Author: Patricia Dela Roca

The Philippines truly is a Taylor Swift nation. The hardcore fans of the pop and country icon Taylor Swift, popularly known as Swifties, caused the Philippines to rank number one in the worldwide Google Search interest for the American superstar. The Philippines scored a full 100 in worldwide search interest over time for the “Taylor Swift” search term during the week of July 2 to 8, mainly due to the release of her re-recorded album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and ticket sales for the only Southeast-Asian leg of her worldwide “The Eras Tour” in Singapore went live. The country beat…

“Thank you for coming to church!” This was former Drag Den Philippines contestant Pura Luka Vega’s caption in a tweet together with a video of her drag performance where she was dressed in Jesus’ costume, while jamming with a crowd to the Catholic Mass worship song Ama Namin. The video was uploaded on Sunday, July 9, as a response to her follower who praised her drag performance that day with a photo of Jesus Christ’s sculpture seated in front of a mixing station. The drag queen’s performance included a punk rock version of Ama Namin, which had a crowd of…

Members of K-pop powerhouse BTS unveiled the trials they faced to achieve their first win in a Korean music show where they were treated poorly by other artists. The septet released their much-awaited memoir, Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, last Sunday, July 9, in celebration of their 10-year anniversary as a group. It is the group’s first official book which contains a chronological summary of the “oral history of the K-pop group in South Korea and the United States,” according to The New York Times. The memoir bares the personal and behind-the-scenes stories of their journey through interviews…

Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon compared her co-star Kathryn Bernardo to National Artist for Film Nora Aunor.  During the media conference for Cinemalaya XIX, Dolly aired her experiences and learnings from working alongside Kathryn for their upcoming dark comedy film, A Very Good Girl. According to Dolly, there were similarities between Kathryn and Nora. She commended the younger actress for her humble and friendly attitude while shooting for their film, which was much alike to Nora.  “Walang kaere-ere, wala at all. In fact, ang nakikita ko talaga sa kanya, honestly, is parang batang Ate Guy. Kasi she’s so friendly.…

Kris Aquino shared that she has already broken up with Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, who also appeared to have reacted to the TV host’s revelation via social media. On a Monday night, July 10, Kris poured her heart out in a lengthy Instagram post revealing her split with the politician. “This is a long overdue Gratitude post. Marc (yes it’s with a C) @markleviste is leaving to go home to fulfill his obligations to his Batangas constituents,” Kris started. “Nobody [I’ve] ever been in a relationship with has ever given me as much love & encouragement. He wasn’t only…

Ken Mariscal was pronounced dead on arrival after being involved in a hit-and-run incident in Davao City. The 28-year-old singer previously competed in the Kapamilya noontime show It’s Showtime’s singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan back in 2019. Davao-based news outlet SunStar Davao reported that the crash happened on Cabantian Road at around 2:45 AM last Sunday, July 9. Based on the initial investigation by Buhangin Police, Ken was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by Ruben Borgonia. The two were making their way home to Barangay Indangan and made a quick stop in front of a Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction…

DonBelle fans, did you hear that right? One of ABS-CBN’s hottest love teams Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, popularly known as DonBelle, sent their fans into a frenzy with just one sentence: “Babe, try mo ‘yung lato-lato.” TV writer Darla Sauler uploaded a new vlog on Sunday, July 9, where she was joined by Belle for a “bag raid” challenge. “BAG RAID with lots of kulitan with Belle Mariano, with the special participation of Donny Pangilinan hehehe,” Darla wrote in the description. Her vlog involved Darla challenging Belle to reveal what’s inside her celebrity bag. “Kahit nasa taping kami ng…

Fans and supporters of Kapamilya actress Janella Salvador aired their frustration online after discovering that she was not included in ABS-CBN’s newly launched Star Magic 30 catalogue. The Star Magic 30 catalogue is part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the ABS-CBN talent arm Star Magic this year, which was launched at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City, last Thursday, July 6. The theme for this year’s catalog is centered on “star power elevation”, according to fashion photographer Dookie Ducay. It focuses on the “artists’ individuality, versatility to showcase the styles and their own personalities as well.” While…

Paolo Contis and former Manila mayor Isko “Yorme” Moreno, the new hosts of GMA 7’s revamped noontime show Eat Bulaga, have formally signed long-term contracts with the production company TAPE Inc. The hosts were joined by TAPE executives Bullet and Jonjon Jalosjos, along with Joy Marcelo from GMA Sparkle Artist Center and TAPE legal counsel Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque at the APT Studios where the contract signing was held on Saturday, July 8. Paolo and Isko expressed their gratitude to TAPE and their Kapuso viewers. “I’m very thankful for TAPE’s trust in me and Yorme… Both of us are committed to…

It’s Showtime host Kim Chiu stunned netizens with her recent Instagram post showing her OOTD made out of “retaso and basahan”. “??????? at ??????. Basura man sa inyong paningin, may magmamahal at magmahal din. ❤️ Category is ‘panglinis’ Avant Garde!,” Kim wrote in the caption. Featured in a carousel of photos, Kim showed off her fashionable dress made from unconventional materials such as fabric scraps and rags that are commonly seen in local households. The actress thanked the fashion label Ha.Mu, owned by designers Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki, as the providers of her stylish dress. The fit was part…