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The Last Airbender Live-Action: Everything You Need to Know

The world was shaken since the first time they saw the official trailer of The Last Airbender live action. Expectations were high because of the highly improved visuals, as well as the casting (albeit the ATLA community is still at a divide regarding whether it’s a hit or miss.) Now, we finally get to see The Last Airbender live action in its element.

Photo from Rolling Stone

It has been almost two decades since its animated debut, Avatar: The Last Airbender. However, if you didn’t know, this isn’t the first time a live action version of the popular series is made. In 2010, an ill-fated version was released, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and produced by Paramount Pictures. This was negatively received by viewers, hence, the 2024 version definitely has bigger shoes to fill to satisfy a then-dissatisfied audience.

One main difference the 2024 version has compared to 2010 is that the remake has a culturally appropriate cast, promising a faithful recreation of the source material. From the impressive costuming, CGI that aligns with the narrative, to the detailed cast builds, the remake is very much anticipated by fans to see if it could live up to their expectations.

Photo from Vox

This February 22, 2024, Netflix finally released the live-action adaptation. One thing undeniable is the visually stunning cinematic experience it offers.

Creative Differences and Unknown Deviations

Prior to its release, deviations were already made known to fans such as the omission of the misguided character of Sokka. Fans expressed their disagreement against this decision, as this characteristic is necessary to show Sokka’s character growth, and how the journey and the entire gang slowly changed him. Complaints were raised, saying how detrimental it is for modern adaptations to change characters who will be perceived today as problematic, when in fact, these things are necessary for storytelling. Media isn’t only supposed to immediately show what’s right and only what’s right, but it should also teach audiences to be critical about the actions of characters. A similar discourse occurred when The Little Mermaid (2023) removed the “body language” line in Ursula’s villain solo, “Poor Unfortunate Souls”.

Photo from Deadline

The original creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko also left the project in 2020 due to their objection to some of the decisions made for the remake. In spite of this, Netflix continued to bring Avatar to life with the creative team they have.

Photo from Syfy

As of now, the Rotten Tomatoes score for the first season stands at 59%, with an audience approval of 75%. Audience reception is still at a divide, with some saying that the changes are a disservice to the spirit of the original series, and the other half being grateful to get to experience watching the beloved show in a different format. At the end of the day, it’s still important to watch the show first in order to craft an objective opinion. Regardless of the mixed reviews, it’s still definitely worth the watch before we open our mouths.

₱8.1 Million Worth of Fossilized Giant Clam Shells Recovered in Palawan

As a tropical country blessed with countless natural resources, it is imperative for us to prioritize marine life conservation not only for reasons such as a boost in tourism hence the economy, but for preserving our environment in and of itself, even if it’s just the remains of what once was.

On February 14, The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced that local authorities recovered 336 pieces of fossilized giant mollusks in Barangay Sebaring, Balabac, Palawan. This is a significant milestone in conserving the remains of a past geological age. The giant clam shells have an estimated worth of ₱8.1 million.

The findings are locally known as ‘taklobo’ or ‘manlet’. They were previously discreetly hidden under the sands of Palawan, and were immediately turned over to the barangay officials for temporary custody.

The retrieval operation is in line with the mandate of Republic Act No. 10654, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code. Since conservation is the priority of this cause, harvesting, selling, and buying them are prohibited by law. Previously, the PCG also retrieved ₱18 million worth of fossilized giant clam shells in Dumaran, Palawan two years ago in 2022, and 80 tons of giant clams in Roxas, Palawan in the year prior.

Coastal View Resort: A Tropical Retreat in Sogod

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Another place that you need to add to your bucket list! 

Wake up to clear blue skies, ocean breeze, and the heat of the sun at Coastal View Resort at the heart of Sogod!

Photo from Coastal View Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Coastal View Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Coastal View Resort Official Facebook Page

Located in Northern Cebu, this resort will make sure that you will fall in love with life and nature again with its panoramic view of the ocean. 

Witnessing how the sun rises is also one of the most majestic if not romantic solemn activities you could do here at Coastal View Resort. If you want to ground yourself more with nature at night, stargazing or moongazing is also another activity that you can do.

Photo from Coastal View Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Coastal View Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Coastal View Resort Official Facebook Page

With just P100, you can already revel in the beauty of nature at Coastal View Resort.

They also offer cottages for family or friend gatherings. 

Cottage Rate:  

  • Umbrella Stall – P350 (6 px)
  • Kubo – P500 (10 Pax)
  • Gazebo 1 – P1,000 (15 pax)
  • Gazebo 2 – P1500 (20pax)
  • Table – P50 each
  • Chairs – P10 each
  • Videoke – P150/hr, free for exclusive
  • Exclusive – P7000  (30pax)

They also offer accommodation for overnight stays

Room Rates:

  • Room 1 – P2000 (2 pax)
    • 1 Bed 
  • Room 2 – P3500 (4 pax)
    • 2 Queen size bed

The resort also accommodates those who wish to use the resort as a function hall for parties of any sort.

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE: 

Entrance Fee: P100 (3 years olds below are free)

Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

OTHER INFORMATION

Corkage Fee:  Drinks corkage P20 per bottle, P150 per case. No food corkage.

Contact Number: 0949 368 2499

Email Address: [email protected]

Facebook Page: Coastal View Resort

HOW TO GET THERE:

Exact location: Poblacion Sogod, Cebu

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal. Look for the one heading to Sogod, and ask the driver to drop you off at Coastal View Resort in Sogod.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Coastal View Resort” in Sogod. Parking space is available.

Balud Cafe: A Tropical Sanctuary Cafe in Toledo

Sometimes, a cup of coffee is what we all need to keep our heads above water.

Balud Cafe gives this and more!

Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page
Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page
Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page

Nestled in the tranquil soil of Toledo, this tropical cafe offers a sanctuary not far from the heart of the City. To be wrapped around the lulling arms of the four corners of Balud Cafe ensures you can savor a slow day after a fast-paced week. 

The cafe’s earthy tones of brown, green, and white ground you with nature and reset your brain into rest mode. What makes this cafe more relaxing is that they are located by the beach and the overlooking view of Mt. Canlaon volcano, which makes it the best place to visit for sunrise and sunset viewing!

Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page
Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page
Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page

For as low as P120, you can already choose from their wide coffee and non-coffee options! From Americano to premium teas.

Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page

When I say more, they give more! Because they have a wide selection you can choose from. Coffee is not the only product they offer, they also offer breakfast and rice bowls for those who are hungry. 

Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page

For those who still cannot leave their responsibilities in the city, the cafe has a free for you! Mobile data also works around the area. 

Balud Cafe is also pet-friendly for those who want to bring their furbabies with them.

Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page
Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page
Photo from Balud Cafe Official Facebook Page

Parking space is also available for customers who’ll visit the cafe via private car.

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE: 

Entrance Fee: NA

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday – 11AM – 9PM

Saturday &Sunday – 8AM – 9PM

OTHER INFORMATION

Corkage Fee: NA

Contact Number: NA

Email Address: [email protected]

Facebook Page: Balud Cafe

Instagram Page: @balud.cafe

HOW TO GET THERE:

Exact location: Bato, Toledo

BY COMMUTE: Ride any tricycle/Habal2x from Toledo City going to barangay Bato, national high school. From there you can walk or ride sikad 5-10 mins to “Balud Cafe”. The Cafe is inside Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa!

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sam Xander’s stone beach villa” in Toledo. The Cafe is in the exact same location.

Eiffel Tower Shuts Down Amid Workers’ Strike for Fair Wages

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The globally recognized symbol of the city of love, the Eiffel Tower, has temporarily closed due to an ongoing workers’ strike. Workers clamored for fair wages and improved management practices and conditions in the said strike.

Photo from The HISTORY Channel

Organized by the CGT union, the strike aims to address issues such as better compensation due to rising ticket sales revenue and enhanced maintenance of the renowned monument. 

This left tourists in disappointment when the 330-meter structure was filled with barricades and a sign that apologizes for the closure.

Photo from France 24

In contrast to many of the visitors’ reactions, American tourist Marisa Solis expressed her sympathy for the cause. She acknowledged the importance of fair wages and proper working conditions for those working in the Eiffel Tower – the lifeline of the Eiffel Tower that makes it what it is today. The sentiment was shared by other onlookers as well, standing outside the monument with full understanding of the strike’s spirit. 

Stephane Dieu, a representative of the CGT union, underscored the Eiffel Tower’s growing revenue and how the workers’ salaries should be commensurate with the work they do. She labeled the shortcoming as the prioritization of short-term gains over long-term preservation. The current business model is simply negligent to employee well-being.

Photo from 24 News HD

Union leaders raised their concerns regarding the City Hall’s alleged overlooking of the cost for planned improvements on the Eiffel Tower in lieu of the Summer Olympics. The city hall owns 99% of the Eiffel Tower’s capital, hence, the insufficient maintenance and increased workload for employees had more leverage to be questioned. All of this poses a threat to the integrity of the monument and the workforce that keeps it running.

Photo from Viator

The temporary closure of the Eiffel Tower might just be an inconvenience to some, but to the workers, this is their livelihood on the line and their well-being compromised.

What Is Shein’s “Lucky Draw” About?

Shein painted the town red yesterday, February 21, 2024, with multiple social media posts talking about their lucky draw going viral. The draw promises a ₱5,000 voucher for the winners.

What’s not enticing about a ₱5,000 voucher? Of course, many would try out their luck thinking they have a chance because of the number of people having testified to actually winning. But the thing is, it’s simply too good to be true for a huge portion of the population riding on the waves of fast fashion to get the same twist of fate.

It works like this: Shein users are to play a game where every draw (each requiring 100 coins) lands on a prize, be it a discount, more coins, or the ₱5,000 voucher. To play, one must enter a referral code in the app’s search bar, which is provided by videos and posts on social media (or friends needing friends to keep playing. We’ll get to this later.)

My 21st of February started with a friend messaging me to use her referral code on Shein because it’s the only way for her to get more coins. The day ended with her ultimately letting it go after seeing a pattern, one that not only she is being put through. Apparently, the game allows you to have so many wins to keep you going. The first couple of draws you make will get you discounts and more coins to be able to make more draws, until you are left with two options (every time you win something, it scratches the prize off the table), one of them being the jackpot. After driving you to the edge, it suddenly hits you with a screen that says you have to invite friends to use your code to play for the 50-50 chance of winning the voucher.

With that being said, the referral codes used by participants are all from people who are playing the game. Posts and videos online market the codes only as a way to get in, but an unspoken reality besides that is that every time someone uses the code from some viral post is another opportunity for them to draw more and more.

From this perspective, those who are the likeliest to get the prize have a lot of traction (or have an obscene amount of friends) in their bid to get people to use their code. The framework is akin to that of networking schemes.

Shein isn’t the first to pull off this marketing strategy, but it certainly did wonders as the download rate of the app skyrocketed yesterday because of people creating accounts to participate in the draw as well. 

The intention of those viral posts is definitely under a veil, and people ought to be made aware of this marketing strategy to 1) ground their expectations better, and 2) for the sake of media literacy.

Photo from REUTERS

It all boils down to what people want to do, and of course, there’s nothing wrong with participating in this kind of campaign; they just have to know what the campaign is doing. For certain, it worked. Well done, Shein.

Underground Cable in Cebu City in May 2024

The spaghetti wire problem in Cebu City will finally be resolved.

The Cebu City government tackles resolving the tangling overhead wires in Cebu City.

In an interview, Councilor Jerry Guardo, the infrastructure committee Chairman, said that the underground installation of cable wires will be around the main thoroughfares of Cebu City and a total of 90 kilometers.

A private firm, MetroWorks ICT Construction Inc. (MetroWorks), proposed to the Cebu City government a public-private partnership for the installation of a one-pole system and an underground cabling system. 

In June 2023, a letter of intent signed by Miles Tonn Chua, the chief operating officer of MetroWorks sent to the Cebu City government, stated that MetroWorks shares the same mission and vision for Cebu City to become a globally competitive city.

In the interview, Guardo added that they will go through a pilot project before coming up with an agreement by signing a Memorandum of Agreement with MetroWorks. 

PILOT PROJECT AREA

The pilot area will cover around 800 meters starting from N. Bacalso, Osmeña Blvd. going straight ahead to Jones Ave., which will end at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. 

The cabling will be installed underground on both sides of the main thoroughfare.

Guardo also mentioned that at this point, the project is still undergoing extreme scrutiny from the joint venture selection committee. The expected start of the project will be in May or June 2024.

Guardo also added that the completion of this pilot project as proof will coincide with the completion of the CBRT Package 1.

Philippine Drag Queens To Perform Eras Tour-Inspired Concert in Singapore

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Philippine Drag Queens Taylor Sheesh and Lady Gagita will be performing their version of Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour in Singapore.

Photo from @heymacyou on X

After Sheesh’s successful “The Errors Tour” performance in Australia, another set of tours will be performed in Singapore’s Hard Rock Cafe on March 16 and 17. 

In a Facebook post, Taylor Sheesh said, “Still can’t get over the fact that I just did The Errors Tour in Melbourne, Australia, and now we’re taking it to SINGAPORE!!!!”

In the same post, Taylor Sheesh also mentioned her disbelief that SG Day 1 is already sold out.

Tweet from @heymacyou on X

Another Philippine Drag Queen, Lady Gagita is also set to perform her own “The Erase Tour” in Singapore at Beast & Butterflies at Social M Hotel on March 9. There will also be a night party on March 16. 

She said in an Instagram post, “SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU SINGAPORE!! 🇸🇬Making my first overseas show outside the Philippines, join me as I bring you our spectacular show The Erase Tour with a new setlist and costumes for the first time in Singapore”

Photo from @ladygagitaofficial on Instagram

REASON BEHIND TSWIFT IMPERSONATION

The rise of the Philippine Drag Queen impersonating Taylor Swift was rooted in the Philippines’ exclusion in Swift’s original “The Eras World Tour” despite the Philippines having one of the most numbers of Swifties in Southeast Asia.

One of the most renowned Philippine Drag Queen Taylor Swift impersonators is Taylor Sheesh. Sheesh went viral on social media after impersonating Swift’s dance moves in during a fan concert in a mall in Quezon City. 

Lucas, the World’s First Child to Beat Deadly Brain Tumor

So much time and money had been spent in trying to look for answers in diseases that affect many lives. A glimmer of hope shone through for those diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which is a cancer that carries a grim prognosis. The world is now getting to know Lucas, the first child in the world to be cured of the illness.

Photo from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

The 13-year-old from Belgium was diagnosed at the age of six. Under the care of French doctor Jacques Grill at the Gustave Roussy cancer center in Paris, he recovered from a very rare and aggressive form of cancer, the deadly brainstem glioma. The cutting-edge treatment involved the use of everolimus which is a cancer drug that led to the complete disappearance of Lucas’s brain tumor.

Photo from The News International

Around 300 children in the United States and 100 in France are diagnosed with DIPG, with most of them not surviving beyond a year. Lucas and seven other children were put under the BIOMEDE trial which tests potential new drugs for DIPG, becoming the lifeline of the eight children.

A current research led by Dr. Grill is studying the genetic abnormalities of patients’ tumors in order to create tumor “organoids” to duplicate the biological particularities observed in Lucas’s case following his groundbreaking complete recovery. The potential treatment is still in its early stages, however, with Lucas’s story, all hopes are high in the scientific community to offer the possibility of a concrete treatment for this cancer.

Photo from Imagine for Margo

While this discovery is both exciting and full of optimism, researchers make it known how lengthy and intricate the process of developing a viable treatment is. According to Dr. Grill, it typically takes 10-15 years for this lead to evolve into a drug. On the bright side, DIPG has undergone significant improvements with increased funding, ongoing trials like BIOMEDE, and various other breakthroughs in the lab. 

Cebu TOPS: A Guide and Everything You Need To Know

Guess what? You can finally see Cebu’s glory right at the TOPS! 

The long-awaited comeback of TOPS has finally arrived and you surely don’t want to miss it!  

Known for its panoramic views and glistening city lights which makes you fall in love with Cebu City more. Tops started its operations in 1985 and since then, it has become one of the best spots for unwinding and hangout. 

Photo from Proud Bisaya Bai

Until it wasn’t.

It can be remembered that on October 21, 2022, the well-loved attraction in Cebu City closed its doors to further enhance its beauty. Since then, we can only revisit Cebu Tops in photos. 

Photo from TOPS Official Facebook Page
Photo from TOPS Official Facebook Page

But finally, after 1 year and 3 months, they have reopened their doors for us! Exactly on February 14, TOPS launched their soft opening ensuring that tourists would have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day date!

24 HOURS 

Yes, you read that right. Unlike the old Tops which only operates from 10 AM to 2 AM daily, the new Tops goes operates 24 hours to accommodate night owl Sugbanons! 

This also means that for those who love to chase the sunrise, you finally have another place in mind to visit! 

Photo from TOPS Official Facebook Page

FOOD CHOICES 

Another thing to look forward to at Tops is, of course, the scrumptious food! Because who doesn’t love food, right?

Photo from TOPS Official Facebook Page
Photo from TOPS Official Facebook Page

And guess what, they now have a better and wider range of food options that you can choose from! However, they just softly reopened, so not all restaurants are in operation yet. But for a soft opening, Tops sure prepared ample food choices you can pick from. 

  • Saree Sari Sari at TOPS – Price starts at P10

Saree Sari-Sari Store is the only Sari-Sari store at tops. And if you’re looking for more affordable options, Saree has your back! Just like any typical sari-sari store, Saree offers wide options such as drinks (alcoholic, soft drink, milk, coffee, water), desserts, Cebu delicacies, Crackers, Chips, healthcare, and more! 

For only P10 you can already have something to eat at Saree Sari Store!

  • Queens Pizza – New York-Style Pizza – Price starts at P99

If you have a bigger budget when you visit Tops then Queen Pizza is perfect for you!  

For only P99, you can already enjoy at least a slice of pizza! 

Queens Pizza offers various flavors of New York York-style pizzas that you can buy per slice or as a whole if you’re with the family or the barkada. If you are not a pizza monster, they also offer other options such as soup, pasta, and churros. They also have drinks you can pair with such as soft drinks, juice, iced tea, and water. 

They are open daily from 11 AM – 11 PM

  • Lolo Pinoy Grill Pop Up Stall – Price starts at P300

If you’re craving Cebu’s best and pride, Tops also has Lechon ready just for you! 

Lolo Pinoy is also one of the stores that opened during the Tops soft opening and for as low as P300, you can already satisfy your cravings! They serve per kilo so you can buy 1 or more kilos of Lechon, but you can also buy 1/2 kilo or 1/4 kilo. However,  the lechon still excludes the rice but worry not they have puso or hanging rice for P25 per piece.

  • Polar Treats Sorbetes – Price starts at P80

If you want a dessert after a heartful meal, Sorbetes Pop Up Stall is also ready to satisfy your sweet tooth craving. Sorbetes offers various Filipino ice cream flavors such as Durian, Mango, Avocado, Mango Cheese, Macapuno, Ube, and other common sorbetes flavors.  

They have two options you can choose from:

One scoop – P80

Two Scoops – P150

  • Quik-Snack Pop-Up Stall – Price starts at P40

If you miss Chinese Binondo food or you haven’t tasted any Binondo food, you don’t have to go to Manila because one of Binondo’s food is finally brought here at Tops, Quick-Snack! 

Although their menu at Tops is not as wide as the one in Binondo’s because it is only a stall, but is still exciting to taste something from Binondo! They offer the following: 

Diok Pit He (Relyenong Shrimp) – P200

Kuchay Ah Pie – P75

3 pcs Siomai – P95

Fresh Lumpia – P130

Machang – P160

Ngohiong – P40

Siopao – P75

Tsing Tao – P250

They also have drinks such as alcoholic, soft drinks, and water, and prices start at P40.  However, unlike the other restaurants that operated during the soft opening, Quick Snack is still expected to open soon.

  • Bo’s Coffee Pop-Up Stall

For those who only want to chill while drinking iced or hot brewed coffee, Bo’s Coffee Pop-Up Stall is ready to save your caffeine fix! From Brewed Coffee to Frappuccino Coffee, Espresso, and Tea Collection. Bo’s surely brought their coffee experience to greater heights! For as low as P125, you can already complete your day one coffee at a time.

Dove Street Pop-Up Stall, Mimoy’s Grill – Pagkalami!, and Tipsy Hut Pop-Up Stall are also already open since the Tops soft opening. And despite these plenties of options, some restaurants and food choices are yet to open and we could look forward to operating soon.

 Alishan

Celadon Thai Restaurant

Sweet Alchemy – Japanese Desserts

Hawker Chan 

Quick-Snack

Yappari Steak

Tips Hut 

WE-ST 103

Narra Table

Burger Bar 

Spud Rocket

Celadon

Ten Izakaya 

Premium Shabu-Shabu

Sweet Alchemy, Dessert Cafe

Hostel Honeycomb

Funwars Pancake

PET-FRIENDLY

For those who wish to bring their furbabies with them to Tops, the good news is that they are very most welcome! 

The management only advised that furbabies should wear diapers and furparents must clean up after them.

TOPS BUS

Unlike before, Tops is also now easily accessible with multiple modes of public transportation available. One of them is the bus provided by Tops for tourists. 

As of the moment, their bus route is IT Park Transport Terminal to Tops and vice versa. The first Trip leaves at 10 AM and the last bus leaves at 3 AM. 

For only P200 (entrance fee included), you already have a bus ride from IT Park to Tops and vice versa.

Photo from TOPS Official Facebook Page

DAY USE AND OTHER INFORMATION

Entrance Fee: P100

Operating hours: 24 Hours 

OTHER INFORMATION

Corkage Fee: None

Contact Numbers: NA

Email Address: [email protected]

Facebook Page: TOPS Facebook Page 

HOW TO GET THERE: 

Exact Location: Cebu Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City, Cebu — 20 minutes away from the main road (from JY Square).

By COMMUTE: If you want to go to Tops the traditional way, you can ride any jeepney going to Busay such as 04L or 04H and tell the driver to drop you off to JY Square. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) and tell the driver to drop you off to Tops Lookout, approximate time of travel is about 30 – 40 mins. Fare is P100 per person (one-way).

But if you want to try the Tops Bus, ride any jeepney (traditional or modern) going to IT Park. Tell the driver to drop you near the IT Park Terminal. From there you can look for the lane designated for the Tops Bus where you’ll need to pay P200 (including Tops entrance fee). On the way home, the Tops Bus will also be fetching you going back to IT Park.

BY CAR: 

If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Tops Lookout” or refer to the map below. Parking space is available.