Yearly Archives: 2025

Show people mourn, pay tribute to iconic filmmaker Mike de Leon

by Boy Villasanta The Philippine movie industry is once more in mourning with the passing of one of its beloved and respected denizens. Mike de Leon, a legendary filmmaker, died yesterday at 78. This was announced by Carlotta films and his family. De Leon, an award-winning director has given honors to the country by screening his no-nonsense films locally and …

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After the flood, a deluge of scandals

As the tide of public outrage over half-finished or ghost flood control projects begins to recede, another wave of controversies waits patiently in line. It’s the familiar rhythm of Philippine politics — scandal erupts, investigations are promised, press conferences are held, headlines scream for a few weeks, then… silence. The show moves on. What comes next? Take your pick. The …

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GMA Network Launches “Be Juan Tama” Advocacy Campaign

As part of its 75th anniversary, GMA Network, through its Entertainment Group’s infotainment and talk shows, launches “Be Juan Tama”–an advocacy campaign that encourages viewers to “Be Juan Tama” and choose content that fosters mental, emotional, and social growth.  The campaign was made official during a partnership launch and memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing held today, August 26, at the GMA Network Center …

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Where design meets life: Architect Pam de Guzman builds her own future with SMDC

When an architect chooses to live in the very projects she handles, it becomes the ultimate testament of trust. It’s more than just professional pride – it’s a personal commitment to quality, livability, and community. It reflects confidence not just in the design, but in the entire vision. It’s trust made tangible, and a powerful message to every future homeowner. …

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JAG Jeans Welcomes Shuvee Etrata — From Viral Standout to the Fresh Face of Modern Denim

Manila, Philippines – JAG proudly introduces Shuvee Etrata as its newest muse—an authentic, fresh face whose journey with the brand began long before her official debut. It all started in 2021, when Shuvee joined the JAG TikTok Challenge. Among thousands of entries, she immediately stood out with her laid-back confidence, natural charm, and effortless presence. Even then, her love for …

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7 Phl films shortlisted for submission to Oscars

The Film Academy of the Philippines announces the Official Shortlist of movies being considered as philippine submission for the Best International Feature Film Category at the 98th Academy Awards. Seven films will be undergoing the selection process for full length feature to be submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States, which will …

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Nasser takes flight with new original single, PASAYO

Singer-composer Nasser returns with a heartfelt original single, “Pasayo”, under Curve Entertainment. Known for his soulful covers and viral hits, Nasser takes a bold step forward in his career, reaffirming that he is not just a balladeer but a genuine songwriter with something deeply personal to say. Fresh from attending TikTok’s Community Fest in Vietnam, where he received an award …

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Conquest, redemption, and freedom at 2025 Sinag Maynila Film Festival

by Boy Villasanta After almost four years of inactivity because of social chaos brought about by a national health emergency, the independent filmmaking industry is alive again with the seventh edition of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, an annual project spearheaded by Solar Entertainment under the management of Wilson Tieng and the internationally acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Ma. Mendoza, Palme d’Or …

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The altruism of Brillante Ma. Mendoza

I’ve known internationally acclaimed director Brillante Ma. Mendoza for more than four decades. As a matter of course, we have worked in some film projects together which I promoted like “Gabriela” with Carmi Martin as titular lead that Boy C. de Guia, the still missing producer, entertainment journalist, talent manager and TV host line produced for Tata Esteban, the director …

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The real story behind Imusicapella joining and winning in world choral fests as 2025 PICF

Know your competitors, if not enemies, well. Or, at least, take part in a game, aware of your strengths, weaknesses and all the gray matters in between, no matter the outcome, win or lose, you are confident you did your part pretty well. Imusicapella (Photo Credit: Boy Villasanta) Woodrose Chorale (Photo Credit: Boy Villasanta) Such is sportsmanship. Everyone loves a …

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