Pasko sa Kiosko Kagawasan: A Symphony of Christmas Carols

Have you ever watched a concert at the park? Or a musical show in an open theater at the park? These types of shows were common back in the 80s and early 90s in Manila. Concert at the Park and Paco Park Presents drew in audiences of different age levels every weekend. It was a beautiful sight to behold, seeing people listening to and watching music maestros and their choirs, bands, and orchestras fill the afternoon and evening with music.

This the idea that made the Association of Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra (ACDOSO), the first city orchestra in MIndanao, to put up a special Christmas concert on Sunday, December 17.

ACDOSO, or the Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra, is set to entertain Kagay-anons with 15 well-loved Christmas carols during the concert. Each song was carefully chosen to make sure that every person in attendance would think of (and feel) the spirit of Christmas while watching the show. Each song was chosen because they help bring out a symphony of beautiful, festive, and joyful music – everything that a Christmas concert should be.

One of the Christmas favorites the orchestra will perform is Stille Nacht, a lullaby that aptly describes how peace reigned when Christ the Child was born. Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Austria in 1818, the song is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Some of the Christmas carols will be performed by the orchestra along with some special guests, including the Liceo de Cagayan University Senior High School Glee Club and Ms. Hanh Felicity Agawin of the Liceo U Conservatory of Theater, Music, and Dance. 

The orchestra will be under the batons of Chief Conductor Horst-Hans Bäcker and his co-conductors Krenz Banzon Sabanal, Olfie Hope Reyes, Kyle Christian Manamtam, and Zion Preach Tumanda. 

It’s guaranteed to be a fun and festive night as a symphony of Christmas carols fill the air at Kiosko Kagawasan. The concert is free, so there’s no reason for you not to be there. Bring your family and friends to Pasko sa Kiosko Kagawasan!

Pasko sa Kiosko Kagawasan starts at 7pm on December 17. See you there!

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The Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra is the first city orchestra in Mindanao. It has been around since 2018 but has not had a major show outside of the Rodelsa Hall. They performed at the CDO Toy Show last October at the Limketkai Atrium and their performance drew in positive feedback. It is the ACDOSO’s goal to bring symphony orchestra music closer to the public, hence the show at Kiosko Kagawasan. 

ACDOSO is also looking for partners and supporters who are willing to work with the group in honing local musical talents and putting Cagayan de Oro on the global orchestra music map. If you or anybody you know is interested in partnering with the group, please get in touch with Ms. Maia Fortich-Poblete at 0927-5263083. Please send a text message before calling. 

Rex Education takes home awards at 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal, 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards

Rex Education was recently recognized at the 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal and the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

The Quezon Gawad Parangal is held annually in October as part of the local government’s celebration of the city’s founding. The 2023 awards ceremony recognized individuals and institutions who were exemplary in the fields of social work, environment and sanitation, law and justice, business and entrepreneurship, and science and technology.

Rex Education was among the 15 individuals and institutions recognized at this year’s iteration of the prestigious event. The 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal took place on October 25 at the PETA Theater Center.

The selection panel of Quezon City department heads, previous award winners, and respected professionals from various sectors conferred the award to REX for its prominent dedication to educating the masses through literature. The local government also cited REX’s pioneering work in the educational publishing industry, particularly through Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI).

RBSI’s contributions to education publishing include learning materials encompassing early childhood education, basic education, high school, tertiary, law, and post-collegiate materials. RBSI takes pride in its extensive network of 24 branches located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This only further affirms REX’s mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. To be the choice learning companion of Filipino learners and to be recognized by the communities REX serves, are a joy and honor.

Four of REX’s published works were also recently recognized at the 45th CMMA. The CMMA is an annual ceremony that pays tribute to individuals and organizations that produce values-filled content through print, broadcast, and social media. The CMMA pre-announced winners virtually on October 27.

REX and Catechetical Media Network (CMN-Asia, Inc.) bagged the Best Children’s Magazine with the publication “Backpack.”

Meanwhile, REX and CMN-Asia’s “Crossroads” won in the Best Youth Magazine category.

“Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin (Marketing Our Local Products)” by Allan Alejo Jr., published by REX and CMN-Asia, was recognized as Best Editorial Cartoon.

 “Si Nelia, Si Marta, at Si Maria” by Felix C. Alcantara, published by REX and CMN-Asia, was acknowledged as Best Comic Story.

These citations further fuel REX's drive and dedication to producing quality learning materials that can inspire spirituality and values among Filipino children. REX always endeavors to contribute to the development of the whole learner— one who is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented.

In light of these accolades, REX remains inspired to constantly improve and strive for excellence— para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan.

Luciano Armand Copok Excels in Both Academics and Sports

Images from Ms. Tiffany Chua Copok (@tcopok) https://www.instagram.com/p/CuovNSPucJ2/?hl=en

Manila, Philippines - Luciano Armand Copok recently made headlines by winning Bronze in the 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad and 2 Championships for Golf in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour and the Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT, all held in the USA.

Luciano Armand, 14 Years Old and a Grade 8 Student from British School Manila, has remarkable success in both fields as he juggles his studies and training simultaneously.

In the recently concluded 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad Global Round, He won Bronze in the Grade 7 - 8 division out of over 100 finalists from 22 countries, demonstrating his intelligence and dedication to the subject. Fellow Filipino Math Wizard Francis Deinmel Legaspi also won in his category. The Copernicus Olympiad is an international competition joined by students from Grades 3 to Grade 12, which aims to enhance and develop their potential by honing their logical deduction abilities and connecting with a like-minded group of people from around the globe.

Luciano Armand was also named Champion for two separate US golf tournaments. He first competed in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour for Boys 13-14 Years Old Category last July 8 in Freehold, New York. Then moved and claimed another Championship in Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT last July 18 in Ormond Beach, Florida.

His success is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He has proven that it is possible to excel at two seemingly unrelated activities and that it is possible to achieve success even when it requires juggling two different pursuits.

Armand's Mom, Ms. Tiffany Chua Copok, is thankful for the support they received for their son's competition journey.

The success of Luciano Armand in both the Math Olympiad and the Golf Tournaments is a reminder of the power of hard work and dedication and a testament that it is possible to succeed in multiple fields.

Bring Third Wave Coffee Right In Your Home With Breville’s Line of Espresso Machine

Coffee is more than just a quintessential drink. It is a hobby, a culture, and even a lifestyle for many. While a lot of trends have come and gone for everyone’s favorite morning pick-me-upper, many will agree that we are now in the golden era of appreciating and enjoying this drink as we continue to ride the great third coffee wave.

For a quick refresher, third wave coffee started in the 1980s when more focus was given to the coffee beans and the roasting methods used in crafting the drink. The goal of the movement was simple: bring exotic flavors out of well-grown beans to start a whole new level of appreciation for coffee. The third wave movement was a whole 360 turn from the first wave—where the beverage was highly commercialized for fast consumption with low priority given to quality (think 3-in-1 and instant packs)—and second wave coffee where cafe culture rose.

Vanessa Caceres, a pro in the field, has this to say to describe the third wave movement: "It represents a shift from the mass production and standardization of coffee to a focus on the unique characteristics of individual beans, cultivation methods, and brewing techniques. Third wave coffee enthusiasts often prioritize direct trade relationships with farmers, sustainable farming practices, and meticulous roasting and brewing methods to highlight the flavors and nuances of the coffee. This movement has led to an increased appreciation for coffee as a craft beverage, similar to the way wine or craft beer are appreciated.”

As third wave coffee continues to evolve, the appreciation for its culture continues to grow.

Unlike the early years when the understanding of third wave coffee was limited to a certain niche, however, access to it has now become more open to everyone. Breville Philippines, the leader in premium lifestyle home and kitchen partners, is one brand that has definitely helped unlock the appreciation for third wave coffee with its top-of-the-line range of espresso machines. For Breville, their mission was simple—give everyone a chance to bring home their love for third wave coffee through their products.

Proof of their dedication to this market promise is their wide range of espresso machines that fit the needs of every kind of coffee lover. Regardless of your love for the drink or your skill in making it, Breville has a kitchen partner that can blend in perfectly with your lifestyle.

The Barista Express is for those who feel more confident of exploring more ways to enjoy their coffee with its features that allow easier customization while the Barista Touch is recommended for coffee lovers who still need help in other aspects of coffee brewing with its auto milk function, user-friendly touch screen for customization and personalized brewing settings.

Patricia Villegas, a third wave coffee enthusiast who considers herself a newbie still when it comes to the culture has this to say about her love for the drink."The greatest challenge would be not knowing where to begin. I just knew I love coffee and I wanted to deepen my knowledge about it. Thankfully, there is a lot of great content and online groups dedicated to this topic which enabled me to learn more about third-wave coffee one day at a time."

Vanessa adds to this, saying, "With the third wave coffee, it’s not only about educating the people about the drink, but sharing the story behind the cup. [A big part of it] is all about providing genuine experience for those who want to experience it. From the consumer’s perspective, that means having a good espresso machine they can use. What I like about Breville is that it was able to design models that opened up this possibility for everyone–and without compromising the quality of the drink.”

The rise of brands like Breville has totally changed the game of third wave coffee culture by making it more accessible to the market all while retaining the ‘romance’ and precision that comes with it. Quality-wise, all coffee lovers can expect the same refined taste and experience regardless of their level of understanding of the culture. With the Breville Barista Line, anyone can elevate their current love for coffee by bringing home kitchen partners that can help them experiment more with their favorite drinks.

Those who want to elevate their home coffee experience will also be glad to know that Breville has more exciting things in store this year that will make all their caffeine-loving hearts beat harder, pun intended. Watch out for upcoming news from the brand and learn how you can #BringBrevilleHome by following their Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok accounts. You can also learn more about their products by visiting their website.

HP’s massive Gcash cashback on laptop PCs,Smart Tank printers to run till July 31. Up to Php 6,000 on cashback rewards, e.g. textbooks, uniformswith HP's back-to-school promo

HP is offering an exciting opportunity for students, parents, and individuals looking for the perfect PC and printer to equip themselves with the best tools for success. With the HP Back-to-School Promo, you can get GCash cashback rewards of up to Php 6,000 and reinvest them for other school needs, like textbooks, uniforms, and more. But this last-chance offer is only up to July 31, 2023.

Victus 15 by HP: solid option for students

The promo’s hero product, Victus 15 by HP, is perfect for students gearing up with their back-to-school essentials. This popular gaming laptop offers a powerful performance that satisfies gaming needs and excels in productivity, durability, versatility, and sleek design—attributes students appreciate. With the Victus 15 by HP, you can tackle school documents, video presentations, and designs, thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600H processor and ample memory. It is the ultimate multimedia companion for your educational journey.

HP Smart Tank 750: empowering students with convenient printing

This exclusive promo has made owning an HP Smart Tank 750 printer at home more accessible. With the convenience of wireless printing and the all-in-one functionality of the HP Smart App, students can scan, save, and print using a single app. The HP Smart Tank 750 fits families and students with printing needs, providing outstanding print quality, automatic two-sided printing, and shortcuts in the best-in-class HP Smart App. Say goodbye to printing hassles and hello to seamless productivity.

A range of participating HP laptop PCs and printers

Apart from the Victus 15 by HP and the HP Smart Tank 750, the HP Gcash back-to-school promo includes various participating HP laptop PCs and printers. HP has the perfect solution whether you're looking for a laptop PC that combines power and portability, or a printer that delivers exceptional quality and convenience. Explore the promo and discover the ideal PC and print products that suit your needs and budget.

To maximize your back-to-school budget, the cashback you get from the promo can be used to purchase school supplies, pay school fees, or even buy other school-essential gadgets such as an HP laptop PC.

Make the smart decision

Don't miss HP's massive GCash cashback rewards available exclusively in the HP Back-to-School Promo. Get the Victus 15 by HP, the HP Smart Tank 750, or other participating HP products and enjoy the benefits of powerful performance and huge savings.

Disclaimer: Promo details and availability may vary. Please refer to HP Philippines Facebook page for more information. Promo is from May 25 until July 31, 2023, with DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-167737 Series of 2023.

Promo Countdown! Gear up for back-to-school success with HP's top PC and print solutions and earn up to Php 6,000 in GCash cashback. Reinvest the cashback into textbooks, supplies, and more to maximize your budget. Hurry, this promo ends on July 31.

Get ready for productive printing at home with the HP Smart Tank printer, now available at a special price in time for the back-to-school season. Take advantage of this exclusive promo and enjoy the convenience of wireless printing while saving money.

Empower your studies with the Victus 15 by HP laptop, delivering exceptional performance for all your academic endeavors. Take advantage of the HP back-to-school promo and grab the HP Smart Tank Printer at a discounted rate, ensuring a reliable printing solution throughout the school year.

Luster: The Revolutionary Teeth Whitening Kit for a Confident Smile

Having a confident smile is essential in today's world, where first impressions matter. But what if your smile isn't as bright as it could be? Luster, the leading and top teeth whitening kit brand in the Philippines, has got you covered. Their revolutionary teeth whitening kit can whiten teeth as early as 7 days, giving you the confidence to smile and take on the world.

Luster's teeth whitening kit comes with 4 gel pens and an LED mouthpiece. The gel pens are formulated with a safe and effective whitening formula that breaks down stains on the surface of the teeth, leaving them visibly whiter and brighter. The LED mouthpiece speeds up the whitening process, ensuring that you achieve professional-grade results at home.

What sets Luster apart from other teeth whitening brands is its commitment to quality and safety. The brand only uses high-quality ingredients that have been tested and approved by dental professionals. This ensures that their products are safe and effective for everyday use, without causing any harm to the teeth and gums.

Luster is also easy and convenient to use. The compact gel pens can fit into any purse or pocket, making it easy to whiten your teeth on-the-go. The hands-free LED mouthpiece allows you to continue with your daily activities while whitening your teeth, making it perfect for busy people who want to multitask.

But Luster is not just a teeth whitening kit; it's a game-changer. It's perfect for anyone who wants to enhance their smile and boost their confidence. Whether you have a special event coming up or just want to feel more confident in your daily life, Luster can help you achieve that perfect smile.

In conclusion, Luster is a brand that you can trust to provide safe, effective, and convenient teeth whitening solutions. With Luster, you don't have to spend a fortune on expensive dental procedures to get a bright and confident smile. Try Luster's teeth whitening kit today and see the difference it can make in your life!

Fujifilm Philippines brings healthcare service to communities

Fujifilm Philippines, one of the most trusted leaders in imaging solutions, continues its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the Philippines by conducting health outreach programs in various parts of the country.

Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines President, said the Japanese company will partner with local government units to provide free medical consultations and diagnostic tests to communities using their innovative medical equipment. These include the FDR nano and FDR GO Plus for tuberculosis screening and X-ray.

"As part of our corporate social responsibility and commitment to adapting to the changing times, Fujifilm Philippines is taking action by implementing social initiatives to aid Filipinos and local government units. Through these outreach programs, we want to show our dedication toward the betterment of communities," he said.

Uehara noted that Fujifilm Philippines will first go to Majayjay, Laguna to kick off the outreach program and provide medical assistance to around 300 individuals.

"Majayjay is committed in providing quality healthcare to its citizens and its commitment makes it an ideal site to launch our health outreach program," he explained.

During the event, Fujifilm Philippines will also turn over medical kits, including sphygmomanometers and thermometers, to the local government of Majayjay to augment the local health centers' medical instruments.

"We are committed to providing medical assistance to communities in need. At the same time, we look forward to launching more programs that will benefit more Filipinos," Uehara added.

Pivoting to healthcare

Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products starting from the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers and X-ray Imaging Films. Introduction of these products paved the way to establish Fujifilm Brand.

In 2013, the business expanded to include Ultrasound Systems, Dry Chemistry, Digital Flat Panel Detectors, Endoscopy Systems and Digital Mammography Systems. Fujifilm then become one of the most competitive brands in the market as it continuously increase its installation around the Philippines.

Moreover, with FUJIFILM Corporation latest acquisition of Diagnostic Imaging-related Business of Hitachi, Ltd in 2021. Fujifilm Philippinesnow offers a comprehensive product lineup covering CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems Pictures Archiving and Communications System (PACS).

At the height of the pandemic, Fujifilm Philippines helped healthcare workers identify and monitor COVID-19 patients through a mobile X-ray system called the FDR Go PLUS.

Another innovative medical instrument is the FDR nano, a mobile device for high-quality X-ray imaging. Unlike the traditional mobile X-ray, which is around 500 kilograms, the FDR nano only weighs 90 kilograms. Its compact design makes it easy to use and ideal for confined spaces.

Uehara said Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to developing new technologies to produce exceptional products and facilitate the treatment of patients.

'Never stop' campaign

Besides health outreach programs, Fujifilm Philippines will also conduct basic photography training for young adults highlighting Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras and Instax. The training will be facilitated by Ms. Jam Ramos, instructor at Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) and a part-time multimedia teacher.

In 2020, Fujifilm Philippines launched the Fujifilm Online Academy, where professionals provide free training on photography, videography, and vlogging. Fujifilm will also put on display its various camera products including mirrorless cameras and Instax to provide a hands-on experience for the participants.

As part of its "Never Stop" global brand campaign, Fujifilm offers a diverse selection of products and services, such as Healthcare (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals), Materials (data storage media, electronic materials, sensor films for touch panels, film for LCD monitors, inkjets, and graphic systems), Business Innovation (office printers, digital production printers, and business solutions) and Imaging (instant photography/instax and advanced digital cameras).

Established in 2012 as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm's regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific, Fujifilm Philippines is committed to promoting sustainability and addressing social issues through developing innovative products, services, and technologies.

For more information about Fujifilm Philippines, visit www.fujifilm.com/ph.

Dr. Nielsen Donato and His True Heart for Animals

“What makes you wake up early in the morning?” asks veterinarian Dr. Nielsen Donato while strolling through his animal sanctuary. “It’s not work. It’s something that you’re excited about.”

When people think of veterinarians, they usually think of them tending to household pets, like cats and dogs. But Doc Nielsen isn’t a regular vet. He’s the managing partner and chief surgeon at Vets In Practice (VIP), which caters to not-your-usual pets, and he also has a background in Avian and Exotic Medicine.

But what makes him so special is his unbridled care for virtually any kind of animal, be it crawling, flying, galloping, or slithering.

Doc Nielsen’s passion started when he was around three years old. One of his favorite childhood memories was being excited about going to church just so he could see the yellow chicks and ducklings being sold by vendors outside.

Today, Doc Nielsen helps run the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center, which sits within his family’s property in Pansol. This non-profit organization houses around 100 species of farm animals and wildlife, including domestic and neglected pets, as well as exotic animals that were rescued from illegal sellers and dangerous living conditions. The wildlife park has everything from chickens and goats to monkeys and a serval cat, which he tends to with the help of his staff. It’s also backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which assists in acquiring and transporting animals to the park.

The veterinarian calls the park his “happy place,” which he visits as early as 5 am to see all of the animals and listen to the different sounds that envelope the whole park. “When I’m walking here in the morning or afternoon, it relaxes me. Nalilimutan ko yung mga stress, that’s why I call it my ‘haven,’” says Doc Nielsen.

Compassion project

“We support the animals with our own resources,” Doc Nielsen says as he shows the many enclosures in the park that the animals call home. He also provides them with nutritious food and medicine to keep them healthy while they’re living in the park.

He doesn’t do this alone. Apart from the staff he works with, Doc Nielsen’s family also helps. His kids, Cedric and Nina, are studying veterinary medicine, so they’re well on their way to following in their dad’s footsteps.

Giving animals a second chance

While giving a tour of the park, Doc Nielsen stops to feed and pet the animals he passes by. One of them is a bearcat (binturong), a nocturnal mammal with cat-like features that’s endemic to Palawan. Doc Nielsen explains that the bearcats were transported to the park with the help of DENR, and they are raised until they’re ready to be released back into the wild.

“I promised that if I ever breed any endemic wildlife animal in the park, my goal is to help repopulate their species and bring them back to their natural habitat,” he says. He also takes time to assess animals who might need medical attention and treat them right away to prevent infections.

It’s not always easy for Doc Nielsen to let go of animals, especially those that have been used to being around humans. Many of the monkeys, for example, lived in crowded areas and were treated as pets in their past lives. Releasing them back into the wild would be a safety risk for them because a troop of wild monkeys might hurt them.

This is why he and his staff ensure that animals like these get the care they need so they can live a long and healthy life. The wildlife sanctuary is their safe haven until they are ready to be released in a protected space.

Whether it’s at his clinic in the city or the wildlife park in Laguna, Doc Nielsen is always ready to offer his expertise and care to all types of species, no matter how scary they may seem.

“I always dreamed of being someone like [British veterinary surgeon] James Harriot. I’ve always wanted to treat dogs and cats, and farm animals as big as horses, goats, and sheep,” he said. “There weren’t exotic animals to treat yet [when I was just starting out.] Now, I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”

Doc Nielsen demonstrates how to bathe a Bayawak, with his resident monitor lizard, Bruce.

On full display: Drake the Peacock struts around his pen.

Zuma the Albino Burmese python and Doc Nielsen pose for the camera.

Best Friends Forever: Doc Nielsen and Kulit.

Feeding time: Violet, a rescued tortoise, snacks on papaya.

Dr. Nielsen Donato in his wildlife sanctuary in Laguna: “I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”

Listen, Think, Feel, with the New Song from The Dawn

“Is love still a thing?”

This can easily be a line in a love song. But, this is a question raised by one of the country's original rock bands, The Dawn, in their new song "Earth."

Known for its anthem songs like "Salamat" and "Iisang Bangka," "Earth" asks the existential question especially amid all the political, social, and even personal uncertainties.

The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan explains, "We, as human beings, when we’re faced with troubles that seem insurmountable, we tend to look the other way. Maybe not to say we’re in denial, it's more of the fear of the unknown. It’s been a struggle to be a human being. There’s always the question, can we go on like this? Is this the way we’re supposed to deal with things? Is there a better way?"

He pointed out that it’s not condescending but, in fact he asks himself the same question. The pandemic also raised that big question. “We're all hoping that after all these we become better people," he said.

Trust The Dawn to come up with a song that is timely and relevant. The society has seen a rise in mental health concerns among the youth. In fact, in a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), it highlighted that between 2013 and 2021, there are twice the number of young Filipinos who felt loneliness, sadness, and being disliked.

One of the band’s guitarists Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez, emphasized that “Is love still a thing,” can also be read as “is empathy still a thing?” Sanchez said that with the mode of communications now, it’s easy to be snarky. Their hope is that through this song and with this one powerful line, people will pause, reflect, and hope that they can be a little kinder.

Apart from the significance of its lyrics, there are a lot of reasons that make “Earth” distinct.

It was recorded during the pandemic and every member of the group had to record individually. The Dawn drummer JB Leonor shared he made a story with the drum parts alone. There’s a reason for every note of the drum.

“Earth” is the last song that their bassist Mon Legaspi recorded before he passed away. And it was an ode to him that they committed to finish the track.

Sanchez was the last one to record the guitar parts. “I lost the recordings when my hard drive failed. We had to ask permission from Mon’s sister and asked a friend to help extract his parts. It was really difficult for me to record my parts,” he said.

The song itself went through a lot and now that it’s here, it is definitely a treat not only to the loyal fans of The Dawn but to everyone who appreciates great music.

The reception to “Earth” inspires the band to keep on going. Credit goes to Francis “Kiko” Reyes, one of the guitarists, who said that during the pandemic, the band continued to connect creatively. Pangan enthused that with all his rally calls and with the reception to the new song, all fingers point to a new collection of songs, or an EP.

Recognizing also how dynamic the music industry is these days, The Dawn wants to make sure they are a part of it. He added that the labels and genres now are blurred and people are more accepting when they listen to music. They do not specify if a song is too rock or too hiphop.

Through the years, The Dawn has been blessed with a platform to be heard and this time, it’s their new song “Earth.” There’s no line to cross now that music has melded in all genres. And The Dawn has a lot to offer and being a true rockstar that they are, they are just going where music takes them. No pigeonholing, just true love for music.

Listen to The Dawn’s Earth now on Spotify and YouTube.

BPI supports artists and art lovers anew in Art Fair Philippines 2023

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is back at Art Fair Philippines 2023 with more support for artists and art lovers alike.

BPI, a staunch advocate of Philippine Arts, supports visual artists through partnerships and art lovers through the provision of greater access to artworks in art events such as Art Fair Philippines, which is coming back face-to-face from a three-year hiatus.

“As we appreciate the value of artists and their works, we also see the significance of collecting and keeping great artworks, which is why we at BPI continue to provide our support as well to art lovers who, time and time again, visit Art Fair Philippines and acquire valuable artworks,” said Jenelyn Z. Lacerna, the Group Head of BPI Unsecured Lending and Cards, Product and Sales.

Art Fair Philippines 2023, which is happening on February 17-19 at The Link in Ayala Center in Makati City, will feature over 60 exhibitors from the Philippines and overseas as the art exhibition celebrates its 10th year. It is co-presented by BPI and Ayala Land, among other corporate supporters.

To promote art appreciation and further boost the local art scene, BPI offers complimentary access to cardholders of BPI Visa Signature, Platinum Rewards Mastercard, Amore Platinum Cashback, and Gold Mastercard.

“At BPI, we consider keepers of valuable art works as art investors, as the works they acquire become part of their investment portfolio,” Lacerna said.

BPI has been the caretaker of more than 1,000 artworks by many prominent Filipino artists, such as Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, and Ben Cabrera. Most of these art pieces are the country’s finest expressions of Philippine culture and are reflective of BPI’s inherent values.

“The kind of support BPI gives to art lovers provides them greater access to exclusive events such as Art Fair Philippines, which continues to showcase the country’s vibrant local art scene and helps Filipino visual artists generate support and reach a wider audience,” Lacerna added.

BPI affirms its commitment to recognize and nurture the country’s artistry and talent through its participation in events like this.

One of the many galleries featured in the art fair is Art Cube, which provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collections. The gallery, which will be located on the 5th Level, Booth No. 5, will feature the works of father-and-son Renato and Guerrero Habulan, showing a glimpse of ordinary people: iconic images of the masses, their dignity amid hardship, and as an inspiration. Renato, a post-war and contemporary painter, is one of the most influential and award-winning watercolor artists in the country. Guererro, a recipient of the Thirteen Artists Awards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, combines different figurative styles and approaches—from hyperrealism to pop surrealism to the “ready-made” images of silk screen printing.

Also featured in this year’s edition of the art fair includes Celine Lee, who has been recognized for her work, including the Juror’s Choice Award of Merit at the Philippine Art Awards in 2020. She has a diverse portfolio that includes paintings, sculptures, embroidery pieces, and multimedia works that show her innovative use of different materials and media.

Art lovers can also check out the works of Winna Go, a finalist in multiple competitions in 2018, such as the LRT Art Competition, Shell National Student Art Competition, Metrobank Art and Design Excellence Competition, and Regional Winner for Philippine Art Awards. In most of her works, she gathers inspiration from the history of the Chinese diaspora, the richness of the Chinese and Filipino culture, her identity and positionality in society, and the beauty of nature.

“We invite the art enthusiasts out there to come and join us at the Art Fair Philippines and discover the country’s artistry and talent. Check out the many participating galleries that showcase Filipino artistry at its best,” Lacerna added.

For more information, please visit the Art Fair Philippines website and follow Art Fair Philippines on Instagram (@artfairph) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/artfairph).

Why Should Businesses, Even SMEs, Invest on GenSet?

In the advent of economic and industrial transformation, businesses, even those small start-up ones, are already considering installing a ready power GenSet for their company. Most of the business plans created will attest to this. A more preventive and budget friendly model that will surely be a long term help for every company.

Power outage is one of those uncontrollable circumstances that should always be considered. Huge established businesses/companies already know its significance because of all the assessments and studies done, but for SMEs, for some, they consider this as ‘too-much’ for their available fund, therefore, taking the idea in the shelf.

The World Bank reports that the Philippine economy stays resilient (Philippine Economic Update, December 2022) despite all the reports about inflation and economic dowturn. All these current problems might affect our resources’ supply including power, if worse comes to worst. Therefore, to prevent these possible losses from happening and maintain our stable finances, we should invest in a power generator

Looking at long-term advantage and business efficiency are something that you should always take in consideration.

According to Market Business News, there are four compelling reasons why you should, as the business owner, consider purchasing your own generator set.

Maintaining the productivity of your workers

Every business, even start-ups, requires employees for assistance and to achieve your day to day business goals. You should ensure that these people are always productive at work to reach their quota and achieve those needed sales. Just like what mentioned, power outages are one of those that could hurt your business, especially if you’re using machines that need electricity (like bakeshops, canned goods producers and many others).

Clearly, a power generator set could avoid this. The generator will supply electric energy to your machines, resulting in continuous production of your employees. Power outages will not be feared anymore.

2.      Retaining customers

Getting new clients is hard for the business, however, retaining those existing ones is more challenging. These loyal customers help us gain new clients also through word of mouth or possible recommendations. And do not forget the power of the internet, these retained clients could also show their satisfaction by creating reviews on their social media accounts or even blog entries. With these, we can never afford to lose them just because we are affected by power outages. Closing your store during working hours should always be the last option in our mind. You wouldn’t want to see  them at the office of your competitor, right?

3.      Enhance brand reputation

You might fail to build your brand reputation if your store or office is closed because of an unexpected power problem. Remember that when creating a business, brand reputation should be established. This is established  by many different factors and should continuously build overtime. In a business point of view, this is very crucial since there are potential clients who are very keen on checking for business reliability. Most of them will check for all your available resources and if you don’t have your own power generator to assist during power outages, you will be out of their list.

A standby genset will give you that extra advantage in the competition. Full assistance to your client’s needs will gain you positive feedback that eventually adds up to your brand reputation.

4.     Boost security of your facility

To be able to achieve business success, business security (of all facets) should be ensured. Remember that attackers could take advantage of your facility’s resources when out of power. During power outages, the light, alarm and CCTV facility will not function, therefore, giving a huge chance for violations to happen.

To make sure that this will not happen, your power generator from a reputable brand should be put in place. Remember that secured business gives a better chance of success.

These are four of the many reasons that could push you to do the purchasing. If budget is too much of an issue, try securing a second hand electric power system  or Used GenSet for the meantime (but still  from a distinguished brand), again, for business security.  And when you get that business-boom in the future, do the replacing if needed.

Power problems are uncontrollable, so better think of ways to counter its negative effect on your business. #

New Year, New HONOR Phone?

As part of HONOR Philippines’ pledge to a more aggressive 2023, the leading global smart devices provider is welcoming the year with a brand new phone! What is it? You’ve got to stay tuned!

MANILA, Philippines - January 5, 2023 – After an impressive finish in 2022, HONOR Philippines is starting the year strong. With a new phone coming up, the major smart devices market player stayed true to its promise that they will only GO BEYOND this 2023.

 

“We are launching our first phone of the year this January and this will be revolutionary. We are introducing a first ever feature in the industry,” teased HONOR Philippines Vice President for Marketing, Stephen Cheng. “Just like what we promised to our HONOR fans, we have a spectacular lineup for the year and this is just the start, a very strong start.”

 

The new HONOR phone hitting the market caters to the never-ending concern of consumers – durability. Built to last a lifetime, the new device is perfect for cautious trend observers who value quality, those who are curious about technology, and conduct their own research before making a purchase.

 

Not compromising the design, this handset will surely exceed expectations. This will be a bang for your buck with its stunning premium curved OLED inherited from the flagship series.

 

The new phone will be officially launched on January 19, 2023. For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

 

In the meantime, you can checkout HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches at any HONOR kiosks and partner stores nationwide or online at Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).