JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith Turn Fake Love Into Real Sparks in iWant's New Vertical Rom-Com "Will You Fake Marry Me?"

The phenomenal pairing of JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith is back on iWant, the home of Filipino feels.

This time, JM and Fyang bring their signature chemistry in their newest vertical rom-com "Will You Fake Marry Me?" set to premiere on June 30 (Tuesday).

JM and Fyang's newest short rom-com series follows the success of their two-part iWant original "Ghosting" in 2025, which became an online hit after spawning trending topics across social media and drawing over 30 million views for its teasers and trailer alone.

Directed by Jojo Saguin, the series follows June (Fyang), a cheerful and hardworking tocino brand promoter who learns she's set to inherit a vast fortune from a distant family patriarch—on one condition: she must marry his godchild, Ping (JM), the young CEO of the very tocino brand she represents. Despite his distrustful nature and her determination to secure the inheritance, the two enter a fake engagement. But as they work to prove their love is real legally, genuine feelings begin to blossom.

"Will You Fake Marry Me?" is the latest addition to iWant's growing lineup of vertical dramas, which includes the hit short romance series "The Chambermaid's Daughter" starring Alexa Ilacad and Gelo Rivera, and the intense affair drama "Twist of Fate."

Feel the romantic chemistry of JM and Fyang in "Will You Fake Marry Me?" dropping its first 15 episodes on June 30, then all remaining episodes on July 15, exclusively on iWant. Stream the first five episodes for free via iWant's official Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube pages, as well as via ABS-CBN Entertainment's TikTok and YouTube accounts.

Episodes 6 to 30 are available to stream through iWant's subscription plans, starting at P35 per month in the Philippines, USD 12.99 per month in the United States, and USD 4.99 per month for the rest of the world.

Enjoy all the feels you want, only on iWant, the largest library of Filipino feels. Download the app and subscribe via Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Stay updated by following iWant on Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube. For other updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid's “Someone, Someday" Coming Soon on ALLTV2, TV5, A2Z, and Kapamilya Channel

ABS-CBN has unveiled the special poster and teaser for its highly anticipated series "Someone, Someday" that is coming soon on ALLTV2, TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube and Facebook, iWant, TFC, and streaming first on Netflix.

The special poster spotlights Asia’s Superstar Kathryn Bernardo ahead of the series’ upcoming premiere.

More viewers will be able to enjoy the primetime drama, a modern, feel-good and progressive series with a heart, as it becomes available on multiple platforms. The project marks the teleserye comeback of Kathryn, James Reid, and Maja Salvador in an exciting story about a young woman CEO who builds a dating app to help women find love.

To celebrate the upcoming premiere, the cast of “Someone, Someday” will join the Primetime Bida motorcade alongside the stars of “Coco Martin’s Sigabo” on June 28 (Sunday) at 4 PM in San Fernando, Pampanga. Leading the cast are Kathryn, James, McCoy De Leon, Gela Atayde, Matt Evans, and more.

As viewing habits continue to evolve, media companies continue to work together to bring more local programs to more audiences. Following the recent launch of "Coco Martin's Sigabo," more viewers will soon also be able to watch "Someone, Someday" on more platforms.

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Jose Mari Chan Sets the Record Straight on Album Royalties

Veteran singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan has clarified that his recent remarks about no longer receiving "royalty checks" referred specifically to earnings from physical music formats such as CDs, cassettes, and vinyl records, not to all forms of music royalties.

The clarification comes after comments he made during the media conference for his upcoming concert, Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart, which will take place on July 11 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). During the press conference, some of his remarks sparked discussions online, with several readers interpreting his statement to mean that he no longer receives royalties from his music altogether.

According to Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go, Jose Mari's remarks were meant to highlight the decline of physical album sales over the years as the industry shifted toward digital music consumption.

"We would like to clarify that Mr. Jose Mari Chan was referring specifically to royalties from CDs, cassettes, and vinyl records. As physical music formats have gradually declined over the years, so have the royalties associated with those sales. His statement should not be construed to mean that he no longer receives royalties from his music altogether," Dy-Go explained.

She added that while physical record sales are no longer the primary source of music consumption, artists may still earn royalties through digital streaming platforms, music publishing, synchronization licenses, public performances, and other authorized uses of their recordings, subject to the terms of their respective agreements.

"The music industry has evolved significantly over the years. Today, artists have various revenue streams beyond physical album sales, including streaming services, publishing rights, licensing, and other royalty collection mechanisms. Mr. Chan's comments were simply referring to one specific source of royalties that has naturally diminished with changing consumer behavior."

Jose Mari Chan made the remarks while reflecting on how the music industry has transformed throughout his decades-long career. From an era dominated by vinyl records, cassette tapes, and compact discs to today's digital-first landscape.

Known for timeless classics such as Beautiful Girl, Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile, and the beloved Christmas anthem Christmas in Our Hearts, Jose Mari remains one of the country's most celebrated recording artists, with his music continuing to resonate with generations of listeners across both traditional and digital platforms.

The clarification aims to address any misunderstanding surrounding his comments and underscores the distinction between royalties derived from physical album sales and those generated through today's broader music ecosystem.

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Alexa Ilacad, Gelo Rivera, and Baby Dolls Bring Joy in iWant's and DITO's 'Libreng Manood Dito' Campaign on 'It's Showtime'

iWant, the home of Filipino feels, recently celebrated its partnership with DITO Telecommunity through the "Libreng Manood DITO" campaign, which enables DITO prepaid subscribers to stream iWant shows for free on the DITO app, on "It's Showtime"—featuring standout performances from Alexa Ilacad, Gelo Rivera, and Baby Dolls.

The lead stars of iWant's hit vertical rom-com "The Chambermaid's Daughter," Alexa and Gelo, serenaded with a sweet duet performance in front of the Madlang Pipol. Meanwhile, the viral girl group Baby Dolls performed their newest #iWantDITODance Challenge jingle for the "Libreng Manood DITO" campaign, to the tune of their trending single "Clap Clap Clap Alright!"

Through the partnership, DITO prepaid subscribers can watch iWant for free via the DITO app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store). They can click on the DITO Plus icon and select the iWant icon to enjoy 1GB of daily streaming of ABS-CBN shows, Pinoy movies, and iWant exclusives (good for up to two hours of free streaming daily). Non-DITO users may avail of DITO prepaid SIM cards and download the DITO app.

DITO users can watch ABS-CBN's hit programs "It's Showtime," "TV Patrol," and teleseryes "Coco Martin's Sigabo," "Blood vs Duty," "The Alibi: Ang Huling Katotohanan," and its collaborative series with GMA "Secrets of Hotel 88."

Fans of BINI can also watch their specials for free on iWant via the DITO app, including "BINI Docuseries," "BINI World Tour Series," "BINI Walo Hanggang Disyerto," and their reality songwriting competition "BINIverse and Chorus."

Also available for free streaming are iWant originals released until 2025, including "Ghosting," "AFAM Wives Club," "Love at First Spike," "Benta Nights," and "He's Into Her," to name a few; plus, box-office flicks "The Hows of Us," "Hello, Love, Goodbye," "One More Chance," and "Four Sisters and a Wedding."

Stay updated by following iWant on Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

For other updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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GMA Network Inc. Partners with Viva Music Group in Historic Partnership to Redefine the Future of OPM

Media powerhouse GMA Network Inc., through GMV Studios, has signed a 50-50 joint venture agreement with Viva Music Group for music-related businesses, including music production, recording, marketing, promotion and distribution, artist management, and music publishing.

Marking a bold new chapter in GMA Network's strategic expansion in the entertainment industry, this landmark business venture builds on the successful collaboration between GMA Network Inc. and Viva Communications Inc. in recent years. Through this venture, GMA Network brings its multi-platform programs, nationwide broadcast reach, and pool of successful and promising talents to the table—complemented by Viva Music Group's diverse catalogue, network of chart-topping artists, and production expertise.

The contract signing brought together GMA Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle GMA Artist Center's First Vice President Joy Marcelo, and Sparkle Talent Management Assistant Vice President Tracy Garcia, alongside Viva Group of Companies Chairman of the Board and CEO Vicente "Boss Vic" del Rosario Jr., Vicor Music President and COO Antonio M. Ocampo, and Viva Records Corporation President Verb del Rosario.

Through GMA Music, GMA Network's music arm, this collaboration with Viva Music Group underscores GMA Network's commitment to celebrating the world-class artistry of Filipino musicians. By spearheading expanded opportunities for local artists, GMA Network reaffirms its role as a champion of the Philippine music industry.

Also present during the signing were Viva Communications Inc. President Vincent del Rosario and Studio Viva President and COO Valerie del Rosario. In a show of support for GMA Network's creative venture, Sparkle Consultant Lawrence Tan and Sparkle artists Ysabel Ortega, Jeff Moses, Anthony Rosaldo, Princess Aliyah, Vianna Ricafranca, and Sparkle's P-pop group Dollipop were also in attendance.

With a shared commitment to promoting cultural pride through music, GMA Network's historic alliance with Viva Communications Inc. positions the Philippines as a competitive force in the global music landscape, creating new avenues for music discovery and consumption among diverse audiences.

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