“Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan,” song for a child with down syndrome

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Luis Harder and daughter Adeline Lois.

A family man raising his beloved daughter with down syndrome wrote and recorded a song that essentially captures the key themes in the community of families braving the same challenges.

The digital single “Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan,” was released last November and sung by Luis Harder, a musically inclined professional who is the current president of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI).

The song was released on digital stores in time for the 13th birthday of the singer's daughter Adeline Lois.

Harder shared, “I recall playing the guitar one time when all of sudden, a four-chord song came out of thin air. The composition was able to summarize my experiences as a parent and express the depth of the emotions I have for my daughter.”

The singing family man, who is also the CEO-President of Wings Technology Enterprise Inc., initially searched for someone else to sing his composition until the song's record producer and arranger Aubrey Alamani convinced him to interpret it himself.

The singing CEO-President of Wings Technology Enterprise Inc.

“Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan” has now taken the shape of an anthem for families raising children with special needs. It is deemed a relatable ballad that definitely strikes a chord with Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). Its Tagalog lyrics reach out to those who wholly understand the challenges of having a child with special needs.

The 64-year old Harder, who is also the cousin of actress Carmi Martin, used to go around as a bar-hopping folk singer in Metro Manila, as well as in cities like Baguio and Dagupan. He could sing, play the bass guitar, and write songs, poised to deliver when inspiration strikes.

The multi-faceted talent who likewise does creative photography noted, “Literally my world turned into mere black, white, and gray when we found out our daughter’s condition."

Harder acknowledges his wife Sannie's role in the raising of their daughter. He added, "God has opened new windows and doors and we started realizing something good is coming out of our situation. Pakiramdam kong merong kanta that needed to be written down.”

At some point he became a worship leader wherein his musicality was put to great use. He even won in a songwriting tilt with a piece he penned called “Isang Katauhan.”

On why he didn't push becoming a recording artist at an earlier age, he pointed out, “I really like playing music and singing. But I had to pursue other things in life like finishing studies, going to business, and raising a family.”

Down Syndrome Consciousness month

Harder, president of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), is an inspiring presence as singer-songwriter behind “Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan.”

The release of “Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan” now serves as a tuneful backdrop to the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month currently being observed in this month of February.

On Wednesday (February 21), a down syndrome awareness conference dubbed “Happy Talk (Usapang Down Syndrome)” will take place 9 am to 3 pm at the Meeting Room A & B in Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Luis Harder himself is scheduled to have a live studio interview at Radyo Pilipinas Manila 738 khz with Ven Blones on the program “Usap-usapan.”

Then come March 24, Happy Walk takes place at Halls 1 and 2, SMX Convention Center Manila.

Notably, DSAPI is being honored as the year's Apolinario Mabini Organization for Persons with Disabilities. DSAPI has for years carried out its mission to provide awareness of down syndrome and help families dealing with it live meaningful lives.

The 22nd DSAPI Gold CUP dubbed "Tee-Up for Down" was held at Tagaytay Midlands Golf and Country Club last February 2.

According to Harder, DSAPI has been taking the lead in this effort since 1992 through volunteers, mostly parents of persons with down syndrome. He related, "Several activities are lined-up. If you have a child, a friend or know someone who may have Down Syndrome, we invite you to get in touch with the DSAPI Office at +63-2 8895-9642 or through their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/downsyndromeassociationofthephilippinesinc."

The multifaceted talent and family man with Sannie and their kids.

The singing executive intends to continue producing music for noble causes. He related, “As president of DSAPI, I had talked with parents like me and Sannie who have a child with down syndrome. Alam ko ang sentiments nila at iisa lang ang pintig ng puso namin."

He added, "My song also goes to other children with down syndrome, and to other children with special needs, whether they belong to Filipino families or from different nationalities. If parents get to sing this song for their children, then the purpose is well-served.”

SB19’s Josh Cullen drops official remix of “Get Right,” featuring Filipino rapper Yuridope

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P-Pop star Josh Cullen joins forces with Filipino rapper Yuridope for the official remix of “Get Right.”

Instantly hitting it off with undeniable chemistry, the duo rocked the remix with an insatiable drive to flip the beat, get the verses turned up, and deliver a performance that is equally compelling as the original.

“I’ve been eyeing a remix for 'Get Right' with a local artist, and boom, Yuridope pops up,” the lead rapper and vocalist of SB19 reveals. “The dude is not just talented; he is genuine. And that verse of his? It was like he blinked and boom, and it was done. Literal na naglabada lang. (He literally washed it out).”

The remix treatment serves as a collaborative effort with multi-talented producer Cursebox, who brought a reinvigorating spin to the source material and helped Josh realize his vision. The result is an inter-genre tweak that pushes the envelope forward as far as production is concerned.

Josh recounts, “Cursebox deconstructed the beat, experimenting with sounds and rhythms to breathe new life into the track. Throughout the process, we provided feedback, ensuring the arrangement aligned with our vision. In the end, Cursebox's unique touch added depth to the song, elevating it to new heights while respecting its roots."

Serving as a gateway to bridge the gap between hip-hop enthusiasts and his captured market, the reimagining of “Get Right” provides an exciting opportunity to introduce new elements to the music while also inviting fans from different genres to experience Josh’s sound in a fresh light.

Josh adds, “This collaboration opens doors to new connections and possibilities, enriching our musical journey and expanding our reach. And with this remix, we're kicking off a larger journey, pioneering a unique sub-genre I'd like to call ‘hip-pop,’ which promises to bring even more innovation and excitement to the music scene.”

“Get Right” finds the SB19 rapper and vocalist embracing his music journey while navigating the challenges of making a dent in a highly competitive industry as a solo act. The original version was written and helmed by Josh Cullen himself, with collaborators Ocho the Bullet and UK-based indie icon No Rome assisting with the production.

Josh Cullen and Yuridope’s remix of “Get Right” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

HONOR X9b 5G Ultra Tough Challenge Shakes Up Guanzon Festival 2024 in Pangasinan!

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The HONOR X9b 5G craze continues in Calasiao, Pangasinan with the viral Smash Test!

Leading global smartphone provider, HONOR, shines a spotlight in Pangasinan for the viral HONOR X9b 5G Ultra Tough Challenge with the Smash Test being the consumer’s favorite in testing the durability of the all-angle ultra tough smartphone.

“We are truly touched by the warm patronage and unwavering support shown to us by the vibrant community of HONOR fans in Pangasinan and provide them with the opportunity to experience the remarkable durability of the HONOR X9b 5G through our viral smash test as it continously excel across both our offline and online platforms,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The HONOR celebration at Guanzon Festival 2024 held in Calasiao, Pangasinan is a resounding success packed with HONOR gifts and prizes. The All-Angle Ultra-Tough HONOR X9b 5G is still available at an affordable price of Php 16,999.

With the cutting-edge HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display at its core, the HONOR X9b 5G earns accreditation from SGS's Five Star Overall Drop Resistance. Its shock absorption capacity is bolstered by up to 1.2 times, ensuring unparalleled durability and stability, ideal for the demands of modern, on-the-go smartphone users.

Moreover, the HONOR X9b 5G boasts a triple camera system, comprising a 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera, a 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera. The 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera features a sizable 1/1.67-inch sensor and a wide f/1.75 aperture, enabling it to capture more light and deliver images with striking clarity. Additionally, the camera offers superior optical quality with 3X zoom and an exceptional motion capture engine, guaranteeing that the HONOR X9b 5G produces crisp snapshots with captivating detail.

Priced at Php 16,999, the HONOR X9b 5G is readily available on Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease) and HONOR Experience or Partner stores.

To know more about the complete features of HONOR X9b 5G, you may visit: https://bit.ly/HONORPH_X9b_Pressrelease and head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Cebuana Lhuillier Elevates Commitment to Empowering Filipinos Through Alternative Learning Program

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Jean Henri Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) reaffirm their dedication to enhancing the lives of Filipinos through their impactful initiatives. At the forefront of this commitment is the Alternative Learning Program (ALS), a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The company recognizes the imperative role of education in shaping competent and productive individuals. To achieve this, the Foundation has strategically positioned ALS Community Learning Centers (ALS-CLCs) across the country.

CLFI has successfully established 155 ALS-CLCs across 70 provinces and reached 60,000 learners, marking significant progress in its mission to address educational gaps and empower learners from various regions. But beyond these impressive figures, the ALS boasts a commendable 63.36% passing rate, a testament to its holistic approach and program offerings.

This success is fueled by the program’s comprehensive curriculum, coupled with the unwavering dedication of ALS educators, who receive full support from CLFI. The Foundation ensures that educators are equipped with the necessary resources and assistance to deliver quality education, further enhancing the impact of the program.

One of the ALS educators who exemplifies the positive impact of this support is Evie Madolid, an ALS Educator from Malabon. Madolid expressed deep gratitude for the invaluable assistance received from Cebuana Lhuillier, which fosters an environment where educators can inspire and guide learners effectively.

He said, “I’m very thankful to Cebuana Lhuillier for extending their help to the program, where they provided laptops, projectors, and other supplies that we can use to enhance the quality of our teaching."

“I feel so proud of my students and feel so fulfilled. They expressed their gratitude, saying that ALS has given them another chance to fulfill their dreams. Some of my students have reached out to me, sharing the good news of their achievements. I have a student who is now a police officer; some have become my co-teachers; others are now working abroad; and some have even started a small business. Finally, I can say that they really are successful,” he added.

This testament underscores Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment not only to the learners but also to the educators, who play a pivotal role in shaping the success stories emerging from the ALS program. By providing comprehensive support, Cebuana Lhuillier ensures that ALS educators can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their students, creating a ripple effect of positive change within communities.

“Education has always been deeply personal advocacy for me. I believe that it holds the key to unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities alike. To achieve this, it is essential to prioritize the empowerment of educators. They are the backbone of our education system, guiding and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we work tirelessly to ensure that they are equipped to deliver the highest standards of education,”said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier continues to be a beacon of hope, championing education and empowerment through its ALS program. By addressing the unique needs of out-of-school youth and adults, the company is making significant strides in shaping a brighter future for communities across the Philippines.

Feel the Love and Win Prizes by Joining MyOPPO App's Daily Raffle Draw this February

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OPPO spreads the love this February in a grand way by giving away amazing prizes and a chance to win up to Php2,400 worth of gifts in the daily raffle exclusively through the MyOPPO App until February 29.

Redeem load vouchers to stay connected no matter the distance

If you're in a long-distance relationship or simply want to reach out to friends and family, OPPO has got you covered. You have a chance to claim a Php100 load voucher daily from Globe or Smart to connect with your loved ones through calls, texts, or even data. Plus, you can also share this voucher with your special someone.

Claim shopping vouchers to practice self-care or show thoughtfulness for others

Treat your family and significant other to a shopping spree at AKIMBO or CUL-DE-SAC with Php1,500 worth of vouchers. Whether it's a new outfit, a piece of jewelry, or something for the home, these vouchers will surely make their day. But that's not all! You can also use the Php100 mobile pass from Sodexo to buy a special gift they'll love. With these vouchers, you can make this Love Month unforgettable for your loved ones.

 

Seek dining rewards for dates with your special someone

After a day of shopping, it's time to relax and enjoy a delicious meal together. Use the Php100 digital voucher to savor the delectable dishes at Tim Ho Wan, known for their mouthwatering dim sum and other Chinese delicacies such as their famous pork buns, dimsum, and more.

 

Enjoy the company of loved ones while binge-watching movies and series

Score a 6-month subscription to VIU and spend quality time together to binge-watch your favorite Asian movies, TV shows, anime, and variety shows. Whether you're into thrilling dramas, romantic comedies, or action-packed series, VIU has something for everyone.

 

All MyOPPO App users are eligible to participate in the daily raffle. Simply access the promotion page by tapping on the homepage banner or pop-up in the My OPPO App. Once you're in, you'll have three chances each day to play and win these amazing prizes.

 

Whether you're looking to win big or simply have some fun, don't miss out on your chance to enjoy this love season!

 

Find out more perks and information about the MyOPPO App raffle promo in the MyOPPO App. Also visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.