MANILA, Philippines – Kathryn Bernardo finally revealed the “new beginning” she’s been teasing heavily on social media over the holidays: a brand new YouTube channel, Everyday Kath.

The channel was launched on January 3 with a dreamy video that looks like a perfume ad. Set to Ilene Wood’s “So This Is Love” from the Disney film Cinderella, the short video shows Kathryn traipsing around a mansion in princess gowns and bare feet, sometimes carrying a bouquet of dried flowers.

The video description promises to show viewers a different side to the actress: “She’s dressed like a princess but she walks around barefoot. She’s all dolled up but she’s not afraid to bask in the sun. She looks familiar so you believe you know her...but perhaps you don’t know her as well as you think you do; in fact, perhaps you don’t know her at all."

"She’s everyday Kath – no script, no fuss, no pretense," it read.

"I created this channel to share with you a glimpse of my everyday life, especially the not-so-glamorous part that you don’t always get to see on TV," the actress added in the "About" section of her channel.

As of this writing, the channel has 244,000 subscribers. – Rappler.com

PARIS, FRANCE – Top Hollywood woman director Greta Gerwig said she was "disappointed" that she had been snubbed by the Golden Globes, with the producer of her hit film Little Women blaming the "unconscious bias" of male movie critics.

With the awards from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association about to kick off the Oscar season on Sunday, Gerwig told AFP she had been saddened to have been "bumped out" of the Best Director race.

However, her adaptation of the much-loved novel by Louisa May Alcott won nods for Best Actress for its lead Saoirse Ronan and Best Music for French composer Alexandre Desplat.

"Of course, I'm disappointed. I love the film that we made and of course it's lovely to be honored," said Gerwig, one of only 5 women ever to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar for her last film, Lady Bird.

But the fact Little Women was completely ignored by the Screen Actors Guild awards has caused consternation among some in Hollywood.

'Active hostility'

With the voters who chose the best films of the year overwhelming men, New York Times critic Janet Maslin tweeted her shock at the "active hostility about Little Women from men I know, love and respect."

Producer Amy Pascal echoed her uneasiness in an interview with Vanity Fair. She said women outnumbered men two to one at the screenings laid on for Academy members in the run up to the Oscar nominations.

"It's a completely unconscious bias. I don't think it's anything like a malicious rejection," she said. 

However, "I don't think that [men] came to the screenings in droves, let me put it that way," Pascal added.

Gerwig, 36, said that "there are so many beautiful films made by women this year, and so many worthy films... I want to give them a bunch of statues."

She said there had been progress for women directors, but "it's still dreadful".

"I think in the past couple of years it's got better. I think people have been more willing to take this risk of taking a chance on different voices, and different authors, writers and directors."

Hollywood's golden couple

The fallout from the Harvey Weinstein scandal had been positive, but the system was still skewed in favor of men, she said.

"I think obviously movies are expensive, they take a lot of time, a lot of money, a lot of people saying yes – and most of those people are men," she told AFP.

But she said there had been progress towards "the kind of world that I think Louisa May Alcott would have wanted, this more egalitarian world."

"Feminism is not about exclusion, but about lifting everyone and finding a better form of masculinity, as well as more freedom and opportunity for women," the writer-director added.

This week the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative said 10.6% of the top 100 Hollywood movies of 2019 were directed by women, a 13-year high and more than twice the previous year's figure.

Gerwig, who first made her name as an actor and screenwriter, is one half of Hollywood's hottest couple at the moment.

She had a son with her partner, fellow director and major awards season rival Noah Baumbach earlier this year.

The pair, hailed as the "first couple of film" by the Hollywood Reporter, have worked on several movies together, including Frances Ha. 

Baumbach's critically-acclaimed  Marriage Story heads the Golden Globes race with 6 nominations, including for Best Film and one for him for Best Screenplay.

The couple are also writing the script for live-action Barbie film together. It will have Australian Margot Robbie star playing the children's toy.

Gerwig won the Golden Globe for Best Comedy in 2018 with Lady Bird, set in her California hometown of Sacramento, which also starred Irish actress Ronan.

Little Women is even more star-studded, with Meryl Streep, Timothee Chalamet, and Laura Dern, who also has a memorable turn as a killer divorce lawyer in Baumbach's Marriage Story. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – JC Santos and Bela Padilla are reigniting their chemistry on screen for another hugot love story, On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets.

Viva released a teaser trailer for the film Viva on January 3. In it, we see Bela's character sipping vodka at a bar and eyeing JC's character, a musician. The two hook up and seemingly hit it off – until he asks her if he can see her again, to which she curtly replies, "'Pag tinopak ako ulit, baka pwede (Depends if I'm feeling crazy)."

The film promises to be a heartbreaking romance, if the video description is anything to go by.

"Si Bela. Si JC. Ulit. Oo. Masakit ulit (It's Bela. It's JC. Again. Yes. It'll be painful again)," it reads.

The film is directed by Irene Villamor, who previously did the 2018 film Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story, which starred Anne Curtis and Dingdong Dantes.

Bela and JC previously starred together in 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, a 2017 film about a college student with a speech impediment who secretly writes poems for the girl he is in love with.

On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets is set to premiere on February 5. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz and husband musician Benji Madden welcomed the new year with the birth of their first daughter, Raddix Madden.

The couple announced the news on Friday, January 3, sharing how "happy, blessed and grateful" they are "to begin this new decade by announcing the birth of our daughter."

“She has instantly captured our hearts and completed our family," Cameron wrote in an Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cameron Diaz (@camerondiaz) on Jan 3, 2020 at 10:20am PST

The 47-year-old Charlie's Angels and There's Something About Mary star clarified that no photos of the baby will be shared as of now.  

"While we are overjoyed to share this news, we also also feel a strong instinct to protect our little one’s privacy," she said.

“We won’t be posting pictures or sharing any more details, other than the fact that she is really really cute! Some would even say RAD," the actress added.

Cameron ended the post with a "happy new year and happy new decade" greeting, and a "sincerely, cameron & benji" sign-off.

Cameron wed the 40-year-old Good Charlotte guitarist and vocalist in January 2015 at Beverly Hills. Raddix is their first child together. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Nadine Lustre denied on Sunday, January 5, rumors that she's broken up with on- and off-screen partner James Reid, while slamming Philippine Star writer Ricky Lo for his column where he confirmed the rumors

"First off, that was so low," Nadine said in an Instagram story on Sunday, January 5. She tagged both Ricky Lo and the Star. 

"Second, none of what you said was true and it is never okay to use someone’s mental situation/tragic past just to prove a point. Mental illness is a very sensitive matter."

She added: "And last, you think you know so much about me, you can't even get my last name right. Anu na, 2020 na!"

Nadine was reacting to Lo's January 4 column for the Philippine Star, which appeared both in its print and online edition. This is the first time that she addressed rumors of the supposed breakup.

In the column, Lo wrote: "Jojo Gabinete’s scoop in pep.ph is true, and not fake news." He was referring to a Pep report that claimed the couple had broken up and that Nadine has since moved out of their Quezon City home. Pep also cited as proof Nadine and James' supposed time apart during the holidays. 

Their fans have denied these claims, posting photos that show Nadine and James spending Christmas and New Year together with their respective families and friends. (READ: JaDine: A timeline)

According to ABS-CBN, in the print edition of the column titled "JaDine breakup: A case of too much, too soon?", Lo wrote: "James is handling the breakup with care to cushion the impact on Nadine who has admitted grappling with mental illness." Lo also mentioned the death of Nadine's brother in the print edition.

On its page, Philstar.com noted that "Parts of this Philippine STAR article have been edited in the version republished on Philstar.com." The parts that mention mental illness and Nadine's brother's death have been edited out of the online edition. 

Nadine has always been open about her "[struggle] with depression." She wrote in the past: "If you ever hit rock bottom, don't be ashamed of opening up to your loved ones. If anyone understands and cares about what you're going through, it's them. You are who/what you say you are."

Nadine and James are collectively known as "JaDine," a showbiz love team whose love story has blossomed both on-and off-screen. The two have been both very open albeit lowkey about their relationship. They have been tagged "team real" by their fans.

Nadine and James are among the biggest stars in Philippine entertainment today. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – Hollywood hits the red carpet Sunday, January 5 for the Golden Globes, the first major awards show of the year, which honors the best in film and television.

Millions of viewers are expected to tune in, but what should you be watching for?

Here is our quick guide to the event, which will take place in Beverly Hills, California:

 Another record for Scorsese? 

There are few cinematic worlds left for Hollywood veteran Martin Scorsese to conquer, but the Globes could offer a new record.

If he takes home a 4th best director prize for his gangster epic The Irishman, Scorsese will tie the record for most wins.

Legendary late director Elia Kazan currently sits alone at 4 most recently for America America in 1964. 

Scorsese has previously won for Gangs of New York (in 2003), The Departed (2007) and Hugo (2012) – and missed out on a further 5 nominations in the category.

After #TimesUp, women still overlooked 

Natalie Portman drew praise – and the organizers' ire – for introducing the best director category in 2018 with the words: "Here are the all-male nominees."

Barbra Streisand remains the only woman to win the award, for Yentl in 1984. She, too, spoke out at the 2018 ceremony, telling the audience: "Folks, time's up," name-checking the anti-harassment initiative.

But once again this year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has selected only male contenders for the prize, ignoring the likes of Little Women helmer Greta Gerwig

Will anyone address the elephant in the room?

.

Awkwafina eyes Globes history 

There are no sure things at the unpredictable Globes, but Awkwafina is as likely as anyone to take home a gong.

She is the hot favorite to win the prize for best actress in a comedy for The Farewell.

Dubbed as a "tale based on an actual lie," it portrays a global family reuniting in China to say goodbye to their beloved matriarch, who does not know she is dying. 

If victorious, the rapper-turned-actress would become the first winner of Asian descent in the category's history. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Farewell (@thefarewell) on Dec 9, 2019 at 9:16am PST

Streaming wars invade Globes? 

The Globes' television categories are frequently overlooked, coming just months after the small screen's biggest night, the Emmys.

This year promises to be different, as Apple entered the "streaming wars" with its new platform in November.

Flagship launch program The Morning Show, about a newsroom hit by a #MeToo scandal, was not eligible at the Emmys, but garnered Globes nods for stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, as well as for best drama.

But Netflix has since wheeled out its perennial big-hitter The Crown, with the royal drama's third season boasting a new, heavyweight cast including Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham-Carter.

And while Game of Thrones again dominated the Emmys for its final run, it has been left out in the Globes cold, with only one nomination for Kit Harington as lead actor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Morning Show (@themorningshow) on Jan 3, 2020 at 10:22am PST

Ricky Gervais returns 

Controversial British comedian Ricky Gervais returns as host – which means that once again, no A-lister will be safe from his irreverent jokes.

What's more, Gervais has promised his record fifth stint will be his "very last," meaning there will be truly no reason to hold back.

Since his last appearance in 2016, Hollywood has gone through radical upheaval with the #MeToo movement and the fall of Harvey Weinstein, meaning Gervais will not be short of potential targets.

Who will be caught in his firing line this time around?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) on Nov 12, 2019 at 5:21am PST

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A new set of celebrities will have their own star at the Eastwood Walk of Fame in Libis, Quezon City on January 12.

Federico Moreno, son of the late German "Kuya Germs" Moreno, announced the following personaities who will be inducted in the Walk of Fame. Moreno is the president of the Walk of Fame Philippines.

The celebrities who will get stars in 2020 are:

• Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018 – Television
• Kim Atienza, TV host – Television
• Jo Koy, comedian – Television
• Rachelle Ann Go – Theater
• Nanette Inventor – Music
• Jiggy Manicad – News and Public Affairs
• Jun Banaag – Radio
• Edu Manzano – Movie
• Alex Gonzaga – Social Media

Both Rachelle Ann and Jo Koy have confirmed their attendance for the event, according to Moreno. This will also be the first time that an award is given under the social media category.

The Walk of Fame is a project of the late TV host Kuya Germs Moreno together with Megaworld Company, the owner of the mall. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA –  The #MeToo movement sparked by sexual assault charges against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein brought down many Hollywood celebrities, but insiders believe the entertainment industry has a long way to go to change its culture and handling of harassment.

While the conversation surrounding predators in positions of power in Tinseltown has moved into the open, the underlying behavior often continues – as do attempts to cover up incidents by people surrounding the accused.

Only two years ago, before #MeToo erupted, it was "kind of unthinkable ... to even ask Gwyneth Paltrow or Rosanna Arquette, 'Did you get assaulted by Harvey Weinstein?'" said the Hollywood Reporter's Kim Masters.

But even now, "I hear stories all the time that we can't even get to the point of publishing," said Masters, who has written extensively on the scandals.

Recent films such as Bombshell and the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show have earned praise for portraying predatory sexual harassment in the media world.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Morning Show (@themorningshow) on Dec 21, 2019 at 4:08pm PST

Yet some studios and agencies still threaten lawsuits to try to prevent true stories emerging, and only take action against the accused individuals once they get publicly caught, said Masters.

"When you finally fight your way through it, they suddenly say that 'We take it very seriously'," she said.

It is a far cry from the hopes raised when an October 2017 investigation by two New York Times reporters revealing Weinstein's predatory behavior sparked the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. 

Weinstein has since been accused by dozens more women, both famous and anonymous. He denies any form of harassment.

The once-powerful producer of Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love faces a criminal trial in New York from Monday, which is separate from charges levelled by dozens of other women that he settled for $25 million last month. 

"There's no question that some of the secrecy around sexual harassment and sexual assault has been shattered," said Megan Twohey, one of the two New York Times journalists who broke the story.

For a long time, reporters had people "slam the door in our face" and the fact that "tips and victims are now coming to us is massively significant," she told Vanity Fair.

"At the same time, there hasn't been the type of systemic reform" that everyone was expecting, said Twohey, pointing to the enduring use of financial settlements and confidentiality clauses that "helped conceal the conduct of Harvey Weinstein for years."

'Step up' 

While many actors and actresses in Hollywood are reluctant to speak publicly on the issue, others have voiced fears or anger that the harassment is not being tackled.

Actress and model Emily Ratajkowski appeared on a recent Hollywood red carpet with the words Fuck Harvey written on her arm in black marker. 

Weinstein "won't have to admit wrongdoing or pay his own money" under last month's settlement with some of his victims, she wrote in an angry Twitter message.

Ratatouille star Patton Oswalt told AFP the industry was "seeing a lot of visible progress."

"But what I'm worried about is the stuff underneath that we don't see," he added. "You read these reports, and you're like 'Oh my god!' ... Sadly you know it is (still going on), you know it is."

Jodi Kantor, the other Times reporter who broke the Weinstein scandal, told Vanity Fair that "everything's changed and nothing's changed."

She does believe the industry has finally realized that attempting to cover up a case is ultimately more damaging in reputation terms than confronting it.

But that does not necessarily ring true for Masters, who believes that "any woman who speaks out is going to be the one who ends up having problems, not this (accused) star."

It is a feeling echoed by the Think Tank for Inclusion and Equity, a consortium of television writers, whose members asked not to be individually named by AFP for fear of harm to their careers.

"I think people are still very scared for their jobs and scared to be blacklisted," they said.

Actress Rose McGowan, who has accused Weinstein of rape and frequently speaks out against sexism in Hollywood and the media, recently tweeted that she has been "unemployed for almost 5 years, ever since I started pushing truth & fighting the lies."

"Hollywood needs to step up, if not for me, then for my fellow Silence Breakers," she wrote. 

"We need people to step up for us, as we have for them." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine showbiz scene, particularly in 2019, felt like one big teleserye come to life. (READ: 2019: A year in showbiz kalat)

The year's headlines included a new chapter in a family drama, a celebrity breakup that blew up, celebrity pregnancies, an actress recognized for her philantrophy work, and a beauty queen who paved a way for changes in Philippine pageantry.

The Barretto sisters saga

Leading the list is no less than the controversial Baretto sisters Gretchen, Claudine, and Marjorie. It all seemed to be going okay when Gretchen and Claudine finally reconciled in February after years of estrangement. 

But even as Gretchen and Claudine kissed and made up, it was a different story with Marjorie. Emotions ran amok when President Rodrigo Duterte tried to make Gretchen and Marjorie reconcile during the wake of their father Miguel. (TIMELINE: The Barretto family feud)

Marjorie later unloaded her side during a tell-all interview on TV Patrol – ABS-CBN's primetime news program. During her sit down, she talked about the supposed relationship of her niece and older businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang. She also admitted to having been in a relationship with former Caloocan Mayor Recom Echeverri, who Marjorie said was the father of her youngest daughter.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Claudine Barretto (@claubarretto) on Nov 9, 2019 at 4:22am PST

Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, and Julia Barretto's public drama

It was she said-he sort of said-she said-another she said sort of story when Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson broke up and fans accussed Gerald's Between Maybes co-star Julia Barretto of a hand in it.  

Gerald denied reports that he cheated on Bea. Bea said Gerald just stopped talking to her. Julia said Bea bullied her. 

Following the drama, the 3 walked separately during the ABS CBN Ball. Bea, Gerald, and Julia, are all ABS-CBN talents.  

Kris Aquino and the Falcis brothers

Controversy, but make it a legal battle. Kris Aquino began the year in the middle of court battle against her former business manager Nicko Falcis. Nicko later filed a grave threat case against her.

Things between Kris and the Falcis brothers have since died down. Kris' legal team said that both camps have settled the issue amicably. 

Angel Locsin's big year

Angel Locsin continues to prove that superheroes don't need costumes. 

When singer and Duterte appointee Jimmy Bondoc said he was "eagerly awaiting" the demise of ABS-CBN, Angel took to social media and reminded him that thousands of jobs were at stake. Duterte has repeatedly threatened the non-renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.  

Months later, Angel was recognized by Forbes as one of Asia's 2019 Heroes of Philantrophy. She also skipped the ABS CBN Ball and made a donation straight to Bantay Bata, the beneficiary of the event. 

Angel also made a television comeback via The General's Daughter. She also got engaged to boyfriend Neil Arce. 

Catriona Gray's year  

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray had her formal homecoming in February after winning the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand in December 2018. And even if she's turned her crown over, her impact continues to be felt in the pageant scene. (READ: Binibining Pilipinas 2019 post-pageant review: Raise your flag, Philippines)

Her Mayon gown and "lava walk" seems to have "inspired" other international candidates; although copying her look isn't always a good look for aspiring beauty queens.

Catriona also confirmed that she and longtime boyfriend Clint Bondad broke up. 

She also continued to work for her causes and was calm in addressing bashers.

One Thai candidate, Coco Arayha, made headlines when she called Catriona fat in a photo, comparing her to Miss Grand International 2018 Clara Sosa. Catriona, true to be a queen did not directly address the issue but told followers on Twitter that bullying and body shaming is wrong. 

Catriona crowned South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi in December 2019. She's since returned to Manila and will soon launch a singing career and her book, Conquering Your Universe.

The new "it girls (and boys)" 

Even more celebrities entered a new chapter of their lives, announcing their pregnancies on – where else – social media. 

Sisters-in-law Solenn Heussaff and Anne Curtis announced that they were going to be moms. Solenn, who is married to businessman Nico Bolzico, confirmed in August that she was pregnant with their first child. Anne, who is married to Solenn's brother Erwan, confirmed that she was pregnant last November. Solenn has given birth to a baby girl while Anne is set to give birth to a baby girl in a few months' time.  

Dani Barretto, who married boyfriend Xavi Panlilio early this year, gave birth to their daughter Camilla Marguerite in September.

Several other stars also confirmed a new addition to their families: Mariel Rodriguez, who welcomed her and Robin Padilla's second daughter Gabriela; Chynna Ortaleza and Kean Cipriano welcomed son Salem; Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes welcomed Ziggy, Georgina Wilson gave birth to her second son, Alfred Thor; Divine Lee welcomed her second child Blanca; Saab Magalona and Jim Baccaro added Vito to their family; Andi Eigenmann modern family got bigger with daughter Lilo; David Semerad and Gwen Zamora welcomed Cooper; and first-time mommies blogger Kryz Uy and actress Max Collins. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Solenn Heussaff (@solenn) on Dec 24, 2019 at 6:10am PST

Farewell to legends in Philippine cinema

Philippine showbiz also bid goodbye to several veteran stars. Among those who died were Eddie Garcia, Amalia Fuentes, Tony Mabesa, Mona Lisa, comedian Gary Lising, and rock icon Pepe Smith.

100 years of Philippine cinema

The celebration for 100 years of Philippine Cinema kicked off last September with the Sine Sandaan at the New Frontier Theater. Luminaries from on-screen and off-screen legends, as well as today's new crop of stars were recognized for their contribution to the Philippine film industry.

Star Cinema's movie Hello, Love, Goodbye starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards also became one of the top movies in 2019. 

Jane de Leon is the new Darna

In April, Liza Soberano announced she was backing out of the movie Darna because of a finger injury she sustained while filming Bagani. ABS-CBN and Star Cinema held a casting call for the role of the Pinay super hero – a role which was eventually given to newcomer Jane de Leon. (READ: SB19, Jane de Leon are Google Philippines' most searched personalities in 2019)

Jane, who appeared in the Jericho Rosales teleserye Halik, is set to follow the foosteps of Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera, and a bunch of actresses who have donned the famous red suit. She has already started training for the movie, which Star Cinema is eyeing for a late 2020 release. (WATCH: The day Jane de Leon found out she's Darna)

Jim Paredes and his viral "sex video"

In April, an alleged sex video of singer Jim Paredes leaked online. Jim, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration initially denied that he was the one on the video. But a day after, he confirmed that it was him.

"The video was real. It was private, and not meant for public consumption. I do not know how it became public," he wrote on his blog. 

The issue led the former Apo Hiking Society member to lay low on social media. Months after the issue, he was back online and has since continued to speak up about the wrongdoings of the present administration.

Hookups, breakups, and engagements 

Early December, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach confirmed that she and Marlon Stockinger broke up up after almost 3 years together. (READ: Pia Wurtzbach and Marlon Stockinger: A timeline)

During an interview on Tonight with Boy Abunda, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray confirmed that she and Clint Bondad are no longer together.

Derek Ramsay also confirmed that he and longtime girlfriend Joanne Villablanca are no longer together.

Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 and actress Winwyn Marquez said she had broken up with actor Mark Herras.

Julie Ann San Jose confirmed in January that she and actor Benjamin Alves called it quits in 2018.

Others couples who broke up in 2019 include Sue Ramirez and Joao Constancia, Ryza Cenon and Cholo Barretto, Heaven Peralejo and Jimuel Pacquiao, and Joem Bascon and his non-showbiz partner Crisha Uy.

Derek Ramsay later found  new inspiration in his The Better Woman co-star Andrea Torres. 

After months of speculation and on-air teasing, Vice Ganda confirmed that he and Ion Perez, better known as Mr Escort on It's Showtime, are together. 

Mark Herras also found love in former beauty queen Nicole Donesa, a newbie actress.

Benjamin Alves, meanwhile, also found a new love in model Chelsea Robato.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JoseMarieViceral / Vice Ganda (@praybeytbenjamin) on Dec 29, 2019 at 1:07am PST

It was also the year of weddings and engagements.  Leading the engagement list was Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli's announcement, as Sarah showed the ring on her finger. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matteo Guidicelli (@matteog) on Nov 7, 2019 at 2:53am PST

Gloria Diaz's daughter Ava Daza got engaged to boyfriend Luch Zanirato in January. 

Dani Barretto and now husband Xavi Panlilio got engaged early this year and married in April. They welcomed their daughter in September.

Before the birth of his second child, Geoff Eigenmann popped the question to his now-fiancee, singer Maya, in April. 

June saw Angel Locsin getting engaged to Neil Arce and Jinri Park to her non-showbiz boyfriend John, whom she wed in a special ceremony in Korea in December. 

In November, Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters announced her engagement to Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte. Host Joyce Pring also shared that she and GMA 7 actor Juancho Trivino have been engaged since August.

Actress Sam Pinto also confirmed that she and boyfriend, basketball player Anthony Semerad, are set to tie the knot two years from now.

On December 30, singers KZ Tandingan and Tj Monterde announced their engagement.

Wedding bells meanwhile rang this year beginning with Moira dela Torre and Jason Hernandez in January, Slater Young and blogger Kryz Uy (February), Sunshine Garcia and Alex Castro (March), Michelle Madrigal and Troy Woolfolk (April), beauty queen Jehza Huelar and basketball player PJ Simon (May) and   KC Montero and Stephanie Dods (October) Vhong Navarro and Tanya Bautista (November)  Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz and Valerie Concepcion and Francis Sunga  (December). – Rappler.com

BANGKOK, Thailand –  A Bangkok cafe drew the wrath of thousands of fans of K-pop girl group Blackpink, following "inappropriate" comments posted by the owner about a visit from Thai superstar member Lalisa Manoban.

Referred to as "Lisa" by fans, the Thai member of South Korean pop group Blackpink shared pictures on Instagram from a photoshoot at MQQN Cafe in Bangkok on Thursday, January 1 to her more than 28.1 million followers. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LISA (@lalalalisa_m) on Dec 31, 2019 at 10:11pm PST

Her post, which showed her posing on the yellow seats of the retro-themed diner, drew more than 3.5 million likes and 20,500 comments.

But what should have been a New Year's boon to the cafe quickly turned sour after the owner made lewd comments about her visit, attempting to sell the furniture she sat on and the cutlery she used.

His posts on Facebook – which have now been taken down -- went viral as Thai fans accused him of sexual harassment, and he swiftly apologized for his "inappropriate post". 

"I accept all criticisms... I am deeply sorry for what happened," said the owner, whose Facebook page has now been hidden.

MQQN cafe was shuttered Sunday, with a "closed" sign tucked behind its silver doors. 

The furore spilled onto the cafe's Facebook page, drawing negative one-star reviews from fans demanding "respect" for Lisa and promising to boycott the establishment. 

"How stupid he is to turn an opportunity into a crisis," said a commenter, who urged the boycott. 

Formed in 2016, Blackpink – made up of Thailand-born Lisa, two South Korean members, and one from New Zealand – has helped to raise K-pop's global profile with tens of millions of fans worldwide. 

It was named in TIME Magazine's "100 Next" most influential in 2019, and was also the first female K-pop group invited to perform at the Coachella music festival. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – Hollywood's biggest party, the Golden Globes, kicks off the showbiz awards season Sunday, January 5 with streaming giant Netflix expected to be popping champagne corks through the night.

Stars will don couture gowns and extravagant jewels before they hit the red carpet at the luxury Beverly Hills hotel where the calendar's second-most important – but rowdiest – prize-giving gala takes place. (READ: 5 things to watch for at Golden Globes)

Victory at the Globes ensures key momentum for the Oscars, which are a little more than a month away. 

Netflix and its expensively assembled roster of A-listers are far ahead of the traditional studios with 17 Globe film nominations. (LIST: Key Golden Globe 2020 nominees)

The streaming giant secured an equal number of nods in the often-overlooked television categories, where it also leads the pack, ahead of HBO at 15.

Netflix has two frontrunners to scoop the night's most prestigious film prize, best drama – Martin Scorsese's gangster epic The Irishman and heart-wrenching divorce saga Marriage Story.

"Certainly Netflix is pouring everything they can into this and has a good shot in the drama category," said Deadline's awards columnist Pete Hammond.

"That would be a big deal for Netflix, definitely."

Vatican drama The Two Popes is also in contention for the streamer, while Warner Bros. dark comic tale Joker and Universal war epic 1917 round out the category.

Netflix only began producing original movies in 2015, but has spent billions to lure the industry's top filmmaking talent – and to fund lavish awards season campaigns.

It also has Eddie Murphy's comeback vehicle Dolemite Is My Name in the best comedy or musical race – unlike the Oscars, Globes organizers split films into two categories.

But Dolemite is expected to face stiff competition from frontrunner Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.

Quentin Tarantino's homage to 1960s Tinseltown has resonated with the 90-odd veteran entertainment reporters of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which doles out the prizes. 

In 2019, they correctly picked the Oscar winner in every film category except for best musical score.

"Last year, they had by far the best track record of any other show," said Hammond.

Oscar nominations voting is already under way, but does not close until Tuesday, meaning Academy members may be tempted to wait for the Globes to conclude before casting their ballots.

"Momentum is ready to be built out of this," added Hammond. 

Firing line 

British comedian Ricky Gervais returns for a record fifth time as Globes host. 

His provocative barbs have both riled and delighted Hollywood stars in previous years.

This time, he has promised to "go after the general community" rather than individuals, telling the Hollywood Reporter that "pretension and hypocrisy" will be in his firing line.

The starry list of award presenters include nominees Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio (both from Once Upon a Time...) and Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers).

In the drama acting categories, Joaquin Phoenix is leading a crowded field for his radical portrayal of the villainous anti-hero in Joker.

But Adam Driver's intense turn in Marriage Story has generated significant buzz, while the ever-popular Antonio Banderas has been hailed for a career-best performance in Pain and Glory.

Renee Zellweger looks in a formidable position to pick up the best actress gong with Judy Garland biopic Judy.

Newcomer Apple will be hoping to make waves in the television categories, where its #MeToo drama The Morning Show has multiple nominations. 

But it must fend off Netflix's flagship The Crown, boasting a new cast led by Oscar winner Olivia Colman.

Hollywood heavyweights 

And early signs suggest a breakthrough year for Asian filmmaking.

Asian-American actress Awkwafina is favorite to collect best comedy actress for The Farewell, while South Korean black comedy Parasite is expected to bag the award for best foreign language film.

Bong Joon-ho, the filmmaker behind Parasite, goes head-to-head with Hollywood heavyweights Tarantino and Scorsese in the best director category.

But the HFPA drew stinging criticism for its failure to nominate any female directors.

HFPA president Lorenzo Soria defended the all-male list, insisting that members of his organization "don't vote by gender" but "by film and accomplishment."

Sam Mendes (1917) and Todd Phillips (Joker) round out the category. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The 2020 awards season in the US kicked off with the Golden Globes on Monday, January 6 (Sunday evening, January 5 in the US).

British comedian Ricky Gervais returned to host the event, the first major awards show of a packed season that culminates with the Oscars on February 10 (February 9 in the US). (READ: Golden Globes goes vegan for 2020 awards ceremony)

Noah Baumbach's Marriage Story, a Netflix original, is this year's most nominated film with 6 nods, including Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Two other originals from the streaming platform, Martin Scorsese's The Irishman and Fernando Meirelles' The Two Popes, are also among the most nominated. Todd Phillips' Joker and Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood round up the list of most nominated films. (READ: 5 things to watch for at Golden Globes)

Here are this year's key nominees: 

Best Film, Drama

• WINNER: 1917
• The Irishman
• Joker
• The Two Popes
• Marriage Story

Best Film, Musical or Comedy

• Dolemite Is My Name
• Knives Out
• Jojo Rabbit
• WINNER: Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
• Rocketman

Best Actor, Drama

• Adam Driver, Marriage Story
• WINNER: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
• Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory
• Christian Bale, Ford v. Ferrari
• Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes

Best Actress, Drama

• WINNER: Renee Zellweger, Judy
• Cynthia Erivo, Harriet
• Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story
• Saoirse Ronan, Little Women
• Charlize Theron, Bombshell

Best Actor, Musical or Comedy

• Daniel Craig, Knives Out
• Roman Griffin Davis, Jojo Rabbit
• Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
• WINNER: Taron Egerton, Rocketman
• Eddie Murphy, Dolemite Is My Name

Best Actress, Musical or Comedy

• WINNER: Awkwafina, The Farewell
• Ana de Armas, Knives Out
• Cate Blanchett, Where'd You Go, Bernadette?
• Beanie Feldstein, Booksmart
• Emma Thompson, Late Night

Best Supporting Actor

• Al Pacino, The Irishman
• WINNER: Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
• Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
• Joe Pesci, The Irishman
• Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes

Best Supporting Actress

• Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell
• Annette Bening, The Report
• WINNER: Laura Dern, Marriage Story
• Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers
• Margot Robbie, Bombshell

Best Director

• Bong Joon-ho, Parasite
• WINNER: Sam Mendes, 1917
• Todd Phillips, Joker
• Martin Scorsese, The Irishman
• Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Best Foreign Language Film

• WINNER: Parasite
• The Farewell
• Portrait of a Lady on Fire
• Les Miserables
• Pain and Glory

Best Animated Feature

• Toy Story 4
• Frozen II
• How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
• WINNER: Missing Link
• The Lion King

Best Drama Series

• Big Little Lies
• The Crown
• Killing Eve
• The Morning Show
• WINNER: Succession

Best Drama Actor

• WINNER: Brian Cox, Succession
• Kit Harington, Game of Thrones
• Rami Malek, Mr. Robot
• Tobias Menzies, The Crown
• Billy Porter, Pose

Best Drama Actress

• Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show
• WINNER: Olivia Colman, The Crown
• Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
• Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies
• Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show

Best Musical or Comedy Series

• Barry
• WINNER: Fleabag
• The Kominsky Method
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• The Politician

Best Musical or Comedy Actor

• Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method
• Bill Hader, Barry
• Ben Platt, The Politician
• Paul Rudd, Living With Yourself
• WINNER: Ramy Youssef, Ramy

Best Musical or Comedy Actress

• Christina Applegate, Dead to Me
• Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• Kirsten Dunst, On Becoming a God in Central Florida
• Natasha Lyonne, Russian Doll
• WINNER: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag

Best Limited Series or TV Movie

• Catch-22
• WINNER: Chernobyl
• Fosse/Verdon
• The Loudest Voice
• Unbelievable

Best Limited Series or TV Movie Actor

• Christopher Abbott, Catch-22
• Sacha Baron Cohen, The Spy
• WINNER: Russell Crowe, The Loudest Voice
• Jared Harris, Chernobyl
• Sam Rockwell, Fosse/Verdon

Best Limited Series or TV Movie Actress

• Kaitlyn Dever, Unbelievable
• Joey King, The Act
• Helen Mirren, Catherine the Great
• Merritt Wever, Unbelievable
• WINNER: Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon

Films with most nominations

• Marriage Story– 6
• The Irishman– 5
• Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood– 5
• Joker– 4
• The Two Popes– 4

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will be getting her own Madame Tussauds wax figure soon, both the beauty queen and the world-famous wax museum announced Monday, January 6. 

On Instagram, Catriona announced by news by posting a photos of herself holding a fake eye ball – presumably as she picked which would be used on the wax statue. "Stay tuned," said Catriona, who was crowned in Thailand in December 2018. 

In a release to media, Madame Tussauds Singapore said Catriona's wax figure will be wearing a replica of the now-iconic "lava" gown designed by Mak Tumang. The red gown, which took inspiration from the Mayon Volcano, was the gown Catriona wore when she was crowned.  

Madame Tussauds Asia Regional Manager Susan Ang said the Catriona wax figure will first stay at Madame Tussauds Singapore in 2020 before moving to Madame Tussauds Bangkok and Hong Kong. 

"The [Philippine] market continues to be one of our strongest markets and has been very important to our attractions in Asia and we had seen an increase of travellers to Madame Tussauds in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. We believe that by having Catriona's wax figure, it will definitely be a huge draw and create the platform for her fans to get up-close with her in 2020," she said in a release. 

The wax figure will debut in Manila.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Jan 5, 2020 at 5:04pm PST

Catriona is the latest Filipino to get her own Madame Tussauds wax figure. In 2019, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach's wax figure was unveiled in manila before being flown to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Boxing champion and senator Manny Pacquiao is set to have his own wax figure, also in Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

Catriona, who turned 26 on Monday, January 6, kicked off her birthday week celebration on Sunday, January 5 with a performance on ASAP Natin To, where she performed with the Young Focus group.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – In a speech to accept the Carol Burnett award at the Golden Globes 2020, TV host Ellen DeGeneres said nothing makes her happier than inspiring people to do something good.

"All I ever wanted to do is make people feel good and laugh," she said, after getting a rousing introduction from Kate McKinnon. "There is no greater feeling than when someone tells me that I've made their day better with my show or that I helped them get through a sickness or a hard time in their lives."

"But the real power of television for me is that not that people watch my show but people watch my show and then they are inspired to go out and do the same thing in their own lives. They make people laugh or be kind or help someone who less fortunate."

Ellen also paid tribute to seveal icons in the industry such as Lucille Ball, Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke and Carol Burnett herself. 

I’ve had an incredible life full of wonderful moments. This one was something really special. #GoldenGlobespic.twitter.com/AgS6hcmrd5

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 6, 2020

The award comes amid the storm of intense backlash against Ellen over her friendliness towards former President George W. Bush. Bush, as president, oversaw the invasion of Iraq. Ellen has since been addressed the issue, saying that she is friends with people who have different opinions, including those who do not share her beliefs. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – In winning the the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language film, Bong Joon-ho, director of the genre-bending film Parasite, clocked in a win over a "one inch-tall barrier" – subtitles. 

"Once you overcome the one inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films," said the director on Monday, January 6 (Sunday evening, January 5 in Los Angeles), as he accepted the award at the glitzy Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. 

"I'm a foreign language director so I have a translator here," the director earlier explained. 

Parasite was nominated alongside The Farewell (US), Les Misérables (France), Pain and Glory (Spain), and Portrait of a Lady on Fire (France).

"I think we use only one language: The cinema," the director added. 

Going into the night, the genre-bending thriller was nominated in the best director, foreign-language film and screenplay categories. Parasite did not qualify for the best picture award, since the The Hollywood Foreign Press Association stipulates at least 50% of dialogue in a film must be in English for it to be considered. Parasite is fully in Korean. 

Parasite won the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and has been featured in various "best of" lists, both for 2019 and the decade. 

The movie follows members of a poor South Korean family as they slowly infiltrate the lives and home of a more affluent family. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – War epic 1917 shocked the Golden Globes on Sunday, January 5 (Monday, January 6 in the Philippines) by claiming the top prize for best drama film, while Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood won comedy honors, boosting their prospects for next month's Oscars.

Once Upon a Time... – an homage to 1960s Tinseltown – won the most awards on the night with three prizes, while Martin Scorsese's much-vaunted Netflix crime saga The Irishman went home empty-handed.

The Globes are the first major awards gala of the year, in a packed season that ends with the Academy Awards in just over a month's time, so Sunday's winners will hope to capitalize on some much-needed momentum.

1917 follows two British soldiers through the trenches in World War I, and is filmed to look like one continuous, two-hour-long shot.

"Goodness me, that is a big surprise," said stunned filmmaker Sam Mendes, who bested Scorsese and Tarantino in the crowded best director category.

"Can I just say there's not one director in this room, not one director in the world that is not in the shadow of Martin Scorsese? I just have to say that," he added to loud applause.

Tarantino won the best screenplay award, and Brad Pitt took home best supporting actor honors for his role as a loyal stuntman to Leonardo DiCaprio's character in the film.

"I also have to thank my partner in crime, LDC," said Pitt.

"I wouldn't be here without you, man... I would have shared the raft, though," he added, referring to the closing scene of Titanic.

Once Upon a Time... clearly resonated with the 90-odd members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which doles out the prizes, but other films made their mark.

Joaquin Phoenix cemented his Oscar frontrunner status by winning the best drama actor prize for his radical turn in Joker, a dark and controversial take on the comic book super-villain.

Phoenix, like several A-listers, used his speech to address climate change and the Australian wildfires, continuing until producers played him off with music.

He also thanked director Todd Phillips, saying: "You convinced me to do this movie and you encouraged me to give everything and to be sincere. And I'm such a pain in the ass."

Renee Zellweger also burnished her Oscar credentials with an expected win for biopic Judy, portraying Judy Garland in her later years.

South Korean black comedy Parasite bagged the award for best foreign language film, as widely expected, while Awkwafina became the first actress of Asian descent to win the best comedy actress prize for The Farewell.

Oscar nominations voting is already under way, but does not close until Tuesday.

Gervais roasts Hollywood 

Stars arriving under bright California skies in couture gowns and extravagant jewels were greeted by British comic Ricky Gervais's signature cutting one-liners.

"Let's go out with a bang, let's have a laugh at your expense, shall we?" joked Gervais, hosting the awards for the fifth and final time, before tearing into the industry with a no-holds-barred monologue.

Gervais tackled topics haunting the entertainment sector including #MeToo, lack of diversity, and the streaming wars, to name but a few.

An off-color joke about British actress Judi Dench and the critically slammed film Cats was bleeped out by censors.

Elton John's "I'm Gonna Love Me Again" won best original song for Rocketman, a musical biopic about the legendary British musician's life, and Taron Egerton won best musical/comedy actor for his starring role.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) on Jan 5, 2020 at 7:29pm PST

"It was one of the most emotional moments of my life to win this, the first time I've ever won an award with him," said John, referring to longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin.

"It's a relationship that doesn't happen very much in this town – it's a 52-year-old marriage," added Taupin.

Tom Hanks welled up thanking his family as he accepted a lifetime achievement award.

TV honors 

Among the Globes handed out on the TV side, HBO hit Succession won best drama, fending off Netflix's flagship The Crown. Its star Brian Cox won for best actor.

But Crown star Olivia Colman scooped best actress for her turn as Queen Elizabeth II.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge added a best comedy actress Globe to her Emmy win for her show Fleabag, which also won overall top comedy honors.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) on Jan 5, 2020 at 7:56pm PST

Netflix flops 

Netflix – which has disrupted the film industry in recent years – began the night far ahead of the traditional Hollywood studios with 17 Globe movie nominations.

"This show should just be me coming out, (saying) 'You win everything, Netflix, good night," joked Gervais.

But the streaming giant, which has spent billions to lure the industry's top filmmaking talent, flopped to end with just one movie win.

Laura Dern won for her supporting turn in Marriage Story, a heart-wrenching divorce saga starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, which began the night with the most nods (six).

The Irishman, a favorite to win best picture that cost Netflix $160 million to make, did not convert any of its five nominations. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – Hollywood's Golden Globes ceremony lived up to its reputation on Sunday, January 5 with plenty of memorable moments served up to its A-list audience as they guzzled champagne at the Beverly Hilton.

Here are some of the key moments:

Ricky Gervais strikes out  

British comic Ricky Gervais used his fifth and final stint as host to fire off one-liners on a slew of topics haunting the entertainment sector including #MeToo, lack of diversity and the streaming wars.

"Look, talking of all you perverts, it was a big year  – Surviving R. Kelly, Leaving Neverland, Two Pope'," Gervais joked, referring to two documentaries about sexual abuse and one of this year's best drama contenders.

Nominee Leonardo DiCaprio – and his string of young model girlfriends – was another target for Gervais.

"Once upon a Time... In Hollywood – nearly three hours long. Leonardo DiCaprio attended the preview and by the end, his date was too old for him," said the host.

And he poked fun at tech giant Apple, noting: "Apple roared into the TV game with The Morning Show, a superb drama about the importance of dignity and doing the right thing made by a company that runs sweatshops in China."

But his performance drew criticism, with Deadline calling him "weakly cheeky" and Variety labelling it a "a tame, mildly political outing." 

'We need to act' 

Russell Crowe used his win at the Golden Globes to send a powerful message about the devastating fires in Australia and climate change – despite not being in the room.

Crowe stayed in his home country "protecting his family from the devastating bushfires," presenter Jennifer Aniston explained, before reading his message.

"Make no mistake, the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based," wrote the actor, who won for Showtime's The Loudest Voice about Fox News founder Roger Ailes.

"We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet... That way, we all have a future."

Pierce Brosnan, Laura Dern and Patricia Arquette also addressed climate change, at a gala when organizers chose to serve only vegan food.

'Allahu Akbar' 

Egyptian-American actor Ramy Youssef doubtlessly raised a few eyebrows as he took to the stage after winning the first Golden Globe of the night for best actor in a comedy series for "Ramy."

"I would like to thank my God. Allahu akbar. Thank you, God," the Muslim actor said.

The phrase, which means "God is greatest," is an everyday expression in the Muslim world, but for some in the West, it has been twisted and is associated with extremist attacks.

Ramy Youssef wins Best Actor, TV Musical or Comedy at The #GoldenGlobes. pic.twitter.com/pgL0SHXsQ2

— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) January 6, 2020

'Go out and vote' 

Michelle Williams urged women to go out and vote in this year's US presidential election as she accepted a Golden Globe for best actress in a limited series or television movie.

"As women and as girls, things can happen to our bodies that are not our choice," the Fosse/Verdon star told the audience.

"So women, 18 to 118, when it is time to vote, please do so in your own self-interest... It is what men have been doing for years, which is why the world looks so much like them," she added.

"Don't forget we are the largest voting body in this country. Let's make it look more like us."

Michelle Williams accepts The Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie. #GoldenGlobespic.twitter.com/afS9Hkuoky

— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) January 6, 2020

'On the brink of war' 

Arquette also used her moment in the spotlight to decry heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, after the US strike that killed a top Iranian military commander.

When future generations "look back on this night in the history books, we will see a country on the brink of war," Arquette said, accepting her award for The Act.

"The United States of America, a president tweeting out a threat of 52 bombs including cultural sites... People not knowing if bombs are going to drop on their kids' heads – and the continent of Australia on fire."

She also ended her speech appealing to viewers to vote in the upcoming November election. 

Patricia Arquette wins Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie. #GoldenGlobespic.twitter.com/0JZvpghNB6

— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) January 6, 2020

'52-year-old marriage' 

Bernie Taupin described his songwriting career with legendary singer Elton John as a "52-year-old marriage," as the duo won a Golden Globe for best original song for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from the biopic Rocketman.

"This is a song we wrote for a movie which deals with our relationship and it's a relationship that doesn't happen very much in this town – it's a 52-year-old marriage," Taupin said to applause.

John added that winning with Taupin was "one of the most emotional moments of my life."

The dream alone is always in your hands

"I'm Gonna Love Me Again" from Rocketman wins Best Original Song, Motion Picture at The #GoldenGlobes. pic.twitter.com/TwKfMDVKck

— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) January 6, 2020

 – Rappler.com

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea's Bong Joon-ho is an acclaimed filmmaker known for dark and genre-hopping thrillers, and his Golden Globe-winning Parasite – a vicious satire about the widening gap between rich and poor – features all of his trademarks.

With a series of critical and commercial hits behind him, Bong is one of South Korea's best-known faces, claiming multiple prizes at home and making inroads into Hollywood – a rarity for an Asian auteur filmmaker.

The movie's Golden Globe win for best foreign language film is the first award for a Korean in any category at the gala, and comes after the 100th anniversary of Korean cinema in 2019.

"Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films," the 50-year-old Bong said through a translator as he accepted the award at the gala in Beverly Hills.

"I think we use only just one language – the cinema."

Parasite also took the Palme d'Or at Cannes last year, and this latest accolade will intensify the Oscar buzz it has been generating as awards season heats up.

 Provocative films 

Once likened by Quentin Tarantino to "Steven Spielberg in his prime", Bong was among the first wave of South Korean filmmakers to blossom after the country's full democratization in the late 1980s, which opened the door for a cultural renaissance.

His Memories of Murder – a 2003 feature film based on real-life serial killings that rattled the nation in the 1980s – was seen as a metaphor for the repressive society of military rule. 

Bong's 2006 monster blockbuster The Host portrayed an incompetent government left helpless in the wake of a disaster. In 2014, parallels were drawn between the film and the Seoul ferry sinking that killed 300, mostly schoolchildren.

Mother– a 2009 thriller about the overprotective mother of a mentally disabled boy suspected of murder – was also a huge success.

His 2013 film Snowpiercer depicted a dystopian future in which the last humans on Earth – who survived a failed attempt to stop global warming – travel endlessly on a train separated by class, and the lower class revolts.

Tilda Swinton, who was in Snowpiercer, also starred in Bong's Netflix-produced 2017 sci-fi action-adventure Okja about a country girl trying to save a genetically-engineered beast from a greedy multinational firm.

It missed out on a Cannes prize but raised debates about factory farming and animal exploitation. 

"Bong's films come at seminal moments for the Korean film industry," Jason Bechervaise, a professor at Korea Soongsil Cyber University, told AFP. 

The unprecedented worldwide acclaim for his latest work, he said, was driven by the fact that "there's a great deal of political rage out there exacerbated by a tangible sense of widening social equality, and 'Parasite' feeds into this very effectively".

Artistic elite 

Bong was born in Seoul to an elite artistic family – his maternal grandfather was a renowned novelist while his late father and all of his siblings are university professors in fields including fashion and fine art – and studied sociology at the South's prestigious Yonsei University.

He reportedly took part in street protests as a student at Yonsei during the country's pro-democracy movement in the 1980s, and once told an interviewer he had been arrested for using petrol bombs.

He has also candidly spoken about dealing with severe anxiety while being a celebrated filmmaker, in a country where mental health has long been a taboo topic.

Throughout his career, he has often tackled dark and difficult subjects, including violent crime, systematic oppression and the climate crisis. 

"Resolution is not something Bong might expect to gain from any of the films he makes, but that doesn't stop him from using them to exorcise the modern anxieties that plague him," wrote Jen Yamato of the Los Angeles Times.

"Deliciously entertaining genre blenders, his stories tend toward cutting, witty and ultimately humane social critique, twisty puzzle boxes that reflect our world back to us."

Pierce Conran, a Seoul-based film critic and producer, described Bong as a "socially-minded and consummate artist", and said his deft skill as an entertainer – combined with his other qualities – has given him a unique ability to connect with global audiences.

His Golden Globe win stands as a "significant breakthrough for a foreign film in Hollywood's awards season", he told AFP, adding it would help to establish Bong as "one of the all-time greats of cinema". – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – The television awards at the Golden Globes are often somewhat overlooked – after all, the industry handed out the Emmys just a few months ago.

But at Sunday's boozy Globes gala, the winners in the small screen categories – including the stars behind breakout British comedy Fleabag and the darkly humorous drama Succession – got some laughs and got political.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge accepted the trophy for best musical or comedy series for Fleabag – which follows the antics, sex life and tribulations of a dry-witted 30-something woman in London – with a line of thanks for none other than Barack Obama for putting the show on his Best Of 2019 list.

"Personally, I would like to also thank Obama for putting us on his list – as some of you may know, he's always been on mine," she said, drawing peals of laughter for her reference to a scene in season one in which her character masturbates to the former US president giving a speech.

Waller-Bridge also snagged a Globe for best comedy actress, adding it to her collection of Emmys for the critically acclaimed BBC series, which has grown into a phenomenon in the US after being acquired by Amazon.

HBO's Succession – centered on a powerful media family's wrangling for control of its company – scored the award for best drama series.

It fended off Netflix's flagship The Crown, whose new cast is led by Oscar winner Olivia Colman. She won the night's Globe for best drama actress.

Succession star Brian Cox took home the best drama actor prize for his role as the family's husky, growling patriarch.

Chernobyl – about the catastrophic 1986 nuclear accident – went home with the award for best limited series or TV movie, and Stellan Skarsgard won for best supporting actor.

Netflix had secured 17 nods in the television categories, where it led the pack, ahead of HBO which had 15.

But HBO won four awards to Netflix's one.

Political bent 

Michelle Williams accepted the award for best actress in a limited TV series or movie for her portrayal of Broadway legend Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon. (READ: From 'Allahu Akbar' to Australia fires: best Golden Globe moments)

She made a moving call to women to vote "in your own self-interest," emphasizing support for a woman's right to choose.

Australian actor Russell Crowe was not present to accept his Globe for best limited series or TV movie actor for his portrayal of Fox News founder Roger Ailes in The Loudest Voice – but nevertheless urged action on climate change as his home country reels from devastating wildfires.

"Make no mistake, the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based," he said in a letter read aloud at the gala. 

"We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is."

Actor and comedian Ramy Youssef won for best musical or comedy actor for his series Ramy, in which he plays a version of himself, navigating life with immigrant parents and reconciling his Muslim faith with secular life.

Patricia Arquette meanwhile won her third Globe for her supporting role in The Act, and urged Americans to vote in this year's presidential election in accepting the award. – Rappler.com

Filipino films are dying... or so some claim. 

But on the contrary, 2019 saw a rise in the production of films. Clearly, Filipino films aren’t dying. They just had to evolve to survive. 

It is the Filipino film-going audience that's disappearing. 

There are plenty of films, but most of those films play in near-empty theaters. Films that have forced Filipinos to flock the theaters are the exceptions to the rule. For every Hello, Love, Goodbye that earned a ridiculous amount of money, there is Elise and Isa Pa, With Feelings, great love stories that failed commercially. For every Jowable, there is Tol and Kings of Reality Shows.

For every Just a Stranger, there is Mananitaand Cara X Jagger. Only a handful of films will be remembered being seen in a theater full of people. The rest will be seen on laptops, televisions, tablets and smartphones.

This however isn’t really a unique phenomenon. 

In fact, film festivals like Cinemalaya, CinemaOne and Cinefilipino have treated films as content for their yearly events. The original goal has always been to foster new visions and talents, but the festivals’ questionable insistence on maintaining the formula of impossible deadlines, restrictive budgets, and oppressive ownership structures has turned a previously noble cause into just another factory that churns out content.

The result is a crop of festival films that no longer excite as most opt to have lives after festivals – which is only possible if they aspire to be content that is safe and readily consumable.

2019 is the year where films succumbed to becoming mere content, stripped of all the fanfare, the celebration, and the glitz.

There are signs of hope.

Black Sheep, the more adventurous arm of ABS-CBN’s film conglomerate, seems to still be in the business of movie-making, entrusting likeminded creatives with substantial budgets to come up with visions that are meant to be enjoyed in theaters.

Lav Diaz and Brillante Mendoza are as active as ever, supported not by a local constituency but by the demand of foreigners for their unique perspectives. There are also many other filmmakers who are producing films on their own, risking fortunes and careers not to create content for media corporations but films to be screened in a movie theater.

Now, on to the list:

Honorable Mentions:

Pedring Lopez’s Maria, Miko Livelo’s Tol, Joel Ferrer’s Elise, Cathy Garcia-Molina’s Hello, Love, Goodbye, Arden Rod Cortez’s John Denver Trending, Zig Dulay’s Akin Ang Korona, Eduardo Roy, Jr.’s F#*@bois and Lola Igna, Tyrone Acierto’s Watch Me Kill, Ariel Villasanta’s Kings of Reality Shows, Mikhail Red’s Dead Kids, JE Tiglao’s Metamorphosis, Victor Villanueva’s Lucid, Eve Baswel’s Tia Madre.

Jino to Mari 

Directed by Joselito Altarejos

What starts out as a humanizing and somewhat romanticized portrait of two sex workers who meet and collaborate for the pleasures of their client evolves into a scathing allegory of a nation with its history of being prostituted, abused, exploited and stripped of its consent.

Ang Hupa

Directed by Lav Diaz 

Diaz’s politics is valiantly unwavering amidst jumps in form and genre. This foray into a (very possible) dystopian future is far from new for the auteur, but there should always be room for anger, frustration, and impassioned indignation over the inhumanity espoused by a dangerously vile and brutal administration.

Ulan

Directed by Irene Villamor 

The film, which has a woman explore the vast possibilities of love through a landscape drawn from an imaginative melding of the mundane and the supernatural, is both a gorgeous ode to fairy tales and a necessary and heartfelt revision to their antiquated patriarchal slants. 

Isa Pa, With Feelings

Directed by Prime Cruz 

As more and more romances become needlessly complicated, focusing on the pains and aches that come with the act of loving, the film’s insistence on dwelling on kindness feels like a novelty – which it shouldn’t be. The film’s irresistible grooves and emotional pulls are resounding reminders that kindness should always be the core of love, that it is the glue that binds even the most different of people.

Alone/Together

Directed by Antoinette Jadaone

Like Never Not Love You, the film builds on the charms of a popular romantic tandem to tackle the fears and apprehensions of a generation rushing for success while being prone to failure. 

Between Maybes

Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana 

What could have been just another love story set in an exotic land is transformed by Jason Paul Laxamana into an affecting portrait of escape, with the possibility of romance between a beleaguered movie star and a troubled expatriate. 

Edward

Directed by Thop Nazareno 

Set in a crowded and underfunded government hospital, the film finds humanity in the dankest corners and the harshest of situations. It skirts nitpicking on issues and is consistently told from the perspective of a young boy who is so used to the poverty, the strife, and the bleakness of living in the margins of both society and his family that his only bid to remain human is a valiant act of restoring humanity to a fallen friend and possible lover.

For My Alien Friend

Directed by Jet Leyco 

The film is a feast for the senses, carved from a barrage of images horded for years. In an age of an impossible abundance of content, director Jet Leyco goes back to his roots as an intrepid documentary filmmaker to make sense of the mess, coming up with a makeshift narrative from disparate visual data that is emotionally stirring and poignant.

Kalel, 15

Directed by Jun Lana  

Stripped of unnecessary color and judgment, Jun Lana’s take on the spread of AIDS among the youth has him exploring the heartless and savage society that has bred the indifference and apathy that are part and parcel of the dreaded affliction. 

Babae at Baril

Directed by Rae Red  

Admirable for how it elegantly and innovatively frames its frustrations, the film makes use of the magnetic performance of Janine Gutierrez who believably evolves from victim to a woman on a mission to bring to the fore a discussion on the weaponization of noxious masculinity in a society that is prone to abuse and exploitation.

Sila Sila

Directed by Giancarlo Abrahan

Opening with an unmitigated depiction of gay intimacy that is followed by an intense spat and separation, the film forces its audience to succumb to lives that may not be the same as theirs, knowing fully well that its delights are not apt to those blinded by prejudice. The rewards are plenty as Giancarlo Abrahan’s drama, which centers on an aimless gay man as he tries to reconnect with former friends and old flames, is tender and sincere, speaking volumes not about, but for the outsiders and those who are often misunderstood. 

Cleaners

Directed by Glenn Barit 

Nostalgia nowadays is a cliché. It has been turned into a crutch by filmmakers who mine the past for novelties for their stories.

Glenn Barit, however, works hard for his take on nostalgia by painstakingly turning each and every single frame of his film into an artifact from high school days, like highlighted photocopies of happy and painful memories. While the film longs for the pure and simple yearnings of our younger selves, it also manages to speak volumes on the ills of the present.

– Rappler.com

Francis Joseph Cruz litigates for a living and writes about cinema for fun. The first Filipino movie he saw in the theaters was Carlo J. Caparas' Tirad Pass.

Since then, he's been on a mission to find better memories with Philippine cinema.