Salute to all the Frontliners

An annual event where thousands of people come together to celebrate Ginebra San Miguel's Ginumanfest, a yearly music festival held in different regions nationwide. This includes me also, who have been to some of these celebrations, of course, I did enjoy and have fun. Good music, great food, and an interesting flavor of drinks that have been with us for almost two centuries.

Since 2011, Ginumanfest has been championing the best in OPM talent year on year, bringing Filipinos together for an epic celebration of music, food, and the world’s largest selling gin.


For this year 2020, as an act of unity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ginebra San Miguel held its first-ever live online concert. The heritage brand urged us to digitally get together via Ginebra San Miguel’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra/) last June 20 at 8:00 pm, as ONE GINEBRA NATION to support and salute our frontliners, our freedom to enjoy life, and the never-say-die Filipino spirit.

Honoring Heroes 

Now more than ever, the message of unity and togetherness of Ginebra San Miguel’s “One Ginebra Nation” campaign could not be more timely.

Early on in the crisis, Ginebra San Miguel found a way to do its part to help as well as to honor the modern heroes in the frontlines.


Aside from donating millions of liters of ethyl alcohol to hospitals and the frontlines, Ginebra San Miguel came out with a reimagination of its iconic label by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. The image of St. Michael the Archangel vanquishing the devil that has been on the Kuwatro Kantos and Bilog bottles for over 100 years were turned into artworks honoring the brave doctors, nurses, security guards, factory workers, delivery and grocery personnel. These artworks were posted on Ginebra San Miguel’s Facebook Page and netizens were inspired to react and share.

Ginebra San Miguel responded to the clamor to make these artworks an actual bottle label so a limited edition Kuwatro Kantos bottle was released with the commemorative label featuring the healthcare workers. Ginebra San Miguel also gave more reasons to toast the Filipinos’ heroic deeds and never-say-die spirit when it launched its newest products – GSM Blue Flavors Tamarind Punch and the Ginebra San Miguel Hari one-liter bottle at the live online concert.


A Night of Hope 

The live online concert featured three of the Philippines’ biggest bands namely Banda ni Kleggy, Silent Sanctuary, and December Avenue not only kept netizens entertained with their hits, they also sent out messages of hope and encouragement.




Hosted by Magic 89.9’s DJ Suzy Gamboa and DJ CJ Rivera, viewers were encouraged to prepare their favorite Ginebra San Miguel drinks as they were also treated to the special participation of industry idols such as Sue Ramirez, 2020 Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl Sanya Lopez, top favorite candidates from Miss Universe Philippines pageant, and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.

As the event carried on and the festivities came to a close, guests and viewers gathered in a virtual toast as heroes celebrating heroes and gave thanks to everyone who made the unforgettable night possible.

You can still catch the first Ginumanfest live online concert event via Ginebra San Miguel’s Official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra/

This event was brought to us by Ginebra San Miguel, GSM Blue, and GSM Premium Gin and was powered by Magic 89.9.

#OneGinebraNation2020

My favorite health and fitness coaches are again giving us more ways to get fit. So better watch out for The Fit Filipino Movement (FitFil) led by Health & Fitness VIP Coaches Jim & Toni Saret and co-presented by NOVUHAIR®, nature’s answer to hair loss, wish to invite you, your family and loved ones to join a 20-day Facebook Live FREE workout session designed for all beginners and active fitness buffs starting June 22, 2020 (Monday) at 4pm.

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Discover more: https://bit.ly/2BhwAtz


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While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about challenges and difficulties on a global scale, it has also given way for people to foster heroism especially to those who serve the front lines. Individuals and organizations continue to exhibit compassion by giving out food and other essentials to front liners and other affected communities.

To help individuals and groups in their food distribution efforts, Jollibee introduced the “Send A Meal: Bulk Order Service”. This initiative offers a systematic and easy way for benefactors to order select Jollibee meals in bulk, conveniently pay for them, and have them picked up or delivered straight to their intended recipients.

The Jollibee products interested parties may choose from are:

Jollibee - Share A Meal Bulk Order Products:

• 1-pc. Chickenjoy
• 1-pc. Burgersteak
• Jolly Spaghetti
• Yumburger

Payments can be made through online transfer or bank deposits. Delivery fees will also be waived for orders worth PHP 3,000 and above per recipient.
Those who want to avail of this special service can email their bulk orders and inquiries to sendameal@jollibee.com.ph for Jollibee meals.

Singapore electronic producer Xinister collaborates with Los Angeles based Asian-American rapper Blahza on ‘Break,’ released via Singapore based indie label Umami Records.

The lo-fi rap tune emphasizes the importance of staying humble while grinding and hustling for that big break. Blahza shares, “Rappers nowadays feel like they have to be loud and obnoxious to get on. This song has a similar message, but approaches it in an opposite style. Plus, with the whole COVID-19 thing going on now, I feel hating is at an all-time high. People seem to be so quick to point fingers.”

Known for his intense, high-energy trap/dubstep tracks which have already been featured on Spotify’s Bass Arcade, Beast Mode, Dubstep Don, and Trap Mojito, ‘Break’ is Xinister’s first hip-hop production. “I want to be more versatile and to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone”, shares Xinister. “With ‘Break’, I was going for a chill COVID-19 stay home vibe. Blahza definitely killed it.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, from their homes on opposite sides of the world in Singapore and Los Angeles, both artists went back and forth to write and produce ‘Break’ without ever having met each other in person. Xinister says, “it’s just two guys from different countries, only talking to each other online, yet we connected with each other instantly.”

“It was pure musical chemistry”, adds Blahza.

Xinister has 3 more singles planned for release in 2020, and Blahza will be releasing his LP, Sad Songs For Happy People over the next 12 months.

Listen to ‘Break’ by Xinister and Blahza everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/break/

The TRUTH? I'm worried, I'm stressed, and I'm scared! It's not only for me but for my family.

Perhaps this is our initial reaction when we face things that are unknown and uncertain. Like in horror suspense movies that we always watch, it was something similar to that. The only difference is, it is not on reels this time.

Who wouldn't get frightened? It is real, and it's happening right before our eyes. It is always on the news, the affected, the recoveries, and the one that we hate to see, the figure of deaths. If for the number of gross earned per movie from a world premiere, that would be great, but the sad part is that we're counting the number of people infected by the virus, worse the number of deaths.

I love movies, and I love history! I enjoy reliving the past through the works of movie creators, but today, after experiencing it personally, it's much better than films. It's real-life experiences and genuine emotions, no-frills. I am human, and this made me realize things.


The Outbreak

Of all the movies that have viruses, zombie apocalypse, and outbreak themes, we didn't even bother to have precautions (probably there was, but it wasn't taken seriously). There were no presentations of "what if these things happen in real life?" It only shows that we have vivid imaginations, even to the point that it happens right before our eyes, but we couldn't do much because we were never able. I am not ready, and I am not prepared.


Probably, the situation has created an ideally immense impact when it comes to safety, security, and health. Just like in the movie "Outbreak," a single carrier, which is a monkey, had placed the entire town to chaos and spread the virus. But then again, we shouldn't be too paranoid to think about this, but instead, live a life of being aware.


Lockdown or Community Quarantine

I remember the movie "Resident Evil," it is one of the horrific suspense movies that time, and it took me a certain point to probably watch the whole film. One part of the movie, where the entire facility was lockdown because of the virus, is somewhat similar to what we have experienced. It all started when the virus made its way into the city and began to spread. I was scared to go out, primarily when the number of virus-affected individuals increases.


Then it happened, the thing that everyone is scared of, the lockdown. I'm afraid and worried at the same time because I don't have much savings for my family. No event means no income, and no income means no money to buy food for the time of stay-at-home.


The Tribute

For one month, no one is allowed to go out of their houses except for those who will buy necessities like foods, medicines, and other things needed to survive this pandemic. Like most of the people, my initial reactions were 'how are we going to survive?', 'what will be our source of income?", and 'where are we going to buy food?'.

Quarantine Passes were issued to us by our barangay, and when I got this pass, which is I think is a quarter size of a long bond paper, I thought of the tributes in the movie "Hunger Games." I felt I was one of them, the chosen one for the district, and in my case for my family.


It's not easy being the tribute of the family. You need to be in full gear when you're going out to buy foods or medicines or other necessities for the family. You need to have your mask, your quarantine pass, your alcohol, your hat, your phone, your eco bag, and of course, always have a prayer. These are my battle gears when facing the world outside of our house.

Every time I go out, I always have an understanding and learning about our life, particularly the present one. Fathers or not, we are all ready to take on any difficulties for the sake of our family. And this crisis will be overcome if we trust and believe that God is above all.


The Quarantine Life

If you have seen the movie "Swiss Family Robinson," well I can say that our life during the quarantine period is similar to theirs except for the gadgets and the internet. We're isolating our family from the rest of the community to avoid contracting the deadly coronavirus, but not living all alone in the world.

Like the Swiss Family Robinson, we tried to save and use every possible supply that we have. We don't know until when this quarantine is.


The birthday celebrations are not the usual, foods are limited, and birthday greetings are only online. It's a small celebration but memorable. My youngest son, Gelo, celebrated his 9th Birthday with a French Fries Tower like cake and pool themed family party.


The good part of the lockdown is that we get to learn a lot of things, clean the house, declutter, and communicate more with God. Maybe this is God's way of letting us find his love and mercy in the fast-phased environment that we are living before this pandemic and thanking Him for life and the blessings.


Of course, whether we like it or not, we always look at our social media accounts, witnessing the different issues of the government and also the lives of several celebrities.


Help Comes When You Least Expect

When Harry Potter faces the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, Dumbledore's phoenix flew towards Harry and dropped the Sorting Hat. Out of nowhere, the sword of Gryffindor appeared inside the Sorting hat. Just like what I have experienced during this quarantine and lockdown period, help comes when you least expect it. Friends from the blogging community and entertainment industry are God's sent angels because their assistance is just what we need.


Maybe it is natural for us Filipinos to extend help to others who are in need. There were many stories of "malasakit" and "bayanihan" that are praised and commended by a lot of people. Some were given more resources to be able to extend more help to other people.


Though my friends' deeds aren't as sensational as the ones featured on any news, in my heart, they will always be my hero.


Share Your Blessings

Blessings are not just items that we usually receive, but its actually beyond the physical appearance. I am thankful that I am blessed with so many things in life, my family, who are there to give me strength and to my friends who help in times of need.

Perhaps helping is innate to us, it's a part of our culture, the Filipino culture. Remember the 'bayanihan,' that is probably the best picture to describe us Pinoys. It may not be similar, but the movie "Pay It Forward" is one of the best visualizations of the helping deeds. I haven't fully watched the film, but I like how it describes the way how to repay the help given out to you.


In my case, during the quarantine/lockdown period where we all are in need, my way of repaying was through my services. I am the leader of our homeowners' association in our area, and the only way I can help is by coordinating with our barangay for the assistance to reach our community.

Helping even in simple things, are great, the feeling is unexplainable. Seeing the relief from their eyes, and hear those short thank yous are enough for me.


The True Value of Time

Right before the outbreak, we are all living in a fast-phased environment, a world where innovations happen in a short period. We definitely take the meaning of time by intentively doing multi-tasks activities and work almost every minute from the moment that we learn how to compute. That is how we live before, but when the NCov19, now CoVid19, break out, lives started to move slow. Most of the people are inside their houses together with the families.

I remember when I was still working in the corporate world, most of the employees are looking forward to the dates of the holidays. During the quarantine, their wish was granted. All they needed to do was spend it wisely, and most of them spent it with their families. I did it too, and with the help of my wife, we spent that time with the kids by having different activities together.


Perhaps this is also one of the lessons in our life we should take time off from our work and activities to spend it with our loved ones. Good thing that our era doesn't uses time as a currency. Unlike in the movie "In Time," a science fiction story where the people stop aging when they reach 25, their money is their time. They work to have more time in order to live.


The Heart of Men

In the background story of "Lord of the Rings," Isildur, the one who manages to kill Sauron and get a chance to destroy the one ring, was described as the weak men and easily corrupted. It is true. Like Isildur, I'm also tempted to do the unworthy ones, especially during the crisis. But thankfully, God covers it with his love and better yet my heart is more of Aragorn. A human core with a strong will to overcome the crisis that we are facing.


I learned that in times of pandemic, there are people who tend to go selfish, but there are still others who are willing to do and give more of what they have just to help.


Moving Forward

One of my favorite lines from the movie "Forrest Gump," 'Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you're gonna get.' Life continues even though that there's still the Covid-19 scare, but knowing that I have my family to support, it inspires me to do more. I know work and events are limited, but I have to do what it takes to have something to support my family's needs.


Life now is really uncertain, but it is better to do something rather than nothing at all. Since most of the people now are transacting online, we too jump in the wagon of online sellers. It is aside from my writing gigs, graphic designs, and social media account management. So if I'm off with my online gigs, I do the delivery of the orders. Since I don't have a bicycle, I use 'Cadillac' - 'Kadali Lumakad.'


How many calamities and crises had passed in our country already? Actually, I lost count. We, Pinoys, are resilient, we always find positivity in every situation. We are like bamboos, no matter how strong the storm, we just sway it around and come up standing tall again when it is over.


Learn to Appreciate Small Things

At this time, every little thing that we have is necessary. Our life is short, and let us make every second a moment to cherish.

If you're a fan of Eddie Murphy, I'm sure this movie won't escape your radar, the "Holy Man." It is about a strange person who appreciates life that changed the perception of the other main character.


I like how the character, Mr. G, truthfully describes the value of things around us. The smell of the grass and even the effort of hugging a person (unfortunately, we couldn't do that at the moment because of social distancing). But my point is, we're alive and surviving, so let us appreciate more of the small things in life.


As we face this new normal, let us always find the good and the strength in each person.


This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia's "Write to Ignite Blogging Project". The initiative is a response to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. Igniting and championing the human spirit, "Write to Ignite blog Project" aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. This project is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, co-presented Eastern Communications, and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet, and Teleperformance.

One of the loveliest stars in the Kapamilya Network and one of the celebrities with the biggest heart, Angel Locsin, gives the limelight to Filipinos with extraordinary stories. Showcasing the Filipino values of pakikisama, pakikipagkapwa, and bayanihan to bring smiles to viewers amid these difficult times. This public service program entitled "Iba Yan," will be hosted by real-life heroine Angel Locsin which will begin airing on the Kapamilya Channel starting today, June 14 at 6:15PM.

Witness the extraordinary story of ordinary Filipinos like Fr. Flavie Villanueva, who once lived a life of vice before becoming a priest. He established "KALINGA" center, which gives street dwellers temporary homes and teaches them to be responsible citizens.

Actress and real-life public service advocate Angel and the rest of the “Iba 'Yan" team helped Fr. Flavie in pursuing his advocacy.

Catch other heartwarming stories in "Iba 'Yan"’s first episode such as Engr. Albert Pizarro, who invented the innovative 'foot-tap' alcohol dispenser, viral Cebuano TikTok dancer Marco Cañeda, candy vendor Tatay Carlos and bike seller Nanay Fe, seamstress Queen Mamita, and volunteer rider Neil Garcia.


"Iba 'Yan" airs every Sunday at 6:15 PM on the Kapamilya Channel, available on SKY, Cablelink, G Sat, and other cable or satellite service providers of PCTA nationwide. It can also be viewed on iWant and The Filipino Channel. Follow “Iba Yan!” on social media on facebook.com/IbaYanPH, twitter.com/ibayanph, and instagram.com/ibayanph. You can also join its Facebook Community Group on facebook.com/groups/ibaYanPH/.

For more updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or visit

Now we're sharing a new release in the R&B genre here which is from a Hong Kong based artist, Gareth.  Read the whole details below.

Hong Kong R&B artist Gareth.T has released his first single via Singapore based indie label Umami Records - ‘best me i can’. A smooth R&B song filled with lush harmonies and soulful grooves, ‘best me i can’ is about making the most of our short lives, and always striving to be the best version of ourselves.

Currently based in Boston while studying at Berklee College of Music, Gareth.T shares his personal story behind the song: “I wrote this song after my grandma passed away recently. Even though we weren’t that close and it didn’t emotionally affect me too much, it really got me thinking about how short and fragile life is, and that time doesn’t really stop for anyone. So in the song I kinda reflect on my 20 years of life, and I’ve come to a conclusion, that I’m going to try to be the best me I can, everyday.”

Being a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer allows Gareth.T the complete creative freedom to express his own unique style, and you can hear this throughout his repertoire. In this self-produced track, Gareth.T takes influences from 80s/90s R&B and combines them with modern elements like the drums and 808s, creating a novel blend of new and old.

“I think the line ‘best me I can’ would be the most important thing in the song, and the part I like the most as it’s a really simple concept to get. But with some lush harmonies and the soulful groove, the cheesiness of the line is taken away.”, said Gareth.T.

Gareth.T has been releasing a track every month in 2020 and will be keeping up this prolific pace moving forward.

Our lives have completely changed because of the virus. People are now considering the new ways we're practicing as the new normal. Well, it is indeed a new norm, and it's hard to face new things in life, but if it is for our safety, well, we all need to adapt to the situation.

So, what are new in the new norm? Well, I think it's quite a few, one the social distancing in transportation and establishments, and two is the wearing of masks whenever outside of your house. Some of which are in practice, the washing of hands, disinfecting of surroundings, transacting online, working from home, and online deliveries. These all are already in practice right before the outbreak of the virus, but some people are unreasonable.

Talking about online shopping, well, I'm thankful because it's much easier and more convenient to do your shopping online. You ease off with the hassle of going to the mall or the store, you won't have to face long lines when paying, and you don't have to feel scared because of the large amount of money with you. But of course, there are also the disadvantages of buying online, that is why buyers should be vigilant in reading reviews and other comments of the buyers. It needs to weigh in the various commentaries from customers who already bought from the seller.

Since home-based works and online schooling will be the new norm, I think laptops or desktops will be one of the necessities of every individual or every household. The good news is that there are plenty of online shopping sites where you can find an attractive desktop or laptop deals. Of course, with the situation we have now, the budget is one to consider.

So I did try to check other deals, from local to international. Locally, some stores did try to make sales up to the extend of bartering with some old units that people already have plus some additional cash. I also find this Rakuten site where they offer new and branded laptops or refurbished ones. That's really interesting.

So, are you ready to face the new norm?

Singapore pop artist Dominic Chin has released BETTER, the fifth single of his 7-track debut EP License To Cry, via indie label Umami Records.

BETTER is a poppy, free-spirited song about the joys of being high on love. Dominic Chin shares: “This song is inspired by love! There’s a quote that says ‘falling in love is the best high without breaking the law’, and I fully agree! The whole chorus talks about how flowers smell better, time passes much slower, the sky is BLUE-ER. How you don’t ever want time to stop when you’re with the person you love.”

Fun, playful melodies accompany Dominic’s beautiful and infectious vocals, leading up to unapologetically brash and compelling choruses which he proudly belts out. “I felt like it needed a quirky aspect too, and that's why I sang ‘You-you-you’ with a slight yodle. AND I love showing off my whistling skills. I have been practicing for years, finally I can properly show it off!” shared Dominic.

Dominic Chin invites us to embrace the unbridled joy and warmth that emanate in his song: “Sometimes we are afraid to love because we are afraid to be hurt, and we don't say what we feel as much, we don’t communicate enough. Let this song be a dedication to your significant other. Being in love is scary but it’s one of the most beautiful things in the world for humans to experience. ‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.’”

A music video follows this release, as well as a custom Instagram AR filter, which fans can use to get the same “hearts on face” makeup (without the mess) as seen in Dominic’s music video and album art. The rest of Dominic Chin’s EP will be released in the second half of 2020, leading up to his debut show at the Esplanade Singapore on 21 August.

BETTER by Dominic Chin is available everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/better/ Try out the Instagram AR filter here: https://instagram.com/ar/3717599598310896/

KwentoNiToto.com continues to share music from different genres and even different countries, so I do hope you would love to hear these kinds of music from these different artists.

Israeli singer-songwriter VANNA released a music video for her latest single titled 'Let Me Fall' via Umami Records.

Directed by award-winning independent filmmaker Matan Balalty and French-Israeli artist Noémie Dahan, the music video was shot at the Beit Talal In Jaffa and features four professional contemporary dancers.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), Let Me Fall is an ambient-folktronica song about letting yourself fall completely in love, and embracing the vulnerability that comes along with that. “When you fall in love, you expose yourself to getting hurt. It’s an endless paradox. When you let someone enter your inner world, you’re allowing them to gently break down your walls and then amazing things can happen.”, shares VANNA, “I was scared that one day I’d lose this feeling, and when it really happened I felt so alone trying to move on. This is the risk you take for falling in love.

‘Let Me Fall’ by VANNA is available everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/let-me-fall/

This is interesting deals from two of the most anticipated mid-year sales are happening this June 6 and vivo is giving everyone the best reasons to go online and shop from home to grab its best-selling smartphones.

vivo is offering not only a P1,000 off on the Y12 and Y19, but also free nationwide shipping, including for the Y11, Y15 and Y91C models which are participating in the Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale and the Lazada 6.6 Bounce Back Sale.

For the Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale, buyers can use the voucher code “VIVO66” to get a P200 discount only for June 6, while a P100 off voucher can be redeemed from June 6 until September 3. Customers can use the vouchers for a minimum spend of P4,999.

Those eyeing to buy vivo handsets during the Lazada 6.6 Bounce Back Sale can already collect P200 vouchers, while those who follow the vivo flagship store can collect P100 discount vouchers. Both can be redeemed from June 4 to 6, for a minimum spend of P4,999.


From May 28 to June 3, vivo is also slashing the price of its Y71 model, offering it for only P66.99, until supplies last.

Customers who buy any participating vivo handset from June 4 to 6 can also get a chance to win a Y series phone. All they have to do is post a review of the unit they purchased on Shopee or Lazada, upload a photo of the product, and use the hashtag #66vivo.

Two lucky winners will be chosen from among those who will post their reviews on Shopee and Lazada from June 4 to 16. The winners will be announced on June 17.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit the official Vivo stores at https://bit.ly/VivoShopeeSuperFlashSale and https://bit.ly/VivoLazadaBounceBackSale.

One of the best stories to tell, heartbreaking stories. It's not that you're interested in the background of the story but because it's about and it's about your heartbreak.  Award-winning Filipino band, Ben&Ben will drop their new single, “Lifetime” on June 4 (Thursday) via Sony Music.

The intricately produced, folk-pop ballad was written as a response to a fan’s YouTube comment on their hit song “Pagtingin,” which to date, has amassed more than a hundred million streams on YouTube and Spotify combined.

The fan, who goes by the alias of “Anne Jou,” shared her story of regretting not being able to express her feelings because she was afraid to lose the friendship.

“…instead of telling him what I actually felt, I hid and buried my feelings. And you know what happens to feelings that are buried? They grow. The like I felt for him became love. I wrote poems, songs. After 8 years, I attended his wedding [last] January. And guess what? The world is really overly-cruel. Before his wedding, he thanked me for being his best friend and told me that before he met the girl he got married to, he loved me first. For 5 years. But he was also scared of losing me so he just decided to keep it. I was shocked and I slightly had anger towards the world. We didn't know that if only one of us dared to make a move, a lifetime was waiting for us. So people, while you can, please express how you really feel so that in the end you won't regret anything.”

The nine-piece collective decided to make song inspired by a fan’s online confession—a proof of how powerful and moving words can be, when shared from a place of earnestness and raw honesty.

Notwithstanding the technical limitations and struggles in recording brought about by the pandemic, Ben&Ben pulled through in a few days and finished the song in their respective homes with just their instruments and a studio software.

The intimate recording session led to what is “Lifetime” now: an emotionally affecting song that leaves us wondering, what could have happened if we only mustered the courage to admit our feelings to the person we’re pining for, regardless of the outcome?

“Lifetime” was mixed by veteran sound engineer JP Verona, and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Leon Zervos (Pink, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Beastie Boys, and Willie Nelson). It was written by Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin, and recorded and produced by Ben&Ben.

Ben&Ben’s “Lifetime” will be released on all digital platforms worldwide on June 4 (12 midnight, Thursday).

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.

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.