The sole Filipino runner, Louie Sangalang, sends off by FWD to North Pole Marathon

Louie Sangalang with his nephew during the Send-Off Party last March 22 held at Bonifacio Technology Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

I can never imagine myself trailing a 42 km. path, more so, with a temperature of about negative 30 defress centigrade in an ice glaze specifically above 12,000 ft. of Arctic Ocean in the North Pole. My only highest achievement in participating into running or marathon events was having finished a 5km run (walking and jogging combined). Having no training whatsoever, fit was quite a challenge for me. 

I have such high regards to sportsmen or athletes like FWD's sole Filipino runner Louie Sangalang, he doesn't only possess high enthusiasm, passion, perseverance, dedication, conffidence and discipline but he is also a cancer-survivor, and that makes him most qualified for FWD's North Pole Marathon. 
Louie himself is a Pan-Asian insurer FWD Life Insurance, one of the fastest-growing insurance companies in the Philippines.


Multi-sport athlete and cancer survivor Luisito “Louie” Sangalang is set to fly to the northernmost point on Earth to represent the Philippines in the Marathon, which will be held on April 9. He will join ten (10) other FWD-sponsored runners from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan in the grueling marathon. Collectively, the 11 runners are dubbed “FWD Team Asia”.

The FWD North Pole Marathon runners, hailing from all over the globe, will be running on ice sheet measuring 6 to 12 feet thick which is above 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean, literally on top of the world. They will be traversing a 42-kilometer path with an average temperature of negative 30 degrees centigrade, even going as low as negative 40 degrees centigrade at times. The marathon is unique because it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice.

The FWD North Pole Marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) and is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.

FWD Life Insurance prepares Louie Sangalang for this once-in-a-lifetime experience
To prepare for the race of a lifetime, Sangalang has joined various local marathons to keep his body in top physical shape. To enable his body to adjust to the extreme cold weather, he has continuously trained inside an industrial freezer with a temperature that mimics that of the negative 30-degree centigrade temperature in the North Pole.





Romi Garduce giving valuable advice and tips to Louie Sangalang on how to survive the extreme cold. 


Sangalang says the support given by “The FWD Squad” helped him in preparing for the FWD North Pole Marathon. Triathlon coach Ani De Leon-Brown as well as Sangalang’s running coach Ige Lopez provided the athletic training and guidance. Romi Garduce, the first and only Filipino to have completed the Seven Summits in 2012, gave valuable advice on how to survive the extreme cold.

Other members of the Squad include celebrity mom Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and son Benjamin, who gave motivational support for Sangalang, and radio DJ and host Sam YG, who joined Sangalang in his rigorous training sessions.

From overcoming life challenges to conquering the world’s summit
According to FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Peter Grimes, Sangalang’s resilience in overcoming different challenges is one trait that resonates well in Filipinos and this made him the perfect choice to represent the Philippines in the marathon.
“Louie's inspiring story of being a cancer survivor and his passion for fitness, which he uses to inspire Filipinos to live an active lifestyle, also best represent what FWD stands for: embracing the opportunities in your life without hesitation,” said Grimes.

Apart from Louie, FWD is also sponsoring runners who have their own life challenges but are pursuing the FWD North Pole Marathon experience nonetheless. Representing Singapore and Hong Kong, respectively, are para-athlete Shariff Abdullah, dubbed as Singapore Blade Runner, and the visually impaired Leung Siu Wai.

Louie’s send-off party was held on March 22 at the Bonifacio Technology Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The FWD-sponsored send-off event was attended by FWD executives and team members, North Pole Marathon campaign collaborators, Louie’s friends and relatives, and his support squad.

This is the second year that FWD has sponsored the North Pole Marathon.
FWD Life Philippines Head of Marketing, Roche Vandenberghe shared, “FWD saw the North Pole Marathon as a unique and important platform to communicate the idea that everyone should live life to the fullest, stay true to their passion, and not give up their goals, because FWD will always have their back!”






About FWD Philippines

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (“FWD Life”) is the first life insurance company licensed by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines under the new Insurance Code. FWD launched its commercial operations in September 2014. After its second full year of operations in 2016, FWD ranked #12 in total premium income, up one notch from previous year, according to the Insurance Commission’s report.1 By March 2017, FWD Life is the highest-capitalized life insurer in the Philippines with PhP 2.3 billion in paid-up capitalization.2
FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, and employee benefits across a number of its markets. Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group. In the Philippines, FWD has nine business hubs located in key cities nationwide with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.
For more information please visit fwd.com.ph.

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Win a Vivo V9 and get to experience the perfect shot, the perfect view


The newly released Vivo V9 that boasts of a 90% FullScreen Display and a 24-megapixel AI front camera, among other cutting-edge specs is every selfie lover’s dream smartphone. It was recently introduced in the Philippines at the City of Dreams on March 22.
Vivo is yet to give details about its new flagship smartphone’s official release date in the Philippines. But, it is generously giving away three Vivo V9 smartphones to its loyal followers.






The Vivo V9 with a 24-megapixel AI selfie camera can be all yours by answering the smartphone brand’s specific theme for the week with your story and your photo.


Topics for the following weeks:
Week 1: March 25-31 - Perfect Shot
What is your definition of a perfect shot?
Week 2: April 1-April 7 - Perfect View
Have you ever encountered a perfect view?
Week 3: April 8-April 14 - Spot the Number 9
Spot the Number 9 and take a selfie with it.
Vivo will then determine the winning entries using the following criteria:

40% - Adherence to weekly theme – Entries that best adhere to weekly themes:
1.) Perfect View 2.) Perfect Shot 3.) Spot the number 9.
30% - Visual Impact – Creativity and originality of entry
20% - Entry Message – Explanation of story behind the entry – should be in 2-3 sentences
10% - Image Quality – Sharpness, detail, contrast, and color rendition of image.

All entries must be submitted at 12mn every Saturday of each promo week. Announcements of weekly winners will be made at 5pm every Tuesday after the promo week.

Entries with the highest score based on the criteria for judging will receive one Vivo V9 smartphone, the second highest scorer will get a Vivo Little V Speaker, and the third highest score will win a Vivo Notebook.
Visit http://vivoglobal.ph/vivobeminev9/ to join the contest and to learn more about the full mechanics. The Perfect Shot, Perfect View is just a few steps away. Good luck! #
About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle.
For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at www.vivo.com/ph or check out their Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/), and
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts. 


PROMO MECHANICS

1. The promo is open to all Filipino citizens aged 18 years old and above.
2. Participants will be asked to submit a picture adhering to a different theme/category each week.
3. Weekly themes are as follows:

Week 1:  Perfect Shot
Week 2:  Perfect View
Week 3:  Spot the Number 9


Answer the question: What is your definition of a perfect shot. Share a photo and your story. Have you ever encountered a perfect view? Share with us your story and a photo about it. Spot the Number 9 and take a selfie with it.


4. Participant may then submit their entry by uploading their picture and story at the official promo website at vivoglobal.ph/vivobeminev9.
5. Entrant will be asked to register in the website by filling in their Name, Address, Birthday, Contact Number, Email Address and entry message on the fields provided.
6. Size of photo should be at least 600 x 600 px but not limited to a square format.  Photo story for week 1 and week 2 should be in 2-3 sentences.

ENTRY GUIDELINES

1. Participants may submit more than one original entry per account. Duplicate entries (same image) shall be considered as one entry.
2. For more chances of winning, a participant may submit an entry every week provided that the photo and entry message are unique from his/her previous entries.
3. An entry is only eligible to win in the contest week it was uploaded in.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

1. All entries uploaded in the corresponding contest week will be judged according to the following criteria:

40% - Adherence to weekly theme – Entries that best adhere to weekly themes: 1.) Perfect View 2.) Perfect Shot 3.) Spot the number 9.
30% - Visual Impact – Creativity and originality of entry
20% - Entry Message – Explanation of story behind the entry – should be in 2-3 sentences
10% - Image Quality – Sharpness, detail, contrast, and color rendition of image

2. A DTI Representative will be invited to witness the selection and determination of the winners.  All entries received during the promo period will be consolidated and reviewed by a panel of judges composed of marketing personnel of Philippine Vivo Tech, Inc.
3. Selection and determination of the entries will be done every Monday at 3pm, at the Vivo Office:  33F East Tower, The Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Ave. Mandaluyong City.
4. Cutoff is every Saturday at 12mn of each promo week and announcements of weekly winners will be made every Tuesday at 5pm after the promo week.
Cut-off Date Announcement
Week 1 | March 25 – March 31 March 31 (Sat) April 3 (Tue)
Week 2 | April 1 – April 7 April 7 (Sat) April 10 (Tue)
Week 3 | April 8 – April 14 April 14 (Sat) April 17 (Tue)

PRIZES

1. There will be three (3) WEEKLY WINNERS
WEEK GRAND PRIZE 1st RUNNER UP 2ND RUNNER UP
WEEK 1 VIVO V9 Vivo Little V Speaker Vivo Notebook
WEEK 2 VIVO V9 Vivo Little V Speaker Vivo Notebook
WEEK 3 VIVO V9 Vivo Little V Speaker Vivo Notebook

2. Entry with the highest score based on the criteria for judging will receive one (1) Vivo V9 smartphone. Entry with the second highest score will receive one (1) Vivo Little V Speaker. Entry with the third highest score will receive one (1) Vivo Notebook.

RULES
1. All prize taxes shall be shouldered by Philippine Vivo Mobile Tech, Inc.
2. Present at least one (1) valid ID and the registered notice for verification upon claiming. The winners must present a valid ID which contains the same information as his/her registered details.
3. For winners outside Metro Manila, they can send a copy of their valid ID via email to know the instructions for claiming.  Prizes shall then be couriered to the winners registered address.
4. For prize claims that require special representation to receive, a signed authorization letter with two (2) valid IDs of the receiving party should be present.
5. Prizes can only be claimed at the following Vivo Office location: 33F East Tower The Philippine Stock Exchange Center Exchange Road, Ortigas Ave. Mandaluyong City.
6. The winners may claim their prizes until 60 days after receipt of their registered mail, otherwise the prize will be forfeited with prior approval of DTI.
7. Philippine Vivo Mobile Tech, Inc. reserves the right, at its own discretion or after notification, to immediately remove images that violate laws, morals, and ethics or infringe on the rights of others.
8. Participants may only upload a contribution with which he/she owns the rights for publication. If it is discovered that the participant is not the owner of an uploaded image, he/she will be disqualified from the contest.
9. All employees, suppliers, agencies, sponsors, dealer outlets of Vivo, including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promo.
Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 3610, Series of 2018.





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iPhone lookalike Vivo V9 with 24MP AI selfie camera pre-order is on going until April 5, 2018


Global smartphone brand Vivo will accept pre-orders of its new flagship phone, the V9, beginning March 26. 

The announcement was made during Vivo's summer-inspired launch of the V9 at the City of Dreams Manila on March 22. 

For those who want to be the firsts to get their hands on the Vivo V9, it will be available for pre-order starting March 26 until April 5, 2018.



Aside from getting first dibs on the Vivo V9, those who will pre-order the new flagship smartphone will enjoy an additional six months of warranty and an anti-theft Bobby Bag. These perks will give them an additional savings of Php4,990.

The Vivo V9 features a FullViewTM Display and 90% screen-to-body ratio with its 6.3-inch display and side bezels of 1.75mm. It delivers AI-powered perfect shots with its 24-megapixel selfie camera and 16MP+5MP dual rear camera. The V9 is a sleek and stylish smartphone that can take the “perfect shot” and provide the “perfect view.”

Vivo's newest flagship smartphone is equipped with the latest Android 8.1 OS and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64 ROM.




The Vivo V9 retails at Php17,990 at all authorized shops nationwide. It is available in Pearl Black and Gold. #

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/), and
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts. 






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LG helps in achieving a cleaner and greener environment for women



In modern societies, it is important to consider how we connect and preserve with nature. Pollution (air, noise and waste) is on the rise, biodiversity is lost, and, all over the world, people are suffering the consequences of climate change due to constant development. Women, in particular, are more vulnerable to the detrimental effects caused by pollution and toxic substances compared to men. Women have a different relationship with the environment given their needs and responsibilities as household stewards, economic providers, and their role in reproduction. (The reproductive system of a pregnant women is especially susceptible to health problems and hazards—every step in the reproductive process can be altered by toxins and contaminants in the environment.) Women living in rural or marginal suburban areas in developing countries, who have no access to natural resources, a proper diet and adequate health care, are also more susceptible to the impacts of climate change.




Until recently, women had very few opportunities to change unsatisfactory domestic or work conditions caused by environmental degradation, and to improve their families’ and their own health. But with the advent of ecofeminism, the continuing rise of female solidarity, and the growing recognition of the critical roles women play in our communities, the world is slowly realizing that even seemingly minor decisions such choosing what to eat and how we clean our homes—decisions usually made by women—can also have significant impacts on global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall environmental healthy and sustainability.
Women are now becoming more empowered to take part in making key environmental decisions at all levels, and to contribute their perspectives in creating policies and programs that affect a woman’s relationship with the environment.




LG is making a stand with women across the globe to offer forward-thinking solutions that will benefit both women as a group and society as a whole. The electronics company has an established track record of creating innovative and forward-thinking home appliances that are eco-friendly and intuitive enough to change the lives of its consumers for the better. Their line-up of Energy Star-winning products, which includes washing machines, refrigerators, airconditioners and TVs, slashes electricity expenses for its users while decreasing their environmental impact. Through these innovative solutions, LG is honoring the roles of women in society and valuing their domestic practices, within the home and within the larger environment.
For more details on how LG products improve your life and help the environment, visit lg.com/ph, like @LGElectronicsPH/@LGTVPhilippines/@LGMobilePhilippines on Facebook, and follow @LGPhilippines on Instagram.




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Vivo unveils the all-new ‘V9’ AI-powered FullView™ display smartphone in the Philippines

Vivo executives led by Brand Director Annie Lim answered some of the questions of the media during the V9 press launch.

Global smartphone brand Vivo has revealed its all-new sleek and stylish V9 flagship unit at the City of Dreams Manila in a summer-themed unveiling that was attended by over 200 members of the press and other guests.   

Vivo welcomed its guests late Thursday afternoon at the Wave, a contemporary poolside deck, restaurant, and bar so they can experience the V9 and take selfies and photos with the sunset as their backdrop. Vivo then picked one lucky and creative photo posted on Instagram to win a V9 unit.  

The program continued at the City of Dreams Grand Ballroom with Myx VJ Ai dela Cruz as the host. They were formally welcomed by Vivo Brand Director Annie Lim who recapped the smartphone company’s feats in the Philippines. Since it entered the Philippine market in 2016, Vivo has been steadily rising to become the country’s top three brand with over 5,200 stores and 1.5 million users nationwide.

Vivo’s Jomari Morales followed Lim's remarks by presenting all the goods on the V9. She highlighted the Vivo V9’s 90% screen-to-body ratio, the 24-megapixel selfie camera and 16MP+5MP dual read camera, and the AI-powered photography for a “perfect view” and a “perfect shot.”

Morales also presented the Vivo V9’s improved game mode that would enable users to take calls or open other apps without pausing the gaming applications or play without any interruptions.

After her presentation, Vivo’s Junior Brand Manager Christian Jocson revealed that anyone can enjoy a V9 for a “perfect” price of Php17,990 with pre-orders beginning on March 26 until April 2.

Lim, Morales, Jocson, and Xian Gana from Vivo then answered the media’s questions during the Q&A. Their exchanges were focused on the Vivo’s plans in the Philippines and the V9's capabilities.



Vivo Brand Director Annie Lim acknowledged the smartphone brand’s partners, Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls, during the launch of the V9.

Vivo partners, Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls, were also recognized during the event during the ceremonial exchange of tokens. Lim handed the malls' representatives with a Little V doll.
Fresh faces of Vivo  

Vivo also welcomed its newest endorsers, up-and-coming actors Edward Barber and Ivan Dorschner.

Barber is the onscreen partner of young actress Maymay Entrata who also joined the event. Entrata was the first who joined Vivo in September 2017 during the launch of the V7+. His endorsement deal with Vivo is something MayWard fans have been patiently waiting for since the pair already worked together for the smartphone brand during their first Making Mega shoot in Germany last year.   

Dorschner, meanwhile, charmed the press with his good looks and charisma. He was one of Kuya’s guests in Pinoy Big Brother in 2010. Since then, he became one of GMA Network's top leading men after starring alongside young actress and fellow Vivo endorser Barbie Forteza in the primetime series "Meant To Be."

Aside from the launch of the new flagship smartphone V9,Vivo also introduced its newest endorsers, Ivan Dorschner and Edward Barber.


Barber, Entrata, and Dorschner also picked three lucky winners of the Vivo V9 during the raffle. They also joined the Vivo executives for a toast for the V9. Also with them onstage were other Vivo endorsers young pop soul singer Sassa Dagdag, acoustic singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, and balladeer Jason James Dy who closed the night with their performances.

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle.

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at www.vivo.com/ph or check out their Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/), and
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.



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Wish 107.5 presents their Wishcovery's Top 5 Grand Finalists

The Top 5 Grand Finalists of Wishcovery 2018 (L to R) : Carmela Ariola, Kimberly Baluzo, Hacel Bartolome, Louie Anne Culala and Princess Sevillena 

The whole world actually knows that the best singers come from our country, the Philippines. And we really feel proud about it, being recognized as the home of world class and great singers, truly no doubt. Some of them might also be thinking and wondering what's in our water, or is it the air that we breath? The food perhaps, or does it really run in our blood and genes that made us different and that we always stand-out during international singing contests or search? You tell me, would you know the answer guys? :) 

Speaking of talent searches, our fave radio station, Wish 107.5 has organized their first online singing contest. Since they believe in the authenticity of Filipino talents, they have decided to launch the "Wishcovery" to continue to discover, hone and support fresh talents specifically, aspiring singers from different parts of the Philippines. 


Wishcovery official host, Kris Lawrence with co-host Wish 107.5 DJ Alice during the media presentation of the Top 5 grand finalists of Wishcovery 

Just recently, I was invited to cover the press presentation of the Wishcovery's Top 5 grand finalists namely Carmela Ariola, Kimberly Baluzo, Hacel Bartolome, Louie Anne Culala and Princess Sevillena. The event was held at the Shangrila Finest Cuisine. The grand finalists are all female and it's not intentional like what Mr. Jungee Marcelo, one of the reactors/ judges  had said during the presscon. 


Wishcovery's Top 5 Grand Finalists showing their respective genres and skills in singing 

The Top 5 Grand Finalists were introduced by the hosts and they were so presentable and ready to perform as if they were pros. They had sung "Salamat Musika," as soon as they' entered the stage. I should say that basing from what I've heard from their vocals, they were all promising and I can't pick one from any of the five 'cause they were all amazing! I am not an expert or pro on this field but somehow, I can sense that they will really go places. I commend Wish 107. 5 for having this type of online talent search, for their support to the grand finalists and for continuing to believe and loving our very own. 


Wishcovery's Top 5 Grand Finalists with hosts Kris Lawrence, DJ Alice and reactor/judge Mr. Jungee Marcelo 





Come March 27, 2018, it's a big big day for the 5 Grand Finalists, it's gonna be the final judgement night and it will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. I WISH you girls good luck and may the best girl win. 


Wishcovery host Kris Lawrence



with him :) 


You can watch the videos from the presscon on my YouTube channel here



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Wishcovery (Your Road To Stardom Starts Here!) is Wish 107.5’s online singing competition launched in September 2017. Tagged as the newest of its kind, this competition aims to discover aspiring musical talents with exceptional voices and star-like charisma from across the country.


It enlists renowned hitmaker Jungee Marcelo, The Company’s Annie Quintos, and the country’s King of R&B Jay R as resident reactors, with R&B Prince Kris Lawrence as host.


New episodes air every Saturday at 9 PM PHT on the Wish 107.5 YouTube channel, which currently has 2.2 million-strong subscribers.


The first-ever Wishcovery grand winner will win Php 2 million worth of cash and contract, a house and lot, a brand-new car, a makeover package, and a round-trip ticket to New York plus a two-week extensive musical training.

Weekly Wish Bus Battles


From the original 20 singing hopefuls - collectively known as the Wishful 20, Wishcovery showcased weekly vocal battles on board the Wish 107.5 Bus. Scores were determined through a week-long powerviewing component (15%) and through the resident reactors’ cumulative scores (85%).


The original 20 were trimmed down to the four contenders who will vie in the grand finals on March 27 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.


Meanwhile, the eliminated Wishfuls were given the chance to return for the competition’s wild card round. The winning contender has earned the fifth and final spot in the grand finals.

Hometown Show


Before the finale, the Wishful 5 -- the moniker for Wishcovery’s grand finalists -- had the opportunity to hold mini-concerts in their respective hometowns. The show featured up-and-coming artists in their area, as well as established acts like Jireh Lim, Shamrock’s Marc Tupaz and Jayson Fernandez. Kris Lawrence served as the hometown show’s host.


The event was broadcasted via Facebook Live on Wish 107.5’s official Facebook page.


Apart from the mini-concert, the Wishful 5 were also given the opportunity to grant the wishes of their chosen beneficiaries.

Wishcovery Live Chat


To let the Wishers and their respective fans get closer to the Wishful 5, Wishcovery held a Live Chat via Wish 107.5’s Facebook page every Sunday at 6 PM PHT in February.


Hosted by Kris Lawrence, the Live Chat served as a fun and interactive platform wherein the online audience were able to throw questions, ask for song wishes, and request for shout-outs from their favorite grand finalists.








Carmela Ariola



Fondly called as “Carmi” by her loved ones, Carmela Ariola is an Israel-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

The 21-year-old artist, now based in Batangas, grew up listening to the music of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Her parents first discovered her singing ability when she was only three. But according to her, it was when she turned eight that she felt the passion to pursue music.

Though she is into pop, ballad and soul, she is still exploring other genres that she can perform. She believes that an artist must continuously grow, especially with the unceasing coming in of new and aspiring talents.

It has been her childhood dream to become a well-known artist, not only to share music but also to serve as an inspiration to people. She is a firm believer that her ultimate and true purpose as a musician is to “touch hearts and souls.”


Hacel Bartolome





Hacel Bartolome is a band vocalist from Cavite City. According to her, she is the only one who is musically inclined in their family.

She recalls that as early as the age of five, she is already singing 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” while playing a guitar toy. The pivotal moment that further motivated her to perform was when her Grade 3 teacher heard her sing “This I Promise You” and told her that she has a great voice that needs to be shared with others.

The 27-year-old singer-guitar player is a fan of ballad, slow rock, and pop music. Her musical influences are Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Bruno Mars.

She aspires to perform a duet with Aiza “Ice” Seguerra, have her own album, and stage a solo concert in iconic venues such as the SMART-Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena. However, her ultimate wish as a musical artist is “to gain respect in spite of her sexual orientation and receive undying support not only from the LGBT community but from all the listeners who believe in her God-given talent.”

Kimberly Baluzo





Nineteen-year-old Kimberly Baluzo is currently a senior high school student based in Daet, Camarines Norte.

She was only three years old when her parents discovered she could sing. But apart from showing off her musical chops through her favorite genres -- pop-rock and R&B -- she also dabbles into songwriting and playing musical instruments such as guitar, ukulele and flute.

Her musical heroes and dream future collaborators are British pop star Jessie J, and world-class OPM acts Sarah Geronimo, KZ Tandingan, and Julie Anne San Jose.

Asked about her ultimate goal as a singer, she wishes to have a solo concert, release an album, serve as an inspiration to others, and be of help to the less fortunate especially the abandoned children.





Louie Anne Culala





Louie Anne Culala hails from San Ildefonso, Bulacan, a province north of Manila. She is a graduating college student taking up a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management.

Encouraged by her family and friends to sing, she first discovered her gift of music during her grade school years.

Her roster of musical influences includes her father, and OPM stars such as Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Dulce, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo and Morissette. When it comes to the international music scene, she looks up to Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, and Tori Kelly -- whom she wishes to do a collaboration with.

She also lists guitar- and piano-playing as part of her musical skills.

The 20-year-old songstress ultimately dreams to make it to the global music arena, and release self-penned albums.





Princess Sevillena





Princess Sevillena, 24, has been singing since the age of three. A supply chain coordinator based in the bustling city of Makati, she is also into songwriting, guitar-playing, and beatboxing.

According to her, it was her family and her best friend who first told her to pursue a career in music. Her favorite genres include pop, ballad, R&B and gospel music.

She regards the Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, as her ultimate musical hero. It is her dream to do a collaboration with her, as well as with one of the most versatile acts in the Philippines -- Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano.

She also looks forward to level up her skills not only in singing but also in playing instruments.

As an artist, she is driven by her goal to become a living testament to the mantra that “waiting patiently and praying fervently will lead you to the best that you can be.”




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Ex Battalion, now managed by Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas signs up with RRJ Clothing

Ex Battalion group signs up with RRJ just recently (PCT : starringoftheday.com) 


The country's most sensational hip hop group today, the Ex Battalion or Ex B has just recently signed up with RRJ Clothing as their Brand Ambassadors, the contract signing was held at Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas resto in Quezon City, the "Ai Sarap." In this said event, they have also announced that they will be managed by Ms. Ai-Ai herself. Oh well, blessings are really pouring for this new group craze, right?! It goes well with the saying, "When it rains it pours." 


If we're going to recall, this collective hip hop group had a smash hit when they released their song, "Hayaan Mo Sila," conquering the Billboard Philippine Top 20 at #2 and another one is "No Games," which landed at #10 in the same chart. Owing to the success of the group's musical genre, their YouTube videos continue to rise up for almost 300M views. Their popularity was a breakthrough in the music scene. The group's members include: 
Bosx1ne, Flow-G, Skusta Clee, Brando, Emcee Rhenn, King Badger (Jon Gutierrez) , Kent MNL, Bullet-D, Mckoy, Jekkpot, Cent, Hudass and Jnske. JRoa was a former member. 


Comedy Queen Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas during the interview last March 15, 2018

According to Ms. Ai Ai, "Unang-una, ano sila e, social media influencers. Marami silang fans na bata lalo. Ang apparel nila [RRJ] pang-bata din e, may hip-hopper, may pang-bagets. Hindi na rin sila mag-iisip ng isusuot nila. With RRJ naman, makakatulong din naman sa kanilang sales dahil sa popularity of Ex Battalion. Papalo 'yan."



Now, ExB crosses over from Music to Fashion with an upcoming collaboration with RRJ, featuring RRJ x ExB merchandise set to roll out within the year. 


RRJ is a fashion lifestyle brand creating affordable, quality, and trend-setting wear for men and women.

RRJ Clothing is produced and distributed by Emerald Garments Manufacturing, Corp. Founded in 1969, the company is headquartered in Quezon City, Philippines. RRJ products are distributed on selected department stores and RRJ boutiques nationwide.

For more details:








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