Keiko Necesario opens up about overcoming challenges in married life on “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari”

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Filipino indie singer-songwriter Keiko Necesario finds renewed strength in love and spirituality amidst unjust social conditions on her new single “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari,” out on all digital streaming platforms worldwide this Friday, May 31, 2024.

The irresistible pop-rock confessional shows Keiko’s resilience and vulnerability in disarmingly bold ways as she chronicles her story of overcoming a challenging season in her married life—thanks to God and her husband, who never left her side during a tumultuous ordeal.

According to Keiko, she penned the track at a time when she and her partner struggled to make ends meet while reflecting on what truly matters for her and between them.

“Last year, it came to a point when we only had 700 pesos in our bank account, and we had to figure out what to do because there were bills to pay and other things to think about,” shares the multi-talented solo artist. “During that difficult time, we chose to have faith because we knew and believed that seasons come and go. God was, and is our provider, so because of that whole experience, I got to write and finish the song.”

Keiko Necessario wrote and co-produced the song, with her bassist Charles Bautista assisting with the overall production. Capturing a pivotal change in both her sound and sonic perspective, Keiko delivers a sterling earworm that isn’t afraid to share a piece of her with the public, no matter how imperfect and devoid it is of rosy disposition. This time around, she wants to celebrate her newfound courage through a track that sees optimism and joy even in the darkest of situations.

With its pulsating guitar riffs, melodic arrangements, and charismatic songwriting, “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari” brings music fans to the glory days of late ‘90s and early 2000s OPM alternative rock where female-fronted bands ruled the airwaves. Made more exciting with her newfound chops and contemporary acoustic leanings, Keiko turns nostalgic pieces into fodder for inspiration and finds new ways to make them her own.

The indie folk/pop recording artist reveals, “The process was just so much fun because I honestly love spending time in the studio and getting lost in choosing the right elements for a new song. Working with Charles as a co-producer is a refreshing kind of experience because he’s so excellent, and what I love about working with him is that he’s always present and focused. I already told him this and even mentioned it to my husband: that I appreciate Charles’ work ethic because, as busy as he is with other musicians and other things in his life, when you work with him, it’s as if he’s not doing anything else.”

Keiko will be launching her new song live at the Brewing Point Music Lounge in Fisher Parkway, Quezon City on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 7:00pm onwards. Tickets are available here. The event will include performances by Keiko Necesario, and special guests: Barbie Almalbis, Janine Tenoso, Clara Benin, and Cheenee Gonzalez.

“Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari” is out now on all DSPs.

Student from Nueva Vizcaya wins vivo's Unrivaled Nightography Challenge

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It’s been an exciting journey for all photography enthusiasts! The vivo Nightography Challenge garnered significant attention from photophiles across the Philippines.

Through vivo’s Nightography Challenge online, numerous serene and lively snapshots were captured using vivo smartphones.

Looking back on the entries, it was a close competition with many photos under the hashtag #vivoUnrivaledNightography, making the challenge memorable with stunning portraits and landscapes worthy of recognition.

The winning entry of #vivoUnrivaledNightography was shot on vivo V27

On May 23rd, vivo announced the well-deserving winner of the Nightography Challenge: Brix Leonard Ivan M. Bernardino from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. He will bring home the vivo V30 Pro 5G, co-engineered with ZEISS.

Brix is a Medical Laboratory Science college student whose passion for photography began at a young age. He finds joy in taking photos with his phone. He enjoys being creative with his shots and keeps pictures as cherished mementos.

You can check some of his photographs using vivo V27 below:

Brix's journey from #vivoUnrivaledChallenge leading to triumph

In an exclusive interview with vivo, Brix shared that he joined the #vivoUnrivaledChallenge to showcase entries he captured using his vivo V27 smartphone, which he has been using since June 2023.

The 21-year-old was motivated to join the Nightography Challenge because he aspired to win the vivo V30 Pro and was confident in the impressive photo quality of his vivo V27.

When asked about his favorite feature of the vivo V27, he highlighted the 50MP main camera with a Sony IMX766V sensor, which allowed him to take better photographs without the need for editing. He credited his vivo device for enhancing his mobile photography skills.

Regarding his thoughts on winning the contest, Brix expressed, “I was thrilled and excited about winning the challenge because I wasn't expecting to be chosen. I still can't believe I won. It kept me awake the whole night. But I am so grateful and happy.”

According to Brix, he is looking forward to holding his vivo V30 Pro 5G to try its ZEISS Triple Main Camera and take portraits. He also shared that he will still continue to take photos and post them online.

Before concluding the interview, the Nightography winner shared that he's hoping for vivo to continue to push the limits of mobile photography by exploring different lighting, angles, and creative techniques.

He is also encouraging vivo users to inspire more people to view the world through their eyes using their smartphones.

Congratulations to Brix Leonard Ivan M. Bernardino and all participants for making the vivo Nightography Challenge a success!

Make sure to follow vivo's official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X pages to not miss out on their next campaigns and be the next one to bring home a brand new vivo smartphone.

Don't forget to visit vivo's official website to be updated with their latest smartphone releases.

Pru Life UK clinches five Asia-Pacific Stevie ® Awards

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The company remains at the forefront of the industry,

setting new benchmarks for social responsibility and corporate citizenship

Leading life insurance company Pru Life UK has been awarded five accolades at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards, for its outstanding contributions to making a sustainable impact on the lives of many Filipino families.

In photo: [L-R] Francis Macatulad, Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) Executive Director; Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK VP for Government Relations and Sustainability; Cecille Fontanilla, VP for Corporate Affairs; Lalaine Almazan, Asst. Manager for Corporate Communications; and Hannah Aman, Asst. Manager for Community Investments and Sustainability Partnerships

The Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards is an esteemed business awards program, known for acknowledging excellence in organizations across the Asia-Pacific region. Among those recently awarded is Pru Life UK, underscoring the company's dedication to championing financial literacy and sustainability efforts.

Pru Life UK was bestowed two awards for its PRUBabies campaign with a Silver Stevie® for “Community Relations and Public Service Communications” and a Bronze for “Diversity & Inclusion”. PRUBabies seeks to protect 175,000 newborns against the cost of getting selected infectious diseases, such as Dengue, Typhoid, Measles, and Malaria. By offering free PRUMedCare coverage, cash assistance is provided upon diagnosis and death related to selected infectious diseases, demonstrating Pru Life UK's commitment to nurturing healthier futures.

The company also received a Bronze Stevie® for Events for PRURide Philippines 2023, which emerged as the largest cycling festival in the Philippines, bringing together over 5,000 cyclists and families to share in the joy of cycling.

Commenting on these accolades, Sanjay Chakrabarty, President and CEO of Pru Life UK shares, “These recognitions are a solid illustration of our steadfast commitment to being the trusted partner and protector of Filipino families. We dedicate this success to the communities we serve, for fueling our relentless pursuit to champion financial literacy and sustainability. Such awards reaffirm our goal of making a positive impact on our society, driving meaningful change, and empowering Filipino communities to prepare for their future."

Pru Life UK also received a commendation for its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, winning a Bronze Stevie® for Project Padayon and a Silver Stevie® for the Cha-Ching program.

Project Padayon, in partnership with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), uplifts the lives of Bantayan Island residents through community-based training programs. Funded by the Prudence Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery Grant, the initiative empowers communities through workshops on Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) empowerment, family health, disaster risk preparedness, and climate change resilience. Meanwhile, Cha-Ching, a financial literacy education program created by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc in Asia and Africa, impacts millions of children by teaching them sound financial habits and responsibility, shaping a financially literate generation.

Pru Life UK remains steadfast in its mission to be the most trusted partner for every life and protector for every future of Filipino families.

EastWest Encourages Pet Owners to "Save and Pawtect" This Summer

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As summer temperatures rise, many ‘pawrents’ are opting to stay indoors to keep cool, ensuring both their comfort and the safety of their pets. However, it’s important to remember that pets still need regular exercise and mental stimulation for their overall well-being. Therefore, while minimizing time outside during the hottest parts of the day is wise, planning short, safe outings in the cooler morning or evening hours is essential.

To better equip its customers with the goal of nurturing and protecting their beloved fur babies, EastWest Bank highlights its Save and Pawtect program. It’s a unique, first-of-its-kind offering perfect for pet lovers, providing comprehensive pet insurance when they open an EastWest Savings Account with a minimum balance of Php 100,000.

"Save and Pawtect" is designed to offer peace of mind to pet owners. With rising medical costs, the financial burden of veterinary care can be overwhelming. EastWest Bank’s program addresses these concerns by covering various emergencies, offering up to Php 50,000 in medical reimbursement for pets, including coverage for unfortunate events like death and burial. Eligible pets include dogs and cats aged between 5 months and 10 years, ensuring that beloved companions are covered when it matters most.

For the account holders, EastWest has considered their needs too. The insurance includes Owner’s Liability, Personal Accident, and Total Permanent Disability coverage, with benefits amounting to up to Php 50,000. Additional support, such as Accidental Medical Reimbursement and Burial Benefit in case of death due to an accident, is also included.

"Ensuring the health and safety of our beloved pets is not just a responsibility but a way of reciprocating the joy and love they bring into our lives. With 'Save and Pawtect,' we are excited to offer a financial product that honors this commitment by integrating significant pet care benefits with our trusted banking services. We believe that caring for your pet's future should be as straightforward and secure as managing your finances," said Ms. Ivy B. Uy, EVP and Head of Branch Banking Group, EastWest Bank.

This summer, let EastWest help you protect what matters most—your financial stability and your cherished pet. Visit any EastWest Store to learn more about how you can simultaneously protect your finances and care for your pet. For more details, visit EastWest’s website at www.eastwestbanker.com/deposits/savings and scroll down to the SAVE & PAWTECT section!

#EastWestSavingsAccount #EWSaveandPawtect

TeamAsia celebrates 32nd anniversary, announces new leadership

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Award-winning strategic integrated marketing agency TeamAsia has named Bea Lim its new president and chief executive officer as the company celebrated its 32nd anniversary.

Bea Lim, TeamAsia president & CEO, and Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, founder & chairperson

Lim is taking over the post of her mother and the agency’s founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin who will now sit as chairperson of TeamAsia. The announcement was made during the company’s first in-person town hall meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This transition fills me with immense pride as I am confident my daughter Bea will lead TeamAsia with the same vision and values that Michael Alan Hamlin and I instilled from the beginning,” said Iturralde-Hamlin.

Lim has been the agency’s managing director since 2013, leading overall operations, driving TeamAsia’s world-class Integrated Marketing Experience practice, and spearheading its biggest campaigns in tech, telecommunications, IT-BPM, and development aid.

She will continue driving TeamAsia’s vision and mission forward, embodying its purpose deeply rooted in nation-building with her expertise in integrated communications, management, and business development.

“We are confident that the new leadership will ensure the next 32 years and more of making things happen so that people, brands, communities, industries, and the nation succeed,” said Iturralde-Hamlin. “Driving innovation, leading to inspire, and staying resilient will remain the core of TeamAsia.”

Other key promotions and changes in the organizational structure were also announced during the town hall meeting.

Jeff Enriquez and Malou Martinez

TeamAsia’s IT & Tech Capabilities director Jeff Enriquez was promoted to Vice President of Operations while the agency’s Finance director Malou Martinez was named Vice President of Finance.

Enriquez has worked in TeamAsia since 2004, starting as a web developer before getting named Web Development director in 2009, took on the additional role of IT director in 2011 to become IT & Web director, and eventually IT & Tech Capabilities director after the merging of Digital, Creatives, and Web departments in 2021. Leveraging his 20 years of experience and passion for operational excellence, Enriquez will further strengthen TeamAsia’s infrastructure, ensuring seamless delivery and project execution.

Martinez, on the other hand, was a CPA board exam passer in 1978 and has been with TeamAsia since 2021 after several stints as finance director and chief financial officer in various US and Canada-based companies in the healthcare and auditing industries.

The management committee of TeamAsia (L-R back row): Pam Jocson, Jeff Enriquez, James Chiong, Joyce Alonzo, Lynda Consigo, (L-R front row) Malou Martinez, Shu Manalo, Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, Bea Lim, and Bev Aguilar

Amid the changes, the management committee reiterated its dedication to the agency’s goals of providing meaningful experiences, taking brands to the next level, and driving its various lines of business, Creatives, Digital, Events, and Public Relations, to flourish. The new leadership also pledged to continue fostering collaboration and paving pathways to growth.

“These changes signify our commitment to excellence in integrated marketing experiences and creating and sustaining visibility for our partners. Most importantly, it serves as a testament to our dedication to cultivating the next generation of communication experts and honing a creative, safe, and inclusive workplace,” said Lim.

TeamAsia is a key partner for the PR efforts of the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, the enabling body of the industry, and mounted its International Innovation Summit in 2022. The agency also handles the digital and PR initiatives of Bounty, a large-scale industrial agriculture corporation, and Pointwest, a wholly Filipino-owned IT-BPM company; the digital campaign of Himel, a global manufacturer of electrical products; and organized the most recent AI Summit in the Philippines.