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Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

With American R&B superstar Jordin Sparks, FOR KING + COUNTRY’s “Love Me Like I Am” becomes a multi-format hit

The crossover success of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s latest hit, “Love Me Like I Am,” which features American R&B diva Jordin Sparks, has put the multi-GRAMMY® award-winning team on the map.

The multi-format smash has recently entered Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts at No. 31 and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts at No. 17, becoming one of the biggest songs in the US by an Australian act this year in addition to topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay charts (dated February 25, 2023). The sultry tune has received over 30 million streams on Spotify alone as of this writing.

The Christian pop duo recently performed as the festival’s headliners at Circuit Makati in Manila and stated that they would return to the country in the future.

“You know, we hope to always come back to the places that we’ve been, because every country has its own individual culture—taking part in that was a thrill for us,” says Luke Smallbone, one-half of the award-winning music act. “By visiting different cultures around the world, you can learn something from each of them. We just enjoyed being able to spend time with our Filipino friends.”

Their song “Love Me Like I Am” will be serviced in Philippine radio soon, thanks to its crossover appeal and inspiring universality that resonate to fans all over the world. A soaring pop tune that recognizes the fact that we all make mistakes, “Love Me Like I Am” highlights the importance of seeking and practicing forgiveness.

Luke Smallbone reflects, “I think, sometimes in today’s society, we feel like if we make a mistake, that puts us at odds, and we can’t be loved anymore.  The truth is if we all made mistakes, that means all of us would never be able to accept this wonderful gift called love. I think ‘Love Me Like I Am’ is obviously talking about heavenly love but I think it’s also a challenge for us to love our families that way. The gift of practicing forgiveness is probably the most important attribute of the world. And, I think, for us, that is what this song is talking about. Is love for people, mistakes, and all. And, look, people will live very differently when they recognize how deeply loved they really are.”

The fifth studio album by FOR KING + COUNTRY, What Are We Waiting For?, has the number-one single “Love Me Like I Am,” which features Jordin Sparks. released last year through Curb | Global Entertainment. The album opened at No. 2 on Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US’s Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart before reaching No. 1 on iTunes in a number of different nations.

“Love Me Like I Am,” featuring Jordin Sparks, is part of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s chart-topping fifth studio album, What Are We Waiting For?, released via Curb | World Entertainment last year. The album reached No. 1 on iTunes in multiple countries, and debuted at No. 2 Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart.

Featured on major networks including MTV, BBC2, ABC and more, the global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, R3HAB, Hillary Scott and Timbaland, amongst others. www.curb.com

Lifestyle

For the first time, Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center is offering complimentary skin consultations and treatments

The Beauty Mission Dermatological Care, the clinic’s first-ever medical mission, was successfully carried out on February 8, 2023, in Payatas Bistekville 5Covered Court thanks to a partnership with Radyo Kalusugan, Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center ‘s

GNF and DS made sure to deliver top of the line services   and skin and wellness advice to everyone in attendance with the goal of providing free basic skin treatment and consultation to those who are financially challenged.

 “We would like to provide aesthetic services to communities, with further focus on those who may not have access to these services due to financial difficulties,” Ms. Anne Garalde, Branch Owner and Medical Mission Project Manager, said.

This is also said to be a lot different from other medical missions being conducted in communities. “We know that there are a lot of agencies and companies who conduct medical missions already, we want ours to be different and to focus more on problems that are usually not addressed but definitely something to be discussed and cured,” Ms. Krystal Tecson- Garalde, founder of both brands, said in an interview.

Almost 500 individuals participated in the said medical mission. Each of them received free consultation and brought home free products based on the recommendation of the resident nurse and aestheticians to address specific concerns.

Moreover, participants also had sessions on proper skin care and nutrition-related topics to further promote health and wellness in their community.

“We are providing free skin consultation with the help of our professional aestheticians and registered nurses. We are also offering educational sessions on proper skin care and nutrition because we believe that these are critical components of skincare and wellness,” Ms. Anne Garalde added.

The first and definitely not the last

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Glam and Fab at Dear Self, sa pagpunta po nila sa lugar namin. Kakaibang medical mission po ito, so halos lahat kami dito gusto maexperience, sana po maulit po ulit,” Aling Pinky, one of the event participants, cheerfully responded when asked about  her reaction.

Overall, the event was well-received. Participants were very happy with the personalized attention and care provided by the professionals. Everyone left the medical mission feeling more confident and beautiful which is also one of the objectives of GNF and DS – to uplift everyone’s confidence in themselves through self-care.

“Their participation in this medical mission makes them one notch away from other boutiques and skin clinics,” Mr. Gil Aller, Host of Kalikasan at Kalusugan, Radyo Kalusugan, mentioned in their radio show last February 22, 2023.

In order to give back to the community and assist those in need, Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center participates in medical missions.

In the future, they intend to keep taking part in medical missions and other community service initiatives.

All people should have access to an affordable, effective skincare regimen, according to Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center.

Call 0272543723 for a FREE Consultation.

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Entertainment

With their latest song, “Kalangitan,” the Filipino alt-rock band NOBITA expresses their vulnerable side

With the release of “Kalangitan,” NOBITA reaches a new career high after surpassing worldwide hits with “Ikaw Lang,” the most downloaded song in the Philippines on Spotify in 2022.

The pop-rock ballad reveals the band’s vulnerability while providing a catchy sing-along in a seductively recognizable style. “Kalangitan,” a motivational song about friendship through good times and bad, was written by Jaeson, Mark, and Richmond and co-produced with their dependable partner Isagani Palabyab.

“Just when you think that you have reached rock bottom, remember that there is always someone with you who will help you reach for the heavens,” the band shares in a collective statement. “With an arrangement that stays true to our sound and a melody that transcends emotions, this is the type of material that we’d love to explore over and over. Dredging up emotions to the surface and turning them into a song that everyone loves are both gifts that we’re honored to share with our fans.”

When it comes to honing the art of writing emotive pop tunes, NOBITA never fails to miss the mark. This may be heard in the soaring anthem “Kalangitan,” which takes the word “hugot” in a shockingly familiar direction.

The number-one quintent continues, “We’re simply trying to keep it simple and straightforward, so that it’s palatable to the general audience.”

A John Selirio-directed music video is released along with the song. The music video, which also serves as a critique on bullying and the high school clique structure, features up-and-coming actors Joao Constancia and Queenay Mercado.

Kalangitanby NOBITA is currently available on all digital music services in the world thanks to Sony Music Entertainment.

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Travel

Brand Ambassadors are appointed by Banwa Private Island

Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie have been chosen as Banwa Private Island’s first-ever Brand Ambassadors, the company is thrilled to announce.

Potential guests and business professionals alike will benefit greatly from Ken and Rob’s in-depth knowledge of Banwa Private Island’s exceptional beauty and vulnerable biodiversity. Given that they were present at the beginning of the tropical island’s transformation from a deserted island into the lush garden paradise it is now, both are in a unique position to share firsthand experiences and information.

London-based, Rob Chappelhow first visited the island in 2009 when it was a seldom seen coconut plantation frequented only by Hawksbill Turtles returning to the pristine white sands to lay their eggs. In 2013, Rob became Project Director, overseeing the island’s sustainable development. He says: “By 2019, we were ready to welcome guests to experience Banwa Private Island’s’ concept of informal luxury in a contemporary setting. I am thrilled to bring my experience of its evolution to the Brand Ambassador role. Having watched the native beach forest grow to provide such privacy and tranquility, and witnessed the rejuvenation of the coral reef and the island’s wildlife, it’s an honour to once more be part of the passionate team.”

Ken Beattie, currently based in Taiwan, was also involved in Banwa Private Island’s inception and over recent years has been integral in establishing Aquos Foundation’s CSR programs, reaching out to the local communities to foster positive and sustainable relationships. ‘’There are so many compelling reasons to visit Banwa Private Island including the exceptional personalised service and the numerous land and water-based leisure activities. Having dived every reef in the surrounding Marine Protected Area, I have an intimate understanding of the region’s incredible marine life and the unique experiences available to our guests”, says Ken of his appointment.

The island sanctuary is located in north-eastern Palawan in the Philippines, one of the last remaining areas of natural biodiversity in the world, and it offers beautiful views, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The Aquos Foundation, whose conservation programs maintain, nurture, and safeguard the sensitive ecosystem, marine environment, and local community of Banwa Private Island, will also fly the flag with Rob and Ken. Peter Nilsson, the owner of Banwa Private Island, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie back to the island team. They have a thorough awareness of our distinctive brand of seamless service and sustainable luxury, making them the ideal brand ambassadors for Banwa Private Island.”

Fashion, Lifestyle

These awesome footwear picks are perfect for Women’s Month

In case you didn’t know, March 8 is International Women’s Day. To honor this occasion, we’ve put up a list of shoes that women of all ages and status would find appealing.

Merrell’s Bravada Collection

The Merrell Bravada line of shoes may appear delicate, yet they are just as durable on pavement as they are on trails. The Bravada Backstrap, Bravada Cord Wrap, and Bravada 2 Wrap are essential accessories for active females on the go since they offer a stylish take on the basic outdoor sandal. Up through April 30, purchase any two pairs at any Merrell concept shop and receive a free T-shirt with the Merrell logo. Visit www.merrell.com.ph for the whole collection and more information.

Keds’ New Champion Colors

Keds’ Champion — the very first sneaker for women – now comes in spring-ready colours of Sunny Lime, Light Pink, and Light Blue. The white Champion, made in the distinctive circular vamp oxford style, is a timeless classic that goes with almost anything, and the new vivid hues are no different. Get P500 Discount on a colored Champion pair during this women’s month at any Keds retail location nationwide, including online at www.keds.com.ph.

Sperry’s White Sneakers

Although most people think of Sperry when they think of their iconic boat shoes, did you know that they also make a line of chic and current minimalist sneakers? The most recent designs from Sperry are the ideal fusion of preppy and sporty with understated allusions to its seafaring background (note the barrel knots on the laces). Save P500 off full-priced women’s fashions this March when you spend a minimum of P5000 in a single receipt transaction. This promotion is only accessible at www.sperry.com.ph and retail locations across the country.

Sports

Champions of the 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup are named

In a recent awarding ceremony held in Taguig City, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) officially concluded the 2022 season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Vios Cup.

Ligo Anton of the Toyota North Edsa-Obengers Racing Team was named the overall victor in the Super Sports Class following the completion of three victorious legs of the TGR Vios Cup Circuit Championship. The winners of the Sports and Promotional Classes were Royce Sarmiento of the RMS Cars Racing Team and Jay Lao of the Happy Hotels/OTR Racing Team.

Jules Aquino won the Autocross Challenge’s Advanced Influencer Class trophy, while Miggy Romulo, a rookie, was crowned victorious in the Beginning Influencer Class. Pablo Salapantan won the Beginning Media Class, while Jamil Lacuna was named the overall winner in the Media category for the Advanced Media Class.

TMP held the night to commend and show appreciation to the racers who not only contributed to the success of the 2022 TGR Vios Cup, but also served as ambassadors for TMP and TGR’s goal of promoting motorsports in the country.

“TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup is one of our most celebrated milestones. This would not be possible without you, our racers, and the whole team behind every driver. You gave life to this motorsports program,” TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Danny Cruz said.

Topping off the night’s celebration, the overall Team Award was handed to the Obengers Racing Team. The team’s collective effort and skills on and off tracks made them the best among all the racing teams.

“We contribute to Philippine motorsports by developing more racers,” Obengers Racing Team Co-Principal  Richie Uy said as he received the award on stage with the rest of the Team Obengers racers.

Below is the complete list of the 2022 season’s podium finishers:

When the 2022 TGR Vios Cup comes to an end, TMP keeps its promise to ignite the country’s rising passion for motorsports through its numerous motorsports activities that demonstrate how it pushes the envelope for better. In addition to Petron and Bridgestone, additional sponsors of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup 2022 included Brembo, Denso, OMP, Tuason Racing, AVT, 3M, ROTA, myTOYOTA Wallet, and Kinto One.

Visit toyota.com.ph/gazoo for more information on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and to stay updated, and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH on Facebook and Instagram.

Lifestyle

The Stoveless Kitchen: Modern Responses to Modern Dilemma

Being in charge of your own place may be both rewarding and difficult at times. Finding the ideal balance between making the most of available space and making it practical for daily living can be a real challenge for anyone living in a modern apartment or condo setup where every square foot is valued at its face value.

This necessity is the reason why multi-purpose and space-saving household goods have become so popular in recent years. Nevertheless, how efficient are them in other areas of the house where we often spend a lot of time preparing and conducting manual labor? Take for instance, our kitchens.

Years ago, a regular kitchen was expected to have several appliances to be truly functional. But modern problems require modern solutions, and so a new wave of kitchen partners that can do multiple jobs started taking over households. Think about it: a few years ago, would you have even imagined that you could survive without a stove?

Now you might say, “This isn’t even possible at present” Well, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is here to prove you wrong. The latest model from the premium lifestyle brand’s best-selling line of kitchen partners, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile unit that can do almost anything and everything a home cook needs in their kitchen.

The model’s dedicated air frying setting is just the tip of the iceberg of its note-worthy line of features. With ten cooking functions that include grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, and even a pizza-cooking feature, you can skip having a stove–and a dozen other appliances in your kitchen. Make your favorite roast or whip up your favorite crunchy fries in minutes with its dual-speed convection feature that raises hot air and sinks cold air to reduce the cooking time by 30 percent.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also has an Element IQ System that makes it ideal even for a newbie home cook. The technology is a smart algorithm feature that helps create the perfect cooking environment for different cooking techniques. The advanced sensing and temperature control of this model promises even cooking all the time, eliminating guesswork for its users.

In terms of design, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is crafted for ease of use. It comes with a clear and easy-to-understand LCD Display and an interior oven light that automatically turns on at the end of every cooking cycle. Topping these is its sophisticated and sleek aesthetic which makes it so easy to fit in any modern, classy home.

It’s true that the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer satisfies every requirement a savvy homeowner has for kitchen equipment. Regardless of one’s degree of cooking ability, it is stylish, adaptable, and user-friendly and may enhance anyone’s creativity in the kitchen. Whether you have a little kitchen or not, this model is a must-have for everyone looking for a kitchen partner who can accommodate your contemporary needs.

Are you interested in finding out more details about the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer? For more details, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram right away.

Entertainment

To carry out its aim of supporting Filipino sports and other leisure pursuits, BingoPlus promotes the sport golf

In keeping with its promise to support Filipino sporting events and other popular Pinoy activities, BingoPlus, the country’s first and only live-streaming bingo site, now sponsors golf competitions.

BingoPlus has made golf its top priority for the month of February. The brand has been an active sponsor of professional basketball conferences, sports teams, beauty pageants, musical performances, and performers as well as traditional Filipino cultural festivals like the Sinulog in Cebu and MassKara in Bacolod.

BingoPlus is one of the Platinum sponsors of the 51st Golden Tee Invitational Tournament at Manila Golf and Country Club, which took place on February 9. This tournament aims to develop new collaborations. BingoPlus will also be one of the Titanium Sponsors of the Third Zamora Cup Invitational Tournament at the Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club on February 23 as a mark of commitment.

AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio said BingoPlus is really trying its best to fulfill its mission of promoting the country’s different types of leisure activities because it wants to contribute to a society with a good work-life balance.

“The nature of our business is leisure and offering the Filipino ways to live a relaxed, well-balanced life gives us fulfillment in what we do. Golf is about the three C’s of camaraderie, connections, and charity. It is a strategic game as well as a game of skill, accuracy, and concentration that imparts many values. We want to give back to the community by participating in this mental, high-level game that allows us to contribute to charitable causes.”

Vicencio went on to say that BingoPlus is proud to be supporting the two elite golf competitions because it would enable the brand to connect with privileged groups and the causes they want to promote.

“Being part of these prestigious golf tournaments allows our brand to participate in the worthy causes that organizers contribute to. We look forward to further collaborating with them and fellow sponsors to promote the sport and align with their respective business inclinations as well. We see leisure fulfilling a deeper mission for the country. As a leisure company we strongly believe that creating a society of relaxed, happy individuals will ultimately result in a productive citizenry, ” Vicencio concluded.

Lifestyle

Partnering with OWWA and Home Credit to Honor OFWs in Western Visayas

At the OFW Family Day Caravan in Western Visayas, Home Credit Philippines, the top consumer financing firm in the nation, in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), paid tribute to the heroes of the modern era: the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Almost 2,000 OFWs and OFW associations from the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental participated in the two-week caravan. The program sought to offer an avenue for the OFWs and their families to reconnect and spend quality time with their loved ones.

Aside from family bonding activities, the caravan also opened conversations on financial literacy and education, addressing the common problems of OFWs spending years working abroad only to come home with little to no savings.

“Our main goal for the caravan was to show appreciation for the Filipino migrant workers. We want to empower them to make informed decisions on how to spend and manage their hard-earned money from working overseas. We at OWWA Region 6 support our OFWs all the way, and we want them to succeed and secure a better life for themselves and their families,” said Rizza Joy Moldes, OWWA Region 6 OIC director.

LINK TO THE OFW FAMILY DAY CARAVAN

Throughout the caravan, Home Credit led the discussions on the basics of budgeting and saving as part of its advocacy program to promote financial literacy across the country. The OFWs were also given knowledge on safe consumer finance options they could explore while protecting themselves and their families from bad debts and financial risks.

“We at Home Credit honor the modern-day heroes of our country. They are an inspiration to many Filipinos as they serve as examples of strength and perseverance. As they strive to make ends meet for their families, we are committed to providing them with the proper knowledge to handle their finances to avoid financial mismanagement and risks. We will continue to support the OFWs and be their trusted ally Para sa Life,” shares Sheila Paul, Home Credit’s chief marketing officer.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number OFWs globally has already reached 1.83 million in 2021, a three percent increase from the number released in 2020. With the growing volume of labor migration from the Philippines, it is expected that OFW remittances will also increase. The data likewise shows that majority of the OFWs are in the age group 30 to 34 years old, followed by 45 years and older, which can be read as parents and other breadwinners going abroad to support their families.

Home Credit is dedicated to offering more Filipinos financial options and knowledge so they can live more comfortably and securely. Wais sa Home and Alagang Home, Home Credit’s two premier CSR and financial literacy initiatives, will keep the company at the forefront of the movement to improve everyone’s lives and promote financial freedom.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)     have properly licensed and overseen the financing firm Home Credit Philippines (BSP). Visit Home Credit Philippines’ website at www.homecredit.ph to find out more about the most recent news.

Entertainment

See the sci-fi-themed music video for “Palibot libot” by Rico Blanco

The music video for Rico Blanco’s current single, “Palibot libot,” released under Sony Music Entertainment, tackles science fiction themes.

The images, directed by Cris Escolano and Rico Blanco himself, tell a tale of humanity in a hopeless miserable world. Model Tuti Pon, robotic character “The Entity,” and actor Rico Blanco all appear in the music video.

Pon claims that she enjoyed portraying the female protagonist and embraced the nuances required to successfully portray her character. “I would do it again if I had the chance. It was definitely a new experience for me.”

Production Designer Justine Arcega-Bumanlag expressed enthusiasm in working with the team and conveying the fantastically imaginative vision of the material. She shares, “For this, Rico Blanco was aiming for a classic-looking music video that stands the test of time. He wanted to veer away from CGIs, so we started building a set that looks like a wreckage from an unknown planet, and using it all throughout the time.”

The character from a series that he filmed in La Union last year served as the inspiration for the song, which examines the ambiguity that exists between friendship and relationship. The narrative of the song, however one-sided, is “anchored precariously on someone’s steadfast loyalty,” and it is blunt about the fact that love is not always synchronized. It has drawbacks, but that is part of its allure.

The song “Palibot libot” will be on Rico Blanco’s upcoming fourth studio album, which Sony Music Entertainment will distribute.

Watch the music video of “Palibot libot” here.