For years since its inception over 70 years ago, Automatic Centre has been synonymous to every Filipino’s household as their trusted appliance store. For generations, families have developed their loyalty, to the pioneer of the retail appliance industry, for the trademark service it has consistently provided and for how the products it carried greatly improved the lives of Filipinos.
With the unwavering support from its brand partners and the trust of its loyal customers, Automatic Centre is back operating under new management and is here to stay!
Refreshed and now armed with a fresh and modern look, both in their retail and their social media and digital marketplace spaces, Automatic Centre is now aiming to serve the younger generation of Filipinos with the same signature service as it did generations back. Without missing a beat, this retail institution will re-establish itself with the same 3 pillars of: high quality appliances and gadgets from trusted brands – and with even more brands in their arsenal, amazing customer service that they’ve cultivated throughout the years as well as exclusive deals, reasonable prices and affordable payment terms suited to the needs of every Filipino family. Made possible with their partnership with the country’s major bank and financing institutions such as Home Credit and Fundline.
Don’t just take our word for it, experience these revamped aesthetics at the newly renovated Automatic Centre in SM North EDSA. Located at the Upper Ground level of the City Center and opening on September 2, 2022, drop by to get exclusive deals in the Opening Super Weekend Sale from Sept 2-4! Get major discounts on your favorite brands and add in some freebies like a Rice Dispenser and a Panasonic Desk Fan when you reach a minimum purchase of P10,000 and P20,000 respectively!
Feeling nostalgic? Well Automatic Centre wants you to step it up a notch and flex your oldest home appliance, so for those who’ve been a part of Automatic Centre’s history, you can also join the “Automatic noon. Hanggang ngayon.” photo contest to get a chance to win a SAMSUNG 75-inch LED UHD TV! Just like and follow their official facebook page: @AutomaticCentre1948 visit the contest post which will be up by September 2, 2022 and comment below the oldest appliance you got from Automatic Centre with your answer to the question “Ano ang kwentong Automatic mo?”. Make sure to tag @AutomaticCentre1948 and use the following hashtags #AutomtaticCentre #AutomaticYan. Comment your entries until September 30, 2022 11:59 PM and the winner will be announced on Oct 07, 2022 12:00 PM. With all these activities lined up and the 12 stores open now and more incoming, you can confidently say that Automatic Centre is really here to stay to serve the Filipino families. Make sure to follow @AutomaticCentre1948 and their other social media pages to get more news on offers and deals. #AutomaticYan.
As Filipinos adjust to the new normal they want things they could rely on and make everything more convenient. And for reliable home appliances that becomes a part of our daily lives, Automatic Centre is back and is making it easier for families to get that much-needed home upgrade. Known for its trademark easy and affordable payment options the brand has partnered up with the country’s leading banks and financing institutions to be able to offer the best rates for the Filipino family.
For those looking for new home appliances, from refrigerators, air conditioners, washers, televisions, small appliances and more, Automatic Centre has the perfect payment terms for you. We have bank offers with 0% installment up to 24 months and others that get you freebies with a minimum purchase that will be hard to resist.
No credit card? No problem!
With Home Credit you can do monthly installments with no credit card needed. And with irresistible offers like the 0% Hulugan Exclusive, who needs to wait for an upgrade? These offers are perfect for those who have are looking for the lowest monthly terms, with monthly payments ranging from just P679 up to just over P1,019 for 12 Months! We also have 1K Hulugan sa Tag-Ulan, for those looking for new appliances this rainy season. Monthly payments start at only around P1,000 with the last month amortization for free.
For those looking for longer terms, the September Super Savers with its 0% installment for 24 months will be right up your alley! Monthly payments range from only P833.29 up to P3,333.17! Avail all of these now by dropping by any of the 12 Automatic Centre stores open now (with more to come!) this whole of September. You can confidently say that Automatic Centre is really here to stay to serve the Filipino families. Make sure to follow @AutomaticCentre1948 and their other social media pages to get more news on offers and deals. #AutomaticYan.
Enter the dystopian world of Gilead in the critically-acclaimed series, The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 and follow the struggles of survivors in La Brea Season 2. Return for animated adventures with Rick and Morty Season 6 and enjoy new episodes of We Baby Bears. Catch the highly anticipated series, House of the Dragon, an HBO Original series and more on HBO GO.
Adapted from the classic novel by Margaret Atwood, this award-winning series tells the story of life in the dystopian land of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly the United States, where women are oppressed and only valued for their ability to produce offspring. Season 5 cast members include Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Bradley Whitford, Samira Wiley and Ann Dowd. Over its past four seasons, the series received a total of 75 Emmy® nominations with 15 Emmy® wins including for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress (Elisabeth Moss) and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Ann Dowd). Catch-up on seasons 1 to 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale on HBO GO.
This sci-fi mystery series centres on a group of Los Angelenos after a massive sinkhole opens in Los Angeles, pulling people and buildings into a mysterious and dangerous primeval land where they have no choice but to band together to survive. In season two, the Harris family remains separated as Eve is reeling from her son, Josh, having mistakenly gone through a portal to 1988. What she doesn’t know yet is that her ex-husband, Gavin, and their daughter, Izzy, have landed in prehistoric Seattle and now must brave the elements and animals to make their way to L.A. Relive the first season of La Brea on HBO GO.
Rick and Morty are back! This award-winning animated hit comedy series follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Rick Sanchez is living with his daughter Beth’s family and constantly bringing her, his son-in-law Jerry, granddaughter Summer, and grandson Morty into intergalactic escapades. Stream all seasons of Rick and Morty on HBO GO.
Don’t miss the fresh expansion of the beloved We Baby Bearsfranchiseas Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear takes fans through spectacular landscapes and musical inspirations to go on unforgettable journeys in their magic box. Each episode transports them into vibrant and colourful worlds where they befriend legions of familiar fairy tale faces and faced with the decision to stay or to continue their journey, looking for a permanent abode they can call home. Stream past episodes of We Baby Bears and all seasons of We Bare Bears on HBO GO.
Jo Koy has made his name in stand-up comedy for his hilarious routines rooted in his Filipino-American heritage and experiences growing up. But beyond his relatable jokes about Vicks VapoRub, lost lunchboxes, and munggo, Jo Koy is now making Hollywood history with his film Easter Sunday.
Now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide, Easter Sunday is the first film with an all-Filipino lead cast to be produced by a major Hollywood studio. And it was Amblin’s Steven Spielberg himself, who wanted to put Jo Koy and his movie pitch on the big screen after seeing his Netflix special Comin’ In Hot.
The film follows the struggling comedian Joe Valencia who joins his Filipino family for Easter Sunday, but with his quarreling mother and tita, a TV show opportunity at bay, a son he can’t seem to make time for, and a cousin caught up with dangerous gangsters, Joe is up for a chaotic holiday.
Last Tuesday, August 30, Jo Koy joined the Philippine media at the press conference for Easter Sunday. Here, Jo Koy talked about his journey as a stand-up comedian, from getting into Netflix to turning his dream film into a reality in Hollywood which has long snubbed specificity in Asian characters. Here are some highlights of the press conference.
A rough road of rejections
Jo Koy may all be smiles and funny faces whenever we see him on stage, but the comedian’s rise to fame wasn’t an easy one, as he revealed during the press conference. The Comedy Central channel really kicked off his career as a comedian on TV, but Jo Koy also shared one of his most discouraging moments when he performed for the network.
“[It was like 2009], it was a long time ago, and I thought personally it was an incredible routine and I was hurt because they didn’t even air it,” shared Jo Koy. “And I was just like, ‘Hey, what’s going on right now?’ Like, they shot all of these specials and for some reason, mine just got buried. I was like, ‘Why is it not being played?’ There were times when I just wanted to quit, like ‘Why am I even doing this?’”
But the comedian kept going, citing his love for the art form of stand-up comedy. “I just love what it takes to get in front of people and make them laugh and tell a story,” he said. Of course, all of this paid off.
Jo Koy gained even more popularity when his comedy specials dropped on streaming platforms, most especially on Netflix. But getting that Netflix fame wasn’t easy either, because he was faced with multiple rejections before he finally got that spot on the streaming platform.
“My first special, Live From Seattle, they turned that down like eight times. They kept saying no to me, to the point where I was like, ‘Okay I’ll fund it myself and I’ll shoot it myself’ and I paid for that special and I sold it to Netflix,” explained the comedian. “If that didn’t happen, then Steven Spielberg would have never seen the second one, and that’s the one that Steven brought me in and asked me if I had a movie idea. You know what I mean? I was gonna do it no matter what.”
The comedian further shared that he also had to pull money from his own pockets for his second and third specials, just so he could produce them at the venues that he wanted but Netflix wouldn’t approve of. Jo Koy persisted and we got Comin’ In Hot which was shot in Hawaii and In His Elements shot right here in the Philippines.
“I wanted to showcase Filipinos. I wanted to show what the islands look like. I wanted to show what our people look like. I wanted to show how talented we are. I wanted to show Filipinos that are in the Philippines and give them a chance to shine on a platform like Netflix, and then have Filipinos from America and bring them to the Motherland and let them perform in front of Filipinos,” shared Jo Koy about making In His Elements.
Darren Espanto and more Filipino talents were showcased at the Philippine red carpet premiere of ‘Easter Sunday’.
But Jo Koy also noted that he now has a beautiful relationship with Netflix and the new people from the platform who he gets to make deals with. He even announced his fourth Netflix special shot at the Great Western Forum, which will be released this September 13.
An opportunity from Amblin
While it was a rough road getting his routines into Netflix, it seemed like Jo Koy finally caught a break when he was called in to pitch a film to Amblin. As it would appear, he just charmed the Steven Spielberg with his humor. According to Jo Koy, he thought it would just be another opportunity where he would give a pitch and nothing happens, because “that’s what happens in Hollywood,” but nope– Spielberg was intent on getting Jo Koy’s idea out there.
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures PH
“What happened was I walked into Amblin and everybody’s like ‘Oh Steven loves you, Steven thinks you’re very funny, Steven this, Steven that,’ and you hear that and you’re like ‘Are you talking about Steven from accounting? [laughs] Like this can’t be Steven Spielberg, there’s just no way!”
But it was indeed Spielberg, and they agreed on producing a film that will have a global theatrical release. The comedian also noted that the renowned filmmaker only made two movies from that meeting, Easter Sunday and Jurassic World.
Filling in the Filipino representation in Hollywood
Easter Sunday isn’t just borne out of Jo Koy’s struggles, he makes this clear. The long journey to have Filipinos really represented on the big screen was also the struggle of many Hollywood actors and artists from the Motherland. This is why Jo Koy was certain that he wanted the veteran Hollywood actors Lou Diamond Phillips and Tia Carrere to be part of Easter Sunday.
“Back in the day, if you’re Filipino– it doesn’t even matter if you’re Filipino– if you’re just Asian, they’ll [round] you up in a group. That’s how racist Hollywood was,” said Jo Koy. “One thing [Tia Carrere] said to me, she said ‘You know I used to go out for roles? And the description would be Asian with a thick accent…’ That’s the kind of characters that she has to go in for, and [Easter Sunday] was the first movie where she got to play a Filipino, in her 42 years in Hollywood.”
It was these actors that had to go “to the trenches” so that a film like Easter Sunday would become a reality today. “They were there before anybody, they had to go through the hard Hollywood,” said Jo Koy.
Tia Carrere and Lydia Gaston. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures PH
Jo Koy on future film prospects
Easter Sunday gives Filipinos a first in Hollywood history, and we can’t help but wonder, what’s next? For Jo Koy, he wants to make more opportunities for everyone in terms of representation in Hollywood, not just as an actor but also from behind the scenes.
“Most importantly, for me, I want to also have my hand not only in front of the camera but behind the camera. I also want to open doors, to not just specific roles,” explained Jo Koy, also citing how the Filipino stereotypes he would often joke about remain prominent in Hollywood. “‘Oh, that’s a nurse, that has to be a Filipino,’ I don’t want that anymore. I want it to be anybody, a CEO of a business– Filipino; a cop, a singer, I don’t care. Let’s just have these roles for everybody, and I just don’t want to open doors for Filipinos, I want to open doors for everybody. So yes, I want to create more, I want to produce more.”
Eugene Cordero and Jo Koy with Lou Diamond Philips. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures PH.
So besides his comedy specials, Filipinos can also expect Jo Koy’s further foray into the film industry. As Jo Koy’s journey had proven, getting there was no joke, but we can expect that the comedian will continue to persevere.
“Don’t close the door on anybody, if you have the light, share it. If you have the stage, open it up and let other people on it. There’s enough light for everybody, just remember that,” Jo Koy tells everyone in the room as the program ended.
Easter Sundayis directed by Jay Chandrasekhar. Also part of the cast are Lydia Gaston, Brandon Wardell, Eva Noblezada, Elena Juatco, Rodney To, Eugene Cordero, Melody Butui, Joey Guila, Tiffany Hadish, and Jimmy O. Yang. The film is now showing in cinemas nationwide, buy your tickets here.
The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), the country’s prime professional wrestling brand, will crown its new MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion on September 11, Sunday, 5 PM at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Its annual live extravaganza titled MWF Road To Fate 2022is set to be headlined by an elimination-style match to determine the Philippines’ top athlete-entertainer, who will represent the country in the burgeoning Southeast Asian pro wrestling scene.
Pinoy-Flavored World-Class Talent
The four contenders for the prestigious MWF title are the best of the best in the Pinoy wrestling scene today.
● Crystal –The undisputed “Queen of Philippine Wrestling”, Crystal put women’s wrestling in the country under the international spotlight by competing against some of the world’s toughest female wrestlers, which include Japanese Joshi legend Emi Sakura, and in the 2019 WWE tryouts in China. In addition to her in-ring achievements, international media was also drawn to Crystal’s indelible allure when she was featured in an episode of Netflix’s “Midnight Asia”.
● Nigel “Suplex” San Jose – MWF’s ultimate everyman underdog, Nigel San Jose has always risen above all odds armed with his unwavering determination and passion. Debuting in 2018 as an MWF trainee, San Jose had immediately impressed the whole Pinoy wrestling scene with his high-impact moves, holds and throws that allowed him to rise up the ranks early in his wrestling career. While this is his first high-profile match and his first exposure to media attention, Nigel San Jose guarantees to leave fans breathless with his undeniable fighting skills.
● Jake De Leon – Dubbed as “Mr. Philippine Wrestling”, De Leon is already a multi-time Philippine wrestling champion and has represented the country in numerous matches internationally, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and most notably in mainland China – where he participated in the WWE tryouts in 2019. A Philippine wrestling pioneer with almost a decade of in-ring experience, Jake De Leon is one of the most respected and accomplished Filipino athletes in the genre.
● Fabio Makisig – Fashioning himself as a modern Pinoy folk anti-hero, Fabio Makisig has captured the attention of MWF fans with his no-nonsense, street-smart bravado and spectacular athleticism. Having survived living in a tough Batasan neighborhood all his life, the “Walang Kasing Lupit, Walang Kasing Astig” Fabio has etched his name in Pinoy wrestling history by facing – and defeating – multi-time WWE titleholder TAJIRI. He was also featured in an episode of the ABSCBN News Channel documentary series “Mukha” in 2018.
A Uniquely Filipino Championship Belt
Designed by artist Manuel Mesina III, the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship’s design celebrates the Filipino spirit just like the Philippines’ King of the Road – the Jeepney. Colorful, vigorous, attention-grabbing and always action-packed, the MWF Championship perfectly encapsulates Pinoy wrestling’s heart and soul.
It was first held by Robin Sane, another international-level Pinoy wrestler, in 2018, and Ho Ho Lun from Hong Kong, one of Southeast Asian wrestling’s most significant and pioneering figures, in 2019, before being vacated early in 2022 due to the pandemic.
MWF Road to Fate 2022 marks the uniquely Filipino championship belt’s homecoming.
Tickets are now available online via Ticket2Me. For more details, visit www.manilawrestling.com.
The inaugural performance in the CCP Special Concert Series feaures soprano Stefanie Quintin on September 7, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater).
Quintin has premiered and performed works by such composers as National Artist for Music Dr. Ramon P. Santos and the American composer Eli Marshall. She has given solo performances at the Asia Europe New Music Festival in Vietnam, the Yilan International Arts Festival in Taiwan, the soundSCAPE Festival in Italy, the Baroque Festival in Singapore, and the International Bamboo Organ Festival in the United States (Philippines).
Aside from the Trovillo-Graham Award for Voice and the Rey Paguio Scholarship, Quintin also won the Delphic Lyra Award for Traditional Music at the Third International Junior Delphic Games, and the PGMA Presidential Award for Culture and the Arts. She has garnered awards in a number of vocal contests, including the Hawk Vocal Awards Competition, the Musical Merit Foundation Competition, the La Jolla Symphony Young Artists Competition, and the Singapore Lyric Opera – ASEAN Vocal Competition (Opera-Professional Category).
Stefanie Quintin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of the Philippines in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance (cum laude), as well as a Master of Arts in Contemporary Music Performance from the University of California, San Diego. Please check the health and safety protocols at https://bit.ly/staysafeatCCP.
For more information about the event, please follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Stefanie will also be holding a voice masterclass on September 8, 2022 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm via ZOOM. For those who want to be part of the Masterclass, please call the CCP Artist Training Division at 8832-1125 loc. 1605 or email artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph.
Shopee has officially launched the start of its year-end shopping season, and this year, the e-commerce platform is giving Filipinos even more reasons to check out. From Mas Mura Sa Shopee* offers, to an exciting new game that will surely thrill shoppers and not-to-miss entertainment, here are what users can expect this 9.9 Super Shopping Day:
1. Discover Mas Mura Sa Shopee deals from August 26 to September 11
Grab a wide range of ₱1 deals on your daily essentials and trending products by visiting the “₱1 Deals” page. Enjoy even bigger discounts when you claim free shipping with no minimum spend that you can use on your 9.9 Super Shopping Day buys.
Shopee is also the perfect place to score your favorite brand products at irresistible deals, with thousands of brands offering exclusive discounts up to 90%. Shoppers can look forward to special offers and storewide discounts from leading brands such as P&G, Olay, OPPO, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Pedigree, Garnier, Huawei, Adidas, Xiaomi, POCO, Ace Hardware, Uni-Care, Abbott, GameXtreme, Belo, INSPI, and more.
The countdown to one of Shopee’s biggest sale events starts as early as August 30, where users can look forward to daily deals on featured categories. Mark your calendars to score irresistible discounts during these sale days:
● August 30 Payday Sale for your end of the month shopping with free shipping with no minimum spend, 10% off vouchers, and earn 120 coins cashback per bill payment when you use ShopeePay
● Discover trending gadgets at Shopee-exclusive prices from well-loved brands such as Philips, 70mai & Han River at the Gadget Zone Day & Home Tech Day
● Spruce up your personal space at the Home & Living Day
● Enjoy huge savings on your parenting needs at the Babies & Kids Day
● Stock up on your home essentials at the Grocery Bestsellers Day
● Update your wardrobe like a true fashionista at the Bags & Accessories Day and Apparel & Shoes Day
Beyond unbeatable deals on essential items and trending products, the 9.9 Super Shopping Day offers Filipinos greater value for money when they use ShopeePay. This September 9, enjoy even more rewards and mas mura perks when you pay bills, buy load, and buy from offline merchants using Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet:
● Activate and verify your ShopeePay for a chance to get free ₱70
● Settle your bills from Meralco, Maynilad, Converge, and more to earn up to 120 coins cashback per bill category
● For only ₱1, get 1GB all-access data to your favorite sites and apps, available on all networks
● For as low as ₱1, get up to 20% discount vouchers that you can use to pay at ShopeePay’s partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Gong Cha and Wendy’s on September 9
2. Win up to ₱1 million with 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win and more
Until September 9, get a chance to win ₱1 million with the all-new 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win. To join, you need to purchase on the Shopee app and claim the code from September 1 to 9 to be eligible for the draw. Viewers of the draws leading up to September 9 also stand a chance to win exciting prizes with Guess to Win, a daily in-app game that rewards one lucky viewer with ₱10,000 cash via ShopeePay.
Start testing your luck when you tune in to the 9.9 Shopee Budol Live, happening until September 4, for a chance to win up to ₱50,000 when you play the Shopee Live version of the 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win game.
3. Watch the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special and bring home exciting prizes
Be treated to an evening of entertaining performances from local stars such as Shopee’s own Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, Primetime King Ding Dong Dantes, Michael V, Carla Abellana, Bianca Umali, Victor Anastacio, Luane Dy, Ken Chan, Tuesday Vargas, Sanya Lopez, Rodjun Cruz, Sef Cadayona, Zack Tabudlo, Zephanie, Jessica Villarubin, and more during the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special this September 9, 9:35 PM on GMA 7 and Shopee Live.
Exciting prizes are up for grabs, as lucky viewers who play Shopee Shake during the TV Special stand a chance to win up to ₱50,000 and a House & Lot from Lumina Homes. A total of ₱1 million cash from Shopee and Uratex, ₱500,000 worth of Uratex products, and a brand new MG ZS Crossover SUV also await the winners of 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win during the show.
Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy is probably a benchmark of what fantasy films could be and it paved the way for fantasy adventure movies and television series for years to come. It was a global phenomenon that brought the works of J.R.R. Tolkien into the mainstream and gave us so many memorable cinematic moments that will forever be etched into our minds (and memes). It is so beloved that the new Amazon Prime Video show ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ is such a risky move.
How does one produce a prequel to the well-loved trilogy without inviting comparison?
The first two episodes of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ brings us back to Middle Earth, thousands of years before the events of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ take place. In this show, the only two familiar characters (so far) are the elves Galadriel and Elrond, much younger versions of the characters portrayed in the films by Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving. The elves have left their home to face an evil entity known as Morgoth, who has wreaked havoc upon Middle Earth and whose reach has made it to even the home of the elves. In the ensuing battle, Morgoth is defeated but his successor, a powerful sorcerer known as Sauron has become the leader of the orcs but has disappeared without a trace.
The elvish commander Galadriel seeks to find where Sauron and his orc army have disappeared to but faces opposition from the elf king Gil-Galad and his right-hand man, Elrond. The elves are in a rush to end this war that has lasted for centuries and they want to declare a time of peace.
But this show is much larger than that of just the concern of elves. There are humans and dwarves and a race called Harfoots, who I suspect might be the ancestors of the Hobbits.
There are multiple stories unfolding simultaneously in the first two episodes of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ and the pacing of the show is actually quite good. There is a steady build-up of events that promises that the supposed “time of peace” that Gil-Galad wants to declare is a foolish mistake and that Galadriel’s obsession to find Sauron and his army should have been heeded more carefully.
If anything, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ is an expensive show: happening at multiple locations, following several different stories, each with fully realised sets and costumes and each with their own special effects needed to make everything feel like a fully-realised fantasy series. It’s massive in scale and scope.
The trick, though, is to give us a Middle Earth that looks like what the world of Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ would have looked like and felt like a thousand years before and this is where things get muddled.
In what is familiar to us, the elves were such elegant and graceful beings. They lived for thousands of years and there was such a mystical way about them as they were presented in the movies. This texture and nuance is completely missing from the show. The first twenty minutes are steeped into the affairs of the elves and they talk and behave just like humans do, sometimes even worse. Their politics, their system, and culture – it feels so alien from the elves that we are familiar with from the film. Morfydd Clark and Robert Aramayo, who play Galadriel and Elrond, respectively, have the unenviable task of bringing to life characters that were played by Blanchett and Weaving. They have to make us believe that these versions of the characters will grow up to be the Galadriel and Elrond that we know and from these two episodes, it’s night and day.
Here, Galadriel is a warrior and proud. She’s obsessed with finding Sauron and seeking revenge. Elrond, on the other hand, is a stereotypical politician with an easy, rehearsed smile and always bargaining at every turn. Both characters are not easy to like.
With the constant reminder of Jackson’s Trilogy, it is quite difficult to get into this world that’s presented no matter how big its budget is. What it does have going for it is that the title itself leads us to suspect that the show will be about the forging of the titular “Rings of Power,” including Sauron’s ring, the one ring to rule them all and that is something I would want to see. Among the plentiful characters this show offers us, the one that I’m most attached to is the Harfoot Nori, played by Markella Kavanagh. Unlike the others of her race, she longs for adventure and curious about the world outside the safe ways of the Harfoot. Kavanagh has an innocence and a spirited way about how she plays Nori that fits so well into this genre. It’s her story I’m most eager to see unfold.
What is also interesting about this show is how it portrays the elves as some imperialist colonizers – coming to Middle Earth, setting up their own cities and kingdoms – and this has angered much of the human race. The humans were caught in a war, first with Morgoth and then the elves, and are disgruntled and prejudiced against the elves. This plays out in little moments throughout the first two episodes, which I hope they show us a lot more of in future episodes.
This might even be explored as two characters, an elvish soldier and a human healer, may have a love story brewing. Even the way Elrond deals with the Dwarves resonates with similar dealings in our modern times. The stark differences between the races and how it is played out is when the show really begins to show its promise; that it can be more than just another high fantasy adventure series.
While I’m not happy with the way the elves are portrayed here – I still have to adjust and shift my perspective from Jackson’s film trilogy – nor am I attached to any of the many characters presented to us in the first two episodes (save Nori), I am intrigued by how good the pacing is and how quick the build-up of the narrative tension appears to be. Checking the internet, the first season only runs for eight episodes, so they have a lot of ground to cover. The biggest challenge for this show is how to carve out its own niche that is separated from Jackson’s trilogy and be a show entirely of its own and yet still be able to connect itself to that trilogy and to ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy at the end of its run.
The potential is there. I feel that production-wise, it can capture the massive feel and tone of the movies but it is still grasping at the tone and characterization. Maybe in the next few episodes?
With the purpose to challenge conventions and transform the way people live, work, and play, Lenovo today launched its latest generation of IdeaPad devices, combining stylish design with intensified performance to provide consumers with the ultimate device capable of supporting users’ personal and professional lives on-the-go as they are adapting to a hybrid lifestyle.
Designed for high-quality performance and classy portability to deliver an intuitive consumer experience, users can look forward to the new Lenovo IdeaPad Gen 7 lineup featuring the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i, IdeaPad Slim 5i and IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro.
IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i
(Left) IdeaPad Slim 3 in Abyss Blue, (Right) IdeaPad Slim 3i with 15.6-inch display
Built for purposeful performance and perfect for students looking for a device upgrade, the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i are powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series and 12th Gen Intel Core processors to guarantee users the perfect laptop for multitasking. The IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i also come in two kinds of models: 14-inch and 15.6-inch with FHD IPS screens, and has a high AAR design with up to 88% active display area, allowing users to see more on their screens.
Both laptops also feature up to 16GB DDR4 of memory and 512GB G3 of storage to ensure enough space for work and personal files. The devices have also been engineered with a full function USB Type C port that includes power and display to provide innovative features that are beneficial for users.
To further enhance user experience, the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i are equipped with a biometric power button, HD Camera with privacy shutter and smart learning features. Students can also expect the latest Windows 11 OS, Dolby Audio speakers, and an array microphone, proving the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i to be a reliable work and personal device equipped with the latest technology.
The IdeaPad Slim 3 is available in the color Abyss Blue, starting at PHP 45,995.00 for the AMD Ryzen 5 models and the IdeaPad Slim 3i comes in the colors Arctic Grey, Abyss Blue, and Misty Blue, starting at PHP 47,495.00 for the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 models. Both variants come with a Lifetime Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 license.
IdeaPad Slim 5i
Built for users who want beauty, performance and the best bang for their buck, the IdeaPad Slim 5i comes in a full-metal aluminum design, 16.9mm thickness, and CNC diamond-cut edges. Equipped with up to an Intel® CoreTM i7-1255U processor and Windows 11 OS, it is the kind of laptop that guarantees users improved productivity and exceptional performance. The IdeaPad Slim 5i also comes with either a 14-inch and 15.6-inch FHD screen that provides for a power efficient and color accurate display.
With its two full function USB Type C ports that come with a Type C charger, on-the-go users who heavily rely on their device are gifted with a faster recharge. The IdeaPad Slim 5i also features up to 16GB DDR4 of memory and 512GB PCIe Gen3 SSD for storage. Users will also experience innovative functionality with the following special features: FHD 1080p camera with privacy shutter, and Dolby-audio user facing speakers.
Crafted with guaranteed durability and portability, the IdeaPad Slim 5i is MIL-STD certified, assuring users that the device can withstand bumps and drops. In the unlikely case of damages due to accidental reasons, users can benefit from the bundled 3-Year Accidental Damage Protection, free of charge. Together with the standard 3-Year Premium Care Warranty and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 Lifetime license, users are given Lenovo’s best-in-class service with the IdeaPad Slim 5i.
The IdeaPad Slim 5i is available in Storm Grey Metal, starting at PHP 51,995.00.
IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro
Designed to provide ultimate and intensified performance, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro is focused on addressing the needs of professionals who wish to achieve a high level of productivity. Equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen R7-6800HS processor, Windows 11 OS, and the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro provides users with the high quality performance of up to 85W TDP. It also comes in a 16-inch WQXGA model andfeaturesa 16:10 aspect ratio display, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a high AAR design with up to 91% active display area.
With its full metal design, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro strikes the perfect balance of power and beauty. It also features up to 16GB DDR5 4800 of memory and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD for storage to ensure users have enough space on their device, and includes a cutting edge cooling system, perfect for long hours of use.
The IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro also comes equipped with a Smart Login with FHD camera, array microphone, and Dolby Atmos speaker system. As an additional gift to customers, the laptop is bundled with the 3-Year Accidental Damage Protection for free. Combined with the standard 3-Year Premium Care Warranty and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 Lifetime license, users are guaranteed to receive top-notch service with the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro.
Available in a sleek Storm Grey color, perfect for that minimalist design, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro starts at PHP 86,995.00.
The 2022 models of the IdeaPad devices will be available in all Lenovo Exclusive Stores and authorized resellers nationwide. For more information, follow Lenovo Philippines on Facebook.
Since its arrival here in the Philippines, Netflix has been continuously bringing us great content to stream on our favorite devices. Whether it’s a compelling drama with interesting characters, a thrilling title that keeps us at the edge of our seats, comedies that give us our much-needed dose of laughter, or just anything that keeps us entertained on the couch or on the go, we surely can count on the streaming service’s rich library of shows and movies.
If you’re always on the lookout for Netflix’s latest releases, then look no further! We’ve listed down ten shows and films to anticipate and add to your watchlist this month of September!
This Korean drama follows a veterinarian from the big city who gets relocated to the countryside against his will. Here, he meets a policewoman who hides a friendly secret.
the film follows the unlikely team-up of the former school queen bee and an awkward transfer student as they take revenge on their tormentors in school.
The live-action series based on the animated show, Winx, is back for a second season. After Alfea’s old regime has ended, the Winx gang will discover new magic, new romances, new faces, and a new danger lurking in the shadows.
A group of sixth graders decided to play on an apartment building that’s about to be demolished, but they find themselves caught up in a strange phenomenon and stranded in the middle of a vast sea.
Mga Kwentong Epik: Maria Makiling
September 16
Hosted by Kuya Bodjie, this motion comics tells the story of one of the most popular mythical figures in Philippine folklore, Maria Makiling.
Inspired by the real events that shocked the world, this limited series depicts the youth soccer team and their coach who were trapped inside a cave in Thailand.
