Samantha Bernardo Wins Miss Grand International 2020 1st Runner-up

Despite consistently high votes in pre-pageant competitions such as swimsuit and national costume and an impressive Q&A performance during the finals night, Philippines' representative to the Miss Grand International 2020 Samantha Bernardo only finished as a first runner-up in the pageant on Saturday night, March 27 (Manila time).

She now joins the likes of Elizabeth Clenci and Nicole Cordoves, who finished second-runner up in 2017 and first runner-up in 2016, respectively, in Miss Grand International.

Abena Appiah of the United States of America was crowned Miss Grand International 2020.

Other winners include:

Second runner-up: Ivana Batchelor, Guatemala

Third runner-up: Aurra Kharishma, Indonesia

Fourth runner-up: Lala Guedes, Brazil

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UNICEF Ambassador Anne Curtis Fundraiser for Baby Dahlia to Benefit Babies with Special Care Needs Raises Php1.8M

As childcare challenges persist in the middle of a pandemic, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Anne Curtis and her husband Erwan Heussaff launched a fundraiser to help vulnerable babies get the right start in life by getting proper health care and nutrition.

The fundraiser was conducted as the first birthday celebration of their first baby Dahlia, initially raising Php 800,000 through a crowdfunding page. As the fundraiser ran from February 2 to March 15, the couple donated Php 1 million themselves, bringing the total donations to Php 1.8 million. All donations will go towards improving children’s access to health and nutrition services in their first 1,000 days of life. These programs include providing ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children, enabling pregnant women to get better access to prenatal care, nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, and much more.

“Thank you so much to everyone who donated to our Dahlia Turns 1 birthday fundraiser!” said Anne. “With what we raised, malnourished children can get access to life-saving treatment, more mothers will learn about breastfeeding, and the importance of immunization at the right time, both of which can protect babies and children from life-threatening diseases.”

The fundraiser was conducted as the first birthday celebration of their first baby Dahlia, initially raising Php 800,000 through a crowdfunding page. As the fundraiser ran from February 2 to March 15, the couple donated Php 1 million themselves, bringing the total donations to Php 1.8 million.

The actress and host also expressed her gratitude for the well-wishes they received. “I try to read all of your messages and it just melts my heart! I hope to gather all these stories so that Dahlia can read it someday. We’re all experiencing the ‘new normal’ in different ways and I feel that now more than ever, love and kindness can help us through these difficult times,” Anne said. “I see and feel all the love from so many people, not just for my family, but for all the Filipino children we are able to help through UNICEF.”

Anne also encouraged people to reach out to UNICEF Philippines on their official Facebook page for more information on creating fundraisers to support children’s programs. 

Furthermore, she also pointed out that one could donate monthly and become a UNICEF Champion for Children by going to: https://donate.unicef.ph With UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors and individual donors continually furthering UNICEF’s cause, the child rights organization becomes one step closer to ensuring every child has the best start in life.

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Maja Salvador's First TV5 Series - the Miracle-Serye "Niña Niño - Premieres April 5 on Kapatid TodoMax Primetime Singko Block

Primetime TV Majesty, Maja Salvador, is ready to reign once again in ”Niña Niño,” her first-ever teleserye on TV5. Maja plays the lead role of Niña, the older half of the sibling duo in the eponymous feel-good drama-comedy. 2017 Cinemalaya Best Actor Noel Comia Jr., plays her younger brother Niño who ventures out to the big city with her and discovers that life is anything but a bed of roses. In order to survive, they turn to extraordinary measures to make ends meet as con-artists who scam their way to earn an extra buck. An event will upend their lives and change the course of their destinies forever.

The dramedy genre is a first for Salvador who is known to portray titular roles in dramas. The new series showcases her versatility as an actor fully able to make her audience laugh, cry, and empathize with every character she plays. The show’s vision echoes calls for hopeful stories, finding joy in life’s magical minutiae amidst these trying times. Joining Salvador and Comia Jr. are comedian Empoy Marquez, and veteran actors Lilet Esteban and Ruby Ruiz whose role as the siblings’ grandmother holds an integral part of explaining the dynamics between the duo. Rounding up the cast are up-and-coming actors Ian Pangilinan, Sachzna, and Junyka Santarin, joined by Arron Villaflor, Moi Bien, and Dudz Teraña. At the helm of the series is award-winning director Thop Nazareno.

Each episode weaves heartwarming anecdotes that emphasize the show’s inspirational trope: discovering oneself, adapting to the changes, and coming better and stronger after every struggle. The strength of the show lies in the story that redefines our understanding of real-life miracles complemented by the cast whimsically engaging with the reality of their situation and environment. Ultimately, Niño and Niña make us realize the true meaning of healing, forgiveness, and finding freedom in an unlikely place.

Produced by Cignal Entertainment and line-produced by CS Studios and Spring Films led by Erickson Raymundo, veteran director Joyce Bernal, and top-tier actor Piolo Pascual. ”Niña Niño” is set to air as one of the new anchor shows of TV5’s revitalized primetime block, TodoMax Primetime Singko.

Catch Maja Salvador as Niña and Noel Comia Jr as Niño on TV 5 starting April 5, 7:15 PM Mondays to Fridays, after Sing Galing and right before FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

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Timeliness and Relatability of Kapamilya Inspirational Series "Huwag Kang Mangamba" Commended by Viewers and Netizens

ABS-CBN Entertainment’s new inspirational series “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” which premiered on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5 last night (March 22), drew positive reviews from viewers for its timely and relatable storyline, including the impressive acting showcase of young stars Andrea Brillantes and Francine Diaz.

Viewers witnessed the beginning of Mira’s (Andrea) search for her mother in the town of Hermoso, while Joy (Francine) ran away from her family after another heated argument. The emotional episode, which also highlighted real-life problems, ended with the tragic car accident of the two teenagers.

On social media, the hashtags #HKMAngPagdating, #HuwagKangMangamba, Andrea Brillantes, SETHFEDELIN AS PIO, and ANGELINE QUINTO AS DARLING trended on Twitter Philippines as netizens praised the episode for the valuable lessons that viewers can apply especially during challenging times.

Twitter used @karensngsn_ posted, “Grabe po, napakagaling po ng lahat ng cast ng Huwag Kang Mangamba. Unang gabi pa lang pero nakaka-inspire at nakaka-goosebumps na. Maraming aral ang mapupulot. At talagang hindi tayo pababayaan ni Bro. #HKMAngPagdating.”

“Huwag Kang Mangamba - is a serye which covers issues concerning family/parenthood, political, social and religion (faith). This is an eye-opener for all na hindi tayo nag-iisa dahil palagi nasa tabi natin si “Bro.” Thank you @DreamscapePH @ABSCBN for coming up with this project,” shared @julius_altavano.

@_merixx also commented, “First episode pa lang grabe ‘yung impact nung mga eksena. Sobrang relatable ng pangyayari lalo na ‘yung kay Joy na nararanasan talaga ng mga kabataan. Sobrang galing tagos sa puso bawat aksyon at linyang binabato. #HKMAngPagdating.”

While @shane_andreaa shared, “Grabe ang galing ni Andrea napaiyak nya ako kahit bulag sya kaya nya tumayo sa sariling paa nya at lagi syang nagpapasalamat kay Bro dahil ligtas sya araw-araw. You nailed it @iamandrea_b.”

In the next few episodes, viewers will be able to see how Mira and Joy’s relationship will unfold as they begin Bro’s mission for them, as well as how the characters of Seth Fedelin and Kyle Echarri will make an impact on the story.

Meanwhile, The Gold Squad virtually joined their fans for a live watch party of the episode on The Squad Plus YouTube channel while cast members Dimples Romana and Eula Valdes, along with Direk Manny Palo talked more about the series during the “Huwag Kang Mangamba” live gap show on Kapamilya Online Live.

Watch “Huwag Kang Mangamba” on weeknights on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and WeTV iflix. For viewers outside of the Philippines, catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.

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

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CBN Asia Brings Stories of Hope and Healing in the Special Holy Week Presentation of "Tanikala" Starring Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz and Karen Timbol

CBN Asia brings you two brand-new films about hope and healing amid the pandemic on its much- awaited Holy Week special – Tanikala presents Habang May Ngayon and Isa Pang Hiling, airing this Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on GMA-7.

In Habang May Ngayon, seasoned actress Karen Timbol tells the true-to-life story of Carla Manas who battled the deadly virus. As she fell seriously ill, Carla faced harrowing experiences and fear of death in the shadow of COVID-19.

“Compared to my previous roles, this is something different. What I liked about this character is that, in the middle of the storm, she saw hope,” Karen said.

Thrilled about her first Tanikala role, the actress shared that she could relate to Carla’s journey, “I see myself in her. Whatever happened to her in the past, she used it for good. Many people went through a lot of challenges during the pandemic, I hope that they will be inspired through this story.”

Meanwhile, actress and beauty queen Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz takes on another challenging role as a mother in Isa Pang Hiling. Lara plays Jarolyn Moulder, whose world turned upside down when her husband and son suffered from COVID-19.

In utter desperation, Jarolyn pleaded with God to allow her to be infected too so she can stay in the hospital and take care of her son, Vincent. Sandro Muhlach portrays Vincent.

Lara felt the deep connection to her character right off the bat, “We are both mothers who are willing to do everything for our children, to the point that we’ll pray, ‘Lord, let me bear this, please spare my child.’ That’s where I pulled all the raw emotions from. When it’s about our child, we will really cry to God.”

The actress continued, “I was in awe after shooting the scenes because I realized that the story and character I portray happened in real life. So prepare your tissues not only because the scenes are quite tearful, but because you will see how good our God is–how He wants to heal and save us. And you should look forward to that!”

Habang May Ngayon is directed by Joash Bermejo while Isa Pang Hiling is directed by Timmy Yee. Witness stories of hope and healing in Tanikala presents Habang May Ngayon on Maundy Thursday, April 1, and Isa Pang Hiling on Good Friday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on GMA.

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Get P200 Balik Bayad When you #ScanToPay via PayMaya for Goldilocks Purchases

Fulfilling your Pinoy food cravings has just gotten more rewarding, especially if you’re paying contactless, as Goldilocks offers an exclusive reward to customers who will #ScanToPay via PayMaya QR for their online purchases.

Whether you’re craving for your favorite puto’t dinuguan or looking to buy your go-to cakes for special celebrations, you can’t go wrong with ordering from Goldilocks. And now, your cravings can turn into rewards, as you can enjoy up to P200 Balik Bayad when you order meals at www.goldilocksdelivery.com.ph and pay via PayMaya QR.

When you spend at least P800 on your online orders at Goldilocks, you will get a 10% cashback of up to P100. You can enjoy this exciting reward twice, until March 31, 2021 to get a total of P200 cashback.

To take advantage of this exclusive promo, all you have to do is order your Goldilocks favorites at www.goldilocksdelivery.com.ph, select debit/credit card in the payment option, and click PayMaya to pay via QR. From there, just scan the QR code using your PayMaya app and tap Pay! It’s that simple and convenient!

Ordering your favorite meals online, doesn't only offer convenience and rewards, it also keeps your transactions safer - especially given the updated quarantine measures in place in NCR and nearby provinces. And by paying contactless with PayMaya instead of cash-on-delivery, you're also adding another layer of safety for yourself as well as for the delivery personnel.

Given this and the awesome rewards waiting for you at Goldilocks and other partner restaurants, stores, and establishments, going cashless with the #BetterQR from PayMaya is definitely the best option.

To get a taste of the safe, convenient, and rewarding cashless lifestyle, simply download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account. 

Remember, for your food cravings, don’t pay cash. PayMaya!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. 

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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"Dito at Doon" Actress Janine Gutierrez Graces the Cover of METRO

Metro, and its website Metro.Style, warmly welcome its newest cover girl, award-winning actress, and fashion and beauty muse Janine Gutierrez.

Janine, who recently became a Kapamilya last January, talked to Metro.Style’s people editor Grace Libero-Cruz about her newest film, “Dito at Doon”; trusting the process; her upcoming teleserye with ABS-CBN; causes and advocacies she champions; her thoughts on aging; and more. She lets readers in on her similarities with Len, her character in the film, as well as behind-the-scenes stories with her co-stars and director.

In the cover shoot, Janine got to work and reunite with some of the best talents the fashion industry has to offer, from photographs by BJ Pascual, makeup by Robbie Piñera, hairstyling by Mark Familara, and styling by Melville Sy, Maita Baello, and Shark Tanael of Qurator Studio. The cover’s production design is by AdSet Productions, and the videography is by Greyhound.

Janine is widely known as the muse of BJ Pascual, who also photographed her first high fashion cover in 2014, while also posing with Janine in 2019 for the Body Special. He creative directed the shoot along with Metro creative director Kat Cruz-Villanueva, imagining Janine in a Mediterranean-inspired summer, taking her all the way to the Sardinian alleys of Italy, and capturing the moment in this iconic cover.

Hours after releasing the cover, Janine guested in “Metro Chats” in FYE Channel on kumu, and got deep in conversation with Metro Magazine and Metro.Style editor-in-chief Geolette Esguerra. She shares that she would definitely want to show this cover to her great-grandchildren.

TBA Studios’ “Dito at Doon” is available to stream online starting Wednesday (March 31), via ktx.ph, iWantTFC, Cinema ’76 Film Society, Ticket2me, and Upstream. Tickets are available at tba.ph/dito-at-doon.

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Filipino Artists Betsy Cola and CJ De Silva Draw the Most Iconic Netflix Female Characters to Celebrate Women’s Month

This International Women’s Month, Netflix puts the spotlight on its strong, diverse, and authentic female characters through the eyes of two Filipino artists, Betsy Cola and CJ De Silva. They’re two talented Pinoy illustrators who share their favorite female Netflix characters through stunning artwork in their own signature style.

Check out what they have to say about their work:

CJ DE SILVA

Seo Dal-mi from Start-Up

“I am 100% Team Dal-mi! She’s unapologetically ambitious and street-smart. She’s a pragmatic dreamer who’s fascinated by brilliant ideas and takes risks to bring it to life.”

Enola Holmes from Enola Holmes

“I wish I had an Enola Holmes to look up to when I was a young girl. I hope a lot of parents saw this movie. Because imagine raising a girl in a home filled with knowledge, skills, art and most of all, freedom!”

Max from Stranger Things

“I love Max so much I named our second cat after her. I love how she shook the boys out of their geeky snobbery, beating Dustin at Dig Dug and proving that she’s an essential part of the ‘Party.’ But more importantly, I also love how her relationship with Eleven evolved: from being someone Eleven was initially jealous of, to the best of friends who want the best for each other.”

Maeve and Aimee from Sex Education

“Maeve and Aimee’s friendship is a powerful representation of female friendships -- being each other’s source of strength and bravery.”

Yuzuha Usagi from Alice in Borderland

“I identified with [Usagi’s] introversion and her sense of independence. I also think her being a mountain climber is such a powerful symbolism for the mountain of struggles women face.”

Devi Vishwakumar from Never Have I Ever

“[Devi] is a nerd and proud of it. She’s intelligent and eloquent, but still naive and makes a lot of mistakes. She’s got a temper and that doesn’t make her a bad person, it normalises vulnerability.”

BETSY COLA

Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit

“I couldn't look away from Beth's journey in The Queen's Gambit. It was great to watch her embrace her femininity at a time when women have to endure so much in order to be respected in a male-dominated field like chess.”

Vivian and Lucy from Moxie

“I've always been fascinated with the Riot Grrrl culture and movement, and when I saw that Moxie was inspired by that same fierce, feminist spirit, I was thrilled. I decided to illustrate Vivian, whose warranted anger pushed her to fight for her fellow female students, and Lucy, who is so inspiring by being unapologetically herself.”

Captain Jang from Space Sweepers

“It's rare to see a woman front and center in a sci-fi blockbuster, but even rarer to see a woman of color in that spot. Captain Jang from Space Sweepers is a badass leader in every way.”

Penelope and Eloise from Bridgerton

“Penelope and Eloise stand out because amid the societal pressure of getting married and becoming perfect marriage material, they demand to be seen as women who can be more than what is expected of them.”

Mildred Ratched from Ratched

“She's a complex woman with a traumatic past, and while she has to present a cold front in a male-dominated world, she also gets a queer love story -- which is great to see in a period piece!”

For more stories by, for and about women, check out the International Women’s Day collection at www.netflix.com/internationalwomensday.

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"Marupok" by KZ Tandingan and Danielle Balagtas Wins Himig 11th Edition Best Song

The highly relatable song “Marupok” composed by Danielle Balagtas was proclaimed as the Best Song in the country’s biggest songwriting competition, ABS-CBN’s Himig 11th Edition.

Interpreted by “Asia’s Soul Supreme” KZ Tandingan, the universal dance-pop yet distinctively Filipino track about easily catching feelings for someone earned its songwriter Danielle a P300,000 cash prize and a house and lot from Lumina Homes.

“I wanted this to be a symbolism for a girl who is labeled as ‘marupok’ to remember that we all have the capacity to grow and be empowered women,” Danielle explained.

KZ, who first won in Himig Handog 2014 for Edwin Marollano’s Best Song entry and smash hit “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako,” also shared how special “Marupok” is to her. "’Marupok’ is a song that’s closest to who I am as an artist, so if it didn’t become a finalist for Himig, this would definitely still be part of my album. It sounded like it was meant for me.”

The music video of “Marupok” directed by Gelo Yellow also notched the “MYX Choice for Best Music Video” special award with a P25,000 cash prize.

FULL LIST OF HIMIG 11TH EDITION WINNERS

 

Best Song: “Marupok”

Composer: Daniella Ann Balagtas

Interpreter: KZ Tandingan

 

2nd Best Song: “Kahit na Masungit”

Composer: John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan

Interpreters: Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri

Live performance by: Bugoy Drilon 

 

3rd Best Song: “Ibang Planeta”

Composer: Dan Tañedo

Interpreter: Zild

 

4th Best Song: “Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap”

Composer: Kenneth Reodica

Interpreter: Davey Langit featuring Kritiko

Live performance by: JM Yosures featuring Kritiko

 

5th Best Song: “Kulang ang Mundo”

Composer: Daryl Cielo

Interpreter: Sam Mangubat

 

Special Awards

 

Most Streamed Song: “Kahit Kunwari Man Lang”

Composer: David Mercado

Interpreter: Moira dela Torre and Agsunta

 

MYX Choice for Best Music Video: “Marupok”

Composer: Danielle Balagtas

Interpreter: KZ Tandingan

Music Video Director: Geloyellow/ Gerard Lopez

 

MOR Entertainment Choice Award: “Tinadhana Sa’yo”

Composer: SJ Gandia

Interpreter: Zephanie

 

TFC’s Global Choice: “Tinadhana Sa’yo”

Composer: SJ Gandia

Interpreter: Zephanie

 

Himig TikTok Choice Award: “Tabi Tabi Po”

Composer: Mariah Moriones

Interpreter: JMKO

The finals night of Himig 11th Edition was first seen on KTX.ph last Sunday (March 21) hosted by Edward Barber, Jayda, and Jona. The event proved to be a grand celebration of OPM with stellar performances from OPM’s finest Jona, Jayda, Bugoy Drilon, Liezel Garcia, Sheryn Regis, Nyoy Volante, and Jed Madela.

Celebrate OPM by streaming Himig 11th Edition compilation album, out now on Spotify and soon on other digital music streaming platforms. For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/Himig2020 on Facebook or follow Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph), and Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

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Make That No-Dandruff Hair Flip with "Selsun Blue," On Sale at Lazada Birthday Sale on March 27

Having dandruff can make your social interactions feel awkward. It can also be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Are you feeling less confident because dandruff falls on your shirt or bare shoulders? Dandruff can really affect your self-esteem and how you interact with others.

But here's some good news: Dandruff is preventable and controllable.

If you have a dandruff problem, face it and reach for Selsun Blue.

Selsun Blue contains 1% Selenium Sulfide, an antifungal medication that lowers levels of yeast and reduces the inflammation that causes flakes. Selsun Blue now also contains conditioning Honey Extract which moisturizes and softens hair.

Be 100% confident when you go to the beach this summer. Flip that hair without the fear of falling flakes. Leave the worry of having dandruff on your clothes when you use Selsun Blue.

If you've never tried Selsun Blue, Lazada's 9th Birthday Sale this month is a good time to get your first bottle.

On March 27 only, get up to 10% off on single bottles and up to 15% off the sets from. For every minimum purchase worth Php400, you get a free Selsun Blue 6g sachet worth Php36.

Never let your confidence leave you again because of dandruff. Switch to Selsun Blue and always be 100% confident wherever you are.

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Sarah Geronimo's "Tala: The Film Concert" to Feature Special Guests, Fresh Rendition of Hit Songs on SKY PPV

Filipinos awaiting Sarah Geronimo's return to the concert stage will be treated to fresh takes on the Pop Royalty's hit songs and two special guests with "Tala: The Film Concert," which will air on SKY Pay-Per-View on March 27 (Saturday) at 8PM in high definition and commercial-free.

Under the musical direction of acclaimed maestro Louie Ocampo, the concert features new arrangements of "Kilometro," "Ikot-ikot" and "Isa Pang Araw," with Sarah singing live and accompanied by a live band.

Fans can also expect Sarah to have a new interpretation of Rico Blanco's "Your Universe."

Joining her are rapper J. Makata and Pinoy rock vocalist Champ Lui Pio via specially shot music videos.

Shot on stage at the Araneta Coliseum, Sarah's first film concert will follow a narrative style, as inspired by film concerts of other global artists.

Helmed by Paul Basinillo, the one-of-a-kind show promises to deliver frenetic musical and dance performances choreographed by G-Force's Georcelle Dapat-Sy.

Pay-per-view concert passes are now available at mysky.com.ph/vipaccess, priced at P1,500.

For more inquiries, visit mysky.com.ph or follow SKYcable on Facebook (fb.com/MySKYCable), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates).

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