The Road to the Crown Begins: 22 Men Enter Misters of Filipinas 2026

 

22 candidates set their sights on the crown as the organization builds on a historic year of international victories

The search for the next generation of Filipino male pageant ambassadors is officially underway as Misters of Filipinas 2026 introduces its newest batch of candidates who will compete for the country's coveted male pageant titles and opportunities to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

This year's competition brings together 22 candidates from different cities and provinces in the Philippines, as well as Filipino communities overseas. Each candidate will undergo a series of activities and competitions designed to showcase not only their physical presence, but also their personality, confidence, communication skills, and potential as international representatives.

The 2026 edition follows a particularly successful year for the Misters of Filipinas organization, with members of its previous batch achieving remarkable results in international competitions.

Leading the historic run was Oliver Eugen Kretz, who made Philippine pageant history by winning the first-ever Man of the World title for the Philippines. His victory marked a major milestone for the country's growing presence in international male pageantry.

The previous batch also produced Marck Marasigan, who was crowned Mister Celebrity International, earning the Philippines another international victory.

Adding to the organization's impressive international record was Jacob Gomez, who secured the second runner-up position at Mister Fitness Supermodel, while Krisztan Delos Santos emerged as the Top Model of the World – Asia winner.

With four members of the previous batch making their mark internationally, the achievements have set a high standard for this year's contenders.

Meet the Misters of Filipinas 2026

The 22 candidates competing in this year's edition are:

Al-Mani Jumdain Hamsinain — FilCom, KSA

Richmond Ngolab — Baguio

Arvin Jay Santos — Nueva Ecija

Kendrick Reiken Abarquez — Cebu City

Nathaniel Bayani — Laoag City

John Eric Hernandez — Pampanga

Robert Jeriko Reyes — Plaridel, Bulacan

Kevin Reforzado — Cauayan City, Isabela

RC Gonzales — Sorsogon

Klyde San Diego — Pangasinan

John Reyn Espina — Calaca, Batangas

Ishe Venn Quiray — Tarlac Province

Ken Baldovino — Laguna Province

Melmark Carcido — Lipa City, Batangas

Wencel Mark Acosta — Rizal Province

James Andre Bayot — Rizal, Laguna

Sheen Castro — Minalin, Pampanga

Sean Kyle Santos — Montalban, Rizal

Vincent Mark Caringal — Novaliches, Quezon City

Jericho Rulloda — Quezon City

Rainzel Tiquez Castillo — Quezon Province

Ivan Centeno — Bulacan Province

Beyond the search for the next winners, Misters of Filipinas continues to position male pageantry as a platform for Filipino men to showcase their talents, advocacies, personalities, and cultural pride on a global stage.

The challenge is now clear: Can Misters of Filipinas 2026 produce another international winner—and perhaps the next Filipino man to make history?

The journey to the crown has officially begun.

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G Pre-Order Opens in the Philippines at ₱27,999 with Free ₱5,999 MagBadge

 Pre-order until October 15 to get a free TECNO MagBadge, premium benefits, up to ₱3,000 special cash discount, and a chance to win ₱1 million.

MANILA, Philippines — October 2026 — The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G is now available for offline pre-order in the Philippines from October 2 to October 15, 2026, at an SRP of ₱27,999.

During the pre-order period, customers can receive a free TECNO MagBadge worth ₱5,999, together with additional premium benefits, a special cash discount of up to ₱3,000, and a chance to win from a ₱2 million cash prize pool, including one ₱1 million Grand Prize.

Designed around TECNO’s “Make It Lighter” philosophy, CAMON Slim 5G combines a 6.39mm ultra-slim design with a 6000mAh battery and a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 700C main camera with Super-Zoom FlashSnap — making it lighter to carry and ready to capture everyday moments as they happen.

CAMON Slim 5G Price and Pre-Order Dates in the Philippines

The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G is priced at ₱27,999 in the Philippines for the 256GB ROM + 24GB RAM configuration, combining 8GB physical RAM with up to 16GB extended RAM.

Pre-orders are open nationwide from October 2 to October 15, with official sales beginning October 16. Customers can pre-order through participating TECNO stores nationwide. The pre-order period includes Burgundy Red, Matisse Black and Rebel Pink. Gossamer White, featuring an advanced 3D butterfly-inspired back design, will become available toward the end of October and is not included in the pre-order offer. The four colorways are part of CAMON Slim 5G’s emphasis on design and personal expression. 

Free TECNO MagBadge Worth ₱5,999 with Every Eligible Pre-Order

One of the biggest highlights of the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order offer is the free TECNO MagBadge, TECNO’s smart magnetic accessory designed to make photography and everyday interaction more personal.

The MagBadge features a 1.73-inch display, supports rear-camera preview, wireless media sync and remote shutter control, giving users another way to take advantage of CAMON Slim 5G’s imaging capabilities.

For selfies and group shots, for example, users can preview the rear camera through the MagBadge and trigger the shutter remotely, helping make it easier to frame photos while using the phone’s main camera.

The TECNO MagBadge has an SRP of ₱5,999 when purchased separately, making it one of the most valuable additions to the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order package.

Premium Pre-Order Benefits Worth ₱10,000

In addition to the free MagBadge, eligible CAMON Slim 5G pre-orders come with a package of premium benefits worth ₱10,000, including:

• Free TECNO MagBadge — Style Meets Smarter

• 60-Day Free Replacement — Start Every Day with Confidence

• 13-Month Extended Warranty — Support That Stays With You

• 3-Year 256GB Cloud Storage — Save the Memories That Matter

• 3-Month Google One AI Plus 2TB Free Trial — Work Smarter, Make Every Day Lighter

Together, these benefits are designed to extend the CAMON Slim 5G experience beyond the device itself, from photography and personalization to storage and after-sales support.

Pre-Order Early and Get Up to ₱3,000 Special Cash Discount

Customers who pre-order the CAMON Slim 5G can also receive a special cash discount of up to ₱3,000, depending on when they claim their device.

Claim Date	Special Cash Discount
October 16–17	₱3,000
October 18	₱2,500
October 19–23	₱2,000

The earlier customers claim their pre-ordered CAMON Slim 5G, the bigger the available special cash discount. Applicable promotional terms and redemption mechanics apply.

Light to Hold. Fast to Catch.

Beyond the pre-order offers, CAMON Slim 5G is built around two things people experience every day: carrying their phone and capturing the moment.

At only 6.39mm thin, CAMON Slim 5G is designed to feel noticeably slimmer and easier to carry throughout a busy day, while still fitting a 6000mAh battery inside its lightweight form. 

Photography is equally central to the CAMON Slim 5G experience. Its 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 700C Ultra-Night Main Camera provides a strong imaging foundation, while Super-Zoom FlashSnap is designed for moments that happen quickly and may not wait for the camera. Supporting up to 2x telephoto snap shooting, FlashSnap uses AI-assisted capture to help freeze spontaneous movement — from a child performing or a pet jumping, to sports, concerts or friends laughing together. 

Burgundy Red Leads CAMON Slim 5G’s Fashion-Forward Design

CAMON Slim 5G also puts greater emphasis on design than a conventional specification-led smartphone.

Its hero Burgundy Red colorway combines fiberglass and a matte texture, balancing deep red and brown tones with a velvet-like finish that gives the device a warmer, more refined character. Together with the ultra-slim body, the finish makes CAMON Slim 5G feel less like a conventional piece of consumer electronics and more like something designed to fit naturally into personal style.

Other options include Matisse Black and Rebel Pink, followed by Gossamer White later in October.

Chance to Win ₱1 Million from a ₱2 Million Cash Prize Pool

Customers who participate in the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order campaign will also have the opportunity to win from a total ₱2 million cash prize pool.

The campaign offers 101 winning chances:

• 1 Grand Prize winner — ₱1,000,000

• 100 winners — ₱10,000 each

Each valid CAMON Slim 5G pre-order during the promotional period qualifies for an entry, subject to the official campaign mechanics.

While the free MagBadge gives every eligible pre-order customer an immediate added benefit, the cash prize campaign gives buyers another chance to make something bigger in life a little lighter.

Up to 24-Month Installment Options

TECNO is also working with a wide range of official financing partners in the Philippines to make CAMON Slim 5G more accessible.

Participating partners include Home Credit, Skyro, Salmon, PayJoy, BillEase and Kredivo, as well as participating credit card installment providers.

Depending on the partner and applicable promotion, customers can enjoy installment plans of up to 24 months, together with benefits such as up to ₱1,000 discount or cashback.

Selected fintech partners may also offer special raffle promotions, giving eligible customers a chance to have loan balances of up to ₱84,000 waived.

Terms, eligibility, installment periods and promotional mechanics may vary by partner.

Free Globe Prepaid SIM with One Year of Unlimited 5G Data

TECNO has also partnered with Globe for the CAMON Slim 5G launch. Eligible customers who purchase CAMON Slim 5G can receive a free Globe Prepaid SIM with one year of unlimited 5G data, giving users an additional connectivity benefit as they experience the new 5G smartphone.

Pre-Order CAMON Slim 5G Until October 15

Pre-order now to get a free TECNO MagBadge worth ₱5,999, premium benefits, special cash discounts, and a chance to win ₱1 million.

For more product and Pre-order details are available at  https://bit.ly/4iKb0AM

Troy Laureta Joins Ice Seguerra for ICE SINGS! Musical Hits on November 6–7

 

The Filipino-American musical director brings his international experience to Ice’s intimate two-night concert at the Music Museum

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Ice Seguerra is bringing a new musical partner into ICE SINGS! An Intimate Concert Series: Musical Hits. Filipino-American musical director, keyboardist and producer Troy Laureta will join Ice for the November 6 and 7 concerts at the Music Museum, shaping a live-band sound for songs that have stayed with Ice since childhood.

Laureta has worked with artists including Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber and has recorded with Nicole Scherzinger. For ICE SINGS!, his task is a more personal one: work with Ice to find a fresh way into familiar musical-theatre and film songs, while keeping the voice and storytelling that make an Ice Seguerra performance feel close.

“People know me with a guitar, singing songs that feel very personal,” says Seguerra. “But I’ve loved musicals since I was a kid. This show lets me bring that side of myself back—and find out what these songs mean to me now.”

The concert grew out of ICE SINGS!, Ice’s digital performance series, where he follows his curiosity across songs and genres. Its first live installment, Musical Hits, turns that freedom into a full evening with Troy and a band. Ice and the musicians will move between spare, intimate passages and fuller theatrical arrangements, with featured instrumental moments woven into the music.

For Liza Diño, creator, producer and creative director of ICE SINGS!, the pairing is about more than giving familiar songs a new sound.

“Ice knows how to make a lyric feel like a conversation with the person sitting in front of him,” Diño says. “Troy can help us open up the musical possibilities around that. Even when the band grows, we want you to hear the thought behind every word.”

Rather than divide the night into separate musical categories, the creative team is building one emotional journey. It begins with the sense of wonder that first drew Ice to these songs, moves through longing, choice and change, and comes back to connection. Humor and theatrical play have a place in that journey, too. Ice is both a singer and an actor, and Musical Hits gives him room to be both.

Among the songs being developed for the concert are “On My Own” from Les Misérables, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar, “For Good” from Wicked, and “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin. Ice once played the Genie onstage; revisiting that musical world offers a glimpse of the playful side of the performer alongside the songs audiences know him for interpreting with tenderness.

The arrangements and final running order are being shaped by Ice, Laureta and the band. Their aim is to let each song reveal a different side of its story—and a different side of Ice—without losing the intimacy of the Music Museum room.

Musical Hits is also the beginning of a wider ICE SINGS! An Intimate Concert Series. Future editions could take Ice into Love Songs, Cinema and OSTs, and Standards, each offering a new musical world to explore in a closed room. Together, the concerts are intended to show the range of Ice’s artistry as a solo performer.

“The genre can change from one show to the next, but the heart of it is always Ice,” Diño says. “What leads him to a song is the soul he can bring to it. That’s true of the songs he interprets, and it’s true of the original music he’s creating now. Musical Hits is only the beginning of what we want people to hear from him.”

ICE SINGS! An Intimate Concert Series: Musical Hits takes place on November 6 and 7, 2026, at 8:00 PM at the Music Museum. The concert is produced by Fire & Ice Live.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld: https://bit.ly/IceSingsAnIntimateConcert

Fire & Ice Ticket Office: tickets@fireandice.ph | 0917 877 1758

25 Beauty Queens, One Crown, and a Deadly Fight for Survival: ‘Red Crown’ Arrives in Cinemas October 28

 

The glitz and glamour of the beauty pageant world take a terrifying turn as GMA Pictures officially releases the full trailer of “Red Crown,” an upcoming satirical thriller that brings together some of the country's most recognizable beauty queens, actresses, and Sparkle artists.

Directed by Dominic Zapata, the film takes viewers inside the fictional Queen of the Islands pageant, where 25 contestants compete for the coveted crown and a staggering ₱25-million cash prize. But what begins as a glamorous competition soon turns into a chilling fight for survival.

The official trailer, released on September 29, offers a glimpse of the film's unexpected shift from pageant satire and comedy to suspense, betrayal, and a deadly competition where not everyone gets to reach the coronation night.

Set against the extravagant world of beauty pageants, Red Crown explores ambition, rivalry, and the lengths contestants are willing to go to achieve their dreams, as the queens discover that the real price of wearing the crown may be far greater than they imagined.

Leading the ensemble are Sanya Lopez, Michelle Marquez Dee, Faith da Silva, Ashley Ortega, AZ Martinez, Shuvee Etrata, Ahtisa Manalo, Herlene Budol, MJ Lastimosa, Gazini Ganados, Ara Arida, and other beauty queens and actresses.

Joining them are Michael De Mesa, Epy Quizon, Bianca Manalo, Vince Maristela, Ruffa Gutierrez, Tim Yap, Cat Arambulo, Pinky Tobiano, Anna Magkawas, and other special cast members.

Written by Kit Villanueva and Ken de Leon, Red Crown promises a unique cinematic experience that combines the extravagance of pageantry with dark humor, suspense, and unexpected twists.

Who will take home the crown, and who will survive the competition?

Red Crown is set to arrive in cinemas nationwide on October 28, 2026, under GMA Pictures. 

PBB Collab 3.0 Set To Open Kuya’s House this October.

PBB COLLAB 3.0 SET TO OPEN KUYA’S HOUSE THIS OCTOBER!

The much-awaited return of Pinoy Big Brother is finally happening as PBB Collab 3.0 is set to premiere this October, bringing another exciting chapter to the historic partnership between ABS-CBN and GMA Network.

Following the success of its first two celebrity editions, the upcoming season will welcome a fresh batch of ordinary Filipino housemates, giving aspiring housemates from across the country and abroad the opportunity to experience life inside Kuya’s iconic house.

Adding to the excitement, the third edition will introduce a brand-new Bahay ni Kuya, marking a fresh beginning for the long-running reality show.

Returning to guide the housemates are Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Gabbi Garcia, Melai Cantiveros, Enchong Dee, and Alexa Ilacad, with a new host also set to join the roster.

With new faces, fresh challenges, and unexpected twists waiting inside the house, viewers can once again expect a season filled with friendship, drama, and unforgettable stories.

Sino kaya ang susunod na magiging bahagi ng bagong kabanata ng PBB? Abangan ang pagbubukas ng Bahay ni Kuya this October!

 

JoshLia Reunites in ‘Always Yours, Never Mine,’ in cinemas September 30.

 

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto take on the roles of Apollo and Luna in Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s sweeping romantic drama about love, timing, choices, and destiny.

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto are back together on the big screen as the beloved JoshLia tandem in Always Yours, Never Mine, a sweeping romantic drama that asks a difficult question: What happens when two people keep finding each other, but life keeps leading them in different directions?

Directed by blockbuster filmmaker Cathy Garcia-Sampana and written by Vanessa R. Valdez, the Star Cinema and ABS-CBN Studios production follows Apollo, played by Joshua, and Luna, portrayed by Julia, whose lives repeatedly intersect across three decades. Each reunion brings them to another crossroads, where the choices they make shape not only their relationship but also the lives they ultimately choose for themselves.

The film's trailer offers a glimpse into the complicated journey of Apollo and Luna, showing the two characters meeting in different stages and circumstances of their lives. Their connection remains, but so do the obstacles that keep them from simply choosing each other.

Rather than telling a conventional love story, Always Yours, Never Mine explores how relationships evolve as people themselves change. The film moves through different versions of Apollo and Luna, allowing audiences to see how their hopes, decisions, relationships, and circumstances influence the kind of lives they build.

The JoshLia reunion is also surrounded by an ensemble cast that includes Bianca Umali, Chanda Romero, Joy Barcoma, Bob Jbeili, Karen Reyes, Migs Almendras, Paulo Angeles, Ina Raymundo, Franco Laurel, Reign Parani, and Jan Silverio.

More than a reunion vehicle for JoshLia, Always Yours, Never Mine puts love under the microscope, exploring whether two people who are meant to cross paths are necessarily meant to end up together.

At a time when romantic films often focus on the thrill of finally getting together, the movie takes a different route. It explores the possibility that love can remain significant even when circumstances, choices, and the passage of time lead people toward different futures.

Always Yours, Never Mine opened in Philippine cinemas on September 30, 2026. The film is also rolling out internationally, with screenings scheduled in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, North America, the United Kingdom, Austria, Spain, France, and Italy.

Sometimes, the hardest love story isn't about finding someone. It's about finding them again and again—and discovering that loving them doesn't always mean keeping them.

Watch the tailer here: 

The Red Crown Awaits: 27 Queens Take on Queen of the Islands Philippines

BARDAGULAN NA!

Some of the country’s top beauty queens are coming together for a shot at ₱25 million and the coveted Red Crown in the inaugural Queen of the Islands Philippine Pageant.

This October, GMA Pictures takes us straight to the SSVIP seat as we witness the journey of 27 candidates battling it out for the crown! Get a glimpse behind the glitz and glamour of pageantry, from elegant gowns and sexy swimsuits to fierce pasarelas, backstage drama, and everything in between.

Marketed as a real pageant but packed with satire and comedy, The Red Crown takes audiences behind the scenes of the fabulous, and sometimes chaotic, world of beauty contests. The film explores the dreams, rivalries, personalities, and drama that make pageants as entertaining behind the scenes as they are onstage.

Directed by Dominic Zapata, The Red Crown brings together an impressive lineup of beauty queens and Sparkle stars.

Representing the Miss Universe Philippines universe are Ara Arida, Ahtisa Manalo, Gazini Ganados, MJ Lastimosa, and Michelle Dee.

Joining them are Sparkle beauties Yana Aduana, Alethea Ambrosio, Herlene Budol, Shuvee Etrata, Tarah Valencia, Sandy Riccio, Vanessa Peña, Ashley Ortega, AZ Martinez, Haley Dizon, Maika Kemmochi, Rein Hillary, Faith Da Silva, Yna Uy, Yza Uy, Aira Lopez, Jade Tecson, MJ Encabo, Skye Chua, and Sanya Lopez.

With 27 candidates, one massive prize, and one coveted Red Crown, the competition is bound to be anything but ordinary.

Who will bring home the Red Crown?

We’ll find out this October!

Pasig City’s Angelo Dripin wins the inaugural Mr Philippines Pageant!

Heavy favorite Charles Angelo Dripin, won the inaugural Mr Philippines pageant during its grand coronation night, which showcased Filipino heritage and was held on National Heroes Day.

 

Dripin, a 23-year-old hospitality management student, bested 46 other candidates to claim the historic title. He was undeniably at his peak throughout the competition, particularly during the different segments of the coronation, including the casual wear, swimwear, modern barong, formal wear, and, most especially, the Q&A round.

 

With his victory, Dripin will represent the Philippines at the Mister Grand International pageant, which will be held in the Philippines in April 2027. Aside from the title and crown, Angelo also took home a total of ₱2 million worth of prizes, including cash.

 

Meanwhile, rounding out the winning circle at the recently concluded coronation were Raed El Zein of FilComm UAE, who was crowned Mr Philippines Man of the Year; Carl Santiago of Laguna, who received the title of Mister Global Runway Philippines; Chris Alcantara of Orion, Bataan who was named Mister World Fitness Supermodel; Nate Reyes of San Juan, who was crowned Mister Grand Teen Philippines; and Patrick Sy of Caloocan, who was given the title I Am Model Search Philippines.

 

From the Top 11, three candidates were also named ambassadors. Ozzy Gallardo was named Ambassador for Tourism, while Fredo Godinez of Surigao del Sur received the title of Ambassador for Education. The Ambassador for Culture and Arts title went to Jacob Polintan of Bulacan.

 

Completing the winners’ circle were Zandro Go Sales of Mandaluyong, who finished as 1st Runner-Up, and Samuel Bryant of Bacolod, who was named 2nd Runner-Up.

Elijah Canlas, Emilio Daez, JM Ibarra Hit the Road in Regal’s ‘One for the Road’

Regal Entertainment Inc. is on a roll with the announcement of its latest movie projects, giving moviegoers plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

The production company is set to premiere “Saving Cherry,” starring Barbie Forteza, on September 2. Meanwhile, its MMFF 52 entry, “Haunted Carnival,” is gearing up to begin filming, with James Reid, Julia Barretto, and Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano leading the cast.

Just a few weeks ago, Regal Entertainment also announced “Ba’t Di Na Lang Tayp,” starring Dustin Yu and Bianca De Vera, adding another exciting title to its growing slate of upcoming productions.

 

Just last August 22, the country’s oldest active film production company announced another upcoming movie project through its social media accounts, “One for the Road,” starring Elijah Canlas, Emilio Daez, and JM Ibarra.

The film will be directed by Kip Oebanda, director of Bar Boys, and Victor Villanueva.

“One for the Road” follows four working-class friends who decide to ditch the daily grind and embark on a spontaneous highway getaway. What begins as a much-needed escape soon turns into a chaotic road trip filled with wrong turns, questionable navigation, unexpected detours, and plenty of laughs.

Beyond the comedy and road-trip antics, however, the film delves into more heartfelt themes, including mental health, grief, friendship, and the messy realities of navigating adulthood together.

Leading the cast is Elijah Canlas as Ariel, a rising showbiz actor who has grown tired of the spotlight and feels trapped in a forced love team, longing for a taste of a more normal life.

Emilio Daez plays Luke, a hyper-logical bank employee and overachiever who discovers that not everything in life—especially raw emotions—can be solved with a spreadsheet.

Meanwhile, JM Ibarra takes on the role of Garry, a fun-loving barista who uses quick jokes and boundless energy to mask his own personal struggles.

Completing the group is Jomar, the mysterious fourth member of the barkada, whose actor is yet to be announced.

With four friends, one getaway, and countless unexpected detours, “One for the Road” promises a mix of comedy and heartfelt moments as it explores friendship, healing, and the realities of growing up together.

FEU, Gloc 9 Drops New UAAP Song "Dito Sa Amin"Ahead of Season 89.

 

UAAP Season 89 is set to open on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Far Eastern University taking over the hosting duties. And with a new season comes a new theme song, an anthem that will set the tone for the upcoming UAAP season.

Host school Far Eastern University has teamed up with rap icon Gloc-9 to create the newest soundtrack for Season 89, “Dito Sa Amin.” Inspired by this season’s motto, “For Everyone, UAAP,” the song celebrates unity, resilience, and the grit and determination of every student-athlete competing for the gold.

“Dito Sa Amin” is now available for streaming and download on your favorite music platforms.