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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
A week after announcing the highly anticipated kickoff of their world tour at the prestigious Philippine Arena, Filipino supergroup SB19 continues to cement their place as a true P-Pop trailblazer with the release of “DAM”, the first official single off their upcoming EP “Simula At Wakas”. Fueled by their deep appreciation for medieval fantasy and innovative approach to sound, “DAM” marks a fresh chapter in SB19’s genre-defying journey. The track seamlessly fuses elements of hip-hop, Celtic and Filipino folk, EDM, industrial, and prog-rock, while retaining the signature martial energy that defined their previous hits “What” and “GENTO”. What sets “DAM” apart, however, is not only its grandiosity, but also its willingness to push the envelope both lyrically and sonically — an experimental exploration of new musical frontiers, if you would describe it.
In a collective statement, the P-Pop kings shares, “We’ve always pushed boundaries in terms of music. For this particular track, we’ve built on the elements that made ‘What’ and ‘GENTO’ resonate so strongly with the general public, but we’ve also uncharted sonic territories that gave us the creative freedom to truly express ourselves.” “DAM”, a play on the Filipino word “pakiramdam” or “feeling” in English, encapsulates the pop quintet’s unrelenting drive for purpose, ambition, and legacy. The anthemic track explores themes of staying true to one’s values and principles amidst the sacrifice required to achieve greater dreams in career and life. For SB19, “DAM” is a testament to the price of success in a world that often demands more than one is willing to give. The release of “DAM” will be accompanied by a music video set in a dark, medieval fantasy world inspired by the brutal and tragic tales of knights, sorcerers, ravens, and looming castles. The video marks the latest collaboration between SB19 and 1032 LAB, a creative team known for bringing complex, fantastical worlds to life. Their team-up promises a journey into a brooding and imaginative realm, further enhancing the song’s emotive power.
“The music video has a lot of hidden symbolisms and eastern eggs for fans to uncover so they should look out for that. Also, what makes this visual project so fulfilling is how committed everyone involved is to bringing the vision to life. We’re aligned in making the unbelievable come true, and there’s a deep respect for the art of world-building that makes this more than just a one-off project. We can’t wait for everyone to experience the music video,” says SB19. SB19’s “DAM” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Stay tuned as SB19 continues to break new ground with their upcoming EP “Simula At Wakas” and their upcoming global tour.
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Diocese Of San Fernando, La Union Eyes Rollout Of PLDT, Smart-Backed CVIF Dynamic Learning Program Across Diocesan Catholic Schools
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Smart Communications Inc.) |
The Diocese of San Fernando in the province of La Union is pushing for the adoption of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP) as an alternative learning delivery method. Bishop Daniel Oca Presto is championing the rollout of the crisis-resilient teaching pedagogy. He first heard about CVIF-DLP at a gathering of Catholic educators around 15 years ago. Among the invited speakers were CVIF-DLP founders Drs. Chris and Marivic Bernido. Bishop Presto recalled, “Although CVIF-DLP piqued my interest.I didn’t know a lot of schools had adopted the teaching strategy at that time. So, I thought, Why reinvent the wheel when the traditional method still works?’’
The CVIF-DLP helps develop independent learners with the help of the CVIF-DLP Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) that break down complex concepts into simple lessons that students can easily follow. This method works particularly well with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education where a strong familiarity with foundational ideas is crucial to appreciate more advanced topics. It might have taken Bishop Presto more than a decade to finally decide to champion the CVIF-DLP across 20 Catholic diocesan schools in La Union, but he says, now is the perfect time. “I am more confident to advocate for the innovative teaching strategy now that it is being supported by PLDT and Smart. Their partnership with other schools and government agencies, especially the Department of Education (DepEd), has reassured me that we will also have that support once we start our own CVIF-DLP journey,” said Bishop Presto. The DepEd has also recognized the value of the CVIF-DLP in helping schools in areas that have been devastated by typhoons and other natural disasters. The agency has recently integrated CVIF-DLP as an alternative learning delivery method in times of crisis. The DepEd has piloted the program in select schools across Regions I, II, III, IV-A (CALABARZON), V, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) with a nationwide rollout expected within the year.
“The CVIF-DLP complements the DepEd’s existing teaching strategy. It supports the agency’s five-point agenda under Sec. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara aimed at improving the country’s basic education system,” said PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino. The DepEd has identified five key areas of priority. The list includes boosting learners’ foundational skills in reading, math and science to improve Filipino students’ performance in international large-scale assessments, professional development of teachers, employing digital innovations to augment existing teaching strategies, ensuring senior high school graduates are ready for employment, and improving educational infrastructures and resources. The CVIF-DLP highlights the PLDT Group’s commitment to inclusive quality education through Information and Communications Technology, content, pedagogy and capacity building to ensure that there is #NoLearnerLeftBehind. The initiative is also aligned with the PLDT group’s broad program to help the country achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 4 on quality education.
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COMPUTEX 2025: Leading The AI Revolution
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| (Image Source: Gazet International/Newsvoir/COMPUTEX) |
COMPUTEX 2025 is slated to be held on May 20-23, 2025 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2. This year’s exhibition, themed “AI Next”, will bring together global tech giants to showcase cutting-edge AI technologies. Online registration is now open, and industry professionals worldwide are encouraged to register for this highly anticipated event. As a leading global exhibition for AIoT and startups, COMPUTEX 2025 will focus on three key themes: AI & Robotics, Next-Gen Tech, and Future Mobility. The event will feature nearly 1,400 leading tech companies from around the world including ASUS, Acer, MSI, GIGABYTE, BenQ, MediaTek, ASRock, Vertiv Taiwan, G.SKILL, Kioxia Taiwan, Foxconn, Pegatron, Phison, Inventec, Auras, Intel, Realtek, Advantech, ADATA, ITRI, Delta, Quanta, Lite-On, Wiwynn, Transcend, Silicon Power, Innodisk, and more. These exhibitors will use 4,800 booths across 80,000 square meters, showcasing their latest technologies to a global audience of industry experts, venture capitalists, professional buyers, and media representatives and witness future industry trends.
COMPUTEX 2025 will highlight AI-driven industry applications and solutions, introducing new exhibition areas, including AI Services Technology Zone, Robotics & Drone Zone, Intelligent Business Solutions Zone, System Integration Solution, and Gaming Zone. Additionally, InnoVEX will bring together global startups, investors, and accelerators, fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation. As one of the most significant startup exhibition platforms worldwide, InnoVEX will facilitate networking, funding opportunities, and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas, adding fresh momentum to the global technology ecosystem. The highly anticipated COMPUTEX Keynote and COMPUTEX Forum will return with a strong lineup of AI industry leaders from across the supply chain and applications sector. These sessions will provide attendees with the latest tech info and share industry insights, offering an in-depth look at AI’s most critical advancements and future trends. To enhance the experience for exhibitors and international visitors, the organizers of COMPUTEX 2025 will integrate multiple resources to feature a wide array of networking and engagement opportunities, including business matchmaking events, guided tours, ESG Go sustainability initiatives, and a startup pitch contest. The event will also welcome international media and tech influencers to experience and showcase COMPUTEX’s diverse exhibition offerings.
As a global stage for groundbreaking innovations, COMPUTEX 2025 will highlight Taiwan’s exceptional R&D capabilities while connecting top global technology firms, startups, and professional buyers. Online registration is now open — sign up today and be part of the future of AI technology at https://www.computexonline.com.tw/?userlang=en. For more exhibition information, visit the official websites of COMPUTEX and InnoVEX at https://www.computextaipei.com.tw/en/index.html and www.innovex.com.tw.
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PLDT, Smart Show Kids How To #BeCyberSmart With ‘Ang Paglalakbay Ni Tala’ Storybook
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), together with the Department of Justice Interagency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), are developing the #BeCyberSmart culture among children through storytelling. In observance of the 2025 Safer Internet Day, PLDT and Smart invited Rey Bufi, founder of The Storytelling Project, to read the storybook ‘Ang Paglalakbay Ni Tala’ (The Adventures of Tala), to grade school students of St. Alphonsus Ligouri Integrated School and Victorious Homeschool. Co-developed with Kids For Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network, the book follows Tala as she enters the metaverse where she learns about her rights and to ensure that these are protected. She also becomes aware of the various dangers on the internet.
The Adventures Of Tala also contains curated activities to further develop cybersecurity awareness among children. The book aims to help young readers identify and avoid threats in the cyberworld including cyberbullying and inappropriate materials. The book was launched during the celebration of the National Children’s Month in 2024 in support of the efforts of the DOJ to end human trafficking and violence against children. “We at PLDT and Smart believe that it is vital to help children develop safe online habits. The book does this through the power of storytelling. It teaches children not only to be #Cybersmart, but also to be kind, respectful, and responsible digital citizens,” said PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino. “The internet offers unlimited information to children, both good and bad. We have to help them learn how to discern which is which in the materials they see online,” said Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz who also participated at the storytelling session.
“We, at the Department of Justice, are committed to fostering partnerships with public and private organizations that share the common mission of creating safer environments for children both online and offline. This commitment is aptly reflected in this year’s Safer Internet Day theme – Digital Bayanihan, Para Sa Kabataang Ligtas At Protektado Online,” said DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz. PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to create a safe digital environment for children and their collaboration with like-minded organizations underscore the Group’s long-term commitment to help the country attain United Nations Sustainability Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies including the end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
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Registration Now Open For BPI’s #BestLifeRun Corporate Race 2025
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| (Image Source: Team PCheng/Bank Of The Philippine Islands) |
Registration is now officially open for the much-anticipated BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) #BestLifeRun Corporate Race 2025. As the first and only corporate-focused running event in the Philippines, this year’s race is set to be bigger and better, uniting professionals from various industries in the pursuit of fitness, camaraderie, and corporate wellness. Now on its third year, the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race continues to champion health and wellness in the workplace while reinforcing the collective commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 3: Good Health And Well-Being. What started as a bonding event for BPI employees has evolved into a multi-company fitness movement, welcoming teams from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to large corporations and run clubs of all levels.
Happening on June 8, 2025 at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race will feature four race categories — 3KM, 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM — ensuring that runners of all fitness levels can participate. It expects to draw 6,000 participants, consisting of a mix of employees from various companies. Companies and organizations can register teams with a minimum of four members, competing not just for speed, but for the title of the fastest, fittest, and most competitive organization. “At BPI, we believe that a thriving workforce starts with a focus on wellness and well-being. The #BestLifeRun is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and the collective pursuit of a healthier lifestyle,” said BPI Chief Human Resources Officer Gina Eala. Beyond the thrill of competition, the net proceeds of this year’s race will support BPI Foundation’s partner communities nationwide. Eala added, “We invite companies and organizations to join us in this meaningful initiative, where we strengthen our corporate communities while making a real impact in the lives of others.”
Early bird registrants on March 1-15, 2025 can enjoy discounted rates with registration fees starting at Php800 for 3KM, Php1,000 for 5KM, Php1,200 for 10KM, and Php1,600 for 21KM. Participants can register by visiting @bpibestliferun on Instagram, BPI’s official Facebook page, or RUNRIO’s social media pages. BPI corporate clients are encouraged to coordinate with their relationship managers for team registration. The excitement doesn’t stop at the finish line! Runners can enjoy post-race activities in the race village, connect with peers, and explore booths from event sponsors. Special awards await top-performing corporate teams, competitive individuals, and standout run clubs. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary race for health, camaraderie, and purpose. Gather your colleagues, lace up your running shoes, and be part of the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race 2025!
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BCRemit Seals Partnership With GCash To Serve More Overseas Filipinos
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| (L-R) GCash International Head of Product and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Jules Abalos, GCash International General Manager Paul Albano, BCRemit Co-Founders Oliver Calma and Jose Calma, BCRemit Director of Finance and Compliance Pia Henson (Image Source: Sunstar/BCRemit) |
Filipino-owned global fintech company BCRemit, which provides online money remittance service to the Philippines, launched its partnership with GCash, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet, to enable Filipinos abroad to send funds back home with ease, anytime. Filipinos in the United Kingdom, Spain, and other European Union countries as well as in the United States can now send money straight to GCash accounts in the Philippines securely through the BCRemit app or website. Overseas Filipinos (OFs) may also add cash to their own GCash accounts with ease at any time of day via BCRemit. From its roots in the UK, BCRemit now serves customers in Spain, the EU, and the US. Since 2015, it has been providing OFs with fast, secure, convenient, and affordable money transfer services through its app, website, and 24/7 call center.
“We at BCRemit are thrilled with our partnership with GCash. This will give our customers in the UK, Spain, and the EU as well as the US direct access to GCash. Our partnership aligns with our mission to use technology to improve the financial inclusion of Filipino migrant workers and their beneficiaries by providing them affordable, fast, and convenient money transfer services,” said BCRemit founder Oliver Calma. “At GCash, we are dedicated to making financial services accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of their location. This partnership with BCRemit strengthens our ability to offer secure and affordable remittance solutions, enabling OFs to easily support their families back home,” said GCash International General Manager Paul Albano. As GCash’s new international remittance and cash-in partner, BCRemit levels up the convenience its money transfer services provide to customers abroad which has been growing steadily as the company expands its footprint to reach Filipinos in other territories.
BCRemit offers low fees starting at GBP/USD/EUR 2.99. Both new and existing customers also enjoy high exchange rates all the time. As customers can send remittances at any hour, they get access to BCRemit’s 24/7 customer service as well. To start sending funds in GCash, download the BCRemit app at the Google Play or Apple App Store and sign up. Customers may also create an account at bcremit.com. Fill in the information needed including the beneficiary, then choose GCash as the delivery option when sending money. To date, GCash has over 5.2 million partner QR merchants and social sellers, while 81% of Filipinos own a GCash account. The popular all-in-one e-wallet allows users to easily top up mobile phone credits, pay bills, send and receive money, purchase from partner merchants, invest the money as well as get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance, and more.
