Entertainment

He has definitely left a void in the canvas of Philippine cinema which is waiting to be painted on in an open-ended impressionistic fashion. The death of iconic film director Mike de Leon has suspended other hues and shades to contribute to the meaningful images the local movie industry has been portraying since time immemorial. Hopefully, there will be filmmakers …

Another showbiz denizen has passed on. Geena Zablan, model, actress, entrepreneur and fashion show impresario, died of lingering illnesses. Geena started her arts career in Tino Lapuz’s “Eskuwelahang Munti” until she was signed up with Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions to do movies. Zablan is survived by children Charlotte and Ryan. (Boy Villasanta)

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

GMA Public Affairs’ award-winning drama anthology Tadhana, hosted by Marian Rivera, is celebrating its 8th year on air and online through a special three-part episode airing beginning August 23. Veteran actress Cherry Pie Picache and Sparkle Artist Althea Ablan banner the special episode titled “Banta ng Kahapon.” Joining them are Isay Alvarez, Mike Lloren, Anne Garcia, Al Gatmaitan, and Princess Aliyah. …