Star Powerhouse

  Following a triumphant run in the student film circuit, the award-winning musical short film “Kahel” from Far Eastern University continues its journey across the country.  The acclaimed 20-minute film, which was produced by the Kuwerdas production team, is set to screen on September 5 at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center as part of the 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival in Alaminos City, Pangasinan.  Brought to the festival through the Cultural Center of the Philippines Lakbay Sine program, an initiative dedicated to expanding the reach of Philippine cinema to local communities, “Kahel” arrives as a finalist from the 38th CCP Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video or CCP Gawad Alternatibo.  The narrative centers on Elias (Justin Abalos), a standard office worker who leaves behind his 9-to-5 job to chase his musical ambitions in the city. His journey hits an unexpected crossroads when a sudden jeepney breakdown strands him along with his longtime musi...

  YAO , a collective bringing together Japanese hip-hop queen Awich, acclaimed rapper CHICO CARLITO, globally renowned rock band ONE OK ROCK, and boundary-pushing band Paledusk, returns with their second single, " FOR OKINAWA" . Fans can listen to the track here . Born from conversations shared between the members throughout the production process, "FOR OKINAWA" explores Okinawa's history, culture, and the lasting scars of its past. Okinawa natives Awich and CHICO CARLITO have long shared stories of their homeland and the realities faced by those who continue to carry its history. Their perspectives deeply resonated with the other members of YAO, including Tokyo-born Taka (ONE OK ROCK), who came to share their desire for peace and determination to preserve Okinawa's cultural heritage. It was this shared sense of purpose that became the foundation for the track. As the members reflected on an essential message they felt was needed not only in modern Japan bu...

  Misamis Occidental turns into a vibrant hub for independent cinema as the 6th Oroquieta Film Festival showcases 28 selected works from across the Visayas and Mindanao from October 12 to 15. Among the entries chosen for the Lumayagan Shorts Competition is “Those Little Things,” a sci-fi short film hailing from Negros Occidental. Produced under Kwentista Produksyon, the short film transports viewers to the year 2222 in a cyberpunk version of Bacolod. The plot follows a teenager (Ynez Arceo) navigating a seemingly routine day with her father (Bon Cerbo), completely unaware that a surprise awaits her. Beneath its futuristic exterior, the film balances speculative technology with deeply human warmth, exploring the quiet bonds between parent and child against a high-tech backdrop. John Arceo plays different characters as a supporting actor. Co-directors and co-producers Poli Gonzales, who also supervised the visual effects team, and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa, who also wrote the screenplay...