IRELAND’S GOT Talent, Shaniah Rollo, signs up with RJA !

Shaniah Rollo says she's been singing since she was a baby. And has loved singing for that long. Only 15, Shaniah has genes to complement the notes she navigates in her young yet already soulful voice. For a singer that age, whew, such heart! No wonder, she won the audience and the judges over, till the semifinals of her stint at Ireland's Got Talent. Shaniah Rollo was also a finalist in the Junior Eurovision song contest in Ireland in 2018.                                                               

                                           
Her Mom and Dad are musicians. Her Mom worked in Vietnam and then South Korea, and her Dad, used to duet with his wife. Which explains why Shaniah can sing in Korean. Her Ate also taught Shaniah how to sing. Ate, or her older sister, who is the eldest of three, is Mia Kyarra Rollo. She used to do covers and backup vocals for Universal Records. Shaniah herself gave up a shot at PBB Teens because she had to stay in Ireland. Her parents named Shaniah after country sweetheart Shania Twain. This amazing young girl also grew up listening to the music and watching the videos of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. And just like girls her age, Shaniah adores Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Jimin of BTS K-Pop. Ms Rosabella Jao Arribas, top executive of RJA Productions, first heard about Shania from her composer-friend Nathaniel Cabañero. Ms. Rosabella saw a lot of potential in this girl, and falling for her cute voice made her research about Shaniah on YouTube. This made RJA Productions decide to groom and polish a breathtaking yet pure, raw, fresh talent.   
 

                                                            
In Ireland, she's still very Pinoy, because Mom cooks Pinoy food, like adobo and dinuguan. What she does miss from the Philippines are members of her family. Her Lolas, both on Mom's and Dad's side, are close to Shaniah. She misses her paternal grandmother, who she left behind in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, where Shaniah was born and raised. Her late maternal grandmother used to sing to Shaniah as a baby. Her sister Mia, who now has her own family, and brother Gian, were both past 18 when Dad petitioned for his wife and children to join him in Ireland. Thus, only Shaniah, then 12, could come along.                                                               

               
Shaniah is a third year student who's preparing to become a Business Accountant one day. For now, she sings videoke at home, after school, to hone her talent. She also rehearses and performs with the Brightlights, a group of talented singers from different schools, on weekends. Her father also taught her how to play the ukelele, guitar and piano. Not good, yet, she says. But learning. Listen to her sing "La Vie En Rose" and her pipes match her French, as she is taking up lessons for it. World-class talent, this baby is. A babe-in-training. And, proudly Filipina.
                                                                                                                                            Shaniah Rollo is back home in the Philippines for the holidays ... and we can almost hear an angel sing, with her first single. Soon.

5 Best Christmas Gifts for Gamers

Giving gifts for gamers has never been more difficult this 2019. New games and consoles have gone and emerged into the spotlight and with more and more Filipinos now playing mobile games, gifts attributed to the gaming experience are one of the most in-demand gifts this Christmas.

From creative accessories to the best options in terms of price, top-up website Codashop shares five (5) best gift ideas you can give to the gamers in your life this Christmas:

Mobile game controller
You don’t need expensive consoles to complete the gaming experience with a joystick. The mobile game controller is conveniently built to serve as the controller to your favorite mobile games by simply attaching it to your phone.

Wireless headphones
Long cords are out. Wireless is in! While portable earpods have become popular today, the wireless headphones provide immersive audio. This device is a great way for sound-heavy games, plus the fact that you can freely move around without the worries of messy wires. You only need to charge the headphones for a certain period and once you are done, you let it do its groovy thing.

VR headset
Remember when VRs trended all over and were positioned as the future of gaming? VR headset, while new technology, are still worth trying for. A lot of games are yet to be made available for VR, but there’s always something exciting to those embracing them.

Thumb glove
Here’s something you never knew you needed. Gaming, especially for mobile phones, leads to sore and tired fingers. The new solution? Thumb gloves! This is a fun gift for the gamers whose palms are running sweat every minute. Also, with this, you don’t have to go to the long hassles of clean wiping your screen a lot with all the thumb sweat and prints.

Gaming credits and vouchers
Nothing makes the gamer smile more than gaming credits and vouchers as a gift. This new currency has grown to be very valuable for gamers of all ages. Gaming credit providers like Codashop has made purchasing credits and topping up your favorite games a lot more convenient.. Payment with Codashop is easy with the following payment options available: Globe, Smart/Sun, GCash, Grabpay, Bank Transfer, 7-Eleven and Card payments!

It only takes seconds and no registration/ log-in required to buy the diamonds you need for your heroes in Mobile Legends, or those hard-to-get Garena shells in Call of Duty Mobile.
To know more about Codashop, visit www.codashop.com/ph or follow /Codashop.Philippines on Facebook.

The Star Wars Weekend Countdown: Just less than IX days before Filipino fans can catch the limited early release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

The Force is strong with Filipino fans and the countdown to Star Wars Weekend has officially begun! In just less than IX days, Star Wars enthusiasts will be able to witness years of the epic Skywalker saga reach its riveting conclusion and the excitement has reached intergalactic highs. 
On December 20 to 22, 2019, Star Wars Weekend goes on full light speed as this special, early release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker grants Filipino fans of the franchise to celebrate the much-awaited final installment in the Star Wars saga alongside the whole world.

Just days away, Star Wars devotees will be reunited with their favorite characters portrayed by an impressive cast including Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, with Ian McDiarmid and Billy Dee Williams.

Check the cinemas near you for tickets to the limited early release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker happening on December 20 to 22, 2019 available in 2D, IMAX 3D, IMAX with Laser, 4DX and MX4D formats. The film returns in cinemas on January 8, 2020.

SM Cinema brings Jumanji: The Next Level to Life this December with “Action & ARTventure”

(Media Release)
Every ‘90s kid would remember the feeling of amazement brought about by the 1995 Jumanji film starring Robin Williams. When the remake Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle came out in 2017, it gave every ‘90s kid major flashback feels. Now the sequel Jumanji: Next Level is bound to give everyone excitement with yet another jungle adventure-filled film.
In the 2019 remake, the well-loved fantasy adventure film is given comedy angle by its cast including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan Nick Jonas, Danny De Vito and Awkwafina.

SM Cinema brings Jumanji: The Next Level, a perfect holiday movie for friends and family to bond over, to life with a promo where art and adventure intersect. SM Cinema’s Action & ARTventure” promo gives moviegoers a reel to real experience of the Jumanji: The Next Level over the holidays.
From December 4 to 10 a single receipt purchase of Jumanji: Next Level movie tickets of at least P500 gives moviegoers a chance to win two tickets to Art in Island museum.

Ten winners from the participating SM Cinema branches SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall SM Marikina, SM Fairview, SM Sta. Mesa, SM San Lazaro and SM Manila will be selected on December 16. Deadline of dropping of entries is on December 10 at 10 PM.
This promo is valid for SM Cinema regular theaters and IMAX at the selected branches mentioned above. For more details, you may visit SM Cinema’s official Facebook page.
Catch Jumanji: The Next Level at SM Cinema theatres nationwide starting December 4! Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates! Complete your movie-watching experience with munchies from Snack Time, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema, which offers a wide array of snack like popcorn, hotdogs and burgers. Follow /SnackTimeOfficial on Facebook for more information.

THE GOOD LIAR - Who's the Good ? Who's the Liar ?

Based on the novel by Nicholas Searle, Ian McKellen stars as Roy Courtnay, a con-man who's out to take his next target - Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren) a former Oxford professor who is recently widowed and is worth millions. Betty has a grandson (Russell Tovey) who is very suspicious of Roy. 

The film is made in an Alfred Hitchcock style where it has lots of twists and turns, revenge and deception. The two main characters meet through an online dating site, have dinner, and develop some feelings toward each other. Things seem to be going well, until the second act where the film takes a dark turn. Revelations are brought to light.

It's great to see these two legendary actors connect with each other. Both give charming and exceptional performances. 

This is their first time to be acting in a film together. That alone is worth the price of the movie ticket. 

Directed by Bill Condon who also helmed Gods and Monsters, The Greatest Showman, Beauty And The Beast, etc. From New Line Cinema. Released through Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated R. 

FROZEN II - Beautiful Animation, Better Storyline !

It's been six years since we last saw the familial love between Elsa and Anna, and now we are presented with this sequel to the mega-blockbuster FROZEN. Elsa has learned to control her powers, and she's happily settled in Arendelle.  But still, some questions were left unanswered : Where did Elsa's powers came from ? What happened to their parents ? Is Anna also special ?  One day a haunting and persistent voice kept calling to Elsa, making her wonder if it might give answers to her many questions. Elsa, together with Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven, followed the voice and travelled north of their kingdom to an enchanted forest.

This sequel expands the story arcs of Frozen and digs deeper into Elsa and Anna's origins, further developing their characters. We learned more about their parents and their connections to an ancient tribe called the Northundrals.   

We saw the film in an IMAX theater and it perfectly showcased the wonders of this animated feature. The film has plenty of stunning set pieces, heartfelt moments, life-threatening action sequences, and humorous scenes both for the kids and adults. The songs are quite good, although it will be hard to equal the success of the original's hit tunes. "Into The Unknown" and "Lost In The Woods" are stand-outs.  

Children will surely enjoy this movie, as well the adults who will accompany them. My verdict ? The first Frozen has better songs, but this one has a better story. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Rated PG-13. From Walt Disney Pictures.   

WHAT'S THE SECRET TO JED MADELA’S SUCCESS ?

(Media Release)
It’s no secret that Jed Madela’s faith is very important to him. If you’re lucky enough to be one of the World Champion’s Facebook friends, you’ll know that he often posts Bible passages on his timeline. Before he takes the stage—whether it’s for a production number on the Sunday noontime variety show ASAP Natin ‘To, a concert abroad, or a corporate show—he always makes sure to pray.
There’s no doubt that the Lord looks favorably upon Jed, because he has been blessed with the kind of career other singers only dream of having.

Recently Jed’s latest album
Superhero was named Best Secular Album at the 2019 Catholic Mass Media Awards. That award-giving body was established in 1978 by the late Cardinal Sin, as a way to honor those who serve God through the media. Jed’s win signifies that he strives to uphold the highest moral values and ideals in his work. Jed took to social media when he heard the news: “Thank you very much to the Catholic Mass Media Awards for recognizing Superhero as the Best Secular Album! My heartfelt gratitude goes out to you and all who believed in this album. Maraming salamat po! Thank you Lord!”

The 16-track album Chosen: Songs from an Original Musical, which was produced by the Ateneo SALT Institute, in cooperation with ABS-CBN and the Jesuit Music Ministry, won Best Inspirational Album. Jed’s rendition of the song “No More Music” is on that album, which
means he had a hand in its win.

Soon after, Jed earned more nominations from the Philippine Movie Press Club. Jed’s up for three trophies at the Star Awards for Music: Album of the Year (Superhero), Male Recording Artist of the Year (for that album’s lead single “‘Di Matitinag”), and Male Concert Performer of the Year (Higher than High). The members of the Philippine Movie Press Club have always been very supportive of Jed and all his endeavors, a fact that Jed is very grateful for Higher than High, Jed’s anniversary concert at the Big Dome, has seemingly become an
awards-season favorite, because it also earned Jed a nomination for Best Major Concert by a Male Artist at the 2019 Aliw Awards. The show’s Musical Director Marvin Querido was also nominated for Best Musical Direction for a Concert. 

Jed’s recent achievements prove that if you put your trust in the Lord no matter what, you’ll be alright. The secret to his success is his faith.

Join Elsa and Anna’s adventures in Frozen II at SM Cinema’s IMAX and Director’s Club

(Media Release)
After taking the world by storm in 2013, the sequel to Disney’s Frozen is finally here. The movie’s well-loved characters are back on the big screen as they take on a new adventure. This November, SM Cinema invites everyone to immerse into a one-of-a-kind Frozen II movie watching experience at IMAX and Director’s Club Cinema!

Frozen II brings more magic and adventure that will take us on a journey with Elsa and Anna as they try to uncover the buried truth behind Elsa’s past in order to discover the origins of her magical powers. Together with Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, the sisters will journey to a place far from Arendelle and Elsa’s powers will be tested to their limits. Along the way, she will discover the life she was meant to live but in doing so, risk losing everything, including herself.

Make the whole family’s Frozen II experience even more special by watching it in IMAX at SM Cinema and immerse yourself in the wondrous world of Arendelle. With IMAX’s extra large screen and its superior surround sound, moviegoers will be transported into the world of the movies. IMAX is available in the following locations: SM Aura Premier, SM City Cebu, SM City Clark, SM Lanang Premier, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall. SM North EDSA, and SM Southmall.

You can also bask in luxurious comfort at SM Cinema’s Director’s Club Cinema, which is available in 10 locations across the country. Sit back and relax in comfortable leather recliner seats, indulge in cinema snacks and enjoy their in-house butler service so you don’t need to miss a single second of the movie. Visit any of their branches in SM Aura Premier, SM City BF Paranaque, SM City East Ortigas, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, S'Maison in Conrad Manila, The Podium, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM Seaside Cebu City, and SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premiere.

Catch Frozen II starting November 20 in SM Cinema theatres nationwide! Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates! Satisfy your cravings at Snack Time, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema, which offers a wide array of snack like popcorn, hotdogs and burgers to complement your movie watching experience. Follow /SnackTimeOfficial on Facebook for more information.

MILLENIAL POP PRINCESS JANAH ZAPLAN RELEASES FIRST CHRISTMAS SINGLE UNDER STAR MUSIC

(Media Release)
Janah Zaplan finds a new home. After signing an exclusive digital distribution deal with the country’s leading record label, Star Music, Janah is set to conquer new heights with the release of her very first Christmas single, “Sana Lagi Ay Pasko”, produced by the award-winning SonicState Audio Services helmed by songwriter/producer Brian Lotho. This is a big leap for Janah as she is now joining the star-studded line-up of artists distributed by Star, ABS-CBN’s music label arm.
“Sana Lagi Ay Pasko” is a mid-tempo pop track penned by Brian Lotho, a young songwriter who has worked with big-named artists such as Christian Bautista, Maja Salvador, Jennylyn Mercado, among others. The song reflects the sentiments of our overseas workers who endure the loneliness of being away from their families, but look forward to the Christmas season to spend it with them.

Being an official Kapamilya excites the young singer. She hopes to be given the chance to work and collaborate not just with Star Music artists but with the network’s superstars as well like her idol, Sarah Geronimo.
With “Sana Lagi Ay Pasko” Janah hopes to finally be recognized as one of OPM’s next big thing, a title she rightfully deserves.

LET'S GET TO KNOW RISING EDM ARTIST JACE ROQUE

For someone without the backing of a major record label or management team, Jace Roque is quite the accomplished artist. Jace has been in the business for several years now, which is why he has already amassed a long list of credits as an actor and commercial model. Recently, he switched his focus to music, a field in which Jace also had little trouble finding success.
Jace got to where he is not just because he’s talented, but because he knows exactly what he wants and he’ll do whatever it takes to get it. Jace’s determination has served him well. To date, he has appeared in the hit ABS-CBN shows And I Love You So, Inday Bote and Ningning. He has also played supporting roles in the hit movies Across the Crescent Moon and Tatay Kong Sexy, which starred Matteo Guidicelli and former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, respectively.

Acting-wise, he has worked with (and learned from) the cream of the showbiz crop. Aside from the aforementioned leading men, Jace has worked with Jana Agoncillo and Maja Salvador, as well as filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes. Good thing Jace is used to being around celebrities, since he’s related to quite a few. Gino Padilla is a very supportive uncle, while Luke Mejares is a distant cousin of Jace’s. But the relative that had the most impact on Jace’s own showbiz career was the late character actor and stuntman Boy Roque.

When Jace decided to make music full-time, he knew he had to do something to set himself apart in the crowded OPM scene. Not only did Jace go into EDM or electronic dance music, but he also decided to write, produce, and arrange his own songs. He has since released six singles on Spotify, all of which were met with success. Actually, that’s an understatement—his single “Sober,” which he dropped earlier this year, has been streamed over 300,000 times on Spotify. It was also featured on three of the platform’s most popular playlists: New Music Friday Philippines, OPM Rising, and Tatak Pinoy. In fact, Jace made such a huge splash on Spotify that at one point, he was the featured artist on the cover of the OPM Rising playlist. Furthermore, “Sober” was released through Ditto Music, a music distribution company that has also worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.

Meanwhile, the lyric video for Jace’s latest single “Love” recently hit over 100,000 views. It was released through Kobalt Music Group subsidiary AWAL, another international company.
Jace’s accomplishments become all the more impressive when you realize that he managed to do all of that on his own. He’s an independent artist who has had to work doubly hard to get to where he is today. Jace admits that it’s hard to go it alone, but adds that it can also be very fulfilling, especially if you’re a musician like him.

“If you listen to my songs, you’ll notice that they are all straight from the heart, hindi sila plastic. In my songs, ang pinapakita ko talaga is not the person I want to be, but the person I really am,” he says.
Spoken like a true artist.

During our live Q & A with Jace, he mentioned that he wants to focus on his music career for now. This doesn't mean that he is closing his doors to acting projects that may come his way. He's still open to acting gigs from time to time. He's a man of many talents, and he's out to make his mark in the entertainment industry.

FORD V FERRARI - A well-crafted, entertaining film !

Based on the incredible true story of  American driver turned car designer Carrol Shelby and hot-tempered driver/mechanic/car engineer Ken Miles who were both hired by Henry Ford II in 1966 to do the impossible - build a fast car that can beat Ferrari in the Le Mans 24-hour car race. Ferrari has been consistently winning the Le Mans during those times.

I was pleasantly surprised that this is more a story of friendship, their struggles, and ingenuity. What it takes to win the race - not just the driver and his car, but a whole team behind him. That's not to say that the car race scenes are so-so. They are electrifying ! The audience gets a driver's eye view of the car while trying to beat the other racers. 

Oscar winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale are both excellent in their roles as Shelby and Miles, while the other members of the cast are just as great. Tracy Letts is Henry Ford II, Jon Bernthal as Lee Iacocca,  Josh Lucas as Leo Beebe, Caitriona Balfe as Ken's wife Mollie, Noah Jupe as Ken's son Peter, Ray McKinnon as Phil Remington, and Remo Girone as Enzo Ferrari. It's the best ensemble cast in years ! 

Director James Mangold, together with screenwriters Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller has put  together an action-drama-comedy that is exhilarating, fun, and entertaining. This is one of the best films of the year that will certainly get nods for best picture, best director, best actor, best screenplay, best cinematography, best editing, best sound, etc. during awards season. Catch it on the biggest screens with the best sound systems.  I highly recommend it to everyone. Even if you're not into cars or racing, you will enjoy this one ! Rated PG-13. From 20th Century Fox.  

World Vision and partners respond to emergency needs of quake survivors

Following three succeeding earthquakes that hit southern Mindanao last month, World Vision launched its relief operations to help the affected families of Kidapawan City, Makilala, and Tulunan in Northern Cotabato.

To complement the efforts of the local government, World Vision provided non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, mosquito net, mats, and blankets, and emergency shelter kits (tarp and rope) among others.

World Vision also focused its efforts to address the special needs of children affected by the quake. Interventions such as child-friendly spaces and temporary learning centers provided children with psychosocial support and a safe place to learn and play.

As of November 12, World Vision has reached at least 947 affected families with emergency shelter kits, hygiene kits, non-food items, and clean water kits (459 in the City of Kidapawan and 488 in the Municipality of Tulunan), 602 affected children with psychosocial support through child-friendly spaces in school-based evacuation centers in the City of Kidapawan, and 354 school children with 2 temporary learning spaces in their affected school in the Municipality of Makilala.

With the help of generous individuals and companies like Owndays Philippines, J&J, Emerson, Nexus, and RichMedia Inc., the aim to assist 1000 families or 5000 individuals will soon be achieved.

More Help is Needed

Bringing help to the hard-hit earthquake sites are not without challenges. In Tulunan, World Vision response team had to brave the landslide-prone areas in order to reach the survivors including the indigenous tribe B’laan.

“Every day since the quake, we had to walk at least two hours to go here and wait for help,” said 5-month pregnant Chona. She leaves her makeshift shelter at 6 o’clock in the morning and goes back at around 4 in the afternoon, depending on the schedule of relief distributions.

Analiza, another B’laan from a different sitio shared, “We have no choice but to do this. Most of us are farm workers, but our farms were damaged not only by the quake but by the landslides. It’s not easy.”

While help has reached some of the quake-affected families, challenges remain to rebuild their communities, and to start with their lives anew.

"Thank you for partnering with us as we help fellow Filipinos affected by the Mindanao earthquake. Much needs to be done and we hope that God will continue to enable us to help reach the most vulnerable children and communities”, says World Vision Executive Director Rommel Fuerte.

To know more about World Visions work and how to help our fellow people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake, please visit https://wvph.co/DonateforCotabato. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information and updates, you may follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Children present Manifesto to government leaders in World Vision National Children’s Congress

(PRESS RELEASE)
In time for the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the 27th National Children’s Month, World Vision organized a 3-day national children’s congress, attended by more than 140 children across the country. The event, anchored on the theme “Karapatan ng Bata: Ipagdiwang at Patuloy na Pahalagahan”, provided a venue for child leaders to present to government leaders their manifesto which highlights their call for the government and other non-government organizations to address the different issues and concerns that directly or indirectly affect the full attainment of their rights.

Among the issues raised include the lack of support and recognition for Barangay Children’s Associations (BCA), poor health services and poor sanitary conditions in communities, lack of teachers and educational facilities, low family income, bullying and discrimination. Alongside the issues were children’s recommended solutions.

“My life changed after the armed conflict in my city. I wanted to quit studying to help provide for the family but I’m grateful that my parents did not allow me to stop despite our financial challenges. If given a chance, I want to be an accountant someday,” shared Abdullah of Marawi City. The children suggested for provision of income- generating mechanisms to families, as well as access to technical/vocational skills training programs.
National Youth Commission Assistant Secretary Victor Del Rosario who was present during the presentation said that congresses like this are important because they serve as avenues where children may “vent their major issues, concerns and challenges that will be heard by the government for appropriate action”. He added that the government deems the welfare of children very significant in governance.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) through Assistant Chief Colonel Robert Gallardo also affirmed its commitment to upholding the rights of children. “Our centers in police stations nationwide can cater to all complaints affecting women and children, and we can protect them.”

Leaders from the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Committee for Children and Youth Participation, UN Youth Advisory Board, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos - Office of the President were also present during the Children’s Manifesto presentation.

The work continues

“We laud the children for their courage to speak on issues that concern them but we recognize that there is more to be done for them and with them. As a child-focused organization, World Vision will continue to help empower and provide them with venues to come together and amplify their right to be heard and make informed decisions to matters affecting them,” said World Vision Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte.

“One of the things that stuck with me was the discussion on child protection. I learned where to go when we are abused or taken advantage of,” said Kate of Leyte Province. Meanwhile, Kim from Camarines Norte and a first-time attendee of the children’s congress, shared that he made friends with other children despite coming from different backgrounds and that he enjoyed learning more about the country through the different cultural presentations of his fellow children.

Aside from the crafting of the Children’s manifesto, the 3-day event further discussed the UNCRC principles, sustainable development goals, and the four categories of children’s rights: survival, development, participation and protection.

Towards the end of the congress, a new set of child officers were elected for the World Vision National Children’s Federation (WVNCF), a national assembly of children-representatives from assisted communities. WVNCF advocates for active child participation in achieving safe and protective environment in partnership with parents, local government, non-government organizations, private sectors, communities and institutions.

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. https://www.worldvision.org.ph

JessaMae Gabon Releases Digital Single entitled ENSAYADO

JESSAMAE GABON
Jessamae’s authentic voice, style, and musicality conveys the strength and force that makes every Filipino proud… her influences cross between the likes of Carole King, Nina Simone, Lady Gaga, and local ballad singers like Lani Misalucha and Ebe Dancel. Listening to Jessamae’s songs is like listening to the legends and to contemporary poetry. As a singer and songwriter, her passion and love for her Filipino legacy and heritage is strongly interwoven into her soul as a musician. Her songs will simply grip your heart and nourish your soul – there’s nothing like it.
Encouraged by fans and loved ones, Jessamae has released her originally written and composed song entitled “Ensayado” in October of this year. Crafted by musical arranger Jun “JT” Tamayo and produced by label executive Reck Cardinales, this masterpiece was released and published by executive producer RJA Productions LLC and now being distributed on all streaming sites by Curve Entertainment.
The song is a mix of pop-rock and retro style, utilizing fast rhythm and electronic music. Ensayado is a fresh, upbeat, original Filipino song that talks about a common but very personal process of facing one’s reservations. Faced with too many missed chances to speak one’s heart and mind, one can only imagine different ways of what might have been or could have been. Ensayado harbors longing and loneliness submerged under the colorful rhythm and contemporary synths that expresses authentic (siguro puwede pong ‘her personal influences across artists and genres', authenticity is debatable kasi) artistry.

Like a Phoenix Rising, Stronger than Ever…

Starting out as an amateur singer (colloquially known as kontesera), vocal coach, and back-up singer, she began her singing career behind multiple cover albums and as the voice behind many karaoke VCDs. In time, Jessamae grew her experience and began to spread her contemporary influence across various platforms through her voice and the power of her lyrics:
Recipient of South East Asian Region Award for the show “Search for Unsigned Talents in Asia” (SUTASI), produced by Asia Sounds (a Melbourne based music entertainment company, 2007)
Released a contemporary Filipino music entitled “Bagong Henerasyon” under StarMusic (formerly known as Star Records Inc., 2009)
Finalist of the Annual Multi-awarded Gospel Song Writing Competition (Song of Praise Music Festival, 2012)
Song Interpreter of Grand Finalists for Two Seasons (Song of Praise Music Festival, 2012, 2014)
Released her first digital showcase under a channel called DISRUPT, a program featuring Asian performing artists, produced by MediaCorp in Singapore (2014)
Jessamae’s love for Filipino music and instruments grew even deeper in time as she delved into her musical training and as she opened herself to her local culture.

A True Lover of Local Languages, Poetry, and Filipino Sensibilities

Jessamae’s songs are known for the heart-wrenching lyrics and the deeper meaning it conveys to every listener.
As the writer of her songs, Jessamae shares that her songs reflect her personal experiences, the inner workings of her thoughts, and the depth of her soul.  It reflects her love for the local languages, poetry, and Filipino sensibilities.
Spreading her wings further, she started to also expand her songwriting gift and love for theater both abroad and locally.
Her most memorable experience was co-writing, co-producing, and singing a number of children’s songs for a popular Singaporean children’s show entitled “Junction Tree”. She also remained as an active member of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, a puppet theatre group whose works cater to children’s literature and Asian puppet theatre touring around Asia and the world.
To sum up Jessamae and her music, here’s a famous quote from Roy Ayers, “The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.”

MIDWAY (2019) - The most accurate retelling of the Battle of Midway

This film centers on the battle of Midway. From the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Dolittle raid, to the eventual attack of the American fleet against the  Imperial Japanese Navy. It showcased the soldiers and pilots that bravely risked their lives to fight the enemy. Each member of the star-studded cast represented a real hero in the Pacific war.

According to some historians, this is the most accurate retelling of the battle of Midway. Director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, Godzilla) tried to squeeze as many historical figures in his movie. But the main asset of the movie are the aerial and navy battle scenes that make up most of the film. You'll get a first-person view of the planes diving and bombing the enemies' battleships, bullets flying through the air. What a sight to behold !

With an all-star cast led by Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Dennis Quaid, Darren Criss, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Woody Harrelson, Aaron Eckhart, Keean Johnson, and a handful of Japanese actors. Get to know more of the famous battle in the Pacific. Stay for the end-credits.
Rated PG-13. From Summit Entertainment. Now showing !

  

World Vision launches response to Mindanao quake

6 November 2019 - Following the recent earthquakes in southern Mindanao, child-focused development and humanitarian agency World Vision launches its relief operations for the affected people of Northern Cotabato, including the city of Kidapawan and the hard-hit towns of Makilala and Tulunan.

“We are committed to support the government-led response in Mindanao. World Vision in the Philippines is particularly concerned for the well-being of children“, says World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte,

In the morning of October 16, magnitude 6.3 earthquake of tectonic origin, hit the province of North Cotabato, with the epicenter located in the town of Tulunan. Days after, another quake of greater magnitude occurred from almost the same location. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 6.6-magnitude earthquake, followed by another equally strong quake on Oct. 31 at 6.5 magnitude with a shallow depth of 2 kilometers which triggered more destruction and risk in the province.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC, Nov 5), the series of earthquakes affected about 188,583 persons or 37,716 families in Regions XI and XII. Over 28,070 persons are currently taking shelter in 32 evacuation camps. Meanwhile, there are 1,493 more families being served outside of the evacuation centers.

“They are in a state of shock and as per report Cotabato is going to be more susceptible to aftershocks in the coming days. We are appealing to our partners and fellow Filipinos for support so that we can respond to the immediate needs of displaced children and their families. We can do more together”, added Fuerte.

A total of 1,075 schools were damaged, including about 26 totally damaged. According to the Department of Education, more than 3 million students are affected due to suspension of classes. Today, child-friendly spaces will be set up to provide psychosocial support to help children cope from the calamity, while temporary learning spaces will also be provided in coordination with the affected schools.

Complementing the government’s massive emergency operations in the province, World Vision complements and provides non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), emergency shelter kit (tarp and rope) among others.

Through the generous support of donors, World Vision aims to initially help 1,000 families or 5,000 individuals.

To know more about World Visions work and how to help our fellow people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake, please visit https://wvph.co/DonateforCotabato. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information and updates, you may follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.