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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The music of Jonathan Manalo has earned a combined 7.9 billion streams across multiple platforms, according to verified music credit platform Muso.AI, making him the most streamed Filipino songwriter-producer to date. The ABS-CBN Music operations, content, and creative head is honored to bring pride to the country as the only Filipino in the top 150 global music producers list which includes Max Martin and Jack Antonoff. He is also at the top 0.1 percent of global songwriters according to Muso which tracks streams from Audiomack, Soundcloud, Spotify, and YouTube.
“I am truly grateful to be among world-renowned producers who have made music appreciated by audiences across different platforms. Patunay ito na kaya nating mga Pinoy na ibida ang musikang Pilipino sa buong mundo,” said Jonathan. According to Muso, the OPM hitmaker has also already garnered 15.5 billion combined views for his music on Instagram reels, TikTok, and YouTube shorts. Jonathan wished that his latest milestone would inspire artists to fearlessly keep creating new music, saying, “We are experiencing a record high volume of fresh music output from young music creatives of today.” Known for writing and producing OPM hits such as “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw”, “Pagbigyang Muli”, “Patuloy Ang Pangarap” and “Pinoy Ako”, Jonathan’s contribution to the Philippine music scene spans various genres and artists with over 800 recordings, multi-platinum albums, and numerous hits.
He has also produced collaborations with established acts like Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Erik Santos, Kyla, Gloc-9, Ebe Dancel, and Rico Blanco and has served as mentors to groups BGYO and BINI and rising songwriters like Angela Ken and Jeremy G. He has likewise worked on landmark projects with Moira, Yeng Constantino, Ben&Ben, Sarah Geronimo, and SB19. Jonathan’s music is known for relatable storytelling that resonates with music fans while some of his most popular works celebrate culture and pride such as “Kabataang Pinoy”, “Sikat Ang Pinoy” and “Tara Tena”, his entry to the 2001 Himig Handog songwriting competition which won the grand prize. Some of his greatest hits will be featured in the upcoming “Delia D: A musical featuring the songs of Jonathan Manalo” by Full House Theater Company which will run on April 25-June 8, 2025 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
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“A Laugh Story” — The 35th Installment Of UP SAMASKOM’s Iconic Comedy Musical Variety Show — Celebrates 50 Years Of Laughter, Storytelling, And Creative Expression
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/UP SAMASKOM) |
The longest-running comedy variety show out of the UP Diliman campus will be back for its much-anticipated 35th installment in 2025. LIVE A.I.D.S. 35 — “Ang Ika-tatlumpu’t Limang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM” — will light up the stage anew this May 2025 at the IBG-KAL Theater at the University of the Philippines Diliman with this edition’s theme “A Laugh Story”. It will be a very special presentation as U.P. SAMASKOM (Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. SAMASKOM, which is celebrating its golden anniversary celebration in 2024-2025, kicked off preparations for its 2025 presentation at Gold A.I.D.S.: The Live A.I.D.S. 35 Kickoff Party last February 15, 2025 at the Edge Skyview Bar at Ibis Styles Hotel. Resident members, alumni and friends of the premier academic organization got together to unveil and unlock special activities at the event.
The local entertainment industry is filled with SAMASKOM alumni who have made names for themselves in front of and behind the camera, like Jervi Wrightson (KaladKaren), Giselle Sanchez, Tuesday Vargas, RS Francisco, and Director Lauren Dyogi, to name a few. Among the special projects unveiled at the party is an album featuring songs that embody the Live A.I.D.S. experience — a mix of beloved classics from previous installments and new tunes specially created for the 35th show. The creative and production teams of this Live AIDS 35 were introduced alongside an in-depth presentation of their vision for the 35th installment. A stellar lineup of SAMASKOM alumni took the stage, bringing their signature flair and energy to celebrate the legacy and ongoing impact of their iconic show. Live A.I.D.S. 35 marks the directorial debut of television writer Ken De Leon, known for his sharp storytelling and innovative approach to entertainment. Aptly titled A Laugh Story, the 35th edition reflects the spirit of SAMASKOM: “creative freedom, boldness, and a dedication to storytelling that resonates with the times”, says De Leon.
De Leon explained, “A Laugh Story” is more than just a theme — it is a journey through the stories that shape who we are as Filipinos. From the bedtime stories that lulled us to sleep as children, to the fairy tales that sparked our imagination, to the everyday gossip that kept our curiosity alive, stories have been central to our connections and understanding of the world. Live A.I.D.S. A Laugh Story is a celebration of these narratives that give us meaning, using humor and heart to remind us of the shared experiences that unite us all.” “U.P. SAMASKOM’s 50th anniversary is a testament to its five decades of producing generations of communicators, artists, and storytellers who continue to push boundaries and redefine creative expression in the Philippines. As Live A.I.D.S. celebrates its 35th edition, it reaffirms U.P. SAMASKOM’s commitment to a free and creative expression of views that tackle timely and relevant issues affecting the country. From political satire to social commentary, Live A.I.D.S. has remained a platform for fearless storytelling and reflection, and this year promises no less. With a fresh perspective and a deep respect for SAMASKOM’s storied legacy, De Leon brings a dynamic new approach that will surely make this Live A.I.D.S. one for the books,” said Live A.I.D.S. 35 Production Manager MJ Karaan.
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Red Bull Dance Your Style Fires Up A Bigger, Bolder, Better Dance Throwdown In The Philippines
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| (Image Source: HappeningPH.com/Red Bull Philippines) |
Prepare for another year of intense dance battles as Red Bull Dance Your Style, the most electrifying street dance competition, returns for its fourth year in the Philippines. The renowned global 1-on-1 street dance competition is bringing together the country’s top dance talents for another unpredictable, high-energy showdown where the crowd is the ultimate judge. The one-of-a-kind dance competition challenges dancers to show off their talent and creativity as they freestyle to a random selection of music, spanning from timeless classics to top 40 dance hits, testing their ability to adapt, innovate, and dominate in real time. Unlike traditional dance battles, there are no official judges for Red Bull Dance Your Style. The power to decide who moves forward rests entirely in the hands of the audience.
Dancers across the Philippines will have the chance to step into the spotlight and claim their spot among the best. Pre-selections will be done on the same day as the regional qualifiers. Qualifiers will be held in Davao on March 22, in Manila on April 25, and in Cebu on May 17. The stakes are higher during the National Finals, which is set to take place in Cebu on May 24. The winning National Champion will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete on the global stage, going head-to-head against the best dancers from 50 other countries, as the exclusive representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in Los Angeles on October 11, 2025. This year, Red Bull is turning up the heat in Asia with the Red Bull Dance Your Style Dance Tour. The multi-city takeover is set to allow the Red Bull dancers to engage with the local dance scene in the featured stops through high-energy collab nights and a series of dance workshops including the 2024 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion Vietnam’s MTPop as well as dance sensation and 2022 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion Japan’s THE D Soraki.
The Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Dance Tour is about bringing together the community of dancers, igniting passion, and celebrating the raw unfiltered energy of street dance across East Asia. The Philippines is one of the seven stops of the exciting regional tour, alongside Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and South Korea. The tour is expected to make its way to the Philippines on April 22-26, 2025. Lace up your dance shoes and be part of the journey as Red Bull Dance Your Style takes over the Philippines’ streets. Stay tuned for more details about the regional qualifiers. We’ll see you on the streets!
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Learn From Industry Leaders With “Power Talks With Pia Arcangel” Podcast
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| (Image Source: SunStar Philippines/GMA Network) |
Award-winning broadcast journalist Pia Arcangel brings listeners exclusive and relevant insights from the country’s most influential figures via GMA Integrated News’ (GMAIN) newest podcast “Power Talks with Pia Arcangel”, an interview podcast produced by GMAIN’s Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab (DigiLab). With new episodes dropping every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all GMA Integrated News’ social media platforms, Power Talks is an exciting revamp of the successful podcast Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel that was launched in 2022. This time around, Pia engages in in-depth and insightful conversations with business tycoons, tech innovators, award-winning artists, and other industry leaders shaping cultures and industries.
Pia expressed her excitement for the new podcast, saying, “We wanted a platform where we could speak with key personalities. More importantly, it’s an opportunity for all of us to be inspired by them. I hope that from the show, viewers and listeners will be able to pick up stories that we’ve never really heard before, that we can learn from. And I hope they’ll learn valuable lessons that they can apply to their own lives as well.” On its pilot episode premiered last February 26, 2025, Pia interviewed no less than GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon where he shared his childhood experiences, family, life lessons, leadership, and realizations. "I was so malikot, I was all over the place," he said about his younger days. "In life, you have to set a goal, and when you achieve the goal, you cannot imagine how you feel," Gozon said when asked about what he's going to say with his younger self.
“With GMA Network being a digital powerhouse in the country and in Southeast Asia, GMA Integrated News continues to think of innovative ways to reach and engage our audiences across multiple online platforms. Through Power Talks with Pia Arcangel, we hope to instill valuable knowledge in our audiences by sparking substantive conversations with industry leaders led by veteran and exceptional host Pia Arcangel,” says GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso. Aside from Power Talks with Pia Arcangel, listeners can also tune in to other podcasts produced by GMAIN DigiLab including The Howie Severino Podcast and Philippines Today. Catch Power Talks with Pia Arcangel every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all GMA Integrated News social media platforms.
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nubia Philippines Welcomes Actress Jillian Ward As New Face Of Innovative Technology
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/nubia Philippines) |
nubia Philippines welcomes young actress and content creator Jillian Ward as its new lifestyle brand ambassador, underscoring the brand’s commitment to integrating innovative technology with Filipinos’ everyday lifestyle. Jillian, who rose to fame with her roles in various television shows and films, has also earned a significant online following thanks to her relatable gaming and cosplay content. ZTE Devices Philippines (Terminals) General Manager Gavin Lian shared that the partnership with Jillian is essential in spreading the word about nubia Philippines, saying, “Jillian Ward’s role as our brand ambassador is a pivotal development for nubia Philippines. She has won the hearts of many Filipinos by unabashedly embracing her quirks and hobbies. This makes her the perfect ambassador for our global #BeYourself campaign.”
Jillian expressed her excitement about her new role, stating, “I am truly excited to join the nubia Philippines family. This collaboration feels like a natural fit because technology plays a huge role in my career as a content creator, and helps me stay connected with my fans. I look forward to inspiring more Filipinos by demonstrating how nubia’s innovations are the perfect mobile companions in their daily lives.” Jillian made her debut as nubia Philippines’ newest brand ambassador during the launch of the nubia V70 Max. This new model boasts superior battery life, an improved camera system that guarantees high-res images, and advanced processing capabilities – perfect for enhancing digital creations and interactions.
For more updates on nubia Philippines’ smartphone releases this year, check out the brand’s official website at nubia.com/en and follow its official social media accounts including Facebook (@OfficialZTEPH, @nubiaphilippines), Instagram (@nubiaphilippines), Tiktok (@nubiaphilippines), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/zte), and YouTube (@nubiaphilippines).
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ABS-CBN To Hold Pinoy Media Congress 2025 On April
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| (Image Source: University Of Makati) |
ABS-CBN, together with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), is holding its Pinoy Media Congress on April 24-25, 2025 at the University of Makati which will feature the awarding of “Class Project” intercollegiate mini-documentary competition winners by Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI). Now on its 20th year, ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Media Congress will bring together the country’s leading media experts to share their knowledge and expertise. They will interact with up to 1,000 communication students and professors on current media trends and issues as well as help prepare them for a career in the media industry.
ABS-CBN Vice President for Corporate Communications Kane Errol Choa, PACE President Mark Lester Chico, and University of Makati President Dr. Elyxzur Ramos recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the said event. KCFI and PACE also entered into a partnership for “Class Project”, an intercollegiate mini-documentary competition for Filipino college students to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The top three placers and five finalists will be announced at the Pinoy Media Congress. Present at the signing of a memorandum of agreement are KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez and PACE’s Chico.
Launched in 2017, “Class Project” is an intercollegiate mini-documentary contest that aims to spotlight relevant social issues and provide student producers and content creators a platform to showcase their storytelling skills. ABS-CBN launched the Pinoy Media Congress in 2005 which won in the Philippine Quill Awards given by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines and the Anvil Awards given by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.
