Lifestyle

Vaping supposedly linked to mysterious lung disease, investigations ongoing

More than 150 cases reported in the US

Published

August 23, 2019

Luigi Leonardo

Image credit: Sarah Johnson, Black Note

If you’ve gone out within the past few years, you’ve probably ended up in a dense mist of vape smoke. In fact, you might have tried the smoking alternative yourself. Since its invention, vaping has prided itself as the safer bet compared to tar-riddled cigarettes. Further, vaping is supposedly less addictive and cooler in today’s standards. Case in point, vaping bars have popped up all over the world. The fairly new technology became a cultural sensation.

Unsurprisingly, vaping’s clean reputation owes to its recency. So far, scientists haven’t finished conducting more rigorous tests confirming the technology’s safety. Naturally, science will eventually catch up.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating more than a hundred pulmonary cases linked to vaping. Across the States, 153 people have succumbed to “severe lung illness” from June 28 to August 20 of this year. All cases involved some sort of vaping usage.

The unnamed illness includes “breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, and/or chest pain before hospitalization.” In some cases, the illness further developed “mild to moderate gastrointestinal illness including vomiting and diarrhea.” Thankfully, none of the cases have caused death.

So far, the CDC has not pinpointed a definitive compound or product causing the illness. Investigations are still ongoing. Further, health officials are also investigating a potential link with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, the same compound found in marijuana. As of late, vapers have started vaping with THC oil. Several of the existing patients used such products prior to the illness.

In any case, the CDC is still finalizing its investigation, indefinitely extending vaping’s clean slate. If anything, the phenomenon is now under the microscope. Is it still as safe as it claims to be?

Featured image by Black Note.

Entertainment

Avengers Endgame: Encore debuts on Disney+

The countdown to Avengers: Doomsday is on

Published

November 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

Marvel Studios’ Avengers Endgame: Encore will be available on Disney+ from Friday, November 13.

With just 37 days until Avengers: Doomsday, it’s the perfect way to kick-off fans’ countdowns.

They will be able to relive the added post-credit scenes that effectively connects the events of Endgame to the upcoming Doomsday film.

The encore version of the finale to Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, of course, released in cinemas last September.

Its Disney+ release comes right after the conclusion of Marvel Studios’ VisionQuest, which also confirmed the return of Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch during its post-credit scene.

Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

Published

November 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

Entertainment

Dune and Dune: Part Two return to cinemas ahead of Dune: Part Three

Return to Arrakis.

Published

November 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

The journey to Arrakis isn’t over just yet. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures are bringing back Dune and Dune: Part Two to select cinemas and IMAX in the Philippines for a limited one-week run starting November 11.

The re-release gives audiences a chance to revisit Denis Villeneuve’s award-winning sci-fi films before the highly anticipated conclusion to his Dune trilogy. Moviegoers will also get an exclusive sneak peek at Dune: Part Three.

The first film, Dune, follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), a gifted young man destined for something greater than himself. When his family becomes entangled in a conflict over Arrakis and its valuable spice, Paul must confront his fears and discover his place in the universe.

In Dune: Part Two, Paul continues his journey alongside Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen. Seeking revenge against those responsible for his family’s downfall, he faces a difficult choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe.

Dune: Part Three arrives in December

The story continues in Dune: Part Three, which takes place nearly two decades after Paul Atreides seizes control of the Imperium. Now ruling as Emperor, Paul must deal with the consequences of his reign as old allies return, new threats emerge, and a conspiracy threatens everything he holds dear.

The film sees the return of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Javier Bardem. They are joined by Charlotte Rampling, Isaach de Bankolé, and Robert Pattinson.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: Part Three opens exclusively in cinemas and IMAX on December 16, 2026, with sneak previews on December 15.

Tickets for the upcoming film are now on sale. For showtimes and ticket information, visit dunepart3.com.ph.

Meanwhile, Dune and Dune: Part Two return to select cinemas and IMAX starting November 11 for one week only.

Watch the trailer: