BLACK ADAM movie review

DC's new character on screen Black Adam is paving the way for a new and exciting universe for new heroes and villains. Maybe Warner Bros. already realized the formula to get a good origin story for this new character.

While we are focused on Dwayne Johnson in the lead character, his story was well established in the whole movie and giving us reasonable flashbacks why he came to be. We are introduced with his magical beginnings and how he got his powers.

On the other hand, we wish there are also some back stories for our Justice Society. Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo). The team up works but maybe their potential could been showcased more and highlighted. Who knows, maybe we'll get spin offs of their characters.

Atom Smasher

Cyclone

Dr Fate

Hawkman

Black Adam injects dark humor, full of action and interesting story. It builds up an exciting element at the end that you don't want to miss.

Black Adam is now showing in cinemas from Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Comics.

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Nicole Laurel-Asensio tells us about the forbidden things

Last week, I received a very special package from Nicole Laurel-Asensio and it got me intrigued about her new single. The gift was a jewelry box with a necklace with gold and silver handcuffs. But what caught my curiosity was Nicole was giving us a hint of her next single, "Bawal."

Bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?

It had been a little while since noted multi-talented Nicole Laurel got back in the recording cycle. She didn’t stop writing new songs. In fact, there are dozens in progress. For this upcoming single "BAWAL" she collaborated with a co-musician she had met nearly 9 years ago but never really had the opportunity to write with— guitarist/ multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan. During an impromptu jam, he put down the guitar and began playing keys. Nicole began humming instantaneous melody and lyrics— the initial songwriting for “Bawal” was done in about 30 minutes.

"This is one of the simplest lyrical expressions I have published, nothing poetic here, just a sentiment revolving around the quintessential question: “Bakit masarap kapag bawal?” It was one of those instances na halos sabay lumabas yung lyrics and melody, and halos tapos na yung song form in the first session. I was led into the song by the chord choices. The song is a simple, slow, soulful blend of sultriness and the melancholy of desiring something you can’t have," Nicole noted. 

The "Bawal" team of the best musicians in today’s industry pooled their creative energies at Wildgrass studios for tracking.

Otep Concepcion (Drums),

Rommel Dela Cruz (Bass)

Nikko Rivera (Keys) 

Ted Amper (Cello)

Lester Sorilla (Trumpet) 

Gabe Dandan (Producer, Guitar, Percussions, Backup Vocals) 

Mike Luis (Vocal arranger, Backup Vocals)

The world class post production team are mixing engineer Angee Rozul then mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos by: Waxified Sound Production.

Gabe Dandan on writing with Nicole Laurel Asensio:

“I like working with Nicole because I am inclined towards improvisation-style writing, it brings out the best in my playing and musical choices, Nicole encourages that environment. Her brain is like a factory for making lyrics, the workflow and is seamless and that doesn’t always happen with everyone.”

On Producing the track with the “Nyors”

“That was pretty scary, I went early, not just to get good parking, but also to calm my nerves before the guys arrived. When they all arrived it went pretty smoothly, I knew what I wanted to do, but these guys are all really really good, so at first I didn’t feel like I was in the position to tell them what to do, in fact I didn’t have to say much just a little guiding but they’re the best so they just did their thing. It was a fun process. Post production was easy and efficient, Nicole is very honest, she makes sure to tell me what she wants while we’re still in the process and not when everything is already done and I appreciate that.”

“Bawal” will definitely take all of us along with the memories of countless chases, losses, painful lessons, maybes, possibilities and loves that could have been.

More songs are birthing from Nicole Laurel Asensio, but for now she just needed to publish at least one to ignite the process again.

“Bawal” is the first of many to hit the studio.

More can definitely be expected in 2023. 

Nicole finally notes: “PUWEDE”

"The beautiful thing about songwriting is - technically, walang bawal… you can write about anything, anyone and everything… you can use any note, rhythm, topic, lyric that reflects your soul and sentiment… Marami ngang bawal, ngunit, sa paglikha… lahat pwede. This is why creativity proves to be my greatest purpose and escape all in one, theres no telling where the creative chase will lead, but one thing is for sure, the creative chase is never futile, and always “masarap.”

“One last listen… before I turn off the speakers.

The room is quiet now….

Save for the crackling sound of chicharon.

So, bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?”

BAWAL is Produced by: Gabe Dandan / Nicole Laurel Asensio

Executive Produced by: Nicole Laurel Asensio

Mix and Mastered in Dolby Atmos by Waxified Sound Production

Distributed by: Warner Music Philippines

Catch it on October 28 on all digital platforms!

Check out Nicole Laurel social media on:

Nicole Asensio (Spotify)

Nicole Asensio (Apple Music)

Nicole Asensio (Youtube)

Nicole Laurel Asensio (FB page)

@nicoleasensio (IG)

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LG introduces Maintenance Services for B2B Customers

LG Electronics held the “2022 LG Air Solution Maintenance Seminar” for core clients at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, Philippines on October 6 to introduce its differentiated service competitiveness, maintenance, and repair services.

LG Electronics engineers pay regular visits to the customers of LG system air conditioners to check and manage their operating status, improve their lifespan and performance, and increase their energy efficiency. The B2B customer care has incentivized customers to repurchase at a high rate.

Woojong Jang (Peter Jang), managing director of Hi-M Solutek Philippines Inc. said, “Using our Total Maintenance Service, we can do remote monitoring and controlling of all the LG Air-conditioning products”. “Providing value to customers through TMS has built trust with maintenance customers.” he added.

Mr. Woojong Jang, Managing Director, Hi-M Solutek Philippines Inc.

Laurence Buluran, Property Manager of Global One stated, “Originally, we asked for 1 year Preventive Maintenance Contract only. But since we are very satisfied with their service, I did the best that I can to have the service approved from 1 year to 3 years of preventive maintenance.” Randolf P. Alba, Mall Head of Vista Mall Bataan mentioned, “You must all know that the greatest fear of a mall manager is the air-conditioning problem. When I was new to Vistamall Bataan, our chiller problem was very often that it became my headache until I found out about Hi-M Solutek. Ever since we got them as our service provider for our chillers, I am relieved.”

Mr. Woo Jong Jang, Hi-M Solutions Managing Director presents a token to Mr. Henry Jr Zate, Global One AVP for Operations

LG Electronics provides technical support for its maintenance service customers through Customer Information Center  hotline 7902-5544. Its Real-time Care Service enables it to monitor the operating status of equipment remotely and detect faults in real time, even without or before a call from customers. In a move to respond to Voice of the Customer, LG plans to develop an upgradable control system and upgrade maintenance and repair service products. For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/business/about-lg-air-solution

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Mattress matters at Our Home

After a hard day at work, getting a good night’s sleep is literally everyone’s dream. That’s why Mattress Matters in Our Home.

As we continuously provide bedroom style inspirations comes another goal of giving quality sleep above all. It’s time to make a serious investment in our sleep, from the way we relax to the quality of our mattress and give ourselves the luxury we deserve.

Choose the right mattress that suits you, whether you have posture or movement disturbance concerns or you’re a back or a slide sleeper or simply wants to have a relaxed luxurious sleep. Our Home has it all from all the trusted brands in the Philippines showcased during the recent Mattress Matters Exhibit at the Main Atrium of the SM Mall of Asia.

• Uratex has been the country’s pioneering brand in innovative sleeping solutions and products for more than half a century.
  
  
• Salem prides itself with more than 50 years of experience in manufacturing the best spring mattresses in the country. With this, it promises to help you get better sleep and relaxation through its products
  
• Slumberland was founded in England in 1919 by Mr. John Seccombe, and has since evolved as the leader in sleeping comfort. Renowned for its quality range of products, it is distributed by Home Gallery in the Philippines
  
  
• Dunlopillo is more than just about sleeping products, with more than 90 years of latex innovation, it delivers ultimate comfort, great quality, and unbeatable customer service.
• Ambassador Bed’s orthopedic mattresses are chosen and trusted by most five star hotels and Filipino households since 1927.
• King Koil, which was founded in 1898, got its start selling traditional innerspring mattresses. Today their mattress line-up includes foam, latex, hybrid, and even smart mattresses.
  
  

Many of these premium mattresses are treated with Sanitized, keeping these clean and hypoallergenic, and effectively protect against growth of bacteria, odor, mildew, and dust mites.

Visit Our Home stores nationwide at select SM Supermalls for more designs. Customers who prefer to shop online can expect the same great shopping experience through www.ourhome.ph. Shop for styles the way you want right in the comfort of your home with Call & Deliver 09178315260.

Only at Our Home where you find Great Designs and Great Prices.

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Columbia Pictures Aquaverse opens

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Amazon Falls kicks off the opening of the world’s first fully-branded Columbia Pictures movie theme park, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse. The theme park is located 20 minutes South of Pattaya in the Bangsaray area, home to 5-star beach resorts, seafood restaurants and tourist attractions.

Extensive and fresh design and theming with new rides and attractions will bring to life characters from some of the biggest and most beloved movies, including Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Zombieland, The Emoji Movie, Surfs Up and Hotel Transylvania. New attractions will continue to open in the future.
With offerings for visitors of all ages, the park features themed and immersive zones with a range of both water and land-based attractions in addition to an exciting program of live shows, immersive entertainment, interactive props, unique sets, themed restaurants, as well as specialty merchandise and retail locations. The Mega Wave Pool will host music events, movie screenings and live shows on the main stage featuring giant LED screens and concert-grade Dolby DTS surround sound. Guests will be transported beyond the big screen and into the worlds of their favorite films, experiencing epic adventures alongside their favorite characters.

Monsters from Hotel Transylvania are ready to greet their human guests at the Hotel Transylvania Zone featuring the largest water play structure in Southeast Asia. Ghostbusters Proton Stream offers guests an exhilarating journey in the world’s first water dome attraction. The opening of the Bad Boys Race Club marks the first non-water-based ride, of which there will be many more to come.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with Liakat Dhanji and Amazon Falls on launching Sony Pictures’ first theme and water park and are inspired by his vision of creating an immersive entertainment destination for Thailand. Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse is the next step in Sony Pictures’ larger global strategy to grow and expand location-based entertainment by utilizing its globally known film and TV brands. We are creating opportunities for all audiences around the world to immerse themselves deeper into our stories through water parks, touring exhibitions, and theme park attractions,” said Jeffrey Godsick, Executive Vice President Global Partnership, Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Sony Pictures’ breadth of global content, technology and talent leadership will be invaluable in creating a fully immersive experience that will bring curiosity and wonder to a global audience. The launch of Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse represents a first step in what we envision to be a broader collaboration that will pioneer the future of an integrated entertainment destination as part of the EEC’s smart city. Alongside our unique rides and attractions, we look forward to forging new partnerships with top accommodation, technology, retail and F&B partners as we curate an unmatched lifestyle experience that will resonate with all our visitors,” said Liakat Dhanji, CEO and Chairman of Amazon Falls Co. Ltd., owners and operators of Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse.

“We are proud to welcome and commit to give our full support to Sony Pictures Entertainment and Amazon Falls Company Ltd. in Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse which is poised to set new standards for immersive entertainment in the EEC, Thailand. The project is going to play a key role in reshaping the growth dynamism in the EEC. The theme park will be a key component in our EEC Smart City development plan, and EEC will provide our full support, including 5G services and other infrastructure, digital technology, transit links, and partnership with clean energy and investment promotion package to ensure the success of the project and help create a long-term sustainable development in the EEC,” said Dr. Kanit Sangsubhan, Special Advisor on Strategic Development, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

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Darren Espanto covers "Top of the World" for Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

Columbia Pictures has just unveiled the video of Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto covering Shawn Mendes' Top of the World from Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. The video is a collaboration with UMUSIC PH to celebrate the release of the movie and the original motion picture soundtrack featuring Shawn Mendes.

Top of the World is one of the original songs from the musical comedy with Mendes as the singing voice of Lyle, the croc with a heart of gold.

Espanto said he “had so much fun” shooting the video and invited fans to sing along, and go on top of the world too.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is now showing in cinemas across the Philippines.

Check out the video below and avail of the original motion picture soundtrack now, also featuring the track “Heartbeat.”

Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action / CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.

When the Primm family (Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Winslow Fegley) moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle - a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened, the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile features original songs performed by Shawn Mendes and written by the songwriting team behind The Greatest Showman, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.

Lyle’s solo ballad, Top of the World, was written by Pasek, Paul and Joriah Kwamé. In the scene where the song was featured, Lyle shows Josh the wonders of New York City. “Even though Lyle has to sneak out in the middle of the night, because the world is afraid of him, he finds refuge on the top of a theater,” says Paul.

Suddenly, with Josh, Lyle has someone to experience everything that magical city has to offer – including how to eat at the best restaurants in New York for free (a trick taught to him by Hector P. Valenti). “He’s just taught Josh how to dumpster dive, they’re walking through the city, and music pours up through the grate from a Broadway show downstairs,” says Pasek. “It’s Lyle’s favorite song, and he can’t wait to share it with Josh and celebrate this moment of finding someone to share his life with.”

“There is a certain magic and comfort to nightlife in New York City, especially as an artist,” says Kwamé. “It was an absolute treat to put ourselves in the mind and heart of Lyle, who at this moment on that Broadway theater roof, knows that he belongs. I hope the song gives hope to people worldwide who are still looking for that safe space,” he concludes.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

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Living healthier while on the go; APL GO raises the bar on food supplements

“Health is wealth” is a cliché that has been around for decades. With the emergence of sicknesses and unexpected health concerns due to the pandemic, the direct correlation between the two has never been more emphasized than now. First, a healthy body enables people to live their lives to the fullest – giving them the energy to pursue their goals, dreams, and spend time with their loved ones. Second, it shields them from financial ruin by paying hefty medical bills and other potential hospital expenses.

Although these points are widely known, there is still a lot to discuss when it comes to what it really means to have a healthy body and achieve optimal well-being.

Go-to partner for a healthier lifestyle

With people bouncing back from laying low to being on-the-go to do what they need to do, self-care, wellness, active lifestyle, and healthy diet have all become part of the top priorities to keep them energized, fit, conditioned, and most importantly protected from possible illnesses and conditions.

But with so many things going on – balancing a job, training for an exam, watching the kids, traveling and so on – the challenges of keeping up while staying healthy are not an easy feat.

APL GO, a global multi level networking company that specializes in health and wellness knows this for a fact as it introduces its “Life on the Go” campaign which aims to empower and equip Filipinos to make healthier lifestyle choices and change their lives for the better.

Over the past 8 years, APL GO has been successfully manufacturing and distributing its unique lozenge drops across North America, Europe, and Central Asia. The demand and success of food supplements led the company to market in the Philippines as it continues with its mission to become the game changer in the nutraceutical space and meet the evolving needs of the consumers to help them achieve their goals by becoming healthy and productive individuals.

Delicious candy-like lozenge drops

An individual’s body needs proper care to be able to function at its best throughout the day. Aside from nutrition, regular exercise, and enough sleep, it also needs support which can come in different forms – positive reinforcement, a healthy environment, and a stable support system. These are just some of the things that the body needs to thrive, but with the fast-paced demand of today’s world, an additional boost to stay healthy and protected– in a quick, easy and convenient way is a much-needed necessity.

“APL GO’s lozenges are unique candy-like food supplements made from whole food, natural fruits, berries, and plants. They are designed to support a healthy diet and exercise while delivering fast acting phytonutrients to the cells of the body – from supporting natural immune response vitality, stamina and strength, digestive processes, and so much more,” said Kauri Thompson, General Manager of APL GO International.

The innovative drops are made from the company’s revolutionary Acumullit SA technology which conserves essential nutrients and properties of the natural ingredients and botanical particles – making them absorbable like candies. Moreover, the components are processed under a turbulent airflow of negatively charged particles. As a result, the components get additional energy and the most biologically active substances which are released from the plants.

“Whatever age or lifestyle, our plant-based all natural lozenge drops are safe to consume with no risk of overdose," said Bryan Plazo, Vice President, Business Development, APL GO Philippines.” With people becoming more and more active and on-the-go, APL GO aims to be the go-to partner to help them reach their personal goals, support them in their health and wellness activities, and overall help them achieve optimal health and well-being,” he added.

APL GO carries over 15 different all-natural lozenge drops which are highly concentrated with over 80 superfoods and 1000 phytonutrients. From the convenience of easy consumption up to giving the body exactly what it needs, APL GO is the on-the-go partner, caring for your health and wellness goals -- keeping you on the move and living your life on the go.

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