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| (Image Source: Asian Pop Weekly/Golden Indie Music Awards) |
The 16th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA) lit up the Taipei Music Center last November 1, 2025, gathering over 30 artists from Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand in a vibrant celebration of Asian creativity across 22 distinguished categories. Hsien Ching (陳嫺靜) emerged as the biggest winner, taking Best New Artist, Best Alternative Pop Album, and Best Hip-hop Song on the strength of her genre-bending dual albums. The Best Band award went to Robot Swing, whose funk and R&B-driven sound explores the relationship between humans and machines. Rising rapper someshiit 山姆 took home Best Hip-hop Album, solidifying his position as one of Taiwan’s most promising new voices.
Blending tradition and experimentation, Lilium (百合花)received double honors with Best Album for “Everything Will Go Wonderfully” and the Jury Award, reflecting the ceremony’s curatorial vision: “to bring music back to its artistic essence and to rekindle a pure love for creation”. Japan’s ELLE SHIMADA, honored as Best Asian Creative Artist, dedicated her win to “girls with big dreams”, symbolizing the rise of empowered female creators in Asia’s music landscape. Performances throughout the night showcased the theme of “Brave”. Sorry Youth (拍謝少年) opened the night with a breathtaking fusion of 拚場 piànn-tiûnn deity rituals and thundering percussion, igniting the stage with raw energy. Lilium (百合花) then joined vocal powerhouse Siri Lee (李竺芯) for a gender equality-themed collaboration celebrating freedom beyond boundaries. That’s My Shhh and someshiit 山姆 led a rotating lineup of hip-hop artists, distilling the raw energy of an authentic party into one electrifying performance. I’mdifficult 我是機車少女 and Andr delivered an intimate, emotional performance about courage, empathy, and self-acceptance. The night’s Best Live Performance winner Modern Cinema Master (當代電影大師) captivated audiences with an uncompromisingly intense set, reaffirming their reputation for bold, immersive performances.
In a cross-cultural highlight, Thai rapper AUTTA and Taiwanese trio The Chairs(椅子樂團) premiered a Taiwan–Thailand collaboration, merging languages and street imagery into one seamless dialogue. The finale by Korean band Silica Gel, last year’s Best Asian Creative Artist winner, stunned audiences with 〈NO PAIN〉 and 〈APEX〉, closing the night on a historic note. The 16th GIMA reaffirmed Taiwan’s creative vitality and Asia’s shared spirit of independence and openness. For more highlights and updates, visit the official GIMA website, Facebook page, Instagram page, and Youtube channel.
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InnovationOne Expands Brand Solutions Through VIU Philippines
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| InnovationOne Inc. Managing Director Raphael T. Layosa and VIU Philippines Country Head Vicente Sy-Quia (center) seal the partnership with a handshake after the ceremonial signing of partnership agreement with witnesses VIU Philippines Channel Revenue and Partnerships Head Torto Canga (left) and United Neon Advertising Inc. Chief Commercial Officer Michael San G. Mendoza (right) (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/InnovationOne Inc.) |
InnovationOne Inc., a full-service digital marketing agency and the dedicated digital arm of United Neon Media Group, has formed a collaboration with VIU, one of Asia’s leading OTT streaming platforms, to offer brands a powerful new avenue for highly targeted and culturally relevant advertising placements and integrated omnichannel marketing campaigns.
This association enables InnovationOne to directly offer ad inventory and branded content integrations within VIU Philippines’ growing library of premium Asian content — ranging from top Korean dramas and variety shows to VIU Originals and regionally produced titles. With a strong footprint in the Philippines, Viu provides advertisers access to an engaged audience that is young, digital-first, and highly receptive to storytelling-led campaigns. “Filipinos are among the world’s biggest consumers of Korean and Asian entertainment and VIU has become a staple platform for that audience. This engagement gives brands an unmatched opportunity: to appear alongside content that audiences are emotionally invested in — just as they’re streaming, binge-watching, and talking about it online,” said InnovationOne Inc. Managing Director Raphael T. Layosa.
Deputy Chief Operating Officer Benjamin Lim of United Neon Media Group, the umbrella organization of InnovationOne, emphasized the value of the arrangement, saying, “This arrangement with VIU aligns with our mission to push the boundaries of modern advertising. Streaming has become the new primetime, and brands need to show up where culture is being shaped in real time. Through InnovationOne, we’re giving advertisers not just media space, but cultural access — powered by data, content, and a deep understanding of what audiences love.” The collaboration comes at a time when Philippine viewers are rapidly shifting from traditional TV to streaming platforms. VIU’s dual model — consisting of an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription layer — further expands advertiser reach and audience diversity.
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“Love At First Spike”, Starring Emilio Daez, Now Streaming For Free On iWant For A Limited Time
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Viewers can now stream “Love At First Spike” for free on iWant starring Emilio Daez, Sean Tristan, and Reign Parani in a thrilling story of romance, rivalry, and friendship as their characters become entangled in a love triangle set in the intense world of volleyball. The 10-episode series, which maintained its position in iWant’s top 5 most watched series throughout its premiere run, follows the story of Uno (Emilio), a suspended basketball varsity captain who is forced to join the volleyball team led by his former best friend Jared (Sean) who secretly harbors feelings for him. As Uno enters this new world, he meets Jared's cousin Farah (Reign), sparking an even fiercer rivalry both on and off the court.
Highlighting acceptance, breaking gender stereotypes in sports, and portraying the struggles of student-athletes, “Love At First Spike” earned praise from viewers and critics, especially LGBTQ and Gen Z audiences, for its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and progressive themes. Directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, the series also features “Pinoy Big Brother Collab” ex-housemate River Joseph and PBB alumni Dylan Yturalde, Rain Celmar, Binsoy Namoca, Sky Quizon, and Andi Abaya. Joining the lineup are former “Sparks Camp” campers Universe Ramos, Miggy Ruallo, Nick de Ocampo, and Bong Gonzales. Adding more excitement to the story are Kapamilya stars Adrian Alandy, Meryll Soriano, Jude Hinumdum, Lance Reblando, Gio Alvarez, and Alwyn Uytingco who are also all set to serve, set, and spike a wide range of emotions in the series.
Find out who will win Uno’s heart and how they overcome obstacles inside and outside the volleyball court in “Love At First Spike”, streaming for free on iWant until January 8, 2026. Download the iWant app on Google Play or the Apple Store or visit iwant.ph and feel all the emotions from your favorite shows. iWant is also available via Chromecast and AirPlay.
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Kent Villarba Crowned “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” Season 9 Grand Champion, Jonathan Manalo And JM Yosures Join “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Duets” Season 2 As Judges
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Kent Villarba, representing Pangkat Luntian mentored by Bituin Escalante, was named the grand champion of “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” Season 9 after earning standing ovations for both of his powerhouse performances during the “Huling Tapatan” grand finals held last November 8, 2025. The Cebuano singer, who also celebrated his birthday on the same day, garnered the highest combined score of 98% from the hurados and madlang pipol, triumphing over fellow finalists Lucky Galindez (92%) and Angelica Magno (56%). Kent sealed his victory with a show-stopping IV of Spades medley, impressing the judges and audience with his polished vocals and stage confidence.
This season’s Huling Tapatan featured an all-star panel of hurados composed of Ogie Alcasid, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuñiga, Dingdong Avanzado, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Nyoy Volante, Yeng Constantino, Mark Bautista, Klarisse de Guzman, Lani Misalucha, and Louie Ocampo. As the new “TNT” grand champion, Kent took home ₱1M (1 million pesos) in cash, a recording contract with ABS-CBN Music, a management contract with Star Magic, and a trophy. Meanwhile, Lucky received ₱100,000 after finishing second place and Angelica won ₱50,000 as third place winner. Fellow grand finalists Aaron Lao, Jude Tangkion, and Almaerra Recentes each received ₱20,000. Following a successful ninth season is the much-awaited grand return of “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Duets” on its second season featuring powerhouse names from the music industry as its new judges — award-winning and most-streamed Filipino songwriter-producer Jonathan Manalo and TNT Season 4 grand champion JM Yosures joining OPM icon Louie Ocampo and other renowned “TNT” hurados.
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Known as “Mr. Music”, ABS-CBN Music's head of creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo brings his expertise in hitmaking and artist development to the panel while JM Yosures offers a fresh perspective as a former champion who knows the “TNT” stage firsthand. The second season of “TNT Duets” also introduces an exciting new twist to the competition: all judges now have the power to count the duo’s mistakes during their performance. Once a duet receives three counts, they will be gonged and immediately eliminated from the round. Don’t miss the excitement and fun on “It’s Showtime” every Monday to Saturday at 12:00 noon on GMA, A2Z, ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (YouTube and Facebook of ABS-CBN Entertainment), Kapuso Stream (GMA Network Facebook and YouTube), iWant, and TFC IPTV. You may also catch the online companion show “Showtime Online U” on It’s Showtime’s YouTube channel and during commercial breaks on Kapamilya Online Live. “It’s Showtime” is also available on GMA Pinoy TV outside the Philippines.
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BINI Fulfills Wish Of Mini Bloom With Cancer In Season Finale Of “BINI World Tour Stories” On iWant
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The nation’s girl group BINI granted the wish of a young fan battling cancer to meet and hug them in person, an emotional moment featured in the heartwarming season finale of “BINI World Tour Stories” streaming exclusively on iWant. The finale spotlights Mini Bloom Mavis, a young girl diagnosed with a brain tumor who made sure to attend BINI’s concert before her scheduled operation. Among her favorite BINI hits that bring her joy and energy are “Cherry on Top” and “Salamin, Salamin”.
Emotions ran high as BINI members Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena reconnected with Mavis and her mother following the young fan’s successful surgery. The episode also features BINI’s heartfelt message of gratitude to Blooms worldwide for their unwavering support throughout the “BINIverse World Tour 2025” which kicked off at the Philippine Arena last February 15. The series continues to chronicle their colorful concert journey across Dubai (United Arab Emirates), London (United Kingdom), and several cities in North America, including Toronto (Canada), Washington, D.C., Hollywood, and Las Vegas (United States). Viewers can also get a glimpse of candid behind-the-scenes moments, from the members’ visits to iconic landmarks to their efforts to make the most of every stop despite their packed schedule, showcasing the fun, sisterhood, and dedication that continue to define BINI.
Witness the inspiring six-episode journey of BINI in “BINI World Tour Stories”, now streaming exclusively on iWant worldwide. For only ₱35 per month in the Philippines, iWant offers affordable access to exclusive shows, original series, teleseryes, and livestreams. Download the iWant app on Google Play or the Apple Store and experience all the feels with your favorite shows. iWant is also available via Chromecast and AirPlay.
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ABS-CBN Expands Digital Coverage With “TV Patrol Regional” Bisaya Newscast
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN News expands its digital coverage with “TV Patrol Regional”, a 10- to 15-minute weekly Bisaya newscast anchored by Annie Perez, an established Cebu-based journalist known for her credibility and heart for community stories. The new program delivers the biggest stories from the provinces and regions, offering viewers a concise roundup of the week’s top headlines from breaking news to inspiring stories that reflect the heart of Visayas and its culture. TV Patrol Regional also highlights the hyperlocal reports surrounding stories that matter most to communities within Visayas and other regions. Each episode includes a light segment featuring entertainment, sports, and human-interest stories, designed to inform and uplift the public.
After earning thousands of views per episode, “TV Patrol Regional” quickly became a credible show to watch among Visayan-speaking audiences since debuting on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel last November 2, 2025. Viewers have warmly embraced the program and praised its anchor’s delivery. An online viewer commented, “Wow! So nostalgic to see a regional news program from ABS-CBN again. Kudos to all,” while another netizen said, “Salamat po ABSCBN para dito. We really appreciate your effort po!” A YouTube viewer posted, “Kudos Ms Annie Perez. Very well presented. Proud TV Patrol Central Visayas viewer kaniadto. (Kudos Ms. Annie Perez. Very well presented. Proud TV Patrol Central Visayas viewer before)”
Following the success of regional digital content such as “Kuan-On-One” which earned strong online engagement and proved the continued demand for local stories told in native languages, the program aims to deliver news from various provinces as part of ABS-CBN News’ ongoing commitment to serve Visayan-speaking audiences in the Philippines and abroad, strengthening ABS-CBN’s commitment in delivering public service journalism, especially in underserved areas. Catch “TV Patrol Regional” every Sunday at 5:15-5:30 pm on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and ABS-CBN News YouTube channel.
