Philtoa's 4th GMM celebrates inclusive tourism and love for the Philippines

General membership meeting reveals plans and programs to revitalize Philippine tourism

BY REY ILAGAN

  

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DOT Secretary Christina Frasco with Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) recently hosted its 4th General Membership Meeting at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City in Muntinlupa, with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as keynote speaker. Led by Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu, the meeting also highlighted Bacolod City as the featured destination, with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez in attendance.

Secretary Frasco commended Philtoa for its unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism, highlighting the association’s promotion of inclusive tourism development in both established and emerging destinations.

"We recognize that there are several emerging destinations across the country that, if given the right assistance, attention, development, and promotion, have the potential to become key destinations, as far as tourism is concerned,” the tourism chief said. “This is why I'm very grateful to Philtoa, because their focus has not been our world-famous destinations alone, but also in giving opportunities to emerging destinations. This is reflective of true shared tourism governance, where the private sector mobilizes the industry to assist the government to ensure inclusive tourism development." 

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez 

With this, Bacolod City also took center stage at the 4th GMM as a growing "super city" with exciting advancements in tourism, including infrastructure, art, culture, and culinary experiences. Mayor Benitez highlighted upcoming projects such as the Bacolod Convention Center, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people for MICE events; the Bacolod Masskara Museum/Trade Center; and the Orange Project, a prominent art gallery. The renowned Masskara Festival, spanning three weeks, promises a vibrant celebration of sports, food, spirits, and festivities.

To further underscore its commitment to fostering partnerships and growth within the industry, Philtoa President Abling-Yu announced the upcoming 34th Philippine Travel Mart, scheduled from Sept. 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

She stated: "We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, BPI, and our media partners. The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is not only a showcase of our country's incredible destinations but also a celebration of our industry's resilience and strength as a major contributor to the country’s growth and progress.”

The association also welcomed 10 new tour operators, an immigration services agency, and 15 hotel and resort properties, increasing the total membership to over 500. 

These additions include Big Golden Furby International Travel and Tours, Inc.; BNG Travel and Tours Services, Inc.; ETravel Zone; ETravelPH Events Management Services; Festive Travel and Tours Services; Godspeed Travel & Tours Corp.; Group Tours Specialists, Inc.; Jimwell Travel and Tours; Landsair Tours and Travel Corp., Mariaynah Travel and Tour; MFly Travel and Tours; RIOR Wanders Travel and Tours; Tobi's Travel & Tour Services, Inc.; Travel Enterprise Corporation; Walk the Planet, Inc; Alpha Suites Makati; Ambassador in Paradise Resort Corporation; Best Western Plus Metro Clark; City Garden Grand Hotel; Discovery Samal; Holiday Suites; Red Hotel, Inc.; Richmonde Hotel Iloilo; Sol y Viento Mountain Hot Spring Resort, Inc.; Timberland Highlands Resort; and ACN Southern Immigration and Educational Services.

As the tourism industry rebounds post-pandemic, Chroma Hospitality Group Vice President Carmela Bocanegra encouraged Philtoa members to capitalize on the opportunity for a strong comeback. “Make 2023 the time of the great comeback,” Bocanegra said.

Secretary Frasco echoed this sentiment, inviting Philtoa to continue showcasing and enhancing the best of the Philippines' destinations. She emphasized that loving the Philippines involves introducing innovative solutions aligned with global tourism trends and localizing that love within specific destinations.

"To love the Philippines is to highlight our love of country, our pride of place, our love for each other, and is a reminder and a call to action," said Frasco. "To love the Philippines... is to try to understand what we can do to introduce difficult but helpful solutions or programs that have never been done before, but are being implemented now in response to global tourism trends. To love the Philippines is to localize this love in your specific destinations."

Alex Eala improves to career-high No. 195 in WTA rankings

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The country’s top Filipino tennis player propelled 22 notches from No. 217 to a career-high No. 195 following her last two performances in Great Britain.

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Alex Eala continued her rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) after breaching the Top 200 rankings this week.

Alex Eala is now one of the top 200 female tennis players in the world. (File Photo/Alex Eala Facebook)

The country’s top Filipino tennis player propelled 22 notches from No. 217 to a career-high No. 195 following her last two performances in Great Britain.

She claimed her fourth pro title at the W25 Roehampton before settling for the runner-up honors in W25 Aldershot.

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Now playing in the pros full time, the 18-year-old Eala hopes to add more trophies in her growing collection when she competes in the ITF Tour campaign in Japan and China starting next week.

She is also expected to carry the fight for the Philippine team in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China slated Sept. 23 to Oct. 8. 

Alex Eala continued her rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) after breaching the Top 200 rankings this week.

Marcos to lead Heroes Day rites; Gen Z students weigh in on holiday

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Aug 27, 2023 05:05 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• This year's observance theme is "Karangalan, Katungkulan, Kabayanihan."

• The National Heroes Day is one of the oldest public holidays in the Philippines. The celebration started during the American Colonial Period and became a holiday through Republic Act (RA) No. 3827 on Oct. 28, 1931.

• Laws about the holiday did not specify any hero for Filipinos to celebrate, allowing the public to commemorate the bravery of anyone who has "braved death or persecution for home, nation, justice, and freedom." 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will lead the country in remembering the country's fallen heroes as Filipinos mark National Heroes Day on Aug. 28.

Libingan ng mga Bayani (Photo from Libingan ng mga Bayani’s official Facebook page)

Marcos will lead the National Heroes Day rites at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City.

The event will take place on Monday morning with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner joining the President.

Other expected guests are Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson, and Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano.

During National Heroes Day, the country is expected to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for its liberation from foreign entities. Last year, President Marcos paid tribute to the countless Filipinos "of extraordinary courage and valor" who fought and sacrificed to establish and preserve the nation.

He also encouraged the citizenry to "never forget" them as their legacy and heroism live on in the hearts of medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens.

Marcos likewise honored modern-day heroes such as farmers, teachers, police, military, barangay officials, community leaders, ecological warriors, healthcare workers, overseas Filipino workers, and those working in other sectors.

This year's observance theme is "Karangalan, Katungkulan, Kabayanihan."

When did it start?

The National Heroes Day is one of the oldest public holidays in the Philippines. The celebration started during the American Colonial Period and became a holiday through Republic Act (RA) No. 3827 on Oct. 28, 1931.

Initially, the law declared the last Sunday of August of every year an official national holiday until the late President Jose P. Laurel signed Executive Order No. 20 on March 20, 1942, which set the National Heroes Day on the 30th of November, coinciding with the celebration of Bonifacio Day that started in 1921.

In 1952, the late President Elpidio Quirino reverted the date of National Heroes Day to the last Sunday of August. This continued until former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law RA 9492, which moved the holiday to the last Monday of August. This was to promote "Holiday Economics," which aimed to reduce work disruptions and allow extended weekends to boost domestic tourism.

What makes a hero?

According to the Official Gazette, the laws about the holiday did not specify any hero for Filipinos to celebrate. This allowed the public to commemorate the bravery of anyone who has "braved death or persecution for home, nation, justice, and freedom."

To student writer Aaron Sabile, 21, a hero can be defined as someone who has morals and is compassionate and hardworking.

"A hero can be someone who has no extraordinary powers but has the power of moral code or dignity and knows what is right from wrong," he said.

"Someone who understands compassion, hard work, and belongingness," he added.

For 20-year-old student paper editor-in-chief Hannah Leonardo, a hero explores new things to improve any situation.

"I believe that what truly makes someone a hero is a willingness to learn or explore something new to know what change they need to create— even if discomfort is part of the process," she said.

"Having that mindset proves to me that people are doing something not for the sake of being praised by others but because of their genuine regard for their surroundings," she added.

Both students also agreed that it is important for Filipinos to continue celebrating National Heroes Day.

"Everyone loves heroes, and National Heroes Day is a great way to honor and commemorate those heroes who established the country's basis of independence and made the world a better place," Sabile said.

"Such commemoration can help us remember and not turn the things our heroes fought for in vain— I believe that having the consciousness about our heroes from the past would help us envision the future they once believed in and push us to start actions that would inform change," Leonardo shared.

Miley Cyrus: Introspective Barbie

 BY PUNCH LIWANAG

  

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AT A GLANCE

• At 30, Miley is still too young to contemplate her life choices. But 30 is probably 50 for someone thrust into the entertainment world at a young age. And the irony of it is that her wild ride started as a teen actor during her Disney days as Hannah Montana.

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Miley Cyrus (Image courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines)

After breaking big with her previous single, “Flowers,” pop’s favorite wild child, Miley Cyrus, turns introspective on her latest single, “Used To Be Young.”

After her number one hit “Flowers” – a song about staying sane and strong post-breakup – Miley Cyrus is ruminating about life on this rising mid-tempo ballad, the latest single from her most recent album “Endless Summer Days.”

At 30, Miley is still too young to contemplate her life choices. But 30 is probably 50 for someone thrust into the entertainment world at a young age. And the irony of it is that her wild ride started as a teen actor during her Disney days as Hannah Montana.

From “Party In The U.S.A.”  to her eventual one-eighty turn as a twerking wild child in “Wrecking Ball,” Miley’s been around enough to have her fair share of shedding images (to the extreme at that).

And that’s what she’s singing about at the onset as she goes, “The truth is bulletproof, there’s no foolin’ you / I don’t dress the same, me and who you say I was yesterday have gone our separate ways / left my livin’ fast somewhere in the past ‘cause that’s for chasin’ cars.” And what a wild ride it has been so far, but just before the first chorus kicks in as if with a pang of mixed regret realization, she adds: “turns out open bars lead to broken hearts and going way too far.”

So though it may sound as if she’s regretful, it’s not so when she intones at the chorus: “I know I used to be crazy, I know I used to be fun / You say I used to be wild, I say I used to be young.” She says: “It’s fine, I’ve had a good run.”  

She confirms this in her own words when she describes “Used To Be Young” as “honoring who we’ve been and celebrating who we will become.” She goes on to say that she’s learned much from her experience. “I feel proud when reflecting on my past and optimistic about the future.”

With the arrangement starting with an arena-ready piano motif, we’re immediately reminded of similar power ballads of hers that echo that same big-ness. There’s “The Climb” from 2009 and another twerk-era hit in “We Can’t Stop.”

Chime-y keyboard sounds that eventually give way to a full chorus, punctuated here with a prominent, ethereal-sounding slide guitar and an almost hypnotic but steady drum beat.  

Kudos to Miley for writing such heartfelt lyrics, but credit goes to producers Michael Pollack and Shawn Everett for nodding to two big Miley signature tunes in one go.

Miley Cyrus is in her Debbie-Harry and-Joan-Jett-inspired rock and roll phase as deep as her long legs can take her. It’s all so interesting as her other eras were, but “Used To Be Young” is a nice break – and a reminder of what has been and will be – for long-time fans as we all wait for what comes next from this pop chameleon.

By the way, Miley acknowledged her fandom when she said something about being grateful to her loyal fans about dreams being her reality and that she’s sincerely thankful for the steadfast support.

Keep making tunes like these, and you'll always have our ears, Ma'am Miley.

'The Missing Husband' delivers suspenseful action drama

Beginning today, a unique story of action suspense drama is coming on GMA Afternoon Prime via "The Missing Husband."

The series is headlined by some of the country's brightest stars Yasmien Kurdi as Millie, Jak Roberto as Joed, Sophie Albert as Ria, Joross Gamboa as Brendan, and Rocco Nacino as Anton.

Also starring in the action-suspense drama are Nadine Samonte, Shamaine Buencamino, Michael Flores, Maxine Eigenmann, Cai Cortez, Bryce Eusebio and Patricia Coma.

"The Missing Husband" follows the story of OFWs in Qatar, Anton and Millie, who venture to work abroad away from their families to save enough money for their future. However, their plans were disorganized when Millie got pregnant. They try to start anew in the Philippines. After getting married, the two signed up for an investment opportunity. Anton invests all their life savings and invites several others to join.

Later on, Anton finds out that the business is a scam. He and Millie lost all their hard-earned possessions, which caused conflict in their marriage. Things become more complicated when Anton started receiving death threats from those he invited to the investment scheme.

Anton promised Millie that he would fix everything. Until one morning, Anton vanishes, leaving blood all over their kitchen. Was there someone who tried to kill him? Or was it all part of his escape plan? Where can Millie find her missing husband?

The highly-talented creative team behind "The Missing Husband" is composed of creative director Aloy Adlawan, creative head Dode Cruz, head writer Marides Severino, writers Renato Custodio Jr., Mark Duane Angoas, Maria Christina Velasco, and brainstormer Cynthia Paz.

Catch the world premiere of "The Missing Husband" — under the helm of esteemed director Mark Reyes — Mondays to Fridays at 4:05 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Pinoy Hits.

Why Pinoys take care of each other

 Understanding the concept of ‘kapwa’

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Social interactions in the Philippines are like a never-ending dance, and kapwa is the rhythm that keeps us all in sync.

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By JACQUELINE LUCERO

Photo from Philippine Red Cross (Manila Bulletin)

Ah, the Philippines—land of sunny beaches, delectable soy sauce-based dishes, and a unique cultural concept that sounds like the perfect plot twist in a telenovela—“kapwa.” It’s like the Justice League assembled, but for everyday life. So, grab your halo-halo and get ready to dive into the wonderfully puzzling realm of kapwa, where social interactions are like a dance party, empathy flows like a waterfall, and community feels like a massive family reunion that never ends.

At its core, kapwa is that feeling you get when you meet someone and think, “Hey, we’re not so different, you and I.” It’s like discovering a long-lost sibling who shares your obsession with ’90s boy bands or your inexplicable fear of garden gnomes. Kapwa is a universal head nod, a wink of recognition that says, “You and I, we’re cut from the same cloth of this crazy, beautiful, and occasionally bewildering world.”
Now, let’s venture into the world of “kapwa-tao.” Imagine you’re at a Filipino fiesta, surrounded by a sea of joyful faces, each more familiar than the last. Kapwa-tao is the enchanting idea that we’re all interconnected, like a tapestry woven with the threads of our shared experiences, joys, and sorrows. It’s that heartwarming realization that the stranger enjoying lechon beside you isn’t just any stranger—they’re part of your kapwa-tao, your extended family of humanity.

TULONG SA KAPWA Residents of Barangay Inayawan in Cebu City receive free medicine, and vitamins, and undergo free checkups during an outreach program (Calvin D. Cordova)

Social interactions in the Philippines are like a never-ending dance, and kapwa is the rhythm that keeps us all in sync. Picture yourself at a lively karaoke session, belting out “My Heart Will Go On” as if you’re auditioning for the next season of The Voice. Kapwa is that knowing smile from your friends, the nod of encouragement from strangers, and the shared laughter when you hit that high note like a pro (or not). It’s like a backstage pass to the grand concert of human connection, where we’re all headliners in each other’s lives.

Empathy? Oh, kapwa takes empathy to a whole new level. It’s like having a sixth sense for understanding and feeling what others are going through. If your friend stumbles into a bad hair day, you’re right there with them, commiserating like you’ve both just experienced a national hair crisis. It’s as if we’ve all been handed a pair of empathy goggles that allow us to see the world through each other’s eyes. When your kapwa-tao faces a challenge, you’re there on the front lines, ready to offer a listening ear, a comforting pat on the back, or even a bowl of freshly cooked tinola—because, let’s be honest, tinola has magical healing powers.

BAYANIHAN Volunteers and workers of Valenzuela City Hall join together in repacking relief goods to
quarantined residents following the enhanced community quarantine enforced by the government
to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) (Photo Jansen Romero)

Now, let’s gather around the kapwa bonfire and talk about community. In the Philippines, a community isn’t just a group of people living in the same area. It’s a web of kapwa connections that span generations. Kapwa binds neighborhoods together like a tightly woven barangay (community) basket, where everyone’s happiness is a shared responsibility. Need to build a house? Call your Kapwa neighbors for a bayanihan (community) gathering, and watch as walls are raised and bonds are forged over shared sweat and laughter.
In a world where “individualism” often takes center stage, kapwa stands front and center as a shining beacon of togetherness. It’s the ultimate potluck dinner, where everyone brings their unique flavors to the table, and the result is a feast of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Kapwa isn’t just a concept. It’s a way of life, a cultural treasure that reminds us that we’re all connected in this magnificent tapestry of existence.

Kapwa and kapwa-tao are the warp and weft that make up the fabric of Filipino identity. They’re the secret ingredients in our halo-halo, the soulful notes in our karaoke anthem, and the hand that reaches out to lift us up when we stumble. Kapwa is the embrace of a friend, the understanding glance of a stranger, and the laughter that echoes through the streets of our communities. So, the next time you share a meal, a story, or even just a smile with someone, remember that you’re engaging in the timeless dance of kapwa, where “me” and “we” blend together in a harmonious and endlessly fascinating embrace.

Chito, Billy, Stell and Julie Anne bridge generation gap through music

The four music artists sit in ‘The Voice Generations’ iconic spinning chairs

From left: Host Dingdong Dantes and coaches Chito, Julie Anne, Billy and Stell

By: Allan Policarpio - Reporter

If the press conference for the new reality singing competition “The Voice of Generations” was any indication, then viewers can expect lighthearted banter, quick quips and a lot of teasing among the coaches, Chito Miranda, Stell Ajero, Billy Crawford and Julie Anne San Jose.

As the title suggests, the show aims to showcase different generations of musical talent—not only through the contestants, but also through its resident mentors. Chito and Billy, of course, represent the 1990s and 2000s; Stell and Julie Anne the 2010s and the present.

The older—or rather, more experienced—music artists showered their younger counterparts with praises.

“Both Billy and I were surprised because, sometimes, we ask for advice from Stell and Jules. ‘OK ba ang ginawa nila?’ We would ask them. I’m amazed by their grasp of music. I know they’re talented performers, but I’m also in awe of their ability to dissect music and its technical aspects,” the Parokya ni Edgar frontman said.

And the young guns made sure to return the favor—but not without jokingly highlighting the generation gap between them.

“To be honest, I was really nervous. Because who am I to be part of this roster of seasoned artists? But once I got to know them, I thought, ‘Wow, I’m very lucky.’ The nerves went away… The support is there,” began Stell, who’s a member of the acclaimed P-pop group SB19.

“If they think they get wisdom from us, it’s also because of them … because they were the ones our parents grew up with,” Stell added, drawing laughter from the crowd, as well as Chito and Billy themselves.

‘The Voice PH’ spinoff

It was all good fun, though. If anything, such an exchange only showed that all four coaches have been getting along well, so much so that they have no qualms roasting and poking fun at one another in front of people. And this kind of dynamic will be crucial, as they and their respective teams battle it out for the top prize.

“The Voice Generations,” which airs Sundays beginning today, is a spinoff of the popular talent search “The Voice PH.” In this iteration, the competition will be among singing duos or groups whose members must be of different generations.

Hosted by Dingdong Dantes, the show kicks off with the Blind Auditions. Once the coaches’ respective teams are complete, the contest proceeds to the knockouts and sing-offs.

How does it feel to be part of a contest that showcases different generations of talents?

Billy: It’s a blessing to be part of something that involves different generations… But there’s one common ground: music. And that’s the beauty of it all. The older generation of artists can learn something from the younger generation and vice versa. It’s a give-and-take relationship.

Chito: I just wanted to be in a band; I didn’t want to do anything else. I didn’t see myself being part of a mainstream show. But about 10 years ago, I was invited to mentor budding artists in a weeklong songwriting camp. That opened me up to experiences I found enjoyable. I found myself teaching and learning at the same time.

That’s when I became more open to being part of shows like this… I also get annoyed when I see myself on television, because I’m talkative and annoying! But my wife (Neri Naig) convinced me, because we have to buy a house!

But seriously, I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it. I thank her for urging me to do this. I was able to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. If you stay in your comfort zone, that’s the farthest you will ever get. So you have to step out and see a new world. It’s refreshing.

What do you think of your fellow coaches?

Chito: We already knew from the start that Julie is an honor student. She can sing without rehearsal. She comes to work with everything memorized. Grabe ‘tong babaeng ‘to. It’s like Billy and I are in row 4!

Stell was a revelation. We know he’s talented because we have seen him perform. But he’s also good at interacting with people… Kulang na lang siya mag-host. Buhat niya ang show.

Billy: I was really impressed with this kid… Here, you will see the real Stell—not as SB19, but as himself. You will see how generous he is as an artist. It’s a pleasure being with young artists like him and Julie… We have different genres, sounds and career plans, but we jibe because we admire each other.

Stell: I’m thankful and happy. I don’t know what to say. I draw strength from my fellow coaches. They’re my source of energy.

Julie: They’re (Chito and Billy) two of the most influential artists here in the country. We look up to them when it comes to songwriting … all the technical things. What we know now we learned from them.

Your past stints in talent shows have been related to hosting. What’s it like to be a coach?

Julie: It’s such an honor. Nakakapanibago and it’s very humbling. It was unexpected because I only saw myself as a host. But now, they got me as one of the coaches.

I’m a product of contests myself, so I know the feeling—what the contestants go through, the screenings, the auditions … all the ups and downs. It’s exciting. I also want to impart what I know from what I have experienced when I was a contestant myself.

You have always wanted to pay it forward.

Julie Anne San Jose

Julie: It was my dream to become a teacher. My mom is one and I wanted to emulate her. If I weren’t an artist, I would have probably ended up teaching. But still, I wanted to teach, in any way. Then, I was given this opportunity to coach talents. So maybe this is an instrument for me to inspire and motivate people to reach for their dreams.

Who among you often fight over contestants?

Chito: Stell clashes with all the coaches … because all the contestants choose him! So it’s me against Stell; Stell and Julie; or Stell and Billy. So ang target namin talaga ay si Stell.

Stell: I have felt that from the start. Bakit lahat sila against sa ‘kin? Joke lang! I’m just waiting to duke it out with Sir Dong!

I’m not really sure what their reasons are. But what I think is that if we share the same goals, then we will have a smooth working relationship.

As an artist, I know the feeling of being with a person I know I’m going to be comfortable working with. If I’m looking for heartfelt singing and a talent said he can give that, then we can help each other.

What was your reaction when you learned you were going to be a coach?

Stell: To be honest, when this project was offered to me, it didn’t sink in right away. I was like, “Ah, OK.” And then they told me that this is the “The Voice”—you know, the one with the chairs that turn. I was like, “Weh? Is it for an audition” But they told me, ‘No, you’re going to be a coach.’” Tulala ako for two days. I couldn’t practice anything because of that.

What about your bandmates?

Stell Ajero

Stell: My bandmates told me, “Kunin mo na! ‘Di na namin alam sasabihin sa ‘yo kung hindi mo kinuha ‘yan.” I choose my projects carefully. People have been noticing that other SB19 members have been releasing solo songs or doing solo projects, but I haven’t done a lot.

But I would rather wait for the right project for me, something that I feel will showcase who I am. That’s why I’m happy I was chosen by “The Voice.” The people around me thought that I’m right for the project.

Tell us about the fans, the A’Tins, and how much support you have been getting from them.

Stell: The A’tins are one of the reasons I accepted the project. If there’s no one who believes me, then I wouldn’t be able to trust myself. I’m thankful that even if our group is still relatively new, we’re already getting a lot of love and support. I’m thankful to my new home, GMA 7. I promised myself that I will do my best and show everyone that I deserve my place here. I’m happy to be a Kapuso.

What advice would you like to impart to your teams?

Stell: I believe that once artists become too comfortable with their strengths, they will just stay there. They will be scared to try new things because they know there’s a possibility of failing. So what I will say to my team is that they shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s part of being an artist and human. It’s normal to make mistakes. You learn from them.

With the right guidance and coaching, the talent will get nurtured. And that’s what we’re willing to do for our teams. I want them to show who they really are. If they’re enjoying themselves, it will show … people will see that.

Billy: Be professional. You have to show up on time. Learning never stops, so you have to study your craft. Do your best and hone your skills.

You should also never forget where you came from. Stay humble. Humility, love and passion can go a long way, whatever career path you choose. All of us here were once dreamers. And we continue to dream.

Read more: https://entertainment.inquirer.net/515795/chito-billy-stell-and-julie-anne-bridge-generation-gap-through-music#ixzz8BXq9Drf3

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