Star Powerhouse

Acclaimed pop-balladeer RJ Dela Fuente have joined forces with Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano for a moving and heartfelt rendition of Laura Story ’s “ Blessings ”—released just in time for the Holy Week.  Their powerful duet offers a fresh take on the iconic Christian ballad, serving as a timely reminder of hope, healing, and unwavering faith in God amid life’s trials.  Known for bridging the worlds of pop and gospel music, both artists bring a depth of emotion and sincerity to the song that resonates deeply with listeners. “But more than our styles complementing each other, it’s our united stand, belief, and faith in Jesus that I believe has made it a perfect fit. Probably one of my favorite duet recordings in my lifetime,” shares Gary Valenciano. The track was produced and arranged by Mon Faustino , Gary’s musical director for more than 35 years, in collaboration with recording consultant Mike Jamir . Considered by both as one of their favorite Christian songs, “...

  The Film Development Council of the Philippines recently co-hosted the first Academic Film Society meeting of 2025 with iACADEMY. The event brought together representatives from different universities, colleges, and high schools nationwide, all united in offering film education.    This initiative underscores the FDCP’s commitment to nurturing the future of Philippine cinema. The national agency is focused on empowering students by providing them with workshops, financial assistance, and other support necessary to develop their skills in filmmaking.    The AFS is an FDCP-led program designed to foster a community of student filmmakers. Beyond supporting student development, the AFS also aims to integrate film into broader academic activities and provide educators with training on effectively using film in teaching.    The AFS gathering, held at iACADEMY’s multipurpose hall, served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration. The meeting focused on o...

Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes led 20 other media professionals honored during the 3rd Laurus Nobilis Media Excellence Awards held at Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite in General Trias City last March 28. Direk Joey was bestowed with the Icon of Media Excellence Award, the highest honor among the Laurus Nobilis awards, for his significant contributions to Philippine media and cinema.    In his video acceptance speech, Direk Joey emphasized the importance of media professionals dedicated to truth and honesty, especially in an age of widespread misinformation. He also challenged media students to rectify the mistakes of previous generations. FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez accepted the award on his behalf.    Several awardees were present to receive their trophies, including Elijah Canlas ( “Uninvited” ) and Candy Pangilinan ( “Road Trip” ) for Film Acting, P...

  The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) join the nation in commemorating the life and remarkable contributions of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, belovedly known as Nora Aunor, in a necrological service on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Arrival honors will begin at 8:30 AM, followed by a tribute program at 9:00 AM. The state funeral rites will continue at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. The National Artist, who passed away on April 16, 2025 at 71, was a distinguished film, television, and theater actor, a renowned singer, and a film producer. Her career began in amateur singing competitions, eventually gaining attention when she won the television talent show Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967. Her successful stint in the popular television show along with her appearance in Darigold Jamboree, led to her phenomenal rise earning the iconic titl...

  Pop superstar, songwriter, actress, and cultural phenomenon Addison Rae has released her latest single, " Headphones On ," via Columbia Records, accompanied by a brand-new music video available for streaming on all digital platforms today. Listen to the song and watch the video, directed by Mitch Ryan, here . Photo Credit : Bella Newman The song arrives shortly after Addison’s surprise appearance during Arca’s Coachella set this past Sunday night, where the duo performed "Arcamarine," Arca's take on Addison’s single "Aquamarine."   The official new video takes fans to Reykjavik, Iceland. Directed by Mitch Ryan—who also directed the video for "High Fashion"—Addison is shown daydreaming in a mundane grocery store before being transported to the fantasy-filled vast countryside of Iceland, devolving into a mind-bending trip. The song is produced by her trusted collaborators Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, who co-wrote the track alongside Ad...

 The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Asia’s oldest and the Philippines' premier orchestra, proudly announces its first concert for the 2025-2026 season, titled "Music for Peace," set on May 24, 2025 (Saturday, 7:30 PM) at the iconic Aliw Theater , CCP Grounds, Pasay City. Celebrating nearly a century of musical excellence, the MSO’s 99th season, themed "In Pursuit of Excellence: MSO Concert Series 2025–2026," marks a monumental journey leading up to its historic 100th anniversary in 2026. Partnered with Standard Insurance, this season highlights MSO's legacy of resilience, innovation, and cultural impact. 🎶 Concert Highlights: Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 "From The New World" Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 featuring Berlin-based Filipino violinist Emanuel John Villarin (EJ) Conducted by MSO Music Director and internationally acclaimed maestro Marlon Chen This concert also commemorates the 80th anniversary of MSO’s po...

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) The Met: LIVE in HD - Season 10 explores the grandeur of Egypt in its fourth installment with Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida this May 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at Glorietta 4, Cinema 1 in Makati City. Thrust into an empire war between Ethiopia and Egypt, Verdi’s Aida narrates a romance while unearthing faded scenery with historic monuments and animated projections under the direction of Tony-winner Michael Mayer. “Ever since I was a kid, I was obsessed with ancient Egypt. I loved the visuals and the symbolism. I loved the pomp, the pyramids, the mummies, the hieroglyphics,” said director Mayer, who also created The Met stagings of Verdi’s Rigoletto and La Traviata . “I even managed to get a sarcophagus and a Cleopatra dancer into my Rigoletto. So right away, I was excited about getting to work on a new Aida.” Verdi’s Aida is a visual spectacle of forbidden love. Aida, enslaved by Egyptian Princess Amneris, captures the heart of Commander Radamès. But u...

With a shared goal to promote the Filipino national identity, culture, and heritage, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Intramuros Administration (IA) collaborate to bring back Intramuros Evenings .  In the late 1990s, Intramuros regularly presented cultural performances produced and curated Intramuros Evenings, featuring the best of Philippine artists and performing groups.  “Together with the CCP, we are reviving that flagship program with the staging of four Intramuros Evenings this year as part of our commitment to elevate Intramuros as a premier cultural and touristic destination,” said Rhea Cy, Head of the Tourism Promotions Division of the Intramuros Administration. Intramuros Evenings featured performances from CCP resident companies including the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), Ballet Philippines, and Tanghalang Pilipino. In 2023, the CCP successfully restaged two productions from its Out-of-the-Box (OTB) series, ‘Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela’ and ‘A...

Filipina content creator Abi Marquez continues to elevate Filipino cuisine and digital storytelling to global heights as she secures her first-ever nomination at the 17th Annual Shorty Awards, landing a spot in the “TikTok Presence” category. Known online as the “Lumpia Queen,” Abi has built a massive TikTok community—racking up 4.4 million followers and over 117.8 million likes—by serving up Filipino food content and diving into international cuisines with the same playful, flavorful energy. Her nomination celebrates the way she’s turned everyday dishes into viral videos, representing Filipino culture with pride, humor, and creativity. The Shorty Awards celebrate the best of the best in social and digital media—from creators to campaigns that shape culture online. Past winners include names like Pixar, Jay Shetty, Al Jazeera Digital, and Google. Abi is in good company this year, up against major players like Sony Pictures’ “Venom: The Last Dance” TikTok Takeover, MTV’s “The Chi” and ...