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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Taiwan Excellence) |
The journey towards Taiwan Excellence's “Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy", with premier partner Derma Angel Philippines as co-presenter, has been tough during the auditions and preliminary rounds and now gets even tougher in the semifinals. Twelve pairs have already determined to move on into the semifinals of one of the Philippines' biggest singing-songwriting competitions where each pair of both singers-songwriters or a singer and a songwriter will surely go all out even more to reach the finals and find out who’s the best among the best.
The grind-out semis will most certainly bring out the finest in Braggy Angels, Day & Night, DRVN, HARANAJEEB, Johann and Sheena, MaCho, Mandarhyme Duo, Ronika & TJ, S&K, The Queens and The Unexpected Duo as they are joined by the competition’s judges who will also act as their mentors — Yeng Constantino, Ice Seguerra, Paulo Zarate, and new judge Kean Cipriano — who will guide them in their journey towards becoming successful in a tough but rewarding local music scene. So how do the 12 couples grind it out and make it to the next stage of the competition? Each pair will again be given a second specific song theme to write about and then perform during the semis. The song should last for only one minute and thirty seconds. Tough enough, right? And from there, it will be even tougher than they could ever imagine as only the Top 3 pairs out of the 12 semi-finalists will have the chance to move and compete in the coveted Grand Final round.
Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Director Alex Lai declares, "We know that our semifinalists are tough enough and will get even more innovative in writing their next songs. The talent of Filipinos when it comes to musical creativity and innovativeness is practically second to none, and given that Taiwan is heavily leaned towards innovation, we are definitely excited in what’s going to happen in the semifinals, all the way to the Grand Finals." Twice the fun. Twice the excitement. Twice the grand display of musical talent. All of these happening in “Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy” also sponsored by D-Link, MSI, Gigabyte, Acer, Aorus, Zyxel, ROG, Tatung, Asus, and AOPEN. Visit and follow Taiwan Excellence on social media for more information and updates on the highly-anticipated musical competition.
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ABS-CBN And PACE Hosts "Pinoy Media Congress: Training The Teachers"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The Philippines' premier media and entertainment company ABS-CBN, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), successfully hosted the “Pinoy Media Congress: Training the Teachers” held last July 25-26, 2024. This two-day event brought together about 100 PACE members who teach various communication and journalism subjects in colleges nationwide, offering them a wealth of learning opportunities and fun-filled activities. The sessions covered the latest trends and practices in news, film and entertainment production, digital media, marketing, research, and creative communications.
Participants also had the unique opportunity to experience a studio tour and meet the hosts of “It’s Showtime" including Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, Amy Perez, Darren Espanto, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Ryan Bang, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez. Meanwhile, comedienne-host Melai Cantiveros-Francisco also visited the delegates to bring joy to the activities. ABS-CBN Corporation Vice President for Corporate Communications Kane Errol Choa emphasized the importance of the event, saying, "ABS-CBN is proud to host this important event with PACE. Our goal is to provide educators with the knowledge and tools they need to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of media and communications." This is the second time that ABS-CBN and PACE have collaborated for a training session for teachers which was first held 13 years ago. ABS-CBN and PACE have been staging the Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) for 19 years, continually fostering the development of communication educators and students in the Philippines.
In recognition of their long-standing partnership, ABS-CBN presented a certification of appreciation to PACE for their unwavering support over the years — handed over by ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak, chief operating officer Cory Vidanes, and Choa. PACE President Mark Lester Del Mundo Chico expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with ABS-CBN once again. This event has been incredibly beneficial for our members, and we look forward to more collaborations in the future." The event, organized by ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, provided numerous networking opportunities, allowing educators to share insights and experiences, enhancing the overall learning experience. Among the speakers are Robert Labayen, Kriz Gazmen, Francis Toral, Rondel Lindayag, Henry Quitain, Marizel Samson-Martinez, Carmi Raymundo, Mico del Rosario, Arlene Burgos, Jeff Canoy, Melvin Fetalvero, Jasmin Pallera, Darla Sauler, Alex Balite, Sierra Borlongan, Charina Fernandez, Diorella Agoncillo, and Yvette Tan.
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"Rick And Morty: The Anime" Premieres August 16 On HBO GO
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Warner Bros. Discovery Asia Pacific) |
The Rick and Morty universe expands with the debut of an all-new anime from visionary director Takashi Sano (Tower of God) that follows Rick, Morty and the rest of the Smith family in a new intergalactic adventure entitled "Rick And Morty: The Anime" which premieres on August 16, 2024 (Friday) on HBO GO. In celebration of "Rick And Morty: The Anime", Adult Swim’s Rickmobile and Mortymobile are hitting the road in a multi-city ANIME-rican tour across North America which began last late July.
“Takashi Sano, in addition to being a super-talented director, is also a huge Rick and Morty fan. He’s the perfect person to give us all this alternate version of this amazing show. And the perfect way to launch this series is by doing our favorite thing – drive ridiculous vehicles around and come see all of you in person. Keep an eye out for our Rickmobile and Mortymobile as they cruise across the country and wrack up various toll tickets to celebrate the expansion of the Rick and Morty universe," said Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. In this 10-episode anime series from the world of Rick and Morty, Rick relaxes in a pseudo-world between multiverses, Summer helps Space Beth fight the evil Galactic Federation, and Morty falls in love with a mysterious girl who happens to be an atemporal being. The anime series' Japanese and English voice cast, respectively, comprises of the following:
• Rick – Youhei Tadano / Joe Daniels
• Morty – Keisuke Chiba / Gabriel Regojo
• Summer – Akiha Matsui / Donna Bella Litton
• Jerry – Manabu Muraji / Joe Daniels
• Beth – Takako Fuji / Patricia Duran
"Rick And Morty: The Anime" is written and directed by Sano and is produced for Adult Swim by Sola Entertainment with Jason Demarco and Joseph Chou serving as executive producers. While waiting for the August 16th premiere of Rick And Morty: The Anime, you can revisit all seven seasons of Rick and Morty by subscribing to HBO GO online via https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ and the mobile app via the iOS App Store or Google Play Play Store for only Php1,190 on the 12-month plan or thru SKY, Cignal and Globe. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.
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GMA Public Affairs Launches New Digital Documentary Program "Kara Docs"
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
Every number has a story to tell. The award-winning group of GMA Public Affairs recently launched its first digital documentary program “Kara Docs" hosted by veteran and premier documentarist Kara David which gives faces to significant statistics on social issues and amplifies the subjects’ voices as Kara David immerses herself in their lives. The program promises to be an informative and powerful collection of short documentaries which aims to shed light on pressing social issues. Known for her impactful and life-changing stories, Kara presents these stories with journalistic integrity but also with compassion and empathy so viewers can witness the realities faced by many and create a connection that goes beyond mere numbers and headlines.
For her first story, Kara goes to Sitio Iligan where residents fumble in the dark because until now they have yet to have power supply. In today’s fast-changing world, a power bank should always come in handy. But in some places in the Philippines, charging devices are not within reach. One must trek pathless mountains and traverse rivers just to charge their phones. July, a native Dumagat, is often tasked with collecting the cellphones of his community in Sitio Iligan. He travels down to the foot of the mountain to charge the mobile phones. They rely on a small house powered by government electricity to recharge their devices. But their struggle doesn’t end with powering up their phones.
In a remote place such as theirs, reception is almost like finding a needle in a haystack. July climbs to the higher parts of the mountain just to catch some signal and call his family and workplace. Anne, another resident of the Sitio, ensures her cellphone and power bank are never drained as these devices serve as her light during the nights she watches over her newborn child. She also stays alert for any signal, waiting for calls from her husband who works far away from their home. How come Sitio Iligan has no electricity? Catch the first episode of Kara Docs, “Sitio Lowbatt", on GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel.
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World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters To Kick Off Asia Tour Slated For November 2024 In Manila
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Herschend Entertainment Studios) |
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters announced in a press conference recently held inside Novotel Manila that they are expanding their iconic global tour to Asia on November 2024 which will kickoff in Manila on November 12, 2024. The hardest working sports team in the world today with over 350 performances around the globe are set to embark across five different cities in the Philippines, East Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore for eight incredible shows slated to be held until November 24, 2024.
The Harlem Globetrotters, one of the most popular entertainment brands in the world, are experiencing a new era of growth evidenced by their return to television for the first time in 40 years, signing deals with a variety of new global partners including Spalding and IMG, multiple Emmy nominations, and the creation of the 1st ever sports residency. Now they will thrill crowds in Asia with their signature brand of full-court family fun and unique basketball skills and wizardry that have thrilled millions of fans for almost 100 years. “We are excited about our partnership with LK Entertainment, in that it allows for our strategic expansion and commitment to the many audiences that make up the Asia continent. We believe that this is not only a tremendous opportunity for our live tour business but for the growth of other facets of the Globetrotters businesses including content, sponsorship and consumer products," said Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios President Keith Dawkins.
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| Harlem Globetrotters "Wham" Middleton and "Moose" Weekes in Manila for their upcoming Asia Tour slated for November 2024 (Image Source: ABS-CBN News/Rom Anzures) |
Joining the press conference were two of the featured and entertainingly skilled Globetrotters, ‘Wham’ Middleton and ‘Moose’ Weekes. Wham learned magic tricks from his great grandfather when he was seven years old and the magic has stuck with him his entire life. Known as a street baller who can play hoops at a world-class level, Wham owns 8 Guinness World Records titles and earned Top Rookie Player during his debut season with the team. Moose is known most for his huge personality and wild antics, all while playing above the rim and sporting one of the best afros in pro sports. Moose became an outstanding high school player and went on to play college ball at Middle Tennessee State where he led the Blue Raiders in the number of blocks as a freshman and broke the school record for most blocked shots in a game with eight.
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GMA Network Champions Filipino Values In "Dapat Ganito, Kapuso"
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Network, steadfast in its mission to celebrate and uphold Filipino beliefs, traditions, and values, proudly launches its new advocacy campaign "Dapat Ganito, Kapuso" which aims to inspire Filipinos to be proud of their rich cultural heritage, emphasizing strong family ties, respect for elders, faith and compassion, resilience, and the Bayanihan spirit.
The campaign features seven captivating short stories, each highlighting a core Filipino value: Maka-Diyos, Mapagmahal sa Pamilya, Maabilidad, Masayahin, Malikhain, Mapagmalasakit sa Kapwa, and Makabayan. These stories not only aim to instill pride in our cultural roots but also promise to entertain Kapuso viewers with performances by remarkable GMA Sparkle Artist Center talents. Through relatable and compelling storytelling, supported by the latest online and digital platforms, audiences can easily access and enjoy the stories of “Dapat Ganito, Kapuso" as part of the exciting lineup leading to GMA's 75th anniversary next year which includes the recently launched new GMA Network Station ID “Isa Sa Puso Ng Pilipino".
"Dapat Ganito, Kapuso" is in partnership with Unilab, UL Skin Sciences Inc., Nestlé Philippines Inc., Unilever Philippines Inc., Glucerna, and Bioderm. Watch "Dapat Ganito, Kapuso" short stories on GMA, GTV, Pinoy Hits, Heart of Asia, I Heart Movies, and on the Kapuso Network’s official digital platforms. Netizens can also view them for free on GMA Network's Youtube channel.
