SHOPEE BAYANIHAN: FRONTLINER HOLIDAY PACKAGE

The noche buena and gift-giving traditions are both huge parts of the Pinoy Christmas. However, let’s face it: the holidays can get costly. 

Since every peso counts, we always keep an eye out for exclusive deals to get the most out of our holiday budget. If you’re a frontliner, here’s a special treat—a way of saying "thank you" for your hard work. The Shopee Bayanihan: Frontliner Holiday Package offers an exclusive digital package that includes Shopee discount and free shipping vouchers, ShopeePay bills cashback vouchers, and discounts from participating merchants such as Ultra Mega Supermarket, Shawarma Shack, Moonleaf, Tapa King, and National Book Store until January 9, 2022. 

Eligible frontliners include: Health Care Workers (hospital admin and janitorial services, health and service personnel in LGU facilities); Medical Professionals (doctors, nurses, medical technicians); Policemen, Military Personnel, Coast Guards; Hospitality Sector Workers (restaurants, hotels, bars, travel Agencies); Government Agencies (LGU workers, admin staff); Delivery and Logistics Providers (food, restaurant, medicine, and logistics company drivers and riders); and Security Guards and Mortuary Services Personnel. Don’t forget to sign up here to qualify: https://shopee.ph/m/frontliner-holiday-package. 

Here are some ways to make the most of your holiday celebration:

Feast like royalty because you deserve it

After a year of hard work, reward yourself with great food and good company. Treat your loved ones to Filipino comfort food at Tapa King or meet up with your colleagues and bond over delicious snacks at Shawarma Shack. Once you’ve gotten your fill, head over to Moonleaf and indulge your sweet tooth with their Okinawa or Wintermelon Milk Teas.

Surprise your family this noche buena 

Elevate your dinner table by preparing traditional handaan favorites with a twist. Instead of the usual mango float, take your dessert game up a notch and impress your family with no-bake queso de bola cheesecake topped with chocolate shavings. Ultra Mega provides a selection for every budget—perfect for anyone looking for the best grocery finds without breaking the bank. 

Score deals as you wrap up your holiday shopping

Still looking for holiday presents? Take your pick from National Book Store’s bestsellers list, where you’re bound to find the perfect match for every literary taste, or scout their school and office essentials. 

Add to cart and enjoy discounts, cashback, and free shipping vouchers with the Bayanihan package. As an additional treat, new Shopee users will also receive a free shipping voucher and an additional discount voucher for their first Shopee purchase. 

Activate and cash in ShopeePay to avail the Frontliner Package at https://shopee.ph/m/frontliner-holiday-package. With ShopeePay, you can also get daily exclusive deals on load, bills and ShopeePay P1 Deals. Enjoy free cash ins and bank transfers via InstaPay, when you get up to P25 cashback on your InstaPay fee after cashing in. Additionally, if you haven’t had the chance to go Christmas shopping for your loved ones, why not pay for their next Shopee purchase? Send money for free to any ShopeePay user with ShopeePay, and personalize your transfers with a themed virtual card. Stay updated on the latest ShopeePay promos at https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay.

PAYMAYA LETS YOU EASILY SEND AGUINALDO

This holiday season, PayMaya lets you easily send aguinaldo to your loved ones anytime, anywhere, and in any way you like with surprisingly better features than the e-wallet you’re used to.

Whether you’re sending funds to your inaanak’s PayMaya or bank account – or even those without any financial account, PayMaya is here to make your Christmas gift-giving more convenient and fun!

Here are just some of the ways PayMaya can bring ease to your aguinaldo-sending this Christmas:

Spice up your digital aguinaldo with a GIF!

Be the coolest ninong or ninang this Christmas by personalizing your digital aguinaldo to your inaanak with a fun GIF! PayMaya’s Send money feature allows you to include a GIF and a personalized message whenever you send money to another PayMaya user.

To send virtual aguinaldo complete with a GIF, you simply have to tap Send Money on the PayMaya homepage, input the PayMaya mobile number of your recipient and the amount, tap the ‘Personalize your message’ toggle and choose the GIF or theme you’d like to add. Once everything is confirmed, hit Send. You can also add this transaction to your favorites, if you’re planning to send more aguinaldo to this particular loved one soon.

Get a cashback on your transfer fee to other banks!

If you’re transferring funds to a bank account, PayMaya is your best option. With PayMaya, you get to enjoy a cashback of P15 on your transfer fee via Instapay until December 31, 2021 – so you don’t have to worry about additional expenses on top of your aguinaldo budget.

To do this, simply tap the Bank Transfer icon on your PayMaya app homepage, choose the bank you’d like to transfer to, input the account details and amount, and hit confirm.

Transfer aguinaldo to those without a bank account in a few taps!

You can also send money even to those without a financial account. All you have to do is transfer the money from your PayMaya app straight to the trusted Smart Padala agent of your recipient.

Because there’s always a Smart Padala agent 6 minutes away from customers, SENDali na rin ang pag-claim because your recipient can easily receive the funds without having to travel far.

To transfer funds, just tap Send Money on your PayMaya app, input the 16-digit account number of your recipient’s trusted Smart Padala agent, key in the amount for sending, and confirm your transaction. Once sent, you’ll receive a reference number which you’ll have to share with your recipient so they can claim the funds instantly.

With these convenient and fun ways to send money, sharing aguinaldo to your inaanaks will definitely be a breeze with PayMaya. To make your cashless experience even more fun, PayMaya is also giving YOU aguinaldo for simply using the PayMaya app this Christmas season!

If you're a new PayMaya user, you'll get a 100% cashback when you purchase load and gaming pins right after you sign up and cash in at least P100! You can enjoy a cashback reward of up to P100 if you're a basic user, and up to P200 if you're an upgraded user until the end of the year. On top of this, all PayMaya users can also get a chance to be one of the 5 winners of a brand new iPhone 13 ProMax - all you have to do is buy any load item in your PayMaya app.

For the ultimate aguinaldo this Christmas, you can also get a chance to win P1,000,000 by simply logging in and using your PayMaya app for your everyday transactions! Every time you log in to your PayMaya app, you'll receive an instant random reward of up to P1,000. And when you use your PayMaya app to send money, pay bills, or buy load/gaming pins, you get to earn a raffle entry - giving you a chance to win P1,000,000 until December 31!

Enjoy these rewards and a surprisingly better cashless experience with PayMaya's free cash in, widest biller and load product offerings, hundreds of legit brands and sellers via Maya Mall and PayMaya Verified sellers, real-time transaction history updates, 99.9% up-time rate, and so much more! Register an account now and discover what makes PayMaya #TooGoodToBeNo2. You can even earn P50 every time you refer a friend using your code, and get them to upgrade their account!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. It provides more than 41 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touch points nationwide.

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.Zzszsssxxzxxzxsxxsdxss

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Smart Padala by visiting www.smartpadala.ph.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT THE DISTRICT

Filipinos are now gushing over the Christmas season as they start their preparations for the most wonderful time of the year with much enthusiasm. Christmas lights are going up, lighting every home, and holiday music is back with all speakers busting out the most popular Christmas songs.

In between making preparations for the holiday season, there are plenty of chances to get an early jump on holiday festivities this December as Greenfield Development Corporation, one of the country’s largest property owners and landholding companies, invites everyone to visit Greenfield District Mandaluyong City to enjoy a series of exciting Christmas food events.

Over at Central Park, the whole family together with your furry friends can get a daily dose of the holiday spirit while sharing lots of good food at District Food Park. Open every Monday to Thursday from 3 pm until 9 pm and on Fridays till 10 pm, the District Food Park is a great weekday destination for al-fresco dining with a smorgasbord of various food choices from new and exciting food stalls.

On weekends, the Greenfield Weekend Market and Sunset Fair are the places to be, attracting thousands of market-goers with its stellar list of food and non-food stalls and a night of family- friendly fun. Experience a different kind of weekend, rich with adventures of food, shopping, vintage, art, and music from 3 pm until 12 midnight all nestled in a wide, green open space.

Plus, good little boys and girls are in for a surprise as they receive a special gift from Santa Claus himself as he comes to the Greenfield District on December 18 at 6 pm. But for a new outdoor dining experience and a twist to your usual dinner, head over to Mayflower Parking and eat heartily at the Food Truck Fest - Plus good little boys... open daily every Monday to Thursday from 3 pm until 9 pm and on Friday to Sunday till 10 pm, the Food Truck Fest brings the holiday cheer to the dining table with its wide variety of food and beverage options.

Completing the Christmas spirit are the colorful hanging decorations along the streets of Greenfield District, attracting a lot of people who come from near and far. Its towering 40-ft and 60-ft Christmas trees are a scene-stealer which can serve as the perfect backdrop for your family’s annual Christmas photo and an addition to the beautiful memories created this year.

There's plenty to see, do and eat this holiday season at Greenfield District. Whatever festive feast you want this Christmas, feel the joy of spending the beginning of the holiday season with the whole family and indulge in the massive variety of absolutely delicious dishes at the District.

PASKONG MAKA-PILIPINO #EatLocal #BuyLocal #GoLokal #SupportFilipinoMSMEs

Barely 10 days to go before Christmas, and the malls are starting to bustle with families, including seniors and toddlers now welcome to share in the holiday fun.

Taking advantage of the more optimistic economic prospects for the most important shopping season, the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) has ramped up its promotional activities for micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

With support from the DTI-Regional Operations Group, about forty MSMEs are showcasing their wares at the last major selling event to close off the year. The Christmas Grand Fest at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, runs from December 15-19, 2021, and serves as the finale for the Bagsakan special project of DTI-BDTP.

Filipino MSMEs have been among the hardest- hit over the past two years, and they struggled to sustain their business operations to support their families, employees, and communities.

With the prospect of a brighter Christmas, the DTI is urging everyone to have a more meaningful & Paskong Maka-Pilipino; by patronizing locally-made products for their holiday feasts and for gift-giving.

Further, all the participating MSMEs have been carefully curated to ensure that they offer quality products that meet both local ang international standards.

At the Christmas Grand Fest event, there is a special Halal Corner to promote the domestic halal industry, with an eye to establishing a presence in the huge international halal markets.

There will also be coffee exhibitors at the KAPEtirya, spotlighting the resurgence of Philippine coffee among enthusiasts here and abroad.

Other product offerings include processed food and beverages, fresh produce and organic products, dried seafood, cooked food, condiments, and other cooking ingredients. There are also garments, footwear, fashion accessories, home decor, and other gift items.

For those who prefer to keep safe and avoid the holiday rush, the DTI has several e-commerce platforms, as follows:

• NTF (National Trade Fair) Digital Mall — https://ntfdigimall.linker.store

• NACF (National Arts & Crafts Fair) Artisanal Shop — https://nacf.linker.store

• NFF (National Food Fair)Digital Mall — https://nff.linker.store

• Go Lokal Digital Mall - https://golokal.linker. store

• LazMall Go Lokal @ LazMall — https:// www.lazada.com.ph/shop/go- lokal

• Go Lokal @ Shopee Mall — https://shopee. ph/golokalphilippines

• Shopinas — https:// shopinas.com/go- lokal

For more information about the DTI-BDTP and its projects for MSMEs, please follow its social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

LEMON-DOU NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES

Lemon-Dou®, one of Japan’s growing chu-hi drinks, is now available in the Philippines in three different variants. The entry of Lemon-Dou® in the country is seen as a response to the increasing demand for refreshing lemon alcoholic drinks and marks the first alcoholic beverage brand in the growing beverage portfolio of Coca-Cola in the Philippines.

“At Coca-Cola, we’ve always strived to deliver innovations that center around what our consumers want, while ensuring that we evolve our business responsibly and sustainably as well. We continue to be bullish on our business here in the Philippines amidst the ongoing challenges of the pandemic — and the launch of Lemon-Dou, our first alcoholic brand in the country, is a tangible proof of that commitment. We are confident that Lemon-Dou will help further accelerate the high-growth trajectory of flavored alcoholic drinks in the country," said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Inspired from the southern province of Kyushu, Japan – the birthplace of shochū over 500 years ago – Lemon-Dou was first introduced by Coca-Cola in Japan in 2018. After two years, the lemon-flavored alcoholic drink became one of Japan’s Nikkei Trendy top 5 trends in 2020.

Martyn Ferguson, Marketing Director for Emerging Brands of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific shared: “Lemon-Dou uses a closely-guarded traditional recipe from Coca-Cola. True to the Japanese philosophy of Kodawari, we’re very proud of how we have tapped into the strength of our global network to ensure that the quality of Lemon-Dou remains consistent when served to the Filipino legal age drinkers.”

Lemon-Dou is a play on “lemon,” the drink’s main ingredient, and the Japanese word “dou,” meaning house. Literally translated to “The House of Lemon,” Lemon-Dou uses crushed whole lemons, infused in alcohol and mixed with bubbles, which creates the great tasting, refreshing and full-bodied lemon-sour experience for the alcohol drinkers.

This newest Japanese-crafted chu-hi drink comes in three different variants: Honey Lemon–sweet taste & mild flavor with 3% alcohol level; Signature Lemon with the classic taste, bold lemon flavor and 5% alcohol level; and the Devil Lemon, a wickedly good taste with 9% alcohol content.

Globally, Coca-Cola adheres to a strict Global Responsible Marketing Policy to ensure that the company grows their alcohol brands, such as Lemon-Dou, in a responsible and sustainable way. This policy includes championing responsible consumption and marketing that does not appeal to people under the legal purchase age (LPA).

People of legal drinking age can now enjoy Lemon-Dou. It is available in major supermarkets nationwide, which includes SM Hypermarket, Waltermart, Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, Landmark Supermarket, Royal Duty Free, S&R, Lander’s, Alfamart, Puregold, as well as convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Mini Stop, Family Mart, and Lawson. Lemon-Dou may also be ordered online via Boozy.ph, CokeBeverages.ph, Shopee, and Lazada as long as you are 18 years old and above.

For more information on Lemon-Dou, visit facebook.com/LemonDouPH/.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES EXPERT URGED YOUTH TO GET FLU VACCINE

While the country’s COVID-19 cases are going down because of mass vaccination, Infectious Diseases Expert Dr. Remedios Coronel advised younger generations to still take extra safety precautions because they could get infected with the flu and chances of transmitting the virus is higher among their age group. “Flu transmissions are usually from children and youth. It spreads fast in schools and public places where they usually frequent. Someone sneezes and everyone’s at risk. Then they go home--hold the door knob, touch the TV remote, get a plate--without washing their hands. And before we know it, the flu virus has taken over the home.”

The topic was brought up during an episode about ‘Protecting our Lolos and Lolas in the Household’ aired via ‘Okay, Doc’, an online show hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Jing Castaneda. Dr. Coronel advised that aside from hygienic measures, the whole family should be vaccinated against the flu after completing their COVID vaccines to ensure that everyone has an extra layer of protection thus, reducing the risks of our elderly to infectious diseases. “While you need to encourage your lola and lola to get vaccinated against the flu, you also need to get vaccinated against it since you regularly go out of the house. By getting the flu vaccine, you protect yourself and your loved ones. Make sure to get the quadrivalent flu vaccine for broader protection,” Coronel quipped.

Meanwhile, fashion Designer Renee Salud shared that her whole household got COVID but no one became severely ill because everyone’s completely vaccinated. “I believe in vaccines. I’ve seen its efficacy and I’ve witnessed how it helped save our household.”

Local government units for its part have launched one-on-one health education consultations to push for correct information dissemination about vaccines. According to Dr. Lynnette Gemperle, Chief of the Integrated Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Office of the Manila Health Department, they have 46 health centers in Manila which regularly update their Facebook pages regarding their vaccine services. Because of this, 73% of Manila’s senior citizens have been vaccinated against the flu for free. The Department of Health started their free flu vaccination program for indigent senior citizens in 2011. Under the National Policy on Health and Wellness Program for Senior Citizens or HWPSC, the scope was expanded to include all senior citizens in the country.

Dr. Gemperle said that they still have a long way to go because they have to encourage the younger generations, parents, uncles and aunties, also those with comorbidities to get their flu vaccines as soon as possible.

The public can get their flu vaccines from different health clinics while seniors can get their free flu vaccines from health centers nearest them.

TOM MORELLO ANNOUNCES SECOND NEW ALBUM THE ATLAS UNDERGROUND FLOOD DECEMBER 3RD

Following the October release of his critically acclaimed album, The Atlas Underground Fire, Rock & Roll icon and two-time Grammy winner Tom Morello surprised fans with the announcement of his latest project, a sister album entitled The Atlas Underground Flood. Morello has spoken at length in recent interviews that the collaborative process led to countless songs created during the pandemic, and a second album seemed almost inevitable. Featuring a slew of all-star collaborators including Nathaniel Rateliff, Jim James, IDLES, Ben Harper, Alex Lifeson, Kirk Hammett, X Ambassadors, Barns Courtney, Manchester Orchestra, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and more, Morello will continue to showcase his signature extraordinary guitar-playing across these 12 new genre-bending tracks.

Morello – co-founder of Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave and Prophets of Rage – will release this forthcoming album The Atlas Underground Flood on December 3rd via Mom + Pop Music. The record is available for pre-order now HERE. To kick off the album launch, Morello released three new tracks today: “Human” featuring Barns Courtney, “Hard Times” featuring Nathaniel Rateliff, Jim Jones, and Chipotle Joe and “Raising Hell” featuring Ben Harper. Last night, Morello was joined by grandson on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform the television debut of their hit single, “Hold The Line”, off of Morello’s sister album The Atlas Underground Fire.

Of the new album, Morello said: “The Atlas Underground Flood finishes what The Atlas Underground Fire started. Fire and Flood are my ‘London Calling.’ Admiring The Clash at their apex moment, I sought to make a double album where artistic intent supersedes genre. I aimed to forge a central curated vision to tie together a sonically fearless, wild, and wide-ranging musical ambition with a tremendous cast of collaborators. And of course, there are many guitar solos.”

These featured tracks give fans a taste of what’s to come from the highly anticipated sister album to The Atlas Underground Fire, which debuted last month to both fan and critical acclaim. Rock Cellar Magazine praised, “The Atlas Underground Fire is a wildly experimental and rewarding listen from Tom Morello, one that allows him to venture outside the realm of ‘guitarist’ and immerse himself in collaborations with peers that pushes the envelope further, all the while adding to his singularly versatile catalog of music.” The album was also lauded by Rolling Stone Australia as, “a record as powerful as it is eclectic, and monumental as it is varied,” while NME proclaimed it as being “the definitive mixtape of future rock & roll.”

Tom Morello is widely known as a barrier breaking guitarist who continues to push the limits and prove the transformative power of music. Throughout his remarkable career, Morello has collaborated with everyone from Wu Tang Clan to Johnny Cash. On The Atlas Underground Flood, as he did in 2018’s The Atlas Underground & 2021’s The Atlas Underground Fire, Morello continues to create never-before-heard sounds featuring his legendary hard-hitting guitar riffs alongside the project’s cast of top-notch collaborators.

The Atlas Underground Flood Track Listing:

1. A Radical in the Family (feat. San Holo)

2. Human (feat. Barns Courtney)

3. Hard Times (feat. Nathaniel Rateliff, Jim Jones, and Chipotle Joe)

4. You'll Get Yours (feat. X Ambassadors)

5. I Have Seen the Way (feat. Alex Lifeson, Kirk Hammett, and Dr. Fresch)

6. The Lost Cause (feat. Manchester Orchestra)

7. The Maze (feat. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness)

8. Ride At Dawn (feat. BreakCode)

9. Raising Hell (feat. Ben Harper)

10. The Bachelor (feat. IDLES)

11. Parallels (feat. Jim James)

12. Warrior Spirit (feat. Rodrigo y Gabriela)

SMART PADALA READY TO GIVE SENDALI PADALA EXPERIENCE

Sending and receiving remittances is now more convenient and accessible – especially with trusted Smart Padala agents ready to give you a SENDali padala experience, only 6 minutes away from wherever you are!  

To show just how easy it is to send and receive money through its widest agent network, Smart Padala by PayMaya launched its new SENDali video. This TV commercial features a fun new jingle to the tune of the 2000s hit song, Shalala Lala by the Vengaboys and easy-to-follow dance steps that you’ll surely enjoy! Check out the video here: SENDali lang with Smart Padala!

Send money via your go-to Smart Padala agent

Take a few steps to your left and a little to your right - that’s how easy it is to find a Smart Padala agent to complete your SENDali transaction! With Smart Padala’s widest network of over 60,000 agent touchpoints nationwide, ​it’s easy to access convenient remittance transactions! Now all that’s left to do is share the name and mobile number of your recipient to send that much-needed padala! 

Receive money wherever you are

 Hold out your hand to the Smart Padala agent and konting kembot lang, you can already receive remittance from your loved ones here and abroad! With Smart Padala’s Claim Anywhere service, you no longer have to provide the 16-digital Smart Padala number to the sender.  All they need is your name and mobile number. Once the padala is sent, SENDali na lang ang pag-claim because you can simply head to a Smart Padala agent just 6 minutes away from you and present your claim reference number.  

Send your padalove from the comforts of your home

Don’t have time to go out? No problem! Within a few taps on your PayMaya app, your padala can already be received at the Smart Padala agent near your recipient! On your PayMaya app homepage, simply tap Send Money, input the 16-digit Smart Padala number of your recipient’s trusted agent, input the amount and hit send! Now all that’s left to do is share the reference number to your recipient so they can easily claim your padala! 

A play between the words send and dali - SENDali promises customers a hassle-free remittance experience with Smart Padala. This is made possible by Smart Padala’s widest and most accessible network of over 60,000 agent touchpoints nationwide – present within 6 minutes away from you.

Apart from a convenient SENDali remittance experience, Smart Padala also offers exclusive rewards for its customers. From November 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022, Smart Padala is giving away P3,000,000 worth of prizes where two (2) lucky winners will take home a grand prize of P1,000,000 ​each, nine (9) winners will enjoy a P50,000 prize ​each, and sixty (60) winners will take home P10,000 each! To earn a raffle entry, simply send or claim at least P500 worth of padala at your trusted Smart Padala agent. You can even earn two (2) raffle entries for your transaction if you send or claim over P2,000. 

Smart Padala agents are present in 92% of the cities and municipalities across the country and are accessible within minutes in your barangay. With this, it's now easier than ever to send money to your friends and family, and make them feel your love, even miles away from home.  

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government.  

It provides more than 41 million Filipinos with access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.    

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more details on Smart Padala, visit https://smartpadala.ph/.

NYK IS ANXIOUS ON THE INTIMATE FIRST SINGLE FROM HIS NEW PROJECT

Malaysian alt-pop artist NYK tells the story of how he’s been feeling with his new release ‘Anxious’, now out on all digital streaming platforms via Sequence/Ultra Records. Produced and written together with friend and collaborator bruises, he hopes that listeners who have felt the same way will find solace and comfort in the track, which marks a sonic departure from some of his more recent, upbeat work, and has more in common with earlier material from his debut EP UNLOVABLE.

“This is a very personal track. It’s basically a narrative of my mental health issues throughout the past year or two - my struggles with anxiety and depression. Some of these issues have been caused by the outside - by external factors. Some of them were caused by myself. It's just a story of the ups and downs that come with that. “ - NYK

With a refreshing indie-pop/R&B sound that progresses with every release, NYK has found success in Asia over the past two years. Since the start of 2020, he’s garnered over 100 million streams in China via his collaborations with Lil Ghost and Shelhiel, an Anugerah Muzik Indonesia nomination for his work with Coldiac, and signed with acclaimed US-based label Sequence/Ultra Records.

His current project is a darker, more mature take on relationships and life - both from a narrative perspective, and in terms of the soundscape. Prominent collaborators on upcoming music include Singapore’s brb. and Indonesia’s Dipha Barus, among others.

PASCUALLAB GOES BEYOND NATURAL WITH WELLGREENS

New Premium and Certified Organic Products & New Partner in Health Alice Dixson starts making good choices for health; chooses WellGreens September 30, 2021 (Quezon City, Philippines) – Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab), one of the top of-mind pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines, launches its natural food supplement brand WellGreens’ newest premium and certified organic products in a campaign and with a new partner in health.

Choose Premium and Certified Organic - WellGreens WellGreens delivers the organic goodness and natural benefits of these premium ingredients in one convenient capsule:  Sinta – helps to lower blood sugar2 and relieve symptoms of common cold3 Mangosteen + Malunggay – aids in weight management4 and boosting the immune system5 and milk production in lactating women6 Lagundi + Cuban Oregano – helps relieve mild to moderate cough7 and for Cuban Oregano,  increases expectoration8 Turmeric – helps reduce inflammation or relieve the pain caused by osteoarthritis9  and alleviate exercise-induced muscle soreness10 Ginger – helps ease migraine,11 dysmenorrhea,12 and heavy menstrual bleeding13 Malunggay – benefits people with poor nourishment,14 compromised immunity,5 anemia,15 as well as lactating women6 Ampalaya – helps reduce blood sugar level and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as body weight, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels.16

These premium and certified organic WellGreens natural food supplements are made from high-quality and 100% organic ingredients grown and manufactured in one of the largest organic farms in the Philippines, Leonie Agri Corp – a PascualLab subsidiary. 

 

Each WellGreens product is made by LAC using a combination of internationally certified organic methods and adherence to high pharmaceutical standards. LAC is proudly certified organic by the USDA and EU Organic and is also certified by the Department of Agriculture for Good Agricultural Practice, the Food and Drug Authority for Good Manufacturing Practice, and by the Islamic Dawah Council for Halal. These further ensure premium quality 

in each product. 

Alice Dixson Starts Making Good Choices And in going beyond, WellGreens also takes it further as it welcomes movie and TV actress, and model Alice Dixson, as its newest brand endorser. Dixson is also a fitspiration so it makes her the natural choice for WellGreens as she walks the talk in terms of her personal journey towards health and wellness.

Dixon says: “I started as a commercial model and my initial foray has taken me to TV and then to movies. Just like my work, I’ve also experienced going out of my comfort zone in terms of my health. Years ago, I started working out and eating healthy and I have not looked back since.” She adds: “Now that I’m a mother, it all the more makes sense to start making good choices for my health. That’s why WellGreens’ offer came at such a right time.”

So whether in life or in health, go beyond natural. Choose the premium and certified organic food supplements of WellGreens. 

WellGreens organic natural food supplements are exclusively available in Mercury Drug branches nationwide and at PascualLab’s flagship Lazada and Shopee stores.

XTREME APPLIANCES CONTINUES TO SOAR IN 2021 SALES

XTREME Appliances, the country’s leading one-stop shop appliance brand, continues to strengthen its standing in the local appliance market. Despite the economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand managed to increase its overall sales to 148% — the growth was driven by the solid demand of their hero products including TVs, gas ranges, aircons, washing machines, and refrigerators.

According to XTREME Appliances Vice President for Marketing, Stephen Cheng, the exponential growth of sales was fueled by the increasing demand of home improvement and the desire for household upgrades.

“Some Filipinos are looking for ways to make their quarantine bearable and worthwhile. The surge in home improvements including appliances upgrade has been really impactful to the local appliance market, most especially to our brand. The fact of the matter is, these home projects and lifestyle upgrades cater to the lifestyle changes in this new normal world.”

Since the first quarter of 2021, the growth of sales in XTREME televisions, most specifically Android TVs, has reached 52% growth in sales compared to 2020 and it is expected to continue in the last quarter to support the overall sales at the end of the year. Meanwhile, XTREME Cool products including air conditioning units, refrigerators, and washing machines showed a high demand with an average of 30% increase. The brand also noted that a good number of Filipino households have been investing in premium quality kitchen products hence the rapid increase of sales of gas range, and other kitchen appliances in both offline and online platforms. This year’s impressive sales performance of hero products solidified XTREME Appliances’ growing market share in the local appliance landscape.

True to its commitment in bringing premium quality yet affordable appliances to the Filipino market, XTREME Appliances launched new products that are designed to help every Filipino adapt to the new normal setting. These products include portable aircon, electric oven, large-capacity air fryer, twin tub washing machines, inverter double-door refrigerator, deep fryer, and a variety of gas stoves. Collectively, these new additions to the ever-growing product lines have contributed an immense increase in sales — a clear evidence that the brand’s effective product pipeline has been focused on adapting to lifestyle and economic changes.

On the other hand, XTREME Appliances continues to expand its reach across the country through its 40 concept stores as of September 2021. A total of concept stores are expected to be launched by the end of the year. Aside from Lazada and Shopee, the brand has been partnering with various online platforms including Ayala Malls Zing, Linkshop, MetroMart, Nest Genie, and GLife-Gcash. Earlier this year, the brand established partnerships with most trusted retail stores like Abenson, Ansons, SNR, All Homes, and Puregold.

As part of the brand’s efforts in maintaining its standing as the leading one-stop shop appliance brand, XTREME Appliances just launched its newest endorser, actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista-Escudero. According to Mr. Cheng, the brand is gearing up for a new chapter as it is now ready to leverage their brand visibility through aggressive marketing efforts.

“XTREME Appliances is a brand for Filipinos. We always make sure to cater every Filipino’s needs and preferences. That's why we are continuously developing new product lines, and building better relationships with our customers, dealers, media, and everyone in between. We are 101% ready!”

To keep updated on the latest news and happenings of XTREME Appliances, like and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok accounts and join their official online community on Facebook, XTREME Fam. For the full list of products and exclusive discounts, please visit XTREME on Website, Lazada, and Shopee e-commerce.

SHOPEE'S MOST ACTION-PACKED AND REWARDING SALE YET

Who’s excited for the start of the most action-packed shopping season yet? This September 9, you can enjoy the biggest discounts, the most exciting rewards, and the best entertainment all in one place: Shopee! Here’s a rundown of all the thrilling deals you can expect this 9.9 Super Shopping Day:

 Get free shipping with no minimum spend

If you’re serious about sticking to your budget and want to avoid adding a few extra products to your cart just to get eligible for free shipping, check out 9.9 Super Shopping Day to enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend.

Enjoy as much as 20% cashback

Did you know that you can use cashback to get discounts on your next purchases? To get up to 20% cashback this 9.9 Super Shopping Day, click the Cashback icon on your Shopee homepage, then apply the vouchers to your shopping cart.

Save money with Daily ₱1 Deals

Enjoy big savings whether you’re shopping for daily essentials, pantry must-haves, merienda, and more. Head on over to Deals Near Me and use ShopeePay to enjoy deals from Puregold, Seaoil, Potato Corner, and other brands for only ₱1.

Win Free Money

Until September 11, get a chance to have ₱100 worth of free money deposited to your ShopeePay wallet by activating your ShopeePay account, verifying it, making a purchase worth at least ₱100 using ShopeePay, and signing up at https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-p-100-for-all. Use the Free Money to treat yourself or stock up on essentials!

Enjoy discounts from your favorite brands

Good news, brand sukis: you can get up to 90% off on leading brands such as Abbott, Havaianas, Maybelline, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, Breyleemall.ph, Del Monte, Unilever Beauty, P&G Beauty, Enfagrow, Huawei, Vivo, Pampers, Realme, and Xiaomi during 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Bonus: you can also claim 30% off brand vouchers!

Grab huge price drops at midnight

It’s well worth staying up for the best deals at the two-hour Midnight Mega Sale this September 9. Grab unbeatable deals on thousands of products, including those from Shopee Mall, from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM this 9.9 Super Shopping Day.

Enjoy more deals with ShopeePay

Go cashless with ShopeePay to enjoy more rewards and convenience. This September 9, maximize your money’s worth with exclusive ShopeePay promos such as up to 50% cashback on bills payment, up to 50% off on mobile load, and more.

Win big prizes with Jackie Chan-themed in-app games

Get ready for some fun with Shopee superstar Jackie Chan! Log on to Shopee Live this September 9 to play a Jackie Chan-themed trivia game for a chance to win ShopeePay credits. Jackie Chan will also feature on games such as Shopee Spin & Win, Shopee Shake, and the all-new game Shopee Collectibles, where you can collect a set of items until September 9 to win exciting prizes such as a Samsung TV.

Watch an exclusive interview with Hollywood action star Jackie Chan

After wrapping up a fun and rewarding shopping spree, unwind with some in-app entertainment. Open Shopee Live this September 9, 9:00 to 9:30 PM, to catch an exclusive interview with Shopee superstar Jackie Chan.

For more deals this 9.9 Super Shopping Day, visit https://shopee.ph/m/99.

If you need a little guidance navigating the app while shopping this 9.9 Super Shopping Day, friendly customer service reps will be ready to help! Just send Shopee Cares PH a DM on Facebook or Twitter. You can also scroll through to discover Shopee Cares PH's fun and educational tips for the best shopping experience.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT ON THE FACT BTS PHOTOBOOK WITH PAYMAYA

PayMaya is giving BTS fans all over the country an exclusive 20% discount on the coveted The Fact BTS Photobook when you purchase this collector’s item using safe and convenient payments via PayMaya from September 4-12, 2021.

No matter who your bias is, The Fact BTS Photobook is an amazing addition to your collection – compiling the K-Pop group’s special photos from the “MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS” and “2020 The Fact Music Awards.”

With PayMaya, not only can you get your hands on your favorite K-Pop group’s merch in a hassle-free way, you also get the best value for your money. Originally priced at P2,600, you can now get this photobook for only P2,080. All you need is to use your PayMaya app for your everyday transactions.

By simply completing any of these single-receipt transactions with PayMaya worth at least P1,000, you’ll receive a 20% discount voucher which you can use when purchasing The Fact BTS Photobook online!
Use your PayMaya app to pay for your utility, insurance, or even credit card bills from the comforts of your home.
Purchase your essentials online whether via the PayMaya Mall or at your go-to website and pay with your PayMaya-registered mobile number, your virtual or physical PayMaya card for hassle-free shopping.
Pay via PayMaya QR or with your physical PayMaya card for safe, contactless transactions at your favorite establishments.
Buy gaming pins or even lifestyle vouchers on PayMaya’s in-app shop which you can enjoy for yourself or share with your loved ones as a special treat!
Enjoy a convenient way to reload your Easytrip or Autosweep RFID, or purchase other travel products on the PayMaya app’s travel button.

Once you make any of these qualifying purchases from September 4-12, you’ll get a voucher on your PayMaya app containing a unique code, which you can use to avail of the 20% discount when purchasing The Fact BTS Photobook at https://mrkt.paymaya.com/.

And that’s it! With this awesome promo, not only did you enjoy exclusive discounts for that K-Pop merch you’ve been eyeing, you also get to take advantage of safer and more convenient transactions for your everyday essentials – whether it’s for purchasing gaming pins, paying for bills, or shopping for your groceries. Everything is easier and more rewarding, with your PayMaya app in hand.

SHOPEEPAY EXPANDS PARTNER MERCHANTS OVER 50,000 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE

ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet, expands its network of partner merchants. ShopeePay is now accepted at over 50,000 locations nationwide to cater to the evolving needs of the Filipino consumer, allowing users to enjoy a seamless and convenient experience when it comes to cashless payments. With this, ShopeePay adds merchants such as Lawson, Lander’s Central, UltraMega Supermarket, and Tiger Sugar to its roster.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of ShopeePay Online Philippines, said, “We have seen a steady acceleration in the adoption of digital payments as Filipinos fulfil more daily needs online amidst the ongoing pandemic. Through ShopeePay, we strive to ensure that users can shop and pay with ease. Through our partnership with thousands of establishments across the country, Filipinos can incorporate digital payments into their day-to-day lives while enjoying the many benefits ShopeePay has to offer. We will continue to enhance the e-wallet experience through various initiatives and collaborations with more brands in the future.”

More people continue to opt for cashless transactions for their convenience and safety. By 2026, the projected transactional value for digital payments is worth 11.29 trillion US dollars. With many shoppers shifting to digital payment methods, ShopeePay continuously finds ways to make the transition seamless, stress-free, and rewarding. In addition to growing its network of partner merchants, ShopeePay offers convenient digital transactions coupled with exciting discounts and cashback promos.

Pay Bills

ShopeePay provides users with a safer way to settle various kinds of payables from the convenience of their homes. Users can use ShopeePayto pay bills from the following companies: Meralco, Maynilad, and Manila Water for utilities; PLDT, Globe, Smart, and Converge for mobile, landline, and internet payments; BPI for credit card payments; and DragonLoans, Home Credit, SkyPay, and Cashalo for loan payments.

Scan to Pay

Users can Scan to Pay with the ShopeePay QR code at over 2,500 ShopeePay partner merchants with over 15,000 total branches nationwide. These include new establishments such as Lawson, Lander’s Central, UltraMega Supermarket, HB1 Pharmacy, and Tiger Sugar, on top of existing essential merchants like Puregold and Seaoil.

Meanwhile, users can also Scan to Pay for their COD orders with their Shopee Xpress rider. This feature is an added layer of security since they can check the parcel first to see if the order is correct and in good condition before paying. In addition, the payment is also contactless - ensuring the safety of both the buyers and riders to reduce potential health risks.

Users can also purchase ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the Shopee app and apply discount or cashback vouchers when they Scan to Pay with ShopeePay.

Scan & Donate

The pandemic has further emphasized the need to help each other. With ShopeePay’s Scan & Donate feature, individuals can donate to their preferred charitable organization from the comfort of their own homes. Through ShopeePay, users can donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hope, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, and many more.

Easy Top-Ups

ShopeePay values the safety of its users which is why it continues to grow its network to expand its services all over the country. With over 38,000 top-up points in big cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao, users can top up at payment and remittance centers such as 7-Eleven CliQQ, Bayad Center, Palawan Pawnshop, and Robinsons Department Store. Users can also enjoy easy and convenient top-ups as well through Online Banking, Debit Card, and Linked BPI Bank Account anytime and anywhere.

Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day

Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day is a much-anticipated event with exciting deals and promotions for all shoppers. This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, ShopeePay continues to expand its network of partners and offerings to enable users to do more with just a few taps. Users can buy load and stay connected on a budget with discounted load. Users can also get up to 50% bills cashback or up to ₱100 off on payments when paying for bills with Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, and more. For in-store purchases, ShopeePay users can also buy ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the app to enjoy discounts and cashback when they Scan to Pay at Puregold, Puremart, Ultramega Supermarket, and more.

As consumer behavior progressively changes, ShopeePay will continue to push for initiatives and tap into essential brands to serve the Filipino community. For more information about ShopeePay, and its perks and benefits, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay.

BRANDON VERA REPRESENTS PETRON REV-X DIESEL ENGINE OIL

Oil industry leader Petron Corporation is honored to have gained the partnership of former ONE Heavyweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion Brandon Vera, known to only work with world-class brands, when he agreed to represent Petron Rev-X diesel engine oils. An athlete who has ruled the cage through the mastery of various combat disciplines, Vera's outstanding performance and versatility parallel the world-class specifications and class-leading benefits of Petron Rev-X.

Diesel engines are typically seen as tough and strong, powered by diesel fuel that is a heavy fuel with high energy density. Previously, diesel was perceived to be a "dirty" fuel, producing smoke-belchers on our roads. However, recent technology trends have produced more sophisticated, more energy-efficient, and more environment-friendly diesel engines, resulting in wider market acceptance for diesel-powered vehicles.

Specially formulated to get the best out of diesel engines, Petron Rev-X engine oils perform the primary functions of (1) reducing friction, (2) protecting metal parts from corrosion, (3) preventing wear on moving engine parts, (4) keeping the engine clean from engine deposits, and (5) acting as coolant.

The Dynamic Cleaning Technology (DC Tech) additive package of Petron Rev-X sustains engine cleanliness for a more responsive, smoother driving experience as well as longer engine life.

Petron Rev-X ranges from mineral to fully synthetic and is offered in different SAE viscosity grades and quality levels to cater different types of diesel engines operating under diverse conditions. These include:

· Petron Rev-X RX 800 Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40 — a top-tier product specially formulated for heavy duty and, high-speed 4-stroke diesel engines to provide excellent protection under extreme driving conditions. It is approved and certified according to specifications of API CJ-4/SM and it has the performance profile of ACEA E7, E9.

· Petron Rev-X Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-30 — a high-performance fully synthetic engine oil formulated to deliver superior benefits for turbocharged or supercharged high performance heavy duty diesel engines and light duty trucks. It has the performance profile of API CJ-4/SN, ACEA E9, Cummins CES 20081, DFS 93K218, MAN M 3575, MB-Approval 228.31, MTU Oil Category 2.1, Volvo VDS-4, Mack EO-O Premium Plus and Renault RLD-3.

· Petron Rev-X RX600 Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-40 — a high-performance engine oil designed to provide exceptional performance on heavy duty engines. It is suitable for turbocharged or supercharged high-performance diesel engines operating under both low speed-high load and high speed-low load conditions. It has the performance profile of API CI-4/SL, Cummins CES 20076/20077, Mack EO-N, MAN M3275-1, MB Approval 228.3, MTU Oil Category 2, Volvo VDS-3, Renault RLD-2.

· Petron Rev-X Premium Multi-Grade HD4X SAE 15W-40 — a high-performance multi-grade engine oil designed to provide ultimate protection. This is suitable for FX, trucks, buses, off-road vehicles as well as agricultural tractors and equipment. It has the performance profile of API CF/SF and MB Approval 227.1.

· Petron Rev-X RX400 Premium Multi-Grade SAE 15W-40— a premium engine oil designed to surpass the demanding performance requirements of heavy duty diesel engines including off-road vehicles. It is suitable for engines with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and other emissions control systems. It is approved and certified according to specifications of API CI-4/SL, Mack EO-N, Volvo VDS-3, Renault VI RLD-2, MB-Approval 228.3 and MTU Oil Category 2 and it has the performance profile of ACEA E7, Cummins 20077/20076, MAN M 3275, and Detroit Diesel 93K215.

· Petron Rev-X HD (Available in SAE 10W/30/40/50) — a heavy duty, high quality diesel engine oil recommended for use in engines operating under severe operating conditions and is suitable for jeepneys, buses, AUVs, and mixed commercial fleets, particularly those requiring short drain intervals. It has the performance profile of API/CF.

According to Vera, Rev-X diesel engine oil with DC Tech gives “maximum cleaning power” to “unlock maximum engine performance”.

Used in combination, Petron Rev-X diesel engine oils and Petron diesel fuels—Diesel Max and Turbo Diesel—will ensure that you have the reliable engine protection while enjoying improved fuel economy and lower maintenance costs. In addition to cleaner emissions, Petron’s Euro 4-PH diesel fuels deliver performance benefits such as reliable engine protection for longer engine life, improved fuel economy for longer drives, and better power.

As a homegrown oil company, industry leader Petron Corporation continues to blaze new trails with innovative products that have been uniquely formulated to meet Philippine driving conditions and cater to the needs of Filipino motorists.

XTREME APPLIANCES' NEWEST PRODUCTS

The kitchen is the center of every Filipino family’s day-to-day living as it is the place for most of our appliances, may it be for cooking, food storage, and dining. Investing in your kitchen to keep it well-equipped, functional, and aesthetically pleasing means you value your family’s health and wellness and the overall warmth of the household.

The country’s leading one-stop appliance brand, XTREME Appliances, has released kitchen appliances that fit right into this stay-at-home era. These products are designed to adapt to this new normal world and considerably upgrade our kitchen to be more functional and modern looking.

XTREME Home Double Burner Glass Gas Stove XGS-2BGLASS

Many have transitioned into newer ways of technology in cooking, but if you’re someone who’s still into the old-fashioned set up at the kitchen, look no further because the new XTREME Home Double Burner Glass Gas Stove (P2,499 SRP) is here to save the day. It has 6mm tempered glass that truly elevates its aesthetic from traditional gas stoves in the market. Adding to its modern-looking exterior are the cast iron pan support and the stainless steel burner cover.

More than its impressive exterior, this XTREME Home Double Burner Gas Stove can save you up to 30% of gas consumption and it has automatic ignition for hassle-free cooking.

3.5L XTREME Home Deep Fryer (XH-DFDL35)

Instant food leads to instant satisfaction, and that usually translates into a good mood for the rest of the day! XTREME Appliances knows that most Filipinos have always been fried food lovers thus this latest addition to their XTREME Home category will surely do the job. This 3.5L XTREME Home Deep Fryer (P1,895 SRP) has a large oil capacity and an anti-slip base which makes it safer and hassle-free to use. Not to mention, it has a stainless steel housing and enamel coating oil tank which is easy to clean and maintain.

6.5L XTREME Home Air Fryer (XH-AIRFRYER65L)

Goodbye overheating, hello fast frying! This new 6.5L XTREME Home Air Fryer (P3,895 SRP) sure packs a punch with its roast, bake, broil and dehydrate features. If you’ve been looking for the best way to eat your favorite food in a healthier and hassle-free way, then this one takes the cake. With its bigger cooking capacity, you don’t have to worry when cooking for the whole family.

45L XTREME Home Electric Oven (XH-SMARTOVEN40L5)

In this time where most of our time is being spent at home, try that famous baking recipe you have found on Tiktok and YouTube. Filipinos can now enjoy an upgraded baking experience with the 45L XTREME Home Electric Oven (P4,695 SRP). This features versatile heating options and four control knobs that will make anyone feel like a professional baker in no time.

7.0 cu.ft. XTREME Cool Double Door Inverter Refrigerator (XCOOL-DD256F07I)

One of our biggest dilemmas is the safe storage of food since we want to limit our grocery trips. Luckily, the brand new 7.0 cu. ft. XTREME Cool Double Door Inverter Refrigerator (P17,995) can keep your food cool and fresh in style! The best thing is it consumes less energy with its inverter compressor, saving you 60% of your electric consumption.

50cm XTREME Home Gas Range (XGR-503G1E)

Leave all those kitchen-solving problems in the dust while saving gas in the process with the help of our new 50cm XTREME Home Gas Range (12,995 SRP). It has 3 burners and one hot plate for you to choose from depending on your needs. The matte enamel pan supports and the stainless steel exterior make the unit easier to clean. Moreover, aside from the top & bottom oven feature, you can also roast chicken with its rotisserie.

To keep updated on the latest news and happenings of XTREME Appliances, like and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok accounts and join their official online community on Facebook, XTREME Fam. For the full list of products and exclusive discounts, please visit XTREME on Website, Lazada, and Shopee e-commerce.

American Singer SAHARA Marks Her Debut as a Solo Artist with OPM song "Dahil Ba Sa Kanya"

With her amazing voice, impeccable talent and dedication to excellence, International Recording Artist Sahara, is a force to be reckoned with. Based in Las Vegas, USA, she is poised to be OPM's newest singing sensation. 

The singer, renowned locally as the American Anthem Diva and the official singer for minor league NASCAR events, is full of admiration to OPM artists like Jaya, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Kyla, and Charice.

She expressed excitement to launch her solo career out of her lifelong love of OPM and Filipino culture saying, "I want to be among the greatest singers in the world singing the most beautiful music in the world - for me that's the Philippines. And OPM, of course. But more so, the quality of the vocalists and musicians. Even in Las Vegas many of the best musicians are Filipinos, and I’m blessed to be close to them and work with them. I also consider Filipina vocalist to be some of the best in the world, and I want to challenge myself and be among them."

Her cover of "Dahil Ba Sa Kanya" officially marked her debut as a solo artist. It’s a phenomenal take on the Jaya hit original. Sahara’s unique, incredible delivery is soulful and resonates with many. You ache along with her voice as she delivers the lines “Dahil nga ba sa kanya / Nakalimutan mo aking sinta / Ang sabi mo noon hanggang wakas / Tayong dal'wa ay magsasama / Dahil nga ba sa kanya / Naririto ako't nag-iisa / Pag-ibig mo sa akin ba'y naglaho na.”

Sahara said learning "Dahil Ba Sa Kanya" made her truly fall in love with OPM and Tagalog. "The language is such an integral part of the music. So much meaning and emotion in so few words. It’s truly beautiful."

She shared, "I was watching a travel video on YouTube, and the song was playing in the background as the host was walking down the street. (So) I used Shazam to find the song and artist. When I heard the song, it’s hard to describe... I just felt something deep inside my heart. A pain, a longing. Something truly lost. Not to mention Jaya’s soulful rendition. And when I read the translation, I understood why I felt that way. A song that can communicate its story without understanding the words is a true piece of art, and I knew one day I would sing it - not just to myself - but to the world."

She added, "So when we met the composer of 'Dahil Ba Sa Kanya` - Freddie Saturno - over Zoom to ask his permission to cover it, he told us the song was based on a true story. And I loved it even more."

Asked how she felt about the reception of her fans to her cover, Sahara admitted she was amazed, shocked, and mostly blessed.

Known as a world-class, classically trained singer, Sahara said singing Tagalog (OPM) songs are very challenging compared to other foreign (language) songs. "Definitely harder. There are several sounds that aren’t common in other languages. Especially the “ng” sound in words like 'Tanging'".

And while she can belt out expertly in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German, Sahara loves Tagalog for the unique way it expresses emotion and meaning.

"Why I love singing in Tagalog? It's the passion. So much passion. A single word can express so much joy or sorrow, and as an emotional artist it’s very fulfilling. To be honest, the passion in OPM is missing in so much of modern Western music. The world could learn something from OPM. I can’t imagine singing anything else."

Sahara is currently working on a soft album of original OPM with some of the best Filipino composers and arrangers.

"The people we’re working with have been the biggest names in OPM for decades. My co-producer - Dennis Quila - is an OPM icon. I can tell you we have a duet in the works, as well several original Tagalog compositions. And I can also tell you we have a special surprise coming for Christmas."

Asked what other OPM songs she enjoys listening/singing to, Sahara exclaimed she can’t get enough of "Sayang na Sayang" by Aegis. "I listen to it at least once a day and I always get chills."

Sahara describes her musical style as very eclectic and very passionate. "I love so many different genres of music, and the cultures they come from, it’s very difficult for me to limit myself to just one and say, 'I’m this kind of artist.' But OPM changed that."

"As an artist, I always focus on the emotions of the chords, melody and lyrics. Even when I sing in a foreign language, I make sure I understand not just the words, but also the idioms of the culture they come from."

The passionate singer is also part of NeonDuet, a musical duo which consists of Michael Todd “m.t.” Glazier. They recently released a dance single "(We Can Be) As One".

"(The song) It’s no secret there’s a lot of division in American society right now, and other societies in the world. And the song was made during the first three months of the pandemic when people were feeling more and more alienated from one another," Sahara shared. "Our song is a message from the heart that we can’t really succeed unless we work together. That can be a family, a community, or a whole country."

Asked whether there's a huge difference from being part of a duo to being a solo artist, Sahara claimed, "It’s not too different being a solo artist because the other half of NeonDuet (my husband Michael), is also my co-producer and manager. Being a duet probably helped us learn to better work together to make my solo career possible. And of course we had to merge our influences. Being a solo artist is new and exciting, although I’m not used to being the center of attention."

When asked what else she wants to achieve in her music career, Sahara proudly beamed, "to inspire love, hope and belief as best I can. Music gave me those things when I needed them the most. If I can bring those emotions to just a few people - or inspire someone who has talent to never give up - it will be a dream come true."

For Sahara, she's just happy to have everyone supporting her music journey since the beginning. "Salamat! Thank you! We have some fans who have followed for years even when we were only posting karaoke videos, and their support has meant everything. And then there were only a handful of people who heard me sing in Tagalog live for the first time, and it was their reaction that gave me the confidence and courage to record it. They changed my life. More so, we feel like the fans we have - and I hope my future fans - believe in the power of music. No matter what language or genre it is."

Sahara’s debut single “Dahil Ba Sa Kanya” is now available on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms worldwide. 

For more news and updates on Sahara, follow Sahara on 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceofsahara 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceofsahara/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1P0taQw6Xm6gcV_rwvHRyQ

For more news and updates on NeonDuet, follow NeonDuet on  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neonduet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neonduet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neonduet

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ENJOY UP TO 100% OFF FOR NEW SHOPEE USERS WITH "FULLYVAXXED" CODE

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, encourages more Filipinos to get vaccinated through its #FullyVaxxed initiatives. To further encourage the community to get both doses of the vaccine, Shopee is offering an exclusive discount to those who are not yet Shopee users. New Shopee users* can enjoy a 100% discount** on their first online purchase with the code: FULLYVAXXED, and fully vaccinated individuals can look forward to an exclusive digital bundle when they sign up on the #FullyVaxxed microsite.

During the first half of the year, many Filipinos were hesitant to get vaccinated due to several factors. Still, recent reports show a rise in the number of Filipinos getting vaccinated, with over 28 million doses given. Through Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee launched several vaccination-related initiatives such as Resbakuna: Kasangga ng Bida education campaign in partnership with the Department of Health and Shopee Vaccination Center Support with select local government units.

New To Shopee?

Until September 26, 2021, new Shopee users can use the voucher code FULLYVAXXED to enjoy 100% off, ₱50 cap, minimum spend of ₱50. Here are the steps on how to use the FULLYVAXXED voucher:

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Sign up for a Shopee account.

Input the code FULLYVAXXED on the checkout page of your first purchase.

Fully Vaxxed users can get even more exclusive discounts with the #FullyVaxxed Package. The exclusive digital package includes free shipping and discount vouchers from Shopee and discount vouchers from brands such as Hygienix, Maxi-Peel, SkinWhite, Splash Personal Care, Johnson & Johnson, SC Johnson, Airqueen Philippines, Colgate-Palmolive, New Balance, and Sakura Filters. To avail of the Shopee #FullyVaxxed Package, visit the microsite (https://shopee.ph/m/fullyvaxxed-package), submit the vaccination card for proof of vaccine completion until September 26, 2021, and wait for the verification from Shopee.

Shop, load, and pay bills with ShopeePay. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

SHOPEE, DTI TO LAUNCH SECOND ASEAN ONLINE SALE DAY

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches its second ASEAN Online Sale Day (AOSD) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). From August 8-10, shoppers can enjoy up to 75% off on featured products from ASEAN countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.

The ASEAN Online Sale Day is a yearly event that aims to facilitate transborder e-commerce in the region, support local MSMEs in the country, and enhance stronger partnerships between stakeholders and businesses. Users can look forward to amazing brand deals from Krizia Ladies Wear, Go Lokal! Official Store, Mondial88 Trading Corporation, IRVINS Salted Egg, Chocovron, BLK Cosmetics, Happy Skin, Jersey Milk, and the Globe Official Store.

Marievic M. Bonoan, Director at the DTI - Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, said, “The DTI is looking forward to partnering with Shopee once again for the ASEAN Online Sale, and we are thankful for their support in promoting cross-border trade amongst ASEAN countries. It also allows ASEAN nations to promote their products and services on a large platform and establish a strong online presence, further maximizing their online selling experience. We will continue to collaborate with organizations like Shopee to drive economic recovery through e-commerce.”

E-commerce continues to expand and make a significant impact on the lives of consumers, with about 2.14 billion people expected to buy goods and services online this year. Meanwhile, brands and individuals begin to embrace digitalization and innovative integrations to sustain economic recovery and progression, with a projected growth of $5.4 trillion US dollars worldwide in 2022. With the current global situation, online platforms like Shopee, plays a big role in the new normal and will continue to make online shopping easy and rewarding through initiatives like the ASEAN Online Sale Day.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “As e-commerce rapidly grows, Shopee continuously finds ways to improve consumer trust in the industry, especially in ASEAN businesses. We are glad to partner with the DTI through this campaign, where we can support local and regional sellers by giving them expanded channels to market and sell their products, promoting cross-border e-commerce activities in the region to drive our region’s digital economy forward.”

From August 8 to 10, users can get 20% off ShopeePay voucher with a ₱300 min spend*, when they use the code: AOSD2021. Valid on AOSD sale items from Aug 8 to 10, 2021 only. For more information about the ASEAN Online Sale Day, visit https://shopee.ph/m/2021-asean-online-sale.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.