Iconic Filipino singer-songwriters to take the virtual stage for ‘ALPAS’ concert

Acclaimed and award-winning solo artists Ebe Dancel, Johnoy Danao, Bullet Dumas, Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, and Kitchie Nadal are coming together for a virtual concert that offers an exciting music experience at the comforts of every music fan’s home.

Literally defined as “breaking free,” ALPAS is a digital show produced by kumu, an online community platform for livestreamers, and GNN Entertainment, a Manila-based music events and PR agency. The event is a flagship effort between the two producers to keep the live music scene alive while public life is on lockdown.  

With new security and health protocols in place, the virtual showcase will be shot in advance somewhere in a ‘familiar’ music venue that serves as second home to a lot of progressive-leaning acts and independent bands, and in Spain, where one of its artists, Kitchie Nadal is currently based. Expect the iconic singer-songwriters to perform their biggest hits and rarities in a stripped-down format, and collaborate for a special ‘medley’ number arranged by renowned musical director, Ronaldo Tomas. 

Pay it forward to our modern-day heroes with PayMaya

Medical frontliners are the modern-day heroes in our ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. As they continue to save lives of our kababayans, we can stand behind them by practicing health safety measures and utilizing technology.  

Utilizing digital apps like PayMaya are making it easier for Filipinos to participate in bayanihan movements for the community – this includes making donations to organizations whose beneficiaries are healthcare workers. Here are some of the ways you can show support to our medical frontliners, with the help of PayMaya: 

realme Buds Q2 launches on May 20, guarantees ‘audio made even better’

In just a short period since its launch in 2018, the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand realme has emerged as one of the best-selling TWS brands in the Philippines, with an overall brand portfolio of over 150,000 users as of April 2021.

Following the impressive market performances of the realme Buds Q and the realme Buds Air series, realme continues to strengthen its position in the AIoT (artificial intelligence of things) category with the upcoming launch of its newest TWS (True Wireless Stereo) device -- the realme Buds Q2.

Promising audio made even better, the realme Buds Q2 offers improved style, listening experience, connectivity, and quality, that digital-savvy Filipinos are sure to appreciate. 

Bersong Euro-Pinoy Goes to Zamboanga Con Buen Amistad on 21 May 2021 at 6pm

 

It is Viva Europa time once again! Allow us to ignite the fire and passion in your hearts as the European Union brings back “Bersong Euro-Pinoy” on 21 May at 6pm in Zamboanga.

The fire and fervour of European verses coupled with Chavacano and other languages from Southern Philippines continue this May through this literary festival.

The EU Delegation to the Philippines has worked in tandem with the Embassies of Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Spain and Instituto Cervantes Manila, France, the Philippine-Italian Association, Austria, Poland, Finland and Ateneo de Zamboanga University. 

vivo-ZEISS partnership unleashes groundbreaking smartphone camera capabilities in the X60

 

vivo X60

Get your hands on the new flagship vivo X60 ahead of everyone by pre-ordering from May 15 to 21. The vivo X60 is the first innovation of vivo’s partnership with master lens maker ZEISS. Some of its first-in-smartphone features are the Extreme Night Mode 2.0, Optical Image Stabilization and the different Scene Modes like HDR Super Night Portrait and Pro Sports.

Have you been trying to nail that Instagrammable portrait in one of those midnight sessions with your friends with just a smartphone? Or to capture that winning shot from your son’s intense basketball game in high definition?

Crystal clear photos of these magical moments were only possible using professional cameras before. But as innovations in smartphone camera technology accelerates, these beautiful life moments can now be recorded conveniently and spontaneously with just a single tap on a single light and thin device.

Ben&Ben offer reassuring warmth on introspective new single “Magpahinga”

Ben&Ben offer words of genuine compassion and encouragement to every person out there who might be going through a lot in these difficult times. On their latest single “Magpahinga,” the nine-piece collective wrote a lovely piano ballad from the point of view of someone who is in dire need of guidance.

“It’s a song that reminds us to check up on ourselves and address our own inner struggles,” lead vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin points out in a statement. “But also, it is a song that aims to accompany the listener, and remind them that in those moments of hardship, they are not alone.” Without resorting to being preachy, the band’s latest offering also reminds listeners that there’s nothing to be ashamed of in taking some time to step back from the situation and heal on your own terms. 

Written by Miguel and Paolo Benjamin, and produced by JP Verona with the band, “Magpahinga” was recorded in the house where the band is currently staying. The remote place has a beautiful baby grand piano, which keyboardist Patricia Lasaten used as an instrument to complement the band’s introspective lyrics.

Shopee and Unilever Say Yes to Equal Opportunities and Continue its Support for Local Sellers through its Positive Beauty Campaign

As more Filipinos shift to online shopping for their daily necessities, many businesses are also turning to digital platforms to widen their reach and establish a strong online presence - especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To cater to the growing number of online sellers, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues to partner with organizations to support MSMEs who are looking for better opportunities in e-commerce.

In 2020 Unilever and Mano Amiga, a non-governmental organization that advocates for community transformation and inclusive growth through education, first partnered with Shopee for their Beauty That Cares Campaign, to offer assistance to 25 micro-entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, Mano Amiga sellers gained a strong understanding of e-commerce and learned how to maximize the digital space’s full potential. Sellers had access to monetary funding, entrepreneurship training programs, and Shopee’s e-commerce tools to help them expand their reach. Two Mano Amiga sellers share how Unilever and Shopee supported their business growth:

51Talk hauls 10 awards and numerous citations in China and the Philippines

Leading online English teaching platform 51Talk continued to achieve recognitions and citations for its quality service and excellent performance in China and the Philippines. The platform connects a growing teaching community of over 30,000 online English teachers from the Philippines to foreign language learners using 51Talk’s proprietary software Air Class.

In August 2020, 51Talk was included on the list of 2020 Technology and Manufacturing’s Top 30 by Fast Company China, a leading business media outfit that focuses on innovation and technology. Within the same month, the online English education platform had also garnered the No. 1 spot in the Online Education Innovation Ranking, taking the spot for four consecutive years from Internet Weekly and iMedia’s Innovative Education Platform ranking. In addition, 51Talk was included in China’s Innovation Power List 2020 released by iMedia Research.

The following September 2020, 51Talk teachers won in the 2020 SINA Five-Star Gold Teacher Selection. The SINA Five-Star Gold Teacher Selection is an annual awards event that recognizes exemplary teachers who have shown persistence and excellence in educational innovation and methodology. SINA, a Beijing-based media company with operations in North America, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, has mounted the event since 2011 and enjoys the reputation of being highly influential and credible in the Chinese education and training industry. In addition, 51Talk was also listed under Zhitong Finance and Economics’ List of Best Chinese Capital Stocks in 2020. To top it off, 51Talk swept the month with another award: Best Education Stock of China in 2020.