Monthly Archives

October 2020

Entertainment

Filipina Rapper Alex Bruce drops infectious new jam “Yakap”

Alex Bruce

It’s been a very challenging year for the music industry in general, but not to Alex Bruce, who continues to enjoy commercial and critical plaudits—thanks to her slickly produced, empowering anthems.

Her Wish 107.5 Bus performances of “Mind As A Weapon” and “Pull It Off” have garnered more than a million hits respectively, while the latter earned the young prodigy a record for the youngest female artist to have scored a top 3 on Wave 89.1’s weekly chart. To top it off, the 13-year-old rapper/songwriter has recently teamed up with global hitmaker August Rigo, whose songwriting and production credits include BTS’ “Black Swan” and Justin Bieber’s multi-platinum album, My World 2.0, for the trap banger “Go Crazy.”

With barely two months left for 2020, the feisty newcomer isn’t showing any signs of slowing down with the release of “Yakap,” an endearing love song in hip-hop/R&B form.

Intricately laced with dreamy atmospherics and infectious beats, “Yakap” finds Alex Bruce dealing with her first-hand experience on puppy love and infatuation. Her latest single plays out like a simp-worthy jam: thematically appropriate for Alex Bruce’s age, but charismatic enough to sweep listeners off their feet.

Yakap is all about my crush,” the bubbly newcomer fondly shares the inspiration behind the urban jam. “Well, if you guys didn’t know, I’m 13 turning 14 this Christmas, and like a normal teenager, I started to experience weird things like puppy love. So for me to express my feelings, I wrote a song about this person.”

The song was a three-way collaboration with Alex Bruce, her dad, who is currently in Australia, and music producer Cursebox. The songwriting, recording, and production were done in a span of two weeks, with the involved heads brainstorming and working together though Zoom meetings to discuss matters related to the new track. Alex adds, “Sometimes it’s hard because I have online class and it’s still very different from homeschooling that I’m used to. I’m still adapting to this kind of set up, all of us are.”

For what it’s worth, “Yakap” truly has the makings of another game-changing hit. It’s another testament to Alex Bruce’s incredibly compelling talent as a rapper, singer, and lyricist—a triple-threat that will surely go to places in the many years to come.

Yakap” is now available on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

 

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, News

Marks the NOVUHAIR Celebrates 10.10

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The Philippines’ Health, Beauty & Wellness guru Ms. Cory Quirino joins NOVUHAIR®and completes the list of high-caliber professionals fromdifferent fields of expertise tagged “VIP Coaches”: Fanny Serrano(Salon & Beauty VIP Coach), Hon. Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso(Leadership VIP Coach), Jim Saret(Fitness VIP Coach),Toni Saret(Fitness & Nutrition VIP Coach), Dr. Cecile Catapang(Aesthetic & Rejuvenation VIP Coach), Dr. Risa Caldoza-De Leon(Dermatology & Beauty VIP Coach), Dr. Harris Acero(Wellness & Nutrition VIP Coach), Alopecia Warrior Abby Asistio(Inspirational VIP Coach), Master Hans Cua (Feng Shui VIP Coach) and finally, the addition of Ms. Cory Quirino(Health, Beauty & Wellness VIP Coach).

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Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, News

Why your hair might be falling out? The 5 reasons of hair loss

Honestly, hair loss or hair fall is never fun and most people will do anything to prevent this. However losing up to 100 strands of hair every day is normal. If your hair starts to shed more significant than usual, or if they do not grow back as they should, it can be a source of concern. Once the cause is detected, hair fall remedy or baldness cure for hair loss treatment can be easier.

While genetic condition like male pattern baldness is the main culprit for hair loss in the Philippines, the causes widely vary: genetic or hereditary hair loss, alopecia areata, male pattern hair loss and reactive hair loss.

What are the possible reasons why your hair is excessively shedding? Find out the 5 reasons why your hair might be falling out. Read more: https://bit.ly/35xfuDA

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Entertainment

“Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project” attests to 6cyclemind’s enduring appeal

As an initiative to introduce the younger listeners to the generation-defining anthems that conquered the airwaves for almost two decades, Sony Music Philippines and 6cyclemind are finally releasing the special compilation, Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project yesterday, October 28 (Wenesday), on Spotify and other streaming platforms worldwide.

More importantly, it brings a great opportunity for new artists to breakout in the music scene.

The covers record, which features shortlisted entries from music fans remaking select hits from 6cyclemind’s acclaimed pop-rock catalog, contains three tracks that were rearranged and given a fresh new spin to contrast or complement with the band’s distinct sound.

Bianca – Biglaan

Released as digital singles a few months earlier, Bianca’s “Biglaan” and Twenty-Nine Eleven’s “I” took creative liberties in terms of arrangement and interpretation, but retained the original’s melodic sensibilities as a way to preserve and recognize its timeless appeal.

Twenty-Nine Eleven

To date, Bianca’s version of “Biglaan” has racked up 1.6 million streams on Spotify, while Twenty-Nine Eleven’s version of “I” has amassed more than 3 million streams on the same platform.

Payapa Project – Kasalanan

Payapa Project, composed of Dan Billano (Vocals), JepoyAlmario (Percussion), TatitEscolano (Guitars), Choi Gonzales (Bass) and Raf Gonzales (drums), completes the trifecta of releases from the Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project. The alternative rock outfit, through their vocalist’s powerful voice, was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to render their own version of “Kasalanan,” a chart-topping song from the album, Project 6cyclemind. Their infectious take officially drops today as the third and final single of the tribute compilation.

These songs are now re-released into a music video format helmed by the band’s manager and sixth member Darwin Hernandez. The final versions of the cover tunes were recorded at Backdoor Recording Studio, and were produced by 6cyclemind and Soupstar Music.

Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

News

Antonio Caruso Coming to Take Everything Eduard Folayang Has and More

Antonio Caruso

Australia’s Antonio “The Spartan” Caruso is no doubt stepping into the biggest bout of his career.

Caruso meets former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines next, when the two help kickstart the fireworks at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore this Friday, 30 October.

The rising star from Adelaide in South Australia believes Folayang is ripe for the taking, and is planning a statement-making performance to boost him through the lightweight ranks.

“Folayang is explosive, but no offense, he’s 36 years old now. We all know that saying that time doesn’t do us justice. I’m a young and hungry man, so come October 30, I’m going to be all over him. My explosion, I’m going to take it out on him, and you’re going to see that Friday night,” said Caruso.

Caruso, 7-1, is a well-rounded fighter most adept on the ground. Folayang, on the other hand, is one of the most explosive strikers in Asian mixed martial arts. It’s a good contrast of styles that should provide fans an exciting back-and-forth affair.

“The Spartan” is confident ahead of the bout, and says fans should expect a quick finish, if the opportunity presents itself.

“He shows me his neck, I’m going to take it. That’s how I work. That’s how I operate. You give me anything, and I’m going to take it. I’m going to choke him,” said Caruso. “To beat a guy like Eduard will be massive for my career, definitely sending me one step closer to that ONE Championship World Title.”

One man in Caruso’s corner, his Sanford MMA teammate Martin Nguyen, also the reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion, has already beaten Folayang before when they fought back in 2017. Nguyen put Folayang to sleep care of a counter overhand right that landed right on the button.

Nguyen has no doubt shared information on how to beat Folayang with Caruso, and the Australian says working with “The Situ-Asian” has been invaluable for his career.

“To have the extensive information that I’ve already got on Eduard is massive. Obviously, he’s already a very experienced fighter. There’s a lot of footage on him, of how he’s fought. And then to have a guy like Martin who has fought him and beat him is massive. To be a part of Sanford MMA, I believe is one of the best things in the world,” said Caruso.

“His striking ability, his ability to be explosive and come forward, his spinning attacks. He’s got excellent leg kicks. There are a lot of good things about Eduard. But at the same time, there are a lot of holes also that have been exposed many times before. These are the holes that me and my team have noticed, and we’re going to expose again.”

ONE Championship returns on Friday, 30 October with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The blockbuster features four World Title bouts for a total of six compelling martial arts contests.

In the main event, reigning ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar defends his middleweight title against top contender Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder of The Netherlands.

As an underdog, Caruso is heading into his much-anticipated showdown with Folayang looking to score a major upset over a fan-favorite. “The Spartan” feels there is no pressure on him to win, and that all eyes will be on Folayang.

“I feel like the pressure would be on him. He’s the guy who’s got all this exposure, and the country right behind him. If anything, the pressure is going to be on him. I’m just in there. I don’t care who it is, to me it’s just another name, it’s just another fight. I don’t feel the pressure of the names. I just can’t wait to get in there and put on a show for the Filipino fans and for the world,” said Caruso.

If he can beat Folayang decisively, Caruso believes it will do wonders for his career. He’s excited for the possibilities, and can’t wait to step inside the Circle with one of the Philippines’ all-time greats.

“There’s no man out there on the planet that has the heart like me. I respect Eduard, because he has massive heart that he’s shown in his whole career. But this is a whole new era, and I’m coming in to take everything he’s got. I want to become a legend just like him. I want to be spoken about as a legend just like he has. Coming October 30, I want everything he has and more and I can’t wait. I can’t wait to take it,” Caruso ended.

 

 

 

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, News

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Promo duration: August 25, 2020 to February 24, 2021

 

Sports

Eduard Folayang Responds to Retirement Talks: It’s Not in My Vocabulary

Fans say 2-time former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines is at a crossroads in his career. Veteran Philippine fight scribes certainly seem to back that train of thought.

Having lost three of his last four bouts, Folayang is in a must-win situation against an unranked lightweight contender in Australia’s Antonio “The Spartan” Caruso. The two meet at the center of the ONE Circle at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, happening this Friday, 30 October, and broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

The 36-year-old Team Lakay stalwart is excited to turn some heads and prove that he still has what it takes to make a run at the world title. Folayang has responded to talks of retirement with a display of confidence, and is coming into his next bout with positivity.

The Filipino icon can’t wait to show fans how much he’s gotten better, even at his age.

“I know there are a lot of people who think I should retire, especially if I lose this fight against Antonio Caruso. That’s understandable. But the word retirement is not yet in my vocabulary. I believe there is still a lot of potential to be unleashed,” said Folayang.

“I am a true martial artist, and I’m constantly learning even at this age. We have a saying in Team Lakay, ‘you win or you learn.’ This means I am constantly getting better with every fight.”

Folayang is currently in Singapore now with Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao, and several of his teammates. Together, they’ve experienced firsthand how ONE Championship has been able to implement strict health and safety protocols in order to make this event possible in a new Covid-19 world.

From the moment the team had stepped into the international airport in Manila, to the moment they arrived in their hotel rooms, every process has been strictly controlled. Folayang shines some light on those processes.

“There are a lot of rules that need to be followed and everything is very strictly controlled. But that’s a good thing. ONE Championship has really done an amazing job working with the Singapore Government, and everything has been great so far,” said Folayang.

“There are a lot of documents required, constant swab testing, personal detail and escort going to and from the hotel, temperature checks at every juncture, and of course, room quarantine. We’re still able to train, move around and do our thing, but what happens is we’re isolated with only a certain group of people. This limits our exposure.”

ONE Championship returns on Friday, 30 October with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The blockbuster features four World Title bouts for a total of six compelling martial arts contests.

In the main event, reigning ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar defends his middleweight title against top contender Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder of The Netherlands.

Folayang is confident of victory, and he is also confident humanity can get past its current situation. To the 36-year-old “Landslide,” it’s all about keeping the right mindset in the face of tough challenges, just as he has done all throughout his career.

“We all have a choice how we approach our problems. The world will throw stuff at us, different challenges, but it’s always up to the individual how to deal with those challenges. Do we rise up to face them? Or do we fold? I choose to be positive and think of the good things that will come through after this pandemic is over,” said Folayang.

“There’s a lot to look forward to, and I’m hopeful for the future.”

 

News

Manila Water Laboratory Services recognized as Laboratory of Excellence

Manila Water Laboratory Services (MWLS) was recently acknowledged as a Laboratory of Excellence after rounds of proficiency testing by Waters ERA in August and September this year, with results based on comparison with over 300 laboratories across the globe. To support its certifications and accreditations from relevant agencies, MWLS sought this latest recognition as validation that its methods and processes pass world-class standards to ensure that the water that reaches customers’ water meter is clean and safe to drink and wastewater effluent remains safe to support biological life in rivers and waterways.

MWLS Head Ms. Joy De Vera shares that this is part of the laboratory’s efforts towards continuous improvement. “Manila Water Laboratory Services commits to consistently provide accurate and reliable test results that is why we pursued this Proficiency Testing by ERA and we are pleased to have received satisfactory rating in all test parameters evaluated,” adds De Vera.

These parameters include total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfates, calcium hardness and total hardness for drinking water; and total solids (TS), total suspended solids (TSS), settleable solids (SS) and oil and grease (O&G) for wastewater.

According to its website, US-based Waters ERA “has evolved to become the premier providers of Proficiency Testing (PT) products and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) to thousands of laboratories around the world and across multiple industries… serving laboratories in more than 80 countries.”

MWLS is likewise accredited to ISO 17025:2017 standards on quality management system for testing and calibration laboratories and accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW). It is also recognized by the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) as an Environmental Laboratory.

Sports

Should Eduard Folayang Ride Off Into the Sunset? Veteran Journalists Weigh In

2-time former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines is a global martial arts superstar, and has been the face of Philippine mixed martial arts for years. His epic performances inside the ONE Circle have inspired many, and to this day, he continues to make a run toward a third title reign.

But having lost three of his last four contests, are Folayang’s best days behind him? Many fans and experts believe that Folayang should consider hanging up his gloves and riding off into the sunset.

The 36-year-old martial arts icon is currently in Singapore, making the final preparations for his next bout, a three round mixed martial arts contest against Australia’s Antonio “The Spartan” Caruso. The bout will take place at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, scheduled for live global broadcast on Friday, 30 October from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

Three of the Philippines’ most well-respected fight scribes have weighed in on Folayang’s career moving forward.

Dennis Gasgonia of ABS CBN News believes Folayang should consider calling it a career, especially if he loses against Caruso, who is currently an unranked lightweight contender.

“The competition at lightweight is actually getting stiffer with new guys coming in. This diminishes Folayang’s chances of getting another title shot. But I know Folayang becoming champion again is something Filipino fans want to see,” said Gasgonia.

“I don’t know if it will still be doable at this stage of his game, but he needs to add to his unpredictability. Some of his opponents can already read his moves, making him vulnerable to getting knocked out. He should retire and think about his future if he loses against an unranked fighter.”

Bong Lozada of Inquirer Sports, who has covered Folayang’s career extensively over the years, shares similar sentiments. Lozada, however, believes Folayang needs a spectacular performance in order to keep his world title dreams alive.

“This is do-or-die for Eduard Folayang, put it simply. There’s no denying that Folayang is up there in the years but for him to get back to the title picture that he’s always wanted, he should beat Anthony Caruso convincingly and a split decision won’t cut it,” said Lozada.

Folayang was already 32 years of age when he stopped Shinya Aoki in 2016. He captured the vacant lightweight belt against Amir Khan two years later. He nearly knocked out former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez last year before getting submitted.

Folayang has no doubt faced some of the top lightweights in the world over the course of his 13 year professional career. To suffer defeat at the hands of Caruso would be devastating, according to Lozada.

“Make no mistake, Folayang was one of the best lightweights of his era in ONE Championship instilling fear with his devastating striking. But age has ultimately caught up to him and he went 1-3 in his past four fights, which did significant damage to his notoriety. Folayang hasn’t had a stoppage victory since his win against Shinya Aoki when he claimed the lightweight title and that was the fight that people say was the best version of the ‘Landslide,’ when he just absolutely brutalized the Japanese legend,” Lozada added.

“Folayang still has the champion’s mentality and that will be his biggest strength against the faster and more athletic stars of the division. He still has power, he nearly knocked Eddie Alvarez out, but as nature intended his speed has also come down with age. He said that the fight against Caruso is a new start and he needs to string three or four wins to get back to the title race.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmimZHVjcOp/

According to JM Siasat of GMA News, who has a very close relationship with Folayang, the Team Lakay veteran still has much to offer the sport.

“I think Eduard Folayang, at this point in his career, is at a crossroads. His performance against Antonio Caruso will dictate whether or not he is still capable of entering the world title picture,” said Siasat.

“Yes he lost three of his last four fights. But if we go back and analyze those fights, they were very close and could have gone either way. They weren’t career-ending losses. All things considered, Folayang has performed very well recently, despite the losses.”

Siasat believes Folayang did very well against third-ranked lightweight Pieter Buist, in particular, which he lost via close split decision, and also against Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu, a bout which ended in a technical decision victory for the Filipino due to injury.

“It was Chatri [Sityodtong] who even said he saw Folayang outclass Eddie Alvarez before making a mistake. Like I said, his recent losses weren’t career-ending. They were very close fights. Do I think he should retire if he loses to Caruso? I think Eduard Folayang, at 36 years old, still has a lot left in the tank,” said Siasat.

“Just because Caruso is unranked, doesn’t mean he is an unworthy opponent. He’s still dangerous. However, if he does lose this next fight, it will tell us that he is no longer a world title caliber athlete. Now, that could be a reason to retire, but it doesn’t mean he can no longer fight. At 36 years old, he can still fight. But is he the same fighter he was when he defeated Shinya Aoki in Singapore in 2016? No he’s not. He’s aging. No matter what sport you belong to, nobody ever beats Father Time.”

Folayang returns to action on Friday, 30 October at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX. The event features four World Title matchups for a total of six compelling martial arts contests.

Two-division ONE World Champion Aung La N Sang defends his ONE Middleweight World Title against the undefeated Reinier De Ridder in the main event, while ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian Lee takes on number-one contender Iuri Lapicus in a battle between fierce finishers in the co-main event.

Knockout artists Martin Nguyen and Thanh Le collide with Nguyen’s ONE Featherweight World Title on the line. And ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion Xiong Jing Nan meets Singapore’s very own Tiffany Teo in an epic rematch.

Siasat, for one, thinks Folayang is still a force to be reckoned with at lightweight, regardless of how many fights he’s lost in recent times.

“The crossroads comes with the decision to continue. Do you decide to continue knowing you no longer have the ability to compete for a world title? At the end of the day, fighting is his livelihood. Win or lose, he can still continue to fight. It’s just a matter of determining now if he’s still a legit world title contender,” Siasat concluded.

“Then again, if Folayang puts in a statement making victory against Caruso, and we see a vintage performance, just maybe he can get back into world title contention. If he dominates this fight and wins it convincingly, he can break the top 5 rankings again. If he loses badly against Caruso, then retirement is an option.”

 

Lifestyle, News

J&T Express launched its online campaign, #CertifiedLokalista

During this uncertain times we are all trying to adapt to this new normal and we’re all hoping that the pandemic will end soon but with the current challenges faced by local businesses, J&T Express, one of the leading e-commerce delivery companies in Southeast Asia, launched a new campaign, which aims to put the spotlight on local online sellers affected by the current global health crisis.

Since the start of lockdowns and community quarantines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has seen a surge in the number of registered online businesses in the country. From 1,700 in March, online business soared to over 75,000 in September as people turned to use the internet for income.

As local entrepreneurs move to online platforms, some still struggle on the logistics side of their businesses. The barrier for most of these local online sellers is on how they can deliver their goods fast, easily, safely, and hassle-free, due to limited mobility.

With this reality, J&T Express’ online campaign, #CertifiedLokalista: GawangPinoy, Panalo ‘Yan,” which seeks to support locally made products, promote small businesses, as well as empower local entrepreneurs to succeed online through a testimonial type contest.

The contest is open to all local online sellerages 20 years old and above. The online business must be established originally by the participant. Resellers, on the other hand, are not eligible to join.

To join, the qualified participants must first register through this link bit.ly/jntlfcertifiedlokalista. They will be asked to send their Lokalista story, discussing their Pinoy-made products offered.

“We have seen how Filipinos, especially during this pandemic, explore their interests and push the limits of their creativity and resourcefulness by turning their passion into entrepreneurial endeavors. Through our #CertifiedLokalista, we want entrepreneurs to realize a more practical and efficient operation, as well as to inspire local sellers to grow and express their online business,” said Zoe Chi, the Vice President of J&T Express Philippines.

Aside from featuring the winning small businesses through the videos shared on social media, the participants will also get a chance to win a total of PhP20,000 worth of free delivery services that they can use to deliver their products to their customers across the country.

They will be offered to join the VIP platform, the online sellers will enjoy exclusive perks, such as discounts in all the services provided by J&T Express, access to dashboard, free pick up services and many more.

J&T Express has always been dedicated to helping local online businesses grow by serving as a delivery partner that provides quality services at affordable rates. It also vows to ensure the safety of products through its real-time tracking, as well as to provide insurance and other safety precautions, especially amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it has over 500 branches across the Philippines.