Philippine Cinema’s Brightest Filmmakers Unveil Latest Works at the Star-Studded Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Mediacon

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 recently presented the 26 participating original films and their extraordinarily talented makers at a lively media conference held at Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City.

Alongside seasoned directors and actors joining this year’s filmfest are stoked-up aspirants and brave auteurs seeking to make a name in the industry through a diverse mix of movie genres.

Hosted by TV personality Migs Almendras, the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival mediacon served to bring excited festival participants within reach of their multi- generation audience. On stage, the artists spoke with passion about their projects while providing attendees with glimpses into this year’s films.

In attendance for the coming-of-age film “Apol of my Ai” were director Thop Nazareno as well as actors Zion Cruz and Rochelle Pangilinan.

Representing the fantastical “Beast” was producer Meg Bryan Bermudez, together with the film’s supporting cast of Candy Pangilinan, Karl Medina, Ruslan Jacob, and Dax Alejandro.

The quiet and moving drama “Mono No Aware” was represented at the event by director BC Amparado, producer Patricia Salic, as well as lead actor Juan Karlos Labajo. The supernatural and proudly queer “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” had director Rodina Singh in attendance alongside actors Sassa Gurl, Joao Constancia, Phi Palmos, Gaia Poly, and Inah Evans.

The otherworldly love story “Patay Gutom” had actors Khalil Ramos, Cris Villanueva, and Alwyn Uytingco joining co-directors Carl Joseph Papa and Ian Pangilinan. The romantic comedy with a deadly twist “Stuck on You” saw Mikko Baldoza take the stage with lead stars Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph.

And last but not least, director Joseph Abello appeared to present “Wantawsan,” his ‘slice of life’ comedy with a twist of political dilemma.

Also in attendance for the event were the nineteen filmmakers participating in this year’s student shorts category. Hailing from all over the country, this new generation of cinematic voices are raring to leave a mark at this year’s upcoming festival.

“Every film in this year’s CinePanalo carries the passion of its creators,” says Ivy- Hayagan Piedad, festival chair of Puregold CinePanalo. “Giving these stories a platform where audiences can experience and celebrate them is our way of supporting Filipino artistry and contributing to the continued growth of Philippine cinema.”

PUREGOLD CINEPANALO FULL-LENGTH CATEGORY

“Apol of My Ai”

Director: Thop Nazareno 

Starring: Zanjoe Marudo, Zion Cruz, and Rochelle Pangilinan 

Logline: Bata lang si Apol pero binata na ang tingin niya sa kaniyang sarili. Masusubok ang kaniyang pagbibinata nang ma-inlove siya sa kaniyang choir teacher, at nang gumawa ang kaniyang tatay Poli ng isang desisyon na maglalayo sa kanilang loob. Kaya ba silang hilumin at muling paglapitin ng musika?

“Beast” 

Director: Lawrence Fajardo 

Starring: John Arcilla 

Logline: After a final harvest forced upon him by the landlord, a farmer and his loyal carabao embark on a magical road trip to Manila, chasing the ghost of a niece the years stole from him.

“Mono No Aware” 

Director: BC Amparado 

Starring: Juan Karlos Labajo and Perry Dizon 

Logline: In a quiet apartment in Japan, a Filipino kodokushi cleaner meets an elderly widower who asks him for one final favor before he dies. What begins as a promise becomes a quiet story of grief, family, and accepting life's impermanence.

“Multwoh (Patay Na Patay Sa’yo)” 

Director: Rodina Singh 

Starring: Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia 

Logline: When a college queer dies suddenly in their dorm, they return as a ghost—not to seek revenge, but to say the one thing they never found the courage to say in life: “I love you.” A haunting, hilarious, and tender story about fear, desire, and the kind of love that refuses to die.

“Patay Gutom” 

Directors: Carl Papa and Ian Pangilinan 

Starring: Khalil Ramos, Ian Pangilinan, Agot Isidro, and Cris Villanueva 

Logline: The story follows a grumpy shut-in whose third eye is accidentally opened after eating an offering meant for a charming but lonely ghost. Now bound together, they discover family secrets, shared heartaches, and a love that blurs the line between life and the afterlife.

“Stuck on You” 

Director: Mikko Baldoza 

Starring: Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph 

Logline: A heartbroken manicurista accidentally takes on a hitman’s job, leading her to a deadly conspiracy where she must choose between saving her family or killing the man of her dreams.

“Wantawsan” 

Director: Joseph Abello 

Starring: Joross Gamboa, Rita Daniela, and Zion Cruz 

Logline: A cash-strapped father receives money from the newly elected mayor he supported, but when he sets out to buy food for his son’s birthday that day, he’s thrust into a comical adventure that tests his wit and his values.

PUREGOLD CINEPANALO STUDENT SHORTS CATEGORY

SET A

“Starfish” 

Director: John Clite Apolinar 

Starring: VR Relosa, Nour Hooshmand, Jake Ulan, Floyd Tena, and Dads Valencia 

Logline: Forced to return to his provincial hometown, a male sex worker confronts his estranged father, sister, and a town where oppression wears a more familiar face.

“Kun Hain, Bisan Diin. (Anywhere and Everywhere)” 

Director: Jomarie Reyes 

Starring: Pau Baluyan, Carla Zarcal, and Anton Nolasco 

Logline: A young lawyer returns to Samar to look for her estranged activist mother before her wedding.

“Kanibal” 

Director: Michael Baylon 

Starring: Rowen Jean Ledesma, Roselle Lao, and Ma. Lourdes Maculada 

Logline: Sa palengkeng hindi maiwasan ang pagbabago, kasabay nito na magbabago ang paniniwala at katawan ni Lea.

“Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas” 

Director: Ezaldea Carla Fernandez 

Starring: Darelle Tiu, Aly Torres, and Karla Dipasupil 

Logline: Ella, a queer archivist in mourning, reminisced about her lover by preserving a historical video documenting the first Pride March in the Philippines in 1994, in which they are both featured.

“Limlim” 

Director: Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje 

Starring: Zoey Madison Presentacion Lim and Angela Salga 

Logline: A ten-year-old girl and her mother move into seclusion at an old chicken farm, where they are forced to confront their grief while starting a new life.

SET B

“Alumahan” 

Director: Christian Melvin M. Arejola 

Starring: Don Rishmond Cerbito, Zoey Madison Lim, and Jeremy Mayores 

Logline: In a small provincial fishing town, 13-year-old Unyok, a grieving fish port helper bullied by his peers, seeks to belong in a violent youth gang and faces a brutal initiation rite.

“When Heaven Inched Towards Earth” 

Director: Vinh Marco 

Starring: André Miguel and Kaleb Ong 

Logline: In a Catholic high school in Bulacan, a farm boy’s bond with a sacristan forces him to grapple with faith, shame, and the space between heaven and earth.

“No Mad is an Island” 

Director: Carl Geronimo 

Cast: Arjhay Mangulabnan and Vic Romano 

Logline: In a vibrant fishing town, Matmat dreams of dancing like a fish, yet the world keeps casting nets around him.

“Tingi” 

Director: Rowan De Aro 

Starring: Jero Andrey Marcelino and Evangeline Argete Gigante 

Logline: Inside a neighborhood sari-sari store where every transaction tells a story, a graduating student quietly saves every coin for college until an unexpected turn challenges the future he has carefully built.

“Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” 

Director: Hezekiah M. Estorque 

Starring: Jonalyn Mateo, Ian Laczi, Chayl Flores, and Jeffrey James 

Logline: A Filipina labandera’s vivid fantasies slowly take over her reality, exposing the hidden cost of surviving in a broken system.

SET C

“Pulis Dunggab” 

Director: Maxine Dela Bajan 

Starring: Van Jordan Gacayan, Elj Seth Tababa, and Richel Ann Basiga 

Logline: While playing his favorite game of Pulis Dunggab, 9-year-old Dongkoy stumbles into an encounter that transforms childhood make-believe into something all too real.

“The Sound of K” 

Director: Jay Gabriel A. Cañada 

Starring: Jay Gabriel A. Cañada 

Logline: A young boy burdened by the fear of speaking discovers that finding his voice may require confronting the very sound he’s spent his life avoiding.

“Nakabinbin” 

Director: Carlo Gula 

Starring: Soliman V. Cruz 

Logline: A widowed father must secure a death certificate to bury his daughter, only to learn that without proof she was ever born, the law leaves him no choice but to break it.

“Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” 

Director: Giancarlo Santiago 

Starring: Chino Alfonso and Jovic Gabriel Cardano 

Logline: On the eve of his departure, a seaman drifts between a farewell drinking session with his friends and quiet moments with his son, until the tension between machismo and tenderness pushes him toward a reckoning he can no longer postpone.

SET D

“Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!” 

Director: John Russel Capule 

Starring: Trisha Nicole Corpus, Kenneth Mendoza, Rhandylle Marius Obra, and Samantha Gleo 

Logline: In a small barangay where a children’s game of teks reflects real power, Maya challenges Rod, the reigning champion turned tyrant, in a teks battle that could change the fate of their community.

“Kapag Tapos na ang Umpukan” 

Director: Justine Lee Estinor 

Starring: Oz Kenshin Rodas 

Logline: A young man trapped between family obligation and personal ambition finds himself at a crossroads when the rituals of lambanog-making and a night of celebration force him to confront the courage he has long been stalling.

“12 Shots” 

Director: Minnesota Flores 

Starring: Nor Domingo, Kyrie Samodio, and Ethan King 

Logline: In a dying Manila photo studio, a teenage apprentice inherits her mentor’s vintage camera and his penchant for the past—until a debt turns deadly, and the only mercy left is to walk the hours back to where it began.

“Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked)” 

Director: Lloyd Pereira 

Starring: Belle Francisco and Riya Miranda 

Logline: A young woman determined to find her mother is about to become their town’s first OFW, sending the townsfolk into a frenzy of over-the-top reactions.

“Miss Intrams” 

Director: Henri Marie C. Belimac 

Starring: Mariella Cuerpo, Mika Hamajo, and Diana Palma 

Logline: A queer transmasc college student enters the campus Miss Intramurals pageant not to win, but to understand: is this who she is? Or is this the farewell to who she was?

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival runs from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!

Tickets are priced at ₱250 regular and ₱200 discounted, while a ₱2,000 festival pass gives moviegoers a way to take on the entire lineup. PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders qualify for discounted tickets. Festival passes will be available at the Gateway Cineplex 18 beginning September 22, and also TriNoma starting September 23.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is sponsored by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack 'N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins, and Zonrox.

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Following the Success of HONOR 600 Series, Something Exciting Is Coming for the Next Generation of Creators

Global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially begun teasing something exciting following the success of the HONOR 600 Series, hinting at another device designed to keep up with the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s young professionals, creators, and digital-savvy users.

HONOR 600 First Day Sale Draws Huge Crowds

Built around the everyday demands of entertainment, content creation, work, and business, HONOR’s upcoming device is set to bring together the features users need to stay productive, creative, and connected. From creating content for social media to managing work and business on the go, it is designed to fit seamlessly into the way today’s generation lives and works. At the heart of the experience is HONOR’s AI Image to Video 2.0, giving users a more creative way to bring their images to life. Together with the device’s capabilities for entertainment, content creation, and everyday productivity, HONOR is set to make advanced experiences more accessible to a wider audience.

“Following the success of the HONOR 600 Series, we wanted to continue building on what our consumers value while bringing exciting experiences to even more users,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “This upcoming device reflects how we see smartphones evolving alongside the way people create, work, and enjoy content today. We’re excited for everyone to see what we have in store.”

Stay tuned to HONOR Philippines’ official social media channels as more details are revealed soon.

For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ph/. 

To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more. 

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After a Long Day, Here’s How the XPAD 30 Pro Helps Students Make Time for Themselves

Classes? Done. Deadlines? Sent. Group chat drama? Muted. Now it’s officially time to log off and reclaim your free time.

After a day packed with lectures, requirements, notifications, and the occasional “guys, what was the deadline again?”, there is something satisfying about finally having nowhere to be and nothing urgent to do. Maybe it is catching up on a comfort series, playing a few rounds, falling into a random internet rabbit hole, or simply zoning out for a while. Whatever the vibe, having time to yourself can be the reset you did not know you needed.

The XPAD 30 Pro fits right into those after-school, after-work moments. Slim and lightweight enough to bring almost anywhere, it combines powerful performance, an immersive display, and smart AI features to make everything from entertainment to casual creativity a little more enjoyable.

When “One Episode” Becomes Five

You know the drill. You promise yourself one episode before bed, only for the next episode to start before you have even decided whether you are actually going to watch it. We have all been there.

The XPAD 30 Pro’s 11-inch 2.5K Eye-Care Display gives you plenty of screen space for catching up on your comfort series, scrolling through TikTok, watching YouTube, or finally opening that endless list of videos you bookmarked “for later.” Its sharp, detailed display makes your favorite content more enjoyable, while its eye-care features are designed for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is exactly the kind of break you need.

When “Just One Game” Turns Into a Whole Session

After hours of taking notes and staring at presentations, switching to game mode can feel like the perfect change of pace. For student gamers, it might be as simple as squeezing in an MLBB match between classes, playing a few games while waiting for dinner, or finally getting some ranked time in after finishing an assignment.

Powered by the Helio G200 Ultimate Processor, the XPAD 30 Pro delivers gaming-optimized performance for a smooth and responsive experience. Its spacious display also gives you plenty of room to keep track of the action, whether you are checking the minimap, coordinating with your squad, or trying to clutch that last team fight.

Of course, “just one game” has a funny way of becoming “okay, last game for real.” But after surviving lectures, deadlines, and group chat chaos, who says you cannot make time for a little MLBB session?.

When Curiosity Takes You Down a 2AM Rabbit Hole

It starts innocently enough. You see something while scrolling, get curious, look it up, and somehow find yourself deep into a completely unrelated topic half an hour later.

The XPAD 30 Pro’s AI-powered features can make those spontaneous curiosity spirals even more interesting. Ask AI to break down something unfamiliar, translate content, brainstorm an idea, or help you learn more about a topic that suddenly has your full attention.

One random question can easily turn into a new idea, a creative project, or simply something interesting you learned before bed. Not every rabbit hole is a bad one.

Time to Enter Your Creative Era

Not everything you make needs to be submitted on a learning platform.

With stylus support, the XPAD 30 Pro gives you room to sketch, doodle, journal, plan, or experiment with ideas simply because you feel like it. No rubric. No revisions. No groupmate asking, “Can you change this part?” Just some creative time that is entirely yours.

And with its slim and lightweight design, the XPAD 30 Pro is made to go wherever inspiration strikes. In fact, its sleek design earned it a 2026 European Product Design Award, making it just as stylish as it is practical. Bring it along to your favorite café, meet up with friends, or find a quiet corner at home. What starts as a random doodle can quickly become a new hobby, and before you know it, you are officially hobbymaxxing. .

Get Tomorrow Out of the Way

For some people, relaxing is easier when tomorrow’s to-do list is no longer living rent-free in their head.

The XPAD 30 Pro can help clear some of that mental clutter, whether that means organizing notes, annotating documents, checking a few things for the next day, or tying up small tasks before calling it a night. Its smart features and connectivity make it easy to move between school, work, and personal time without constantly switching devices.

Sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes and a few taps to get the essentials sorted. Then close the tabs, call it a night, and let future-you deal with tomorrow.

Because Downtime Matters Too

Classes are done, deadlines are handled, and now it is officially me time. After a day of lectures, requirements, notifications, and group chat chaos, having a little time to reset is more than just a break. It is your chance to recharge, do something you actually enjoy, and just be you for a while. Whether you are binge-watching, gaming with the squad, or hobbymaxxing with your latest obsession, the XPAD 30 Pro is ready for whatever your downtime looks like.

Because not everything has to be productive. Sometimes, you just need to clock out, recharge, and do you. Make more of your downtime with the Infinix XPAD 30 Pro, now available with the X Keyboard 11 Bundle for just ₱14,699, exclusively on Infinix Official TikTok Shop.

Discover more at the Infinix Website, or shop through Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada.

For the latest updates, tips, and more from Infinix, follow the Infinix Facebook page or join the official community group.

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more — building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

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Puregold Teatro Panalo Makes a Blockbuster Debut with 373 Entries

Puregold Teatro Panalo is making a major entrance into the Philippine theater scene, drawing an impressive 373 entries for its inaugural festival - a strong show of interest for a brand-new platform dedicated to original Filipino theater.

Presented by Puregold and produced and organized by Wishbone Collective, Inc., Teatro Panalo was launched to discover, develop, and bring Filipino stories from the written page to the stage.

Its first call for submissions, held from August 8 to September 11, welcomed both emerging and established Filipino playwrights. Writers were invited to submit original one-act works - whether newly written or previously staged - across genres, styles, and theatrical forms. The result: 373 submissions in just over a month.

For a festival entering its very first year, the turnout gives Teatro Panalo a formidable starting point and underscores the wealth of stories waiting to be developed within the Filipino theater community. Festival Director Vincent de Jesus said the response has made the team even more excited about what comes next.

“For our first year, receiving 373 entries is already something to be grateful for. It tells us that many Filipino writers out there have stories they want to share and develop for the stage. Now, our responsibility is to look closely at these works, recognize the voices behind them, and give the selected pieces the support they need to grow,” de Jesus said.

More than a festival, Teatro Panalo is envisioned as an incubation and development platform for original Filipino theater. Selected works will be developed with theater professionals and provided resources to transform scripts into fully realized stage productions.

The festival’s ambitions, however, go beyond developing individual works. For Vincent de Jesus, this means creating more opportunities across the theater community.

"Teatro Panalo aims to expand and strengthen the theater ecosystem by creating more opportunities not only for established and emerging writers, but also for directors, actors, and everyone involved in bringing a production to life. By giving more theater artists the chance to create and collaborate, and building on the work of the theater festivals that came before us, we hope to contribute to a bigger, and more sustainable theater community,” he added.

From the massive pool of 373 entries, only 12 original works will be chosen for full production: eight straight plays and four musicals. Each selected playwright will receive ₱100,000 in financial compensation, together with development and production support.

And the journey will not necessarily end when the curtain falls. After the festival run, one straight play and one musical will receive full-length development grants, opening the door for both works to evolve beyond their original one-act versions and potentially become full-length productions.

Teatro Panalo expands Puregold’s support for Filipino storytelling into a new creative frontier. Following the success of its annual film festival, the company is now bringing its “Panalo” platform to live theater - giving playwrights another space to experiment, develop their craft, and reach audiences.

With 373 entries in its very first edition, Teatro Panalo has already demonstrated something important even before its first production reaches the stage: Filipino playwrights are ready to tell their stories. Now comes the difficult part—choosing the 12 that will make history as Teatro Panalo’s inaugural productions.

The first Puregold Teatro Panalo will run from February 18 to March 14, 2027.

For announcements and updates, follow the official Puregold Teatro Panalo Facebook page.

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HONOR Connect Brings the HONOR Ecosystem Together for a Seamless Device Experience

HONOR Philippines is making it easier for users to move across smartphones, tablets, wearables, and audio devices through HONOR Connect, an ecosystem feature that links compatible HONOR products for a more connected experience across work, communication, entertainment, and everyday activities.

HONOR Connect enables cross-device features including connected notifications and calls, screen sharing, connected apps, network sharing, connected camera, and content transfers. Depending on the compatible devices and software versions, users can share files, access information, and continue selected activities across screens.

“As consumers use more devices in their everyday lives, we believe the experience should become simpler, not more complicated,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “HONOR Connect brings our devices together so users can choose the right device for what they need to do while staying connected across work, wellness, and entertainment. We want our technology to work naturally around the user.”

One Ecosystem, Different Roles

The HONOR Magic V6 offers the flexibility of a foldable smartphone, with its expansive inner display supporting productivity and multitasking on the go. It can also connect with other compatible HONOR devices to extend the experience beyond the smartphone.

For users who need more screen space, the HONOR MagicPad4 provides a larger canvas for productivity, content, and multitasking, while cross-device capabilities make it easier to share information between compatible devices.

The HONOR Watch 6 keeps key information within reach while supporting an active lifestyle. Connected features allow users to stay updated through notifications and calls on supported devices without always needing to reach their smartphone.

Meanwhile, the HONOR Earbuds 4 complement the connected experience for calls, music, and entertainment, keeping audio and conversations within easy reach throughout the day.

Designed Around the Way People Use Their Devices

Together, these devices demonstrate how an ecosystem can give users flexibility without requiring every device to serve the same purpose. Users can check updates on their Watch 6, manage communication and tasks on the Magic V6, move to the MagicPad4 when a larger display is needed, and use the Earbuds 4 for calls or entertainment.

HONOR Connect also supports selected cross-brand scenarios. Compatible HONOR smartphones and tablets can transfer content with iPhone and iPad devices, Mac computers, and supported devices from other brands. Availability and supported functions vary by device, operating system, and software version.

As HONOR continues to expand across smartphones, tablets, PCs, wearables, and audio devices, HONOR Connect brings these experiences closer together, giving users more freedom to build a connected setup around their individual needs and routines.

For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ph/. 

 To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more.

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Kyla Releases "Next Episode" Vinyl, Unveils "Bring Your Jacket" Visualizer

Queen of R&B Kyla marks another milestone in her music career with the release of the vinyl edition of her latest album “Next Episode,” alongside the visualizer for her latest single “Bring Your Jacket,” now available on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel.

Released through Backspacer Records, “Next Episode” marks Kyla’s first-ever album released on vinyl, giving fans the opportunity to experience her music in a physical format. For the Kapamilya singer, having a physical copy of an album carries a special meaning, especially at a time when most listeners consume music through streaming platforms.

“As a batang 90s, as a millennial, nare-relish ko yung ganitong pagkakataon na nagkakaroon uli ng physical copies ng albums, especially ngayon kasi lahat nasa streaming. Iba yung value as when you have a physical copy kasi you grow with the songs,” Kyla shared.

The R&B icon also revealed that she is currently working on the deluxe edition of “Next Episode,” which will feature new songs.

Adding to the album’s latest offerings, Kyla also unveiled the visualizer for “Bring Your Jacket,” a feel-good track about the many ways one can express what he feels without saying it outright.

"It's a song about the many ways you can say 'I love you' to someone that you like or you love without having to say the words 'I love you,'” she said. “It’s a beautiful song and it has a good vibe that you can listen to while driving."

Meanwhile, Kyla continues to add to her list of career milestones after receiving a nomination at the 2026 Awit Awards for Best R&B Recording for her song “Stand Up.”

Originally released in October 2025, “Next Episode” features the tracks “Stand Up,” “Kaya Ko Yan,” and “Back to Bliss,” among others.

Listen to Kyla’s “Next Episode” on digital streaming platforms and get a vinyl copy through Backspacer Records. Watch the visualizer for “Bring Your Jacket” on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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IAM Worldwide Celebrates 9th Anniversary with Star-Studded "9RACE" (GRACE) Music Festival Featuring Secondhand Serenade, Apl de Ap, IYAZ, KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde, and Dionela

IAM Worldwide celebrates its 9th Anniversary in a big way with "9RACE" (GRACE), an anniversary celebration and music festival - featuring Secondhand Serenade, Apl de Ap, IYAZ, KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde, and Dionela on October 4, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum. Organized by Wilbros Live.

Leading the international line-up is Secondhand Serenade, the acclaimed emo-pop project of singer-songwriter John Vesely, best known for the multi-platinum anthem “Fall For You,” along with fan favorites “Your Call,” “Vulnerable,” and “A Twist in My Story.”

Filipino-American superstar Apl de Ap, co-founder and member of the Grammy Award-winning Black Eyed Peas, brings the party with global anthems including “I Gotta Feeling,” “Boom Boom Pow,” “Where Is The Love?” and Filipino favorites “Bebot” and “The APL Song.” Also joining the celebration is international R&B and pop hitmaker IYAZ, whose worldwide smash “Replay” became one of the defining pop hits of its era, alongside favorites “Solo” and “Pretty Girls.”

Representing OPM are three of the country’s most exciting performers: powerhouse vocalist KZ Tandingan; acclaimed singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, behind hits such as “Palagi” and “Dating Tayo”; and rising R&B sensation Dionela, whose massive hits “Sining” and “Marilag” have made him one of today’s leading voices in Filipino music.

From nostalgic international favorites to today’s biggest OPM hits, 9RACE (GRACE) brings generations of music fans together as IAM Worldwide celebrates nine years of empowering lives, creating opportunities, and promoting healthy living.

Tickets are available at IAM Worldwide office. For more information, please visit IAM Worldwide’s official accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

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Jollibee Brings the Joy of Friendship to Life with DreamWorks Animation’s "Forgotten Island"

Jollibee, is marking a milestone with its global collaboration with DreamWorks Animation for the worldwide theatrical release of Forgotten Island on September 23, 2026.

At the heart of Forgotten Island are lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, who discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with mythical creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families. When they discover that returning home could come at the cost of losing the memories of their friendship, Jo and Raissa must find a way to leave the island without forgetting each other.

Forgotten Island features Filipino and Filipino-American talent including Tony Award-winning Lea Salonga, global comedy star Jo Koy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning H.E.R., actress Liza Soberano, and co-writer and co-director Januel Mercado.

“Great stories and great food both have a way of bringing people together,” said David Beal, Jollibee Group global chief marketing officer and head of digital marketing. “With DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, we’re inviting friends and families to celebrate the joy of friendship—from watching the film to sharing a delicious Jollibee meal together. It is a simple expression of what Jollibee has always stood for: serving great-tasting food and bringing the joy of eating to everyone.”

The Filipino connection extends beyond the film, with Filipino girl group, who are also Jollibee endorsers, BINI contributing the song “A Parallel World” to the Forgotten Island soundtrack. The upbeat electronic-pop track, which features English and Filipino lyrics, was released on July 23.

BINI also performed the song at the Forgotten Island panel during San Diego Comic-Con in July, further connecting the group and the film with audiences around the world. The music video for “A Parallel World” also features Jollibee, showing members of BINI enjoying their favorite meals and sharing candid moments while in the United States for the song’s recording and related activities.

“At Jollibee, we value partnerships that allow us to collaborate with world-class brands and create experiences that genuinely resonate with our customers,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Our partnership with DreamWorks is especially meaningful because Forgotten Island brings together universal themes of friendship and family with Filipino-inspired storytelling. We are proud to be part of this global collaboration and excited to bring the spirit of the film to Jollibee communities around the world.”

The Jollibee and Forgotten Island collaboration brings together global entertainment, Filipino talent and storytelling, and Jollibee’s own spirit of togetherness, extending the experience from the big screen to everyday moments shared over a meal.

More elements of the collaboration are set to be revealed, including an exclusive Jollibee offer tied to the film. Details will be announced at a later date.

DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island arrives in theaters September 23, 2026.

For more information, visit https://www.jollibee.com.ph/ or follow Jollibee’s social media channels for updates.

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Star Digital Solutions Prepares for 9.9 E-Commerce Mega Campaign

As the Philippines gears up for one of the biggest e-commerce events of the year, Star Digital Solutions (SDS) is preparing for the upcoming 9.9 Mega Campaign, bringing together leading brands, creators, and e-commerce strategies designed to capture one of the year’s biggest online shopping moments.

Recognized as a top MCN and TikTok Shop Partner (TSP) agency in the Philippines, Star Digital Solutions is entering 9.9 with an expanding portfolio of major accounts across FMCG, beauty and personal care, fashion, health, and technology - strengthening its position as one of the country’s emerging forces in e-commerce and livestream commerce.

The agency’s growing roster reflects a broader shift in how brands approach digital growth: e-commerce is no longer simply another sales channel, but an increasingly important engine for brand awareness, customer acquisition, and revenue growth.

Preparing Brands for the 9.9 E-Commerce Mega Campaign

For the upcoming 9.9 campaign, Star Digital Solutions is working with some of the Philippines’ leading brands across multiple industries, developing strategies that combine shop management, livestream commerce, performance marketing, content creation, creatives, and production. Star Digital is geared for more than 100 livestream sessions, covering greater than 1000 livestream hours with creators and brand-led activation, almost double from the recently held 6.6 mega campaign.

The goal goes beyond simply driving traffic during a mega campaign.

By combining commerce, content, creators, and paid media, SDS helps brands build an integrated digital presence designed to turn attention into engagement - and engagement into sales.

This approach has become particularly relevant during major e-commerce moments such as 9.9, 10.10, 11.11, and 12.12, where brands compete not only for consumers’ purchasing power but also for visibility in an increasingly crowded digital marketplace.

In less than two years, Star Digital Solutions has rapidly established itself as one of the Philippines’ top e-commerce agencies, showcasing strong capabilities across Store and Shop Management, Livestream Commerce (Brand-led Live session and Creator Live Session), Creative Development, and Production, Media Planning and Buying, Affiliate Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Warehousing and Fulfillment.

Its growth reflects the agency’s ability to operate at the intersection of commerce and entertainment—two forces increasingly shaping how Filipino consumers discover, engage with, and purchase products online.

Rather than treating livestreaming as a standalone promotional activity, Star Digital Solutions integrates livestream commerce into broader e-commerce and marketing strategies, allowing brands to maximize both content and conversion.

(Left to right: COO– Scott Adrian So, CEO– Kevin Richard Lim, BD Manager– Micaela Angela Padua, 

KLS Manager– Maybeline Marvilla, SOM– Zebedy Rafael San Agustin)

A Proven Track Record in Livestream Commerce

Star Digital Solutions has also worked on livestream campaigns featuring some of the Philippines’ most recognizable celebrities, creators, and personalities, including Denise Laurel, Criza Taa, Iwa Moto, Bea Borres, Lauren Young, Nadine Lustre, Rei Germar, Luis Manzano, BINI, and Jelly Eugenio.

These projects demonstrate the agency’s growing expertise in producing and managing high-impact livestream campaigns capable of combining entertainment, community engagement, and commerce.

Among its notable achievements are livestream campaigns that have contributed to record-breaking sales performances for content creators, highlighting the growing commercial potential of creator-led livestreaming in the Philippines.

For brands, the opportunity is clear: livestream commerce can transform creators and personalities from simply being sources of awareness into powerful drivers of real-time engagement and sales.

Scott Adrian So — COO, Star Digital Solutions “A successful livestream is never the work of one person or department—it is the result of synergy. From hosts and creatives to operations, performance, and production, every function must work toward one objective. When teams move as one, a livestream becomes more than a broadcast—it becomes a complete commerce experience that turns attention into engagement and engagement into sales.”

Why More Brands Are Turning to E-Commerce

The rapid growth of e-commerce is changing the way brands build their digital presence.

Consumers are increasingly discovering products through short-form videos, livestreams, creator recommendations, and social commerce platforms. As a result, brands are looking for partners capable of connecting brand building, content, creators, media, and commerce into one cohesive strategy.

Star Digital Solutions currently manages key accounts from some of the most recognized names in their respective industries, including L’Oréal Group, P&G, Unilever, Nestlé, Christy Ng, Rejuran, ROUND LAB, Strokes Beauty Lab, BLK Cosmetics, Happy Skin and many more.

These brands represent major players across beauty, fashion, FMCG, personal care, and consumer products—industries where digital commerce and livestream shopping continue to create new opportunities for growth.

Building What Comes Next for Philippine E-Commerce

As the 9.9 Mega Campaign approaches, Star Digital Solutions is positioning itself not just to participate in the country’s e-commerce growth, but to help shape it.

Kevin Richard Lim— CEO, Star Digital Solutions “E-commerce in the Philippines is no longer just a sales channel—it is becoming a critical driver of brand growth. As consumers increasingly discover products through content, creators, and livestreams, brands need more than an online presence; they need a commerce strategy that connects discovery, engagement, and conversion. At Star Digital Solutions, we continue to invest in e-commerce, livestream commerce, performance marketing, and creator capabilities to help brands turn that opportunity into growth.”

With capabilities spanning MCN and TSP Operations, Store and Shop Management, Livestream commerce, Media Planning and Buying, Creative Production, and Creator Partnerships (Affiliate Marketing/ Influencer Marketing), Warehousing and Fulfillment. SDS continues to build an ecosystem where brands and creators can work together to drive measurable results.

Zebedy Rafael San Agustin — Senior Operations Manager, Star Digital Solutions “Technology, data, and strategy drive performance, but people drive success. At Star Digital Solutions, we believe in understanding our brands, creators, hosts, and consumers—and bringing their strengths together with the right direction. Our people-first approach enables us to build campaigns that deliver results while creating partnerships and capabilities that last beyond a single campaign.”

The upcoming 9.9 campaign is another opportunity for the agency to demonstrate what it does best: turning attention into engagement, engagement into commerce, and commerce into sustainable brand growth.

For brands looking to scale their presence in the fast-growing Philippine e-commerce landscape—and for creators looking for opportunities to work with brands through livestream commerce and social commerce—Star Digital Solutions is building itself as a partner for what comes next.

The 9.9 rush is coming. And Star Digital Solutions is ready.

For inquiries and exploratory call— Can reach out to Micaela Angela Padua (Business Development Manager) aseals@stardigitalms.com and Maybelline Marvilla (Key Live Session Manager) maybelinemarvilla@stardigitalms.com

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Gabbi Garcia Brings Her Feel-Good Approach to Money as Salmon’s Newest Brand Ambassador

Fast-growing fintech brand Salmon officially introduced actress and host Gabbi Garcia as its newest brand ambassador at the close of the Salmon Feels Good Weekend, a two-day celebration held at the Glorietta Activity Center.

Held from September 5 to 6, the event invited mallgoers to enjoy life’s little feel-good moments. Guests sang their favorite songs, refreshed their looks, captured photos with friends, and even won exciting prizes in the two-day event.

The celebration culminated in a lively late-night show hosted by Salmon brand ambassador Sam YG. He was joined by Gabbi, and the trending Unang Hirit personalities, Joy Barcoma and Baus Rufo.

During her conversation with Sam YG, Gabbi was unveiled as the newest ambassador of Salmon. The announcement was marked by a playful piñata moment and a colorful shower of confetti, an appropriately joyful welcome for the brand’s new ambassador.

Having started her career at a young age, Gabbi learned early on the importance of building financial independence. By age 22, she had taken charge of managing her own finances, developing an approach that balances saving and investing with pursuing business opportunities.

But being financially responsible does not mean missing out on the things she loves. A fashion enthusiast, foodie, and avid traveler, Gabbi knows how to make thoughtful financial choices while still enjoying the rewards of her hard work. Whether she is discovering a great fashion find, trying a memorable meal, or exploring a new destination, she believes money should help people create experiences they genuinely value.

“I started working at a young age, so I also learned early on the value of being responsible with money. This is why I’m excited to work with Salmon, a secure and reliable tool that I genuinely believe can make growing and managing money easier and more empowering for money-savvy Filipinos like me,” Gabbi said.

“Gabbi manages her own money with real discipline, and she still spends on what she values. That mindset represents a generation of Filipinos who want both: control over their finances and the freedom to enjoy what they’ve earned. This makes her the ideal ambassador for Salmon, a finance app designed to be a reliable partner for Filipinos through their everyday money moments,” said Raffy Montemayor, Co-Founder of Salmon.

Salmon is a modern money app that lets customers access credit and banking products to make growing and managing money easier. Through its credit products offered by Salmon Finance, customers can manage their everyday household expenses and even turn big purchases into manageable monthly installments. Through Salmon Bank’s time deposit products, customers can grow their money faster with high interest rates. Whether saving for personal goals, managing daily expenses, or making room for feel-good moments, customers like Gabbi can rely on Salmon as a secure and dependable partner for their financial needs.

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