Philippine News

November 9 ------ The 13th QCinema International Film Festival shines a spotlight on Quezon City’s ongoing commitment to remain the heart of Philippine cinema. Running from November 14 to 23, this year’s edition features an expansive lineup of over 80 films from around the world, further cementing the city’s role at the forefront of the country’s creative and film industries. Mayor Joy Belmonte said QCinema continues to serve as “a platform for participative celebration of na

November 9 ------ Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo traveled to Kalinga and got the signature three-dot tattoo from Apo Whang-Od, which she described as a “piece of history.” The beauty queen visited the renowned mambabatok along with her rumored boyfriend Cole Micek and a few other companions, as seen on her Instagram page. Manalo showed off the tattoo inked on her side rib, also giving a glimpse of the tattooing process, called “batok,” which is a traditional Kalinga e

November 8 ------ ABS-CBN has announced it will postpone the launch of its 2025 Christmas Station ID following the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino in Cebu and nearby provinces. In a statement, the network said it decided to move the launch “to a later date” out of respect for those affected by the recent calamities. “Every year, ABS-CBN ushers in the holiday season with our joyful Christmas ID that brings families, friends, and communities together. In light of the recent

November 8 ------ Maki doesn’t just perform. He gives back to his fans (whom he lovingly calls Zushis) and fellow Filipinos in different parts of the world through his performances — and he’s very passionate about doing so. “Marami kasing Filipinos sa ibang bansa that I really want to interact with,” he explained to reporters in a recent interview when asked why he finds joy in performing in different locations. “Not only napo-promote ang music ko internally, but I also get t

November 7 ------ It’s been more than a year since Myrna Esguerra was crowned as the Philippines’ representative for Miss International 2025. Now, she’s all set for the pageant’s coronation night, carrying with her reflections on patience and a firm resolve to strengthen a cause. For the 24-year-old beauty queen from Abra, the months she spent waiting were far from idle. To her, it was not merely a period of preparation, but an opportunity to immerse herself in the country’s

November 7 ------ Now in its 15th year, The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA), a US-based award-giving body founded in 2010 by Filipino journalist and community leader Elton Lugay, recognizes achievements in various fields worldwide, including public service, education, sports, fashion, pageantry, science, and entertainment. Among Kris’ co-awardees were boxing champ Nonito Donaire, globally acclaimed actress Dolly de Leon, Queen of Soul Jaya, singer-actress Rachel Alejandro,

November 7 ------ The Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) has called on pageant fans and supporters to shift their focus toward celebrating the delegates of Miss Universe 2025, following the walkout incident at a pre-pageant event in Thailand. “We invite all pageant fans and supporters to focus on celebrating the Miss Universe 2025 delegates,” the organization said in a statement. “While recent incidents have stirred strong emotions, responding with negativity or ca

MANILA, Philippines, November 7 ------ Two years after first teaming up on Prime Video’s infidelity-themed drama “Linlang,” Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu return to the streaming platform with the ABS-CBN Dreamscape-produced mystery-thriller “The Alibi,” which starts streaming today. In between those two projects, KimPau — as their onscreen pairing is now called — did romantic comedies: the “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” Pinoy adaptation and the “My Love Will Make You Disappea

November 6 ------ A new environmental warrior who will champion sustainability has been crowned at the 2025 Miss Earth pageant, and she is Natalie Puskinova of the Czech Republic. Puskinova inherited the title from Jessica Lane of Australia at the culmination of the 25th Miss Earth coronation ceremonies held at the Cove Manila club of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Wednesday evening, Nov. 5. The new queen bested 81 other aspirants and is expected to take part in projects t

November 6 ------ “Green Bones,” “Balota,” and “Hello, Love, Again” scored multiple nominations at the 41st Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies. “Green Bones” leads the pack with 14 nominations, followed by “Hello, Love, Again” with 13, and “Balota” with 12, according to GMA Pictures on social media on Wednesday. The 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies will hold its awarding ceremony on November 30. Here are the nominations for each film: 'Green Bones' Dire

November 6 ------ The Miss Universe Organization has released a video statement from its president, Raul Rocha, following the recent issues surrounding the pageant and Miss Universe Thailand National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil. The video was posted on the pageant’s social media pages. Rocha delivered his statement in Spanish, with subtitled English translations. Rocha started off by saying he is in solidarity with the 122 delegates of this year's pageant. “I will not allow t

MANILA, Philippines, November 6 ------ Coco Martin continues to make viewers wonder about his marriage plans with partner Julia Montes, but reveals that he is building a house for her. Coco sat down for an interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila for the latter's YouTube channel. At the time the video was uploaded, Coco had just celebrated his 44th birthday. Toward the end of the interview, Karen asked Coco about rumors that he and Julia were building a house, and jok

November 5 ------ Joy Barcoma, the Philippines’ representative at the Miss Earth 2025 tilt, has a chance to win an elemental crown, according to global pageant analyst Missosology. Barcoma was named as the possible recipient of the Miss Earth-Air 2025 crown by Missosology in its final hot picks, as seen on its Facebook page. Cuba’s Rachel Chang was chosen as the candidate with the potential to be crowned Miss Earth 2025. Meanwhile, Italy’s Natalie Guglielmo and Thailand’s War

November 5 ------ There’s a Sanskrit word that means “fortune’s favorite,” and 24-year-old actor-entrepreneur Dustin Yu decided it had a nice ring to it when he was naming his resto-bar in San Juan City. He wasn’t after flash or trend. He just wanted something that captured his hopes — both for the intimate space he had built with close friends, and the customers who might walk through its doors. “I named the place Eraya — ‘fortune’s favorite’ — because I believe that even if

November 5 ------ “If her fight then was against colonizers, her fight now is against the possibility of being forgotten.” Thus said Lovi Poe, who plays Ka Oriang in the meta-docu-fiction film “Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesús,” out in theaters starting November 5, timed perfectly with Gregoria de Jesús’ 150th birth anniversary. Directed by Arjanmar H. Rebeta and Jeffrey Jeturian, the film revisits Oriang’s life, her role in the Katipunan, and her relationships with Andres Bonifa

STOCKHOLM, Syndrome, November 5 ------ Music streaming giant Spotify said Tuesday that it had 713 million active users at the end of the third quarter, while paying subscribers rose 12 percent to reach 281 million. Revenue rose by seven percent to 4.3 billion euros (P289 billion), beating the company's guidance of 4.2 billion euros (P282 billion). The increase was driven by the growth of its paying subscribers, and despite a decline in advertising, the Swedish company said. "

November 4 ------ The Miss Earth pageant is celebrating 25 years of promoting environmental awareness this year, and the new queen will be crowned on Nov. 5 at the Cove Manila club of Okada Manila in Parañaque City. Eighty-two delegates from different countries and territories are competing in this year’s pageant, hoping to succeed last year’s winner, Jessica Lane from Australia. The ceremonies will be streamed live on the Miss Earth Facebook page and YouTube channel at 6:30

November 4 ------ Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” — the Philippines’ entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars — brought home the Golden Spike or the Best Picture plum at the 70th iteration of Spain’s Valladolid International Film Festival (or SEMINCI). “Magellan” tied for the Golden Spike with the Kelly Reichardt-helmed “The Mastermind,” which was announced at the festival’s closing gala. According to the festival’s jury, “Magellan” was chosen as a Golden Sp

November 4 ------ For singer-songwriter Maki, what began as a bedroom hobby has turned into a full-fledged music career. With over six million monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 444,000 Instagram followers, and 1.1 million TikTok fans, Maki has established himself as one of today’s most sought-after artists in OPM. Maki’s journey began with small singing competitions, but it was during the pandemic that he truly found his audience. Spending most of his time at home, he b

MANILA, Philippines, November 4 ------ Star maker Johnny Manahan, more popularly known as "Mr. M," has left GMA Network and will reportedly sign with TV5. In a report by PEP, Mr. M is set to sign his contract with TV5 later this week. Mr. M was the consultant of the GMA Artist Center having launched the network's talent agency Sparkle. He is currently the director of TV5's "Vibe," an OPM music countdown show, adding credence to him signing with the network. In her column for