LG Launches its First Smart Laundry Lounge in the Country

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Get all of your laundry done with just the push of a button. LG Philippines recently inaugurated the first-ever Smart Laundry Lounge outside of Korea. Located in FastWash Bocobo 1000 J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila, the Smart Laundry Lounge lets you streamline the laundry process for both business owners and customers. And when we say “smart” we don’t just mean the equipment - we say “smart” because our Laundry Lounge has already streamlined doing laundry for our customers with the LG Laundry Lounge App.

LG Smart Laundry Lounge

LG Smart Laundry Lounge makes the whole laundromat experience safer and intuitive thanks to the use of the LG Laundry Lounge App. For business owners, you can monitor revenue, set-up new machines, manage error messages, and get alerts when there is a problem in the laundromat. For customers, you can select cycles, manage the laundry, and create payments. You can even be notified when machines are available, so there is no need to wait long in line. Each washing machine also incorporates hygiene care to ensure safety. The tub of the machine is clean and safe before, during, and after every use.

LG Philippines’ Managing Director Sungjae Kim was elated about the grand launch. “We are excited with the opening of the Philippines’ first-ever Smart Laundry Lounge. We envision the concept to be an attractive one for budding businessmen, and for consumers as well. We want people to be able to experience our smart solutions both in and outside their homes”.

 LG Smart Laundry Lounge makes the whole laundromat experience safer

Want to see how the country’s first Smart Laundry Lounge looks like? You can catch a virtual tour of the smart laundry lounge on the official LG Commercial Laundry PH Facebook page.

Ace Banzuelo conquers the insurmountable with trap-infused pop single “Mayari”

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Manila-based singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo has captivated music listeners from all over the world with his introspective fusion of electronic, hip-hop, indie, and pop music. His earlier singles “Himala” and “Malayo,” both released in 2020, have amassed a combined 4 million streams on Spotify alone, making him one of the most exciting new solo acts in recent memory.

To add up to his roster of achievements, Ace Banzuelo was also handpicked as part of Spotify Radar’s global emerging artist program for the second year in a row—an impressive feat that allows his music to reach more people outside of the country. “I can't deny the amazing feeling I get when I heard about this,” the 20-year-old artist said. 

“I know this is just the beginning for me as a young musician, but I truly value everyone who supports the music and the Asian scene. With this recognition, I stay committed to my dreams and improving my craft.”

Now heading toward brighter horizons, Ace Banzuelo is ready to conquer the insurmountable with the release of his new single “Mayari” under Sony Music Philippines. According to Banzuelo, the trap-infused synth pop tune was inspired by the goddesses and characters from the Filipino mythology, using it as a metaphorical springboard to essay his personal take on romance, toxic masculinity, and privilege. “The song's approach to the myth discusses how wrong arrogance and privilege is when used as a leverage to attracting someone,” the young hyphenate shares in a statement. “The song questions toxic masculinity in a relationship as it is inspired from the war between the God of the sun, and the Goddess of the moon. In the song, the girl finds interest in one guy, and comfort to another. The main reason for their conflict is miscommunication.”

Written and produced by the artist himself, the song attests to his openness to discuss personal issues from a socially aware lens, cutting out the posturing for a message that is universally relatable and morally responsible. Banzuelo points out, “I'm proud that the combination of my way of storytelling and deep involvement with my art gives my audience a full different experience. I'm continuously growing as an artist, and I'm very, very specific with what I want to create and how it should be presented.”

On a production level, “Mayari” sparkles to life with its amalgam of chillwave textures, ‘80s-sounding synths, hip-hop/R&B verses, and modern trap beats, concocting a version of bedroom pop music that yields ecstatic returns. “Mayari has a very diverse arrangement since it starts with a slow verse, an engaging chorus followed by rap verses and a synth solo,” Banzuelo adds. “I produced the song by using digital vintage synthesizers with modern minimal trap beats on top. I think what makes it contemporary sounding is my way of using consistent modern sonic textures in my songs: a cross between the past and the present, just like how I made the concept of the song's story.”

“Mayari” is the last song off Ace Banzuelo’s thematic streak of melancholic pop tracks—a prologue of some sorts that aims to introduce his work to the general public. When asked about his upcoming plans, the talented young musician is determined to elevate his artistry to an entirely new level on his next era. “I'm very certain that my next project is entirely different, I'm focusing on working on my strengths as an artist and become the instrument instead.”

Ace Banzuelo’s “Mayari” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Asian-inspired sculptures, religious paintings a hit among collectors at Casa de Memoria’s Primero auction

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A momentary escape is what art sparks in all of us, may it be a much-needed respite from current events or a necessary breather to appreciate the good things in life. This art interlude was what collectors experienced when they participated at the recently concluded Primero auction of Casa de Memoria, Palacio de Memoria’s auction house.

18^th century oil on copper painting of the Holy Trinity originating from Mexico 

Religious art, sculptures, and old-world furniture and mementos gave collectors the sojourn they needed to momentarily leave the present world and transport back to a period where art and beauty became a true depiction of what makes this life a joy to live despite its trials and tribulations. 

16^th century Spanish oil on wood painting depicting the Assumption of Mary

Mahogany veneer cabinet from late 19^th century Spain Cua

16^th century hand-written letter of King Philip II of Spain to Governor Lazaro Moreno de Leon of Tenerife and La Palma

Asian-inspired ivory sculptures and oil-based paintings depicting Christian art were a hit among art aficionados who attended the auction house’s first sale for 2021. Part of the proceeds from the virtual event, which was also held live, will go to the ABS-CBN Foundation.

Chinese Immortal Carved in Ivory, a sculpture dating back to the Kangxi period showcasing a Chinese male immortal being, and Doctor’s Lady, an ivory carving depicting a reclining pregnant woman, both fetched a total of over half a million pesos at the online sale. 

Oil paintings featuring famous religious iconographies also attracted numerous bids from art collectors during the live virtual auction. An 18^th century oil on copper painting of the Holy Trinity originating from Mexico (P280,000) and a 16^th century Spanish oil on wood painting depicting the Assumption of Mary (P240,000) were among the masterpieces that caught the eye of auction participants.

European antique furniture were also popular at the auction, with a mahogany veneer cabinet from late 19^th century Spain (P300,000) and a round glass-top table with bronze satyr cast (P120,000) bagging the most bids. A French mahogany sideboard from the Napoleon III era (P120,000) was a scene stealer at the virtual auction as well.   

The Primero auction also showcased a myriad of mementos and decorative pieces from Casa de Memoria’s massive collection. Auction participants were treated to 200 vintage items, ranging from antiques to art pieces as well as heirlooms and curiosities, curated from around the world with a focus on Filipino-European masterpieces.

Also included at the auction were top sellers like the 1970s bronze egg sculpture by Chilean artist Alfredo Portales (P350,000) and the 16^th century hand-written letter of King Philip II of Spain to Governor Lazaro Moreno de Leon of Tenerife and La Palma (P340,000), appreciating the latter’s efforts in pursuing and arresting the monks who robbed civilians in the mountains. 

“We made this event a celebration of Western and Asian-inspired art to capture the distinctive tastes of our diverse collectors. With this and future collections, we aim to continuously promote art appreciation by highlighting the beauty, attention to detail, and cultural importance of old-world artistic pieces,” said Camille Lhuillier-Albani, Casa de Memoria general manager.

For more information on Casa de Memoria’s next auction event, visit www.casadememoria.com or follow @thecasadememoria on Facebook and @casadememoria on Instagram.

 

Doja Cat unveils first taste of new album, Planet Her via SZA-featured single “Kiss Me More”

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Today, global superstar Doja Cat unveils the first taste of Planet Her. 

“Kiss Me More” ft. SZA, the highly anticipated first single off her much buzzed about new album was written by Doja Cat, SZA, Yeti Beats, Rogét Chahayed, tizhimself and Carter Lang and produced by Yeti Beats. It arrives with an epic music video, directed by Warren Fu (The Weeknd, Kehlani), which offers the first glimpse into the brand-new world Doja is creating.

Doja’s domination continues with the news that her 3^rd album, Planet Her is coming summer 2021 via Kemosabe/RCA Records.

Just last month, 3-time GRAMMY nominee Doja Cat, took to the Grammy Stage for a show stopping performance of her smash hit “Say So” which was highly celebrated. She also graced the cover of V Magazine and released the music video for her runaway viral smash “Streets” which was directed by Christian Breslauer and starred actor/model Kofi Siroboe. 

Photo Credit: Jamal Peters

 About Doja Cat: 

Born and raised in L.A., 3-time GRAMMY nominee Doja Cat made her first upload to Soundcloud in 2013 at just 16-years-old. She developed a knack for music by studying piano and dance as a kid and listening to the likes of Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and more. Soon, she went from obsessing over Catwoman (the Halle Berry version) to “crate digging” on YouTube. The budding talent taught herself Logic and how to compose on a midi controller. Signed to Kemosabe/RCA in 2014, she released her Purrr! EP and followed that with her debut album Amala in spring 2018, but it was her August 2018 release of “Mooo!” which catapulted her into the mainstream and was met with critical acclaim.

Doja Cat released her sophomore album Hot Pink in November 2019 to mass critical acclaim, the album was a platinum success with over 10.3 billion streams worldwide. Hot Pink features “Juicy” which hit #1 at Rhythm radio, “Say So” her Grammy nominated #1 smash record and “Streets”, the viral sensation that soundtracked the ‘Silhouette Challenge,’ one of the biggest TikTok trends to date.

The success of “Say So” which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been RIAA certified 3x platinum and streamed over 5.4 billion times catapulted Doja into global superstardom. In 2020 she took home the Best New Artist Award at the MTV VMAs, the MTV EMAs and the AMAs (where she also won the Best Female Soul/R&B Artist Award.) She has been nominated for countless awards including 3 GRAMMY Awards, 4 American Music Awards, 4 MTV VMA Awards, 2 BET Awards, and 2 People’s Choice Awards.  

Doja’s creativity and showmanship as a performer have been praised time and time again, she has delivered unique and show stopping performances on nearly all the major Award Show stages including the GRAMMY Awards, the American Music Awards, the Billboard Awards and the MTV VMA and EMA Awards. Her last tour sold out in 10 minutes and she has played numerous festivals including Rap Caviar Live Miami, Posty Fest, Day n Vegas and Rolling Loud LA.

About SZA:

Born in St. Louis and raised in Maplewood, NJ, nine-time Grammy nominee SZA released her major label debut album Ctrl (TDE/RCA) in 2017. Revered for its raw and honest lyrics, it landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, No. 2 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, according to Nielsen Music. Pitchfork proclaims it “an opulent, raw R&B album that constantly tests the borders of the genre.” The now RIAA-certified 2x Platinum album received five Grammy nominations in 2018 and more than half the songs on Ctrl are now certified Platinum and Gold. Her hit song “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar from Black Panther: The Album, Music From and Inspired By, earned her another four Grammy nominations in 2019. SZA has won various awards since the release of Ctrl including Billboard Music Awards’ Top R&B Female Artist, BET Awards’ Best New Artist, Soul Train Music Awards’ Best R&B/Soul Female Artist and Best New Artist, MTV Video Music Awards’ Best Visual Effects for the “All The Stars” with Kendrick Lamar and NAACP Image Awards’ Outstanding New Artist in 2018. In 2019, she won NAACP Image Awards’ Outstanding Duo or Group for “All The Stars” with Kendrick Lamar and Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation for the Black Panther Soundtrack. SZA also received Billboard’s 2019 Women in Music Rule Breaker award.

 In 2020, SZA released the hypnotic track “Hit Different” featuring Ty Dolla $ign along with the stunning visual that took the internet by storm. To close out the trying year, SZA gifted fans on Christmas Day with the hopeful track “Good Days,” followed by a trippy visual released in March. The single quickly became SZA’s greatest gainer solo single release, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and marking her first time in the chart’s top ten as the main artist. To this day, SZA continues to set the standard on creativity and break records. Approaching its 200^th week, Ctrlremains on the Billboard 200 chart and holds the record for the longest run for any Black female artist’s debut album. 

To Buy/Stream/Watch “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA:

Multi - https://smarturl.it/xKMMx

Official Video - https://smarturl.it/xKMMx/youtube

 

Follow Doja Cat at:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Win as much as P100,000 when you send money from PayMaya to Smart Padala

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Sending Padalove to your friends and family from the safety of your home has just become even more rewarding as PayMaya and Smart Padala give you a chance to win as much as P100,000 for your send money transactions.

Given the current quarantine measures in place in various parts of the country, sending money from your PayMaya app to your recipient via Smart Padala is the best way to transfer funds across the country – especially to those without a bank or an e-wallet account. 

Now, PayMaya and Smart Padala are enhancing your send-money experience with an exclusive reward because whenever you transfer at least P1,000 from your PayMaya account to be claimed at a Smart Padala agent, you get to earn a raffle entry that gives you a chance to win exciting prizes – from your monthly grocery budget of P10,000 to as much as P100,000 in the grand raffle draw! 

Your first send money transaction within the promo period lets you earn five raffle entries, while you get one raffle entry for your succeeding transactions until June 18, 2021. The more raffle entries you earn, the more chances you have of becoming one of the 30 lucky winners of P10,000 or taking home the grand prize of P100,000.  

To start sending money from your PayMaya app to a Smart Padala agent, all you have to do is follow these simple steps:  

1. Ask your recipient for the 16-digit account number of their nearest Smart Padala agent 
2. On your PayMaya app, tap “Send Money” 
3. Enter the 16-digit Smart Padala account number on the mobile/account number field 

4. Input the amount you wish to send and tap “Continue” 
5. Check the transaction details, make sure they’re correct, and tap “Send” 
6. Share the transaction’s reference number to your recipient. They will need this plus one valid ID to claim the money 

By sending money straight to Smart Padala, your loved ones can easily claim their remittance from any of the 37,000 Smart Padala agents nationwide. Because there’s always a Smart Padala agent in one’s neighborhood, claiming Padalove is just easy as heading to their trusted kapitbahay – no need to commute or line up at remittance centers. 

Whether you’re sending emergency funds to a family member or extra budget to buy their daily essentials, it's now easier than ever to send some love to your friends and family across the country while still keeping yourself safe at home. With this special reward, you can even earn extra funds to share with your loved ones in these critical times.  

To start enjoying safe, convenient, and rewarding transactions for your everyday needs, just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account. Remember, don’t pay cash. PayMaya! ​

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.   

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services.

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.