LG Unveils World's First Bendable 5K2K Gaming Monitor, Winner of Three Awards at CES 2025

Company Redefines Premium Gaming Monitors with the UltraGear GX9 Series, Offering Unmatched Immersion, Flexibility and Smart Features

LG Electronics (LG) is reinforcing its leadership in premium OLED gaming monitors with the LG UltraGear™ GX9 series, set to be unveiled at CES 2025 this January. The new lineup includes the 45GX990A – winner of three CES 2025 Innovation Awards, including the prestigious ‘Best of Innovation’ – and an all-in-one smart gaming monitor powered by LG webOS. These accolades underscore LG’s commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality gaming solutions. With the GX9 series, LG continues to demonstrate its leadership in cutting-edge technology and gaming monitor innovation.

To ensure maximum gaming immersion, all UltraGear GX9 series models feature curved display panels employing LG’s advanced WOLED technology. These screens offer high brightness, true blacks, stunning colors and optimized curvature; a combination that brings games to life and draws users deeper into the exhilarating action of their favorite titles. Certified for low blue light emissions, the GX9 series provides a more comfortable experience, reducing eye strain during extended gaming sessions. In addition, LG’s Anti-Glare & Low Reflection (AGLR) coating minimizes screen reflections and glare, making it easier for gamers to see everything that’s happening on screen, even in brighter rooms.

The 45GX990A and 45GX950A are 45-inch, 21:9 gaming monitors featuring ultra-high 5K2K resolution (5,120 x 2,160) – a first for OLED monitors.1 Their 21:9 aspect ratio offers a more immersive gaming experience than standard 16:9 displays, while maintaining better content compatibility than 32:9 monitors. With generous screen real estate, these monitors are a great choice not only for gaming but for various different uses.

Both products feature LG’s second-generation Dual-Mode, offering customizable aspect ratios (21:9 or 16:9) and picture sizes (39-, 34-, or 27-inches) with one-touch switching between preset screen-resolution and refresh-rate combos. With eight configurations, users can personalize their gaming setups to suit their preferences or adapt to different game genres, including FPS, RPG, MOBA and racing simulators.

The World’s First Bendable 5K2K Gaming Monitor with Dual-Mode
The LG UltraGear OLED Bendable Gaming Monitor (model 45GX990A) is the world’s first 5K2K-resolution bendable OLED display. The 45-inch monitor can smoothly transition from completely flat to a 900R curvature within seconds, offering users incredible flexibility and more control over their gaming experience. Its upgraded Dual-Mode feature allows users to switch effortlessly between resolution and refresh rate presets, and customize the aspect ratio and picture size. With an ultra-fast 0.03ms (GtG) response time, the 45GX990A ensures smooth gameplay and heightened immersion.

The World’s First 45-Inch 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor with 800R Curvature and DisplayPort 2.1
Another standout model from the new GX9 lineup is the LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (model 45GX950A). With its curved (800R), 21:9 format 5K2K-resolution self-lit 45-inch panel, this display delivers sharp, lifelike images with the stunning colors and exceptional contrast LG OLED products are known for. Its 4-side Virtually Borderless design and slim bezels help boost users’ sense of immersion while adding a sleek aesthetic to any setup. Boasting 125 pixels per-inch (PPI) and an RGWB subpixel layout, the monitor improves the readability of in-game text and makes productivity tasks, such as editing documents or website content, that much easier.

Like its bendable sibling, the 45GX950A features Dual-Mode functionality with eight customizable configurations and supports DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1 and USB-C with 90W power delivery. This ensures seamless compatibility with the latest graphics cards and features such as variable refresh rate (VRR) while enabling convenient device charging. Certified by NVIDIA G-SYNC® and AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro, the monitor has reduced screen tearing for a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.

Versatile Smart Gaming Monitor for Seamless Streaming and Immersive Gaming
The brand-new LG UltraGear 39GX90SA is designed to deliver stellar gaming and content-streaming experiences. Powered by webOS, it functions as a home entertainment hub, enabling users to access all their go-to streaming services without a PC or set-top box. It’s 39-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio curved (800R) OLED display produces brilliant, nuanced colors and deep, dark blacks, making it perfect for AAA games and HDR movies and series. Equipped with USB Type-C ports, it offers convenient connectivity, and incorporates LG’s ergonomic and space-saving L-shaped stand for a clutter-free desk setup.

“The UltraGear GX9 series sets a new standard for OLED gaming monitors, combining groundbreaking display technology with smart features that expand and enhance the user experience,” said YS Lee, vice president and head of the IT Business Unit, LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. “From the world’s first 5K2K OLED gaming monitors with second-generation Dual-Mode to smart gaming monitors with built-in webOS, the GX9 lineup pushes the boundaries to deliver maximum value and enjoyment for our customers.”

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LG presents "Live Beyond" with expanded second-generation LG Signature Lineup at CES 2025

Showcasing the Evolution of the Company’s Ultra-Premium Brand, Advanced Lineup Delivers Enhanced User Experiences and Enriched, Connected Living

LG Electronics (LG) is unveiling its expanded second-generation LG SIGNATURE lineup at CES 2025 in Las Vegas (January 7-10). Exhibited under the Live Beyond brand theme, the latest LG SIGNATURE range features exceptional products that integrate cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design to deliver enhanced usability, seamless connectivity and an unparalleled smart home experience.

The second-generation LG SIGNATURE lineup builds on its signature minimalist aesthetic and exceptional performance with AI-driven features and intuitive functionality. This new wave of appliances comprises the LG SIGNATURE French Door Refrigerator with T-OLED door panel, LG SIGNATURE Smart InstaView™ Over-the-Range Microwave and Slide-in Double Oven Induction Range, LG SIGNATURE Dishwasher, LG SIGNATURE Washer & Dryer, and the LG SIGNATURE Washing Machine and Dryer pair.

Taste Beyond: Redefining the Kitchen
The 36-inch Smart InstaView French Door Refrigerator offers a differentiated kitchen experience with its remarkable and fully transparent T-OLED display embedded in the upper right door. This dual-purpose display serves as both a digital touch interface and a Dual InstaView panel, allowing users to conveniently manage the refrigerator and view its contents without opening the door. It can also display mesmerizing hologram-like visuals, blending the virtual with the real in a sublime fusion of art and high technology. For added ambiance, the refrigerator provides access to a curated music playlist* that lets users enjoy smooth, atmospheric beats whenever they are in the kitchen.

The refrigerator’s ThinQ™ Food management system and a built-in AI camera elevate convenience, automatically recognizing stored food items, suggesting recipes based on available ingredients and user preferences, and tracking inventory and expiration dates. These innovations streamline food management, menu planning and meal preparation, saving users time and making the kitchen a truly connected and dynamic space.

The LG SIGNATURE Over-the-Range Microwave and Slide-in Double Oven Induction Range enhance the culinary experience with their versatile cooking capabilities. The microwave is equipped with three built-in cameras for real-time cooking monitoring and time-lapse creation, capturing meals’ journeys from the oven to the table. The induction range, powered by Gourmet AI technology, identifies ingredients and provides helpful recipe suggestions.

The new LG SIGNATURE microwave not only excels in cooking and reheating but also redefines its category by delivering an immersive entertainment experience right in the kitchen. Featuring a 27-inch Full-HD touchscreen display with InstaView, built-in speakers and Wi-Fi connectivity, it enables users to enjoy a variety of entertainment content while they cook. The screen also provides access to the LG ThinQ Smart Home Dashboard, allowing users to control all LG AI appliances and compatible Matter and Thread devices in the home. In addition, when paired with the induction range, the microwave’s LCD display conveniently shows the cooking progress of dishes in the range, eliminating the need to bend down and check the oven manually.

The LG SIGNATURE Dishwasher is designed to fit perfectly with existing cabinetry, creating a clean, built-in look for a sleek, modern kitchen. Its innovative pop-out handle sits flush with the door when not in use and automatically “pops out” when a hand approaches. The new dishwasher is equipped with LG’s exclusive and highly-efficient QuadWash™ Pro and Dynamic Heat Dry™ technologies.

Live Beyond: Seamless Laundry Solutions
The second-generation LG SIGNATURE lineup also offers exceptional advancements in laundry care. Featuring the LG SIGNATURE Washer & Dryer and 29-inch LG SIGNATURE Washing Machine and Dryer pair, the new laundry lineup leverages LG’s Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive™ (AI DD™) 2.0 for precise fabric care, and inverter heat pump technology for effective, low-temperature drying. Each models is equipped with a 7-inch LCD touchscreen for easy control.

The LG SIGNATURE zone at CES 2025 will feature an “ideal lifestyle” space highlighting the second-generation lineup in settings like a living room, laundry room and kitchen. In collaboration with premium Italian furniture brand Molteni&C, LG will pair its technologically-advanced products with Molteni&C’s exquisite designs. Visitors will also experience the LG ThinQ ON AI home hub in action, demonstrating the ease and efficiency of the AI Home lifestyle.

“The expanded second-gen LG SIGNATURE lineup seamlessly combines advanced technology with elegant, modern design to deliver a smarter, more efficient luxury home lifestyle,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “Through the flawless fusion of state-of-the-art smart home, AI and connectivity technologies, we will continue to provide transformative customer experiences that go beyond expectations.”

Visitors to CES 2025 from January 7-10 can explore the new additions to the second-generation LG SIGNATURE lineup at LG’s booth (#15004, Las Vegas Convention Center).

* LG SIGNATURE refrigerator and LG SIGNATURE Over-the-Range microwave come with the “essential;” app pre-installed. essential; is a music curation brand operated by NHN Bugs, a South Korean music streaming service.

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LG unveils a day in a life with "Affectionate Intelligence" at LG World Premiere

Company Showcases Future of AI-Powered Customer Experiences Through CEO Keynote and Immersive Storytelling

LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its vision for AI-powered customer experiences themed “Life’s Good 24/7 with Affectionate Intelligence” at the LG World Premiere event in Las Vegas on January 6, the eve of CES 2025, widely regarded as the world’s most influential tech event.

Over 1,000 attendees, including global media and partners, were present at the press conference, which was also livestreamed online. To showcase the full scope of LG’s Affectionate Intelligence-powered customer experience, the event stage was divided into three areas representing the various spaces in people’s lives, from the home to mobility and commercial spaces. The company, through engaging demonstrations highlighting real-life scenarios, made clear how its advanced AI will transform daily life for the better.

LG “Affectionate Intelligence” is redefining the conventional, technical understanding of AI by focusing on its potential to revolutionize the customer experience paradigm. This concept leverages AI technology to better understand and empathize with customers, delivering more personalized and differentiated experiences.

The LG World Premiere kicked off with a video titled “Less Artificial, More Human,” followed by a keynote speech delivered by LG CEO William Cho.

“At LG, we’re seamlessly integrating AI into physical living spaces around us. We see space not merely as a physical location but as an environment where holistic experiences come to life – across the Home, Mobility, Commercial and even Virtual spaces,” said CEO Cho. “In these spaces, devices and services will harmonize to create entirely new customer value. This is where our Affectionate Intelligence truly shines, clearly standing out from the others.”

Cho then highlighted three fundamental elements to realize this vision: connected devices, capable AI agents and integrated services.

Connected devices, which serve as the customer touchpoint for AI, are one of LG’s greatest assets. Not only are there hundreds of millions of LG smart products already in use worldwide, but with last year’s acquisition of smart home solutions provider Athom, LG now offers seamless connectivity with IoT devices from over 170 global brands.

As for AI agents, LG is set to advance its AI agent, LG FURON, which combines the power of generative AI built on large language models with real-time spatial sensing and insights into customer lifestyle patterns. This innovative AI agent can understand customer situations and contexts in real-time, effortlessly coordinating devices and services to provide a more tailored and responsive user experience, all while protecting personal data.

Empowering AI-Based Integrated Services with Microsoft
To support his vision of providing compelling integrated services, CEO Cho announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft. The plan is to lead innovation by combining LG’s products and customer insights from various spaces, such as the home, mobility and commercial areas, with Microsoft’s AI technology to implement empathetic AI integrated services.

Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft, shared, “At Microsoft, we believe AI will fundamentally change the way we live and work, and we could not be more excited to partner with LG Electronics – the pioneers of smart, connected spaces – to integrate AI into life’s everyday experiences.”

The two companies are working on enhancing AI agents for various spaces, including homes, vehicles, hotels and offices. LG has been applying Microsoft’s voice recognition and speech synthesis technologies to its Self-Driving AI Home Hub, enabling it to understand diverse accents, pronunciations and colloquial expressions. Plans also include developing AI agents that not only understand and interact with customers but also predict their needs and preferences.

Althoff also announced further Microsoft collaboration with LG in the rapidly growing field of AI data centers. With LG’s thermal management systems and advanced chiller technologies optimized for AI data centers, the partnership aims to enhance energy efficiency in these critical backbones of AI infrastructure. Together, the companies plan to create next-generation data centers that are more efficient and sustainable.

Bringing AI Vision to Life
Illustrating Cho’s Affectionate Intelligence vision, LG captivated the audience with a short play about a family’s day from morning to night. Departing from the traditional product presentation speech format, this vivid portrayal demonstrated how LG’s AI innovations unveiled at CES 2025 and driven by the vision of “Better Life for All,” seamlessly enhance everyday life across various spaces.

In the morning scene, LG’s AI agent, FURON, highlights its personalized capabilities: “I noticed some coughing last night, so I adjusted the room temperature for your comfort.” Beyond environmental adjustments, FURON demonstrates thoughtful assistance, suggesting, “You don’t have any plans this afternoon – why not accompany your mother to her scheduled health check-up?”

The morning commute further highlights the convenience of AI integration. In the car, LG’s AI-powered in-cabin sensing solution detects when the driver forgets their coffee tumbler, asking, “Would you like to stop by a café two minutes away for coffee?” It also monitors biometric signals, responding to an elevated heart rate before an afternoon meeting by playing soothing music to help the driver relax. The system also proactively suggests rerouting to avoid accidents and recommends holding a video conference inside the vehicle if traffic delays risk causing the driver to miss an important meeting. Upon arriving at the office, the AI adds a personal touch, such as displaying previously recorded family vacation footage on the car’s internal and external cameras.

After work, the living room TV equipped with AI technology enhances the home entertainment experience. It analyzes the viewing environment, patterns and history to recommend tailored content. If the customer mentions difficulty hearing dialogue in a video, the AI adjusts the audio, enhancing voice clarity by isolating it from background noise and making it sound as though it’s coming naturally from the center of the TV screen.

Seamless and Holistic Customer Experiences Anytime, Anywhere, Seen or Unseen
Concluding his keynote address, CEO Cho emphasized AI’s role in driving transformative change across both B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business) sectors.

He highlighted innovative initiatives like the LG Smart Cottage, a compact modular home that integrates AI-powered appliances, HVAC systems and other advanced technologies to redefine residential living. Similarly, LG envisions the automobile as a “personalized digital cave,” featuring software-defined vehicle solutions and AI technologies that understand and adapt to both the internal and external vehicle environment, delivering groundbreaking mobility experiences.

In smart factory solutions, LG leverages over 60 years of world-class manufacturing expertise, offering next-generation manufacturing systems powered by AI and robotics. Additionally, LG’s AI-based thermal management systems and advanced chiller technologies are optimizing energy efficiency in AI data centers worldwide.

“Our ultimate goal is simple yet profound: to leverage AI as a means to create holistic customer value, no matter where you are,” said CEO Cho. “Irrespective of how AI transforms our lives, one thing will never change: our promise of Life’s Good. With this unwavering commitment, we will strive to deliver differentiated customer experiences – seen or unseen – to everyone, everywhere, every time.”

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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!

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