Star Powerhouse

Andrew Troy Nicolas is a businessman, media executive, and entrepreneur who serves as Chairman of TAG Media Group and Publisher and Chairman of five print magazine titles under the group: Rising Tigers, TopNewsAsia, InCharge, Leading Women, and Exquisite. Beyond his leadership in media, Nicolas is the Vice President of the Indonesia-Philippines Business Association, where he contributes to strengthening business connections and economic opportunities between the Philippines and Indonesia. He is also a Board Member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)–Los Baños. TAG Media Group is a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), recognized as the largest business organization in the Philippines, representing businesses and entrepreneurs across various industries. Under Nicolas’ leadership, TAG Media Group has grown into a diversified business group composed of seven companies, with interests spanning Agriculture, Construction, Manufact...

The Asia Leaders Awards 2026 returns this year with another celebration of leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence, bringing together distinguished business leaders and changemakers in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 18, 2026, and Manila, Philippines, on November 19, 2026. As we look forward to this year’s awards, we also look back at some of the remarkable personalities and organizations who have been recognized in previous editions. Among them is Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, whose leadership has helped transform a homegrown Filipino brand into one of Asia’s most recognizable food-service companies. Another distinguished awardee is Kevin Tan, Executive Director of Megaworld Corporation and President and CEO of its parent company, Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), whose work reflects the continuing growth and global competitiveness of Philippine business. From Indonesia, Kopi Kenangan, known globally as K...

Isang pelikulang hindi lamang basta maghahatid ng kuwento, kundi magbubukas ng mga mata sa realidad na araw-araw na kinakaharap ng maraming Pilipinong nasa laylayan. Ang “WANTAWSAN” ay isang pelikulang naglalayong ipakita ang mga katotohanan, sakripisyo at pakikibaka ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino na patuloy na humaharap sa mabibigat na hamon ng buhay. Sa likod ng bawat eksena ay mga kuwentong puno ng emosyon, pagsisikap at pag-asa—mga kuwentong maaaring pamilyar sa marami dahil bahagi ito ng tunay na mukha ng lipunan. Ilan lamang ito sa mga behind-the-scenes photos mula sa paggawa ng WANTAWSAN, na nagbibigay ng sulyap sa pagsisikap ng buong production team at cast upang mabigyang-buhay ang isang kuwentong may puso at mensahe. Sa bawat kuha, makikita ang dedikasyon ng mga taong nasa likod ng pelikula upang maiparating sa manonood ang isang realidad na madalas ay hindi napapansin. “WANTAWSAN” — isang pelikulang hindi lamang dapat panoorin, kundi dapat pa...

Championing the best of Filipino alternative storytelling, the CCP Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video returns this 2026 with Pag-aninag (Reflecting the Light) , inviting audiences to discover stories that illuminate hope, memory, struggle, and the dreams that connect people and communities. Established in 1987, CCP Gawad Alternatibo is considered the longest-running film competition and festival in the country and Southeast Asia, harvesting the best of Philippine films competing in various categories of Animation, Documentary, Experimental, and Narrative.  Now in its 38th year, Gawad Alternatibo reaffirms its commitment to provide a platform for emerging and established Filipino filmmakers who dare to challenge conventions and tell stories that evoke critical reflection, cultural discourse, and social transformation. Participating films for the Animation category are: AKO AY MAY LOBO by Siege Ledesma; ANO KA, ASO? by Marc Trisha Domingo; BANGKANG PAPEL by Rey Tamayo, Jr....

  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...