Malasimbo 2015: A Double Weekend of Festivities on March 6-8 and 13-15

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The festival weaves Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.

Get ready for great surprises and parties! To celebrate Malasimbo’s 5th year anniversary, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is getting ready to host thousands of music, art, dance and nature lovers over two weekends.

The magic of great festivities and eco-cultural preservation is back. Last January 22, Malasimbo 2015 details was shared during the Press Conference held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. 

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is set to happen on March 6-8 and the first Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is happening on March 13-15, 2015.

What Malasimbo music and arts festival that sets it apart from all other festivals?

With a lineup that will boast an array of electronic and indie acts, the festival blends traditional & contemporary arts & culture together with music performances while working towards the protection & sustainability of the environment.

Every year, people from all walks of life seek the Malasimbo Magic. The festival continues to grow into a global phenomenon, with more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries in attendance in 2014. 

It is the Philippines’ first event of its caliber, and is a top attraction in the Department of Tourism’s campaign, “Visit the Philippines Year 2015.” Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is the official event featured for March on DOT’s Visit The Philippines 2015 Calendar.

This year, for the first time ever, Malasimbo awed the fans as they revealed a second weekend – March 13-15 – with a whole new concept. The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival caters more to the youth with a focus on hip hop, house and electronic music, enhanced with amazing dance performances and state of the art light shows.

Eco-cultural activities

Behind the festivities, eco-cultural preservation is an integral part of the Malasimbo Experience. With The d’Aboville Foundation, the festival promotes mangrove tree planting, the use of solar power, the protection of the endangered Tamaraw in partnership with French organisation Noé Conservation, coastal cleanups, and other ongoing projects within Puerto Galera — member of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World.”

At the heart of Malasimbo is the Mangyan village, where exhibits and workshops showcase their rich culture and beautiful crafts. The demo Mangyan village, built by Mangyan craftsmen in 2010, is a permanent feature of the Malasimbo Grounds, and showcases the 7 Mangyan tribes of Mindoro. Each tribe is represented through life-size houses respecting their original architecture.

The Malasimbo brand keeps getting stronger over the years. In 2011, the first Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival became a catalyst for a boom in contemporary festival culture in the Philippines. With its natural amphitheater boasting of coconut trees, grass-terraces, the tropical breeze, coupled with the view of the world famous Puerto Galera Bay, there really is no other venue like Malasimbo. 

The festival weaves Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.

Visual Arts

The Sculpture Garden at Malasimbo is a witness to the festival’s love for the visual arts. The grounds have been blessed by the beautiful works of talented contemporary artists, mostly Filipino but attracting foreign artists as well. In four years, more than 40 artists including Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Leeroy New, have used the venue as their canvas for their art installations.

As a 5th Anniversary special, over 30 artists will showcase their works. Whether permanent or degradable, loud or discreet, phantasmagoric or natural, interactive or silent, the works all have a synergy with the mountain, the landscape, the wind, the ocean or the festival’s creative energy.

Entertainment

Known for quality sound, the Malasimbo Amphitheater is praised by musicians and music lovers. The many acts that have played, including living legends Jimmy Cliff, Roy Ayers, Joe Bataan, Joss Stone, Robert Glasper and Jose Gonzalez, were entranced by the beauty and energy of the place. The stage is also abundant with local talent hailing from the different parts of the Philippines. It has become a platform where collaboration between international and homegrown music can ring around the island.

On March 6-8, Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is scheduled to attract its loyal attendees from all over the world, excited to listen to Ky-Mani Marley, son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. The international lineup also includes Fred Wesley and the New J.B.s, led by the former band director of iconic artist James Brown, the Godfather of soul and funk music. Taylor McFerrin, son of popular vocalist Bobby (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”) McFerrin is a Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, keyboardist and beatboxer that released his debut album, Early Riser on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label. 

Tom Thum, a world famous beatboxer with the most viewed TEDx video in the world with over 30 million views. 

More artists, both local and international, are completing the exciting lineup: French Kiwi Juice (France), GOCOO + GORO (Japan) Taiko Drum Band, our own Brigada, Noli Aurillo, Akasha, Bleu Rascals, Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community, Crwn, and many more to be announced soon!

New attractions

Exciting additions to watch out for the 5th Anniversary—Malasimbo pulls neighbouring cities (Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Boracay) closer; Malasimboat parties up-the-ante for festival-day-programs, and in between the two weekends—Malasimbo will stay alive hosting activities for Puerto Galera’s local community.

The Malasimbo Festival is an experience-driven event—regardless of the lineup of acts, one is sure to have an unforgettable time. The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure, and magic, this is the place to discover it.

Partners

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival wouldn’t be possible if not for our major sponsors and partners Ipanema, VISA, Department of Tourism, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Scout Magazine, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., Metro Society and Metro.

5th Anniversary Special: Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival

In an industry where sustainable development is at times overlooked, Malasimbo Festival has proven to be a solid name to stay for decades, which will continue giving innovation and quality entertainment to its loyal fans and its organically-growing audience. In celebration of the 5th Anniversary, the Malasimbo family proudly introduces an entirely new concept that is already creating a buzz with the youth: The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, set on March 13-15.

Why two weekends?

Malasimbo Festival hosts more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries. Having a 10-day affair encourages international tourists to stay at least 10 days in Mindoro and the Philippines. This further activates Malasimbo’s eco-cultural tourism efforts, and allows tourists to fully discover all of the amazing activities & sights the Philippines have to offer.

At the rate of Malasimbo Festival’s growth parallel to Puerto Galera’s limited accommodating capacity, creating a 2nd weekend and ultimately longer Malasimbo Experience helps maintain convenience for our audience and gives local tourism a greater return. We have a capped capacity and we want to ensure safety for all.

The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival caters to a specifically targeted market – the millenials – and offers an immersive feast of state-of-the-art light shows enhanced with contemporary and traditional dance performances, full-circled with hip hop, house and electronic music that is most relevant to the youth of today.

Performing acts

Dance organizations are given a prime spot at the festival in celebration of the 5th Anniversary: Philippine All Stars, Planet Zips Luminaries, Daloy Dance Company and more to grace the Malasimbo stage. 

Quality music is, of course, another key element of the Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival. A talented selection of DJs, both local and international, is guaranteed to make you dance all night. DJ Kentaro, DJ Mitsu the Beats, To-Ru, HiFaNa, and Tetsuji Tanaka & MC Cardz are flying in straight from Japan, accompanied by many great acts: Swindle (UK), Manolet Dario, Mikail, Br3aking Silence, Emel Rowe, and Lyrically Deranged Poets to bring Philippines’ finest in hip hop today; many more notable acts soon to be announced.

Partners

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival is a collaboration between Malasimbo Productions and Japan’s BassCamp festival run by Dj Kentaro. For this, the Malasimbo family thanks our Japanese partners Groundstar+, Basscamp, Asia Unite, and GOJA Cafe. Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival wouldn’t be possible without our other major sponsors: Ipanema, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Department of Tourism, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Meg, Scout Magazine, and ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., Chalk, Metro.

Party high-up in the mountains for Malasimbo's 5th anniversary double weekend special!

As we celebrate MUSIC, ARTS and NATURE at Malasimbo Festival, there is so much to see and explore in the tropical paradise. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!

Visit http://www.malasimbo.com for further information.

Follow our accounts to stay updated with the latest announcements and promos.

Facebook: @malasimbolights

Instagram: @malasimbofestival

Twitter: @malasimbofest

For inquiries contact info@malasimbofestival.com

DepEd to hold month-long early registration in public schools nationwide

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The Department of Education (DepEd) has set January 24 to February 27, 2015 as the period for early registration in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide for SY 2015-2016.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that the month-long early registration period will give the Department a clear picture of the total number of expected enrollees and will help in addressing challenges that may arise during the regular enrolment. He added, “Our collective aim is a smooth school opening come June, that is why we are preparing as early as January.”

The early registration aims to ensure that all five-year old children are enrolled in kinder while all six-year olds are enrolled in Grade 1 by June.

Other targets of the early registration are out-of-school children (OSC) and out-of-school youth (OSY) from marginalized sectors, including street children ages 5 to 18. These targeted learners will be provided with their preferred education delivery system which could either be formal through the alternative delivery mode (ADM) or through the alternative learning system (ALS).

To ensure universal participation, DepEd has enlisted the assistance of local and barangay officials for the early registration of OSC, the OSY, those with difficulty in learning and the indigenous peoples (IPs).

The early registration will see DepEd working closely with the LGUs, the Parent-Teachers Associations, barangay officials, civil society groups, civic organizations and the business sector to ensure wide sectoral participation in the exercise of granting all learners access to education.

Documentary requirements DepEd emphasized that there are no fees required for the registration. The birth certificate of the child shall be the documentary basis for early registration. If this is not available during the early registration, the document can be submitted within the school year.

Fly Singapore Airlines and SilkAir to enjoy a suite of unparalleled travel experience at Exceptional All-In Fares

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“Singapore Airlines and SilkAir have always been focusing on bringing the best travel experience at great value to our customers here in Philippines. The Filipino market is important to us and we remain committed in bringing Philippines to the world and the world to Philippines. These exceptional airfares are a way for us to say thank you to our supportive customers here. ” -  SIA General Manager Carol Ong

As one of the Top 10 Safest airlines in the World for 2015 (airlineratings.com,) Singapore Airlines (SIA) offers travel fair at an exceptional All-In Fares.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir (MI), in partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Ayala Malls, Globe, Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group, are launching an exciting and exclusive array of travel opportunities to passengers where they get to enjoy both airlines’ much coveted on-board comfort and impeccable service at exceptional value fares.

Exclusive to BPI Credit Cardholders, Globe Platinum and Globe Blue Customers, Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall Davao Shoppers and KrisFlyer Members, SIA and SilkAir are offering exceptional, all-inclusive fares to Singapore as well as a host of destinations around the world.

These promotional fares are for sale until 28 February 2015 and for travel from 1 February to 31 December 2015.

Customers will get a chance to experience traveling in style at all-in Economy Class fares starting from USD145 to Singapore, USD210 to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, USD690 to India, USD700 to Australia, and USD 899 to Europe. In addition to those mentioned, passengers can also travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Dubai, Maldives, New Zealand and South Africa. All Economy Class fares come with complimentary 30kg baggage allowance, gourmet cuisines and KrisFlyer miles that can be used for future travel.

For elevated comfort, customers can also choose to avail all-in Business Class fares to Singapore and Southeast Asia at USD800, to Australia at USD 2,500, to South Africa at USD 3,200, Europe at USD 3,500, and New Zealand at USD 3,800. In addition to that, there are also special Business Class fares to Maldives and Dubai. All Business Class passengers will enjoy complimentary 40kg baggage allowance, gourmet cuisines, lounge access and 125% KrisFlyer miles that can be used for future travel. 

On top of these great fares, customers can also look forward to a series of exciting travel fairs across the country from 6 – 8 February 2015:

Featuring the exclusive Singapore Airlines Suites product, the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive, Makati City while the SilkAir Travel Fair will take place at Ayala Center Cebu. 

There will also be a SilkAir booth at Abreeza Mall Davao. 

At these fairs, customers will be able to book flights at the aforementioned promotional fares. Customers who purchase itineraries beyond Singapore at these travel fairs or at Singapore Airlines and SilkAir ticket offices from 6 – 8 February can also redeem a complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher, with no minimum spend required, that can be used at participating shops at Singapore Changi Airport. 

To make payments more convenient, BPI is offering a Real 0% special installment plan of up to six months. Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall shoppers may also avail of the exceptional all-in fares by simply showing proofs of purchase worth P 1,000.00 single or accumulated from 21 January to 28 February. 

Every PHP 1, 000-receipt can purchase one ticket. Globe Platinum and Blue customers can also avail of these fares by showing their cards. 

For more details, visit www.singaporeair.com and www.silkair.com.

Facebook.com/SingaporeAir

Twitter.com/SingaporeAir

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YouTube.com/SingaporeAir

Avon welcomes 2015 with a fragrance for men inspired by newest brand ambassador Richard Yap

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Avon, the leading global beauty provider, and number one fragrance brand in the Philippines, welcomes 2015 with a fragrance for men. Known as the company for women, Avon developed this powerful and captivating fragrance for men designed to charm and capture the hearts of women. 

The unveiling of the newest signature scent RY was held today, January 21at The Blackbird in Ayala Triangle, Makati City, also launched Richard Yap as the newest and the first man ambassador of Avon in the country. 

Avon chosen the 47-year-old actor and businessman to become the face of its latest scent, RY- inspired by the persona that is Richard Yap - one of the most in-demand male personalities in the country today, the man most women from all over the country swoon over.

Emie Aguilar-Nierves, Avon Philippines’ acting general manager, is all praises with the newest endorser. 

“Richard is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with, taking the country by storm in movies, TV and print, among others. These, coupled with his successful business ventures and a happy family life make him an inspiration for all,”  Aguilar-Nierves said.

“We are very happy to introduce RY for all the men who want to exude Richard’s charisma, and of course, to women who love their men and want them to feel and smell great,” Aguilar-Nierves added.

Yap’s appeal in TV, movies, and various endorsements has been known to come from the celebrity’s positive tension in his character - formal but approachable, mysterious yet relaxed.

“I’ve grown to love the warmth of the Avon family of which I am now happily a part of. I am honored to be one the brand ambassadors for Avon Fragrance,” Yap said.

“It’s an absolute honor to be noticed by such a well-loved and iconic brand as Avon. I would like to thank Avon for giving me the chance to represent the brand. It’s a point of pride to be part of the Avon family and to have a fragrance that sports my initials,” Yap shared.

Avon’s Category Manager for Fragrance Carmina Decena, added that, “RY is a fragrance that reflects the personality and charisma of our man of the hour - elegant, mysterious, assertive, relaxed, magnetic and inspiring.”

Decena added “RY reminds us women of a man whom we fall in love with despite the many contradictions - arrogantly confident yet full of charm, formal yet approachable. Successful, charming and debonair, he embodies the kind of man they dream of.”

Today’s one of the hottest leading man, Richard became popular as “Papa Chen” in My Binondo Girl and “Sir Chief” in Be Careful With My Heart, will capture more hearts with his newest role as Avon Brand Ambassador for his signature scent, RY.

• The newest signature fragrance – RY, inspired by Richard Yap, RY is a powerful and captivating fragrance that will surely charm and capture the hearts of women.

• Handsome, Mysterious, Magnetic, - RY is a scent that encapsulates the charisma and appeal of celebrity Richard Yap.

• RY boasts of a fresh and woody scent. It is subtle and sophisticated, yet creates an aura that invites curiosity and a sense of mystery.

• The simplicity of the bottle and name of the fragrance is an embodiment that one’s presence need not be loud to be acknowledged and be truly felt

• RY embodies the essence of a confident and successful man, the kind every woman desires. The fresh and woody notes of this fragrance for men charms while leaving an air of mystery that keeps one guessing and wanting more.

As the company for women, Avon prides in being committed to knowing what women need and want. Coming up with the new RY scent is our way of providing them with the product that they want for the men in their lives.” the Aguilar-Nierves further added.

“We’re very thrilled in welcoming Richard Yap to our family. Richard is an inspiration for many as a celebrity, businessman and family man. We look forward to our Avon representatives meeting him in our sales events.”

Being as the newest celebrity addition to their formidable endorser roster, Richard joins the ranks of Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin, Georgina Wilson, Isabelle Daza, Solenn Heussaff, Julia Montes, and Xian Lim who comprise the powerhouse Avon celebrity roster.

RY is available nationwide starting January 16, 2015.Visit www.avon.com.ph to find out how you can get in touch with an Avon Representative.

About Avon

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with $10 billion in annual revenue. As one of the world's largest direct sellers, Avon is sold through more than 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon products are available in over 100 countries, and the product line includes color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and fashion and home products, featuring such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, ANEW, Imari, Sweet Honesty, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, and mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avon.com.ph

GRAMMY 2015 Nominees : Commercial and Critical Success

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Bound to prove commercial and critical success can intertwine as the two stood side by side on the year 2014, the newest in the GRAMMY Nominees album series comes out this year featuring the most significant acts in music in the past year. "The exceptional mix of recordings featured on this year's compilation not only represent a roster of incredibly talented artists but also provides a unique playlist showcasing some of this year's outstanding GRAMMY nominees. It is fitting that our 21st instalment album contains 21 exciting selections which music fans are sure to enjoy," Neil Portnow, the President/CEO of The Recording Academy, expressed.

The GRAMMY 2015 Nominees album is sure to deliver the same, if not more, of the mojos that the previous ones in the decade have as instant classics emblazon the compilation’s tracklist–all of which have their eyes on only the top Grammy categories, anticipating their golden gramophones on the 8th of February later this year.

THE TRACKS

Vying for top Grammys are certified hits such as Taylor Swift’s pop cross-over “Shake It Off”, Iggy Azalea with “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX, body anthem “All About That Bass” from Meghan Trainor, and “Chandelier” by Sia, all of which are contending for the most-coveted Record of the Year award. Sam Smith, perhaps the most notable as he has the most nominations in the compilation, is also going for the same award and a few more with the Darkchild version of “Stay With Me” for Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album.

Lead songs from outstanding albums released last year provide greater variety for GRAMMY 2015 Nominees such as Ed Sheeran’s “Sing” (from X), Pharrell Williams’ “Come Get It Bae” (from Girl), Beck’s “Blue Moon” (from Morning Phase) and Beyoncé’s “Drunk In Love” featuring Jay Z from(from Beyoncé) all numbering in the Album of the Year category, as well as Ariana Grande & Iggy Azalea’s “Problem” (from My Everything), Katy Perry & Juicy J’s “Dark Horse” (from Prism), Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars” (from Ghost Stories Live 2014), and Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” (from Bangerz) in the Best Pop Vocal Album category.

More of the album’s highlights that add up to the eligibility year’s range in recognition include “All Of Me” by John Legend and the live version of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams camping on the Best Pop Solo Performance and “Take Me To Church” by Hozier from the Song of the Year category.

GRAMMY 2015 Nominees also packs in the year’s best country performances with 5 tracks performed by the biggest names in the Best Country Duo or Group Performance category including Keith Urban & Eric Church’s “Raise ‘Em Up”, The Band Perry’s “Gentle On My Mind”, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s”, Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood’s “Somethin’ Bad” and Little Big Town’s “Day Drinking”.

Witnessing a vast change in the production and consumption of music since the turn of the decade and going halfway to a new one, the GRAMMY 2015 Nominees album takes its spot in the series and proves yet again that lucrative commercial reception can equate to critical acclaim, as justified by the chart-blazers which, at this point (pre-ceremonies, pre-red carpet, pre-awarding) already have the nods of the authorities in the world’s most influential industry.

2015 GRAMMY Nominees Tracklist

“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift 

“Fancy” – Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX 

“Sing” – Ed Sheeran 

“Problem” – Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea 

“All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor 

“Dark Horse” – Katy Perry feat. Juicy J 

“A Sky Full of Stars” - Coldplay 

“Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus 

“Chandelier” - Sia 

“All of Me” – John Legend 

“Take Me to Church” - Hozier 

“Drunk in Love” - Beyoncé 

“Come Get It Bae” – Pharrell Williams 

“Stay with Me” – Sam Smith 

“Blue Moon” - Beck 

“Raise 'Em Up” – Keith Urban & Eric Church 

“Gentle On My Mind” – The Band Perry 

“Meanwhile Back At Mama's” – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill 

“Somethin' Bad” – Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood 

“Day Drinking” – Little Big Town 

“Happy” – Pharrell Williams 

The GRAMMY 2015 Nominees will be available this 31st January in major record stores, distributed locally by Ivory Music & Video (exclusive licensee and distributor of Sony Music products in the Philippines).

Keep yourself updated with the hottest and freshest releases, plus only the most relevant news on your favorite artists by visiting IVORY Music & Video’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ivorymusicandvideophilippines.