Entertainment News (05/04/21)
Insight Music releases sleep-inducing album
RECORD label Insight Music seeks to help insomnia-afflicted Filipinos fall into restful slumber by releasing The Perfect Sleep, a groundbreaking album that effectively induces sleep. Presented by all-natural sleep supplement DreamWell and composed by music arranger Ian Joseph Tan, The Perfect Sleep is an hour-long instrumental album that promotes deep and relaxing sleep. It is now available on various streaming platforms including Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and iTunes. A 2019 study by Sleep Cycle disclosed that the Philippines ranks 4th in the world in sleeplessness, with Filipinos averaging just six and a half hours of sleep — significantly lower than the recommended amount of seven to nine hours per day. A study published by the St. Luke’s Medical Center claims that over 10 million adult Filipinos suffer from insomnia — putting them at risk for cardiovascular issues, cancer, depression, diabetes, as well as other afflictions. The Perfect Sleep by DreamWell is designed specifically for listening on those nights when stress, anxiety, or plain restlessness tend to keep people awake — the album is meant to lull them to deep and restful slumber when they need it most.
Spotify launches EQUAL Music Program in PHL
LAST month Spotify unveiled its EQUAL hub in celebration of International Women’s Day. On the heels of this launch, its new EQUAL Music Program debuted on April 30, with Filipina actress and singer Nadine Lustre as the first EQUAL Artist of the Month, featured on the cover of the Philippines EQUAL playlist. According to the USC Annenberg study funded by Spotify on representation of women in the music industry, only one in five artists in the charts are women. Yet the influence of women artists has been integral to Spotify and the music industry at large. To begin to upend this disparity, Spotify will amplify the work of women creators by extending its resources and generating more opportunities for these artists, by creating a global, cohesive, branded experience with the EQUAL Global Music Program. As the first EQUAL Artist of the Month for the Philippines, Ms. Lustre hopes to inspire women creators to continue honing their craft and using their talents to champion for equality. “I’m stoked to be part of EQUAL along with other female artists. I hope that, through our songs, we can inspire others to never stop being creative — to constantly trust themselves when tapping into their imagination — so that they feel compelled to create and share it with the world.” EQUAL local playlists will be reflected in 35 markets spanning more than 50 countries from Japan to Argentina and the Philippines to the UK. The EQUAL Global Playlist is a “best-of” flagship playlist featuring music from EQUAL artists from all around the world. One artist from each participating market will be featured on the cover of their respective local playlist as the EQUAL Artist of the Month.
Legends of Tomorrow, all seasons of Arrow premiere on Warner TV and HBO GO
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has returned to Warner TV with its sixth season kicking off on May 3, 9 p.m. This time, the season features the familiar fun of the Legends time-travelling across historical events and encountering famous figures with an added shot of magical craziness. Meanwhile, all eight seasons of Arrow are now available for streaming exclusively on HBO GO.
Also available exclusively on HBO Go this month is Swamp Thing. Catch Warner TV in Cignal Ch. 235 and Sky Cable Ch. 34 (SD) and Ch. 197 (HD). Now you can also download these series exclusively on HBO GO.
Google Search brings anime characters to life through 3D and AR
IT is now possible to access anime characters in 3D and augmented reality (AR) using Google Search on mobile devices. These characters are: Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Little Twin Stars, Ultraman, Gomora, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Belial, Pac-Man, Taiko no Tatsujin, Evangelion, Gundam Penelope, Gundam Odysseus, Xi Gundam, and Cogimyun. “Filipinos are one of the biggest fans of anime and Japanese pop culture in the world. Tagalized anime series used to dominate on free-to-air TV, becoming a significant part of many Filipinos’ childhood. Now in the digital era, we want to use Google Search to bring anime fans closer to their beloved characters and bring back their fondest memories with them. During difficult times, we hope that simple joys like this can also provide comfort in one way or another,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Google Philippines. Globally in the last five years, the Philippines has been the number one country with most Google searches for Hello Kitty, number eight for Little Twin Stars, and number nine for Gundam. To access and share the anime character, search for one of the characters on Google using a mobile device and tap “View in 3D” to rotate or zoom in and see it up close. It is also possible to bring the characters from outer space into live space with AR and turn up the volume to hear Hello Kitty deliver a message or Pac-Man’s retro sound effects. For Android devices, search for “Hello Kitty” or one of the 14 characters on the Google app or any Android browser and tap “View in 3D.” The 3D content can be seen on devices with Android 7 Plus while AR content can be accessed on ARCore-enabled devices. For iOS devices, search for “Hello Kitty” or one of the 14 characters on the Google app. The 3D and AR characters are available on iOS 11.0+ devices. One can also take a photo or video of the AR characters using the camera or recording button.
HBO GO and HBO mark National Mental Health Month
CELEBRATE National Mental Health Month this May with programs and movies on HBO GO and HBO that take viewers on an emotional yet relatable rollercoaster ride. Begin the journey with the HBO Max Original Film, Let Them All Talk, starring Meryl Streep, Candice Bergen, and Dianne Wiest, which adopts a more personal look at the childhood friendships of novelist Alice Hughes and her two oldest friends while they are on a long voyage. Let Them All Talk will premiere on May 22, 9 p.m., exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. The HBO Original Series In Treatment returns for a fourth season on May 24, 10 p.m., exclusively on HBO GO and HBO with new episodes premiering every Monday and Tuesday at the same time. Uzo Aduba plays the observant and empathetic therapist, Dr. Brooke Taylor, who works with a diverse trio of patients who need her help to navigate a variety of modern concerns such as the global pandemic and major social and cultural shifts. Meanwhile, Brooke has her own complications to deal with in her own personal life. Another series is The Outpost, which features the harsh reality of soldiers involved at the frontlines of the Battle of Kamdesh, one of the bloodiest American engagements during the Afghan war. The new mystery thriller premieres on May 8, 9 p.m., on HBO GO and HBO. It stars Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry Jones and Orlando Bloom. On a much lighter note, Dave Bautista plays an undercover spy who is not immune to the spunky charms of a nine-year-old girl under his protection in My Spy, premiering on May 15, 9 p.m., on HBO GO and HBO. Finally, experience the thrill and suspense as negotiators attempt to finalize the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords in the HBO original film, Oslo, premiering on May 30, 8 a.m., on HBO GO and HBO. Based on a true story, this HBO Original Film chronicles the story of negotiations between implacable enemies, from the secret back-channel talks to the unlikely friendships and quiet heroics of a small but committed group of Israelis, Palestinians, and one Norwegian couple that led to the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords. It stars Ruth Wilson and Andrew Scott.
Boris Brejcha releases new track ‘House Music’
GERMAN DJ and producer Boris Brejcha is back with new track “House Music” featuring UK-based, indie pop trio Arctic Lake, out now via Ultra Records. Coming off of his last release, “Spicy,” Mr. Brejcha presents “House Music.” Featuring soft, high-pitched vocals and a steady background beat, this track is perfect for freestyle dancing. An official video was also released containing clips sent in by Mr. Brejcha’s fans of them dancing to the new track. In order to get these fan submissions, Mr. Brejcha held a month-long Instagram challenge and called for some special dance moves to be featured in the video. Released in April, “Spicy,” featuring long-term collaborator Ginger, marked the first release from Brejcha’s forthcoming album in November. A melodic techno track, “Spicy” combines driving snares, delicate piano chords and Ginger’s fleeting vocals.
