K-pop powerhouse ENHYPEN has just dropped their Spotify K-Pop ON! (온) Single featuring their soul-stirring rendition of “I NEED U” by BTS. Produced and released as part of Spotify’s K-Pop ON! (온) First Crush campaign, the track is the first of three Spotify-exclusive covers by a stellar line-up of K-Pop artists, each paying homage to the sunbaes (senior artists) who ignited their passion for the genre.
Much more than a nod to the very beginnings of every K-Pop fan’s journey into the genre, which started with that first K-Pop artist who captivated them with their artistry and flair, Spotify’s K-Pop ON! (온) First Crush campaign calls on fans around the world to unite over their shared love for K-Pop music, and the artists who started it all.
The campaign was launched in celebration of the anniversary of K-Pop ON! (온) – Spotify’s global K-Pop flagship playlist dedicated to giving listeners a platform to discover and tune in to the best from the genre. Since launching in 2014, this flagship playlist has since been “saved” by over 5.3 million Spotify users worldwide and racked up billions of streams for Korean artists.
In ENHYPEN’s cover of “I NEED U”, laidback acoustic instrumentals replace the electronic synth sounds from the original version for an Afro-rhythm twist. While presenting a more mellow version of the track, the members’ performance delivers the emotions of the lyrics with sincerity and showcases the group’s unique color and charm.
“This Spotify K-Pop ON! (온) Single means so much to us. In addition to bringing ENGENEs (our fans) a new track, this was our chance to tell the stories of our beginnings with K-Pop through a song loved by the members,” said ENHYPEN. “We’ve always appreciated Spotify’s support for our music, so it’s an honor to be a part of its K-Pop ON! (온) Anniversary celebrations. We hope listeners enjoy our rendition of “I NEED U”, and we can’t wait to hear their First K-Pop Crush stories too!”
Since their debut in 2020, ENHYPEN, made up of JUNGWON, HEESEUNG, JAY, JAKE, SUNGHOON, SUNOO and NI-KI, has been winning hearts worldwide. With their music transcending language and cultural barriers, they have amassed more than 8.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and rounded off 2023 as the fifth most-streamed K-Pop Boy Group on Spotify Wrapped.
To let fans in on discovering more about ENHYPEN’s First K-Pop Crush and their rendition of “I NEED U”, Spotify will be rolling out a series of exclusive bonus content on its K-Pop ON! (온) Video Podcast and YouTube channels. A performance video for their Spotify K-Pop ON! (온) Single is set to drop on February 17, and on February 19, Spotify and the members of ENHYPEN will take fans on a trip down memory lane to unpack the group’s very beginnings with K-Pop. On February 21, K-Pop ON! (온) will take listeners behind the scenes for a peek into the Making Of ENHYPEN’s rendition of “I NEED U”.
The Manila bar scene is sure to be abuzz with the prospect of sampling the signature cocktails prepared by one of the world’s best mixologists when The Peninsula Manila hosts Masahiko Endo, Group Beverage Director of Mizunara: The Library, Hong Kong – ranked No. 86 on “Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2023” list – for one night only at The Bar on February 23, 2024.
Endo san is an award-winning mixologist from Japan who manages the specialist whisky and cocktail bar, Mizunara: The Library, Hong Kong, where he and his team have been welcoming discerning guests to their tranquil space of bespoke cocktail artistry with exquisitely crafted tipples. With over 20 years of experience, he regularly conducts masterclasses and tasting sessions for whiskies, spirits, and cocktails.
From 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight on February 23, catch him at The Bar prepare his four signature cocktails featuring Chivas Regal, a blended Scotch whisky. Each promises to be distinct, showcasing the essence of his art of bartending for The Peninsula Manila’s guests to explore and discover.
For inquires on the Mizunara: The Library, Hong Kong Pop-up at The Bar, please call The Peninsula Manila at (63 2) 8887-2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations and 6740 for The Bar), or visit peninsula.com/manila.
UNIQLO sparks the Spring/Summer 2024 season with the launch of its new LifeWear collection. Inspired by the call to “ease into lightness,” the collection circles back to LifeWear’s central ideas of comfort and versatility and updated for the season with new fits featuring a clean and casual style for work and play.
“UNIQLO LifeWear is clothing designed to make everyone’s life better. They are pieces that compliment everyday lifestyles, and with our season theme of Ease Into Lightness, we showcase different key items that are a perfect fit for Filipinos’ different needs, highlighting our products’ quality materials, colors, textures and styles,” says UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia during the UNIQLO 2024 Spring/Summer LifeWear Collection Preview.
UNIQLO’s Spring/Summer 2024 pieces come alive in soft pale tones like ecru and mauve pink. Natural linen and Supima Cotton also feel gentler, as jackets are made more comfortable and T-shirts thinner. All around, it’s a collection that promises lightness in every way, from lifestyle to function to texture.
Starting with lifestyle, the collection serves as the new authentic, where elevated casual meets urban sport casual. Think of sporty items such as Sport Utility Wear and utility pants matched with UNIQLO’s classic casual items such as T-Shirts and Bra Tops for a hybrid yet effortless style.
Next, in terms of function, UNIQLO’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection showcases a clean-work style with functionality, positioned as future traditional. Modern neutral coloring is set to get anyone through anything, even the harshest of seasons, comfortably and in style. This is made possible by the functional materials of Miracle Air, AIRism, UV Protection, DRY-EX, Blocktech – which are waterproof, water repellent, breathable, quick- drying, and more. Go for these popular UNIQLO lines or try the Smart Ankle and other Functional Outerwear with the Super Non-Iron Shirt and Rayon Shirt.
Finally, the collection promises lightness in texture. It’s a vacation-inspired summer casual style using light, high-quality natural materials such as linen and cotton. With pieces like the Pleated Skirt and Sheer Knit (3D Mesh), among others, the collection embodies today’s lightness mindset that allows anyone to travel with ease.
Together with the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, UNIQLO also presents special collaborations for the season. UNIQLO U brings its latest future LifeWear essentials using innovative materials and contemporary silhouettes. Meanwhile, UNIQLO: C delivers sophistication in ease and motion from renowned British designer Clare Waight Keller.
Fans of J.W. Anderson can also look forward to the Northern Irish designer’s newest set of UNIQLO pieces. The latest collection is inspired by fabrics and crafts from the mid-century era for a textured vibe that is clean with a pop of color.
Another favorite UNIQLO collaborator with new pieces is Ines de la Fressange. For the Spring/Summer 2024 season, the French designer’s take on Parisian chic focuses on the stunning southern France landscape, characterized by simplicity and elegance.
Visit UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store from February 9 to February 15 only to also get your suggested Spring / Summer looks with the special store activity named – Color and Style Corner. To know more about this activity, you may read here: FAQ Color and Style Corner
For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, @uniqlo.ph on Facebook, @uniqloph on Twitter, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and TikTok, and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph.
Download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store or Apple Store, or visit and shop from UNIQLO online store at UNIQLO.com/ph.
In today’s digital landscape where authenticity and personal connections are greatly valued, influencer marketing has become an indispensable strategy for brands seeking meaningful engagement with their audiences. The move towards genuine, relatable content was so impactful that Merriam-Webster named “authentic” as its Word of the Year for 2023. This trend is expected to maintain its prominence in the current year, further emphasizing the importance of authenticity in digital marketing strategies.
Recognizing this, NYMA, the talent management arm of KROMA Entertainment, has embraced influencer marketing as a core offering. They understand how influencers can help brands connect deeply with their audiences, creating meaningful partnerships that tell impactful stories.
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“At NYMA, we’re committed to driving success for our clients through innovative influencer marketing strategies. We believe that the future of marketing lies in authentic, meaningful connections, and we’re here to help businesses make those connections,” said Kat Bautista, General Manager of NYMA.
NYMA began its journey as a talent management agency driven by a vision to nurture emerging talents in the digital space. Today, they have seized the opportunity to expand their services, having a separate influencer management group from those that look after talents, in response to the evolving needs of brands. NYMA’s influencer roster spans various niches and diverse voices, including basketball player CJ Cansino, beauty and music content creator Janina Vela, and viral food vlogger Jujumao. This expansion underscores NYMA’s unwavering commitment to innovation and passion for influencer marketing.
Harnessing the power of influencers for brand success
Influencers hold substantial sway in the Philippines, one of the world’s most socially connected countries. A 2023 Rakuten Insight survey revealed that approximately 86% of Filipino social media users follow at least one influencer—a statistic far exceeding the global average of 22.6%.
“Brands can tap into this influence to reach new heights,” states Rouella Chan, Head of NYMA’s Influencer Management arm. “Through strategic partnerships with influencers, they can connect with consumers, gain their trust, and benefit from creative perspectives. This also helps brands remain relevant, particularly with millennials and Gen Z who primarily rely on social media for information and recommendations.”
NYMA understands that each client has unique needs. From the onset of every campaign, they focus on understanding each client’s goals, target market, and overall marketing objectives. “When our clients come to us, we help them clarify their overall vision and help them set clear, attainable goals,” said Chan, who has been in the entertainment business for nearly a decade.
To ensure relevance, they also conduct a detailed analysis of their client’s target audience, encompassing demographics, interests, and preferences. Chan explained, “We select influencers whose fan base closely mirrors the target audience. We also maintain a balanced mix of micro and macro influencers and celebrities to provide a varied reach from niche to broad.”
One of NYMA’s milestone campaigns was with a major international entertainment business in 2023. “We designed a strategy for the premiere of one of their flagship programs that utilized an ecosystem of influencers to penetrate a niche audience of millennials and Gen Z who are into adventure, fantasy, and science fiction,” Chan said. “Capitalizing on their collective influence and encouraging cross-promotion of content, we significantly amplified the campaign’s reach and impressions. This boosted the brand’s visibility in the country.”
Beyond providing clients with impactful influencers, NYMA uses proprietary tools to monitor key metrics across all campaigns and platforms. This ensures business success and offers valuable insights for future strategy optimization.
Building trust and ensuring authenticity
As the landscape of influencer marketing evolves, maintaining trust among influencers, brands, and their target audience is more critical than ever. The rise of short-form videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and an increased demand for authenticity have reshaped the industry. “Audiences are increasingly looking for authenticity, favoring real content over staged content,” Chan notes.
NYMA takes a strategic approach to matching brands with influencers whose values align with theirs, ensuring that endorsements are authentic and resonate with audiences.
But the authenticity doesn’t stop there. Chan said that NYMA believes in creative freedom. The company encourages brands to allow influencers to showcase their products or services in a way that fits their unique style. Overly scripted or rigid content can often come across as inauthentic, which can harm the influencer’s credibility and the brand’s image. By empowering influencers to create content that is true to their voice, NYMA ensures a more authentic and effective influencer marketing strategy.
The future of influencer marketing
NYMA has adapted to current industry trends and changes but has their sights set on the future. They anticipate a growing reliance on data-driven strategies and long-term partnerships between brands and influencers in 2024. With AI set to play a more significant role in content creation, NYMA remains committed to ensuring content authenticity.
Under Bautista’s visionary leadership, NYMA plans to scale their team and influencer base to meet increasing demand. “Our overarching goal is to act as a catalyst, bridging the gap in discoverability and fostering mutually beneficial relationships within our dynamic ecosystem.”
With an understanding of traditional and digital channels, NYMA is revolutionizing the marketing landscape by placing genuine, meaningful connections at their core. By bridging the gap between brands and influencers, they are not just facilitating partnerships, they are actively shaping the future of marketing—one authentic connection at a time.
For more information about NYMA and its influencer marketing services, please visit www.nyma.ph.
Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino are thrilled to announce the opening of their new gallery space at Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City.
Founded in 2007, Galerie Stephanie is one of the leading artist-centered galleries in the Philippines. Started as a platform for modern art and established local artists, the gallery has evolved its program into an edgier and more contemporary line-up.
Since 2015, Galerie Stephanie has been ardent in showcasing the rigor and variability of art at a global crosscut, providing exhibition opportunities to international artists as well as joining established local and global art fairs, and presentations with partner galleries in Japan, Indonesia, and North America.
Cartellino, on the other hand, was launched in 2020 as the country’s first art e-commerce website. It started as an online-only platform, digest and shop. Four years later, Cartellino opens its first physical gallery space.
Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino’s new and larger location features four exhibition rooms in one dynamic gallery space for two contemporary art galleries.
Galerie Stephanie celebrated its relocation to a larger and more dynamic gallery space with three simultaneous solo exhibitions by Filipino pop-surrealist Mr. S (aka Mark Jeffrey Santos), Bandung-based visual artist Addy Debil, and Japanese hyperrealist Hideo Tanaka.
“Intertwining Memory Lanes” by Indonesian artist Addy Debil features vibrant-colored and smiling characters that exude scenes of connection, child-like memories, and community. The hyperrealist Japanese painter Tanaka’s “Iki na Hikari (A Breath of Life)” portrays the meticulous brushstrokes that stimulate contemplation on the beauty and authenticity of the everyday mundane. Mr. S’ “Yutori” highlighted his skill in depicting fantastical and dreamlike landscapes with his trademark adventure-seeking characters accompanied by larger-than-life creatures.
Meanwhile, to commemorate the establishment of their first physical space, Cartellino featured over thirty of their artists, those who have been part of our journey so far and those for new journeys. Aptly entitled, “Little Paper Show”, it is a celebration of all the works, words, and aspirations—no matter how little, how brief—that constitute the broad history of the platform.
The four exhibits will be on view until March 3. Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino are now located at Level 6 East Wing of Shangri-la Plaza, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, they can be reached at inquiry.galeriestephanie@gmail.com or call (+632) 7940-5726. The gallery is open every day from 10 am to 9 pm.
In an exciting move to cater to its loyal fan base and newcomers alike, Shake Shack launches its own e-commerce website, shakeshack.ph. This digital expansion aims to give its customers more ways to get their Shack fix with just a few clicks – from sign-up to tracking and receiving orders.
One of the standout features is its commitment to provide a streamlined and convenient experience from order placement to delivery. With shakeshack.ph, navigation is a breeze, with no need to search endlessly for specific categories or locations nor sifting through multiple products and pop-up ads. In addition, delivery concerns will be addressed promptly as purchases are made directly with the brand.
Shake Shack out of delivery radius? No need to worry as Shakeshack.ph covers a wider range of customers, including those in areas with limited delivery options. The new online platform also offers delivery or pick-up options – either have your Shack goods delivered to your doorstep in 30 minutes or schedule the order for a later time to fit your busy schedule. No need to wait in line anymore when purchasing in-Shack. Skip the line by ordering online, while you go about your errands.
Sign up on Shakeshack.ph to get access to exclusive perks and offers, merchandise, and menu items, plus first dibs to limited time offers!
Fuss-Free Guide To All The Opening Specials
Purchase Shake Shack’s newest limited time menu, Gochujang from February 15 to 19, 2024 ahead of the public
Enjoy P90 off on delivery with a minimum spend of P500 from February 15 to 21, 2024
Whether powering through a long day of work meetings and deadlines or simply indulging in your favorite series at home, getting your Shack favorites has become more accessible. Sign up and satisfy your Shack cravings by ordering via Shakeshack.ph.
Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, makes love month extra sweeter with its TWO-gether Combos perfect for dates and food trips this Valentine’s Day.
“We have made our Valentine’s offering perfect for those who will come to our stores with their loved ones,” shared Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “We are always happy to see how they enjoy their bonding with their families, friends, and special someone. We cannot wait to witness their new Feb-IBIG moments together this year.”
The TWO-gether Combos is composed of Combo A that has two servings of Palabok Regular and any two small drinks for only ₱143; while Combo B levels up with two servings of Palabok Regular, two Extra Creamy Halo-Halo or Crèma de Leche small, and any two small drinks for only ₱299. The promo is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from February 10 to 18 at all Mang Inasal stores nationwide.
Customers can also join the #FebIBIGwithMangInasal celebration online by sharing their dine-in or at-home photos while enjoying their favorite Mang Inasal products through the biggest QSR social media community, Mang Inasal Nation
Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!
London-based fashion brand COS unveils its Utility Menswear Capsule, seamlessly blending precise form with function to redefine signature designs and silhouettes. Facilitating the shift from winter to spring, adaptable separates present versatile layering options, and utilitarian bags inject personality into wardrobe staples.
Embracing unstructured, yet carefully tailored essentials, the capsule combines an elevated sport-inspired aesthetic with practical details. A waterproof hybrid featuring a drawstring hood and adjustable buckles, alongside a fully lined, lightweight jacket with a stand-up collar provides a formidable shield against the elements. While knitwear – from a cropped cable-knit vest to a polo-neck cardigan – offers endless opportunities for transitional styling.
Set-dressing crafted in technical jersey materials, drawstring trousers, and jeans showcase relaxed fits for comfort and ease of wear. Shirts are day-to-night staples adopting the utilitarian feel with indigo denim looks and pocket details.
The ready-to-wear collection, characterised by a neutral colour palette, finds contrast through fresh hues in accessories. Messenger and saddle bags, with styles made from suede, chrome-free leather, and water-resistant, recycled materials, introduce greens and purples alongside tonal colourways such as muted browns and black for a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary style.
The Utility Capsule will be available online and at the COS Store at SM Aura Premier from 14 February 2024.
Starting February, Bonifacio Global City calls all to share the love this Valentine’s season! Expect the month to kick off with the heart of BGC filled with enchanting surprises for couples, friends, and families alike!
From February 5 to 29 BGC unveils “P.S I Love You”, a 10-feet mailbox installation where all are invited to pen creative love notes, with the most artistic ones standing chances to win a dinner for two at Bolero at Bonifacio South Street worth P5,000; a lunch buffet for two at Seda Hotel BGC; an overnight hotel stay for two at Seda Hotel BGC; and a grand prize of a round-trip ticket for two with a 3-day, 2-night stay at Seda Lio, El Nido to enjoy the shores this month of love! P.S I Love You will be at One Bonifacio High Street.
On February 10, experience your very own KISS cam moment with XOXO Love Cam and a 360º Cam over at 5th Avenue, where heartfelt moments with couples and friends alike will be captured on BGC’s 3D, naked-eye LED billboard in real-time! For those who feel like professing their love, Central Park BGC will be home to the Love Letter Station where all can pen their thoughts of love, with calligraphy artist booths and typewriting stations available.
They say love is in the air in February – but love can also be found in a box! Give your special someone a hearty treat as Bonifacio High Street will be having their covetable Love in a Box promo from February 12 to 16. Have yourself set for Valentine’s Day with its premium assortment, ranging from Marks & Spencer, Hendricks Gin, Jo Malone London, Twenty Four Bake Shop, Auro and Lush. Gift boxes are very limited so be sure to catch this offering!
Finally, also joining BGC’s Valentine’s celebrations would be a romantic evening this February 17 as Bonifacio High Street East collaborates with the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) for the second edition of CandleLight in the City from 7:30PM to 8:30PM with Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, where all are free to enjoy an al fresco dining experience amid enchanting serenades and a warm and romantic ambiance.
Whether you find yourself penning a love note or reveling in the candlelit charm of the city, each moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories with one another at Bonifacio Global City!
Be updated on all things BGC and don’t miss out on other fun and exciting announcements and activities for the month! Be sure to follow BGC on Facebook and Instagram.
The Future of Food, a groundbreaking conference organized by the Center for Culinary Arts Manila and powered by Courage Asia, on March 8, 2024, at the UP BGC auditorium, assembles visionary leaders and subject matter experts in AI technology, social media, culinary science, Filipino culinary heritage, and the evolving restaurant experience. This event is designed to spark innovation and conversation through insightful presentations, interactive Q&As, and thought-provoking discussions.
Who Should Attend?
It is a must-attend event for a diverse range of professionals passionate about the culinary world. Whether you are a chef, a culinary enthusiast, an entrepreneur, a food and beverage industry expert, a digital marketing strategist, or an innovator at the intersection of technology and gastronomy, this conference is for you. Attendees include chefs and culinarians, food and beverage professionals, food entrepreneurs, academicians and students, and marketing professionals specializing in the F&B sector.
Why Attend?
It offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain cutting-edge insights, expand your network, elevate your skills and stay ahead of trends. More than just a food conference – it’s an investment in your professional growth and an opportunity to shape the future of the culinary landscape. The list of topics, Elevating the Guest Experience, Global Best Practices in Local Setting, Technology Trends in F&B Operations, The State of Food Supply: Farmer & Chef Perspective, Food Mapping for Sustainability, Benchmarking Regional Cuisines to Prepare for the Future, Technology Trends in the Kitchen, Farm to Table: The Importance of Local and Sustainable Sourcing, and Harnessing Generative AI in the Food Industry.
Who Are the Speakers?
Distinguished speakers include Wildflour Group CEO Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo, Mama Lou’s President David Sison, serial food entrepreneur Elbert Cuenca, global though leader on food security Chef Louise Mabulo, Ilonggo culinarian Chef Rafael Jardeleza, food mapping expert John Sherwin Felix, agriculture expert Carlo The Farmer, PwC Director Angelo Basuan and CCA Manila Culinary Director Chef Philip John Golding. Senator Loren Legarda is the Keynote Speaker.
