Philippine News

MANILA, Philippines, November 26 ------ Another Filipina beauty queen is vying for an international crown this month. Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra is currently in Japan as she competes for what could be the Philippines’ seventh Miss International title. The coronation night of the 63rd Miss International beauty pageant is scheduled on Nov. 27 at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Shibuya, Tokyo. Ahead of her Japan trip, Myrna paid a courtesy call to Japa

MANILA, Philippines, November 26 ------ Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé, who finished as fourth runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, has relinquished her Miss Universe Africa & Oceania title and withdrawn from all related duties. The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI) announced through Facebook that it has formally notified the Miss Universe Organization “of the withdrawal of the Ivorian candidate from all titles and mandates issued by this organization.” “The COMICI (Miss Côte d’

MANILA, Philippines, November 26 ------ Kim Chiu's loyalty to Star Magic pays off with an award for her 20-year stay with ABS-CBN's talent arm. The first winner of the teen edition of "Pinoy Big Brother" in 2006 shared her humble beginnings in showbiz as an aspiring star who joined a reality TV show. “First of all, maraming-maraming salamat, of course, to Star Magic for not just giving me this beautiful career [and] for guiding me for the entire 20 years but for also giving m

MANILA, Philippines, November 26 ------ Heart Evangelista was the special guest and inspirational speaker at an international symposium in Thailand. The actress/fashion influencer attended the KRAAM International Symposium 2025, an event formally opened in Bangkok by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. In her Instagram account, Heart said that she is grateful to share her craft to the world. "The warmest welcome to the KRAAM International Symposium

November 25 ------ When “Magpakailanman” first aired in 2002, even Mel Tiangco had her doubts. Known then — and still — as one of the country’s most respected journalists, she didn’t expect her name to be associa­ted with a drama anthology. “People were surprised. ‘She’s doing drama?’ they said,” Tiangco recalled. “I was a news personality from the very beginning. But the wisdom of GMA Network was this: news is also about people. Why shouldn’t I tell their stories in another

November 25 ------ With the Face of Beauty International pageant days away, Philippine bet Nikki Buenafe Cheveh says she is entering the Taiwan competition with confidence, purpose, and a firm goal to deliver a back-to-back win for the country. The 27-year-old Filipina-Iranian from Binmaley, Pangasinan, aims to follow the victory of Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, who won the international crown in 2024. During a press conference in Quezon City, Cheveh said the pageant stands apart

November 25 ------ It was an emotional homecoming for Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao, who was given a heartfelt welcome by her pageant sisters, executives of the national tilt, and fans. Tiglao, who scored a back-to-back victory at the Miss Grand International 2025 tilt, met her fans at a homecoming parade along Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. She was also joined by Miss Grand International (MGI) founder Nawat Itsaragrisil and first runner-up Gotchabell Suranrat

November 25 ------ There’s a different kind of excitement in Melai Cantiveros’ voice these days — one that blends the festive giddiness of Christmas with the nervous energy of opening night. It’s season four of her groundbreaking talk show “Kuan On One,” and as its host and soul, the ever-lovable Visayan comedian feels every bit of the momentum of what she calls a growing, evol­ving program. “I’m so excited because I know a lot of people will be entertained and inspired again

MANILA, Philippines, November 24 ------ The Philippines takes its second crack at giving the home crowd a winning result in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Monday night when it battles Morocco at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The Filipina5 and the Atlas Lionesses are in the same boat, coming off identical 0-6 losses in their opening assignments against Poland and Argentina, respectively. And the protagonists both view their 8:30 p.m. matchup as a good opportunity to g

November 24 ------ Two Filipino films have secured spots on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ list of qualified titles for the 98th Academy Awards. Baby Ruth Villarama’s documentary, “Food Delivery: Fresh from the Philippine Sea,” is included among the eligible documentary features, while Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” is part of the international feature film roster. The Academy released the official list of qualified entries on Nov. 22 (Manila time), covering the catego

LOS ANGELES, United States, November 24 ------ Universal's musical sequel "Wicked: For Good" stole the box office spotlight in its North America debut this weekend, with a record-setting haul to the tune of $150 million (P8.8 billion), industry estimates showed. Variety said the film's debut was the highest ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, while analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research called it a "sensational, record-breaking opening" for a fantasy a

November 24 ------ Soft rock duo Air Supply is returning to the Philippines in 2026 as part of their 50th anniversary tour, with scheduled performances in Laguna and Iloilo. The pair, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, will hold shows on Jan. 11, 2026, in Passi City, Iloilo, and Jan. 24, 2026, in Laguna. Air Supply, formed in 1975 after the two met during the Australian tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” rose to global fame in the 1980s with hits such as “Lost in Love,” “Al

November 23 ------ Filipino director Brillante Mendoza has been named one of the “10 Most Inspiring Filmmakers in Southeast Asia” by a Malaysia-based international magazine that annually spotlights notable personalities and industry leaders across the region. In its latest edition, Top 10 of Asia magazine highlighted Southeast Asia’s evolving film landscape and recognized 10 filmmakers whose works have made significant impacts on global cinema. Mendoza, described as one of th

MANILA, Philippines, November 23 ------ Award-winning artist Lea Salonga is returning to Hong Kong Disneyland to perform at one of the theme park's 20th anniversary celebration events. Lea will perform at the "Disney Legend Live in Concert" on January 10, 2026, a new one-night-only concert installment to the "Disney Live In Concert" series. The actress-singer previously performed at the theme park's 2005 grand opening, and for her comeback, she will be accompanied by the stri

MANILA, Philippines, November 22 ------ Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was officially crowned Miss Universe 2025 during the 74th edition of the pageant held in Thailand on Friday. The Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, meanwhile, delivered an impressive journey and finished as 3rd Runner-Up. Thailand’s Praveenar Singh was named 1st Runner-Up, Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali took 2nd Runner-Up, and Côte d'Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé placed 4th Runner-Up. During the second Q&A portion, all candidates we

November 22 ------ Vice Ganda shared how he was inspired by a foreign benefactor who sent him to school — a memory brought back during the launch of his first endorsement project with partner Ion Perez, under the beauty and wellness company Beautéderm, led by CEO Rhea Tan. The celebrity couple were introduced together as ambassadors for the corporation’s Belle Dolls brand at a press conference, which The STAR attended. The comedian and TV host said he tries to pay it forward

November 21 ------ Ahead of the coronation show, Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo landed the Miss Universe 2025 frontrunners' lists made by established pageant platforms. Missosology, a known global pageant observer, placed Manalo in the fourth spot of its “Final Hot Picks” released on Thursday, Nov. 20. The platform’s list is topped by Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, followed by Colombia’s Vanessa Pulgarin and Mexico’s Fatima Bosch in the second and third spots. Rounding up the Top

November 21 ------ Several Filipino stars are set to attend the Asian Academy Creative Awards, the premier celebration of creative arts in the Asia-Pacific region, taking place in Singapore this December. The event will be held at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on December 4, featuring a host of celebrities. TV personality Mond Gutierrez will be among the hosts of the red carpet, alongside journalist Yvette King and Singaporean actress Biwa Mastura, according to a press release.

November 21 ------ Belle Mariano is riding a wave of momentum as the family drama “Meet, Greet & Bye,” starring Maricel Soriano, Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Mariano, and Juan Karlos Labajo, continues its strong box-office run. During an interview last week, Mariano was still reeling from the box-office figures she kept receiving — how the film earned P33 million just three days after its Nov. 12 opening, and how, five days later, its worldwide gross had already climbed to P

November 21 ------ Julie Anne San Jose has released her new single, “Simula,” which marked her latest step into music production. According to Aubrey Carampel’s report on “24 Oras,” the Asia’s Limitless Star is currently in her music producer era, taking a more hands-on role in developing her sound. “It feels liberating and exciting at the same time kasi I have control over everything when it comes to my music. Tsaka mero’n akong creative freedom,” Julie said. Following the r