POP NEWS DIGITAL

White Party Manila, once the Philippines’ largest and most iconic Pride celebration, has made a powerful and vibrant comeback—ushering in a new era for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The recent event, held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on June 27, marked not just a celebration, but a bold statement of unity, acceptance, and renewed commitment to advocacy. Mentorque producer Bryan Dy (left) and Dr. Ronivin G. Pagtakhan of LoveYourself A Night of Giving and Solidarity One of the most memorable highlights was the presentation of a P1 million check by Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda and Bryan Dy of Mentorque Productions to LoveYourself, led by Dr. Ronivin G. Pagtakhan. This generous donation will directly support HIV awareness, testing, and care initiatives, cementing Pride’s role as a force for both celebration and protection. Themed “REIGNITE,” this year’s White Party Manila was a collaboration between LoveYourself and Mentorque Productions. Notably, part of the event’s proce...

Vice Ganda celebrates fearless queens and encourages limitless self-expression in his upcoming single, “Talak,” which dropped on music streaming platforms. The Unkabogable Superstar gave “It’s Showtime” viewers a peek at the empowering track last June 15, debuting its catchy lyrics and high-energy beat in time for the kickoff of the noontime show’s comeback pageant segment, “Miss Q&A: Reyna Talak-Era 2026.” Vice Ganda “Talak” is a celebration of individuality, courage, and confidence. Vice Ganda composed the feel-good anthem with Chris Lopez and Kiko Salazar.  Chris Lopez and Jonathan Manalo produced the song with supervising producer and StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos.  Celebrate owning one’s voice with Vice Ganda’s “Talak” single, out now. For more details, follow StarPop on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.     

  The beloved pageant segment “Miss Q and A” has officially returned to “It’s Showtime,” ushering in a new season that celebrates beauty, brilliance, and unapologetic self-expression through a fresh batch of aspiring queens from across the country. Viewers expressed excitement over its return, as the witty remarks of past contestants continue to be talked about to this day. The episode’s hashtag, #ShowtimeMQA2026, topped nationwide trends on X on Monday. For Vice Ganda, the heart of “Miss Q and A” has always been the contestants’ ability to surprise viewers with answers that are both unexpected and insightful. Mrs. Jawo of Antipolo “Ang dapat abangan nating lahat ay yung mga hindi inaasahang sasabihin ng mga contestants natin, kasi yun yung magic ng ‘Miss Q&A,’ ” he said. According to Vice, viewers can also look forward to meeting new personalities who could become the next breakout stars of the competition, much like the fan favorites who emerged from previous seasons. Vice ki...

A group of TNVS drivers won the P1 million jackpot prize on “Everybody Sing” last Sunday (May 31) after successfully identifying all 10 songs in the show's jackpot round. The group won the coveted prize when driver Joel correctly guessed the final song title, “Loveteam.” Tears of joy flowed as the Songbayanan celebrated their hard-earned victory. Host Vice Ganda also expressed his happiness over the drivers’ win, noting how meaningful the prize would be for the group. Vice Ganda Aside from the jackpot prize, the Songbayanang TNVS Drivers also won an additional P20,000 in the “Singko Blanko” round with the help of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” ex-housemate Ralph de Leon. Hit singer Maki likewise joined the weekend episode, adding to the fun and excitement in the studio. Meanwhile, netizens continued to shower “Everybody Sing” with praise for bringing joy and entertainment to viewers every weekend. Many shared that the program helps them unwind and de-stress, while ot...

Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda withdrew from his scheduled guest appearance at the homecoming concert of America's Got Talent champion Jessica Sanchez, scheduled for May 16 at the Araneta Coliseum. He announced his decision via social media just hours before the show. Here is his full statement: "This is to regretfully inform everyone that I will no longer be performing at Jessica Sanchez’s concert scheduled today, May 16, 2026. "Much as I am looking forward to performing in the said concert, I won’t be able to attend and perform due to some unforeseen circumstances. "I wish Jessica good luck and my heartfelt congratulations in advance. I sincerely hope to work with her in the future," the post read. Earlier, both artists shared their enthusiasm about performing together at the concert. Vice Ganda also mentioned his fondness for Jessica, whom he first met on his show, Gandang Gabi Vice. Main picture credit: Vice Ganda (Facebook)

  Hot off her win as America's Got Talent 2025 Grand Champion, Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez is set to make a powerful return to the Philippines with a major homecoming concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 16, produced by Wilbros Live and Frontrow Philippines. Dubbed "Jessica Sanchez: Live in Manila," the event has fans abuzz with anticipation, especially as it promises special guests: Gary V, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Darren Espanto, James Reid, Morissette, and Vice Ganda. This concert marks Jessica’s first major performance since her history-making AGT win. Reflecting on that unforgettable night, Jessica revealed the immense pressure she faced—not only was she making a comeback two decades after her American Idol days, but she was also nearing the end of her pregnancy.  Jessica Sanchez and family (Images courtesy of Facebook) Jessica credited her faith and determination for carrying her through, ultimately leading to victory while nine months ...

Once hailed as the Philippines' biggest and most iconic pride celebration and a high-caliber production, White Party Manila 2026 returns to The World Trade Center Manila on June 27, led by the country's beloved LGBTQIA+ icon and Unkabogable superstar Vice Ganda. This year’s White Party Manila is a collaboration between LoveYourSelf and Mentorque Productions, with a portion of the event proceeds supporting HIV Awareness programs, testing, and care because Pride is not only celebrated; it is protected. "Our hope is to become the official party for all Pride events. Let's work together to unite everyone and create a truly inclusive celebration," Bryan shared in an interview. "We anticipate welcoming between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees to the event, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind." Bryan further explained, "This gathering aims to showcase the true spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community. While we cannot control what others say, we are comm...

The songbayanan from Calumpit, Bulacan, took home the P1 million jackpot prize in the newest season of "Everybody Sing" after correctly guessing all 10 songs in the jackpot round last Sunday (May 3). With only five seconds left on the clock, the group secured their victory after Leslie identified the final song, “Pangarap Lang” by Yeng Constantino. Vice Ganda and Bella Padilla According to host Vice Ganda, the prize will be a big help to the group as they continue to face challenges brought by recurring flooding in their community. Aside from the jackpot prize, the group also won an additional P60,000 with the help of celebrity guest Bela Padilla during the “Singko Blanko” round, wherein she and four other represingtatives completed three lines of the song "Pare Ko." JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano Comedians Petite and Iyah Mina joined the pilot weekend as co-hosts alongside Vice. Meanwhile, “Your Face Sounds Familiar” Season 4 grand winners JM Dela Cerna and ...

Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda shared that he will be a guest performer at Jessica Sanchez's homecoming concert at the Araneta Coliseum on May 16. The show is co-produced by RS Francisco and Wilbros Live. "I surprised the producer. I told him I was available on the date of Jessica’s concert and that I would perform. He couldn’t do anything about it—I told him even when he already had the poster ready," Vice recounted during a dinner with the entertainment press in Quezon City. Vice Ganda added, "I told him there was no need to put me on the poster. I’ll just show up and perform. "I really like Jessica Soho. I mean, I really like Jessica Sanchez—she even performed on my show, GGV (Gandang Gabi Vice), before. "We had a great conversation. I told him, 'I want to interview Jessica.' If not, I won’t go onstage at the concert," the "It's Showtime" host joked. When asked if GGV would finally return to television, Vice Ganda replied, "H...

  With two years left before the next presidential election, Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda continues to express hope that former Vice President Leni Robredo might change her mind and run in 2028. "I'd still vote for Leni Robredo," Vice Ganda shared when asked about his choice for president in the 2028 elections, during a dinner with members and friends of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) at Romulo's in Quezon City on April 27. Recently, Leni announced that she would not seek a national position in the 2028 elections, preferring instead to remain in Naga City.  Analysts believe this decision could weaken the opposition’s ability to counter Vice President Sara Duterte’s political ambitions. Leni shared that she intends to run for a second term as mayor of Naga City, an independent city southeast of Manila, where she now serves in a quieter role compared to her challenging tenure as vice president under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Vice Ganda (I...

Kapamilya stars Anne Curtis-Smith, Edward Barber of Pinoy Big Brother Lucky 7 and reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens will lead the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at Times Square Food Park in Araneta City on November 8 at 7 p.m. Unkabogable star Vice Ganda might also dropped by and spread cheer during the festive holiday tree lighting event. Started in 1981, this is the third year in a row that the 100-foot Christmas Tree is housed on the food park. Last year, Vice Ganda and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo rocked Araneta City with their musical numbers. Will the star power of Anne and Barber break the 20,000 record number of fans and guests who witnessed last year's event? Reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens and other celebrities will also grace in switching the lights of the iconic Christmas Tree on the premier lifestyle hub. - Robert Requintina 

Carlo Morris Galang, president of Prime Events Productions Philippines (PEPPS) Foundation Inc., organizer of the Misters of Filipinas pageant, has confirmed that the Mister International pageant will be held in the Philippines once again in 2019. "I am proud to announce that we are bringing back Mister International here in our country! Are you excited? I want to hear some fresh ideas. I am also open for collaboration. Salamat sa suporta! Let's do this! Best of luck to our Mister International Philippines 2018 Mark Kevin Janda Baloaloa," says Galang on Facebook. Alan Sim, President of the Mister International Organization, says the Mister International event in February 2019 will be for the 2018 edition. "Mister International 2019 will be held later this year." Founded in 2006, the Mister International pageant was first held in Manila in 2015. The winner of the competition was Pedro Mendes of Switzerland. In 2014, Neil Perez captured its first Mister I...

Thousands of people turned out and cheered as cellphone cameras clicked when the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City lit up last Friday night as it switched the lights on its iconic giant Christmas tree, a tradition that started in 1981. Thousands of people crowded the venue at the Times Square Food park on the premier lifestyle hub. It is the second year in a row that the 100-foot Christmas tree is housed on the food park on the corner of Times Square and Gen. Roxas Avenue. Judy Araneta Roxas, mother of Senator Mar Roxas; Stella Marquez Araneta, chair of Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Binibining Pilipinas queens, movie stars, executives, and sponsors led the lighting of the giant holiday tree. Ace comedian Vice Ganda and actress-singer Sarah Geronino joined the celebration. This was Vice Ganda's fifth straight year of leading the celebration, and Geronimo's first. Other guests include Darren Espanto, McCoy de Leon, TNT Boys, Janine Ber...

It seems like Asia’s top transgender supermodel/lawyer Mader Sitang of Thailand, who is famous for her signature hair-flipping dance moves, is not coming back to Manila anymore. This after former Mr. Gay World finalist-businessman Wilbert Tolentino, who acted as her manager in her recent trip to Manila, revealed that Mader Sitang refused to honor the contract he presented to her team in Thailand. Tolentino made the hint on Facebook. It read: "By now, you must have already known that the contract signing between me and Mader Sitang here in Bangkok did not materialize because of the latter's refusal to honor such agreement. All of you can attest that I have always been fair and transparent in all my dealings; "I am so touched and overwhelmed with the show of moral support by my kababayans through the large number of FB messages that i have been receiving. Maraming, maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat; "Special thanks to Team Philippines' legal adviser...

Inamin ng grupong Aegis na may mga panahon na nililimitahan na nila ang kanilang mga shows dahil madalas nagwawala ang kanilang fans sa mga concert nila. "Pag kinakanta na namin yung mga Tagalog songs, nagwawala na sila," ayon kay Juliet Sunot, isa sa mga miyembro ng Aegis, sa interview sa "Tonight With Boy Abunda" sa ABS CBN. Dagdag pa ni Juliet: "Sa sobrang enjoy nila, nagbabato sila ng tissue (sa stage). Ang nangyari, hindi na kami pinakanta ng may-ari ng mga original (songs) namin. Mga cover songs lang." Sinabi rin nila na dahil sa mga pangyayaring ito, ang tatlong araw na gig nila ay nagiging isang araw na lamang. Umabot ng dalawang dekada bago nagkaroon ang grupo ng concert sa unang pagkakataon sa  Smart Araneta Coliseum. Ito ay pinamagatang “AEGIS 2OBLE DEKADA Ang Soundtrack Ng Buhay Mo - The Aegis 20th Anniversary Concert” sa July 13. Sinabi rin ng Aegis na nasasaktan sila kapag tinatawag na baduy or makaluma ang kanilang grupo. Il...