Limelight

Netizens have spoken about the hot issue in Arjo Atayde’s involvement on kickbacks with DPWH projects through private contractors and his wife’s defense of him.  Juan Lloyd Kaluz: “Please ask your husband to sign the waiver for bank secrecy and let him release his SALN just like what Congressman Romulo of Pasig did to clear the smoke and doubts surrounding …

AlDub is at the center of attraction anew. This time, minus Alden Richards, although there’s a photo of the actor singing to Sarah Dizcaya in an event. The bulk of the controversy, instead, is Yaya Dub who was gently advised if not rebuked by radio and TV broadcaster Jay Sonza against meddling in her husband Arjo Atayde’s mess. “HINDI DAPAT …

There are several civil society and student movements—like the walkout of UP students—that are being organized to lead protest rallies against corruption in high and low places in the country. Some of them have already kicked off mass actions directed against the perpetrators of corruption, primarily the couple Discaya, Pacifico, also known as Curlee, and Sarah. After the Discayas named …

The Manila Symphony Orchestra doesn’t run out of spectacles. On September 27, 2025, at Aliw Theater in Pasay City, the MSO Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance, in partnership with EastWest Bank, Tchaikovsky’s timeless melodies come to life in “Dancing with Tchaikovsky” concert, featuring the Festival Coronation March, Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra, and a suite from the ballet Sleeping …

by Boy Villasanta Without batting an eyelash, actress Maine Mendoza immediately reacted repulsively against the mudslinging by Curlee Discaya on her husband Arjo Atayde, congressman of the First District of Quezon City. Atayde is one of the lawmakers identified by Discaya as a recipient of percentages from the flood control projects he got from the Department of Public Works and …

By Boy Villasanta Sail, balanghai, sail! Balanghai, the traditional and national boat of the Philippines, adapted and adopted by the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival as its symbol of excellence in filmmaking, is again in the forefront of embarkation this season. Written in its ensign unfurling is this year’s Cinemalaya theme: “Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos,” a catchphrase in …

In the advent of independent filmmaking, film festivals in practically all parts of the world have mushroomed overnight. I have attended a few of them like Hong Kong, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), Gwangju (the last two, both in Korea) Hanoi and FACINE in San Francisco. What do Filipino filmmakers and other stakeholders get from attending iworld film events? …

Multifaceted artist Demi Padua was feted by the Asian Cultural Council of the Philippines (ACCP) and the National Museum in a special show billed “Layers and Shadows” which aimed to foster cultural exchange and development that also marked ACCP’s 2th anniversary recently held at the Sergio Osmeña Hall, of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. Padua, a renowned …

David Haldane, American author based in the Philippines, has recently launched his new book, “Dark Skies: Tales of Turbulence in Paradise,” a collection of essays, which explores life’s complexities, cultural intersections, and the turbulent yet inspiring realities of finding “paradise” amid personal and social challenges. One of the highlights of the charity book event, hosted by Kawa Pilipinas Foundation, was …

by Boy Villasanta The vision is very clear—”to encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers—works that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.” Yes, the objectives of Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival have always been applied and achieved no matter how challenging at the oddest times. The Cinemalaya 2025 isn’t …