Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Filipino Artists Betsy Cola and CJ De Silva Draw the Most Iconic Netflix Female Characters to Celebrate Women’s Month


This International Women’s Month, Netflix puts the spotlight on its strong, diverse, and authentic female characters through the eyes of two Filipino artists, Betsy Cola and CJ De Silva. They’re two talented Pinoy illustrators who share their favorite female Netflix characters through stunning artwork in their own signature style.

Check out what they have to say about their work:

CJ DE SILVA

Seo Dal-mi from Start-Up
“I am 100% Team Dal-mi! She’s unapologetically ambitious and street-smart. She’s a pragmatic dreamer who’s fascinated by brilliant ideas and takes risks to bring it to life.”

Enola Holmes from Enola Holmes
“I wish I had an Enola Holmes to look up to when I was a young girl. I hope a lot of parents saw this movie. Because imagine raising a girl in a home filled with knowledge, skills, art and most of all, freedom!”

Max from Stranger Things
“I love Max so much I named our second cat after her. I love how she shook the boys out of their geeky snobbery, beating Dustin at Dig Dug and proving that she’s an essential part of the ‘Party.’ But more importantly, I also love how her relationship with Eleven evolved: from being someone Eleven was initially jealous of, to the best of friends who want the best for each other.”

Maeve and Aimee from Sex Education
“Maeve and Aimee’s friendship is a powerful representation of female friendships -- being each other’s source of strength and bravery.”

Yuzuha Usagi from Alice in Borderland
“I identified with [Usagi’s] introversion and her sense of independence. I also think her being a mountain climber is such a powerful symbolism for the mountain of struggles women face.”

Devi Vishwakumar from Never Have I Ever
“[Devi] is a nerd and proud of it. She’s intelligent and eloquent, but still naive and makes a lot of mistakes. She’s got a temper and that doesn’t make her a bad person, it normalises vulnerability.”


BETSY COLA

Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit
“I couldn't look away from Beth's journey in The Queen's Gambit. It was great to watch her embrace her femininity at a time when women have to endure so much in order to be respected in a male-dominated field like chess.”

Vivian and Lucy from Moxie
“I've always been fascinated with the Riot Grrrl culture and movement, and when I saw that Moxie was inspired by that same fierce, feminist spirit, I was thrilled. I decided to illustrate Vivian, whose warranted anger pushed her to fight for her fellow female students, and Lucy, who is so inspiring by being unapologetically herself.”

Captain Jang from Space Sweepers
“It's rare to see a woman front and center in a sci-fi blockbuster, but even rarer to see a woman of color in that spot. Captain Jang from Space Sweepers is a badass leader in every way.”

Penelope and Eloise from Bridgerton
“Penelope and Eloise stand out because amid the societal pressure of getting married and becoming perfect marriage material, they demand to be seen as women who can be more than what is expected of them.”

Mildred Ratched from Ratched
“She's a complex woman with a traumatic past, and while she has to present a cold front in a male-dominated world, she also gets a queer love story -- which is great to see in a period piece!”

For more stories by, for and about women, check out the International Women’s Day collection at www.netflix.com/internationalwomensday.

"Marupok" by KZ Tandingan and Danielle Balagtas Wins Himig 11th Edition Best Song


The highly relatable song “Marupok” composed by Danielle Balagtas was proclaimed as the Best Song in the country’s biggest songwriting competition, ABS-CBN’s Himig 11th Edition.

Interpreted by “Asia’s Soul Supreme” KZ Tandingan, the universal dance-pop yet distinctively Filipino track about easily catching feelings for someone earned its songwriter Danielle a P300,000 cash prize and a house and lot from Lumina Homes.

“I wanted this to be a symbolism for a girl who is labeled as ‘marupok’ to remember that we all have the capacity to grow and be empowered women,” Danielle explained.

KZ, who first won in Himig Handog 2014 for Edwin Marollano’s Best Song entry and smash hit “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako,” also shared how special “Marupok” is to her. "’Marupok’ is a song that’s closest to who I am as an artist, so if it didn’t become a finalist for Himig, this would definitely still be part of my album. It sounded like it was meant for me.”

The music video of “Marupok” directed by Gelo Yellow also notched the “MYX Choice for Best Music Video” special award with a P25,000 cash prize.


FULL LIST OF HIMIG 11TH EDITION WINNERS
 
Best Song: “Marupok”
Composer: Daniella Ann Balagtas
Interpreter: KZ Tandingan
 
2nd Best Song: “Kahit na Masungit”
Composer: John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan
Interpreters: Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri
Live performance by: Bugoy Drilon 


 
3rd Best Song: “Ibang Planeta”
Composer: Dan TaƱedo
Interpreter: Zild
 
4th Best Song: “Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap”
Composer: Kenneth Reodica
Interpreter: Davey Langit featuring Kritiko
Live performance by: JM Yosures featuring Kritiko
 
5th Best Song: “Kulang ang Mundo”
Composer: Daryl Cielo
Interpreter: Sam Mangubat


 
Special Awards
 
Most Streamed Song: “Kahit Kunwari Man Lang”
Composer: David Mercado
Interpreter: Moira dela Torre and Agsunta


 
MYX Choice for Best Music Video: “Marupok”
Composer: Danielle Balagtas
Interpreter: KZ Tandingan
Music Video Director: Geloyellow/ Gerard Lopez
 
MOR Entertainment Choice Award: “Tinadhana Sa’yo”
Composer: SJ Gandia
Interpreter: Zephanie
 
TFC’s Global Choice: “Tinadhana Sa’yo”
Composer: SJ Gandia
Interpreter: Zephanie


 
Himig TikTok Choice Award: “Tabi Tabi Po”
Composer: Mariah Moriones
Interpreter: JMKO


The finals night of Himig 11th Edition was first seen on KTX.ph last Sunday (March 21) hosted by Edward Barber, Jayda, and Jona. The event proved to be a grand celebration of OPM with stellar performances from OPM’s finest Jona, Jayda, Bugoy Drilon, Liezel Garcia, Sheryn Regis, Nyoy Volante, and Jed Madela.

Celebrate OPM by streaming Himig 11th Edition compilation album, out now on Spotify and soon on other digital music streaming platforms. For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/Himig2020 on Facebook or follow Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph), and Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

Make That No-Dandruff Hair Flip with "Selsun Blue," On Sale at Lazada Birthday Sale on March 27


Having dandruff can make your social interactions feel awkward. It can also be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Are you feeling less confident because dandruff falls on your shirt or bare shoulders? Dandruff can really affect your self-esteem and how you interact with others.

But here's some good news: Dandruff is preventable and controllable.

If you have a dandruff problem, face it and reach for Selsun Blue.

Selsun Blue contains 1% Selenium Sulfide, an antifungal medication that lowers levels of yeast and reduces the inflammation that causes flakes. Selsun Blue now also contains conditioning Honey Extract which moisturizes and softens hair.

Be 100% confident when you go to the beach this summer. Flip that hair without the fear of falling flakes. Leave the worry of having dandruff on your clothes when you use Selsun Blue.

If you've never tried Selsun Blue, Lazada's 9th Birthday Sale this month is a good time to get your first bottle.

On March 27 only, get up to 10% off on single bottles and up to 15% off the sets from. For every minimum purchase worth Php400, you get a free Selsun Blue 6g sachet worth Php36.

Never let your confidence leave you again because of dandruff. Switch to Selsun Blue and always be 100% confident wherever you are.

Sarah Geronimo's "Tala: The Film Concert" to Feature Special Guests, Fresh Rendition of Hit Songs on SKY PPV


Filipinos awaiting Sarah Geronimo's return to the concert stage will be treated to fresh takes on the Pop Royalty's hit songs and two special guests with "Tala: The Film Concert," which will air on SKY Pay-Per-View on March 27 (Saturday) at 8PM in high definition and commercial-free.

Under the musical direction of acclaimed maestro Louie Ocampo, the concert features new arrangements of "Kilometro," "Ikot-ikot" and "Isa Pang Araw," with Sarah singing live and accompanied by a live band.

Fans can also expect Sarah to have a new interpretation of Rico Blanco's "Your Universe."

Joining her are rapper J. Makata and Pinoy rock vocalist Champ Lui Pio via specially shot music videos.

Shot on stage at the Araneta Coliseum, Sarah's first film concert will follow a narrative style, as inspired by film concerts of other global artists.

Helmed by Paul Basinillo, the one-of-a-kind show promises to deliver frenetic musical and dance performances choreographed by G-Force's Georcelle Dapat-Sy.

Pay-per-view concert passes are now available at mysky.com.ph/vipaccess, priced at P1,500.

For more inquiries, visit mysky.com.ph or follow SKYcable on Facebook (fb.com/MySKYCable), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates).

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Kapamilya and Kapuso Stars Lead Nominees in PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2021

Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards and Kapuso Chinito Heartthrob David Licauco lead Kapuso nominees at the 2021 PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

Alden is nominated as Movie Actor of the Year for 'Hello, Love, Goodbye,' while David got a nod as New Movie Actor of the Year for 'Because I Love You.'

Newest Kapuso Royce Cabrera also got the nod as New Movie Actor of the Year for his Cinemalaya film 'Fuccbois'.

Meanwhile, Michelle Dee is nominated for New Movie Actress of the Year for 'Because I Love You.'

'Hello, Love, Goodbye,' Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia-starred 'LSS,' Rocco Nacino-starred 'Write About Love,' and Paolo Ballesteros and Martin del Rosario-starred 'The Panti Sisters' are competing for the Movie of the Year award.

Gabbi and Khalil, Kathryn Bernardo and Alden, and Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino are nominated for Movie Loveteam of the Year for their movies 'LSS,' 'Hello, Love Goodbye,' and 'Isa Pa With Feelings.'

Here is the full list of nominees released by the Philippine Movie Press Club:

MOVIE OF THE YEAR
"Hello, Love, Goodbye" (Star Cinema)
"LSS" (Globe Studios and Dokimos Media Inc.)
"Maria" (BlackOps Studios Asia and Viva Films)
"Quezon's Game" (Star Cinema, Kinitek Productions, iWant)
"The Panti Sisters" (Black Sheep Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, Quantum Films)
"Unforgettable" (Viva Films and The IdeaFirst Company)
"Write About Love" (TBA Studios)

MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Crisanto Aquino (Write About Love)
Jade Castro (LSS)
Cathy Garcia-Molina (Hello, Love, Goodbye)
Pedring Lopez (Maria)
Erik Matti (Kuwaresma)
Jun Robles Lana (The Panti Sisters)
Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan (Unforgettable)

INDIE MOVIE OF THE YEAR
"Babae At Baril" (Cignal Entertainment, Epicmedia, QCinema)
"Edward" (Cinemalaya Foundation, Awkward Penguin, Viva Films, Outpost Visual Frontier)
"Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban" (EBC Films)
"John Denver Trending" (Cinemalaya Foundation, What If Films Philippines, Southern Lantern Pictures, Tinker Bulb Productions, Outpost Visual Frontier)
"Kalel, 15" (The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Cignal Entertainment)
"Lola Igna" (ERJ Found Films and EMBA Productions)
"Metamorphosis" (Rebelde Films and Cinema One Originals)
"Mindanao" (Center Stage Productions)

INDIE MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Arden Rod Condez (John Denver Trending)
Carlo Ortega Cuevas (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)
Brillante Mendoza (Mindanao)
Thop Nazareno (Edward)
Rae Red (Babae At Baril)
Jun Robles Lana (Kalel, 15)
Eduardo Roy, Jr. (Lola Igna)
J.E. Tiglao (Metamorphosis)

MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Louise Abuel (Edward)
Carlo Aquino (Isa Pa With Feelings)
Gold Azeron (Metamorphosis)
Raymond Bagatsing (Quezon's Game)
Elijah Canlas (Kalel, 15)
Jansen Magpusao (John Dever Trending)
Aga Muhlach (Miracle In Cell No.7)
Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye)
Julio Sabenorio (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)

MOVIE ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Bea Alonzo (Unbreakable)
Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love, Goodbye)
Angie Ferro (Lola Igna)
Sarah Geronimo (Unforgettable)
Janine Gutierrez (Babae At Baril)
Ruby Ruiz (Iska)
Sylvia Sanchez (Jesusa)
Judy Ann Santos (Mindanao)
Jodi Sta. Maria (Clarita)

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR
John Arcilla (Miracle in Cell No. 7)
Joem Bascon (Write About Love)
Elijah Canlas (Babae At Baril)
Ricky Davao (Fuccbois)
Arturo De Guzman (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)
Ronnie Lazaro (Maria)
JC Santos (Miracle in Cell No. 7)
Joel Torre (Miracle in Cell No. 7)

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Yayo Aguila (Metamorphosis)
Angel Aquino (Kaputol)
Ella Cruz (Edward)
Jaclyn Jose (Kalel, 15)
Maricel Laxa (Hello, Love, Goodbye)
Gina PareƱo (Unforgettable)
Meryll Soriano (John Denver Trending)
Tuesday Vargas (LSS)

NEW MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Louise Abuel (Edward)
Royce Cabrera (Fuccbois)
Kent Gonzales (Kuwaresma)
David Licauco (Because I Love You)
Jin Macapagal (Damaso)
Jansen Magpusao (John Denver Trending)
Paolo Marcoleta (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy ang Laban)
L.A. Santos (Maria)

NEW MOVIE ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Michelle Dee (Because I Love You)
Laura Lehmann (Elise)
Cindy Miranda (Adan)
Alyssa Muhlach (Clarita)
Riva Quenery (Damaso)
KZ Tandingan (The Art Of Ligaw)
Gillian Vicencio (Eerie)
Xia Vigor (Miracle In Cell No. 7)

MOVIE CHILD PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Miel Espinoza (Elise)
Grace Ann Betalmos (Pailalim)
Pryle Gura (Iska)
Elia Ilano (Ulan)
Jorden Suan (Verdict)
Yuna Tangog (Mindanao)
Xia Vigor (Miracle In Cell No. 7)

DARLING OF THE PRESS
Gretchen Barretto
Liza DiƱo-Seguerra
Piolo Pascual
Ahwel Paz
Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.
Sylvia Sanchez
Joed Serrano
Alfred Vargas

MOVIE LOVETEAM OF THE YEAR
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil (Alone / Together)
Julia Barretto and Gerald Anderson (Between Maybes)
Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos (LSS)
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye)
Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino (Isa Pa With Feelings)
Nadine Lustre and Carlo Aquino (Ulan)
Janine Gutierrez and Enchong Dee (Elise)
Anne Curtis and Marco Gumabao (Just A Stranger)

PayMaya Brings Php1-M Aguinaldo to QC Employee and Gawad Kalinga in Paymayaguinaldo Raffle Promo

For Stefan Ema Mae Corregidor, the joy of going cashless became sweeter when she learned that she won the Php1-million grand prize in the PayMayaguinaldo Raffle Promo.

With this prize money, the 31-year-old employee from Quezon City is sharing and giving back the joy to her family by building a home for her mother who is currently residing in Davao City.

What made the news priceless for Stefan is also knowing that through the PayMayaguinaldo Raffle Promo, another Php1-million worth of "aguinaldo" is being given to the Gawad Kalinga School for Experiential & Entrepreneurial Development (GK-SEED) Philippines to help graduates who have set up their own enterprises accelerate the growth of their business.

As Filipinos celebrated a more somber holiday season due to COVID-19, PayMaya thought of how to make its PayMayaguinaldo promo more rewarding. First, it gave PayMaya users a chance to win 1 million pesos by simply paying via PayMaya QR and their PayMaya registered mobile number at partner merchants or purchasing prepaid load and other treats at the PayMaya in-app shop.

On top of this, PayMaya aimed to share the blessing with agri-entrepreneurs from underprivileged communities through GK-SEED Philippines. For the past three years, PayMaya has chosen GK-SEED as campaign beneficiary because of its track record in helping the youth overcome poverty through education and entrepreneurship.

"Amid the global pandemic, millions of Filipinos have joined the 'cashless' revolution for safer and more convenient payments. With our PayMayaguinaldo promo rewards and cashback, we provided a merrier way to pay. The experience was also made extra rewarding as our promo campaign gave our customers the means to give back to the community by helping support student scholars of GK-SEED and overall foster agri-entrepreneurship," said Mark Dee, Head of Growth Marketing and Partnerships at PayMaya Philippines.

For Stefan, she discovered PayMaya during the community quarantine. After using the PayMaya app for government bills payments the first time, she has been continuously enjoying the convenience and rewards every time she pays bills, shops online, buys load, among others. From doing cash transactions, Stefan has also shifted to PayMaya for sending money to her loved ones and family members. It eliminated the hassles of travelling to payment centers and lining up to just to send funds.

"PayMaya helped in making my life easier amid the pandemic as it offered a safer, more convenient and rewarding way to pay for my transactions whether online or in-store. With this, I'm able to enjoy the benefits of going cashless and avoid the use of cash which can be the source of the virus." said Stefan.

Meanwhile, for GK-SEED, PayMaya's "aguinaldo" will go towards providing a combination of live and virtual mentorship to its graduate scholars and kickstart resources to support their agri-enterprises.

"We'd like to thank PayMaya for the continued support for our young students who are the greatest gems of our institution. This 'PayMayaguinaldo' will help strengthen our mission in empowering agri-entrepreneurs to build a better and stronger country," said Mark Lawrence Cruz, GK-SEED School Director.

Getting your own PayMaya account and enjoying the rewards of going cashless is very easy. Just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account to find out what it's like to go cashless with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding way to pay for anything online and in stores! Remember, for your everyday needs, don't pay cash. PayMaya!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services.

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Singapore-Based Pinoy Artists Tonie Enriquez and Dave Anonuevo Release Collab Track “Love Ain’t Real”

Singapore-based Filipino music artists Tonie Enriquez and Dave Anonuevo just released their new single "love ain't real," which paints the emptiness in love's uncertainty through its English and Filipino lyrics.

Released under ABS-CBN's Tarsier Records, "love ain't real" is about a relationship that felt too good to be true and uses its strong bass lines and impactful kicks to evoke heightened emotions. Tonie and Dave co-wrote the song, with the latter also being its producer.

"The Filipino lyrics in the bridge was our personal favorite because we both know that the 'hugot' language hits the hardest. The transition from first drop to the bridge strikes to represent the feeling of being complete to feeling empty," the duo shared.

The pop-electronic track is the first Tarsier Records project of Tonie and Dave, who both grew up in Singapore. Individually, Tonie is a singer-songwriter and an experienced stage performer while Dave has made quite a name for himself in the Lion City through his impressive portfolio with established and rising artists.

But their constant homesickness to the Philippines along with the urge to seek a deep and meaningful connection to their home country have led them to make music with the Manila-based label.

"Beyond just a perfect match in Tarsier's sound and ours, we really love the message that Tarsier Records stands for, 'to become the bridge for Pinoy artists to have an opportunity to enter the global music scene,'" they said.

Stream Tonie and Dave's "love ain't real," out now on various digital music platforms. For updates, follow Tarsier Records on various social media accounts @tarsierrecords.

GMA Network Wins Platinum Award in Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands 2020


Media giant GMA Network recently received the Platinum Award for the TV Network Category at the 22nd Annual Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards.

The Platinum Award is the highest recognition among the trusted brands in the Philippines that are shortlisted in the Reader's Digest annual event.

Earning another accolade in their roster of awards as well were GMA News pillars Jessica Soho and Mike Enriquez. Soho was conferred the "Most Trusted TV Host/Presenter" for News and Current Affairs category while Enriquez won as "Most Trusted Radio Presenter."

"Once more thank you to Reader's Digest for this award and the trust. This couldn't have come at a better time because things are really hard right now and we all could do with the extra push and inspiration. Thank you for going out of your way to give this out once more, despite all the restrictions and the pandemic. Congratulations to all the winners. God bless all of us," Soho said during the virtual awarding ceremony.

In 2018, Soho received her eighth "Most Trusted News Presenter" award - earning her the distinction of being the first ever Hall of Fame awardee for the said category. She currently hosts the country's number one program, "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

Enriquez likewise expressed his gratitude upon winning his award. "Thank you very much Reader's Digest Trusted Brand for this award as the "Most Trusted Radio Presenter" for 2020 -  most cherished award. Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration to do even better, and thank you for recognizing our profession," he said in his acceptance speech.

The GMA News pillar anchors "Saksi sa Dobol B" on the Network's flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594khz. Enriquez is currently the president of RGMA. On TV, he co-anchors the Network's flagship newscast "24 Oras" and hosts the public affairs program "Imbestigador."

Reader's Digest, through its Trusted Brand Survey, recognizes which brands and services, as well as the personalities, consumers trust the most. Due to the pandemic, the awarding ceremonies were held via the inaugural virtual awards made available on its website.

SMART Releases Rocket WiFi Powered by 5G Network

Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is blazing a trail of 5G innovations in the country as it has launched Rocket WiFi, the country's first and fastest 5G Pocket WiFi.

Powered by Smart 5G's superfast speeds and ultra-low latency, Rocket WiFi enables subscribers to enjoy next-level digital experiences at home or on the go – from streaming HD videos seamlessly, playing action-packed mobile games without lag, making crystal-clear video calls without buffering, and uploading and downloading heavy files in an instant.

Specially designed for sharing and multitasking, Rocket WiFi can connect up to 15 WiFi-capable smartphones, tablets, or laptops, making it simpler and easier for more users to experience the lightning speeds of Smart 5G on a wide range of devices. Rocket WiFi also enables users to enjoy all-day connectivity with its heavy-duty 5,000mAh battery.


Front row seats to 5G-powered experiences

"We're very proud to launch the Rocket WiFi, the country's first-ever 5G-powered Pocket WiFi, as part of our thrust to simply bring the latest technology and cutting-edge innovations in the hands of Filipinos," said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

"With the Rocket WiFi, our subscribers have front-row seats to new and exciting digital experiences that can only be made possible by Smart 5G, the most extensive 5G network in the Philippines," she added.

The Rocket WiFi is available with Signature Data Plan S for P1,324 per month for 36 months, with a one-time cashout of P5,300.

Data Plan S comes with 20GB per month to cover all online activities. It also comes with the Data Rollover feature, so all unused data from the previous month will be carried over to the next month.

To sign up for a new Smart Bro 5G Rocket WiFi Plan, customers can visit the Smart Online Store or head to select Smart Stores in Metro Manila.


The leader in 5G

The launch of the Rocket WiFi comes amid its ongoing nationwide 5G rollout, Smart has fired up more than 1,700 5G sites across the country – the most extensive coverage in the Philippines.

Smart is at the forefront of the 5G revolution in the Philippines as the first local telco to launch 5G services nationwide last July 2020 in Metro Manila, and strategic areas in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Smart 5G recently went live in Benguet, Misamis Oriental, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Smart is also the first local telco to launch Signature 5G Plans, which are specially designed with generous data allocations so customers can make the most of the high-speed Smart 5G.


Country's fastest mobile data network

Smart 5G complements Smart's continuous expansion of its 4G/LTE network. Smart's mobile network is already the fastest in the country, as reported by third-party mobile internet analytics firm Ookla® and Opensignal.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country's fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®. Ookla has also cited Smart as the country's fastest mobile data network for three years in a row now*.

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, noted in its November 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report for the Philippines** that Smart remained ahead of the competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, 4G Availability, and 4G Coverage Experience.

To know more about Smart 5G Rocket WiFi, visit smart.com.ph/bro/5g.

11th “Himig” Grand Winner Announcement on March 21

A new 'Himig' grand winner will finally emerge as the 11th edition of the country's biggest songwriting competition marks its culmination this Sunday (March 21), enriching the contest's legacy with a distinct batch of meaningful OPM songs.

For the first time in 'Himig's' history, the winning composer will receive a house and lot from Lumina Homes along with a P300,000 cash prize. The 2nd placer will meanwhile receive P200,000, 3rd placer goes home with P150,000, 4th placer bags P100,000 and the 5th placer will get P80,000.

Recipients of the "Most Streamed Song," "MYX Choice for Best Music Video," and "MOR Entertainment Choice Award" will each take home P25,000, while "TFC's Global Choice" will be given 1,000 USD. "Himig TikTok Choice Award" will also be revealed during the awarding.

Featuring performances by the top 12 interpreters, the Himig 11th Edition finals night will be hosted by Edward Barber with Jayda and Jona—who will also perform on the show alongside other OPM's finest Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, Nyoy Volante, Bugoy Drilon, Liezel Garcia and Jed Madela.

The highly-anticipated event will be streamed live for P199 on KTX.ph at 7 PM and will be followed by a 10:30 PM delayed telecast and streaming on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, TFC Cable and Satellite IPTV, ABS-CBN Star Music, MYX Philippines, MOR Entertainment, and One Music PH's YouTube channels, and ABS-CBN Music's official TikTok account (@abscbnmusic).

Himig 11th Edition's finalists who are vying to win Best Song are:

Kenneth Reodica's "Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap" by Davey Langit ft. Kritiko
Joanna Ang's "Bulalakaw" by Janine Berdin ft. Joanna
Dan Tañedo's "Ibang Planeta" by ZILD
Jabez Orara's "Ika'y Babalik Pa Ba" by Juris
David Mercado's "Kahit Kunwari Man Lang" by Moira Dela Torre and Agsunta
John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan's "Kahit Na Masungit" by Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri
Daryl Cielo's "Kulang Ang Mundo" by Sam Mangubat
Danielle Balagtas' "Marupok" by KZ Tandingan
Erica Sabalboro's "Out" by FANA
Kiss 'N Tell's Pahina"
Mariah Moriones' "Tabi-Tabi Po" by JMKO
SJ Gandia's "Tinadhana Sa'Yo" by Zephanie

Who among these finalists will be deemed Best Song? Find out on Sunday (March 21) by tuning in to the #Himig11thEdition finals night via various platforms.

For more details, follow https://www.facebook.com/Himig2020 on Facebook.

 
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