Julie Anne San Jose’s musical trilogy continues in the Visayas

November 16, 2021 | 12:03 am

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AFTER the trip to Mindanao and performing with talents from the big island down south for the first part of her musical trilogy, singer and actress Julie Anne San Jose travels to the Visayas in Limitless Part 2: Heal.

The second installment of the online musical special, which follows Limitless Part 1: Breathe, will premiere on Nov. 20 on GMA Synergy.

“It’s one of the things that I am really proud of because other than being able to sing my songs, we also appreciate sites around the Philippines.” Ms. San Jose said in an online press conference on Nov. 10.

“I am also happy that I get to travel because traveling is also something that I love.”

In Limitless Part 2: Heal, Ms. San Jose visits beaches around the Visayas and interacts with the local communities. Ms. San Jose, a host or “Clash Master” on The Clash, a reality talent competition show broadcast by GMA Network, will be performing alongside Clash Master and good friend Rayver Cruz, and The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin.

“We listed possible featured artists and we all agreed to include Ravyer since he is one of my close friends at work. It’s much better if you have a friend to accompany you on travels,” she said.

“I also got to immerse myself with the locals of Siquijor,” she said. “It’s an amazing feeling to experience things for the first time.”

One of the highlights in Heal is a segment where Ms. San Jose plays an original composition on a remote sandbar.

“Eight to 10 people had to carry the piano in the middle of the sandbar and we were mindful to not catch the high tide,” she said in English and Filipino. Despite the rainy shooting schedule, “It all turned out beautifully,” she said.

“I never imagined performing my own composition at a sandbar,” she added.

Ms. San Jose said that this episode is more fun and energetic compared to the first installment which was more emotional.

“We want to create relatable content. As an artist, I want to keep myself relatable to other people and somehow contribute to their everyday lives in my own music. It’s a good feeling to just share your music and craft. It’s fulfilling,” Ms. San Jose said.

Limitless, A Musical Trilogy is directed by Paolo Valenciano, with musical direction of Myke Salomon.

Tickets to the show are available at gmanetwork.com/synergy. Tickets are priced at P599 (general admission); P999 (Synergy Pass GA); P1,199 (VIP); P2,199 (Synergy Pass VIP); and P2,799 (Synergy Pass Premium). — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

DMW posts 4% income growth to P1B

November 16, 2021 | 12:03 am

D.M. Wenceslao (DMW) Associates, Inc.’s core net income for the nine-month period grew 4% to P1.04 billion from last year’s P1 billion, the listed company said in a disclosure to the exchange on Monday.

The company said its core net income does not account for the after-tax impact of the one-time gain a year ago worth P1 billion, as well as the tax expense adjustment in the same period this year due to the government’s corporate tax incentives.

“Testament to the stability and robustness of our businesses, we managed to grow our core earnings year on year despite the return to strict quarantine measures in the [third quarter this year] amid a Delta variant-led surge in COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases,” DMW Chief Executive Officer Delfin Angelo C. Wenceslao said.

The company posted a recurring income growth to P1.46 billion, which accounted for 73% of its total revenues. Its building leasing portfolio’s occupancy rate stood at 89% during the period.

Meanwhile, residential revenues went down by 30% year on year to P494 million. The company said the dip was due to the drop in revenues booked for Pixel Residences, dropping 84% to P100 million compared with the P632 million recorded in the same period last year.

“Note that Pixel Residences is practically fully turned over, with little remaining unrecognized revenues,” the company said.

Meanwhile, revenues from its MidPark Towers surged to P394 million from P75 million last year.

The company said it is optimistic for the upcoming quarters in the hopes that “post-pandemic recovery is just around the corner.”

“We expect our recently completed developments and upcoming developments to benefit from the much-improved COVID situation in Metro Manila and the country, in general,” Mr. Wenceslao said.

Shares of DMW at the stock market closed unchanged at P6.98 apiece. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Robinsons Mall to rise in Zamboanga

November 16, 2021 | 12:03 am

ROBINSONS MALLS will break ground on a new mall in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur on Friday (Nov. 19).

The mall operator said in a statement that Robinsons Place Pagadian will located within the vicinity of the city’s Capitol and famous landmarks Plaza Luz and Legislative Building.

“Its central location paves the way for more local entrepreneurs and businesses to capitalize on the city’s growing market and booming economy,” Robinsons Malls said.

The mall will have a mix of local and international retail shops, a Food Hall, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Movieworld and Robinsons Department Store.

The design of Robinsons Place Pagadian will be inspired by the geometric shapes and colors of the traditional outrigger boat called Vinta.

“The mall facade will showcase an eye-catching symmetry creating a playful and colorful imagery that mirrors the iconic vessels,” Robinsons Malls said.

Choco Mucho Flying Titans add seasoned setter Jem Ferrer to its loaded roster

November 16, 2021 | 12:02 am

CHOCO Mucho has added seasoned setter Jem Ferrer to its already loaded roster as it gears up for the second pro season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) unfurling in February next year.

The 30-year-old former three-time UAAP Best Setter, who last played for the Perlas Spikers, is expected to bring his vast experience and veteran presence to a youth-laden team and should serve as a mentor to fast-rising young setter star Deanna Wong.

Ms. Ferrer’s acquisition was announced in the Flying Titans’ Twitter account yesterday.

“Team Titans, let’s all welcome the newest addition to our family, Choco Mucho Flying Titans. We’re proud to have you on the team,” it said.

Choco Mucho has also reportedly got a champion middle blocker and outside hitter to commit to play for the team.

Flying Titans management will announce names of these two solid additions before the year ends or early next year.

The two should also fill the massive void left by Maddie Madayag, who tore her left ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the bronze medal match in last August’s PVL season in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte and will be out for a while.

They will join a deep lineup that included Ms. Wong, Bea de Leon, Ponggay Gaston, Denden Lazaro-Revilla and Kat Tolentino.

Choco Mucho is eyeing to improve on its fourth place finish in the league’s first pro season. — Joey Villar

China’s cash operation, stronger data dampen broad policy easing bets

November 16, 2021 | 12:02 am

A REDUCTION in China’s reserve requirement ratio is unlikely as data showed improvement in the economy. — ERIC PROUZET/UNSPLASH

A REDUCTION in China’s reserve requirement ratio looks increasingly unlikely after the authorities rolled over all policy loans coming due and data surprised on the upside, suggesting that bonds will have little room to gain.

The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) injected 1 trillion yuan ($157 billion) through its medium-term lending facility (MLF) on Monday, matching the record amount maturing in November. The nation’s October retail sales and factory output data beat economists’ forecasts, and all this indicate there’s little need for policy easing for now, according to Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

China government bonds have been whipsawed by liquidity concerns and fears of quickening inflation after the nation’s producer price index registered the fastest growth in 26 years. As the odds of an RRR cut wane, the next cue may come from a virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden on Monday.

“The chance for a reserve-requirement ratio cut in the fourth quarter is close to zero,” said Zhaopeng Xing, senior China strategist at ANZ. “The PBoC will likely trim daily injections via open-market operations to limit leverage in the banking system. Government yields won’t fall much from here given the fading bets on aggressive easing.”

A total of 800 billion yuan of one-year policy loans are maturing Tuesday while 200 billion yuan will fall due on Nov. 30, resulting in the largest monthly maturity of medium-term loans on record. The PBoC kept the interest rate unchanged at 2.95% on Monday, adding that the operation covers all MLF maturities in November.

The operations were followed by official data that showed China’s industrial output rose 3.5% in October from a year earlier, exceeding September’s reading and economists’ expectations. Retail sales growth accelerated to 4.9%, above the 3.7% estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

China’s 10-year sovereign bond yield was little changed at 2.93% as of 11:36 a.m. in Shanghai. The securities declined last week after posting their biggest five-day gain since July.

The overnight repo rate — a gauge of interbank funding costs — fell as much as seven basis points to three-week low of 1.78%.

The PBoC on Monday also reduced its injection of short-term cash via open-market operations to 10 billion yuan from 100 billion yuan in the previous session. That resulted in a net withdrawal of 90 billion yuan. — Bloomberg

Ed Sheeran, BTS win big as MTV Europe Music Awards returns to live format

November 16, 2021 | 12:02 am

BUDAPEST — English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran won best artist and best song for “Bad Habits,” while K-pop stars BTS snatched four awards at MTV’s Europe Music Awards, which returned as an in-person event after a virtual 2020 edition due to the pandemic.

MTV said Sunday’s EMAs, hosted in Budapest, would go ahead to show solidarity with Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community following a June law banning the “display and promotion of homosexuality” among under-18s.

It said the 2021 EMAs, held at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sport arena, would be “a global celebration of music for all audiences around the world.”

“I am so excited, I am very grateful to MTV. I think censorship of any kind of love sucks, and this is kind of a stand against that,” international pop star Kim Petras, the first transgender performer at the EMAs, said on the red carpet.

Some gay couples arriving at the show were kissing on the red carpet and others were dressed in rainbow-colored clothes in a show of support for LGBTQ+ people.

Lil Nas X was awarded best video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” while Korean band BTS won the most awards with four including best pop, best K-pop, best group, and biggest fans.

First-time EMA winners Måneskin took home best rock, while show host and performer Saweetie won best new artist.

Nicki Minaj earned a top award for best hip-hop, Olivia Rodrigo was awarded best push, Maluma won best Latin, and YUNGBLUD snagged the award for best alternative.

For the first time, the “MTV EMA Generation Change Award” winners were recognized during the EMAs main show, honoring five young people promoting equality while fighting against anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

Viktoria Radvanyi, a Hungarian board member of Budapest Pride, accepted the award on behalf of the winners.

ANXIETY
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces a tough 2022 election, says the June law is aimed at protecting children. European Union (EU) leaders say it discriminates against gay and transgender people and goes against EU values.

The law has caused anxiety in the LGBT community under Orban’s government, which has stepped up its campaign against LGBT people ahead of next year’s ballot.

As Budapest prepared to host the EMAs, Mr. Orban was re-elected chairman of the ruling Fidesz party unopposed. The anti-LGBT line featured strongly on the agenda at his party congress, with several speakers pledging to protect what they see as Hungary’s traditional Christian values.

Mr. Orban’s opposition challenger, Peter Marki-Zay, an energetic political outsider, has said he would scrap the anti-LGBTQ law if elected. He has said same-sex couples should be allowed to marry and deserve equal rights.

The show derived inspiration from Budapest’s popular thermal spas and the Danube River, which runs through the capital, with stages that appeared to be floating.

Grammy award-winning Mr. Sheeran opened the night surrounded by neon graffiti to perform his latest single, “Overpass Graffiti.” Later he performed his chart-topping hit “Shivers.”

Imagine Dragons returned to the EMAs for the debut of their new single “Enemy.” Bathed in laser lights, the best-selling band rocked the stage alongside Grammy-nominated rapper and artist J.I.D and a squad of dancers.

Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and best alternative award winner YUNGBLUD closed the night with a pyrotechnics-filled performance of his latest single “fleabag.” — Reuters

SPC Power profit up 51% on higher power sales

November 16, 2021 | 12:02 am

SPC Power Corp.’s net income attributable to the parent equity holder climbed by 51% to P567.02 million in the third quarter of 2021 from P375.47 million in the same period last year.

This brought SPC’s nine-month attributable net income to P1.36 billion from P1.30 billion in the same period last year.

Its consolidated net income also grew by 5% to P1.38 billion in the January-September period from P1.31 billion a year earlier.

“Performance improvements were recorded across all business segments, driven mainly by higher revenues from the sale of electricity as well as higher availability and utilization of power generation capacities,” the company said in its regulatory filing on Monday.

As of September this year, the company’s power generation segment contributed about P426.8 million to its net income, 30.4% higher than the recorded P327.3 million in the same period last year.

The company said the increase was brough about by “higher utilization of available plant capacities.”

Meanwhile, the net income contribution of SPC’s power distribution segment for the nine-month period slightly increased to P28.7 million “as the improvement brought by increasing demand from industrial and commercial customers was dimmed by temporary under-recoveries of cost of purchased power.”

SPC’s gross revenues rose by 34% to P1.99 billion as of September 2021 from P1.49 billion in the same months last year.

Shares in SPC at the local bourse declined by 0.14% or two centavos to finish at P13.84 apiece on Monday. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Inventi on track to double revenues

November 16, 2021 | 12:02 am

PROPERTY TECHNOLOGY company Inventi said it is expected to more than double last year’s sales of its cloud-based property management solution.

“As more and more real estate companies are realizing the value of digitization, we are on track to more than double last year’s revenues in 2021,” Joseph Tay, managing partner of Inventi, said in a statement.

Among its key accounts include one of the Philippines’ largest retailers, a major construction company, real estate developer, and two listed companies. Other clients include commercial and residential buildings, retail, schools, and even hospitals.

“Inventi has now been implemented into more than two million square meters of real estate across the Philippines, covering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and more than 30 cities nationwide,” Mr. Tay said.

Inventi is now aiming to expand in Southeast Asia, “to accelerate the digitization of property management in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam.”

GAP chief Carrion elected to world gymnastic body

November 16, 2021 | 12:01 am

GYMNASTICS Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion won a spot to the powerful continental council representing Asia during the elections done by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in Antalya, Turkey.

Ms. Carrion emerged with the second highest votes among the five elected members of the council after garnering 25 votes, or just one short of top vote-getter Saqr Al-Mullah of Kuwait.

Srayuth Patanasak of Thailand, Ruslan Mustaev of Uzbekistan and Ita Yuliati of Indonesia were the other members.

Japanese Morinari Watanabe, who was head of the committee that ran boxing in the Tokyo Olympics, overwhelmingly won another term as FIG president during polls attended by 130 national federations.

Ms. Carrion and the new set of officers will serve from Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2024.

A spot in the FIG council would be a big boost especially to the Philippines, which will have two-time world champion Carlos Yulo seeking to strike gold in the 2024 Paris Games. — JV

Credit Suisse trial may lift lid on banker’s fraud scheme

November 16, 2021 | 12:01 am

AN OFFSHORE UNIT of Credit Suisse Group AG goes to court Monday in a case that could lift the lid on how a rogue Geneva employee got away with defrauding some of the firm’s richest clients for nearly a decade.

Georgian billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili accuses Credit Suisse Life (Bermuda) Ltd. of failing to stop the late Patrice Lescaudron from losing $400 million of his fortune.

Ivanishvili is one of at least five wealthy victims of Lescaudron who together lost hundreds of millions before the Frenchman’s fraud was exposed in 2015.

The Bermuda trial has suddenly gained in importance after the island’s Supreme Court ruled in September that a pair of reports — one by PricewaterhouseCoopers commissioned by Credit Suisse, and a second from Switzerland’s banking regulator — must be shared with the bank’s local unit so they could be admitted into evidence for the trial.

Up until the ruling, Credit Suisse had successfully fought in UK and Swiss courts to keep those reports private. But Bermuda judge Narinder Hargun made clear he was seeking to correct an imbalance in the Bermuda trial by admitting the reports into the pretrial process known as discovery.

“The bank has a direct economic interest in the outcome of these proceedings, and it seems clear that it is controlling the discovery process and indeed this litigation,” Hargun said.

Ivanishvili, worth an estimated $6 billion, sued the Bermuda unit four years ago for failing to ensure the prudent investment of his fortune. While Ivanishvili’s losses also spurred lawsuits in Singapore and New Zealand, Bermuda accounts for close to half of his total losses, his lawyers say.

Lescaudron, who took his own life in 2020, was a lone wolf who hid his crimes from colleagues and superiors, the Zurich-based bank has consistently said. Ivanishvili and other plaintiffs say that his colleagues must have known about his fraudulent behavior and if they didn’t, bear criminal responsibility for failing to spot it.

Both Credit Suisse and a spokesman for Ivanishvili declined to comment. — Bloomberg

Roxas and Co. swings to P22.5-M profit

November 16, 2021 | 12:01 am

ROXAS and Co., Inc. (RCI) reported a net income attributable to the parent equity holder of P22.54 million in the third quarter of 2021, a turnaround from its P841.05-million loss in the same quarter last year.

For the nine-month period, the company reported an attributable net loss of P54.64 million, down by 95% from its P1.18-billion loss in the same period last year.

“The strong topline growth was due to higher occupancy rate in its four GO Hotels, a surge in the volume of coconut cream sold, and the sale of real estate assets in Nasugbu, Batangas during the first quarter of the year,” the company said in a regulatory filing on the Philippine Stock exchange website on Monday.

Its after-tax income was also cut by 97% to 85.69 million from P1.21 billion a year ago “due to aggressive new business acquisition and organic growth of existing customers, cost containment and restructuring in COVID and recession-affected units, lower equity loss from an affiliated company, and the recognition of a P175 [million] one-time gain on transfer of a real estate asset.”

Its nine-month gross revenues grew by 150% to P789.96 million from P315.58 million in the same period last year.

One of the company’s accommodations that received more bookings due to eased quarantine restrictions is the Anya Resort in Tagaytay, while GO Hotels of the Roxaco Asia Hospitality Corp. has sustained occupancies for quarantine rooms.

RCI’s real estate projects are also picking up “with several outright sale and joint venture options for strategically located properties” of Roxaco Land Corp. and with the start of the development of the second and third phases of Anya Resort Residences.

The company also reported that its Roxas Sigma Agriventures, Inc. manufacturing plant had completed facility repairs and maintenance, and is set to resume full production on the third week of this month, which is also when the Development Bank of the Philippines will release the company’s second working capital loan worth P50 million.

On Monday, shares in RCI grew 2.86% or two centavos to close at P0.72 per share. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Entertainment News (11/16/21)

November 16, 2021 | 12:01 am

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Five free films in Japan film fest pre-event

WHILE waiting for the Japanese Film Festival Online next year, which will run from Feb. 14-27, the organizers are releasing five of the most popular films from last year’s film festival online for free. The films are: the romance drama Little Nights, Little Love; the musical comedy Dance With Me; the animated film, Gon, The Little Fox; the documentary Tora-san In Goto; and, the romance drama The Great Passage. To watch the films, visit the Japanese Film Festival Online 2022 website (https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/jffonline2022/philippines/), create an account, and choose the films. The Japanese Film Festival Online 2022 Pre-Event will run from Nov. 15-21. The films can be streamed within 48 hours after clicking the “Play” button. On the last day of the festival, the streaming will end at 23:59 JPT regardless of the remaining time.

IC holds concert honoring Luis Eduardo Aute

ON NOV. 18, Instituto Cervantes (IC) and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines will pay tribute to the Manila-born artist and musician Luis Eduardo Aute, with an online concert in which several Filipino singers will cover select iconic songs by Aute. The event, Con tu latido: Filipinas canta a Aute. A Tribute, will be streamed at 7 p.m. on the Instituto Cervantes Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/InstitutoCervantesManila. Luis Eduardo Aute was born in Manila in 1943, and his family moved to Spain in 1954. In the 1970s, he was creating soundtracks for films and made a career as a singer, with hits like “Las cuatro y diez,” and “Al alba.” Mr. Aute passed away in Sept. 2020, leaving behind a vast collection of works in several fields, in literature, music, cinema and painting. Now, seven Filipino singers are gathering to pay tribute to his musical legacy by covering some of his most iconic songs in Spanish. They are singer-actress Bituin Escalante; Mark Anthony Carpio, choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers; Toma Cayabyab, a member of the Ateneo Chamber Singers and the Villancico Vocal Ensemble, and jazz sextet, Debonair District; tenor Julius Sinoy; James Barbecho; soprano Sheila Ferrer; and composer, singer, conductor, and actress Ella Castro. The concert will be completed by Spanish singer Rosa León’s rendition of Mirándonos los dos, a song released by Mr. Aute in 1980. Admission to the concert, Con tu latido. Filipinas canta a Aute, is free. For further information about the event, visit the website of Instituto Cervantes at https://manila.cervantes.es or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

MTV Asia presents Oasis concert film

THE CONCERT film Oasis Knebworth 1996 will premiere exclusively on the MTV channel in Southeast Asia on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. (WIB), 8 p.m. (SG) and 9 p.m. (MY). Directed by Grammy-Award winner Jake Scott, the film celebrates one of the most iconic live concerts of the last 25 years and the special relationship between Oasis and their fans. The story is told through the eyes of the concertgoers and features extensive and never-before-seen archival concert and backstage footage, plus interviews with the band and event organizers. Liam Gallagher said, “Knebworth for me was the Woodstock of the ’90s. It was all about the music and the people. I can’t remember much about it, but I’ll never forget it. It was biblical.” Oasis’ two record-breaking nights at Knebworth took place on Aug. 10 and 11 in 1996, with over a quarter of a million fans from all over the world converging on Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire in England to see the legendary sets.

Robinsons Malls Fun Ride returns

FOR THOSE who missed the Robinsons Metro East and Robinsons Place Antipolo Bike Tour in October, you have another chance to take part because Robinsons Malls and the National Bike Organization (NBO) will hold another edition on Nov. 21, Sunday. Riders will convene at Robinsons Metro East’s East Deck, located at the 6^th floor roof deck. The ride starts at Robinsons Metro East along the Marikina-Infanta Highway in Pasig City at exactly 6 a.m., covering the slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, and ending at Robinsons Place Antipolo in Rizal. Robinsons Malls continues to collaborate with NBO for regular biking lessons held at Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Place Manila. Robinsons Malls also recently launched self-service Bike Repair Stations and provide bike parking areas in Robinsons Malls nationwide.

Ortigas Malls holds online fundraising concert

UNDERSTANDING the plight of entertainment workers, Ortigas Malls launched a holiday campaign and a fundraising concert to help get the industry back on its feet. Titled Christmas with the Stars, the online fundraising concert will see performances from some of the country’s brightest stars: Ogie Alcasid, Ian Veneracion, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Ryan Cayabyab, and many more on Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Funds raised for the concert and accompanying programs will be in support of the Independent Production Workers Group (IPWG), an organization that seeks to professionalize the production industry in the country and represents thousands of live events workers nationwide. The concert is in partnership with Alcasid Total Entertainment and Artist Management (ATEAM). Those who want to attend the concert can donate a set amount on the Christmas with the Stars ktx.ph page to gain a ticket to the concert. Select mall-goers can also score a free ticket for a P1,000 minimum purchase (single or accumulated) at Ortigas Malls from Nov. 4 to Dec. 10. They just need to log on to www.ortigasmalls.com and upload their receipts. Ortigas Malls will also be holding a series of online mini concerts titled KUMUnity Nights on Nov. 20, 27, and Dec. 24 as a lead up to the main concert where viewers can watch performances with an option to support the cause online. The concerts will be streamed live on the KUMU app with recorded replays on the Ortigas Malls’ Facebook pages (Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia, and Industria). Mall visitors can also shop freely and safely while enjoying holiday tunes with the Community Live Sessions starting Dec. 6 in Greenhills, Tiendesitas, and Estancia. They can also support the cause onsite via donation boxes located at the live session locations and at the Greenhills Night Market.

Part 2 of Julie Anne San Jose online concert

ON NOV. 20, singer Julie Anne San Jose’s music journey around the country continues in Limitless Part 2: Heal. The first part of the musical journey covered Mindanao and was shown on Sept. 17. In the second part, San Jose will enjoy the beach and the beats of the Visayas with fellow Clash Master and friend Rayver Cruz. Joining her is The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin. Paolo Valenciano is the creative director of Limitless, A Musical Trilogy while musical direction is by Myke Salomon. It is produced by GMA Synergy. Tickets to the online show are available at gmanetwork.com/synergy for P599 (General Admission), P999 (Synergy Pass GA), P1,199 (VIP), P2,199 (Synergy Pass VIP), and P2,799 (Synergy Pass Premium). Special merchandise awaits ticket buyers who purchase the VIP, Synergy Pass VIP, and Synergy Pass Premium. Ticket buyers can avail of a ticket bundle for both the Nov. 20 and Feb. 19 legs. Follow www.facebook.com/GMASynergy for more details.

Anilao underwater ‘shootout’ is back

THE UNDERWATER photography contest, the Anilao Underwater Shootout (AUS), held in Anilao, Batangas, returns on Dec. 1-5. Consistent with the gradual and safe reopening of the dive destinations in the new normal, organizers of the Shootout are pulling out all the stops to exhibit the country’s diving industry anew and gather divers, professional and amateur underwater photographers, and marine enthusiasts from around the globe. This year’s panel of judges is made up of renowned underwater photographers Mike Bartick, Scott Gutsy Tuason, and William Tan, along with Underwater360 Group founder John Thet. Winners across the competition’s 11 categories will be awarded prizes from underwater photography gear brands Nauticam, Scubalamp, AOI, XDEEP, Crest, and Fourth Element. AUS will continue to implement a “no marine life manipulation” policy, a strict guideline that has set standards for other underwater photography competitions in the world. The local community of Anilao will also be briefed to remind guests to follow proper underwater conduct and sign a code of conduct accord prior to the event. In the Anilao Underwater Shootout 2018 edition, over 220 contestants from 23 countries participated in the event. Other dive destinations in the country that have already re-opened include Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Malapascua, Cebu; Dauin, Negros Oriental; and Anilao, Batangas. More information can be viewed at the Dive Philippines Facebook page.

Bonifacio High Street Cinemas reopen

BONIFACIO High Street Cinemas have reopened to fully vaccinated citizens. Aside from it being sanitized regularly, the cinemas use UV before and after screenings to ensure that all areas are clean and disinfected at any time of day. Hand sanitizers and alcohol are also available for use, and there are temperature checks upon entry. As extra precaution, moviegoers need to fill up health declaration forms before their ticket purchases and must keep their face masks on at all times. Bonifacio High Street’s cinema experience can be enjoyed with recliner seats that have more than one meter of space allocation versus other cinema standards. A space for dining in the cinema lobby has also been created for individuals to use before or after the movie screening. Food and drinks, except for a bottle of water, are temporarily not allowed inside the movie theaters. The BHS Cinemas are open to fully vaccinated individuals every Wednesday to Sunday only. Ticket reservations and purchases can be done from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For landline reservations, contact 7956-8942. To keep up with the latest happenings in BGC, visit Bonifacio Global City and Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook pages.

Hip-hop quartet releases pop-rap crossover

HIP-HOP quartet VVS Collective pays tribute to the women of the countryside with “Probinsyana,” a romantic serenade for every “country” lass who took their breath away. King Promdi, who is part of the hip-hop group, produced the track and incorporated a sticky, ear-candy chorus. VVS Collective’s “Probinsyana” is out now on all streaming platforms via Def Jam Philippines.

Pokemon releases special bonuses

THE POKÉMON Company recently announced that trainers of Nintendo Switch software titled Pokémon Legends: Arceus!, who have played Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield, are now able to claim a Shaymin Kimono Set and will get a chance to catch Shaymin. All trainers that have play records from Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield can now take on a research request in Pokémon Legends: Arceus in which they’ll have a chance to add the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin (Land Forme) to their team. Moreover, trainers can also claim a Shaymin Kimono Set, designed after this Mythical Pokémon. In addition, trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, can claim a Pikachu Mask and an Eevee Mask in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For more details about these bonus gifts and previously announced early-purchase bonuses, please visit the official Webpage, https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/.

Ang Lihim ni Annasandra returns to GMA

THE ROMANCE-FANTASY series Ang Lihim ni Annasandra, about a woman who seeks true love while keeping a mystifying secret, returns to GMA’s Afternoon Prime block starting Nov. 15. The original drama series stars Andrea Torres, Mikael Daez, and Pancho Magno.

GMA Network releases Christmas station ID

GMA network has released the song and video “Love Together, Hope Together” as its 2021 Christmas station ID. An annual holiday tradition, the network’s Christmas station ID also serves as a reunion for its artists and talents, including GMA News journalist Jessica Soho, celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Heart Evangelista, Bea Alonzo in the video. The jingle was performed by Julie Anne San Jose, Lani Misalucha, Aicelle Santos, and Christian Bautista. The upbeat tune paired with uplifting lyrics was composed and arranged by Simon Peter Tan with words by BJ Camaya, Emman Rivera, and Jann Lopez. “Love Together, Hope Together” is available for streaming worldwide on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

ABS-CBN releases Christmas ID

ABS-CBN has released the music video “Andito Tayo Para sa Isa’t Isa: Ang Christmas ID ng Pilipino.” Together with AB-CBN stars, families, youths, teachers, medical frontliners, OFWs, community heroes, drivers, economic frontliners, and safety and security personnel are included in the music video. The participating ABS-CBN stars are Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Kathryn Bernardo, Andrea Brillantes, Sharon Cuneta, Seth Fedelin, Vice Ganda, Sarah Geronimo, Angel Locsin, Belle Mariano, Coco Martin, Martin Nievera, Daniel Padilla, Donny Pangilinan, Piolo Pascual, and Gary Valenciano. ABS-CBN is inviting the public to be part of the Christmas ID ng Pilipino by joining the #ChristmasIDChallenge. Viewers must use the instrumental version of the song on Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, YouTube Shorts, and Kumu Klips and record themselves singing their version of the song. They should indicate in the caption to whom the video is dedicated and post it on social media with #ChristmasIDChallenge. The lyrics of the song were written by Robert Labayen and Love Rose De Leon of ABS-CBN Creative Communication Management (CCM) division with Thyro Alfaro. The music video can be viewed on ABS-CBN cable channels like Kapamilya Channel and online via Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page and YouTube channel and other ABS-CBN digital platforms.

Heart Evangelista stars in new GMA romance drama

GMA ENTERTAINMENT Group presents the romance drama, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon, starring Heart Evangelista, along with Richard Yap and Paolo Contis. Ms. Evangelista plays a fashion designer and socialite engaged to a dashing debonair man (played by Mr. Yap. But when she reluctantly returns to her hometown, Sorsogon, she is forced to face the emotional baggage that she left behind when she moved to Manila, including her old flame (played by Mr. Contis), who stirs up feelings she thought she had long forgotten. I Left My Heart in Sorsogon premieres on Nov. 15 and airs weeknights after 24 Orason GMA Telebabad. Viewers abroad can catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines.

Smart announced NextUp Philippines finalists

SMART Communications, Inc. has announced the 12 finalists for NextUp Philippines 2021, a contest that gives Filipino content creators a chance to realize their full potential and grow their YouTube career. The 12 finalists are: artist and best-selling author Abbey Sy; Mark Mendoza (Diskarte with Mendy); dermatologist Gaile Robredo-Vitas; digital creator and filmmaker Egypa Balindong; singer-songwriter, actor, recording artist, and DJ Guji Lorenzana; lifestyle blogger Michelle Gacasan (Michelle G.); food and lifestyle vlogger Myra Caray (Mai Goodness); lifestyle and travel vlogger Meljean Solon; fitness instructor Keoni Tamayo (Reps to the Rhythm); Van Vincent Go (VandomVincent); chicken farmer Aj Añavesa (Wandering Soul); and work-from-home mom Arra Solis (Rookie Mommy PH). The finalists will participate in an online Creator Camp where they will get a crash course on production techniques and receive in-depth training to further build their channels. A series of online training workshops for the non-finalists and other creators will be organized as well. Each of the 12 finalists will receive an equipment stipend worth P100,000 and free data packs while three winners will be granted a 12-month endorsement contract with Smart. NextUp was first launched in the Philippines in 2017.

Nadine Lustre launches audio NFT collectibles

SINGER-ACTRESS Nadine Lustre has released an audio NFT with ENTER.AUDIO. ENTER.AUDIO provides an easy entry point for upcoming and established musicians to segue into minting and selling audio NFTs where they can opt to have as much as 20% in royalties on all future resales of their music. The multi-minting feature also allows the artist to mint 20,000 editions of their NFT. Royalty splitting ensures transparency in collaborations with fellow artists and charities. For details on how to own Ms. Lustre’s audio NFT, follow ENTER on Instagram and Twitter at @enterNFT and #enterAudio #enterNFT #enterArt, or visit www.enter.art.