2025 LG QNED evo transforms with Core OLED TV Innovations: True Wireless, AI and Hyper-personalization

Based on Company’s Dual-Track Strategy, the 2025 QNED evo Lineup Boasts Unprecedented Technological Advancements

LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its renewed 2025 QNED evo lineup, featuring new proprietary wide color gamut technology, a true wireless viewing experience that transmits 4K 144Hz images without loss of picture quality or delay, AI-enhanced picture and sound processing, and an ultra-personalized AI-based customer experience via webOS 25.

LG continues to strengthen its competitiveness in the global premium TV market through a dual-track strategy. This strategy emphasizes LG’s market-leading, self-emissive OLED lineup and the QNED evo series – a premium LCD TV lineup that incorporates key OLED innovations, such as advanced AI capabilities and wireless convenience.

The 2025 QNED evo lineup boasts an improved color gamut compared to previous models by applying LG’s new proprietary wide color gamut technology, Dynamic QNED Color Solution, which replaces quantum dots. This unique technology enables light from the backlight to be expressed in pure colors that are as realistic as they appear to the eye in general life.

With the application of Dynamic QNED Color Solution, the entire 2025 QNED evo lineup is 100 percent certified by global testing and certification organization Intertek for Color Volume, measuring a screen’s ability to display the rich colors of original images without distortion.

In 2025, LG will also unveil the QNED evo (QNED9M) featuring its True Wireless 4K technology. This innovation, previously exclusive to the top-tier OLED evo model (M Series) last year, will now be available in the QNED evo lineup. This expansion allows viewers to enjoy high-definition 4K content wirelessly, without compromising on picture quality or experiencing delays, moving beyond the limitations of traditional wired connections. The wireless solution utilizes a separate Zero Connect Box to transmit high-definition video at up to 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz. The QNED evo is designed to minimize screen disconnection and deliver natural images even in a wireless setup. Additionally, it has earned AMD FreeSync Premium certification. The TV itself requires only a power cord, allowing for more convenient storage of gaming consoles and set-top boxes.

The company additionally continues to raise the picture and sound quality of its QNED evo lineup by offering more powerful editions of its proprietary AI processors. 2025 LG QNED evo models are equipped with the α8 AI Processor, offering close to 70 percent improvement in AI performance compared to the previous year. This processor delivers picture and sound at a level worthy of ultra-large TVs.

These AI capabilities include more advanced upscaling, analyzing the filmmaker’s intent to adjust picture noise and presenting faces, objects, text and backgrounds more naturally. Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro breaks down each scene to fine-tune HDR effects and brightness for each zone. Moreover, AI converts 2-channel sound sources to virtual 9.1.2 channel sound for a richer audio experience. It also distinguishes voices from background sounds and makes them clearer, while audio sounds natural as if it were coming from the center of the TV screen.

The new AI Magic Remote, included with the 2025 QNED evo, features a new AI button for easy analysis of viewing preferences and recommendations on what to watch and which apps to use. Personalization is further enhanced by Voice ID, Generative AI Gallery and customized TV picture and sound quality modes. A short press on the AI button guides users to relevant keywords and TV features, while a long press enables personalized searches based on a large language model (LLM4). For example, if a user is planning a trip to France, they can ask their remote, “Recommend movies to watch on my trip to Paris.” The AI will understand the context and suggest movies set in the French capital, including specific genre recommendations based on the user’s viewing preferences.

LG’s proprietary smart TV platform, webOS25, elevates the customer experience by offering hyper-personalized service advancements and content through its best-of-all-time AI features and the ongoing webOS Re: New Program, which includes webOS upgrades for five years.

The 2025 QNED lineup will also now range from 40 to 100 inches as LG is expanding its QNED lineup by introducing a 100-inch option in response to customer demand for ultra-large, premium LCD TVs.

“Our renewed 2025 LG QNED evo lineup inherits OLED’s differentiated picture quality along with a true wireless viewing experience and ultra-personalized solutions to deliver an outstanding super-large viewing experience that no other LCD TV can offer,” said Hyoung-sei Park, president of the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company.

Read More

“Her Locket” -- a family drama film set to open on January 22 in cinemas nationwide

As a pre-Chinese New Year offering, Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production, in cooperation with Rebelde Films, proudly announces the commercial release of HER LOCKET in cinemas nationwide come January 22, 2025 (Wed).

HER LOCKET is a family drama film about a Chinese woman suffering from dementia is able to gradually recall memories from her past With the aid of a locket necklace. It garnered a total of EIGHT awards - - Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Ensemble Acting -- at Sinag Maynila Film Festival held last Sept. 8, 2024. 

Noted Filipino-Chinese actress Rebecca Chuaunsu also won two (2) international Best Actress awards -- from Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco (held in 2023) and Wu Wei Taipei International Filipino Film Festival in Taiwan (held Sept 1, 2024).

Locally in the Philippines, Chuaunsu got rave reviews from film critics for her outstanding performance as lead actress Jewel Ouyang. 

The film also boasts of Elora Españo (as Teresa, the caregiver); Boo Gabunada (as Kyle, lawyer-son of Jewel); Sophie Ng (young Jewel); and Benedict Cua (young Magnus, brother of Jewel).

Completing the roster of cast are Francis Mata, Jian Repolles, Tommy Alejandrino, Zoey Villamangca, Norman Ong, Nellie Ang See, Angela Villarin, Ashlee Factor, Matthew Seaver Choy, Roberto Uy Kieng, George See, Rolando Inocencio, Atty. Kesterson Kua, Atty. Allan Jao, and Dr. Philip Tan Gatue. 

"I'm so happy that HER LOCKET will be screened nationwide this coming January 2025, so many more kababayans will experience a film that is inspired by a true story," quips actress-producer Rebecca Chuaunsu.

HER LOCKET is in competition at the Jagran Film Festival in India. It is covering 18 cities, which started from Delhi and traveling through Meerut, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Bareilly, Dehradun, Hisar, Ludhiana, Patna, Ranchi, Siliguri, Gorakhpur, Raipur, Indore, and Darbhanga, culminating in Mumbai (Dec. 2024 - March 2025).

HER LOCKET has also participated in Marche Du Film - Festival De Cannes (2023) in France; London East Asia International Film Festival (2023) in UK; 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (2024) in Bangladesh; and San Diego Film Festival USA (2024).

Don't miss to experience this rare cinematic treat starting January 22 in cinemas nationwide, distributed by Solar Pictures.

Read More

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 gets 96% Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Plus, two Robotniks are better than one! Watch Jim Carrey play two roles in the “Two Robotniks” featurette

Jim Carrey and Jim Carrey in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Moviegoers have spoken, and they love Sonic the Hedgehog 3!

The latest big-screen adventure of Team Sonic has earned a 96% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which opened in the US December 20, has so far earned upwards of $230 million at the global box office. It opens in Philippine cinemas January 15.

Reviews from critics have also been mostly positive. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” currently holds a Fresh 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, higher than its two predecessors.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is way better than it has a right to be: as a video game adaptation, as a threequel, as a family-friendly movie coming out [on Christmas season],” wrote RogerEbert.com, which also praised Jim Carrey for “giving not one but two gleefully deranged performances that harken to his rubber-faced comedic greatness of three decades ago.”

Find out more about Jim Carrey’s evil genius performance of the two Robotniks in this “Double Your Villain” featurette:
Forbes magazine also enjoyed the film, saying “it’s fun, it’s silly, it’s visually different enough and interesting enough to look good on a big screen, and most important of all it has Jim Carrey providing not one but two performances inspired enough and funny enough to make it worth watching the whole movie.”

“Clever jokes, a noticeable reverence for the source material, and some fantastic antagonists make the Blue Blur’s latest race an entertaining ride from start to finish,” raved Collider.com.

Variety was also impressed. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is wired-up synthetic fun,” they wrote. “It’s a trivial kiddie flick that moves at the speed of your mind playing video games. Video-game films seldom have that quality – they tend to be overproduced and lugubrious. But Sonic 3 gives hyperactivity a good name. Jeff Fowler, who directed all three of these movies, is a quicker and wittier flimflam magician of energy than he was when he made the first Sonic in 2020.”

Jim Carrey with director Jeff Powler on the set of Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen in his most thrilling adventure yet in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opens in Philippine cinemas January 15, 2025.

Read More

Our 5 favorite things at Fantasy World in SM City Masinag

When you have a toddler, it’s important to give them opportunities to play and socialize with other kids. This is why interactive and educational playrooms are a blessing—they provide children with a space to move, explore, and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them.

We were recently invited to check out the newly opened Fantasy World Playground at SM City Masinag. I brought my niece along to experience it firsthand and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and activities. Located on the 3rd floor near SM Cinemas, this playground is designed for kids and even adults to create memorable bonding moments. Let me share the top five areas where my niece spent most of her time:

1. Ball Pit
Who doesn’t love a pool filled with colorful balls? This area is covered in soft plastic balls, creating a fun and safe space for kids to dive into, roll around, and swim through. It’s a classic favorite that never fails to bring joy.

2. Slides
Fantasy World offers a variety of slides to suit different preferences. There’s a swirling slide, a wide slide, and the tallest one—a wavy slide that ends with a splash into the ball pit. I even tried the wavy slide myself, and the speed makes it an exhilarating experience.

3. Inside Out Core Memory Machine
This area reminds me of the "core memory" machine from the movie Inside Out. Kids can grab balls from the ball pit, drop them into the machine, and watch as they are pushed through different pipes by air, only to emerge at another point. It’s mesmerizing and endlessly entertaining—I found myself spending a lot of time here too!

4. Market
The market setup is a mini world of fruits, vegetables, and desserts where kids can pretend to shop and prepare food. It’s a clever way to introduce concepts of food hygiene and basic cooking skills in a playful and engaging manner.

5. Sandcastles and Lego
This area encourages kids to unleash their creativity by building mini worlds with colorful bricks and synthetic sand. It’s a great activity to foster their imagination and fine motor skills.

Other Features
Fantasy World also offers a trampoline, a robot arena, a zombie attack VR game, obstacle courses, and more. If you get hungry or thirsty after all the exploring, there’s an on-site Momoyo stand that sells refreshments such as coffee and fruit-based beverages.

The staff and guides are always attentive, ensuring the safety of the children. For instance, in the pebble area, they place cotton in kids’ ears to prevent any small objects from getting in. Anti-slip socks are also provided to minimize the risk of slipping or injuries.

Entrance Fees
Here are the entrance fees for Fantasy World Playground:

• Php 300 per kid with a guardian - 1.5 hours on weekdays (Php 350 on weekends and holidays)
• Php 400 per kid with a guardian - 3 hours on weekdays (Php 450 on weekends and holidays)
• Php 100 for each additional guardian
• Php 100 per hour for extensions
• Php 50 for socks
• Php 35 for water

Fantasy World Playground is an excellent place for kids to have fun, learn, and socialize in a safe and stimulating environment. It’s also a great spot for families to spend quality time together. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Read More

This Holiday Season, GO NATURAL With PascualLab’s PELARGO!

One of the pioneers in herbal medicine unveils its newest natural health product this colds season.

Say goodbye to sniffles and hello to wellness! Pascual Laboratories, one of the Philippines’ top pharmaceutical companies, introduces PELARGO—a natural solution to help ease common cold symptoms and keep you feeling your best this holiday season.

PascualLab, one of the pioneers in phyto or plant-based medicines in the Philippines​ and home of the no. 1 natural cough remedy Ascof Lagundi,¹ C-Lium Fibre and other natural-based offerings now comes PELARGO, derived from the Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root.

For centuries, the root of Pelargonium sidoides DC. or South African geranium has been used for the treatment of common colds in South Africa and in Europe.²

It helps relieve cold symptoms such as: Nasal Congestion Runny Nose Sneezing Headache

Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root (PELARGO) works as a natural decongestant that loosens mucus and hastens its flow.²

Research results from 5 clinical trials involving 833 adults show that Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root extract consistently demonstrated efficacy, lessening the severity and shortening the duration of cold symptoms.²

So for relief from common cold symptoms especially this holiday season, #GoNaturalWithPelarGo! #BTS #BreakTheSipon

PelarGo is available in Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Rose Pharmacy outlets nationwide and at PascualLab’s official Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok stores. 

Shopee: https://tinyurl.com/shopeepelargo
Lazada: https://tinyurl.com/pelargo-lazada
TiktokShop:https://tinyurl.com/tiktokpelargo

IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

Sources:
1 IQVIA data as of 2024
2. Moyo, Mack and Van Staden, Johannes. Medicinal properties and conservation of Pelargonium sidoides DC. In https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127097/ Accessed October 2024.

Read More

James Gunn's "Superman," starring David Corenswet, teaser trailer is up! Opens in cinemas July 9, 2025

On July 9, it begins. “Superman,” from director James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, only in cinemas 2025.

“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.

DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).

David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent

Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner

Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl

Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific

“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with editors Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”), Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Flash”) and William Hoy (“The Batman”).

“Superman” will be in theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 9, 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Read More

Theater Luminaries and Rising Stars collide in The Sandbox Collective’s NEXT TO NORMAL

On the heels of its 10th Anniversary season, The Sandbox Collective opens its 2nd decade with the Tony Award-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL in February 2025. The show explores themes of love, loss, illness, grief, and the intricacies of the family dynamics.

The cast will feature Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez alternating in the role of the matriarch Diana Goodman. A singer and an artist, Nikki makes her return to theater with Next To Normal. She is known for her iconic roles in ‘Ang Tanging Ina’ film franchise and was recently awarded a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the film ‘Family Matters.’ She also makes her theater return after her acclaimed performance in 9Works Theatrical’s ‘The Wedding Singer.’ Actress, singer and host Shiela was last seen on stage as Erzulie in 9WT’s ‘Once On This Island’. A Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award winner, she has played countless roles spanning over three decades, most recently being Sita in ‘Rama Hari,’ and Fosca in ‘Passion.’

Nikki Valdez and Shiela Valderrama

Alternating in the role of the husband Dan are OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena. A multimedia artist, Floyd’s resume boasts a wealth of work in theater, television and film. He is a Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee for his featured performance in ‘Sandosenang Sapatos.’ OJ is the resident tenor of the country's premiere vocal group, The Company. An Awit Award recipient for Best New Male Recording Artist with several albums under his belt, OJ is also a Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee for his performance in ‘Rama Hari.’

OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena

Playing the perfect daughter Natalie Goodman are Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay. Jam is a singer-songwriter and multi-faceted theater artist whose recent credits include ‘Bar Boys: A New Musical,’ ‘Virgin Labfest 19: Pintog’s Sa Babaeng Lahat,’ ‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal,’ ‘Ardor,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo.’ Sheena is a singer, dancer, actress and Star Magic. She has appeared in the various shows such as Lyric and Beat, ASAP Natin ‘To, and It’s Showtime, of which she served as a host in the Showtime Online Universe. Sheena’s recent theater credits include the musicals ‘One More Chance’ and ‘Tabing Ilog.’

Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay

The elusive Gabe Goodman will be played by Vino Mabalot and Benedix Ramos. Vino is an up-and-coming theater actor and talent under Star Magic, renowned for his compelling performances. A graduate of the Ateneo De Manila University, his recent projects include ‘Batang Rizal,’ ‘Dekada 70,’ and ‘Tabing Ilog,’ among others. Benedix is an actor, singer-songwriter, commercial model, host, and content creator managed by Star Hunt/Star Magic ABS-CBN. A vibrant talent in theater, his recent theater credits include ‘Bar Boys,’ ‘Tabing Ilog,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ to name a few.

Benedix Ramos and Vino Mabalot

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso will share the role of Henry, the boy who falls in love with Natalie. Omar, a distinguished actor and singer under Star Magic, has graced both the stage and screen with his versatile talent. Celebrated for his roles in musicals like ‘Mula sa Buwan’ and ‘Ibong Adarna,’ he also shone in ‘Bar Boys.’ A sought after theater actor, Davy’s credits for 2024 include: ‘Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical,’ ‘I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change,’ (male swing) and ‘Othello.’ In 2022, he was a soloist and member of the ensemble in Musikal II, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 53rd Anniversary Gala.

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso

Playing the role of the psychiatrist Dr. Madden is Jef Flores. An award-winning actor and musician, Jef is known for his nuanced performances in theater and independent films. His theater credits include 9WT’s ‘Musikal nAPO’, The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Himala: Isang Musikal,’ ‘This Is Our Youth,’ and most recently, 9WT’s ‘Once On This Island.’

Jef Flores

At the helm of the production and directing the show is The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff De Venecia, Joining him are Ejay Yatco as musical director, Stephen Viñas as choreographer, Mark Daniel Dalacat as Production Designer/Associate Director, Elliza Dawn Aurelio as Hair & Make Up Designer, Jonas Garcia as dramaturg, Serena Magiliw as Intimacy Coach, Gabo Tolentino as Lighting Designer, Aji Manalo as Sound Designer/Engineer, and Francisco Miguel Yabut as Technical Director.

The Sandbox Collective’s Next to Normal will open in February 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. The musical will be directed by Sandbox’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, with musical direction by Ejay Yatco, music by Tom Kitt, and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

Making its Broadway debut in 2009, Next to Normal has been credited with launching the discussion of mental health in mainstream theater, winning three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). New York, NY, USA. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and our social media platforms below:

www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective
www.instagram.com/thesandboxco
www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

Read More