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| (Image Source: GMA Network/Netflix Philippines) |
GMA Network's historical portal fantasy drama series “Maria Clara At Ibarra” is the most-viewed program on Netflix Philippines based on Netflix’s engagement report for January to June 2023. The series also made its presence in the global rankings during the same period, garnering a whopping 22,100,000 total viewing hours – despite not being released globally – which eventually earned the commendation of the Network's Chairman and outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.
Merging history, romance, and fantasy together, “Maria Clara At Ibarra” proudly proves its uniqueness as an educational entertainment show. The program boasts of a star-studded cast including Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo as Ibarra, Asia's Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, one of the most currently sought-after actor and resident Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco as Fidel, and Kapuso Primetime Princess and 2016 Fantasporto International Best Actress Barbie Forteza as Klay. The series follows the journey of Binibining Klay, a graduating Gen Z nursing student who failed her Rizal Studies class which she regards as irrelevant to her. Her professor gives her another chance to pass the subject and lends her a copy of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere which mysteriously transports her to late 19th century Philippines with its stone-cobbled streets filled with kalesas and a flurry of ginoos and binibinis dressed in traditional 1800s garments. Here, Binibining Klay goes on an adventure of history and love as she meets Maria Clara, Ibarra, Fidel, Padre Damaso, and other influential characters that would offer viewers an educational yet entertaining glimpse of the past.
“Maria Clara At Ibarra” first hit TV screens last year on GMA Telebabad and, due to popularity, later on graced streaming platform Netflix, where it can still be viewed today. With its exceptional storytelling and an ensemble of Kapuso stars that effectively brings the story of Maria Clara and Ibarra to life, there is no question as to why it ranks #1 on Netflix Philippines, as Filipino viewers continue to show love and support for this proudly Pinoy historical portal fantasy series.
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Marlo Mortel, Angela Ken And Maki Champion Love For Country During National Values Month
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| Kapamilya artists Maki, Marlo Mortel and Angela Ken during the "Balay Pinoy" school caravan culminating activity (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc.) |
Kapamilya artists Marlo Mortel, Angela Ken, and Maki, together with Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), celebrated Filipino Values Month through a series of school caravans and the provision of learning materials focusing on Filipino Values to different schools nationwide. In collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the "Bálay Pinoy" school caravan traversed Oriental Mindoro (Luzon), Cebu (Visayas), and South Cotabato (Mindanao).
For its culminating event, students at Saint Pedro Poveda College engaged in various learning activities with former 'Knowledge on the Go' host Marlo Mortel and special performances from Angela Ken and Maki. KCFI also distributed video lessons of ‘Wikaharian', hosted by Teacher Michelle Agas, comprising 50 episodes that teach children foundational reading and language skills. “Empowering the young minds of our nation, the Filipino Values Month became a beacon of cultural enlightenment. Through Knowledge Channel’s 'Wikaharian' and collaboration with NCCA and Bálay Pinoy, we celebrated our heritage and instilled awareness, appreciation, and love for Filipino culture in the hearts of our students,” said KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez.
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc.) |
In closing, NCCA's head of the Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts Section Renee Talavera urged the teachers to actively integrate these values into the educational landscape through intentional and inclusive teaching practices. “The NCCA has developed learning materials which may be found through the NCCA Learning Hub, where digital materials, the Values Primer, animated series and short films on Filipino values may be accessed in order to help teachers of values education,” she said. From earlier projects like Wikaharian and Heneral Tuna to the recently concluded Bálay Pinoy, the enduring partnership between NCCA and the Knowledge Channel Foundation continues to exemplify their shared commitment to nurturing happier and holistically developed Filipino students nationwide.
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ABS-CBN Unveils 2024 Offerings At "Forever Grateful" Christmas Special
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The Philippines' premiere media and entertainment company and leading content provider ABS-CBN, with its entertainment content powerhouse now known as ABS-CBN Studios, revealed its 2024 offerings at “Forever Grateful: ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2023" in front of a packed crowd inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum and aired on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and ABS-CBN's official Facebook page, A2Z, iWantTFC and The Filipino Channel (TFC) for viewers outside the Philippines.
After its massive success worldwide via Prime Video, "Linlang" starring Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and JM De Guzman will soon air its much-anticipated teleserye version with its never-before-seen scenes. The KimPau fever continues as the pair reunites in the Philippine adaptation of Korean hit series “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim" which will be produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and Viu Philippines. Meanwhile, the Philippine remake of another Korean drama series "It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” will be headlined by Anne Curtis, Carlo Aquino, and Joshua Garcia. The series marks Anne’s teleserye comeback after ten years.
The Primetime Queen Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo will have her major comeback as she stars with award-winning actors Arjo Atayde and John Arcilla in “The Bagman", produced by ABS-CBN International Productions, Dreamscape Entertainment, Nathan Studios, and Rein Entertainment. Kapamilya heartthrob Piolo Pascual will star in the drama-action series “Pamilya Sagrado" alongside rising young stars Kyle Echarri and Grae Fernandez. The wait is over for Kapamilya viewers as beloved reality series “Pinoy Big Brother” and “The Voice Teens” are set to return for its new season. “PBB” will be hosted by Bianca Gonzales, Enchong Dee, Robi Domingo, Melai Cantiveros, and Kim Chiu while announcements regarding online and on-ground auditions as well as the set of judges for "The Voice Teens" are set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
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Butch Francisco, Leo Katigbak Place Their "Best 10 Bets" In Showbiz
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Esteemed TV host and entertainment columnist Butch Francisco makes an exciting comeback to showbiz talk shows with film preservation advocate Leo Katigbak in FYE’s “Best 10 Bets", premiering on January 6, 2023 (Saturday) and airs every Saturday at 7:00 pm on FYE’s YouTube channel and Spotify. The 30-minute countdown show will feature Top 10 lists from the world of entertainment and pop culture. Butch, an entertainment journalist who also hosted ABS-CBN’s “Showbiz Lingo” and GMA’s “Startalk", will present his Top 10 rankings per topic while Leo, ABS-CBN Film Restoration head who is behind the Sagip Pelikula advocacy, will challenge and share his own lists. With their opposing perspectives and status as industry insiders, expect a lot of spirited yet friendly arguments and generous servings of showbiz trivia.
For its premiere episode, “Best 10 Bets” will tackle the Top 10 Best Actresses of the Modern Era. On January 13, Butch and Leo will compare their lists for Top 10 Best MMFF Movies of all time. Succeeding episodes will have the “Best 10 Bets” hosts discussing their picks for Top 10 Love Teams of All Time, Top 10 Greatest Love Stories, Top 10 Showbiz Breakups, and many more. Content creator Gandang Morenx, who has over 3.9 million followers on TikTok and one of the most recognized talents of The House of Collab, will also be joining the show.
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Vice Ganda Spreads Good Vibes In "Gandara The Beksplorer Season 2" On iWantTFC
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Asia's Phenomenal Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda is treating viewers with an early Christmas gift as she spreads good vibes in the online travel vlog series “Gandara The Beksplorer Season 2" which premiered last December 15, 2023 and is exclusively available on-demand on iWantTFC. Taking after the online hit series that originated from Vice Ganda’s YouTube channel, Meme Vice continues her journey as she goes on fun road trips and food adventures in different parts of the Philippines to discover new places and connect with individuals from all walks of life.
Together with her “beksplorer” friends Petite, Tetay, Beki Velo, and special guests, Vice will explore the different parts of Batangas, Quezon, Naga, Camarines Norte, Misibis Bay, Albay, Bicol, and Sorsogon wherein they will get to spread the holiday cheer and engage in heartwarming and relatable stories. “Gandara The Beksplorer” went viral on social media when it premiered last year as netizens enjoyed Vice’s lighthearted and fun approach while giving back to Filipinos with her random acts of kindness that were featured throughout the series. The series has ten episodes with its first four episodes now streaming on the iWantTFC app (iOS and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com) and a new episode to be dropped every Friday beginning January 5, 2024.
iWantTFC is available for free in Philippines and Indonesia while new users outside these countries can enjoy a limited free trial before being required to opt for a premium subscription plan. Subscribers from select countries can watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU, and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia), and VIDAA. Visit https://bit.ly/iWantTFC_TVDevices for a complete list of compatible devices, sign-in instructions, and account activation.
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TrillerTV Adds More Sports Via PPV And Subscription Plus Variety With Kevin Hart Specials
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| (Image Source: TrillerTV) |
TrillerTV powered by FITE continues to add more and more value for its users, now with 3 comedy specials from Kevin Hart joining recent additions of top soccer leagues in select regions, the upcoming addition of professional arm wrestling, and more. The Kevin Hart specials now available via PPV on TrillerTV include Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny, Kevin Hart: Laugh at my Pain, and Kevin Hart: Reality Check which can be availed separately or via a value-centric bundle.
TrillerTV has expanded its offerings beyond its base as the most trusted platform in combat sports television and now offers Liga Portugal and AFC Champions League soccer in select regions as part of its TrillerTV+ subscription package (available in UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and other European countries). Other new sports entries include professional arm wrestling, coming to the platform on January 2024. And TrillerTV continues to deliver the most important events in boxing, MMA, and wrestling including Glory 90 Kickboxing with Endy Semeleer vs. Anwar Ouled-Chaib in the main event; AEW (All Elite Wrestling) World's End on December 30th (globally just about everywhere outside the USA and India); and Rizin 45 on New Year's Eve with champion Juan Archuleta vs Kai Asakura in the main event title fight, and including former UFC star, John Dodson among others. In addition, TNA Hard To Kill 2024 on January 13, 2024, which marks the return of TNA Wrestling, has already boasted strong PPV pre-sales on the platform.
Kevin Hart has been called the most successful comedian in the United States right now and is on everyone's list of the best of all time. The Kevin Hart Comedy Special Bundle on TrillerTV PPV includes 3 of his most outrageous specials. Starting with Seriously Funny, Hart's second ever comedy special from 2010, which includes the famous "Grandpa Stare" routine, and followed up by Laugh at My Pain from 2011 with its unforgettable "Pineapples!" section, the bundle brings us up to date with his newest special Reality Check which builds on his trademark comedy through honesty. The Kevin Hart Comedy Special Bundle is available on TrillerTV in partnership with Laugh Out Loud Productions and Hartland Productions.
