Providing purpose-built security solutions to Filipino companies

Friday, March 31, 2023

 


As the globe adjusts to the rising demand for a less geographically based workforce and organizations leverage the power of ever-increasing connectivity possibilities and digital transformation, possible security concerns emerge. ViewQwest Pte. Ltd. Ltd., a Singapore-based regional telecommunications and Managed Security Services leader, recently held the Cybersecurity Leaders' Masterclass Series with key technology leaders and decision-makers in the Philippines to propose a stronger, more purpose-built approach to security in the face of post-pandemic system challenges.

The event, “It takes only one: Navigating cyberthreats for safer digital transformation,” enabled IT and security leaders to explore next-generation cybersecurity measures that ensure safe and successful digital transformation amidst increasing cyber threats. These threats especially target areas where growth outstrips traditional systems. This is why Asian markets, particularly in the Philippines, can be at risk.  

 

Known for its ingenuity and adaptability, the Asian economy surprised the world post-pandemic, outstripping its Western counterparts in 2023 and is expected to perform similarly in 2024. The McKinsey Global Institute reports that Asia exhibited an overall exceptional resilience despite repeated setbacks and lockdowns, and as a result, is expected to account for 50% of global GDP and drive 40% of the world’s consumption by the year 2040, all things considered.  

 
“The key to this drastic growth is corporations going digital,” says Vignesa Moorthy, Founder & CEO of ViewQwest. He warns that this move, crucial as it may be, could leave corporate assets and sensitive information open to threats and cyber attacks. 

 
ViewQwest is a regional industry leader servicing over 10,000 branches across North and Southeast Asia with its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions and software-defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) services. 

 

Tailored solutions to combat unique local and organizational challenges 

 

ViewQwest prides itself to be an industry innovator who refuses to be a one-size-fits-all service provider, acknowledging that every situation requires a tailor-fit solution if it is meant to be effective in the long run. The Philippines business landscape, in particular, can pose a challenge in many ways, from the quality of connectivity to the availability of service and even to the refusal of some individuals to upgrade to the current versions of software that they had become accustomed to. 

 

With a deep understanding of the Philippine market and the general Southeast Asian market, built on ViewQwest’s experience from large-scale enterprise projects, the company is cost-effectively delivering a simplified and high-availability network that provides superior network and application performance, as well as best-of-breed secure access to any remote user, branch office or device.  

 

“We help customers transform their network and security architecture with confidence. Leveraging our telco DNA, we have built the most cost-effective, high-performance and reliable networking solutions integrated with our certified best-of-breed SASE capabilities from leading global cybersecurity leaders such as Palo Alto Networks. This allows us to create differentiated services that address unique security demands across our markets and customers – a distinct advantage that ViewQwest offers to enterprises in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia,” Moorthy concluded. 

 

ViewQwest Philippines offers a complete range of connectivity options, SASE, SD-WAN and managed services required for enterprise network and security transformation. Since entering the Philippine market in 2019, ViewQwest has grown its clientele and now supports the needs of top Philippine enterprises across various industries. 

 

For more details on ViewQwest, please visit https://viewqwest.com/  
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Australian singer-songwriter Ruel drops music video for new track “I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU”

 

Australian singer-songwriter Ruel has released the music video for “I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU,” his new single released under RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment.

Directed by James Chappell, the visuals find the pop prodigy escaping an army of folks dressed in blue jumpsuits with his getaway vehicle. 

“I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU” is an upbeat alt-pop tune with a breezy chorus that’s worth singing along to, and an indelible groove fit for the summer. The song is part of his debut studio album, 4th WALL, which debuted at No. 3 in Australia and No. 10 in New Zealand upon its release.

Through a journey that spanned over the last three years, Ruel’s long-awaited debut album explores his most personal and stellar musical offerings to date. The 14-track offering features an array of writing collaborators and producers including M-Phazes (Khalid, Noah Cyrus), Sammy Witte (Harry Styles, Halsey), Gabe Simon (Dua Lipa, Maroon 5), Spencer Stewart (Alina Baraz, ROLE MODEL) and artists PJ Harding and Mikky Ekko.

Following his well-received show in Manila last month, the young hitmaker recently announced the North American and European/United Kingdom legs of his headlining “4TH WALL WORLD TOUR” in support of his debut album 4TH WALL. The hugely anticipated tour will see the Australian trailblazer light up stages across the globe in his first world tour in over three years. 

On getting back on tour, Ruel says, "I cannot wait to get back to my fans and play some of my favourite cities in the world and experience brand new ones too. I’ve never looked forward to a tour this much and I’m counting down the days until I can play a bunch of new tracks from the album as well as all my fan favorites."
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DSLR Smartphone HONOR X8a now available nationwide at Php 10,990



Buy HONOR X8a online or run to your nearest HONOR kiosks and get your hands on the most affordable smartphone with 100MP Ultra-Clear Camera on the market, presented to you by HONOR.


The latest addition to HONOR’s X Series with 100MP Ultra-Clear Camera, HONOR X8a, is officially available starting March 25, 2023 for only Php 10,990 through HONOR kiosks and partner stores nationwide, and online through Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

“Our newly-launched smartphone is now up for grabs for a very affordable price. We are always looking out for ways to give quality products to our HONOR fans, and we believe HONOR X8a, which boasts a 100MP triple rear camera system, is absolutely perfect for people who love taking high-quality photos on the go,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

HONOR X8a’s Top-notch Camera and Display Technology

DSLR-like shots from the smartphone were made possible by its 100MP Main Rear Camera, supported by both a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera. With HONOR X8a, users can capture high-definition images in vivid details and clarity. It also features a 16MP Front Camera, perfect for your captivating selfies.

The device’s HONOR Display Color Calibration technology, paired with its 6.7-inch FullView Display, allows for a better viewing experience on a large screen, with a screen-to-body ratio of 93.6%. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, HONOR X8a is also equipped with low blue light technology, ideal for people who spend long hours in front of their screens. It also has a 4500 mAh battery, and on a single charge, can deliver up to 13 hours of music streaming, or 16 hours of uninterrupted social media browsing.

Pricing and Availability

HONOR X8a, priced at Php 10,990, comes in three majestic colors: Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black. Buyers may now run to the nearest HONOR kiosks, or buy via our Partner Online Stores – Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.


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Women Bartenders on Creating Cocktails With Tanduay, Defying Stereotypes, and Thriving in a Male-Dominated Field

 

As renewed interest in cocktails continue to grow, bartenders are also taking the spotlight, and in El Nido and Siargao, two bartenders are paving the way for women to shine in a male-dominated industry. 

Sharleen Antonio works with her husband and fellow bartending professional, Larry Guevara, in one of Palawan’s top beach destinations. Riza Delguime, meanwhile, is a bartender for a leading resort in the country’s surfing haven.

Creating Tanduay-Infused Cocktails

Both women have been bartending for years and share a preference for Tanduay in creating cocktails.

“It’s very easy to mix in cocktails because of its unique and bold character. I usually go for the classic Tanduay Dark Rum in my root beer and rum with a squeeze of fresh lemon,” Antonio said.

She shared that they used Tanduay rums in her bar management class back in college, so she is very familiar with the brand. Collaborating with the brand, she came up with three Tanduay-infused cocktails that are perfect for any time of the year -- the Mango Basil Mojito, Tanduay Espresso Martini, and Tanduay Old Fashioned.

Delguime likes Tanduay’s sweet and strong flavor. Foreign customers would usually ask what rum brand she uses in her cocktails and would then request drinks infused with Tanduay rums.

“I have my own signature cocktail, which is perfect when I mix it with Tanduay. We have female guests here in the resort who would request for cocktails that are not too strong, and I would make one for them also using Tanduay,” she said.

Delguime further shared that the bartending scene in Siargao has always been “good and clean.”

“There are different varieties of bars here like sports bars and pool bars, and they are all super busy because of the many tourists who visit our island,” she said. 

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Antonio shared working in a male-dominated industry wasn’t easy in the beginning. Women bartenders used to be seen as just “cotton candies” behind the bar to attract male clients and rake in tips.

“While I may have experienced some catcalling and received some indecent proposals from male guests in some instances, I have to say that I have been lucky to have always worked with my husband behind the bar. In 2016, we joined Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 to show that there is more to bartending than meets the eye,” she shared.

Advice for Aspiring Bartenders

Delguime advised aspiring bartenders to just be themselves. 

“That would be the key to your success. Bartending is fun, and you get to entertain guests,” she said.

Antonio, meanwhile, has made it her advocacy to educate people about bartending as hospitality and F&B professionals.

“Gone are the days when women were simply considered as bar backs or force multipliers during busy bar shifts. Or worse, simply as ornaments behind the bar,” she noted.

Antonio wants to motivate, inspire, and empower women bartenders and those who would like to start a career in the bartending industry. She and her husband have been conducting workshops and seminars around the country to help aspiring bartenders better their craft.

“It is my wish that female bartenders will continue to flourish and leave their own mark in the field we all so love and are passionate about,” she said.

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mWell bolsters doctor roster with OB-Gynecologists, family physicians and mind health experts this International Women's Month

Friday, March 24, 2023

Empowers doctors with the new mWellMD app



Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell, the country’s first and only health and wellness mega app, further strengthens its line-up of partner doctors for its mission to bring healthcare closer to Filipinos, especially women who are the primary health guardians of the family.




In celebration of International Women’s Month, mWell has tied up with Kalusugan ng Kababaihang Pangkabayanan, Inc (KnKPInc), a group that safeguards the well-being of marginalized Filipino women in the countryside. Working with member OB-GYNs, mWell shall provide free online consultation for women as part of KnKPInc’s medical mission this March.

Aside from providing quality healthcare to women in the countryside, the collaboration also aims to help raise awareness on issues such as reproductive rights, gender equality, and abuse against women.



“Being a woman, a mother and having a daughter, I am fully committed to empowering women through mWell’s holistic approach to health and wellness. Recognizing women's crucial role in nation-building, mWell shall ensure that women receive access to doctors, a daily health tracker, fitness programs and healthy recipes—all within the mWell app. " We are here to ensure good health and well-being of all women in every step of the wellness journey by providing the tools needed for improved productivity in their various roles,” said mWell President and CEO and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.



“We are honored to partner with mWell in promoting women’s health and empowerment. Through our medical missions, we can help underprivileged and marginalized Filipino women who still suffer from inadequate access to quality healthcare. Becoming part of the mWell ecosystem will greatly help in KnKPInc’s mission to address the delays in preventive care and disease management for women in the countryside,” said Dr.Connie Pijuan-Alfiler , Chairman and Founder of KnKPInc.



mWell welcomes mind health experts from YMP Lead



As a fully integrated digital platform, mWell has partnered with YMP Lead to strengthen its roster of mind health experts. Kicking off the partnership, free mind health consultations were provided to mWell app users to promote self-love as part of mWell’s Love For Wellness campaign. Recognizing the need to help ease anxiety and sadness, especially during the Valentine's season, mWell gifted app users with a health passcode which they can use to consult with psychologists from YMP Lead.



Asked about their consultation experience, MP, RPsy, RMPm Riyan Portuguez, founder of YMP Lead says, “As a practitioner, everything I need can be found in the app with just one click. It's easier for me to check my appointments and to have easy access to teleconsultation. I also love that it has automated coding for a specific diagnosis, and we can fill out and sign our abstracts after consultations. It's so convenient to use!”



”The mWell app is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and multiple notifications (via email, text message, and the app itself) is helpful. Also, clinicians can input consultation notes and select coding for specific diagnosis. " I love the app,” said Rachell Anne Castro, MA, RPsy, RPm.

After her consultations via mWell, Marry Jane Sioson, MP, RPm, RPsy said “The app allows both the clinician and the patient to stay up to date with their session schedule via email and SMS. This feature greatly helps, especially on organizing and setting reminders amidst our busy schedules. Medical notes are easy to access and user-friendly. High regards to the technical team who are quick to respond.”

Enabling doctors to go fully digital via the new mWellMD app


To better respond to the fast-paced lifestyle of doctors, mWell empowers all its partner doctors to go fully digital by creating the new mWellMD app—a virtual clinic designed by doctors, for doctors. It allows them to easily manage schedules and patient records and be notified of upcoming patient schedules. Built with the doctor experience in mind, it provides a seamless experience from sign-up to consultation. With its fully digital features, the mWellMD app enables doctors to conveniently serve patients anytime, anywhere. Recognizing their fast-paced lifestyle, mWellMD allows doctors to attend to patients on their mobile phone, wherever they may be, 24/7. It is loaded with tools allowing doctors to manage their practice-- from patient records, consults, billings, and professional fees. They can even communicate with their staff and refer patients to other doctors. Practice data and patient data are accessible anytime, anywhere. With just a click of a button on mobile, they can utilize an efficient appointment booking system for their online clinics and conveniently do online consultations for patients using the mWell app. Soon, enhanced features and a wider range of tools will be available for doctors via mWellMD Advanced.



mWell was recently recognized as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. It is the only healthcare app among the convenor organizations and supporting companies of the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement.



As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.






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Summeryenda! Embrace summer days with cool tropical gulaman flavors

Welcome summer days with tropical and nostalgic treats we all grew up with – gulaman! Make Summeryenda times more memorable while staying cool and hydrated with Mr. Hat Gulaman's distinctly Filipino flavors – buko pandan and mango.





Complete your Summeryenda menu and whip up refreshing, ice-cold drinks, cool snacks, and desserts using other tropical gulaman flavors such as orange, lychee, strawberry, grape, and even coffee.




Fancy other flavors? Indulge and make your own summer concoctions using Mr. Hat Gulaman's unflavored gulaman, which comes in black, orange, yellow, white, red, and green colors.

The perfect tropical summer companion


Bring the summer vibe with you wherever you are with the versatile gulaman – at the beach, at a picnic in the park, on a hiking adventure, or hanging out in each other's homes. Make jelly drinks or "samalamig," flans, gulaman desserts, and even gummies you can nibble on. The possibilities are endless.


Mr. Hat Gulaman has perfectly captured Filipino taste. A popular flavor in the Philippines, the mango-flavored Mr. Hat Gulaman powder has a sweet and fruity taste that is perfect for summer desserts.


Buko Pandan is a Filipino dessert that typically features a mix of coconut and pandan flavors. Mr. Hat Gulaman's buko pandan-flavored jelly powder captures this unique taste and can be used to make buko pandan salad.


Mr. Hat Gulaman's strawberry-flavored jelly powder has a sweet and tangy taste that is perfect for making strawberry-flavored desserts that kids love.


What are you in the mood for? What is your favorite gulaman recipe? Whip it up with Mr. Hat Gulaman!


Traditional drink and dessert everyone loves




Mr. Hat Gulaman is a product of Filipino firm Seanluc, Inc. Its jelly powder is made from the finest natural seaweed extract. It is made from carrageenan, sugar, flavorings, and colorings.


Carrageenan is a type of seaweed-derived ingredient commonly used as a gelling agent in food products, while sugar is added for sweetness. Additional ingredients, such as fruit flavors and food colorings, are added to create unique flavors and colors.


Making jelly using Mr. Hat Gulaman does not require elaborate preparations. This makes drinks and dessert creation quicker without sacrificing quality and flavor.


Mr. Hat Gulaman is affordable even for those on a budget. Stock up on Mr. Hat Gulaman flavors to stay cool and refreshed this summer! Get all flavors and colors of Mr. Hat Gulaman at Lazada, Shopee, and other retail stores nationwide.


For more updates and details, visit Mr. Hat Gulaman Website. Follow Mr. Hat Gulaman on TikTok and Facebook.




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Make a Statement this Women's Month with Logitech's Stylish and Versatile Computer Accessories

Shine Bright This Women's Month with Logitech's Stunning Rose Computer Accessories, Designed for Empowering Women at Work and Play


Logitech is excited to announce the launch of a new rose color for its K580 keyboard, MK470 combo, BRIO300 webcam, and H390 headset just in time for Women's Month! With this new color option, Logitech is catering to women who are looking for high-quality and stylish tech products that are perfect for work and play.




Logitech knows that women need technology that is not only functional but also fashionable. That's why they designed the K580 keyboard, MK470 combo, BRIO300 webcam, and H390 headset to provide a seamless and comfortable experience while working, studying, or just simply browsing the internet. The rose color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to these products, making them a perfect fit for women who want to upgrade their workspace with a touch of style.



But more than just looking pretty, these Logitech products also offer a range of features that can empower women to be more productive and efficient in their work. The K580 keyboard is a wireless multi-device keyboard that allows users to switch between their computer, phone, or tablet seamlessly. The MK470 combo is a wireless mouse and keyboard set that offers a comfortable and quiet typing and scrolling experience. The BRIO300 webcam is a high-quality webcam that provides sharp and clear video for video conferencing, live streaming, or recording. The H390 headset is a comfortable and durable headset that delivers clear digital sound for music, gaming, or voice calls.


Logitech's new rose color is not just a fashion statement; it's also a symbol of empowerment for women who want to make a statement in their work and personal lives. With Logitech's products, women can have the best of both worlds: style and functionality. These products are designed to cater to the needs of women who are always on the go and need reliable technology that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyles.



Here are some highlights of Logitech's rose-colored products:




● K580 keyboard: wireless multi-device keyboard, slim and compact design, durable and spill-resistant, comfortable typing with scissor switches, long battery life up to 24 months.





● MK470 combo: wireless mouse and keyboard set, ultra-thin design, quiet typing and scrolling, reliable wireless connection up to 10 meters, long battery life up to 18 months




● BRIO300 webcam: 4K ultra HD video quality, HDR and RightLight 3 technology, adjustable field of view, 5x digital zoom, multiple mounting options, compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS





● H390 headset: comfortable and durable design, padded headband and ear cups, adjustable microphone, USB-A plug-and-play connectivity, noise-canceling microphone, inline audio controls


This Women's Month, Logitech is proud to empower women with its new rose color option for the K580 keyboard, MK470 combo, BRIO300 webcam, and H390 headset. These products offer a perfect balance of style and functionality, making them a perfect fit for today's modern and dynamic women.

Available online and at local shops

Logitech accessories are available at the Logitech G Official Store in Shopee and other partner retail stores nationwide. Logitech products are also available at partner outlets, PC Express, Silicon Valley, DataBlitz, Octagon, Electroworld, Complink, iTech, Techwarez, Gameone, Interpace Computer Systems, GameXtreme, TTI, GameOne, DynaQuest PC, Digi-Serv Solutions, Concept Computer, NUTECH, DFE (Davao Futurebright Enterprises), Villman, PCWorx, Abenson, Digistore, and Greenware.

Visit the Logitech website and official Facebook Page to learn more.


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UBX partners with PGA Sompo for cyber insurance

Wednesday, March 15, 2023


UBX, the leading Open Finance Platform in the Philippines, has tapped global top insurance company PGA Sompo Insurance Corp. (PGA Sompo) to beef up its customer protection mechanism through personal cyber insurance. 

UBX will serve as the principal policyholder for its end-users who are covered by the group insurance. Customers are guaranteed financial protection against electronic fund transfer fraud, identity theft, online retail fraud, purchase protection, and other cybersecurity-related threats. 

This serves as an additional safety measure on top of the existing safety and security layers that UBX has deployed for its customers.

“While the use of technology in finance has grown exponentially these past few years, threats to security have increased as well. The trust and confidence of our clients are two of our most prized assets and we are committed to ensuring the safety of our users, most especially their financial security. Together with PGA Sompo, we can confidently give them peace of mind in using our open finance platform,” UBX President and CEO John Januszczak said.

This cyber insurance covers all end users of UBX platforms such as i2i, the banking-as-a-service platform of UBX; BUx, an end-to-end payment solutions platform; and Sentro, an online shop builder. 

Among the top barriers that hinder users and merchants alike from digital adoption is security. For Philippine digital users, failed deliveries, incomplete deliveries, damaged products, and fraudulent transactions are usual experiences when transacting online. On the other hand, financial institutions usually go through down times as well when unexpected glitches occur which lead to paralysis of operations.

A big part of providing services requires an understanding of customer perspective and in the age of information, data is an important currency. Since it approaches customer experience from an empathic perspective, UBX makes it a point to meet present demands by prioritizing data security, which is the primary concern of both corporations and individuals. 

“More than just giving them the technology to enhance their operations, we want to make sure that businesses, organizations, and financial institutions are protected from external threats as they undertake their journey towards digital transformation,” Marc Gorospe, Business Lead for Insurtech at UBX, explained. 

Gorospe added that it is high time to add to the layers of security across all UBX platforms as the number of its clients and customers continue to grow, cementing its position as the preferred open finance platform in the Philippines. 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has recently mandated banks and financial institutions to strengthen their policies on customer confidentiality and security. Now more than ever, major players in finance are required to double their efforts in achieving this goal.

“As advocates of financial inclusion, we are always on the lookout for like-minded individuals and institutions who are just as committed to putting the trust and confidence of their clients and customers above anything else to guarantee an equal and level playing field for all,” said Januszczak.
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Ultimate celeb ‘momager’ Kris Jenner stars in the music video for Meghan Trainor’s “Mother"

Meghan Trainor
Photo credit: Katia Temkin
 


The GRAMMY® Award-winning, global superstar may be an actual mother, but she’s proving she embodies the word in more ways than one


After dominating the Philippine charts with her viral TikTok hit “Made You Look,” Meghan Trainor marks another formidable comeback with the music video release of her new single “Mother,” starring ultimate celebrity ‘momager’ Kris Jenner.

Meghan is giving us one of her most iconic videos yet with “Mother.” Not only is Meghan serving ultimate Hollywood glam, she also enlisted mother-of-all-mothers Kris Jenner to star in the video, directed by longtime collaborator Charm LaDonna. The pair glow as they dance and sing along to the doo-wop inspired track, which samples The Chordettes’s 1954 hit, “Mr. Sandman.” 

“Mother” and the deluxe album come soon after Meghan announced her second pregnancy, proving that even as a busier than ever mama, Meghan is still committed to keeping fans fed. 

On releasing the track, Meghan explains, “I’m beyond excited to finally share ‘Mother’ with the world! This song is my response to being in the industry for almost a decade now and still finding myself in situations where I am talked down to or made to feel like my opinion isn’t valid. It’s for anyone who is in a situation where they feel like they are being mansplained to and want to take their power back.” 

The track appears on the brand-new Deluxe Edition of her acclaimed album Takin’ It Back, available everywhere. 

Takin’ It Back (Deluxe Edition) includes the album’s original 16 tracks as well as 3 new tracks - “Mother,” “Grow Up,” and “Special Delivery” featuring MAX. The album also includes the Remix of “Made You Look (Feat. Kim Petras).” Meanwhile, smash hit “Made You Look” just clinched #1 on the Hot AC, marking her first #1 on the chart since 2016. Thus far, it has generated over half-a-billion streams and counting.

Meghan is still supplying us with banger after banger and all we can say is we are 100% here for it!

Meghan Trainor’s “Mother” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
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Filipino indie pop/rock band the vowels they orbit drops sophomore EP, tuloy tuloy tuloy!

the vowels

 
The six-track release deals with braving the challenges in life despite brokenness and pain


Filipino indie pop/rock band the vowels they orbit has finally released their sophomore EP, tuloy tuloy tuloy!, the highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed first record, Ang Unang Ikot. 

Released under Sony Music Entertainment, the new EP shows lyrical and music growth without losing the well-rounded charm that made them an instant favorite when they first came out.

Thematically speaking, tuloy tuloy tuloy! speaks about never letting heartbreak get the best of you, and braving the world with newfound determination even when life gets more challenging than usual. The EP also deals with the concept of taking charge of your own story to make it a better one, and embracing the brokenness inside with the wishful thinking that you’ll heal and improve someday.

“It is about finding ourselves caught in the cycle of our own emotions, yet still choosing to move forward,” the Selosact shares in a collective statement. “Because this EP is a continuation of the first, the phase of emotions is a bit heavier — from coping with the unfamiliar feeling of life without your first love in ‘Una’ to dealing with grief and the loss of a loved one in ‘Clutch.’ However, it does end on a high note with ‘If You Come Back To Me,’ talking about being sure of oneself and not relying on another to live and grow. In the next phase, we are looking forward to more healed feelings.”

the vowels they orbit’s new EP, tuloy tuloy tuloy! is produced by Rye Sarmiento, guitarist of 6cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy, and was recorded in his studio, Backdoor Recording Studio, during a 6-day lock-in session in 2021. Inspired by iconic alt-pop acts The Cardigans and Moonpools & Caterpillars, Sarmiento wanted to capture the ‘90s sound in terms of arrangement and vibe, but made it a point to retain the band’s indie pop influences with a more organic, rock-oriented direction. “We also gave attention to the performances of each member, doing what they do best individually while still keeping their chemistry as one band.”

The majority of the songs from tuloy tuloy tuloy! were written and sung by lead vocalist/guitarist Nikka Melchor. Keyboardist Hannah dela Cruz wrote and performed “Clutch,” and Jeremy’s father, Ponciano Sayas, penned “Here In My Arms,” in which drummer Jeremy is a featured vocalist. The end result is a project that feels singular, yet distinctly unique in their surprising ways. 

Aside from “Una,” “Bangungot,” “Clutch,” “Here In My Arms,” and “If You Come Back To Me,” the EP also features the focus track “Sandali,” which talks about the importance of slowing down and finding the light amidst everything. According to the five-piece act, the song was written by Nikka during the start of the pandemic, thus the lyrics. However, she realized that the message can still be applied to life, in general. “With so much going on, we tend to wonder when it will end.”

The EP release will be accompanied by a launch on March 11, 2023 (Saturday) at the 70s Bistro in Quezon City, featuring performances by the vowels they orbit, I Belong To The Zoo, Autotelic, syd hartha, Better Days, Hey June!, and Banda Ni Kleggy. 

the vowels they orbit’s ‘tuloy tuloy tuloy!' is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

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