Morissette Joins a1’s Ben Adams on new Christmas Anthem

Nothing heralds iconic holiday tune more than having two established stars collaborate on one festive anthem. 

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Ben Adams, the lead singer of chart-topping boyband a1 and now a prominent producer based in the UK, teams up with Filipina singer Morissette on “This Is Christmas,” a potentially timeless bop that will surely have a warm place in our hearts this Yuletide season. 

Released under Sony Music, the song was originally written for a Dutch artist, but the BRIT awardee and multi-platinum star changed his mind and took the material as part of his own. “I loved it so much I couldn't give it away,” states the British singer-songwriter and producer. “So I decided to take it back. Once I recorded the whole thing I was like, it sounds magical but I'm sure I can squeeze some more magic out of it - so I began searching for the best person to collaborate on it with me.” 

After checking some links and recommendations from friends, Adams found the perfect duet partner in Morissette, one of the biggest and best-selling Filipina pop stars of her generation. 

Roslyn Pineda, Sony Music’s GM Philippines & VP Business Development Asia, even referred the Akin Ka Na Lang singer to Adams as a potential duet candidate. Having worked with Ben Adams during his boyband phase and personally recommended Morissette to co-host Asian singing competition Bolt Of Talent with two-time Grammy winner Michael Bolton, she was confident that the two would hit it off together as singing partners for the new Christmas track. “a1 was the first boyband I ever worked with, so I know firsthand how popular they are in Southeast Asia.  When I saw Ben’s post asking his fans who to collaborate with, I messaged him about Morissette.  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one!”

“As for Morissette, it’s always a pleasure to work with her.  I thought of her for Bolt of Talent because she exemplifies the best of the Philippines,” Pineda shares.

“Well for starters, she has an amazing voice,” says Ben Adams. “I was blown away by her performances. So we started talking, and I sent her the song online. We facetimed to work out who wanted to sing what.”

Being no stranger to epic collaborations, the Asia’s Phoenix has brought the holiday spirit to effervescent heights with her soaring vocals and charismatic interpretation, giving Adams’ self-penned earworm the effortless joy it needs.  

“When Ben Adams of a1 first reached out to us about possibly working on a Christmas track together, we were just thrilled and thought It would really be an honor to be working with him,” shares Morissette about the team-up. “All the more when he first shared the song to us, it got me more excited because of the danceable vibe and fun feel the song had.”

“This Is Christmas,” is an upbeat tune about “enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones, looking forward to coming home and making the most of the Christmas season.” 

Ben Adams and Morissette’s Christmas duet is now available on all music streaming and download platforms worldwide.

3rd Asia Finance Forum Day 2

Yesterday, we had the second day of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum. I learned about preparing for the future even when the technology of the present is still limited. We have to go from science fiction to science fact in this rapidly evolving world to become more financially inclusive. Because of that, risk management as a controlled framework to prepare for the future has been discussed during the forum. By working to regulate risk management practices, more people will have access to financial services that will equip them to face the future.
It was a privilege to be part of this forum. Thank you for having me, ADB!

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Shopee 11.11 2019

Last night, I had fun at Shopee Philippines’ Media Dinner for their annual 11.11 sale. I had a wonderful time as I got to watch their ambassadors Jose Mari Chan, Julie Anne San Jose, Gabbi Garcia, and Alden Richards. It was definitely a highlight to watch Jose Mari Chan sing “Christmas in our Hearts” live, as it used to sing that as a child!

Please tune in to their 11.11 TV special on GMA this Sunday, 10:30pm. It will be headlined by Manny Pacquiao and other Kapuso stars. Also, make sure to “add to cart” those items you’ve been eyeing for on 11.11! Free shipping and big discounts await us all.

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ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 2

Yesterday was another opportunity to learn about finance and tech in the second day of the ADB FinTech Bootcamp. I enjoyed learning about risk management in farming and disasters. I also appreciated the proactive stance of the Philippines in using data to prepare of risks that may arise anytime soon.
I look forward to the main forum in the next two days!

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Sunday Barks

I spent my Sunday having coffee with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I enjoyed my afternoon and got to relax with these furbabies.
I know that I spend too much time with them, but I can’t commit to owning a pet dog. This is the responsible choice in becoming a dog lover and still getting to spend time with the puppers I love.
I can’t wait ‘til next weekend!

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Garage Sale

I have been selling my pre-loved items on my Carousell shop for a few months now. I have closed a few deals, and I must say that the experience has been gratifying! More than earning money on the side, I enjoy selling my secondhand goods because I am giving them a new lease on life.
I am also learning more about business while chatting with customers and negotiating prices. It has not been easy at first, but I am already getting the hang of it.
Please support this venture of mine and shop my closet! The QR Code below will take you to my shop, where items in excellent condition await you. Hope to see you there!

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Simple Halloween

Yesterday was my late friend Diane’s death anniversary. I visited her vault and stuck a post-it, as per our tradition.

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Then, I visited Ella for a simple Halloween celebration at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.

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Celebrations don’t need to be elaborate and expensive. Sometimes, a visit to a late friend and cuddling a dog will already suffice. The most special memories are based on the mundane.

Maginhawa Slowdown

Yesterday, I watched Hello World, an anime film. It was showing at Cinema Centenario, a microcinema that I frequent at Maginhawa. I don’t usually like anime, but this one was enjoyable! I highly recommend it.
I had early dinner at Steakfix after the movie. Their chicken steak was very good!
Spending my day at the street where I finished high school was therapeutic. I look forward to more slow days here, so I can recharge and be reminded of how fun it is to be young.

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RDFS 2019 Day 3

Yesterday, I attended the third day of the RDFS Forum at the ADB. The forum was wrapped up with solutions for sustainability such as smart farming and online businesses for agricultural products.
I also got to watch an art film entitled No Data Plan at UP. It was about the immigration crisis in the US, and it struck me how fortunate I am to live freely in the country I reside in.
I look forward to becoming an advocate of farmers in my own way by supporting local produce. I also want to keep the conversation going offline.
‘Til next time, ADB!

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RDFS 2019 Day 2

Yesterday, I attended the second day of the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. It was another insightful day of learning on how traditional farming, sustainability, and technology can converge to build a better system of nourishing the planet. I also got to network and meet new friends!

I can’t wait to learn more on the forum’s last day. I am also looking forward to applying my insights to my job in the future.

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Van Gogh Alive

I’m a Van Gogh fan, so it was a real treat to immense myself in the Van Gogh Alive experience. I went there alone, and felt overwhelmed while watching the art of the famed artist come to life onscreen. It was in a good way, of course. Beautiful music accompanied his paintings and quotes. I will never forget the scene wherein Starry Night was projected onscreen. It’s my favorite work of his.

Being a part of this immersive show was an emotional journey. I hope to be part of more venues that promote art in the future, and feel more connected to the artists that made them.

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RDFS Forum 2019

Yesterday, I got to hear mass at St. Jude. It’s the feast of the patron who has been good to me. It was only fitting that I began my day in his honor.

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Then, I went to the Asian Development Bank for the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. But before that, I had my go-to brekkie at the ADB Cafeteria: sardines, egg and garlic rice!

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I learned on the first day of this forum that it’s important to factor in the interlinking risks and to move from distress-driven diversification to surplus-sustained diversification. It is also important to support businesses that provide opportunities to farmers and key stakeholders.

I look forward to learning more in the next two days of the the forum!

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Intramuros Sunday

Yesterday, I got to explore Intramuros in time for their open house. Most museums in the Walled City offered free entrance. I got to visit the Destileria Limtuaco Museum for the second time. I also got to drink at their tasting bar again. My favorite was their Amadeo coffee liqueur.

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I also got to visit the Attic Museum. It’s a small room with trinkets from a bygone era.

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Then, it was pasta for lunch at Ristorante delle Mitre. Their tre pasta di maghi was delicious and flavorful!

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My last stop was Fort Santiago. Even if I frequently visit the Walled City, the fort still offers new attractions that I have never visited before. Some examples of these were this tunnel, and the baluarte facing the entrance of the fort.

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My Sunday at the Walled City was eventful and full of old world charm. I will definitely be back!

Happy Sam

Last night, I attended a children’s party with my mom. It was a fun event, and I even managed to get a Halloween photo. I enjoyed the buffet and survived even if I didn’t know anyone at the party.
I hope that I will still continue to thrive in places that are beyond my comfort zone, and have a great time in the process.

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Rook Chapter

Yesterda, I spent time with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.

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I also got featured on tv and online as I was reacting to the movie Isa Pa With Feelings.

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And finally, I got my rook pierced by renowned body piercer Rachel of Piercings.Ravana.

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I’m just focusing on the best things in life. Dogs, piercings, and movies keep me going these days. I am being kinder and more forgiving to myself. If it takes a few ear piercings to get me motivated, then so be it.
This is simply the start of better things to come!

Stepping Up

Yesterday, I bought a handsome pair of loafers from local brand Beaters. Marikina-made shoes are the best, in my opinion. There is no greater way of showing support for our local sapateros than by wearing shoes that are proudly Pinoy.

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I ended my day with two Spanish films at UP, where I always hang out for a curated selection of movies to watch. I enjoyed both titles, and I look forward to next year’s Pelicula Film Festival!

It is true- the right pair of shoes can definitely open doors for me. I am claiming that this will be the start of better things to come. For now, I will take life one step at a time.

Eat, Pray, Love

Yesterday, I went to Padre Pio Chapel in Libis after my meeting in Ortigas. It was the 23rd of the month, which is the birth anniversary date of Padre Pio. I prayed for my intentions, and gave thanks for the blessings that I continue to receive.

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I am inspired by the faithful who unceasingly gather in this church, and surrender their rosaries for every answered prayer.

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I ended my day with some carbonara at Cucina Di Francesco, and a cozy e-jeep ride back to the MRT station.
Life is better whenever there’s a reason to pray. And since I’m a foodie, I will always find an excuse to enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta. Life can be filled with love, for as long as I will keep on doing the things that make me happy.