The events production company celebrates its ninth year in the local music scene with a show at 123 Block
The event production business GNN (Gabi Na Naman Productions) is celebrating its ninth year of creating local and international shows for the Filipino audience with a birthday celebration.
The special showcase, known as #GNN9, intends to recognize the production company’s dedication to developing a secure environment for music lovers by hosting events and concerts that support the creative spirit of the Philippines.
#GNN9 will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in 123 Block in Mandaluyong City. forward. Some of GNN’s personal favorites are included in this year’s edition: UDD, Ang Bandang Shirley, Cheats, Ena Mori, Clara Benin, Gabba, and Chicosci.
This time, GNN wants to commemorate their milestone with an understated, small party that emphasizes live music only and is based on inclusivity and community building.
Limited quantities of #GNN9 tickets are available at bit.ly/gnn9 for PHP 800 (early bird pricing).
The top telecommunications company in the Philippines, Eastern Communications, won a Bronze Stevie Award at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, gaining recognition on a global scale. The organization that bestows awards recognizes exceptional commercial accomplishments throughout the area, honoring companies and individuals that exhibit success in a range of industries.
“We are honored to be recognized once again by the APAC Stevie Awards. This win reaffirms our role in driving the digital transformation in the Philippines. We will continue to empower businesses and communities through our infrastructure expansion and ICT education initiatives,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.
With its statewide push to strengthen its infrastructure, increase its footprint, and service varied telecommunication demands throughout the Philippines, Eastern won the bronze award for Innovation in Technology Management, Planning & Implementation (Telecommunications Industries).
By the end of 2023, the company had effectively expanded its network reach by over 98% with a dedicated expenditure of Php 4.3 billion. One of its primary strategic objectives was the installation of terrestrial and submarine cable infrastructure in underserved areas, enabling improved connectivity and access to digital services.
Eastern’s continued support for the nation’s digital transformation was exemplified through its collaboration in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, establishing resilient undersea fiber-optic connectivity to 24 segments and 33 points of interconnection (POIs).
Moreover, the company maintained its position as an industry thought leader by securing the bronze recognition for Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year once again. Its B2B campaign for focus industries provided valuable insights and support across key industries to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic market.
Through strategic partnerships with industry associations and business chambers, Eastern Communications launched the Ehuddle and Eastern Huddle campaigns that featured webinars, on-ground learning sessions, and events focused on topics such as resilience, digital transformation, and future-proofing businesses.
“We believe that digitalization will propel businesses forward. By sharing our expertise to Filipino enterprises, we not only support their individual growth but also contribute to the economic progress of our community and stakeholders,” said Vince Tempongko, Eastern Communications’ Co-Coordinator.
“As we continue to launch new products and build meaningful partnerships, we endeavor to bring innovations that will drive sustainable growth and progress across the nation,” he added.
For additional information regarding Eastern Communications’ offerings, reach out to them at 5300-7000 or at their website, eastern.com.ph.
Many of us are looking for meaningful ways to honor the amazing ladies in our lives as Mother’s Day draws near. Why not give your mother a memorable, hassle-free homemade dinner this year? You can easily make recipes like Chicken Meatballs and Bistek Tagalog with Purefoods Heat & Eat Viands, making sure your mom feels particularly cherished and valued on her special day.
Do you recall the times when your mother prepared every meal at home with love? It’s your turn now to return the favor by making her favorite dishes. Imagine how satisfying it would be to serve tasty, slow-cooked meals that only take a few minutes to prepare. These handy snacks provide a solution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality, whether you’re a working parent balancing work and family obligations or you just want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time cherishing moments with loved ones.
Preparing a delicious meal with Purefoods H&E Viands is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Simply heat the dish over the stove or pop it in the microwave for 8-10 minutes, and you’re ready to enjoy a hearty and wholesome feast. Add your favorite veggies to complement the flavors and elevate the dish to new heights of culinary delight. What’s more, they offer a diverse range of ulam options, making meal planning a breeze. Whether your mom prefers traditional Filipino favorites or craves something a bit more adventurous, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Bring a delightful and surprising twist to classic Filipino dishes by following these recipes from the HomeFoodie website and create a Sweet and Sour Meatball or an elevated Bistek Stroganoff.
Fry meatballs in a deep pan with hot oil for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels and set aside.
In a saucepan, add 2 tbsp used oil. Sauté onion, then add remaining ingredients. Stir continuously until mixture simmers and thickens. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Add cooked meatballs and simmer once.
Makes 4-5 servings (Yield: 20-24 pc/4 pc per serving)
This Mother’s Day, make the most of the chance to spend time with your mother and family rather than spending hours in the kitchen. You can concentrate on making priceless experiences that will last a lifetime when you use Purefoods Heat & Eat. Adding a little bit of home to your Mother’s Day celebration has never been simpler thanks to these products, which are available at top supermarkets, grocers across the country, and online at San Miguel Mart, Lazada, or Shopee.
Make this Mother’s Day memorable by honoring the key women in your life with Purefoods Ready-to-Eat. After all, every moment becomes an opportunity to express your love and gratitude when spending quality time is made simple.
The EB Matte Lip Ink is the newest creation from your favorite local beauty business, offering a welcome diversion from the recent slew of gloss releases. It is my go-to lippie; aside from its beautiful shades and formula, I also like that it is long-lasting and does not dry on my lips. I also like that it is easy to apply. It is everything that I need, and I’m a happy user.
This unique liquid lipstick, dubbed as your new go-to summer necessity, gives a perfectly matte pout packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. As it hydrates your lips for pleasant wear throughout the day, notice the difference.
The gorgeous range of six warm tones of EB Matte Lip Ink will help you channel your summertime vibes. Discover your ideal match:
Ginger Spice: A light and playful orange pink.
Nude Salmon: Your everyday MLBB with a warm touch.
Melon Milk: A deep, luscious warm melon.
Fresh Coral: Your go-to coral for any occasion.
Burnt Red: A brick red hue.
Cocodamia: A gorgeous toasted terracotta.
Thanks to its unique film-forming technology, experience the first-ever waterproof, non-drying, non-sticky, and long-lasting liquid lipstick formula. Matte bliss instead of pain and flakiness.
The EB Matte Lip Ink is an essential addition to any beauty kit, especially for only Php 220. Visit Ever Bilena’s official flagship stores on Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok to purchase the line online right now.
Follow @everbilenaofficial on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok for additional details.
Conventional educational approaches are inherently limited. Prolonged lectures and heavy reading assignments frequently cause students to get disengaged, which limits the effectiveness of the program’s ability to effectively prepare them for the careers they want. For working students who want to complete their college degree but can’t follow traditional models, this is especially difficult. As we attended the event, we learned so much from them about how useful these courses are for students, especially in our modern world, where we use so much of our technology. They also instilled in us the importance of safe use of technology. Additionally, a lot are still conducting online classes for various reasons and it is still relevant today even though we are slowly returning to normal; hence, IT education is such a significant learning for students.
In subjects as dynamic as information technology (IT), the shortcomings of conventional educational institutions are painfully obvious. Rapid technological advancement means that acquired skills and information can quickly become outdated. Furthermore, given the continuous integration of businesses and technology, the growing prominence of AI and machine learning in the workforce highlights the need for IT learners to stay competitive over the long term.
Empowering College Education
In pursuit of evolving education, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), the premier digital-first college in the Philippines with a core focus on the application of technology in business under Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, has leveled up its IT degree program to provide progressive training in line with the demands of today’s professional landscape. Launched in an event held in Rockwell, Makati, MMDC’s new IT program now features two tracks, each with their own range of specializations.
Learners under the Development-focused IT program can choose between earning degrees in either Software Development or Network & Cybersecurity. On the other hand, the Business-focused IT Program offers three specializations focused on the strategic application of technology in businesses across various sectors – Marketing Technology, Entrepreneurship Technology, and Data Analytics.
“In this digital age, businesses are harnessing technology to make better decisions and market products and services at a faster pace and in more personalized ways,” said Engr. Dennis Tablate, Executive Director at Mapúa Malayan Digital College. “Our leveled-up IT program equips students with the technical and soft skills to leverage today’s entrepreneurship, marketing, and data analytics tools, opening them up to more avenues where they can establish and build thriving careers locally and globally.”
Digital Education, Real-World Experience
To help prepare students for the real world, MMDC’s unique Projects, Problems, and Cases (PPC) learning model emphasizes hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and analysis of local and global cases – mirroring the dynamics of modern workplaces. Instead of relying solely on traditional testing methods, this approach prioritizes outputs, aligning with the evolving demands of today’s industries. Designed to cater to all types of learners, including working professionals, this educational model unlocks future career opportunities by fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Learners can expect a challenging yet collaborative curriculum that equips students with the skills essential in navigating complex situations confidently.
In a discussion among Ms. Bianca Gonzalez, MMDC Instructional System Design Director Noel Torregoza, and Working Student Nico Lim during the launch event, attendees discovered multiple perspectives on how the PPC model develops both the technical and soft skills needed by professionals today.
“Educational experiences that are active, social, and engaging lead to deeper learning. On top of developing knowledge and technical abilities, our PPC learning model was designed to foster higher-level thinking, communication, self-management, and leadership skills which are all highly desirable traits to have in the workplace,” said Torregoza.
Stepping Up Together
In celebration of working students across the country, MMDC relaunched Step Up sa Pangarap – a movement that empowers and encourages working students to accomplish their professional and personal goals. Now in its second year, Step Up sa Pangarap aims to showcase the continuously growing community in support of working students across the country.
The movement continues to grow thanks to the efforts of partners across various industries who share the goal of helping working students finish college and get a degree. Through one of MMDC’s partners, Concentrix, new MMDC students can benefit from an exclusive Work and Study Program, offering part-time jobs alongside part-time study opportunities. With salary deduction options aimed at helping learners sustain their education until graduation, the program is designed to provide working students with the support they need to balance education and employment demands.
To help more working students effectively navigate both their professional and student life, MMDC is looking forward to collaborating with more companies in the country for its Work and Study Program.
MMDC and GCash have teamed to offer Study Now, Pay Later options through GGives, an installment payment program, with the aim of making quality education more accessible to working students. Students now have up to 24 months of flexible payment choices. Based on the average number of monthly active users, the connection between MMDC and GCash has also made internship and job possibilities for students in the #1 Finance Super App conceivable.
The goal of MMDC is to improve the college experience by recognizing the needs of modern professionals and students, as well as the obstacles preventing them from reaping the rewards of a top-notch education. This objective is the foundation for all of the organization’s activities and projects. MMDC seeks to assist working students in their attempts to contribute to nation-building initiatives targeted at developing a stronger economy and establishing a better nation by consistently innovating, modernizing learning methods, and improving access to learning and development opportunities.
Leading international financial services provider Manulife’s Philippine operation recently announced the hiring of Ardhi Lufti Siregar as the organization’s new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Sonali Verma as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
Sonali Verma has over 18 years of leadership experience in bank partnerships, customer experience, and digital innovation. She was previously Manulife’s Head of Digital Customer Experience and Innovation for Asia Bancassurance. In her former position, she oversaw innovative projects in the field of digital bancassurance, such as the Manulife-DBS Bank digital channel’s successful launch and Techombank’s first digital protection offering in Vietnam. In her role as CMO for Manulife Philippines, Verma will spearhead creative marketing tactics to support Manulife in enhancing its customer offerings in the areas of retirement, health and life insurance, and digitalization; she will also spearhead customer-centric propositions, community investments, and the Impact Agenda, all while bolstering the company’s overall reputation and position as a market leader.
“As our new CMO, Sonali’s track record of delivering results amid innovation and development trends in the insurance space proves her leadership capability to empower our distribution teams with dynamic, relevant, and data-driven programs, accelerating our journey towards becoming the most digital, customer-centric global company in our industry,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
Ardhi Lufti Siregar, as the company’s new CHRO, expands his decade of leadership experience spanning banking, technology, and insurance. He previously served as the head of Human Resources for Manulife Business Processing Services in the Philippines, and as Manulife Indonesia’s CHRO. As part of Manulife’s senior leadership team, Siregar will be pivotal in driving Manulife’s culture, talent strategy and employee engagement; enhancing its talent acquisition and retention; and strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workforce.
“Driven by his extensive leadership experience and expertise in fostering an inclusive and empowering culture, Ardhi will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to attract and retain top talent, and build on our winning team to accelerate our goals for our customers and other stakeholders. We welcome Ardhi’s addition to our top management as we continuously sustain a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential,” Hora added.
Learn more about Manulife Philippines by visiting their website manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).
Leading global provider of energy management and digital automation, Schneider Electric, collaborates with NVIDIA, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) computing, to maximize data center energy efficiency with AI.
The collaboration will launch the first AI data center reference designs in the world. In order to increase efficiency and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, these designs will combine Schneider Electric’s knowledge of digital infrastructures with NVIDIA’s AI technologies, establishing new benchmarks for AI deployment and operations within data center ecosystems.
Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of the Secure Power Division & Data Center Business at Schneider Electric, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “By combining our expertise in data center solutions with NVIDIA’s leadership in AI technologies, we’re not just overcoming infrastructure limitations; we’re unlocking the full potential of AI.”
“This collaboration is a leap forward towards a more efficient, sustainable, and transformative future, powered by AI,” Sharma added as he stressed that the data center industry continues to evolve, which calls for a stronger focus on integrating AI technologies to their operations and addressing Scope 3 emissions to achieve net-zero emissions.
Scope 3 emissions account for about 50% of data centers’ GHG footprint. According to GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions attributed to the activities of companies which include business travel, waste management, and value chain operations. This type of emission is often not reported and is more challenging to measure compared to Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
These indirect emissions are major but often overlooked drivers of environmental impact of data centers. As a response, Schneider Electric is advocating for a holistic approach to GHG management, which includes accurate carbon accounting, target-setting, and a systematic review of data and emission sources.
Schneider Electric provides accounting and reporting solutions for data centers in order to manage their emissions under Scope 3. One tool for simulating energy use to estimate greenhouse gas emissions is included in this, taking into account the data center’s power use, cooling systems, and operational efficiency.
“This approach aligns with our commitment in leading the charge to equip critical and energy-intensive industries such as data centers with advanced solutions to help them achieve better operational efficiency all while minimizing their carbon emissions beyond traditional means,” said Abraham Lim, Secure Power and Industrial Automation BVP of Schneider Electric Philippines.
Schneider Electric is still dedicated to pursuing the digital transformation of sectors in order to maintain environmental sustainability worldwide and stay up to date with technological breakthroughs.
Another pop-rock hit song inspired by a popular Korean drama is released by the Filipino band Sponge Cola.
The journey of a marriage towards recovery and reconciliation is explored in their new track, “Tatlong Buwan.” It is reminiscent of the well-known storyline of the hit television show “Queen of Tears,” starring Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun, two Korean celebrities.
The lead singer and guitarist of Sponge Cola, Yael Yuzon, describes the song as “a love letter, epistolary, or even a midnight soliloquy for one person.”
He clarifies, “The love tale of Queen of Tears’ central characters served as the inspiration for Tatlong Buwan. Being a series helps because you get to know the characters well. You understand their motivations. trauma, familial bonds, and sociological variables. You can observe each character’s push and pull as well as how they are all molded. In the end, the story just makes so much sense in the way it develops that it’s really simple to sympathize, which facilitates both writing and feeling.”
Yael wrote “Tatlong Buwan” immediately after catching the tenth episode of the smash Netflix show. He admits that the song reflects the urgency of the moment, inspiring him to write with newfound vulnerability.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said mamahalin ka lang, mamahalin kita in a song before,” Yuzon reveals.
The following day, he recorded the song over at Love One Another Studio with legendary music producer Angee Rozul, who told him to sing it in a way that is exactly the opposite of the lyrical mood.
“This actually made me sadder, knowing that it’s a love song that could sadly end in death,” said the Gemini hitmaker. “He had no idea, so the burden was all on me.”
After getting approval from his bandmates, including the ever-stoic Gosh, the band’s bassist, Yael Yuzon, sent the track to Joey Santos for mixing and additional instrumentation. The result, as expected, is a beautifully produced paean to a love that was once lost but is now found, growing stronger by the day even after going through so many twists and turns.
In addition, a music video for the song featuring the main Queen of Tears filming sites will be published alongside it. Yael says that everything about the experience was magical, a labor of love, and a tribute to one of the greatest K-dramas ever.
“There’s something engulfing about visiting locations where great narrative moments took place. It’s like these places witnessed so much emotion that there’s still some of it left.”
The song“Tatlong Buwan”by Sponge Cola is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide. The official music video will be made available at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26. through the official Sponge Cola YouTube channel.
Existing clients of the platform who took a reloan during the promo period are eligible for the giveaway
This summer, one of Digido‘s clients will receive a highly sought-after iPhone 15 Pro Max thanks to the multi-awarded consumer finance company.
The promotion is open to returning Digido platform users who apply between April 23, 2024, and June 20, 2024. For every successful reloan transaction, clients will receive one lottery entry.
Using the client’s Lifetime ID, the giveaway winner will be revealed on Digido’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/digidoph/).
First-time borrowers can receive up to PHP 4,000 with 0% interest through Digido’s First Loan For Free program, while returning customers can receive a normal Personal Loan up to PHP 25,000. It is available via its official website, digido.ph, Lazada Loans, and its applications on Google Play and the iOS App Store.
Digido’s inclusive, trustworthy, and safe digital lending services have been utilized by over a million Filipinos.
Commenting on the promotion, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “This new giveaway is especially for our valued clients who have been clamoring for more rewards as they continue to use our trusted, safe and inclusive lending platform. We commit to not only innovate the way we deliver our services, but to also find more ways to delight our customer.
The winner will be announced on July 9, 2024 through Digido’s official Facebook page. The winner shall be notified via registered email and a call through their registered mobile number.
Research from Statista revealed that the number of smartphone users in the Philippines in 2023 were at 50.94 million and is projected to reach 96.12 million by 2029.
Notes for Editors
Additional details on eligibility:
-The raffle draw will happen in the office of the corporation, Level 7 Cyberpark Tower 1, 60 Gen. Aguinaldo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, on July 8, 2024 with the presence of DTI representative in-charge via Zoom.
-In claiming the prize, the winner is required to present at least 1 valid ID and his/her Digido app where we can see his/her Digido Lifetime ID. Digido reserves the right to require additional proof of identity for validation purposes
Modern farming methods increase yields for some farmers, but many Filipino farmers are still unable to keep up. These seasoned workers are clinging to tried-and-true, frequently ineffective techniques that have been passed down through the generations while they find themselves falling behind in a market that demands increased output.
Jayson Garcia, a Pampanga farmer, aimed to challenge the dominant narrative among his family. He was aware that, in the quickly changing world of contemporary agriculture, he would need to innovate and set a new direction for his farm in order to stay competitive.
“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added.
SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation was the breakthrough Garcia needed to revitalize his farming techniques. These included selecting the best seeds and caring for them as well as strategic planting schedules.
The livelihood program also gave way for him to discover alternative sales channels that enhanced his earning potential while extending fair prices to his customers. The knowledge and confidence he gained led him to expand his farm, and in effect, increased his monthly income to more than Php25,000.
Aside from directly selling his harvests, he is now planting a variety of vegetables–on his farm, including lemongrass, malunggay, and madre de cacao, which he sells online to small businesses that process the produce into other products.
Embracing new techniques
Sharing the same story of hope is another KSK farmer from Pampanga, Juanito Dela Cruz. Despite his age, he actively pursued and adopted modern farming techniques. Building on his current success, he shared the importance of adaptability for farmers, calling for others to try and explore new practices.
From a modest monthly income of Php10,000, Juanito experienced an upsurge in his earnings, notably through participation in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark, yielding around Php30,000 weekly. “Kailangan maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK,” he said.
Jayson and Juanito are two of the approximately 30,000 Filipino farmers whose lives have been transformed by the SM Group’s KSK program. Farmers who had given up thanks to its activities were able to adopt contemporary farming methods and become more adaptive in the face of the changing agricultural world.
The SM Group is unwavering in its dedication to advancing social good through the SM Foundation. This commitment continues SM’s upcoming initiatives, which will be spearheaded by its planned smart city real estate development, with an emphasis on boosting beneficial social impact in the areas in which SM operates.