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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Rakuten Viki/Viu) |
Rakuten Viki, the global streaming destination for Asian entertainment, has launched Kumusta, a new Korean-Filipino reality series that brings Korean and Filipino celebrities together to introduce Filipino food and culture to audiences in South Korea to celebrate Filipino hospitality, food, and culture through an entertaining cross-cultural experience.
South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook, who has built a strong following in the Philippines through hit dramas such as The K2 and The Healer, steps away from his signature action-hero roles to serve as the restaurant’s head server. The series showcases a warmer, more playful side of the actor rarely seen on screen, as he navigates cultural differences, builds friendships with his Filipino castmates, and connects with guests through food and hospitality. Kumusta marks the actor’s first variety appearance since his turn in the 2025 revenge thriller The Manipulated. Joining Ji Chang-wook is an acclaimed lineup of Filipino stars including Jodi Sta. Maria as hall manager, sous chef Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz as head server, and Arci Muñoz who takes on both kitchen and front-of-house duties. Together, the cast navigates the challenges of running a busy restaurant while sharing Filipino culture with Korean diners. At the heart of the show is celebrated Michelin-starred Filipino chef JP Anglo who has curated a menu of “blockbuster” Filipino dishes designed to appeal to Korean palates. Featured specialties include inasal, kare-kare, bagoong, lechon, pork sisig, and gising-gising. Staying true to Korean dining traditions, meals are accompanied by Filipino-inspired banchan (Korean side dish) selections such as dilis, atsara, and tokwa’t baboy, alongside refreshing signature calamansi juice. The series also welcomes a rotating roster of special guest servers including Korean actors Seo In-guk, Kim Myung-soo, and Kim Min-seok.
Beyond its entertainment value, Kumusta serves as a cultural bridge between the Philippines and South Korea. As Korean content continues to resonate with Filipino audiences, the series creates a rare opportunity to introduce Korean viewers to Filipino cuisine, traditions, and perspectives while showcasing Filipino talent on an international stage. Through food, hospitality, and shared experiences, Kumusta celebrates the growing cultural connection between the two countries and the power of storytelling to bring people together. The series will stream free on Viki’s ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) service across Southeast Asia including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. Kumusta is also available on Viu and airs in the Philippines on TV5 every Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 7:00 pm. Viewers looking for more of Ji Chang-wook can stream his more recent dramas Melting Me Softly and Suspicious Partner, both available now on Viki.
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SB19’s justin Enlists Maki’s Songwriting Magic For Upcoming New Single “dahon”
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| (Image Source: Philippine Concerts/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
P-Pop star justin teams up with acclaimed singer-songwriter Maki on his upcoming new single “dahon which he describes as a “vow of timeless love amid an ever-changing world”. Now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms under Sony Music Entertainment, the track is penned by Maki, a gifted singer-songwriter whose knack for heartwarming melodies and relatable sentimentality is prevalent in the material. The collaboration marks another creative partnership between the two artists, following justin’s appearance in the sci-fi-inspired music video of Maki’s latest single “habangbuhay pansamantala”.
According to justin, the upcoming new single captures romance in its purest form. “It’s a song about love that blossoms, thrives, and grows through time.” Lyrically, “dahon” expresses the enduring power of real love and as Justin puts it, “It stands like a firm tree thatsurvives the biggest adversity and the only things that are constant in life: change and time.” A multi-faceted performer known for his work as a performer, creative director, visual artist, and member of SB19, justin reveals that working with Maki has long been a personal aspiration, being a longtime fan of his work in music. “His creativity and branding align closely with my vision and preferences. Working with him is not only a great opportunity for my career but also an incredible experience.”
As a solo artist, justin has proven himself as a visionary creative across multiple disciplines, driven by his commitment to an advocacy of meaningful existence. He is one of the most-streamed P-Pop soloists, racking up more than 45 million streams on Spotify alone with only four official songs released to date. Beyond his individual pursuits, the charismatic multi-hyphenate is also part of the iconic P-Pop powerhouse SB19 where he takes on multiple key roles including serving as creative director.
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Coco Martin And Julia Montes Tease Action And Romance In Official Trailer Of “Coco Martin’s Sigabo”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Coco Martin’s most-awaited primetime comeback is finally here to bring fresh excitement to viewers as ABS-CBN dropped the official trailer for “Coco Martin’s Sigabo”. The action-packed five-minute trailer teases the series’ cinematic production, blending elevated action scenes with a glimpse of ‘kilig’ and light-hearted scenes of Hari ng Aksyon sa Ating Henerasyon (The Action King of Today's Generation) Coco with Prime Actress Julia Montes.
Coco expressed immense pride in “Coco Martin’s Sigabo”, his first original concept, that combines his signature brand of action with a mix of entertaining romance and comedy, promising compelling storytelling that will resonate with Filipino viewers every weeknight. “Sobra akong proud na proud sa project na ito, kasi from ‘Probinsyano’ to Batang Quiapo’ talagang in-upgrade namin,” said Coco in a “TV Patrol” interview about the series where he serves as the main actor, co-director, and co-producer alongside Julia. In the action-romance series, Coco portrays Gabo, a devoted son and ex-convict who takes on a secret mission in exchange for his freedom, and eventually he crosses paths with Sam (Julia), a lawyer who also works as an investigative agent. Meanwhile, respected industry personalities Erik Matti and Roselle Monteverde, as well as action movie icon Lito Lapid and “Sigabo” cast member Mark Lapid have all expressed admiration for Coco’s body of work – from the remarkable successes of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo – saying that he truly deserves to be called the “Hari Ng Aksyon Sa Ating Henerasyon”. Notably, acclaimed filmmaker Erik shared in an interview with “TV Patrol”, “It’s Coco who really brought back the excitement of action movies and series. ‘Pag gawa niya ng aksyon, action all the way. He started it again when no one else was looking into action.”
“Sigabo” also includes JC De Vera, JM De Guzman, Arci Muñoz, Sue Ramirez, Jhong Hilario, Edu Manzano, Carmi Martin, Chanda Romero, Irma Adlawan, Joey Marquez, and many more. Ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of “Sigabo”, Coco and Julia continue to feel the love from Kapamilyas in different parts of the country in their ongoing nationwide motorcade. Following the success of their fiesta-feels motorcade stops in Metro Manila, Cebu, Cavite, and Palawan, CocoJul and the cast are set to bring more street party fun and good vibes in Pampanga on June 28. Don’t miss “Coco Martin’s Sigabo”, weeknights at 8:00 pm on TV5, ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube and Facebook, and iWant.
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Barbie’s Cradle Reunites For A Comeback Concert, Announces New Music
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/GNN Entertainment Productions) |
Barbie’s Cradle, one of the Philippines’ most iconic alternative bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s, are set to stage their highly anticipated comeback this year. Fronted by lead vocalist and guitarist Barbie Almalbis and composed of members Wendell Garcia on drums, Rommel dela Cruz on bass, and Kakoy Legaspi on guitars, the multi-awarded supergroup will return with the release of three new songs, culminating in a special one-night-only concert on August 1, 2026 at the Music Museum.
Almalbis shares, “We’re excited to revisit the greatest hits and misses while also sharing new songs that reflect where we are now in our lives both as musicians and human beings. We’ve reached a point where we approach music-making with greater confidence and purpose. This new body of work is more collaborative and intentional than ever. We’ve poured months of hard work into these songs, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve created.” Known for award-winning albums such as Barbie’s Cradle, Music From The Buffet Table, and Playing In The Fields, the band has remained deeply influential in the local music scene, particularly for woman-fronted bands and singer-songwriters. Their evolving sound, introspective and inspirational songwriting and lyrical depth, shaped by the personal journey of vocalist Barbie Almalbis, continue to appeal to audiences across generations. Over the years, the group has earned multiple recognitions, including NU Rock Awards, Awit Awards, and KATHA Awards. Barbie Almalbis: One Night Only is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, a Manila-based concert and events promoter. According to GNN's Milley Habito, the comeback concert represents not only a nostalgic dream for longtime fans but also an important cultural moment for today’s music audience.
Habito explains, “It’s an honor to work with Barbie’s Cradle for this special project. We first teased the iteration of the show during Barbie Almalbis’ 25th anniversary show three years ago, but this time, we’re taking the concert experience to an entirely new level. Staged in a theater setting, the concert is built around a meticulously crafted concept and theme, with elevated production values designed to create a memorable experience for fans and new listeners alike.” Tickets are now available at https://www.ticketmelon.com/gnn-entertainment-productions/barbiescradlereunion and are priced at Php2,900 [VIP – including photo op (6pax/batch), soundcheck access, signed poster], Php1,900 (Orchestra), and Php1,300 (Balcony – free seating).
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“Miss Q&A” Returns To "It’s Showtime" With A New Season Of Wit, Personality, And Unforgettable Moments
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The beloved pageant segment “Miss Q&A” has officially returned to ABS-CBN's popular daily noontime variety show “It’s Showtime”, ushering in a new season that celebrates beauty, brilliance, and unapologetic self-expression through a fresh batch of aspiring queens from across the country. Viewers expressed excitement over its return as the witty remarks of past contestants continue to be talked about to this day.
For Vice Ganda, the heart of “Miss Q&A” has always been the contestants’ ability to surprise viewers with answers that are both unexpected and insightful. “Ang dapat abangan nating lahat ay yung mga hindi inaasahang sasabihin ng mga contestants natin, kasi yun yung magic ng ‘Miss Q&A’.” According to Vice, viewers can also look forward to meeting new personalities who could become the next breakout stars of the competition much like the fan favorites who emerged from previous seasons. Kicking off the new season was Vice’s performance of his latest single “Talak” which he performed during the opening of the show's June 15, 2026 episode and now serves as the official theme song of the segment's fourth season. Returning to the panel of hurados this season is beauty queen and television host Nicole Cordoves joined by OPM and showbiz royalty Karylle and “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” Season 1 ex-housemate and “Y Speak” host Ralph De Leon.
Meanwhile, the auditions for the new edition of “Miss Q&A” are open to aspiring contestants aged 18 years old and above. Interested applicants may showcase their wit, confidence, and stage presence at the ABS-CBN audience entrance every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Interested participants may also check the official social media accounts of “It’s Showtime” for upcoming nationwide auditions. Don’t miss the excitement and fun on “It’s Showtime” airing on Mondays to Saturdays at 12:00 noon on GMA, A2Z, ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and ABS-CBN's Facebook page, Kapuso Stream on GMA Network's YouTube channel and Facebook page, iWant, TFC, and GMA Pinoy TV. You may also catch its online show “Showtime Online U” live starting 11:45 am and past episodes on-demand (limited time only) on It’s Showtime’s YouTube channel.
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Lipa Actors Company And Teatro B Launch Open Season Auditions For Three Major Productions
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/Lipa Actors Company) |
A new chapter for Batangueño theater begins as the Lipa Actors Company (LAC) and Teatro B officially announce their Open Season Auditions on July 11, 2026, opening opportunities for aspiring and experienced performers to take part in three major productions set for the 2026–2027 theater season. The announcement comes after a significant milestone for the local arts community as Lipa Actors Company and Teatro B Artistic Director Peregrine Santiago assumes the position of Batangas Culture and Arts Council (BCAC) Theater Sector Head. The appointment signals a renewed commitment to strengthening the province’s theater landscape and creating more platforms for Batangueño artists.
The Open Season Auditions will cast performers for the following productions: Ang Sistema Ni Propesor Tuko (October 2026) – a straight play written by Al Santos, Sinderela At Ang Gintong Sapatilya (January 2027) – a musical play written by Luisito Nario, and Mommy G (March 2027) – a straight play written by Jobert Grey Landeza. The initiative aims to discover and develop local talent while bringing theater further into the cultural spotlight across Batangas. Through these productions, LAC and Teatro B seek to provide meaningful opportunities for performers, creatives, and theater enthusiasts to engage in high-quality, community-driven artistic work. As theater continues to gain momentum in the province, the partnership between Lipa Actors Company and Teatro B underscores a shared vision of cultivating the next generation of performers and storytellers while celebrating local narratives and creative excellence.
Aspiring performers are encouraged to prepare their audition requirements and check the official social media pages of Lipa Actors Company and Teatro B for complete audition guidelines, schedules, and registration details. With three exciting productions on the horizon and a growing movement to elevate the performing arts in Batangas, the Open Season Auditions promise to be an opportunity for artists ready to take center stage.
