Music is what brings us, Filipinos, together. No matter how good or professional you are, as long as you sing, that's what brings us all together. 

We all have been moved and expected every show of the collegiate, from the start to the end. Philippine sports broacasting wouldn't be as same as before. The legacy of ABS-CBN Sports goes beyond delivering the action from multiple leagues such as UAAP, NCAA, MPBL, ABL, BVR, ONE Championship, and PVL to a wide audience. Just like its parent company ABS-CBN, it had the ability to innovate and capture the stories of athletes to create content that resonate with millions of viewers – not just die-hard sports fans – and give them a greater appreciation for sports in general.

Here are eight times that ABS-CBN Sports changed the game in sports broadcasting:


1. ABS-CBN Sports provided multiple platforms for athletes to showcase their talents and passion for the game

Through the many platforms of ABS-CBN Sports, promising Filipino athletes were able to display their talents to millions of people around the world. Games were broadcast in the Philippines on free TV on S+A, cable TV via LIGA, and overseas via TFC. Apart from posting highlights, ABS-CBN Sports would also stream sports events on its social media platforms and website, alongside the ABS-CBN streaming service iWant. Volleyball players such as Grethcel Soltones, Dennise Lazaro, Charo Soriano and the sports communities of Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the UP Fighting Maroons Club are grateful that ABS-CBN Sports shared their stories and gave them a stage to play their game.


2. ABS-CBN Sports was a storyteller for athletes

ABS-CBN Sports was able to highlight the journey, struggles, and eventual triumphs of Filipino athletes with different personalities and backgrounds. Viewers witnessed the rise of Alyssa Valdez in the “Flight of the UAAP Phenom” documentary, and see how UAAP stars Ange Kouame, Ricci Rivero, and Rhenz Abando left their comfort zones to pursue their basketball dreams in “Dayories,” an iWant original. Fans also got to know more about the athletes through halftime features or interviews in shows like “Upfront,” “University Town,” and “The Score.” The latter even spawned segments that eventually became stand-alone programs such as “Extra Rice with Beau Belga” and “Kalye Confessions with Cherry Nunag.” Despite a pandemic, ABS-CBN Sports continued to deliver with new offerings like “Homework with Mico Halili” and “TBH” hosted by collegiate stars Ponggay Gaston, Mich Cobb, Eya Laure, and Rosie Rosier that showed the other side of the athletes. Their off-court personalities also shone in exclusive social media content such as the “Superlatives” game, “SIBS: Day in the life” with athlete-siblings Juan and Javi Gomez De Liano, Shaun and Dave Ildefonso, and Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino, and vlogs by courtside reporters.


3. ABS-CBN Sports allowed athletes to pursue their love for the game even after their collegiate playing years

Athletes were able to continue sharing their love for the game in ways other than playing the sport as they were welcomed by ABS-CBN Sports as anchors, hosts, or analysts. Volleyball players such as Alyssa Valdez, Gretchen Ho, Michele Gumabao, and Cherry Nunag were given the opportunity to talk to fellow athletes but this time as hosts of their own shows. Former UAAP basketball stars in Jett Manuel, Bea Daez-Fabros, and Danica Jose and volleyball athletes Charo Soriano, Dzi Gervacio, Nicole Tiamzon, and AJ Pareja continued to share their knowledge of the game as analysts of “The Score” and basketball and volleyball leagues. Former NCAA player and PBA veteran Beau Belga is also thankful that ABS-CBN trusted him to be the host of “Extra Rice” as he posted on social media “ABS-CBN opened a new chapter in my career… #KapamilyaForever.”


4. ABS-CBN Sports’ courtside reporter program opened up opportunities for aspiring media practitioners

The courtside reporter program of ABS-CBN Sports allowed first-hand experience for aspiring media practitioners and also gave them the opportunity to work with and learn from top sports anchors led by Mico Halili, Boom Gonzalez, and Anton Roxas. The likes of Nikko Ramos, Riki Flores, Gretchen Fullido, Tina Marasigan, Denice Dinsay, Laura Lehman, Apple David, and Ganiel Krishnan all started out as UAAP courtside reporters and ended up pursuing a career in news, events, radio, or sports. Ganiel and Apple were among those who shared messages of support and gratitude for ABS-CBN Sports by posting on social media “Thank you ABS-CBN Sports. TV Patrol reporter po ako dahil sa inyo” and “ABS-CBN Sports opened the door of opportunity for me. It’s where I started, a huge reason why I am where I am today.”


5. ABS-CBN Sports’ digital shift kept sports fans engaged online, even during the pandemic.

ABS-CBN Sports’ expansion to digital allowed sports fans to not just be constantly updated about their idols and the games but also bond and interact with other sports fans on social media. Through posts like highlight videos, exclusive features, and cool artworks, it has amassed over a million followers each on Facebook and Twitter and over 230k followers on Instagram, building an online community that celebrated sports culture in the Philippines.
With i
ts massive social media presence, ABS-CBN Sports continued to inspire and entertain fans during the COVID-19 pandemic with new “SRSLY” episodes with Shaun Ildefonso that generated eight million views on Facebook since its launch last March, “Gamesplained” videos by athlete-analysts, and the first-ever stay-at-home dunk contest called “Home Jam: Dunkers Only,” which drew over 500k views online and generated over 1M impressions and 1M reach on Facebook. Who can also forget the virtual closing ceremony of UAAP Season 82? ABS-CBN Sports certainly did not let the quarantine stop it from engaging Kapamilya sports fans as it even gained a bigger following in the period of March until May 2020. It also led in the social media engagement category for Philippine sports media across all its digital platforms with a total of 105 million views on Facebook and Instagram, while earning 12k mentions on Twitter.


6. ABS-CBN Sports promoted sports development and values formation through basketball and volleyball clinics

Barangay basketball clinics and Heroes Volleyball camps were organized in different communities by ABS-CBN Sports for young aspiring athletes. More than teaching the fundamentals in basketball and volleyball, the clinics served as an opportunity to create a positive impact in the lives of young Filipino athletes by instilling in them the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. Aside from receiving free quality sports training, kids were also able to draw inspiration from players like volleyball stars Isa Molde and Rex Intal, and former UAAP stars Tonino Gonzaga and Danica Jose as they learned from them directly through drills and motivational talks.


7. ABS-CBN Sports strengthened the bond within the sports community

Through NCAA On Tour and PVL On Tour, ABS-CBN Sports was able to bring the games closer to students and more communities by holding games in the school’s campuses for NCAA and in different parts of the Philippines for the PVL. Fans were also able to meet and interact with their favorite volleyball athletes in events such as the PVL and S+A Volleyball Grand Fans Day where avid supporters got to play games with their idols, cheer for them in fashion show, and enjoy performances from Star Music Artists.

Moreover, ABS-CBN Sports united and inspired the nation through producing “Isigaw Mo: Galing Natin Ito,” a sports anthem that celebrates Pinoy pride and Filipino greatness that was launched ahead of the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG). “The Score’s” “Galing Natin Ito,” a two-week special coverage of the SEAG gathered and put the spotlight not only on the medalists but on all SEAG participants. The special program went beyond the athletes’ preparation for their respective events as they also discussed their advocacies and interests as individuals that allowed the audience to relate to them on a deeper level.


8. ABS-CBN Sports gave Filipinos the total sports channel experience

From early morning until late night, ABS-CBN Sports gave viewers a wide variety of world-class sports content on S+A. It aired the best leagues and tournaments in the country from yesteryear’s MBA and PBL to today’s UAAP, NCAA, PVL, MPBL, and PCCL. It also was official broadcaster of the ASEAN Basketball League and ONE Championship, and for some time, even the global juggernaut that is the NBA. It also brought Filipinos the biggest local and international sporting events such as Palarong Pambansa, the AVC Asian Senior Women's Volleyball Championship, the AFF Suzuki Cup, Davis Cup, the Southeast Asian Games, and world title fights of Donnie Nietes, Nonito Donaire Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

It was instrumental in the rise in popularity of volleyball and cheerdancing/cheerleading in the Philippines, and gave exposure to other sports and disciplines such as football, juniors and women’s basketball, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, baseball, softball, badminton, billiards, streetdance, dancesport, triathlon, extreme sports, and esports.

As ABS-CBN Sports approaches the final buzzer, it is leaving behind contributions that have benefited and will forever be cherished by the local sports community. Its ability to tell stories evolved the way sports is watched here in the country and brought the game to greater heights. Maybe one day, like any true champion would, it will be back again to tell more stories.

Jayda Avanzado, one of the blooming artists in the music industry, is now a certified member of the growing family of Palmolive Girls. She is now part of the long lines of celebrities promoting long and beautiful hair like Janella Salvador, KC Concepcion, Julia Barretto, Carla Abellana, Janine Gutierrez, Kisses Delavin, Heart Evangelista, Megan Young, and Liza Soberano.

Jayda Avanzado is the offspring of Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragosa, and now you know where she gets the talent and the beauty. But of course, Jayda is making her way in the industry. Not just because she is an Avanzado but because of her personality. She is more likely a new gene of artist.

Meet the new #PalmoliveGirl in town, @jayda! “It really is an honor! I’ve used Palmolive products, especially their shampoos, since I was a little girl, so it’s definitely a dream come true for me to be named a Palmolive girl”, Jayda shared. We are so proud of this milestone Jayda! 🌟 @palmoliveph Video clips: @starmusicph
Posted by Cornerstone Entertainment Inc. on Sunday, August 9, 2020

I think most of the ladies are Palmolive users, and who would not know this brand, the Palmolive brand? I guess every ladies are hoping to be part of the Palmolive Girls. So as for Jayda, “It really is an honor! I’ve used Palmolive products, especially their shampoos, since I was a little girl, so it’s definitely a dream come true for me to be named a Palmolive girl."

So, we will be seeing more of Jayda in the coming days. Congratulations Jayda!

We're being slightly strict quarantined and because of that many of the services will be temporarily suspended to follow the government's announcement of placing the entire Metro Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). This started last August 4. Grab temporarily suspended its GrabCar services which started Aug 4, 12MN. In light of this development, Grab, along with its partners, will continue to support our communities - the driver-partners, merchants, frontliners, and most especially our kababayans staying at home.

Safety
Grab will continue to implement its GrabProtect program to raise its bar of safety and hygiene to ensure that our communities remain safe, especially during this period. In partnership with the National Taskforce Against COVID and the BCDA, Grab will continue to provide free tests for its driver and delivery partners to ensure the safety of everyone in the platform and our communities as a whole.

Support
Grab will continue to provide livelihood security for our driver-partners as we transition them to help serve our delivery fleet services. Grab is also looking into the prospect of having our driver-partners provide mobility solutions to our hospital partners as a dedicated shuttle fleet for their medical frontliners. Likewise, Grab will continue to provide mobility solutions to our corporate and merchant partners so that their staff can continue to provide essential services during this MECQ. For driver-partners with existing loans, Grab is working with its institutional partners to extend payment holidays on their respective loans. Grab will also create donation streams for our communities who are impacted by the suspension of public transportation.

Services
For our customers and their families who are staying at home, Grabfood will offer free delivery during this period to ensure that they continue to have access to daily meal options for themselves and their loved ones. To continue providing safe and seamless access to daily essentials for our communities, GrabFood and GrabMart will remain operational from 6 AM - 12 MN depending on merchant-partner availability, while GrabExpress will remain operational 24/7. Likewise, GrabPay will continue to provide safe and convenient cashless payments to help our kababayans fulfill their transactions while staying at home.

In the past few months, people started to find time to do things that will benefit them. Some of the individuals find time to learn how to cook, while others did try to learn new things like playing guitar or other interesting things, but one celebrity or personality did something else.

We all know her for being a firm, stern, and Maria Clara look. For me, I haven't seen or heard any news about her being sexy and daring. It was the first time.

So, who am I referring to? Well, believe it or not, she did get sexier. It was none other than the K personality with a rate, Korina Sanchez.

Korina Sanchez is one of the well-respected news anchors in the country. She's more known of her show Rate K.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Korina Sanchez-Roxas (@korina) on Aug 3, 2020 at 6:22pm PDT

It was really a stunning look flaunting something that people and netizens haven't seen her doing or posting something like this.

So, was the virus affected Korina's personality, well, probably. Making her more daring and bold with her actions. Who says that she cannot flaunt a figure like that?

Of course, there are always two sides, and right now, there are lots of negatrons in the playing field. So, probably what I can say is that she's just a late bloomer. Besides, she's also promoting health and fitness with a journey to maintaining her figure after losing a few pounds. Since she got more time to do personal things, this is probably her way of getting productive and realizing that she still got the zest in her.

So, we'll probably try to spot more of her sexy and interesting posts.

An interesting musical collaboration from two of the best voices of their generation. Young singers Darren Espanto and Jayda have partnered for the first time for the warm and rosy love song “Sana Tayo Na” produced under Star Music.

The two initially teased the collaboration by simply tweeting “Sana tayo na” and tagging each other’s accounts, which immediately sent Twitter abuzz with assumptions on what their posts meant. “SANA TAYO NA” even landed on the site’s Philippine trends list.

A feel-good love poem, “Sana Tayo Na” confesses two people’s hopes of being together in the future with assurance and stability. It’s a lighthearted take on expecting that the stars would align and unite two people in love someday.

The track is a revival of Jayda’s father Dingdong Avanzado’s composition, which was originally a part of his “Coming of Age” album. The new version was produced by Jayda and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.

Jayda’s last collaboration was with “The Voice Teens” finalist Jeremy G in 2019 for the heartening track "Perfectly Imperfect" which she penned. Darren, on the other hand, is fresh from performing his latest single “Sasagipin Kita” at the virtual celebration of MYX Awards 2020.

Believe that you’ll eventually be with the one you love by listening to Darren and Jayda’s “Sana Tayo Na” on various digital streaming services. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph), and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

Filipino boy group SB19—composed of Sejun, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin—ruled the MYX Awards 2020 after being hailed as both New Artist and Artist of the Year, as well as winning Song of the Year for their highly successful single “Go Up.”

MYX held the virtual awards celebration last Saturday, which honored today’s hitmakers and showcased exclusive musical performances from local and international artists.

James Reid and last year’s Artist of the Year Nadine Lustre bagged the Music Video of the Year award for their song “Summer” which Nadine co-directed with Chino Villagracia. James and Just Hush also won Urban Video of the Year for “Fiend.” 

If you have been following the rise of this boyband group, well, you're in for a great surprise of their songs and dances. After their long years of sacrifices their dreams has finally come to life.

SB19 pushes the envelope of pop music with the release of their debut full-length album, Get in the Zone, out today on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Mashing together various music influences with top-tier production and global appeal, the nine-track release features six original compositions, along with the EDM version of “Love Goes” and two instrumental songs.

Thematically speaking, Get in the Zone maps their creative and personal journey. “It hasn’t been long since we released our debut single ‘Tilaluha,’ but prior to that, we have been training for years already,” says Sejun. “We wanted to incorporate all the things that we have experienced during trainee days into this album by putting all the emotions that we went through into our music. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but we pulled through and we hope that we get to inspire people with our story.”

SB19’s first album kicks off with the two-punch knockout of “Alab” and “Go Up”—both chart-topping singles that bask in electronic grooves, pulsating hip-hop rhythms, and technicolored beats. These songs not only exude outsized charisma, but it also showcases SB19’s potential as a phenomenal pop group capable of defying trends and trailblazing a new movement in the international music arena.

Get in the Zone takes a more somber turn with “Tilaluha,” a stripped-down ballad that tackles one’s remorse over reciprocated romance. It’s a refreshing misnomer in a record filled with upbeat jams and shiny pop tunes, and one that blows the roof off, vocal performance-wise.

The winsome streak continues with the R&B-infused “Love Goes,” a song that talks about one’s suffering over a lost loved one, and its sequel, “Hanggang Sa Huli,” which allows the broken person to heal and find comfort in a kind of love that lasts a lifetime. The sonically adventurous album also includes “Wag Mong Ikunot Ang Iyong Noo,” a Filipino adaptation of the Korean ‘90s smash “Sarangeun Ya YaYa,” as well as an EDM remix and two bonus tracks.

According to Sejun, what sets Get in the Zone apart from other contemporary releases is the collaborative synergy between K-pop producers and Filipino talents, resulting into an exciting yet compelling final product. “It’s a great thing to get all the good traits from Korean and Philippine music/culture, and put them together into one. If you’ll dive deep into it, you’ll find a whole new sound rich in both cultures.”

As for the creative process, SB19 members Justin, Sejun, Josh, Ken, and Stell are very hands on when it comes to writing songs and creating melodies. Justin shares, “In this album, we didn’t collaborate with any other artist. We also wrote the lyrics for all the songs ourselves, but we’ve worked with Korean Producers who have also worked with famous artists in Korea already. It was a different experience for each producer since they have different styles, but overall, everything was fun and exciting.”

The award-winning band dedicates their new album, Get in the Zone to every single one of their A’TIN fans who have relentlessly supported their music through thick and thin. “All our achievements to date would not have been possible without you,” says Josh. “So in return we will work harder and continue to uplift you with more music and content so that we can give back the love we’ve received from you.”

Check out SB19’s Get in the Zone here.

A good selfie needs a good snap of a camera. And with our situation with nothing much to do but have yourself with a good selfie, a day wouldn't be complete without a snap of a camera. But have you ever been in a situation wherein you’re “dressed to the nines” and fully made up for an epic night only to be disappointed because you can’t seem to capture a stunning selfie due to the lack of lighting? It’s a frustrating scenario to be in, especially now when you just want to look and feel good despite being stuck at home—that is unless you have proper lighting setups installed.

Luckily, with the vivo V19 Neo, you need not worry about proper lighting and perfect timing to capture the best version of yourself. With the midrange smartphone’s super night selfie, AI Makeup, and Pose master features, anytime is the perfect time to take a selfie.

Super Night mode
For the latest addition to their “V” series, leading global technology company, vivo, added a super night selfie mode which contains advanced noise reduction technology that helps maximize its high definition 32MP selfie camera in low-light settings. With the super night selfie mode, users can capture every detail to produce photos that fully embody their beauty, even when it’s already dark. 
If the v19 Neo can produce magnificent photos in low-light, what more if you decide to shoot with sunlight. Throw in the smartphone’s AI Makeup feature and you’re bound to look as if you’ve diligently been doing the “10 step Korean skin care routine” since the quarantine started.

And if you’re out of ideas, you can “pose easy” knowing that the smartphone’s AI Pose Master has got your back. The built-in camera feature helps you think of creative ways to take selfies and further highlight your style.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule your own private photoshoot any time of the day with the vivo V19 Neo, available in Crystal White and Admiral Blue colorways for only P17,999 at authorized vivo stores nationwide. To learn more, visit vivoglobal.ph

Photo Credit -- Olya Shevchenko

It seems that more and more music is being released in the market and most of them are from Singapore, like this one from Jean Tan. Her latest single is “Oak Cherry Wine” which shows her continuing strong in a signature, bluesy vein, dropping on 24 July on all major digital streaming platforms via Leeway. This is Jean’s third and final single before the anticipated 5-song EP is released in fall 2020, produced and arranged by Singaporean R&B artist and multi-instrumentalist Dru Chen.

So is this just another love song? Definitely not. Though familiar themes of courtship and romance feature like they do in the previous singles, this is perhaps Jean’s most personal release to date. This is an ode to love, but a deeper kind – one that grows better with age, holds steady in both the valley and mountain moments. It is a lettre d'amour to the lover who decides to stay for better and worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.

This is, after all, a song born out of Jean’s own story – her personal health struggles with kidney disease and the man who married her despite the uncertainty of a lifetime together. Perhaps it’s why it feels so powerful despite the simple instrumentation of keys and a couple of guitars. Everything is felt so keenly from the moment Jean whispers 1, 2, 3, 4 in your ear at the start to the soaring, dulcet tones of the chorus: I love you / and it’s funny how / I’ll need you and breathe you / Be with you every moment now…

Even in the simplicity of the arrangement, the listener is taken on a journey as the melodies of the two guitars dance around each other like two binary stars. Seventh chords. A walking, no, skipping the bass line. An unexpected twinkling of the electric piano right at the end to bring it all home.

The song offers endless contrasts and complexity in so few elements that it’s hard not to be intrigued. It is sentimental but fierce. Sweet but not saccharine. A glass of oak cherry wine, tilted to the lips – bittersweet, familiar, true.

Listen to “Oak Cherry Wine” at Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/6JGHcOtPz6FElgJozjJquf or Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/oak-cherry-wine-single/1522550239?ls=1

Darna has been one of the iconic heroine comic characters that transcend from a number of generations already. It has moved from one actress to another, highlighting the very personality of the artist playing the role. Looked upon by not just the kids but even the grown-ups who are grasping for hope, inspiration, and strength. Topping it all, Darna is the heroine that is a symbol of woman strength, hope, and compassion.

In our current situation, the pandemic COVID-19 crisis, and the issue about press freedom, we truly need an icon to be our inspiration to move forward. An inspiration that will lead us all as we live with the new norm of our life.

Currently, two of the stars who have been allowed to play the iconic character, Darna, are in a silent online dispute. Are they?


If you can recall that last week after the announcement of the denial of the franchise of the ABS CBN Network, Angel Locsin, coined as the real-life Darna, made a call to her fellow actors to rise and speak up about the shutdown of the network.

“Yong mga Kasamahan kong artista na hindi pa rin nagsasalita. Ano tatahimik na lang kayo? Wala na kayong network? Ano magpapacute na lang kayo sa Instagram?”

With this act, celebrities and personalities expressed their gesture of support. Some went to the rally to join the noise barrage, and others made their way of support on social media. And one of the celebrities who take their support online is Jane De Leon, who is the current bid to play the role of Darna. The gesture is there, but and unfortunately, some lines are a bit off for the netizens.


“My support to the current crisis that the network is facing right now is not just measured by going out in the streets in this time of pandemic. Alam kong para sa nakakarami sa atin, masakit ang closure ng ABS-CBN. Nakiki-isa at nakikisimpatya rin po ako sa mga kapawa ko Kapamilya na nawalan ng kabuhayan.

…. Dadagdag pa ba tayo sa lumolobong bilang at patuloy na pagtaas ng COVID cases sa ating Bansa?....”

In my opinion, the reason that Jane made is a bit out of line. Knowing that the old Darna, Angel Locsin, has been doing her charity works at the start of the COVID-19 spread, even though she knows the risk is high. Jane should have made her statement simpler.

There's a rumor circulating that Angel made a rebut against the statement, and it's unpleasing. Will this be the start of the cold war between the two Darnas? For whatever will be the outcome of the silent or cold war between the two Darna, let us understand that playing the role of Darna is a privilege, and it comes with great responsibility - to give hope, inspiration, and strength.

Love hurts! That's what happens when couples started moving on their separate ways. As for the recent viral story on the world wide web, well, it's a love story that ended a long time ago. Unfortunately, and based on the posted messages and stories on the person's social media account (Clint Bondad), well, it seems he has not forgotten, yet, their love story.

So, what was the real story behind the breakup? Was there any 'kwento' that is to unearth to clarify the rumors and alleged scandals?

Well, there's a saying that 'when there is smoke, there is fire,' and it seems that the fire had just gone into an alarming stage. News and other stories about this matter are popping out like popcorn.

In an article that came out and published at the Facebook page of 'The Philippine Post,' clearly tells the story of Clint Bondad and Catriona Gray break-up. At that time, no one knows, yet, that the romance has ended. That's until Catriona finally revealed the end of their relationship in the show Tonight With Boy Abunda. The love tale ended without any more words about it.

Just like in any other relationship, it doesn't stop at that point. There's always the root and the cause, the reason that made that perfect bubble pop.

From the article, it tells that there's a reliable source about the Clint-Catriona breakup, a far deeper cause why the two end-up on different paths. According to the source, Clint had been going out with other women, that is why Catriona ended their love story. But take note that Clint wasn't just going out with other women, he's going out with rich women, and he does it for money.

Of course, photos are the best evidence to validate stories, and one personality was rumored to be one of his dates, Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai transwoman and CEO of JKN Global Media. Later on, the rumors were dismissed.

So, we know that it is his life and whatever he does is none of our business, but since he's a celebrity and all eyes are on him, everything that he does, well, affects everyone, most especially, the fans that look up to him.

It's a different kind of story and an unusual affair. It is probably one of the love stories that are flourishing in the country or some parts of the world and not one hundred percent sure, yet, if it is already okay with the current society. The one I'm talking about is the BL or Boys Love. Well, we cannot judge people if they find love from a different perspective other than the usual.

Speaking of BL, just recently, one of the characters in a BL series entitled "Gameboys" gave a little bit of his time in an 'Online Conference and Chikahan.' The celebrity I'm referring to is none other than Kyle Velino.

Kyle Velino is one of the actors under the management of ABS CBN Star Magic. Some of his projects and appearances on TV are Maalala Mo Kaya (MMK), Ipaglaban Mo, The Good Son, Play House, and his latest is Killer Bride. Now, he's doing the "Gameboys," which is the talked-about series of this generation. We all know that it is something unusual.


During the online conference, Kyle Velino shared that it was a privilege for him to be part of the series that opened the doors for several BL stories in the country today. He also shared that with Gameboys, they were doing the shoot differently. Before, they were doing it on-site with the camera crew and director, but this time it's different because all shootings are on their own. But of course, it is all based on the script and with the guidance of the director online.

Playing the role of Terrence, the Third Wheeler, according to Kyle, is hard because of the character. With his inclusion in the Gameboys, it was hard for him at first. Not only with the group but also because of the established fans of the main characters. He even shared that he also experienced being bashed. One of the memes created was the "Anti-Terrence Bill." As an actor, he took it lightly because, for him, he's doing his role effectively.

I haven't seen much of the series but I can say that Kyle is truly promising and with the way he reacts to the attention he is receiving right now, well, that's one attitude of an artist.

Watch more of the online conference and chikahan.


Gameboys is a Filipino BL web series that is under IdeaFirst Company, which is produced by Perci Intalan and directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal. The series is shown every Friday on IdeaFirst's YouTube Channel. Starring Kokoy De Santos, Elijah Canals, Adrianna So, and of course, the third wheeler Kyle Velino.

Real-life titleholders Gloria Diaz, Maxine Medina, and Winwyn Marquez, along with Ross Pesigan and Maris Racal, show the joys and hidden sorrows of a family with a tradition of joining and winning pageants in the original series “Beauty Queens,” which struts its way to iWant this July 15 (Wednesday).

In the six-part series, Miss Universe 1969 Dahlia (Gloria) is determined to maintain a lineage of Miss Universes in her family. This dream started when her mother Tarsila (Maris), Manila’s last Carnival Queen back in 1939, made her promise to follow in her footsteps.

However, in Dahlia’s blind obsession over molding her daughters into the ultimate candidates, she fails to realize that her children want something else for themselves.

Her eldest Daisy (Maxine) runs away to become a nun, her second Tingting (Winwyn) becomes an activist and gets pregnant, while her youngest and only son Rico (Ross) becomes what she did not expect the most—Miss Gay Universe.

After years of being away from each other, Dahlia hosts a party for her late mother’s centennial birthday as a way to bring her children together. However, what is meant to be a celebratory reunion erupts into a night of revelation as secrets are unearthed and confrontations ensue.

Is there a chance for Dahlia to mend her relationship with her children before it’s too late?

“Beauty Queens” is award-winning director Joel Lamangan’s first iWant original series. Produced by ATD Entertainment Productions, its cast also includes Lotlot De Leon, James Blanco, Ruby Ruiz, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Shido Roxas, and Nella Marie Dizon.

Catch “Beauty Queens” for free starting this July 15 (Wednesday) on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.