Philippine News

NEW YORK, December 16 ------ “Zootopia 2” regained the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office with $26.3 million in its third weekend of release, according to studio estimates Sunday, as The Walt Disney Co. animated sequel became the year’s second film to gross $1 billion worldwide. With “Avatar: Fire and Ash” arriving Friday, it was a relatively quiet weekend in theaters. There were no major new releases, leaving holdovers “Zootopia 2” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” to duke

December 16 ------ Charo Santos, Boots Anson-Roa, and Barbie Forteza will star together in a new movie with award-winning director Brillante Mendoza. Barbie shared the news on her Instagram Stories, reposting the post of film director Real Florido. "Auteur Brillante Mendoza is back with a film that will surely break your hearts into pieces, starring the awe-inspiring performances of Charo Santos, Boots Anson-Roa, and Barbie Forteza," Real wrote. Other details of the movie pr

December 15 ------ The Philippines’ Cyrille Payumo will not be going home empty-handed from the 2025 Miss Charm pageant in Vietnam, as she was adjudged Best in National Costume. She received the award during the coronation show held at the BHD Studio in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, where she also landed a Top 20 spot. During the preliminary national costume competition, Payumo showcased a creation by designer Simeon Cayetano inspired by the “salakot,” a traditional hat in the

MANILA, Philippines, December 15 ------ Judy Ann Santos said being recognized by Michelin is “definitely a dream,” but she is not in a rush to earn one, focusing instead on nurturing her community of adobo lovers at her Angrydobo restaurants. Apart from acting, Judy Ann has built a career as a restaurateur and chef, completing a culinary course and managing her own kitchen. She currently operates Angrydobo outlets in Taft near De La Salle University and in Westgate Alabang. T

December 15 ------ Novelyn N. Natividad of Gapan, Nueva Ecija, was crowned Mrs. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025-2026 during a recent competition held in Singapore and Malaysia. At a media conference in Quezon City, Novelyn vowed to advocate unity and empowerment during her reign. "Winning this pageant is not just an honor; it is a responsibility. I pledge to use my voice to advocate for kindness, empowerment, and unity. Let us celebrate our differences and work together to cre

MANILA, December 15 ------ Family members and supporters of “Da King” Fernando Poe Jr. remembered the late film icon not only for his storied career but also for the compassion that defined his life off-screen as they gathered for a mass commemorating the 21st anniversary of his death. Former Senator Grace Poe, daughter of the late actor, thanked those who continue to honor her father through prayers and remembrance, emphasizing that FPJ’s legacy was rooted in genuine love an

December 14 ------ Matteo Guidicelli’s passion for serving the country and penchant for military training have been part of his dreams since childhood. As a kid, he would watch “Rambo” movies starring Sylvester Stallone. “It’s every little boy’s dream growing up. So it was my dream also. When it was offered (training), I couldn’t say no, ‘Let’s do it.’ So that’s how it happened,” he told The STAR in an interview during his contract signing with MQuest Ventures, Cignal, and On

December 14 ------ The feisty, blind earthbender Toph Beifong — played by Miya Cech — has been introduced in the first look for “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” which continues Aang discovering his abilities as the chosen one. Glimpses of the live-action adaptation’s second installment of the hit Nickelodeon series were posted on its social media platforms on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with the poster showing Aang (Gordon Cormier), Toph (Miya Cech), Katara (Kiawentiio), and Sokka (Ian

December 13 ------ It’s not every day a trailer moves its stars to tears — not while watching, at least. But at the “Love You So Bad” media conference held Monday night at the Dolphy Theater, everything changed when the preview rolled. A moment that started with smiles and nerves ended with voices cracking and eyes glistening from dreams coming full circle. “Grabe, ganito pala ang pakiramdam na matupad ‘yung pangarap,” said Bianca de Vera, visibly moved after watching the cli

December 13 ------ Star Magic talent takes over the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival with a slate of projects that spans horror, romance, comedy, and character-driven drama — an unmistakable presence across this year’s holiday box-office race. Regal Entertainment’s iconic “Shake, Rattle & Roll” returns with a fresh roster of emerging and established names. Ivana Alawi, JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith, Dylan Yturralde, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Karina Bautista, Angelica Lao, Raven Ri

December 12 ------ Even after more than three decades as a broadcast journalist, Rico Hizon does not get tired of constantly honing his craft and proudly winning accolades for his professional ventures, especially as a TV host. He recently arrived from Jakarta, Indonesia, where he received his award for Best Talk Show Host for his weekly ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) program “Beyond the Exchange” at the 30th Asian Television Awards. “I felt incredibly proud and deeply humbled at

December 12 ------ Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray joined volunteers of Angat Buhay for a day-long repacking drive under the organization’s “Pamaskong Handog: Reverse Caroling” initiative. Angat Buhay highlighted the joint effort in a social media post on Thursday, Dec. 11, sharing photos of the beauty queen alongside the other volunteers packing goods and loading them into the trucks. “Simula umaga hanggang gabi, nagtulungan ang ating #AngatBayanihan volunteers kasama si Mi

December 12 ------ Alden Richards spent a whole day doing his care-a-van, visiting charities in celebration of his 15 years in showbiz. According to Athena Imperial’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, the Asia’s Multimedia Star offered help and brought joy to Tahanang Walang Hagdan in Rizal, the orthopedic department of East Avenue Medical Center, and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society in Quezon City. “Para lang ma-champion din natin ‘yung purpose and spreading kindness in do

December 12 ------ Sofia Mallares of Project Z, Yana Goopio of Team Bilib, Marian Ansay of JuleSquad, and Giani Sarita of Benkada are gearing up to take the stage as finalists in “The Voice Kids.” In Nelson Canlas’ report on “24 Oras,” on Wednesday, the young contestants and their coaches shared how they are balancing excitement, nerves, and the lessons. “Kami ni Sofia po, sobrang excited and kinakabahan kasi first time namin parehong sasabak sa finals. Ako, before po kasi nu

December 11 ------ The Philippines’ Cyrille Payumo drew inspiration from an unlikely creature for her preliminary evening gown at the 2025 Miss Charm pageant in Vietnam — the ant. Designer Mikee Chan shared a story about how an ant bit the beauty queen while they were discussing her competition wardrobe, and this sparked an idea. “It was such a small creature, almost laughable, yet in that instant, it felt like a message whispered by the universe. A sign. A nudge. Perhaps eve

December 11 ------ Dennis Trillo has finally received the Best Actor in a Leading Role trophy he won at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for his portrayal of Domingo Zamora in “Green Bones.” On Facebook, the Kapuso actor shared a video of himself unboxing the award, which was accepted on behalf of Dennis by GMA Network Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions for Entertainment Group and Philippine Ambassador for the Asian Academy of Creative

December 11 ------ Rising Gen Z actress Ashtine Olviga underscores the value of respectful dialogue in a politically driven society, saying activism is most powerful “when you speak up with conviction, but also with respect.” Set to make her Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) debut in “Manila’s Finest,” where she plays the outspoken activist daughter of Piolo Pascual, the young star says the role echoes the realities faced by today’s youth who are finding their voices amid soc

December 11 ------ Fans of the SexBomb Girls — or those who refer themselves as “pinalaki ng SexBomb” — had the time of their lives on the second night of the girl group’s reunion concert, which included a surprise performance from Mayonnaise’s Monty Macalino and heartfelt recollection, among other highlights. Dubbed as “Get, Get, Aw!: The SexBomb Concert rAWnd 2,” the second night of the group’s concert was held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 9, which was attende

December 10 ------ Not even a back-to-back concert in Australia can stop SB19 from setting the Asia Artist Awards (AAA)’s ACON 2025 stage on fire in Taiwan. The P-pop powerhouse — composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — was fresh from the Melbourne and Sydney legs of their “Simula at Wakas” tour, as they went straight to Kaohsiung National Stadium in Zuoying district, Taiwan for ACON 2025 on Sunday, December 7. Donning outfits with hints of denim and shades of grey,

December 10 ------ ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head and renowned songwriter and producer Jonathan Manalo receive back-to-back wins at the 2025 Awit Awards and 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA). Jonathan bagged two major honors at the Awit Awards, earning Best Song Written for Media for “Pamilya Sagrado” soundtrack “Ulit-Ulit,” which he penned and produced for Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, and also clinching Best Traditional/Contemporary Folk Recording fo