iQiyi’s “Sweet On” Collection Attracted over 59 Million Global Views

In the second half of 2021, iQiyi released the “Sweet On” collection, with seven Chinese dramas, putting the spotlight on sweet romance series. 

Included in the collection are “Moonlight”, “The Day of Becoming You”, and “Make a Wish” that made the iQiyi Popularity Ranking Chart every time new episodes were released during their run. As of the end of July, these three dramas have already attracted over 59 Million views in the international markets.

The influence of sweet dramas cannot be underestimated. “First Love Again” which is currently airing has started a school romance drama wave. With time travel elements mixed into the drama, drama fans are not only interested in seeing the sweet scenes between the leads, Patrick Shih and Amy Chen, but the mind-boggling plot also creates more buzz.

Due to the popularity of the “Sweet On” collection, iQiyi International especially invited Bai Lu, who is popular with the overseas audience and filmed a promotional video in time for her upcoming “Sweet On ”collection drama, “Forever and Ever”. Bai Lu’s past works and her image have always given the audience blissful and happy vibes. Her well-known dramas such as “Arsenal Military Academy” and “Jiu Liu Overlord” are very popular with the iQiyi audience. 

Last year’s sweet drama “Love is Sweet” even made her the female icon of the new generation’s sweet romance dramas. This time, she filmed a TV commercial to promote her drama in advance. With “Love Lessons” as the opening, the sweet and beautiful Bai Lu wanders freely in a colorful and romantic scene while immersed in a blissful atmosphere where she is surrounded by the words “I love you” in different languages. Food from different countries is also incorporated, representing how iQiyi has various sweet romance dramas in different languages.

Bai Lu also shares that she has seen some of the titles in the collection, “Moonlight” for one where her good friend Esther Yu plays the lead role. She praised her friend for her role in the series and is also interested and fascinated in Liang Je’s role in “The Day of Becoming You”, which is also part of the collection. She also thanked all her overseas fans for their support and called on everyone to experience sweet romance in iQIYI’s “Sweet On ” collection together.

In “Forever and Ever”, Bai Lu plays a top voice actress. One day, she runs into a refined chemistry professor, Zhou Shengchen (played by Allen Ren), who has just returned from overseas. As they spend time together, the chemistry between them gradually develops and the two join hands to preserve his family’s traditional handicraft. After experiencing several obstacles, the two decide to be together forever. Their appeal as a couple is to be highly anticipated. Aside from that, the upcoming dramas of “Sweet On” collection include “Sweet Teeth”, “Love Under the Full Moon”, and other great romance dramas.

Download the iQiyi app or log in to www.iQ.com for more amazing Asian shows.

Follow iQiyi Philippines on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iQIYIphilippines 

Instagram: @iqiyiphilippines 

Twitter: @iQIYIph

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Jackie Chan is the Newest Shopee Superstar Ambassador

World renowned martial arts superstar Jackie Chan has partnered with e-commerce site Shopee for its 9.9 Super Shopping Day which will run from August 19 to September 9 across Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brazil.

Check out this Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day martial arts-inspired TVC featuring Jackie Chan:

Last August 19, Shoppee Philippines' Director Martin Yu introduces Jackie Chan as Shopee's newest brand ambassdor, saying, "He has lit up movie screens for over seven decades with his action-comedy movies that are certified Hollywood blockbusters. Our new Shopee superstar is none other than Jackie Chan."

Mr. Yu also said that we shoud expect a lot of fun in-app content featuring Jackie Chan starting August 19 until September 9. He will also be featured in some Shopee games, and also during a special Shopee Live on September 9.

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LRMC Launches LRT-1 "Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat" Themed Train

Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) unveils today a special LRT-1 themed train aimed at championing the country’s vaccination program against COVID-19.

The themed train bears the Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat campaign of the Taskforce T3 (Test, Trace, Treat), a multi-sectoral public-private consortium of companies and organizations including LRMC, which are working closely with the government to drive up COVID-19 vaccine confidence and speed up the country’s recovery.

As an Ingat Angat campaign media partner, besides implementing stringent safety protocols in LRT-1 premises, LRMC emphasizes the importance of vaccines as the best way to protect oneself and family through the special themed train. It has an all-around train wrap design with a giant mask and face shield, showcasing vector images of people from different walks of life wearing face masks, accompanied by a giant vaccine on both sides of the train. The themed train also has friendly statements encouraging commuters to do their part in getting vaccinated.

During the launch of the vaccine themed train at the LRT-1 Baclaran Station, passengers who were able to present their vaccination cards (with complete doses) received free beep cards with minimum load as a token.

LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso shared, “As a company which prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers and employees, we wanted to contribute to the nationwide vaccination campaign in the best way we can. Our core mission is to provide a safe, reliable, efficient, and comfortable journey for our commuters, as well as support the mobility needs of Filipinos even while we’re under the community quarantine. This includes making sure that our passengers will feel confident to ride LRT-1 by advocating vaccination efforts and safety measures.’

Internally, LRMC has been taking necessary initiatives to ensure the health and safety of its employees. To date, about 70% of LRMC’s 1,200 employees have already been fully vaccinated and are able to wear their “I got my COVID-19 vaccine” badge proudly. Aside from the company-wide vaccination program with the help of the MVP Group, LRMC has also partnered with the Pasay and Manila LGUs alongside LGU vaccination programs for its employees. With more than 90% vaccine confidence level among its total workforce, LRMC expects to complete administration of doses before the year ends.

“LRMC urges everyone to get vaccinated for the common, greater good. As advocated by Yale School of Public Health, viruses will continue to mutate if they continue to spread. Thus, the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19 and future variants is to get vaccinated,” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso added.

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Watch HBO'S Emmy-Nominated Shows on SKY

SKY continues to bring world-class entertainment to its subscribers as this year's Primetime Emmy Awards-nominated shows from HBO and HBO Max can be watched via the HBO cable channel or through an HBO GO subscription.

In the 73rd installment of one of the major awards in the American entertainment industry happening on September 20 (Philippine time) live from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, HBO and HBO Max lead the competition together in total nominations with 130 entries in various categories.

Among HBO's most-nominated shows are "Lovecraft Country," "Mare of Easttown," and "I May Destroy You."

The 2020 horror-drama series "Lovecraft Country," a continuation of the 2016 dark-horror novel of the same name about racist terrors set in the 1950s, earned the most nominations for HBO with 18, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Jurnee Smollett), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Jonathan Majors), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Michael K. Williams)

It also earned nods for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Aunjanue Ellis), and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Misha Green).

Meanwhile, HBO's original crime series "Mare of Easttown," revolving around the exploits of Philadelphia based-detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet), tallied 16 official entries in the Emmys, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series Or Movie for Winslet. Other nominations for the show are two Outstanding Supporting Actress for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nods (Julianne Nicholson and Jean Smart), and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Evan Peters).

Joining the league with nine nominations is its British drama series "I May Destroy You," featuring the story of a millennial-generation writer suffering traumatic memories from a marred night-out. Among its nods are from categories Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Michaela Coel), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Paapa Essiedu), and two for Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Sam Miller, Michaela Coel).

Other HBO titles seen on HBO GO also compete for their respective distinctions in the 73rd Emmys, with shows "The Flight Attendant" (nine nominations), "Friends: The Reunion" (four nominations), "Perry Mason" (four nominations), "Euphoria" (three nominations), and The Undoing (two nominations) vying for the coveted Emmy award.

SKY subscribers can catch all these Emmy-nominated shows and more either in the comfort of their homes on the HBO and HBO HD cable channels or on the go via an HBO GO subscription for as low as P99 a month. HBO GO also comes free when they subscribe to HBO PAK for only P149/mo. via SKYcable Select and comes with access to other HBO channels including HBO, HBO Hits, HBO Signature, HBO Family, and Cinemax. Visit mysky.com.ph/hbogo to learn more.

For more news and promo updates, follow SKYcable on Facebook (fb.com/myskyupdates), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates).

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realme Retains No. 1 Spot in the PH for Q2 2021, Becomes Fastest Brand to Sell 100M Smartphones Globally

realme Philippines continues to dominate the local smartphone industry as it claims the no. 1 spot in the market once again, according to international research firms IDC, Canalys, and Counterpoint Research in their respective Q2 2021 reports.

With this milestone, the fast-growing tech and lifestyle brand has now managed to hold the top spot for two consecutive quarters - an impressive feat the brand attained in less than three years. The brand first held this position in Q3 of 2020, just less than two years since its entry to the Philippine market in November 2018.

According to Canalys, realme accounted for 26% of the local market share, besting four other smartphone brands in the category. It also reported a 51% year-over-year growth for the brand during this quarter.

The brand also ranked first in a separate report by Counterpoint Research, with a 21% market share. Similarly, realme also showed leadership in e-commerce channels. “realme continued to lead the Philippines online market with a 32% share”, according to the report.

In addition, realme’s industry leadership for Q2 2021 is further validated by IDC as the research firm also reported a number 1 ranking for the brand.

“We are truly grateful for the continuous support of our Filipino fans because without them, this success would not have been possible. Achieving the top spot for two consecutive quarters is no easy feat for a young brand, but we managed to achieve this milestone because of the love and trust of our Squad. Rest assured, this only drives us to reach greater heights and dare to leap with trend-setting innovations and better services for our community,” shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing.

realme reaches 100-million mark worldwide

On the global scale, realme also achieved a milestone of 100 million smartphones sold. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, realme still managed to become the fastest global smartphone brand to reach this milestone in three years, according to market research consultancy firm Strategy Analytics. In addition, realme is also the fastest growing major smartphone brand globally in Q2 2021 with a year-over-year growth rate of 149%, as data from research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) showed.

This achievement further validates realme’s sales and business strategies across the globe. Established only in 2018, realme is now the 7th largest smartphone brand with presence in 61 different markets worldwide.

This 100-million milestone is the latest in line of realme’s spectacular global rise, as the company adds another ‘first’ to its name. “The past three years have really been about an entrepreneurial spirit and untamed growth for realme”, said realme’s CEO, Sky Li. “Thanks to the huge support from our young users, we have been able to reach our goal of shipping 100 million smartphones and have gained significant ground in the smartphone market. We will continue to provide young consumers around the world with products that have premium performance and trend-setting designs at affordable prices.”

Li added that realme's next goal is to achieve a dual-100 million target - shipping another 100 million handsets by the end of 2022 and completing the same milestone within the 2023 calendar year.

To achieve this, realme is counting on a comprehensive product development strategy that will see it expand its offerings in two ways. With the recent launch of its flagship GT Series devices, dubbed as ‘flagship-killer’ phone, realme is poised to compete at mid-to-high-end segments. The company is also evolving its vision of building out a full-fledged AIoT ecosystem for global users within the next five years. To this end, realme has unveiled its1+5+T strategy: 1 being the mobile phone, 5 for True Wireless Stereo earphones, wearables, TVs, tablets, laptops, and T stands for realme’s AIoT brand TechLife. realme believes in its ability to lead users to a technologically enhanced lifestyle in a way that is affordable and sustainable at the same time.

With an audacious vision and courage to take on the world, realme is poised to break down barriers in a competitive environment.

realme GT Master Edition Series to launch globally on August 18

In celebration of the brand’s recent achievements both locally and globally, realme will launch its 100M-milestone product: the realme GT Master Edition Series, along with new categories on August 18.

The realme GT Master Edition Series is designed by famous Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, who explored new smartphone design elements in smartphone history. realme sees GT Master Edition Series as the most high-end flagship to celebrate its 100M sales achievement.

Apart from smartphones, realme is also set to announce its new product categories at the event, aiming to become the fastest-growing brand and disruptor in these new categories. These upcoming launches are a testament to realme’s mission of providing global young users with more trend-setting and leap-forward performance products.

The launch event will be held online on realme official social media platforms, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook.

For more info and updates from the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand, be sure to follow realme on Facebook at facebook.com/realmePhilippines, @realme_PH on Twitter, and @realmephilippines on Instagram. #realmePH

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Cignal TV Honors Filipino Olympians for Historic Tokyo 2020 Finish

Pinoy Pride beamed brightest as the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 concluded with the Philippines emerging as the top performing Southeast Asian nation, bagging the biggest medal haul of one bronze, two silvers, and the highly celebrated first gold medal ever won by the country in Olympic history.

Cignal TV, the official Philippine broadcast partner for Tokyo 2020, celebrates the nation’s historic Olympic journey with the “We Are Stronger” campaign, an apt follow through to “See Us Stronger” and closed out their successful coverage that gave TV viewers front-row access to the Olympic Games.

As the Philippines’ leading pay TV service provider, Cignal TV has been behind Filipino athletes since the 2016 Rio Olympics by ensuring the best possible TV coverage to be enjoyed by viewers all across the country. This year, Cignal TV, along with TV5, provided the best sports content to their viewers by giving daily access to Tokyo 2020 across free-to-air, pay TV, and OTT platforms, and through their partnership with Smart and PLDT.

With Gretchen Ho and Paolo Del Rosario covering the Games live from Tokyo, Japan, Cignal TV and TV5 presented exclusive sports highlights and interviews that drove viewers’ excitement to new heights.

“The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was truly a proud and defining experience for us Filipinos, and we are honored that Cignal and TV5, along with Smart and PLDT, helped bring the nation together in expressing our collective support for our athletes’ historic feat in their respective sports,” shared Robert P. Galang, Cignal TV and TV5 President and CEO.

He furthered, "this historic event held in these extraordinary times garnered strong TV ratings for the official broadcasters especially during events that featured Filipino athletes, across traditional and digital viewing platforms. An increase in number in views & downloads were also seen on Cignal Play, Cignal's OTT Platform, while event highlights and updates gave various social media channels uplifted performance in reach & engagement.

In the two weeks of witnessing the country’s most memorable Olympic campaign yet, Filipinos all over the world were united in cheering for the flag bearers and have lived out the spirit of the Games in their own ways, as encapsulated by the motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” — faster, higher, stronger.

“We remain committed to providing the best sports experience to our audiences across the country and overseas, through our multiple platforms. Now that ‘We Are Stronger’ after the Olympics games, the best is definitely yet to come,” Galang concluded.

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ABS-CBN Foundation Commemorates Gina Lopez' Second Death Anniversary

The ABS-CBN Foundation is celebrating the life and work of its founder and leader Gina Lopez, and how her “Genuine Love” lives on, on the occasion of her second death anniversary this August.

Special retrospective episodes will air on “Kapamilya Konek” on Teleradyo on August 17, and on the advocacy show that Gina started, “G Diaries,” airing on Kapamilya Channel and Kapamilya Online Live on August 22 and 29.

The retrospectives are themed “Remembering Gina: Pag-alaala at Pagpapatuloy,” touching on her legacy of transformation and love—love for countrymen, the environment, and for all humankind.

Online tributes have also been ongoing with the #RememberingGina hashtag, featuring the philanthropist and humanitarian, as documented in the I Am Gina Lopez book and through the eyes of those whose lives she touched.

Gina began the Foundation’s core programs, most notably Bantay Bata 163 and Bantay Kalikasan, geared towards children’s welfare and environment protection, respectively. The Foundation’s other programs, including in disaster relief and rehabilitation, education, and community empowerment, are all inspired by her values and mission.

In 2016, she was appointed secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, during which she was able to close destructive mining operations and to put a stop to open pit mining.

Gina, who was born on December 27, 1953, succumbed to a battle with cancer on August 19, 2019. A special Mass to commemorate her will be on Kapamilya Daily Mass on August 19 at 6 pm, which will be streamed live on ABS-CBN Facebook page (facebook.com/ABSCBNnetwork), ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel (youtube.com/ABSCBNEntertainment) and on the ABS-CBN Foundation official Facebook page (facebook.com/ABSCBNFoundationInc).

A tribute to Gina Lopez will precede the Mass at 5:30 pm on the same channels.

For more information and updates, follow ABS-CBN Foundation on Facebook (facebook.com/ABSCBNFoundationInc), or visit www.abs-cbnfoundation.com.

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Catch the Restored Box-Office Hit "A Love Story" Starring Aga Muhlach, Angelica Panganiban, and Maricel Soriano on KTX

An intense romantic affair comes viewers' way as ABS-CBN Film Restoration presents the restored version of Star Cinema's 2007 film "A Love Story," starring Aga Mulach, Angelica Panganiban, and Maricel Soriano, on the ongoing Sagip Pelikula Festival on KTX starting August 17 (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM.

Aga portrays the character of Ian, a real estate mogul who clawed his way to the top to surpass his father's success. Still yearning for his father's approval, he meets the two women who would turn his life around—Joanna (Maricel) and Karyn (Angelica).

Joanna, a doctor who got off a failed marriage, falls in love with Ian, showers him with the affection and attention he has always wanted. Meanwhile, Karyn, a young and carefree flight attendant he met on a business trip in Macau, makes his life light up with her charm and youthfulness difficult for him to resist.

As the three become intertwined in this complicated love affair, Ian, Joanna, and Karyn must learn to let go, forgive, and realize the true meaning of unconditional love in the end.

Written by renowned screenwriter Vanessa Valdez and directed by the late Maryo J. Delos Reyes, the film also starred Dante Rivero, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Bobby Andrews, TJ Trinidad, Baron Geisler, John Arcilla, Gerald Madrid, Marc Acueza, RS Francisco, Carla Humphries, Anita Linda, Mark Gil, among others.

It was also lauded in various award-giving bodies for cinema, including the 38th Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Box-Office Entertainment Awards, 24th PMPC Star Awards for Movies, and the 26th Luna Awards.

Don't miss the online premiere of the digitally restored and remastered version of "A Love Story" beginning August 17 at 7:30 PM on KTX. And as a special treat to its viewers, catch Aga, Maricel, and Angelica together with its writer Vanessa Valdez during its pre-show airing before every screening.

Tickets are now available at https://bit.ly/ALSonKTX for only P150.

Aside from "A Love Story," Sagip Pelikula Festival also brings today's viewers the restored hits of Aga Mulach in celebration of his birth month this August, such as "When Love Begins," "All My Life," "Sana Maulit Muli," "Kailangan Kita," "Basta't Kasama Kita," plus the classic films of Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban on KTX starting August 18 (Wednesday).

ABS-CBN Film Restoration recently celebrated its tenth year of restoring and remastering films from directors and writers of note for today's viewers to appreciate through its Sagip Pelikula initiative. These efforts have earned multiple recognitions from award-giving bodies worldwide, including the prestigious Gold Quill Award given by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the Gawad Pedro Bucaneg from Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).

For more details on its upcoming film showings, follow ABS-CBN Film Restoration on Facebook (facebook.com/filmrestorationabscbn), Twitter (@ABS_Restoration), and Instagram (@abscbnfilmrestoration).

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