The folks at Smart Communications Inc. just inked a partnership with ESports Event Management and Production giant Dark League Studios in its aim to further grow ESports in the country. This is certainly the time to hone them from grassroots, to pros and eventually have them represent the country in international tourneys.
This means they'll be working together through the Smart GIGA Arena platform and have folks needed tournament experience in games like Mobile Legends, PubG, CODM, League of Legends Wild Rift and many more. This will grow Smart's capability to host more tournaments especially for the 2 million users it already amassed in previous years.
Smart President and CEO Al Panlilio says "Working with Dark League Studios means we will provide the best gaming experience for our customers including those in ESports. There are a lot of platforms for Filipinos to excel, it's something we could be proud of especially if they win in the local scene and globally. We offer technologies, bringing hosting locally and connectivity like no other, this is Smart's way of further developing the infrastructure and platforms."
Alfrancis Chua of DLS says "Smart and Dark League Studios share the same vision in the ESports industry. We will share our expertise especially in the gaming arena, in hopes to help Filipino ESports athletes to reach their dreams!"
Kelra and Ch4knu from Smart Omega
AC Valdenor, CEO and Co-Founder of Dark League Studios
This is just the start, if you want to know more about it, visit Smart's social channels and their site smart.com.ph.
A couple years ago, I was scrolling on fandom Twitter posts when I suddenly found one that seemed to be a story. I went on opened the consecutive Tweets and saw how people have been reading it, getting obsessed, but no one knew back then that it was a 12 year old girl who wrote these things. Now, we finally got to meet the person who started it all. She's Gwy Saludes, a very talented writer and artist under OC Records.
Clad in a preppy shirt, this young lady is now 22 and taking up Legal Management at Ateneo de Manila University. Gwy says "It's about campus life, starting from a Twitter series which I likened to big 4 universities. When "Along Espana" became popular, I wanted to do a longer version of it hence the University series. Even then, there were a lot of people who took interest in it and wanted to know about the culture being in these schools. "The Rain in España" was made when I was already in college. It was all about my experiences, my friends and people around me during that time. It was in Wattpad when I started these all, but really blew up when I wrote book 3. I have 6 books in this series which includes "The Rain in España", "Safe Skies, Archer", then "Chasing in the Wild!", "Avenues of the Diamond", "Golden Scenery of Tomorrow", and "Our Yesterday's Escape".
When asked about having her work become a series on television, she says "I'm very happy but at the same time, there is pressure because I know, there's a lot of people who are waiting for it especially the ones who read the books. I know they have a lot of expectations, I need to surpass this one when it gets shown when it gets adapted for TV. I act as a consultant for the show, I'm also very involved with the casting. I need to read and check the script, they listen to me if I wanted things to be changed since this is very collaborative."
"The adaptation though does not include everybody else's thought bubble. We are a team and we need to meet in the middle for any decision. From auditions, to script reading, we really saw Marco and Heaven fit the role. The plot is very close to the book, you need to look at the value of friendship, love, academics, balancing it. Even if you don't read the book, you'll get to understand the story. It's up to you if you get hooked in the books, I've went twice while they were making the film."
Here's the rest of our chat with her over lunch a few days ago:
You may now stream "The Rain in España" on Viva One or watch it every Sundays on TV5 at 4PM. She also said that the next book might be coming real soon so if you haven't subscribed yet, you better do! Download the app on Google Play today!
It's quite amazing to see how Tyronne Escalante Artist Management managed to become bigger by the day each time they announce new talents joining their stable. With their already stellar line of artists, one could realize how he was able to put this from the ground up, and successfully put them into pedestals, in projects, TV shows and movies which they worked hard for and deserve. Recently, they announced artists Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan will now be part of T.E.A.M. and will manage their individual careers. With his track record, the best days will certainly come.
Polo Ravales has been in the industry for years now, and has done quite well in the race. He's done roles left and right, from drama, action, support roles, he's already have had an established career. His goal in the next few years include winning acting awards now that he's under new management. Polo also revealed how his wife Paulyn Quiza (a pro fitness coach) became the key to a huge change in his lifestyle. He used to party a lot, but now involves himself in taking care of his son, having healthy food, travel and workout which he exclaims "blessed!" that they do it on a regular basis. This new chapter in his career is going to be different and he says "TBH I didn't really knew Tyronne, but with the work I do, he came strongly recommended by a Director friend (Cathy) who was under Director Joyce Bernal. I was looking for management that would bring me to projects that would get me to the next level. I immediately called him that same day, there was even a strong typhoon at that time. Now that I'm under Tyronne, I promise to be the best version of Polo Ravales that I can be. I am happy and thankful to be part of it."
Andrew Gan adds "I've been seeing Sir Tyronne a couple of times at ABSCBN projects. When we talked, I told him that this too will be a concerted effort on both our ends. He was recommended to me by a GMA executive. He's very hands on and I will look forward to do more work now that I'm under his management. I can promise intense dedication and commitment on the work I do. What I like about Tyronne is how he's hungry, thirsty for growth. You can all see how he does it and ask "What's next?!" which I'm so thankful for. I look forward to work with him even more now that I'm under his wings."
Chanel Morales on the other hand has been in my radar since Artista
Academy days on TV5. Recently, she's involved in putting up a Bar/Salon
in her hometown of Bacolod in Negros Occidental. She says "First, I want
to thank Kuya Ty, as you may know I was in a different management
agency before. We haven't really talked that much about our plans yet
but what I can promise him now is that, I am not just here as an artist,
I'm also here to help him to market myself, it's a 50/50 effort and
work. We met while we were still doing Artista Academy and while he was
introducing a lot of artists to different shows. When I approached him
and asked for his help, he didn't hesitate especially after the
pandemic. He really gave me a chance to become part of TEAM and I am
extremely grateful for that. I already saw how aggressive in
accomplishing his goals for his artists, his management, I only wish him
success on our future endeavors. I'm really looking forward to it! I
didn't really ask anything specific, but just help me when inquiries
pour in so they could handle it. I closed so many deals in the past
including work on social media. It's what I plan to do in the next few
years. I can also do hosting stints, not just acting jobs."
On a personal note, I really love Chanel. She's been very kind since Day 1. I can't wait to see her do big roles on the silver screen soon because her face is absolutely perfect on camera.
Tyronne
Escalante says "For those who don't know, Chanel is Akihiro Blanco's
loveteam in the past, so I was able to really get to work with her back
then. I am very happy and grateful that we've added more artists to the
pool of talented actors in TEAM. I mean who wouldn't be happy to see
that you'll have Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan in our
roster. It's a growing family, and I am glad to welcome them all here!"
This is just the start of big things that are about to happen in Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan's careers. I hope that soon, we'll begin interviewing them for the projects they are eyeing here, because these talented artists really deserve it.
Congratulations and welcome to Tyronne Escalante Artist Management!
It was a little over 3pm when we got to the Bambbi Fuentes Hair and Make Up Salon in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. We got there to get to know a few people behind the film "Sugat sa Dugo" (with international title Wounded Blood) that won the Best Actress Award for Ms. Janice De Belen at the International Film Festival Manhattan 2021.
These new breed of lads and lasses are under famed Make Up Artist Bambbi Fuentes and Businesswoman Tine Areola's very own Dragon Artists Management Group. They've scoured the nation and auditioned a lot of talents to choose who to take in, and from what I've seen, they all look promising.
The Dragon Ladies
Meet Christa Jocson, Emcel K Abuso, Shira Tweg, Mira Aquino and Mosh Gerodias also known as Filipino Pop group Gandaras
Albeit new to movies, these ladies have been doing shows, pageants, showcasing their talent in different Emcel K Abuso is more of a jack of all trades and often join beauty pageants in different provinces around the country. Mira Aquino on the other hand is a very spirited singer and composer. She got us a bit stunned when she suddenly sang the soundtrack for the movie. I've observed Shira Tweg to be a little shy, but perky. She also sings and dances, I guess the requirement for them is being a triple threat. Christa Jocson has done several shows on TV, but takes this experience of doing the movie a bit educating. After all, they are learning the ropes of the business by playing different roles. Mosh Gerodias was a ball of energy, saying her role in the movie is pretty close to home.. as she likes being the life of the party. Here's our interview with them a few days ago.
The Dragon Boys
Meet good lookin guys Leonne Adriano, Khai Flores and RJ Ariar.
There's no shortage of talent with the boys from Dragon Artists Management. Leonne Adriano might be young but he's done several indie films already following the footsteps of his Grandmother, the legendary Rosanna Roces. Khai Flores on the other hand comes fresh from his stint in Kadenang Ginto and a few movies in the pipeline. The guy has good looks, very confident, and quite smart. He also plays Janice De Belen's son in "Sugat Sa Dugo". RJ Ariar on the other hand has found a new home with Dragon Artists Management. He used to be in a boy group but felt he needed to spread his wings elsewhere. He ultimately wanted growth and with the several projects he's gotten under Ms. Bambbi and Ms. Tine, he's learning more especially with the movie they made. These guys are barely scratching the surface of what they are capable of and their management knows that. Here's our conversation with them about the movie.
Seeing fresh new faces, possibly the artists that would eventually become the big stars of the future made us feel a little assured that there's a huge source of talent in the country that will continue to grow. I hope you were able to get to know these guys and gals during the small conversations we had about the movie. "Sugat Sa Dugo" will be shown in the Philippines soon. The acclaimed short film has been made into a full length one and they're raring to show this to the general public. The goal is, to let you know about the cause they discussed in the film as it's about HIV, family, and love. Here's hoping they get to follow through with making it as touching as the first so Filipinos could learn more about why they made this film. For those who don't know, this is written by Bambbi Fuentes (based on a friends account), Produced by her and Ms. Tine Areola under Dragon Entertainment Productions.
Just got off the International Women's Month event of TaskUs. I could have entitled this artilcle "of TaskUs", but I felt I was part of the celebrations hence the change. I felt I was talking among peers rather than guests.
Their thrust this month is "Breaking the Bias", Ms. Victoria Alchachupas the Division VP of Integrated Marketing at TaskUs says "We need to admit that there is bias, I'm proud to be part of an organization that is part of the solution. We focus on talent and skills, the more diverse, the better. 49 percent of leaders at TaskUs are women, and our commitment to provide the best employee experience makes us ridiculously different. It's a conscious balance in internal promotion and hiring to do that, we look at the capabilities and background regardless of gender."
Vina Paglicawan the Director for Wellness at TaskUs says "Working Filipinas are burnt out with intensified challenges brought by the pandemic. We saw the same happen with mothers, balancing work and home responsibilities. TaskUs has been relentless in providing tools and support to create healhty workplace for its employees so as to improve any feelings of stress, anxiety or burnout. Currently, the company has Employee Assistance Programs, 100+ Mental Health Professionals, Outreach Activities, did flexible parenting workshops, and put up a Solo Parents Group. Our employees always have a high satisfaction rating, 94% and they appreciate, acknowledge that they are being taken cared of."
Regina Aguila says "Women think they have fewer career advancement opportunities than men, organizations need to proactively support their employees growth. TaskUs has been pro women, pro family and inclusive for all. We have scholarship programs, expanded maternity leaves, 24 leaves policy including a birthday leave, HMO, on site day care and lactation rooms. TaskUS advocates recognizing top talents, have internal job promotion opportunities, tuition fee and professional development programs, employee resource groups, bias detection and allyship leadership training, everyone is allowed to speak up."
Hearing that from the people at TaskUs felt sincere, it felt good hearing that they've not been discriminated by their gender, role or ethnicity. They also have seen opportunities of advocating for others, women, coach them, make them aware about not taking biases. Their goal is equality, and it is evident that they are doing good. Hope this gets replicated elsewhere. It is their culture to be inclusive, encourage everyone to participate and I think that's a good thing.
A tough and brazen partner in economic recovery, the local contact center industry was praised by the Philippine government for its efforts in making sure business is moving and for being resilient during the pandemic.
The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry says "We have seen your work despite the huge challenges of COVID-19, the third quarter of this year shows IT-BPM's recovery. It had posted moderate growth and is steadily rising in the last few months." This was mentioned during the Contact Islands '21 session on "Government and Private Partnership: Road to Recovery".
IATF Karlo Nograles also attests on how the IT-BPM industry has continued to lead in employment generation even on the countryside. He also mentions how Filipino IT-BPM workers have remained competitive and remain to be a crucial part of how we could transition to the new normal. CCAP Chair Benedict Hernandez reiterated how it is crucial for IT-BPM firms to have backing from the government as the industry was classified to be essential during these times and keep support intact for clients and keep their employees employed too. CCAP President Jojo Uligan on the other hand thanks the government for listening to the sector so they could remain in operation and complete procedures on protocols in work from home arrangements, so it would stay safe during these times. Lopez also said that the contact center and IT BPM industry continue to implement programs and reforms to continue the drive towards economic recovery. He's also keen this would create more opportunities and satisfy patrons even if needs are changing locally and internationally.
I've been covering photo shoots of celebrities for quite a number of years. This was kind of special as it's been a while since I've gone out because of the pandemic. I've seen a few photos of her online and getting to know a new artist might seem to be a chore for some, but I felt a little excited because Tyronne Escalante Artist Management had a gem in their hands. She's Sophia Stave, a Filipino American beauty from the province of Bukidnon which is an extensive plateau and mountainous area in Mindanao.
After living in San Francisco for a couple years, she and her parents went back to Malaybalay, Bukidnon 4 years ago for business and pleasure. She didn't know she'd end up representing the city through a pageant that didn't push through because of the pandemic. She was discovered through social media by TEAM (Tyronne Escalante Artist Management) and she's been riding the wave since then.
Sophia has a soft heart for horses and she's been riding competitively since 2018 after tagging along with friends in the province. That's good news so if there would be stunts in projects that would require riding one, she'd wouldn't have to train for it. She also plans to take up Animal Science in college soon as it is clearly has become a passion. She also wants to make it far in showbiz, use this platform to good use and do well in every project she's involved in. Sophia also adores Liza Soberano which she feels she could connect to since they almost have the same background since she too came from the US. She also loves Daniel Padilla, which to me means she has good taste! Here's more of our interview with her at the studio on our video editorial.
We couldn't help but marvel on how she looks. She's very pretty even up close. These photos don't do justice (which I captured on mobile during the shoot).
Currently, Sophia is currently making herself busy at their farm in Bukidnon during the pandemic. She's taking lessons and watching more Filipino movies/series to learn more about the language and her craft. She's a bit flexible in roles she wants to do, she's both a princess and a toughie. Now if she lands in a network soon, you know you've seen her here first. Follow TEAM's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TeamTyronnePH) for more updates about her and other artists from their camp.
You'll see Sophia Stave shine even brighter, soon!
There have been a lot of things that have been worsened during this pandemic and one of them is the onslaught of diabetes, heart ailment during lockdown and COVID (which makes matters worst).
In Italy, EpiCentro reported that diabetes has accounted for 30.5 percent of comorbidities (of which hypertension and cardio-cerebrovascular disease is included) among COVID-related deaths.The Philippines on the other hand has 77% of COVID-related deaths of the same according to the World Health Organization report.
According to Dr. Jeremy Robles the current President of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism "The presence of diabetes can defintely make one’s COVID infection worse. Controlling it will be up to the patient because it is on how they would adhere to doctors adivse as this is both chronic and a lifetime disease."
His advise? He calls this "Apat Dapat", which is 4 simple ways to manage diabetes:
All of which, actually makes total sense. Eating healthy makes your blood sugar normalize. So does working out because it makes your body have less insulin resistance. Medication is vital to make sure you don't get complications with uncontrolled blood sugar. Regular visits to your doctor can make those tests understandable so you know when you are making progress. They can also prescribe if you need changes in your medicine, so you won't be too hard for your kidneys. So make sure to take care of yourselves even during these times.
/*This particular article has some components from the Kontrolado Ko, Diabetes Ko campaign by MSD in the country. They are pushing for patient adherence to medication and treatment especially with diabetes patients in the PH.
I got news that I have diabetes a couple months ago. It was around the holidays last year and I kinda knew something was wrong with me (those sudden headaches were a dead giveaway). My folks are no different, that comes with lineage that has a similar story. I didn't feel though that it was the end of the world. Living with people under this condition made me a little confident about managing it because I've personally seen it happen, it can be done. It is quite dangerous not to manage both diabetes and hypertension, I'd go say it is lethal. Thing is, it involves so much more than just taking a pill really. Taking care of yourself and your family would take a whole village to happen. The right diet, exercise and the help of medical professionals who studied and specialize in chronic conditions can help a lot, but access to it at this time proves very difficult, that's another story.
My Mom didn't really just sit around and do nothing when she noticed I had symptoms. Her caring nature spans generations of Filipino moms who always want to nurture, to take good care of family. With her, I've seen how it was of extreme importance to communicate effectively with family, friends, and health professionals. Now I'm more understanding in evaluating new treatments, making good decisions about my health, and knack for the appropriate use of medications (because I ask the right questions with my Doctor). These days, it's a bit difficult to actually do consultations, more so if my family doctor is hospital based and there are still COVID cases around that I'd be afraid to even step out of my home. It's not just for me, but the people at home that could be in danger if I'd go out and catch it.
Global healthcare leader Sanofi has always been a staunch advocate of disease awareness and spent years focusing and sharing information, educating people about diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Consequently, it's also World Diabetes Day on November 14. Just like our family, they affirm their commitment in promoting wellness, setting the role of Sanofi in our fight against diabetes and chronic disease. This is their "#PanataNgPamilya" showcasing the family's role in managing it, to set an example that it can be done by normalizing proper nutrition, promoting physical activity and living a healthy lifestyle. Sanofi continues to improve their programs such as Healthier PH Sessions, FamHealthy and Empower Patient Support Program, a 360 degree patient program, because they believe that healthcare should be as individual as you are. They believe in Your Type. With this, we all get a better understanding, to empower us patients and our families about how we all could better manage our well-being.
Knowing is the first step, but it is essential in making sure we’re on the right track in fighting this condition. If we live healthier lives, we get to be with our families longer, and that is priceless. We all could attain that full health potential and they have been helping us get access to better health services which accounts for a lot.
Like family, I believe we can achieve a #HealthierPhilippines. Family IS important and I'm glad to see how they've reached a lot of people with this in mind. #PanataNgPamilya #PanatangSanofi.
Being homebound is a good thing nowadays. If you suffer chronic pain, it is a little challenging as tele-consultation can only do so much. With this, Pfizer’s GM for Upjohn Philippines Ms. Melissa Comia says “Under the new normal, it is important to still talk to our doctors and manage the condition, so it does not get us away from life.”
Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan the Chief of UP Medical Informatics Unit says “I have a low pain threshold and it is one of the reason I am in this profession. Today, people suffer from delayed procedures, but telemedicine will have to stay until the dust settles. It offers hope, patients should prepare, find the teleclinic, get accompaniment and inform your doctor, prepare your gadgets and make sure devices are charged. Prepare your medical records, list down your questions, sign the consent form. It can be done via Video consultations or Audio Calls. You can describe the pain and rate it, tell them episodes, location, medical treatments you have tried and what activities trigger the pain. Follow directions and clear things by asking the right questions, also when to have follow up care and the next consultation. Make sure you also give feedback if you are satisfied with the doctors consultation.”
Rheumatologist Dr. Lisa Teaboco says “Joint pains are nothing new but telemedicine is a new strategy. Knowledge, Indoor Lifestyle and Teleconsultation is KIT. Languages are complex and what is important is to ask further clarification is needed. It can’t be just “basta masakit” or “may rayuma” as it is too broad. Males 30-50yo with history and high alcohol intake are prone to gout. Osteoporosis usually happen to older females but pain can have many causes. Staying at home is still done under these conditions, weight reduction and exercise is important. That is 30-150 minute physical activity per week and can be done in many ways. If you have kids with game consoles, there are activities with active games available even for elder generation. Reduce on simple sugars and cut back on salt. It is also important to note if after diagnosis, you still need further consultation, then doctors can recommend face to face consultation.”
Teleconsultation is in its infancy in the country, but hopefully, taking care of patients will be easy and a hybrid approach can be adopted to make sure of accuracy. We also have to have internet connection that is capable of making this possible for all, no matter what socio economic condition we have in the country.
Follow doctors advise, hopefully this would inspire and make all of us keep moving to take charge of chronic pain. Thanks to Upjohn for holding this virtual press conference. I learned a lot!
I've been using this for a couple of weeks now and I've never had so much confidence knowing that I know my blood sugar level every minute instead of going to the clinic pricking and waiting for the med tech to tell me how high it was. Now I manage it really well and I have adjusted what I eat because that seems to be the culprit when my blood sugar goes haywire. I used this special reader and scanner system by Abbott called FreeStyle Libre. I don't prick anymore and it does wonders when data is available right there. Now since it is Lazada 9.9 Big Brands Sale, the usual 3,500 worth device is now Php 2,940 which is 16% cheaper than usual. The sensor on the other hand costs 3,500 also on a normal day has become Php 3,150 which is 10% off, that's just amazing!
The whole kit which has both now costs Php 6,020, that's 14% worth of savings compared to its original price, now diabetics have the chance to experience the convenience I have had. This sale however is only from 12--2am. You can get 12% off the reader, 6% on the sensor and 10% on the kit from 2am onwards. Still a good day to get one.
I'm just glad I told you about this now.
Hurry over to the Lazada App because the sale only lasts a day!
How important is peace of mind? I’m sure you’re all for it.
I’m living with diabetes, and I just found out about it very recently. I was honestly playing it off and not thinking about it until my doctor told me to get some tests done. I have had several symptoms like headaches, ants on excretions, etc. but I was in denial. Test results came and it confirmed what I was fearing the most, I had type 2 diabetes just like my mom and dad. It was a burden for me to spend a lot for maintenance medicine, just like any other diabetic out there. I had to change a lot of things like monitor my food intake, take medicine religiously, etc. I was able to have good results in the past but I bet it was just because of the diet I had to go through before having my blood glucose tests. It’s my fault. I didn’t know how hard it was to live with diabetes, and how to manage it until this happened.
Diabetes management has been very hard for people living with the condition. The grueling task of checking blood glucose levels has always been a burden, discouraging people young and old to stay away from pricking just to see how they are doing daily and nothing has been done to better it.
It’s already 2020 and I am happy to finally see medical and technological advancements in diabetes management. I’m glad to have been able to know and use the Abbott FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system. It’s a first in the Philippines and is currently the number one sensor based glucose monitoring system in the world. Before this, there was no technology available in the country to monitor your glucose aside from the routine finger pricking method which you will not be able to do in a more regular basis due to the pain and inconvenience that you have go through every single time you prick . The goal to decrease A1C, reduce hypoglycemia, limit glucose variability (to maintain it in a normal level) and monitoring it is very tricky as it doesn’t give so much information.
Finger pricking is useless if patients do not prick regularly as they should (according to doctors’ instructions) and if the patient stops monitoring, the doctor won’t have information he/she would need. If you use a flash glucose monitoring system like FreeStyle Libre, doctors would have a better idea about your condition. When you scan using the FreeStyle Libre reader over the sensor, it shows your actual glucose level and plots it in an 8 hour history trendline. The sensor actually can provide a comprehensive glucose reading as it allows you to frequently scan – you can scan even every minute! It doesn’t get your readings from the blood but from the interstitial fluid (ISF) that surrounds the cells (below your skin).
The system also has LibreView, a free, secure cloud based management platform which would be a convenient way for your doctor to view your glucose data. The reader conveniently shows patterns over a particular date or period of time where you have been using the sensor. It provides data you and your doctor can easily understand. It also shows time in target (if you are above, within, or below your target glucose range), and a summary of your low glucose events (shows readings lower than 70 md/dL in 4 different 6 hour periods).
I have been using it for a couple of days now and found out a few things. The sensor won’t get detached from you, unless you force it. It’s got a medical grade adhesive and is water resistant. I would advise you to wash the site of your arm using plain soap, dry, and then clean with alcohol wipe. The reader can also do manual blood glucose level checking as it can work with FreeStyle Optium Glucose Strips.
The reader can be charged full in 2-3 hours and would last around 7 days. It also displays how many days you have left before you should replace your sensor (as each one can be only used up to 14 days). There is an Edit icon on the device which can be used to indicate if you’ve eaten (and it locks down after 15mins).
The FreeStyle Libre Reader and Sensor can be purchased online through Lazada or in selected major Mercury drugstores. It costs Php 3,500 for the reader and the sensor is Php 3,500 as well. Senior citizen and persons with disabilities (PWD) discount privileges are also available as long as there is a doctor’s prescription. I suggest you get it via Lazada because they have free delivery. Their customer service hotline is at (02)87028577 and is open weekdays from 8:30am – 5:30pm excluding public holidays. I actually called when I had a problem with my sensor and after a few troubleshooting steps, they replaced it after arranging delivery from their head office. I am satisfied they acted fast and efficiently. That’s very assuring to know, and it really means they care.
Now you too can take advantage of this technology which is now available in the Philippines. I’m a diabetic and have seen its benefits first-handedly. I get peace of mind and am assured that I can monitor my glucose levels in a more granular level with reliable and accurate data. With my lifestyle, I now know what’s happening in my body and that give me a peace of mind, it’s priceless!
Sat down with the volleyball superstar Sisi Rondina. She’s the volleybelle everyone was trying to evade when they fought UST in the UAAP and now the Petron Blaze Spikers. No joke as she even has a 4 time MVP Beach Volleyball award to prove it. She just came from a win (Petron Blaze had an easy win) and and arduous 4 hour traffic last night, but she was not about to have her spirits dampened because she’s going to have a an awesome adventure with FAME (Firestarters Artist Management and Entertainment) which is the artist management hand of Firestarters Production Inc.
Together with their CEO Rj Agustin, Chief Creative Officer (and Director) Real Florido, Admin Head Silvia Malupeng and Jon Verzosa who heads Artist Management, Sisi Rondina signed her first Talent Management contract as witnessed by her confidant Coach Paul Jan Doloiras. For those who don’t know, Coach Paul was the one who discovered her. He had total control over their sports affairs but he knew he wasn’t meant for the manager role especially when it came to projects outside the court and for Sisi being an artist/endorser. He saw how they needed help in doing that, a lot of offers came but what made the difference was FAME had a plan. Sisi also needed no interference when it came to sports and training, and FAME understood this part. They also needed help to go to the path of charity work involved in education and sports management. It was a deal breaker and they saw how much they cared for the artists they handled.
I asked Sisi about how much she has on her plate and she just told us “It’s all about COMMITMENT, and just like in volleyball or anything that I put my self in, I do it with passion. YOU HAVE TO DO IT WITH LOVE!”
Here’s some excerpts of our interview with Sisi and her new management team from FAME. Listen in!
Congratulations Sisi for joining the fun and game management of FAME. I’m sure they’ll take good care of you and your career. For those who may be interested to get in touch with her, you may proceed to firestartersprod.com or their official facebook page Firestarters Production Inc.
Seen most of them, heard them on the radio, but it was awesome to spend my evening with great artists and musicians at 12 Monkeys in El Pueblo Ortigas district. I guess this news is big, especially for those who are already familiar with their names, the individual artists and their music. One thing binds them all, they're called SINDIKATO and I wouldn't be surprised if people would be afraid with the mere mention of that. We're not talking about mafia here, but a company that does video production, short films, online content for music and ad projects, but now Artist Management.
With the aim of managing the careers of some of the best bands and artists in the country - and making them a byword in an international stage, this crew just had the right amount of passion, gusto and drive to help them grow their craft. They promise to do bigger things now that they're under their wings - rather than just being a production house, they've already started to become movers and shakers in the industry.
Enzo Valdez of Sindikato says "I dreamed to be a director, an artist, and I shared this dream with him. With our team, we shared it too. We became friends with the musicians we worked with, we realized we missed collaborating with fellow artists. When we started someone investes on us, now we are a hub of artists and have that community to help you. We hope you have a lot of fun with the Sindikato artists."
In the short period of time we had in the press conference, I tried to see how these guys and gals differ. Artist FERN does electronic pop targeted to milennials, Unit 406 does opm cover songs, epic tunes and ballads (they did the track for Bagani, a top rating show in ABSCBN), Finding River Blindness delves on mellow melodic tunes, SUD does chill heartfelt opm, Hulyo sings heartbreaking ones, Ben&Ben does really great movie soundtracks and ride worthy music - and Callalily is Callalily (but with fresh tunes to boot with their new, fresh and young guitarist which kean says he helps them make the music youthful!).
Talent management, bookings will now be handled exclusively with Sindikato and they will be helping with the marketing, financial aspects of their career. It's what they have been planning for, and in the coming months they hope to get international attention with their efforts, it's all they ask and expect from the stellar bands and individuals that they have in their roster.
Big dreams, belief in their artists, will make them all become regulars in the world stage.
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