We Are Imaginary reflects on toxic relationships in dreamy new track “Stockholm”

We Are Imaginary reflects on toxic relationships in dreamy new track “Stockholm”

Saturday, July 19, 2025

The latest single showcases the band’s more introspective and pensive side

Filipino indie rock outfit We Are Imaginary are back with “Stockholm,” the latest single from their forthcoming self-titled album, set to be released on vinyl under Eikon Records in mid-2025.

Exploring themes of emotional entanglement and vulnerability, “Stockholm” is a gripping meditation on toxic attachment disguised as love. The track marks a pivotal moment for frontman and guitarist Ahmad Tanji, who channels years of disquietude into one of the band’s most sonically and lyrically captivating releases to date.

The song opens with the Nietzsche-inspired line, “Staring at the abyss / staring back at me,” which immediately sets the tone for introspection. As the track unfolds, lyrics like “So used with bad directions / I’m following no leads” imply how the protagonist continues to spiral out of existential dread, losing the will to continue fighting—only to be pulled back by the subtle, grounding sound.

Nearing its final lap, “Stockholm” shifts from self-doubt to fleeting relief with the repeated line, “Then I hear my name / From the other line / And it don’t make sense / But everything turned right,” capturing the distorted comfort often found in unhealthy relationships, where even the smallest gestures feel strangely hopeful and redemptive, regardless of the cyclical doom that is about to happen.

According to Ahmad Tanji, lead vocalist and guitarist of We Are Imaginary, the track was inspired by his lyrical heroes from early 2000s indie rock/pop. “This time, after going through a depressive state over a toxic relationship, I looked inward and tried wording out the existential crisis I was in. It’s sort of a nod to that iconic Garden State scene, but through a grittier lens.”

Sonically, “Stockholm” showcases the band’s signature blend of introspective storytelling and textured instrumentation. The production evolved through a collaborative exchange between Tanji and producer Joey Santos, who initially leaned into a heavier, noisier arrangement.

“My mind was pushing it to be more in the vein of 90’s alternapop bands (Superdrag, Nada Surf, etc.) as it should serve the bounce and weight of the words,” shares Ahmad Tanji. “I think Angee Rozul’s (sound engineer) idea of adding an acoustic guitar to drive the song did wonders. Moving that instrument to the front seat made the vibe more, as you said, expansive and intimate.”

We Are Imaginary’s “Stockholm” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

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UNIQLO App Turns 5: Enjoy Exclusive Deals, Discounts, and Giveaways This July

UNIQLO App Turns 5: Enjoy Exclusive Deals, Discounts, and Giveaways This July

UNIQLO is celebrating the 5th anniversary of the UNIQLO App with a month-long promo filled with exclusive deals, exciting giveaways, and special member perks—all happening this July!

Celebrate with UNIQLO App-Exclusive Deals

To mark five years of rewarding digital shopping, UNIQLO App members are in for a treat. Throughout July, app users can enjoy weekly access to online-exclusive items and time-limited discounts.

Here’s what to look forward to:

July 7–13: Get early access to the Women’s Flannel Boxy Shirt and Men’s Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt.

July 14–20: Shop new colorways of the popular UNIQLO Sweat Wide Pants.

July 21–27: Be the first to grab the Washable Knitted Bra Top.

July 28–August 3: Enjoy exclusives like the Women’s Merino Crew Neck Cardigan and Men’s Merino Knitted Polo Shirt.

Massive Discounts on Fan Favorites

From now until mid-July, enjoy limited-time price drops on selected items, such as:

• Women’s AIRism UV Protection Full Zip Hoodie – now only ₱990 (from ₱1,490)
• DRY-EX UV Protection Full Zip Hoodie – now ₱990
• Women’s AIRism Soft Cropped T-Shirt – now ₱590 (from ₱790)

Shop, Scan, and Win Up to ₱100,000

UNIQLO App members can join a special anniversary shopping spree raffle! Just shop in-store with a minimum spend of ₱3,500, scan your UNIQLO App at checkout, and turn on notifications to find out if you’re a weekly winner of a ₱100,000 UNIQLO shopping spree.

Score a Free Magsafe Tumbler from July 18–24

Another exclusive treat: Spend ₱3,500 in-store during the promo period and get a free limited-edition Magsafe Tumbler. Each purchase comes with a blind box surprise in one of five chic colors—white, cream, blue, black, or orange. Only while supplies last!

Why Join the UNIQLO App?

Becoming a UNIQLO App member comes with year-round benefits like:

• A ₱300 welcome voucher for first-time downloads
• Access to extra sizes (XS, 2XL, 3XL) online
• Special prices and early access to new releases
• Seamless online and in-store shopping convenience

Don’t miss out on UNIQLO App’s biggest celebration yet! Download the app, sign up for free, and unlock exclusive anniversary deals all month long.

For more updates, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram.

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IV OF SPADES reunite with surprise release of “Aura"

IV OF SPADES reunite with surprise release of “Aura"

Friday, July 18, 2025

The new track serves as the band’s first official release under their new record label, Sony Music Entertainment and their new management, Balcony Music Entertainment

IV OF SPADES are finally back!

After going on hiatus to pursue their respective solo careers and side projects, the Filipino rock supergroup breaks their silence with the surprise release of “Aura,” their first single since 2020’s “Sariling Multo (Sa Panaginip).”

Produced by IV OF SPADES and Brian Lotho, the song explores themes of longing and unconditional love, searching for meaning and home among the sea of people.

Accompanying the release of “Aura” is a music video directed and produced by the award-winning team at Lunchbox. Shot on a scenic hilltop, the visuals capture the band in candid moments: walking, goofing around, and enjoying their time together. It’s both intimate and cinematic, reminding fans of the chemistry that once made IV OF SPADES a household name.

The comeback single also serves as IV OF SPADES’ first official release under their new label, Sony Music Entertainment, and new management, Balcony Music Entertainment.

Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, spoke about the surprise release and the band’s long-awaited return.

"Yesterday evening’s surprise drop of IV OF SPADES’ new single, ‘Aura,’ was an unprecedented moment in Filipino music,” shares the Filipino label executive. “Watching the music video, it feels almost surreal that these four exceptionally talented individuals are back together again. This release is a heartfelt gift to the passionate fans who have missed them dearly. We believe 'Aura' will resonate deeply and bring tears of joy, reminding everyone of the unique magic that IV OF SPADES brings to the music scene."

The unexpected release instantly set social media ablaze, with the band trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours. A wave of support poured in from fellow artists and fans, including Singaporean alt-pop sensation Shye, Filipino nine-piece band Ben&Ben, alternative rock outfit Over October, and Pinoy Big Brother actress Kira Balinger, who all took to social media to celebrate the group’s long-awaited comeback.

IV OF SPADES’ “Aura” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

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Potato Corner’s Honey Butter Fries is Back—But Not for Long!

Potato Corner’s Honey Butter Fries is Back—But Not for Long!

Calling all snack lovers and Potato Corner fanatics—the iconic Honey Butter flavor is back and it’s here to turn your fry game up a notch!

Sweet, buttery, and totally crave-worthy, this fan-favorite flavor is making a limited-time comeback. Imagine crispy golden fries coated in a luscious glaze of honey sweetness with a rich, buttery finish—it’s the kind of flavor combo that makes you do a happy dance after every bite.

But here’s the catch: Honey Butter is only available until August 2025. Yup, this rare flavor drop won’t stick around, and fans are already flocking to their nearest Potato Corner stalls to get their fix before it disappears.

What makes Honey Butter fries so addictive? It’s all in the balance of sweet and savory. The honey coating is specially crafted to deliver an authentic, comforting flavor that hugs every fry, perfectly complementing Potato Corner’s signature crunch. It’s cozy, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.

Potato Corner is no stranger to innovation—they’ve been shaking up the snack scene with bold, exciting flavors for years. Whether you're into classics like Cheese or BBQ, or you're always chasing the newest flavor adventure, Honey Butter is a must-try for anyone who calls themselves a fry enthusiast.

Don’t miss out on this limited-edition snack—grab your barkada and head to Potato Corner while it’s still hot (and sweet!).

Want to know where to find Honey Butter fries near you? Visit potatocorner.com, or follow Potato Corner on Facebook and Instagram for updates and store availability.

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Score Big at the SM City Masinag 3-Day Sale: Up to 70% Off + A Chance to Win a Suzuki Jimny!

Score Big at the SM City Masinag 3-Day Sale: Up to 70% Off + A Chance to Win a Suzuki Jimny!

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Ready, set, shop! The SM City Masinag 3-Day Sale is back from July 18 to 20, and it's your last major shopping spree of 2025 so don’t miss it! Score up to 70% OFF on top brands and essentials, plus get a shot at winning a brand-new Suzuki Jimny 5-Door GL MT!

Why You Can’t Miss This Sale

Massive Discounts: Enjoy up to 70% OFF on fashion finds, gadgets, home must-haves, and school supplies from your favorite SM stores and affiliates.

Win Big While You Shop: For every ₱1,000 single or accumulated receipt, you’ll earn 1 e-raffle entry for a chance to drive home a Suzuki Jimny!

Double Your Chances: Shop on Saturday and Sunday to earn double entries—more chances, more excitement!

Easy Raffle Registration: Submit your receipts at https://smofficial.page.link/RaffleEntry before 9:45 PM on July 20 to qualify.

Whether you're updating your wardrobe, grabbing tech gadgets, or checking off your back-to-school list, the SM City Masinag 3-Day Sale is your go-to destination for unbeatable deals and thrilling surprises.

Don’t wait until next year—shop smart, save big, and maybe even drive away in style. Head over to SM City Masinag from July 18 to 20, 10AM to 10PM, and turn your shopping trip into the ultimate budol weekend!

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DTI Gears Up for the 2025 National Trade Fair, Championing Green Innovation and Filipino MSMEs

DTI Gears Up for the 2025 National Trade Fair, Championing Green Innovation and Filipino MSMEs

Monday, July 14, 2025

Get ready to experience Filipino innovation at its finest! The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) proudly announces the much-anticipated return of the DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, happening from July 23 to 27, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Now in its latest edition, the fair brings together close to 300 carefully selected exhibitors from across the Philippines. These enterprises will showcase a dynamic range of proudly local products—from heirloom crafts and wellness essentials to upcycled home décor, contemporary fashion, and environmentally responsible solutions. This year’s lineup promises not just variety but excellence, as each exhibitor has been chosen for their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

More Than a Trade Event

What sets the National Trade Fair apart is its deeper mission. It isn’t just about displaying and selling goods; it’s about celebrating the stories, cultures, and communities that shape them. Supporting the Tatak Pinoy Strategy, the 2025 edition reinforces DTI’s push to build a dynamic domestic economy where homegrown brands and products can flourish, not only locally but also on the global stage. Through innovation, creative design, and responsible production, these MSMEs are showing how Filipino enterprises can lead in a fast-evolving world.

What’s New This Year

“The National Trade Fair is more than a marketplace—it’s a national platform for promoting Filipino excellence, innovation, and sustainability. This 2025 edition goes even further, introducing new features to spotlight game-changing green technologies,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, who heads the Competitiveness and Innovation Group.

She further explained that unlike the National Food Fair, which focuses on culinary enterprises, the National Trade Fair highlights a wider spectrum of Filipino creativity. From fashion and home furnishings to digital innovations and natural wellness products, the NTF offers a rich and immersive experience. Assistant Secretary Bautista emphasized that this year’s fair continues to promote the use of Philippine natural raw materials and highlights the potential of green technologies in helping MSMEs scale up and compete more effectively.

Spotlight on Sustainability and Innovation

One of the major highlights of this year’s fair is the Philippine Sustainability Pavilion. Here, visitors will find breakthrough eco-innovations and green technologies taking center stage. The pavilion brings to light how indigenous and natural materials—such as bamboo, abaca, and native grasses—are transformed into high-value products suitable for both local consumption and international markets. It is a striking example of how environmental consciousness and cultural heritage can be woven together to create products that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable.

But the fair offers more than just shopping and exhibits. Attendees will also enjoy a rich learning environment through business development seminars, live skills demonstrations, and themed exhibit zones. These are designed to help MSMEs improve their market access, develop innovative products, and accelerate their growth. Whether you’re a buyer, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone who values Filipino craftsmanship, there is something to learn and appreciate at every corner of the event.

A Legacy of Success

The National Trade Fair has consistently proven to be a powerful platform for MSMEs. In 2024, it featured 273 MSMEs and welcomed 27,909 visitors. The event generated Php 73.2 million in total sales, including Php 62.12 million in cash sales and booked orders. These numbers reflect not only the public’s growing support for locally made products but also the strategic value of this event in helping small businesses grow.

As the 2025 edition unfolds, it carries the momentum of past successes while pushing toward new heights. With growing interest in sustainability, quality local goods, and proudly Filipino innovations, the fair is expected to deliver even greater impact this year.

Everyone’s Invited

The 2025 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair will run for five days, from July 23 to 27, at SM Megamall. Admission is free and open to all. This is your chance to discover the latest in proudly local design, support MSMEs from all over the country, and take part in a movement that’s building a more sustainable and globally competitive Philippine economy.

Stay Connected

For more information, you may reach out to DTI by emailing BMDPO@dti.gov.ph. You can also stay updated on event highlights and exhibitor features by following DTI-BMDPO on social media. Find them on Facebook (@DTI.BMDPO), X (@DTI_BMDPO), Instagram (@dti.bmdpo), YouTube (@dti_bmdpo), and TikTok (@dti.bmdpo).

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Thai rapper MILLI unleashes multi-dimensional heaviness in new full album HEAVYWEIGHT

Thai rapper MILLI unleashes multi-dimensional heaviness in new full album HEAVYWEIGHT

Thai rap sensation MILLI unleashes multi-dimensional heaviness in her new full album HEAVYWEIGHT, marking her ascent to “heavyweight” status as an artist. Featuring 13 tracks that channel MILLI’s stories and emotions, the album combines captivating lyrics, raw emotions, hard-hitting beats, and her signature powerful rap style to deliver intense and powerful performances in each song. While almost all the lyrics are in English, MILLI incorporated fun Thai words and infused her own unique personality in every track.

The album features an impressive lineup of international artists, including Knock2, BewhY, Awich, and ATARASHII GAKKO!, alongside talented Thai artists like HUGO and Gong from the band H3F. Additionally, MILLI worked together with multiple international producers and songwriters during a songwriting camp in LA, returning with nearly half the album completed.

Sharing her feelings about the album, MILLI described HEAVYWEIGHT as “one that I truly love” and said, “It represents the weight in every fiber of my being, in every story that has come into my life. I compare myself to a boxer who has slowly climbed from the atomweight division, fighting through and facing every hardship that came my way. Now, I'm ready to step into the HEAVYWEIGHT division as an artist”.

Listen to MILLI’s HEAVYWEIGHT here

Alongside the album release, MILLI has also released a music video for the album opener, ‘SICK WITH IT’. Filmed in Japan, the music video features Avantgardey, the iconic Japanese dance team recognized for their bob haircuts, distinctive uniforms, and uniquely eccentric dance moves.

MILLI is a dynamic Thai rapper, singer and songwriter who made history as the first Thai artist to perform on the main stage at Coachella in 2022. Known for constantly reinventing her image and delivering fierce rap flows, MILLI has quickly become a standout artist under her label YUPP! Entertainment.

MILLI's standout talent has led to major collaborations, including ‘Just Being Friendly’ with Thai band Tilly Birds, and ‘Mirror Mirror’ with F.HERO and Changbin from Stray Kids, both of which surpassed 100 million views on YouTube. Additionally, she has worked with the global record label 88rising for the official remix of BIBI's ‘The Weekend’, which has over 80 million views on YouTube, and collaborated with Jackson Wang on the track ‘Mind Games’, receiving widespread attention from music fans globally. Most recently, she also appeared as a special guest at Jay Park’s 2025 Jay Park World Tour in Bangkok.

In addition to these achievements, MILLI was featured in Spotify's EQUAL campaign, which promotes women in the music and audio industry, with her featured on a giant screen in New York’s Times Square. In 2022, she was named one of the 100 most influential women in the world by the BBC, further cementing her status as a global icon.

MILLI’s talent has earned her both national and international recognition, with awards including ‘Best New Asian Artist Thailand’ (Mnet Asian Music Awards: 2020 MAMA), Top Ten 2020 The Hottest Songs (JOOX Music Thailand Top 100 2020), Hip-Hop Song of the Year and New Face of the Year (Rap is Now Awards 2020), and the Rising Star (Kazz Awards 2020). Her debut album released in late 2022, BABB BUM BUM, received critical acclaim, which earned her Best Album of the Year and Best Solo Artist of the Year at the TOTY Music Awards 2022.

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ATEEZ Drops ‘GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 In Your Fantasy Edition’ Featuring New English Track

ATEEZ Drops ‘GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 In Your Fantasy Edition’ Featuring New English Track

After landing multiple charts with GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3, ATEEZ returns with a repackage of their 12th EP, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’ which includes a new English track, “In Your Fantasy,” along with eight solo tracks from each member, all of whom took part in writing lyrics for their songs.

ATEEZ returns with their first all-English lead track ‘In Your Fantasy’, a bold new step in an already genre-blending career. While not their first English-language song, this marks a milestone as the main single fully in English, signaling a natural evolution in ATEEZ’s artistry.

Known for effortlessly moving between languages and styles, ATEEZ continues to build a global discography that resonates across borders. This latest release not only expands their sonic landscape but also connects them with an even broader international audience.

ATEEZ kicked off their 2025 WORLD TOUR [IN YOUR FANTASY] IN INCHEON on a high note, selling out both shows. Embarking on the tour with a whole new scale and global influence, ATEEZ will headline stadium shows in five major cities: Citi Field in New York, Wrigley Field in Chicago, BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Globe Life Field in Arlington, and Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City.

ATEEZ continues to make waves on the international stage with their explosive presence, earning them their first placement on the Billboard Hot 100 at No.69 with ‘Lemon Drop’ and their fifth Billboard No.1 Top Album Sales with GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3. They reached No.2 on the Billboard 200 charts marking their seventh Top 10 album. Additionally, they won the award for K-pop Artist of the Year at the U.S. ‘2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards’ and earned a nomination for FAVORITE K-POP ARTIST at the ‘American Music Awards’, further cementing their place in the global music scene.

The repackaged EP features 15 songs, with 10 new tracks including the lead single ‘In Your Fantasy’ in both the English and Korean versions as well as eight solo tracks. All eight members took part in lyric writing for their solo tracks, highlighting each individual’s musical color.

Member HONGJOONG took part in composing six of the solo tracks, with MINGI writing his own solo track. ATEEZ expands their discography with multiple new challenges on this repackage EP, bringing eight solo tracks on an album and a new all-English track “In Your Fantasy” that speaks temptation into a confrontation of the self.

As ATEEZ continues to prove their status as a ‘global top artist,’ K-pop fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what they have in store for the rest of the year. For hearts stirred by endless longing, ATEEZ invites you to take a seat “In Your Fantasy” - the next sizzling anthem set to turn up the heat this summer. You can watch the music video here and stream the album here.

LISTEN TO [GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’] HERE

[GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’] TRACK LIST

01. Lemon Drop

02. Masterpiece

03. Now this house ain't a home

04. Castle

05. Bridge : The Edge of Reality

06. In Your Fantasy **title track**

07. NO1

08. Skin

09. Slide to me

10. Legacy

11. Creep

12. ROAR

13. Sagittarius

14. To be your light

15. In Your Fantasy (Korean Ver.)

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Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 Connection Has Never Been Easier with the TP-Link Archer BE220

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 Connection Has Never Been Easier with the TP-Link Archer BE220

Sunday, July 13, 2025

TP-Link continues to lead the way in Wi-Fi 7 technology in the Philippines, reinforcing its commitment to providing fast, reliable connectivity with the launch of the Archer BE220. Although it may be the most affordable Wi-Fi 7 router in the market today, the Archer BE220 doesn’t compromise on performance. Designed for modern, connected households, it delivers ultra-fast speeds and wide coverage to power all your online activities from remote work, streaming your favorite shows and movies, or keeping your smart home devices running smoothly.

Looking to upgrade your home network without making a big dent in your budget? TP-Link’s Archer BE220 is the solution for you.

Supercharge Your Online Experience with Wi-Fi 7 Speed

Whether you're working from home or multitasking across several gadgets, the Archer BE220 keeps your network fast and stable when it matters most. This budget-friendly router reaches fast speeds of up to 3.6Gbps, so you can stream 4K/8K videos without buffering, play immersive AR/VR games without lag, and download large files in seconds, even when multiple devices are connected.

The Archer BE220’s high-speed performance is made possible by its Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, four high-performance antennas, and advanced beamforming technology that work together to strengthen signals and expand coverage across your entire home.

Its 1× 1 Gbps WAN and 4× 1 Gbps LAN ports deliver fast, consistent speeds with up to 49% faster throughput and 3.3x lower latency, ideal for your smart TVs, gaming consoles, and PCs.

Do It All with Uninterrupted Connection Across Your Devices

Switching between work calls, online games, or binge-watching shows is hassle-free with the Archer BE220. The router intelligently keeps your connection fast and stable across all devices with Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Its 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands enable smoother data transmission, reduce congestion, and ensure seamless performance, so you can stream, play online games, or multitask without interruptions.

Enjoy consistently fast and efficient internet speed whether you're binge-watching your favorite movies and shows, joining back-to-back video calls, or powering multiple devices at once. The Archer BE220’s 4K-QAM modulation keeps your connection running at full strength. Plus, its upgraded cooling design keeps your router running smoothly without overheating, even when you're using it all day.

Protect Your Data and Privacy with User-Friendly Network Security

Stay in control of your home network and keep your family protected with built-in security and smart management tools from TP-Link HomeShield. This provides advanced network protection and custom settings. From parental controls, monitoring activities or managing device priorities, these help to keep your home’s network security easy to manage.

Setup is effortless with the TP-Link Tether app, allowing you to monitor and control your home network from anywhere.

Expand Your Network Coverage Across Your Home

The Archer BE220 is compatible with EasyMesh, which lets you extend strong, stable Wi-Fi across your entire home. Whether you’re in the living room, bedroom, or working from a corner office, your connection stays consistently fast. No more dead spots.

The Archer BE220 also works with all Wi-Fi generations, devices, and internet service providers, making it a hassle-free upgrade to your existing setup.

Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 Performance without the Premium Cost with TP-Link Archer BE220

Whether you’re setting up your smart home, streaming in ultra-high definition, or joining virtual meetings throughout the day, the TP-Link Archer BE220 delivers a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 experience that is the most affordable on the market.

Upgrade your home network with TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 7 products, now available for as low as ₱2,399 on Lazada, Shopee, the TP-Link Concept Store at SM City North EDSA, and leading IT retail stores nationwide.

Visit TP-Link’s website to learn more about Wi-Fi 7. 

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Human Genius vs. Machine Intelligence: The psychological thriller ‘Rematch’ on an historic chess showdown premieres on Lionsgate Play

Human Genius vs. Machine Intelligence: The psychological thriller ‘Rematch’ on an historic chess showdown premieres on Lionsgate Play

Beyond the chessboard, Rematch unravels the intense, true-life psychological thriller of Garry Kasparov's 1997 defeat by Deep Blue.

In 1996, world chess champion Garry Kasparov faced off against Deep Blue, a supercomputer developed by IBM, in a historic six-game match. Kasparov emerged victorious with a score of 4–2. But in a shocking turn of events during the 1997 rematch in New York, Deep Blue defeated Kasparov 3½–2½.

Chess might seem like just a game, but the image of the world’s greatest mind bested by a machine sent a chill around the globe. At the time, The New York Times even wrote: “The future of humanity is on the line.” If a computer could outsmart a human in chess, what else could it outthink us in?

Rematch is a gripping six-part French psychological thriller that dramatizes the true story of that 1997 rematch. It takes viewers into the world of competitive chess and deep into the intense psychological battle that unfolds across the board and within Kasparov’s mind.

The series skillfully blends factual events with cinematic flair to explore themes of trust, paranoia, and the dawn of artificial intelligence, especially as rumors swirl about possible cheating or hidden vulnerabilities in Deep Blue’s code.

British actor Christian Cooke delivers a standout performance as Kasparov, capturing not just his genius but also his doubts and existential tension in the face of a nearly unstoppable machine.

Produced and co-created by Yan England, Bruno Nahon, and André Gulluni, and directed by England, Rematch premiered on French-German network ARTE in 2024 to widespread acclaim. It later earned the Grand Prize at the 2024 Series Mania Festival, recognized for its intense storytelling and chilling portrayal of one of the most iconic confrontations between man and machine.

In an interview with What to Watch, Christian Cooke shared his insights into the 1997 rematch between Kasparov and Deep Blue, shedding light on the series' ultimate message: "Kasparov first played Deep Blue in 1996 and won, but the following year IBM offered him a lot of money for a rematch. Money wasn’t what Kasparov courted necessarily. He was a real advocate of technology and genuinely wanted to test the limits of Deep Blue’s computing power.”

He added: "The series really makes you reflect on technology and the value of human connection. It makes you think about whether where we’re heading in terms of AI is actually where we want to be.”

Shedding some light about his preparation, Christian Cooke shared, "I don’t really play chess, so it was a real challenge mentally. I had to recreate all Kasparov’s moves for each match and that meant memorising 30 or 35 moves per game. And the Russian accent was tricky to master, too – it can be very easy to verge into Bond villain territory!”

Don’t miss history’s most intense chess match as Rematch hits Lionsgate Play on July 18.

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