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."

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.”

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

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.

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. 

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.

Filipinos in the throes of a pandemic don’t need to wait in vain as the vinyl format of Adele’s fourth studio album, 30 has now made its way to the Philippines.

Sony Music confirms that Backspacer Records, an independent record store based in Metro Manila, is the official distributing partner of Adele’s chart-topping LP, 30.

The indie record shop, which gained popularity for housing limited edition and exclusive OPM releases, as well as rare and wide-ranging international titles, will be selling an exclusive Japan pressing of the beloved album in standard black vinyl.

Backspacer Records co-founder Robert Tuazon takes great pride in carrying the British singer-songwriter’s landmark LP, which not only broke records in terms of digital sales and streaming all over the world, but also smashed physical sales performance for both CDs and vinyl this year.

“We’re grateful to Sony Music for entrusting us with this special project,” said Tuazon. “Tasha and I are excited to open our doors to music fans who have been wanting to get a copy of this remarkable pop release.”

Adele’s 30 contains two 180-gram LPs with printed inner sleeves and standard jacket. On hand copies of the vinyl can now be purchased via Backspacer Records’ official website and its physical store located at the 2nd Floor of D’ Ace Plaza in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

The global superstar’s acclaimed record is also available through Backspacer Records’ retail partners: Plaka Planet in Makati City, Stereofiles in Quezon City, and Baihaus in Cebu City.

 

New voice for your listening pleasure, teen sensation Belle Mariano introduces her glowing sound and bright artistry in “daylight,” her debut album released under ABS-CBN’s Star Pop label that is out now on various digital music platforms.

Picking up from the success of her well-received debut single “Sigurado” which now has almost 12 million Spotify streams and over 5.8 million music video views—“daylight” further establishes Belle as a pop-alternative sweetheart whose enchanting and silky voice shines with every song she sings.

Aside from “Sigurado,” the album consists of six other original songs radiating lustrous colors and offer an easy listening experience for music lovers. All produced by Star Pop head Rox Santos, some of the songs featured in “daylight” are also compositions of Belle’s fellow young artists from ABS-CBN.

These are “Rainy Days” (written by SAB), “For Your Eyes Only” (written by Trisha Denise), and “Rise” (written by Jayda). Other songs included in the album are “With You,” “Tanging Dahilan,” and “Nights of December.”

Since her breakthrough lead role in the coming-of-age romantic comedy series “He’s Into Her” this 2021, Belle has enjoyed steady success in her career. This December, she is set to star in a new Star Cinema film with her onscreen partner Donny Pangilinan in “Love Is Color Blind.”

 

After the hit love team in the series, He's Into Her, the couple will be giving another romantic chill for their fans and followers with the newest love film, directed by John Leo Garcia, as best friends Ino (Donny) and Cara (Belle). Cara is there to help him add color to his life and show him that he is not too blind to find love, despite the vision problem that prevents him from seeing vibrant colors. However, along the way, they both meet others who attempt to blur the lines of their relationship.

After an eventful year that saw her star shine even brighter, OPM’s Pop Rock Diva Gigi De Lana is celebrating the Christmas season with YouTube subscribers in her first-ever digital concert titled “Gigi De Lana: Holiday Vibes” for “YouTube Music Night” this Saturday (December 11) at 8 PM.

Gigi, together with her band The Gigi Vibes, will treat viewers to a relaxing night filled with music and uplifting stories to be streamed for free exclusively on the YouTube channels of ABS-CBN Star Music, MOR, MYX, and One Music’s YouTube channels.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the viral sensation’s intimate performances of classic Christmas tunes, ABS-CBN Christmas ID theme songs, well-loved OPM hits, her break-up anthem and debut single “Sakalam,” and a heartwarming Moira Dela Torre medley. Gigi will also be joined by fellow Kapamilya singer Jason Dy for a touching duet.

Directed by Alco Guerrero and Marvin Caldito, “Gigi De Lana: Holiday Vibes” is produced by YouTube Music and ABS-CBN Events and line produced by Playback Productions. It will be hosted by Edward Barber and MYX VJ Samm Alvero.

Gigi’s digital concert is the third offering from “YouTube Music Night” in Southeast Asia, following Jona’s “Love, Jona Music Night” and Juris and Jed Madela’s “Hearts On Fire: Juris and Jed” in February this year.

Watch “Gigi De Lana: Holiday Vibes,” this Saturday (December 11) at 8 PM. Watch the show on ABS-CBN Star Music, MOR, MYX, and One Music’s YouTube channels.

 

Romance is in the air as SKY presents the first cinematic collaboration of the New Gen Phenomenal Love Team, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, in Star Cinema's newest offering, "Love is Color Blind," which premieres on SKY Pay-Per-View on Dec. 10 (Friday).

DonBelle is back—this time on the big screen—in their newest love film, directed by John Leo Garcia, as best friends Ino (Donny) and Cara (Belle), who are fresh off the success of their web romantic series "He's Into Her." Cara is there to help him add color to his life and show him that he is not too blind to find love, despite his vision problem that prevents him from seeing vibrant colors. However, along the way, they both meet others who attempt to blur the lines of their relationship.

Regardless of these not-so-colorful instances among them, will Ino finally find the colors of happiness and love he's looking for with Cara?

Find out how their vivid love story will unfold in the world premiere of "Love is Color Blind" starting December 10 on SKY Pay-Per-View.

Catch all of Ino and Cara's sweetest and most colorful moments together in the comfort of your homes in high-definition and commercial-free for a discounted price of P199 per pass (regular rate at P249), which comes with 48-hour access upon purchase. Avail of the pay-per-view discount promo from December 10, 2021 until January 10, 2022.

To subscribe, visit mysky.com.ph/skyppv or text SKY PPV to 23662.

For more details, follow SKY on Facebook (fb.com/myskyupdates), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates).

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One of the official entries in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival, Nelia, which starred Winwyn Marquez, officially released its movie trailer last December 1 on its official Facebook page Nelia. The film garnered more than 1,000,000 views in its first 36 hours and so far it has reached nearly 2.5 million views.

There's already a buzz from the netizens with Nelia's unique theme. A glimpse on its trailers tells about a shrouded mystery of Hospital Room 009, where Nelia works as a nurse. Apparently, all patients admitted in the room end up dead. "Is there a ghost or is there a killer in the hospital?" is a question netizens commonly ask.

The film also tackles the issue of mental health, which is a hot topic on social media these days, as the prevalence of anxiety and depression among people continues because of the ongoing pandemic. “In a way, our film is also educational because of its underlying theme on mental health disorders. Hopefully, through our film, the audience will be able to broaden their understanding of people dealing with mental health problems,” said the film's director, Lester Dimaranan.