Sendwave Taps OGIE ALCASID: An Affordable Way to Send Money Home

The Philippines is home to 2.16 Million OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers according to latest statistics), and in so many instances, they need to send money home to help with family, friends, and other reasons. Going through banks and other entities cost so high, and of course, every cent counts with your hard earned money. International Money Transfer service provider Sendwave presents a very affordable option. If you are in one of the countries they serve, sending money to your loved ones will become simple, secured, and fast. This is something that is needed, an essential for family or OFW's so when they wanted someone to represent them in the country and the community, they tapped the good looking singer, songwriter, OPM icon, OGIE ALCASID. They introduced him to the press, and told us the reasons why he was the perfect person to send what they want to communicate:

Ogie says "It's important for Filipinos to send money home that's simple, affordable and without transfer fees. You know, the values of this company and mine as a father, husband is the same. We wake every day for our families, and they take care of hard earned money from abroad to the Philippines with ease, with trust that it will reach the person intended to, it is our connection to our family. We do concerts in other parts of the world and OFW's are an integral part of it. I hope in some way, we could get the message across that there is a way to save while sending money home."

Ms. Janice, the Global Brand Lead for Sendwave says "We are an online money remittance app, designed for OFW's and we champion them. We focus on simple, easy and convenient ways to send money from abroad to the Philippines (or any participating country) and made it affordable. Sendwave has no transfer fees, we stretch the value of the money that they send to their families here at home. We are present in the US, Canada, UK and parts of Europe. If you have OFW friends or family, please tell them to download the app and use the service. Try Sendwave!".

 

Ogie was so happy and honored to be able to represent them. Being part of the Sendwave family he deems is important because OFW's spend years in other countries, but want to make sure they stay connected and felt when help is needed in the Philippines. He also knows how hard it was to work abroad because he's been able to talk to them in performances abroad. They need to make sure that the money they send would be secured, easy to do and affordable.  .

Ogie adds "Why do we work? What are the reasons to wake up in the morning? The reasons to send money home is a lot, this app assures your savings would get to the recipient. As a singer, I've entertained them through concerts in different countries. When I talk to people, they are mostly OFW's, it's not easy to market something like this, but it is important. I just signed with them, and perhaps soon, there will be Sendwave in Australia and I'd get to send money to Regine if needed."

They now have bonus additional money to give out too when you first try the service (10 dollars) aside from the amount you send. There are no transfer fees, so that is free. They just want you to experience it. It's not intended for receivers, but designed from senders from abroad. You don't need to be a member here in the Philippines to receive the money, they just tie up their cards and send it to whatever bank or GCash account the recipient has and get it, it's that easy!

There are limits, dependent on banks abroad and the receiving bank/app in the country because some of them have limits too. It already is being used by 2 Million users, and the plan is to include more people to benefit from it. They have plans to take Ogie to other countries where Filipinos are. Although Ogie already is doing that, he says "The fact that I'd be reaching a lot of audiences this year and next year, we have a lot of people to help. It's most welcome, to be able to sing and help our kababayans. We are partners with TFC, and events may be through that. It's part of their future plans. I'm excited, when I learned about this, at the shoot, it was happy there. It's not easy to do but I'm excited and happy with what we made in just a few days. When you do it with fun, with excited people, it's a breeze. You will receive the amount automatically converted to peso and what you see with the conversion is what they person will get in full."

The company earns through foreign exchange and if you see that their rates are better, you should use Sendwave. Congratulations to Sir Ogie Alcasid, it's so refreshing to see you excited to help more people with this recent partnership. If you can send money home for free, you should take advantage!

No Rome Comes Out with New Single SPINNING featuring Charli XCX and The 1975

My kind of music is getting good attention, thanks to NO ROME,  a London based Filipino artist. I have long had his hit song "5 Ways to Bleach Your Hair" on my workout and shower playlist because I have long adored things that I could connect to on a personal level. It hits close to home.

His talent, has been given the nod from producers in New York, Los Angeles, but he's pretty much living it up in London with Dirty Hit Records. This new single is called "Spinning" which he did together with artists singer, songwriter Charli XCX and English pop rock band The 1975. You may purchase the track now here : https://norome.ffm.to/spinning

These artwork was made for No Rome, Charli XCX, Matty Healy and George Daniel by Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess-Johnson. Unbelievable!

As if the music and lyrics weren't already sick, he goes on and collaborated with Japanese artist Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess - Johnson so they could create a visual world around the release of this single, I must say, my eyes and brain exploded from all these chibi/pop/anime art. Each of the artist included in this song had their own character venturing into a psychedelic dream sequence after falling into a pit.  These works of art were later on sent to NFT platform Foundation to benefit 3 different charities where he sent his part to Right Start (care for poor/abandoned children), Charli to Girls Make Beats (for female musicians, producers) and Matty to One Tree Planted (tree planting charity). Great artists that also help? Yeap, that's them!

Here's a treat, check out the super cute video released a few hours ago!

No Rome is also set to release an album later this year, and we're all excited for that! Go stream them on platforms and get those views up to support this Fillipino artist. He's undoubtedly good!

Sephy Francisco Launches First Single "Galing Ng Pinoy'

I have been watching her journey as a singer including her stint in I Can See Your Voice here in the Philippines and on the world stage at the Korean ICSYV version. She has undoubtedly impressed everyone with her voice, singing hits by Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Regine Velasquez too. She has long gone from her BPO Call Center profession and now is a full time singer. She's Sephy Francisco and she's set to release her first single called "Galing ng Pinoy".

She also went to XFactor UK and stunned judges including Simon Cowell, that's a big deal. She has performed in different countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia and soon Hong Kong and Singapore. She comes well applauded and is happy she is going to acheive her dreams!

Ang Galing Ng Pinoy is composed by Junn Sta. Maria and the rap part is by Reck Cardinales. This is produced by Leah Cortez Morada. It talks about how Filipinos should be proud about their work, their acheivements and how they should instill nationalism. It will be available in all streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes and her music video on YouTube.

Sephy says "I have been bullied in school just like other trans people. I had to work to make ends meet because I am a the bread winner. It wasn't planned but because I was only available this week, I got to do this, it just was the SEA Games is happening too. We have other singers doing this, but I'm different, I do both voices and perhaps because it is international. I got into XFactor UK and auditioned online. I thought they were going to pay for everything but they didn't. I got help from Leah Morada. She arranged for a concert and got me stay in her sister's house. Simon advised me to really save money because it is going viral. I am just blessed."

When I asked how she would feel if she didn't get her goal, she says "I will never stop singing because this is my dream. This is everything I wished for. I just want to thank everyone who made this possible. I hope people could listen to it and be proud of who they are. Thank you Leah Morada who made Sephy who she is today!"

Now you're going to start to listen to her, I am quite sure of it.

Dress Like the Brits at Uniqlo

British fashion for me always refers to something formal, chic and classy. The thing is, it's not all London... and we have to think back how these different parts of the UK actually give the persona to what is is for the Brits. We tend to forget how lovely and raw the great British outdoors is, and how it has given so much inspiration to JW Anderson with his recent collaboration with UNIQLO. He's Jonathan Anderson, regarded as one of the most innovative and forward thinking designers of his kind. He debuted in 2008's London Fashion week and has never stopped reppin eversince. 

This is part of the Fall/Winter Collection 2019 and is now available in UNIQLO stores in the Philippines. Honestly, I wasn't supposed to cover this and just wait for friends in the nearby coffee shop, but am glad they got us to see this ahead of everyone. After all, the Filipinos are going global and our travel essentials are becoming varied. The British outdoors are all cold, breezy, layered and played with leather, plaid, fleeces, jackets and kilts. Now we have a choice because UNIQLO carries them all!

I like what I saw!

Thick but light jackets with shades of fall, a little mustard or darker beige, pretty outside and very comfy. It will still let a little coolness in, but probably protect you from intense cold. This collection reminds me of the Queen's hunting sessions. Just throw in a mallard on a belt and call it a day, I kid.

Jonathan used a lot of plaid. His shirts dives on the lifestyle of woodchucks but not in Canada, which they then paired with kilts and layered with another lined jacket.

There were also knitted wear, some thick pieces that remind me of sheep's wool, but lighter. 

Another essential, some bonnets and scarves made of the same warm material.

I was also looking intently at these lovely socks. May it be for formal occasions or a usual day, this would be so nice to peek under your trousers.

I think it's high time we get to also take our fashion sense a notch up by wearing these kilt like skirts, albeit being designed for women, it would look good on men too.

These bags were wonderful! A man bag which you can switch in and out, so you're basically getting two for the price of one. It also has straps to carry around like a knapsack. I like this a lot!

This one was good too, a bit fleece like but more of a thin sweater with sliced sides. If you're just going out for a stroll, or maybe in a tropical country that got a little nippy, this would get the job done.

Again, another essential are trousers. Theirs is a more dressed up type for luxurious forest trips, glamping, or just casual occasions. This is pretty trendy now and I'm not surprised.

The JW Anderson collection is now available in UNIQLO stores in the country and if you're up to it, make a trip down to your nearby mall or this one in Glorietta 5 because it's only gonna be there season long! It's time to dress like the Brits, and this would be a good place to start. It's classics designed for today!

Christian Bautista Swoons Indonesian Fans on Valentines Day

You must be wondering where in the world is Christian Bautista? The good looking balladeer has left the country this season to take his music in a back to back Valentines Concert in Indonesia where the Asia's Romantic Balladeer swooned his fans in that side of the world.

He performed together with Bunga Citra Lestari in a show entitled "Romantic Valentine Concert" at the Coliseum Club in Jakarta, then also performed on Valentines day at Alia Hotel in Solo, Indonesia. He was also busy during this trip as he had to appear in 3 different local television shows that includes Sarah Sechan, NETTV's local version of Ellen Degeneres. He also guested and had an interview with Merry Riana of Sonora FM 92, one of their local stations. In the same week, he also appeared in Trans TV where he gave a glimpse of his career in the Philippines and Indonesia and talked about himself for his countless fans in the region. If you may have remembered, Christian walked for Bench a couple of years ago and have acheived a really good physique, so he also shared a couple of his fitness routines, and diet so they could also learn about it. 

He also guested in the new show of Rossa, a singer-actress from the same country and even sang "Please Be Careful with My Heart" live. Christian gave them a show and included "The Way You Look at Me", "Since I Found You" and "Fixing a Broken Heart" in his repertoir to the delight of his throng of fans in Indonesia. They love Christian as much as we do.

The last time we got the chance to talk to Christian was during the launch of his single "Who Is She To Me" which entered the UK iTunes charts last year. He's making the waves here and abroad and promises to bring you more in the years to come. Make sure you visit his website http://www.christianbautistaonline.com and follow him on social network channels @xtianbautista on Twitter and Instagram, or like his Facebook page over at Facebook.com/Christian-Bautista-Official too!

Congratulations Christian! Continue to make the country proud!

KUMAGCOW

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TOPMAN Opens in SM Megamall Fashion Hall

One of the most reputable brands carrying clothing fit for the most stylish men in the Philippines is TOPMAN. They just opened shop at the 3rd Floor of SM Megamall's Fashion Hall last May 28th and it was a glorious day for fans of the brand. I adored their jackets, shoes, shirts and pants which I'll show you in a bit. In the meantime, let me take you around their store which had a more signature Californian vibe to it. 

You have that beachy summery feel. Not to mention the faded layered jeans, graphic shirts, colored pants and colorful shorts reminiscent of that area. The store still has the spring summer collection so if you want your wardrobe to still weather the elements, you're lucky! They also just came out with these colder blue, black and gray palette shirts on the bottom right which probably is part of their Fall/Winter collection. I like the long sleeved shirts up top especially the gray one with prints. That's considered sold of course! :) I already have it in my closet.

Aside from that, the coats, denim and skinny jeans are absolutely nice and rancid. For those who have nice bodies but want to show them off, the wifebeaters and sleeveless shirts would be perfect for you. They even got some of it on 800 for 2 deals and 10 percent off on opening day. There might be some more still on sale but I strongly suggest you check it out in Megamall while its early. Oh before I forget, they've got 15% off for students for the whole month of June. You just have to

Sharon Ugot, the Group Brand Manager of Topman Philippines also says “As a fashion leader, continuous growth is very essential and we are thrilled with the opening of our newest store in SM Mega Fashion Hall. Being the fashion authority, Topman always delivers cutting edge and fashion forward pieces, which our customers are looking for.”

So I did the next best thing after hearing that and checked out the shelves for some of my favorites. You might want to purchase these too.

HOLA! Philippines - Magazine Launch!

Hello Magazine has been my go to place when getting the latest and greatest in London Fashion Week or just anything about the royals. Been hearing about this for quite sometime now and I was so psyched that I actually know a couple of people behind this mag's Philippine version. This is a great place start hearing from Manila as it says HOLA!

Socialites, celebrities, industry experts and Manila's who's who welcomed HOLA! into Sofitel's grand bay event venue serving champagne, hors d'oeuvres, caviar dreams with limitless glitter all over the red carpet. It was a tough crowd if you know what I mean but this is surely an epic way of putting in an institution from outside the country to Manila. I was really at the edge of my seat as they were going to announce who's going to grace the cover on it's premier issue.

Shock and awe all the expletives you can muster, they go away with two celebrities on the cover. They are sisters Jasmine and Anne Curtis. These gorgeous Aussie Filipina women who have graced the Philippine entertainment scene was just but the perfect touch to introduce an international magazine to the Philippines. Seeing Jasmine there all smiles confirmed how much they wanted to be stated in history as the first who have graced HOLA! Philippines. This is undoubtedly grand. I'd like to congratulate everybody behind the publication and to my friends Magic Liwanag and Jad Deveza for being part of this!

HOLA! Philippines will be sold in major magazine shops, stores and bookstores nationwide. Grab a copy of their maiden issue and get to say hello to the Philippine lifestyle scene. Thank you for the chance to cover your launch HOLA! and I wish you all the best!

For more information about HOLA! Philippines

Like them on Facebook!

Hola Magazine Philippines

Visit their official website: http://ph.hola.com/
Subscribe now: http://bit.ly/HolaZinio201309

Medical Education and More!

The medical industry has surely benefited a lot of people. Doctors and Medical Practitioners on the other hand had to always be updated. The need for education and special courses is truly evident. The standard of education makes each and every time significantly important; so when there is something to learn more about the profession, you need to go somewhere where you can trust and learn the ropes with. After all we are saving lives. In this case, a medical teaching course would surely equip you with what you need. It is much of a necessity rather than an option these days.

Aside from the actual medical duties, management education is essential to running a business. This is an integral part in hospital operations because just like any corporation you need to manage finances in order to purchase supplies, carry logistics and pay for the back office operations. Where else can you get a proper medical management course that fits the description and simply makes it better for students here and abroad? That seems to be one question that Master Nurses and Doctors would probably benefit. If there was one thing that could also get the instructors some educational time, a teach the teacher course for doctors should also be available for those who would want to advance their studies. Maybe it's time we think about our choices in education. It may be too simple to even talk about but we need to totally understand that these are not supposed to be in the back seat. When you discover something more you would love to understand how it would help develop your current functions. I would enroll something like a consultant interview course if I were you. It'll be easier for the brand and institution you are building later on.  

For what it's worth it is still the people you want to serve who deserves utmost care and medical care. Make sure you get them attended on first before anything else then check out http://www.medicalinterviewsuk.co.uk too.

The Joys of Learning English

I have been teaching freelance since I was in high school and I must admit it was probably caused by my unnatural short patience of hearing wrong grammar from other people. My command of the English language has been noticed by both peers and my students. I may not be an expert with papers but I do a pretty decent job teaching those who can't understand that much in this side of the globe. I sometimes suggest they do English courses and that would be their better alternative. Nobody would probably question the quality if it comes from the place where it came from right?!

I would definitely try that out myself too since I still think I have lots of room for improvement. Certifications would probably make me better at it as well. If I had the chance to go back there I would never hesitate. I just had some minor issues with work and my new appointments so I never got the chance to study further in London. I am a little afraid of this and the fact that I am going to start over with my career after getting there. Teaching other non EU citizens would probably be one of the things I could do as a career but I fear for the time I spent building one in Asia and the fact that I am starting from square 1 in London would be really arduous! I'll try and think about that soon! I have all the time in the world anyway!

How about a nice FORD Escape!

I got a friend working for Ford Motors Philippines that kept bugging me and my office mates to buy a car from the shop. The deal wasn’t bad though, but of course Ford Machinery in this side of the world is still hundreds of thousands of pesos more expensive than the other brands. There are particular models though that did not disappoint me and got my approval like the New Ford Escape. With the whole machismo of bare metal in and around the car, I am impressed with its lines and power. That’s all I ever ask for in cars anyway and I’m thinking of changing our van for this one. If the offer gets lower in the coming months then I’d probably be considering this particular model hands down.

If you plan to buy a car in the UK like my brother did in Eire then don’t hesitate to check out prices and details at http://www.buyyourcar.co.uk. They've got the best deals in town! Soon everyone will have that Ford vehicle they wish for.