Book # 13 will be released globally very soon. Let’s do this, 2023!!! @ukiyotopublishinghouse #authorlife #amazonauthor
Ace Banzuelo, of Mercury, Sof Abrogar, and Alex Bruce come together to reinterpret The Eraserheads’ timeless classics
More Sony Music Philippines artists join the Eheadsnostalgia party with their fresh take on “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and “Superproxy”
Following the positive reviews that SB19 and NOBITA earned for their unique spin on The Eraserheads’ beloved classics, more OPM acts have come together to pay tribute to the country’s biggest and most influential band of all time.
Multi-hyphenate pop soloist Ace Banzuelo reinterprets “Ang Huling El Bimbo” with intimate, soul-crushing details. Transforming the epic anthem into a spacey jam, the young hitmaker peels back the layers of the original with his brooding, bedroom-pop styling. He imprints his own identity to the material, while valuing the lyrical profundity and awe-inspiring bigness of the original.
As Banzuelo puts it, “It's great that I'm allowed to give it the sound and approach that I want. A lot of the original was kept, but a lot was taken away. This project became meaningful to me throughout the process because I was producing it as if I had written the song."
Alt-rock newcomers of Mercury and Any Name’s Okay vocalist Sof Abrogar join young hip-hop virtuoso Alex Bruce in reinterpreting “Superproxy,” a cross-genre smash originally performed by The Eraserheads and legendary rap icon Francis M. The newly formed ensemble breathed new life into the timeless tune with a more jagged sonic direction that sounds both retro and futuristic at the same time.
“It was honestly an honor for us to be able to cover an Eheads song and be able to incorporate our own flavor into it,” says of Mercury in a collective statement. “I think we pretty much did our own thing, but left the structures and melody of the song. It was a pretty tricky song to work on given the genre, but we’re pretty happy with how it came out nonetheless.”
Alex Bruce was grateful to be part of this project, and considers the song one of her go-to jams. “This song is a masterpiece. It’s iconic. I wanted to add a little spice, a little flavor, and a bit of contemporary oomph to it. Our reworked version is a fusion of old school and new school.”
Growing up in a big family with a collective love and fascination for ‘80s and ‘90s Pinoy rock, Any Name’s Okay lead vocalist Sof was initially intimidated by the project, but took the challenge to heart in hopes of fulfilling her childhood dream. “Besides what I mentioned earlier about my family, I take particular inspiration from The Eraserheads’ lyricism in Tagalog or Filipino. Even in my own music career with ANO, I try to use Filipino in our songs as much as I can, and I really think the Eraserheads use the language in all its richness and strength. I also love how they are unapologetic in writing about our culture, whether that’s as shallow as UP life or as large as national politics. The band inspires me to really root my own music in my own experiences and in empathy for others’.
Apart from the revamped tracks by some of today’s biggest hitmakers, five of The Eraserheads’ legendary albums were re-released in full 360-degree spatial sound to give listeners a new immersive music experience. These influential records include Ultraelectromagneticpop!, The 25th Anniversary Remastered Edition, Circus (25th Anniversary Remastered), Cutterpillow, Fruitcake, and Sticker Happy.
Ace Banzuelo’s “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and of Mercury x Sof Abrogar x Alex Bruce’s “Superproxy” are out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Source: Nyou
SB19 and NOBITA put their own spin on The Eraserheads’ iconic anthems
To celebrate The Eraserheads’ reunion concert last night, Sony Music Philippines artists released their revamped versions of “Christmas Party” and “Magasin”
To commemorate the success of The Eraserheads’ reunion concert last night, top OPM acts such as SB19and NOBITA have put their own unique spin on the supergroup’s beloved classics.
Released today under Sony Music Entertainment, the revamped versions honor the timeless appeal of Eheads’music, while giving it a more contemporary flavor that resonates with the streaming audience.
P-Pop Kings SB19 captures the spirit of the holidays with their own take on “Christmas Party,” a song off The Eraserheads’ fourth studio album, Fruitcake. Turning the original into a festive banger, the five-member boyband incorporates elements of dance-pop, R&B/hip-hop, and modern funk into the mix while carrying with them the vibe and energy of the track’s nostalgic past.
“The Eraserheads are one of the most influential bands of our time,” says SB19 in a statement. “We retained everything that’s great about the song, but made sure to add our own creative direction in terms of overall sound. There’s a balance of artistic liberty and compromise in the way we approach the material, and we’re definitely happy with how it turned out.”
Stell of SB19 adds, “we feel honored that we were chosen to recreate the song. Our tour schedule was really tight, but gladly we were still able to push through with it before leaving LA. Recording in a different country also feels surreal, we didn’t expect we’d reach this far.”
The eclectic rendition of “Christmas Party,” is produced by August Rigo, the hitmaker behind some of BTS’ biggest global smashes (“On” and “Black Swan”).
NOBITA, whose single “Ikaw Lang” is the most streamed song of 2022 according to Spotify Wrapped, expressed enthusiasm and gratitude when they found out that they’re part of the music project that pays tribute to the generation-defining catalog of The Eraserheads. "We grew up listening to and playing Eheads songs," the alt-rock group says in a statement. “NOBITA heavily draws inspiration from their music, especially their brand of songwriting. Their work has shaped us into where we are now, and we’re forever grateful to their enormous contribution to OPM artists, young and old.”
For their part, NOBITA adds a little jazz-pop treatment to “Magasin” without completely losing the song’s upbeat and heavily melodic arrangement. Slightly slowing it down with stripped-down finesse, the chart-topping five-piece act puts sunshine back in “hugot” with endearingly surprising twist.
Apart from the revamped tracks by some of today’s biggest hitmakers, five of The Eraserheads’ legendary albums were re-released in full 360-degree spatial sound to give listeners a new immersive music experience. These influential records include Ultraelectromagneticpop!: The 25th Anniversary Remastered Edition, Circus (25th Anniversary Remastered), Cutterpillow, Fruitcake, and Sticker Happy.
SB19’s “Christmas Party” and NOBITA’s “Magasin” are out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Source: Nyou
Pentatonix and Lea Salonga hit YouTube Trending Charts with “Christmas In Our Hearts” music video
Their rendition of a Jose Mari Chan hit is part of Pentatonix’s new album, Holidays Around The World
Filipina Broadway superstar Lea Salonga has recently joined American a cappella group Pentatonix for the music video of “Christmas In Our Hearts.”
Released last weekend, the visuals have garnered more than 640,000 views on its third day of release. It also currently sits inside the top 20 of YouTube’s Trending Music Charts, and continues to gain traction on streaming and airplay.
The soaring ballad, which is a cover of a Jose Mari Chan hit, is part of Pentatonix’s sixth holiday album, Holidays Around The World.
The acclaimed catalog brings their global vision back to life with collaborations featuring some of the most iconic pop artists and established idols from different parts of the world, including Chinese pianist Lang Lang, Congolese gospel singer Grace Lokwa, Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji, Latin band La Santa Cecilia, Indian superstar Shreya Ghoshal, Japanese YouTubers HIKAKIN & SEIKIN, British a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers, and American superstar Meghan Trainor.
Apart from the music video release and a new album, the internationally renowned pop ensemble is set to embark on a global tour with multiple stops across North America and Asia.
Just recently, Pentatonix talked to People Magazine about breaking boundaries in terms of making music. According to the five-piece group, they want to experience the “cultural differences in music” and explore working with artists outside their comfort country.
Pentatonix’s Holidays Around The World is now available on all digital music platforms via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment.
Check out the music video of “Christmas In Our Hearts” here.
Source: Nyou
CLINTON KANE SHARES NEW SONG “AVO TOAST”
LISTEN HERE
Today, Norwegian-Filipino singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Clinton Kane has shared new song “AVO TOAST.” An instant fan favorite, the track perfectly blends Clinton’s signature lyricism with infectious, upbeat production as the rising star pleads for patience in a relationship. Listen HERE and watch the accompanying visualizer HERE.
In speaking about “AVO TOAST,” Clinton says: “What’s funny is that I’ve always hated avocado toast. I wasn’t sure if I’d release this song because it didn’t feel like me for a while. But people kept begging for it and I have a toxic relationship with peer pressure, so I sat with it and fell in love…with the song (not the food). I’m excited for the world to have this one and can’t wait to release the rest of my new music.”
“AVO TOAST” follows the October release of“MEXICO,” Clinton’s first offering of new music since dropping his debut album MAYBE SOMEDAY IT’LL ALL BE OK in July. The rising star has been on tour in support of the project and will conclude his first run of international headline dates tonight in a familiar place, Perth, Australia. Stay tuned for more from Clinton Kane in 2023!
LISTEN TO “AVO TOAST” HERE
Follow Clinton Kane:
Website | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram |Facebook
Source: Sony Music Philippines
Sony Music Entertainment Philippines gives back this holiday season to Charity Rise Against Hunger with ‘Season of Giving’ Campaign
Funding will support the collection and distribution of donated food items and relief packs to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Filipino songstress Hazel Faith also put on an intimate performance for beneficiaries
Sony Music Entertainment Philippines and singer-songwriter Hazel Faith have partnered with charity, Rise Against Hunger, to support vulnerable communities locally impacted by food insecurity, whose situations have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This comes as part of Sony Music Group’s global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, where the company and its artists are giving back to every local community in which Sony Music Group (SMG) operates. Across the world, SMG is supporting global organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This also follows the support provided through Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, to move the needle in broadening opportunities for underserved communities worldwide. In October, the company partnered with SPARK! Philippines to champion young women’s rights through music and film.
Beginning in the month of November, the Season of Giving program saw SMG committing sizeable amounts in each territory where the Company conducts business: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Continental Europe, Latin America, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Since its beginnings in 2014, Rise Against Hunger Philippines has packaged over 543 million meals for vulnerable individuals across 78 countries, including over 7 million meals for people in the Philippines. With the funding from Sony Music Group, the organization will be able to reach 1.5 million people in communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, through the distribution of donated food items and relief packs to hungry households.
Jose Mariano Fleras, Executive Director, Rise Against Hunger Philippines, said, “COVID-19 has only worsened the hunger situation in the Philippines by costing people their livelihoods and making it more difficult for resources to reach those who really need them. We have unfortunately seen an additional four million households in the Philippines impacted because of the pandemic.”
“Through this partnership with Sony Music Group, we are in a stronger position to provide aid to vulnerable communities and double down on our outreach operations to address food and nutrition insecurity nationwide.”
As part of efforts to reach these communities, singer-songwriter Hazel Faith also partnered with the organization through a day of volunteering and performances for its beneficiaries. Hazel Faith is part of Sony Music Philippines’ Christian label WATERWALK RECORDS, which brings fresh Christian music infused with pop influences from faith-based artists to the new, streaming generation.
Hazel Faith said, “Food insecurity continues to plague many across the Philippines, and it is inspiring to see what organizations like Rise Against Hunger are doing to alleviate this problem. I'm grateful for the opportunity to perform for the beneficiaries of the program today, and proud to be part of a label that continues to give back to those in need this holiday season.”
In speaking of the seasonal initiative, Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group, said, “Globally, SMG is committed to supporting local communities throughout the year. For the holiday season, we wanted to bring extra support and relief aid to those in need and dedicate our efforts to more than three million people worldwide. We’re grateful to our artists and international partner organizations who work on-the-ground to provide direct assistance to their neighbors.”
In addition to Hazel Faith, notable artists and songwriters who volunteered with partner organizations in their communities during a series of in-person events include India Shawn (Epic Records), Tyler Shaw (SME Canada), NOBITA (SME Philippines), Kobie Dee (SMP Australia), Tom Wilson (SMP Canada).
This campaign represents the Company’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to forge partnerships and support communities that need it most, inside and outside the music industry. For ‘Season of Giving’, every global organization selected to receive funding was determined by a group of global stakeholders including our internal task forces, legal and public policy teams. Learn more about SMG’s giving approach here.
Source: Nyou
SZA’s new album, SOS projected to debut at No. 1 with one of the biggest first-week sales of the year by a solo artist
The R&B superstar premieres new video for “Nobody Gets Me,” directed by Bradley Calder
New album includes features by Travis Scott, Don Toliver,
Phoebe Bridgers, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard
American R&B superstar SZA is aiming for a number one debut at next week’s Billboard Hot 100, with her highly anticipated album, SOS, projected to secure one of the biggest first-week sales this year by a female artist.
A day after its release on various digital music platforms, the 23-track album skyrocketed to the summit of Apple Music and Spotify charts in several countries worldwide, and even landed her with a No. 1 slot on real-time iTunes sales charts in major music territories.
The Grammy award-winning, chart-topping, and multi-platinum selling recording artist’s new album via TDE/RCA Records, is accompanied by the release of the Bradley Calder-directed video for “Nobody Gets Me,” one of the many standout songs on the album. Click here to watch.
SOS includes features by Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers and Ol’ Dirty Bastard; with production by Ctrl-hitmaking collaborators ThankGod4Cody and Carter Lang, alongside Jeff Bhasker, Rob Bisel, Benny Blanco, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Emile Haynie, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Jay Versace, and more.
Check out the complete tracklist below and stay tuned for more exciting news from SZA.
(Click image to download hi-res cover artwork. Photo credit: Daniel Sannwald)
SOS tracklist:
01 SOS
02 Kill Bill
03 Seek & Destroy
04 Low
05 Love Language
06 Blind
07 Used feat. Don Toliver
08 Snooze
09 Notice Me
10 Gone Girl
11 Smoking on my Ex Pack
12 Ghost in the Machine feat. Phoebe Bridgers
13 F2F
14 Nobody Gets Me
15 Conceited
16 Special
17 Too Late
18 Far
19 Shirt
20 Open Arms feat. Travis Scott
21 I Hate U
22 Good Days
23 Forgiveless feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard
About SZA:
Born in St. Louis and raised in Maplewood, NJ, genre-defying, and GRAMMY Award winning recording artist SZA released her major label debut album Ctrl (TDE/RCA) in 2017. Revered for its raw and honest lyrics, it landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, No. 2 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, according to Nielsen Music. The now RIAA-certified 3xPlatinum albumreceived five Grammy nominations in 2018 and more than half the songs on Ctrl are currently certified multi-Platinum and Gold. Ctrlremains on the Billboard 200 chart since its release in 2017 and holds the record for the longest run for any Black female artist’s debut album. In 2022 alone it sold over 600,000 units and is the 10th best-selling female album this year in the country and 50th best-selling album in 2022 overall.
SZA has won various awards since the release of Ctrl including a 2022 GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Dou/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat, Billboard Music Awards’ Top R&B Female Artist, BET Awards’ Best New Artist, BET Soul Train Awards’ Best R&B/Soul Female Artist and Best New Artist, MTV Video Music Awards’ Best Visual Effects for the “All The Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, and NAACP Image Awards’ Outstanding New Artist. In 2019, she won NAACP Image Awards’ Outstanding Duo or Group for “All The Stars” with Kendrick Lamar and Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation for the Black Panther Soundtrack. SZA also received Billboard’s 2019 Women in Music Rule Breaker award.
In 2020, SZA released the hypnotic track “Hit Different” featuring Ty Dolla $ign along with the stunning visual that took the internet by storm. To close out the trying year, SZA gifted fans on Christmas Day with the hopeful track “Good Days,” followed by a trippy visual released in March. Grammy-nominated for Best R&B Song, the single quickly became SZA’s greatest gainer solo single release, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and marking her first time in the chart’s top ten as the main artist. December 2021, SZA scored her second lead artist top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with the official release of “I Hate U,” which debuted at #7. The song also entered at #1 on both Spotify and Apple Music US charts and broke the record for the most streamed R&B song by a female artist on Apple Music in its first week. “Shirt,” her most recent single from SOS, has garnered over 60 million streams globally since its release in October.
To this day, SZA continues to set the standard on creativity and songwriting, while shattering
Photo credit: Jacob Webster
Listen to SOS: https://sza.lnk.to/SOS
Follow SZA:
https://www.instagram.com/sza/
Source: Nyou
Sponge Cola drops “Hometown,” a song inspired by hit K-drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Released ahead of their special anniversary showcase at PETA Theater on December 14, 2022, the song encapsulates the feeling of coming home after a tiring journey
After a successful concert tour in Canada to mark their 20thanniversary as a band, Sponge Cola returns with a new single inspired by K-drama smash Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
Combining grunge rock elements with electronic textures and anthemic pop sensibilities, Sponge Cola’s “Hometown” is a song for coming home after a long, tiring journey. It’s a perfect description that sums up their collective feelings at the moment.
Embodying home in the form of a person, the captivating rock tune was penned by vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzonas a way to reimagine the coastal town, with its nosy neighbors forming a tight community, and a love story that “felt very warm and familiar,” despite being entirely new and foreign.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome given that it was written about a fictional piece,” Yuzon confesses. “As a writer, I was one layer away from phenomena that should have made the end product more removed, disconnected. Instead, we ended up with something more visceral, something that resonates from within.”
Produced by Joey Santos, “Hometown” has that familiar Sponge Cola sound to it: catchy, soaring choruses filled to the brim with exciting builds and dynamic rhythms. But stripped off its delicate, fuzzy arrangements is a material that, as bassist Gosh puts it, “feels like traveling to unfamiliar places, but still ends up unwinding and wanting to go home.” Its comforting warmth lingers, and the lyrics just resonate with a lot of people who have been emotionally crushed and in love, reeling from old memories, yet ready to find new ones.
“I wanted to capture the nuances of an ocean breeze in a song—the contrast of the stillness and the intensity,” Yuzon shares. “Produced by DJ Joey Santos, I think we nailed it. It was a breeze to record.”
Yuzon adds that “Hometown” sounds like a song that listeners can take with them anywhere they go. “As we call and respond to the echoes of Philippine diaspora, home is where the heart is, and Hometown is not just a song about a place; it's love, hope, and warmth; it's the people.”
“Hometown” is out now on all the digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Sponge Cola is also set to perform the song in their special anniversary showcase at the PETA Theater on December 14, 2022, as part of their 20th anniversary celebration. Tickets are available at all SM ticket outlets nationwide.
Source: Nyou
Give Libraries a Chance
Transit Dialog has published my essay Give Libraries a Chance. Read it here.
MASHAV Israel Sponsors Repair Materials of Typhoon Paeng-Stricken Familiesin Marinduque
Ambassador Ilan Fluss meets one of the families who received the shelter repair kits from MASHAV Israel.
In photo (L-R): Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., Diocese of Boac; Ambassador Ilan Fluss; recipient family; Mme. Gila Fluss;
Ms. Jeanie Curiano, Humanitarian Programs Head of Caritas Philippines; and Fr. Jojie Mangui, Social Action Commission Director Diocese of Boac
The Embassy of Israel, through its Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), in partnership with Caritas Philippines and the Diocese of Boac, sponsored shelter repair kits to aid the families affected by Typhoon Paeng, which devastated the island province of Marinduque last October 29, 2022.
Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, together with his wife Gila, personally visited Marinduque on December 7 and 8 to visit the recipients in the barangays of Cawit, Tabigue, and Laylay in Boac, Marinduque. Fifty-three (53) families affected by Typhoon Paeng in the said province benefited from the Israeli Embassy's emergency response assistance.
“This is the first time we have a partnership between the Embassy and Caritas - a very symbolic partnership between the Jewish State of Israel and the Catholic Church of the Philippines,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.
Source: Embassy of Israel in the Philippines
ADB, Tavan Bogd Group Sign Loan to Support Food Security, Inclusive Business in Mongolia
ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA (9 December 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB), Ulaanbaatar Flour (UBF), Tavan Bogd Foods (TBF), and Tavan Bogd Foods Pizza (TBF Pizza) today signed an $18 million loan to support food security and job creation in Mongolia. This assistance will help mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The loan comprises $8 million in assistance to UBF, $6 million to TBF, and $4 million to TBF Pizza. The proceeds will be used for additional working capital support for UBF to procure 60,000 tons of wheat directly from 6,000 local farmers. TBF and TBF Pizza will use the financing to construct eight additional quick-service restaurants and warehouses. Between the three companies, this project will support the livelihoods of 1,503 employees and create 358 new jobs.
“Securing domestic wheat supply is essential to the country’s food security, as wheat products account for a third of Mongolian’s caloric intake,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “We are delighted to work again with the Tavan Bogd group to boost food security and promote inclusive business in Mongolia.”
The loan will support gender equality and disability inclusion by hiring people with disabilities with a focus on women, displaying gender equality messaging in TBF restaurants, training staff on gender-sensitive disability inclusion, and by providing internships for women at UBF.
”We are pleased to cooperate again with ADB,” said Tavan Bogd Group Executive Director Khulan Dashdavaa. “The project will create more employment opportunities for UBF, TBF, and TBF Pizza as these companies already have in place strong policies to provide job opportunities to the disabled segment of the population. The new warehouses and restaurants will support local vendors and businesses while mitigating supply chain and food security risks due to logistics disruptions in the region.”
Food security is a priority for ADB, which recently announced plans to provide at least $14 billion over 2022–2025 to ease a worsening food crisis in Asia and the Pacific. Direct support to farmers and agribusinesses is key to this initiative with an expected $3.5 billion from ADB and $5 billion in cofinancing to be provided to the private sector, including the loan to Tavan Bogd.
UBF is one of the country’s largest buyers of domestically grown wheat and is the leading wheat miller with a 35% market share. TBF and TBF Pizza operate KFC and Pizza Hut quick-service restaurants and are key players in the food delivery industry. UBF, TBF, and TBF Pizza are members of the Tavan Bogd Group, one of the country’s largest diversified business groups.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Source: ADB
Mama Mary and Her Children Book 7 on CNN Philippines
Thank you @rowiejuanmatti for sharing this moment on @cnnphilippines with me! Our book Mama Mary and Her Children Book 7 tells stories of miracles, personal transformations, and faith during the time of the pandemic and beyond! It is available here. 📖 And you can watch our interview here. 📖 Special thanks to @askmigslopez for the PC and headset which I used during the interview 🥹 God bless us all!💙 #authorlife #MamaMary #havefaith #catholic #virginmary #blessedmother
#ImmaculateConception #miracleshappen #truestories #catholiclife #mothermary #iReadAnvil #MamaMaryAndHerChildren
Mama Mary and Her Children Book 7 on CNN!
@rowiejuanmatti and I had an amazing time during our guesting on @cnnphilippines’ The Final Word. We talked to @rico.hizon about Mama Mary and Her Children Book 7, which features my essay and was co-edited by Rowie. It is available here. 📖 You may watch our interview here. 📖 Hope you can buy our book and be inspired by real-life stories of faith and hope during the pandemic and beyond!💙 #authorlife @anvilpublishing
The Final World
Join us later! My good friend Rowie and I will be guesting on CNN Philippines TONIGHT 9PM!
“Mama Mary and her Children: True Stories of Real People” continues a legacy of enriching young readers’ relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Author Samantha Lucas and co-editor Rowena Juan Matti will tell us more on #TheFinalWord with Rico Hizon.
📱 Live stream bit.ly/3uxucI4
📺 Free TV ch. 9, Cignal ch. 10, Sky Cable ch. 14
Sony Music Entertainment Philippines gives back this holiday season with ‘season of giving’ campaign
Funding will support the charity Reach Out and Feed Philippines in acquiring mobile kitchens and strengthening food programs for the community
Filipino band NOBITA performed their favourite hits for the charity at a special live performance
Manila, PHILIPPINES – Sony Music Entertainment Philippines and popular band NOBITA have partnered with Reach Out and Feed Philippines to support local communities impacted by hunger this holiday season.
This comes as part of Sony Music Group’s global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, where the company and its artists are giving back to every local community in which Sony Music Group (SMG) operates. Across the world, SMG is supporting global organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This also follows the support provided through the Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, to move the needle in broadening opportunities for underserved communities worldwide. In October, the company partnered with SPARK! Philippines to champion young women’s rights through music and film.
Beginning in the month of November, the Season of Giving program saw SMG committing sizeable amounts in each geography where the Company conducts business: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Continental Europe, Latin America, United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the Philippines, non-profit organization Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc., which provides food aid to children who have little or no access to nutritious food, had its outreach efforts hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the typhoons that struck the Philippines over the past two years. With this funding, Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. will be acquiring mobile kitchens that can provide meals to vulnerable communities where needed, reaching more children and their families through the organization’s ongoing feeding and nourishment programs.
Anna Pauline Castro, Executive Director of Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc., said, “The funding from Sony Music Group will be a great help in pushing forward with our school and community outreach programs. We expect these mobile kitchens to reach 1,000 children and their households on ongoing feeding programs, as well as families affected by the pandemic and recent typhoons, to provide them with nutritious meals.”
“Ultimately, we hope that this will bring us closer to realizing our vision of seeing every Filipino child healthy, nourished, and empowered to reach their maximum potential for growth and learning.”
As a band that actively gives back to society, NOBITA also partnered with Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. to support outreach efforts and put on an intimate concert for some of the children who are beneficiaries of the organization.
NOBITA said, “It means a lot to be part of a label that strives to make a positive impact on society by reaching out to underserved communities. We are truly glad to have had the chance to spend time volunteering with Reach Out and Feed Philippines – seeing smiles from children and families whilst connecting with them through music was an unforgettable experience for us.”
In speaking of the seasonal initiative, Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group, said, “Globally, SMG is committed to supporting local communities throughout the year. For the holiday season, we wanted to bring extra support and relief aid to those in need and dedicate our efforts to more than three million people worldwide. We’re grateful to our artists and international partner organizations who work on-the-ground to provide direct assistance to their neighbors.”
In addition to NOBITA, notable artists and songwriters who volunteered with partner organizations in their communities during a series of in-person events include India Shawn (Epic Records), Tyler Shaw (SME Canada), Kobie Dee (SMP Australia), Tom Wilson (SMP Canada) – who volunteered with partner organizations in their own communities during a series of in-person events.
This campaign represents the Company’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to forge partnerships and support communities that need it most, inside and outside the music industry. For ‘Season of Giving’, every global organization selected to receive funding was determined by a group of global stakeholders including the Company’s internal task forces, legal and public policy teams. Learn more about SMG’s giving approach here.
Source: Nyou
ADB, Tiger Infrastructure Sign $40 Million Loan to Support Rural Connectivity in Southern Philippines
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (7 December 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $40 million loan with Tiger Infrastructure Philippines, Inc. (Tiger Infrastructure) to build 380 telecommunications towers in the Mindanao and Visayas regions of the Philippines. This infrastructure will enable mobile network operators to provide a full range of mobile and data services to consumers.
The financing comprises $25 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and a $15 million loan from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund administered by ADB.
Telecommunication towers support one or more wireless telecommunication antennae. The project will support common tower sharing, which will allow multiple mobile network operators to lease the same location while Tiger Infrastructure will be responsible for construction, land leasing, operation, and maintenance. All telecommunication equipment installed on the towers will belong to the tenants.
“Digital connectivity’s impact in helping to achieve Sustainable Development Goals cannot be understated, especially in areas like education, health care, financing, and payments,” said ADB's Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “This project will improve access to the digital economy in the underserved regions of Visayas and Mindanao and have a tangible impact on the quality of life for local communities.”
The Philippines has only 164 towers per 1 million people or about 27,000 telecom towers as of 2021, one of the lowest coverage rates in the region. The Government of the Philippines estimates that an additional 60,000 towers are needed by 2031 in unserved and underserved areas.
"We are honored to receive this support and endorsement from ADB. Together, we share a vision of supporting Philippines' development through mobile network connectivity and digital transformation,” said Tiger Infrastructure Group Executive Chairman Simon Skouboe. “We are confident that by working with ADB, Tiger can strengthen our digital infrastructure portfolio as we continue to respond to demand for reliable mobile network connectivity in Asia."
Tiger Infrastructure is jointly owned by Cell Tower Services Pte. Ltd (CTSP) and Daily Life Renewable Energy Pte. Ltd (DLRE), both incorporated in Singapore. CTSP is well established in the telecommunications towers business with projects around the world, while DLRE is involved in customized design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning services for renewable energy systems across Asia and the Pacific.
LEAP is an ADB-managed fund capitalized with a $1.5 billion commitment by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Established in 2016, LEAP is focused on the delivery of high-quality and sustainable private sector infrastructure projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and offer accessible and affordable health care, education, and communication services to ADB’s developing members.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Source: ADB
Mama Mary and Her Children: Book 7
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ADB, Hayat Kimya to Support Sanitation Products for Women and Children in Viet Nam, Thailand, and Malaysia
HA NOI, VIET NAM (5 December 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a €20 million (around $ 21 million) loan with Hayat Kimya Vietnam Company Limited (Hayat Kimya) to support the ongoing construction of a manufacturing facility for baby diapers, wet wipes, and women’s hygiene pads in Viet Nam.
The project aims to expand consumer choices and improve the affordability of these products, which will also be exported to Malaysia and Thailand. An additional loan of €15 million was issued by Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH.
“Proper menstrual health management and childcare sanitation is crucial for women, and yet they not only lack access to hygiene products but also face stigma often linked to menstruation,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Department Suzanne Gaboury. “Our support will help Hayat Kimya to continue empowering women and improving their health and education, leaving them in a better position to share in the country’s rising prosperity.”
In Viet Nam, it is estimated that only 43% of women have access to sanitary pads while only 52% of mothers use diapers for their infants. At the same time, Viet Nam has one of the highest female labor force participation rates in the world. Even so, most working women still have primary responsibility for house, child, and elderly care duties.
ADB will also help Hayat Kimya to develop a gender-inclusive action plan which includes promoting gender equality in their branding and marketing, implementation of an awareness campaign about the benefits of hygiene products, and development of a gender-inclusive corporate framework including anti-sexual harassment policies and career development programs for female professionals. The company also aims to open an internship program for female graduates of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This project has qualified for a 2x gender financing rating, a challenge launched at the G7 summit in 2018 to encourage gender lens investing among development finance institutions.
“We believe that everyone has the right to access quality sanitation products and we work for this vision. Especially in a region like Southeast Asia and particularly in Viet Nam, where women are extremely active in both home and business life. It inspires us to know that we add comfort to their lives,” said Hayat Vice-President of Finance Hüseyin Okur.
Hayat Kimya is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hayat Kimya Sanayi, the world’s fourth-largest branded baby diaper manufacturer, and was established over 50 years ago in Türkiye. The company owns 16 brands across multiple consumer product categories. It operates 21 manufacturing facilities, has 9,000 employees globally, and is among Türkiye’s top 50 industrial entities.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Source: ADB; photo by ADB
ADB, ABIS Sign Sustainability-Linked Debt Facility to Support Climate-Resilient Fish Farming
NEW DELHI, INDIA (2 December 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ABIS Exports India Private Limited (ABIS) entered into an agreement to subscribe to non-convertible debentures for $16 million (in equivalent Indian rupee), to enhance food security in India by supporting the construction of a micro fish feed plant and by training up to 6,000 farmers in climate-resilient fish farming practices as well as financial literacy.
Specialized micro fish feed is a new product in the Indian market and is smaller in size than standard feed, making it suitable for more species of fish. It also floats on the water surface for longer, enabling the feed to be completely consumed by the fish rather than sink and be wasted while also increasing feed efficiency and reducing water pollution.
“Fisheries are crucial to India’s nutrition and food security and provide income and jobs for more than 28 million fish farmers across the country’s aquaculture value chain,“ said ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department Senior Investment Specialist Tushna Dora. “Our assistance to ABIS delivers much-needed innovation and efficiencies in feed inputs, which will support increased production while improving rural livelihoods through training of farmers and targeted investments in local manufacturing.”
As a sustainability-linked and blue-debt facility, this financing signifies ADB’s and ABIS’s commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation, water conservation, ocean health, and the promotion of farmers’ capacity building. This is ADB’s first private sector sustainability-linked financing, with adjustments in pricing when pre-defined sustainability targets are met. Targets include emissions reductions, water conservation, and farmer training. The sustainability-linked financing received an independent second-party opinion, consistent with industry principles.
Training in climate-smart fish farming practices and financial literacy through a $500,000 technical assistance (TA) grant will enhance the climate resilience of fish farmers. The TA will also address gaps in access faced by women farmers to aquacultural information and training.
“We are delighted to start this partnership with ADB. ADB’s support is a vote of confidence for ABIS and validates our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, improve water conservation, and provide increased farmer extension services,” said ABIS Export Managing Director Bahadur Ali. “At the core of our mission are the farmers and their livelihoods coupled with achieving our highly ambitious environmental, social, and governance targets.”
Food security is a priority for ADB, which recently announced plans to provide at least $14 billion over 2022–2025 to ease a worsening food crisis in Asia and the Pacific, while improving long-term food security by strengthening food systems against the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Direct support to farmers and agribusinesses in the region is key to this initiative, with an expected $3.5 billion from ADB and $5 billion in cofinancing to be provided to the private sector. The debt facility to ABIS is part of this direct support to the private sector.
ABIS is the flagship operating company of the Indian Broiler group, which also has operations in poultry, poultry-feed, dairy, edible oil, and hospitality. All the group’s products are sold under the ABIS brand name, with the company active in 26 states in India. Together with its affiliates, it has over 8,000 employees. ABIS is committed to reducing carbon emissions, improving water conservation, and providing increased farmer extension services.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Source: ADB; photo by ADB
Mama Mary Book 7
Hi everyone! My essay is part of this book. Buy a copy here. 💙
The book "Mama Mary and Her Children" has been telling the true experiences of real people ever since it was published in 2008. Book Seven continues sharing real stories, some of which take place during the pandemic.
Book launch on Dec 8, 2022 💙📿
watch the virtual book launch on the official Facebook of Anvil Publishing.
#MamaMary #havefaith #catholic #virginmary #blessedmother
#ImmaculateConception #miracleshappen #truestories #catholiclife #mothermary #iReadAnvil #MamaMaryAndHerChildren