Netflix has officially unveiled the trailer for 18th Rose, the streaming platform’s first original Filipino film for 2026—offering audiences a glimpse into the heartfelt coming-of-age world of Rose (Xyriel Manabat) and Jordan (Kyle Echarri), set against the backdrop of early 2000s Romblon.   Speaking at the New on Netflix event held in February, Xyriel shared how deeply she connected with her character: “Everything came along naturally, because I believed Rose, I trusted Rose, and I fell in love with Rose.”    The film marks not only Manabat’s debut leading lady role, but also her first on-screen pairing with Echarri, whose real-life friendship with the...

Podcasting in the Philippines is entering a new phase - one defined not by viral spikes but by sustained audience growth, meaningful fan communities, and creator-owned brands built for the long term.   This year, The KoolPals and Dear MOR received Spotify’s Creator Milestone Award, a global recognition program honoring their journey and performance. Evaluated quarterly, the global award recognizes the shows that build consistent, returning audiences over time. Other podcasts recognized by the program include Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett and Critical Role.   “Podcasting in the Philippines is maturing,” says Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios at...

  James Reid turns urban frustration into inspiration in the music video of “Traffic,” his latest single under Careless Philippines and Sony Music Entertainment. Caught in the gridlock of Metro Manila, the video finds James driving around the standstill roads, visibly stressed and tired, yet holding on to the thought that the moment, like traffic itself, will soon pass.   The music video was helmed by Jonathan Tal Placido of Philippine-based production house Toothless, with creative direction by Issa Pressman. The concept revolves around the reality of being stuck in traffic, while also capturing the horrors that Filipino commuters and...

  Sometimes, stories can be predictable, especially for those we’ve heard many times before. The (in)famous Frankenstein became a horror legend, and it was given a unique expanded story in The Bride that showed his journey to find happiness and his willingness to do whatever it takes to fill that void. His destined bride had a dark past, which the story reveals in such an unsettling way with snippets of humor to prevent it from dragging.      The cast delivered performances that allowed them to shine while helping the audience understand the characters. Some scenes featured obvious CGI, but...

A powerful story can only translate to the big screen well with the perfect cast. Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers were personally chosen by author Colleen Hoover to play the main characters, Kenna Rowan and Ledger Ward, in Reminders of Him. The adaptation of her hit novel of the same name also stars Rudy Pankow, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford.   Reminders of Him tells the story of Kenna Rowan, who returns to her hometown after a life-altering crash that sends her to prison for seven years. Kenna hopes to rebuild her life and het a chance to...