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.

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.

TCL showcases its latest display innovations and breakthroughs across smart devices at CES 2025 to inspire greatness

The top two TV brands in the world and a major player in consumer electronics, TCL Electronics, is showcasing a wide variety of display technologies at CES 2025 today. Mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, smart projectors, professional monitors, in-car displays, RayNeo AR glasses, and QD-Mini LED TVs are all included in this category. TCL also reveals its most recent AI developments in new product categories and a whole smart home ecosystem, highlighting its dedication to promoting greatness and smarter, healthier living around the world.

Revolutionizing Display Technologies

The flagship TCL X11K QD-Mini LED TV, which redefines home entertainment with over 14,000 local dimming zones and delivers stunning clarity and visual precision, exemplifies TCL's leadership in display innovation. It provides a genuinely immersive viewing experience, bringing each frame to life with vibrant detail thanks to TCL's All-domain Halo Control Technology. To enhance these images, TCL has worked with premium audio leader Bang & Olufsen to offer their custom sound solution, Audio by Bang & Olufsen, which provides consumers with an experience that is just as fascinating as the images.

The TCL A300 Series TV, a sleek and fashionable option with a high-end audio experience, is another product of this partnership. The 115" QM891G, the largest QD-Mini LED TV in the world, and the Q85 Soundbar are on display at the TCL booth as the ideal addition to huge TVs with immersive audio capabilities. The R83 Professional Monitor Series provides pixel-level accuracy for gamers, boosting creative excellence and immersive gaming. These items, which range from large TVs to elegant and cutting-edge solutions, demonstrate TCL's commitment to meeting the varied tastes of its customers.

The award-winning NXTPAPER 4.0 technology, an advancement of TCL's full-color electronic paper display technology, is also part of the company's product line. With intentions to extend this technology to further mobile phones, NXTPAPER 4.0, designed to minimize eye strain while providing outstanding visual quality, made its debut in the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus Tablet.

The real AR revolution begins with the RayNeo X3 Pro Smart Glasses. The model's integrated computational capability removes the need for external devices, providing improved performance in a small, streamlined package. TCL also presents the PLAYCUBE Projector, which reinvents portable projection with its stylish and adaptable design. Additionally, TCL's intelligent Cockpit and Driving Solutions demonstrate advancements in vehicle electronics.

Pioneering AI-featured and Smart Connectivity

The world's first modular AI companion robot, TCL Ai Me, is one of TCL's major announcements at CES 2025. Ai Me is a concept product that skillfully combines smart living and companionship with its charmingly realistic design and detachable space capsule base. With its intelligent and interactive features, it enhances the user's lifestyle and adapts to their own demands, elevating everyday living with natural interactions and tailored experiences.

 

Another highlight is that Google's Gemini model will be incorporated into TCL's flagship TV series. In 2025, a brand-new Google TV with Gemini features is expected to be released. With the aid of the Gemini model on its TV, TCL is also presenting an interactive demo in a special showroom, revealing the intelligent and immersive capabilities that promise to revolutionize home entertainment.

For a variety of settings, TCL's LINKHUB HH516 5G AI CPE Router guarantees a smart network experience with increased throughput, reduced latency, and reduced power consumption. TCL demonstrated its D1 Series Smart Lock, which comprises the D1 Pro with next-generation AI palm vein recognition and the D1 Ultra, the first 4-in-1 smart deadbolt in the world that combines a sophisticated 3.5-inch smart lock, security camera, and video doorbell..

Leading the Way in Sustainability and Design

With a natural, fashionable, and environmentally concerned atmosphere, TCL's CES pavilion exemplifies its dedication to user-centric design and innovation. Highlights include cardboard furniture that highlights TCL's focus on ecological operations and environmentally friendly remote controllers constructed from discarded tea leaves. In addition to bringing cutting-edge products with sustainable and intelligent home solutions, TCL is broadening its vision of intelligent and environmentally responsible living.

With features that improve convenience, increase energy efficiency, and promote health, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 Air Conditioner redefines cooling. Its liftable Fresh Air Inlet improves indoor oxygen levels, eliminates odors, and brings in fresh outdoor air. Smart Voice Control enables hands-free operation without an internet connection, and energy-saving technology intelligently modifies the operation frequency. 

The TCL FREE BUILT-IN Refrigerator, on the other hand, revolutionizes contemporary kitchens with its streamlined, compact design and state-of-the-art food preservation technologies. Comparably, the P680 Washer-Dryer Set offers stackable options for small areas, with anti-wrinkle technology and user-friendly cycles for the best possible clothing care.

Essential to TCL’s green efforts is its Smart Home Energy Management Solution (HEMS), integrating solar panels, energy storage, and heat pumps for efficient energy use.

Global Partnerships and Excellence

By collaborating with leading sports and entertainment intellectual property across the globe, TCL shows the next generation its inventive spirit. TCL showcases its collaboration with the NFL, the most popular sports league in North America, at CES 2025. NFL Hall of Famer Charles Woodson interacts with fans at the venue to deepen TCL's relationship with its viewers.

As demonstrated by its 2024 performance, which saw it rank second globally for TV shipments and in North America for TV retail sales volume during the first three quarters of the year, TCL has gained widespread customer acclaim for its extensive and lively connections with local communities and international partners.

 

 

  

About TCL Philippines:

TCL Electronics (HKG:1070) is a fast-growing consumer electronics company and a leading player in the global TV industry. Founded in 1981, it now operates in over 160 markets globally. TCL specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, and smart home appliances. Visit the TCL home page at https://www.tcl.com/ph/en.

SM Approaches 2025 with Cautious Optimism

“Any moderation in inflation should trigger a strong confidence rebound. This could create opportunities in consumer-focused sectors in the country and we are poised to cater to these evolving demands. By investing and expanding to more areas nationwide, SM creates new markets and improves access to these essential sectors, serving more communities and helping stimulate sustained economic activities. Our focus for 2025 will be to drive purposeful growth, empowering communities and partners through our investments towards a sustainable future.” ~Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

Encouraged by the Philippine economy's sustained growth, the SM Group is looking forward to the upcoming year with cautious optimism.

Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said that despite ongoing challenges of peso volatility and higher inflation, the business sector has adapted well. 

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, household spending was maintained in the third quarter due to consistent demand. Household Final Consumption Expenditure posted a 5.1% year-over-year growth, staying at the same level from the same quarter the previous year. 

In order to meet the increasing demand, SM keeps growing into more underprivileged areas, promoting sustainable economic growth and working with government partners to improve access to integrated real estate developments, contemporary retail, and financial services.

Mr. DyBuncio added that SM keeps funding promising projects that stimulate the economy, like logistics and renewable energy. 

Through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which generates 300 Megawatts of geothermal steam supply, SM has made investments in the clean energy sector. SM wants to support the Department of Energy's objective of having 50% of its energy come from renewable sources by 2040 by continuing to develop geothermal concessions through PGPC. 

SM Prime Holdings, SM's real estate division, teamed up with GUUN Co. to promote circularity in the production of green energy. Ltd. (GUNN) to apply the Japanese method of lessening the impact of landfills. Packaging that is difficult to recycle or non-recyclable is turned into alternative fuel by the technology.

One of the biggest contributors to renewable energy projects is BDO Unibank, SM's banking division. As of December 2023, BDO has invested PHP898 billion in sustainable finance, which includes loans to 59 renewable energy projects.  

In terms of tourism and logistics, the development of transportation networks throughout the nation's archipelago links industrial and tourist destinations, fostering inclusive growth. By launching MV Masigla and MV Masikap in 2024 through its subsidiary 2GO, SM further supports the government's push for medium-term growth through improved tourism infrastructure and ecosystem by improving the connection of goods to 19 ports nationwide, including Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo.

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 

On the latest spoofing incident using Globe sender ID

According to reports, Globe's sender ID was used to disseminate a malicious message that seemed to be directed at the president's family or other well-known political figures. 

Globe would like to make it clear that the aforementioned message is an example of spoofing, in which scammers use fictitious cell towers to send unauthorized SMS messages with a spoof sender ID to mobile users in a specific area. 

An international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catcher is a portable device used in spoofing that forces mobile users within a certain radius to downgrade their signal to 2G, the outdated cellular network technology for texting and voice calls.  Spoofing messages get past Globe's strict anti-fraud filters because they don't go through the cellular network. 

In order to stop a recurrence, Globe is looking into this incident and collaborating with the appropriate authorities and other partners. 

Additionally, Globe would like to remind its users to never interact with the senders of any suspicious text messages they may receive. 

Globe, a mobile network provider involved in public service, has no political affiliations and will never send political messages.  Rather, it is dedicated to collaborating with the government to accomplish common objectives, such as achieving inclusive connectivity and a prosperous and digitally enabled Philippines.

ABOUT GLOBE 

Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines and publicly listed in the PSE with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It offers innovative digital solutions in the areas of fintech, healthtech, adtech, climate tech, shared services and venture capital. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region.

Paolo Sandejas celebrates interconnectedness in debut album, the world is so small

“This album is divided into four thematic arcs, each representing a different phase of a relationship. The first two songs cover excitement of a honeymoon phase. The next two dive into mental health. The third set focuses on the challenges of long-distance relationships, and the final set covers the moving on stage and finding peace. Through these stories, the album paints a picture of interconnectedness—how no matter where we are in life, we are always tethered to one another. It’s funny cause I can always say the songs are about the character’s experiences not mine,” shares the Sway act. “But I’d be lying in some ways because these songs are so closely based on my own life. That extra layer of ‘protection’ though helped me get even more vulnerable in the songs. When I was writing it, I imagined the final scene of a love story, and this song playing as the couple went their separate ways. That visual really influenced the sound. It’s definitely the most unique song on the album, and I’m so proud of it. I didn’t consciously set out to create a particular mood when writing the album. Considering we had the unique challenge of creating this album remotely with me in LA and my co-producer Xergio Ramos back in Manila, I really think we did a great job! It’s always a joy working with him and I’m so glad he did this album with me.” ~Paolo Sandejas, Filipino Singer-Songwriter

Filipino Singer-Songwriter Paolo Sandejas releases his highly anticipated debut album, the world is so small—out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

The eight-track album is a deep dive into love, grief, and self-discovery, showcasing the beauty in life's emotional upheaval, especially during a person's formative twenties.

Sandejas claims that The World Is So Small is an anthology of moments that reflect the complex web of human connections rather than merely an album. Sandejas uses his music to examine how our common experiences bind us together, from short-lived romances to long-lasting heartbreaks and the silent hope that endures through it all.

Sandejas interweaves tidbits of his personal experiences into the songs, which tell the story of a fictional young couple navigating the difficulties of a romantic relationship. In particular, Sandejas' vision of a traditional coming-of-age love story is portrayed in the title track, which leaves the listener with a haunting sense of nostalgia as the couple part ways in a cinematic moment. 

Check out the album track list:

1. your favorite song
2. sirens
3. moonlight
4. roses
5. just a song
6. manila to LA
7. all the time
8. the world is so small

Sandeja will give live performances at two special events in January 2025 to commemorate the release of his first full-length album. The first is scheduled for January 10 at Nook Molito and will include special appearances by Jolianne, Leanne & Naara, and Syd Hartha. The second will feature performances by SOS, Kenaniah, and The Ridleys at 123 Block on January 17. You can purchase tickets at bit.ly/worldsosmalllaunch.

Paolo Sandejas’ ‘the world is so small’ is now streaming worldwide on all digital platforms via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the official music video of the title track on Paolo Sandejas’ official YouTube page at 6 pm.

Follow him on socials:

Facebook / x / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube

Weaving the Past into the Future: Cebu Pacific Promotes Philippine Textile Arts

As it unveiled its newest initiative to promote Philippine tourism, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the nation's top airline, is encouraging every Juan to learn more about the country's cultural heritage. The QR Flight Codes are designed to resemble the traditional weaves of different local communities. 

QR Flight Codes were made in partnership with Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI):

• Underscores CEB’s commitment to enhancing domestic tourism while shining a light on the artistry and cultural heritage of Filipino weaving communities. 

The QR Flight Codes highlights five unique weaving styles from different parts of the country:

• The intricate and nature-inspired markings of Ilocos Norte’s Binakol

• The elegantly-colored stripes of Occidental Mindoro’s Ramit

• The bright hues and iconic plaid design of Iloilo’s Hablon

• The bold and colorful checkered patterns of Antique’s Patadyong

• The striking geometric patterns and vivid colors of Zamboanga’s Yakan

Travelers can learn more about these traditional weaves and find more attractions in the places where they originate by scanning these QR Flight Codes, which are strategically placed on billboards along major thoroughfares and airports across the nation as well as in a few magazines. 

CEB collaborated with local weaving communities across the country to ensure that the history and significance of these fabrics are preserved in making the QR Flight Codes. These include the:

• Paoay Weavers of Ilocos Norte supported by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU);
• The Hanunuo Mangyan of Occidental Mindoro supported by the Awati Ti Kape Community Development Program;
• The Baraclayan Weavers Association of Iloilo;
• The Patnongon Multipurpose Cooperative and Bagtason Loom Weavers Association of Antique; and the
• Yakan by Oriental Weaves of Zamboanga supported by MMSU.

CEB has started an exclusive seat sale until January 15, 2025, which will allow travelers to book flights to all domestic destinations for as low as PHP 199 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges, in an effort to encourage tourists to learn more about these weaves while visiting the Philippines. This seat sale will take place between January 4 and June 30, 2025.

CEB operates in 35 domestic and 27 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale. 

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