Author: Rossane Ramos

The first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been postponed, the organizers announced on Facebook.  “In light of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and health emergency, the SUMMER METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL is hereby postponed,” the statement read.  The announcement came after President Rodrigo Duterte declared that he will place Metro Manila under a “community quarantine” starting Sunday, March 15.  The festival was scheduled on April 11 to 21 with eight official entries for the lineup. Similar to the MMFF every December, a Parade of Stars was also arranged.  As of writing, there are 52 coronavirus positive cases in the…

A day after Tom Hanks announced he and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the coronavirus, he took to Instagram once again to update his followers on their current state.  “We have COVID-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness,” he said.  The Forrest Gump star shared they are taking matters “one day at a time.” He also reminded his followers to follow the advice of health experts.  “Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball,”…

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) “crisis is very, very clear,” President Rodrigo Duterte told the nation on Thursday (March 12), as the government moved to place Metro Manila under “community quarantine” to prevent the further spread of the virus. As of writing, there are 52 confirmed coronavirus positive cases in the Philippines. Duterte urged Filipinos to cooperate and heed the advice of health authorities. “Sundin ho ninyo ang mga sinasabi ng mga doctor. It’s only the medical people and experts who can help us, so listen to them.” Infectious disease specialist Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana took to social media to dispense tips…

With the rise of coronavirus cases in the Philippines, health experts urge the public to practice “social distancing” to prevent the further spread of the virus.   Kapamilya star Bela Padilla set the example for her followers. On Instagram, the actress posted a photo with “social distancing” as her caption. On her Instagram stories, Bela further defined what social distancing is. Citing a fact sheet from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, she defined the move as a step taken to stop or slow down the spread of a disease. “Social distancing is a term applied to certain actions…

It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda took to Twitter to apologize to his fans for refusing to take selfies with them amid the coronavirus outbreak.  His tweet wrote: “Pasensya na po talaga sa mga di ko napagbibigyan ng selfie. Sana po talaga ay maunawaan ng lahat ang Social Distancing para sa ngayon.” According to TIME, social distancing is “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance” to limit the spread of virus. In a previous tweet, the comedian urged the public to practice correct usage of face masks. “Siguraduhing alamin ang TAMANG PAGGAMIT NG MASK. Maraming nakamask pero…

On Thursday, Hollywood actor Tom Hanks announced on his Instagram that he and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  “Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive,” he wrote. The Forrest Gump star assured that they have followed protocol from the medical officials in Australia. “We Hanks’…

On Wednesday, Walt Disney Studios announced that Kapamilya singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre has been selected to sing Reflection, the theme song of Disney’s Mulan. “Moira Dela Torre, a warrior in her own right and a true voice of her generation, has been chosen to sing her unique take on the beloved song ‘Reflection’ from Disney’s Mulan,” Walt Disney Studios said. The iconic Reflection was originally sung by broadway legend, our very own Lea Salonga in 1998. Following the announcement, some netizens were puzzled as to why Moira was chosen for the song instead of its original singer.  Lea took the…

One week after her van was peppered with bullets, Kim Chiu took to Instagram to thank the many people who stood behind her after the traumatic experience. On March 4, the Kapamilya star’s Hyundai H350 was shot multiple times by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Katipunan, Quezon City. Kim and her companions were unharmed. (READ: ‘Why are those things happening?’: Kim Chiu clueless over motive of gunmen who shot her van.) For Kim, the incident made her realize how short and precious life is. The Love Thy Woman star said she is thankful for God’s presence during that rough time in her life. …

Rachelle Ann Go ticked off another item from her bucket list. The international theater diva took to Instagram to share her happiness after acquiring the key to her new home in London.  She revealed she has always prayed for a house in Manila, New York City and London. Rachelle said she was filled with worry when she was deciding which career path to take. “This time last year, I was worrying so much not knowing if we should stay in London after Hamilton, explore opportunities in NYC or go back to the Philippines,” she wrote. Thankfully, her husband Martin Spies…

Broadcasting network GMA announced Tuesday that they will be temporarily suspending the admission of live studio audiences after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency due to the rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) positive cases in the country. “GMA Network is temporarily suspending the admission of live studio audiences  in all our programs such as All-Out Sundays, Centerstage, Mars Pa More, Wowowin, Wowowin Primetime, Idol sa Kusina, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Sarap Di Ba?, and Tonight With Arnold Clavio,” the network said.  They added that the network’s external activities and events in Metro Manila are postponed until…