Dev Flores

The Philippine government extends full assistance to our compatriots in Hong Kong, following a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex in Tai Po District.

Delegates from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) deployed in the shelters organized by the Hong Kong government to assess the current situation and condition of affected Filipinos and provide the necessary support.

‍

Financial aid to the family of Maryan and to Rhodora

The fire incident in Wang Fuk is undeniably massive and detrimental. The death toll rises from time to time. Along with that, one Filipino migrant worker, Maryan Pascual Esteban, died from the incident.

Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. confirmed that fact in his exclusive interview with UNTV. He also stated that the institution expedites the repatriation process of the demised OFW.

"We’ll do everything para mapabilis ito. Usually, ang timeframe ho natin n’yan, 2 weeks. So, susubukan natin pong pabilisin pa para maayos ‘yung mga documents niya," he said

OWWA Administrator, Atty. Patricia Yvonne Cuanan reiterates that commitment in speeding up the repatriation. She also stated that Esteban’s child will receive educational assistance from the OWWA, on top of death and burial benefits. Moreover, the DMW will give a separate P100-K financial assistance for Esteban's family.

Meanwhile, another OFW, Rhodora Alcaraz, was confined to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after saving her employer’s baby from the incident. On December 1, CG Israel confirmed her recovery. 

“Na-extubate na ho siya… Nakakapagsalita na nang malinaw. Syempre mahina pa dahil may nararamdamang sakit sa lalamunan sa mga nalanghap niyang carbon monoxide. So, nasa ICU pa rin pero mas stable na po. Mas maganda na ‘yung kanyang medical condition,”

he said 

The DMW plans to provide hospital assistance of P75,000 and facilitate her sibling's compassionate visit.

‍

The employment concerns of affected OFWs

The fire incident and its devastating effect on the community raised concerns regarding the employment status of the affected migrant workers, especially domestic workers. CG Israel reiterated the “two-week rule” in Hong Kong. 

Domestic helpers terminated due to the employer’s displacement or death due to the fire have 2 weeks to look for a new employer and continue working there. The Consulate is collecting further details from those 60 individuals who survived the incident regarding their current employment status and will provide necessary support once confirmed.

For concerns and assistance, Atty. Cuanan advised reaching out to the OWWA through the following hotlines available below:

Manila: 1348

Regional: (02) 1348

International (from abroad): (+632) 1348

‍

Individuals may also proceed to the nearest OWWA office available in their area.

‍

Kween Yasmin breaks the internet once again, but this time, not through poetry; instead, through her Canva ey-ssets (assets) called All-Purpose Kween. This newest trend shows a complex version of her art and creativity, bringing fun to netizens. More than just fun, it also allows them to boost their artistic and creative side with a kick of fun and humor.

On TikTok, her Canva collections allow users to edit and customize presentations, social media posts, and creative projects with Yasmin's creative signature. All-Purpose Kween ey-ssets (assets) offers three asset categories: photo library, fonts, and emojis. 

Other brands, influencers, and even some government personalities and agencies joined the hype. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the trend! Unleash your creativity and bring fun to the online world using Yasmin's collection.

‍

The OPM power couple, in their exclusive interview with KDR Music House, has been given a chance to share advice and inspirational messages with the next generation of aspiring musicians. 

Jessa Zaragosa implied the essence of authenticity. As an artist, you have to find a way to discover your uniqueness that makes you shine and stand out in the industry. 

‍“Very important is you have to be original. You have to be authentic - kumbaga distinct. ‘Yung tipong maghahanap ka ng… hanapin mo talaga ‘yung sarili mo na kakaiba ka, na meron kang sariling ambag mo sa industriya,” Jessa said

‍[“It’s very important that you are original. You have to be authentic - in other words, distinct. You really have to find the unique version of yourself, that you have your own contribution to the industry.”]

Dingong Avanzado justified Jessa's statement. Authenticity is a must; also, consider honing your interpersonal skills alongside the performance.

‍“It’s not enough that you’re good kasi maraming magaling sa totoo lang. You have to have that right attitude sa performance mo. The heart for it. The passion for it… it has to be real and also importante rin ‘yung marunong kang makisama sa mga taong nasa paligid mo.” 

‍[“It's not enough that you are good, because in fact, there are many people who are excellent in the music industry. You have to have the right attitude in your performance. The heart for it. The passion for it. It has to be real, and it is also important that you know how to get along with the people around you.”]

Authenticity, right attitude, and interpersonal skills - those are the qualities that the music artist has to acquire based on Jessa and Dingdong. 

On the other hand, the Alcasid couple emphasized the importance of knowing the historical journeys of the early-gen OPMs. It's essential to acknowledge and respect them; their footprints in the industry paved the way for the new generations to shine and stand out.

“I hope they have a sense of history of OPM music because that is so important that they don’t forget that they realize, maraming nauna. Marami silang ginawa para sa aming lahat,” Ogie said

‍[“I hope they have a sense of history regarding OPM music, because that is so important. They shouldn't forget, and they should realize that many came before them. They did a lot for all of us.”]

‍“Huwag niyong kalimutang lumingon sa pinanggalingan ninyo because knowing your history is very important. If you know your history, that’s where our culture comes from, so what he (Ogie) was saying na maraming nauna sa atin. It’s wonderful to be able to know these people who actually paved the way for us, to make it easier for us and for our voices to be heard. Kasi kung hindi inumpisahan ng mga naunang artists, hindi natin mae-enjoy kung ano ‘yung nae-enjoy natin ngayon.” Regine added

‍[“Don't forget to look back at where you came from, because knowing your history is very important. If you know your history, that's where our culture comes from, so what he (Ogie) was saying—that many came before us—it's wonderful to be able to know these people who actually paved the way for us, to make it easier for us and for our voices to be heard. Because if the earlier artists hadn't started it, we wouldn't be enjoying what we are enjoying now.”]

Being an excellent artist is not just about hitting the high notes, stage presence, looks, or the overall performance itself. The life of an artist is not limited to what is visible on stage or on camera. It goes beyond the spotlight. 

The OPM power couple, in their exclusive interview with KDR Music House, has been given a chance to share advice and inspirational messages with the next generation of aspiring musicians.

‍

OPM Royalty, the iconic power couple Jessa Zaragosa and Dingdong Avanzado, alongside Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, once again delivered a powerful and shaking performance at the Sound in Our Sky concert in Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday (Nov. 23).

The crowd was delighted as they sang along with the signature songs of the legendary couples. Jessa and Dingdong appreciated that. It's not just about the audience singing along with them, but the memories tied to their journey.

“Nakakataba talaga ng puso na marinig mo na inaawit ‘yung awitin mo ng audience… Pero ‘yung ma-feel mo or maka-relate sila, it’s a special experience. As an artist, I very much appreciated that na until now na ‘yung song ay buhay pa,” Dingdong said

[“It is truly heartwarming to hear that the audience sings along with you. But the feeling, or seeing them relate to it, it’s a special experience. As an artist, I very much appreciated that until now, the song is still alive.”]

“Tsaka palaging nire-request sa mga shows namin. Talagang parang ano eh, sinasabi nila na  kapag naririnig daw nila ‘yung mga awitin namin, parang bumabalik din sila doon sa nakaraan nila. Kumbaga, may mga memories bawat song. Nostalgic.” Jessa added

[“They're always being requested at our shows. They tell us that whenever they hear our songs, it feels like they are brought back to their past. It’s like every song has a tied memory for them. It’s nostalgic.”]

Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez, conveyed that performing with her husband, Ogie Alcasid, is an advantage since they’ve known each other intimately. They’re also deeply familiar with each other's singing techniques when sharing the stage.

“I always enjoy singing with my husband. I think, for me, it’s an advantage because madaling kumanta with him because he complements my voice,” 

[“I always enjoy singing with my husband. I think, for me, it’s an advantage because it’s convenient to sing with him because he complements my voice,”]

Ogie Alcasid recognized the priceless connection with their fans:

“When we get to singing our songs, that our audience has fallen in love with it, and made their own, so that kind of harmony, you know - with us and our audience is very, very precious,” Ogie said

The rising stars, Letters from June, also joined in the concert. In their exclusive interview with KDR Music House, legends like the OPM power couples helped them intensify their flame in playing their role in the music industry.

‍

PBBM voiced his concern regarding the condition of his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, following her recent statements disclosed in a religious rally in Manila (Nov. 17). Those statements include the allegations against the President concerning illegal drug use.

During a press briefing held in Malacañang, President Marcos Jr. said that their family and friends have been worried about the senator.

"For a while now, we've been very worried about my sister. When I say we, I'm talking about friends and family. And the reason that is... because the lady that you see, talking on TV, is not my sister. That view is shared by our cousins, our friends. Hindi siya 'yan. So that's why we are worried, so we are very worried about her.  I hope she gets... I hope she feels better soon," he said

He further indicated that Sen. Imee is markedly different from the person they used to know. However, after the press briefing, Sen. Imee posted a statement on her official Facebook page, directly addressing the president:

“Bongbong, ako ‘to, kung ano ano na nakikita mo ading. Patunayan mong mali ako - gusto kong mali ako”.

[“Bongbong, it’s me. Seems like you’re seeing random things, my brother. Prove me wrong - I want to be wrong.”]

‍

When asked about their relationship, President Marcos Jr. admitted that they are no longer talking, mentioning different political alignments and paths they have taken both in and out of politics.

‍

‍

‍