Rising Indie OPM band Brando Ball inks deal with Warner Music Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Brando Bal, an up-and-coming indie OPM band, officially sealed an exclusive music distribution contract with Warner Music Philippines on Friday, January 12th, 2024. The contract signing took place at the Warner Music Philippines Office in BGC, Taguig City, marking a significant milestone in the band's promising musical journey. Present at the contract signing were key representatives, including Brando Bal's Manager, John Lloyd Elsisura and Warner Music Philippines A&R Director, Kelley Mangahas.

Warner Music Philippines, a regional branch of the global music powerhouse Warner Music Group, has been a prominent label in the Philippines' music landscape since its inception in 1977. The label has played a pivotal role in launching and nurturing numerous Filipino music artists and bands, such as Dilaw, Lola Amour, Felip, Arthur Miguel, and international artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B.

Brando Bal is one of the fast-rising OPM bands in the indie music scene in the Philippines. Formed in 2020, the band is composed of Mark Brando Baloloy on guitar and vocals, Allen Lestingyo on guitar, Marjun Gonzales on bass, Zedrick Lara on keys, and Merwin Hipona on drums. Their unique blend of soulful Blues, Pop Rock, and Alternative Rock has carved a distinctive niche in the indie music scene.

Popularly known for their hit single "Anghel", which has garnered over 4.1 million streams on Spotify, resonating with listeners through its relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. Moreover, the band released an EP titled "Experimental," featuring tracks like “Pag-Ibig,” which has received more than 1.1 million streams on Spotify, alongside "Bituin sa Langit," "Ulan," and “Mga Demonyo.” This collection highlights their versatility and bold exploration of different musical genres.

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Mark Brando Baloloy, the frontman of Brando Bal, shares, "2024 marks a new era, new music for brando bal. This partnership with Warner Music Philippines will help us tap into our full potential in the music industry and share more music with our BB's and listeners. We're grateful for the continuous love and support they have shown us from the start, and we're excited to take the next step in our journey with them."

Reflecting on the milestone, John Lloyd Elsisura, Manager of Brando Bal, said, "It's a significant milestone for us, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Warner Music Philippines team for this opportunity. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership and the exciting journey ahead."

The partnership between Brando Bal and Warner Music Philippines promises fresh sounds and exciting musical experiences after a three-year hiatus of the band, setting the stage for an exhilarating new chapter in OPM. Watch out, as it's set to become the next big thing in OPM.


Follow Brando Bal on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5PEsNoUzsAqT1INR1N4HY0


Follow Brando Bal on their official social media accounts for more updates:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brandobalband

Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandobalband

Twitter: www.twitter.com/brandobalband

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@brandobalofficial

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@brandobal

Sinulog spirit in full swing: travel with MPT DriveHub for a chance to win big

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The most anticipated cultural and religious event in Cebu City is returning with a renewed sense of vigor. With the scheduled activities in full swing in the lead-up to the Grande Parade proper, the Queen City of the South also faces its usual major influx of seasonal tourists.

Yes—along with the colors, pageantry, and rich history of Sinulog comes one seemingly insurmountable hurdle: bumper-to-bumper traffic. But the MPT DriveHub app by MPT Mobility (the innovations arm of Metro Pacific Tollway Corporation or MPTC) is exactly what travelers need to improve and bring back the fun into those inevitable road trips.

The MPT DriveHub app was developed to meet the changing needs of the economy—for Cebu in particular, this is best reflected in the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. More than an iconic symbol of the locality’s progress, CCLEX is also the most convenient entry and exit point to visit popular destinations such as the Mactan shrine, Olango Island, and Fort San Pedro. This January, it serves as the gateway to Cebu’s most colorful festivities—in particular, motorists traveling on the bridge itself will get a great view of the Fluvial Parade that will sail beneath it on the morning of January 20.


The Cultural Shows by the surrounding universities and the Department of Education (January 16-18) are also not to be missed; the festival also continues its nightly tradition of Sinulog Idol, leading up to its grand finale on January 18, promising the best in local musical talent.


Amidst all this tradition, however, is the continuing digital shift to convenient cashless payments, which makes MPT DriveHub an all-in-one travel essential for festival-goers. With the app, users will be able to get real-time traffic advisories on the way, as well as instantly load and conveniently check one’s RFID balance—which not only saves time on the road but earns points in MPT Mobility’s ongoing Happy Holideals promo. For each reload of the P200 denomination via the MPT DriveHub App, users earn an additional 1 point (non-cumulative). Every point is equivalent to 1 raffle entry, serving as a golden ticket to the grand raffle draw—the more points collected, the better one’s chances of winning!


Users both in and outside of Cebu City can also earn points by passing at least four times through any of the MPTC expressways: CCLEX, NLEX, NLEX Connector, CALAX, SCTEX, CAVITEX, and CAVITEX C5 LINK. Opportunities to do so abound until March 7, 2024, at which time two lucky MPT DriveHub app users can drive home one of two brand-new Chevrolet Tracker LS, be one of ten lucky recipients of a PHP 100,000, or one of 40 winners of PHP 50,000.


Motorists new to MPT DriveHub will find that now is the perfect time to download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and link an Easytrip or CCLEX RFID, to receive 2 points instantly.


For more information, visit the MPT DriveHub or MPT Mobility websites.

Benefits of registering crypto projects in Poland

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Poland is a European hub for the legal registration of crypto projects

Projects in the cryptocurrency sphere have now established themselves as a major player in the international economy, posing new challenges to established financial institutions while also providing lucrative answers. Poland is becoming one of the most important European nations for the official registration of cryptocurrency enterprises. It is playing an increasingly important role in the cryptocurrency scene, and this article explains why setting up shop there is a good idea.

Overview of the Cryptocurrency Landscape in Poland

Anticipated to generate €279 million in sales in 2023 and a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.48% from 2023 to 2027, Poland's digital assets sector is booming. The market may be worth roughly twenty times as much as Estonia's digital asset market by 2027, when it might reach €431.5 million. The user base is expected to expand significantly, reaching approximately 7.85 million users by 2027.

It’s not just the projections, it’s the overall crypto-friendly atmosphere that makes Poland attractive. After seeing the promise in cryptocurrencies, the Polish government created laws to control these digital assets. The National Tax Service has recently mandated that all entrepreneurs dealing with virtual assets, such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs, must register. Now, a crypto license in Poland is a must.

Legal and Regulatory Framework in Poland

In Poland, there isn't a specific regulatory framework for cryptocurrency initiatives. Rather, a number of industries dealing with cryptocurrency are subject to broader financial, investment, or AML regulations. 

When it comes to regulating cryptocurrency and other forms of digital currency investment, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (PFSA) is king.

The PFSA published its stance on various tokens in December 2020, stressing the need to study the regulatory landscape before launching any endeavors. Anything having to do with cryptocurrency, especially if it might be considered an investment instrument, is under the purview of the PFSA.

In spite of the fact that it does not directly provide licenses to cryptocurrency exchanges, the PFSA does exert influence via its broad regulatory authorities. Under Polish anti-money-laundering law, every action involving the exchange of virtual currencies must first be recorded in the virtual currency activity registry.

Crypto assets are closely watched by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (OCCP), which takes action against firms that mislead customers or make fraudulent promises. The PFSA is worried that virtual currencies might be used for illicit purposes, such as evading global economic penalties.

Poland has a relatively lax regulatory environment for crypto-assets when compared to other European nations. In order to control the cryptocurrency industry, Poland uses preexisting banking, investment, and money-laundering laws, in contrast to certain nations that have passed cryptocurrency-specific legislation.

Benefits of Registering Crypto Projects in Poland

Poland is well-positioned to become a center for the legal registration of cryptocurrency projects in Europe. It provides several benefits for companies wanting to get into this growing market. Among these advantages are:  Fast Project Implementation Time;  No Obligatory Local Staff Member;  No Share Capital Requirement;  Possibility to Purchase an Off-the-Shelf Solution;  Tax Benefits and Incentives.

Case Studies: Success Stories in Poland

Poland really has the makings of a blockchain innovation hotspot, as seen by the success of many crypto initiatives there. Some notable examples of success are:

1. RedStone Finance. When it comes to DeFi, Smart Contracts, and Web3, RedStone Finance is a hit. It’s a data ecosystem that uses both real-world and bespoke data. As a part of its efforts to harness the Web3 potential, RedStone offers dependable and inexpensive data feeds to other chains by using the Arweave blockchain.

2. Tecra Space. Tecra is an innovative startup operating in the blockchain ecosystem, with projects like Tecra Space, TecraCoin, and TecraDex. Tecra's advanced business model and unique solutions contribute to digital development globally, showcasing the diverse opportunities available for crypto projects in Poland.

3. BlockBank. Bitcoiners may take advantage of BlockBank, a fintech credit union that was the first of its kind. Within the context of Poland's legislative environment, this success story exemplifies the development of conventional financial services into the cryptocurrency market.

Practical Guide to Registration

For entrepreneurs considering registering a crypto project in Poland, a step-by-step guide can help navigate the legal landscape effectively. Key steps include:

1. Register a business name after coming up with a distinct one.

2. Draw up a power of attorney for remote registration.

3. The director's or founder's passport, with an apostille attached, must be photocopied and notarized.

4. Prepare and sign the Deed of Formation in front of a Polish notary.

5. Obtain a leasing agreement to verify the registration of your office premises.

6. Establish a business checking account in Poland.

7. Move the authorized capital, up to the minimum requirement, to the new account.

8. Obtain the statistical (REGON) and tax identification (NIP) numbers.

9. Apply for a VAT number.

10. Submit an application to register the company with the National Court Register (KRS).

11. Form the company's management board.

12. Register with the Register of Virtual Currencies.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite Poland's many advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind before you commit to it:

 Regulatory Uncertainties; 

 Taxation Complexity; 

 Market Competition.

Industry Expert Opinions

Industry forecasts from “Financial Insights Compass 2023: The Impact of Inflation on Financial Markets​” indicate that Poland's cryptocurrency industry will reach US$377.9 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 10.22% until 2028. With an anticipated average income per user of $63.1 in 2023, the cryptocurrency sector is ripe with opportunity for entrepreneurs.

The analysts anticipate that Poland's involvement in the European crypto market will continue to develop, with a user penetration rate of 11.40% in 2028, up from 15.90% in 2023. The country's potential for innovation and investment is shown by the income estimates, which show a strong market for crypto initiatives.

Conclusion

Poland's cryptocurrency sector, with an anticipated €279 million sales in 2023 and a 10.22% CAGR, 

positions itself as a thriving hub. Benefits, success stories, and expert projections underline its potential for crypto entrepreneurs.