press release – Page 47 – Jellybeans in the City

Doja Cat’s “Say So” earworms its way to global viral prominence

With its effervescent disco sheen, attention-grabbing chorus, and inescapable vibe, Doja Cat’s “Say So” is shaping up to be a global smash.

The song currently sits at number 32 on Spotify Philippines Viral 50 and has climbed steadily on the Billboard Hot 100 for more than a month since its debut. In a short period of time, it has reached more than a hundred million streams worldwide, becoming Doja Cat’s biggest hit on Spotify.

The song’s breakthrough could be attributed in part to its success on video-sharing social networking platform, TikTok, where it inspired various dance challenges from top Hollywood celebrities and social media influencers.

Fashion and entertainment magazine Nylon explains how the hip-hop/R&B star’s viral breakout made its way into the consciousness of the short-form video app: “In retrospect, Say So was destined to be a great TikTok fodder: the irresistible disco beat plus sassy lyrics which translate well into easy-to-learn dance moves,” writer Steffanee Wang shares. “At this point, it’s fair to say that literally everyone has done the challenge, including James Charles and a girl on like, 20-foot stilts.”

Due to the song’s massive success on the platform, Doja Cat, along with Tyra Banks, recently headlined TikTok’s Black Creators Summit, where she capped off the event with a performance of her current dance craze.

Here in the Philippines, the American rapper, singer and producer’s latest chart-topper is also gaining traction on the aforementioned platform. Singer-actor Iñigo Pascual, ABS-CBN teen star Alexa Ilacad, and G-Force choreographer Yanyan De Jesus recently hopped on the bandwagon with their take on “Say So,” which individually went viral on the day of its release.

AC Bonifacio, another celebrity influencer based in Manila, has recently uploaded a teaser of her upcoming dance cover on various social media platforms. The young multimedia star is set to debut her version of the Doja Cat hit on February 27, Thursday.

And then there’s Filipina YouTube star Niana Guerrero racking up 397,000 likes on TikTok for her bubbly and infectious lip-sync and dance performance of the newest Doja Cat single. This clearly reflects Doja Cat’s rising profile in the country, reaping the rewards of this generation’s preference for meme-ready songs that appeal to youth and online culture sensibilities.

The highly anticipated music video of “Say So” will have its worldwide premiere on YouTube soon. The song is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

Upcoming Singapore electro-pop/R&B band “In the Now” drops debut single with Umami Records

Upcoming Singapore Electro-pop/R&B band IN THE NOW drops their debut release via Umami Records, “Fool” on Friday, 28 February 2020.

“Fool” is a song about unrequited love, where our hero is in denial, constantly clinging to the hope that one day the subject of his infatuation will change her mind, even though he knows he should move on. Layers of dark melancholic synths and dreamy electronic pads build into a heartfelt chorus, and when words are not enough, culminates in an unexpected drop. Topped off with a sprinkling of trap and future bass elements, the innovative production on this cleverly crafted track entices the ears with something special.

“I wrote this song hoping it would touch others who relate to the same heartbreak I felt”, shares Alex of IN THE NOW. “We wanted the song to sound really different from what we normally do”, said Dan, the producer of the group, “we experimented with many different versions of the drop before we got something we were all happy with, bringing together the right amount of contrast and energetic release.”

A music video directed and produced by Singapore creative collective YungTauFoo and Homies accompanies the release of this single.

IN THE NOW are four teenage friends and schoolmates from Singapore comprised of producer and vocalist Dan Rafael, and vocalists Akmal Hussein, Rahmat Damansari and Alex Gryffin. They are currently working on an EP of 6 songs to be released in 2020, written and produced by themselves, whilst also completing their tertiary education.

“Fool” by IN THE NOW will be available everywhere from Friday, 28 February 2020 at this link.

Multipure Water Purifier for clean and safe drinking water

Water makes up more than two-thirds of the human body and is very vital to every living organism. However, clean and safe drinking water is not always available and accessible especially when you live in a third world country. Many would rather consume unsanitary water which contains bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella than none at all and be exposed to various illnesses such as diarrhea, gastrointestinal flu, amoebiasis.

Why is clean and safe water essential?

Clean and safe water is necessary for us to stay alive in this world. We use it for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, nourishment, and watering plants.

Clean and safe water is needed to prevent the spread of diseases. With the ongoing scare of the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID 19), it has been stated that the best prevention is to constantly wash your hands. If you don’t have clean water, even washing your hands won’t prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Clean and safe drinking water helps in getting rid of toxins. It aids the body to get rid of all kinds of toxins, whether they are created due to bodily reactions or ones that occur because of the consumption of contaminated water.

Clean and safe drinking water keeps you nourished. Water helps in keeping our organs healthy and it allows the blood to maintain consistency in flowing freely while transporting oxygen and nutrients to every cell of the body.

Though many benefits from the availability of bottled water and water shops, it does not guarantee the long-term water delivery and sanitation infrastructure improvements needed, aside from being costly.

The best way to ensure that you have clean and safe water all the time is to get a water filtration system that is guaranteed to work 100%. This way, you can drink water straight from the source without having to worry about its cleanliness.

All these benefits can be found in Legánde’s Multipure Drinking Water Systems that uses its proprietary Solid Carbon Block Technology since the ’70s. Multipure Drinking Water Systems includes the AquaDOME, AquaVERSA, and AquaMINI that have been tested, backed and certified by NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation) – NSF/ANSI 42, Aesthetic Effects; NSF/ANI 53, Health Effects and NSF/ANSI 401, Emerging Compounds and Incidental Contaminants. The units can be upgraded with a Legánde Pre-filter to prolong the life of your carbon block filter. The Company also offers the AquaSHOWER which is tested and certified by the Water Quality Association according to NSF/ANSI 177 and guarantees the removal of 90% or more of free chlorine.

You can purchase Legánde’s Multipure Water Drinking Water Systems via www.Legande.com or visit them at Suite 406 West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Barangay San Antonio Pasig City, Metro Manila Philippines, 1605. You can also check their Facebook Page to send a message.

Product details and image provided in a recent press release.

Padi’s launches Barkada Bar Tour with Gloc-9, Shanti Dope and other Asintada artists

The Party heats up at the country’s widest and number 1 Restaurant & Bar Chain, Padi’s.

Padi’s Point, now simply called “Padi’s”, undoubtedly remains at the top of the industry as the premiere party place in town, with twenty-six branches Luzon-wide.

It has long carried the distinction of being the favorite gimik venue for barkadas, with nightly entertainment of live bands, DJs that play hype dance music and party hits, plus food and drinks served for the barkada appetite such as the Party of Six, Barkada Feast and the signature three-liter Padi’s Cocktail Towers!

This year, Padi’s is taking it to the next level asnit once again shows its appreciation to the millions of “kabarkadas” who come to celebrate at its branches, as it welcomes Asintada promotions to the party for the Padi’s Barkada Bar Tour 2020! The tour invites barkadas to catch the country’s hottest artists headlined by Filipino rap icon Gloc-9 and rap phenom Shanti Dope, as they visit Padi’s branches from May to June 2020 for a total of eleven gigs.

Also bringing the heat are rap-acoustic princess, Lirah, the artist behind the popular single “May sahod na ba?”, and the smash hit alternative band Sandiwa. They will be bringing the house down on nineteen schedules stops in the bar tour from February to June 2020. Lirah will also be lying solo in Padi’s Baguio on March 21.

Former Tawag ng Tanghalan contender JKris will also be hitting it as Shanti Dope’s front act and will be joining Lirah at Padi’s Binan on February 29.

Tara na to the barkada’s top choice for the best parties, dancing and music – Padi’s Restaurant and Bar!

For the complete schedule o the Barkada Tour 2020, visit Padi’s website or Facebook page.

Details and cover image provided in a recent press release. All other images are mine.

UKEAS Study World UK Education Fair Postponed to March

The UKEAS Study World UK Education Fair, originally set for the 18th of January 2020, has been rescheduled for the 21st of March 2020, due to the Taal Volcano explosion. It will be held at the same venue at Shangri-La Hotel Makati, where UKEAS Philippines and the British Embassy are still intent on providing Filipino students with the opportunity to attain higher education at leading universities in the United Kingdom.

“The British Embassy Manila, UKEAS, and the British Council have partnered together to make education in the United Kingdom more accessible to Filipinos,” says the United Kingdom’s Director of Trade & Investment, Richard Colley. “The institutions of the UK are among the best in the globe, and it is our pleasure to share opportunities and values of education as we become more globalised.”

What is Study World UK?

Representatives from United Kingdom’s top universities will be present during March’s Study World UK to accommodate student queries on post-graduate studies overseas, host workshops, and give keynote speeches. Participants in these activities will obtain information necessary to pursue an education in the UK, including visa application and interview opportunities.

“The Embassy has prepared a host of events for the Study World UK Education Fair,” continues Colley. “This will afford Filipino students a look at the spectrum of UK education. It is our belief that partnership between our countries will improve joint opportunities for students and faculty alike.”

Participating universities include:

Birmingham City University
HULT International Business School – London
Kaplan – University of Liverpool
Nottingham Trent University
QA Higher Education: Solent University, Ulster University London, University of Roehampton
University of Leeds
University of South Wales
Coventry University
INTO Global
Anglia Ruskin University
University of Sunderland
Henley Business School
Leeds Beckett University
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) Philippines

In addition, the Study World UK Education Fair will also host a series of workshops:

12:15-12:30 PM Opening Remarks from the British Embassy
12:40-1:25 PM UK Visas: Tier 4 Student Visa and 2-Year Work Visa
1:35-2:20 PM Studying Abroad: Application to Graduation with UKEAS Alumni Panel
2:30-3:15 PM Chevening Scholarships: Developing Future Filipino Leaders
3:25-4:00 PM Digital Career in Business by Birmingham City University
4:10-4:50 PM ELTS Writing Tips & Techniques by the British Council
5:00-5:30 PM QA Higher Education: Career Opportunities in the 21st Century

How has Study World Affected the Lives of Students in the Philippines?

In addition to helping students gain entry to universities, the British Embassy will deliver a session on applying for a Tier-4 Student Visa and the new 2-year post-study work visa for international students. These programs have allowed UKEAS to help countless students attain their dreams of studying in the UK, including personality Divine Lee.

“I heard about UKEAS through a good friend,” shares Divine Lee. “UKEAS facilitated all my requirements and helped me find the best school in the United Kingdom for my masters.”

Register Now!

Do not miss the opportunity of a lifetime to study abroad with UKEAS’ Study World UK Education Fair on March 21, Saturday at Shangri-La Hotel Makati Isabella Ballroom.

“The British Embassy is really pleased to once again be working with UKEAS. The UK has a world-class education offering, and our higher education institutions are amongst the most renowned and prestigious in the world,” adds Richard Colley. “UKEAS’ Study World makes studying in the UK accessible to many Filipinos who aspire to broaden their horizons through learning at our prestigious universities”

Education is great! Register now at https://www.ukeas.ph/registration/ to begin your journey to study overseas. #YouCanWithUKEAS!

Filipina rapper Alex Bruce teams up with BTS collaborator August Rigo on “Go Crazy”

Here’s another upbeat jam that embraces a more eclectic sound. Alex Bruce’s second single “Go Crazy” under Sony Music Philippines is a collaboration with Filipino-Canadian songwriter and producer August Rigo, the other half of the songwriting duo behind BTS’s worldwide smash “Black Swan.”

The sophomore track takes listeners to the Filipina rapper’s musical journey and the struggles that she has to overcome in her bid to discover a bigger world outside of dreams and opportunities. “The song is all about me dreaming big,” the young talent reveals in a statement. “It’s also about my vision of how the world will interact with me and my music. Literally, it’s about pushing through my blueprint and perspectives, no matter how hard it is.”

Having written or produced songs for Justin Bieber, One Direction, Kehlani, and BTS to name a few, Rigo takes pride in being part of Alex Bruce’s upcoming release. The hitmaker who co-wrote three tracks on Justin Bieber’s multi-platinum album, My World 2.0 and brought a distinct flavor to several pop, R&B, and hip-hop releases of the last decade, once again enlisted his fellow songwriter and producer Vince Nantes to come up with a potential hit that appeals specifically to Bruce’s charismatic persona.

“My management and I had been speaking to Sony Music’s Roslyn Pineda about possibly working together, and they thought that Alex and I would be a great fit,” Rigo shares about how he ended up writing for the rap sensation. “I wanted to make sure to capture the energy and vibe of Alex’s current music because I really loved what they had going on. I just wanted to incorporate some of my vibes with hers to create something real fresh and new but still true to her and what she has built thus far.”

Alex returns the favor by expressing how truly honored she is working with the musician for the global stars. “Actually, I didn’t know him at first, until I was introduced to his body of work. I was a big fan of those artists he worked with. I remember the first time I chatted with him over Skype, and got amazed after finding out how down to earth this person is. He’s so kind, accommodating, and friendly despite his accomplishments. He just unlocked a new version of me.”

Bruce previously released “Pull It Off,” her first single under Sony Music Philippines. It peaked at number 3 on Wave 89.1’s weekly countdown, setting the record for the youngest female artist to chart in the R&B/hip-hop radio station’s history.

Alex Bruce’s latest single “Go Crazy” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

SKY partners with Shopee for a special subscription offer

A rewarding online shopping experience awaits new SKY subscribers as it launches the “Go Online for Great Deals with SKY and Shopee Promo” to give new subscribers up to Php400 discount on their Shopee purchase.

This thrilling promo is available to anyone who is successfully installed with a SKY Fiber, SKYcable, or SKYdirect postpaid subscription via online application at mysky.com.ph within the promo period, February 11 to April 30, 2020.

All qualified subscribers will be able to maximize the convenience of applying online and at the same time, get exclusive deals and perks such as 2 Shopee discount vouchers sent to their registered email within 3 to 5 working days from successful installation. Each voucher will entitle users to 10% discount upon checkout of their beauty, fashion, or even home product purchases. The maximum discount per voucher is P200 and there is no minimum purchase required.

All online applications will be subject to SKY’s existing approval processes and guidelines. To enjoy SKY and Shopee’s latest deal, subscribe to SKY online today. For more details, visit mysky.com.ph/shopee.

Show details and image provided in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Japan’s MOS Burger aims to take a bite out of the PH fast food market, opens first store on February 27

In a market dominated by western-style burgers, MOS Burger will introduce a distinctly Japanese flavor to burger-loving Filipinos as it opens its first branch in the Philippines this February 27, 2020 in Robinsons Galleria.

“We heard that Filipinos love burgers as much as they love Japanese food. In introducing MOS Burger to the Philippines, we are giving them two of the things that they most love. We can’t wait for them to try our Japanese-style burgers,” said MOS Burger Philippines president Araki Masahide.

During a pop-up store event last month, MOS Burger introduced its version of a signature cheese burger with meat sauce and the original yakiniku rice burger. Some of the items on the menu for the first Philippine branch are the following: yakiniku rice burger, MOS cheese burger, wagyu burger, seafood tempura rice burger, and natsumi, a lettuce wrap burger.

As a way to welcome the dining public to its first store in the country, MOS Burger will give out gifts to its first 50 customers on opening day. In-store surprises also await customers every hour on February 27. The store’s operating hours will be from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Founded in Tokyo in 1972, MOS Burger is ranked number two in sales among all burger chains in Japan. It has around 1,300 stores in Japan and almost 400 stores overseas.

MOS stands for mountain, ocean, and sun—three elements that symbolize the company’s commitment to good service and how it trains its employees to approach their work. The mountain symbolizes its thrust to “stand tall and firm as a mountain.” The ocean, meanwhile, symbolizes its aim “to have a heart as big and generous as the ocean”, and the sun stands for “undying passion.”

MOS Burger also adheres to the old Japanese proverb “ishoku dogen”, which means food and medicine come from the same source so we could maintain our health through a balanced diet.

MOS Burger Philippines was formed in 2019 to oversee the local operations of MOS Burger. The company is the result of a joint venture agreement between MOS Food Services Inc. of Japan and Tokyo Coffee Holdings of the Young family of General Milling Corporation.

Its aggressive expansion plan in the Philippines will see the opening of several branches in Metro Manila this year. Apart from the one in Robinsons Galleria, MOS Burger stores will be opened in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, One Eastwood Tower 2 and Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City, O-Square in Greenhills, San Juan, and Robinsons Manila.

For more updates about MOS Burger Philippines’ opening, follow its Facebook page and Instagram account.

Image and details provided by MOS Burger in a recent press release.

All Eyes on Ben&Ben’s upcoming new single and 2 music videos this month!

Ben&Ben is showing no signs of slowing down. In terms of consistency, the nine-piece outfit continues to break streaming records and dominate cultural conversation with releases that resonate with people from various walks of life.

Last January 2020 alone, the acclaimed folk-pop band won Wish FM’s Group of the Year and Urban Performance of the Year for their chart-topper “Pagtingin.” On top of this milestone, the band is currently at number one on Spotify Philippines Top 50, with their cover of “Make It With You.”

With overwhelming support from music fans and industry peers, there is no doubt that Ben&Ben is simply defining the times that we live in: the band pours their energy in uplifting our fellow countrymen with their brand of accessible but well-crafted music. “It really boils down to the heart behind the song,” Miguel Benjamin, vocalist and guitarist points out. “When a song is written as a vessel to carry a message that is beyond ego or prideful intent, and simply mirrors the feelings, experiences and lessons that come from a higher place, then somehow it may find its way from the artist’s soul to at least one other person’s heart, and that is always enough. We fully know that it isn’t up to us to produce these works out of our own will, but we are simply vessels for some greater message to fulfill itself through us.” Striking a balance between relatability and raw honesty, the band has managed to push things forward with songs that not only capture an emotional spectrum, but also throb at the core moment of one’s personal experience.

To give back to the community responsible for contributing to the group’s unrelenting success, the award-winning ensemble is releasing two new music videos from the best-selling full-length album, Limasawa Street and a brand new single this month, under Sony Music Philippines. “We just really wanted to put out new material that reflects the blissful and bittersweet experiences we’ve been through over the past few months, both visually and sonically,” Miguel Benjamin stresses. “All these we want to do for our fans, in the hopes that they get through whatever rough patch they are in. It was a spur of the moment decision, really. We felt that we owe it to them, cos they have been pouring out so much love for us in the past few months.”

In the next few weeks, Ben&Ben is set to debut the music videos of their hit songs “Fall” and “Masyado Pang Maaga”—directed by filmmakers Raymond Dacones and Jorel Lising, respectively. According to Miguel, the treatment for “Fall” represents them “as a band and the themes and moods” their art stands for, while “Masyado Pang Maaga,” depicts “a real story that most of us have found ourselves in at one point of our lives.” The talented musician-performer adds, “Both of them aim to paint a visual universe that is uniquely Ben&Ben, with whatever sabaw ideas we’ve come up with so far.”

As finale for the string of releases this month, Ben&Ben will be dropping the new single “Sa Susunod Na Habangbuhay” very soon. The Sindikato-managed outfit debuted a performance of the highly anticipated tune at the Samsung Awesome Concert last February 5, 2020, which trended on Twitter Philippines for several hours. “We don’t want to say much about it yet, but it’s our most personal, painful song so far,” says Paolo, the other half of the Benjamin brothers. “Miguel wrote and sung it, and we’re playing it in our live shows. We’ve heard that lots of videos of the live version are going around, and we find that super cool.”

Expect more surprises from Ben&Ben after February’s wave of releases. As Paolo puts it, “everything is outward at this point, and whatever outpour of energy we give out is not because we want the love to be given back, but because ours overflows.”

Band details and image provided in a recent press release.

HBO’s brand new comedy series RUN debuts 13 April

Written and produced by Vicky Jones, HBO’s new half-hour comedy series Run, debuting same time as the U.S. on Monday, 13 April at 10.30am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, follows a woman whose humdrum life is thrown upside down when she receives a text from her college sweetheart inviting her to drop everything and meet him in New York to fulfill the pact they made 17 years earlier.

New episode premieres every Monday at the same time, with a same day encore at 10.30pm on HBO.

Starring Emmy® winner Merritt Wever (“Godless,” “Nurse Jackie”) and Domhnall Gleeson (“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “Ex Machina”), Run is a romantic comedic thriller about a woman, Ruby Richardson (Wever) who walks away from her ordinary life in the suburbs to revisit her past with her college boyfriend, Billy Johnson (Gleeson), with whom she made a pact 17 years prior that if either one of them texted the word “RUN” and the other replied with the same, they would drop everything and meet in Grand Central Station and travel across America together.

Recurring guest stars for season one include Emmy®, Golden Globe and SAG winner, Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) as Laurel, a woman who Ruby and Billy meet on their journey; Rich Sommer (“Mad Men”) as Laurence, Ruby’s husband; Tamara Podemski (“Coroner”) as police detective Babe Cloud and Archie Panjabi (HBO’s upcoming “I Know This Much Is True,” “The Good Wife”) as Fiona, Billy’s former P.A.

Executive produced by Vicky Jones, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jenny Robins, Kate Dennis, Emily Leo and Oliver Roskill of Wigwam Films. Run is produced by eOne, the studio behind acclaimed HBO series Sharp Objects.

Executive producers Vicky Jones and Phoebe Waller-Bridge founded the DryWrite Theatre Company. In 2013, Jones directed Waller-Bridge’s stage production “Fleabag,” which was later adapted into an Emmy®, BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning television series. Jones also served as a writer on “Killing Eve,” the Emmy® nominated drama series, which was created by Waller-Bridge.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (for Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (for Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Check out my posts on HBO shows: