DK Talents Shine on Mothers Day Special

There are so many talented Filipinos around the world and what an opportune time to showcase this through a Mothers Day Special through Filipino TV, a channel based in Toronto, Canada.

An evening with 6 Filipino-Canadian artists performing for a night of music, dance and the arts, they entitled this event as "Girlpower for the Supermoms". More than the flowers and chocolates which most people give on the day, songs from some of the greatest artists in the world was performed live by talented ladies from the Greater Toronto Area. This is where Gloriane, Chelsea, Arielle, Alyssa, Antoinette and Kayleigh come in. Part of DK Talents, they had a grueling few weeks to rehearse for it. DK Tijam of DK Talents knew he had to manage their schedules. He was extremely grateful for their parents who helped generously, they were able to pull it off and perform that evening.

Much on their playlist was something they wanted to dedicate to their Moms, and personal favorites that they knew would be special for them.  From Antoinette's rendition of “La Vie En Rose”, "You Are My Sunshine" to Kayleigh's version of "Put Your Records On" (she also appeared on 13 the Musical btw!), they all were able to put some smiles on their Moms and those who watched, everyone felt their sincerity and love with the songs. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arielle did "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" and "Mom" bringing their A game with a little pop influence instead. They also sat down and talked about how their Moms have been instrumental on how they became who they are today, plus a few stories in between how they bonded with their mothers, their relationships, it was so sweet to hear that!

DK Tijam was their producer, stage director, writer, vocal arranger, and everything else in between. He nurtured these ladies and trained them personally. He says "Seeing them all being made up by their own parents, preparing their outfits, and getting help with their dance numbers, I felt really grateful how we have achieved all these in a short amount of time. After training them, seeing them perform today was a WIN. Their vocal range, command of the stage and how they worked with us in choreography, they are all very talented ladies who will certainly go places!"

DK Tijam was a Grand Finalist in popular show Star in a Million (held in the early 2000's), but now trains young aspiring singers in Toronto, Canada. He now has several students that are doing quite well in the Maple state and seeing them all achieve their dreams is his success too. GirlPower for the SuperMoms is just the start, you can now watch it on Facebook or just click here.

Congratulations to the whole DK Talents team and of course, their mentor DK Tijam for the successful show!

Filipino Slang Reaches WeChat Sticker Gallery!

Like whoa! I can't believe my eyes! It looks like we're in for a treat today as WeChat just started speaking our language! Oh yes! The fun in the Philippines never stops as Filipino slang finally reaches this social messaging app that we absolutely love! Now, you'll find the normal things people utter on the streets - spoken by ordinary Filipinos which you won't usually see on school, literature or find in books. The Filipino language is definitely evolving and it's turning out to be quite and adventure. 

Just imagine our 7,107 islands. It's got about 175 recognized dialects that can be called in unison as "Filipino". Even as tourists, you'll have something in your sleeve as the Philippines also ingrained in its popular culture a distinctive form of communication known as "Filipino slang". You won’t find this category in books but you’ll hear the series of catchphrases on the streets, from local television shows to just about anywhere where the influences of media exist. It is very dynamic and changes from day to day. A combination of English and Tagalog,  to gay lingo, to street dweller terminologies, you would see something that you could use in everyday life. 

As our language change and evolve, WeChat provides a very social mobile application that follows the color and hues of the Filipino vernacular. 16 fully new funny stickers that would imply the inventiveness of our writings and the immeasurable joyfulness of our innate humor. You won't find it anywhere but here. Get ready to put in your messages statements as “Bahala na si Batman!”,  “Boom!”, “Push mo yan!” and “Gorabels!”. One could never run out of fun quirky ways telling your friends, office mates and relatives something new every time you chat on one great social messaging application like WeChat. This set is currently available at WeChat’s Sticker Gallery which you can easily access by clicking on Me then go to the Sticker Gallery.

I can't wait to use these stickers on you guys! :)

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The Voice Kids Philippines

This is a moment in TV history that we should never miss. The Voice Kids will be shown on ABSCBN as usual and they have been doing the auditions since November last year. They have picked the best of the best during the blind auditions and as I quote the judges this year, you can pit them against the adults if given a chance but really, this is only for kids ages 8 to 14.

We met with the judges and hosts a few days ago and it was nice to know what they've thought about the contestants this season. It was completely out of the box but with the few that they've seen so far, they are impressed. Standard wise, Bamboo says he went down a bit because you can't be too technical judging these youngsters. Their talents are raw and you can really see that they need help in that department. He enjoys every single bit of it though because the kids have no lack in talent. Filipinos are the best singers and this is really a good testament to that in fact. Bamboo also sang with us because the venue had KTV. He sang it like Bamboo would haha. Even if it was a RnB song he put his spin on it if you know what I mean.

Gorgeous and simple in a little white dress, the Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo was there too and we talked to her a bit about her expectations in this show. She goes out and said she was really impressed with the kids and you can pit them with professionals and might still get away with it. She also says she sees herself in them because she went through the same thing when she was young. Some of these kids have around 30-50 singing contests that they joined and some of them are real champions. This one would be a cinch for them no doubt. Will the public be that kind too to these cute ones? We'll have to find out when The Voice Kids start!

Sarah was so nice too. She grabbed the microphone and made a duet with Rod Magaru. See? She really does make dreams come true! :)

This season is also Luis Manzano's first stint at The Voice Philippines. He will be hosting together with Alex Gonzaga. They'll be in different parts so they wouldn't be doing the hosting thing at the same time. Luis will mostly be in the back stage interviewing the contestants. 

They surprised Luis with this cake... then asked him some questions about The Legal Wife and Angel Locsin. It looks like they are very happy, especially when he told us about the lunch/dinner his whole family had with Angel. It was like she never really left that relationship. More so that his Mom star for all seasons Governor Vilma Santos said "Welcome Home" to her. Isn't that sweet? I know.

Well, more of these things and MORE will happen once you get to see the first day of The Voice Kids on ABSCBN.Watch the blind audition teasers here!

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WeChat Brings You Closer This Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is fast approaching and if you've got relatives outside the country, it's but normal to feel distraught. With the advancement of mobile technology and the easiness of using apps, it's now going to feel a lot closer for most of us and that's a good thing. It's something to be thankful for!

WeChat, the fastest growing mobile social messaging app in the country is now giving back to the most special woman in our lives - our Moms. They've got an exciting promo that sets importance on connecting with your loved ones. You can now use WeChat Video Calls to three different people on different days this week. Aside from that, you get awesome prepaid credits to help you get connected to people that you dearly love. Moms can get those precious moments rolling once again with friends and relatives. Isn't that amazing?! Well that's not all. When you use WeChat and try the video call feature with three different people, a mere screenshot of you sharing WeChat tips along with your best wishes for your mom on the Moments section of the WeChat App might get you a special prize that you and your mom can both enjoy. All you need to do is to share it with WeChat by posting your screenshots on Facebook while tagging their official page at WeChat Philippines. Letting them know how special your Mom is and getting some perks in the process just makes this the perfect thing to do this Mother's day.

I am so happy that my Mom is at home, but since my brother is in Ireland we might as well use the obvious service that can connect my other relatives too. I even tried the video call earlier with my friends and it's clear as a bright sunny day. The audio was great too - nothing lame and choppy. Now imagine that great service and a chance to win something from the fastest growing chat app in the country! If you haven't tried WeChat yet, then this might be the best time to do it!

  

Why? It's because you can win prepaid credits or more from WeChat. Just follow these steps:

1.) Make three (3) video calls to three (3) different people on WeChat. Do this on three different days. This will entitle you to win a PHP 100 worth of prepaid card. 
2.) After doing the Video Call task, send the keyword “HMD” to WeChat Fans Official Account (add the ID: wechatfansph) so you can put in your information for prize delivery.
3.) Win another special prize by doing the additional task of sharing WeChat tips to Moments along with your best wishes for your mom. To avail of this opportunity, you must take a screenshot of you sharing WeChat tips on Moments and posting it on a public status on Facebook while tagging WeChat Philippines Official Facebook Account. That's it!

WeChat’s Video Call feature is a new and exciting platform bringing people closer together. It’s an easy way to show your loved ones how much you care. This Mother’s Day, celebrate the warmth of a mother’s love in a unique and modern way by giving them a kiss and a heartfelt greeting through a Video Call on WeChat. They deserve all the love they can get! I already said I love her, you should too!

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The Digital Filipino Psyche on Online Entertainment

There's so many things to tell you about the Filipino way of thinking and how we at most - try to paint a picture about how we inculcate in our lives - online entertainment. 

 We are a different breed. Due to the rousing obvious influences of Spanish, Japanese and American rule in our country, we are much of a melting pot of cultures. Today, we have somehow made the same advancements and made it a part of our young smartphone and tablet habits. Some are well involved colloquys and some are just plain opinions. Although we see something that strike us a little off delving into topics like these, young Filipinos from 16-24 choose to have apps like WeChat to entertain us as individuals. It's not just all serious talk now. Things can go relaxed and become our best friend when the need comes through. Like me and WeChat which I use to socialize virtually. What's yours?

If you don't know yet, you might fall into these categories:

1. The Political Brainwave

If you care too much about your hard earned taxes, the current Bangsamoro Agreement in Mindanao and the people who are suppose to be jailed but are still in hospitals receiving pampering; then you are part of this group. For the longest time, you've been talking about current government and political events and don't mind being the one voicing out your opinion about the next presidential elections on Facebook for everyone to see, then you are part of the populace that discuss this topic which comprises 55% of internet users and 57% of WeChat users in the Philippines. Imagine that!

2. The Superstar Reflex

We might as well admit it - that we love to gossip and talk about celebrities in different mediums. You might not be the one holding megaphones and announcing it all on the streets but of course you maybe the person inside your homes watching every KathNiel or The Legal Wife scene on TV and putting your reactions online. News, gossip or whatever you call it, you are part of a whole 54% of average internet users and 55% of WeChat users go online who discuss this with fervor! Something you can say you can't live without daily! You also go out of your way to post photos, videos and other media just to show your passion... now that's amazing!

3. The Nerves of Speed

If you are fans of car shows, auto exhibits and love all that has 4 wheels and a great body, then you are part of a number of people who talk about the third most interesting topic across social networking services. Measured in general and in WeChat chatter, that's a great feat in itself. Seeing an agricultural country as ours crave for something like automobiles means there's relentless progress right there. Purchasing power? Perhaps... there's just a lot of people interested in these things. It's a welcome change and something that you know could measure economic activity if they begin splurging and get interested in cars. Just ask the tons of Philippine jeepneys and foreign race cars I've seen in local shows and you know we're almost drowning in them. Good thing really.

4. The Adventure Hormones

Labor Day became Laboracay and those remote islands just became populated. We can never have much of vacations and holidays just so we can get a feel of how it is to have adventure, sports and wildlife in the mix. If we're working too hard or getting stressed all the time in the four walls of your cube in the office, the only way to NOT be stressed is by going out and exploring the other 7,107 islands we haven't been too in the Philippines. Studies reveal that around 51% of average internet users or 55% of WeChat users talk about these adrenaline inducing activities we might be missing out on. Those jump and solo shots on your Instagram are a dead giveaway.

5. The Beauty Bone

You might think this is just because of your friends who are addicted looking at themselves in the mirror, but it's not just that. Take account the various make up tutorials and lovely fashion advices plus the star of the show... your pets! It's similar to humans but if you get into the gritty details of it, almost 57% are talking about pet grooming and care in WeChat. Now that can't be ignored, hence the volume of people loving or wishing to be perfect.

We are nice people and understanding us a bit and how we go about our lives in the Philippines may well reflect our culture. It's a good thing we have things that motivate us to be better than what we were yesterday. Technology complements our race and it connects us to friends, loved ones in more ways than one. Same with Video, Hold to Talk and Chat that not only makes it easy for us to stay in touch. We might hold the title of the heaviest video chat usage already and we're not going to be surprised. Our culture holds a ton of importance with family. Same as some our other neighboring Asian countries perhaps, but ours maybe a bit warmer and a tad better!

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Updates on WeChat Philippines

 We had a chance to meet a couple of people from WeChat a few days ago. They were drawing their milestones and telling us a picture on how the application has been performing in the Philippines. Oliver Ye, Country Manager of WeChat Philippines says that since March of 2012 (Tencent Inc.), they have steadfastly been growing and got initially 100 Million registrations around the world, a feat faster performed than well known social networks. 

They have also introduced the first hold to talk, shake and drift messaging feature that are was initially not found on other apps. Over 355 Million registered active users are now taking advantage of it and since April last year, they have been marketing this app in the Philippines starting with endorsements by Iya and Drew Arellano. Do you still remember their commercial? I know I do. 

They are also bigger now in the country and have been able to garner and audience that's quite young. According to their data, they have people mostly from 15-24 age using it now. 81% of which are all under 34 years of age. In the Philippines, they have also seen something very big because we have the highest percentage of video usage among other countries. They have attributed this on our culture as we mostly use this medium to communicate with our loved ones. Being a country that has amassed millions of OFW's in the past few years, they were not surprised because they see this as an important way to connect with relatives or friends outside the Philippines.

They also taught us a few features of WeChat and got us to do it that afternoon. I already am a pro at this so when they did a small contest I won haha.

Finding me on WeChat is easy just add kumagcow on your contacts and I'll be there. If you have friends that you want to add and they are nearby, just click the + sign on the Chats section and choose Add Contacts. There is a feature called Friend Radar on that window and you'll see them all pop up. Just click on each friend and they'll be added to your contacts. Easy than manually typing right? :)

If you are lonely this Labor Day, don't worry. There's a People Nearby feature where you can see people around you and even show how far they are from where you are. It's easier to make friends, chat and even send photos/videos when you need it. You see the potential? There's a lot more where that came from. Download the WeChat app now on the App Store or Google Play Store. This is available for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Symbian and OS X devices. You can't be anti social in this day and age. Try it out! It won't hurt! :)

We love. We share. WeChat!

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The Chance To Be The Next WeChat Star!

It's been three long and fun years getting 355 million registered accounts since its inception. WeChat has definitely made my social life so good with its great features and exclusive promos. Remember in 2013 when Iya Villania and Drew Arellano appeared on TV for a WeChat commercial? Well, it's going to be another momentous event to see more of WeChat this 2014 as they launch a brand new TVC this May. Isn't that amazing?!

Best of all, they are getting one of the country's top fashion influencer. Who else is going to be with him/her? IT COULD BE YOU! No joke. To become a part of this shoot, you just have to do a few things. Just take four (4) SELFIES beginning today until early May whilst portraying the expressions happy, angry, sad and surprised. Then share those through the “Moments” section of WeChat. Then take screenshots of it and then send it to the official Facebook page. On that post, just make sure you tag @WeChat Philippines. Wouldn't you like to be part of this awesome shoot? :)

WeChat has always been the perfect mobile chat application that perfectly fits our lifestyle. No matter how you feel, it's the great app that can suit your mood and can easily be communicated with your friends and family. I admire Drew and Iya when they did the first commercial because no matter how busy they were in their respective shows, they still keep it a point to get in touch with technology as wonderful as this. WeChat’s “Video Call” functions had them talking hours or minutes in between tapings. They also use “Hold To Talk” to send sweet messages via chat when one or the other is busy. The sweet “Moments” function also served as their repository for photos so they show what they're doing all throughout the day if they needed to check on each other. Now, this is the perfect chance for you to show how you use WeChat! Make sure to follow the WeChat Fans Official Account ID wechatfansph so you get tips if you want to join.

You'll surely love how WeChat innovates the way how you connect with your loved ones. It's time to share that now. I did!

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WeChat Partners with Internet Shopping Giant ZALORA

My favorite mobile messaging application WeChat just gave us great news that they are holding a partnership with online shopping giant Zalora. Better than ever, they are making you shopping experience a whole lot bigger than before by giving out exclusive content, news and promos unprecedented in Philippine internet shopping industry. With over 15 million users across the country, they are giving this user base special access to the newest offers and the ability to easily pay with a single swipe. It's one of the many perks having WeChat and I'm so glad I'm enjoying it until now.

The Senior Director of Business Development and Operations Justin Sun at Tencent said “As Filipinos lead more mobilized lifestyles, WeChat wants to help boost brands by providing them a mobile platform to further expand their enterprises. Aside from supporting retailers, this kind of practice can also open up a new business model for those in the wholesale industries.” In this case, not only will this partnership help both businesses but the retailers and consumers as well. It makes sense, if you've got a consumer that's got WeChat installed on their phones that means they've got a smartphone right? The people with the same purchasing power are also the ones that would bound to be the customers of Zalora. It's a perfect fit!

 My hunch was right and confirmed by Mr. Paulo Campos the Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines. He says “Our partnership with WeChat is a natural fit. With this mobile messaging leader at the helm, ZALORA can stay connected with shoppers and ensure that they remain up-to-date with all of our latest offerings.” Having been able to also shop there, the convenience of choosing a product, paying for it easily and having it sent right to my doorstep was so convenient. It beats the shopping mall in so many levels because you'll never have to drive through traffic, you'll never have to be bothered by the crowd plus you'll get even bigger discounts now that WeChat and Zalora made this partnership happen! :)

Bigger discounts? Yeah! There's an exclusive promo running now for WeChat users that can get you 60% off on purchases at collective.com. All you need to do is download WeChat on your smartphone or tablet and add ZALORA’s Official ID on WeChat: ZALORAph. If you follow them, the subscription messages provide an e-coupon instantly. This will entitle you to that discount we mentioned a while ago. Enjoy this e-coupon whenever you shop in Zalora online. :)

It's hot outside, be in the comforts of your own home and start shopping!

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WeChat's Got Special Stickers for Women’s Month!

The most awesome person in the world is my Mom. I'm sure most of you will say the same. That goes with your sisters, friends and relatives of the female form. At the end of the day, you hold certain special things in the past. Most of them are memories; and the energy you get from them is insurmountable. I am proud of them!

If you may have seen in recent days, the Philippines in almost every media outlet has celebrated Women's Month. We have participated together with other nations the recent International Women's Day which happened March 8, 2014. To give honor to these individuals, WeChat has just released new stickers to give thanks to the women in your life.

Miss Sweetness Alive - She's that refined woman who's as charming as the one you see in books. Warm and welcoming in any situation. They make you feel comfortable and are always there whenever you need advice. They're exactly like your Mom, or close friends because you can confide to them your hardships in life but still gives sound advice whenever you need it. They are your go to persons if you want TLC. Isn't she sweet?!

Miss Live Wire - They are real born leaders, heroes in their own right. They are the existing alpha in the Greek alphabet. They hunger for the win. If you have that certain femme fatale personality then these stickers represent you. Almost like Wonder Woman and can juggle all the facets of her job and still have time to take care of the family. That's her! She's likely to use also WeChat's Group Chat feature that can get 100++ people in one group. It makes instructions easy to send to a multitude of your work personnel or friends too.

Miss Atlas Trouper - She's always out in the world, finding external forces that could influence and make her professional and personal life better. A go getter, easily can be seen anywhere she goes and inspires others to do the same. She does good things and shares that same trait with other people as much as she can. Use the sticker and you would likely be someone who would use WeChat's location sharing and discovery feature. Try Shake, Friend Radar or People Nearby and you can get more friends in the process. One who's got a happy social life, a better person inside and out. That's Miss Atlas Trouper for you!

Miss Get Happy - If she's too non predictable and radical, she's bound to be the one to think of creative and inventive things every time you get together then she's Miss Get Happy. They will always try to make you happy, get your spirits up whenever she sees you need it. Her free spirit will be always contagious. They think about happy things and enjoy if you get bursting into laughter. They are the sunshine to your rain and the first person to start good times. She's bound to use WeChat's Walkie Talkie or Hold-to-Talk voice notes to get you in the mood. She also initiates those fun times by making video calls so that no distance can be between you. We always have a friend/sister that's like that. Something that would instantly tell you to utter the words "I love her!". A woman who never simmers in dull moments and makes your gloomy day a brighter one on cue!

WeChat has got so many ways to get you connected with the special people in your life. They also have stickers that can tell that special one what you feel in that particular time when text is not enough. To my Mother, sister and friends, thank you for being there for me when I needed it most. I might not like most of the women outside my circle, but if it's you... I'd make an exception to love you just like you do me. :)

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