The Breakthrough Love Team of the Year, MaThon – composed of Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings – are now the newest endorsers of Mang Inasal Pork BBQ.
“Maris and Anthony are among the most talented stars of their generation. Their talent, chemistry, and fun personalities strongly connect with Mang Inasal and our customers,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “They were recently declared the Breakthrough Love Team of the Year and for us in Mang Inasal, Pork BBQ is a breakthrough product now enjoyed by a lot of our customers. And we can’t wait for more and more people to enjoy it through the captivating power of MaThon.”
Similarly, Maris and Anthony are thrilled to join the Mang Inasal family as they are both regular customers of the brand.
“I’ve been a Mang Inasal customer since I was a kid because my family loves it,” shared Maris. “Enjoying Pork BBQ makes me really happy because I can eat it even while doing other things. I can write, sing, and even talk to my friends while eating it.”
For Anthony, the uniqueness of Pork BBQ is what endeared it to him. “Smoky-sweet siya, sobrang lambot, at napakasarap! Kaya kahit malayo ako minsan, dadayuhin ko ang Mang Inasal para sa Pork BBQ.” (It is smoky-sweet, super tender, and very delicious. That’s why whenever I’m away, I go out of my way to visit Mang Inasal and enjoy their Pork BBQ.”
Mang Inasal Pork BBQ comes in different meals, with the most affordable starting at ₱99 for a two-piece Pork BBQ rice meal with Spiced Vinegar. It is also paired with Mang Inasal Palabok for merienda and has Buddy Size and Family Size variants for group meals. It can also be enjoyed in the Solo, Buddy, and Family Fiesta platters.
To make July extra special, Mang Inasal will be celebrating a nationwide Pork BBQ Blowout and mounting a Pork BBQ Caravan in different locations across the country.
Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph 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!
ASUS Philippines has launched a new era in AI-powered computing with the debut of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507). Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, the device is the company’s first Copilot+ PC, with Windows AI features and a collection of exclusive ASUS AI apps.
ASUS Philippines Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng shares, “As leaders of innovation, we are excited to introduce to our Filipino audience our first Copilot+ PC, the ASUS Vivobook S 15, designed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft. This AI PC aims to take users’ lives to the next level, making them more secure, efficient, and personalized. AI connects users to endless possibilities, opening a new incredible way to work, study, play, and create, ultimately giving back valuable personal time to its users.”
The Vivobook S 15 is equipped with the efficient power and built-in AI engine of the Snapdragon X Elite Platform. Users can also enjoy incredible performance and efficiency as a result of the custom-integrated Qualcomm Oryon CPU. With up to 18 hours of battery life, enjoy uninterrupted productivity. It has a stunning 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, Harman Kardon-certified audio, and a sleek 14.7 mm-thin, 1.42 kg-light body, so it’s built for effortless mobility.
The Vivobook S 15 is backed up with the ASUS 4A Quality & Service – a two-year international warranty, a free Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, and a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription.
All-new next-gen AI experience
Packed with the latest Windows AI tools and powered by the Snapdragon X Elite with built-in Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, the Vivobook S 15 boasts a 45 TOPS Neural engine for swift on-device AI processing. An ultrafast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16 GB of 8448 MHz LPDDR5X RAM are included for ample storage and memory.
Next-gen AI-powered enhancements include Windows Studio Effects and an ASUS AiSense IR camera. The camera’s presence-detection capabilities enable Adaptive Dimming, which dims the screen when the user looks away, and Adaptive Lock, which locks the laptop when the user moves away and unlocks it upon return. The Vivobook S 15 is the first device to feature the exclusive AI app StoryCube, which uses AI to sort, edit, manage, and export digital assets.
Additional features include Windows Studio Effects for enhanced lighting and noise removal during video calls, Live Captions for real-time subtitles, and Cocreator to transform sketches into finished artwork. These technologies enhance security, privacy, and creativity.
By leveraging these advanced AI capabilities, the Vivobook S 15 not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also frees up valuable personal time. The AI-driven features streamline tasks and automate mundane activities, allowing users to focus on what truly matters to them, ensuring personal time is reclaimed and maximized.
Incredible AI on-the-go
Built for effortless portability, the Vivobook S 15 features a 14.7 mm ultra-slim and 1.42 kg all-metal design, blending minimalist aesthetics with strength and stability. The CNC-engraved logo adds a touch of class, while the 70 Wh battery provides up to 18 hours of productivity or entertainment, support for fast charging, and ASUS USB-C Easy Charge.
The premium styling includes a single-zone RGB backlit keyboard for personalized styles and a dedicated Copilot key for instant access to Windows AI tools. The large, smart touchpad offers effortless navigation and intuitive control for various tasks, enhancing the user experience.
Seamless connectivity
Equipped with a comprehensive set of I/O ports, the Vivobook S 15 ensures seamless on-the-go connectivity. It includes two USB4 Type-C ports supporting fast charging, 4K displays, and up to 40 Gbps data transfers, plus two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack.
With WiFi 7 enabled by the Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 system, the Vivobook S 15 delivers speeds up to 5.8 Gbps, outpacing WiFi 6 by 4.8 times. This ensures seamless streaming, effortless multitasking, and lightning-fast downloads.
Stunning audiovisuals
The Vivobook S 15 offers a premium audiovisual experience with a 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, providing vivid, true-to-life color, refined highlights, and extraordinary shadow detail. This display features an 89% screen-to-body ratio, 0.2 ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. It also includes TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue-light levels for eye care and the ASUS OLED Care system to reduce burn-in risk. Complementing the display is a Harman Kardon-certified audio system with immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
Availability
The all-new ASUS Vivobook S 15 retails for PHP 84,995. Buy one today until August 15, 2024, to score fantastic bundles through the ASUS Cool for School Promo. Buyers can also avail of Home Credit’s 0% interest financing for up to 12 months. Visit the nearest store and experience next-level AI computing by ASUS.
Get the latest news on the new Vivobook and Zenbook series and other remarkable ASUS devices via the official ASUS Philippines Facebook page.
Gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being, impacting everything from digestion and immunity to mental health. Recognizing the importance of a balanced gut microbiome, NutraHealthyGut introduces its range of probiotic and prebiotic supplements designed to enhance digestive health and promote a healthy lifestyle for everyone in the family.
A healthy gut microbiome aids in efficient food digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining a robust immune system. Conversely, poor gut health can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, the gut-brain connection means that a healthy gut can positively influence mood and cognitive function. Prioritizing gut health is essential for a healthier and happier life.
Understanding Gut Health
Gut health is influenced by various factors such as diet, age, medication, sleep, exercise, stress, and lifestyle choices. High-fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods promote healthy gut bacteria. However, aging, medications, poor sleep, high stress, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol, and dehydration can negatively impact gut health.
The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain, balance, or increase the good bacteria in the gut. They can be found in some fermented foods, though not all foods act as effective probiotics since some do not survive digestion. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers that support the activity of good bacteria in the gut. They are found in fiber-rich foods, providing nourishment for probiotics.
The Synbiotic Concept
The concept of synbiotic is a combination of both probiotic and prebiotic approaches. A synbiotic aims at stimulating the growth and activity of indigenous bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in conjunction with probiotic strain. Prebiotic provide additional protection during intestinal transit to ensure persistence of the probiotic strain to the lower intestinal tract. Prebiotic enhance the growth of the probiotic strain and of the targeted commensal populations.
NutraHealthyGut Supplements
NutraHealthyGut offers an effective supplement range designed to support and enhance gut health. The products combine the power of probiotics and prebiotics to restore intestinal ecology and balance, reducing constipation, infectious diarrhea, and antibiotic-related diarrhea. They also improve digestion, alleviate bloating, and help reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance. Additionally, NutraHealthyGut supplements aid in preventing UTIs, managing symptoms of IBD & IBS, and addressing pediatric atopic dermatitis and eczema in children.
Product Range:
NutraHealthyGut Everyday: A potent combination of prebiotics and probiotics forming a powerful synbiotic blend. With 40 billion colony forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, NutraHealthyGut Everyday addresses various gastrointestinal issues, restores intestinal balance, reduces diarrhea and constipation, enhances digestion, improves nutrient absorption, alleviates lactose malabsorption, and boosts natural resistance to infections.
NutraHealthyGut Advance: Elevates gut health with 80 billion CFU from at least 11 probiotic strains, effective against moderate to severe GI disorders like IBS and IBD. It also contains lutein-a type of vitamin called a carotenoid which is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A to support good eyesight.
NutraHealthyGut Kids: Specifically formulated for children, this product combines prebiotics and probiotics in a convenient powder form, offering 6 billion CFU from at least 10 probiotic strains. It treats diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and indigestion while maintaining healthy gut flora and preventing allergies and eczema.
“We are proud to introduce NutraHealthyGut, a product range that embodies our commitment to enhancing health and well-being,” said Poala Sarfati, General Manager of ProMedica, the visionary behind NutraHealthyGut. “Our innovative formulations, backed by scientific research, ensure that individuals of all ages can enjoy the numerous benefits of a healthy gut. Binoy Zapanta, VP for Marketing believes that NutraHealthyGut is more than just a supplement; it’s a step towards a healthier, happier life.” NutraHealthyGut is accredited and certified by the FDA, WHO, ISO, CEDRES, GMP, and the National Institutes of Health, UP Manila.
NutraHealthyGut is committed to enhancing gut health for all ages. Available in leading drugstores nationwide such as Mercury drug, Watsons, Medexpress, Southstar, Mediscount, and leading hospitals or purchase online at https://www.lazada.com.ph/tag/nutrahealthygut/. For wholesale orders, contact Alvin Ilano, VP for Trade, Sherwin Malinis, VP for Sales, and Aris Geronimo, VP for Business Operations. For other inquiries, please contact ProMedica at (02) 8374 8745, (02) 7277-5789 or email marketing@promedica.ph.
Experience the transformative benefits of NutraHealthyGut supplements and discover the difference a healthy gut can make. For more information, follow @nutrahealthygut on Instagram and Facebook.
Haliya, City of Dreams Manila’s restaurant specializing in reimagined Filipino cuisine, pays homage to the quintessential adobo for the whole month of July. Adobo lovers will find the new features a welcome addition to the refined Filipino dining experience that characterizes Haliya, which is conveniently located just off the lobby of Forbes Five Star-rated Nuwa Manila,
Inspired by the vibrant culinary heritage, history, and creative iterations of what is considered the country’s national dish, Haliya marries modern influences with tradition at its month-long “Adobo Festival” where five adobo creations reimagine the classic Filipino favorite. While enriched with subtle innovations, the seafood and meat dishes creatively capture the well-loved and comfortingly familiar adobo flavor profile.
Haliya’s Adobo Festival special menu consists of: Adobo Ensalada, a mélange of marinated chicken thigh, pickled red cabbage, cucumber, kiat kiat (small mandarin orange) segments, baby Romaine lettuce, lime zest, cherry tomatoes, adobo vinaigrette, crispy marble potatoes with parmesan, red radish and microgreens; Adlai Adobo Balls, which combine sinangag na adlai (similar to fried rice but using the heirloom crop adlai) with adobo chicken, adobo mayo, sweet soy vinegar sarsa (sauce), crispy pork floss, chili threads, and microgreens.
Crispy Adobong Tahonga delicious medley of soy vinegar-marinated mussels crispy taro, spring onions, adobo sarsa, pinakurat (coconut sap vinegar), and adobo mayo; Antigo Adobo, a savory plate of braised pork belly, fried soft egg, sauteed sayote (chayote) tops, and crispy maruya (banana fritters); and Adobong Tadyang sa Gata, a rich combination of slow-braised adobo beef short ribs in coconut milk with garlic chips, chili, and bamboo shoots served in a crispy lumpia (spring roll) cup.
Haliya’s new selection of tipples adds delight to the dining experience and complements the adobo dishes: Tropiko, a concoction of gin, pandan syrup, lychee puree, green mango juice, and egg white; Luna, a mixture of rum, lemon juice, agave syrup, blueberry, and ginger beer; Takipsilim, a bold blend of bourbon whiskey, lime juice, pineapple juice, and concentrated bitters; and La Berde, a smooth glass of vodka, lemongrass juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice, agave syrup, and basil.
Akin to the Filipino spirit of sharing meals, Haliya’s dishes are served family-style. The restaurant’s refined setting which evokes the country’s elegant and vibrant culture completes the exciting dining experience that awaits guests at Haliya.
Haliya is open for dinner from 5 pm to 11 pm from Mondays to Fridays, and from 11 am on Saturdays and Sundays. For inquiries and reservations, call (63 2 ) 8691- 7780 or 8800-8080, or e-mail Haliya@cod-manila.com or guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.
Celebrate cherished reunions and boundless bliss that blooms with prosperity this Mid-Autumn Festival at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.
The Mid-Autumn Festival spins a timeless tapestry, weaving our souls with nature’s warm embrace and the love of those dear to us. This season, Summer Palace of Edsa Shangri-La, Manila presents a selection of homemade and handcrafted mooncakes rooted in Cantonese culinary tradition. Available in single offerings or in sets placed in a collection of artfully adorned gift boxes, this season’s six varieties range from authentic varieties to innovative local flavours: White Lotus, Red Bean, Mixed Nuts, Mixed Nuts with Hennessy, Black Sesame, and Snow Skin Purple Yam.
Edsa Shangri-La, Manila’s The Ties That Bind 2024 Mooncake Collection is available at Summer Palace, the Mid-Autumn Festival booth at the Lobby, or online via Shangri-La Boutique https://bit.ly/ESLMooncake2024 for pre-order from July 1 to 27, 2024. Available until September 20, 2024. Rates start at Php488 net per piece.
Take a sneak peek at our season’s flavourful line-up:
Featured mooncakes are also available for bulk orders. For more information and arrangements, please call (63 2) 8633-8888 loc. 2927 / 2928 or email summerpalace.esl@shangri-la.com.
National Book Store, a cherished Pinoy brand and trusted partner for generations of Filipinos, has fueled our love for literature and creativity ever since childhood.
As the new school year fast approaches, the brand released a heartwarming and mind-bending film that captivates audiences with a unique narrative about rediscovering passion, creativity, and love for learning.
Their newest film “Passion,” revolves around a seemingly ordinary mother with a secret that is anything but ordinary.
The film’s main turning point is when the mother, after seeing National Book Store’s diverse selection of sulit reads and bestselling books, is triggered to molt her human guise to reveal her true self.
Watch the full film to witness her shocking transformation.
This unexpected transformation symbolizes the constant internal conflict between personal passions and parental duties, resonating deeply with viewers of all ages.
As shown in the film, there’s only one place to help us rediscover our love for reading, creativity, and learning — and it’s National Book Store.
If you also want to rekindle your personal passions, or just planning to do your back-to-school shopping, you can head to any of the 240+ National Book Store branches nationwide. They have awesome deals and sulit bundles, lowest price finds from Best Buy, new and bestselling school supplies from trusted brands, and more!
National Book Store is also revamping their Loyalty Program, Laking National. By signing up for free at lakingnational.com, you can get free cashback every time you shop with your Laking National QR! You may also use your Laking National QR when you shop at their online store here and at any of the official stores on Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, and Zalora.
Shopping at National Book Store has never been more exciting with these new rewards. And with the release of their film, it just proves that rediscovering our slumbering passions for reading, creativity, and learning at the place Filipinos hold close to their hearts for generations has never been more welcoming.
Felip pushes his artistry with his newest album, 7sins. 7sins, while not religion-centric, is a journey of acknowledging human shortcomings. The album will take you on a journey of honesty and acceptance about unsaid feelings and emotions, to embracing one’s true self.
Felip releases 7sins the album on July 5, 2024. The album is composed of nine (9) songs, with “envy” as the title/focus track. With the release of the album on streaming platforms, the album will also be released on Felip’s Youtube channel. The other songs represent the other sins such as wrath, greed, and pride, and the album ends with a track called “ache,” which is about redemption and acknowledgement. 7sins is a genre-bending album with songs that show the different sides and stories of Felip.
Despite being busy with SB19 engagements, shoots, and projects, Felip persevered and took a hands-on approach in the writing, creating and producing his album. The album took 7 months of work to write, record, and mix, with late night sessions with Luke April of PLAYERTWO and Isagani Palabyab.
The album also features collaborations with artists like Belgian-Filipino Cyra Gwynth, whom Felip looks up to as an artist. He and his producer felt it was an interesting and good blend to create a song or two together. Cyra Gwynth wrote “greed”, an emotional song about loving the wrong person that will surely resonate with a lot of listeners, she also co-wrote and features in the song, “lust.” We also get another collaboration with fellow Warner Music Philippines artist, PLAYERTWO, for the song “gluttony,” who Felip had previously collaborated with for the songs “FLYYY” and “Pagdali.”
The album release will lead up to Felip’s solo concert, 7sins the Album Concert on July 27, 2024. The concert will be held at the Space at OneAyala and thousands of fans are expected to attend. As Felip took creative control of the 7sins narrative, the fans will see and feel a lot of his influence, style, and artistry in the album as well as during the concert.
Superior Pass tickets, valued at P10,000 each, were sold out within 2 minutes of the ticket selling last June 24, 2024. Each Superior Pass ticket comes with priority entry, stage tour, and post-show send off along with 7sins exclusive merch and freebies. Last few Gen Ad tickets are still available at felip.helixpay.ph and are expected to be sold out before the concert.
Felip, or known by his stage name Ken, is a Filipino singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer, and producer. He is the main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist of the boy band SB19. He has already released solo songs such as “Fake Faces” and “Kanako” and his EP “COM.PLEX.”
For the latest updates on your favorite musicians, follow Warner Music Philippines on their social media pages:
Goodbye sky-high electricity bills and hello to a stable, renewable energy source! Ping Mendoza, a renewable energy expert, joins forces with popular YouTuber Oliver Austria to illuminate the advantages of solar energy in the Philippines. Their insights are particularly timely, given Austria’s recent exploration in his video, “Is Solar Worth It in 2024?”, where he unpacks the simplicity and substantial benefits of solar power.
Oliver Austria uncovers the potential of solar energy in his “’Is Solar Worth It in 2024?” YouTube video
Solar Power: A Game-Changer for the Philippines
Austria’s video simplifies solar energy, portraying it as the most cost-effective and reliable electricity source in the country, ideally suited for the Philippines’ sunny climate. Mendoza supports this view, explaining how sunlight activates silicon within solar panels to generate household electricity. He reassures Filipinos that these installations are designed to withstand harsh weather, making them a robust choice for homes nationwide.
“Thanks to our country’s proximity to the equator, we have consistent sunlight throughout the year and across most areas in the country,” Mendoza notes, highlighting the geographic advantage of the Philippines.
Beyond Coal: A Cleaner, Greener Future
Despite the clear benefits and suitability of solar power, the Philippines still relies heavily on coal, sparking concerns among experts like Mendoza and Austria. They caution against the volatility and environmental impact of coal energy, emphasizing its role in exacerbating climate change and health risks due to air pollution from ash.
“Coal and other fossil fuels are very unstable sources of energy because we could run out of coal [anytime],” shared Austria. “Kasi kung nakita niyo naman, nagkagera lang sa ibang lugar na malayo sa atin, tumataas na agad ang presyo ng langis at coal. At dahil dyan, pati na rin ang kuryente natin. So that’s why I love renewable energy, specifically yung solar kasi walang may control sa presyo niyan.”
Photo Credit from Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; Modern solar panels powering homes and hopes for a greener future
Embracing solar energy means harnessing a resource that is always present and beyond the control of market forces or geopolitical tensions. As Austria aptly put it, “The sun is always here for you,” highlighting the dependable nature of solar power and its potential to transform the country’s energy landscape.
Coal-fired power generation also releases harmful carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change. Additionally, coal storage and combustion produce fine ash that pollutes the air, posing health risks.
Embracing the Sun: Affordability and Getting Started
The negative impact of coal makes switching to solar an attractive option. But is it affordable, and how can Filipinos get started?
Austria’s video delivers positive news: solar energy is more accessible than ever. He showcases practical solar-powered products like power banks and lights for those starting small. For those considering installing solar panels, a return on investment can be achieved within just five to six years.
Ping Mendoza, President and Board Member of PSSEA, spearheading Shell’s renewable generation business in the Philippines
Mendoza reinforces this point, explaining that solar solutions can be tailored to fit different budgets and energy needs. Selecting the right system size for your home is crucial, with the potential to slash electricity bills by 30-50%. While the initial cost can range from 150,000 to 250,000 pesos (depending on the battery), the investment often pays for itself within three to six years in many parts of the Philippines.
Photo Credit from Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; A cleaner, greener future starts here – harnessing the sun’s power with rooftop solar panel systems.
Expert Tips for Going Solar
Mendoza advises homeowners and communities to assess their daytime energy consumption before making the switch. Solar power is most efficient when tailored to daytime usage, eliminating the need for batteries in areas with a stable power grid. This approach also ensures the quickest return on investment. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable installer with a proven track record, as solar systems are designed to last 25-30 years. Strong after-sales support is crucial for long-term satisfaction and system performance.
For finding the right supplier, Mendoza suggests checking out yuda.com.ph, a valuable resource for comparing installers and their offerings. The website provides detailed information on pricing, products, and services, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your requirements and budget.
Solaric Philippines | A bird’s-eye view of a sprawling solar farm atop a factory complex, showcasing the industry’s embrace of sustainable energy
Leveraging Net Metering for Optimal Benefits
Mendoza also suggests looking into net metering programs, which allow homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid. This setup not only speeds up the return on investment but also maximizes savings, making it the most cost-effective solar adoption strategy.
He encourages those considering solar to explore grid-tied systems with net metering, a program under the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Net metering allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid, offsetting the cost of electricity purchased from the local utility when solar energy falls short. This setup offers the most cost-effective solution for solar adoption, providing the quickest return on investment and significant savings on electricity bills.
Take Your First Step Towards Renewable Energy
Interested in making the switch to solar? Start by watching Oliver Austria’s informative YouTube video on the transition to renewable energy. It’s time to power up your home sustainably! #LetsGoRenewablePH
This detailed exploration into the viability and benefits of solar energy in the Philippines is not just timely but essential, offering a practical guide for Filipinos eager to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace a sustainable future.
Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusively brings another acclaimed Filipino film to the theaters with “Marupok A+.” Directed by Quark Henares and starring EJ Jallorina, Royce Cabrera, and Maris Racal, the film centers around the use of catfishing in the online dating world.
Watch the trailer here below:
When Janzen Torres (EJ Jallorina), a transgender woman, matches with Theo Balmacenda (Royce Cabrera), it seems that love is right around the corner, but she soon learns that not everything is what it seems, and Theo might be luring her into something dangerous.
The cast includes EJ Jallorina, who started out as a child star in the hit TV show “Goin’ Bulilit”, and star of the tv shows and films such as “Marry Me, Marry You” and “Mamu, and a Mother Too”. Identifying as a transgender person, she was part of Preview’s iconic Pride cover for June 2024.
Royce, meanwhile, had his breakout role in the 2019 Cinemalaya film “Fucbois” and went on to portray significant roles in the GMA TV series “Makiling”, “Lilet Matias, Attorney At Law”, “The Write One” and “Widows’ War”.
Playing Beanie, a playful yet twisted director who is heavily involved in the Janzen-Theo affair, is Maris Racal. The Pinoy Big Brother alumnus is known today for her breakthrough role as Irene Young-Tiu in the ABS-CBN Netflix series “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to showcase internationally-acclaimed and culturally relevant local titles to moviegoers across the country with “Marupok A+.” Initially shown at last year’s Cinemalaya, dive into the mystery of “Marupok A+,” showing exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting July 10.
Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to celebrate her birth month with ‘CHANGES OVER TIME,’ a brand new collection of original music in tandem with producer Gabe Dandan, as well as a series of shows across the metro.
‘Changes Over Time’ is a four track EP that lures the listener into a labyrinth of sound that traverses through themes of time. Orchestral elements and intoxicating rhythms are delicately coalesced into the electronic components of the songs to compliment artist Nicole Asensio’s poetic propensity and meandering melodies. All the tracks were mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos by Waxiefied Sound Production.
“This EP is a cocktail of different styles from me and Nicole’s favourite eras of music. There are elements from the 80s, acid jazz influences from the early 90s, neo-soul influences from the mid 90s and a melding of 70s disco and modern house/electronic. The Dilla swing feel is present throughout the EP but expressed through the different sonic platforms each of these eras of music have.” – Gabe Dandan
“We wrote the initial demos during a lock-in session in my home, and later brought them into the the Dolby Atmos equipped production suite “Waxiefied Sound Production.”it was a tireless three day process of writing and producing on the fly, but the spontaneity of our process for this EP is what gave these songs their unique charm and sound.” –Nicole
Welcome to the dream… nothing is what it seems.
“Amused” is a tune reminiscent of a smooth cocktail served over the plush velvet seats of a swanky bar. The instrumentation is robust yet laid back, opening with a full orchestra sound and slipping into a slow groove, full horns section. Much of the style is inspired by 80’s soul-r&b. Nicole’s uniquely textured vocal and a section of female backups garnish the track with sensual subtleties.
“Hours into our session, Gabe continued to stack tracks as I was simultaneously writing words to match them. I already had a melody in my head for the next song, but our first couple attempts to match ideas weren’t jiving just yet. After an ear-break we decided to jump into the next song “Where We’re Meant to Be” a track that is inspired by accepting our circumstances because we cannot chase, change or turn back time. Despite the heavy connotation of this topic, I wanted to keep the vibe light, warm and summery. Lyrically, the song is about accepting that everything happens at the right time and there is nothing one can do to alter that, after all, We still can choose to count the blessings and live in the moment when everything else seems out of sync. –Nicole
The second track “Where We’re Meant to Be” blends hints of acid jazz and soul into a spirited and upbeat brew. Percussive elements and classic jazz melodies meld into modern elements and production styles creating a bounty of musical flavours.
The third track “Mirages” was inspired by a recent experience we had in Siargao island. While skimming the streets, driving a dusty motorbike on a sweltering hot day, the roads began to fade into a silver haze, mirages of water shone on the path and as we got closer they would disappear. The track opens with exotic string and wind instruments such as a koto and lute, as the arrangement rises to a hilt, it suddenly plunges into a dark beat reminiscent of trudging footsteps on desert sand. I kept the low and slow on this track, to give the ear a different place to go. I was thrilled to have Gabe finally share a little bit of his vocals on this track too! It took quite a bit of coaxing as he can be extremely shy about singing, but I am glad he finally decided to come out of his shell and share it on this EP.” – Nicole
Time in motion it won’t stop for no one…
“The message of this EP is about how ephemeral our lives are. We cannot escape the movement of time and the fact that everything and everyone around us changes as well. These four songs are our way of expressing how we should grow and evolve without losing what it truly good and beautiful about us. I feel the music reflects the changes over time because of how unconventional the song forms are with the combination of different genres plus all of the abrupt sonic changes that would intentionally throw listeners off yet reel them in again a few seconds later.” – Gabe
The fourth and final track which is also the EP title “Changes over Time” is comprised of four parts or “seasons” within itself. As the title suggests, the track has multiple shifts in tempo and feel. The song opens with 2000’s influenced house beats, string elements and effervescent vocals, then descends into slow, intimate musings of sadness over a sultry groove, it then picks up again and shape-shifts with the help of electronic elements such as vocoders and synths, the cycle repeats before fading into a gospel choir influenced outro. Truly a sonic experiment reminiscent of the many changes that come as we sift through sands of time.
“We retained a lot of elements from our first writing session such as the bass, keys and some of the synths. We then headed to onQ studios where we got to work with music stalwart Mr. Marvin Querido who tracked our live sessions with drummer Randall Enriquez and a horn section spearheaded by Michael Guevarra. Nicole and I recorded lead vocals and backup vocals at Waxiefied Sound Production Dolby Atmos suite. We blended in vocals from industry friends Mel Torre, Sarah Holmes and Dominic Dimagmaliw. After most stems were in place, singer-songwriter Kevin Yadao added some more smooth backups to the mix. One of the highlights of working on this EP is guesting L.A. based world renowned trumpet player Aaron Janik, who plays alongside some of the greatest musical acts in the international scene. The entire team was comprised of titans in their own right, and we were honoured to work with each player. Finally, I added guitar as a finishing touch. We brought to Waxie Joaquin to mix and master because of his expertise and understanding for this multi-genre type of music. Waxie, Nicole and I would stay up everyday till 5 in the morning working on the immersive experience and getting everything to its optimal sound across the board. After Mastering was done, Jiggs Hermano did the quality control and after a couple of hours of careful listening we all agreed it was ready and sent it out for distribution through Warner Music Philippines.” – Gabe
“Working on “Changes Over Time” was a refreshing immersive experience. Bringing all the songs to life was such an impressive sonic journey. These songs were truly conceptualised composed and arranged to be heard, listened and “felt” in Dolby Atmos.”
– Waxie Joaquin, Waxiefied Sound Production
The tandem paints a sonic landscape that is both peculiar and familiar in the same deep breath. Through the shifts in tempo, rhythm and language from English to Filipino, there remains two common threads—homage to soul music and an earnest articulation of words from the soul.
‘Changes Over Time’ will be released on all digital platforms on July 5, 2024 at 12mn.
There will be a countdown launch gig on July 4, 2024 at 8:30PM in 19EAST, east service road, Sucat followed by the following tour dates:
July 7– A birthday show at Salon De Ning, The Peninsula Manila.
July 12- The Astbury, Poblacion (by invite only)
July 19 – 78-45-33 Salcedo Makati
July 26- The Spirits Library, Poblacion.
More Road tour dates across the Philippines to be announced.
FULL CREDITS CHANGES OVER TIMe
Lyrics: Nicole Asensio Music: Nicole Asensio, Gabe Dandan Producer: Gabe Dandan Executive Producer: Nicole Asensio Musical Director: Gabe Dandan Drums: Randall Enriquez Percussion: Migui Bautista Bass: Gabe Dandan Guitar: Gabe Dandan Piano, Synths, Vocoder: Gabe Dandan Lead Vocals: Nicole Asensio Horns Arrangement: Michael Guevarra / Aaron Janik Saxophone and Flute: Michael Guevarra Trumpet: James Mixto Trombone: Darius Mendoza Flugelhorn: Aaron Janik String and Woodwind Arrangement: Gabe Dandan Vocal Arrangement: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio Backup Vocals: Nicole Asensio, Melinda Torre, Sarah Holmes, Gabe Dandan, Kevin Yadao, Dominic Dimagmaliw Tracking Engineers: Marvin Querido, Gabe Dandan, Isagani Palabyab, Enrique Santamaria Mixing Engineer: Waxie Joaquin (Waxiefied Sound Production) Mastering Engineer: Waxie Joaquin (Waxiefied Sound Production) Distrubuted by: Warner Music Philippines
