Entertainment News: It’s Showtime’s’ ‘Step In The Name Of Love’ Redefines Modern Matchmaking On Philippine TV

ENTERTAINMENT | July 20, 2025

(Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation)

Josie, a 56-year-old woman, stood on stage with a hopeful smile. She opened up about how her late mother’s strictness once forced her to end a relationship, a decision that left a pain in her heart. Now, with the support of her best friend and the encouragement of the studio audience, she was finally ready to try again. In a surprising twist, host Vice Ganda allowed Josie to go on dates with not one, but all three of the “hakbangers” — Mike, Emilio, and Ding — fellow seniors with their own stories of loss and longing. The moment turned even more heartfelt when Vice pledged to sponsor the date for Josie and her eventual choice, honoring the years she had spent caring for others with a rare chance to choose happiness for herself. 

This happened in “Step In The Name Of Love”, a segment in “It’s Showtime” that is growing in popularity for showcasing a diverse lineup of participants from young adults to senior citizens and proves that love knows no age. At its core, “Step In the Name of Love” revolves around a searcher, accompanied by a best friend, who helps present their ideal qualities to a trio of potential matches called “hakbangers”. The twist? All decisions are made on a literal staircase, where “hakbangers” move up or down based on attraction, chemistry, or gut feel. But what makes “Step In the Name Of Love” a cut above the typical dating show is its commitment to inclusivity. The segment allows people of all ages to find love, companionship, or friendship. For many participants who may have never had the chance to find someone special or who have lost a loved one, the show offers a unique opportunity to experience romance, even if just for a moment. Additionally, Vice Ganda and the other “It’s Showtime” hosts contribute significantly to this safe space, inviting contestants to share their heartfelt stories and the reasons behind their decision to join the show. With warmth and empathy from the hosts, this genuine connection transforms the segment into more than just a dating game; it becomes a celebration of love in all its forms, reminding everyone that every story matters and deserves to be told. 

For Josie, Mike, Emilio, and Ding, despite their ages and backgrounds, this is a chance to find love and connection, proving that romance is not reserved for the young. And as they embark on their journeys through the exciting opportunities presented in “Step In the Name of Love,” they are reminded that it’s never too late to seek meaningful relationships and experience the joy of loving and being loved. Don’t miss the chance to witness love blossoming at any age on “Step In The Name Of Love”. Be sure to tune in for more inspiring stories and exciting dates on “It’s Showtime”, airing Mondays to Saturdays at 12:00 noon on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, ALLTV2 and GMA 7. It is also available worldwide on It's Showtime's official Facebook page and YouTube channel, iWant, The Filipino Channel (TFC), and GMA Pinoy TV. 

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Eminem’s STANS Documentary To Be Released Worldwide On August 7, 2025

(Image Source: Television Asia Plus/MTV Entertainment Studios)

Following its critically-acclaimed opening at the inaugural SXSW London earlier this year, the ambitious and unconventional new Eminem-produced documentary STANS will launch globally in cinemas and exclusively at AMC Theatres in the United States for a limited time on August 7-10, 2025. Moving, funny, and revealing, the film offers a raw and riveting exploration of Eminem’s legendary career through the eyes of his most devoted fans. Released in 2000, Eminem’s song “Stan” — about an obsessive, unstable fan — remains iconic. So iconic that the term stan was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017. The song and its storyline serves as a guiding light for this unconventional and fully authorized feature which follows a cast of real-life ‘stans’ whose deep personal connections to Eminem mirror some of the many themes found throughout his lyrics. 

More than just an exploration of fandom, the film examines the complicated relationship between one of the world’s most private artists and his massive public persona. Through stylized recreations, rare archival footage, and intimate original interviews, it offers a raw, loud, and revealing journey across Eminem’s career — and the passionate audience that has grown with him. The film delves deep into the emotional and transformative connection between Eminem and some of the superfans whose lives have been shaped by his music. AMC Theatres Distribution is leading U.S. distribution of the film at more than 135 AMC locations. All participating AMC theatres will offer at least two showtimes per day during the film’s run. The film will also receive a full week awards-qualifying run at AMC Empire 25 in New York. Ticket prices vary by market and location, and due to the film’s special limited run, STANS is not eligible for AMC Stubs A-List reservations or discount tickets. Trafalgar Releasing will launch the film internationally on the same date with 1,600+ theatres expected across 50+ territories across the globe. 

Over the course of his career, Eminem has sold over 164 million albums and has over 110 billion streams globally. He was Nielsen SoundScan’s top-selling artist of the 2000s with 32.2 million albums sold in that decade in the U.S. alone. In addition, Eminem was also named Billboard’s Artist of the Decade for the same period, 2000 through 2009. Eminem has won 15 GRAMMY® Awards and an Academy Award®. His 2010 album, Recovery, was the first album in the U.S. to be certified platinum digitally. In March 2021 his greatest hits album, Curtain Call: The Hits, became the first hip-hop album to spend a full decade on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. His latest album, The Death of Slim Shady, was released July 12, 2024 and was his eleventh straight studio album to debut at No.1 on the Billboard Top 200, selling over 281,000 units. Eminem is now the only rapper to have released a platinum certified album in four different decades (90s, 00s, 10s, 20s). STANS is directed by Emmy-winning writer, director, and investigative journalist Steven Leckart and produced by Eminem, Paul Rosenberg, Stuart Parr, Antoine Fuqua, Tony DiSanto, David Schiff with DIGA Studios in association with Shady Films, Fuqua Films, Interscope Films, and MTV Entertainment Studios. Bruce Gillmer, Amanda Culkowski and Michael Maniaci are Executive Producers for MTV Entertainment Studios. 

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Multi-Platinum Selling Pop-Punk Band Simple Plan Premieres ‘Simple Plan: The Kids In The Crowd’ Documentary On Prime Video

(Image Source: SunStar/Prime Video)

Multi-platinum-selling band Simple Plan has premiered their documentary ‘Simple Plan: The Kids In The Crowd’, now streaming on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the band’s remarkable 25-year journey as global punk rock fan-favourites as well as an unprecedented look into the band’s history from basement shows to global stardom. 

While chronicling the creation of hits like “Welcome to My Life”, “I’d Do Anything”, and “Perfect”, the documentary examines the band’s continued impact as one of the most successful pop-punk bands still selling out shows worldwide. Fans will experience never-before-seen archival footage, along with new interviews with band members and celebrated icons of the punk rock community including Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), Avril Lavigne, Dexter Holland and Noodles (The Offspring), and Fat Mike (NOFX). The documentary is produced by Sphere Media and was directed by Didier Charette. Of the release, drummer Chuck Comeau shared, “We’re so excited for our fans to finally be able to watch this documentary. Working on it has been such an emotional rollercoaster as we got to relive our own story, from playing in our parents’ basement to performing sold out shows all over the world, and everything it took to get there. We hope our fans will enjoy it and be inspired to follow their own dreams. We’re also thrilled to be sharing ‘Nothing Changes’, a brand new song and video inspired by the documentary and the past 25 years and marking the next chapter in our musical journey on July 11th.” 

Alongside the documentary release, the band has also released the official soundtrack for the film on July 11th, which offers fans a look into never-before-heard demo versions as well as unreleased tracks. Their brand-new single “Nothing Changes” was also released with a music video to match. Staying true to their high-energy pop-punk roots, the track delivers a rush of nostalgia and feel-good optimism for fans both old and new. 

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“PBB Gen 11’s” Fyang, JM Topbill Romcom Series “Ghosting”, Streaming Exclusively On iWant

(Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation)

iWant spotlights “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” ex-housemates JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith as they topbill the upcoming iWant Originals romantic supernatural series “Ghosting”, streaming exclusively on iWant every Saturday at 8:00 pm (PHT). The series follows the story of Jaja (Fyang), a college student who retreats to her grandmother’s provincial home after being ghosted, and Wilberto (JM), a mysterious local who turns out to be a restless soul. What begins as a story of moving on evolves into an unexpected romance that blurs the line between the living and the dead. 

The eight-episode romantic supernatural series marks the onscreen acting debut of JM and Fyang as a loveteam. Since the release of its first teaser on July 5 followed by a second teaser on July 8 and an official trailer on July 10, the series has accumulated over 23 million combined views across YouTube and social media platforms. “Ghosting” has generated significant online buzz, with its teasers and official trailer now racking up over 30 million views across social media — highlighting the strong anticipation for JM and Fyang’s debut pairing. Joining Ibarra and Smith in the cast are “PBB Connect” ex-housemate Kobie Brown, “PBB Lucky 7” ex-housemate Vivoree, “PBB Kumunity” ex-housemate Zach Guerrero, Kapamilya singer Gello Marquez, along with veteran actresses Peewee O’Hara and Ces Quesada. Directed by Theodore Boborol who is known for hit titles like “Vince & Kath & James”, “James & Pat & Dave”, “Finally Found Someone”, and “Taiwan That You Love”, the series delivers a signature mix of heartfelt storytelling and cinematic flair, exploring themes of longing, connection, and love that transcends the ordinary — even the afterlife. 

“Ghosting” is one of the flagship titles of the newly revamped iWant which now features a more personalized and sleeker interface that places “Filipino feels” at the heart of streaming favorite shows, movies, and live content across all devices. Unlock iWant Originals like “Ghosting” and exclusive content for just ₱35 per month in the Philippines (prices may vary in other countries based on local currency and rates). Stream all the feels only on iWant. Download the app and hit subscribe on Google Play or the Apple Store. 

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ABS-CBN's New P-Pop Group WRIVE Debuts With Double Music Offerings “Ooh La La” And “Señorita”

WRIVE
WRIVE (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation)

WRIVE has dropped its double-title debut offering, “Ooh La La” and “Señorita”, signaling its official launch as ABS-CBN’s newest Filipino boy group. Managed by ABS-CBN’s talent management Polaris-Star Magic and signed under the premier record label Star Music, the five-member group is made up of Asi, Drei, Ishiro, Mathew, and Russu who were all a part of the idol survival show “Dream Maker” in 2022. 

WRIVE, pronounced as ‘rayv’, is derived from the phrase “we have arrived” which represents the members’ unity to reach their dreams. The pop-funk track “Ooh La La” describes a romantic journey of wanting to escape reality with someone special. It was produced by ABS-CBN Music content, creatives, and operations head Jonathan Manalo and composed by ALAS and Jeremy G. Meanwhile, WRIVE member Russu composed the pop-R&B song “Señorita” which displays Latin music influence that delves into winning the heart of the person they love. ALAS also served as the track’s producer. 

The music video of “Ooh La La” premiered last July 17, 2025 on ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel. The two songs will be part of the P-pop group’s debut album set to be released later this year. Feel the electrifying energy of WRIVE’s singles “Ooh La La” and “Señorita” available on various streaming platforms. For more details, follow WRIVE on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. 


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ABS-CBN News Premieres New YouTube Series “Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories”

(Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation)

A missing beauty queen. A fraternity hazing that turned fatal. A movie star’s gruesome murder. A child’s dead body stuffed in a luggage. And, the body of an overseas Filipino worker found inside a freezer. These are some of the true stories that shocked the Philippines in the past years. ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs retells these mysteries, tragedies and crime in a new YouTube vlog series called “‘Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories”. 

In the series, ABS-CBN journalists Lyza Aquino, MJ Felipe, Jeff Caparas, and Jessie Cruzat trace evidence and accounts to narrate a more comprehensive picture of what happened in these heart-breaking news events. Initially, these headline stories were relentlessly followed by the public and the investigating authorities. But as time passed, details and endings were lost to new headlines. In this 10-episode YouTube series, a retelling of timelines, witness accounts and the journalists’ insights shine different angles and perspectives on the story. 

Kicking off the series is about the search for Catherine Camilon, the beauty queen who went missing in 2023. Camilon vanished without a trace after telling her mother she was on her way to meet a friend. From social media to mainstream media to congressional investigations — the beauty queen’s disappearance captured national interest. Authorities followed every lead, even one that led to one of their own. New episodes of “Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories” premieres every Tuesday at 8:00 pm on the ABS-CBN News YouTube Channel. 

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