StarPop’s Newest Singing Heartthrob Rob Blackburn Muses on Finding Love in Debut Single "Biyernes ng Gabi"

Former “Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10” housemate Rob Blackburn who now goes by the mononym Blackburn longs for a deep connection with his beloved in his debut single “Biyernes ng Gabi.”

He performed the song for the first time at the “Star Magic Hot Summer 2024” event where he also showcased his fitness transformation.

”Biyernes ng Gabi” captures the feeling of relief during the last day of a work week and how it would be a perfect day to spend with someone special.

“There was this time my family was outside of the country, I was left on my own, and my friends constantly invited me out on Fridays. I sometimes felt Fridays could be hectic if it’s not spent with the right person. I wanted to relax on Friday nights with a special person, though I’m still not sure who she is yet,” he said.

Blackburn composed “Biyernes ng Gabi” while StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos led its production.

From an early age, Blackburn discovered his love for music through singing at parties, talent shows, and joining musicals during his high school.

“I fell in love with using my voice to entertain others and I found what I was good at. I then sang more consistently, whether or not that was recess in school, my room, the bathroom or humming to melodies in the classroom. I enhanced my passion by joining talent shows and performing as a singer in community parties,” the StarPop artist shared.

He continued to flourish as an actor starring in the Pie Channel series “The Chosen One” and “Eat Pray Love.” Now, he begins to venture into music where he can showcase his passion for singing and songwriting. Some of his musical influences come from rock bands such as Blink-182, Sum 41, My Chemical Romance, The Goo Goo Dolls, Eraserheads, Rivermaya, and Kamikaze and pop artists such as Ed Sheeran and Maroon 5.

Check out Blackburn’s debut single “Biyernes ng Gabi” available on various digital streaming platforms. 

For more details, follow StarPop on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.

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Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Host "On the Run Cadet Academy" Event for "Bad Boys: Ride or Die"

The Bad Boys are back.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence hosted the “On The Run Cadet Academy” at the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles on May 17, in anticipation of the upcoming release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die in June.

Watch the final trailer: https://youtu.be/JwJOv3Uop3U

Guests got to “Drive Like Mike Lowrey” [Smith’s character in the Bad Boys films] and experience Porsche’s exhilarating driving academy on track. Guests got to make like Lawrence’s Marcus as well by participating in “Marcus’ Ultimate Snack Run,” a challenge course on foot themed around Marcus’ love of snacks, complete with prizes. Prior to the cadet academy, guests were treated to an advance screening of the film.

One of the lucky guests was US-based Filipino-American gamer content creator Dino Roman (dinocornel on social media), whose posts about the event even scored comments from Will Smith himself!

“Wtf bro I thought I was only watching an advance screening of Bad Boys Ride Or Die then Will and Martin showed up! I legit had to use my inhaler back at the hotel cause I was laughing too much it triggered my asthma 😅. Catch it in Philippine cinemas June 5 and June 7 here in the US!” posted Dino.

To which Smith commented, “Damn, we shoulda been throwing out inhalers instead of skittles”

Smith also commented on Dino’s post about the “On The Run Cadet Academy,” where the content creator mentioned that the film will open in the Philippines June 5. “Philippines! Love that,” commented Smith.

In Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run. Directed by Adil & Bilall, the film also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Eric Dane and Ioan Gruffudd.

Don’t miss out on explosive action and laugh-out-loud humor Bad Boys style when Bad Boys: Ride or Die, distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in cinemas June 5

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"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" Premieres July 3 Only on Netflix

Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back on the beat in Beverly Hills. After his daughter’s life is threatened, she (Taylour Paige) and Foley team up with a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy.

"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaINC4HPyMI

Based on Characters created by Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie, Jr. and under the direction of Mark Molloy, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" also stars Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot and Kevin Bacon.

Premieres July 3, only on Netflix.

For more updates, visit https://www.netflix.com/ph-en/title/81076856

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Get Ready for the Upcoming "SBTown Music Fiesta" Concert feat. the Hottest K-pop and P-pop Stars

P-pop and K-pop stans, brace yourselves to join a night of fun, excitement, cultural exchange, and musical diversity as we celebrate the Philippines and South Korea 75 years of friendship through a concert event - SBTown Music Fiesta!

SBTown (Show Biz Town) is the first PH company established by Mr. Geong Seong Han, popularly known as Tatang Robin. He is a well known former TV personality, singer-comedian, and a member of the group ‘Cult Triple’ in South Korea and the producer of the biggest P-pop boy group in the Philippines. Recently, SBTown has organized a successful event entitled KWAVE Music Festival wherein they successfully invited and brought together P-pop and K-pop idols in one show gathering thousands of attendees.

In light of the music fiesta announcement, SBTown held a Media Conference event last Friday, May 24, 2024 at the Sheraton Manila Bay.

The Media Conference were attended by a line up of rising K-pop idols and actors.  

X:IN, a five-member multinational female group that debuted in South Korea in April 2024 with the single "Keeping The Fire" and published their first mini album this year, 'THE REAL'. 

Queenz Eye, a five-member South Korean girl group, will also be unveiled. The group debuted in October 2022 with their single album "Queenz Table". 

DIGNITY, a five-member boy group who debuted in South Korea on September 2022 with their pre-debut single, ‘Rambo’ will perform on the SBTown Music Fiesta stage.

There were also solo performances by Yu Suhyun, one of three members of the K-pop Trot girl group 'MINIMANI'. Jang Hyeri, a South Korean singer and former member of the girl group 'Girl's Day' and the band 'bebop'. And a special appearance from Korean actor, model, and the ‘nation’s second lead’, Kim Ji Soo.

Hosted by South Korean actor and model, Sang Hyun Lee, popularly known as Danny Lee.

You can also catch your favorite P-pop groups on stage including SBTown’s girl power P-pop group, YGIG, powerhouse P-pop boy group, PLUUS, and their talented all-rounder soloist, Darlene. 

For the pre-show event, Filipino-American singer-songwriter P-pop soloist Zéla will be performing following another P-pop shining rookie, BILIB.

Mark your calendars because SBTown Music Fiesta will be held on May 26, 2024, Sunday, 5:00 P.M., at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium in Manila City.

Admission is for free! This event is presented by SBTown and Manila Koreatown Association. And made possible through our sponsors - Universal Records, Binggrae, Jinro, BB.Q Chicken, and Eagle 25 so fans wouldn’t miss the opportunity to attend the fun and exciting event.

As mentioned by the Tatang Robin, this will be an annual event wherein famous and rising K-pop idols as well as Korean actors/actresses will be invited to share a fun and remarkable event for the K-pop and P-pop community.

As part of the celebration of this special event - SBTown Music Fiesta, Manila Koreatown Association (MAKOTA), and Worldwide Link will present and provide scholarships to the students from PEFTOK (Philippine Expeditionary Force To Korea) Veterans Association to commemorate the 75 years friendship of South Korea and Philippines.

Take part in the 75th anniversary commemoration of South Korea and Philippines’ friendship through shared culture and most notably, music. Let’s make memories together and enjoy a night full of good music and performance with your favorite P-pop and K-pop performances at SBTown Music Fiesta!

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk77dAMYkfodjnwyKIZ3mFHzPsHHWiubRlQK37g5ztyBjaxg/closedform

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This May 26 on “Asap Natin ‘To”: Grand Acts from Gary, Martin, Regine, Kim. Joshua and Many More!

Rewind your favorite acts from singing icons Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, and Regine Velasquez, plus show-stopping performances from Kim Chiu, Joshua Garcia, Janella Salvador, and many more, this Sunday (May 26) on "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

Join the “ASAP” family in an all-star fiesta opening with Gary, Martin, Regine, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos, Angeline Quinto, Kim, Darren Espanto, Jona, Vina Morales, Yeng Constantino, Maymay, AC Bonifacio, Sheena Belarmino, Jameson Blake, Aljon Mendoza, Chie Filomeno, Fana, and Lara Maigue, alongside Sinulog Festival Dancers and MNVRS Ignite.

Catch throwback dance performances from Kapamilya heartthrob Joshua, alongside AC, Kyle Echarri, Darren, Alexa Ilacad, Joao Constancia, Jameson Blake, Gela Atayde, Maymay, Jeremy Glinoga, Race Matias, and Ken San Jose. They will be joined by dance groups G-Force, Ignite, and A-Team. Follow it up with scintillating performances from Kim and Janella.

Meanwhile, watch out for exciting collaboration prods from Martin and Bamboo, Darren, Jake Cuenca, and Chie Filomeno, as well as Jackie Gonzaga and Loisa Andalio, joined by D Grind.

“ASAP” brings musical treats from OPM band The Juans, singer-songwriters Gary, Nyoy Volante, Anji Salvacion, Jeremy, and Barbie Almalbis, singing champions Jed Madela, Jona, Klarisse De Guzman, Jason Dy, Sheryn Regis, Bituin Escalante, Frenchie Dy, Katrina Velarde, Sheena, Elha Nympha, Bugoy Drilon, JM Yosures, and Reiven Umali. Continue the ‘biritan’ with “ASAP” divas Regine, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jona, Bituin, and Frenchie.

End your viewing experience with a bang as Gary, Martin, Regine, Ogie, Erik, and Angeline deliver stunning renditions of international hits. Joining in on the fun this weekend are hosts Robi Domingo, Janine Gutierrez, and Edward Barbers.

Watch all these acts from the country's longest-running and award-winning musical variety show, "ASAP Natin 'To," this Sunday, 12 NN on local TV via Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, A2Z, and TV5, online through Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC, and worldwide via TFC.

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Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Coronation Night on May 22 Airs on GMA-7

GMA Network proudly airs the ‘Miss Universe Philippines Coronation’ this Sunday, May 26.

Widely anticipated by viewers nationwide, this year’s event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning producer, host, and advocate Jeannie Mai, alongside Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards, Global Endorser Gabbi Garcia, Miss Universe 2022 R’bonney Gabriel, and popular eventologist Tim Yap.

This year's coronation night shines a spotlight on cultural diversity, compassion for children and animals, LGBTQIA rights, environmental stewardship, women's empowerment, support for the creative industry, and solidarity with migrant workers with its inspiring theme “Love for All.”

53 exceptional delegates from all over the country will compete for the coveted crown to succeed Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, and get the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the next Miss Universe pageant.

The coronation night will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 22, while the delayed telecast will be available on May 26, 9 a.m. nationwide and 9:45 a.m. in Central and Eastern Visayas, on GMA Network.

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TNT Wins Best Branding Campaign in First-Ever TikTok Ad Awards PH

TNT, the value brand of mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has won the Best Branding Campaign gold award for its TNT Petmaloop Challenge in the first-ever TikTok Ad Awards Philippines.

“The TNT Petmaloop Challenge bested over 150 submissions from various consumer brands to win gold in the Best Branding Campaign category,” said Paolo David, Country Head for Brand Growth and Partnerships at TikTok, who earlier said that the awards aim to “recognize brands for their remarkable endeavors in crafting entertaining campaigns that resonate with communities, inspiring them to take meaningful action."

Launched in October 2023, the TNT Petmaloop Challenge urged content creators nationwide to feature interesting highlights about their communities and regions that give them ‘saya’ or joy and upload them on TikTok. As part of the challenge, the participants could only use one TNT-powered smartphone, which they passed from one user to another in a relay.

The brand took everything to a whole new level by enabling the participants to livestream their journey from Bulacan to Manila on the video-sharing app without interruption, a feat that successfully set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Travel Livestream for a total of 26 hours, 15 minutes, and 29 seconds.

To mount the nationwide campaign, TNT worked closely with its partner agencies Ace Saatchi and Saatchi, Wavemaker Philippines, and CTV Inc.

“We thank TikTok Philippines for this prestigious award, which is a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, and passion of our internal teams and agency partners in creating a groundbreaking campaign that fostered a sense of pride among Filipinos,” said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Smart Consumer Wireless Business.

“We dedicate this award to our subscribers, whose trust and loyalty inspire us every day to fulfill our mission of bringing ‘saya’ to Filipinos not just through our value-packed services but also through fun and meaningful campaigns, true to the essence of our brand,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Head of Prepaid at Smart.

"Our subscribers can look forward to more affordable offers that keep them connected and happy, powered by our widest network coverage," said Erika Apostol, Head of TNT.

TNT’s Best Branding Campaign award from TikTok is the latest in a string of local and international recognitions that the brand received for its memorable and viral campaigns.

TNT is set to receive a gold award under the Innovation in Content Marketing/Branded Editorial category of the upcoming 11th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards for its Petmaloop Challenge.

On the other hand, its SIM Registration campaign, which consists of a series of public service reminders encouraging subscribers to register their SIM, not only earned millions of views and viral engagement, but also earned awards at the 16th Kidlat Awards, AdFest 2024, Boomerang 2023 Awards, Korea’s MAD Stars 2023, and a gold Stevie Award under the Cause-Related Videos category.

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Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz Team Up in "Back in Action", Premieres November 15 on Netflix

Last May 15, Netflix debuted the first-look photos and launch date for its upcoming action film, Back in Action.

The film stars real-life friends Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz, who shared how excited they are about their new project together.

Jamie: "A lot of people don’t know this, but after Cameron and I did Any Given Sunday and Annie together, we became friends in real life — and I’ve been begging her to come play with me again. We all know there’s just something about her…"

Cameron: "I couldn’t have asked for a better partner, on-screen and off."

Check out the first-look photos below:

Under the direction of Seth Gordon, Back in Action also stars Kyle Chandler, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson.

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New Trailer for Epic Disaster Movie "Twisters" Takes Audiences on an Adrenaline-Fueled Thrill Ride

When one of the most destructive forces of nature looms close, a team of intrepid storm-chasers run into the center of it all. “Twisters” stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, and Brandon Perea, as characters who fight for their lives to predict, capture, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/qxxgOTQKpck?si=M7z066sYNCCahWJG

Prepare for the ride of your life as “Twisters” storms across Philippine cinemas on July 17.

About Twisters:

From the producers of the Jurassic, Bourne and Indiana Jones series comes “Twisters,” a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, “Twister.” Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the Oscar-nominated writer-director of “Minari,” “Twisters” stars Golden Globe nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Where the Crawdads Sing,” “Normal People”) and Glen Powell (“Anyone But You,” “Top Gun: Maverick”) as opposing forces who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes.

Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years, who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better.

“Twisters” also stars Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos (“In the Heights”) as Javi, alongside David Corenswet (upcoming “Superman: Legacy”), and features an exciting new cast, including Brandon Perea (“Nope”), Sasha Lane (“American Honey”), Daryl McCormack (“Peaky Blinders”), Kiernan Shipka (“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”), Nik Dodani (“Atypical”) and Golden Globe winner Maura Tierney (“Beautiful Boy”).

In cinemas July 17, “Twisters” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

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Star Cinema and GMA Pictures Team Up for "Hello, Love, Goodbye" Sequel Titled "Hello, Love, Again" Starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards

In another historic collaboration, ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures are teaming up for the first time to produce “Hello, Love, Again,” the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster hit "Hello, Love, Goodbye."

Kathryn Bernardo of ABS-CBN and Alden Richards of GMA will be reprising their well-loved characters, Joy and Ethan, in “Hello, Love, Again.” Box-office hit film director Cathy Garcia-Sampana, who helmed the original film, returns to direct the sequel that will be shot in Canada.

The film’s theatrical release begins on November 13, 2024 in the Philippines, with international releases following thereafter.

The announcement was made on Sunday (May 19) with key officers from ABS-CBN and GMA present. They were ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN chief operating officer Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Film Productions head Kriz Gazmen, and GMA Films president and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.

For many years, Star Cinema has been telling heartwarming stories of Filipinos and shedding light on the realities of Filipinos living and working abroad through silver screen features. Among its remarkable films from the past decades are “Anak,” “Barcelona: A Love Untold,” “Caregiver,” “Dubai,” “In The Name of Love,” and “Milan.” Star Cinema, along with APT Entertainment and Agosto Dos Pictures, also produced the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, “Rewind.”

Meanwhile, GMA Pictures has produced notable films that touch on key social issues in the Philippines. It led the production of critically acclaimed movies “Muro Ami” and “Deathrow,” the historical drama, “Jose Rizal,” as well as blockbuster hits like “Let The Love Begin” and “Ang Panday.” Last year, it released the movie “Firefly” which earned the Best Picture award in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.

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