Hear the Magic: Star Magic takes flight as it launches its own recording label

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We’ve seen Star Magic hone the most versatile talents and grow the most bankable and credible roster of stars in the local entertainment scene. They have been trusted by several top-notch companies and have been the face of many product endorsements. We’ve felt the magic with the number of top-rating teleseryes and blockbuster movies that have been headlined by the Star Magic stars.

Now it’s time to dive deeper, discover more potential, develop talent even further and shed new light once again to make star magic artists shine even brighter. HEAR the magic now with Star Magic Records, a sub-label of Star Music.

Over the years, Star Magic has been the home of various notable music-makers. Among them are the iconic singers Erik Santos, KZ Tandingan, Jona, Angeline Quinto, Klarisse de Guzman, Nyoy Volante, Mitoy Yonting, Rachel Alejandro, and Jed Madela. There are also the Next Generation Singers Janine Berdin, JM Yosures, and Idolls, among others.

Meanwhile there are also singer-songwriters such as Jayda, Davey Langit, Marlo Mortel, Lian Kyla, Sab, Angela Ken and Recio, as well as, theater acts namely Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Poppert Bernadas, and Gian Magdangal. Finally, Star Magic also takes pride in honing the finest world-class performers, who are appreciated not only in the country, but also on the international stage such as Darren Espanto, Inigo Pascual, BGYO, and BINI.

The premier talent management’s venture into the music scene ensures a fresh take on musicality and artistry, as they will be by introducing fresh performers and unleashing the singing prowess of its trusted talents.

“There is a big ocean of opportunities out there and Star Magic will continuously seek out those opportunities for all our talents, whether locally or internationally. We had very lofty dreams and I know it would take a whole community working together to achieve all our aspirations,” said Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi.

Leading the pack of artists to watch out for in Star Magic Records is none other than internationally-acclaimed performer, vlogger, and actress AC Bonifacio.

AC has been reaching millions of followers and subscribers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube through her powerful dance covers, even gaining attention from internationally renowned acts such as Selena Gomez, Cardi B, B.I, Blackpink, and BTS. Earlier this year, she delivered an amazing performance as Star Vixen on the hit TV series Riverdale.

After years of making headlines as the New Gen Dance Princess, AC is now embracing her other side as an artist by unveiling her musicality through her first single “Fool No Mo.” The song, which is composed by Jonathan Manalo and Trisha Denise, talks about the kind of love that leaves someone with nothing--the kind of love that fizzles out as quick as it blazes.

As she dabbles into a new playing field, AC brings in the same amount of potential and passion that many have seen her showcase as a dancer, an actress, host, a vlogger and now a singer.

DOT puts a spotlight on the Pampanga-Clark-Cebu City Interregional Tour

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With the easing of restrictions on leisure travel, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has started to promote the various tourism circuits that it had been developing throughout the year. One of these is the Pampanga-Clark-Cebu City interregional tour that involves a diverse set of tourism attractions and experiences and their respective award-winning international airports.

The newly built Clark International Airport Terminal 2. Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism Region 3

“We have been ramping up our efforts to vaccinate our tourism workers so that we restore confidence in people to travel again. Now, with the resumption of leisure travel, we are encouraging tourists to visit destinations that have a high number of fully vaccinated tourism workers,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

For Pampanga, including Clark Freeport Zone, 92.08% of its tourism workers have already been vaccinated. Tourists can now safely visit the restaurants of Pampanga, the country’s culinary capital, and explore the province’s sites, such as the Bacolor Church, Mt. Arayat National Park, Diaspora Farm Resort, Lubao Bamboo Hub, and the various attractions at the Clark Freeport Zone, like Clark Natural Park, Dinosaur Island, Clark Museum, to name a few.

Some of the colorful displays found at the Clark Museum in Pampanga. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

For Metro Cebu, which includes Cebu City, 93.74% of tourism workers have been inoculated. Travelers can now visit these sites in Cebu City: Adlawon Farm, Sirao Flower Garden, Magellan's Cross, Sto. Nino Church, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Hamabar, Cebu Heritage Monument, Colon Obelisk, and Museo Sugbo, among others.

This particular interregional tour showcases not only the best of Pampanga, Clark, and Cebu City, but also encourages safe travel by air and highlights alternative gateways that tourists can utilize, such as the Clark International Airport and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Current available Cebu-Clark-Cebu flights are serviced by Philippine Airlines every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and by Cebu Pacific every Tuesday and Thursday.

The historical Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

The DOT chief said that with the reopening of domestic tourism in the country, they aim to provide more meaningful experience for travelers while also supporting the restart of the tourism industry and its allied sectors, such as the aviation industry.

For more updates about open destinations in the Philippines and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Sony Music Philippines expands word-class repertoire with hip-hop artists HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars

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Sony Music Philippines remains committed in strengthening its world-class repertoire with the addition of iconic and prolific hip-hop artists HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars.

In its bid to shine a spotlight on the genre’s movers and shakers, the record label promises to introduce these new music discoveries to the streaming generation through its sustainable promotional, marketing, and artist development efforts.

The new roster is led by celebrated hip-hop veteran HBOM, who has made a remarkable contribution to the industry as an artist, entrepreneur, songwriter/composer, and music visionary. With over 8 million streams across all music platforms worldwide and four acclaimed albums under his belt, HBOM is responsible for leading his own music movement with protégés in the scene, including Filipino-American rap superstar EZ Mil and South African-based artist Michael Bars.

“I’ve been in the hip-hop scene for over 20 years, and I’ve withstood the times when no one liked hip-hop,” the respected multi-hyphenate shares in a statement. “What makes my music standout is the distinct voice that I have. When everyone hears it, they already know its me.”

HBOM’s new single “Witness,” which will be released on November 10, is a chill-hop jam about minding one’s own business, and settling down on what truly matters in life like family and adult priorities. The music video accompanying the track is co-directed by HBOM himself and frequent collaborator, TNES.

Another globally renowned artist in the roster is 19-year-old Michael Bars, who recently worked with Filipino hip-hop artist Michael Pacquiao on the viral banger “Pac-Man.” As an award-winning wordsmith known for making socially conscious music that transcends cultural barriers, Michael Bars has proven himself as a highly skillful rapper and producer with more than 8.7 million streams across all combined digital platforms worldwide.

“My main goal is to build a bigger name in the music industry and to spread my message as an artist,” says the South Africa-based hip-hop newcomer. “I use rap music as my weapon to talk about my life and I don’t cuss in them because it’s easier for children to rap along to the lyrics.”

His new single “Never Stop,” which recently dropped on November 3, is a massive jab of an anthem about picking one’s self up and never backing down in a fight. The song was inspired by his personal experience dealing with bullies in his high school years. Featuring 10-year-old R&B singer Sky, the track captures a visceral but powerful performance between the two artists.

Rounding up the urban roster is Filipino rap artist REN, formerly known as Balasubas. As a talented rapper that stands out with his unique style and confidence, the Dongalo Wreckords member has amassed over 5 million views on YouTube alone in less than two years.

“I’m grateful to the label for giving me the opportunity to inspire more people,” the young rapper expresses his gratitude on being part of the label’s esteemed pool of artists. “I want to use my gift in telling stories that uplift the lives of my community and promote positivity.”

REN has recently released his first official single “In Throw” under Sony Music Philippines. Delivering incisive but melodic flow against a confrontational beat, the track deals with surviving life challenges through hard work and determination. REN adds, “behind this music was a story; a story of a person who is doing his best to continue in spite of rejection and judgment.” The music video is helmed by Aleksei Hipolito, a frequent collaborator of the rap thespian.

The launch of HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars is part of the strategic vision of Sony Music Philippines to promote the vibrant hip-hop music scene in the Philippines, and diversify their catalog in the streaming, mobile, and social-driven platforms all around the world.

Listen to their tracks:

REN – “In Throw”

Michael Bars – “Never Stop”

HBOM – “Witness” (pre-save link)

Save up to 56% on OPPO gadgets this 11.11 Mega Brand Day Sale

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Joyful shopping season is here as OPPO offers up to 56% off on select gadgets during the much-awaited 11.11 online brand sale in Shopee and Lazada on November 11.

Get the best deals on your favorite OPPO smartphones, including A15 (3GB), A15s, A16 (3GB), A54 (6GB), A74 5G, Reno5, Reno5 5G, and select IoT accessories such as Enco Buds, and OPPO Band B1 all in store for you during 11.11 sale.

Starting November 5 you can start collecting store vouchers amounting to Php 200 for every minimum spend of Php 9,999 and Php 400-off for a minimum purchase of Php 14,999 which can be redeemed on November 11.

You can also have a chance to get free wireless G25 Earphones for all mobile phone orders for a limited time only on November 11, from 12:00 AM - 2:00 AM. Additionally, orders made during the sale will be included on the 11.11 OPPO Livestream raffle via Lazada and Shopee. Ten lucky winners from Shopee and Lazada will receive their orders for free, and six winners from Lazada will win Globe LTE-A Home Prepaid WiFi Modem with three months of 100GB of data.

Get an exclusive Php 300 redeemable voucher from Lazada for a minimum purchase of Php 6,999 once you share the OPPO Official Store voucher with three friends, in return they will also receive a Php 100-off voucher each when they purchase a Php 1,999 in OPPO’s Official Lazada store

If you’re looking for a sign to start your Christmas shopping, about time to add to cart your favorite OPPO devices before the stock lasts!

For more updates and detailed promotion mechanics about the sale, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph or via the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines. Or visit OPPO official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Shopee Partners with Quezon City to Provide Its Citizens and Frontliners a More Comfortable Vaccination Experience

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Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partnered with the local government unit (LGU) of Quezon City to provide care packages to residents getting vaccinated and to frontliners tirelessly serving the local community. On October 27, Shopee rolled out its vaccination center support in the Barangay Holy Spirit Covered Court by giving out food and health kits from partner brands under Shopee Mall, to more than 900 frontliners and residents. These included snacks from Del Monte, Perfetti Van Melle, Monde Nissin, and Rebisco; water from Hope in a Bottle, health kits from Mighty Clean and Cosmetique Asia; and air coolers from Symphony.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is proud to partner with the Quezon City LGU to roll out their vaccination initiatives for a healthier city. We are greatly appreciative of the unwavering support from our brand partners. Shopee is fully aligned with the nation’s goal of inoculating more Filipinos and we will continue to extend our assistance in any way possible to drive economic recovery as we can resume work and open our borders safely.”