US 2020 MICRO ROASTER OF THE YEAR, MOSTRA COFFEE, A FILAM-OWNED COMPANY VISITS TFC

It was a serendipitous meeting that led to the successful community screening of Filipino-American owned Mostra Coffee at the TFC Studios this December. Mostra Coffee is an artisan micro-roasting company that sources, roasts, brews, and serves only the highest-grade specialty coffee. It was founded in 2013 by San Diego natives Jelynn Malone, Beverly Magtanong, Sam Magtanong, and Mike Arquines.

Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Henry Bensurto, Jr. introduced Tony Olaes, founder of The Filipino School in San Diego, to ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility Head Nerissa Fernandez, and between Olaes and Fernandez, a new digital series is already in the works, to launch first quarter of 2020. It was through these valuable connections that 2020 Micro Roaster of the Year, Mostra Coffee, came to partner with TFC. Learning about sustainability in their coffee business, Fernandez invited the Mostra team to bring their coffee, do a demo, and show their short film “Mostra Coffee Origins: Our Philippine Journey Back Home Vol.01” to the SF Bay Area community.

The TFC-led Epic Youth Leadership Awards (EYLA) under ABS-CBN International’s Corporate Affairs and Strategic CSR -- that recognizes leadership determined to make a difference in the world through efforts that address specific areas of service like entrepreneurship, environmentalism, mentorship, compassion, and culture –- also created an EYLA shortie, produced by the Emmy Award winning tandem of Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion and Jeremiah Ysip, on the Mostra team highlighting their values and their culture of giving back to the community, specifically to the coffee growers in Sitio Belis, Benguet in the northern part of the Philippines.

It was a full day for the Mostra Coffee team, that included a tour of TFC headquarters, meeting ABS-CBN International officers and staff, interviews with weekly magazine program Adobo Nation and daily news show BA. The community screening was followed by a Q and A in-studio where co-founders Malone, Arquines, and the Magtanong couple got to share their journey.

Mostra means performance. Beverly Magtanong explains why they picked the name. “I'm a trained opera singer, Jelynn is an actress. Mike is a fine dining chef. So, we know what it feels like to perform at your highest level. For Mostra, a lot of it is performing at our highest level as human beings, and coffee ends up being the vehicle for us to be able to do good.”

Malone adds that “We’re so passionate about this movement and representing Filipinos. Even as an actor that was my goal – to represent Filipino Americans and Filipinos globally in a positive light, and this has just been a platform that has a lot more of an impact because it helps connect with the people.”

Sam Magtanong shares one line from Mostra’s mission statement that stands out for him: “‘Mostra strives to be the reason why people see the goodness in humanity.’ And if I was to give one piece of advice to everybody in general: Be good. There is power in love and gratitude and kindness, and we need more of that in this world.”

For the Mostra founders, their journey continues to surprise and humble them. Arquines affirms that “the journey has been very soul satisfying, in a sense that we get to not only give back to our roots, but also are able to work and collaborate with other creatives that are not in coffee, such as spirits and distilleries, such as chefs and restaurants. We are lucky to be able to have that opportunity to do that every day as our profession.”

As Filipino Americans, the Mostra team wants to be able to give back to the Philippines and make it full circle because their families are from there. Beverly says that “For us to be able to elevate the people in the Philippines by providing sustainable jobs means we are performing at our highest level by trying to connect ourselves back home and back to the people and really giving back and really realizing at the end of the day, we are the same.”

CHAMPION KINDNESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WHEN YOU PAYMAYA IT FORWARD

With the holiday season upon us, it often means spending time to finish work deadlines before the Christmas break, racing to complete our shopping for gifts, and enjoying Christmas parties with friends and family. But it is also the perfect time to focus on gratitude and giving, to share our blessings and to pay it forward to our fellow Filipinos. 

In celebration of kindness this holiday season, PayMaya launches its "PayMaya It Forward" campaign to inspire Filipinos to “pay it forward” by doing random acts of kindness towards their fellow Filipinos, in the spirit of digital and financial inclusion. 

Whether it’s gifting load to your trusted helper at home, sharing a meal to the security guard in your office, buying a bag for a scholar, donating to those affected by recent natural disasters, or simply giving to those in need, one small act of goodness can definitely go a long way.

Igniting the PayMaya It Forward movement are content creators like Ramon Bautista, Carlo Ople, Patrice Averilla, David Guison, Angel Dei, and many more. They are embracing the movement, spurring conversation through the hashtag #PayMayaItForward, sharing their own acts of kindness to include everyone in the spirit of this holiday season, and encouraging their followers to do the same.  

As a way of giving back, PayMaya also designed a simple way for their PayMaya account holders to pay it forward each time they pay via PayMaya QR by matching the amount of cashback they will receive from the ongoing QR promo and donating the amount to support youth education.

From December 16-31, 2019, PayMaya users can get 1%, 10%, and 100% cashback whenever they scan-to-pay using PayMaya QR at any partner merchant. Every successful cashback means a chance to help a Filipino youth achieve his dreams through education. 

The promo beneficiary for this PayMaya It Forward campaign is the Gawad Kalinga School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (GK-SEED), a learning institution that gives scholarship to young people from poor communities across the country who want to pursue a two-year Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-accredited course on social entrepreneurship. 

With that heart-warming double deal, there are more reasons to keep using PayMaya and give back this season. And if you don’t have your own PayMaya account yet, there’s still time to download the app via Google Play or App Store, sign up for an account, make the most of it, and give this Christmas. Remember, when you’re paying it forward this Christmas, don’t pay cash, PayMaya.

To find out more, visit paymaya.com/paymaya-it-forward or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 23901, Series of 2019.

Petron is Automobile Association Philippines’ official fuel partner

Petron Corporation has forged a partnership with the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the country’s oldest and largest auto club, naming the oil leader as AAP’s official fuel partner.

The partnership was formalized through a MOA signing last December 6 at the AAP headquarters in Quezon City. Petron Marketing Division Head Lionel Perkin Chai (second from right) and Retail Sales Regional Manager Michael Flores (rightmost) are joined by AAP Chief Operating Officer Mark Desales (third from left), Deputy Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Pausanos (second from left), and Business Development Manager Kristine Leonardo (leftmost).

Petron will provide AAP members and employees a co-branded Petron-AAP Petron Value Card (PVC), which will allow them to avail of a special discount for every liter of Petron Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Advance, Turbo Diesel, and Diesel Max.

This, alongside privileges at partner establishments, free towing and road-side assistance, and year-round personal accident insurance. 

Petron and AAP share a long and deep commitment to promoting road safety through their respective programs. 

Petron’s Lakbay Alalay is the longest-running motorist assistance program in the country, spanning more than three decades. It also recently launched its Fuel Wise advocacy which aims to empower the motoring public to become more responsible and informed with their choices. For its part, AAP also has a long-running campaign that raises awareness on proper road habits. 

AAP members and employees are guaranteed a safe, smooth, and efficient drive with all Petron fuels formulated with the same TriAction benefits that guarantees better power, better efficiency, and better engine protection.

TOP K-POP ARTISTS AND TRACKS OF 2019 ON SPOTIFY

Thanks to its trademark earworm melodies, distinctive choreography and slick production values, K-Pop has truly become a worldwide phenomenon that has captured the hearts of its adoring fans in synchronized perfection. Today, Spotify reveals its Global K-Pop Top Lists reflecting how 248 million people around the world listened to and discovered K-Pop music in 2019. 

Spotify’s data shows that record-breaking Korean boyband BTS is the most streamed K-Pop artist in 2019 with over 3 billion streams globally this year alone. Making yet another feat, this year’s most streamed K-Pop song is the boys’ hit track “Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)”, amassing more than 300 million streams on Spotify in 2019. In fact, in less than a year, “Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)” has set a new record, becoming the most streamed BTS track on Spotify. To date, the band has amassed more than 5 billion streams on Spotify from fans all around the globe. 

Group domination is the name of the game for K-Pop artists on Spotify in 2019, with BLACKPINK, TWICE, EXO and Red Velvet rounding out the top 5 list of Most Streamed K-Pop Artists of 2019. 

BLACKPINK displayed major girl power, taking 3 out of the 5 top spots on the Most Streamed K-Pop Tracks List. “Kill This Love” was the second most streamed track of the year alongside their catchy collaboration with Grammy-winning artist, Dua Lipa on “Kiss and Make Up”, the 2018 earworm “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and finally, BLACKPINK member JENNIE’s “SOLO”. 

East meets West as Spotify reveals the most streamed K-Pop collaborations in 2019 for the first time. BTS commands this list having worked with an impressive repertoire of international acts across various genres and backgrounds such as Steve Aoki, Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, Nicki Minaj and Halsey amongst others. 

A snapshot of the “Wrapped” 2019 Global K-Pop Top Lists and Philippines results can be found below. 

Check out more of your 2019 K-Pop favourites with the following playlists: 

● Top K-Pop Artists of 2019

● Top Korean OSTs of 2019

● A Decade in K-Pop

Spotify Wrapped 2019 Philippines K-Pop Top Lists 

Most Streamed K-Pop Artists 

BTS

BLACKPINK

TWICE

EXO

Red Velvet

SEVENTEEN

iKON

GOT7

JENNIE

ITZY

Most Streamed K-Pop Tracks 

Kill This Love - BLACKPINK 

Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey) - BTS, Halsey 

SOLO - JENNIE 

DDU-DU DDU-DU - BLACKPINK 

Kiss and Make Up - BLACKPINK, Dua Lipa

FANCY - TWICE

As If It’s Your Last - BLACKPINK

Way Back Home (feat. Conor Maynard) - Sam Feldt Edit - Conor Maynard, SHAUN, Sam Feldt

Don’t Know What To Do - BLACKPINK

달라달라 (DALLA DALLA) - ITZY

Spotify Wrapped 2019 Global K-Pop Top Lists 

Most Streamed K-Pop Artists 

BTS

BLACKPINK

TWICE

EXO

Red Velvet

SEVENTEEN

Stray Kids

NCT 127

iKON

GOT7

Most Streamed K-Pop Tracks 

Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey) - BTS, Halsey 

Kill This Love - BLACKPINK 

Kiss and Make Up - BLACKPINK, Dua Lipa

SOLO - JENNIE 

DDU-DU DDU-DU - BLACKPINK 

FAKE LOVE - BTS

Way Back Home (feat. Conor Maynard) - Sam Feldt Edit - Conor Maynard, SHAUN, Sam Feldt

FANCY - TWICE

DNA - BTS

Make It Right - BTS

Most Streamed K-Pop Collaborations 

Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey) - BTS, Halsey 

Kiss and Make Up - BLACKPINK, Dua Lipa

Way Back Home (feat. Conor Maynard) - Sam Feldt Edit - Conor Maynard, SHAUN, Sam Feldt

Waste It On Me (feat. BTS) - BTS, Steve Aoki 

POP/STARS - (G)I-DLE, Jaira Burns, K/DA, League of Legends, Madison Beer

Dream Glow (BTS World Original Soundtrack) - Pt. 1 - BTS, Charli XCX

The Truth Untold - BTS, Steve Aoki

MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix) [Full Length Edition] - BTS, Steve Aoki

A Brand New Day (BTS World Original Soundtrack) [Pt. 2] - BTS, Zara Larsson

IDOL - BTS, Nicki Minaj

Can't get enough of the chart toppers? Head over to Spotify to check out the playlists of the top artists and tracks in the Philippines this 2019 - and don’t forget to check out your own personalized Spotify “Wrapped” available now in the Spotify app on mobile and tablet or via a website at spotify.com/wrapped. Artists and podcasters can also do the same to discover how their music and podcasts connected with fans across the world for 2019 Artist “Wrapped” and 2019 Podcaster “Wrapped.” 

Find out more about the “Wrapped” experience on Spotify’s For the Record blog post.

PHILIPPINE TRADE AND INVESTMENT CENTER, PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN MEXICO CITY HIGHLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

Philippine Embassy in Mexico, PTIC work with ABS-CBN Global and CANACINE to highlight opportunities between PH and Mexican creative industries 

Opportunities in co-production, distribution, and intellectual property exchange in the entertainment industry took center stage in an industry briefing organized recently by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) and the Philippine Embassy in Mexico City. 

Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Demetrio R. Tuason welcomed the audience of film producers and distributors from the Camara Nacional de la Industria Cinematografica (CANACINE), the Mexican film industry chamber. He emphasized that the forum built upon the momentum generated when the Philippines was highlighted as Spotlight Country during the huge Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF) in July this year. 

Vichael Angelo Roaring, head of PTIC Mexico and Philippine Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) trade representative in Mexico and Latin America, outlined the objectives of the event, primary of which were to highlight opportunities and to open the door for collaboration and business development between the Philippine and Mexican creative industries, particularly in the film production sector. 

“Latin America presents itself both as an ideal market and partner for the Philippines when we talk about the creative economy,” said Roaring. “We have so much in common but both sides need to be reacquainted. We should leverage on shared history and shared culture for us to best collaborate with the creators and content distributors in the region.” 

ABS-CBN North and Latin America Managing Director Jun Del Rosario gave the industry presentation. He highlighted Star Cinema/ABS-CBN Films which was established in 1993 and has become the largest motion picture company in the Philippines. As of 2015, the film outfit has captured 83 percent of the local theatrical market share. 

The Mexicans in the audience were very delighted to know of the success of Latin telenovelas in the Philippines. Del Rosario cited ABS-CBN´s adaptations of Mexican telenovelas such as Maria Mercedes and Maria Del Barrio, in partnership with Televisa and RTI Colombia. 

Del Rosario talked about the possibilities of co-production, as ABS-CBN is constantly searching for partnerships around the world, filming stories that resonate with the global audience. He indicated that it is through co-productions that their films have reached a mainstream audience beyond the Filipino market. Del Rosario indicated that the music industry and talent exchange is another area that they will pursue for the Mexican and Latin American markets. 

At the end of the event, the team of PTIC Mexico, together with Del Rosario networked with the CANACINE members to continue discussions on production and distribution opportunities between their respective industries. (Philippine Embassy of Mexico/ABS-CBN North and Latin America) 

BAYVIEW PARK HOTEL MANILA HOLIDAY MUST HAVE PROMOS

It’s that time of the year again and everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit! 

Make your holidays more special and avail the Christmas and New Year’s Eve Festivity Package. Get a Superior Room for only PHP5,999net OR a Deluxe Room for only PHP6,999net per room/night. Besides the festivity Dinner for two (2), this offer also includes an overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast, free late check-out until 3pm and a lot more!. Valid for December 24 and 31, 2019 only.

Not only that, since Christmas is just around the corner and Bayview Park Hotel Manila is here to make the holidays merrier and brighter. 

Enjoy a variety of flavours and selections with their Christmas and New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet for only P999 per person. You can treat your family to a whole bounty of feast. This delicious dinner experience will be on December 24 and 31 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm and on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. 

For more information, call us at (632) 8526-1555 or e-mails us bookings@bayviewparkhotel.manila.com 

WAYS TO WISELY SPENT YOUR 13TH MONTH PAY

It’s that time of the year again where people get their bonuses and go all-out with their purchases. While this might be the perfect time to tick off items from your wish list, it's also important to prioritize your spending on those purchases which can benefit you in the long run. We list down below recommendations on how to spend your 13th-month pay wisely:

Buy stocks

Getting into investments can seem intimidating at first. But with the vast information that can be easily accessed online, it’s easier to be financially literate in the Philippines. Check out some books and YouTube videos on how to properly strategize and choose the right stocks and investments based on your financial goal. This can pay off in the long run as long as you make smart decisions on where your money goes.

Start an emergency fund

Having a separate emergency fund is a necessity in order to be prepared when the time comes for unexpected expenses such as medical bills, house, and auto repairs. At a minimum, one should have three months worth of living expenses in your emergency fund. There are also online emergency fund calculators to help you decide on how to do this. Make sure to create a separate bank account for this to properly manage your accounts. Saving up for an emergency fund and knowing that one is all set can give a person a sense of security that can allow an individual to live a more peaceful life.

Pay off debt

Adulting also entails being responsible for liabilities. In order to start the year completely fresh, pay off the debt you’ve accumulated throughout the year! This makes way for a clean slate and a restart on how you purchase and prioritize expenses for 2020.

Upgrade your home appliance

Keeping the household intact is always a priority. Home appliances play a big role in the household and should serve their purpose in both function and design. If it seems like home appliances are showing signs that they are about to break down such as discoloration, making weird noises and not doing its job efficiently, then replace them before they bring inconvenience to the household. With the different innovations out in the market, it’s important to choose the appliance that will serve one’s family’s needs. Also, watch out for sales and promos during the season that can save you money to spend on other necessities.

Samsung DV90 Heatpump Dryer stacked with Samsung Front Load Washer

Samsung DV90 Heatpump Dryer that has Heatpump and Optimal Dry technology to dry clothes efficiently. This is perfect for big households who need to save time and electric consumption when drying clothes. Get this for as low as PHP 3,895 for 12 months installment. This also comes with a free stacking kit to save space around your household! (see below)

Samsung Front Load Washer 7.5 kg is equipped with Eco Bubble Technology that turns detergent into powerful bubbles to easily remove dirt. One can also add forgotten laundry at any cycle using the Add Wash function. Get this for as low as PHP 31,995 that comes with PHP 1,000 Bayad Center e-Coupon. This also comes with a payment option of 12 months installment of PHP 3,000/month.

Samsung RS54 Refrigerator offers an All-around cooling and Power Freeze function that rapidly and evenly cools every corner of the fridge, ensuring food is always fresh. It also uses Digital Inverter Technology that consumes less energy than conventional refrigerators. Get this for as low as PHP 49,796 that comes with PHP 1,000 Bayad Center e-Coupon. This also comes with a payment option of 12 months installment of PHP 4,650/month.

Samsung Smart Oven 35-liter functions as a convection oven and a microwave that can be used for baking, grilling, slim frying, defrosting, steaming and even making yogurt, making it the perfect cooking appliance. Get this for PHP23,995 that comes with PHP1,000 Bayad Center e-Coupon and a payment option of 12 months installment of PHP2,250/month.

Basic Inverter Wind-Free Air Conditioner with 21,000 Micro Holes that cools the room evenly with no harsh air. Get this for PHP 33,535 that comes with PHP 500 Bayad Center e-Coupon and a payment option of 12 months installment of PHP3,120/month.

Classes and Courses

If taking a short course has been on the list for so long, then this can definitely be a good time to take it. Adding skills and knowledge can definitely pay off in the long run. If you worry about not being able to attend classes regularly, consider checking out online courses such as skillshare.com, coursera.org, and Udemy.com. These websites offer thousands of courses from crafts, science and business, and can be taken on one’s own time. Don’t be afraid to spend on things that can benefit you as self-investment.

Splurging on items that can be smart investments is something that people shouldn’t feel bad about. With Samsung Digital Appliance’s Merrier Christmas Gifts, one can enjoy discounts up to 25% off and Bayad Center eCoupons to use to pay for household bills.

To know more about the Merrier Christmas Gifts Promo of Samsung Digital Appliances, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/merrierchristmasgifts/appliances/. This promo runs from October 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020.

UNIQLO'S BLACK FRIDAY OFFERS

UNIQLO treats its shoppers with Black Friday offers on LifeWear pieces just in time for the Holiday season until Dec 5. 

This year, make the Christmas season merrier by giving the gift of UNIQLO’s LifeWear. The collection offers a wide range of items—from essentials to collaborations with pop culture phenomena and luxury fashion labels to express one’s individuality. Shoppers can find the best present for themselves or their loved ones, to fit anyone's personality. 

Shoppers can enjoy deals from different items including:

For more updates, customers may download the UNIQLO mobile app, visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and follow social media account, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

HOME CREDIT'S CHRISTMASAGANA RAFFLE PROMO

What’s better than getting a Christmas gift? Being surprised with another one, of course! This holiday season, Home Credit is playing Santa with its ChristmaSagana Raffle which will shower a total of 100 gifts throughout its run. 

The annual holiday promo from the leading in-store installment provider is exclusive for its customers who will sign new loans in their partner stores from November 3, 2019 to January 31, 2020. Customers only need to purchase, download the MyHomeCredit App for Android, and register to qualify for the raffle. Just go to Google PlayStore to install the app and register there to join. 

For every P3,000 purchase amount, customers get one raffle entry. The more entries, the bigger chances of winning! Winners of the ChristmaSagana raffle will be drawn from Dec. 4, 2019 to Feb. 5, 2020. Customers can only win once for this promo. 

Customers who will be eligible for the raffle can take home BIG prizes that will surely make their holidays. Three lucky winners can take home motorbikes for the major prize while other customers can start the year right by starting their own businesses. Five winners will be gifted Kitchen and Pangkabuhayan showcases while another five can start their online businesses. Forty winners can also kick-start their own e-load businesses by the end of the raffle. 

Didn’t get chosen for any of the above prizes? 42 customers can still score gift certificates worth P5,000 that can be used for some much-needed shopping spree! 

All the lucky winners will be notified through e-mail and phone call, and will also be announced on Home Credit’s official Facebook page. 

The promo can be combined with other running promos of Home Credit so it is the perfect opportunity to complete your holiday Christmas wish list while having the chance of getting a gift in return! This year’s holiday raffle is the installment provider's way of closing its big year. The business has close to six million customers presently. 

The MyHomeCredit App, on the other hand, is Home Credit’s answer to those who want access to their services anytime, anywhere. Customers can apply for loans, track their deadlines and payments, and stay updated on new promos through the app. The android application currently has more than 2.5 million registered users. 

Don’t miss the chance to join one of the biggest holiday promos of the year. You can visit Home Credit’s promo page for more information about their latest deals.

BIGGEST NAMES IN MUSIC DELIVER SHOW-STOPPING PERFORMANCES AT THE 2019 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

Tonight, the world’s biggest artists and pop culture icons came together to honor idols, newcomers and record-breakers at the “2019 American Music Awards.” Multi-platinum selling artist Ciara hosted the show, and kicked the night off with a performance of her new single, “Melanin.” The show aired live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Blue Ant Entertainment. *The full list of winners can be found in attachment.

The 2019 American Music Awards will be repeated on Blue Ant Entertainment at the following timings (in GMT+8):

25/11/2019 19:10

27/11/2019 16:25

28/11/2019 10:25

29/11/2019 20:50

30/11/2019 13:50

01/12/2019 21:55

In one of the most talked about musical performances of the year, Artist of the Decade Award recipient, Taylor Swift, brought the house down with a medley of her biggest hits from the past ten years including “The Man,” “Love Story,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “Blank Space,” “Shake It Off,” where she was joined by Halsey and Camila Cabello, and “Lover.” She accepted her award with an impassioned speech, telling her fans that all artists want to do is “create something that will last,” and thanking them for the “fun, incredible, exhilarating times” and countless memories they have shared together over the years. Having won six awards tonight, Swift also broke Michael Jackson’s long-standing record of most American Music Award wins of all time; she now tops the list with a total of 29.

Selena Gomez delivered an emotional opening to the show, taking the stage for the first time in two years for the world television premiere of her new songs, “Lose You To Love Me” and “Look At Her Now.”

There were performances for everyone, featuring newcomers and American Music Awards veterans alike. Breakout artist Billie Eilish crushed her very first award show performance, with a fiery rendition of “all the good girls go to hell.” Superstar Lizzo graced the AMA stage for the first time with a passionate performance of her single “Jerome.” Three-time American Music Award winners, Green Day, celebrated the 25th anniversary of their legendary 1994 album, “Dookie,” with a performance of “Basket Case,” as well as their latest hit, “Father of All…” Toni Braxton celebrated the 25th anniversary of her first AMAs performance, and had the audience singing along to her chart-topping hits “Breathe Again” and “Unbreak My Heart.”

The night was also filled with incredible collaborations including the world television premiere of Christina Aguilera and A Great Big World’s new single “Fall On Me,” plus an electrifying performance from Post Malone featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott and WATT for the world television premiere of their new song “Take What You Want.”

The show included additional knockout performances from Camila Cabello with “Living Proof,” Shawn Mendes & Cabello with “Señorita,” Dua Lipa with “Don’t Start Now,” Halsey with “Graveyard,” Kesha feat. Big Freedia with “Raising Hell” and “TiK ToK” and Thomas Rhett with “Look What God Gave Her.”

The night ended on a high, with the entire audience on their feet for Shania Twain’s return to the American Music Awards stage for the first time in 16 years. The country icon performed a crowd-pleasing medley of her biggest hits: “You’re Still the One,” “Any Man of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”

A big winner with two new trophies tonight, presenter, Carrie Underwood, now holds the record for most wins in the Favorite Album – Country category, surpassing legend Kenny Rogers, with whom she was previously tied.

Talent in attendance tonight included Host Ciara; Artist of the Decade award recipient and performer Taylor Swift, as well as performers Christina Aguilera and A Great Big World, Toni Braxton, Camila Cabello, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Green Day, Halsey, Jonas Brothers, Kesha feat. Big Freedia, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Post Malone feat. Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott and WATT, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Thomas Rhett, and Shania Twain; Presenters Paula Abdul, Kelsea Ballerini, Tyra Banks, Chadwick Boseman, Kane Brown, Misty Copeland, Tyler the Creator, Rivers Cuomo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan + Shay, Jenna Dewan, David Dobrik, Michael Ealy, Maddie Hasson, Maya Hawke, Jameela Jamil, Jharrel Jerome, Taran Killam, Carole King, Regina King, Heidi Klum, Katherine Langford, Dan Levy, Megan Thee Stallion, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Cobie Smulders, Carrie Underwood,Pete Wentz, Constance Wu; “AMAs Red Carpet Live Presented by Security Benefit” hosts Sofia Carson, AJ Gibson, Jaymes Vaughan, Lauren Jauregui, Raja Kumari, and Nick Viall; Special Guests X Ambassadors, Blanco Brown, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diplo, Meg Donnelly, Andy Grammar, Rich The Kid, Ella Mai, Meek Mill, Agnez Mo, Shiva Safai, Alyson Stoner, Lil Nas X and many more!

American Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions as reflected on Billboard.com, including streaming, album and digital song sales, radio airplay, social activity and touring. The American Music Awards winners are voted entirely by fans.

For the latest American Music Awards news, exclusive content and more, be sure to follow the AMAs on social and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #AMAs.

About the American Music Awards

The American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted award show, features performances from today’s hottest artists and presents fan-voted awards in the music genres of Pop/Rock, Alternative Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Inspirational, Latin, EDM and Soundtrack, and the categories of Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Tour of The Year, Favorite Social Artist and Favorite Music Video. The American Music Awards pays tribute to today’s most influential and iconic artists. The show is produced by dick clark productions and is seen in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

JOSE MARI CHAN, TATAK PINOY ALL-STAR ON FIRST ASIA-MADE HOLIDAY SINGLE

What is Christmas in the Philippines without Jose Mari Chan’s beautiful holiday songs ringing throughout the nation? Today, Spotify has partnered with this legendary crooner and some of the hottest OPM artists to deliver an early gift under the tree; a fresh rendition of his 1990 classic “A Perfect Christmas”. Available exclusively to stream on Spotify, “A Perfect Christmas” sees Jose Mari Chan teaming up with Ben&Ben, December Avenue, I Belong to the Zoo, Julie Anne San Jose and Moira Dela Torre who each bring their own unique sound to the track. The Single will feature on Spotify’s Paskong Pinoy playlist. 

“We are thrilled to be working with Jose Mari Chan and these talented OPM artists for the launch of Spotify’s first Asia-made Holiday Single. Christmas is one of the biggest cultural moments in the Philippines and we want to celebrate it with our listeners,” says Kossy Ng, Artist & Label Marketing Lead, Spotify, Southeast Asia. She adds, “We kick-started 2019 with a relaunch of our flagship OPM playlist Tatak Pinoy and we’re excited to end the year with yet another big OPM moment, which is a testimony to our continued support of the thriving local music scene!” 

Jose Mari Chan says, “When I recorded the track back in the 90s, I never dreamed that it would become the quintessential Christmas song it is today; that it would be listened to year after year and loved by generations. To me, the spirit of Christmas is being able to give and share your love and Christmas isn’t ‘perfect’ without someone special, someone you love.” 

“This collaboration with Spotify pays tribute to a holiday classic while reinventing what a Christmas special can be and we are so excited to be a part of its history,” says December Avenue. Moira Dela Torre adds, “The song is close to my heart. It has always been one of my favourite Christmas songs and now it feels even more special to me.” 

Ben&Ben says, “We actually had the opportunity to do a cover of Jose Mari Chan’s song “Beautiful Girl” earlier this year for the Spotify Jams: OPM Love Songs campaign. Being able to collaborate with him on one of his Christmas classics is an absolute honour.” 

For I Belong to the Zoo and Julie Anne San Jose, a perfect Christmas means being able to spend more time with family; celebrating the holidays with their loved ones. Julie Anne San Jose adds, “For me, Christmas is also about showing gratitude and being able to share and give your blessings to other people.” 

"We are delighted to work together with Spotify, Jose Mari Chan, and the all-star line up to bring to life this reimagined version of "A Perfect Christmas" for the Christmas season. This collaboration has presented itself as the perfect opportunity to celebrate what makes it a well-loved track, the amazing talent we have in the country, and the true reason behind the season," says Kathleen Dy-Go, Managing Director of Universal Records, Philippines.

For more festive cheer from the artists behind the Single, fans can look out for a special Tatak Pinoy All-Stars video coming soon to Spotify Philippines Facebook’s page. And for fans wanting a taste of even more reimagined yuletide classics, they can head over to the Spotify Singles: Holiday Collection playlist featuring artists from around the world, including Liam Payne, The Lumineers, Tori Kelly, Reik and Adam Lambert.

BAYVIEW PARK HOTEL'S CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH THE BAY DIVAS

Every year, Bayview Park Hotel always put on a great celebration for holidays with themed decors and unforgettable programs. This December, It’s all reindeer with red and silver colors for Christmas. The decors and look will evoke all the happy holidays that encourage everyone to celebrate the whole year round. 

Bayview Park Hotel’s “DIVA Delights” extravaganza will also take the center stage this year as part of the advocacy to always have all employees participate in annual special projects.

General Manager Eugene Yap stated that the hotel specially focused on Bayview “Divas” as they serenade guests with angelic voices every morning without fail until Christmas Eve. The launch held last November 19, 2019 as part of the traditional Christmas lighting ceremony that will also feature the amazing kids from Timoteo Paez Elementary school Rondalla group who graced the celebration with talent.

In addition, they invited important people from the city of Manila to take part on celebration. They definitely supports the gargantuan task of cleaning and sprucing up “old Manila”, taking back that title for being the premier city of Asia. Now Manila is developing and emerging slowly but surely, old, yet beautiful and regal, made more captivating by its history and tales that also include Bayview Park Hotel. Anybody who knows the history of Manila should also know that Bayview was one of the most known hotels to tourists during the pre-war era.

Join Bayview Park Hotel's discussion on social media  by using the hash tags: 

#ILoveBayview 

#BayviewDivas 

#DivasDelightatBayview 

#BAYVIEWPARKHOTEL 

#ChristmasShinesAtBayview 

#YourHomebytheBay 

A Merry, Merry Christmas to all! 

For INQUIRIES please CONTACT: Sales and Marketing Department at 8526-1555 ext. 1729 or 1723 or e-mail at mveronicagalang@bayviewparkhotel.com or the travelsales@bayviewparkhotel.com look for Jen.

PETRON, JOLLIBEE FOR JOY'S PROMO

Two leading Filipino brands, Petron and Jollibee, have partnered to make journeys more rewarding with their ‘Drive For Joy’ promo. Running from November 15, 2019 to January 31, 2020, the promo is offered at more than 300 Jollibee drive thru stores and more than 700 Petron service stations nationwide.

At participating Petron stations nationwide, for a minimum Php 200 single receipt purchase of any Petron fuel—Xtra Advance, XCS, Blaze 100 Euro 6, Diesel Max, and Turbo Diesel—or any Petron Engine Oil, the customer will receive a coupon that can be used to redeem the following at participating Jollibee branches: (a) Free Regular Jollibee Crispy Fries; (b) Free G0 Large Iced Tea; or (c) Php 20 discount on all Petron Engine Oils. 

Meanwhile, at participating Jollibee drive-thru stores, a minimum Php 150 single receipt purchase will entitle the customer to a coupon with the following redemption options: (a) Free Regular Jollibee Crispy Fries; (b) Free Go Large Iced Tea; (c) Php 30 discount on any Petron Fuel; or (d) Php 20 discount on all Petron Engine Oils.

Just look for the promo streamer at participating outlets to enjoy Petron and Jollibee’s ‘Drive For Joy’ promo.

SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLD NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH GLOBE AND SMART

The long wait is over. Samsung has finally started its pre-order period of the Galaxy Fold from November 18 to December 1, 2019. The category-defining device is only available through Globe’s and Smart’s respective plan offers.

Every purchase of the device comes with Galaxy Buds and exclusive premier services, Samsung Concierge and Care+. Samsung Concierge gives access to specialized customer care programs including a 24/7 dedicated hotline, free pick-up and delivery assistance, and service express lanes, among others. Customers get to directly consult with the company's tech experts for any queries. Meanwhile, Samsung Care+ is a hassle-free year-long program to assist Galaxy Fold owners for any emergency concerns. It also includes repair coverage for one year.

The Galaxy Fold’s unique design and foldable form factor provides a brand-new user experience with two options for screen size in one device.

When closed, the user can comfortably access all essential apps with just one hand. But when opened, the 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display offers a truly immersive viewing experience, allowing one to get lost in videos on a screen that’s so big it’s unbelievable that it fits in a pocket.

Samsung developed two features, App Continuity and Multi-Active Window, to facilitate maximum productivity and ease of use when switching between the Galaxy Fold’s two displays.

With App Continuity, users can switch from using an app on the cover display to using it on the main display seamlessly. For example, users can check their email when the device is folded. But when they open the device to reply, a version of the email app that is optimized for the expansive screen will open, allowing a comfortable view of the full contents of the email. Following the uninterrupted screen transition, emails can be responded to using the keyboard with its optimized screen placement.

On the other hand, Multi-Active Window allows users to take advantage of the increased screen real state of the main display. Now, users can open multiple apps simultaneously and easily use them at the same time, thanks to an optimized UX for next-level multitasking. While reading an email, drag and drop the Calendar as well as Google Maps from the device’s side panel into the Multi-active Window to work in three windows simultaneously and coordinate a meeting quickly and efficiently. Each app window can be easily resized in order to see more or less as desired.

The Galaxy Fold’s versatile pro-level hexa-lens camera system takes photo and video recording experience to a whole new level. It is equipped with the latest features such as Scene Optimizer, Shot Suggestions, and Flaw Detection for crisp and clear images. Users can also take advantage of the different modes such as Food, Panorama, Pro, Live, Super Slow-mo, and Hyperlapse, and Super Steady.

Be among the exclusive few to unfold the future of devices. To pre-order, visit samsung.com/ph/galaxy-fold-preorder/.

PETRON: KASABAY SA LAKBAY

Through more than 85 years, Petron has been an integral part of the Filipino narrative, through all the ups and downs and in the best and the worst times. Since 1933, it has remained resilient in the face of overwhelming challenges and rejoicing in the soaring successes of the Filipino nation.

What truly distinguishes Petron is its deep understanding of the needs of Filipino motorists, founded on a heritage of service that spans more than eight decades, serving generations of Filipino families. This is the theme of Petron’s new marketing campaign, “Kasabay sa Lakbay,” a sentimental journey through important life experiences where Petron has been the Filipino’s reliable partner.

Fueling the Nation

With its vast network of service stations, ranging from mega stations on major thoroughfares and highways to small, strategically stations in remote, rural areas, Petron has been serving the fuel needs of Filipinos. 

Keenly aware of evolving industry trends and the latest technological advances, Petron has always been at the forefront of fuel innovation. It has taken the lead in introducing fuel products that help protect the environment while ensuring optimum driving performance and delivering improved fuel efficiency. All Petron fuels – Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6, Petron Xtra Unleaded, Petron XCS, Petron Turbo Diesel, and Petron Diesel Max – are formulated and produced locally at Petron’s Bataan refinery, the largest and most advanced refining facility in the country. 

Petron was the first to offer a full range of Euro 4 gasoline and diesel fuels well ahead of the government’s deadline. Most recently, Blaze 100 was acknowledged as the best gasoline in the country, as certified by international laboratory tests and proven in actual field tests on local road conditions. 

Fueling Journeys

Petron always puts the needs and welfare of consumers at the heart of its endeavors. This year, it launched its Fuel Wise campaign to help empower a more informed and more responsible population of Filipino motorists. Since the campaign’s launch, Petron has been traveling across the country to enjoin more motorists to learn and benefit from the campaign. 

The spirit of service is embodied by the country’s longest-running motorist assistance program, Petron Lakbay Alalay. Manned by Petron employee-volunteers and now on its 33rd year, it has evolved into a road safety advocacy to ensure that holiday travelers enjoy safe and worry-free journeys.

Especially on long holiday weekends when families and friends embark on road trips to neighboring provinces, Petron employees offer their time to serve at designated Petron Lakbay Alalay locations. There they offer free service checks to ensure vehicle roadworthiness, free medical assistance, clean rest rooms, and even free goodies from partner establishments.

Fueling Hope

As a responsible corporate citizen, Petron is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others, especially on those who have less. 

Its flagship CSR program Tulong Aral ng Petron (TAP) provides a brighter future for the Filipino youth by fueling HOPE (Helping the Filipino Children and Youth Overcome Poverty through Education). It has provided scholarships to more than 16,000 students in elementary, high school, and college since 2002. 

Petron also helps its communities build the foundations for a better life through its programs on environment, health, entrepreneurship and livelihood.

Kasabay sa Lakbay

As a Filipino company, Petron has withstood the test of time and proven its steadfast commitment to Filipino motorists. Spanning almost three generations of drivers since 1933, it has been an integral part of our grandparents’ journey as the country recovered from the ravages of war and gained independence. It fueled our parents’ adventures through the rest of the century, and advanced with us into the new millennium powered by new technologies. Just as it has been a reliable and constant presence in our life journeys, Petron—Kasabay sa Lakbay—will continue to be there for the future generation of Filipino drivers. 

JOLLY KIDS TO ENJOY BUILD HOME WITH THE JOLLIBEE FUN HOUSE

This November, Jolly Kids and their playmates can have wonderful playtimes as they discover different activities inside the Jollibee Fun House, the latest set of Jolly Kiddie Meal toys! 

With the collectible and connectible toys from the well-loved fast-food brand, kids can set up five colorful rooms of the Jollibee Fun House to reveal the different hobbies of Jollibee and Friends. 

Assembling the rooms, Jolly Kids can watch Jollibee sway to his guitar music and serenade the house by pressing the couch in his room. With a push of a button, they can also let Hetty liven up the room by showing her cheerleading skills and striking a winning pose. 

Kids can help Twirlie entertain everyone with her twirling dance steps by moving the knob from side to side. They can also cruise with Yum by pushing on his skateboard or watch Popo make a spectacular dunk from the basketball court by pressing the button behind him. 

Collect and connect the Jollibee Fun House toys with every purchase of a Yumburger (P80), Yumburger Meal with Drink (P100), Jolly Spaghetti (P95), Jolly Spaghetti Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Burger Steak (P95), 1-piece Burger Steak Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Chickenjoy with rice (P122), or 1-piece Chickenjoy Meal with Drink (P137), each with its own Jolly Joy Box. 

So, what are you waiting for? Build your very own awesome home with the Jollibee Fun House, available until November 30 only. Visit your nearest Jollibee branch to collect all five toys!

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM LINEUP FOR THE 2019 SEA GAMES

The Philippine national men’s and women’s volleyball teams have released their official line-ups for the games, featuring a pool of talented professional and competitive players. Here is a look at our Volleyball representatives eyeing a podium finish in the regional meet. 

MEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM 

Joining the men’s national volleyball team are talented players who have made their mark in the sport. Headlining the team is a powerful trio collectively known as BAE (a playful acronym of their surnames), and their team captain John Vic de Guzman. 

John Vic de Guzman 

Men’s national volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman is a stellar pro athlete with the PLDT Home Fibr Ultra Fast Hitters. He shot to prominence through his winning collegiate career, leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to an NCAA championship in Season 92, as well as earning the MVP honors along the way. 

Bryan Bagunas 

Bryan Bagunas is a collegiate MVP and Japan-based pro player. Bagunas led the Bulldogs to two UAAP championship runs and finished his storied collegiate career with two MVP titles. The 6-foot-5 athlete portrays his power on the court through his long wing-span and powerful spikes, taking his talents not only to the Philippine national team, but also to the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler volleyball club in Japan. 

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla 

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla is a standout pro from Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao. He is a BS Criminology graduate from DLSU-Dasmarinas, where he helped the team win three national championships from the Private Schools Athletic Association, two from the National Capital Region Athletic Association, and three from the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association. He currently plays in the Premier Volleyball League for the Philippine Air Force, in which he also serves as an airman 2nd class. Folks in his hometown of Bongao revere him as a hero and a role model for the youth. 

Marck Espejo 

Marck Espejo is the country’s first ever “Mr. Volleyball,” proving himself a force to be reckoned with. Espejo’s crowning achievement is winning the Most Valuable Player in Ateneo de Manila University’s three consecutive championship seasons from UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, along with Rookie of the Year, Best Attacker, Best Server, and Best Scorer awards. 

Together with Bagunas, Abadilla, Espejo, and De Guzman, the Men’s National Team, coached by Dante Alinsunurin, is completed by these talented players: 

· Francis Saura – Philippine Air Force 

· Kim Malabunga – Philippine Air Force 

· Ricky Marcos – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs 

· Esmilzo Polvorosa – Cignal HD Spikers 

· Jessie Lopez – Philippine Air Force 

· Ave Joshua Retamar – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs 

· Rex Intal – Cignal HD Spikers 

· Mark Alfafara – PLDT 

· Jack Kalingking – Philippine Navy 

· Joshua Umandal – PLDT 

WOMEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM 

The star-studded and jam-packed women’s team is headlined by the best and brightest volleyball stars of this generation. Led by Coach Cesael delos Santos, the team hopes to earn home court advantage as they look to bring back the glory days of Philippine volleyball. Some of the headliners are: 

Aby Maraño 

A champion professional and collegiate MVP, women’s national team captain Aby Maraño plays with a burning passion under the mantra Beast Mode Don’t Care, or BMDC. Maraño shot to fame in her college days playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, where she helped the team win an impressive three consecutive UAAP championships, earning two MVP awards along the way. Maraño has also had a successful pro career thus far, winning six championships in the Philippine Super Liga, five of which were with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. With this dazzling resume of accolades under her belt, Maraño will be looking to lead the team in dominating the field at the 2019 SEA Games this November. 

Alyssa Valdez 

Alyssa Valdez, affectionately known as “The Phenom,” is one of the most popular athletes of her generation. She’s best known for her time as a star player of Ateneo de Manila University during her college days, where she unceasingly led her team to two UAAP and two Shakey’s V-League championships, as well as numerous individual awards for her amazing play, including three MVP awards. Valdez has also been a standout in donning the Philippine tri-color in international tournaments, as well as in her pro career, leading her current team the Creamline Cool Smashers to two Premier Volleyball League championships in 2018 and 2019. 

Majoy Baron 

Majoy Baron is another champion pro and collegiate MVP. She is truly unpredictable when she starts hitting it out on the court. She led the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to three consecutive UAAP championships, where she also won individual awards because of her commendable performance. Baron’s pro career is also flourishing, helping take the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers to five PSL championships, including the recently-concluded 2019 PSL Invitational Conference, in which she also won MVP. Baron is not new to international volleyball tournaments—just recently, she was named the Best Middle Blocker in the ASEAN Grand Prix held in Thailand and the Philippines. 

Jia Morado 

Jia Morado is an award-winning pro MVP and former college standout who has previous experience representing the Philippines in the SEA Games. During the recently concluded 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, Morado made noise by setting the pace for the national team during its five-set victory against Vietnam. Netizens praised her outstanding performance, with some describing her playmaking as a “game changer.” Her pro career with the Creamline Cool Smashers has seen incredible accomplishments so far, with two Premiere Volleyball League championships playing for the club. 

Completing the promising women’s national volleyball team in the 2019 SEA Games are: 

· Rhea Dimaculangan – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers 

· Ces Molina – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers 

· Eya Laure – Foton Tornadoes 

· Kalei Mau – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers 

· Mylene Paat – Cignal HD Spikers 

· Jovelyn Gonzaga – Cignal HD Spikers, PacificTown-Army 

· Maddie Madayag – Choco Mucho 

· Mika Reyes – Petron Blaze Spikers 

· Dawn Macandili – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers 

· Kath Arado – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers 

Cheering as Sambansa in the 2019 SEA Games 

Now that we know who will represent the Philippines at the SEA Games this November, don’t be shy to show your support! Both the men and women’s teams have been busy preparing with the help of various organizations and companies such as Rebisco, and they will need all the support they can get from their Filipino fans as our players look to play their best against the top talent of Southeast Asia and bring home the gold. 

The volleyball tournament of the 2019 SEA Games will be held from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila. 

For more info and updates on the Philippine national volleyball team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook (facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/), and on Twitter and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.