The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines officially kicks off 2026 with the launch of its 2026 Student Short Film Competition, inviting young Filipino filmmakers to share their creative stories through the theme “Kwentong Korea.”    Building on the success of its first-ever short film competition, the KCC continues its commitment to nurturing student filmmakers and strengthening cultural exchange through cinema. This year’s theme encourages participants to explore Korean culture, narratives, or experiences—interpreted through uniquely Filipino storytelling and perspectives.   Open to undergraduate and graduate students nationwide, the competition provides aspiring filmmakers, storytellers, and enthusiasts with approximately six months...

Filipino representation reached a groundbreaking milestone as Abi Marquez, globally known as the “Lumpia Queen,” was named ADCOLOR’s Creator of the Year —  joining other esteemed Filipino winners, such as Geena Rocero, who was honored with the ADCOLOR Advocate award in 2024.   The 19th Annual ADCOLOR Awards, held in Orlando, Florida, brought together global leaders and innovators from advertising, media, tech, and creative industries. Each year, ADCOLOR honors individuals who embody its mission to “Rise Up, Reach Back” by advancing representation and uplifting underrepresented communities.   Abi’s historic win celebrates her influential voice as a Filipino creator whose culinary...

Filipino beauty brand Sugar Dolls Inc. PH, in partnership with the Shunammite Ministry Group and JHOW Christian Church, organized a gift-giving drive for more than 300 children from underprivileged communities in San Mateo, Rizal. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of using beauty as a powerful way to give back, the initiative aims the make the kids feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the holiday season.   Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition alumna Ashley Ortega also took part in the gift-giving activity despite her busy schedule. She was joined by fellow celebrities and online influencers Ralph Malibunas, Jan Silva, Mark...

NYMA President and Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista and NYMA Chief Operating Officer Kat Bautista have recently won back-to-back awards for their content and leadership, cementing the couple as emerging leaders in the creative industry and the Filipino creator economy.    Christian recently won a Silver W3 Award in the Social Content Series—Fashion & Beauty category for his Christian Bautista’s Matching Outfits series, a series of online videos where he “accidentally on purpose” matches his wife Kat’s outfits. The series, which has garnered millions of views on Instagram and TikTok, won the public over thanks to its lighthearted tone, nods...

Filipino creator and digital entrepreneur Abi Marquez is set to participate in a panel session at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, happening January 9-11 in Dubai, marking another milestone for Filipino representation at one of the world’s most influential gatherings for creators, digital leaders, and global cultural figures.   The panel will focus on how creators transform brand partnerships into content audiences genuinely want to watch. Panelists will share insights on turning products into story moments, integrating brand deals seamlessly into content, and scaling partnerships — from early collaborations to multi-six-figure and seven-figure deals.   Widely known as the “Lumpia...