GMA News launches The Howie Severino Podcast
GMA News and Public Affairs has launched its first original podcast, The Howie Severino Podcast, on April 8. Bannered by multi-awarded veteran broadcast journalist Howie Severino, the weekly podcast features insightful conversations with personalities from various fields and industries. Mr. Severino, who also serves as GMA Network’s Vice-President for Professional Development, is one of the hosts of the documentary program I-Witness. “I have been a journalist for 33 years but podcasting is fresh territory for me,” said Mr. Severino in a statement, noting that this will be “pure conversation, no visuals.” Podcast enthusiasts can expect “wide-ranging discussions, where both guests and host bring many years of experience, eclectic interests and quirky thinking to bear on timely topics.” For its pilot episode, Mr. Severino features award-winning broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, who discusses her journey in the broadcast industry, her hit show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, and gives listeners her two-cents worth on the digital space and social media platforms. She also talks about “woke” millennials and why she has high hopes for them. The Howie Severino Podcast is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other streaming platforms, with new episodes streaming every Thursday.
Dua Lipa streams concert Studio 2054
SING and dance along with Grammy award-winning artist Dua Lipa in her virtual concert Studio 2054 which will stream for free on iWantTFC and MYX on April 14 (8 p.m.). It will also air on the Kapamilya Channel and A2Z on April 18. Aside from the concert — which will feature Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Miley Cyrus, FKA Twigs, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Tainy, Angèle, and The Blessed Madonna as guests — viewers will also be treated to behind the scenes footage of Dua Lipa’s preparation for the show and never-before-seen clips in a documentary called The Story Behind the Show, which will also be available for video-on-demand streaming on iWantTFC starting on April 21 at 8 p.m. MYX will air replays on April 18 (10 p.m.) and April 20 (3 p.m.). Meanwhile, The Story Behind The Show will air on April 21 (8 p.m.), with replays on April 25 (10 p.m.) and April 27 (3 p.m.). Viewers can also watch the digital concert and documentary on A2Z and the Kapamilya Channel on April 18 at 9:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., respectively. The iWantTFC app is available on iOs and Android, or visit iwanttfc.com.
Ace Banzuelo releases new single
SINGER-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo has released his new single “Mayari” under Sony Music Philippines. According to Mr. Banzuelo, the trap-infused synth pop tune was inspired by the goddesses and characters of Filipino mythology, using it as a metaphorical springboard to essay his personal take on romance, toxic masculinity, and privilege. “The song’s approach to the myth discusses how wrong arrogance and privilege is when used as a leverage to attract someone,” Mr. Banzuelo said in a statement. “Mayari” has 1980s-sounding synths, hip-hop/R&B verses, and modern trap beats. His earlier singles, “Himala” and “Malayo,” both released in 2020, have amassed a combined 4 million streams on Spotify. “Mayari” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.
Doja Cat unveils new single
DOJA Cat’s song “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA is the first single from the three-time Grammy nominee’s new album, Planet Her. The song was written by Doja Cat, SZA, Yeti Beats, Rogét Chahayed, tizhimself, and Carter Lang and produced by Yeti Beats. The single is accompanied by a music video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EVVKs6DQLo) directed by Warren Fu. Doja Cat’s third album, Planet Her, is set for release in the summer via Kemosabe/RCA Records. Stream the song at https://smarturl.it/xKMMx.
HK Tourism Commission launches City in Time project
THE TOURISM Commission of Hong Kong (HK) recently launched the City in Time tourism project, which integrates augmented reality (AR) and multimedia technologies to present combinations of historical panoramas and real-life surroundings. Together with lively animation and special sound effects, the project lets locals and tourists travel through time and enjoy enriched visual and audio experiences with their smartphones. To experience 360-degree historical panoramas featuring heritage photos or illustrations by young Hong Kong artists, locals and tourists can scan the AR markers installed at designated locations using their smartphones with the City in Time mobile app downloaded. The mobile app is also equipped with a selfie function that enables users to share their City in Time experience on social media platforms. They can also understand more about the history of Hong Kong by browsing photos and information of the iconic spots with the mobile app. The first phase of the City in Time project has been rolled out in seven designated locations in Central and six in Tsim Sha Tsui. The AR markers are installed on redesigned visitor sign poles at these locations. Each sign pole has a different color combination to complement elements of local architecture and reflect the tastes of Hong Kong. The mobile app is available for free download at the Apple App Store and Google Play. Locals and tourists can also embark on virtual journeys on the City in Time website (cityintime.hk).