Filipino Gen Z stars share what they love about the Redmi Note 11

 Rise to the challenge with some of the nation’s most popular Gen Z stars, Darren Espanto, Kyline Alcantara, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, and P-POP boy group BGYO using Xiaomi's newest Redmi Note 11, the smartphone that can conquer any challenge with its flagship-level specs and features.

 

Xiaomi recently launched in the Philippines the Redmi Note 11 Series, starting with the mid-range king, the Redmi Note 11, bringing powerful upgrades that push the limits of any mid-range smartphone with an upgraded camera, display, and performance.

Among the Redmi Note 11 ambassadors is P-POP boy group BGYO composing of JL Toreliza, Nate Porcalla, Gelo Rivera, Mikki Claver, and Akira Morishita who made Xiaomi trend on social media when they posted about the phone. Gelo talked about how the Redmi Note 11 is his perfect partner for his busy schedule. “With training, shows, and interviews here and there, all of us need a phone that can keep up with our super fast-paced lifestyle and the Redmi Note 11 does just that with its capable processor and large-capacity battery with fast-charging. We don’t need to worry about our phones dying in the middle of a packed day,” shared Gelo.

Another one of the most excited about the release is the total performer, Darren Espanto, who shared his first impressions over his newest smartphone. “I’m so excited to game…on my new Redmi Note 11. It’s such a sleek phone. [I]f you guys are looking to upgrade your phone right now, switch to the new Redmi Note 11, you guys will not regret it,” shared Darren.

Sparkle Sweethearts, Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara, also gushed about how the Redmi Note 11 helps them bond during the pandemic.

“Redmi Note 11 offers us a new and powerful entertainment experience and it helps us conquer our boredom this pandemic. That’s why we really enjoy watching videos together especially with its immersive dual stereo sound and even its screen looks bright and seamless and has smoother transitions,” said Mavy.

Meanwhile, Kyline shared, “When we are not together, our video calls are now smoother with the Redmi Note 11’s 50MP main camera, plus the battery lasts really long and is also fast-charging so we can talk continuously for hours on end.”

The First Lady Star, Cassy Legaspi also expressed her love for the phone. “As someone who is always on the phone, the Redmi Note 11 really exceeds my expectations of any smartphone that I have experienced especially with its powerful fast charging battery. Plus, with this phone I feel like I’m always on the trend because of its sleek design and beautiful display. It really suits my taste,” said Cassy.

The Redmi Note 11 4GB + 64GB variant will retail at PHP 8,999, while the 6GB + 128GB variant is priced at PHP 9,999. For the early bird promo of the Redmi Note 11 4GB+64GB, buyers will get the Redmi Buds 3 for free between February 11 until February 19 (12AM) on Xiaomi’s official Shopee and Lazada stores. Stocks and availability for the freebie will be limited.

Stay tuned to the official Xiaomi Facebook page for upcoming appearances of the newest members of the Xiaomi family and for updates and exclusive promo deals.

                                                                                                           

*Data from Xiaomi Labs. Actual results may vary.

 

Darren is staging a comeback concert entitled Home Run

Sought-after performer Darren Espanto took to TikTok Exclusive to reconnect with fans after finally returning home following months spent in lockdown abroad. The now 20-year old Darren sported a new, more grown-up look, but remained casual and candid with fans who tuned in to his live stream on TikTok. 

 

"I'm past my teenage years, and through life you'll experience different things, and I guess I've been able to incorporate that in my own music which makes it a lot more mature, not just from the sound but also from the lyrics that are in it," said the more mature Darren. 

One of the more recent life experiences that Darren talked about during the TikTok Exclusive was the time he spent in lockdown in Canada. He and his mom left the Philippines on March 15, 2020, right when the community quarantine was announced. Darren shared that he became anxious over what would happen to performers during the pandemic, but also took his time abroad as an opportunity to bond with family members, his sister in particular. 

 

Darren shared that the situation was better in Canada, but it wasn't always easy for their family since both his parents are medical frontliners. "You really have to appreciate the small things in life," he said, while recalling the times when his parents needed to isolate, and they couldn't even eat together as a family. The day-to-day situation was tense, and it was especially trying at Christmas time, when the second wave happened, and Darren and his sister couldn't even get close to their parents over the holidays. 

His new appreciation for the simple things gave Darren a whole new perspective. Something he now says he misses about his time in Canada was not being recognized when he would go out. He even shared a story about how he was able to go to the grocery store in his pajamas, without anyone finding out who he was.

 

Now back in Manila, Darren is back to work, with a new song to share with his fans. At his TikTok Exclusive, Darren shared that he is excited for everyone to watch the music video for his new song, Tama Na, which will debut on June 20. Darren will also be staging a comeback concert entitled Home Run, which streams worldwide on June 19 at 8:00 PM, with a special rerun on June 20 at 10:00 AM.

According to Darren, the evolution of one's music doesn't stop, even during a pandemic. He recorded Tama Na over a video call with songwriter Zack Tabudlo, who wrote the song in just one day. Darren said that this track is different from anything he has released before, and is more mature than his previous tracks. The song talks about letting go of toxic relationships. "Kailan mo sasabihing Tama Na," a fan asked Darren through TikTok's Q&A Feature. His reply was, "Kung medyo toxic na at parehas na kayong hindi masaya. You should learn to let go if it's gonna be beneficial for the both of you."

 

One of the highlights of his TikTok Exclusive was when Darren taught viewers the steps for his Tama Na dance challenge on TikTok. 

Having been in the showbiz industry for 7 years, Darren has learned a lot of important lessons. One is the importance of putting in the work. He shared, "You have to work hard for it if you really want something to happen. You can't just wait for it to happen."

 

Another valuable lesson, and one he would have wanted to share with the younger version of himself, is to refrain from sharing your entire life on social media. Instead, you should reserve some things for yourself. Darren added, "Reserve a few things for the people who are close to you and people who you truly trust." 

 

Watch out for the next TikTok Exclusive, and catch the hottest fan-favorite celebrities who will go live exclusively for you! Download TikTok on your iOS and Android devices today.

Darren Espanto is back in Manila for a TikTkok Exclusive!

After spending time abroad during lockdown, Darren Espanto has returned home, and he doesn't come empty-handed. Fans awaiting his come back will not be disappointed with the triple treat of a new single, a new look and an upcoming concert from the star.

Seeking to reconnect and catch up with his fans, Darren will be going live on TikTok Exclusive on June 5th, Saturday, at 8:00 PM via his own TikTok account, @darrenespanto. During the TikTok Exclusive, he will raffle off some prizes, and demonstrate the choreography to the dance challenge for his new single, "Tama Na".

The song, which was written and produced by singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo, talks about self-worth and breaking free from toxic relationships. "Tama Na" will be part of Darren's upcoming album, and a music video for the song is planned for release as well. Fans will also get the chance to listen to "Tama Na" live during Darren's concert on June 9.

Viewers of TikTok Exclusive may even be surprised to see an all grown up Darren Espanto, who recently debuted a new look through his social media accounts. As he has just turned 20 years old, the singer, who first became famous as a contestant on The Voice Kids Philippines, has shed his child performer image and now sports a sexier, more mature side.

Tune in to TikTok Exclusive with Darren Espanto to hear firsthand about his lockdown experience in Canada, his thoughts on turning 20, updates on his current activities, and how he feels about recording over Zoom and this new digital era of music. Darren will also be answering questions from viewers through TikTok's Live Q&A.

Don't miss this awesome online event. Download TikTok on your iOS and Android devices today.

Darren Espanto keeps the Holiday tradition alive by spreading kindness and joy this festive season

The isolating nature of the pandemic has left us yearning for human connection, disrupting our daily lives on an unprecedented scale and forever changing the way we interact with one another. Its uncertainty has not only instilled fear and anxiety, but also forced us to participate in a game of risk roulette, where everyone tries to survive a global health crisis that knows no end or time, and outwit an invisible enemy through strategic measures that align with the new normal.

 

But Darren Espanto wants us to believe that love will always be our guiding light even in the most difficult of times. The accomplished recording star is optimistic about using his voice as a catalyst to spark hope and inspire others to make a positive difference—all in the spirit of Christmas. He wants to keep the Holiday tradition alive by spreading kindness and joy this festive season, but also wants to see it with a renewed perspective: that the cherished holiday traditions are more than just about sumptuous feasts. It’s also about a celebration of new beginnings and unwavering hope of much better days ahead, an opportunity to encourage everyone to be there for one another even when the going gets tough. 

 

“This year, there’s no other way to celebrate Christmas but to be grateful for the simple things that life has to offer amid trying, challenging times,” Darren Espanto shares in a statement. “More than ever, this gives us a chance to strengthen our faith and love for one another, and protect the family and loved ones whose lives matter more than anything else in this world. This Christmas is different from what we’ve been accustomed to for sure, but I’m positive that we’ll emerge stronger, better individuals after this crisis unfolds. For as long as we have each other, no grueling situation can hold us down.” 

 

Our capacity to bounce back from an adverse event is something that Filipinos have always expertly done after a recession, personal catastrophe or a storm, and this is something that Darren Espanto expertly tackles on his new single “Believe in Christmas” as he sings an anthem of hope amidst brokenness and frailty. 

 

 “Believe in Christmas” isn’t just your typical Holiday anthem wrapped in high spirits and effervescent glow. Written by industry respected songwriter, Tiny Corpuz, the song’s message aims to spark the light of hope in a world full of dimly lit spirits especially going into the Christmas season. It acknowledges the current time and situation that we live in, but as the lyrics put it, “When love shines through, there’s always something more: a new season, a new reason, a spark of hope and joy to believe in.”

 

For his part, Darren interprets the material with utmost care and sensitivity, singing like his life depends on it, and fleshing out the song’s nuances with every fiber and being. The Canadian-Filipino recording sensation has always been known for his incredible technique and soulful singing, but on “Believe in Christmas,” he has also developed a deeper understanding of the narrative, perhaps because it feels closer to home, and it doesn’t feel removed from what’s happening in the real world. 

 

This time, he’s also more involved in the recording process as a vocal producer, ensuring that he’s in top shape to get the best vocal performance possible. “Believe In Christmas” composer and overall producer Tiny Corpuz attests to Darren’s potential as a multi-faceteted artist with so much talent in his hand. “Darren is a total performer, he sings, dances, even acts, and now exploring on songwriting and production. A true artist knows what he wants. We’ve witnessed him grow. He’ll definitely go places with that kind of determination and passion.”

 

Listen to Darren Espanto’s message in “Believe in Christmas”: https://DarrenEspanto.lnk.to/BelieveinChristmas

(Link goes live November 13, midnight)

 

Vivo endorser Darren Espanto joined by TJ Monterde at The Vivo V9 Mall Tour in SM City Cebu

Darren Espanto, who just recently concluded his successful Unstoppable concert a few days ago, flew to Cebu to be with fans at the Vivo V9 Mall Tour last June 1. Singer/songwriter and fellow Vivo endorser TJ Monterde was also in the oldest city in the country last June 3 to make an appearance at the same Vivo event.

Darren, a Vivo endorser, holds a Vivo V9 in his hand at the Vivo V9 Mall Tour at SM City Cebu last June 1.


The Cebuano fans flocked to SM City Cebu last June 1 where they were treated to songs by Darren who even greeted his fans from the Queen City of the South in the local Cebuano dialect. Darren sang his top-of-the-charts hits along with his own rendition of Dying Inside. Darren, who just turned seventeen, was even surprised by the Darrenatics—his own fan base—onstage with a cake to celebrate his birthday and fourth year in showbusiness.

                                                 Vivo endorser TJ Monterde




The Vivo V9 Mall Tour at the SM City Cebu was well-received by the Cebuanos. Apart from the appearances made by Darren and TJ, the big-ticket brand also gifted fans and loyal Vivo users with premium Vivo items and even Vivo V9 smartphones at the special games held at the event. The Vivo V9 Mall Tour in Cebu was just one of a few more to happen in an effort to bring the brand and the V9 closer to the Filipinos in different places all over the country.

The Vivo V9 is an artificial intelligence (AI) selfie camera with a 16 MP+5 MP dual-camera setup. Much like its predecessors, the V7 and V7+, the V9 also rocks a 24 MP selfie camera that comes with features like AI Face Beauty Natural Light, Studio Light, and Monochrome background which brings selfie-taking with the new Vivo smartphone several notches higher in the quality scale. Selfie-fans will also benefit in the ample phone display of the Vivo V9 as it could improve the overall composition of every photograph taken, with enhanced clarity and definition.

Jollibee celebrates the 20th Maaga ang Pasko launch

Original Jolly Toy Scout Aga Muhlach makes his Christmas donation in the Maaga ang Pasko box during the launch in Jollibee Canlubang.

The kids and the kids at heart trooped down to their favorite Jollibee branches as Jollibee kicks off the earliest and longest christmas season. 

Jollibee celebrates the 20th year of Maaga ang Pasko launch as Jollibee branches featured celebrities,  Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre and The Voice Kids Top 4 finalists Lyca Gairanod, Juan Karlos Labajo, Darlene Vibares and Darren Espanto and chorale groups for its early christmas carole.


At Jollibee Greenmeadows in Quezon City, The Voice Kids Top 4 finalists Lyca Gairanod, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darlene Vibares performed their trademark songs and joined the Singles for Christ choir in singing the Maaga ang Pasko jingle. The young talents were also introduced as the newest endorsers of the Jollibee Kids Club, together with their fellow finalist Darren Espanto.

Jollibee joins Nadine as the Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Yum ambassador drops her donation at the Maaga ang Pasko box in Jollibee Mabalacat.



At Jollibee Mabalacat in Pampanga, young sensation Nadine Lustre brought her own family to take part in the gift-giving campaign. “Our family has been supporting Maaga ang Pasko even before I became a Jollibee endorser.  I feel blessed because as an official member of the Jollibee family, I can now do more and influence more people to share what they have and make kids happy this Christmas.” The actress also serenaded her fans with songs from her debut album, as well as joyful Christmas jingles with the Lumen Anima Chorale.

Jollibee then paid tribute to long-time ambassador and original Jolly Toy Scout Aga Muhlach at Jollibee Canlubang in a similar caroling activity. Together with members of the Jollibee marketing team, the seasoned actor gamely joined the Lumen Anima Chorale in a more upbeat rendition of the Maaga ang Pasko jingle.

“Maaga ang Pasko came from a very simple idea but a genuine desire to make kids happy on Christmas time. No matter what they may be going through in life, a kid’s face lights up whenever you give them a toy. I approached Jollibee because I know they can help me expand that into something even bigger and more impactful,” shared Aga. “I could not be any more grateful to Jollibee for bringing Maaga ang Pasko to where it is now, as the longest-running and biggest campaign of its kind in the country that has reached hundreds of thousands of children across the country.”

Through the decades, Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko has shown that it’s never too early to learn to share your blessings with others.


The celebrity guests each led the gift-giving ceremony by making their own toy and book donations together with members of the Jollibee Kids Club. Jollibee customers showed their support by lining up to drop their donations in the Maaga ang Pasko boxes.

“For the 20th year of Maaga ang Pasko, we’re targeting to bring the magic of toys and books to the most number of children in the history of the campaign. We are once again counting on the support of kind-hearted Filipino families from all over the globe to make this year the ‘pinaka-maaga, pinakamahaba at pinakamalaking Pasko’ for our Filipino kids,” said Jollibee Vice-President for Marketing Harvey Ong. 

The Voice Kids’ winner Lyca Gairanod, and finalists Darlene Vibares and Juan Karlos Labajo led the  Maaga ang Pasko donations at Jollibee Greenmeadows. 

Aside from dropping donations in Maaga ang Pasko boxes in Jollibee stores nationwide, anyone can also take part in the campaign by making online donations at www.jollibee.com.ph/MaagaAngPasko. Early Christmas shoppers can also buy and directly drop their donations in all Goodwill Bookstore and Toy Kingdom stores.