Dev Flores

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.

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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.”]

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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.

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DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, accompanied by the delegates from the Bureau of Immigration and Office for Transportation Security, inspected facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The program is part of the agency's efforts for the highly anticipated influx of passengers this upcoming long holiday season.

In the departure area, the check-in procedure is now more convenient with the operationalization of self-check-in and bag drop counters. 

Immigration queues will be faster through the activation of new e-gates, operated by the Bureau of Immigration. This technology has facial recognition and passport scanning features. Through its security and verification features, passengers' security will be ensured. Illegal entry will also be prevented. The PRS e-gates and border control e-gates are scheduled to be fully operational by the second week of December.

On the DOTr-issued statement, Secretary Lopez stated the administration's focus on passenger welfare during the approaching holiday season:

"Ang sabi nga ng Pangulo, dapat mabilis at komportable ang ating mga pasahero. Kaya natin isinusulong ang digitalization sa airport kasama ang NNIC para mas mabilis at convenient yung overall passenger travel experience ng ating mga pasahero, lalo na’t nalalapit na ang kapaskuhan."

(“As the President stated, our passengers should experience the fast and comfortable system. Together with the NNIC, we are pushing for digitalization in the airport, to make the overall passenger travel experience faster and convenient, especially as the Christmas season is approaching.”)

This inspection, led by the DOTr, aligns and complies with the directives of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to ensure that all terminals, docks, and airports are fully equipped and ready to efficiently handle the volume of travelers during long holidays.

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The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) announced that new biometric immigration e-gates will be activated at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 in December 2025.

The Bureau of Immigration will operate the e-gates, which use an Automated Border Control System with passport scanning and facial recognition technology.

The system aims to reduce wait times and ease congestion at immigration checkpoints.

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Our very own Ahtisa Manalo nailed it once again as she now secured her place as a 3rd runner-up at the 74th Miss Universe pageant. Every ounce of effort, from preparations to her performance on coronation night, has truly paid off.

Locals are still proud and grateful for Manalo, who fearlessly raised our flag high and shone brightly on the global stage, representing the vibrant and radiant side of the Philippines amidst adversities.

Ahtisa's poised and confident presence throughout the competition was consistently illuminating. From her national costume to her final walk, she embodied the brilliance, hospitality, and grace of the Filipinos.

Thank you, Ahtisa!

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