Author: Patricia Dela Roca

Rafael Manuel’s “Filipiñana” has been selected as the official Philippine entry to the 99th Academy Awards, the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) announced. The selection was made by a committee, composed of Filipino film industry experts approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and convened by FAP. In selecting “Filipiñana,” the committee considered the film’s integrity, the producers’ commitment and capacity to fulfill the requirements of an Oscars campaign, and its ability to embody the pride of Philippine cinema. The film was also recognized for its “strong visual style,” its “incisive examination of class, power,…

Ai-Ai delas Alas said she feels no bitterness over the news of her ex-husband, Gerald Sibayan, remarrying his non-showbiz partner in the United States. The news was first reported by Ogie Diaz on his “Showbiz Updates” program on Wednesday, Sept. 9. According to Diaz, his source confirmed that Sibayan had married a non-showbiz woman named Nadine in a civil wedding at the San Francisco City Hall. “Wala kaming masyadong detalye dito. Pero ang sigurado, ikinasal na si Gerald Sibayan sa non-showbiz girlfriend nitong ang pangalan ay Nadine sa San Francisco City Hall sa USA,” Diaz said. “Sa ngayon si Gerald…

After 17 years of captivating listeners on the radio, “Barangay Love Stories” is finally making its way to television. The popular radio program from GMA Network’s flagship FM station, Barangay LS 97.1 Forever, is set to bring its beloved stories of love, life, and hope to the small screen. Hosted by veteran radio personality and “Pambansang Storyteller” Papa Dudut, “Barangay Love Stories” features stories submitted by listeners through letters, which are then brought to life through storytelling and narration. Now, fans will get to see these stories unfold through the performances of Kapuso stars Shuvee Etrata, Anthony Constantino, Sofia Pablo,…

Japanese heartthrob Kentaro Sakaguchi has announced that he is now married to his non-showbiz partner. The 35-year-old actor shared the news through his fan platform, revealing that he had tied the knot with a non-celebrity woman he had been dating. He did not disclose her identity or provide further details about their relationship. Sakaguchi’s agency also reportedly confirmed his marriage to Japanese media. “Although it is a personal matter, I have decided to marry the non-celebrity woman I have been dating,” Sakaguchi said, as quoted by The Chosun Daily. “As an actor, I will continue to strive even more moving…

Ogie Diaz surprised his daughter Erin with a one-million-peso cash gift as she celebrated her 25th birthday, while being single and childless at her age. The showbiz personality not only wowed Erin but also netizens online with his sweet surprise, which was featured in her birthday vlog, titled “PINAIYAK AKO SA BIRTHDAY KO!”, and uploaded to her YouTube channel on Sept. 2. In the video, Ogie explained that he wanted his daughter to enjoy her youth before settling down and having children after handing her the cash gift. “25 na kasi siya. Sabi ko walang asawa, walang anak at 25.…

Sharon Cuneta has no plans to enter politics, saying she would rather “run away” from a political career than give up the life she has built in showbiz. Cuneta made the remarks during an exclusive interview with TV host Boy Abunda, who asked the veteran singer and actress if she would ever consider running for public office. “I would consider running away from politics. Tatakbo ako palayo,” Cuneta told Abunda. The Megastar said she loves her life and the opportunities her career gives her to entertain and connect with people through concerts, television, and films. “I love my life. I…

Lea Salonga has officially etched her name in Hollywood history as she became the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Salonga received the prestigious honor on Friday, Sept. 4 (US time), during a ceremony held along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The theatre icon was joined by fellow Disney voice actresses Ming-Na Wen and Brandy, who starred alongside her in the animated film “Mulan,” as well as fellow Filipino stars Darren Criss, H.E.R., and Pops Fernandez. Photos shared by the Hollywood Walk of Fame showed a visibly elated Salonga receiving her star under…

The internet has been buzzing over the romantic subplot between actresses Judy Ann Santos and Carla Humphries in the HBO Max series “Call My Manager.” The series is the Philippine adaptation of the award-winning 2015 French show “Dix pour cent” (“Ten Percent”), which follows the lives of talent managers as they navigate the demands of handling their celebrity clients while dealing with their own personal struggles. The series also marks Santos’ television comeback, with the award-winning actress taking on the role of Andrea Manuel, a lesbian talent manager whose love interest, Rina Baltazar, is played by Humphries. Viewers and netizens…

A local convenience store chain has threatened legal action against anyone who intentionally tampers with its products following a viral video of a woman licking a hot dog and returning it to a food display. The video initially circulated on TikTok and appeared to have been originally shared through an Instagram Story. It carried the caption, “Happy Birthday, Nene.” In the clip, a woman was seen taking a hot dog from a food display, licking it, and then returning it to the display before replacing it with a new one. The incident drew strong reactions from netizens, with the video…

“It’s Showtime” host Jackie Gonzaga is mourning the death of her mother, Luisa. Gonzaga shared the news on Instagram, posting photos of her late mother along with a heartfelt tribute. “Pinakamatatag. Pinakamaganda. Pinaka-mapagmahal. Mahal na mahal kita ng sobra sobra mommy ko!! I love you forever!!!!” she wrote. Jackie did not disclose the cause of her death. However, the dancer shared videos showing Luisa receiving treatment at a hospital. Following the announcement, Gonzaga’s fellow “It’s Showtime” hosts and other celebrities took to the comments section to offer their condolences and words of support. “My heart breaks with yours. Big hug…