SBNLifestyle

December 8, 2018

TNT Boys Make History as Youngest Artists to Sell Out a Majou Concert in the Philippines

International sensation TNT Boys have added another history-making feat to their long list of accolades as they now hold the record of being the youngest artists to headline a sold-out concert, not only at the Araneta Coliseum but in the whole country, with their successful "Listen: The Big Shot Concert."

Thousands of Filipino and foreign fans filled up the Big Dome as they witnessed the powerhouse performances of Mackie Empuerto, Keifer Sanchez, and Francis Concepcion, who all thanked their fans for their unwavering love and support in their concert last November 30.

With their signature high notes and hair-raising vocals, the TNT Boys opened the night with a performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." The trio, overcome with emotions, also teared up during their performance of "Flashlight," one of their most applauded of the night, while the crowd lit up the venue with glow sticks and mobile phones.

Unkabogable star and "Fantastica" lead star Vice Ganda also brought laughter to the crowd and expressed how proud he was of the three boys, whom he considers his sons. "Tawag ng Tanghalan" hurado K Brosas also joined the fun by dressing up as Jessie J, singing "Price Tag," and cracking jokes.

Jed Madela offered a world-class performance with the TNT Boys as they sang popular and well-loved classics. Meanwhile, "TNT" grand champions Janine Berdin, Jhon Clyd Talili, and Noven Belleza proved their vocal prowess in their powerful rendition of "We are the Champions."

The trio's friends from "Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids" Xia Vigor, Onyok Pineda, Esang De Torres, Sheena Belarmino, Noel Comia Jr., Chunsa Jung, and Krystal Brimner were also present to impersonate popular music icons.

The program ended with the TNT Boys' all-out performance of "Listen," which drew loud cheers and screams from fans.

"Listen: The Big Shot Concert" did not just draw crowds at the Big Dome, as thousands of ABS-CBN TVplus subscribers watched their concert live right at the comfort of their homes via the digital TV service's KBO feature.

Officially formed as a trio after their viral vocal showdown in the late night talk show "Gandang Gabi Vice" last year, the TNT Boys have since impressed viewers here and abroad and earned awards. They recently received the Royal Cub award from the entertainment blog Lionheartv for consistently making headlines and their trending performances. They were also named the Pop Child Performer of the Year at the PPOP Awards for Young Artists 2018, which honored outstanding young artists who have made a mark on Philippine pop culture, music, and performing arts.

The boys are also regulars in "ASAP Natin 'To," where they give stellar vocal performances every week alongside the country's finest singers. In time for the holidays, the TNT Boys are also releasing a Christmas album titled "TNT Boys Christmastime" under TNT Records where they give a modern twist to some of the most known Christmas song classics.

Fans are also up for more surprise as the boys are joining an international talent competition in the US, which will air soon.

For updates, visit Facebook.com/tntversions or follow @tntversions on Twitter and Instagram.

By: JENG On 12/08/2018 06:25:00 PM

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas Opens ABL Title Defense on ABS-CBN S+A this Sunday, December 9

Defending ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) champion San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas starts its title defense this Sunday (December 9) right at home in the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Sta. Rosa, Laguna against the CLS Knights of Indonesia. The game will air LIVE on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD at 8 pm.

Fil-Am cager Caelan Tiongson, who played for Chinese powerhouse Chong Son Kung Fu last season, and new World Import PJ Ramos will have their Alab debut alongside back-to-back ABL Local MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Renaldo Balkman.

The addition of Tiongson bodes well for Alab as this solidifies their forward depth, after putting up 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while wearing the colors of the Kung Fu. Analysts are looking at the 6'5" forward to ably fill in the shoes left behind by do-it-all World Import Justin Brownlee.

Aside from Tiongson, Alab's other new players to look out for in the team's title defense are the likes of former De La Salle Green Archers Prince Rivero and Thomas Torres, Ethan Alvano, and Brandon Rosser, brother of pro baller Matt Ganuelas-Rosser.

Meanwhile, the CLS Knights will be trying to stop their two-game skid after winning their opening assignment, and spoil the debut of the new Alab, which is still under the tutelage of the legendary Jimmy Alapag. Expected to lead the Knights against the San Miguel squad are Maxie Esho, Montay Brandon, and Indonesian-American point guard Brandon Jawato, who has been making waves in his debut season averaging 14.8 points and 4.0 assists.

Other contending teams in the league include last season's finalists, Mono Vampire, holdovers from last season Formosa Dreamers, Saigon Heat, Malaysia Dragons, Singapore Slingers, and Hong Kong Eastern, and newcomers Macau Black Bears and Zhuhai Wolf Warriors.

Don't miss Alab Pilipinas' journey to back-to-back championships as it opens its ABL season and title defense this Sunday (December 9)against the CLS Knights LIVE on S+A and S+A HD at 8 pm. For more information and stories, visit ABS-CBN's sports hub sports.abs-cbn.com and follow @ABSCBNSports on Facebook and Twitter.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visitwww.abscbnpr.com.

By: JENG On 12/08/2018 06:22:00 PM

Hailee Steinfeld Plays as Super Cool Spider-Gwen in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

In Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, there are multiple spider-verses, each with its own version of the web-slinging hero — one of which is a super cool Spider-Woman called Spider-Gwen. To voice the pivotal role, the filmmakers relied on the talents of Oscar®-nominated actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit, Pitch Perfect 2, Bumblebee).

Check out the new Spot of Spider-Man™: Into the Spider-Verse and watch the film in Philippine cinemas December 12.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX6_KGYdKpM

An intelligent and quick-witted teenager, Spider-Gwen is the Spider-Woman of her world, an excellent fighter who can swing and flip with the grace of a trained dancer. Although tough and brave when she's fighting the bad guys, Gwen has suffered a loss in her universe that's made her afraid to get close to people, even to an open-hearted kid like Miles Morales (Shameik Moore). Once she learns there are others like her, she has the opportunity to let down her guard and become part of a team who have overcome their own tragedies to become the protectors of their worlds.

"I enjoyed playing Spider-Gwen because she's really just the toughest, coolest, smartest and the most capable one in the room, and she knows it," says Steinfeld. "Working with the directors [Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman] has been an amazing experience, since this was the first time I was doing such an extensive amount of voiceover work. I love the collaborative nature of animation, where the visuals are being created in real time during the voiceover. It was also fun to play with Spider-Gwen's secret identity and work on her voice when the natural leader just kicks in and she becomes a superhero."

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

About Spider-Man™: Into the Spider-Verse

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, bring their unique talents to a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man Universe, with a groundbreaking visual style that's the first of its kind. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask. Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, the screenplay is by Phil Lord. The film is produced, in association with Marvel, by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Christina Steinberg.

By: JENG On 12/08/2018 06:20:00 PM

Fate of Two World Lies with “Aquaman”

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes "Aquaman," the origin story of half-surface dweller, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry that takes him on the journey of his lifetime - one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king. The action-packed adventure spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, and stars Jason Momoa in the title role.

The film also stars Amber Heard as Mera, a fierce warrior and Aquaman's ally throughout his journey; Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe as Vulko, council to the Atlantean throne; Patrick Wilson as Orm, the present King of Atlantis; Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, King of the Atlantean tribe Xebel; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the revenge-seeking Black Manta; and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman as Arthur's mom, Atlanna. Also featured are Ludi Lin as Captain Murk, an Atlantean Commando, and Temuera Morrison as Arthur's dad, Tom Curry.

In "Aquaman," Arthur Curry's quest to unite two worlds begins with a challenge that will test both his strength and the courage of his convictions: to retrieve the Lost Trident of Atlan. Only the true King of Atlantis can wield it, but to even find it he must partner with Mera, Princess of the ocean kingdom of Xebel, on a treacherous journey over land and sea.

The first hurdle Arthur must overcome is his own disinterest in being the solution to anyone's problem - be it the Atlanteans' or mankind's. Up until now, he's been satisfied operating as something of a super powerful lone wolf, choosing his own waterborne battles and avoiding involvement in any sort of global civil war.

Visionary director/co-writer James Wan was excited to undertake the first standalone feature for this complex character. "Aquaman is a very powerful guy and can handle action on a god-like scale. But what I love most about him is that what drives him comes from a very human place," he says. "To me, the most important thing is the story I'm telling and that audiences care about the characters and want to go along on their adventure."

Titular star Jason Momoa underscores his character's relatability by deftly masking Arthur's vulnerabilities and playing up his tough, sarcastic side, bringing his unique brand of humor to this new kind of DC Super Hero. "The script had this beautiful origin story that follows a child as he gets his powers, and ultimately goes on a man's journey to becoming a king. But there was definitely a lighter side to him throughout, even as he goes in and fights for his life in James's incredibly cool underwater galaxy war," Momoa relates.

While Aquaman was introduced to comic book readers in 1941, the story told in the film, written by Wan and executive producer Geoff Johns, was largely inspired by Johns' Aquaman comic from The New 52, a 2011 series in which DC relaunched its Super Hero line. "Geoff has a tremendous breadth of knowledge when it comes to the history of Aquaman, and all the DC Super Heroes," Safran notes. "He was eager to collaborate with James to tell the version of Arthur's story we wanted to tell."

Johns observes, "Arthur grew up on land and never knew about his heritage until years later, when he went to Atlantis and discovered this amazing underwater society, the mysteries of the oceans and creatures of different races, beings that live right here on Earth but are as alien as creatures from outer space. James saw that and realized that Aquaman - who brings with him a great story about someone trying to find his lineage and embrace his heritage - also comes with the environment that he inhabits, which goes for every DC character. Every one of the icons in the DC universe has this expansive canvas that their stories are painted across, and James had an inspired vision of how to translate Aquaman's fantastical world to the big screen."

About "Aquaman"

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, "Aquaman," starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king.

Wan directs from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick ("The Conjuring 2") and Will Beall ("Gangster Squad," TV's "Training Day"), story by Geoff Johns & James Wan and Will Beall, based on characters from DC, Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger. The film is produced by Peter Safran and Rob Cowan, with Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns and Walter Hamada serving as executive producers.

The film is set to hit Philippine cinemas December 12, in 3D and 2D and IMAX, and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a WarnerMedia Company.

By: JENG On 12/08/2018 06:16:00 PM

December 7, 2018

Angel's Locsin's “MMK” Episode Wins in First Asian Academy Creative Awards

“Maalaala Mo Kaya,” (“MMK”) Asia’s longest-running drama anthology that is known for chronicling real-life stories that feature the struggles and experiences of Filipinos from all walks of life, made history after winning Best Single Drama/Telemovie at the inaugural Asian Academy Creative Awards in Singapore last Thursday (December 6).

The show’s winning entry is “Kotse-Kotsehan” (with international title “Toy Car”), a special two-part episode of “MMK” which depicted the two perspectives of a mother’s love for her children, and topbilled by award-winning actress Angel Locsin and Dimples Romana.

Receiving the award, “MMK” business unit head Roda dela Cerna shared the recognition with the “two mothers who entrusted their life stories to MMK.” She also thanked the men and women behind the multi-awarded drama anthology.

“MMK” qualified for the international gala finals after being declared the national winner in the said category last October.

The Asian Academy Creative Awards is being held at the 2018 Singapore Media Festival (SMF) and was created to “celebrate the best of Asian storytelling” and aims “to serve the creative industries as the pinnacle of their achievement in content creation and media production.”

Aside from the Asian Academy Creative Awards, “MMK” also won the Household Favorite award and the Anak TV Seal Awardee 2018 at the Anak TV Seal Awards on Friday (December 7).

The longest-running drama anthology in Asia, “MMK,” airs every Saturday on ABS-CBN.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com

By: JENG On 12/07/2018 04:23:00 PM

Alfonso Cuaron's Latest Oscar-Buzz Film "Roma" to be Released on Netflix on December 14

The most personal project to date from Academy Award®-winning director and writer Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien), ROMA follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker for a family in the middle-class neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City. Delivering an artful love letter to the women who raised him, Cuarón draws on his own childhood to create a vivid and emotional portrait of domestic strife and social hierarchy amidst political turmoil of the 1970s. Cuarón’s first project since the groundbreaking Gravity in 2013.

ROMA will have exclusive limited theatrical engagements starting November 21 in Los Angeles, New York and Mexico. Additional engagements in U.S. cities, Toronto and London will begin November 29 with other top U.S. markets and international territories continuing to roll out beginning December 5.

The film will be released globally on Netflix on December 14 with an expanded theatrical release in the U.S. and international markets. In total, the film will be theatrically released in over 30 countries globally with 70mm presentations also being planned during the film’s theatrical release.

By: JENG On 12/07/2018 03:36:00 PM

Gary V Reaches Out to Share Love to his Kababayans in Albay

Gary Valenciano, who has been a partner of Operation Blessing (CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm) for almost 20 years, visited his hometown in Camalig, Albay last November 29 to give back to his kababayans through medical, dental, optical missions, and wheelchair distribution.

The said program was made possible through the partnership between CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, and Shining Light Foundation, Inc.

Valenciano went up close and personal to the beneficiaries by visiting them as they had their doctor’s check-ups. He also led the distribution of school supplies to the students of Camalig North Central School.

“It has always been my heart’s desire to meet with beneficiaries face-to-face. It fuels me to continue in entertaining and blessing people,” Valenciano shared.

After the students watched an episode of CBN Asia’s children’s animated series, Superbook, Valenciano treated the residents of Camalig in a mini concert. He did not only entertain the audience but also encouraged them by sharing his personal battle against sickness.

Valenciano, who has been a partner of Operation Blessing for over 20 years expressed how grateful he is for the opportunity he had been given to bless others. “This is the perfect organization to be a part of. When you talk about Operation Blessing, you are talking about an organization that would not be around for that long if they are not doing things the right way,” he added. He shared how amazed he is to see a network of doctors and volunteers coming together to have a huge impact in a community.

For Valenciano, giving back to his hometown is his way of serving God. “I do not really need to do this, but I’m driven to do it. If I can go out of my way to go to far-off places, to speak, touch, and reach out to people, then I would gladly do it,” he said.

By: JENG On 12/07/2018 03:24:00 PM

Charo Santos and Bea Alonzo Grace World Premiere of Star Cinema Horror Movie "Eerie" at Singapore International Film Festival

Charo Santos and Bea Alonzo, lead stars of ABS-CBN Films and Singapore-based production company Cre8 Productions’ first collaborative project, “Eerie,” attended the movie’s world premiere at the opening of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) last Monday (December 3).

Aside from Charo and Bea, the film’s director Mikhail Red, their co-star, Jake Cuenca and producers Malou Santos, Micah Tadena, and Chan Gin Kai of Cre8 were also present in the event held at the Capitol Theater.

The SGIFF is just the first of the many film festivals where “Eerie” is included, according to Red.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Films and Cre8 are set to do five more projects following its recent signing of a memorandum of understanding.

By: JENG On 12/07/2018 03:17:00 PM

Ppop Generation: Boom Ganda!, a Group of 45 Young and Talented Girls to Conquer Manila Concert Scene in 2019

Ppop Generation: Boom Ganda!, a showcase of youth, beauty and talent is all set to wow Metro Manila with a series of shows scheduled in 2019.

The Ppop Generation: Boom Ganda! is a group of 45 girls who will be performing in two musical shows on Tuesdays to Saturdays all throughout 2019 starting on January 8, 2019. These shows will be held at the Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Ppop Generation: Boom Ganda! Is a joint venture between Viva Live, Inc., led by Vic del Rosario, Jr., Chairman of the Viva Communications Inc., one of the country’s most important entertainment companies and RTM of Japan represented by performer, songwriter, rapper, events organizer and talent manager Masatoshi Mano a.k.a MC Man, and Ryota Naito, the Creative Producer.

The 45 girls who make up Ppop Generation: Boom Ganda are the best of the hundreds who auditioned in the massive search for members of the group and who later went into intensive training in song and dance under the legendary Ms. Geleen Eugenio and voice coaches Sushi Reyes and Zeb Zuniga.

For tickets, interested parties can contact TicketWorld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph or at Viva Live 687-7236.

By: JENG On 12/07/2018 02:48:00 PM

Rescue Driver Rogelio Fernando is First Winner of Biggest Jackpot Prize in Cinemo's “Sorpresaya”

What was supposed to be an ordinary work day for rescue driver Rogelio Fernando turned out to be extraordinary when he was named as the first winner of the P200,000 jackpot prize in “Sorpresaya,” a daytime game show that airs on TVplus’ CineMo.

Rogelio was the first solo winner of the biggest jackpot prize in “Sorpresaya,” which airs on weekdays at 10:30 AM with a same-day replay at 10:30 PM on ABS-CBN TVplus’ CineMo.

As part of the medic team on standby in Sta. Maria Bulacan for “Sorpresaya,” Rogelio was one of the lucky audience members whose number was chosen as part of the “Wanted” segment, a thrilling elimination game that picks a winning player from 20 randomly selected audience members who meet four qualifications. When no one meets all four qualifications, the cash prize will grow bigger until a winner emerges.

Carrying a small cross body bag, Rogelio came up on stage with the other 19 audience members who eagerly waited for “Sorpresaya” hosts Jobert Austria and Nonong Ballinan to reveal one by one the ‘wanted’ qualifications.

Lucky for Rogelio, his bag contained his mobile phone and cable charger, the lucky charms that led him to meet all four qualifications of the game. In the segment, Jobert disclosed that a potential winner must have a cellphone. He later on shared that the phone must have a cellphone case. When Jobert announced that the third ‘wanted’ qualification was a cable charger, 18 players were wiped out, making Rogelio part of the last two standing contestants.

Rogelio’s cellphone wallpaper made him the luckiest man in Bulacan since the last qualification indicated that the wallpaper must only feature two people. Rogelio’s wallpaper was a photo of him and his child.

Dumbfounded with his fate that day, Rogelio said that he’ll use his prize money for his child’s education and for their family’s needs. “Wanted” will continue to give out cash prizes to winning players in “Sorpresaya.”

As the first game show on digital TV that travels around provinces in Luzon to reward audiences with cash prizes through seven entertaining segments, “Sorpresaya” also now gives viewers at home a chance to win cash prizes via the show’s “Cashiyahan Viewer Promo.” Viewers just need to guess which team (Orange vs. Blue) will win in the game segments. A total of P200,000 in cash prizes are given out every day to viewers who send in their answers via drop boxes. For more information on CineMo’s “Sorpresaya” and the “Cashiyahan Viewer Promo,” like CineMo’s Facebook page.

By: JENG On 12/07/2018 02:44:00 PM

December 5, 2018

'Forever' Redefined in the Family Film "Three Words to Forever"

This December, TFC at the Movies will pull at your heartstrings as it screens globally the family film "Three Words to Forever", which stars international Filipino artists Sharon Cuneta, Richard Gomez, and Kathryn Bernardo and will be screening globally starting December 6.

"Three Words to Forever" tells the story of three generations of couples in the family:Cristy and Rick (Cuneta and Gomez), married for 25 years but are about to end their marriage; Tin and Kyle (Bernardo and Tommy Esguerra), newly-engaged couple who are figuring out their soon-to-be-married life; andTinay and Cito (Liza Lorena and Freddie Web) who are to renew their vows for their 55th wedding anniversary but will be faced with their own marriage issues.

Part of the 25th anniversary of ABS-CBN Films Star Cinema, the film serves as the reunion project of Cuneta and Gomez, and Bernardo's first major project away from her loveteam partner Daniel Padilla.

It is under the helm of blockbuster directorCathy Garcia-Molina and written by Vanessa Valdez, Ana Karenina Ramos, and Kiko Abrillo.

With the conflicts ahead of them, will Cristyand Rick, Tin and Kyle, and Tinay and Cito be able to find a happy resolution to make it to forever?

Find out what three words can lead them to forever in the film "Three Words to Forever", screening on the following dates and corresponding regions: starting December 6 in Middle East, Papua New Guinea, and Brunei; starting December 7 in U.S. and Canada; December 8 in Gutenberg and Stockholm, in Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark; December 8 and 9 in U.K. and Thailand; December 9 in Jylland, Denmark, Dublin, Galway, and Newbridge in Ireland, Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Torino, and Padova in Italy, Barcelona and Madrid in Spain, Malta, Athens, Greece, Kristiansand, Norway, and Vienna, Austria; starting December 13 in Australia and New Zealand; December 16 in Oslo, Norway, Espoo, Finland, Messina, Italy, Paris, France and Taiwan; and December 23 in Nicosia, Cyprus.

For the cinema list, visit emea.kapamilya.com, usa.mytfc.com/threewordstoforever, or the TFC Facebook page applicable for your area. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow @KapamilyaTFC and KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.

By: JENG On 12/05/2018 04:21:00 PM

December 4, 2018

Miles Morales, A New “Spider-Man” Rises “Into The Spider-Verse”

Young actor Shameik Moore (Netflix's The Get Down) voices Miles Morales, a young teenager and a Brooklyn native who is thrust into a new school, in Columbia Pictures' new action-adventure Spider-Man™: Into the Spider-Verse. But he's having an even harder time adjusting to his entirely new and unexpected life as a Spider-Man. After meeting some other versions of the superhero from parallel universes, Miles learns to unlock the hero inside himself.

(Watch the new TV Spot for Spider-Man™: Into the Spider-Verse at YouTube: https://youtu.be/Khynw_fhz8Q.)

"I am a big fan of the Spider-Man films," says Moore. "In fact, when I was a teenager, I wrote in my diary that one day I would play Spider-Man! But Spider-Verse goes beyond everything we've seen before with the multiple universes, multiple villains and multiple spider heroes. With Miles Morales you have a Spider-Man character that we've never seen before on the big screen. It's a completely new experience. It's also important to point out that Spider-Verse is the first movie about a biracial superhero, ever. His culture, background and upbringing really makes him a different type of superhero — something we have all been eager to see on the big screen for a very long time. That's why I'm very proud be a part of that."

"They have really sauced things up with this movie," Moore adds, "I think both the fans of the original old-school Peter Parker Spider-Man and the new Miles Morales character are going to love this movie. Miles is young, bright and confident, and he's very different from Peter. But they both have to deal with the responsibilities and rewards of being Spider-Man. They also have different powers. Audiences are also going to really love the story, and enjoy the beautiful animation."

Fun Facts on Miles Morales

l Miles Morales was introduced to the Spider-Man comics in 2011, created by comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli. While on a Marvel retreat, Bendis and his colleagues discussed the Ultimate Spider-Man comics and what they could do differently to create a universal appeal – months later, on a long bike ride, the idea hit him that if Peter Parker died heroically enough, another character could continue the Spider-Man legacy. Miles was born and has since become a fan favorite – he is a thirteen-year-old son of an African American father and Puerto Rican mother, and is a thoughtful, exciting and contemporary take on the Spider-Man character.

l Brian Michael Bendis has said three things inspired him to make Miles African-American - his own two adopted black children, the election of then-U.S. President Obama, and seeing actor Donald Glover wearing Spider-Man pajamas in an episode of the TV show Community, where he thought it just looked right. Miles' Puerto Rican side was inspired by Axel Alonso, who was the Editor-in-Chief of Marvel at the time. Axel is biracial like Miles; his mother is British and his father is Mexican, and he wanted a Spider-Man that his son Tito would get excited about having the Hispanic last name of "Morales." Axel has said in many interviews that the decision to make Miles half-Hispanic was a bit selfish on his part, but he thinks the outcome has been wonderful.

l According to Bendis, Miles has his mother's last name in order to separate himself from his father's situation – his dad, Jefferson, was a secret agent of SHIELD, and he didn't want Miles in their records or in harm's way. After Jefferson was no longer an agent of SHIELD, Miles was too old to change his name. Some comic readers thought Miles' last name is Morales because his parents weren't married when he was born, but they were.

l For his Spider-suit, Miles spray-paints the colors to black and red instead of keeping them the traditional red and blue colors. It reflects his style as a teenager in Brooklyn.

l In addition to the usual Spider-Man powers such as web shooting (from web shooters), sticking to objects, speed, strength, incredible hearing and Spidey sense, Miles has additional unique powers, such as venom Strike (an electrical sort of power that he can deliver with a touch) and camouflage (invisibility).

l The spider who bit Miles has the same camouflage power as him, which is visually represented in the movie. At first, Miles only turns invisible when he's scared, so he has to learn how to perform the power on command – not just when he's frightened.

Check out the new Spot of Spider-Man™: Into the Spider-Verse and watch the film in Philippine cinemas December 12.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

By: JENG On 12/04/2018 09:24:00 PM

December 3, 2018

Jabra Releases 4 Newest Additions the the Elite Family of Headphones and Earbuds to the Philippines

Besides the Elite series' trademark quality listening experience and durability, each of the four products - Elite 45e, Elite 65t, Elite Active 65t, and Elite 65e- presents specific features

Jabra is launching four newest members of the Elite series in the Philippines - the Elite 45e, Elite 65t, Elite Active 65t, and Elite 65e. First announced at CES 2018, they are the latest to join the Elite family of headphones and earbuds, a series engineered for outstanding music quality and strong voice capability.

With the Elite range, headphone users no longer have to make a choice between great music headphones or a headset designed for voice and calls, and can have both with whichever Elite product they choose.

The four latest products - Elite 45e, Elite 65t, Elite Active 65t, and Elite 65e - model the best-selling Jabra Elite Sport, the most technically advanced true wireless sports earbuds which set the standard for the Elite product suite by incorporating leading audio technology. Drawing on the GN Group's long-standing audio, headset and hearing aid expertise, each new Elite product contains unique microphone configurations to ensure users will always be heard, whether you're speaking to voice assistants such as Alexa or your family, and whether you're indoors or out on the street. In addition, the companion Jabra Sound+ app allows you to personalise your music to the sound that suits you.

In addition to the best-in-class voice and music experience, the new Elite products also come with the security of a two-year warranty against dust and water ingress (two years for the Elite Active 65t also including sweat ingress). While users will experience the great voice and music experience that Elite products offer, they will also be able to choose the wearing style that suits them best. The Elite family includes true wireless and soft neckband variants with the suffix letter signifying the styles clearly using 'e' for earbud and 't' for true wireless.

Alexa integration

For those who prefer using voice commands, the new products allow voice support for all major voice services, now including Amazon Alexa on-the-go. Jabra will be among the first movers to enable this mobile feature, providing customers with access to Alexa directly from the earbuds. With Alexa, you can ask to play music, hear the news, check weather, control smart home devices, and much more. Elite 65t delivers a 4-microphone array and superior sound.

While delivering the Elite series' trademark market-leading voice and music experience and durability, each of the products has its own specific features:

Elite 45e (SRP Php 6,999.00*): Engineered for the best voice and music experience. The Elite 45e is for users who want the best combined voice and music experience in a headset with a discreet design and a great fit. This soft neckband (with memory wire) headset has a lightweight form factor and a unique box microphone solution that delivers the clearest voice communication on any stereo wireless headphone.

Elite 65t (SRP Php 10,499.00*):Engineered for the best true wireless voice and music experience. The Elite 65t is a third generation true wireless earbud aimed at those who want the best voice and music experience without wires. It is engineered to ensure a stable wireless connection and best call and voice quality. The 65t includes one-touch access to Siri®, and Google Now™, new integration for Amazon Alexa on-the-go and has up to 15 hours of battery life (with cradle).

Elite Active 65t (SRP Php 11,999.00*):Engineered for active users who want a true wireless voice and music experience while working out. The Jabra Elite Active 65t is for those who want the features of the Elite 65t, while being able to use the earbuds in a sports or training setting. The earbuds have enhanced grip, through special coating, integrated accelerometer for tracking features and IP56 sweat, water and dust certification. The Elite Active 65t has five hours of listening time on one charge with two additional charges in the cradle.

Elite 65e (SRP Php 12,499.00*): Engineered for the best-in-class wireless calls and music. The Elite 65e provides two levels of noise cancellation, including Jabra's leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) solution. In addition, the Jabra Elite 65e offers incredible conversation quality with three-microphone technology that creates a noise-blocking zone – making sure your voice is conveyed with crystal-clear clarity.

"By introducing the Elite series, we have demonstrated to headphone users that we understand their needs and that we are fully committed to providing the best voice and music headphone solutions. Our new Elite series accommodates three levels of technology in sound, microphone and voice interaction capabilities, different endurance levels, and both true wireless earbud and neckband solutions," said René Svendsen-Tune, CEO at Jabra. "With the Elite family, we now offer headsets for every choice of wearing style, use case and price point."

Key features of the Elite franchise:

- The best voice experience: unique, market-leading microphone technology ensures the best calls and voice interactions on the market. Plus support for all major voice virtual assistants including new integration with Amazon Alexa-on-the-go

- Personalised music experience: users can adapt their sound to suit their personal preferences with the Jabra Sound app

- Biggest choice of wearing styles: true wireless, neckband, soft neckband, headband – always the best voice, music and calls

- Unbeatable durability: two-year life proof warranty against water and dust ingress*, two-year warranty for Active & Sport variants against sweat and dust

Find out more about the new Jabra Elite family at: www.jabra.com/elite.

Availability

The Jabra Elite 45e, Jabra Elite 65e, Jabra Elite Active 65t, and Jabra Elite 65t are available at any Power Mac Center, The Listening Room, Lazada, Urban Gadgets, and Egghead stores.

*Jabra app registration required, product prices may vary

By: JENG On 12/03/2018 10:06:00 PM