Sponge Cola finds connection in uncertain times on ninth studio album, Hometown, Part 2

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Filipino alt-rock outfit Sponge Cola has officially dropped their ninth studio album, Hometown, Part 2 via Sony Music Entertainment.

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The anthemic pop-rock album includes focus track “So Close,” featuring 

award-winning pop singer Morissette

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Embracing the anthemic immediacy of their 2022 outing with newfound warmth and restraint, the four-piece band’s latest album proves to be a vital example of how music can be a therapeutic outlet for expression and healing. The new collection of songs also sees the band exploring themes of triumph over adversity, resilience, and unfulfilled relationships. It also serves as a continuation of the band’s full-length album, Hometown—released in December 2022.

As lead guitarist Armo Armovit describes it, Hometown, Part 2 is all about finding connection in uncertain times. “We explored new ways of expressing familiar feelings with renewed perspectives incorporating different production elements, arrangement choices, and improved approaches to performance.”

The title also speaks for itself, serving as a continuation of one’s story, much like coming home to rest after a long journey and staying an extra weekend to reset. The record’s songwriting, on the other hand, was inspired by the members’ collective and individual fascination with K-drama and documentaries, as well as first-hand experiences with real-life events.

Drawing a lot of inspiration from pop and electronic elements, the 19-track album is produced by constant collaborator Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, who has worked with some of the biggest and most underrated Philippine acts, including Ang Bandang Shirley, syd hartha, Coeli, and more.

Armo explains, “Joey Santos did a great job crafting the treatment for songs and dressing them in colors and styles that best express the message. The process was very organic and natural.”

Hometown, Part 2 is accompanied by the release of its focus track, “So Close,” which features pop singer Morissette. The song was specifically penned by Yael Yuzon, and tackles the story of two people who have built a deep connection over time, but whose relationship never really progressed into something that could last a lifetime.

“It's a song that took me 20 years to write,” shares vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon. “Inspired by Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez and The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, So Close talks about the possibility of a mirage in our poetic memory, a ‘what if’ that may have been nothing more than a light radiating from a dead star. We might just be romanticizing things.”

Other songs in the album include previous releases “Labis-labis,” a soaring tune that puts a uniquely captivating but relatable spin on the ‘love song’ format; “Hometown,” a grungy pop track with electronic textures and a catchy chorus; and “Siguro nga,” a pop-rock ballad based on a character study of a popular K-drama character.

Track list:

1. Hometown

2.  Alamat (MLBB 5th Anniversary Theme)

3. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito

4. Lumipas Ang Tag-araw

5. Laman Ng Panaginip

6. Labis-Labis

7. Siguro Nga

8. JAIRAH

9. Kung May Oras Ka

10. Signal #4

11. So Close (feat. Morissette)

12. Champions

13. In the End

14. Labis-Labis - Acoustic

15. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito (Remix) (feat. Matthaios and Clien of ALLMO$T)

16. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito - Acoustic

17. Siguro Nga – Acoustic (feat. Kai Honasan)

18. Siguro Nga (TMAC's lo-fi Mix)

19. Laman ng Panaginip – Acoustic

Sponge Cola’s Hometown, Part 2 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The pop-rock outfit will be officially performing the songs off their new record with an on-ground album launch in Eastwood City Central Plaza on August 12 from 6 pm onwards. Admission is free!

Mask Girl: Unmasking the The Twisted Truth behind Three Names, Three Lives, Three Murders

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Photo: Netflix

Ahead of its much-anticipated debut on Netflix on August 18, upcoming series Mask Girl is setting the stage for its intriguing story through three main posters and a new trailer

https://youtu.be/JuLy6BFBHSs

The trailer grips viewers’ attention right from the start, with main character Kim Mo-Mi accepting her sins in a chilling voice. What follows is a roller coaster ride through Mo-Mi's life, from her unassuming job as an office worker, to becoming a popular Cam model masked girl, and ultimately ending up as prisoner number 1047, who appears repentant yet dreams of escape. This rapid succession of her multiple identities leaves viewers craving to know more about the mysterious story behind her many faces.

In an impressive display of talent, three actors – Ko Hyun-Jung, Nana, and a new talent yet to be revealed – portray Kim Mo-Mi in distinct phases of her life. Each actor contributes a unique shade to this character as she transforms throughout the series.

Photo: Netflix

Photo: Netflix

The suspense-filled series also features an ensemble of vivid characters. Here’s a snapshot of the key players.

• Kim Mo-Mi: Forced to live three lives under three different names, - Kim Mo-Mi, the corporate employee Showgirl A-reum, and Prisoner Number 1047 - she becomes this enigmatic character who relishes the applause and adoration of her online audience, even as her life off-camera is filled with unhappiness due to her complex appearance. An unforeseen incident triggers her transformation into a murderer, adding yet another identity to her tumultuous life.

• Ju Oh-Nam: Played by Ahn Jae-hong, he is an office worker whose only pleasure is watching internet broadcasts after work. When he realizes Mask Girl is his co-worker Kim Mo-Mi, he develops a fixation that takes over his life. Ahn describes his character as "a company employee who wants to erase his presence during the day, and to show his presence in his own world at night." The actor focused on depicting "a man's heart that started with the wrong direction right from the beginning," raising anticipation for his portrayal of the character's hidden depths.

• Kim Kyung-Ja: Portrayed by Yeom Hye-ran from The Glory, she is a mother whose entire world revolves around her son. When her son goes missing, she begins a relentless pursuit to find him. Yeom says: "I hoped that Kim Kyung-Ja's revenge would not be motivated only by her motherhood.I wanted to include various complex conflicts originating from her age, religion, and other beliefs, and I had many discussions about these conflicts, which arise as she rushes towards a large and clear goal called revenge." Her nuanced analysis has sparked curiosity about the character.

Director Kim Yong-Hoon describes these characters as "Injured, marginalized individuals," each tangled in the web of a murder mystery. The blurred lines between good and evil create a captivating narrative filled with ambiguity.

With its layered characters and intricate plot, Mask Girl is set to redefine mystery-thrillers. Prepare to unmask the truth of Mask Girl, beginning August 18, only on Netflix. 

About Mask Girl 

Title: Mask Girl

Directed & Written by: Kim Yong-Hoon

Starring: Ko Hyun-Jung, Ahn Jae-hong, Yeom Hye-ran, Nana

Distributed by: Netflix

Production: House of Impression, BONFACTORY

Release Date: August 18, 2023

Capture your best memories with HONOR 90 5G's 200MP Flagship Camera set to arrive on August 15

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HONOR 90 5G spotted at Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz’ block screening of their newest film The Cheating Game. Watch the official unveiling of HONOR 90 5G via HONOR's Facebook Event on August 15, 6 PM.

HONOR stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz with the upcoming HONOR 90 5G

After HONOR Philippines’ official announcement of HONOR 90 5G’s arrival on August 15, public anticipation is undeniable! The HONOR 90 5G fever just kept on burning as seen on the block screening of JulieVer’s newest movie ‘The Cheating Game’.

“We truly are happy to see our HONOR stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz sporting the upcoming HONOR 90 5G, but we are equally excited to finally introduce it to the public. Let this be an open invitation to our HONOR fans to join us on August 15,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Exceptional 200 MP Main Camera with Upgraded Portrait Experience

The triple-camera system comprises a 200 MP Main Camera, a 12 MP Ultra Wide and Macro Camera, a 2 MP Depth Camera at the back of the device with a 1/1.4-inch sensor. The cameras are arranged in an elegant and harmonious “Mirror Luna” design featuring overlapping circles and ellipses, inspired by the dynamic beauty of moon phases.

World’s First Zero Flicker Display

The AMOLED Quad-curved Floating Display on the HONOR 90 5G is the latest product of HONOR’s continuous display R&D efforts. At 6.7 inches, the curved display takes on a form factor reminiscent of a glass filled to the brim and on the verge of overflowing, offering an immersive viewing experience. HONOR 90 5G also sports an industry-leading PWM Dimming technology that allows the display to pulse at a rate of up to 3,840Hz for the display to maintain a more comfortable, flicker-free viewing experience even at lower brightness levels – perfect for today’s entertainment-hungry generation who spend long hours viewing and watching content on their smartphones.

Take Gorgeous Selfies with its 50 MP Selfie Camera

Landscape shots taken by HONOR 90 5G

Equipped with a 50 MP Selfie Camera featuring a 100° field of angle, the HONOR 90 5G allows more people and scenery to be captured in every selfie. Images can be produced with a 1.28μm (4 in 1) pixel size, ensuring high quality images with stunning details.

Catch the official Live Facebook Event here: https://bit.ly/200MPFlagshipCamera and stay tuned for more announcements via HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Step into a world of Pro Power in Portrait with OPPO Reno10 Series 5G, now available in the Philippines

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Leading global smart device brand OPPO launches the highly-anticipated addition to the renowned Reno series, the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G.

“We are so excited to introduce OPPO’s most powerful Reno Series yet – the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G. With the innovative OPPO Reno10 5G, OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G, and the flagship-level OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G, everyone can take their portraits to the next level thanks to its astounding camera functionalities and capabilities.” said Joanarc Sales, Head of CRM and PR, OPPO Philippines.

As part of this special launch, OPPO Philippines hosted an unforgettable gala at the Manila Hotel, where guests were given the unique opportunity to go back in time and experience the evolution of the Reno series throughout the years. They also experienced an exclusive sneak peek into the latest innovation in mobile photography through the Reno Portrait Gallery.

Also unveiled was the Reno League, a group of popular personalities who proudly represent OPPO Philippines. These include professional volleyball player Vanie Gandler, model and content creator EJ Nacion, lifestyle content creators and longtime Reno Series ambassadors Rei Germar, David Guison, and Laureen Uy, celebrity photographer and longtime OPPO ambassador Magic Liwanag, another professional photographer, Mark Nicdao, actor-entrepreneur David Licauco, actress-singer-entrepreneur, Nadine Lustre, and actress-entrepreneur-content creator Bea Alonzo.

Pro Power, In Design

The OPPO Reno10 Series 5G is nothing short of spectacular. It has both style and substance as it is not only equipped with the most innovative smartphone features, it also looks great in the palm of your hand.

The OPPO Reno10 5G and OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G are light and easy to hold thanks to its Ultra Slim Body design. They both feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED 3D Curved Screen for a more sleek and premium display. They both sport a whopping 93% screen-to-body ratio for a near borderless and more immersive experience. The screen features a 120Hz refresh rate with up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, and a high 2412×1080 resolution that can display up to 1 billion different colors at a HDR brightness of 950 nits, bringing you the type of vivid and detailed color transitions.

The OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G has a 6.74-inch AMOLED 3D Curved Screen which is also plated with AGC Dragontrail™ Star 2 cover glass.The 3D Curved Screen features a very high 93.9% screen-to-body ratio, 120Hz dynamic refresh rate with up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, and 2772×1240 resolution, 100% P3 wide color gamut, and support for HDR 10+ and HDR video play on Amazon Prime Video.

The OPPO Reno10 5G will be available in two scratch-resistant and fingerprint-resistant finishes, Ice Blue and Silvery Gray while the OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G and OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G will come in a stylish, eye-catching Glossy Purple and a sleek, subdued Silvery Gray.

Pro Power, In Portrait

Through the years, OPPO has continued to evolve the Reno series into the powerful imaging-capable smartphone it is today. The all-new OPPO Reno10 Series 5G is no exception. All variants are equipped with an upgraded Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera system highlighted by powerful Telephoto Portrait Cameras, which allows you to capture subjects with great detail and depth even from a distance.

The Reno10 5G boasts a powerful camera system consisting of a 64MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, a 32MP Telephoto Portrait Camera with IMX709 RGBW sensor, a 112° 8MP Ultra-Wide-angle Camera, and a 32MP Ultra-Clear Selfie Camera.

Meanwhile, the Reno10 Pro 5G has a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera with IMX890 sensor with OIS, a 32MP IMX709 Telephoto Portrait Camera, a 112° 8MP Ultra-Wide-angle Camera, and 32MP Selfie Camera.

The Reno10 Pro+ 5G offers a superior camera setup with a 64MP Telephoto Portrait Camera with OIS, 50MP Main Camera with IMX890 sensor, and 32MP Ultra-Clear Selfie Camera with Auto Focus.

The Reno10 5G and Reno10 Pro 5G can shoot 4k video quality at 30fps, while the Reno10 Pro+ 5G supports 4k Ultra Night Mode, for high-quality videos even in low-light settings.

Professional optical blur effect on portrait mode 

5x zoom with the main camera of the OPPO Reno10 5G

Ultra-Clear imaging system using the wide angle camera of the main camera

Pro Power, in Performance

The OPPO Reno10 Series 5G delivers powerful and reliable performance due to its highly-capable chipsets and processors. The Reno10 5G is fitted with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G mobile platform, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, plus support for additional storage through the SD card expansion slot.

At the heart of the OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G is the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 778G 5G Mobile Platform. Built on 6nm process technology, the octa-core SoC delivers an unparalleled balance between powerful performance and reduced power consumption. Using OPPO’s RAM Expansion technology, Reno10 Pro 5G can temporarily convert unused ROM space into as much as 8GB of additional RAM, on top of the 12GB RAM it comes with and up to 256GB ROM, to ensure a continually smooth experience even under heavy usage.

The Reno10 Pro+ 5G boasts the flagship-level Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform. Built on TSMC 4nm process technology, the SoC delivers up to 30% reductions in CPU and GPU power consumption for excellent power efficiency. With ColorOS 13’s powerful Dynamic Computing Engine and 12GB of RAM, as many as 44 apps can be open at a single time on Reno10 Pro+ 5G without resulting in lag or data loss from application overloading. It also comes with 256GB external storage.

As a testament to OPPO’s superior charging technology and battery health, the Reno10 Series 5G is well-equipped to ensure fast, safe, and efficient charging. The OPPO Reno10 5G, for instance, has a 5,000mAh Large Battery with Battery Health Engine and 67W SUPERVOOC charging that can deliver a 100% full battery in 47 minutes, while the OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G with its 4,600mAh battery, has 80W SUPERVOOC flash charging which can deliver a full charge in as little as 28 minutes. Meanwhile, the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G packs a 4,700mAh dual-cell battery and has the fastest charging capability of any Reno phone ever, thanks to its 100W SUPERVOOC flash charging feature.

Also ensuring the smoothest experience for longer is the 48-Month Fluency Protection, certifying that the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G has gone through rigorous tests to ensure utmost durability. The series is fitted with the latest ColorOS 13.1 and Dynamic Computing Engine, a series of system-level optimizations designed to improve computing performance. This allows the phones to run heavy-loaded apps more smoothly and in much faster response time.

For a more immersive audio experience, you can pair the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G with the new OPPO Enco Air3 Pro true wireless earbuds. The OPPO Enco Air3 Pro is equipped with the industry’s first Bamboo-FIber Diaphragm that provides beautifully-detailed high-frequency listening with minimal distortion. It also comes with LDAC Hi-Res Audio for flagship-level, Hi-Fi quality audio. The Enco Air3 Pro also has 49dB Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, OPPO Alive Audio, Dual-Device Connection, up to 30 hours of listening time, and an IP55 dust and water-resistance rating. The OPPO Enco Air3 Pro earbuds are available for just Php 5,499.

Experience Pro Power in your hands with the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G!

The OPPO Reno10 Series 5G raises the bar in mobile portrait photography with its exciting new features, premium camera system with powerful telephoto lenses, and exceptional performance. The Reno10 5G is priced at Php 23,999 while the Reno10 Pro 5G is priced at Php 29,999. The flagship-level Reno10 Pro+ 5G retails for Php 39,999.

The Reno10 5G and Reno10 Pro 5G are available for pre-order starting today till August 10 in all OPPO authorized stores nationwide, and the Reno10 Pro+ 5G will be for pre-order in selected OPPO concept stores nationwide. Get a free Enco Buds2 worth Php 1,999 for every pre-order.

Be one of the first to claim exclusive perks on the MyOPPO app. The first 200 Reno10 Series 5G buyers are eligible to redeem 4,500 Mabuhay Miles on the MyOPPO App. The first 100 OPPO Reno10 Series 5G buyers are eligible to redeem a special Bea Alonzo and Nadine Lustre photo book. Looking at changing your old OPPO phone? MyOPPO app users can also avail of exclusive vouchers they can use so they can upgrade to the new OPPO Reno10 Series 5G.

The OPPO Reno10 5G and OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G are available to purchase on Shopee and Lazada starting August 3 at 9PM while the OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G will be available to purchase exclusively on Shopee until August 9. 

All purchases via e-commerce come with a free Enco Buds2 worth Php 1,999, free shipping vouchers, and 1+1 Year Extended Warranty with Screen Protection. The OPPO Reno10 Series 5G are available on 0% Installment Plans via SPayLater (valid for 3 months) and LazPayLater (valid for 45 days).

You can also avail the OPPO Reno10 5G Series through partner mobile networks. For Globe Plan 1799, you can get the Reno10 5G with no cashout needed. Globe Plan 1999 offers the Reno10 Pro 5G with a cash out of Php1,000, and Globe Plan 2499 includes the Reno10 Pro+ 5G with a cash out of Php 7,000. Smart offers Plan 999 for the Reno10 5G and Plan 1499 for the Reno10 Pro 5G, both with cash out. All purchases via Globe and Smart plans also come with free OPPO Enco Buds2.

Home Credit is offering 0% installment options for the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G  for 6/9/12/15/18 months in all OPPO stores partnered with Home Credit nationwide.

Lastly, the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G will be available in 6 and 12 month installment plans at 0% interest for all credit cards.

To know more about the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

Tennis Legend Roger Federer and Leading Fashion Designer JW ANDERSON Jointly Create a New Style of LifeWear

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Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the launch of the new Roger Federer collection by JW ANDERSON, a collaboration line between UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Roger Federer and JW ANDERSON. 

Combining Roger's classic style with JW ANDERSON's modern and colorful rendition of sports and performance wear. The collection, aimed at those who lead an active and comfortable life seamlessly between sports and the everyday, will be available in the Philippines starting Monday, September 11, 2023.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be launching our new collection designed jointly by Roger Federer and JW ANDERSON. A new style of LifeWear was created by combining the unique talents of a tennis legend and a fashion leader,” said Koji Yanai, Fast Retailing Senior Executive Officer and Head of UNIQLO Global Marketing including Sports. “While developing his tennis wear, we often exchanged opinions with Roger about how it could be worn and enjoyed both On and Off the Court. With this in mind, we immediately thought of JW ANDERSON because he has a deep understanding of sports and performance wear. I am confident that everyone will find something in the new collection that suits their individual daily style.”

Roger Federer commented, “I’ve always wanted to have a collection perfect for playing tennis while also versatile for the other parts of daily life. I’m fortunate that Jonathan shared this vision. Together, we were able to create a stylish and comfortable line rooted in a classic tennis style. Jonathan is talented, creative, and incredibly down-to-earth. It has been a pleasure to work with him on this collection.”

Jonathan Anderson said, “When I was first approached about creating a collection with Roger, I remember being very happy and excited. That’s because I was so influenced by watching Roger play. Thinking a lot about what LifeWear means for all the different people who look up to Roger, we designed a collection that could be worn in an actual match, for a classic look, or just as easily be worn around town. We’ve got something that feels elevated, and it is kind of timeless.”

Collection Overview

Along with polo shirts and shorts in the UNIQLO DRY EX material, the collection, which was created through constant dialogue with Jonathan Anderson, includes many genderless items such as nylon easy pants with piping down the sides as color accents, a striking premium lambswool crewneck sweater with bold colors and knitted, and a fleece full zip jacket accented with a breast pocket in a different material.

Item	Color Variations	Sizes	Price
DRY EX Polo Shirt	3	S-L	Php 1,490
Stretch Short Pants	3	S-L	Php 1,990
Sweat Full Zip Parka	2	S-L	Php 2,490
Sweatpants	2	S-L	Php 1,990
Light Warm Padded Parka	2	S-L	Php 4,990
Nylon Jogger Pants	2	S-L	Php 1,990
Fleece Full Zip Jacket	2	S-L	Php 1,990
Premium Lamb Crew Sweater	2	S-L	Php 1,990
2-way Sports Bag	1	N/A	Php 1,990

Roger Federer Collection BY JW ANDERSON

Special website: https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/collaboration/rogerfederer-jwanderson/23fw/

Roger Federer

From Basel, Switzerland. Roger Federer made his ATP Tour debut in 1998. He rose to No.1 in the world in 2004 and kept his position for a record-breaking 237 consecutive weeks. He has won 20 Grand Slam titles, including a record number of Wimbledon men’s singles titles, with eight. He continues to be one of the world's most influential figures on and off the court and is devoted to helping underserved children around the world through his foundation.

About JW ANDERSON

Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson established JW ANDERSON in 2008. At first an elaborate collection of accessories, it quickly attracted attention and enabled the fledgling label to show on-schedule during the 2008 London Fashion Week season. The success of this debut collection earned both critical acclaim and commercial success for Anderson, whose label is now regarded as one of London’s most innovative and forward-thinking brands. UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON first launched in Fall/Winter 2017.