DTI holds Bagsakan sa Intramuros for foreign and local tourists

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As travel and tourism go perfectly with this year’s summer season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is bringing unique products from across the country closer to tourists through the special Bagsakan sa Intramuros on March 25 to April 2 at the Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila City. In time with the grand launch of the DTI’s latest Go Lokal! Store x Manila Canvas at the walled city of Intramuros, Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2022, the Bagsakan will feature 30 enterprises and their local products from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Organized by the DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in coordination with the DTI-Regional Operations Group and in partnership with the Intramuros Administration and Manila Canvas, the week-long event will feature the unique Filipino products from CAR, Region 2, 3, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, BARMM, and the NCR for foreign and local tourists to enjoy.

Available for sale are regional delicacies; premium Philippine wines and healthy beverages; Filipino snacks, cookies and pastries; traditional and modern apparel using indigenous textiles; fashion accessories; handicrafts and wooden items; home decors, gifts, and souvenir items; and a full range of personal care and wellness products.

In celebration of the grand opening of the DTI Go Lokal! Store x Manila Canvas on March 27, tourists, buyers and students are invited to join exciting activities free of charge:

· March 30 - Struggles and Success: Let’s Talk Business! with speakers, Aloy Chua, CEO & Founder of Roots Collective; Wado Tan Siman, owner of Wadoughs Cake Studio; and Khaz Raza, Climate Change DRR Expert

· March 31 - Store Tour of Manila Canvas for invited Tour Operators and Tour Guides

· April 1 – Workshop: Pottery Making by Ili Likhaan

· April 2 - Heritage: Forum and Guided Tour with Tranvia by Benjamin Canapi

The Go Lokal! Store is a one-stop-shop for the best locally made products that truly capture the essence of the Philippines. The Go Lokal! Store and the Bagsakan events are great opportunities to support Filipino businesses and artisans while immersing yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Philippines. Tourists and resellers can directly buy from the manufacturers and place bulk orders for scheduled delivery.

The Bagsakan exhibitors are: Kenro Boutique, Four H Handicraft, Alion Kapit Bisig SEA-K Association, Amanda's Marine Products, Beakris House of Goodies, Gloria's Delicacies, Magpoc's Araro Cookies, Ruthy's Food Products, Terio's Food Products, Tess Enterprise, Willy's Cashew Nuts, Diana Stalder, Harito Food Products, JMU Belt Collection, Let Eat Go, Philia, Switsis Food Products, Sweetstyle Beadworks, Luckygemsbiz and General Merchandise, Cerra Furniture, La Herminia Pina Woven Products, JER Shellcraft. Ma. Delza’s Native Products, Angie's Yakan, Kyla Amazing Soybeans, Marc Daniel's Food Products, Moonlight Handicrafts, Philippine Craft Distillers Inc., Sanja's Enterprises, YZHNY Food Products, and Tingting Handicrafts.

For more updates on upcoming Bagsakan activities, national fairs, and programs for MSMEs, join the DTI-BDTP Community on Viber and follow us on our official social media accounts at: Facebook (@DTI.BDTP); Instagram (@dti.bdtp); Twitter (@dti_bdtp); Tiktok (@dti.bdtp); and YouTube. For inquiries, you may also email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

Award-winning Broadway play STEEL MAGNOLIAS is all set this April 1 and 2 in Cebu

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Are you ready to paint the town blush and bashful?

The award-winning Broadway play by Robert Harling “STEEL MAGNOLIAS” is coming to Cebu City this coming April 1 to 2, 2023.

The play is a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. The title suggests the "female characters are as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel".

Featuring Charlene Virlouvet, Liana San Diego, Clariza Mae Sevilla, Dahlia Alegre-Borres, Yvette Yntig, and Marlinda Angbetic Tan. Directed by Allan Nazareno and Vincent Paul D. Gaton.

CHARLENE VIRLOUVET plays Truvy Jones, the 40-year old beauty parlor owner, who’s always generous in sharing the latest rumors with anyone who’s willing to listen. Her motto, “there is no such thing as natural beauty,” is what makes Truvy’s Beauty Spot the most sought-after in Chinquapin, Louisiana.

LIANA SAN DIEGO steps into the shoes of the shy Annelle Dupuy-Despoto, and walks us through her sad and ambiguous marital affair. She wears glasses out of necessity, hair spray to hold her crown up nice and strong, and her young and troubled heart on her sleeve.

MARLINDA ANGBETIC ANG plays the role of Claire Belcher, the cheerful, gossip-hound, 66-ish widow of the former Mayor. Funny, fiery, witty,

CLARIZA MAE SEVILLA plays the role of Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, a young blush bashful bride with type 1 diabetes, who’s dealing with family stresses alongside complications. She wants to have children, but has to face the many possible struggles of a diabetic pregnancy.

The character, Shelby, was modelled after Susan Harlin Robinson, the sister of Steel Magnolias playwright, Robert Harling. Sadly, Susan went tragically from complications related to her type 1 diabetes. Her life became the inspiration of this beautiful and heart-warming play.

DAHLIA ALEGRE BORRES plays the role of Ouiser (pronounced as Weezer) Boudreaux. She’s both mature and childish; lovely, but miserable. A wealthy old bitty, whose sense of humor will shred you to bits.

YVETTE YNTIG plays the overprotective mother hen, M’Lynn Eatenton, whose time is preoccupied between being the administrator of the Mental Guidance Center and worrying about her daughter’s health.

Get your tickets at https://2tincans-philippines.yapsody.com

#SteelMagnoliasCebu

#2tincansphilippines

#EntertainEducateEmpower

#theatretalk

#CURTAINSUP

#steelmagnolias2023

#CebuTheatre

#artlinkph

The Itchyworms dedicate new song “Panic In My Mind” to Chino Singson

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The upbeat, ‘60s-inspired track can also be interpreted in many ways, according to lead vocalist and drummer Jazz Nicolas

The Itchyworms are back with an upbeat, retro-pop tune that deals with the dread of knowing that your loved one will be moving away to a different place for good.

Their new single “Panic In My Mind” was specifically written for their bandmate Chino Singson, who moved to Canada with his family to start a new life.

But according to Jazz Nicolas (lead vocals, drums, piano, keyboards, and keytar), who wrote the song based on a real-life event, the meaning behind “Panic In My Mind” can be taken in multiple ways. “The second half of the song shifts the narrative to a bitter person whose ex-partner in now with someone else, and is having a jealous existential crisis because of that.”

The Itchyworms' signature sound lives on in "Panic in My Mind," which blends intricate vocal harmonies and colorful melodies with ‘60s-style pop. A perfect accompaniment for its lyrics, which talk about pining over someone in a world where they are the anomaly, the arrangement turns up the excitement a few more notches with its nuanced musicality. It’s done with effortless grace and less of theatrics.

“We were going for a more organic sound with acoustic instruments as opposed to our previous album, Waiting For The End To Start, which had a lot of electronic elements,” Nicolas explains. “It also has a ‘60s vibe due to the jangly guitars and three-part harmonies.”

“Panic In My Mind” is produced by Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso. The latter is a long-time friend and collaborator, who is now officially part of the band.

“He co-produced the song with us, played various instruments, and sang harmonies,” Nicolas adds.

The Itchyworms are set to embark on their first US tour, dubbed “Akin Ka Na Lang, Amerika.”

The multi-city concert kicks off on March 24 in New York City, New York and will wrap up on April 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Here are the official dates and venues:

March 24 - New York (D'Haven),

March 25 - Fort Worth (Ridglea Theater)

March 26 - San Antonio (The Grand Event Center),

March 29 - Houston (Gerry's Grill),

March 31 - San Francisco (Bal Theater):

April 1 - Los Angeles (The Noypitz DTLA)

April 2 - San Diego (Lola Happy Bistro)

April 5 - Chicago (Michella Terrace)

April 7 - Las Vegas (Diversion Amusements)

For more information about the tour, visit the band’s official social media pages and revamped website: www.itchyworms.com

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Itchyworms’ “Panic In My Mind” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

DSLR Smartphone HONOR X8a now available nationwide at Php 10,990

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The latest addition to HONOR’s X Series with 100MP Ultra-Clear Camera, HONOR X8a, is officially available starting March 25, 2023 for only Php 10,990 through HONOR kiosks and partner stores nationwide, and online through Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

“Our newly-launched smartphone is now up for grabs for a very affordable price. We are always looking out for ways to give quality products to our HONOR fans, and we believe HONOR X8a, which boasts a 100MP triple rear camera system, is absolutely perfect for people who love taking high-quality photos on the go,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

HONOR X8a’s Top-notch Camera and Display Technology

DSLR-like shots from the smartphone were made possible by its 100MP Main Rear Camera, supported by both a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera. With HONOR X8a, users can capture high-definition images in vivid details and clarity. It also features a 16MP Front Camera, perfect for your captivating selfies.

The device’s HONOR Display Color Calibration technology, paired with its 6.7-inch FullView Display, allows for a better viewing experience on a large screen, with a screen-to-body ratio of 93.6%. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, HONOR X8a is also equipped with low blue light technology, ideal for people who spend long hours in front of their screens. It also has a 4500 mAh battery, and on a single charge, can deliver up to 13 hours of music streaming, or 16 hours of uninterrupted social media browsing.

Pricing and Availability

HONOR X8a, priced at Php 10,990, comes in three majestic colors: Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black. Buyers may now run to the nearest HONOR kiosks, or buy via our Partner Online Stores – Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines

FWD supports financial inclusion with comprehensive health protection portfolio

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FWD Life Insurance (“FWD”) supports financial inclusion to cover the underserved sector of society who are vulnerable to critical illnesses through its comprehensive yet affordable health and wellbeing portfolio, which includes Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance, BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance, and Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance. The portfolio covers costs of hospitalization, recovery from illness, and disease management, offering different premium tiers for customers from diverse financial situations.

“We continue to innovate our products so we can contribute in closing the protection gap, making everyone from all walks of life get the protection they need,” said FWD PH Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer Roche Vandenberghe. “With these health protection plans, we’re changing the way people feel about insurance by encouraging them to invest in their health because they can now afford it.”

Being diagnosed with critical illness can be the beginning of financial concern for patients and their families. Open heart surgery alone, for example, may cost at least Php300,000 in a public hospital, depending on the disease and its severity. Given the grave risks posed by common critical illnesses, FWD took a proactive approach to help people prioritize their health and wellbeing through insurance protection. Filipinos now have access to comprehensive health protection that covers all bases while empowering them to celebrate living.

The Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance offers up to six times the claims for major critical illness, three times maximum claims for cancer and non-cancer respectively. It covers the insured from wellness to recovery, including proper health screening and maintenance, coverage from critical illnesses, and a supplement benefit for treatment and recovery. It also offers maturity or death benefit and minor critical illness benefit, among others. The plan allows consumers to customize their policy as necessary with protection boosters.

The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is an easy-on-the-pocket, easy-to-buy, and easy-to-claim health plan that protects against the top three critical illnesses: stroke, heart attack, and early-to-late-stage cancer. It provides high protection at minimum cost, alleviating Filipinos’ health-related financial concerns. At an affordable premium, customers can buy up to a maximum of Php 2 million total aggregated health benefit amount. They may also take advantage of the reward of unlimited consultation with licensed physicians at Aventus Medical Inc. clinics nationwide. The BIG 3 Critical Illness Insurance is available via the FWD Online Shop at shop.fwd.com.ph.

The Set for Health Critical Illness Insurance, which covers 42 major critical illnesses and allows up to three times the claims for unrelated major critical illnesses. Dubbed as the zero-waste health plan, Set for Health guarantees that the insured gets a return from all premiums paid as it offers up to three times the claims for major critical illnesses, and 100% refund of the premiums paid if they never make a claim. Additionally, dependents get 100% of the benefit amount should the insured pass away before age 75. This plan is available via reaching out to a financial advisor or the FWD Online Shop, and it offers flexible payment options so customers can pay under their preferred terms.

Important financial decisions require help from professionals. Customers can talk to FWD’s financial advisors to seek expert advice on which plans they need, depending on their background and life plans. For more information about FWD Life Insurance’s health and wellbeing products, visit fwd.com.ph/health-and-wellbeing/.

About FWD Life Insurance

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Life Insurance) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2021, FWD Life Insurance ranks 3rd and 5th in terms of Paid-up Capital1 and Total Premium Income2, respectively in the Philippines.

FWD Group is a pan-Asian life insurance business with more than 10 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. FWD reached its 10-year anniversary in 2023. The company is focused on making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph.

1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Paid-Up Capital

2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > Life > 2021 > Based on Total Premium Income