SUPER MARIO BROS. movie review

It's a total nostalgia for 80s and 90s kids who grew up with the best video game franchise. The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes us to all the worlds where the Italian plumbers Mario and Luigi have taken their adventure to.

The animation from Universal Pictures and Illumination has lots of elements from the video game that gamers will be spotting throughout the movie. It's an eye candy for the fans actually.

Though the plot is quite simple, Mario saving Luigi from the wrath of Bowser, needing lots of help from Princess Peach, Toad and the King Kongs, it excites the viewers to every scene. You'll be taken to the dark forests, rainbow road for a kart ride while powering up with mushrooms and fire flowers. It's a blockbuster treat that we really did not want to miss.

Super Mario Bros. Movie opens tomorrow, April 19 in theaters nationwide. Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan Michael Key, Seth Rogen and more.

Don't miss the scene at the end of the credits.

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DICK TALK - a no-nonsense talk about manhood.

The topic of the man's sex organ has been almost a taboo but this day and age slowly makes the people more open on the topic of its size and purpose in a person's life. In V-Roll Productions' theatrical debut, Dick Talk, the phallus is described not just an object of pleasure but also plays a vital factor in the character of 5 different men, who had their own share of stories that will make them treasure the thing between the thighs.

It starts with how men talk about things comfortably -- with drinks. They take the audience on a constant mention of the word titi / tite so everyone will be get used of the word and remove the awkwardness in the topic. The monologues surround men of different age groups, who will be talking about their thing maturely. Beginning with a young man played by Gold Aceron who pleases himself in front of pornographic materials and then caught in power outage that made him wonder about getting his confidence with his unusually-shaped banana. The performance tells us that it's perfectly normal for every guy to play with the dingdong while young and the little secrets are safe even to the closest people in your life.

The next  is interesting and perhaps getting the political insights shaken during the performance of Rob (Nil Nodalo) - a woman who identifies herself as a man to the extent that she is willing to undergo surgery. His statement at the opening is like an alarm that makes you think why did he mention "5 men with 4 dicks." His story raises the interest and deserve an applause for opening an understanding in the trans people.

Third is probably the best material in the series performed by Mikoy Morales. Cecile, a soft man often mistaken as gay firmly emphasizes as straight. His upbringing and vanity maybe the reasons why he is left by his only love. He also regarded the penis and sex (which he stressed as love making) as the very sacred and beautiful things for him - and the audience would definitely fall for his character because we will believe that there is still a person like him.

Mr. Archi Adamos' piece gives us an idea on where we'll be -- senior years. And our manhood is no escape from the sunset of urges. It makes us overthink of what to do when that time comes. We might be very nonchalant in our current state but he warns us that there will be a time that passion regresses.

Lastly, Jake Cuenca's monologue puts the vulnerability of the macho. If I'm not mistaken that he is also a side gigolo somehow chains him in the expectations of his clients or partners. Behind that strong, and friendly face that will take you to pleasure, his deep disappointments in himself makes him to retaliate to the world, I guess.

Dick Talk is not your expected titillating material that would suggest erotic innuendos. It's informative actually and gives an understanding of the male psyche. For me the best material is from Cecile (Mikoy Morales) because it suggests that the environment is a great factor in the personality development of a person. A man is influenced by his surroundings and there will come a point that an individual may suffer from these influences.

Dick Talk is now playing at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium until April 21. For tickets, you may visit https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=DICKTALK23. 

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Xavier School president named 2023 Outstanding School Leader

The Henry Gaisano Outstanding School Leader award was conferred on Fr. Aristotle Dy, SJ, on April 15 at the Philippine International Convention Center. The award is known in Chinese as the Shi Weipeng (Cebu Anonymous) Model Educator Awards, which also recognizesoutstanding Chinese language teachers.

Fr. Ari Dy has been school president of Xavier School since 2013. His approach to education is to serve the needs of the 21st century learner, where the focus is on developing a growth mindset. This approach emphasizes the development of lifelong learning skills and attitudes rather than just focusing on the specific – and narrower – curriculum of each subject area. Assuring the quality of the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for Senior High School students has proved to be one way of promoting academic rigor. This focus on growth and quality also involves the expanded integration of technology in education, highlighted by the school’s successful transition to online learning during the last three pandemic school years, and its status as an Apple Distinguished School. Living in a world that is transforming at a faster rate than ever experienced in history, he notes, “School leaders and teachers must constantly renew themselves. We must be bold in trying new things so that we can be better equipped to help young people who must navigate a world of constant change.”

Under Fr Ari Dy’s leadership, the school’s Chinese language program was strengthened and updated to fit the present-day context of the students. This includes a strategic shift to listening and speaking skills as the priority areas in learning the language, setting competence standards and using the HSK exams administered by the Chinese International Testing Center for international benchmarking, and the recruitment and professional development of teachers from China. The Xavier China Experience, a 6-week credited study trip to China for high school students of Xavier School San Juan, became a mandatory program under Fr Dy’s leadership. Through his efforts, the school also provides developmental assistance to other Chinese schools, namely Tiong Se Academy and Northern Rizal Yorklin School.

The award was established in 1984 by the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center at the behest of Mr. Henry Gaisano (Shi Weipeng) who wanted to anonymously promote the teaching of the Chinese language in the country by recognizing outstanding administrators and language teachers. It was only upon his death in 2004 that his son, Benito, revealed his identity to the community and pledged that the family would preserve their father’s legacy in Chinese-Filipino education. The recognition comes with a cash prize which Fr. Ari is donating to the scholarship fund at its Xavier School Nuvali campus to support full scholars, who are recruited from public schools in Laguna.

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Wrestling Legend TAJIRI Set to Boost Manila Wrestling Federation’s Roster in Annual Extravaganza “MWF: Republika 2023”

Multi-time WWE Cruiserweight and Tag Team Champion faces rising Pinoy Wrestling star Jomar Liwanag at MWF’s biggest event in history

The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), the country’s rapidly growing athletic entertainment brand, once again delights Pinoy Wrestling fans with its annual spectacle MWF: Republika 2023 – boosted by the presence of WWE and ECW legend TAJIRI. The event will be held at Power Mac Center Spotlight PMCS Blackbox in Circuit Makati on April 30, Sunday, at 4:30 PM.

The “Japanese Buzzsaw” TAJIRI, who has won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in multiple occasions as well as Tag Team Championship runs with fellow wrestling superstars Eddie Guerrero and William Regal, is set to compete in the ring with one of MWF’s rising stars – Bro. Jomar Liwanag. Liwanag has entertained the MWF fan community since his wrestling debut in 2017, via portraying his unforgettable comedic-yet-sinister character of a Pinoy religious zealot and cult leader.

Also headlining this year’s MWF: Republika is current MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion Fabio Makisig, who will be defending the unique “Jeepney Belt” against fellow MWF pillar Nigel “Suplex” San Jose. Makisig has faced TAJIRI one-on-one twice in 2019 and had scored a win over the Japanese wrestling legend in their second encounter.

A special triple threat showcase is also set to bolster the event’s already high-profile line-up of matches – featuring “Mr. Philippine Wrestling” Jake De Leon and the “Queen of Philippine Wrestling” Crystal, who will be tested in the ring by Fil-Japanese wrestler Yappy from Japanese wrestling promotion Ice Ribbon.

MWF: Republika also features fan favorites such as El Katipunero with Super P, Aaron Liwanag with Bro. Benny Soriano, CJ Serafin, Danny Zamora, Dabid Ravena, Khayl Sison, Migs Valdez with Frankie Thurteen, Razael, Ken Cifer, St. John Martin, Robin Sane and Main Maxx. Surprise special guests may also appear, alongside newcomers led by Chelsea Marie and Isaiah Valencia.

Tickets to MWF: Republika are available now at Ticket2Me . The event will later be uploaded in episodic form in MWF’s fan-exclusive channel on Gank . For more details, visit www.manilawrestling.com, or MWF’s social media pages ( Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ). Be part of the conversation by using MWF’s official hashtag: #PinoyWrestlingTayo.

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LG OLED TVs Bring Art to Life in Art Fair Philippines 2023

The 2023 edition of the much awaited Art Fair Philippines showcased a remarkable display of creativity from various artists, both local and international. It was a veritable feast for the senses as artworks of different styles and mediums were presented. For this year, a new section was introduced that focuses on digital media, work that incorporates and engages with computer technology, animation, virtual or augmented reality, the metaverse, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Among the artists featured were Mark Inducil and Skye Nicolas, whose unique approach to art caught the attention of many visitors.

What made Inducil and Nicolas' work stand out was their use of LG TVs as their canvas. The two artists took advantage of the sleek and modern design of LG TVs to create their unique pieces.

Mark Inducil, a multimedia artist, crafts surrealistic and dreamlike portraits and landscapes, heavily textured and rich in deep, vibrant hues. He presented a series dubbed Homecoming, which reflects his own psyche, a visual manifestation of his personal experiences and trauma. On the other hand, Skye Nicolas's showcased works from his Walkman Series, a commemoration of music’s vigor, a powerful take on youth culture of a certain era. The idea and substance of Nicolas’ works lean heavily towards nostalgia, belongingness, explorations, and experiments on pop culture. They transmit data from the artist to the receiver: a burgeoning garden of emotions, memories, and creative intention.

The use of technology in art is not new, but the way in which Inducil and Nicolas integrated LG TVs into their work was innovative and refreshing. By using a modern and functional object like a TV, they were able to create something that was both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. LG TVs are fast becoming the canvas of choice to present digital artworks. A lot of features and technological advances work together to provide a stunning display. LG's α9 Gen 5 AI Processor enhances objects in the foreground and background to add natural depth, and makes colors spectacularly vivid yet accurate. With no backlight to dull their impact,self-lit pixels achieve the deepest blacks for crisp contrast in every light. Visuals are more defined, so you can make out subtle details your eyes usually miss. You also get to see every pixel of detail. The all-new Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro goes deeper to improve the picture. Previously, it elevated just the frames. Now, the technique hones in on 5000 blocks across the screen for more vivid HDR down to each last detail. And of course, the design also plays an integral part. With narrow bezels, you get fully immersed in the picture with nothing to distract your view. The unbelievably slim design fits seamlessly into your home or gallery.

The display of Inducil and Nicolas's work at Art Fair Philippines was a testament to the limitless possibilities of art. It showed that art can be created using any medium or platform, and that technology can be used to enhance the creative process. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more artists exploring new and exciting ways to create art that engages and inspires.

For more information about LG TVs, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/tv-audio-video .

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Breathe Free with LG's Duct UVnano Filter Box

Nowadays, as more and more people spend time at home or in the office, indoor air quality has become a major concern, especially in urban areas where pollution levels are high. Poor air quality has been known to lead to a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. A lot of the recent viruses we’ve encountered, such as SARS, MERS, and just recently COVID-19, have links to bad air or circulation.

Seeing this trend, LG takes an innovative step to address the problem with its Duct UVnano Filter Box, (https://bit.ly/3FHpEnV) which effectively creates a safe indoor environment by trapping and removing various harmful substances such as fine dust, bacteria and viruses in the form of droplets. The technology involves a three-step process: the pre-filter, UVnano, and the MERV 13 filter.

The pre-filter stage acts as the primary treatment filter. It is used for pre-treatment of HEPA filter and medium filter, etc. and usually removes large particles that cause harm to the human body, such as dust in the atmosphere. It also acts as the first line of defense, protecting the main air filters from getting clogged up with debris so they can trap microscopic pollutants. Next, is LG’s acclaimed UVnano technology, which provides 99.99% sterilization capability against bacteria in accordance with TUV Rheinland Standard. Lastly, the MERV 13 Filter works to suppress risk of infection when combined with the appropriate ventilation rate. This is recommended in accordance with ASHRAE to prevent the spread of infectious disease. All three filtration processes work together in order to provide clean, safe air for your HVAC system.

Pre-filter stage

UVnano and MERV-13 Filter

Upgrading to the LG Duct UVnano Filter Box is also easy and fuss-free. It’s designed by considering reliability and safety for both users and installers. UVC exposure to end users is practically impossible since the light is only directed towards the inside of the filter box and enhanced measures are taken to prevent UVC leakage when additionally installing fully-enclosed ducting at the side of the air intake. Installers, maintenance, and service engineers are also kept safe. The filter box only operates when the indoor unit operates. So, it is possible to prevent the risk such as UVC exposure and electrical hazard when maintaining the filter boxes.

Avoid sickness and poor air quality by taking a proactive stance. Take advantage of LG’s UVnano technology today and get access to clean, pure air. For more information, visit www.lg.com/ph.

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LG Smiles Back to the World with Its New Brand Identity

With Reinvented Brand Strategy, Company Aims to Actively Communicate
With Customers Beyond Generations and Locations

LG Electronics (LG) unveiled a new brand direction and visual identity, which will shed more light on the value of Life’s Good with a more dynamic and youthful look across all physical and digital customer touch points.

In the company’s new Brand Communication Guidelines shared with employees all around the world, LG outlined the new direction for the brand to be loved by customers across countries and generations, including Generation Z, and ultimately establish itself as an iconic brand. The Brand Communication Guidelines reiterate LG’s core values of ‘Uncompromising Customer Experience,’ ‘Human-centered Innovation’ and ‘Warmth to Power a Smile.’

The brand slogan, Life’s Good, encompasses the message of how the company enables its customers to enjoy a quality life and indulge in precious moments via LG products, services and communication. And, as the brand mission, the company has pursued Innovation for a Better Life, contributing to the shaping of a better life and future for the planet.

The newly established brand direction includes a revamp of LG’s visual identity, reinterpreting the existing warmth and sense of togetherness of the brand. The company aims to boost interaction with more customers through a new visual identity that adds vitality and interactive elements while putting a new spin on the existing brand image.

In the digital space, the company’s symbol will come to life, engaging customers with a new level of expressiveness. The brand symbol, composed of the letters ‘L’ and ‘G,’ can perform eight unique motions, including nodding, spinning and winking. With its new capabilities, the brand symbol can greet customers with a friendly smile or move along with background music on digital platforms in a variety of witty ways.

In addition to its signature LG Red color, the company will be using the more energetic LG Active Red across all customer contact points. Also, various gradient elements in LG Active Red, white and black were also introduced, offering variety as they can be applied according to the unique characteristic of each product or service.

The company also designed a new typeface for its Life’s Good brand slogan, which will be used more widely as a brand asset in product packaging. Cleverly integrated into the typeface are shapes inspired by various LG products.

LG’s new brand strategy not only strengthens the company’s unique identity, but signals its willingness and capacity to evolve with generations, along with its unmatched commitment to innovating customer experiences all around the globe. The company plans to utilize its one-of-a-kind brand asset at all customer contact points globally throughout the year.

“Having a strong, consistent brand strategy enables us to better communicate our value proposition and unique identity, which harmonically blends innovation and warmth,” said William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics. “Implementing the new brand strategy, LG aims to become an iconic brand that resonates with consumers transcending generations and locations.”

For more details, follow @LGPhilippines on Facebook and @LGPhilippines on Instagram. LG products are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit lg.com/ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You can also visit LG's Official Flagship Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

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