Entertainment

Powfu with “death bed (coffee for your head)” scores #1 viral hit in the Philippines

Powfu

Powfu, Canadian artist sets the Philippine music charts ablaze with the success of his latest single, “death bed (coffee for your head),” featuring UK singer beabadobee. Recently held the top spot of the Spotify Philippines Viral 50 for five consecutive weeks before it dropped to its current position of No. 4. Powfu’s “death bed (coffee for your head)” is now out on various streaming and digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

The explosive new track also continues to rack up impressive numbers on Spotify Philippines Top 200 with a No. 5 peak, while also achieving incredible momentum on iTunes Philippines Top 100 Charts, reaching as high as No. 8.

With its relatable and timely lyrics, easygoing vibe, and low-key appeal, “death bed” currently enjoys enormous attention on video-sharing platformTikTok with over 3 million videos to date—thanks to countless of challenges, memes, covers, and renditions from various Filipino artists including a “Chinarot” version that gained more than 8 million YouTube views, and a “Tagalog” version by upcoming Filipino rapper Cesar Semento.

News, Tech

SERVICE WARRANTY AND EXTENDED TERMS IMPLEMENTS BY OPPO IN TIME OF COVIC-19 PANDEMIC

Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic, OPPO is offering a warranty extension program for all OPPO users and dealers affected by the COVID-19 quarantine period. The extended terms and service warranty cover provisions on repair services and device and accessories replacement policies.

Since Filipinos in actively combating the COVID-19 pandemic, OPPO values the health and safety of all its employees and customers, and this remains the top priority of the brand in order to serve everyone better. Since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine period, OPPO has temporarily ceased operations of the OPPO service centers and concept stores in the affected areas in the Philippines.

“We understand the difficulties that the Filipinos are going through at this period. As a way of helping, we’ve made adjustments in our business by offering a warranty extension to all OPPO users affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope that this will somehow aid our consumers during this trying time,” said Kent Zhang, Head of Aftersales of OPPO Philippines.

OPPO Adjustments as follows:

1) Repair Service Warranty

Devices with warranty expiry dated March 9, 2020 until the last day of the quarantine period will be granted an extension of two months that will immediately take effect after the last day of the quarantine period. The repair covers services such as screen repairs, hardware and software tune ups, and other parts malfunctions.

This extension applies to both OPPO devices and accessories repairs.

2) Device Replacement Warranty

Devices purchased between March 1 – 20, 2020 will be granted an extended replacement term of 7 days effective after the quarantine period. However, the customer shall provide required documents and proofs for the claims on factory defects for the consideration of the extension.

Inspected and approved device replacements handled by an OPPO service center representative with an official issuance of Inspection Order starting February 20 until March 20 are also covered by the extension. Dealers affected will be able to return the devices to OPPO by May 20, 2020.

To know more about the latest news and updates about OPPO, visit its official website at www.oppo.com.ph or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

 

 

 

Entertainment

Kang Daniel finds true colors on No.1 K-Pop album, Cyan

Kang Daniel

Kang Daniel had a massive breakthrough last year with the release of his debut EP, Color on Me, which peaked at No. 1 in Korea and entered the Oricon albums chart in Japan at number 23. After a successful tour in six cities across Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Seoul, the Korean pop sensation returns with a highly anticipated follow-up EP called Cyan, released by Konnect Entertainment and distributed by Sony Music Korea.

As part of the three-part project, Color, Kang Daniel’s latest release reveals a more confident musical direction that, according to Forbes, “has an understated sense of pop sophistication to it.”  It also marks his personal journey to find his own true colors before the fans’ eyes, an attempt to unmask his story of dreams, passion and struggle as an artist navigating the global music scene.

Shortly after it debuted on iTunes, the K-pop idol’s new EP hit No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums charts in nine countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Turkey, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines. The mini-album also made a splash in Russia and Japan, where it reached the top 10. Lead single “2U” is produced by Chancellor, a Korean-American singer-songwriter and producer whose notable work for A Pink, SISTAR, Lee-hi, and Girl’s Day earned him numerous chart-topping hits in Asia.

The track’s music video, which arrived on March 24, features a simple but infectious choreography that goes well with its laid-back pop sound.  Other songs in the mini-album offer a refreshingly cool vibe that fits the summertime theme: “Adulthood,” is a witty take on adult’s wishes to stay young and free, while “Jealous” evokes the feelings of people waiting for the warm spring sun to come during the cold winter. “Interview” shows the best of Kang Daniel’s vocal performance, with its chill R&B beats running smoothly against groovy bass, jazzy piano lines, and minimalist synths. Final track “TOUCHIN” seamlessly blends a variety of music genres without sacrificing its immediacy and catchiness.

 

News

BPI extends public service, relief in the time of COVID-19

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has stepped up efforts to provide service and relief to Filipinos to ease difficulties brought by the COVID-19 situation, while at the same time ensuring the safety of clients and its employees.

“As a bank, we have to help ensure that the financial system continues to operate efficiently, no matter how trying the circumstances. We have to do our part to minimize the chances that a health crisis becomes an economic crisis. And we have to do this in a way that minimizes the health risks to the people that we have deployed,” said Cezar Consing, BPI President and CEO.

Some of the Bank’s initiatives that are currently being rolled out include:

1. Branch network. Select BPI branches as well as those of its subsidiaries BPI Family Savings Bank and BanKo remain open to attend to clients basic banking needs with all Over-the-counter (OTC) fees temporarily waived. For its skeleton staffing, BPI is providing special food and transportation allowances, and arranging carpooling or transportation to help employees get to their workplace assignments. Soon, all branches will have acrylic screens, which are currently being delivered to the first batch of branches, to help protect clients and employees.

2. 90-day grace period. Front liners–such as those in the medical field including doctors and nurses, as well as policemen and soldiers who are on duty or called on by the government to deliver service during the enhanced community quarantine period– are given the option to avail of a 90-day deferral in their existing auto and housing loan payments, interest-free.

3. 30-day grace period. BPI clients can avail of a 30-day grace period payment option applicable to personal loans, home loans, auto loans, SME loans, and microfinance loans. All are subject to certain terms and conditions. Credit card holders also have the option to defer payment for 30 days without incurring late payment charges.

4. Waived fees. Transfer fees to other banks using InstaPay and PESONet are waived, as well as transfer fees to other BPI accounts using its mobile app for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine period. BPI’s remittance partners also either waived fees or offered discounts for overseas Filipinos: Kookmin (discounted fees until December 31, 2020), i-Remit (waived fees from March 21-22, 2020), and Remitly (waived fees and higher FX rates from March 25 to June 30, 2020).

5. Corporate citizenship. BPI, together with the Ayala Corporation and Globe Telecom, donated PhP 5M to Philippine Red Cross for the procurement and distribution of 50,000 face masks and 2,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical front liners who are in critical need of protection in hospitals, local government units, and airports.

As the need for social distancing becomes more critical, BPI is also advocating online banking to minimize the need for branch visits during this time. BPI clients are encouraged to do their everyday banking with BPI Online and Mobile App, conveniently and securely at the comfort of their homes.

 

Food, News

MGC LAUCHES THE MEGA MALASAKIT KITCHEN FOR FRONTLINERS AND PLEDGES 50M IN AID FOR COVID 19

Private sectors are the one helping the government to combat Covid-19. Just like Mega Global Corp., makers of Mega Sardines, has extended a helping hand in undertaking various initiatives intended to ease the burden of its employees, local communities, healthcare institutions, and the government amid the pandemic.

Since the start of the Corona Virus Pandemic, the Philippines’ largest sardine fishing and canning operator has taken steps through the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation to provide around PHP50 million in aid to the community and to its employees. Internally, Mega Global has implemented a safety net to ease the struggles of its workers who have kept company operations running smoothly despite the challenges and risks posed by the enhanced community quarantine to the mobility of people and raw materials.

Mega Global also recognizes the selfless efforts of our country’s frontliners during this time of crisis. From health care professionals, security officials, public servants, supermarket staff, to those working tirelessly to provide our basic needs, heroes come in many different uniforms. As a staple brand, Mega Global relies on the unseen frontliners, the merchandisers and supermarket staff to help them continue to keep shelves stocked with essential food products. To help support these frontliners, they provided care packages for merchandisers and for those who work tirelessly from different groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

Mega Global opened Mega Malasakit Kitchen which provides 500 meals daily to support the unseen frontliners like those manning checkpoints, supermarkets, and barangay health offices. This program is partnered with different groups such as Lin’s Kitchen, Doña Maria, Ideal Macaroni, Lemon Square Lava Cake, 3J Plasticworld and Mtg. Corp., Fishta Seafood, Fish ‘n Chix, and Rizons ICA Batch ’97.

“These are very difficult times for the whole world, but Mega Global recognizes that it has a moral responsibility to provide support to the greater community. We have been busy with our own efforts and in helping others with their initiatives. We are making sure that our frontliners are taken care of, our logistics is still unhampered, and we are calibrating operations for maximum output. Through our humble contributions, we are confident that we can keep the Bayanihan spirit alive. In good times and in bad, Mega Global will always be here to keep the Filipino community strong. Rest assured, that no matter how uncertain times may seem, Mega Global will always be one with the Filipino as they face and overcome any challenge. We commit to do the best we can to keep on catching, producing and distributing our canned food products to the Filipino people in these times”, said William Tiu Lim, CEO of Mega Global Corporation.

There is no telling when the CoVID-19 pandemic will end, but Mega Global believes that each day is an opportunity for everyone to do their part. The company has donated canned goods to various charity drives, LGUs, and other organizations. Aside from the current programs of the company, it pledges to help hospitals with medical equipment in Metro Manila and Zamboanga.

 

 

Food, News

Adobo Connection Share a home-cooked meal with our frontline heroes

Another good deeds in time of the COVID pandemic for our frontliners – healthcare workers, grocery staff, police and soldiers, and sanitation engineers – dug in the trenches, with little rest and provisions. Healthcare workers have been most appreciative of the generosity heaped on them as they shared their insights on the crisis.  Beyond cheering them on, they could bring their battle-weary frontliners added comfort by serving them a home-cooked meal. And what other Filipino meal could bring back happy memories than the iconic adobo?

If you want to bring our frontline heroes a taste of home-cooked meals, you can now do so by making a donation through Adobo Connection. For every Php1,000 donation, Adobo Connection will deliver meals to 10 front liners at the hospital of your choice and 2 additional complimentary meals matched by Adobo.

Frontliners at Different Hospitals

So far, Adobo Connection has provided over 3,000 health workers and frontliners at different hospitals, with donations coming from concerned Filipinos everywhere. Among the hospitals, it has delivered meals to Philippine General Hospital, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, Philippine Heart Center, Rizal Memorial Hospital, University of the East Medical Center,  Tondo Medical Center, Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, and East Avenue Medical Center.

“This is really a challenging time for everyone. But we just have to always think about our fellowmen and how to protect them. Hopefully, this will be an eye-opener on how we can improve on things that are really needed for this country. Home-cooked meals given to us means a lot. Most of us do not eat on time and are having a hard time acquiring food due to enhanced community quarantine.” said Dr. Ryan Urgel of East Avenue Medical Center.

Dr. Ruiz, a Medical Resident at San Juan De Dios Hospital, said “The Covid pandemic is by far the biggest challenge we healthcare workers have faced. It has claimed and affected many lives, but it also brought us closer as a team and tempered our dedication to our profession. Thankfully, there are organizations that support us in times like these. We are thankful for all private companies and organizations like Adobo Connection for providing us with food and lifting our spirits in such a depressing time.”

You can support our frontliners by providing for their meal with the help of Adobo Connection. Donations can be made through BDO online banking. Rest assured, all Adobo Connection meals are prepared by staff who strictly follow safety protocols. Moreover, our employees have been provided the needed housing and transportation support by Adobo Connection to ensure their safety and well-being in these times. As the nation faces its biggest healthcare challenge, you can do your part by supporting our heroes on the frontlines with a comforting, filling home-cooked meal.

For more information, check Adobo Connection’s  Official Facebook Page. Donations can be made through BDO. Culinactive Recipes Inc. BDO SA#00644-015-3764  Please message us on Facebook a copy of your proof of donation/deposit.

 

 

Entertainment

Quan Bay Releases New Single “Miss Saigon”

Toronto-based indie dream pop / R&B duo Quan Bay have released their debut album’s lead single, Miss Saigon, via Singapore based indie label Umami Records on Friday, 27 March 2020.

Miss Saigon tells the story of an immigrant mother and her child in the new world they have taken refuge in, a world that is at once both beautiful and scary. “My parents were refugees of the Vietnam War. It’s hard to settle into a new country where you don’t speak the language, don’t have any friends, and barely a penny to your name.”, shares Tamara, “for Miss Saigon, while the skies are clear and her child’s dreams are lovely, there are also real things to deal with like struggling with money and never seeing your kid because you’re working all the time.”

Miss Saigon starts off with cheery melodies, accompanied by playful percussion on the dholak, a traditional Indian folk instrument often used in wedding festivities for children to sing and dance to, and culminating in an uplifting, (unexpected) dream pop chorus. This may at first seem at odds with the song’s theme of struggle and loneliness but you soon realise the song is really about optimism, hopes and dreams despite life’s hardships. Aniruddha shares: “The experiences, sacrifices, and learnings passed on from our parents helped bring this song together. As you listen, we hope that you sympathize that all around the world, people are changing constantly in search of a better life which is both beautiful and super scary at the same time.”

Quan Bay comprises Aniruddha Borah, a singer-songwriter/producer from Assam, India, and singer-songwriter Tamara, a Toronto native. They write and produce their own music, delivering a unique blend of dream pop and alternative R&B, often combined with classical elements from their Indian and Vietnamese roots. They are also composers for film and recently won Best Music Director at the SailadharBaruah Memorial Film Awards 2019 for their work on the acclaimed Assamese film Aamis directed by Bhaskar Hazarika.

Miss Saigon is the lead single of Quan Bay’s debut album Stay Like This Forever which will be released over 2020. It is a fusion of the music both Aniruddha and Tamara grew up listening to, and an expression of navigating the years of one’s mid-20s.

Miss Saigon by Quan Bay is available everywhere at this link: https://ffm.to/miss-saigon

 

 

Food, Health and Wellness

Nestlé NANKID helps parents get medical consultation online for free

In today’s situation and the battle against COVID-19 is a difficult one, but parents trying to keep their household together and that Nestlé NANKID is with them in ensuring that they keep nourishing their child’s every possible. Nestlé NANKID pooled together a team of Pediatricians that can help answer frequently asked questions of moms and dads who would like to seek consultation and medical assistance for their children during this challenging time. They understand the difficult to visit your doctor, so their looking for ways to continue nourishing your child’s every possible.

To answer frequently asked medical questions for your children, they will be hosting a team of pediatricians online.

  • Available times are MONDAY to FRIDAY:
    10:00am to 12:00nn
    1:00pm to   7:00pm

Best to share your queries during this time so the doctors can easily respond. Otherwise, expect responses during times the doctors are available. See photos below for the mechanics:

*By commenting or participating, you clearly understand and freely consent to the terms and conditions presented in the 2nd photo.

 

Food, News

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES THROUGH ‘McDo Kindness Kitchen’ IS COMMITTING 50,000 MEALS FOR FRONTLINERS

McDo Kindness Kitchen with healthcare staff of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

McDo Kindness Kitchen with law enforcers in Las Pinas

Another good deeds through the project of Ronald McDonald House Charities, individuals and organizations may now help provide more meals for those in need. The charity of choice of McDonald’s Philippines opens the McDo Kindness Kitchen. For this program, McDonald’s Philippines pledges 50,000 meals to be served for medical health workers, police, LGU volunteers, government agencies and local communities. Since the announcement of the enhanced community quarantine, McDonald’s Philippines and RMHC have started supporting healthcare workers and other frontliners. Since March 15, more than 30,000 meals have been distributed to 40 hospitals and beneficiaries of local government offices within Metro Manila and Mindanao. Continuous support is being provided through the efforts of the company and its charity of choice as the distribution of meals is also extended to various communities that lack access to food.

Through McDo Kindness Kitchen, select restaurants of the QSR giant, dedicate the operations of their kitchens to prepare the meals of beneficiaries. Each McDo Kindness Kitchen produces 1,500 meals a day, prepared by restaurant crew and managers, and employee volunteers. Partner companies and institutions support the charity program in the mobilization and distribution of meals.

According to Ms Marie Angeles, RMHC Executive Director, “We continue to reinforce our commitment to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos by providing aid to Filipinos in need during this very challenging time. We also want to thank our partner companies, such as the ABS-CBN Foundation, Coca- Cola, and Angkas for providing transportation to distribute the meals.”

RMHC now accepts cash donations from individual and corporate donors who wish to support McDo Kindness Kitchen. By donating, one can cover costs for a meal worth 50 pesos per person; these meals are offered at cost. McDonald’s ABS-CBN was activated as the first McDo Kindness Kitchen last March 20 for ABS-CBN Foundation’ Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program. Together, over 17,000 meals have already been served to different communities. There are three other McDo Kindness Kitchen operating in Las Pinas, Cebu Escario and Makati.

McDo Kindness Kitchen ABS-CBN Team

Help provide meals for more frontliners and families in need. Donate now via online or bank deposit. Details at rmhc.org.pg/donate

News, Tech

BEST TIPS TO SANITIZED SMARTPHONE

We should not only concentrate in cleaning our hands. But make it habit to sanitize the one thing you always have on hand and that is our smartphone. Especially now that we have a Corona Virus and according to a study published in February 2020 under the Journal of Hospital Infection, viruses such as the COVID-19 are capable of surviving up to nine days on smooth surfaces, and that includes a smartphone screen.

Now we should be extra careful in keeping our smartphone clean, especially since this is our everyday driver that we can rely on that ends up getting a lot of exposure. Make sure to do your part in staying safe!

OPPO Philippines’ VP of National Sales, Zen Han says, “We touch our smartphones more than anything especially now that we try to stay connected to our loved ones who are away from us and keep updated on the latest news. But it can pose a health risk especially that dirt gets easily transferred into our phones. So, in light of the current COVID-19 situation, we strongly encourage our consumers to practice proper smartphone sanitation in order to protect themselves from contracting the virus.”

Sanitation is key in keeping clean and safe, making it particularly relevant for Filipinos who are very active smartphone users. Aside from constantly washing your hands with soap and water as advised by the World Health Organization, make sure to practice these tips on properly and safely cleaning your phone, highly recommended by OPPO Philippines:

  1. Wash or sanitize your hands. To avoid transferring any harmful bacteria, make sure to sanitize your hands before and after you clean your phone.
  2. Ready a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths such as towels and paper towels. Using such may damage the surface of your screen.
  3. Use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Isopropyl Alcohol is a highly effective disinfectant against viruses particularly the ones with 70% concentration. Anything beyond it may evaporate too quickly. When cleaning your phone with alcohol, make sure to use cotton balls or felt-tips swabs when cleaning harder to reach areas like ports and mics and to avoid liquid spilling on such parts that may cause damage to internal components.
  4. Use liquid hand soaps with alcohol content. If Isopropyl Alcohol is not readily available, you may use hand soaps with alcohol content. Add a few drops on the screen and gently wipe the whole phone with a microfiber cloth. Make sure to avoid getting moisture in any openings. Wipe off the soap with a damp microfiber cloth afterwards, and then dry your phone off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
  5. Avoid using harsh home cleaning products. Window and household cleaners with strong chemical components like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide may damage your smartphone screen.
  6. Use UV light sanitation. UV-C light in particular, also used in hospital-grade disinfecting procedures serve as a potent solution that targets certain bacteria.UV devices can be used as well to sanitize your smartphone.

These simple ways have been proven to significantly cut down the number of bacteria found on a smartphone’s surface, as demonstrated by Dr. Lena Ciric, a microbiologist from University College London in this study.

Stay smart in making sure you’re doing your part in keeping safe, and always make it a habit to sanitize your phones!