Two strong forces unite. TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brand reaffirmed its commitment to its partnership with Asia’s superstar, Kathryn Bernardo, through a recent contract renewal.

The partnership was officially renewed at a contract signing event held at Studio Simula last January 23, with Shae Xiaoling Yu, Deputy Marketing Director, and Joseph Cernitchez, Brand Manager together with Kathryn’s co-manager Lulu Romero and Francis Kalayaan A. Vidanes of VCM The Celebrity Source.

(L-R): Lulu Romero, Kathryn’s co-manager; Francis Kalayaan A. Vidanes of VCM The Celebrity Source; Kathryn Bernardo, Shae Xiaoling Yu, TCL Deputy Marketing Director; and Joseph Cernitchez, TCL Brand Manager during the contract signing.

“We’re excited to celebrate Kathryn’s third year with TCL and the continued strength of our partnership. Her authenticity and ability to connect with our consumers have made a significant impact in our campaigns, effectively communicating our “Inspire Greatness” message over the past two years.” says Joseph Cernitchez, TCL Philippines Brand Manager.

On her part, Kathryn expresses her gratitude to the brand for their trust and belief in her capacity to contribute to its growth and development.

“I’m incredibly happy to have contributed to TCL’s rise to the top. Knowing the competitive landscape and having experienced TCL products firsthand, I can attest to their exceptional quality and suitability for residential and commercial use,” Kathryn enthuses.

Kathryn’s loyalty to the brand is evident in her personal use of TCL products. When asked about her favorites, she quickly names…”I absolutely love using my TCL QLED PRO TV. It allows me to easily stream my favorite shows and movies, making it the perfect escape from my busy schedule. I can also enjoy family time and organize movie nights, which I cherish. The picture quality is also top notch! These products truly enhance my lifestyle—whether for work or relaxation—allowing me to juggle my busy schedule with ease.”

“I also love that TCL products are designed with the needs of Filipinos in mind. They bring high-quality entertainment and connectivity into our lives, making technology accessible for everyone. Whether it’s through the stunning visuals of a TCL TV that enhances movie nights or the smart devices that facilitate communication and productivity, TCL is constantly innovating to meet the demands of modern Filipino families. I believe that these products help bridge the gap between technology and daily living, allowing people to stay connected, entertained, and informed—all essential aspects of enjoying a quality lifestyle,” she adds.

TCL has announced that Kathryn will once again headline upcoming marketing campaigns for its key product lines: TVs, washing machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

Kathryn Bernardo and TCL executives celebrate the renewal of their partnership, marking the brand’s 25th anniversary and her continued role in showcasing TCL’s innovative and eco-friendly home solutions.

Mr. Cernitchez shares that “2025 is an exciting year for TCL, and we are very happy to continue our partnership with Kathryn. As we all know, she’s truly a perfect match for TCL. A perfect embodiment of what ‘Inspire Greatness’ is about. Expect more breakthroughs and innovations that TCL will offer in the next coming campaigns.”

Marking its 25th anniversary and the renewal of its partnership, TCL looks to the future, reinforcing its commitment to providing appliances designed with the user in mind, promoting a natural, stylish, and eco-conscious environment. This vision of intelligent and eco-friendly living is brought to life through TCL’s innovative smart, and sustainable home solutions.

Now in their third year of partnership, TCL and Kathryn have built a strong and enduring bond. As TCL looks forward to more groundbreaking innovations, Kathryn remains grateful for the brand’s role in her journey – both personally and professionally.

“My journey with TCL has been truly remarkable and filled with unforgettable moments. One of the most memorable experiences has been seeing firsthand the innovative technology and quality that TCL brings to Filipino households. It’s rewarding to be part of a brand that is driven by a commitment to improving the lives of its customers through technology. Celebrating TCL’s 25th year in the Philippines adds even more significance to this journey, as we reflect on our growth and successes together,” as Kathryn gives her the sweetest smile.

The alt-rock quartet Imago joins Sony Music Entertainment’s esteemed roster

Filipino alt-rock band Imago has officially signed with Sony Music Entertainment, joining an impressive roster of local acts. The signing marks a significant milestone for the band, who are set to embark on an exciting new venture with the renowned global label.

To kick off their collaboration, Imago will release their much-anticipated new single, “Gulong-Gulo” on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 12:00 AM (midnight).

The dreamy track is a sonic exploration of love’s complexities, blending lush textures with crystalline guitar tones and subtle drumming. Lyrically, “Gulong-Gulo” explores the emotional tug-of-war in choosing to fight for a relationship rather than letting it fade instantly. The band admits, “It’s more of a reflection of how a relationship can be. There will always be highs and lows, and it’s about knowing that your relationship is bigger than the occasional fights, so you fix it.”

Produced by Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, the track also features an arrangement by Zabala, with contributions from Badjao de Castro of IV of Spades, who adds a fresh and distinct approach to drumming. The understated groove and remarkable sophistication in the rhythm section perfectly complement the band’s musical evolution, offering a richer listening experience for the streaming audience.

Imago is composed of Kharren “Kurei” Granada (vocals), Myrene “Maps” Academia (bass), Tim Cacho (guitar), and Mervin Panganiban (drums). For more than two decades, the pop-rock quartet has solidified their presence as one of the most influential bands for the last two decades—thanks to their uncompromised versatility and top-notch musicality. Their debut album, Probably Not But Most Definitely was regarded by critics as a game-changing release for merging alternative rock with ethnic, world, and Celtic music influences.

The follow-up albums, Take 2 and Blush yielded more hits for the band, including chart-topping songs “Akap,” “Anino,” “Taralets,” and “Sundo.” With lineup changes and an ever-evolving sound, the band has managed to maintain their legacy with music releases that showcase emotional vulnerability and depth. Imago is currently working on their forthcoming EP, which will be released soon.

Imago’s “Gulong-Gulo” will be available for streaming on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Pre-save here.

Japanese hitmaker KENSHI YONEZU, released a new song “BOW AND ARROW”, a song written as the theme song for the coming new anime series Medalist, streamed by Disney+ worldwide from Jan. 4.

“I’ve been an avid fan of the original manga. When I saw that the manga was going to be made into an anime, I couldn’t resist reaching out to offer my music. That’s how it led to the creation of “BOW AND ARROW”. It’s a great manga, I urge every human being to read this manga series. I’m also anticipating the anime as just a viewer. Wait there for the song as well.” Yonezu shares.

A brand-new anime series from Japan, Medalist, which tells the story of figure skating coach Tsukasa, who is a man haunted by his past failures, works tirelessly to mold his latest student into a championship medalist. The series is based on an award-winning manga by TSURUMAIKADA, which won the first place in The Next Manga Award 2022, an award for manga series presented by Kadokawa, and the Best General Manga at Kodansha’s 48th annual Manga Awards in May, 2024. Yasutaka Yamamoto (Noblesse) is directing the anime at ENGI. Jukki Hanada (Love Live! Sunshine!!) is in charge of the series composition and screenplay. Chinatsu Kameyama (In Another World With My Smartphone) is designing the characters. Yuki Hayashi is composing the Ost music. The former Olympic skater Akiko Suzuki is choreographing the skating routines in the anime, in collaboration with retired figure skater Yuhana Yokoi and active competitive figure skater Hinano Isobe.

Medalist is out on Disney+ around the world and on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the United States on January 4^th, the video of the opening of the anime with the “BOW AND ARROW” is also viewable now with the main characters in all their dynamism. Watch Here.

Following an extensive 20-date run across Japan, the multitalented Japanese hitmaker and singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu will head to his first U.S., Asia, and European performances of his career, with historic shows produced in Shanghai by STARGROUP, Taipei by BIGART, and all others by Live Nation. Shanghai for two consecutive shows on March 8th & March 9th at Mercedes-benz Arena, Taipei on March 15th & March 16th at Taipei Arena, the tour continues in Seoul on March 22nd & March 23rd at INSPIRE Arena. The European leg begins March 30th at London’s Eventim Apollo and April 1st at Paris’ Zenith. The tour will then move to the U.S., with a performance at the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 4th and at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on April 6th.

ABOUT MEDALIST:

Medalist, the story of figure skating coach Tsukasa, who is a man haunted by his past failures, works tirelessly to mold his latest student into a championship medalist. The series is based on the original manga by TSURUMAIKADA, which appeared in the Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon seinen manga magazine. Yasutaka Yamamoto has directed the show, which has been created by the animation studio ENGI. Stars Natsumi Haruse, Takeo Otsuka, Kana Ichinose, Yuma Uchida and Makoto Koichi. Medalist is out from January 4^th, 2025, on Disney+ around the world and on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States.

ABOUT KENSHI YONEZU

After gaining success with Vocaloid music under the stage name Hachi, Kenshi Yonezu began producing under his real name in 2012. In addition to music, he has attracted attention for his album cover illustrations and video productions. The video for his hit single “Lemon”, the long-running theme song for the TV series Unnatural, is the most-viewed music video in Japan, and topped Billboard Japan’s year-end charts for two consecutive years, leaving a mark on music history both in Japan and abroad.

His 2020 album STRAY SHEEP set a record of 1.9 million copies sold with the highest-placing Japanese artist ever to appear on the IFPI year-end global ranking chart. He continued to work tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including performing as the first Asian in a virtual concert hosted by the online game Fortnite. Collaborated globally with UNIQLO on their UT collection with the storefront collaboration displays in NY and other 8 UNIQLO stores worldwide. He was awarded an AAC Award, listed in Forbes’ 100 Asian Digital Stars, and received the Minister of NEWS RELEASE Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists.

In 2022, he released “M87” as the theme song for the film Shin Ultraman, and “POP SONG” as the theme song for a PlayStation commercial. His single “KICK BACK,” the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, made Spotify’s Global Top 50, and became the first Japanese-language song certified Gold by RIAA®. He was also selected as the first and only Japanese artist to be a part of the “RIAA Class of 2023”, with which the association summarized the artists who had flourished in the year.

In 2023, Yonezu released “Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing” as the theme song for the RPG game Final Fantasy XVI, and “Chikyugi – Spinning Globe” – the theme song Studio Ghibli’s animated film The Boy and the Heron (Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Feature, 2024), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

In August 2024, Yonezu wrote “Garakuta – JUNK”, the theme song of the movie LAST MILE, and released his sixth studio album, LOST CORNER. In September, Yonezu released an exclusive line of graphic tees in collaboration with Uniqlo, as part of their ongoing UT series celebrating pop culture from around the world. After 11 years, Hachi (Kenshi Yonezu) himself created a new illustration for the VOCALOID song “Donut Hole”, and a fully animated music video based on the illustration. Original chocolate was also released from Godiva Japan as the “GODIVA x HACHI Donut Hole Collection” from October as the first time for Godiva worldwide to create a chocolate collection lineup in collaboration with an artist. In November Yonezu released “Azalea”, a song written as the theme song for the global Netflix series Beyond Goodbye.

In 2025, Yonezu is heading to a world tour – KENSHI YONEZU 2025 TOUR / JUNK – following an extensive 20-date run across Japan, Shanghai and Taipei, the tour continues in Seoul for two consecutive shows on March 22nd & March 23rd at INSPIRE Arena. The European leg begins March 30th at London’s Eventim Apollo and April 1st at Paris’ Zenith. The tour will then move to the U.S., with a performance at the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 4th and at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on April 6th.

As for Yonezu’s music videos, “Lemon” has surpassed 900 million views, continuing to break the records of Japanese artists.  It is one of the 16 music videos of his songs that garnered him a commanding record of surpassing 100 million views each (“Lemon,” “Eine Kleine,” “LOSER,” “Peace Sign,” “Haiirotoao (+Masaki Suda),” “orion,” “Flamingo,” “Kanden,” “Fireworks,” “Paprika,” “Shunrai,” “Uma to Shika,” “Spirits of the Sea,” “KICK BACK,” Foorin’s “Paprika” and Masaki Suda’s “Machigaisagashi”). He has over 7.48 million subscribers on his official YouTube channel.