Kwento Ni Toto

2021/12/24

SB19 GIVES INFECTIOUS ENERGY TO “LOVE AT FIRST STREAM’S” THEME SONG “NO STOPPING YOU”

Toto 12/24/2021 10:10:00 PM

Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo, and Stell of the P-Pop boy group SB19 have lent their voices for the inspiring track “No Stopping You,” the theme song of the Star Cinema and kumu film “Love At First Stream.”

“No Stopping You” encourages the idea of being unstoppable in pursuing dreams, keeping the fire burning to achieve goals, and never letting mistakes define who someone is. It marks the first project of the trailblazing quintet with ABS-CBN Music.

Aside from SB19’s solo version, a remix version of “No Stopping You” also dropped last Friday (December 17), which features Kapamilya singer-songwriter Jayda.

The positive track was written and composed by Richard “Putito Chief” Salazar, arranged, mixed, and mastered by Theo Martel, and produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.

With its inspiring message, “No Stopping You” will surely delight not only the fans of SB19 and Jayda but also the supporters of Daniela Stranner, Anthony Jennings, Kaori Oinuma, and Jeremiah Lisbo—the main cast of “Love At First Stream” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, which will start showing on

Christmas (December 25) as an official entry of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

Prove that there is “No Stopping You” by streaming SB19’s solo version and its remix with Jayda on various digital music platforms. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

updates

Eight Films To Watch This December 25 from Metro Manila Film Festival

Toto 12/24/2021 07:41:00 PM

Good day mga KaToto! Here's a heads up for all movie buffs! The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) returns to cinemas this year, with eight official entries to watch.

Here is the list of the films shortlisted for the 2021 lineup:

1. "A Hard Day" (Viva Communications, Inc.)
Starring: Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla
Directed by: Lawrence Fajardo

2. "Big Night" (Cignal Entertainment, Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films)
Starring: Christian Bables
Directed by: Jun Robles Lana

3. "Love At First Stream" (ABS-CBN Films Productions, Kwentolabs, Inc.)
Starring: Anthony Jennings, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, Kaori Oinuma

Directed by: Cathy Garcia Molina

4. "Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether The Weather Is Fine)" (Cinematografica, Plan C, House on Fire, etc. )
Starring: Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos
Directed by: Carlo Francisco Manatad

5. "Nelia" (A and Q Production Films)
Starring: WynWyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing
Directed by: Lester Dimaranan

6. "Huwag Kang Lalabas"
Starring: Kim Chiu, Beauty Gonzales, Aiko Melendez
Directed by: Adolf Alix Jr.

7. "The Exorsis" (TinCan)
Starring: Toni and Alex Gonzaga
Directed by: Fifth Solomon

8. "Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw" (Heaven's Best Entertainment)
Starring: Ken Chan and Rita Daniela
Directed by: Louie Ignacio

Organizers said the eight entries were selected out of 19 films evaluated. The films were chosen based on the following criteria: artistic excellence (40%), commercial appeal (40%), Filipino sensibility (10%), and global appeal (10%).

Genres of the movies range from social drama, horror, action, suspense, romance, to comedy, the MMFF said.

Since theatres are now open to the public, we as viewers should also be mindful and follow the rules and protocols established by the IATF for our safety.

updates

A and Q Films Production Officially Launched

Toto 12/24/2021 04:03:00 PM

As the movie Nelia holds its Grand Press Conference last December 18, 2021, at the City of Dreams Manila Grand Ballroom as the official entry for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival, the A and Q Films Production, a new company that aims to become one of the recognized film productions outfits in the country was also officially and formally launched.

A and Q Films PRoduction was founded by business partners Atty. Aldwin Alegre and Atty. Melanie Honey Quiño in January 2020. The company was created to produce educational films for use in schools during the pandemic.

In the midst of their production in 2020, A and Q Films Production saw an opportunity to create their first full-length film. Using a draft of the screenplay written by Atty. Quiño 15 years ago while she was still a student, they created a new version of Nelia, which is now one of the eight official entries of the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival.

"We never thought that our first full-length film would make it as one of the finalists of the MMFF. We are deeply grateful to the MMFF for this opportunity and hopefully this will just be the beginning of A and Q Films Production's continuous creation of more films that could provide comfort, joy, and lessons to Filipino viewers," said Atty. Alegre.

Given the opportunity received from the MMFF, as well as the support shown by the entertainment press, netizens, and viewers to the film Nelia, A and Q Films Production has become increasingly persistent in their goal of producing more films that Philippine film industry and the whole country can be proud of.

In fact, they are already preparing for the possibility of making Nelia Part 2. A and Q is also currently in talks with several international film distributors who have expressed their intent to showcase NELIA in America and other parts of the world.

Nelia will first be seen in theaters in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao this coming December 25, 2021 to January 7, 2022, as part of the MMFF. It stars Winwyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing, Mon Confiado, Ali Forbes, Shido Roxas, Juan Carlos Galano, and many more.

updates

Kun Maupay Man It Panahon, A Timely and Relevant Film Entry for the MMFF

Toto 12/24/2021 03:40:00 PM

Calamities happen and are uncertain, and this Kwento for today is about the tragedy that struck the Philippines, particularly the people of Leyte. This is an eye-opener for everyone!

With the recent news about the devastation brought by typhoon Odette hitting the headlines, the subject of the of Metro Manila Film Festival entry film Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (which opens in theaters nationwide on December 25) is as timely as ever. The globally recognized drama film starring Charo Santos, Daniel Padilla and newcomer Rans Rifol, tells of the aftermath of 2013 supertyphoon Yolanda. Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (English title: Whether the Weather is Fine) is inspired by director Carlo Francisco Manatad’s own experience of looking for his family in Tacloban because he could not reach them for days.

Carlo recalls what happened very vividly. “I tried to contact them but all reception and communication lines were damaged, and seeing the news then, one would think no one would survive the storm. Luckily, I was able to hitch in a plane carrying relief goods. I was the only passenger. When I arrived, my hometown was beyond recognition. All roads, structures, and any form of landmarks were gone. Mountains of dead bodies were scattered everywhere.”

After what seemed to be the longest day of his life, Carlo managed to find his loved ones—all 16 of them plus their family dog—alive and well. When the young filmmaker returned to Manila to resume work (he was doing film editing at that time), he could not shake off what he went through.

Those days in Tacloban have now led to an outstanding full-length feature (Carlo’s first) starring an acclaimed actress-producer, today’s most celebrated matinee idol, and a rising actress. All thanks to the persistence of Carlo and his collaborators, and the backing of 11 companies from five different countries. Kun Maupay Man It Panahon is truly an international movie as it is produced by Cinematografica (Philippines), planc (Philippines), House on Fire (France)| iWantTFC (Philippines), Globe Studios (Philippines), Black Sheep (Philippines), Quantum Films (Philippines), AAND Company (Singapore), KawanKawan Media (Indonesia), Weydemann Bros. (Germany), and CMB Films (Philippines).

The film had its world premiere at the 2021 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland where it took home the Youth Jury Prize, and got raves at the Toronto International Film Festival. Canadian film critic Henry Tan of Universal Cinema hailed it for its two major feats: 1) using the dialect of Waray as the dialogue, and 2) bringing attention to how the Philippines responded to the aftermath of Yolanda. He wrote, “Carlo Francisco Manatad has done a great job in bringing awareness of this historical typhoon event in the Philippines. Whether the Weather is Fine… reminds the audience about the humanity in coming together to help the survivors move forward from a devastation.”

Kun Maupay Man It Panahon has traveled to 25 international film fests in a span of five months. During that time, it also won Special Mention by the Jury at the Guanajuato International Film Festival in Mexico and Best Director at the London East Asia Film Festival in the UK.

Carlo says, “Our team is thankful for the chance to bring our movie home as it tackles something we must live with. I feel it is important to discuss the reality of natural calamities in this generation we are in. A lot has been said about Filipino resilience especially in the wake of disasters--- both natural and otherwise---to the point that it has become cliché.

"Major typhoons have been happening more often so Odette's occurrence comes as no surprise... I think I speak on behalf of my co-filmmakers when I say that climate change and disaster preparedness are the more urgent issues. These should be addressed by everyone and not be 'masked' or neglected by the sentimentality of resilience."

Typhoon Odette

Donate to Typhoon Odette Victims via Shopee App and Shopee Will Match It Up to ₱1M

Toto 12/24/2021 05:26:00 AM

In times of crisis, the bayanihan spirit arises, and that's unique to us Filipinos. Now that our fellow kababayans are in need of help let us all support them in any way that we can.

To help the thousands of devastated Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao grappling with the aftermath of super typhoon Odette, Shopee launches its Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support initiative wherein users can buy donation vouchers through the app, with the commitment to match up to ₱1,000,000 worth of total donations made to Shopee’s partner charities for this initiative.

From December 23, 2021, to January 4, 2022, Shopee users can purchase the donation e-vouchers that will be used for water kits, health, and sanitation stations, and other essentials such as food and clothes from partner charities UNICEF, World Vision, and GMA Kapuso Foundation. Users can view and purchase these Typhoon Odette Support vouchers through https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support via Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, ShopeePay.

1. Head to the microsite https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support.

2. Choose the e-voucher of your preferred charity.

3. Click “Buy Now” to purchase the donation vouchers using ShopeePay.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are saddened to see the devastation brought by Typhoon Odette to our kababayans in Visayas and Mindanao. As we are committed to using our platform to serve and give back to communities, we are working to provide immediate assistance to aid the speedy recovery of those affected by this natural disaster. We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected and we will help as much as we can.”

Shopee remains steadfast in its commitment to be a force for good especially in times when Filipinos need help the most. Typhoon Odette is the 15th and strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this 2021 and has wreaked havoc in major areas in Visayas and Mindanao including Surigao, Cebu, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Bohol, and the CARAGA region. Through this initiative, Shopee hopes to be able to give help to the affected communities who are reeling from the aftermath as part of its Shopee Bayanihan program.

To know more about Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support, visit https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support.

2021/12/23

updates

"Love at First Stream” on Christmas Day

Toto 12/23/2021 09:04:00 AM

Celebrate Christmas this year with Star Cinema and kumu’s first ever collaboration movie “Love at First Stream,” an official entry to the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Topbilled by today’s rising stars Daniela Stranner, Anthony Jennings, Kaori Oinuma and Jeramiah Lisbo, “Love at First Stream” revolves around the new normal, where life is wildly digital. They are the Stream Team: the unstoppable dreamer Vilma (Daniela), the loyal lover boy Tupe (Anthony), the sweet girl-next-door Megumi (Kaori) and the bad boy heartthrob with a heart of gold Gino (Jeremiah).

Helmed by blockbuster director Cathy Garcia-Molina, the film showcases these young characters and how they experience romantic relationships, family and fight for their ambitions and dreams.

The film marks the first ever lead roles of Daniela, Anthony, Kaori and Jeremiah in a film after they were launched as artists of Star Cinema’s talent management arm, Rise Artists Studio, in 2019. Daniela first showcased her acting prowess in the ABS-CBN teleserye ‘Make it With You,’ opposite Anthony, who starred in Direk Cathy’s last project prior to this film, the digi-movie series ‘The House Arrest of Us.’ Kaori, a former housemate of ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Otso,’ has been in several television and digital series projects including the ‘Four Bad Boys and Me’ in 2020 and the phenomenal series ‘He’s Into Her’ early this year with Jeremiah, who’s also part of ‘Make it With You.’ Jeremiah also starred in the hit movie ‘Four Sisters Before The Wedding’ and recently topbilled an ‘MMK’ episode featuring the life story of ‘PBB’ ex-housemate Ralph Malibunas.

‘Love at First Stream’ also marks Direk Cathy’s first ever film to be part of the MMFF and her movie comeback after ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ in 2019. More blockbuster films under Direk Cathy’s helm include ‘Four Sisters and a Wedding,’ ‘The Hows of Us,’ ‘She's Dating The Gangster,’ and ‘My Ex and Whys.’

Since the announcement of ‘Love at First Stream’ in July, it has been an interactive and immersive project as search for other cast members and even singers to record the movie’s official soundtrack were done via kumu campaigns.

“We found a way to make kumu users part of [the movie],” said Paolo Pineda, kumu’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Not necessarily the big stars, but they can star in the movie, they can sing the song for the movie and a few more things. It’s all in the grand plan to make this a movie the Kumunity can be proud of.”

Joining the cast of ‘Love at First Stream’ are Agot Isidro, Hyubs Azarcon, Igiboy Flores, Melissa Gibbs, Pinky Amador, Almira Muhlach, RJ Ledesma, Gail Banawis and Vien King in their introductory roles, with the special participation of Tonton Gutierrez.

Nothing’s gonna stop us to DO MORE, DREAM MORE and LOVE MORE with ‘Love at First Stream.’ You may catch it in your favorite cinemas starting December 25 Christmas Day, following minimum health and safety protocols.
v For more details about ‘Love at First Stream,’ follow the official Star Cinema account (@starcinema). Also, be sure to subscribe to the social media channels of kumu (@kumu.ph) on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter now. You can also check out the kumu blog for all the latest happenings in the Kumunity.

Don’t have the kumu app yet? It’s easy! Download the app at Google Play or the App Store, and start adding to cart! Visit our website kumu.ph for more information and insights into the exciting world of kumu.

2021/12/20

updates

Types of Live Music to Get for Your Next Party

Toto 12/20/2021 10:05:00 PM

If you’ve been put in charge of planning a party for your workplace, a church, or even just a friend or relative for a birthday, and you’re wanting to stray from the beaten path of playing party music from a speaker, you might be considering live entertainment for the occasion.

Live entertainment for hire is certainly a growing industry these days, as people are eager to get back out of the house and enjoy all the fun things they once did. It’s also an unusual and an especially fun way to plan a party, to hire live performers instead of just presenting some canned form of entertainment.

If you’ve got an event coming up and are loving the idea of hiring live musicians or other types of entertainers for it, then you might be stuck at the prospect of determining what genre would be best. Do you go for rock, jazz, classical, oldies, Christian rappers?

We’re here to help give you some ideas about what types of live music you can hire for your party. Check out these three options.

Rock Bands

Depending on the type of event you’re having, you might really spring for something high-energy like a rock band. Maybe you’re hosting a birthday party for a 30-year-old and want the shindig to be a raucous, alcohol-fueled get-together where no one feels like sitting down to catch their breath for one second.

A live rock band there among your guests can do a lot toward that end. With everything energetic and loud, the mood you create will be one of a true party, and that’s exactly what you want.

Oldies Singers

On the other hand, if you’re hosting an event for older people, particularly if those older people are your grandparents celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary, then loud and raucous is likely not what you’re going for. In this case, you would want a singer who can create a relaxed and stately atmosphere, something more traditional from a simpler time.

In that case, you can find plenty of oldies singers for hire online, the types who can entertain a party for a few hours with classics from, let’s say, Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra. That sounds like a nice party mood, as well, one where the older attendees can enjoy music they may have grown up with, and the younger folks can be exposed to a genre they perhaps have never given a chance before.

Classical Orchestra

Finally, if you’re planning a super-formal event with a black-tie requirement, you might want the music to complement the atmosphere, and if that’s the case, you can spring for a miniature classical orchestra.

Think of the mood you’d create with some strings playing gently in the background as the attendees eat dinner or chat and mingle during the cocktail hour. Like all the other genres we’ve mentioned here, classical music would lend itself to the event and would be the perfect choice for fancy occasions.

Keep these trains of thought in mind as you go about your planning of the music phase of your event, and it should all go off well!

2021/12/19

updates

#TikTokNamamaskoPo is Giving Away 2.7Million Worth of Prizes

Toto 12/19/2021 11:41:00 PM

Join TikTok Christmas Party to win exciting prizes in Mystery Boxes from Dece 1st-Dec 23rd. A total of Php2.7 Million pesos worth of gifts will be announced at Christmas Party Live on December 23. So Follow to catch up for more updates.

Here's the Lucky Draw Mechanics:

10 points = 1 chance to click the lucky draw and everyone has a basic of 5 points each per day. Participants can get extra points by finishing the different tasks.

1. Invite a new user is equal to 30 points, so if you can invite more people to download and have an account in TikTok you can only go at a maximum of 300 points per day.
2. Reserve your spot at the Christmas Party LIVE for 10 points.
3. Go live for more than 30 minutes can earn you 10 points and can up to 30 points each day.
4. Submit an entry with the hashtag #ChristmasDressCode to earn 10 points and up to a maximum of 30 points in total.
5. Submit an entry with the hashtag #HandaangPinoy to earn 10 points and up to a maximum of 30 points in total.
6. Submit an entry with hashtag #TikTokNamamaskoPo #ChristmasCaroling for 10 points and up to a maximum of 30 points in total.
7. Submit an entry with hashtag #ChristmasShowdown and #TikTokNamamaskoPo to earn 10 points and a maximum of 30 points in total.
8. Submit an entry with the hashtag #12DaysOfGoodNews to earn 10 points and a maximum of 30 points in total.
9. Submit an entry with the hashtag #ChristmasWatchList to earn 10 points and up to a maximum of 30 points in total.

So, what are you waiting for CLICK the LINK NOW and get started https://snssdk1180.onelink.me/BAuo/PHUGkwentonitoto

Per DTI-Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-132684. Series of 2021. See terms and conditions for more details.

2021/12/18

updates

A and Q Film Production's MMFF entry Nelia honors nurses, doctors, and medical frontliners

Toto 12/18/2021 04:41:00 AM

There are plenty of stories of heroism from the lines of our nurses, from the war era to pre-pandemic, but the stories were kept in the realm of the medical industry not until the pandemic came. But for us, heroes or not, our frontliners are here to serve the public in whatever situations “Considering the circumstances of the pandemic, it is timely, probably high time, to give honor and commendation to our health and medical workers, especially nurses, doctors, and other allied services, and that this movie may be or will be related to their functions in serving the public as well.” This was the statement of Atty. Aldwin Alegre, producer of the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Nelia, at the virtual press conference held for the film on December 11.

Nelia is the only suspense thriller that made it to this year’s festival. It’s about a nurse who tries to uncover the mystery behind the deaths of patients in Room 009 and also discusses the issue of mental health among others.

According to Nelia's co-producer and screenwriter Atty. Melanie Honey Quiño, it was not A and Q Films Production’s intention at first to make a film about nurses and doctors. “Actually, before the pandemic, we were planning to make educational movies, but it was cancelled or postponed maybe for next year,” she said. It’s a wonderful coincidence that the main characters in Nelia happen to be nurses and doctors, who are considered heroes because of their service and sacrifice in the fight against COVID-19.

Although Nelia's story is fictional, Atty. Quiño emphasizes how the film shows the importance of health and medical workers in our daily life. "Doctors and nurses have a soft spot in my heart because they help and take care of us when we are sick. So it is very timely that we are presenting their story during the pandemic."

Aside from this, what else inspired A and Q to make Nelia into a full length film was the impact of the pandemic on the Filipino film industry, especially the film industry workers who lost their jobs in the past year. “I was once asked if we considered the possible profit we could earn from the film because we are still in a pandemic, but we didn't really think about making a profit. We thought about how we could be of help to the industry people who lost their jobs. Instead of just giving them ayuda, maybe it would be better if we give them jobs,” said Atty. Quiño.

Nelia also discusses the issue of mental health and Atty. Quiño hopes that the film will help open the minds of many people who still do not believe in the importance of taking care of people's mental health, especially in this time of pandemic. “During the filming, we consulted with psychiatrists to find out what the real condition of people with schizophrenia is, because we want people to see what they are going through. Hopefully, when they watch Nelia, we can encourage people with mental health conditions to seek professional help as well,” said Atty. Quiño.

Nelia will be screened on December 25 in select theaters in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It stars Winwyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing, Mon Confiado, Ali Forbes, Shido Roxas, and Juan Carlos Galano, and is directed by Lester Dimaranan.

2021/12/16

updates

TROY LAURETA DROPS NEW OPM ALBUM “GILIW” FEAT. ALL-4-ONE, DEBORAX COX, RUBEN STUDDARD, AND MORE

Toto 12/16/2021 10:15:00 PM

A year after launching the successful OPM collective “KAIBIGAN,” Filipino-American music director Troy Laureta continues to shine a light on Filipino music in his new album, “GILIW: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective Vol. 2,” featuring more world-renowned singers such as Grammy award-winning artists All-4-One and Deborah Cox and “American Idol” season 2 winner Ruben Studdard.

The 13-track “GILIW” album includes a “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” duet by Deborah and Ruben and a reimagined version of “Laging Tapat” by American singer Skylar Stecker. Also part of the newly released collective is male R&B and pop group All-4-One for the song “Paano Ang Puso Ko.”

More American artists have given their shot at singing OPM with classical singer Fernando Varela also joining the album with his rendition of “You Are My Song,” while singer-songwriter Shoshana Bean renders her version of the classic ballad “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.” “Never Enough” singer Loren Allred is also featured in a track with her beautiful rendition of the song “Araw Gabi.”

On the local front, Boy Abunda makes a surprising presence in the album via the “Interlude: Pag-ibig” while Jona sings her version of “Someone To Love Me.” “GILIW” also features the “Kaibigan” intro by former “The Voice Kids Philippines” season 4 contestant Adah.

Joining Troy anew is his sibling Cheesa for the remake of the late 90’s hit “Kaba.” This time, Nicole Scherzinger has a duet with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid for the reimagined version of “Nandito Ako.” Jake Zyrus, also part of the “KAIBIGAN” album, is likewise back for the song “Maghintay Ka Lamang” as well as for the album’s “Outro: “Kung Kita’y Kapiling.”

An initiative of Troy in collaboration with ABS-CBN Music International, “GILIW” follows the well-received “KAIBIGAN” OPM collective, which was released to breathe new life into local classics with fresh interpretation by Filipino and non-Filipino collaborators to promote OPM masterpieces on the international stage.

Check out Troy’s “GILIW” album, now available on music streaming services worldwide. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

updates

Top Brands Share Their E-Commerce Success on Shopee

Toto 12/16/2021 03:10:00 PM

The Philippines is the fastest-growing market in the SEA region, with an overall internet economy likely to reach $40 billion in value by 2025 — and e-commerce greatly contributes to this significant surge.[ e-Conomy SEA 2021] More consumers now heavily rely on online platforms like Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, for their needs. With this, brands shifted online to better connect with their customers and tap into new and unreached markets. Five brands shared how they took advantage of Shopee’s various programs and enhanced marketing solutions to remain top-of-mind while establishing themselves as a strong player in the digital space.

1.Johnson & Johnson wins big during big sales

Johnson & Johnson grew its brand through Shopee’s innovative solutions and services. The recently concluded 11.11 Big Christmas Sale campaign was their most successful one to date with multiple basket-building strategies, such as co-sponsored vouchers, aimed at driving conversion. Denise Peralta, Head of E-Commerce at Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Inc, said, “We are able to extend J&J’s presence on Shopee with its category-focused programs (Mom’s Club & Shopee Beauty). Through Shopee’s Brand Memberships Program, we are also able to offer our shoppers exclusive perks & privileges like vouchers and gifts.”

2.vivo surpassed target sales with exclusive launches

vivo also saw significant growth during their Super Brand Days (SBD) on Shopee, as well as the platform’s double-double campaigns and payday sales. Shopee’s extensive marketing solutions also played a big role in the success of vivo’s Y series launch, which saw ₱150 million in sales for 2021. He Zhuopeng (Chris) vivo E-Commerce Manager, said, “Shopee has helped us expand and grow our business through partnered campaigns every month. It gave us the opportunity to be known in the e-commerce industry. We are looking forward to many more years of strong partnership with Shopee.”

3.Crocs won customers with curated pages during campaigns

Through their Shopee store, Crocs created curated pages for campaigns and collections easily. In the recent 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, the brand achieved a 65x uplift in orders compared to the usual, alongside Shopee’s marketing solutions such as Flash Deals and Rush Hour sales. John Darryl Bonifacio, E-Commerce Manager at Crocs, said, “At Crocs, we think of people first at every step and during the pandemic, safety was every Filipino’s priority. Retail store closures were inevitable with the lockdown measures but Shopee has allowed us to reach customers across the country.”

4.SM Online boosted sales after first-ever Super Brand Day

In 2021, SM attained many e-commerce milestones through Shopee, including a successful first-ever Super Brand Day that helped increase sales, and an all-time spike in orders during the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. In the recent 7.7 Mid-Year Sale and 8.8 Mega Flash Sale campaigns, The SM Store’s participation in the TV Flash segment resulted in a significant increase of their 2021 orders and GMV. Nicole Villanueva, AVP of SM Online, said, “This year has been about how to sustain the massive growth of online from 2020. Shopee has provided The SM Store prime avenues on which we can serve our customer’s essential and non-essential needs.”

5.NIVEA tapped into a new target market through new initiatives

Through weekly in-app visibility and pushes highlighting their best-sellers, NIVEA achieved tremendous growth with Shopee. The brand regularly joined campaigns such as Shopee Beauty and activated their own Brand Days, monthly Grand Launches, and Shopee Live during new product launches. Kitz Literal, E-Commerce Sales Manager at NIVEA, said, “We are happy to share that we achieved record-breaking sales during this year’s 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. Together with our partners in Shopee, we were able to generate a sales uplift of 50x and a traffic uplift of 8x. Another win for NIVEA is securing the third spot in the Personal Care Category last 12.12. Following this momentum, we are looking into finishing this year strong.”

Shopee’s brand partners are a driving force for the platform’s success. With the new year approaching, Shopee will adapt quickly to meet user needs and support businesses of all sizes to maximize the full potential of e-commerce.

updates

The Itchyworms release second installment of holiday-themed album,Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin

Toto 12/16/2021 11:03:00 AM

More story or kwento from one of our favorite bands, the Itchyworms. As they continue to celebrate their 25th anniversary, they just release the second installment of their holiday-themed album, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin—out today, December 8, 2021 (Wednesday) on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines.

Capturing the spirit of Pinoy Christmas with songs that will surely make its way into classic status, Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin contains two new tracks, “Halo-Halo” and “Meri Xmas 2 U,” and last year’s “Have A Merry Christmas” and “Maligayang Pasko.”

Written and produced by drummer and lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas, “Halo-Halo” is a festive reinforcement of the classic tradition with characteristically Pinoy sensibilities. It’s an upbeat tune that celebrates the Yuletide season in a way that feels home.

According to Jazz, “Halo-Halo” is a metaphorical reference to the various beliefs and traditions of Filipinos about Christmas. “There are people who believe in God, there are people who just shop, and there are people who consider it as a perfect time for receiving gifts. It all happens during Christmas, and it’s a magical feeling for everyone.”

Another new offering, “Meri Xmas 2 U” is a fun and sparkly reimagining of the Pinoy Christmas carols in one rocking shimmy treat. Complete with kundiman-charged guitars, raw percussions and tambourine sounds, and infectious vocal harmonies, the track pays tribute to the street caroling traditions in the country during the pre-pandemic times.

“This is an ode to the kids who knock on doors to sing Christmas songs,” lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jugs Jugueta shares. “They rarely have real instruments with them, but sometimes when they’re lucky, they bring acoustic guitars or makeshift tools. They use cans with stretched plastic on top for the ‘drums’ and flattened tansan as tambourines. While they don’t sing in perfect tune, the happy Christmas vibe that they bring is what gets you and tugs your heartstrings.”

“Meri Xmas 2 U” is written by Jugs Jugueta, and performed by the alt-rock band with their families and friends who sang and played makeshift instruments: Jug’s wife Andie, Chino’s brother Echo, Jazz’s brother Peavey and his fiancé Antonette, and their road manager Gabs.

The 2021 AWIT Awards Winner for Best Musical Arrangement also plans to add more songs every year to complete the Yuletide-themed album. This well-curated process gives them the opportunity to create music at their own pace, while giving casual listeners something to uplift their spirits before the year ends.

As Jugs put it, “It is an ever-growing Christmas album. We released two Christmas songs last year, then we added two more this year, and we plan on releasing more Christmas songs every year! And every time we add songs, we also add elements to the album cover. It’s now streaming on Spotify and other digital platforms, but once we have enough Christmas songs, we hope to release it as a physical album on vinyl.”

Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin is part of the band’s celebration of their 25th year in the Philippine music industry, which follows the release of their original track “Eto Na (Ang Maliligayang Araw)” and the six-part series, Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast.

The year-long musical treat commenced with the vinyl pressing of their album, Waiting For The End To Start, which immediately sold out upon its release, the launch of “The Life I Know,” the first of its kind in the Philippine stop-motion animation music video, and the release of “Waiting For The End To Start” music video, which serves as an artistic take on the ‘dystopian future post-pandemic’ life in the Philippines.

The Itchyworms are also set to drop a mockumentary that chronicles their 25 years in the music industry at the end of the year.

“Halo-Halo” and “Meri Xmas 2 U” are out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Philippines. Listen to the partial batch of ‘Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin’ here.

updates

Sharing Five things GCash can do to make Christmas more meaningful for OFWs

Toto 12/16/2021 06:29:00 AM

Christmas stories or kwento are what we love most, so for this holiday season, we're sharing these five (5) things that GCash can do for you and your loved ones abroad.

Christmas is a time for reunions and gatherings with loved ones. For Filipinos, this is especially meaningful as OFWs and those living abroad get to come home and enjoy the unique Pinoy festivities with their friends and family. Even if most OFWs may not be able to make it back this year, there are still so many ways they can send their love home and make meaningful moments even from miles away.

GCash, the number 1 e-wallet in the Philippines, has allowed Filipinos to send money, grow their wealth and more for several years, and now offers hassle-free, swift and safe monetary transactions for Pinoys based out of the country, perfect for sending pada-LOVE home for Christmas. With over 30 accredited remittance partners where OFWs can cash into their GCash accounts or send money directly to their family's GCash number, making Filipino Christmas traditions easy no matter where you are in the world.

With just a working Philippine sim, a valid ID and a Philippine address, OFWs can access a full suite of GCash features to level up their Pamasko during the yuletide season.

1.Get the perfect gift delivered straight to your loved ones
Picking out the right present for your friends and family back home is made easier thanks to GLife! With exclusive holiday deals across over 20 merchants and shops on the platform, simply select where you'd like to purchase from and what you'd like the holiday surprise to be, and it will be delivered straight from your GCash app to right under the Christmas tree!

2.Make Noche Buena sweeter
Virtual Noche Buena and reunions may still be the norm for OFWs, but you can make your presence felt by your loved ones in the Philippines. With partners like Taste & Tell, Auntie Anne's, Cafe Calypso, and more offering limited time deals for the holiday season through GLife, you can fill the hearts and tummies of your loved ones back home.

3.Extend the spirit of generosity to those who need it most
The holidays are a time of giving and giving back. Through GCash for Good, you can send donations to participating Philippine charities, such as ABS CBN, GMA, WWF, OFW Family Club and Save the Children, ensuring that everyone feels the spirit of Christmas.

4.Send love, send pamasko no matter where you are
For OFWs who simply want to send Aguinaldo home to their loved ones for Christmas, you can also send with a special holiday design made for the occasion! Send money with a clip through your own GCash account or if you don't have a Philippine sim card, you can still remit directly to your loved ones' GCash account through accredited partner outlets.

5.Light up GCash parols for daily discounts and prizes
GCash makes the holiday more special for OFWs with discounts and cash prizes given every day! GCash users may collect as many parols as they can and light them up to win up to Php1,000,000 in cash by sending money and transacting across the app. Here’s how:

You can earn one (1) parol for transactions done in Gcash alone for a minimum spend of 100 pesos with one (1) parol per use, per day. To get two (2) parols with just one (1) transaction, you can transact with the following GCash services like GCash Padala, GSave, GInvest, GInsure, GLife, and GCredit. Valid until December 1 2021 to January 7, 2022!

No matter how far you are, with GCash, you can enjoy and create meaningful holidays with your loved ones this year, as if you were right back home!

For more information about GCash and its products and services you may visit https://www.gcash.com
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updates

SZA tackles rocky romantic relationships on new single “I Hate U”

Toto 12/16/2021 05:58:00 AM

Here's another story or kwento in the music industry. This is a bumpy relationship, so don't hate us for this.

Top Dawg Entertainment’s multi-platinum selling, chart-topping and award-winning recording artist SZA has officially dropped her new single “I Hate U.”

Initially released on an anonymous Soundcloud account this year along with “Nightbird” and “Joni,” the irresistible slow jam emerged as a favorite among fans.

The track is produced by Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, thankgod4cody, and Dylan Patrice. With her soulful vocals enveloping a minimalist sonic backdrop and laid-back synths, SZA reflects on a rocky romantic relationship that seemed to have taken a toll on her emotional health.

Upon its release, the mesmerizing urban track received positive response from various music critics all around the world, with Brooklyn Vegan calling an “airy R&B” in “fine form.” It also marked an impressive performance on its first day as it debuted at No. 1 on both Spotify US and Apple Music US charts despite the surge of holiday-inspired tracks, and is predicted to place high on the Billboard Hot 100 charts next week.

Here in the Philippines, “I Hate U” is slowly gaining a foothold on the upper tier of streaming charts. The track is currently at No. 16 on Spotify Philippines top 50, and is steadily climbing on a daily basis.

“I Hate U” comes nearly a year after SZA released “Good Days” on Christmas 2020. Grammy-nominated for Best R&B song, “Good Days” quickly became SZA’s greatest gainer solo single release, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and marking her first time in the chart’s top ten as the main artist.

SZA’s latest single “I Hate U” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via TDE/RCA Records/Sony Music.