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| (Image Source: MegaBites/LG Electronics Co. Ltd./Xbox) |
LG Electronics (LG) has announced a partnership with Microsoft's Xbox, providing players access to hundreds of games with the Xbox app on LG Smart TVs. Owners of LG’s latest Smart TVs will be able to effortlessly discover and play a wide selection of PC and console games from industry-leading partners, and soon Xbox, through the new Gaming Portal. This versatile, gaming-centric hub is designed as an all-in-one solution for seamless navigation and personalized gaming, both for the latest AAA games and casual webOS app games.
For gaming enthusiasts, LG Smart TV users can soon explore the Gaming Portal for direct access to hundreds of games with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including popular titles like Call of Duty®: BlackOps 6, and highly anticipated releases like Avowed. With Game Pass Ultimate, players will also be able to stream a catalog of select Xbox games they own such as NBA 2K25 or Hogwarts Legacy. “We are thrilled to announce the partnership with Xbox, which aims to enrich the gaming experience on LG Smart TVs with a broader selection of popular games. The Gaming Portal will provide users with a seamless, convenient and exciting way to enhance the gaming experience on LG Smart TVs,” said LG Media Entertainment Solution Company's Senior Vice President of Platform Business Chris Jo.
“Our partnership with LG will help players easily discover and play games through the new Gaming Portal on LG Smart TVs. We’re fortunate to have a great partner in LG who will bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players, letting new and longtime Xbox’ers find their favorite games and play with friends across screens,” said Xbox Corporate Vice President Lori Wright. Powered by webOS and easily accessible from the Home Screen, the Gaming Portal’s intuitive interface ensures that users can effortlessly discover and enjoy their favorite games with ease. LG’s Gaming Portal provides a comprehensive overview with an app list that includes cloud gaming apps, webOS app games playable with the remote controller, recently played titles, the top 10 most popular games, editor’s picks, and other tailored, user-friendly gaming experiences.
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iACADEMY Launches iNDIEGENIUS 2
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/iACADEMY) |
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, iACADEMY — a premier institution under STI Holdings known for its niche college courses — proudly launches the second edition of the iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab. This initiative continues its mission to empower filmmakers with regional backgrounds and concepts rooted in indigenous and regional topics, offering a platform to bring these projects to life. The program is presented in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), underscoring the shared commitment to fostering film education and supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
“The first edition counts newly minted award-winners among its mentees. These include Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, co-directors of Tumandok — winner at Cinemalaya 2024 — and iACADEMY’s own Cedrick Labadia, whose film Threefor100 won ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Picture’ at the Manila Film Festival and represented the Philippines at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival. Additionally, Kydylee Torato, a recipient of the iNDIEGENIUS finalist grant, premiered her film Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, earning accolades and gaining international exposure,” said iACADEMY President and Chief Operating Officer Raquel Perez Wong. Wong added, “iNDIEGENIUS aims to empower aspiring filmmakers by providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive. By nurturing these creative voices, we contribute to a vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape. This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to foster talent and support innovative storytelling.” The second edition of iNDIEGENIUS will focus on filmmakers aged 18 to 35. In addition to the 10 projects competing for two Php500,000 production grants, the program has expanded its scholar slots from two to ten. Scholars, while not yet ready for production, will benefit from workshops and mentorship to advance their projects.
“This expansion means that up to 20 projects in development will benefit from the project lab. Last year’s scholars, Cedrick Labadia and Sophia Velonza, had transformative experiences at the Busan International Film Festival — one with their iNDIEGENIUS-developed film and the other through Platform Busan, its educational arm,” said iACADEMY Creative Director and iNDIEGENOUS Program Director Keith Sucat. Applications are open until January 27, 2025 at https://indiegenius.iacademy.edu.ph. iNDIEGENIUS will select 10 finalist projects and 10 scholars, all of whom will undergo intensive workshops. Two projects will be awarded production grants during the program.
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Benilde Champions Tech-Driven Business Solutions For Students
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| Business Solutions and Applications Program Chairperson Henry DV. Castro, Ph.D. (center) together with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde students (Image Source: Manila Standard/De La Salle-College Of Saint Benilde) |
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) introduces the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Business Solutions and Applications (BSBA-BSAA), a program that combines business management and technology to tackle operational challenges. Designed for aspiring professionals, this low-code or no-code course equips students with IT systems skills to improve business operations without the complexities of software development. Industry experts and academicians mentor students in evaluating business needs and applying tech solutions across industries. Core subjects include accounting, economics, business laws, finance, and process improvement, alongside specialized courses in FinTech (financial technology), leadership, and project management.
Through this program, students can engage in academic immersion with local and international partners. Graduates can pursue roles as entrepreneurs, analysts, IT consultants, and solutions architects. Other new offerings include leadership, blue ocean strategy, business continuity planning, the Scrum project management framework, and operations. Students are also expected to participate in academic immersions and co-curricular activities in collaboration with local and international institutions. The nine-trimester course under the School of Management and Information Technology prepares graduates for various professions, such as entrepreneur, business growth analyst, systems analyst, report author or developer, project manager, IT consultant, IT manager, and solutions architect.
At Benilde, the degree program is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Business Administration and holds certification from the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance. It has achieved Level III status from PAASCU and is currently applying for Level IV.
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GMA Pinoy TV Kicks Off 2025 With Special Screening Of MMFF 2024 Best Picture “Green Bones”
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| MMFF 2024 Best Actor Dennis Trillo with the GMA International team during GMA Pinoy TV's special screening of MMFF 2024 Best Picture “Green Bones” (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA Network, hosted a block screening of the Metro Manila Film Festival's (MMFF) 2024 Best Picture “Green Bones”. Held at Cinema 76 in Quezon City, the event brought together GMA International’s team and special guests for a day of cinematic excellence and heartfelt celebration. Produced by GMA Films and Public Affairs, “Green Bones” is an inspiring and heart-wrenching film that explores the belief that finding green bones in a person's remains is a testament to their goodness in life. “Green Bones” is top-billed by the critically acclaimed Dennis Trillo, who makes his MMFF comeback, and primetime star Ruru Madrid in his first MMFF role.
The event became even more special with MMFF 2024 Best Actor Dennis Trillo and MMFF 2024 Best Child Performer Sienna Stevens in attendance. Dennis, known for his standout role in “Green Bones”, and Sienna, with her youthful charm, both expressed heartfelt gratitude for the audience's support. The block screening of “Green Bones” was attended by GMA International’s key partners including Mr. Bobby Dumaual from New York, Ms. Ery Gushi of Star Studios Japan, representatives from the Commission on Overseas Filipinos (CFO), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL), Bridging Horizons, Ms. Susan Enriquez, as well as the film’s story concept creator JC Rubio and screenwriter Anj Atienza of GMA Pictures with the GMA International operations, marketing, and programming employees.
GMA Network's First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia congratulated the “Green Bones” team on their exceptional achievements on behalf of GMA International, sharing, “This is truly a remarkable movie, and the positive reviews speak for themselves. My personal wish is that this incredible work will be remade into a Hollywood film, reaching an even broader global audience.”
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Smart Offers Exclusive New Year 2025 Deals On Dining, Travel, And Shopping
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard via AI-generated imaging technology) |
Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is offering exclusive perks and discounts for its postpaid subscribers this January, covering dining, travel, shopping, entertainment, and wellness. Subscribers can enjoy special dining deals, including unlimited sangria at Sourdough Café with a minimum spend of Php1,500 and 40 percent off per head at Illo’s Home Buffet. Discounts of up to 20 percent are also available at restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, House of Lasagna, and Sushi Nori. For digital entertainment, subscribers receive a free one-year subscription to Viu Premium and a free three-month subscription to Viber Plus.
Fashion enthusiasts can save up to 20 percent on brands such as Capital, Hechter Paris, and Paperdolls. Select discounts are available online using the code SMARTPOSTPAID. Travel perks include 50 percent off room packages at Cauayan Island Resort and discounts at Nurture Wellness Village, Crown Regency, and Microtel. Wellness offers feature 50 percent off underarm treatments at Strip, up to 40 percent off brow and lash services at Browhaus, and discounts on hair treatments at David’s Salon. Subscribers can also avail of 15 percent off eco-friendly products from Econtainer through online purchases. Smart Postpaid users on Plans 999 and above can access these benefits. More details are available on the Smart Postpaid Perks page or at Smart stores nationwide.
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1621BC Releases Comeback Single “Bagamundo”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
P-pop boy group 1621BC opens new era showing the members’ bolder and braver side in the comeback single “Bagamundo”, now available on digital music streaming platforms worldwide. The upbeat OPM track highlights 1621BC members JM, JC, Pan, Win, Migz, and DJ’s determination to rise above life’s challenges and work their way towards achieving their dreams. The group shared, “It’s about a story of achieving one’s dream through years of travel and developing the most interesting individual characters who strive hard in pursuing their dream of becoming somebody someday.”
Kiko “Kikx” Salazar and Derick “OC-J” Gernale composed and produced “Bagamundo” along with Perry Lansigan while StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos served as the song’s supervising producer. Following their “Dream Maker” journey, the 1621BC members launched their self-titled debut EP in 2023 featuring the key track “Laruan”. Their group name symbolizes an angel manifestation number that suggests one’s desires and dreams will come true while BC means beyond complete. In 2024, they were nominated for Best New Performance by a Group at the 37th Awit Awards and recently won the special award as PPOP Potential at the PPOP Music Awards held at New Frontier Theater last December 28th. They were also featured on Spotify’s Best of P-Pop On The Rise playlist.
