“Sleep with Me,” starring Janine Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, is the next girls’ love (GL) series that will tickle your fancy!

All six episodes just dropped on iWantTFC and the series immediately became the top trending topic on Twitter in the Philippines.

More than the genuine ‘kilig’ between the female leads, the series tackles the struggles of interabled queer individuals and how they navigate life in a society that makes them feel like outcasts.

Lovi portrays Luna, who suffers from a rare sleeping disorder, while Janine plays Harry, an ever-lovely late-night radio DJ who uses a wheelchair.

The series, which recently won the audience award for best episodic at the LGBTQ+ film festival in Los Angeles, is also available for iWantTFC premium subscribers outside the Philippines and Indonesia, and is directed by Samantha Lee, who is a proud member of the LGBT community herself.

No matter how you identify as, “Sleep with Me” is definitely a must-watch. Here’s why:

Beautiful love story between two girls

“Sleep with Me” can be classified as a GL. However, as Direk Sam mentioned in a previous interview, it is a simple and tender love story between two individuals who just happen to be girls. The series does not overcomplicate the sexuality of Harry and Luna because they both know (and are 100% sure of themselves) that they are madly in love with one another. And even if they are both female, that isn’t a problem at all because as the saying goes - “love is love.”

This is probably interesting. Cryptic billboards and posters around the Metro and its alluding to a new Ben&Ben release have recently appeared in strategic locations all over Metro Manila.

The material, which contains discarded film photos with texts exposing some personal thoughts, is said to be part of the lyrics of an upcoming Ben&Ben song to be released sometime next week.

A few days ago, the nine-piece Filipino collective tweeted what looks like a snippet of lyrics offering an intimate take on the painstaking process of letting go. Ben&Ben also dropped a performance video of “Stand By You,” featuring Indonesian superstar Pamungkas. The collaborative visuals, which were recorded earlier this month at SoundCheck Studio, have racked up more than 220,000 views as of press time.

Set to conquer the international stage with their first North American tour, the Paninindigan Kita music act will be performing in iconic and key venues across nine cities in the US and Canada—ahead of their send-off concert on September 3 at the CCP Open Grounds.

If you love listening to bands, specifically rock bands, then you've probably heard the group named Kamikazee. Originally, the term kamikaze was a Japanese term for Japanese Special Attack Units of military aviators who flew suicide attacks for the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels, which happened during the 2nd World War. And that's a fact that happened.

But, if you're pronouncing Kamikazee with a double letter "e" at the end it's a play of words that describes "kami kasi" or is translated as "it's because of us."

Kamikazee band emerges during 2000, a Filipino rock band originally known all throughout its career as a quintet composed of Jay Contreras, Jomal Linao, Led Tuyay, Puto Astete, Bords Burdeos, Jian Lubiano, and Mikki Jill. Some of their albums are Kamikazee, Maharot, Long Time Noisy, and Romantico.

 

Filipino alternative pop band Any Names Okay has finally dropped their much-awaited sophomore EP, Leaving Home via Sony Music Philippines. Taking a huge step forward in terms of musical and creative direction, the 6-track release digs deeper into the journey of navigating adulthood and embracing the uncertainty that comes with the process.

“As a band, we’re maturing in our songwriting and the way that we operate as creatives,” shares the five-piece outfit. “We want to grow old with our listeners—which can be scary, but very exciting. A lot of those fears and joys can be found in this collection of songs.”

Lyrically, the band’s new EP, Leaving Home expands on introspective and existential themes—sometimes rendered in emotionally blunt details, but most of the time, exhibiting some of the growing pains that one has to go through in their transitional period towards maturity. The promising newcomer explains, “We’ve all been through the wringer the last few years, and this was a much-needed emotional release for everyone. We believe that a thorough listen of the EP, however, still shows that same heart, energy, and sincerity that people have come to know of us.”

Its focus track “Takbo” is one of the standout cuts in the EP as it tackles breaking free from the socio-economic fatigue that is burnout and hustle culture. According to the band, the song is all about running for running’s sake: playing with the imagery of aching muscles and exhausting activities, with its destination and goal to no avail. “While the song is an ode to the tired and tireless self, the reprise that it ends with is dedicated to hope— the hope that this is all for something, that you grow stronger the more you run,” Any Name’s Okay points out.

The release of the song comes with a visual that encapsulates the feeling of weightlessness in all that running. Helmed by Miko Reyes, the music video depicts “a person floating in and out of their world.”

The Yugto band adds, “Familiar to a lot of us, we can feel lost even in the happiest of places. Similar to the track itself, the end shows that there is a point to all the running; it just takes a bit of time to recognize it.”

Leaving Home is written and produced by Any Name’s Okay themselves, but with the help of their long-time pal, Luigi Del Rosario for one of their singles, “Limbo.” Frequent collaborator Tim Recla and Nick Azurin also mixed and mastered all the songs in the EP, respectively, giving it a more gossamer-sounding vibe.

Leaving Home Track list:
1.Yugto
2.Snooze
3.Limbo
4.Takbo
5.Today I Want To Live
6.Discovery

The EP launch happening on August 20, 2022 at Dirty Kitchen (Gravity Art Space), Quezon City is already sold out. But for those who would be joining the band as they perform the tracks from the EP live, you’re in for a treat.

“We’ve prepared some secret performances that you’ll just have to wait and see,” says Any Name’s Okay. “Showgoers will be getting first dibs on our brand-new merchandise, as well as get the chance to join our giveaways. We’re definitely doing our best to make the launch equally as exciting for everyone there!” Any Name’s Okay’s second EP, Leaving Home is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video of its focus track “Takbo” here.

 

The first-ever Drag Race Philippines, from the Emmy-award® winning production company World of Wonder, premieres this August 17, 2022 on HBO GO via SKY featuring the fiercest, most fabulous Filipino drag artists from all over the world.

Watch the drama unfold as 12 Filipino drag queens - Brigiding, Corazon, Eva Le Queen, Gigi Era, Lady Morgana, Marina Summers, Minty Fresh, Precious Paula Nicole, Prince, Turing, Viñas DeLuxe, and Xilhouete show off their fiercest attitudes as they go head to head to compete for the crown.

The competing queens are given different challenges each week where they can showcase their own charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. At the end of each episode, be ready to witness two queens battle it out and lip-sync for their lives. Aside from the breathtaking costumes and powerful performances, Drag Race Philippines will pay homage to the rich Filipino culture adding a fancy twist to iconic Pinoy elements, traditions and festivities.

The local franchise will be hosted by actor, model, and drag artist Paolo Ballesteros. Jervi Li, also known as "Kaladkaren," best known for their impersonations of Kapamilya journalist Karen Davila, and Jiggly Caliente, a fellow Filipina and contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race season 4 and All Stars season 6, will serve as judges.

Drag Race Philippines is produced in the Philippines by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc in conjunction with World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles serve as executive producers on the series.

All roads lead to Drag Race Philippines and SKY subscribers can stream or download Drag Race Philippines from August 17, Thursday, on HBO GO through mobile, desktop, smart TV, and via the SKY Evo box.

To subscribe, visit mysky.com.ph/hbogo. HBO GO can also be enjoyed by SKYcable subscribers with existing HBO PAK subscription at no additional cost. Follow SKY on Facebook (fb.com/myskyupdates), Twitter (@myskyupdates), and Instagram (@myskyupdates) for further news and promotional updates.

 

With more Filipinos relying on e-commerce to get their essentials, this has also increased the need to protect them due to the growing number of fraudulent activities happening in the digital space. In a Consumer Pulse Survey conducted by TransUnion in February 20221, of the over 1,000 Filipino adults polled, 53% said they were targeted by fraudsters in the previous 3 months. From the same survey, 42% said they were scammed by Phishing, 38% were victimized by money and gift card scams, while 30% were scammed by third-party sellers via online retail shops. While businesses in different industries are continuously upgrading their platforms, fraudsters also search for ways on how they can adapt to the ever-changing landscape and discover new vulnerabilities.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes the need to enhance user protection and security by educating customers on vulnerabilities, and how they can avoid being a victim of fraud. With the recently launched Shopee Cares PH – an online community platform where Shopee provides customer education and support – the goal is to empower consumers with proper know-hows and tips on how they can protect themselves from phishing scams, money and gift card scams, and third party seller scams.

Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines Director, said, “Shopee has always been committed to ensuring that every Filipino’s online shopping experience is safe and reliable, and Shopee Cares is a testament to that. Through this platform, we aim to equip them with knowledge on how to shop safely and combat these online scams together so that they can continuously enjoy shopping online.”

 

ABS-CBN’s modern-day account of the most iconic Pinay superhero has finally seen the light of day as “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” debuted to rave reviews, encouraging support, and high viewership that promises an exciting run for the highly anticipated series top billed by Jane De Leon.

The first episode—which soared to a peak of 296,334 live concurrent viewers via Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube—introduced viewers to Jane’s Narda Custodio, her mom Leonor (Iza Calzado), brother Ding (Zaijian Jaranilla), and grandmother Berta (Rio Locsin).

It also provided an explanation as to how Leonor, the first Darna, came to Earth from her planet of origin Marte, and gave viewers a clear image of her capabilities as she fought off an alien being that has invaded their town as Darna.

The guessing game continues. Would you know who is who in this guessing game? If yes, good for you, but better check it again if it's right, but if not, well, you can still continue reading to get more of the clues in our "kwento."

The first 100 days of the present administration are not yet over but it already comes with so much drama and politicking. One of which is this story from a source whisperer, that describes who is this "silid-dito-silid-doon-boss" and his two especially employed personalities in the field of business and politics.

Allegedly, according to the source whisperer, the collector is the one tasked with negotiating for the money to be collected for the so-called "Boss," the Government official. He or she ensures that the collected money will be delivered on time. While the other personality is the depositor who makes deposits to the bank account of the high-ranking official.

The alleged transaction, negotiation, and exchange of messages happened during the month of June and July this year, there were different conversations about the multi-million transaction or "subi" (cut collection) from a project that is supposed for the poor.

 

After making a mark on pop culture as the longest-running action-drama series in the Philippines, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” concluded with an action-packed and emotion-filled finale that glued viewers to see the fate of the iconic hero cop Cardo Dalisay, played by Coco Martin.

The nearly two-hour finale hit a new all-time high record of 536,543 live concurrent views on Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube and garnered multiple trending topics on Twitter in the Philippines such as #FPJAP7MissionAccomplished, #FPJsAngProbinsyano, Coco Martin, Susan Roces, Cardo, Julia Montes, Lola Flora, Onyok, John Arcilla, Angel Aquino, Agila, and Hipolito.

The episode saw Cardo’s Task Force Agila being given a hero’s burial after they sacrificed their lives to save President Oscar (Rowell Santiago) and finally eliminated terrorist leaders Renato (John Arcilla) and Lucio (Raymond Bagatsing). Cardo was the only one who survived the bloodbath, along with President Oscar, who awarded the police cop with a medal of bravery.

Viewers also turned emotional with the moving tribute to the late Susan Roces, who portrayed Lola Flora, as Cardo grieved with his family by his side. The episode also signified new beginnings - Cardo returned to the province and was reunited with Mara (Julia Montes), while Oscar tied the knot with his first love Aurora (Sharon Cuneta).

 

Today’s generation of viewers will finally witness Darna come alive to manifest her superpowers, bare her humanity and love for family, and empower audiences with her bravery in ABS-CBN Entertainment’s “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” series that is set to premiere on Monday (August 15), 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5.

“Ito na po ang pagkakataon namin para ipakita sa buong mundo ang pinaghirapan ng production, lahat ng cast, mapa-staff and directors. Matagal na rin po itong hinintay ng sambayanang Pilipino,” said lead star Jane de Leon who plays Narda Custodio and her superhuman alter-ego Darna.

 

A series of cryptic riddles reveals SB19’s much-anticipated comeback single and upcoming world tour.  

P-pop Kings SB19 announces their return to the music scene with WYAT [Where You At], a disco-pop track that highlights the urgency of disconnection to reconnection of the times. The upcoming release marks SB19’s first new material as a group in a year after launching their 2021 EP, Pagsibol.  

“It’s been a year, the word 'hiatus' may sound negative but we took it from a different perspective. We maximized the opportunity to think more as to what we can improve on, how we can prepare for our comeback,” says SB19 Stell.

SB19 Ken mentions “We are thrilled to be releasing a new song for our fans. Bigger, better. I hope that A'TIN will appreciate at best the work we've done for our upcoming tour.” WYAT drops on all streaming platforms on September 2, 2022, with the official music video to be released on the same day.  

The award-winning and Billboard nominee Philippine Pop phenom is also set to stage their biggest local and international tour to date. WYAT [Where You At] Tour kicks off on September 17, 2022 at Araneta Coliseum, to be followed by a series of shows in Clark, Cebu, Davao and more.  

In the following months, the tour extends globally as SB19 heads to multiple countries - US, UAE, and Singapore to name a few. International A’TIN can expect SB19 to drop by their city starting October 2022.  

“This will be the first time for us to be going out of the country for our own concert,” reveals SB19 Josh. “We’re excited to meet our international fans. If I may put it: we were caterpillars inside cocoons when we were just starting and now, we've turned into butterflies ready to spread our wings!”  

According to SB19 Justin, the five-piece group is very much involved in the creative process behind the upcoming tour, from conceptualization to choreography, from promotion strategy to visual ideation.  

He explains, “When SB19 Pablo told us the meaning of WYAT, the song that he and his brother Josue created, I was able to conceptualize WYAT. From there, our team was able to brainstorm on how to improve my initial concept. We made options and showed the other members of SB19, so they could also give their insights. One idea led to another. We started plotting everything: from teasers to the actual music video, every post, down to the last detail.”  

 

A grand heroic celebration comes viewers' way as the stars of "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" and "Mars Ravelo's Darna" bring exciting performances alongside your ASAP family live this Sunday (August 14) on "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

Following its momentous finale, join Gary Valenciano and Regine Velasquez in an all-star thanksgiving tribute from the cast of ABS-CBN's long-running action primetime series "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano," led by Cardo Dalisay himself, Coco Martin, alongside John Arcilla, Lorna Tolentino, Rowell and Raymart Santiago, John Prats, Michael de Mesa, John Estrada, Geoff Eigenmann, Marc Solis, John Medina, Smugglaz, Bassilyo, Sancho delas Alas, Jay Gonzaga, CJ Ramos, Jimboy Martin, MJ Flores, Marvin Yap, Malou Crisologo, Whitney Tyson, Nonong Ballinan, Raymond Bagatsing, Roi Vinzon, and Megastar Sharon Cuneta, with special messages from Bela Padilla, Yam Concepcion, Arjo Atayde, Jhong Hilario, Charo Santos-Concio, and many more.

The FPJ fever continues with a moving tribute to Da King Fernando Poe Jr. and the Queen of Philippine Movies, Susan Roces, from Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, KZ, Angeline Quinto, Jed Madela, and Klarisse de Guzman together with "Ang Probinsyano" stars John Arcilla, Michael de Mesa, and Sharon Cuneta.

Fly high alongside your favorite Pinay heroine as the ASAP stage features a grand welcome to the stars of "Mars Ravelo's Darna," featuring an empowering musical treat from New Gen Birit Idols Sheena Belarmino, Fana, Elha Nympha, Lara Maigue, and Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez; followed by a fierce vocal act from Valentina herself, Janella Salvador, and a heroic performance from the newest Darna, Jane de Leon.

Keep on soaring with an explosive P-Pop treat from BGYO, performing Darna's latest theme song, "Patuloy Lang ang Lipad," with special appearances from Jane, Janella, Joshua Garcia, Zaijian Jaranilla, Paolo Gumabao, Simon Ibarra, Richard Quan, Eric Fructuoso, Dawn Chang, Levi Ignacio, Young JV, Jeffrey Santos, Mark Manicad, LA Santos, Zeppi Borromeo, Joj Agpangan, Viveika Rabanes, Marvin Yap, Gerard Acao, Yogo Singh, and Rio Locsin.

Celebrate the courageous Pinoy spirit with a stacked all-star treat from Francine Diaz, Anji Salvacion, Chie Filomeno, Krystal Brimner, Jin Macapagal, Jeremy G, and the whole "ASAP Natin 'To" family with Urban Crew, Black Ops, Manoeuvres Ignite, Risen, and MNL48.

And cap off the heroic celebration with an inspirational sing-off from Gary V., Zsa Zsa, Angeline, Erik, Ogie, and Regine, together with Darren, KZ, Klarisse, Nyoy Volante, and Jason Dy.

It's an all-star Kapamilya party you surely would not want to miss from the longest-running musical variety show in the country, "ASAP Natin 'To" live this Sunday, 12 NN, on local TV via Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, A2Z, and TV5, online through Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC, and worldwide via TFC.

Viewers who use any digital TV box at home, such as the TVplus box, only need to rescan their device to watch "ASAP Natin 'To" on TV5 and A2Z.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

 

Beaches have such an amazing effect on people, leaving us excited to play in the sun and surf or lay down and soak in the rays on the warm white sand. Although the West coast has its popular beach towns: what about the south?

These are three southern cities with iconic beach culture, and why so many people are excited to vacation there! 

 

The newest Darna flies this August 15. But before it takes massive attention from its fans, let us try to check some details of the characters and figure out what is interestingly new in this latest Darna series.

Darna is an iconic heroine character among Filipinos. I think there's no Filipino who doesn't know Darna, probably except those who live in the mountain or chose to live a monk-like life or a sage or the ones who do not have any access to any media materials. Pinoy kids love this character, a good representation of woman empowerment.

From the conception of the character since its first appearance on screen in the 1950s, Darna has undergone many changes. This has made the icon, the idol of every kid in every generation.

Let us check what costume made the Darna character iconic.