POP NEWS DIGITAL

GMA Regional TV revs up this year's MassKara Festival by bringing the cast of the upcoming light drama "Delivery Boi" to Bacolod this October 17.   Leading the Kapuso Mall Show this Saturday at the SMile Strip of SM City Bacolod is 49th Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actor Will Ashley, together with his fellow Sparkle artists and Delivery Boi co-stars Yasser Marta, Vince Maristela, and Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Big Winner Mika Salamanca.   On Sunday (October 18), GMA Regional TV further elevates the colorful MassKara festivities with the livestream of the Masskara Dance Arena Competition dubbed "MassKara Festival 2026: The GMA Regional TV Ratsada Balita Special Coverage." The livestream begins from 1:30 p.m. onwards through the GMA Regional TV YouTube and social media accounts, as well as GMA News' YouTube channel, Ratsada Balita Facebook page, and the GMA Regional TV microsite.   Premiering on October ...

  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...

  Hyper Knife, the Korean medical thriller that had audiences on the edge of their seats with its shocking twists, captivating storyline, and realistic depictions of dangerous medical procedures, was nominated in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category at the 2026 International Emmy® Awards. A Disney+ Korea Original, Hyper Knife was also nominated alongside other international Disney+ titles including the United Kingdom’s A Thousand Blows (Drama Series) and Mexico’s La Peor Vuelta Al Mundo (The Worst Trip Around The World) (Non-Scripted Entertainment). First premiering in March 2025, Hyper Knife is a contemporary medical thriller with a syringe full of twists that follows Seok, a visionary neurosurgeon with unparalleled skill with a scalpel.  Addicted to the operating room and obsessed with honing her abilities, Seok suddenly finds herself shunned by her mentor and stripped of her medical license after uncovering a shocking truth.  Refusing to let go of her life’s work, Seok co...

Global AI device provider HONOR Philippines has officially begun teasing something exciting following the success of the HONOR 600 Series, hinting at another device designed to keep up with the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s young professionals, creators, and digital-savvy users. Built around the everyday demands of entertainment, content creation, work, and business, HONOR’s upcoming device will bring together the features users need to stay productive, creative, and connected. From creating social media content to managing work and business on the go, it is designed to fit seamlessly into how today’s generation lives and works. At the heart of the experience is HONOR’s AI Image to Video 2.0, giving users a more creative way to bring their images to life. Together with the device’s entertainment, content creation, and everyday productivity capabilities, HONOR is set to make advanced experiences more accessible to a wider audience. HONOR 600 First Day Sale Draws Huge Crowds “Followin...

  Breakout girl group Baby Dolls continues to make their mark in the music scene as their hit songs “Oohh Lala Baby” and “Ikembot Mo” draw more streams and views, while their latest single “Meme” gains traction across streaming and social media platforms. The “It’s Showtime” girl group made their breakthrough last March with the release of their debut EP, “Zoom Baby Dolls,” which introduced their fun, upbeat sound to music fans. Among its standout tracks were “Oohh Lala Baby” and “Ikembot Mo,” which have since become two of the group’s biggest hits. The group is now carrying that success into their latest release, “Meme,” which dropped on September 3. The new single has already surpassed 91,000 streams on Spotify, while its lyric video has earned 162,000 views on YouTube. On TikTok, the track is also gaining traction, with more than 15,700 posts using the song. “Meme” marks an exciting new chapter for Baby Dolls members as they get to showcase more of their personality and musicali...

Global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines officially launched the HONOR Pad X9b Max, bringing a larger and more immersive tablet experience to Filipino consumers. The tablet will be available for purchase starting September 19, with prices starting at PHP 19,999. Designed for entertainment, productivity, and everyday use, the HONOR Pad X9b Max combines a large, high-resolution display, a long-lasting battery, and an immersive viewing experience. Together, these features give users more room to watch, work, browse, and stay connected throughout the day. “We wanted to bring a tablet experience that gives users more room to enjoy the things they love, whether that’s watching content, getting work done, or simply staying connected throughout the day,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “With the HONOR Pad X9b Max, we’re bringing together a large 120Hz display, a powerful 10,100mAh battery, and an immersive IMAX Enhanced experience to make every moment on the tablet...

  Kapuso viewers are in for a daily dose of Michael V., as the Kapuso Comedy Icon temporarily takes over hosting duties for the country’s top-rating game show, Family Feud. Beginning Thursday, September 17, Bitoy steps in as host while Dingdong Dantes attends to The Master Cutter tapings. In an interview with Kapuso PR, Bitoy expressed his excitement and nostalgia over returning to game show hosting. “Naku, napakasaya. Miss na miss ko na 'yung pagho-host. Matagal ko nang iniisip-isip 'to, eh. Na-miss ko nga ba o hindi? Pero nung sumalang na ako dito sa Family Feud, oo nga na-miss ko nga! At gusto ko 'yung interaction, gusto ko 'yung meeting new people at saka 'yung mga sagot na binibigay nila para malaman mo 'yung personality nila,” he said. Known for his versatility as a comedian, actor, host, writer, and director, Bitoy is set to bring his signature wit and humor to the highly rated program. He shared that he added some twists to the show's usual gameplay ...

An evening of timeless OPM awaits as award-winning singer Joey G takes the stage at Hard Rock Cafe Manila on September 17 at 9:30 PM. Joey G brings his signature sound to Hard Rock Cafe for an OPM experience, featuring his emotional vocals that make for a memorable performance. Set in the energetic atmosphere of Hard Rock Cafe Manila, the show offers fans an up-close serenade. Guests can look forward to an intimate live show featuring Joey G’s unmistakable sound and a selection of OPM favorites. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a door charge of P1,500, inclusive of P500 consumable. Seats are limited. For inquiries and reservations: (02) 8990 9809 or 0917 144 9400. Main photo caption: Joey G (Image courtesy of Joey G Official)

  What’s your vibe? Bold and fearless? Sweet with a little spice? Cool and effortlessly chill? Whatever it is, XONARA says there’s a Bonchon flavor to match. Rising P-Pop girl group XONARA serves their own flavor to the table in the latest campaign ad as the newest ambassadors of Bonchon, the original Korean chicken favorite of Filipinos.  This collaboration brings together Bonchon’s signature Korean-inspired taste and XONARA’s fresh P-pop energy, encouraging individuality through flavor and self-expression among the young Filipinos. In their latest Bonchon EAT 7 video ad, the seven-member group shows off what makes each of them uniquely XONARA. From Eurekah’s bold creativity and Tin’s go-getter spirit, to Dominique’s fearless confidence, Ella’s elegant authenticity, Namie’s bubbly charm, Megumi’s unapologetic expressive flair, and Lei’s captivating energy, each member brings a different flavor to the group and now, to Bonchon. Just as XONARA embraces individuality through the...

The country's Phenomenal Unkabogable Superstar, Vice Ganda, is bringing more laughter and good vibes as his hit late-night Sunday talk show "Gandang Gabi Vice" makes its much-awaited return this September 13 (Sunday) on GMA and iWant. For its first episode, Vice will be joined by Kapuso actor and Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards as a special guest in his "GGV" debut. The show also adds new co-hosts: Vince Maristela, Divine Tetay, and Verna, collectively known as the Geng Gang. Vice Ganda (left) and Alden Richards Viewers can expect Kapamilya and Kapuso stars to join the show as special guests. "Ang pinakanakaka-excite ay 'yong Kapuso stars na gusto kong i-interview at makasama sa show ko ay posibleng-posible na. Marami rin akong nakausap na GMA stars na gusto rin nilang magkaroon ng 'GGV' experience. Mangyayari na talaga," Vice added. "Gandang Gabi Vice" returns this Sunday at 10 PM on GMA. It will also stream its TV epis...

  Disney+ Philippines is amping up the K-feels as Melai Cantiveros-Francisco leads the platform’s major Korean content campaign, “Deserve Mo Ng K!” In a new video, Melai—beloved host and comedian—captures the many moods of Filipino K-entertainment fans, from kilig and kulit to kaba, inviting viewers to discover their next Korean obsession on Disney+. The video showcases a packed slate of premium Korean content, featuring the upcoming The Remarried Empress, Made in Korea, and A Shop for Killers Season 2, as well as Flex X Cop Season 2 and fan-favorite Moving. From romance and action to comedy, thriller, and everything in between, Disney+ delivers the K-feels for every mood. Deserve mo ng K! K-dramas on Disney+. Main photo caption: Melai Cantiveros-Francisco

AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) is making it easier for travelers to plan trips around live events with a new offering that brings flights and official event tickets together in a single booking. The event + flights bundle debuts with Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) 2026, one of Southeast Asia’s biggest electronic dance music festivals, giving fans a more seamless and better-value way to plan their journey to the event. Powered by MOVETIX, MOVE’s dedicated event platform, the bundle also helps event organizers reach high-intent audiences beyond their home markets, connecting their events with travelers who are actively planning trips around live event experiences. From concerts and festivals to sporting events and cultural experiences, live events are increasingly becoming a reason for people to travel, creating new opportunities for cross-border tourism across the region. This bundle is designed to make these event-led journeys easier to plan while offering travelers better value and more reason...