Sony Music Entertainment Philippines and Off The Record Team Up to Elevate Filipino Music on the Global Stage

Tweet

Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Philippines and Off The Record, a Manila-based indie record label known for nurturing Filipino artists, have announced a new product and distribution partnership to further develop and promote Filipino music.

From Left to Right: Francis Dayao, General Manager, Off The Record; Ricky Ilacad, CEO and Founder, Off The Record; Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Philippines, Sony Music Entertainment; Maan Atienza, Deputy General Manager, Philippines, Sony Music Entertainment.

Under the partnership, SME Philippines will distribute Off The Record’s music catalogue globally and work together to build strategies in marketing, media promotion, artist development, brand partnership, and synchronization.

An industry veteran who has launched the careers of the biggest alternative, pop, and crossover artists of the last two decades, Ricky Ilacad founded Off The Record with the intention to harness his market-tested expertise to develop Filipino homegrown talents and accelerate their chances of success in the continuously evolving but globally inclusive music scene.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Off The Record," said Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Philippines, Sony Music Entertainment. "Ricky Ilacad has a proven track record of success in the music industry, and we share his passion for developing exceptional Filipino talent. Together, we will create unparalleled opportunities for artists and reshape the music industry."

The partnership comes at an exciting time for both SME Philippines and Off The Record. Off The Record has recently enjoyed success with releases from newcomer Ica Frias (“Oh Honey”) and breakthrough band Paham (“Ganid”). Autotelic’s Josh Villena also brought his A game to the label’s growing roster of eclectic acts with the release of “Hello” via his music alter-ego totâ. SME Philippines continues to be a leading force in the Philippine music industry, with a roster of top artists, including Ben&Ben, SB19, and O SIDE MAFIA.

Ricky Ilacad, CEO of Off The Record, said: "I've always believed that Filipino music has the potential to take the world by storm. With SME Philippines as our partner, we will be able to provide our artists with the resources and support they need to achieve international success. We are excited to embark on this journey together and help Filipino music reach new heights. This time, we’re going global without leaving home.”

Together, SME Philippines and Off The Record are poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene. The partnership is a testament to the growing popularity of Filipino music and the commitment of both companies to nurturing and promoting Filipino talent.

New releases in February 2024:

YMP Cash – “Life” :: February 2, 2024

Here+Now – “Still Alive” :: February 2, 2024

Lee Noynoy – “Sasaluhin Kita (Acoustic)” :: February 16, 2024

------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------

About Off The Record

In the midst of the pandemic, CEO and Founder Ricky Ilacad, decided to put up Off The Record— his own hybrid Indie Label. Ricky wanted to use all his vast corporate music experience to bring creative energy and bring together a new roster of creative people and music artists. A label that would be “Music first and everything second” was what Ricky Ilacad had envisioned Off The Record to be.

Officially launched in January 2021, Off The Record became an alternative entertainment choice for bold, resonant Pinoy talent across every boundary. Ricky, along with his core management team, General Manager Francis Dayao, Digital Manager Basia Joaquin, and Marketing Manager Kim Escalona, together lead Off The Record’s catch-all and guiding mantra which is “Hits Different.” Ricky’s vision and approach are serving the label well as they work together around roadblocks and hiccups along the way. Together like a Family, they strive to make music that hits differently and be heard above the noise. Off The Record is working hard towards its goal to be a force in the local and international scene.

Philippines triumphs at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, secures over PHP 400 million in sales leads

Tweet

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 concluded on a high note for the Philippines, yielding over 400 million Philippine pesos in negotiated sales leads during its three-day business-to-business sessions from January 24 to 26, 2024 in Vientiane, Laos.

The Philippine delegation, led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, was represented by 15 local exhibitors from the airline industry, hotels and resorts, tour operators/ destination management companies, and convention center to network and engage with 79 international buyers.

The Philippine delegation at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024

“The impressive turnout of the Philippine delegation at the business-to-business sessions exceeded our expectations and reflects the strong interest in the Philippines’ diverse tourism offerings. The fruitful interactions between our local stakeholders and international buyers have strengthened existing partnerships and paved the way for new collaborations. We look forward to bearing its remarkable fruits this year,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The Philippine pavilion showcased the country’s award-winning destinations including Intramuros, Palawan, and Cebu alongside a captivating display of the T’boli people’s rich cultural heritage through traditional patterns from the t’nalak weave. Booth visitors also enjoyed a cup of Antipolo, Rizal’s famed Kaulayaw Coffee.

TPB and DOT also hosted a special function at the Grand Ballroom of Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel to introduce Philippine cuisine and culture to the global stage, and to announce the country's hosting of the 36th Joint Meeting of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific & the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia (36th CAP-CSA) and 1st UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu in June.

Philippine-hosted late-night function

The event brought together delegates from different National Tourism Organizations, Philippine tourism stakeholders, international buyers, and media for a taste of curated flavors of Filipino cuisine by Chef Don Baldosano of Linamnam restaurant and to enjoy a variety of cultural performances by homegrown talents.

Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc., the Philippines’ oldest distillery, proudly sponsored the late-night function, delighting attendees with a selection of signature beverages such as Paradise Mango Rum, Manille Liqueur De Dalandan, Manille Liqueur De Calamansi, Intramuros Liqueur De Cacao, and Amadeo Coffee Liqueur.

Meanwhile, the Philippines earned distinction at the ASEAN Tourism Awards, a prestigious recognition program that honors excellence in tourism businesses and destinations within the ASEAN region.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco acknowledged the winners during the Philippine-hosted function, noting that they have championed not just the Department’s set of standards for the local tourism industry but the whole region as well, “I extend my congratulations to all the winners of the ASEAN Tourism Awards, and I extend, especially my heartfelt congratulations, to my fellow Filipinos—our Filipino tourism establishments—who managed to clinch these most prestigious awards this evening. Truly, you are the pride of the Philippines.”

Palawan-based property Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort was named lead partner for “Enchanting Gastronomical Sabang Delights, Beach Forest and Caves" under the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards.

Awardees for ASEAN Clean Tourist City include the cities of Baguio in Benguet, Ilagan in Isabela, and Tabuk in Kalinga.

Prime properties Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Club Paradise Palawan, Bohol Beach Club, Seda Nuvali, and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay were recognized as among the best in the ASEAN Green Hotel Award.

The ASEAN Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) Venue Awards also recognized 15 Philippine venues for their high-quality facilities and outstanding performance. The awards were divided into three categories: meeting room, exhibition hall venue, and event venue category.

Bai Hotel Cebu, Clark Marriott Hotel, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa, and Seda Hotel Nuvali won the ASEAN MICE Venue Award for the meeting room category.

World Trade Center Metro Manila (Manila Exposition Complex), SMX Convention Center Manila, Cordillera Convention Hall by Baguio Country Club, Isabela Convention Center (ICON), and Iloilo Convention Center bagged the ASEAN MICE Venue Award for the exhibition hall category.

Rounding up the list of awardees for the ASEAN Mice Venue Award for the event venue category were Palacio del Sur by Marcian Group, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu, Infinity Garden by Baguio Country Club, CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, and Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa by Modern Asia, Inc.

The TPB and DOT are poised to leverage the momentum gained from this event to elevate the Philippines’ position as a premier tourist destination in the ASEAN region.

Celebrate the Month of Love at Century Park Hotel!

Tweet

Fresh from its thrilling Chinese New Year offers, Century Park Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Manila, is proud to announce its romantic Valentine’s Day treats.

A Love-filled Meal for You and Your Loved Ones

The first 50 V-Day celebrants on February 13 (Dinner) and 14 (Lunch and Dinner) can avail of a 30% discount on Café in the Park’s buffet price and enjoy sumptuous international cuisine together with a glass of red or white wine.

Meanwhile, those in the mood for mouthwatering Japanese delights can also enjoy the equally popular buffet at Century Tsukiji at 30% off for the first 50 diners on February 13 (Dinner) and 14 (Lunch and Dinner).

A Romantic Getaway

A staycation at your home away from home is the perfect way to cap off your romantic meal. Make it an memorable Valentine’s Day at Century Park Hotel! Starting at P5,500 net, enjoy a relaxing time at the hotel’s Superior, Deluxe, or Park Tower Suites. The room package comes with a bottle of wine and a stuffed toy. Stay dates for the room package are applicable on February 13-15, 2024.

The World's Thinnest Foldable Phone HONOR Magic V2 arrives in PH, unfolding on February 21!

Tweet

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially confirmed the arrival of the much-awaited HONOR Magic V2 in the Philippines on February 21. 

As HONOR’s latest premium foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V2 boasts a high-quality and highly capable foldable form factor, stunning display, all-day battery life, and flagship performance. This combination delivers a user experience that is truly unparalleled.

Catch the arrival of the world’s thinnest foldable phone in PH live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/HONORMagicV2Launch_PR

"Engineered to spur mainstream adoption, the HONOR Magic V2 is the thinnest and lightest book-style foldable smartphone to date, redefining industry benchmarks with significant improvements across form factor, battery, display and user experience aspects,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

With the HONOR Magic V2, HONOR pushes the boundaries of innovation for foldable devices. Weighing only 231g and measuring 9.9mm in thickness when folded, the HONOR Magic V2 features an ultra-slim and lightweight design to usher the thickness of foldable phone below 1 cm for the very first time. The goal is to offer a comprehensive solution that satisfies consumers’ desires for flagship performance.

The HONOR Magic V2’s superior lightweight design and premium build quality are enabled by the use of breakthrough materials like the titanium alloy in our innovative hinge and second-generation nanocrystal glass. The hinge can be endured over 400,000 folds, while the nanocrystal glass offers 10 times greater drop resistance compared to typical glass. Powering the immersive display is a 5000mAh dual-cell silicon-carbon battery, providing all-day battery life and rapid charging via the included 66W supercharger.

In addition, the HONOR Magic V2's display experience is outstandingly enhanced, with a 120Hz high refresh rate on the inner and external displays, and the industry's highest 3840 PWM Dimming technology used for the first time on a foldable display, allowing for excellent browsing and entertaining experience while also taking into account eye protection.

Catch the launch live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/HONORMagicV2Launch_PR at exactly 6PM and don’t forget to tune in on HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for more exciting announcements!

To check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

Abbott’s Growth Watch Empowers Parents to Beat Childhood Stunting

Tweet

Global statistics show childhood malnutrition is still a persistent health burden, including in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health, 1 in 4 children aged five and below are short for their age or stunted.  Abbott is increasing awareness and working together with mom celebrities and communities to tackle stunting among children in the Philippines.

Abbott’s Growth Watch initiative shines a light on childhood stunting, a form of malnutrition. It aims to empower parents to screen for and recognize stunting in their children so that they can improve their children’s nutrition, if needed.

Stunting can challenge a child’s development, impact their overall health and limit their future potential. Children affected by stunting can be at risk of significant immune deficiencies, compromised cognitive function, behavioral problems, diminished bone health, and decreased muscle mass. The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028 identified poor feeding practices and low nutrition literacy among the causes of malnutrition in the country. Additionally, 2 in 3 Filipino moms don’t recognize stunting as an important child development issue.

Dr. Jose Dimaano Jr.

“There is a clear need to educate parents on the prevalence and impact of childhood stunting on growth and development,” explains Dr. Jose Dimaano Jr., nutrition medical affairs director for Abbott in Pacific Asia. “Early identification of growth issues and quick intervention for children found to be at risk of nutrition deficiency can have a profound impact on the fight against stunting. This is why Abbott is taking a multidisciplinary approach in supporting parents by working with communities and healthcare practitioners to provide tools and information to spot the signs of malnutrition and take action.”

In collaborating with celebrity moms Chesca Kramer, Nadine Samonte, Divine Lee, Nina Corpuz, influencers and online mom communities, Abbott intends to increase awareness of stunting and support parents with tools and educational resources that can help children reach their full growth potential.

”Since its inception in 2021, Growth Watch has educated and reached more than 161,000 families, and the goal is to double the reach by the end of next year,” said Angelico Escobar, general manager of Abbott’s nutrition business in the Philippines. ”Abbott is driven by our mission to help children have a healthy start and reach their optimal growth. We know that malnutrition is complex and affects children’s growth across all socioeconomic classes. The work of Growth Watch is one of Abbott’s efforts to fight global malnutrition and to help children achieve their growth potential through measurement and proper nutrition.”

In 2021, Abbott launched the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions, an initiative to reduce malnutrition. The center, a collaboration between Abbott and external experts and partners, is focused on the identification, treatment and prevention of malnutrition for the most vulnerable populations in the world including children, aging adults and under-resourced populations. The Growth Watch initiative also contributes toward Abbott’s 2030 Sustainability Plan goal to transform care for malnutrition, chronic and infectious diseases.

As part of the Growth Watch initiative, parents and guardians are invited to join mom communities to establish the habit of measuring their children’s height, and provide proper nutrition to safeguard the growth, well-being and development of children across the country. Tools and resources available include:

● PediaSure Plus Growth Calculator

● PediaSure Plus Height Chart

● Free growth assessment and nutrition counseling

Nutrition plays a crucial role in addressing malnutrition and stunting challenges. Addressing undernutrition early can help mitigate growth issues and ensure children reach their full developmental capacity. For children who do not get enough nutrients through food alone, nutrition supplements, such as PediaSure Plus, can help fill some of the gaps. The oral nutritional supplement, recommended by doctors, is formulated with 37 key growth nutrients including natural vitamin K2 and arginine to support 1.5 times faster growth in 8 weeks and strong bones.

For more information on the growth tools and resources, visit https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/pediasure/tools-and-resources.html.

For free growth assessment and nutrition counseling, register online or by calling Abbott’s

Careline – Metro Manila: (02) 8995-1555 and PLDT toll free hotline: 1-800-10-995-1555.