Featuring international espionage, super-powered spies and deadly assassins, Korean drama and tentpole series Moving has quickly captured the world’s attention, becoming the most-watched Korean original on Disney+ globally and Hulu in the U.S. based on hours streamed after 7 days.
Just in time for the First Day Sale of HONOR 90 5G, the HONOR Experience Store in SM Mall of Asia opens on August 26
From left to right: HONOR Stars Bruce Roeland, Jeff Moses, Liezel Lopez, Berlein CEO Leo Bernardino with HONOR Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, and PR Manager Pao Oga
Great news for HONOR fans from the South! The 10th HONOR Experience Store just opened in SM Mall of Asia on August 26, 2023 located at 2/F Cyberzone, North Wing.
This is a collaborative project with Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto in its continuing efforts to promote and enhance the promotion of culture and the arts in line with its belief in sustaining peace and respect to diversity.
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) has unanimously chosen the disaster epic Concrete Utopia to represent South Korea in the selection for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards.
In a statement on their official website, KOFIC said that they tried to select “a film that is Korean, yet aims for a global standard, strikes a good balance between artistry and popularity, and appeals without resistance to the Academy Awards.” The judges unanimously selected Concrete Utopia “as it seems to be able to appeal to North America without being unfamiliar with the trend of K-culture and K-movie.”
The collaboration is part of a region-wide partnership including other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan to help restaurant partners digitize their ordering, payment, and customer engagement-related processes.
In the Philippines, the announcement was made during foodpanda’s recent partner vendors summit, entitled "CRAVE: Creating Relationships and Advancing Vendor Experiences”. At the event, partner vendor attendees were provided a firsthand end-to-end experience using TabSquare, showcasing its convenience, seamless operations, and efficiency.
Watch the official teaser trailer here
From Zack Snyder, the filmmaker behind 300, Man of Steel, and Army of the Dead, comes REBEL MOON, an epic science-fantasy event decades in the making. When a peaceful colony on the edge of a galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors — outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed.
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) brings you an exclusive pre-sale event that will allow you to get first dibs on tickets for the highly awaited 2023 KIM BUM ASIA FAN MEETING (Between U and Me) to be held on September 22, 2023, at the New Frontier Theater in Manila and on September 23, 2023 at the NUSTAR Convention Center in Cebu!
As the Official Sponsor and Exclusive Pre-Sale Partner of the 2023 Kim Bum Fan Meeting in the Philippines, UnionBank will be holding a ticket pre-sale event on August 30, 2023, from 10:00AM to 11:59PM on TicketNet (for the Manila leg) and SM Tickets (for the Cebu leg) online, which will be open exclusively to UnionBank-issued active credit and debit cardholders. This will allow you to score tickets ahead of the official public sale schedule on August 31, 2023, from 12:00PM onwards. For the pre-sale, use the first six digits of your card number as the promo code.
“I’ve known Denzel for a big part of my life,” says Fanning. “One of his daughters is one of my closest friends, so I’ve always been in the loop on what he’s up to.”
Fanning is reuniting with Washington in The Equalizer 3, where she plays a CIA analyst that Washington’s Robert McCall reaches out to for help as he begins his fight against the mafia.
Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/inN061MtPOg
Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/inN061MtPOg
“He's going through an internal battle,” says Antoine Fuqua, who returns to direct the third film in the trilogy and fifth overall with Washington. “He’s helping those who can't help themselves, handing out justice his way to evil people. But he’s questioning himself. Has he gone too far? Is he enjoying it too much? Is he still doing it for the right reasons?”
Producers Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal say that the reason that The Equalizer franchise has resonated so strongly with audiences is that it echoes with who Washington is in real life – minus the violence. “Robert McCall is able to take care of good people who can’t take care of themselves,” they say. “Denzel, as a human being, really believes in mission-oriented goals... I think it’s the same thing here with Robert McCall – he uses his powers to serve good. He, as both Denzel and as Robert McCall, are going to make sure that the good people are protected. The fun of it is tracking them down – he gives them all an opportunity to stop what they’re doing, and they don’t, and so he has to become the Equalizer.”
Don’t forget to watch with friends… or not.
“The Nun II” opens only in cinemas September 6.
Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/NNhtX4gtoiI
About “The Nun II”
1956 – France. A priest is murdered. An evil is spreading. The sequel to the worldwide smash hit follows Sister Irene as she once again comes face-to-face with Valak, the demon nun.
Taissa Farmiga (“The Nun,” “The Gilded Age”) returns as Sister Irene, joined by Jonas Bloquet (“Tirailleurs,” “The Nun”), Storm Reid (“The Last of Us,” “The Suicide Squad”), Anna Popplewell (“Fairytale,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy) and Bonnie Aarons (reprising her role from “The Nun”), surrounded by an ensemble cast of international talent.
French pop sensation JAIN is the latest addition to the international acts who have experienced resurgence in popularity, thanks to her global hit “Makeba,” which has recently peaked at No. 8 on Spotify’s Viral 50 – Philippines a few weeks ago.
Originally released in 2015 as part of her debut album, Zanaka via Spookland Records and Sony Music France, the explosive track is spreading across the world like wildfire. Its overwhelming traction in short video app, TikTok even inspired a dance trend with Filipino celebs and influencers Regine Tolentino, Kitty & Kakai, and Fabe Twinz hopping on the viral wave.
After much hype, HONOR 90 5G with 200MP Flagship Camera is now officially available in-store and online. Head on to the nearest HONOR Experience Store and buy the latest premium phone for only Php 24,990!
Thousands of HONOR fans lined up at HONOR Experience Stores at SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, and HONOR Megamall kiosk to buy the latest premium phone, HONOR 90 5G.
HONOR, the leading global provider of smart devices, officially kicks off the sale day of the much-awaited HONOR 90 5G for only Php 24,990 in all HONOR Experience Stores and Partner Dealer Stores nationwide, available also in all online partners via Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok Shop.
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The Far Eastern University Theater Guild, being the oldest theater organization in Manila's University Belt has already established a solid reputation not just in the metropolis but other parts of the Philippines for productions like “Confessions”, “Usapang X”, “Ang Pinakamakisig na Nalunod sa Buong Daigdig”, “Kung Paano Maghiwalay”, “Halu Halo”, and laboratory productions such as Saltik and Tamdula.
Closing the organization’s 89th theater season, the FTG proudly presents Tamdula VI: Love-Oratory, a series of eight monologues on love ranging from the romantic and sexual to the intimate and familial.
Tamdula VI: Love-Oratory is a laboratory production intended to train the FTG members in further enhancing their acting, stage designing, stage management, marketing, and branding.
The production is directed by the FTG’s Artistic Head, Raffaelle Pascua (BS Psychology, 2024). The FTG’s Company Manager Jonas Cunanan (BA Communication, 2024) is the assistant director. Both directors are student artists who have been members of the FTG and have been gaining artistic experience inside and outside of the organization. They are directly guided by the FTG’s artistic director, Dudz Teraña.
Under the partnership, SME Philippines will distribute Offshore Music’s catalogue globally and work together to build strategies in marketing, media promotion, artist development, brand partnership, and synchronization.
Offshore Music is headed up by Ely Buendia, a Filipino rock icon responsible for writing and producing some of the most commercially and culturally successful songs in the country, including music for ‘90s alternative legends, The Eraserheads. The Manila-based label is home to carefully handpicked artists and bands, including Apartel, Ena Mori, Pinkmen, Sulo, Sansette, Eliza marie and Toni Panagu.
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| Lee Byung-hun as the Apartments’ Resident Delegate Young-tak |
Directed by Um Tae-hwa, Concrete Utopia is loosely based on Part 2 of the hit webtoon “Joyful Outcast” (“Pleasant Neighbors”). Concrete Utopia is a disaster thriller about the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The film will follow the story that begins when the survivors gather at Hwang Gung Apartments, the only building left standing in an earthquake-ravaged Seoul.
Watch the main trailer below. Who do you think will be the final survivors?
About Concrete Utopia
In Concrete Utopia, the world has been reduced to rubble by a massive earthquake.
One of the country’s biggest festivals is Davao’s Kadayawan Festival. Held every August, it’s a thanksgiving event that celebrates bountiful harvests, nature, and the city’s history and heritage.
In 2023, the festival celebrated its 38th year, with the theme “Colors of Abundance, Vibrance of Diversity, Festival of Festivals, the 'Pag-abli sa Kadayawan,” and ran from August 10-20. It was a return to form for the festival with tourists flocking to the city to witness the many events and festivities. From a colorful and vibrant opening ceremony to energetic concerts, and a rich cultural showcase of the entire city, Kadayawan 2023 was a beautiful spectacle enjoyed by locals and festival goers alike.
Spotify’s Kalye Hip-Hop playlist grew five times since 2018, reflecting the growing popularity of the local genre.
At its launch party, Spotify partners with local hip-hop artists and the community to celebrate the best of Pinoy hip-hop music and culture, including performances from Al James, Morobeats and Midnasty.
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“Han River Police” combines action, humor and criminal intrigue to deliver a hilarious new take on crime dramas
When a hardworking and hot-tempered police officer gets partnered with a lackadaisical lay-about, the mismatched duo will be thrown into the deep end when a criminal conspiracy unfolds in front of them in Han River Police - a new Korean action-comedy series coming September 13 exclusively to Disney+.
Tasked with keeping Seoul’s most iconic leisure destination safe, Sergeant Dujin and Lieutenant Chunseok regularly patrol the banks of the Han river, taking on terrorists, saving citizens involved in accidents, and solving a range of crimes. An unlikely duo that find themselves in a number of bizarre situations, the team will find themselves in over their heads when a wide-spread criminal conspiracy is uncovered within their jurisdiction.
The real Jann Mardenborough agrees. “I hope it shows kids that look like me that they can trust themselves and can go after what they love,” he says.
Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/sM8xVZp2aKs
Like the character he plays, Madekwe had one hiccup when he began racing cars: he didn’t know how to drive. While working on another production, before Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story began shooting, he would shoot his scenes during the day, then sneak in a driving lesson in his evenings.
The star-studded collaboration reflects on their respective experiences finding God and walking with Him in faith
After staging a sold-out concert last year at the Solaire Theatre, Pinoy rock queens Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac continue their collaborative streak with the release of “Talinghaga,” their first single together as a group.
Released under WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation, the praise anthem narrates their individual experiences walking in faith with God and finding him even in the most tumultuous of times.
According to Aia de Leon, “Talinghaga” is an attempt to describe the manifold glory of our Holy Creator. “While we wonder at His splendor, we find there is none like Him. While we revel at His glory, we find that we are blessed with His goodness and how His generosity is unmatched. The world we live in is but a temporary metaphor of the plans He has for us in His dwelling. Our final destination, without the tears and suffering.”
The board and co-owners of Rising Tigers Magazine visited Korea as part of the Philippines Korea Economic Council (PhilKorec) business delegation.
Representing their own companies; Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group, Brian Poe Llamanzares of Pantheon Holdings, Atty. Arnel Mateo of ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc., Sarah Mateo of SPD Jobs, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas of Tag Media Group and Andria Terese Nicolas of Rising Tigers Magazine Inc.
The delegation goal is to expand their business through partnership or joint venture with the companies in South Korea.
Activities includes the company visits in the following to check their technology; SD Bio Technologies, HD Hyundai Energy Solution and Deepnoid.
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When a potent new recreational drug begins spreading throughout Seoul’s liveliest venues, an undercover officer will infiltrate the gang responsible in The Worst of Evil - a thrilling new crime drama coming September 27, exclusively on Disney+.
In 1990s Seoul, a former DJ seized control of a gang and began pushing a popular new drug nicknamed “Gangnam Crystal” in the city’s nightclubs. With little known about its source, a rural officer is recruited into an undercover police unit and is tasked with infiltrating the gang to bring it down from the inside. Forced to keep his new assignment a secret from everyone, officer Park Junmo is stunned to discover his wife and fellow officer Yu Euijeong has volunteered for the same assignment and that she has a mysterious past with the city’s new drug lord. Torn between his dedication to his job and his need to keep his wife safe, Junmo’s actions will keep viewers on the edge of their seat throughout.
The attendees in the trade mission under Philippines Korea Economic Council (PhilKorec) enjoyed the Korea history when they visited the Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center (GKEDC) in Korea. It’s an eye opener and an inspiration since the people of that country transformed Korea from one of the poorest country in Asia to one of the biggest trade supplier globally with known and popular brands trailblazing from different industries such as Hyundai, Samsung, Etude House and Kia among others with Samsung defends crown as South Korea's most valuable brand at US$82.7 billion. Samsung retained its title of being the most valuable brand in South Korea despite recording a decrease in brand value by 7% to US$82.7 billion.
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Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) thanks its loyal customers for their continuous support in their 35th Anniversary with exciting deals and offers. Customers can enjoy low monthly plans, trade-in rebates, and more when they purchase any brand-new Toyota vehicle in any authorized dealership nationwide until August 31, 2023.
Celebrate big savings with Pay Low, Pay Light
Join TMP as they celebrate 35 years of creating mobility and producing happiness with different discount offers.
Toyota’s Pay Low deal allows customers to take home their new Toyota vehicle with downpayment as low as 15% with free 1st year insurance, 3-year LTO registration, and no chattel mortgage. With this deal, customers can get their new Fortuner 4x2 G M/T for only PHP 260,400 or Hilux 4x2 E M/T for only PHP 176,100. Other participating models include Vios, Corolla Altis, Veloz, Rush, and Innova.
Concrete Utopia, a thrilling disaster film starring an ensemble of A-list Korean actors including Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-jun, Park Bo-young, Park Ji-hu, Kim Do-yoon and Kim Sun-young, will be released in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures.
The film, which opened #1 in Korea, will open in local cinemas September 20.
Directed by Um Tae-hwa, Concrete Utopia is loosely based on Part 2 of the hit webtoon “Joyful Outcast” (“Pleasant Neighbors”). Concrete Utopia is a disaster thriller about the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The film will follow the story that begins when the survivors gather at Hwang Gung Apartments, the only building left standing in an earthquake-ravaged Seoul.
As the trailer and poster speaks for themselves, the survivors will have to go through mind-boggling thought processes, revealing the kind and dark side of human nature. Find out with us in the cinemas who will be the final survivors.
HONOR Philippines PR Manager Pao Oga, GTM Manager Steven Yan, Country Manager Sean Yuan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, and Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on
Experiencing the 200MP Flagship Camera in Bataan, HONOR Philippines just unveiled HONOR 90 5G on August 15 for only Php 24,990! And until supplies last, HONOR fans can get a FREE JBL Flip 6 worth Php 7,499 during its pre-order from August 16 to 25, 2023. What are you waiting for? Run to the nearest HONOR Experience and Partner stores, or purchase online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/3YAczVu), Shopee (https://bit.ly/45snjI6), and TikTok Shop (bit.ly/HONOR905G-TikTok).
Listen to the latest single “imposter syndrome”
Clara Benin finds the courage to embrace self-acceptance in the face of adversity on her sophomore studio album, befriending my tears—out today via OFFMUTE. The introspective record serves as the follow-up release to 2020’s Fragments, a 5-track EP that maps out different seasons of her life during the pre-pandemic days.
Transforming Concepcion Elementary School, Malabon City
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| Orlando Bloom and David Harbour in Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story |
An underdog sports story based on the life of a real gamer-turned-racecar driver, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story will have sneak preview screenings at regular run admission prices in cinemas nationwide on Monday August 21, and Tuesday August 22. Be among the first to catch the film – watch it a week before it begins its regular run on August 30.
The film, which tells the story of Jann Mardenborough, a Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver, stars David Harbour, Orlando Bloom and Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough.
Famous in Korea, aside from the barbecue’s, korea novels and K Pop, above all is cosmetics.
Korean products are significantly cheaper than their western counterparts because manufacturing costs are lower in Korea. There are many skilled Filipinos also working in this tiger country and enjoying their stay. There is also stiff competition between companies to offer the “best for less”.
Beauty-obsessed Koreans are always on the lookout for the next “Big Thing” in skincare. Same as Filipinos who have an extra income to provide good skincare for them, some will use the Korean products as it’s known for quality and effectiveness.
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“We can either be monsters or heroes”
The series tells the story of superpowered beings trying to live their lives as normal people. The story focuses on students Kim Bongseok (Lee Jungha), who has the ability of flight; Jang Huisoo (Go Younjung), who can heal quickly; and Lee Ganghoon (Kim Dohoon), who has super strength. With high school life occupying much of their time, they try their best to study hard in order to give their parents a better life.
As they try to learn to control their powers and live quietly, secret government agencies plan to hunt them down. This puts them in a difficult spot where they must protect themselves and the people they care about.
The richest chamber in the country under Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) headed by Chairman Robert Laurel Yupangco is PhilKorec or Philippines Korea Economic Council with currently more than 200 members goes to Korea and brought more than 40 of its members headed by the officers of the council from August 15-20, 2023.
The second activity for this administration, the trade mission goal is to have partnership between the entrepreneurs in Philippines and Korea with first stop at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul with Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC). Her Excellency, Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega together with her team in Korea made sure that the Philippine delegation will feel at home and invited different businesses in Korea to meet with their counterparts from the Philippines.
TARO AOX Inc. has appointed Emmanuel Tomagos Jr. as the Agency’s Deputy Account Operations Director and Business Unit Administrator for Digital, Social and Content. Emman has worked with various brands in the past including Yamaha Motor, BiC, Skechers, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls to name a few. Apart from this, he is a dedicated educator and speaker for anything related to digital marketing. He also has key involvement in the development of the Ad Standards Council Digital Guidelines for Non-Regulated and Regulated Categories in Coordination with the Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP).
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Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is all geared up to bring heart-pumping action to everyone at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival 2023, happening on August 23 and 24, 2023, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
The TGR Festival, a free admission event, is dubbed as Toyota’s biggest gathering of motorsports fans and enthusiasts celebrating the shared love and passion for cars and racing. To be part of the festivities, simply register at https://toyotagrfestivalph.com/.
Racers, enthusiasts, car owners, and those who love seeing performance cars pushed to the limits are all invited to witness world-class driving exhibitions led by Morizo (the racing pseudonym of Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda) on August 23, together with international racers Katsuta Norihiko and Sasaki Masahiro, both excellent drivers of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Team. The team will bring world class rally exhibitions on Philippine grounds, with the legendary TGR race cars, the Toyota WRC Yaris and Red Bull GR Corolla.
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The troublemaking twig returns to mischief in the second season of “I Am Groot.” This time, Baby Groot finds himself exploring the universe and beyond aboard the Guardians’ spaceships, coming face-to-face—or nose-to-nose—with new and colorful creatures and environments. Vin Diesel is back as the voice of Groot in five all-new shorts. Kirsten Lepore, writer/director of season one, returns in the same capacity for season two. The supervising producer is Danielle Costa; producers are Craig Rittenbaum and Alex Scharf; executive producers are Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Kirsten Lepore. Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt is co-executive producer.
Pre-order your HONOR 90 5G and get a free JBL Flip 6 worth Php 7,499 until supplies last – so head out to the nearest HONOR store or checkout via Lazada (https://bit.ly/3YAczVu), Shopee (https://bit.ly/45snjI6), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONOR905G-TikTok).
Global technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR 90 5G in the Philippines for only Php 24,990. Featuring an impressive 200MP Flagship Camera with an industry-leading Quad-Curved Floating Display with eye-comfort technology, the HONOR 90 5G packs groundbreaking hardware and software to empower the always-on generation to capture their everyday adventures in outstanding detail and share these great vibes to closed ones.
Netflix taps actress Ai-Ai delas Alas and popular TikTok influencer Fonzi for a special video inspired by Heart of Stone, an action-packed film starring Gal Gadot now streaming on Netflix.
In the video, Fonzi thought meeting a friend would just be a casual get-together but 30 seconds in, it was clear to him that an ambush presentation of unsolicited “Millionaire Mindset Mentality” advice was about to go down. Fonzi quickly contacts A-I delas Alas—a play on the actress’ unique name—using advanced tech like what Gal’s Rachel Stone used in Heart of Stone. A-I lays out several escape plans for Fonzi but his persistent friend is always one step ahead. Fonzi takes a leap of faith following A-I’s voice, in a final attempt to save himself from getting cornered.
Watch more unmissable action and epic escapes in Heart of Stone, now streaming only on Netflix.
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‘Blindside’ is James at his very best, featuring a killer, top-down driving chorus and another belter of a vocal. Of the track, James comments, “Blindside is a song I’ve wanted to write for years, about falling in love with the right person at the wrong time. It’s an energetic song with a sad lyric and it really suited this new rawer style I was after.”
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Breakout singer-songwriter Kai Buizon reflects on the blurred lines between young romance and friendship in her new single, “Kaibigan Lang”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
Inspired by a conversation between two friends, the folk-pop track depicts the innocence and uncertainty surrounding first love and its exciting yet confusing form.
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Excited about an optimum device experience with value-packed deals? Keep reading because you won't want to miss 'em!
Explore the Galaxy with Globe
Defy the gravity of device limits as the hotly-anticipated devices in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem are now available and paired with perks with Globe.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5
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Leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has energized its electrified vehicle lineup anew with the introduction of another highly anticipated subcompact vehicle, the All-New Toyota Yaris Cross.
As the latest addition to the automotive leader’s widest range of electrified vehicle offerings, the All-New Yaris Cross is expected to intensify Toyota’s drive for carbon neutral mobility with its attractive price point, making it Toyota’s most affordable electrified vehicle yet.
Filipino alt-rock outfit Sponge Cola has officially dropped their ninth studio album, Hometown, Part 2 via Sony Music Entertainment.
Embracing the anthemic immediacy of their 2022 outing with newfound warmth and restraint, the four-piece band’s latest album proves to be a vital example of how music can be a therapeutic outlet for expression and healing. The new collection of songs also sees the band exploring themes of triumph over adversity, resilience, and unfulfilled relationships. It also serves as a continuation of the band’s full-length album, Hometown—released in December 2022.
As lead guitarist Armo Armovit describes it, Hometown, Part 2 is all about finding connection in uncertain times. “We explored new ways of expressing familiar feelings with renewed perspectives incorporating different production elements, arrangement choices, and improved approaches to performance.”
The title also speaks for itself, serving as a continuation of one’s story, much like coming home to rest after a long journey and staying an extra weekend to reset. The record’s songwriting, on the other hand, was inspired by the members’ collective and individual fascination with K-drama and documentaries, as well as first-hand experiences with real-life events.
Drawing a lot of inspiration from pop and electronic elements, the 19-track album is produced by constant collaborator Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, who has worked with some of the biggest and most underrated Philippine acts, including Ang Bandang Shirley, syd hartha, Coeli, and more.
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Armo explains, “Joey Santos did a great job crafting the treatment for songs and dressing them in colors and styles that best express the message. The process was very organic and natural.”
Hometown, Part 2 is accompanied by the release of its focus track, “So Close,” which features pop singer Morissette. The song was specifically penned by Yael Yuzon, and tackles the story of two people who have built a deep connection over time, but whose relationship never really progressed into something that could last a lifetime.
“It's a song that took me 20 years to write,” shares vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon. “Inspired by Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez and The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, So Close talks about the possibility of a mirage in our poetic memory, a ‘what if’ that may have been nothing more than a light radiating from a dead star. We might just be romanticizing things.”
Other songs in the album include previous releases “Labis-labis,” a soaring tune that puts a uniquely captivating but relatable spin on the ‘love song’ format; “Hometown,” a grungy pop track with electronic textures and a catchy chorus; and “Siguro nga,” a pop-rock ballad based on a character study of a popular K-drama character.
Track list:
1. Hometown
2. Alamat (MLBB 5th Anniversary Theme)
3. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito
4. Lumipas Ang Tag-araw
5. Laman Ng Panaginip
6. Labis-Labis
7. Siguro Nga
8. JAIRAH
9. Kung May Oras Ka
10. Signal #4
11. So Close (feat. Morissette)
12. Champions
13. In the End
14. Labis-Labis - Acoustic
15. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito (Remix) (feat. Matthaios and Clien of ALLMO$T)
16. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito - Acoustic
17. Siguro Nga – Acoustic (feat. Kai Honasan)
18. Siguro Nga (TMAC's lo-fi Mix)
19. Laman ng Panaginip – Acoustic
Sponge Cola’s Hometown, Part 2 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The pop-rock outfit will be officially performing the songs off their new record with an on-ground album launch in Eastwood City Central Plaza on August 12 from 6 pm onwards. Admission is free!
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Photo credit: Kristina Yenko
Sydney-based artist BIRDEE 王煒 is slated to release her triumphant new single ‘Best Mistake I Never Made’ via Disruptive Entertainment.
According to the alt-pop singer-songwriter, the electro-pop track is about someone pleading for another chance, despite the situation being completely irreparable.
BIRDEE 王煒 shares, “Best Mistake I Never Made is about a boy who wanted another chance that I never gave. You can call it a diss track, but to me, it’s being selfishly confident in having healthy boundaries. We tend to focus on the mistakes we have made, but we never reflect on the mistakes we narrowly avoided.”
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Watch the trailer A group of friends decides to delve into the world of the occult and read their destiny through tarot cards, only to unlea...
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