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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/KFC Philippines) |
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Philippines leans on the creativity of its collective fan-base to come up with its first ever slate of AI-generated films. The short movies serve as a response to KFC’s understanding of that innate desire to create something – giving its fans an avenue to play creators alongside KFC’s Creative Team using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology tools.
So how exactly did this video project come about? Days before the official release, KFC asked its fans through their socials on what they crave to see in the films – from their ideal characters, what they wish for them to eat, and even the genre the movie will fall under. Turns out, KFC fans have a different craving other than fried chicken after all, and they let their creativity show in responding to the poll. Responses include ideal characters – from famous characters, down to ordinary folks, ideal film genres (romance is popular choice) and of course what KFC favorites they wish to see the film leads munching on. From these, the KFC Creative Team selected popular choices and elements from poll responses and used AI tools to come up with three films that harnessed the creative ideas coming from the people of the Internet.
“At KFC, we are always looking for ways to do things creatively and differently. With the advancements in AI, we looked at how these tools can bring to life the collaborative creativity of our team and KFC fans. These films are proof that no tool can be a substitute to creative ideas generated by people – whether from Creative Teams or fans alike,” says KFC Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Charmaine Bautista-Pamintuan. Check out these AI-generated films on KFC Philippines' official Facebook page through the following links: (1) https://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines/posts/pfbid02GnmpmreRiNvjrh8o8tM6K3dvGSnKSVYmEsFgQd68pimnJV6ZWGTySK7JzrZACNGVl, (2) https://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines/posts/pfbid02eNyaaQoCZNuiCWFSjDcp9veBXqw98hgP2RMMF89RQANSqWg55HNYWVy4G6KYbUHfl, and (3) https://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines/posts/pfbid057fuRJYoR39FYtAiuCH4btub8shAZcqzBYTvMoFYsrxfai1fbDKvwRjBYmcpgRQil. You may also join in on the online conversation around these films using the hashtag #CraveToCreate.
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PHLPost Welcomes 2024 With Year Of The Wooden Dragon Stamps
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| (Image Source: The Market Monitor/Philippine Postal Corporation) |
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released the colorful commemorative “2024 Year of the Wooden Dragon” postage stamps to welcome the New Year. In Chinese mythology, the Dragon is a symbol of strength, courage, creativity and innovation. 2024 is expected to be a year of potential and opportunity. Personality traits and other attributes are often connected with people born in the year of a particular animal.
In a press statement released last December 29, 2023, Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos said, “We wish you all peace, prosperity and love for the coming New Year. We firmly believe that this Year of the Wooden Dragon will open new doors of opportunities as we gear towards the establishment of Barangay Postal Stations nationwide for more efficient delivery, the implementation of the new seven-digit alphanumeric new Zip Code PH from the old four-digit that will standardize addressing system in the country and the Real Time Visibility system to modernize the delivery and efficiency of its mail operations." The Dragon, the fifth of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals, is a Yang symbol and it is associated with fire. The positivity of the Dragon will boost in the year 2024 that will bring happiness and new doors of opportunities will open for everyone.
PHLPost has printed 20,000 copies of the two colorful designs of the regular stamps with denominations of Php16 and Php45 respectively, 2,500 pieces of the limited collector’s item souvenir sheets at Php200 each and 800 copies of first day cover envelopes. PHLPost in-house graphic artist Ryman Dominic L. Albuladora layout the stamps. The stamps, souvenir sheets and official first day covers are now available at the second floor of Manila Central Post Office Annex Building located at the back of the fire gutted historic structure.
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CHERRY Cares Continues To Spark Hope On Fourth Year Of Project Twinkle
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/CHERRY Philippines) |
CHERRY Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of CHERRY Philippines, is once again making a meaningful impact on the community through Project Twinkle. Since 2021, it has been a CSR program aimed at promoting the giving spirit over the holiday season. This year, the focus is on reaching out to different child-care institutions, home for the elderly, street families, and the IP (Indigenous People) community as CHERRY Cares extends support to MBTC Manila Kids Home, Concordia Children Services, Inc., the Minstrels Rythym of Hope Foundation, Kanlungan sa Er-Ma, Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), Laura Vicuña Foundation, and House of Somang in Parañaque. In addition, the hope to bring a touch of warmth is also sent to the IP community of Sitio Magata in Tanay, Rizal.
With a simple yet worthwhile get-together, the organization aims to create a space of happiness. Jollibee meals and Cosmic Plush Toys were given to the young hearts who have faced neglect, abandonment, and abuse. Moreover, CHERRY Cares also did the extra mile to ensure that the gifts distributed align with the practical needs of the recipients by granting their wish list. Essential food items and hygiene kits are provided, emphasizing the importance of their well-being. Meanwhile, CHERRY Cares demonstrates that the holiday season is not only about festive decorations and celebrations but also an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The distribution of Media Noche package has reached 100 street families from different districts of Manila in coordination with DSWD-NCR.
“We are happy to light up lives and make this season brighter through our Project Twinkle. We’ve been doing this for quite some time. This is our CEO Mr. Maynard Ngu’s way of returning the gratitude by simply giving back. As we conclude Project Twinkle 2023, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the spirit of generosity transcends the exchange connection that binds us all. Whether through a helping hand, a warm meal, or a simple act of kindness. For in giving, we receive the priceless gift of a more connected, resilient, and compassionate world," said CHERRY Philippines PR and CSR Manager Agnes Conopio.
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Blacklist International, Team Secret Lead PH eSports Teams Competing In Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals
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| (Image Source: Gadgets Magazine/Acer Philippines) |
It is all systems go for the highly anticipated Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on January 13-14, 2024. Twenty-six (26) teams from across the Asia Pacific region will compete in DOTA 2 and VALORANT for the coveted Predator Shield and their share of the $200,000 prize pool. The question is: How will Filipino teams fare in the tournament?
For DOTA 2, iconic teams Blacklist International, Execration, and defending Asia Pacific Predator League champions Polaris eSports will be joined by the winners of the Philippine qualifiers, Made in Philippines. For VALORANT, Team Secret, one of the most renowned teams in the VCT (VALORANT Champions Tour) Pacific League, will be alongside Oasis Gaming and ZOL eSports, who both qualified during the Philippine Finals. “It will be anybody’s game. Predator League is the stomping ground of the region’s up-and-coming eSports talents. We are excited to see who is hungry enough for the victory to overcome the competition and win the Predator Shield,” said Acer Philippines General Manager Sue Ong Lim.
The two-day event will be filled with action-packed gaming, meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors, and performances by top Filipino artists including Acer ambassadors Sarah Geronimo and SB19. “January 13 and 14 will be an eSports and entertainment spectacle like no other. We have prepared so many exciting activities and awesome surprises that everyone will surely enjoy,” said Acer Philippines Senior Marketing Manager Princess Laosantos. Tickets for the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 are now available through SM Ticket booths or online at https://www.smtickets.com/tickets/AsiaPacificPredatorLeague.
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KRITIKA ZERO Unleashes A New Generation Of MMORPG Thrills
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| (Image Source: Pocket Gamer/VALOFE) |
VALOFE, an innovator in the gaming industry, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of KRITIKA: ZERO, a groundbreaking addition to the popular KRITIKA franchise originally published and handled by ALLM and EN Masse. The game will officially be released worldwide on January 25, 2024. KRITIKA: ZERO is a groundbreaking Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) that promises to redefine the gaming landscape. KRITIKA: ZERO stands out with its cutting-edge graphics, immersive gameplay, and the unique ability to connect players from around the globe with support for five (5) languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Russian, and Korean.
The inclusion of multiple languages fosters inclusivity, allowing players from diverse backgrounds to enjoy the fantastical realms of KRITIKA: ZERO. One of the standout features of KRITIKA: ZERO is its stunning graphics, setting it apart from other MMORPGs. The game delivers a visually immersive experience with cutting-edge graphics that bring characters, landscapes, and battles to life in high-quality detail. Players can explore diverse environments, appreciating the level of visual fidelity that enhances the overall gaming experience. The dynamic gameplay of KRITIKA: ZERO adds to its appeal, featuring fast-paced combat and a captivating storyline. With a variety of character classes, each offering unique abilities and playstyles, players can customize their characters, develop skills, and collaborate with others to conquer dungeons and formidable foes.
The game also boasts a thriving global community, fostering alliances and friendships across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Additionally, KRITIKA: ZERO's commitment to regular updates ensures that players can enjoy evolving content, challenges, and features, keeping the gaming experience fresh and exciting over time. Embark on a journey like never before, and join the global community of adventurers in the realms of KRITIKA: ZERO now available on Steam via https://bit.ly/481N17ZVFUN. Join in on the online conversation with other KRITIKA: ZERO players on Discord (https://discord.gg/7mbJXnA3VFUN) and VALOFE Fun Lounge (https://bit.ly/41xi9JY). Visit and follow KRITIKA: ZERO on Facebook (@KritikaZero) and Instagram (@kritika_zero) for game updates.
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O/C Records, UP Diliman Student Council Join Forces For UP Fair Hiwaga 2024
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| (Image Source: Republic Asia/O/C Records) |
O/C Records ties up with the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD)’s University Student Council as the ladder's “UP Fair Hiwaga” returns. Happening on February 12, 2024 which happens to be a Monday, “Hiwaga” kickstarts the week-long university fair at the Sunken Garden whose main feature is a music festival that is annually attended by no less than 12,000 people — a mix of UP and non-UP students.
In 2020, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the record label led by Kean Cipriano and Chynna Ortaleza and the USC first held “UP Fair Hiwaga" featuring acts performing different music genres including artists from O/C’s roster then, and even P-Pop group SB19, singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel, and the defunct metal band Slapshock prior to their disbandment and the sudden passing of vocalist Jamir Garcia. I“It is a great honor to be with [USC] again. Thank you for the trust. A second magical opportunity,” Ortaleza said in the vernacular in an Instagram post.
While the artist lineup for UP Fair Hiwaga 2024 is yet to be announced, students and music lovers should expect O/C’s current hitmakers including Adie, Unique Salonga, Cean Jr., mrld, and Kenaniah to grace the fair with their own brand of musical prowess that they can enjoy throughout the affair. For more information on UP Fair Hiwaga 2024, visit the official social media accounts of O/C Records and UP Diliman's University Student Council.
