February 17, 2024

Pop Superstar Dua Lipa releases her new single “Training Season

Dua Lipa fans rejoice! After teasing the new single on social media, and giving a powerful performance of it at the Grammys, the pop superstar has finally released “Training Season” – complete with a dance-inducing music video!



A new era for Dua

Earlier this month, Dua kicked off the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards with an electric medley performance of “Training Season,” “Dance The Night,” and “Houdini.” She’s also set to perform at the BRIT Awards on March 2nd, where she’s nominated for three awards – Artist of the Year, Best Pop Act, and Song of the Year for “Dance The Night.”

Her comeback has given listeners a taste of her distinct sound, but with a new-found confidence and more spunk. “Training Season” is the perfect example of this, which is all about embracing her singlehood and dating life without feeling any pressure of finding the ‘right’ one.

Speaking of the track, Dua shared, “I had been on a string of bad dates, and the last one was the final straw. The next morning, I arrived at the studio to Caroline [Ailin] and Tobias [Jesso Jr.] asking me how it went, and I immediately declared ‘Training season is over.’ And like the best ‘day after’ debriefs with your mates, we had a lot of laughs and it all quickly came together from there.”

With lyrics such as “Are you somebody who can go there? 'Cause I don't wanna have to show ya. If that ain't you, then let me know, yeah. 'Cause training season's over,” Dua sends a message to her listeners about knowing her worth. This relatable message, together with an electrifying dance beat, guarantees another can’t-be-missed track from the singer.

“While it is obviously about that feeling when you are just absolutely done telling people – men specifically in this case – how to date you right, it is also about my training season being over, and me growing with every experience. I have never felt more confident, clear, or empowered,” Dua added.

Fans have also received another treat along with this release – the official “Training Season” video, which captures Dua’s sentiments perfectly. It opens with her voicemail being flooded with apologetic messages and second chance requests. As the song continues, Dua sits alone while she’s surrounded by men vying for her attention, and the room begins to spin into chaos. It’s the perfect balance of fun, bold, and edgy.

A highly anticipated release

Filipino fans have eagerly awaited the release of “Training Season,” which comes as no surprise since the country has Dua’s largest fanbase in Asia-Pacific. In fact, the Philippines boasts of aggressive streaming and fanbase growth for Dua compared to the rest of Asia. Through the years since her initial rise in 2017, the pop star's streaming volume in the country has far outpaced her streaming volume across Asia - even compared to Indonesia, which has nearly double the Philippines’ Spotify users.

Dua’s legacy in the Philippines is undeniable, and was established primarily due to her success with songs such as “New Rules,” "Don't Start Now,” “Levitating,” “Dance The Night,” and “Houdini.”

Back-to-back hits

Dua’s certified platinum sophomore album Future Nostalgia solidified her position as both a critical success and top radio performer. The GRAMMY-nominated record was the longest running top 10 album by a female artist on the Billboard 200 in 2021, and spawned multiple worldwide hit singles, with “Levitating” earning certified diamond status and the title of Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Song of 2021.

Last November, Dua returned with the euphoric club-ready track “Houdini,” which went straight to No. 1 on the UK Airplay charts and drew in over 12 million YouTube views within 24 hours, and garnered immediate praise across the board – from Rolling Stone and Billboard, who said the track is “an immediate blast,” to Pitchfork and Vogue, who called it “a pop masterclass.”

“Houdini” followed Dua’s hit song “Dance The Night” from the box office sensation Barbie, which landed on the Oscars shortlist and earned nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and the GRAMMYs.

With “Training Season” joining the roster, Dua continues to prove that her journey as a global pop superstar is far from over.

Stream ‘Training Season’ now!

February 16, 2024

BPI's App Now Officially Available to Huawei Users on AppGallery


Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), has successfully onboarded its application on HUAWEI AppGallery, aiming for significant growth by reaching millions of new customers through digital channels.

In a joint effort towards enhancing the convenience of Huawei users and Filipino consumers, Huawei Philippines and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) have collaborated to make BPI's services more accessible.

BPI's app joining HUAWEI AppGallery is a major move in embracing digital transformation. Huawei and BPI work together to simplify financial transactions. This partnership shows their dedication to making digital financial services more convenient, contributing to the evolution of Filipino consumer lifestyles.

“We are one with BPI as they continue their thrust to cater to every Filipino, since for Huawei, consumers are its ultimate driving force. Huawei ensures that its products, software, solutions, and applications meet the needs of its consumers. And this is why we are overjoyed to announce that the BPI app is now available in HUAWEI AppGallery. Now BPI can connect quickly and securely with more of their Filipino users online.

Huawei is committed to growing the AppGallery, adding more top and local apps to its repertoire which Filipinos can continue to enjoy. It is filled with fun, informative, and productive apps. And at the moment, it is the third-biggest app distribution platform globally with 580 million monthly active users,” said Peter Peng, CEO of Huawei Philippines, Consumer Business Group.

The BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery helps Filipinos track and plan their spending for better financial management. This includes personalized recommendations using artificial intelligence (AI) that could offer financial advice, payment reminders or event actionable tips.

“Having the official BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery allows users to enjoy all our features, enabling them to transact conveniently, efficiently, and securely wherever they are. This launch enables us to cater to more customers and continue to become their trusted financial partner. Our commitment is that the BPI app keeps getting better so they can expect more improvements to serve their evolving needs,” said Fitzgerald Chee, Head of Consumer Platforms, BPI.

“By strengthening our digitalization efforts, we are able to reinvent customer interaction and experience. The availability of the BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery demonstrates how BPI constantly work towards providing a convenient and secure daily-use financial app, and how the bank supports inclusive online banking for Filipinos,” Chee added.

AppGallery is the official app platform for HUAWEI devices, one of the top global marketplaces with 180 billion downloads and 390 million monthly active users worldwide. It features a broad selection of apps for users in 170+ countries, including popular ones like TikTok, Viber, and other wallet/banking apps like GCash, Maya, Unibank, Metrobank, BDO, and more. And as the AppGallery expands, it continues to grow with a diverse selection of top local and global apps, providing users with a wide array of options for download. Huawei also prioritizes user security, ensuring privacy while providing diverse global and local applications for innovative experiences on various devices.

By the end of 2022, the number of monthly active users of Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) had exceeded 580 million, and the number of monthly active users of HUAWEI ID, AppGallery, and Quick App had surpassed 420 million, 580 million, and 170 million, respectively. More than 6.35 million developers worldwide have registered to join Huawei’s developer alliance, and over 228,000 apps have been integrated with HMS Core.

Join millions enjoying top-notch security on Huawei AppGallery and explore the BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery for easy and efficient financial management with a simple tap!

Celebrate Love with CHERRY’s Perfect Pairs


Love is in the air, and CHERRY is making it more special with its Love in Pairs online promo from February 14 to 18, 2024, available at CHERRY Shop, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Celebrate the month of love with the perfect pair of devices that enhances your connection and make everyday moments convenient.
  • CHERRY Flare S8– Stay connected and in sync with your significant other. Add a touch of intimacy to your digital communication with the CHERRY Flare S8 buy one take one deal for only P3,499 
  • CHERRY Ion Personal Air Purifier– Always wear your frontline defense to unforeseen pollutants and allergens. Buy one and get one for P1,499 only. 
  • CHERRY Nitro GaN Pro Charger and CHERRY 100W USB-C Braided Cable– Keep your devices powered up and ready for whatever the day may bring. Grab this duo for your tech-loving heart, now at an 11% discount, priced at only P1,299. 
  • CHERRY Smart Bullet S2 Camera and CHERRY Smart Flexi Camera– As we celebrate the month of love, it’s the perfect time to focus on what truly matters – the safety and security of our loved ones and our homes.
Get a pair of indoor and outdoor smart security camera with an exclusive 12% discount, available now for only P2,750.

Share memories and these devices with your partner, friends, family, or give this as a treat for yourself. Cheers to love, connection, and unforgettable moments this month of love and beyond!

Check out ‘Next Upgrade’ – every Filipino’s ultimate guide to smart home living!

Get to know the hit YouTube channel as hosts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag provide info, insights, and inspo to a ‘smarter’ you this 2024!

Next Upgrade hosts and smart home tech experts Jaime Bunag, Bea Chu,
 and Justin Quirino

Every new year almost always marks a change — or better yet, an upgrade. When it comes to the Filipinos’ way of living, trends point to more homes adopting smart technology in and out of the house for a more convenient, more fun, and ultimately a better-lived life. In fact, in a study conducted in November last year, Statista projects 1.1 million smart homes in the Philippines in 2024 based on how fast the country is moving forward.

As more Filipinos continue to live smarter with more smart tech devices around, they’ll need a constant stream of info and reviews to guide them in their ever-evolving digital lifestyles.

One content platform on smart home tech and living is the YouTube channel Next Upgrade, brought to life in 2021 following pandemic restrictions. The channel has since earned an Anvil award in 2023 and a YouTube Works Awards nomination in 2022. Now streaming its third season, Next Upgrade is keen to help more Filipinos thrive in the hybrid era with more relevant content.

Hosts and smart home experts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag dish out their hands-on reviews and talk about the latest in smart tech, gadgets, and wearables while discussing the promise of smarter living. From answering the latest questions about the newest smart home applications and devices to understanding how artificial intelligence or AI can help make home life easier, the Next Upgrade team has more content coming in 2024.

Next Upgrade ‘upgraded’

In Next Upgrade’s third season, the hosts got some backup — game streamer and cosplayer
Een Mercado, chef and actor Gerick Manalo, and online personalities Chico Cruz and Danzel Fernandez are among these new faces joining to lend their own takes in (smart) homemaking.

Among the highlights of the current season is the premiere episode, wherein Bea and Jaime answer frequently asked questions about smart home devices and setups. They go into concerns such as the price of upgrading to smart devices and whether they contribute to a higher electric bill. It’s informative for those who are considering but haven’t taken the plunge just yet.

Justin Quirino puts his tech geek side on full display as Next Upgrade’s host
 since the first season

Next Upgrade host Bea Chu with game streamer and cosplayer Een Mercado

Next Upgrade host Bea Chu and influencer chef Gerick Manalo look up
 healthy homemade recipes on ChatGPT

On episode three, Bea joins Chef Gerick Manalo as they explore the possibilities of generative AI when it comes to homemaking. They browse ChatGPT for promising recipes for healthy home-cooked meals, which they then cook using a digital air fryer. It’s got to be seen to be believed!

On the 2023 year-ender episode, all three main hosts come together to wrap up all the smart tech in 2023 and look forward to the innovations 2024 will bring. They go into their favorite smart device picks, such as the Steam Deck OLED, the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, and the eufyCam 3, to name a few.

MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Kim Kianna Dy

With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter).

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Kat Arado


PLDT High Speed Hitters - Savannah Davison

All once part of the national team, they came to prominence during their collegiate days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. They each carry three UAAP gold medals, among other silver finishes and individual awards.

After finishing as PVL’s top scorer in her rookie year in the last conference, Savannah Davison is seen as a credible threat on the court. She contributed 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations.

Davison competed at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 and national competition levels in the US, while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and MBA at University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.
PLDT High Speed Hitters 2024

Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado takes on a new role of captain, as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility. Also a multi-awarded UAAP libero, she leads a lineup of veterans and former national team players including 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata and UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte. Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo complete the roster.

“We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Coaching staff

PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog along with Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta banner the coaching staff. Paolo Escaño is tasked to supervise the team’s strength and conditioning.

MVPs meet the MVP

A few days before the new season kicked off, the PLDT High Speed Hitters dropped by the PLDT headquarters in Makati City for a courtesy visit with PLDT President/CEO, Manny Pangilinan.
PLDT High Speed Hitters with PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan & PLDT Senior Vice-President and Head of Consumer Business Home

“The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events—and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” Pangilinan said.

The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.

Volleyball fans can follow the journey of PLDT High Speed Hitters through Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

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