POP NEWS DIGITAL

  Veteran actress Maricel Soriano, long regarded as one of Philippine showbiz’s most formidable talents, is showing a different side of herself these days. During a recent media conference for Regal Entertainment’s upcoming horror film "Haunted Carnival," Maricel reflected on her evolution as both an actress and a figure on set. “I’m no longer fierce, but I still say what I feel,” Maricel candidly shared, dispelling her former reputation for being intimidating.  The press event, held in Quezon City on July 26, gathered the star-studded cast of the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, including James Reid, John Arcilla, RK Bagatsing, Charlie Fleming, Joaquin Arce, Prince Carlos, and more. Under the direction of Joey De Guzman, the film promises a blend of horror and heart. Excitement was evident among Maricel’s co-stars. For Julia Barretto, working with Maricel marks both a personal milestone and a meaningful return to acting after a year-long hiatus.  "It’s my first ti...

I finally caught the movie "Almost Us," starring Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra, on Mother's Day. I wasn't able to attend the media premiere last week. It's a nice movie, but Fyang caught my attention; she was a real revelation. I thought I would see her on screen doing cutesy scenes. But I was wrong. She was effortless in her emotional scenes. Never overact. I guess she's ready for big, dramatic roles.  Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra To be honest, I became interested in Fyang after four award-winning stars of Philippine movies - Michael de Mesa, Maricel Soriano, Dina Bonnevie, and Ara Mina - praised her acting skills last month. But that was for another project. Didn't one of these four stars say, 'The next best actress' in reference to Fyang? I just agree with this remark. JM is also good, but I think Fyang made a striking presence in the film. Yet I love the movie's theme: not being selfish and simply allowing things to happen without our control. It...

Fyang Smith has confirmed what fans have long suspected — JM Ibarra is courting her. But don't expect a love story to unfold on cue. The actress made it clear at the media conference for their upcoming film "Almost Us," held at Valencia Events Place in Quezon City on April 12, that she's in no rush to say yes. "Tungkol sa aming relationship, nililigawan niya po ako. Nanliligaw pa rin siya sa akin hanggang ngayon" (Regarding our relationship, he is courting me. He is still courting me up to now),” Fyang told reporters, her tone warm but measured. When pressed on why she hasn't accepted his courtship, she was candid: "Masyado pong mabilis. Hindi maganda kung mamadaliin namin ang isang bagay na hindi naman kailangang mamadaliin. Ang focus namin ngayon ay ang career namin" (It's too fast. It wouldn't be good to rush something that doesn't need to be rushed. Our focus right now is our careers). JM, for his part, didn't deny a thing. ...