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ASUS Business Raises the Bar: Unveiling the Durable 11-inch Chromebook Series for Education

ASUS Philippines steps up its game in the educational arena with the launch of the new 11.6-inch ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Chromebook Flip CR1 – versatile clamshell and convertible laptops tailored for education.

Designed with a commitment to military-grade reliability, the new ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series promises to outlast the rigors of daily life. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle at home, school, or outdoors, these laptops have been meticulously tested to the highest industry-leading MIL-STD-810H durability standards. They come equipped with clever protective features including an all-round rubber bumper and a spill-resistant keyboard.

Adding to the list of impressive features, the ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 offer an outstanding 12-hour battery life with fast charging support. No more battery woes for full-day learning or even longer! The convertible ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 stands out with its optional garaged stylus and world-facing camera, opening the doors to innovative learning and optimal flexibility.

Educational Reliability: Ruggedized Laptop Design

ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 laptops are built to withstand everyday knocks, bumps, drops and spills without damage. These two Chromebook laptops went through rigorous testing and passed the U.S. military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability standards. From a 120cm Drop Test to a Panel Pressure Test, the ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 guarantees students and educators quality of reliability to keep on going. The display hinge and I/O ports are also exhaustively tested to endure the stresses and strains of everyday use.

ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1’s four exterior edges and corners are also protected by a sturdy rubber bummer, which reduces the impact of all physical shocks, ensuring all critical laptop components are always unharmed. These models also feature a rubber safety grip on the base. This provides sturdy support for the laptop and makes it easier to grip when carrying, reducing the risk of fumbles and slips.

But the protection does not end there. These Chromebook laptops are built-in with a spill-resistant keyboard for any accidental spilling, which can repel 330cc without harm — so minor splashes are easily drained, cleaned, and dried. The keyboard is also designed to resist tampering, with a minimal gap between the edges of the keycaps and the keyboard surround to prevent the keys from being pried out. The laptops even have a tough, micro-dimpled finish that can brush off fingerprints and minor scuffs and scratches.To ensure reliability, ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 also include a 3-year on-site warranty that secures students and teachers from any worry. These two Chromebooks are also covered with ASUS Platinum Protection, which covers accidental damage such as drops, liquid damage, and other acts of nature. This program is designed to offer additional protection beyond the standard warranty.

Essential Learning Features: New Ways to Learn

The possibilities are limitless with ASUS Chromebook CR1 series. The versatile and flippable ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 features a garaged stylus that enables quick, precise movements for creativity and productivity tasks. This ensures students can easily take notes, sketch, or jot ideas down. The stylus also quickly and automatically charges when garaged, keeping it ready for use and providing a safe place to store it.

For further learning experiences, ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 also includes an 8MP world-facing camera positioned just above the keyboard. This empowers students to explore and learn in totally new ways, allowing them to capture photos and videos in tablet mode.

The ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series can also last up to 12 hours of battery lifeon a single charge with its 47Wh battery. ASUS Chromebook CR1 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 are able to last for a full day of classes and more — empowering students to enjoy both uninterrupted learning and entertainment.

Safety first: Antibacterial protection and low blue-light emissions

To secure and protect Educators, ASUS treated these laptops with the ASUS Antibacterial Guard, which is applied to the keyboard area of ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1. This has been scientifically shown to prevent the growth of bacteria by over 99% over a 24-hour period, keeping the laptop surfaces clean and sanitary.

Additional features to promote user well-being include screens certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue-light emissions, potentially helping to protect students’ eyes from damage during prolonged study sessions. For further enhancing eye care, ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series features an anti-glare display that reduces reflections to provide comfortable viewing in any lighting.

Less Downtime, More Learning time: Easier Maintenance

To keep maintenance costs to a minimum for schools, parents, and students, ASUS Chromebook CR1 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 are designed for easy servicing and reduced downtime. Both benefit from a modular construction that allows key components — such as the keyboard, touchpad, and panel — to be replaced in minutes using simple tools.

As a final easy-maintenance touch, the underside is securely attached using captive screws, eliminating worries about losing these little parts during repairs.

The Best of Google for Education

To further empower education, ASUS Chromebook CR1 series laptops unlock the best of Google for Education, including access to Google Play. Chrome OS, paired with the full power of Google Workspace for Education, including productivity apps such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and more, allows users to collaborate quickly and seamlessly stay in sync with their favorite apps. This also allows users to easily access school-related files from anywhere with an internet connection. Plus, the Google Admin console allows school IT staff to remotely manage a wide range of policies and settings.

Automatic updates and built-in virus protection seamlessly keep ASUS Chromebook CR1 series laptops safe, secure, and always up to date. The laptops are also built around the rock-solid security of a personal Google account, so all private documents, emails, photos, and confidential data are kept safe at all times.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 are the perfect tools for Blended Learning. These Chromebooks shine bright for Young Educators. The ruggedized construction endures the stresses and strains of everyday use in the classroom or outdoors. You can Talk to our Experts here to know more about these new ASUS Chromebook series laptops.

Stay tuned for more news on the incredible ASUS for Business products on the ASUS Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/ASUSph/) and the ASUS for Business website (http://asus.com/ph/Business). For inquiries, message us on the ASUS for Business Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/asusforbusinessph/).

May 30, 2023
On World Hunger Day, Globe kicks off its culinary crusade against hunger with Longest Hapag Food Festival Series

This initiative is part of the Globe-led Hapag Movement, which aims to help address the staggering problem of involuntary hunger among 13.5 million Filipinos. The advocacy raises funds and spreads awareness about the problem while empowering communities to create sustainable livelihood.

“Involuntary hunger is one of the critical societal challenges of our time. With the Longest Hapag, we are leveraging strategic partnerships and collective effort to confront the hunger problem that continues to affect our nation,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

The campaign calls on restaurants, food chains, chefs, commercial centers, brands and civic organizations to mount fundraising efforts through their food offerings to support the Hapag Movement. This united front will create a ripple effect of change, reflecting the campaign’s core message: Be part of the Longest Hapag and help make a difference.

The Longest Hapag will also align with local food festivals across the country, ultimately culminating on World Food Day on October 16, 2023.

Chef Jessie Sincioco is the first culinary expert turned advocate who supported the Hapag Movement. She launched a special Hapag menu where half of proceeds go to the implementing partners and their family beneficiaries. The Longest Hapag campaign was inspired by Sincioco’s project Chefs Unite, which seeks to encourage chefs from around the world to support the Hapag Movement. Chefs Sau del Rosario and Kay Carreon have signed up to support the movement.

With successful fundraising activities such as the recent Hapag ni LuzViMinda fund-raising dinner, and Chef Kay’s generous contribution of her book proceeds, Chefs Unite exemplifies the profound impact that the culinary industry can have on the cause.

Despite a slight decrease in food insecurity to 9.8%, hunger remains higher than pre-pandemic levels in the Philippines. It ranks 67th out of 113 countries in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, falling below the global average. As such, Globe’s efforts aim not just to alleviate immediate hunger but also to address these long-term challenges.

“We invite everyone to be a part of the Longest Hapag and make a tangible difference. By working together, we can help families conquer the problem of involuntary hunger and help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Crisanto added.

The Hapag Movement brings life-enabling support through supplemental feeding and livelihood opportunities to hunger-afflicted communities through its mobilization partners Ayala Foundation Inc., Caritas Philippines, Scholar of Sustenance, Tzu Chi Foundation and World Vision.

For more information about the Longest Hapag movement and how to get involved, email us at globeofgood@globe .com.ph or visit the Hapag Movement website. #UniteForHapag.

May 29, 2023
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” first reactions hail the squel as an “Awe-inspiring Masterpiece,” even better than the original

Reactions for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse are in and they couldn’t be more positive, with critics raving about the follow-up film, calling it a masterpiece not just because of its animation, but also because of its story.

See what critics are saying here:

“The moment SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE ended, I knew I’d experienced a cinematic moment I’d cherish forever,” says Fox-TV’s Jake Hamilton, who further describes the sequel as an “awe-inspiring masterpiece” and “the best Spider-Man film ever made.”

Drew Taylor of the New York Times says, “#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is a stunning achievement. Yes, it’s visually dazzling, with expansive, expressive new realms (Gwen’s world is my favorite). But the movie’s real superpower is its emotional depth and its beautiful, melancholic tone. I love this movie so, so much ”

Tessa Smith, who writes for Rotten Tomatoes, raves that Across the Spider-Verse has achieved the rare feat of a sequel topping its predecessor. “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse raised the bar with its unique animation style & way of storytelling,” she writes. “Minds were blown when it was released & fans thought there was no way it could be topped. Think again. #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse raises its own bar which seemed impossible.”

Steven Weintraub of Collider can’t wait to see the film again. “Absolutely loved #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse. Wanted to push pause about a hundred times to study the incredible artistry on display,” he shares. “Cannot recommend this film enough and already looking forward to seeing it again. Next time in @IMAX!”

Screenrant’s Joseph Deckelmeier can’t contain his excitement as he writes, “The hype is real! Every frame of #SpiderMan #AcrossTheSpiderVerse is gorgeous. I didn’t want to blink because I didn’t want to miss anything. You can watch this film over & over & find something new to enjoy.”

Goggler, a popular website and podcast from Malaysia, shares their enthusiasm as well. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an absolute monument to the power of cinema to affect, and inspire, and to bring joy,” they write. “We didn’t think it was possible but everything about this is better than the first.”

Finally, Erik Davis from Fandango raves about the film, too, describing it as “visually breathtaking” and “unlike anything you will see in a movie theater.”

In Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man reunites with Gwen Stacy and they are catapulted across the Multiverse, where they encounter the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero. The next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga opens in Philippine cinemas May 31.

Watch the film’s final trailer:

About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, the screenplay for the film is by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham, based on the MARVEL Comic Books.

Produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Christina Steinberg.

The film’s cast is led by Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham and Oscar Isaac.

Opening in Philippine cinemas May 31, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #SpiderVerse

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

May 29, 2023
Get a chance to see Chris Hemsworth Live in Manila at NETFLIX ‘Extraction 2’ Red Carpet Screening via Smart Postpaid

The word is out: Chris Hemsworth is headed to Manila for the Asia Pacific red carpet screening of Netflix’s “Extraction 2” on June 5, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia, and Smart Postpaid is giving subscribers the chance to see him live through an exclusive raffle promo.

To join, new and existing Smart Postpaid customers simply have to activate their complimentary Netflix subscription, which comes with their Smart Signature SIM-Only Plans+ 999, 1499, 1999 and 2499 or Smart Signature Plan 599 with Netflix, then sign up for the promo at https://smrt.ph/NetflixExtraction2 until May 31, 2023.

Customers who wish to activate or upgrade their Netflix subscriptions with their Smart Signature SIM-Only Plans+ may do so via https://smrt.ph/activate-Netflix.

Aside from access to the Asia Pacific premiere tickets, the chosen Smart Signature customers may also win Premium items from NETFLIX. All the winners will be notified by an official Smart representative.

High-stakes, action-packed mission

In this much anticipated sequel, highly skilled commando Tyler Rake is back from the brink of death to take on another dangerous mission: saving the imprisoned family of a ruthless gangster.

Smart Signature subscribers have all they need to binge-watch “Extraction 2” and “Extraction,” along with other award-winning shows and series on Netflix, with their Smart Signature Plans+ 999, which comes with Netflix Mobile Subscription on Us, Unlimited 5G for 12 months, Unlimited All-Net Calls (including Landline Calls) and 20 GB Open-Access Data .

Smart Postpaid is powered by the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To get this rare and prestigious citation, Smart won both the Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage awards within the same reporting periods of Ookla in Q1-Q2 2022 and Q3-Q4 2022.

For more information, visit https://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/signature to know more.

May 29, 2023
Korean Vampire Rom-Com Series “HeartBeat” Coming Exclusively to Prime Video

Prime Video today announced that fantasy rom-com series HeartBeat, producedby Korean broadcaster KBS, will be available on Prime Video in the Philippines and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide starting Monday, June 26. New episodes of the 16-episode series will be available weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Starring multitalented actor and artist Ok Taec-yeon, who previously starred in Let’s Fight Ghost, Vincenzo, and Blind, HeartBeat features a thrilling romance between a vampire who desires to experience heart-throbbing love, and a cold-blooded woman who doesn’t have time for romance.

With an unwavering desire to become human and experience love, Seon U-hyeol sleeps in a coffin for 100 years. That goal was painstakingly cut short by only one day, as he was awakened by Joo In-hae, a cold-blooded-yet-mesmerizing woman, played by Won Ji-an. Having to fend for herself at an early age, she developed defense mechanisms, making her become hard and resilient in the process. Her encounter with the mysterious man asleep in the coffin slowly loosens her inhibitions, and an unexpected relationship between Seon U-hyeol and Joo In-hae ensues. Won Ji-an has starred in Hope or Dope, If You Wish Upon Me, and D.P.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be in partnership with one of Korea’s leading national broadcasters,” said David Simonsen, director of Prime Video, Southeast Asia. “The opportunity to work with creators from KBS marks a significant milestone for us, and we’re excited that a title such as HeartBeat, which spans multiple genres, will satisfy our audiences’ thirst for Korean content of the highest caliber. This announcement truly reaffirms our commitment to expanding our ever-growing slate of premium Korean titles on Prime Video.”

“It is with great pleasure to embark on this relationship with Prime Video, with its presence across the globe,” said Lee Hyun-suk, the director of HeartBeat. “HeartBeat explores vampires who are completely drained by humans. What would the lives of Korean vampires be like in the 21st century? This story, born from such an imagination, is expected to garner amusement, laughter, and touch the audience’s hearts. Stay tuned to see how the love between Seon U-hyeol, a vampire yearning to become human, and Joo In-hae, who is cold-blooded like a vampire, unfolds within unexpected plot twists.”

May 29, 2023
High-Octane series “A Shop For Killers” coming 2024 exclusively on Disney+

After her uncle’s unexpected death, college student Jeong Jian finds out about a mysterious online shopping mall and goes on the run from a medley of murderers and assassins in A Shop For Killers – a new Korean Original series coming exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.

Kim Hyejun

Shortly after entering college, Jian receives a call from local police informing her of her uncle’s “suicide”. Her carer since the death of her parents, uncle Jeong Jinman had always been quiet and mysterious but never suicidal. But before Jian has a chance to think, her life is turned upside down by a flurry of gunfire, murder drones and more, as a medley of highly skilled assassins inexplicably turn their focus to killing her. Pinned down in her uncle’s home, Jian will be forced to revisit some of the bizarre training her uncle gave her throughout her formative years if she hopes to survive long enough to discover what is going on.

Starring Lee Dongwook (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Tale of the Nine Tailed) as Jeong Jinman, Jian’s mysterious uncle; and Kim Hyejun (Connect, Kingdom) as Jeong Jian, a college student on the run from some of the planet’s deadliest assassins, A Shop For Killers is based on the popular original novel by Kang Jiyoung, written by Ji Hojin and Lee Kwon, and directed by Lee Kwon (Door Lock, Save Me 2).

Lee Dongwook

A Shop For Killers is the latest Korean Original series to be announced as part of the ever-expanding library of content available on Disney+. Fans of Korean dramas can subscribe today to enjoy access to hit titles including Big Mouth, about a lawyer who is arrested as part of the murder case he is investigating; as well as other global tentpole titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, and more!

Stream A Shop For Killers in 2024only on Disney+.

May 29, 2023
Peabo Bryson Philippine Tour 2023

Ovation Productions brings back the top-tier adult contemporary balladeer, Peabo Bryson in the Philippines. The two-time GRAMMY winner and Living Legend Trumpet Awardee is set to hold his Philippine concert tour 2023 in Manila on July 19 at the New Frontier Theater, in Cebu on July 21 at the Waterfront Hotel, and in Davao on July 23 at SMX Convention Center. Ticket selling will start on May 31.

Robert Peabo Bryson has established a career as one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music of the last quarter century. Bryson’s first break came during a recording session at Atlanta’s Bullet/Bang Records. The young singer caught the ear of the label’s then-general manager, Eddie Biscoe. Biscoe signed Bryson to a contract as a writer, producer, and arranger and encouraged. Bryson to perform his own songs. For several years Bryson worked with hometown bands and wrote and produced for Bang. In 1976, he released his debut LP, “Peabo”. The project featured Peabo composing nearly all of the songs (some with the great Thom Bell), a young Luther Vandross among the background vocalists, and sexy black film star Tamara “Cleopatra Jones” Dobson showing him love on the back jacket.

Bryson moved to Capitol Records in 1978, where his album “Reaching for the Sky” went gold, and the title track was a number six R&B hit. With his LP “Crosswinds” (gold,1978), he truly penetrated the hearts of soul fans everywhere with the title tracks “Feel the Fire” and “I’m So Into You”, which spent two weeks as the nation’s number two R&B hit. He was paired with Capitol label-mate Natalie Cole for the 1979 project “We’re the Best of Friends” and a year later with Roberta Flack for the double-LP “Live & More” (on Atlantic Records). Peabo delivered four more albums for Capitol before making a second, even bigger album with Flack titled “Born to Love”, a gold seller that featured the smash “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” (Top 5 R&B and #16 Pop). That led him to sign a deal with Elektra Records for four albums, the second of which, “Take No Prisoners”, featured the crossover smash “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” (Top 10 Pop and Top 10 R&B).

New York Times music critic Jon Pareles called Bryson the “Pavarotti of soul singers”. His duets with Natalie Cole – “What You Won’t Do for Love” – and Roberta Flack – “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” a Top 15 pop smash – had earned Bryson the tag “King of Balladeers.” With “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” which landed in the Number 10 spot on the pop charts, he scored another crossover hit and solidified his mainstream audience. Both “Tonight” and “If” went to Number One on the adult contemporary charts. A return to Capitol in 1989 for the album “All My Love” earned him his first R&B #1 single with a remake of the late Al Wilson’s “Show & Tell” (a song he proudly keeps the torch lit for in all his shows). He hit the R&B chart-top a second time with the smash “Can You Stop The Rain “, the title track of his R&B chart-topping first of two albums for Columbia Records. The single won Bryson a 1991 Grammy nomination for best R&B vocal performance by a male, as did “Lost in the Night” in 1992.

But it was two songs for Disney animated films that earned Peabo his two Grammys. The first was 1991’s “Beauty and the Beast” with international pop singer Celine Dion which was a Number One pop hit. The very next year, Peabo struck gold again receiving another Grammy for “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)” from Aladdin which he performed with Regina Belle. Both “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) and “A Whole New World” (1992) won Oscars for “Best Song”. Since these milestones, he has been even more sought after as a guest vocalist and duet partner, resulting in his collaborations with Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga on “We Kiss in the Shadows” (#1 on the Classical Crossover chart from a new recording of “The King and I” score), Melissa Manchester’s “Lovers After All”, and Kenny G’s “By The Time This Night is Over” (from the chart topping Contemporary Jazz CD, “Breathless”), which enjoyed a three month run on the Hot 100 in 1993. In June of 1993, Bryson sold out seven consecutive shows at Radio City Music Hall.

Demonstrating his skills as an actor, he appeared in the lead role for the touring production of the Tony Award-winning “Raisin” (based on “Raisin In The Sun”) and in the role of The Wizard in a touring company of “The Wiz.” In 1998, he appeared in the Michigan Opera Theater’s 100th anniversary production of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and recorded two songs for the soundtrack for the “Barney” movie, one of which, the Bryson-produced “DREAMS,” became the lead song for the album. He also released a whopping three Christmas CDs, lovingly filled with music he has performed for years in the annual touring holiday music extravaganza, “The Colors of Christmas.”

In late 2005 Peabo released “Live in Concert: Ladies’ Request” in association with Time-Life, for whom he has been the spokesman for their soul retrospective collection. “Live In Concert” is an excellent collection that covers many of Peabo’s biggest hits and shows that his voice is still as strong and smooth as ever; to date it has sold over 3 million copies. He followed this in early 2006 with “The Very Best of Peabo Bryson”, a compilation of his biggest hits recorded on multiple record labels.

Peabo Bryson Philippine Tour 2023 is promoted and produced by Ovation Productions. Tickets for Manila concert are available at TICKETNET.com.ph and priced at 6055, 5555, 5055, 3955, and 2955.

While concert tickets for Cebu and Davao are available at SMTICKETS.com, Cebu tickets are priced at 5000, 4500, 4000, 3000, 2000, and 1000, and Davao tickets are priced at 5000, 4000, 3000, and 2000. All Peabo Bryson’s concert tickets have ticketing charges and ticket selling will start on May 31.

For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Ovation Productions at https://ovationproductionsmanila.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/ .

FACEBOOK: @ovationproductions
TWITTER: @ovationprod
INSTAGRAM: @ovationprod

May 29, 2023
Vans Amplifies Filipino Talent: A Spotlight on Young Musicians and Their Love for Music

Vans, the global symbol of youth culture and uninhibited creativity, is hitting the right note with its latest project, “Make It Heard”. This initiative is an ode to the artistic prowess of blossoming local talents. Singling out Filipino artists Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas, Vans takes us into their creative process and their journey of using music to forge connections within their community.

Rocking Out Since ’66: Vans’ Melodious Journey

From the skate parks to the stage, Vans has certainly left an indelible “Off The Wall” mark in various spheres of youth culture. Making its first foray into the music industry in 1966, Vans lent its iconic brand to Warped Tour, the most prominent traveling punk rock music festival in the USA and Canada.

Over the years, Vans has been a staunch supporter of both budding and renowned musicians. Its digital music ventures such as the “Sidestripe Sessions” and “Vans Musician Wanted” competition have not only given a platform to musicians from diverse genres but also catalyzed their growth in the industry.

Make It Heard: Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas

In the ever-evolving OPM scene, new musicians like Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas echo their distinct sounds. Vans, through “Make It Heard”, endeavors to tune into their narratives and artistic identities.

Ena Mori, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter whose pop music pushes boundaries, says, “The hardest thing is to keep myself original. There is pressure to stay on trend or hype a certain style of music ” Her latest album, “DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE”, has drawn applause from music enthusiasts.

Paolo Sandejas, known for hits like “Sorry” and “Lost”, recalls his early struggles, “At the start, I didn’t really know what type of music to put out. I was bouncing around different genres. [But I realized] I don’t have to be anything other than myself and I can just enjoy and own that.” His musical repertoire involves a tasteful blend of indie pop, alternative rock, and neo soul.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vans Philippines (@vansphilippines)

Bringing People Together

“Make It Heard” is the newest addition to Vans’ continuous campaign to support and empower young musicians from diverse genres and backgrounds by helping nurture communities.

“Vans is very fashion-forward. They love to collaborate with creative people, support creatives, and connect a lot of creative people. As a musician, it’s nice to see brands that value creativity and expression,” Ena and Paolo express their appreciation for the initiative. “When I see the reaction in the audience — that’s the best feeling. Seeing people connect to your music, seeing people enjoy it, the ways that your music impacts their lives make you feel accomplished with what you did.”

Throughout the year, Vans is poised to highlight a diverse range of musicians, solidifying its stance as a global platform for creativity. To catch a glimpse of the full video here and stay updated, follow @vansphilippines on Instagram. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the symphony of creativity that these artists offer!

May 28, 2023
Get ready to chat and jam: Viber and Spotify team up for an unbeatable music experience

Rakuten Viber, the go-to messaging app for secure and private communication, is announcing a partnership with the world-renowned music streaming platform, Spotify. With this collaboration, Viber users in the Philippines can now groove to their favorite tunes, ad-free and offline, with Spotify Premium Mini with an exclusive discount of up to 90% off!

Viber boasts a massive international audience, particularly in the Central and Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific regions, where its market share reaches up to 98%, and one of its growth markets has been the Philippines. This makes it the perfect platform for Spotify to tap into new markets.

“We were looking for a partnership where we could introduce Spotify’s premium service to millions of users worldwide, making Viber a perfect fit,” says Marc Hazan, VP, Business Development and Partnerships at Spotify. “We want users all across the globe to be able to access uninterrupted music no matter where they are, especially when they are offline. We are excited to provide the best music to Viber’s users and see this partnership flourish.”

Ofir Eyal, CEO at Rakuten Viber, is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration, stating, “Music has always been a powerful form of communication between people, and as a communications app, Viber naturally aligns with this joyful aspect.”

“At Viber, we always want to provide our users with fun features that are effortless to use, and that is just what this activity offers. By joining forces with Spotify, Viber not only enriches its users’ lives with an outstanding music experience but it also continues to solidify its status as a top-tier super app,” adds Eyal. This offer is available for Viber users who are at least 18-years-old and are new or existing users of Spotify who have never previously redeemed Spotify offers or have never been subscribers to any Spotify Premium offering. To activate the exclusive deal, look for Viber in-app promotions delivered in chats, check out the ‘Explore Screen’ tab, and find posts regarding the partnership on select Viber channels. To access the offer, please ensure the latest version of the Viber app is installed: https://vb.me/purplepr

Got Viber family and friends abroad? They too can enjoy exclusive offers like a free one-month Spotify Premium trial for those in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many more. Meanwhile, those in Vietnam can also enjoy Spotify Premium Mini with an exclusive discount of up to 90%! Enjoy the world’s best music anytime, anywhere with Viber and Spotify!

May 27, 2023
Kick-off Your Game: Football fans, rejoice! TURF BGC has now reopened

With football being an ever-growing interest within the Filipino community, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) proudly announces the reopening of world-class community football field Turf BGC last May 15.

Comfortably nestled in the heart of the BGC estate, Turf BGC is proud to be the country’s first public football arena, spanning an area of 305 x 164 feet and decked with FIFA-compliant, top-quality artificial turf, inviting players to feel as though they are in a professional arena.

Those looking forward to playing once again in the field have more to be excited about, too – Turf BGC has since upgraded its lighting system to facilitate excellent visuals for practice matches, professional tournaments, and TV broadcasts, producing enough lux to meet TV coverage needs.

The reopening also serves to address the needs of the BGC community, known lovers and fans of football, who may have been finding it a challenge to secure slots in other fields due to football team practices or training sessions. With Turf BGC’s comeback, the local community will have their own place to live out their passion for football once more.

Says Jun Galvez, Bonifacio Global City Estate Association Executive Director: “Turf BGC is a must-visit destination for everyone who loves football or appreciates a good fitness routine. It proves that BGC is not just a bustling business hub but also a diverse community that supports an all-around healthy lifestyle.”

All in all, Turf BGC is a testament to BGC’s efforts to promote and facilitate a well-rounded lifestyle that encompasses work, play, and overall wellness.

Turf BGC has reopened to the public starting May 15. For more information, follow Bonifacio Global City on Facebook and Instagram for updates; for reservations, email turfbgc@besc.com.ph or call (63 2) 8816-2372.

May 27, 2023