Author: Patricia Dela Roca

The 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival lived up to its number with not one, but two ties during its awards ceremony on Monday, Aug. 17, at the Shangri-La Plaza Grand Atrium. Four nominees shared wins across two acting categories, with veteran actress Ruby Ruiz and comedienne Pokwang making history after jointly taking home the Best Actress award. Pokwang, whose real name is Marietta Subong, was recognized for her powerful performance in “2 Valid IDs,” where she played Sylvia, a farmer who struggles to claim a remittance due to a lack of required documents. “After 10 years, yung una ko…

The City of Taguig has issued its official response to a viral complaint on Facebook accusing its emergency responders of failing to provide timely and adequate assistance during a medical emergency. Actor and model Basty Askri made strong accusations in his Facebook post that gained widespread attention after he recounted his experience while his father was reportedly suffering a medical emergency. “Halos 10 minutes na akong tumatawag sa 911 pero wala pa ring sumasagot,” Askri wrote, describing his attempts to seek help. He claimed that when his call was eventually answered, he was repeatedly told to “wait,” while he could…

Vanessa Blanca, the singer featured in the 2013 viral hit “DOTA o Ako,” has died following an accidental fall at her condominium in Manila. She was 30. Her death was confirmed by her cousin, Ivy Ann Salaum Jubelag, through a Facebook post on Thursday, Aug. 20. According to the family, Blanca died after sustaining a severe brain injury from an accidental fall. “With deep sorrow, we share that our beloved Vanessa Blanca Quillo Rangadhol passed away on August 19, 2026, following an accidental fall that caused a severe traumatic brain injury and internal brain hemorrhage,” the post read. “While she…

Actress Bela Padilla recently sparked romance rumors with tech entrepreneur Martin Tan after the two were spotted together in several occasions. Photos of Bela and Martin circulated online, while reports claimed that the tech CEO had been fetching the actress from some of her showbiz projects. An X user recently shared a photo of the pair and expressed happiness for Bela, saying they hoped she would find the love she deserves. “I think, ‘what we see is what we get’ na. No need to make kulit… But I am genuinely happy for Bela Padilla. Since I met and talked to…

Actor-turned-pastor Edward Barber has announced that he is now engaged to his non-showbiz girlfriend, with whom he has an “awesome relationship” with. The news was confirmed in a TikTok post showing a clip of the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) alum introducing his fiancée, Rikki, and announcing their engagement in front of his church, where he serves as a pastor in training.  “From the last time I was here, I am now in an awesome relationship,” Barber told the congregation. “Don’t tell me that God is not real. I used to be the most single person in this place.” “This is…

Vice Ganda’s iconic late-night talk show, “Gandang Gabi Vice,” is officially making its much-awaited return to television and streaming platforms after six years. ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer (COO) Cory Vidanes confirmed the comeback on Wednesday, Aug. 19, revealing that the show will return this September on iWant, Kapamilya Channel, and, for the first time, GMA. “Gandang Gabi Vice” last aired in March 2020, marking the end of its successful nine-year run. The announcement comes after Vice Ganda inked two major contracts this month. The comedian-host recently reaffirmed his ties with ABS-CBN while also entering a two-year content venture with Manny…

Lea Salonga brought Pinoy pride to the Disney stage as she reunited with fellow actresses and singers who have brought beloved Disney princesses to life at the recent “Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration” in California. Dressed in a teal kimono-style ensemble, Salonga returned to one of her most iconic roles as she performed “Reflection” from the 1998 animated film “Mulan,” for which she provided the singing voice of the titular character. The Broadway icon also met actress Ming-Na Wen, who had also lent her voice to “Mulan”, and posed for a photo together at the event. “Yes I’m crying…

Teen star Kendra Kramer has spoken out against the online hate and wrongful speculations directed at her family, particularly her parents, Doug and Cheska Kramer. In a lengthy Instagram statement, the young model and student-athlete expressed her disappointment over the criticism her family has received online while addressing speculations about her parents’ approach to raising her and her siblings. Kendra firmly asserted that she decided to speak up on her own and that her statement was not influenced by her parents. “I wanted to come out and say that, from a daughter’s point of view, it is very sad and…

American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the hit TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” has died at the age of 36. Panettiere’s death was confirmed by her representative through a statement from her father, Skip Panettiere, sent to ABC News on Monday, Aug. 17 (PH time). “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement read, as quoted by ABC News. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her—and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”…

Chaeyoung of K-pop sensation TWICE was recently embroiled in a controversy after being spotted allegedly smoking in public. The K-pop star became a hot topic online after videos circulated showing her holding an unidentified object to her mouth, which some netizens speculated was a cigarette. Chaeyoung later addressed the speculation through the global fan platform Bubble, clarifying that the item was not a cigarette but a drink. “I wanted to stay quiet, but people kept talking about cigarettes around me,” the idol said, as quoted in a report by Chosun Daily. “That’s not a cigarette—it’s a drink. Look closely,” she…