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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/GMA Network) |
GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ animated documentary film 58th has been officially selected to make its World Premiere at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Directed by award-winning filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa, 58th honors the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre — one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history — and brings to light the story of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, the 58th victim of the massacre. The selection of 58th marks the first time a GMA Network film has been chosen for screening at IFFR, a milestone that reflects the growing global recognition of Filipino storytelling.
“Impunity in the Philippines persists because we keep allowing it to happen. Producing 58th, which we have been planning for over a decade, is an act of resistance. It’s a reminder to our countrymen that forgetting is dangerous. We are currently submitting it to international festivals to share this important story with the world while we plan its local release. I cannot wait for the Filipino audience to see it,” says GMA Network Vice President and Head of Public Affairs and GMA Pictures Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon. This marks Papa’s second appearance at IFFR following Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) which premiered at the festival in 2024 and was the Philippines’ official entry to the 2023 Academy Awards for Best International Feature. “We are honored to premiere 58th at the IFFR, one of the biggest film festivals in the world. Our core mission for this film is two-fold: to give voice to those who have been silenced and to stand in solidarity with those who are still fighting for justice. And we are thankful that IFFR is our first avenue to pursue our mission,” says Papa. The Rotterdam premiere represents a significant achievement for GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, reinforcing their commitment to producing socially relevant films that resonate both locally and globally.
Combining animation with archival footage, 58th retells the tragedy for a new generation — many of whom may be unfamiliar with the events — ensuring that the victims’ stories and their continued pursuit of justice are not forgotten. 58th also holds special significance as the final film of the late Ricky Davao who portrayed Reynaldo Momay. The cast is led by Glaiza De Castro with Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz, and Biboy Ramirez. The film is creatively produced by Public Affairs Assistant Vice President for Documentaries Johnson Tam with Program Manager Ian Simbulan. Founded in 1972, the International Film Festival Rotterdam is known for championing bold and innovative cinema from around the world. This year, the festival will take place on January 29-February 8, 2026 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Christian Bautista And Abi Marquez Usher In The Holidays With Star-Studded “Let Love Be The Gift” Music Video
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/NYMA Talent Management) |
Christmas is in the air in the Philippines and this year, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista and the Philippines’ “Lumpia Queen” Abi Marquez are ringing in the season with something truly special — the official launch of their music video for “Let Love Be The Gift”. Inspired by a scene from one of Christian and Abi’s favorite shows Ted Lasso, the heartwarming video blends food, friendship, and music into a story that captures the true gift of Christmas — the gift of love shared among friends and family.
The video showcases surprise cameos from some of the country’s biggest artists, joined by their real-life family and friends, creating a celebration that feels both star-studded and intimately personal. From kitchen laughter over lumpia to heartfelt sing-alongs and quiet moments of reflection, every scene glows with the warmth and kindness that define the Filipino Christmas spirit. Brought to life by Toothless Production, the piece captures the season at its most genuine and joyful. “Christmas has always been about love, faith, family, and connection. Abi and I wanted to create something that feels like home — familiar, joyful, and full of heart. Working with friends and family made it even more meaningful,” said Christian who also produced the project. Abi adds, “I never imagined I’d be part of something like this. Shooting with Christian, surrounded by people we love — it honestly felt like Christmas came early. I hope everyone watching feels that same sense of joy.” The “Let Love Be The Gift” music video is a visual extension of their duet — originally a remake of the Jose Mari Chan and Freddie Santos classic — produced with the blessing of Jose Mari Chan and Signature Music Inc. The song was arranged by Homer Flores and recorded under Christian’s guidance, marking Abi’s first-ever musical collaboration.
True to both of their worlds, the video serves up a feast of music, laughter, and Filipino comfort food, with Christian’s timeless vocals blending beautifully with Abi’s sweetness and charm — and yes, the iconic lumpia makes its appearance. As the lights twinkle and voices harmonize, “Let Love Be The Gift” reminds viewers that, amidst all the festivities, the greatest presents are not the ones under the tree, but the people gathered around it. So grab a plate, share a song, and join Christian and Abi in celebrating the warmth that makes Christmas truly special.
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ABS-CBN Music All-Star Acts Reimagine Beloved Kapamilya Christmas Songs
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Various Kapamilya artists have come together to deliver a refreshing and festive remake of 16 iconic ABS-CBN Christmas IDs, performed by ABS-CBN Music All-Star acts, in a Spotify playlist titled “A Kapamilya Christmas”. The compilation reimagines beloved Christmas songs from 2009 to 2024 which have become part of the country’s Christmas tradition, showcasing Filipino family values while spreading a message of love, joy, and hope.
“Idol Kids Philippines” grand winner Alexa Mendoza and finalists Klied Cuangco and Quinn Holmes gave life to the remake of the 2009 Christmas song and fan-favorite “Bro, Ikaw Ang Star Ng Pasko” while Annrain performed ABS-CBN’s 2010 jingle “Ngayong Pasko Magniningning Ang Pilipino”. It’s Showtime Kids Jaze, Kulot, Kelsey, and Enicka brought a new twist to “Da Best Ang Pasko Ng Pilipino” (2011). Jeremy G and P-Pop group WRIVE gave their own take to “Lumiliwanag Ang Mundo Sa Kwento Ng Pasko” (2012) while “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” alumni Marko Rudio, Ian Manibale, and MIAH (Jeremiah Tiangco) added renewed energy to “Magkasama Tayo Sa Kwento Ng Pasko” (2013). Darren Espanto, meanwhile, gave his beautiful rendition to the well-loved 2014 jingle “Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo” while “Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11” housemates Kolette Madelo, Kai Montinola, and Rain Celmar recorded a new version of the popular 2015 Christmas ID “Thank You For The Love”. The band Six Part Invention reimagined the 2016 song “Isang Pamilya Tayo Ngayong Pasko” featuring IMOGEN while The 5 Of Us breathed new life into the song “Just Love Ngayong Pasko” (2017).
Rising artist Bryan Chong delivered a refreshed take on ABS-CBN’s 2018 Christmas ID “Family Is Love” and collaborated with Annrain for the 2019 release “Family Is Forever”. FANA and ACE$, meanwhile, gave a bold reimagining to “Ikaw Ang Liwanag At Ligaya” which was first released in 2020 while Lyka Estrella brought a reworked version of the 2021 Christmas song “Andito Tayo Para Sa Isa’t Isa”. “Your Face Sounds Familiar” season 4 contestants and “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Duets” Season 1 Grand Champions JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano delivered a vibrant spin to “Tayo Ang Ligaya Ng Isa’t Isa”, the Christmas ID that debuted in 2022. “PBB Celebrity Collab Edition” Season 1 Big Winners Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca reinvented “Pasko Ang Pinakamagandang Kwento” which was first heard in 2023. Finally, the new P-pop group, DNA, lent their voice to last year’s Kapamilya Christmas ID “Our Stories Shine This Christmas”. Enjoy these timeless songs this Yuletide season with “A Kapamilya Christmas” playlist on Spotify.
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FINIX Releases New Track “Hand In Hand” In Collaboration With JuanHand
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| (Image Source: raincheckblog/GKD Records) |
Modern Filipina breakout P-Pop group FINIX released its new song “Hand In Hand”, a bold, new empowerment anthem created to uplift Filipinos navigating ambition, responsibility, and the pursuit of their dreams. Blending Taglish (Tagalog and English) rap, energetic pop production, and FINIX’s signature attitude, “Hand In Hand” captures the spirit of everyday Filipinos who choose courage over fear, hustle over doubt, and self-belief over external expectations.
The song is also a declaration of self-belief and an anthem for anyone working through storms, responsibilities, and societal expectations. Lines like “Busy umasenso di patatabla. One shot, one life.” and “Dreams too loud, can’t silence that” echo the resilience of everyday Filipinos who continue pushing forward despite challenges. “Hand In Hand” is the group's collaboration with financial app JuanHand which will also serve as the company’s official theme song moving forward. Produced under GKD Records, the track embodies both brands’ shared mission: giving people the confidence and tools to chart their path. FINIX shares, “Hand In Hand is our love letter to everyone who kept pushing, even when things got tough. We created this song to remind Filipinos that strength doesn’t always look loud, it’s about dusting your knees and keep pushing forward.”
A global-minded independent Filipino label shaping the next generation of Southeast Asian music and built on artist autonomy, transparency, and disruptive innovation, GKD champions creators who break molds rather than follow them. From in-house production to global-standard training, GKD aims to help Filipino artists compete confidently on the international stage. Its flagship girl group FINIX, known for bold concepts, socially aware themes, and globally competitive performance and production, redefines what Filipino girl groups can achieve on the global stage with strong fan engagement and identity-driven branding. “Hand In Hand” is available on digital music streaming platforms and the official social media accounts of FINIX and JuanHand.
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Eight-Year-Old Girl Embarks Moon-Bound Quest To Keep Her Mother In “Baka Doon Sa Buwan” On iWant
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Eight-year-old Joy’s mission to reach the moon and bring her father back to Earth — driven by her hope of keeping her mother from leaving — headlines the newest family-centered Christmas offering from iWant Originals, “Baka Doon Sa Buwan” which is set to premiere on December 28, 2025 exclusively on iWant.
Starring Aaliyah Marciano, Mimi Felicia, and Kate Alejandrino, the story centers on Joy (Aaliyah) and her mother, Mercy (Kate), whose strained relationship pushes Joy to believe she can find her father on the moon, a journey families can share this holiday season. Joy’s journey introduces Faith (Mimi Felicia), an American Peace Corps volunteer and teacher who gradually becomes a mother figure in her life. As Joy grows closer to Faith, Mercy struggles with jealousy and emotional strain, testing the bond between mother and daughter. Directed and written by Noah Tonga, “Baka Doon Sa Buwan” explores themes of abandonment, resilience, and the power of imagination. Told through Joy’s eyes, the film shows how hope and belief can guide children through moments of uncertainty, making it a heartfelt addition to iWant’s lineup of year-end Originals for families and viewers looking for meaningful stories this holiday season.
Follow Joy on her extraordinary moon-bound journey and see how her courage and imagination can change everything in “Baka Doon Sa Buwan”, streaming exclusively on iWant starting at Php35 per month in the Philippines (prices may vary in other countries based on local currency and rates) along with other iWant Originals and exclusive content. Download the iWant app on Google Play and Apple App Store or visit iWant.ph to register.
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Argel Saycon And Jasmine Dudley-Scales Star In iWant’s Newest Microdrama “When Brothers Fall”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
iWant closes its 2025 microdrama lineup with its fifth and final offering for the year, “When Brothers Fall” featuring the first-ever on-screen collaboration between PBB alums Argel Saycon (“Pinoy Big Brother: Otso”) and Jasmine Dudley-Scales (“Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11”). The microdrama, premiered last December 15, 2025 and produced in collaboration with Beetzee Play, delivers a story embarking on legacy, sacrifice, and redemption.
The story follows Jake and Eric Velasco, the heirs to a powerful steel empire. Jake (Saycon), the brilliant and beloved heir, is pushed into an arranged marriage meant to secure the family’s future. Refusing a life dictated by others, he escapes to a remote island where he meets Alison (Dudley-Scales), a woman also running from a destiny she never chose. What begins as a chance encounter turns into a deep and life-changing love until ruthless manipulations tear them apart. Back in Manila, Alison is forced into an engagement with Eric (Ron Angeles), the younger brother who has spent his life in Jake’s shadow. Unaware of her past, Eric falls deeply for the same woman who once held his brother’s heart. Their hidden history resurfaces through painful confrontation triggering a spiral of betrayal.
As 2025 comes to a close, iWant teases more original stories, fresh collaborations, and an expanded lineup of microdramas in 2026, promising even more engaging content for viewers. Prepare for emotional twists, dark revelations, and redemption and stream “When Brothers Fall” exclusively on iWant starting at Php35 per month in the Philippines (prices may vary in other countries based on local currency and rates) along with other iWant Originals and exclusive content. Download the iWant app on Google Play and Apple App Store or visit iWant.ph to register.
