Everyone’s in Danger: Humans, Monsters and Neohumans Face Off in Sweet Home Season 3 Trailer

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“From the very beginning, I was you. I was always a part of you,” the monster within Hyun-su (Song Kang) eerily declares in the tension-filled trailer for Sweet Home Season 3 released today. Fans are left wondering which version of Hyun-su will prevail, and to what end.

In the third and final season of the iconic Korean monsterization saga, humans, monsters and neohumans prepare for the ultimate showdown. The main poster captures the clash between Hyun-su and Sang-wook (Lee Jin-uk) amid a wrecked stadium engulfed in flames. Once allies, their paths diverged in the second season and now lead to a final face-off.

The trailer shows a glimpse of intense action between Hyun-su and Eun-hyeok (Lee Do-hyun) immediately after they are reunited. Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young) opens her eyes again after being consumed by a monster, while Eun-yu (Ko Min-si) and Chan-young (Jinyoung) desperately fight for survival. Meanwhile, Tak In-hwan (Yoo Oh-seong), Dr. Lim (Oh Jung-se), Kim Yeong-hu (Kim Moo-yeol), and Kid (Kim Sia) continue their individual journeys, each facing new battles.

Director Lee Eung-bok comments, “There is a variety of characters, so I hope viewers will root for their favorite ones as they all fight in their own ways, from the battle between Sang-wook — who has turned evil — and Hyun-su, who longs to preserve his humanity; Yi-kyung, who fights to protect Kid; and Sergeant Tak, who feels responsible for the survivors’ safety.”

Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to the Sweet Home series, premiering July 19, only on Netflix.

Saya ng mas pinaraming sulit-sarap combos!: Jollibee's Bigger and Better Mix & Match is Here!

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 Jollibee, the country’s beloved fast-food chain, has just unveiled its latest offering that promises to excite your Jollibee experience even more – the new Mix & Match Combos!

The new, delicious additions to Jollibee Mix & Match will surely make it easier and more enjoyable to customize your ideal combo.

More Options, More Fun!

Finding affordable and satisfying meal options when hunger strikes can be a challenge, but with Jollibee’s Mix & Match Combos, doing this is a breeze.

In addition to classic Mix & Match mains like 1-pc. Burger Steak, Jolly Spaghetti, and Yumburger, Jollibee lovers now have the option to choose Cheesy Yumburger, Jolly Hotdog, or the new Crunchy Chicken Sandwich. As if that wasn’t enough, Jollibee’s new Iced Latte has also been included as an option for the Sides. The possibilities truly are endless starting at just P75!

Celebrate the Joy of Choice

“Jollibee has always been about bringing joy to every Filipino,” said Luis Berba, Director for Jollibee Masterbrand and Chicken.

“With the revamped Mix & Match Combos, we are taking this commitment a step further by offering our customers even more inclusions so that they can personalize their meals according to their preferences. This is all about celebrating the joy of choice and the unbeatable taste that makes Jollibee the ultimate fast-food destination,” Luis Berba concluded.

Join the Mix & Match Party!

Jollibee invites all foodies to join the fun and create their perfect meals with the Mix & Match Combos.

Jolllibee’s Mix & Match Combos are available nationwide starting at only P75. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite on the go, this new offering is designed to make your meal more enjoyable and exciting.

 

ANALYSIS: Filipinos spent 42 years’ worth of time using digital lending apps in 2023

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The average user of digital lending apps spent approximately 14 minutes and seven seconds per month in 2023.

About 1.3 billion seconds — equivalent to 42 years — were spent by persons in using digital lending applications in the Philippines in 2023, according to new analysis from consumer credit service Digido.

An examination of 70 digital lending applications duly-registered to operate in the country, including Digido, reveal that 63.4% of that time was spent on platforms offering personal loans, followed by ‘point-of-sale’ and secured loans at 17.5%, ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) services at 16.6% and installment loans at 2.5%. 

Activity seen in the 70 apps increased by 37% when comparing it to activity in 2022.

The average user of digital lending apps spent approximately 14 minutes and seven seconds per month in 2023 while the average duration of a user’s session was 54 seconds.

The total number of downloads of digital lending apps reached 89.66 million units in 2023, up 52% a year earlier (or +30.81 million units), with unique users reaching 47.46 million (+64% a year earlier or +18.60 million people). Active users, meanwhile, reached 7.7 million people (+25% a year earlier or +1.55 million people) in the same comparative period.

Commenting on the analysis, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “Duly-registered digital lending applications continue to be viewed as trusted financial partners for persons in need of accessible formal credit, especially the underserved market. The increased use of apps offering personal loans also affirm Filipinos’ growing preference for digital channels and flexibility when utilizing credit.”

Digido expects Filipinos’ interest in digital lending to remain very high and stable due to further collaboration within the fintech industry to make its services even more accessible.

“The high percentage of Filipinos with limited access to traditional financial services, combined with the growing demand for formal credit options in the current macroeconomic context, led to more consumers turning to various lending options, especially ones offering personal loans. Such platforms are reaching more low-income segments of the population through new technologies or partnerships with banks,” Arreco added.

An earlier commissioned survey by Digido published earlier this year revealed that personal loans were the most popular formal credit option, with 54% of respondents having one in 2023 due to its flexibility and variety of use while BNPL was the second most popular type of formal loan at 12%.

2024 National Food Fair ! A Feast for the Senses with Daily Doses of Inspiration

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The 2024 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair (NFF) is set to dazzle food enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public with an exciting array of daily activities. Running from July 3 to 7 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall, this year’s fair promises not only a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of the Philippines but also a daily dose of inspiration and learning. Attendees can look forward to a stimulating program of activities designed to tantalize the taste buds and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit.

Daily Program Highlights [Thursday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7]

·       Business Talks: Each day, seasoned entrepreneurs and experts share their knowledge on topics ranging from food innovation and sustainable practices to digital marketing and scaling your business. These talks are designed to inspire and equip attendees with the tools needed to thrive in the competitive food industry. These are scheduled from 12:00 nn to 2:00 pm.

·       Cooking Demonstrations: Truly embodying the essence of the National Food Fair, renowned chefs will take center stage to showcase their skills and creativity. Learn new recipes, cooking techniques, and the locally sourced ingredients that you can try at home. The time slots for the daily cooking demos are from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

·       Wine Mixing Fiesta: Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious beginner, these sessions are sure to enhance your appreciation for our local wines and beverages and how they can elevate the dining experience. Catch happy hour from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm on July 4 to 6.

·       Live Entertainment: Music and magic performances will liven up the program to uplift, inspire, and nourish the spirit. Program breaks will feature lighthearted entertainment from Friday, July 5, through the rest of the weekend.

The program is open to the public and free of charge. Check out the detailed schedule and speakers’ profiles on Facebook (https://facebook.com/BDTP), and watch the livestream daily.

Join the DTI-BMDPO Events

The 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotion, and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO) in cooperation with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices.

Aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to participate in DTI-BMDPO fairs should call or visit their local DTI Office. They may also email Director Marievic Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.

To stay updated, follow their social media channels on Facebook (@BDTP), Twitter (@DTI_BDTP), Instagram (@dti.bdtp), YouTube (@DTI.BDTP), and TikTok (@dti.bdtp).

 

Watch SB19 and Apl.de.Ap as they host an epic house party on “Ready” music video

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SB19 and Apl.de.Ap are throwing a massive house party on the music video of “Ready,” the dance-pop track released under Sony Music Entertainment.

“The concept of the music video revolves around the guys being away for a while and returning home to mount a party of a lifetime,” Apl.de.Ap explains. “While shot in Manila, it’s designed to be purposely ambiguous in location, and the maximalist design is intentional. It represents the arrival of SB19 as an international act. It’s an honor to be celebrating with the next pride of the Philippines.”

Working with Ben Mor

American filmmaker Ben Mor, who has directed visuals for some of the biggest global pop icons in recent memory, including Katy Perry, Britney Spears, John Legend, NAS, and the Black Eyed Peas, helmed the MV. A good friend and frequent collaborator of Apl.de.Ap, Mor has always been fascinated by the design language of this country and has showcased it in many videos.

Apl.de.Ap revealed, “We have worked together for years as he has shot many Black Eyed Peas’ videos. The shoot was a bit of logistical madness because immediately after this, he was off to Athens to shoot another cool music video.”

Despite some logistical challenges, the 2 Proud act expressed satisfaction with the final outcome. The Filipino-American rapper also revealed that he wanted to showcase a visually cool part of the Philippines that was different from what people usually see on postcards and in films.

“I believe the house has a real aesthetic and character. But I let the professionals take it from there.”

A fun shoot

SB19’s Pablo admitted that the creative process for the MV was different from anything they’ve done as a group. This time around, they’ve worked with a more Westernized approach, not completely relying on a storyboard.

“Apl.de.Ap was fun to work with and very chill,” he said. “His energy was infectious! Even the dancers and the talents gave their all. There’s never a dull moment in the shoot.”

Justin also raved about the experience of collaborating with Apl.de.Ap’s team. While they’re used to embracing story-driven concepts for an MV, the youngest member of the group shared in a statement that it felt great having fun on the shoot, as if it didn’t feel like work at all.

“Somehow it offered a refreshing reprieve,” he said.

“Ready” marks a monumental collaboration between P-Pop kings SB19 and international hip-hop superstar Apl.de.Ap. A shiny club number that captures the sound of summer effortlessly regardless of the season, the collaborative song was penned by the Black Eyed Peas resident rapper with Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel. SB19’s Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, contributed to the production of the track, adding final touches and subtle sonic elements.

SB19 and Apl.de.Ap’s “Ready” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the MV here.