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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
This April 19, 2025 in cinemas nationwide, GMA Pictures flips the script with "Samahan Ng Mga Makasalanan", a satirical comedy film that takes redemption on a riotously funny ride while offering an insightful take on the struggle between good and evil. Imagine a town so sinful it could make Sodom and Gomorrah blush. Welcome to Sto. Kristo, a town teeming with sinners.
Enter Deacon Sam, played by Pambansaang Ginoo David Licauco, who, after being assigned to Sto. Kristo, is on a mission to reform its residents. Armed with fervent faith and the belief that everyone can be saved from sin, Deacon Sam forms the Samahan ng Makasalanan through which he aims to steer the townspeople of Sto. Kristo toward the path of redemption. As the residents transform one by one from their evil ways – from being thieves to delivery riders, and gossip mongers to newscasters – the young deacon finds himself facing a battle of redemption and temptation he never saw coming. Joining David in this comedic crusade are Sanya Lopez, Joel Torre, David Shouder, Soliman Cruz, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, Chariz Solomon, Liezel Lopez, Jade Tecson, Jun Sabayton, Chanty Videla, Jay Ortega, Christian Singsong, Shernan Gaite, Batmanunulat (Jerome Lois Esguerra), Tito Abdul (David Domanais), Tito Marsy (Christian Kimp-Atip), Yian Gabriel, Liana Mae, and child star Euwenn Mikaell.
Produced by GMA Pictures, “Samahan Ng Mga Makasalanan” is directed by Benedict Mique and is brought to life by a script from Mique and Aya Anunciacion.
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A24’s The Legend Of Ochi: CreaZion Studios Brings Your Next Unlikely New Friend To PH Cinemas On April 25, 2025
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/CreaZion Studios/A24 Pictures) |
This April, CreaZion Studios invites you to embark on a daring adventure with A24’s The Legend Of Ochi, the feature directorial debut of writer-director Isaiah Saxon. Produced by Jonathan Wang (Everything Everywhere All At Once), Richard Peete (Blue Ruin), and Traci Carlson (Killer Sally), the film stars Helena Zengel (News of the World, Transamazonia), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things), Emily Watson (Dune: Prophecy), and Willem Dafoe (Nosferatu, American Psycho). The Legend Of Ochi follows Yuri (Helena Zengel), a teenager from the remote island of Carpathia. Raised by her loving yet fiercely militant father (Willem Dafoe), Yuri has been taught to fear and hunt the mythical creatures known as the Ochi. But when she stumbles upon a wounded baby Ochi, alone and vulnerable, she forms an unexpected bond with the creature. Defying her father’s rules and the rigid beliefs of her world, Yuri sets off on a quest to reunite the baby Ochi with its family.
This debut film from Isaiah Saxon is a story of love, longing, and acceptance, centering on a teenage girl who befriends a mysterious forest creature she encounters in the woods. Saxon was inspired by the connection between a child and their pets, appreciating how a human and an animal can bond and communicate without words. In this world of Ochi shot in the Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania lies a labor of love required to bring this new film experience to life. In creating this lush fantasy world, Saxon applied a practical, handcrafted approach, from visuals to puppetry operation. The ape-like baby Ochi is operated by puppeteers, while adult Ochis were brought to life by actors wearing animatronic limb extensions. What’s more, in a world of increasingly sleek CGI, the imperfections of this kind of practical approach to the fantastical only add depth to the viewer’s experience. “When you do something handmade, the imperfections become charming,” says Saxon.
At CreaZion Studios, they champion stories that matter to the Philippine market, hoping that this new-age adventure fantasy will inspire Filipino families to look beyond appearances and create meaningful bonds. CEO RJ Agustin shared, “With this coming-of-age story and the discovery of the importance of friendship — whether or not there is any form of communication — this film aims to encourage a deeper perspective.” The Legend of Ochi is set to hit major cinemas nationwide starting April 25, 2025.
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GMA Network's Gigi Santiago-Lara Named As Philippine Ambassador For Asian Academy Of Creative Arts
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| GMA Network Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions for Entertainment Group Gigi Santiago-Lara (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Network Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions for Entertainment Group Gigi Santiago-Lara has been appointed as Philippine Ambassador to the Asian Academy of Creative Arts (AACA) for 2025. AACA Chief Executive Officer Fiona McKay highlighted Lara’s role as an Elite Member of the organization, citing that her wealth of experience and commitment to creative excellence perfectly align with AACA’s mission to celebrate and elevate the best in Asian creative talent, saying, “Gigi Santiago-Lara was accepted by her peers as an Elite Member of the Asian Academy of Creative Arts due to her outstanding career achievements and contribution to the local industry, so we are delighted to welcome her as Ambassador for the Philippines.”
As Philippine Ambassador, Lara will serve as a Member of Jury for the AACA Awards and support the Academy in its skills development programs. Lara joins esteemed media executive Ambassadors from Australia, Thailand, Chinese Mainland, Malaysia, India, Japan, Taiwan, Hongkong, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar as part of Asia-Pacific’s prestigious award-giving body for creative excellence. A Kapuso for over 28 years, Lara played a key role in producing various genres over the years. Most recently, she has been involved with some of GMA’s top entertainment programs such as “The Voice Generation”, “The Clash”, “Tiktoclock", “All-Out Sundays”, “Farm To Table”, “Kapuso Countdown Specials”, and “The Voice Kids”.
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GMA Network's Kuya Kim Atienza Educates Audiences In Detecting Anti-Piracy Sites In New Anti-Piracy Video
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Network, the country's largest and leading broadcast media company, recently unveiled a new video featuring versatile host, triathlete, and wellness and biodiversity advocate Kuya Kim Atienza as part of its ongoing anti-piracy campaign "Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy." As host of the popular nightly segment "#KuyaKimAnoNa" on GMA Network's flagship newscast "24 Oras" and the weekly daytime infotainment program "Dami Mong Alam, Kuya Kim", Kuya Kim shares tips on how to spot a pirate site, saying, "Karamihan ng legal streaming platforms ay may downloadable app. Kung ang website ay may mahabang URL at mga kakaibang file extensions, malamang ito ay pirate site. Stream responsibly. Fight piracy."
Kuya Kim also reminds viewers that legitimate streaming services make the effort to create a good layout and design, saying, "Kung outdated ang itsura nito o may wrong grammar sa mga nakasulat, magduda ka na." The video, first seen last March 27, 2025, is the latest in a series of anti-piracy videos with Kuya Kim. Right after becoming one of GMA Network’s Anti-Piracy Ambassadors in November 2024, he was featured in a campaign that highlighted the devastating impact of piracy on the creative industry and the dangers it poses to consumers. The latest video further reinforces GMA Network's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and educating the public regarding online piracy and illegal streaming. It also aims to inspire a new generation of viewers in protecting and supporting the future of Philippine entertainment.
Kapuso all over the world and Global Pinoys can watch the latest anti-piracy video with Kuya Kim and learn how to detect pirate sites on GMA Network’s official online platforms.
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New Season Of MYX's "The Ripple" Podcast To Feature Ben&Ben, Amiel Sol, Denise Julia, Moira And SB19
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Ben&Ben, Amiel Sol, Denise Julia, Moira Dela Torre, and SB19 take center stage in the brand new season of “The Ripple” podcast which premiered last March 31, 2025 with new episodes uploaded weekly on MYX YouTube channel and Spotify. Hosted by VJ Samm Alvero and Nameless Kids’ lead vocalist Nhiko Sabiniano, the new season of “The Ripple” brings Ben&Ben for its first episode as the folk-pop band delves into their preparations for their local and international tour set to commence this year as well as the stunning visuals behind their new album “The Traveller Across Dimensions”.
Also chatting with the podcast hosts in one of the succeeding episodes is breakout singer-songwriter Amiel Sol who recently made waves with his hit “Sa Bawat Sandali” and how he deals with his sudden rise to fame. Samm and Nhiko will likewise catch up with R&B songstress Denise Julia and her journey to crafting the highly anticipated extended play (EP) “Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2)” and her experience staging her first-ever solo concert last year.
Meanwhile, Moira fills in on the inspiration behind her new album “I’m Okay” and her recent collab with Johnoy Danao “Papahiram” which took home the second runner-up prize at the PhilPop Himig Handog songwriting festival. After selling out the first show of their world tour set to happen in the Philippine Arena, SB19 reflects on breaking through the global stage and what to expect on their upcoming EP “Simula At Wakas”.
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TV5 Brings 'Summer Saya Together' With Hot Summer Shows, Japan Getaway
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| (Image Source: Malaya Business Insight/TV5 Network Inc.) |
Get ready for an unforgettable summer as TV5’s “Summer-Saya Together” campaign brings thrilling showdowns, heart-stopping finales, and exciting surprises including a chance to win a free trip to Japan. The season’s biggest highlights include the much-awaited conclusions of Ang Himala Ni Niño and Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa, intense reality competition eliminations, and fresh episodes of fan-favorite programs.
As Ang Himala Ni Niño enters its final two weeks, viewers will witness how the people of Bukang Liwayway rediscover their faith through the miracles of Lolo Mars, leading to Niño’s realization of his own power to create change. In Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa, Jane (Rhen Escaño) finally uncovers the truth about her real mother Christine (Ryza Cenon) who now joins forces with Norman (Kiko Estrada) to take down Benito (Gardo Versoza) in a gripping final stretch. Weekends get even hotter with Sing Galing’s first-ever live elimination round on April 5 while Be The NEXT: 9 Dreamers is about to narrow down its trainees from 75 to 45 as the competition intensifies this April. The country's longest-running weekly musical variety show ASAP marks a milestone with its 30th-anniversary celebration while American Idol returns with a new season with Grammy Award-winning artist and former Idol champion Carrie Underwood as a new judge. Adding laughter to Sunday nights, Da Pers Family releases all-new episodes for more fun and hilarious moments, with the Muhlachs (Aga, Charlne, Andres, and Atasha) portraying the quirky yet loving Persival family.
TV5 tops it all off with “Tara Na Sa Saya: Win A Trip Promo” where two lucky viewers get a chance to win their dream trip to Japan – with free airfare and accommodation. A collaboration with Güd Morning Kapatid, the winners will be able to discover new sights, flavors, and cultures with host Maoui David for 4 days and 3 nights. Stay tuned for more surprises from TV5’s “Summer-Saya Together” campaign and follow TV5’s official social media pages for the latest updates.
