The 12th Misters of Filipinas: 25 Official Candidates Announced

 

It’s officially Misters of Filipinas season as the country’s premier male pageant has unveiled its 25 official candidates during a grand callback held at a hotel in Makati City.

Of the 25 contenders, twelve came from accredited partners across the country, while thirteen were selected through a series of screenings held in recent weeks. Among the notable names is seasoned pageant king Kristzan Delos Santos, who is giving another shot in hopes of clinching another national crown.

While veterans add depth to the competition, it’s the newcomers who are already making waves. Leading the pack is 6’1” Filipino-German charmer Oliver Eugen Kretz of Puerto Princesa City, who wowed the crowd with his striking looks and impressive physique—earning him the nickname “real-life Superman.”

Another standout is 17-year-old Calix Esguerra of Imus City, who not only caught the audience’s eye but also captured the hearts of netizens. With his youthful charm and confidence, many are already tipping him as one of the frontrunners for the crown.

The 12th edition of Misters of Filipinas officially kicks off this September—and it promises to be one exciting ride!

Meanwhile here's the complete list of the 25 official candidates for the 12th Misters of Filipinas. 

ranchise Candidates

1. Bataan – Juan Carlos Lopez

2. City of Biñan – James Vasquez

3. Cabiao, Nueva Ecija – Cecillio Relucio

4. Cagayan – GJ Carlos Baculi Palad

5. Fil-Com KSA – Benson Ramiro

6. La Union Province – Adrian Karl Pino

7. Manila – Kent Illustracion

8. Nueva Ecija Province – John Mico Calilung

9. Pampanga – Krishna Yasser Rodriguez

10. Pangasinan – Rey John Paul Sabado

11. San Fernando, La Union – Jhon Dwight Bardaje

12. Tarlac Province – Jacob Kier Gomez

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Official Announcement Candidates

1. Rizal Province – Maochie Gabinete

2. Cebu City – James Edward Centers

3. Cebu Province – Clod Peña

4. Imus, Cavite – Calix Kayden Esguerra

5. Cavite – Kristzan Karlo Delos Santos

6. Zambales – Miguel Cayabyab

7. Masinloc, Zambales – Jilbert Tamayo

8. Lipa City, Batangas – Marck Marasigan

9. Bulacan – John Nietzche Hipolito

10. Quezon City – Aaron Quijano Bautista

11. Davao City – Daniel Ganac

12. Palayan City – John Mark Sibayan

13. Puerto Princesa – Oliver Eugen Kretz

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Wildcard Entrants

• Pasig City – Marvin Jimenez

• San Jose del Monte – Mark Rolland Arellano

• Valenzuela City – Emmanuel Manuel

• Caloocan – Steve Marquez

• Cabanatuan – Rayniel Renz Roque

📍 Stay tuned as three more delegates from Laguna will be officially announced soon!

KathReid is Real: Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid Team Up for Their First-Ever Series

 

It’s finally happening! Dreamscape Entertainment has officially announced its newest project starring two of the brightest stars of this generation—Asia’s Superstar Kathryn Bernardo and Multimedia Prince James Reid.

What was once just a dream is now a reality as the much-awaited KathReid team-up is finally coming true, thrilling fans who have long wished for this collaboration.

Kathryn last graced primetime in 2 Good 2 Be True (2022) alongside Daniel Padilla, while James was last seen in the hit 2016 series Till I Met You. Now, the two are set to share the screen for the first time in a groundbreaking project that’s sure to shake the industry.

 Here are some snaps from the behind the scene pictorial of the posted on Dreamscape Entertainment's official social media accounts. 

 

Catch L / Kim Myung Soo At The Korea Travel Fiesta 2025

 

After his contract signing with Universal Records and GLXY Entertainment in Manila last November 2024, Korean star Kim Myung Soo is flying back to the Philippines for the Korea Travel Fiesta 2025. Taking place on August 30 and 31 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, this event aims to invite Filipinos to discover the enchanting beauty of Korea's winter season, inspiring them to plan their next getaway to this captivating destination.

Headlining the event is Kim Myung Soo, who is also known as L from the K-Pop group Infinite. Currently shooting a new K-Drama back in Korea, he will serenade local fans at the event and will be joined by other entertainers, such as Se7en, Kim Dong-jun (ZE:A), Sunye (Wonder Girls), Lim Se-jun (Victon), and musical actor Kim Da-hyun from Dream High: The Musical; dance crew ARTix from the South Korean dance survival show Street Dance Girls Fighter; world-renowned Taekwondo performance team K-TIGERS; and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines’ Everyone’s KPOP winners.

Hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office, the Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 is your one-stop gateway to Korea’s most enchanting experiences, from travel deals to cultural showcases -- to seeing Kim Myung Soo in person!

A New Reign Begins: Emma Mary Tiglao is Miss Grand Philippines 2025!

The spotlight shone its brightest on August 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena as the Philippines welcomed its newest queen. Standing tall in confidence and grace, Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga was crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025. 

Emma is no stranger to the stage. A seasoned beauty queen and Net 25 news anchor, she brought with her years of experience outshining 28 other hopefuls, as she claimed the golden crown and the chance of representing the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2025 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, this coming October 18. 

Joining Emma on the winners’ podium were Marga Briton of Bicolandia, crowned First Runner-Up, and Bea Ocampo of Rizal, who secured the Second Runner-Up spot. 

Aside from the much-coveted Miss Grand Philippines crown, the ALV Pageant Circle also welcomed a new roster of queens who are set to continue the legacy of international victories.

Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2025 was awarded to Bea Mcleland of Aklan. Meanwhile, the radiant Nikki Buenafe earned the title of Face of Beauty Philippines 2025, these two ladies will vie for a back to back win on their respective pageants.

Persistence paid off for Michelle Arceo, who, on her third attempt, proudly claimed the returning Miss Tourism World Philippines crown.

And making waves as one of the night’s most celebrated winners, heavy favorite Anita Rose Gomez of Zambales was bestowed the newest crown of the evening. She will serve as the host delegate for Miss Asia Pacific International 2025, which is set to take place in Cebu later this year.

Together, these remarkable women join Emma Tiglao in carrying the nation’s pride to the international stage, each with the hopes of replicating and even surpassing the golden successes of their predecessors. 

Love Triangle Hits the Big Screen as Bianca De Vera, Dustin Yu, and Will Ashley Star in Love You So Bad

Fresh from the success of their Pinoy Big Brother COLLAB stint, Bianca De Vera, Dustin Yu, and Will Ashley are bringing their on-screen love triangle to the big screen. The trio will headline the upcoming film “Love You So Bad”, a joint project of Regal Films, GMA Pictures, and Star Cinema, to be directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and written by Crystal Hazel San Miguel.

According to its creators, Love You So Bad draws inspiration from the 1998 classic Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita, which starred Claudine Barretto, Diether Ocampo, and Rico Yan under the direction of the late Wenn Deramas. Much like its predecessor, the new film will showcase strong, emotionally charged characters while presenting a timeless love triangle narrative designed to resonate with today’s generation of moviegoers.

Currently in pre-production, Love You So Bad is expected to hit cinemas later this year or early next year.

Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Series Ushers in a Decade of Pixel Innovation

 

Google marked the 10th anniversary of its Pixel lineup last August 20, 2025 in their Made by Google event. The event marked the global launch of the Pixel 10 series, introducing the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. 

The base Pixel 10 comes with a 6.3-inch OLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual rear-camera system, and a slightly slimmer design compared to its predecessor. Powered by the new Tensor G5 chip, it promises faster performance, improved battery efficiency, and smarter on-device AI features — including live translation, enhanced voice commands, and predictive assistance through Gemini AI.

The Pixel 10 Pro takes things further with a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED panel capable of adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, ensuring smoother visuals and improved battery management. It introduces a triple-camera setup with upgraded telephoto zoom, improved low-light performance, and Google’s new Camera Coach, which guides users to frame and capture shots more effectively. The Pro also benefits from larger RAM options, faster wired charging, and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging or PixelSnap, making it the first Pixel flagship to support MagSafe-style accessories.

For power users, the Pixel 10 Pro XL represents the ultimate Pixel experience. Featuring a 6.9-inch display with peak brightness over 3000 nits, it is built for immersive entertainment and productivity. The XL packs a bigger 5,200mAh battery, more efficient heat management, and up to 16GB of RAM for seamless multitasking. It also introduces exclusive Gemini AI features like Pixel Journal, which automatically summarizes daily activities and meetings. 

With prices starting at around $800 for the Pixel 10, $1,000 for the Pixel 10 Pro, and $1,200 for the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the lineup reinforces Google’s commitment to blending cutting-edge hardware with deep AI integration.

Alongside the smartphones, Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a expanding its ecosystem of connected devices. The Pixel 10 series and other accessories will be available by September 8 globally, pre orders are now open. 

Darna, Karaoke, and Jolina?! Pop Culture Took Over Miss Grand Philippines 2025!

 

The Preliminary Competition of Miss Grand Philippines 2025 took a creative turn as it shined the spotlight on Pinoy Pop Culture Icons. Instead of the traditional national costume showcase, the MGPH organization broke away from the norm and paid homage to Philippine pop culture. The 29 official candidates wowed the audience in the Pop Culture Costume segment, bringing to life beloved symbols and figures that celebrate the country’s rich and colorful identity.

From the beloved Karaoke machine to the legendary Pinoy superheroes, we’ve rounded up our Favorite Pop Culture Costumes from this year’s Miss Grand Philippines 2025 competition!

5. Emma Tiglao's Golden Parol. 

Designed by Patrick Isorena, Emma’s “Golden Parol” or Sinsing ning Aslag beautifully radiates the soul of Pampanga. A true beacon of the province’s heritage, the costume reflects Pampanga’s renowned artistry and craftsmanship, shining light on its timeless tradition of creativity.

4. Rizal Province's Kera Mitenna 

Although it has only been a little over a month since Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre premiered on national television, its main antagonist Kera Mitena, played by Rhian Ramos, has already become a household name and one of the country’s newest pop culture icons. Inspired by her rising popularity, Bea Ocampo of Rizal took on the fierce persona, donning the character’s signature blonde hair and strutting as the Ice Queen in the competition. Her striking costume was designed by Roman Sebastian.

3. The Tale of the Two Mary Jean's. 

One of the most popular beauty queens in Philippine pop culture is Mary Jean Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2014, who made history with her unforgettable—though infamous—national costume at the Miss Universe stage. That moment has since become iconic, and in this year’s Pop Culture Costume segment, Marga Britton of Bicolandia and Sophia Francine Barles of Bamban, Tarlac both paid tribute by showing up dressed like MJ Lastimosa in that national costume.

2. It's the Pinay Superheroes Turn! 

Pop Culture isn't complete without the popular Pinay Superheroes who brought women empowerment to Filipinas during the time that men is dominating. 

We start of this list with Shannon Tampon as Darna, No Philippine pop culture showcase would be complete without Darna, the country’s most iconic superheroine. With her red suit, golden helmet, and the legendary battle cry “Ding, ang bato!”, Darna remains a timeless symbol of strength, courage, and heroism—making her a favorite inspiration on the Miss Grand Philippines stage.

Next up is Babylyn Namo, who brought nostalgia and laughter to the stage as she transformed into Rufa Mae Quinto’s iconic superhero parody, Super B. With her campy charm, bold energy, and unforgettable one-liners, Super B has long been a cult favorite in Filipino pop culture — and Babylyn’s playful tribute captured that same over-the-top, comedic flair.

Michelle Arceo electrified the stage as she embodied the fabulous and fearless Zsa Zsa Zaturnah! With her dazzling costume and commanding presence, Michelle paid homage to the beloved comic book heroine known for her wit, sass, and unapologetic strength, a true LGBTQ+ pop culture icon who continues to inspire and empower and oh I am not forgetting the dance showdown with Nunoy 

Mary Rose Grande channeled the warrior spirit of Danaya from Encantadia, captivating the stage with her fierce presence and striking costume. Bringing to life the iconic keeper of the earth gem, Mary Rose honored one of Philippine fantasy’s most beloved heroines a symbol of strength, loyalty, and courage that continues to resonate with fans today.

Closing the segment was Anita Rose Gomez, who charmed the audience as Super Inday. With her vibrant costume and lively portrayal, Anita paid tribute to the classic komiks heroine popularized on the big screen by Maricel Soriana in 1988, showcasing a character that embodies the lighthearted yet powerful spirit of Filipino pop culture.

Before we reveal our top pick, let’s put the spotlight on these queens who brought the ultimate Pinoy party essential to the stage — the karaoke! Shoutout to Alyssa Geronimo of Nueva Ecija, Carla Jane Torcido of Samar Island, and Rona Rabina of Tanay, Rizal for giving us a show-stopping tribute.

 ISANG KITCHIE NADAL MEDLEY NAMAN D’YAN! 

1. All Hail to the Queen of Pop Culture!

Philippine pop culture wouldn’t be complete without Jolina Magdangal, the ultimate Queen of Pop Culture. Paying tribute to her iconic influence is Manilyn De Guzman of Bataan who took the stage in her Pop Culture Costume inspired by a classic Jolina Magdangal notebook cover. 

Hindi ba SOBRANG JOLINA!

The wait is almost over! The Grand Coronation Night of Miss Grand Philippines 2025 happens on August 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City. Who will take home the crown?

Lola Amour Release Sophomore Album 'Love On Loop'

  New record explores the many phases of love, paired with a major concert this September 12

 

Fresh from a string of successful singles and international collaborations, beloved Filipino band Lola Amour has officially released their highly anticipated sophomore album Love On Loop, now available on all major streaming platforms. The album puts its focus on With You, a shimmering, heartfelt cut that captures the joy and vulnerability at the heart of the record. Across eight tracks, the album explores love in all its phases, from first crush to heartbreak to those inevitable romance relapses, blending stories that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.

 
True to their growing global presence, Love On Loop features collaborations with New Zealand artist RIIKI REID (One Day Away) and Japanese collective KOKORO of Psychic Fever from EXILE TRIBE (The Moment), further expanding the band’s cross cultural reach while staying true to their Filipino roots. Produced in collaboration with international hitmakers Hyuk Shin and Cuurley, the album blends Lola Amour’s homegrown charm with global sensibilities.

 
The album also features the previously released singles Dance With My Mistakes, Misbehave, and The Moment (with KOKORO of Psychic Fever from EXILE TRIBE), alongside fresh new tracks like Did My Time, With You, and the title track Love On Loop. This new release sees Lola Amour experimenting more than ever, not just in sound but in the way they tell stories. While rooted in their trademark funk pop style, Love On Loop explores new genres and moods, capturing the fun, longing, hurt, and unforgettable moments that come with love.

 
To mark the release, the band will host an official Spotify Listening Party on August 15 at 8:00 PM (Philippine Time). The event marks a milestone for the band as they become only the second OPM artist to be featured in the platform’s interactive in-app experience, joining listeners from all over the world in real time as they play through the album and share stories behind each song.

 
Fans can RSVP and join here: https://party.spotify.com/event/16vfSb4GUj5eI0Ry0x2Exm 

 

 

 

The celebrations continue with Love On Loop The Album Concert, a special concert on September 12 at One Ayala, giving fans the full album experience alongside Lola Amour’s biggest hits. Tickets are available via https://lolaamour.helixpay.ph/https://lolaamour.helixpay.ph/ 

  

With Love On Loop, Lola Amour cements their position as one of the Philippines’ most exciting bands, building on a year of viral moments, sold out shows, and collaborations that have brought them to audiences across Southeast Asia and beyond.

 
Stream Love On Loop now on all major platforms.

 

Gloc-9 and Abaddon Share An Inspiring Message With Their Latest Release"BLGBGN"

Gloc-9 and Abaddon Share An Inspiring Message With Their Latest Release"BLGBGN"

Award-winning artist and rap phenom Gloc-9 has just dropped his latest single, "BLGBGN," featuring fellow rapper Abaddon. This new track continues Gloc-9's impressive streak of monthly releases throughout the year, as he continues to share new music every month.

"BLGBGN" is an empowering song that encourages listeners to embrace life to the fullest. The track delivers the message that life is a journey filled with mistakes, challenges, and fears, but it’s essential to take chances and make the most of every moment. As the artists express, “Huwag kang matakot na magmahal at masaktan, isang beses lang ang buhay, wala nang balikan,” reminding us that we only live once and there are no do-overs.

In collaboration with Abaddon, Gloc-9 emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. The lyrics inspire listeners to not take life too seriously, to reach for the clouds, and to navigate through the seas of life even without a predetermined destination. “Abutin mo and ulap, languyin mo and dagat, bumiyahe ng walang patutunguhan, simulan mong lumakad, balagbagin mo ang ‘yong istorya,” they declare, encouraging everyone to keep moving forward and to craft their own unique stories.

TECNO Unleashes POVA 7 Ultra 5G, the Philippines’ First Triple-Crown Official Gaming Phone, at POVA Gaming Fiesta

 

TECNO Philippines transformed SM Fairview into a gamer’s paradise on August 9-10 with its "POVA Gaming Fiesta," drawing record crowds for the explosive launch of the POVA 7 Ultra 5G. Set against a life-size PUBG Mobile battleground, the event immersed over 5,000 Filipino gamers in interactive zones where they experienced first-hand the device’s industry-leading 120FPS gameplay and futuristic light-strip design – solidifying TECNO’s commitment to revolutionizing local mobile gaming culture.

Philippines’ First Triple-crown Esports Phone Redefines Competitive Edge

The POVA 7 Ultra 5G achieved an unprecedented trifecta of esports endorsements, directly addressing Filipino gamers’ demands for tournament-grade reliability. As the newly unveiled Official Device for PUBG Mobile Challenger Leagues SEA(PMCL) 2025, it guarantees frame rate stability during high-stakes professional matches – a critical advantage validated by PMCL Commissioner’s live demonstration at the event. Simultaneously, TECNO announced long-term collaboration as Exclusive Gaming Partner of the Philippine National Esports Team (SIBOL), designating POVA 7 Ultra 5G as the official gaming phone for SIBOL athletes in SEA Games and Global Esports Championships. "When our players defend PH glory, they’ll do it with POVA’s 120FPS precision," stated SIBOL Team Manager, Jeff Victoriano. The phone also received pre-certification as the Official Gaming Phone for Honor of Kings Philippine Kings League (PKL) launching late August – positioning it as the undisputed performance benchmark across Philippines’ top two mobile esports titles.

Dito Partnership Eradicates Gaming Data Barriers

In a game-changing move for cost-conscious Filipino gamers, TECNO partnered with DITO, the country’s fastest-growing mobile network, to launch the industry-first "TECNO x DITO x PUBG Mobile Prepaid Gaming SIM." in the event. DITO’s brand ambassadors PPOP sensation ALAMAT brought down the house with a surprise performance, announcing the customised SIM release. 

DITO Mobile, TECNO, and PUBG Mobile have joined forces to create the "Perfect Gaming Squad," offering Filipino mobile gamers an exclusive bundle with a winning edge. The bundle features the TECNO POVA 7 Ultra 5G—the official PUBG Mobile smartphone—and a DITO Prepaid Gaming SIM. Recognized by Opensignal as the Philippines' fastest network, DITO ensures a superior gaming experience with reduced lag and fast loading times. Subscribers who get the exclusive DITO Prepaid Gaming SIM also receive unlimited PUBG Mobile access, valid as long as they are subscribed to select DITO Level Up promos. This powerful collaboration delivers unbeatable performance and a premium gaming experience at an accessible price.

POVA Chief Gaming Officer Myrtle Sarrosa Bridges Gaming-Cosplay Divide

TECNO cemented its cultural relevance by renewing multi-hyphenate icon Myrtle Sarrosa (actress/gaming queen/cosplay star) as POVA Chief Gaming Officer. Her expanded role will deepen TECNO’s penetration into PH’s exploding cosplay community while anchoring hardcore gaming credibility. During the offline appearance, Myrtle cos the newest PUBGM skin - Spectral Byte with  light-strip flares on her costume and weapon – a visual metaphor for how the phone merges performance and personal expression. "POVA 7 Ultra 5G isn’t just a tool, it’s your battle jewelry," she declared, showcasing the device light effects and designs that drew roaring approval from Gen Z attendees.

Freebies for All Buyers for TikTok Super Brand Day and Offline Preorder - Buy 1 Get 3!

The official price of POVA 7 Ultra 5G is PhP16,999, with the color of Geek White and Geek Black. Avail the early bird price of PhP12,999 for the POVA 7 Ultra 5G from August 8 to 10 during the TECNO Super Brand Day at the TikTok Shop. From August 11 to 14, the Super Brand Day discount price will be PhP13,999.

Pre-order in all nationwide TECNO stores are starting from August 8 to 21, getting PhP1,000 off the standard retail price of PhP16,999 plus three freebies when order one POVA 7 Ultra 5G. Use Skyro to enjoy additional PhP500 discount, or use Home Credit to enjoy up to 18 months, 0% interest payments of PhP24 per day.

For the freebies, TECNO TikTok Super Brand Day and retail store preorder buyers will receive freebies worth PhP1,999 when they buy the POVA 7 Ultra 5G and get 3 items (limited stock) –  1 POVA wireless powerbank (5000mAh), 1 customized DITO Prepaid Gaming SIM for PUBG Mobile, and 1 special edition PUBGM case card.

The fiesta climaxed with fans queuing three-deep at experiential booths, where the Dimensity 8350 chipset’s blistering speed and hyper gaming engine converted skeptics into believers. TECNO POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s triple-crown validation (PMCL/SIBOL/PKL), carrier alliance, and cultural connectivity position it not just as a device, but as the engine of Philippines’ esports ascendancy.

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