Star Powerhouse

  Every story has the power to leave a lasting impression. Some remind us of the sacrifices people quietly make for those they love, while others encourage us to confront difficult truths, embrace compassion, and see the world through another person's eyes. This July, the CCP Channel features select productions from the Virgin Labfest (VLF), the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, and the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video. Covering different themes and storytelling styles that offer the opportunity to experience stories that reflect the realities, struggles, and aspirations of Filipinos across generations. Personal stories from the VLF stage translated onscreen Beginning this month’s lineup are three VLF plays presenting stories of individuals facing life's challenges, difficult decisions, and moments that shape their lives.  Originally staged as part of VLF 9, playwright Carlo Vergara’s KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY tells the story of a...

Many Filipinos still fondly remember BJ Forbes as Tolits, the energetic kid from the iconic laundry detergent commercial, or as the quick-witted child host on “Eat Bulaga! ”  Since his early breakout years, which spawned roles in fantasy shows “Mulawin” (2004), “Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia” (2005) and “Fantastikids” (2006), sitcoms “ Ful Haus” (2007) and “ Moomoo and Me” (2009), and films like “ Ispiritista: Itay, May Moomoo!” (2005), “Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom” (2005), “Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On” (2006), “Dobol Trobol: Lets Get Redi 2 Rambol!” (2008), “Ang Panday” (2009), and “Ded na si Lolo” (2009), among others, Forbes has practically grown up before the nation’s eyes.  Now, the veteran performer is charting a path toward deeper artistic maturity. Forbes recently proved that a true artist’s education never really ends. This after officially graduating from The Masters Series: FDCP Actin...

Mapúa University School of Multimedia and Digital Arts (SoMDA) Dean David R. Corpuz is set to unveil his latest full-length feature, “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam” ( Only Known to Us ), at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. Directed by Corpuz and co-written with Iar Arondaing, the 110-minute drama delves into love, grief, and unresolved family tensions.  The story follows long-time partners Neil (Martin del Rosario) and Bong (Miguel Odron), whose lives center on their close relationship with Bong’s mother, Gloria (Yayo Aguila). When Bong is hospitalized with a severe illness, Neil is left balancing work demands with bedside caregiving while Gloria tries to remain strong for her son. The emotional strain heightens with the sudden arrival of Bong’s estranged father, Benjie (Epy Quizon), who returns aiming to reconcile. The film's supporting cast includes Madeleine Nicolas, Bodjie Pascua, Bong Cabrera, Adrian Lindayag, and Nour Hooshmand. Behind the scenes, the fea...

  Independent pop artist Estelle Fly is back with her first release of the year - ‘Bury it’ - a song about the power of unspoken attraction and the tension of deep yearning for someone you can’t fully have. ‘Bury it’ marks a defining new chapter in Estelle’s music career. Confident and unapologetically herself, the single embraces vulnerability and desire with newfound conviction, signalling a new era that pushes her sound forward while introducing herself to listeners old and new. “This song feels like both an ending and a beginning,” said Estelle. “It represents me beautifully closing the chapter of everything that’s brought me to this point, and introducing what I like to call an era where I am exploring the concept of desire.” “It’s an era where I finally have the freedom to explore ideas and emotions I’ve always wanted to write about. Not just about love, but also longing, vulnerability, confidence, attraction, and all the beautifully complicated parts of being human that I d...

  Global superstar JENNIE releases her ethereal new single and music video “ Less than a Lover ,” available now via ODDATELIER /Columbia Records. The single is JENNIE’s ode to summer, capturing the excitement and lingering emotions of a relationship that exists somewhere between friendship and romance. Written by JENNIE, the song explores the space with someone who is more than a friend but “Less than a Lover,” JENNIE embraces the confusion and exhilaration of an undefined connection. Expanding her sonic palette with a softer alternative-pop sound, the track pairs lo-fi guitar textures and vintage electric keyboards, JENNIE's vocals and lyricism, naturally expressing the subtle feelings that arise in a relationship that is neither friendship nor love. The accompanying music video , based on a story by JENNIE, sees her slip into another world, another character, another version of herself while shooting a short film with friends, where a faux love story shapes a new dynamic between...

  Credit: Titus Madrideo bloo! , the recording project of Singapore-based Filipino artist Thea Madrideo , has released her debut EP “ in moments of stillness " on all major streaming platforms worldwide. “ in moments of stillness ” is a five-track collection written entirely by Madrideo over two years in the quiet, disorienting aftermath of a life that changed overnight and in the slow, uneven work of returning to herself. The EP does not perform healing. It documents the act, honestly and in the order it actually happened. Deeply entrenched in singer-songwriter intimacy and pop rock energy, bloo!'s sound carries the emotional directness of early 2000s lyricism, drawing from artists like Kitchie Nadal, Alanis Morissette, and Michelle Branch. Her lyrics move between English and Filipino, reflecting the natural texture of how she thinks and feels. The five tracks move through a complete emotional arc. “ soup ” opens the EP in a state of sabaw , the Filipino slang for a mind run...