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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Messina Touring Group) |
Filipino “Swifties” — that is, hardcore fans of monumental pop and country icon Taylor Swift — caused the Philippines to rank number one in worldwide Google Search interest for the superstar. The Philippines scored a full 100 in worldwide search interest over time for the “Taylor Swift” search term during the week of July 2-8, 2023 due to the release of her re-recorded album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and ticket sales for Singapore leg of her worldwide “The Eras Tour” went live. To get around the lack of a Philippine stop in the tour, Filipino Swifties planned to buy tickets and travel to the Singapore show.
The country beat the concert host Singapore (87), the US (79), and Australia (74). After the third and fourth in the 70s, the interest over time falls steeply with Ireland next at number five and scoring 55. Within the Philippines, CALABARZON topped the regions with 100, closely followed by Metro Manila with 99. The top five are rounded out by Central Luzon (95), Bicol (92), and Western Visayas (91). The interest over time statistic refers to the dominance of a specific search term compared to others at a certain time and place. This means that in the Philippines and its top five regions, Taylor Swift as a Search Term truly dominated all other keywords. The stat normalizes the overwhelming amount of search data by properly contextualizing it with times and locations.
This should come as no surprise to many, as the Philippines is a major hotbed of Swift’s fanbase in Southeast Asia — if not the whole world. Her songs have remained atop streaming charts for nearly two years, especially with a steady release schedule, while tribute performances in drag shows have drawn hundreds of people in malls and other venues. Swift hasn’t been in Manila since 2011 when she performed a one-night show at the Araneta Coliseum. Critically acclaimed for its concept and musical depth that draws from her full discography, “The Eras Tour” is Swift’s sixth concert tour that began in March 23 earlier this year, and will go through five continents before concluding on August 17, 2024 in London.
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#VisitCentralVisayas: TPB And DOT Bring 11th Regional Travel Fair To Cebu
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| (Image Source: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), is set to stage one of its flagship programs, the 11th Regional Travel Fair (RTF), on July 21-23, 2023 at SM Seaside City in Cebu. The RTF is a government-initiated trade fair that strategically conducts its events across different regions of the country. This initiative provides an excellent platform for host regions to showcase their unique tourism offerings in partnership with the local government units and local industry players.
In its 11th installment, the RTF will shine the spotlight on Central Visayas, a region renowned for its white sandy beaches, breathtaking sceneries, and unspoiled natural wonders. A travelers’ mecca, this region offers a multitude of activities for both islands and highlands explorations – from idyllic white sand beaches to captivating underwater scenery and exhilarating adventures to vibrant historical sites. It is sure to attract tourists to #VisitCentralVisayas and explore its breathtaking wonders. “After a series of hybrid regional travel fairs, we are thrilled to stage a full in-person event and gather key industry stakeholders to the 11th RTF in Cebu. I invite everyone to join us as we embark on a meaningful journey to #VisitCentralVisayas and discover its treasures,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.
The 11th RTF will commence with Business-to-Business sessions between local sellers and buyers to establish valuable relationships and promote collaboration on marketing campaigns and product development while also sharing emerging trends and best practices in the industry. A two-day Business-to-Consumer session is also slated on July 22 and 23 wherein over 70 exhibitors will showcase and offer discounted domestic tour packages, airline tickets, accommodations, and other tourism-related products and services. The fair will also feature the handloom weaving industry of Hablon Weavers of Argao and Banig Weavers of Badian, Cebu. These centuries-old traditions hold immense cultural and traditional significance, representing the vibrant history and heritage of the Cebuano people. Be part of the 11th RTF and get a chance to score great travel deals for your next adventure! Register now at https://rtf.tpb.gov.ph/.
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Puregold Wins Best TikTok Campaign In Hashtag Asia Awards
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
Puregold’s first-ever TikTok-exclusive series “52 Weeks" recently won the gold prize in the Best Social Media Campaign category of Hashtag Asia Awards, a competition that aims to recognize the outstanding work that companies and project teams have displayed in the field of online advertising. “52 Weeks” edged out the Raya Ni Saya Rindu campaign of BigPay which won the silver prize and the CP Malaysia TikTok Contents Creation & CP Chicken Roll Challenge of PRK Agro Industrial Products which won the bronze prize. The winners were decided by an esteemed panel of judges that included experts from around the world. All entries were judged on the following criteria: challenge, strategy, execution, and results.
“We’re very grateful to the Hashtag Asia Awards for the recognition. It is both exciting and rewarding to see that our retailtainment efforts are being acknowledged on an international scale. We share this honor with all Puregold channel subscribers and the cast and crew who made ‘52 Weeks’ possible," said Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “52 Weeks” is part of Puregold’s retailtainment efforts — combining retail and entertainment to create delightful content for brand building and product awareness. “52 Weeks” was the company’s first episodic foray into TikTok followed by several other series released on YouTube via the Puregold Channel.
The series was directed by Lemuel Lorca, produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig and overseen by Republic Creative Creations led by Sonny Bautista. The digital series starring Jin Macapagal and Queenay Mercado was released last July 27, 2022 and ran for 36 episodes. It told the story of Mina (Mercado), a hopeless romantic who had No Boyfriend Since Birth (NBSB). Wanting Mina to finally have a love to call her own, her best friends Chem (Derick Lauchengco) and Eya (Herbie Cruz) gave themselves 52 weeks to find the perfect boyfriend for her. The series garnered over 34.1 million views across its run on TikTok.
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Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines Returns For Another Season
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| (Image Source: Journal Online/Red Bull Philippines) |
Red Bull Dance Your Style, the renowned brand’s take on a 1-on-1 unique street dance competition that pushes the boundaries of every dancer’s freestyle and improvisation skills, is set to return to the Philippines for its highly anticipated second season. Carrying on the momentum of last year’s introduction to the country, Red Bull Dance Your Style promises to deliver another intense and electrifying competition that showcases the talent and creativity of the Philippines’ top dancers. Unlike traditional dance competitions, Red Bull Dance Your Style places all the powers in the crowd’s hands as they decide the winner of each battle. The participation of the crowd creates an unparalleled level of atmosphere that empowers every dancer to channel their full potential and deliver a captivating performance.
The journey of Red Bull Dance Your Style started with auditions to look for the best dancers in the country to compete in the upcoming Cebu and Manila qualifiers under the guidance of Philippine All-Stars’ legends and dance consultants Vince Mendoza and Lema Diaz. The victorious dancers from both respective qualifiers will move on to the National Finals on September 2, 2023. The event is open to all performers who possess the drive, skill, and passion necessary for any good dancer. When asked how the tournament can be daunting to first-time contestants, Mendoza reassured that taking the first step towards new opportunities can change a performer’s life forever. “Don’t be afraid to enter for the first time. It’s the experience and giving your best that’s the greatest gift you can give yourself. I also get nervous, but if you overcome that fear it will change your life forever and that moment is yours forever,” he said. The winner of the National Finals will advance to the World Finals and represent the Philippines against the top dancers from around the globe — the World Finals of Red Bull Dance Your Style in Germany in November of this year.
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7-Eleven's Crunch Time Chicken Now Available In Over 2,000 Stores Nationwide
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| 7-Eleven Philippines' 2,000th Crunch Time store in San Fernando, Pampanga now open to serve fried chicken lovers of all ages. (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/7-Eleven Philippines) |
As a fried chicken-loving nation, a fried chicken meal is part of every Filipino’s weekly diet. With a country eager for a juicy, flavorful bite on the regular, it’s no wonder that a lot of players – from restaurants, fast-food places, and even convenience stores – have claimed leadership in the space from serving size to flavor. Opening the doors of 7-Eleven’s 2000th Crunch Time store to the fried chicken fans of San Fernando, Pampanga is a big milestone. But making more people happier because a craving-saving chicken is conveniently within reach and can be served in no time is a bigger milestone.
Crispy, juicy, and packed with a winning taste, Crunch Time has become one of everyday Pinoy’s go-to chicken meals, also thanks to the accessibility and convenience offered by 7-Eleven. On top of being just a short walk away from most fried chicken cravers, Crunch Time, over the years, has also been known for offering interesting spins to its recipe such as the Sriracha Chicken. It has also come up with novel formats to fulfill Pinoys’ cravings as seen in the Crunch Time Concept Store in Angeles, Pampanga which has nuggets, corn dogs, chicken fillets, and fried bread apart from its signature chicken meal. “We’re very proud of this amazing feat of being able to be closer to more Filipinos and satisfy their fried chicken cravings. Our Crunch Time brand has always been about delivering on flavor and convenience, things that have made it one of the top choices of busy office workers, students, and regular customers who want to have a bite of crispy, flavorful chicken at a friendly price,” says 7-Eleven Philippines Strategic Merchandise Division Head Armi Cagasan.
Becoming widely available means new things for customers to look forward to, as 7-Eleven continues to innovate its food choices in order to keep up with Pinoys’ dynamic tastes and demands. In a chicken hurry? 7-Eleven has chicken ready in over 2,000 stores nationwide and chicken fans can now have a crunchy feast at their newest branch. Those wishing to visit Crunch Time’s 2,000th store can drop by at Capitol Boulevard, Mercury St., Brgy. San Pedro, San Fernando, Pampanga.
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Karen Davila And Migs Bustos Team Up For Return Of "My Puhunan: Kaya Mo!"
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| (Image Source: PAGEONE/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila is back to showcase inspiring success stories that aim to motivate viewers to reach their dreams together with her new co-host Migs Bustos on the revamped “My Puhunan: Kaya Mo!” which premiered last July 16, 2023. According to Karen, she feels grateful for the show’s comeback. “I feel absolutely grateful that ‘My Puhunan’ made an impact in the lives of many of our entrepreneurs. The show gives a platform to new businesses and inspires Filipinos to start their own. But ‘My Puhunan’ now has expanded - hindi nalang ito negosyo, kasi lahat tayo may puhunan. Talento, diskarte, sipag, galing sa isang bagay - na maaaring makapag-payaman sa atin,” she said.
Karen also shared that she handpicked Migs to be her co-host, saying that it is time to share the show with other talented Kapamilyas in ABS-CBN News. “I would have wanted more anchors and reporters to be part of ‘My Puhunan'. It is time to build more of our talents and share the show,” she added. Meanwhile, Migs said he is learning a lot as Karen’s co-host on the show. “I had a little experience before working with KD [Karen Davila] sa ANC. Pero brief stint lang ‘yun. Pero ito talaga ‘yung going out on the field, learning from her, yung expertise niya sa production, ‘yung expertise with film…maganda kasi natututo ka parati. Marami akong napi-pick up so it’s a learning experience. Bonus nalang para sa akin na katambalan ko siya,” he said.
The premiere episode of “My Puhunan: Kaya Mo!” featured former OFW turned millionaire and Skin Magical owner Ghie Pangilinan. Ghie was first interviewed on the show in 2018 and says that despite the pandemic, she and her husband Jerry were able to expand their beauty business. They also got to purchase their own cars and are currently building their dream home. Catch more incredible life stories of successful entrepreneurs on “My Puhunan: Kaya Mo!” with Karen Davila and Migs Bustos every Sunday at 9:30 am on Kapamilya Channel (SKYcable SD channel 8 and HD channel 167, Cignal SD channel 22 and channel 23), Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN's Facebook page and ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel, A2Z (free TV in Mega Manila and various areas nationwide, SKYcable channel 11, Cignal channel 20), news.abs-cbn.com/live and ABS-CBN News' online platforms.
