Are You Ready To Be Quarantined ? Watch QUARANTHINGS : The Series

Have you noticed the popularity of BL series lately ? If not, you might be living under a rock. BL or Boys' Love series are basically about two good-looking boys who, under varying circumstances develop an attraction towards each other, eventually falling in love with one another. Apparently, they've been around since the 70s in Japan, where they were created for younger female audiences, particularly in comics or manga. In the 90s, the fanbase expanded across Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. Recently other countries followed suit, and stories were developed into tv shows causing an explosion of BL dramas around the world, especially in Asia.

Ride Or Die Initiative, a digital short film studio, has just released its own Pinoy BL drama - QUARANTHINGS : The Series. It's about two young boys who were left behind by their other roommates in an apartment because of the community quarantine. Starring Cinemalaya 2019 break-out star Royce Cabrera (who top-billed the homoerotic film F#*@BOIS together with Kokoy De Santos), and YouTube star Kyo Quijano who has more than 1.80M subscribers on his YT channel.    

After making waves in the 2019 Cinemalaya entry F#*@BOIS and appearing in the ABS-CBN primetime drama series A Soldier’s Heart, Royce Cabrera plays Rocky, the mysterious boarding house resident with a seemingly tough exterior. Playing opposite Cabrera is Kyo Quijano in his first lead role after a trending Omegle-based web series of his own creation called #TeamMhine and a much talked about cameo in the 2019 MMFF entry 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon. 

Joining them are veteran actress and Philippine Cinema icon Gina Pareño, Jan Silverio and Karl Zarate. Pareño plays Judah’s grandmother who raised him and his siblings while his mother worked as a doctor overseas. Silverio plays the role of Glenn, Judah’s former fling who has always had romantic feelings for him. While Zarate plays the role of Judah’s loud and ever supportive best friend, aptly named Beshie.

Director Pancho Maniquis, who has written  digital short films like Unspoken Rules, Bakit Ka Single? and Bakit Ka Nag-Stay?, makes his directorial debut for the series. Teaming up with him as writer is best-selling author, as well as writer and director of the hit 2019 film Cuddle Weather Rod Marmol.  

Quaranthings: The Series is now available every Friday, 10pm on Ride or Die’s Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/RODInitiative) and YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/RideOrDieInitiative)  starting September 5, 2020 at 10:00PM.   

Eastern Communications celebrates National Heroes Day with City of Manila

 PRESS RELEASE

For more than a century, Eastern Communications, one of the country’s premier telecommunications companies, has been part of nation building fighting alongside Filipinos for stronger tomorrow by providing world-class services. 

Now that the country is facing yet another challenging situation due to the pandemic, Eastern Communications continues its mission of empowering Filipinos by jumpstarting in the country’s capital city.  

With Manila celebrating the National Heroes Day through unveiling of murals in honor of then and today’s heroes in its newly refurbished Lagunislad underpass, Eastern Communications amplifies its strong partnership with the local government by showcasing its mural in the area – a visualization of its strong connections that stand the test of time.  

Driven by their High Tech and High Touch promise, Eastern Communications also rolled out initiatives that elevate the internet experience of every Manileño in time of pandemic.

Together with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Eastern Communications recently unveiled 34 units of “MNLKonek” digital kiosks along España Boulevard in Manila. These fiber-powered kiosks allow the public to do local phone calls, charge their phones, call emergency hotlines, and browse the internet for free. 

Likewise, Eastern Communications introduced to Manila its Eastern Home service to address the growing demand for home internet connection as more employees shift to working from home. It provides a burstable high-speed and non-intermittent residential internet service with equal upload and download speed of up to 100 mbps. 

“Eastern Communications is one with the city of Manila in providing quality internet experience to its constituents, and we are grateful that they are allowing us to be part of its efforts in the beautification of the capital city. We hope that through these initiatives, we are able to uplift the lives of every Manileño at this trying time,” shared Eastern Communications Head of Marketing Jedrek Estanislao.

To learn more about Eastern Communications, visit eastern.com.ph. 

Bugoy Drilon sings about Impossible Love

What do you do in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic ? Stay safe and healthy ! But Bugoy Drilon did something more. He got creative ! The R&B sensation and OPM hitmaker just came out with a brand new collaborative song - "Impossible Love". It tells about longing and caring for that special someone despite the long distance between the two of you. It speaks of the various challenges that lovers encounter like physical distance, cultural differences, romantic conflicts, etc. It also has a timely message for lovers during these uncertain times. Bugoy and his team from the U.S. had written, produced, and recorded this song during this massive lockdown. 

In a zoom meeting with a group of writers/bloggers, Bugoy talked about what he's been doing these past five months when we were told to stay at home. He's trying to connect with family and friends through social media and the internet. He's looking at some investments, and he's writing songs. Talking to him during the zoom meeting felt like he was talking casually with friends at the comfort of his home. When asked what's the first thing he would do and first place he would visit after this pandemic is over, he said he would love to travel and visit his family in the province (Camarines Sur). After the Q & A with the writers, Bugoy gave a live rendition of his latest song "Impossible Love". To his credit, Bugoy sounded like a foreign R&B artist. No wonder that real foreigners are always awe-stricken on their reaction videos on YouTube. 

"Impossible Love" was released last July 31 on Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music.    

Impossible Love - Bugoy Drilon

Written by Bugoy Drilon and Forrest Savant

Produced with The Mango Room 

World Vision invites you to join its 1st Virtual Run for Children

World Vision in the Philippines has recently launched its 1st Virtual Run for Children. The goal of this event is to promote fitness and health during the community quarantine in the
country while raising funds for the benefit of World Vision’s most vulnerable children and
communities.

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, marginalized Filipino families especially children are the ones most affected. Their basic needs such as food, hygiene, and education
are all compromised. By mounting a virtual run, World Vision aims to contribute in addressing these problems. Participants are encouraged to run for a cause that will reach communities all over the Philippines without them having to leave their homes.

"World Vision is excited for its first-ever virtual run for children. It is our prayer that friends and families will be refreshed as they continue supporting the most vulnerable children. In these trying times, we hope that this will also provide them with an enjoyable, safe and
healthy way to somehow reconnect in a virtual manner," World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte said.

At the forefront of this event are child advocates and World Vision’s celebrity ambassadors Enzo Pineda, Gelli Victor, and Gretchen Ho.

“I’m supporting The World Vision Virtual Run because fitness/health, education, and children are advocacies close to my heart. These are essential areas that we consistently need to focus on for a better future. Our children are the future and we need to empower
them now more than ever,” Enzo Pineda shared.

“It will be a while before we can all experience fun runs that we are used to but with this virtual run, you will have a semblance of it. This is the first virtual run for a cause. You will be
accountable for your own performance by tracking your own distance and speed and you
still get a medal after,” Gelli Victor said.

“If you are running to stay fit whether on a treadmill or on the road, why not help children out while you are at it?” I’m so excited because I’ve been looking for a motivation to work out. This is perfect for me because then I’d have reason to go and run!! I’ve been used to preparing for races and having goals for my workouts. This gives me that. Plus, when I feel low, I’ll just think of the kids and it’ll give me an extra boost!” Gretchen Ho stated.

Interested participants just need to sign up by selecting the advocacy they wish to support, whether Education or Health & Nutrition, and their preferred mileage, either 21K, 50K,
100K, or 200K. Then, run anytime and anywhere between June 15 to July 31, 2020. Once they have reached the goal, they can get a limited-edition World Vision Virtual Run for
Children Finisher Shirt and a Finisher Medal.

The participants can walk or run whether indoors or outdoors and use running or steps app to monitor the distance, also making sure that they follow the community quarantine
regulations in their area.

To make this virtual run even more interesting, World Vision is challenging participants to step up their game by inviting family and friends to donate to their chosen advocacy. For this challenge, the runners will sign up on “Joy to Give” by visiting
joytogive.worldvision.org.ph, choose a target number of back-to-school kits if they are from Team Education or family sanitation kits if they are from Team Health & Nutrition, and
fundraise with their friends and family as they complete their run! Participants of “World Vision’s Virtual Run for Children” will be the first to have access to “Joy to Give”, World
Vision’s own crowdfunding platform launching this June.

The fees are ranging from Php 1,050.00 to Php 1,650.00 and it’s inclusive of a shirt, medal, and an e-certificate. A portion of the proceeds will contribute to World Vision’s projects for Education and Health & Nutrition.

“We are appealing to everyone who can help and join us. Let us Run for Children!” Mr. Fuerte added.
To register for the World Vision Virtual Run for Children, please visit
www.takbo.ph/vr/worldvisionrun2020. For more updates on the event, like and follow World Vision Run on Facebook,
www.facebook.com/worldvisionrun.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to
working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race,
ethnicity or gender.

"Ngayon, Ako Naman Ma” video brings us all the feels this Mother’s Day

Press Release
This true-to-life story reminds us of a mother’s unconditional love This Mother’s Day, let us spread forth the spirit of gratitude, of love and affection, towards the most
extraordinary woman in our life—our mothers. And these days, as we find ourselves in extraordinarily
difficult times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this gesture has become all the more relevant
and timely. These days, families and loved ones are unfortunately brought apart by social distancing,
with some having family members who are healthworkers at the forefront of the fight against the health crisis.

This Mother's Day, "Ngayon, Ako Naman Ma" depicts a heart-tugging story based on true events that
ultimately hits home. Seemingly apart and connected only through regular video chats, the narrative unfolds with Mark constantly ringing up his mom, Maribeth Santos, to seek advice and tips on such mundane chores as cooking, doing the laundry, cleaning the toilet, and even going to the grocery.

 The story then transitions to how Mark now tries to cheer-up his mom, this time showing it’s his turn to
teach her new tricks such as Zumba dancing, using cute chat filters, facial sessions, and other fun activities that go a long way in alleviating her loneliness and boredom.

In the end, the video subtlety
reveals that Maribeth, who is only in the next room, is in fact a medical frontliner who has had to go into
mandatory quarantine.

This special video, which can be viewed on PLDT Home’s Youtube channel and official Facebook page, is
at turns humorous, touching, and a poignant and fitting tribute to the unconditional love and sacrifice
that our mothers give. “Tinuruan mo kaming magmahal,” the ending titles read. “Ngayon ako naman, Ma.” It brings forth the moving message that it’s now our turn to express our love and care, and that even with the distance that has to be kept these days, PLDT Home allows for stronger connections than ever before.

As we find ourselves in these extraordinary times that prevent us from celebrating Mother’s Day
physically and together, this video shows how technology allows us to reach out, to connect, and to
continue express our love to our mothers.

This video reminds us that it’s now is the time for us to give back and show how much we truly appreciate everything our mothers have done for us through the years.
To view the video, click on this link :
https://youtu.be/jwOkd5Jlbbs  #AkoNamanMa

JOINING FORCES ALLIANCE ON THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN - PHILIPPINES

PRESS RELEASE

Child rights organizations call for the prevention of physical and humiliating punishment against children during the COVID-19 pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — Physical and psychological violence, particularly at home, are among the most pervasive types of abuse experienced by Filipino children. Both can be worsened by the COVID-19 enhanced community quarantine.

In fact, 3 in 5 children have experienced some form of physical violence, the 2016 National Baseline
Study on Violence Against Children revealed. Sixty percent of these cases happened in their own homes, with 1 in 2 children experiencing corporal punishment.

“This disturbing figure can exponentially increase, especially now that parents and caregivers are
experiencing added stress,” said Rowena Cordero, Joining Forces Alliance Convenor and Save the
Children Philippines Chief of Programs. “Children should be protected from experiencing violence at home. And parents need to be supported in coping with stress and in ensuring that parenting
practices respect and uphold children’s rights.”

While the quarantine measures imposed by the government help in controlling the spread of COVID-
19, it may also unintentionally expose children to increased protection risks.

The economic, health, and security problems resulting from the pandemic may take its toll on the
mental health of parents and caregivers. Hence, they may be unable to effectively manage their
stress and frustration. As a result, these adults may resort to using physical, humiliating, and degrading punishment on their children.

To prevent this from happening, we urge the government to:
Ensure timely delivery of social protection and amelioration programs.
Establish accountability and feedback mechanisms for families and children.
Provide mental health and psychosocial support for parents and caregivers, through online
platforms or hotlines, in coordination with private groups.
Set up hotlines and online platforms where children and the public can send complaints about child
abuse cases.
Regularly assess child protection risks throughout the COVID-19 response, including disaggregated
data of children based on age, sex, and disability.
Closely monitor children at increased risk of violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

In particular, we call on the Department of Social Welfare and Development to:
Activate child protection programs and response and referral mechanisms.
Ensure that protection and social welfare services are adequately funded and are central throughout
all the stages of the COVID-19 response.

We also urge all local governments to:
Set up child-friendly hotlines for reporting and psychosocial counseling.
Ensure compliance with the DILG Advisory (2 April 2020) on the activation of the Barangay Violence
Against Women (VAW) Desk and the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) during
the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
Disseminate information by dovetailing informative leaflets in relief distribution i.e., stress
management, how to report child abuse, among others.

“The rights of children to be protected from all forms of physical, humiliating, and degrading
punishment in all settings should be everyone’s concern, especially of the government,” said Cordero. “As much as we don’t want children to be exposed to COVID-19, we also don’t want them to be vulnerable to any form of violence.”

About the Joining Forces Alliance

The Joining Forces Alliance on the Elimination of Violence Against Children is a global alliance of child-focused international non-governmental organizations. We are advocating for a renewed commitment of governments to
achieve the rights of children. We are composed of ChildFund Alliance, Educo, Plan International, Save the
Children, SOS Children’s Villages, Terre des Hommes International Federation, and World Vision.

Top 5 K-Content on Netflix that you can Watch at Home with your Family More reasons to stay entertained at home!

Staying at home means more bonding time with your family. Now is the best time to catch up with your favorite TV series and movies. We listed down the top five Korean shows you can binge-watch on Netflix and enjoy with the whole family right now:

1. Crash Landing On You
Everyone’s talking about it. You’ve seen all the memes. If you haven’t checked out this hit show yet, now
is the time to do just that. As the title implies, a rich South Korean CEO accidentally ends up across the
border in North Korea, and she must rely on a North Korean soldier’s help to try and get back home. Of course it isn’t that easy—and for sure, a relationship blossoms along the way. This kilig-inducing show also gives us a fascinating view of Switzerland from start until end. Now that it’s all over, you can binge-watch the entire story on Netflix and see why everyone’s fallen in love with it.

2. Itaewon Class
This ongoing inspiring K-drama is about a young man who overcomes his personal obstacles to succeed
after getting expelled from school and suffering some serious tragedy. He opens his own bar and restaurant to be more like his father, striving to make it big despite having enemies in the city. It’s a heart-tugging and relatable K-drama that tackles real life lessons on hard work, friendship, family, and pursuing one’s dreams.

3. Hi Bye, Mama!
This heartwarming and innocent ghost story marks the comeback of popular South Korean actress Kim
Tae-hee, beloved as one of the country’s most beautiful women, after five years. She plays a wife and
mother who lives on as a ghost after dying in a tragic accident—and she is faced with the opportunity to be reincarnated if she returns home in 49 days. You can now watch the full season of Hi Bye, Mama! on
Netflix.

4. Kingdom
Horror fans are going to love Kingdom. Joseon-era Korea is the backdrop for a story involving political intrigue and a whole lot of zombies, as a prince must fight back against a mysterious disease that turns people undead. The worst part is that the zombie outbreak may be an enemy’s doing! The unmissable nature of Kingdom Season 2 will get you hooked for great thrilling action!

5. The King: Eternal Monarch
The much-anticipated K-Drama on Netflix this April, this tells the fantasy romance situated in two parallel universes between an emperor from a constitutional monarchy who seek to “seal the gateway between dimensions,” and a present-day Korean police detective who wants to protect people’s lives.
From the same scriptwriter who penned the famous K-Dramas that you can watch on Netlflix - Goblin
and Descendants of the Sun – this K-drama will definitely stir your heart and bring you to an all-new
level of a romantic fantasy world.

Enjoy seamless and lag-free streaming with the Philippines’ fastest fixed internet service, PLDT Home
Fibr, as certified by Ookla and OpenSignal. You can also conveniently charge your Netflix subscription straight to your PLDT Home bill. Just register or log in through your PLDT myHome ID and choose the right Netflix plan for you.
With your PLDT Home Fibr connection at home, you can enjoy up to double the speed of your current
subscription. Visit www.pldthome.com to find out more!