Lukas Graham: The Band behind the Global Smash Hit - 7 Years

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Lukas Graham, 2016’s breakout artist, is already topping charts worldwide with single “7 Years.” Hailing from Christiania, an autonomous, artistic community in the center of Copenhagen, Lukas Graham developed his natural talent for honest and gritty songwriting and quickly captivated the European audience, earning widespread overseas acclaim. Classically trained with the Copenhagen Boys’ Choir, with a musical scope widened by his Irish folk roots and passion for hip-hop, Lukas Graham possesses a distinct, poetic ability to capture the full range of emotions in his music.

This is showcased perfectly on lead single “7 Years,” filled with Lukas’ impeccable lyricism and infectious hooks, and already making huge global waves: it’s been streamed an incredible 200 million times worldwide since its release, is rapidly climbing – and topping – the charts globally, and is propelling this Danish artist into the spotlight as more listeners connect with his soulful vocals and raw talent.

Known for a phenomenal live show, Lukas has played countless sold out shows and festival main stage slots alongside his bandmates - Mark “Lovestick” Falgren (drums), Magnús “Magnúm” Larsson (bass), and Kasper Daugaard (keyboard) - childhood friends who play an integral role in both the songwriting process and the live performance. “7 Years” sets the stage for the release of Lukas Graham’s self-titled debut album, available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and iTunes under Warner Music Philippines.

Harte Hanks Opens BPO Site in MOA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Harte Hanks praised the dedication and service-oriented culture of Filipino workers and called them the country’s main draw for foreign investors.

In a panel discussion, following the opening Thursday of the American marketing company’s new BPO-call center in the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, which was moderated by ANC Anchor Ron Cruz, executives of Harte Hanks and its local business said they decided to increase investment here because of the Philippines’ “very good” labor market.

“Filipinos possess a very strong work ethic and a culture of customer service,” said Benjamin Chacko, Harte Hanks’ Head of BPO Operations. “We have been always impressed by the skill and dedication of Filipinos who work for Harte Hanks. They have been an important factor in our success, and we look forward to sustaining our growth here.”

He added: “Our Filipino employees learn quickly, are customer-service minded and culturally aware of the United States, our primary service market.”

Chacko also attributed the steady growth of the country’s BPO industry to a highly-educated, English-speaking workforce.

Butch Valenzuela, treasurer of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, who participated in the forum along with Jopat Lelay, project director of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, and Atty. Ray Glenn Agranzamendez, representing Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, said the IT-BPO industry hired 1.2M workers in 2015 and would add another 100,000 this year to 1.3M.

Risa Hontiveros: “I will legislate for the environment if elected into the Senate.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On Earth Day 2016, senatorial aspirant Risa Hontiveros vowed to be a strong advocate for the environment if elected into the Senate.

She discussed the link between health and environment, stating that both go hand in hand and should be protected through durable policies. “Magkatuwang ang laban para sa kalikasan at ang laban para sa kalusugan. Malaking sanhi ng mga sakit ang madumi at magulong kapaligiran.”

She said that Lanao, with its rich natural resources, should be particularly protected. “We need to protect our diverse eco-system, and Lanao’s natural resources should be preserved for future generations.”

Hontiveros committed to take her fight for renewable energy and sustainable land use – two environmental advocacies close to her heart – to the Upper House. “Dagdagan pa natin ang percentage ng renewable energy sa fuel mix. Sa kabilang banda, tiyakin din natin na mabalanse natin ang pagtanim ng biofuel sa karapatang magtanim ng pagkain.”

“Super barangay health centers” for climate-vulnerable areas

She also emphasized the need for “super barangay health centers” in disaster-prone and climate-vulnerable coastal areas.