Author: Patricia Dela Roca

American country music icon Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80. The news was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, Aug. 25 (US time). Seaver identified himself as the son of Cassie Parton and said he was representing the Parton and Owens families in announcing the passing of his aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. It was revealed in Seaver’s video that the announcement was something Parton had asked him to make years before her death. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed…

It was a win for the home court as the Star Magic Shooting Stars defeated Thailand’s GMMTV All Stars at the 2026 Star Magic All-Star Games. The highly anticipated international basketball showdown was held on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, bringing together Filipino and Thai fans to cheer for their favorite celebrities on the local court. The event opened with the Juniors Basketball division, where Team Shooting Stars Blue defeated Team Shooting Stars Red, 55-35, to claim the championship, while the latter settled for first runner-up. Both teams drew energetic cheers from their respective muses,…

Shirley Kuan, Bea Alonzo’s longtime talent manager, has stepped down from her post after nearly six years of working with the actress. Kuan began managing Alonzo in 2020 after she parted ways with Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, which had handled her career for years. She currently manages other prominent stars, including Helen Gamboa, Albert Martinez, Hilda Koronel, Donna Cruz, Agot Isidro, and Andrea Brillantes. Taking over as Alonzo’s interim manager is Chris Cahilig, a film producer and festival director of CinePanalo Film Festival. The annual film event is organized by Puregold, which is owned by the family of…

Talent manager Shirley Kuan broke her silence to open up about her decision to end her working relationship with actress Bea Alonzo after nearly six years. Kuan shared her side in an exclusive interview with select members of the media amid reports about her departure as Alonzo’s manager. According to Kuan, her resignation officially took effect on Aug. 11, when she directly informed the actress of her decision. “The reason I called for this interview kasi I feel that it’s time for me to tell the truth and defend myself,” Kuan said. “Kasi parang mali ‘yung mga sinusulat on the…

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…