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31 January 2022

Newsletter: The Chainsmokers mark first music release in two years with new single “High”

01/31/2022 03:46:00 AM


Author's Note: After two years, popular electro-pop duo The Chainsmokers has released a new highly-anticipated song High. The single release also comes with a music video that navigates through a world where love is always fleeting. Check out the story behind the new release and how it took them to develop a new track that came right before the world-changing pandemic. 

30 January 2022

Newsletter: SB19’s PABLO gets up close and personal on his debut single “La Luna”

01/28/2022 10:07:00AM


Author's Note: SB19's member Paolo goes solo for the meantime, and it produced a song that tackles one's breaking away from the society's unrealistic expectations. Check out the press release below to know more about the P-pop member's debut single “La Luna.”

29 January 2022

Newsletter: Franz Ferdinand Share video for ‘Curious’, the latest track from ‘Hits To The Head’, their 20-track greatest hits album

01/26/2022 02:04:00 PM

Franz Ferdinand (Photo credit: David Edwards)

Author's Note: Franz Ferdinand, one of the known pop rock bands the emerged in 2000s, has recently introduced the music video of Curious. Check out the press release below to known more about this brand new song that is now part of the band's 20-track greatest hits collection named “Hits To The Head.”

28 January 2022

The WWE Network Experience

01/20/2021 02:05:55 AM

I remember watching a press conference initiated by World Wrestling Entertainment at the Consumer and Electronics Show in 2014 about a product that is initially seemed a haven for all the wrestling sport entertainment fans. 

Flick ReView: Don't Look Up

01/12/2022 02:13:33 PM

Don't Look Up poster (IMDb)

It was funny yet depressive. Some fans loved it, and some critics had opinions about this. Nevertheless, it is known that Don't Look Up has been one of the best movies shown before the year-end, topping over fellow Netflix offerings like the supposedly timely-mockumentary Death To 2021.

27 January 2022

Newsletter: Rex Orange County announces new album, Who Cares?

01/27/2022 06:22:00AM 


Author's Note: Rex Orange County has announced the release of his forthcoming album 'Who Cares?' Check out the press release below to read the news about the budding record this coming March, as well as coinciding with the reveal of his new single and accompanying video, “Keep it Up.”

26 January 2022

Newsletter: Bryan Adams Releases “Never Gonna Rain”

01/18/2022 08:51:00PM 



Author's Note: Bryan Adams has recently release his new song, Never Gonna Rain. The single release also comes with the video, and is part of the acclaimed singer-songwriter's upcoming 15th studio album titled So Happy It Hurts this coming 11 March 2022 via BMG. Check out the story about the new track and the latest developments from the iconic musician through the press release below.

25 January 2022

Newsletter: Young Cocoa’s “Manila” enjoys commercial boost thanks to ENHYPEN’s Ami Paris XVI playlist

01/24/2022 09:52:00 PM


Author's Note: Young Cocoa's latest single has made it to the viral charts this month — not only in the Philippines but in South Korea as well. Check out what are the on how did this young Filipino hip-hop rapper managed to put the message across the two countries with his debut single Manila by checking out the press release below.

22 January 2022

Flick ReView: Death To 2021


01/12/2022 05:52:50 PM

Death To 2021 poster (nohoartsdistrict.com)

Death to 2021 follows its predecessor, Death to 2020. Perhaps a move that prompted the Black Mirror Creators—Broke and Bones—would become an annual ender offering as a Netflix original. 

21 January 2022

“Sana All” Mo Mukha Mo!!!

01/12/2022 01:21:27 PM

Wala nang mas nakakairita pa kesa sa dalawang salita na 'to na halatang nagpapakita ng pagkainggit. 

Weh. “Sana all” talaga?

Oo, sana all. Mga pa-konyo para sabihin na nawa'y lahat, sana lahat, o hope all. Mga sinasabi din ng mga masyadong pa-cool na tao.

20 January 2022

SB19 kicks off 2022 with Pagsibol exclusive merch!

01/15/2022 09:49:41 AM


Pinoy pop supergroup SB19 kicked off the year by launching its premium merch line that is inspired by their record-breaking EP.

19 January 2022

Emmy Meli's viral hit ignites a global movement

01/13/2022 02:23:21 PM


Emmy Meli is making waves with with the viral popularity of her new single I Am Woman, a soulful R&B track which  carries an uplifting message.

18 January 2022

PLDT and Smart roll out fiber-powered Smart WiFi in Ilocos Norte towns Vintar, Bacarra, and Piddig

01/13/2022 02:10:40 PM


PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications have made connectivity more widely accessible to Filipinos in Ilocos Norte through the recently launched Smart WiFi in three of the region’s municipalities.
 

17 January 2022

Sponge Cola's new MV features Heaven Peralejo

01/13/2022 01:15:19 PM


Sponge Cola drops its newest music video, and it features no less than Filipino actress Heaven Peralejo

The MV of Kung Ako Ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito sees Heaven on the verge of a domestic breakdown as she adjusts to a life of uncertainty and fear from the sunlight as a deeply conflicted vampire.

15 January 2022

PlayBack: The Bloomfields – A Drop into the Blue (album)

03/15/2021 09:40:01 AM


It was the most significant milestone for The Bloomfields to end the decade. Eight years since releasing Hit The Ground Running, this old-school soundin' quartet launched its latest album. Unleashing their "originals" side apart from headlining solo shows usually run on a series of good ol' rock n' roll covers.

Zack Tabudlo and James Reid welcome 2022 with a captivating new single

01/13/2022 12:25:10 PM




Talk about kicking off the year with a bang.

A high-profile collaboration between Zack Tabudlo and James Reid took place, and the result is the a soulful pop ditty song titled “Hatdog,” released this past New Year's Day under Island Records Philippines.

14 January 2022

Newsletter: TZ APAC and BitPinas Successfully Organize First NFT-Minting Contest in the Philippines

01/12/2022 06:40:56 PM


Author's Note: Over the past holidays, BitPinas and TZ APAC has held the country's  first ever NFT-minting contest in the Philippines. The event involved 25 Filipino artists and their showcased their works depicting the nation's longest and most exciting holiday—Christmas. 

See which masterpiece and who's artist have won the inaugural  NFT-minting contest in the Philippines in this press release below. 

Flick ReView: Spider-Man: No Way Home

01/10/2022 11:47:19 PM

Spider-Man: No Way Home poster from IMDb

Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers. So if I were you, watch the damn movie first.

It has been one of the most anticipated motion pictures the public has been clamoring for the year. Spider-Man: No Way Home has been considered one of the centerpieces of Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Four. It has a similar storyline that involves multiple dimensions, alternate realities, and many complicated conflicts.

13 January 2022

Newsletter: AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine significantly boosted antibody levels against Omicron

12/24/2021 03:44:28 PM

Author's Note: As the world is on its struggles to face Corona Virus's new variant that is currently plaguing the world, pharmaceutical companies are continuously finding ways to combat the threatening disease.

This, includes vaccination. Manufacturing brands of vaccines against COVID-19 have been under critical scrutiny process on whether they would be effective means to boost immunity against the virus. In line with that, the University of Oxford study supports use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine as third dose booster against Omicron. Neutralizing antibody levels against Omicron following a third dose boost of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine were broadly similar to levels achieved after two doses against the Delta variant.

More of that in the press release below.

*****

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) significantly boosted levels of antibodies against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529) following a third dose booster, according to data from a new laboratory study.1

Neutralization titres for Omicron were boosted following a third dose with AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine compared to titres after a second dose.1 The levels seen after the third dose booster were higher than the neutralizing antibodies found in individuals who had been previously infected with and recovered naturally from COVID-19 (Alpha, Beta, Delta variants and original strain).1 Sera obtained from individuals one month after receiving the third dose booster vaccination neutralized the Omicron variant to levels that were broadly similar to those observed one month after the second dose against the Delta variant.1 Two doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine have been associated with protection against the Delta variant in real world studies.2,3

The study analysed blood samples taken from individuals infected with COVID-19; those who had been vaccinated with a two-dose schedule and a third dose booster; and those who had reported previous infection from other COVID-19 variants of concern. The study included samples from 41 individuals who had received three doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine.1

The study was performed independently by investigators at the University of Oxford and the findings were posted online on the bioRxiv pre print server.

Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK and one of the study investigators, said: “It is very encouraging to see that current vaccines have the potential to protect against Omicron following a third dose booster. These results support the use of third dose boosters as part of national vaccine strategies, especially to limit the spread of variants of concern, including Omicron.”
Sir Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca said: “AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine plays an important role in vaccination programmes around the world and these data give us confidence that the vaccine should be given as a third dose booster. It is also important to look beyond antibodies to better understand how vaccines offer protection against Omicron. As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalizations.”
Data from another laboratory study support AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine effect against Omicron, with individuals vaccinated with two doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine retaining neutralizing activity against Omicron, although a decrease was seen compared to the original strain.4 In other studies, AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to generate a diverse and durable T-cell response to multiple variants resulting in a broader response than antibodies alone, which could contribute to protection against COVID-19.1,5-9 

AstraZeneca is collecting real world evidence evaluating the effectiveness against the Omicron variant with academic groups in the southern African region. AstraZeneca is also analysing blood samples from participants in the Company’s Phase II/III trial to evaluate neutralising activity when given as a third dose booster against Omicron for both AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine and its investigational next generation COVID-19 vaccine, AZD2816. Data from these studies are expected soon.  

Currently available data against variants of concern, excluding Omicron, support the use of a third booster with AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine as part of a homologous or heterologous schedule.6,10

A sub analysis from the COV001 and COV002 trials demonstrated that a third dose of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine given at least six months after a second dose boosted antibody levels six-fold and maintained T cell response.6 A third dose also resulted in higher neutralizing activity against the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants, compared with a two-dose regimen. In the trial, the third dose of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine was less reactogenic than the first dose.6

In addition, the COV-BOOST trial showed that a third dose booster of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine induced significantly higher immune responses compared with controls against the Delta variant and original strain following a primary vaccine series of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine or Pfizer BioNtech (BNT162b2).10

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine 
AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant], formerly AZD1222) was co-invented by the University of Oxford and its spin-out company, Vaccitech. It uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral vector based on a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) that causes infections in chimpanzees and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. After vaccination, the surface spike protein is produced, priming the immune system to attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus if it later infects the body.

The vaccine has been granted a conditional marketing authorisation or emergency use in more than 90 countries. It also has Emergency Use Listing from the World Health Organization, which accelerates the pathway to access in up to 142 countries through the COVAX Facility.

Under a sub-license agreement with AstraZeneca, the vaccine is manufactured and supplied by the Serum Institute of India under the name COVISHIELD.

In the Philippines, the COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) COVAX Supply has been given ‘emergency use listing’ by the World Health Organization. Similarly, the direct supply has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that there is more evidence to come about this medicine. The World Health Organization and the Philippine FDA will review new information on this medicine as it becomes available and the leaflet will be updated as necessary. Please also note that the vaccine cannot be marketed or sold, advertised, and promoted.

AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.

References

1. Dejnirattisai W. et al. Omicron-B.1.1.529 leads to widespread escape from neutralizing antibody responses. BioRxiv. Available at: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.03.471045v2.full.pdf Last accessed December 2021.

2. Public Health England. Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against hospital admission with the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Available at: https://khub.net/web/phe-national/public-library/-/document_library/v2WsRK3ZlEig/view_file/479607329?_com_liferay_document_library_web_portlet_DLPortlet_INSTANCE_v2WsRK3ZlEig_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fkhub.net%3A443%2Fweb%2Fphe-national%2Fpublic-library%2F-%2Fdocument_library%2Fv2WsRK3ZlEig%2Fview%2F479607266 Last accessed December 2021.

3. Sheikh A. et al. SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC in Scotland: demographics, risk of hospital admission, and vaccine effectiveness. The Lancet. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01358-1/fulltext#articleInformation Last accessed December 2021.

4. Cameroni E et al. Broadly neutralizing antibodies overcome SARS-CoV-2 Omicron antigenic shift. BioRxiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.12.12.472269 Last accessed December 2021

5. Swanson P. et al. T-cell mediated immunity after AZD1222 vaccination: A polyfunctional spike-specific Th1 response with a diverse TCR repertoire. Science Translational Medicine. Available at: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.abj7211 Last accessed December 2021.

6. Flaxman A. Tolerability and immunogenicity after a late second dose or a third dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222). The Lancet. Available at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3873839. Last accessed December 2021.

7. Redd, A. D. et al. Minimal cross-over between mutations associated with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and CD8+ T cell epitopes identified in COVID-19 convalescent individuals. BioRxiv. Available at: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.06.471446v1 Last accessed December 2021.

8. Parry H et al. Single Vaccination with BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 in Older People Induces Equivalent Antibody Generation but Enhanced Cellular Responses after ChAdOx1. The Lancet. Available at:  https://ssrn.com/abstract=3825573 Last accessed December 2021.

9. Parry H et al. Differential immunogenicity of BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 vaccines after extended-interval homologous dual vaccination in older people. Immun Ageing. 2021; 18,34. Available at:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12979-021-00246-9 Last accessed December 2021.

10. Munro A PS et al. Safety and immunogenicity of seven COVID-19 vaccines as a third dose (booster) following two doses of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 or BNT162b2 in the UK (COV-BOOST): a blinded, multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial. The Lancet. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02717-3 Last accessed December 2021.


Author: slickmaster | © 2021, 2022 The SlickMaster's Files

12 January 2022

Coins.ph adds AXS and SLP from Axie Infinity

12/24/2021 01:41:29 PM


Coins.ph has announced its latest addition.

The country's leading crypto and mobile wallet, has now included AXS and SLP  for customers to buy, sell, and store on the app and website starting today; putting another mark to what has been a much-improved year.  After having only four virtual assets at the start of 2021, customers are now able to enjoy access to 12 cryptocurrencies on the Coins.ph app, which also sports a brand-new user interface.

11 January 2022

PLDT and Smart's mental health initiatives score 1M views

12/24/2021 12:53:39 PM


Two months since its inception, PLDT and Smart have garnered over 1 million views for its online series on mental health awareness, including the Time Capsule Project and Power Move Project.

10 January 2022

Acronis Cyberthreats Report says cybercriminals use MSPs’ own internal tools against them

12/20/2021 01:41:36 PM


Acronis has  released its yearly  report that discusses an in-depth  review of cybersecurity trends and threats worldwide. The report serves as a warning for managed service providers (MSPs) for they are particularly at risk — having more of their own management tools, such as PSA or RMM, used against them by cybercriminals, and thus are becoming increasingly vulnerable to supply chain attacks.

09 January 2022

Bbno$ releases ‘Edamame (ft. Rich Brian) Diplo Remix’

12/20/2021 01:32:02 PM

Photo credit: Ed Gumuchian

Rising star bbno$ [baby-no-money] has recently collaborated with Grammy award-winning DJ and producer Diplo to release the Edamame (ft. Rich Brian) Diplo Remix, which was distributed via the bbno$ label in partnership with mtheory.

08 January 2022

Ariel Tsai releases uplifting worship song 'My All In All'

12/20/2021 01:16:26 PM



Nearly two months since formally introducing themselves to the marker, Waterwork Records, Sony Music Philippines's sub-label that focuses on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation, has recently released a song  from Ariel Tsai, a popular Taiwanese singer-songwriter, pianist, and YouTuber signed under Sony Music Taiwan.

07 January 2022

LOIR drops new music track and video for 'Umaga'

12/20/2021 01:06:45 PM


LOIR reflects on the process of growth and peace of mind on her new single.

The budding R&B artist released Umaga, her new single via Sony Music Philippines, which  maps her journey towards acceptance and starting anew with the right mindset.

Tangina mo, Poblacion Girl!

01/06/2022 01:26:02 PM

Okay na sana eh. Medyo nakakabawi na tayo. Maliban sa pagbaba ng kaso, nagkakaroon na ng sense ng normalcy sa kapaligiran, bagamat may pagka-konting discrepancy sa pagreport ng mga araw-araw na kaso ng COVID-19 dahil sa late or non-operational yung iba. Pero okay na rin sana eh...

Kaso biglang may nagpaka-Thyroid Mary nitong nakaraang taon sa Makati. Aray naman. Dahil sa jeskeng pag-disregard sa mandato na quarantine protocol na inatas ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan. Mula LA, lumipad pa-Pinas. Lumanding sa Clark, dumeretso sa quarantine facitility, pero umalis. Nag-party pa nga sa mga bar sa malapit na Poblacion pagkalayas ng isang hotel. Hinatid-sundo pa ng magulang.

Ang lakas ng loob ah, lalo na noong bumalik ang RT-PCR test niya, positive pala siya sa Corona Virus na yan.

Aba'y bastusan ha?

06 January 2022

Mino introduces third album, 'To Infinity'

12/20/2021 12:58:51 PM



MINO of WINNER has returned with the new album out of a concept of ‘Digital Gun Man’ proving his own music spectrum.

05 January 2022

Kaspersky and Mystery Manila lets players solve a multibillion bank heist thru virtual game

12/20/2021 12:45:24 PM


Ever wonder what it’s like to chase online criminals? Kaspersky could give you a chance to immerse into the scenario as the cybersecurity company has teamed up with Mystery Manila, a pioneer in escape games in the country, to give Filipinos a chance to experience being cybercrime detectives.

04 January 2022

Anabel Englund scores her fifth straight #1 song in her latest single, 'Midnight Rapture'

12/20/2021 12:05:23 PM


Singer/songwriter & DJ ANABEL ENGLUND has recently released her recent single Midnight Rapture, and it immediately got her to the #1 spot of the dance music charts.

03 January 2022

6cyclemind returns with new single off the upcoming album, the soaring 'Langit'

12/13/2021 01:37:35 AM


6cyclemind, known for one of the staple acts of the local rock band explosion in the 2000s, makes its triumphant return to the scene with a new song that depicts aspiration.

Flick ReView: Red Notice

11/28/2021 11:23:27 AM

Red Notice poster (IMDB)

For a movie that has three of today's biggest stars in Hollywood, Red Notice appears to be larger than life and the paper. And after a series of overwhelmingly plot twists, they tried. It was highly entertaining, proven that you quit sitting in your brain for nearly two hours. 

02 January 2022

KAIA intros themselves to the music scene with KAYA

12/12/2021 10:28:29 PM


Following its public launching last November, P-Pop group KAIA has now introduced themselves to the music scene with their debut single released last 10 December 2021 via Sony Music Philippines.