The Kosme's Are Back in "Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion", In Cinemas June 17.

Twenty-three years after moving out of their home along the riles, the Kosme family returns for a grand reunion this June 17.

 

The Kosme siblings, led by Bill, Bob, Bing, Baldo, and Estong, alongside their ever-iconic stepmother Aling Ason and her daughter Maybe, are set for a heartfelt homecoming as they reunite once more along the riles. Together, they reminisce about the life and legacy of their father, Mang Kevin, while reconnecting with the beloved characters audiences have missed for over two decades.

As they return to the place they once called home, the reunion becomes more than just a gathering of family. It is a journey back to the simple yet unforgettable moments that defined their lives along the riles. Through laughter, memories, and emotional reunions, the Kosmes reflect on how much time has changed them, from the dreams they chased to the challenges they endured over the years. Despite the many changes in their lives, the bond that once held the family together remains as strong as ever, bringing back the warmth and nostalgia that made generations of viewers fall in love with them.

Reprising their roles in Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion are Smokey Manaloto, Gio Alvarez, Claudine Barretto, Vandolph, Boy2 Quizon, Maybelyn Dela Cruz, and Ms. Nova Villa, alongside Dang Cruz, Jenny Quizon, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan, Ces Quesada, Joymee Lim, Aurora Halili, and Cita Astals.

Also joining the cast are Pepe Herrera, Gardo Versoza, Vito Quizon, Celyn David, and Ahmad Abukawaik, with special participation from Epy Quizon and the one and only King of Comedy, Dolphy.

More than a reunion, Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion serves as a celebration of family, laughter, and the timeless legacy of one of Philippine television’s most beloved sitcoms. Produced by TJAV Productions Inc. and Riles Production, the film brings the Kosme family back home for a new generation to experience and longtime fans to cherish once again.

Watch the full trailer here: 

 

Sue Ramirez & Rico Blanco’s “Project Baby” Is Finally Coming This June 10

 

What happens when a woman’s biological clock starts ticking louder than ever?

Will desperation push her to take the biggest risk of her life? Can you really create a family out of necessity and not love?

This June, Sue Ramirez makes her comeback on the big screen in Regal Entertainment Inc.’s newest film, “Project Baby.” Joining her in this project is OPM Legend, Rico Blanco starring in his first ever lead role in a movie. Join them as they take on a not so typical story of motherhood, love, and the risks people are willing to take to build a family.

Project Baby follows the story of Sandy Montecillo, a career driven woman with a soft spot for children but still without a child of her own. As her biological clock continues to tick, her desperation to finally have a baby grows stronger, especially after she continuously failing in finding the right man for her.

Enter Migo Andrade, a carefree bachelor who unexpectedly clicks with Sandy. The two come up with an unusual agreement, no love, no strings attached, just make a baby. But things take a complicated turn when their setup slowly turns into something deeper as feelings begin to grow between them.

Love and commitment were never part of Sandy’s plans, but will Migo finally get the chance he’s hoping for, or will Sandy completely shut him out after their “project”?

And after the baby, will there still be a Plan B? 

Starring along with Sue Ramirez and Rico Blanco are Matt Lozano, Arra San Agustin, Yasser Marta, Alex Calleja, Kimson Tan, Christian Ty, Shecko Apostol, Charuth, Drei Aria, Than Perez, Jazzil Sarinas and Alice Dixson. 

"Project Baby" is directed by Eric Quizon and will premiere in cinemas nationwide this coming JUne 10. 

Watch the trialer here: 

Mister Grand Philippines Rebrands as Mr Philippines, Launches Search for New Kings

A new era unfolds for one of the country’s premier male pageants as Mister Grand Philippines officially rebrands as Mister Philippines, signaling a bold new chapter under a new leadership team.

Leading the organization’s fresh direction is Rex Belarmino as President and CEO, alongside Jhudiel Gilbert Amier as Chairman, with Albert Bryan Abelido serving as National Director.

With a refreshed identity and broader vision, Mister Philippines has officially launched its search for the next set of kings who will represent the country in various international male pageants, including Mister Grand International, Mister Model International, and Mister World Quest.

Aspiring candidates from across the country and around the world were invited to take part in the initial screening held last March 17 at 38 Valencia Events Place. Another screening is scheduled on May 30 at Beyond Concept Studio.

Adding to the excitement, one of the major prizes awaiting this year’s winners is a contract under Regal Entertainment Inc., opening doors to opportunities in the entertainment industry.

More details are expected to unfold in the coming weeks as Mr Philippines fully launches its pageant.  

Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour in Manila

Globally renowned pop group Westlife announces the Asia leg of its much-awaited tour ‘WESTLIFE 25: The Anniversary World Tour’ with a concert in MANILA on January 20, 2027 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets will go on-sale on May 15 Friday, 12PM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

Running from September 2026, the tour promises a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary career, featuring timeless ballads and global chart-toppers. It kicks off with a 13-date residency in Dublin this September before heading across the UK and Europe, marking their first headline continental run in two decades.

 

Westlife today release their monumental era-defining album 25 - The Ultimate Collection, a celebration of their record-breaking 25-year journey at the very top of global pop. The album is available across multiple formats including 1CD, 2CD deluxe, 1LP, Amazon Exclusive 1LP picture disc and cassette. Listen HERE.

 

The release follows “Chariot”, written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, and co-written and produced by Steve Mac and features on the new album alongside recent release “Your Love Amazes Me”. The collection brings together 21 of the band’s most beloved songs including “You Raise Me Up,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Flying Without Wings” alongside brand-new material recorded by all four members: Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark.

 

Westlife said: “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together and it still feels like only the beginning. The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special. We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together.”

“Almost Us” Review: A Charming Romcom That Gets Most Things Right

 

I might just find myself watching Almost Us again in theaters this weekend. No, this isn’t a paid review. Hinatak lang talaga ako ng friend ko to cover a block screening, but surprisingly, I walked out genuinely entertained.

What stood out first was the smoothness of the storytelling. The film doesn’t try too hard to be overly complex. It’s simple, direct, and easy to follow, which actually works in its favor. There’s a certain charm in how the narrative unfolds, allowing the characters and their moments to breathe.

Speaking of characters, Fyang is effortlessly natural on screen. Her comedic timing feels organic, and she delivers her lines with a kind of ease that makes you forget you’re watching a performance. Meanwhile, JM continues to impress. I already appreciated him in Shake, Rattle & Roll last year, but he levels up here, showing more range and presence. Together, JM and Fyang carry the entire film, and thankfully, they do it well.

Their chemistry is undeniable, the kind that makes a romantic comedy work. Almost Us hits that classic romcom formula. It’s fun, it’s funny, and yes, it’s nakakakilig. What makes it even better is how effortless the humor and kilig feel. Walang pilit, walang awkward beats, just genuine, feel good moments that land.

That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. There are moments, especially toward the end, that might leave you thinking, “Anyare?” Some scenes feel unnecessary, almost as if they were added without fully serving the story. They don’t completely derail the film, but they do slightly disrupt its otherwise smooth flow.

Still, I have to give credit where it’s due. I liked the ending. It took a more grounded, realistic approach instead of going full cinematic fantasy. Though personally, I would’ve loved a more poetic conclusion, maybe ending it habang nauulanan sila. As one line in the film, non verbatim, suggests, “Bakit ba tingin niyo romantic ang ulan?” Precisely that. There’s something undeniably romantic about rain, and it could’ve been a beautiful visual punctuation to the story. But instead, the film chooses a safer, more realistic closure, and that works too depending on your taste.

On the technical side, while the storytelling remains consistent, I do wish the cinematography matched that same level throughout. There are moments where it shines, but it isn’t always sustained.

Overall, Almost Us is a solid romcom that delivers what it promises. It’s light, entertaining, and anchored by two leads who know exactly what they’re doing. Napatawa ako ni Fyang, natuwa ako kay JM, at yes, ang pogi ni Dustin. More than anything, it’s a film that reminds you why the genre works when done right.

Rating: 4/5

20 Years of “Para Sa Akin”: Sitti Brings the Song Back to the Stage on May 17

 

When Sitti recorded “Para Sa Akin” in 2005, she had no expectation that the song would still be part of people’s lives two decades later. It is.

Twenty years on, the song continues to live quietly but persistently, from weddings and late-night drives, to cafés, and especially moments of heartbreak and moments of joy. It is the kind of song people don’t just remember, but return to.

On May 17, at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Sitti returns to the stage for Sittiscape: The City of Bossa, a one-night anniversary concert marking 20 years of Café Bossa, the album that introduced “Para Sa Akin” into everyday Filipino listening.

The Life of a Song

For many listeners, “Para Sa Akin” has never really left.

“It’s not really my song anymore,” Sitti has said, referring to her ephemeral hit. “It belongs to everyone who played it during the hardest or happiest parts of their lives.”

That sense of ownership is something fans recognize immediately.

“For me, ‘Para Sa Akin’ became the soundtrack of a very specific time in my life — the people I met, the relationships I had, even the places I used to go,” shares Bing Torre, a Cebu-based fan. “It holds those memories in a way no other song does.”

For others, the song marked the beginning of something new.

“When I first heard it, that was the moment I fell in love with bossa nova,” says Chad Militante of Quezon City. “It introduced me to a sound I didn’t even know existed before, and it’s something I still go back to until now.”

Across platforms, the song has continued to find new listeners, now approaching 60 million streams on Spotify alone — a quiet indicator of how it has endured beyond its original release.

The Concert That Brings It Back

That lasting presence is the starting point of Sittiscape. Rather than a typical anniversary show, the concert is built as a directed experience; it’s one that reflects not just the music, but the life it has lived over twenty years.

Conceptualized and creative-directed by Liza Diño, with stage direction by Ice Seguerra, musical direction by Bobby Velasco, and choreography by Dan Cabrera, the production brings together a multi-generational cast including Gary Valenciano, RJ Jacinto, Ice Seguerra, Ebe Dancel, Nyoy Volante, Richard Poon, Princess Velasco, Jason Dhakal, and Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.

“Sitti embraced Bossa Nova and made it belong to ordinary Filipino life,” Diño says. “That’s the city she built. Sittiscape is our way of singing it back.”

Ice Seguerra steps in as stage director; Bobby Velasco musically directs an ensemble built for one specific night; Dan Cabrera choreographs a show meant to move as much as it is meant to listen to. The night weaves moments of documentary intimacy between songs — brief, conversational, never explanatory — letting Sitti speak softly between numbers about the life her music has lived without her.

For Sitti, the anniversary is less about marking time than acknowledging what the song has become. Sittiscape becomes the cinematic version of that handing-over.

On Stage with Her

Sitti will be joined on stage by Gary Valenciano, RJ Jacinto, Ice Seguerra, Ebe Dancel, Nyoy Volante, Richard Poon, Princess Velasco, Jason Dhakal, and Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. The night will feature a Para Sa Akin suite, the song reinterpreted across multiple arrangements that trace its life over two decades, including Jason Dhakal's 2023 reinterpretation of the track. In a separate moment, Gary Valenciano joins Sitti for a Bossa Nova dance. The show closes in a samba finale choreographed by Dan Cabrera, the audience invited into the rhythms Sitti has spent twenty years helping Filipinos fall in love with.

Streaming Snapshot

• “Para Sa Akin” — 59,647,110 Spotify streams

• Sitti total catalog — 80M+ streams across platforms

• 829 active playlists  /  10.6 million combined playlist reach

• 139 chart placements  /  13,100 Shazams in current period

Sittiscape: The City of Bossa

20 Years of “Para Sa Akin”

A Fire & Ice LIVE production

Concept and creative direction by Liza Diño

Stage direction by Ice Seguerra

Musical direction by Bobby Velasco

Choreography by Dan Cabrera

Featuring Gary Valenciano, RJ Jacinto, Ice Seguerra, Ebe Dancel, Nyoy Volante, Richard Poon, Princess Velasco, Jason Dhakal, and Mr. Ryan Cayabyab

Sunday, May 17, 2026  •  Newport Performing Arts Theatre  •  Tickets at Ticketworld

Jessica Sanchez and Morissette Deliver Powerful Duet “Stronger Than Before"

 

International powerhouse vocalist Jessica Sanchez joins forces with Asia’s Phoenix Morissette for “Stronger Than Before,” an anthemic new single that celebrates resilience, faith, and personal growth. Written by Jessica Sanchez and Rodney Jason, and distributed by Universal Records, the track is now available on all major streaming platforms. Released during the month that celebrates Mother’s Day, the song carries an added layer of meaning for listeners, especially mothers whose strength and sacrifices echo its message.

“Stronger Than Before” traces a journey of overcoming doubt and emerging renewed. Jessica—who tried her luck in various competitions before ultimately winning America’s Got Talent in 2025—draws from both her personal and professional experiences to shape the song’s emotional core.

“‘Stronger Than Before’ is such a special song to me because it really reflects so much of my personal journey—both in my career and in my life,” Jessica shares. “This song is about resilience, growth, and finding strength through those difficult moments. I wanted it to be an anthem for anyone who has ever felt knocked down but chose to rise again.”

The collaboration marks a long-awaited moment for fans, bringing together two of the most celebrated vocalists of their generation. The track was recorded in Texas, with Morissette flying in from the Philippines to join Jessica in her home studio—an experience that added an intimate and personal touch to the recording process.

Jessica speaks warmly of the collaboration: “I’ve admired Morissette for so long—not just because of her powerhouse vocals, but because of the passion, emotion, and strength she brings to everything she does. Collaborating with her has been a dream, and I’m so grateful we got to create this together.”

She adds, “One of my favorite parts was hearing how beautifully our voices blended. It felt so natural and powerful. There were definitely moments in the studio where we both just looked at each other like, ‘Wow, this is something really special.’”

Fans will soon get to experience the song live as Jessica holds a concert at the Araneta Coliseum on May 16, 2026. Morissette joins the show as a special guest, alongside Darren Espanto, James Reid, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, and Regine Velasquez. A highlight of the night will be the live performance of “Stronger Than Before,” with Jessica and Morissette sharing the stage for the moment fans have been waiting for.

With its powerful vocals and deeply personal message, “Stronger Than Before” is not just a milestone collaboration, it’s an inspiring anthem for listeners everywhere, too.

“Stronger Than Before” is out now on all digital streaming platforms.

Get your tickets now at ticketnet.com.ph