Emma’s Birthday Glow Shines Brighter as She Signs with HonestGlow

Emma’s Birthday Glow!

Emma Tiglao marked her birthday last December 8 in probably one of the most unique way, aboard a flight from Thailand going back to the Philippines. But even at 30,000 feet in the air, nothing could dim the radiance of our Miss Grand International 2025!

Fresh from a victorious weekend in Thailand, Emma continues to shine brighter than ever. In just a span of days, she sealed not one, but two major endorsement deals, further solidifying her status as one of the country’s most sought-after beauty queens.

Her most recent signing took place yesterday at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, where she was officially welcomed as the newest face of HonestGlow Skincare. There she was also greeted and somehow celebrated her birthday along with her HonestGlow family.

Emma shared that she’d always dreamt when she was younger of celebrating her birthday in school with her classmates, now she’s celebrating her birthday with everyone.

Emma Tiglao’s star power is undeniably soaring! And if this birthday week is any indication, 2025 is her most dazzling year yet.

MMFF 2025: Piolo Pascual and Enrique Gil Celebrate Unsung Heroes in “Manila’s Finest”

MQuest Ventures, Cignal, and Spring Films join forces to revive the storied legacy of the Manila Police District, paying homage to its golden years when it earned the enduring title “Manila’s Finest.”

 

Manila’s Finest stars Piolo Pascual as Lt. Homer Magtibay and Enrique Gil as 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda, set against the turbulent backdrop of 1969 Manila. As civil unrest brews and the threat of an uprising looms over the capital, crime surges through its once orderly streets. With chaos rising on all fronts, the men of the Manila Police District are pushed to their limits—compelled to step up, hold the line, and prove why they were once hailed as the finest force in the nation.

Poised to be one of the most ambitious entries in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival, the film transports moviegoers back to the late ’60s and early ’70s. The challenge lies in capturing the era with authenticity—from the production design and costumes to the visual effects and smallest period details—ensuring every frame evokes the nostalgia and texture of a bygone Manila resurrected on the big screen.

During the grand mediacon held last Friday at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, the creatives clarified that the film is not a full-blown action movie but, at its core, a human drama. Though its characters and storylines are fictional, many of the settings and events were inspired by real incidents surrounding the First Quarter Storm, the period of heightened unrest that served as a prelude to the declaration of Martial Law in 1972.

Joining Pascual and Gil in Manila’s Finest are Rica Peralejo, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Inday Fatima, Joey Marquez, Cedric Juan, Ashtine Olviga, Kiko Estrada, Pearl Gonzales, Ariel Rivera, Ethan David, and Dylan Menor.

Directed by Raymond Red, the film stands as one of the most anticipated titles in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival and is set to premiere in cinemas on Christmas Day.

The trailer and official soundtrack are slated for release this week on the film’s social media channels.

Sto Tomas' Xavier Joe Zapata Wins Inaugural 'Ginoo Ning Kapampangan' Title.

 

 

STO. TOMAS’ XAVIER JOE ZAPATA WINS THE INAUGURAL ‘GINOO NING KAPAMPANGAN’

 

History has been made! The very first Ginoo Ning Kapampangan has been crowned! And it’s none other than Xavier Joe Zapata of Sto. Tomas.

 

The 22-year-old barista and culinary student emerged victorious among 21 candidates during the coronation night held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando.

 

Joe is going home with ₱300000 cash prize and a trip to Japan! 

 

Taking the titles of Ginoo Ning Kapampangan Turismo and Ginoo Ning Kapampangan Kasaupan (Charity) were Patrick Kleyn Gigante of Lubao and Railie Stephen Peña of Magalang, respectively.

 

Completing the Top 5 were 1st Runner-Up Kieron Puno of Sta. Ana and 2nd Runner-Up Charles Jordan Bondoc of Macabebe.

 

Review: #KMJSGabiNgLagimTheMovie – Sanib: A Weak Finale to an Otherwise Strong Lineup

 

#KMJSGabiNgLagimTheMovie

Sanib
Starring: Jillian Ward, EPi Quizon, Lotlot De Leon, Martin Del Rosario.

Sanib follows the story of Angel, a troubled young girl harboring deep resentment toward her mother who abandoned her. Things take a darker turn when Angel begins to experience strange possessions by entities that slowly taking control of her already fragile state.

Unfortunately, this is easily the most disappointing episode of the series. The premise is overused, and we’ve already seen countless films tackle this theme with more depth and creativity. This one falls flat, big time.

It all started with DINUGUAN. Imagine watching the trailer and seeing Jillian Ward drenched in blood, thinking the episode would be gory and intense. But no, lahat pala ng blood came from the dinuguan! Parang the explanation was, blood invites bad spirits daw.

After the Dinuguan scene, ayun na nagsimula na agad yung possesions na para bang wala man lang build up ng kwento, sugod agad sa Climax.

To be honest, the story itself feels weak, which explains why the storytelling ended up messy and unfocused. The prosthetics were really bad, the visual effects were underwhelming, and overall the episode looked like a 90s horror film na umaasa lang sa prosthetics para manakot—pero hindi effective.

I will give credit where it’s due: Jillian Ward and Martin del Rosario delivered strong performances. They acted their hearts out, but even that wasn’t enough to save the entire episode.

What makes it more frustrating is the question of why this story? Of all the submissions and possible concepts they could’ve chosen, bakit ito? They could’ve easily gone with a barkada exploring haunted locations—Diplomat Hotel, Manila City Hall, or any of the countless abandoned places in the Philippines that they’ve featured before. Mas may potential pa yun kaysa sa pinakasafe, pinakacliché, at pinaka-hilaw na exorcism narrative.

Banggitin ko na rin—there is one scene I genuinely liked: yung eksena ni Nikki Co sa simbahan toward the end of the episode. Ang ganda ng rehistro, ang linis ng framing, at ang lakas ng presence niya. Honestly, bagay na bagay si Nikki Co if ever magkaroon ng bagong Feng Shui movie; he fits that eerie-supernatural aesthetic so well.

Pero ayun na nga—balik tayo.
Despite that one strong moment, this is not how you end a special movie. The finale felt rushed, uninspired, and lacking the punch you’d expect from something meant to close a trio of horror stories. Instead of leaving viewers shaken or impressed, it leaves you wondering why they chose the weakest story to wrap things up.

Rating: 1/5

A Melody for the Mountains: Orange & Lemons and Valerie West Release “Heart of Ifugao”

 

Orange & Lemons returns to the music scene, this time lending their signature sound to emerging artist and Miss World Philippines – Ifugao 2026 candidate, Valerie Pawid West. Their collaboration brings to life “Heart of Ifugao,” a heartfelt tribute to the breathtaking wonders of the Cordilleran mountains.

Though raised in the United States, the 23-year-old Valerie has maintained a deep connection to her heritage. Through this song, she honors her Ifugao roots—celebrating the culture, landscapes, and identity that continue to shape who she is.

Members of the media were invited to the single’s launch on November 28 at 70’s Bistro in Quezon City, where Valerie took the stage to jam with Orange & Lemons. The event also featured an exclusive preview of the music video, which was filmed entirely in Ifugao.

Band frontman Clem Castro shared that shooting the music video was a unique and challenging experience. The team trekked through the mountains to capture the stunning vistas of Kiangan, Ifugao—Valerie’s home province. He also recalled that a passing typhoon added another layer of difficulty to the shoot, making the final product even more meaningful.

Orange & Lemons are no strangers to collaborating with beauty queens; in 2024, they teamed up with Chelsea Manalo for the song “La Bulaqueña.”

With this new release, “Heart of Ifugao” stands as both a musical homage and a personal testament to the power of embracing one’s origins, no matter the distance.

Meanwhile, Valerie Pawid West is set to represent the province of Ifugao in the upcoming Miss World Philippines 2026 pageant, which is scheduled to begin in just a few weeks.

“Heart of Ifugao” is now available for streaming on all major music platforms.

Listen to "Heart of Ifugao" here: 

Himig ng TECNO, Munting Regalo: Best Christmas Deals for as low as Php 699

Give the gift of love, seamless connection and ultimate entertainment this Christmas with an innovative, AI-driven TECNO smartphone, tablet or earphone. Affordable, stylish and packed with advanced technology features, complete your gift list with TECNO Mobile smartphones and receive customized Christmas freebies when you purchase from today until December 31, 2025.

CAMON 40 Pro 5G - ultimate snapshot photography

Pick the TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G for loved ones who love taking photos so they can take perfect snaps with One Tap Flash Snap powered by TECNO AI. The CAMON 40 Pro 5G also features 50MP SONY LYT-700C Ultra Clear Camera, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate 5G, and has an IP68/IP69 water & dust resistance rating.

The CAMON 40 Pro 5G is available in glacier white, galaxy black and titanium colors.

The CAMON 40 Pro 5G 12+256 is competitively priced at PhP14,999, while the CAMON 40 Pro 5G 8+256 is affordable at PhP12,999. Get a freebie worth up to PhP2,999 – the CAMON Premium Gift Set with capsule powerbank and speaker or TECNO Lifestyle Box – when you buy a CAMON 40 Pro 5G.

POVA 7 Ultra 5G - built for winners

Choose the POVA 7 Ultra 5G for avid gamers, and the young, edgy and futuristic generation who will love the smartphone’s full customization capability.  The POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s sleek, interstellar spaceship design features a 1.5K AMOLED display, 144Hz Refresh Rate for ultra-smooth, high-resolution gameplay, and MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate AI Processor that delivers ultra-smooth performance and supports up to 120FPS in PUBGM, HOK, and MLBB. Its durable and robust battery is capable of 70W ultra charge and 30W wireless fast charging.

The POVA 7 Ultra 5G comes in Geek Black and Geek White colors. Buy the POVA 7 Ultra 5G for PhP16,999 and get freebies worth PhP 1,999 – a 5000mAh magnetic powerbank, PUBG case card, and DITO gaming SIM.

PHANTOM V FLIP 2 - sleek, iconic, stylish, pocket-sized

TECNO’s AI-enhanced PHANTOM V Flip2 is perfect for stylish and fashionable loved ones who like fun, functional and pocket-sized smartphones.  

The second-generation flip smartphone features an infinity pool-inspired 3.64” ThruPool cover screen and an ultra-flat  6.9” flagship main screen. PHANTOM V Flip2 5G has a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide angle camera, and front 32MP camera, while its flip form unfolds new shooting perspectives. PHANTOM V Flip 2 has a long-lasting 4720mAh Super Battery with 70W Ultra Charge. It also supports over 2,000 apps. 

Get the PHANTOM V FLIP2 for PhP26,999 and receive a JISULIFE Ultra 1 Fan or JISULIFE Pro 1s Fan worth PhP3,499.

SPARK GO 2 - lightning fast, durable and affordable

Go for the SPARK GO 2 for young family members who will benefit from having a durable smart phone. SPARK GO 2 features IP64 Dust & Water Resistance and Drop Resistance of up to 1.5m. 

The SPARK GO 2 is superior among smartphones in its price segment. It features 120Hz 6.67" Smooth Display, 13MP Main Camera, 5000mAh Large Battery, 15W Fast Charging, FreeLink, and Free Call without Signal, among others. 

Purchase the SPARK GO 2 4+256 (4GB extended) for only PhP4,799; the SPARK GO 2 3+128 (3GB extended) for only PhP3,799; and the SPARK GO 2 3+64 (3GB extended) for only PhP3,399

MEGAPAD Pro - the essential AI tablet

Give a must-have Christmas present to family members who are still studying, building a career, or will enjoy entertainment anytime, anywhere. Dubbed as the “Essential AI Tablet,” the MEGAPAD Pro is packed with features but is lightweight at only 547 grams. It has a 12” 90Hz 2K Display, TECNO AI, Up to 512 GB micro SD expansion, 10000mAh Ultra Battery,  and a 6.9mm metal finish.

Surprise loved ones with the MEGAPAD Pro, priced at PhP 11,999. Get a Bluetooth keyboard worth PhP2,999 when you buy the MEGAPAD Pro within the promo period.

Sonic 1 - richer, more immersive audio experience

Gift music lovers with the TECNO Sonic 1 earphone for a truly merry Christmas. With the Sonic 1, users can enjoy up to more than two days of non-stop immersive audio experience with its up to 50 hours of battery life.

Sonic 1 features Lowest Latency with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity, first-ever free-switch design for total freedom (wear it with or without tips), and dual-mic noise cancellation for calls.

The best thing about Sonic 1? It is only PhP699.

SPARK 30 - revolutionary, lag-free, with TRANSFORMERS Edition

SPARK 30 is the perfect gift for friends and family who are Transformers fans. Featuring a special TRANSFORMERS Edition, the SPARK 30 Series has the SPARK 30 Bumblebee Edition and SPARK 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition with iconic TRANSFORMERS elements.

The SPARK 30 brings revolutionary durability with 5-year lag-free operation, performance, more immersive audiovisuals, and an incredible main camera. Transform loved ones’ lives this Christmas with the SPARK 30 for only PhP6,999. Plus get a bonus 20000mAh powerbank worth PhP1,999.

Buy this December to get a TECNO Christmas freebie

Tick off your gift list by purchasing TECNO Mobile smartphones at TECNO Mobile PH  in TikTok Shop,  TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Lazada, TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee. and TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide. 

Get the Christmas freebies from TECNO when you purchase from today until Dec. 31, 2025.

Review: #KMJSGabiNgLagimTheMovie – Berbalang: Sharp Storytelling, Intense Performances, and a Killer Finale

 #KMJSGabiNgLagimTheMovie

Berbalang
Starring: Sanya Lopez, Elijah Canlas, Rocco Nacino, Joel Saracho
Dirtector: Dodo Dayao

Berbalang tells the chilling tale of a mythical creature said to have been documented in the 1960s in Southern Philippines. Described as flying, human-like beings with cat-like eyes, bat-like wings, and long, razor-sharp claws, the Berbalang are believed to exhume corpses from their graves to feast on the dead.

The episode follows siblings Lia (Sanya Lopez) and Kain (Elijah Canlas). Lia, fiercely protective of her younger brother—rumored to be the last of their kind—keeps them hidden in a remote town deep in the South. For years, they lived quietly in isolation… until a wave of grisly killings and missing corpses rattled the community. Whispers spread: a Berbalang is on the loose.

Their fragile peace shatters when authorities capture Kain and force him to unleash his monstrous form. What the townsfolk don’t realize is that Kain isn’t the only one. Nearby, another man has been secretly sheltering yet another creature of their bloodline—setting up darker truths and a violent reckoning.

This episode is arguably the strongest of the three. Despite the limited runtime and lack of detailed backstory, the storytelling remains tight and effective. Alam mo kung saan nanggagaling yung kwento—walang naliligaw, walang bitin sa flow. Even with its fast pace, the narrative was laid out clearly.

The cinematography also stands out. Ang ganda ng eksena sa presinto when Kain begins to transform—the gun flashes, the red lights, the chaos—it all created a gripping, atmospheric sequence that elevated the tension.

Nagustuhan ko rin itong episode because even with the limited space and duration, wala siyang iniiwang malaking tanong. While I wasn’t a fan of the visual effects and prosthetics, forgivable naman sila dahil ang solid ng pagkakalatag ng story.

And the cast—sobrang galing. Nico Manalo, Rocco Nacino, Joel Saracho, Elijah Canlas all delivered. But Sanya Lopez? She was on another level. Her character was badass from start to finish, and I am so here for it. The final scene with her in red, wearing those punk round glasses—she looked like she was ready to slay.

Honestly, this could’ve been even better as a full-length film. Imagine Sanya Lopez doing full-blown action sequences, leaning into the grit and swagger of her character. That would’ve been epic.

Overall, despite shortcomings in the visual effects and some missing story details, the episode still conveyed its message clearly—and ended with a bang.

Rating: 3.5/5 

Review: #KMJSGabiNgLagimTheMovie – Pocong: Strong Ending, Uneven Journey

 

#KMJSGabiNgLagimTheMovie – Pocong Review

Starring: Miguel Tanfelix, Jon Lucas, Kristofer Martin

Director: Yam Laranas

An effective horror film always starts with a solid story and smooth, coherent storytelling, and that’s where Pocong shows both its promise and its pitfalls.

The episode follows Mark (Miguel Tanfelix), a seaman aboard an Indonesian vessel. With his third eye open, Mark encounters disturbing apparitions: dead seafarers and, most notably, a pocong, a supernatural entity in Indonesian folklore, wrapped tightly in white burial shrouds with bound limbs, echoing traditional Muslim funerary customs. A sighting of a pocong is believed to herald misfortune or death, a warning that hangs heavily over Mark as he fears tragedy might strike him, his family, or the ship itself.

Pocong holds great potential, especially with its introduction of a creature rarely explored in Philippine cinema. Unfortunately, the episode falls short in building a strong foundation. We never really learn where the pocong comes from or why it fixates on Mark. The lack of a proper backstory results in a plot that feels incomplete. Sudden scene transitions also disrupt the momentum, making it harder for the story to establish itself meaningfully.

The prosthetics, while present, don’t quite deliver the intended impact. Sometimes, less is more, implying horror rather than overemphasizing it can be far more effective.

What truly elevates the episode are the performances. Miguel Tanfelix, Jon Lucas, and Kristofer Martin all give compelling portrayals that ground the story. A special mention goes to Phi Palmos, who shines in every moment he appears. You can’t help but wish he had been given more screen time; he delivers his role with such precision that he easily becomes a standout.

The ending, however, redeems much of the episode’s earlier shortcomings. The final twist is chilling and Miguel absolutely delivered, and the conclusion, it leaves you holding at the edge of your seat.

Overall, Pocong is a good episode with clear room for improvement. A narration or a stronger POV centered on Mark could have provided the depth it lacked. The setting, a vast ship surrounded by endless sea offered so much potential for atmospheric horror that wasn’t fully tapped. There was an ocean of possibilities, literally and figuratively, that could have strengthened the episode’s impact.

Rating: 2.5/5