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| (L-R) Palawan Group of Companies Group Marketing Head Bernard Kaibigan, Head of International Remittance Rebecca Badayos, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lilian Castro-Selda, and International Remittance Account Specialist Kassey Lynn Policarpio alongside Xpress Money Services Limited Senior Executive Officer Samir Vijay Vidhate (Image Source: SunStar Philippines/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
Palawan Group of Companies has partnered with Xpress Money Services Limited, a leading global money transfer company, to provide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a more accessible and reliable way to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines. OFWs are vital to the Philippine economy, with their remittances serving as a lifeline for millions of Filipino families. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, personal remittances from OFWs increased by 3.5 percent to US$3.12B (3.12 billion dollars) in November 2024 from the US$3.02B (3.02 billion dollars) registered in November 2023. The UAE remains a key contributor to this growth, further underscoring the importance of this partnership.
By offering accessible and reliable financial services, Palawan Group recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of these modern-day heroes. Under the agreement, OFWs in the United Arab Emirates can send money via XPress Money to their families and loved ones in the Philippines. These remittances can be claimed via Palawan Pera Express Padala’s extensive nationwide network of over 6,000 locations and through its fastest-growing e-wallet mobile app, PalawanPay. Present during the signing of the agreement were Palawan Group of Companies Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lilian Castro-Selda, Group Marketing Head Bernard Kaibigan, and Head of International Remittances Rebecca Badayos alongside Xpress Money Services Limited Senior Executive Officer Samir Vijay Vidhate. “Our partnership with Money Xpress will further expand our international remittance network in the Middle East, providing our “kababayans” with greater accessibility, flexibility, and peace of mind. They can rest assured that their hard-earned money will promptly reach their loved ones through our extensive network,” said Selda.
Vidhate remarked, “We are very proud to partner with the Palawan Group of Companies, one of the Philippines’ trusted institutions. Today is a milestone for our company as we look forward to servicing OFWs in the UAE.” This partnership reinforces Palawan Group’s commitment to providing Filipino OFWs with “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos na serbisyo” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free money) transfer services. Recognizing the vital role of remittances in supporting Filipino families and communities, this collaboration ensures that sending hard-earned money back home remains convenient and accessible for Filipinos worldwide.
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Tanaw Collective To Release Debut Single “Landslide” Ahead Of February Concert
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| The all-female Filipino rock music supergroup Tanaw Collective comprising of Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas (Image Source: raincheckblog/GNN Entertainment Productions) |
Ahead of their much-anticipated repeat concert on February, Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas have officially launched Tanaw Collective — a supergroup that celebrates the power of women-led collaborations. This new initiative will explore exciting ventures including collaborative music releases, live performances, and other creative projects that amplify female voices in the music industry. In addition to the serialized Tanaw shows, the six-piece force will release their first official single “Landslide” on January 31, 2025 across all digital music platforms worldwide. A stripped-down reimagining of the iconic Fleetwood Mac classic, the song was self-recorded by the artists, and mixed/mastered by Angee Rozul. Fans can expect to hear a special arrangement of “Landslide” live at the Tanaw: The Repeat concert, taking place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on February 9, 2025 at 8:00 pm.
The reunion concert, which serves as a heartfelt celebration of the enduring bond between these iconic artists and their dedicated fans, will feature new interpretations of their beloved original songs, complemented by symphonic backing from The Manila String Machine on select cuts. Tanaw: The Repeat marks a significant moment for these women, whose individual and collective careers have shaped the Pinoy rock scene for decades. The title TANAW (translated as “to gaze” or “to look out”) captures the reflective essence of the event. Whether revisiting the past with gratitude or looking ahead with excitement, this concert embodies both personal journeys and the collective sisterhood that binds these powerful voices. For Acel, Aia, Barbie, Hannah, Kitchie, and Lougee, Tanaw: The Repeat is more than just a reunion; it’s a chance to share new, meaningful musical expressions that honor their legacies while forging new paths forward.
Presented by Newport World Resorts, Tanaw: The Repeat is co-presented by GNN Entertainment Productions and Wow Fiesta with official hotel partner Holiday Inn Express. Major sponsors include JB Music, Ming’s Pei Pa Koa Candy, David’s Salon, Apartment8, and Globatronics, while minor sponsors include Greenwich, Palladium, UGEC, Payaba, and Meiji Chocolates. Fans and music lovers can still secure their seats now by visiting https://tanawtherepeat.helixpay.ph.
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Rising Filipino Artist MURI To Perform At 2025 SXSW Music Festival
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| MURI (Image Source: adobo Magazine/MURI) |
Filipino rising artist MURI is set to take the stage at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas, U.S.A. on March 10-15, 2025. The AXEAN Festival alumna joins an impressive roster of international talents, showcasing her unique blend of soul, indie, and jazz-pop music to a global audience. In an official statement, MURI shares, “I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen and to be representing the Philippines on such an international stage. I’m excited because SXSW is one of the biggest festivals for artists to showcase in, and it’ll be my first time going. Aside from playing, I’m also pretty excited to be there as an attendee, watch other artists perform, and attend all the cool talks and presentations.”
As she prepares for this significant milestone, MURI hints at even bigger plans for her music in 2025, including collaborations, new music releases, and performances all around the world, saying, “I’m working on a few collaborations and new music this year. I’m planning to do more shows and perform in more stages around the Philippines and Europe.” As the resident violinist of Filipino indie-folk band The Ransom Collective, MURI has recently stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist with the release of her debut EP, 11ème. The project, which deals with themes of personal growth, loss, and discovery, takes listeners on a journey through the artist’s experiences across different cultures and cities. Blending soulful pop with intricate storytelling, 11ème serves as a deeply personal reflection of MURI’s travels and relationships.
With her upcoming appearance at SXSW 2025, Muri is poised to introduce her music to a broader international audience, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year of artistic growth.
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ONIC PH, MOONTON Games Unite To Create Joy’s M6 Champion Skin
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/MOONTON Games) |
MLBB (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang) M6 World Champions ONIC Philippines (formerly Fnatic ONIC PH), have officially confirmed Joy as their hero of choice for co-designing a commemorative skin with international gaming developer and publisher MOONTON Games. This collaboration is part of the exclusive rewards for winning the world’s largest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament, hosted in Kuala Lumpur last December. ONIC eSports Vice President for eSports Franchise Paul Denver “Coach Yeb” Lintag Miranda shared the inspiration behind their choice, saying, “Joy herself almost represents ONIC Philippines with her skills and vibrant color. Joy is one of K1ngkong’s signature heroes, and I vividly recall the electrifying moment when ONIC Philippines picked Joy during the tournament — the crowd went wild.”
The decision to select Joy pays homage to the stellar performance of Cyric “K1ngkong” Perez whose fearless gameplay, lightning-fast reflexes, and unforgettable clutch moments at M6 were the foundation of the upcoming skin concept, which is set to be revealed later this year. Coach Yeb added that Joy symbolizes happiness and excitement, emotions the team hopes to convey to their community through the new skin, saying, “Her story mirrors our journey — a relentless pursuit of excellence, overcoming challenges, and staying determined. After years of growth, we finally achieved the pinnacle of success together.” Meanwhile, MOONTON Games also announced that Grant “Kelra” Pillas, the M6 World Championship Finals MVP, will collaborate on designing Beatrix’s commemorative #M6MVPSkin. Kelra, known as the “Gold Standard”, made history by becoming the first-ever player to win Finals MVPs in three major MLBB tournaments: the MPL, MSC, and M Series. Kelra shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “I feel happy and honored to co-design Beatrix. The FMVP skin will represent my legacy in MLBB eSports. I chose her because, as a gold laner, I resonate with her attributes — adaptability and precision in taking down enemies.”
MOONTON Games and ONIC Philippines are currently finalizing the details of these in-game commemorative skins which are expected to launch in September 2025. Fans can look forward to exciting activities leading up to the release. This collaboration follows a rich tradition of M Champion skins in MLBB. In 2019, EVOS Legends from Indonesia introduced a Harith champion skin, followed by Bren eSports with Lancelot for M2 and Blacklist International with Estes for M3. ECHO co-designed a Chou skin for M4, while AP Bren contributed Brody for the M5 Champion skin and Paquito for its first-ever FMVP skin.
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Mang Inasal Kicks Off “Love The Flavors, Love The Philippines” Campaign At Sinulog Festival
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| (Image Source: Mang Inasal) |
Mang Inasal, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), kicked off the “Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines” campaign at the 2025 Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, a vibrant celebration honoring the Sto. Nino, the beloved image of the Child Jesus. In support of gastronomy tourism, Mang Inasal treated both locals and tourists to a range of exciting freebies, promos, and fun activities throughout the festival.
The celebrations began with a special one-week Sinulog Fiesta Feast at Mang Inasal’s Cebu City stores. Customers were treated to a free small drink with every order of the Solo Fiesta Chicken Inasal paired with Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, making their festive experience even more enjoyable. The fun celebration spread to Mactan-Cebu International Airport as Mang Inasal kept the excitement going by serving free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and Crema de Leche Halo-Halo to hundreds of visitors. The event also featured special appearances by Mang Inasal’s endorser Coco Martin and his fellow cast members from “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”, making the celebration even more memorable.
In addition to the delicious offerings, Mang Inasal took time to honor Sinulog Festival Queen Sofi Maxim Grenmo from Lapu-Lapu City with the “Unli Ganda” award and supported the Banauan Cultural Group during the lively Street Parade, further enriching the cultural experience. With the Sinulog Festival wrapped up, the “Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines” campaign is set to continue its journey, with the next stop being the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo this January. Be sure to stay updated on all the IHAWtastic happenings by following Mang Inasal’s official website and social media accounts.
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Zedd Returns To Manila For &FRIENDS Festival
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| (Image Source: MYX Global/Clout Kitchen) |
Prepare for an unforgettable celebration of pop culture and music as &FRIENDS Festival makes its debut in Manila, bringing together the world’s top creators and music artists on May 30-June 1, 2025 in Parañaque. Kicking off its star-studded lineup of guests is Grammy Award-winning artist Zedd. Known for chart-topping hits like Clarity, Stay, and The Middle, Zedd’s highly-anticipated return to the archipelago will be an unforgettable moment for fans in the Philippines.
The festival kicks off with &FRIENDS Music Night – Day 1 in the evening of May 30 – featuring a night of live EDM performances headlined by Zedd. &FRIENDS Music Night – Day 2 is set to follow the evening after on May 31 – boasting a variety of pop, rap and EDM acts alike, with its own headliner to be revealed soon. Throughout the daytime of May 31 and June 1, the spotlight shifts to fan favorite creators packed with events such as meet-and-greets, exclusive stage activities, interactive panels, and pop-up merchandise booths. The complete festival lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, promising even more surprises leading up to the festival.
“&FRIENDS as a brand is a celebration of modern pop culture as a whole – gaming, music, lifestyle… and the creators and communities surrounding them. The Philippines is one of the epicentres of fandom in the world, and it just made sense to kick-off the brand here in the country where we started,” says Justin Banusing, CEO of Clout Kitchen, the organizers of &FRIENDS Festival. Tickets go on sale in early February 2025. Visit andfriends.live for updates and announcements.
