Beko sends love to homes in Gawad Kalinga through Home Buddies Fiesta outreach

Thursday, November 14, 2024


Healthy living starts at home and extends to the community. Beko, a European appliance brand, believes that making a meaningful impact beyond the household will help create a healthier and better environment for the broader community and future generations.

As part of its commitment, Beko participated in the vibrant celebration of the Home Buddies Fiesta outreach program which uplifted the Gawad Kalinga village in Laguerta, Muntinlupa, on November 10. Home Buddies, launched in 2020, is the largest Facebook community of home enthusiasts in the Philippines, with over 3 million members.


Home Buddies celebrates its anniversary each year by giving back to the community. Now in its fourth year, Home Buddies partnered with Beko and 50 volunteers from its online community to serve around 128 families, including 200 to 300 children, within the Gawad Kalinga Village. Different teams focused on various areas of support: #TeamPinta (community repainting), #TeamBusog (feeding program), #TeamSaya (GK Paraisong Pambata program for kids), and #TeamAlaga (overall event organizing team).

Frances Lim Cabatuando, the founder of Home Buddies and fondly known as Mayora Frances, shared the inspiration for this year’s celebration, which is based on the Filipino Fiesta tradition.


“A Filipino Fiesta is made up of three elements: (1) the community coming together, (2) there's fun and food for everyone, (3) and it has to be a meaningful celebration. We thought it was the perfect theme for this year's outreach,” said Frances.

Beko representatives participated in heartwarming programs for kids, staged a booth for participants to enjoy more activities, and sponsored an event segment where community kids played games and took home prizes.

“Our collaboration with Home Buddies reflects Beko's mission and commitment to creating positive change in Filipino homes. Through our products that promote a healthy lifestyle and our partnerships with organizations that share our vision, we are dedicated to bringing convenience and joy to every home we reach. This outreach at Gawad Kalinga is a testament to our commitment to spreading love, especially as the holiday season approaches,” said Dyeun Zapanta, Marketing Head for Beko Philippines.

“We are grateful to everyone who came and shared their time, energy, and resources to make this outreach happen. Although it was just a one-day event, I know the kids and their families will remember it forever. Thank you, Beko Philippines, for trusting Home Buddies, and we look forward to our 5th anniversary next year,” shared Frances.

In the spirit of the holiday season, Beko is spreading cheer with its Beko Sends Love promo. Enjoy discounts of up to 29% on European-quality appliances and freebies of up to PHP 48,000 on selected items. Every purchase made until December 31, 2024, will contribute to the "Light A Parol, Light A Home" gift-giving initiative of St. John Bosco Parish in Makati.

For more info on Beko Sends Love, check out the offers online or at any authorized dealers near you, or visit beko.ph and follow @bekoph on Facebook and Instagram.

Beko appliances are available at 1st Megasaver, AC Marketing, AllHome, Anson's, Asian Home, BHF Appliance Center, Echo Appliance, Fair N Square, Fiesta Appliance, Fonts Marketing, Gloria Bazar, Great World Appliances Center, J Marketing, Jack Trading, K Alwinz, Magic Appliance, Manhattan Marketing, Mike's Department Store, Mike's Superstore, National Bazaar, NIG Marketing, Our Builders Warehouse, Plusign Home Enterprises, POS Marketing, Royal Star Appliance, RRS Marketing, RS David, RV Marketing, Skytech Appliances, SM Appliance Center, Solidmark, SVC Business Ventures, Tarlac Northern Marketing, Tiongsan, Trinity Appliance Center, Triple NM Marketing, United Motoliance, VPR Marketing, Weo Spina Marketing, Western Appliance, and Willy & Sons.
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Celebrate the Holidays with the Gift of Health—Get CheCKD

Wednesday, November 13, 2024


Boehringer Ingelheim is bringing Get CheCKD back to raise awareness on the link between cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CRM) diseases and kidney health.

Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc., together with Dialysis Philippines Support Group (Dialysis PH), Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines (KITAP), and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), is bringing It Starts With U: Get CheCKD back in time for the holiday season. The awareness event will be on November 30, 2024, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in ParaƱaque City.

It Starts With U: Get CheCKD aims to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) through activity zones that emphasize early detection and explain how the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases like Heart Failure are amplified with the presence of one of these three diseases.


"The alarming rise in Chronic Kidney Disease cases in the Philippines calls for immediate action. Every hour, a Filipino faces the possibility of chronic renal failure, and over 2.3 million are already living with this silent disease. Events like this are crucial for raising awareness and encouraging early detection, which can save lives and improve health outcomes," says Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

CKD is connected to other health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. Kidney disease is one of the first complications to develop when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to the body. Diabetes, meanwhile, may also cause CKD as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and the heart.

It Starts With U: Get CheCKD will raise awareness of CKD and its connections to hypertension and diabetes through educational talks and new booths focused on the two diseases. There will also be a booth where Boehringer Ingelheim will feature their educational website which aims to empower individuals with information about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related health conditions. It offers valuable insights on prevention, risk factors, and complications, encouraging patients to take proactive steps toward better health and seek professional care when needed.

It Starts With U: Get CheCKD will also bring back the activity zones that made the first awareness event successful.

The Movement CheCKD Zone will encourage guests to lead a healthier lifestyle through live Zumba and POUND® sessions. Visitors may complement their active lifestyle at the Nutrition CheCKD Zone, where healthy food stations will offer kidney-healthy snacks. The Health CheCKD Zone will feature health and lifestyle stations where guests can check their vitals, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, and have one-on-one consultations with doctors. If determined to be at risk for CKD, patients can avail the free two-step screening process for kidney health.

Visitors may also play Check Your Choices, a life-sized board game that offers a fun learning experience on how kidneys work and how they may care for it.

Monitor your health


There is a simple 2-step screening process to check kidney health. First is the creatine test, a blood test that is able to measure the waste product of the body and from that the estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) rate can be computed. The second is the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test that uses a urine sample to measure albumin, or protein level present in your urine.

Two primary conditions that often lead to CKD are diabetes and hypertension. Lifestyle factors such as age, smoking, family history of CKD, and obesity also put individuals at risk of CKD. Unhealthy lifestyles may also cause you to eat foods high in sugar and sodium, be exposed to constant stress, or keep you from moving your body.

This Christmas, give your loved ones the gift of health. Consult your doctor. For more information, please visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.
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RLC Residences Partners with LOUIS XIII Cognac for Le Pont Residences, Showcases Opulence at Exclusive Noir Indulgence Event

Louis XIII Cognac

Le Pont Residences proudly unveils its collaboration with Louis XIII Cognac introduced through an exclusive and sophisticated event –Noir Indulgence - A Drink and Dine Affair.

Held at Sky 51 of The Residences at The Westin Manila, guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening pairing exquisite cuisine with the luxury of Louis XIII Cognac. The innovative dining experience featured a blindfolded meal, encouraging attendees to fully savor the intricate flavors and aromas of each curated course.

Each dish was expertly paired with Louis XIII Cognac, renowned for its rich heritage and complexity. This pairing elevated the dining experience, showcasing the craftsmanship behind both the food and the cognac.

Louis XIII Cognac

"We are proud to collaborate with Louis XIII Cognac for Le Pont Residences," said Karen Cesario, Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer of RLC Residences. "Noir Indulgence is more than just a dinner; it’s a sensory journey that reflects our commitment to offering premium and memorable experiences. We’re excited to extend this offer to our buyers, allowing them to enjoy the luxury Louis XIII Cognac offers."

To celebrate the partnership, Le Pont Residences is offering a limited-time promotion: buyers will receive a complimentary bottle of Louis XIII Cognac with their unit purchase, enhancing the premium lifestyle that Le Pont Residences embodies.

Klein Ong, Louis XIII Brand Ambassador, expressed the brand’s excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Crafted from the finest grapes and aged over a century, Louis XIII represents the life achievement of the generation of our cellar masters. We are honored to partner with Le Pont Residences, where premium experience and elegance meet to create unforgettable experiences for connoisseurs.”

Le Pont Residences looks forward to continuing its partnership with Louis XIII Cognac and exploring more opportunities to offer premium experiences for its discerning clientele.

Learn more about Le Pont Residences by visiting rlcresidences.com.
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Petron “Tapat Sa’yo” — A Renewed Commitment to Filipino Motorists


Petron Corporation, the Philippines’ largest oil refining and marketing company, announces the launch of its latest campaign, “Tapat Sa’yo.” This new initiative reinforces Petron’s commitment to putting customers first, ensuring they receive the best in quality, service, and value.

“We have always believed that the Filipino people deserve only the best when it comes to their motoring needs. With ‘Tapat Sa’yo,” we are reaffirming our pledge to be the most trusted name among Filipino motorists, by offering better value propositions at favorable prices for consumers,” said Lemuel Cuezon, Marketing Vice President of Petron Corporation.

“Tapat Sa’yo” highlights Petron’s promise to be trustworthy and customer-focused, primarily by offering better value at an affordable price. This overarching value proposition underscores what customers can expect from the Petron experience.

Tapat sa Produkto: Petron promises to deliver quality fuel products that have been specially formulated and extensively tested for Philippine driving conditions. With fuels that are subok at maasahan (tested and dependable), motorists are assured of optimal engine performance for a more enhanced driving experience.

Tapat sa Serbisyo: Petron is dedicated to offering fast, friendly, and dependable service at every station. Well-trained frontliners ensure that customers receive efficient and reliable service, making every stop at Petron hassle-free.

Tapat sa Facilities: Clean, well-maintained facilities are a priority for Petron. With the widest network of service stations in the country, Petron guarantees that every station is equipped with essential services like air and water, as well as clean restrooms, providing customers with a comfortable and convenient stop.

Tapat sa Promos: Petron offers exciting promotions to reward Petron Value Card holders year-round, as Petron ensures that the excitement never stops for its loyal customers.

To celebrate the “Tapat Sa’yo” campaign, Petron is rolling out its biggest promotional offer, “1 Winner Kada Araw! Motorsiklo OR 1-Year Gas.” From September 16 to December 24, 2024, Petron will give away 100 Motorcycles or One-year Free Gas! To make it more exciting, winners will have the option to choose between a brand-new motorcycle or a year’s worth of free gas as their prize.

“Tapat Sa’yo” is more than just a slogan—it defines Petron’s commitment to Filipino motorists. As the industry leader, Petron ensures exceptional product quality, reliable service, convenient facilities, rewarding promotions, and outstanding value. It is this dedication to customer satisfaction that sets it apart. The “Tapat Sa’yo” promise embodies the company’s connection with its customers, assuring them of trustworthiness and loyalty on every journey.

Please ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ Petron Corporation on Facebook for the latest company updates, and Petron Rewards on Facebook for the latest promotional announcements.
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Tong its Goes Digital: GameZone Brings Filipino Favorite to Online Platforms

Monday, November 11, 2024


In a groundbreaking move that's set to revolutionize the Philippine gaming scene, GameZone has launched an online version of the beloved Filipino card game, Tongits. This development marks a significant milestone in the digitization of traditional games, offering players the chance to enjoy their favorite pastime in a modern, accessible format.

GameZone, already renowned for its extensive library of over 1,000 games, has solidified its position as the country's leading card game developer with this latest offering. By bringing Tong it card game to the digital realm, the company has tapped into a rich vein of cultural nostalgia while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of online gaming.

For many Filipinos, Tong it game is more than just a card game; it's a cherished part of their heritage. Generations have grown up playing Tong its game with family and friends, creating lasting memories and forging deep connections. The game has been a constant companion through various life stages, from childhood gatherings to adult social events. By digitizing Tong its wars, GameZone has ensured that this beloved tradition can continue in the modern era, allowing players to connect and compete regardless of physical distance.

The Tong its online on GameZone isn't just a simple recreation of the physical game. Instead, the platform offers three distinct variations: Tongits Plus, Tongits Joker, and Tongits Quick. Each version brings its own unique twist to the classic game, catering to different player preferences and skill levels.


Tongits Plus stays true to the traditional rules, using a standard 52-card deck. What sets it apart is its innovative tiered-level system, which matches players of similar skill and experience. The four levels - Middle, Senior, Superior, and Master - each come with different entry fees, ranging from 10 to 200. This structure ensures fair competition and allows players to progress through increasingly challenging levels as their skills improve.

For those seeking an extra layer of excitement, Tongits Joker introduces four joker cards to the deck. This addition brings new strategic possibilities to the game, allowing for more complex plays and unexpected twists. Despite this change, the core mechanics remain intact, preserving the essence of the original game. Tongits Joker also implements a 25-second time limit for each turn, adding an element of pressure and quick thinking to the gameplay.

Tongits Quick offers a streamlined experience for players who prefer faster-paced games or have limited time. This variation uses a reduced deck of 36 basic poker cards plus four jokers, excluding the high-value cards. The smaller deck and reduced hand size result in quicker games without sacrificing the fundamental elements that make Tongits enjoyable.

All three variations feature a level system that allows players to compete against others of similar skill, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone. This thoughtful approach to game design demonstrates GameZone's commitment to creating an inclusive platform that caters to both seasoned Tongits veterans and newcomers alike.

The launch of online Tongits has been met with enthusiasm from the Filipino gaming community. Many players appreciate the convenience of being able to enjoy their favorite game anytime, anywhere, without the need for a physical deck of cards. The online format also opens up opportunities for players to compete against opponents from different parts of the country, fostering a sense of national community through shared cultural experience.

For those aspiring to master the game, GameZone offers a wealth of resources and tips. The platform encourages players to assess their current skill level, seek advice from experienced players, and develop their own unique playing style. Emphasis is placed on continuous learning and improvement, with the understanding that even losses can provide valuable lessons.

One of the key strategies recommended for players looking to improve their Tongits skills is to know their rank. By understanding where they stand in relation to other players, individuals can better assess their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus their efforts on areas that need improvement. This self-awareness is crucial for setting realistic goals and measuring progress over time.

Another important tip is to follow advice from experienced players. While results may vary, the insights gained from seasoned Tongits enthusiasts can provide valuable information and strategies that can be applied in-game. This knowledge sharing helps to elevate the overall skill level of the community and fosters a sense of camaraderie among players.

Developing a personal playing style is also emphasized as a key factor in becoming a skilled Tongits player. By combining expert guidance with their own ideas and experiences, players can create a unique approach to the game that suits their individual strengths and preferences. This personalized style can be continually refined and improved over time, allowing players to adapt to different opponents and situations.

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of improving one's Tong Its skills is the willingness to study and learn. Natural talent can only take a player so far; it's the dedication to continuous learning that truly sets apart the best players. This can be achieved through various means, including practicing regularly, observing other players' strategies, and even learning from defeats. The ability to analyze one's own gameplay and identify areas for improvement is invaluable in the journey to becoming a Tongits expert.

GameZone also encourages players to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. While losing can be disheartening, it often provides the most valuable insights for improvement. Players are reminded that to become the best, one must sometimes experience setbacks. This "nothing to lose" mentality can be a powerful motivator, pushing players to give their all and never back down from a challenge.

The digitization of Tong its online represents more than just the adaptation of a traditional game to a new medium. It signifies the preservation and evolution of Filipino cultural heritage in the digital age. By bringing Tongits online, GameZone has ensured that this beloved game will continue to be enjoyed by future generations, maintaining its place in the heart of Filipino culture while embracing the possibilities of modern technology.

As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, the success of digital Tong it rules the way for more traditional Filipino games to make the leap to online platforms. This trend could help preserve and promote Filipino cultural traditions, making them accessible to a global audience and ensuring their longevity in an increasingly digital world.

GameZone's launch of online Tong it go marks a significant moment in the intersection of traditional culture and modern technology. By offering multiple variations of the game and creating a structured, competitive environment, the platform has successfully translated the essence of Tong its go to the digital realm. As players from across the Philippines log on to enjoy this beloved game, they're not just participating in a digital pastime – they're keeping a cherished cultural tradition alive and thriving in the 21st century. The future of Tongits looks bright, with the potential for growth, innovation, and continued cultural significance in the years to come.
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Turn play into creative and fun family bonding experiences with Jollibee’s Ultimate Playtime Collection

Jollibee Ultimate Playtime Collection

Play and get creative with Jollibee and friends’ Ultimate Playtime Collection, the newest Jollibee Kids Meal set that gives kids and parents a new set of fun family activities and challenges. Bonding and learning are best when the entire family is involved, and these educational aids aim to give parents and kids new ways to bring joy!

Each Jollibee Ultimate Playtime Collection playset offers activities kids can enjoy with their parents, giving them a set of activities and challenges that make family moments more fun!

The Clay Shapes Challenge helps kids use their creativity to make different kinds of wonderful shapes and objects. They can also discover their artistic side with Doodle Dash, where you can draw Jollibee and friends!

Strengthen your kids’ memory with the Memory Match Cards, where you try to match pairs of cards featuring Jollibee, his friends, and your favorite Jollibee meals. Play with the Domino Puzzle Kit and reinforce association skills by matching the right puzzle pieces on one side with the right domino numbers on the other. Lastly, the Silly Star Cards give you a colorful set of collectibles featuring Jollibee and friends.

The Ultimate Playtime Collection is available with every purchase of a Yumburger with Drink (PHP 120.00), Yumburger Solo (PHP 95.00), Jolly Spaghetti with Drink (PHP 140.00), Jolly Spaghetti Solo (PHP 115.00), 1-pc. Burger Steak with Drink (PHP 140.00), 1-pc. Burger Steak (PHP 115.00), 1-pc. Chickenjoy with Drink (PHP 162.00), 1-pc. Chickenjoy Solo (PHP 137.00), 4-pc. Chicken Nuggets with Drink (PHP 140.00), and 4-pc. Chicken Nuggets Solo (PHP 115.00).

The promo is available on November 1, 2024, so don’t miss a chance to play, learn, and collect all Ultimate Playtime Collection playset!

Get your Jollibee Kids Meals in your nearest Jollibee branch or have them delivered through the Jollibee App, calling the #8700 hotline, foodpanda, or Grab.

For more info on Jollibee Kids Meals and other products, follow Jollibee on Facebook, and @jollibee on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

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Make this Christmas the Pasko-est celebration with Jollibee Chickenjoy!


Christmas is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration in the Philippines. As the special day approaches, Filipinos pour their hearts into making the season more joyful and memorable for their loved ones. From festive reunions to thoughtful gifts, everything about Christmas in the Philippines is “all-out”.

And when it comes to gatherings, no Filipino celebration is complete without the best food that brings everyone together. At the center of countless Filipino tables is none other than Jollibee Chickenjoy—the perfect dish for an all-out Christmas celebration! Known for its crispylicious skin and juicylicious meat, Chickenjoy has been a part of Filipino families’ Christmas celebrations for generations, bringing not only the best in taste but also the best in joy.

Jollibee conveys this message in their new Christmas campaign with the tagline “Para Pasko-est, Chickenjoyest!” To make Christmas truly “Pasko-est”—the most joyful and memorable it can be—there’s no addition quite like Jollibee’s Chickenjoy.

The campaign showcases Jollibee’s latest TV commercial featuring Anne Curtis, who joins a lively celebration made even more joyful by Chickenjoy. With Chickenjoy adding a special touch to every gathering, the celebration comes alive with gift-giving, dancing, singing, and sharing lighthearted moments that truly capture the spirit of Christmas.

“Chickenjoy isn’t just the best in taste, it’s also the best in joy that can elevate every celebration. We want our customers to have an all-out, joy-filled holiday season, and they can always count on Chickenjoy to make their moments with loved ones even more special,” said Luis Berba, Jollibee Philippines Marketing Director for Masterbrand, Chickenjoy and Beverages.

So this Christmas season, head to your nearest Jollibee and go all-out with the one and only Chickenjoy, available via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda!

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
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Celebrate the Holidays with PICKUP COFFEE Festive Drinks and Exclusive Christmas Deals

PICKUP COFFEE Christmas Classics

PICKUP COFFEE is embracing the season of giving with festive holiday treats and exclusive offers that coffee lovers won’t want to miss! Here’s a look at what they’re serving up this Christmas:

Seasonal Favorites are Back

Need a holiday pick-me-up? PICKUP COFFEE is reintroducing its Christmas Classics—delicious, holiday-inspired drinks crafted for all ages. This year, enjoy their seasonal favorites that truly taste like Christmas in a cup:

Toffee Nut – A blend of buttery toffee nut, rich espresso, and creamy milk.

Toasted Chocolate Marshmallow – Creamy chocolate topped with sea salt cream mousse and marshmallows.

Dark Peppermint Mocha – Refreshing peppermint dark chocolate mixed with espresso and milk.

App-Exclusive Holiday Deals

This season, PICKUP COFFEE is offering special holiday discounts for app users. Enjoy up to 25% off when you order through the PICKUP app—ideal for treating yourself or loved ones to a festive drink at a great price.

The 2025 PICKUP Planner: A Year of Inspiration


PICKUP COFFEE’s Loyalty Program is back, and it’s better than ever! Collect 35 stamps on the PICKUP App and redeem the exclusive 2025 PICKUP Planner, a collaboration with Everyday by Winnie Wong. This planner combines Everyday’s signature layout with uplifting artwork by ten emerging artists, including Winnie Wong, Raco Ruiz, and Risa Rodil. Designed to keep you organized, inspired, and motivated, it includes undated calendars, goal planners, and financial trackers for year-round flexibility.

The planner is available in two colors—Oat and PICKUP Green—making it the perfect tool for planning and achieving your goals in style.
How to Redeem

From December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, PICKUP App users can earn one stamp per beverage purchased through the app. Collect 35 stamps to redeem your own PICKUP COFFEE x Everyday planner and start 2025 on a productive and inspired note.

Celebrate the holidays with PICKUP COFFEE’s seasonal drinks, app deals, and exclusive planner—your perfect companion for a joyful and organized new year.

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Ely Buendia drops sophomore album, Method Adaptor

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Ely Buendia Method Adaptor


Listen to the focus track “Kandarapa”

OPM icon Ely Buendia marks an essential chapter in his solo career with the release of his sophomore album, Method Adaptor—out on Friday, November 8, 2024, via Offshore Music and Sony Music Entertainment.

Maintaining the sonic hallmarks that have made him a beloved figure in Pinoy rock, Ely Buendia’s new album examines memories, experiences, and social issues with both self-awareness and maturity. As someone who is known for unpacking cultural and personal narratives in ways that could be incisive but relatable, Ely has truly mastered the art form of reflection, especially when he weaves words and feelings with intricate instrumentation. On Method Adaptor, he delivers mastery in both restraint and complexity, often balancing both skills to create a sonic tapestry that instantly pulls listeners into its orbit.

As Ely explains it best, “I think all the songs have something to do with rebelling—be it from the disappointments and hardships of life or from the control that people want to have on your mind. I would say these are the most defiant songs I’ve written so far.”

Navigating through themes of sorrow, anger, joy, and triumph, the ten-track record shapes up to be one of the most captivating rock releases that came down the pike in recent memory. After being in the music business for more than 30 years, Ely admits that this album explores vulnerability that comes from a place of complicated humanity, revealing moments of fragility and darkness as he deals with the pressures of social expectations and career.

“Fame didn’t mix well with me,” Ely Buendia shares. “I just felt it got in the way of my trying to evolve as an artist and made me more guarded as a whole. Coming out for me means owning everything, both my failures and successes.”

Produced by Jerome Velasco and Audry Dionisio, with a little help from Erwin Romulo, Method Adaptor sounds consistently delightful from top to bottom, but with enough room to surprise or provoke.

"Kandarapa," the album's focus track and one of its highlights, is about fighting through the hard times not knowing if you can make it until the end. The music legend reveals that there are times when pressure in life can be a bit overwhelming, and all you want is to buckle and submit to the whim. “Sometimes you feel like you’re going to have to battle your way through the rest of your life.”

Other featured tracks in the album include previously releases “Tagpi-Tagping Piraso” and “Bulaklak Sa Buwan;” the somber piano ballad “Faithful Song,” the brooding, synth-pop tune “Kontrabando,” and the menacing stomper “Tamang Hinala”—to name a few.

Check out the Method Adaptor track list:

1. Faithful Song
2. Kandarapa
3. Bulaklak Sa Buwan
4. Tamang Hinala
5. Deadbeat Creeper
6. Sige
7. Tagpi-Tagping Piraso
8. Kontrabando
9. Chance Passenger
10. Esprit de Corpse

Ely Buendia’s Method Adaptor is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Offshore and Sony Music Entertainment.
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DOT’s Immersive Cube Experience Showcases the Philippines’ Tourist Spots Like an Artwork


Like a visually appealing artwork, art enthusiasts and collectors marvel at the natural and man-made wonders of the Philippines through the “Immersive Cube Experience”— an innovative attraction that brought the country’s beauty to life in an art setting.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the Immersive Cube Experience during the ManilArt 2024, one of the country’s longest-running visual arts fairs, held at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City last October 9, 2024. This event bridged the world of tourism and art, attracting both art aficionados and curious onlookers.

The photo and video booth enabled visitors to witness the Philippines’s world-renowned tourist destinations through five LED screens seamlessly arranged to create a 3D-like environment. The cube’s interior featured three walls, a ceiling, and a floor— swathed in blue, reminiscent of the Philippines’ crystal-clear waters. The vibrant Love the Philippines campaign was prominently displayed setting the tone for the celebration of the country’s natural and cultural riches.

Inside the cube, visitors were transported to some of the country’s best tourist spots— from the breathtaking sardine run to picturesque waterfalls, mountains, limestone formations, and pristine beaches. The exhibit also showcased man-made attractions like historic lighthouses, interspersed with flashes of the Love the Philippines slogan, reinforcing the message of love and pride for our country.


As part of the experience, guests gamely interacted with the display by posing with Philippine flags and signages like #LoveTravel and #LovethePhilippines, while donning traditional Filipino hats. This lively and participatory involvement with the installation blended fun with cultural appreciation.

The DOT described the exhibit as “a three-dimensional installation designed to immerse visitors in the beauty of the Philippines through seamless video mapping and programming.” This innovative approach aimed to bring visitors closer to the award-winning destinations of the Philippines by giving them a fully immersive and visually captivating experience.


Leading the launch of the Immersive Cube Experience were DOT Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan and Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Gissela Marie Quisumbing who graced the event to emphasize DOT’s commitment to promoting the country as a top tourist destination. The launch also coincided with ManilArt’s gala night further emphasizing the department’s support for cultural promotion.

Also in attendance were Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, National Museum of the Philippines Director General Jeremy Barns, National Artist Virgilio Almario, and foreign dignitaries such as Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat, and Malaysia Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the ManilArt Foundation opened this year’s edition of the ManilArt as part of the annual tradition of celebrating Museums and Galleries Month every October. With over 260 artists and 34 exhibitors displaying their artworks, the art fair – which featured paintings and sculptures by renowned and emerging Filipino artists using different mediums – ran from October 9 to 13, 2024.

The art fair “once again demonstrated its importance as a platform for Philippine contemporary art,” according to the NCCA. “An intersection of creativity, tradition, and innovation, ManilART 2024 promises to continue offering a vibrant showcase of the country's artistic,” it added.

With the theme “Prisms & Mosaics,” ManilArt 2024 “emphasized the richness and diversity of Filipino contemporary art,” the NCCA also said. During the five-day art fair, ManilArt 2024 welcomed over 5,000 attendees and participants “who enjoyed the immersive cube as well,” according to the DOT.

By joining art fairs and other events, the DOT aims to introduce the Philippines as a premier tourist destination that hosts vibrant cultures and heritage, takes pride in its natural wonders, and proudly displays the many faces of the Filipino identity.

“The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity,” declared DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco during the launch of the “Love the Philippines” campaign in June 2023.

“These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love,” she added.
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