tick, tick...BOOM! Official Soundtrack dazzles with powerhouse performances from star-studded cast

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The songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Netflix film features 17 tracks of musical extravaganza

Sony Music Masterworks has released the official soundtrack to the acclaimed Netflix film, tick, tick… BOOM!—an album containing music from the film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical directed by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The soundtrack features songs by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent, as performed by the film’s star-studded cast, which includes Academy Award® nominee & Tony Award® winner Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Tony Award® nominee Robin de Jesús, Tony Award® nominee Joshua Henry, Emmy Award® nominee Mj Rodriguez, Emmy Award® winner Bradley Whitford, Grammy® Award winner Tariq Trotter a.k.a. Black Thought of The Roots, with Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Judith Light and Vanessa Hudgens.

Rounding out the 17-track collection are 4 bonus numbers, including a special end credits reprise of “Come To Your Senses” featuring multi-Grammy®-nominated powerhouse singer/songwriter Jazmine Sullivan and a cover version of the previously unreleased Jonathan Larson song, “Only Takes a Few” performed by acclaimed folk band The Mountain Goats.

The soundtrack was produced by Grammy®, Tony® and Emmy® winners Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman along with Kurt Crowley, mixed by Grammy® winner Greg Wells and music supervised by Grammy® winner and Emmy® nominee Steven Gizicki. In addition to the digital release, the album is set to be released in physical formats, with its CD out now and vinyl arriving in 2022, which you can preorder here.

tick, tick...BOOM! which marks the feature directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda, premiered in select theaters on Friday, November 12 and was released globally on Netflix last Friday, November 19.

The film follows Jon (Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have?

tick, tick...BOOM! (SOUNDTRACK FROM THE NETFLIX FILM) TRACKLISTING:

1. 30/90 – Andrew Garfield, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, Mj Rodriguez

2. Boho Days – Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens

3. Green Green Dress – Joshua Henry

4. No More – Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús

5. Johnny Can't Decide – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry

6. Sunday – Andrew Garfield, The Moondance Diner Ensemble

7. Play Game – Tariq Trotter

8. Therapy – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens

9. Swimming – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry

10. Come to Your Senses – Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens

11. Real Life – Robin de Jesús

12. Why – Andrew Garfield

13. Louder Than Words – Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry

14. Come to Your Senses (End Credit Version) – Jazmine Sullivan

15. Green Green Dress (Bonus Track) – Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp

16. Out Of My Dreams (Bonus Track) – Veronica Vasquez

17. Only Takes a Few (Bonus Track) – The Mountain Goats

tick, tick… BOOM! (Netflix film) Official Soundtrack is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Masterworks.

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PLDT Enterprise ramps up campaign to drive MSME recovery

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Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have suffered the worst in the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) showed that the MSME sector in the country had experienced disrupted cash flow, income losses, and temporary business closures, among others.

Despite these, MSMEs have been resilient and adaptive to challenges by continuously reinventing their processes with the help of technology. They have invested in digital solutions to innovate and enable businesses continuity amid mobility restrictions and health protocols.

To pay tribute to the unbreakable spirit of Filipino MSMEs, PLDT Enterprise has been relentless in its initiatives to provide suitable solutions to the sector to boost business recovery. The group now endeavors to extend financial and technological assistance to small-scale entrepreneurs and MSMEs to spur and accelerate their recovery.

Vic Tria, PLDT FVP & Enterprise Revenue Group Head, said that PLDT Enterprise fortifies its resolve to remain as the trusted technology partner of Filipino entrepreneurs and SME owners as they strive to recover from the economic challenges of the pandemic.

"Our urgent priority at PLDT Enterprise is to help MSMEs to get back up and running as community quarantine measures slowly loosen up. Apart from connectivity, we recognize that they also need access to financial assistance technology services that will help them operate and thrive. This is why we're consistently coming up with innovative digital solutions that are within reach and are tailor-fit to their specific needs, so we can help accelerate their recovery and at the same time enhance their resiliency,” Tria said.

Together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Small Business Corp. (SBCorp.), PLDT Enterprise is supporting MSMEs by facilitating the delivery of assistances in the form of financing, connectivity, digital solutions, and access to upskilling and training.

The group currently offers a “DARE” promo for its BEYOND FIBER solution where MSMEs can avail of the service for only P90 pesos for the first 90 days, with no pre-termination fees within three months upon subscription. BEYOND FIBER is an enterprise-grade fiber powered by the 90-90 Advantage, which provides businesses a boosted minimum speed of 45Mbps or 90% of their subscribed speed at 90% reliability, that ensures the reliability of internet connection at any time of the day.

PLDT Enterprise also extended discounted GigaWork plans via BizLoad and a slew of curated digital solutions such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Shopify, and PayMaya payment solutions to allow MSMEs to transact online.

Additionally, PLDT Enterprise has also been empowering business owners with the latest industry insights through its TechTalk Learning Series, #Unbreakable Tuesdays with DTI, and ongoing virtual workshops with GoNegosyo called #UnbreakableMSMEs series.

“We at PLDT Enterprise assure our MSME partners of our unbreakable commitment to provide relevant solutions suitable for their online requirements. We commit to assist and guide our MSMEs in their digital transformation to help them recover as we look forward to a better business climate in the near future,” added Chito Franco, PLDT Enterprise Vice President for Small and MicroBiz.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. #

UnionBank wins big at the 2021 Asian Technology Excellence Awards

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The bank secured the Philippines Technology Excellence Awards for E-Commerce - Financial Technology and AI - Financial Technology categories.

UnionBank once again proved to be the Philippines’ leading digital trailblazer after winning awards for E-Commerce - Financial Technology and AI – Financial Technology categories at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2021. The bank was recognized for its responsive efforts to assist e-commerce of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the pandemic.

The bank won their E-Commerce - Financial Technology award for the successful launch of the Sentro Online Store Builder, a project aimed to help Philippine MSMEs launch their own online stores in the fastest and easiest way possible. The said project was conceptualized by the Bank’s fintech spinoff UBX, before the pandemic hit in 2019, but became more timely as more businesses moved their transactions online.

“When the pandemic hit, going online was no longer an option but a necessity. We decided to push our launch up as we knew that the Philippines needed us more than ever,” said John Januszczak, UBX President and CEO.

The key features of Sentro Online Store Builder were the integration of payment and logistic services to its banking features. These features enabled its users to have a smoother deal within the platform and have their transactions monitored in just one system.

“We made sure to pre-integrate payments and logistics services into Sentro so MSMEs would not have to think about who and how to integrate these necessary services. Because of our intimate understanding of the pain points of MSMEs, we were able to quickly sign up over 30,000 users,” Januszczak explained.

UBX aims to follow through with the initial success of the project and plans to add more logistics partners. It also aims to launch a Marketplace that comprises all stores built on the Sentro platform.

UBX also recognized that the success of the project for small-scale enterprises could be replicated and multiplied on a larger scale. This moved the company into helping the Philippines’ first Wedding Expo Organizer, Themes, and Motifs, take their physical expos online. The positive outcome of the expo then led to the launch of TheBridalMarketplace.com – The First and Only Wedding Marketplace in the Philippines.

“We soon realized that it was not just MSMEs that needed help going online. Larger enterprises, such as mall operators, event organizers, professional associations and many more, needed their businesses to get online... We currently have a long pipeline of businesses looking to launch their own marketplaces and we plan to go live with several more before year-end,” UBX said.

Meanwhile, the second award of UnionBank for the AI - Financial Technology category was earned for their innovative approach in revamping loan processing in the country through the SeekCap Alternative Credit Scoring Model.

SeekCap uses a technologically advanced credit scoring system that integrates the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a risk-based lending approach. For UnionBank, this new system is the future of banking and shall overcome traditional limitations of the past. Through the implementation of this innovative system, UnionBank was able to manage risks better and offer loans in a more efficient manner to a wider range of individuals and small businesses—that profoundly needed lifelines during the uncertain pandemic economy.

“Most of the time, traditional credit and risk assessment methods simply assess loan applicants using hard-coded, preset rules, sometimes unfairly ruling out potential loan prospects. This is why we developed the new AI-powered credit scoring models. These credit scoring models intelligently and autonomously go through the application, alternative, and external data to create a more holistic, comprehensive profile of loan applicants with insights into customer behavior and needs,” said David Hardoon, UnionBank’s Senior Advisor for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

Hardoon explained that SeekCap helped both parties in multiple ways. It not only empowered previously underserved groups to have access to products and services that were not available through older conventional means, but it also increased the rate of efficiency of the banking process.

“Our new model is now giving us a monthly average approval rate of 54% - nearly double the performance of our old process. Overall, our loans services have generated over US$5 million (over P280 million) in new loans with low delinquency rates. In terms of customer experience, the loan approval process can take as short as one day if no issue is found in the application,” Hardoon explained.

UnionBank will receive the awards at the 2021 Technology Excellence Awards, the most prestigious awards programme in the region dedicated to technological projects and innovations. The award-giving body aims to recognize exceptional companies that are riding the digital disruption wave and leading the technological revolution and digital transformation journeys in their respective industries.

#MaxiCares: Maxicare Healthcare Corporation Donates Flu Vaccines to Orphanages across PH

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True to its mission of serving Filipinos through quality healthcare, leading HMO provider Maxicare Healthcare Corporation reached out to orphanages and non-profit organizations across the Philippines to give free flu vaccines.

Vaccines against the common flu were donated to CRIBS Foundation, Virlanie Foundation Inc., Tahanan ng Pagmamahal, and several others, by Maxicare through its #MaxiCares program.

“Our current public health crisis underscored our commitment to provide the best possible healthcare services to Filipinos. This commitment isn’t limited to our members and stakeholders alone but likewise extends to the underprivileged and marginalized,” said Archie Rillo, Chief Marketing Officer of Maxicare Healthcare Corporation.

Aligning its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), specifically UNSDG 3: Health and Well-being, the company started #MaxiCares to ensure that more Filipinos live healthy lives and encourage well-being for all ages by supporting relevant organizations and communities across the Philippines.

Gift of gratitude

At the height of the pandemic when mobility was limited and everyone was encouraged to stay at home, orphanages in the Philippines had a challenging time. They had to close their doors and set up bubbles to protect the children under their care. This proved to be a daunting task as most of the organizations relied on aid to sustain their services.

“The pandemic and lockdowns limited our movements in doing our face-to-face work especially in the street and community programs. We opted to stop the ongoing livelihood training, visitation, and other activities for the safety of everyone,” said Arlyne Fernandez, Virlanie Foundation Executive Director.

Virlanie Foundation, Inc. is a private, non-profit and non-sectarian organization reaching out to marginalized children and communities in the Philippines. They provide the most disadvantaged children with a caring family environment, opportunities for their healing and development through a multi-disciplinary approach, and in collaboration with all stakeholders, so they can reach their full potential and mainstream to society.

Since its creation in 1992 by the French social worker Dominique Lemay, Virlanie has helped more than 17,000 children in need of special protection through its various programs and services.

During the lockdowns, one of the main concerns of the Virlanie Foundation administrators was to ensure the health and safety of those under their care.

“The biggest challenge for us is the impact of the pandemic on the children – physical, mental, and social. We had to make adjustments on the online and modular schooling, doctors’ check-up and therapy, socialization, and extracurricular activities. We had to adapt as an organization to transition everything online and implement health and safety protocols across our programs. It was a big adjustment, but thankfully our staff and partners were very supportive,” added Arlyn.

Through Maxicare’s flu vaccine donation, Virlanie Foundation was able to continue providing healthcare to children in need.

“Maxicare’s flu vaccine donation helped Virlanie in providing prevention and care to improve the general well-being of the children especially in the time of pandemic. We hope this partnership will continue so we can help more children in need.”

#MaxiCares

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, one of the pioneers in the health Maintenance Organization (HMO) industry, was established in 1987 by an esteemed group of doctors and businessmen with the vision to deliver a better healthcare system for the Philippines.

More than three decades later, Maxicare has progressed into becoming the leading HMO provider in the Philippines, servicing over 1.6 million members across the country.

Driven by its vision to serve and provide value to its customers and the Filipino community, Maxicare remains passionate and dedicated to its mission of helping people achieve peace of mind and giving the finest healthcare service - - extending this commitment to vulnerable and in-need Filipinos in different communities across the country, through its CSR programs.

“#MaxiCARES is a testament to our commitment to be every Filipino’s partner in healthcare. Our commitment to help people live their best lives is not just limited to our members, but extends to the rest of the Filipino community as well.” said Archie Rillo, Chief Marketing Officer of Maxicare Healthcare Corporation.

#MaxiCares is a CSR program of Maxicare Healthcare Corporation Inc.

To know more about Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, visit www.facebook.com/maxicarehealthcarecorp

AirAsia Philippines soars with Unbreakable Commitment to remain resilient amid crisis

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Airlines world over continue to look at ways to overcome the significant challenges brought by the on-going effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions on international and domestic travel caused ripples of setbacks which necessitates collaboration among industry players to enable themselves to bounce back stronger. 

For AirAsia Philippines, their struggles from the pandemic prompted them to renew their unbreakable commitment to serve their guests despite turbulent times. No matter how dark the clouds seem during the flight, there is always a silver lining amid the storm.

“I shall never forget March 19, 2020. There was a total lockdown; all flights were canceled, and the airports were closed. It was tough…We know that it will take us two to three months to get back our commercial flights, thus we have to be agile,” said AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla. 

The company immediately implemented multi-layered approaches to safety, such as enforcing rigorous sanitation processes on the ground, inside the aircraft,  equipping their ground staff, pilots, and cabin crew with protective equipment, thermal screening, and implementing strict social distancing, among others.

“The most important question that our passengers would always challenge us is, is it safe to ride in an aircraft considering that you’re close to your seatmate? But to us, we made sure that there’s proper education regarding our Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filtration process. Because of that, we were able to rebuild immediately the confidence of our passengers to fly…” Isla noted. 

While commercial flights are still recovering, AirAsia shifted to chartered flights for both passengers and cargo. In partnership with various government agencies, AirAsia safely mounted chartered repatriation flights among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to help them return to their provinces to reunite with their families. They also accommodated chartered trips to transport personal protective equipment (PPEs) and medical supplies to the country, which are essential for medical front liners in the fight against COVID-19.

The volatile climate did not prevent the business from seeing the silver lining on the horizon. In fact, it opened doors of opportunities for growth and expansion as it launched airasiaSuper App, the fastest growing digital, travel, and lifestyle platform that features not only flights but flights plus hotel bundles under snap, unlimited deals, cargo and logistics venture Teleport and soon more offerings that will cater to the growing eCommerce business in the Philippines.

AirAsia augmented their customer services to better assist the concerns of their guests through an efficient customer interface to address queries on changing traveling requirements effectively.. They also adopted contactless solutions to seamlessly verify passenger information through FACES, a facial recognition technology pioneered, developed and operated by AirAsia which will replace boarding passes and make traveling in the new normal better, convenient and unique. 

This was made possible by having a reliable partner who provided them with the necessary support in embracing technology to adapt to the new normal. PLDT Enterprise, through its ICT arm ePLDT, supported AirAsia in providing exceptional customer experience to their patrons. Through its slew of digital solutions, AirAsia was able to uphold its unbreakable commitment to keeping its customers satisfied despite all the regulations they need to follow.

“During this pandemic, we made sure that PLDT Enterprise was with us the whole time. They provided AirAsia with a very well-managed Emergency Disaster Hotline Service, through ePLDT, which is powered by Curo Teknika,” Isla said.

 Moreover, with the launch of the AirAsia Super App in the Philippines, they expanded their presence in providing a comprehensive travel experience to passengers, as they now also assist other travel necessities, including bookings for hotel and medical requirements, shopping, and activities, among others.

“AirAsia is known to be a disruptor in the industry. With the help of our Malaysian group and all other subsidiaries in Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, we transformed into a digital airline company.; we are now more than just an airline,” Isla added.

“Marami pong salamat sa ePLDT. The service aims to support a full online customer service delivery for AirAsia and it's complete with all the digital platforms which are conducive to our customers to address all their needs even beyond post pandemic. And we will continue to build this up aside from our AVA (Allstar Virtual Assistant); we will make sure that our ePLDT powered by Curo Teknika is with us the whole time,” Isla highlighted.

“We are very happy that we shall be keeping this partnership with PLDT Enterprise as we progress and move forward to a better pandemic-free future.” 

PLDT Enterprise’s Unbreakable Commitment campaign highlights its collaboration with businesses and organizations in the country to demonstrate how creating partnerships has helped companies succeed amid various challenges and in turn, contribute to the lives of Filipinos.

The campaign also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s unbreakable commitment to empowering organizations through technology.

“PLDT Enterprise is a reliable partner that companies can depend on for technologies that will empower their business to overcome the limitations of face-to-face transactions. During these times, companies are left with no choice but to go digital and it is our unbreakable commitment in PLDT Enterprise to value their trust by delivering solutions that will take their business to greater heights,” said Jojo Gendrano, FVP and Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise.

PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT have been instrumental to companies including AirAsia Philippines. as it takes off on its journey to business recovery. The times have been turbulent, and the skies have been dark, but with the help of the right partner who catapulted the business to reach its goals, the business found boundless opportunities onboard. 

Watch AirAsia’s interview here: https://youtu.be/cFtMyPLSkuk

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.