PHILPOP Music Festival 2013 Announces Final 12

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“Your theme, your genre, your song”

PhilPOP Musicfest with the main message of “Your theme, your genre, your song” encouraged Filipinos from all over the world to write song limited only by their creativity. The response to the call for entries was tremendous, generating a record breaking 3,383 submission!

The majority of the entries come from Quezon City, Makati, and Manila and outside the country like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Germany, China, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Canada, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Ireland, UK, Thailand, and Macau. Most overseas entries came from the United States, official entries are down to the Final 12.

As announced by Philpop MusicFest Foundations’s Executive Director Ryan Cayabyab here are this year's finalists and their song entries:

(Photo c/o PhilPop )

Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana "Dati"

Myrus Apacible "Sana Pinatay Mo Nalang Ako"

Paul Armesin "Segundo"

Marion Aunor "Do, Do, Do"

Joey Ayala "Papel"

Marlon Barnuevo "Araw, Ulap, Langit"

Gani Brown "Askal"

Raffy Calicdan "Space"

Johnoy Danao "Kung 'di Man"

Lara Maigue "Sayo Nalang Ako"

Jungee Marcelo "Pansamantagal"

Adrienne Sarmiento-Buenaventura "Sometimes That Happens"

Philpop MusicFest Foundation’s executive director Mr. Cayabyab shares that this is the most diverse collection of entries.

“I heard a lot of rock, pop, rap, hip hop, folk, R and B, ballad, a sprinkling of swing and dance music. There are some attempts to do a modernized kundiman and quite a lot of novelty songs that visibly entertained the adjudicating panel. I can’t wait to hear the top 12 that this year’s special panel will present in the finals night on July 6, 2013!”

Respected and renowned industry professionals, from record label executives, musicians, composers, singers, artists, radio personalities, and people from the academe make up the adjudication panel. The organizing committee had to fill around 140 seats throughout the 4-stage screening process.

“It was mind boggling at the start. Going through more than three thousand songs is no joke but Philpop has almost perfected the system. Maraming puedeng winners. Maraming puedeng hits. More than half of the 12 finalists were consistently in the top of the heap. 4 sets of panelists could not have been wrong. Dark horses made it too. It’s thrilling,” Cayabyab adds.

With the hands-on leadership of business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, the foundation, with the endeavour to involve itself in nation building through music, have set out to identify deserving songwriters who can inspire and spark positive change through their songs and are given the opportunity to shine. This is reinforced by its board of directors headed by Ricky Vargas, Ogie Alcasid, Noel Cabangon, Doy Vea, Al Panlilio, Patrick Gregorio, Randy Estrellado and Butch Jimenez.

The million-peso champion of the first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival is former Akafellas member Karl Villuga with his song “Bawat Hakbang”. The composition, which was about overcoming a personal crisis, was interpreted by Villuga along with his former groupmates and balladeer Mark Baustista.

“We are looking forward to again stage the biggest and most illustrious song writing competition in Philippines history with an even more songwriters vying for the 1 million pesos grand prize this 2013,” says Mr. Cayabyab.

PhilPOP is supported by Maynilad, Smart, Meralco, PLDT, Resorts World Manila, TV5, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, NLEX, Sun Cellular, the First Pacific Leadership Academy, KBP, and Philex.

The IMMIGRANT , quarterly direct mail newszine

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The IMMIGRANT is the Philippine travel issue. This is a free quarterly direct mail newszine for expatriates in the Philippines. It is the premium quarterly publication for the foreign Immigrants, expats communities, Balikbayans, high-networth Filipinos, the emerging affluent entrepreneurs and international visitors in the Philippines.

The IMMIGRANT was launched last April 18, held at The Taipan, Tower Club, Makati City. It was hosted by well known Atty. Katrina Legarda and with guest speakers Henry Schumacher, VP External Affairs, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP and Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador Stephen Lillie and speaker Department of Tourism Undersecretary The Hon. Daniel Corpuz. 

The IMMIGRANT’s dream is not just to have the power to be heard, or be read, but moreover, the power to influence their decisions. By always giving them everything and only what’s relevant. The vision is to be more than just a paper. In every article and content that we put out, the goal is to always to earn and to deserve our readers' trust.

With the influx of high net worth foreign investors, executives and entrepreneurs into the Philippines, the expat community is continuously growing. And with this massive growth, there is a steady rise of opportunities that these individuals would gladly benefit from - being their personal adviser on everything about life in this country, to being a professional consultant on business, laws and immigration affairs, or even as simple as being their personal storyteller. They need to hear a voice that is focused on them. A voice that professionally informs and personally connects them to everything and only what’s relevant to their stay in the Philippines. And right now, there is only one publication that is trying to be this voice. “Trying” being the operative word. And so the Immigrant has spotted this role that needs to be fulfilled, and not just for the sake of putting a paper out there for them, but actually perfecting that paper, from design, to relevant content, to distribution, to basically every detail, The Immigrant will be that voice that they would trust and would want to hear again and again.

The IMMIGRANT is headed by Publisher Atty.Jose 'Pepe' Villanueva III and Editor-at-Large Walter C. Villa. Editorial Board members are Henry Schumacher, Atty.Katrina Legarda and Dean Ernest P. Maceda Jr.

THE IMMIGRANT is providing all much needed and much desired information, in a paper that’s created perfectly and specifically for them, The IMMIGRANT gives them relevant solutions, which would render their residencies convenient and their business ventures as profitable as possible. And most importantly, The IMMIGRANT will share with them stories worth being heard for them to feast on the colorful life that this country has to offer.

Quick round-up of the more relevant immigration and embassy news and updates for foreign immigrants and expatriates on-the-go.

CALENDAR: Upcoming parties, happenings, arts and culture events you shouldn’t miss.

ARTS & CULTURE: Read on the latest and hottest personalities and trending topics in the visual arts and culture circle.

LIVE & LEARN: Discover real estate options, interior design tips and other do-it-yourself projects that are sure to enrich your domestic life.

The IMMIGRANT FAQs: : Get enlightened with the most pressing immigration laws and issues – controversial questions answered by our authoritative advisers and columnists

ESSAY: Tongue-in-cheek or thought-provoking. Our essays by the Philippines’ renowned writers and foreign resident authors bring you in the current socio-political economic milieu with deep insights from the experts.

GOOD COMPANY: Our society page not only highlights the chicest parties, it also features occasionally top companies’ corporate social responsibility projects.

HIP PROFILE: Meet the hottest personality or corporate bigwig hogging the headlines or the current toast of the expat clique

WINE & DINE: Unravel the myriad of epicurean choices in Manila and beyond – from the basic to the most luxurious.

WHEELS & STUFFS: Boys and their toys – our motoring and technology section dishes out honest reviews of the latest cars and gadgets

TRAVEL & LEISURE: From diving, traveling or golfing, your holiday takes a memorable spin with practical tips and essential heads-up.

The IMMIGRANT is available in all of the 207 Starbucks coffee shops in the entire Philippines and one can get an e-copy at issuu.com/theimmigrantphilippines

Thanks Editor Walter Villa for inviting me to witness launching of The IMMIGRANT which will be the expatriate community’s most powerful paper.  Moreover, here are some of the great partners of The IMMIGRANT publication. 

“Mom and Me” at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

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Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila honours every Mom on Mother’s Day with gastronomic delights and a day of fun. Make a fashion statement by co-ordinating your outfit with your Mom for a chance to win luxurious Pevonia beauty products. And on 12 May 12,  is a special treat for Mother's Day! 

At Market Café, enjoy lunch or dinner buffet for only PHP 2,100 net per person inclusive of free-flowing soft drinks. Roll up your sleeves for unlimited servings of the sweet and spicy Singaporean Chili Crab, Roast Duck with Meat Dripping, Salmon in Buttery Brioche Crust, and the earthy goodness of Truffle Mashed Potatoes, to name a few.

The freshly baked pastries, cakes and homemade ice cream from the dessert station are guaranteed to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. While everyone toasts free flowing drinks in the midst of feasting, let the kids surprise Mom with lovingly designed cupcakes just to say how much she is loved.

At Li Li, Chef de Cuisine Andy Chan creates a nine-course set menu for only PHP 2, 500 net per person, featuring authentic Cantonese cuisine with an enhanced selections such as Crispy Skin Suckling Pig with Jelly Fish, Silky Japanese Conpoy Soup with Seafood and Abalone Shell, Wok-Fried Angus Beef Tenderloin with Scallops in XO Chili Sauce and Golden Crisp Deep-Fried Prawn with Shrimp Mousse and Crab Roe. 

The popular Sunday Yum Cha is ideal to those who enjoy an endless array of delicious dim sums for brunch.  For only PHP 1,950 net per person inclusive of free-flowing iced tea and soft drinks feast on wonderfully prepared dim sums like steamed shrimp dumpling or “Har Gaw”, Steamed Pork Dumplings “Shanghai” Style and Deep-Fried Bicho-Bicho Stuffed with Minced Meat and Wasabi Sauce. Selections include Glutinous Dumpling with Assorted Meat, Baked Imperial Peking Duck, Suckling Pig Sushi, and more. 

A dessert buffet of Western desserts such as Chocolate Fudge Cake, Rose Lamingtons and Banana Flambé conclude the meal on a sweet note. 

The Fireplace opens its door for lunch with a carefully crafted “sharing “menu for only PH 2, 500 net per person, inclusive of free-flowing iced tea.  Featuring favourite grilled dishes that are big in flavour, the menu includes Oysters, Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Tangy Cheese Straws, Pan-Fried Salmon Fillet, Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken Fillet Burger, Tomato Penne Pasta with Scallops among others.  Reserve early as seating is limited.

Make Mom the happiest on her special day, and let her sit back and indulge while you plan the most pleasurable celebration.

To make a booking, please call Room Reservations on +63 2 245 1234 ext. 7512/7513 

or   e-mail reservations.mn@hyatt.com.  

Alternatively visit www.manila.casino.hyatt.com.  

For more information, please call the Food and Beverage Reservations Center on +63 2 247 8666 

or make your booking online by visiting manila.casino.hyatt.com.  

Alternatively, e-mail cath.mn@hyatt.com.

Enjoy the wondeeful world of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila and if you make the fashion statement by co-ordinating your outfit with your Mom , here's the chance to win luxurious Pevonia beauty products. 

Style meets sound with the new Philips SoundShooter - Colorful, compact speakers work with any Bluetooth device

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Sound quality, more than anything, is what makes a speaker worthy of a place in your living room stand. They can also earn a spot in your bag (or even your pocket) if they are ultra-portable. But what if there’s a speaker that offers high audio quality, portability and style? Would it earn a place in your sound-loving hands?

That looks to be what Philips is precisely going for with its new portable speaker, the Philips SoundShooter. 

“We wanted to create a speaker that would encompass all the sound and physical qualities that a consumer looks for. That’s what the Philips SoundShooter is all about,” explains Ms. Poi San Mok, Philips Marketing Manager for Lifestyle Entertainment. 

SBT30 

“Aside from superb sound and its convenient size, the design is also what sets the SoundShooter range apart. You’d be hard pressed to find other stylish and colorful speakers that sound this good,” adds Ms. Mok.

The Philips SoundShooter range comprises four different colors and designs. 

For starters, the SoundShooter SBT30 parades a khaki color, while the SoundShooter SBT50 comes with aluminum finishing. 

Designed for portability, both speakers are ideal for traveling and outdoor activities as they are supported by wireless music streaming via Bluetooth. “You can play music from any Bluetooth-enabled device and the speakers are each equipped with a rechargeable battery for easy use anywhere, with up to 8 hours of music playback,” Ms. Mok remarks. A built-in microphone allows for hands-free phone calls. And a carabiner comes with the SBT30 to easily clip the small speaker to a belt or bag.

Despite their size however, these SoundShooters can hold their own when pitted against other speakers of its range. “They’re small enough to grab and go, yet produces big, powerful sound,” adds Ms. Mok.

Meanwhile, the SoundShooter SBA3010GRN and SoundShooter SBA3011BLU offer more colorful options for those who would like to make a fashion accessory out of their speakers. 

With green and blue color choices, the SBA3010 and SBA3011 add a modern twist to classic speakers that are big on audio performance. These speakers get top scores in the compatibility department as they can easily be connected with any music device with an Aux connection due to their 3.5mm Aux-in ports. 

SBA3010GRN 

SBA3011BLU

SBT50

Like the SBT30 and SBT50, these colorful speakers also pack a lot of juice in them with built-in rechargeable batteries for those long drives or long hikes up hills. SBT50

“We’ve always been committed to creating innovations that make our lives easier every day,” says. Ms. Mok. 

“With these SoundShooters, we make sure to cover all aspects of a good speaker and still yield high quality products.” 

The SoundShooters are available in major electrical and gadget stores starting this April. 

About Royal Philips Electronics 

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 118,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming, home and portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Google launches resource page for Philippine elections

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#google.com.ph/elections

Filipino voters can now visit one site to keep abreast with election news from different media outlets. Broadcast networks ABS-CBN, GMA, PTV, and SOLARtv, and online news portals Rappler, PhilStar.com, Inquirer.net and Interaksyon.com collaborated with Google Philippines to create Google.com.ph/elections. The site is a one-stop online hub for elections-related news and information created to help 53 million Filipino voters, including 700,000 absentee voters abroad, stay updated about the coming polls. 

“We want to make sure citizens have a quick access to information to help them make informed decisions on election day,” said Narciso Reyes, Google Philippines Country Manager. “This is part of our commitment to bring to the Filipinos essential information that will make their lives easier and more meaningful.” 

The Elections Page will allow Filipinos to engage with candidates through a variety of Google’s platforms, such as live-streamed debates on YouTube hosted by the media collaborators. “Through the different components we included on the page, Filipinos can discuss issues with the candidates, or exchange views with reporters or other citizens on Google+ Hangouts. There’s a lot of information on it, from political party backgrounds to list of candidates, so there’s less reason for voters not to be updated with the daily grind of the election season,” said Ryan Morales, Google Philippines Head of Marketing. 

The page curates stories from different news sites and hosts up-to-date broadcast coverage from the networks’ YouTube channels. Elections-related incidents provided by the online news collaborators are also plotted on Google Maps embedded on the page to inform the public about events taking place in different parts of the country. This will help election watchers focus on hotspots and monitor how events are unfolding in these areas. 

Another key component of the page is the Precinct Finder, which makes voting centers easy to find based on city, region and the voter’s precinct number. Precinct locations are currently being plotted on Google Maps by volunteers and will be available on the page before May 13, 2013. 

The Philippine Elections page is the first online initiative to bring together multimedia content from the country's large media outfits. This collaboration between the networks and Google aims to encourage people to be more participative and critical of what candidates aspire for the nation. It also allows voters to have a deeper understanding of politics and governance through engagement with the candidates. 

"This effort merges traditional with new media and revolutionizes how election information is shared online,” said Gail Tan, Google Philippines Communications Manager. “The great thing about this information aggregation is that it complements the Pinoy culture of sharing. It also transforms social media into a progressive platform for forming opinions, which enriches public discourse, and helps our electorate – from the first time voters to busy professionals, and even our overseas Filipino workers who can now have easy, first-hand access to election news,” she added. 

Howie Severino, GMA Vice President for Multimedia Journalism and GMA News Online Editor-in-Chief agrees, saying, “We're glad to be contributing to Google's effort to inform Filipino voters using content produced by Filipino journalists. Democratic rights in the Philippines coupled with the technology in their hands make many Filipinos super-empowered citizens. Well-curated information will help ensure that their power is used with discernment on election day and beyond.” 

Google created its first elections page five years ago when its engineers noticed a huge increase in search traffic around the election period in the United States. Today, 16 countries including Malaysia, Thailand, and now, the Philippines, have elections pages that aid voters in their decisions before elections are due. 

“Google's election page will definitely contribute in shaping our smart voters, particularly the youth. Because the vote of an informed voter could help shape the future of our nation. And a highly informed voter is more likely to vote than those who are not,” said Clift Daluz, SOLARtv Head of News Online. 

“When people choose their leaders, an informed electorate makes the best choice. Sites online such as Google's election page give people accurate information that help them use the power of their vote intelligently,” said Dinah Libunao, PTV Head of New Media. 

“With more resources available online, catching up on election news becomes a simple but crucial step in honing more discerning voters. We hope the Elections Page does just that,” said Deborah Nga, Country Lead for the Philippines on Public Policy and Government Affairs, Google Southeast Asia. 

The Google Philippines Elections Page can be accessed at google.com.ph/elections.

Follow Google Philippines on Google+ (Google Philippines) and Twitter: @googleph.

About Google Inc. 

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D . students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.ph