Character posters unveiled for "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning"

The countdown begins. Paramount Pictures and Skydance have revealed the official character posters for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the highly anticipated final installment in the legendary spy-action saga led by global superstar Tom Cruise. Set to explode onto the big screen in theatres, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, Premium Large Formats, and IMAX starting Saturday, May 17, the film promises to be the most thrilling and emotional mission yet.

The new character posters spotlight the ensemble cast that brings this epic finale to life:
Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Tramell Tillman, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Rolf Saxon, and Lucy Tulugarjuk. Each poster carries the message: Everyone Plays a Part—a nod to the global stakes and deeply personal choices each character must make as the story races to its conclusion.

More posters

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning picks up as Ethan Hunt (Cruise) confronts the consequences of a lifetime of impossible choices. As the line between loyalty and betrayal blurs, Hunt and his IMF team face their most dangerous mission yet—with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS:
Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes, the film is a cinematic event directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Erik Jendresen. The film is based on the television series created by Bruce Geller.

Produced by Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, and executive produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Chris Brock, the film represents the culmination of one of cinema’s most celebrated franchises.

Don’t miss Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning — only in theatres beginning Saturday, May 17.

For assets and updates, follow #MissionImpossible and stay tuned for more exclusive content.

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Ready to Launch Your Own Laundry Business? With LG Commercial Washers, You'll Have the Power to Start Strong

With the growing demand for quick and convenient services, laundromats have become a popular choice for busy individuals in both urban and rural areas. Limited space in homes, along with the increasing need for accessible laundry solutions, has led more people to rely on self-service laundromats for efficient laundry options that fit their fast-paced lifestyles. To meet this demand, entrepreneurs like Joy Gadrinab of Skilcraft Sales Corporation turn to LG Commercial Washers, known for their durability, efficiency, and smart technology, helping laundromat owners stay ahead.

Joy Gadrinab, Founder of Skilcraft Sales Corp.

As one of the pioneers in self-service laundromats in Mindanao, Joy shares how LG Commercial Washers have played a crucial role in her business’s growth. From overcoming initial challenges to expanding her operations, she credits LG for its reliability and performance in supporting her long-term success. As the founder of Skilcraft Sales Corporation, Joy leveraged her background as a Chemical Engineer and her experience in industrial maintenance to diversify into selling LG Commercial Laundry Machines. Her technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit have been key in driving the success of her laundromat business.

Every business journey begins with a challenge. And for Joy, launching Splash Coinwash Laundry under Skilcraft Sales Corp. was no exception. What started as a simple observation turned into a thriving business opportunity just by filling a gap in the market. “We started Splash Coinwash Laundry because there were no laundromats in our area, especially the self-service kind of laundromats, only traditional laundromats,” she shared. Recognizing the potential, she and her team took a leap of faith. “We saw an opportunity and became the first to introduce LG Commercial Laundry Machines in our area. It was even coin-operated at the time.”

Laundry Lounge, Iligan City

“Our main setback was our startup capital,” Joy admitted. But instead of letting it hold them back, they took a smart, strategic approach. “We overcame this setback by starting with 2 sets of machines and slowly reinvesting our income to add more sets of machines until we managed to open more branches.” Through patience, perseverance, and a clear vision, what started as a small operation steadily grew into a thriving business. Today, all Splash Coinwash branches have been renamed to Laundry Lounge, with 6 fully operational lounges in Cagayan de Oro City, Opol, El Salvador City, Iligan City, Talisay City, and Cebu City. A 7th branch is nearly finished in Tres de Abril, Cebu, while expansion continues with upcoming lounges in Surigao City, Pagadian City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

Joy believes that starting a laundry business offers great potential for growth and income. “We chose to open a laundry business, because we felt that it was very profitable and very easy to manage. We have always wanted to start the laundry business, and up until now we are still enjoying the business and our benefits. We are also lucky to become LG Commercial Laundry dealers,” she shared.

Why LG Commercial Washers?
From the beginning, Joy and her team knew they needed reliable, high-quality machines to ensure long-term success. “We have always thought of LG as the best value brand at the time, and we have always seen LG as the superior brand when it comes to quality.”

LG Giant Max

Their confidence in LG has only grown stronger over the years. “The durability of LG has stood the test of time in our laundromats for over a decade. In fact, the original machines we had when we started our laundromats are still in good condition until now.”

LG Giant C Washer

Beyond durability, LG machines have helped maintain high laundry standards while also streamlining operations. “Not only is the quality of the machines themselves good, but the quality of the laundry is very high. Our customers have been with us for years, and we are very happy that these customers are also enjoying the benefits of our newer machines: The LG Onyx C Max Models,” Joy shared. “These new machines are also easier for us to monitor, due to the new smart solution features these machines bring.”

Advice for Aspiring Laundry Business Owners
For those looking to start their own laundromat business, Joy emphasizes the importance of investing in the right machines. “The best advice we can give to any aspiring laundry shop owner is that the machines are your business partner.”

Laundry Business Seminar at Laundry Lounge Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City

“They do your service, and they satisfy the needs of your customers; and finally, the machines are the foundation of your business; so you have to treat these machines well,” Joy emphasized. She believes choosing a proven, high-quality brand makes all the difference—one that can support long-term success. “So you have to choose the brand that has stood the test of time. This is why we trust LG.”

Building a Future with LG
With multiple branches and years of experience, Laundry Lounge continues to thrive, proving that the right equipment plays a key role in long-term success. Joy remains confident in the brand that has supported their journey from the start. “So you have to choose the brand that has stood the test of time. This is why we trust LG.”

Laundry Lounge, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City

LG's durability, innovation, and commitment to quality have been integral to the success and growth of Laundry Lounge—proving that the right equipment can truly make a difference, because Life’s Good when your business thrives with a brand you trust.

As more people seek convenient laundry services, entrepreneurs across the country are turning to LG to build future-ready laundromats. With reliable performance and innovative features, LG provides a solid foundation for businesses to grow.

Start your own success story with LG Commercial Laundry Solutions today and take your business further with advanced technology, efficiency, and seamless operations. Visit LG Commercial Laundry PH on Facebook or go to www.lg.com/ph/business/commercial-laundry/ to learn more.

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Manila Symphony Orchestra all set to perform "Music for Peace" concert featuring Dvorak and Beethoven on May 24

Marking nearly a century of musical excellence, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Standard Insurance proudly launch its 99th season IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE: 2025-2026 MSO Concert Series. 

This series is a prelude to the "Road to 100" celebration of Manila Symphony Orchestra's 100th year anniversary in 2026.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is one of the oldest orchestras in Asia and the longest surviving artistic institution in the Philippines. With a rich legacy spanning almost 100 years, the MSO looks upon its history of various contributions into the cultural landscape of the country. 

Jeffrey Solares, Artistic Director of MSO noted that "this landmark season will celebrate the MSO’s linkages with music and artists from various countries and celebrate the richness that has contributed to the current artistic palette of the orchestra. It will also feature the young artists it has nurtured through its scholarship and training programs as soloists."

The first concert titled "MUSIC FOR PEACE" is all set to open on May 24 Saturday at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City at 7:30 pm.

This year, the MSO commemorates the 80th anniversary of the series of over 150 post-liberation concerts organized between 1945 and 1946. Among the music performed during that period are Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 "From The New World" and Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61, which will be performed featuring Berlin-based violin soloist Emanuel John Villarin and conductor Marlon Chen. Through these monumental works, the MSO continues to celebrate its mission of using music as a force for peace, unity, and healing.

The Artists

Marlon Chen’s dynamic charisma and artistic versatility have seen him conduct opera, ballet, symphonic works and chamber orchestras to sold-out concert halls across four continents. In June 2019, Marlon Chen was appointed as Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director and Principal Conductor. He likewise continues his positions as Principal Guest Conductor and  Associate Conductor with many of the world's finest orchestras including Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, National Orchestra d'ile de France,

MAV Orchestra Hungary, English School of Opera Festival Orchestra London, Bulgarian State Opera, Moldova Chamber Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony, Bolivian Festival Orchestra, Singapore International Music Festival Orchestra, the Baltic Sea Philharmonic and the MDR Orchestra of Leipzig, Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Symphonic Orchestra of Natal, Brazil.

Filipino violinist Emanuel John Villarin, also known as EJ, is a pioneer member of the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) and an incoming sophomore student at Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, Germany under the tutelage of Prof. Eva-Christina Schönweiß. As an active participant in several local and international competitions, his high achievements led him to The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)'s recognition of Ani ng Dangal Award in 2022. EJ recently won the post as one of the concertmasters of the 2023 Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO), where he led the orchestra in a concert tour of 11 different cities in Europe and Asia. EJ is a scholar of the Standard Insurance Co. “In Pursuit of Excellence” Program and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Scholarship Program.

The Repertoire

Dvořák, Symphony no. 9 “From The New World”

Dvořák’s 9th Symphony, “From The New World” is one of the most popular works of this composer from Bohemia. Dvořák was inspired by Native American tunes he encountered during his tenue as director of the National Conservatory of Music of America from 1892-1995.

80 years ago in 1945, as a tribute to the American forces who helped liberate the Philippines from the Japanese Occupation, MSO’s music director Dr. Herbert Zipper included this piece as one of the symphonies the MSO performed during its first postwar concert on May 9-11, 1945, held at the roofless Sta. Cruz Church in Binondo. The MSO last performed the entire symphony in March 2015 at the Meralco Auditorium in a concert commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the end of the 2nd world war.

Beethoven, Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 61

Emanuel John Villarin, violin soloist

Beethoven’s only completed violin concerto, the D-major op. 61, stands as one of the greatest violin concertos of all time. Its sprawling lyrical themes and symphonic breadth have made it a very popular work that generations of violinists and orchestras perform all over the world. Then 18-year old violinist Basilio Manalo performed this work with the MSO under Dr. Herbert Zipper  in several postwar concerts starting from June 16, 1945 at the Rex Theater, a now defunct movie house Binondo, Manila. 

The calendar of forthcoming performances of MSO Concert Series 2025-2026 are as follows:

1. "A NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD" - June 28, 2025
   Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
   Los Angeles Film Composers Intensive (LAFCI) Conducting Fellows
   Angel Velez, American guest conductor
   Zoltan Onczay, cello
   
   
2. "BRAZILIAN GUITAR AND CELLO" - August 9, 2025
   Music by Villalobos and Jeffrey Ching
   Fabio Presgrave, cello
   Fabio Zanon, guitar
   Stefanie Quintin-Avila, soprano
   Marlon Chen, conductor
   
   
3. "BUTTERFLY LOVERS VIOLIN CONCERTO" - September 7, 2025
   Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
   Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto
   Filipino Work for Children’s Choir and Orchestra
   Monica Bacus, violin
   Children’s Choir
   
   
4. "DANCING WITH TCHAIKOVSKY" - September 27, 2025
   Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
   Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra
   Suite from the Ballet “Sleeping Beauty”
   Damodar Das Castillo, cello
   Alexander Vikulov, guest conductor
   
   
5. "THE MSO 100TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT" - January 22, 2026
   Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati
   Muyu Liu, piano
   Darrell Ang, guest conductor

*Dates and venues may be subject to change.

The MSO’s journey has been one of remarkable resilience and profound cultural significance. Founded in 1926, the MSO has survived wars, endured hardships, and emerged as a pillar of artistic achievement in the Philippines. In 1945, the MSO’s first post-liberation concert symbolized the revival of Filipino culture after the devastation of World War II. It is this spirit of renewal and artistic excellence that continues to define the MSO’s work today. 

In Pursuit of Excellence: Concert Series 2025-2026 will reflect this legacy while looking toward the future with exciting collaborations, world premieres, and performances that bring together the best of local and international talent.

Tickets are now available at Ticketworld:

https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=MFPEACE25

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS: 

20% Early Bird Discount

Use the code: MUSICFORPEACEEB20 only until April 25, 2025 Friday

20% for Senior Citizens, PWDs, Diplomats

Email: tickets@ticketworld.com.ph

Call: 0917-550-6997 or 0999-954-5922

50% for Students

Use the code: MUSICFORPEACESTUDENT50

Present valid IDs on the day of the concert

Save up to 50% on all Season 99 concerts by being an All-Access Member http://bit.ly/3G0WH9i

For inquiries regarding subscription packages for the Season 99 Concert Series, please check the website: www.manilasymphony.com or call Ms. Riva Ferrer, MSO Marketing Manager at +63917-8501774

Follow The Manila Symphony Orchestra on social media:

YouTube - Manila Symphony Orchestra

Facebook - Manila Symphony Orchestra

Instagram - @manila.symphony

TikTok - @manilasymphonyorchestra

Website – www.manilasymphony.com

Address:

Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc.

2nd level Circuit Lane, Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati City, 1207

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Hop into Fun: An Egg-cellent Easter Celebration Awaits at SM Supermalls in the East!

Hey fam! If you're still figuring out where to take the kiddos (or yourself—no shame in loving Easter eggs) this Easter Sunday, April 20, let me help you out: SM Supermalls in the East are going all out this year and it’s looking like a full-on festive wonderland. 🎉

Imagine this—egg hunts, costume contests, parades, and fun little pocket activities to keep everyone busy (and off their gadgets for a while 😅). Whether you're in Marikina, Taytay, Antipolo, or anywhere near the East side, there’s a cute celebration waiting just around the corner.

Here’s the lowdown on where the magic’s happening:

🥚 SM City East Ortigas
A classic egg hunt kicks off at 3:00 PM at the Main Atrium. Kiddos, grab your baskets and let the hunt begin!

🎭 SM City Marikina
They’re not holding back—Easter Parade, Costume Contest, AND an Egg Hunt happening at the Ground Level Mall Atrium. It's a whole production and you’re invited!

🌈 SM City Taytay
Another 3:00 PM egg hunt awaits, this time at Bldg A Ground Level. Perfect if you're looking for a mid-afternoon family moment.

🌟 SM City Masinag
Get ready for a colorful celebration with an Easter Parade, Costume Contest, and Egg Hunt—plus a cute coloring activity for the artsy little ones at the Mall Atrium.

🐰 SM City San Mateo
Up on the 4th Level, it’s all about the Easter Parade vibes, a charming Costume Contest, and—you guessed it—an exciting Egg Hunt. Bonus: another fun pocket activity to check out!

✨ SM Center Angono
Calling all mini fashionistas: their Easter Costume Contest kicks off at 2:00 PM (Upper Ground Level in front of BDO). Time to show off those DIY bunny ears and sparkly pastels!

🎨 SM Antipolo Downtown
Over at the 2nd Level, it’s egg painting time! There's also an Easter Parade and Egg Hunt, so you get the best of everything in one trip.

So if you're looking for a wholesome, joy-filled, and (let’s be real) super Instagrammable way to celebrate Easter—this is it. Grab your bunny ears, prep those baskets, and don’t forget to tag your moments with #ExtraExcitingEast so we can all enjoy the cuteness overload together.

See you at the hunt! 🐣✨💛

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Stations of Grace: A Personal Visita Iglesia Itinerary

This year, I'm doing the Visita Iglesia—the traditional Holy Week practice of visiting seven churches, typically accompanied by praying the Stations of the Cross. While this devotion is often done in groups, I'm setting out on a solo pilgrimage, following an itinerary I’ve carefully planned to finish before lunchtime.

To make things more meaningful, I’ve chosen to also visit some Jubilee Churches—starting from the farthest one and gradually making my way back home to Cainta. At each church, I’ll be praying two Stations, completing all fourteen by the end of the journey.

Here’s the route I took:

1. Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Cubao, Quezon City)
A Jubilee Church under the Diocese of Cubao.
From LRT-2 Marikina Station, transfer to Araneta Center-Cubao. Exit north and ride a jeep bound for Quiapo or España. Get off at New York Avenue, then cross to Vancouver Street—the cathedral is just there.
Fun fact: This is where celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera tied the knot in 2014.

2. Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph the Worker (Project 2, Quezon City)
Another Jubilee Church within the Diocese of Cubao.
It’s conveniently located right beside LRT-2 Anonas Station, making it one of the easiest stops on this route.

3. Real Monasterio de Sta. Clara de Manila (Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City)

A peaceful monastery known for its tradition of offering eggs in prayer petitions.
You can get here by riding a jeep from Cubao bound for Marikina, or take the LRT-2 to Katipunan Station.

4. St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish (Mayamot, Antipolo City)
Back within the Diocese of Antipolo, this is one of the Jubilee churches nearest to me.
A quiet and reflective stop before heading further into the heart of Antipolo.

5. Diocesan Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (Antipolo City)

From LRT-2 Antipolo Station, ride a jeep or minibus toward Antipolo Cathedral. You’ll find this church on the right side, just past College of San Benildo and before Fatima University.

The shrine holds a blood relic of Padre Pio, which is exposed for veneration in the basement chapel. It’s a quiet, sacred space where you can spend a few moments in prayer and reflection. There's also a unique honesty store in the same area—no cashier, just a selection of religious items and designated boxes where you can drop your payment. It’s a beautiful reminder that trust and faith go hand in hand.

6. St. John Mary Vianney Parish (Antipolo City)

Located along the Marikina-Infanta Highway heading toward Cogeo, this parish is just across from SM City Antipolo Downtown. A good spot to rest and refresh, too.

7. Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Marikina City)
The final stop—a Jubilee Church in Marikina. A fitting end to the journey, as I reflect on the Passion of Christ and wrap up my Visita Iglesia.

This quiet solo pilgrimage reminded me that faith journeys don't always have to be grand or crowded—they can be intimate, personal, and just as spiritually fulfilling. Walking from one church to another, praying the Stations along the way, offered me not just a chance to reflect on Christ’s passion, but also to encounter moments of peace amid the city’s bustle.

If you're planning your own Visita Iglesia, consider choosing churches that are meaningful to you, and don’t rush the journey. Let every stop be a pause to pray, breathe, and reconnect with the reason behind the season.

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From Roots to Heights: FEU Bamboo Band Elevates Tradition in ASCEND

One stage. One night. A journey of sound shaped by heritage and lifted by innovation.

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts (FCA) presents the Far Eastern University Bamboo Band (FBB) in “ASCEND: Reaching New Heights in Music”, a special concert on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the historic FEU Auditorium.

This year’s performance helps celebrate FEU’s 97th founding anniversary and the 76th year of the FEU Auditorium—a dual celebration of legacy and artistic excellence. In honor of these milestones, the FEU Bamboo Band returns to the historic stage with ASCEND, a concert that highlights the limitless potential of bamboo music through a captivating blend of sound, culture, and creativity.

Following the emotional depth of last year’s kundiman-themed concert Ang Tangi Kong Ikaw, the FBB now invites audiences on an expansive musical journey. ASCEND features a richly curated repertoire combining cherished Filipino classics with powerful international pieces—demonstrating how bamboo instruments and Filipino musicality can transcend genres and cultures.

Leading this project is Mr. Norberto Cads, Jr., an accomplished bamboo musician, key member of Banda Kawayan Pilipinas and artistic director of the FBB. Under his guidance, the FBB continues to blend tradition and modernity.

Mr. Norberto Cads

The FEU Bamboo Band is composed of dedicated student artists from across a wide range of disciplines including Nursing, Medical Technology, Psychology, HRM, Tourism, Architecture, Marketing, Business, and Accountancy. Despite not being music majors, these students devote over 12 hours each week to practice, fueled by passion and a shared love for music.

The evening will also feature special performances by the FEU Chorale, the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps (DBC), and guest artists: Mr. Marlexis Del Mundo on the Saxophone and Mr. John Erin Gonzaga on the flute, both former FBB members; and Mr. Jhon Mark Isla on trumpet – a proud FEU alumnus from the Institute of Arts & Sciences Class of 2018, former member of the FEU DBC, and the current Section Head at the FEU Center for the Arts. Each artist brings a distinctive voice to the stage, promising a night of rich musical tapestry.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Far Eastern University Bamboo Band or Far Eastern University Center for the Arts on Facebook. You may also drop by the FCA office from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, or call (02) 8849-4145 ext. 310.

Come and ASCEND —a celebration of music without borders.

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Manuel Baldemor’s Kuwaresma Opens at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery

The Manila Hotel held the opening reception for Kuwaresma, a solo exhibit by acclaimed Filipino painter, sculptor, writer, and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor, on 13 April 2025, Palm Sunday, at the hotel’s Art Gallery. Kuwaresma presents a contemplative visual journey through the sacred season of Lent.

Manuel Baldemor, known for his signature distinctive fusion of folk art, religious imagery, and cultural narratives, explores the solemnity and symbolism of Holy Week in this 38-piece collection. Kuwaresma, which means Lent in Spanish, captures the spirit of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and reflection—echoing Christ’s retreat in the desert.

The exhibit highlights Baldemor’s vibrant palette, intricate detailing, and deeply symbolic compositions that bring Filipino religious rituals and traditions vividly to life.

“As a painter and sculptor, I want to capture the essence of Filipino life and traditions, especially Holy Week,” shared Baldemor. “Kuwaresma is a culmination of my fascination with Lenten folk rituals, particularly the Nazareno procession, whose devotion continues to humble and inspire me.”

Manuel Baldemor

Among the distinguished guests who attended the exhibit opening were Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Elba S. Cruz, exhibit curator; Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma, national artist of the Philippines; and Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, founder of the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA).

Atty. Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel

Kuwaresma is on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery until April 30, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

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