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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Okada Manila) |
Okada Manila, the Forbes 5-star integrated resort, welcomed 2026 with one of its most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations as they brought together music, entertainment, dining, and dazzling fireworks throughout the entire property. Headlined by its New Year’s Eve campaign entitled “Step Right Up To 2026: New Year’s Eve Countdown”, the celebration delivered an extraordinary night for guests, drawing thousands of people across various celebrations at Cove Manila, The Fountain, The Garden, and The Coral Lounge.
At Cove Manila which is one of Asia’s most versatile indoor venues, Okada Manila staged its biggest concert of the year, making it one of the most anticipated highlights of the night. The New Year’s Eve Countdown Concert was headlined by Gary Valenciano with special performances by Yeng Constantino, Randy Santiago, DJ Pretty Dragon, DJ Tom Taus, and DJ Sofia Miguel. Hosted by Regine Tolentino and MC Smurff, the event kept the energy high as guests celebrated into the first hours of 2026. The event was sponsored by Coca-Cola and San Miguel Beer. The Fountain served as the resort’s open-air countdown venue, welcoming guests to a full-scale New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration hosted by Ana Ramsey. Performances by Michael Pangilinan, Marko Rudio, JM Dela Cerna, and Marielle Montellano led up to a synchronized countdown featuring Okada Manila’s signature fountain show and grand fireworks display. The Garden offered families and groups a vibrant open-air setting to welcome the new year, with sweeping views of the midnight fireworks show. The public viewing area accommodated over a thousand guests and provided a lively space for gathering under the night sky. The Coral Lounge featured entertainment and curated food packages, creating a cozy yet festive countdown experience.
Alongside the evening’s live performances, guests ushered in the new year with memorable in-dining experiences across the resort. Select restaurants including Medley Buffet, featured New Year’s Eve special spreads and media noche offerings, giving families and groups a festive way to gather and celebrate over thoughtfully prepared meals before the midnight countdown. Welcoming the new year, Okada Manila set the stage for another year of exciting entertainment, memorable dining, and thoughtfully crafted stays. With more experiences and celebrations ahead, guests can look forward to moments designed to delight and inspire throughout 2026. To learn more about what’s coming up, visit https://okadamanila.com/ or follow Okada Manila on social media.
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Celebrities Draw Thousands Of Fitness Fans To Clark Half-Marathon For Rural Health Cause
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation) |
Celebrities laced up their running shoes as thousands of fitness fans turned out for a charity half-marathon in Clark, Pampanga, blending star power with a push to support rural healthcare. The Five Star Half Marathon 2025 drew more than 4,000 registered runners to the CDC Parade Grounds last December 7, 2025, making it one of the biggest charity runs in the area this year.
Now in its fifth year, the annual run led by Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Philippines Corporation through its Five Star Chicken brand showed sharp growth from last year, when more than 2,500 runners joined. Organizers said the expanding turnout reflected stronger public support for the advocacy behind the race. The event has also evolved, shifting from a purely corporate banner to the Five Star Half Marathon name to widen the reach of CPF’s consumer brands. Beyond the crowds and cameras, the run carried a clear mission. Organizers raised Php8M (8 million pesos) to support local healthcare services with funds set to be divided between rural health units in Samal, Bataan, and Gerona, Tarlac. Each facility will receive Php4M (4 million pesos). Adding celebrity buzz to the early-morning run were Ivana Alawi and Golf Nattakorn Sujipittham who led the charity effort alongside the Content Creators of the Philippines headed by chemist Pinky Tobiano. Actor Jameson Blake also joined, along with influencers Perlas, Jeff Cabrera, Keisha Serna, and Daniel Sulud.
CPF Philippines said the growing half-marathon has become a key part of its community initiatives, using sport as a way to bring people together while supporting public health programs in underserved areas.
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Global Innovators Take Center Stage To Drive Health Innovation In ‘Go Healthy With Taiwan 2025’
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Taiwan Excellence) |
The Go Healthy With Taiwan 2025 Awards Ceremony brought together global innovators whose ideas place people at the center of health and well-being. Commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs' (MOEA) International Trade Administration (TITA) and executed by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the campaign was launched to promote and cultivate international collaboration by highlighting Taiwan’s holistic health solutions and high-quality products. It specifically invited governments, enterprises, institutions, and organizations worldwide to submit innovative proposals that leverage Taiwan’s world-class expertise to improve global well-being.
Honoring proposals that addressed real-world challenges through sport technology, sustainable energy, and digital resilience in healthcare, the top prize went to Ideaslab Inc. of the United States, followed by Perovskia Solar AG of Switzerland and “Medical Innovations” by Ukrainian-based charity organization Charitable Fund. The ceremony in Taipei reflected Taiwan’s growing role as a partner in global health collaboration. Each presentation offered a glimpse into how different societies approach care, prevention, and wellness. Together, they told a story of shared responsibility and collective progress. Aside from the United States, Switzerland, and Ukraine, Asosiasi Pengusaha Teknologi Informasi Dan Komunikasi Nasional (APTIKNAS) of Indonesia, Rainbow Holidays Ltd. of New Zealand, and Solutions in Technology, Innovation and Mobility SANTIN SAS de CV (IMATEC MX) of Mexico) are recognized in the event for their contributions in shaping the future of global well-being with innovation, creativity, and impact.
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IV OF SPADES Seals Creative Rebirth With Release Of Andalucia On Vinyl
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
Award-winning Filipino pop-rock powerhouse IV OF SPADES continues to ramp up the celebration of their highly anticipated comeback with the exclusive vinyl release of their critically acclaimed album Andalucia. The new record will be available in a thousand copies for its first vinyl pressing with a few of them already available during the first and second day of IV OF SPADES’ concert which took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last December 12-13, 2025. For those unable to attend the concert, Andalucia is now available through Backspacer Records via its official website at backspacerrecords.com.
In a press statement, the acclaimed quarter shares, “Andalucia feels like a special snapshot of where we are in our lives right now. This is the first vinyl of IV OF SPADES. Pangarap din namin ito.” Hailed as one of the most astounding creative rebirths in OPM for the last decade, Andalucia stands as a testament to renewed brotherhood and friendship. Shaped by years of individual growth and nearly seven years of separation, the album was forged through trust, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for the member’s creative process. The twelve-track album, now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment, also traverses a rich spectrum of sound and experiment, while remaining anchored in the band’s signature introspection, emotional honesty, and meticulous sonic craftmanship.
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“Call Me Mother” Clinches Major Awards At 51st MMFF Gabi Ng Parangal
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation/Metro Manila Film Festival) |
Hit comedy-drama movie “Call Me Mother” bagged four wins, including Best Actor for Vice Ganda, at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal held last December 27, 2025. Vice, who earned praise for his remarkable portrayal of a queer mother, was overwhelmed with gratitude during his acceptance speech, stating, “Mas ine-expect kong ‘di mananalo. Nakikita, nagugustuhan, pero hindi pinipili o pinipili pero ‘di maaari. But tonight maaari na. Salamat dahil nakita niyo po ako. It’s really 2025 and it is really possible, and it is real. Queer people can be best actors.”
Child actor Lucas Andalio also took home the Best Child Performer award for his heartwarming performance as the son of Twinkle and Mara, the characters of Vice and Nadine Lustre, respectively. “Call Me Mother” also bagged the 3rd Best Picture and Gender Sensitivity Award. The film's director Jun Robles Lana expressed, “Napaka-personal sa akin ng pelikulang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng producers namin, maraming salamat Meme Vice dahil pinagkatiwalaan mo uli ako. Nadine, maraming salamat, bahagi ka na ng pamilya namin, at sana makagawa pa tayo ng marami pelikula.” Meanwhile, the stars of the romantic-comedy movie “Love You So Bad” also bagged special awards. Bianca De Vera was awarded as the Montesa Female Star of the Night while Will Ashley and Dustin Yu were awarded as the Montesa Male Stars of the Night.
Now showing in cinemas nationwide under Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company, and Viva Films, “Call Me Mother” continues to bring joy to families for its heartwarming story that explores the essence of motherhood. The film is about two loving mothers – Twinkle (Vice), the queer adoptive mother of Angelo (Lucas), and Mara (Nadine), the biological mother, who strike a deal to work together in the pageant world but they ultimately find themselves trying to win over Angelo’s love.
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GMANetwork.com Awards 2025 Releases List Of Official Winners
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
After a month of nationwide online voting, GMA Entertainment Group, the entertainment production division of GMA Network, officially announced the winners of the first-ever GMANetwork.com Awards 2025, a digital yearender celebration honoring the Kapuso stars and programs that made 2025 unforgettable. Last November 28-December 28, 2025, Kapuso fans and viewers were given the power to champion their favorites across acting, television, and entertainment categories. The winners were first announced live during the Kapuso Countdown to 2026, marking a milestone moment for the network's newest fan-driven awards.
The GMANetwork.com Awards 2025 marked a new chapter in celebrating Kapuso talent — putting the spotlight directly in the hands of fans. From breakout stars to iconic performances and beloved programs, the winners reflect the voices of viewers who supported their favorites throughout the voting period. All results were based solely on votes cast by the GMANetwork.com audience via the official GMA Network website. Here are the official winners of the GMANetwork.com Awards who helped make 2025 a standout year in Kapuso entertainment.
• New Kapuso Female Star of the Year: Mika Salamanca
• New Kapuso Male Star of the Year: Will Ashley
• Kapuso Female Teen Star of the Year: Caprice Cayetano
• Kapuso Male Teen Star of the Year: Mad Ramos
• Kapuso Couple of the Year: Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega
• Kapuso Love Team of the Year: AshCo (Ashley Sarmiento and Marco Masa)
• Kapuso Daytime Drama Series of the Year: My Father's Wife
• Kapuso Primetime Drama Series of the Year: Encantadia Chronicles Sang'gre
• Kontrabida of the Year: Rhian Ramos (Encantadia Chronicles: Sanggre)
• Comedian of the Year: Analyn Barro
