Ben&Ben releases single – Comets

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

Ben&Ben releases single – Comets 

Ben&Ben releases “Comets,” their first official single of 2024. 

Written by Paolo and Miguel Benjamin, the song tackles the fleeting nature of a love lost

“Comets” also marks the first time that Ben&Ben co-produced a song with acclaimed producer Petra Sihombing, whose work the band has gotten to know and love in such a short span of time.

“He flew in to help us bring the song to the next level, with his own additions in both the arrangement and post production of the track,” shares the nine-piece collective. “The band probably had about 90% of the song down, but it was Petra’s very weighty 10% that really helped make the song what it is now.”

Sihombing is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is also known for his work as a music producer, working with many international musicians hailing from Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The teaser of “Comets” is making the rounds on several digital billboards across Metro Manila, hinting at how the visual representation evokes a spectrum of emotions

Ben&Ben reveals: “Comets is a song that we’ve had and performed a few times since 2021 but haven’t officially released yet, it’s been shrouded in quite a bit of mystery and intrigue. The teasers are meant to slowly raise the curtains and give our keen listeners what they’ve been waiting for.”

This also explains why the cover art appears to have produced a burst of light at a captured photograph, which, according to the band, “encapsulates the essence of the song with how it likens people in our lives to these bright, beautiful yet fleeting flashes of light. This was conceptualized as a group effort by our very own excellent team of creatives.”

“Comets” is available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. 

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Cinemalaya new roles for awarded filmmaker Carlos Siguion-Reyna

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

Cinemalaya new roles for awarded filmmaker Carlos Siguion-Reyna 

Award-winning filmmaker Carlos Siguion-Reyna is now the chairman of the Cinemalaya Competition and Monitoring Committee, taking over the position vacated by director Jose Javier Reyes who is now serving as the new chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Mr. Siguion-Reyna will remain head and program director of the Cinemalaya Institute, the educational arm of the annual biggest independent Film Festival. Since 2015, he has been giving workshops and conducting film direction courses at the Institute. He received his MFA in Film at the New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he also taught graduate film courses at its Singapore campus. His thesis film Patas Lang (Fair Exchange) won an award in the narrative category of the 1989 Nissan FOCUS Awards.

He has done 13 feature films, twelve of which were produced under Reyna Films, a production company he managed with his mother, the late singer and actress Armida Siguion-Reyna. 

“Hari ng Tondo (Where I Am King)” received the Special Jury Prize in the Directors’ Showcase category of the 10th Cinemalaya in 2014. 

His films won in various international film festivals in San Diego, Toronto, Newport Beach, Berlin, and Singapore, and local film awards Gawad Urian, FAP Awards, FAMAS Awards, and Young Critics Circle Awards.

His extensive repertoire in the filmmaking industry includes being selected as one of The Outstanding Young Filipinos (TOYF) in the field of Arts/Cinema in 1995, serving three terms as president of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc., and teaching film direction and conducting short lectures and workshops at the University of the Philippines Film Institutes, the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Mowelfund Film Institute. 

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CCP now accepting applicants to Virgin LabFest writing fellowship

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

CCP now accepting applicants to Virgin LabFest writing fellowship

Selected fellows participated in the 2023 VLF Fellowship Program

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is now accepting applications for the Virgin Labfest (VLF) 19 Writing Fellowship Program. Applications will be accepted until 12pm May 15, 2024.

Organized by the CCP Artist Training Division, the VLF 19 Writing Fellowship Program is a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage. Eight (8) selected Writing Fellows will take part in lectures, discussions, and workshops on playwriting, script critiquing, and other aspects of theater production.

Stage reading as part of the culminating showcase of the 2023 VLF Fellowship Program

Selected fellows participated in the 2023 VLF Fellowship Program

As part of the Virgin Labfest, the festival of untried, untested and unstaged one-act plays, the fellowship program provides an opportunity for aspiring playwrights to watch this year’s featured plays and staged readings, as well as participate in various talkbacks and engage in conversations with established playwrights and directors.

This year, the VLF 19 Writing Fellowship Program will run from June 18 to 30, 2024 through blended learning, with some sessions to be held online via Zoom and some to be conducted onsite at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. The fellowship will culminate in a stage reading of the Writing Fellows’ works on June 30, 2024.

Interested applicants must be college students or young professionals, aged 29 years old or below. They must not have had any play produced by a professional theater company, not have had any play published in a literary journal, and not have won in any national and / or international playwriting / screenwriting competition.

Applications should include: (a) duly accomplished and signed Application Form (which may be downloaded from tinyurl.com/VLF19WFPFellowshipApplication); (b) one (1) to two (2) sample stage plays, full or excerpts, not exceeding ten (10) pages and written in either Filipino or English; and (3) proof of vaccination against COVID-19. For unvaccinated individuals, a negative RT-PCR test taken at least one (1) to two (2) days before June 18, 2024 will be required for accepted applicants.

All requirements must be submitted via email to ccp.vlfwfp@gmail.com.

Announcement of the eight (8) selected Writing Fellows will be on May 31, 2024. Selected applicants should be present for the entire duration of the program, rehearsals, and the culminating Showcase. A minimal registration fee of Php 2,500.00 will be required for all accepted Writing Fellows.

For inquiries on the Virgin Labfest 19 Writing Fellowship Program, interested individuals can reach the CCP Artist Training Division via landline at 8832 1125 local 1605 (look for Ms. AJ Jara) or via email at ccp.vlfwfp@gmail.com. Monitor the official CCP website and social media accounts on Facebook for more details.

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JC Regino unveils heartbreaking ballad

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

JC Regino unveils heartbreaking ballad 

Singer-songwriter JC Regino bares his soul in his latest single “Wala Na,” his third track under GMA Music. This emotionally charged ballad will resonate deeply with listeners as it talks about heartbreak and unrequited love.

“Ito pong ‘Wala Na,’ para po ito sa mga heartbroken. Para sa mga taong baliw sa pag-ibig na kahit na pinagpalit sila humahabol pa rin, na kahit nasaktan na sila, umaasa pa rin sila na maibabalik pa rin ang dati, pero wala na. Ang hirap tanggapin, pero wala na. Ganun po ang tema ng kanta, sobrang sakit, kaya maraming makaka-relate dito,” he shares.

“Wala Na” marks a departure from Regino’s previous releases under GMA Music. While “Idolo” and “Tama Na Sa’kin Ikaw” celebrated themes of gratitude and devotion, “Wala Na” talks about the darker and sadder side of love, exploring the pain of loss and the struggle to move on. This single is also his first song without the voices of his uncles Jimmy and Ringo of the April Boys.

Reflecting on his journey and experience in music, Regino shares a piece of advice to aspiring singer-songwriters. “Huwag kayong tumigil sa passion ninyo. Lagi lang kayong mangarap at ibigay hindi lang 100% ninyo kundi 200% kung kaya. Kapag nag-give up kayo, ibig sabihin wala na, hanggang doon na lang. Kaya ituloy n’yo lang ang pagsulat ng kanta at isapuso n’yo palagi ang ginagawa ninyo,” he says.

Looking ahead, Regino continues to create more songs and dreams of having his own album. He also wants to collaborate with other Kapuso singers like Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose.

“Wala Na” by JC Regino is available on digital platforms worldwide.

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GMA Network soars to Number 15 in Tubular Leaderboard Worldwide Rankings

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

GMA Network soars to Number 15 in Tubular Leaderboard Worldwide Rankings

GMA Network clinched the 15th spot in the Tubular Leaderboard Worldwide Rankings in March 2024, making it the highest-ranking media company in Southeast Asia. The list boasts of global content powerhouses, such as Walt Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros., Moonbug (Cocomelon), and Sony Pictures.

For the same period, GMA Network’s consolidated data from its official News and Entertainment accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube amassed 3,578,640,774 video views, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 2,450,406,260.

On Facebook, GMA tallied 2,012,720,557 video views, while ABS-CBN registered 1,155,212,390. On TikTok, the Kapuso Network reached 857,054,658 views over ABS-CBN’s 541,692,980. On YouTube, GMA recorded 708,865,559 video views.

Data from Tubular also showed impressive numbers for GMA’s social media accounts aggregated across its official pages on News, Entertainment, Public Affairs, and other operating business segments, with a cumulative total of more than 395 million subscribers/followers as of March 2024.

Besides social media, netizens also tuned in to GMANetwork.com for the latest news and entertainment updates, resulting in a total of 130 million page views from 25.8 million users year-to-date as of March 31, 2024, according to Google Analytics.

The strong performance of the Kapuso Network’s online portal has consistently placed it among Similarweb’s Top Sites in the Philippines.

Along with its commitment to producing the most innovative, world-class entertainment and providing responsible, unbiased, and timely delivery of comprehensive news, GMA Network continues to explore various projects and initiatives that ensure its strong presence across various digital platforms while reaching more Filipinos anywhere in the world.

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Over 8-Million Pesos worth of prizes up for grabs with ‘Kapuso Bigtime Panalo’

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

Over 8-Million Pesos worth of prizes up for grabs with ‘Kapuso Bigtime Panalo’

For the very first time, GMA Network’s “Kapuso Bigtime Panalo” will give away the grand prize of 1-million pesos to not one but two winners!

Starting today, April 27, “mamimili” and sari-sari store owners nationwide can join “Kapuso Bigtime Panalo!” Participants will have a chance of winning the P1,000,000.00 grand prize. GMA’s newest network promo is also giving away daily (P1,000) and weekly (P7,000 and P70,000) cash prizes.

To participate in “Kapuso Bigtime Panalo,” mamimili and sari-sari store owners only need to follow these easy-to-join mechanics:

BUMILI (BUY)

Buy any of the following participating products: AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, Lady’s Choice, Surf, Vitakeratin, and BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Milk Drink.

IPADALA (SUBMIT)

Participants must then submit their entries to “KAPUSO BIGTIME PANALO” through designated dropboxes in participating Mercury Drug branches, select outlets of the promo’s newest dropbox partner, Puregold, and all GMA TV and radio stations nationwide!

Now, mamimili and store owners have access to more dropboxes for the submission of entries – to possibly increase their chances of winning big-time prizes every week!

MANALO (CHANCE TO WIN)

Winners of Kapuso Bigtime Panalo will be announced weekly through Facebook Live on the official GMA Promos Facebook Page.

Aside from bigger prizes and more chances of winning for loyal Kapuso viewers, “Kapuso Bigtime Panalo” will also kick off with an energetic performance presented by a new batch of charming NCAA athletes from various sports. Watch them groove to the promo’s latest jingle, sung by Kapuso Soul Balladeer Garrett Bolden!

“Kapuso Bigtime Panalo” runs from April 27, 2024 until July 5, 2024.

For the complete promo mechanics, visit and follow http://www.gmanetwork.com/GMAPromos and its official social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GMAPromos)  and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@gmapromos).

Kaya mga Kapuso, sali na sa “Kapuso Bigtime Panalo” para may chance manalo ng BIGTIME papremyo!

PER DOH-FDA CFRR PERMIT NO. 0486 S. 2024

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Philippine Consulate General launches ICON kit in Barcelona for new arrivals

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen

Philippine Consulate General launches ICON kit in Barcelona for new arrivals 

Newly arrived Filipinos and Filipino Community leaders in Barcelona raise their phones after simultaneously downloading the electronic copy of the In-Country Orientation and Navigation or ICON kit during the ICON kit launch at the Consulate Hall on 15 April 2024. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

On April 14, 2024, the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona introduced yet another initiative to help newly arrived Filipino migrants integrate into their new environment in Catalunya through the launching of the maiden edition of the “In-Country Orientation and Navigation kit” or ICON kit. 

The “ICON Kit—Ang Gabay ng Comunidad Filipina sa mga Filipinong Baguhan sa Catalunya” is a 40-page comprehensive resource guide in an electronic format which provides crucial information about living in Barcelona, including transportation, local services for language, healthcare, residence registration (empadronamiento), safety precautions, emergency numbers, introduction to the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona and its consular services, cultural norms, among others.

Around 165 Filipinos, primarily newly arrived Filipinos and Filipino Community leaders in Barcelona, attended the launch and consequently became the first “downloaders” of the ICON kit.

“May mga pangamba at takot sa mga baguhang Filipino na titira o magtatrabaho sa ibang bansa, katulad ng dito sa Espanya. Yung pagtatanungan o pag-aalam ng tama at updated na information ang isa sa mga critical na aspeto ng adjustment. Natutuwa kami na mayroong ICON kit na magiging gabay namin upang i-navigate ang bagong environment dito sa Barcelona nang may confidence at ng ganoon ay makagawa rin kami ng mas informed na decision,” said Gabriel Macatangay Ilagan who arrived in Barcelona eight months ago.

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona awards certificates of appreciation to the Filipino Community leaders who have made the realization of the ICON kit possible true to the title “ICON kit — Ang Gabay ng Comunidad Filipina sa mga Filipinong Baguhan sa Catalunya”. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

Developed by the Consulate in collaboration with Barcelona’s Filipino Community leaders, the ICON kit offers a versatile solution to provide essential information and resources not only to newly arrived OFWs but also to students, dependents, and even Filipino tourists.

“This ICON kit is an empowerment tool especially for our newly arrived kababayan by arming them with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to navigate the challenges of moving and building a successful life in Barcelona. By providing access to essential information and fostering connections within the community, the kit enables newcomers to take control of their journey and pursue their goals with confidence,” said Philippine Consul General in Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro.

Other than vital information about life in Catalunya, particularly in Barcelona, the ICON kit also fosters a stronger sense of belonging among Filipino newcomers as it underscores building connections with the huge presence of the Filipino community in the city.

The Consulate likewise awarded certificates of appreciation to the Filipino Community leaders who have contributed in the conceptualization, gathering, and deliberation of all the information critical for the realization of the kit as a tool for newly arrived Filipinos in the city.

To download the kit, users may click on the link: https://tinyurl.com/yse6hdyj.

To know about the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, you may visit and follow the Consulate General’s website: https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph , as well as Facebook and Instagram page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/ . 

Caption 1: Newly arrived Filipinos and Filipino Community leaders in Barcelona raise their phones after simultaneously downloading the electronic copy of the In-Country Orientation and Navigation or ICON kit during the ICON kit launch at the Consulate Hall on 15 April 2024. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

Caption 2: The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona awards certificates of appreciation to the Filipino Community leaders who have made the realization of the ICON kit possible true to the title “ICON kit — Ang Gabay ng Comunidad Filipina sa mga Filipinong Baguhan sa Catalunya”.  (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

Ladine Roxas remakes hubby’s composition with a twist – a duet with Kris Lawrence!

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

Ladine Roxas remakes hubby’s composition with a twist – a duet with Kris Lawrence!

Ladine Roxas’ latest single “Within” by her husband and multi-awarded composer Vehnee Saturno, is a duet with Kris Lawrence, a renowned R&B recording artist in the Philippines.

Hers is the third version of “WIthin” since it won the Best Song award 13 years ago at the Shanghai International Song Festival. Its then interpreter was Lordenn Panganiban. Then in 2011, “Within” was recorded by Sarah Geronimo and it was included in her “One Heart” album.  

Coming from two powerful singers, Ladine and Kris’ new version packs power as well with its soulful rendition. You can watch it here https://youtu.be/43lsRTe0ptE?si=IewGMoiIW9LJ4f8K. Taking a break from her online and  face-to-face vocal coaching, Ladine’s excited to have recorded and released a song again. Below, she tells me more about her journey “Within.”

So  how did the collaboration started?

Enthusiastically, Ladine said: “It was during the pandemic that I realized I missed singing so much. I had so much time practicing songs because basically I was too occupied with my responsibilities with Vehnee Saturno Music Training Center. I was the managing director and head coach of VSMTC. Sabi ko, dami-dami ko na pinapractice na songs, saan mo gagamitin mga ito? And when finally there was a glint of hope for all of us to get back to our normal lives after the pandemic, I told Vehnee I would like to go back to singing. In fact, even before this collaboration project with Kris came into mind, I released two Christmas songs – “Miracles of Christmas” and “Hiwaga ng Pasko.”

With regards to doing duets, Ladine described it as fun.

“It was also challenging too. To be able to explore our strengths in singing while doing the harmonies together makes it so exciting! Lalo na when we finally hear the final mix of the song! Dun pa lang fulfilling na. Nakakatuwa talaga.”

When asked what “Within” is all about, she said, “It is about those feelings you are holding back! Kasi ayaw mong makasakit o huwag muna sabihin na masama ang loob mo  kasi you’re avoiding confrontations or ayaw no lang palakihin certain situations. It can actually be with your partners, parents or children, work mates and best friends too. Basta yung feelings na tinatago mo sa loob mo.” 

And how was she able to maintain her voice given that we all just came from a pandemic? Ladine shared that she was able to rest her voice during the pandemic. 

“A rested voice is important for for singers. Kasi when I teach, sobrang pagod ang boses ko. So during the lockdown ang dami ko pang nadiscover on how to use my voice placement when I sing.”

With the release of “Within” in various digital platforms, it’s expected already that Ladine and Kris are going to be busy promoting it. She shared that the  will be having radio promotions and TV appearances too.

 She added: “Actually before recording with Kris, I already did two other collaboration duets. One with Vehnee and one with Marielle Montellano, that was during the pandemic pa. But ‘Within’ is special kasi yung song favorite ko talaga. And I guess perfect talaga yung time niya when we decided to record it with Kris Lawrence!” 

She revealed that she and Vehnee plan to come out with seven more collaborations, one with her favorite DIVA, before making an album. Then shows or concerts would follow!

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GMA Network brings heartfelt joy to viewers saying ‘Masaya Dito!’

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

GMA Network brings heartfelt joy to viewers saying ‘Masaya Dito!’

Experience genuine happiness and extraordinary fun by tuning in to the well-loved musical variety and talk shows of GMA Network.

“Masaya Dito!” is the latest campaign of GMA Entertainment Group featuring “All-Out Sundays,” “Sarap ‘Di Ba?,” “TiktoClock,” “The Clash,” and “The Voice Kids.”

After a long week, viewers enjoy meaningful and fun conversations, unique features, and food trip ideas in “Sarap ‘Di Ba?” Families and friends also come together for a musical bonding in “All-Out Sundays” before welcoming another week at work and school.

GMA also delivers heartfelt joy in “TiktoClock” where people have a blast and win exciting prizes together. Meanwhile, in the upcoming talent reality shows “The Clash” and “The Voice Kids,” aspiring singers will find delight in reaching for their dreams! 

As part of the “Masaya Dito!” campaign, Kapuso stars will be guesting in each other’s programs to spread positivity and good vibes. Stay tuned as Carmina Villarroel, together with twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, join the thrilling games in “TiktoClock.”

“The Clash” Masters Kapuso Total Heartthrob Rayver Cruz and Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, together with one of the “The Clash” Panel, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, will spread the joy in “All-Out Sundays.” They will also be joined by “The Voice Kids” host and Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, along with Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas through a special video performance.

“TiktoClock” hosts Pokwang, Faith Da Silva, Herlene Budol, Rabiya Mateo, and Jayson Gainza, together with guest co-host Donita Nose, will also perform on the AOS stage.

It is definitely a star-studded and entertaining Summer as GMA Entertainment Group continues to give the best experience to viewers! 

Because GMA believes that it’s always fun to be together in bondings, conversations, winning moments, and in achieving dreams! Indeed, “Masaya Dito!”

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Bong Revilla goes back to movie production through ‘Alyas Pogi 4’

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

Bong Revilla goes back to movie production through ‘Alyas Pogi 4’ 

Me and Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.

After more than a decade, actor-politician Bong Revilla intends to go back to acting and producing through “Alyas Pogi 4,” which he might also enter in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. His movie “Alyas Pogi” had been a tremendous success and so, why not continue the tradition? If he so enthusiastic about this project, it’s because “Commitment ko to do ‘Alyas Pogi 4’ noon pa,” he said. 

Senator Bong announced this in a recent “bonding” presscon with friends from the media. He said he is currently completing the cast, but he did not reveal the stars yet, especially his would-be leading lady. “Alyas Pogi 4”will be directed by Dondon Santos.

His enthusiasm was overwhelming as he also said he has been working out to keep himself in shape for his comeback movie which will definitely make him do action stunts.  “Alyas Pogi 4” will be produced by his family’s production outfit, Imus Productions.

Another movie project that Senator Bong was working on and which would have co-starred him with Coco Martin, Senators Robin Padilla and Lito Lapid would not push through in  the meantime. 

As senator, Bong Revilla has authored and filed many bills among them the “Revilla Law,” “No Permit, No Exams,” which benefits poor students,  “Helmet Law,” “Kabalikat sa Pagtururo Act,”  the “Centenarian Act of 2016” which benefits the senior citizens, and many other bills. 

Born Jose Mari Ramon Bautista, Jr. on September 25, 1966, Bong started his political career as vice governor of Cavite in 1995, and later as governor in 1998. He was also chairman of the Videogram Regulatory Board from 2002 to 2004. He is married to Lani Marcado,herself an actor and politician. 

In 2004, Bong was elected to the Senate, and for his second term in 2010, he topped the senatorial race. He ran under LAKAS-CMD.

By the way, fans of Bong Revilla are also always excited to watch him every Sunday on GMA in the action series “Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis” where he is paired with Beauty Gonzales.

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