by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 25, 2021 | Entertainment
The app development powerhouse behind Newsreels has done it again. Revolutionizing the traditional has always been part of their DNA. And this time, they took the notoriously rigid and conventional news format to the next level by creating an app that delivers 100% accurate news, up to 20 times faster. With its two trailblazing news formats – reels and bullets – everyone can get to know more updates, in no time at all.
Newsreels: The Future of News
While a conventional news app shows its collection of headlines with full articles, Newsreels introduces a game-changer in the news industry through its bullet summarization engine. Readers get to save precious minutes by getting just the important bullet points from the news they want.
To make things a whole lot better, modern readers get to enjoy informative news content in trendy reels format. Now, users can simply swipe across an endless stream of newsreels. Living with its moniker, Newsreels has jazzed up the interface with a video-upload feed for the users, much like Instagram or TikTok. This is another unique feature that cashes in on the younger generation and offers them digestible, up-to-the-minute news.
On top of that, Newsreels covers a wider spectrum of publishers – right from the regional/local level to the global news houses. Truly, nothing comes close when it comes to the sheer volume of their partner publications.
The app goes further by giving content creators the option to collab with the app, letting them use it as a publishing platform to reach more audiences. For an app born out of the innovation surge during the 2020 pandemic, Newsreels is the much-needed power-up of both emerging and established news outlets.
“It is our answer to the growing need of the public to have a one-stop news portal to get all the relevant information they need, be it for COVID-related topics or absolutely anything they want, without having to jump between apps and news sources,” says RJ David, the team’s Product Innovation Officer.
The future is NOW
Gone are the glory days of the plain vanilla newsreader apps. The readers today are smart: we want more; we want better, quicker. And we want it how we like it. Newsreels quashed the “same-old, same-old” monotony of current affairs through its contemporary, made-to-order, openly inclusive news aggregation platform. The era of engaging, on-point, choice news is in.
You are cordially invited to experience the future of news. And the future is now.
Welcome to Newsreels.
Download the app now! Newsreels is available on both the Appstore and Google Play. You can also follow the company on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. For partnerships related queries, you can contact them at pa*********@*******ls.app.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 15, 2021 | Entertainment
There is a new player in the Philippine music industry called Alibatta. Alibatta is an NFT independent label that takes its name from the word alibata, another word for baybayin, a traditional writing system in the Philippines.
What is NFT?
NFT is an acronym for non-fungible tokens. Fungibility is the ability of a good or asset to be readily interchanged for another of like kind. Like goods and assets that are not interchangeable, such as owned cars and houses, are non-fungible.
NFT is currently a trend amongst creatives, collectors, superfans as it gives the artists the ability to mark a virtual form of art proof-of-ownership.
When music meets technology
Alibatta brings together the creative and technological expertise of three very talented musicians cum tech executives Geoff Mabasa, Adrienne Cajayon, and Charles Gener.
Geoff Mabasa, the President and CEO of Alibatta, brings to the table his marketing experience with Grab, Tiktok, and cryptocurrency exchange platform, Binance. He expressed their desire to “bring local Filipino talent to a global audience by focusing on delivering fresh, danceable, and uplifting Filipino music influenced by western pop music.”
Alibatta leverages innovative tools to distribute music, empowering more musicians to embrace tech and have more ownership and means to monetize the content they produce.
He adds, “Alibatta is a first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It is the only music label pushing NFT-releases for its talents. Our vision is to make sure music is adaptive to both the needs of the artist and their fans who are the foundation of the industry.”
Alibatta pegs itself as an entertainment technology company. It operates as a music label, providing traditional label services like artist management, music production, and marketing. At the same time, it modernizes the way that music reaches people with blockchain technology and immersive experience.
Musicians first
All three founders are graduates of Music Production from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. As musicians themselves, they are familiar with the difficulties encountered by musicians, particularly in terms of marketing, distribution, and profit.
Adrienne Cajayon, Geoff Mabasa, and Charles Gener
“We know how cutthroat the industry is, so we need to utilize new forms of technology to (somehow) level the playing field,” mentioned Adrienne Cajayon, Chief Operating Officer and Compliance Head.
Before focusing on tech, Chief Innovation Officer Charles Gener was a session drummer for local acts Jensen Gomez, Arthur Nery, and Klarisse De Guzman. “Our backgrounds and interests provide the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate and pioneer this space and make history as the label that produced the first NFT-minted record in the Philippines.”
Ali Young joins Alibatta
Philippine artist, Ali Young, signs on with Alibatta as its first artist with its first NFT-minted single to be released on June 25. She made a name for herself by making song covers of artists such as Taylor Swift and Yeng Constantino on YouTube and Soundcloud and amassing millions of views.
Young says, “I’m still overwhelmed and super proud that I signed with Alibatta, I trust in the direction the label is taking, and I think that NFT is the future not just for music, but for other forms of art, too.”
The first of its kind locally
The new normal has forced everyone to find ways to innovate and create experiences that would deliver a sensory experience that social distancing has deprived us of. A virtual reality (VR) concert is in the works. Everyone who purchases a ticket to the event will receive VR goggles as part of the ticket price. This will give them the immersive experience promised.
On June 25, 2021, Alibatta will launch Ali Young’s debut single Craving on major streaming platforms. At the same time, a Record Stor Day limited NFT version will be released through Binance.
“Ali Young is poised to make history as the first Filipino singer with an NFT out, and we are happy to set that trend both locally and internationally. This effort provides an empowering message to our fellow musicians: that music and art can be lucrative not just for the labels, but for the entire creator ecosystem,” says Mabasa.
Stay tuned for more details soon.
by Ginny Angeles | Jan 1, 2021 | Entertainment
So happy to see K and Taki will finally debut! I was sooooo shocked when K wasn’t included in the final 7 that has now become Enhypen.
As they say, good things come and so glad that BigHits listened to the fans and took care of K (and Taki.)
All 5 were participants in I-land but EJ, Kyungmin, and Nicholas got eliminated and didn’t make it to part 2. I hope that means that there will be more groups formed from the I-land participants.
Looking forward to their final group. #ilandk #ilandTaki #bighit
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 26, 2020 | Entertainment
Staying at home for months has had us bawl and cry our hearts out over a number of love teams in the numerous romcoms and dramas we’ve binged over the quarantine. But with the current situation, there has been a lack of local films as our favorite OTPs are on hiatus on the big screen. Like their dramas, the lack of local romcoms has been heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and has left us craving the “kilig”.
But that didn’t stop Head & Shoulders from serving us with the electrifying on-screen chemistry of Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo. With their new endorsement and the release of their advertisement, Bea and Alden gave us all the kilig we’ve been wanting to feel and that made them undeniably one of the biggest love teams to date!
The comments sections of their Compliment Wars and First Impressions videos blew up with fans raving and requesting for a movie team-up. While we’re not able to enjoy a big-screen release with Bea and Alden as a love team yet, we actually get to see them test their chemistry with a short “itch not you” skit. We don’t want to spill all the beans for you, but Alden had a valid reason why ‘itch not Bea.’
head and shoulders shampoo line
You don’t want your loved ones to leave you for the itch. When you itch, it’s time to switch to Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo! Head & Shoulders always has our scalps covered with protection against scalp germs, itch, and an oily scalp. They even upgraded with a new formula that features new, and better scents. What more can you ask for in an anti-dandruff shampoo when Head & Shoulders can keep you itch-free, 100% dandruff-free, and maintain fragrant hair all day!
Itch Not You, Itch a Challenge
Ignite the inner Bea or Alden within you and get a chance to win a 1-year supply of Head & Shoulders products and the Oh! Scratch package!
Just duet with Andrea Brillantes or Kyle Echarri’s #ItchNotYou TikTok video and post it on your TikTok or Twitter with the hashtag #ItchNotYou. Kyle and Andrea will be choosing the 6 lucky winners of a 1-year supply of Head & Shoulders products. Entries are valid until December 16. Duet now for more chances of itch-free moments.
Bea and Alden are itch and odor free
You might just find your Alden or Bea and experience kilig that’s dandruff-free and itch-free. Save yourself from itch-uations when you use Head & Shoulders!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 2, 2020 | Entertainment
Kim Ji Young, Born 1982 is a movie adaptation of the controversial South Korean best-selling novel that tackles the inherent sexism in today’s society.
Kim Ji Young is a story about an ordinary housewife who toils over her child and husband day in and day out. When she falls into postpartum depression, her supportive husband encourages her to seek help.
In her conversations with her psychiatrist, they show the gender roles that are so rooted in our society. Kim Ji Young is the embodiment of every woman – daughter, wife, mother, friend, and colleague – who goes through the same hurdles as we do.
The movie’s director didn’t focus on a pessimistic approach to telling the story. “I wanted to send a hopeful message to all Kim Ji Youngs in 2019,” Kim Do Yeong said in an interview, “that they are living in a better world than Ji Young’s mother, and their children will be as well.”
The movie stars Jung Yu Mi and Gong Yoo who have worked together before in Silenced and Train to Busan.
You can watch “Kim Ji Young, Born 1982” on Viu, the go-to streaming platform for the latest Korean and Asian dramas and variety shows. The Viu app is available for FREE on the PlayStore and AppStore or you can access it on your browser at www.viu.com.
To get a preview of “Kim Ji Young, Born 1982”, watch the trailer below.
The South Korean feminist movie will be available to Viu Premium subscribers beginning April 3 at 11 PM.
You can get your Viu Premium subscription for as low as Php29 for 3 days. Upgrade to Premium through in-app purchases or credit card payment. If you prefer charging your subscription to your mobile load, you can upgrade via Globe. For online shoppers, subscriptions are also available on Lazada and Shopee.
To stay updated with the latest Korean dramas and movies, follow Viu Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Viu
Viu is a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service operated by PCCW Media Group. It is available in 16 markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar in Asia, the Middle East countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the newly launched South Africa.
Operating with both an ad-supported tier and a premium subscription tier with more features, Viu delivers premium Asian content in different genres from top content providers with local language subtitles as well as original production series under the ‘Viu Original’ initiative.
Viu offers users express delivery of telecast content, streaming and download features, and localized user interfaces. With the patented Dynamic Adaptive Transcoding technology, Viu can provide the best viewing experience regardless of device or network conditions.
The service can be accessed via the Viu app (available for free on App Store and Google Play) on connected devices, e.g. smartphones and tablets, selected smart TVs, as well as on the web by logging into www.viu.com.
About PCCW Media
The Media Group of PCCW is a leading, fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong.
The Media Group operates the leading pay-TV service in Hong Kong under the Now TV brand delivering both self-produced and licensed content to its customers using IPTV technology. Now TV offers more than 160 linear channels and an on-demand library of local, Asian and international programming. Its premium content can also be accessed via the Now Player app. It is also a leading producer of Chinese language news, financial news and sports programming in addition to Asian infotainment content which complements its wide portfolio of licensed movie and international television content. PCCW Media also offers the Now E entertainment OTT (over-the-top) platform with international and Asian dramas, movies and world-class sports events, which is designed to meet the needs of viewers with Millennial lifestyle.
The Media Group is also engaged in the provision of OTT video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and 16 markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, India, and South Africa. In addition, MOOV is a hugely popular music digital streaming service in Hong Kong.
About PCCW Limited
PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008) is a global company headquartered in Hong Kong which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development, and investment, and other businesses.
The Company holds a majority interest in the HKT Trust and HKT Limited, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider and leading operator in fixed-line, broadband, and mobile communication services. HKT meets the needs of the Hong Kong public and local and international businesses with a wide range of services including local telephony, local data and broadband, international telecommunications, mobile, and other telecommunications businesses such as customer premises equipment sale, outsourcing, consulting, and contact centers.
PCCW also owns a fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong, PCCW Media. PCCW Media operates the largest local pay-TV operation, Now TV, and is engaged in the provision of over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region.
Through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, PCCW also operates a domestic free television service in Hong Kong.
Also, wholly owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong and mainland China.
In addition, PCCW holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and other overseas investments. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 8, 2020 | Entertainment
“We are a team, a family. As one, we will continue to fight and work hard and overcome this together.” That was the statement of Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde as her dance company continues to show strength and resilience after the fire that razed its home venue, Aliw Theater, and temporarily set askew the company’s planned 24th performance season lineup.
It has been more than two months since the tragedy; and the dance company is slowly getting back on its feet, rising from the ashes like the proverbial phoenix to carry on with its goals and mission. “We went back to the original motto of Ballet Manila – ‘have floor, will dance.’ That was what we did before the existence of Aliw Theater and Star Theater. And that is what we will do,” she said.
Sleeping Beauty
Now, Ballet Manila is all set to captivate its audience with the world premiere of Sleeping Beauty, an apt offering for the new year, as the company ‘awakens’ from the brief slumber caused by the tragic fire.
The third show in its 24th performance season “On Pointe,” Sleeping Beauty is Macuja Elizalde’s homage to this ballet classic and fairy tale.
Against the background of the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Macuja Elizalde’s choreography adapted bits and pieces from the original staging by Marius Petipa and Konstantin Sergeyev while creating stunningly new portions.
It will be staged on January 18 at 6:00 PM and January 19 at 3:00 PM Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.
“Sleeping Beauty is considered a masterwork in the world of classical ballet because it stretches everyone to the fullest of their abilities. Everything about this show is a very academic, very old school. Ballet Manila is here to preserve that tradition and, at the same time, create something entirely new.” she said.
Sleeping Beauty has been around for over one and a quarter-century and has been performed in different corners of the world. Despite the show’s perennial eminence, Macuja Elizalde, who choreographed the entire show, assures everyone that her version of Sleeping Beauty is different from the well-loved classic. With the help of Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso, who was also the show’s choreography assistant and rehearsal master, the country’s foremost and well-loved prima ballerina guarantees a spectacular show – an unforgettable retelling of the famous fairy tale.
New venue for Ballet Manila
Moving to the new venue meant adapting to necessary changes. Macuja Elizalde, her dancers, and the rest of her production team had to adjust to new plans, choreography, stage setup and casting. Producing the show was more challenging due to limited time for setting up and technical rehearsals.
Nevertheless, Macuja Elizalde said that they have certainly saved the best for last and Sleeping Beauty will be the fitting ending to her Princess Trilogy. An enthralling story on its own, Sleeping Beauty will surely capture the hearts of viewers even if they did not see the first two installments, namely Snow White and Cinderella.
The Cast of Sleeping Beauty
The show will be supported by a powerhouse cast led by principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames who will take on the role of Aurora, while her fellow principal dancer Romeo Peralta will be her love interest, Prince Phillip. Other cast members include Mark Sumaylo, Rissa May Camaclang, Joan Sia, Gerardo Francisco, Rafael Perez, Alvin Dictado, Shaira Comeros, and Emma Harris.
A month or so ago, Macuja Elizalde admitted that she didn’t even dream of staging Sleeping Beauty. “I did not have the courage to make a decision about proceeding with the show. I was still in shock and denial for weeks after the fire,” she shares. However, the overwhelming outpouring of love and support they’ve received when they performed Giselle in October gave her the strength to overcome the obstacles. And with Sleeping Beauty, Ballet Manila will continue to dance, beautifully, majestically in a way that will undoubtedly wow the audience.
To buy tickets for Sleeping Beauty, visit any Ticketworld outlet; call 8891 9999, or go to www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information, visit https://balletmanila.com.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/BalletManilaOfficial/.
Welcome to Newsreels.
Alibatta brings together the creative and technological expertise of three very talented musicians cum tech executives Geoff Mabasa, Adrienne Cajayon, and Charles Gener. 
Kim Ji Young, Born 1982 is a movie adaptation of the controversial South Korean best-selling novel that tackles the inherent sexism in today’s society.
In her conversations with her psychiatrist, they show the gender roles that are so rooted in our society. Kim Ji Young is the embodiment of every woman – daughter, wife, mother, friend, and colleague – who goes through the same hurdles as we do.
You can watch “Kim Ji Young, Born 1982” on Viu, the go-to streaming platform for the latest Korean and Asian dramas and variety shows. The Viu app is available for FREE on the PlayStore and AppStore or you can access it on your browser at 
Viu is a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service operated by PCCW Media Group. It is available in 16 markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar in Asia, the Middle East countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the newly launched South Africa.
The Media Group of PCCW is a leading, fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong.
“We are a team, a family. As one, we will continue to fight and work hard and overcome this together.” That was the statement of Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde as her dance company continues to show strength and resilience after the fire that razed its home venue, Aliw Theater, and temporarily set askew the company’s planned 24th performance season lineup.
The third show in its 24th performance season “On Pointe,” Sleeping Beauty is Macuja Elizalde’s homage to this ballet classic and fairy tale. 
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