Century Tuna Superbods 2026 Top 40 Finalists Revealed

Celebrating its 20th year, Century Tuna Superbods enters a new era that reflects two decades of inspiring healthier Filipinos. The country’s premier fitness competition is officially back, but if you think you know what to expect from Superbods, prepare to be surprised once again. During the highly anticipated Final Callback, a powerful truth became undeniable: Superbods has officially evolved, and the exciting new Superbod Era has arrived.

Out of hundreds of hopeful applicants from all over the country, the chosen semi-finalists stepped into the spotlight to completely redefine modern fitness. This year, the brand is signaling a profound shift: there is so much more to the bodies seen on stage. The entire Callback event served as a powerful revelation of a more holistic Superbod. Audiences and judges alike were treated to a compelling showcase that went far beneath the surface - unpacking more of the real, raw personal transformations, unshakeable resilience, and a diverse range of life experiences that left everyone in awe as hosts 2018 Century Tuna Superbod Grand Winner Maureen Montagne and radio DJ KC Montero highlighted the candidates' unique presences both on-stage and off-stage.

In this new Superbod Era, healthy bodies are celebrated not just as an end goal, but as the visible reflection of one’s mental strength, lifestyle discipline, and dedication to a purposeful life built on wellness and identity.

At the heart of this historic evolution is Century Tuna’s unwavering commitment to championing and continuously inspiring Filipinos to become the best versions of themselves. Reflecting this vision of true inclusivity, the competition has opened its doors wider than ever, welcoming individuals of all body types and walks of life. This new era was vividly brought to life during the Callback by hopefuls whose journeys reflect the changing face of fitness in the Philippines.

The stage saw multiple returning contenders on their second, third, and even fourth attempts to finally claim the title, proving that true dedication never quits. The runway came alive with Supermoms from all backgrounds - including corporate professionals, former models restarting their careers, and mothers bravely finding themselves again through wellness - alongside handson Superdads redefining modern parenting.

Even families took on the fitness journey together, showcasing unconventional parent-child dynamics where generations deeply influence each other's health; this included a father-daughter duo and an inspiring family composed of a mother competing alongside her two sons. This incredible mix was further amplified by established celebrities and models who refuse to give up on chasing their ultimate Superbod dreams, as well as real-life fitness coaches who leave their gym floors to inspire a much grander audience. Together with trailblazing challengers shattering barriers of all kinds on the fitness stage - such as transgender men joining the competition for the first time and a powerful wave of "ageless" contenders proving that vitality has no expiration date - this historic batch proves that the Superbod life truly belongs to everyone.

"Every edition, the Superbods competition evolves, but our core mission remains unchanged—to inspire Filipinos to unlock the healthiest, most vibrant versions of themselves," said Mr. Carlo Endaya, Vice President, General Manager, and Group Business Head of Century Pacific Food Inc. "As we stepped into the 'Superbod Era,' we celebrate health as a powerful life stage where passion, dedication, and holistic wellness came together. The incredible energy and stories we witnessed at the Callback prove that the modern Filipino is ready to claim their own healthy era, and we are excited to see our new finalists inspire the nation."

The esteemed panel of judges - which included executives from Century Pacific Food Inc., actress and fitness advocate Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Century Tuna Superbods 2018 and 2022 Grand Winners Jules Aquino and Christelle Abello - evaluated the contenders. The hopefuls were put to the test through a high-energy walk-off and a crucial question-and-answer segment, showcasing their unique physiques, natural charisma, commanding stage presence, and deep advocacy for fitness and holistic wellness.

The inspiring Callback event culminated in the official announcement of the finalists who will move forward to the grand finale:

Top 20 Male Finalists: 

Aaron Maniego

Ameer Ahid

Herschel Verne Sanchez

MJ Ordillano

Arvin Corpuz

Jay Gonzaga

Austin Dizon Cabatana

Nunoy van den Burgh

Jaco Benin

Paul John Galang

Christopher lan El Jouni

Joselito Florendo

Prince De Guzman

Rafael Cruz Tan

Ken Batino

Dominic Camozzi

Kim Panique

RC Kashyap

Ricardo De Jesus

Lorenzo Isip

Top 20 Female Finalists: 

Alana Maris Montemayor

Janica Reloxe

Maan Marquez

Aleiah Torres

Jarly Verceles

Jasmine Rovelle Paguio

Anna Valencia Lakrini

Ashley Cayuca

Chucel Njigha

Ronalyn Lalimo

Jilliane Robillos

Rovin Mizuse

Diane Querrer

Donnabelle Erno

Kristen Bea H. Chua

Thalia Joaquin

Vienne Luna

Gee Canlas

Lou Yanong

Gia Gonzales

What began as a premier fitness challenge has evolved into a powerful cultural movement. By redefining healthy living and elevating everyday heroes, Century Tuna Superbods continues to break boundaries and inspire a nation toward wellness, self-love, and active lifestyles. The countdown to the finals is on - witness the new era unfold.

For more information on the upcoming Superbods competition, visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or watch out for updates on Century Tuna’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna.

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Jollibee Upgrades Iconic Jolly Spaghetti with More Signature Sweet-Sarap Sauce

Jollibee, the Philippines’ number one fast food chain, has made one of its most iconic menu favorites even better with the launch of the new and improved Jolly Spaghetti, now made with more of its signature sweet-sarap (deliciously sweet) sauce while remaining affordably priced at just P72.

The improvement comes as Jollibee continues to refine its best-loved products based on what customers enjoy most about the brand's signature Filipino-style spaghetti.

"For many Filipinos, Jolly Spaghetti isn't just another pasta dish. It's comfort food that has become part of family traditions and childhood memories," said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "We wanted to make that experience even better by giving customers more of the sauce they love most. We hope families enjoy it even more every time they share a meal together."

The launch is supported by a video featuring the Arellano family with the campaign line "More sauce na, more sweet-sarap saya," (Now with more sauce for more sweet, delicious enjoyment) celebrating the role of Jolly Spaghetti in creating joyful moments around the table.

The new Jolly Spaghetti with more sauce is available in Jollibee stores nationwide for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery. Aside from the Jolly Spaghetti Solo, customers can also enjoy it as a Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan, in meals such as Jolly Spaghetti with Drink, Jolly Spaghetti with Fries & Drink, Jolly Spaghetti with Yumburger & Drink, and Jolly Spaghetti with 1-pc. Burger Steak & Drink, as well as in Family Super Meals.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

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Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026 Fills the Big Dome in Celebration of OPM Across Generations

Puregold’ s OPM Con Generations 2026, spurred by a high-spirited full-house crowd at the Big Dome, recently delivered Original Pilipino Music’ s biggest and boldest celebration yet with a lineup featuring some of the country’ s most sensational names in music.

Held on July 11 at the Araneta Coliseum, OPM Con knocked it out of the park once more with a remarkable gathering of OPM talent -  a feat made possible only by Puregold.

The concert capped weeks of anticipation after tickets were sold out in just two days. Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026 presented a pool of established OPM icons comprising the country’s most influential music acts and a roster of emerging artists in one event. With thousands of fans filling up the cavernous venue, the evening became a tribute to the artists, songs, and communities that have shaped OPM across generations.

“The Big Dome has long been a home to some of OPM’ s most iconic acts and unforgettable performances, and seeing it come alive once again for Filipino music is something Puregold will always be proud of,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold Price Club Inc. “OPM has the power to bring generations together. Puregold is deeply grateful to the artists, fans, communities, partners, and everyone who helped turn this vision into a true historical moment for OPM.”

Headlined by SB19, Ben&Ben, Alamat, Flow G, Skusta Clee, SunKissed Lola, G22, KAIA, and XONARA, OPM Con showcased the breadth of modern Original Pilipino Music. The performers represented a wide spectrum of genres and styles, from P-pop, folk-pop, and alternative music to hip-hop and contemporary pop, highlighting the richness of today’ s music scene.

The sense of community that has become synonymous with OPM Con was evident throughout the evening. Families, friends, and fandoms came together under one roof, united by a shared appreciation for Filipino music regardless of genre or generation. Their enthusiasm carried through every performance, with deafening cheers, sing-alongs, and thunderous applause, creating an atmosphere that never let up from the opening number to the final encore.

Beyond the performances themselves, the landmark event attested to the increasing enthusiasm in Filipino music and the people who champion it. The overwhelming turnout of the audience underscored the extraordinary response to this year's OPM Con while serving as a powerful reminder of OPM's deep-rooted place in Pinoy culture and the passionate audiences that proudly embrace it.

With three successful editions to its name, Puregold OPM Con continues to grow alongside the Filipino music industry it proudly supports. Over the years, it has become one of the country’ s leading platforms uniting artists, fans, and music lovers through a shared love for OPM. As Filipino music evolves, Puregold remains committed to creating experiences that keep that connection alive.

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HONOR and Google Gemini Bring Next-Generation AI to More Filipinos with the New HONOR 600 Series

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR officially introduced the HONOR 600 Series, marking another milestone in its commitment to making premium AI experiences more accessible to consumers. Through its deeper collaboration with Google Gemini, the HONOR 600 Series delivers an intelligent, intuitive, and highly personalized smartphone experience - bringing powerful AI capabilities, flagship photography, and industry-leading performance together in one device.

Designed for today's creators, professionals, and digital-first users, the HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro seamlessly integrate Google's latest AI innovations with HONOR's own AI technologies, creating an ecosystem where creativity, productivity, and everyday convenience work together effortlessly.

HONOR AI x Google AI Pro: Smarter AI That Works for You

At the heart of the HONOR 600 Series is Google Gemini, Google's next-generation AI assistant that helps users accomplish more through natural conversations using text, voice, or images.

Whether planning a trip, summarizing information, generating creative ideas, writing emails, answering complex questions, or managing everyday tasks, Gemini provides contextual assistance wherever users are - making the HONOR 600 Series a truly intelligent everyday companion.

Further elevating the AI experience, every HONOR 600 Series purchase includes a three-month Google AI Pro trial, giving users premium access to Google's latest generative AI innovations, including:

• Gemini Advanced for more capable AI assistance
• Veo 3.1 for AI-powered video generation
• Nano Banana Pro for advanced AI image creation
• Flow, Google's AI filmmaking tool
• NotebookLM, the AI-powered research and learning assistant
• 5TB of cloud storage across Google services

The partnership between HONOR and Google reinforces both companies' shared vision of making cutting-edge AI more practical, intuitive, and accessible for everyone.

Create Beyond Imagination with AI Image to Video 2.0

Complementing Google Gemini is HONOR's latest AI innovation—AI Image to Video 2.0—bringing next-generation content creation directly to users' fingertips.

Powered by the industry's first unified multimodal video generation model, users can transform up to three still photos into cinematic 3–8 second videos using simple text prompts. They can define opening and ending scenes, apply cinematic templates, and generate high-quality videos with just a few taps.

The dedicated AI Button provides instant access to creative tools directly from the Gallery, while the AI Photos Agent enables natural-language editing—simply describe the changes you want, and AI does the rest. Features such as Moving Photo Eraser and Moving Photo Breakout Collage further expand creative possibilities with immersive, dynamic visual storytelling.

The growing popularity of HONOR's AI imaging ecosystem is evident, with previous generations already producing over 13.4 million seconds of AI-generated video content worldwide.

Flagship Night Photography That Raises the Bar

The HONOR 600 Series continues HONOR’s leadership in AI photography with its flagship-level 200MP Ultra-Clear Night Camera, powered by the next generation HONOR AiMAGE intelligent imaging architecture.

Featuring the largest sensor in its segment, the camera captures brighter, sharper, and more detailed images even under challenging lighting conditions. The system is enhanced by E2E AI Remosaic technology, delivering improved light sensitivity and exceptional clarity.

The HONOR 600 Pro further expands creative possibilities with a 50MP 3.5X Periscope Telephoto Camera supporting up to 120x AI Super Zoom, while HONOR's proprietary stabilization system delivers industry-leading stability for both photography and video.

Additional AI imaging innovations include:

• AI Enhanced Night Photography
• AI Enhanced Night Portrait
• AI Super Zoom 2.0
• SuperMoon 2.0 (HONOR 600 Pro)
• AI Cloud Enhancement
• AI Color Engine for true-to-life color reproduction

Together, these technologies allow users to capture professional-quality images in virtually any environment. 

Power That Lasts Longer

Despite its slim and elegant profile, the HONOR 600 Series houses the largest battery ever featured in the Number Series - a 7,000mAh Silicon-Carbon Battery designed for genuine two-day battery life.

Powered by HONOR's AI Battery Scheduling Engine, the device intelligently optimizes energy consumption for communication, gaming, productivity, and entertainment while maintaining excellent performance even under extreme temperatures.

Charging is equally impressive, featuring:

• 80W HONOR SuperCharge
• 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge (HONOR 600 Pro)
• 27W Reverse Wired Charging

The battery is also engineered for long-term durability, maintaining excellent health even after 1,600 charging cycles.

Built for Everyday Confidence

The HONOR 600 Series combines premium aesthetics with exceptional durability.

Its refined unibody design features a satin-finish metal frame, ultra-slim bezels, and elegant finishes available in Orange, Golden White, and Black.

Engineered for everyday reliability, the device also boasts:

• IP68 Water Resistance
• IP69 Water Resistance
• IP69K Protection
• SGS 5-Star Premium Drop & Crush Certification

Whether at work, traveling, or creating content outdoors, users can confidently rely on the HONOR 600 Series wherever life takes them.

Flagship Performance Meets Cross-Platform Connectivity

Powering the HONOR 600 is the latest Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, while the HONOR 600 Pro is equipped with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, delivering exceptional gaming, multitasking, and AI performance.

HONOR also continues to break ecosystem barriers through enhanced OneHop, enabling smoother connectivity with Apple devices. Users can seamlessly transfer files between HONOR smartphones, iPhones, and Macs, sync notifications, share hotspots, and even access HONOR Notes directly on Mac—creating a more connected multi-device experience.

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR 600 Series sees HONOR 600 5G priced at Php 28,999 for 8GB+256GB, Php 32,999 for 12GB+256, Php 37,999 for 12GB+512GB – and HONOR 600 5G Pro with 12GB+512GB for Php 49,999!

Run to any HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_H600_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9d_Media) or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_H600_PR).

For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

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Converge Super FiberX Xponential Tour Lights Up Naga with KZ Tandingan

Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the fastest-growing broadband service and technology provider in the Philippines, brought energy and excitement to Naga City as the Converge Super FiberX Xponential Tour made its tour stop at Plaza Rizal.

Today, the internet has become an essential part of everyday life, opening new opportunities for people to work, learn, create, build businesses, enjoy entertainment, and stay connected with family and friends. As digital technology becomes increasingly woven into everyday life, Converge continues to create experiences that celebrate not only technology, but also the people whose passions, talents, and aspirations thrive through meaningful connections.

More than a concert, the Xponential Tour gives local artists and creators the opportunity to share the stage with established performers. It celebrates individuals who are making a positive impact in their communities and highlights how connection can create opportunities and bring people together.

Leading the celebration was singer-songwriter KZ Tandingan, whose journey from Davao to becoming one of the country's most respected artists embodies the spirit of Xponential. Her story shows how talent, perseverance, and the right support can help people reach their full potential.

"To me, being Xponential means constantly growing, pushing your limits, and inspiring others along the way. It's about making the most of every opportunity and becoming the best version of yourself," said KZ.

As more households, businesses, and creators across the Bicol Region embrace digital opportunities, Converge continues to deliver reliable connectivity that helps communities stay connected and unlock new possibilities

"Bicol is full of Xponentials. Through this platform, we want to celebrate local talent and create experiences that bring communities together. It's one way we support and empower the communities we serve," said Ms Orange Ramirez, VP and Brand & Marketing Head of Converge ICT Solutions.

Leveraging our position as the architect of the nation’s first end-to-end pure fiber infrastructure, Converge continues to deliver fast, reliable, and consistent connectivity through Converge Super FiberX, its flagship fiber broadband service. Designed to meet the demands of today's connected households, Super FiberX supports multiple devices and users simultaneously, making it ideal for remote work, online learning, streaming, gaming, content creation, running online businesses, and staying in touch with loved ones. With dependable high-speed internet, Filipino families can stay productive, pursue their passions, and enjoy seamless digital experiences at home.

The Xponential Tour illustrates Converge's belief that strong connections go beyond technology. By bringing together communities, creators, and inspiring personalities, the platform showcases how connectivity can help people pursue their passions, share their talents, and create a greater impact.

Stay tuned for the next stop of the Xponential Tour and future Converge events. For more information, visit www.convergeict.com or follow the company's official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ConvergeICT.

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JMFYANG, KAIREN, GELEX, and FRANSETH Serve Sweet Surprises on “ASAP XP”

Kapamilya love teams JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, Kai Montinola and Jarren Garcia, Gelo Rivera and Alexa Ilacad, and Francine Diaz and Seth Fedalin back-to-back with ASAP OPM icons Zsa Zsa Padilla, Alexa, Kai, Esang De Torres, Carmelle Collado, and Elha Nympha headline “ASAP XP” in Victorias City, Negros Occidental this Sunday (July 5), 5:30 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live,iWant, and TFC.

Feel the excitement as Kapamilya love teams JM and Fyang, Kai and Jarren, Gelo and Alexa, and Francine and Seth delivers a sweet performance.

Witness the powerhouse vocals of the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa, alongside new-gen divas Alexa, Kai, Esang, Carmelle, and Elha.

Experience the best of OPM in a spectacular opening number from Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa, Erik Santos, Angeline Quinto, Darren, Alexa, Mikki Claver, Jason Dy, Marko Rudio, Kai, Esang, Elha, Jona, Carmelle, Lani Misalucha, Klarisse De Guzman, with G-Force.

Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking solo performance from Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez.

Keeping the energy high is a dance break from Gelo, Nate Porcalla, Mikki, Jane De Leon, AC Bonifacio, Kolette Madelo, Bianca De Vera, Jeremy Glinoga, Jameson Blake, Brent Manalo, Ralph De Leon, and River Joseph.

Adding to the excitement is a talent-filled champions' showdown from Erik, Angeline, Melissa Dueñas, Jona, Claudia Louisse Eliver, Jason, Emmanuel Pescador, Klarisse, Hannah Grace Espadon, and Rolly Beloria.

Serving as the hosts this weekend are Martin, Ogie, Alexa, Francine, and Seth.

Catch the country’s award-winning musical variety show, “ASAP XP,” every Sunday at 5:30 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube, iWant, TFC, and a delayed telecast on Jeepney TV at 10:00 PM.

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

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Come Dine With Me: Celebrity Philippines Premieres on July 23 Exclusively on HBO Max

New original reality series Come Dine With Me: Celebrity Philippines will premiere on July 23, exclusively on HBO Max, with four new episodes dropping every subsequent Thursday.

Expect the unexpected, gorgeous styling and plenty of drama on Come Dine With Me: Celebrity Philippines and follow select local celebrities in the Philippines as they take turns to host the ultimate dinner party, across 20 episodes.

Starring Ogie Alcasid, KaladKaren, Maymay Entrata, Marina Summers, Martin Nievera and more, the series is produced by ABS-CBN Studios and is adapted from ITV Studios' global hit, Come Dine With Me.

Stream Come Dine With Me: Celebrity Philippines on HBO Max from July 23.

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Smart Expands Home WiFi Postpaid to 100+ Stores, Offers 50% Off for New Subscribers

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is bringing fast and reliable home internet closer to more Filipinos as it expands the availability of Smart Home WiFi Postpaid to over 100 Smart Stores nationwide, making it easier for customers to get connected without the need for fiber lines or complex installations.

The Smart Home WiFi fixed wireless access postpaid service is now available in Smart Stores across North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR), Visayas, and Mindanao. This expansion caters to over 1.3 million households in 3,200 barangays nationwide, enabling customers to conveniently check their coverage, apply for a plan, and take home a plug-and-play internet device on the same day.

"We want to be more than just a service provider; we aim to be a dependable partner in our subscribers' journey toward their goals," says Marjorie Garrovillo, First Vice President and Co-OIC at Smart. "By expanding to more communities, we are enabling more Filipinos to seamlessly connect and focus on what matters most—whether that’s staying close to family, excelling in school, or starting a new passion project."

This expanded in-store availability underscores Smart’s commitment to making next-generation connectivity more inclusive, accessible, and convenient for Filipinos nationwide.

Plans designed to power your aspirations

Designed for young urban families, work-from-home professionals, and students, Smart Home WiFi Postpaid offers two plans tailored to different household usage needs.

Home Plan 1499 comes with Unlimited 5G data and a FREE plug-and-play modem that supports seamless connections for multiple devices.

On the other hand, Home Plan 999 features 200GB of 5G data, a daily 2GB bonus, and a convenient data rollover feature that lets subscribers carry over unused data from their main allocation. This plan requires a one-time modem fee of ₱995.

Both plans include a 24-month lock-in period and grant access to Smart Perks and GigaPoints rewards, adding even more value to the subscription. For added flexibility, subscribers can also conveniently boost their data through the Smart Online Store or Smart App with add-on packages tailored to their specific needs.

To ensure a worry-free experience, customers can easily confirm coverage by checking for a 5G indicator on their Smart mobile phone and by entering their barangay on the Smart Home WiFi Postpaid website 5G checker.

Every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to return their device if 5G signal is not available at their address.

Limited-time offer

To make the offer even more compelling, Smart is rolling out a limited-time promo that gives new subscribers even more value in their first months of service.

From now until August 31, 2026, new Smart Home WiFi Postpaid subscribers and existing Home Plan 999 subscribers upgrading to Home Plan 1499 - can enjoy 50% off their monthly service fees for the first four months.

Under this promo, Home Plan 999 subscribers will pay only P499.50 per month for the first four months, while Home Plan 1499 subscribers will pay only P749.50 during the same period, before reverting to the regular monthly rates for the remainder of the 24-month contract.

With this offer, customers can experience fast, reliable, and affordable 5G connectivity as they transition to a smarter home setup.

Sign up for a Smart Home WiFi Postpaid Plan now by visiting the nearest Smart Store. For more updates, visit smart.com.ph/homewifipostpaid and follow Smart on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

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Sparkle World Tour Returns Bigger Than Ever, Bringing Filipino Talent to Canada and Australia in 2026

Sparkle GMA Artist Center is once again taking Filipino entertainment to the global stage.

Sparkle World Tour returns this 2026 with an even bigger lineup, bringing world-class performances to Filipino communities in Canada and Australia. Building on the overwhelming reception of the previous tours, Sparkle continues its commitment to connecting with Kapuso fans and Filipinos abroad through live entertainment that celebrates Filipino artistry, music, and culture.

The 2026 tour kicks off in Toronto, Canada, where Sparkle artists will headline Taste of Manila on August 15-16 at Wilson Ave. & Bathurst St. 

Audiences can look forward to performances from Miguel Tanfelix, Jillian Ward, Shuvee Etrata, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Jessica Villarubin, and Beki Velo, promising two days of music, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment.

The celebration continues in Calgary as Sparkle joins Fiesta Filipino 2026 from September 4-7 at Eau Claire Plaza. Featured performers Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, and Shuvee Etrata will bring their signature talents to one of Canada's biggest Filipino cultural festivals, further strengthening the ties between the Philippines and the Filipino-Canadian community.

Sparkle World Tour closes in Australia this November with comedy icon Ai-Ai delas Alas taking center stage for her much-awaited "Tanging Ina Mo Tour." The tour will visit Sydney (November 20), Canberra (November 21), Brisbane (November 27), and Melbourne (November 28), bringing Ai-Ai's trademark humor and energy to Filipino audiences Down Under.

After proving that Filipino talent knows no borders, Sparkle World Tour 2026 is set to create even more lasting memories, bringing the warmth, joy, and spirit of home to our global Pinoys wherever they may be.

The Sparkle World Tour is one of Sparkle’s biggest international projects, aimed at bringing homegrown entertainment to overseas Filipinos while strengthening cultural pride across the globe. The tour is presented by Sparkle GMA Artist Center in partnership with Taste of Manila, Fiesta Filipino, StarShine Entertainment Production, and GMA Pinoy TV.

For updates about Sparkle World Tour 2026, visit GMANetwork.com and follow the official social media accounts of Sparkle.

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Bonjour Bakery Wraps Successful Finale as One of Rakuten Viki’s Top-Viewed Titles in SEA

Rakuten Viki, the global streaming destination for Asian entertainment, announced that Bonjour Bakery has concluded its 8-episode run as the platform's top-performing Korean variety series across Southeast Asia.

The series debuted at No. 1 on Rakuten Viki's weekly rankings in Southeast Asia following its premiere and maintained its momentum through the finale. Bonjour Bakery held the No. 1 position in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia for five consecutive weeks and remained in the Top 3 throughout its run.

The performance marks a milestone for the Southeast Asia-exclusive series, which brought together four prominent Korean actors in an unconventional bakery setting. Veteran actress Kim Hee-ae, known for her performances in The World of the Married and Moonlit Winter, led the front-of-house team alongside Kim Seon-ho, whose roles in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Start- Up earned him a large following across Asia. In the kitchen, actor Cha Seung-won served as head pâtissier, with actor Lee Ki-taek joining as his assistant.

Set in a rural bakery café, the series centers on a "Yes Senior Zone" concept that welcomes guests aged 65 and older for conversations over French-inspired desserts and coffee.

Described by its producers as Korea's first "Senior Dessert Café," Bonjour Bakery departed from competition-focused variety formats, placing the stories, memories and life experiences of its guests at the center of each episode.

At the series' press conference, Lee Ki-taek reflected on the experience, saying, "The final scene especially stays with me. It moved me so deeply that I couldn't stop crying. My view of the people around me has become warmer and broader."

Series writer Kim Ran-ju reflected on the show's message, saying, "If this show makes viewers want to take their parents out for something delicious, that alone means we've achieved our goal." Kim’s sentiment underscores the series' emphasis on family relationships and shared experiences.

Audience reception further underscored the series' popularity, with Bonjour Bakery earning a 9.8/10 rating from 739 reviews on Viki, making it one of the platform's highest-rated variety series. Viewer feedback frequently highlights the program's "healing" and "heartwarming" qualities, praising its focus on meaningful interactions with senior citizens, celebration of community, and the cast's sincere dedication to serving elderly guests. The strong audience response suggests Bonjour Bakery resonates not only as an entertainment program, but also as a reflection on family, community, and intergenerational connection.

While Korean variety programming spans a wide range of formats, Bonjour Bakery distinguishes itself through its slower-paced, conversation-driven approach. The series joins Rakuten Viki's growing slate of Korean variety content, which includes titles such as Heart Signal 5 and Kumusta, reflecting the platform's continued expansion beyond scripted drama programming.

All 8 episodes of Bonjour Bakery are now available to stream on Rakuten Viki in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

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