Here are some of the biggest Asian acts performing at the City of Firsts

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Get ready for top Asian acts coming to Smart Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater

Memorize those fanchants, gather your merch, and take out your lightsticks because some of the biggest pop acts in Asia are taking over the City of Firsts!

Starting this weekend, some of the most in demand and popular artists are coming to Manila to meet their fans and treat them to exciting performances.

First are Moonbin and Sanha who will be having their first fanmeeting and concert at the New Frontier Theater this Saturday, March 25. Moonbin and Sanha is the first official sub-unit of ASTRO, and they have chosen Manila as the first stop of the MOONBIN&SANHA (ASTRO) Fan Con: [Diffusion]. Get ready for performances and special stages that were especially prepared to thrill Pinoy Arohas. To get your tickets, for the MOONBIN&SANHA (ASTRO) Fan Con: [Diffusion], please visit this link.

Next, we have WayV who will be coming to Manila for their Phantom Fan Meeting tour this Sunday, March 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. WayV, the Chinese sub-unit of the hugely popular NCT, will be performing here in the country with five members, Kun, Ten, Xiaojun, Hendery, and YangYang and will be performing many fan favorites such as Take Off, Love Talk, and their latest single from their fourth mini-album, Phantom. Aside from non-stop performances, the members have many surprises in store. So, WeiZenNies, make sure to be there for WayV’s first fanmeet in the country. To secure your tickets, click this link.

The fun doesn’t stop there because you’ll get to see back-to-back-to-back K-pop performances from a Hallyu legend and two of the biggest fourth gen acts today! On April, 11 see The Boyz, Aespa, and Taeyeon dominate the stage of the Big Dome for K-Verse at the Big Dome. Prepare for a night of powerhouse vocals and energetic performances at K-Verse. Visit this link for tickets and more information.

Another Korean celebrity is also coming to the New Frontier Theater to meet his fans! Kim Mingue, who rose to stardom after his career-defining role on The Heavenly Idol, is meeting his Pinoy fans at the Heavenly Moment: Kim Mingue 1st Fanmeet in Manila on April 14. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this event! Buy your ticket here.

Meanwhile, EXO-Ls can celebrate because EXO-SC, the sub-unit composed of Sehun and Chanyeol, is coming to Manila for the Back to Back Fancon Tour. It will happen on May 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the boys have prepared many performances and surprises for Pinoy Exo-Ls. More information will be provided soon, so stay tuned!

Lastly, the it girls of K-Pop are also headed for the Big Dome! Get ready for The Prom Queens: IVE The First Fan Concert on June 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Sing your heart out to IVE’s monster hits like Eleven, Love Dive, and After Like at their first concert here in the Philippines. Stay tuned for more details and ticketing info for this event.

For more information about these events, visit the Ticketnet website. To learn more about the Smart Araneta Coliseum, please visit www.smartaranetacoliseum.com. And to discover what the New Frontier Theater has to offer log on to www.newfrontiertheater.com.

Gen Z Pinoys have more mind health conditions than the rest of the world’s youth

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AXA Mind Health Index reveals more than half of Gen Z in Asia

are suffering from poor mental health, affecting their professional lives

According to a study by leading insurance provider AXA, the Filipino respondents in the 18- to 24-year-old bracket that admitted going through bouts of depression and anxiety were higher than global numbers. In the Philippines, responses for depression kick in at 35% (vs. 27% globally) while anxiety is at 16% (12% globally). While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on mind health across society, the latest findings from the annual AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 has revealed that Gen Z (aged 18-24) appears to be taking the brunt of the impact, with more than half of Gen Z globally (54%) and in Asia (51%) experiencing poor mental health. The Survey identifies specific challenges they face in today’s workplace, while also highlighting the need for employers to explore tailored support to address a potential surge in turnover in young talent.

The research found that Gen Z have the highest proportion of those struggling (associated with emotional stress and psychosocial impairment) at 18% globally and 14% in Asia, more than any other age group. Globally, only 13% of young people aged 18-24 are flourishing at the pinnacle of mind health, with the proportion being 15% in Asia, both the lowest across all age groups. This makes 18-24 the only age group globally that has more people struggling than flourishing.

Gen Z show greater ability to work under stress, though most likely to resign

In Asia’s workplaces, the survey reveals that Gen Z talent are affected by several key challenges that pose a potential threat to their mind health. These include uncertainty about the future (69% vs 59% globally), struggling to separate work life and non-work life (49% vs 39% globally), finding it hard to keep up with the pace of change at work (47% vs 38% globally), and a lack of job-skill fit (14% vs 9% globally). This last factor has a very strong correlation with mental wellbeing, as those that have the right job skill fit are 2.5 times more likely to perform their best according to the research.

The results also show that the 18-24 age group in Asia has the highest percentage of people who intend to resign in the next 12 months (21%). Yet the survey found a clear indication that those in the 18-24 age group who are flourishing are less likely to resign, with the rate being only 16%, highlighting the importance of effectively enabling positive mental health in supporting employee retention.

Workplace mental health support plays a vital role in overall mental wellbeing

Support for mental health in the workplace has risen up the agenda during the pandemic. The research also reveals that in Asia, companies that provide mind health support are 2.5 times more likely to have employees that are flourishing. In particular, while 1 in 4 Gen Z employees who feel they are getting good mind health support at work are flourishing, the rate is only 1 in 100 among those that do not see such support, which is the biggest difference among all age groups. This indicates mind health support in the workplace also has the greatest impact on the mental wellbeing of Gen Z, making this group a priority target for such solutions.

Gordon Watson, CEO of AXA Asia and Africa said, “While mind health has rightly attracted greater attention in the wake of the pandemic’s disruption on our lives, these findings emphasise that the next generation of talent across Asia are facing severe challenges. Companies need to examine how they can make a tangible difference with support relevant to the needs of their Gen Z employees, not only to help with productivity and retention, but to tackle this urgent issue affecting societies across the region.”

Bernardo Serrano Lopez, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer, adds, “While we see a considerable improvement in mind health globally, this does not mean that we can just sit back and simply let things run its course. The insights from this study helps organizational leaders and people managers steer their initiatives to better benefit our employees’ physical and mental health. At AXA, we take pride in consistently supporting programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. And we take these learnings to continue evolving our programs to better suit our employees’ needs and to further our vision to become a company where they are #FitToFlourish.”

Overall people in Asia are getting mentally healthier, believe that stigma is declining

Despite this concern, the research found that the proportion of people flourishing in Asia[1] climbed from 19% to 22%, with Asia seeing a bigger rise than the global average. By contrast, the proportion of those struggling in Asia fell to 12%, a year-on-year decrease of 2%. This speaks to improving mental wellbeing across the board. In addition, 36% of respondents globally agree that stigma related to mental health is declining, compared to 31% last year.

The findings show that 25% of people globally are flourishing, with Thailand (37%), a new entrant this year, topping the list and Italy (18%) showing the lowest level. A closer look at Asian countries and territories in the survey finds that the Philippines had the largest proportion globally of people getting by, at 39%, followed by Hong Kong at 37%. Across the region, the largest proportion of languishing and struggling were both in Japan, at 31% and 14% respectively.

Access the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 at axafittoflourish.com.

[1] Asia year-on-year comparison only relates to Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story premieres May 4

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Netflix and Shondaland released the official trailer, key art, and new images for their upcoming prequel series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.  

Logline: Centered on Queen Charlotte’s rise to prominence and power, this Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen’s marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton.

• Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer: Shonda Rhimes

• Director/Executive Producer: Tom Verica

• Executive Producer: Betsy Beers

Cast includes:

• Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Agatha Danbury) and Ruth Gemmell (Lady Violet Bridgerton) reprise their roles from Bridgerton in this series. India Amarteifio (Line of Duty) plays Young Queen Charlotte. Michelle Fairley (Gangs of London) plays Princess Augusta. Corey Mylchreest (The Sandman) plays Young King George. Arsema Thomas (television debut) plays Young Agatha Danbury. Rounding out the cast are Sam Clemmett (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – West End and Broadway, The War Below) as Young Brimsley, Freddie Dennis (The Nevers ) as Reynolds, Richard Cunningham (The Witcher) as Lord Bute, Tunji Kasim (Nancy Drew) as Adolphus, Rob Maloney (Casualty) as the Royal Doctor, Cyril Nri (Cucumber) as Lord Danbury, and Hugh Sachs (Bridgerton) as Brimsley (older). 

BP and ECG monitoring features now available in the PH with the latest update of the Galaxy Watch5 Series

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Filipino users can now monitor their blood pressure and heart rate with the Galaxy Watch5 Series. Here’s how:

The watch that knows your health best just got better as the Galaxy Watch5 Series can now help you track your blood pressure and heart rate with its latest update. Easily monitor these key health indicators through the powerful Samsung BioActive sensor[i] on the Galaxy Watch5 and Watch5 Pro.

Accurate Health Monitoring, Made Easy

To enable the blood pressure monitoring feature, install the Samsung Health Monitor application onto your Galaxy smartphone and connect it to your compatible Galaxy Watch then calibrate with a traditional cuff. They will then be able to tap to “measure” the blood pressure anytime, anywhere.

The Galaxy Watch5 measures blood pressure through pulse wave analysis, which is tracked with the Heart Rate Monitoring sensors. The program then records the relationship between the calibration value and the blood pressure change to determine the blood pressure. Once the calibration and set-up process are completed, users can access this information and export measurements to PDF.

Meanwhile, the electrocardiogram (ECG) function works by recording the heart’s electrical activity via a sensor on the compatible Galaxy Watch. All you need to do is open your Samsung Health Monitor app while seated comfortably, and ensure the watch is fitted firmly to your wrist. Next, rest your forearm on a flat surface and lightly place a fingertip from the opposite hand on the top button on the smartwatch for 30 seconds.

The app will then measure your heart rate and rhythm, which will be displayed as either a Sinus Rhythm (a normal, regular heartbeat) or AFib (when the heart beats irregularly). You can also export this data to PDF.

Aside from BP and ECG monitoring, the Galaxy Watch5 Series also has improved sleep tracking technology. Plan your bedtime, detect snoring, understand and track your sleep stages (awake, light, deep REM) via 8 animal sleep symbols representing your sleep type, and you’ll also receive nightly sleep reports so you can rest easy.

For fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch5 Series counts your steps, calories, and even your routines. It even supports over 90 exercises that you can track from your watch. And if you’re a fitness enthusiast who needs a watch to keep up with you on your outdoor activities, consider the Watch5 Pro as it comes with GPS route tracking guides turn-by-turn directions for cyclists and hikers.

Longer & Stronger, Durable & Stylish

The Galaxy Watch5 series also delivers its most durable and powerful performance yet for the series. The Galaxy Watch5 comes with a 15% bigger battery for 20% faster charging - it only takes about 30 minutes to go from 0% up to 45% charge so you’re ready to go in no time! Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro comes with the biggest battery capacity among Samsung’s wearable series, lasting for 24 hours even with continuous GPS use and 80 hours on standby.

The Galaxy Watch5 series was also designed with durability in mind. Both are water resistant and crafted with premium Sapphire crystal to take those hard knocks. The Watch5 Pro even comes with a titanium body case – talk about tough!

And when it comes to style, the Galaxy Watch5 Series makes it easy to stay fit in style. The Galaxy Watch5 comes in fresh and trendy colors – the 40mm in Composite Gray, Iconic Gold and Silver, with straps in Gray, Pink Gold and Lavender, while the 44mm comes in Composite Gray, Navy Blue and Silver, with straps in Gray, New Blue and White. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro comes in Black Titanium and Gray Titanium – classics that go with any kind of outdoor ensemble.

You can also select from a variety of watch faces – from analog to digital, vintage to modern, express your style with the Galaxy Watch5 series.

The Galaxy Watch5 40mm is available starting at PHP 16,990 while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro retails for PHP 26,990. These watches are also available at 30% off with every purchase of the latest Galaxy S23 Series.

Stay on track when it comes to your fitness journey with the Galaxy Watch5 Series. For more information on the Galaxy Watch5 series, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-watch/

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[i]   These features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical condition or disease. Availability of these features may vary by market or device. Requires Galaxy smartphone with Android 8.0 or later, 1.5GB RAM or more and the latest version of the Samsung Health app (version 6.22 or later).

GrabFood teams up with Riot Games for VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific League 2023

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● GrabFood is the official Online Food Delivery Partner for the Philippines of the VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific League 2023

● GrabUnlimited subscribers in the Philippines get exclusive access to the Unli-Buhat Challenge where they can win a trip to the finals week of the esports event in May

GrabFood partners with Riot Games for VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific League 2023, making it the official Online Food Delivery Partner of the esports event in the Philippines.

The highlight of the partnership is the GrabUnlimited (GU) Unli-Buhat Challenge, where four lucky players and their chosen companions get the experience of a lifetime: a trip to Seoul, South Korea to witness the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific League 2023 during the finals week happening in May.

Grand winners of the challenge are going to receive round-trip tickets for two, accommodation allowance, and exclusive backstage and event passes. To get started, participants can visit the “Challenges” icon on the Grab app and select “Unli-Buhat to VCT Seoul.” Once the details have been reviewed, they can click the “Accept Challenge” button and start ordering on GrabFood for a chance to win a spot on the special trip.

GrabUnlimited gives gamers the ultimate sulit hack – offering an everyday free delivery fee as well as exclusive food deals. Depending on their gaming and food cravings, they can pursue the Unli-Buhat challenge and make the most out of their GrabFood experience. The Unli-Buhat Challenge is open to all GU subscribers until 15 April 2023.

Grab Philippines Director for Deliveries Greg Camacho shares:

“We are happy to partner with Riot Games for VCT Pacific League 2023 as we offer GrabUnlimited – our ultimate sulit delivery hack – to all gamers who depend on reliable delivery services. With GU, VAL players and all other esports athletes can focus on winning and leveling up – no more pausing the game to prep food cravings. So to all up-and-coming esports champs, just keep your head in the game and let GU cover all your food delivery needs. Make the most of your gaming experience with GrabUnlimited.”

Participants of the GrabUnlimited Unli-Buhat Challenge can also win surprise VALORANT in-game items like sprays, gun buddies, and player cards. In-game items will be awarded on March 31, while the grand prize winners will be announced on April 22. Winners will be notified via email and the Grab App message inbox.

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ABOUT GRAB

Grab is a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, operating across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors. Serving over 500 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries - Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - Grab enables millions of people everyday to order food or groceries, send packages, hail a ride or taxi, pay for online purchases or access services such as lending and insurance, all through a single app. Grab was founded in 2012 with the mission to drive Southeast Asia forward by creating economic empowerment for everyone, and strives to serve a triple bottom line: to simultaneously deliver financial sustainability and have a positive social and environmental impact in Southeast Asia