Author: Izel Abanilla

HEADS up movie fans, the Film Development Council of the Philippines is bringing Cinemalaya’s most notable movies back on the big screen for free starting July 10-27 at FDCP Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao, and Nabunturan! In time for its 20th edition this August, Cinemalaya, in partnership with FDCP Cinematheques, runs a full retrospective of the festival’s first two decades. QR codes may be scanned to purchase tickets. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Here is the full schedule: 

The 7th Edition of the Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards or the The Eddy’s held at the Ceremonial Hall, Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on July 7 has just concluded and actors Piolo Pascual, Julia Montes and Charlie Dizon emerge the big winners as the Best Actor and Best Actresses. “Nanginginig pa rin ako. I was not expecting to win, so forgive me for shaking. I share this award to all the nominees— Romnick Sarmenta, you are my best actor,” Pascual said in his speech.“I hold this close to my heart because it comes from friends in the…

Lawyer Vic Rodriguez is out to prove that he was never the many names he was called or accused of being during his time as executive secretary, among them “kapit-tuko” (tight-gripped) for power. He was no doubt the main character in the Marcos presidential campaign. Most people thought the Marcos win would catapult everyone who went along with him to tenure for as long as Marcos Jr. held power. But it wasn’t the case for Rodriguez, the chief architect of the Bong Bong Marcos campaign. In fact, according to him, things turned sour almost immediately after his appointment as the executive secretary…

THERE’S much more to him than just being a Marcos man, at one point at least. Lawyer Vic D. Rodriguez is unforgettable to so many Filipinos, favorably or unfavorably, for being the driving force behind the Marcos family’s return to Malacañang. Through it all, loyalists saluted him for single-handedly fighting the battle for the son of the dictator which meant taking blows left, right and center from adversaries who had grown allergic to a Marcos presidency.But that’s all in the past now. The former “Little President ” is no longer in the Marcos camp and has in fact made revelations about the…

All 27 Filipino seafarers on board the Houthi-hit MV Transworld Navigator now back home. The 22 crewmembers of the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned, operated cargo carrier arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport late Tuesday in separate batches while the other five arrived earlier last Sunday, June 30. The repatriates were welcomed by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina said the repatriates received immediate assistance from the government.The DMW has earlier reported that all of the 27 Filipino seafarers were unharmed with just one minor injury when the Houthi rebels attacked the vessel sailing in…

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard earned the ire of China once again after the latter saw an increased presence of PCG ships patrolling waters off the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal on Monday. According to PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela, three 44-meter MRRVs with hull numbers 4402, 4404 and 4409 joined BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal following their successfully completed resupply missions at various maritime features in the area, “it was truly an exceptional occurrence in the West Philippine Sea yesterday, as four PCG vessels were nestled together, creating a remarkable sight.” However this move was met…

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, one of the most prestigious hotels in the country, officially ceased operations on Monday, July 1 after 48 years amid infrastructural safety concerns. A day before its closure, the management of the hotel bid its final goodbye with a brief but heart-tugging parting words on Facebook. “Where moments were made magnifique. Where memories last.”“Your smiles and stories have left an indelible mark on our hearts.”We hope these memories stay with you as fondly as they will with us.“Sofitel Manila bids you adieu. Merci beaucoup, and à bientôt in new adventures!”On Saturday, its famous dining destination Spiral Manila also…

After months of social media hiatus, Queen of All Media Kris Aquino comes back with good news for her supporters; her health is now improving and she is in high hopes to be back in the Philippines before the year ends. The still skinny-thin and weakly yet ever communicative Kris who is still based in the US for her medication faced the public for the first time in months when she and her son, now 17-year old Bimby, agreed to an exclusive interview with talent manager-turned-vlogger Ogie Diaz published Saturday (June 29). Aquino has been diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases but her…

THE entertainment industry has lost yet another gem, film director and veteran actor Manny Castañeda on Monday, July 1. His death was announced by good friend, the chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes in a series of posts on Facebook. No further detail surrounding Castañeda’s cause of death was revealed in the post, not even his age. Reyes instead penned a heartfelt message for his friend of 61 years. He coupled with a black and white photo of them together. He recalled their good old days from the time they met until they became inseparable back…

MANILA, Philippines – Documentary film “And So It Begins” chronicling the presidential campaign of former Vice President Leni Robredo is ready to hit Philippine cinemas this coming August. Robredo posted the film’s poster on social media. Directed by Ramona Diaz, the film also stars Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa. Trailer is set for release on July 31. According to Ressa, the film advocates for right information, especially in light of efforts to dismantle press freedom and influencing elections in countries like the Philippines. Last April, “And So It Begins” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2024 in Los Angeles,…