The reunion came as a surprise to many, with the two performers sharing the stage at Winford Hotel for a special musical number.

Their performance was met with loud applause, making it one of the evening’s memorable moments. Despite the warm reception, some spectators noticed what appeared to be a distance between Herras and Mendrez throughout the duet.

While the two managed to come together for the performance, their onstage interaction left some wondering whether the reunion signaled a full reconciliation.

Their reunion is particularly interesting given their controversial past. Mark and Jojo's previous feud made headlines and reportedly came close to escalating into a legal battle, making their appearance together at the awards night even more significant.

But have the two finally buried the hatchet?

According to Jojo Mendrez, who also served as producer of the 42nd Star Awards for Movies, he and Mark had the chance to talk backstage and reconcile their differences.

While this suggests that the two have already taken steps toward making peace, their onstage interaction has sparked another round of curiosity.

If they have already settled their issues, why did they still appear to maintain some distance during their duet? Was it simply part of their stage performance, or are they still taking things one step at a time?

The familiar face and voice behind ‘Magandang Gabi, Bayan’ returns this Halloween with three families’ accounts of frightening and unexplained incidents.

Good day, mga KaToto! It’s Kwento time!

Some scary stories are easy to forget once they are over. Others stay with us for years, especially when they involve experiences we cannot easily explain.

For many Filipinos, one name has long been associated with stories of the mysterious and the unexplained: Kabayan Noli de Castro.

His familiar voice and presence became closely associated with Halloween storytelling through Magandang Gabi, Bayan, which brought accounts of alleged paranormal encounters and unusual experiences into Filipino homes. For viewers who grew up watching the program, his return to this kind of storytelling brings back memories of nights when even the slightest sound in the house could make you look over your shoulder.

This Halloween, Kabayan returns as host of ABS-CBN News’ annual special, Kababalaghan 8: Pagkagat ng Dilim, featuring three families in Metro Manila who claim to have experienced frightening incidents inside their homes.

For me, these stories carry a more personal connection. During my college days, I once experienced what I perceived as paranormal activity. The experience left me with questions and a better understanding of why people remember and share encounters they cannot readily explain.

There are moments when you try to find a logical explanation for what happened. You may question your own perceptions or simply move on. Yet the memory can remain, especially when you cannot confidently explain what you experienced.

That is part of the enduring appeal of stories about the paranormal. Whether people approach them with curiosity, skepticism or a belief in the supernatural, the unexplained continues to capture the imagination.

Anne Curtis has built one of the most recognizable careers in Philippine entertainment, moving comfortably between romance, comedy, drama, action and even darker material.

But long before she became one of the country's biggest movie stars, Curtis entered the big screen through a fantasy adventure.

Her fantasy filmography may not be as extensive as her work in romance or drama, but it includes memorable titles that show the actress in very different worlds, from a young princess fighting for her kingdom to a woman caught in a supernatural nightmare.

Here are Anne Curtis' fantasy movies worth revisiting.

From a young girl who captured the Philippines with her powerful voice to a performer exploring new opportunities in entertainment, Lyca Gairanod has a story that goes beyond her singing talent.

The first grand champion of *The Voice Kids Philippines* in 2014 has grown up in the public eye, but some of the experiences that shaped her journey are less familiar to audiences. These include the challenges she faced in school, the choices her family made after her victory and how she came to understand the meaning of a song she recorded as a child.

For Kwento Ni Toto, here are five things you may have only recently learned about Lyca Gairanod.

1. She experienced bullying because of her family's livelihood

Before becoming a household name, Gairanod experienced bullying from classmates because her family earned a living by collecting and selling recyclable materials.

In a 2014 interview with ABS-CBN Entertainment, the young singer shared how her classmates teased her about potentially becoming a magbobote, a term commonly used for someone who collects and sells bottles and other recyclable items.

Her experience was a difficult part of growing up, but it also highlighted the dignity of honest work and the importance of treating people with respect regardless of their economic circumstances.

Gairanod's story began long before her television appearances and singing competitions. Behind the young performer was a child navigating the same struggles with acceptance and belonging that many others experience.

Source: ABS-CBN Entertainment — “The Voice Kids’ Lyca Gairanod admits to getting bullied”

2. Winning "The Voice Kids'' did not mean her family would stay in their prize home forever

Gairanod's victory in "The Voice Kids Philippines" brought her family new opportunities, including a house and lot awarded as part of her grand prize.

However, the family's circumstances changed after the competition. A 2021 report by PEP.ph said the family eventually sold the property and returned to Tanza, Cavite.

The report cited family considerations, including her grandmother's preference for staying in a place familiar to her.

The decision offers a glimpse into what can happen after a major television competition changes a family's circumstances. While a prize can provide new opportunities, practical needs, family preferences and a sense of home can also influence important decisions.

For Gairanod and her family, winning the competition was a milestone, but it did not mean every aspect of their lives had to change permanently.

Source: PEP.ph — “Lyca Gairanod clarifies her family does not depend on her”

3. She had to balance school requirements with her singing career

Building a career in entertainment at a young age meant Gairanod had to manage responsibilities beyond performing onstage.

In a 2019 interview with ABS-CBN Entertainment, she discussed how she balanced her senior high school requirements with her work commitments.

She explained that she attended classes when her schedule allowed and submitted excuse letters when professional obligations prevented her from going to school.

For a young performer, juggling classes, assignments and appearances requires careful time management. Her experience also reflects the challenges faced by students whose responsibilities extend beyond the classroom.

While audiences saw her perform, Gairanod still had lessons to study, school requirements to complete and an education to pursue.

Source: ABS-CBN Entertainment — “Lyca Gairanod shares how she balances work and school”

4. She did not fully understand the message of “Puede Nang Mangarap” when she first recorded it

Sometimes, a song takes on a different meaning as the person singing it grows older. That appears to be the case with Gairanod and “Puede Nang Mangarap.”

In an October 2026 interview on GMA's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda", Gairanod recalled recording the song when she was still a child. At the time, she said she enjoyed its cheerful sound and dance moves without fully understanding its deeper, inspirational message.

Composed by Jungee Marcelo and recorded in 2015, the song would later become closely associated with Gairanod's own journey.

As she grew older, its message about dreaming and pursuing possibilities took on a more personal meaning. Her experiences in the entertainment industry gave her a different perspective on the words she had once sung without fully grasping their significance.

It is a reminder that music can grow with the person who performs it. A song that once feels fun and familiar can eventually reflect experiences, struggles and aspirations that were not fully understood when it was first recorded.

Sources: GMA News — “Lyca Gairanod shares story behind viral song ‘Puede Nang Mangarap’”; GMA Entertainment — “How ‘Puwede Nang Mangarap’ changed her life”

5. Helping her family was a personal choice

Gairanod's success has often been discussed alongside her role in helping support her family. But she has also offered a more personal perspective on that responsibility.

In a 2021 interview reported by PEP.ph, Gairanod clarified that her family did not simply depend on her earnings. She said helping her loved ones was something she wanted to do, while her mother did not want the responsibility to fall on her alone.

Her account adds context to the familiar narrative of a young entertainer becoming a family's breadwinner. Supporting loved ones can be an expression of gratitude and affection, rather than an obligation imposed by relatives.

It also shows why public assumptions about a performer's family life do not always capture the full picture. Behind the recognition and professional achievements are personal relationships and decisions that audiences may not see.

For Gairanod, helping her family was not just about earning money. It was also about being able to give back to the people who matter to her.

Source: PEP.ph — “Lyca Gairanod clarifies her family does not depend on her”

Beyond the voice that first captured the country

Lyca Gairanod's journey is more than a story of a young singer winning a national competition. It is also a story of growing up in the public eye, facing personal challenges and learning to navigate the opportunities that come with success.

From experiencing bullying because of her family's livelihood to balancing school with professional commitments, her experiences offer a closer look at the person behind the powerful voice. Her reflections on “Puede Nang Mangarap” also show how the meaning of a song can change as life unfolds.

More than a decade after her "The Voice Kids Philippines" victory, Gairanod continues to explore opportunities in entertainment while carrying the experiences that helped shape her journey.

And perhaps that is what makes her story worth revisiting. People may have first remembered her for her voice, but the life behind the music offers its own reasons to keep listening.

Mga KaToto, what part of Lyca Gairanod's journey surprised you the most? Share your thoughts with us, and join us for more stories about the people behind the headlines here at Kwento Ni Toto.

Good day mga Katoto! It's Kwento time! See you on our next Kwento!

The singer steps beyond her comfort zone in a dark, folklore-inspired production that explores family secrets, Filipino beliefs and the meaning behind the name Inday.

For Elha Nympha, the girl who captured the country's attention with her powerful voice, the next big stage is not another singing competition. It's the theater.

The singer is making her musical theater debut in INDAY The Musical, a production by Studio A Productions that brings together Manila Sound classics, Filipino folklore, family conflicts and generational secrets in a darker, unconventional stage experience.

Best known for her powerhouse vocals, Nympha admitted that she initially expected to join the production as part of the supporting cast. That changed when she asked who would play Inday.

"They pointed to me," she recalled, describing her disbelief at being chosen for the title role.

Filipino actress and vivo Philippines ambassador Anne Curtis joined the global launch of the vivo X500 Series in Shanghai on Sept. 21, 2026, as the smartphone brand unveiled its latest flagship lineup focused on advanced mobile imaging.

The launch introduced the vivo X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max, highlighting the brand’s push toward what it calls “dynamic imaging”, an approach designed to expand smartphone photography beyond still images to video and live content. Powering the series is vivo’s BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack, which integrates advancements in camera sensors, dedicated imaging chips and software algorithms.

Century Tuna has officially named Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna as the Grand Winners of the 20th Century Tuna Superbods 2026, rising above an impressive lineup of 40 inspiring finalists.

Male Superbod Grand Winner Austin Dizon champions accessible, quality nutrition, while Female Superbod Grand Winner Vienne Luna proudly advocates for Project H.E.R. — Health, Empowerment, and Resilience.

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.

One afternoon at SM Aura was enough to show why generations of shoppers have made the Negros Trade Fair a much-awaited celebration. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), together with SM Supermalls, officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair with a preview that brought together the flavors, fashion, craftsmanship, stories, and creative spirit of Negros. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the landmark anniversary edition will bring 178 brands from the Negros Island Region to the SMX Convention Center Aura.

A Journey to Negros—Without Booking a Flight!

One of the media launch’s most evocative moments was the unveiling of the official BÚTLAK video. Taking viewers through the places, flavors, craftsmanship, and stories of Negros, the film offered the kind of visual journey that could make anyone want to book a flight and experience the island for themselves.

For thousands of Filipinos, finding the right job begins with having the right opportunity within reach. SM Job Fair marked a major milestone while widening access to employment and skills development—from celebrating its 500th nationwide job fair and bringing SM Group employers directly to communities, to working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with careers. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ continuing commitment to make the journey from preparing for work to finding meaningful employment more accessible to Filipinos.

500 JOB FAIRS—AND COUNTING!

On August 12, SM City Daet hosted the 500th SM Job Fair, marking an important milestone in SM Supermalls’ nationwide jobs advocacy. As of its 500th Job Fair, the program has connected around 330,000 jobseekers with thousands of employers nationwide, resulting in more than 42,000 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Behind those numbers are individual journeys—from fresh graduates looking for their first break and career shifters starting again to breadwinners and experienced professionals taking their next step.