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Showing posts from September, 2024

K-Pop group FIFTY FIFTY releases mini album, Love Tune

Breakout K-pop sensation FIFTY FIFTY has released their mini album, Love Tune which is out now via Arista Records. In celebration of the album, the girls have also shared a cinematic music video of album track “SOS” which sees the girls finding their joy to dance again. Listen to Love Tune HERE Watch the “SOS” music video HERE On this 6-track EP, FIFTY FIFTY aims to continue the message of love as an extension to “Cupid” the global chart-topping hit, which became the longest-charting K-pop song in Billboard Hot 100 history at 15 consecutive weeks (peaking at #17) and reached #2 on the Billboard Global 200.  Behind the project, the K-Pop sensations share, “FIFTY FIFTY's 2nd EP Love Tune is a collection of songs exploring various narratives centered around the theme of love. With their new project, FIFTY FIFTY aims to deliver their message of love to the world as an extension of their previous hit, 'Cupid'.  The beloved K-Pop group adds, “The name of the album was created by...

Iconic dream pop band Sugar Hiccup to headline 4-city tour in the Philippines and Singapore next month

Pioneering Filipino dream-pop outfit Sugar Hiccup will embark on a Philippine tour next month to commemorate more than 30 years as a band. The award-winning indie quartet has announced their four-show run with stops in Manila, Singapore, Baguio, and Cebu. The Manila leg, which is produced by GNN Entertainment Productions and The Flying Lugaw, will feature long sets by the four-piece band, and will be supported by guest acts such as Aunt Robert, The Purest Blue, Taken By Cars, and Barbie Almalbis. The tour also partnered with Not Very Noise and John Bottles Events to bring Sugar Hiccup to Baguio and Cebu, respectively.  Fans of Sugar Hiccup are in for a treat as the current lineup, composed of Melody del Mundo (vocals, lead guitars), Czandro Pollack (rhythm guitars), Iman Leonardo (bass), and Mervin Panganiban (drums), will be performing some of the cult favorites from their hit albums, Oracle and Womb, as well as some rarities and new recordings. Tickets to Sugar Hiccup 30: Reunion...

Tate McRae releases new song and video for 'It’s ok I’m ok'

Today, multi-platinum pop sensation Tate McRae releases her new song “It’s ok I’m ok” alongside the official music video via RCA Records. Written and produced with hitmakers Ryan Tedder (Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), ILYA (Ariana Grande, ROSALÍA) and Savan Kotecha (The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding), “It’s ok I’m ok” marks a new chapter for the star.  Featuring an irresistible chorus, the pop-infused offering is accompanied by a killer dance visual. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis (Doja Cat, Charlie XCX) and choreographed by Sean Bankhead (Cardi B, Lil Nas X), the high-energy music video follows an unbothered Tate strutting through city streets. Her presence is both commanding and seductive, drawing you into her world without wanting to look away. Tate adds, “I’m so beyond excited to share “It’s ok I’m ok” with the world and this new chapter of my music. This song is a byproduct of reflecting back on past relationships to now and how much I’ve grown and learned from them. It’s a playful take on kn...

Kai Del Rio releases comeback single 'Ang Nag-Iisa'

Kai Del Rio  (formerly known as Kai Honasan)   has finally dropped her new single “ Ang Nag-iisa ” via  Underdog Music . Photo by Dee Cruz   The bluesy pop-rock anthem serves as the Filipino singer-songwriter’s comeback single, smashing her way out of her confines with unapologetic rage and grit.   A proof of Kai’s versatility as a solo star with so much potential, “Ang Nag-iisa” is a brash, sobering look at a woman coming to terms with her own pain and disappointments in life, carefully put together for the world to deservedly hear.   “ Ang Nag-iisa  was written from a need to find a place to put down my anger, shares Del Rio. “The past few years as a songwriter, I’ve had massive writer’s block and didn’t know who I was as a singer anymore. One day, I just asked myself, ‘ What is the biggest emotion I am feeling right no w,’ and the answer was rage. It was pain. It was disappointment. It was sadness. Then just like that, the words flowed.”   Kai...

Halsey releases new single 'Ego'

GRAMMY® nominated, genre-blending artist  Halsey  has released her latest single, “ Ego ”. Alongside the new single, Halsey also premiered the 90’s-inspired  video  for the song, which she directed and plays both lead roles.   Halsey unveiled the artwork and  trailer  for her forthcoming 5th studio album,  The Great Impersonator , which will be released on October 25th. The Great Impersonator, described as a “confessional concept album” is an exploration of time and fate, and what type of artist Halsey would be if she existed in different decades.   As an extension of the concept, for the album artwork reveal, Halsey shared clues to fans to discover time capsule boxes hidden around the world. The first cover was located in London, with four additional decade themed covers found in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Sydney. The additional covers are available for pre-order as vinyl variants.   Additionally, her cover of  PAPER MAGAZ...

SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.  SM City Baguio's groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water. This initiative supplements the mall's water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city's water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.       "There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources," said...

SM Prime: Engineering a sustainable future

SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy. Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence. SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, guided by a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes.  Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring. In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a sustaina...

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

The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year and is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, taking place simultaneously on September 21 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the country: SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindpro, and SM City General Santos. Together, we can make a significant impact on our oceans and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all. In 2023, SM Cares recorded more than 100,000 kg of trash collected with the help of an estimated 17,000 total volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls nationwide. This year, in celebration of its 20th year of supporting communities and creating a positive impact on the environment, SM Cares aims to double the amount of solid waste collected to 200,000 kg, eyeing a volunt...

AXEAN Festival 2024 releases full lineup

AXEAN Festival has officially revealed its complete lineup for this year’s edition!   After establishing its foothold in the international festival circuit with a consistent track record and a compelling success narrative, AXEAN Festival 2024 continues to hit the high mark with a diverse roster of music acts from Southeast Asia and beyond. New addition to the lineup Joining the previously announced batch of performers are some of the biggest artists in Indonesia: The Jansen, a lo-fi indie punk duo known for blending poetic lyrics with brash, unapologetic music; The Panturas, a surf rock band formed in 2016; and Navicula, one of the most prominent rock acts in Bali.   “The reason why we wanted to invite them, and also other popular local artists wherever we host our event, is because these talented artists may be big in their home markets but could be unknown to the rest of the world,” AXEAN Festival co-founder and team leader Piyapong Muenprasertdee explains. “We believe that...

Embracing net zero: The Philippines' urgent call to climate action

SM Supermalls have enhanced natural lighting and improved insulation, reducing energy needs for lighting, heating, and cooling, leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly operations. As we enter the typhoon season, recent extreme weather events have once again underscored the Philippines' vulnerability to such conditions. As the nation grapples with the potential aftermath, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is imperative. This typhoon has highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change, not only to mitigate future impacts but to also contribute to global solutions. The concept of net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. For the Philippines, a country frequently in the crosshairs of severe weather, achieving net zero is a crucial step towards enhancing climate resilience. The rec...

SM Prime joins global conversation on building sustainable cities for the future

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges. (L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu SM’s commitment to sustainabil...

Collaborative partnerships for climate resilience

The Philippines tops the list of countries with the highest disaster risk, thus building our capacity to respond, bounce back and adapt to intensifying climate impacts is a nationwide priority and shared responsibility. “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).   “There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines,” said Custodio. The session on creating connections and partnerships was hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Seni...

Building sustainable communities: The future of cities

What makes a city thrive is a combination of how developers create opportunities for movement, synergy, and prosperity. It’s a combination of celebrating life to its fullest capacity with the community at its very heart.  “At SM Prime (SMPHI), we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SMPHI and SM Development Corporation (SMDC).  The 7th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations is hosted and organized this year by the University o...