The release of Dune: Part 2 put fans on a rollercoaster especially after its delay in lieu of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Originally set to be released in November 2023, the film finally met the cinemas on March 1, 2024.
Deviating from the trend of streaming releases at the same time as cinematic releases, Dune: Part Two chooses an exclusive theatrical debut in the US with fans flocking the big-screens, even booking tickets for 3 am shows.
Photo from DiscussingFilm
Clocking in at 165 minutes and 37 seconds, Dune: Part Two exceeds its predecessor by 10 minutes. An emotionally charged story line was promised by Director Denis Villeneuve, giving justice to the source material. The intricate romance between Chani (Zendaya) and Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) will finally be explored, giving release to the tension that had been sustained in the first installment.
Photo from Dónde Ir
Rebecca Ferguson will be reprising her role as Lady Jessica, and new faces like Léa Seydoux, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy will be joining the star-studded ensemble.
As the sequel explores uncharted territories on the desert planet Arrakis, you can expect a visually stunning experience, and a stellar direction led by Villeneuve.
The complexity of Cebu City stems from its citizens – people like hard laborers in the public markets, students from all kinds of backgrounds, and office workers chugging at their computers for hours and hours on end. Every single one of these people lives their own lives searching for something meaningful to make of their existence, something just itching to burst out and shout to the heavens above.
Thonter Adobo is what someone might call a quintessential creative: grinding countless hours at their day job to support that one passion they’ve always dreamed about. In this case, his passions are in the musical arts. Taking inspiration from artists like IV of Spades, he started creating under the stage name “THNTR.”
How THNTR. Came to Be
His first exposure to music was when he dabbled in expressions of himself that relate to his favorite artists. In junior high school, he knew that he already had love for music, albeit only treating it as a hobby. 2018 was the origin of his music persona, as he started his first music project with a ukulele. This ended up becoming his first single, ‘Time,’ which his friend offered to produce.
He initially put his songs on Bandcamp in 2019. Later that year, life hit hard, and like a lot of musicians in our city, he had to focus on his job as a video editor to make a living. Opportunities for local musicians are scarce. Compromise is something a lot of artists are familiar with, much so in a small town like Cebu.
However, one of the few good things the pandemic has brought upon is that it forced a lot of people to truly look at themselves and take the time to think about the things they had to overlook because of the bleakness of reality. The same happened to Thonter when he finally found the motivation to introspect, digging deep into his own consciousness to bring out what he wanted to say to the world through his music.
Music Beyond Sound
Thonter defies the idea of a genre in terms of his music as he correlates his sound to the experience behind every song. His writing process boils down to a matter of vibes – to push through with a song, he has to see the overarching feeling it emanates. The melodies, instruments, and lyrics come naturally to him over many iterations and as time goes on. Treating each song as if they’re part of a collective story, he crafts their identities using mediums beyond sound.
He used this process when creating his latest EP, ‘Pictures I’ve Taken,’ using visual elements often packaged with his music, such as cover art, to supplement the message of the song. Polaroid photos are stylized and washed with a distinct hue, like ‘Ramona’ embodying purple, and ‘Sleep’ being a toned-down blue.
As Thonter mentions, developing each song’s identity, as well as its visual motifs and cues, is his favorite part about creating. Musicians all have distinctive processes in which they manifest their craft. For him, he considers the storytelling of music as the most exciting part of the undertaking.
The Cebuano Music Scene
As small as the Cebuano Music Scene is, the community is pretty tight-knit because of common goals and interests. Thonter started to look inwards during the rise of IV of Spades in 2018, taking inspiration from other Cebuano artists after seeing them perform in gigs.
“I think of it as proudly stealing … I really steal from everyone I see and put my own spin to it,”
Thonter jokingly said, emphasizing how even if the word has a negative connotation, he sees it as simply as that. There is no beginning and end in how art imitates art.
His first EP, ‘Pictures I’ve Taken’, was made during lockdown in late 2020. Despite initial struggles, he ultimately found a way to distribute his music. In early 2021, he also released a few singles, namely ‘Ramona (Call This World Our Own)’, and ‘Sleep’.
With creativity and inspiration coming in waves being married to responsibilities in life that necessitate turning back on some things, he went on a hiatus. After playing a gig in Manila by an invitation from his friends, he wanted to continue making music, but was in no capacity to. Despite that, it is still clear how intricately woven the Cebuano music scene is with how local musicians can tap into each other for help and opportunities.
To Aspiring Musicians, From Thonter
Thonter ends the interview with a final message to aspiring musicians: “I sometimes imagine myself answering the question: ‘What would you say to those who want to create music?’, and the answer is just to create.” Thonter expresses how interesting current times are for aspiring artists, in an era where people don’t have to have labels to have platforms to release their music.
He also reminds everyone to be proud of the work that they’ve achieved by saying this about his most recently released titles, ‘Ramona (Call This World Our Own),’ and ‘Sleep’: “They’re not the best ever, but I can say they’re my work, and I’m really, really proud of them.”
“As they say, teamwork makes the dream work and this meeting is a first major step towards the dream of a successful bid and eventual hosting of the men’s world championship,” Tats Suzara, the president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation said.
Photo from Philippine Canadian Inquirer
In lieu of the 2025 FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball; International Volleyball Federation), the Philippines is bidding to host the international sports event.
The representative expressed the nation’s fervent desire to showcase its prowess on the global stage during a special briefing. Tats Suzara, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and Senator Pia Cayetano attended the meeting, taking the crucial step towards achieving a successful international tournament hosted by the country.
The bid was backed by the Philippines’ impressive track record in hosting the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2022 and 2023, an act which FIVB officials praised including Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor and Chief Business Officer Guido Betti.
These successful past collaborations together with overwhelming support from fans leaves the country eagerly awaiting the FIVB’s decision. The announcement of the bid winner will be revealed in the final week of March.
Photo from InsidetheGames
Should the bid be successful, the Philippines plans to hold the FIVB World Men’s Championship in either the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum or the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We see a massive potential in the Philippines. We decided to bring the VNL here two years ago and the fandom was crazy. We’re overwhelmed and with that being said, players will be happy to come back,” the FIVB Chief Business Officer said.
Maayo Health Group, a subsidiary of Primary Group of Builders and known for its flagship brand ‘The Hospital at Maayo’ officially launches ‘Wellness Hub at Maayo’ (WHAM) on February 28, 2024, at i2 Building of Cebu I.T. Park – a hub itself for multinational, tech, and lifestyle companies.
Holistic Wellness
WHAM is built on Maayo’s established reputation for a holistic approach to healthcare – offering accessible and comprehensive wellness solutions to the community.
Since its inception in 2017, Maayo Health Group has championed an integrative approach to health, recognizing the importance of addressing physical, mental, and holistic well-being.
“We first thought of the Wellness Hub at aayo as an offshoot of our services at The Hospital at Maayo… We wanted the Wellness Hub to focus on holistic experience. So besides the traditional healthcare, we are also tapping into the other aspects which will improve the person’s emotional and mental health,” said Dr. Lawrence Chad Liu, Maayo Health Group Chief Operating Officer and Medical Director.
Integrative Health Approach
Understanding the limitations associated with traditional hospital settings, Maayo established WHAM as an independent wellness brand, preserving its core values of integrated and comprehensive health.
The center offers a comprehensive range of options for holistic wellness, aesthetics, physical rehabilitation, and health consultations – all designed to encourage individuals to prioritize their overall health and well-being despite their hectic schedules.
Backing these services is a dedicated team of experts passionate about giving individuals unique wellness journeys. Whether clients seek to enhance their confidence, manage stress, improve their diet, or simply embrace a healthier lifestyle, WHAM offers the resources and expertise to help them integrate their mental, emotional, and physical wellness.
Owning one’s health
Cebu IT Park, a thriving hub of businesses and professionals, is the ideal location for WHAM. Recognizing the fast-paced nature of this environment, it offers a curated selection of services designed to cater to the specific needs of working professionals on the go.
Its Aesthetic Services boasts board-certified dermatologists’ guided procedures designed to boost confidence and overall well-being. Furthermore, its Physical Rehabilitation Program aims to help individuals regain their best selves by healing physical strains and addressing stress-related injuries.
In between meetings, individuals may find themselves unwinding their minds and rediscovering their inner peace through WHAM’s Holistic Wellness Programs. And without having to go far to get primary health checks, the hub has made available doctor consultations from 6am to 10pm from Mondays to Saturdays.
WHAM aims to empower Cebuanos to take control of their health by making holistic healthcare readily accessible. It hopes to see a reduction in chronic diseases impacting younger generations and inspire individuals to prioritize their health from a young age.
“By allowing patients the freedom to take charge of their health, we hope that this would remove the barriers the patients have in seeking healthcare and minimize the fears people have. And so doing, having our patients expand their health horizons,” Dr. Liu concluded.
Own your Health Now!
Location: Ground Floor of i2 Building, IT Park, Jose Maria Del Mar St., Cebu City o
Our mantra when we go for summer vacation is, “Pics or it didn’t happen.”
Considering buying a new phone for fire pictures this summer? Realme’s timing couldn’t be greater with its new Realme 12+ 5G in the Philippine smartphone market this March!
Going for vacations is all about experiencing new places, new things, and new activities. However, we also need a good phone that can keep our memories for us through photos and videos.
Good thing Realme released the Realme 12+ 5G.
We tested out the Realme 12+ 5G to help you decide if it fits your preferences in a phone or not.
REALME 12’S LEATHER FINISH
The Realme 12+ displays a shiny metallic finish on its side frame, while the back sports a premium leather finish. This makes this phone resemble a luxurious watch.
Although the phone displays a shiny metallic finish, the phone is surprisingly lightweight which makes it practical to bring everywhere.
Beyond aesthetic purposes, the premium vegan leather at the back is also designed to resist the accumulation of dirt on the phone.
Unlike the Realme 11 series’ rear camera is at the upper corner, in Realme 12+, it is located at the center.
For swift and easy navigation, the volume and power buttons are on the right side of the phone. Meanwhile, the USB-C port, speaker, dual SIM, and SD card slots are located at the bottom.
SCREEN
Beyond its external aesthetics, the Realme 12+ 5G does not disappoint with its E4 AMOLED screen display that enhances color accuracy, high contrast ratio, and brightness level which makes it have a fully vibrant color.
Not only will you love the phone’s vibrancy, but also the wideness of the screen! Its 6.7-inch screen makes it perfect for users who love watching movies, videos, playing games, and navigating through the interface.
It is also prided with its 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth and seamless phone experience.
When it comes to picture-taking, the Realme 12+ 5G does not disappoint because its rear camera has a triple lens set-up!
The first is the 50MP SonyLYT600 OIS which is known for its low-light and detailed capture experience. Thus, in a dimly lit room, the camera adjusts and focuses on a subject for a brighter and more visible image.
The second lens, the 8MP 112° Wide Angle, is for a more versatile photography style, especially for those who love to take 0.6 photos. It also has a 2MP Macro lens perfect for sharp and highly detailed images in a closer focusing distance.
After taking photos inside, outside, and in a dimly lit room, the results are surprisingly good! In comparison to another brand, the photos taken using the Realme 12+ 5G are more vibrant than the other one.
Another interesting feature beyond the wide-angle camera is the street view where you can record moving cars and vehicles. With it is the exclusive zoom vehicle feature where you can click on the vehicle you wish to zoom. From there, it will immediately zoom in without compromising the quality of the image.
This phone allows zoom up to 18x, however, expect that the more you zoom, the image quality will be more grainy.
When it comes to video taking, the Realme 12+ 5G is more impressive as well in comparison to the other newly released phone brands. Not only is Realme consistent when it comes to vibrancy, but it also has a stabilizer feature to avoid shaky videos which makes this the perfect phone for vloggers!
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
When it comes to performance, Realme 12+ 5G can be one of the best choices for photo-taking especially at the beach during summer vacations. Moreover, it can also be excellent as a daily phone where you can watch movies, scroll through social media, and play games.
Using the Realme 12+ 5G for more than an hour, we’ve observed that the phone responded smoothly to our touch commands such as scrolling through applications, typing messages, and even a series of multiple clicks for photos!
This phone has high audio resolution with 2 speakers excluding the audio jack. When we used the phone to watch YouTube, the maximum volume of the audio was surprisingly loud and clear. Even the mid-volume was still audible, especially in a silent room.
However, one of our keen observations after two to three hours of using the phone such as taking pictures and playing light games such as Candy Crush, was that the phone was already hot.
BATTERY
After using the phone for the first 30 minutes for photos, the battery percentage decreased from 53% to 50%.
Even while the phone is idle or asleep, it can be observed that the battery percentage decreases by at least 1% to 3% maximum.
Meanwhile, using the phone for 2 straight hours, especially switching from various applications such as the camera, social media apps, and games, lead to the phone heating up.
Despite this, the phone still charges quite fast with its 67W SUPERVOOC charging technology that refuels the phone quickly.
FINAL VERDICT
With the Realme 12+ 5g’s price, specs, and features, I can say that it is worthy as a daily phone, especially for smartphone users who value high-quality cameras for keepsakes. Its smooth response to touch also enables multitasking. It also prides itself with an ample space for apps, files, and media.
All in all, it is a good choice for mid-range phone buyers because it offers a multitude of good features such as performance, camera capabilities, and display quality among others.
In our current world where everything is fast-paced and instantaneous, we must keep up.
If this is a competition, GenZs surely win. Imagine watching Netflix and TikTok videos at 2x speed. This is known as “speed watching,” commonly practiced by Gen Zs.
Photo from The Times
This method is not only applicable to binge-watching movies but also to watching recorded video lectures for school.
This leaves us with the question, does speed watching compromise learning?
WHY BINGE-WATCH?
Simple. Gen Zs binge-watch to save time and consuming a plethora of media content in a shorter time creates a new level of binge-watching experience because they can manipulate the number of hours they wish to spend.
Photo from Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
Based on a Teller Report, 40% of young audiences recently engaged with speed watching. This means that users can increase their watching speed. YouTube and other streaming platforms have already incorporated speed adjustment features that enable users to manipulate the speed of the media content they are consuming.
SHORTER ATTENTION SPAN
Fast-forwarding videos are caused by people’s shorter attention spans. The National Center for Biotechnology Information said that the average attention span of people dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2013. The Technical University of Denmark researchers explained that this is caused by the insurmountable information that people need to focus on in a shorter amount of time, hence, making people lose the patience to consume information at a normal pace.
Photo from Sean Gallup/Getty Images
IS BINGE WATCHING BAD OR GOOD?
The nature of speed watching is decreasing the amount of time consumption for certain media outlets to make room for more media content.
Does the fact that this applies to video lectures for school mean that users are prioritizing quantity over quality?
Photo from CO Architects
A study conducted by UCLA Psychology Professors found that watching videos and lectures even at 2x speed still helps students retain sets of information in their brains.
In their findings, students who increase their video speed absorb the same details and information as those who watch video lectures at a normal speed. The advantage that the former has is the shorter amount of time they spend to absorb the information.
We are all unreliable in terms of productivity especially when we’re at home, may the task be for work or for school. It’s just nearly impossible not to give into the temptations of laying in bed and just scrolling through our phones. However, Nest Workspaces is your friend when it comes to this dilemma.
Coffee shops are always an alternative, but because everyone who goes to coffee shops all have varying goals of being there, the environment can be distracting. Maybe your conscience will also eat you if you stay too long after buying just one coffee. You might think about getting another one, but it all sums up to be too pricey. It’s simply different to be in an actual workspace where you get to manage your own time and have no choice but to focus.
#DoThatThing in a Conducive Environment
The entire place is so big, you might not even end up sitting next to anyone. Inside, there is a wide array of options where you can sit in. For one, they have a large wooden table with office chairs that can alleviate the ergonomic hazards tied to sitting for a long time. They also have sitting areas that resemble those of coffee shops, with a table in the middle, a sofa on one side, and a wooden chair just across it.
For groups, there are also big marbled tables with cushioned chairs – perfect for peers who need to study out. If you want more privacy, there are also booth-like areas with dividers, so you can’t see who’s in front of you or behind you. Here, you can choose how you want to deliver your tasks in the most comfortable way possible.
The Essentials: Coffee, Tea, and WiFi
At this time in the 21st century, productivity has become synonymous with high-speed internet. And even that, Nest Workspaces has got you covered. You can stop worrying about interruptions or slow WiFi because you only get the best of the best here.
In need of caffeine? You’re all set. Prefer tea? Go ahead! Nest Workspaces offers free flowing coffee and tea to keep you focused. And you don’t have to pay additional!
Photo from Nest Workspaces Official Facebook Page
Meeting Rooms and Creative Studios
If you’re with your classmates or coworkers and you need a place to present ideas or brainstorm, meeting rooms await you. Here, you can have utmost privacy and the freedom to speak as loudly as you can with their thick walls and glass door. You don’t have to stress yourself out finding a venue to discuss something with your peers anymore.
Photo from Nest Workspaces Official Facebook PagePhoto from Nest Workspaces Official Facebook Page
If you’re a content creator looking for a good space to shoot, creative studios are also available in Nest Workspaces. Other than the space, they also have built-in lighting and a light diffuser, giving you the best results in your footage or photographs.
Everyone is welcome to Nest Workspaces, and even better, if you’re a member, then you’re good to stay 24/7. If you’re not convinced enough, then you can always go see for yourself and try working on your tasks in such a favorable setting.
Photo from Nest Workspaces Official Facebook Page
Redefine work with Nest Workspaces!
Other Information
Co-Working Space Rates
Passes
Day Pass: ₱400
Week Pass: ₱1, 500
Flexi Pass (8 days passes consumable within 3 months): ₱3, 000
Monthly Membership: ₱5, 500
Reserved Desk Add-on: ₱1, 000 per month
Private Booth: ₱20,000 per month
Additional Members Add-on: ₱5, 500
Private Office: ₱20,000 per month
Additional Members Add-on: ₱5, 500
Studio
Infinity Wall: ₱9, 000/ 4 hours minimum
₱2, 500/ succeeding hours
Podcast Room
₱3, 000/ 4 hours minimum
₱900/ succeeding hours
Multipurpose
₱2, 000/ 2 hours minimum
₱1, 250/ succeeding hours
Entire Space
₱14, 000/ 4 hours minimum
₱27, 000/ 8 hours
₱39, 000/ 12 hours
₱3, 500/ every succeeding hour
Meeting Room
Small Meeting Room
6 pax, ₱400 per hour
Large Meeting Room
12 pax, ₱900 per hour
Opening hours: 7AM to 1AM daily for non-members; 24/7 for members
Exact location: Nest Workspaces, B1, Horizons 101, Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City
BY BUS: From Colon Street or Carbon, ride 17C, 04C, or any jeepney that is en route to Mango Avenue. Ask the driver to drop you off at Horizons 101.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “NEST Workspaces” in General Maxilom Ave., Cebu City. The workspace is located in the basement of Horizons 101. Parking space is available.
Adulting simply isn’t as fun as we used to think when we were children. Many of us will forever connect to that “from perfumes to Efficascent” meme, because honestly, what do we do without Efficascent these days?
For 65 years, Efficascent has been around providing wellness to overworked students and employees. Formulated for fast relief of back and muscular pains, on many occasions, it truly has been and will be a lifesaver. We are all too familiar with our pine green-shaded friend in a transparent bottle.
Now, we are introduced to the new Efficascent Boost, making its use more convenient with its roll-on applicator.
You can finally leave your open-bottle Efficascent at home in lieu of the handy Efficascent Boost, which is much easier to carry and apply wherever you may be. The best part? It also comes with a cap massager that can help you press those muscles without difficulty. Deal with your headache, cramps, and joint pain anytime, anywhere!
Still carrying the essential oils whose embrace makes you feel better – menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor – you can now enjoy fast relief without worrying about the liquid spilling or the mess it might make. Grab your Efficascent Boost now!
A rollback in pump prices is set for the last week of February with major oil companies like CleanFuel, Shell, and SeaOil announcing the news.
According to the industry leaders, impending adjustments on the prices were scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Gasoline prices were said to have a substantial decrease of ₱0.95 per liter, kerosene by ₱1.10, while diesel prices are to have a drop of ₱0.70 for the same amount.
This gives relief to consumers grappling with recent fuel price hikes for the past two years. The increase in pump prices continued up until the previous week, with gasoline prices hiking by ₱1.60 per liter, kerosene rising by ₱1.05 per liter, and diesel prices by ₱1.10.
The adjustments coming from the major companies were set to take effect with the following schedule:
CleanFuel: 4:01 PM on Tuesday (February 27, 2024)
Shell: 6:00 AM on Tuesday (February 27, 2024)
SeaOil: 6:00 AM on Tuesday (February 27, 2024)
Other oil companies are still yet to announce their price adjustments, but with three leading brands applying the recent modification, this sets a potential respite for drivers for the time being.
The pandemic has greatly shifted many of our lives and everything revolving around it. One of the most formidable changes it has resulted in is the education in our country. Not only was the online setting the only thing new it brought upon, but a change in the academic calendar as well.
If you haven’t gotten the memo yet, DepEd scheduled the start of classes for the school year 2024-2025 on July 29. Signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, DepEd Order No. 003 series of 2024 pushes back the end of the school year from June 14 to May 31.
The shift in academic calendar was deemed necessary to respond to concerns regarding the intense heat during the summer months. Furthermore, DepEd 7 Director Jimenez also announced in addition to the changes in the academic landscape that the upcoming school year 2024-2025 will end by May 16, 2025.
This may seemingly cause some sort of conflict regarding graduating students who are to participate in the Palarong Pambansa, but Palaro is proactive in alleviating the competitors’ worries.
The eligibility of graduating students is not at all a problem. Department of Education Central Visayas (DepEd 7) Director Salustiano Jimenez recently confirmed that as long as the competitors adhere to the age restrictions, they can still compete from July 9 to July 16 in the national sporting event.
Photo from CEBU CITY NEWS & INFORMATION
Palarong Pambansa is scheduled to have its opening ceremony on July 9 at the Cebu City Sports Center, an event that will be hosted by Cebu City for the first time in three decades.
