Shanti Dope collabs with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on upcoming concert

Just seven months after its release on Spotify and five months on YouTube, Shanti Dope’s certified hit song ‘Nadarang’ has hit over twenty million views and streams on the respective platforms. This is a phenomenal feat for the 17-year old new generation rapper-songwriter who celebrates a number of achievements to this date.


For one, Shanti is about to celebrate one year with Universal Records in August – after being discovered by his uncle DJ Klumcee (who also acts as his producer and co-manager) and endorsed by OPM Rap Icon Gloc-9 to the label, Shanti has already released two EPs. He worked on his self-titled EP (which includes the hit song ‘MAU’) even before signing with the label, while his second EP Materyal already has a number of hits including ‘Nadarang’ and ‘Shantidope’ which features Gloc-9, who he now considers one of his mentors in the business.

With a fresh take on Pinoy rap, Shanti has garnered praise not only from the underground rap scene from which he takes root in, but also on the mainstream and commercial side, as he crossed over to major radio airplay, guestings on the biggest shows on TV, and live performances alike. This may be a tough act to balance at such a young age, especially since Shanti still attends high school on a regular basic, but he is nothing but grateful for the opportunities he has received in the past few months.

Talking about his sudden breakout success, Shanti says “Natutuwa po ako na naipapamahagi ko ang mga isinulat ko sa mga tao, at nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng patuloy na sumusuporta sa akin at sa rap scene. Sana po’y maipagpatuloy ko ang aking mga nasimulan, at abangan niyo na lang po ang mga next projects ko.”

Among the many projects in store for Shanti is an upcoming single, a concert to launch a new album, as well an international collaboration with Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Mimi. Shanti, together with Gloc-9, will also be a special guest in the Ultimate hiphop OG Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert on September 5, 2018 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With all these up his sleeve, the future looks burning bright for this young wunderkind rapper.

Shanti Dope and Materyal EPs are now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon under Universal Records.

Tickets for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert are out now via SM Tickets | bit.ly/BTNH2018MNL It’s gonna be an epic hiphop party with #BTNHManila ft. Gloc-9 and Shanti Dope, made possible by Ovation Productions.

Robinsons Department Store and Visa team up for MAMMA MIA! Experience Greece Raffle Promo

Iconic villas on the slopes of Santorini, the warmth of the Mediterranean sun – all these come together to bring brighter days to the shoppers of Robinsons Department Store. As a perfect tribute to the worldwide smash hit musical, Robinsons Department Store and Visa bring shoppers a taste of Greece before MAMMA MIA! premieres in Manila this September.

With every P3,000 single-receipt, straight or installment purchase using their Philippine-issued credit, debit, or prepaid Visa card to purchase from Robinsons Department Store branches in Metro Manila, including Antipolo, shoppers can get a chance to win fabulous prizes.

Fifty (50) winners will receive two MAMMA MIA! VIP tickets each, while another twenty (20) will win P10,000 worth of gift certificates from Robinsons Department Store. But the best one yet, one lucky shopper and a companion has the chance to win a five-day vacation escape to Santorini complete with roundtrip tickets, accommodations, and even an island tour!

“We are happy to partner with Robinsons Department Store to reward Filipinos when they use their Visa cards. The Experience Greece Raffle Promo that we are introducing with Robinsons Department Store enable Filipinos a chance to win a trip to the amazing island of Santorini or enjoy the MAMMA MIA! musical. We want to create the most memorable experiences for Visa cardholders and ensure Visa is the best way to pay and be paid in the Philippines,” said Mr. Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines & Guam.  

Shoppers can also enjoy a preview MAMMA MIA! in pop-up booths in Robinsons Forum on July 27 to 29, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas on August 3 to 5, and Robinsons Place Manila on August 29 to 31. Customers get to sing-along to the timeless hits of ABBA, take a peek at iconic blue doors of Santorini for a memory game, and for those feeling lucky, a game of pachinquotita will bring even more exciting prizes. Plus, a Santorini-inspired backdrop for your next Facebook or Instagram post.

The raffle promo will run until August 31, 2018 and winners will be drawn on September 11, 2018. Check out Robinsons Department Store’s Facebook page or website www.robinsonsdepartmentstore.com.ph for more details. Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 11001 Series of 2018.

Vivo X21 is an eyecatcher at the Mobile Fest 2018

Global smartphone brand Vivo has made a good impression on tech enthusiasts at the SM Cyberzone’s Mobile Fest 2018. 

To explain all the goods on Vivo’s latest flagship smartphone—the X21, the brand tapped respected tech experts Mark Macanas of TechPinas and Alora Uy Guerrero of Revu. 

The experts discussed Vivo X21’s unlocking technologies, dual rear camera, AI Selfie Camera, AI Game Mode, Hi-Fi, performance, and design.

Alora Uy Guerrero of Revu and Mark Macanas of TechPinas had nothing but praises for Vivo X21.

Macanas and Guerrero mentioned that there are two ways to unlock the Vivo X21, through the Face ID Access with Infrared that accurately identifies a user’s facial features even in nighttime and the In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology that replaces the rear fingerprint sensor. Vivo is the industry pioneer of In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology.

Aside from pioneering features, the pair also talked about Vivo X21’s photography-related specs. The 12 megapixel+5MP dual rear camera and the 12MP front camera with Dual Pixel Sensor. These impressive hardware specs are even boosted by the X21’s AI features like the AI Face Beauty and AI HDR.

In terms of performance, the Vivo X21 proved to be a hard worker, said Macanas and Guerrero. After all, the X21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE chip that can process complex AI and neural computing. It has a 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM to improve the speed of launching, loading, and switching including large and complex mobile games.

To complement all these, Vivo X21 has a 6.28-inch 19:9 FHD+ FullView™ Display with a 90.3% screen-to-body ratio for every user’s viewing pleasure.

Moreover, Guerrero, a music-lover, even praised Vivo for continuing its Hi-Fi legacy in the X21. The smartphone is equipped with Deep Field technology, which was developed by Vivo to provide panoramic surround, mega bass, clear voice effects and various environmental audio effects, allowing users to customize their audio experience.

The Vivo booth at the Mobile Fest 2018.



Vivo is one of the key brands that participated in the Mobile Fest 2018.

The Vivo booth will be at the Mobile Fest until July 29 in SM City North EDSA.

Count your calories at Goldilocks Pinggang Pinoy Meals

I have been counting calories before through an app, that was when I tried hard to lose weight.  It paid off eventually coupled with exercise and a right diet. Since then, I have been checking labels when doing my groceries.

Have you heard that Goldilocks has a Calorie Content count printed beside the menu of any Pinggang Pinoy meals? How I wish that everyone would follow suit to educate people up to what calories they're having, for a healthy living.

Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) recently held an event at Dusit Thani Hotel last July 27. The launch was attended by FNRI officials and media.

While eating is a necessity to live, Filipinos have elevated this requirement to an expression of love, affection, and thoughtfulness. Proof of that is our tendency to say, “Kain tayo!” after greeting a friend, or asking “Kumain ka na ba?” as a way of asking how our friends are doing. Unfortunately, there are instances when this love for eating leads to over indulgence and poor dietary decisions.

Being informed about our food intake is one of the many ways we can take care of our health. But in this fast-paced world wherein we hardly have any time to cook and ordering food is a more viable option, it may be harder to stick to a sensible diet.

To address this concern, responsible food establishments and institutions are working hand-in-hand to develop healthier meals that will help Filipinos get the proper nutrition they need, without stopping them from eating what they love.

   FNRI Director-Dr. Mario V. Capanzana and Goldilocks Marketing Director-     Ms. Chery Caluya

In 2015, for instance, Goldilocks launched the Pinggang Pinoy Meals. The meals were created as part of an advocacy partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). It aims to help provide the right amount of nutrients and calories needed by the average Filipino.

The country’s number one bakeshop has continued this initiative up to the present, and improved upon it with the addition of a Calorie Content count printed beside the menu of Pinggang Pinoy Meals. This will help ensure that consumers are  aware of how much they are consuming, and how close they are to the recommended 2000 calories per day.

The past year’s Pinggang Pinoy favorites Pinakbet and Daing na Bangus set, and the Monggo and Daing na Bangus set, are still available for PhP 130 and PhP 120 pesos, respectively. Joining the Pinggang Pinoy line is the all new Sauteed Veggies and Chicken BBQ set for only PhP 120. Each meal is served with steamed rice, gelatin, and bottled water.

For more information about the Goldilocks and the Pinggang Pinoy Meals, follow @GoldilocksPH on Facebook and Twitter.

Amaia Land Corp. turns over 30 brand new homes at Amaia Scapes Urdaneta

This is good news to those living along Pangasinan , you can now own your dream house from Amaia Land Corp.

Imagine receiving the key to your dream home—and to finally settle down in a comfortable, thoughtfully designed home that you can call your own. For hardworking Filipino families and individuals up north, this dream is about to happen on June 30, when property developer Amaia Land Corp. turns over 30 brand new homes at Amaia Scapes Urdaneta to its excited new residents.

     According to Raizel Matibag of Amaia Land, “this milestone attests to Amaia Land’s objective of providing Filipino families the superior quality and cost-efficient homes that they worked very hard for.”

     Located along Urdaneta-Calasiao Road in Urdaneta City, Amaia Scapes Urdaneta offers thoughtfully designed house models on this expansive terrain in Pangasinan. Complemented by amenities that suit every homeowner’s aspirations for comfort, leisure, and convenience, Amaia Scapes Urdaneta even boasts an orchard at the rear of the area, where mango trees bear fruit when in season.

     Convenient and accessible, Amaia Scapes Urdaneta is just a couple of rides away from neighboring towns like Villasis, Calasiao, and Sta. Barbara and is situated close to institutions like the City Hall, Urdaneta Sacred Heart Hospital, and Pangasinan State University. Retail centers like Robinsons Place, Magic Mall, CB Mall, and 168 Mall can likewise be easily accessed.

     Residents can also take a quick trip to Baguio City, which is just a bus ride away from the corner of Urdaneta-Calasiao Road and MacArthur Highway.

     Amaia Land brings the dream of owning a home in Amaia Scapes Urdaneta closer to hardworking Filipinos through easy payment options: cash, deferred cash, and bank financing.

    With its mission to serve aspiring Filipino homeowners with affordable yet quality homes, Amaia commits in building sustainable communities that support comfortable lives today and in many years to come. Amaia CARES for life, the living and the spaces around it.

     For inquiries about Amaia Scapes Urdaneta and other Amaia Land developments, check out www.amaialand.com or follow www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.

Watch all the videos you want with Globe GoSURF and GoSAKTO

If you're caught up in the traffic or inside the MRT you can now watch your favorite series or movies with your phone.

Stay updated with trending  videos, never miss an episode of your favorite TV show, and catch a special private screening of your desired movie right in your hands — what better way to pass the time than streaming your favorite content?

Of course, when watching your favorite videos, shows, and movies online, you’ll need more than your usual data to enjoy streaming without worries. Starting at P50, Globe GoSURF and GoSAKTO customers get additional 2GB data allocation. Every day is a binge watch day wherever you are!


Check out these video streaming apps and their latest titles you can enjoy with your free 2GB.



Stay updated with the latest promos by visiting the official website or following Globe on Facebook and Twitter.

Acer Academy provides innovative delivery of education by digitizing teaching tools such as online syllabi

Today’s generation grew up in the age of technology that it has become a natural tool for learning. While traditional methods equip students with the knowledge they need, the use of technology enables students to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting. However, more than how technology has transformed learning, the bigger challenge is how educators today who are less tech-savvy than their students can maximize the potential of technology in the classroom.

This is the very challenge that Acer strives to overcome for education in the Philippines. Over 100 schools and universities have partnered with one of the top ICT companies in the world through Acer Academy. The program provides educational institutions around the country access to quality hardware, software and services that can improve the learning system of future professionals.

“Aside from accessing our products and services, our partner schools can also maximize our expertise and knowledge about the industry. As a leader in IT, we believe it is important to help bridge the gap of using technology in teaching by training educators how to maximize available tools that capture students’ interests,” said Managing Director of Acer Philippines, Manuel Wong. 

Acer Academy provides innovative delivery of education by digitizing teaching tools such as online syllabi, web-based worksheets and modules and electronically programmed learning activities. With the help of these tools, educators adapt effective teaching methods. At the same time, students are provided the opportunity to learn skills that can be relevant to their future professions.

This complements the Department of Education’s (DepEd) drive for the use of technology in improving the country’s education system. The DepEd’s ICT roadmap aims to transform the education landscape in the Philippines through technology, including the introduction of gamification or the use of gaming in giving instructions to students. More public schools can soon learn coding and robotics programs that are fundamental to students as they enter the information age. For this to happen, educators need to be adequately trained and well-adapted to the new learning environment that technology has created.

“For the Philippines to keep up with the demands of the global workforce and the changing times, it’s important for both private and public organizations to work together in providing access to technology to improve the country’s education system. With the innovations we can share, we are proud partners of the academe in future-proofing the next generation’s careers and it starts with Acer Academy,” said Wong in support for the developments in the education system.

To all aspiring filmmakers, its your time to shine with Star Magic's Lights, Camera, Magic

If you are an aspiring director and have an eye for making exceptional films then its your time to shine. This contest is open only to all amateur directors. If you are 18-years-old and above, of any nationality from in and outside of the country, yes this is worldwide.  If you have a 2-3 minute narrative video with strong story of any genre to tell. Then I advise you to submit your entry.
Make use of your talent and be discovered right away.

After which, three finalists would be determined via online voting and by the jury composed of some of the industry’s pioneers namely: Leo Katigbak, Head of ABS-CBN’s Special Projects and Film Restoration, Ronald Arguelles head of Channel Management—Cinema One and Velvet channels, and Ice Idanan, independent film director of “Sakaling Hindi Makarating,” “Ania ‘ti nagan mo” and “Limang Libo.”

Star Magic recently launched Lights, Camera, Magic's video-making contest last July 25 at ABS CBN and attended by actor directors Khalil Ramos, Ketchup, Nash Aguas, digital content producer and vlogger Renee Dominique,  JP Habac, Victor Villanueva,  Mikhail Red and Star Magic executives. 

Star Magic, the local entertainment industry’s premier talent management and development agency, is pushing the envelope further by formally opening its doors to a different kind of talent through the video-making contest—Lights, Camera, Magic.

​As a brainchild of the agency’s Chairman Emeritus Johnny Manahan, Lights, Camera, Magic (LCM) is essentially Star Magic’s very own contribution to ABS-CBN’s continued exploration of the digital platform and an effort to acknowledge the presence of the growing audience online.

For 26 years, Star Magic has paved the way for artists to express their talent in the performance arts, this time, LCM seeks to provide a venue for learning and collaboration for the new breed and aspiring storytellers,together with the industry experts and the brightest stars under Star Magic’s respected roster.

The tilt is open to amateur storytellers and digital content creators, 18-years-old and above, of any nationality from in and outside of the country, who have a 2-3 minute narrative video that reveals not only their unique and strong stories, but also their creative and technical expertise.

​Twenty (20) shortlisted entries will be selected by a screening team composed of Star Magic’s homegrown and prized talents such as Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, actors-turned-directors Nash Aguas and Khalil Ramos, character actors Janus del Prado and Gawad Urian recipient Ketchup Eusebio, digital content producer and vlogger Renee Dominique and led by Star Magic’s very own, Johnny Manahan.

​

Young and sought-after directors JP Habac (“I’m Drunk I Love You,”“Maria” and “Oktopus”), Victor Villanueva (“Patay Na Si Hesus,” “Ang Nanay Ni Justin Barber,” “Abot-kamay” and upcoming movie “Kusina King”) and Mikhail Red (“Birdshot,” “Neomanila,” “Rekorder,” and upcoming movies “Eerie” and “Block Z”) are also joining the esteemed jury.

Aside from winning P50,000 in cash, the finalists’ would have the full experience of developing their submitted entries into a 15-minute short video for digital entertainment; while being mentored by one of the three aforementioned young directors and with Star Magic artists as their videos’ headlining stars.

Interested participants may send their entries starting July 29 until August 25. Meanwhile, the top 20 finalists would be named after the voting period that runs from September 7 to September 19.

Get to know more about Star Magic’s latest milestone Lights, Camera, Magic by visiting lightscameramagic.ph or by following Star Magic’s official social media accounts to stay in the know about Lights, Camera, Magic.

#DaretoListen and Fly all the way to Las Vegas for JBL Fest 2018

Do you know that the perfect danceable music that I have been listening to every weekends are from the  Zumba classes that I have been attending to? When I check their audio, I just discovered that its from JBL.

It really doesn't matter the venue, as long as you have the perfect music to get things going and keep you moving.

Parties and other wild and wooly events need the perfect booming sounds to make it the talk of the town and create that solid impact. So how do you make them as epic and fantabulous?

Deliver the sound and make your party reverberate with all the thud, clatter and tinkle anywhere you want. The tried-and-tested JBL Boombox and the JBL GO2 from JBL, from the world’s leading electronic audio authority, will surely make any party big or small live up to expectations.

Experience sound like you’ve never heard before in a boombox with the JBL Boombox. This powerful and portable Bluetooth speaker delivers enormous sound and the hardest-hitting bass to bring the roar and the rumble of your music all day. With just a single charge, you won’t miss a beat as you party all day, all night thanks to its humongous 20,000mAh battery. You can even charge your phone or tablet while your rock to the music, a sample of the JBL Boombox’s versatility and diverse functionality.

It’s so ruggedly designed you can bring it to any wicked party. The IPX7 waterproof casing makes it an ideal all-weather speaker for your indoor or outdoor parties: by the garden, the beach or at poolside. With a few button pushes, you can switch modes to optimize sound quality, with deeper, richer bass in enclosed spaces, or stronger and capacious sound when you bring it outside. And if in case the JBL Boombox is not yet enough, the JBL Connect+ feature lets you add more speakers within Bluetooth range. Just press a button and voila! You have a speaker network at your disposal.

Now don’t dismiss it yet by looking at its diminutive size because the JBL GO2 is packed with that signature JBL sound despite its small form factor. It can pack a punch! Stream your music from your phone or tablet or take your calls and the sound is still crystal clear and perfect. Enjoy up to 5 hours of unceasing playtime so you can enjoy your music to your hearts’ delight.

Bring it to your living room or garden for your small family parties or reunions, or you can just grab it and go to take a dip at the pool or the beach and make your revelries with buddies or officemate come alive. It really doesn’t matter. The JBL GO2 will still make a splash with its IPX7 waterproof design, and with its built-in noise-cancelling speakerphone feature, hear what’s on the other side of the conversation with much clarity. Best yet, the JBL GO2 has got multi-sensory appeal because it’s not just an audio delight but an eye candy, too, with 12 eye-catching colors to chooses from to spice up your style profile to all-new heights.

But aside from bringing booming sound to your parties, these two rockin’ devices will also give you the chance to celebrate and revel in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Get ready to experience the true JBL sound in the world’s biggest musical sound extravaganza, the JBL Fest 2018.

From July 1 to August 31, 2018, just buy any JBL, Harman Kardon, or AKG products at all participating JBL concept stores, kiosks or authorized dealers in the country and be one of Five winners who will fly all the way to Las Vegas for JBL Fest 2018 and get to see and meet up close and personal some of the world’s biggest stars.

This year, American rapper Armando Christian Pérez, more popularly known as “Pit Bull,” together with English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, will headline JBL Fest 2018. This will be a pure and exciting treat for the winners, who will get to hear Pit Bull’s signature artistry and sound that captivated rap music lovers around the world, with his chart-topping hits like “I Know You Want Me” and “Give Me Everything.” Likewise with Goulding, a consistent UK and US chart-topper and Grammy nominee, known for her hit songs “Lights” and “Burn” from her albums “Bright Lights” and “Halcyon Days.”

To qualify, go to www.jblfest.com.ph and register to get a raffle entry that corresponds to the amount of product purchased. The JBL Fest 2018 promo is open to all JBL customers in the Philippines and should have a valid passport and US visa. Winners can only win once and will be responsible for the processing of required travel documents. Travel date will be in October 2018.

After a successful initial staging last year, the JBL Fest is fast shaping up for another run this year for that sizzling-hot very VIP experience. Lots of music icons and celebrities will converge at the World’s Entertainment Capital for JBL Fest 2018, all set to rock it out to the beat of JBL’s one-of-a-kind sound people the world over love and adore.

So don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to head off to Las Vegas, Nevada for JBL Fest 2018.

For more details, visit the JBL Facebook page, www.facebook.com/JBLPhilippines or follow them at Instagram (@jblph). Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 10373 Series of 2018.

Vivo X21 allows gamers to store not only one but many other gaming apps

For a gamer, there is nothing more frustrating than getting a call in the middle of a play. That is why Mobile Legends or PUBG players pick phones that are powerful enough to meet their heavy gaming needs. Global brand Vivo has been in the forefront of developing innovations to address the usual woes of a gamer. 

Vivo knows that the first step to handle mobile games is reliable hardware. Its latest flagship, the X21, is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Artificial Intelligence Engine chip. This can effectively utilize CPU resources for complex processes.

To complement the powerful chipset, Vivo X21 has a whopping 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM that improves the app launches and loading including complex mobile games. This also allows gamers to store not only one but many other gaming apps in their mobile phone.

The Vivo X21 is also equipped with AI technology. Through machine intelligence, the X21’s AI Smart Engine can intelligently allocate system resources in real-time to optimize its performance based on the requirements of a gaming apps. It also manages all apps running in the background and prioritizes memory space to commonly used apps.

The Vivo X21 also has a dedicated AI Game Mode that knows when a user is playing games to transform the smartphone into a dedicated game console. It then activates features that help minimize distraction. For instance, it can block new message alerts when playing games.

But it also offers features that allow a gamer to keep in touch. Vivo’s new flagship smartphone can receive calls on the background when the Wi-Fi is turned so a gamer can still have the option to talk to their callers even while playing a game. It also has a picture-in-picture feature that gives the player to respond to messages without stopping the game. 

The smartphone with its AI capabilities also prevents accidental touch operations to keep gamers from making the accidental moves—especially if the user is in a crucial play. #

#MissionImpossible- Fall Out: One of the Best Action Movies Ever

This is one action movie that you should not be missed. Mission:  Impossible - Fall out, is guaranteed the edge of your seat movie franchise. Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt together with his IMF team led by Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames. 

Rebecca Ferguson is also back in the movie together with Michelle Monaghan. It also stars  Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett,  Vanessa Kirby and directed by Christopher McQuarrie. I suggests you to glued yourself to your seat as to not miss a scene.  Bring your snacks with you and enjoy the movie in its entirety.

This is by far one of the best action movies for me. It is entertaining and worth the time and money. I am going to rate it 9 out of 10 stars, just because the action scenes are very well executed and breathtaking. Plus all the actors are good looking. Wink.

PS.  I love the bathroom fight scene.

Opens nationwide on July 27 at your favorite theatres.

Cast: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby, Wes Bentley, Frederick Schmidt with Michelle Monaghan and Alec Baldwin


OPENS NATIONWIDE JULY 27, 2018

Executive Produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger
Produced by Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Jake Myers, J.J. Abrams
Based on the Television Series Created by Bruce Geller
Written and Directed by Christopher McQuarrie

Photo Credit: "Paramount Pictures"