Music Video: Himig 12 Official Song Entries

ABS-CBN Music has premiered the official Himig 11th Edition music videos, bringing vibrant depictions of the songwriting competition's 12 finalists, which articulate diverse stories of life, love, misery, and optimism.

Watch these newly-released #Himig11thEdition music videos available on Star Music's YouTube channel:

1. "ANG HIRAP MAGING MAHIRAP" - https://youtu.be/p5AC3K64OyE

Davey Langit delivers the angst and pains of a person deprived of wealth in the music video of Kenneth Reodica's "Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap." The video directed by Jude Matanguihan also features rapper Kritiko, who gives a realistic portrayal of a person fighting to survive everyday life.

2. "BULALAKAW" - https://youtu.be/YI3c8bOQ46Q

Janine Berdin and composer Joanna Ang bring healing in the "Bulalakaw" music video directed by Edriel Garcia and Yani Bautista. Dressed in white gowns, the two belters render the Visayan pop song in harmony, ending the story with a view of the sunrise, a perfect scene to bring hope to viewers.

3. "IBANG PLANETA" - https://youtu.be/3P8V6rtFG1o

Zild's "Ibang Planeta" music video, directed by Shaira Luna, is a tacit throwback to the 80s as it evokes the feeling of being taken to a different dimension while in love, visualizing the unique storytelling of composer Dan Tanedo.

4. "IKA'Y BABALIK PA BA" - https://youtu.be/n9Y6UprW4FQ

Juris brings another touching anthem in Jabez Orara's composition "Ika'y Babalik Pa Ba," with its music video expressing an extreme longing for a loved one as rendered by cast members Iana Bernardez and Ilya Nikeshin. Despite being set on a black-and-white screen, the video directed by Frank Mamaril leaves viewers with eagerness to give a failed relationship another try.

5. "KAHIT KUNWARI MAN LANG" - https://youtu.be/1Iy4JmoncoY

The MV is a glimpse into the affecting joint performance of Moira dela Torre and pop-rock band Agsunta of the song "Kahit Kunwari Man Lang," which tells the highs and lows of an unlabeled relationship told by its composer David Mercado. The music video directed by Miko Pelino also stars Ara Dabao and Eian Rances.

6. "KAHIT NA MASUNGIT" - https://youtu.be/l4rg7aRsdp0

The "Kahit Na Masungit" MV complements the hip entry of John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan interpreted by Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri. The video, directed by Cristhian Escolano, showcases Jeremy and Kyle as leading men courting a grouchy lass played by Reign Parani. Viewers will also see the two young heartthrobs doing some dance moves that match the chill track.

7. "KULANG ANG MUNDO" - https://youtu.be/WZQqVHUz4Po

Sam Mangubat sings the power ballad composed by Daryl Cielo, "Kulang Ang Mundo," as a grand profession of love and as a background to Kiara Takahashi and Argel Saycon—collectively known as KiarGel—and their journey towards a happy ending. Jefferson Hao directed the engaging video, which also features Kid Yambao.

8. "MARUPOK" - https://youtu.be/BtDVqfHYKkw

The funky and empowering "Marupok" track composed by Dana Balagtas is brought to life with an enthralling and vivid performance of KZ Tandingan, who echoes a warning to a man she is in love with to be clear with his intentions in the music video directed by Gelo Yellow.

9. "OUT" - https://youtu.be/Pmry6cOsrd0

Former "Idol Philippines'' contestant FANA reinvents herself in the captivating music video of Erica Sabalboro's "Out," which includes words sang in English, Tagalog, and Bicolano. FANA effectively expresses her anguish, appeal, and claim to survival to convey the song's promising message of audacity in the video directed by Edrex Sanchez.

10. "PAHINA" - https://youtu.be/zgmYSrE1w4g

Kiss 'N Tell brings viewers to a painful recollection of a couple, played by Gigi Delana and Mark Rivera, of their love that has gone off track. The visual storytelling of Joshua Ortiz and Aniceto Cabahug III's entry, directed by Jem Cadeliña, paints a picture of an unconditional love told in the pages of a storybook yet taken for granted as time goes by.

11. "TABI-TABI PO" - https://youtu.be/FsjlrOElwo8

"Tabi-Tabi Po's" music video has all the feels of getting attracted, falling in love, and moving cautiously towards officially asking someone out. The music video led by its director Jasper Salimbangon, an accompaniment to Mariah Moriones' composition, highlights JMKO's soothing voice as he implicitly expresses his feelings to the apple of his eye. It also stars Inka Magnaye, Rain Matienzo, and Ady Cotico.

12. "TINADHANA SA'YO" - https://youtu.be/0CsztxYOWCw

Zephanie makes hearts bleed as a young lady hopelessly in love in the music video of "Tinadhana Sa'Yo," a song written by SJ Gandia about unrequited love. Amiel Kirby Balagtas directed the video, which also stars Aaron Gonzalez.

One of these 12 Himig entries will soon be hailed as MYX Choice for Best Music Video, and 30% of the criteria for judging will be based on the number of music video views on Star Music's YouTube channel.

Check out the #Himig11thEdition songs available on digital streaming platforms worldwide. For more details, like @HimigHandog on Facebook.

Read more »

Sharon Cuneta Flaunts Her 55-Year-Old Bikini Body

Megastar Sharon Cuneta celebrates her 55th birthday on January 6 by posting on Facebook series of her photos in bikini with the caption:

Went swimming and had this picture taken today. Now my swimsuit is a size 10. I haven't been a 10 in many years. My normal size when I was thin was 6 or 8 & I would panic na pag 8! Now to get to size 6 means I need to lose the last 20 lbs. after so many years of trying to get rid of all this extra weight and losing anywhere from 60-80 lbs., 20 doesn't seem like too much work anymore.😊🙏🏻❤️ Please pray for me. Then WATCH ME. Hah! Thank You Lord for that all-important bonk on the head before 2020 ended that knocked me into my senses - now it's even been helping me lose weight! Nyahaha! Galing ng Diyos talaga. Love you everyone! Thanks for your loving messages. #sharon2021 @jotlosa @roland_angeles_md @drzteo @draivee

Read more »

F9 Esports Wins “Call of Duty® Mobile – Garena tournament, Smart Play: Squad Up”

After five grueling rounds, F9 Esports beat out Team Secret to emerge as the winner of the country's biggest non-professional Call of Duty® Mobile – Garena tournament, Smart Play: Squad Up. 

Both teams played incredibly well and traded numerous kills on the second day of the tournament hosted by mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc., but only one could win the championship at the very end. 

F9 Esports beat over 100 other teams from North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao to become the Grand Champion. 

The team also won the Best of the Best award for producing the most highlights in the tournament and the Blitz award for winning in the fastest time possible. F9 member Dochaze won the One Man Army around for racking up the most kills in a match. 

During these challenging times, Smart Play: Squad Up is the latest in Smart's efforts to foster a sense of community among the growing number of Filipino Call of Duty® Mobile – Garena players and fans – giving excitement, bringing people together and allowing them to share in each other's love for the game. 

Power up your game with Free Games For All 

One of the hottest mobile games in the world today, Call of Duty®: Mobile – Garena is a free-to-play shooter video game developed by TiMi Studios and published by Activision and Garena for Android and iOS devices. 

Smart and TNT subscribers can take their gaming experience to the next level with Free Games for All, which comes with a solid allocation of 2 GB data per day of your favorite mobile games, including Call of Duty: Mobile. With Free Games for All, subscribers can stay connected, fuel their passion for gaming and forge stronger bonds with their friends in spite of the quarantine. 

To avail of Free Games for All, download the GigaLife App on Google Play or App Store and choose FREE GAMES. Subscribers can also avail of the offer by simply dialing *123#, choosing FREE GAMES, then selecting their preferred GIGA Games package. 

Philippines' fastest mobile data network 

Smart subscribers can enjoy all their favorite mobile games powered by Smart LTE, the country's fastest mobile network, as certified by third-party mobile analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal. 

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, recently named Smart LTE as the country's fastest mobile data network in the first half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 18.33, with average speeds of 15.94 Mbps for download and 7.57 Mbps for upload, based on 2,810,963 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest® 

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, reported in its November 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report for the Philippines that Smart remained ahead of the competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, 4G Availability, and 4G Coverage Experience. 

For more details on Smart's upcoming esports events and tournaments, follow Smart's official accounts on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

Read more »

“BrightWin Manila Virtual Fan Meet” Now Available on iWantTFC PPV

Fans of Bright Vachirawit and Win Metawin can relive the fun and 'kilig' from the Thai stars' first Philippine-exclusive virtual fan meet by streaming it via pay-per-view on iWantTFC. 

Users in the Philippines can purchase "BrightWin Manila Live: The Virtual Fan Meet" for P99 on the iWantTFC website (iwanttfc.com) and watch it over and over in the next seven days upon purchase. 

The show was made special by what fans called its "Pinoy flavor," as Bright performed his cover of the classic hit "With A Smile," while parols also lit up the stage and a jeepney was projected on the LED wall during the actors' opening number. 

The Thai stars also went out in their performances and gamely answered personal and career-related questions from fans. 

Many fans also dubbed the event as BrightWin's "best" fan meet because of its laidback setting and the surprises that catered to Filipinos. 

Twitter user @hahappiest posted, "You know what's best about this fanmeeting? It's because we were able to know the real BrightWin. It feels like it's not a fanmeeting, it's like an open forum. They answered a lot a questions whole-heartedly without any hesitations. BRIGHTWIN IS REAL." 

"I will rewatch it 10000000000 times! I still can't process this! I will never! This is sooo unexpected everything about this fanmeet is AMAZING!" said @brightwinvid. 

"Sa totoo lang yung #BrightWinManilaLIVE yun pinaka the best sa lahat ng fan meet na BrightWin na napanuod ko. Ang happy nya lang tas walang filter! Ang daming ganap na di mo expected… Pasabog ganon!" said @edgeshopmanila. 

Relive the fun and kilig from "BrightWin Manila Live: The Virtual Fan Meet" for only P99 on the iWantTFC website (iwanttfc.com). This is available only to users in the Philippines. 

Download the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or enjoy watching it on a bigger screen through select smart TV brands, ROKU streaming devices, and Telstra TV for global users. 

For the complete list of compatible devices, sign in instructions, and account activation, visit https://iwanttfc.com/help#tfc-on-smart-tv. 

For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWantTFC and follow @iwanttfc on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC. For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send a message on iWant TFC's Facebook page or e-mail support@iwanttfc.com.

Read more »

Trending 2021: Pinoy Celebrity Couples New Year’s Day Relationship Reveal

Angelica Panganiban and Gregg Homan

Angelica Panganiban, on early morning of January 1 shared a romantic photo of her kissing new boyfriend Gregg Homan under a display of fireworks with a caption: “Kung isa kang pelikuka, sana, wala kang ending,” 

Diego Loyzaga and Barbie Imperial 

Diego Loyzaga made his romantic relationship with Barbie Imperial public on New Year’s day. On Instagram he captioned their photo with, “Happy new year to us [black heart emoji] thanks for making the end of my 2020 memorable. [Let’s] gooo 2021!!”

Read more »

Janine Gutierrez Transfers to ABS-CBN

"When there's smoke, there's fire" as they say. Is it also true to say that longtime Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez will soon become a Kapamilya after persistent rumors about it are spreading like wildfire recently?

Despite ABS-CBN's franchise denial, Janine reportedly decided to move to ABS-CBN after her 9 long years contract with GMA-7 ended last November -  a bold and risky decision according to some showbiz insiders. Janine mentioned "artistic integrity" as the reason for her transfer.

She is expected to sign her Kapamilya contract by second week of January. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeng Bauto (@showbiznestlifestyle)

Read more »

Ivana Alawi Named One of "The 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2020" by TC Chandler, Liza Soberano Slips to 14th Place

Internet sensation Ivana Alawi appeared in the annual "The 100 Most Beautiful Faces" list by TC Chander. 

Ivana, who is a first-timer, landed the 11th spot on the list. 

Liza Soberano, who has been in the list for the 6th time, ranked 14. Back in 2017, Liza was hailed as "The Most Beautiful" by TC Candler. 

Personalities who made it to the top 10 are Yael Shelbia, Nancy Jewel McDonie, Josie Lane, Nana, Halima Aden, Thylane Blondeau, Emilie Nereng, Tzuyu, Meika Woollard, and Lalisa Manoban.

Read more »

ABS-CBN Unveils 2021 TV Shows, Movies, Music and Concerts Line-up

ABS-CBN will remain “together as one” in offering light and joy to Filipinos all over the world in 2021 through the new shows, movies, music, and concerts it will produce and release next year on multiple media platforms, as revealed in last Sunday's (December 20) trending “Ikaw Ang Liwanag at Ligaya: The ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2020.” 

Among the new programs to watch for in 2021 is “Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series” starring Jane De Leon, the inspirational series “Huwag Kang Mangamba” led by The Gold Squad - Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, and Kyle Echarri, “Init sa Magdamag” featuring Gerald Anderson, Yam Concepcion, and JM De Guzman, and the continuation of the hit teleserye “La Vida Lena” of Erich Gonzales, Carlo Aquino, Kit Thompson, and JC De Vera. Catch these on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, on free TV via A2Z channel 11, and overseas via TFC, the Filipino Channel. 

Also much-awaited is the first American TV series entirely shot in the Philippines, “Almost Paradise,” a partnership between ABS-CBN and Electric Entertainment, a teleserye about timeless love starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, and the new season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” with Luis Manzano, Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid. 

ABS-CBN streaming service iWantTFC also has a lot in store for viewers including “Count Your Lucky Stars” of Asian superstars Jerry Yan and Shen Yue, horror/thriller content like “Tenement 66” and “Horrorscope,” the reunion of Joross Gamboa and Roxanne Guinoo in “Hoy…I Love You,” Thai series “A Tale of a Thousand Stars,” and Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte’s “Unloving U.” 

ABS-CBN will also continue to entertain and inspire on the leading Pinoy community livestreaming platform Kumu through its digital shows, while its FYE Channel will soon be seen worldwide through TFC. 

On cable, Metro Channel will launch the first model search on cable and Kumu, “Metro Model Search 2021,” while it continues to produce programs like “Good Vibes with Edu,” “EIC on the Move,” and “Casa Daza.” JeepneyTV, on the other hand, will have “Game KNB? Season 2” with Robi Domingo and “POP-UP Comedy Bar” with DJ Jhai Ho. Cinema One will also offer screenings of films in C1 Originals via KTX.ph. 

It will also be an eventful year for OPM as Star Music lined up new great songs from Filipino composers, the 11th edition of the Himig Handog songwriting competition, and digital concerts with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Piolo Pascual, and Moira Dela Torre. Both MYX and MOR Philippines will also have a digital relaunch, while Star Music, DNA Records, Star Pop, and Tarsier Records gear up for 200 music releases. 

ABS-CBN will also boost Philippine cinema with new films such as “Princess Dayareese” starring MayMay Entrata and Edward Barber, “Hello Stranger The Movie” of JC Alcantara and Tony Labrusca, “Love or Money” top billed by Coco Martin and Angelica Panganiban, “Soul Sistahs” of Karla Estrada, Jolina Magdangal, and Melai Cantiveros, and other upcoming films like “All-Nighter,” “Keys to the Heart,” Joshua Garcia’s “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan,” and films with KathNiel, LizQuen, DonBelle, Kim Chiu, Vice Ganda, and John Lloyd Cruz’s comeback movie with Bea Alonzo. 

These will be offered in various platforms including iWantTFC, KTX.ph, SKY PPV, TFC IPTV, Cignal PPV, and select cinemas. Star Cinema will also continue to produce shows such as “Like A Boss” with Raymond Gutierrez and “He’s Into Her” with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano. 

Despite limitations due to the pandemic and the shutdown of its broadcast operations earlier this year, ABS-CBN still delivered a memorable Christmas Special as it hopes to continue to bring light and joy to Filipinos this Christmas season. The event was among the trending topics in the Philippines for hours as netizens praised the star-studded musical extravaganza, which also highlighted positive values such as faith in God, love for family, compassion, ingenuity, and resilience through real stories of Filipinos presented by Kapamilya news personalities. 

Twitter user @immarygracee posted “Kudos to ABS-CBN for a successful and beautiful Christmas Special 2020 despite everything that has happened this year. KAPAMILYA FOREVER.” 

Another netizen, @drixsalazar also posted, “Hindi talaga tayo binibigo ng ABS-CBN. Dahil tradisyon na, hindi lang ang Station ID pati ang Christmas Special, kahit walang prangkisa, ibinigay pa rin sa sambayanang Pilipino. Sarap magmahal ng ABS-CBN!” 

This year’s staging of the Christmas Special was historic as it was seen across multiple platforms simultaneously all over the world on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, KTX.ph, A2Z, and TFC. 

It was also the first time that pre-shows were lined up on Kumu, iWantTFC, and KTX.ph that began from 12 nn to 7 pm, heading the main show at 7:30 pm, which lasted for more than four hours. There was also a live backstage coverage of the entire special on Kumu, where viewers saw exclusive interviews with their favorite stars. ”Ikaw Ang Liwanag at Ligaya: The ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2020” was done for the benefit of typhoon victims through Sagip Kapamilya’s “Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-Ahon.” 

Watch the highlights of the ABS-CBN Christmas Special pre-shows and main show on the ABS-CBN Entertainment website (ent.abs-cbn.com) and its Facebook and YouTube accounts, and iWantTFC. 

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

Read more »

"Love of My Life" Returns to GMA Telebabad this Monday, December 28

Beginning Monday (December 28), GMA Network offers Kapuso viewers something to look forward to this new year with the much-awaited comeback of the highly-rated family drama series 'Love of My Life' to primetime. 

After several months of hiatus due to the pandemic, the star-studded cast is all set to gift their loyal fans with a recap of the heartwarming series which they have consistently followed since its pilot airing. 

Love of My Life dwells on the atypical relationship of the Gonzales family. Isabella (Coney Reyes), the matriarch, is a rich widow with high standards who would stop at nothing to get what's best for her sons - Nikolai (Mikael Daez), the youngest son who has grown into a rebellious man, and Stefano (Tom Rodriguez), the favorite son who also happens to father the child of his former lover, Kelly (Rhian Ramos). 

Amidst his mother's objection, Stefano pursues Adelle (Carla Abellana), a widow with a child who manages her own handicraft business. Their seemingly perfect life crumbles not only when Kelly barges into the picture along with the estranged Nikolai, but also when Stefano gets diagnosed with a terminal illness. 

Playing equally vital roles are Anna Marin as Siony, Adelle's doting and supportive mother; Vaness del Moral as Joyce, Adelle's strict but supportive friend who also helps run her handicraft business; Geleen Eugenio as Manang Eden, the Gonzales' family cook, and a warm-hearted spinster; Samantha Lopez as Janice, Isabella's fashionable and loyal personal assistant; Maey Bautista as Cha-mae, Adelle's humorous and kikay friend who works in her handicraft business; Angeli Bayani as Osang, Eden's niece who will take over her duties for the Gonzales family and become Kelly's friend; Ethan Hariot as Gideon, Kelly's charming son from Stefano whom he abandoned; Raphael Landicho as Andrei, Adelle's adorable son from her ex-boyfriend; Levi Ignacio as Mang Arsing, the Gonzales' trusted driver who is also a close friend of Isabella's sons; Carl Guevarra as Kiel, close confidante and business partner of Stefano; and Dino Pastrano as Elmer, Adelle's loving brother who manages their family farm. 

As the series airs anew, the cast members reveal how they feel about working in the new normal and alongside each other, their memorable experiences on set, and what's the most valuable lesson they learned this year. 

Coney took to Instagram to commend Carla and Rhian's utmost professionalism, "Happy to be working for the first time in a TV drama with Carla Abellana and Rhian Ramos. These two young actresses exhibit excellent work ethics and display remarkable acting skills. I would say they are underrated. Through time, I know they will get even better and shine even brighter! Such gems of GMA.” 

Carla, in turn, shares in one of her YouTube vlogs about her experiences on set, “So far, so great. Nag-eenjoy kaming lahat dito. We're very grateful for our work and for this place. Hindi lang kami makapag-usap-usap dahil concentrated talaga kami sa aming mga eksena lalo na sa mga linya namin given na for seven weeks ang hawak naming scripts.” 

Rhian also expresses her gratitude towards her co-stars and the production team after the success of their lock-in taping, “Our lock-in taping for Love of My Life has come to an end, and I'm leaving our bubble with memories I'll cherish. So many good times. In the end, it's those things I take with me. It's amazing what we were able to achieve despite all challenges. Ipinagmamalaki kong makasama sa isang palabas na gawa ninyo, thank you for having me in your team.” 

Meanwhile, Mikael imparts what this year has taught him, “In terms of the feelings of anxiety, helplessness, fear - they're all there. But I guess one thing I can focus on is that towards the end, noong natuloy 'yung lock-in taping namin for Love of My Life, I did see positive aspects of this year suddenly sprouting. Para sa akin, this new normal, as difficult as the adjustment may have been, it is bringing about different and new opportunities. I guess we just have to take it in stride.” 

Don't miss the highly-anticipated recap of 'Love of My Life - under the helm of esteemed director Don Michael Perez - beginning December 28, weeknights, only on GMA Network.

Read more »

MMFF 2020 Winners: "Fan Girl" Sweeps All Major Awards, Dominates All Award Categories

As earlier predicted, "Fan Girl" dominates, not just the box-office earnings, but also the awards in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

The Paulo Avelino - Charlie Dizon starrer rakes 8 awards including the major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

Meanwhile, the fantasy movie "Magikland" received most of the technical awards including Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects.

MMFF 2020 Winners - Full List:

Best Actress: Charlie Dizon, Fan Girl 

Best Actor: Paulo Avelino, Fan Girl 

Best Director: Antoinette Jadaone, Fan Girl 

Best Supporting Actress: Shaina Magdayao, Tagpuan 

Best Supporting Actor: Michael de Mesa, Isa Pang Bahaghari 

Best Child Actor: Seiyo Masunaga, The Missing 

Best Picture: Fan Girl 

Second Best Picture: The Boy Foretold by the Stars 

Third Best Picture: Tagpuan 

Best Screenplay: Fan Girl 

Best Cinematography: Fan Girl 

Gender Sensitivity Award: The Boy Foretold by the Stars 

FPJ Memorial Award: Magikland 

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: Suarez, the Healing Priest 

Special Jury Award: Peque Gallaga 

Manay Ichu Vera Perez Maceda Memorial Award: Ms. Gloria Romero 

Best Editing: Fan Girl 

Best Original Theme Song: "Ulan" by Jhay Cura/Pau Protacio, The Boy Foretold by the Stars 

Best Production Design: Magikland 

Best Visual Effects: Magikland 

Best Musical Score: Magikland 

Best Virtual Float: Magikland 

Second Best Virtual Float: Isa Pang Bahaghari 

Third Best Virtual Float: Fan Girl

Read more »