creating your designs to entry submission, leading into the judges’ deliberating and critiques, the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) Philippines 2019 recognized the winners during the awards ceremonies held at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City on January 23, 2020.

The gold award with a cash prize worth of P50,000 for the architecture category was given to John Carlo De Jesus from the Bulacan State University (BulSU) while the silver award with a cash prize of P30,000 was awarded to John Harold Siblag of St. Mary's University of Bayumbong.

Meanwhile, for the Interior Design category, Abigail Florence Taghoy of University of San Carlos University (USC) in Cebu bagged the gold award and P50, 000 cash prize while the silver award with a P30,000 prize money went to Clarice Limsui of De La Salle -College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

The gold awardees for AYDA 2019 will go to the Asia Young Designer Summit to compete with the best Architecture and Interior Design students in Asia which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in March 2020. The winners will battle for the chance to be included in the Harvard University Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program.

Aside from the major prizes, special awards were also given to other participants during the ceremony. For Architecture, the Best in Color Choice Award went to Christian Adrian Manalo of Batangas State University (BSU). Meanwhile the Best Green Innovation Award was given to John Carlo De Jesus and the People’s Choice Award to Johann Orozco, both from BulSU. Best Mentor in this category was awarded to Ar. Diane Alfonso. Also, Bulacan State University was declared The Best College/University, and The Best Supportive School award for the Architecture category went to the Far Eastern University (FEU).

For the Interior Design category, the Best Color Choice award went to Michael lGarbriel Vazquez of DLS-CSB, while Josette Thai of UP Diliman won the Best Green Innovation Award. The People’s Choice award went to Erika Mari Ordinario of DLS-CSB.

The University of San Carlos Cebu was named The Best Collge/University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde which was declared the Most Supportive School Dr. Hermie Ray Oplado from The University of San Carlos was awarded Best Mentor for the Interior Design category.

Nippon Paint Philippines President Mark Webb led the awarding ceremonies along with the distinguished panel of judges. Webb affirmed AYDA 2019 was the perfect opportunity to highlight the best young talents of the country and showcase their brilliance to the international arena. He also thanked the mentors and academic partners who patiently guided, motivated and shared their expertise to the students, and for allowing them to join. He added that Nippon Paintis proud to be part of the initiative in elevating the amazing Filipino skills and talent.

AYDA 2019 is a design competition open to Architecture and Interior Design students. The panel of judges is composed of prominent and well-established industry professionals and was supported by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Council of Deans and Heads of Architecture Schools in the Philippines (CODHASP), the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), and the Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE).

Visit www.youngdesigneraward.ph or visit www.nipponpaint.ph for more details and updates.

Eric Chou captures the Filipino audience with “Room For You”

Over the past few years, Taiwanese superstar Eric Chou has achieved mainstream success in major Mandopop markets in the region.

With a string of multi-platinum albums and hit singles that consistently topped streaming charts, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter has been anointed by the Taiwanese media as the “king of lovelorn people”—a title bestowed to the renowned balladeer for his masterful interpretation of emotionally affecting songs.

Despite his popularity as a ballad singer, Chou has recently experimented with EDM and urban music to diversify his catalog. Songs like “Nobody But Me,” “Shutter in Love,” and “Let It Go” showcase a more eclectic foray into pop, R&B and electronic music. These songs were written in English, aimed to capture a new audience outside of Mandopop.

Philippine breakthrough

His latest single “Room For You” has recently entered Spotify Philippines Viral 50 charts at #21. Seamlessly blending his knack for sentimental music with EDM elements and lush production, the Taiwanese pop star’s newest song is another glorious attempt to branch out into other genres and explore fresh contemporary sounds with international appeal.

The laid-back, soulful jam is part of his fourth full-length studio album, Freedom, which was released in December 24, 2019. The album, a mix of upbeat English tunes and mellow Mandopop ballads, contains songs such as “Old Days,” “Something About LA,” “Nobody But Me,” and more. 

Chou’s newest song also ranks on top of the Chinese New Year Spotify playlist curated by Filtr Taiwan, joining the likes of Mandopop heavyweights such as G.E.M., Jolin Tsai, and Joanna Wang.

Eric Chou’s latest single “Room For You” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

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. 

A proposed solution to EDSA traffic

House Transportation Committee Chair and Samar 1st District Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento unveiled the blueprint of his proposed centralized and synchronized bus dispatch system which would turn the EDSA's rowdy and chaotic city buses into a fast, efficient and predictable mass transport system.

Sarmiento, a civil engineer, disclosed the full details of his proposal after announcing that his panel is closely working with the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to craft a roadmap which would solve EDSA's traffic problem.

In his proposal, Sarmiento said that the innermost lane of EDSA will serve as an "express bus lane" which can be accessed through stations used by the MRT. Like a carousel, the "express bus lane" will just circle around EDSA, duplicating the route of the MRT.

"People who use the MRT can now have the option to ride the bus which will be also operated like carousel. The buses will only load and unload passengers in a synchronized manner at the MRT stations so they are basically an extension of the MRT. Walang magiging traffic dyan because the entire inner lane from Taft Avenue to North Avenue and vice-versa will be enclosed and exclusive to the express bus lane ," Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento said that the three lanes in the middle of EDSA will be dedicated for all types of private vehicles subject to the existing vehicle reduction programs like the number coding scheme. Private cars will be only allowed to use the outer lane when turning into an intersection.

The outer lane of EDSA or the yellow lane will be used as a dedicated city bus lane which will also adopt a centralized and synchronized dispatch system. Dedicated bus stops will be established one kilometer apart. Loading and unloading of passengers will be strictly implemented on these bus stops.

Sarmiento said that while the express bus lane will cater to passengers who also use the MRT, the city bus lane operation will extend up to the Parañaque Integrated Bus Terminal (PITX) in the south and the Valenzuela Integrated Bus Terminal (VIBT) in the north and vice-versa.

" City buses will now be using the outermost lane in EDSA or the yellow lane. They will be traversing EDSA in a carousel-type system until they reach the proposed north terminal which is the Valenzuela Integrated Bus Terminal. From there, the city buses will now traverse to the south still using the outermost lane until it reaches the proposed south terminal which is the Paranaque Integrated Bus Terminal," Sarmiento said.

"We propose this to eradicate the kanya-kanya system of the buses wherein they compete with each other creating chaos through overtaking, overspeeding, and overstaying. Puno man o hindi, lalarga po ang mga city buses dahil may schedule na po ang biyahe nila at hindi na sila makikipag-agawan ng pasahero dahil hindi na commission-based ang kita kundi sahod na ang matatanggap ng mga drivers at konduktors," Sarmiento added.

Sarmiento said that also part of the proposal is to modernize the fare system using tap or beep card.

"Once everything has been set in theory and generated through computer by the MMDA, it will be presented to the public through a dry run, which will be implemented on a day with the least number of vehicles in the road. We are going to have a computer-generated simulation of this proposal to be led by the MMDA," Sarmiento said to dispel fears that this could end up just like the other failed "experiments" of the MMDA.

Sarmiento clarified however that his proposal can still be subject to improvements and adjustments by the DoTr and the MMDA which is will the frontline implementing agencies.

"Lastly, this proposal is a work in progress. Details will be discussed by the Executives. Ang inyong lingkod, bilang Chairman ng House Committee on Transportation ay willing na magbigay ng suporta sa DOTr kung may mga kailangang polisiya upang maipatupad natin kaagad ang mga planong ito," Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento said that if and when the plan is set into motion, the private vehicles that continue to clog EDSA middle lanes would be reduced eventually "because people would now start riding the bus rather than drive their car in what is described as one of the world's biggest parking lot."

"With this system, if the trains and buses will be fully operational, and the commuting public is now effectively and efficiently being moved, that’s the time that we can reduce the volume of private vehicles in EDSA and the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila," Sarmiento said.

" Once the volume of vehicles were reduced, that’s the time that we can introduce major infrastructures in EDSA and other major thoroughfares," he added. END

Link to Rep. Sarmiento’s profile > http://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=sarmiento-e

Welcoming 2020 with Fresh Start and Full of Positivity

Another chapter in our lives unfolds in the beginning of each year. 2020 is extra special since it is also the start of a new decade.

We all await exciting opportunities for a fresh start and new beginnings in our personal lives and of course in our blogging community. No matter what your goals are in 2020 or how many new year’s resolutions you plan on making this year, we should always find time to celebrate and reminisce all of your experiences from 2019, whether good or bad; and welcome the new year ahead with hope and positivity.

For eight consecutive years, the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN) hold its annual get together and this year it will be a fun pan pizza party in Quezon City.

It will surely be an afternoon of great fun, awesome giveaways, delicious food and a great opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old friends they have not seen for a while. Representatives of different sponsors, PR groups and brands are also expected to grace the event and personally thank bloggers and social media influencers who have supported them in the past years, or should we say at least in the last decade.

FBN currently has a membership of more than 2,000 and continues to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers, vloggers, and online writers and influencers to interact with other members and partner brands from different parts of the Philippines. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from different sponsors for the group are co-admins Divine RC, Richard Mamuyac and Lariza Garcia, the annual event has become even bigger on its 8th run.

This year’s celebration would not have been possible without the support of the following generous sponsors and partners:

Century Park Hotel Manila

Situated in the heart of Manila’s business, cultural, shopping and entertainment district is one of the most renowned and finest hotels in the metropolis. A mere seven (7) kilometres away from the Ninoy International Airport, Century Park Hotel - the premier hotel in Manila, is also an ideal airport hotel for busy executives. Follow Century Park Hotel Manila on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/centuryparkhotelmanila.officialpage/.

FuentesManila

FuentesManila is one of the few full-service PR agencies in the Philippines. While publicity remains its core service, FuentesManila provides the following services to its clients: Publicity; Special Events;  Online Publicity; Advertising; Media Monitoring; Creatives & Graphic Design; and Digital PR. Follow Fuentes Manila on Facebook for news and updates >  https://web.facebook.com/fuentesmanilapublicrelations/.

www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There)

www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There) is an online guide of all new items and products that is introduced in the market or even a product that is to be launched in the industry. WNOT was established in August 2011 to give our consumers an idea of every new product to be purchased. WNOT provides a user-friendly search engine that allows keyword searching, company promotion, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This site also acts as a directory for article submission which offers more exposure across the net. Follow www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There) on Facebook for news and updates >  https://web.facebook.com/WhatsNewOutThere/.

Cebuana Lhuillier

The P.J. Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI) is the proud parent company of the Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, one of the leading and largest non-bank financial services provider in the Philippines with 2,500 branches nationwide. PJLI attributes its dominance in the industry to integrity and heartfelt service, robust network of local and international industry partners, and steadfast commitment to nurture market-leading businesses for its growing clientele. Visit Cebuana Lhuillier website for news and updates > https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/.

DZBB’s Dobol B Bantay Balita  

Dobol B Bantay Balita sa Kamara is a radio-television program aired simultaneously in Super Radyo DZBB 594 khz and GMA News TV Channel 27 every Sunday, 10am to 11am. Hosted by DZBB’s House of Representatives reporter, Divine Reyes, the program discusses current events, news and issues in the country. Follow Dobol B Bantay Balita on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/DobolBBantayBalita/.

CID Communication

CID is a pioneering, full-service corporate communication agency in the Philippines. CID's dedicated professionals craft and engineer communication programs and campaigns to bring out and project the essence of organizations, individuals or products. Follow CID Communication on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/CIDCommunication/.

Havas Media Ortega

Havas Media Ortega is the first full-service media agency providing end-to-end solutions in the Philippines. It does not only offer the most complete and cohesive set of media services in the Philippines, it also aspires to provide clients work that is best in class in all the media channels on offer. Follow Havas Media Ortega on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/HavasMediaOrtega/.

Perceptions, Inc.

Perceptions is a public relations company that provides PR counseling and various corporate and marketing communications services to business and industrial organizations, government institutions as well as trade and professional associations. Follow Perceptions, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/Perceptions.Inc/.

FleishmanHillard

FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, reputation management, public affairs, brand marketing, digital strategy, social engagement and content strategy. Visit their website, https://fleishmanhillard.com/about/ for news and updates.

Salgado Public Relations

Salgado PR specializes in PR, Event Execution, Creative Design, Digital Marketing and Influencer Management. Follow Salgado Public Relations on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/SalgadoPR/.

LeapOut Digital

LeapOut Digital is a leading digital marketing agency based in Manila offering digital marketing services for brands, SMEs, and agencies. They started as a search engine optimization (SEO) company in 2008 in Manila, helping raise the awareness of SMEs in the Philippines and other countries through their expertise of digital technologies. Visit their website, https://leapoutdigital.com/ for news and updates.

Ripple8

Ripple8 is the full-service PR arm of DDB Group Philippines. With a clientele comprising top brands in diverse fields, they provide expert traditional and digital PR services, combining creativity and effective communication to create ripples of positive change. Follow Ripple8 on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/ripple8/.

Strategic Works, Inc.

Strategic Works, Inc. live for the possibility of making an idea come to life as they align their passion with the client’s needs. They spot the hot buttons that unlock consumers’ hearts and brand success. Stratworks do Public Relations; Creative Services; Activations; Events Management; Digital Marketing; Advocacy and Social Marketing. Follow Strategic Works, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/StratWorks/.

Lorem Ipsum Communications

Lorem Ipsum Communications is a marketing communications agency offering the following services: Digital & Traditional Public Relations; Event Management; Social Media Management; Creative Design and Human Resources Consultation. Follow Loremipsum on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/LoremIpsumCommPH/

Greenbulb Communications

Greenbulb Communications is an integrated communications solution firm specializing in Digital PR and Communications strategies that work. Follow Greenbulb on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/GreenbulbComms/.

Full Circle Communications, Inc.

Full Circle Communications, Inc. is a full-service public relations firm established in 2000. They work with clients to create proactive, ongoing public relations campaigns that generate positive press coverage. Follow Full Circle Communications on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/fccpr.ph/.

M2Comms

M2Social is a team of young, creative, and passionate social media advocates. They believe that social media is not just about pushing out content – it’s about reaching out and telling your brand story to a well-targeted audience using content that's timely, relevant, and strategic. Visit M2Comms’ website, https://www.m2comms.com/ for news and updates.

Buensalido Public Relations

Buensalido and Associates Public Relations is a leading and independent full-service public relations agency based in Manila, Philippines. Established in 1983 by renowned PR practitioner Joy Buensalido, the agency has since grown into a close-knit group of young, creative, and motivated individuals, who are always teeming with fresh and original concepts. Follow Buensalido Public Relations on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/BuensalidoPublicRelations/

Dominguez Marketing Communications Inc.

Dominguez Marketing Communications Inc. is a top-notch Philippines-based integrated marketing communications and public relations company trusted by global companies and SMEs serving major industries such as Information Technology (IT), telecommunications, banks, health and wellness, pharmaceuticals, travel, logistics, consumer and household products. Visit Dominguez Marketing Communications’ website, https://www.dominguezmarketing.net/ for news and updates.

Browne Communications

An agency of global tech, pharma & lifestyle brands where bright minds, inventive thinkers, ingenious beings and imaginative humans thrive. Follow Browne Communications on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/BrowneComm/.

i55 Talent House
Named after a bible verse, the brains of i55 Talent House responded to what’s needed to be done to create and inspire people with messages. Their talents work with clients to nurture ideas, practice creativity, curate, so we can all live in a world of inspiring messages. Follow i55 Talent House on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/i55TalentHouseCorp/.

EON Group

Delivering insightful communication solutions that enable trust-based relationships. Follow EON Group on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/theEONgroup/.

Aldenver Events

A team of dedicated and passionate individuals who are mastering their craft in creating and organizing different kinds of events. Follow Aldenver Events on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/aldenvereventsmktg/

Trendspotting

Trendspotting is a Brand & Advertising Consultancy company which targets great result. Follow Trendspotting on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/TrendspottingConsultancy/.

Prosolutions Management Corp 

A dynamic player in the PR industry for the past 15 years that handled and developed communications and media strategies for corporate and government Clients.
We develop sound strategies that achieve maximum exposure and optimal returns for our Client's unique identity and specific needs, that focuses on strategic and effective PR. Follow  on Facebook for news and updates >https://www.facebook.com/PROSolutions.Ph/

Fujidenzo Appliances

Fujidenzo Home and Commercial Appliances combine style and performance to meet the high demands of fast-paced living. Taking into account the high cost of living and non-stop surge of prices of commodities, Fujidenzo Appliances are designed to give quality performance at the most consumer-friendly prices. With Fujidenzo, you get the latest features and technologies all within the budget of the average Filipino household. Follow Fujidenzo on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/FujidenzoAppliances/.

doTERRA Essential Oils Philippines

dōTERRA® produces and distributes exceptionally high quality CPTG® essential oils through more than three million independent distributors, also known as Wellness Advocates, around the world. In addition to a premium line of essential oils used by individuals and health-care professionals alike, dōTERRA® also offers products that are naturally safe, purely effective, and infused with CPTG® essential oils, including personal care and spa products, nutritional supplements, and healthy living products. Follow doTERRA Essential Oils Philippines on Facebook for news and updates > http://www.mydoterra.com/jrpagalilauan.

Novelina

An industry leader in the production of powder and cream hair color. At the same time, it also carries its professional line of hair care products which includes cream hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and rebonding formulas. Novelina is also the OEM manufacturer of hair-color for two of the world’s largest and most prestigious hair-dye brands being marketed in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, China, North and South America, as well as the Middle East. Follow Novelina on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/novelinacosmetics/

Sinalco Philippines

Sinalco is a German brand of non-alcoholic drinks that has been refreshing the European market since the early 1900’s.  It stands by the German quality standard which only means that the highest grade of ingredients and manufacturing is applied to the production and flavor of the beverages. Follow Sinalco Philippines on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/sinalcoph/.

Barlico Philippines

Barlico may have been popularly known as a coffee substitute, but this healthy drink is more than just that. It is made of barley grass from barley plant, which is among the earliest grown sweetgrass in the world that traces its history even before 5000 BC, popular among ancient Greeks and Romans. It’s been dubbed as “nature’s best fast food” attributing to its multidimensional health benefits. Follow Barlico Philippines on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/barlicophilippines/.

Bubble Man

Bubble Man is a highly effici12ent, economical, environment friendly, & Philippine-made Dishwashing Liquid that promises to make cleaning easier and more fun for the entire family. Follow Bubble Man on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/BubblemanPH/.

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SB19 Inks deal with Sony Music, releases first official single “Alab”

After selling out their first major concert in a record-breaking three minutes, SB19 is ready to dominate the local and international music market with the release of their latest single, “Alab.”

If you think the previous releases were straight up fire, wait until you hear “Alab”—a dance-pop banger built on sophisticated production, digital beats, and pulsating grooves.

Produced by Han Tae Soo, the upbeat track is “basically about finding your true love and doing whatever it takes to win that certain someone.”

“Here, we thought of fire as our burning desire, emphasizing that there’s no other way to confess your love but to tell the person directly, and that you shouldn’t waste time,” lead vocalist and rapper Sejun opens up.

Partnership with Sony Music Philippines

“Alab” is SB19’s first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

The P-pop boyband has recently expressed their gratitude to the international record label for making the partnership work. “With Sony Music Philippines, they’re a well-known major label worldwide. We feel like we can do so much more and expand to a wider audience,” Sejun says.

Sony Music, on the other hand, is thrilled to have SB19 on board. “We’re looking forward to fueling and supporting many more breakthroughs for Sejun, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin,” says Roslyn Pineda, Sony Music’s GM Philippines & VP Business Development Asia.

After receiving a copy of SB19’s dance practice video for “Go Up” from Sony Music Philippines A&R and Digital Director Maan Atienza, Roslyn can’t help but feel thoroughly impressed. “I am beyond excited! Filipinos are natural performers and when it comes to training and discipline, nothing beats the Korean way. When you merge the two, you come up with something special — SB19. They’ve taken K-Pop and made it their own. Actually, our own, if you consider SB19’s official fanbase name A’TIN.”

Brief Background

SB19 is composed of Sejun (leader, rapper and lead vocalist), Josh (lead rapper and dancer), Stell (vocalist and lead dancer), Ken (main dancer and vocalist), and Justin– (vocalist and visuals).

The fast-rising boyband debuted in 2018 with “Tilaluha,” and soon gained traction with the video release of choreography-heavy “Go Up” in July 2019.

They nabbed the first spot as this year’s most Googled Male Personalities in the Philippines, beating personalities such as Vico Sotto, Isko Moreno and more.

They recently landed on Billboard's Next Big Sound chart—which according to its website, tracks the fastest accelerating artists during the past week.

“Alab” is now available on all music streaming and download platforms worldwide.

The English-language version of “Paprika” is the next viral hit that you need to hear

Everybody, get up! There’s a new dance craze that is taking Japan by storm.

“Paprika,” the latest viral sensation that was intended to excite the global sports community for the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo next year, has racked up 140 million views on Youtube. Its related NHK videos has surpassed more than 260 million views, making it the most popular current children’s song and creating a Paprika phenomenon all over Japan.

Produced and written by J-Pop star Kenshi Yonezu, the latest earworm was a huge hit for Foorin, a group of five Japanese singers and dancers composed of Moena and Hyuuga on main vocals, and Takeru, Ririko, and Chise on chorus and dance.

English-language version

On its bid to introduce the song to the international market and expand its positive message of friendship from “Japanese children to children of the world,” Yonezu specifically handpicked five native English-speaking children to re-record and perform “Paprika.”

Known as Foorin Team E, the newest pop collective whose members include main vocalists Jasmine (10 years old) and Corban (８years old), and chorus singers and dancers Len (12 years old), Evangeline (12 years old), and Clara (6 years old), debuted the English-language version of “Paprika” with a fun and entertaining music video shot in a single take.

Colorful music video

Similar to Foorin’s “Paprika” video, the alternate version features the enthusiastic members dancing and singing in a field with Mount Fuji as part of the backdrop.

Choreographed by Tomohiko Tsujimoto and Koharu Sugawara, the music video retains the dance routine of the original, except for a few new formations to give the performance a refreshing spin. The broadcast on NHK E-TV “Minna no Uta” started last December 1, 2019, and was serviced on Youtube the same day.

 “Paprika” English-language version is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

All royalties made from this single will be donated to the “Japan Sports Council” in order to be used for the development of the next generation athletes.

Paprika English version

Important links:

■ NHK “Paprika” HP

URL：https://sports.nhk.or.jp/dream/song/

■ Foorin “Paprika” dance music video

YouTube URL：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0valuAksuo

■ Kenshi Yonezu music video “Paprika”

YouTube URL：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s582L3gujnw

Harry Styles “lights up” with groundbreaking new album, Fine Line

Harry Styles’ sophomore album, Fine Line is finally arriving on December 13, 2019—just in time for a Friday the 13th release.

Fine Line includes previously released tracks “Lights Up,” “Watermelon Sugar,” and latest single “Adore You,” whose cryptic marketing campaign sparked tremendous buzz for weeks. The second studio release also reunites Styles with producers Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon, who refined the overall sound of his debut album.

A “brazenly honest” record

On Fine Line, the former One Direction star opens up about “constantly dancing in and out of desire and destruction,” as Entertainment Weekly puts it, and exploring his more brazenly honest side in terms of the songwriting process leading to the final touches of his newest album. “For me, it doesn’t mean I’ll sit down and be like, ‘This is what I have for dinner, and this is where I eat every day, and this is what I do before I go to bed,” Styles shares in a recent Rolling Stone interview. “But I will tell you that I can be really pathetic when I’m jealous. Feeling happier than I’ve ever been, sadder than I’ve ever been, feeling sorry for myself, being mad at myself, being petty and pitiful — it feels really different to share that.”

The thematic vulnerability that comes with Styles’ 12-track release earned glowing reviews from international music critics. NME praised the record for embracing the nostalgic sound of his previous self-titled record and combining it with “soaring pop sensibilities.” British bi-monthly magazine i-D called it “another confident exercise in Harry Styles’ ongoing genre cross-over.” DIY Mag dug deeper into the gripping nature of his songwriting, proclaiming that it is a “compelling document of an artist coming to life.”

Upcoming tour

After his much buzzed, sold-out concert in Manila last May 1, 2018 at the Mall of Asia arena, the British pop singer is also preparing for his upcoming 2020 world tour, ‘Love On Tour’ to promote the release of Fine Line. Full list of dates and all ticket information/on sale info is available on Harry’s official website. Asia (possibly Manila), Australia and additional tour dates to be announced in 2020.

Harry Styles’ Fine Line will be available from Friday, the 13th of December on iTunes and all other digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

You can watch the music video of Harry Styles’ latest single, “Adore You” below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yezDEWako8U

Sun Life Ties Up With Nuvali For Exciting Outdoor Attractions For The Family

Sun Life Philippines and Nuvali have tied up to launch three exciting new attractions that would encourage families to enjoy some quality bonding time outdoors, including the Sun Life interactive mural, the Bright Circuit outdoor gym, and Nuvali teamLab Water show.  

In keeping with its mission of helping Filipinos live healthier lives, Sun Life recently launched an interactive mural and an outdoor gym in Nuvali’s Solenad complex to inspire people in their health and wellness journey while also offering a new venue for fitness activities.

The interactive mural was designed by illustrator and muralist Jappy Agoncillo, who has been making waves not just in Manila, but also in Los Angeles and New York City. His creation for Sun Life, which carries the company’s “Live Healthier Lives” battle cry, shows his signature dynamic and colorful art style. However, the experience of viewing the mural levels up with the help of a mobile phone, where one simply needs to go to http://bit.ly/SLmural. The link opens the phone’s camera which, when pointed at the mural, will make certain elements of the design come alive. One could record a video, save it, then share it on social media to affirm his commitment to his own health and wellness journey.

Meanwhile, the outdoor gym, called Bright Circuit, consists of eight different types of equipment. Kids will be encouraged to get active with the Dome Climber and Monkey Bar, while adults may use the Dipping Station and Monkey Bar to strengthen their upper bodies, the Pull-Up Station and Decline Sit-Up Station to tighten their cores, the Leg Raise Station to improve their hip flexors, and the Twister to work out their legs. Free for everyone to use, the outdoor gym comes with instructions that are easy to understand and follow.

Apart from offering these outdoor attractions, Sun Life’s health and wellness community, GoWell, will also hold free community workouts in Nuvali every two months. Those who would like to be a part of the workouts simply need to sign up at gowell.com.ph to get updates.

Sun Life also supports the launching of Nuvali teamLab Water, the first interactive watershow in the Philippines created by teamLab, an art collective whose works are found in different parts of the world, such as Australia, Japan, London, Singapore, the United States, and recently, the Philippines.   

Nuvali teamLab Water will open on November 22, with three 30-minute shows every night at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. While the show can be enjoyed on its own, viewers may opt to take out their phones for a fun and interactive experience.

As a special treat for its clients, Sun Life will hold a special event where they can view the show from an exclusive venue where cocktails will be served.

“As part of our advocacy to help Filipinos live healthier lives, we aim to encourage them to go outdoors and enjoy nature. This will not only be good for their health but will pave the way for family bonding as well,” Sun Life Chief Marketing and Client Officer Mylene Lopa said. “We hope that people living in or visiting Nuvali would take time to enjoy these outdoor attractions created especially for them.”