Star Powerhouse

  Palanca Award-winning and best-selling author Segundo Matias Jr. has released his newest work, Stigma: Batang Poz 2 , the highly anticipated sequel to his groundbreaking 2018 novel, Mga Batang Poz . His latest release deepens the conversation about HIV awareness and the stigma still faced by young Filipinos living with the virus. In Stigma: Batang Poz 2 , fifteen-year-old Melody joins a group chat called “ Pete’s Corner ,” a digital refuge for young people like her, teenagers living with HIV. As her pregnancy becomes more visible, she must face the weight of stigma while finding strength in the stories of other poz youth, including the familiar characters from the first book. The follow-up explores survival, solidarity, connection, and the search for hope in the midst of the HIV-AIDS crisis in the Philippines. Matias adds, “Melody, the new character, is especially important to me. If her story reaches video, there is so much within her journey that viewers can learn from. Throug...

  The 28th French Film Festival marks a historic milestone in Philippine and French cinema as it unveils the inaugural French–Philippine Co-Production Conference, a two-day industry platform designed to catalyze new partnerships, investments, and joint film projects between the two countries.  The two-day event was recently held at SMX Aura, BGC, Taguig City. ,The conference serves as the first major initiative following the signing of the France–Philippines Film Co-Production Agreement during the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2025, by Gaëtan Bruel, President of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée (CNC), and Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, Chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Strengthening Bilateral Creative Ties French-Philippine film cooperation has long been a dynamic component of bilateral relations, with Filipino filmmakers increasingly gaining prominence at international festivals and participating in prestigious workshops s...

The Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrates its centennial season in a spirit of thanksgiving with a program that honors its legacy and looks toward the future. Exactly one hundred years ago, the MSO performed Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 at its inaugural concert, a work that returns to the stage in this historic celebration, first conducted by founder Alexander Lippay and now and now under the baton of Singaporean guest conductor Darrel Ang, alongside the Emperor Concerto , featuring rising young Chinese pianist Muyu Liu. MSO Trustee and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s Misa 2000 and Te Deum conclude the program with the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers under the baton of Professor Mark Anthony Carpio, in a resounding tribute of gratitude to the MSO’s enduring faith, excellence, and service to the Filipino musical spirit. REPERTOIRE Beethoven: Leonore Overture no. 3, op. 72 (Performed exactly 100 years ago) Darrel Ang, Conductor Ludwig van Beethoven’s Leonore ...

  South Korea-born bedroom pop artist Peach Luffe is set to bring his brand of dreamy introspection to The Rest Is Noise 44 , happening on November 30, 2025, at Sari-Sari Bar in Makati City .   The Toronto-based act has been gaining traction in Southeast Asia, propelled by the viral success of his song “ Ego .” The emotional track recently found a second life on TikTok and other digital platforms, where fans of the hit K-drama Weak Hero Class have been using it to soundtrack fan-made edits and reels. The song peaked at No. 8 on the Spotify Viral 50 charts in Philippines. [PRESS PHOTOS HERE] Peach Luffe is the music brainchild of Korean artist Jong Lee . Known for creating daydream-worthy pop, Jong leans on his classical foundation to build lush soundscapes that transport his listeners to an entirely peaceful and calming realm.  He will be joining a stellar lineup of indie pop/folk artists at the 44th edition of TRIN, including prolific alt-pop band Shirebound , acclaim...

  Prime Video debuted the official trailer and new episodic images for the second season of its critically acclaimed global hit series, Fallout. The highly anticipated eight-episode season will premiere on December 17, 2025, with one episode rolling out weekly until the season finale on February 4, 2026. The epic trailer showcases action-packed sequences, mutated creatures, exciting cast reveals - Kumail Nanjiani and Macaulay Culkin - and thrilling mysteries on the wasteland’s horizon. The new season will pick up in the aftermath of Season One’s epic finale and take audiences along for a journey through the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. Season Two will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Fallout is produced by Kilter Films, with executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner serve as executive producers, creators, and showrunners. To date, Fallout...