Entertainment

Akira Toriyama, Iconic Manga Creator of Dragon Ball, Passes Away at 68

Published

1 year ago

March 10, 2024

Dragon Ball held a special place in my heart during my childhood, making it my favorite anime series. I vividly recall rushing home from school to immerse myself in its captivating world. This anime not only fueled my imagination but also inspired me to draw influenced by its dynamic storytelling and entertaining world.

The recent news of the passing of Akira Toriyama, the brilliant Japanese manga artist and creator of the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, deeply saddened me. Toriyama, aged 68, left an indelible mark on the world of manga and entertainment.

The confirmation of Toriyama’s death on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma came from his manga and design production studio, Bird Studio, and Capsule Corporation Tokyo. A select few attended his funeral, underscoring the private nature of the event.

In a statement, Bird Studio expressed gratitude for the widespread support Toriyama received throughout his over 45-year-long career. The studio highlighted his vast contribution to the world of manga and art, expressing the hope that Toriyama’s unique creative legacy would endure and continue to be cherished by fans worldwide.

Toriyama’s artistic journey began in Nagoya, Japan, where he was born on April 5, 1955. His early foray into drawing led him to the manga industry in his early 20s, gaining recognition with the success of Dr. Slump in the 1980s.

In 1984, Toriyama unleashed Dragon Ball, a manga series that achieved legendary status. Inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West and martial arts films, Dragon Ball chronicled the adventures of Son Goku, a martial arts trainee in pursuit of seven dragon balls. The manga, serialized in 519 chapters from 1984 to 1995, sold over 150 million copies in Japan by 2008.

Toriyama’s creation transcended manga to become a multimedia juggernaut, with over 20 films, animated series, spin-offs, and numerous video games. The Dragon Ball franchise stands as one of the highest-grossing and most influential in pop culture.

The 1990s saw Toriyama’s global popularity soar, thanks to the international acclaim received by Dragon Ball and its sequel, Dragon Ball Z. The series, especially its beloved protagonist Goku, became a cultural phenomenon referenced by artists, athletes, and celebrities worldwide.

Toriyama served as a character designer for renowned video games like the Dragon Quest series, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon. At the time of his passing, Bird Studio noted that Toriyama was actively engaged in several creative projects, showcasing his enduring passion for his craft.

As we mourn the loss of a visionary creator, we can take solace in the rich legacy Akira Toriyama leaves behind, a testament to his artistic brilliance and profound impact on the world of entertainment.

Source: usatoday.com

Dipolog

Experience the Epic Showdown: Godzilla x Kong – Now Playing at City Mall Dipolog Cinema!

Published

12 months ago

April 12, 2024

Waren Salomon

Get ready for another epic clash of titans as “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” storms onto screens in 2024! Directed by Adam Wingard and produced by Legendary Pictures, this American monster film is the highly-anticipated sequel to the adrenaline-pumping “Godzilla vs. Kong” (2021), marking the fifth installment in the thrilling MonsterVerse franchise.

Starring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle, among others, this action-packed adventure follows Kong as he ventures into the mysterious Hollow Earth, encountering more of his kind. But when a sinister threat emerges, Kong must once again join forces with Godzilla to save humanity from destruction.

Following the phenomenal success of “Godzilla vs. Kong” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Legendary wasted no time in announcing this sequel. With filming kicking off in July 2022 in Australia’s Gold Coast, anticipation for this blockbuster has been building. Premiering at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on March 25, 2024, and hitting theaters in the United States on March 29, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” has garnered mixed reviews from critics but has already become one of the top-grossing films of the year.

Don’t miss out on the monstrous mayhem – catch “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and experience the ultimate battle for supremacy on the big screen!

Check below for the movie schedule of ‘Godzilla x Kong’ at CityMall Cinema Dipolog as of April 12, 2024.

CityMall Dipolog Cinema Ticketing will be open at 12:30 PM.

Entertainment

Shaira’s ‘Selos’ Voluntarily Removed Due to Copyright Concerns

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2024

admin

In response to legal action taken by Lenka’s team, Shaira Moro’s agency voluntarily removed her viral hit song “Selos” from streaming platforms due to copyright concerns. The song, which gained popularity on TikTok, utilized the melody from Lenka’s “Trouble Is a Friend” without proper authorization. Moro’s recording label, AHS Channel, confirmed the infringement and stated that they are in contact with Lenka’s team to secure a cover license for “Selos.” Despite the setback, Moro’s agency expressed gratitude to fans and hinted at upcoming original music releases from the rising singer.

AHS Channel acknowledged the unauthorized use of Lenka’s melody and is actively working to secure a cover license for the song. Despite this setback, they expressed pride in Moro’s rising success and teased upcoming original music releases. The agency thanked fans for their support and hoped for continued love and acceptance upon the re-upload of “Selos” once proper licensing is obtained.

Shaira appeals to fans to stop hate comments vs Lenka

‘Shaira, the “Queen of Bangsamoro Pop,” stated that Lenka’s team has been in close coordination with them while dealing with the copyright issues surrounding her song “Selos.” she also noted that she understands her fans’ sentiments and expressed gratitude for their support. She also emphasized that Lenka did the right thing.

“I also want you to know that Lenka’s team approached us politely, and that they talked to us in an appropriate manner. We know that they just did what’s right and lawful.”

“I hope that the bashing and hate comments thrown at her will stop, and that we instead show the public that we are peace-loving citizens. Let’s just spread good vibes.”

Source: gmanetwork, inquirer

Dipolog

GMA Network and TAPE Inc. Confirm Final Telecast of ‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya’ on March 2

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2024

Waren Salomon

The Cast of Noontime Show, Photo by TAPE Inc./Facebook

GMA Network and TAPE Inc. officially announced on March 7 that the noontime program “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” aired its final episode last Saturday, March 2.

Below is the official statement from GMA Network:

On that day, Isko Moreno, the host of the said program, delivered a message from the stage “Ang buhay maraming Pagsubok. Minsan kapag may nag-sasarang pintuan, may nagbubukas na bintana. Sa bawat pagsubok sa buhay, minsan pinagtitibay lang tayo yan, dahil mayroon pa tayong kahaharapin na mas mabigat pagdating ng araw.” – Isko Moreno

After operating for almost a year following the replacement of the original Eat Bulaga cast in May of the preceding year, Television and Production Exponents Incorporated (TAPE Inc.), owned by the Jalosjos family, has officially ended its noontime show, “Tahanang Pinakamasaya.”

Below is the official statement of TAPE Inc.