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| (Image Source: Live On Stage PH/Aurora Music Festival) |
Under a sky still healing from the storms, the Aurora Music Festival illuminated the CDM Events Grounds in City di Mare last November 22, 2025 with a radiance brighter than ever before. In a resounding display of resilience and love for live music, a historic sea of Aurora enthusiasts turned the night into one of the most unforgettable celebrations Cebu has ever witnessed. Aurora Music Festival Cebu just proved that nothing can dim the light of togetherness.
Despite the lingering challenges brought by the recent typhoon and the State of Calamity declaration, the spirit of the Cebuano crowd together with thousands of A’TIN who braved the elements for SB19’s explosive headlining set – never wavered. From Rico Blanco’s timeless hits that turned the grounds into a massive karaoke of pure nostalgia, to soul-stirring anthems of Ben&Ben that had the entire field singing as one family, every performance felt like a collective embrace. Maki brought youthful fire, Cup of Joe served smooth and impressive viral hits, Earl Agustin melted hearts with his raw emotion, and One Click Straight kept the energy high. The epic “GENTO” encore by SB19 electrified the whole scene and easily became a moment that will live forever in Cebu music history. And just when the crowd thought the night couldn’t get any bigger, a breathtaking fireworks spectacle erupted after SB19’s epic finale, painting the sky in celebration of sheer joy in spite of challenges. But Aurora was never just about the music.
In true Aurora fashion, the festival also became a beacon of bayanihan. Festival-goers, partners, suppliers, and artists opened their hearts wide, turning the event into the official launch of Aurora’s massive in-kind donation drive for communities. Every cheer, every donation dropped into the boxes became a promise: we rise and recover together. And yes, tickets got sold out in a flash – proof that Aurora has become one of the biggest music festivals in Cebu. Everyone who stayed in spite of the rain, sang at the top of their lungs, and refused to let any bad weather steal their light didn’t just attend Aurora; they've made it legendary! Mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for the official announcements on the Aurora Music Festival 2026 in Clark, Davao, and Cebu.
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“Wicked: For Good” Smashes Box Office Records With ₱163.5M 5-Day Magical Run
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| (Image Source: ClickTheCity.com/Universal Pictures Philippines) |
“Wicked: For Good”, the highly-anticipated sequel to the original Wicked film, soared past expectations, earning a jaw-dropping ₱163.5M (163.5 million pesos) in its first 5 days in Philippine cinemas. That box office number marks a 54% leap from the opening weekend of the original Wicked film, proving that Filipino fans are more enchanted than ever. Not only did it charm local audiences, but the Philippines also ranked 6th worldwide in international sales (outside the U.S.), showing global love for Oz’s most iconic witches. What’s more? The film now holds the crown for Universal Pictures’ biggest 2025 opening and its top weekend debut since 2018 — a truly wicked win.
To celebrate the film’s local release, Universal Pictures Philippines launched a special musical tribute: the “Awiting Wicked: For Good” music video. This heartfelt rendition of the beloved duet “For Good” features three standout Filipino singing duos: Fatima Soria & Pia Casing, Jezza Quiogue & Nowi Alpuerto, and Kyle Quinco & Tiffany Vistal. Not only did these winners lend their beautiful voices to the track, but they also had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande — the stars behind Elphaba and Glinda — during the Singapore premiere. Cameos from familiar local faces made the video even more magical, including VJs Markki Stroem & Ai dela Cruz, drag icons Precious Paula Nicole & Brigiding, and viral content creators Lenie Aycardo & Hajie Alejandro. Check out the Full Music Video on Facebook.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the “Wicked: For Good”, the emotional and epic finale to the global phenomenon that enchanted audiences in 2024, reunites powerhouse leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, continuing the untold story of Glinda and Elphaba as they face the consequences of their fateful decisions. Produced by acclaimed Broadway and Hollywood names Marc Platt p.g.a. and David Stone, the film is backed by executive producers Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, and Dana Fox. The original Wicked film, released in November 2024, earned 10 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture, and won for Costume Design and Production Design — grossing over $750M (750 million dollars) globally. This final installment is based on the legendary stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, and adapted from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. The screenplay is by Holzman and Dana Fox with a powerful score by John Powell & Stephen Schwartz.
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GMA Network Announces New Appointments Following Early Retirement Of Senior Vice President Oliver Victor Amoroso
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| Left: GMA Network Vice President for News Programs and Specials and OIC of Integrated News Michelle Seva Right: GMA Network Senior Assistant Vice President and OIC of Regional TV and Synergy Marivic Araneta (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Network Inc. announces the appointment of Vice President for News Programs and Specials Michelle Seva as Officer-in-Charge of GMA Integrated News and Senior Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head for Synergy Marivic Araneta as Officer-in-Charge of GMA Regional TV and Synergy following the early retirement of Oliver Victor Amoroso as Senior Vice President and Head for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy.
Seva has been with GMA Network since 1997. From overseeing newscasts and specials as Program Manager, she rose through the ranks and was appointed Assistant Vice President in 2010, followed by promotions to Senior Assistant Vice President in 2017 and Vice President for News Programs and Specials in 2020. She led the production of a portfolio of high-performing, award-winning news programs and specials. As concurrent OIC of the GMA Integrated News, she will oversee the day-to-day operations of the entire department. Meanwhile, Araneta will lead the Regional TV and Synergy Department including Regional TV's Central Office operations. Araneta, who began her journey at GMA Network in 2004 as Promotions Manager for its Viewer-Directed Marketing Division, took on the role of Sports and Special Projects Manager in 2009 and later became the Senior Programming Manager for GMA Regional TV. In May 2022, Araneta was named Assistant Vice President for Local Content Production before being promoted to Senior Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head for Synergy five months later.
A loyal Kapuso for almost two decades, Amoroso was appointed as Acting Head of the GMA News Group in 2022. In 2023, he was promoted to Senior Vice President for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy. He spearheaded the successful integration of GMA News Manila, GMA Regional TV, GMA News Online, and Super Radyo DZBB into GMA Integrated News, solidifying its position as the Philippines' top multimedia news source and the “News Authority Of The Filipino”. He also oversaw the Network's regional operations, content and production, and business development uncluding 12 TV stations strategically located across the Philippines and handled the Network's various initiatives and partnerships, including sports production.
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Jem Macatuno Releases Soul-Soothing Version Of "Kumpas" For "Meet, Greet & Bye"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Rising Kapamilya singer Jem Macatuno has reimagined the song “Kumpas” as the official theme song of the mega blockbuster film “Meet, Greet & Bye” which is now the highest-grossing Philippine film of 2025 and still showing in local cinemas.
Viewers commended Jem’s heartfelt emotions and tender vocals on the lyric video of the song posted on ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel. One of the viewers said, “I prefer this version, bagay na bagay sa movie. Just finished watching it, and I ended up crying.” Another netizen wrote, “Grabe talaga tong vocals ni Jem, punong puno ng genuine emotions, remember yung PBB Eviction song na Bagong Simula, sobrang tusok na tusok, and this version of Kumpas, pengeng tissue.”
A contestant of “The Voice Teens” season 1 and a housemate in “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso”, Jem continues to shine as one of the standout rising artists under ABS-CBN’s StarPop label. His previous releases include his self-penned single “EDSA” and his remake of “Ikaw ang Aking Mahal”. Now available on digital music streaming platforms, “Kumpas” was composed by Moira dela Torre, who first popularized the song, and Jason Marvin Hernandez. The original version served as the theme song of the hit ABS-CBN series “2 Good 2 Be True”.
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Nonong Ballinan Spotlights Everyday Lives Of Filipinos In “Taym In” On CineMo
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Kapamilya comedian Nonong Ballinan is set for an extraordinary adventure as he features the lives of remarkable Pinoys in the entertaining and heartwarming new show “Taym In”, airing every Friday on the CineMo Channel.
Nonong personally “times in” and takes on various duties to experience firsthand the daily grind and life stories of extraordinary Pinoys working as a taho vendor, blacksmith, coffee farmer, surf instructor, and more, with the series kicking off last November 21, 2025. The first two weeks of his journey feature a taho vendor from Baguio and a balisong blacksmith from Taal, Batangas — two dedicated fathers whose craft and commitment to their families inspire their communities.
Nonong also meets other remarkable Pinoys including a coffee farmer from Lipa City, Batangas and a surf instructor from La Union as he learns about the motivations, challenges, and sources of strength that define their everyday lives. Catch Nonong on duty with these inspiring Filipinos in “Taym In,” every Friday at 3:00 pm on the CineMo Channel with episodes also available at 12:00 pm on CineMo’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page.
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Melai Unloads On Laughs And Heartfelt Talks In Season 4 Of ABS-CBN’s Hit Bisaya Talk Show “Kuan On One”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Kuantie Melai Cantiveros-Francisco is bringing four times more ‘chika’ and laughter with all-new guests for season four of ABS-CBN’s hit Bisaya talk show “Kuan On One” which premiered last November 25. The host and comedian expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support of viewers who continue to tune in to the online show that highlights the Bisaya culture, featuring Bisdak personalities from different fields.
“Lahat ng ito ay sa ‘kuanizens’ na nanonood talaga. Lalo na ‘yung mga hindi Bisaya pero nanonood pa rin at umaasa lang sa subtitle. Thank you so much talaga. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit nandito na tayo sa season four,” said Melai during the show’s mediacon. She also shared how much she enjoys listening to touching stories from her guests, adding, “Sobra akong excited dahil alam ko talaga na maraming matutuwa at maraming mai-inspire sa ating new set of Bisaya celebrities na-iinterviewhin natin. Madaming revelations. Hinahayaan ko sila kung ano ‘yung gusto nilang ikwento at kung saan sila excited.”
For the pilot episode of the brand new season, Melai has a fun chat with Beauty Gonzalez where the actress reflects on her career and personal life. Viewers should also watch out for the season's lineup of guests led by Matteo Guidicelli, AZ Martinez, and more. Laugh out loud and hear inspiring stories from Bisaya personalities with new episodes of “Kuan on One” every Tuesday on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and on iWant.
