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| (Image Source: Starmometer/UMG Philippines) |
Fern. officially welcomed audiences into his newest era through the successful launch of Persona:2000, an immersive night filled with music, nostalgia, experimentation, and genuine connection. Hosted in Manila, the album launch transformed into more than just a listening event, it became a celebration of evolution, collaboration, and creative freedom. According to Fern., Persona:2000 represents a defining transition in both his music and mindset. He shared, “Persona to me is a transition. Trying to figure out for myself what sound I want to commit to and also just enjoying the experimentation process through it all. Persona is about bringing the fun and life back into my music. A transition not only in music but in the overall approach and mentality within the space of music.”
The night reflected exactly that spirit. Guests were immersed in a fun and nostalgic atmosphere inspired by early 2000s culture with Fern. performing tracks from the album live alongside a full band. From the visuals to the sound and overall energy of the event, Persona:2000 showcased a more fearless, vibrant, and experimental side of the artist. The project also highlights Fern.’s collaborative spirit, bringing together an exciting lineup of artists across different genres and scenes including 2Icey, Zae, Kyla, Al James, Because, Kyleaux, Costa Cashman, and Gins & Melodies, each contributing their own unique texture, energy, and perspective to the album’s sonic world. From nostalgic R&B melodies and introspective songwriting to smooth hip-hop influences and genre-blurring production, these collaborations elevate Persona:2000 into a rich and immersive listening experience that feels both deeply personal and culturally resonant. One of the biggest moments of the night was the unveiling of the official music video for “Giliw” which features celebrity personality AC Bonifacio. A standout scene from the video, AC dancing, was revealed to have been completely impromptu and unplanned, adding to the authenticity and charm of the visual.
Released under UMG Philippines and Island Records Philippines, Persona:2000 marks a major step forward for Fern. as he continues to shape his artistic identity in real time embracing experimentation, vulnerability, and self-discovery while bringing audiences along for the journey. More than an album launch, Persona:2000 became a reminder that music can still feel personal, exciting, and deeply communa – a space where artists and audiences grow together through sound, emotion, and shared experience. Fern. brings listeners back to the golden era of nostalgic R&B — blending soulful melodies, raw emotion, and early-2000s energy into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. More than just a first listen, it’s an invitation to step into the world, mood, and memories behind the album. Stream Persona:2000 at https://ferndot.lnk.to/Persona2000MB.
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Crunchyroll Lights Up AFA Thailand 2026 With Chainsaw Man-Fueled Anime Celebration
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| Kikunosuke Toya, the Japanese voice actor behind Denji in Chainsaw Man, at the Crunchyroll booth during Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Thailand 2026 (Image Source: Starmometer/Crunchyroll) |
Crunchyroll wrapped up an action-packed weekend at Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Thailand 2026, held last May 30–31, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, which brought together the Thai anime community through immersive Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc experiences, a live dubbing performance by seiyuu Kikunosuke Toya, Ani-May fan challenges, and a showcase of localized anime content.
The weekend’s centrepiece was a special appearance by Kikunosuke Toya, the Japanese voice actor behind Denji in Chainsaw Man. At a Crunchyroll-hosted panel, Kikunosuke Toya performed a live dubbing of his character in real time, giving Thai fans a rare and electric glimpse into the craft behind one of anime’s most iconic roles. He followed this with a fan meet-and-greet, creating direct moments of connection with the Thai anime community. For Toya, the visit carried personal significance. Having spent part of his childhood in Bangkok, returning to the city made the weekend especially meaningful. Beyond the guest appearance, Crunchyroll’s booth offered fans an immersive Chainsaw Man experience in a The Crossroads Café-inspired photospace and the chance to meet a Pochita mascot, making its Thailand debut. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is now streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll in Thailand. As part of Crunchyroll’s global month-long Ani-May celebration, fans took on a stamp rally featuring three anime-inspired challenges: the Attack On Titan Doodle Wall, BLUE LOCK Football Challenge, and Solo Leveling Fitness Challenge. Fans who completed all the challenges were rewarded with exclusive merchandise including BLUE LOCK and Solo Leveling stickers, Crunchyroll foldable bags, and Chainsaw Man headbands.
The booth also featured a dedicated viewing zone that spotlighted Crunchyroll’s localized anime library with fans enjoying content in Thai subtitles and Thai dub. With more than 550 titles now available in Thailand including over 120 Thai-dubbed and more than 300 Thai-subtitled, the zone highlighted Crunchyroll’s continued investment in accessible, local-language anime for Thai audiences.
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Mika Salamanca Gets Candid On Dealing With Online Backlash In ABS-CBN’s Digital Podcast “Hot Takes”
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| Star Music artist and “The Secrets of Hotel 88” Kapuso star Mika Salamanca shared her bold take on buzzing showbiz topics in ABS-CBN’s newest online podcast “Hot Takes”, now streaming on-demand on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel. (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN’s newest online podcast “Hot Takes” continues to keep it real through unfiltered conversations with its most recent guest, Star Music artist and “The Secrets of Hotel 88” Kapuso star Mika Salamanca, as she shared her bold take on buzzing showbiz topics. Streaming on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel which is the most subscribed media and entertainment channel in Southeast Asia, the podcast’s latest episode highlights Mika’s honest opinion on online hate, pressure, and pleasing the online audience.
One of her standout hot takes tackled the nature of online negativity, pointing out that attacks on artists do not always come from strangers, but can also come from people within their circle. “Naniniwala ako na ang basher hindi lang mga taong hindi mo kilala, minsan mga taong nasa tabi mo gumagawa ng account laban sayo. Hindi mo kailangan hubaran ‘yung sarili mo para makilala ka ng ibang tao,” said Mika. The ABS-CBN podcast continues to attract viewers with its previous episodes already generating millions of views online that feature celebrity guests such as former “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” housemates JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith, and Kai Montinola and “The Alibi” star Sofia Andres.
“Hot Takes” is ABS-CBN’s newest online podcast that features candid conversations with celebrities and showbiz personalities and it is hosted by PUSH editor-in-chief Gary Ann Lastrilla and digital head of social media for publishing Krish Ramos. Catch more interesting guests in the new weekly episodes of “Hot Takes” every Thursday at 9:00 am on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and on ABS-CBN’s Facebook page. You may also catch “Hot Takes” every Sunday night at Kapamilya Online Live.
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GMA Regional TV Turns Up The Heat With Star-Studded May Regional Festivities
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
As summer sizzled across the country, GMA Regional TV turned up the heat even more by bringing the country’s Kapuso stars closer to audiences through a series of exciting regional events, making May a truly unforgettable month for fans nationwide.
The month-long celebration kicked off with the highly anticipated Antipolo Cityhood-Maytime Festival Grand Parade last May 2 as Born To Shine stars Zephanie, Olive May, Gaea Mischa, Chloe Redondo, Naya Ambi, and Michael Sager spread smiles and positive energy aboard the colorful and vibrant Kapuso float as they made their way from Sumulong Park to Ynares Center. The festivities continued later that evening with the Kapuso Spotlight event at the Ynares Center where Sparkle stars Lee Victor, Allen Ansay, and Sofia Pablo captivated the crowd with their charm, talent, and undeniable star power. From Rizal, GMA Regional TV brought the excitement to the City of Smiles, Bacolod City, last May 14. Sparkle stars Shaira Diaz and EA Guzman joined fellow pickleball enthusiasts for a fun-filled Kapuso Spotlight event at Paddle City along Magsaysay Avenue. The couple played a friendly match-up game of pickleball with Bacolodnons making the sports even more fun and memorable. Next stop was at Negros Occidental where Apoy Sa Dugo stars Larkin Castor, Derrick Monasterio, Ashley Ortega, and Elle Villanueva joined the festivities of the 13th Binalbagan Festival through a fun-filled Kapuso Fiesta held along Don Pedro Yulo Street last May 15.
The excitement continued last May 16 as Kapusong Pangasinenses warmly welcomed members of the cast of Kamao during a spirited Kapuso Mall Show at San Carlos Town Center in San Carlos City. Tito Marsy, Tito Abdul, Therese Malvar, Bruce Roeland, Chanty Videla, and Anton Vinzon entertained the crowd with special performances, interactive segments, and delightful surprises that left fans cheering for more. The month-long Kapuso activities concluded on a high note in Bacolod City last May 31 where The Master Cutter stars Max Collins, Charlie Fleming, and Prince Carlos joined the Kapuso Spotlight event for the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival at SM City Bacolod, creating more unforgettable memories for food-lovers. Throughout the year, GMA Regional TV remains committed to bringing joy, entertainment, and meaningful connections to communities across the country through various regional events and activities.
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XONARA Ignites Escolta, Unveils Bold New Era Of P-Pop With Explosive Debut
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| New P-Pop girl group XONARA took over the historic streets of Escolta in Manila and transformed it into “XONARA’s World”. (Image Source: Starmometer/UMG Philippines) |
XONARA, the first girl group of 1Z Entertainment under Republic Records–UMG Philippines, made a striking and unforgettable entry into the Filipino music landscape last May 16, 2026. Introducing their signature “grit pop” sound — a fearless fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and raw artistry, the group immediately set themselves apart as a new force in P-Pop. Their debut was not just an arrival, but a statement of intent that signaled the rise of a bold, unapologetic generation of artists.
The seven-member group composed of Eureka, Megumi, Dominique, Tin, Namie, Ella, and Lei delivered a powerful display of individuality and creative synergy. Each artist brought her own voice, personality, and creative vision, shaping a collective identity that felt both raw and deliberate. Together, they embodied a new kind of pop act grounded in authenticity, confidence, and cultural expression. To mark their debut, XONARA took over the historic streets of Escolta, Manila and transformed it into “XONARA’s World”. The one-day pop-up experience turned the iconic district into a living, breathing extension of the group’s universe. Fans and passersby were swept into an immersive spectacle that blurred the lines between music, art, and community. The event by UMG Philippines pulsed with energy through interactive installations including graffiti walls, DIY charm stations, and a high-engagement stamp rally that ignited social media activity. Every corner of the space invited participation, self-expression, and discovery. A curated pop-up bazaar further amplified the atmosphere, spotlighting local fashion, thrift culture, and street creativity at its finest.
At the heart of it all was a defining moment as XONARA delivered their first live public performance after their official debut. The group unveiled their single “Tabi” with commanding stage presence, followed by an exclusive premiere of its official music video ahead of its digital release. The experience was elevated even further as select fans were given rare, up-close encounters through meet-and-greet sessions. With “XONARA’s World”, the group did more than launch a debut — they ignited a movement. The event captured attention, sparked conversation, and cemented XONARA as one of the most exciting new acts to watch. As they step forward, they carry with them a growing community ready to be part of a world that is only just beginning.
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Viewers In 200 Countries Worldwide Can Now Watch ABS-CBN Shows Through Rakuten Viki
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN continues to expand its worldwide audience reach as some of its hit titles begin streaming on Rakuten Viki in over 200 countries and territories across the Americas, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Available with English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French subtitles, the titles are expected to reach even more international viewers through Viki’s community-driven subtitling initiative powered by volunteers worldwide.
Leading the lineup is the Filipino adaptation of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” starring Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino alongside the hit teen romance series “He’s Into Her” and “He’s Into Her Season 2” featuring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano. The partnership further strengthens ABS-CBN’s growing international footprint through Rakuten Viki, one of the world’s leading streaming platforms for Asian entertainment with over 120 million registered users globally. Alongside entertainment platform Soompi, the collaboration helps bring ABS-CBN content closer to international audiences and global fandom communities. ABS-CBN’s YouTube channel, ABS-CBN Entertainment, is currently the most subscribed media and entertainment YouTube channel in Southeast Asia with 54.8 million subscribers.
The partnership was made possible through ABS-CBN’s International Sales Division as the company continues to grow its presence across international streaming, broadcast, and digital platforms. With over 50,000 hours of content sold to more than 50 countries worldwide, ABS-CBN continues to elevate Filipino storytelling and talent by bringing its stories to audiences across the globe.
