Talk about Millennials, they are the ones born after Generation X. They  are often labeled as lazy, self-entitled, and conceited by older generations. If they’re not asserting their opinions online, they could be writing an essay’s worth of feelings for all too see. It has been said that they’re notorious job-hoppers who seem to always want more and are easily offended. That's how they are stereotyped, so what do you think are they too optimistic, too cynical, or too “woke”?

Whether they’re true or not, these so-called characteristics have been the subject of many thinkpieces and practical jokes. But is there more to these stereotypes than meets the eye? What does it mean to be a millennial living in Manila today?


Enter iWant’s ~unfiltered~ dark comedy original series “Manilennials,” which depicts the challenges and social issues that millennials in Manila get to face on a daily basis. Here, Fifth Solomon, Chai Fonacier, Nicco Manalo, Mela Habijan, and Ria Atayde star as five friends navigating their ambitions, identities, and values while finding themselves, with the busy and colorful rollercoaster ride that is Manila as their backdrop.






Written and directed by millennials for millennials and even produced by an all-millennial team, “Manilennials” is sure to enlighten viewers and will give you five new friends to root for.

Here are “Manilennial’s” five unique individuals that will make you say “ravern!” (“laban” in normal-speak):

1. FIFTH SOLOMON AS KIKO, THE BROKE BUT ENTITLED BUM

Kiko, 29, is an openly gay man, frustrated with his career, and has a hard time motivating himself. He knows that he hasn’t amounted much in life, especially being almost 30 years of age. Always cash-strapped as he keeps refusing jobs he thinks are “below” him, Kiko doesn’t have a stable relationship and can be quite dishonest with himself.

Although he is a sweetheart on the inside, he uses anger and bitterness to hide his weaknesses and shortcomings and defend his point of view.

2. CHAI FONACIER AS YEYE, THE PRIVILEGED, WOKE ARTIST

The anti-hipster hipster. Yeye may be a pansexual, drunkard chain-smoker, but she is also a talented artist full of wit. She tries hard to be politically aware but often forgets to factor in her privileges. And even though she seems self-assured, Yeye also secretly yearns people’s affection and approval.

Aside from her poetic slangs and philandering, her eclectic and quirky outfits are also to watch out for.

3. NICCO MANALO AS ART, THE AMBITIOUS AND LOYAL WANNA-BE RAPPER

Empathetic and unassuming, Art is the one of nicest guys you will ever meet. He works in a call center and finds stability in his job, but on the side, he aspires to be known as a rapper online. He tries his best to improve his performances, but comes off as “trying hard.”

Regardless, he is a reliable and loyal friend, who surprisingly is also a romantic.

4. MELA HABIJAN AS RUTH, THE HARDWORKING, NO-TIME-FOR-LOVE GO-GETTER

Conservative and old-fashioned Ruth is a pre-op transwoman who is a caterer by profession and always strives to be successful. Her driven attitude stems from her need to prove to other people her self-worth. This makes dating just an unnecessary distraction to her.

Self-motivation fuels her, but this trait also makes her susceptible to disingenuous influences.

5. RIA ATAYDE AS MISSY, THE BUBBLY AND UNAPOLOGETIC ASPIRING LAWYER

Although she is the kikay-type, perky, and social media savvy, Missy is also vain and insecure about her looks. Although a brilliant pre-law student, she has this idealistic views on relationships and life in general, and the parameters she sets hinders her from fostering a healthy relationship. She’s at ease, unapologetic, and even protective of her “burgis” status.

In truth, she is haunted by the death of her dad, which affects her relationships, especially with her mother, whom she still lives with.

Grab your friends and binge-watch “Manilennials,” now streaming for free on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph.

Who says 13 is a bad luck? In my opinion 13 has been my luckiest number and probably I'm not the only one who is lucky to like the number 13.  Just recently, in ABS CBN compound, 13 notable artists remain as Kapamilya members as they sign their respective contracts on a Friday the 13th.


The line-up of Kapamilya stars was led by hunk actor Jake Cuenca, who signed his two-year contract with the network. Feeling thankful for more years with ABS-CBN, Jake also teased about his upcoming projects for next year "I'm already doing a show with Dreamscape right now, and come February, we'll be doing another project but we can’t disclose anything about it as of the moment.”


“Pamilya Ko” actress Arci Muñoz also strengthened her ties with ABS-CBN as she officially signed her first network contract. “Siyempre happy ako to belong in a family,” says Arci, who expressed her delight towards being a Kapamilya. She also conveyed her plans to produce more content in the future.


A Kapamilya for ten years now, Sue Ramirez expressed how honored she feels about renewing her contract with ABS-CBN, "I've been with ABS-CBN since 2010, and it’s 2020 already next month but I'm still here. Very grateful, very thankful for all the work they have given me." She also elatedly announced that she has an upcoming teleserye that everyone should watch out.


Teen boy group “Gimme 5” member Grae Fernandez, who was also present in the contract signing, voiced out his happiness and enthusiasm about his upcoming projects. When asked about future music releases, the “Starla” actor shared, "Right now, I am focusing on acting."


Also renewing her contract with ABS-CBN is “Sandugo” actress Elisse Joson, who inked her five-year contract with the network. When asked about how she feels about staying a Kapamilya, Elisse shared how honored she feels about this new opportunity, "Very happy because before, I only see this contract signing with ABS-CBN in pictures and posts, and now, I am here in this position also.”


Kapamilya actor and Hashtag member Jameson Blake, on the other hand, noted that staying as a Kapamilya is a blessing for him, but he's also well aware of the pressure that comes with it. "Best that I have so far, but of course there's a pressure because people will be expecting."


Meanwhile, Enzo Pineda, who has been with the ABS-CBN for three years now, has nothing but gratitude as he signs officially as a Kapamilya. "I feel blessed and my heart is full."


PBB alumna Heaven Peralejo also signed up for a three-year contract with the Kapamilya network. Among the things she shared that everyone should be excited about, she emphasized her three singles under Star Music Star Pop that would be released next year.


RK Bagatsing, who was famously known for his acting stint in the teleserye “Wildflower” with veteran actress Maja Salvador, also signed his first network contract with ABS-CBN. Among the things he wants to work on next year, RK disclosed "We have a good roster of iWant series so far, and part of my bucketlist is to do an iWant series, hopefully.”


Child stars Sophia Reola, famously known as “MikMik” in her teleserye “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit,” and Angelika Rama, “The Killer Bride’s” young Emma, also uttered their sentiments of happiness and enthusiasm about inking their respective contracts for the network.



Another Kapamilya artist included in the roster is Barbie Imperial, who shared that they have just finished filming “Mang Kepweng” with “It’s Showtime” host and veteran actor Vhong Navarro. “Mang Kepweng” is set to be released next year.


Completing the line-up of stars who signed up with ABS-CBN is Louise Abuel, who mentioned his eagerness to improve his craft in acting. “I felt more motivated to do acting since I am really passionate about it."


Present in the signing were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak, chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes, TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, Star Magic head Johnny Manahan, and head of treasury Rick Tan.

This coming Christmas Day, theaters will be filled with happy kids, excited moms and thrilled dads as the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 (MMFF 2019) shows 8 different Pinoy movies entries from different movie production to the annual film festival.

This is the year where Filipinos spend time with their families through a Pinoy movie experience.

So, what are these movies that we expect to watch this holiday season? Here are the following movies with a bit of info to let you decide which one to watch or which one to watch first.


THE MALL THE MERRIER 

This is a comedy film starred by the unkabogable comedian and TV host Vice Ganda together with Anne Curtis. Produced under Star Cinema and Viva Films, helmed by Barry Gonzales. The story is about these two siblings, Moira played by Vice Ganda and Morisette portrayed by Anne Curtis, feud over the mall that they inherited that is called Tamol Mall. Their quarrel is compounded with the arrival of their relative, Tita Moody and the story continues.

Other casts of the movie are Dimples Romana, Tony Labrusca, Elisse Joson, Jameson Blake, Lassy Marquez, MC Calaquian, Brenda Mage, Wacky Kiray, Chad Kinis, Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga and more.



MISSION UNSTAPABOL: THE DON IDENTITY

Another comedy film from the MMFF veteran Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza. The film is directed by Linnet Zurbano under APT Entertainment and MZET TV Productions. The story revolves around the exploits of Don Robert Fortun, which is played by Vic Sotto, who forms a group to clear his name after he was accused of a crime and to retrieve a valuable pearl, the Pearl of the Orient, from his brother Benjie portrayed by Jose Manalo.

Also starred by Pokwang, Wally Bayola, Jake Cuenca, and Tonton Gutierrez among others.


SUNOD

MMFF would not be complete without a horror film. So, in this film genre a film under TEN17P was added to the list, Sunod. The movie is directed by Carlo Ledesma.

Cast members are Carmina Villaroel, Mylene Dizon, susan Africa, and Kate Alejandrino.


MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7

Probably this is one of the much-anticipated film among the list as it is a remake of a Korean hit film. The movie stars Aga Muhlach and Bella Padilla. The original film is a multi-awarded Korean drama comedy film which was released in 2013. It follows the story of Yong-gu, a mentally challenged single father who was wrongfully accused and imprisoned for the murder of a young girl. Aga Muhlach plays the role of the mentally challenged single father. The movie is under Viva Films and directed by Noel C. Naval.

Other casts of the film are Bella Padilla, Xia Vigor, Joel Torre, JC Santos, Mon Confiado, Jojit Lorenzo, Soliman Cruz, John Arcilla, Tirso Cruz III, Ronnie Lazaro, Yayo Aguila, and more.


MINDANAO

Another film that falls in the drama genre and will definitely pinch your heart as you watch the movie. Produced and directed by Brillante Ma Mendoza. The story is about a Muslim family living in Mindanao. Saima played by Judy Ann Santos, is a mother of a cancer-stricken kid and the wife of a medic deployed in a conflict of aggression in southern Philippines - Mindanao. What makes this movie different is that it is mixed with a story telling animation about the legenday brother Raja and Sulayman fighting a dragon, which definitely symbolizes the reality of life.

Other cast in this film is Allen Dizon, Yuna Tangog, and Ketchup Eusebio.  


WRITE ABOUT LOVE

It's a love story under TBA Studios that tells the story about a young female writer portrayed by Miles Ocampo teaming up with one of the seasoned male writer played by Rocco Nacino in order to finish a love story stuck as work in progress. The characters in the story are played by Joem Bascon and Yeng Constantino. The film is a directorial debut of Crisanto Aquino.


3POL TROBOL: HULI KA BALBON

An action comedy film directed by Coco Martin himself under CCM Productions. The movie is about a cop who is out to prove his innocence after he was framed for the murder of his boss. Joining Coco Martin in this film are Jennylyn Mercado, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, and Sam Milby.


CULION

Another eye-opener film that brings a story not just to entertainment but to inform as well. This film is written by Ricky Lee and is directed by Alvin Yapan under iOptions Productions. It follows the story of three women seeking a cure for the dreaded disease leprosy.

Led by Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano and Jasmine Curtis-Smith with a specie appearance of John Lloyd Cruz.

These are the magic 8 movies that will be shown on Christmas Day, December 25. Support all the films.

Music sooths our souls and glad that we're sharing another music news here in Kwento Ni Too. Kiana Valenciano ends 2019 on a high note while simultaneously setting her sights on bigger things this 2020, starting with the release of her latest single “Hide My Love,” produced under ABS-CBN Music’s Tarsier Records.

The track, a chilled out tune perfect for laid back listening, showcases the singer-songwriter’s soothing voice complemented by the record’s slow jam and soft beats. Its lyrics, however, present a realized sense of love, in which a person embraces the beauty of letting his/her love out for the world to see.

Reflecting on the process of writing the song, Kiana said, “This song came naturally when I was exploring different cities, meeting new people and learning about myself and the kind of love I want to give and receive. I see it belonging with Alternative R&B, Chilled R&B.”

Fans were quick to vibe with the song, expressing delight over Kiana’s music. “Love it so much, Ate Kians! What a year it has been for you and your music,” tweeted @chanelleureta13.

Angelo Quijano meanwhile voiced excitement on YouTube over witnessing the artist’s talent in the flesh. “Yasss!!! Have a tour in Manila please badly want to watch you perform live!!!” he wrote.

“Hide My Love” was vocally arranged by Jesse Barrera, produced by Nick Pacoli, and recorded at Los Angeles, California in the U.S. This is the follow-up to the artist’s first full-length album “See Me” released early this year, which featured 10 self-written tracks, including the carrier single “5:30.” She has also dropped other successful singles such as “Circles” and “Does She Know.”

This 2020, Kiana will undoubtedly continue to reach out to the world through her music, in continuation of ABS-CBN’s commitment to introduce the unique artistry of Filipino talents to the international music scene.

Show some love for Kiana’s “Hide My Love!” Listen to the song on all digital platforms, and watch its music video on Tarsier Records’ YouTube channel.

Indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben brings in a different flavor, a unique musicality, and a spirited rendition of the song “Make It With You,” which will be used as the official theme song of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil’s return to television in 2020.

Originally sung by American soft rock band Bread, “Make It With You” reflects on the freshness and beauty of finding someone that you want to be with despite the uncertainty of love. It also evokes hope of togetherness, of wanting to be with a special person through thick and thin.

The band members were obviously thrilled to announce the new project under Star Music, writing “ma, may teleserye theme song na kami huhu,” on their Facebook page.

YouTube subscribers were also ecstatic with the single’s release. “Bread fan here, Ben&Ben gave justice to this song, hope they could make more Bread covers,” Morris Isla posted as comment on the “Make It With You” lyric video, which is currently trending on the video streaming platform.

Meanwhile, LizQuen fans hailed the band’s beautiful rendition. “Ang gandaaaa,” LizQuen TFC Global posted on Twitter.

Ben&Ben rose to fame through popular hits such as “Kathang Isip,” “Leaves,” “Pagtingin” and “Maybe The Night.” Just recently, the nine-member group was also named as one of the most streamed artists on Spotify in the Philippines for 2019.

Meanwhile, the LizQuen-starrer series “Make It With You” is set for an early 2020 airing on ABS-CBN. The story revolves around an OFW working in Croatia—where some of the show’s scenes have been shot—and a young man finding joy in his life.

Listen to Ben&Ben’s “Make It With You” on Spotify and on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel.

The list of nonimees are out for our KAMPANA Awards before the end of 2019 we will be recognizing Public Relations (PR) Practitioners and Agencies for their works. Also we will recognize the Celebrity Endorsers of have created buzz with their endorsements.

So, nominate your choice for this year's KAMPANA Awards with the following categories.

CLICK THIS LINK TO VOTE KAMPANA AWARDS

THE NOMINEES FOR THE 1st KAMPANA AWARDS


KAMPANA 
PR Agency ng Taon Nominees

Geiser Maclang Network
Lorem Ipsum Inc.
M360 PR + Activation Agency
PenserQ
Ripple 8

KAMPANA 
PR Person ng Taon Nominees

Ma. Chele Mendoza, Lorem Ipsum, Inc
Millet Liberato-Simeon, M360 PR + Activation Agency
Ana Liza Reyes, PenserQ
Amor Maclang, Geiser Maclang Network
Michelle Ople, Ripple 8


KAMPANA 
Kalimbang ng Taon Nominees

Shopee 11.11
FWD Life Insurance Campaigns
Kwentong Jollibee
GSM Calendar Girl 2020
Lazada 11.11


KAMPANA 
Malikhain Awards Nominees

Island Girl - GSM Calendar Girl 2020
Bounty Fresh World Chicken & Egg Day
CoCo Anniversary
#cyberReadi
Alaska Dementia Awareness



KAMPANA 
Celebrity Endorser ng Taon Nominees

Sarah Geronimo
Vice Ganda
Anne Curtis
James Reid
Marian Rivera


KAMPANA 
Batang Celebrity Endorser ng Taon Nominees

Scarlet Snow Belo
Baste
Xia Vigor
Chunsa


KAMPANA 
Kwelang Endorser ng Taon Nominees

Vice Ganda
Anne Curtis
Mimiyuuuh
Vic Sotto
Alex Gonzaga


KAMPANA 
Ingay Istasyon ng Taon Nominees

ABS CBN
GMA 7
TV5

An interesting news about Moira dela Torre and her song cover. It isn't just been known locally but will be reaching more ears. Moira’s “You Are My Sunshine” rendition gave a touching accompaniment to a high school video that won in the Elks Drug Awareness Program in the United States because of its throbbing depiction of how drug use affects families and leads to loss of loved ones.

The “Sunshine” video—featuring a progression of a precious baby girl into a rebellious teenager who got entangled in drug use—received the National Award for Best High School Video Public Service Announcement in August this year.

Moira’s heartwarming recording, released as part of the soundtrack of the 2018 Filipino film “Meet Me in St. Gallen,” was used in the “Sunshine” video directed by Sandy Beach (EMHS ’19) representing El Modena High School in California and produced by EMTV.

The contest organizer, Elks Drug Awareness Program, later partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice and a popular YouTube channel, FBE (19M subscribers), to produce a reaction video which features the winning video, “Sunshine,” as well as some former drug addicts talking about their painful journey and recovery.

Listen to Moira’s touching rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” and check out the “Sunshine” video here. For more details on the Filipina singer’s latest music, follow @Starmusicph on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

If you're an avid reader and follower of the LionhearTV then you know that they're holding its annual awards recognizing artists in the entertainment industry. So, if you missed watching the live feeds or haven't seen the full list of winners, well, you're in luck because we're sharing it here on Kwento Ni Toto.

The fifth edition of RAWR Awards honored a total of 36 winners or awardees with ABS-CBN winning the TV Station of the Year, Sarah Geronimo as Favorite Performer of the Year, Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye) and Angel Locsin (The General’s Daughter) as Actor and Actress of the Year, respectively, MayWard as Love Team of the Year, and the PBB Otso tandem of LouDre earned the Newbie of the Year award.


See the remaining list of winners and awardees for the three main clusters or set of awardees:

CUB AWARDS

Elia Ilano of ‘Ulan’ as Bibo Awardee
Maymay Entrata, Lovely Abella, Cacai Bautista (Hello, Love, Goodbye) as Beshie ng Taon
Angel Locsin of The General’s Daughter as the Favorite Bida
Dimples Romana of Kadenang Ginto as Favorite Kontrabida
Ion ‘Kuya Escort’ Perez of It’s Showtime as Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Isa Pang Araw by Sarah Geronimo as Song of the Year
Kapamilya’s The General’s Daughter as Bet na bet na Teleserye


LION AWARDS

Maine Mendoza of Daddy’s Gurl as Pak Na Pak Na Comedian
Mimiyuuuh as Influencer of the Year
Jessica Soho as Female News Personality
Raffy Tulfo as Male News Personality
DJ Kara of Energy FM as Radio DJ
Vice Ganda of GGV as the TV Host of the Year


PRIDE AWARDS

KiaNo as Fan Club of the Year
SB19 as Favorite Group of the Year
DZMM as AM Radio Station of the Year
Energy FM as FM Radio Station of the Year

For this year, RAWR Awards created Special Awards based on the Five Elements.:

Fiery and Feisty (FIRE Award) was given to Dimples Romana of Kadenang Ginto
Willfully Wavy (WATER Award) went to Maymay Entrata
Earthy Energy (EARTH Award) was earned by Alden Richards
Awesome and Ambient (AIR Award) was given to Kapuso stars Rita Daniela and Ken Chan of My Special Tatay
Magnum Man (METAL Award) went to Dingdong Dantes

ROYAL AWARDS went to Charo Santos-Concio (The Icon), KathNiel (The Phenomenal Loveteam of Today’s Generation), Angel Locsin (The Advocate), the late Regina Paz ‘Gina’ La’O López (The Steward of Change Award). Xia Vigor as Royal Cub Awardee, Kathryn Bernardo as Royal Lion Awardee, and It’s Showtime as Royal Pride Awardee.

Bloggers Choice for Best PR Agencies – Ripple 8, Spark It, Browne Communications
Bloggers Choice for Best PR Persons – John Paulo Caparros, Aaron Domingo

33% of votes came from user engagements on three social media platforms–Likes on Instagram, Hearts on Facebook, and Retweets on Twitter. The other 33% of votes came from the blogosphere (the blogging community composed of 200 blogger-owners and from representatives from the selected 30 PRs). And lastly, the 33% of votes came from third party analytics.

The event trended on twitter as number three. Chikkalicious and Jeremiah Torayno, a former transgender woman finalist of Idol Philippines were the hosts of the said momentous occasion.