SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges.

The Manila Hotel has been named the Philippines' Leading Hotel at the 2024 World Travel Awards, a recognition that highlights its dedication to delivering top-notch Filipino hospitality. The World Travel Awards, known as the "Oscars of the travel industry," honor outstanding achievements in tourism and hospitality.

The Philippines faces the highest disaster risk in the world, making it crucial for the country to strengthen its ability to respond to and recover from climate-related impacts. This effort is a priority for the entire nation and requires everyone's participation.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).

“There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines,” said Custodio. The session on creating connections and partnerships was hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Service Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch.

As a leading integrated property developer in Asia, SM Prime places a strong emphasis on sustainability and disaster resilience in its projects. In the climate-vulnerable Philippines, the company prioritizes disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience, aiming to extend these efforts to the city level.

"At SM Prime, we have a vision for a shared future. True prosperity goes beyond financial gains. We're dedicated to developing sustainable properties and building vibrant, inclusive communities that stand the test of time," said Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Prime and SM Development Corporation.

The 7th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

(L-R): Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean, CHE, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. Chancellor, UPLB, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU, Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay, Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, SMPHI and SMDC Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy, Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr., Conference Director, ICHSPD, Assoc. Professor, UPLB, and Dr. Yekang Ko, Director, APRU-SCL, Assoc. Professor, University of Oregon.

The Manila Hotel and Montesa Medical Group (MMG) have officially teamed up to bring a new level of wellness services to guests. The partnership was sealed during a contract signing ceremony held at The Manila Hotel on August 8, 2024. Present at the event were Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel, and Elaine Santos, vice president for administration. Representing MMG were Dr. Anna Marie Montesa, president and medical director, and Dr. Christine Marie Montesa, managing director, along with key members Lovely Rose Sherani and Christine Shea.

This collaboration signifies a milestone for Montesa Medical Group, as they prepare to open a cutting-edge aesthetic clinic within the hotel’s health and recreational facilities. The clinic, slated for a November 2024 opening, will offer a wide array of dermatological and wellness services designed for both hotel guests and the general public. With its prime location at The Manila Hotel, guests will enjoy easy access to top-tier beauty and wellness treatments.

For MMG, this partnership is more than just business. They see it as an honor to bring their services to The Manila Hotel, a symbol of national heritage and elegance. The clinic will be a place where tradition meets modern health and beauty care, enhancing the experience of both long-time hotel patrons and new visitors alike.

This collaboration showcases The Manila Hotel's commitment to enhancing guest experiences by partnering with respected experts in health and wellness, providing a luxurious yet accessible option for rejuvenation. The opening of the Montesa Medical Group clinic will undoubtedly add another layer of excellence to the hotel’s offerings, ensuring that guests leave not only relaxed but revitalized.

Making your kids' baon can be a challenge. You want to give them an enjoyable, yummy school recess snack while making sure they're getting something that’s filling and nourishing. While it may sound like a daunting task, you can do both.

Here are some yummy and “veggie-packed" snack ideas to help you level up your kids’ baon. The secret ingredient? None other than Jack ‘n Jill Nova Greens. This crunchy and flavorful treat is made with malunggay (or moringa), a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins. It’s also made with Nova’s signature four multi-grains—corn, wheat, oats, and rice—which are known to be good sources of energy.

SB19's Josh Cullen is back with "Silent Cries," a guitar-driven, emo-infused track released ahead of his upcoming album Lost and Found, set to drop this month.

Emo tendencies

On the melancholic track, the P-Pop soloist trades his urban-leaning charisma for something that passes off as Midwestern emo for the streaming generation. This time around, Josh turns inwards for temporary refuge and puts a front to conceal some vulnerable moments in his past life, writing some of his most confessional and somber lyrics to date.

Josh Cullen’s ‘Silent Cries’ serves as an introduction to the ‘Lost and Found’ album—the lyrics of the song come straight from the heart, revealing the artist’s true feelings.

The result is a compelling piece of work that sounds specifically written or produced for an audience raised by bands such as Jimmy Eat World or American Football, yet would never stop jamming to a Post Malone bop in the wee hours of the night.

Official music video

The genre-bending act revisits his past with equal moments of fondness and longing in the music video accompanying the release of "Silent Cries". The MV's concept revolves around Josh deciding to go back to places that were once a vital part of his childhood and reminiscing about these memories—both good and bad.

Slickly filmed with nostalgic elements and melancholic undertones, the visuals try to do more than just tell a story. It weaves moodiness with words barely spoken in ages. And that’s what makes it all the more affecting: the subdued silence, the longing gaze, the fleeting fascination with the past. The atmosphere is all cigarette smoke and ripped tunes for the wicked, but there’s sadness that hovers undeniably in its powerlessness, always reminding us of the brutality (and sometimes beauty) of time’s passing.

Josh Cullen’s “Silent Cries” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video on Josh Cullen’s YouTube channel.

 

Following the renewed success of his OPM hit "Randomantic," James Reid revisits his laid-back, pop-influenced sound with the release of his latest single, "Sandal," under Sony Music Entertainment and Careless.

With its acoustic arrangement and Reid’s smooth vocals, "Sandal" captures the charm of his earlier work, blending simplicity with sophistication.

As expected, Reid demonstrates his keenness to turn a simple gesture of romantic affirmation into a sterling piece of work. On “Sandal,” he is back with another serenade that has so much potential on both the commercial and artistic front.

“I just wanted to reconnect with my roots in music, blending my past music with my new sound and writing style,” the award-winning singer-songwriter and label mogul admits. “It’s also been a long-time request from my fans. Most of the songs in my new EP are written in Filipino.”

The recording superstar wrote the track together with Luke April of the Davao-based hip-hop and R&B group, Playertwo. Both Reid and April wanted to create a material that aims to easily comfort someone going through a tough time. As the former pointed out in his press statement, “The idea is that love is strength and vulnerability, and that I will be your sanctuary.”

James Reid adds, “This song means a lot to me personally. I wrote it for my girlfriend when she was having a terrible day. I wanted her to know that no matter what you’re going through, you can always lean on me.”

“Sandal” is also produced by Tim Marquez, who has helmed tracks for eclectic Filipino acts such as Ena Mori and Zild, and previously worked with James Reid on the piano ballad “Hurt Me Too.” Building on the initial ideas brought by Luke April, Tim approached Reid's new direction with a slow dance feel.

James Reid’s “Sandal” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless.

Resetting your modem can be a simple yet effective way to solve many common internet issues. Whether you’re experiencing slow speeds, or intermittent connections, or your WiFi just isn’t working as it should, a quick reset can often do the trick.

To see if your modem needs a reset, check its lights. If the LOS or third light from the left is red, that means there’s no connection. If the PON or second light from the left is not on or is blinking, you may have connection issues. In both cases, a reset may do the trick to bring your modem back to life.

Globe At Home shows you five easy steps to get your modem back in action:

Step 1: Turn off and unplug your modem

Start by turning off your modem. Most modems have a power button located on the back or side of the device. Press this button to turn off the device, then unplug the power adapter from the modem.

Step 2: Wait for 30 seconds

Wait for 30 seconds to give your modem time to fully power down and clear any temporary issues that may have been causing connectivity problems.

Step 3: Check your cables

Take a moment to check if all the cables connected to your modem are secure. This includes the power cable, fiber patch cord, Ethernet cables, and any other connections your modem might have. Loose or improperly connected cables could be a source of connectivity issues. Double-check them to save you from future headaches.

Step 4: Plug back in and power on

After your 30-second wait, it’s time to bring your modem back to life. Plug the power adapter back into the modem. Once connected, press the power button to turn the modem on.

Step 5: Wait for the lights and reconnect to WiFi

Your modem will go through a series of checks as it powers up. You’ll see the lights blinking and flashing in various patterns. Wait for these lights to stabilize. Once stable, it’s time to reconnect your devices to the WiFi.

"Staying connected is crucial in today’s digital age. Simply resetting your modem can save time and reduce frustration. Consider resetting your modem every few months or whenever you experience connectivity problems," said Abigail Cardino, VP and Head of Brand Management for Globe’s Broadband Business.

Technology isn’t always perfect, but a little know-how can go a long way in keeping your online experience smooth and enjoyable. Remember to take care of your modem to avoid additional charges in case the device is damaged and should be replaced.

Still having problems with your connection via this video. To know more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Personal Collection (PC), a proudly Filipino-owned direct-selling company, recently hosted its Manila-Vietnam Dealers’ Summit at the Conrad Hotel, gathering over 500 participants. This event underscores the company's commitment to its vision of providing a Great Life to Every Family, particularly its dealers.

The event kicked off with a short, meaningful performance, reinforcing PC’s primary CSR initiative, the #GreenLifeGreatLife Movement. Comprehensive demonstrations of newly launched products were also conducted by the Research and Development and brand team. The event concluded with an awards night, recognizing the top performers of PC’s Prestige Club.

Post-summit, 200 high-achieving dealers were rewarded with a 3-day trip to Vietnam, which offered opportunities to explore local destinations, experience diverse cuisines, and engage in valuable networking.

Private Blizzard, the debut album from breakout vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dhruv, is out today via Little Worry/RCA Records—get it HERE.

“When I was in high school and felt completely alone in my queerness, music held my hand and saw me through my private blizzard,” Dhruv says. “In this latest period of life, which has been turbulent in different ways, I have again found a sense of rootedness in making songs. No matter how far I stray, it’s what it has always come back to. I'm so grateful for what this album has done for me and so happy for it to be out in the world.”

Private Blizzard features Dhruv’s new single “One and Only” alongside previously released tracks “Grieving,” “Speed of Light,” “How?,” which Ones to Watch praised as “spellbinding,” and “Tragedy,” Dhruv’s first new music of 2024 which he performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for his late night T.V. debut in February.

Recorded in Nashville with Grammy-nominated producer JT Daly (Noah Kahan, Bully, Benson Boone), Private Blizzard reflects the full range of emotions Dhruv felt as he set out to make his debut album from a place of creative honesty. “I started in a place of numbness, and I didn’t really understand why I felt that way,” Dhruv shares. “The songs that I started out with were trying to help me unpack that feeling. The further along I got, I started feeling better—I just felt lighter.”

Allowing intuition to guide him more than in the past, Dhruv focused on developing his vocal range to give himself a larger canvas to express his changing emotions. From a sonic perspective, he and Daly worked together to arrive at a sound that incorporates classic live elements while retaining a modern feel. The result is an album that, above all else, feels true to Dhruv.

Born and raised in Singapore and of Indian descent, Dhruv’s fascination with music dates back to the age of five, hearing Bollywood soundtracks on the T.V. at his grandmother’s house. After years of writing songs privately, he put his studies at Yale on hold to make a go of music in earnest and began producing from his bedroom.

Dhruv burst into the spotlight after his 2019 single “double take” exploded globally, racking up hundreds of millions of streams worldwide. Soon after, he signed with Little Worry and RCA and, in 2022, he released his debut EP Rapunzel. He’s toured with Joji, sold out headline stops across the U.S. and the U.K. and a handful of dates in Asia in 2023, including two rare headline shows in India. NME praised Dhruv for creating “vital, anthemic” pop, while PAPER celebrated the power of his “intimate love songs” and CLASH hailed his “open and completely relatable” songwriting.

DHRUV—PRIVATE BLIZZARD
1. Ode To Boredom
2. California Winter
3. How?
4. Any Day
5. Tragedy
6. Grieving
7. Speed of Light
8. Lonely City Waltz (interlude)
9. Daggers
10. The Morning
11. Illusions
12. One and Only

DHRUV
WEBSITE ï TIKTOK ï INSTAGRAM ï YOUTUBE

Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and fortune smiles in the most surprising ways. This was the case for a lucky player on Casino Plus's Color Game platform, who turned a modest 50-peso bet into an astonishing 303.5 million-peso jackpot. The incredible win not only reflects sheer luck but also underscores Casino Plus's commitment to providing a transparent and fair gaming environment.

The Color Game, often found at traditional Philippine "perya" or local carnivals, is a simple and popular betting game that has been passed down through generations. The game's charm lies in its straightforward mechanics: a wooden or metal cube with six colored faces is rolled, and players place bets on the color they believe will land face up. The excitement builds as the cube is tossed, and winners are determined based purely on luck.

Adapting the Color Game into digital platforms like Casino Plus retains the essence of its simplicity and fun, making it accessible to a wider audience while modernizing its appeal. With the move to online gaming, platforms have added a layer of security, fairness, and transparency, ensuring that the traditional enjoyment of the perya is preserved while offering a trusted environment for users.

The digital version still captures the thrill and unpredictability of the original, allowing players to relive the experience of the perya while embracing the convenience and sophistication of modern gaming platforms.

Transparent and Fair Gaming Experience

Casino Plus is renowned for its strict operational standards and dedication to protecting user rights. Every bet and every win is processed through transparent and open procedures, ensuring all players participate in a fair gaming environment. This latest jackpot further reinforces Casino Plus as a trusted platform for its users.

Reliable Physical Presence

In addition to its online platform, Casino Plus also boasts land-based casino and an integrated resort, which are currently being upgraded to the highest standards. These ongoing enhancements aim to provide customers with more comprehensive services and high-end entertainment experiences. The continuous upgrades not only enhance the platform’s credibility but also offer additional security and assurance to its users. This blend of online and upgraded offline resources ensures that players can enjoy the fun of online gaming while experiencing superior entertainment and services at our enhanced physical facilities.

Press Conference and more

Casino Plus hosted a press conference on August 30 to detail the events surrounding this jackpot and conducted the award presentation on-site. The event was attended by distinguished representatives, media, and industry experts, making it a truly momentous occasion.

Jeremiah Lisbo, known for his rising career in Philippine showbiz, didn't originally plan to become an actor. A graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), Lisbo was passionate about cooking and initially considered a career in the culinary industry. However, life had other plans for him.

In an interview of ABS-CBN reporter Job Manahan, Jeremiah shared that his journey into acting was unexpected. After graduating, he received offers to model in Malaysia and Singapore, which opened the door to more opportunities. "Meron akong offer na mag-model sa Malaysia at Singapore. Bigla rin nag-offer ‘yung ‘He’s Into Her.’ Tinanggap ko na siya kasi nasa bansa natin eh," he explained. This decision to accept a role in the hit series "He’s Into Her" marked the beginning of his acting career.

SB19’s highly anticipated film, PAGTATAG! THE DOCUMENTARY marks its nationwide theatrical debut last August 28!

The much-buzzed documentary provides an inside look into the group's collective and individual experiences on tour, while trying to navigate their ascension to global pop stardom with crippling fear of anxiety and pressure.

Aside from chronicling the P-Pop powerhouse’s journey as they “move forward to a new era of music, career, and emancipation,” the concert documentary also unravels never-before-seen moments that put their resilience and commitment to the test.


“Part of what makes the film even more special is that it doesn’t sugar-coat the learnings and experiences that we’ve endured during the entire era of the PAGTATAG! tour and album release,” SB19 shares in a press statement. “The year-long run was filled with multiple setbacks that added mental and emotional distress. But as the title explains it best, the documentary will show how we bounced back from the adversities in life and career, and how we managed to mount a series of shows despite going through a lot of internal and collective struggles. We hope that through this movie, we will be able to inspire our A’TIN to become stronger and more resilient when they face a similar ordeal in a not-so-distant future.”

Thirty in English or Trenta in Spanish/Filipino signifies the end of youth and the start of adulthood, but for Taters, thirty is simply the start of something more. Celebrating its 30th year, Taters, is one of the Philippines' best-known names in the food and beverage industry.

Simply a stand offering snacks to moviegoers now became one of the big hits in the snack sector. Taters continues to pursue product and service excellence by keeping abreast of the rapidly evolving demands of its highly dynamic market.