Barbie Forteza And David Licauco Star In Ben&Ben’s “The Way You Look At Me” Music Video

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Following the digital release of Ben&Ben’s impressive cover of “The Way You Look At Me” just last January, Universal Records Philippines is set to unveil its official music video this March, as part of the label’s epic 20th year anniversary tribute to OPM hitmaker and Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista.

Every single #BarDa fans out there are in for a lovely treat as two of the biggest and sought-after young stars of today will be starring in this visual spectacle.

Barbie Forteza and David Licauco are bringing their acting prowess and undeniable star power to the music video that depicts a melancholic tale of love and loss.

“It’s as if my heart knows you’re the missing piece” — perhaps is one of the most amorous lines in “The Way You Look At Me”. But what if that missing piece isn’t going to be found or will never return again?

The music video for the song unfolds a story of a guy (played by David) who was asked to try a dating app so he can get over his lost love.

There is something that makes him like this girl (played by Barbie) instantly and he cannot explain it. Maybe her looks are just “his type”? But there’s something more to unravel from there. Eventually, an intense twist will be revealed towards the end of the music video, so fans really have to watch it from start to finish.

Also starring in this short cinematic visual is Kapuso star Shuvee Etrata, best known on TikTok as @smilingshuvee with over 2.2 million followers.

The official music video will be released later this month and its official teaser poster has been revealed today on social media. It quickly became a top trending topic because of the very supportive BarDa fans and “Investors” (Barbie and David’s fandom) on Twitter.

Right now, Ben&Ben’s cover of “The Way You Look At Me” has over 1.6 million streams on Spotify. It will be part of Christian Bautista's 20th anniversary tribute album which will come out very soon!

FOLLOW UNIVERSAL RECORDS PH!

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Twitter: @universalrec_ph

Instagram: @universalrecordsph

TikTok: @universalrecph

MICECON 2023 lauded for successful run in Davao

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Top MICE professionals and key government officials praised the successful execution of MICECON 2023 in Davao City held last March 1-3, 2023. The event was organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Davao Organizing Committee composed of private and public sector representatives from the host city.

Among the attendees was Vice President Sara Duterte, who spoke at the farewell dinner of the event hosted by TPB at Azuela Cove. In her speech, she said, “For Davao City, being the host of this year’s MICECON 2023 is an opportunity to showcase one of the tourism gateways in Mindanao. Davao City is honored and proud that Davao is considered one of the safest cities in the world, offering visitors a complete tourism experience through the convergence of culture, nature and adventure.”

During the event, she also urged tourism stakeholders to increase investments in the tourism sectors’ amenities to diversify the country’s opportunities and potentially increase industry revenue streams. “I enjoin our tourism stakeholders to work with other industry leaders to invest in medical tourism, heritage tourism, retirement havens, entertainment spots, open-space recreation, and more community-based travel destinations,” Duterte said.

The event was attended by over 640 professionals from the MICE industry including representatives from events management companies, associations, travel agencies, tour operators, destination management companies, local governments, members of the academe and tourism executives in government.

For Christina Garcia Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, the MICECON 2023 serves as a blueprint for the Philippines to become a top MICE destination in Asia. “MICECON paved the way to achieve our President’s goal for the equalization of tourism project development and promotion all over the country. MICE serves as a venue for us to reinvigorate and revitalize the tourism industry, and Davao has become a model for others to follow and a springboard from which we can launch even more exciting MICECONs in the future,” she said.

Meanwhile, TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles commended the opportunity to showcase the Filipino brand of service through every experience the MICECON delegates went through.

“I am confident that this conference provided an invaluable opportunity for us to gain insights, forge new connections and gain fresh perspectives…We believe that by providing exceptional service, and going above and beyond for all our visitors, we can provide tourism experiences that exceed expectations,” Nograles said.

She further stated that integrating sustainability has grown in importance in the ecotourism experience. In recognition of this, MICECON 2023 delegates pledged to donate to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), which operates a sanctuary for the protection and conservation of the endangered Philippine Eagle. Delegates were able to tour the sanctuary and were also enjoined to take part in its conservation efforts.

Showcasing Davao’s attractions

Beyond the conference, foreign speakers, media, influencers, and MICE organizers were treated to various tours across the different MICE facilities in Davao City. These tours showcased the bleisure offerings of the city from retail experiences, culinary options, islands to highlands adventure travel opportunities, and key resort and beach destinations. These included the Kadayawan adventure wherein guests were acquainted with the native dwellings and livelihoods of the 11 tribes of Davao; a trip to the Poblacion Market famous for its diverse shopping, dining and lifestyle offerings; a full island experience at the Pearl Farm in Samal Island; a boat ride to the Lubi Plantation Resort island, and a chocolate and cheese tasting experience courtesy of Malagos Farmhouse Cheeses.

After the successful MICECON 2023, the conference will be hosted in Clark Freeport Zone come 2024 to highlight the developments of Central Luzon. The Clark Freeport Zone bid, represented by Clark Development Corporation (CDC), had a comprehensive presentation of not only its logistical support but several additional values as well, for participants of MICECON 2024. Clark Freeport Zone was selected by the MICECon Selection committee composed of members of the MICE Advisory Council – private and public sector representatives from different MICE organizations convened by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.

Atty. Agnes Devanadera, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Clark Development Corporation, expressed her commitment to follow through with the examples set by Davao City.

“Just as Davao has shown us the way to transform MICECON into an impetus of sustainable development, Clark shall follow suit and bring forth inclusive growth not just for Clark but for Region 3,” Atty. Devanadera said.

Check out www.tpb.gov.ph for more information.

Century Park Hotel concludes the first quarter with deals on full blast!

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The season is heating up at Manila’s renowned establishment, Century Park Hotel (CPH), as it announces its line-up of exciting pre-summer promotions.

According to the hotel’s General Manager, Anthony Tan, CPH geared up early this year to present a delightful variety of promos and activities for all its patrons.  “For the last month of the first quarter of the year, the hotel deals are on full blast to give our guests wonderful bonding moments and celebrations”.

 

Your fondness with our Century Tsukiji’s Eat-ALL-You-Can gets more exciting as it upgrades its Japanese buffet spread.

Starting March 1, 2023, we are introducing daily add-ons of  crepes station, unlimited juices, and “Make Your Own Ramen” station in your favorite Japanese dishes from appetizers (Otsumami), sushi, sashimi, sunomono (vinegared dishes), nimono (simmered dishes), teppanyaki, tempura, yakimono to delightful desserts for only Php 1,199 net per person every Mondays to Thursdays.

And for Fridays to Sundays and on holidays, enjoy more items like Yakitori, variety of seasonal seafood, new sashimi & sushi creations and an exclusive add-on of Japanese ice cream on top of our regular buffet spread for only Php 1,399 net per person.

Head off to the Century Tsukiji and reward yourself with an indulging meal. The outlet is open from 11:00am to 2:30pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm for lunch and dinner, respectively. 

 

March is the season for graduates! At Century Park Hotel, more people mean more fun in our grand “Salute to the Graduates”. A free buffet awaits graduates who will bring along a minimum of three paying guests at the Café in the Park. Celebrate their moment by indulging in a wide selection of food and fill your plates with your favorite items from soup, salad, cold cuts, carving, seasonal seafood, grilled meats, pasta, Filipino and Chinese stations.  Be sure to make room for desserts and unlimited juices all available from 11:00am to 2:30pm and 6:00pm to 10:00pm for lunch and dinner, respectively.

Prom and Graduation Ball’s Package are also available.  For reservations, you may call our Sales Department at contact numbers (02) 8528-5871 to 73. 

The Palm Grove Bar , where one of Manila’s first temperature-controlled pools is situated, extends its promo of “Buy 1, Take 1” on Heineken and Tiger beers, Frozen Fruity Margarita and Frozen Sangria every Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

When being in the thick of activity on weekends means all the hustle and hassles, take a break and visit Al Fresco by Palm Grove from 5pm to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays and enjoy our Unlimited Samgyeopsal for only Php 799 net per person and spare yourself from cooking at home even just for weekends.

 

“New deals for the second quarter were already rolled out as well”, explained GM Anthony Tan.  CPH will open it with Easter Candyland, a special celebration to end the Lenten season on April 9. Both adults and children will enjoy a fun-filled day full of exciting activities like interactive games, face painting, enchanting magic show, photo booth, loot bags and the traditional egg hunting at the Grand Ballroom from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

"WOMEN RISE", An All-Women Artist Exhibition in Celebration of Women's Month

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The exhibit is professionally curated by the renowned Galerie Joaquin, and run from March 9 to 12 at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati,

Zonta Club of Makati & Environs (ZCME), Galerie Joaquin, and BDO Private Bank have partnered for Women Rise, an art exhibit showing the talent female artists, their advocacy and to uplift empowerment of women.

The arts have been a crucial instrument to the club by bringing visibility to its most important causes and advocacies, bringing closer together enthusiastic donors and deserving beneficiaries.

BDO Private Bank has been a staunch supporter of Philippine arts and culture for many years. It also espouses the value of gender equality in line with its parent company BDO Unibank's support for the United Nations' Sustainability Development Goals.

Former ZCME president Maritess Pineda of Arte Fino is the chair of the organization’s ways and means committee During the exclusive lunch meeting with media / blogggers, she pointed out that BDO Unibank Inc. is an active proponent of women empowerment and has a woman board chair, Tessie Sy-Coson, and several women in management positions.

"Zonta’s goal is to empower women and build a better world for women and girls. This art exhibits aim to develop women artists and help them gain access to the market, says Pineda.

Pineda says BDO lives up to its slogan, “We find ways.” That's the best for ZCME’s projects to help and support women.

Estela Cabalatungan, BDO Private Bank executive vice president for wealth management group is also a member of ZCME said that this art exhibit paved the way for the current collaboration. She shares the company has supported advocacy projects. BDO Private Bank “is all about legacy, and the exhibit “is a good way to recognize women’s contribution to society and showcase their talent,” an advocacy of the financial institution," said Cabalatungan.

Carol Llanillo, former ZONTA president is a portrait figurative and Chinese brush painter, showcased her geisha paintings, and were "SOLD" out at "WOMEN RISE." Llanilo is proud to be part of this advocacy, and says the exhibit showcases women’s talent, artistry and skill.

Young artist Katrina Cuenca, shared her journey as she had experienced some of the difficulties Filipino women have to overcome. She has organized arts exhibits,  have sold her many paintings   and now she’s excited to be part of an all-woman show.

Meanwhile, ZCME has been helping empower women in communities for over 50 years. It is a member of Zonta International, a worldwide organization of professionals and executives working together to advance the status of women through service and advocacy.

Part of the proceeds of Women Rise will support ZCME's noteworthy projects, including:

• ZCME Psychological Center for abused women and girls Marillac Hills, Muntinlupa
• Empowering Women Scholarship Program (EWSP) at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
• Food Share Program: a platform for community building by using collaborative work to resolve poverty-related issues

"WOMEN RISE", An All-Women Artist Exhibition in Celebration of Women's Month from March 9-12 at R1 Level, South Court, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati.

GrabShare expands to more Metro Manila cities

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GrabShare offers the same safe, reliable and convenient ride that Grab is known for, but at a more affordable price point

Grab Philippines officially brings GrabShare to more cities in Metro Manila. The carpooling service – which had its pilot run in Makati, BGC, Manila and select areas in Ortigas in 2022 – is now also available in Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Pateros, and select areas in Paranaque and Quezon City.

GrabShare makes the same convenience and reliability of GrabCar more accessible and affordable for the Filipino commuter. With GrabShare, passengers can enjoy as much as 30 percent lower fares on Grab. The service’s passenger-matching feature was also further optimized to ensure that the party is headed in the same direction to avoid surprise detours, hence improving overall shared-ride duration.

Grab Philippines Senior Director for Strategy and Operations Ronald Roda shares:

“Every Filipino deserves unfettered access to safe, reliable, and more affordable means of transportation, and we are fully committed to help make that a reality for everyone. We are optimistic that as we expand GrabShare’s service areas to more cities in Metro Manila, we are staying true to our commitment – continuing to play an active role in providing a better mobility experience for everyone.”

The leading super app is also working on bringing GrabShare to cities outside of Metro Manila. With the growing availability of the service, Grab Philippines reminds its passengers to continue practicing health and safety protocols while on the road. This includes the wearing of face mask and regular hand sanitation.