POP NEWS DIGITAL

  Filipino talent shone on the world stage when Roniel Lopez of TGI Fridays Philippines was crowned 2026 Grand Champion at the recent World Bartending Championship held in Orlando, Florida, besting seven top bartenders from the USA, Greece, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, the UK, Japan, and Taiwan.  Chantry Coffman of the USA was named 1st runner-up, while Aleksandro Naksi of Greece was adjudged 2nd runner-up. The victory was sealed after an exceptional performance across both key stages of the competition. The first was the Compulsory Round, where he displayed technical knowledge, recipe accuracy, and precise pour mechanics under strict speed and standard guidelines. The second was the Freestyle Competition, where he wowed the crowd and judges with high-energy, captivating flair, executing complex bottle flips, throws, and catches paired with a magnetic stage presence.  Filipino TGIFridays Bartender Roniel Lopez  From Empty Bottles to the World Stage Lopez’s bartend...

  Global Physical AI company XPENG was officially launched in the Philippines, introducing a six-variant lineup across the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The launch expands the company’s initial Philippine offering with newly announced versions of both models, joining the flagship variants whose prices were released earlier this month. The full lineup gives Filipino customers a broader choice of premium electric and range-extended vehicles, with prices starting at ₱1,548,000. The event marked a major milestone in XPENG’s continuing expansion across Southeast Asia. An audience of 3,000, including media, content creators, dealer and banking partners, automotive industry executives, special guests, and members of the public, gathered for a presentation that paired the vehicle debuts with a broader look at the company’s work in Physical AI. One of the evening’s major moments was the formal introduction of Anne Curtis as XPENG Philippines’ official brand ambassador...

  An abandoned mansion and a family’s chilling accounts of an old lady and a child set the stage for the premiere of “Philippines’ Most Haunted,” ABS-CBN News’ newest digital horror documentary series hosted by veteran actor Joonee Gamboa, streaming on October 15 at 8 PM on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel. In its first episode, Joonee takes viewers to a mansion in Northwestern Luzon, where a family who once lived there reported feeling the presence of an old lady and a child. A paranormal expert joins the exploration and attempts to communicate with what the former residents believed were spirits haunting the property. With his commanding voice and storytelling presence, Joonee guides viewers through places associated with chilling encounters and stories passed down through generations. The weekly series brings together Filipino folklore, firsthand testimonies, and paranormal investigations to explore these accounts and why they continue to frighten those who hear them. “Philippin...

  Imagine if a social media troll could help save lives. That’s the concept behind “Ate Rose,” Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s latest health awareness campaign designed to educate the public about atherosclerosis—a condition that can cause serious cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits or plaque accumulate within the arteries, restricting blood flow. Over time, this buildup can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. To make the condition easier to grasp and remember, Asian Hospital introduced Ate Rose—a colorful, mischievous character who “trolls” social media users and influencers. The campaign leverages humor and social media engagement to highlight a serious health issue, guiding audiences to information about atherosclerosis and stressing the importance of early detection. Ate Rose has engaged with various online personalities such as Kuya Kim Atienza, Krizzia Luna, Markybap, and Via Austria, sparking conversations that d...

  People rarely buy a recliner intending to replace it in a year or two. Once it finds its place in the living room, bedroom, or family area, it often becomes part of everyday life for years. That makes choosing one less about how comfortable it feels during a short showroom test and more about whether it will keep up with how you live. Think about how often that chair may actually be used. It can become the place for morning coffee, television after work, weekend reading, afternoon rest, or the few quiet minutes between parts of the day. Over several years, those hours add up considerably. ZION Philippines approaches its recliner collection with that long-term use in mind. The lineup includes the Noble, Duke, Baron, Crown 1-Seater, Crown 2-Seater, and Royale, offering different combinations of upholstery, reclining systems, movement, powered adjustment, vibration massage, heating, and lift assistance by model. That variety matters because a recliner should fit more than the availa...

  Popular comedian and vlogger Sassa Gurl is making headlines not just for her latest film role but for her unwavering determination to never be poor again. Sassa takes center stage in the supernatural horror-comedy-romance “Multwoh (Patay Na Patay Sa’yo),” an official entry to the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The festival runs from September 23 to October 4, and “Multwoh” is already creating a buzz for its unique story and its star’s inspiring journey. But for Sassa, “Multwoh” represents much more than just another acting gig. “This is the first movie I produced,” Sassa shared during the film’s premiere at Gateway Cinema in Araneta City.  “I haven’t recouped my investment yet,” she admitted, underscoring the financial risks she took to bring this story to life. Despite the uncertainty, Sassa is determined to keep producing films. “Hopefully. Producing is also a business. But even if I make a profit just once, I’ll still keep making stories people haven’t seen in fi...