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Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

“Beat up car” is the new single by Henry Moodie

The track serves as follow-up to the chart-topping hit “drunk text,” which gained prominent traction in the Philippines thanks to viral covers by Paolo of Ben&Ben and Paolo Sandejas

Henry Moodie, a future worldwide pop sensation, has signed with Robots & Humans (UK), Columbia Records (US), and Sony Music Entertainment to release his amazing new track, beat up car. There is a music video for the single.

The song’s release comes after the popularity of his last hit, “drunk text,” in Southeast Asia and Malaysia, where it climbed at No. 1 on streaming services. The previously mentioned song also became well-known and viral in the area because to some amazing renditions by Paolo of Ben&Ben, Paolo Sandejas, and Chenle of NCT, a well-known K-Pop boy group.

The British pop sensation Henry delivers another epic ballad with his new single “beat up car.” The song’s composition, which combines a pulsating beat with magnificent guitars, perfectly complements Henry’s superb vocals, which shine throughout. It is both lovely and endearing, and news listeners and fans will undoubtedly find a strong sense of relatability in it. The song and its stunning Ned Botwood-directed video showcase why Henry Moodie is regarded as one of the most promising up-and-coming pop stars in the UK right now.

Speaking about ‘beat up car’, Henry said, “beat up car is a song fantasizing about running away with someone who makes life feel less scary. When I’m feeling down, I have a couple people I know I can call to remind me of all the beautiful parts of life – love and friendship. I wanted this song to feel uplifting and cinematic – just like how it feels to be with a soulmate!”

At just 19-years-old, Henry Moodie already achieved more than 250 million streams worldwide, landed in the Top 10 most viewed UK artists on TikTok in 2022 and has been named amongst Amazon Music’s Artists To Watch in 2023. Following the completion of a songwriting diploma at music school BIMM, Henry found his voice as a solo musician and songwriter, oozing a level of emotional vulnerability, and sweeping, timeless lyrics.

Henry released his debut EP, ‘in all of my lonely nights’, in the winter of 2023. With a combined 250m streams across tracks including self-penned and produced ‘you were there for me’, global hit ‘drunk text’ and the heartfelt ‘pick up the phone’, a track which received 350k streams in it’s first day alone. With his first headline UK and European tour selling out in days, support tours with Mimi Webb & Lauren Spencer-Smith under his belt, Henry has currently been embarking on his biggest solo tour to date with over 15,000 tickets sold in UK, Europe & USA plus festivals in Asia during the summer.

‘beat up car’ Single Artwork – DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES HERE

LISTEN TO ‘beat up car’ HERE

DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS HERE

FOLLOW HENRY MOODIE ON SOCIALS

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Henry Moodie’s beat up car’ is available right now via Robots & Humans (UK), Columbia Records (US), and Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Lifestyle, News

Schneider Electric reports that 99% of Filipino businesses have set sustainability objectives and advises digitization to increase profitability and reduce carbon emissions

Global leader in digital automation and energy management, Schneider Electric, releases the results of its annual Sustainability Survey, which was carried out in collaboration with international research firm Millieu Insight.

According to the results, 60% of APAC’s business executives believe that sustainability is a “high priority” for both their organization and their nation. 94% of business leaders concur that electrification is essential to their corporate sustainability plan when it comes to the industry’s perception of digital transformation. Ninety-nine percent of local company leaders in the Philippines have set goals to operate at Net Zero.

The survey engaged 4,500 C-level to Middle-level business leaders across nine countries in Southeast and East Asia, including the Philippines. The objective is to gauge sentiments and actions on sustainability within APAC and the local business community.

“We are seeing a growing trajectory towards greater sustainability integration into our local industries’ operations. As a leader in sustainable energy management solutions, Schneider Electric is reaffirming its commitment to support the business industry and the government in their pursuit towards their shift to green energy,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Intention vs. Action: The Green Action Gap

The Green Action Gap, a Schneider Electric identified metric used to estimate the rift between the organizations’ declared commitment towards their sustainability goals and the tangible actions to implement sustainable development by companies. It reveals that while 99% of the surveyed leaders have established sustainability plans, only 58% have set their plans in action. The reasons captured include: poor incentives, regulations uncertainty, bureaucratic challenges, market data references insufficiencies and lack of business priority. While challenges persist, this gap serves as a rallying call for urgent efforts to bridge intentions with actions.


Although most of the companies in Asia have established sustainability goals or targets, less than half (4 in 10) have implemented or are currently practicing a comprehensive sustainability strategy, according to Schneider Electric’s annual Sustainability Survey.
 

Across the region, the top reasons reported for pursuing corporate sustainability were innovation and competitiveness (39%) and an increase in business opportunities (37%) with countries in Southeast Asia most likely to agree that sustainability contributes to business growth.  Risk management, reputation and opportunity for cost saving round out the top five motivating factors companies consider when making decisions around sustainability strategy.

Most business leaders across the region (82% on average) believe that providing more incentives is more effective than enforcing penalties to encourage private sector compliance with government sustainability goals.

“We are encouraged by the growing awareness and commitment among Asia’s companies to establish sustainability goals. However, the survey’s findings on the intention-action gap reveal that there is still work to be done. As we navigate the urgent need for sustainability, it becomes more crucial for businesses and the public sector to collaborate and leverage innovative solutions to create a more sustainable future,” Catane emphasized.

Electricity 4.0: Path to Net Zero

To be on track for a net zero world in 2050, businesses need to reduce emissions by 50% this decade. At the recently concluded Philenergy Expo 2024, Schneider Electric introduced its global vision, Electricity 4.0, which shows how digitalization is the key to mitigate climate and energy crises.

From the survey report, results show that 97% of Philippine companies agree/strongly agree that digitalization is a key sustainability driver. The same number also consider energy efficiency as a core aspect of their sustainability plan.

“Electricity is the cleanest and most visible form of energy. By building a smart electric world where everything is interconnected, people will have the ability to optimize safety, reliability, performance, and lifespan. All while working towards achieving our global carbon neutrality goal by 2050,” says Catane.

In order to assist Philippine firms in digitizing, decarbonizing, and strategizing, Schneider Electric provides a variety of state-of-the-art integrated solutions.

The company’s exclusive EcoStruxure system links an organization from the shop floor to the top by combining hardware and software. Because of this, users can monitor and improve their operations in real time, leading to more efficient operations and lower energy usage.

“With digitization, energy shifts from being the biggest driver of carbon emissions to the biggest opportunity for carbon reduction. We have the tools that we need to drive change. All we need to do is to work together to make that happen,” Catane added.

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

Lifestyle

Vinyl Gold Rush: More music enthusiasts turn out for the most recent “One Stop Record Fair” event

An increasing number of vinyl record collectors are spending hours rummaging through records in hopes of finding the long-lost vinyl. The inaugural “One Stop Record Fair” of the year was packed with audio enthusiasts when it opened at the brand-new Greenhills Mall in San Juan City.

More than thirty vinyl record vendors, including Bunnygod Records, Tambai Records, Lennox Records, Kapitan Plaka, Musique Vibe Records, Mamsy Records, Plakatons, Ohmandys, and Perfect Day Records, were present at the quarterly music festival called “One Stop Record Fair.” Vinyl records from the 1960s to the 2020s were available for as little as 200 pesos, with discounts of up to 50%; nevertheless, you are free to haggle and request lower prices. It’s wise to remember that first pressings are frequently sold for a high price and to bring extra cash the next time.

Do you not yet own a turntable or other audio equipment? Don’t worry, though; CDs and cassette tapes were also offered at the record fair. Turntables and speakers were among the audio equipment that Audio-Technica was selling at a booth. Notable records sold at the event include “Feel like Making Love” by Bob James Trio and “The World’s Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings” from UG34 Music; “Buckingham Nicks (Japan Pressing)” by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and “City Pop Avenue” by Paper Moon Project from Bunnygod Records; “Shooting Rubberbands At The Sky (US First Pressing)” by Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians and Charles Mingus’ “Mingus at Monterey (Japan pressing mono)” from New Vintage Culture, among other notable records sold.

Cubil’s wife Keiko Necesario, who is also a singer-songwriter, joined him on stage to sing their song “Una.” Meanwhile, director and actor Bobot Mortiz launched his 8-track vinyl album “Goin’ Standard,” a collection of standards popularized by Frank Sinatra, at the record fair.

“I am happy with the outcome of this event. One Stop Record Fair is indeed successful. I can say that ‘our events are always successful, and it was different from previous fair since it was more fun and more people came,'” said Sari Osorio, the organizer of the record fair.

According to Osorio, attendees are more enthusiastic this time around since they are aware of what the record fair has to offer and are eager to see what has been introduced since the last fair.

In June 2024, there will be another “One Stop Record Fair,” so get ready to start digging.

Lifestyle, News

The ADVanCE for Creatives Program’s top five startup finalists are revealed by DTI

On March 21, 2024, at the Launchgarage Innovation Hub in Quezon City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally unveiled the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program.

After being chosen from a starting group of eight growth-stage companies, the top five candidates were evaluated based on organizational capability, business development, and preparedness. During these sessions, DTI and Launchgarage assessed each startup on the basis of its current state of product development, team composition, goals for the future, and obstacles, with an emphasis on how the program may help it flourish. This made sure that the selected finalists were not only capable of handling upcoming obstacles but also in a position to significantly influence the creative industry with their creative and adaptable solutions.

The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing creative solutions from Zamboanga; Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos; ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services, assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design, and strategy implementation; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.

The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on December 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This initiative underscores DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.

DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba commended the selected startups, emphasizing DTI’s dedication to supporting their growth. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five startup finalists of the ADVanCE for Creatives program,” said Usec. Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”

The finalists will receive in-depth instruction via a sequence of educational workshops, industry expert mentorship, and tailored business matchmaking and acceleration initiatives. A demo day in April, which marks the program’s culmination, will provide the businesses a chance to present their work and draw in possible partners and investors.

To support the Philippine Creative Industries even more, DTI previously unveiled ten carefully chosen creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program. The startups that were chosen for IDEA are Wika, 7×7 Development Corporation, MVRK Simulations, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, Transcend Studios Inc., Kwentoon, Carisle Media Corporation, Produkto PH, DND Denim N’ Denim, and Brave Story.

Tech

Celebrate 30 Years of the Philippine Internet with Eastern Communications: Pioneering Innovations and Inclusive Connectivity


Photo of fiber optic subsea cables transferred in the cable ship of Eastern Communications’ most recent joint infrastructure project, the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN)

Eastern Communications, a trailblazing telecommunications business with a rich 145-year history, proudly celebrates this momentous milestone alongside the country as it honors the 30th anniversary of the Internet in the Philippines. Eastern Communications, which has a history of providing ICT solutions and inclusive, dependable internet connectivity, reiterates its commitment to becoming a Partner in Progress for every Filipino.

In the Philippines, the internet was first introduced on March 29, 1994. The combined efforts of public and commercial entities allowed for this important transition into the digital era. This ground-breaking accomplishment made it possible for the Philippines to join the global internet community, which revolutionized commerce, education, and communication throughout the country.

Since the internet’s inception in the Philippines, Eastern Communications has been at the forefront of technological innovation, ensuring that communities across the nation have access to the tools and resources needed to thrive in a digital age. As we celebrate three decades of internet connectivity, Eastern Communications is more committed than ever to delivering groundbreaking solutions that meet its customers’ evolving needs.

“In a world where the internet has become a cornerstone of daily life, Eastern Communications is honored to have played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of the Philippines,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Vice President and Head of Product and Innovation of Eastern Communications.

“Our journey over the last 145 years has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we are excited to continue our mission of connecting Filipinos and empowering communities through advanced and reliable ICT solutions,” he added.

Testament to this is the company’s continued expansion efforts and the completion of its latest Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) Express Route, a joint venture project of Eastern Communications, Globe Telecom, and Infinivan Inc., aimed to bridge the digital divide and foster a more connected society.

Bolstering innovative solutions and sustainable digital transformation nationwide, Eastern has maintained longstanding partnerships with the Philippine Network Operators Group (PHNOG), alongside other digital and carrier organizations.

Additionally, the telco actively engaged with Filipino communities, offering free internet access through the MNLKonek kiosks in Manila, and donating routers to universities and Mayon Volcano evacuees in Albay, Bicol, thus expanding support and connectivity to underserved areas.

“Eastern Communications’ vision extends beyond providing superior internet services. We are deeply committed to being an integral part of the nation’s progress, ensuring that every Filipino has the opportunity to benefit from the digital revolution,” added Paglinawan

Eastern Communications is eager to introduce new partnerships and technology that will further influence the Philippines’ digital landscape as it looks to the future. For future generations, Eastern Communications is well-positioned to spearhead the development of a more digitally connected and inclusive Philippines, owing to its unwavering dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and dependability.

For additional information regarding Eastern Communications’ offerings, reach out to them at 5300-7000 or at their website, www.eastern.com.ph.

Lifestyle, Tech

On World Autism Awareness Day, the Mylo Speech Buddy app was released to help autistic children develop their speech faster

This tech platform, utilizing a video modeling method, aims to complement the efforts of speech therapists and medical professionals in accelerating the speech development of individuals within the Autism spectrum

Photo Shows from left: Worthy Habla, Vincent Rocha, Katherine Tiuseco and Dr. Francis Dimalanta

Mylo Speech Buddy, a groundbreaking speech development system created to help people with speech impairments and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), formally debuted in connection with World Autism Awareness Day.

With the goal of helping nonverbal kids go from having no words to saying their first word, the app uses video modeling and gives parents precise enunciation instructions so they can support their child’s speech development while they’re at home.

The app worked closely with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and other medical specialists who prioritize the special requirements of people on the autistic spectrum to assure its efficacy in further assisting ASD and speech delay. Its team is made up of parents with substantial experience in developing preschool and special education curriculum, as well as firsthand knowledge of raising children with autism spectrum disorders.

Vincent Rocha, President and CEO of Mylo Speech Buddy, emphasized the app’s pivotal role within the autism community, “Mylo Speech Buddy is a powerful platform that enables parents to actively support their child’s speech development right at home. It enhances and works alongside the valuable contributions of speech therapists and medical professionals, adding to a holistic approach to speech development rather than substituting professional care.”

Rocha also recalled his personal struggles and the app’s efforts to improve for the autism community. “As a parent of a child with autism, I draw inspiration from the challenges my son, Noah, faced when diagnosed at the age of two,” he explained. “Our mission is to bolster individuals with autism in developing verbal abilities and to foster genuine support within the autism community.”

ASD, commonly known as autism, is a global condition affecting approximately 1% or 75 million individuals worldwide. In the Philippines, around 1.2 million cases of ASD are reported and approximately one in 100 children is diagnosed with autism. This underscores the scarcity of accessible and affordable occupational and speech therapy services for Filipino parents with children diagnosed with ASD. With this, Mylo Speech Buddy wants to emphasize that early intervention is crucial for enhancing learning, communication, social skills, and fostering positive changes in underlying brain development.

The tech platform will release a series of “Ausome Stories” videos on social media starting on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2024. These videos will feature 10 real-life families with members on the autism spectrum, showing glimpse into their daily lives, challenges, journeys, instances of happiness, along with the stereotypes and societal judgments they encounter.

Rocha also highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy, “Ausome Stories allows us to share the diverse experiences of individuals with autism, celebrating their strengths and achievements.”

Co-founder Enrico Aquino also stressed the significance of supporting autism communities, stating, “The launch of Mylo Speech Buddy represents a significant milestone in raising awareness, understanding, and supporting individuals with autism, particularly as the world observes World Autism Awareness Day.”

By leveraging the power of technology and compassion, Mylo Speech Buddy aims to pave the way for a brighter future, serving as a collaborative partner in therapy and support.

Website: mylo.ph 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mylospeechbuddy 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mylospeechbuddy 

Entertainment

Debbie Gibson, Pop Music Icon set to electrify Manila Anniversary Show with an Electric Youth!

In time with the 35th Anniversary of the mega-hit album “Electric Youth”, the record- breaking singer-songwriter-producer is set to electrify the Philippine stage in a massive 2-hour long concert full of hits and surprises on 26th April 2024 (Fri), 8 pm at New Frontier Theater! Get ready for a fun and emotional night of nostalgia and “newstalgia”, as Debbie performs favorites from the Electric Youth and her greatest hits!

One of the Best-Selling albums in Philippines in 1989, Electric Youth defined an entire generation and had us wearing out the cassette in our Walkman, while memorizing the lyrics to classics such as “Lost In Your Eyes”, “We Could Be Together”, “No More Rhyme”, and of course, the inspiring title track “Electric Youth”. The tracks “Who Loves Ya Baby”, “Over The Wall” and Silence Speaks (a Thousand Words) were also fan favorites from the album.

Fast forward 35 Years later, the album has stood the test of time, with the songs still on regular radio playlists while racking up hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. Debbie Gibson has grown from strength to strength as a timeless force of artistry. She has tread fearlessly and successfully into multi-genres of the entertainment world. After conquering the pop world with her first 3 albums, she starred in 17 musicals over 17 years, playing iconic characters such as Eponine in Les Miserables, Sandy in Grease, Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Velma Kelly in Chicago and Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

In 2020, Debbie Gibson returned to the Billboard charts with a #4 Dance Chart smash “Girl’s Night Out”. In 2021, she guest starred in “Lucifer” on Netflix, and did a successful residency at The Venetian in Vegas with New Kids On The Block member, Joey McIntyre. In the same year, she released her first album in 20 years, “The Body Remembers”, which shot to #2 on Apple Pop Sales Chart, achieving over a million streams in the first month. In 2022, she released her first holiday album, Winterlicious, and completed a sold-out Winter Tour in the USA. In 2023, she was invited to perform as the “Nightowl” in the hit TV series, The Masked Singer, and announced a book deal for her upcoming memoir.

Debbie Gibson shows no signs of slowing down. She was honored with the Trailblazer Award in January 2024 from The Women’s International Music Network at the 12th Annual She Rocks Awards.

Don’t miss to celebrate with the legendary Debbie Gibson, and We Could Be Together this 26th April 2024 (Fri), 8pm at New Frontier Theater

Entertainment

Beyoncé releases COWBOY CARTER, her latest album

The eighth studio album, from the world’s most innovative artist, arrives after a monumental two-song release as a no-holds-barred, multi-genre nod to Americana country culture

COWBOY CARTER, Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, is a financial success and a work of excellent music and production that is sweeping the globe. For the tracking week, the highly regarded record is anticipated to peak at No. 1 in a number of nations, especially in significant global markets.

The two main singles, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES,” were released to great popularity before the album’s release.

With Beyoncé becoming the first Black female artist to reach No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and No. 1 on the Hot 100 Chart with a Country song, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” debuted across nine distinct genres on US music charts, including Pop, Hot AC, Country, Rhythmic, Urban, and R&B. Additionally, it topped the UK music charts for four weeks.

Beyoncé is the executive producer of COWBOY CARTER, an album with a strong Country influence that explores a variety of genres. This is the creation of an artist who finds great joy in having unrestricted freedom to develop, grow, and create. It breaks accepted false conventions about Americana culture while uplifting, amplifying, and redefining the sounds of music without apology or permission. It honors historical musical pioneers in the genres of opera, country rock, classical music, and rock & roll.

The album is a cornucopia of sounds that Beyoncé loves, and grew up listening to, between visits and eventually performances at the Houston Rodeo – Country, original Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Zydeco, and Black Folk.  The album wraps itself in pure instrumentation in a celebratory authentic gumbo of sounds using among others, the accordion, harmonica, washboard, acoustic guitar, bass ukulele, pedal steel guitar, a Vibra-Slap, the mandolin, fiddle, Hammond B3 organ, tack piano, and the banjo. There’s also plenty of handclaps, horseshoe steps, boot stomps on hardwood floors and yes, those are Beyoncé’s nails as percussion.

“The joy of creating music is that there are no rules,” says Beyoncé.  “The more I see the world evolving the more I felt a deeper connection to purity. With artificial intelligence and digital filters and programming, I wanted to go back to real instruments, and I used very old ones. I didn’t want some layers of instruments like strings, especially guitars, and organs perfectly in tune. I kept some songs raw and leaned into folk. All the sounds were so organic and human, everyday things like the wind, snaps and even the sound of birds and chickens, the sounds of nature.”

And the inspiration further takes into account Southern and Western culture beyond music, the Rodeo, Western films, and the stories of the original cowboys of the West. It was at the Rodeo where she first saw diversity and camaraderie among people who love Country music and an Americana lifestyle, steeped in community, culinary offerings, grills, and Western gear. And it was for everyone. Among the crowds were Black, Hispanic and Native American Cowboys, who made their valuable, authentic allowances to the culture. Their stories are synonymous with American history.

The music is wrapped around an outpouring of passionate, bold storytelling that captivates the listener with Beyoncé’s familiar, powerful voice at the center.  Her vocals shine a blinding light on a narrative steeped in truth-telling, revealing hidden histories, and reveling in all the magic you seek when you take an intentional journey back to your roots.  Beyoncé is a student of history, and she continues the American music masterclass that started with act i RENAISSANCE in 2022, that was a deep dive into dance music and its creators, and the celebration of those who lived in joy despite being made to feel like outliers.

On COWBOY CARTER the work of an artist who created on her own terms, in the absence of rules, persists boldly.  The songs caress, cradle, and encourage the listener’s curiosity through 27 gifts of revolutionary surprises, erasing the limitations placed on genre-based music.  As a producer, Beyoncé explores and experiments with chord and key changes effortlessly mixing genres, bending, and blending the unexpected to break down every wall of musical confinement. It is a rare body of work that could so seamlessly hosts remakes of classics like “BLACKBIIRD” by The Beatles and “JOLENE” by Dolly Parton with sonically diverse creations like “SWEET HONEY BUCKIN,” “RIIVER DANCE” and “II MOST WANTED.”

“My process is that I typically have to experiment,” Beyoncé says.  “I enjoy being open to have the freedom to get all aspects of things I love out and so I worked on many songs.  I recorded probably 100 songs.  Once that is done, I am able to put the puzzle together and realize the consistencies and the common themes, and then create a solid body of work.”

The album is an experiment indeed.  Each song is its own version of a reimagined Western film. She took inspiration from films like “Five Fingers For Marseilles,” “Urban Cowboy,” “The Hateful Eight, “Space Cowboys,” “The Harder They Fall” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” often having the films playing on a screen during the recording process. Some aspects of the percussion were inspired by the ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ soundtrack, where it was more Bluegrass. This body of work undulates from singing cowboy and Blaxploitation to Spaghetti westerns and fantasy with Beyoncé weaving between personal experiences, honoring Black history, to exaggerated character building. The limited-edition vinyl depicts a microphone in the shape of a gun ala Thelma and Louise running from the law, but the gun is invisible, hyper exaggerated reality.

The character, Cowboy Carter was birth from these experiences and inspired by the original Black cowboys of the American West.  The word cowboy itself was used in a derogatory way to describe the former slaves as “boys,” who were the most skilled and had the hardest jobs of handling horses and cattle, alike. In destroying the negative connotation, what remains is the strength and resiliency of these men who were the true definition of Western fortitude.

While RENAISSANCE was a stated rebirth after the Pandemic, COWBOY CARTER is a declarative frequency and academic shift, as the world prepares to shift again, that redefines and rebuilds what is Country and Americana, and who gets to be included. The album opens with “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” a hymn-like alarm that incinerates old ideas about art and the people who create it.  

Beyoncé ensconced herself with a stellar group of collaborators, including The-Dream, Pharrell, NO I.D., Raphael Saadiq, Ryan Tedder, Ryan Beatty, Swizz Beatz, Khirye Tyler, Derek Dixie, Ink, Nova Wav, Mamii, Cam, Tyler Johnson, Dave Hamelin, and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter to find the secret gems in each song.  The process, sometimes years in the making, often meant combining pieces of different recordings, changing the instrumentation here, adding a snare there, to land at the perfect spot in the right time.

“This album took over five years,” she says. “It’s been really great to have the time and the grace to be able to take my time with it. I was initially going to put COWBOY CARTER out first, but with the pandemic, there was too much heaviness in the world.  We wanted to dance.  We deserved to dance.  But I had to trust God’s timing.”

And the musical alliance here includes contributions from an impressive list of artists as vocalists, musicians, and orators, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Linda Martell, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, Mylie Cyrus, Post Malone, Jon Batiste, Rhiannon Giddens, Nile Rodgers, Robert Randolph, Gary Clark, Jr., Willie Jones, Brittney Spencer, Shaboozey, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy.

COWBOY CARTER is the musical concoction you did not expect from the world’s most innovative artist and producer, who has made it the norm to push the boundaries in delivering art that challenges the senses. It’s about culture, legacy, and a critical addition to the American songbook from the most important and creative talent in a Century.

I think people are going to be surprised because I don’t think this music is what everyone expects,” Beyoncé says, “but it’s the best music I’ve ever made.”

Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER is available now via Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment.

COWBOY CARTER TRACK LIST:

1.            AMERIICAN REQUIEM

2.            BLACKBIIRD

3.            16 CARRIAGES

4.            PROTECTOR

5.            MY ROSE

6.            SMOKE HOUR ★ WILLIE NELSON

7.            TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

8.            BODYGUARD

9.            DOLLY P

10.          JOLENE

11.          DAUGHTER

12.          SPAGHETTII

13.          ALLIIGATOR TEARS

14.          SMOKE HOUR II

15.          JUST FOR FUN

16.          II MOST WANTED

17.          LEVII’S JEANS

18.          FLAMENCO

19.          The LINDA MARTELL SHOW

20.          YA YA

21.          OH LOUISIANA

22.          DESERT EAGLE

23.          RIIVER DANCE

24.          II HANDS II HEAVEN

25.           TYRANT

26.           SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’

27.           AMEN

Note to editors: For a complete list of credits log on Here

Click Here for the COWBOY CARTER media toolkit.

Album cover photo photographed by Blair Caldwell

Available here: https://beyonce.lnk.to/cowboycarter

Automotive, Lifestyle

Honda Philippines Launches Solar Power Project to Cut Carbon Footpri

Newly inaugurated rooftop solar power project, to help Honda transition to clean energy


From left: Mr. Arnold Panghulan, HPI General Manager for Manufacturing Operations Office; Mr. Juan Gerry Datario, HPI Assistant Vice President – Business Administration; Ms. Maria Fe Quijano, HPI Assistant Vice President – Finance and IT; Mr. Jomel Jerezo, HPI Vice President – MC Sales Office & Supply Chain Management Division; Mr. Yasunori Miyamoto, HPI Vice President – Finance & IT; Mr. Kohei Yamamoto, HPI Executive Vice President – Manufacturing; Ms. Sayaka Arai – Hattori, HPI President; Mr. Ross Coull, Skye Renewable Energy CEO; Mr. Gary Espino, Skye Renewables Philippines Inc. President; Mr. Atsushi Kawasaki, Idemitsu Lubricants Philippines Inc. President; Mr. Toshifumi Yokoyama, Singapore Branch Shoseki International K.K Head; Mr. Atsushi Koyano, Idemitsu Lubricants Philippines Head of Sales.

Today, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) officially inaugurates its 1.056 MW rooftop solar power plant, marking a critical milestone in the company’s drive towards a cleaner future. The operational phase of this project, which was started in cooperation with Skye Renewables, is already underway at HPI’s production facility located in Tanauan, Batangas.

“This inauguration marks a crucial step towards achieving our global carbon neutrality goal by 2050,” said Sayaka Arai-Hattori, President of Honda Philippines, Inc. “We are not just a company that manufactures and sells products; we strive to be a positive force for society. This project embodies our commitment to environmental responsibility and demonstrates our dedication to inspiring a more sustainable future for both our employees and customers.”

HPI partnered with Skye Renewables, a top Southeast Asian producer of captive solar systems, to bring this project to life.

“Skye Renewables has always been committed to supporting the energy transition across Asia and we are delighted to help support Honda Philippines, Inc. in its sustainability journey,” said Gary Espino, Head of Philippines for Skye Renewables. “With this project, we helped install the solar panels, which then convert the energy of the sun’s photons into electricity. This clean energy will power HPI’s operations during the day, and if needed, they can seamlessly switch to grid electricity when necessary. In some countries, even excess solar energy can be fed back to the grid.”

The newly inaugurated solar power project consists of a total of 1,958 panels, each with a capacity of 540 watts. This technology harnesses the abundant Philippine sunshine, generating at least 35 percent of HPI’s maximum daytime energy demand. This translates to 1,267 MWh of clean energy utilization annually, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to environmental benefits.

Additionally, the solar power project will help HPI experience cost savings since solar energy is typically cheaper than traditional grid-purchased power. The project also aids in strengthening the company’s sustainability strategy, enabling HPI to achieve its goals of becoming carbon neutral in its operations.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Honda Philippines’ sustainability journey. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we believe it paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for all,” Espino added.

The launch of HPI’s solar power project is evidence of the effectiveness of partnerships between well-known companies and producers of renewable energy. This project serves as a powerful model for other companies looking to adopt sustainable practices and improve the environment for future generations.

Lifestyle, Tech

LOOK: Galing is coming to NYC thanks to Alamat and DITO Telecommunity!

A huge digital billboard in New York City is featuring the PPop boy group Alamat and their collaboration with the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign


DITO Telecommunity x Alamat is featured on a huge digital billboard in New York City as part of the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign.

We went to New York City! With the help of a massive digital billboard, the distinctive PPop boy band Alamat and DITO Telecommunity are creating waves in the Big Apple!

The DITO Telecommunity billboard, located in Times Square, the center of New York City, one of the busiest and most famous cities in the world, is truly bringing Filipino “Galing” and talent to the international arena. A portion of the official music video for the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign, Ang Galing DITO, featuring Alamat, is included on the billboard. Clips of every #GalingDITO 2024 talent are also included.


#GalingDITO 2024 highlights Filipino excellence with a diverse set of talents, including surfing, textile weaving, tattooing, visual arts, and more.

Check out DITO Telecommunity x Alamat’s collaboration here on YouTube: DITO Telecommunity x Alamat | Ang Galing DITO.

Launched last February 2024, the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign brings together talents from across the Philippine islands. The roster of the 20 talents hails from all over the country, from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, each representing “Galíng” in a diversity of pursuits and crafts from music, dance, fashion, visual arts, craftsmanship, and more. Truly, Filipino excellence stands out when the excellence of diverse regional cultures comes together.

The noteworthy list of talented Filipinos includes:

1. Grace Palicas, Tattoo artist Gáling Kalinga, Galíng ng Cordillera

2. Nhoda Muñoz, Miniature Artist Gáling Pampanga, Galíng ng Central Luzon

3. Cid Cempron, Blacksmith Gáling Bohol, Galíng ng Central Visayas

4. Joneil Severino, Leaf Artist Gáling Samar, Galíng ng Eastern Visayas

5. Nurainie Ampatuan, Designer Gáling Sultan Kudarat, Galíng ng Bangsamoro

6. Bea Vega, Surfer Gáling Siargao, Galíng ng Caraga


DITO Telecommunity is promoting Filipino “Galing” even internationally with their #GalingDITO 2024 campaign!
 

Full list of talents can be found on the Galing DITO website: Napakagaling Talaga Ng Iba’t Ibang Galing DITO!

DITO Telecommunity offers the PaGALINGan Dito Promo with prizes up to 3 million pesos in addition to the official song video! All subscribers need to do to enter to win thrilling cash prizes and thousands of DITO reward points is to show off their “Galing” and post a video to TikTok. Visit https://bit.ly/PagalinganDITO to learn more and join the PaGALINGan Dito Promo.

Visit https://dito.ph/ or follow @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram for additional details and updates.

DITO Telecommunity Links:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DITOphofficial 

Instagram: @ditophofficial

Twitter: @DITOphofficial  

Tiktok: @ditophofficial

Viber: @ditophofficial