Brentville International Community wins at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021

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Brentville is continuously revitalizing its residential spaces to become a world class standard.

Brentville International Community is establishing its stature as a true embodiment of thoughtful Southern living, winning recently at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021 under the Residential Development category in the Philippines. Asia Pacific Property Awards honors the best of the best in architecture, interior design, real estate and property development in the region.

"We are constantly changing the landscape of suburban living by providing our residents with thoughtful designs and well-planned development. This is to make sure that Brentville community lives in a healthy and thriving place to strengthen their community spirit," said Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) First Vice President and Prestige Brand Head Eduardo Gonzalez.

Brentville was recognized for its idyllic balance of upscale urban and suburban living. The vast open spaces within the Brentville neighborhood and its recreational facilities allows families to embrace a healthier well-being and an accessible urban escape. Located at Mamplasan, Binan, Laguna, it is just a 2-minute drive away from Mamplasan toll exit in South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and an easy drive from Alabang Business District and Makati via the Skyway and SLEX. Its location gives better accessibility to reputable hospitals, business institutions and retail centers where shopping and dining are within easy access for every family.

Clusters in Brentville are thoroughly planned to cater to your preferences and needs with each of it exuding a unique character. The Arborage, the newest cluster, provides a better option to be the right address for sophisticated families with lot sizes that range from 200 to 300 square meters. Sitting on a vast 54-hectare prime property, it is a nature-inspired pocket community covered with natural vegetation such as trees and other ornamental plants.

Meridien, Sunshine Place, West Parc, and Woodmore Spring offer prime lots with areas ranging from 300 to 1,400 square meters. These residential clusters have their own first-class amenities and artistic architectural design with elegant features. The bigger cuts provide the residents ample space to build their dream homes with sophistication. Townhomes and modernized ready-for-occupancy homes with refurbished look in the Prominence II are perfect for residents who want a more laid back and relaxed kind of living. It also provides a haven for foreigners and retirees and is accredited by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). These developments are under the Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT).

Brentville is a self-contained community, and it is continuously revitalizing its residential spaces to become a world class standard. The newly developed entryway that welcomes residents and visitors had an improved aesthetics, making the Cluster Gates of the Arborage Clubhouse, Prominence II Clubhouse, and West Parc Lawn pristine and welcoming. The Village Front is envisioned to be a commercial hub that serves as a venue for restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and other essential establishments that offer convenience to the residents.

“We are grateful for this recognition as this is a testament of our dedication in providing a quality lifestyle for the community. This is an inspiration for us to continue building homes with best possible living experience for generations,” said Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) First Vice President for Project Development and Marketing, Daphne Mae Orda-Sanchez.

Brentville International Community being part of the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021 is truly a milestone. This international award-giving body is open to residential and commercial property professionals around the globe. They celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. An International Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence. The awards are split into regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and USA. Participants enter at their relevant national level and are judged by a highly experienced team of professionals who cover the whole range of property disciplines.

Over October breaks the mold with first Tagalog song “Sandali Lang”

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SIngle art by Miel Lego

Listen to Over October’s new EP ‘Sandali Lang’: https://open.spotify.com/track/10lpJuXqIl5dm7L42ucdYD?si=18504078c2d64406

Acclaimed Filipino band Over October are breaking the mold with the release of their first Tagalog EP “Sandali Lang” under Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc. Finding a new sense of accomplishment in trying new things, the acclaimed quartet writes a heartfelt tune in the local language for the very first time, while sticking to a broadly appealing sound that gravitates toward an irresistible blend of alternative rock, ‘80s pop, blues, and indie rock.

“We didn’t have a specific vision for how we wanted the song to sound,” Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Josh Buizon points out. “We just drew inspiration from different kinds of local music - different genres and eras.”

Over October holed up in La Union for five days to arrange the material, along with the rest of the new tracks before finishing the songwriting session over at Discord. With a rough batch of songs in tow, the band sought guidance from seasoned sound engineer Peavey Nicolas and award-winning producer and The Itchyworms’ very own Jazz Nicolas to help fine-tune and polish some specific details, such as implementing a key change on the second and last chorus and suggesting a new way to arrange the guitar parts.

“I think we were a lot more comfortable this time since this is already our third track with them and the recording process for this song (and actually the whole EP) is unique in a sense that we lived together in the studio for two weeks,” lead guitarist Josh Lua shares. “On our first day there, we played the original arrangement of the song. After hearing it, they gave their inputs and two days later, the song sounded so different and so much better.”

“Sandali Lang” is an emotionally captivating song that tackles the feeling of falling in and out of love. While Over October’s previous batch of songs talked openly about being rejected and embracing optimism, their latest song mines the pain of breaking up with someone, but eventually emerging a better person after weathering the storm. In the words of the band, “the act of letting go is also an act of love in itself.”

Buizon adds, “the song speaks about two people, one who thought that everything was okay and going well, and the other, who was slowly falling out of love throughout their relationship. Sandali Lang focuses on how the person that was left behind can’t understand why and has so many questions in their head trying to figure out what went wrong.”

The unexpected rollout of Over October’s comeback EP is accompanied with a new music video starring Gawad Urian 2020 Best Actor and Gameboys star Elijah Canlas and young actress Miles Ocampo. Directed by Carl Chavez, the music video is set to premiere on August 26, Thursday.

About Over October

Photo by Renzo Navarro

Over October is an alternative pop/rock band from Manila, Philippines. The band consists of Josh Buizon (lead vocals and rhythm guitar),Josh Lua (lead guitar),Janessa Geronimo(drums),and Joric Canlas(bass). They are known for their EP Free (2016) and their singles ‘Never Stop' (2017), and 'Wait' (2018). In 2019, they released three more singles 'Mr. Sun,' 'Alive,' and 'Without Your Love,' and their debut album Press Play. In 2020, the band signed with Island Records Philippines.

Over October is a group of friends bursting in the seams with personalities that translate coming-of-age experiences and life lessons through an easy-listening sound with cleverly crafted lyrics. Through their songs, Over October invites their audience to go through life with them: a never-ending road trip that is best enjoyed with your friends.

Over October’s “Sandali Lang” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc.

73-Year-Old Street Vendor Builds Dream House with Earnings from Shopee

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Despite his age, Lolo Pops, a small business owner from Angeles City, still works hard to earn money. At 73 years old, Lolo Pops may be a bit weaker and hard of hearing, but the sprightly man still insists on managing his shop. Together with his son Angelo, Lolo Pops runs a small online store selling pastillas, polvoron, and other local goods.

Lolo Pops, who is something of a local celebrity in Angeles City, was a former street vendor and enjoyed a steady stream of customers, thanks to residents who used to be sukis when they were school children. However, as the pandemic set in last year, business slowed down. Lolo Pops did not give up, citing his wife as his source of strength. With the help of one of his sukis, Lolo Pops and Angelo decided to take their business online to reach more customers.

Since onboarding on Shopee over a year ago, Lolo Pops was able to sell homemade goodies, including new products such as bagoong and chili garlic, to Filipinos nationwide. Although they initially struggled to adapt to new tools and technologies, Lolo Pops and Angelo found success. They also consider being able to take their business online a blessing since Lolo Pops is now too weak to go out too much, especially during the pandemic.

For the father-and-son duo, selling on Shopee has been a big help. They were able to leave their ramshackle house and start building a new one in Bulacan with their earnings, a far-off dream that Lolo Pops never thought would come true. “Hindi namin inakala na makakapagpatayo kami ng bahay sa ganitong panahon. Dati ay pangarap lang namin ito. Nagpapasalamat kami ngayong natutupad na ito dahil sa pag-asenso namin sa Shopee,” he shared.

Although it took a while since they also had to cover daily expenses, Lolo Pops made sure to save bit by bit for his dream house every few months. “Kung ano ang sobra, inilalaan namin sa pagpagawa ng bahay. May mga araw o linggo na hindi ganoon kalakas ang benta, pero nagtatabi talaga kami. Awa ng Diyos ay sana makalipat na kami bago matapos ang taon.” Now, as the construction nears completion, Lolo Pops remains in awe of how much his humble business has grown on Shopee and feels excited to finally see the fruits of his hard work.

Inspired by Lolo Pops’ story of hard work, Shopee partnered with Appliance Hub, Firefly, Gaviscon, Globe, Strepsils, Sustagen, and Unilab to surprise Lolo Pops and his family with a few gifts and essentials for their new home. They got a new laptop, phone, and router to use for the online shop; multivitamins and protective masks to keep the whole family safe and healthy; and a speed fan to keep their new home well-ventilated. To help the family as they try to save enough money to finish building the house, Shopee also donated biscuits, coffee, and other groceries.

“Malaking bagay ito para sa amin. Dahil sa Shopee, may sumusuporta sa akin, maraming tumutulong sa akin. Ngayong pandemic, marami tayong ika nga ay mga problema. Pero walang imposible kay Lord. Habang nabubuhay ang tao, tuloy ang pag-asa,” Lolo Pops said.

Watch Lolo Pops’ journey with Shopee over the past year here. Visit Shopee Philippines on Facebook and Youtube, and Shopee Cares on Facebook.

Support Lolo Pops’ small online business here: https://shopee.ph/lolopopsph.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Watch Electrifying Performances from K-Pop Girl Group TWICE at Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special

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 TWICE comes to Shopee Live this September 9 with a lineup of exclusive performances

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites all Filipinos to enjoy the start of the year-end shopping season and the best entertainment at the action-packed 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special. This September 9, 9:30 PM, viewers can tune in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live to catch exclusive performances from K-Pop girl group TWICE! 

TWICE is one of South Korea’s most successful K-Pop acts today, with hits such as Alcohol-Free, Feel Special, and What is Love. Members of ONCE, the official TWICE fandom, can look forward to seeing their favorite idols’ stunning visuals. Even non-fans will enjoy the group’s perfectly choreographed performances. 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines said, “We’re thrilled to have the popular K-Pop group TWICE on board as our headline performer at the Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special. We’ve prepared a truly action-packed program, so we invite all Filipinos to look forward with joy and excitement as TWICE joins Shopee in celebrating the start of the year-end shopping season. We also encourage users to add to cart while watching, so they don’t miss out on all the great deals.”

Aside from much-anticipated song and dance numbers from the group, here are a couple of exciting teasers on what to expect during the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special: 

Shopee Brand Ambassador Kris Aquino returns to host Shopee Quiz 

After her stint as the game master of Shopee Quiz during the 8.8 Mega Flash Sale TV Special, Shopee brand ambassador Kris Aquino returns for another thrilling round of the game with fans. 

Millions worth of prizes and other giveaways 

Users can tune in for several chances to win millions worth of cash prizes and giveaways. Two lucky viewers each get to win a house and lot. 

Viewers should stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks. Find out more about 9.9 Super Shopping Day here: https://shopee.ph/m/99. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

American singer SAHARA releases her version of Jaya’s hit single "Dahil Ba Sa Kanya"

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With her amazing voice, impeccable talent, and dedication to excellence, International Recording Artist Sahara, is a force to be reckoned with. Based in Las Vegas, USA, she is poised to be OPM's newest singing sensation.

The singer, renowned locally as the American Anthem Diva and the official singer for minor league NASCAR events, is full of admiration to OPM artists like Jaya, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Kyla, and Charice.

She expressed excitement to launch her solo career out of her lifelong love of OPM and Filipino culture saying, "I want to be among the greatest singers in the world singing the most beautiful music in the world - for me that's the Philippines. And OPM, of course. But more so, the quality of the vocalists and musicians. Even in Las Vegas many of the best musicians are Filipinos, and I’m blessed to be close to them and work with them. I also consider Filipina vocalist to be some of the best in the world, and I want to challenge myself and be among them."

Her cover of "Dahil Ba Sa Kanya" officially marked her debut as a solo artist. It’s a phenomenal take on the Jaya hit original. Sahara’s unique, incredible delivery is soulful and resonates with many. You ache along with her voice as she delivers the lines “Dahil nga ba sa kanya / Nakalimutan mo aking sinta / Ang sabi mo noon hanggang wakas / Tayong dal'wa ay magsasama / Dahil nga ba sa kanya / Naririto ako't nag-iisa / Pag-ibig mo sa akin ba'y naglaho na.”

Sahara said learning "Dahil Ba Sa Kanya" made her truly fall in love with OPM and Tagalog. "The language is such an integral part of the music. So much meaning and emotion in so few words. It’s truly beautiful."

She shared, "I was watching a travel video on YouTube, and the song was playing in the background as the host was walking down the street. (So) I used Shazam to find the song and artist. When I heard the song, it’s hard to describe... I just felt something deep inside my heart. A pain, a longing. Something truly lost. Not to mention Jaya’s soulful rendition. And when I read the translation, I understood why I felt that way. A song that can communicate its story without understanding the words is a true piece of art, and I knew one day I would sing it - not just to myself - but to the world."

She added, "So when we met the composer of 'Dahil Ba Sa Kanya` - Freddie Saturno - over Zoom to ask his permission to cover it, he told us the song was based on a true story. And I loved it even more."

Asked how she felt about the reception of her fans to her cover, Sahara admitted she was amazed, shocked, and mostly blessed.

Known as a world-class, classically trained singer, Sahara said singing Tagalog (OPM) songs are very challenging compared to other foreign (language) songs. "Definitely harder. There are several sounds that aren’t common in other languages. Especially the “ng” sound in words like 'Tanging'".

And while she can belt out expertly in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German, Sahara loves Tagalog for the unique way it expresses emotion and meaning.

"Why I love singing in Tagalog? It's the passion. So much passion. A single word can express so much joy or sorrow, and as an emotional artist it’s very fulfilling. To be honest, the passion in OPM is missing in so much of modern Western music. The world could learn something from OPM. I can’t imagine singing anything else."

Sahara is currently working on a soft album of original OPM with some of the best Filipino composers and arrangers.

"The people we’re working with have been the biggest names in OPM for decades. My co-producer - Dennis Quila - is an OPM icon. I can tell you we have a duet in the works, as well several original Tagalog compositions. And I can also tell you we have a special surprise coming for Christmas."

Asked what other OPM songs she enjoys listening/singing to, Sahara exclaimed she can’t get enough of "Sayang na Sayang" by Aegis. "I listen to it at least once a day and I always get chills."

Sahara describes her musical style as very eclectic and very passionate. "I love so many different genres of music, and the cultures they come from, it’s very difficult for me to limit myself to just one and say, 'I’m this kind of artist.' But OPM changed that."

"As an artist, I always focus on the emotions of the chords, melody and lyrics. Even when I sing in a foreign language, I make sure I understand not just the words, but also the idioms of the culture they come from."

The passionate singer is also part of NeonDuet, a musical duo that consists of Michael Todd “m.t.” Glazier. They recently released a dance single "(We Can Be) As One".

"(The song) It’s no secret there’s a lot of division in American society right now, and other societies in the world. And the song was made during the first three months of the pandemic when people were feeling more and more alienated from one another," Sahara shared. "Our song is a message from the heart that we can’t really succeed unless we work together. That can be a family, a community, or a whole country."

Asked whether there's a huge difference from being part of a duo to being a solo artist, Sahara claimed, "It’s not too different being a solo artist because the other half of NeonDuet (my husband Michael), is also my co-producer and manager. Being a duet probably helped us learn to better work together to make my solo career possible. And of course we had to merge our influences. Being a solo artist is new and exciting, although I’m not used to being the center of attention."

When asked what else she wants to achieve in her music career, Sahara proudly beamed, "to inspire love, hope and belief as best I can. Music gave me those things when I needed them the most. If I can bring those emotions to just a few people - or inspire someone who has talent to never give up - it will be a dream come true."

For Sahara, she's just happy to have everyone supporting her music journey since the beginning. "Salamat! Thank you! We have some fans who have followed for years even when we were only posting karaoke videos, and their support has meant everything. And then there were only a handful of people who heard me sing in Tagalog live for the first time, and it was their reaction that gave me the confidence and courage to record it. They changed my life. More so, we feel like the fans we have - and I hope my future fans - believe in the power of music. No matter what language or genre it is."

Sahara’s debut single “Dahil Ba Sa Kanya” is now available on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms worldwide.

For more news and updates on Sahara, follow Sahara on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceofsahara

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceofsahara/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1P0taQw6Xm6gcV_rwvHRyQ

For more news and updates on NeonDuet, follow NeonDuet on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neonduet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neonduet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neonduet