Red Mendoza

19/11/2024

PRESS RELEASE:

Max IS NOW AVAILABLE TO STREAM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, TAIWAN AND HONG KONG

Exclusive streaming home of HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Friends, and the greatest* collection of recent Hollywood blockbusters

HBO Original Dune: Prophecy premiering on Max today

New product experience brings best rated streaming app to more consumers
including platforms such as Amazon Fire TV and VIDAA OS in launch markets

PHILIPPINES, NOVEMBER 19, 2024 – Max, the leading streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery is officially live and available to stream in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong. Starting today, subscribers can enjoy iconic brands including HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network and Max Originals, the best and biggest selection* of fresh Hollywood movies, as well as can’t-miss real-life programming from Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID** and HGTV.

The launch of Max is marked by the premiere of the highly anticipated HBO Original Dune: Prophecy, as well as Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, hosted by James and Oliver Phelps. New premieres later this month include blockbuster movies, Twisters, Expend4bles and IF, Max Original film Sweethearts, and season three of HBO Original drama series The S*x Lives of College Girls.

Subscribers have access to Hollywood hits like Trap, The Nun, Meg 2: The Trench, Barbie, Godzilla vs Kong: The New Empire, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Dune: Part Two, Wonka, and the full movie collections of Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix, as well as DC movies including Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, The Flash and The Batman franchise. Premium series include Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, Succession, Euphoria, True Detective, And Just Like That… and The Penguin. Max is also home to iconic hits from Warner Bros. Television, including Friends, captivating real-life stories like Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, Naked and Afraid and 90 Day Fiancé, as well as family favorites, Adventure Time, My Adventures with Superman, We Bare Bears and Barney’s World.

Fans can look forward to upcoming premieres of the best of Hollywood movies from some of the biggest studios, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Despicable Me 4, Kung Fu Panda 4, The Fall Guy, Subservience, Hellboy: The Crooked Man, A Quiet Place: Day One and Max Original adult animated series, Creature Commandos. All-time fan favorites The Big Bang Theory, House, The Office, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and much more will also be available to stream on Max in the coming months.

JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming & Games at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Max’s first direct launch in Asia Pacific marks another major milestone in the worldwide expansion of Max, now the fastest growing global streaming service. We look forward to delighting fans across the region with our iconic brands and franchises and are still early in our growth as we look forward to rolling Max out in many more markets in 2025 and 2026.”

James Gibbons, President of Asia Pacific at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “From Harry Potter to Friends, House of the Dragon, HBO, DC, the greatest* collection of fresh Hollywood blockbuster movies and more, Max subscribers can enjoy world-class content with a new seamless streaming experience and personalization to curate their own viewing. Offering a choice of subscription plans to suit different needs, and availability through many of the region’s leading partner platforms, it’s easy for local fans to start enjoying Max.”

Max provides a consumer-centric streaming experience, where subscribers can personalize their profiles, receive personalized recommendations based on viewing habits and choose their preferred language on Max’s interface. Profiles can also be created for kids, curated with age-appropriate content and parental controls for kid-friendly viewing. Finding content on Max has never been easier with the intuitive search function. Subscribers can also save their favorite content, pick up where they left off with Continue Watching or download to watch on the go.

With various subscription and billing options to suit all needs, subscribers can choose from one of three plans***, the Mobile plan^, allowing subscribers to stream on one mobile device at once and enjoy up to 15 downloads for offline viewing, the Standard plan, allowing subscribers to stream on two devices at once and download up to 30 titles for offline viewing and the Ultimate plan, which allows subscribers to stream on four devices simultaneously with 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos as available and enjoy up to 100 downloads for offline viewing (limits apply). To start streaming with Max or learn more about plans and pricing for Max in Southeast Asia, Taiwan^^ and Hong Kong, click here.

Max is available on leading devices and platforms*** in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong and is also launching on Amazon Fire TV and VIDAA OS in launch markets. Max is available on smart TVs (Samsung, LG and Android TV™), via streaming devices (Apple TV and Google Chromecast™), as well as mobile and tablets (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android™), and online at Max.com^^ (subject to price plan). Max is also available through selected distribution partners in the Philippines, including PLDT Home, Cignal TV and Smart.

Follow and for more updates on Max.

PR: https://freedomstrikedispatches.wordpress.com/2024/11/19/pr-max-now-available-to-stream-in-southeast-asia-taiwan-and-hong-kong/

14/04/2024

WHAT I THINK ABOUT GUNDAM SEED FREEDOM

(A Review)

From the outset, Gundam Seed Freedom (Freedom for brevity) was created for fans of the Seed franchise because there were so many loose ends that were unresolved during the 104 episode-run of both Seed and Seed Destiny. I think the director, Mitsuo Fukuda, knew well how the fans reacted to how both series ran and the numerous fan reaction that the show received.

It was a long time coming to be honest, moreso affected by the death of Chiaki Morosawa, Fukuda's wife and the principal teleplay writer of Seed and Seed Destiny. It was revealed, however, that Morosawa had already written some of the script for the movie, only for Fukuda and Liu Goto, the writer of the Seed and Seed Destiny light novels, to finish it and production commence a few years after the death of Morosawa.

And honestly, the movie's scripting is so good that the lines uttered by the characters could be uttered in a Danny Zialcita movie. So many quotable lines especially in the latter part of the movie that you'd think they could have been script doctored by the great Filipino director known for his crispy lines.

The story itself is basic: It is a political thriller. The story regarding the Naturals and the Coordinators still loom large on the story's plotline, so much so that it could probably be timed to what is happening in the world right now.

(To those MTRCB reviewers who said that the movie is about good vs evil, I could understand them for having that shallow of a review, especially that they do not know the backstory of the ENTIRE series as a background before reviewing it, hahaha)

But one thing is sure: Lacus sure knows now how hard it is to be a domestic partner to Kira and being a politician at the same time.

I felt that Shinn Asuka's character has become more nuanced and more straightforward, but unlike in Destiny, where you'd want to strangle him to death, he emerges as a likeable figure in the movie who can be comedic at times. Shinn may be that complicated character for everyone to be a fan of, but he redeemed himself here in Freedom so much that his Destinny backstory became a thing of the past.

I also agree with the fans: There should've been more screentime for both Athrun and Cagalli, especially together. I have told the fans during the screening who have organized a fan club for AsuCaga that the loveteam has nothing on all Filipino loveteams....ever. The two are also the linchpin of series and it was unfair for the script to opt out the two together while Kira and Lacus had most of the scenes in the movie. (Which, to me, is totally understandable given the plot).

And oh, shouldn't we forget about Murrue Ramius and Mwu La Flaga, the lovebirds who could probably be the main characters of a Mexican telenovela. The two showed undeniable chemistry that could eclipse the younger lovebirds in the story, and for my money, these middle-aged lovers should also be given due note for their resolve.

As for the mecha battle scenes, honestly, I think the mecha battle scenes were a-OK, especially when there was high-intensity fight scenes, but I guess I had been more jaded on the fight scenes as I had been very much accustomed to several mecha shows that have the same concept over fight scenes (read: Captain Earth, Valvrave)

With so many references to previous Seed characters, including "blink or you'll miss it" cameos and in-name references, It was indeed a love letter for all of us Seed fans. However divisive Seed was to other Gundam fans, honestly, I don't really care much, Seed is sui generis, on its own, and Freedom answers all of the questions that went unanswered when it ended.

Also, that emotional feeling when you heard TM Revolution's Meteor at the near end of the movie, that broke me down in the theater. hahahaha

All in all, with a packed Cinema at the SM Megamall, Gundam Seed Freedom was indeed an exhilirating experience. It was indeed one of the best films that I saw, and yes, maybe you had to be a Seed fan to enjoy this, but for Non-Seed fans, the action and the drama and the intrigues makes it up for a pleasantful watch. Just make sure you watch Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny after to get the gist of the story.

Also, its worth noting that it is now nearly 20 years since I first saw SEED on TV, watching it on one December night before TV Patrol. I religiously followed the series on ABS-CBN, and I remember, SEED Destiny premiered first on Hero TV in 2006 in December too (followed by an ABS-CBN network airing in February 2007 as part of their "Feb Ibig" Campaign).

Back then, I was a 16 year old kid, alone, and an outcast in school. And yes, was the only one in my class who loved Gundam Seed, the others were Slam Dunk fans.

Suffice to say, Gundam Seed ignited my love for anime, and my love for ABS-CBN's voice actors who did their roles. It was to me the highlight of my teenage life.

And I really hope, and pray, that I see them reprise their roles in Gundam Seed Freedom, because they are the only ones who could reprise their roles back and make this nearly-middle-aged man who had interviewed newsmakers as a reporter go back to his youth and enjoy his life as a Gundam SEED fan.

(Thanks again ODEX Philippines for showing the movie here)

11/04/2024

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘
Ref: ANI-ONE PHILIPPNES

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿: “𝗞𝗔𝗜𝗝𝗨 𝗡𝗼. 𝟴” 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗶-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀!

Manila, Philippines — April 2, 2024 — Anime enthusiasts, brace yourselves! The moment you've all been eagerly anticipating has finally arrived. Prepare for an unparalleled adventure as the highly anticipated anime series, “KAIJU No. 8”, is poised to make its grand debut exclusively on Ani-One PH!.

Get ready to embark on a journey that will keep you at the edge of your seat!

“KAIJU No. 8” has been creating ripples of excitement as one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year, and fans have been eagerly awaiting news of its premiere. Well, the long wait is finally over! Circle the date on your calendars, set your alarms, and clear your schedules for April 13, 2024, when the pilot episode will grace your screens with its presence.

These are the things to expect when you step inside the world of Kaiju No.8:

Monstrous Battles: Gear up for heart-stopping clashes between humanity and colossal Kaiju creatures, where the very fate of mankind hangs in the balance!

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁: Immerse yourself in a realm where science fiction intertwines seamlessly with the supernatural. Prepare to uncover secrets, untangle mysteries, and witness the forging of unexpected alliances.

𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Prepare to be introduced to a diverse ensemble of characters, each harboring their own motivations, fears, and latent strengths, ready to captivate audiences with their depth and complexity, and of course, meet Kafka Hibino.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Experience awe-inspiring visuals and impeccably crafted animation sequences that promise to transport you into a world beyond your imagination.

Summoning the Defense Forces won't be necessary to locate the whereabouts of “KAIJU No. 8”! Simply tune in to the Ani-One Philippines YouTube channel to embark on this thrilling journey.

With the looming threat of the Kaiju invasion, there's no time to waste. Rally your fellow anime aficionados, synchronize your watches, and prepare yourselves for an unforgettable expedition into uncharted territories.

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗷𝘂 𝗡𝗼.𝟴 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗶-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀!

26/03/2024

Hello again, welcome to my page, and yes, like the old GMA Network theme song that you may hear for the very first time.

This page is WHERE YOU BELONG:

(where shows are great and the stars are so bright, catch that feeling every night!)

(Thank you Dann Garcia for resurrecting this one)

This jingle was played as part of Campus Radio 97.1 WLS-FM's station ID.

25/03/2024

So, yesterday I was in Cosplay Carnival and had a great time roaming and taking pictures of cosplayers using my Samsung A54 mobile phone.

Will be adding more of the sidelights and the DSLR Versions of these photos as soon as I am able to watermark them properly.

Thank you to all of the Cosplayers who posed for this album!

23/03/2024

If this is the only way for Medialink to pay for Filipino voice actors, then I am all for it.

Ani-One PH launches the Ani-One ULTRA Subscription platform where members will be able to watch more anime shows for P129/month through YouTube.

Yes, this is our own version of ANC Prestige, or the subscription platform of ANC which gives them 24/7 livestream of the main channel.

Aside from exclusive titles behind the paywall, it seems that Ani-One PH Ultra will be the home of Filipino-dubbed titles, with one big giveaway is the Flipino dub of the first three seasons of My Hero Academia available for streaming.

(I am not really sure, but it seems Medialink used the ABS-CBN network version for this one.)

In our previous interview with Medialink director Jackie Lam, he indicated that Ani-One will be having Filipino dubbed anime in its platform, but since dubbing anime shows has costs, it is one way saying "lets do our part" to make this dream come true.

After all, we missed having the newest and the best anime available in Filipino, right?

28/01/2024

THAT OTHER SHUTDOWN

While the media world is abuzz over the upcoming shutdown of SKY's cable TV services and transitioning over to a fiber provider after its acquisition by PLDT, and the rumored termination of CNN Philippines's blocktime lease to Radio Philippines Network due to financial losses, one shutdown, was, in fact, not given any wide media play, because no one gave a damn why it shut down.

We're talking about POPTV Philippines, who have allegedly ceased operations and removed its app on the Google Play store without any notice.

It was sad to hear about what happened to POPTV, but, it was bound to happen because in a cutthroat world of streamers, being independent simply won't cut it. At least they tried.

Face it, operating an OTT service that is independent of the biggies (the Netflixes, Prime Videos, and Disney Pluses of this world), the regionals (the iQiyis and the Vius) and the locals that have the backing of major media companies (like iWantTFC and Cignal Play) is going to be risky, because you have to build the platform from scratch and also promote it on your own, without the help of major media companies who can carry your ads and your marketing collaterals.

POP TV could have been promising for us anime fans because of their promise to dub anime shows on their platform, but they only dubbed few titles, like My Hero Academia, Horimiya, Sing Yesterday for You, How Heavy are the Dumbbells you Lift, SpyXFamily and Jujutsu Kaisen. Their dubs were good, at par with what HERO did in its heyday. Hell I even called them a "savior" for having Filipino dubs on their platform.

Because of their familiarity with anime fans, they launched "Bento", a content hub resided within the app and promising them the latest and best anime shows, while also offering library titles. I really thought they would go all-out now and at least dub most of those library titles (most of them from Muse Philippines) and at least do Filipino subs or simuldub those new titles.

But apparently, that was not the case, they just simulcast what was being showcased on Muse PH Youtube and did not bother to just even do a token dub any of the library titles that they have to entice subscribers.

I think it was a stupid proposition not to avail themselves of the chance to be a differentiator by putting Filipino subs or dubs of their anime shows instead of just doing a straight rip from Muse. Hell, that proposition would turn away viewers from subscribing to POPTV and instead channel themselves to the Muse PH YT channel for free.

In short, POPTV just acted like another simulcast outlet, albeit paid, until we just heard that their operations had stopped, and their app removed from the app store.

It is just sad to see them go, moreover, what would happen to the anime titles that they acquired and dubbed for their service? Instead of just letting them expire, why not peddle them to a network or a streamer that could be their next home?

The tale of POPTV is a cautionary tale of how streamers must and must not do, making themselves vulnerable to the vagaries of the communications landscape amid shifting consumer behavior and spending.

People are not keen anymore to spend if they think they don't offer much compelling content, but they would spend if they think its necessary to do so, and POPTV failed to capitalize on it. They should have just continued dubbing more library titles, and then market it and promote it. That way, they can acquire more subscribers.

Or they could've just partnered with a network instead, maybe they could have helped POPTV survive as the app can be a home for catch up content, plus their own content as well.

But yes, its sad to see this one go, going down as another of those who tried as might to serve us Filipino anime fans with the best - or in their terms, 'Dub-best'- Filipinized anime shows but became a victim of audience behavior and choice.

11/01/2024

IS THIS WHAT I HOPE IT IS?

Comment it down on the Ani-One PH page!

10/01/2024

The mindset that our network executives always think when they hear about "anime" programming is that "anime is for kids".

That mindset was borne out of the thinking that with its "beautiful" imagery, anime is just kid's play and that no television network will even try to get serious behind it.

Hell, even during that "vaunted" era when GMA aired anime in primetime slots, fans had that copium that GMA was the "leader" in programming that time because they had anime, notwithstanding the fact that during that time, GMA was number 2 that time, and a far second from ABS-CBN, who lorded primetime because of Freddie Garcia's programming masterstrokes.

I always thought our network executives thought Anime as a programming that can be at par with local shows, newscasts, or even other fare. No, they thought anime is just a child's plaything.

And that irritated me, not because they were wrong, but because they had the wrong mindset.

(You could also say that Cignal TV also has that mindset when they removed Aniplus Asia on their lineup).

Now, linear TV is staring death at the face of streaming because they felt they were complacent. They felt that linear TV, including Free to Air TV, will remain relevant despite the proliferation of additional screens.

Linear TV networks are doing whatever it takes to survive through new programming formats and concepts that could bring back eyeballs back to the TV screen, but they can't escape the fact that streaming is the future.

While Anime is now more comfortable in Streaming, I think Linear Networks may offer a second look into whether the genre is perfect back on a linear platform.

Anime has the audience, anime has the platform.

But do they have what it takes to bring back linear TV from the dead? Are these executives, who for so long disdained putting anime shows on their lineups because they are a child's plaything, ready to swallow their pride and use anime shows to bring back more people to watch TV?

For me, I'm hopeful, I don't know for the others though.



(postscript: Don't expect Duavit to change the status quo of anime at GMA. His style is expected to be like Gozon's)

08/01/2024

For the nth time, I just finished my year-starting marathon of Captain Earth.

Why am I being drawn to do this small "vow" or "panata" of mine is beyond my own comprehension, maybe because I think Captain Earth has the same fireworks that could compete well with New Year's? hahaha.

Or maybe because watching Captain Earth gives you that jolt of emotion that could bring you to your senses in the next 12 months.

In any case, I got emotional again after watching the anime, and I really don't know what triggered all these emotions, maybe because I connected with Daichi, Hana, Teppei, and Akari? or because the scenes made by Enokido and Igarashi (who later made Bungo Stray Dogs) were tugging at the heartstrings?, or maybe because I'm just an emotional trainwreck hahaha.

Anywho, Captain Earth is one anime that I could consider as TOTGA, the One that (AABS-CBN got away., and with good reason. With the anime dubbed by the late and lamented HHERO I was very much hopeful that ABS could've gotten wind and aired it on their weekend slot in order for more Filipinos to watch this gem.

But yes, the powers that be thought, nope, not this one.

But If I would have been part of ABS-CBN, I could've said "yes" to Captain Earth on Channel 2, because, yes, i think it deserves to be a part of Channel 2.

However, our network executives thought otherwise. so yeah, TOTGA.

The One Anime that ABS-CBN Got Away.

For a more expansive review:
https://medium.com//review-mirror-underrated-a-captain-earth-pitch-and-review-f0f37c563409

06/01/2024

For our first salvo of The Interview in 2024, We present to you our interview with Jackie Lam, the director of Ani-One Asia to talk about Ani-One PH and their plans for the market, including what titles will be dubbed and if they are open with partnerships with local streamers such as iWantTFC and Cignal Play.

The Interview was conducted last September at The Best of Anime 2023.

Please continue to like and share my page for more great content!

05/01/2024

Another video is coming your way, this time, its an interview with Ani-One Asia head Jackie Lam about, yes, you guessed it, Ani-One PH!

I admit, it took me months before I uploaded the video, and not because I did not want to, but because I only had found the time to do the editing and the watermarking of the video. I also had to download a new editing software (even if I am more comfortable doing it on Filmora) just to get rid of the pesky watermark.

Join me in watching the interview with Lam regarding Ani-One Philippines and their plans tomorrow at 12:00 noon!

This interview was conducted at The Best of Anime 2023 at the SMX last September but I only had the time to do the editing and the processing of the video, s...

04/01/2024

So, after Alodia Gosiengfiao left Tier One, cosplayer KNITE has also made the big jump out of Tier One, and is creating their own firm called "KT Entertainment".

It must be recalled that the popular news site Bilyonaryo made reports about Tier One's supposed work culture amid the decision of Alodia to leave the entity now solely owned by Tryke Gutierrez. (https://bilyonaryo.com/2023/11/26/overworked-underpaid-ex-employees-claim-toxic-work-culture-at-tier-one-entertainment/business/)

No word yet on whether other cosplayers affiliated with T1 are also making the big exit out of the popular E-sports company.

Here's to new beginnings!

04/01/2024

So, I will be premiering another video again on YouTube tomorrow at 7:15 AM.

This one is from my coverage of Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit - ESGS last November, and promise, this is just a highlight reel that could be construed as a B-Roll.

I will be uploading more videos on my YouTube channel first, and later on, on my page a few hours after it premieres, so please like, subscribe, and share my YT page as it will be the home of topnotch J-Culture reporting that is second to none.

This is a few months late, but better late than never, hahaha. I went at the Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit's second day last November 4, right after co...

31/12/2023

Well, Cignal TV chose instead to f*ck us subscribers in 2024 by not renewing Aniplus Asia on the pay TV platform.

Trust us, this is not going to be a solution worth exploring, as it will only increase people who will resort to watching illegal anime streams rather than going to legitimate sources such as Aniplus.

And its again back to the Dark Ages for us, with no way to watch Aniplus on any cable or satellite provider across the country.

Its a bad call for Cignal management led by Jane Basas, Sienna Olaso, Miguel Vea and company, its a bad call.

08/12/2023

Now, this amplifies the reason why homegrown streaming services like iWantTFC and Cignal Play, as well as regional and global streamers, should consider adding anime shows on Tagalog dubs on their services.

These kinds of services not only hurts licensors which in turn pays the anime production companies that create these shows, it also promotes piracy, plain and simple.

Now, if our local and regional streamers don't wake up to the realizaton that there is a HUGE market out there for Filipino (Tagalog)-dubbed anime, then pirates will just continue to proliferate and milk off the desire of anime fans who want to watch anime in their own language.

Partner with Ani-One PH or Muse Philippines now and make Filipino dub anime available on a multitude of platforms (including Free TV, Pay TV, Streaming, and even FAST)

This is enough proof that Filipinos really want to have their anime shows dubbed.

04/12/2023

I actually haven't posted this yet on my socials as I was all too busy on my work over the past few days, but one of the best highlights that I did on ARCHcon Cebu three weeks ago are my interviews with the idol guests Bugvel, West&, Kuroguro and Himegoto Zettaichi.

Also had an opportunity to do a selfie with Kat Grey, who used ARCHCon as her initial Philippine cosplay guesting!

Over the next week, will be doing the story from their interviews and see that soon on my socials!

Thank you po Ate Mary Joy Nakata, Kuya Peace Hiro, Marcel and Sonia for assisting me during ARCHCon and to the Organizers for their unwavering support!