Ed Sheeran announces Tour dates across Asia! Manila, MOA Concert Grounds on Nov. 7

Tweet

(Manila, 8 June)—AEG Presents and Ovation Productions are excited to announce that celebrated singer songwriter Ed Sheeran is bringing his highly anticipated World Tour toManila on 7 November 2017 at the MOA Concert Grounds. Tickets for the show priced at P13040, 11450, 8290, 4060, 3010, 1950 will be sold starting 10 June 2017 at www.smtickets.com.

ED CONTINUES TO DOMINATE THE CHARTS WORLDWIDE WITH

“SHAPE OF YOU” & “CASTLE ON THE HILL” (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

÷ (DIVIDE) OUT NOW

The touring news comes straight off the back of a phenomenal few weeks for 26-year-old Ed Sheeran. Kicking-off music in 2017 and delivering the biggest musical comeback in recent years, Ed’s dual singles “Shape Of You” and “Castle On The Hill” have taken the globe by storm, hitting the #1 and #2 spots across the charts worldwide while seeing the Suffolk native break a magnitude of records along the way. On course to cement his third week at #1 & #2 respectively in the UK’s Official Singles Chart tomorrow [Ed made OCC history as the first-ever artist to land the two spots respectively with two brand new tracks], Ed recently conquered more milestones in the USA after landing his first-ever #1 as a performer on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Shape Of You" - with "Castle On The Hill" sitting closely behind at #6 on the chart, Ed also became the first artist to debut in Billboard's 'Top 10' with two songs simultaneously. Not to mention the huge assortment of Spotify records broken by the troubadour this month, making history with their biggest-ever ‘one week’ and ‘one day’ streams for a track, globally with “Shape Of You” (the records were previously held by Drake’s “One Dance” and Adele’s “Hello”, respectively). Moreover, Ed topped the streaming service’s biggest-ever opening 24 hour streams with both singles, surpassing previous title holders, One Direction. Reaching 132 combined #1 iTunes positions around the world and accomplishing Apple Music’s biggest-ever ‘day’ and ‘one week’ streams, the two singles have accumulated over 370 MILLION worldwide streams to date. Launched on Monday, Ed’s official video for “Castle On The Hill”, which was shot in his native Framlingham, Suffolk, has already reached over 10 million hits!

In addition to Ed’s epic rise with his recorded music, the Suffolk-born artist has also broken records in the live sphere over recent years. In July 2015 Ed took to the stage of Wembley Stadium, solo, becoming the first-ever artist to headline the prestigious venue without a band - with just his trademark loop pedal and guitar – seeing him play to 240,000 people over three consecutive sold-out nights! Securing a very special collaboration with Sir Elton John on the opening night, Ed followed with the release of his live DVD ‘Jumpers for Goalposts’ at the end of 2015, documenting the lead-up and live performances from the Wembley weekend. Moreover, not only has Ed caught the headlines with his phenomenal solo concerts, he's also been involved in an array of spellbinding collaborative performances over his career to date, further proving his colossal status in the musical world - in 2012, Ed performed at the London Olympics' closing ceremony alongside members of Pink Floyd and Genesis for a very special version of "Wish You Were Here" and in 2015, Ed shared the stage with Beyonce and Gary Clark Jr. at that year's Grammy tribute for Stevie Wonder.

Ed Sheeran’s genre-defying third studio album ÷ (divide) was released on 3rd March through Asylum/Atlantic Records (available now). 

TOUR DATES

October 

* Sun             Oct. 22                   -                Taipei

* Wed            Oct. 25                   -                Osaka

* Sun             Oct. 29                   -                Seoul

* Tues            Oct. 31                  -                Tokyo

November 

* Wed             Nov. 1                  -                 Tokyo

* Sat               Nov. 4                  -                  Hong Kong

* Sun              Nov. 5                  -                  Hong Kong

* Tue              Nov. 7                  -                  Manila

* Thu              Nov. 9                  -                  Jakarta 

* Sat               Nov. 11                -                  Singapo re

* Sun              Nov. 12                -                  Singapore 

* Tue              Nov. 14                -                  Kuala Lumpur 

* Thu              Nov. 16               -                   Bangkok

* Sun              Nov. 19               -                    Mumbai 

* Thu              Nov. 23               -                    Dubai 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

About AEG Presents

AEG Presents, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Presents is comprised of touring, festival, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, fifteen regional offices and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. AEG Presents’ touring divisions of Concerts West, Atlanta Worldwide Touring, The Messina Group, AEG Presents New York, Asia, Europe, and Marshall Arts consistently promotes and produces top 10 international tours.

www.aegpresents.com

facebook.com/AEGPresentsAsia

Instagram @AEGPresentsAsia

Bigger, Better World Street Food Congress 2017

Tweet

“Re-Imagining Possibilities”

The Philippines will once again play host to one of Asia’s biggest food events, the World Street Food Congress (WSFC)! And this time, the event gets bigger and better. For five full days of gastronomic adventure, foodies from around the world will get to enjoy over 35 different kinds of street food from across 13 countries. This will happen from 31 May - 04 June 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Organized by photojournalist and TV personality K.F. Seetoh of Makansutra and presented by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this year’s WSFC will highlight three exciting components: World Street Food Jamboree, World Street Food Dialogue, and World Street Food Awards.

You can find a wide array of authentic mouth-watering heritage street food representing different countries across the globe in the World Street Food Jamboree. Plus, you can also meet various celebrity chefs and watch their amazing whipping skills at the cooking demos.

The industry’s top chefs, global movers, entrepreneurs, and food aficionados will be coming together to share ideas, developments and opportunities in street food culture. 

With the theme, “Re-Imagining Possibilities”, the roster of speakers will be led by international food and travel celebrity Anthony Bourdain and the country’s very own Chef Claude Tayag and Sau Del Rosario.

30 World Street Food Masters will be awarded in the World Street Food Awards. These winners must possess characteristics of a true street food professional including perseverance, innovation, and the ability to identify possibilities that nurture the world’s comfort and street culinary heritage.

Indeed, by hosting an even bigger and better WSFC in the country, the Philippines is eventually becoming a global destination not only for events, travel, and lifestyle but also gaining recognition for being a premier destination for culinary adventure.

5 things you should know before watching #GLOBECOLDPLAY

Tweet

Globe Coldplay is only a few days away, and people are getting excited for the much-awaited concert of the year. Coldplay dreamers have waited for this day to come, and without a doubt, they are in for an adventure of a lifetime on April 4, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Here are 5 things you should know before watching #GlobeColdplay!

THERE’S A PLAYLIST FOR ALL YOUR COLDPLAY NEEDS

Since Coldplay is just a few days away, sing your heart out with a dedicated playlist on Spotify. Here’s the link: glbe.co/ColdplayFavorites.

COLDPLAY HOUR

Set your clocks for #GlobeColdplay Hour! Every day until April 2, at 6:00 PM, Globe Telecom will give out “A Head Full of Dreams World Tour” concert tickets to lucky Coldplay dreamers through @enjoyGLOBE on Twitter.

JESS KENT AS FRONT ACT

This England-born 22-year- old singer/songwriter/guitarist is ready to warm up the stage for #GlobeColdplay. From her Album My Name Is Jess Kent, and with her breakout hit “Get Down,” Kent brings her melodic tunes to Manila as an opening act.

THE PLATINUM VIP CUSTOMER LOUNGE

Globe Platinum VIP ticket holders will have their own lounge during the concert with refreshments and comfortable couches where Globe Platinum VIP ticket holders can enjoy the concert.

IMAGINE SINGING COLDPLAY SONGS WITH 30,000 PEOPLE!

Sing your heart out with 30,000 people to songs from “A Head Full of Dreams”. Can you imagine singing “Fix You” in unison? If this doesn’t excite you, then we don’t know what will!

For more #GlobeColdplay updates, follow Globe Telecom on Facebook and @enjoyGLOBE on Instagram and Twitter.

Vivo Ph launch Vivo V5 Plus - the world's first smartphone with 20mp dual-front camera

Tweet

Top five premium global brand Vivo taps Stephen Curry to endorse V5 Plus, with the world’s first 20MP dual front camera

Vivo Philippines finally launched the Vivo V5 Plus in a star-studded event last January 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

After months of speculation and leaks on specifications of the newest and most advanced selfie phone in the market, Vivo V5 Plus was  unveiled and has brought excitements to all to experience the most advanced selfie technology. Full specifications of the much-awaited selfie phone were released during the much-awaited launch.

The perfect selfie phone is the newest flagship model of Vivo, the top five global smartphone premium brand, ideal for today’s selfie age, when millennials and even adults enjoy sharing beautifully-captured self-shots with the world of social media.

The Vivo V5 Plus is Vivo’s newest flagship model, equipped with the world’s first 20-megapixel dual front camera, and advanced selfie features. 

Stephen Curry, NBA basketball superstar, is the official endorser of all Vivo phones, including the Vivo V5 Plus perfect selfie phone. 

Basketball superstar Stephen Curry is the official endorser of all Vivo phones, including the Vivo V5 Plus. The NBA star earlier said he believes in the brand’s values—energy, professionalism and pleasure—all embodied in its newest flagship model. 

Most advanced selfie-technology to date

Equipped with what is, so far, the most advanced selfie technology, Vivo V5 Plus has the world’s first-ever dual front-facing cameras.

The primary front camera, a 20-megapixel IMX376, was co-engineered with top electronics company, Sony, while the secondary 8-megapixel camera was designed to collect depth-of-field information for improved self-portrait quality. 

The Vivo V5 Plus boasts an advanced selfie technology that features a ‘bokeh’ effect—a background-blurring photography filter. This is complemented by Vivo’s enhanced face beauty algorithm that allows users to take radiant selfies with no need for editing or correction, and ‘selfie soft light’ which makes selfie-taking possible even in poor lighting conditions. 

As for its rear camera, Vivo V5 Plus features an impressive 1/2.8-inch 16-megapixel sensor for ultra-clear and high-quality photos.

Sound, speed and style

Aside from its stunning camera features, the Vivo V5 Plus boasts a superior sound system, using the same Hi-Fi system of Vivo’s recent flagship models, and perfected in over two years—the AK4376. 

Equipped with 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, the new Vivo model is capable of performing multiple phone tasks in a speedy and efficient manner. For a unique touch, the phone runs on Vivo’s very own Funtouch 3.0 operating system, based on Android 6.0.

The Vivo V5 Plus also features an updated fingerprint recognition technology, allowing users to unlock the phone in just 0.2 seconds. Its fast-charging feature is also expected to come in handy for most users. 

Style-wise, the Vivo V5 Plus has a 5.5-inch large display, with an ultra-slim bezel technology, and is made of 5th generation Coring Gorilla glass with enhanced resistance. 

Finally, the V5 Plus has a dome-style, 1.8 mm wide u-shaped antenna for better signal reception and, at the same time, a more stylish exterior design. 

Celebrity-filled launch

The big reveal was attended by Vivo executives and partners, local celebrities, and top technology, lifestyle and fashion bloggers. Likewise, representatives from the top print, television and online media attended the much-awaited big reveal.

Singer KZ Tandingan and Pinoy Boyband Superstar’s Tony Labrusca and James Ryan Cesena entertained guests with lively music during the event.

Pinoy Boyband Superstar’s Tony Labrusca and James Ryan Cesena 

KZ Tandingan entertained guests 

For inquiries about Vivo V5 Plus, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph, or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivophil) accounts. 

The Country’s Biggest, Loudest, And Most Exciting All-OPM Festival Is Back! : “Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival”

Tweet

Rakrakan, arguably the Philippines’ biggest, loudest, and most exciting all-OPM festival brand, is set to shake the local music scene once again on January 14, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Aptly rebranded as “Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” to raise awareness on drug abuse and addiction through music and the arts, Rakrakan has grown from a small-scale production to a huge5-stage concert featuring 100 OPM bands, a skateboarding exhibition and competition, street art contest, merch exhibit, and many other activities.

“Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” boasts a wide range of genres from a diverse mix of independent and mainstream artists which include Ebe Dancel, SUD, Jensen & The Flips, BP Valenzuela, Autotelic, Pedicab, Taken By Cars, and Bullet Dumas on the Indie stage;CharicePempengco, KZ Tandingan, Sponge Cola, December Avenue, Barbie Almalbis, Mayonnaise, Drive Me To Juliet, and Gracenoteon the Move stage; Slapshock, Wilabaliw, Kjwan, Rocksteddy, Chicosci, Typecast, Philia, and Francoon the Mosh stage; Valley of Chrome, Mr. Bones and the Boneyard Circus, WUDS, Philippine Violators, Skychurch, The Late Isabel, Days of January, and Lost threadson the Slam stage; and Brownman Revival, Grin Department, The Chongkeys, Kartel at Lion and the Scouts, KokoiBaldo and Juan Gapang, On The Spot, Chocolate Factory, and Collie Herb on the Groove stage. Performances will run simultaneously on all stages – as it has always been since 2013 – which promises yet another wild and breathtaking experience for every OPM fan in attendance.

Aside from music, “Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” offers these pocket events guaranteed to maximize the Rakrakan experience:

Skateboarding Exhibition and Competition –a staple since 2013, the skateboarding exhibition and competition features a free-for-all skateboarding area for attendees, with freebies and prizes at stake for contest participants in several categories including Best Run and Best Trick.

Street Art Contest– five street art teams will endeavor to bring their creativity to life in this activity; winning teams will be judged based on their originality, style, and design. In addition, a “freedom wall” will be setup for all guests who wish to express their creativeness and leave their impression for future generations of OPM supporters.

Merch Exhibit– currently thelargest congregation of indiemerchandisers in Metro Manila, with over 50 brandsparticipating annually. Festival-goerswill find everything here from tees and tank tops to shorts and jeans, jackets, socks, jewelry, footwear, artworks, sunglasses, pins, caps, toys, and plenty of other goods at very affordable prices!

“OPM Against Drugs” efforts shall also be undertaken in cooperation with the Pasay City Anti-Drug Abuse Council and Dangerous Drugs Board in order to educate the youth on the dangers of substance abuse and addiction.

Side activities such as face painting and henna tattooing,brand-sponsored games, information drives, and artist meet-and-greet (for VIP ticket holders) will be there to complement the whole festival experience.

Early-bird tickets are now available at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide for only Php 500 and VIPs at Php 1,500 (excluding SM Tickets charges) for limited slots only; door prices are at Php 600 and Php 2,000, respectively.

Don’t miss it!

“Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” is presented by Rakista Radio; co-presented by Red Horse Beer, Draven Shoes, and Dickies; and sponsored by D&D Custom Guitars; with Official Venue Partner, SM Mall of Asia.

Visit www.rakrakanfestival.com for more details.

8 Years of Christmas Experience Like No Other as SM Mall of Asia brings magical holiday parade – The Grand Festival of Lights!

Tweet

Now made more sensational than ever, the Grand Festival of Lights brings in more magic and fun as it tells the wonders of Santa’s heart-warming mission of hearing every wishes and making them come to life! On its 8th year, SM MALL OF ASIA together with Santa and friends presents the Christmas cheers to all! 

SM MALL OF ASIA brings the most awaited Christmas tradition with the biggest, brightest, most magical holiday parade – The Grand Festival of Lights!

SM MALL OF ASIA together with Santa and friends invited their allies to bring one grand spectacle –SM Store, SM Hypermarket, Toy Kingdom, SMDC, PLDT, SMART, Ladie’s Choice, and Coca-Cola Philippines.

6 amazing floats, an entourage of Christmas characters all clad in glowing outfits, massive light display dancing in an array of holiday tunes, this year’s holiday parade is set to be the most memorable and sensorial yet! 

Proving that the holiday season is best spent in SM Mall of Asia, lots of surprises are packed within the Grand Festival of Lights. As it invites everyone to bring in their families and friends, exciting gifts and treats await all parade attendees. 

Making its way from North to South arcades, the Grand Festival of Lights happens every Saturday at 5:30 PM starting November 26 all the way to December 3,10,17, and 25. This season also marks longer mall hours as it gives way to more activities like Christmas photo booth, Santa Mail, Santa Meet and Greet, and Spectacular Fireworks Display.

Be sure to be there all weekends of the Christmas month, as holidays can only get more magical at SM MALL OF ASIA as we celebrate the season to GIVE LOVE, SPREAD JOY, and SHARE HAPPINESS. 

Like and stay tune to SM MALL OF ASIA official Facebook page for updates on all activities and specials.

Coldplay A Head Full of Dreams Tour Manila 2017

Tweet

British alternative rock band Coldplay will hold a concert in Manila on April 4, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. 

Coldplay are a British rock band formed in 1996 by Chris Martin with Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion.

Chris Martin is lead singer, rhythm guitarist and pianist for the alternative band Coldplay. The group has won multiple Grammy Awards over the years

Coldplay achieved worldwide fame with the release of the single "Yellow" in 2000. This was followed by their debut album Parachutes.

Coldplay is definitely a must-see band. The band landed one of music's most high-profile gigs. Coldplay A Head Full of Dreams Tour Manila is presented by MMI Live and Globe. 

Coldplay's style has ranged from dream pop to art rock while gaining worldwide attention, selling more than 80 million records. 

Coldplay have won numerous music awards throughout their history. The band has won 65 awards from nominations throughout their career, including nine Brit Awards—winning Best British Group four times, five MTV Video Music Awards and seven Grammy Awards from 31 nominations. Coldplay have sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists. 

Coldplay, seven-time Grammy winning band has released hits like “Yellow,” “Clocks,” “The Scientist,” “Viva La Vida,” “Fix You” “Sky Full of Stars,” and “Paradise.”

To date, Coldplay has released seven studio albums: 

Parachutes (2000)

A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)

X&Y (2005)

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008)

Mylo Xyloto (2011)

Ghost Stories (2014)

A Head Full of Dreams (2015)

Chris Martin continues to impress fans and music industry insiders alike with his distinctive vocals and his ability to put on a high-energy show, and Philippine “Coldplayers” are already itching with anticipation for the chance to see Coldplay tear up the Manila’s stage for the first time.

One of the most requested acts to perform live in Manila, Coldplay, is finally heading to our shores on April 4, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. 

Their shows continue to sell out across the globe, and with elaborate lighting and sets, tickets for Coldplay are sure to run out fast so better get your tickets as soon as they become available at SM Tickets.

Ticket Prices:

VIP – P22,500

Platinum – P17,500

Gold – P12,500

Silver – P7,500

Bronze – P3,500

GenAd – P1,800Globe Pre-sale on November 20, 10am-9pm

Citi Pre-sale from November 21 to 22, 10am-11:59pm

Tickets available to General Public starting November 24, 10 am at SM Ticket Outlets or online at smtickets.com

Here are some of my favorite songs of Coldplay: 

A Head Full Of Dreams 

A Sky Full of Stars 

Fix You 

The Scientist 

Paradise

Viva La Vida 

Yellow

Clocks 

OPPO launch Selfie expert’s F1s Limited and reveals Alden Richards as the new endorser

Tweet

Mobile technology brand OPPO Philippines presents F1s Limited, new face of the selfie expert’.

Selfie expert’s OPPO F1s Limited sports a metallic grey color.

Not only the new color for the F1s revealed, after days of guessing game and waiting, OPPO also reveals Alden Richards as the new endorser. 

Alden Richards, the Pambansang Bae, represents the OPPO F1s Limited model specifically, which is the metallic gray version.

As the Kapuso heartthrob Alden,  joining the OPPO family as one of its new brand ambassadors, Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Alden Richards to our growing OPPO family. We can’t wait to see how Alden will help us redefine our selfie-taking experiences.”

Alden Richards (second from left) and OPPO executives during the ceremonial contract signing.

The F1s first made waves among Filipino smartphone users last August. The new smartphone was such a hit that more than 19,000 units across the country sold out in just three days after its debut.

National sweetheart and the new face / endorser of #SelfieExpert F1s

Alden famous heartthrob and favorite among the crowd, Alden performed during the event yesterday held at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia.

Alden expressed his excitement to work with OPPO, the Philippine’s second bestselling smartphone brand according to a report by German-based market research firm GfK.

“Selfies capture life’s most unforgettable moments in a very spontaneous way. I’m proud to be part of a family that celebrates those special moments,” Richards shared.

As many knows that  Richards is the other half of the phenomenal power couple AlDub, who stars in a segment of long-running noontime show Eat Bulaga. The love team generated a record-breaking number of tweets last March in one of their episodes, a feat recognized by the Guinness World Records during the tenth anniversary of micro-blogging site Twitter.

New Face of the #SelfieExpert

The new face of the #SelfieExpert was unveiled to be the F1s Limited in Metallic Grey. Nicknamed the ‘selfie expert’, the OPPO F1s has a 16-megapixel front-facing camera that can snap bright selfies even in dim light thanks to its large aperture. It also helps users achieve a flawless look through its upgraded beautifying app, Beautify 4.0.

Apart from static selfies, the F1s can create moving images using its Super GIF feature, as well as double-exposure shots that juxtapose two images in one photo to create a sense of motion.

Lightning-fast fingerprint recognition also unlocks the phone in 0.22 seconds. Five fingerprints can be assigned to five contacts or applications for quick access.

The F1s is currently available in gold and rose gold. Concept and dealer stores nationwide will take pre-orders of F1s Limited starting today until November 11. 

Oppo with its first-ever partnership with eCommerce platform Lazada, where customers who pre-order will also receive an exclusive set of VR and selfie stick for free.

Education stakeholders gather for Education Summit 2016

Tweet

Education stakeholders from the government, the private sector, and civil society will gather for the Education Summit 2016 to be held at the SMX Mall of Asia on November 3 and 4. 

Education Summit that will focus on crafting the education agenda of the Duterte administration.

The Summit is co-organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Scheduled speakers include Senator Bam Aquino, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, and TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong.

“Times have truly changed and we need to change with it. The success of the Education Summit, moreover the national education, lies in our collective understanding and acceptance of the permanence of change, and our ability to respond to it," said Briones.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said that the upcoming event is a follow through to the recent (sectoral) Social Development Initiatives Summit held in Davao City that aimed to flesh out the social development agenda of the administration.

The outcome of the Education Summit will be the education sector’s input to the next Philippine Development Plan.

“Through this summit, we hope to lay down a clear roadmap that will make education accessible, relevant and liberating,” Briones emphasized.

Part of the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the Duterte administration is to increase spending in basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs. According to Briones, another key focus of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to intensify and expand the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Over 500 stakeholders will attend the 2016.  Participate in the online discussion by sharing your thoughts or questions using the hashtag #EducSummit2016.

37th Manila International International Book Fair 2016

Tweet

The country’s biggest book event is back for its 2016 edition happening on September 14 - 18, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Now on its 37th year, the MIBF continues to be the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair. It showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature for leisure and academic reading. Everything you need from fiction bestsellers, to textbooks, to graphic novels, and even educational materials are all under one roof. Moreover, the MIBF is also the go-to venue for this year’s most awaited book launches and signings, dialogues with readers, contests, and other literary events.

Running for almost four decades now, it has evolved from an event for the publishing industry and the academe to one of the most-awaited exhibitions for all sorts of readers. The MIBF has become a gathering of sorts for bookworms of all ages and walks of life to celebrate the joys of reading and the knowledge each book brings about. It has also been providing a venue for the exchange of ideas amongst players in the publishing and academic industry.

SM hosts UN-led series on disaster resiliency

Tweet

MORE PPPs PUSHED FOR DISASTER RESILIENCY

“It is time that we level up Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and put it into disaster management. We are all stakeholders and we all should do our part.” --- Defense Undersecretary Alexander Pama, Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense and Executive Director, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

Disaster resiliency experts are pushing for more public-private partnership (PPP) projects to further boost risk reduction and management efforts to make the country better prepared in times of calamities and other emergencies.

This is was the consensus taken during the ARISE Philippines Forum hosted by SM Prime held last June 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena Annex (MAAX) Building to discuss the best practices on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). The forum was held in partnership with United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies.

Risk Reduction experts led by Defense Undersecretary Alexander Pama, Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense and Executive Director, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council; Dr. Renato Solidum Jr, Director of Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Dr. Mahar Lagmay, Executive Director of Project NOAH, Noel Gaerlan, Commissioner of the Philippine Climate Change Commission; and Rene Meily, President of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) agreed that there should be more government-private sector collaboration in DRRM.

Pama stressed that there should greater cooperation with the private sector not just to save lives but also protect properties and livelihood.

The one-day forum is geared towards providing businesses with an outline of the role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction and management. Middle to top managers of the leading companies attended the forum attended by industry experts to aid them in formulating strategies and making sound decisions in developing disaster-resilient companies, i.e., companies that can guarantee the continuity of provision of their products and services even in times of disaster and also sustain profitability and security of investments.

Gaerlan said the Philippines has become a role model in DRRM because of the strides it had achieved for the past several years but noted many still need to be done. One, he pointed out, is to make businesses better prepared for emergencies.

“Other countries admire our DRR initiatives but still a lot more room for improvement. We need stronger PPP partnerships because we are a lot stronger when we’re all working together,” he said.

Solidum, for his part, said an area which the private sector can make its impact felt in disaster resiliency is making sure its buildings and places of operations can withstand a 7.2 earthquake and the possible effects that may go with it including liquefaction and tsunami.

“Making sure that business survive a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and its aftereffects should be a main consideration of every business today because we have to make sure we are up and running the minute an earthquake stops,” he said.

Annie Garcia, President of SM Supermalls, said that with ARISE Philippines, SM is aiming to help energize DRRM by making businesses and the private sector better prepared to face emergencies.

“SM Prime’s long standing commitment to safeguard the areas in which we operate has led to our tireless pursuit towards a resilient, sustainable and responsible community for all. We invite more members of the private sector to promote UNISDR’s call to invest in DRR and to align with the Philippine government to create a risk-sensitive private sector to make disaster-resilient societies,” she said.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 puts Philippines on the spotlight

Tweet

The Philippines will once again make its mark in the global entertainment scene as local and international pop icons gather together to perform in one of this year’s biggest music event, the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this event will be on June 24, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City.

With the theme “Can’t Stop Movin!”, the MTV Music Evolution 2016 presents the amazing evolution of pop music and its dance influences that will definitely keep the fans moving all night long. 

Headlining this year’s MTV Music Evolution is iconic international pop band and prolific hit-maker One Republic, with L.A. grown electric dance trio Far East Movement Billboard Hot 100 Artist, American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha and one of Korea’s favorite K-pop idol female groups Apink. 

Also sharing the stage are iconic local artists headed by Pinoy pop superstar father and son tandem Gary V. featuring Gab Valenciano and Filipino pop darlings and favorite teen love team, James Reid and Nadine Lustre. 

Hosting the event will be MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer along with MTV Pinoy VJs Yassi Pressman and Andre Paras.

Now on its 2nd year, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 is expected to gather thousands of fans from different parts of the globe in a grand one-night only live celebration of pop music like never before. The Philippines will also be highlighted in a global live telecast reaching an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries under the MTV World Stage global series.

The MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 proves once again that the Philippines is not only a premier global destination for arts, culture, leisure and adventure, but is also one of the world’s top destinations for world-class entertainment. 

To know more, visit www.mtvmusicevo.com or www.tpb.gov.ph.