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| (Image Source: Nestia/Crunchyroll) |
Anime fans are in for a thrilling experience as Crunchyroll, the global brand for anime, returns to Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Singapore 2025, taking place on November 28–30, 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, Crunchyroll will bring even more excitement with special guest panels, exclusive screenings, interactive games, and photo activations at its immersive booth — all designed to bring anime worlds to life.
The booth will spotlight beloved titles such as Fire Force Season 3, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Lord of Mysteries, inviting fans to step directly into their favorite anime worlds. To transport attendees deeper into the world of anime, visitors can journey through Crunchyroll’s signature brand tunnel — a dynamic, light-filled “anime highway” connecting each zone of the booth. Adding to the excitement, Crunchyroll will also be the official sponsor of the AFA Night Concerts across all three days, celebrating the music, talent, and creative energy that make anime a global cultural phenomenon. Crunchyroll’s continued participation underscores its commitment to anime fans across Singapore and Southeast Asia, marking its third consecutive year at one of the region’s most anticipated anime events.
Fire Force: Guest Panel With Yusuke Kobayashi & Exciting Booth Fan Challenge — Fire Force fans are in for a blazing treat as Yusuke Kobayashi, the Japanese voice of Arthur Boyle, joins AFA Singapore 2025. On November 30, Kobayashi will host a fan meet and greet, followed by a special guest panel at 3:00 pm, where he’ll share insights from voicing one of anime’s most electrifying heroes. To make the Fire Force experience even more exciting, Crunchyroll will host an adrenaline-pumping booth challenge where attendees can join Company 8 in a timed firefighting game using a custom LED machine. Participants can win exclusive L-shaped folders as keepsakes.
Lord Of Mysteries: Creator Panel & “Praise the Fool” Photo Experience — Fans of the acclaimed Lord of Mysteries can look forward to meeting Director and Producer Ke Xiong and Chief Screenwriter Liu Xing who will participate in a special guest panel on November 28 at 2:00 pm at the AFA Day Stage. They’ll share behind-the-scenes stories and tease what’s next for the Lord of Mysteries universe. At the booth, fans can step into the steampunk-inspired world of Lord of Mysteries and ascend as a “Beyonder” by taking a seat on the awe-inspiring “Praise the Fool” throne — the perfect photo moment for fans of the series.
Special Photo Op With Beloved Tanjiro Kamado And Kocho Shinobu — Strike a pose with life-size inflatables of Demon Slayer icons Tanjiro Kamado and Shinobu Kocho and relive the thrilling moments from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Special Screening And Exclusive Sneak Peek Into Upcoming Winter Titles — Crunchyroll will host exclusive anime screenings of popular and upcoming titles on November 28, starting at 1:30 pm. The showcase will feature a first look at upcoming Winter 2025 anime titles alongside fan favorites like Lord of Mysteries, My Awkward Senpai, and more. Stay tuned for more details on the special Winter title to be screened at AFA 2025.
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Belle Mariano, Piolo Pascual Lead “Meet, Greet, & Bye” Previews And Panels Across North America
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Belle Mariano and Piolo Pascual, two of the lead stars of the upcoming family drama film “Meet, Greet, & Bye”, took part in the film’s exclusive trailer previews followed by insightful discussions about the highly anticipated family drama movie across North America. The ABS-CBN stars led the conversations on family, identity, and culture with next-gen Filipino voices in Vancouver last October 19 and Los Angeles the next day (October 20) through the “GenNext and Tastemakers Screening and Panel Discussions”. Belle also had an exciting dialogue with the San Francisco leg attendees about the inspiration behind “Meet, Greet, & Bye” and Filipino storytelling in general last October 22.
Apart from the private screeners and dialogues, Belle and Piolo also promoted the latest Star Cinema movie through a series of media rounds and interviews. Belle even guested on FOX 11’s morning news program “Good Day LA” where she shared the timely message and relatability of the film which will be shown in North America before the annual Thanksgiving celebration. The actress-singer shared, “I hope that once we watch this movie, we don’t take our loved ones for granted. I hope it brings us closer to one another. It’s a universal story. A family’s love is universal, a mother’s connection to her kids is something everyone can relate to.” The Kapamilya actress also had an interview on “Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa” on NBC Bay Area together with “Meet, Greet & Bye” film director Cathy Garcia-Sampana. Belle likewise graced the “East Meets West” event hosted by the Asian American creative group Gold House and FilAm Creatives in celebration of the Filipino-American Heritage Month.
“Meet, Greet & Bye” centers on the Facundo family with four siblings who want to grant their cancer-stricken mother’s wish to meet her favorite K-drama idol. Apart from Belle and Piolo, the film is topbilled by Joshua Garcia, Juan Karlos, and Maricel Soriano. The film will be showing in cinemas in the Philippines beginning November 12 and in North America starting November 14. Visit meetgreetandbye.com to get tickets and learn more about the movie. For additional information, follow Star Cinema on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
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Fyang Smith And JM Ibarra Open A New Chapter Of Their Love Story In “Ghosting” Part 2 On iWant
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Love takes on a new twist for Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra in “Ghosting” Part 2, a haunting yet heartwarming continuation of the hit story that captivated viewers, now exclusively streaming on iWant. This time, Jaja (Fyang Smith) finds her heart beating again for Macmac (JM Ibarra), a charming photographer who bears an uncanny resemblance to her ghostly love Wilberto. The new installment introduces fresh characters who stir Jaja’s love life and add a blend of romance and humor to the story.
After earning her college degree, Jaja now manages a cozy coffee shop with her best friend Emma (Vivoree) and Wilberto’s kind grandson, Bert (Zach Guerrero). Her “lover girl era” faces a new challenge when she meets the dashing and hopeless romantic Macmac, whose father Kiko (Benjie Paras) and godfather Badong (Hyubs Azarcon), inject comic relief into the narrative. Rounding out the cast are Yujie (Milo Elmido Jr.), the sassy barista, and Marla (Kei Kurosawa), the angelic yet playful influencer.
Find out whether Jaja chooses the love of her life or a love from the afterlife in “Ghosting” Part 2, with new episodes streaming every Saturday on iWant. Unlock iWant Originals and exclusive content for just Php35 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 or visit iWant.ph.
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“Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories” Reopens Unforgettable Cases In Second Season
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The true-crime digital series Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories returns for a second season on ABS-CBN News Channel’s YouTube and iWant with a gripping premiere episode on the 14-year manhunt for cult leader Ruben Ecleo — one of the country’s most haunting cases of crime, faith, and justice. After earning almost six million views and strong engagement online in its first season, the series once again dives into the country’s most haunting real-life cases. Crimes that stunned the public, tragedies that changed lives, and mysteries that continue to raise questions decades later.
Among the stories revisited this season are tales of power, faith, fame, and justice including the shocking abduction and killing of Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, the 1967 Maggie Dela Riva rape case and many more. Leading this season are journalists Lyza Aquino, MJ Felipe, Jeff Caparas, Jessie Cruzat, and Jeff Canoy who each bring their experience, insight, and empathy to stories that have long shocked the Filipino public. Lyza shared, “I feel so happy and honored to be part of this new season. When I first heard ABS-CBN News was planning a project like this, I prayed really hard to be part of it. I’m a fan of true-crime podcasts, so this project is truly a dream come true.” Unlike traditional news reports that focus on immediate facts, “Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories” allows for a more immersive approach. Lyza added, “We don’t just tell people what happened; we explore the how and why, and even the emotional aftermath,” the host explained. “It’s a more reflective kind of storytelling that allows for emotion and deeper understanding.” According to the show’s supervising producer and ABS-CBN News Chief of Reporters Jeff Canoy, the second season continues ABS-CBN News’ evolution in digital journalism. “Our reporters piece together stories that audiences may have followed before, but now we can add context, insights, and new perspectives that only come with time,” said Jeff.
Following the success of its first season, “Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories” continues to bridge generations of viewers from those who lived through these events, to younger audiences discovering them for the first time. Each episode offers not just a retelling, but a reckoning with truth, accountability, and the human stories behind the nation’s darkest headlines. Don’t miss “Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories Season 2”, streaming every Tuesday at 8:00 pm on the ABS-CBN News Channel YouTube and iWant. Unlock iWant Originals and exclusive content for just Php35 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 or visit iWant.ph.
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GMA Integrated News’ “Howie Severino Presents” Tackles How Foreign Powers Manipulate Public Opinion
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Integrated News’ podcast Howie Severino Presents, hosted by award-winning journalist Howie Severino, returns with a new three-part special series titled “Online Invasion: The Secret Battle For Hearts, Minds, And Headlines”. The series unpacks an emerging field of research called Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), which tracks how state-sponsored disinformation moves across borders and shapes what people believe. A timely response to a growing global threat to democracy, “Online Invasion” features conversations with leading thinkers in the field.
The first episode, released last October 27, traces the recent history of FIMI, with insights from Dr. Rachel Khan of the UP Journalism Department and the fact-checking coalition Tsek.ph. The next two episodes, with the second now available and the third coming on November 10, take deeper dives into how foreign disinformation networks have penetrated the Philippines, and explain how the public can inoculate themselves from manipulation. “Our main goal is to help audiences think critically about the information they consume. And since podcast listeners are usually already well-informed, we hope they can help their families — their parents, titos, and titas — do the same. In short: think before you click,” says Severino. GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso adds, "In an era where information can be weaponized, GMA Integrated News remains steadfast in its commitment to combat disinformation through the 'Howie Severino Presents' special series. Our leadership in media literacy and public trust is not just a responsibility but a cornerstone of our mission to deliver credible and responsible journalism.”
“Online Invasion” is produced by the GMA Integrated News Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab (DigiLab). Don’t miss the first two episodes of “Howie Severino Presents Online Invasion: The Secret Battle for Hearts, Minds, and Headlines” and Episode 3 on November 10, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and GMA Integrated News’ social platforms.
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ABS-CBN Record Label DNA Music Introduces Fresh New Kapamilya Talents
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN’s alternative-rock record label DNA Music introduces the fresh lineup of soloists and bands under its roster through a back-to-back launching event dubbed “Dagundong: DNA Music Launch”. The first show held at Neighborhood Bar and Resto in Batangas last October 24, 2025 featured singing champs and contestants Marko Rudio, Ian Manibale, and JM Yosures. Kapamilya singers Ben Mara, Bryce, BAN, and Dan Martel also joined the event hosted by MYX VJ Ella. Indie rock bands BRYN, Enzo, and RadRed also fueled the night’s rocktastic music energy.
Last October 25 at Cafe Lupe in Antipolo, the second “Dagundong” music launch brought an exciting lineup including “TNT: All-Star Grand Resbak” season 2 finalist Ian Manibale, “The Voice Kids” season 2 finalist Sassa Dagdag, “Pilipinas Got Talent” season 7 semi-finalist Esay Kirstin, “The Voice Teens” season 1 finalist Lala Vinzon, and “Idol Philippines” alum Nico Crisostomo. Soloists Leon, Yondi, Sarvi and bands Off To Aurora, BRYN, and RadRed also serenaded the crowd. The event was hosted by MYX VJ Kring.
