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| Barbie Forteza and Choi Bo-Min on location in South Korea for Beauty Empire (Image Source: Starmometer/Viu Philippines) |
Viu Philippines, GMA Network, and CreaZion Studios proudly unveil Beauty Empire, a bold new drama series that dives into the glittering but ruthless world of beauty and ambition — with scenes filmed on location in South Korea to match its global scale. This cross-border production marks a new chapter for Filipino storytelling, bringing together homegrown talent and international influence in one striking narrative.
Created by award-winning filmmaker Real Florido and seasoned screenwriter Rona Co, Beauty Empire explores the fierce rivalry between women navigating legacy, revenge, and the cost of ambition in a cutthroat industry built on appearances — but driven by secrets. With pivotal scenes filmed in South Korea, the series adds an elevated level of prestige and tension, drawing in both K-drama enthusiasts and everyday Filipino viewers alike. CreaZion Studios CEO Anter “RJ” San Agustin shared, “Beauty Empire isn’t just a television series — it’s a platform to spark conversation and spotlight empowered Filipinas on a global scale. Our goal is to make this the defining cultural touchstone of the summer, and a celebration of beauty in all its forms. We aim to tell a story that is both glamorous and grounded, contemporary yet timeless — the beginning of a powerful collaboration between CreaZion Studios, GMA Network, and Viu.”
Backed by three creative powerhouse studios and sharp writing and starring a powerful ensemble led by Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Gloria Diaz, Beauty Empire unpacks the high-gloss world of beauty and ambition and is poised to make waves as this summer’s most talked-about series. Also joining the cast are Chai Fonacier, Sam Concepcion, and Sid Lucero, alongside Korean actor and K-pop star Choi Bo-Min in his first Filipino production — further elevating the show’s international appeal. With its dynamic mix of personalities, the show offers a rare insider’s look into the beauty industry — while encouraging viewers to reflect on, and ultimately redefine, their own standards of beauty. Puso ang puhunan sa pinakamagandang laban! Whether you’re a K-drama loyalist or a primetime regular, Beauty Empire delivers the kind of spectacle, tension, and high-stakes storytelling that transcends borders. The series premieres this June 2025 — exclusively on Viu, followed by its nationwide broadcast on GMA Network.
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Sparkle GMA Artist Center Collaborates With RepublicAsia And iAcademy
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Sparkle GMA Artist Center) |
Sparkle GMA Artist Center, the leading talent management agency in the country today, recently inked a partnership with RepublicAsia Media Inc. and iAcademy to further develop the knowledge of its artists and content creators about the digital space. During the signing, GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes shared, “We wanted our artists and our Status influencers to be able to learn the best practices in social media marketing, social media control, and how they can monetize their digital assets more.” The partnership marked one of the many ways the Artist Center helps its artists and content creators become more well-rounded personalities with depth and genuine care for how they use their platforms.
To start the newly inked partnership, the Republic of Influence workshop – a workshop on artificial intelligence for content creation – was put to work for Sparkle artists and Status influencers. With these, Sparkle’s stars learned about the proper use of AI and its implications on society. Fleire Castro, founder and CEO of ContentDash Pte. Ltd., an AI-driven content subscription platform designed to help enterprise marketing teams scale their content creation efforts, shared her expertise on the subject matter, saying, “I would suggest content creators use AI as an assistive tool. Meaning to say, when they do content creation, they start and they end the whole process of content creation, find the steps where AI can be used to make it faster, or make it better. But in order to maintain authenticity, you still have to add your human touch.” The partnership between Sparkle, RepublicAsia, and iAcademy is not only limited to extending opportunities for its artists and content creators, but also giving help to those in need.
Last April 25, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) officially joined the Pay It Forward initiative, a collaboration between RepublicAsia, iACADEMY, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center that aims to distribute tablets and Starlink satellite internet services to selected schools in Marawi in an effort to expand digital access and support education in underserved areas. Atty. Annette shared, “Truly, to use modern technology to further education is something that everyone should aspire for. I’d like to thank you for considering the four Marawi schools that GMA Kapuso Foundation built as recipients for your endeavors.” Sparkle artist Sofia Pablo was also introduced as the ambassador of the Pay It Forward project. On her official Instagram account, she shared, “So honored to be chosen as @republicasia’s Ambassador of Pay It Forward. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this powerful movement-bringing opportunities to students in Marawi and helping expand digital education to remote areas in the Philippines. As a student myself, I truly believe that everyone deserves access to quality education.”
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Jason Dy Renews Contract With Star Music, Marks 10th Year Anniversary In The Industry With New Album And Upcoming Concert
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation/Cornerstone Entertainment) |
Kapamilya R&B balladeer Jason Dy has officially renewed ties with ABS-CBN’s premier record label Star Music as he celebrates his 10th anniversary in the music industry this year with a new album in the works and an upcoming solo concert. “Maraming salamat, Star Music, for this renewal of trust. I’m so excited to create more music with you guys. I’m very excited for everything that we’re releasing this year and for years to come,” said “The Voice of the Philippines” season 2 grand winner during the contract signing ceremony recently took place at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater.
He is set to headline his 10th anniversary concert, dubbed “SoliDYfied: A Decade Of Jason Dy”, and release the album on the day of his concert, June 27, 2025, on digital music streaming platforms worldwide. “SoliDYfied”, a stylish night celebrating his music, is happening at the Newport Performing Arts Theater and will be directed by John Prats. Jason teased, “I already reached out to designers that I wanna work with and binato ko na sa kanila yung ideas ko, the clothes have to match the songs I’m performing. Expect something shiny, sparkly, kakaiba!” It will feature his good friends KZ Tandingan and Yeng Constantino as special guests who also serve as show co-producers alongside Cornerstone Concerts. Jason’s anniversary album, meanwhile, will take listeners down memory lane as it will be composed of meaningful songs from his ten-year musical journey according to ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo. At the contract signing event, Jonathan shared, “Naka-plan agad ang new anniversary album ni Jason na magiging celebration ng 10 years niya. All the songs that you’ve loved hearing Jason sing in the last 10 years you will hear in this upcoming album.”
Aside from Jonathan, Star Music label head Andie Arellano and Cornerstone Entertainment vice president Jeffrey Vadillo also joined Jason in celebrating his latest milestone. Dubbed the Prince of Soul, Jason has been part of the “ASAP” family and has interpreted songs for Himig Handog and Philpop songwriting festivals. Among his recent music releases are “Ulit-Ulit” and ”Magsabi Ka Lang”.
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BECK And ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION To Headline Japan’s Iconic Music Festival NANO-MUGEN FEST 2025 In Jakarta
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| (Image Source: Philippine Concerts/NANO-MUGEN FEST) |
The iconic rock festival from Japan is coming to Jakarta, Indonesia for the very first time as NANO-MUGEN FEST, set to take place on May 24–25, 2025 at Ecopark Ancol, reveals its second wave of lineup. Known for its unique mix of legendary acts and new voices from Japan’s vibrant rock scene, the festival is set to bring fans from across the region. BECK will headline alongside an incredible lineup featuring festival hosts ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, iconic Japanese bands ELLEGARDEN and QURULI, as well as rising stars KANA-BOON, HOMECOMINGS and REGALLILY.
Masafumi Gotoh of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, the band behind the festival, shares, “I’m truly looking forward to returning to Jakarta with all of these amazing bands. I’m curious to see how artists from our generation like ELLEGARDEN and QURULI will be received by fans there. At the same time, I hope more people will discover newer Japanese bands like Homecomings and Regallily. And then there’s BECK, a musician we’ve admired since we started our careers. Every time we visit Jakarta, we feel the warmth, diversity, and openness of the city. The energy of the youth is incredible, and I can really feel their passion for music. With this festival, we hope to carry that energy back to Japan and build something that connects across borders.” First held in 2003, NANO-MUGEN FEST quickly became a cultural landmark in Japan’s music scene, known for its dynamic lineups and emphasis on unity through music. Now, after more than a decade since its last edition, the festival returns and expands internationally for the very first time.
NANO-MUGEN FEST is more than just a rock festival. It celebrates the energy music brings to the world. From punk to pop, shoegaze to hardcore, it’s a space where cultures and sounds meet to create a shared experience that connects people from all walks of life. With a legacy built on collaboration, discovery, and deep respect for music and artistry, NANO-MUGEN FEST continues to inspire a new generation of fans. Tickets for NANO-MUGEN FEST 2025 are available at www.nano-mugenfes.id.
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Christophe Sommereux Goes Alternative Rock In Self-Titled Debut Album
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
New Kapamilya singer Chistophe Sommereux marks the beginning of his journey as a recording artist with the release of his self-titled debut album. The son of seasoned actors Gladys Reyes and Christopher Roxas shared his excitement as he embraced the new chapter of his music career with ABS-CBN’s record label StarPop. “I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be a part of this family and I’m really excited to share my music to the world. I know this won’t be easy but I’m ready to traverse this diverse, challenging, and unpredictable landscape of the OPM industry,” said Christophe in his Instagram post.
The alternative rock album consists of six tracks that captures a youthful outlook on love, comfort, and nostalgia. Its tracks include Christophe’s original compositions “Take Care”, “Sira”, “Abot Bituin”, and three other songs “Sine”, “Basta Ika’y Nariyan”, and “Aren’t You Ready”. The album was executively produced by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos and ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo. In the key track “Sine” which was composed and arranged by Gabriel Tagadtad, Christophe paints a picture of a perfect movie date with his loved one.
Christophe started writing songs at the age of 15. He focuses on the genres pop, rock, and alternative, and takes influences from iconic bands such as The Beatles, Queen, and Guns N’ Roses. In 2022, he performed in front of over 50,000 crowd at the Summer Blast concert held at the Philippine Arena alongside different artists such as BINI, Gloc-9, and December Avenue.
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Jeremy G Teams Up With Chie Filomeno And Darren Cashwell In New Single "Parking Lot"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Kapamilya singer-songwriter Jeremy G sets his eyes on newfound love in his latest single “Parking Lot” which features Chie Filomeno and pop duo Darren Cashwell. Jeremy penned and produced the pop R&B track with Darren Cashwell which centers around the thrill of meeting someone new at a club night out. It serves as the first single off of his upcoming extended play (EP) this year. “It’s been over a year and a half since I released songs for myself. And now here’s the start of a new era,” shared Cashwell in his Instagram post.
The Star Music artist recently performed his new single on “ASAP” along with AC Bonifacio, Gela Atayde, Jameson Blake, Jas Dudley-Scales, Kolette Madelo, and Ken San Jose. Upon its release, “Parking Lot” got featured in Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlist. Last 2023, Jeremy released his first full-length album “Late Night Madness” which features his collaboration with BINI Aiah titled “BINI” and a duet with OPM icon Regine Velasquez-Alcasid called “Moonlight Kisses”. Aside from singing, he has also made songs for artists such as Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Belle Mariano, Angela Ken, and many more.
