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| First row, L-R: Joey Roa, MOWELFUND Vice President and COO Julius Topacio, MOWELFUND Film Institute Director Manrique D. Orellana Jr.; Second row, L-R: Rez Cortez, MOWELFUND Chairperson Maria Elisa “Boots” Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Director Chris Cahilig, Jim Baltazar of CIMB Films (Image Source: MegaBites/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival proudly announces its partnership with Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND) which aims to champion the Philippine film industry, particularly the young and emerging filmmakers, and narratives highlighting Filipino life and culture. Founded in 1974, MOWELFUND is a non-stock, non-profit foundation focused on social welfare, education, and industry development with a dedicated mission to support the diligent professionals within the Philippine movie landscape.
MOWELFUND Chairperson Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo shares her gratitude, stating, “Thank you, Puregold, for CinePanalo. [Through this initiative], Puregold offers assistance to filmmakers [in featuring] films that delve into wholesome family themes that define everyday Filipino slice of life.” The multi-awarded movie and television personality considers this exciting collaboration as a “win-win” for both MOWELFUND and Puregold, saying, “Panalo ang Puregold for instilling family values through the potent medium of film. Panalo ang MOWELFUND Film Institute for offering logistics to young and enterprising filmmakers. Panalo ang aspiring film students and enthusiasts [because] CinePanalo helps them bring to life their dream projects through the magic of film.”
Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival recently unveiled its list of grant recipients – six directors for the full-length films and 25 student filmmakers for the short films – carefully selected from over 200 pitches nationwide. Slated for a grand debut at the Gateway Cineplex 18 in Araneta City on March 15-17, 2024, the festival’s selections embody the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay", weaving stories of kinship, perseverance, and the Filipino spirit. In a gesture of gratitude, MOWELFUND acknowledges Puregold’s support for their 50th anniversary medical and dental mission where grocery gift bags will be bestowed upon the deserving members of the film community. As the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival approaches its zenith, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad articulates, “With heartfelt appreciation, we recognize MOWELFUND and all our partners for their integral role in not just showcasing these inspiring Filipino narratives but also in fortifying our collective contribution to the flourishing Philippine movie industry.”
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GMA Network's Murder Mystery Series "Royal Blood" Comes To Netflix
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
Turning up the heat on Netflix this March is the murder mystery drama “Royal Blood.” The GMA Network series stars Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes who makes his highly-anticipated return to the small screen. Far from the typical rags-to-riches story, the plot-driven drama is high on intrigue, tension, and excitement. “Royal Blood” follows the story of Napoy (Dingdong). the illegitimate son of a business tycoon who struggles to make ends meet as a motorcycle rider for himself and his daughter. Despite financial hardships, Napoleon manages to provide for his daughter with the support of his friends and neighbors.
His life takes an unexpected turn when his long-lost father Gustavo suddenly appears and tries to make up for his years of neglect. As Napoleon becomes part of his father’s wealthy family, he faces opposition from his half-siblings who consider him a threat to their inheritance. Things get complicated when his father is murdered and he becomes the main suspect. Determined to prove his innocence, Napoleon embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind his father’s death. “Royal Blood” boasts a star-studded cast that includes Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos. Joining the action-packed drama as well is Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo plus Benjie Paras and Arthur Solinap. Playing the rich patriarch and shrewd business tycoon Gustavo Royales is multi-awarded actor Tirso Cruz III.
“Royal Blood” is made possible under the supervision of GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama Helen Rose S. Sese, Senior Program Manager Redgynn Alba and Senior Executive Producer Winnie Hollis-Reyes. The program is a product of the visionary minds of GMA’s creative team comprising of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan, Content Development Consultant Ricky Lee, Concept Creators RJ Nuevas and Ken De Leon, Headwriter Obet Villela, and Writers Glaiza Ramirez and Jimuel Dela Cruz. The twists and surprises delivered in every episode of “Royal Blood” is helmed by esteemed director Dominic Zapata. “Royal Blood” is available for streaming on-demand on Netflix starting March 15, 2024 exclusively in Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East regions.
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Metrobank Foundation Honors GMA Network, Howie Severino
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| GMA Network's Howie Severino (third from left) with (L-R) GT Capital Holdings Chairman Francisco Sebastian and Vice Chairman Alfred Ty, Metrobank President Fabian Dee, Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña and Executive Vice President Philip Dy (Image Source: SunStar/GMA Network/Metrobank Foundation Inc.) |
For their enduring commitment to contribute to society in their respective fields, GMA Network and GMA Integrated News pillar Howie Severino were recognized by Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) during its 45th anniversary celebration last February 29, 2024 at Marquis Events Place in Taguig City. Established in 1979, MBFI is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. It recognizes exceptional individuals from its roster of awardees and scholars who continuously perform their duties with excellence and contribute to their respective institutions and communities.
As one of the institutional partners of MBFI, the leading Philippine broadcast media giant was honored with the 4th Metrobank Foundation Award for Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) for its collaborative efforts with the foundation in nation-building. GMA Network is a partner of MBFI in the celebration of National Teachers’ Month and has helped amplify the call to honor all teachers across the country. Meanwhile, Severino was conferred the Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) for continuously performing his duties in the industry with excellence. Severino was one of the Metrobank Foundation Journalists of the Year (JOY) in 2015 and was recognized along with fellow journalists and past awardees Marites Vitug and Jiggy Manicad for their achievements in the years after their JOY awards.
One of the hosts of GMA Public Affairs’ flagship documentary program “I-Witness", Severino is best known for his award-winning documentaries on history and social issues. Severino is currently the Editor-at-Large of GMA News Online and a consultant for GMA Integrated News. He is also the host of GMA Integrated News’ “The Howie Severino Podcast” where he leads insightful conversations with thought leaders from a wide range of fields. The veteran broadcast journalist is a frequent public speaker on how technology is changing media and has led efforts to combat disinformation. Beyond journalism, he is an advocate and teacher of Baybayin, the Filipino pre-colonial writing system.
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BINI Traverses Through Life's Hurdles In First EP "Talaarawan"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Female pop group BINI brings a vibrant and refreshing sound in their diary-inspired extended play (EP) “Talaarawan” now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms. Members Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena tackle the youth’s perspective on friendship, love, and navigating through life in their first mini album that features six songs including “Salamin, Salamin", “Ang Huling Cha Cha", "Na Na Nandito Lang", "Diyan Ka Lang" and their recent hits “Karera” and “Pantropiko".
Jhoanna shared, “Very excited kami sa ilalabas namin dahil this will be our first EP. Gusto namin ma-feel ng supporters namin na para nilang kaming diary na pwede nilang lapitan about anything kasi gano’n yung bond namin sa kanila. It’s an open communication." Its key track “Salamin, Salamin” produced by Mat Olavides and Bojam of FlipMusic captures the feeling of daydreaming about a potential crush. BINI released their highly anticipated EP during the observance of International Women’s Day last March 8, 2024 to align with their advocacy on women empowerment. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Mikha shared, "Our advocacy is also women empowerment. We always want to inspire women and not just women but we want to make sure that people feel confident in their own skin." The group also surprised their fans during the “Talaarawan” EP media conference held last March 6, 2024 with the announcement of their first solo concert happening on June 28, 2024 at the New Frontier Theater.
With their bubbly, carefree, and quirky image, the ‘nation’s girl group’ continues to reach new heights as their hit single “Pantropiko” has spawned countless dance videos on TikTok and has earned more than six million streams and has also peaked at #3 on Spotify Philippines Viral Chart and debuted at #38 on Spotify Global Viral Chart. The “Pantropiko” fever has also reached global stars such as Irene of Red Velvet and Ryujin of ITZY who did the dance challenge through a fan’s request in a fan call. They are also on the cover of Spotify’s Viral Hit Philippines which features the most viral tracks in the country. Grateful and hopeful at the song’s success, Johanna said, “Ni-release namin siya sa month ng November and yung ‘Pantropiko’ pang-summer siya. But we feel like ang perfect nung timing kasi nagto-top siya sa charts while papasok yung summer so hopefully magtuloy-tuloy ito."
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Make-A-Wish International's WishMakers LIVE! Now On Its Third Year Of Granting Wishes
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| (Image Source: ComicBuzz/Make-A-Wish International) |
"I wish to be a game developer!" and "I wish to meet my favorite streamer!" are becoming popular wishes for the children served each year by Make-A-Wish. To help make those wishes come true, Make-A-Wish International's largest content creator event is set to return on April 2024 with a new look - WishMakers LIVE! - and a call to action for the talented creators on popular streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Capturing the imagination of the charitable livestream community can be challenging even for long-established charities like Make-A-Wish. But the charity hopes that the online world will join the call to become WishMakers and see a bit of themselves in the 20,000 children whose wishes they hope to grant this year.
Wish children have increasingly turned to gaming and online content to help combat the isolation and mental health challenges brought about by their illnesses and medical treatment. There has been a sharp increase in gaming-related wishes coming from 50 countries and granting those wishes will help restore some of the joy and wonder of childhood that is taken away from wish children when they are diagnosed with a critical illness. "This event gives content creators the opportunity to join us on a global stage while making a local impact in their own countries. This year we have found our voice for WishMakers LIVE! and are excited to have our loyal supporters return while having new faces and communities join us to help grant wishes,” said Make-A-Wish International President and CEO Luciano Manzo. To register for the event and livestream raise funds for wishes in your home country this April, please visit the WishMakers LIVE! event page at https://tiltify.com/make-a-wish-intl/world-wishmakers-live-2023.
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Harvey's Romantic Star Magic 'Promposal' To Criza Goes Viral With Over 1.3M Views
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Rising love team and “Zoomers” lead stars Harvey Bautista and Criza, or CrizVey, made hearts swoon as their 'promposal' video for the upcoming Star Magical Prom 2024 went viral on TikTok with over 1.3 million views. Netizens gushed over the sweet gesture of Harvey who surprised Criza with a bouquet of flowers and a romantic dinner date overlooking a scenic skyline. Aside from CrizVey, Star Magic also released on its YouTube channel the successful 'promposal' videos of Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, Vivoree and Brent Manalo, Kei Kurosawa and Krstyl Ball, Beaver Magtalas and Mutya Orquia, and Josh Worsley and Reich Alim.
Fans should watch out for more enchanting surprises such as other 'promposals' from Star Magic’s brightest young stars and the release of Star Magical Prom’s official soundtrack in the coming days. Meanwhile, netizens can show their support for their favorite artists by voting in Star Magical Prom’s Royalty Awards that has four categories - Prom King and Queen, Noble Prince and Princess, Royal Prince and Princess, and Charming Prince and Princess on KTX.ph. Witness the most magical night of the year by watching the Star Magical Prom streaming live on Star Magic’s YouTube channel on March 14, 2024.
