Monthly Archives

February 2021

Lifestyle, News

The Project “PilipinasKontraGutom” was launched to help end the Starvation in the Philippines

MANILA-“Lahatkasali, lahatkasalo” 22 FEBRUARY 2021. This is the rally cry of the national, multi-sectoral anti-hunger campaign PilipinasKontraGutom (PKG), which was officially launched on Monday by government and private sector partners working together on different initiatives with a shared goal: 1 million less hungry Filipinos by 2022.

PKG is pursuing a nation-wide approach to achieving its immediate and long-term goals of combating involuntary hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines, with the help of the private sector, non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations, and spearheaded by the government’s Task Force Zero Hunger (TFZH), chaired by Cabinet Secretary KarloNograles.

Nograles, speaking at the virtual launch program of the PKG, thanked all the groups and organizations “that recognize the importance of fighting hunger and have committed themselves to working for a hunger-free Philippines.”

Starvation is a hidden foe that can no longer be ignored; maramingapektado, maramingkailangantulungan. We should be all in, all out in our fight against hunger—anyone who can chip in should contribute, and anyone who can help should go all out.’

The government partners present at the event include Mr. Mat Maderazo, representing the Secretary for Agriculture, Rodolfo Encabo, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Lope Santos, Director of the Department of Education, Jim Sampulna, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,Executive Director AzucenaDayanghirang of the National Nutrition Council, Undersecretary MarloIringan of the Interior and Local Government Department, Undersecretary Ruth Castelo of the Trade and Industry Department,Dr. Milflor Gonzales, Department of Food and Nutrition Research Institute of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI), Assistant Secretary Florentino Loyola, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Assistant Director Cynthia Villena, National Economic and Development Authority, Director Mary Anne DelaVeqa, Budget and Management Department,Department of Labor and Welfare Chief Karen Trayvilla, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Nestor Santiago, PCOO Communication Services Bureau Dir. Ma. Ma. Florinda Princess E. Duque and Agrarian Reform Department Undersecretary Emily Padilla.

PKG has developed into a movement that includes about 70 partners from private businesses, non-profit organizations and different organizations since it was organized in November last year.

With private company joined like Aboitiz, AXA, Bayer, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Cargill, Century Pacific Food, Inc., Coca-Cola, East West Seed, Dole Philippines, Harbest, JG Summit Holdings Inc., Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Kraft Heinz, McDonald’s Philippines and Mega Global Corp. are private companies. MondelezMetrobank,Pilmico Foods Corporation, RFM Corporation, Nestlé Philippines, NutriAsia, San Miguel Corporation, SM Supermalls, Unilever Philippines, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), Unilab, and Vitarich.AGREA, Go Negosyo, the League of Corporation Foundations, the Philippine Enterprise for Social Change (PBSP), the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA), Scaling Up Nutrition, the Philippines Supply Chain Management Association (SCMAP) and the UN Global Compact are organisations and industry associations.

The non-government organizations and foundations that have also joined are ABS-CBN LingkodKapamilya Foundation, Aboitiz Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Caritas, GawadKalinga, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Jollibee Group Foundation, Kabisig ng Kalahi, Manila Water Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Project PEARLS, Rise against Hunger Philippines and Metrobank Foundation

PKG’s digital and media partners, on the other hand, include Cobena Business Analytics and Strategy, Inc. Grab Philippines, GCash, PayMaya, Lazada, Shopee, Facebook, Google, TikTok, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Business World, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Kapisanan ng mgaBrodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and IKOT.PH.

Fighting hunger, one project at a time

PKG scheme on a larger outcome to do lasting initiatives for targeted recipients and will fight with this food availability and accessibility, adequate nutrition and crises assistance. These are persistent with the Zero Hunger roadmap outlined in the National Food Policy unveiled by TFZH last month.

PKG’s initial plan comprises of:

  • Farmer assistance: With the aim of increasing farming as a noble and lasting profession. PKG wants to elevate farmer income by as much as 20% within the years and to double farmer productivity by 2025 via the expansion of value chain projects and logistics improvements.
  • Sustainable nutrition programs: Projects that collectively aim to lower the undernourished Filipino children in all households this 2030 through a plan that includes a campaign to promote proper breastfeeding, to educate about malnutrition, and to roll out nutritious meals for Filipino families.
  • Disaster response: Private sectors companies will help to transform their disaster response in close partnership and coordination with the attached national agencies and local government units in order to streamline the private sector’s efforts to facilitate a prepared, synchronized, and targeted action flow for food security when crises strike.
  • Food Banking: This effort includes the commencement of food surplus assessments among food manufacturers, restaurants, supermarkets, and public markets in Metro Manila, with the food surplus from donors eventually allocated for distribution to those in need.

To help these campaigns, to give ideas about hunger and to ask for other companies and organizations to join PKG programs. PKG is going to set a public information drive campaign, to know more about the details you can access it through pilipinaskontragutom.com

February 22, 2021 by
Entertainment

The Emotion of “What Other People Say” Music Video really hit Demi Lovato and Sam Fischer

As Demi Lovato and Sam Fischer is now launching their new single “What Other People Say” by the help of RCA records, both artist shared their different reactons and emotions for the song’s music video that is out now and ready to be watch.

Directed by Dano Cerny, the video features both Sam and Demi set within a train carriage, showcasing them going about their own lives, but with a unity of emotion that highlights the song’s message of being alone together. Written by Sam before his single “This City” became a global hit, it was a song he always knew would be a duet and was blown away when Demi Lovato became the perfect person to accompany him on vocals.

Penned about a feeling of being alone and not wanting to let people down, the pairing takes two different lives and perspectives and unites them in one message of human experience, emotion and togetherness. With other 5 million worldwide streams since its release last week, is a truly special track with a powerful, moving and relatable chorus and is Sam’s first official single releases since “This City.”

Sam+Demi promo image (photo credit Angelo Kritikos)

Sam shares,“What Other People Say is a confession, realizing how far away you can get from who you are in an effort to be liked. It’s about the pressures of society and how getting caught up with the wrong things can change you.”

Demi weighs in about the song saying,“This song is a reflection on what it’s like to lose who you truly are in an effort to please other people and society.  It’s why I wanted to make this song with Sam – ultimately it’s about two humans coming together to connect and find solutions to their problems.”

Aside from the big triump of Sam on his new single, he also shared that he was been awarded as YouTube’s first ‘Artist on the Rise’ for 2021, along with other previous winners like Mabel, Aitch, Freya Ridings, Mahalia, Beabadoobee and Celeste.

“What Other People Say”, by Sam Fischer and Demi Lovato, Is now available on Youtube and you can now stream it and other videos of RCA Records and Sonny Music.

 

 

 

 

February 22, 2021 by
Entertainment

. “Paraluman” delivers the perfect shifting of romantic confession into pop-rap hybrid

Raven creates melody jams that connect on a universal level, influenced by his observations about life and its parallel influences from film, art, literature, and pop culture. The 21-year-old singer-songwriter, aside from composing and performing his own songs, often dives into the production side of music making, frequently blurring the lines of bedroom pop, lo-fi rap, indie folk, and chill music to create limitless individuality that appeals to a new generation of listeners.

On his debut single “Paraluman,” rising singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Raven captures the essence of young love. The catchy track is his first release under Sony Music Philippines, and is available today on all digital platforms worldwide.

Raven

Written as a tribute to the muse that inspired his music journey, the up-and-coming artist expresses his romantic admiration through a pop-rap tune that he recorded using a smartphone. In the first few verses, he compares the girl that he used to have a crush on, with the extraordinary muses that earned their place in the pantheon of art and literature’s greatest, from Mona Lisa to Ophelia. Raven then proceeds to spit poetry with a renewed sense of passion and excitement, hopping from one metaphorical reference to another in a bid to put his creative inspiration on a pedestal.

Over stripped-down guitars and minimal flourishes, Raven taps into the zeitgeist with his version of pop music that is steeped in bedroom aesthetic and lo-fi hip-hop influence, distilling various music forms to create something that is palatable to the streaming generation. His distinct sense of music style has the potential to gain foothold in mainstream consciousness, particularly in the Gen Z demo, but what sets him apart from his contemporaries is the unassuming earnestness in his words and music—one that is lavishly crafted with a balance of accessibility and wallflower demeanor. It makes sense why “Paraluman” is destined to be a future hit just by scratching the surface: it knows how to compromise with prevailing trends while sticking to its principles by heart.

The next few months saw the song evolve into a more polished material—thanks to the guidance and support of Rico Blanco and Balcony Entertainment, who helped Raven realize his vision with a more defined music direction. For his part, Raven re-recorded the song with a slightly different approach, throwing in some new techniques and subtleties to deliver a jam that wouldn’t feel out of place on both radio charts and obscure playlists.

“Paraluman,” his debut track, will be part of his upcoming album, Lika Na under Sony Music Philippines. The new record is currently under production, and is slated to be released this year.

Stream Raven’s debut single here.

 

 

February 18, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

Victoria Lee, 16 years old ahead of ONE Championship debut

Victoria Lee

Denice Zamboanga all praises to the teenage fighting sensation Victoria “The Prodigy” Lee is all set to make her first appearance inside the Circle, and the younger sibling of ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee and ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian Lee, will face off with Thailand’s Sunisa “Thunderstorm” Srisen at ONE: FISTS OF FURY, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Friday, 26 February.

Zamboanga believes the youngest Lee fighter yet has a bright future ahead of her and is all praises for the rising star, “I think Victoria, coming from a renowned fighting family, is destined to become a world champion like her older brother and sister. She’s got a good camp, and her future looks bright.This fight against Sunisa is going to be a good match. Victoria is so young and talented, while Sunisa has some experience.”

ONE Championship announced Lee signed with the promotion late last year, joining her older siblings in the Home of Martial Arts. Despite being just 16 years of age, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was buzzing with excitement at the teenage star’s potential.

Sityodtong iterated that Lee’s age had no correlation with her ability to fight. It’s a sentiment that Zamboanga seems to share with ONE’s head honcho.

“I really admire Victoria because at such a young age, she’s already fighting in professional mixed martial arts in the best organization in the world. When I was 16, I hadn’t even started martial arts yet. She’s got a fantastic running start, and I have no doubt she will go far,” said Zamboanga.

“When it comes to mixed martial arts and fighting, I don’t think age matters. It’s all about skill and capability, strength, technique. With her support system and resources available to her, she’s going to be a strong contender. I believe she can smash all of her opponents, even if they are older than her.”

In the main event of ONE: FISTS OF FURY, reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi defends his world title against multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Also seeing action on the card is kickboxing legend Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan, and reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.

Don’t miss the fight on February 26, 2021!

 

February 16, 2021 by
Entertainment

OAK CHERRY WINE’ REMIX: Jean Tan Releases MV FEATURING KOREAN ARTISTE 양중은YANG JUNG EUN

The music Video of Singapore-based singer-songwriter Jean Tan’s Oak Cherry Wine remix is now out on her YouTube channel. The video for the newly version was directed by Stockholm-based Singaporean film director, Mandy Tay. The visual narrative features a pair of lovers dancing through the quotidian scenes of Stockholm city: traditional meets contemporary, and ballet meets street dance, the couple whirl around each other in a dream state, swirling like a glass of (oak cherry) wine.

As a follow up to her recently-released 5-track EP, ‘Blooms’, theremix to the spellbinding single, ‘Oak Cherry Wine’is produced by Singaporean music producer, Feng Lee, and was made available on digital music platforms worldwide last 29 January 2021.

Marrying Jean’s lyrical sensitivity with 양중은YangJung Eun’s dulcet vocals, this refreshing take stays true to its original composition. The remix is elevated by a new arrangement – a lo-fi beat, the jazz-hop push and pull, the syncopated neo-soul electric piano – becoming more than just the sum of its parts.

“It was a surreal experience working across borders while the world was on lockdown for much of 2020. The collab took off really well because June Eun is such an amazing and friendly guy! I guess we were just trying to make the best out of a crazy year”, says Jean Tan on working together with 양중은Yang Jung Eun.

Written in her distinctive, bluesy vein, ‘Oak Cherry Wine’ is a love song interwoven with Jean’s personal experiences. It tells the story of Jean’s personal struggles with kidney disease, and of the man who stood by her in the celebratory and difficult moments alike. Like all truly good romance stories, the song’s lyrics has a bittersweet tinge, and is all the better for it – a love that is tried and true.

Follow Jean Tan: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Follow양중은Yang Jung Eun: Instagram | YouTube

February 15, 2021 by
Entertainment

Ben&Ben surprised their fans on Valentine’s Day with their new single “Inevitable”

Ben&Ben latest song encourages listeners and music fans to live in the moment freely and truthfully without the need to succumb to expectations. The Filipino folk-pop outfit Ben&Ben have officially dropped a soaring new single called “Inevitable” this Valentine’s Day and out now in all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

“Inevitable is a song that tries to describe the nature of fate, and how all our actions somehow lead us to some better place that is destined for us. It’s also a song about being real with someone, and that no matter how scary that may seem at times, there is freedom in bearing your truest nature with someone dear to you, even if that someone is yourself”, according to the lead vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin. The empowering track ascends to a place where love can be inevitably beautiful even in its simple, unassuming terms. It was written by Paolo Benjamin during a random afternoon run by the beach near the place where Ben&Ben live—coming into fruition after a solitary moment spent with nature and the spiritual force above him.

Production-wise, Ben&Ben retain the sonic hallmarks of their prior releases, while employing ultimately rewarding experiments in texture and tone. Its ‘world music-meets-acid jazz’ sound displays the band’s newfound musical direction, melding sporadic bursts of colors with their otherworldly approach. Thanks to the song’s eclectic blend of sitar-sounding riffs, propellent rhythms, jazzy chords, and ethereal arrangements, the nine-piece band ventures beyond the confines of their radio-ready sound without alienating the distinct pop sensibilities that made their songs a streaming and crossover hit in the Philippines, and elsewhere in Asia.

“The songwriting in itself presents a concept of the state that is both a surreal mystery and a peaceful certainty, so we wanted to create an aural representation of what these lyrics felt like,” Miguel Benjamin (lead vocals and acoustic guitars) reveals in a statement. “Our process started with a mix of acoustic guitars, which I tweaked with sitar effects as the main intro riff; kind of like a representation of the two contrasting feelings working together. We then built everything around this contrasting union with Jam’s drums and Agnes’ bass carrying the steady base of the song, and then Pat’s piano, Poch’s electric guitar and pads, Keifer’s violin, Andrew and Toni’s percussions; Andrew, Miguel, Poch, and Toni’s backing vocals, and some ambient sounds.”

Unlike their usual process where the members of the band jam their song a few times before recording the material, “Inevitable” was born out of a shift in production perspective. “With this song however, we decided to record a demo individually then went to record our parts a few days after without knowing how the song would sound like in the end,” Poch Barretto (lead guitar, backing vocals) said. “During the time we were creating the song, one of our band mates, Toni, was also recovering from a major surgery and had to record her parts from home. Thankfully she was able to send her parts on time with the help of our producer.”

Despite the several challenges during its recording phase, “Inevitable” ended up reaping significant attention before its actual release. The song eventually made it as the official theme of Smart Communications’newest commercial ad featuring Hyun Bin and Son YeJin—stars of the highly acclaimed and popular Korean drama, Crash Landing on You. Patricia Lasaten shares, “Many of us are mega fans of the CLOY couple, so this is definitely a dream collaboration with Smart. We can’t help but be kilig and at the same time wish that our co-fans who would hear the song would also connect it with the evolving story of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin. It’s also our gift to the fans, and to the couple as well. We’d like to thank Smart for this amazing opportunity.”

 

February 14, 2021 by
Entertainment

“Iyong- Iyo” A New Remarkable Single of Zack Tabudlo”

The start of the path of Zack Tabudlo’s Island Records saw the young musician go ahead at full pace. His song ‘Sigurado’ reached the Top Viral PH charts and remained there for four weeks, following its inclusion in the Your Home online collection. There’s also ‘Cruel,’ which was launched a few months ago and has racked up over 86,000 YouTube views and much more than 240,000 Spotify streams.

The sultry ‘Nangangamba’ is Zack’s biggest single to date, the first under Island Records Philippines, whose play counts on Spotify clocks at over a million views.

 Iyong-Iyo: a tender ballad about love and yearning

Yet Zack shows no signs of stopping down, as demonstrated by his new single ‘Iyong Iyo.’ Originally written by Achariya Dulyapaiboon, interpreted by Tiny Corpuz, and executed and produced by Zack Tabudlo,’ Iyong Iyo’ sees Zack placing it all on the line and giving literal possession to everything.

The music was inspired by the original Thai song for the ‘Let’s Fight Ghost’ series, according to Zack, which is scheduled to air in March 2021. Compared to the original, I chose to take it to a different environment with new styles and vibe,” the renowned singer-songwriter and producer shares.”I decided to go with something mild with the original foundation, but instead of going full ballad, it has a “slow dance” feeling to it.

In the glimmering chorus,’ Kahit pa ba sa kabilang buhay,’ di maglalaho,’ the rising singer-songwriter and producer croons, demonstrating his lyrical penchant for themes like romance and longing. Gentle harmonies and mellow instrumentation make you feel like you are floating, and enable Zack to flex his vocal range’s upper register, his high notes triumphant and sincere.

Zack explained about the song cover art and divulged that he truly conceptualized and gave his full attention to its design. It clearly tells that an exorcist falls in love with a wandering spirit. According to him “ I have thought of including a Halloween-like ghost costume in it which shows a person under s white cloth with holes in it but has this heart glowing from his chest, the acclaimed alt-pop sensation says. “He wants to be like the ghost to really feel the same connection, with his heart glowing, symbolizing how much love he feels for the ghost”.

Zack Tabudlo’s ‘Iyong-Iyo’ is out today on all digital platforms worldwide via MCA Music Inc. Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6Pa87VouOnvJGvSLYdAevR?si=vtgz6K_qQtyHT5F7D3fItg

Zack Tabuldo

About Zack Tabudlo

Zack Tabudlo is an all-pop R&b artist from Manila, Philippines. He start his career through his love in music. Zack also joined and became a finalist for reality talent show Talentadong Pinoy at the age of 10. He was a contestant for the voice kids season 1 and had a stint as a member of youth singing group GRAVITY and one half of teen pop duo Zack and Fritz.

As for his music production he has been mentored by Venn Saturno and Chris Anthony Vinzons of SonicState Studio. Certainly Zack earned his stripes and Zack is still developing his different techniques and sensibilities.

Indeed, Zack has been influenced by the contemporary pop chart- toppers Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles and Island Records label mate Charlie Puth. Even though he has been influenced by those amazing singers, he still has his unique approach in music. His artistry can be characterized as a tasteful blend of R&B, soft rock, funk and vocally drive pop.

 

 

February 12, 2021 by
Food

The Heart-Shape Blizzard Cake, Nutty Dilly Bar from Dairy Queen will surely suit for this Valentine’s Day Celebration

The Valentine’s Day is about to happen. It is much exciting to celebrate it with our special someone, family, friends and people around us. Most certainly it is the perfect occasion to make our love ones extra special and much appreciated. And surely with our treats you could simply show to them your love with these two limited-edition from Dairy Queen. The 6” Heart shaped Blizzard Cake and Nutty Heart Dilly Bar will add on to make your Valentine’s Day present a perfect and memorable one.

First is the Heart-Shaped Blizzard Cake, which will surely be the highlight of your Valentine’s Day celebration. It is a six-inch, 100%ice cream cake made with a combination of creamy vanilla soft serve, Oreo cookies, cake crunch, and chocolate fudge, all beautifully decorated with red and white icing and topped with a delectable red rose design.

There is also the Nutty Heart Dilly Bar which is a limited-edition novelty treat that will bring a bigger smile to that special someone’s face. Made with rich soft serve shaped into a heart and coated in decadent chocolate, this special Dilly Bar treat also comes with roasted peanuts for that extra crunch.

By visiting your nearest DQ branch today, get these and your other preferred Dairy Queen cold treats.DQ products is my favorites and everytime I go to mall I always buy their products. Lastly, DQ is less hassle for you can order via the 8911-1111 hotline, through the official DQ Philippines website, or via distribution partners GrabFood and foodpanda, you can also have them delivered directly to your doorstep!

To learn more about these and other special offers from DQ, like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Viber and Twitter, and visit the website at www.dairyqueen.com.ph.

February 12, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

First Ranked Atomweight star Denice Zamboanga in 2 Rounds Fires Back at China’s Meng Bo

ONE Championship female atomweight standout Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga took the time out of her busy schedule to fire back at Meng Bo, who recently had some impactful words for the Filipina fighter.

Meng took aim at Zamboanga recently, with the Chinese star claiming she can finish “The Menace” inside of two rounds should they meet in the Circle.

 “If we were in the ring together, without a shadow of doubt, I would beat her (Zamboanga) up and take her spot as the #1-ranked atomweight in the division,” Meng was quoted as telling the media.

“Denice is a stubborn and tough fighter, but if I was to identify her strength, she’s only good at punching, nothing else. I think my stand-up fighting techniques will be enough to give me the victory. I’m pretty confident that I can finish Denice with a flurry of punches and knock her out within two rounds.”

Zamboanga obviously did not take those comments lightly, and the 24-year-old rising star immediately clapped back with full bravado.

“It’s cute that she thinks she can knock me out in two rounds. I’d like to see her try, let’s see what happens. Meng Bo likes to talk a lot. But talking doesn’t win you fights. She’s just asking to be humbled,” said Zamboanga.

“Sooner or later, we will see each other in the Circle and the talking will be over.”

Both Zamboanga and Meng are expected to be participants in the eight-woman ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix, set to take place sometime later this year. Zamboanga and Meng could potentially meet in the tournament, should they advance through the brackets.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced late last year that the winner of the tournament will go on to challenge reigning ONE Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee when she returns from maternity leave.

While Zamboanga declined giving out as bold a prediction as Meng, she did tell media that fans will be surprised.

“You’ll just have to wait until we are together in the Circle. I don’t really like to talk much unless provoked. I prefer to do my talking in the fight. I think it’s going to be a surprise for everyone,” Zamboanga concluded.

Zamboanga is currently training at Marrok Force gym alongside her older brother, fellow ONE Championship fighter Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga, and their friend Fritz “Kid Tornado” Biagtan. The Zamboangas look to remain in Bangkok for the time being, continuing their training until they receive a call for their next fight assignments from ONE.

 

February 11, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

“Motherhood Not a Setback for Circle, Corporate Ambitions” according to the Apprentice Pinoy Contestant Lara Pearl Alvarez

Lara Pearl Alvarez

“I just wanted to give my son a better life, that’s what compelled me to try and audition for The Apprentice. At the time, I didn’t really imagine I could get in. But I was determined to give it a shot. So when I got the news that I was accepted, I was in shock. I just couldn’t believe it. But I was super happy I got in, and from there, I was motivated to succeed. Participating on the show was incredible. The production was top notch and it was nothing like I had ever experienced before. Getting to visit Singapore and see the way locals live, see the beauty of the country, it gave me a deeper sense of pride for my own country. It gave me hope, not just for my own life, but for everyone else as well with all the difficulties we’re dealing with today. I definitely learned a lot from my time in the boardroom,” said Alvarez.

ONE fans is very excited for the schedule premier next month, “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition”.

The unique take on the iconic reality television show produced by Asia’s largest martial arts organization is a slight departure from ONE’s usual content of hosting martial arts extravaganzas.

Among 16 “candidates” chosen to participate in the competition is Lara Pearl Alvarez, a single mother born, bred, and based in Baguio City, Philippines. Alvarez recently talked about her experience participating on the show, and why she wanted to join “The Apprentice.”

When Alvarez got pregnant by her then-boyfriend at 22, it wasn’t exactly what she had planned for her life. Like many of her colleagues at Team Lakay, Alvarez had trained to become a martial artist, learning the discipline of wushu and wanting to compete.

The child’s father ended up abandoning Alvarez even before the boy was born. But with the help of her family, Alvarez took on the enormous responsibility of being a single parent.

With incredible determination, Alvarez didn’t let the circumstances keep her pinned down. She constantly worked to improve her situation. Fast-forward to present day, and Alvarez can’t wait to relive her time on The Apprentice, which she says will be an experience she will remember for the rest of her life.

“Flying to Singapore to film the show, it was my first time leaving the Philippines, my first time getting on a plane to fly out of the country. And to be joining a globally acclaimed TV show, I can say I was pretty mesmerized by the whole ordeal. It was a little overwhelming, but I was excited. At the same time, I missed my son terribly. I had never spent so much time away from him, nor left him in the care of others. I tried not to let it affect me, but every time I thought of him, it would bring me to tears,” said Alvarez.

“I’ve been through a whole lot, and everything I’ve done so far is for my son to have a better life. Up to now, I still can’t believe I was on The Apprentice. I’m glad I took a chance. It’s made me a stronger person, and a better mother today. I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I think I’ve proven that being a single mother is not a setback. It is far from a setback. It’s a blessing because I was able to push myself harder. It gave me the strength to push past my limits.”

“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is touted as the toughest version in the show’s history, consisting of both business and physical challenges. The franchise itself has aired in more than 120 countries around the globe. The first season of ONE Championship’s spin on the reality show premieres in March and consists of 13 episodes.

Alvarez was one of 16 selected from a field of thousands of applicants to compete for a US$250,000 job offer to work directly under ONE Chairman and CEO ChatriSityodtong.

“The Apprentice really showed me what’s possible in my life. I’ve definitely grown from the experience. It’s opening up a lot of doors that I just couldn’t see before, a lot of opportunities. Now I’m excited for what the future holds,” said Alvarez.

“I can’t wait for people to watch it. Many of my friends have shown their support for me. Since the trailer aired, there has been a lot of excitement. I’m thrilled I get to talk about it now and I have a lot of stories to tell as we go along. I know fans of both ONE and The Apprentice are going to love it.”

February 11, 2021 by