Evo & Grace: The WanderLusts

Gift-giving is a tradition that will never cease to be the center of Christmas celebrations in the Philippines.  Airfunding  has chosen several hospitals in Central Luzon as their beneficiaries this year. The beneficiaries are indigent patients confined in several state hospitals and cancer-stricken children. 100 children, mostly with serious health conditions and disabilities particularly from Zambales public hospitals were treated to a day full of love and appreciation in the recent  Airfunding  Cares Christmas Gift Giving activity. Airfunding Cares  is an initiative project of the company as part of its core commitment to reach out to the less privileged sectors of society. The successful event inspired the management of  Kiheitai Inc.,  the parent company of  Airfunding  to make the event a yearly tradition. Airfunding  Cares is committed to raising $ 10,000 to help more people in the Philippines especially the Cagayan and Tugu...

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan joins the growing number of legislative champions for trans fat elimination in the Philippines as he filed Senate Bill No. 1954 “An Act to Protect Filipinos From the Harmful Effects of Trans Fatty Acids” on December 15, 2020. Sen. Pangilinan, a member of the Committee on Health and Demography, filed the Trans Fat Free Bill which aims to address the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in the Philippines by eliminating industrially-produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) from the food supply.  High intake of iTFA causes coronary heart diseases (CHD), a leading cause of death worldwide, and known comorbidity of COVID-19. In line with the mandate of the Universal Health Care law to provide cost-effective and preventive health services to the population, the Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill will regulate the production and distribution of iTFA, thereby reducing the health risks of TFA intake to the public. An advocate for the full implementation of un...

As an early Christmas treat, SM City Puerto Princesa distributes 780 Christmas packs—each containing 5kg of rice and food essentials—to tourism boatmen and members of the indigenous peoples whose main livelihoods were lost due to economic disruptions caused by COVID-19. Honda Bay Boatmen Association, Inc. (HOBBAI) members and boatmen in the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a total of 412 recipients received their Christmas packs from SM City Puerto Princesa on December 17, 2020. Also, 368 Members of different IP communities are expected to receive their Christmas packs on Dec. 18, 2020. SM Supermalls continue to implement its programs that support the community despite the challenges brought by the pandemic as a testament of its commitment to community development. Through Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social good program of SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, SM already provided various relief initiatives since the start of community quarantines i...

Manuel V. Pangilinan’s moniker as MVP was made all the more accurate during the 4 th  Philippine Sports Tourism Awards after being recognized as the private sector’s Sports Tourism Personality of the Year for 2019. The award cited MVP’s immense contributions to the sports tourism sector in the country. After serving as the first-ever president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Pangilinan went on to found the MVP Sports Foundation which provided a good cross section of sports with the proper funding and training to produce world-class athletes.   Under his leadership, the country’s largest integrated telco PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) were also able to deploy fixed and wireless networks in New Clark City as part of preparations for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Aside from rolling out fiber infrastructure and cell sites, Smart also augmented its capacity and coverage in key areas around the NCC in anticipatio...

RELE is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Maven Agency, one of Australia’s leading artist management company.  Founded in 2014 by Ken Outch & Brendan Burwood, Maven is the management agency of top Australian stars Jessica Mauboy, Dami Im, Adam Brand and Travis Collins. Under this partnership, RELE will represent, grow and bring success to Maven’s artists in South-East Asia, Greater China, Korea and Japan.  One of the key artists that the RELE team is excited for, singing and acting sensation,  Jessica Mauboy . The Australia’s national darling has not only amassed over 159 million streams to date but has also previously worked with big leagues such as Beyonce, Chris Brown and Ricky Martin, to name a few.  The four-time ARIA accredited Platinum singer-songwriter is set to embark on her new music in 2021 with her recent signing with Warner Music Australia. Additionally, Jessica will be making her coaching debut on the popular internationa...

IN the last 15 years, it has been a tradition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to hold Simbang Gabi when the Christmas season comes.   For the Center, holding the novena (nine) masses is no ordinary program; but, a special event that needs careful and meticulous planning. In partnership with the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Pasay City and several business establishments around the CCP Complex, the dawn masses held at the CCP Main Ramp gathers a daily audience averaging close to a thousand mass-goers, while the Misa de Aguinaldo (Christmas Eve Mass) at the Main Theater draws a full-theater capacity, which spills over to the Main Theater Lobby. The CCP Christmas Eve Mass is traditionally led by performances from the resident companies such as Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and participation of various performers including a 100-Voice Chorale, among others with no less than the Philippine Philha...

  Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla stars as a romantic couple stuck in a time loop in the new music video for Ben&Ben’s “ Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay .” Helmed by the band’s resident director Jorel Lising and written by Gaya Sa Pelikula creator Juan Miguel Severo, the song’s visual narrative explores the complicated relationship dynamics of two lovers who have lost and found each other in a fated cycle of events. Complicated love in a time loop Severo reveals that “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay,” a song that deals with the “possibility of another life to succeed in love,” complements the KathNiel starrer that he has in mind. Having written Hintayan ng Langit, an evocative piece that examines eternal romance in the afterlife, Severo decided to do away with another reincarnation story for his interpretation of the material. “Then it hit me, what about a couple stuck in a time loop?”, the prolific writer points out. “What if every time one dies, they go back to their first ...

Airfunding, a global donation-based crowdfunding platform launched its Airfunding CARES campaign in the Philippines. As the Philippines is currently battling the after-effects of the destructive typhoons Rolly and Ulysses  Airfunding , a global donation-based crowdfunding platform recently launched its company-sponsored charity drive named Airfunding Cares, to help people affected by natural calamities and the global pandemic crisis. A recent relief effort was sent to Cagsawa, Daraga, Albay in the Philippines to help families hard hit by typhoon Rolly.  Airfunding  sent "Care Packs" to more than 100 families and distributed bread among young children in the streets leading to the area .    "These typhoons are devastatingly destructive, and our hearts goes out to millions of affected. Although our effort may not be enough, we are trying our best effort to bring in more help through donations from our millions of supporters across the globe" Airfunding ...

Ahead of her highly anticipated full-length album to be released next year, Filipina singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis has officially dropped a heartfelt tribute to her grandaunt Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, or Tata, as she is fondly referred to. Entitled “ An AsPin’s Song ,” the track assumes the role of a beloved indigenous mixed-breed dog in the Philippines, which has nothing but utmost love and appreciation for the late animal rights supporter and activist. Having served The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) for the entirety of her life, Tata was instrumental in empowering people for countless volunteer opportunities that involved rescue, protection and sheltering of strayed and abused animals. Barbie recalls, “Tata was a gifted musician and a champion for animals. She was the President of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, which she reorganized in 1986, after having been one of its youngest volunteers in the ’50s. I had always wanted to write the song she requested, bu...

After peaking at No.1 on iTunes Philippines with her first single “Midnight Sky” and revamping the ‘80s discotheque with her Dua Lipa-assisted jam “Prisoner,” pop trailblazer Miley Cyrus makes an explosive return with the release of her highly anticipated new album, Plastic Hearts , out now via RCA Records. Miley’s seventh studio album features collaborations with Billy Idol, Joan Jett and Dua Lipa. In a handwritten letter about the new album, Miley recalls that she began writing the album over two years ago. “Thought I had it all figured out,” she wrote. “Not just the record—its songs/sounds but my whole fucking life. No one checks an ego like life itself. Just when I thought the body of work was finished it was all erased, including most of the music’s relevance because everything had changed.” Built around retro-inspired bangers and thumping stadium anthems, Miley’s new sound gives listeners a renewed sense of appreciation for music made in the ‘70s and ‘80s, as seen in her cove...

The country's largest integrated telecommunications company PLDT, through its business unit PLDT Enterprise, and JPA Freight Logistics, Inc.'s (JPAFLI) recently signed a partnership that will help boost the latter's business operations expansion through fast and reliable enterprise-grade connectivity. Through the partnership, PLDT will connect JPAFLI with iGate, or Dedicated Internet Access service, which will help them further build their operations and service their customers better. This enterprise-grade solution provides businesses with guaranteed bandwidth, reliable and managed internet connectivity suitable for running bandwidth-intensive applications, hosting rich-media content, and utilizing mission-critical communications. Since 2009, PLDT has been a partner of JPAFLI and remains committed to deliver a wide array of solutions that enable business owners to adapt to evolving technological needs. According to Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP & Enterprise Group Head says th...

The isolating nature of the pandemic has left us yearning for human connection, disrupting our daily lives on an unprecedented scale and forever changing the way we interact with one another. Its uncertainty has not only instilled fear and anxiety, but also forced us to participate in a game of risk roulette, where everyone tries to survive a global health crisis that knows no end or time, and outwit an invisible enemy through strategic measures that align with the new normal. But Darren Espanto wants us to believe that love will always be our guiding light even in the most difficult of times. The accomplished recording star is optimistic about using his voice as a catalyst to spark hope and inspire others to make a positive difference—all in the spirit of Christmas. He wants to keep the Holiday tradition alive by spreading kindness and joy this festive season, but also wants to see it with a renewed perspective: that the cherished holiday traditions are more than just about sumptuous ...

  The SM Bears of Joy project returns this coming holiday season to bring color back into Christmas and remind shoppers that a little generosity can go a long way in uplifting the spirits of others amid a health crisis. The SM Bears of Joy is an annual project of SM Cares, SM Supermalls, and Toy Kingdom to encourage shoppers to share the holiday season’s joy with children in need. However, this year will be a little different as SM Cares is also honoring the bravery and selflessness of COVID-19 frontliners with the launch of four specially designed plushies. Among this year’s special Bears of Joy is Kit the Doctor. Kit’s name stands for hope; it means that people can thrive no matter what happens, for as long as there is hope in their hearts. Joining Kit is Heart the Nurse, whose name stands for love, the driving force, and the reasons why people do what they do. Also, there is Ace the Soldier, whose name means unity, underscoring the importance of coming together as a commun...

IN celebration of the 2020 National Children’s Month and National Indigenous Peoples’ Month, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) in partnership with the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) and Sinukwan Kapampangan Training Center for the Arts will hold the 11th Kutitap: Isang Piging ng Kabataang Makasining online from November 23-28, 2020. One hundred twenty children and their adult guides representing various cultural communities all over the country will be gathered for a six-day celebration of arts, culture and traditions. Now on its 11th year, Kutitap aims to instill among the Filipino children and youth a deep sense of understanding, appreciation and pride for Philippine arts, indigenous culture, as well as to promote creativity and positive social values. Kutitap will conduct interactive activities to include mini-workshops and showcases (in dance, drama, music, rituals, visual arts, etc.), storytelling, crafting, tradi...

The colors of Christmas will bring joy, love and beauty to your home with SM Home’s collection of dazzling ornaments and décor. With most of us spending more time at home, the holidays will certainly bring cheer with probably the widest assortment of décor in town, and more than 24 combinations of ornaments, lights and trees to choose from. These range from modern expressions of traditional holiday trimmings have an artisan touch that celebrate all that is creative and classic, especially at the #ChristmasAtSMHome shop in SM Store Makati. Here, SM Home shares with us three main color themes that will bring the holidays to our homes. Classic Red. Create a cozy and casual holiday living room with classic reds that never go out of style. Add shades of white, and don’t forget a bit of sparkle for added flair. Nutcracker toy soldiers, potted berry trees, wreaths and Christmas trees, snow globes, and miniature vintage villages will help showcase a traditional holiday scene at home. L...

Foo Fighters sent Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza into a rock n’ roll frenzy with the first-ever performance of their new single “ Shame Shame ” on the November 7 episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by friend of the band Dave Chappelle. “Shame Shame” is the first taste of the band’s forthcoming 10th album, Medicine at Midnight , due out February 5, 2021 on Roswell Records/RCA Records. The latest from Foo Fighters earned glowing reviews from music critics on the day of its release, with Stereogum calling it “a refreshing twist on their signature sound that doesn’t reach for trends” and praising the new direction for its “percussive, and slightly funky” approach. The tenth studio album is produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, engineered by Darrell Thorp and mixed by Mark “Spike” Stent. It packs the following nine songs into a tight-ass 37 minutes: Making a Fire Shame, Shame Cloudspotter Waiting on a War Medicine at Midnight No Son of Mine Holding Poison Ch...

Expect great deals on its 11.11 Biggest One-Day Sale Score up to 40% discount, FREE Apple Watch, and more exciting freebies as ROWA, the consumer electronics and home appliance brand under the TCL Group of Companies, officially launch its Flagship Store in Lazada on November 11, 2020 at the upcoming 11.11 Biggest One-Day Sale! Customers can expect great deals on its opening day starting with huge discounts and free shipping nationwide with no minimum purchase; as well as collectible vouchers worth up to Php1000 that they can collect when they visit ROWA’s official store in Lazada. Crazy Flash Deals Kick starting their launch, ROWA is having a massive sale in all its Smart Android TV at almost half the price. From its SRP of Php16,095, you can now get the ROWA 32” L51 Smart Android TV for only Php8,995; and the 40-inch full HD variant of it at Php12,495 from Php18,995. If you’re looking for a sweeter upgrade, the ROWA T61 Series is also up for steal with its discounted prices of...

Following its resolve to honor and highlight the movers and shakers of the sports tourism industry in the Philippines during these tumultuous times, the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, with the Clark Development Corporation as host, will be held on December 10 at the Clark Marriot Hotel. Organized by Cebu-based public relations agency Selrahco PR with full support from Smart Communications, Universal Robina Corporation, Coca-Cola Philippines, and Clark Development Corporation, the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards will be recognizing exemplary sports initiatives from the public and private sectors who have shown interest and deep conviction in promoting sports tourism in the country during 2019. A total of 14 categories namely Sports Tourism Destination of the Year, Sports Tourism Organizer of the Year (private and government), Sports Tourism Event of the Year (domestic and international), Sports Tourism Sport Association of the Year, Sports Tourism Destinati...

IN preparation for the inauguration of 21AM—the new contemporary art museum presently being established by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division will hold a Curatorial Workshop for selected CCP staff from November 23-27, 2020 (10am-5pm) via Zoom.   Five (5) slots will be opened up to young curators not currently connected with the CCP. The 21AM Curatorial Workshop will be facilitated by the corporation TAOINC, which is also the commissioned corporation to close the Museo ng Kalinangang Katutubo and curate the establishment of 21AM. The 21AM Curatorial Workshop is a capacity-building endeavor that foresees possible involvement of the participants in immediate and future 21AM projects and programs.   A focus on curation for contemporary art during the workshop is supported and augmented by an in-depth introduction in traditional Philippine art and in museology, in order to enhance understanding of theoretical contexts in which cultur...