From Miss Universe to International Author, Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey Launches “Queen of the Universe" Novel

Actress-beauty queen-advocate Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey officially launched her book “Queen of the Universe" at the Manila International Book Fair held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The novel is drawn from the Miss Universe 2015’s real-life experiences as a beauty queen and beyond, set against the rich backdrop of Manila's glittering urban life. It centers on a fictional character named Cleo who has to face unexpected twists and turns and endure challenges to her identity and integrity amidst the dizzying world of beauty pageants.

“Cleo is loosely based on my life story but as you go through the chapters you will see that she goes through her own journey so it’s not me. Medyo magkaiba kami ng path na pupuntahan. I’ll leave that up to you guys to discover when you read the book,” Pia said.

"Queen of the Universe" is one of a handful of books by a Filipino author to launch internationally. Aside from the Philippines, the book is now in Singapore and will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, UAE, and the UK later this year. Its e-book version will be available worldwide starting November 7.

“Queen of the Universe” is published by Tuttle Publishing, one of the oldest American publishers in operation and the world’s largest publisher of books about Asia.

For this project, Pia is represented by her literary agent ABS-CBN Books, best known as the publisher of titles from bestselling authors such as Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Charo Santos-Concio, Vice Ganda, Alex Gonzaga, and Binibining Mia. “Queen of the Universe” is ABS-CBN Books’ first international deal.

Grab a copy of the “Queen of the Universe” at National Bookstore and Fully Booked branches in the Philippines and at Kinokuniya and Times Bookstores in Singapore. US-based readers may already pre-order a copy on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

For more details, like ABS-CBN Books on Facebook at www.facebook.com/abscbnbooks and follow it on Instagram @abscbnbooks.

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Korean BL Series “Semantic Error,” “Our Dating Sim,” and “Love Mate” To Stream for Free on iWANTTFC

Three of South Korea’s hit boys’ love (BL) series are making their way to iWantTFC where viewers in the Philippines and select countries can stream “Semantic Error,” “Our Dating Sim,” and “Love Mate” for free.

Campus-youth romance “Semantic Error” will be available on the streaming platform in its Filipino-dubbed version beginning September 27 (Wednesday), with a new episode dropping every Wednesday.

The eight-episode series revolves around Chu Sang Woo (Park Jae-chan), a serious law-abiding computer science student and Jang Jae Young (Park Seo-ham), the senior campus heartthrob who has it all. The two are tasked to work together on a final presentation to earn their college degree, but Chu Sang Woo is left to accomplish it all on his own and thus decides to remove the name of Jang Jae Young and his freeloader friends, putting Jang Jae Young’s dream to study abroad in great jeopardy.

What happens when two polar opposites are forced to work together? Will Chu Sang Woo be able to debug Jang Jae Young when a strange attraction develops between them?

Viewers can also look forward to an overload of ‘kilig’ in the Tagalized versions of workplace romance BL series that are streaming soon on iWantTFC. Catch “Our Dating Sim,” where Lee Jong-hyuk and Lee Seung-gyu star as school friends that reunite years later for work, and “Love Mate” where Cho Han Gyeol and Cho Hyun Min star in a series about a new hire that instantly falls in love with his boss.

Stream “Semantic Error” for free this September 27 in the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia on the iWantTFC app (iOS and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com). The series is also available to standard and premium subscribers worldwide. In other select countries, watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU, and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia), and VIDAA. Visit https://bit.ly/iWantTFC_TVDevices for a complete list of compatible devices, sign-in instructions, and account activation.

For updates, follow www.facebook.com/iWantTFC and @iwanttfc on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC. For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send an e-mail to support@iwanttfc.com.

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Look: Thousands of Cebuanos Flock to See Kathryn Bernardo, Dolly De Leon, and Cast of “A Very Good Girl”

Thousands of Cebuano fans showed their love for the stars of “A Very Good Girl,” led by Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly De Leon, last Sunday (September 17), ahead of the movie’s premiere in SM Megamall on September 26 and release in Philippine cinemas on September 27.

Asia’s Superstar Kathryn wowed the energetic crowd with her performances of “Levitating,” “Made You Look,” “About Damn Time,” and “Shut Up and Dance,” while Chie Filomeno and Jake Ejercito also gave entertaining song and dance numbers.

The cast also led the advance ticket sales for “A Very Good Girl” in the SM City Seaside Cebu cinemas.

Meanwhile, it was announced that “A Very Good Girl” will have its US premiere, with the stars in attendance, on October 6. The film will also be screened in Canada and Guam.

“A Very Good Girl” follows the story of Philomena Angeles (Kathryn) who seeks to destroy fellow socialite and business tycoon Mother Molly Suzara (Dolly) and penetrates her way into the latter’s glamorous yet shady secret life.

Kathryn and Dolly are joined in the film by Chie Filomeno, Jake Ejercito, Gillian Vicencio, Kaori Oinuma, Ana Abad Santos, Nour Hooshmand, Donna Cariaga, Althea Ruedas, Nathania Guerrero, and Angel Aquino.

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DonBelle Teases Fans with Tweeted Posts of New Campaign

Over the weekend, netizens went abuzz on social media after seeing the Tweets of ‘new generation phenomenal love team’ Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano.

Donny tweeted a photo of an unidentified female on X with this caption: "I value this the most." The next day, Belle posted, "Sulitin natin 'to," with a photo of a guy fans believe to be Donny. Both posts ended with a green heart emoji.

<3 br=""><3 bellemariano02="" br="" https:="" status="" twitter.com=""> Donny Pangilinan Tweet: “I value this the most”

<3 br="">

https://twitter.com/donnypangilinan/status/1703045452445438225

Belle Mariano Tweet: “Sulitin natin ‘to”

https://twitter.com/bellemariano02/status/1703264429721481239

<3 bellemariano02="" br="" https:="" status="" twitter.com="">

The reception was instantly overwhelming and positive as #DonBelleSulitComeback trended on the "X" platform, with fans eagerly speculating on whether this was a teaser for an upcoming project with mobile services provider, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). X platform users felt very much “kilig” over the captions and shared photos:

Netizen 1 Tweet: “… wala na talo nanaman ako”

https://twitter.com/stellairedb/status/1703060688137294000

Netizen 2 Tweet: “Grabe namang titig yan Donato buti di natunaw si Tink…”

https://twitter.com/DbJhen2/status/1703213697030926598

Netizen 3 Tweet: “hindi lang ‘i value this the most’ but ‘i VALUE this the most’ omg what is this behavior mr. donny pangilinan?????”

https://twitter.com/belindoll/status/1703057938942955721

It can be recalled that, 'DonBelle' fans were treated to an abundance of kilig when Smart Prepaid unveiled a swoon worthy campaign featuring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, making Valentine's Day come early for their dedicated fanbase.

What could these posts mean? Join the conversation online using the hashtag #DonBelleSulitComeback and make sure to follow Smart on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on any announcement.

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A Content Studio for Less Than P15K: Here’s How to Create Your Own Story with INFINIX ZERO 30 5G

The social media age has created a generation that’s able to create all kinds of content on the go. Smartphones today have become portable all-in-one studios where they can curate and edit videos and photos for their feeds. Aspiring creators can achieve this with the new Infinix ZERO 30 5G.

Here’s how they can fully maximize this vlogging phone’s capabilities:

Shoot with ease

True to its tagline “Create Your Own Story,” the Infinix ZERO 30 5G’s main feature is an impressive 4K 60fps Ultra Clear Front Vlog Camera that can film high-quality cinematic videos and snap HD selfies to showcase memorable moments with ease.

The smartphone also has a Triple Rear Camera system with a 108MP OIS Ultra-Clear Camera to give users different angles and perspectives. To add more depth to their shots, they can utilize the 21:9 Filter and Movie Filter.

An editor you can take anywhere

Whether one is checking out a new spot nearby or traveling overseas, Infinix ZERO 30 5G allows users to preserve their memories with a creative vlog or photo slideshow. Powered by the 5G Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor with up to 21GB Massive Extended RAM, users can seamlessly edit their clips without any trouble. Plus, its spacious 3D Curved AMOLED Display with Eye-care Mode lets them see every detail in full clarity without straining their eyes.

With its 5000mAh Long Lasting Battery with 68W Super Charge, this vlogging phone can last for hours to ensure that it’s always on, so users won’t miss anything exciting from their adventures.

Best value for content creation

Aspiring creators don’t always need expensive equipment to capture their own story. Sometimes all it takes is a reliable vlogging phone. The Infinix ZERO 30 5G is said to retail for under P15K, the best value for creators looking for an on-the-go content studio.

Infinix will officially reveal the local retail price of the ZERO 30 5G on September 26, 2023. Infinix fans can avail of discounts and freebies on its first day of selling via official Infinix online and offline stores.

For more information and updates, visit Infinix PH’s official website, Facebook page, and TikTok, where fans can check out the Infinix ZERO 30 5G live stream.

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AIR SUPPLY Returns to the Philippines, Set to Rock Sta. Rosa, Laguna on December 15, 2023

Let's make our night better and witness the live performance of the iconic Australian soft rock duo "Air Supply", on December 15, 2023, at the Santa Rosa Sports Coliseum, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, for their "The Lost in Love Experience 2023" concert tour.

Air Supply started their career in 1975, after members Graham Russell (vocals, guitars) and Russell Hitchcock (vocals) met on the first day of rehearsals for the musical Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney, Australia. Soon after the musical play ended in October 1976, Rod Stewart invited Air Supply to open for him on his Australian and North American tours. This is where their humble musical journey began. From then on, they had a succession of hits worldwide, including eight TOP5 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100: "Lost in Love" (1979), "All Out of Love" (1980), "Every Woman in the World" (1980), "The One That You Love" (1981), "Here I Am" (1981), "Sweet Dreams" (1982), "Even the Night Are Better" (1982), and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" (1983).

In July 2005, their live DVD "It Was Thirty Years Ago Today" celebrated 30 years of recording and touring and, in the same month, smashed the attendance record by performing in Havana, Cuba, to 175,000 fans. In October 2012, Air Supply was honored by Gray Line’s Ride of Fame. They were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association's Hall of Fame on December 1, 2013, at the Annual ARIA Awards. On December 2, 2014, Evolution Music Group released Air Supply’s first high-definition concert film, Air Supply: Live in Hong Kong, on their Evosound label.

In 2020, Air Supply was listed at number 48 on Rolling Stone Australia’s list of the 50 Greatest Australian Artists of All Time. And, in January 2020, the Australian newspaper Herald Sun proclaimed Air Supply in the Top 5 of "Greatest Aussie Bands" of all time in the company of AC/DC, The Bee Gees, and INXS.

This will be their second time at the same venue which is anticipated to sell out just like the first time in 2018. Both concerts produced by Ovation Productions. Tap Go TV and Blast TV are the official media partners. Tickets are available starting Monday, September 25, 2023, at smtickets.com and priced at 5500/4500/3500/2500/1500 plus ticketing fees.

For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Ovation Productions at https://ovationproductionsmanila.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/

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airasia Digital Announces Next MOVE, Unveiling New Era of Travel Innovation

In a strategic move to emphasise its commitment towards travel, the digital arm of Capital A, airasia Digital announces its transformation into MOVE Digital (MOVE). This rebranding marks an exciting chapter in its next phase of growth through both its businesses, airasia Superapp and BigPay.

MOVE’s travel platform business, airasia Superapp will also undergo a brand refresh and change its name to ‘airasia move’ in the near future as part of the ongoing transformation.

The visionary co-founder of AirAsia and CEO of Capital A, Tony Fernandes will assume the role of Executive Chairman of MOVE. He will play a pivotal role in driving the close collaboration between both airasia Superapp (now airasia move) and BigPay to unlock the true potential and synergy of these digital businesses.

Tony Fernandes, Executive Chairman of MOVE said, “The name MOVE signifies us better as the digital arm of Capital A, and reiterates our commitment to move people, ideas and innovation forward within the travel space. Imagine seamless access to travel and financial services on one single platform, with integrated financial features such as balance display, top-up and payments from BigPay and further strengthening the value proposition of airasia move as the travel app of choice. My role as the Executive Chairman of MOVE will be to enhance synergy between both businesses. With this change, the market can expect an enriching user experience aside from more integration of BigPay features within the airasia Superapp (now airasia move) very soon.”

In this new era of travel innovation for MOVE, we are happy to welcome Nadia Omer into the organisation as the new Chief Executive Officer of airasia move effective 26 October. Her key priority will be to further drive airasia move’s vision as a low-cost travel platform with high conversion, while closely collaborating with BigPay, led by Zubin Rada Krishnan. Mohamad Hafidz, who is currently the acting CEO will continue leading the business in the interim and I would like to thank him for his contributions throughout the past few months.”

The airasia Superapp, or what will be called airasia move soon, has swiftly become a one-stop travel platform offering value and convenience through seamless end-to-end booking experiences within the past two years, while BigPay has established itself as an innovative fintech provider enabling Southeast Asians to improve their lives through better financial management.

Both of Capital A’s digital businesses have been making significant strides, with airasia Superapp (now airasia move) reaching its highest recorded MAU (monthly active users) of 15 million at the end of the second quarter, while BigPay saw its carded users grow by 16% YoY for the same period.

MOVE Digital Sdn Bhd (formerly known as airasia Digital Sdn Bhd) is the digital arm of Capital A Berhad, and encompasses two transformative businesses: airasia Superapp (now airasia move) and BigPay. MOVE is dedicated to revolutionising the travel and financial services sectors by offering innovative, user-centric solutions at the best value.

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It's Giving Christmas! NETFLIX’s First-Ever Station ID Features an Ensemble of Filipino Stars for "See What’s Next: Philippines 2023"

Christmas comes early as Netflix kicks off the holiday season by unveiling a See What’s Next: Philippines 2023 lineup of local titles featured in the first-ever Netflix Station ID. 

The stars of three new Filipino titles coming soon on Netflix - Can’t Buy Me Love (Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan), Keys to the Heart (Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas), and Replacing Chef Chico (Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, Sam Milby) - went Christmas caroling at Barangay Netflix together with the country’s sought-after celebrities who starred in recent hits Missed Connections (Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, Chie Filomeno), and What If (JM de Guzman), two local films that reached the Number 1 spot on Netflix’s top list after their launch on the service. The stars of Seasons (Lovi Poe, Carlo Aquino), another top film that debuted on Netflix, also sent their holiday greetings.

Watch Netflix’s Station ID HERE

The video is full of Christmas spirit - and Easter eggs for all the Pinoy Netflix titles! Can you spot all six of them?

• There’s season’s greetings from Seasons’ Kurt and Charlie (Lovi Poe and Carlo Aquino) on a neighbor’s gate.
• Sneak a peek at Keys to the Heart’s Dolly de Leon on a vinyl cover.
• Keys to the Heart’s vinyl record spins as the carolers sing.
• Sing along to Can’t Buy Me Love flashing on a karaoke machine.
• A Bingo shaker, a nod to one of Can’t Buy Me Love’s main characters, doubles as an instrument.
• Peep the Replacing Chef Chico crates as our stars gather for a feast.

Netflix is home to a diverse offering of the best Filipino stories and talents. At the See What’s Next: Philippines 2023 launch, top local directors expressed how excited they were for their titles to be part of this year’s local lineup and why they’re perfect for the Pinoy Christmas.

“Christmas is about family, familial love, friends and it’s during [this] season when we try to evaluate the life that we had the past year, the milestones, failures, disappointment. Just like in our film, What If. What if iba nangyari sa buhay natin in the past year? What if kinuha ko ito or what if ’di ko ginawa ito? So I think it’s also not just a love story, it also helps us reflect kung ano nangyari sa buhay natin,” said Manny Palo, director of What If.

Keys to the Heart director Kerwin Go shared that his upcoming film is a must-watch this holiday season because “Keys to the Heart is a family dramedy. It’s a celebration of family, unconventional families, meaning blended families. It could be a family that you adopt and friends who become family and neighbors who actually become just as important.”

“Replacing Chef Chico is about Ella, the sous chef who takes over Hain’s kitchen. I think it’s perfect for the Christmas season because on the top level it’s about love, friendship, and acceptance,” said director Dan Villegas.

Replacing Chef Chico showrunner Antoinette Jadaone added, “For Christmas, perfect panoorin with your family, friends, and loved ones yung Replacing Chef Chico because, in every episode, there is a story of family, friendship and/or love, which is celebrated over food. It’s about time that Filipino food gets its proper spotlight. With this series, it’s a Filipino-produced original Netflix series, it’s a celebration of not just family, friends, or love but tayong mga Pinoy will be celebrating the Filipino food that we eat each day. When other countries watch the series, mafi-feel din nila iyon.”

This holiday season, See What’s Next: Philippines 2023’s lineup showcases best-in-class local content available and coming soon on Netflix. These films and series are the perfect watchlist to celebrate a Pinoy Christmas with family and friends.

REPLACING CHEF CHICO

Launch date: Coming soon

Directed by: Dan Villegas

Showrunner: Antoinette Jadaone

Cast: Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, Sam Milby

CAN’T BUY ME LOVE

Launch date: October 13

Watch the date announcement here

Directed by: Mae Cruz Alviar

Cast: Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano

Logline: Donny plays “Bingo,” a popular online seller juggling different jobs, while Belle plays “Caroline,” who hails from a traditional wealthy Chinese family.

KEYS TO THE HEART

Launch date: Coming soon

Directed by: Kerwin Go

Cast: Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas, Dolly de Leon

Logline: Troubled and alone, a boxer moves in with his long-lost mother and autistic pianist brother — but must fit in with a family he hasn't known for years.

WHAT IF

Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix

Directed by: Manny Palo

Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, JM de Guzman

Logline: When a pair of newlywed musicians get trapped in a storm on their island honeymoon, they must face difficult truths that could tear their marriage apart.

SEASONS

Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix

Directed by: Easy Ferrer

Cast: Lovi Poe, Carlo Aquino

Logline: After a string of failed relationships, two best friends make a deal to take risks and look for love again - but they might just find it in each other.

MISSED CONNECTIONS

Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix

Directed by: Jelise Chung

Cast: Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, Chie Filomeno

Logline: After an unforgettable encounter, a hopeless romantic turns to an app to seek out a man she just met - but is he really what she’s looking for?

For more updates on upcoming Filipino stories on Netflix, follow @netflixph on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.

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Single Mom from Manila Wins Almost 1-Million in It's Showtime "Isip Bata"

Nanay Ruby from Manila finally won the coveted pot money of ₱750,000 in “Isip Bata” today after she guessed all three answers of Argus today in the jackpot round.

“Nagthe-thank you ako kasi pagtution siya ng anak ko. Single mom ako and wala akong trabaho. Kanina nagdadasal na sana manalo ako kasi problema ng anak ko yung tuition niya pang-college,” ani ni Nanay Ruby.

People from the studio, including the hosts and staff, were overjoyed after Nanay Ruby and Argus’ three answers paired in the jackpot round. The last question was what kind of toothpaste they used, and they both chose the answer “nakakapagpabango ng hininga.”

Winning the jackpot prize was an answered prayer for Nanay Ruby as her daughter’s dreams of finishing her course could come true.

After a few months of hosting the segment, Vice felt Nanay Ruby was destined to win it to solve her problems.

“Yang ₱750,000 ilang araw, ilang linggo at buwan nating naipon sa ‘Isip Bata.’ Hindi siya madali at agad agad nakuha. Tuwing naglalaro kami, hinahayaan namin na ang tadhana na pumili kung sino ang mag-uuwi ng premyo,” she said.

Nanay Ruby brought home a total of ₱761,000, including the ₱1,000 she got from the start of the segment and the ₱10,000 she received after entering the jackpot round.

Aside from Nanay Ruby, studio contestant Jennilyn also won ₱108,000 in "Rampanalo," while RG Mia already secured his slot in the semi finals round of "Tawag ng Tanghalan."

Don’t miss the fun in “It's Showtime," 12 NN on GTV, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel, and Facebook page, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV. Catch its online show, "ShowtimeOnline U," 11:45 AM on It's Showtime's YouTube channel.

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"Disney Princess - The Concert" Coming to Manila, Cebu, and Davao on November 2023

For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, these beloved songs come to life on stage in Disney Princess - The Concert! Manila will be on November 18 & 19, 3PM & 8PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Cebu on November 22, 8PM at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu City and Davao on November 21, 8PM at the SMX Convention Center Davao. 

Presented by Disney Concerts and Wilbros Live.

Be one of the guests as a quartet of Broadway and television stars celebrate the music from every Disney Princess in an unforgettable show, alongside their magical Music Director and enchanting Prince. Your every dream will come true as larger than life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience in pure Disney magic, while these acclaimed stars sing your favorite songs and share their exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen. We invite you to relive your VHS glory days, dress up in your favorite royal attire, and share the joy with your loved ones. Be part of our world at Disney Princess - The Concert!

Songs to include “How Far I’ll Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Part of Your World,” “Almost There,” “Let It Go” and more!

Tickets will go on-sale on September 30, 12NN via TicketWorld.com.ph and TicketWorld outlets for Manila, and SMTickets.com and SMTickets outlets for Cebu and Davao. 

For more information, follow @WilbrosLive on FB, Twitter and IG.

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