POP NEWS DIGITAL

  Disney+ is bringing even more excitement to sports fans, with ESPN on Disney+ now available in the Philippines, featuring blockbuster matchups, unmissable moments, and a wide lineup of live sports action for subscribers. Available through the new Disney+ app and included in existing subscriptions, ESPN on Disney+ gives fans access to a dedicated ESPN hub via the ESPN navigation tab. Launching alongside the new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, ESPN on Disney+ welcomes sports fans in the Philippines to a new home ground for the games, stories and moments they follow every day. Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+ . ESPN will lead production and coverage, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary, and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming. “The Philippines is ...

  When it comes to radiant skin, even the stars have their secrets—and Dr. Nathalie Ordanza, founder of the ELAN Ivory Glow beauty line, is at the center of the conversation. At a recent event buzzing with industry insiders, Ordanza revealed her top picks for celebrities with enviable complexions, blending showbiz glamour with accessible lifestyle wisdom. Ordanza confessed that having these celebrities endorse her skincare line would be a dream, noting how their beauty routines inspire fans to invest in self-care and skin wellness. "I would love to have Marian Rivera—her glowing skin is iconic—but she already champions her own skincare brand," Ordanza shared with a laugh. She emphasized, however, that ELAN Ivory Glow caters to every age and lifestyle, making it a versatile choice for anyone seeking that celebrity-level glow. Aside from Rivera, Ordanza admires Dawn Zulueta’s timeless elegance, Alice Dixson’s age-defying radiance, and the fresh-faced charm of Sue Ramirez, Lorna...

The stage was set for the 75th Miss Universe Competition in Puerto Rico, but before the festivities could begin, controversy erupted.  On October 21, six Asian countries—Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos—announced they would not participate in the highly anticipated event scheduled for November 24. The announcement, made through Miss Grand International (MGI), sent shockwaves across the global pageant community. Unlike past withdrawals, when countries pulled out by choice, the circumstances were different this time. These nations were barred from competing due to a heated corporate franchise dispute. At the heart of the controversy lies a disagreement between JKN Universe LLC and Miss Universe Eastern, managed by Nawat Itsaragrisil. JKN Universe LLC declared that the national franchise agreements—previously held by Miss Universe Eastern—were now invalid. Meanwhile, MGI maintains that it had secured the rights for these territories via legitimate contracts ...

For many professionals, education begins with theories, models, and structured lessons that help build foundational knowledge. This kind of learning remains important, but the workplace often asks for something more immediate: the ability to apply ideas to real situations.  A concept may be clear in the classroom, yet feel very different when a professional has to manage a deadline, explain a decision, solve a team issue, understand financial implications, or respond to a business challenge with limited information. This is where practical business learning becomes valuable. It helps professionals move from knowing a concept to understanding how it works in real business settings. Finance becomes more than numbers on a report.  Marketing becomes more than promotion. Operations become more than task completion. Leadership becomes more than a title. When business education is connected to real decisions, learners begin to understand how different areas of an organization influen...

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...