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| (Image Source: Television Asia Plus/Netflix) |
Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, has announced that it will serve as the production studio for the new Netflix series “From NEET To Peak” which will stream exclusively on Netflix worldwide in January 2027. With “From NEET To Peak”, Nippon TV joins Netflix’s original drama production — bringing the production strength behind its globally traveled IP directly to audiences worldwide.
“From NEET To Peak” is a heartwarming and exhilarating romantic comedy about an “idiotic, reckless, and absolutely impossible love”. The protagonist, Kanta Kakuhata, is a romantically inexperienced man who has shut himself in his parents’ home for eight years, completely reliant on his mother’s care. When his terminally ill mother reveals her dream of seeing him marry a wonderful woman like the beauty she sees every day from her hospital window, Kanta resolves to fulfill her wish by marrying that woman on the billboard: Japan’s No.1 idol. As Kanta sets out on this seemingly impossible quest, he must first overcome challenges far closer to home, stepping out into the world, connecting with others, and slowly growing into the person he wants to become. What begins as a promise to his mother soon turns into the greatest adventure of his life. “From NEET To Peak” delivers a message of hope through a wildly entertaining and uplifting story. In a modern society marked by economic stagnation and quiet defeatism, Kanta’s reckless determination to pursue an impossible dream for the one he loves is sure to resonate with audiences around the world. The lead role of Kanta Kakuhata will be played by Wataru Ichinose who has garnered worldwide recognition for his starring role in the global Netflix hit “Sanctuary”. The wildly popular Mami Hamamiya, Japan’s top idol, whom he aims to marry, will be played by Suzu Hirose. Hirose is an internationally acclaimed actress known for her starring roles in globally recognized works such as “Our Little Sister” which competed at the Cannes Film Festival, “Wandering”, and Netflix Series “Human Vapor”.
The series is brought to life by a team of Japan’s leading creators. Directing is Yu Irie, the acclaimed filmmaker behind works such as “A Girl Named Ann”, while the screenplay is written by Shigeki Kaneko, creator of beloved hits including “My Story Is Long” and “Life’s Punchline” and one of Japan’s most accomplished writers of comedy and human drama. Together, they transform Kanta’s outrageous quest for love into an emotional, hilarious, and uplifting life adventure. Nippon TV Head of Studio Strategy Shinji Enari commented, “We are extremely confident in the series we are creating for Netflix, and we can’t wait for audiences around the world to see it. For Nippon TV, From NEET To Peak marks the beginning of a new chapter in bringing our content to global audiences. Building on the storytelling and production expertise we have cultivated through years of drama creation, we are excited to share our works with more viewers around the world than ever before. Through this journey, we will continue to evolve and grow as a creative group, delivering compelling stories that resonate across borders.”
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KC Global Media Asia’s New Drama Series “VIII: Awakening” Wraps Production In Beijing
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| “VIII: Awakening”, KC Global Media Asia's first original production filmed in China, is headlined by (L-R) Nick Shan as Lu Xian, an insurance investigator who awakens supernatural powers; Zhang Wan Ying as He Haining; and Leo Zhou as Dong Fang Shuo. (Image Source: Variety/KC Global Media Asia) |
KC Global Media Asia has officially wrapped up production for its new drama series “VIII: Awakening” in Beijing, China. The fantasy adventure S grade drama will have 24 fifteen-minute episodes for its first season. “VIII: Awakening” is a contemporary reimagining of a classic legend of Chinese Mythology, set in modern times. Revered for their supernatural abilities, the Immortals use their divine powers to vanquish evil and aid the needy. Blending suspense-driven storytelling with fantastical elements and light humor, the series presents a world that is both mysterious and grounded in reality.
The cast stars rising actress Zhang Wan Ying (“Glory”) as He Haining, Leo Zhou (“Relying on Favors”) as Dong Fang Shuo and Nick Shan (“Creation Of The Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom Of Storms“) as Lu Xian. After awakening a mysterious precognitive power, insurance investigator Lu Xian (Shan) discovers he is the descendant of an ancient legendary guardian and must unite seven others to stop a deadly conspiracy. As an imprisoned dragon clan threatens to return, the group uncovers betrayal from within their ranks and faces a battle that will determine the fate of the world. Together, they awaken their true powers, defeat the forces of darkness, and restore peace — though a new threat quietly emerges in the shadows. “VIII: Awakening” was directed by noted internet midform series director Yu Ji and executive produced by KC Global Media Asia executives Andy Kaplan and George Chien. Meng Xun who has collaborated with acclaimed directors such as John Woo and Wong Kar-Wai, served as production designer. “KC Global Media Asia is looking forward to being a part of bringing such an exciting project to global audiences. Viewers are more and more interested in seeing local and cultural stories developed creatively and VIII: Awakening has all the artistry, action, mystery, fantasy and folklore that we believe will resonate widely. There is great potential for the story to grow beyond a single title and develop into a broader universe in the future,” said KC Global Media Asia Vice President and Head of Content Sales Bonnie Wiryani.
The KC Global Media Asia production is a partnership between CICC (China Intercontinental Communication Center) and Shanghai Qi’Ai (Shanghai Qi’Ai Film & TV Culture Co. Ltd.). This is the first original production in China for KC Global Media Asia which will be handling international sales. This reinforces their continued commitment to growing their distribution arm, expanding strong creative production partnerships, and delivering a diverse lineup of high-quality stories with broad international appeal, shining a spotlight on Asian storytelling.
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WeTV Now Available On Whale TV
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| (Image Source: Television Asia Plus/Whale TV) |
Whale TV has announced the availability of WeTV, Tencent Video’s international streaming platform, on its smart TV operating system. Users can now access WeTV’s premium library of Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian and other Asian dramas, films and variety shows including popular costume romances and contemporary dramas generating buzz among audiences worldwide.
WeTV is available in more than 170 countries and regions, including markets across Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America and North America. WeTV offers a wide selection of titles for free with a subscription option for ad-free viewing and access to VIP-only episodes. Popular and upcoming titles on WeTV include:
• Pursuit Of Jade (2026): Currently trending across social media, this sweeping historical romance follows a butcher’s daughter and a disgraced noble whose fake marriage becomes real love, tested by war, political intrigue, and a fight to reclaim his birthright.
• Legend Of A Female General (2025): A noblewoman disguises herself as her family’s male heir to protect their status, rising through the ranks of the army and forging an unlikely partnership — and rivalry — with a formidable general as they battle deceit and external threats together.
• Overdo (2026): Set in 1920s Republican-era Shanghai, a warlord’s son swapped at birth and the woman who once saved his life reunite years later as star-crossed almost-family, with old wounds and a coming national crisis forcing them to choose between duty and love.
• Love Has Fireworks (2026): A romantic comedy about two strangers with opposing views on love and money — one a heartbroken investment banker, the other a fallen “young master” — who become reluctant roommates and slowly build a life, and a relationship, together.
• The First Jasmine (2026): A historical drama of revenge and political intrigue, in which a noblewoman secretly working to avenge her family’s downfall marries a prince hiding his own vendetta, and the two become uneasy allies against a court full of conspiracy.
“Entertainment has the unique power to connect people across borders, cultures, and languages. At Whale TV, we believe that a truly modern streaming experience must reflect the rich diversity of our global audience. By partnering with streaming services like WeTV, we are making it easier than ever for viewers to discover high-quality Asian storytelling alongside their local and global favorites. Our mission is to ensure that no matter who you are or what you love, your TV feels like home,” said Whale TV Vice President of Content Distribution Lucas Huang. “Global audiences are hungry for diverse, authentic stories, and our goal is to bring the best of Asian entertainment into living rooms everywhere. Partnering with Whale TV lets us deliver WeTV’s premium experience seamlessly to a large, highly engaged audience, and we’re excited to grow this together,” said Tencent Online Video Vice President Jeff Han who oversees WeTV’s international business.
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Kim Chiu Celebrates The Filipino Dream Of Having A Home As “Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo” Returns
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
For Kim Chiu, having a home of her own carries a special meaning. The actress remembers winning a house and lot when she joined “Pinoy Big Brother”, making her especially relatable to the Filipino dream of having a place to call home. Kim brings this personal connection to her renewed partnership with WorldRemit as the digital money transfer service brings back “Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo”, a promotion in partnership with The Filipino Channel (TFC) that gives eligible overseas Filipino customers the chance to win monthly cash prizes and a brand-new house and lot in the Philippines.
“Nakaka-relate ako sa ‘Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo’ kasi noong nanalo ako sa ‘PBB,’ may pa-house and lot. Iba pa rin yung pakiramdam na may sarili kang bahay,” said Kim. As a breadwinner, Kim also understands the sacrifices behind every remittance sent by Filipinos working abroad. For her, sending money home is more than a financial transaction — it is an expression of love, support, and responsibility toward family. She shared, “More than the padala, it is more of a connection, love, support, and security. Kapag nagpadala ka ng pera, may kwento yun behind it pwede pang-tuition, pang-grocery, minsan pang-emergency.” For WorldRemit, supporting Filipino aspirations is part of its commitment to the community, recognizing the important role remittances play in helping overseas Filipinos stay connected with their loved ones and support their goals back home. “We invest so much in the Filipino community because we know there is an immense world of difference we can make when we make remittance and sending money home easier. Owning a house is a dream of many Filipinos. It is such a fun experience to give this to OFWs,” said WorldRemit Head of Philippine Market Leo Albea.
As part of its continued support for Filipinos in the Philippines, WorldRemit also donated Php500,000 to the ABS-CBN Foundation to help provide flood relief assistance. Aside from the donation, new WorldRemit users can also support ABS-CBN Foundation International by using the promo code GIVEBACK on their first transfer. WorldRemit will donate $10 to ABS-CBN Foundation International for every eligible first transfer made using the code. “Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo” is open to eligible WorldRemit customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and select areas in Australia. WorldRemit allows customers to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines through its fast, secure, and convenient digital money transfer service. For more information, tune in to TFC and follow WorldRemit on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Jodi Sta. Maria Lends Voice To ABS-CBN News Documentary “Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Award-winning actress Jodi Sta. Maria lends her voice as narrator to ABS-CBN News’ newest documentary “Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan” (Peace Is Not A Moonshot) which features the stories of Bangsamoro women at the frontlines of peace. Written by ABS-CBN News’ senior producer Dianne RJ Obdin and Palanca award-winning journalist Jeff Canoy, the documentary delves into the personal stories of three women whose pasts were tied to the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), living their transition to civilian life following the 2014 peace deal between the government and MILF leaders.
The documentary marks Sta. Maria’s first foray into documentaries. “I feel honored to be able to do this. I was reading the material at ang dami ko rin natutunan. Na-excite ako about what’s happening next for these women. Peace is something na matagal nilang inasam…they were praying, yearning, and wishing for more. Hindi lang ‘yong mga kababaihan but the whole community is in transition,” said Jodi. The documentary also marks a full-circle moment for the actress who previously starred in the 2001 film “Bagong Buwan”, directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, which explored armed conflict in Mindanao and its effect on civilians. ABS-CBN News head Francis Toral expressed her appreciation for Jodi who immediately said ‘yes’ to the project, stating, “We were looking for a particular voice that could carry the weight of powerful stories about women searching for purpose in the aftermath of conflict. Jodi’s narration brings life and empathy to these stories that are not often seen and heard.”
“Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan” is now available worldwide on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel as well as on cable via the ABS-CBN News Channel and on streaming platform iWant. Visit and subscribe to ABS-CBN News’ YouTube channel for more exclusive documentaries and special features.
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Angela Ken Explores New Musical Ground In First Solo Concert
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Kapamilya singer-songwriter Angela Ken takes audiences on a musical journey of exploration in her first-ever solo concert “Panahon Na Natin”, happening on October 18, 2026 at the New Frontier Theater. Beyond her signature sound, audiences can expect Angela to showcase a fresh and different side of her artistry in the concert. She teased, “I am bringing the element of exploration. Discovering ‘Panahon’ EP, to be very honest. Doon ako bumalik. ‘Di ko naman masabi na I was lost, but maybe because I explored a lot of stuff. Because of that, ang dami ko pang gusto from my music na hindi pa nailabas from ‘Ako Naman Muna’ since it’s been six years naman na rin.”
The concert, to be directed by John Prats, will be a different kind of intimate and personal, dedicated to Angela’s followers, whom she fondly calls Angels. She said, “It’s a different kind of personal; it’s a different kind of intimate. I want them to feel na nagkakaabutan lang tayong lahat. Yung difference nito is yung lalim na gusto naming mensahe sa bawat set, sa bawat performance, sa bawat guest.” Fans can also look forward to Angela’s live performance of the tracks from her “Panahon” EP, released under Tarsier Records, which she described as showing the timelines of one’s life. The ABS-CBN Music artist explained, “Those six songs, it will show you the other side of your life. Like example, si ‘simula ngayon,’ it talks about kung ano ka na ngayon, yung parang pinagtibay ka na ng panahon. ‘kahapon’ talks about the reality na minsan talaga wala kang magagawa pag gusto mo ang isang tao. ‘Pwede Bang Mamaya?’ talks about how we can prolong something with this person, with this person kasi sobrang saya. ‘baka bukas’ is a song full of hope na lahat tayo meron at meron na baka bukas sa buhay.”
Angela is likewise set to perform her upcoming single, “tayo lang”, at the concert. The first song she ever wrote back in 2018 is slated to be released worldwide on digital music streaming platforms on September 25, 2026. She shared, “Ngayon ko pa lang siya ilalabas nang kumpleto. There are changes sa lyrics niya, there are tweaks. Pinagtibay rin siya ng panahon.” Tickets to “Angela Ken: Panahon Na Natin” are still available on Ticketnet outlets and via ticketnet.com.ph. For more details, follow Tarsier Records on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
