“YOUR SONG OF EXCELLENCE,” organized by Taiwan Excellence and co-presented by Aromase, Derma Angel, and Johnson Fitness Philippines, is back on its third season this year, and promises to be even bigger, bolder and grander than ever, with celebrity judges Yeng Constantino, Ice Seguerra, Arthur Nery and Paulo Zarate. Watch the official music video: https://bit.ly/YSOE2023MusicVideo
On its Season 3, the Contest is not just about singing, but songwriting is introduced. A great occasion to showcase true Filipino musical talent and ingenuity, where cash and product prizes await the winners.
Given the difficult task of judging this premier singing and songwriting competition are come-backing judges such as singer-composer and pop-rock royalty Yeng Constantino, music producer and songwriter Paulo Zarate from Season 2. Completing this year’s roster of judges are singer-songwriter, actor and director Ice Seguerra, and singer-songwriter and music heartthrob Arthur Nery, who are expected to give their own take on the display of singing prowess and songwriting acumen of this year’s contestants. Hosting “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 is none other Nicole Laurel Asensio, a singer-songwriter whose also top-notch theater actress.
If you are a Filipino citizen, male or female, aged 18 years old and above, and have big dreams of making a name in the Philippine entertainment industry, then join “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 singing and songwriting competition.
Joining is easy. Just head on to the “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 audition link (bit.ly/YSOE2023Audition) and register your personal information details.
As “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 includes songwriting, it will be a more exciting journey for the aspirants. For the songwriting category, just upload an audio-video file of the original audition song with lyrics following the same file name format – JuanDelaCruz_Audition.mp3. Those auditioning for the singing competition have to choose from any of the six (6) Taiwan Excellence Registered Songs, which can be found at bit.ly/YSOE2023AuditionSongs. Once a song is chosen, simply upload an Audition Video following this file name format – JuanDelaCruz_Audition.mp4.
Deadline for submission of audition entries is on September 15, 2023.
“Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 is supported by major brand partners, Acer Philippines, Annie’s Way, ASUS Philippines, FECA, iBle, MSI, PC Express, Tatung, Predator Gaming and Republic of Gamers.
So, what are you waiting for? This is your chance to be on the spotlight in the world of Filipino musical artists of the new generation. Join “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 singing and songwriting contest. It will certainly be a life-changing moment.
Third time is a charm, which is why “Your Song of Excellence,” one of the country’s grandest and much-awaited singing competitions, is back for an even bigger Season 3! The big change in this display of musical talents, co-presented by Aromase “Breathe & Grow” (bit.ly/Aromase), Derma Angel “The Science of Your Angel-Like Skin!” (bit.ly/Derma_Angel) and Johnson Fitness & Wellness “The Home of Fitness” (bit.ly/ShopJohnsonFitnessPH), is that it will not only be a singing, but also a songwriting contest, where big cash and product prizes await the Pinoy music geniuses.
And just like in the past two seasons, joining remains easy. Simply register at “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 audition link: bit.ly/YSOE2023Audition. To join the Singer Category, just choose from any of the six (6) Taiwan Excellence Registered Songs, which can be found at the same audition link. Only an audition song that came from the six (6) Taiwan Excellence Registered Songs will be qualified. After choosing a song, upload an Audition Video following this file name format – JuanDelaCruz_Audition.mp4. As for the Songwriter Category, simply upload an audio or video file of the originally composed song with lyrics at the same audition link, following the same file name format – JuanDelaCruz_Audition.mp3.
If you’re a Filipino citizen, aged 18 years old and above, here’s another chance to make it big in the music and entertainment industry. Join “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 singing and songwriting competition. Deadline for submission of audition entries is on September 15.
“Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 is also supported by Taiwan Excellence brand partners, Acer Philippines, Annie’s Way, ASUS Philippines, Feca, iBle, MSi, Tatung, Republic of Gamers, PC Express and Predator Gaming.
Philippine Ballet Theater has a mission to relay age-old tales of the Filipino people reflecting our country’s culture. They aspire to create and perform stories deeply rooted in our heritage. PBT will open their 37th season with a brand-new full length Filipino ballet entitled “Ibalon”. Lifting from the well-known Bicolano epic “Ibalon”, Artistic Director and Choreographer Ronilo Jaynario focuses on the love story of Handyong (The Warrior) and Oryol (The Cursed Creature). Jaynario emphasizes that his choreography is a reimagination of a love story against a backdrop of Philippine mythology. Indulging in creative liberties he created nuances and plot twists to make the story a powerful display of love in movement. He hopes to leave his audience captivated with colorful dances inspired from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
This story will be luxuriously told with original music by Paulo Zarate. Zarate explains that in creating the music, his approach was an exaggeration of what the music would have sounded like in ancient times. Filipino instruments in that period were more percussive and rhythmic. He took this into consideration but added bold and moving melodies, incorporating details of Filipino elements that he researched on, to make the music more epic. Zarate wanted to create music that would have a theatrical or cinematic effect on the audience, pushing them at the edge of their seat in excitement or sweeping them into the love story of Handyong and Oryol.
Matthew Davo as the warrior Handyong and Eloisa Jessa Tangalin as the cursed princess Oryol will take you on a voyage into the heart of our culture and history. With PBT’s rising stars, the story telling of our ancestral stories will come alive with music and dance.
Together, Jaynario and Zarate wanted to leave a lasting imprint in Philippine Dance history. Nobody talks about old Filipino stories anymore, but creativity can change that. Something new and something old can create beautiful captures of our culture. PBT’s “Ibalon” runs from July 28, 2023, to July 29, 2023, at the beautiful Samsung Theater. All proceeds from July 29 will benefit the fundraising campaign for the 65th Anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards.
Title: IBALON Venue: Samsung Performing Arts Theatre Date & Time of Performances: July 28, 2023, Friday 8:00 pm, July 29, 2023, Saturday 8:00 pm For ticket inquiries and reservations, you may contact the following numbers. Landline: 86711697 Mobile: 09688708887 Via Ticketworld: and 8891-9999/ ticketworld.com.ph Or message their social media platforms in Instagram and Facebook Page. Ticket prices P2500 – Orchestra Center P2,000 – Orchestra Sides P1,500 – Loge P 500 – Balcony I P350 – Balcony II
Multi-platinum recording artist Moira Dela Torre takes the stage at Blue Bay Walk, Metro Park on May 12, 2023, for a night of heartwarming concert experience.
Moira has amassed a strong following through the years both here and abroad. Her soulful voice and pierce-through-the-heart lyrics have dominated the charts and streaming platforms alike.
Tickets
Blue Bay Walk and Met Live mall-goers have a chance to redeem free tickets for the one-night-only concert at The Garden of Blue Bay Walk. A minimum single-receipt transaction from any Blue Bay Walk and MET Live establishments made from May 5 to 12, 2023 entitles a shopper to free tickets to watch the concert live.
To claim tickets, present the receipt/s at the redemption booths located at Ground Floor of MET Live and The Spine, Blue Bay Walk. Ticket redemption will be from May 10 (Wednesday) to May 12 (Friday), 11AM – 8PM only.
Master Planned Community in Bay Area
Metro Park, a Federal Land master planned enclave located at Pasay City’s Manila Bay Area, features resort-style residential condominiums, business hubs, retail and dining options, and exciting weekend events. It is home to Blue Bay Walk and Met Live, new location of choice for those who want to relax and unwind, as it offers wide green spaces and an al fresco dining set up.
“With this concert, we aim to bring people together, make memories, and enjoy within our thriving, fun-loving community. We are offering a lifestyle hub where gathering and relaxation fuse together,” said Federal Land Commercial Development Head Miss Mylene del Rosario.
Catch Moira live at The Garden, Blue Bay Walk for an unforgettable free concert experience. Visit the Facebook pages of Blue Bay Walk and Met Livefor the mechanics and other details.
This can easily be a line in a love song. But, this is a question raised by one of the country’s original rock bands, The Dawn, in their new song “Earth.”
Known for its anthem songs like “Salamat” and “Iisang Bangka,” “Earth” asks the existential question especially amid all the political, social, and even personal uncertainties.
The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan explains, “We, as human beings, when we’re faced with troubles that seem insurmountable, we tend to look the other way. Maybe not to say we’re in denial, it’s more of the fear of the unknown. It’s been a struggle to be a human being. There’s always the question, can we go on like this? Is this the way we’re supposed to deal with things? Is there a better way?”
He pointed out that it’s not condescending but, in fact he asks himself the same question. The pandemic also raised that big question. “We’re all hoping that after all these we become better people,” he said.
Trust The Dawn to come up with a song that is timely and relevant. The society has seen a rise in mental health concerns among the youth. In fact, in a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), it highlighted that between 2013 and 2021, there are twice the number of young Filipinos who felt loneliness, sadness, and being disliked.
One of the band’s guitarists Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez, emphasized that “Is love still a thing,” can also be read as “is empathy still a thing?” Sanchez said that with the mode of communications now, it’s easy to be snarky. Their hope is that through this song and with this one powerful line, people will pause, reflect, and hope that they can be a little kinder.
Apart from the significance of its lyrics, there are a lot of reasons that make “Earth” distinct.
It was recorded during the pandemic and every member of the group had to record individually. The Dawn drummer JB Leonor shared he made a story with the drum parts alone. There’s a reason for every note of the drum.
“Earth” is the last song that their bassist Mon Legaspi recorded before he passed away. And it was an ode to him that they committed to finish the track.
Sanchez was the last one to record the guitar parts. “I lost the recordings when my hard drive failed. We had to ask permission from Mon’s sister and asked a friend to help extract his parts. It was really difficult for me to record my parts,” he said.
The song itself went through a lot and now that it’s here, it is definitely a treat not only to the loyal fans of The Dawn but to everyone who appreciates great music.
The reception to “Earth” inspires the band to keep on going. Credit goes to Francis “Kiko” Reyes, one of the guitarists, who said that during the pandemic, the band continued to connect creatively. Pangan enthused that with all his rally calls and with the reception to the new song, all fingers point to a new collection of songs, or an EP.
Recognizing also how dynamic the music industry is these days, The Dawn wants to make sure they are a part of it. He added that the labels and genres now are blurred and people are more accepting when they listen to music. They do not specify if a song is too rock or too hiphop.
Through the years, The Dawn has been blessed with a platform to be heard and this time, it’s their new song “Earth.” There’s no line to cross now that music has melded in all genres. And The Dawn has a lot to offer and being a true rockstar that they are, they are just going where music takes them. No pigeonholing, just true love for music.
Listen to The Dawn’s Earth now on Spotify and YouTube.
HONOR has partnered with Guinness World Record to showcase and give a preview of the brand-new camera of the HONOR Magic5 Pro, which will be launched at MWC 2023 on the 27th of February, with a basketball player, who’s attempted to break a world record.
One is taken by the AI camera of HONOR Magic5 Pro, showing the best moment of sport movement, and the other photo is the behind the scene, to show how HONOR Magic5 Pro captured the best moment.
The official global launch of the HONOR Magic5 Pro will be at MWC 2023 on February 27th, 8:30pm (Philippine time). Watch the live launch here:https://goo.su/n8r
HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) introduces Filipino-British actress and Queen of the Dance Floor Yassi Pressman as its 2023 Calendar Girl in an event attended by friends from media, social media celebrities, GSMI dealers, and other brand ambassadors.
Yassi was surprised and honored when she got a call that she was chosen to be the newest member of the GSMI family. “Being a part of such a great legacy is something that is going to be a milestone in my life,” says Yassi. “It’s really something special to be part of a company that serves world-class quality products, and it means a lot to me that they chose me to be a part of the brand,” she continued.
It was the first time again, after two years, that the event was held face-to-face. “We are excited to finally hold our Ginebra San Miguel 2023 Calendar Girl launch live again! For us, this launch also signals the atmosphere for next year. The pandemic has affected many Filipinos, but now is the time to recover—armed with Bagong Tapang, to dream and hope again, and to spread that positivity to others,” says Marketing Manager Ron Molina.
With the theme “Queen of the Barangay,” the calendar features Yassi as a modern Filipina that is able to adjust to the new normal with positivity and productivity through her “matapang,” “ganado,” and “never-say-die” attitude.
YASSI AS “QUEEN OF THE BARANGAY”
Yassi prepared herself physically and mentally to be the best representation of what an ideal Ginebra calendar girl should be. She admits that prior to her selection, she was always trying to keep herself fit. “Of course, there were times that I also had to give in to my cravings, but at the end of the day, I knew my priority was to be stronger, healthier, and happier.”
Preparing for the calendar shoot, Yassi pushed herself to do weight training, boxing, and having a healthy diet. “My fitness journey helped me become a better version of myself.” As for her mental preparation, she just kept in mind Ginebra’s taglines like “Ganado sa Buhay,” and “Never-Say-Die.”
With Yassi’s positivity and optimism in life, her personality shined through the six layouts of the Ginebra San Miguel 2023 calendar. The photo shoot was also done on location after two years, reflecting the relaxed and open atmosphere we anticipate in the coming year.
The six layouts are inspired by different cocktail mixes. The first one is “Ginsu Mix” set in an auto repair shop, reminding the importance of hard work and passion in everything we do. The second layout is “Calamansi Surprise,” showing Yassi amidst greenery and nature.
“Kula-Orange Fizz” is the third layout, featuring a background filled with dried pampas grass with wooden trays where one can display spirits and mix cocktails. According to Yassi, she could relate to this design as she had her dream home renovated recently, which now features a lot of touches of brown wood furniture and neutral shades. “I also have a mini bar in my living room–an open space to bond with my family and friends.”
The fourth layout is the “Velocity Mix,” something that seems like it’s from a blockbuster summer movie complete with a ref full of Ginebra products. While “Sky Prisma” is the fifth layout, also in a beach setting, but this time with a picturesque sunset in the background. Last is the “Mango Daiquiri,” where Yassi is magnified by a bonfire by the beach, the best place to experience Ginebra’s creative cocktails and concoctions. Just don’t forget your coolers and ice boxes for that perfect night!
Personally, it was hard for Yassi to choose a favorite among the six calendar layouts, but she has a bias toward the “Velocity Mix.” “It’s because I always enjoy beach time with family and friends–a ‘ginstronomic’ trip with our favorite food and gin. The drink also has candies and gummies–the perfect combo for me, as it is sweetness with a kick!”
YASSI ON BEING A MODERN FILIPINA
During the pandemic, the actress and entrepreneur has gained new discoveries about herself–a new purpose, pride, and passion that resonates not only with her family but the whole barangay.
As an empowered Filipina woman, Yassi owns multiple businesses, knows how to tend to her organic garden, fixes things at home, and concocts rejuvenating drinks for herself and her family—all while fulfilling her commitments in the entertainment industry.
With her self-discovery, Yassi also realized to be kinder to herself and has become the “matapang” woman she is by refusing to let difficult circumstances pull her down. “When I was younger, my father always advised me to keep trying because, as he said—if you try and try and you succeed, you’re going to be happy, but if you try and try and you fail, I’ll be there to catch you,” says Yassi. Her family, the source of her “tapang,” made her fearless in the face of whatever trials or tribulations she may face.
Despite her personal struggles, Yassi continues to hone the talents that she already has and allows her inner beauty to radiate, too, in order to inspire others. According to her, she shows her most natural self online and sometimes even reveals some not-so-glamorous side of a celebrity because she believes that it would be healthy for people, especially the youth, to see that genuine side of her.
“I am open to everybody [on social media] about my battles and journey toward being healthier and stronger,” says the 2023 Ginebra calendar girl. “Whenever I get messages from little girls or any netizen saying that I inspire them to dance, act, and to keep moving forward, it gives me the ‘ganado’ feeling and hope and aspiration to empower more women!”
If there are things that the pandemic or the recent months have made women realize, it’s that they can accomplish things that are not expected from them and deliver more than the ordinary. “I think Ginebra San Miguel chose me because I embody courage, passion, and its never-say-die spirit. Growing up in showbusiness, you’d experience a lot of rejections and comments from people, and while we know we should just brush them off—especially the non-constructive criticisms—they sometimes get to you,” adds Yassi.
But amid all these rejections and disappointments in the past, Yassi just soldiered on, keeping a “never say die” attitude. Eventually, she became unstoppable, brimming with positivity and personality, allowing her to rise above the crowd.
As “Queen of the Barangay,” Yassi and her friends know how to have a good time—with good music and drinks, as seen on her social media posts. “We love theme parties; the last one we did was about sunflowers. We also did disco and Coachella.”
The new brand ambassador also shared that her favorite gin drink is the GSM Blue Mojito because of its light taste and her friends can easily enjoy the drink by just simply putting ice or adding any fruits like pineapple for a fruity flavor.
As GSM’s newest brand ambassador, Yassi hopes to spread positivity and continue to inspire and empower women and the youth—sharing the “ganado” spirit with her 28 million followers on social media.
THE GINEBRA CALENDAR TRADITION
The Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl is a long-held tradition in GSMI and an important part of the brand’s history. Since its inception in 1988, beauty queens, actresses, and models who have made their mark in their respective fields have graced the Ginebra San Miguel calendar. Among them were Marian Rivera (2009 and 2014), Anne Curtis (2011), Solenn Heusaff (2012), Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (2019), Sanya Lopez (2020), and Chie Filomeno (2022).
GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to the leading global drinks journal Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, and the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu.
IT was an extremely tough singing competition but after the dusk of musical battle had settled, the Top 3 winners were announced at the conclusion of “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 Grand Finals, which was streamed live on October 31, 2022.
The grand finals of “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 was one of the most exciting yet toughest singing competitions around. But at the end of each spectacular performance of the grand finalists, only three emerged victorious.
Grand Finalists savoring their winning moment
For the “Ballad” (#HeartsAtHome) category, crooner Redemptor Nuestro emerged as the Grand Champion for that category, and bested other grand finalists Rachell Laylo and Easter Joy Parsacala, who wound up as First Runner Up and Second Runner Up, respectively.
Meanwhile, for the “Acoustic” (#FreshVibes) category, it was Izay Acoustic who took home the crown, while Jaworski Sison was declared First Runner Up, followed by Kirby Cruz won Second Runner Up honors.
Respective VIP’s from TAITRA Office Manila. From left to right, Senior Project Manager Ms. Janine Tan, Manager Ms. Christine Kuo, and Director Alex Lai
Finally, Vic Robinson truly rocked it out and displayed true rock spirit, and was eventually crowned grand champion under the “Rock” (#EpicRock) category of “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2. Genriel Diaz took First Runner Up honors, while Anne Ferrer wound up as Second Runner Up.
All grand finalists did their best to impress the judges, where the criteria for judging was 35 percent for Voice Quality, 35 percent for Creativity, 20 percent for Stage Presence, and 10 percent for Online Votes.
Hearts At Home Ballad Grand Champion Redemptor Nuestro with the respective judges, representatives from Ivory Music and TAITRA Director, Dir. Alex Lai
Special awards were also handed out to some of the grand finalists. “Acoustic” category grand champion Izay Acoustic was also awarded as “Asus Incredible Performer,” while “Rock” category First Runner Up Genriel Diaz won the “Predator Conquering Performance of the Night” award. For the last special award, “Ballad” category First Runner Up Rachell Laylo was adjudged as winner of the “Aromase Aromazin’ Performer” award.
The “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 grand finals was also made special with the presence of VIP guests and representatives from the competition’s brand partners. Present were Taiwan Trade Center Manila Director Alex Lai, Christine Kuo, Manager, and Janine Tan, Senior Project Manager.
Respective VIP’s from TAITRA Office Manila. From left to right, Senior Project Manager Ms. Janine Tan, Manager Ms. Christine Kuo, and Director Alex Lai
Also gracing the grand finals were James Huang, Country Product Manager of Asus, Sue Ong-Lim, General Manager of Acer, Jesse Tan, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at PC Express, who also represented Aromase, and Pola Vinoya, Publishing and Marketing Officer, and Aaron Calderon, Marketing Specialist, both from Ivory Music.
It was a night worth remembering, and many are still hoping for another season of “Your Song of Excellence,” which is slowly turning out to be one of the most anticipated singing competitions in the country.
Epic Rock Grand Champion Vic Robinson with the respective judges and representatives from Ivory Music
“Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 happened because of its magnificent roster of partner brands, such as premier brands Aromase.Ph, Asus PH, Predator Gaming, and major brand partners Acer Philippines, Annie’s Way, FECA PH, Johnson Fitness, LUFTQI, Transcend Philippines, Zyxel, Dacian, and Tatung, with music partner Ivory Music.
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