Monthly Archives

March 2023

Food

Summeryenda! Enjoy the summertime with refreshing tropical gulaman flavors

Greet the warm weather with gulaman, a delicious delight from the tropics and our collective childhood! With the uniquely Filipino flavors of buko pandan and mango from Mr. Hat Gulaman, make Summeryenda times more memorable while remaining cool and hydrated.

Complement your Summeryenda menu by preparing cool, refreshing snacks, desserts, and drinks with various tropical gulaman tastes like orange, lychee, strawberry, grape, and even coffee.

Do you desire additional tastes? Use Mr. Hat Gulaman’s unflavored gulaman, which is available in black, orange, yellow, white, red, and green colors, to indulge and create your own summer concoctions.

Bring the summer vibe with you wherever you are with the versatile gulaman – at the beach, a picnic in the park, on a hiking adventure, or hanging out in each other’s homes. Make jelly drinks or “samalamig”, flans, gulaman desserts, even gummies you can nibble on. The possibilities are endless.

Mr. Hat Gulaman has perfectly captured the Filipino taste. A popular flavor in the Philippines, the mango-flavored Mr. Hat Gulaman powder has a sweet and fruity taste that is perfect for summer desserts.

Buko Pandan is a Filipino dessert that typically features a mix of coconut and pandan flavors. Mr. Hat Gulaman’s buko pandan-flavored jelly powder captures this unique taste and can be used to make buko pandan salad.

Mr. Hat Gulaman’s strawberry-flavored jelly powder has a sweet and tangy taste that is perfect for making strawberry-flavored desserts that kids especially love.

What are you in the mood for? What is your favorite gulaman recipe? Whip it up with Mr. Hat Gulaman!

Mr. Hat Gulaman is a product of Filipino firm Seanluc, Inc. Its jelly powder is made from the finest natural seaweed extract. It is made from a mixture of carrageenan, sugar, flavorings and colorings.

Carrageenan is a type of seaweed-derived ingredient that is commonly used as a gelling agent in food products, while sugar is added for sweetness. Additional ingredients such as fruit flavors and food colorings are added to create unique flavors and colors.

Making jelly using Mr. Hat Gulaman does not require elaborate preparations. This makes drinks and dessert creation quicker, without sacrificing quality and flavor.

Even those on a tight budget can take on Mr. Hat Gulaman. To keep cool and refreshed this summer, stock up with Mr. Hat Gulaman varieties! Grab Mr. Hat Gulaman in all flavors and colors from Lazada, Shopee, and other local retail locations.

Check out the Mr. Hat Gulaman Website for more information and updates. See Mr. Hat Gulaman on TikTok and Facebook.

Lifestyle, News

As it prepares for its tenth year in the Philippines, Home Credit plans to empower 10 million Filipinos

With the aim of giving more Filipinos access to credit and achieving 10 million clients by 2023, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the nation’s top consumer financing provider, launches its 10th anniversary celebration.

Home Credit continues to gradually expand its operations and provide consumers a full ecosystem of products and service options tailored to their unique requirements and lifestyles as the company marks ten years of service in the nation this October. As we attended the press conference, we really saw how Home Credit gives value to its customers and how genuine they are in ensuring the needs of their clients. As they’re now in their decade of serving and empowering their people, they widen their range and really give what their customers really need on a daily basis. As a consumer finance provider, they guarantee everyone that they are on their side every step of the way.

Home Credit had 9.3 million customers at the year’s end of 2022, which was a good performance. The extension of its services to many lifestyle segments and categories was a major factor in making it possible for Filipinos to live more fulfilling lives.

“Our goal of a financially empowered Philippines comes true every year, one customer at a time. In our 10 years of service in the country, we aim to empower 10 million customers by the end of 2023 and continue to serve more Filipinos in the years to come. More than delivering innovative and accessible financial services, we celebrate the relationships we have built with our stakeholders and customers over the past decade, and this we choose to continue above and beyond,” shares Home Credit Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer, David Minol.

Anything, anytime, anywhere

As a leading consumer finance provider, pioneering buy now, pay later (BNPL) services in the country, Home Credit has grown its local roots in the past decade and developed a much deeper understanding of the local market. The company has seen the need to expand its lifestyle offerings and finance solutions to better support the ever-evolving needs and demand of Filipinos in this new generation.

Over the years, Home Credit has expanded to a robust 15,000 partner stores across 75 provinces in the country and has aggressively grown its online presence through the My Home Credit App. The company has also forged partnerships with the country’s biggest brands and retailers, building a wide selection of 300+ lifestyle commodities ranging from gadgets and smartphones, appliances and furniture, to bicycles and motorcycle accessories, sports equipment, and many more.

From once to always

Since entering the country in 2013, Home Credit has empowered millions of Filipinos to access more financial solutions through its expanded range of product options.

Aside from product loans, the company also offers existing customers with good payment histories the opportunity to avail themselves of Cash Loan, which helps them to be more financially capable. To date, Home Credit has disbursed over 1.8 million Cash Loans to its customers, in which 90% of the contracts were signed digitally and 20% of the applications were processed through the My Home Credit App.

Home Credit boasts of having the fastest cash loan approval and disbursement in 1 minute – the best in the market. Customers can enjoy the flexibility of the Cash Loan offers ranging from Php 3,000 to Php 150,000 and repayment terms from six to 48 months.

Nurturing relationships, building protection

Home Credit believes that availing of its financing products is not the end of the customers’ journey but only the start of it. The company wants to further build meaningful relationships with its customers and be their ally in advocating proactive measures to keep themselves and their families safe and protected.

With this, Home Credit also offers solutions to give the best protection to its customers. They have the option to purchase a range of protection packages: Device Protection which can be upgraded with an extended warranty for accidental damage protection; Extra Care for flexibility in managing payments; Home Content to protect and cover home belongings from any unfortunate incidents; and an innovative Personal Payment Protection that offers unlimited telemedicine service, death and accident coverage, and medical reimbursement.

Serving customers, valuing communities

As the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, Home Credit remains steadfast in its mission of empowering Filipinos, Para sa Life. The company has focused on advocating financial literacy, which aligns with Home Credit’s thrust of championing environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Last year, Home Credit’s flagship financial literacy program Wais sa Home reached more than 20 million Filipinos across the country and has driven onsite financial literacy programs in various provinces, particularly in the communities of Pampanga, Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan.

With 30 million sheets of paper saved from transactions overall—the equivalent of 2,000 trees saved—the corporation also pledges to contribute to a better planet. In addition, Home Credit supports equity by giving women, who make up 52% of its clientele, access to greater purchasing power.

As the market leader in the consumer financing industry, Home Credit finds strength not only in numbers but also in the solid relationships it has built with both stakeholders and customers. With its dedication to innovation, client happiness, and financial inclusion, the company, now in its tenth year in the Philippines, hopes to set a benchmark for the consumer finance sector.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).   have properly licensed and overseen the financing firm Home Credit Philippines (BSP). Visit the company’s official website at www.homecredit.ph to learn more about the most recent improvements. You may also follow the company’s official profiles on FacebookInstagram, and TikTok. Consumers are urged to download the My Home Credit App from Google Play to learn more about the most recent promotions and to view the newest market updates.

More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph.

Entertainment

At Full Volume: Over the entire year, support the songs and experiences of Spotify’s Filipino creators

Spotify has teamed up with prominent Filipina creators to promote their voices and stories in honor of Women’s Month. These Filipinas produce sophisticated and bright music, lyrics, and vocals; Spotify supports women in audio through its playlists and programs all year round.

Female musicians have together gotten close to half a billion streams through Spotify’s EQUAL, a year-round effort devoted to women in music, during their first month of joining the program. While Pinay Voices highlights podcasts from producers like  Paano Kung…, Let’s Pretend It’s 2AM, and Free Yourself Podcast, ed nearly half a billion streams within their first month of joining the program. EQUAL Philippines promotes musicians like the top-charting singer-songwriter mrld  and the Cebuana rapper Karencitta. These pioneering Filipina audio makers’ opinions are exclusively revealed by Spotify.

Breaking Boundaries through Audio

Filipino women’s bravery and tenacity have helped to diversify the creative environment. For some people, following their dreams entails motivating others to improve upon themselves. Meriel de Jesus, better known as mrld and the voice of popular songs like “Ligaya” and “Ikaw Pa Rin,” discussed how perseverance was a need in her journey as a developing artist. “I remember sitting up late, researching how I might convey my skill to the world,” she said.

Being a creator required Ria Ramirez of Let’s Pretend It’s 2AM to overcome her self-doubt. “I thought about starting a podcast, but I was hesitant to take the plunge. Yet the people around me helped me to see that I had a voice that needed to be heard.

Other voices in the field are driven by passion and purpose to inspire others. “It’s a powerful feeling because you can make a huge imprint onto someone’s life instantly,” said EQUAL ambassador Karen Ann “Karencitta” Cabrera-Caballero, who famously made waves with the release of her debut song “Cebuana” which proudly champions her Bisaya roots.

Gayle de Chavez of Free Yourself Podcast creates content with the hope of inspiring others. “I enjoy being a creator, pursuing the things that I love, and at the same time helping people love themselves.”

Technology Powering Gender Equity

Beyond the drive to thrive, these inspiring Filipinas leveraged technology as a partner in their creative journey.

Spotify EQUAL artist Karencitta, who started recording her own music at the age of 13 and now has over 220,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, shared that she learned through exploring tech with many trials and errors. Radio DJ and Creator of Paano Kung… podcast Joelle shared, “I am grateful that technology and a platform as special as Spotify enables us to share our stories more openly and find other people who inspire us!”

mrld highlighted how Spotify helped her flourish on the local and global stage. “Through Spotify, a lot of people were able to discover my craft, and it paved the way for me as a female artist. EQUAL is very uplifting as it gives the spotlight to female artists.”

Although platforms and initiatives have unlocked a wealth of opportunities, the journey for female creators is not without its challenges.

Joelle opens up. “I feel the challenge when I have to double or triple check what I say just to make sure it’s right. I’ve been afraid to speak up because people would talk over me, or make me feel like my feelings and thoughts weren’t valid.” mrld also noted how there is room to give more visibility for women in the creative field.

At the same time, creators express their optimism and appreciation for the positive changes in the industry. “Nowadays, I think there is a space for both men and women to create freely,” Ria points out.

Unlocking the Creator in Everyone

Spotify Creators, Joelle, Ria, and Gayle, mrld and Karencitta, share their advice with the hopes of inspiring young Filipinos out there.

  1. Celebrate Individuality and Authenticity
  2. EQUAL ambassadormrld: “Always believe in yourself. No one is going to be there for you till the end except yourself. So don’t be too hard on yourself and continue to trust the process.”
  3. EQUAL ambassador Karencitta: “Kung bisag asa pa ta e butang sa kalibutan, di gyud natu malimtan ang Filipino traditions and values. Ayaw kalimot kung asa ka gikan. E taas gyud na ang bandila.”
  1. Embrace Vulnerability
  2. Ria of Let’s Pretend It’s 2AM: “There’s no need to hide the broken parts of yourself because it is in this brokenness that you have grown to be who you are. Let that process not only inspire you but others too.”
  3. Joelle of Paano Kung…: “It can be scary for anyone to be vulnerable, but the exciting possibilities in opening up and connecting with others outweigh the fear. I get to do this now, because the younger me took a chance, opened her heart, continued to hope and try, despite the uncertainty, fear, and worries.”
  1. Invest in Oneself
  2. Gayle of Free Yourself Podcast: “Continue investing in yourself and being curious about everything. Don’t seek validation in the form of other people’s opinions, and don’t be afraid to speak your mind and your truth.”
  3. EQUAL ambassador Karencitta: “Embrace learning”

Keen to discover and support female creators? Tune in to Spotify’s EQUAL hub and Pinay Voices.

Entertainment

With the release of her most recent album, Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus continues to rule the Filipino music charts

Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus’ eagerly awaited eighth studio album, is expected to have one of the highest digital sales and streaming figures this week in the Philippines. The critically lauded album debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Philippines list on its first day of release, and its lead song “Flowers” most recently peaked at No. 1 and No. 2 on the respective Spotify Philippines and iTunes Philippines charts.

Miley debuted the official music video for the new song “River,” off the album, which was helmed by Jacob Bixenman.

The hit song “Flowers” by Miley is one of twelve songs on Endless Summer Vacation. A genuine global hit, “Flowers” spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, which was a record for Miley. The fastest song in over a decade to reach that position is “Flowers,” which is currently number one on US Pop Radio. In addition, it received 500 million Spotify streams in the fastest time ever. Officially, “Flowers” has held the top spot as long as any female solo artist in the UK.

In a recently shared clip, Miley gave insight into Endless Summer Vacation.. She notes, “When it comes to the sequencing of Endless Summer Vacation, I divided it by two parts: AM and PM – to kind of represent almost like an act. The AM to me is representing the morning time, where there is a buzz and an energy and a there’s potential of new possibilities. It’s a new day. And in the nighttime, it feels like there is a slinky, seediness and kind of a grime, but a glamour at the same time. In the evening, it’s a great time for rest, a time to recover – or it’s a time to go out and experience the wild side. Los Angeles, there is a certain energy to the night that you can kind of feel trouble boil up to the surface, and it is very inspiring to me.”

Endless Summer Vacation tracklist:

1. Flowers 

2. Jaded

3. Rose Colored Lenses 

4. Thousand Miles (feat. Brandi Carlile)

5. You

6. Handstand 

7. River 

8. Violet Chemistry 

9. Muddy Feet (feat. Sia)

10. Wildcard 

11. Island

12. Wonder Woman 

13. Flowers (Demo)

Fans can also watch “Miley Cyrus ‒ Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)” on Disney+. With this special, Miley, who also serves as executive producer, opens the door to audiences around the world, providing insight into her new album and the person she is today. For the first time ever, Miley performs songs from Endless Summer Vacation, including “Flowers,” seven additional tracks from the album, one of her chart-topping classic hits and a special performance with Rufus Wainwright. The “Backyard Sessions” are a series that Miley began in 2012 for her fans. Viewers were quickly taken with the experience of watching Miley and her band perform in an intimate, outdoor setting, and the “Backyard Sessions” became a benchmark series. “Miley Cyrus ‒ Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)” serves as a continuation.

Miley refers to the album as her “love letter to LA.” It was recorded there and produced by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson, Greg Kurstin, Mike WiLL Made-It, and Grammy Award-winning Album of the Year producers Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson. Fans can find a variety of physical configurations on shop.mileycyrus.com as well as a special all-white vinyl, available only at Target. Endless Summer Vacation is available both digitally and physically.

Follow Miley Cyrus

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | MileyCyrus.com

 Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Fashion

During International Women’s Month, Merrell honors #PrettyStrong Ladies

Merrell, a pioneer in the outdoor lifestyle, thinks that getting outside and enjoying nature is the greatest way to take care of yourself. Many research supported by various studies that demonstrate how going outside can aid in stress reduction, mental health improvement, and creativity enhancement support this. Merrell welcomed women from various backgrounds to participate in an immersive experience in the lush forests of Tanay, Rizal to interact with one another and develop understanding of the value of taking time out to reconnect with nature in honor of International Women’s Month.

Celebrating #PrettyStrong Women

Actresses Aubrey Miles and Meg Imperial, Nicole Borromeo of Bb Pilipinas International 2022, Stacey Gabriel of Bb Pilipinas 2022 Second Runner-Up, Maureen Montagne of Miss Globe 2021, fashion model Maria Isabela Galeria, and fitness instructors Patricia Gatus and Kezh Landicho were among those present. The program began with a peaceful outdoor yoga and meditation practice led by trained yoga instructor Anna Manalastas. The event culminated with presentations by travel content makers Charlene Ajose and Natalie Tarin after a brief stroll across the Tanay mountainside.

Merrell’s Bravada Collection

At the heart of the event is the Bravada collection, Merrell’s flagship women’s line which is especially made for adventure-seeking ladies in mind. The latest addition, the Bravada 2 Wrap, features a uniquely feminine silhouette but is equipped with a Merrell mountain-grade Quantum Grip™ rubber outsole and molded nylon arch shank – making it a force to be reckoned with outdoors.

The collection’s most popular sandals, the Bravada Backstrap and Cord Wrap, are now available in chic new colorways, Moon and Falcon, giving girls-on-the-go more alternatives. This vegan-friendly sneaker adheres to Merrell’s ongoing commitment to sustainability with its product lines by having an upper made entirely of 100% recycled mesh.

You may purchase items from the Bravada collection at any Merrell concept shop, online at www.merrell.com.ph, and in their own Viber community.    

Merrell’s latest gear for all kinds of adventures is available at SM Megamall, Glorietta 3, TriNoma, SM North EDSA Annex, Robinson’s Place Manila, Festival Mall Alabang, SM Southmall, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM City Baguio, SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier, Ayala Centrio Mall, and selected specialty stores and department stores nationwide.

Visit Merrell online at merrell.com.ph, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @Merrell_PH.

Entertainment

A second “Sa Wakas: 20th Anniversary” concert will be presented by Ebe Dancel

Filipino singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel will perform Sa Wakas: 20th Anniversary Celebration once more on March 31, 2023 (Friday), starting at 6 p.m., at Mandala Park’s 123 Block due to persistent public demand.

Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20th Anniversary Celebration, honoring the enduring legacy of Sugarfree’s famous debut album, will include an extended, full-length concert by Ebe Dancel and drummer Mitch Singson, as well as guest appearances and surprises.

The headline performance, which is being put on by GNN Entertainment Productions and Backspacer Records in collaboration with 123 Block and Balcony Entertainment, will have extra space available due to fan requests from those who were unable to attend the first one, which sold out in less than a day.

The hospital and medical bills of Parokya Ni Edgar guitarist Gab Chee Kee will be covered in part by the proceeds. Sa Wakas: official merchandise will also be offered for sale at the event and on the Backspacer Records website.

Sa Wakas by Sugarfree, released in 2003, raised the bar for confessional songwriting with songs that share experiences and events that are too humiliatingly terrible to discuss in public. The groundbreaking album, which was widely praised when it was released in the early 2000s, eventually gained a sizable fan base and inspired a supporter to create and produce a rock musical that won an award.

From March 13 (Monday) at 6 p.m., tickets for Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20th Anniversary Celebration can be purchased online at bit.ly/sawakas20.

Ticket Packages Available:

Regular Admissions (P1,500) – entrance to the event grounds VIP (P2,200) – entrance to the event grounds, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show, and a signed event poster. VIP + Vinyl Bundle (P3,500) – entrance to the event grounds, a Habangbuhay 10-inch signed silver vinyl, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show and a signed event poster.

Lifestyle

The Genuine Heart of Dr. Nielsen Donato for Animals

What gets you out of bed in the morning? “, asks Dr. Nielsen Donato, a veterinarian, as he strolls through his animal sanctuary.”This doesn’t work. It’s something you’re eager about.

People typically picture veterinarians caring for domestic pets like cats and dogs when they think of them. But Doc Nielsen isn’t your typical veterinarian. He has a specialty in avian and exotic medicine and serves as the managing partner and principal surgeon at Vets In Practice (VIP), a facility that treats pets that aren’t typical.

But what really sets him apart is his unrestrained compassion for practically every form of animal, whether it is slithering, flying, galloping, or crawling.

From the age of three, Doc Nielsen developed his enthusiasm. His excitement about going to church to see the yellow chicks and ducklings being sold by vendors outside is one of his favorite childhood memories.

Nowadays, Doc Nielsen assists in managing the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center, which is located on the Pansol property owned by his family. This nonprofit organization is home to about 100 different types of farm animals and wildlife, including domestic pets that have been abused and exotic species that have been rescued from dangerous conditions and illegal trade. He takes care of the wildlife park with the assistance of his crew, which includes everything from chickens and goats to monkeys and a serval cat. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which aids in obtaining and bringing animals to the park, also supports it.

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

Compassion project

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

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

Giving animals a second chance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lifestyle, News

The Handwriting of 6 Individuals Is Truly Swoon-Worthy

The experience of learning to write in script is one of everyone’s most formative recollections. Even today, when technology has moved us away from the straightforward process of writing with a pen and paper, everyone can relate to the thrill of glancing at your impeccable, handwritten notes.

The sight of other people’s well-organized writing can still make you gasp, even if you can’t write that well yourself. These are some examples of writers whose style may encourage you to pick up a pen and start writing like the scribe of your dreams.


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Leigh Reyes

Other than being an award-winning advertising creative, Leigh Reyes is an avid pen collector. The thrill of acquisition does fade, and in its place the joy of discovering newness in what one already owns glows more brightly,” she writes on her website (https://leighreyes.com). 

On Instagram (@leighpod) you can find evidence of her handwriting prowess, where she posts photos of handwritten notes, and gamely answers questions about all things pens and writing. 

At the Manila Pen Show, she will give a workshop on 2:00 PM, March 18, titled “Mad Scientist,” and will moderate March 19’s 3:45 PM panel featuring fountain pen collectors.

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Imma Frias

Imma Frias started her calligrapher journey in 2013, and since 2014 has been an instructor at calligraphy, and penmanship from 2016. “Calligraphy is something that is therapeutic… once you get the hang of it, it’s actually soothing,” she told The Lasallian a few years back.

Take a look at her Instagram (@dyosaimma) to see her deeply satisfying works of handwritten art. At the Manila Pen Show on March 18, she will lead a Handwriting Hangout at 10:30 AM, and at 2:15 PM on March 19, host Modern Calligraphy with Flex Pens. 

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Lorraine Castaneda

On Lorraine Castaneda’s Instagram (@calligraphyspot), she calls herself a “Purveyor of calligraphy appreciation, teacher of beautiful writing, and a stay-at-home time traveler.” All those things are true: her beautiful handwriting would not look any different from a passionate love letter written in the 1800s.

On March 18, 3:00 PM Castaneda will be heading a talk on Fountain Pens for Kids of All Ages, proving it is never too early to start enjoying the art of handwriting.

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Clement Dionglay

If you thought fountain pens could only be used by those who write in elaborate script, you haven’t seen Clement Dionglay’s Instagram (@clemdionglay). Here, she shows neatly written words in print, along with an impressive collection of pens. 

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Pao Alfonso

Another enthusiast who likes to write in print, Pao Alfonso’s Instagram account (@the.serial.doodler) showcases her thoughts on the world of pens. “Nib preferences really do change over time. I started out preferring fine nibs, then fell in love with medium and stub nibs. Now I’ve come full circle and prefer fine nibs again.”

Pao’s drawings, accompanied by her writing, work as mini food reviews of places she’s enjoyed. 

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Toni Santos

Toni Santos’ Instagram account (@toniscalligraphy) showcases her calligraphy along with inspirational handwritten statements and music lyrics that occasionally contain humor. She does not only collect pens; she also collects notebooks. She will be leading a discussion about Fountain Pens for Youth 7–12 on March 19.

On March 18 and 19, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Holiday Hotel & Suites in Makati will be home to the Manila Pen Show. The Life-Changer for Children initiative of Save the Children Philippines will receive a percentage of the earnings. Please visit @manilapenshow and #manilapensshow2023 for a complete list of speakers, exhibitors, and schedules.

Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment signs a record deal with P-Pop girl group YARA, and drops their first single, “ADDA”

Four-member Filipino group YARA has been added to Sony Music Entertainment’s respected roster. Sony Music Entertainment is a reputable record label that has produced some of the biggest artists in P-Pop.

Thanks to the supervision of their record company and their determination to make a name for themselves in the expanding Filipino music scene, the promising rookie sets off on a voyage with a sense of newfound independence. They have showcased their prominence in the field they have chosen during the media conference for their debut and we’ve witnessed the talent they possess and greatly enjoyed their performance.

 “Sony Music PH and YARA are a match made in heaven,” the all-women group shares. “We were surprised that our vision and passion for music are the same. After everything that we’ve gone through, we are very happy that we finally found someone with whom we are confident to work with especially with our music.”

YARA officially marks their debut as a recording artist with the release of their new single “ADDA,” which means ‘Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat.’ Holding merit with a refreshing balance of charisma and edginess, YARA drops a confident piece of pop music that leaves nothing out of the bag.

“We know what we want / we know what we’re capable of,” they open their verse with an assured declaration. Few newcomers can get away with lines that beam with delirious energy and excitement, and YARA does it seamlessly as they navigate an entirely new realm that remains completely uncharted to them.

The Pinoy girl group explains, “The song is about YARA. The story of YARA. The song reflects why YARA works hard to strive beyond their limitations and reach for their dreams. YARA wants their audience to know their story, and draw strength from it to conquer their own fears, and learn from YARA’s experiences. YARA wants their listeners to take control of their own lives and dreams.”

Kim Natividad of YARA wrote and produced YARA’s “ADDA,” which combines dance-pop vitality with hip-hop components and K-Pop sass. Joshua Nase and Michael “Cursebox” Negapatan, another regular collaborator of SB19 and Pablo, produced the song (Alex Bruce).

According to YARA, the empowering mood of the material aims to set the tone of what’s to come for their future releases. “The dynamics of the song radiate confidence and empower our listeners,” the Filipino quartet reveals. “Unison is also present in the song to highlight that behind showcasing our individual talents, the product of our teamwork sets us apart and makes us who we are. The progression of instrumental placements in the song relates to how our passion (to perform) intensifies throughout our journey amidst the unexpected challenges we’ve encountered along the way.”

The four members of the girl group YARA are Kim, Gelou, Rocher, and Christa. They are one of Sony Music Entertainment’s most recent P-Pop acts, which also includes SB19, 4th Impact, and other highly prized artists. Check out their brand-new song, “ADDA,” here.

Follow them on their official social media accounts:

Instagram: official_yara.ph
Twitter: official__yara
Facebook: YARA PH
Youtube: YARA PH
Tiktok: official__yara

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Food

Have a Cup of Swirly Delight with These New Doughnettes!

Since we adore merienda, our designated snack time, as Filipinos, one of the ways we enjoy desserts is through this practice. In our culture, merienda time is an opportunity to unwind from the day’s stresses while indulging in some delectable delicacies that will give us more energy.

In addition to the food, it is always enjoyable to have cozy hangout spots where we can savor the best delicacies the city has to offer. A location with delicious cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere is perfect for enhancing our experience and making our merienda time more enjoyable as a whole.

Scrumptious baked goodies for a sophisticated taste

From cold to warm drinks to savory and sweet treats, we have a wide selection of nibbles to choose from.

Introducing Bon Bakery’s new product, the Doughnettes! Hand-crafted through a meticulous step-by-step process, these Doughnettes are rolled, cut, dipped, and decorated by our pastry chef using artisan ingredients.

These delicious treats have six different flavors: Golden Bacon, Leche Flan, Mascarpone, Strawberry Shortcake, Manuka Honey, and Belgian Chocolate. Baked fresh daily!

Bon Bakery is your go-to spot for delectable treats. From their luscious cakes to savory pastries, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings.

Pinkberry x Bon Bakery’s 1st Collaboration Store

A sweet and savory partnership is here to fill your heart and palate! Pinkberry and Bon Bakery have combined into a collaboration store to create the perfect spot for you that will surely satisfy all your chill and sophisticated cravings.

Pinkberry has the tastiest, sweetest, and tangiest frozen yogurt that you’ve ever tasted! You may now get a warm delight from Bon Bakery and a refreshing treat from Pinkberry in the same location! To give you the best of both worlds without sacrificing quality, they integrated their menus. Choose your favorite frozen yogurt to go with your dessert from their broad menu of pastries and sweets.

Visit their establishments at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City to have a cup of delicious Bon Bakery and Pinkberry bliss as well as a delicious cup of cool swirly goodness from Pinkberry.