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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
iWant brings a fresh wave of homegrown humor to its slate with the premiere of “Benta Nights,” a stand-up comedy series in a raw, high-energy format that captures the full experience of live comedy on digital screens, streaming exclusively every Wednesday on iWant. The series, which premiered last November 19, puts Red Ollero at center stage as the first Filipino to star in a Tagalog stand-up special on an international streaming platform. Known for his quick wit and fearless takes on politics, religion, and personal flaws, Red sets the tone for a lineup that celebrates the diversity and richness of today’s local stand-up comedy scene. Gathering 12 of the country’s most sought-after Filipino comedians in the six-episode series, “Benta Nights” showcases the vibrancy of the local comedy scene and the growing appetite for fresh, compelling comedic voices.
Joining Red is Alexio Tabafunda, whose warm good-boy persona and honest observations both on stage and as a writer for commercials and the comedy channel “SOLID OK”, bring an easy charm to the series. Andren Bernardo, whose Pangasinan roots shape his quirky, dark humor on taboo topics, has built a devoted following while Arghie Malgapo adds grit and levity through his stories of growing up in Tondo. Baus Rufo, one of the few LGBTQ+ comics in many lineups, delivers sharp punchlines with his trademark energy. The series also features Chanchan Consing, an engineer and full-time dad whose material on family life resonates with everyday viewers, and Issa Villaverde, the lone woman in the lineup offering a fresh perspective on identity, bisexuality, and the quirks of pet culture. Judd Gregorio represents the southern “conyo” stereotype with clever self-awareness, joking about privilege, dad issues, and subdivision life, while Mark Liamado, the Cavite-born comedian with a famously unusual comedic mind, brings a “fresh” perspective shaped by his rural upbringing. Directed by “SOLID OK” founder and director Ryan Puno, the lineup rounds out with Rae Mammuad, whose seemingly ordinary persona hides quirky and witty insights on love languages and everyday oddities, Roger Naldo who turns his experience with a cleft palate into sharp uplifting humor, and Victor Anastacio whose signature “Intellectwalwal” style blends smart setups with unfiltered punchlines.
Get your weekly kiss of laughter — stream “Benta Nights”, streaming every Wednesday exclusively on iWant, and feel the midweek magic hit. Register now and watch the first episode for FREE. Other iWant Originals and exclusive titles are also available for as low as ₱35 per month anywhere in the world (prices may vary by country). Download the iWant app on Google Play or the App Store and feel all the emotions from your favorite shows! iWant is also available via Chromecast and AirPlay.
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BINI Explores Different Forms Of Love In New Album “Flames”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
BINI embraces themes of love, youth, and self-discovery in the new album “Flames”, inspired by a Filipino love acronym “FLAMES” that symbolizes different relationships. BINI reintroduced this acronym with the group’s own unique meaning through its seven tracks “First Luv”, “Sweet Tooth”, “Paruparo”, “Infinity”, “Katabi”, “Bikini”, and “Shagidi”.
“Sweet Tooth” is a dreamy slow-burn pop track that likens irresistible desire to sugar — sweet, addictive, and impossible to get enough of. Dedicated to Filipinos working and living abroad, “Katabi” reflects the deep longing for someone far away while holding on to the comfort of their love. “Infinity” celebrates a friendship built to last, shaped by both joyful memories and challenging moments, which was composed by ABS-CBN Music artists Jeremy G and WRIVE members Russu and Ishiro. “Paruparo” celebrates self-discovery and the freedom that comes with embracing growth and transformation like a butterfly learning to spread its wings. With “First Luv” and “Shagidi” released earlier this year and “Paruparo” dropping just two weeks ago, the album had already reached a combined 17 million Spotify streams even before its full release.
The new album comes after BINI’s back-to-back win at 38th Awit Awards where they won People’s Voice Favorite Group Artist, People’s Favorite Album of the Year for “Talaarawan”, Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “Salamin, Salamin”, and Vibe Stan Award for their Blooms. They also bagged huge wins at Breaktudo Awards 2025 for International Women Group and International Collaboration of the Year for “Blink Twice (Dos Veces Remix)”. Explore love in all of its forms with BINI’s new album “Flames”, now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms. For updates, follow BINI on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube or visit bini.abs-cbn.com.
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Zia Quizon Inks Ties With Star Music, Drops Comeback Single “Reto Na Naman”
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Zia Quizon returns to the spotlight as she officially signs with ABS-CBN’s Star Music label, marking a new chapter in her music career with the release of her song “Reto Na Naman”, now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms. “Parang loyal ako to a fault, this is the only world I know. Wala akong memory of ever na parang not involved with ABS-CBN in this world,” said Zia on joining the Kapamilya label. Her comeback era kicked off at the Dolphy Theater last November 13, 2025 where she performed her hits “Ako Na Lang” and “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo” as well as her new music offering “Reto Na Naman” which was composed by Jungee Marcelo.
During the contract signing event, ABS-CBN Music and Integrated Events head Roxy Liquigan talked about how he previously missed Zia’s sound and presence, sharing, “When I was talking to Jonathan, I told him ‘I miss Zia Quizon!,’ yung sound niya, yung presence. And then finally, when we met her ulit, this is it. We should prepare. And of course, sino pa ba ang tatawagin natin is yung perennial mentor and adviser and composer, Jungee Marcelo.” Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo expressed excitement over having Zia part of their roster of recording artists, stating, “Pag naririnig mo kasi yung boses ni Zia, it’s one of its kind, fearless, standalone, nag-iisa lang, walang katulad, kaya sobrang proud kami sa Star Music to finally call you our artist.” Also present at the contract signing event and music launch were Cornerstone Entertainment president and founder Erickson Raymundo and vice president Jeffrey Vadillo, Star Music label head Andie Arellano, and talent manager Nene Atillano. Zia’s mom Zsa Zsa Padilla was also present to support her daughter with the late Comedy King Dolphy.
Erickson shared that the single launch is just the start of their many plans for Zia, whom Cornerstone will manage in partnership with Star Music. He teased, “Nung lumapit sa amin for a meeting si Zia, we were very, very excited kasi fan kami, so ang sarap mag-manage kapag fan ka ng isang artist. And now, this is just the first ng maraming mangyayari. We were just waiting for the launch of the single and to partner with Star Music, alam namin na marami kaming magagawa for you.”
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Emman Franc Celebrates Unwavering Love In New Single “Laging Ikaw”
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New Kapamilya singer Emman Franc delivers a sweet and heartfelt ode to unwavering devotion in “Laging Ikaw”, his first single under ABS-CBN record label StarPop which is now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms. Emman dropped the groovy and upbeat single on his birthday, calling the moment a “dream come true”.
In an Instagram post, Emman said, “As I celebrate my birthday, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s grace and blessings. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincerest thanks to some pivotal figures who have made this moment possible. A special thank you to StarPop label head Rox Santos and ABS-CBN Music head of creatives, content & operations Jonathan Manalo for your unwavering support and belief in my potential.” he said in an Instagram post. “Laging Ikaw” was composed and produced by Gab Tagadtad.
The 19-year-old singer dubbed as ‘the mall prince’ was known for his various stints performing in different mall shows. He dropped his debut single “Walang Aayaw” in 2020. Aside from music, he also dabbled into hosting, acting, and modelling at a young age. Emman is a staunch advocate for people with disabilities who serves as a brand ambassador for Grains Foundation for PWD Inc. He was also awarded as Ulirang Kabataan Awardee 2025 and is currently finishing his studies at Southville International School.
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HBO Announces Season Renewals For Two Game Of Thrones Franchise Series, Setting New Seasons Each Year Through 2028
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| (Image Source: Warner Bros. Discovery) |
During a recent press presentation in New York City, U.S.A, HBO and HBO Max Content Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys officially announced the renewal of HBO’s two Game Of Thrones franchise series titles A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms and House Of The Dragon, extending each series run through 2028. Both series will air on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max. HBO Executive Vice President of Programming and Head of Drama Series and Films Francesca Orsi commented, “We are thrilled to be able to deliver new seasons of these two series for the next three years, for the legion of fans of the Game Of Thrones universe. Together, House Of The Dragon and A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms reveal just how expansive and richly imagined George R. R. Martin’s universe continues to be. In January, I think audiences will be delighted by the inspiring underdog tale of Dunk and Egg that George and Ira Parker have so beautifully captured. And this Summer, House Of The Dragon is set to ignite once again with some of its most epic battles yet.”
The HBO Original half-hour drama series A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, an endearing tale set in the world of Westeros centering on the adventures of an unexpected duo – Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), has been renewed for a second season, ahead of the first season debut on January 19, 2026, which is slated to debut in 2027. The series cast includes Daniel Ings, Bertie Carvel, Danny Webb, Sam Spruell, Shaun Thomas, Finn Bennett, Edward Ashley, Tanzyn Crawford, Henry Ashton, Youssef Kerkour, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Daniel Monks. Meanwhile, the third season of the HBO Original drama series House Of The Dragon will debut in Summer 2026. Ahead of its return, HBO has renewed the series for a fourth season, debuting in 2028. Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood”, House Of The Dragon is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen. Season three cast includes Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, Matthew Needham, James Norton, Tom Bennett, Kieran Bew, Kurt Egyiawan, Freddie Fox, Clinton Liberty, Gayle Rankin, and Abubakar Salim
Revisit seasons one and two of House Of The Dragon and stream the new series A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms starting January 19, 2026 on HBO Max. Subscribe to HBO Max at www.hbomax.com or via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store from only ₱149/month & ₱1,040/12 months and stream on HBO Max via your preferred device.
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David Young Drops Self-Titled First EP, Cruises On Romance With Heartfelt Anthems
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Filipino-American singer-songwriter David Young delivers a classic romantic sound with his self-titled debut extended play (EP) under Star Music. In his Star Music's Artist's Notes vlog, David shared, “Love is the biggest emotion that I know of in music. I write songs that may sound old, but I try to be inspired as well through new ideas for songwriting.”
The mini album, now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms, is heavily influenced with old school music and delves on genuine love and connection that can be heard through its six tracks “Mabagal”, “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”, “Everyday”, “Siguro Nga”, and previously released singles “Tender Lady” and “Long For Your Love”. “Siguro Nga” serves as the key track which speaks about the subtle magic of falling for someone in life’s quiet, ordinary moments, showing how love naturally blooms through shared looks, spontaneous adventures, and the simple comfort of being together. David co-wrote the song with ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo.
The Kapamilya artist dubbed as “Young Elvis” is well-inclined in music playing various instruments such as piano, ukulele, guitar, and saxophone. Last year, he signed with Star Music and launched his first single “Long For Your Love” which has over 1 million streams on Spotify. He has performed in different events including Kuh Sings Her ABC and Miss Manila 2024. David also regularly performs at RJ Bistro.
