August 26, 2022

Ben&Ben offers unique perspective on forgiveness with new international single “The Ones We Once Loved”

Written by the band’s very own Paolo Benjamin, the stripped-down track is emotionally impactful 
even in its apparent weightlessness

Having amassed more than a billion streams and a total of 3.5 million listeners on Spotify, Ben&Ben continues to make generation-defining statements with heartfelt tunes that resonate on a universal level. Considered as one of the most commercially successful acts in the Southeast Asian region, the nine-piece collective has recently won the Best Asian Band at the 2022 BandLab NME Awards, and reaped multiple recognitions for their groundbreaking work on the sophomore album, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno.


With an impressive music portfolio and an upcoming North American tour, the Filipino hitmakers return with another international release following the success of 2020’s “Doors” and “Leaves,” a collaboration with Korean singer-songwriter Young K of Day 6. Released under Sony Music, their new single “The Ones We Once Loved” is a quietly startling confessional that sounds emotionally impactful even in its apparent weightlessness. Written by Ben&Ben’s very own Paolo Benjamin, the track builds its staircase to somewhere personal and intimate, offering a unique perspective on love, forgiveness, and breakup.

“It's a song that owns up to one's faults, makes proper apologies, but also expresses hurt, as breakups are often two-way things,” says the band in an official statement. “It’s also one of the hardest songs we’ve written, because it requires the writer to forgive himself for his past and own up to his faults and mistakes. The painstaking process towards that state, the cycles of anxiety and catharsis that the writer went through, and the eventual expression of all of that in the form of this song, as an encapsulation of such a heavy journey, is what makes this song stand out among our other songs.”

Produced by Johnoy Danao and Jean Paul Verona, the song takes a deceptively stripped-down approach in terms of musicality, but careful not to lose the earnestness that defined their recent hits. According to the folk-pop outfit, they wanted to keep the arrangement as bare and as transparent as possible while still maintaining a certain depth, weight, and storytelling within instrumentation.

“Supporting the vocals is the staple piano sound, as one would hear when being sung the humblest and sincerest of songs, slowly followed by more and more melodic instruments as the singer opens up and exposes vulnerability,” the band explains the sonic motif behind the release. “At the end of the day, we wanted to make an arrangement that would provide no barrier to taking in each meaning of every word of a song that has so much to say.”

Backed by rich but sparsely layered instrumentation, the song, particularly its chorus, captures “what so many of us are often too afraid or unprepared to say after a difficult breakup.” Hoping that listeners would take responsibility in making amends with one’s self, and the person on the other end of the grieving process, the band shares, “We are hoping that this song somehow helps people bridge that gap and feel the importance of really letting go through a multi-faceted forgiveness: one of the other, and of the self.”

“The Ones We Once Loved” serves as Ben&Ben’s official single in support of their Philippine send-off concert and North America/Canada Tour in 2022. It also marks their first collaboration with globally renowned photographer Geloy Concepcion, whose work was recently featured in Vogue Magazine, and other notable publications and exhibits worldwide.

“We’ve always wanted to do a collaboration with Geloy Concepcion as most of the band members look up to him, that when we realized he would be the perfect artist to work with for The Ones We Once Loved, we instantly took a chance and set a meeting up with him,” Ben&Ben shares. “In Geloy’s current project ‘Things You Wanted To Say But Never Did’ we saw how resonant and resemblant his messaging was to The Ones We Once Loved and that he may be the best artist to communicate the song’s message. Geloy’s eye and his way of introducing a space to let out feelings and emotions was one we wanted to emulate in this campaign—a space where people sit safely and quietly with their feelings.”

Earlier this week, Ben&Ben encouraged their fans to use the hashtags #BenandBen #BenandBenTOWOL #TOWOL and #TheOnesWeOnceLoved as part of its Twitter activation campaign promoting the international release of “The Ones We Once Loved.” The hashtags revealed official Ben&Ben Twitter emojis, and unlocked a special preview of the song last August 24, 2022.

Ben&Ben’s “The Ones We Once Loved” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.





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About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.





August 25, 2022

Golden Haven Cebu, one of the most beautiful memorial parks in the country

Truly, no province in the Philippines exudes an image of prestige and progress as Cebu does. Metro Cebu, for one, is now a striking blend of modern industry, urban development, and a deep reverence for its rich traditions and history. It is this balance of culture and commerce that Cebu derives its charm from.

Golden Haven Cebu features manicured gardens and lush landscaping that harmonize with its Italian-inspired amenities.

To date, Cebuanos take pride in the province’s natural attractions that include pristine beaches, island getaways, and vast expanses of greenery, as well as the sight of majestic mountains rising in the horizon. It is not a surprise, then, that Golden Haven, a renowned name in the Philippine deathcare industry, chose Cebu as the site of the country’s most beautiful memorial park.


Golden Haven, a renowned name in the Philippine deathcare industry, chose Cebu as the site of the country’s most beautiful memorial park.

Golden Haven Cebu is a mountaintop-sanctuary-inspired memorial property that sprawls on rolling, grassy terrain amid nature’s bounty. It’s a picturesque haven—all 13 hectares of it!—that inspires nostalgia and the loveliest memories of the dearly departed.

Golden Haven Cebu is a mountaintop-sanctuary-inspired memorial property that sprawls on rolling, grassy terrain amid nature’s bounty.

Located on Binaliw Road, Golden Haven Cebu features manicured gardens and lush landscaping that harmonize with its Italian-inspired amenities like the Pope John Paul II Memorial Hill, the Garden Plaza, and the Imperial Gardens. The latter offers zen-like tranquility for visitors who need to destress as they savor its soothing breeze and stoke memories of loved ones who have gone ahead.

Park visitors can linger at Golden Haven Cebu’s enchanting Butterfly Garden, and take a calming break in an open green space abundant with flowers and the butterflies that thrive around them.

Golden Haven offers zen-like tranquility for visitors who need to destress as they savor its soothing breeze.

Meanwhile, the classic design aesthetic of Golden Haven Cebu is reflected in its Italian- and Chinese-inspired amenities. The Moon Gate, for instance, is an East Asian-styled structure that serves as a gateway to the island mausoleums. Three columbaries that house notable religious figures like St. Teresa de Avila, St. Mary of the Child Jesus, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta comprise another major feature of Golden Haven Cebu—the Thereseum.

One popular amenity for guests who want to take a sweeping view of Golden Haven Cebu is the Vatican Deck. From this sky deck’s vantage point, guests can rest their eyes on a panoramic vista of the beautiful park.

All these features ensure that no other memorial property trumps Golden Haven Cebu for long-term reliability and for appreciation value that goes up to an average of 20 percent annually.

And for memorial property investors, Golden Haven Cebu’s close proximity to key landmarks like Gaisano Saversmart Bacayan, Cebu International School, and the soon-to-rise Asian College of Technology further boosts its stock.

As Golden Haven works towards having a memorial park in every Filipino’s hometown, Golden Haven Cebu remains to be one of its most viable investment options—and one of its most serene final resting places, too.


About Golden Haven

Golden Haven Memorial Park is a subsidiary company of publicly listed Villar-owned Golden MV Holdings Inc.Currently positioned as one of the largest real estate companies in the country. Golden Haven offers premium death care services and prime memorial lots. It is dubbed as the most lucrative real estate investment with an average of 20% annual value appreciation.

Online Reservation

Golden Haven commits to the safety of both our clients and employees. We are now offering online services for our admin transactions. Choose from the services on our website through our online service page to schedule your appointments. You may also get in touch with us for any of your concerns.

Join the Golden Haven Community

Be part of the Golden Haven community today! Visit goldenhaven.com.ph or follow “Golden Haven” on our social media platforms. We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Tiktok, and Viber. For sales-related inquiries, you may contact (02) 8873-2922 to 23.


 

OFBank provides financial services to Filipinos in 119 countries

Digital banking empowers them to manage remittances, invest savings

Cultivating financial literacy among women serves as one of the driving goals of OFBank as seen through their pop-up stalls during Quezon City Women’s Month.  


The Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) marks its second milestone year by showcasing that digital banking and investments can be accessed safely and conveniently by all Filipinos regardless of location—whether they are based in the Philippines or overseas.

As the Philippines’ first branchless digital-only bank, OFBank has expanded its financial services to 119 other countries, empowering migrant workers, long-term travelers, and multi-generational immigrants as well as their families. As a development partner, the Bank also guides clients to make smarter decisions about their future through money management advice via online and offline financial literacy webinars.

“OFBank’s banking products and services reflect the collective gratitude of the nation to our modern-day heroes who have significantly contributed to the country’s growth. We are also paving the way to expand financial inclusivity for our kababayans here at home,” OFBank President and Chief Executive Officer Leila Martin said.

OFBank secured the very first digital banking license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on March 25, 2021, and attained the required Php 1 billion minimum capitalization set by the latter for digital banks on May 26, 2022. As digital modes of banking transactions increased globally, OFBank’s inflow of online banking transactions totaled Php 7.22 billion from servicing more than 80,000 accounts over the past two years.

At the core of the bank’s service is the Mobile Banking Application (MBA) which enables contactless account opening, cashless payments, and immediate transfer of funds that can be done anytime and anywhere. The MBA’s current 148,000 downloads are further expected to increase as the world continues to navigate the global pandemic, such as the post-pandemic redeployment of OFWs into their host countries; the increase of their remittances; and the re-opening of borders encouraging greater travel.

Aiming to attract more Filipinos to open their own digital savings account only by using their smartphones, the country’s first branchless digital-only bank, OFBank, visited Nasugbu, Batangas in July 2021.  


Aside from facilitating online transactions, OFBank has also leveled the investment playing field, enabling Filipinos to grow (and not just save) their hard-earned money. In 2021, through the OFBank mobile app, both investment newbies and veterans were able to access medium to long-term government investment products such as the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) Retail Onshore Dollar Bonds and the 25th and 26th tranches of the Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB). These low-risk, fixed-income investments allowed OFBank members to invest as low as Php 5,000 for RTBs and USD 300 for the RDB. They also offered attractive interest rates: RTB-25 with an annual interest rate of 2.375% (3-year maturity) and RTB-26 with a gross interest rate of 4.625% per annum (5.5-year maturity). Meanwhile, Retail Onshore Dollar Bonds provided interest rates of 1.375% (5-year maturity) and 2.250% (10-year maturity).

Sales generated from these investment instruments contributed to the government’s pandemic recovery and resiliency programs. OFBank raised a total of Php 8.275 million through RTB-25 from February 9 to March 4, 2021; Php 10.286 million through Retail Onshore Dollar Bonds from September 15 to October 1, 2021; and Php 17.485 million for RTB-26 from November 16 to 26, 2021.

The continued emergence and preference for digital banking requires the enhanced financial literacy of Filipinos, who are increasingly becoming mindful of their personal finances. As such, training that is centered on saving, budgeting, and investment advice has never been more important. As part of strengthening the financial skills of migrant workers, OFBank has facilitated a total of 759 webinars and 99 Face-to-face Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) in 2021, followed by 240 online seminars and 43 PDOS from January to April 2022.

Envisioning to serve more unbanked Filipinos from fisherfolks to small-scale entrepreneurs, OFBank together with AKO OFW, visited Lingayen, Pangasinan in June 2021.


Looking towards the future, the OFBank aims to increase its membership by continuously offering quality banking and financial services. “For the past two years, we have seen to it that digital banking financially empowers all Filipinos, especially those working overseas,” said Martin. “Serving them has made our anniversary even more meaningful. We will continue to innovate our products and services relevant to their needs towards building better lives.”

Stay on top and on track of your retirement goals with AXA

The way we spend and save affects our financial stability, not only in the present but also in the future. As retirement is inevitable for most of us, to live comfortably and worry-free in the days to come, we need to plan ahead while we are still in our prime earning years.
AXA Philippines launch event held at Dusit Thani Manila.
(L-R): Moderator and host RJ Ledesma; AXA Philippines Segment Director Lyzen Zapanta; AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer Nandy Villar; AXA Philippines Segment Director Dex Agcaoili; Chief Executive Officer of Stock Smarts Marvin Germo; and Founder of fintech company Taxumo Ginger Arboleda.


To help Filipinos plan for their retirement, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, introduces their latest offerings: MyLifeChoice's Retirement variant, AXA Global Assets Income Paying Fund (AXA GAIN Fund) available for selected single-pay products, and the new Goal Planner and Investment Tracker tools. The aim is to provide its customers the ideal financial solutions and tools so they are empowered to take charge of their retirement goals, no matter what stage in life they are in.

Throughout the journey of planning for retirement, AXA is there in every step of the way to help keep you on track and on top of your goals: from the accumulation stage, which is the time when your earning potential is at the highest and savings are in full swing, to the decumulation stage, which is the time when you start enjoying the benefits of your life-long efforts along with the opportunity to reinvest for further coverage.

In the Philippines, there is a need for a self-funded retirement plan, as the state pension system can only provide 20% of the income needed to live a decent retired life. Filipinos are also currently living through challenging times – rising inflation, soaring prices, and increasing unemployment – making retirement planning more difficult. The latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) labor force survey (LFS) even showed that the number of Filipinos aged 65 and above who are still working or looking for a job increased from 34.9% last May to 38.2% in June 2022.

MyLifeChoice Retirement variant provides the protection needed to prepare for the uncertainties that may come later in life. This product helps you build your retirement plan with AXA’s Target Date Fund, which follows a unique strategy that allows your savings to maximize growth potential at the onset and minimize risk by the time you need your money for retirement.
AXA Philippines and guest speakers discuss the benefits of retirement planning for every life stage.

(L-R): Moderator and host RJ Ledesma; AXA Philippines Segment Director Lyzen Zapanta; AXA Philippines Segment Director Dex Agcaoili; Chief Executive Officer of Stock Smarts Marvin Germo; and Founder of fintech company Taxumo Ginger Arboleda.


Furthering the growth potential of your savings, you can also diversify your portfolio in a mix of different assets, which gives you the flexibility in better managing your investment. MyLifeChoice also features a Start-Up Bonus, where you get an equivalent of 70% of your first year annual premium invested into your selected AXA fund, starting day one of your policy.

In the decumulation stage, you can also invest in a fund that matches your needs during this crucial stage of your retirement with the new AXA GAIN Fund, an income-paying fund that provides a semi-annual cash payout. This fund is accessible via the AXA Asset Master product, helping provide a source of regular income during retirement.

Finally, to allow convenient tracking of your retirement goals, AXA Philippines also introduces the Goal Planner and Investment Tracker features on Emma by AXA, and will be available soon in both mobile app and web versions. As a dedicated partner in your journey towards financial wellness, Emma by AXA gives access to tools that help provide timely monitoring of your progress. These tools also allow you to know if there are necessary adjustments needed to stay on track of your goals.

“At AXA, we are committed to help our customers protect what matters to them in all stages of their lives. With our new products and tools for retirement planning, we hope we can help Filipinos be secure and able to retire on their own terms,” said Nandy Villar, AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer.

Know more about MyLifeChoice for retirement planning, by visiting axa.com.ph/mylifechoice/retirement. Know more about other AXA offers by visiting https://www.axa.com.ph/.

August 24, 2022

Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill are Back - ENOLA HOLMES 2


Fresh off the triumph of solving her first case, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) follows in the footsteps of her famous brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), and opens her own agency — only to find that life as a female detective-for-hire isn’t as easy as it seems. Resigned to accepting the cold realities of adulthood, she is about to close shop when a penniless matchstick girl offers Enola her first official job: to find her missing sister. But this case proves to be far more puzzling than expected, as Enola is thrown into a dangerous new world — from London’s sinister factories and colorful music halls to the highest echelons of society and 221B Baker Street itself. As the sparks of a deadly conspiracy ignite, Enola must call upon the help of friends — and Sherlock himself — to unravel her mystery. The game, it seems, has found its feet again!



ENOLA HOLMES 2 is directed by Harry Bradbeer, with a screenplay by Jack Thorne and story by Harry Bradbeer & Jack Thorne.  Along with new friends and foes, it stars Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, David Thewlis, Louis Partridge, Susan Wokoma, Adeel Akhtar, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, and Helena Bonham Carter.



ENOLA HOLMES 2

CAST: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, David Thewlis, Louis Partridge, Susan Wokoma, Adeel Akhtar, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, and Helena Bonham Carter

 

DIRECTOR: Harry Bradbeer

SCREENPLAY BY: Jack Thorne

STORY BY: Harry Bradbeer & Jack Thorne

BASED UPON: The “Enola Holmes Mysteries’ Book Series” By Nancy Springer

PRODUCERS: Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Ali Mendes, Millie Bobby Brown, Robert Brown

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Joshua Grode, Michael Dreyer, Paige Brown, Jane Houston, Harry Bradbeer, Jack Thorne

 

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Giles Nuttgens, BSC

PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Michael Carlin

EDITED BY: Adam Bosman

COSTUME DESIGNER: Consolata Boyle

MUSIC BY: Daniel Pemberton

CASTING BY: Orla Maxwell, CDG

 

#EnolaHolmes2

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