Calauag Crab Craze: M Lhuillier Joins the Alimango Festival Celebration

Calauag Crab Craze: M Lhuillier Joins the Alimango Festival Celebration

Friday, September 20, 2024

The coastal town of Calauag has transformed once again into a vibrant canvas of color and joy as the annual Alimango Festival, also known as the Katang Festival, is celebrated to pay homage to the town's abundant mud crab population. This year, M Lhuillier, a leading financial services provider, proudly joined the festivities.

The highlight of the festival was the procession featuring the iconic "Higanteng Alimango" (Giant Mud Crab) mascot. As the towering creature led the way through the streets, the crowd was captivated by the infectious energy of the dancers, singers, and participants. 

M Lhuillier's involvement in the Alimango Festival showcased their commitment to supporting the local community and its rich cultural heritage. The company's representatives proudly marched alongside the town's mayor, amidst the cheering crowds of tourists from near and far.

M Lhuillier, recognized as the “Tulay ng PaMLyang Pilipino” (Bridge of the Filipino People), expressed their gratitude for being part of the event, reflecting their strong ties with the community. "It is a true honor and privilege to be acknowledged as part of this wonderful festival," said a M Lhuillier representative. 

The dedication and efforts of the M Lhuillier team were instrumental in making this year's Alimango Festival a resounding success.

The Alimango Festival is more than just a celebration of food. It manifests the deep connection between the people of Calauag and their natural resources. The mud crab, once a humble catch, has become a symbol of the town's identity and a source of pride for its residents.

To learn more about M Lhuillier's commitment to give back to the community and the charitable activities they support, visit mlcares.mlhuillier.com

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ACEL to migrate to the Netherlands early next year, announces album launch and farewell concert

ACEL to migrate to the Netherlands early next year, announces album launch and farewell concert

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

 Filipino singer-songwriter ACEL has announced that she’ll be starting a new life in the Netherlands early next year.

The former Moonstar88 lead vocalist acknowledged the limitless possibilities that come with starting a new journey in an official statement that she posted on her social media accounts.

“I don't intend this as a farewell, but rather as a fitting homage to the family, friends, and colleagues who have contributed to my journey over the years,” the pop-rock icon clarifies. “The baggage that comes with leaving reminds us of places, people, and memories that truly matter, even in the grand scheme of things. As I make space for new beginnings and experiences, part of my heart will surely long for the feeling of being completely home. This country has defined who I've become as a person and an artist.”

Following the announcement, ACEL extended an invitation to her friends, family, and fans to join her for a final performance in a major concert that GNN Entertainment Productions is co-producing.

Dubbed Being And Becoming, the farewell concert and album launch will serve as a gift to her friends, loved ones, fans, and colleagues who have become part of her life and career journey through ups and downs.

The One Love hitmaker explains, “The concert will present the new songs from my newest album release, Being And Becoming. For this concert, I’ll be very honest and vulnerable in sharing the things that I struggled with when I was younger, and the things I realized that helped me to be the person I am today.

This album is a result of the things I’ve processed from the past, coming to terms with how I see myself and knowing the truth of who I am and who I am meant to be.”

ACEL adds, “Now that my family and I have decided to move to the Netherlands, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate this gift of music that was entrusted to me, hoping that I would be able to encourage and empower those who will attend.”

Aside from the performances and surprise guests, ACEL’s upcoming solo show will also highlight the advocacies of her NGO, Right Start, which she started out with friends 14 years ago to provide creative caring opportunities for children in disadvantaged communities.

The intimate concert will take place at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 7:00 pm onwards. Tickets to Being And Becoming are available here: bit.ly/acelconcert.

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Halsey releases new single “Ego”

Halsey releases new single “Ego”

Monday, September 16, 2024

GRAMMY® nominated, genre-blending artist Halsey has released her latest single, “Ego”. Alongside the new single, Halsey also premiered the 90’s-inspired video for the song, which she directed and plays both lead roles.

Halsey unveiled the artwork and trailer for her forthcoming 5th studio album, The Great Impersonator, which will be released on October 25th. The Great Impersonator, described as a “confessional concept album” is an exploration of time and fate, and what type of artist Halsey would be if she existed in different decades.

As an extension of the concept, for the album artwork reveal, Halsey shared clues to fans to discover time capsule boxes hidden around the world. The first cover was located in London, with four additional decade themed covers found in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Sydney. The additional covers are available for pre-order as vinyl variants.

Additionally, her cover of PAPER MAGAZINE, in celebration of the publication’s 40th anniversary was released last week.

“Ego” follows the releases of “Lonely is the Muse”, “Lucky” and "The End". Halsey is set to perform “Ego” at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 11th at 8 p.m. ET/PT from New York’s UBS Arena.

Halsey has amassed more than 50 billion global streams, over 75 million RIAA-Certified adjusted singles, with all 4 of her previous albums RIAA-Certified. She is one of the only artists ever to have four different songs hit 1 Billion streams on Spotify, as well as have 2 RIAA-Certified-Diamond records.

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Create waves of positive change with SM at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up

Create waves of positive change with SM at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up

The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year and is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, taking place simultaneously on September 21 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the country: SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindpro, and SM City General Santos. Together, we can make a significant impact on our oceans and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

In 2023, SM Cares recorded more than 100,000 kg of trash collected with the help of an estimated 17,000 total volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls nationwide. This year, in celebration of its 20th year of supporting communities and creating a positive impact on the environment, SM Cares aims to double the amount of solid waste collected to 200,000 kg, eyeing a volunteer count of 20,000.

If you're interested in joining the global movement towards cleaner seas and oceans, SM Cares is inviting you to be part of this year's ICC!

For participants from NCR, you may register via SM Malls Online through this link: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICC2024

For participants from Cebu, you may register via SM Malls Online at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICCSMSSXSMCC

For outside of NCR and Cebu, you may visit this link: https://bit.ly/ICC2024-Registration

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

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Top Five Reasons to Shop at SM Malls in the East Metro for the Super September Sale

Top Five Reasons to Shop at SM Malls in the East Metro for the Super September Sale

Friday, September 13, 2024

Gear up this weekend as SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown go on a Super September Sale from September 13-15, 2024. With up to 50% off on selected finds from SM affiliates, these malls exclusively offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to score great deals.

Here's why you should make these malls your go-to shopping destinations this weekend:

1. Early Christmas Shopping

Get a head start on the holiday season by shopping for gifts for loved ones at SM Store Marikina, Masinag, and San Mateo. Also, at Watsons and Uniqlo SM City Marikina. Find adorable Christmas treats and gifts for your fur babies too at Pet Express SM City Masinag. 

2. Errands Made Easy

Take care of your household needs with ease at ACE Hardware Marikina, Masinag, San Mateo, and Antipolo Downtown for all your home improvement essentials and Our Home SM City Marikina for stylish home decor. For the most up-to-date home gadgets and appliances, visit SM Appliance Center.

3. Closet Update

Refresh your wardrobe with trendy pieces for the Holidays from SM Store, Uniqlo, and Sports Central in SM City Marikina and SM Center Antipolo Downtown.

4. Beauty and Wellness

Pamper yourself with beauty products from Watsons in SM City Marikina, Masinag, San Mateo, and Antipolo Downtown, or The Body Shop in SM City Marikina.

5. Retail Therapy

Simply indulge in some retail therapy and treat yourself to something you've been eyeing.

With so much to offer, the SM Malls in the East Metro are the perfect destinations for your shopping needs this Super September. Don't miss out on the amazing deals and discounts! The Super September Sale is Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. R4A-RIZ 256, Series of 2024, and DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-202084 Series of 2024.

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Orange & Lemons to celebrate 25-year milestone with a major concert

Orange & Lemons to celebrate 25-year milestone with a major concert

Monday, September 9, 2024

The award-winning Filipino band will be performing a three-hour set featuring timeless and obscure songs from their critically-acclaimed, four-album catalog

Filipino pop-rock band Orange & Lemons are staging a one-night concert to commemorate their 25 years of unforgettable musical journey. 

The hitmakers behind the generation-defining anthems “Hanggang Kailan,” “Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown)” and “Just A Splendid Love Song” will perform the greatest hits of their career in a three-hour concert happening at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City on October 18, 2024, from 7 p.m. onwards.

Dubbed “Now & Then: Orange & Lemons 25th Anniversary Concert,” the special show serves as an important milestone for the four-piece band as they continue to grace the local music industry with captivating releases and memorable performances, albeit going through lineup changes through the years. 

“Reaching this quarter-century milestone feels like a dream come true, and it’s a testament to the incredible community that surrounds us,” shares Clem Castro, the lead vocalist and guitarist of seminal alternative rock outfit, Orange & Lemons. “We normally play short sets on the big stage all over the country, leaving out most of our catalog in favor of more popular ones. For this concert, we want to bring to the big stage and perform live, if not all, a majority of songs from our past 4 albums. The albums that defined different eras of our career in the music industry from the beginnings—the shot to commercial success, the psychedelic, and the cultural eras. Expect us to perform and tell our story for over 3 hours!”

As an established indie act who continuously pushes their boundaries from a genuine artistic standpoint, O&L promises to deliver a true concert experience like no other. The Bulacan-based alternative rock outfit considers the full-length concert as a special gift to their legion of supporters, who have been with them through highs and lows, from their beginnings as struggling artists to their well-received reformation. 

O&L explains this profound love and respect for their fans in a collective press statement: “The music industry has seen a lot of changes, and being flexible and open to evolving with the times has helped us stay relevant. Our fans have been a cornerstone of our journey. Their support, enthusiasm, and feedback have inspired us to keep pushing boundaries and to stay true to ourselves. We’re always looking to grow and improve, whether it’s through honing our craft, exploring new musical avenues, or learning from our experiences. Building a genuine connection with our audience and staying true to our artistic vision has been key to our lasting presence. It also helped a lot to learn that we have to wear different hats, a business and a creative one that keeps us on check and balanced, staying focused on the bigger picture and not letting obstacles derail our journey. We intend to last as long as we can.”

"NOW AND THEN" 25th Anniversary Concert is produced by Orange & Lemons and Lilystars Records, in cooperation with GNN Entertainment Productions. Tickets are available at https://orangeandlemons.helixpay.ph with the following tiers:

General Admission (PHP 2,000) - access to the concert

VIP (PHP 2,500) – access to the VIP section and access to the Meet and Greet

SVIP (PHP 3,500): access to the VIP section, access to the soundcheck and the Meet and Greet, and limited-edition merchandise

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Rex Orange Country goes back in time with new single "2008"

Rex Orange Country goes back in time with new single "2008"

Rex Orange County shares new single "2008" ahead of this Friday's release of his new album The Alexander Technique. The song marks the 4th taste of Rex's forthcoming album and will be performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this coming Friday.

"2008" is representative of The Alexander Technique as a whole -- Rex's most unencumbered body of work to date, produced entirely by Rex himself alongside Teo Halm (Rosalía, SZA, Beyoncé) and Jim Reed, the latter a member of the Rex Orange County touring band since its inception. The Alexander Technique is named for a therapeutic practice in which back pain is treated to address deeper health problems, and it’s an apt name for Rex's most raw album to date: what may have begun as a simple exercise in changing the purview of his writing ended up becoming his most confessional, open-hearted album. Stripping back his sound to a skeletal mixture of stream-of-consciousness R&B and indie-folk, while retaining the orchestral lushness that’s become his trademark, The Alexander Technique marks the beginning of Act Two of Rex Orange County's career: a new chapter on which he lays everything bare, no matter how painful that might be. 

“The Alexander Technique is very much a look into my own brain and experiences over the last few years – it’s almost a diary,” he says. Longer than any project he’s ever made and more musically varied, The Alexander Technique was made over a matter of years, started before and finished after 2022’s WHO CARES?; listening to it feels like watching an artist grow in real-time, and face all the attending growing pains that come alongside. “I’ve made a lot of love songs over the years, and I feel as though this is the first time I’m trying to make a project about everything in life. In my mind, it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted to make.”

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Upcoming vivo V40 is co-engineered with ZEISS

Upcoming vivo V40 is co-engineered with ZEISS

vivo is excited to announce that the much-anticipated V40 will bring something big to the table, a camera technology co-engineered with ZEISS, the global leader in optics. 

ZEISS, known worldwide for its high-precision lenses used in professional cameras and scientific instruments, has brought its decades of expertise to the vivo V40. 

The partnership allows vivo to integrate professional-grade optics into the V40’s camera system, raising the bar for mobile photography in the Philippines.

The continued collaboration from the vivo V30 Pro to the V40 has pushed the boundaries of what smartphone cameras can achieve. The vivo V40 will be packed with ZEISS-powered features that make it easy for users to capture professional-quality photos and videos. 

Click HERE to watch vivo’s official video announcement about its partnership with ZEISS for the V40.

One standout feature is the new ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, which brings professional portrait focal lengths to mobile photography. The vivo V40 also offers a variety of ZEISS Style Portraits with various bokeh options, ensuring that every shot has that creative, artistic touch. 

In addition to photography, the vivo V40 excels in videography, featuring ZEISS Cinematic Video Bokeh for a film-like feel in videos. The AI-driven depth calculation ensures that the subject stays in focus while creating a natural blur in the background, giving videos a polished, cinematic look.

If you want to know more about vivo V40's ZEISS-powered features, stay tuned for the grand launch on September 18, 2024. Get ready to experience the next level of mobile photography and videography with vivo and ZEISS. 

Follow vivoglobal.ph or vivo's official Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube pages.

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Get into cool classic groove this Grandparents’ Day at Araneta City

Get into cool classic groove this Grandparents’ Day at Araneta City

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Celebrate your grandparents with a shindig at the City of Firsts

The City of Firsts is once again pulling out all the stops to make Grandparents’ Day more fun for lolo, lola, and everyone in the family! This weekend, Araneta City turns back the clock to bring back the memorable ‘70s vibe and get everyone feelin’ groovy and happy. 

For this year’s celebration of Grandparents’ Day on September 8, Araneta City unveils a series of exciting activities that aim to celebrate some of the most important figures in our family while promoting the joy of spending time with the people we value most. 

Avail fab healthy treats at Farmers Plaza

Farmers Plaza is the perfect destination to give our grandparents a day focused on pampering them and improving their health. On September 8, Araneta City will hold a Grand Health Day with free medical services like blood pressure checks and consultations to ensure our beloved grandparents are healthy and in great shape.

A special treat is also in store for granny on this day! With just a minimum purchase of P500 at any Araneta City store, our grannies can take part in the Granny Makeover and avail free services from our participating outlets.

Show off strategic skills at Gateway Mall

Over at Gateway Mall, lolo and other members of the family can show off their chess mastery at the Grand Chess Day competition on September 8. The game is open to everyone, just make a minimum purchase of ₱500 at any store in Araneta City, and you're in. 

Shake it, groove it at Gateway Mall 2

It’s time to get down at the ‘70s Groove Dance Event! Starting at 10 AM on September 8, everybody is invited to groove at the Quantum Skyview through different sets of music per hour. Come in your best retro costumes, as lucky participants with the best outfits will win cinema tickets.

In the evening, Gateway Mall 2 will keep the vibes going with Busker Performances at The Lagoon. Grandparents and families can enjoy soulful tunes, and even end the night dancing along with a groovy instructor, while enjoying dinner and reliving the golden ‘70s era.

Create good vibes at Ali Mall

For a sweet bonding moment, Ali Mall will host the Paint-A-S.I.L.Y.A. event on September 8. Grandparents and grandkids will team up to paint colorful rocking chairs and celebrate their connection.

To capture the precious day and make the day more memorable, visitors can snap a pic at the photo booth and leave love notes at the mall’s dedication wall.

Enjoy treats from citywide promos

There are more special prizes and giveaways in honor of lolo and lola. On September 8, grandparents who make a minimum purchase of ₱2,000 from any Araneta City store will receive a customized Grandparents' Day umbrella. In addition, those born in 1954 – the year Araneta City was established – will be treated to an additional gift: a commemorative Grandparents' Day mug!

There’s also the Pose like my Lolo and Lola online contest. Netizens just need to upload pictures of themselves with their grandparents wearing ‘70s-inspired attire until September 8. Use the hashtags #GrannyRocks70sAtAranetaCity, #AranetaCity, #AranetaAt70, and #CityOfFirsts for the event and tag Araneta City's Facebook page in your posts after that. Two lucky winners will be chosen to receive free accommodation stay at the ibis Styles Hotel.

So don’t miss out this September 8. Bring Lolo and Lola and celebrate them in a way they’ll never forget, only at Araneta City!

To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.

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How good is vivo Y28's 50MP main camera? Let's find out!

How good is vivo Y28's 50MP main camera? Let's find out!

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

The vivo Y28 is one of the budget-friendly options in the smartphone market today known for its long-lasting 6000mAh battery and durability with its IP68 rating. Beyond those features, is the vivo Y28's camera performance worth it?

Capturing life's moments through mobile photography has become essential for preserving memories and maintaining an active presence on social media. Thus, a high-quality camera is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.

The vivo Y28 is here to offer impressive camera features at an affordable price. Starting at just Php 7,999, you can capture high-quality photos with its 50MP rear camera, 2MP bokeh lens, and 8MP selfie camera.

What makes vivo Y28 camera system remarkable?

The vivo Y28 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality camera phone on a budget like you. For its price, you can get a 50MP main camera. 

The heart of vivo Y28's camera setup is its powerful 50MP rear camera. This high-resolution lens lets you capture incredibly detailed photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. 

You can take great landscape shots, portraits, or close-ups with vivo Y28's 50MP camera, which ensures your photos are sharp, vibrant, and true to life.

Aside from the 50MP main camera, the vivo Y28 has a 2MP bokeh lens. For portrait photography, the 2MP bokeh lens plays a huge role in creating a pleasing depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in sharp focus.

This is perfect for creating professional-looking portraits with an artistic flair, allowing your subjects to stand out against beautifully blurred backgrounds.

Lastly, the vivo Y28 doesn't disappoint with its 8MP front camera. This camera is designed to capture your best angles with clear, high-quality photos. It also comes with various beauty modes and filters so that you can enhance your selfies with ease.

The vivo Y28 offers a compelling combination of affordability and impressive camera performance, making it an ideal choice for you and for those who want to capture life's moments in stunning detail.

Get in now at vivo concept stores and kiosks anywhere in the Philippines, or check out online through Shopee, TikTok, or Lazada. You can get vivo Y28 with 8GB RAM, 8GB extended RAM, and up to 256GB storage (expandable to 1TB) for as low as Php 7,999.

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