dwta and SB19’s justin reimagines “Sampung Mga Daliri” into a tale of doomed romance

“I thought it was a long shot, but I asked my team if there was any chance we could work on something together. Even before it was confirmed, I was already looking through my notes, trying to find a song that would match both our voices or maybe even writing something new. That’s when I stumbled upon Sampung Mga Daliri. It felt like the song was calling me, so I picked up my guitar, rewrote it, and finally finished it. I actually gave them two other options, but Sampung Mga Daliri just felt right. It was the one. After everything, we finally got to bond in person during shoots and trips, and that’s when I really got to know him. You know how famous people can sometimes feel intimidating or hard to approach? justin’s the total opposite. It’s like working with a sibling from a different parent. We just clicked, both musically and personally. Since our styles are pretty similar and we share the same vision for the song, it was easy for us to agree on every idea we pitched. The whole process came together so smoothly. I’m really happy with how it turned out in such a short time.” ~dwta, Rising singer-songwriter, award-winning Bicol-based act

Rising singer-songwriter dwta links up with SB19’s justin for a striking new collaboration, “Sampung Mga Daliri,” a folk-pop lullaby that captures the degradation of a love that was once formidable and promising.

Released under Sony Music Entertainment, the track reimagines the classic Filipino nursery rhyme into a poignant tale of doomed romance, with no way to save it.

The collaboration came as a pleasant surprise to justin, who was immediately drawn to the song’s emotional depth.

“Aside from being labelmates under Sony Music Philippines, when I heard Sampung Mga Daliri, it immediately felt like the right fit. Out of all the songs sent to me, this one really stood out. It had something special.” ~Justine of SB19

Throughout the creative process, Dwta and Justin collaborated closely, despite their hectic schedules preventing them from recording together in person. The two honed the song, attended virtual meetings, and made sure their connection was evident in every note.

"Sampung Mga Daliri," which was produced by dwta and frequent collaborator Brian Lotho, is influenced by the eerie arrangements of "Bloom" by The Paper Kites, but it has a unique twist that captures the sound of both musicians. The end product is a beautiful, emotionally open song that delves into brooding vulnerability—something that Justin and Dwta had not yet done in their earlier releases. By stepping outside of their comfort zones, the song enables them to produce something novel, stirring, and profoundly poignant.

Dwta and Justin recently performed the unreleased song live at the 10th Wish Music Awards on January 19, 2025, to debut their new partnership. Both musicians hinted at the song's arrival prior to its release by posting excerpts of the chorus from "Sampung Mga Daliri" on their individual social media accounts on January 16 and 18. The song's theme of love slipping through your fingers is aptly portrayed in the teaser's captivating single cover, in which Justin tries to reach for Dwta's hands from a window but she grudgingly disengages.

A series of live performances known as "dwta series: Magka-Ibigan" have also been released by Dwta, which connect to the story of "Sampung Mga Daliri" and give fans a closer look at the song's backstory prior to its official release. As they use music to examine the delicate balance of love and loss, this sincere partnership represents a new chapter for both artists.

"Sampung Mga Daliri" is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video on dwta’s official YouTube channel at 8 pm. Stay tuned for the short-form miniseries featuring dwta and justin on the former’s YouTube and social media pages.

IFPI Launches Official Philippines Chart, with Marilag by Dionela becoming first ever official # 1 track

“A huge congratulations to Dionela and everyone involved in making Marilag the first ever Official Philippines Chart #1! It is wonderful to see a Pinoy artist claim this milestone, and is a testament to the wealth of talent and artistry in the country. We look forward to reporting on further success and celebrating more artists in the coming weeks and months.” ~Simon Seow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at IFPI

IFPI, representing the recording industry worldwide, has today announced the launch of The Official Philippines Chart, bringing official, industry-backed weekly music charts to the country for the first time.

"Marilag," the hit song by Filipino R&B star Dionela, has the honour of being the first ever Official #1 track in the Philippines. The song, released in November 2024, soundtracked the remainder of the year and has continued its strong streaming performance into 2025.

 

Every Tuesday, the most well-liked songs from both domestic and foreign artists will be featured in the Official Philippines Chart Top 20, which is determined by streaming on all major platforms. Music lovers will be able to interact with popular songs and up-and-coming artists throughout the region by accessing the Official Philippines Charts on the Official Southeast Asia Charts website and through the associated social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. The Official Charts for five other ASEAN markets will also be accessible.

Locally, Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is working together with IFPI to ensure that the Official Philippines Chart is accessible to Filipino consumers. The charts will be available in their website and all social media platforms.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the Official Philippines Chart, which will shine a light on the consumption habits of music fans across the country and provide an important platform to showcase the vibrant and growing local music scene. Combining the Official Philippines Chart with others in a regional hub gives fans an insight into how their favourite tracks are performing in other countries, and will aid the discovery of new hits.” ~Roslyn Pineda, General Manager Sony Music Philippines and PRM board member

The Official Philippines Chart, which is backed by the recorded music industry, aggregates streams from international services like YouTube, Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music. Based on data prepared by BMAT, the charts are managed by IFPI and adhere to the global charts principles and methodologies of IFPI.

As well as the weekly charts updates, music fans in the region can look forward to a host of exclusive artist content at www.officialseacharts.com, the official music hub of Southeast Asia.

With 1,166 locations by the end of 2024, Watsons is still growing its community pharmacy model

“The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson. This vibrant and highly potential market has a young demographic that increasingly focuses on health and beauty, aligning perfectly with Watsons’ expertise.” ~Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group

Further expanding into community pharmacy, Watsons Philippines opened more than 50 stores outside of Metro Manila.

As part of its strategic expansion, Watsons Philippines, a well-known health and beauty retail brand under the SM Group, ended 2024 with 1,166 locations. Last year, the company opened 80 new locations, more than 50 of which were outside of Metro Manila.

Under the direction of Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, the Watsons brand also opened its 8,000th store in Asia at the Mall of Asia last year. She explained that the 8,000th store's opening represents a critical turning point in their international growth.

Expanding into community pharmacy

Through a joint venture between the SM Group and A.S. Watson & Co., based in Hong Kong, Watsons Philippines has expanded dramatically since the opening of its first location in 2002. Ltd. The company keeps expanding its reach across the country, giving Filipino customers easier access to cosmetics and medical supplies.

Important cities and municipalities in Visayas and Mindanao are among the new stores that opened last year, demonstrating Watsons' dedication to helping underserved communities. 

According to a recent Bain and Company study called "Asia-Pacific Front Line of Healthcare 2024," roughly 85% of consumers in the region place a high priority on maintaining their health, and 51% are willing to pay more out of pocket for better health outcomes and experiences.

“Watsons is not only expanding in malls but is also committed to establishing a strong presence in local neighborhoods,” De Guzman said. “By the end of 2024, we have 400 community stores throughout the Philippines, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our customers. Our community stores bring essential healthcare products closer to home, catering to the convenience sought by our busy shoppers. They have become vital destinations for health, beauty, and wellness needs.” ~Jared de Guzman, Customer Director at Watsons

In 2015, Watsons opened its first community pharmacy location in Pateros. The brand currently operates in three formats: SM Beauty, which has 76 SM Stores; Watsons Pharmacy, which has over 1,000 locations in various settings; and LOOK, which is a multi-brand outlet located at SM Aura and SM Mall of Asia.

Watsons maintains its position as a reliable supplier in the health and beauty industry by catering to a wide range of customers, from trend-setting beauty enthusiasts to health-conscious individuals.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

Independent Judgment and Meritocracy: Improving Growth from the Boardroom

“You need to look at qualifications. A board member should add to the company’s reputation which is crucial for investors and other stakeholders. Ideally, the perfect meritocracy is blind to and independent of issues of gender, background, and race, at least where it is not relevant. This is the next level to aspire for in any organization—that it is composed of persons of merit, not just a collection of diverse personalities.” ~Tomasa “Tammy” Lipana, Independent Director and Chairperson of SM Investments’ Audit Committee

Meritocracy, which emphasizes credentials, experience, and independent judgment to advance organizations and spur growth from the boardroom, is becoming a more prominent indicator of effective governance in today's changing corporate landscape.

The increasing focus on making sure board members contribute significantly to their roles is demonstrated by the adoption of frameworks like Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI) in other regions of the world. This idea is demonstrated at SM Investments Corporation through the independent directors' perspective. 

SM's dedication to professionalism, accountability, integrity, equity, sustainability, and transparency is best demonstrated by its governance structure. By encouraging independent judgment and cultivating leadership that adheres to the highest standards, the company has been raising the bar for corporate governance.

Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., a former governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2023 in a historic decision, becoming the first independent director to occupy this role in SM's history. This demonstrates the company's emphasis on professionalism, experience, and the importance of autonomous leadership in determining its course.

Independent directors occupy more than half of SM's board seats, surpassing legal requirements and establishing a standard for the sector. A balance between diversity and merit is demonstrated by the fact that two of these directors are women with backgrounds in corporate law, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, audit, and accounting, to mention a few. To further ensure impartial, independent judgment on business matters, independent directors also serve as the leaders of important committees such as Audit, Corporate Governance and Sustainability, Related Party Transactions, and Risk Management.

Ramon M. Lopez, a former secretary of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Robert G. Vergara, a former president, general manager, and vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), round out SM's esteemed list of independent board directors.   

These programs demonstrate a dedication to promoting competence and performance while maintaining high governance standards, satisfying societal and investor demands, and promoting inclusive growth. 

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

McDonald's ₱49 coffee is Gen Z's new favorite!

"We’re empowering the teens to take ownership of their coffee choices and what better way to do this by making available coffee choices that are bold and rich in flavor, yet friendly on their pockets! With the quality of coffee McCafé offers at an affordable price, they'll undoubtedly say, ‘McCafe is Mah Coffee!’ Simple, uncomplicated and affordable, McCafé caters to the tastes of the Filipino Gen Z market. From its inception, McCafé has always promised to be the reliable, affordable coffee that fits seamlessly into anyone’s lifestyle.” ~Ada Lazaro, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s Philippines

With the launch of its most recent "Mah coffee, McCafé" campaign, McDonald's Philippines has further reduced the price of its beloved McCafé products. 

At Php49, the creamier and stronger McCafé Iced Coffee Original is now reasonably priced. The price of Php49 is also available to customers who prefer to order McCafé Premium Roast Coffee and McCafé Iced Coffee Black! McDonald's dedication to providing a high-quality, conveniently accessible cup of coffee is further reinforced by the new price point.

With scenes that represent their personalities and way of life, the most recent McCafé advertising campaign embodies the lively spirit of the Gen Z market. This connection is highlighted by the script's catchy wordplay: "Mah beat, mah coffee..Mah routine, mah coffee..Mah style, mah coffee". 

McCafé is available nationwide via Dine-in, Take-out, Drive-thru, Dessert Centers and Kiosks, and Delivery.

Watch the video https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph/videos/920818746819565. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                About McDonald’s Philippines

McDonald’s Philippines’ master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang – who oversees and sits as Chairman for over 40 years -- founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 750 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines.

Space Arcade - The Latest VR Entertainment in the Metro

Space Arcade, situated next to Space & Time Cube, an immersive museum with 18 themed attractions and games for people of all ages, on the ground floor of S Maison at Conrad Hotel, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City, is set to provide the Philippines with an exciting VR entertainment experience all in one location.

With nine attractions, Space Arcade gives you a heart-pounding experience that puts you right in the thick of things. There is something for everyone, including exhilarating shooting games and two-wheeled and four-wheeled racing challenges! Some attractions even create strong winds, which heightens the experience and encourages you to play to the end. As you play together, bring your friends to form a squad or turn into your enemies!

Space Arcade also has a self-photo booth if you want to stop and take some pictures. You have the option to mix and match different filters and layouts to suit your tastes.

Whether you're going alone, looking for a special date night, or just hanging out with friends, everyone is going to love this new virtual reality arcade.

The games are also reasonably priced! Start your journey by adding at least P200 to your card. The cost of the game varies from P48 to P120, based on the degree of adventure you desire. Even more thrilling is the fact that Space Arcade gives out additional free credits after you add a specific amount to your card.

Prepare for the grand launch and get ready to explore a whole new world of fun with Space Arcade!

UNIQLO Philippines Rings in 2025 with New Stores

UNIQLO Philippines Rings in 2025 with New Stores

The Global apparel retailer UNIQLO begins the year by announcing that new locations will open in the Philippines for the 2025 spring-summer season. With the opening of its roadside store concept in two provinces, UNIQLO is enhancing the LifeWear shopping experience for its patrons as part of its ongoing national expansion. 

The Sierra Valley Roadside Store in Rizal is the first item on the list; it is expected to open in March 2025. The Imus Roadside Store, which will open in Cavite, is another store in the works.

The UNIQLO Alabang Westgate Roadside Store opened in 2019, bringing the roadside store concept to the Philippines. Customers can get all of their LifeWear needs met at this stand-alone store. In addition to having plenty of parking for patrons, roadside stores also have fitting rooms that are accessible to people with disabilities (PWD). Because of the ease and convenience that our roadside store concept offers to our customers, Filipinos living in these areas can anticipate a better LifeWear shopping experience.

Stay on top of the UNIQLO store opening date announcements and other updates by following on Facebook and on Instagram. Visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ for more information.

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Twitter and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com.

Download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store or Apple Store, or visit and shop from UNIQLO online store at UNIQLO.com/ph.

About UNIQLO LifeWear

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 3.1 trillion yen for the 2024 fiscal year ending August 31, 2024 (US $21.42 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2024 rate of $1 = 144.9 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer. 

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 2,500 UNIQLO stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. The total number of stores across Fast Retailing's brands is now over 3,600.

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere.  For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.