Orange & Lemons gives The Carpenters’ “Close To You” a modern, indie pop twist

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Indie pop quartet Orange & Lemons marks the season of romance with a fresh take on The Carpenters’ timeless classic “Close To You.”

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The award-winning Filipino band will also embark on a global tour across five cities in Asia and North America

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Released just in time for Valentine’s Day, the band’s cover brings a modern twist to the iconic track while preserving the original’s emotional essence.

The remake of “Close To You” features subtle upgrades and embellishments from their usual live version.

Clem Castro, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, recalls the origins of the cover, which dates back to 1999 when the Bulacan-based band was preparing the material for their debut album, Love In the Land of Rubber Shoes & Dirty Ice Cream. He explains, “I was inspired to create a cover version for live gigs and challenged ourselves to integrate our own sound. It has been a staple since then on our set list. On top of that, I am a huge fan of Burt Bacharach.”

According to Clem, one of the major distinctions from the original version is the absence of the transposition, which sets this cover apart from others. The band reinterprets “Close To You” with keyboard elements that elevate the track’s melodic appeal.

“The guitar solo rolling bass lines, and drum pattern is definitely O&L,” Clem adds. “The build up at the end was eargasm for us. It is safe to say, this is infinitely different from any version you can find on streaming sites.”

In addition to the release of “Close To You,” the Hanggang Kailan chart-toppers are gearing up for an international tour. The band will visit five cities across Asia and North America, bringing their beloved hits, fresh tracks, and rarities to fans worldwide.

March 2: Singapore

May 30: Toronto, Canada

May 31: New York, USA

June 6: San Francisco, USA

June 7: Los Angeles, USA

Orange & Lemons’ “Close To You” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Lily Stars Records.

You Can Now Get HONOR X9c 5G via Globe Postpaid Plans with FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds II

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HONOR just dropped another exciting option for those who are interested to get the toughest phone in the market! 

HONOR X9c 5G is now available via Globe Postpaid Plans starting GPlan 1499 with a cashout of just Php 1,300! The plan includes 10GB of Data Usage, Unli All-Net Call and Text, and exclusive perks!

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With a cash out of just Php 1,300, you can now take home the toughest phone of 2025!

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“With more ways to get HONOR X9c 5G, we believe that it gives more flexibility to HONOR fans and tech enthusiasts alike. We are doing all we can to provide more options for buyers to experience the toughest phone of 2025,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The all-new HONOR X9c 5G redefines durability with its innovative HONOR Anti-Drop Display. Designed to withstand accidental drops, this display enhances the overall user experience by enduring falls from heights of up to 2 meters. It boasts advanced protective shields and ultra-tempered glass, ensuring comprehensive coverage against impacts. Paired with the industry's first Cushioning Airbag Protective Case and a Fully Wrapped Curved Screen Protection Layer, these features work together to significantly reduce damage from impacts and scratches. With an IP65M certification, the device provides all-around protection thanks to its three-layer waterproof structure, allowing it to resist water exposure and function effectively even after being submerged.

Available in three stunning colors; Jade Cyan, Titanium Purple, and Titaninum Black, get HONOR X9c 5G now by applying at any Globe Stores or online (https://bit.ly/Globe_X9c_PR) to get a FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds II, until March 31 only!

To know more about the complete features of HONOR X9c 5G, 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/.

Trike driver wins condo in Globe’s G Raffle Rush

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In the agricultural town of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, a humble tricycle driver recently received the most unexpected and life-changing surprise in his life.

Resty Trinidad, a tricycle driver from Nueva Ecija, was the lucky winner of a brand new condominium unit via Globe’s G Raffle Rush.

After more than two decades of loyalty to Globe, 47-year-old Resty Trinidad is now the owner of a brand new condominium unit at the Avida Astrea in Fairview, Quezon City after winning the grand prize in G Raffle Rush last September 2024. The Avida Land giveaway was a highlight of Globe’s annual G Day festivities last year.

Living with his parents and extended family, Resty works tirelessly as a tricycle driver while running a side e-loading business to make ends meet. Little did he know that his 20 years as a Globe subscriber would one day lead him to his new home, offering his family the security and comfort they have always dreamed of.

“Hindi ko akalain na mangyayari ito sa akin,” Resty said, expressing his gratitude to Globe for his prize. “Isang malaking tulong po ito para sa pamilya ko, at nagpapasalamat ako sa Globe sa pagbibigay ng ganitong pagkakataon. Patuloy po akong magsisilbing loyal na customer ng Globe.”

“Resty’s story is an inspiration to all of us. His win highlights the true value of Globe Rewards, which is about empowering our customers to unlock everyday wins and create meaningful experiences. We’re proud to be part of his journey and we are excited to bring this same experience to more customers as they move forward with Globe,” said Jerome Patalud, Head of Globe Rewards.

Last September 2024, G Raffle Rush allowed Globe customers to redeem raffle entries with their Rewards points. Each point provided five entries, offering customers more chances to take home incredible prizes.

Aside from the Avida condo unit, G Raffle Rush prizes included a luxury vacation package for four in Palawan, a brand-new BYD Dolphin Electric Vehicle, two Gogoro Jego smart scooters, Php120,000 worth of SM shopping spree vouchers powered by Share Treats, Samsung S24+ smartphones, HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro smartphones, and 5x Php100,000 GCash, among many others.

Through the All-New Rewards program, Globe helps make the wishes of its customers come true. Join the All-New Rewards program to discover new surprises and enjoy the rewards of being a loyal Globe customer.

Watch out for another round of G Raffle Rush on February 24, with all-expense paid trips, GCash, and shopping vouchers up for grabs so you can maximize your Globe Rewards Points before they expire on March 31.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Jobstreet by SEEK and FCC join forces to elevate jobseekers’ careers and leadership potential

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Leading online job portal Jobstreet by SEEK seals partnership with the women’s organization Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) to collaboratively provide Filipino jobseekers and employers with essential leadership and career development opportunities.

(L-R) Jobstreet by SEEK’s Henry Jose Yusingco, Head of Marketing; and Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director together with Karen Liza M. Roa, FCC President and First Metro Asset Management Inc. President; and Bernadette Nacario, FCC Project Lead and Former Country Director of Google Philippines during the MOA signing.

The partnership was officially solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during the prestigious Career Con 2025 event, held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Gracing the ceremonial signing were Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines’ Managing Director Dannah Majarocon and Head of Marketing Henry Jose Yusingco, alongside esteemed representatives from FCC, First Metro Asset Management Inc. President Karen Liza M. Roa, and Google Philippines’ Former Country Director Bernadette Nacario. Their collective presence underscored the significance of this collaboration and its potential impact on the professional landscape.

FCC is an organization of Filipina CEOs in the Philippines committed to advancing the status of women in business, aiming to help women and the younger generation reach their full potential by mentoring, inspiring, and empowering them.

Guided by their shared commitment to fostering education, mentorship, and skill development—particularly for women in business—Jobstreet by SEEK, in collaboration with FCC, seeks to harness their collective expertise to inspire and empower the next generation of Filipino professionals.

During the Career Con, over 25 FCC member CEOs participated in one-on-one mentoring sessions, offering personalized career guidance to attendees. Additionally, FCC members shared their expertise on leadership and career advancement through talks and panel discussions, equipping jobseekers with the skills and insights needed to excel in the professional world.

Furthermore, Jobstreet by SEEK through its Career Con will support FCC’s scholarship program, helping Filipino students build their careers as future leaders.

“On behalf of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with FCC. By combining our expertise in career development and talent acquisition with FCC's focus on developing female leaders, we believe this partnership will help bridge the gap between talent and opportunities,” said Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director, Philippines, Jobstreet by SEEK.

“We celebrate the impactful partnership between the Filipina CEO Circle and JobStreet by SEEK in launching the SEEK Summit—a transformative initiative preparing today’s workplace for tomorrow. Together, we champion education, innovation, and inclusivity to shape industries and empower the Filipino workforce,” said Bernadette Nacario, FCC Project Lead and Former Country Director of Google Philippines.

Learn more about Jobstreet by SEEK by visiting https://www.jobstreet.com.ph.

Ben&Ben’s new single “Tomorrow With You” arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day

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Ben&Ben celebrates the season of love with the release of their heartwarming new single, “Tomorrow With You,” now available via Sony Music Entertainment.

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The live version serves as the band’s first official release in 2025

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The song explores the resilience of love in the face of life's uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of taking each day as it comes, particularly during difficult times.

Inspired by the people who shaped and impacted their journey as individuals and as a band, Ben&Ben shares that the song encapsulates their growth, both personally and creatively, with family, friends, and loved ones by their side.

“Given that we have travelled quite far already in these dimensions, Tomorrow With You brings in the wisdom and maturity gained in these areas of our lives and channels it into a love song that embodies all of it,” explains the Pagtingin act.

The release of the track is accompanied by an audio bundle, which includes a live and a studio version. The band expressed their excitement over Spotify’s audio bundle feature, which allows listeners to enjoy both versions back-to-back, with the option to loop them for an immersive experience. “We poured different types of creative energy into both—one being a live performance and the other being a studio recording.”

The live version of “Tomorrow With You” is particularly significant, as the band believes it gives listeners a chance to experience a Ben&Ben concert on an intimate level. The band describes the feeling as a “unique audiovisual storytelling adventure that hopefully becomes a part of their own life stories as well.”

“The live performance was meticulously recorded during a concert that meant a lot to us and to our Liwanag [fans],” they add. “The event was a milestone after a year marred with many struggles, hardships, failures, and lessons. Quite literally, it was the embodiment of the lyrics in the song: Embrace hard times with you, ‘til they’re gone.”

Produced by Indonesian musician Petra Sihombing, “Tomorrow With You” blends ‘70s singer-songwriter pop, jazz, and classic soul influences with a waltz-like rhythm, creating a soothing soundscape for moments spent with your special someone. The song’s rich textures are brought to life by Sihombing’s production, which the band says beautifully captured the song’s emotional depth and dynamics.

“Our good friend from Indonesia, Petra Sihombing, produced the track,” shares the nine-member band. “He was trying to achieve translating the earnestness of emotion and the steady buildup of the song in terms of dynamics and the frequencies highlighted, which we feel he did quite well. It’s always a pleasure working with Petra. Additionally, Ziv, our friend who produced the other tracks in the album, laid down the saxophone part, which added a whole new nuance to the song.”

“Tomorrow With You” is the latest single off Ben&Ben’s recently released third full-length album, The Traveller Across Dimensions. The song is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.