SANDALE! Our Favorite Kontrabida is Back at Handa Na Siyang Lumaban Against a New Karibal

A New Karibal Dares to Challenge Our Favorite Kontrabida

This kontrabida kween needs no introduction. One of Philippine teleserye’s most beloved kontrabidas is making a comeback—Maja Salvador. After recently giving birth to her first baby, she’s taking on a new role, arguably her biggest and most pivotal one yet—being a mother.

As Maja steps into the world of motherhood for the first time, she finds that her priorities have drastically changed. Her family’s health and safety are now at the very top of her list. Yet no sooner than, a new karibal dares to threaten her growing family—germs.

This kontrabida is unfazed, however. After all, she’s not alone.

Maja Finds a New Kakampi Against Germs

In one of her TikTok reels, Maja reveals her newfound ally against germs, and it is both expected and unexpected—Safeguard White Camellia.

As Maja’s TikTok reel keeps rolling, however, her followers are met with a plot twist: Safeguard White Camellia doesn’t just provide Maja with germ protection but lets her experience healthy-looking and soft-feeling skin, too. (Pwede pala ‘yun?).

Her followers aren’t the only ones to be caught by surprise. Maja is also delighted to discover the “mas napakabango pa” floral scent of Safeguard White Camellia, which contains White Camellia extracts.

It seems Maja is having a ShowerSaya experience with Safeguard White Camellia and she can’t wait to share it with her family.

Together with Safeguard White Camellia, Maja feels “indestructible” and reigns supreme over germs, bringing #ShowerSaya to her family.

More and More Popular Content Creators are Joining Maja Salvador

She may be a kontrabida but Maja is not alone in her #ShowerSaya as popular content creators in the likes of Adam Domingo or known as @panginoonngkababawan, Devi Descartin (@devidescartin), Ciara Magallanes or @mommydiariesph on TikTok, Christine Lim (@limmchristineee), Christian Laurenz, commonly known as @ychanlaurenz and Bernie Batin or known as @berniecularvlogs on TikTok have also discovered and experienced the #SoftSkinProtection of the NEW Safeguard White Camellia.

You, too, can join in on the #ShowerSaya.

Get your hands on Safeguard White Camellia, available in all leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide as well as on Shopee and Lazada.

Binge Watch Your Favorite Content Anytime and Anywhere with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G

Entertainment has come a long way over the years. Remember when you could only catch your favorite movies or TV shows at home or in the cinema? Those days are long gone. Thanks to the evolution of mobile technology, our smartphones have now become personal theaters, letting us watch whatever we want, whenever and wherever we want.

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Experience uninterrupted entertainment with a stylish smartphone designed for 

the ultimate binge-watching sessions.

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The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G takes this experience to the next level with its impressive features tailored for extended viewing, making it the perfect companion for those who love to binge-watch vlogs, series, and movie marathons.

Vivid Visuals Anytime, Anywhere

The viewing experience on the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is as immersive as it gets, thanks to its 120 Hz Super-bright AMOLED Display. With a 6.67-inch screen that can reach up to 2100 nits of brightness, you can enjoy your content comfortably even during the day, whether you're traveling or simply relaxing outdoors.Immersive Sound with Dual Stereo Speakers + 300% Ultra Volume Mode

No binge-watching experience is complete without great sound. The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G features dual stereo speakers, delivering immersive audio that enhances every scene, whether you’re watching an action-packed thriller or a heartwarming drama. Plus, the 300% Ultra Volume Mode instantly turns any viewing experience more elevated, so you’re not always locked in your earphones!

Power That Keeps Up with Your Hours Long of Binge Watching

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is equipped with a massive 5110 mAh battery, ensuring that your binge-watching sessions are never interrupted. Its impressive 2.1 days of Device-on-Usage (DoU), can let you enjoy up to 18.67 hours of continuous YouTube playback or an astounding 44.24 hours on video calls. Whether you’re catching up on vlogs or watching movies back-to-back, this phone's battery life won't disappoint. When you do need to juice up, the 80W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging feature comes to the rescue. In just 50 minutes, your phone can go from 1% to 100%, giving you more than 50 hours of playtime. This means less downtime and more screen time—perfect for those long weekends when you just want to relax with your favorite shows.

Smart Features and Smooth Perfomance

The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G also introduces innovative features like Aqua Touch, ensuring touch control remains precise even when the screen gets wet. Whether you're caught in a sudden downpour while streaming your favorite show or sweating it out during an intense movie marathon, Aqua Touch keeps your entertainment experience smooth and uninterrupted, giving you full control no matter the conditions. It is also powered by the Snapdragon® 695 5G mobile platform, ensuring fast, smooth performance.

To round out your new entertainment device is the latest OxygenOS 14 that allows a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.This compliments well with the phone’s Sony LYT-600 main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), featuring a 50MP main sensor and 2X in-sensor zoom.

There’s never a dull moment thanks to the absurdly entertaining OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G. The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is available at PHP 17,999 and comes in Super Silver and Mega Blue colorways. You may purchase the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G from all authorized OnePlus kiosks and OPPO stores nationwide or via Shopee and Lazada where you can enjoy 0% interest installment via Shopee’s SPay Later and Lazada’s LazPayLater.

For more information on the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G, its features, and its availability, visit OnePlus Philippines’ official website or OnePlus Philippines’ official Facebook page.

 

A bold innovation of an iconic drink: PepsiCo launches HARD MOUNTAIN DEW in the Philippines

PepsiCo is launching its first alcoholic beverage, HARD MOUNTAIN DEW, in the Philippines today.

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HARD MOUNTAIN DEW is the company’s first ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage in the country

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Launched in the United States in 2022, HARD MOUNTAIN DEW is a ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage that contains zero caffeine, no added sugar, 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), and 100 calories per serving.

“We’re excited to bring in HARD MOUNTAIN DEW to give our Filipino consumers a new take on Mountain Dew, our number one soda brand in the Philippines*. As our first ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage, HARD MOUNTAIN DEW’s bold flavors bring fun back into the lives of busy adults who want a responsible way to go from work to play,” said Nitin Bhandari, Sr. Director and General Manager, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore.

According to Bhandari, by offering an innovative take on Mountain Dew, PepsiCo is taking a step toward the company's larger vision for ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.

“PepsiCo has a rich history of pushing boundaries and delivering innovative new products that responsibly meet the evolving needs of drinkers, both globally and nationwide. We see the ready-to-drink category as a great area of opportunity, as it has grown by 10% and is expected to accelerate over the next few years,” he added.

As the company expands into the RTD alcoholic beverage space, Bhandari affirmed the company’s commitment to adhering to responsible marketing on all its alcoholic products.

“Our alcoholic beverages are thoughtfully crafted for adults of legal drinking age who enjoy responsible consumption. In compliance with local regulations, our packaging prominently displays the word "HARD" with an enhanced visual design and a clear 5% ABV identified on the can. This effectively differentiates our alcoholic products while meeting consumer expectations and regulatory requirements,” he said.

Available starting August 15, 2024, in 330ml single-serve cans and 4-pack bundles, HARD MOUNTAIN DEW is available at major supermarkets, convenience stores, pubs, and bars in key select cities in two bold flavors Original and Beach Blast.

For additional HARD MOUNTAIN DEW information, visit and follow @HardMountainDewPH on Facebook, Youtube, X (Twitter), Tiktok, and Instagram.

Be the first to experience the OPPO Reno12 F 5G with Bea Alonzo on August 24!

 OPPO’s more accessible AI Smartphone launches in the Philippines in an early access event  in SM City Dasmarinas

Mark your calendars and get ready to tap further into AI with OPPO as it hosts an exclusive early access of its latest AI Phone, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G with OPPO Brand Ambassador Bea Alonzo on August 24, 4:00 PM at SM City Dasmariñas!

“I can’t wait to see the OPPO Fam again and share my experiences so far using the OPPO Reno12 F 5G. It’s such an amazing phone that has so many fun and useful AI features that fit the lifestyle of many Filipinos. I can’t wait to meet everyone at SM City Dasmariñas!” said Bea Alonzo.

Tap into AI with the OPPO Reno12 F 5G and meet Bea Alonzo

Enjoy a fun-filled Saturday with OPPO brand ambassador Bea Alonzo and double the excitement with the exclusive early bird promo for the OPPO Reno12 F 5G! Be one of the  first to own the OPPO Reno12 F 5G, along with a limited edition OPPOxBASH Billow Mini pocket* and an exclusive meet & greet pass to get up close and personal with Bea Alonzo.

To participate, pre-order your OPPO Reno12 F 5G until August 24 at the following OPPO brand stores:

●     SM City Dasmariñas

●     SM City Molino

●     SM City Bacoor

●     SM City Tanza

●     SM City Trece Martires

●     SM City Rosario

*Shipment of OPPOxBash Billow Mini pockets starts on September 22, 2024.

Explore other features of OPPO’s new AI Phone

The OPPO Reno12 F 5G is in line with OPPO’s goal to make  the AI smartphone experience more accessible to Filipinos. The newest Portrait Expert is also packed with innovative features from the Reno12 Series 5G designed to enhance your daily life and unleash your creativity for any adventure such as AI Eraser 2.0, AI Studio, AI LinkBoost, and BeaconLink.

The OPPO Reno12 F 5G boasts a 50MP main camera that captures ultra-clear portraits with stunning detail and a 32MP selfie camera ideal for individual and group shots. It sports a sleek, elegant, yet sturdy design that makes it both a stylish accessory and functional device. The new AI Phone is fitted with All-Around Armor for guaranteed protection and durability for everyday use.

Save the date on August 24 and be ready to welcome the OPPO Reno12 F 5G with Bea Alonzo. For more information, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ and Facebook page.

 

Ely Buendia marks triumphant comeback with new single “Bulaklak Sa Buwan”

Ely Buendia enters a new era of his solo music career with the release of “Bulaklak Sa Buwan.”

The fuzzy, alt-rock number serves as the first single off his upcoming sophomore album, Method Adaptor, which will be out on November 8, 2024, via Sony Music Entertainment and Offshore Music.

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His latest track serves as his first solo release since 2021’s “Metro”

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The track’s release coincides with the prevalence of fabricated stories and propaganda-driven atrocities in online spaces, challenging listeners to raise awareness for factual truth and combat misinformation.

“I’ve been watching documentaries a lot, and I tried to distill everything in one song,” the legendary Pinoy rock artist explains. “The track is all about the quest for the truth. It's about seeking knowledge while resisting the confines of dogma.”

Sonically, “Bulaklak Sa Buwan” stands out without the need to constantly show off. The disarming pop gem continues Buendia's knack for composure and effortlessness: his gift for melodies is still as sharp and instinctive as his best output with his previous bands, and his guitar work is still at its most ferociously sounding in over two decades.

Ely Buendia’s frequent collaborator and Pupil bandmate Jerome Velasco produced the song, delivering a pristine but straightforward production approach that doesn’t take away the material’s anthemic charm.

“I wanted it to be buoyant-sounding and surprising,” shares the award-winning OPM icon. “The song is very upbeat, and I utilized several modulation techniques to make it seem like the music goes higher and higher every time.”

“Bulaklak Sa Buwan” is accompanied by the release of a music video directed by Niko Cezar and Aimee Aznar of KNYA Collective. According to Ely, the visual narrative finds him wandering in the woods looking for a particular flower. “Upon finding it, I get into some upside-down vibes (like Stranger Things), getting transported into another dimension.”

Ely Buendia’s “Bulaklak Sa Buwan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch out for the official music video on August 16, 2024, Friday at 6pm on Ely Buendia’s official YouTube channel.

SB19 drops THE FIRST TAKE versions of “GENTO” and “MAPA” on streaming platforms

P-Pop royalty SB19 continues to captivate music fans from all over the world with the release of “GENTO” and “MAPA” from THE FIRST TAKE sessions on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.

The new versions feature the award-winning group’s performance at THE FIRST TAKE, a popular YouTube channel with nearly 10 million subscribers under its belt. The show's format features Japanese and international music guests performing a song in one take, filmed with shots of the artists and a microphone against a minimalist and usually white backdrop.

To date, THE FIRST TAKE renditions of “GENTO” and “MAPA” have amassed more than 4.5 million views on YouTube, becoming one of the most viewed performances from an Asian pop group/band.

“We’re eternally grateful to THE FIRST TAKE for giving us an opportunity to showcase our work on a platform known not just for its massive global following but for elevating the audio-visual experience of music fans with much-needed authenticity and rawness,” SB19 shares in a collective statement. “The performances really challenged us to work within our limitations and deliver with the best of our abilities. We’ve always considered performing as a sanctimonious process that deserves utmost preparation, love, and respect. Constantly reminded by THE FIRST TAKE that we can only perform the songs once, we had to reconnect with our roots and embrace the beauty of spontaneity.”

SB19 is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino artist to be invited on the globally renowned platform, which also served as host to several acclaimed performances by other artists such as aespa, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Hitsujibungaku, MANESKIN, ITZY, (G)-I-DLE, imase, Maluma, and more.

For THE FIRST TAKE version of “GENTO,” SB19 delivered a genuinely compelling performance that highlights the five-piece act’s incredible talent and range in harmonizing, singing, and rapping.

 The chart-topping hitmakers also took musicality on a different level with their rousing version of “MAPA,” which SB19 redressed with a soaring arrangement and an inspiring gospel-infused delivery.

Both versions are now available for streaming and are bundled with its original versions:

Gento: http://sb19.tunelink.to/gento-fromtft

MAPA: http://sb19.tunelink.to/mapa-fromtft

 

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About THE FIRST TAKE

THE FIRST TAKE is a YouTube channel that clearly captures the performance of musicians and singers performing in a single take. With the concept “capture the take. This moment. This sound. THE FIRST TAKE. It only happens once,” THE FIRST TAKE presents pure music in overwhelming quality with no exaggerated performance.

The channel started on 15 November 2019 and has now hit 9.69 million subscribers (as of 7 June 2024). Total views have exceeded 1.4 billion, and contents have been viewed from over 220 countries and regions around the world. Growing as a comprehensive music platform, new initiatives have been launched and become viral contents. THE FIRST TAKE INTERNATIONAL features international music stars such as Harry Styles, Avril Lavigne, V from BTS, Jason Chan and Jolin Tsai, having them to give their 1TAKE performance exclusively on the channel.

Follow THE FIRST TAKE on socials:

Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_firsttake

Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake

X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take

THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp

Sign Up for 10% Off Smart and IoT Products from CHERRY Philippines!

CHERRY Philippines is as assertive as ever. Not only do they give out quality products, but affordable prices. 

Why Sign Up? - Discount, discount, discount! 

Visit their online shop on the days of August 16 to September 16, 2024 so you get can 10% off Smart and IoT products! All you have to do is sign up to get exclusive discounts, promotions, and more!

The Internet of Things or IoT 

The Internet of Things or IoT is a network of things with technology with the agenda of exchanging and connecting data with different systems and devices using the internet. CHERRY Philippines offer a variety of products that will help you in many ways. There are security cameras for safety, cleaner and vacuums for disinfecting, fans to beat the heat, and more! Remember that you should visit and sign up at cherryshop.com.ph from August 16 to September 16 only to get 10% off voucher on Home and Smart CHERRY products.

Live SMART with CHERRY. 

Smart products from CHERRY are always a SMART purchase, so go ahead and visit the CHERRY website and get 10% off some items. 

Just connect every device in your home using the CHERRY IoT Solutions Application. With just one click, you can turn on and off your new appliance in your house.

For more information, visit:

CHERRY Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada

Over PHP 155 billion of loans disbursed to 5.4 million Filipinos through GCash’s lending arm Fuse

In the Philippines' pursuit of financial inclusion, access to fair lending is an essential pillar that empowers individuals and businesses alike. The country's leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem GCash, through its lending arm Fuse, is driving economic empowerment by putting accessible and affordable credit in the hands of millions of Filipinos.

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Fuse Lending opens doors to digital lending for unbanked communities, MSMEs

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It was in 2016 when GCash's parent company Mynt launched Fuse Lending to better serve underbanked Filipinos. Six years later in 2022, Fuse launched GLoan, a pioneering lending product that provides them with their first access to credit, without the need for credit history or collateral.

Fuse has expanded to include services beyond GLoan, such as GCredit (revolving credit line), GGives (installment loan for partner merchants), GLoan Sakto (nano-loans), and Borrow Load. With loans as low as Php100, GCash has disbursed more than PHP 155 billion worth of loans to over 5.4 million Filipinos, including those in the grassroots sector, namely, sari-sari store owners, public market vendors, and farmers.

Meanwhile, 68% of GLoan borrowers are women, while one out of three are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

GCash opened the door to digital lending for many Filipinos who borrow money from informal sources – 86% of GLoan users are first-time formal borrowers.

“We saw GLoan as a lifeline for millions of Filipinos to get by in the aftermath of the pandemic, where there was the increased need for easier access to credit," said Fuse Lending president and CEO Tony Isidro. "We pulled many individuals and businesses from the dark, and fast forward to today, the enterprises we've helped are thriving, while the individuals have been able to bounce back. That is the transformative power of digital finance—to harness technology for good.”

Supporting the national strategy for financial inclusion

The progress that GCash and Fuse have enabled aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028. The BSP is targeting a 10% percentage share of MSME and agricultural loans by 2028. Data from the Philippine Guarantee Corporation in 2021 shows that the percentage share for the two sectors, which drive the country's economic growth, are at 1% separately. GLoan’s entry also came at a time when the total percentage of their total loan portfolios had been declining.

The BSP cited data that shows some reasons that hinder Filipinos from accessing credit, including lack of money to open bank accounts (45%), documentary requirements (26%), and proximity to financial institutions (8%), while others (31%) also report being intimidated by traditional bank processes.

Despite their successes, GCash and Fuse are constantly innovating on ways to reach more Filipinos who remain in the “credit vacuum,” in view of the goal of Finance For All.

Reaching more Filipinos through Fuse's business partnerships

GCash and Fuse have expanded their lending services through recent business partnerships with various organizations such as Lazada (seller loans), and Mayani and Farm Konekt (farmer loans).

Through its partnership with Lazada, GCash is supporting online sellers, providing them with digital loans that accelerate their business growth. Fuse has integrated its seller loan product within the Lazada Philippines Seller Center app, giving the lending company access to MSMEs beyond the GCash platform.

Meanwhile, the partnership with Mayani and Farm Konekt provides farmers and fisherfolk not just with non-collateral loans and access to other GCash services, but also sessions on financial literacy and digital finance. This is in line with GCash's vision of financial inclusion, empowering the agricultural sector through technology and access to credit that helps them withstand challenges such as calamities and weather disturbances.

Innovating to address various needs

GCash is also rolling out Borrow Load and Borrow on the Spot, which will be useful for prepaid subscribers who might need access to load or data during emergencies while on a budget.

“GCash and Fuse have always built their relationship with their customers around trust," Isidro said. "That also means being able to tell Filipinos that we trust them with these loans, which they might need for varying circumstances. It has been our vision since Day One, and we're glad that our users have also placed their trust in us.”

Ballet Manila’s Giselle to feature global superstars Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev

World-renowned ballet superstars from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, will be coming to Manila for a rare Philippine performance in the restaging of Ballet Manila’s Giselle set to happen at the Aliw Theater on August 31, 2024 at 8pm and September 1, 2024 at 5 pm.

This much-awaited collaboration with the Russian superstars of ballet once again highlights Ballet Manila’s artistry and keen eye for excellence in every production, by working with world-class performers – this time for Giselle. This very special collaboration was made possible by Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director and chief executive officer, and her close ties with the Mariinsky Ballet (formerly Kirov Ballet) where she also trained and became the first foreign soloist in the mid-80s. She shared, “The fact that we are collaborating with guest artists and star performers Renata Shakirova and Alexsei Timofeyev will always bring out the best in the company.”

With their star power, Macuja Elizalde couldn’t be more excited for their rendition of the well-loved Giselle. “I think that Renata’s true romantic style of dancing and the fact that she is dancing with her real-life prince Alexei is going to transform Ballet Manila’s Giselle to a Giselle of another level,” she adds. The world-renowned Russian dancers, incidentally, are married to each other in real life.

Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Renata joined Mariinsky Ballet, one of the leading dance companies in the world, upon her graduation in 2015 and was immediately given her first principal role as Kitri in Don Quixote. That same year, she was listed among the 25 to Watch by Dance Magazine. And in 2016, she competed in the Bolshoi Ballet Competition, where she won first prize.

Meanwhile, Leningrad-born Alexei joined Mariinsky Ballet in 2004 and is currently the soloist of the dance company. As a soloist, he managed to secure various awards under his belt, including prize-winner at the VII International Ballet Competition in Seoul in 2010; diploma-recipient at the XVI International Rudolf Nureyev Ballet Festival in 2010 where he was cited for his superb levels of professionalism and contribution to the development of ballet in the Republic of Bashkortostan; and diploma-recipient at the XI International Ballet Dancers’ and Choreographers’ Competition in Moscow in 2009.

While it is their first time to perform on the Philippine stage, Renata is looking forward to connecting with the Filipino audience through her performance. “What’s important to be able to connect with the audience, wherever they are, but especially with a Filipino audience, is to highlight the small nuances that are included in the performance, like the turn of the head or the eye-to-eye contact with your partner, so that the emotions in the story can be conveyed and that the audience can enjoy the show.”

Meanwhile, Alexei excitedly looks forward to performing in front of a new audience, as he noted, “We are feeling the good kind of vibes with the Filipino audience, and we want them to live the story of Giselle with us on stage. It’s going to be our first time, and we hope to share that special experience with all of them.”

The third offering of Ballet Manila’s 26th performance season, dubbed Ballet Masterpieces, Giselle is a classic love story of a village girl (Giselle) who falls in love with Albrecht, not knowing he is already engaged. When she finds out, she dies of a broken heart and becomes a wili, joining the souls of girls who are also wronged by their men. Meanwhile, Albrecht visits the grave of Giselle, who protects him from Myrtha, the vengeful queen of the wilis.

Complementing their performances is a dynamic ensemble made up of young and veteran dancers from Ballet Manila, which, according to Macuja Elizalde, is the main change for the restaging of Giselle. “Ballet Manila Corps de Ballet is made up of more young members who have just joined the company post-pandemic - standing side by side with Ballet Manila dancers who are "veterans" and have performed the ballet many times before.”

The two-act ballet will interestingly showcase the talents of real-life couples both on and off stage. Ballet Manila's principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo will headline the performance on August 31 at 1pm while the world-renowned duo Renata and Alexei will take on the title roles on August 31 at 8pm and September 1 at 5pm.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Gloc-9 Unveils Heart-Wrenching Tale of Cherished Memories in New Single “Ala”

The ever-prolific songwriter Gloc-9 has a new song out and it’s called “Ala.” The fresh single is something deeply emotional and it masterfully weaves together themes of love, family, and the fragility of memory.

The title "Ala" is a playful yet effective wordplay of the Filipino word "alaala," meaning memories, which serves as the heart of this storytelling narrative.

In "Ala," Gloc-9 takes listeners on a journey through the life of a man who reflects on the cherished memories of his love story, from meeting his partner, building a family, to growing old together. The song begins with a celebration of life’s milestones, capturing the joy of marriage and the blessing of children. As the years pass, the couple's bond remains strong, even as their children move away, leaving them with only each other.

The narrative takes a heart-wrenching turn as the man begins to experience symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a condition that slowly erodes his memories. Gloc-9's lyrics vividly depict the fear and confusion that come with the diagnosis, as well as the heartbreak of forgetting the very people and moments that once defined his life. The verses are filled with raw emotion, portraying the man's struggle to hold onto the memories that are slipping away, and the pain of his family as they watch him fade.

The rap song effectively depicts the inevitability of time and the importance of treasuring every moment with loved ones. The track serves as a reminder of the beauty and sorrow that memories hold, making "Ala" a standout piece in Gloc-9's growing discography.

The song is part of the latest New Music Friday Philippines and Bago sa Kalye playlists on Spotify.

Stream “Ala”:

Spotify | Lyric Video | Audio Clip and Hi-res photos

GLOC-9!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/glocdash9

Instagram: @glocdash9

X (formerly Twitter): @glocdash9

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/Gloc9official

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HJDRQAfEcFiARVehhM6qD?si=CfgJxS0XShSr-UQHidQHkw

TikTok: @glocdash9

UNIVERSAL RECORDS PH!

Facebook: facebook.com/universalrecordsph

X (formerly Twitter): @universalrec_ph

Instagram: @universalrecordsph

TikTok: @universalrecph

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UniversalRecPH

LYRICS

Ala by Gloc-9

Hook:

Puwede ko pa bang balikan

Lahat ng mga ala ala

Nong kapiling ka at wala nang ibang nais makasama

I

Nag kakilala tayo

Sinabi sa sarili na malayo

Man ay palagi kong ilalapit sayo

Ang puso na ikaw lang ang syang tanging minahal

At kinasal nga tayo

Nagsama ng matiwasa’y at lalong

Tumibay ang pag ibig sa isa’t isa

Hiling ko na mabibiyayaan tayo ng anak

Panganay si rujelio tapos ay nasundan criselda pancho lito

Aabot pa ng ilan

Karen at Joselito Susan Leslie at Levan walang di matatandaan

Puwede ko pa bang balikan

Lahat ng mga ala ala

Nong kapiling ka at wala nang ibang nais makasama

Makayakap lang

habang dumadaan

Panahong na aking binabalikan

mga alalala

II

Nung tumanda na tayo

Lahat sila ay nandun sa malayo

Ang meron lamang tayo ay isat isa

Ramdam ko na

Tila may di tama sa daan

Rap

Nahilo ako at tila tutumba

Kita ko sa mata mo ang pag aalala

Agad sinabi mo sakin bukas mag patingin ka na

Malakas naman ako kaya nag tataka

Sinamahan mo ako pagod lang wala to

Tapos ay pinatawag tayo dok sa kwarto

Ano pong resulta di ba delikado

Di pa nya masabi nung una parang barado

alzheimer's ano yun kainan?

May taning na ba ‘ko sabihin mo kung kailan

Di kaya itong gamot baka dapat na palitan

Wala akong bisyo ano ang pwedeng dahilan

Hindi ka pa mamamatay kaso lang ano

Maraming mga bagay ang malilimutan mo

Dahan dahan yan di agad agad ito

Sinasabi ko sayo para mapag handaan mo

Nag patuloy tayo na parang di naganap yun

Ang pigilang mahalin kita hindi sapat yun

Sinulit ang lahat ng dumaang okasyon

Susundo ako sayo teka anong oras yun?

Anong araw ngayon kaarawan ko ba?

Nasaan ako teka sino ka?

Bakit ka naka yakap sakin umiiyak ka pa

Bitawan mo ako kilala ba kita?

Tay ako po si rojelio

Panganay nyong anak

Criselda pacho lito

Na iyak lang ng iyak

Karen at joselito Susan Leslie Levan

Sanay iyong matandaan..

Puwede ko pa bang balikan

Lahat ng mga ala ala

Nong kapiling ka at wala nang ibang nais makasama

Makayakap lang

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Palo Alto Networks Rolls Out Secure AI by Design Portfolio

Availability of industry’s first AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to defend against AI threats, safeguard models, and enable controls and visibility

What: Palo Alto Networks is making available to customers its Secure AI by Design product portfolio, aiming to secure organizations' GenAI usage and development of enterprise AI applications by providing visibility, control, and protection specific to AI, addressing new risks and threats. As businesses increasingly integrate AI, the portfolio enables them to confidently build and use AI-powered apps, while also prioritizing the integrity of AI security frameworks from development to deployment.

Why: The need for securing AI applications has become increasingly important as businesses continue to integrate AI and LLMs into their operations. With employees adopting AI applications at a rapid pace and organizations across various industries gaining a competitive edge through AI-powered applications, the Secure AI by Design portfolio aims to securely enable AI deployments.

While the promises of AI are significant, it's essential to acknowledge the associated risks with equal emphasis in order to realize its full potential. Bad actors are using AI to ramp up the scale of attacks, so it is important that organizations are proactive in their defense.

How: Organizations will be equipped to create a secure AI ecosystem that prioritizes the integrity of AI security frameworks from development to deployment. Businesses can fully harness the potential of AI without compromising security through the following use cases:

Securely enable GenAI applications: With the growing trend of employees using GenAI apps for business purposes, AI Access Security enables organizations to use AI tools with confidence. It gives security teams full visibility, application and data access controls, and continuous data risk monitoring.

Fortify AI supply chain: Businesses must be aware and rectify against possible risks. With Prisma Cloud AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM), organizations can secure their AI ecosystem by identifying vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in models, applications and resources. It improves compliance and minimizes data exposure, thus improving the integrity of your AI security framework.

Protect enterprise AI applications: It is critical for organizations to see every component of their AI app ecosystem— including AI applications, models, inference and training datasets. AI Runtime Security is designed to help solve this, and protect against evolving zero-day and AI-specific threats, such as data leakage from AI models and applications, and safeguard models from misuse and attacks.

When: To start the roll out, AI Runtime Security is now available on Google Cloud and will be available later in August on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. AI-SPM and AI Access Security are already available.

Additional Information: Learn more about our Secure AI by Design portfolio, read our latest blogs on AI Runtime Security and AI-SPM. Explore Precision AI by Palo Alto Networks, which powers our cybersecurity platforms and solutions.

OPPO Showcases Breakthrough Generative AI at Google I/O Connect China 2024

Beijing, China — Following the Google Cloud Next '24, global leading smart device brand OPPO made an appearance at the Google I/O Connect China recently. Kai Tang, President of OPPO’s Software Engineering, shared insights on how generative AI technology is driving innovation in the smartphone industry and presented OPPO’s AI phone strategy, showcasing various high-productivity AI features integrated with Google Gemini models.

Expanding the Boundaries of Generative AI Applications through Deep Collaboration with Google

“As a revolutionary technology, generative AI is transforming the mobile industry,” stated Kai Tang. “OPPO is dedicated to making AI phones accessible to everyone. We will keep an open mind and work closely with industry giants like Google to deliver the best AI phone experience for our users.”

As a global leader in artificial intelligence, Google is at the forefront of AI technology development and application across various fields. Leveraging its own AI capabilities alongside Google Gemini model, OPPO has introduced a series of innovative AI features to the global market, transforming smartphones into powerful productivity tools. Key features include:

• AI Recording Summary: Supports multi-speaker recognition, automatically identifying and extracting key information to condense lengthy meetings into concise summaries. This helps users quickly grasp key points, converting manual tasks into AI-driven processes, significantly boosting work efficiency.

• AI Toolbox: Integrates three core features—AI Summary, AI Writer, and AI Speak. These tools aid in efficient reading, effortless content creation, and freeing up users’ hands and eyes. Built into the ColorOS smart sidebar, they are easily accessible for a seamless, efficient experience at any time.

These high-productivity AI features have been implemented in the new ColorOS 14 and are available on the globally launched OPPO Reno12 series. Through strong collaborations with partners like Google, OPPO is actively democratizing AI phones, enabling more people to experience the efficiency and convenience of AI.

Democratizing AI Phones and Continuously Innovating User Experience

With the continuous evolution of the smartphone market, AI technology has become a core engine driving industry innovation. In early 2024, OPPO launched the first AI phone - Find X7 series. In June, OPPO officially announced commitment to making AI phones accessible to all, being the first in industry to bring generative AI to all smartphone product lines. By the end of this year, OPPO aims to equip around 50 million devices with generative AI features, including the returning Find X flagship series to the global market.

OPPO envisions AI phones with four key characteristics: efficient computing, real-world perception, self-learning ability, and creativity. Additionally, the intelligent OS will support multimodal interactions and offer third-party services more flexibly. This will result in a full-stack transformation and ecosystem restructuring of AI phones, continuously enhancing user experiences.

As AI technology advances, OPPO will leverage generative AI to boost productivity and creativity, delivering optimal AI phone experiences. The company will continue to collaborate with top industry partners like Google, combining innovation with collaboration to lead the industry into the new AI phone era.