Showing posts with label Press Release. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Press Release. Show all posts

Monday, November 7, 2022

With 5G and 4L, Will A Driverless Port Far Away?

2:44:00 PM

 


During Christmas season, dispatching different goods and commodities from all over the world on time for a port is always important. At the end of last year, port congestion caused severe disruptions in global supply chains, and most stores were out of stock during the Black Friday and Christmas, the peak selling season. To experience less dilemma like this, the innovation case from Tianjin Port might help.

Tianjin Port is one of the world’s largest ports. It has a 300000-ton-class wharf with a channel depth of -22 meters. It has 192 berths of various types and 128 berths above the 10,000-ton-class.

By the end of 2021, the port’s cargo throughput reached 435 million tons, ranking ninth in the world, while the container throughput exceeded 18.35 million TEUs, ranking the eighth port in the world. The cost of manual operations at this scale is exuberant, both in terms of money and efficiency.

A typical port usually deals with vessel arrivals and departures, shoreside operations, horizontal transport, yard operations, manual tractor trailer transport, and gate operations.

One of the key steps in port digitalization is automating horizontal transport, that is, handling cargo within the port.

 

The Smart Port Solution uses the latest tech — intelligent twins, autonomous driving, 5G, cloud computing, and IoT — to create a better connected, smarter, and more autonomous system.

This smart terminal was built by Tianjin Port Group (TPG), together with Huawei and other partners, as part of its efforts to build a smart and green port. One of the key innovative applications to address this is Huawei's self-developed, truly AI-based intelligent horizontal transportation system, which has achieved a series of "world firsts": Large-scale commercial use of ultra-L4 driverless, the world's first "5G+BeiDou" integration of ubiquitous intelligence, the world's first self-sufficiency in green electricity and zero carbon emission, etc. This achievement provides a blueprint for other parts of the world to build intelligent and low-carbon ports.

The results speak for themselves. On the port's visitor platform at the container terminal at Section C of Tianjin Port, container cranes operate automatically and unmanned electric container trucks come and go. At the port, remotely controlled quay cranes stably pick up containers that are loaded with cargo from cargo ships, and load these containers onto unmanned electric container trucks. Under the guidance of the BeiDou navigation satellite system, the container trucks go to the automatic locking/unlocking stations, according the optimal driving route calculated in real time, to unlock the containers, and then drive to the container yard. The whole process is completed in one go.

The intelligent and digital transformation of the port has led to tangible benefits. Previously, transporting containers to container yards within ports requires a large number of container trucks. Using human drivers is very costly. Tianjin Port currently has 76 container trucks. To ensure 24/7 operations, each container truck needs three drivers working in three shifts every day. The port needs 60% fewer staff than before. In addition, it is exhausting for truck drivers to drive on fixed routes in three shifts, posing an obvious safety hazard. Now, Drivers (who are in high demand) now operate trucks remotely and no longer have to face dangerous, unhealthy working conditions. And each container now consumes 20% less energy, cranes are 20% more efficient on average, with each crane operating 39 container units per hour.

 


The terminal of Section C in the Beijiang Port Area of Tianjin Port is the first smart terminal of its kind to deploy an intelligent horizontal transport system. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue working with partners to deploy and replicate this experience in more ports, building smart ports together.

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Shopee Levels Up with the Launch of Its New Game Called Shopee Pets

11:54:00 PM

 


Online shopping helps a lot of Filipinos de-stress and unwind. Aside from the retail therapy shoppers can enjoy, Shopee is set to make users’ in-app experience even more entertaining and engaging with the launch of Shopee Pets. Inspired by a popular mobile game during the 90s, Shopee Pets allows players to redeem exciting rewards by nurturing their virtual pets. Aside from big discounts and exclusive brand offers, Shopee Pets is one of the many exciting things to look forward to during this 3.15 Consumer Day Sale.

Shopee Pets is a life simulation game where players can help their pets evolve through daily activities. Players can level up their pet’s XP (experience points) and unlock diamond points throughout the game by feeding, cleaning, and playing with them. Accumulated points can be used to redeem rewards at the Points Redemption Store. Players can take care of their pets all day, and once their pet reaches level 50, they can choose another pet and repeat the life cycle. To level up your pet and gain diamond points, players can do the following:

  • Social Interactions: Sharing is caring! With social interactions between players, they can receive shared items that can increase their pet’s happiness bar.
  • Schooling: You can let your pet attend school once it reaches level 4, so they can join class games, and engage in other activities like quizzes and races to achieve diamond points.
  • Grooming: Keep pets squeaky clean by dragging the soap bar on top of the pet. All cleaning supplies help increase XP and its happiness and cleanliness levels.
  • Feeding: Make sure your pet is well-fed to maintain its happiness levels. There are three types of pet food and paid food gives your pet higher XP growth and fullness points.
  • Playing: Keep your pets happy by playing with them on a regular basis. There are three ways to play with your pet:
    • Dance to the Music: Follow the beat to increase your pet’s happiness bar. Each song consists of three rounds and will speed up at the end of each round.
    • Jump on a Trampoline: Drag the trampoline left and right to make sure your pet stays on it and earns more points.
    • Score a Goal in Soccer: Score a goal and increase your pet’s happiness and XP level. Each goal has a corresponding amount of XP.



Remember that you can choose your pet at the start of each cycle and also look forward to dressing them up in adorable clothes—from head to toe! You can also start doing improvements on your pet’s home by level 25, unlocking new themes, and gaining access to upgrades.

During the launch of Shopee Pets on March 3, players can look forward to amazing prizes which include Shopee coins, coins cashback vouchers, and other products such as a Xiaomi Air Purifier, an O'Healthy Electric Juicer Blender, an Acer Aspire 3 laptop, and many more. One lucky player also stands a chance to win ₱100,000 via ShopeePay from March 12 to 16.

Shopee Pets joins a list of other fun in-app games such as Pera Panalo, Shopee Candy, Shopee Farm, Shopee Bubble, and Shopee Claw that have become the favorites of shoppers on the platform. To further enhance the overall online shopping experience, ShopeePay, Shopee's mobile wallet, offers exclusive perks and savings such as daily free shipping and cashback vouchers. Users can enjoy 20% cashback when they scan to pay at ShopeePay’s partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Puregold, National Bookstore, The Generics Pharmacy, and more until the end of March. Users can also checkout ShopeePay ₱1 Deals and redeem discounts in stores.

On 3.15 Consumer Day, users can take advantage of 50% off on load across all networks and up to 100% cashback on bills payment. With ShopeePay’s Free transfers feature, users won't have to worry about transfer fees when they send money to any bank or to any Shopee user. They can get a chance to win ₱100,000, and new users can get free ₱100 on their first-ever transfer (promo from Mar 8-17).

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Friday, March 4, 2022

Pia Wurtzbach at Home with Avon

11:01:00 PM


What's new with one of the world's most beautiful ladies, the beauty queen, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach?  She has taken over the world - the universe, rather - since her coronation, expanding her ventures and platforms both local and international, and sharing her advocacies and travels on social media. While she accomplishes many things in her packed schedule, there’s nothing like being at home — space away from the spotlight is where she can comfortably be just Pia. Two decades after her stint as a teen model for its cosmetics line, Pia finally comes home to Avon as the brand welcomes her as the newest ambassador for its Intimate Apparel line. “We are so excited to be welcoming Pia back,” shares Jamila Reyes, Avon Philippines’ Head of Beauty Plus. “She is honest and true, someone who always chooses the best for herself because she knows what she deserves and what will bring out her most authentic self.”

“To me, home is comfort and where everything fits perfectly,” Pia says. “That’s why whenever I’m in my Avon intimate apparel, I feel at home. I feel supported in whatever I do and most comfortable being myself.”

Just like Pia, you too can feel right at home wearing the no.1 Intimate Apparel brand in the country. Avon introduces new nude shades for its bras and panties, designed to enhance your curves and fit your body not just flawlessly, but comfortably. A standard across all of Avon’s intimate apparel offerings, the new nude undies are created with high-quality fabrics that are made to last, so you can trust that your Avon undergarments will give you exceptional all-day comfort and support for many years to come.


The new offerings feature a full range of nude tones created to match every Filipina’s skin tone, perfectly blending into whatever skin tone so you don’t have to worry about the clothes you want to wear or fuss about making adjustments during the day. You are free to be you, free to feel at home no matter where you are!

“I want to empower every Filipina to choose a love and home that she deserves,” adds Pia. With Avon’s Intimate Apparel Nudes, you can get the support and comfort you need to feel right at home with yourself.

Be your most authentic, realest self when you feel at home in Avon Intimate Apparel Nudes. Shop the collection today through www.avonshop.ph, Avon’s official Shopee and Lazada stores, or your trusted Avon representative.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Lacson stands by his record and experience

9:28:00 PM


Senator Panfilo “Ping” has once again proven he is truly the corruption-buster “Mr. Clean” he is touted to be. In recent articles, the presidential candidate known for his strong anti-corruption stance, was recently vindicated for previous crimes he was unjustly accused of during the Arroyo administration. No less than former President Sen. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her recently launched memoir entitled “Deus Ex Machina,” admitted that the accusations against Sen Lacson were fake.

“The information that was made public could not be substantiated,” GMA wrote in her memoir.

Years later, Marquez recanted accusations against Sen Lacson and apologized. Corpus also issued a publicly televised apology to Lacson for falsely accusing the senator.

True to form, the magnanimous Lacson did not hurl vindictive comments against his accusers. Instead, he tweeted a forgiving message to his former detractor. “Late is always better than never. To ex-PGMA’s credit, she has the decency and courage to admit that she publicly and unjustly accused me of various crimes based of false information. Whatever, I have already forgiven her a long time ago.”

Even in the thick of the present presidential election, Lacson maintains his nonbelligerent stance, preferring not to say anything about the other candidates wanting to be President of the Philippines because he is also running for the position.

In his recent interview session with Boy Abunda for the television personality’s series 2022 Presidential One-on-One Interviews, Lacson, one of five presidential candidates who were invited to the show, chose to talk instead about what made him best suited for the highest position in the Philippines.

“I am the most qualified, the most competent, the most experienced (candidate),” he told Abunda matter-of-factly without mentioning any of his rivals.

The candidate said it was time for voters to be discerning, to realize that politics was not entertainment and they should not be influenced by dole-outs.

In his campaign sorties, a singing and dancing Lacson would certainly not be on the program. “I won’t sacrifice authenticity,” he said, and would not do anything that had nothing to do with the country’s problems.

“The number one problem is the government, so the solution is the government- good, honest governance,” he said.

Lacson stressed, “Tough problems need tough solutions from the country’s top leaders.” His goal, if elected president, was to leave the country better off than when he started and see a greater respect for government officials.

Although he acknowledged that the qualifications for presidential candidates were so much simpler than those required of job applicants, the senator also pointed out that college degrees do not guarantee outstanding public service.

“Maraming may PhD na mas magaling magnakaw kaysa magsilbi sa bayan (there are many people with doctoral degrees who are very skilled in stealing public funds than in serving the country),” he said.

He would not oppose though some changes in the qualifications, although it would require a constitutional amendment. The job was demanding, he pointed out, and it called for skills in handling crises like the still ongoing corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
 

Lacson said he would lead by example if he were elected president. He recalled that he was able to minimize graft and corruption in the Philippine National Police when he was its chief by consistently showing he could not be bribed. It was his leadership by example, he said, that drastically reduced, if not totally eliminated, corruption in the police establishment.

As a senator, he did not collect the pork barrel, or extra funds allocated to legislators ostensibly to finance pet projects. He was able to save the country millions of pesos by carefully and thoroughly reviewing every proposed annual budget of the government, he said.

Lacson would push for digitization and automation in government as president so there would be no human intervention. He said, “Human intervention always resulted in corruption.”

Lacson supported the resumption of mining in the country, “a major industry” of the Philippines, but it should be sustainable and responsible. “It must be data-driven and science-based.”

However, he also expressed concern that corruption would create the same problems as before. “Corruption lets violators get away (with their crimes). Palakasan (pull or influence) allowed people with the right connections to do as they please.”

Lacson’s vice presidential candidate is Senate President Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto III.

For more info on Ping Lacson, follow https://www.facebook.com/PingLacsonOfficial.

GIGI DE LANA AND THE GIGI VIBES, READY FOR “DOMINATION” CONCERT AT RESORTS WORLD MANILA

8:58:00 PM

 

Gigi De Lana and her band The Gigi Vibes are kicking off their “Domination” tour with ABS-CBN Events’ first on-ground concert in two years happening at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila this Saturday (March 5) at 8 pm.  
 
The Manila leg will be followed by their Middle East tour as they are scheduled to rock the Jubilee stage at the Expo 2020 in Dubai on March 12 (Saturday) in partnership with DTI, the National Theatre of Abu Dhabi on March 18 (Friday), and Crowne Plaza Bahrain on March 25 (Friday) in partnership with Filipino Club Bahrain.   
 
“Domination” will also have a special streaming on KTX.ph on April 23 (Saturday) featuring the Manila concert and snippets of the Middle East tour.   
 
Gigi is looking forward to singing her heart out in front of the live audience for her first major concert. “I’m looking forward to singing in front of them, looking through their eyes, and telling stories through my songs. That’s the best feeling every time I sing,” she said.    
 
The new gen pop rock diva also shared her excitement to sing her album’s songs live for the first time to bring much-needed positive vibes to their fans. She enthused, “Gusto naming magdominate ng good vibes sa buong mundo.”   
 
Joining Gigi and The Gigi Vibes band is Jed Madela as a special guest.   

 
Gigi has been on a roll since becoming a viral sensation in 2021. She just released her self-titled debut album featuring her hit single “Sakalam.” She also recently gave life to “Nasa’yo Ako,” the official soundtrack of “Viral Scandal” and “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” which serves as the OST of “Hello Heart.”   
 
Tickets for the Newport Performing Arts Theater are still up for grabs via Ticketworld at P8,000 (platinum), P7,000 (SVIP), P6,000 (VIP), P5,000 (gold), P3,500 (silver), and P1,500 (bronze).   
 
Meanwhile, online viewers can purchase tickets on KTX.ph at P695 (SVIP), P495 (VIP), and P195 (regular) for the April 23 special streaming.   
 
Enjoy a live concert experience in “Gigi De Lana and The Gigi Vibes: Domination” concert, happening on Saturday (March 5), 8 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom. 
 

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Making the best out of the new normal: Epson on powering through the pandemic and assisting customer support across Asia

6:33:00 AM

 

When the pandemic started, the Philippines experienced the biggest dip in its economy since World War I. This is due to nationwide lockdowns aimed to stop the surge and spread of COVID-19 infections. In the second quarter of 2021, the country’s GDP showed a double-digit growth of 11.8% from the -3.9% of the first quarter in the same year.

Epson has been powering through the pandemic and has remained as the market leader in 2021. Despite major setbacks experienced by many businesses in the country, Epson is right on track with its FY21 target, boasting 124% sales in the first half of the year. Epson scanners have maintained market dominance in H1 and have secured the #1 market share in document scanners.

There is a slight drop in demand for business systems like printers due to lockdown restrictions and school vacations. However, Epson’s commercial and industrial printer sales demonstrated aggressive growth as the market reopens and the election campaign starts. Meanwhile, the visual instruments market is expected to recover as corporate and leisure-related business reopens. Epson’s projector sales are expected to close at 144% by the end of FY21.
 
Epson’s Directions for FY21

During the FY21 Customer Support Midyear Forum, Epson leaders discussed their directions for the rest of the fiscal year. Included in their goals for product management is to maintain market leadership with the efficient use of resources and to rethink the way that the market is engaged.

Epson further improved the company’s customer support efforts by maintaining the base of its authorized service partners. Its boost on B2B support capabilities includes certifying its product specialists for corporate and onsite support for Epson products.

Additionally, Epson expounded on its supply chain management. Aside from ensuring efficient support for its products, Epson also secured spare parts stocking and availability. They backed up demo unit usage activities more efficiently through outsourcing and safeguard regulatory compliance by revising current processes.

Overcoming challenges caused by the pandemic

Epson as an organization prioritized its staff safety and well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company provided support for its employees such as oxygen tanks, care packs delivered directly to the employees’ homes, and home or office disinfection.

Aside from caring for its employees, Epson Singapore and Philippines joined hands to aid service providers all over the country. Both the SG and PH teams highlighted the importance of meeting the user’s expectations in line with market norms through safe and useful products.

Additionally, the company utilized its call center services to efficiently focus on B2B, demonstrate a higher level of technical expertise, improve online support platform, and optimize a fast-track onsite support as the economy slowly opens up.

Epson is already repackaging a lot of its technology to fit more into the higher demands and expectations of the market during the pandemic. The company is preparing to adjust into this change not just in the business aspect, but also in top-notch customer service.

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Lacson To Fight Poverty with Education

4:19:00 AM

 

A banner to fight poverty through education, Anti-corruption crusader Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson will fight persistent poverty in the country by giving young people more access to education.

Lacson points out that the Philippines has a high dropout rate because of poverty. Young people are forced to leave school to help their families and because being in school are proving to be a heavy financial burden. They remain mired in poverty because without a good education their prospects are limited and they can only get low-paying jobs.

In this latest video, the presidential aspirant who wants to reform government and make it truly work for the good of the people will launch the innovative Edukasyon Plus program if elected. The program will provide free education and institute a government internship program. Each family will receive a P5,000 monthly allowance during their family members’ internship. Lacson believes that this arrangement will allow students to focus on their studies as they will not be under pressure to help their families.

“Even if education is free, young people cannot finish their studies because they have to help their families. If this vicious cycle continues, when will they be able to lift themselves from a life of poverty?” he says.

Studies show that among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines have the highest school dropout rate.

Lacson is convinced that education is the only way to give people the chance of a better future and to improve the lives of Filipinos, many, if not most, of whom still live below the poverty line. People remain mired in poverty, unable to get better-paying jobs, for lack of education, he stresses.

With Edukasyon Plus, young people can avail of free education and participate in a government internship program that will pay their families a monthly allowance. “They won’t have to choose anymore between education and work to help their families,” Lacson says. He believes the program will help many people leave behind lives of poverty.

“Edukasyon Plus is the real solution to the problem of poverty,” Lacson adds.

Lacson and his running mate, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, are running on the slogan “Aayusin ang gobierno, aayusin ang buhay mo.” (They will fix the government and put your life in order.)

For more info on Ping Lacson, follow https://www.facebook.com/PingLacsonOfficial.

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Epson: Enabling Communication with Precise Digital Printing

11:06:00 AM

 

If you're going to think of it, printing has been around for ages already and every generation it evolves into something more productive than before. So, here's something to read along from Epson as they enable communication with precise digital printing. 

Although printing has been around for centuries, quality reproduction stems from a variety of technological innovations that have come together to deliver today’s high-impact prints. Epson’s strongest advancements in this area include its PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and its UltraChrome inks.

Digital printing has enabled the transition from monochrome printing to high-quality color images. The technology for inkjet printing systems has improved dramatically over the past decade, and this is driving full-color printing to new heights. Today’s newest color printers typically use the CMYK color profile, and Epson’s SureColor SC-T5430M wireless printer is one such example.

Designed for technical, engineering, and business graphics, this high-speed device is ideal for blueprints, line drawings, and posters up to 36” wide. It features 2400x1200 dpi print quality and a very competitive price point.

The ongoing proliferation of color inkjet technologies from a wide range of vendors has contributed to the success of suppliers in this segment. Advancements in image quality, color capabilities, and ink technology in technical aqueous devices combined with an ever-growing variety of media have enabled users to produce a wider range of applications.

According to Keypoint Intelligence – InfoTrends’ most recent forecast for wide format technical printers, an estimated 353 million m2 will be produced in the Asia-Pacific region by 2023. This output consists of two primary technical aqueous print applications—CAD for engineering/presentation graphics and GIS for maps. CAD represents an estimated 70% of the volume while GIS printing accounts for about 25%. The remaining 5% includes graphics applications like presentation posters and banners.

While only accounting for a small share of the market, graphics printing opens up some interesting application opportunities that were previously unattainable from a technical printer. The sheet-fed capabilities of smaller devices like Epson’s 24” SureColor SC-T3130X are now used with For Placement Only (FPO) proofing, poster prints, indoor signage, and small Point-of-purchase (POP) graphics in the SOHO environment. Meanwhile, larger roll-fed devices like EPSON’s 36” SureColor SC-T5430M and 44” SC-T7270D are capable of producing larger POP displays and indoor signage. Epson offers a full range of technical printers that can accommodate the needs of home/small offices up through enterprises.

The forecast for Asia-Pacific also indicates that the installed base of 100,000 units in 2018 is expected to grow by 4.3% through 2023. Although most output is produced digitally, this massive installed base indicates that print is still the preferred mechanism for presenting technical and GIS documents. Although some of this print work is handled by in-house or print-for-pay reprographic print facilities, many engineers and architects are investing in technologies that enable them to print high-resolution color drawings in real time.

Epson’s ongoing investments in its product line offer many user-friendly solutions to engineers, architects, and cartographers. The SureColor T-series printers are small footprint devices with full front operation capabilities that make them ideal for placement in the corner of any office. Designed for convenience, the auto switch function enables a seamless transition between roll and cut sheet paper. Additionally, the T-series printers can print and cut printouts without dropping them until they are ready to be collected.

Advancements in secure digital technology continue to occur, fueling the opportunity to print a widening array of technical graphics on a variety of media from a single device. Accommodating print widths from 24” to 44”, Epson’s T-Series line of printers addresses end-users’ needs for fast printing, high resolution, and vivid colors—all without compromising quality!

To find out more about the Epson T-Series printer line, click here.

Sunday, May 16, 2021

PINOY PRIDE IS HIGH IN ABS-CBN AND ELECTRIC ENTERTAINMENT’S “ALMOST PARADISE”

6:36:00 AM

 

ABS-CBN and Electric Entertainment’s historic crime drama series “Almost Paradise” overflows with Pinoy pride as it continues to champion Filipino talent in its last two weeks on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z.

Like in the previous eight episodes, the Filipino cast and crew of the American crime drama series promise world-class entertainment in the final two chapters in the story of former U.S. secret agent Alex Walker (Christian Kane), who was drawn back to his old life after retiring in the island paradise of Cebu.

According to ABS-CBN International Production and Co-Production Division Head Ruel Bayani, the company really wanted to show the world the quality of content made by Filipinos through this project.

 

“Ito ay malaking pagkakataon para maipagmalaki at ipayakap sa mundo ang ating talento at ating kakayahan,” he said in a virtual media conference held on May 12 with the entire “Almost Paradise” team and main cast.

All artists that played a role in the show underwent stringent auditions, including the main Filipino cast of Nonie Buencamino, Art Acuña, Samantha Richelle, Ces Quesada, and Angeli Bayani, and guest stars like ZsaZsa Padilla, Sophia Reola, Richard Yap, Raymond Bagatsing, Noel Trinidad, Lotlot de Leon, Ryan Eigenmann, and Ketchup Eusebio, among many others.

“I think isa sa pinaka-naappreciate ko is ‘yung process of audition. Kasi sa audition you make sure that the right people get the roles. So pagdating sa shooting, you’re confident na they can do their roles,” shared Ces.

Nonie also liked that they had their scripts ahead. “There was a lot of time to read, think, and analyze. So I have a lot of attacks come shooting day,” he shared. His character police chief Ike Ocampo, he said, is very principled and honest like him in real-life.

Art, who has done a variety of roles both for local and international productions, said he also connected very much with his role as detective Ernesto Alamares, “It’s one of my most favorite characters to play.”

 

While a newcomer in the industry, Samantha was well-praised by her co-actors and producers in her portrayal of Kai Mendoza. For her, the project was a blessing and a joy to do.

“I had the time of my life just being able to learn from the veteran actors and just the quality of the people's talents. I was just very fortunate to work with them.”

Behind the camera, “Almost Paradise” showrunner Dean Devlin, the CEO of Electric Entertainment and famous Hollywood producer of films like “Independence Day,” “Godzilla,” and “The Patriot” also worked with a Filipino staff and crew. Moreover, the program has four Filipino directors in Dan Villegas (Episode 4), Francis Dela Torre (Episode 3 and 7), Hannah Espia (Episode 6 and 9), and Irene Villamor (Episode 8).

According to Dan, while there were adjustments in the filmmaking process, they all took away new knowledge from their experience in the show.

“I was surprised how professional foreign actors were. Pagdating nila sa set memorized na nila ang script. I also appreciated how everything is pre-approved before the shoot. ’Yung mga natutunan ko sa Almost Paradise, ina-apply ko na sa mga shoots ko,” shared Dan.

“The themes are very universal and maraming nakapaloob na genres. It speaks to a wider audience,” Hannah also said about the global appeal of the show.

Francis and Irene, meanwhile, both believe the series gave foreign audiences a different look at the Philippines.

They and the local team surely got the admiration and respect of Dean, and the show’s lead star, Hollywood actor Christian Kane, who cherish the love they have been receiving during and after the filming of “Almost Paradise.”

“I was treated more like family there than I have ever been my entire life. It just felt like home. I have some of the best people around me. They welcomed me in and so I got to concentrate on the character and not being away from home,” said Christian, who starred in U.S. TV series and movies like “Angel,” “Leverage,” “The Librarians,” “Just Married,” and “Taxi.”

Dean also shared that among all the projects he has done, “everybody seems to like Almost Paradise,” especially among Filipinos abroad like him.

 

“We are getting so many heartfelt letters and DMs from Filipinos here and around the world who are saying that they feel seen. To have this show where we are really changing minds and hearts, it adds a sense of pride in the show not just for the Filipinos in the Philippines but for Filipinos everywhere. It captures the heart of why Filipinos are such wonderful and special people,” he said.

The first American TV series shot entirely in the Philippines, “Almost Paradise” features the beauty of Mactan, Cebu. But aside from the country’s natural beauty, also worth seeing in the program are the realistic sets that the local production team of ABS-CBN built for the show, such as the police station and yacht.

The team gave their blood and sweat to the project in their desire to give Filipinos a program they will be proud of, and to prove that the local entertainment industry can stand toe-to-toe with Hollywood.

Meanwhile, viewers should watch for the exciting events coming in “Almost Paradise,” which has brought light and joy to Filipinos since March 21. In the episode this Sunday (May 16), which features guest actors Sophia Reola, Isay Alvarez, Teroy Guzman, Miko Raval, Boom Labrusca, Joel Molina, and Lesley Lina, Kai (Samantha Richelle) is in danger as Alex gets entangled in her undercover operation. In the finale, expect more drama and action as Alex tries to save her daughter when a person from his past returns for revenge.

Don’t miss the last two episodes of “Almost Paradise” every Sunday, 8:45 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) on Facebook and YouTube. Viewers in the Philippines can re-watch the latest episode for seven days after it streamed on KOL. They can also watch all previous episodes, in English or Filipino, on iWantTFC. Follow @AlmostParadiseTV at @AlmostParadisePH on Facebook. Follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.



Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Epson Renews Environmental Vision 2050 Carbon negative and underground resource free by 2050

7:42:00 AM

 

Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson") has renewed Environmental Vision 2050, a statement of the company's environmental goals for 2050, to achieve sustainability and enrich communities. Epson will become carbon negative and underground resource[ Non-renewable resources such as oil and metals ] free by 2050.

Epson was founded in 1942 in Suwa, a city located in the rich natural environment of Nagano, Japan. Harmonious co-existence with the communities in which we operate has always been a cornerstone of the company, and even as our operations have expanded globally, our culture of respect for the environment has never wavered, and we have always maintained ambitious environmental goals. Epson established Environmental Vision 2050 in 2008 and revised it in 2018 to realign it with a changed operating environment.

This latest revision was made as part of the Epson 25 Renewed corporate vision, which set "achieving sustainability and enriching communities" as the company's aspirational goal. Specifically, we set goals that clearly show our commitment to tackling the major societal issues of decarbonization and resource recycling, and we will proceed with concrete efforts to achieve them.




Environmental Vision 2050

Epson will become carbon negative and underground resource1 free by 2050 to achieve sustainability and enrich communities.

Goals

2030: Reduce total emissions in line with the 1.5℃ scenario [ Target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions aligned with the recommendations of the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). ]

2050: Carbon negative and underground resource1 free

Actions

●Reduce the environmental impacts of products and services and in supply chains
●Achieve sustainability in a circular economy and advance the frontiers of the industry through creative, open innovation
●Contribute to international environmental initiatives

The Epson 25 Renewed corporate vision, which was established on March 18, 2021, includes Environmental Vision 2050. In line with this vision, Epson will pursue decarbonization and resource recycling programs, provide products and services that reduce environmental impacts, and develop environmental technology.

Epson plans to spend and invest 100 billion yen on decarbonization, resource recycling, and environmental technology development over the next ten years. It expects these efforts to enable the company to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain by more than two million tonnes. Even apart from this 100-billion-yen investment, Epson will concentrate its management resources on developing products and services that reduce the environmental impacts of our customers.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Grab launches Salamat sa Ani initiative to encourage more Filipinos to give thanks to loved ones and frontliners, and support local farmers

10:32:00 PM

 

Furthering its commitment to leveraging its technology and platform to create a positive social impact on the lives of many Filipinos, Grab Philippines, together with Zagana - the Philippines’ leading agri-social enterprise is launching its Salamat Sa Ani initiative on 17 March 2021.

Through the Salamat Sa Ani initiative, Grab is leveraging its technology and platform to encourage more Filipinos to show care and gratitude to their loved ones and frontliners who have been helping them to cope with the challenging times. At the same time, the initiative will also provide support to the farming communities that Grab helped digitalize since the Enhanced Community Quarantine phase, as contents of the Salamat Sa Ani gift sets are sourced directly from Zagana farmers in Benguet, Pangasinan, and Cavite. Each Salamat Sa Ani gift set - which includes fresh corn, bananas, and lime, is exclusively available on GrabMart for only PHP 299.00.

Salamat Sa Ani is one of the latest GrabForGood initiatives led by Grab Philippines where Grab’s technology and platform are leveraged to support the needs of the Filipino communities and help improve their lives and livelihoods. During the height of the pandemic, one of the key GrabForGood initiatives led by Grab Philippines is GrabBayanihan - a program that leveraged Grab’s technology and platform to provide much-needed support to driver-partners, frontliners, displaced individuals, farming communities, and local governments.

Leveraging Grab’s technology and platform to help local farmers overcome supply chain challenges

As highlighted in the June 2020 Report of the World Bank, the supply chain of fresh produce and agricultural products in many parts of the Philippines was greatly impacted since the implementation of the lockdowns. With limited logistics options for transporting the produce from the farms to the public markets and groceries and the sharp decline in customer foot traffic in physical marketplaces, the livelihoods of Filipino farming communities - as well as the food security across many households, were at risk to certain points that farmers were forced to throw away their produce.



Through Grab’s technology, platform, and its partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Zagana, fresh produce from farming communities were given wider market access through the Grab app through the Department of Agriculture’s 2020 Program Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita. Now, with a few taps on the app, Grab consumers get to enjoy fresh produce from local farmers, delivered straight into their doorsteps in as quick as less than an hour and at the same time supporting the local farming communities.

For Benguet-based farmer Ardan Copes, the partnership between Grab and Zagana provided new technology to farmers like himself who are used to traditional models for distributing and selling their produce. His main challenge when the pandemic hit was that there were too many vegetables wasted due to the absence of buyers brought by the quarantine. Copes shares that “through Grab’s technology and platform, Zagana farmers like himself were able to better reach and serve new consumers.” The partnership also gave farmers like Copes “a good market price for their produce which is why they did not hesitate to join the platform.” Copes adds that they “were able to continue with their livelihood despite the challenges of ECQ, which gave them a huge relief.”

Co-creating positive social impact within and beyond the Grab platform

Committed to contributing towards the Philippines’ longer-term socio-economic recovery and development, the Grab platform not only provides its consumers with the everyday value and convenience, but it also allows its users to co-create a positive social impact - within and beyond the Grab platform, with every transaction made on the Grab app.

With every order of fresh produce made on the Grab app, users are able to support the livelihoods of tens of thousands of driver-partners, MSMEs, and local farming communities who are also facing the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has truly impacted a lot of lives. Our partnership with Grab has allowed us to continuously serve our customers and support our local farmers, by leveraging Grab’s platform and technology to provide our kababayans access to fresh produce, delivered right at their doorsteps while providing livelihood for both the delivery partners and local farmers during these uncertain times,” said Zagana Chief Executive Officer Joshua Aragon.

“Using our platform and technology to help improve the lives and livelihoods of many Filipinos is what differentiates Grab as a community partner. We are grateful to have made a difference in the lives of millions of Filipinos through our GrabForGood program and we will continue with our commitment of using technology and our platform to encourage meaningful collaboration within our communities and help our kababayans overcome their daily struggles,” says Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

To know more about Grab and Zagana’s Salamat sa Ani initiative, visit: http://grb.to/salamatsaani

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

An ‘Inevitable’ Pairing of Ben&Ben’s music and Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s TVC for Smart

10:50:00 PM

 


While it was important for Smart to grant the wishes of its subscribers when it comes to bringing consumers closer to their foreign idols, the latest Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin TVC presented an opportunity to put a Filipino band behind the soundtrack and musical scoring.

Here’s where Ben&Ben comes in, providing “Inevitable,” the song that is heard in the background while Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin pursue each other in this romantic-sci-fi TVC.

With lyrics inspired by real-life events, Ben&Ben members simply happen to be CLOY fans as well. In a collaboration set to motion by the band, Smart, and Sony Music, things started falling into place when it came to lending soundtrack and musical score for this collaborative campaign.


In an official statement released by Sony Music, lead singer Paolo Benjamin said, “Inevitable is a song that tries to describe the nature of fate, and how all our actions somehow lead us to some better place that is destined for us. It’s also a song about being real with someone, and that no matter how scary that may seem at times, there is freedom in baring your truest nature with someone dear to you, even if that someone is yourself.”

Miguel Benjamin added, “The songwriting in itself presents a concept of the state that is both a surreal mystery and a peaceful certainty, so we wanted to create an aural representation of what these lyrics felt like. Our process started with a mix of acoustic guitars, which I tweaked with sitar effects as the main intro riff; kind of like a representation of the two contrasting feelings working together.”

About the Smart 5G Campaign

The TVC, which serves as a joint project top-billed by Korean drama stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, is part of the new Smart 5G campaign to make what seemed impossible, possible.

 

From “The Captain Has Landed” to landing into each other’s arms, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin took chemistry to a whole new level in the Smart 5G TVC as they chase each other on the road and through different dimensions only to meet again just as Bin asks, “Do you believe it’s possible?” To which Ye Jin replies, “I do!”

Smart has put together Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin together in one project for the first time much like the latest development with Smart 5G, which has started enabling subscribers to do groundbreaking things we thought we couldn’t do.

The TVC was even made more powerful thanks to Ben&Ben’s “Inevitable” complementing the top-tier material.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Ebe Dancel, Bugoy Drilon, VP Robredo & other known personalities to join in online community jamming on De Lima’s 4th year in detention

11:27:00 PM

 

Sharing this news!

Renowned musicians, artists, activists, and political and religious leaders here and abroad will gather in another online community jamming to express their support for Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima who will be marking her fourth year in unjust detention on Feb. 24.

Dubbed “Leilaya! Mga Tinig at Himig ng Paglaya,” the online jamming organized in partnership with the Free Leila de Lima Movement (FLM) and the Committee for the Freedom of Leila M. de Lima (Free Leila Committee) will feature performances from artists such as Agot Isidro, Ebe Dancel, Bugoy Drilon, Gary Granada, Bituin Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua, Pochoy Labog of Dicta License, True Faith, Mae Paner, Pinky Amador, US-based singers and bands from other countries.

Also joining the artists are Senators Frank Drilon, Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan, Atty. Chel Diokno, journalist Maria Ressa, film director Joel Lamangan, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, several political leaders abroad, and various civil-society groups.

A solidarity message from Vice President Leni Robredo is also expected.

The online community jamming will be available for audience viewing through livestreaming of Free Leila Movement, Free Leila Committee and the official Leila de Lima Facebook pages at 7:30 pm on Feb. 24.

It may be recalled that over 70 musicians, artists, leaders, religious and progressive groups, and ordinary Filipinos also joined the online community jamming entitled “Leilaya! Tinig at Musika para sa Diwang Malaya” to celebrate the 61st birthday of De Lima last Aug. 27, 2020.

De Lima, known as the most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, was recently acquitted in one of her three trumped-up drug cases.

The lady Senator from Bicol has consistently maintained that no amount of lies by political manipulators and even paid trolls could erase her innocence from all the trumped-up illegal drug charges filed against her. (30)

Friday, December 18, 2020

SINGAPORE’S RELE ESTABLISHES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA’S MAVEN AGENCY

10:32:00 PM

 

18th December 2020, Singapore –– RELE is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Maven Agency, one of Australia’s leading artist management company.

Founded in 2014 by Ken Outch & Brendan Burwood, Maven is the management agency of top Australian stars Jessica Mauboy, Dami Im, Adam Brand and Travis Collins. Under this partnership, RELE will represent, grow and bring success to Maven’s artists in South-East Asia, Greater China, Korea and Japan.

One of the key artists that the RELE team is excited for, singing and acting sensation, Jessica Mauboy. The Australia’s national darling has not only amassed over 159 million streams to date but has also previously worked with big leagues such as Beyonce, Chris Brown and Ricky Martin, to name a few.

The four-time ARIA accredited Platinum singer-songwriter is set to embark on her new music in 2021 with her recent signing with Warner Music Australia. Additionally, Jessica will be making her coaching debut on the popular international reality television series, The Voice, alongside superstar coaches, Keith Urban, Rita Ora and Guy Sebastian. With promising plans under Jessica’s belt, RELE is looking forward to expand her music listeners in the region.

RELE was founded in 2019 by former Sony Music and Universal Music senior executives, Esther Leck and Rina Leck with the vision to help artists gain control and scale in the region across borders to be commercially successful. Music senior executives, Hayden Bell (CEO of Kennel Music AB) and Gavin Parry (former Executive Vice President Digital and Business Development, Asia at Sony Music and ANZ and Chairman of ARIA Digital Committee) have recently joined the company as board directors. With the company’s strong network and expertise, RELE is confident and thrilled to be working with Maven Agency, with the goal of bringing opportunities for their impressive roster of artists.

For more updates and information, please visit www.rele.asia.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

ABS-CBN Refutes Constitutional Issues in the Franchise Hearing

12:46:00 AM

ABS-CBN debunked various allegations involving the 50-year franchise limit, citizenship of its chairman emeritus, the issuance of Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs), and the supposed unlawful return of the company to the Lopezes at the House of Representatives today (June 1).

ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak emphasized that the 50-year franchise limitation pertains to a single franchise only, referring to Article 12, Section 11 in the Constitution that says that no franchise shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines nor shall such franchise be for a longer period than 50 years.

“Malinaw po ang kahulugan nito. Na bawat prangkisang ibinibigay ng Kongreso ay hindi pwedeng lumampas ng 50 years. Pero wala naman pong sinasabi na ang buhay ng isang kumpanya ay may limitasyon na 50 years. Pwede naman pong bigyan ng panibagong prangkisa. (It is clearly stated that every franchise granted by Congress cannot exceed 50 years. But nothing in the provision states that a life span of a company is limited to 50 years. Its franchise can get renewed.),” he said at the second day of the Congress hearing on the network’s franchise renewal.

He also refuted the alleged ownership of ABS-CBN by a non-Filipino, confirming that its chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III is a Filipino citizen by birth and has the right to own a media company in the Philippines.

“Si Mr. Lopez po ay ipinanganak noong 1952 kaya sakop po siya ng 1935 Constitution. Ang tatay at nanay niya ay parehong Pilipino. Kaya from birth, automatic na siya ay isang Pilipino din (Mr. Lopez was born in 1952 and was covered by the 1935 Constitution. His father and mother are both Filipino. So he is automatically a Filipino from birth.),” he pointed out.

Katigbak further clarified another ownership issue, affirming that the Lopezes never lost ownership of ABS-CBN, even during Martial Law when the government shut it down.

“Ang pagbabalik ng ABS-CBN sa pamilyang Lopez ay ayon sa batas, at may basbas ng tatlong ahensya ng goberyno: ang PCGG, ang Office of the President, at ang Korte Suprema (The return of ABS-CBN to the Lopez family was legal and was approved by the government agencies: the PCGG, the Office of the President, and the Supreme Court.),” he disclosed.

“Ang PCGG mismo ang umaksyon na ibalik sa mga may-ari ang Channel 2 noong June 1986. Noong January 1987, nagkaroon ng agreement ang gobyerno at ABS-CBN na isaayos ang pagbalik ng mga iba pang facilities ng ABS-CBN na patuloy pang ginagamit ng goberyno. Itong agreement ay may basbas ng Korte Suprema noong 1989 (First of all, the PCGG decided to return Channel 2 to the owners in June 1986. In January 1987, there was an agreement between the government and ABS-CBN on the orderly return of ABS-CBN facilities that the government was still using. The Supreme Court affirmed the agreement in 1989.),” he narrated.

He also said that based on the agreement, PTV 4 returned ABS-CBN’s other facilities in 1992, six years after the EDSA Revolution happened.

Another issue Katigbak addressed is the alleged unconstitutional issuance of PDRs to foreigners. “Ang PDR po ay hindi katumbas ng pag-aari sa ABS-CBN (A PDR is not equivalent to a share in ABS-CBN.),” he stated, citing that PDR holders do not have voting rights.

He likewise reiterated that the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the PDRs.

He explained, “Ang pag-benta po ng PDR sa publiko ay inaprubahan ng SEC noong October 4, 1999. Paano ito magiging labag sa batas kung ang ahensya mismo ng gobyerno ang nagbigay ng permit para ibenta ang mga PDR na ito (The public offering of PDR was approved by the SEC last October 4, 1999. How could it have violated the law when the government agency gave the permit to offer the PDR to the public?)?”

He added that these were the same instruments used by another media company but it did not become an issue in their franchise renewal.

The House of Representatives’ started its deliberations on ABS-CBN’s application for a 25-year franchise after it withdrew House Bill No. 6732, which would grant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 31.

ABS-CBN stopped its broadcast operations on May 5 to comply with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which earlier stated it would give ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate following Senate Resolution No. 40, a letter from the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchises, and the Department of Justice’s advice.

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Mayors Express Gratitude to ABS-CBN’S “PANTAWID NG PAG-IBIG”

12:34:00 PM

Local government units (LGUs) found it challenging to quickly provide relief to families affected by the quarantine. That is why several mayors in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have expressed their gratitude to companies that served as their partners at this time, including ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig.”

“Private and public partnerships like what ABS-CBN does is a big help. We don’t know when this pandemic is going to end and the government can’t do it alone. In a month, we have plenty of families to feed,” Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said in an interview with "TV Patrol."

Because of the quarantine extension, the funds of LGUs have been greatly affected, which is why mayors think of “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” as an answer to their problems.


Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano said, “we have a budget, but it is not enough that is why we are so thankful. This is a great project of ABS-CBN because it can really help the local government extend its budget.”

As for Maragondon, Cavite Mayor Reynaldo Rillo, ABS-CBN’s simple act of giving relief packs is a way to show love and concern for Filipinos. “I am thankful to everyone who extended their help, to all those who showered us with love by giving us relief goods.”

Malolos, Bulacan Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian also said ABS-CBN made Filipino families felt that they are not alone in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, “thank you ABS-CBN for your ‘Pantawid ng Pag-ibig’ program that made our kababayans feel like they are not alone in this battle.”

Meanwhile, donations to the network’s “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” program has reached P409,721,248 million. The funds raised are used to purchase food and basic necessities that are brought to the LGUs for repacking and distribution to their constituents. ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation are thankful to the leaders of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal for their trust and support for “Pantawid ng Pag-Ibig.”

Despite the crises we are facing, ABS-CBN will never get tired of serving Filipino families. ABS-CBN Foundation will continue to accept cash and in-kind donations as it continues to help provide food and basic necessities to Filipinos most affected by the global pandemic. People may donate via ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya bank accounts: BPI peso account 3051-11-55-88, Metrobank peso account 636-3-636-08808-1, PNB peso account 1263-7000-4128, BDO peso account 0039301-14199, at BDO dollar account 1039300-81622. They may also course donations through Cebuana Lhuillier, PayPal, Pass it Forward, and GCash.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

ANC’S Cathy Yang Honored as Best News Anchor At ASIAN ACADEMY CREATIVE AWARDS

11:51:00 AM

ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) broadcast journalist Cathy Yang brought honors to the country as she was named Best News or Current Affairs Presenter/Anchor at the prestigious Asian Academy Creative Awards in Singapore for her exemplary work in ANC’s business news program “Market Edge.”

In her acceptance speech, Yang was immensely grateful to the Asian Academy, stating that she and the entire ABS-CBN News team wanted to bring home the honor. “It is my first foray into the Academy as it is for the ABS-CBN Newsroom. It gives me such great pride that I came back to the Philippines and won this for the Philippines and for the Kapamilya network, which is really my home network since I began my career in journalism,” she said.


Yang, who also hosts ANC’s “Business Nightly” and “The Boss,” was part of the 20 winners of the first night of the annual event that aims to recognize “the best of the best from the region’s content industry.”

The Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA) is a yearly celebration of excellence in creative industries and serves as the “pinnacle of achievement in content creation and media production.”

For more updates, follow ABS-CBN PR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom. ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) broadcast journalist Cathy Yang brought honors to the country as she was named Best News or Current Affairs Presenter/Anchor at the prestigious Asian Academy Creative Awards in Singapore for her exemplary work in ANC’s business news program “Market Edge.”

In her acceptance speech, Yang was immensely grateful to the Asian Academy, stating that she and the entire ABS-CBN News team wanted to bring home the honor. “It is my first foray into the Academy as it is for the ABS-CBN Newsroom. It gives me such great pride that I came back to the Philippines and won this for the Philippines and for the Kapamilya network, which is really my home network since I began my career in journalism,” she said.


Yang, who also hosts ANC’s “Business Nightly” and “The Boss,” was part of the 20 winners of the first night of the annual event that aims to recognize “the best of the best from the region’s content industry.”

The Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA) is a yearly celebration of excellence in creative industries and serves as the “pinnacle of achievement in content creation and media production.”

For more updates, follow ABS-CBN PR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Monday, December 2, 2019

5 Filipino Values Featured in ABS-CBN Christmas Station IDs

4:50:00 PM

One of many things to know that it is already Christmas season in the Philippines when there’s Jose Mari Chan, puto bumbong, eye-catching decorations… and an ABS-CBN Christmas station ID. Yes, most of us, me and you are probably always on the look for the Christmas Station ID, and it's interesting that every year it gets better and better.

While these station IDs are always star-studded, viewers and fans excitedly await what stories will be featured in them every year. The messages in these songs and videos have remained the same over the years, because Christmas in the Philippines means love, gratitude, faith in God, kindness, and family. And this is why these highly anticipated station IDs bear more weight – they have always been part of the Filipino Christmas tradition.

This year’s “Family is Forever,” for example, is a tear-inducing nostalgia-fest that every Pinoy, living here or overseas, can relate to. ABS-CBN’s previous station IDs are not any different. Here, we look back at the distinctly Filipino stories and values that have been weaved into these Kapamilya holiday tunes through the years:

1) Family and togetherness
Early station IDs such as 2004’s “Sabay Tayo, Kapamilya,” 2007’s “Walang Mag-iisa Ngayong Pasko,” and 2008’s "May Katuparan ang Hiling sa Kapamilyang Kapiling” focused on the importance of togetherness during times of triumph and despair. 2013’s “Magkasama Tayo Sa Kwento Ng Pasko" also highlighted ABS-CBN’s relationship and meaningful memories with its audiences.

ABS-CBN continues to celebrate the unconditional and enduring love of Pinoys for their biological and chosen families, such as in 2016’s “Isang Pamilya Tayo Ngayong Pasko,” 2018’s “Family is Love,” and this year’s “Family is Forever.”


2) Faith in God
With lyrics such as “Pag-asa'y magliliwanag, ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sisinag sa lahat” and “Pag-asa’y laging buhay… sa Diyos nating gabay, isang pamilya tayo,” Kapamilya Christmas carols don’t forget what the season is about: Jesus.

In 2006, the network used Orange and Lemon’s cover of Apo Hiking Society’s “Tuloy na Tuloy Pa Rin ang Pasko” to show that even if you have a tight budget or whether or not you have presents to give, God and love are enough reasons to celebrate this season.

The message was much stronger in 2009, when ABS-CBN released “Bro, Ikaw Ang Star ng Pasko” to give hope to Kapamilyas, especially the survivors of Typhoon Ondoy, which ravaged many parts of Luzon. It remains ABS-CBN’s most popular Christmas station ID to date, and an enduring reminder of whom to rely on in times of tragedy. It also introduced a new era for Christmas station IDs in that it brings to light what makes Filipinos going, despite seemingly insurmountable calamities and their everyday struggles.



3) Love and kindness
Christmas is indeed about giving, and 2017’s “Just Love Ngayong Christmas” centered around the power of selfless love and sharing it with your family or a stranger. Several “photos of love” were also featured in the station ID, where ordinary citizens were seen making a difference in their communities.

Many scenes in 2012‘s "Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kwento ng Pasko" were also inspired by real events that happened during Typhoon Sendong and at the height of Habagat. With lyrics such as “Ang magbigay ng sarili sa isa't isa… Ito ang kwento ng Pasko, ito'y liwanag ng mundo,” it featured stories of heroism and ordinary people helping each other.



4) Gratitude
Gratitude and giving back became the central themes in 2014’s "Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo," a meaningful take on Filipino Christmas carols that has since become a staple during the “pamamasko” season.

In 2015’s “Thank You for The Love,” Kapamilya stars expressed their gratitude to countless Filipinos whose stories inspire them in their work and personal lives.



5) #PinoyPride and love for Pinoy culture
What makes Christmas in the Philippines the longest and happiest in the world, other than spending it with your loved ones? It’s the uniquely Pinoy traditions and festivities that have been passed down from generation to generation, including the Simbang Gabi, pangangaroling, monito-monita gift-giving, and the displaying of the Belen. These take centerstage in 2010’s “Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino” and 2011’s "Da Best Ang Pasko Ng Pilipino.”

Through the years, ABS-CBN has also put the spotlight on Filipinos who have made their kababayans proud, including Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda, Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, skateboarding champ Margielyn Didal, ASEAN Para Games gold medalist Arnel Aba, shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra, and YouTube sensation Maria Aragon, who performed the 2011 anthem.

Of course, there are our personal and everyday heroes whose selflessness inspires us, including loved ones who are working overseas, farmers, teachers, and people and organizations in our communities who try to uplift the lives of others. They exemplify our values as a people, such as love, perseverance, and generosity, that make us truly Filipino.






About Me

About me
Hi!, This is Marco a.k.a. Toto Blogger and Publisher. I created this blog to provide stories, personal experiences, entertainment, and insights on products I like. I'm here to share and inform you (readers) on things about music, movie, food, travel, and events.

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