By: Atty. Wivino E. Bracero II | Free speech has always been the cornerstone of any democratic society. It is so important in our society that it is jealously protected and guaranteed by no less than the Constitution. However, much like all other freedoms, the exercise of free speech is not without limitation. As the old adage goes, one’s freedoms end where another’s rights begin. That said, much has been said about the crime of libel. It is a crime that is defined and the penalties for its commission provided for under the Revised Penal Code. Libel, criminal libel to...

WARNING: This review contains spoilers for the Cinemalaya 2020 Main Competition Shorts Entry." Read at your own risk. REVIEWER’S RATINGS: 7/10   SYNOPSIS: A closeted gay man in his 60s has been living with HIV for 10 years. His monotonous life takes a sudden turn when he receives an old vinyl record from his dead ex-lover. The short film opens with a statement from UNAIDS that in the Philippines alone, there are about 77,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV), and that only about 62,029 of those have been diagnosed and reported. This is followed by a powerful statement, “HIV doesn’t kill,...

'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' and  ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo' male lead Nam Joo-hyuk is on a hot seat after allegations of school bullying involving the actor circulated online. In a report released by a Korean media outlet on June 20, an anonymous person claims to be bullied by the actor for six long years. He claims that they both attended the same middle and high school and has proof of a picture in a school yearbook.  The alleged victim revealed that the actor is a member of a Korean school gang called 'iljin' and accused him of several physical and verbal abuse....

Filipino indie rock band We Are Imaginary has released their self-titled third album on all streaming and other digital music platforms worldwide via indie label floppydisks.   Produced by Joey Santos of Love One Another and Ahmad Tanji, the album delves into themes of identity, emotional reckoning, and acceptance. Sonically, it’s a dreamy guitar-rock record infused with shoegaze and noise-pop textures: drifting through warm, fuzzy soundscapes before pulling listeners back into tension, doom, and angst.   We Are Imaginary was also recorded by Angee Rozul and Santos at Love One Another studio, and was mixed by the latter and mastered...

Simula Sa Gitna November 2, 2023 6-part series   Simula Sa Gitna follows the journey of Sarah (Maris Racal) who is ready to move past her tragic death and welcomes a second chance at life in the afterlife. In this realm, she serves as a guardian for souls in The Middle, a place where souls await their ultimate judgment. But when her duty leads her to Andrew (Khalil Ramos), who might know about her past, Sarah becomes increasingly drawn to unravel the truth about her memories and who she truly is.   Invincible November 3, 2023   Based on the...