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| Billboard Philippines Executive Of The Year – OPM Vanguard Awardee, Universal Records PH Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go, and award presenter Donny Pangilinan (Image Source: adobo Magazine/Billboard Philippines) |
Billboard Philippines recently honored notable Filipina executives for their outstanding contributions to the local music scene. At its Women In Music: The Executive Edition awards night last March 28, 2025 held at Old Manila in The Peninsula Manila, Universal Records Philippines Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go was given the Executive of the Year – OPM Vanguard award.
Multimedia star Donny Pangilinan presented the OPM Vanguard award to Kathleen Dy-Go, saying, “One can say that our next honoree was born into the music industry quite literally. The daughter of Philippine record industry pioneer Dr. James Dy, she grew up surrounded by artists who occasionally visited her family’s home, and watched as her older siblings worked with music stars as they performed at concerts and variety shows, deepening her passion for music, particularly for the homegrown kind. Her older sister, Bella Dy-Tan, was the managing director of Universal Records Philippines, the home of such OPM giants like Gary Valenciano, Jose Mari Chan, and Parokya ni Edgar, and took the younger Kathleen under her wing. Driven by her passion for music Kathleen learned everything she needed to become an industry game-changer herself, and eventually took over the label, ultimately continuing her family’s legacy and keeping it relevant for succeeding generations.” Kathleen Dy-Go has been instrumental in giving artists an opportunity to grow and make it big in the music industry, which is especially true for bands such as Parokya ni Edgar, Silent Sanctuary, Orange & Lemons, and rapper Shanti Dope, at a time when hip-hop was not really mainstream. Donny himself shared that back in 2016, even if he was not a singer, Kathleen Dy-Go asked him to sing and record a song, making him a legit recording artist. He shared, “She is one of the people who believed in me from the very start.”
Dy-Go continues to champion local talent, elevating established artists like Sam Concepcion, Julie Anne San Jose, and rap legend Gloc-9, while discovering exciting new acts such as singer-songwriter Will Mikhael from Cebu, female rapper XYVRL, and five-piece band It All Started In May from Cavite, among others, and closely working with them not just to produce the best songs possible but also to achieve a long and fulfilling career in the entertainment industry. This award from Billboard Philippines is a great reminder that under Kathleen Dy-Go’s leadership and vision, alongside Executive Vice-President Ramon Chuaying’s mentorship and guidance, Universal Records Philippines remains the foremost vanguard of OPM.
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Knowledge Channel And AIA Philippines Team Up To Bring Health Education To More Filipino Students
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| Shown during the Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony between Knowledge Channel and AIA Philippines last March 4, 2025, L-R: AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Spencer, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) President and Executive Director Elvira “Rina” Lopez Bautista, KCFI Vice-President Edric Calma (Image Source: Punto! Central Luzon/Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc.) |
The country’s largest and only educational digital free-to-air and cable channel Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company, Inc. (AIA Philippines), formerly Philam Life and the local arm Hong Kong based AIA Group, recently formalized their partnership at a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony for the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) program held last March 4, 2025. AHS is AIA’s educational initiative that aims to empower more schools, students and communities to become healthier and more sustainable.
The collaboration extends the AHS program to 10,000 public schools in KCFI’s nationwide network and aligns with AIA’s broader commitment to promoting holistic well-being, as seen in their newly launched “Rethink Healthy” campaign. This partnership will leverage KCFI’s extensive reach and expertise in educational content creation to develop and broadcast engaging health education materials for upper primary students. KCFI will produce a series of nine 10-minute episodes on key AHS topics such as healthy eating, active living, and mental well-being, with scope recommended by the Department of Education. The episodes will be accessible through free-to-air television, cable, satellite, and online channels. This initiative supports AIA’s goal of making healthy living more accessible and inclusive for all Filipinos. Much like AIA’s Rethink Healthy campaign, it addresses the physical and mental well-being of young students through engaging educational content and empowering them to instill healthy habits early in life, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for the nation.
“We are thrilled to partner with AIA Philippines to bring the AIA Healthiest Schools program to more young Filipinos in the country. This partnership will enable us to create and deliver high-quality, holistic health educational content that will empower students to make informed choices about their overall well-being. We believe this initiative will contribute significantly to creating healthier generations,” said KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez Bautista. “The AIA Healthiest Schools program is designed to create a more inclusive environment that supports the health and well-being of students, in ways that are attainable, practical and sustainable for them. By joining forces with Knowledge Channel Foundation, we’re amplifying the program’s impact and ensuring that its vital lessons reach a wider audience. We’re confident that this partnership will empower more students to take control of their health, well-being, and future,” said AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson.
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MYX Amplifies Gen Z Voice With New Video Jocks
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
MYX brings fresh vibes and young blood this 2025 with six new video jocks to represent the new generation in the music channel’s new era. Robbie Jaworski, Ameera ‘Eya’ Almamari, Ella Regudo, Kring Prologo, and Ozzie Llige, and Jarren Garcia are joining longtime VJ Samm Alvero in delivering the latest music and pop culture happenings as well as getting to know today’s hottest musical acts on MYX.
Robbie’s natural charm and presence made him stand out as a rising artist. The Ateneo de Manila University graduate inked a contract with ABS-CBN and Star Magic and is ready to take his first step in the entertainment industry as a MYX VJ. After his “Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11” journey, Jarren joined the MYX VJ Search 2024 where he proved his potential as a host and emerged as the winner alongside Kring. Jarren has also ventured into music after releasing his debut album this month with a sold-out launch. Kring built her extensive experience as a freelance host, community broadcaster, and voice-over artist before she won the video jock search. She described the new opportunity as a fun way to do things she loves the most, which is music and hosting. Kring graduated from University of the Philippines Los Baños and is also a versatile dancer and model. Ozzie began as a UAAP correspondent where he exhibited his exceptional skills in hosting. He was among the finalists of the MYX VJ hunt where he truly shined with his fun personality. Aside from hosting, Ozzie is also a commercial model, event host, and former volleyball player. Eya was first known for her reign as Miss Philippines Earth - Air 2021. She became one of the VJ search finalists where she showed off her beauty and wit. Eya currently studies at University of the Philippines Manila. Meanwhile, Ella got her first taste of hosting through her stint as a UAAP courtside reporter. She is also a writer and a student at Adamson University. Ella hopes to connect with audiences through her dynamic energy and aura as a VJ.
Watch out for the new VJs as they light up events nationwide and lead MYX’s new programs on YouTube and cable. MYX is available on air via SKYcable channel 23, Cignal channel 150, and through various cable operators nationwide. It is also accessible online through digital platforms like YouTube and Amazon Prime.
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DepEd, NTMCC Honor Knowledge Channel For Supporting Educators
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) was honored by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC) for its significant contributions to the celebration of National Teachers’ Month (NTM) 2024 during the 44th NTMCC meeting in March. DepEd and NTMCC recognized KCFI’s active role in supporting and empowering educators during NTM 2024 through various initiatives focused on teachers’ development, recognition, and educational support via Knowledge Channel Learning Resources.
Among the highlighted initiatives was the launch of new educational programs aligned with DepEd’s curriculum alongside KCFI’s advocacy for both basic education and Early Childhood Development (ECD) led by KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez. KCFI strengthened teacher development through extensive technical training programs and the provision of learning resources through training teachers on the Knowledge Channel Portable Media Library (KCPML) in Leyte, Bukidnon, Ifugao, and Bataan as well as Knowledge Channel TV (KCTV) training at the Philippine School for the Deaf. In addition, nearly 16,000 educators, child development workers, and parents participated in KCFI’s online conferences in 2024, which covered topics such as enhancing skills in teaching reading and mathematics, as well as promoting best practices in ECD for children aged 0 to 8 years old.
Expressing his gratitude, KCFI Vice President Edric Calma reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to educational innovation and intervention, stating, “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts during National Teachers' Month and remain committed to supporting the professional growth and development of teachers across the Philippines.”
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Game Of Thrones Actor Iain Glen Joins TBA Studios' Historical Biopic Quezon
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| Iain Glen, as Leonard Wood in the upcoming historical biopic Quezon, with director Jerrold Tarog (Image Source: Yahoo!/TBA Studios) |
“Game Of Thrones” actor Iain Glen joins the cast of the upcoming highly-anticipated biographical historical movie “Quezon” as announced by Philippine film production company TBA Studios last March 17, 2025. Glen, whose credits include the role of Jorah Mormont in the fantasy drama television series “Game of Thrones”, plays the role of Leonard Wood, the United States Army major who served as Governor-General of the Philippines. Wood played a pivotal role in Manuel Quezon’s quest for Philippine independence from the United States.
The Scottish actor met the cast and crew of the film for their script reading at The Manila Hotel earlier this year. “Quezon” director and co-writer Jerrold Tarog said the casting of Glen as Leonard Wood makes the film “much more alive”, adding, “(Iain Glen) has gravitas. But at the same time, he can let loose, which is important for the role of Leonard Wood.” “We are very honored to have Iain Glen in ‘Quezon’. This film is shaping up to be one of the biggest productions in Philippine cinema, with one of the largest casts ever assembled. We are excited to share with Iain — and the rest of the world — the production scale and level of artistry that Filipino filmmakers are capable of,” said TBA Studios President and Chief Operating Officer Daphne O. Chiu. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) have announced their support for the project with the latter providing funding for the movie. The country’s Department of Tourism and the QCinema Film Foundation have also given their support to the film.
Glen joins Jericho Rosales who plays the film’s title role of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. Aside from his role as Jorah Mormont in “Game Of Thrones”, Glen is known for playing memorable characters such as Dr. Alexander Isaacs in the action horror film series “Resident Evil” and Sir Richard Carlisle in “Downton Abbey”. More recently, he played Dr. Pete Nichols in Apple TV+’s dystopian drama “Silo,” and Magnus MacMillan in Prime Video’s supernatural thriller “The Rig”. He is also the voice actor for Juste Belmont in Netflix’s animated show “Castlevania: Nocturne”. “Quezon,” which is expected to follow the life of the Filipino lawyer and soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, is currently in production.
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“Ado SPECIAL LIVE ‘Shinzou’ In Cinema” Announced For Global Theatrical Release
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| (Image Source: Manual To Lyf/GAGA Corporation) |
GAGA Corporation has announced the upcoming global theatrical release of the concert film “Ado SPECIAL LIVE ‘Shinzou’ in Cinema” and unveiled an official trailer alongside a promotional poster. The concert film is set to premiere nationwide in Japan on May 9, 2025, followed by international screenings in select theaters with screenings in the Philippines starting on April 11, 2025. The concert film offers an immersive journey into Ado’s legendary live concert “Shinzou” at the Japan National Stadium in 2024. It also features a fully remastered 5.1 channel audio system and Dolby Atmos sound technology for unparalleled sound quality tailored for the big screen.
Created by Ado’s image director ORIHARA, the official poster seamlessly blends the key visual from Ado SPECIAL LIVE 2024 “Shinzou” with real concert imagery, delivering a striking design that vividly captures the energy of the experience. The trailer below offers a glimpse into the unforgettable performance of Ado’s electrifying live concert, showcasing the dynamic atmosphere of the venue. Narrated by Ado herself, it highlights one of the most unforgettable moments of the show — her first-ever on-stage collaboration with Hatsune Miku.
Ado is currently gearing up for her second world tour, Ado WORLD TOUR 2025 “Hibana” Powered by Crunchyroll starting in April 2025. The Manila stop will happen at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 8, 2025. Tickets are still available at smtickets.com.
