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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
Leading Philippine broadcast media giant GMA Network opens 2023 on a digital note as it continues its strong and solid presence on various online platforms, outperforming its competition in terms of viewership and search rankings in the first two weeks of the new year. Data from global video measurement and analytics platform Tubular Labs show that from January 1 to 15, the Network's official YouTube channel has outperformed ABS-CBN's in terms of views. GMA Network tallied a total of 167 million views, leading over ABS-CBN Entertainment's 158 million views.
In terms of local news, GMA Integrated News on YouTube further widened its lead by logging in 61.5 million views - way ahead of ABS-CBN News' 35 million. Even GMA Public Affairs' YouTube channel recorded higher views against the latter with 59.3 million. GMA has likewise surpassed other local websites on Search, consistently ranking higher versus competition on SEO tool Semrush. The Network's official website, GMANetwork.com, has generated an average of 3.7 million organic traffic for the first 15 days of the year. GMA's online upward trajectory is driven by its original and buzz-worthy content that consumers can easily access. With Kapuso shows being livestreamed exclusively on GMA Network's official website, netizens are able to catch these anytime and anywhere via the Kapuso Stream on GMANetwork.com (www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/kapuso_stream/videos/)) powered by the Kapuso Network's forerunner in technology, GMA New Media, Inc. (GMA NMI).
With its strong online presence, GMA Network further gears up this 2023 to reach more Filipinos beyond on-air platforms. Last January, GMA partnered with the Alliance for Creativity & Entertainment (ACE) to further strengthen its effort against digital piracy. ACE is widely regarded as the world's largest and most effective anti-piracy coalition with over 50 current global members and GMA is its first member from the Philippines. The Network likewise launched its own anti-piracy advocacy campaign dubbed “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy” which aims to raise awareness among the public, especially the younger generation, on the value of creative works. The campaign also seeks to protect and educate the public about the potential harms of clicking pirated websites and apps.
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NAIA Rises As Drag Den With Manila Luzon's First Drag Supreme
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| NAIA, the first Drag Supreme of Drag Den With Manila Luzon on Prime Video Philippines (Image Source: Business Mirror/Prime Video Philippines/CS Studios) |
NAIA has been crowned as the first Drag Supreme of Prime Video’s hit Filipino reality competition show Drag Den with Manila Luzon before a live audience of “drag addicts” in its season finale held last January 26, 2023 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. NAIA bested co-finalists Shewarma and Maria Christina, who placed first runner-up and second runner-up respectively. The final “dragdagulan” to the crown involved a national costume round and a swimwear round with a lip sync battle.
Ultimately, NAIA impressed the judges during the question-and-answer portion. Asked what is the one thing that makes her the true Drag Supreme, she answers, “Coming here to this competition, I did not come here with the biggest budget or the best gowns and the best wigs. I only came here with love and passion for drag.” “And when I auditioned, I knew that Drag Den was for the underdogs. And I have that quality of growth that I have exhibited ever since Day 1. I’ve stumbled and I’ve gone through so much hardship, especially in this competition. And Manila, you’ve opened my eyes to what drag could truly be. It is freedom of expression and I can’t be happier to be here,” she adds. “I hope that my story inspires young queer artists who are afraid of putting themselves out there because I was afraid. But thank you Manila for giving me this platform because I was able to prove that growth is what you need to become the next Drag Supreme. I hope I made you proud. Thank you, Manila.”
Hosted and executive produced by “Drag Lord” Manila Luzon, the eight-episode reality show caught the eyes of many with fashion statements and unique looks that capture the zeitgeist of the Filipino society. It also featured drag queens – the so-called members of the “drag cartel” – OA, Aries Night, Barbie-Q, Pura Luka Vega, and Lady Gagita. Co-hosting the program were “Drag Dealer” Nicole Cordoves and “Drag Runner” Sassa Gurl. Produced by CS Studios and created and directed by Rod Singh and Antoinette Jadaone of Project 8 Projects, all episodes of Drag Den with Manila Luzon are now streaming on-demand on Prime Video.
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KAIA Brings Back The Fun In Pop Music With Performance Video Of "Turn Up"
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| KAIA (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
After earning rave reviews for their Y2K-indebted track “Dalawa", KAIA marks another creative triumph for P-Pop with the release of another banger under Sony Music Entertainment. The Filipino girl group’s new single “Turn Up” unabashedly displays their signature brand of sass while reviving the bold, explosive sounds of early 2010’s dance-pop. The release of “Turn Up” comes with a music video (performance version) directed by Denny Lee and Jake Jung. The visuals find KAIA performing the track with synchronized choreography.
“Because it’s upbeat and danceable, we thought a party concept will best for it, so people could have fun whenever they hear Turn Up. We want our listeners to feel good as they vibe with the song,” KAIA shares in a collaborative statement. The catchy track was written by KAIA themselves and helmed by acclaimed K-Pop producer Lee Oh Won who has done impressive work for international artists such as Stray Kids, SHINee’s Taemin, TVXQ, SB19, and more. As pointed out by the five-member act, “Turn Up” is an escapist anthem about setting one’s worries aside for the time being and taking pleasure in moments that call for fun and adventure. “We got so busy stressing out about things that we couldn’t control. This song somehow encourages listeners to break away from the mold, live in the moment, and let their body groove into the music. Sometimes all you need is to disconnect from the outside world and be yourself,” says the Blah Blah quintet.
“Turn Up” will also be part of KAIA’s debut EP to be released in the coming months. The song will be performed live at the Pinoy Pop Convention 2023 (PPOPCON), an ultimate fan gathering and celebration of Filipino pop culture and music. KAIA’s “Turn Up” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.
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PLDT, Smart Commit Towards Resilience With #SafeAndSmart Advocacy
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| (Image Source: PLDT) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) further solidify their long-term commitment towards resilience in 2023 with their #SafeandSmart advocacy. This initiative promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities such as workshops and trainings, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks.
“The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recognizes that providing means of communications is a critical form of aid and a form of humanitarian response equal to food and water. PLDT and Smart remain fully committed to extending much-needed communications support to Filipino communities, especially in times of disasters,” said PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Corporate Communications Group Head Cathy Yang. Ranked by the World Risk Index as the country with the highest disaster risk, the Philippines remains susceptible to disasters and emergencies, with an average of 20 typhoons ravaging its islands every year, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and storm surges.
Aside from prepositioning mission-critical personnel and equipment during typhoon season, PLDT and Smart continuously operate their Libreng Tawag (free calls), Libreng Charging (free charging), and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) stations to serve the communications needs of hardest-hit areas. In 2022, PLDT, Smart, and PLDT-Smart Foundation immediately mobilized and distributed relief assistance in the form of food, drinking water, hygiene kits, and other essentials to distressed communities following the onslaught of disasters all year-round. The PLDT Group also recently joined the World Meteorological Organization Technical Conference on Early Warning Systems, highlighting its support towards helping protect the most vulnerable nations, leaving no one behind, against risks and hazards, and keeping them connected, through their fixed and wireless network technology. In 2023 and beyond, PLDT Group is committed to continue its #SafeandSmart advocacy, in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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PJ Lhuiller Inc. Signs Partnership With DTI
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| Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/PJ Lhuillier Inc.) |
PJ Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI), the parent company of the Philippines’ largest micro financial services provider Cebuana Lhuillier, has recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) through the Negosyo Center Program Management Unit. In line with PJLI and DTI-ROG’s commitment to encouraging more Filipinos to start their path towards entrepreneurship, the partnership will see the former spearhead the development of a digital platform to promote the ease of doing business for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This collaboration with DTI is part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s mission of ensuring more Filipinos are financially included, while also encouraging them to take the first step towards financial freedom. We recognize that MSMEs are considered the backbone of our economy and have contributed much towards the continued progress of our country. Through this partnership, we hope to empower and provide easy and accessible financial solutions and services from a range of partners. We are passionate about providing coaching for Filipino MSMEs and working with various companies and organizations in making a difference in the MSME growth journey,” said Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.
To support MSMEs with their business needs, including financing, micro-insurance, micro-investments, business consultation, and payment choices, Cebuana Lhuillier, in collaboration with DTI, will provide a tech brick solution for the MSME consumer to seamlessly access financial solutions and coaching from both the Ka-Negosyo Center website and nationwide kiosks at CebuanaHubs and LGU sites. “We at Cebuana Lhuillier want to turn the Filipino dream of business ownership into reality, so that we may build towards a more vibrant economy,” Lhuillier said.
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New Japan USA Transforms STRONG Brand In 2023
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| (Image Source: New Japan Pro-Wrestling) |
Since its inception during the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) STRONG has seen the best rising stars in the US compete with familiar names from the Japanese stage and beyond. Monthly tapings have seen passionate fans witness great action live with matches from those tapings being distributed every week on NJPW World, FITE and later on YouTube. Additionally, Pay Per View (PPV) events from the US have seen still more memorable moments - from Jon Moxley and El Desperado’s wild deathmatch at “Music City Mayhem” to Eddie Kingston and Kazuchika Okada teaming for the first time, and STARDOM’s Mayu Iwatani defending SWA gold at “Rumble on 44th Street”.
In the past, these PPV offerings were presented under the NJPW rather than NJPW STRONG branding in order to make them more distinct from the weekly TV style presentations on NJPW World and FITE. As NJPW moves into a new era in 2023 however, so too does action in the US, and the time has come to further fortify the NJPW STRONG brand, as well as to ensure even more people sample the incredible action that NJPW presents in the US. Moving forward, all events from NJPW in the US will carry the branding of NJPW STRONG. In addition, the weekly ‘TV taping’ format of STRONG will shift to a dual model: STRONG LIVE and STRONG On Demand. The first STRONG LIVE event will be Battle in the Valley on February 18 from the sold out San Jose Civic. With Mercedes Moné (formerly known as Sasha Banks) versus KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s Championship, Fred Rosser (formerly known as Darren Young) defending the STRONG Openweight Championship against KENTA, Jay White and Eddie Kingston in a grudge match, and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship also on the line, this immense card is a must watch event for fans live in English on FITE or in Japanese on NJPW World PPV.
All this action will also be made available in March with NJPW STRONG On Demand. STRONG On Demand will see matches from STRONG Live cards delivered in a four part weekly basis through the month, much as NJPW STRONG has been to date. This model will continue with NJPW Capital Collision in Washington DC and Collision in Philadelphia from the world famous 2300 Arena. This dual model will give fans on a budget the chance to stay up to date with the hottest action in the US through their regular NJPW World subscription while the very best live experience on the planet awaits on pay per view as it happens. NJPW thanks fans for their dedicated support of NJPW STRONG to date and is looking forward towards what lies beyond in its thrilling new chapter.
