Fans of Korean Entertainment in Philippines had their wishes answered as tvN channel will be revamped to provide more and faster Korean dramas, variety programs and movies starting December 15!


             

To launch this revamped tvN Premium channel, CJ ENM HK with WILBROS Entertainment is partnering with the leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) for its first-ever linear channel service, bringing the best Korean pop culture and entertainment onto their GigaPlay app. More than 70 million Smart mobile subscribers can now watch all the exciting contents from tvN anytime, anywhere. This is an expansion of existing partnership where SMART continuously host CJ ENM’s iconic K-POP events such as Mnet Asia Music Awards & KCON online events since 2020.

Smart Communications, Inc., commonly referred to as Smart, is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., a telecommunications and digital services provider based in the Philippines. Recently, Smart launched the GigaPlay App, a new and handy streaming app especially developed to bring a suite of sports and entertainment content to subscribers for free. Now downloadable on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, GigaPlay especially curated live and on-demand content that are optimized to stream seamlessly on the country's fastest mobile network. The app is available to all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, TNT, and Smart Bro subscribers, who only have to connect to their mobile data, select the video they want on the GigaPlay app, and watch it to their hearts content anytime and anywhere.

“We’re happy to collaborate with CJ ENM because K-content is truly close to Smart when it comes to service. We’ve been constantly listening to our customers as we enable our subscribers to pursue their passions despite the limitations of our current situation. GigaPlay plays a key role in our innovations platform because it delivers access to amazing experiences at their fingertips – and K-content is one of the main offers we have on the app alongside live sports, music and entertainment.” Jane J. Basas, Smart SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business

Starting 15 December at 10am, Smart GigaPlay customers will be able to join the global fandom of tvN’s tentpole drama Jirisan with daily marathon of series that cumulates in the final episodes on 18 and 19 December, 9.15pm. Be engaged with this mystery drama set against the series that backdrop of the vast scenery of Mount Jiri featuring the beloved Gianna Jun (My Sassy Girl, My Love from the Star) marking her return to the small screen after 5 years and Ju Ji-Hoon (Kingdom, Hyena).

Fans of Oppa Rain and Kim Bum won’t want to miss their new fantasy + medical drama – GHOST DOCTOR (premieres 04 Jan 2022, every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.15pm). The drama talks about an arrogant and selfish doctor Young-min getting involved in an unusual case, which transfers his spirit to another doctor’s body. With different personalities, will they be able to coexist in one body? Taking over after Ghost Doctor is an action/ romance drama - MILITARY PROSECUTOR DO BAR MAN starring Ahn Bo-hyun and Cho Bo-ah, about the story of Do Bae-man who became a military prosecutor for money meets Cha Woo-in, who became a military persecutor for revenge. Fighting against the corruption within the military, they grow up to become the ‘true’ military prosecutors. Don’t miss these 2 exciting new dramas coming your way express from Korea after its broadcast.

Fans of the trendiest variety programs are in for a treat as we bring you all these new shows from Korea starting with the latest season of IDOL DICTATION CONTEST S2 (premieres 20 Dec, Every Mon 9pm), a spin-off from the popular Amazing Saturday is hosted by MC Boom with a star-studded cast of idols including Super Junior’s Eunhyuk, Lee Jin Ho, Jaejae, VIXX’s Ravi, Lovelyz’s Mijoo, Choi Ye Na and Stary Kids’ Lee Know playing games, listening to snippets of songs and writing down the correct lyrics in order to win the prize of delicious food from all over Korea. A new reality show, LOVE CATCHER IN SEOUL (Every Tuesday, 10.20pm) is a dating psychological game played by 'love catchers' who participate for searching true love and 'money catchers' who only aim for money hosted by Son Ho Jun, Jang Do Yeon, Sunny, Loco, and [email protected](G)I-DLE.

From 08 January 2022, viewers can also look forward to a brand-new movie belt on tvN every Saturday at 9.15pm. Be delighted by romantic comedies like Officer of the Year, Two Faces of My Girlfriend, The Beast and the Beauty, action thriller like Fatal Encounter, A Company Man, The Witch: Part 1 The Subversion. You can expect to catch all your favourite Korean stars like Hyun Bin, Cho Jung-seok, So Ji-sub, Shin Min-A, Lee Sun-yun, Han Ji-min, Kim Da-mi, Bong Tae-gyu, Choi Woo-shik and many more here.

To add on the festive cheers, tvN has curated a #tvN2021Number1Playlist to keep fans entertained with a slew of best-rated programs, starting with the marathon of thriller drama HAPPINESS starring Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik and Jo Woo Jin (22 – 23 Dec, 12.15pm onwards), SPRING CAMP (24 Dec, 2.30pm onwards), THE SIXTH SENSE (25 – 29 Dec, 2.30pm onwards) brand new comedy drama, WORK LATER, DRINK NOW here starring Lee Sun-bin, Han Sun-hwa, Jeong Eun-ji, and Choi Si-won (25 – 27 Dec, 9.30pm onwards) and 3 MEALS A DAY: FISHING VILLAGE 5 (30 – 31 Dec, 2.30pm onwards). If you have missed the world’s No. 1 K-POP Music Awards 2021 MAMA, you won’t want to miss the encore telecast of the award shows on New Year’s Day (01 Jan 2022, 2.30pm). Round off the celebration with 2021 WORLD K-POP CONCERT (02 Jan 2022, 2.30pm), an event aimed at comforting Korean Wave fans and delivering a message of hope to overcome the pandemic featuring K-POP stars like NCT DREAM, SHINee KEY, aespa, ITZY, PENTAGON, Simon Dominic, Loco, and BraveGirls as well as American pop star Kehlani.

“It is evident Hallyu fever is on an all-time high in Philippines with fans who are extremely loyal to their idols and it will only continue to get bigger and more influential. Our continuous partnership with Philippines’ leading mobile services provider, Smart is a dream come true for us to bring all the best premium Korean contents to their customers via their GigaPlay app so that they can now enjoy our channel anywhere they go.” Michael Jung, Managing Director of CJ ENM Hong Kong

Two of the world’s biggest recording artists, Ed Sheeran and Elton John, ring in the festive season with their all-new charity single ‘Merry Christmas’, available now across all platforms (listen here). The track, released today on Asylum/Atlantic, is also joined by their fun-filled Jason Koenig-directed accompanying official video (watch here).

‘Merry Christmas’ provides us with the perfect dose of Christmas cheer - packed with sleigh bells, uplifting arrangements and joyous harmonies, the song is topped by Ed and Elton’s heart-warming lyrics that only add to its festive sparkle: “So kiss me under the mistletoe / Pour out the wine let’s toast and pray for December snow / I know there’s been pain this year but it’s time to let it go / Next year you never know, but for now, Merry Christmas.”

Written by Ed Sheeran/Elton John and produced by Steve Mac, the blockbuster collaboration cements a 10+ year friendship and it sees the global superstars join forces for the first-ever time on an official single release. However, this isn’t the pairs’ first foray into festive music releases - in 2017, Sheeran secured the coveted UK Christmas No.1 with his timeless ballad ‘Perfect’, whilst Elton’s 1973 classic, ‘Step Into Christmas’, has gone onto become one of the most rotated Christmas songs of all time.

                     

The official video for ‘Merry Christmas’ - scripted by Jason Koenig, Jenny Koenig and Ed Sheeran – adds further tinsel as it pays homage to scenes from legacy Number 1 Christmas music videos and iconic Christmas films. With a little help from Mr Blobby, Jonathan Ross, Big Narstie, Michael McIntyre and The Darkness, who all cameo throughout (!), we see the cast reinvent scenes from Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’; Shakin’ Stevens’ ‘Merry Christmas’; The Snowman’s ‘Walking in the Air’; East 17’s ‘Stay Another Day’ and more.

During the 2021 Christmas period, Ed Sheeran’s and Elton John’s global record and publishing royalties from the single and profits from sales of the single will be donated equally between the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation & The Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is pulling out all the stops to give Filipinos access to highly anticipated international events featuring Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, the Jonas Brothers, and your favorite K-Pop stars ENHYPEN, TXT, aespa, ATEEZ, and more with the back-to-back livestreaming of iHeart Jingle Ball and the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) on December 11.

                               

Catch these exclusive livestreams on Smart’s GigaPlay App with the annual iHeart Radio Jingle Ball Tour at 7 a.m. and MAMA at 3 p.m. through your Smart-connected device.

“A couple of months ago, the GigaPlay App was just a dream so you can just imagine how happy we are to give our customers exclusive access to some of the world’s most anticipated live events. And we’re just starting. If you can’t travel to see the concerts and experience events physically, then we bring them to you digitally—right at your fingertips,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

“This December, we’re excited to bring back the iHeart Jingle Ball and 2021 MAMA awards, this time on GigaPlay. Allow us to transport you to New York City and Paju in Seoul, through our convenient mobile app and enjoy watching the biggest international events as they happen in real-time,” added Basas.

From New York to Seoul in one day.

Watch the biggest music acts including Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Jonas Brothers, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Saweetie, AJR, Kane Brown, Tate Mcrae, Bazzi, and Dixie D’Amelo as they heat up New York city’s Madison Square Garden with their performances of their hits as well as some renditions of beloved holiday tunes.



Later in the day, see who among the hottest K-Pop artists will take home this year’s biggest awards at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards straight from Seoul, South Korea. Catch Wanna One, aespa, Ateez, Brave Girls, Enhypen, INI, and more. Global superstar Ed Sheeran will have a special performance as well.


Expect other big groups to drop by and perform during this year’s Mnet ceremonies. Start watching at 3 p.m. for the red carpet arrivals before the main show kicks off at 5 p.m. Korean celebrities Song Joong Ki, Rain, Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Sun Bin, Yeo Jin Goo, Lee Do Hyun, and Choi Si Won among others will also join the program as presenters.

Don't miss all the exclusive live and on-demand shows and content on GigaPlay! Download the app now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or click on this link: smrt.ph/gigaplay.

Fastest 5G mobile network

GigaPlay is powered by Smart, the country's fastest and most reliable 5G mobile network as reported by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To date, Smart has already fired up 4,400 5G sites nationwide making it the country's first, fastest, and widest 5G network.

Smart has also reasserted its dominance as the Philippines' fastest mobile network for the fourth year in a row, based on analysis by Ookla of tests taken with Speedtest® covering the first half of 2021.

R&B and alternative pop artist Alisson Shore announced on social media the official merchandise for his latest album GARUDA. Collaborating with technical fashion brand SNK ATK Design Lab, the official merchandise was revealed in a teaser video posted on Facebook and Twitter showing a sneak peek at two items;a tshirt and a tote bag with graphics inspired by the GARUDA album and designed by SNK ATK.

"We're big fans of Alisson's music, with some of his past music videos featuring elements in line with SNK ATK's aesthetic and attitude" said Psalm Alfafara, Creative Director and Principal Designer of SNK ATK Design Lab. "I had deep conversations with Alisson about his motivations for using the Garuda from Hindu mythology as a symbol for this album," Psalm describes. "With concept firmly in mind, we tapped Sketchole for the winged Alisson illustration and incorporated that into my graphic designs for the t-shirt and tote. I also designed the silhouette of the oversized shirt to fit with Alisson's own personal style."

According to Alisson Shore, “GARUDA represents “wings”, and this album is a vehicle for my music taking flight and reaching new heights as I create bigger and better experiences. This collab with SNK ATK is another way for me to explore new possibilities, as we create products that allow my fans to own a piece of the album, and by extension a piece of me.”

The official GARUDA merch collab with SNK ATK is a limited edition collection and will be available for purchase on December 3, 2021 at 9:00pm via https://snkatk.co and Lazada. To listen to the GARUDA album, listen here.

Whether it’s Yuletide carols playing on loop, a live band playing the year’s chart-toppers, or everyone’s favorite uncle singing the night away on the karaoke mic he’s been hogging for the past five songs, there’s nothing like having music at a Pinoy Christmas get together to double everyone’s good vibes or GV. And while pandemic restrictions may have dampened our musical merry-making during the holidays, there are new ways to keep old traditions alive—one of which is through TM's Kantahang FunPasko.

 

“Because we are now in our second year in a pandemic, we at TM wanted to give Filipinos the doble-dobleng GV that they deserve,” says Darius Delgado, TM Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business.

 

TM's Kantahang FunPasko started off with a musical bonanza with the recent release of TM's Playlist on Spotify with songs that ka-TMs love.

 

Playlist tracks include the TM FunPasko song “Dobleng GV sa FunPasko (Noon, Ngayon, Palagi),” an anthem about raising Filipinos’ Christmas spirit amid the pandemic; “Push ang Pusuan”; “Fun Pasko 2020”; and “TM Doble Dekada,” a song that celebrates 20 years of TM and all of its subscribers, who are carrying on with the Samahang Pina-Easy spirit.

 

Last November 26, TM launches the official music video of “Dobleng GV sa FunPasko (Noon, Ngayon, Palagi)”. It features ka-TMs The Juans, SB19, Matthaios, Silent Sanctuary, Donnalyn Bartolome, Seth Fedelin, Andrea Brillantes, Alden Richards and our stans from TM Mad Rush To Your Crush—showing us that everyone is welcome sa TM samahan.

 

“With TM, there’s no stopping the doble-dobleng GV that Kantahang FunPasko will bring to this year’s Christmas celebrations,” says Delgado. “This musical experience allows our customers to find solace in these special songs and become part of something bigger than themselves.”

 

Visit this link to listen to TM’s newest song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tndMSpVVIVo 

The rising four-piece act, The Wallblossoms, also known as The Fabulous Flower  Boys, releases their latest single, “Lunod” last November 18.

Lunod recounts what it means to be swamped in the comforting warmth of love —  dotingly crafted by the band’s vocalist (Bri Constantino) as an “anniversary gift” for his girlfriend.

“Lunod is a love tune that revolves around finding comfort and solace around the arms  of the person you consider your home.”  

In this latest single, the band delves into a refreshing style as they emanate a “stripped  down song” caroled in Tagalog — granting their fans who have been hankering for  more Tagalog song releases for the longest time.

“Lunod is a far cry from the sound our listeners are used to. That’s what we think, at  least but it’s nice to try out something different,” says the band.

Published under O/C Records, Lunod marks the band’s first release for 2021 —  picking up from their remarkable holiday tune, This Christmas, launched in November  2020.  

“It’s always exciting when we release new music, and as cliché as it sounds, it still feels  like the first time,” shares the fabulous flower boys.

The four-piece band comprises Bri Constantino on vocals; Janssen Lopez on bass;  Rafael Lanozo on guitars; and Jao Serrano on drums.

The Wallblossoms is notable for their subtle style of tugging the heartstrings — strikingly touching on varying stories about love with their melancholic compositions  that are undeniably saturated with emotive tunes. Among their noteworthy tracks  include Sleep, All Ours, Miss Na Miss, You, and their hit fan-inspired single, Lizzie.

While the zealous fans of The Wallblossoms have been anticipating the release of their  debut album this year, the planned record has been held off for next year as the  ongoing pandemic halted the scheme.

Nonetheless, their newest single, Lunod, is now out for streaming on all leading digital  music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.