Foundation Implements Programs: Improves Lives in SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Continuing on their efforts on health and livelihood, BingoPlus Foundation (the social development part of DigiPlus Interactive) is taking their social development work down south, particularly in General Santos City. Choosing this place amongst places that needed help must have been a hard task especially for what they plan on doing.

This means they will be bringing KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS which are some of the programs they have successfully implemented in other areas which need access to public health, job opportunities too. After all, they wouldn't be just giving out things, but have them learn to fish correct?

This not only would affect individuals, but more of families and communities. Sanitation facilities were awarded to different barangays like San Isidro, Tinagcan, Ligaya, Bawing and Calumpang. This area alone houses 3000 people, so now they all have access to clean water and proper sanitation which is important in urban living. Some of these towns actually have indigent families from the Badjaos, a sea/shore dwelling tribe in the region. This also coincides with the local government unit's efforts especially in health and sanitation, to prevent folks from getting sick from waterborne diseases which happens a lot in the SOCCSKSARGEN region.   
 
KabuhayanPLUS also gives them proper training so they could achieve skills and use it to earn a living. They even teach people dressmaking and tailoring. They get TESDA certifications which they can use later on if they want to pursue something in the industry. This has also given single mothers/parents opportunities to earn, to put food on their table... and for their families.   

From beyond providing aid, this foundation's programs will not only give them what they need now, but beyond that. It would give them hope, and a future that is stable, healthy, and still living.

Legarda Pushes for Women's Hand at Disaster Risk Efforts

Change has been happening but more has to be done. In the midst of a huge typhoon today, it is but a good time to see how women play a huge role in disaster risk reduction. Honorable Senator Loren Legarda puts emphasis on how their roles whether lead or not, can actually spark change in the management of it.

At the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, she says "It is important that women have access to resources, training and education to make sure it becomes a reality. This includes those who are marginalized, whether women, girls or those with disabilities in the region. The countries in these areas have to have systems in place to warn people early, evacuation plans, and even recovery if needed be.. with everyone participating."

Her efforts on pushing for legislation that promote gender equality, the Clean Air Act, plus the Magna Carta for Women and the PDRRM act would help promote and protect them in times of disasters in the country. This puts policy making procedures include women as a requirement. Women's role in all these aspects remain important, to hopefully, also put their needs forward, without prejudice, in any decision that has to be made. 

It just makes total sense.

SB19 and G22 Given Accolades in TAIWAN

You wouldn't believe what Acer ambassadors and some of the country's hottest PPOP group did in Taiwan. Your favorite boys Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin of SB19 and ladies AJ, Alfea, and Jaz of G22 visited Formosa as part of their responsibilities and duties as Acer brand reps, and were welcomed by giving them honorary employee titles in the Taiwan headquarters because of their contribution for promoting them in the Philippines.

Aside from that, they appeared in Atom Boyz 2, a reality show and had some of their contestants tour the boys at Shilin Night Market, something they really enjoyed. They ate a lot of canides, chicken cake, the infamous Stinky Tofu, sweet potato balls and joined other activities in the show. G22 did the same and performed at the variety show with Sandy and Jacky Wu, popular Father Daughter hosts of the show. Acer's Sue Ong Lim was ecstatic on how they were received because she knew how both groups had so much fans in the region. There will also be a bring project she hinted, something we should look forward to in the coming months. She hopes you remember how the Limitless Acer Day 2024 song was, there might be bigger news about more projects soon.

Acer has over 36 percent market share in the Philippines, and of course, fans had a hand with that for sure. They plan to maintain this post, and introduce more technologies that are environmentally good. Make sure you follow their socials and acer.com to know more about these. 

ELLA MAY SAISON and SOUTH BORDER To Bring 80's-90's Hits at Soundtrip Sessions Vol. 3 Concert

I would have wanted to start this article with a little story about ME but that would be funny. See, I sing quite often in Karaoke places and part of my repertoire would actually include very iconic female singers, with so much gusto in fact, I'd be doing it in every session I could take myself to. I'm a big guy, so it is unbecoming for someone who looks like this to have a voice too high pitched for comfort. Enough about me. 

See, I was told a few nights ago about this chance to actually interview two artists. The first being Jay Durias of the famous band South Border, and two, the iconic vocalist, Ms. Ella May Saison. Just thinking about it made my jaw drop, and guess what, I was super late because of a prior event (kahiya!). They patiently waited for us, it was really so nice of them to do that.

The concert is entitled Soundtrip Sessions Volume 3. The previous Soundtrip Sessions had artists like Luke Mejares, Jinky Vidal (for Volume 1), Nyoy Volante and Juris Fernandez (for Volume 2). This time, it'll be their turn (on November 9th!).

Ms. Ella May and Jay are actually not new to the band scene, it was something that was common to both of them. Back in the days, Ms. Ella May was part of Artstart Band, it was something she did because she's one of the few who could excellently do all the hits, whether it's jazz, blues, and RnB. She left the band and got a lot of hit songs in the airwaves later on, cementing her status in the music industry then, and now. She went to the states and had the pleasure of working with some of the greatest singers, music producers, musicians our generation has ever known. She had a shot at a career in the US and took it. She's now back singing the way she did, even better in 2024. 

Jay on the other hand could do pop, ballads, and also RnB. They both could also write songs, legibly produce it, much of which have become hits for other artists (i.e. MAPA of SB19 and more). You wept to his songs "Kahit Kailan", sang along with "Rainbow", wished for one in "Love of My Life" and a few more in his repertoire. He told us how much of a dream this is because once he got a call from the producer and heard the name Ella May Saison, he immediately said YES without hesitation. Jay told us about the first time she saw Ms. Ella May, where she described him as a "genius!". Here's our interview with them that evening:

They are making history just by being seen together in this concert. What to expect? All their hit songs, some of which will be sung in duets. Imagine Jay singing Ms. Ella May's songs, and the other way around. Wouldn't that be a sight for sore eyes? Aside from that, they have a few songs up their sleeves which will be revolving around the 80's and the 90's music. An added plus to this is that they're performing at The Theatre at Solaire which houses some of the country's best acoustics, I think it is the perfect venue for it. This will also be a family affair for Ms. Ella May Saison as she will be with her sisters and her brother Elhmir Saison who will be directing music for the show. I am as excited as you. This will be one epic musical night!

As for this fan boy, he got his wish!

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketnet.com.ph or at the Solaire Box Office. Prices are SSVIP 8755, SVIP 7210, VIP 6695, Gold 5150, Silver 3605 and Bronze 2060. This is produced by Dragon Arc Events Management who did the previous Soundtrip Sessions. Again, November 9th at The Theatre at Solaire!

Don't miss this one, it'll be good!