MICA SALAMANCA Releases Children's Book "LIPAD"

She's been very busy lately but still has time for her passion projects. Mika Salamanca recently announced the launch of her children's book called "LIPAD" which is set to debut at the upcoming 2025 edition of the Manila International Book Fair. 

Recently, she also released her debut single called "Sino Nga Ba Siya" under Star Music. This book was something that she wanted to do for a long time now and said she wanted it to be a tool to teach values for kids, give confidence, and know that they are loved. She also adds "I know I've been very blessed with the many things I've received after PBB stint. This book really holds a special place in my heart, you've got no idea how much all these mean to me."

For a little background, the book is about a fairy named Mahika. She was born with the littlest wings and felt so different from others. It also tells kids how to love themselves, of what is unique with them, and bring them self confidence too. As of this date, she's got 20 Million social network following and knows she's got a responsibility on presenting what is apt for children.

She adds "There are times when we want to release books, but there's something that we feel the Lord was doing something about the timing. It might not be perceived the same way if we just released one, I dedicated this to people who want to TRY, those who have insecurities. I want to let them know that they are not alone. There are a lot of people who go through the same thing."

This book will be available at PaperKat Books Booth 2-122 at the 2nd Floor of SMX Convention Center from September 10-14 during the Manila International Book Fair. She intends to give this for free to charities and organizations that will benefit from it. Mika is currently working with Jollibee, Acer, MET, Awesam Dental, Dove, e-wallet corp MAYA, Jhaena Jewels, Luxe Organix, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Taptap, and skin corp Aivee. Be alert though because there's a lot more in the pipeline which she's excited to unveil in the coming months. This includes acting projects, but for the meantime she's undergoing workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo.

Again, make sure to be there during the Manila International Book Fair because she'll be present to sign books and take photos with select folks who will avail of the book!

NICO BOLZICO Releases "Bullied Husbands Club - The Manual" on Lazada

 One of the most good looking guys on the internet Nico Bolzico aka the "The Bullied Husband" of Solenn Heussaff just released his own book called "Bullied Husbands Club - The Manual" in popular online shopping platform Lazada. 

His humor is different. Either with culture or upbringing, one could tell how it would always be fun in the Bolzico household as he narrates small anecdotes in this printed work. Marrying one of the most beautiful women in show business must have come with a lot of things, and one of them is dealing with an equally crazy life with a "Wifezilla". Nico's book details a few procedures how to deal with the everyday battles. One must not forget where one stands in the relationship, that men are only slaves and don't have anything to say other than YES on a normal day (I kid). He also goes the mile and gives good advice on small things so you don't have to suffer the consequences. 

 

Nico's celebrity friends, Lazada executives put their stamp on the book.

Congratulations Nico!

I read it in a span of 2 days, and I thought I wouldn't get his humor, but I did. Got my copy signed in a Lazada event a few weeks ago. I must say, the fine man is quite nice to talk to.

 To tell you honestly, I liked every bit of it. It's sort of a preparation if you're in the process of getting married. It's not all clownery, because at the heart of these conversations in his head is his way of telling you how it is done, how one should respect women in general. It's not just giving her what she wants, but thinking about what she needs and her freedom. Being married doesn't mean you would need to just stay at home and take care of kids (and dogs), women in this era can do so many things and being a husband means you need to support her among other things. You'll learn that and more in Nico's book. Although delivered humorously, it makes a lot of sense.

 This is also very affordable and perfect to have as a Christmas gift for men, if you haven't had the chance to get your spouse, boyfriend or male friend a gift... go to LAZADA today and take that leap to understand why the Argentinian man survived the Filipina wife. You can get the book HERE. Thanks to Lazada for having us!

Marites Allen: Letting it Be, Letting it Go in the Year of Wood Dragon

It's almost 2024, and yes, we're raring to know what would happen to us in the Year of the Wood Dragon. In Chinese Zodiac, Dragons have the innate ability to lead, yes they are born leadeers. If you're raring to get a kid these days, this is the opportune time to do it. Dragons are also diplomatic, but they can be very funny if needed too. They have the ability to do good in business, they also don't hold back giving, the generous ones get the perks.The Queen of Feng Shui Ms. Marites Allen gave us a few things to look forward to in the Year of the Wood Dragon.

The essentials of course are all in the Almanac and Planner that they have available for 2024. It's a collectible, hopefully will have value in the near future. They also announced the Feng Shui Conference on January 14, 2024. There will also be a Chinese New Year Bazaar on February 7-9 plus more activities on February 9 as we countdown to the Year of the Wood Dragon. Here's our video coverage of the event last month, this is the media conference and launch of the books!

Dogs need to be careful especially in relationships, while Monkey Dragon and Roosters need Communication for the year but before that, make sure you do something for yourself. Risk taking and technology based businesses will be better for you. Rats on the other hand need to enhance their wealth, go get charms that would be able to help you with that. Tigers have to be open to receive abundance and miracles for the same year. For the Rabbits, this is a year of transformation so go change up when you desire it. Snakes need to be careful as illness might come. Monkeys have vibrant energy to spend, so does the Roosters. Dogs need to also change up, like jobs, looks and even your bedrooms. Horses might have a great year of wealth last year, but this year you need to enhance it. Other details will be on the books they will release for this year.

 

 Her son Kirk Allen also introduced us to an AR feature on these books. You can scan it with the Marites Allen app and an egg will appear. It's like Pokemon, and will crack on Chinese New Year, so I'm looking forward to what it'll look like on February. There are tons more to look forward to, so make sure you get tickets to the event especially on the Feng Shui conference where things will be explained in detail. Charms and books will also be available in those events, make sure you're there!

 I'd like to take this bit and thank Ms. Marites Allen and their team for having us that afternoon. It's a nice way to see peers in the industry, and friends too. Can't wait to see what's going to happen in the Feng Shui Convention come 2024! 

Yes, it's going to be a year of letting it be, and letting it go, what or who do you have in mind that need to do this?

To Celebrate Your Life: Marissa Sanchez Releases "Farewell Slam Book"

 

It was a fun afternoon, over lunch, seated with blogger friends and writers at the launch of Ms. Marissa Sanchez's book called "Farewell Slam Book". Yes, it's unconventional, and talks about something that people may think is taboo. Though at this day and age, what's a topic that can't be talked about?

Ms. Marissa Sanchez is a really well rounded actress, a really good comedienne, so I'm sure naysayers would probably ask what is she doing writing a book?

She says "I think this is timely, it's fleeting, and I've seen people who have death in the family who don't know where to go to, who cry and stress over it. People find it morbid talking about it, and the subject is being oppressed, but we really have to talk about it. I've said this to a lot of friends, when I shared it with Ogie he was squeamish. It was Tita Aster Amoyo who thought I should start it, and I've had friends who supported me in this book. I've always wanted to be a journalist, to write, and it's something that I wanted to do but didn't have the guts to do so.  She said I shouldn't procrastinate, I should go ahead and do it."

She adds "Happiness is a choice, I'd be a hypocrite when  I say I'm not. Writing this made me realize there's a lot that needs to be said, but you kinda don't because you don't want to hurt their feelings. There's also some parts where you need to think, the whole pandemic gave me time to really think about what to include here."

Asked about who this book is intended for, she says "It'll be good for Cancer patients, old people, almost everyone, young and old should have this." 

When I flipped the pages and saw much of the literature, it wasn't something that I'd think Ms. Marissa Sanchez would write. She's different on TV, and on the book it was more of her sharing her views. 

I could say those bible verses she shared was something unexpected, because you don't see her preaching on TV for most of the days she's spreading "funny" on it. Though in hindsight, it's something she didn't want to do. It didn't come off as that, her Christian views was easy to digest and really relatable. The book also had a lot of things that needed much of your input in preparing for the inevitable. The gist of it lies on you (in some way or form) measure your relationships, to say things you need say to people, talk about those whom you might have not talked to in years but actually matter to you. It also presents a place to become organized, from the things you prefer like flowers, location, insurance, which would be good to know when the time comes.

 

I also asked about being single, and we kinda connected on that a LOT.

She says "Being single is not something you need to be sad about, you can find happiness from a lot of things, it's just that we are partly to be blamed about it because we see them as someone to fix, someone we can change but that is just not realistic, and in a way, yes, our standards are high."

If you're ready to take that step to make sure everything is organized, and you care about the people you leave behind, maybe try it first, see how it will impact your life. And I quote from Lt. General Baden Powell (founder of Scouting) who said "Try to leave this world a little better than when you found it, so if your turn comes to die, you will have a happy feeling that you have not wasted your time, but have done your best."

The book is now available at Shopee and Lazada, but to make things easier, here's a link for it HERE. It only costs 950 there, but if you're seriously considering more, you can directly message Ms. Marissa Sanchez' social channels to arrange more copies. Thank you to Sir Ogie Diaz and the men and women who made this media conference possible. One of my favorite authors and host Ms. Julie Yap Daza also graced the occasion and supported Ms. Marissa on her new book. That alone says a lot no?

HONOR Launches X7a and MagicBook X Series

Two things were launched at the HONOR event yesterday, an addition to their phone models the HONOR X7a and a new laptop series called MagicBook X, and they came to impress with their new products.

The X7a has a really long lasting battery (almost powerbank like with it's 6000mAh capacity), boasting of 3 days of power for a single full charge. The main camera is a 50MP Ultra clear Quad system plus it's got a lot of storage at 128 GB. The display is 6.74 inch, so those video and games would be nice to see on it. Currently, it's priced at Php 7,990 and has a Php 1,590 worth of HONOR earbuds given for free. Pretty good deal til the 28th!

The new MagicBook X series comes in 2 models, the X 14 and the X 15. It is designed for school, work and play. It utilizes 11th generation of Intel Core processors that can pretty much take on heavy work you need to do on it. It is also lightweight, so if you're the type to travel around locally or internationally it won't be too much to carry around on your backpack. It can last up to 9.9 hours of regular use with its 56Wh batteries. It won't be too hot too because they were able to stick a supersized cooling fan on it which dissipates heat. There are lots of other features for ease of moving files if you're editing most of it from different devices. The X 14 comes in the i5-1135G7 and i3-1115G4 version, price stands at Php 27,990 and has a free backpack and speaker packaged with it. This is only til the 28th though, so head on to HONOR kiosks if you're interested in getting one.

The HONOR MagicBook X 15 though costs Php 37,990, and comes in a i5-1135G7 and i3-1115G4 version. A little heavier at 1.56kg and wider display at 87% screen to body ratio, and would be useful on intimate presentations. You may visit HONOR's official website and social channels if you wish to see the complete specs. They are also offereing freebies til the end of the month. They also announced the re-supply of the X9a 5G which got sold out a few months back. 

Congrats HONOR Philippines!

EMILIO ROSO in Manila for Vision Of The Bible

Emilio Roso is in the country to share the good news from his spiritual journey. He's a director, producer, actor and author based in Hollywood in the US. This time, he's taking you to a visual and audio spectacle of the Holy Bible through an app called Vision Of The Bible.

This one takes those heartwarming stories, teachings, various chapters and verses be accompanied with audio and video effects that make you feel a different experience, especially if you haven't been to Israel or different sites where it all happened. Roso feels everyone deserves to see where these stories happened and help connect the words to reality, something he is glad to share with Filipinos.

He thought about it while on a trip in the US, and this move to Manila beckons localizing the app's content so it would be adept to subscribers from the country, which he did. The quality of videos are courtesy of over 30 of the world's top cinematographers set to follow their footsteps, and tell their stories through their lens and more. The app also features the voice of award winning Rendy Towes and a multitude of voice actors interpreted in English and Spanish. Take the opportunity to download the app today which is available at Google Play or the App Store. See how you can become part of the journey to the holy land without leaving the Philippines today!

IKEA: This Is How We Live Photo Exhibit and US and OUR PLANET Book Launch

Saw vloggers Mike and Nelly at the IKEA event

 

 

 

 

 

             

I visited the largest IKEA store in the world at the Mall of Asia grounds a few days ago, and I'm glad I was able to spend a few hours scouring for stuff that I would need in my home. Aside from that, I was there for a very important reason... it was the day where they were opening up a section of their establishment that they would dedicate for the Filipino family. See, IKEA held a photo contest a few months ago (This is How We Live Photo Contest), and the winners stand a chance to win IKEA furniture, plus a studio shoot. They also got to have their entries displayed in different IKEA collateral throughout the year . Needless to say, it was very interesting to see them all in the flesh! Their stories are all inspiring and during the pandemic, it has made them think about what matters most, which is family, friends, and the place they call home. 

Winners of the photo contest, which you'll see in the IKEA exhibit

Here's our video coverage of the event and a little tour of IKEA in the Philippines

 

US and OUR PLANET is a book by Phaidon which they worked with IKEA. It tells the story of different people who live in sustainable homes, in hopes to inspire you and families that it can be done. You may visit the "This Is How We Live" photo exhibit at the Ground Level of IKEA very near the Marina entrance (front left entrance). Admission is free so go visit the biggest IKEA in the world today!

Oh and before I forget, the rumors are true... those IKEA Meatballs are delish! Don't leave the store without ordering it!

realme Set to Launch realme GT Master Edition Series and realme book

A few days ago, realme invited media for a preview of a few things they're launching this week. It was actually super hard to keep things from you, but since they already talked about it this weekend, here's a few things of what we know so far about the realme GT Master Edition Series and the new realme book. The event was attended by realme Philippines executives Austine Huang, Kyle Hubo, Jeannielyn Cheng, Dom Nacorda, Jimmclaude Gayo and a few media guests. They dub these as flagship disruptors,

Jimmclaude Gayo explained to us the new phone and says "The realme GT Master Edition Series is designed by Naoto Fukasawa. It's in a "suitcase design" and as he says "I want to design for positive, active and lively people, the suitcase is an everyday gadget, it's got horizontal grids, comes in Voyager grey. This is the world's first concave leather design made of vegan leather. It's eco friendly and ethically sourced. We also have it in daybreak blue. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G processor, better CPU, GPU and AI performance versus previous flagship phones. It's 5G ready and can do WiFi 6. 8GB ram and comes in 128 and 256 storage version. It also employs 65W super dart charge, good for gamers and heavy phone users.  This also has a Vapor Chamber cooling system so it doesn't heat up. The GT mode makes gaming smooth, and it runs Android 11 out of the box via realme GT Master Edition. This has a 64MP primary camera (32MP selfie camera), macro and wide lens. It also has a dynamic photo lens, instant focus, quick start, film simulation color (simulates Kodak color shots), black and white, and dramatic mode. It's a design awardee so it's really a thing of wonder."

Austine Huang "We have expanded our portfolio and our entry to the laptop category starts with the new realme book. realme’s new products represent some of the very best in technology, and we've kept them affordable so it would be accessible to a lot of Filipinos. We want to be part of the realme Squad's goals in achieving their full potential. The realme GT Master Edition and the realme Book is going to be a huge part of that. We can’t wait for everyone to experience them starting today!"

The realme book has a lightweight design. It's only 1.38kg which you can carry around easily. It's lighter than the latest macbook. It's simple, sleek, elegant and is made of an aluminum body. It comes in real blue and real silver colorways. It carries 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, when used, it's smoother when you create things that involve photos and videos. The graphics card is an Iris XE. You can also expect smoother gameplay, they tested it in LOL and Valorant which are pretty popular nowadays. The realme book also employs dual fan cooling system so you don't overheat. It also does 65W Super Dart Charge, 54W Large Battery so you can last almost the whole day (office hours) without the need to plug in. It responds fast, has enough storage, also has a PC Connect option so you can connect to your gadgets and your laptop with ease and transfer files. You can also upgrade it to Windows 11 for free. It's got Thunderbold ports (so you can connect it to monitors with ease), passed durability tests. This also comes in in Core i3 and Core i5 variants + 8GB dual-channel LPDDR4x RAM.

The official launch of the GT Master Edition and the realme Book will be on September 23 at 6 p.m. via the realme Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel so make sure you're subscribed on both social network channels.

James Reid and Boy Abunda with the Tax Whiz!

Yesterday was a fine day to be worried about taxes. The guru himself Mon Abrea has written the Asian Consulting Group’s “Iwas Buwis-it: What To Do When Tax Attacks!” which is pretty much a very thorough guide about the ins and outs of paying taxes. As you may understand, a lot of people don’t know much about it and are so afraid to put their hands into this topic amidst the corruption laden government office. There has been remarkable changes and they are continuing to do so, but what he wants us to realize is that we should never take that for granted. It also shows life choices, learnings from celebrities like James Reid and Boy Abunda who were also there that evening.

In the book, there are also tell alls and step by step procedures if you’re a business, sme, individual or freelancer, because yes, you have to also pay for that as well. You will also understand why there is a need to do so, plus tips on how not to commit violations especially if you are a business, employing people, or even would want to get amnesty (oh yeah you heard that right!) so as to not be delinquent in doing so.

James and Kean listening to the Tax Whiz

Boy Abunda also gave them really tough questions

Mon Abrea quips “A lot of people are afraid of it but wether we like it or not we have to pay for it. We just need it to be more accessible, easier to understand so people won’t be afraid of even doing or talking about it.”

The book is available at all leading bookstores and the ACG Tax Hub in Mother Ignacia corner Esguerra in QC

ACG has been doing seminars, talks at their Tax Hub in Mother Ignacia in Quezon City plus in different parts of the country. They also have done it in high OFW populated countries so if they would want to engage in business in the Philippines, they would experience ease in doing it if they come back. You would also love the parts where Boy Abunda and James Reid share their personal cases so you would understand it’s not easy to be popular, because that means things are easily tracked and everything has to be accounted for. If you want to know more, you may visit acg.ph for more info.

A Trinity of Events

Three events in two days so I had to make this quick. First off is the book signing of vixen Arci Munoz, yes she has a book and she cooks! Would you believe? Aside from that, her book has a lot of connections with dealing with exes, of how to move on, and tons of advise about how not to pursue unhealthy relationships, in her healthy point of view.

Her recipes are actually simple, it can easily be followed by those who can't cook especially the easy fried numbers and combo desserts.

We also covered the announcement of the Top 20 short films who qualified for Lights Camera Magic and if you're interested, check out the entries on their main website, also their social media pages. We met Piolo Pascual, Nash Aguas, Ketchup Eusebio and others who served as jurors for the contest. They will announce the top 3 very soon so please wait for the details when that happens.

Here's a video of our coverage, please enjoy!

So, how was your day? :)

KUMAGCOW

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The LOLA Movie BOOK CLUB Shows On Theaters Today

I like this movie, how their lives individually are flawed but it's not that depressing, it's light and fun. If you think they're old and wouldn't connect at all with the story, you're mistaken. This needs to be watched.

You see, truth be told, they are way over comfortable age. Hand them a book with Christian Gray and all hell breaks loose. I like how they got us hooked with their personalities first, then their story. It kinda gets revealed as the movie goes on and you wouldn't mind if they end up divulging what ordinary people like you and me would only say inside our head, whilst they do it comfortably because wine happened. You'll also be hopeful, in one way or another that every cast member would end up happy - and perhaps they did. 

Now go to your favorite cinemas (SM is an easy choice) and watch Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Diane Keaton and Mary Steenburgen do this different kind of book club for you. It's friendship, love, relationships done in a few hours. You'll smile, even cry, or touched at times.

Hope that someone out there is still waiting, destined for us, no matter what age we may be.

KUMAGCOW

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Kim Domingo Bares All on State of Undress

We spent a really great afternoon at Puradak Chicken restaurant in Timog Avenue earlier to meet the lovely, sexy, FHM Top 2 sexiest woman in the Philippines Kim Domingo. She currently stars in GMA hit show D'Originals (shown everyday) and and gag show Bubble Gang on Fridays plus some other shows she guests in between.

Mark Sablan head of GMA Artist Center says "Being number 2 on FHM's list and having this new book from Summit makes us very proud, very happy and this is just the start. There will be a lot more things lined up for Kim Domingo and you should definitely watch out for her new show, with an ensemble cast for primetime. After seeing how she was recently accepted in Malaysia by celebrities from other countries a couple of weeks back, we dubbed her now as the real deal "Pantasya ng Asya"."

We asked Kim Domingo about D'Originals and she says "I have mixed emotions - and very sad - but thankful because we were extended for 12 weeks. It came where we are still high in the ratings, and it's okay to end something good at that point. About FHM, I had been number 9 in the past, but being number 2 is not bad at all. All the girls in the top list are all deserving. That includes Liza and Ms. Marian, that's my opinion as I find them really sexy and beautiful."

"For this project (talking about State of Undress), we had three photographers do the execution of our concepts. From sexy, classy and innocent. It's like a journal too from when I was a kid and how I achieved all the things I was dreaming of today. Almost all the shots were done in one location. I had EJ Leung, Paolo Pineda and Shaira Luna do the photography. I had lots of bashers but I don't mind them, I even reply jokingly on instagram and I am thankful for those who support me. I feel I always start from scratch if I stopped working, so I do continue to do so. I love Zayn Malik, he's my ultimate crush."

"After D'Originals I'll have The Good Teacher with Ms. Marian Rivera and the stort is going to be tragic. This is going to be magical. My book is only 250 pesos and we are planning tons of book signing, the nearest one is in Glorietta 1. I used to skip meals in the past, even get indecent proposals and I don't even bother to look at them. Even if I don't show skin or whatever beauty you posess, if you feel sexy you ARE sexy. To tell you the truth, I got hurt the most being called dumb and I don't have brains. But I cherish all those who comment that don't judge me even if they don't know me that much. I learned early on to be confident, to present myself nicely and I do plan to put this off later on. People were egging me to join beauty contests in the past but I didn't really want to. I really love to sing and perhaps develop that, and pursue it in the near future." 

"My dream role is to be something like Princess Sarah, be beaten up, a role like that would be so challenging. I haven't really thought about what to wear in the FHM party, we are not sure yet. I did a Twerk it Like mikey video (when she was starting) and I didn't know it would blow up like that - then I got messages from people of Bubble Gang (Roadfill) which started my stint with the network. I want someone who's a gentleman, take me to Paris for a date because I really find that romantic. I don't want to hurry but if I were asked I'd be happy to get married when I'm around 28-30 years old as I'd still want to have kids."

Again if you want to see more of Kim Domingo, check out her coffee table mag/photo book entitled Kim Domingo: State of Undress available in leading mag stands and book stores nationwide! You'll know more about the "Pantasya ng Asya" (The Fantasy of Asia) if you get it! 

KUMAGCOW

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TravelBook.PH's 4th Anniversary Summer Blowout and Special Hotel Rates for Holy Week

It's my first time to actually hear about TravelBook.PH and honestly I haven't used the service. I only use one similar service from another website and never had the opportunity to compare the two. I often used that service because they always say they have the lowest rates and even reward you if you find something lower than their rates. That's exactly where I was wrong, TravelBook.PH has been operating for 4 years now and their published rates include special deals with local hotels as they operate locally too. Case in point, the rates this Holy Week at Seqoia Hotel. 

Same Room, but look at the difference between TravelBook.PH vs AGODA. That's almost 500 pesos per day, money you can buy lunch or dinner with. Crazy!

Now did you know what Manila is the top destination during holy week? A lot of people think they spend time out of town to travel but no, they actually stay at home or do staycations with the family. This has been solidified by the findings in the latest report released by TravelBook.ph using the latest data March-April or this Lenten Season. Aside from Manila, Tagaytay comes close second, then Cebu, Mindoro, Zambales, Palawan, Ilocos Sur, Boracay, Baguio, Albay, Batangas, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, Davao and Laguna respectively.

When I was also in their 4th anniversary celebration, I learned that you can book online or through their call center at 6621111.You can also conveniently pay through credit card, bank deposit, over-the-counter (OTC) banking, or bayad center facilities. They also have the option of letting you pay at the hotel when you arrive which would be convenient for those who don't have a credit card. Now I don't know of any other hotel booking service that does that and since they are based here, it'll be fast and efficient to attend to your needs if in case you get into problems with your hotel. I'm trying one this Holy Week to have my Mom and Dad stay in one of the hotels nearby so they could get a more comfortable sleep, and perhaps celebrate small things with me and the rest of my family. I'm glad I know TravelBook.ph now, I was fooled by other sites, at least now I have something to compare to. They also are doing a Summer Blowout this month together with specials for Lent. You should check it out before your other hotel booking sites because trust me, there's a huge difference!

I'm glad I got to know TravelBook.ph, here's to more travels and hotel stays in the future!


KUMAGCOW
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