Author: Anne Venancio

NAGOYA, JAPAN — August 30, 2026,    Glamour, friendship, and international star power filled the room as celebrities and creatives from the Philippines, Japan, and Korea gathered for the much-awaited NDM PLUS Members Only Gala at the elegant Royal Park Iconic Hotel in Sakae, Nagoya. The first-ever exclusive gala brought together actors, filmmakers, artists, and members of the NDM PLUS community for a night of fine dining, laughter, stylish looks, and meaningful conversations. Among those who graced the event were award-winning filmmaker and NDM PLUS Owner, Chairman and CEO Direk Nijel de Mesa, Executive Vice President Jan Christine, actress and…

NDM Plus made a strong brand statement at its recent “NOT FOR EVERYONE GALA,” formally unveiling its new tagline: “We’re not for Everyone (but we might be for you).” The event marked a defining moment for the streaming platform, positioning itself as a content hub focused on intentional storytelling rather than mainstream trends. NDM Plus Owner and CEO Direk Nijel de Mesa, alongside Executive Vice President Jan Christine, opened the evening with a message emphasizing creative independence. “We will not force our content down our audience’s throats. We will allow them to discover us,” Direk Nijel said during…

Vince Tañada is celebrated for his excellence in both the legal and entertainment fields. An award-winning actor, writer, director, and lawyer, he previously led the Philippine Stagers Foundation (Philstagers). Although he has passed the presidency to Johnrey Rivas, Tañada continues to be actively involved, demonstrating his dedication to the arts. Under Tañada’s leadership, Philstagers saw remarkable success with productions such as “Ako si Ninoy,” “Katips,” and “Hero Z,” which collectively amassed 655 performances nationwide. These works established the foundation’s reputation for thought-provoking, educational theater. Upcoming shows like “Hiwaga” and “Bangkay” are set to continue this legacy of excellence. Tañada’s…

Jesy Vidal, a 20-year-old native of Tondo, Manila, is a freshman at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), studying Entrepreneurship. She is not only a dedicated student but also a talented singer and actress with ambitious dreams. Jesy grew up in a tight-knit family of three siblings, finding joy in activities like playing volleyball, watching K-dramas, and singing karaoke with her loved ones. Despite her youth, Jesy has achieved notable milestones, such as representing her school in the Palarong Pambansa and winning the title of Mr. and Ms. TVL. Jesy’s journey into the entertainment industry began in her early years,…

Elle Fernandez, a 22-year-old from Lucena City, Quezon Province, is making waves in her career. She has already achieved significant success across television, film, and music. Elle swiftly gained widespread attention with appearances on popular television shows such as “It’s Showtime,” where she impressed audiences with her talent in segments like “Expecially for You” and “Sexybabe.” Her journey progressed with notable achievements, including reaching the Top 7 Semifinals on “It’s Showtime” and securing the Top 8 spot in TV5’s “Popinoy” with her girl group, Gandaras. In th film industry, Elle has demonstrated her versatility through roles in movies such as…

SNAPSHOTS by Anne Venancio February 1 marks a historic moment in Philippine broadcasting as RPTV, TV5’s latest free-to-air addition, is unveiled. Offering diverse content to cater to varied Filipino tastes, RPTV positions itself as the go-to destination for basketball enthusiasts, becoming the new home of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) with live broadcasts of all PBA games. The channel extends its sports coverage to include events like 3×3, D-League, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Gilas Pilipinas games. Beyond sports, RPTV brings daily entertainment into Filipino homes, anchored by the popular noontime show EAT…Bulaga. Weekends promise a blend of…

The Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) once again showcases its theatrical mastery with “HERO Z,” a groundbreaking Zombie Historical Fiction Musical. Crafted by acclaimed artist/director/producer Atty. Vince Tanada and composer Pipo Cifra, this production has captivated audiences nationwide. Bicol Caravan Triumph The “HERO Z” Bicol Caravan conquered venues like the Tabaco National High School Gymnasium and the Sorsogon Convention Center. The cast’s enthralling performances promised an educational and entertaining experience. A Fusion of History and Horror “HERO Z” intertwines the struggles of friends Andy, Jayriz, Kudz, and Pol, mirroring national heroes in a dystopian era. This musical delves into contemporary issues…

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as it explores healing and self-discovery in the upcoming MMFF movie “Broken Hearts Trip” for the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, starring Christian Bables. In an interview, Bables talks about the unique challenges his character faces in this heartwarming comedy-drama. “May kaibahan po. As much as possible, with the help na rin po ng mga directors na nakatrabaho ko, talagang sinu-sort out namin, ano yung hibla na iba dito sa character na ito,” explained Christian. He emphasized the importance of open communication with directors to bring authenticity to his portrayal. Teejay Marquez shares…

The recently held story conference for the upcoming film “Ang Babaeng Ayaw Mamatay” showcased an impressive ensemble, including Ara Mina, Simon Ibarra, Victor Silayan, Jackilou Blanco, Deborah Sun, Julian Roxas, and Janna Dee. The event, hosted at Brentwood Suites in Quezon City on December 17, 2023, garnered support from numerous production staff and friends in the film and television industry. Ara Mina expressed her eagerness to explore new roles, emphasizing her trust in Director Ron Sapinoso. Director Sapinoso impressed everyone with his down-to-earth attitude, underscoring his genuine love for making movies. He aspires to create an action film akin to…

In a groundbreaking feat, “Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told,” produced under Atty. Topacio’s Borracho Film Production, secures the number one spot on Netflix. Directed by Lester Dimaranan and boasting a stellar cast, the film explores the tragic events of the 2015 Mamasapano clash. Award-winning scriptwriter Eric Ramos crafts a well-researched script, offering a meticulous narration of the harrowing story involving 44 elite Special Action Force (SAF) troopers from the Philippine National Police. Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the fearless producer behind Borracho Film Production, ensures the film’s adherence to factual accuracy, dispelling any notions of fiction. The film features an ensemble…