Philippine News

MANILA, Philippines, October 28 ------ As someone who grew up in a family admired for their beauty and good looks, Lorin Gabriella Gutierrez Bektas admitted that she once struggled with the feeling of looking different or not being good enough when she was younger. That, however, changed when she hit her 20s. But that’s getting ahead of the story. Lorin is currently a senior student majoring in Advertising at Pepperdine University, one of the top-ranked Christian liberal arts

October 28 ------ THE phrase seven-year itch is defined as “supposed infidelity on the seventh year of marriage.” Clearly, and strictly, it is one inevitable phase that occurs — or is expected to occur — in most wedded couples. There are isolated cases, though, where it applies to romantic relationships. Speaking of which, celebrity sweethearts Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid marked their seventh year a couple of months back. Fortunately for them, or as fate would have it, they

October 28 ------ A long-awaited collaboration between actor Gerald Anderson and producer Dondon Monteverde has finally come full circle. Reality MM Studios, co-founded by Monteverde and director Erik Matti, has officially partnered with Anderson’s production company, The Th3rd Floor Studios, marking his debut as a film producer. The partnership, years in the making, reunites Anderson with Reality MM after their acclaimed work on “On The Job” in 2013. Their shared goal is to

October 27 ------ Star For All Seasons and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, fondly called "Ate Vi" by most, has been in the showbiz limelight since she was 10. After six decades and counting, she shows no signs of slowing down. Last Saturday, Oct. 25, Ate Vi was honored with the Best Actress recognition for "Uninvited" at the 27th Gawad PASADO Awards given by the Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro - a national organization of film educators, teachers, and academics from

MANILA, October 27 ------ Several Kapamilya stars won at the 27th Gawad PASADO Awards held at Manila Tytana Colleges in Pasay City. Among those recognized as winners were: • Jericho Rosales – PinakaPASADOng Aktor sa Telebisyon 2024 (Lavender Fields) • Janine Gutierrez – PinakaPASADOng Aktres sa Telebisyon 2024 (Lavender Fields) • Jodi Sta. Maria – PinakaPASADOng Aktres sa Telebisyon 2024 (Lavender Fields) • Zia Grace – PinakaPASADOng Batang Aktres sa Telebisyon (Saving Grace)

October 27 ------ Philippine screen icon Hilda Koronel makes her much-anticipated return to cinema with the world premiere of Jun Robles Lana’s “Sisa,” selected for the Official Competition of the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF, Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival) this November. Renowned for her roles in Lino Brocka’s masterpieces “Insiang” and “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” Koronel has been one of the country’s most celebrated actresses for over four decades befor

October 27 ------ Actress and singer Alexa Ilacad knows what it’s like to grow up under the spotlight. Starting her career at just eight years old on the kiddie sketch show “Goin’ Bulilit,” Ilacad has since evolved into one of her generation’s most versatile stars — known for her breakout roles in “The Killer Bride,” “Run to Me,” and “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso,” as well as her rising music career that showcases her soulful vocals and emotional songwriting. Now, the young star bri

October 26 ------ With the ‘'ber months in full swing, a new OPM holiday ballad steps into the season’s sentimental soundscape. Titled “Ngayong Pasko’y Ikaw Pa Rin,” the original Christmas single is performed by Jojo Mendrez, written by award-winning songwriter Jonathan Manalo, and released under Star Music. Known in the industry as the “Revival King,” Mendrez has long been recognized for breathing new life into classic Filipino hits. His renditions of “Magkabilang Mundo,” “S

October 26 ------ Arkin Magalona, son of the legendary Master Rapper Francis Magalona, is on a quest to make his mark as a hip-hop artist with the release of his debut single “Shake Dat Thang.” The new single comes with Arkin’s signing with Sony Music Entertainment, as announced by the music label in a press statement. It was also announced that he will take on the moniker Barq as he carves his own path in the music scene. “I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to share

October 25 ------ Gerald Anderson proudly shared how he directed his first scene in ABS-CBN’s crime action-drama series “Sins of the Father.” Produced by JRB Creative Production, the show features Gerald as one of the directors, alongside FM Reyes, Bjoy Balagtas, and Avel Sunpongco. Gerald is also the lead actor, portraying Samuel Trinidad, a bank manager, in the series that tackles investment scams. “My first scene was actually with JC (de Vera) and LA (Santos). When they en

October 25 ------ Alex Diaz returns to the theater once more with the third run of Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Bar Boys: The Musical. It was within the theater community that he found a way to heal what was once broken. “In so many ways, it’s healing. I think there’s a dark side everywhere, but with theater, I noticed that it attracts a lot of goofy, passionate, artistic theater geeks, and that kind of energy is just so healing.” “Theater saved my life and saved my passi

October 24 ------ Matteo Guidicelli witnessed the bayanihan spirit firsthand when he visited his mother’s hometown of Bogo, Cebu, to extend help to residents affected by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake. “Cebu is recovering now, they’re in the rebuilding phase,” he shared with The Philippine STAR in a one-on-one interview. “We were able to move after a few days, we were able to collect a good amount of funds in one day, and then converted it into goods with Landers. “Actua

October 24 ------ With contenders from the Philippines clinching victories in recent competitions held in Thailand, Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo feels positive that she, too, will reap a sweet reward in the neighboring nation. Just over the weekend, the Philippines posted the first back-to-back in Miss Grand International history when Emma Tiglao inherited the title from Filipino queen Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza in a competition held in Bangkok. And last month,

October 24 ------ The veteran actors of VIVA Films’ “Everyone Knows Every Juan” described their director, Alessandra De Rossi, as someone who knew exactly what to do on set and brought a sense of humor to the atmosphere. The drama-comedy movie, now showing in cinemas, delves into the chaotic, love-hate nature of a Filipino family. “Everyone Knows Every Juan” marks Alessandra’s second film as a director after “My Amanda” in 2021. According to the media release, the story is ab

October 24 ------ Before answering the final question, Marj, the eldest among five siblings, shared her plan in case she wins the jackpot. "First, magi-invest po muna ako sa aking laptop kasi magre-research na kami sa second sem, kailangang-kailangan ko po. Ginagamit ko po currently 'yung nasa office na computer eh hindi naman siya nabibitbit pauwi," she said. "Tapos for educational tour, may educational tour po kami this November sa Ilocos. Tapos the rest of the money will g

MANILA, Philippines, October 23 ------ The long awaited 2025 Wonderful Moments Music Festival revealed its 17-act lineup of Filipino artists with P-pop girl group BINI and Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia headlining the show. A collaborative effort between event organizers iMe Philippines and actor Alden Richards’ Myriad Entertainment, the Filipino music festival will go live for two days at the SMDC Festival Grounds on December 6 and 7. As of this writing, set times have yet

October 23 ------ Kathryn Bernardo took to social media to pen a message as she marked a new milestone in her career. The actress is set to be immortalized in a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. On Instagram, Kathryn shared a peak of the making of her wax figure. "The 'Kath' is finally out of the bag! 👀 So excited to finally share this with everyone. Thank you @madametussaudshongkong for this huge honor," she posted. Fans online were quick to congratulate Kathryn for

October 23 ------ Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra is gearing up for the 63rd Miss International pageant that will take place in Japan next month. And her grit has become even more pronounced with the recent victories that the Philippines has been enjoying in the global arena. The country scored an unprecedented back-to-back in the 2025 Miss Grand International pageant when Emma Tiglao inherited the title from Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza in the competition on Oct. 18, an

October 23 ------ Janine and Diego Gutierrez gave a heartfelt thanks to the Filipino Music Awards (FMA) for recognizing the legacy of the late Pilita Corrales, whom they referred to as their Mamita, as the latter was awarded the Tribute Award. The siblings accepted the trophy on behalf of Corrales at the inaugural FMA, with the actress saying the late singer’s career started with a determination to succeed in music as a means to help her family survive. “On behalf of our fami

MANILA, Philippines, October 22 ------ P-pop powerhouse SB19 reigned supreme at the inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMA) bagging six major awards during a star-studded ceremony held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Dubbed the "Kings of P-pop," the group swept multiple categories, including Pop Song of the Year for “Dungka!”, People’s Choice Artist, People’s Choice Song (also for “Dungka!”), Tour of the Year and Concert of the Year for “Simula at Wakas,” and the coveted Artist o