Rain, Hwasa, BINI, Carlos Yulo grace IAM Worldwide’s 7th anniversary, music festival

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Oct 21, 2024 12:38 PM

  

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Philippine direct sales company IAM Worldwide celebrated its His7ory 7th Anniversary with a ceremony and music festival on Oct. 20 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

K-pop stars Rain and Hwasa of Korean girl group Mamamoo, and P-pop queens BINI headlined the music festival. 

Korean singer Rain (Photos from Mall of Asia Arena's Facebook account, screenshots from IAM Worldwide video) 

Hwasa of K-pop girl group Mamamoo (Jonathan Hicap)

 

Filipino girl group BINI (Jonathan Hicap)

Celebrities and endorsers who graced the event included Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, Atasha Muhlach and Andres Muhlach. 

Hwasa performed first and sang “I Love My Body,” “Na,” “Twit,” “Don’t” and “Chili.” 

“Kamusta po? It’s been a while since I visited Manila. Are you guys doing well? The last time I visited the Philippines for the Mamamoo concert, I remember the night,” she said. 

BINI performed “Cherry on Top,” “Karera,” “Salamin, Salamin” and “Pantropiko.” They also announced that they are now part of the IAM Worldwide family. 

They congratulated the company for its seventh anniversary celebration. 

Rain (real name Jung Ji-hoon) was the final act, performing “Gang,” “La Song,” and “Love Song,” and taking off his shirt while singing “Rainism.” 

“What’s up, Philippines? I missed you guys. I’m so happy to be here. It feels amazing to be back here with all of you,” he greeted the crowd. 

He also went down from the stage to be close to the audience during his set. 

During the event, IAM Worldwide awarded its top sellers. 

The IAM Worldwide His7ory 7th Anniversary was presented by Wilbros Live. 

Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo (2nd from left) with IAM Worldwide executives (Jonathan Hicap) 

Andres Muhlach (center) (Jonathan Hicap) 

Hwasa of K-pop girl group Mamamoo (Jonathan Hicap)

 

 

 

Filipino girl group BINI (Jonathan Hicap)

ILLIT says ‘I’ll Like You’ in second mini-album out now

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Oct 21, 2024 07:36 PM

  

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K-pop girl group ILLIT made their comeback on Oct. 21 by releasing their second mini-album “I’ll Like You.” 

ILLIT’s return to the music scene came just seven months after their record-breaking debut with the Billboard Hot 100-charting single “Magnetic.” 

While their debut album “Super Real Me” focused on capturing thoughts and feelings around the idea of “my true self,” the new album tells the story of the “self” that becomes deeply immersed in their encounter with “you” they wish to get closer to. 

ILLIT during their media showcase on Oct. 21 (Belift Lab)

“As we tried to express through our brand film and the album overall, ILLIT will strive to be a team that always looks straight ahead and walks towards paving our unique path,” said ILLIT during their media showcase held a few hours before the album release. 

Full of curiosity for the world that surrounds them, the five members of ILLIT venture out to go beyond simply expressing their fondness for “you” in the lead single “Cherish (My Love).” 

They declare, “I want to know how you feel about me, but my feelings for you are more important than just that,” implying a sense of satisfaction in understanding one’s own feelings over anything else. 

The dance pop track features an addictive chorus that sings “Ch ch ch ch cherish my love,” painting the picture of a girl who stays focused on understanding what her own feelings are in the moment and acts on those feelings to no regret.

The music video for “Cherish (My Love)” has a story line that blurs the line between reality and imagination. As a part of a uniquely imagined society named “Sarangnee Club” (Wisdom Tooth Club), the five members show each other their heart-shaped wisdom teeth, open up their hearts for each other to see, and candidly communicate love in their own ways.

“I’ll Like You” contains five tracks. ”I’ll Like You,” the medium pop opening track that shares its name with the album, sets the enigmatic yet charming undertone for the rest of the track list. 

Following the lead single “Cherish (My Love)” is the two-step garage track “IYKYK (If You Know You Know),” the dreamy “Pimple,” and the dynamic pop track “Tick-Tack.”

Their debut single “Magnetic” made history as the first-ever K-pop debut track to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Top 100 charts, peaking at No. 91 and No. 80 respectively. The single also surpassed 400 million streams on Spotify recently, shortly after it was recognized as the most globally streamed K-pop song released in the first half of 2024. 

“I’ll Like You” is available on all streaming platforms worldwide. 

ILLIT during their media showcase on Oct. 21 (Belift Lab)

 

WORDS POWER

Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”

In fact, words can literally shape the material world. The words we speak not only reflect, but shape our thoughts, and our thoughts shape the physical structure of our brains.

The religious and philosophical writer Tulushkin stressed before: "If you can't go for 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, you have lost control of your tongue!" Joseph Telushkin lectured on the awesome power of words.

He suggested taking a revealing "tongue test" to see where you stand. "Monitor your conversation for two days, "he said. "Note every time you say something negative about someone, who is not present. Also record, when others do so, as well as your reactions when it happens. Do you try to silence the speaker, or do you ask for more details?" Telushkin concludes, "Most of us who take this test are unpleasantly surprised." Now, guess why... .

I found a good description in Proverbs 6:16-19, relate to the causes and effects of damaging words: "Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet those are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies (!), and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers!"

But also written words can damage. I described it as "aggression's hotbed" in one of my old columns. Many times, it's painful to read columns or editorials, where the writer doesn't care for self-discipline, responsibility, inquisitiveness and respect. We all know how journalists can mentally shape public opinion, character, life, community and the way things go.

The power of words, written as well as spoken out, is a weapon, which can hurt - or kill! Writing with a wicked pen and having a sharp tongue doesn't mean that journalists should walk disrespectfully through life. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, even with a picked pen or sharp tongue.

Matthew 12:34 says, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

Proverbs 10:19 says, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 15:4 tells us, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

"The Place to begin dealing with our words is inside our thoughts about others and us. If we accompany that with a commitment to stop speaking harmful words. We've begun a dramatic mid-course correction in life", another religion writer, Dave McCasland said.

Careless words can really inflict wounds that last a lifetime. Kind words can bring healing and encouragement. Everything we say has the power to hurt or to heal. Let's accept that great challenge and let's think first, before we open our mouth or before we start writing.

Words shape our lives because words have power. Their meaning establishes intuitions that frame our attitudes, navigate our character, and eventually, establish our world. Their power emerges from our sentimental responses when we read, enunciate, or listen to them.

Inclusive institutions lead to prosperity

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 21, 2024 08:04 AM

  

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The Nobel Prize-winning work of Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson in “Why Nations Fail” has profoundly shaped the discourse on why some countries prosper while others languish in poverty. Their central thesis—that the development trajectory of a nation is determined by whether its institutions are inclusive or extractive—holds significant lessons for the Philippines, which, 12 years after the book’s publication, remains mired in familiar patterns of elite dominance and institutional stagnation. 

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippine economy has struggled to regain momentum. Despite efforts to revitalize various sectors, structural challenges persist, particularly those related to governance and inequality. Institutions remain largely extractive, reinforcing the power of a small political and economic elite at the expense of broad-based participation. The recent filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections reveals a continuing pattern of political exclusivity, with the same family dynasties and entrenched interests poised to dominate.

The concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few, tends to limit opportunities for innovation, productivity, and growth for the broader population. In such systems, policy decisions that promote inclusive development are the exception, rather than the rule.  

To break this gridlock, a more enlightened and active citizenry is crucial. One of the key takeaways from Acemoglu’s work is that the transformation from extractive to inclusive institutions does not happen overnight. It requires sustained pressure from below, from citizens who demand accountability, transparency, and fairness. This means empowering the electorate to challenge the dominance of political dynasties and support leaders who advocate for genuine reform.

Since the enactment of the Constitution in 1987, among all the provisions requiring Congress to pass implementing legislation, it is only Section 26, Article II of the Constitution prohibiting political dynasties has not yet been fully acted upon. Only In the Sangguniang Kabataan elections is it required that elected members must not “be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official, or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official, in the locality where she/he seeks to be elected.”

Citizen engagement must go beyond the electoral process. Pathways toward more inclusive institutions require structural reforms that tackle the very roots of political and economic inequality. For one, reforming the party system to foster stronger, issue-based political parties could dilute the influence of dynastic clans and allow for a more competitive political environment. Moreover, electoral reforms, such as stricter rules on campaign financing and greater transparency, could level the playing field for new, reform-minded candidates.
Beyond politics, the creation of inclusive economic institutions is vital. Strengthening property rights, ensuring fair competition, and promoting entrepreneurship can help break the monopolistic control of a few. Encouraging more foreign direct investment, especially in sectors where competition is limited, can also foster innovation and create jobs. Additionally, investing in human capital—through education, health, and social protection—will enable more Filipinos to participate meaningfully in the economy.

The key to these reforms lies in collective action. The example of other nations that have successfully transitioned from extractive to inclusive institutions shows that change is possible, but it requires coordination among various sectors of society. Civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, and the media all have a role to play in pushing for reforms.

Miss World Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez pursues music career

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

October 21, 2024 | 12:00am

 

Miss World Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez is set to release her first single as Universal Records Philippines’ newest talent.

Photo from Universal Records Philippines Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Miss World Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez assured her fans that she has ample time to prepare for her upcoming international competition amid her studies and music career. She recently signed with Universal Records Philippines as one of its new recording artists.

“I still have a few months left to prepare and I feel like it’s enough for me to prepare everything because I trust the people behind me, the people beside me in this journey. ALV (Arnold L. Vegafria, her manager), also my team, or my team Baguio, my Promedia family as well, they’re guiding me all throughout every stage that I step into. That’s why now, yes, time management is also the key, but I feel very grateful that I have a strong support system,” she shared during a recent contract signing with Universal Records Philippines. 

“Of course, as I mentioned, I feel very blessed that I am where I am right now. Maybe some people may think that time management is difficult for this because I have to prepare for my international competition but I really want to challenge myself more. And (I have) my school and my studies as well. So I had a lot of opportunities that came but I feel very blessed and lucky to have this because not all of us or not all aspiring artists can also have this opportunity. So, now I’m really grateful to have this milestone,” she added.

Krishnah with (from left) GLXY Entertainment executive director Andre Alvarez, Universal Records Philippines managing director Kathleen Dy-Go, and Krishnah’s manager Arnold Vegafria during the contract signing.

Krishnah also believed that her singing skills will be her edge at the upcoming Miss World 2025, which is scheduled in February. “Because I really want to grab every opportunity and use it to my advantage, especially when I entered the Miss World competition. It’s not easy because there will be, I think, a hundred or more candidates who will be competing on the international stage. So, I would like to grab this opportunity as well and use it as an advantage,” the beauty queen from Baguio remarked.

Music is a new field for Krishnah and she admitted that she had no self-confidence when it comes to singing. And many got surprised when she ventured into such. 

She told The STAR that her passion for music began when she was 12. It was her dad who taught her how to play the guitar. “That time, more like playing the guitar lang talaga, wala pa yung singing aspect. But as time goes by, of course, when you play the guitar, you also have to sing.

“So that’s when I discovered my love for singing. Sabi ko nga po, sa bahay lang akong kumakanta. The Miss World Philippines Talent Competition was the first time I sang in a large crowd.”

That was the time when she realized that she has a knack for singing. “The handlers from the Miss World (Philippines) organization messaged me as well, saying that I have potential nga daw po in this industry. So I reassessed myself, I asked myself, ‘Do I really want this?’ But at the end of the day, life is too short to just stick to one industry.”

So now, she is embracing her talent for music and she is thrilled for what the future holds for her in the music business. “So yung grandma ko kasi, she’s a devoted Roman Catholic and she sings in the church. And I grew up seeing her singing in the church. So maybe dun ko po nakuha yung influence ko in singing.” 

Given the chance to collaborate, she would like to do it with Moira dela Torre and Dionela. Her genre is bossa nova but she would love to explore other music genres, too,

Universal Records Philippines managing director Kathleen Dy-Go noted that Krishnah is more of a pop singer. “That’s what Arnold said also, but we can touch on a little bossa nova every now and then. But really as a general genre, it’s pop music.”

“I think it’s a surprise that everyone thinks that you can sing, Krishnah,” she told Krishnah. “She has a beautiful voice and we’re really excited to put out her new single soon.”

Bela Padilla on personal life: 'I've never been happier'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 20, 2024 10:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Bela has launched fragrances and beauty products for Bela By Bela brand, in collaboration with celebrity Dani Barretto. She describes her brand as "unmindful and intentional."

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Bela Padilla (center) with business partners Lan Ros Tañedo and Dennis Valbuena in Quezon City.

Actress and filmmaker Bela Padilla openly shared her fondness for residing in London, emphasizing that her time there has been both unforgettable and enriching in terms of personal growth and learning.

Bela has been making the most of her time in Manila by applying her entrepreneurial talents to the launch of her own makeup and fragrance product lines. Currently, she was feeling a sense of indecision about whether she would ultimately choose to return to the Philippines and make it her permanent residence once more.

"I'm about to start a teleserye for Amazon Prime and ABS-CBN. So, we will begin taping in November," said Bela during an interview in Quezon City recently. 

Bela added: "And then kaka-announce lang ng Viva ng '100 Awit Para Kay Stella.' Akala ko talaga makakauwi ako ng January. Pero sinabihan ako baka February. Pero malamang baka April na ako makabalik sa London.

"It's been a dilemma of mine na parang iniisip ko is it time to return fully. At least kasi napagbigyan ko ang sarili ko na tumira na ako sa ibang bansa. Nag aral ako doon at ang dami kong natutunan. Feeling ko nabuksan ko ang utak ko noong tumira ako sa London.

"My friends have been telling me na napapanood daw nila mga eksena ko sa Pamilya Sagrado. Ibang iba na raw ako at sobrang kalma na raw.

"Dati kasi parang kitang-kita na gustong-gusto ko yung ginagawa ko at yung mga eksena ko raw laban na laban. Kahit hindi dapat umiyak, umiyak daw ako. Ngayon daw timplang timpla ko na yung life ko so. I love that so much and I'm scared that if I say goodbye to my London life that I will lose that. But I'm still thinking about it," said Bela. 

Bela Padilla 

When Bela embarked on a new chapter in her life by starting a new business, she expressed that she had never experienced such overwhelming happiness before.

"I've never been happier than right now na I'm getting scared. Kasi usually kapag sobrang saya mo ang kasunod niyan sobrang lungkot. Ups and downs talaga ang buhay eh.

"I feel happy as a whole. I think 'It's Showtime' has a lot to do with that kasi tawa ako ng tawa. Parang, everything fits whatever puzzle piece of it, including my personal life. I have fulfilled my personal life also," Bela added.

Bela has launched fragrances and beauty products for Bela By Bela brand, in collaboration with celebrity Dani Barretto. She describes her brand as "unmindful and intentional."

Discussing her partnership with Dani, Bela said: “Dani has been my best friend for about 15 years now, and I really support her also in all her endeavors. For her to lend her name to us is such a big deal for the three of us. Marami pa kaming ilalabas.

“For me, sugal lagi eh, when you put your name on something. She’s a very meticulous person. She’s very conscious about what she puts out there. This has been years in the making," she also said. 

Bela feels that even though she has started a business, she believes it might be premature to consider herself a legitimate entrepreneur at this point.

"I still need to be more confident in calling myself a legitimate entrepreneur. Parang, I'm still learning the ropes and want to give credit to my business partners. Without them, I really wouldn't know what I'm doing. Hindi ako maglalabas ng makeup line on my own kung wala akong business partners kasi wala akong idea about it talaga. Pero nae-enjoy ko siya because my reach is bigger. I think that's the beauty of having a business.

"Siguro kapag na-invite na ako sa Go! Negosyo! Pero na invite na ako sa Go Negosyo but as a filmmaker. Pagna-invite na kami as owners siguro baka maiyak na ako nun. Si Dani (Barretto) na invite na eh.  Yun ang pamantayan ko. Shucks! Businesswoman na ito," she said.

On her business mantra, Bela commented: “I always really believe like do what you love. You can’t go wrong with that. Kapag tinanong ka, automatic, alam mo ‘yung sagot kasi mahal mo ang ginagawa mo. It’s so easy for you to justify and to explain something that you love.”

Filipinos most sleepless people in Asia, 4th in the world — study

 

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Did you know that Filipinos are the most sleepless people in Asia? 

According to the 2023 study of consumer research and data analytics company Milieu Insight, Philippines had the most people in Asia (56%) who had less than seven hours of sleep per day, followed by Thailand (49%), Indonesia (44%), Vietnam (43%), Singapore (42%) and Myanmar (39%). 

The same study claimed that Filipinos are also the fourth in the world to be lacking in sleep.

A sleep tracking application, Sleep Cycle, showed from its survey that Filipino adults only get an average of six hours and 30 minutes per day of sleep.

Harvard Medical School recommended at least seven hours of “quality” sleep for every person, no matter what the age, for body restoration and to prevent higher risk of acquiring diseases such as Diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. 

Last December, a video of a three-year-old Filipino child sleeping in an Ikea showroom bed went viral, with over 4.5 million views on TikTok.

In its new campaign, “Wake up! It’s time to sleep,” the Swedish lifestyle brand features three different customers falling asleep at their showroom, including the three-year-old girl. The campaign aims to call on Filipinos to give more attention to having better sleep. It also encourages Filipino customers to experience sleep solutions before purchasing at its showroom in Pasay City.

According to the brand’s Life at Home Report 2023, 44% of Filipinos consider sleeping as the main driver of nurturing at home. Understanding how vital sleep is to Filipinos, the brand offers sleep solutions focused on different elements that contribute to better sleep — from comfort, to light, temperature, sound, air quality, and organization. 

Feeling comfortable is a basic need for achieving “quality” sleep. In a comfortable bed, the right mattress and pillow are important for a good night’s sleep. Among the good mattresses that Ikea recommends are Åfjäll foam mattress or firm ones like Valevåg Pocket spring mattress. While for ergonomic pillows, options include Mjölkklocka, which has memory foam for full comfort whether you’re a side or a back sleeper. 

In general, the darker the bedroom, the better it is for sleep quality. Dimmable lights like the Tärnaby table lamp are a great way to get yourself ready for sleep. Even better are lights that you can dim and turn on and off from a distance using the Trådfri remote control kit. 

Key for a good night’s sleep is a comfortable indoor temperature no matter the season or climate. As such, the brand offers a wide range of cooling pads and pillows. The best-selling Klubbsporre ergonomic pillow aims to give both comfort through its memory foam and cooling effect with its gel layer on one side. For those looking to make their beds cooler, there is Rexbegonia cooling pad. You can even place it on the fridge before use for extra cooling while sleeping. 

The brand’s Life at Home Report 2023 also found that 31% of Filipinos listen to music, podcast, or wellness apps to get better sleep. The Symfonisk Sonos Wifi bookshelf speaker has a rich and vibrant sound that can fill the entire bedroom and allows you to create the right atmosphere for sleep. 

Air quality is not the most obvious factor in getting a good night’s sleep, but unclean air or unbalanced humidity levels in your home can disturb your sleep and affect your health. As such, there is the Vindriktning air quality sensor that can check the air quality based on particles with stylish and easy-to-use sensor, making it ideal to combine with Förnuftig air purifier to improve one’s bedroom’s air quality, so one can breathe cleaner air while one sleeps. 

To make the room a better place for sleeping, the brand presents tools for organization such as Malm chest of four drawers and Skubb box of six, to separate your shirts, accessories, and undergarments and easily find them. The brand’s Life at Home Report 2023 also showed that 12% of Filipinos have a chair or a similar piece of furniture in their bedroom that dabbles as wardrobe. 

“Proper sleep has many health benefits and is essential for optimal well-being,” Harvard Medi