 |
| Yvonne Chapman (Image Source: Television Asia Plus/PCCW Media/SK Global) |
PCCW Media has announced that its six-part premium drama series The Season, produced in partnership with global entertainment company SK Global (Crazy Rich Asians, Thai Cave Rescue, Delhi Crime), was acquired by Hulu for distribution across the United States earlier this year. Additionally, Fremantle has signed on to lead international sales, with the support of De Maio Entertainment. The show was commissioned by PCCW Media's OTT streaming service Viu and will air in its 15 markets as a Viu Original. The English language series features an international cast including Jessie Mei Li (Shadow and Bone), three-time Golden Horse winner and Hong Kong’s very own Karena Lam, Chris Pang (Interior Chinatown), Justin Chien (The Brothers Sun), Yvonne Chapman (Avatar: The Last Airbender), with Celina Jade (Wolf Warrior 2) and Toby Stephens (Percy Jackson And The Olympians). The cast is joined by Kōki, winner of the Rising Star of Asia Award 2025, Lee Jae-yoon (Physical 100 S2), and reality talent show King Maker V winner Lyman Heung with special appearances by Hong Kong stars Anson Lo @MIRROR and Marf Yau @COLLAR.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong, The Season is a high-gloss drama that follows a group of close-knit friends gathering for a summer of sun-drenched fanfares as the boating season begins. This thrilling saga unfolds as a young newcomer joins this society for the summer where secrets are revealed, the line between ally and enemy blurs, and ambitions could change everything. The Season promises a visually stunning drama where nothing is as it seems. PCCW Media Group Managing Director and Viu Chief Executive Officer Janice Lee said, “We are thrilled to have The Season stream on Hulu in the U.S. and to partner with Fremantle for international distribution, bringing this intriguing and riveting emotional ride to a global audience. The series will also be available on Viu across all of its markets. Developed in collaboration with our production partner SK Global, the series immerses viewers in Hong Kong’s pulsating energy through stunning visuals ensuring the show is both authentic and relatable to a global audience.”
SK Global Executive Vice President and Head of Television Chloe Dan said, “The Season is a story with truly universal appeal and we are thrilled to collaborate with Hulu to bring it to U.S. audiences. As SK Global continues to expand its footprint across the world, this series represents the kind of distinctive, premium storytelling we’re proud to champion on a global stage.” The Season is created and executive produced by Yalun Tu who previously co-created the Amazon Japan series My Undead Yokai Girlfriend and worked on series including NCIS: Hawaii & Wu Assassins. Chilean director Marialy Rivas (The Jetty) serves as lead director and executive producer with Janice Lee and Agatha Lo as executive producers for PCCW Media and Chloe Dan, Matt Aragachi and Dylan Tarason for SK Global.
* * * *
Just For Laughs Distribution And Stingray Announce Strategic Partnership To Expand Global Laughter
 |
| (Image Source: Television Asia Plus/Stingray) |
Just For Laughs, the world’s leading comedy brand, and Stingray, an industry leader in music and video content distribution, business services, and advertising solutions, are joining forces in a strategic partnership to develop and expand Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels featuring premium comedy content across global markets with an emphasis on audio entertainment.
This collaboration brings together Just For Laughs’ unparalleled library of world-class comedy programming — including stand-up specials, and festival performances — with Stingray’s deep expertise in channel creation, advertising sales, and global distribution. The result: a powerful new slate of FAST channels designed to spread laughter to millions of viewers worldwide, free and accessible across leading streaming platforms. “This partnership marks a major milestone in our mission to bring Just For Laughs premium comedy to audiences everywhere. By combining our world-renowned comedy library with Stingray’s robust broadcast infrastructure and international reach, we’re opening new doors for global viewers to experience the joy of Just For Laughs — anytime, anywhere,” said Just For Laughs Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer Alex Avon.
“Stingray is proud to partner with Just For Laughs, a Canadian entertainment icon whose content resonates with audiences worldwide. As a global leader in FAST channel distribution, we are uniquely positioned to bring their incredible programming to new markets. This collaboration sets a new benchmark for delivering high-quality, accessible comedy to viewers everywhere,” said Stingray Chief Revenue Officer David Purdy. The partnership underscores a shared vision: to harness the power of streaming to bring diverse, engaging, and comedy content to audiences worldwide.
* * * *
KMJS' “Kurakot” Series Ignites National Conversation As Podcast Hits 100 Million Views
 |
| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
“Hindi pala baha ang magpapalubog sa ating bayan, kundi kasakiman.” This powerful line by multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho from the Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) special series “Katakot-Takot Na Kurakot” has recently gone viral, capturing the nation's growing outrage against corruption. Viewers praised the series for its depth, courage, and clarity, saying it helped them better understand corruption and its real-world impact. Some even credited the Kurakot reports for fueling awareness that led to the recent “Trillion People March”. The investigative special, which delved into the large-scale corruption and anomalous government projects, has already generated over 92.4 million total views across Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok with its first episode alone surpassing 14 million views on YouTube. Since its TV premiere on August 24, it has become the most-watched KMJS segment online this year, sparking massive conversations about good governance and public accountability.
Beyond television, KMJS is a digital powerhouse. The Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) Podcast has already positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing digital current affairs programs in the Philippines. In just over a month since its launch, the podcast racked up more than 105 million views across all platforms: hitting 68.3 million views on Facebook, 21.6 million on TikTok, and 14.8 million on YouTube — clearly reflecting the public's growing demand for credible and in-depth journalism. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple podcasts, the KMJS Podcast features the full interviews of multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho with prominent newsmakers whose conversations are only partially seen on television. This gives audiences the chance to listen to the complete exchanges and deeper discussions on national issues. Among those featured so far are Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Senator Panfilo Lacson, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, Representative Kiko Barzaga, former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, and former Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza. Excerpts from these interviews have gone viral with netizens praising Soho's calm yet incisive questioning style that draws out compelling insights and accountability from her guests.
The overwhelming response to the KMJS Podcast and “Katakot-Takot Na Kurakot” series proves that storytelling remains a powerful force for accountability and reform. Through fearless conversations and incisive reporting, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho continues to move Filipinos to reflect, engage, and demand change — across all platforms. Earlier this month, KMJS won as National Winner for Best Infotainment Programme at the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards for its “Inside the Crocodile Cage” while its "Kidneys for Sale" episode was shortlisted in the Investigative Documentary category at the 2025 AIB Awards in London. Watch Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho every Sunday at 8:20 PM on GMA 7 and 9:15 pm on GTV. Full episodes and extended interviews are available on the KMJS Facebook page and the GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel.
* * * *
Cinemalaya Films Take Indie Excellence To Even Greater Heights In Gawad Urian
 |
| (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Cultural Center Of The Philippines) |
Filipino independent films took center stage once again as Cinemalaya films emerged as the big winners at this year’s Gawad Urian Awards, reaffirming the strength of the country’s indie filmmaking scene. Films produced by Cinemalaya’s 20th edition took home a total of 10 awards, including major citations like Best Picture. The awards are as follows:
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Pelikula: Alipato At Muog
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay na Direksyon: Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico (Tumandok)
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Screenplay: Tumandok (Arden Rod Cortez and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay)
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Aktres: Arisa Nakano (Kono Basho)
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Dokumentaryo: Alipato At Muog
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Pangalawang Aktor: Felipe Ganancial (Tumandok)
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Sinematograpiya: Dan Villegas (Kono Basho)
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Editing: JL Burgos (Alipato At Muog)
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Musika: Paulo Almaden and the Ati People of Kabarangkalan and Nagpana (Tumandok)
• Gawad Urian Para Sa Pinakamahusay Na Tunog: Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla and Michaela Docena (The Hearing)
Since its inception in 2005, Cinemalaya has become a vital platform for showcasing the unique voices in Philippine independent cinema. It has launched the careers of numerous acclaimed filmmakers and actors, fostering a vibrant community that challenges mainstream narratives and pushes creative boundaries. Beyond awards, Cinemalaya’s influence extends to sparking important conversations about society, culture, and identity, making it not just a film festival, but a powerful movement that continues to shape and redefine Philippine storytelling on both local and international stages. The Gawad Urian Awards is one of the most prestigious film award-giving bodies in the Philippines, organized by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Known for its critical and discerning approach, Gawad Urian has long been regarded as a benchmark for artistic and cinematic quality in the country’s film industry since its inception in 1977.
To date, Cinemalaya has nurtured over 200 Filipino filmmakers and showcased over 1,000 of their works, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films. With the recent conclusion of its 21st edition, Cinemalaya will surely continue to uphold its vision to discover, encourage, support, train and recognize gifted Filipino independent filmmakers.
* * * *
Anne, Joshua, And Carlo Take Center Stage In Metro's Latest Cover; Revisiting Their Journey In “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay”
 |
| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino captivate in Metro’s latest digital cover, photographed at the Proscenium Theater. The trio reflects on how “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” has influenced their personal perspectives on mental health and autism as the series reaches its final chapter. Anne revealed her biggest consideration in taking on the project as she knew the weight of pressure to adapt a well-loved K-drama series. She eventually shifted her focus into spreading awareness about people’s struggle with mental health. In an exclusive Metro feature, she said, “Will I be able to give it justice? That was my biggest concern. Then I realized, what am I doing worrying about like, ‘Oh, are we going to give justice?’ Like, the whole point of this is reaching out to a wider audience, especially in the Philippines, where there’s still a stigma about mental health.”
For Joshua, the series became an eye-opener for him to be more knowledgeable about mental health, which also helped him grow as an actor and a person. He shared, “‘Yung mental health, hindi siya malinaw sa’kin before kaya nu’ng nalaman ko ’yung awareness about that, mas nag-grow ako kasi mas naiintindihan ko ’yung sarili ko. Makimkimin akong tao. So akala ko okay lang na hindi mag-share. Naiipon pala siya. Eventually sasabog siya. Pero buti na nga lang, nandiyan ’yung acting. Kumbaga may outlet ako ng nararamdaman ko, ng mga kinikimkim ko.” Carlo bravely took the challenge of portraying Matmat also known as Manong, an adult with autism. To prepare for the role, he had a three-day immersion in a school for children with autism. He expressed, “Every step of the way, kung paano maglakad si Matmat, kung paano tumakbo, kung paano ’yung hands. Inaral niya ko, inaral ko rin siya. Grabe ’yung dinala sa akin, ’yung binigay sa aking zen, ’yung binigay sa aking peace ni Matmat, ni Manong. Every time na naalala ko, sobrang thankful ako sa series. Mahal na mahal ko sila, ’yung mga nakilala ko sa school.”
Meanwhile, director Mae Cruz-Alviar expressed deep admiration for her cast, describing them as humble, open, and generous — from the lead stars to the supporting actors. She said, “All of them — from the main characters to the support — they were so humble, open, and generous. There would be times I would be in such awe that I would just stop and watch them, or think, ‘Wow, this is a casting coup!’ I would have to stop and remind myself, ‘Hey I have to direct them.’” Learn more about Anne, Joshua, and Carlo’s “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” journey in Metro’s cover story. For more exclusive articles, follow @metrodotstyle on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok as well as Metro Magazine (@metromagph on Instagram and Twitter and @Metro.Magazine on Facebook or visit Metro.Style.
* * * *
“ABS-CBN Pinoy Media Congress: Training The Teachers” Wins A Stevie In 22nd International Business Awards
 |
| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN continues to gain global recognition as it clinched a Stevie® Award at the 22nd Annual International Business Awards® (IBA) for its two-day training conference for educators, “ABS-CBN Pinoy Media Congress: Training The Teachers”. Developed for members of the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), the program won in the Conference & Meeting category for bridging the gap between academic learning and current industry practices.
About 100 teachers nationwide learned directly from ABS-CBN’s news, entertainment, and digital media experts including Robert Labayen, Kriz Gazmen, Francis Toral, Rondel Lindayag, Henry Quitain, Marizel Samson-Martinez, Carmi Raymundo, Mico del Rosario, Arlene Burgos, Jeff Canoy, Melvin Fetalvero, Jasmin Pallera, Darla Sauler, Alex Balite, Sierra Borlongan, Charina Fernandez, Diorella Agoncillo, and Yvette Tan. An offshoot of the long-running “ABS-CBN Pinoy Media Congress”, the initiative also received a Philippine Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines in August.
The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations. The 2025 IBAs received nominations from organizations and individuals in 78 nations and territories.
