Filipina singer-songwriter Kai Buizon marks her official arrival in the local music scene with the release of “The Meadow,” her debut single under Sony Music Entertainment.

Her folk-pop track brings to mind the picturesque view of the countryside, with soothing vocals that thrive within the realm of summer nostalgia and first love.

According to Buizon, “The Meadow” was meant to be arranged to evoke nostalgia inspired by tracks that shaped her generation’s childhood years, including The Legend of Zelda’s “Great Fairy's Fountain Theme” or Disney’s “A Whole New World” from Aladdin (1992). The intricately dreamy tune was produced by One Click Straight’s Tim Marquez and Gabba Santiago, both remarkable musicians who are known for their stellar work with artists such as Ena Mori and Clara Benin.

“Brainstorming with Gabba about the structure and direction of the track flowed so easily,” says the talented newcomer. “We met up at a coffee shop and basically had the entire song mapped out after just an hour. He was really able to capture the acoustic features of the song as well as the ‘homey’ authenticity that I was shooting for. With Tim, he was able to enhance the dreamy, magical aspect of the track with the more electronic or processed production components. I also appreciate how he added a second guitar to support my own arrangement.”

Written and performed by Kai Buizon, “The Meadow” is a song that encapsulates the hesitations, uncertainties, insecurities, and ‘what-ifs’ that brew before completely giving into a romantic confession. Beautifully delivered with emotional vulnerability, it feels lackadaisical in the best possible way. The track works either as an intimate revelation, a deep sigh of relief, a teen romance fodder, without being made intentionally to cater to those fields.

“I imagine a lot of people tend to feel afraid, or at the very least, hesitant, when it comes to approaching the unfamiliar, such as falling in love for the first time,” Buizon reflects. “Anyways, long story short, I called that mental space a meadow. And as my fellow romantics may already be familiar with, the meadow is also a prevalent symbol in classic literature of a place where lovers meet. So, basically, I wrote ‘The Meadow’ to encapsulate this whirlwind of feelings that comes before revealing that you’re actually in love with the other person.”

The promising solo act expressed her gratitude to Nico Pascal, who arranged the demo that she sent to Sony Music Entertainment. Buizon reveals, “he was the first person to see the track’s potential, and his enthusiasm really helped in motivating me to present the song.”

Kai Buizon’s “The Meadow” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Gur Lavi Corp. (GLC), one of the trailblazing telecommunications distributors in the Philippines, has sealed another meaningful partnership with HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a leading Hong Kong and international fixed-line operator and ICT solution provider, through a Memorandum of Understanding. 

“We see this as a beginning of a fruitful and long-term business relationship,” GLC President and CEO Erwin Co said as he looks forward to great opportunities in the partnership.

GLC is known in the industry for one of its flagship brands TeLavi Cloud, a one of its kind, an all-in communication platform and ground-breaking product which offers Cloud Telephony solutions, Team Messaging; Video Conferencing; and Call Center Solution for enterprises and SMEs with employees working from home or remotely from any location. 

Co added, “We give our customers the freedom of flexibility and productivity to operate their businesses, work from home, or remotely drive their teams anytime and anywhere.”

Michael De Castro, President of HGC Philippines believes, “GLC, one of the leading business communication solutions companies, highly complements the products and services of HGC. This further expands the array of solutions that both companies can provide to our respective clientele. It is strategic partnership that greatly contributes to our company’s vision of fast-tracking the digital transformation of enterprises.”

HGC Global Communications is a leading Hong Kong and international fixed-line operator and ICT solution provider, with an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas, providing full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions, and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate, SME and mass markets.

As it continues to add new partners in and out of the country, GLC is strengthening its position as a leading provider in expanding customer network through cloud innovation. Part of the company’s missions is to provide businesses with powerful yet affordable and customizable communication solutions and to create positive impact to the lives of millions of Filipinos. Similarly, HGC is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions.

Get to know more about GLC and all the products and services through its official website.

The grind of the new generation of Filipinos has begun. Young professionals, gigsters and hustlers, student dreamers and aspiring content creators look for the best support system in this new era to match the emergence of lifestyle and technology trends.

Boosting every Filipino’s A-game in working hard and playing even harder, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, teams up with the leading global provider of smart devices HONOR, as it introduces a new and powerful, ultra-tough smartphone that can keep up with every user’s own superhero lifestyle – the HONOR X9a 5G. 

This superphone has a lot to offer from its cutting-edge curve design, 5G feature to long-lasting power, with an accessible price that won’t break the bank –further illuminating the power of affordability through Home Credit.

HONOR X9a 5G has superhero strength and is ideal for on-site and on-ground workers who are always on the go. It was made with the strongest smartphone screen by the brand yet. This phone was tried and tested by many and undergone live experimental reviews overcoming smashes without a trace of cracks—definitely a phone of steel!

Users can enjoy endless scrolling through their feeds with HONOR X9a 5G’s massive battery capacity. It is the thinnest and lightest smartphone to feature a battery larger than 5100mAh, which allows it to support up to 2 days of daily use for an interrupted user experience. Users will also never run out of juice as the device equips a fast-charging feature allowing it to fully charge in as fast as 30 minutes and enjoy video streaming of up to 12.5 hours.

Not all superheroes wear capes. Some create awesome content to inspire. HONOR X9a 5G is an all-around smartphone built for professional and aspiring content creators. Play around with various camera angles, different video effects with its powerful Triple Camera system made with 64MP Ultra-clear Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Angle Camera and a 2MP Macro Camera. There’s no limit to inspiring and making your ideas soar. Don’t do it for the likes or for the gram, do it for you!

For breadwinners and budding career go-getters, the everyday hustle at work can pay off by choosing a powerful phone that’s equally functional and entertaining. 

Conquer life’s challenging moments and get the tasks done with the smooth mobile experience of the HONOR X9a 5G. Its HONOR RAM Turbo technology has super memory capabilities that can stand and perform to the max. With its OLED Curved Display’, fans can indulge in their favorite binge-worthy series in crisp detail and vibrant colors. Let the HONOR X9a 5G make you limitless and unstoppable any time of the day!

Get that power in your hands! Run to any HONOR kiosk near you and avail the all-new HONOR X9a 5G via Home Credit for as low as Php 765 per month with insurance and Php 661 without insurance at 0% interest monthly installments. Customers can also visit Home Credit Marketplace on the My Home Credit app to apply and get pre-approved to get their own HONOR X9a 5G.

Procter and Gamble (P&G) Philippines, through its partnership with Manila Water Foundation (MWF), donated Vicks ZzzQuil Natura Sleep melatonin gummies to over 4,000 BPO workers to promote health and well-being by advocating for proper rest.

Data have shown that Filipinos are one of the most sleep-deprived people in the world. The Sleep Cycle app found that Filipino adults only rest for 30 minutes to six hours per day, failing to meet the recommended daily sleeping time of at least seven hours. The app data also found that the Philippines ranked 4th among the most sleepless countries worldwide. 

With sleep deprivation linked to multiple mental and physical health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and heart and chronic diseases, finding a solution to regulate this is crucial to ease its adverse effects. P&G’s ZzzQuil Natura Sleep gummies contain melatonin with other botanical extracts such as Lavender, Chamomile, and Valerian that help relax the body for a more restful sleep.

“Sleep deprivation is a serious problem that causes many health complications. Unfortunately, it’s a real challenge for the Filipino workforce, especially in the BPO industry and other high-demand jobs. We are very grateful that a company like P&G is passionate about advocating for health and wellness through their products that complement Manila Water Foundation’s advocacy on water access, sanitation, and hygiene or WASH,” said Reginald Andal, Executive Director of MWF

“P&G believes in making a positive impact through our brands such ZzzQuil. We are delighted to help workforce communities learn more about health, hygiene, and the benefits of well-rested sleep,” says Anna Legarda, the Communications Director of P&G Philippines.

Dr. Keith Romeo A. Aguilar, head of the Comprehensive Sleep Disorder Center in St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, highlighted the importance of well-rested sleep during the handover ceremony at the UP Diliman University Hotel. Representatives from Acquiro, Asticom, the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, the DSWD Area-based Standards Network Central Cluster, HSBC, TaskUs, and TELUS International were present during the ceremony. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) offices based in the Clark Freeport, manufacturing sites in Laguna, and firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection will also receive Vicks ZzzQuil Natura Sleep melatonin gummies.

Manila Water Foundation also shared about their Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program as a reminder of the importance of proper hygiene to our health. Through education on WASH and sleep deficiency, along with P&G’s ZzzQuil donations, the handover event reached more Filipino communities in need of improved health and well-being. 

Congratulations to Ludivina Niere for winning the Grand Prize of 1 Million Pesos in “Saan galing ang 1M mo? Kay Pandamart" Raffle Promo.

When asked what she loves about pandamart, she happily shared that aside from the fresh & quality products and fast delivery, the daily vouchers and discounted prices helped her save on purchases for their store and personal needs.

Watch her video interview to find out a million reasons to love pandamart. Experience #GroceriesDoneRight with fresh groceries and assorted items and score huge savings on your grocery shopping needs.

Download the foodpanda app, go to pandamart, and start ordering now!

 

The season of love is greeted with the happiest partnership between two sweet treat brands. This February, gear up for a Valentine’s Day to remember as Hershey’s, one of the most favorite chocolate brands worldwide, and Krispy Kreme, the home of the Original Glazed® Doughnut, share the Hershey’s Valentine’s Collection with Salted Caramel Filled Rose, Strawberry Kiss, and Mixed Berry Love. This new set of doughnuts will bring warmth to everyone and is the perfect Valentine’s surprise whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, it’s complicated, or you just want to brighten up a loved one’s day.

Gift your loved one with a rose less the thorns with our Salted Caramel Filled Rose, a heart-shaped doughnut filled with Hershey’s salted caramel, dipped in dark chocolate, decorated with red and green icing and drizzled with dulce de leche.

Kiss your way with the Strawberry Kiss, a heart-shaped doughnut filled with Hershey’s strawberry chocolate, dipped in pink chocolate, decorated with red chocolate and topped with Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate. 

Show your love with the Mixed Berry Love, a heart-shaped doughnut filled with Hershey’s Mix Berries Chocolate, dipped in red chocolate and strawberry, topped with mini heart sprinkles and a bar of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate.

“This Valentine’s, drop by Krispy Kreme and celebrate with your special someone with these heart-shaped treats that we, together with Hershey’s, prepared for our OGs. We hope that each bite of our collection will bring you love and happiness in this very special month,” said Ysabel Cruz, Marketing Manager of Krispy Kreme.

Get a box or more of the Hershey’s Valentine’s Collection starting at Php 65 per piece and Php 550 for a dozen, available starting February 3 to 17, 2023. Go to any Krispy Kreme stores nationwide to check out these specials. 

Visit your nearest store today, or have it delivered to your doorstep by calling 888-79000 or ordering online through now.krispykreme.com.ph, GrabFood, Foodpanda, Pick.a.Roo, Mangan, OrderMo, and Groover.

As the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, Smile Train celebrates over 24 years of 100%-free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care for Filipinos born with cleft lip and palate. 

After the success of launching the world’s first Filipino language Speech Therapy App last 2021, Smile Train has since focused on expanding and growing its Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) centers outside of Metro Manila to cater to more Filipinos in need of cleft support.

“Over the years, Smile Train has worked toward providing comprehensive cleft care for Filipinos at zero cost – from surgery to post-surgery care, and other cleft treatment such as speech therapy, orthodontics, and even breast-feeding support for mothers of children with cleft. To continue providing high-quality treatment for the years to come, we have worked toward training more Filipino medical professionals and partnering with more healthcare institutions such as Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital and Allegiant Regional Care Hospitals to launch more CCC centers across the country”, said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia. 

In 2022, Smile Train celebrated the first anniversary of its first CCC center in Cebu in partnership with Allegiant Regional Care Hospitals and Mabuhay Deseret Foundation. Since its launch, over a hundred patients have received life-changing cleft surgery and post-surgery care in the Eastern Visayas region.

Smile Train also celebrated its 12-year partnership with Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital with the launch of its CCC Center. The hospital has helped over 5,000 patients with cleft surgery, and other cleft treatment such as orthodontic and dental treatment and speech therapy at no cost. The CCC Center provides free treatment and care all-year for individuals living in Marikina, Rizal, and nearby provinces. 

The success of Smile Train’s sustainable model is anchored on partnerships with local medical professionals and hospitals in the country. With this, Smile Train continued its support for local medical professionals through skills enhancement training opportunities. 

In 2022, Smile Train, in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS), hosted the PAPRAS – Smile Train Cleft Training Program which trains plastic aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons through a three-month-long observership. Participants are given hands-on training for various types of cleft surgeries, exposure to managing comprehensive cleft care with the help of the program.

Smile Train and Glaxo-Smith Klein (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, one of the world’s leading providers in specialist oral health, also supported a three-day Comprehensive Cleft Care Webinar series. Organized by the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO), the webinar series offered highly informative online sessions on various stages of cleft treatment for a child born with a cleft.

Another highlight for Smile Train was the introduction of its first and only Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Simulator, the latest addition to its growing series of high-fidelity cleft surgery simulators. Produced by Simulare Medical, a division of Smile Train, the simulator aims to accelerate learning in cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgical training, ultimately reducing patient risk, lessening training costs, and elevating the competence of surgeons locally and globally.

“Last year, Smile Train celebrated many milestones in the Philippines that helped advance our local expertise in treating cleft and then eventually expanding by launching more comprehensive cleft care centers in farther communities. By investing in our local healthcare professionals and hospitals, we can reach more patients and provide safe, high-quality, and timely treatment for adults and children born with cleft lip and/or palate,” said Flaviano.

According to Flaviano, Smile Train Philippines is gearing up for more Comprehensive Cleft Care centers this 2023. 

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts or to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

Jumpman, jumpman, jumpman lands on online lifestyle destination Lazada, bringing its range of coveted shoes, top apparel, and more exclusively to the eCommerce platform, powered by fast and free shipping. 

Everyone from sneakerheads to fans of the basketball G.O.A.T himself, Michael Jordan, will now be able to conveniently score their favorite items from Nike’s celebrated Jordan Brand. Take flight on and off the court with a top selection of lifestyle items, basketball gear, and other Jumpman heat, all yours now with just a few taps and clicks. Following Nike’s footsteps as one of the biggest and most coveted brands in LazMall, Lazada is reeling to get these Jordan products shipped and slipped into everyone’s closets. 

“LazMall has delivered satisfaction to the Filipino customers for years as the online lifestyle destination for authentic, quality products. The Lazada team has been working hard to house the Jordan brand for the Filipino shoppers, and we are excited that this partnership has officially launched.” Angel Ramiro, Chief Operating Officer.

Ball in the footsteps of greatness with neat choices of Jordan shoes available on Lazada, from the Jordan Max Aura 4, a next-generation basketball shoe that features a timeless style and cloud-like heel support, to the Jordan Stay Loyal 2 with details that pay homage to MJ’s storied career and recall decades of legendary Jordan shoes.

The Jordan Brand launches on the Nike Official Store via the Lazada app on January 27 with more to watch out for in the coming months! 

Since its initial release in 1984, the Air Jordan and its related products continue to define the cultures of modern basketball and streetwear. The brand’s namesake, MJ, still plays an integral part in the design and production process of the Jordan Brand. 

Today, Jordan continues to support the next generation of basketball’s top talents, introducing signature lines for superstars Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić, and Jason Tatum. In 2021, Filipino basketball player Kiefer Ravena was announced as Jordan Brand’s first Filpino athlete.

To get the top best fashion finds to level up your game, now including items from the Jordan Brand, head on to https://www.lazada.com.ph/. Keep posted on the latest updates by following https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines and https://www.instagram.com/LazadaPH/.

Sign up now on lzd.co/LAZAFFSIGNUP and become a LazAffiliate today! For more information, visit lzd.co/LAZAFFPROGRAM, or click on the LazAffiliates icon found in the Lazada app Account section.

 

Don’t we all love to express affection through gifts? When it comes to romantic gifting, ‘it’s the thought that counts,’ they say—but sometimes, the pressure is all too real as expectations are high. We find a way to avoid cookie-cutter messages and generic gifts that often fall flat. This Valentine’s season is a better time to #BeMoreThoughtful and to wear our hearts on our sleeve.

However, nailing that perfect gift is not as easy as we think. You could probably relate: you seek out and buy a present with the intention of making a loved one happy, but realize when you give the gift that it falls short of expressing your emotions or being the best gift that fits your loved one. Toblerone wants to remind Filipinos that it only takes a little bit more thoughtfulness to get the perfect gift.

We know that nothing makes the heart flutter more than thoughtful gestures. This Valentine’s fall head over heels for the Toblerone Love Cards, a premium, and limited-edition animated card that you can personalize for your loved ones.

Be more thoughtful with your #TobleroneLoveCards by writing down feelings you’ve always wanted to put into words or draw out the thoughts you’ve always imagined. That way, the gift doesn’t only end when you finish the Toblerone bar but also stays as a heartwarming reminder of a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gesture for your loved one. How’s that for a one-of-a-kind, thoughtful, and premium gift?

This Valentine's Day, look for the limited edition #TobleroneLoveCards in leading supermarkets nationwide and leading online stores like Shopee and Lazada. It's your turn to #BeMoreThoughtful!

What’s the best way to play with Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, to make statement looks in 2023? To bring out your main character energy, how do you pull off an ensemble inspired by a Korean or Old Hollywood Glam leading lady?

These questions get answered by today’s top tastemakers on Style by Lazada, a new video series premiering January 30 on Lazada's Facebook and YouTube, featuring Belle Rodolfo and Marbbie Tagabucba. Beyond being an eCommerce pioneer, Lazada is kicking off the new year with a series that serves as your go-to spot for style and makeup tips and tricks, straight from the experts.

"As one of the leading online lifestyle destinations, we are championing self-expression through fashion and beauty this 2023. At Lazada, we recognize that today's generation is passionate about personal style and individuality and "Style by Lazada" was born with them in mind. We are committed to providing a wide range of trendy and affordable products that elevate one's everyday looks and encourage creativity found exclusively on LazLook and LazBeauty," says Janet Basa-Siasoco, head of Business Analytics.

Belle shares a little secret of what's coming for our beauty and fashion enthusiasts, “Shoppers should watch out for exciting new trends, how to achieve them, and products they can use, which by the way, you can get using exclusive discounts and perks if you sign up as a LazBeauty Club member.” 

Meanwhile, Marbbie can’t keep her excitement about the many themed episodes of Style by Lazada, including assembling a fun, cool-kid look, 90s nostalgia, and date-ready ‘fits. “For Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking to do something fun, we have a zodiac-themed date night look, so watch out for that! And you can get all these pieces on LazLook, and to make it even better, you can shop for your items so conveniently with Lazada’s fast and free shipping!”

Marbbie describes her style as “very functional.” She prefers work wear and accessorizing with something that presents functional value. Her top fashion tip: “Just elevate your staples, go for statement pieces, and treasure them for life, I think that’s cool.”

Presenting the opportunity where you can play with style and slay is LazLook. As Lazada’s fashion destination you can trust, LazLook offers a wide assortment of trendy and affordable pieces that caters to everyone.

In terms of beauty go-to’s, Belle tends to side with a vibrant and feminine makeup style. Right now, her favorite beauty trend is incorporating Viva Magenta, which she says looks “really good on morenas like me.” She even bought a magenta cream blush on LazBeauty.

Like Belle, you can head on to LazBeauty for your makeup needs as Lazada’s beauty destination for trendy and quality products. To get exclusive beauty perks and deals, including having up to 80% off on over 80,000 brands, as well as Fast and Free Shipping, make sure to sign up as a LazBeauty club member now.

Catch the first episode of the #StylebyLazada series this January 30! Exclusively on the social media pages of L’Officiel (facebook.com/LOfficielPH and instagram.com/lofficielph), Philippine Star (facebook.com/PhilippineSTARand instagram.com/philippinestar) and Lazada (facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines and instagram.com/LazadaPH). Never miss out on the latest trends as you #AddtoCartAddtoLife now with #LazadaPH by visiting lazada.com.ph.