John Lloyd Cruz First Endorsement Appearance After 2 years. Is he coming back to the limelight?

Photos and videos of matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz have been surfacing after being on hiatus from the showbusiness since 2017.

Cruz, one of the most bankable actors of the Philippine cinema and very effective endorser once again proved that his fans are still waiting for his return. In a teaser video, which lasted only for a few seconds and only shows the back shot of Cruz’s, and posted in the Facebook page of the number one selling shawarma Turks a few weeks ago had been viewed 3.2M times, shared almost 800 times and gained a huge number of comments.

Without any clue in that teaser video, his fans already assumed that it was him in the video. Actress Bea Alonzo on her Instagram also posted a screenshot of that teaser video, which garnered almost a million likes.

This Monday morning Turks finally revealed in the 1-minute and 17 seconds video of Cruz showing the actor walking through different destinations, which somehow depicts Cruz’s sojourn. The video is very simple, yet there’s drama the way it was created, and in a very subtle shot, he stopped and took a bite of a Turks pita donner.

The rugged look of Cruz in the Turks video titled Ang Pagbabalik is way too far from his guy-next-door image and a lot of people in the industry are asking if this signals his return to the limelight. His fans are still wondering about the life he’s been living since his hiatus.

According to Turks president Gem L. Zenarosa that during the course of his talks with Cruz, they never talked anything about his showbiz career or plans. He added that he got Mr. Cruz as the latest ambassador of Turks because of his great confidence working with Cruz.

“I am really grateful that John Lloyd trusts our company, he is a brilliant and very creative young man. Aside from acting we have discovered some of his remarkable talents,” Zenarosa stressed.

The Ang Pagbabalik according to Zenarosa is actually about Turks Small Pita Doner, which will be available again in all its branches.

“John Lloyd is the best endorser for this because like him, despite his absence in the showbusiness for a couple of years, the warmth and love of his fans for him never dwindles. With our Small Pita Doner we believe that our customers will be happy to know that it is back in our menu,” Zenarosa explained.

Just like Cruz who is seen to have a different image since he last appeared in the big screen, a clear indication that the actor is recreating himslef and exploring different grounds, Turks is also doing the same thing to keep its customers excited whenever they visit a branch.

In  time for the release of Cruz's endorsement video, Turks also released to the market its newest offering --- Turks Rice Bowl, which is a complete meal. You can choose beef or chicken for your rice topping, and it is priced at P50. The Small Pita Donner on the other hand, is priced at P35.

"To keep up with the demands of our customers, Turks continues to improve our menu and offerings to satisfy the discriminating taste of our loyal patrons," Zenarosa stressed.

John Lloyd Cruz now joins the roster of endorsers of Turks such as Piolo and Inigo Pascual. 

To watch the full video of Ang Pagbabalik visit https://youtu.be/Uh0WwLnIEDQ. You can also watch the video on Turk FB page: official.turks.

Samsung unveils first real QLED 8K TV in the Philippines

Samsung, on its 13‘" consecutive year of producing the world's No.1 TV, has Introduced its QLED 8K TV in the Philippines. The QLED 8K TV gives consumer’s a brand new, never-before-seen experience of premium quality television screens. The product's Philippine launch started with an exclusive event at The Fifth ballroom in Rockwell last April 25, 2019 The QLED 8K TV features a new Quantum Processor 8K, which can produce images in greater detail and depth, in 7.680 x 4,320 resolution. Available in super large sizes of 75-, 82-. and 98inch screens, with over 33 million pixels, the QLED 8K TV provides an experience that becomes fully immersive and pristine, as films and TV shows are meant to be seen. "Over the past years, what we watch, when we watch, and how we watch has fundamentally changed." said Lauro Guevara, head of product marketing for Samsung TV and Audio. 

“Today, more consumers are looking to enjoy their favorite content on larger and smarter screens, with minimal image noise, for a viewing experience that is almost true-to-Iife." The QLED 8K TV boasts of a remarkable AI Upscaling technology, which automatically converts lower-resolution content into 8K quality. Enabled by the Quantum Processor 8K, Al Upscaling analyzes the quality and resolution of any image whether it is in 4K, Full HD, HD, or even SD. or watched through a streaming service, HDMI, USB, or even mobile mirroring -and upscales the content to appear in 8K quality. Aside from optimizing noise reduction, the AI Upscaling function restores the integrity of the smallest of details in a scene to provide greater texture, and sharpens edges of objects and texts for greater clarity. This feature, along with the highest levels of contrast with the Direct Full Array Technology, and dramatically-enhanced, deeper blacks and brighter whites, make the QLED 8K Samsung’s best TV, to date. Bixby on TV, a highlight of the 2019 QLED lineup, is a clever feature that enables viewers to easily access films and shows thru voice command, which helps search for content based on previous viewing preferences. The launch event also marked the entry of Samsung’s 2019 full TV lineup, featuring the new QLED 4K TVs that also have Al Upscaling capabilities. A wider selection of 2019 Soundbars, which includes new models that Samsung has developed with audio masters, Harman Kardon, were also featured. 

Samsung Philippines president James Jung, in his opening speech, remarked on the historical relevance of the brand’s ground-breaking TV innovations. “This year is the 50'h anniversary of the moment that mankind took his first step on the moon and changed history forever. This year is also Samsung Electronics' 50th anniversary of meaningful innovations. These milestones provide important context as we introduce a product that we believe will forever change the future of TV's “he said of the QLED 8K TV.

Make Your Vacation Worthwhile with Nimo TV

Summertime has just begun, and most students are looking for activities to make their vacation worthwhile. 

Nimo TV, one of the country's leading video game streaming platform, is an excellent past time for students who love gaming and learn new skills at the same time. It offers 8 – 12 MP quality live streaming and can be accessed via mobile or PC make it easier for everyone to start live streaming as a hobby and eventually make it a career.

Nimo TV’s unique ecosystem, which consists of streamers, viewers, brand sponsors and celebrity players can help newcomers discover different techniques in starting their channel. It has a chat feature where streamers and viewers can communicate with one another and exchange tips on how to win a game they play.

Games like Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Mobile Legends, Dota 2, Rules of Survival and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are some of the exciting content that streamers can play via the app.

Nimo TV’s presence in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will also help you increase your fan base making it easier for every newbie to grow their channel and interact more with other gamers.

Download the Nimo TV app at Apple app store and Google Play store by clicking the link here https://nimotv.onelink.me/B6cW/25ba46b7 and start streaming your way to the top.

Reach for the stars with the Freedom to Dream Summit at Shangri-La Plaza

Shangri-La Plaza gave mall guests a platform to discover their own dreams as Viviamo! Inc., makers of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, spearheaded the first Freedom to Dream Summit at the Red Carpet with an exciting roster of speakers.

Eleana Gabunada sang Fight Song and Defying Gravity before the first session

The summit kicked off with a talk on “Raising Self-Worth,” reminding participants that they were worthy of living their dreams. The session was led by Dr. Gia Sison, a mental health advocate and host of “G Talks” on CNN Philippines, Rezza Custodio Soriano, a life coach and “transformologist,” and Gretchen Ho, a sports and lifestyle news anchor.

From left: Dr. Gia Sison, Gretchen Ho and Ms. Rezza Custodio Soriano during the plenary Q & A

The next session was all about “Igniting Your Passion,” inviting people to find their purpose and work hard to achieve it. This talk featured Prim Paypon, Filipino Dreamagineer and founder of The Dream Project PH, along with Aimee Hashim, lifestyle consultant and founder of LoveLuxe Trading Inc.

“Making it Happen,” a talk detailing how people could overcome any of life’s limitations and accomplish their goals against all odds, followed. Sherill Quintana, the multi-awarded entrepreneur behind Oryspa Spa Solutions Inc., led the session with Jessica Lopez, an artist and Maningning Miclat Art 2018 awardee.

Tying it all together were two keynote speakers known for their youth-oriented advocacies: Jose Villanueva, also known as singer-songwriter Quest, and Darlyn Ty-Nilo, president of Viviamo and creator of the Belle de Jour Power Planner.

In addition, a special advocacy expo was set up to showcase the causes supported by Viviamo! Inc. 100% of the summit’s net proceeds is set to be handed over to charity organizations, extending the spirit of empowerment to female victims of rape and abuse, people living with HIV, students, and more.

With an uplifting message and great entertainment, the Red Carpet is the perfect venue to dream and be inspired.

For inquiries, call 370-2500 loc. 597 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial

Have A Jurassic Summer At Sm Southmall’s South Dino Park

Dinosaurs are invading SM Southmall this summer with life-size replicas and Palaeolithic-inspired activities like fossil painting and educational film showings of the world’s prehistoric creatures.

Starting with an Easterrific holiday, the dinosaurs are making its way through the South’s premier mall with a giant display of creatures at Southmall’s Food Street Concourse on April 16 until May 26. Come in your best explorer costume and search for as many dino eggs as you can find by scanning QR codes to win exciting prizes at the South Jurassic Hunt. On April 21, or Easter day, customers will get to decorate their own Dino eggs and take it home.

For the rest of summer, experience a unique kind of workshop as we combined paleo-inspired glamping activities and art workshops wherein kids can paint on stones and make dinosaur sculptures out of soap or clay. Summer camp happens from April 20 until May 26, in partnership with Our Lady of Pilar Montessori Center (OLPMC) and Las Piñas Private Schools Association (LAPPRISA).

SM Southmall will also treat its customers with roaring deals every Monday like free upsize from regular to medium DQ Blizzards and free 30-min play extensions at Kidzoona. Beat the heat and celebrate vacation season at SM Southmall. For more information, follow @SMSouthmall on Facebook and Instagram.

Experience HP LaserJet Printer quality and reliability with Free HP Everyday Paper

Get any participating HP Original Toners and enjoy your free HP Everyday Paper now!

Every day, HP LaserJet printers and toner cartridges never fail to deliver on their commitment to make an impact on business documents by consistently printing sharp black texts and crisp graphics.

Now, to make sure that enterprises can truly maximize the reliability of HP LaserJet printers to grow their business, every purchase of HP CF217A, HP CE285A or HP Q2612A Black Original LaserJet toner cartridges and HP CE285AD, HP Q2612AD, or CB435AD Dual Pack Black Original LaserJet toner cartridges, comes bundled with a free ream of HP Everyday Paper.

Engineered to a higher standard, HP Everyday Paper has ColorLok Technology which helps deliver low levels of paper dust to maximize printer longevity and ensures consistent quality prints. HP Everyday Paper is made of 100% eucalyptus pulp that comes from sustainable forests, making it environment-friendly.

So, what are you waiting for? Buy any of the participating HP Original Toners at authorized HP resellers nationwide to get your free 500 sheets of letter-size HP Everyday Paper! Promo period is until April 30, 2019 only. See posters and print ads for more details. Per DTI-FTEB permit no. 1221, series of 2019

Upgrade your home TV viewing experience with Samsung’s affordable UHD TV + Soundbar bundle promo

There is no better way to escape the hot summer days than by quenching your thirst with an ice-cold drink while watching the coolest movies and videos in the comfort of your living room.

Now, Samsung gives you an even bigger reason to stay indoors as it bundles its Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs and Soundbars at some of the most affordable prices, to turn your living room into a virtual cinema for a more exciting home TV viewing experience.

With the Samsung TV bundle promo, the Samsung 65-inch Curved UHD TV now comes with the Samsung HW-K350 Soundbar for only P62,999, giving you an incredible 40% discount.

Samsung UHD TVs offer sharper and more detailed images with 4 times more pixels than a Full HD TV. They also provide access to different online content sites like YouTube, Netflix, and iFlix to enable you to enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies from different sources.

Samsung Soundbars improve your family’s TV viewing into a cinema-like experience with two built-in speakers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer that wirelessly connects to the TV to produce clearer and more impactful cinematic sound.

The Samsung TV bundle promo also features the Samsung 65-inch UHD TV and Samsung HW-K350 Soundbar for only P59,999 while the Samsung 49-inch UHD TV with the Samsung HW-N300 Soundbar is available for only P34,999.

Head to any authorized Samsung dealer today and avail yourself of the Samsung UHD TV + Soundbar bundle. Promo runs from March 11 to April 30, 2019 only. Per DTI-NCR permit no. 3475 series of 2019. Visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/hottestsummerpairs/ for more details.

What is a Furry?: A Primer for FurryPinas 2019

Photo by Ced Buazon

We’ve gotten used to watching shows using anthromorphic creatures as their main characters to drive their story forward. Movies and shows like My Little Pony, Tom and Jerry, and even Digimon have animal characters that one way or another exemplify our human nature. But did you know that there’s a community of people that are fans of this story telling device?

And they are called furries.

So, what is a Furry then?

Furry is a hobby where the fans have an interest towards animal characters with human characteristics. Such characters can be found in many media such as movies, shows, games, literature, toys, cosplay, art, and many more, for any ages.

Sometimes, “Furry” refers to the person who is a fan of the furry hobby. It can also be used to refer to “animal characters with human characteristics”.

Photo by: CNPH Tisha

Furry characters can be Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Crash Bandicoot, and many characters from shows such as Zootopia, The Lion King, Secret Life of Pets, How To Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, etc.

Who are into the hobby?

Furries come in all shapes and sizes. And when it comes to who’s into the hobby, the furry community has always been one of the more inclusive communities worldwide. That also is true to the Philippines furry community.

In fact, the PH Furry community has a whole slew of enthusiasts. Ranging from entrepreneurs, to artists, designers, even engineers and academians are active furries. Age wise, the Furry community is open to all ages, but majority of the members are around 18-24 years old.

Difference?

While there’s a collective global community of Furries, the Philippines’ Furry community sets itself apart.

The local furry community is more open to people knowing that they’re Furries and welcome those who are familiar and not too familiar with the hobby. In fact, local Furries don’t hide what they are in the Philippines and are more than happy to explain their hobby to anyone who is interested or wants to know more about it.

This is also true in how the local community treats its conventions. FurryPinas, the annual premiere furry convention in the country has a more welcoming attitude than most furry conventions elsewhere. The organizers take on a more Eastern and Western attitude in the organization and aims to making the most amount of people happy while sharing the love of furry to furry Hobbyist and non-hobbyist alike.

This difference in stance makes FurryPinas a more observed furry convention within the region.

About FurryPinas 2019

On its 2nd year, FurryPinas 2019 is the largest furry convention in Asia serving as the official annual hub for the furry hobby in the Philippines.

The convention aims to provide attendees a more active participation compared to other cons. Providing a more welcoming avenue for those who want to understand and know more about the hobby while providing a safe and happy space for Furries to just have fun, socialize, and enjoy the hobby as a group.

FurryPinas is set to happen on June 8-9, 2019 at the Bayanihan Center (Near SM Megamall). For more information about FurryPinas 2019 you can head to the FurryPinas 2019 site or fanpage you can also check out the Facebook event page to get updated.

The Awesome Life: Light TV's newest show

Expect an awesome-filled dynamic magazine-type of feature show on your TV screen soon!

Coming up is a one-hour motivational and lifestyle-business talk show, “The Awesome Life - Live
Life to the Fullest”, hosted by motivational speaker and life coach Al Ian Barcelona (AIB) and 
co-hosted by Ptr. Jun Sibanico of KLM (Kingdom Living Ministry).

On its pilot episode, the discussion revolves around new beginnings and living a successful life 
not just in business but in life as a whole. Mr. Awesome Al Ian Barcelona (AIB) begins with his 
“Awesome Thoughts” and gave some tips on how to begin one's journey. To explore other areas 
of life’s new beginnings, Co-host Pastor Jun Sibanico joins in and shares about the KLM 
(Kingdom Living Ministry) and its humble beginnings. Not just that, the show also features 
success stories of awesome individuals such as Coach Reuben Lanot and Visual communication
and inspirational speaker, Rock Cleo, as well as AIB and his team’s “3Ts” which stands for Talks,
Travels, and Trainings.

Overall, “The Awesome Life” is divided into four major segments explores the meaning of LIFE: 
L- Learn, I-Inspire,be F-Financially ready, and E - Empower this generation. It aims to inspire, 
influence and impact its audience by discussing and featuring stories of people, events, and 
social-business trends in all walks and interest of life.

The program will air every Tuesday, (7-8 pm) at Light TV- God's Channel of Blessings and every 
Wednesday (12mn-1 am) and Saturday (7-8am) at GMA News TV.

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Demure Sweetie blog is one of the partner bloggers of Light TV, God's Channel of Blessings 
(formerly Light Network)