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| (Image Source: Disney+/FX Productions) |
Disney+ revealed that FX’s “Shōgun,” the much-anticipated global event series, will premiere worldwide on the streaming platform on February 27, 2024 with its first two episodes and to be eventually followed by a new episode each week. “Shōgun,” an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war.
Producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as Lord Yoshii Toranaga who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.
Created for television by Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks, with Marks serving as Showrunner and Executive Producer alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca, and Kondo, the ten-episode limited series by FX Productions features a Japanese cast, unprecedented for an American production, including Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige, a notorious backstabber and close ally of Toranaga; Hiroto Kanai as Kashigi Omi, the young leader of the fishing village where Blackthorne’s ship was found; Takehiro Hira as Ishido Kazunari, a powerful bureaucrat who is Toranaga’s chief rival; Moeka Hoshi as Usami Fuji, a widow who must find new purpose amidst her lord’s fight; Tokuma Nishioka as Toda Hiromatsu, Toranaga’s trusted general and closest friend; Shinnosuke Abe as Toda Hirokatsu (Buntaro), Mariko’s jealous husband; Yuki Kura as Yoshii Nagakado, the brash son of Toranaga with a strong desire to prove himself; and Fumi Nikaido as Ochiba no Kata, the revered mother of the heir who will stop at nothing to put an end to Toranaga and his threat to her son’s power.
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Next-Gen Kapamilya Actress Mutya Orquia Hosts Knowledge Channel's New Edutainment Show "Health TB: Aksyong Kalusugan"
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| Mutya Orquia as Tere, a smart and outspoken teenager, in Knowledge Channel's new edutainment program "Health TB: Aksyong Kalusugan" (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc.) |
Next-gen Kapamilya actress Mutya Orquia topbills Knowledge Channel’s new edutainment series “Health TB: Aksyong Kalusugan” to tackle tuberculosis and debunk misconceptions about the disease. The new show, which premiered last December 5, 2023 airs on Tuesday at 4:00-4:20 pm and with replays on Thursday and Saturday, revolves around a community gripped by a mysterious rumor about TB, leading to widespread panic among its residents. With the help of Choleng, a charismatic “marites", Dadong, a dedicated volunteer health worker, and Tere, a smart and outspoken teenager portrayed by Mutya, they will join forces to dispel misconceptions and provide accurate information about the cause of TB in their barangay.
According to Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. executive director Ronald Vergel De Dios, “One of our missions is to raise awareness about common misconceptions on Tuberculosis. We are delighted to launch this partnership as we now have a video lesson co-developed with Knowledge Channel to engage a wider audience through multimedia, making it easier to understand the causes, effects, and ways to achieve a TB-free environment.” Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in disseminating health knowledge, Knowledge Channel has integrated sign language interpretation into all episodes of the show. “The Philippines faces a daunting challenge with tuberculosis – it is a battle that touches the lives of nearly one million Filipinos living with active TB disease. “HEALTH TB: Aksyong Kalusugan” is a mission far beyond a mere television program. It’s a call, a vessel of hope and education that blends the power of storytelling with the urgency of health education,” said KCFI vice president and director for operations Edric Calma.
Join Choleng, Dadong and Tere in their quest to learn about the implications and prevention of TB in “HEALTH TB: Aksyong Kalusugan” on Knowledge Channel — available on cable (SKYcable, Cablelink and more than 100 provincial cable operators nationwide), direct-to-home satellite (Cignal, Satlite, GSat), digital free TV via BEAM TV and online on-demand through iWantTFC and Knowledge Channel's YouTube channel. The project is in partnership with the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc., with special thanks to Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation.
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Jikamarie Opens For Coldplay's Sold Out "Music Of The Spheres" Tour In PH
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| Breakout artist Jikamarie is set to serve as the local act opening Coldplay's sold out Philippine leg of its Music Of The Spheres Tour on January 19-20, 2023 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Live Nation Philippines) |
Live Nation Philippines officially announced that breakout artist Jikamarie is set to serve as the local act opening Coldplay’s sold out two-night Philippine stop for their Music of the Spheres tour, delivered by DHL, happening on January 19-20, 2024 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. Jikamarie is the sensation behind the viral hit “lutang” which made waves on TikTok during the pandemic. Garnering over 80,000 creations in the platform and skyrocketing to the top of the local and global Spotify viral charts at no.1 in less than a month, the track became the young Architecture major’s serious foray into music.
Raised in a musical family and already a longtime choir member, Jikamarie has always found comfort in songwriting as it helps her express and make sense of her feelings. “lutang” now with over 20 million streams was written at the height of her emotions during the quarantine, wresting with stress and exhaustion just like any other human most especially during that era. This is probably why it resonated so well with her equally young community. Since the success of her debut track, she’s gone on to perform at the first TikTok Philippines awards, released a few more singles with upwards of hundreds of thousands to millions of streams, and collaborated with other local artists. Being chosen as the opening act for one of the biggest artists in the world today is another career-defining milestone for the 23-year-old creative. Speaking about the moment she found out of the opportunity, Jika recalls feeling ecstatic, “I could not believe it! This is a band I’ve been listening to since I was in elementary! I didn’t have a phone then so I’d wait for their music videos to play on MYX. I cried so hard to my family because of how excited I am when I found out.” Like many Filipinos, Jika is a huge Coldplay fan, citing “Fix You” as her favorite song of the band because of its timelessness.
In preparation for her turn at warming up other Filipino Coldplay fans next year, Jika has started to drop a few more singles to add to her steadily growing repertoire of fresh R&B pop tunes. Beginning with “Hinahanap-Hanap” which she describes to be “a song that spoke about people who fall in love too fast and expect the same amount of obsession from the other person. I wanted to write a song that a lot of people experience—limerence and infatuation, and wondering if the person you like/love also thinks about you as often as you think about them.” Next up is a track called “lito”, an R&B trap song that about a friend giving mixed signals. And slated for next year is yet another one called “bawi na lang sa next life” – the idea of which she got from the popular catchphrase said by Gen Zs when something unfortunate happens. To her, “this is one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in songwriting since I did it with my (TikTok) followers in real-time.” Reflecting on her past year as well as what’s to come in future, she takes inspiration from her successful debut – “The biggest thing I’ve learned from my entire career is to always take a chance. Had I not tried to release a song and let people hear it, I never would’ve known that this was something I could do – that I had a chance with my dream. I’m only just starting in my career and I’m excited to explore more of that with the people I love around me, and of course majika (official fandom name)”. Tickets for Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour happening on January 19-20, 2024 at the Philippine Arena are available online via SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com).
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Live Nation Philippines) |
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Fans Share Stories Behind Their Favorite Chickenjoy In New Jollibee Campaign
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| (Image Source: Rappler/Jollibee) |
Jollibee’s new campaign shows why Chickenjoy remains to be the country’s best choice for fried chicken — it’s not only delicious, but it’s also a cultural icon that has fosterered joyful connections among millions throughout the years. The campaign goes beyond the crispy, juicy goodness of Chickenjoy and unveils the stories and sentiments that make every Chickenjoy lover a part of a massive community — the proud Chickenjoyers.
For Chickenjoyers, Chickenjoy is not just a meal; it’s an experience that’s enjoyed by individuals and families alike for its crispy and flavorful skin, juicy and tender meat, and signature gravy. As a tried-and-tested classic, Chickenjoy has stood the test of time and has been part of many memorable moments or life events of customers, earning its place as a frontrunner in the industry. “You know you’re a Chickenjoyer when you not only love the taste, but also have a deep connection to it — whether it’s through sweet childhood memories or unmatched moments of satisfaction. Every time one bites into Chickenjoy, they are reminded of why it’s their favorite. Jollibee loves Chickenjoyers just as much and aims to give back the same kind of joy to its valued customers," said Jollibee Philippines Assistant Vice President for Masterbrand and Chicken Mari Aldecoa.
Jollibee’s new ad, which can be viewed on its official Facebook page (@JollibeePhilippines), brings to life what it truly means to be a Chickenjoyer, showcasing the diverse emotions and memories associated with this iconic dish. The Crispylicious, Juicylicious, best-tasting Jollibee Chickenjoy is available nationwide starting at Php82.00 (1-pc. solo meal). Drop by your nearest Jollibee branch and indulge in its crispy, juicy goodness via dine-in, take out, or drive-thru. You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda.
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McDonald's Philippines Gets The Nation Riding
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| (Image Source: CNN Philippines/McDonald’s Philippines) |
In celebration of National Bike Month, McDonald’s Philippines challenged over 21 cycling groups nationwide to create routes by connecting McDonald’s stores with Bike & Dine facilities and sharing these online using #TourDeMcDo. With its integrated bike racks and dining ledges, Bike & Dine allows cyclists to order via Ride-Thru and enjoy their McDonald’s meal conveniently near their bikes. This infrastructure started being rolled out when McDonald’s recognized how its 700 stores across the country are becoming the stopover of choice for cyclists.
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| (Image Source: CNN Philippines/McDonald’s Philippines) |
Cyclists were encouraged to create their own routes and share these with the public using #TourDeMcDo on social platforms including apps for the cycling community like Strava or Komoot. Fueling these rides were free cyclists meals and even special merchandise for those who shared the best photos and rode more kilometers. “As one of our Green and Good priority initiatives, we are committed to championing sustainable mobility by encouraging our customers to choose bicycles as a mode of transportation, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and helping the environment. Our McDonald’s stores serve as a one-stop place for biking communities – providing rest, refueling, and bike repair services, all while enjoying their McDonald’s favorites,” shared McDonald's Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang.
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| (Image Source: CNN Philippines/McDonald’s Philippines) |
With McDonald’s Philippines encouraging the use of its bike-friendly features in stores like the Bike & Dine and bike racks, ordering via Ride-Thru, and complimentary facilities such as Bike Repair Stations, more cyclists continue to ride and stopover at McDonald’s. For those looking for a route to ride, check out various and highly-recommended bike routes from different cyclists and cycling groups on Strava or Komoot. You can also follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on more #TourDeMcDo routes and rides.
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ONE Championship And Sky Sports Announce Exclusive Partnership To Broadcast Live ONE Events In The UK And Ireland
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| (Image Source: ONE Championship) |
ONE Championship (ONE), the world’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, recently announced an exclusive partnership with Sky Sports, Europe’s leading sports broadcaster, to air ONE events and ancillary programming on Sky’s broadcast and digital platforms across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The partnership will kick off with ONE Fight Night 18: Superlek vs. Mahmoudi which will be aired live on January 13, 2024 starting at 1:00 am GMT (9:00 am PHT/HKT/SGT).
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said, “For years, our UK fans have been clamoring for ONE to be broadcast on one of the region’s major networks. Today, I’m excited to announce a new partnership with Sky Sports, the premier broadcaster for live sports in the UK and one of the most well-known sports networks in the world. This deal marks an important milestone for the celebration of martial arts and the continued expansion of ONE Championship’s global footprint.” Sky Sports Director of Multi Sports Helen Falkus said, “We’re pleased to partner with ONE Championship to bring their full range of martial arts to Sky Sports for the first time. We hope to bring new fans to the world class competitive formats on our channels, as well as reach new audiences for Sky.”
Sky Sports provides its customers with an unrivalled volume of Premier League and EFL alongside Formula 1, cricket, golf, rugby league, tennis and much more. ONE is a top five global sports property for digital viewership and engagement, according to Nielsen. ONE’s events represent the full spectrum of martial arts with world-class athletes representing over 80 countries competing across MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, submission grappling, and other disciplines.
