ABS-CBN Maintains Leadership in Philippine Media Through Diverse Platforms

ABS-CBN remains the foremost media and entertainment entity in the Philippines, providing audiences with a broad range of quality programming across multiple platforms including television, radio, digital media, and film. The company emphasizes its dedication to public service and the promotion of Filipino values, strengthening its connection with viewers not only domestically but also internationally. Through its strategic governance, investor relations, and worldwide distribution efforts, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and engage audiences around the globe, asserting its position as a key player in the media industry.

"It’s Showtime" Hosts Deliver Spectacular Drag Performance in "Dragpasikat" Celebration

On Friday, the hosts of "It’s Showtime" stunned viewers with an extraordinary drag performance as part of the "Dragpasikat" event. Leading the showcase was Vice Ganda, who performed as Fanotra Phenomena, the matriarch of the House of Ganda, delivering dynamic numbers including "Rampa" and Todrick Hall’s "Queen." The performance featured hosts Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ogie Alcasid, Ryan Bang, Jugs Jugueta, and Teddy Corpuz, who surprised audiences by appearing as drag queens themselves. They were joined by prominent drag artists Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas Deluxe, Eva Le Queen, Arizona Brandy, Popstar Bench, Turing, Minty Fresh, Matilduh, Angel Galang, Hana Beshie, Shewarma, Khianna, and the dance troupe Femme MNL. Following the event, Jhong Hilario praised the artistic craftsmanship and dedication of drag performers. He stated, \"What you do is truly challenging—bringing joy to people and pursuing your passion requires immense preparation, so we take our hats off to you.\" Vhong Navarro echoed these sentiments, recognizing the queens' commitment and expressing gratitude for their inspiration. Ogie Alcasid further highlighted their discipline, specifically lauding their lip-syncing and choreography as a career highlight.\n\nVice Ganda clarified the intent behind the performance, emphasizing respect rather than mockery. \"This was to acknowledge and honor your art and mode of expression,\" Vice said. She added, \"Drag is more than entertainment; it's a form of protest against abuse and discrimination faced by many in the LGBTQIA+ community.\" She confidently declared, \"Filipino drag artists are among the world’s best.\"\n\nPrecious Paula Nicole expressed gratitude towards "It’s Showtime" for providing a platform for drag artists. This drag showcase was a key highlight of the week-long 16th-anniversary festivities of "It’s Showtime.\" Since its debut on GMA’s GTV in July 2023, "It’s Showtime" has grown in popularity. In April 2024, the show expanded its broadcast to include GMA’s main channel alongside GTV. This landmark drag performance not only entertained but also underscored the cultural significance and social advocacy embodied in the drag community today.

Ashley Sarmiento and Rave Victoria Spotlighted on Times Square LED Billboard

Ashley Sarmiento and Rave Victoria, housemates from "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0," have been showcased on a vibrant LED billboard in the renowned Times Square, New York. The display captures tender and affectionate scenes between the two within the iconic Bahay ni Kuya setting. According to close friend Marco Masa, Ashley developed a crush on Rave early in their stay, a sentiment that appeared reciprocated. Their genuine connection once went viral after an emotional conversation where Rave expressed feeling hurt when Ashley pulled away. This budding relationship also drew playful attention from fellow housemates, who affectionately nicknamed the duo as the "mhie" and "dhie" of Bahay ni Kuya, engaging in playful "shipping". In addition to Ashley and Rave’s feature, Kapuso stars Caprice Cayetano and Heath Jornales, known as "CapHeath," were prominently displayed on another Times Square billboard. "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0" airs on GMA Network on weeknights at 9:40 p.m., Saturdays at 6:15 p.m., and Sundays at 10:05 p.m.

"One Battle After Another" Leads Golden Globe Nominations with Nine Nods

The dark comedy "One Battle After Another," featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as a faded revolutionary, has received the most nominations at this year's Golden Globe Awards, securing nine nods. Following closely is the Norwegian family drama "Sentimental Value" with eight nominations, while the supernatural horror film "Sinners" garnered seven. "One Battle After Another" is expected to be a major contender for best picture at the upcoming Academy Awards and is competing in the Golden Globes category for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Other films vying in this category include "Marty Supreme" and "Bugonia." In the Best Motion Picture – Drama category, "Sinners" and "Sentimental Value" will contend alongside Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of "Frankenstein" and "Hamnet," a drama centered on William Shakespeare's family. Notable acting nods include Leonardo DiCaprio for "One Battle After Another," Dwayne Johnson for "The Smashing Machine," and Jessie Buckley for "Hamnet." Highlighting the evolving entertainment landscape, the Golden Globes introduced a new podcast category this year. The nominees in this category are "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard," "Call Her Daddy," "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," "The Mel Robbins Podcast," "Smartless," and NPR's "Up First." The winners will be chosen by over 300 global entertainment journalists and announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for January 11 in Beverly Hills. Comedian Nikki Glaser will return to host the event for the second consecutive year. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed via Paramount+.

SexBomb Girls Stage Sold-Out Reunion Concerts to Rave Reviews

The legendary girl group of the early 2000s, SexBomb Girls, captivated audiences once again with a highly successful two-day reunion concert series. Supported by BingoPlus, a leading digital entertainment platform in the country, the shows rekindled fans' enthusiasm with high-energy performances and memorable moments. Both concerts, held on December 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and December 9 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, were met with overwhelming demand, resulting in sold-out venues. Concertgoers energized the events by singing and dancing to classic hits that made the group famous. The first night featured special appearances from notable performers including the EB Babes, the resident dance troupe of the popular noontime show Eat Bulaga!, who engaged in a dance showdown with the SexBomb Girls. The 90s male dance ensemble Abztract Dancers also joined the stage, showcasing talents such as Dingdong Dantes and Arthur Solinap, the husband of SexBomb Girls' lead, Rochelle. Fans were further entertained by the comedic parody group SexBalls, comprised of Michael V, Ogie Alcasid, Wendell Ramos, and Antonio Aquitania. The atmosphere shifted to a heartfelt tone when the group performed the theme song from their beloved television drama series "Daisy Siete," enhancing the emotional resonance of the evening. The second concert featured a standout duet by SexBomb member Evette and renowned singer Martin Nievera. Additionally, Eat Bulaga! hosts Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola made special guest appearances, further delighting attendees. Fans also had the opportunity to take photos with BingoPlus SexBomb standees autographed by the members, and enjoyed concert kits equipped with official light sticks provided by BingoPlus. Concluding the event, the SexBomb Girls teased fans with news of a potential follow-up tour titled "Get Get Aw: The SexBomb Concert," promising more excitement to come.

Rhian Ramos and Sam Verzosa Unfollow Each Other Amid Breakup Speculations

Social media users have observed that actress Rhian Ramos and businessman Sam Verzosa have unfollowed each other on Instagram, prompting fresh speculation about the status of their relationship. The couple, who publicly confirmed their romance at the GMA Gala in 2022 by arriving hand in hand, recently marked their fourth anniversary in August. Despite facing breakup rumors earlier this year, Verzosa had previously addressed the speculation, acknowledging challenges but affirming, \"We are in love.\" In a March interview on "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," Ramos revealed that her perspective on marriage evolved thanks to her relationship with Verzosa. Currently, Ramos stars as Mitena, the Ice Queen and principal antagonist, in "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre." The recent online development has reignited discussions among fans regarding the couple's future. No official statements have been released by either party concerning the rumored split.

Experts Highlight Top Five Must-Watch Films of 2025 Revealing Deep Social and Cultural Themes

Leading critics and academics have compiled a list of the five most significant films of 2025, each offering a unique lens on contemporary social and cultural challenges. Topping the list is *One Battle After Another*, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film centers on Bob, an aging hippie and former radical, whose peaceful off-grid life is shattered when a vengeful ex-soldier, Colonel Lockjaw, re-enters their lives. Set against a backdrop of a post-Obama America, the movie delves into themes of family conflict, immigrant detention, and the influence of powerful corporate and political interests. Anderson’s unsettling depiction of detention centers has been lauded by industry veterans for its timely relevance. *Sinners* transports viewers to the racially segregated Jim Crow Mississippi through the story of Sammie, a young Black guitarist. When his gangster cousins launch a juke joint, the establishment attracts Remmick, an enigmatic Irish vampire who offers an escape from oppression. The film intricately weaves historical narratives of Irish and Indigenous oppression, using music as a metaphor to explore shared experiences of suffering and resilience. Jesse Eisenberg’s *A Real Pain* contemplates the inescapable grip of history. Through the journey of two cousins visiting Poland to honor their Holocaust survivor grandmother, the semi-road movie examines the tension between honoring painful pasts and embracing present needs. The film skillfully challenges audiences to reconsider the weight of historical memory without offering simplistic solutions. *Sorry, Baby*, the directorial debut of Eva Victor, presents a candid, non-linear portrayal of a woman grappling with the aftermath of sexual assault. Drawing from Victor’s personal experience, the film highlights the complexities of trauma and healing, portraying the protagonist as a multidimensional figure full of pain, humor, and desire. This work has been recognized as an important new voice in contemporary cinema. Finally, *Weapons* confronts the psychological unraveling of a small Pennsylvania town after seventeen children disappear mysteriously. The narrative explores human behavior under stress, showcasing how fear divides communities into hostile "us versus them" factions. A local teacher becomes the scapegoat, emphasizing how real horrors often stem from societal breakdown rather than supernatural sources. These selections reflect a trend in 2025 filmmaking toward confronting difficult realities with nuance and depth. Additional notable films this year include *Pillion*, *Frankenstein*, *The Ballad of Wallis Island*, and *Companion*. Each film offers a compelling invitation to engage critically with themes such as justice, memory, identity, trauma, and collective psychology that resonate deeply in today’s world.

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes Host Festive Havana-Themed Christmas Party for Their Teams

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes recently organized a festive Christmas party to honor their respective teams, embracing a lively Havana tropical theme. In an Instagram Reel shared by the couple, attendees were seen dressed in colorful, tropical-inspired attire as they enjoyed a wide selection of food and drinks, engaging party games, and raffles featuring home items. The event was filled with dancing and spirited celebrations, with renowned comedian Boobay serving as the host for the evening. Marian Rivera expressed her gratitude through a heartfelt caption, stating, \"In the laughter and joy of the DongYan Havana Christmas Party, we were reminded how blessed we are to have teams who truly feel like family. Thank you for loving, caring for, and supporting us without conditions. Our hearts are full. Mahal namin kayo.\" The couple, married since 2014, have two children: Zia, born in 2015, and Sixto, born in 2019. Aside from their recent holiday festivities, they have also been active in the entertainment community, participating in trends like the \"Opalite\" dance challenge in November and serving as godparents at the wedding of Kiray Celis and Stephan Estopia earlier this month.

Alex Eala Gears Up for Australian Open at MGM Macau Tennis Masters

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to sharpen her competitive edge ahead of the 2024 Australian Open by participating in three events at the MGM Macau Tennis Masters this weekend. The 20-year-old, currently ranked No. 53 in the WTA, will compete in the captains challenge, mixed doubles, and women's singles during the two-day exhibition, which kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Eala joins forces with British ATP No. 10 Jack Draper and Chinese ATP No. 253 Jerry Shang as part of Team Lina from China, opposing a lineup selected by Spanish tennis icon Conchita Martinez. Team Martinez features notable contenders such as Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ATP No. 14), Czech talent Jakub Menšík (ATP No. 19), and Russia's Mirra Andreeva (WTA No. 9). Sharing a glimpse of the event, Eala described the experience as "a very merry practice" on her social media, accompanied by a photo with her teammates and Andreeva. In addition to the mixed doubles match with Shang against Andreeva and China’s Yibing Wu (ATP No. 182), Eala will face Andreeva in the women’s singles on Sunday, marking their first head-to-head encounter in three years. Their previous meeting was at the 2022 US Open quarterfinals, where Eala secured a comprehensive 6-4, 6-0 victory en route to becoming the first Filipina junior Grand Slam champion. The duo also partnered in doubles during that same tournament. The Macau Masters represents the final competition of a breakthrough year for Eala, highlighted by her maiden WTA Tour title, qualification for all four Grand Slam events, and ascent into the world’s Top 50 rankings. Her upcoming schedule includes the Australian Open from January 12 to February 1 in Melbourne, and potentially the WTA Philippine Women’s Open, slated for January 26 to 31, marking her debut in a home event in Manila. Eala arrives fresh from an impressive run in the Southeast Asian Games in Nonthaburi, Thailand, where she earned one gold and two bronze medals. She contributed to the women’s team bronze alongside Stefi Aludo, Alexa Milliam, Tennielle Madis, and Shaira Rivera, and secured another bronze in the mixed doubles with Niño Alcantara. She capped her SEA Games campaign by winning gold in the women’s singles final, defeating local favorite Manachaya Sawangkaew 6-2, 6-1, becoming the first Filipina SEAG champion since Maricris Fernandez in 1999.

Carla Abellana Prepares for New Chapter as Wedding Approaches

SAN JUAN, La Union — Actress Carla Abellana is concluding the year on a joyful note as she gears up for a new wedding chapter. Despite her busy schedule promoting her Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins," Carla took time to indulge in a pre-wedding self-care retreat at a renowned beauty clinic in Parañaque. She shared this experience alongside her mother, Rea, and close friends, describing it as an "ahhh-mazing" and "heavenly" moment. In a social media post, Carla expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for spoiling us. Definitely one for the books." The preparations and subtle hints, including a social card stating "Last Christmas as a Miss," suggest that the actress is planning to remarry before the year ends. Previously, showbiz journalist Ogie Diaz reported that Carla would be marrying a former partner, now a medical professional, in late December. When asked about these rumors, Carla responded courteously but chose to keep details private, stating, "I invoke my right to self-incrimination, so I refuse to say yes, I refuse to say no." Carla’s past marriage to actor Tom Rodriguez in 2021 ended after a few months, culminating in a finalized divorce in June 2022. Tom, an American citizen, now has a son named Korben with a non-showbiz partner. He is also participating in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival with the film "Unmarry," starring Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo.