Describing the Indescribable with Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar

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Coca-Cola Zero Sugar launches new #ZeroWords campaign, showcasing creative interpretations of its ‘too good for words’ taste.

Manila, Philippines, April 2022 – Coca-Cola Zero Sugar launches its latest global campaign called #ZeroWords designed to challenge and inspire centennials, or the Generation Z fans — for whom social media is their go-to source of entertainment — to interpret the effervescent or fizzy taste of Coca-Cola Zero® without using any words, across their own social platforms using a unique collection of dynamic digital stickers and gifs.

Cesar Gangoso, Coca-Cola Marketing Director for Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, said: “We’re excited to have the Gen Zs try out the great taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and have them interpret how its taste is too good for words. We are looking forward to the creative visual interpretations that these young people will come up with in this latest #ZeroWords campaign.”

Globally, Coca-Cola has gathered inspirational non-verbal creators to interpret its indescribable taste, without using words, in a series of visually dynamic films, to be launched on their social platforms.

In the Philippines, Coca-Cola is working with different and talented local content creators who can show people how they too can express themselves with zero words whenever they enjoy the great tasting drink of Coca-Cola Zero. The brand hopes to invite more people to also try and taste the delicious zero-sugar drink.

Seeing how expressive and creative centennials are, Coca-Cola is releasing a collection of visually dynamic animated digital stickers to help bring to life the indescribable yet deliciously effervescent taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar – from exploding hearts to disco dancers to lightning bolts. Free Coca-Cola Zero Sugar products will also be given away through free product sampling opportunities and fun social challenges that are rewarded in free product trial moments.

“Ultimately, what we want is for people to enjoy the moment that they are drinking an ice-cold delicious Coca-Cola Zero Sugar drink—focusing on how the taste makes them feel. And sometimes, words are not enough,” Gangoso concluded.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce channels. To learn more about Coca-Cola #ZeroWords, check out the hashtag or visit the official pages of Coca-Cola on Facebook and Instagram.

Coke Studio Season 3 : Sarah Geronimo with This Band

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

For many Filipinos, home is not a place. Home is family. For the season 3 Coke Studio episode that focuses on family feels, the artists featured feel a strong and particular resonance for the idea of family.

Sarah Geronimo

Sarah Geronimo has often been praised for her love and devotion to her family. “I really love my family and all the sacrifices they have made for me. Whatever happens in life, wherever my career takes me, God gave me a gift that grounds me and keeps me humble, so that I know who I am,” she declares. She also adds that being invited to be part of Coke Studio Season 3 is like being invited to a family reunion of sorts. “When I used to see the Coke Studio billboard, when I would get stuck in traffic, I found it so cool, and I really thought to myself, ‘Wow, I wish that I could be a part of that.’"

This Band are Andrea Manzano (vocals), Euwie Von Loria(guitar), Miccael Galvan (bass), John Kenneth Macaranas(drums), Melvin Carson (keyboard) and Reymart Gubat(lead guitar). They consider themselves as a family, since they all grew up near each other. They started their career jamming in the food parks around their neighborhood. They also consider Sarah part of their extended showbiz family because of their management group. Euwie says, “But at first, we couldn’t believe that this early in our career, we could be working with her. It’s as if our career will be fast-tracked, things are going beyond what we imagined.”  

This Band

Andrea adds, “And we’re so happy that we get to remake her song, because her music is really part of the soundtrack of our lives."

And just like in a real family, Sarah feels like an older sister, and she can pass on some wisdom to her young colleagues. Sarah reminisces, “When I was starting out, what was important, yung maging plakado. But now, the young ones, they’re so free. And that’s great because what really matters with any performance, is that you put your heart into it. So I would just remind them to always put your all into a performance.” 

Watch how Sarah Geronimo and This Band collaborate for Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them this coming October 26, at 10:00 a.m. on ABS-CBN or online at www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH .

ADULTING #FEELS ON COKE STUDIO SEASON 3

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Rapper Al James and indie band Lola Amour felt an instant rapport when they met to discuss their Coke Studio Season 3 collaboration. 

“Match yung energy namin! They’re all so young so you feel that youthful vibe from them,” Al James said of their first meeting. 

On Lola Amour’s part, lead singer Pio Dumayas has this to say on working with a hip-hop artist, “We really believe that there is strength in numbers and so adding one more genre to the music can only be good. For us, we were just thinking of what could make a great song.”

Lola Amour is composed of eight musicians, seven of whom were part of a marching band in De La Salle Zobel and the youngest member is from the Philippine High School of the Arts. Joining Pio are backing vocalist and keyboardist Martin Kim, backing vocalist and bassist Raymond King, guitarist Mico Fernandez, guitarist Zoe Gonzales, trumpeter Angelo Messina, saxophonist JoxxPerez and drummer Renzo Santos. 

Raymond speaks for the band when he says, “Music is what keeps us sane…especially at this stage when we’re starting to face responsibilities…adulting na kami!” 

And Al echoes this sentiment. “Early on, from childhood, music started as an escape from reality until it became a kind of therapy, especially ngayon sa life and career ko…”

Pio puts it this way—"Music is what helps us to see, to see each other and who we really are.” And who they are is a unique combination of verve, spunk and swag, all rising to the challenge of adulting under the spotlight.

Watch Al James and Lola Amour as they collaborate on Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them on October 19, Saturday, at 10 a.m. on ABS-CBN or on https://www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH.

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2

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KZ TANDINGAN AND APL DE AP: WE WILL ALWAYS RETURN HOME 

If there’s one thing we Pinoys love, it’s a good underdog story. And it’s even better when that underdog goes way beyond our shores to fly the Pinoy pride flag. Then, when we know that they choose to return to the Philippines and spread the love, then it’s the modern day edition of the fairy tale, with a particularly Pinoy twist. For the finale of Coke Studio Season Two, artists who have conquered the international arena come together for a surprise collaboration that captures the soulful and complex journey of each and every Filipino proving their worth to the world. 

KZ first came to national prominence when she won a major reality show on one of the country’s top free television networks. She joined the contest so that her family could help out in the building of their parish church. She became a part of ABS CBN’s Sunday variety show ASAP and also sang theme songs for Star Cinema movies. But KZ went way beyond her comfort zone when she joined a singing contest in Beijing where she trended on the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, aka Weibo. “Even if the schedule would allow me to be home only for one day, I would go. I just couldn't be away from home too long. Home is where I can just really be myself and I needed to feel that so I could be my best at the competition.” 

Apl de Ap, born Allan Pineda Lindo, was actually legally blind as a child and this condition qualified him for an operation in America, sponsored by the Pearl S. Buck foundation. When he got to California and settled there, he then befriended a neighbor, William James, who then became more famous as rapper and songwriter Will.i.am; Apl then went on to worldwide phenomenal success. They won Grammy’s and sold -out stadiums and arenas all over the world. But Apl always made it a point to remember his roots. “I try to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me. The Pearl S. Buck foundation helped me and so I want to do the same. If I come back to help my countrymen, it’s because I love my country and want to see us be competitive among the best in the world.” In this light, he has set up the Apl de Ap foundation, which concentrates on empowering Filipino youth especially in the fields of arts and technology. On a personal note, he says, for him coming home can be summed up in three words. “Family. Food. Festive.” 

When it was time for KZ and Apl to collaborate, it is reasonable to imagine that the younger KZ would be intimidated.

“I had followed Season 1, and did want to be included but when it was time to meet Apl and also start recording, I was a bit quiet. He was always asking me, ‘how do you feel about it?’ or ‘how would you change it?’ And my first thought would always be, ‘Who am I to do that? What gives me the right to tell you anything?’ But after a while , I would give my inputs and suggestions, and I think I was able to add my own flavor to it. He allowed me to see that my complexity can be my strength. And so our song reflects the story of the Filipino who has to go away, how they manage their fears. ” 

 Apl says of their song, “It’s the story of every Filipino. It’s about trials and tribulations. It’s about having to to seek a better life.” 

 When he is traveling, Apl loves it when he lands at an airport with a lot of Filipinos who love to call out to him, “Kabayan.” He reveals, “They know that I know what they’re going through. I did what they’re doing.” KZ also gets a rush when she does shows for the Filipino communities abroad. “When they come to our shows, it’s a way for them to get to feel they’re at home, even if they’re still far from home.” 

For both KZ and Apl, music is also their home, and through music they can bring that feeling of home to all who share in their art. 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2. Catch them on November 18, at 11:15 a.m. before ASAP on ABS-CBN or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH

Sam Concepcion X Ben&Ben : We are Family

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Whatever the genre, whatever the era, good music will contain the seeds of universal truths. While most songs are understandably about romantic love, it still is notable that there are few songs about the love that can be found in the family.

Ben & Ben

 Ben & Ben are especially qualified to be part of a song about family because they are literally related as well as a family that was formed by love for music. And song writer and guitarist Paolo Benjamin Guico shares, “ became part of our band!” 

So bonded are Ben and Ben that for their interview, they refused to begin until all nine members were present and ready to begin. The band was started by twins Paolo Miguel Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico, hence their band name; and has now grown to include Poch Barretto on lead guitar, Jam Villanueva on drums, Agnes Resona on bass, Patricia Lasaten on keyboards, Ton Muñoz on percussion, and backing vocals and Kiefer Cabugao on vocals. For all of them to bond so strongly and effortlessly with Sam Concepcion, not just on the songwriting but on the performing and recording as well, is proof positive that music can truly unite people. 

 “We just connected as a family, sakto lang talaga” Sam insists. 

Sam Concepcion

“Talking about the family can be so cheesy, too cheesy! And sometimes, the emotions can also be too close to home,” admits Paolo. 

“Maybe it’s just easier to talk about love in general, than to say that its about a family,” Sam supposes when asked about the rarity of songs that delve into the dynamics of a family. Very early on in the process, they all honed in on that aspect of going back to your roots. “Just go back, go back , that was very clear. To what family is and what a beautiful story that can be,” Sam reveals. It was a good parallel to their process. 

 “Yes, it could have been difficult, we’re all very different people but what made us gel is that we all felt the same about the family.” 

The Ben and Ben family all admit that while their songs might be smooth and easy to listen to, there are some deep and potentially heartbreaking aspects to their lyrics as well. “We’re nine so that’s nine different experiences from nine different families, so we find what can cross the all that,” Agnes observes. 

But even with all that, Paolo says it was easy to find their groove. “It really just happened.” Miguel then adds, “Even if we had to build the song slowly, everyone just understood the feeling we wanted.” 

 Paolo then says, “And once we started jamming , there was just that magic of playing together.” 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as Sam Concepcion and Ben&Ben collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2. Catch them on October 7, at 11:15 a.m. before ASAP on ABS-CBN or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH

Coke Studio Season 2 : Collaborations and Coming Home

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Coke Studio Season 2 goes deep to the heart of what we all want: to come home. 

And to give life to this idea of home, Coke Studio has gathered stellar talents from diverse genres, differing music scenes and backgrounds and even distant (and not so distant) shores to create works that not only reflect our times but could also define them. While the first season gave audiences a very real look into what goes into the production of a song, Season 2 delves more deeply into the back stories of the artists. 

This year, the format is also tweaked, as Coke Studio ventures out into the studio to let us all in each artist’s journey and yes, sometimes, literally, their very own homes.

What is homecoming all about? 

It’s all about taking the best lessons of all your journeys and letting them all come together. It’s knowing that no matter how far you go, there will always be a place that is your home. It’s about roots. It’s where you’re accepted for who you are. It’s where you’re reunited with what you love. And who you love. That love and freedom gives you the power to voice out your views. To state what you believe in. To simply be listened to. To reignite what your heart desires. To simply be where you grew up. To return to where it all began. To feel, see, hear, and lift your spirits. Every single day. Homecoming is a chance to be all that you want to be, all that you can dream you can be, and to feel that faith that there is still so much more left to do! It’s about bringing out the best in you and being surrounded by those who inspire you. 

Coke Studio bridges musical categories and brave artists to come up with collaborations that will break new ground. 

Moira Dela Torre

 IV of Spades

Quest

Moira Dela Torre brings her distinct and deeply felt artistry to this season’s stellar selection. Folk indie band and style rule breakers IV of Spades, bring the sound of now. The power of words is given a new dimension with rapper Quest. 

Sam Concepcion

AJ Rafael 

Sam Concepcion, who has made forays into theater and movies, returns to his first love: music. AJ Rafael crosses genres and general preconceived notions of music today. 

Ben&Ben

Kriesha Chu

Ben&Ben who frames family within the flow of music itself. An exploration of what girl power can really reach is a fun and fresh K-pop but Pinay sensation Kriesha Chu. 

Juan Miguel Severo

December Avenue

December Avenue, known for their soulful sound and the many layers in their music, show off the depth of their musical talents. Spoken word pioneer Juan Miguel Severo combines wokeness with wit and word play. 

DJ Patty Tiu

Shanti Dope 

Khalil Ramos

The rap prodigy Shanti Dope will wow with his deftness and mad skills. Khalil Ramos reveals his deep affinity for singing and composition. DJ Patty Tiu expands the definition of dance music. 

 KZ Tandingan

And vocal powerhouse KZ Tandingan showcases a more vulnerable and heartfelt part of her artistic journey. There are also some surprises that will wow music lovers of all genres and generations. 

The second season of Coke Studio further establishes itself as a hub of Pinoy talent by going beyond our local shores and connecting with Filipino talents of various genres.

“We received such an overwhelming response during the first season of Coke Studio PH and this really inspired us to work harder this second season and explore ways to take it further. Last year, Coke Studio became a home for OPM and now we want to continue and strengthen that legacy, making sure that the younger generation and the new lineup of artists can feel the same sense of belonging,” enthuses Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Vice President for Marketing. 

And as this generation knows, more than any other in the past, that we all have the same home and same duty to care for that home, our planet Earth, Coca-Cola is going all out to make a big grand gesture on recycling. Along with the announcement of Coke Studio Season 2, Coca-Cola announced an industry-first goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle it sells by 2030, in line with the Company’s vision of a World Without Waste. 

At all Coke Studio events, all teens are encouraged to deposit their PET bottles in designated recycling bins. The Coke Studio TuneCycle, a stationary bicycle that grinds recyclable PET bottles will also be a part of all Coke Studio events; this will give a second life to the recyclable PET bottles and turn them to new materials. 

Coke Studio emphasizes divergent musical acts coming together, and all these environmental initiatives are also programs for consumers and the company to come together. Every collaboration goes to the heart of connection, which is really what music is all about. When time and talent are given a free space to come together and just connect, the works brim with magic. Coke and music have always been deeply and constantly connected, to provide moments of fun and high spirits. Iconic jingles and unforgettable campaigns have, time and time again, captured the dynamic energy and infections optimism of being young, being with friends and just being yourself. With Coke Studio Season 2, that special buzz and the undeniable electric wonder that only music can bring comes alive again. 

Catch them every Sunday at 11:15am before ASAP on ABS-CBN.

Shanti Dope, the wildcard who will join IVOS for an exclusive Coke Studio Collab!

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“Shookt,” sums up Zild Benitez of IV Of Spades when he and his bandmates Blaster Silonga and Badjao de Castro when they were told of their Coke Studio collaboration. “Although, we have to admit that there was also some fear,” admits Badjao. “But even if there was that fear, we still had to do it. We’re just enjoying it.” ZILD then turns philosophical and says, “There’s a saying that you should grab opportunity, but sometimes you should also grab the fear.” Known for their distinctive and some would say, brave sartorial choices, fear is not exactly what we would associate with this groundbreaking band that makes not just music but also creates a super stylish and cool vibe for their fans. 

Just going into music, even though they are all from musical families was a big act of audacity for these three musicians. “People think that because our parents were musicians, they encouraged us, but it’s actually the opposite. They were always pointing out to us how hard it is to choose a life in music,” Zild begins. And Badjao and Blaster nod in agreement. “We still did it!” Blaster says . Of the collaboration itself, they come up with the words unusual, challenging and exciting to describe the whole process. Badjao adds, “Very challenging and exciting.” ZILD adds, “We are part of a generation that’s not boxed in by genre. We knew that Shanti Dope is edgy so we just wanted to enjoy the collaboration.” 

Teen prodigy Shanti Dope exploded onto the rap scene at age 16, but he himself says that even as a child, he wasn't like other children. He discovered rap at age 9, as he was sound tripping with his friends, and it created a space where he could be himself. His parents separated when he was young and he was shuttled among various relatives. Though adults expect teenagers to be obsessed with puppy love and such, Shanti Dope raises the big questions. His songs tackle such weighty topics as the futility of materialism and biting social commentary. “Bata pa ako, inuusisa ko na ang mga bagay na hindi pang-bata.” (Ever since childhood, I would be curious about matters that are not just for children.) Now mentored by rap legend Gloc 9, Shanti Dope just waves aside any fancy titles as the next big thing in rap, just happy to keep on experimenting on his music. “Lahat lahat puedeng i-adapt,” he muses, echoing the open and experimental attitude to music as the IV Of Spades guys. 

When asked how to describe their song, Shanti Dope, quips, “Parang vintage na classy barong.” Zild pipes in, “It’s like a big work of graffiti.” “That has been enhanced by photoshop,” adds Blaster. 

They all marveled at how effortless and seamless their chemistry emerged. Maybe it’s their shared openness to experimentation. Maybe it’s their youth. Or maybe it’s just that when you love creating and performing, your shared artistry just flows. 

Watch how Shanti Dope and IV Of Spades collaborate for a refreshing kind of music that celebrates their own genres in the first episode of Coke Studio Season 2. 

Catch them every Sunday at 11:15a.m. before ASAP on ABS-CBN or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH.

The Coca-Cola Company announces new Global Vision to help a World Without Waste

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The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it is fundamentally reshaping its approach to packaging, with a global goal to help collect and recycle the equivalent of 100% of its packaging by 2030. 

Company Sets Goal to Help Collect and Recycle a Bottle or Can for Every One it Sells by 2030 

This goal is the centerpiece of the Company’s new packaging vision for a World Without Waste, which the Coca-Cola system intends to back with a multi-year investment that includes ongoing work to make packaging 100% recyclable. This begins with the understanding that food and beverage containers are an important part of people’s modern lives but that there is much more to be done to reduce packaging waste globally. 

“The world has a packaging problem – and, like all companies, we have a responsibility to help solve it,” said James Quincey, President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “Through our World Without Waste vision, we are investing in our planet and our packaging to help make this problem a thing of the past.” 

The Company and its bottling partners are pursuing several key goals: 

• Investing in the planet: By 2030, for every bottle or can the Coca-Cola system sells globally, we aim to help take one back so it has more than one life. The Company is investing its marketing dollars and skills behind this 100% collection goal to help people understand what, how and where to recycle. We will support collection of packaging across the industry, including bottles and cans from other companies. The Coca-Cola system will work with local communities, industry partners, our customers, and consumers to help address issues like packaging litter and marine debris. 

• Investing in packaging: To achieve its collection goal, The Coca-Cola Company is continuing to work toward making all of its packaging 100% recyclable globally. The Company is building better bottles, whether through more recycled content, by developing plant-based resins, or by reducing the amount of plastic in each container. By 2030, the Coca-Cola system also aims to make bottles with an average of 50% recycled content. The goal is to set a new global standard for beverage packaging. Currently, the majority of the Company’s packaging is recyclable.

World Without Waste is the next step in the Company’s ongoing sustainability efforts, building off success in replenishing an estimated 100% of the water it uses in its final beverages. The Company2 

achieved and exceeded its water replenishment goal in 2015, five years ahead of expectations. These efforts are part of the Company’s larger strategy to grow with conscience, by becoming a total beverage company that grows the right way. 

“Bottles and cans shouldn’t harm our planet, and a litter-free world is possible,” Quincey said. “Companies like ours must be leaders. Consumers around the world care about our planet, and they want and expect companies to take action. That’s exactly what we’re going to do, and we invite others to join us on this critical journey.” 

The Coca-Cola Company will work to achieve these goals with the help of several global partners: the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy initiative, The Ocean Conservancy/Trash Free Seas Alliance and World Wildlife Fund (The Cascading Materials Vision and Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance). Coca-Cola will also launch efforts with new partners at the regional and local level and plans to work with its key customers to help motivate consumers to recycle more packaging. 

“We would like to encourage everyone to recycle as part of a circular economy, where plastic, glass, and aluminum are reused or repurposed as many times as possible, rather than being used once and then thrown away. We look forward to working with the industry, local communities, NGOs, government organizations, and even our critics to highlight this critical issue. When we all come together to help solve this problem, collectively we will make a bigger difference than if we simply act alone,” said Winn Everhart, President & General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines. 

The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines has already started on the journey towards achieving this goal through their active participation with the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) – a multi-stakeholder coalition supported by the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) and composed of the top corporations in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Recently, Coca-Cola and other members of PARMS announced their commitment to work with government and non-government organizations in developing a sustainable solid waste management program in the country, starting with its plan to build a state of the art materials recovery and reprocessing facility. 

To learn more, visit Coca-Cola Journey at http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/world-without- 

waste.

Coke Studio empowers youth to help rehabilitate Marawi through benefit concert

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Coca-Cola Philippines brought thousands of teens together to help rebuild Marawi through a unique benefit concert that celebrated the Filipinos’ love for music as it empowered the youth to move as one creative force for a great endeavor.

Coke Studio brings together talented OPM artists and, the Filipino youth in a one-of-a-kind benefit concert to rebuild and bring music back to Marawi.

At the Coke Studio Live: Bringing Music Back to Marawi held on December 9 at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds, many of the attendees showed their support by bringing empty Coca-Cola PET bottles for a recycling drive that would help contribute in the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi kids. Coca-Cola Philippines committed to build a Little Red Schoolhouse as part of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation’s (PDRF) United4Marawi campaign.

“This is our way of showing support and solidarity with the Filipino people – to be able to contribute in the rebuilding process. Music is one of the things that threads through every person, regardless of age, religion, culture, and socio-economic bracket. We are committed to help the communities that we serve, especially in times like these that we have to come together to rebuild not just the physical structures, but most importantly, the lives of the people.” - said Stephan Czypionka, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. 

“We are committed in helping rebuild Marawi and the communities impacted by this conflict. In partnership with relevant government agencies, we in the private sector will be bringing our sustainability initiatives to the area,” said Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Public Affairs and Communications Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. “Our 5by20 entrepreneurship programs will be provided for the spouses of soldiers deployed in Marawi, while water systems will also be installed in the communities. We’ll also build a Little Red Schoolhouse.”

All the Coke Studio artists unite to sing a moving rendition of “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” for the people of Marawi.

Bringing music back to Marawi

It was a night filled with music and hope as Coke Studio artists including The Ransom Collective, Gab and John of Urbandub, Abra, Gracenote, Moonstar88, Autotelic, Ebe Dancel, Franco, Reese Lansangan, BP Valenzuela and Sandwich, Noel Cabangon, and Curtismith shared their voices and talents for Marawi. Their amazing performances included renditions of Christmas favorites as well as their groundbreaking collaborations.

To further involve the youth in the advocacy, Coca-Cola also selected artists from the top UAAP schools: SLTO of University of the Philippines Diliman, PAPA PETA of University of Santo Tomas, The Cohens of Ateneo de Manila University, and Matt Junasio of De La Salle University to perform an original collaboration piece. Other artists from different universities were also present to entertain the crowd in the pocket stage at the Tunebayan area.

Aside from the upbeat performances, there were also several emotional moments. Coke Studio artists Noel Cabangon and Curtismith led the audience in observing a few minutes of silence as they offered a prayer for the victims of Marawi. Afterwards, they both sang the empowering lyrics of their collaboration “Payong Kaibigan”. There was also a special group performance where the Coke Studio artists all sang “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” to inspire unity in supporting the Maranaos especially this Christmas season.

During the event, attendees enjoyed exciting activities like singing along to their favorite tunes at the Coke Studio Canraoke and receiving personalized Coke bottles with their names in the labels at the Coke Jukebox. There was even a Christmas food fair and bazaar where guests feasted on good food, best paired with a refreshing drink.

Overall, it was a great night worthy of its even greater advocacy which showed just how music truly unites and inspires Filipinos to come together.

The vocalist of UP’s STLO belts out the lines of the university bands’ special composition for the people of Marawi.

Hip-hop superstar, Abra, raps crowd favorite “Diwata” at the Coke Studio Benefit Concert for Marawi. 

Franco Reyes, vocalist of Franco, rocking out at the Coke Studio Benefit Concert for Marawi at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Reese Lansangan sings a smash hit Coke Studio collaboration, “Off of Center”, with rock band Franco.

Thousands of people come to show their support for the worthy cause at the Coke Studio benefit concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Ebe Dancel and Raimund Marasigan happily share the stage as they sing an unexpected duet to the E-heads classic “Magasin”.

Curtismith and Noel Cabangon dedicate the empowering lyrics of their Coke Studio collaboration “Payong Kaibigan” to the victims of Marawi.

Attendees of the Coke Studio benefit concert are all smiles as they enjoy the event’s fun activities. 

The youth donate their empty bottles to help fund the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi children.

Coca-Cola partners with Congressman Nograles for STAR Program in Davao City

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Coca-Cola Philippines and Davao City 1st District Representative, Congressman Karlo Nograles, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to expand the implementation of the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program to the women small business owners in the area.

The Coca-Cola 5by20 STAR Program is designed for women micro-entrepreneurs who own and manage sari-sari stores or carinderias, with the goal of addressing the barriers they face by providing an enabling environment for business success. 

The STAR Program has three components: access to training, access to resources, and access to peer mentoring. The STAR Program is implemented in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and reputable microfinance institutions and cooperatives operating at the regional level.

“We are continuously expanding the coverage of the program by partnering with key government officials and offices. The first district of Davao has one of the largest populations of women micro-entrepreneurs. Together with Congressman Karlo Nograles, we will reach a larger audience and bring the program to those who can benefit from it the most,” said Gilda Maquilan, 5by20 Lead, Sustainability Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

The 1st District of Davao City covers the central business district and neighboring suburbs, where a great concentration of micro and small enterprises are located. The office of Congressman Nograles will identify the qualified women for the program and provide the training venue, among others.

“The empowerment of women is at the core of our platform. Over the years, we have helped women in our district through our various livelihood programs. The Coca-Cola STAR Program is a great opportunity to enhance the capabilities of our women micro-entrepreneurs and help them provide more for their families,” said Nograles.

The Coca-Cola STAR Program is part of the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company, which aims to empower 5 million women within its value chain by 2020. The program initially targeted Filipino women engaged in micro-retail enterprise such as sari-sari stores but has expanded to include women in other marginalized sectors since its launch in 2011.

Today, the Coca-Cola STAR Program is implemented in over 54 locations nationwide and has impacted more than 80,000 women. The program has continuously embraced other sectors including distressed female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through a partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs of the Department of Labor and Employment, beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development–National Capital Region, Artisan Women of Tondo, and women who are in disaster-stricken areas.

The Coca-Cola STAR Program is also supported by Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Alay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. (NWTF), ASA Philippines, and National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO).

Musical worlds collide at Coke Studio with Abra and Gracenote collaboration

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The distinct sound of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) thrives in collaboration. With Coke Studio, an OPM rap icon and a fast-rising rock band push the boundaries of music by combining two contrasting genres to create a unified sound that showcases each of their musical mastery, yet brings to light a fresh, new take on OPM—Abra’s striking flow and wordplay fused with Gracenote’s haunting and melodic lyrical tunes.

Abra (a play on his surname “Abracosa”) is famous for his collaborative works with Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda, Maja Salvador, Reese Lansangan, Loonie, and Ron Henley, to name a few. The witty, fast-talking veteran emcee has made a name for himself as one of the most important wordsmiths in the local hip-hop scene with his significant, unapologetic, and poetic lyrics channeled through a unique rap flow. 

“That’s [Abra] what people really call me and it also fits because it can be short for ‘abracadabra’, which is not only a magic word, but is old Aramaic for ‘I create words’ and that’s what I do,” said Abra.

As a part of the line-up of refreshing collaborative musical acts of Coke Studio, the synco-pop-punk-electro-rock trio of Gracenote—Eunice and Jazz Jorge, and EJ Picha—is paired with Abra, where the rapper’s energetic and aggressive style will be complemented by Gracenote’s classical rock background to send shivers down the spines of every listener. 

“The grace note is not the biggest note; it is a small note which makes an impact. If you remove it from the song, it will be really felt,” said Gracenote lead vocalist Eunice on the band’s important musical quality.

Unusual but full of possibilities, the collaboration between the two different artists is a surprise for many, but it brings forth a new, exciting dimension for OPM. 

“We are always looking for something fresh,” said Eunice.

Indeed, fans can only imagine Gracenote’s playful piano and violin tunes, catchy beats, and haunting vocals, overlaid with Abra’s stinging wordplay on life and important social issues, as it brings the house down. For now, Filipinos can only look forward to the new episodes coming up.

With different perspectives coming in from a variety of sources, the stage for groundbreaking new music is set, fresh tunes produced by local Filipino artists are in the works, and OPM continues to evolve with Coke Studio’s flair for collaboration.

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as Abra and Gracenote collaborate for Coke Studio. 

Catch it on August 26, Saturday, at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH