Learn How TikTok Brought Angela Ken's Beautiful Music to the World

 

18-year old Angela Rojas is one of the most promising young talents seen on TikTok today. Known online as Angela Ken, this TikTok success story started out the same way many musicians on the platform do, posting covers and snippets of her original compositions. 

 

 

From a young age, Angela was already musically inclined. She even wrote her first composition, a worship song, at the age of 12. But when she first started using TikTok, Angela didn't think that she would actually start sharing her talents with others on the platform. "Last year, I started making song covers and dances on TikTok just for fun. Until I uploaded one of my originals on TikTok last September, and I didn’t expect all the blessings that will shower upon me," Angela says.

The original song that she posted is a track called "Ako Naman Muna", which roughly translates to This Time I Come First, an alluring and relatable tune about self-love. Though she only shared a preview of this composition on TikTok, it quickly went viral on the app. Resonating with a multitude of audiences, it was eventually shared on other social media platforms as well.

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@anqelaken/video/6896755326591307010

According to Angela, she was at a low point in her life when she wrote the song, and was even in tears while writing the first verse. "The story behind 'Ako Naman Muna' is very personal and special to me," she shares. "I felt unproductive, uncertain and lost because I can’t do the things I used to do, I can’t meet some of the people who makes me happy, I can’t go to the places I want to go. I felt stuck, and sadness pulled me down. That was why the first verse was that deep and relatable to reality. Until one night, I posted it and I never expected it to go viral. All I wanted was to let that song go and not finish it anymore. But I saw a lot of people feel the same way [as I did], and I don’t want that. I got inspired to make the chorus full of hope and give light to those who are in darkness."

"Ako Naman Muna" is such a powerful song, that it eventually reached the radar of ABS-CBN's Star Music. Angela is now a Star Magic talent,recording artist under ABS-CBN MUSIC and will soon be seen in projects and shows under Dreamscape Entertainment. She is also slated to appear as one of the new-breed singers on the musical variety show, ASAP. For Angela, getting her start on TikTok is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream, as it led the way for her to join ABS-CBN. She shares, "Ever since I was a kid, one of my dreams is to become a well known singer. I love singing because it helps me express how I feel in a unique way." 

TikTok is brimming with talents, similar to Angela, just waiting to be discovered. The platform serves as an ideal virtual stage for aspiring performers, empowering them to showcase their music, and allowing them to be heard by audiences around the world, even beyond the platform. 

Follow Angela Ken and other talented musicians on TikTok! Download the app on your iOS and Android devices today to get started.

5 Ways to Enjoy a Cool Summer in Your Condo

 

Keeping yourself and your home cool during sweltering summer months can be both challenging and costly. Fortunately there are little things that can be done to make your living space less warm, and protect yourself against heatstroke, too. Here are 5 easy ideas that you can try.

Care for indoor plants

Certain plants can help bring down the temperature in a living space by absorbing warm air, and releasing oxygen and moisture to cool the area. Placing plants like aloe vera, peace lily, spider plant, and snake plant around your house can make the space more beautiful, and more comfortable.

Open up your windows

When it feels cooler outside than inside your home, usually early in the morning and in the evening, open up some windows to let air flow through. Experiment to see which windows are best to open, and which to keep closed for optimal cross-ventilation. 

Enjoy a cold beverage

Keeping yourself cool is extremely important when it’s hot outside. One of the simplest ways to do this is by staying hydrated. Water is your best thirst-quenching option, but you can also choose to indulge in fresh juices or smoothies, iced tea, lemonade, and other cold drinks that are perfect for summer.

Take your workouts inside

Exercising indoors during the summer months can help protect your body from harsh sun exposure, and extreme heat. Be sure to choose a well-ventilated area as your workout space at home, and try to schedule your exercise time during hours that aren’t too hot.

Relax in front of the television

Because the body releases heat when you move, taking the time to relax and stay still can help keep your body and your space cool in the summer. The best way to do this is to put on your favorite movie or TV program, and settle in for a few minutes or hours of viewing.

Condo-dwellers in search of an ideal TV for their homes can check out the different Devant 43” TV models that are perfect for small living spaces, capable of giving you the best viewing experience possible. 

Devant 43” Digital LED TV 

Enjoy brilliant picture quality with this TV’s full HD 1920x1080 resolution. It also gives you a wider viewing angle of 178˚/178˚ horizontally and vertically, allowing more people to watch comfortably from anywhere in the room. The TV is designed with invisible speakers that provide superb audio, and is equipped with down firing technology for surround sound in the entire space. With a built-in ISDB-T Receiver, this TV is able to receive and decode high-definition broadcasts from local TV networks.

The Devant 43” Digital LED TV specs include:

• Full HD 1920x1080

• Built-in ISDB-T Receiver

• HDMI Input

• USB Input

• 60Hz Vivid Motion

Devant 43” Smart TV

Access apps like Netflix and YouTube with ease using this smart TV. You can also search for additional apps through the VIDAA STORE, an HTML5-based storefront of exciting apps that are all optimized for TV. This TV’s high-definition display has an image resolution of 1920x1080 that is equivalent to 2 megapixels. 

The Devant 43” Smart TV specs include:

• Full HD 1920x1080

• Vidaa U Operating System

• VIDAA STORE, YouTube, Netflix

• Built-in ISDB-T Receiver

• Anyview Cast

• Vidaa Art

Devant 43” Smart 4K TV

See every on-screen detail in ultra high definition with the Devant 43” Smart 4K TV. Its screen has an image resolution of 3840x2160, equivalent to 8.3 megapixels. It runs the Vidaa U Operating System and the VEWD App Store, where you can access your favorite video content providers, download fun apps, or watch live TV. This TV is also equipped with Anyview Cast that has a screen mirroring function that allows you to wirelessly sync your mobile devices to your TV, and view content on a larger screen.  

The TV is HDR compatible, with an expanded contrast ratio and color palette for a more realistic image. It also has a built-in Bluetooth function that lets you connect to an external speaker without the need for wires. 

Devant 43” Smart 4K TV specs include:

• Ultra HD 3840x2160

• Vidaa U Operating System

• VIEWD App Store, YouTube, Netflix

• HDR Compatible

• Bluetooth Function

Learn more about the #SpaceSaver43 Condo TV, as well as other products, when you check out the Devant Website (www.devanttv.com).

Devant products are also available in leading appliance stores nationwide.

Follow Devant on Facebook (www.facebook.com/devant.tv), Instagram (www.instagram.com/devanttv), and Youtube Devant Official Channel for the latest updates.

"Dito at Doon" to be Released Direct to Digital this March 31

 

TB​A Studios’ upcoming film “Dito at Doon” will proceed with its scheduled online release this coming March 31, 2021, while its theatrical release is currently on hold.  The JC Santos - Janine Gutierrez romance movie was supposed to arrive in theaters nationwide on March 17.

The change comes after careful decision among the film’s producers with everyone’s health and safety as their utmost priority.

“We have decided to release ‘Dito at Doon’ exclusively online for the time being.  This was a very difficult decision for the whole team, but one that has everyone’s best interest in mind,” said E. A. Rocha, TBA Studios’ CEO.

 

 

Contemporary Love Story

Set during the pandemic, “Dito at Doon” revolves around political science graduate Len (Janine Gutierrez) and her online/offline frenemy Caloy (JC Santos).  With polarizing views and challenges of not being physically together, will their relationship survive?

Directed by JP Habac of "I'm Drunk, I Love You." fame, "Dito at Doon" also features host and stand-up comedian Victor Anastacio and theater actress Yesh Burce, with the special participation of Janine's mom Lotlot de Leon. 

The film was developed and shot during the pandemic, and was slated to be the first big local movie to be released a year since the pandemic started.

“We know how much it means for a lot of people to finally share this experience together on the big screen and we feel positive that there would still be a chance for us to do so. But for now, we are happy to offer an accessible and convenient alternative for Filipino movie fans eagerly waiting to see ‘Dito at Doon’,” Rocha added.

Online Streaming

Fans can catch the much-anticipated romantic film at ktx.ph, Cinema '76 @ Home, iWant TFC, and Ticket2Me. 

Book now to avail of the on-going early bird promo and enjoy “Dito at Doon” for only Php 300. This special offer is for a limited time only. Regular price is at Php 350.

Film aficionados outside the Philippines will have a chance to see “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”) too as TBA Studios prepares a worldwide release via TBA Play, the company’s premium  video-on-demand (PVOD) platform soon.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has shown love and support for this film.  We hope that they would continue to extend that support not just for ‘Dito at Doon’, but the whole Philippine Film Industry as well.  It has been a challenging year, but we at TBA Studios remain hopeful.  We appreciate everyone’s patience and we look forward to bringing this timely yet timeless, heartwarming film to you very soon.” Rocha expressed.

To know more about the movie, visit https://www.facebook.com/TBAStudiosPH, follow TBA Studios on Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

Join the conversation online using the hashtags #DitoAtDoon #ProudlyTBA.

Louie Sangalang vs. Lara Pearl Alvarez: Who Is The Pinoy Favorite To Win ONE Championship Apprentice?

 

TWO of the 16 candidates from around the world vying in The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition come from the Philippines.

But as big of a pride as they have in representing the country in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Lara Pearl Alvarez and Louie Sangalang couldn't be any more different in their respective approaches to this high-stakes game of business competitions and physical challenges.

Alvarez' bid heavily leans with courage, one trait that the Philippines has exemplified over the years across different industries.

"Filipinos are known to be courageous," she said. 

"In the past, we fought for our right and our freedom and it continues up to the present time. Every Filipino is fighting for something -- their life, their dreams, and their family."

That determination, Alvarez noted, would be her driving force in her quest to win the US $250,000 job offer to work as ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong's protégé at the ONE Championship Global Headquarters in Singapore for a year.

"That is what I will be for this show, I will be a fighter," she said. "I believe that the more you sacrifice for something, the more you'll give what is beyond your limit. Of all candidates, I think I made the biggest sacrifice."

Alvarez, after all, knew the sacrifices she had to make just to be in this reality show.

She left her 10-month-old son, one who needed her nurturing this early in his life, and made big gambles just for this rare shot at glory -- one which she believes would lead to a better life for her family.

 

"I left a 10 month old boy who needed me the most at such a tender age. I spent what's left from my savings for my preparations for the show. All of that is for the chance to change my life. I think I have a bigger reason for this competition and that is my edge."

Sangalang, on the other hand, sees it the other way.

 

He doesn't want to see this competition, one regarded as the toughest iteration of 'The Apprentice' yet, based on nationalities as he looks at all the participants in an equal footing.

"Like what Chatri said, this competition is a leveled playing field regardless of race, age, or gender. To me, I think that all traits and qualities, may it be good or bad, are universal and are not specific to any race or nationality," said Sangalang.

For him, what matters most for him is to show his resiliency, one which he has done all his life, especially after surviving appendiceal cancer at the age of 23 more than two decades back.

"Personally, I want to prove that I am resilient and that I always do my best in every physical task and business challenge. I want to demonstrate my maturity, business acumen, and level-headedness in this competition," he said.

But if there's one thing that the two Filipinos agree on, it's that the key to winning The Apprentice: ONE Championship is as simple as being true to one's self.

"I want to be that person who people can relate to and I don't want to fake it. I am imperfect, yes, but I always strive to be better," said Alvarez. 

"I look at my mistakes as experiences to become a better person. I always get up and fight back when life brings me down."

Sangalang, for his part, pointed out that he never even considered himself as the favorite in this competition.

"Don't believe your own hype. Do the right things and do things well -- and for me, this is a good starting point to finding your True North."

So between the two, who's the favorite to win The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition?

You be the judge.

The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition will premiere across Asia on Thursday, 18 March, on AXN, the show’s official Asian broadcast partner, with markets to include Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition will also be available on other platforms and TV networks across Asia in March, including MediaCorp (Singapore), Abema (Japan), KompasTV (Indonesia), Amarin TV (Thailand), LINE TV (Thailand), TV5 Network (Philippines), and HTV (Vietnam).

FDCP Channel Hosts Cine Filipina in Celebration of Women's Month

 

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) celebrates National Women’s Month as it holds Cine Filipina this March.

“Cine Filipina: Juana sa Gitna ng Pagbabago” is being held virtually on the FDCP Channel (fdcpchannel.ph), the FDCP’s exclusive platform that allows audiences to enjoy quality local and international content online.

Feature films, shorts, and talks on women empowerment are available throughout March on the FDCP Channel. 

A total of 10 films can be viewed through video-on-demand (VOD) for only PHP 99, plus there are two Cine Filipina talks, free limited screenings of the opening and closing films, and CineMarya short films and panel discussions also for free viewing.

Cine Filipina kicked off on March 8, International Women’s Day, with the free one-time screening of “Insiang” by Lino Brocka as the opening salvo. Five titles on the different realities of women amidst change and development were also made available from March 8 to 31:

• “Sonata” by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes

• “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok” by Lauren Sevilla Faustino

• “White Slavery” by Lino Brocka

• “Chasing Fireflies” by Sheron Dayoc

• “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag” by Lino Brocka

On March 15, the Official Opening of Cine Filipina will take place. The Opening Ceremonies will be streamed from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on the FDCP’s YouTube channel and Facebook pages to be followed by the one-time free screening of Brocka’s “White Slavery” from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the FDCP Channel. 

Five more films on women empowerment and gender issues will be added to the Cine Filipina lineup on March 15 and these will be available until March 31:

• “Bagahe” by Zig Dulay

• “Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria” by Remton Zuasola

• “Lorna” by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

• “Adela” by Adolfo Alix, Jr.

• “Miss Bulalacao” by Ara Chawdhury

Short films and replays of panel discussions from the CineMarya Women’s Short Film Festival will be shown for free from March 20 to 21. CineMarya is an initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the FDCP, Quezon City Film Development Council, and Philippine Commission on Women.

The two CineMarya film talks from the 2020 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) that will be featured are:

• “Women in Philippine Cinema” moderated by producer Armi Cacanindin featuring editors Tara Illenberger and Ilsa Malsi, producers Pamela Reyes and Ria Limjap, and director and cinematographer Lee Briones-Meily

• “Women in Public Service” featuring FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño, DILG Undersecretary Marjorie Jalosjos, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair Rachel Arenas with Issa Litton as moderator

  

From March 27 to 28, two FDCP Film Talks on Cine Filipina will be streamed live from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on the FDCP’s YouTube channel and Facebook pages:

• “Si Juana at ang Lockdown” is on women in the film industry’s vulnerable and marginalized sector and their experiences during the pandemic (March 27, Saturday).

• “Women Artists in Lockdown” is on art, womanhood, and the lockdown, along with the works that were made as a response to the pandemic and the lockdown (March 28, Sunday).

The Official Closing of Cine Filipina will be held on March 31, with the Closing Ceremonies to be streamed from 7 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on the FDCP’s YouTube channel and Facebook pages. This will be followed by the one-time free screening of closing film “Verdict” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the FDCP Channel. 

Championing women empowerment

The Cine Filipina selection consists of 12 feature films by male and female directors with unique backgrounds, milieu, and treatments representing the multiple realities and challenges that Filipinas have to deal with both in the past and present.

“This National Women’s Month, the Film Development Council of the Philippines pays tribute to all women who exhibit strength and fortitude as they continue to break barriers, stand up for causes, and bring about positive changes in society,” remarked FDCP Chairperson Diño.

“Through Cine Filipina, we hope to further the rights and welfare of women with our online film screenings and events. Our Cine Filipina film selection was curated to represent the story of every Juana — the struggles, the challenges, the triumphs — in light of gender empowerment and equality,” added Diño, who received the Special Award for Woman Empowerment from the Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. in 2020. 

Brocka’s “Insiang,” “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” and “White Slavery” represent the Filipinas and their struggles from the 1970s to 1980s. In response to Brocka’s masterpieces, “Bagahe,” “Chasing Fireflies,” “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria,” and “Verdict” compare and contrast how issues are dealt with and how women are treated and positioned in the new society amid the new millennium. 

“Lorna,” “Adela,” and “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok” offer varying takes on the realities of older women in the country, while “Miss Bulalacao” and “Sonata” show how women’s choices on career, religion, and motherhood affect the narrative. 

To watch the Cine Filipina films, log in at the FDCP Channel (or create an account for free) and click the Events tab. For more information and inquiries, visit https://www.facebook.com/fdcpchannel.ph or https://fdcpchannel.ph.