U.S. Adaptation of Italian Hit Series "Doc" Premieres in the Philippines this January 13 Exclusively at AXN Asia

Brand new compelling, new medical drama “Doc” will finally debut in the Philippines on January 13 exclusively at AXN Asia.

“Doc” centers on the hard-charging, brilliant Dr. Amy Larsen (Molly Parker), Chief of Internal Medicine at Westside Hospital. After a brain injury erases the last eight years of her life, Amy must navigate an unfamiliar world where she has no recollection of patients she’s treated, colleagues she’s crossed, the man she loves, or the tragedy that caused her to push everyone away. She can rely only on her estranged 17-year-old daughter, whom she remembers as a 9-year-old, and a handful of devoted friends, as she struggles to continue practicing medicine despite having lost nearly a decade of knowledge and experience.

Based on the globally acclaimed and no. 1 Italian series “Doc - Nelle Tue Mani”, the cast of the US adaptation of “Doc” is headlined by Emmy-nominated actress Molly Parker as Dr. Amy Larsen. She is joined by talented actors Omar Metwally (“The Affair”), John Ecker (“Narcos”), Patrick Walker (“The Resident”), Amirah Vann (“How to Get Away with Murder”), Scott Wolf (“Party of Five”) and Anna Banerjee (“The Blacklist”).

Metwally plays Dr. Michael Hamda, Amy’s ex-husband and the Chief Medical Officer of Westside. Michael works hard to bring humanity back to the business of medicine. While driven in his career, Michael has always put his family first. And even though his marriage fell apart, he’s still an excellent Dad and does his best to manage his complicated relationship with his Amy.

Ecker is the dedicated and charming Chief Resident, Dr. Jake Heller, who is Amy’s secret boyfriend, though painfully, she now has no recollection of him. While Jake is warm and fun to be around, he keeps a lot close to the vest, including his troubled upbringing and his strained relationship with his ex-wife Rachel with whom he has a daughter.

Amy’s best friend for two decades, Vann takes on the role of Dr. Gina Walker who now treads cautiously after Amy’s accident, being both her doctor and her friend.

Banerjee is a third-year resident, Dr. Sonya Maitra and she hates the way Amy has treated her and others at the hospital. But when tasked with taking care of Amy after her accident, she starts to see another side to the boss she detests.

An attending physician, Dr. Richard Miller is played by Wolf. He and Amy were once friends, until she “stole” the coveted position of Chief from him. After her accident, he’s back in the top job.

Dr. Theodore “TJ” (played by Walker) is a first-year resident, and Amy was his inspiration to become a physician. When Amy returns to work after her accident, TJ, now basically her equal, will have her back and prove fiercely dedicated to helping his role model navigate the challenges as she faces her future.

“Doc” airs every Monday starting January 13 at 8:50pm on AXN Asia, available at Cignal on Channel 121, GSAT on Channel 60 and Sky Cable on Channel 49.

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BE:FIRST Reflects on a Monumental 2024 and Teases Their Highly Anticipated 2025 World Tour

As the world rings in a new year, Japanese boy group, BE:FIRST, takes a moment to reflect on an extraordinary 2024 and shifts their focus on 2025 – a year that will see the group mark their global breakthrough with their first-ever World Tour.

With groundbreaking achievements in Japan through their management, BMSG, Inc., and abroad, BE:FIRST is now ready to elevate their music and reach even greater heights in the year ahead, while continuing to redefine the boundaries of J-pop.

2024: A Year of Unforgettable Milestones

The group took their artistry to new heights through collaborations, including “Hush-Hush” and “Royal” with Korean boy group - ATEEZ, 2 powerful tracks which married both groups’ distinct styles. The collaboration showcased BE:FIRST’s ability to cross genres and borders, further enriching their sound and reaching diverse audiences globally.

The release of their second studio album, ‘2:BE’, demonstrated BE:FIRST’s artistic growth. The album featured an eclectic mix of tracks ranging from their lead song “Blissful”, the high-energy viral hit “Boom Boom Back”, their standout, thought-provoking single ‘Masterplan’ and emotional ballad, “Glorious” to name a few. ‘2:BE’ explored themes of growth, identity, liberty and resilience, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. To top this off, BE:FIRST’s latest single, “Sailing”, recently became the ending theme song for the globally beloved anime ‘ONE PIECE’.

2025: Global Horizons Beckon for BE:FIRST

In 2024, BMSG’s CEO and renowned Hip Hop rapper, SKY-HI shared that BE:FIRST’s success in Japan sets the stage for global movements and collaborations rooted in constantly pushing artistic boundaries, fostering creativity, mutual respect and shared values.

With their monumental successes propelling the group forward, BE:FIRST is ready to make 2025 a year to remember for their overseas fans, or affectionately known as BESTY.

The group has begun their journey towards a major milestone – The ’BE:FIRST DOME TOUR 2024-2025 "2:BE"’, will take place at iconic venues across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, solidifying their status as leading artists and performers in the Japanese music industry. To top things off, for the first time, BE:FIRST will embark on a global tour, bringing their electrifying performances to an international audience. While details remain under wraps, the group is already hinting at unforgettable moments for fans worldwide, on top of even more groundbreaking music releases and collaborations that will continue to redefine J-pop on a global scale.

Message from BE:FIRST:

“We are incredibly grateful for everything we have achieved in 2024. From starting to perform at dome venues in Japan to having ‘Sailing’ as the ending theme for episodes of ‘ONE PIECE’, it has been an awesome and unforgettable year for us. As we begin 2025, we cannot wait to meet our fans across the globe and create new memories together. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey with us. Let’s make 2025 even more extraordinary!”

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HONOR Sets New Guinness World Record for HONOR X9c 5G

It is official! 

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines created history as its upcoming phone HONOR X9c 5G just set a new Guinness World Record for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously” after 264 participants simultaneously dropped the latest HONOR X9c 5G. 

The toughest phone HONOR X9c 5G is set to be officially launched on January 10 live on Facebook (https://bit.ly/X9cLaunch_PR).

“A win for HONOR is a win for the Filipinos. Prior to its launch, the toughest phone already has already set a Guinness World Record and this is a feat for everyone who supported us since day one. But we still have big news to share with everyone so stay tuned on January 10,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The new HONOR X9c 5G sports an all-angle triple defense feature that has an SGS 5-Star rating for Drop Resistance. It also defied an industry standard as it can withstand up to two-meter drops.

HONOR X9c 5G also has water resistance feature with an IP65M rating. It can be submerged up to 25cm deep for a maximum of 5 minutes.

The biggest surprise of HONOR for the HONOR X9c 5G is the boiling test – a new trend that will make social media go wild yet again. With its heat resistance, the toughest phone can take extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C cold to 70°C hot.

Interested to know more about the toughest phone? Don’t dare miss its grand launch live on Facebook (https://bit.ly/X9cLaunch_PR) on January 10, 6PM!

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). 

To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

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“FPJ’S Batang Quiapo” Marks 100th Week with Do-or-Die Battles

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” opens the new year with a bang as it marks another milestone with its 100th week on-air, while also ushering in its second year anniversary celebration beginning last Monday (January 6).

The action-packed Kapamilya series, which premiered in February 2023, marked its 100th week with an explosive teaser featuring a slew of adrenaline-pumping encounters that are about to unfold in the story.

Viewers are excited for Tanggol (Coco Martin) and Olga’s (Irma Adlawan) do-or-die battle wherein someone’s life is put at major risk as Marites (Cherry Pie Picache), Tanggol’s mother, sets aside their misunderstanding and attempts to save her son.

A bombshell revelation may also lead to major developments in the series when Olga divulges the truth to Tanggol about the long-kept secret that Rigor (John Estrada) is not his real biological father.

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” has more surprises in store for viewers as it continues to celebrate its second year anniversary.

Don’t miss the action-packed scenes in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” which is inspired by the original story of Regal Films, on weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. The latest episodes can be enjoyed on-demand for up to 21 days after they are first streamed on Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube. Viewers who use any digital TV box at home such as the TVplus box only need to rescan their device to be able to watch “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” on TV5 and A2Z. The show is also available to viewers in and out of the Philippines on iWantTFC, while viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.

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Bossjob Successfully Concludes First-Ever Kasanggayahan HR Summit in Sorsogon

Bossjob, the fastest-growing AI-powered mobile chat-first recruitment platform, marked another milestone as it successfully concluded the First-Ever Kasanggayahan HR Summit in Sorsogon Province. The event, held at Villa Isabel Hotel, gathered hundreds of participants, including HR professionals, MSME owners, and local leaders. This collaborative effort was supported by the City Government of Sorsogon, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, the Sorsogon City BPLO Chief Rodel Ferreras, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sorsogon, led by Provincial Director Ma. Lourdes Pancho.

In her speech, Ma. Lourdes Pancho expressed her enthusiasm for Bossjob’s expansion into the region, particularly in the province of Sorsogon. She highlighted the platform’s potential to greatly benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by streamlining their recruitment processes. “We are thrilled with Bossjob’s entry into Sorsogon. It’s a game-changer for our business sector. DTI is committed to supporting Bossjob’s initiatives that empower MSMEs in the province,” she said.

Keynote Speaker Highlights the Role of HR in Business Growth

The summit featured Darwin Rivers, an acclaimed HR professional, founder of Philippine HR Group and guest speaker, who emphasized the critical role HR plays in driving business growth. Rivers discussed the "4 E's" of managing employees effectively:

Employee Engagement 

Employee Enablement 

Employee Satisfaction 

Employee Experience

He noted that while many organizations focus heavily on employee engagement, they often overlook the equally vital areas of enablement, satisfaction, and overall experience. His insights resonated strongly with the audience, inspiring HR professionals and business owners to adopt a more holistic approach to employee management.

Bossjob’s Role in Empowering MSMEs

The event opened with a warm welcome from Feby Joy Llosala-Luneza, Growth Director of Bossjob, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from local government units and partner organizations. Bossjob’s Sales Manager for Expansion, Michelle Ayo, shared an insightful presentation on how the platform can revolutionize recruitment for MSMEs by offering cost-effective, AI-driven solutions.

“Our mission is to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers in the most efficient way possible. Bossjob is here to support Sorsogon’s businesses as they grow and thrive,” said Llosala-Luneza.

A Milestone for Sorsogon’s HR Community

The Kasanggayahan HR Summit marked a significant step in fostering collaboration among HR professionals, MSMEs, and local government units. It underscored the importance of strategic HR practices and innovative recruitment platforms like Bossjob in advancing the business landscape in the countryside.

With hundreds of participants and overwhelming support from key stakeholders, this event is a testament to Bossjob’s commitment to empowering businesses and job seekers alike. It also aligns with Bossjob’s broader mission to expand its footprint in key provinces, serving as a catalyst for growth and development in the Philippines’ MSME sector.

For more updates on Bossjob’s initiatives and events, visit www.bossjob.ph.

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Pinakamasarap na JOY ng Pamilya: Jollibee's Chickenjoy Still the Best Joy for Every Filipino Family

At the heart of every Filipino family gathering, one source of joy consistently brings everyone together - Jollibee's Chickenjoy. Celebrated for its crispylicious, juicylicious, and best-tasting fried chicken, now at its biggest, Chickenjoy transforms any meal into a joyful experience that families eagerly look forward to when bonding.

Standing the test of time, the Chickenjoyest experience has truly solidified its place as the ultimate symbol of Filipino family bonding, where each bite brings out the biggest smiles, the loudest laughter, and the warmest most heartfelt connections.

Even amidst life's challenges and the hustle of daily routines, sharing Chickenjoy with loved ones continues to rekindle that unique sense of joy among those you cherish most.

Moving into 2025, Jollibee seeks to spread even more joy across households, as Chickenjoy not only satisfies cravings with its unparalleled taste, but also elevates family moments to unforgettable experiences and memories.

“Every heartwarming memory created around the Chickenjoyest family-bonding reaffirms Jollibee as the family's choice, making each meal special with our superior taste, value, and the irreplaceable joy that only Chickenjoy can deliver,” said Luis V. Berba, Marketing Director for Masterbrand and Chicken. "We are deeply grateful and honored to be a major part of countless family gatherings in the Philippines, and even around the world, bringing joy and creating lasting memories with every serving. Every family’s joy is our own joy."

As Jollibee continues to serve more and more customers, Chickenjoy remains a classic staple, proving once again why Jollibee is the most beloved fried chicken brand in the Philippines.

Jollibee invites all families to come together and celebrate life and love by visiting their nearest Jollibee store.

Experience the best-tasting and biggest Chickenjoy now, as the Chickenjoyest is also available for delivery via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda, as well as in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

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We Checked What’s Inside the HONOR X9c 5G and Here's Why It's The Toughest Phone of 2025

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has done it again with its viral and elevated durability challenge for the most awaited toughest phone of the year, the HONOR X9c 5G. To prove durability claims, HONOR has shared the secrets of how HONOR X9c 5G became highly durable.

“HONOR X9c 5G has an All-Angle Triple Defense now. It is not just drop-resistant anymore where HONOR X9a and X9b 5G were known for. It is now water and heat-resistant that made this smartphone the toughest phone to hit the market yet,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

What’s behind HONOR X9c 5G’s Ultra-Toughness

• Back-to-back Super Double Tempered Glass - Not only does the screen use this top-of-the-line tempered class, but the camera module also uses the same material. This glass is more durable than others making it more drop-resistant and scratch-resistant. With this, HONOR X9c 5G now has 360-degree drop resistance for up to two meters in height. HONOR X9c 5G also has survived more than 10 surfaces drop test on marble, cobblestone, gravel, asphalt etc.

• Technical principle-under-screen shock-absorbing material - Simply put, the gap between the screen and the middle frame is filled with shock-absorbing materials to reduce the impact of the hard supporting objects of the middle frame on the screen.

• 3-layer Water-Resistant Structure – The first layer is an external leakage port protection for side key port, SPK hole, and card tray hole upgraded to LIM (Liquid Injection Molding) rubber ring. The second layer protection which is for interface has USB rubber sleeve adopting straight surface matching + double sealing ribs; the card holder pokes pinholes to control roughness; and the leakage is reduced. The third layer is for board level and software protection: BTB protection with added foam; waterproof detection + software protection

All this and more when you get the HONOR X9c 5G! Interested in knowing more about the toughest phone? Don’t dare miss its grand launch live on Facebook (https://bit.ly/X9cLaunch_PR) on January 10, 6PM!

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). 

To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

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Feb-Ibig Teaser: "Everything About My Wife" Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo

From red carpets to viral TikToks, Box Office Queen Jennylyn Mercado and MMFF50 Best Actor Dennis Trillo make their much-anticipated return to the big screen in CreaZion Studios' "Everything About My Wife". This marks their first romantic comedy together as a married couple and also reunites Jennylyn with co-star Sam Milby.

    

Today, social media netizens are treated to a sneak peek from award-winning director Real S. Florido (1st Ko Si 3rd & Will You Be My Ex). The teaser introduces Dom (Dennis Trillo) and Imo (Jennylyn Mercado), whose journey takes them from lovers to marriage. However, after seven years, Dom finds himself unhappily married and wanting to escape. In a moment of desperation, we see him seek for help from notorious womanizer, Miguel (Sam Milby), to seduce his wife.

Watch the Trailer HERE: Facebook

As Miguel and Imo grow closer, Dom realizes he has made the gravest mistake of his life when Miguel unexpectedly falls in love with Imo. Despite Miguel’s growing affection and friendship, Imo learns about the scheme and feels betrayed by her husband. Heartbroken, she decides to give Dom what he wants - an end to their marriage. Yet, as they part ways, their love becomes undeniable.

Will Imo forgive Dom? The answer awaits when Everything About My Wife premieres on February 26, 2025. This heartfelt film delves into the complexities of marriage and romantic relationships, exploring how love endures not just through life’s hardships but also through the small, everyday moments we often take for granted.

This rom-com is a collaboration of powerhouse production companies CreaZion Studios & GMA Pictures together with Glimmer Studio. Filipinos will definitely get a dose of much-needed hearty laughter and love this season of Feb-ibig!

For updates, follow CreaZion Studios on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok or visit https://creazionstudios.com/

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HONOR X9c 5G, #TheToughestPhone of 2025, is Coming on January 10 But Can It Survive a 500 Feet Drop Test?

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just dropped #TheToughestPhone of 2025 as the country celebrated New Year’s Day. Coming on January 10, HONOR X9c 5G will be launched on HONOR’s Facebook page.

“This is our biggest launch ever and we’re excited to be dropping this the same time we welcome 2025! This smartphone is stronger with its All-Angle Ultra Defense. HONOR X9c 5G is now water, drop, and heat-resistant. Mark your calendars on January 10 and get to know the toughest phone of 2025,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

All-Angle Triple Defense

The new HONOR X9c 5G sports an all-angle triple defense feature that has an SGS 5-Star rating for Drop Resistance. It also defied an industry standard as it can withstand up to two-meter drops.

HONOR X9c 5G also has water resistance feature with an IP65M rating. It can be submerged up to 25cm deep for a maximum of 5 minutes.

The biggest surprise of HONOR for the HONOR X9c 5G is the boiling test – a new trend that will make social media go wild yet again. With its heat resistance, the toughest phone can take extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C cold to 70°C hot.

So, mark your calendar on January 10 and witness the unveiling of the toughest phone of 2025 – the HONOR X9c 5G. Catch it live on HONOR’s Facebook page.

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: 

Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines)

Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/)

TikTok Shop (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) 

To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

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“Green Bones” Sweeps MMFF 2024, Expands to 180 Cinemas as Audiences Moved to Tears

GMA Pictures’ Green Bones, the gripping prison drama directed by Zig Dulay, swept the awards at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), winning Best Picture and driving an overwhelming demand that led to a dramatic rise in screenings - jumping from 60 cinemas before the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27 to an impressive 180 cinemas to date.

This historic win marks history repeating itself for GMA Pictures, securing a back-to-back Best Picture victory following Firefly’s triumph in 2023. It harks back to the studio’s legendary feat 25 years ago, when Jose Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999) claimed consecutive MMFF top honors.

At the Gabi ng Parangal held at Solaire Resort, Green Bones clinched multiple prestigious awards:

Best Actor: Dennis Trillo 

Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid 

Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens 

Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza 

Best Cinematography: Neil Daza

Although Green Bones was the biggest winner at the 2024 MMFF, GMA Network Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Valdes shared the film’s coveted Best Picture award with the other nine movies in the festival. She recognized the dedication and passion everyone put in, stating, “To make a film, it takes blood, sweat, and tears, and resources. And talagang we really risked it all because we want to tell a story and I hope that people listen to all these wonderful, outstanding stories of these movies.”

The rousing success of Green Bones is a testament to GMA Pictures Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon’s vision of showcasing the network’s homegrown talent on the big screen. While acting legend Dennis Trillo’s involvement is inevitable, Ruru Madrid’s casting was a risk. Despite years in television, Green Bones is the Sparkle star’s first major film role - a gamble that hugely paid off. Ruru’s skillful, heartfelt performance earned him Best Supporting Actor.

Critics and audiences alike have rallied behind Green Bones. The Manila Feed described it as an “MMFF 2024 Best Picture frontrunner” and “a film that moves the soul and reminds us of what truly matters,” with a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. LionhearTV and My Movie World echoed the same score, praising its story, direction, performances, and visuals. Influencer account Lakwatsera Lovers even gave it an 11/10, raving about its writing, cast, and director Zig Dulay.

The film was lauded by Manila Bulletin as a moving, timely story about “doing the right thing and the perseverance needed to be a good, righteous member of the human race,” while Rappler deemed it “raw yet controlled [...] a movie that will make you think, feel, and maybe even cry a little (or a lot).” The Manila Times has called it a masterpiece and an emotional tour de force, being “one of the finest films to grace the Metro Manila Film Festival in recent years […] an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.”

PhilStar highlighted Dennis Trillo’s “high-wire act” as the convicted killer Dom Zamora and his ability to bring complex roles to life with “pathos, clarity, and gravitas,” and commended Ruru Madrid, who played the hard-line, traumatized prison guard Xavier Gonzaga, for having “held his own” against his co-star and industry veterans, delivering a performance that made his role unforgettable and one he can truly take pride in. Child actor Sienna Stevens, who learned sign language for her key role with Dennis Trillo, garnered praise for her strong chemistry with him and her effective, dialogue-free performance, which won her the Best Child Performer award. Her fellow Sparkle artists Royce Cabrera and Mikoy Morales also received recognition for their convincing portrayals of incarcerated gay lovers, despite having limited screen time.

Audience members were captured in tears during screenings of Green Bones, unable to contain their emotions. Social media is flooded with glowing reactions. The popular Facebook page Mubi Rebyu, which ranked the film #1, described it as “may kabuluhan at di makakalimutan.” Screenwriter and National Artist Ricky Lee is receiving widespread praise for his enduring brilliance, with some even calling for the icon’s immortalization, and many agree that Zig Dulay deserves laurels for his consistent cinematic excellence.

With Green Bones, GMA Pictures once again proves that powerful, poignant stories - and daring casting choices - resonate deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as a force to reckon with in Philippine cinema.

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