Finally, the revelation! Yes, after more than a year of intrigues and speculations, the truth has now come out. Is it because of the birthday, or they just want to admit it? It's hard to hide secrets, and eventually, time will have its ways to spill it out in the open.

It is just my wildest thought about what did they answered during the press conference held last 2019 in their movie 'Between Maybes?' Some answers are a bit double-sided in their meaning, and now it somehow created a bright picture of what they are saying at that time. So, if you want to know what it is about, you can watch the video below, especially the part where they answer the question about choosing 'Love or Career.'

Another video that somehow spiels some bits of intriguing clues. Watch the whole video.



So, what do you think? Does the relationship started here or not?

 

How many of you have grown and lived with your grandparents? Most especially with old folks who live in the rural areas with big barns and farms? Well, good for us! I once stayed with my grandparents during my first year in grade school. The good thing about living with them, they let us see and learn the ways of life in the province.

Of course, there are pros and cons about living with our grandparents. Some are great, and there are some that we can only relate to after we get to the right age. Like now! Yes, the one I'm referring to is that distinct scent with them. Well, I can't differentiate it before whether it is good or bad, not until now. Yes, that scent is probably the only habit that they have. They consider it as part of their life. I'm talking about the cigar.

What's with history?

So, how many of you have seen your grandparents with a cigar? Most especially when they hug? Anyway, we're not going to talk about our grandparents but about the habit that they have. As I can recall during my history class, this kind of plant has been around for more than 2,000 years ago. So, it is ancient already. During that time, this type of plant is being used during the medicinal ceremony to cure toothaches, dressing for wounds, and anesthesia to reduce pain. In the 1500s, when Christopher Columbus discovered America, tobacco was given to him as a gift by the Native Americans.
Tobacco's look at the present day

Tobacco has been part of the world's industry. And it doesn't mean that we should tolerate the use, and I think we are not exempted from its effect, especially if everyone is irresponsibly taking it and blowing it off in public.

In Sweden, since tobacco has been part of their ways, they got this called the Snus. It is their process of preserving tobacco. Their way of life, according to them, this so-called Snus has somehow helped lower rates of people lighting and burning tobacco products.

Snus and its use

According to what I have read, it is a good alternative, especially for smokers who would love to express their move of quitting.

So, how does this snus works? Well, reading some materials and information about this, it is a moist powder in a pouch that is placed under your top lip. Probably the best thing about this is that you're not burning anything that could affect others and the environment.

 

Asia Leaders Award brings the best among the best and for 2020, despite the pandemic, the award-giving body moves forward with its annual recognition to simply acknowledge the efforts of these young leaders of their respective companies. With the standard safety protocols, the Asia Leaders Awards continued its appreciation event last year which was held at Inagiku, Makati Shangrila Hotel, and was attended by different leaders who are making a difference even in this time of crisis. The organization intended to acknowledge these leaders and to be emulated that despite this Pandemic, are still and able to reach out to those in need even outside their community.

Highlighting the event, the young CEO of KMV Asia Development Corporation, Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco is hailed as the recipient of “Young CEO of the Year: Real Estate” for her success in developing multiple real estate properties and by reaching out to the Frontliners and indigents. 

 

Right before the COVID-19, the landscape of online shopping has begun its shift. People started having an interest in what online shopping can offer and find it even more convenient. But when the pandemic strikes, everything has changed the simple disruption became even more disruptive because of the situation. Everyone took the change and adapted. A simple trip to the mall turns into a finger flick on devices.

Stores and businesses started moving their stores online. A drastic change has made internet cable lines be the highway to reach the stores. Of course, these businesses have to cope up and find new means of transacting. Many of these businesses took the situation as an opportunity. It has somehow changed the way now, Filipinos shop or make purchases.

But we all know that everything has its pros and cons and purely shopping online has its share of problems, like fake items, miscommunication on product specifications, late deliveries, and worse, getting a product not specified by the buyer.

With this, the birth of an online store. A store that will cater to address most of the issues of online shopping. Go Shopping Philippines is here to address the specific demands of the customers. The scenarios struck a chord on Neil La-as, Chief Executive Officer of Go Shopping Philippines, so he decided to establish a shopping platform that will make every Filipino's shopping experience truly exceptional and satisfying.

"When I came up with the Go Shopping Philippines concept, it was based from my own experiences. We all share the same sentiment of receiving substandard and fake items, late deliveries, customer service that takes forever to bounce back, and being duped, only to receive items we didn't expect when we shopped on other platforms. All these frustrations gave me the inspiration to help fix the e-commerce landscape. Seeing the immediate need for contactless purchases, most especially from the blunder of 2020, I sought to come up with a solution to serve my fellow Filipinos," according to Niel La-as. 

Continuously giving their trust and love for ABS-CBN, these actors remain strong as Kapamilya stars Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Francine Diaz, Donny Pangilinan, Arjo Atayde, and Gary Valenciano, who renewed their contact with the network that they all call home.

ABS-CBN executives warmly welcomed each of the six stars who still chose to be with ABS-CBN at the “Kapamilya Strong” special contract signing event and media conference on Friday (February 26).

First to sign a new contract was Maymay whose eyes were sparkling with joy.

“Mahalaga sa akin ang pagiging Kapamilya dahil dito ako nagsimula. Para sila ang naging tulay ng mga pangarap ko. Dito ko nahanap ang purpose ko,” Maymay, who was last seen in the digital romcom movie “Princess DayaReese,” shared. Maymay will continue to be part of “ASAP Natin ‘To” and “iWant ASAP.”


Meanwhile, Maymay’s loveteam partner, Edward, is ready to take more risks this 2021. According to the host of the MYX online show “Kwentong Barber” on Kumu, “kailangan kong sumugal ng konti ngayong taon. To jump, to take risks. I’ll take a chance. I’ll train, not try.”

As for Francine Diaz, she is now busy preparing for her comeback in the much-awaited biggest inspirational teleserye, “Huwag Kang Mangamba” with the Gold Squad.

“Inaaral ko ang mga eksena, lalo na po ‘yung scenes na kasama ako. Pero kinakabahan din po ako kasi kailangan marami kaming mabigay na message at lessons sa mga Kapamilya natin,” Francine explained.

One of the stars who also marked a career milestone with ABS-CBN was Donny Pangilinan who will be seen next on the upcoming iWantTFC series, “He’s Into Her,” opposite Belle Mariano.

“I'm glad to be here in my roots. Thank you so much ABS-CBN for giving me wings to fly as well,” Donny added.

2020’s Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actor Arjo Atayde also inked a new contract with ABS-CBN and teased that he is already working on a new project for the Kapamilya network.

Although Arjo was tightlipped about the project, he said that he’s excited to work again. He also became emotional while expressing his gratitude to the network.


“It [ABS-CBN] feels like home. For a lot of reasons they take care of us. They give us the projects we deserve, as long as we work hard for it. I just love being a Kapamilya and I will stay here no matter what,” Arjo said who also received a special video message from girlfriend Maine Mendoza and his co-star in "The General's Daughter," the Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano.

One of the pillars of OPM, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, was also filled with gratitude as he remains a Kapamilya. According to Gary V, who will still be seen every Sunday on “ASAP Natin ‘To,” he and his co-artists will continue to spread happiness and inspiration.

“What do I hope for this 2021? Just for us to continue to inspire and encourage so many people out there through our music, stories, dance. Everything,” he said.

Like Arjo, the rest of the stars also received special video messages. Maymay’s mother in Japan greeted her, while Edward got a message from a charity organization in Thailand called Friends of Thai Daughters. Meanwhile, Belle Mariano greeted Donny, and finally, Gary V’s granddaughter, Leia, gave a short, but adorable greeting.


Meanwhile, before the “Kapamilya Strong” event started, it already became a hot topic on Twitter, with multiple trending topics, including #KapamilyaStrong, #MayWardSolidKapamilya, and #DonnySolidKapamilya, among others.

Among the ABS-CBN executives present were chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes, head of entertainment production and head of Star Magic Laurenti Dyogi, managing director of ABS-CBN Film Productions Olivia Lamasan, and head of finance, Rick Tan.

For more details, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

 

With his spot-on impersonation of Filipino pride and Black Eyed Peas rapper Apl.de.ap, Jhong received the most votes from the jury composed of Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, and Sharon Cuneta, as well as from his fellow contestants. 

Directed by Dano Cerny, the video features both Sam and Demi set within a train carriage, showcasing them going about their own lives, but with a unity of emotion that highlights the song’s message of being alone together. Written by Sam before his single“This City” became a global hit, it was a song he always knew would be a duet and was blown away when Demi Lovato became the perfect person to accompany him on vocals.

Penned about a feeling of being alone and not wanting to let people down, the pairing takes two different lives and perspectives and unites them in one message of human experience, emotion, and togetherness. With other 5 million worldwide streams since its release last week, is a truly special track with a powerful, moving, and relatable chorus and is Sam’s first official single release since “This City.” 

 

A soft and fluffy "e-bread-ay" with Fuwa Fuwa's New Everyday Japan Tasty, with a new look and formula to bring a tastier, favorite, and most sought-after loaf! Get ready to indulge in a delicious loaf made with Japanese quality ingredients at an affordable price, perfectly made for everyone to Taste Japan right from their homes.

Appreciate the bare goodness of Japan-quality white bread that’s known for its soft, fluffy, and rich texture. Each slice is perfect for your everyday breakfast and breaks time snacks, with creamy and sweet crumbs that will definitely melt in your mouth! 

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.

 

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)

Aside from my idol, Gary V, I'm in all praises to the King of Pinoy Rap. The very first artist who made rap with real Filipino flavor - Francis M. The Pinoy Rap wouldn't be as it is today without the name Francis M. After that first shout of that iconic line 'Mga Kababayan!' It became the starting point of Pinoy Rap History. And like what they say, the rest is history.

Now, let's get into this new and viral Pinoy Rapper who's making a buzz in the music scene. Not only here in the Philippines, but probably, the world.

The Beginning

A few days after the release of his guesting in Wish Bus USA, the uploaded video went boom, massively, with its views, in other words, it went viral. People started talking about the video first, and then everyone starts asking who this rapper is. Who is EZ Mil? Pronounced as letter E and letter Z with the Mil.

The Music

Hearing the intro of the song actually reminded me of my elementary days. The Folk dances that we used to study and practice at school. Fortunately, I'm also one of the dance troops that moves my feet into folk dances. So the music is familiar, and probably every Pinoy students know the melody.

The Singer

Honestly, I don't know EZ Mil was, not until I started looking for his background. And thanks to technology and the internet, it is much easier to check pieces of information that happened decades ago. What I have heard, EZ Mil is the son of the lead vocalist of a band in the 90s. Paul Sapiera, the leader and vocalist of the band called Rockstar.

Side info about the band, they made a few song hits in the past. 

 

Just a week after its last episode, 'Prima Donnas," the hit afternoon series have been surprised to have another season. The TV series will have its shoot and air this year, 2021. So, for sure, all 'Prima Donnas' fans will be in for another story.

Accordingly, its program manager, Redgynn Alba, and its director, Gina Alajar, announced the news to cast the next season for Prima Donnas, following the commendation that the cast and crew received from GMA Network's Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon.

The afternoon TV series 'Prima Donnas' features Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan, and Sofia Pablo as the three Donnas. Remember that Sofia Pablo was restricted to return for the lock-in taping due to DOLE constraints for actors younger than 15 years old. Other stars are Aiko Melendez, Katrina Halili, Wendell Ramos, Elijah Alejo, James Blanco, Benjie Paras, and Chanda Romero, among others.

More stories to come soon!

Last February 20 on the stage of "It's Showtime," MNL48 finally proclaimed the Third Generation Center Girl. Abelaine Trinidad was hailed as the newest center girl after she got the most number of votes in the MNL48 Third General Election on "It's Showtime." 

Over the past few years, bloggers have changed the landscape of marketing and advertising. Blogsites have been the source of information for different reviews and opinions about brands or products. The 'personal experiences' became the voice up to the point of influencing someone in choosing or buying a specific brand or product. Bloggers became influencers!

The Influencers

Referencing Google, Wikipedia, and Merriam Webster, the term influence is basically about the capacity to affect others in indirect or intangible ways, causing a change in the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. So, if a person influences an individual, we can infer that a person can be called an influencer.

Way back before the digital era, the term influencer was for individuals who have introduced a change in the landscape of history. Today, the term influencer is in the digital world where experience is the key, affecting individuals with their choice. Whatever is the use of this term, one thing is for sure it affects you directly or indirectly.