May 2024 movies to heat up summer

Don’t miss this exciting movie lineup opening in cinemas in May!

#TheFallGuyMoviePH

May 1 - The Fall Guy (Universal Pictures International)
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham
Directed by: David Leitch
Trailer

He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?

#TarotMovie

May 1 - Tarot (Columbia Pictures)
Stars: Jacob Batalon, Avantika, Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley
Directed by: Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg
Trailer

When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings – never use someone else’s deck – they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.

#IFMovie

May 15 - IF (Paramount Pictures)
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming; with the voices of Steve Carell, George Cloonney, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, Blake Lively, Emily Blunt
Directed by: John Krasinski
Trailer

From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends – and what she does with that superpower – as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

#MonkeyManMoviePH

May 15 - Monkey Man (Universal Pictures International)
Stars: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala
Directed by: Dev Patel
Trailer

Oscar® nominee Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire) achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.

#BacktoBlackPH

May 15 - Back to Black (Universal Pictures International; Ayala exclusive)
Stars: Marisa Abela, Jack O'Connell
Directed by: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Trailer

A celebration of the most iconic – and much missed – homegrown star of the 21st century, Back to Black tells the extraordinary tale of Amy Winehouse. Painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home and capturing the struggles of global fame, Back to Black honors Amy’s artistry, wit, and honesty, as well as trying to understand her demons. An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.

#Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

May 22 - Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth
Directed by: George Miller
Trailer

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

#GarfieldMovie

May 29 - The Garfield Movie (Columbia Pictures)
Stars: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult
Directed by: Mark Dindal
Trailer

Garfield, the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.*

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SM Prime marks 30th anniversary with record-breaking income, PHP 100 billion investment for 2024

SM Prime’s (L-R): Assistant Corporate Secretary Arthur Sy, Corporate Secretary Atty. Elmer Serrano, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer John Nai Peng Ong, President Jeffrey Lim, Independent Director Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr., Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director Amando Tetangco Jr., Non-Executive Director Herbert Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Non-Executive Director Jorge Mendiola

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH), the leading integrated property developer in the Philippines, marks its 30th anniversary as a publicly listed company with the announcement of its highest-ever recorded income and a ₱100 billion investment for its partners, stakeholders, and communities they operate in. With eyes set on the future, SM Prime reaffirms its position as a catalyst for economic development and community advancement.

Record-Breaking Performance

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Lanson Place, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Turf Residences, SM City Yangzhou in China, SM Mega Tower, SM Mall of Asia Complex, and SM City North EDSA

During the Annual Stockholders Meeting held on April 23, 2024, SM Prime announced its highest-ever recorded income, reaching PHP40 billion in consolidated net income, marking a 33% increase from 2022. Additionally, the company's revenues surged by 21%, soaring to PHP128.1 billion, a notable growth from the previous year. The consolidated operating income also saw significant growth, rising by 24% to PHP61.3 billion.

The outstanding performance can be attributed to SM Prime's mall business, driving 56% of consolidated revenues and a 30% growth to PHP71.9 billion in 2023. This growth was bolstered by a 24% increase in mall rental income, amounting to PHP61.3 billion. Moreover, the opening of four new malls in 2023 expanded SM's retail presence to 85 malls in the Philippines and 8 malls in China.

Meanwhile, SM Prime's residential business group, led by SM Development Corporation (SMDC), recorded an 8% growth in revenues to PHP43.1 billion in 2023. The residential group's gross profit rose by 15% to PHP25.4 billion, with reservation sales standing at PHP102 billion.

In addition to its mall and residential businesses, SM Prime's other key segments, comprising offices, hotels, and convention centers, contributed 10% of consolidated revenues, reported PHP13.1 billion in revenues in 2023, marking a remarkable 26% increase from the previous year.

Commitment to Shared Growth

4 New SM Malls in 2024: SM City Caloocan, SM City J Mall, SM City Laoag, and SM City La Union

At the core of SM Prime's success is its unwavering commitment to shared prosperity in every city where they are present. With a strategic ₱100 billion investment capital expenditure in 2024, SM Prime aims to reinvest in its partners, stakeholders, and communities.

SM Prime aims to continuously expand and develop new places for every Filipino to enjoy. 60% will be dedicated to enhancing its malls, development of new residential properties under SMDC, and construction of new hotels and convention centers. 40% will be directed towards acquiring new properties and coastal developments to pave the way for modern, eco-friendly urbanization.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: SM Foundation’s Grow Trees Community Program, SM Cares’ Bike-Friendly Program, ARISE Philippines Chairperson Mr. Hans Sy and Members, SM Supermalls x Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill, SM Supermalls’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations, and SM Prime’s Solar Rooftop Project

SM Prime has always been committed towards creating a sustainable future. SM Prime continues to work towards its goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, aligning with the Department of Energy's target of reaching a 35% renewable energy share by 2030. Through partnerships with renewable energy suppliers and organizations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), SM Prime endeavors to reduce its environmental footprint and advocate for sustainable practices in all areas of its operations.

SM Supermalls' SM Cares and SMDC's The Good Guys also remain actively engaged in various community initiatives, such as conducting community disaster preparedness programs, providing support programs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and promoting job generation and entrepreneurship through nationwide job fairs and MSME programs. Other initiatives include coastal clean-ups, the donation of school buildings and fire trucks, and the organization of eco-camps for youth.

Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime Holdings shared, “At SM Prime, we're not just building spaces; we're cultivating lifetimes of progress and shared growth. Our commitment lies in empowering Filipinos to thrive within their neighborhoods, whether through convenient shopping experiences at SM Supermalls, quality living in SMDC homes, or fulfilling work environments in our office properties. We believe that individual success fuels community prosperity, creating opportunities, and driving the nation's growth for many years to come.”

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. For more information, visit www.smprime.com.

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LG TVs Pioneer Immersive Audio Experience with Apple Music in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos

LG Smart TV Users Receive 3-Month Free Trial for Apple Music, Celebrating First Arrival of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos Available on TVs

LG Electronics (LG) introduces a new and thrilling feature on its smart TVs for users who enjoy streaming music. LG Smart TVs, including OLED models and QNED models with Dolby Atmos, are the first TVs to support Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos from Apple Music. Available starting this week, the trailblazing immersive music experience mesmerizes listeners with compelling sound and elevates audio pleasure to new heights.

To celebrate this remarkable milestone, LG is offering three months of Apple Music free to LG Smart TV users worldwide. The 3-month free trial is available within the Apple Music app of compatible LG Smart TVs (2018 models and later) running webOS 4.0 and higher, as well as lifestyle screen models StanbyME, StanbyME Go and MyView Smart Monitor.

Apple Music is an ad-free streaming service with a massive library that allows subscribers to listen to over 100 million songs and 30,000 expertly curated playlists. Apple Music also presents a range of exclusive content including Apple Music Live, a concert series featuring live video stream, a post-show video playback, live-recorded albums and exclusive pre-show artist interviews. LG Smart TV users can effortlessly access Apple Music by voice command, in the LG Content Store, Apps or through the Music Quick Card3 on the Home Screen, which serves as a convenient portal to uninterrupted listening entertainment.

Music available in Dolby Atmos further enriches the audio experience, delivering an elevated level of clarity and depth with multi-dimensional sound. Apple Music automatically plays Dolby Atmos tracks on compatible LG Smart TVs, and when paired with Dolby Atmos-enabled LG soundbar models, the sound harmonizes to immerse listeners in a next-level listening experience. What’s more, there's no need to adjust the volume when you switch to listening Dolby Atmos tracks, thanks to the loudness normalization algorithm implemented.

What’s more, even on LG Smart TVs not supported by Dolby Atmos, users can still enjoy mesmerizing sound of Dolby Atmos by connecting to a Dolby Atmos LG soundbar. LG Smart TVs can also directly connect to Apple AirPod or other Apple devices via Bluetooth to enjoy Dolby Atmos.

Songs and albums available in Dolby Atmos are clearly labeled on Apple Music with a badge on the album’s detail page. Music lovers can easily explore their favorite tunes available in Dolby Atmos with Apple Music’s extensive range of curated playlists.

“The introduction of Dolby Atmos through Apple Music on LG TVs transforms how we listen to music on the big screen,” said, Chris Jo, senior vice-president of platform business at LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “LG is dedicated to elevating the content streaming experience for music enthusiasts around the world, and we will continue to offer easy access to and great music experience across devices.”

LG continues to elevate the audio experience with immersive sound and a diverse range of content. LG Smart TV users can effortlessly help users discover new features and services through the easy-to-use webOS platform.

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Hot Air Balloon Festival and Airshow Set to Soar Over Albay Next Weekend

From May 3-5, 2024, the old Legazpi Airport in Albay will transform into a vibrant playground for enthusiasts of all things airborne. "A Weekend of Everything that Flies," the country's exclusive airshow experience typically hosted in Clark, Pampanga, will debut in the Bicol region, with the iconic Mayon Volcano providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Initiated by Ako Bicol party-list representative, Cong. Zaldy Co, the event draws inspiration from renowned hot air balloon festivals worldwide, particularly in Clark, Pampanga, and the daily flights of Cappadocia, Turkey. Co envisions this international spectacle, headlined by foreign pilots and participants, as a catalyst for revitalizing tourism throughout Albay and the wider Bicol region.

"In Cappadocia, Turkey, we marveled at hot air balloons drifting over stunning landscapes. Now, imagine these vibrant balloons against the backdrop of the majestic Mayon Volcano," Co expressed. "This event promises to attract spectators, generate tourism-related employment, bolster sales of local products, and invigorate our regional economy."

Attendees can anticipate a captivating array of hot air balloons, including whimsical shapes like Brazil's Bidu and the UK's Bella and Buster (different dogs), Party Balloon from USA, UK's Dyno (a dinosaur), and Belgium's Princess Nelly (an elephant) among others. Additionally, the Global Stars aerobatic team will dazzle spectators with thrilling aircraft stunts, accompanied by daytime smoke trails and nighttime pyrotechnics.

The festivities continue with drone light shows, fireworks displays, and the enchanting Night Glow, where hot air balloons illuminate the evening sky to synchronized music. Throughout the event, visitors can explore exhibitions featuring paramotors, kites, FPV drones, ultralight planes, and even car drifters, all set against the scenic runway backdrop.

Indulge in Bicol's renowned local cuisine and products showcased in the "Fly Market" and food booths scattered across the venue. While entrance to the event is free, those seeking to experience hot air balloon flights, tethered rides, tandem skydiving, or tandem paragliding are advised to book tickets online in advance, as slots are limited.

Organized by the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), renowned for its annual airshow in Clark, Pampanga, and New Clark City, Tarlac, the event continues a tradition of nearly three decades. Its core objectives remain steadfast: to ignite aviation interest among youth, instill discipline in aspiring pilots, and foster a spirit of community volunteerism.

Tickets for rides and experiences are available at www.balloonfiesta.ph. Stay updated on event details via PIHABF's official social media channels:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/pihabf
Instagram – @philballoonfest
TikTok – @philballoonfiesta

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LG Announces Q1 2024 Financial Results

Company Pushes Boundaries With Innovative Business Models While Balancing Core Operations and Future Growth to Create New Opportunities

LG Electronics Inc. (LG) announced first-quarter 2024 consolidated revenue of USD 16.4 billion and operating profit of USD 1.001 billion. The company’s home appliance sector demonstrated global leadership, achieving record-breaking revenue and double-digit operating profit margins. The EV components sector, a key driver of future growth, continued its steady expansion. Both the TV and business solutions sectors experienced year-on-year sales growth and returned profits compared to the previous quarter.

 
Despite navigating challenging macroeconomic conditions such as high commodity prices, volatile exchange rates, rising interest rates and delayed demand recovery, LG achieved its highest-ever total revenue for a first quarter. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of implementing sustainable business models like subscription services and leveraging growth opportunities in the promising B2B sector. LG’s emphasis on differentiating features such as AI, energy efficiency and customer-centric design has strengthened its competitiveness in the premium market. Furthermore, the strategic approach of offering diverse product lineups and flexible pricing structures enabled the company to successfully navigate polarized demand trends.

 
Operating profit surpassed USD 752 million for the fifth consecutive year, showcasing LG’s strong performance in the face of intensifying market competition. The company’s focus on content/service businesses and direct-to-consumer sales via the Online Brand Shop (OBS) has fueled qualitative growth. Efforts to stabilize raw material and logistics costs, coupled with production location flexibility, have further bolstered profitability.

 
The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company generated first-quarter revenue of USD 8.4 billion and an operating profit of USD 707 million. This represents a notable 7.2 percent increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for first-quarter performance. Operating profits reached the second-highest level in the company’s history, with an operating profit margin of 10.9 percent, underscoring the company’s exceptional global competitiveness.

 
Driven by its core technologies, particularly in motors and compressors, LG’s home appliance business continues to innovate within a mature market landscape. With a commitment to industry leadership, LG is pioneering transformative initiatives such as product subscription services and advancing the concept of ‘Affectionate Intelligence’ appliances. These innovations are tailored to empathize with and address customer needs effectively. Moreover, LG is strategically expanding its B2B ventures, including HVAC and built-in solutions, to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities.

 
The LG Vehicle component Solutions Company reported first-quarter revenue of USD 2.002 billion and an operating profit of USD 39 million, reflecting an 11.5 percent year-on-year revenue increase. The ongoing conversion of backlog orders into revenue is progressing steadily. Despite ongoing investments in overseas production sites to fulfill new orders and meet OEM demands, the company has maintained stable profitability, benefiting from economies of scale resulting from revenue expansion.

 
While there are expectations of a slight slowdown in the recent growth of EV demand, the demand for high-value-added EV components continues to rise steadily. LG is proactively addressing these market dynamics by developing a balanced portfolio, spanning from in-vehicle infotainment to powertrains and headlamps. The company aims to ensure sustained revenue growth and a stable profit base by actively adapting to these market shifts.

 
The LG Home Entertainment Company reported first-quarter revenue of USD 2.6 billion and an operating profit of USD 99.5 million. This represents a 4.2 percent increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, driven by a resurgence in TV demand in Europe and the successful launch of new 2024 models. The positive operating profit was fueled by the robust performance of the webOS content/service business, alongside traditional product sales. Despite challenges such as rising LCD panel prices, the company effectively managed profitability.

 
Looking ahead, a gradual recovery in the TV market demand is anticipated in the second half of the year. LG’s strategy focuses on leveraging its globally leading OLED TV and premium LCD QNED TV offerings while continuously enhancing the profitability of the webOS platform business, which is poised for rapid growth.

 
The LG Business Solutions Company reported first-quarter revenue of USD 1.1 billion, marking a 6.5 percent increase year-over-year, and an operating profit of USD 19.6 million. The launch of new LG gram laptops, featuring on-device AI and timed for graduation and enrollment seasons, garnered positive market feedback. In addition, sales of commercial display products, including electronic whiteboards and LED signage, experienced growth. While operating profit returned to positive territory from the previous quarter, there was a slight decrease compared to the same period last year, attributed to factors such as rising component prices and intensified competition.

 
This year, the overall IT market is expected to maintain similar demand levels to the previous year, with a slight growth anticipated in the commercial display segment. There is an expected increase in demand for high-spec IT products like gaming monitors and LED signage. LG aims to lead the market with strategic IT products tailored to customer needs, integrating gaming-specific features and OLED displays, alongside premium LED products. Efforts to proactively develop promising new businesses such as robotics and EV charging continue to drive future growth prospects.

 
Earnings Conference and Conference Call

LG Electronics will hold a Korean / English conference call on April 25, 2024, at 16:00 Korea Standard Time (07:00 GMT/UTC). Conference call participants should pre-register online to receive a private PIN. The corresponding presentation file will be available for download at the LG Electronics website before the call.

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Hi, Hope: A Unique Gallery that Revitalizes the Lost Feeling of HOPE through the Five Human Senses

MentalHealthPH, a non-stock and not-for-profit mental health organization dedicated to fostering a culture of mental well-being in the Philippines, announces its latest initiative: "Hi, Hope!" This groundbreaking event seeks to cultivate hope as a potent antidote to despair, offering a lifeline to those grappling with mental health challenges.

In partnership with Caring Cup by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Ad Hoc Marketing, and Pool Party Creatives, MentalHealthPH invites you to join "Hi, Hope!" an on-ground, immersive event designed to reignite the flame of hope through a sensorial journey. The event will take place at Kitchen by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Net Lima (Six/NEO), at the Bonifacio Global City on April 27, Saturday. The program will commence from 10 am to 12 pm, followed by an open gallery until 7 pm.

At "Hi, Hope!" guests will embark on a sensory exploration, engaging with five unique stations tailored to each human sense:

Sense of Sight—Gallery of Hope: Delve into a visually captivating gallery featuring symbols of hope from suicide survivors. Each exhibit is accompanied by a poignant backstory, offering insight into how these symbols became beacons of hope. QR codes allow guests to connect directly with the creators for a deeper understanding.

Sense of Hearing - Stories of Hope: Experience the power of linguistic artistry as survivors share their stories of hope through poetry and narrative performance

Sense of Touch - Free Hugs: Find solace and reassurance in the warmth of a hug at our designated free hug station, offering comfort to those in need during the event.

Sense of Taste - Affirmation Cookies: Indulge in words of encouragement and hope with affirmation cookies featuring messages from survivors and uplifting quotes, replacing fortune-telling with affirmations for the soul.

Sense of Smell - Aromatherapy Area: Immerse yourself in a soothing oasis of scents at our aromatherapy area, where guests can relax and reflect amidst the calming aroma of scented candles and incense.

In the battle against suicide, hope emerges as a powerful ally capable of guiding individuals toward a future filled with possibility and purpose. We can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued by fostering hope, nurturing resilience, and extending support.

Additionally, "Hi, Hope!" will be hosted by mental health advocates and attended by various mental health personalities.

Join us at "Hi, Hope!" as we embark on a transformative journey to revitalize the spirit of hope and resilience. Let us pave the way towards a brighter, more hopeful future.

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LG OLED evo TVs Receive Eco-Friendly Certification for Fourth Consecutive Year

LG 2024 OLED evo TVs Demonstrate Company’s Dedication to Sustainability and Highlight Premium Value of LG OLED TVs

LG Electronics (LG) continues to receive recognition for its steadfast commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. LG 2024 OLED evo TVs achieved Reducing CO21 and Measured CO22 certifications from the Carbon Trust3 and Environmentally Evaluated Mark4 from Société Générale de Surveillance SA (SGS), marking the fourth consecutive year of consistent acknowledgement for LG's ESG initiatives. LG’s newest OLED TVs have also earned their second successive Recycled Content certification, further demonstrating LG’s sense of environmental responsibility.

The Carbon Trust works to usher the globe into a future of zero carbon emission by assessing the environmental impact of a product's entire life cycle, from production and distribution to use and disposal. SGS certification focuses on resource efficiency and the presence of hazardous substances, while Intertek measures the percentage of recycled materials used. The organizations’ respective approaches promote responsible consumption practices across diverse industries and contribute to the broader goal of sustainability worldwide.

Notably, the self-lit nature of LG OLED TVs garners significant attention in stringent sustainability evaluations. Unlike LCD TVs, LG OLED TVs do not require a backlight, meaning a simpler structure and fewer necessary components. For instance, LG’s 65-inch OLED evo, made of ultra-light composite fiber, requires only 40 percent of the plastic typically used in an LCD TV of the same size screen and weighs 20 percent less.

Based on the estimated sales of LG OLED TVs this year, the total amount of plastic used in LG OLED TVs from 2022 to 2024 is expected to be 45,000 tons lower than that of LCD TVs sold during the same period. The reduction in plastic usage will lead to a decrease in carbon emissions of approximately 234,000 tons a year, equivalent to the carbon dioxide absorbed by a 30-year-old pine forest. This number translates to one-third of the area of Seoul or about 31,000 soccer fields.

Recycled plastics account for about 20% of the plastic used in the manufacturing of all LG TVs, including OLED TVs, equal to around 4,000 tons of recycled waste plastic annually.

Beyond environmental activities, LG’s various ESG initiatives have received praise from reputable domestic and international organizations. In 2023, LG was named in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the twelfth year in a row. The DJSI World ranks in the top ten percent of the largest 2,500 global companies based on their long-term economic, environmental, social and governance practices. The company’s inclusion on this prestigious list for twelve consecutive years is a significant milestone, as LG is the sole South Korean company in the Leisure Equipment & Products and Consumer Electronics industry category to achieve this feat.

Furthermore, LG has received the ‘Comprehensive A grade’ from the ESG Evaluation and Rating Announcement of Korea ESG Standards Institute (KCGS) for three years running, and last year, the company earned its fourth back-to-back ‘A’ rating from the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ESG Rating.

“LG OLED TVs lead the market as the ultimate choice for premium viewing experiences, while also going beyond to set the bar for ESG standards,” said Baik Seon-pill, leader of the LG Home Entertainment Company’s Product Planning Division. “LG will remain devoted to continuing efforts toward creating a better planet for all.”

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