Entertainment

Ben&Ben takes part in a regional collaboration expressing solidarity and support for those affected by the outbreak of iCOVID-19 Coronavirus. The folk-pop collective joins Sony Music artists across Asia in delivering a spectacular take on Taiwanese superstar Eric Chou’s original track “Forever Beautiful.”

Featuring 15 artists from nine countries across Asia singing in both Chinese and English, including Chou himself, the collaborative remake titled “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version” conveys an important message through these touching lyrics: we may speak and sing in different languages and represent the many ethnicities and cultures of Asia, but we are all united with solidarity and support. In these challenging times, music can bring hope and peace along with the message of love and compassion.

“In this time of fear and uncertainty, it is important to remind people that they are not alone and that even the most dreadful things give way to new beginnings,” shares Ben&Ben vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin. “It was cool to do this project with some of the most talented and generous artists across Asia.”

Set to make their US debut at the annual South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, Ben&Ben is one of the most successful Asian acts in the region—breaking records in the country with 9 songs simultaneously on the Spotify Philippines’ Top 50 chart. Their current single “Sa SusunodnaHabangBuhay” recently shot straight to number one with a million streams on the aforementioned platform, within 2 days of release.

The nine-piece act represents the Philippines as part of the vibrant and diverse roster of Sony Music Asia featured in “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version,” including Eric Chou (the original singer/songwriter) and singer Kelly Cheng from Taiwan; Wafa, a member from BahiyyaHaneesa (an acapella group), and R&B-pop singer NYK from Malaysia; music acts Benjamin Kheng, Narelle, and Sezairi from Singapore; HÀ LÊ, a vocalist from Vietnam; singer-songwriter and producer E.viewz from South Korea; singer Fatin from Indonesia; singer-songwriter Jocelyn C from Beijing; and artists Phil Lam, Jason Chan, and Cath Wong from Hong Kong.

“Forever Beautiful: All for One Version” is now available globally on all streaming and digital platforms through Sony Music Taiwan. Proceeds from this song will be donated to relief efforts by 韓紅愛心慈善基金會 (Han Hong Love Charity Foundation) for those affected by the outbreak of iCOVID-19 Coronavirus.

After its massive success last 2019, FOUND returned this year with an even bigger and better lineup, included some pretty neat side features, and of course, put the spotlight on some amazing musical acts.

Festival Highlights

Completing the lineup is music icon Gary Valenciano who later on drew crowds even though it was already past midnight.

FOUND Music Festival held their second year last February 08, 2020 at Filinvest City Events Grounds featuring worship group Citipointe Live, together with local acts such as IV of Spades, The Ransom Collective, Leanne and Naara, Daddy’s Home, Johann Mendoza, Victory Worship, New Life Music, Sabu, Keiko Necesario, and Gary Valenciano.

For more details, visit www.foundmusicfest.com and follow Found Music Fest on Facebook and Instagram.

Fresh from reaping various accolades and wrapping up the first part of the sold-out I Used to Know H.E.R. Tour, two-time Grammy winner H.E.R. has recently released a soulful single called “Comfortable.”

Produced by DJ Camper with additional backing vocals from Anthony Clemons, Jr., the latest jam from the Filipina-American R&B star showcases a more stripped-down approach reminiscent of her early releases. The earnestness of her lyrics, paired with the sultry mood of the song, arrives with captivating grace beyond her years—a quality that makes “Comfortable” a standout.

The newest track from the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has recently earned positive reviews from music publications. Hypebeast praised its “return to fundamentals,” and went on to acknowledge, “the right amount of modern production cues crescendoing by the song’s end.”

The song is also part of the official soundtrack of The Photograph, starring Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield.

“Comfortable” follows a handful of tracks released in previous weeks, which includes “Sometimes,” a heartfelt ballad that H.E.R. performed during the 2020 Grammy Awards Ceremony where she was nominated for five major awards, and “Slide,” a chart-topping urban radio hit featuring California-born rapper YG.

H.E.R.’s “Comfortable” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Bloggers Philippines Members and thansksgiving party 2019

Sharing real-life experiences to entertain and make others informed – those are the reasons why I’ve been blogging for so long and will probably continue doing so for as long as I can drive to events and write. It’s such a blessing to be able to influence the decisions of my kapwa Pinoy in a good way and I was able to do so in the past years, thanks to my Bloggers Philippines Family.

I started working for the journals until I retired, that’s when I started my own blog. And anyone who did the same shift would know how much of an adjustment should be done from formal writing to freestyle writing. It was something new to me but I loved it. I loved how I can express my thoughts and experiences without the limitations of formal writing.

And it was just 5 years ago when I enjoyed that freedom and started excercising it. Thanks to this bloggers group that embraced me, I was able to hone my blogging skills and I’m now enjoying every single day doing it.

In Bloggers Philippines, I found friends and family. So everytime the org throws its annual thanksgiving party, I’d push all other scheds behind because this event is something I wouldn’t miss for the world.

The Bloggers Philippines just turned 5 this year, and earlier this month, we celebrated a belated thanksgiving for an awesome 2019. My first party with Bloggers Philippines was in 2016 and I’d say, it remains to be the most memorable one like any of our other “firsts” in life. I was then very new to blogging and like I said, it was far different from what I was doing when I was working for trad media. My new-found brothers and sisters helped me a lot in figuring out this new industry and thanks to them, I grew this new passion and I could no longer imagine life not doing this job.

This year, the group held the thanksgiving gathering for the year 2019 on February 1, 2020 at McDonald Forum in BGC.  I was a bit hesitant, unlike the past years, because the event fell on a Saturday and the location was a bit far from my place in Quezon City. But anyway, I went because I’d love to bond with the group once again after not seeing each other for a quite sometime.

Another reason for my attendance was Ms. Leomy Sanchez, Bloggers Philippines Admin, whom I consider one of my dearest friends in this industry.

Attending the party, I won a treat from the raffle draw and took home a token too from our sponsors. Apart from that, it was joyous to join in the games the admins prepared and did I feel young again in playing and participating in other parts of the program. All the laughter and fun shared with my Bloggers Philippines family was definitely something any money cannot buy. And I’m adding this year’s party to my most treasured memories.

Of course, the party won’t be successful without the sponsors so we’d like to thank the following:

1. Greenbulb
2. McDonalds PH
3. Fuentes Manila
4. Full Circle
5. Ogilvy
6. Red Havas
7. Coms 360
8. Eggshell
9. Dominguez
10. Perfume Desert
11. SAT Media Services
12. Fly Ace Corp.
13. Vibelle
14. Century Park Manila
15. Bubble Man PH
16. SUN Exchange
17. Comerchee

It’s so good to find friends whom you can share the same passion with. Friends who can motivate you to do better in your job. Friends who can guide you to the right path. And in Bloggers Philippines, I found them. I couldn’t be thankful enough for being a part of this organization that has been my pillar in this blogging industry. So to everyone behind Bloggers Philippines and to all my brothers and sisters in this group, kudos to us and I wish to spend more thanksgiving events with you in the future.

Excited to meet the American pop sensation AJ Mitchell and set to serenade his Filipino fans for an upcoming series of mall tours. The eighteen-year-old pop singer-songwriter will be performing in select Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, from January 17 to 18, 2020 with the following schedule:

• 01/17/20: Uptown Bonifacio (Friday, 7pm)
• 01/18/20: Venice Grand Canal Mall (Saturday, 3pm)
• 01/18/20: Eastwood City (Saturday, 7pm)

According to AJ, the teen heartthrob reveals in an interview,  “This will be my first time in the Philippines, I’m so excited to experience the culture and see as much as I can while there. I can’t wait to eat the amazing food and hopefully see some of the beaches as well.”

With Nathan Huang of Nathan & Mercury and featuring Any Name’s Okay as opening act, the American recording artist will perform some fan favorites, including the mid-tempo jam “All My Friends” and the global smash “Slow Dance.”

Getting to know AJ Mitchell

With a slick and show-stopping voice, charismatic personality, and sharp songwriting chops, it’s no surprise that the fast-rising star has already charted three hits on the US top 40 radio chart in a span of less than two years: “Girls,” “All My Friends,” which peaked inside the top 25, and the Ava Max duet “Slow Dance,” now ranked #29 and still climbing.

In terms of streaming, AJ Mitchell has racked up more than 100 million streams and 4.15 million monthly listeners on Spotify, cementing himself as 2019’s most promising male artist.

Outside the US, the Philippines is considered to be one of the biggest music markets of AJ Mitchell, whose latest single “Slow Dance,” a collaboration with hit-maker Ava Max, is currently making waves in local streaming playlists and top 40 radio stations. “I was pleasantly surprised when I first learned this and I’m so excited to finally get to meet some of my Filipino fans,” the young musician/performer opens up about the warm reception on his previous and recent releases.

As for Ava Max, the pop phenom who has shown significant international attention with “Sweet and Psycho,” which topped the charts in 26 countries and landed a top 10 peak at the Billboard Hot 100 last year, the All My Friends singer has always been vocal about admiring her work ethic and talent. “Working with Ava Max was such an incredible experience. After sending her the track, she sent back her verse within hours. Even on the very first take she sounded so amazing that we immediately knew she was the one for the song.”

New album in the works

This year, AJ Mitchell will be releasing his debut full-length album under Sony Music. “This has been a wild ride so far and everyday I think of how blessed I have been,” the budding pop personality reflects.“Over the next few years, I have so much more I hope to accomplish. Right now I can’t wait to finally release my first album called Skyview. Beyond that, I hope to have a #1 song, win a Grammy, go out on an international tour, and so much more.”

AJ Mitchell’s latest single “Slow Dance” is now available on all music streaming and download platforms worldwide.

You can watch the official music video of “Slow Dance” on Youtube, and stream the track in its entirety on Spotify.

This is a movie that you should not miss it, Richard Jewell is Clint Eastwood’s expertly directed drama based on the true story and he wanted to honor his life as an everyday hero, even after being publicly thrown to the wolves by the public in 1996. Working as a security guard during the Atlanta Olympics, it was Jewell who found a suspicious bag that contained an incendiary device. With little time to spare, he helps evacuate the area, saving many lives and minimizing potential injuries. He is hailed a hero. But just three days later, the humble savior‘s life unravels when he-and the world—learn he is the FBI’s prime suspect in the bombing.

What might read as the makings of a suspense thriller are nor the imaginings of a creative mind, but were, in fact, the life-shattering reality for the real Richard Jewell. Ironically, thanks to his selfless act, for 88 days, Jewell lived with an invasive FBI investigation. public scrutiny spurred by unrelenting press coverage, and the uncertainty that his name would ever be cleared, or his life ever be the same.

Critically acclaimed and currently has a 75% Fresh Rating at Rotten Tomatoes, “Richard Jewell” has been chosen by America’s National Board of Review as one of the Ten Best Films of 2019. The same organization has honored “Richard Jewell‘ cast members Kathy Bates with a Best Supporting Actress prize, and  also been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the recent Golden Globes Awards‚ while Paul Walter Hauser with a Breakthrough Performance Award.

Lastly, I am very thankful that I was invited for the advance screening of Richard Jewell last January 9 at the first-ever Ortigas Cinemas, the newly opened luxury lifestyle hub of Estancia Mall’s East Wing that was opened last November 2019.  The East Wing provides a well-curated selection of dining and retail shops which promises an invigorating experience for everyone—especially with entertainment.

I enjoyed watching the blockbuster movie from the first ever Ortigas Cinemas, with ultra-comfortable seats, and world-class facilities. With bold golden accents and a hint of class and modernity, it houses a total of 4 regular cinemas and 2 premier cinemas called The Screening Room. Even the snackbar aptly called Reel Bites veers off the traditional quirky look and instead employs a sparkly look that’s just as modern, blending seamlessly into the overall glam of the interiors.

All Cinemas are equipped with world-class seals to offer comfort that elevates the movie experience. For The Screening Room, seats are extra luxe with plush recliners with adjustable foot and backrests. Truly. these were designed to go beyond style and cater to movie patrons and provide maximum comfort for the uitimate movie experience that‘s truly distinct to Estancia.

Get the chance to watch the film that will be released in the Philippines on January 15, 2020,  the critically acclaimed Clint Eastwood-produced and directed film. “Richard Jewell.” For more information, please visit www.ortigasmalls.com or check out Estancia and Ortigas Cinemas’ social media pages: www.facebook.com/EstanciaPH / https://www.facebook.com/OrtigasCinema

Shopee’s biggest sale of the year is happening right now, but even before it launched its 11.11 Big Sale, it gave its shoppers a big treat through a Philippine music icon’s masterpiece.

Master Christmas ballad hit maker Jose Marie Chan inked a special jingle exclusively for Shoppe. The track was officially unveiled at Shopee’s 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special which was aired on Sunday at the GMA Kapuso Mo Network.

Expected to become a new hit, the new original titled “A Wish on Christmas Night” enchanted audiences while welcoming the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale.  Composer and interpreter of the song Jose Mari Chan said about collaborating with Shopee for this year’s fun holidays:

“I am excited to be working with Shopee again to bring joy and laughter to Filipinos during this festive season. Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations in the Philippines and I am thrilled to be given an opportunity to work with Shopee to release a new jingle. I always have an enjoyable time with Shopee and hope my fans will look forward to what we have in store throughout the holiday season.”

But this is not the first time that the father of Philippine Christmas songs collaborated with Shopee and the biggest shopping site in Southeast Asia and Taiwan is so happy to have Jose Mari Chan on board for another year.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing, Shopee Philippines, said about working with the Pinoy music icon:

“We’re very happy to once again work with the Father of Philippine Christmas Music, Jose Mari Chan, for our new Christmas jingle. Last year, our Christmas jingle with Jose Mari Chan received great success, garnering over 19 million views online. This year, we are bringing him back with a new jingle to bring more fun and joy for our shoppers as we usher in the year-end celebration. Together with Jose Mari Chan, we look forward to celebrating the festive season and invite everyone to lookout for our upcoming Christmas sales.”

Along with Jose Marie Chan were a couple more of Kapuso stars that graced the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas TV Special to keep the shoppers awake while waiting for the start of the sale. Some of them included the much loved noon time duo Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

“A Wish on Christmas Night” will be aired on other media channels starting November 12.

Meanwhile, the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale is getting good traction from online shoppers because of Shopee’s irresistible offers like discounts of up to 95%. Expect this price cut from leading brands like Pampers, Silverworks, Bosch, Unilever, Maybelline, Olay, Pantene, Globe, Anker, Safeguard, Watsons, Huawei, and more. Viewers of Shopee Live can also tune in to a 12-hour livestream session with non-stop prizes including vouchers and iPhone 11 giveaways.

For a more detailed Shopee list of offerings in this 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, shoppers can expect:

• Silverworks: Users can score up to 80% off on all Silverworks products including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
• Maybelline: Users can enjoy up to 60% off Maybelline best-sellers such as Maybelline Sensational Liquid Lipstick, Superstay Full Coverage Foundation, and Hypercurl Waterproof Mascara.
• Unilever: Users can get up to 50% off popular products such as Dove Intense Repair Shampoo, Ponds Cleansing Balm and Surf Detergent Powder at Unilever Official Store.
• Huawei: Users can anticipate exciting discounts and special bundles on Huawei products such as Huawei Band 4, Huawei Mate 30 Pro, and more at Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale.
• Bosch: Users can look forward to up to 55% off on Bosch power tools and accessories such as cordless drills, hammers, and more.
• P&G: Users can watch out for discounts of up to 50% on favorite P&G brands like Pampers, Olay, and Safeguard.

Find out more about Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale at https://shopee.ph/11-11. To avail these promos anywhere you may be, you can download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.