DESPICABLE ME 4 movie review

Recently got invited to the VIP screening of Despicable Me 4 and I was very excited to see the minions again and Gru's (Steve Carell) recent adventure. This time, juggling his way into fatherhood with his family and the most adorable baby, his junior.

The film starts with a school reunion — the Lycée Pas Bon School of Villainy Class of '85 — where Gru (Steve Carell) encounters an old rival, Maxime le Mal (Will Ferrell), a French-accented insect-obsessed villain. An old time beef escalated that threatened Gru and his family's safety which AVL came into rescue.

While meeting new neighbors is a major adjustment with Gru and the girls while taking his cover from Maxime, a handful of minions are getting a major upgrade in AVL. There's a new line up of super minions that for sure you'll add to your collection. Aligned with Marvel superpowers, these minions are up to save Gru and his family. DM4 presents Gru in a more vulnerable guy than an unruly villain. 

Aside from Maxine, Gru has established another villain with no other than their school principal which is a total delight for us viewers. A sinister grandma is maybe what we needed for a more comic relief than with the minions entertaining us with their usual antics.

Despicable Me 4 is also a grand reunion of Gru's nemeses which you will find at the end of the movie. A fun closing to the installment. It's also a great treat to the fans to see them all in one screen enjoying their life in jail. Despicable Me 4 puts family as a major support in your background and Gru shows that he is another person on the inside and willing to sacrifice for the safety of his family.

Despicable Me 4 is now showing in theaters.

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Josh Hartnett in M. Knight Shyamalan's TRAP

30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape. “Trap,” a new M. Night Shyamalan experience, starring Josh Hartnett, opens only in cinemas July 31.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a new experience in the world of M. Night Shayamalan – “Trap” – featuring performances by rising music star Saleka Shyamalan. Watch the trailer here:
A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.

Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “Trap” stars Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills and Allison Pill. The film is produced by Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock and M. Night Shyamalan. The executive producer is Steven Schneider.

In cinemas July 31, “Trap” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

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Iloilo City's Remarkable Progress from Tradition to Transformation

Iloilo City stands as a shining example of progress and inclusivity, driven by a commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.

Over the past six years, Iloilo City has achieved significant milestones under Mayor Treñas' leadership, focusing on initiatives that promote economic growth, cultural richness, and environmental sustainability. These efforts have not only elevated the city's profile but have also enhanced the lives of its residents.

Recognized for its vibrancy and competitiveness, Iloilo City secured accolades such as being named the Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, celebrating its rich culinary heritage and commitment to cultural preservation. The city's innovative I-Bike Program, which promotes a bike-friendly environment and garnered the prestigious 2022 Galing Pook Award, underscores its dedication to sustainable urban mobility and citizen engagement.

"Iloilo City is more than just a place; it's a community where innovation meets tradition," remarked Mayor Treñas. "Our achievements reflect our shared vision of building a city that thrives on creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability."

The city's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment has also been recognized, earning the 2023 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) award from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). This accolade highlights Iloilo City's efforts in supporting local enterprises and attracting investments contributing to economic vitality.

Infrastructure development is pivotal in Mayor Treñas' vision for Iloilo City's future. This commitment exemplifies the upcoming revitalization of the Central and Terminal Markets through a public-private partnership with SM Prime Holdings. Valued at P1.5 billion to P2.5 billion, this project aims to modernize market facilities, providing a conducive space for local entrepreneurs to thrive and showcase their products.

City officials in Iloilo City discuss proposed developments at La Paz Plaza, including plans for a koi pond and butterfly garden to enhance community enjoyment. These efforts aim to elevate city facilities for the welfare of Ilonggos.

"We envision our markets not just as economic hubs but as community centers that promote local culture and entrepreneurship," Mayor Treñas emphasized. "By revitalizing these spaces, we create opportunities for our vendors to grow their businesses sustainably."

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas oversees a site inpection of the Uswag Dialysis Center in Brgy. San Isidro to ensure it progresses smoothly, aiming to promptly offer free services to residents.

Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, echoed this sentiment, highlighting SM's role in supporting local communities and promoting sustainable development through infrastructure investments.

Looking ahead, Mayor Treñas remains steadfast in his dedication to advancing Iloilo City's sustainable development agenda. "Our focus is on building a city that nurtures innovation, preserves our heritage, and enhances the quality of life for all Ilonggos," he affirmed.

For updates on Iloilo City's initiatives and community-driven projects, follow @SMSupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com.

Join us in celebrating Iloilo City's journey towards a sustainable and inclusive future. Together, let's continue to empower communities and preserve the cultural heritage for generations to come. 🌱🏙️ #IloiloCity #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityEmpowerment

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STREAMLINED:The National Artist ARTURO LUZ Exhibit set to open on July 2

The Renaissance Art Gallery presents the much-awaited exhibition of National Artist Arturo Luz.

Titled: “STREAMLINED: The National Artist ARTURO LUZ Exhibition” will be on display from July 2-13 at the Art Center, 4th floor of the SM Megamall Building A, EDSA, Mandaluyong City.

The works on display demonstrate the primary virtues that distinguished Arturo Luz from the rest of his contemporaries: linear and geometric, minimalist in conception, and executed with superlative technical skill and finesse.

Arturo Luz stripped Philippine art of its excesses in color and form, as evidenced by his classic subjects, ranging from cyclists, musicians, and performers down to his still lifes and Asian cities and architecture.

Cities of the Past - Acrylic, 2002

Three Men On A Wheel - Acrylic on canvas, 2003

Women Conversing - Acrylic, 2002

All the works are authentic and original, supplied with written and visual documentation.
Curated by Cid Reyes.

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Midyear movie treats this July

Don’t miss these movies, opening in cinemas in July!

July 3 - Despicable Me 4 (Universal Pictures International)

Stars: Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Madison Polan, Joey King, Stephen Colbert, Chloe Fineman, Pierre Coffin, Steve Coogan
Directed by: Chris Renaud

In “Despicable Me 4,” the blockbuster franchise begins a new chapter as Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their girls – Margo, Edith and Agnes – welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. But it’s not all sunshine and roses for the family, as Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), and the family is forced to go on the run.

July 10 - Fly Me to the Moon (Columbia Pictures)

Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Jim Rash, Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson
Directed by: Greg Berlanti

Starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, “Fly Me To The Moon” is a sharp, stylish comedy-drama set against the high-stakes backdrop of NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Brought in to fix NASA’s public image, sparks fly in all directions as marketing maven Kelly Jones (Johansson) wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis’s (Tatum) already difficult task. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, Jones is directed to stage a fake moon landing as back-up and the countdown truly begins…

July 10 - Marupok A+ (Where is the Lie?) (Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusive)

Stars: EJ Jallorina, Royce Cabrera, Maris Racal
Directed by: Quark Henares

Based on a true story that went viral on Twitter, “Marupok A+ (Where is the Lie?)” follows Janzen Torres (EJ Jallorina), a hopeless romantic who goes on a dating app and matches with the seemingly perfect Theo Balmaceda (Royce Cabrera). On the day of their first date, Janzen gets ghosted. This then leads to an intricately-planned web of deceit, lies, and catfishing. A sociopathic mastermind named Beanie Landridos (Maris Racal) is behind all of Janzen’s struggles.

July 17 - Twisters (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Stars: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, David Corenswet
Directed by: Lee Isaac Chung

From the producers of the Jurassic, Bourne and Indiana Jones series comes “Twisters,” a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, “Twister.” Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years, who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better.

July 31 - Trap (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Stars: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, Allison Pill
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

A father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert, only to get caught in the center of a dark and sinister event. “Trap” is the next new thriller from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan, starring Josh Hartnett. “Trap” also stars Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Allison Pill.

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.*

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Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans give an action-packed Christmas with RED ONE

After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

It’s never too early to get jacked for Christmas. Watch the trailer for “Red One” now, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, and see the film only in cinemas November 13. Watch the trailer here:

The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju and J. K. Simmons and Bonnie Hunt.

Directed by Chris Morgan, from a screenplay by Hiram Garcia. Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar and Chris Morgan.

In cinemas November 13, “Red One” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

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The Our Home Private Label Collection

The OUR HOME PRIVATE LABEL COLLECTION is finally here!

OUR HOME has always been the go-to resource in quality and comfortable furniture, a name synonymous to prestige, befitting our status as the premier brand in furniture and furnishings. Perfecting the art and the science of comfortable, quality sofas that appeal to a discriminating audience, whose tastes are refined, distinguished and cultured, we proudly present the OUR HOME PRIVATE LABEL COLLECTION.

Highlighting a series of designs that are curated for a discerning palate, OUR HOME’s Private Label Collection sofas are functional, luxurious and designed to provide the utmost in comfort. Borne from two decades of excellent craftsmanship, our Private Label surpasses expectations in style and substance, with a wide array of customizable designs to choose from. Choices of footings, colors, fabrics, size and proportion serve as tools to be creative and explore different possibilities, all within the preface of providing the best in furniture selection. The collection drives both inspiration and aspiration as it cultivates the designer in you. Be inspired to experience the ultimate in meaningful living, set in a backdrop of an urban setting; cosmopolitan, chic and modish. Aspire to evoke a sense of exclusivity that borders on the unique and the bespoke. This is what our Private Label Collection offers – an opportunity to empower individuals to bring their creative visions to life in an atmosphere of livable, functional and stylish interior design.

For us, quality is also convenience. Same day delivery service, free assembly and service-oriented ideals guarantee the best in customer service that drives us to move forward and to excel in our field. All these, coupled with competitive and accessible prices ensure only the best in customer experience – a trademark in all our stores. Experience all these as part and parcel of our exclusive furniture collection and make every moment at home, truly extraordinary.

We have always blazed trails in the retail furniture industry. Our reputation precedes us as the leading authority in tasteful, trendy and timeless pieces set against a tableau of excellent visual merchandising that serve as a canvas for realizing dreams, concocting images of a well-designed sanctuary for leisure and a glimpse into all kinds of interior design possibilities. These are all achieved through championing local designers and suppliers. We are a strong advocate of locally sourced, locally designed and locally produced pieces and, a collaborative spirit brought about by forging professional relationships and realizing aesthetics standards. The Private Label Collection embodies all of these.

Discover OUR HOME PRIVATE LABEL COLLECTION, where every home becomes a canvas of self-expression because every piece tells a story.

Come visit any of Our Home stores at select SM Supermalls for more options. You may also shop through ourhome.ph or contact a personal shopper via Call to Deliver at 0917-8315260.

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ONE MORE CHANCE, THE MUSICAL Rerun Tickets available starting July 1

The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) hit musical, One More Chance, The Musical, featuring the songs of Ben&Ben, is set to return from August 22–October 27, 2024 at the PETA Theater Center, due to insistent public demand.

Since it opened in April, PETA has added 29 shows to its original run to accommodate more audiences after tickets sold out months before the musical opened.

For its rerun, PETA will open 50 additional shows.

Tickets for the feverishly anticipated show will be made available via TicketWorld.com.ph starting July 1.

Metrobank pre-sale
From July 1–3, a pre-sale will be made exclusively available for credit cardholders of Metrobank, PETA’s co-presenter and official bank partner.

To join the pre-sale, Metrobank credit cardholders must enter the first six digits of their card as the passcode. Each cardholder can enjoy a maximum of four (4) tickets per transaction.

Waitlist and public sale
The Metrobank pre-sale will be followed by a special sale for the TicketWorld waitlist from July 4–5.

The general public sale starts on July 6.

To sign up for the waitlist, go to https://bit.ly/OMCRerunWaitlist.

The TicketWorld waitlist registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

For more information, follow PETA's social media accounts at @petatheater (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok).

For partnerships, contact PETA’s Marketing and Public Relations Office at 0917-5765400 or petatheater@gmail.com.

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LG Amplifies Positive Influence of the Life's Good Campaign via Social Media Challenge

Company’s ‘Optimism your feed’ Playlist Garners 1.2 Billion Views in Just Three Weeks

LG Electronics (LG) has launched a global social media challenge to amplify its brand promise of ‘Life’s Good’ by encouraging customers worldwide to create and share moments of everyday optimism on their social media feeds. Running across TikTok and Instagram, the challenge encourages participants to foster a more positive environment on their social media feeds by posting optimistic moments and selfies featuring the “finger heart” gesture – a popular symbol among K-pop idols created by forming a mini heart with the index finger and thumb – using the hashtags #Lifesgood and #Optimismyourfeed.

“LG is committed to delivering on its promise of ‘Life’s Good. This social media challenge aims to uncover and share what ‘Life’s Good’ means to our customers,” said Kim Hyo-eun, vice president and head of LG’s Brand Management Division. “We believe there is real power in approaching life with an optimistic attitude, and our Optimism your feed campaign’s social media challenge is all about embracing the opportunity to inspire more positive activities in the virtual and real world.”

The social media challenge is part of LG’s ‘Optimism your feed’ campaign and follows the launch last month of LG’s Optimism your feed playlist – a collection of original content that, when interacted with, will pull more optimistic content into your feed. Created in collaboration with global influencers known for their positive impact, the playlist offers users the opportunity to experience more uplifting and encouraging posts. Within just three weeks of its release on TikTok, YouTube and other social media platforms, the playlist has garnered over 1.2 billion views. It has resonated with viewers worldwide, prompting comments about their eagerness to participate and positively influence their algorithms.

The social media challenge invites users around the world to join influencers including Tina Choi, Victoria Browne, Josh Harmon, Team1llusion, Lenna Vivas and Samuel Weidenhofer in spreading optimism across social media feeds. In just four days, around 21,000 users have already joined the movement to share their optimistic moments.

Meanwhile, LG has also launched an offline campaign event called ‘Optimism your day,’ which will run till early July. Continuing from last year, a truck adorned with the company’s ‘Life’s Good’ brand slogan is scheduled to tour the 11 business sites in Korea. The truck features a large LED display that plays ‘Life’s Good’ campaign videos and showcases positivity slogans shared by LG employees worldwide. LG believes in spreading the campaign’s message of optimism to employees as well as the outside world.

“We are all brand ambassadors of LG,” said CEO William Cho. “If each of us starts brightening our surroundings one step at a time, I believe LG will one day become a company that truly radiates positivity, helping to create better lives and a better world.”

More details about Life’s Good campaign can be found on the campaign page at www.lg.com/lifesgood.

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Get in touch with your wild side as DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” reveals a new trailer

When the robot Roz, short for ROZZUM unit 7134, gets stranded on an island far from civilization, they must learn to adapt to the environment and cohabit with the population of animals living within the forests. Struggling to survive, Roz gets thrust into the world of parenting as they cross paths with an orphaned gosling, who might teach them to become more than what they were programmed to be.

Based on Peter Brown’s #1 New York Times bestseller of the same name, “The Wild Robot” stars Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Kit Connor, Mark Hamill, and Stephanie Hsu. Get ready to go on a powerful journey as “The Wild Robot” opens in Philippine cinemas on October 9. Watch the trailer below.

From DreamWorks Animation comes a new adaptation of a literary sensation, Peter Brown’s beloved, award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot.

The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

 The Wild Robot stars Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o (Us, The Black Panther franchise) as robot Roz; Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us, The Mandalorian) as fox Fink; Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek, Best in Show) as opossum Pinktail; Oscar® nominee Bill Nighy (Living, Love Actually) as goose Longneck; Kit Connor (Heartstopper, Rocketman) as gosling Brightbill and Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once, this summer’s The Fall Guy) as Vontra, a robot that will intersect with Roz’s life on the island.

The film also features the voice talents of Emmy winning pop-culture icon Mark Hamill (Star Wars franchise, The Boy and the Heron), Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows, The SpongeBob Movie franchise) and Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible films, Pulp Fiction).

Opens in Philippine cinemas on October 9. Follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG) and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest updates on “The Wild Robot.” Join the conversation with #TheWildRobotMoviePH

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