Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf

The barkada gets a major boost of cool with Topee—the martial arts ace and athletic heartthrob of Bagets. First brought to life by J.C. Bonnin in the 1984 film, Topee now makes his much-awaited stage debut in Bagets The Musical. Taking on the role are two rising stars—Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf—who are ready to charm audiences and capture the thrill of teenage discovery all over again.

Sam Shoaf, JC Bonnin and Jeff Moses

Embodying Topee’s Hiligaynon roots with Jeff Moses

For Jeff Moses, portraying Topee is more than just stepping into a beloved character—it’s also about honoring shared roots. Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Moses deeply relates to Topee’s longing for home.

 

“Puli ‘ta Bacolod. Madalas ‘yung sinasabi niya sa nanay niya (Let’s go home to Bacolod. That’s what he often tells his mother),” Moses shares. “Ako ramdam ko ‘yung bigat no’n kasi tuwing holidays na lang din ako nakakauwi sa’min (I can really feel the weight of that because I only get to go home during the holidays).”

Since signing with GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Moses has steadily built a name in film and television. He earned Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival for Under a Piaya Moon, and appeared in hit shows like Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. In 2023, he was named Outstanding Youth of the Philippines at the Philippine Outstanding Men & Women Awards.

“Topee is kind, mature, and treats his friends like family,” he reflects. “But deep inside, he carries a hidden vulnerability.”

That complexity is exactly what Moses hopes audiences will connect with. “Even if life pushes us to grow up fast, I want people to realize that being young at heart never really goes away. We can still feel joy or sadness as purely as we did when we were kids.”

For the 24-year-old actor, Bagets The Musical marks his first theater experience—a challenge he’s both nervous and excited about. “On stage, there are no take twos. Everything is raw and live. That’s what makes it so powerful.”

 
Finding Topee in Sam Shoaf
While Jeff Moses finds Topee in his roots, Sam Shoaf finds him in his spark. A self-confessed fan of the ’80s, Shoaf has long been fascinated by the era’s music, fashion, and energy.

“Everything was just full of life back then,” he says. “When I first watched Bagets, that’s what I saw in Topee, too.”

 

Shoaf imagines that if Topee were around today, he’d be a fitness-loving, TikTok-savvy guy who never missed out on fun. Like Topee, Shoaf also loves martial arts—something he showcased in his role in Ang Mutya ng Section E.

“I see a lot of myself in Topee,” he explains. “We’re both active, but we also tend to keep certain parts of our lives private.”

For Shoaf, this emotional complexity is at the core of the musical. “Bagets The Musical is really about us. Different timelines, different circumstances, but the same story of growing up, figuring things out, and learning who we are.”

Shoaf first captured audiences as a contestant on The Voice Kids Philippines and later on Your Face Sounds Familiar. Now, he’s ready to bring that mix of music, energy, and heart to the stage.
A timeless coming-of-age story

Through Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf, Topee returns as both a fighter and a dreamer, embodying the highs and lows of adolescence. Together with their castmates, they’ll bring to life the messy, thrilling, and unforgettable ride of growing up—proof that the magic of youth never truly disappears, it just evolves.

Bagets The Musical runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Moses and Shoaf are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, and Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel.

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, in collaboration with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus. It is directed by Maribel Legarda, written by J-mee Katanyag, and scored by musical director Vince Lim, with the support of Sun Life Philippines.

Stay updated by following VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Sign up for the ticket waitlist now via Newport World Resorts.

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Disney Friends Unwrap New Holiday Surprises At Hong Kong Disneyland 20 th Anniversary

For the most dazzling magical Christmas Party of all,
double the visit with just HK$100 on top of a day ticket

Join the year-long 20th anniversary celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL), where every holiday season brings a new reason to party! From the anniversary-only concert-style show “Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!”, to the park’s largest-ever “Friendtastic!” parade, leading up to the grandest nighttime spectacular “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky,” each experience is crafted to dazzle like never before.

Adding to the excitement, guests from the Philippines are invited to celebrate at “A Disney Christmas” from November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026. A whimsical winter celebration hosted by your favorite Disney Friends, where Mickey and Friends, the Arendelle royals from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Disney Animation’s Zootopia welcomes you and your loved ones for a Christmas party filled with dazzling Christmas trees and magical snowfall.

With one surprise after another and parties within parties all year long, one day isn’t enough to soak in the vibe of the Most Magical Party of All! Enjoy a chance to double the magic with the “Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket” by adding HK$100 to upgrade a regular day ticket into a 2-day visit filled with never-ending festive fun.

Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Sparkle at World of Frozen

Step into the season with the most sparkly Christmas celebration yet, inspired by the magic of Disney Animation’s Frozen as the beloved authentic Arendellian holiday celebration returns.

This year, the festive celebration will extend to Forest in Arendelle as Kristoff begins the party by unveiling a shimmering ice sculpture of Sven. Guests can meet Kristoff up close, twirl through magical snowfall alongside Anna and Elsa who will be in their winter attire, as well as the jolly citizens of Arendelle, bringing their beloved world to life.

Sparkling Christmas decorations, snow-capped Christmas trees, and adorable snowgies will fill every corner of the world’s first and largest World of Frozen, creating a truly immersive holiday experience.

Disney Friends Add New Surprises to Disney Traditions

From their sparkling anniversary party looks to festive holiday outfits, Mickey and Friends are switching it up to impress festival celebrators. Woody, Buzz, and Jessie in Toy Story Land will even debut brand-new Christmas party looks!

Over in Fantasyland, Cinderella Carousel will shimmer with seasonal cheer where enchanting Christmas touches will adorn the ceiling and carousel poles, and Ye Olde Christmas Market will transform into a glowing holiday wonderland filled with gingerbread, Christmas Cookies and more!

Led by Santa Goofy, the treasured “A Holiday Wish-Come-True" Tree Lighting Ceremony will also make its return, featuring a heartwarming Frozen surprise. Guests will be enchanted by the beloved dazzling drone effect and magical snowfall along Main Street, U.S.A., which will be further elevated with new elements added for the 20th anniversary on top of Christmas magic.

The joy continues with the time-limited “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!” where Santa Goofy and Disney Friends will be joined by the Hong Kong Children's Choir and Cantopop singers, who will individually take the stage on each of three consecutive weekends starting November 22, leading guests on a star-studded, melodious Christmas journey filled with beloved Disney songs.

Ring in 2026 with the most magical countdown of all during the “New Year's Eve Countdown Party” filled with music and festive cheer! As the final hours of 2025 unfold, guests will gather at the Castle of Magical Dreams for the spectacular anniversary-only “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky.” Mickey and Friends will join and make a magical appearance to lead the countdown – fired up with pyrotechnics, new projections and drones.

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde Throw the Wildest Zootopia Celebration

This November, with the release of Zootopia 2, the dynamic duo Judy and Nick are hosting the season’s most thrilling celebration at HKDL, and everyone is invited. Kick off the party with them at the “Friendtastic!” parade. Meet the duo in Adventureland with all-new Zootopia-themed photo backdrop, donning their brand-new outfits from the sequel’s adventure! Indulge in themed treats from the new Zootopia outdoor vending cart, where you might even find Officer Clawhauser’s favorite – donuts! Join them at the party and discover all-new exclusive Zootopia-themed merchandise, delicious treats, and unexpected experiences that will have you howling with delight.

Discover the festive offers and begin planning your unforgettable Disney Christmas celebration:

2 Nights Plus Special: 30% Off 
Enjoy up to 30% off Flexible Rate when you book 2 or more consecutive nights at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Hotels. Book here: https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/offers-discounts/two-nights-plus-offer/

Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket
Enter the park two days in a row by adding just HK$100 to the price of a regular 1-day ticket. Book here: https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/offers-discounts/non-stop-2-day-fun-ticket/

Get ready for a holiday celebration filled with spectacular shows, beloved Disney Friends, exciting attractions and create even more magical memories. It’s a magical Christmas party like no other!

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Levi's® and Disney Pixar Toy Story Launch Iconic Collaboration

Exclusive Early Access for Levi’s® Red Tab™ Members on Levi.com.ph

Get ready to relive childhood memories in style. Levi’s® is teaming up with Disney Pixar’s Toy Story to launch a special collection that brings beloved characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang to life through fashion.

Levi’s® Red Tab™ Members will enjoy exclusive early access to the collection from October 3 at 10:00 AM until October 4 at 9:59 AM, available only on Levi.com.ph. This special 24-hour window gives members the chance to shop their favorite pieces before anyone else.

The highly anticipated Levi’s® x Toy Story collection officially drops to the public starting October 4 at 10:00 AM, both online and in select Levi’s® stores nationwide.

 

 

Celebrating timeless friendship, imagination, and play, the collaboration features iconic Toy Story designs reimagined with Levi’s® signature craftsmanship—making it a must-have for fans of all ages.

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Kinapos Pero Kinaya: Diskarteng Pinoy Stories on Stretching Every Peso

Relatable ways Filipinos handle budget gaps with smart diskarte, and how GLoan Sakto helps fill them when needed

Sometimes, no matter how resourceful you are, unexpected shortfalls happen. Sometimes it's running out of money for the daily commute, being low on gas, or coming up short on budget at the grocery counter.

Other times, it’s something simple but urgent, like needing shampoo, baby’s milk, or even a quick snack. Filipino breadwinners don’t just get by. They get creative. In a culture built on resourcefulness, diskarte stories are part of our shared experience: the small hacks, clever tricks, and laugh-or-cry moments we all use to stretch every peso.

We asked real breadwinners to share their most relatable stories, and here’s what we found:

“Biglang naubusan ako ng rekado, kaya takbo agad kay mare para manghiram!”
We’ve all been there, cooking adobo when suddenly you’re out of laurel. The pot’s simmering, and there’s no time or budget to run to the supermarket. For many Filipinos, quick fixes are part of everyday life. When you’re short on budget, even a simple missing ingredient can feel out of reach. Small, practical moves like borrowing or knocking on a neighbor’s door for a missing ingredient help keep dinner on the table and the household running.

“Nilagyan ko ng tubig yung shampoo para umabot pa hanggang bukas."
Payday’s still a day away, and the shampoo bottle is nearly empty. Like many Filipino households, we add water, give it a shake, and hope it lasts one more wash. From shampoo to baby’s milk to medicine, these small emergencies test our creativity. More often than not, we  stretch what’s left by adding water to the bottle, scraping the last bit from the jar, or making do until the next payday. It’s these small acts of resourcefulness that help us get by.

“Nilalakad ko na lang pauwi pag kinapos sa pamasahe.”
A week before payday, our wallets are down to coins. We line up for the jeepney and realize the pamasahe isn’t enough for the full ride home, so we improvise. Maybe we get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way, or borrow a little gas money from a friend. These everyday hacks aren’t just about saving; they’re about survival, showing how resourceful and adaptable we become when times get tight.

The Ultimate Galawan for Everyday Gaps

These stories show how Filipinos handle daily gaps with creativity and grit—from food and groceries to minor emergencies and transportation. But even the most resourceful can’t plan for every setback.

That’s where GLoan Sakto comes in. It’s a simple, reliable, and valuable way to cover small but important needs:

• Food and Groceries: pang-rekado, pang-merienda, or pang-araw-araw na bilihin sa convenience store
• Minor Emergencies: pang-shampoo, sabon, gatas or diaper ni baby, at pati gamot
• Transportation: pang-pamasahe sa commute or pang-gas sa motor

GLoan Sakto is a pre-qualified entry loan from GCash that lets eligible users instantly borrow ₱100–₱300 via the app. With a short 14-day term and minimal fees, it’s a convenient way to access quick cash.

To apply for GLoan Sakto, open the GCash app, tap “Borrow,” and follow these steps:

1. Tap GLoan, then tap “Get Started.”
2. Choose the purpose of the loan and tap “Get this loan.”
3. Make sure your personal information is correct, then agree to the Data Privacy Agreement and loan agreements.
4. Double-check the amount that will be credited to your GCash account and tap “Confirm.”
5. Wait for the OTP from GCash, enter it in the app, and tap “Submit.” Users will receive a message from GCash confirming if they’re eligible for GLoan Sakto.

With GLoan Sakto, breadwinners can confidently handle everyday budget gaps—no drama, just solutions.

Learn more about GLoan Sakto on the GCash app or visit https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/articles/21435929589657-What-is-GLoan-Sakto.

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Non-Stop Action Awaits in Glen Powell’s The Running Man

Go behind the action and stunts with these new featurettes!

“We’re really breaking out the heavy artillery, the big explosions,” Glen Powell says in the new “Behind the Action” featurette for his upcoming movie, The Running Man, opening only in cinemas November 12. “Hopefully I’ll make the stunts look cool. This is going to be fun.”

Watch the “Behind the Action” featurette: 

Find out how Powell trained to be an action hero. Watch the “Behind the Training” featurette:

Directed by Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Shaun of the Dead) and starring Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters), The Running Man tells of a near-future society where the top-rated show on television is one called The Running Man – a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite – and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall. Also starring Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Lee Pace and Michael Cera.

Paramount Pictures, in association with Domain Entertainment, presents a Kinberg Genre and Complete Fiction production: The Running Man, an Edgar Wright film. Based on the novel by Stephen King, the screenplay is written by Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright, with Wright also directing. The film is produced by Simon Kinberg, Nira Park, and Edgar Wright, with executive producers George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, Audrey Chon, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, and Andrew Lary. Starring Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, and Sean Hayes, along with Katy O’Brian, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin, The Running Man promises a gripping cinematic experience.

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Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert: A Night of Culture and Harmony

The Philippine Italian Association (PIA), together with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and in partnership with Joel’s Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master’s Touch, invites you to a remarkable evening of music and cultural exchange. The Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium in Magallanes, Makati City, starting at 7:00 PM.

This unique concert brings together the richness of Filipino and Italian musical traditions in one unforgettable program. The evening features timeless works from European masters such as Rossini’s Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Tartini’s Sonata in G Minor (Didone Abbandonata), Debussy’s Piano Trio, and beloved themes from Ennio Morricone’s Cinema Paradiso and La Califfa. Adding a festive touch are classics like Funiculi Funicula.

Equally inspiring are the Filipino selections, including Nicanor Abelardo’s Cavatina, Mike Velarde’s Dahil Sa Iyo, Constancio de Guzman’s Bayan Ko, and well-loved folksongs such as Si Nanay Tatay Di Ko Babayaan, Ili-Ili Tulog Anay, and Salidumay.

At the helm of the performance is Maestro Alessio Benvenuti, concertmaster of the MSO and a distinguished violinist whose career spans more than 2,000 concerts across the world. He will be joined by an exceptional ensemble: Alfonso Encina (Violin II), Sara Gonzales (Viola), Arnold Josue (Cello), Lawrence Palad (Bass), and Mariel Ilusorio (Piano)—each bringing their artistry to create a stirring blend of sound and culture.

This collaboration reflects the shared mission of the Philippine Italian Association, now celebrating its 63rd year of fostering ties between Italy and the Philippines; the MSO, one of the oldest orchestras in Asia dedicated to nurturing Filipino musical talent; Joel’s Place, a modern lifestyle grocerant that champions global and local flavors; and 98.7 DZFE-FM, the country’s only classical music station, serving generations of listeners since 1954.

Tickets are priced at ₱1,500, with 20% discounts for Senior Citizens and PWDs and 10% off for PIA Members. For reservations, contact Ms. Jan Dacera at 0995 430 5118 or email philitalassociation@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of music, heritage, and cultural harmony. Follow the Philippine Italian Association on Facebook (The Philippine Italian Association) and Instagram (@philitalian) for updates.

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Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation announces the return of the MSO Concerto Competition 2025

The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation proudly announces the return of the MSO Concerto Competition 2025, a tradition that has shaped the country’s musical landscape since the 1960s and 1970s. For decades, this competition has provided a platform for young classical musicians to be discovered and nurtured, with many outstanding soloists having taken their first step on the MSO stage. This year, the orchestra continues its legacy of celebrating and elevating the next generation of Filipino talent.

The MSO Concerto Competition 2025 gives gifted instrumentalists the chance to showcase their artistry, grow in musical expression, and experience the unique honor of performing as a soloist with a professional orchestra. The competition is open to strings, woodwinds, brasses, and piano, with three winners to be selected across three age categories: Level A (12 years old and below), Level B (13 to 18 years old), and Level C (19 to 25 years old). Applicants must prepare one complete movement from a standard Baroque, Classical, or Romantic concerto, performed from memory.

To apply, participants must submit a recent unedited video of their performance along with the official MSO application form, a valid ID, and the application fee of ₱1,000. All entries must be received by October 8, 2025. A screening panel of MSO musicians and guest adjudicators will evaluate submissions based on technical mastery, artistry, and musicality. The names of the nine winners—three from each category—will be announced by October 10, 2025.

Winners will have the chance to perform with the Manila Symphony Orchestra in the Concert of Winners on October 15, 2025, 7:30 PM at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City. Tickets are available via TicketWorld, priced at ₱2,000 for Orchestra Center, ₱1,000 for Orchestra Sides, and ₱500 for Balcony.

For more information, contact the Manila Symphony Orchestra – Circuit Makati Office at (02) 8523 5712, email info@manilasymphony.com, or visit www.manilasymphony.com.

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