Monthly Archives

September 2020

Health and Wellness, News

NOVUHAIR®Supports Alopecia Philippines Thru Online Gathering

NOVUHAIR®, the leading hair loss treatment in the country and THE ALOPECIA PHILIPPINES, a group founded in 2012 by singer and songwriter Abby Asistio. This month, September 2020 marks the seven (7) fruitful years of their collaboration. In case you haven’t heard about alopecia, is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroy the hair follicles instead of defending it.

“VICTORIOUS, Rising Above Alopecia and the Pandemic Together” is this year’s official online gathering theme LIVE at When In Manila’s Facebook page on Saturday, September 26, 2020 (3pm to 8pm). Everyone is invited to witness this momentous event.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3iUQoUD

Abby Asistio is currently one of the ambassadors and the Inspirational VIP Coach of NOVUHAIR®, nature’s answer to hair loss, which she has been using since March 2013.

To know more about NOVUHAIR®: https://www.novuhair.com/novuhair-3-in-1-vip-promo-kit/

Entertainment

Stage comeback of The Bernadettes with “Worthless Beautiful”

The Bernadettes return after more than a decade of absence in the local music scene with a new single, “Worthless Beautiful”, now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

“Worthless Beautiful” is another fuzzy, garage rock anthem in the similar vein as their breakout 2009 single “Let’s Make Babies,” but this time, the band documents life under the old normal, reminiscing about drinking the night away with like-minded individuals and enjoying freedom in the best way possible.

Lead vocalist Paolo Angeles shares, Worthless Beautiful” deals with freedom in doing the things you want, the way you want it; no matter how wrong it might feel. The result may be worthless, but there is beauty in its pursuit.”

With the uncertainty of the pandemic affecting the way people lead their lives, “Worthless Beautiful” may come off as a distillation of nostalgia, joy, and helplessness, all rolled into a party that never was. But things are different now, and the sentiments in the song only serve as a figment of a distant memory, a rallying cry in our self-imposed quarantine, a gut-deep wallowing in self-pity.

Taking into account the current social context, The Bernadettes’ latest track functions as both a pre-pandemic recollection and a bittersweet reminder of those years that held promises of eternal youth and fun—snotty punk rock and all.

“Worthless Beautiful” is the first of the four songs that the band has already finished recording with producer Dok Sergio at JNR Studios. According to Paolo, the alternative rock outfit is slated to release a full-length album next year. “The plan is to have the other 3 songs remastered and have them released intermittently,” The Bernadettes’ frontman reveals in a statement. “Of course, we would need to go back to the studio to record more songs. Maybe after the pandemic.”

 

Sports

Team Lakay Athletes Enjoying Baguio City’s Environmental Recovery During Lockdown

Baguio City is known as the summer capital of the Philippines. Citizens flock to the mountain city to enjoy its cool weather, fresh mountain air, and lush greenery.

It’s a place where nature is very much alive. It’s also home to the famed Team Lakay.

Former World Champions Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, both mixed martial arts veterans competing for Singapore-based martial arts organization, ONE Championship, weighed in on the current state of their hometown during the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re loving nature’s return to form.

“This lockdown period was great for the local community because it became a lot quieter. There was no traffic or pollution,” said Folayang.

“The environment hit the reset button and allowed nature to flourish. It was a good opportunity for the environment to recover.”

For Eustaquio, seeing his hometown in such a calm and relaxed state brings back memories of his childhood, when a then-Baguio City was just beginning to develop.

“It’s fun to experience this once in a lifetime. Movement in Baguio City is easy now. There’s no traffic, and the environment is even more beautiful now than ever. It looks so much better than before,” said Eustaquio.

“The environment has recovered very quickly. Certain types of birds are back, and you can see living nature right inside the city. When I was a kid, I could see these animals and plants, until they slowly disappeared due to pollution. Baguio City went through a lot of urban development which had an adverse effect on nature. Now, nature is making a comeback.”

Every year, Baguio City welcomes nearly 2 million tourists every year, mostly coming from urbanized areas like Manila and surrounding towns. Hotels, mountain resorts, homestays, restaurants offering local Baguio cuisine — even street vendors selling various locally-made trinkets and souvenirs, are all heavily-reliant on outside visitors bringing in revenue.

Due to nationwide lockdowns brought about by the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, Baguio City’s local economy was hit particularly hard.

Though Folayang and Eustaquio both appreciate nature’s wonderful recovery in their hometown, the two Team Lakay veterans also understand how important it is for Baguio City to gradually reopen its gates back up to outsiders in order for its local economy to recover.

“I think for Baguio City, tourism has always been very important. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Baguio City had to close its doors. Local businesses suffered and a lot of people lost their jobs,” said Folayang.

“As things start to reopen now, I am sure it will give a much needed boost to the local economy and things will start to get busy again.”

“Tourism is the bread and butter of Baguio City. Hotels, restaurants — literally everything suffered because of the pandemic. For our community, it is very important that tourism restarts in Baguio City and goes back to normal,” Eustaquio concluded.

 

 

Entertainment

Maris Racal new song “Not For Me” shows her introspective side

Maris Racal

What’s new from Maris Racal? Aside from making a name for herself as one of the breakout young actresses of her generation has successfully dabbled in writing her own songs and challenging industry expectations with her intimate and refreshing take on pop music. From penning the chart-topping confessional “Ikaw Lang Sapat Na” to collaborating with Rico Blanco on the city pop-influenced ditty “AbotLangit,” Racal is surprisingly an effective chronicler of love anthems for the modern age—a guitar-toting songstress known for balancing commercial appeal with artistic integrity.

With “Not For Me”, Maris Racal’s latest single putting a spotlight on her songwriting strengths. Maris Racal explores the complexities of romantic uncertainty with a surprisingly nuanced approach—unfiltered, no longer afraid of possibilities, and ready to own the moment.

Bursting with youthful fervor and charismatic edge, Maris Racal stretches her introspective side of music-making to interesting places, while retaining the accessibility of her recent crossover hits. Her resounding confidence translates perfectly into the musical output, but it’s her conversational and matter-of-fact songwriting style that earns the stripes, revealing a degree of self-assuredness that comes with experience.

Inspired by Britpop acts such as Aqualung and folk-pop chanteuses like Lily Allen and Regina Spektor, Racal wrote “Not For Me” not so much for intriguing unconventionality, but as an outlet to express herself in a way that feels truthful and inherently raw. The driving piano chords and the soaring arrangements give her storytelling a more authentic spin, lending it an effortless breeziness while making sure it doesn’t lessen the emotional impact of the song.

 “Not For Me” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Sports

Lito Adiwang Says He’s More of a Johnny Lawrence After Watching Cobra Kai

ONE Warrior Series contract winner and rising ONE Championship strawweight star Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang of the Philippines is one of the most explosive talents on the roster. He’s also a legit martial artist with well-rounded skills to match his infectious smile and charisma.

With Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” series trending over the past few weeks, Adiwang couldn’t help but share his thoughts on the show after watching it. After all, he does consider himself a huge fan of the original 1980’s “Karate Kid” franchise.

“The pride and honor of martial arts should be shared with the world. Martial arts has helped me achieve my dreams and see the world,” said Adiwang.

“I’m very happy that a show like Cobra Kai can spark interest in martial arts, my sport. It’s not just about fighting. I learned at a very young age that martial arts was really a way of life for me.”

Cobra Kai picks up 30 years after the original series ended with “The Karate Kid III.” Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) is a successful businessman, while the series’ antagonist, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), is an angry and unemployed drunk estranged from his son. The story takes a quick turn when Johnny meets high school student Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña), and teaches him Karate so he can defend himself against bullies.

Johnny eventually decides to reestablish the Cobra Kai dojo and starts to piece his life back together. It’s an interesting and refreshing take on the classic story, showing things from a new perspective.

Adiwang, like many, has enjoyed experiencing the story through Johnny’s eyes.

“I identify with Johnny mostly, because in the end, he made the choice to redeem himself. Everyone has good and bad sides, but we can always choose to use our talents for a better purpose,” said Adiwang.

“In the original movies, Daniel played the character of a bullied kid who learned Karate to defend himself. He eventually won the Karate tournament, which was great but after watching some of Cobra Kai, I think I like Johnny’s character more. My belief is that, it’s not how you start things, but rather how you end things that really matters. It’s how you can use your greatness to impact others.”

Adiwang himself is the perfect embodiment of an elite martial artist. He is both extremely skilled and honorable.

Yet apart from being one of the most talented fighters in ONE Championship, currently climbing through the ranks one explosive finish after another, Adiwang also believes he showcases the pride and honor of martial arts with every performance.

More than that, Adiwang says martial arts has given him a gift that he wants to share with other people.

“In my own life, I’ve made it a point to show honor to my family and the people who care for me. Now that I’m a fighter, a martial arts instructor, I also want to share the true meaning of martial arts with others,” said Adiwang.

“I want to protect this tradition and use it in a good way, helping others by teaching them the true values of martial arts — that it’s a discipline to be learned and understood, which will then improve the quality of life.”

 

Entertainment

Thai-German artist JannineWeigel drops new single “Passcode”

JannineWeigel

JannineWeigel the first song has officially released ‘Passcode’ via innovative new label, RedRecords, is produced by the Grammy-nominated record producer Tommy Brown, renowned for his work with Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony and more, ‘Passcode’ is a euphoric dance-pop anthem. It was co-written by Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez and it’s a song equipped with the sort of irresistible chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head.

The single is accompanied by a dazzling music video directed by Philip Rom Kulleh. Some of Malaysia and Thailand’s biggest TikTok influencers feature amongst the cast of the video, shot and produced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The single marks the arrival of a new wave of Asian pop music. A-Pop is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It’s a fitting global introduction for Weigel, who is already a superstar in Thailand. “I’m so excited for everyone to hear ‘Passcode’,” she says. “I love that it captures my personality perfectly – fun and bubbly, but with a little bit of an edge.”

Weigel is an artist who connects on a universal scale at the same time as forming an intimate bond with her fans. Her infectious personality has already helped her reach eye-popping numbers on social media. She has 3.6 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.2 million followers on Facebook, 1.7 million on Instagram and more than 500,000 on TikTok. She’s an artistic force of nature. Although she has only just turned 20, Weigel has already had a successful career as an actor, model and influencer. But singing has always been her biggest passion. “Singing is what truly makes me happy,” she says. “I love how music can affect people and how a song can evoke raw emotions in all of us.”

Born in Steinfurt, Germany, Weigel moved to Thailand when she was 10. She made her first musical waves when, as a teenager, she would upload cover versions of her favourite songs to her YouTube channel. A mix of her natural charisma and that mesmerising voice soon found a huge audience and Weigel became the first Thai singer to receive YouTube’s highly-coveted Gold Button.

Weigel is an apt first signing for RedRecords, the exciting new joint venture between AirAsia and Universal Music Group. The label is committed to shining a light on the talent that lies within ASEAN, devoted to developing Asian artists and putting Asian pop music on a global platform. It’s a region full of pop superstars waiting to be heard. RedRecords CEO Hassan Choudhury remarks, “When [CEO of AirAsia Group] Tony Fernandes and I became aware of Jannine, our backgrounds in music and entertainment told us that this was an artist primed for worldwide success.” He continues, “With the ambition we have for RedRecords, along with the extensive global marketing resources at our disposal, Jannine was the obvious choice as our first signing,” says Choudhury.

In the US, RedRecords have partnered with iconic label Def Jam Recordings, where artists such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Alessia Cara are continuing its illustrious history, to release Jannine’s music. It’s the sort of lineage to which Weigel belongs. “I want to be able to inspire people out there,” she says. I feel like I’m proof that as long as you never give up, anyone can have a shot at achieving their dreams, no matter where they come from.” A daring new talent in pop music has arrived. ‘Passcode’ is just the beginning for JannineWeigel and RedRecords.

 

 

 

Food, News

Mega Global Corporation in partnership with DOH continues to roll-out its COVID-19 efforts campaign

Several months now since the pandemic has greatly affected our lives and difficult times brings out to everyone, unleashing the bayanihan spirit among Filipinos. This is a phenomenon we continue to witness in this Covid-19 pandemic, as companies step up to help others and continue the awareness campaign to the public.

In response of the COVID-19 the Mega Global, the Philippines’ largest sardine fishing and canning operator. The position of the company since the start of the health crisis has been finding ways to serve the community, undertaking various initiatives intended to ease the burden of its employees, local communities, healthcare institutions, and the government amid the pandemic.

With malasakit embedded in the company’s DNA, the company has partnered with different LGUs, NGOs and other private organizations and has donated over 20,000 cases of Mega Global products and over 22,000 units of personal protective gears and other medical equipment distributed to most affected communities and select hospitals around the country. Through its Mega Malasakit Kitchen and Bayani Care Package, Mega Global was able to provide more than 50,000 meals to the unsung frontliners and grocery supplies to partner merchandisers and supermarket staff.

To further amplify its efforts, Mega Global has partnered with the Department of Health for its  BIDASolusyon sa COVID-19 Campaign. This campaign aims to encourage Filipinos to take an active role in the fight against COVID-19 by promoting the correct behaviors, which are known by their starting letters: B – Bawalwalangmask;  I-sanitize ang mgakamay, iwas-hawaksamgabagay; D – Dumitansya ng isang metro and A – Alamin ang totoongimpormasyon.

As part of the partnership, Mega Global will help in rolling out BIDA information materials on virus prevention among its consumers. As the Philippines’ largest sardine brand, Mega Global enjoys a wide reach, allowing it to bring the message of BIDA to more Filipinos. In addition, the information campaign will also run on the Mega Sardines Facebook page, thereby increasing the number of people that the campaign will reach.

BIDA behaviors are strictly implemented by Mega Global in its own offices and facilities. Social distancing is observed, and new normal kits with personal protective gears have been distributed to all employees to be worn at all times. Hygiene protocols and procedures are in place upon entering the office premises, and disinfection is done daily.  Contract tracing is also in place. Mega Global’s strict protocols safeguard its people, and also ensures the safety of its products.

Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth and Development Officer says, “Malasakit is deeply ingrained in our corporate values, and we would liketo be of help where we are most needed. This pandemic has been hard on everybody, including ourselves, but we have also become resilient and we have realized that we can overcome this crisis faster if we help each other. This partnership with the DOH is just one of many ways that allows us to be of assistance to Filipinos. We believe that we can help by providing correct information that would help protect people by empowering them to help themselves.”

Beyond this, Mega Global continues to pursue a myriad of activities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. The Mega Malasakit Kitchen continues to provide home-cooked meals to our tireless frontliners. Its current beneficiaries are homeless Filipinos and displaced PUJ drivers who lost their source of income due to the quarantine. Mega Global partnered with Autokid and the Department of Transportation for the Mega Care Caravan to reach out to transport service cooperatives, deploying meals, masks, shirts and sardines to the beneficiaries.

The distribution of these care packages is done with help of Mega Employees, who spend a few hours in a day to go around the Metro and give away food packs and canned goods. “The help that we extended, no matter how small, gives them hope that they have something to eat and something to give their families in the next few days. It is this message of hope that we want to bring to people, for them to know that malasakit from fellow Filipinos can still be felt despite the challenging situation we are all in” concluded Tiu Lim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Bryan Estepa deals with life’s curveballs on new song “Admit Now, Pay Later”

The brand new single, “Admit Now Pay Later” of Bryan Estepa, Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter navigates the process of understanding and coming to terms with life’s curveballs. Is out now on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records/Rock Indiana.

Estepa stripping everything down to essentials while exploring a more sonically adventurous approach to musicality and deflates any kind of conceit for a song that touches on hindsight and self-reflection. He strives to keep his narrative distinctly more intimate and closer to home without sounding contrived at all.

“Lyrically this song touches on how quickly life can change both for the good and the bad,” the folk rock artist explains. “But just as importantly is how we react to it. There’s never gonna be a perfect response to life’s curve balls but we just deal with it the best we can.”

Bryan Estepa

Having been inspired by phrases and passages that he encountered or read on a daily basis, Bryan Estepa remembers being instantly drawn seeing the sign “Admit Now, Pay Later.” He particularly likes the incongruity in its meaning: the idea of diving into the deep end, of being courageous and dealing with what may come from it later on. He shares, “It was also one of the few songs that was born during the heaviest period of the COVID lockdowns here in Sydney and I had a really unexpected creative burst. When that happens, I try to ride the wave as long as I can.”

Driven by intricately playful instrumentation and wistful alt-country melodies, “Admit Now, Pay Later” feels more like an extension of Bryan Estepa’s remarkable consistency as a songwriter and musician. With guidance from multiple ARIA and APRA-award winning producer, Josh Pyke, Estepa’s new track blends tenderness with immaculate precision, revealing its charm even the first time you listen to it.  He reveals, “The final version is a lot more layered than my original idea but that’s the beauty of music and the way it can evolve in beautiful and unexpected ways.”

 

 

Lifestyle, News

NOVUHAIR® Congratulates ADP Pharma Corporation on its 10th year Anniversary

The ADP Pharma Corporation established its position in the pharma industry through successful endeavors in all aspects of operations. That’s what make ADP cap off each year with new product developments and partnerships.

ADP is a team of driven & passionate people, who keep themselves abreast with recent trends in the pharma industry, set with a major advantage in addressing current & future market needs in an era where value-creation for consumers is a must.

Ambition, Drive, and Passion are what the company leading up to where they are now and gave them a decade of rewarding their team as they reward the Filipinos with a wealth of health.

Congratulations ADP Pharma!

Lifestyle, News

Create Everyday Moments into Meaningful Memories with Alviera Country Club

Lobby

Alviera’s Country Club in Pampanga re-opened its doors to give people a safe and well-deserved getaway, with exclusive deals, luxurious amenities, majestic natural views, and have leisurely comfort while they enjoy the conveniences of the new normal lifestyle.

The premier country club is a signature project of Ayala Land and Leonio Land, which is located at the heart of the Alviera Estate in Pampanga. The enclave combines the serenity of nature and the dynamism of one of the country’s fastest-growing economic corridors.

Alviera’s architecture was designed by the renowned Leandro V. Locsin Partners of Architects, based on the concept of convergence, as seen in the many space where people can come together. Pieces by Don Jaime Zobel, Kenneth Cobonpue, Vito Selma, and other notable artists can also be seen inside.

Guests will not only get the usual country club comforts once they step into Alviera Country Club, but they also get a sense of home while keeping their need for privacy, security, and family-friendly lifestyle intact.

Members and guests are welcome to visit their lifestyle hub to enjoy the facilities at Alviera’s, as the country club follows the strict health and safety measures in compliance with government mandated protocols to ensure the well-being of the guests.

Alviera Country Club brings a sense of home with extra precautions for the peoples’ safety. From taking time to check the guests’ wellness, reminding them to keep a distance, and offering medical-grade sanitizers all around, the club is committed to ensure cleanliness throughout the whole facility. All areas are sanitized and disinfected regularly, most especially the club’s major touch-points. Stringent regulations are implemented with the strict compliance of all staff members, making sure that no detail will be left unattended.

When it comes to entertainment, sports enthusiasts can play their favorite sports at the club’s multiple indoor and outdoor facilities which includes two tennis courts, three badminton courts, and a multi-sport court perfect for volleyball. Soon, even the contact sports like basketball and futsal would be available. Guests can also head over to the fitness gym and enjoy the wide open expanse of the Porac mountain range while they break a sweat in the club’s top-of-the line equipment, arranged following mandated social distancing measures.

Facade

There is also a huge network of swimming pools and various cooling pods which house a 6-lane lap pool, a lounge pool, and kiddie pools that serve as a water park complete with jets, fountains, and splash pods.

Pampanga owns the title of being the Philippines’ kitchen because of their famous delicacies which people can enjoy at the club or within their homes.Specialty restaurants in Alviera Country Club serves a balanced and unique international menu that is available for dine-in or delivery within the Pampanga Area.

Manyaman Cafe

People can have a taste of a delicious mix of cuisines and Kapampangan signature dishes at the Manyaman restaurant. They can also catch the latest sports matches on TV or while playing a few rounds of table tennis, darts, or billiards, at the Galo Sports Bar while enjoying their special offers. Early risers can spend their peaceful mornings treating their selves with Sabyan Cafe’s delectable breakfast spreads which include freshly-baked pastries and brewed beverages.

Limited Promo

For a limited time only, guests can enjoy first-rate club amenities in nature now with discounted rates and special payment terms. For as low as P5,200/month for individual shares and P8,400/month on corporate shares, interested guests can gain access to high-caliber amenities like restaurants, sports bars, entertainment rooms, function rooms, and many more for the whole family to experience. With its ideal location, aesthetic, superior design, huge land area, top facilities, and quality health and safety protocols, it is easily a worthwhile investment for guests to enjoy now and in the future.

For those who are looking for a perfect location that merges the comforts of city life alongside the serenity of nature, Alviera Country Club is the best place to be at, where people can create everyday moments into meaningful memories.

Visit https://www.alviera.ph/countryclub/CORP/COVID19Protocols/ to know about the club’s latest safety guidelines and updates. You may also check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AlvieraCountryClub and Instagram page @alvieracountryclub for latest promos and offerings.