‘Joy Ride’ premieres November on Lionsgate Play
What if your business trip turned into the wildest adventure of your life? From Adele Lim, the co-screenwriter of "Crazy Rich Asians," "Joy Ride" is a riotous and bold comedy that embarks on a wild journey of identity and self-discovery.
When Audrey's (Ashley Park of "Emily in Paris") business trip to Asia takes an unexpected turn, she calls upon her childhood best friend Lolo (Sherry Cola), whose irreverence and chaotic energy add a unique flavor to their adventure. Joining them are Kat (Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu), a college friend who has become a famous Chinese soap star, and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), Lolo's eccentric cousin. Together, these four women navigate a series of outrageous and hilarious events that challenge their perceptions of friendship and belonging.
In a time where representation and diverse storytelling are gaining more recognition in the entertainment industry, "Joy Ride" offers a refreshing take on Asian characters. Written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao (both known for their work on "Family Guy"), "Joy Ride" reframes the Asian narrative we usually see in dramas with audacious humor reminiscent of "The Hangover" and "Bridesmaids."
On how the film coincided with her reflections on identity, Ashley Park told Vanity Fair, "What I really connected to was that I was first starting to reflect on being in an industry and in a world that was very much built by and for white people or people who didn't look like me. I really connect to all of the negotiation that Audrey goes through to find a way to be genuinely ambitious and excited to be in this world that she really had no part in at first. And also just the fact that she really — it wasn't that she was trying to ever deny being Asian, but she just really had never faced that part of her identity and was fine with it. I think that it really mirrored that time in my life too."
On how "Joy Ride" brings much-needed Asian representation to the raunchy comedy genre, Stephanie Hsu told The Hollywood Reporter, "When I was watching all of the comedies growing up, I never understood any of the cultural references, like they felt so far for me, and I think the very special thing about this one is there’s so many cultural specifics for the community that we can laugh at ourselves, laugh at each other, but we’re not the butt of the joke."
Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride when "Joy Ride" premieres in November, exclusively on Lionsgate Play.
Greenpeace PH: no need for nuclear energy
The enforcement of the Philippines and United States' civil nuclear cooperation agreement has sparked concerns from Greenpeace Philippines.
“The 123 Agreement is not for the best interest of the Philippines as it seeks to introduce both traditional nuclear energy technology as well as Small Modular Reactors (SMR) that will pose risks and dangers to Filipinos," Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Khevin Yu said.
The civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which took effect on July 2, will allow the US to export nuclear material, equipment, and components here in the Philippines.
"This nuclear deal, if sanctioned, will only be highly favorable to the U.S. government and the American companies that have tried but failed to sell SMRs in other parts of the world due to their untested technologies and exorbitant costs," Yu stressed.
Greenpeace also highlighted the risks and costs associated with nuclear energy.
“Nuclear is still the most dangerous source of energy. Nuclear disasters are realities that are intrinsically linked to any form of nuclear energy technology. This agreement will put Filipinos in harm’s way for the sake of generating electricity from nuclear energy," said Yu.
The organization said the Philippines does not need the 123 Agreement as it pushed for renewable energy sources instead.
"The Philippines can be energy independent with renewable energy. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are domestically available and should be the priority of the government. Solar rooftop utilization alone can provide 91 Gigawatts of reliable energy according to a 2024 Climate Analytics study. The Philippines would just be getting the short end of the stick if the government pursues this dangerous collaboration. They must repeal this unfavorable deal for the sake of Filipinos," said Yu.
The Philippines and the U.S. signed the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or the 123 Agreement on November 16, 2023 in San Francisco, California.
Reliance Broadcasting gets direct-to-home license
Pampanga-based Reliance Broadcasting Unlimited Inc. (RBU) is going nationwide following the grant of a direct-to-home (DTH) license by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The DTH service will be powered by Korea’s satellite communications leader KT SAT, which provides satellite capacity and the latest technology.
With the DTH license, RBU can now broadcast free-to-air channels such as PTV, GMA, RPTV, GTV, All TV, and 14 other ‘must carry’ channels even to the most remote areas in the country.
RBU is also collaborating with various organizations to air public service announcements and education materials to all Filipinos from the northernmost provinces of Batanes and Ilocos to the southern Mindanao municipalities.
“It has been a challenge to provide information to our people because the Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands. With RBU pivoting into a DTH operator, we’ll be able to do our share in giving access to crucial public information to more Filipinos as we try to reach every island in the country,” said RBU President, Atty. Frank Martin Abalos.
The NTC granted provisional authority to RBU late last year to provide DTH services throughout the Philippines.
RBU has contracted KT SAT, a Korea-based satellite operator and a subsidiary of KT Corp. (formerly Korea Telecom), as its satellite technology solutions provider for the service. KT Sat’s satellite resources cover more than 60% of the world's land area, and provide satellite communication services not only in Korea but also throughout the world, including Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Pakistan.
RBU will soon be rolling-out set-top boxes for those who are interested in availing its services.
Atty. Abalos noted that the DTH service of RBU complements the fiber internet services of its affiliate, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., since RBU will be able to provide broadcasting services to remote areas that cannot be reached by fiber optic cables, using satellite technology.
Converge is the largest fiber-to-the-home fixed broadband operator in the country with its fiber footprint covering over 700,000 kilometers across the country.
Lapakgaming officially launched in the Philippines
Lapakgaming, the premier top-up platform renowned for catering to gamers' needs, is thrilled to announce its expansion into the Southeast Asian market, including the Philippines. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the market leader in Indonesia, which has successfully completed over 2 million transactions to date.
Lapakgaming is celebrated for its competitive pricing and unwavering commitment to safety, sourcing all supplies directly from official game providers. As the leading top-up platform in Indonesia, Lapakgaming brings its expertise and trusted services to the Southeast Asian gaming community.
Supporting popular titles including Mobile Legends, Call of Duty Mobile, Honor of Kings, PUBG-M, Genshin Impact, and Honkai Star Rail, the platform offers some of the best prices in the market, ensuring gamers get more value for their money.
Hendi, AVP Gaming Growth & International Business Lapakgaming emphasized Lapakgaming's pleasant user experience and collaborative approach as its selling propositions. "Lapakgaming prioritizes safe, easy, and seamless transactions, facilitated by our secure payment system and an array or payment options. Our direct collaboration with game publishers enables us to provide competitive pricing and exclusive offers. Lapakgaming is dedicated to delivering the best games, prices, services and overall values to Filipino gamers", he said.
Facilitating easy top-ups with various online payment options such as G-cash, GrabPay, ShopeePay, PayMaya, and bank transfers, Lapakgaming also provides a 10x money-back guarantee if users do not receive their purchases (terms and conditions apply). Consistently delivering exceptional deals across all supported games, Lapakgaming stands out as the top choice for gamers.
To enjoy Lapakgaming services, visit www.lapakgaming.com/en-ph. Choose your desired game or voucher, enter the necessary details, select your preferred denomination or product, choose a payment method, and complete the transaction securely. Upon payment confirmation, your transaction details will be promptly sent to your account or email. Don't forget to apply any promo codes before finalizing your transaction for additional savings.
Stay updated on the latest promotions and announcements by following Lapakgaming on Instagram and Facebook at @lapakgaming.ph. (PR Newswire)
UNICEF asks Pinoy youth to join U-Report poll
Young people between 13 and 24 years old in the Philippines are invited to join the latest U-Report poll on what they think about their prospects for the future. They can click on this link: http://m.me/UReportPhilippines?text=KINABUKASAN, or search U-Report Philippines on Facebook Messenger and enter the word “Kinabukasan” to complete the poll.
The poll results will be part of the Philippine government’s contribution to the Summit of the Future, a September high-level UN event in New York that brings world leaders together to agree on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
U-Report is a digital community, powered by UNICEF, for young people, by young people, where they can raise their voices and share opinions on topics that matter to them. It empowers youth to find out about issues that affect them and take action.
The poll runs from June 13 to July 14, 2024 and is promoted by all UN agencies working with young people in the Philippines.
The U-Report platform is live across more than 90 countries. It was launched in the Philippines in 2019 supported by UNICEF. Using real-time insights and solutions, U-Report shapes policies and decisions in communities, countries and around the world, with policymakers working side-by-side with young people. (PR Station)
Liza Soberano’s ‘summer beyond compare’ with Deoproce
As the rainy season approaches, you can’t help but think of summer. You long for the beach, cool drinks, and chilling out with your friends under the scorching sun.
But while those carefree moments under the sun are precious, they also bring the harsh reality of UV exposure, which can wreak havoc on your skin. That's where the Deoproce UV Defence line steps in, providing not just protection, but also the indulgent experience of pampering your skin while you soak up the sun.
And who better to trust with your skincare than the radiant Liza Soberano, who recently graced the pristine shores of Banwa Private Island in Palawan, embodying the essence of beauty and sun-kissed confidence?
Liza Soberano, along with her close friends and family, joined forces with Deoproce Philippines for an exclusive getaway to Banwa Private Island—a luxurious sanctuary nestled in Roxas, Palawan. Featured by Forbes as one of the world's most expensive private island resorts, Banwa offers exceptional amenities, lavish villas, and unique island activities, mirroring Deoproce’s commitment to exceeding skincare expectations.
The exclusive summer getaway brought together Deoproce ambassador Liza Soberano along with her friend, actress and Hollywood director of “Lisa Frankestein” Zelda Williams, her closest confidants from Careless Music, and the Deoproce Philippines team.
During their stay, the group was treated to a premium and luxurious summer experience, including going on a sunset cruise, watching the flying foxes on Pagbu Island, and exploring the house reefs of Banwa, among other activities – all while staying protected with Deoproce’s UV Defence Line.
Coming with a promise to bring skincare that is beyond compare, UV Defence Line is a range of sun care products made for different skin types with UVA/UVB and SPF 30-50 PA+++ to protect your skin from sun damage:
- Deoproce UV Defence Silky Light Sun Stick for convenient application. It helps you be sunbeatable and it goes beyond sun protection with its soothing and calming properties. It's best for people with acne prone and sensitive skin;
- Deoproce UV Defence Sun Cream which doubles as a makeup base. It helps you be sunbeatable and it goes beyond sun protection with its whitening and anti-wrinkle properties. It also helps naturally correct blemishes and skin tone. It's best for people with dry & normal skin;
- Deoproce UV Defence All Day Sun Cushion which is vegan and made for moisturization. It helps you be sunbeatable and it goes beyond sun protection with its calming and moisturizing properties. It can be used on the face and body, and it also has a vegan formula. It's best for all skin types;
- The new Deoproce UV Defence Daily Face and Body Sun Cream for lightweight every day complete sun protection. It helps you be sunbeatable and it also goes beyond sun protection with its hydrating and moisturizing properties. It also helps with brightening and anti-aging. It's best for dry and normal skin;
- Deoproce Premium UV Sunblock Cream, a 4-in-1 multifunction sunblock that corrects skin tone, gives UVA & UVB protection, and serves as a smooth makeup base. It goes beyond sun protection with its brightening and moisturizing properties. It also helps even the skin tone and prevents makeup from caking. It's best for people with normal & oily skin.
- Deoproce Hyaluronic Cooling Sun Gel, Liza’s personal favorite, has instant cooling relief from skin irritation. It helps you be sunbeatable and it goes beyond sun protection with its hydrating and moisturizing properties. It also has an instant cooling effect. It's best for people with normal & oily skin.
Just like Liza Soberano, keep your skin protected under the sun and experience a summer beyond compare with the Deoproce UV Defence Line. Visit your nearest Watsons or SM Beauty store to test the UV Defence Line for yourself.
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