BINI Gears Up for 1st Leg of ‘BINIverse World Tour’; Shuttle Service to Philippine Arena Available

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All roads lead to the Philippine Arena on February 15 (Saturday) as the nation’s girl group BINI holds the maiden leg of the momentous “BINIverse World Tour 2025.” BLOOMs can avail of roundtrip shuttle service to join and celebrate BINI’s latest milestone.

Shuttle service to and from the concert venue is available via tridemtickets.com with main pick-up points at Solaire ASEAN Open Parking, One Ayala Terminal Makati, UPark Megamall, Baliwag Bus Terminal Cubao, and SM City North Edsa.

The eight-member Filipino act has started rehearsals for the “BINIverse World Tour: Philippines,” which is expected to deliver fresh and thrilling numbers, including a must-see performance of their new international single, “Blink Twice.”

The song will be available on digital streaming platforms beginning Feb. 13 (Thursday) or two days before the most awaited show.

VIP and lower box A premium tickets to the concert are sold out but other lower box, upper box, and gen ad tickets are still up for grabs via pulptickets.com and ticketnet.com.ph.

After the Philippine leg, “BINIverse World Tour” will go to Singapore, Dubai, London, and the United States.

Be part of the “BINIverse World Tour: Philippines” on February 15, 5pm at the Philippine Arena, and watch out for the music drop of “Blink Twice” on Feb. 13.

DOT, DSWD formalize partnership to aid disaster-affected tourism front liners

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Tourism workers affected by natural calamities, disasters, and emergencies can now avail of financial and training assistance from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

This, after Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian formally sealed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program on Thursday (Jan. 23). Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Diana Rose Cajipe were also present and served as witnesses.

This means that qualified tourism frontliners may now avail of the DSWD’s existing cash assistance programs, including the Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) and Cash for Work, while simultaneously receiving the DOT interventions on alternative livelihood training programs like basic hilot; candle making; beads and artwork training; basic bread and pastry making; detergent making; fun farm tour product development; tourism awareness and tourist reception seminar; community-based kulinarya; and the Filipino brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), if their usual sources of livelihood have been disrupted by calamities and emergencies, including those affected by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental.

The partnership seeks potential program participants who can be disaster-qualified tourism workers listed under the Listahanan 3; other qualified household beneficiaries under a standardized/unified targeting system used by the DSWD; other criteria prescribed in other disaster risk reduction guidelines that will be promulgated in the future; resident workers in tourism destinations or attractions; members of a community-based tourism organization or beneficiaries jointly approved by the DSWD and DOT; or may be affected by calamities or emergencies that disrupted their livelihood as tourism service providers.

“I'm so grateful to Secretary Rex Gatchalian and to the entire team of the DSWD for the culmination of months of coordination that will benefit thousands of tourism workers across the country,” Secretary Frasco said in her speech during the signing ceremony held in Pasay City.

“Tourism is such a reliable source of livelihood and a reliable pillar of our economy that notwithstanding climate-related disasters, it can continue to provide a source of employment and income. And what the partnership with the DSWD will do is that it will capacitate the DOT as well to come in and to provide the assistance that's necessary for them to go on with their lives and continue to have sources of livelihood,” she emphasized, noting that the partnership is just the beginning of more collaborations with the DSWD.

“Through this partnership, we can also see where national government funding goes– that there is a concrete demonstration of the result of the government interventions given to our tourism workers. In the DOT, we are committed to continuing to uplift the lives of Filipino tourism workers all over the country and to capacitate them with skills that will ensure that tourism continues to be a positive force in their lives and the transformation of the quality of lives of their families,” she added.

For his part, Secretary Gatchalian said that this partnership ensures “that the marginalized, those affected by natural calamities, or those with a greater poverty issue,”, are directly impacted by the financial capacities of the DSWD: “I would like to express our gratitude to the Department of Tourism for this groundbreaking partnership that will help our dedicated workers in the tourism industry. The tourism sector is undeniably a cornerstone of our economy. The tireless efforts of our tourism workers have played a crucial role in showcasing the beauty of the Philippines. However, because of the recent disasters that hit the country due to national calamity and natural and manmade hazards that were further aggravated by the effects of climate change, it is unfortunate to witness the devastating impacts of calamities in our poor communities. Part of these communities that are directly affected whenever we have disasters are the workers in the tourism center since their families, homes, and properties are not the only ones that are affected, but also their way of life.”

“We are very excited that this partnership is a synergy of your vision with our mandate and making sure that we efficiently use government resources to reach as many communities to help as to many distinct communities there are in the country. In response, the DSWD is proud to partner with the DOT to implement the Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo” or the BBMT,” he added.

Last May 27, 2024, both Secretaries attended the pilot run of the BBMT to give financial and training assistance to the victims of widespread flooding in several areas of the Davao Region and Agusan Del Sur in the Caraga region in early February 2024. The ceremony was held in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Global Alliance and WHO QualityRights Initiative collaborate to address mental health crisis in public relations

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The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (Global Alliance) today announced a new collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s QualityRights initiative, strengthening the Global Alliance’s 2025 commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing within the public relations and communications industry.

The announcement comes as January’s Health & Wellbeing Month draws to a close. To mark the occasion, Global Alliance will host a free global webinar on the 30^th of January, which is open to all public relations and communication professionals. The event will coincide with the release of the Global Alliance’s How We Are Working Mental Health and Wellbeing Snapshot Report (Snapshot Report). This report highlights the critical challenges faced by PR professionals and the need for systemic change.

“Public Relations professionals are now facing unprecedented challenges,” said Professor Justin Green, Global Alliance President and CEO. “Our Snapshot Report confirms this, and we must act now to ensure mental health is recognized and addressed across the industry. Our collaboration with WHO QualityRights is a major step forward. In 2025, the Global Alliance is committed to setting a global benchmark and supporting our members to advance this critical commitment.”

Ana Pista, founder and CEO of Ardent Communications (ArdentComm) and a newly appointed director at Global Alliance, agreed, saying, “The pressure on Filipino PR professionals is truly immense. In fact, a 2023 report by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) noted that the ‘rising epidemic of mental health crisis' in the country is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address mental health within all sectors, including public relations.”

Key findings from the Snapshot Report

The Snapshot Report provides a concerning glimpse into the mental health struggles of public relations professionals, though it does not yet represent a comprehensive global picture.

Key findings include:

• 78% of Public Relations professionals report high stress.
• 46% of Public Relations professionals note worsening mental health in the past year.
• 64% say their organizations lack adequate mental health support.
• Only 32% feel comfortable discussing mental health at work.
• More than 50% cite unrealistic deadlines, client demands, and poor work-life balance as key stressors.

Jennifer Muir, Chair of Health & Wellbeing Month and a Global Alliance Board Member, reflected on this data and stressed the need for action, stating, “We can’t afford to treat mental health as an afterthought or a personal burden; it must be a collective priority. The limited data we have tells us a compelling story. Too many PR professionals are experiencing burnout, stress, and receiving inadequate workplace support.”

“We need more than just awareness — we need tangible action,” said Muir. “That means breaking down the stigma, integrating real support systems into the fabric of our industry, and ensuring that mental health resources are accessible to every professional, everywhere.”

Taking action: A global collaboration for mental wellbeing

The increasing demands of the public relations industry, coupled with workplace practices and cultural challenges, are placing a significant strain on mental health.

This collaboration aims to address these issues by:

• Establishing a Global Benchmark: The Global Alliance is committed to developing a standardized approach to measuring and reporting mental health in public relations.
• Accessible Resources: Through the WHO QualityRights initiative, Public Relations and Communication professionals will have access to:
• WHO QualityRights self-guided e-training in 11 languages, focusing on a human rights perspective.
• Global Alliance-led guidance on workplace mental health policies and leadership-driven cultural change.
• A framework for embedding mental health as an industry priority.

“Through this global collaboration, we are moving beyond conversation and taking the necessary steps to create lasting change,” Muir further emphasized.

Global webinar on mental health

The Health & Wellbeing Month global webinar on January 30th will:

• Launch the Global Alliance Snapshot Report.
• Introduce the WHO QualityRights collaboration and resources.
• Feature industry leaders discussing mental health best practices.
• Provide a forum for PR professionals to share challenges and solutions.

Register now: https://www.globalalliancepr.org/mental-health-perspectives-personal-local-global 

A global call to action

As the Global Alliance moves into 2025, it urges Public Relations professionals, agencies, and organizations worldwide to prioritize mental health and wellbeing. This collaboration with WHO QualityRights, along with global benchmarking and continued engagement, represents a significant step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable public relations profession.

For more details on the Snapshot Report, WHO QualityRights collaboration, and Health & Wellbeing Month, visit: https://www.globalalliancepr.org/health-wellbeing-month.

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IFPI Launches Official Philippines Chart, with Marilag by Dionela becoming first ever official # 1 track

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Launched by IFPI and backed by the recorded music industry, the Official Philippines Chart will be available alongside official weekly rankings from five other ASEAN markets

IFPI, representing the recording industry worldwide, has today announced the launch of The Official Philippines Chart, bringing official, industry-backed weekly music charts to the country for the first time.

Marilag, the hit song by Filipino R&B star Dionela, has the honour of being the first ever Official #1 track in the Philippines. The song, released in November 2024, soundtracked the remainder of the year and has continued its strong streaming performance into 2025.

The Official Philippines Chart Top 20 will be announced every Tuesday, and will showcase the most popular tracks from local and international artists based on streaming across all major platforms. The Official Philippines Charts will be available alongside Official Charts for five other ASEAN markets at the Official Southeast Asia Charts website (www.officialseacharts.com), and via the related social media channels on Instagram and Facebook, allowing music fans to engage with trending tracks and emerging artists across the region.

Locally, Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is working together with IFPI to ensure that the Official Philippines Chart is accessible to Filipino consumers. The charts will be available in their website (www.prm.com.ph) and all social media platforms.

Reacting to the news, Simon Seow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at IFPI, said:

“A huge congratulations to Dionela and everyone involved in making Marilag the first ever Official Philippines Chart #1! It is wonderful to see a Pinoy artist claim this milestone, and is a testament to the wealth of talent and artistry in the country. We look forward to reporting on further success and celebrating more artists in the coming weeks and months.”

Celebrating the launch of the chart Roslyn Pineda, General Manager Sony Music Philippines and PRM board member, said:

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the Official Philippines Chart, which will shine a light on the consumption habits of music fans across the country and provide an important platform to showcase the vibrant and growing local music scene. Combining the Official Philippines Chart with others in a regional hub gives fans an insight into how their favourite tracks are performing in other countries, and will aid the discovery of new hits.”

Supported by the recorded music industry, the Official Philippines Chart combines streams from global platforms Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify and YouTube. The charts are managed by IFPI and are built on data prepared by BMAT, in accordance with IFPI’s global charts principles and methodologies.

As well as the weekly charts updates, music fans in the region can look forward to a host of exclusive artist content at www.officialseacharts.com, the official music hub of Southeast Asia.

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About the Official Southeast Asia Charts

The Official Southeast Asia Charts are a collection of weekly streaming singles charts – the Official Indonesia Chart, Official Malaysia Chart, Official Philippines Chart, Official Singapore Chart, Official Thailand Chart and Official Vietnam Chart. The data collection week runs from Friday to Thursday, with the charts released at www.officialseacharts.com and on the Official Southeast Asia Instagram and Facebook accounts each Tuesday.

In addition to the official charts for each country, four speciality charts are also delivered each week. In Indonesia, the Official Indonesia Domestic Chart, in Malaysia the Domestic and Chinese Charts, and the Regional Chart in Singapore.

All charts include chart-eligible streams from Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify and YouTube, while the Official Indonesia and Indonesia Domestic Charts also include Langit Musik. In accordance with IFPI’s global chart principles, streams from each market are weighted to take into account the difference in economic value between the free and paid tiers of streaming services. This delivers charts which reflect the volume and the value of streams across the region, celebrating the biggest songs of the week.

About IFPI

IFPI is the voice of the recording industry worldwide, representing over 8,000 record company members across the globe. We work to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music around the world.

About PRM

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is a non-stock, non-profit, joint music licensing organization that represents members who are the Producers and Performers of sound recordings. PRM’s purpose is to give credit to where credit is due. We license commercial establishments that play the sound recordings of our members and distribute these royalties directly to artists and labels.

www.prm.com.ph

About BMAT

BMAT is a music innovation company with a mission to index all music usage and ownership data. In addition to its role in compiling official streaming charts around the world, they help music companies better their data operations to make sure artists get paid for their plays. Every day BMAT delivers 27 billion matches and 80 million identifications to CMOs, publishers, record labels, broadcasters and DSPs globally.

www.bmat.com

Experience K-pop Concert Like Never Before with vivo X200 Pro

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K-pop sensation, SEVENTEEN, made their highly anticipated return to the Philippines last Saturday (January 18) for their 'Right Here' world tour.

Imagine the heart-pounding excitement of a packed stadium, the lights flashing, and the crowd roaring as your favorite K-pop idols take the stage.

With vivo X200 Pro’s 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, you can preserve all of it—every moment in crisp, sharp detail!

This smartphone demonstrated its impressive camera capabilities at the concert, capturing every scene with breathtaking detail and elevating the live experience through its cutting-edge imaging technology!

View from the bleachers at Philippine Sports Arena

New Standard for Concert Photography

Scoring concert tickets was a real challenge, especially for a group like SEVENTEEN with such a loyal following.

Still, for the love of SEVENTEEN, many fans didn’t mind being in the back rows just to catch a glimpse of their favorite idols.

But no matter the distance, the vivo X200 Pro stood as the ultimate concert companion, ensuring no moment was missed!

Equipped with ZEISS-engineered lenses, this device guaranteed professional-grade concert photos even from the farthest part of the Philippine Sports Stadium.

Stunning 10x zoom shot from the bleachers, taken with the vivo X200 Pro

What's cool? Activating vivo X200 Pro’s Super Stage Mode transformed distant bleacher seats into an instant front-row experience! Its HyperZoom feature, offering up to 100x zoom, brought the SEVENTEEN idols closer than ever!

Plus, its AI Imaging Lab ensured each photo was rendered in exceptional quality, delivering stunningly vibrant results that rivaled those of a DSLR.

Keep the K-pop Beat Alive

K-pop concerts are generally known for their electrifying energy, with excitement happening at every turn.

But with the vivo X200 Pro, you won’t miss a single second of the action!

You can stay charged until the encore with its robust 6000mAh battery and 90W wired FlashCharge/30W wireless FlashCharge technology—ensuring non-stop fun all night long!

Excited to attend your next concert soon? Don’t just watch it—live it, capture it, and share it with the vivo X200 Pro!

The vivo X200 Pro is available for Php 69,999, at vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and authorized retail stores nationwide!