Google Philippines crowdsourced “Miss Ko Na” OFW song first 360-degree video

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Tapsilog, Halo-halo and noche buena, among the things overseas Pinoys miss

Google Philippines recently launched  its crowdsourced song entitled “Miss Ko Na” for OFWs. Also, the music video of the song is the first 360-degree video in the Philippines.

Together with 5 well known bands and musicians, Google released the “Miss Ko Na” song featuring crowdsourced lyrics from Filipinos here and abroad. Sponge Cola, ItchyWorms and Kjwan, along with vocalist Ebe Dancel, and YouTube star Mikey Bustos worked together to put melody and structure to the answers to Google’s question “Anong namimiss mo sa Pilipinas?” (“What do you miss most in the Philippines?”) Google asked for submissions from OFWs using Google Forms and on their social media accounts using the hashtag #GoogleMissKoNa, which were then used as lyrics to the song.

The “Miss Ko Na” music video is also the first 360-degree YouTube video in the Philippines, which viewers on Chrome browser can tap on and drag to see different perspectives of the video. Viewers on Android phones using the YouTube App can simply move their phones to watch the video from different angles. 

The video found on https://youtu.be/gD8RPX3NoQs can also be saved on the YouTube Offline playlist for viewing within 48-hours without an internet connection. 

“The submissions of our kababayans were very inspiring and made it easy for us to come up with a song that speaks of their longing for home. “Miss Ko Na” is not only about the story of OFWs; it is also a story about sacrifice and selfless love that Filipinos are known for,” shares Kelley Mangahas of Kjwan.

The song captures famous Filipino traditions such as celebrating noche buena with family, going to fiestas with friends, playing basketball with relatives, and eating with bare hands, among others. It also showcased Filipino food that OFWs crave for such as halo-halo and tapsilog.

Yael Yuzon of Sponge Cola said “It’s a simple catchy song that captures the Filipino spirit. It reflects how we celebrate the good and we pummel through the bad with a smile and a positive outlook.” 

“We are very thankful for the participation of our kababayans in this initiative. To show our gratitude, Google and the collaborators donated a peso for every submission we got, and the overwhelming replies from Pinoys allowed us to donate Php 1 million to the Blas Ople Policy Center & Training Institute. This will be used to build halfway houses for overseas Filipinos in need,” says Ryan Morales Google Philippines country marketing manager.

Filipinos can sing-along using the YouTube Karaoke version at http://youtu.be/71ozeiT7Kq8. 

For National Heroes Day, five Pinoy musicians (Ebe Dancel, Itchyworms, Kjwan, Mikey Bustos, and Sponge Cola) wrote this song for OFWs, with a little help from Filipinos all around the world.

The song is exclusively available on YouTube.

Cuddle up for the “Ber” month, Vivere Hotel & Resorts September Offerings

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Cuddle up for the “Ber” month is here, welcome this much awaited moment with your family and friends with Vivere Hotel & Resorts September Offerings. 

Jump-start the celebration and rekindle the bond with Vivere Hotel’s “Snuggle” room package. Enjoy an overnight accommodation in a Premiere Suite inclusive of buffet breakfast for four (4) at The Nest Dining in the Sky, complimentary afternoon snack, free use of Lama Pool & Gym, unlimited use of internet access & local calls, a free shuttle service within the vicinity of Alabang and kids get to play in Vivere Hotel’s Kiddie Playroom for free for Php7, 500nett/night. Or spend the night in a 2-Bedroom Suite with same inclusions for Php12, 500nett.

Settle in and simply relax as The Nest Dining in the Sky, an alfresco dining restaurant perched at the 31st floor roof top of Vivere Hotel serving home-style classics, comfort food of the finest taste, and international cuisines to satisfy even the most discriminating palate. Get in tune with life with the cozily lit ambience of soothing jazz music played every night & the newest drinking address no one should miss. The Nest Dining in the Sky revamped its selection of concoctions for the perfect after work antidote such as craft beers on tap, expertly mixed signature hand crafted cocktails and all time classic infusions by David Dennis.

Escape the city bustle and unwind in Anilao Batangas as Vivere Azure rolls out a blissful room promo “Beach & Breakfast”, get 25% discount on all room rates from Sunday to Thursday inclusive of breakfast for two (2), free use of the game room, and complimentary use of snorkeling gear and kayaks.

Vivere Hotel & Resorts is located at 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest Ciy, Alabang Muntinlupa City 1781 Philippines and Vivere Azure is located at Sitio Aguada, San Teodoro, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.. 

Log on to www.viverehotel.com.ph & www.vivereazure.com or call 771-7777, for inquiries and reservations. Like us on Facebook /viverehotel & /vivereazure for regular updates.

PAGCOR starts the 'BER" months with a bang!

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It’s going to be a fun-filled September for all Casino Filipino habitues as Pagcor ushers in the ‘Ber’ months with exciting celebrity shows. You wouldn’t want to miss the chance to watch and sing along with the stars who will pump up the volume with their much-awaited performances. 

Young balladeer Michael Pangilinan returns to Pagcor stage as he performs on September 2 (Binan Satellite), September 3 (Casino Filipino Malate), and September 4 (Madison Satellite). Michael is now making a name for himself as one of the most promising young artists of his generation.

The band Pretty Young Thing (PYT) will liven the night when you watch them live on September 2 at Casino Filipino Angeles.

As one of the country’s female singers with powerful vocals, Sheryn Regis proves once more that she has what it takes to be called a singing diva in the music scene. She will captivate the audience at September 2 (Casino Filipino Iloilo), September 3 (Mactan Satellite), September 5 (Casino Filipino Cebu), September 10 (Casino Filipino Malate), September 11 (Casino Filipino Davao), September 16 (Casino Filipino Pavilion), September 18 (Malabon Satellite), September 19 (Casino Filipino Angeles), and September 25 (Casino Filipino Tagaytay). 

Julia Clarete is not only a good actress but also a regular fixture on the small screen as a talented host. Catch her onstage at Mimosa Satellite on September 11.

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. 

Visit and ‘Like’ us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists for more updates.

Global superstar Alicia Keys partners with Levi’s in celebrating women’s greatness

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This new collection comes with a new influential face.

As it launches its all-new women’s denim collection and Fall 2015 global brand campaign all over the world, Levi’s is also introducing its newest brand ambassador—global artist, multi-Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, and activist Alicia Keys. The multi-hyphenated celebrity will lend her one-of-a kind voice and style to the brand for the debut of its all-new transformational women’s denim collection.

Alicia Keys is the new face of Live in Levi’s campaign and lending her 

voice in the song “28,000 Days,” the official soundtrack of the campaign.

Celebrating women’s greatness in all fields, the new campaign highlights every woman’s individuality, authenticity, and style. In this campaign, the brand upholds the idea that “behind every great woman is a great pair of jeans,” which is the inspiration of the newest addition to Levi’s denim collection.

“When you are authentically yourself, you are so gorgeous and powerful. I’ve come to the revelation that I’m just a jeans girl at heart. I feel the most confident, comfortable, sexy, and strong in my jeans,” says Alicia Keys. “Levi’s is for every woman . . . there is something for everyone . . . and much like music, Levi’s brings people together from all walks of life and cultures.”

Considered as one of most influential icons of this generation, Alicia Keys lends 

her one-of-a kind voice and style to the brand for the debut of Levi’s all-new 

transformational women’s denim collection.

The Levi’s brand will not only showcase Keys’ unique personal style and individuality, but will also feature her powerful voice with “28,000 Days,” an exclusive song that is the soundtrack of the campaign.

Alicia Keys burst into the music scene in 2001 with the release of her monumental debut album, songs in A minor, and has since built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide. Keys became the first female R&B artist to have three consecutive No. 1 album debuts on the Billboard 200 album chart. 

She is a timeless talent with an authentic voice and style, making her a perfect match for Levi’s. She’s won countless awards since her debut in 2001, but it’s her soulfulness and authenticity that have made her a global icon and revered philanthropist and spokesperson for the causes she believes in.

But what makes the global star an icon is what she does outside of music—her devotion to her noteworthy causes.

Keys co-founded Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a non-profit organization that partners with grass-roots organizations to combat the physical, social and economic impact of HIV on children, their families, and their communities in Africa and India. Most recently, Keys launched “We Are Here,” a movement that empowers the global community to tackle a host of issues and initiatives that build a better world where all people are heard, respected, made equal, and treated with dignity.

“People have been living in their Levi’s since we invented the blue jeans—experiencing all the adventures the world has to offer and expressing their own brand of authenticity and unique personal style. Alicia Keys embodies that spirit and brings it to life in such an inspiring and resonant way for women everywhere,” said Jen Sey, Chief Marketing Officer for the Levi’s brand.

“We are so proud to launch our new women’s denim collection with Alicia. She truly represents what the Levi’s brand is all about.”

For this collection, Levi’s went to ten different markets across the globe and talked to thousands of women to know what they need and want in a pair of jeans. Levi’s incorporated all the information it has learned through the years and used 60,000 body scans in order to come up with the perfect jeans for different women.

Eight decades have taught Levi’s a thing or two about a woman’s body: how to enhance her shape, the styles she wants to wear, and the details that transform a good pair of jeans into the perfect jeans, which is the very foundation of this collection.

Utilizing the latest fabric innovations and slimming technologies, the most advanced stretch and recovery system, signature authentic Levi’s details, and world-class finishing, Levi’s has created the perfect-fitting jean for each body type.

The latest “Live in Levi’s” campaign continues to pay homage to the iconic brand’s more than 140 years of history of being constant companions to those who wear them and love them—from rock stars to presidents, from farmers to fashion icons, and from entrepreneurs to the everyman.

For more information about the Levi’s brand, its products and stores, please visit levi.com.

Eminent Filipino Fashion designer Avel Bacudio wows the world with Epson fabric prints

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Multi-awarded Filipino fashion designer Avel Bacudio will wow the world again with his ‘F Mode Fashion Show/Expo’ that will be held on September 12, 2015 at the Sta. Clara Convention Center in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California.

Avel has won several fashion awards, including the People’s Choice Award – Concours International Des Jeunes Createurs De Mode, Top 10 Timeless Terno – Metropolitan Museum of Manila, 2012 Breakthrough Designer of the Year, and the 2014 Asia’s Most Influential Designer. His designs have been worn by celebrities and praised in the international scene.

Recently, Avel has been utilizing digital prints to bring his creative ideas to life. 

“Iba ang nagagawa ng digital prints – di na’ko limited. Napu-push yung creativity ko to the next level. Andami kong pwedeng gawing bago para ma-express ko ang sarili ko,” (“Digital prints really make a difference; I am no longer constrained by traditional limitations. I can do a lot to express myself in new ways.”) said Avel. 

To make sure his vision is translated faithfully to fabric, Avel uses the Epson F7170 textile printer. 

“Tuwang-tuwa ako dito kasi napapalabas nya sakto yung vision ko. Kung ano yung nasa isip ko, yun ang nakikita ko,” (I’m delighted with this printer because it faithfully translates my vision to reality. Whatever I picture in my mind is what comes out in the final product,”) he emphasized.

Pamela Albar, Epson’s Head for Commercial and Industrial printers, is all praises for Avel. “It’s an honor to be part of Avel’s work – we’re very happy to be a part of how he’s contributing to the international fashion conversation. And we’re pleased that he has chosen Epson textile printers to break boundaries and push Philippine fashion to new heights.”

Epson and Avel first collaborated in 2014 for a fashion show titled ‘Fashion Forward’. Epson launched their new textile printers in that fashion show and partnered with several Filipino fashion designers to try out the new products. After seeing how easy, effective, and helpful the Epson F7170 was in his work, Avel has been using the printer to do all his digital print designs.

Avel Bacudio will also showcase his designs at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 18, 2015 in Paris, France.