Trailer of Explosive New Cinematic Adventure "Mortal Kombat" Released

Get over here! 

Watch the official trailer for “Mortal Kombat” now, coming soon to Philippine cinemas this 2021.

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YouTube (Restricted Version): https://bit.ly/3bnB28G

From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan (“The Conjuring” universe films, “Aquaman,”), Todd Garner (“Into the Storm”), McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2”).

In “Mortal Kombat,” MMA fighter Cole Young, accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage—or why Outworld's Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down. Fearing for his family's safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with. Soon, he finds himself at the temple of Lord Raiden, an Elder God and the protector of Earthrealm, who grants sanctuary to those who bear the mark. Here, Cole trains with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano, as he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe. But will Cole be pushed hard enough to unlock his arcana—the immense power from within his soul—in time to save not only his family, but to stop Outworld once and for all?

The diverse international cast reflects the global nature of the brand, with talent spanning the worlds of film, television and martial arts. The ensemble includes Lewis Tan (“Deadpool 2,” Netflix’s “Wu Assassins”) as Cole Young; Jessica McNamee (“The Meg”) as Sonya Blade; Josh Lawson (“Bombshell”) as Kano; Tadanobu Asano (“Midway”) as Lord Raiden; Mehcad Brooks (TV’s “Supergirl”) as Jackson “Jax” Bridges; Ludi Lin (“Aquaman”) as Liu Kang; with Chin Han (“Skyscraper”) as Shang Tsung; Joe Taslim (“Star Trek Beyond”) as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero; and Hiroyuki Sanada (“Skyscraper”) as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion. Also featured are Max Huang as Kung Lao; Sisi Stringer as Mileena; Matilda Kimber as Emily Young; and Laura Brent as Allison Young.

McQuoid directed from a screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham (“Wonder Woman 1984”), from a story by Oren Uziel (“Mortal Kombat: Rebirth”) and Russo, based on the videogame created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Michael Clear, Jeremy Stein and Larry Kasanoff served as executive producers.

New Line Cinema Presents an Atomic Monster/Broken Road Production, “Mortal Kombat.” The film will be released in Philippine cinemas soon and distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Join the conversation online and connect with #MortalKombatMovie

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Regine Velasquez Promises New Repertoire and Surprise Guest in "Freedom" Concert this February 28 on SKY PPV

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid promises fans a repertoire different from her past concerts along with a surprise guest who will join her for the very first time on stage this Sunday (February 28) as SKY airs her "Freedom" concert on SKY Pay-Per-View.

Regine expressed how excited she is for "Freedom" compared to her previous shows in the past. "I did a couple of online shows last year, but I am so eager with this one because the repertoire is different—different songs, different genres," she excitedly shared.

The concert is directed by Paolo Valenciano with musical direction from acclaimed musician Raul Mitra.

Invite your loved ones to watch the one-night-only "Freedom" in high-definition and commercial-free on SKY Pay-Per-View this Sunday, February 28 at 8 PM, priced at P1,200. Get your pay-per-view concert pass now at mysky.com.ph/vipaccess.

For more inquiries, visit mysky.com.ph or follow SKYcable on Facebook (fb.com/MySKYCable), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates).

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The Asia Pacific (APAC) Predator League 2020/21 DOTA 2 and PUBG Grand Finals Set on April 6-11

Acer announced the Asia Pacific (APAC) Predator League 2020/21 will be held from April 6-11, 2021. 

Fans who were left on the edge due to the 2020 league’s postponement have something to look forward to as teams across the Asia Pacific will finally battle it out in an online-only tournament.

“The decision to host the Asia Pacific Predator League fully online, instead of a cancellation, demonstrates Acer’s commitment to the gaming community,” said Andrew Hou, President of Acer Pan Asia Pacific Regional Operations. “With the ongoing COVID-19 situation, we made the decision to move the competition to Spring 2021 for the safety and best interests of the tournament’s competitors, fans, spectators and staff.”

The teams who qualified for APAC Predator League 2020 Grand Finals are the first ones to claim a slot for this year’s tournament, while the remaining will be filled by other teams invited by Acer. Altogether, these teams will battle head-to-head to take home the coveted APAC Predator League shield.

This year, the league has been divided into four sub-tournaments. The teams will be pre-assigned based on their geographical location:

1. APAC Predator League 2020/21 Grand Final Dota 2 Asia

2. APAC Predator League 2020/21 Grand Final Dota 2 APAC

3. APAC Predator League 2020/21 Grand Final PUBG Asia

4. APAC Predator League 2020/21 Grand Final PUBG APAC

A sum of US$400,000 is pooled across the competitions of the APAC Predator League 2020/21.

All ticket holders of the postponed APAC Predator League 2020 Grand Finals will be compensated in full while VIP ticket buyers are guaranteed of Predator League souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their patience and support. Acer will soon release further details regarding the refund process.

The APAC Predator League 2020/21 will be broadcasted live on Acer Predator’s channels, Facebook and Twitch.

Follow the league’s official site, and Acer Predator’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-date tournament schedules and programs.

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Tickets to the Much-Awaited Star-Studded "Kapamilya Strong" Event on February 26 Gone in 1 Day on KTX.ph

All tickets to the anticipated “Kapamilya Strong” event of ABS-CBN on Friday (February 26) have been claimed, a day after it was announced by the Kapamilya network.

Fans were quick to show their love and support by grabbing tickets on ktx.ph to witness Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Francine Diaz, Donny Pangilinan, Arjo Atayde, and Gary Valenciano ink new contracts with ABS-CBN. They also have the chance to be featured on the video wall of the event as virtual audience.

Viewers will also witness special surprises for the stars from people close to their hearts, as well as a grand warm welcome from ABS-CBN executives.

Meanwhile, the “Kapamilya Strong” event and the media conference after the contract signing will also be streamed simultaneously on the Facebook pages of ABS-CBN and Star Magic, as well as on iWantTFC.

Even fans abroad can witness their favorite Kapamilya stars ark another milestone in their career through livestreaming on TFC IPTV on February 26. Meanwhile, there will be a delayed airing on TFC Cable and Satellite on February 27 in the US, Canada, Latin America, Saudi, London, (10:30 pm PST), Rome, Hong Kong, Singapore (11:30 pm), and in Guam on March 1, 1:30 am. The event will also be available on TFC IPTV Video-On Demand starting February 28.

Don’t forget to show the love for MayWard, Francine, Donny, Arjo, and Gary by watching “Kapamilya Strong” and tweeting #KapamilyaStrong on social media this Friday (February 26).

For more details, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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ICYMI: New Spider-Man Movie Official Title Reveal

Columbia Pictures has just revealed the official title of the newest Spider-Man live-action film: Spider-Man: No Way Home, coming to Philippine cinemas soon.

Watch the announcement trailer below:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/RM0gcUEHLYE

Spider-Man: No Way Home will be distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Connect with #SpiderManNoWayHome and tag columbiapicph

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Netflix Releases "DOTA: Dragon’s Blood" Anime Series Based On The Popular Video-Game Franchise By Valve

Netflix announced the upcoming release of DOTA: Dragon’s Blood, an all new anime series based on the popular DOTA 2 video-game franchise by Valve.

The 8 episode anime series is set to launch globally on March 25.

The upcoming fantasy series tells the story of Davion, a renowned Dragon Knight devoted to wiping the scourge from the face of the world. Following encounters with a powerful, ancient eldwurm as well as the noble Princess Mirana on a secret mission of her own, Davion becomes embroiled in events much larger than he could have ever imagined.

“Fans will love how we’ve imagined the DOTA 2 universe and woven together an epic, emotional, and adult-oriented story about some of their favorite characters,” said showrunner and executive producer Ashley Edward Miller. “The cinematic animation, acting and music are simply next level and I’m grateful to Valve for supporting our creative ambitions.”

The series is based on the hugely successful global video-game franchise DOTA 2 by Valve. Ashley Edward Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor and Black Sails) serves as series showrunner and executive producer. Renowned Studio MIR (The Legend of Korra and Netflix's Voltron: Legendary Defender) is responsible for animation, with Ryu Ki Hyun serving as Co-Executive Producer.

For more updates, visit netflix.com/dotadragonsblood.

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Jamie Rivera Sings PH's 500 Years of Christianity Mission Song "We Give Our Yes"

Jamie Rivera launched the inspirational “We Give Our Yes,” the official mission song of ‘The 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines’ yearlong celebration that commenced this month.

She shared how she felt honored to sing the song during Star Music’s “We Give Our Yes” virtual media conference. “I think this is really my mission, a mission for me to be able to give people a prayer and, at the same time, they could sing with it as well,” Jamie said.

The Inspirational Diva introduced “We Give Our Yes” in a remarkable performance on “ASAP Natin ‘To” last Sunday, rendering it beautifully together with The Company and other Kapamilya singers Erik Santos, Jeremy Glinoga, Jed Madela, Jason Dy, and Nyoy Volante.

Jamie first performed the song live at the Manila Cathedral during the Archdiocese of Manila’s launch of the 500 Years of Christianity festivities on February 6.

Meanwhile, Star Music released the “We Give Our Yes” music video, directed by Frank Mamaril, last week. Together with the lyric video, the song currently has more than 150K combined views on Star Music’s YouTube channel.

The MV, shot in Manila Cathedral, featured important Catholic Church events in the past.

It also showed Jamie wearing an immaculate Mak Tumang creation, which was inspired by the logo of the celebration.

The motivating tune “We Give Our Yes,” originally commissioned by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country, conveys the power of faith and hope during difficult times and reminds Filipinos to keep saying yes to the mission of Jesus.

Written by the multi-awarded composer Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, Jamie’s version of “We Give Our Yes” was produced by the award-winning hitmaker and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.

“We Give Our Yes” is now available on music streaming services worldwide. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

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"ASAP Natin 'To" Welcomes Summer 2021 with Sizzling Performances and Surprises, Plus Kathryn Bernardo's Birthday Celebration

"ASAP Natin 'To," the longest-running musical variety show in the country, welcomes summer in fiery fashion with the biggest Kapamilya stars and special guests serving up sizzling world-class performances and more surprises to avid viewers this Sunday (February 28).

It's going to be a hot Sunday on ASAP as real-life sweethearts Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla will each deliver their own exciting performance for fans worldwide.

Expect a high-octane dance showdown between Maymay Entrata, AC Bonifacio, and the dance royalty herself, Kim Chiu.

Sing along with the hottest young OPM artists Kyle Echarri, and Darren Espanto. Also showcasing their tremendous skills on the microphone are ASAP's newest breed of talents Sam Cruz, KD Estrada, Anji Salvacion, and Diego Gutierrez, together with Your Face Sounds Familiar contender, Geneva Cruz.

Filling the air with warm romantic feels are "He's Not Into You" stars Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Kaori Oinuma, Rhys Eugenio, and Vivoree Esclito.

Scorching the stage with their heartfelt musical performances are today's generation of OPM idols Kyle Echarri, Jeremy Glinoga, JMKO, Agsunta, and Moira dela Torre as they kick-off the Himig 11th Edition celebration.

Meanwhile, Ogie Alcasid treats viewers this Sunday as he channels his hilarious alter-egos, Ban Sot Mee and Eydie Waw, together with dance idols Maymay, Vivoree, Jeremy, Enchong Dee, Jin Macapagal, Aljon Mendoza, and Karina Bautista.

The heat is on as ASAP's singing royalties Erik Santos, Sheena, Janine Berdin, Elha Nympha, iDolls, Nina, Klarisse de Guzman, Bamboo, Angeline Quinto, Martin Nievera, and Zsazsa Padilla go for an on-fire vocal showdown.

Don't miss the hottest collaboration from Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, together with Enchong, AC, and Joshua Garcia; and the blazing musical number from Morisette and Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez.

All of these sizzling hot performances and more on "ASAP Natin 'To"'s jam-packed celebration this Sunday (February 28) at 12 NN on Kapamilya Channel (SKYcable channel 8 SD and channel 167 HD, Cablelink channel 8, G Sat Direct TV channel 22, and Cignal channel 22), Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z (both available on analog and digital TV).

ASAP continues to simulcast on TV5 while also streaming worldwide via iWantTFC and TFC.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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B. Braun Avitum Philippines "Share-A-Dialysis" Treatment Program Brings Free Dialysis Treatments to Patients in Need

B. Braun Avitum Philippines, one of the leading dialysis companies in the Philippines, saw yet another opportunity to give back with the launch of its ‘Share-A-Dialysis’ treatment program.

‘Share-A-Dialysis’ allowed kind-hearted individuals to nominate a B. Braun Avitum dialysis patient to receive free dialysis treatments simply by “nominating” the patient via Facebook Messenger, sharing their inspiring story, and explaining why they deserve the free treatment on B. Braun’s official Facebook page.

In addition to ‘Share-A-Dialysis,’ another contest, called the B. Braun’s Vlog Contest, provided an opportunity for B. Braun patients to showcase their “vlogging” talents on 1 to 2 minute-long videos where they can share amazing and inspirational stories of their dialysis journey with B. Braun.

Selected winners on the ‘Share-A-Dialysis’ program and the B. Braun’s Vlog Contest were awarded three free treatments as a consolation prize, and five free treatments as a grand prize.

The winners of ‘Share-A-Dialysis’ and the B. Braun’s Vlog Contest were announced in the company’s official Facebook page on December 15 and December 20, respectively, with the latter’s winning vlog entries also being posted in the Facebook page.

The coronavirus pandemic affected countless numbers in ways we cannot imagine, but perhaps more so with those who are poverty-stricken.

B. Braun always answers the call with a readiness to lend a hand.

Part of the ‘B. Braun Cares’ umbrella advocacy, ‘Share-A-Dialysis’ and the B. Braun’s Vlog Contest are just some examples of many CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs that demonstrate the company’s faithful concern for its patients.

These company initiatives help deserving indigent patients, providing moral and financial support extended willingly not just to B. Braun Avitum Philippines stakeholders but to others, as well.

Due to the overwhelming successes of last year’s B. Braun Cares, the company has committed to introduce similar programs that will surely touch the lives of many others in need.

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Zanjoe Marudo Kills McCoy De Leon in "Walang Hanggang Paalam"

Another innocent person fell victim to Anton (Zanjoe Marudo) after he shot and killed Bernie (McCoy De Leon) in Wednesday’s (February 24) episode of the Kapamilya teleserye “Walang Hanggang Paalam.”

After sneaking into Anton's house and overhearing Anton and Amelia’s (Cherry Pie Picache) conversation about their illegal organ trafficking business, Bernie was able to reveal their family secrets to his brother Emman (Paulo Avelino) on the phone but failed to escape his death after getting shot by Anton.

Although there is no conclusive evidence against Anton, Emman still believes that he killed Bernie as he continues to uncover the truth about him and his family’s illegal business. Anton, meanwhile, covers up his tracks and asserts his innocence by making it seem that Bernie committed suicide.

What will Emman’s next step be now that Bernie is dead? How much longer will Anton be able to conceal his true identity?

Don’t miss “Walang Hanggang Paalam” on A2Z channel on free TV and via digital TV boxes like ABS-CBN TVplus. Digital TV box users can scan and look for A2Z channel in Metro Manila and in some parts of Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

Catch it also on cable and satellite TV via Kapamilya Channel (SKYchannel 8 on SD and channel 167 on HD, Cablelink channel 8, GSAT Direct TV channel 22, and most cable operator-members under Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association). Viewers can also watch on Kapamilya Online Live livestreaming daily on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and on iwanttfc.com. For viewers outside of the Philippines, catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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How SMART Made the New TVC of Korea’s Hottest Real-Life Couple Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin Possible

Last February 14, Smart delivered a video surprise that sent fans of power couple Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin into total K-lig frenzy. Like a climax to a trilogy that started with Hyun Bin's Simple Smart Ako TVC last June to Son Ye Jin's Smart Signature turn, the new Smart 5G campaign just made what seemed impossible, possible.

Subscribers and fans who did not give up on the social media hashtag #InSmartWeTrust finally got what they've been yearning for - a joint campaign top-billed Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin.

"Here at Smart, we always have the best interest of our customers at heart. So you can just imagine how we felt when fans of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin flooded our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with requests, begging for a joint material featuring the pair. It may have taken a while but we felt it was worth the wait as the stars aligned for us to finally launch our new campaign last Valentine's Day," said Jane J. Basas, Smart SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business.

She added, "We owe this TVC to our subscribers and Crash Landing On You (CLOY) fans who rallied behind the hashtag #InSmartWeTrust, hoping that we would bring them together. Trust is not easily earned, so we value it so much. We knew that this has turned into something bigger and the trust of our customers propelled us to fulfill their wish."

Hyun Bin, Son Ye Jin send heartfelt wishes to Filipinos

From "The Captain Has Landed" to landing into each other's arms, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin took chemistry to whole new level in the Smart 5G TVC as they chase each other on the road and through different dimensions only to meet again just as Bin asks, "Do you believe it's possible?" To which Ye Jin replies, "I do!"

In a Smart-exclusive video, the two shared their experience working on the project. Hyun Bin revealed that they had to shoot in the middle of a snowstorm in January. "I remember it snowed a lot on the day of the shoot. Thanks to that, the shooting was fun despite the cold weather."

Son Ye Jin recalled how unique the experience was working with the Smart team anew. "I am so happy to be with Smart for the second time. It's a lot easier because we worked with the same team."

Having said that, she disclosed that she's looking forward to more campaigns from Smart. "And I am so excited to see more wonderful advertisements."

The pair also revealed that they wanted to visit the Philippines to be with their supporters physically but would have to settle now with the warmth of virtual love by being with local fans online.

Addressing Filipinos everywhere, Hyun Bin said, "Hello. This is Hyun Bin. I have been given another chance to meet you all through Smart's new campaign video. I hope that you'll continue to support Smart and me. I wish you a Happy New Year. Please keep yourselves healthy and warm this year."

Son Ye Jin echoed her partner's message by saying, "I may not be able to meet you all in person but I'm very happy that I can greet you through this video. Last year was a difficult year for everyone. I sincerely hope you become happier this year. I hope to see you soon. Stay healthy until then."

Ben&Ben joins the 'inevitable'

While it was important for Smart to grant wishes of its subscribers when it comes to bringing consumers closer to their foreign idols, the TVC also presented an opportunity to put a local band behind the video's soundtrack and musical scoring.

Here's where Ben&Ben comes in, providing "Inevitable," the song that is heard in the background while Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin pursue each other in this romantic-sci-fi TVC.

With lyrics inspired by real-life events, Ben&Ben members simply happen to be CLOY fans as well. In a collaboration set to motion by the band, Smart, and Sony Music Phils, things started falling into place when it came to lending soundtrack and musical score for the TVC.

In an official statement released by Sony Music Phils, lead singer Paolo Benjamin said, "Inevitable is a song that tries to describe the nature of fate, and how all our actions somehow lead us to some better place that is destined for us. It's also a song about being real with someone, and that no matter how scary that may seem at times, there is freedom in baring your truest nature with someone dear to you, even if that someone is yourself."

Miguel Benjamin added, "The songwriting in itself presents a concept of the state that is both a surreal mystery and a peaceful certainty, so we wanted to create an aural representation of what these lyrics felt like. Our process started with a mix of acoustic guitars, which I tweaked with sitar effects as the main intro riff; kind of like a representation of the two contrasting feelings working together."

Leader in 5G

Smart has done what seemed impossible by putting Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin together in one project for the first time much like the latest development with Smart 5G, which has started enabling subscribers to do groundbreaking things we thought we couldn't do.

The latest evolution in wireless communications, 5G offers superfast data speeds and fiber-like low latency, which enable users to upload and download heavy files in seconds, stream high-resolution videos seamlessly, play online games without noticeable lag, and benefit from other cutting-edge apps and services on their smartphone with fiber-like speeds.

Smart is at the forefront of the 5G revolution in the Philippines with the continued nationwide roll-out of its ultrafast 5G network, which includes strategic sites in Metro Manila, Boracay, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Laguna, New Clark City in Pampanga, and Rizal.

To enable more subscribers to experience 5G, Smart has teamed up with smartphone manufacturers like Huawei, Samsung, realme, and vivo in offering Smart 5G-certified devices under Smart Signature 5G Plans.

The Philippines' fastest mobile data network

Smart's 5G rollout complements the mobile services provider's extensive 4G/LTE and 3G network in the country, already considered the fastest in the Philippines by third-party mobile internet analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country's fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®.

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, noted in its November 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report for the Philippines* that Smart remained ahead of the competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, 4G Availability, and 4G Coverage Experience.

To know more about Smart 5G, visit 5g.smart and follow Smart's official accounts on Facebook at facebook.com/SmartCommunications, and Twitter and Instagram at @LiveSmart.

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Filipino Builders Eyes Modest Rebound in Construction Sector this 2021

The domestic construction industry is poised for a modest rebound this year as the government ramps up its major infrastructure projects and with sustained support for small and medium contractors who were the most affected by the global pandemic.

This is the outlook of the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) which groups not just the highest-rated construction companies in the country but also small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and suppliers through its chapters and affiliates nationwide.

According to PCA President Wilfredo Decena, the construction sector will contribute strongly to the recovery of the domestic economy this year after slumping 26% last year, sending the national gross domestic product (GDP) to a steep 9.5% year-on-year drop.

Fitch Solutions recently upgraded its growth forecast for the Philippine construction sector to 9.5% this year, near to its average 10% annual growth before the COVID-19 crisis that battered economies around the world in 2020.

Decena said that timely public spending on infrastructure would boost the industry despite soft private construction investments as the national government has allocated a sizeable P1.1 trillion of the P4.5 trillion national budget this year to infrastructure projects.

“We are hearing of contractors, particularly the small and medium companies, being unable to close any projects at this time. Public investments need to fill the gap until investor confidence is restored,” he said during the recently-held PCA regular membership meeting.

As part of the ten-point industry trends and challenges discussed during the meeting, Decena called for the prompt payment of contractors, especially the SMEs, since they were already absorbing extraordinary costs related to COVID-19.

The PCA also noted that there’s a need to rethink the supply chain conditions and address the cause of spiraling costs of materials. On top of these, there are sectors that had been pushing for the unrestricted entry of foreign contractors that could further displace Filipino contractors, particularly SMEs which comprised 97% of all registered contractors in the country.

“This is happening while other countries have taken steps to protect and support their local industry amid the global pandemic,” Decena said.

He added that the current quarantine conditions have exacerbated the shortage of skilled labor force and skills mismatch. As part of its thrust for the year, PCA is further expanding its knowledge and skills development program nationwide.

On top of all these, PCA reminded members to be prepared to continue complying with evolving health and safety protocols to make construction sites virus-free.

Also identified as among the top trends in the construction industry this year are the acceleration of digitization and other emerging technologies to increase efficiency and productivity, and the move towards sustainable infrastructure which is not just green but also resilient.

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Pauline Mendoza Reclaims What is Rightfully Hers in Afternoon Prime’s “Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat,” Premieres February 22

When all that you care for in life is taken away from you, how far would you go to fight for what is rightfully yours?

Beginning February 22, witness a soul-stirring tale of a young woman whose perfect life is upended by the ghosts of the past in the form of her father's first family in GMA Network's newest Afternoon Prime series 'Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat.'

After proving to be one of the Network's top-caliber actresses with her exemplary performance in the top-rated primetime series Kambal, Karibal in 2017, promising drama actress Pauline Mendoza is beyond ready to take things up a notch as she stars in her first ever leading role as Iris Salvador in Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat.

Pauline, who acknowledges the gravity and pressure of topping the bill, expresses her gratitude to GMA for entrusting her the role of Iris, "Hindi naman mawawala 'yung pressure at kaba lalo na because this is my first time na mabigyan ng ganitong chance at opportunity ng GMA, and I'm very thankful for that. Mas na-challenge talaga ako dito kasi bawat eksena sobra 'yung binibigay kong emosyon para sa character ni Iris."

The highly-talented Kapuso actress also entices viewers on what to look forward to in this series, "Lahat ng characters namin dito ay may kani-kaniyang pinagdadaanan at iba-ibang klaseng emosyon ang ibibigay nila. Kahit kami, excited kami na mapanood ang seryeng ito and to see kung paano namin na-execute and na-build ang aming characters."

Playing important roles in the life of Iris are: Carmina Villarroel as Dulce Espejo-Tanaka, Victor's materialistic and conniving former lover who vows to take everything from the latter for the sake of her children; Tanya Garcia-Lapid as Christine Salvador, devoted wife of Victor and doting mother of Iris; Neil Ryan Sese as Inspector Jun, a police captain who is ready to take down whoever defames the Salvador family; Kristoffer Martin as Joel Espejo, the black sheep among the two children of Dulce and Victor but is also just a victim of his father's absence in his life; Dave Bornea as Randall Madrigal, Trina's ex-boyfriend and Iris' childhood friend and admirer; Liezel Lopez as Trina Espejo, Dulce and Victor's greedy daughter who envies her half-sister Iris to the extent of making the former's life miserable; and John Estrada as Victor Salvador, CEO of Allegre-Salvador Farm and the loving yet protective patriarch of the Salvador family.

Also starring are Therese Malvar as Lala, Iris' loyal and bubbly confidante; Tanya Gomez as Menchie, Victor's kind and supportive elder sister who has always been against Dulce; Gio Alvarez as Greg Madrigal, Randall's father and Victor's comrade; Manolo Pedrosa as Justin Roxas, Randall's cousin who secretly fancies Iris; and with the special participation of Jett Pangan as Akira Tanaka, a Japanese-Filipino Yakuza boss and Dulce's ex-husband; Jenine Desiderio as Tiya Elena Allegre, Christine's strict and protective auntie; and Charee Pineda as Minnie, Dulce's enabler and crony.

Born in comfort, Iris (Pauline) was raised like a princess, beloved by her parents – Victor (John) and Christine (Tanya) – who would do anything and everything to protect her, including from their own past. When Victor's old flame Dulce (Carmina), together with her two children Joel (Kristoffer) and Trina (Liezel), comes barging in their lives unannounced and begins to take everything away that Iris holds dear to her heart – the young man she is interested in, the wealth that is rightfully hers, and the father she loves – she soon realizes that she must shed her innocence and learn how to fight against her own half-blood relations to regain the most important thing in her life: her family.

This original series, created by the GMA Entertainment Group, is headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Anthony R. Pastorpide, and Executive Producer Nieva S. Magpayo.

The drama is a product of the visionary minds of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Des Severino; Concept Proponent RJ Nuevas; Headwriter Glaiza Ramirez; writers Anna Aleta Nadela and Christine Novicio; and brainstormers Jason John Lim, Patrick Ilagan, and Meryl Bunyi.

Catch the highly-anticipated world premiere of 'Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat' – under the helm of esteemed director Jules Katanyag – beginning February 22, weekdays, on GMA Network.

Viewers abroad can also watch the series via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

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