The Running Man releases new trailer and posters

The stakes are higher than ever in The Running Man — the explosive new thriller from director Edgar Wright, the visionary filmmaker behind Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Shaun of the Dead. Starring Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters), this high-octane adaptation of The Running Man hits Philippine cinemas on November 12, 2025. Check out the posters and latest trailer:

 

Set in a near-future dystopia, The Running Man revolves around the most-watched TV show on the planet—a brutal competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. Every moment is broadcast live to a bloodthirsty public, with each passing day raising the stakes and the prize money. Watch the trailer below:

Powell plays Ben Richards, a working-class man driven to desperation by his daughter’s illness. He’s lured into the deadly game by its charming but ruthless producer Dan Killian, played by Josh Brolin. What begins as a last resort quickly turns into a rebellion: Ben’s defiance and grit turn him into an unlikely hero and a threat to the entire system. As ratings soar, the danger escalates, and Ben must outsmart both the Hunters and a nation addicted to watching him fall.

The film also stars William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Katy O’Brian, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.

Produced by Simon Kinberg, Nira Park, and Edgar Wright, The Running Man is based on the novel by Stephen King. It’s a gripping, adrenaline-fueled story about survival, spectacle, and the price of entertainment in a world that’s forgotten its humanity.

The Running Man opens exclusively in Philippine cinemas on November 12, 2025. Watch the trailer now and get ready for the game of your life.

Read More

Love on the Clock: Six singles race against time for romance in Hong Kong

Love is in the air and on the clock! tvN Asia, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, proudly presents Love on the Clock, a brand-new dating reality series filmed entirely in Hong Kong, designed to showcase the city’s most vibrant attractions while bringing together six singles in search of romance. The first ever Pinoy reality dating show set in Hong Kong premiers on tvN and TV5 Philippines this October.

Hosted by Filipino stars Juancho Triviño and Dawn Chang, the eight-episode series premiered October 11 on TV5 and airs on tvN Asia beginning October 17 (Fridays, 4:00 PM).

Hosts Juancho Triviño and Dawn Chang

“We’re thrilled to partner with tvN Asia on Love on the Clock, a series that beautifully captures the essence of Hong Kong as a city of love, energy, and vibrant experiences,” said Ms Liew Chian Jia, Regional Director of Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board. “From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the show offers audiences a fresh perspective on Hong Kong's captivating appeal — whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering it with someone special.”

A Game of Hearts Across Hong Kong
Set against the city’s iconic skyline and energetic lifestyle, Love on the Clock brings together six daters — three men and three women — who compete in unique challenges to earn “Love Points”. Three women bring charm and confidence: Pupa Dadivas, a singer-songwriter and visual artist; Victoria Fabella, a painter and creative soul; and Dani Buenvenida, self-proclaimed “Landi Tip Queen”, puts her dating game to the test. The male cast combines charisma and a little mischief: Jomari Angeles, actor-turned-content creator known for dating-themed videos; Ron Angeles, an indie and mainstream film actor as seen in Uninvited and Mallari; and Polo Laurel, commercial model and actor who first captured hearts as a “Bidaman” on It’s Showtime.

Throughout the show, the six daters reside in Social House, a stylish co-living space by Weave Living, where friendships deepen, sparks fly, and connections grow beyond the daily missions. Guided by the hosts, the daters must complete exciting missions and games across Hong Kong’s iconic attractions to test their chemistry, teamwork, and sense of adventure.

From the romantic “Love Locks” mission at The Peak, to treasure hunt-style photo missions in Central Market, the participants also experience water sports at Go Park Aqua, indoor games at Joypolis Sports Hong Kong, and roller skating at Buns 2020. Other picture-perfect backdrops include Victoria Harbour, Aqua Luna, and Hutong restaurant, offering both breathtaking views and heartfelt moments.

Love, Laughter, and Lessons Along the Way
While the daters chase both points and connection, hosts Juancho and Dawn play cupid and counselor sharing dating insights, relationship advice, and personal reflections. The clock is always ticking, but every challenge is a chance for sparks to fly in the city that never sleeps.

“Love on the Clock captures the excitement of discovering both a new destination and a new connection,” said Michael Jung, Managing Director of CJ ENM Hong Kong. “Through this series, we hope to inspire audiences to see Hong Kong not just as a travel destination, but as a city where love and adventure come alive.”

Don’t forget to catch Love on the Clock on tvN Asia, TV5 linear channel and YouTube channel @TV5Philippines to find out how couples will be successfully paired at the end of the series!

Read More

Mas Pina-Easy ang Negosyo: 3 Filipino MSME Owners Share How To Enter Your Easy Era of Business

Many of today’s MSMEs are born from a passion: a recipe that's been passed down for generations, a love of coffee and pastries, or a vision to showcase local fashion and design to the global stage. But turning that passion into a sustainable business is another thing on its own. Day-to-day challenges like managing orders and keeping payments on track can be overwhelming.

As businesses grow, so does the need for better tools. While there’s no shortage of tech in the market, many MSMEs often steer away due to cost and complexity. However, when presented with the opportunity to use solutions from GCash for Business, more business owners are discovering the advantages of adopting new tech innovations — especially when it comes to payments.

One innovation is GCash SoundPay. This device provides instant voice confirmation for every successful QR payment made. It’s easy to carry, affordable, and simple to use – requiring only a fully verified GCash account of at least 12 months to get started.

For Nikko Mendoza of Smthn Smthn Cafe in Davao, Michael Chan of Mom Rose Chicken Lechon in Bacolod, and Emgee Po of Get Spotted in Bacolod, embracing digital tools has helped them grow their brands while allowing them to enter a new era of ease.

Here’s what they’ve learned:

1. Faster checkouts make everyday transactions feel hassle-free – Michael Chan, Mom Rose Chicken Lechon

Mom Rose Chicken Lechon was born from both necessity and memory. When the pandemic shut down their carinderia in 2021, the Chan family shifted to making their signature Spicy Chicken Lechon, a dish inspired by their late mother, Rosemarie.

 

To this day, the business honors her wish for “a happy family,” and GCash SoundPay helps them keep that promise by ensuring this joy extends to their customers by making everyday payments stress-free.

“Most of our customers prefer GCash now. With GCash SoundPay, payments are faster and more reliable, so we can focus on serving food that makes people happy,” Michael shares.

In store, each team member carries their own GCash SoundPay device, worn with a lanyard and ready to use. This allows them to accept and confirm payments anytime, anywhere. No need for long waiting lines and just one payment acceptance device at the counter. Because of the real-time audio alerts, transactions move quicker, and the team can focus fully on serving their customers more efficiently.

2. Tech is a driver of growth. – Emgee Po, EMGEE by Get Spotted

A thesis project in 2011, EMGEE by Get Spotted is a local fashion brand from Bacolod that is now making waves internationally. Its founder, Emgee Po, partners with Negros weavers and Angono seamstresses to create one-off designs that are proudly Filipino. From a mall location in Ayala Malls Capitol Central to pop-ups in Paris and soon New York, EMGEE continues to expand its reach.

GCash played a role in how Emgee connected with customers. She first used her personal GCash account for payments, where cashless transactions made it easier to keep up with multiple customers paying at the same time.

“Most [of] our sales for the shop would be [through] credit cards and GCash. It's very easy and it's very convenient [to go cashless],” Emgee shares. But as the business grew, the confusion of mixing personal and business transactions and manually checking her phones to confirm payments started becoming a challenge.

 

That’s why she moved to GCash for Business. With GCash for Business, she now has everything to confidently grow her business such as an easy-to-use business wallet, no limits, no transaction fees. Now, there’s no more mixing personal and business payments.

3. Businesses benefit from an easy-to-use platform – Nikko Mendoza, Smthn Smthn Cafe

What started as seasonal pastries grew into a full-fledged garden café in 2024. Since day one, Smthn Smthn Cafe in Davao has accepted GCash payments to serve its customers better. But as the café expanded, owner Nikko Mendoza realized he needed more than just a way to receive payments.

 

With the new GCash for Business Portal, businesses get access to an easy-to-use platform to track and manage all online transactions in one place. It includes a simple, , easy-to-use payments tracker and management system, no wallet limit when receiving cashless payments from customers, and no transaction fees when paying suppliers through GCash. Additionally, the portal allows merchants to pay their suppliers directly through bank transfer or even to their GCash accounts with no fees, reducing the need to use multiple platforms and pay multiple fees.

For Nikko and his team, utilizing a system like the GCash for Business Portal means more time to focus on running the café, and less time worrying about payment limits, fees, or keeping track of scattered transactions.

Tech Made for Business’ Easy Era
From Manila to Bacolod to Davao, these small business owners show how digital solutions are helping them experience ease everyday in their operations. With GCash SoundPay and an upcoming new device that enables merchants to accept credit card payments through their phone, GCash for Business continues to provide MSMEs a selection of tools tailored to their specific needs per industry.

Utilizing these solutions also comes with a dedicated business account in the new GCash for Business Portal, providing a dedicated dashboard where business owners can order devices and manage their business transactions in a simple, easy-to-use business portal with no limits and no fees.

Learn more about how GCash for Business can empower your business and sign up today with just a GCash verified account of at least 12 months.

Read More

11 Winners of the 2025 Manila Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition to Perform at the GSIS Theater on October 15

The stage is set for a spectacular evening of music as 11 outstanding young Filipino musicians—winners of the 2025 Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Concerto Competition—take the spotlight in a Concert of Winners on October 15, 2025, 7:30 PM at the GSIS Theater.

These young artists were chosen from among 48 talented participants who auditioned nationwide, showcasing exceptional skill and artistry in classical performance.

The winning soloists are:

LEVEL A: 12 years old and below

  

Eliana Jimenez Mariano, Andrei Johann B. Lagda, Lois Quitane

• Eliana Jimenez Mariano, 10 – Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, 3rd Movement

• Andrei Johann B. Lagda, 10 – Carl Stamitz: Flute Concerto in G Major, 1st Movement

• Lois Quitane, 11 – Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole, 1st Movement

LEVEL B: 13–18 years old

  

Megan Phuan Zhiyan, Maura Mikaela Medina, Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V

  

Zildjian Zachary N. Viray, William Hsu, Agung Dayaw A. Sicam

• Megan Phuan Zhiyan, 13 – Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 13 in C Major, 1st Movement

• Maura Mikaela Medina, 18 – Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor

• Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V, 16 – Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, 1st Movement

• Zildjian Zachary N. Viray, 18 – Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, 1st Movement

• William Hsu, 18 – Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6 in D Major, 1st Movement

• Agung Dayaw A. Sicam, 18 – Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez, 2nd Movement

LEVEL C: 19–25 years old

 

Joshua Agapito, Rey John C. Flores

• Joshua Agapito, 25 – Mozart: Flute Concerto in G Major, K313, 1st Movement

• Rey John C. Flores, 22 – Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major, 1st Movement

The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges: Prof. Alessio Benvenuti, Ms. Mariel Ilusorio, Prof. Arnold Josue, Mr. Marc Ramirez, Mr. Angelo Mateo, Mr. Adrian Sison, and Prof. Ramoncito Carpio—all accomplished musicians and educators from the MSO and the Philippine classical music community.

The MSO Concerto Competition has a storied history dating back to the 1960s. Its past winners include legendary Filipino artists such as Cecile Licad, Raul Sunico, Corazon Pineda-Kabayao, and Cecilia Basilio-Roxas. The 2025 revival of this tradition is part of MSO’s year-long celebration leading up to its 100th Anniversary in 2026.

The concert will feature the winners performing with the MSO under the baton of Jeffrey Solares, Executive Director and Associate Conductor.

Tickets:

• Orchestra Center – ₱2,000

• Orchestra Sides – ₱1,000

• Balcony – ₱500
  50% discount for students; 20% discount for seniors and PWDs

Tickets are available at TicketWorld.

Read More

'Echoes of Croatia in the Philippines' concert all set on October 14

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts and the FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS), in partnership with the soon to open Embassy of Croatia in Manila, proudly present ECHOES OF CROATIA in the Philippines.

Set your eyes and ears on Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old Filipina prodigy and Croatia’s Got Talent 2023 winner, as she captivates you with her stunning voice alongside internationally acclaimed Croatian artists — Blanka Tkalčić (mezzo-soprano) and Danijel Oto (pianist, educator, and chamber musician).

Experience an afternoon filled with harmony that bridges nations on October 14, 3:00 pm at the FEU Auditorium.

Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old soprano originally from Pampanga, Philippines, has been living in Sveti Martin na Muri, Croatia since 2020. She first captured the hearts of the public with her interpretation of a traditional Međimurje folk song on Supertalent, and has continued to delight audiences across Croatia ever since. From the age of five, she showed a passion for music, singing karaoke with her mother. In Croatia, she quickly embraced the local culture, especially the region’s musical heritage and traditional attire. Chriztel is an 8th-grade student at Primary School Sveti Martin na Muri, a member of the school choir and part of the local cultural and artistic society HKUU Sveti Martin. She studies voice in the preparatory program of the Varaždin Music School under the guidance of Blanka Tkalčić. Her performances of authentic Međimurje folk songs have been compared to the legendary "Aunt Liza", and her emotional expressiveness leaves audiences breathless. She has performed at numerous traditional music events, charity concerts, and public festivals, including collaborations with Croatia's folk music icon Lidija Bajuk. She won the Supertalent show, the Prvi glas Zagorja contest, the Mali MEF Grand Prix, and first prize at the Brežice Festival in Slovenia. Through her singing, Chriztel celebrates her second homeland—Croatia—while remaining proudly connected to her Filipino roots.

 
Chriztel Renae Aceveda

Blanka Tkalčić, mezzo-soprano, was born in Čakovec in 1978. She attended the Varaždin Music School and studied voice with Darija Hreljanović, later continuing at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz under Ulf Bästlein. She holds both a diploma and master’s degree in lied and oratorio and specialized further under renowned mentors such as Silvia Bazzoni-Bartoli and Lidija Horvat-Dunjko. Blanka has performed widely in Croatia and abroad (Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.), with prestigious orchestras such as the Zagreb Philharmonic, Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Wiener Johann Strauss Capelle, and Paris Chamber Orchestra. Her repertoire spans oratorios, masses, and operas—from Mozart’s Requiem to roles in operettas like The Merry Widow, Countess Maritza, and Die Fledermaus. She is also an acclaimed pedagogue, teaching voice at the Varaždin Music School and working with Opera BB under maestro Vladimir Kranjčević, with whom she has sung roles in operas by Pergolesi, Menotti, Rossini, Donizetti, and others. She is a member of the Europeisches Musik Zentrum Wien.

Blanka Tkalčić

Danijel Oto, pianist, began his piano studies at the age of 12 and entered the Zagreb Music Academy at 18 under the tutelage of Vladimir Krpan. He graduated in 2009 with top honors and has continued his development through masterclasses with renowned pedagogues such as Franco Scala, Peter Eicher, and Konstantin Krasnitsky. He has performed in prestigious venues across Europe (Vienna, Paris, Rome, Zurich, Zagreb, Belgrade), recorded for Croatian Radio and Television, and collaborated with prominent artists. A sought-after chamber musician and official accompanist at international competitions, Danijel is regularly invited as a jury member in piano competitions across Europe. Since 2008, he has been working as an accompanist and piano teacher at the Varaždin School of Music, and he is currently also an assistant at University North (Department of Music and Media). His students have won over 200 awards at national and international competitions. He is also a regular faculty member at the Grožnjan International Summer Piano School.

Danijel Oto

Admission is FREE!

Secure your seats by registering through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/yx6wzkkxvn

Read More

Theater Review: The Bodyguard The Musical

The timeless hits of Whitney Houston find a fresh spotlight in 9 Works Theatrical’s The Bodyguard The Musical, now playing at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati City. For those who grew up with Whitney’s powerful songs, this is more than just a stage production. It is a vibrant, reimagined experience that pays homage to an era while speaking to today’s world.

Christine Allado and Matt Blaker in 9WT's The Bodyguard The Musical

While the original 1992 film is remembered more for its star power than its plot, this adaptation sharpens the story’s edges and updates it with smart, contemporary touches. Modern-day elements like social media, virality, and omnipresent CCTV surveillance are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the tension more immediate and relatable. It is a thoughtful modernization that does not just retell a classic but reinvents it.

The thrill begins the moment Christine Allado steps on stage as Rachel Marron, opening with a high-octane performance of “Queen of the Night.” Surrounded by stellar backup singers and dancers, Allado commands the stage with a mix of vocal power and star presence. Arnold Trinidad’s jazzy, energetic choreography elevates the spectacle, while her stunning costume changes underscore her status as the ultimate diva of her time.

Christine Allado as Rachel Marron

Matt Blaker brings warmth and wit to the role of Frank Farmer. His portrayal finds the sweet spot between stoic protector and charming lead, with the karaoke bar scene emerging as one of the crowd favorites. While comparisons to Kevin Costner are inevitable, Blaker makes the role entirely his own. He is playful, engaging, and unexpectedly funny.

Matt Blaker as Frank Farmer

A standout of the night is Sheena Palad as Nicki, Rachel’s sister. Her voice soars with emotion in “All at Once,” "Saving All for Love For You" and “Run To You” giving her character a compelling emotional arc that adds depth to the love triangle. Palad’s performance is magnetic and shows that this is not just Rachel’s story but Nicki’s too.

Sheena Palad as Nicki Marron

The production design is a technical triumph. Mio Infante’s scenography transforms the Proscenium stage with seamless precision. Clever use of LED screens, projections, and layered panels creates visual depth and fluid scene transitions. The modern multimedia treatment enhances the show’s contemporary tone without losing its classic soul. You can hardly notice the movement of set pieces, and that is the kind of theatrical magic 9 Works Theatrical consistently delivers.

Equally unforgettable is Vien King’s first major villain role as the stalker. His transformation from matinee idol charm to dangerous menace is both surprising and riveting, marking one of the night’s standout character turns.

Vien King as the Stalker

The ensemble and supporting cast bring the production to life with high energy, vocal strength, and precise execution. Every number feels big and alive, sustaining momentum from start to finish.

In a brief conversation with Director Robbie Guevara and Artistic Director Raul Montesa, I suggested an exciting idea: flashing the lyrics somewhere onstage to encourage the audience to sing along. For a musical built on Whitney Houston’s greatest hits, it is a move that could turn the theater into one big, joyful concert moment.

With its clever modernization, powerhouse performances, and breathtaking technical execution, The Bodyguard The Musical by 9 Works Theatrical is a must-see. It is a dazzling celebration of music, memory, and spectacle that proves Whitney’s legacy remains just as electrifying today as it was in 1992.

The show runs until October 19, 2025. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/TheBodyguardAtRockwell.

Read More

Andres Muhlach continues the legacy of Adie in Bagets The Musical

The young Muhlach takes on his father’s iconic role for Bagets The Musical.

Bagets The Musical is coming full circle as a new Muhlach steps into the spotlight. Four decades after Aga Muhlach charmed audiences as Adie in the 1984 coming-of-age hit, his son Andres Muhlach will take on the same role in the 2026 stage adaptation. Fresh from his film debut in Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, Andres joins the new-generation Bagets barkada, alternating performances with Mico Hendrix Chua. With this final cast reveal, fans are all set to relive the iconic magic, friendships, and first-love thrills that made Bagets a cultural phenomenon.

For Andres, stepping into Adie’s shoes is both an honor and a deeply personal moment. “I understand how big Bagets was, and still is, in the Philippines,” he says. “It’s such a huge part of many Filipino childhoods. To be part of it, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal.” His father couldn’t be prouder. “When we first found out that I got his breakthrough role, he was super happy for me,” Andres shares. “He’s excited to see how I’ll bring my own take to the character.”

 

This project also marks Andres’ first major foray into theater. While nerves were high, rigorous workshops and rehearsals helped him embrace the challenge. “It’s really about honing your talents,” he says. “Once you start learning more about yourself and your abilities, it just makes you more motivated—to perform, improve, and keep getting better.”

Though comparisons are inevitable, Andres is determined to make the role his own. “I’d want this to be my own path,” he explains. “At the end of the day, the hard work is on us, the new Bagets cast. What we put out isn’t because of what the original actors did, but because we want to create something worthy for today’s fans.”

The young actor came prepared for the role, training extensively and auditioning with a surprise vocal performance. “Ever since I was little, I dreamed of seeing myself on the silver screen and on stage,” he shares. “Now it’s happening. I just feel blessed.” Andres has already appeared in TV series like Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family, but Bagets The Musical gives him the chance to showcase a more mature, layered side of his artistry.

“Playing Adie now is a completely new experience,” he reflects. “He’s still the charismatic, charming boy-next-door, but this time, his story feels more grounded—especially because of his love interest.” For Andres, the show’s heart lies in friendship and growing up together. “Atasha and I studied abroad, but I enjoyed my time here more because I was with my best friends. Nothing beats being close to the people who made student life bearable. That’s really at the heart of Bagets The Musical.”

Bagets The Musical will run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Andres in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel, Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee, and Mico Hendrix Chua as Adie.

The musical is produced by VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, with creative direction from Philippine Educational Theater Association Plus. It is helmed by Maribel Legarda, with script by J-mee Katanyag and music by Vince Lim. The production is supported by Sun Life Philippines.

For updates, follow VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Read More