SB19 stakes its claim to global domination with larger-than-life single “What?”

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After exciting the public with impressive teasers that raised the bar to global standards, SB19 finally unravels a new music era that not only elevates their sense of creative aptitude and sonic ambition but also uncovers their range and discipline as thespians of their own craft.

Released today via Sony Music Philippines, their new single “What?” stakes its claim to global domination with a contagiously massive sound that’s larger and louder than life. Veering away from the glossy, dance-pop tunes and anthemic ballads of Get In The Zone, SB19 are pushing the envelope production and songwriting-wise on their latest track, as they command supremacy of P-Pop’s explosion in the global market without resorting to formulaic tricks and pandering to trends.

This time, the acclaimed boy band are transcending the genre that positioned them to become the formidable stars that they are now: comfortable with the convergence of personalities, styles, and influences — while embracing a musicality that is hard to pin down and refuses to be categorized. “The song ‘What?’ is really different from what we have done before,” main rapper and lead vocalist Pablo shares in a statement. “This one has a more aggressive take to it compared to our previous songs, so I really had to force out the ‘oomph’ in the voices of the members. I was really meticulous with the recordings, but so were they. That's why we would record 'til morning and until everyone was satisfied with their parts. The feeling had to be there.”

SB19’s very own Pablo, who is also credited as one of the songwriters and producers of SB19’s latest song, reveals that “What?” proves that they’re “not just here to play games or act cool.” He admits, “A lot of people still doubt us, denouncing everything that we do and everything that we're trying to achieve. We love what we do, that's why we do it respectfully. ‘What?’ is about self-love and empowerment. Each of us has our own flag. We should be proud of it and raise it as much as we can. As SB19 and as individuals, we know that we're not the best at everything, but that shouldn't stop us from what we want to achieve.”

The release of the song comes with a visual accompaniment that marks a triumphant return to the band’s groundbreaking aesthetic and empowering message. The music video of “What?” shows SB19 in battle mode as they claim freedom in a fictional, post-apocalyptic war zone, and exude an aura of power and longevity to go along with its cinematic appeal.

SB19’s “What?” is the first single off the award-winning group’s yet-to-be-revealed but highly anticipated follow-up to their debut album, Get In The Zone. The song will be available on all digital platforms worldwide this March 9, 2021 (7:00pm Manila time) via Sony Music Philippines.

 

Stay tuned for SB19’s live launch performance, which will air on the band’s Facebook and YouTube pages at 7:30pm, Manila time — on the same day.

 

Havas Ortega leads media industry with UN commitment for gender equality

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Manila, Philippines - Havas Ortega Group became the first Filipino communications firm to sign the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), raising the total number of WEPs signatories to 23 across the country. The company joins more than 4,300 businesses worldwide in taking more visible steps to open opportunities for women in the workplace, marketplace, and community, the main goal of UN Women’s WeEmpowerAsia programme.

Jos Ortega, CEO of the Havas Ortega Group and Hermie de Leon, Managing Partner

“Havas Ortega believes that gender equality is a prerequisite for a sustainable business. As a company that owes its success to its people, it would be incongruous to aim for business excellence while part of that workforce is hindered by archaic gender norms and workplace harassment,” said Jos Ortega, CEO of the Havas Ortega Group.

64% of Havas Ortega employees are female, while 67% of the leadership team are women. At the top is veteran marketer Hermie de Leon, standing alongside Jos Ortega as the Managing Partner. “Signing the WEPs was a natural course for Havas Ortega. We already have equal pay and zero tolerance for gender-based discrimination ingrained in our office culture through our mandatory training on Harassment and Discrimination Prevention, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, and Understanding and Managing Bias. Joining the WEPs is a matter of making ourselves accountable to our stakeholders, colleagues, and the public,” according to de Leon.

“The private sector’s advocacy for sustainability in business must come with the recognition that gender equality is integral to sustainable development,” according to Charisse Vilchez, Business Director for Public Relations. “We are making it the agency’s mission to incorporate gender equality and sustainable development in our upcoming projects, and we are glad that our clientele is open to this much-needed shift.”

Established by UN Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs help the private sector recognize and perform their role in the promotion of UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. They were formed so companies can bridge the gender gap with innovation, employment, training and financing for women. WeEmpowerAsia, an EU-funded programme implemented by UN Women, supports women in business, partly by encouraging companies to sign on to the WEPs.

Ma. Rosalyn Mesina, UN Women Philippines Programme Manager, welcomed Havas Ortega’s move towards a more concrete plan to advocate for SDG 5 in the communications industry. “Havas worked with us during the first UN Women WEPs Awards last year. We are grateful for their support in advancing women’s economic rights in the Philippines,” she said.

Watch Havas Ortega’s testimonial video here. Companies who want to follow Havas Ortega’s lead and sign the WEPs can contact Ms. Mesina through rosalyn.mesina@unwomen.org.

About Havas Ortega Group

A fully integrated media & communications group that is committed to create a meaningful difference for brands, businesses, and people. Established in 2012, Havas Ortega provides the most comprehensive marketing services and offerings across media, creative, digital, PR and healthcare & wellness disciplines. A village model housed under one roof, while boasting a unique and unparalleled entertainment offering through its partnership with Vivendi. (www.havasortega.com).

Game on with Globe Rewards

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Video streaming and online gaming have become more popular and in-demand among Filipinos ever since social distancing and staying at home have become the norm. Customers are now looking for more options to enjoy games, watching their favorite series, movies, sports events, and many more.

From March 8 to 14, Globe Rewards customers can enjoy more home entertainment using their points. For example, movie buffs can stream new films at P100 off on GMovies using their rewards points. Sports enthusiasts can also exchange their 85 points for an NBA League Pass GCash Voucher.

 

On the gaming front, Globe Rewards offers more exciting promos to fuel the competitive spirit of the customers. With Flash Deals Wednesdays, vouchers and gaming credits for as low as 10 Rewards points can be redeemed via the Globe Rewards app.

 

RPG players and those who like to compete with their friends in multiplayer online battle arenas can redeem Razer Gold Pins or Garena Shells GCash Vouchers for as low as 10 rewards points.

 

Customers can also join other unique online experiences. Those who love a good challenge uncovering clues and solving mysteries can redeem Shoor vouchers for 10 Rewards points to use at Breakout Philippines’ virtual 360 escape rooms.

 

Marvel fans can use their points to register to the MARVEL Virtual Run Philippines. This virtual run lets individuals participate in races that can be completed anytime, anywhere until April 30, 2021. On March 10, an individual 5km Race Slot priced at P925 can be redeemed for only 50 Rewards points!

 

“Globe Rewards is here to give our customers access to the latest in entertainment, their favorite games, and new experiences. We continue to look for opportunities to make sure that we remain one of their entertainment and gaming enablers,” said Joey Kilayko, Head of Globe Rewards.

 

Globe Rewards is Globe’s way of granting special treats to users for their continued use of Globe or TM products and services. The points accumulated in 2020 may be redeemed until March 31.

 

Customers may embark on a truly rewarding experience by downloading the app via https://www.globe.com.ph/rewards.html#GRewardsApp.

 

DITO Telecommunity launches commercially in Visayas and Mindanao

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Kickstarts CSR program of providing free DITO service to 3000 VisMin front liners in cooperation with LGUs.

In an unprecedented move, DITO Telecommunity Corporation, the country’s third major player in the telecommunications industry heralded its entry into the market by announcing that it will be providing free call and text as well as broadband services to 3000 front liners in ten areas in Visayas and Mindanao with the help of the local government units as a way of strengthening its commitment of nation building and partnership with the Filipino people.

This announcement, capped by a ceremonial turn-over to Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte Carpio and Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte as 300 front liners of the City were named as the first beneficiaries out of the 3,000 targeted front liners became the highlight of the commercial launch virtual press conference held last March 8, 2021. 

The momentous yet simple ceremony was participated in by key DITO executives Dennis A. Uy, Chairman and CEO, Retired Major General Rodolfo Santiago, Chief Technology Officer, and Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Administrative Officer; with special messages from Secretary Gregorio Honasan II of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba of the National Telecommunications Commission.

An insurmountable task.

In his opening statement DITO Chief Technology Officer, Retired Major General Rodolfo Santiago recounted how at the beginning critics of the initiative said that building a network in more than a year was a fool’s errand, that it was bound to fail, that it simply could not be done, especially as the global pandemic hit at a crucial juncture in the network roll-out. 

However just a few weeks before the commercial launch, DITO’s services far exceeded the required benchmarks of the first government mandated audit. The audit findings showed that DITO demonstrated an average speed of 85.9 Mbps for 4G and 507.5 Mbps for 5G with a population coverage of more than 37%, important indicators that point to the brand’s readiness to fulfill its mandate of bringing world-class connectivity to every Filipino. 

Not resting on this achievement, the DITO CTO stressed, “As we begin our commercial launch, all I can say is that there is more work to be done and together, we will succeed and make a difference in transforming the landscape of Philippine telecommunications.”

Public and private cooperation: a triumph of the Filipino people.

Messages from the two main regulating bodies recognized the spirit of partnership that DITO has demonstrated to become a true partner in nation-building and in bringing better access to communications technology to the Filipino people. 

DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II reiterated the importance of having the telecommunications industry to be at parity with the rest of the world, in terms of technology, and how the entry of DITO through a transparent and fair bidding has spurred an increase in investments and infrastructure spending in the telecom sector that in the long term will benefit the entire nation.

NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, further stressed that successful launch of DITO is an example of how cooperation, and active collaboration of government and private corporations, will be key to bring about true recovery headed by advancements in the realm of communications and connectivity, and that for him is a triumph of the Filipino people.

Nation building as the true motivation of the country’s third major player.

In his statement, Atty. Adel Tamano, DITO Chief Adminsitrative Officer, one of the pioneers of DITO recalled how it all began. 

“DITO was born out of a spirit of nation building.”

Atty Tamano said that the rationale for a third telco was to serve the underserved and to provide Filipinos with a better option, a wiser choice. He further recalled that our national leaders believed that without the right ICT infrastructure, without real competition, the Philippines will never reach its full potential. 

“This is the genesis of this project, the origins of why DITO was born. This our why and DITO’s DNA.”

He ended by saying, “We are here to serve our consumers, to provide world-class telecommunications services to Filipinos, in short, to do whatever it takes, whatever “diskarte” that we need to do, to deliver our promise of weaving Filipino communities together with stronger and better connectivity.

And the Chief Administrative Officer tied it all in as to the primary reason why instead of a big launch, DITO’s first commercial act is one that demonstrates the commitment of DITO to build the nation – a provision of free service to 3,000 Filipino front liners.

DITO na tayo.

“In the following weeks you will see us rise in various areas of the country. But today, March 8, we first give back to where it all began.”

In this sentimental yet powerful statement, Mr. Dennis A. Uy, the Chairman and CEO of DITO was able to answer the questions in the minds of people as to why VisMin, and when DITO services will reach Luzon and the National Capital Region in spite of the telco’s national network roll-out.

To close the event, the Chairman and CEO had this to say referring to this unparalleled launch of paying it forward, “With this gesture, as a partner in nation building, we send the message to the people of the Philippines wherever they may be that DITO is more than just a telco. We are here to serve, and, in this manner, we want the entire country to know na “DITO NA KAMI, DITO NA TAYO and magkita-kita tayo diyan very soon”.

For more information on the points of sale, the attractive welcome plan and other details, please visit the official Facebook page of DITO at www.facebook.com/DITOphofficial or the website at www.dito.

Country club living in the heart of Northern Luzon

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Imagine waking up to your balcony with the scenic views of well-manicured fairways, dotted by fully-grown trees and complemented by the fresh breeze of the suburbs. This is the lifestyle afforded by Golf Ridge Private Estate by premier real estate brand Filigree.

Golf Ridge is the  latest addition to Filigree’s remarkably successful line-up of developments, which also include Botanika Nature Residences, Bristol at Parkway Place, The Enclave Alabang, and The Beaufort—all in enviable locations in Metro Manila. Now, it is finally expanding its luxury living experience outside the metro with this newest project venture.

Very timely with the real estate industry enjoying an upswing even amid the current normal. Now, however, buyers and investors are even more discerning of the property they choose to buy. Criteria should at least include sustainable and future-ready designs, safer and more strategic locations, and top-notch amenities. And these are the qualities that have long been a trademark of Filigree developments.  

“Even as our economy continues to struggle, we want end-users and investors to enjoy a luxurious, comfortable lifestyle while being cost-efficient,” notes Filigree head Catherine Ilagan. “At Golf Ridge, leasehold agreements are offered to tenants, which is an advantage in the current normal because it is more practical and profitable in the long run.”

Strategically situated within Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga, Golf Ridge Private Estate is an accessible urban escape offering a highly-coveted country club lifestyle right in the heart of Luzon’s emerging economic hub.

End-users and investors planning to live away from congested urban areas will enjoy the atmosphere of Filinvest Mimosa+. The majority of the property is made up of sprawling open spaces, which can be seen in its vibrant, integrated township where Centennial trees and well-maintained green landscapes soften the glass and concrete buildings that are home to corporate offices, malls, and gaming establishments.

To further highlight the country club lifestyle, the upcoming residential development has added country club-like features and amenities to help residents rejuvenate and enhance their health and well-being right at their doorstep, especially in the current normal. Residents can relax and unwind amid a slew of well-curated amenities including a fully-equipped gym, infinity pool, and outdoor lounge.  

Complementing these are generous living spaces that allow only four to eight units on a floor for privacy, ease of movement, abundant natural light, and better indoor air quality. Each unit has an amply-sized balcony that gives a commanding, borrowed view of the Mimosa Golf Course. Designed to cater to people of varying lifestyles, Golf Ridge offers one-bedroom units for end-users or investors looking for a quiet retreat, two-bedroom units for young couples or empty-nesters, and three-bedroom units for larger families.

Golf Ridge in Filinvest Mimosa+ is easily accessible, a comfortable two-hour drive to and from Metro Manila via major highways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx). It is only a 10-minute drive to the Clark International Airport.

 

Offered to tenants on leasehold agreements, Golf Ridge Private Estate is a valuable asset for residents who are aspiring to experience a relaxed, country club lifestyle.

 

To know more, visit www.golfridge.com.ph