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Friday, October 4, 2024

Coldplay's New Album 'Moon Music' Drops Today

 A love-fuelled exercise in resilience” NME ★★★★

 

Coldplay’s highly-anticipated tenth album, Moon Music haslanded in stores and on streaming services today. The album can be purchased / downloaded / streamed here.

 

Moon Music, which was produced by Max Martin, containsAugust’s iTunes chart-topping single

WE PRAY - with Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna & TINI - andJune’s double MTV

VMAs-nominated single feelslikeimfallinginlove, which reachedNumber 1 on both the UK’s

airplay chart and the Official Big Top 40. A third single, All MyLove, is released alongside the album, with a video filmed at a Las Vegas karaoke bar premiering later today.

 

Chris Martin recently posted a video offering some insight intothe album, saying: “I think what this album is about is aresponse to struggling with all the conflict within oneself, withinmyself, and also all the conflict outside, and working out what the best response is. And I think what Moon Music is trying to say is maybe love is the best response.”

 

Moon Music was given its worldwide premiere on Monday at the Moon Saloon in Moon, Wisconsin, followed by a worldwidelistening event in cinemas on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 The band will celebrate the release of the album with a performance on tomorrow night’s Saturday Night Live,followed by a special concert on Monday for Sirius XM at theMusic Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY. They will then perform live on the TODAY Plaza for NBC’s TODAY Show on Monday.

 

NEW FORMATS AND NEWSUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS

 

In tandem with Coldplay’s ground-breaking sustainability measures on their current world tour - which has so far produced 59% less CO2e emissions than their previous stadium tour - the band have gone to great lengths to makethe physical release of Moon Music as sustainable as possible.

 

This is the world's first album released as a 140g EcoRecordrPET LP, with each copy made from 9 recycled PET-plastic bottles recovered from post-consumer waste.

 

Additionally, the band have collaborated with long-time partnersThe Ocean Cleanup to create an additional format: the Notebook Edition LP. The rPET for this edition comprises 70% river plastic, intercepted by The Ocean Cleanup from the Rio Las Vacas, Guatemala, and prevented from reaching the Gulf of Honduras and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

The standard CD editions of Moon Music will be the world’s firstto be released on EcoCD, created from 90% recycled polycarbonate, sourced from post-consumer waste streams.

 

In an effort to reduce waste, the first edition run of Moon Music (both EcoRecord LP and EcoCD) will be strictly limitedand produced at a higher specification than any future editions.All First Edition EcoRecord LP products will be individually numbered.

 

Moon Music is Coldplay’s first album since 2021’s Music OfThe Spheres, which spawned the US Number One single singlewith BTS, My Universe, and was nominated for Album ofthe Year at the Grammy Awards. Music Of The Spheres has accumulated more than four billion streams.


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LG DualCool Inverter ACs: Maximize Efficiency with the kW Manager Feature

 The kW Manager function is an excellent feature that LG offers for their DualCool window and split type inverter air conditioners. Many customers may not yet be aware of this innovative feature that can significantly help in managing electricity usage and saving on bills. Let’s explore the usefulness of the kW Manager and provide a step-by-step guide on how to utilize it through the LG ThinQ™ app.

The kW Manager feature allows users to set and monitor their air conditioner’s electricity usage directly through the LG ThinQ app. With this tool, it can help you manage your energy consumption and customize it according to your needs. It can also help you stay within your budget while enjoying the comfort of your air conditioning.

Using the kW Manager feature is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to take control of your energy consumption:

  1. Download the LG ThinQ App:
  1. Set Up Your Account:
    • Create an account or log in to the app. Ensure that your LG DualCool air conditioner is connected to the Wi-Fi network.
  1. Connect Your Air Conditioner:
    • Add your LG air conditioner to the app by following the prompts. Make sure your device is in pairing mode.
  1. Access the kW Manager:
    • Once your air conditioner is connected, navigate to the kW Manager feature within the app. Here, you can set your desired energy usage targets.
  1. Set Your Targets:
    • Specify the maximum kW usage you want your air conditioner to consume during specific time frames. This feature enables you to avoid exceeding your budget and helps you manage your electricity bills proactively.
  1. Monitor Your Usage:
    • Keep track of your energy consumption in real-time through the app. You can easily adjust settings as needed to stay on track.
    • By monitoring electricity consumption through the kW Manager, you’ll feel empowered to take charge of your energy consumption, avoiding the dreaded "bill shock", ensuring that comfort does not come at the expense of high electricity bills. This supports sustainable living, benefiting both your wallet and the environment by promoting energy efficiency.

      Download the LG ThinQ app to set your targets and enjoy a proactive approach to energy savings. Don’t miss out—start using the kW Manager and embrace a more efficient lifestyle!

      LG air conditioners, equipped with pioneering technology, stand as a testament to how modern innovation can seamlessly intersect with our daily needs. For more information, follow @LGAirSolutionsPH and @LGPhilippines on FacebookInstagramTiktok and Youtube.

A slide of pizza for everyWant: Savor an explosion of flavors as Korea’s Eat Pizza opens in the Philippines


Annyeong !  Eat Pizza, a popular Korean pizza brand, has made its way to the Philippines, bringing a fresh and exciting twist to traditional pizza offerings. Known for its innovative toppings and fusion flavors, Eat Pizza combines Korean ingredients with classic pizza staples, offering a unique dining experience that appeals to Filipino food lovers

Opening its first branch at the 2nd Floor of SM North Edsa’s main mall, Eat Pizza promises a revolutionary pizza experience that transcends the ordinary; with fresh pizza in traditional and inventive Korean flavors, offered in a unique serving size that allows each person to savor the flavor they want the most.



Eat Pizza: The Korean Pizza Revolution

Eat Pizza opened its first store in South Korea in 2021 and has experienced rapid growth in the country, expanding to 120 stores.


It has been conquering the pizza scene in various Southeast Asian countries including Thailand and Singapore and has finally landed in Philippine shores, bringing a revolutionary pizza experiences to Filipinos.


Eat Pizza is truly out of the ordinary as it is made with high-protein dough which is infused with the richness of extra virgin olive oil then topped with 100% natural mozzarella cheese and the freshest ingredients. These are crafted into a 10-inch-long rectangular pizza for the ideal group bonding indulgence – so every person who orders gets to select their preferred flavors. 




Each serving is then baked for irresistibly crunchy edges and a soft doughy center for the unforgettable bite that will keep you and your friends coming back for more!


What’s on the Menu at Eat Pizza Philippines

With Eat Pizza, there is slide of pizza for everyone". The Philippine branch will offer 10 delicious pizza flavors, ranging from classic pizza flavors to slides with a Korean twist. These include traditional pizzas like Aloha, Pepperoni and Real Cheese.


However, one would surely want to venture out and try its unique Korean inspired flavors too! For meat lovers, there’s Bulgogi on the menu or if one likes things with a bit of a kick, the Hot & Spicy Bulgogi, the Samgyeopsal or Korean sausage. Lovers of Korean snacks would surely love to explore the flavors of Sweet Milk, Sweet Corn or Sweet Potato.


Pair these with a choice of 5 baked sides – try the Tteokbokkiwith Cheese for a full Korean cuisine experience or try the Sweet and Spicy Corn Cheese or Sweet Potato Corn Cheese. Traditional favorites like Spaghetti and Carbonara are also on the menu. 


Aside from the array of must-try unique flavors, what also sets Eat Pizza apart is their offering of the ideal single portion, perfect for snack time, lunch or dinner. If you have experienced ordering pizza with a group, you probably know the feeling of compromising based on the flavor the majority prefers.


Not this time with Eat Pizza! The unique 10-inch rectangular pizza is just the right portion for a single person so everyone can order the flavor that appeals to them. It also comes in a convenient and mess-free packaging – just effortlessly slide your pizza out of the box for a quick and delicious meal. 


“Filipinos have fallen in love with so many things Korean, including their food. Eat Pizza is a way to bring together two things Filipino foodies love – pizza and Korean cuisine – in a deliciously innovative way,” said Scott Tan, Managing Director of Scottland Food Group Corporation, the distributors of Eat Pizza.


“Eat Pizza not only offers Korean flavors you love on a pizza, but the serving size is unique as well. Whether you are a solo diner craving pizza or just as a way so that everyone gets to order the flavor that they want, Eat Pizza offers an out of the ordinary pizza experience in every slide for everyone,” he explained.  


Eat Pizza is inviting everyone to pick up a slide at SM North Edsa starting this October or you can also order Eat Pizza via Grab or Foodpanda.

For more information on Eat Pizza, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559997641576 and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eatpizzaph.

Landers Superstore Partners with Paywatch to Elevate Employee Benefits with Earned Wage Access

 Landers Superstore, the fastest-growing membership retail chain in the Philippines, has partnered with Paywatch, Asia’s leading Earned Wage Access (EWA) provider, to enhance its employee benefits program by introducing EWA as a key offering. This partnership makes Landers the first supermarket in the country to implement EWA, also known as on-demand pay, reflecting its commitment to retaining top talent and advancing employee financial wellness. 

As part of a broader initiative to boost employee satisfaction and productivity, Landers launched the Earned-Wage Access (EWA) program at its Central Office, Otis, and Alabang branches during the pilot phase. This is just the beginning, as Landers plans to roll out the program nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing financial wellness for all employees. The EWA program gives employees access to a portion of their wages before payday, providing greater financial flexibility to manage daily expenses and emergencies, while reducing reliance on short-term loans. 


Advocating Financial Wellness in the Workplace & Impact in the Retail Industry

According to PwC’s 2022 Employee Financial Wellness Survey, 76% of employees reported that financial stress negatively impacted their productivity, with 55% saying financial issues distracted them at work. Additionally, 76% of respondents expressed a preference for working with companies that prioritize financial wellness. 

Recognizing the importance of employee financial health, Landers is rolling out EWA to empower its workforce. EWA provides access to earned wages, not loans, meaning employees avoid hidden fees and interest. As a debt-free solution, it stands out as one of the most affordable options available, promoting financial well-being without the risks associated with borrowing. 

“Our employees are the cornerstone of Landers’ success,” said Reynald Lapan, Chief Human Resources Officer of Landers. “By offering on-demand pay, we aim to ease the burden of unexpected financial challenges, allowing our staff to focus on delivering exceptional service. With Paywatch as our trusted partner, we’re making this vision a reality.”  

Paywatch: Championing Fair Financial Access for Filipino Employees

Landers has partnered with Paywatch, the region’s only bank-backed, regulator-approved EWA solution, to promote employee financial well-being. Recognized by the United Nations and central banks for its commitment to financial inclusion and ESG standards, Paywatch supports over 500,000 employees across Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. 

Since launching in the Philippines in 2023, Paywatch has seen a 150% surge in interest, following successful roadshows. Other companies adopting Paywatch’s EWA solution include Pick-A-RooKuya J, Wilmar International, Lay Bare and more. “At Paywatch, we’re committed to enhancing employee financial well-being, and our partnership with Landers demonstrates the power of EWA in tackling recruitment challenges in the retail sector. With voluntary turnover in the Philippines rising to 15.9% in 2023, up from 14.2% in 2022, retaining talent is more challenging than ever. Our global success with giants like Lotus’s and Jaya Grocer proves EWA’s effectiveness in reducing turnover. This collaboration affirms EWA’s relevance in improving financial health for Filipino workers,” said Rowell Del Fierro, President of PaywatchPhilippines. 

With this partnership, Landers is setting a new standard in the retail industry, redefining employee benefits while boosting productivity and fostering a financially secure workforce. 

 

For more information about Paywatch, please visithttps://www.paywatchglobal.com/

 

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Sam Verzosa Honors Late Father by auctioning Luxury Cars to Fund Dialysis Centers in Manila

Sam Verzosa, TV host and entrepreneur, made the difficult decision to part with ten of his most prized luxury cars, including a Bentley that was his late father’s dream vehicle. This sentimental sacrifice was done to honor his father's memory and fund a Dialysis and Diagnostic Center in Sampaloc, Manila—a cause close to both their hearts. The auction of these luxury cars raised P200 million, which will be used to build the center, aimed at providing life-saving dialysis treatment to people in need.


Sam late father had been a kidney patient who underwent regular dialysis sessions before he passed away. His father's battle with kidney disease was a defining factor in Verzosa’s decision to sell the Bentley, which held immense sentimental value. “It was my father’s dream car. He asked me to buy it for him, but sadly, he passed away before it arrived,” Verzosa shared, reflecting on the emotional connection he had to the car. Although it was difficult to let go, Verzosa knew that his father would have wanted him to make this choice for the greater good.

In the end, I decided to sell it because I know my father would be proud if it helped more people instead of just sitting in the garage. He taught me to give, even when we had nothing,” Verzosa added, recalling how his father’s generosity inspired him to follow this path of service.


The Auction and Its Impact

The auction, dubbed "Driven to Heal: A Fundraising Drive to Construct Dialysis and Diagnostic Centers for Manila," was held in Quezon City on September 29. The event featured a stunning lineup of luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari, Rolls Royce, McLaren, Maserati, Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, and the aforementioned Bentley. Verzosa expressed his gratitude to the private businessmen who purchased the cars, knowing that the funds would go toward helping many Filipinos who struggle with kidney disease and need affordable dialysis treatment.

For Verzosa, this cause is deeply personal. His father’s experience with dialysis opened his eyes to the need for more accessible healthcare options for patients who cannot afford expensive treatments. "People always ask for help, especially with dialysis. Every day, I receive messages from people looking for ways to support their loved ones who are sick," Verzosa explained. “That’s when I realized I needed to do something. Too many families are suffering because they can't afford proper care.”

Verzosa’s decision to sell his luxury cars, especially the Bentley, was more than just a financial gesture—it was an emotional one, rooted in the lessons of generosity that his father instilled in him. Growing up in humble circumstances, Verzosa learned from his father the importance of helping others, even when resources were scarce. This legacy of giving now drives him to make a lasting impact on his community.


“My father always helped others, even when we barely had anything. He would give away his last peso if it meant helping someone in need,” Verzosa recalled. “I know he would be proud of what we’re doing with the proceeds from this auction. It’s about helping more people, not holding on to material things.”

Building More Dialysis Centers for Manila

The funds from the auction will be used to establish the Sampaloc Dialysis and Diagnostic Center, which will offer free or affordable dialysis treatments to patients in Manila. Verzosa’s vision for this project extends beyond just one center—he plans to build similar facilities across the city in areas like Tondo, Quiapo, Malate, Ermita, and Intramuros.

“My dream is to create a network of dialysis centers across Manila,” Verzosa said. “This is just the start. We need more accessible healthcare options for our fellow Filipinos, especially those who can’t afford private treatments.”

Verzosa is also running for mayor of Manila in the upcoming 2025 elections, and if successful, he has promised to prioritize healthcare initiatives like this. His focus is on making healthcare more accessible to all, particularly for those with chronic illnesses that require long-term care. “I grew up here in Manila, and I want to give back to the people of this city. I want to make sure no one is left behind when it comes to healthcare.”

From Businessman to Public Servant

Beyond his charitable work, Verzosa is known for his success in the business world. As the co-founder of Frontrow, one of the Philippines’ leading multi-level marketing companies, Verzosa built a thriving business empire focused on health, beauty, and wellness products. Despite his success, he has always maintained a deep connection to his roots and continues to focus on initiatives that benefit those in need.






Verzosa’s foray into public service has further amplified his desire to give back to his community. As a representative of the Tutok To Win Party-list and the host of the public service show Dear SV, he has consistently used his platform to help underprivileged Filipinos. His political candidacy in the 2025 mayoral race reflects his ambition to create even greater impact for the people of Manila.

“I don’t just want to lead—I want to serve. My goal has always been to make a difference, whether it’s through my business, my charity work, or now through public service,” Verzosa said.



A Lasting Legacy

Sam Verzosa’s decision to auction his luxury cars, particularly the Bentley tied to his father’s memory, speaks volumes about his commitment to helping others. By turning personal loss into a source of hope for countless dialysis patients, Verzosa is building a legacy that honors his father’s values of generosity and selflessness. As he continues his journey in public service, Verzosa remains dedicated to uplifting his fellow Filipinos and creating lasting change in the communities that need it most.

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