MANILA, Philippines – Narcos: Mexico star Manuel Masalva is now in stable condition after being put in a medically induced coma upon falling ill following a trip to the Philippines, fellow actor Mario Moran said in an Instagram story on Tuesday, April 8, Manila time.
Mario Moran updates his followers on his friend and fellow actor Manuel Masalva’s condition. Screenshot from Mario Moran’s Instagram story
Masalva traveled to Dubai on March 18 after spending several weeks in the Philippines, where the actor’s manager Jaime Jaramillo Espinosa claimed he contracted an aggressive bacterial infection.
Espinosa told theLos Angeles Timesthat Masalva began to feel “internal discomfort and pain” within two days of being in Dubai. He added that the actor underwent emergency surgery on March 26, once the doctors identified the type of bacteria that infected him. He said that on March 27, the infection spread to his lungs, and caused him to be put in a medically induced coma.
Moran shared a GoFundMe page on April 3 to gather donations for Masalva’s growing medical expenses.
“Due to an unknown bacteria, our beloved Manuel Masalva is in a hospital abroad in serious condition, so he needs financial assistance for all his expenses,” the GoFundMe page’s description reads.
It has since exceeded the goal of 1 million Mexican pesos, with 880 donations amounting to over 1.068 million Mexican pesos.
DOH: Don’t panic
Meanwhile, in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo on Tuesday, April 8, spokesman Albert Domingo shared the Department of Health’s (DOH) thoughts and current plan of action regarding Masalva’s case.
“We are not discounting the fact na nagkaroon ng sakit ang ating celebrity, at ayon sa kanyang mga publicist, ay sinabi from the Philippines. Pero sana po nasabi sana ano ‘yung particular bacteria, saan niya nakuha, para masolusyonan natin,” Domingo said.
(We are not discounting the fact that the celebrity contracted an illness, and according to his publicist, came from the Philippines. But it would have been good if they disclosed what particular bacteria he caught and where it came from so we can find a solution.)
Domingo said that as soon as news of Masalva’s health condition first broke out, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa instructed the department to check the international health regulation (IHR) systems, a system that the spokesman says allows countries to identify if there’s an outbreak or anything to look out for.
“Ang mga bansa ay may mandato na magsabi sa isa’t isa kung ano ‘yung nakikita nila. So, si celebrity natin, siya ay naconfine sa Dubai. Ini-contact namin ang IHR ng Dubai. At the same time, since publicly known na resident siya ng Mexico, ini-contact rin ‘yung IHR ng Mexico. It is up to the countries, at of course, doon sa pasyente, kung sasabihin niya kung ano ‘yun,” Domingo told Teleradyo Serbisyo.
(Countries are mandated to tell each other what they see. So, the celebrity is confined in Dubai. We contacted Dubai’s IHR. At the same time, since it’s publicly known that he is a resident of Mexico, we also contacted Mexico’s IHR. It is up to the countries, and of course, up to the patient, if they will disclose what bacteria it is.)
“In simple words, ang sinasabi ko is ‘wag hong magpanic ang ating mga kababayan, dahil if you read the news reports, sila na rin ‘yung nagsabi na kayang gamutin ng antibiotics kung ano man ‘yung nakita nila,” he continued.
(In simple words, don’t panic, because if you read the news reports, they themselves said that whatever bacteria they found can be treated by antibiotics)
“We are asking officially doon sa Dubai ‘tsaka sa Mexico kung ano man ‘yung sakit na ‘yun para matugonan natin,” Domingo added.
(We are asking Dubai and Mexico officially what the sickness is so we can respond to it.)
Domingo said the DOH spoke to the health units in different tourist spots, and said that he wants to assure the public that they have not received any reports of cases similar to Masalva’s. He also cited possible ways the Mexican actor could have caught the bacteria, such as food poisoning and swimming with an open wound.
Masalva played Ramon Arellano Felix in Narcos: Mexico. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Nick Joaquin’s “The House on Zapote Street” has been well-known in Philippine literature as the national artist himself, as it inspired other works such as the iconic film “Kisapmata” directed by Mike de Leon in 1981. A true-crime report written in 1961 about the image of a “perfect” Filipino family and how this image changed, the piece has long been an example of a timeless Filipino classic.
In 2025, Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company continues to relive the piece with a stage adaptation. After a successful first run in March, the show is extending at the Areté in Ateneo.
“Kisapmata” director Guelan Luarca and actor Toni Go-Yadao sit down with Rappler senior producer JC Gotinga as they talk about bringing the piece to the stage, the challenges they went through, and why telling this story matters at a time like now.
Watch the interview on Wednesday, April 9, at 2 pm on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook accounts. – Rappler.com
LONDON, United Kingdom – TV drama Adolescence has shocked and captivated audiences around the world, providing what campaigners say is a rare opportunity to tackle the largely hidden world of online misogyny and violence.
Since its release on Netflix on March 13, more than 96 million people have watched the British four-episode series that begins with armed police raiding the home of a terrified 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a young girl, and ends with a raw illustration of the pain of his broken family.
The action in between, with each hour-long episode shot in a dizzying single take, slowly destroys the initial disbelief that a child so young could commit such a violent crime.
It depicts a toxic online culture known loosely as the manosphere in which common teenage male insecurities about attractiveness and romantic failure can warp into resentment and hatred of the opposite sex.
“There are people who will watch it and go ‘but that boy couldn’t do that’. The point is that boy can do it,” said Susie McDonald, CEO of charity Tender that educates children and adults on healthy relationships.
“Suddenly the possibility becomes normal, and so we begin to say, what on earth can we do to stop that from happening?”
The show is number one in the Netflix global Top 10 and heads the charts in almost every country — from Brazil to Bahrain — for which the streaming platform provides data.
“Although on the surface it feels like it’s a very British production … actually, the themes that it’s dealing with: what our children are doing online, what they’re listening to … I think that’s as important in America, as it is India, as it is Australia,” film critic Kaleem Aftab told Reuters.
Portuguese police produced a guide for parents to explain the hidden meaning of emojis used by young people – a plot component in the show. The Sydney Morning Herald produced a guide on how to talk to children more effectively than the parents in the program.
British police urged parents to look for signs their child may be being radicalized online, using data showing 60% of referrals to its terrorism prevention system came from children aged 17 or under to highlight the scale of the wider problem.
Hit home hard in Downing Street
Adolescence reached the home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who watched it with his teenage son and daughter.
“It hit home hard,” Starmer said in a statement, backing a scheme to make the show available to schools across the country and encouraging a national conversation on the issues it raises.
“This isn’t a challenge politicians can simply legislate for. Believe me, if I could pull a lever to solve it, I would.”
Matt Pinkett, an author on masculinity and a teacher, described how the show had left him fizzing with lesson ideas, but said it needed to be used carefully to avoid further marginalizing boys already at risk of radicalisation.
The show has created a moment that campaigners, police, and educators have been waiting for: a general public prepared to accept the uncomfortable truth that they do not know what their children are doing online and that they all need help.
“This is the start of something. What we need to do as an education profession is make sure that we take advantage of that,” said Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of Britain’s Association of School and College Leaders.
McDonald said Tender was working with Netflix to produce materials teachers can use in schools, using script excerpts and clips of scenes to spark wider discussion.
“This (show) is not going to solve the problem, but it’s enabled everybody to actually notice that there is a problem,” she said. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Actor Dennis Padilla faced backlash from Filipino social media users for the posts he made online following his daughter Claudia Barretto’s wedding.
Padilla attended Claudia’s wedding to her longtime partner, Basti Lorenzo, on April 8.
In a now-deleted post, Padilla took to Instagram on the late evening of April 8 to post a handwritten note which read: “Grabe kayo!! Nabudol ‘nyo ko! Father of the bride naging visitor! Galing ‘nyo! (Wow! You tricked me! The father of the bride became a visitor! Great!)”
“Finish,” he captioned the post with a broken heart.
Padilla confirmed in a reply to a commenter that he was referring to Claudia’s wedding. He then claimed he was not part of the wedding program, adding they had refused to send him invites.
He also left a comment on his other daughter Julia’s post, saying, “Kapal ‘nyo (You’re all shameless),” but later deleted it.
Social media users rushed to Claudia’s defense and left comments of their own under Padilla’s latest post. Some commenters were quick to point out that he should be thankful he was even invited to the wedding “despite being a toxic deadbeat father.” They also criticized the actor for making Claudia’s wedding about himself.
A social media user’s comment under Dennis Padilla’s post.
“‘Yung dapat na masayang araw niya [dahil] minsan lang naman ikasal pero trauma ang binigay mo sa kanya,” one user said, referring to Claudia. “Now, don’t ever expect na [ma-iinvite] ka pa sa sumunod na kasal ng dalawa mo pang anak. Napak toxic mo, napaka mapanira mo. Ama ka, dapat ikaw nagpro-protekta sa mga anak mo from pain, from humiliation pero ikaw ang promotor, sa social media, kung ako anak mo matagal na kitang binaon sa limot, napakawalang kwenta mong ama!“
(It’s the day that she’s supposed to be happy since a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but you traumatized her instead. Now, don’t ever expect to be invited to your two other children’s weddings. You’re so toxic, you’re so destructive. You’re a father, you should be the one to protect your child from pain, from humiliation, but you’re doing otherwise on social media. If I were your child I would have forgotten you long ago, you’re a worthless father!)
Another commenter also told Padilla not to expect his children to be perfect when he himself failed to be a perfect father to them.
A social media user’s comment under Dennis Padilla’s post.
“Lalo ‘nyo [lang] nilalayo ang loob ng anak ‘nyo kasi pinapahiya ‘nyo pa sila in public. ‘Di na tayo nagtanda,” the commenter said.
(You’re pushing your kids further away from you because you embarrass them in public. You never learned.)
Another commenter said things seemed to have been better lately for Padilla, who long had a strained relationship with his children, but publicly expressed his anger again.
“Ok na sana kaso nagalit kayo ulit. Magtatago na naman mga anak mo po,” the comment said.
(Things had been okay, but you got angry again. Your kids will hide from you again.)
A social media user’s comment under Dennis Padilla’s post.
Other commenters, however, sympathized with Padilla.
“Okay [lang] sana [kahit ‘di] ka pinahatid sa altar pero [‘yung hindi] ka ma-acknowledge as father of the bride at visitor [lang]? [Sobrang] nakakadurog ng puso sana [‘di] ka na [lang] pinapunta doon,” a commenter wrote.
(It would have been okay if you weren’t asked to bring her to the altar, but the fact that you were acknowledged not as a father of the bride but as a mere visitor? That’s heart-wrenching. It would’ve been better if you weren’t asked to come at all.)
A social media user’s comment under Dennis Padilla’s post.
Another commenter, meanwhile, advised Padilla to distance himself from his celebrity kids for the time being, adding that when his children become parents themselves and go through what the actor did, they will remember that they have a father like him.
A social media user’s comment under Dennis Padilla’s post.
Padilla has three kids with his ex-wife Marjorie Barretto: Claudia, Julia, and Leon — who all have yet to comment on the matter. Dennis and Marjorie split up in 2007. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Dennis Padilla has spoken up anew on the alleged “visitor treatment” he received at his daughter Claudia Barretto’s wedding.
In an interview with Ogie Diaz posted at midnight on Thursday, April 10, the actor said that seeing Claudia walk down the aisle without him was among one of the most painful things he has ever experienced.
He shared that he approached the organizer to question why he, the father of the bride, was excluded from the program. The organizer allegedly sympathized with him and told him that she raised the issue during the planning stage, but was told to just stick to the program she was given.
The actor also said that his 82-year-old mother also began to cry when she realized that it wouldn’t be Padilla walking Claudia down the aisle.
“Sa totoo lang, Ogie, mas masaya pa ako kung hindi ako invited tapos dumating na lang ako (To be honest, Ogie, I’d be happier if I weren’t invited then I just showed up unannounced),” he said.
Padilla, his brother Gene, and their mother then decided not to attend the reception. He said he handed his gift to the wedding coordinator and asked her to pass it on to the newlyweds. When he was about to leave, the coordinator supposedly told him to stay for a bit longer, as Claudia had specifically requested a photo with him at the altar.
Padilla revealed that Claudia had called him on the morning of the wedding to inform him that the wedding would be called off. He then said that an hour later, she called him again to tell him it would be pushing through. Padilla speculated that Claudia only did this because she didn’t want him to attend in the first place.
He also claimed that when he tried asking for a wedding invitation for himself and his mother, Claudia merely sent him the event details through an online message.
“Ayoko na, surrender na. I’m finished. Tatay na lang nila ako, pero bringing back the relationship, wala na siguro. Maybe we can just play around with the memories pero it’s finished,” Padilla told Diaz, adding that he would take down all his social media posts of his children.
(I surrender. I’m finished. I’m just their father, but there’s probably no more bringing back the relationship. Maybe we can just play around with the memories but it’s finished.)
“Ngayon ko lang narealize na not one of my children even posted my picture in their Instagram, not once. Ni wala akong picture sa kahit saang social media nila. Ni walang mention ng pangalan ko, ng nanay ko, ng tatay ko na artista rin, sa kanilang mga social media post. As in, zero,” he added.
(I just realized now that not one of my children even posted my picture in their Instagram, not once. I don’t have a single photo on any of their social media accounts. They never mention my name, my mother’s name, or the name of my father who is also a celebrity, in their social media posts. As in, zero.)
Padilla then cried foul over the public calling him toxic, as he says that he is just a father longing to reconnect with his children.
He said that he tried to reach out to his other children Leon and Julia to ask why the wedding turned out that way, but received no response. He also alleged that Claudia’s aunts, Claudine Barretto and Gretchen Barretto, were not invited to the wedding.
“I won’t give them any chance to see me or talk to me….and that is final,” Padilla said, asking Diaz to tell his children to “not dare” to approach or talk to him.
“This is a permanent goodbye. Maybe the last time you will see me, sa loob na ng kabaong ko ‘yun (it will be in my casket),” he added.
Padilla said that he will focus on his other kids, with the youngest ones being eight and 12 years old.
Julia, Leon, and Claudia are Padilla’s kids with his ex-wife Marjorie Barretto, whom he split up with in 2007. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Four-piece indie rock band Plagpul is bringing their music to Rappler for the first time on Thursday, April 10!
Plagpul’s music is defined by the political and social commentary on issues in Philippine society that they inject into their lyrics. Over the years, they’ve gone on to release songs like “Apo-Apologist” — which criticizes trolls — and “Pula ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig,” which is described as a love song for activists.
Plagpul has Pol on bass and vocals, Jimmy on guitar and vocals, Foom on guitars, an Airon on drums. They have dropped several independently produced albums since starting out: Buy One, Thank Juan; and Tard World Problems.
Catch the band live at 8 pm, by bookmarking this page or heading to Rappler’s YouTube! – Rappler.com
Spanning more than a decade, Dennis Padilla’s rift with his children Julia, Claudia, and Leon has been highly publicized — whether it be through interviews or the actor’s own social media pages.
The veteran comedian would often share his attempts to reach out to his children with his ex-wife Marjorie Barretto, and would supposedly even sometimes air their personal matters out to the public.
Julia and Leon would also speak up about the situation from time to time, and whenever reconciliation seemed to be on the horizon, their progress would be derailed by another issue with their father.
Dennis’ relationship with his children was then put to the test each time, with how Claudia’s wedding turned out seemingly making it official that this years-long feud would not end in the way everyone had hoped.
Here’s a timeline of the notable events that have defined their fallout:
2007: Marjorie and Dennis split up
Dennis and Marjorie wed in November 1997, just a few months after their first child, Julia, was born. The couple later had two more kids together: Claudia in 1999, and Leon in 2003. Just four years after Leon’s birth, the couple split up in 2007.
The same year, Marjorie filed for annulment.
“Before we [separated], there was a series of fighting naman. Parang laging may (There were always) arguments. So one day, I really just sat [the kids] down and I said, ‘Okay, I really want to put an end to the tension. I wanna put an end to the fighting.’ I told them everything. Kasi (Because) especially the 10- and seven-year-old, nakakaintindi (can understand),” Marjorie told PEP.ph.
The ex-couple agreed that Dennis was at fault for the separation. At that point, differences between the two had already been there for a year and a half.
2009: Marjorie and Dennis’ marriage annulled
In 2009, Dennis and Marjorie officially parted ways as their marriage was declared null and void.
July 2014: Julia files a petition to legally change her surname
In July 2014, Marjorie’s eldest daughter with Dennis — Julia — filed a petition to change her surname from Baldivia to Barretto. Baldivia is Dennis’ real surname. Julia’s camp said that this decision was made to “prevent confusion” over the name she goes by in public, and the name she uses on her records.
Dennis said that he would file a Motion to Intervene, but if the court grants Julia’s wishes, he would not contest it.
He also said that he would still love Julia the same should she proceed with changing her surname.
March 2015: Julia decides to keep ‘Baldivia’ surname, invites Dennis to debut
In a press conference for her debut in March 2015, Julia ultimately decided to not change her surname.
“I feel that right now, there’s really no need to change my last name,” she told PEP.ph.
After she and her father reconciled in February 2015 from their feud over her decision to change her surname in 2014, she also confirmed that Dennis would be attending her debut.
In an interview aired on Aquino & Abunda Tonight on March 2, Dennis talked about how he and Julia mended things.
“Sinasabi ko sa kanya na, ‘Julia, you are a legitimate child, that’s why I am fighting for my family name.’ Sabi ko, ‘Alam mo, anak, kung sinabi mo sa akin earlier na gusto mo ipatanggal ‘yung family name, kung anuman ‘yung reason mo, mas matatanggap ko. Sige, Julia, if you will be happy with it, sige, papayag ako,‘” he said.
(I told her ‘Julia you are a legitimate child, that’s why I am fighting for my family name.’ I told her, ‘If you had told me earlier that you wanted to remove the family name for any reason, I would have accepted it. Okay Julia, if you will be happy, I will allow it.)
May 2021: Julia and Dennis open up about their journey of hurt and healing
In a now-deleted vlog posted by Julia, the actress spoke to her father about his career, how he had been, his relationship with her and her siblings, and his separation from Marjorie.
“It became rocky because of my attitude, my temper. Ang dami kong pinagdaaanan kaya ako naging ganoon. Ang mommy mo, ang dami ring pinagdaanan na pagsubok dahil sa ugali ko (I went through a lot, that’s why I acted that way. Your mom also suffered a lot because of my attitude),” Dennis told Julia.
Dennis also opened up about how he felt when Julia wanted to legally change her surname from Baldivia to Barretto.
“That was a dagger, it’s not the pangalan (name). That’s my blood. Barretto na nga lang ang dala mo sa screen name mo tapos tatanggalin mo pa ‘yung Baldivia?” he said.
(You were already using Barretto as your screen name and then you wanted to remove Baldivia as your legal name?)
He also said that he didn’t understand why no one wanted to talk to him about it before Julia filed the petition. Julia then admitted that they wanted to drop the Baldivia surname because they were “trying to correct [his] mistake” and that she was “too pained” to even communicate with him.
June 2022: Leon asks Dennis to ‘stop resorting to public shaming’ in open letter
In June 2022, Leon wrote an open letter to Dennis on Instagram, asking him to “stop resorting to public shaming” after the actor questioned why he and his siblings didn’t greet him on Father’s Day that year.
“Sorry if I wasn’t able to greet you a ‘Happy Father’s Day.’ It’s always been an awkward day for us because we never seem to know where we stand with you every year,” Leon wrote.
Leon continued by saying that for the past 10 years, he and his siblings had been “trying so hard to slowly rebuild the bridge [he] continuously [burns]” whenever he would talk about their private matters in press cons, interviews, and social media.
“It’s not that we don’t want to talk to you, but the few times that we do to resolve the issues, you communicate by shouting, cursing, and using hurtful words that traumatize us,” Leon added.
Dennis apologized to his son in his own Instagram post that he has since taken down. “Miss ko lang kayo (I just miss you)…. Just want to know what false narrative I said in public? [I’ve] been reaching out to all of you in private,” he wrote.
September 2022: Julia breaks her silence on her rough relationship with Dennis; Dennis reacts negatively
In September 2022, Karen Davila interviewed Julia, and she spoke about how she has not spoken to her father because there was still a lot of fear within her.
“I just need more love from him. More love, more protection. I just feel like he should be my number one protector and that’s not really what I’m getting right now from him,” Julia said.
Dennis reacted to the interview after it was published, saying that they needed to get his side of the story, too. “Please be fair to all; you need to interview me. Maraming mali sa alam ni Julia (There are many errors in what Julia knows),” he said.
“Ako ang dapat takbuhan mo, Julia. I defended you pero nagalit pa kayo sa akin. Sobra kayo. Ano itong mga kwento mo kay Karen? (You should be running to me, Julia. I defended you but you even got angry at me. You are all too much. What are these stories you told Karen?)”
November 2024: Dennis pleads for his kids to talk to him
In November 2024, Dennis did an hour-long interview with Julius Babao, where he discussed his relationship with his three kids with Marjorie.
He said that at that point, it had been a year since Julia last spoke to him, adding that he hopes to have a longer conversation with her and her siblings in the future. He also said that it had been five years since he last saw Leon, while it had been eight years since he last saw Claudia.
On social media, Dennis would regularly post greetings for his children on special occasions, some even being handwritten. Asked why he continued to do this, the comedian-actor said that it’s because he wants his children to know that they had a father who never stopped reaching out to them even if they couldn’t reply to his messages all the time.
February 2025: Julia and Leon greet Dennis a happy birthday
In February, Dennis posted photos of the text messages he received from Leon and Julia greeting him a happy birthday. He expressed that he was thrilled to receive these messages, and told them that he would love to have dinner with them soon.
Dennis posts Leon’s birthday greeting for him in February. Screenshot from Dennis Padilla’s InstagramDennis shares Julia’s birthday greeting for him. Screenshot from Dennis Padilla’s Instagram
March 18, 2025: Dennis reunites with Julia, Claudia, and Leon over dinner
Dennis Padilla and his kids Leon, Julia, and Claudia have dinner together on March 18. Screenshot from Ogie Diaz’s YouTube page
Before Claudia’s wedding, Dennis would go on to reunite with his kids over dinner. He told Ogie Diaz that Claudia’s now-husband Basti Lorenzo was supposed to join them, but Dennis requested that he speak to his kids alone first. Basti joined them later on.
He shared a photo with Leon, Julia, and Claudia, on Instagram, but took it down after the wedding happened.
April 8, 2025: Dennis attends Claudia’s wedding ‘as a guest,’ expresses hurt on social media
On April 8, Dennis attended Claudia’s wedding, crying foul over not allegedly not being made a part of the entourage.
He took to Instagram on the late evening of April 8 to post a handwritten note which read: “Grabe kayo!! Nabudol ‘nyo ko!! Father of the bride naging visitor!! Galing ‘nyo!! (Wow! You tricked me! The father of the bride became a visitor! Great!)” He has since taken the post down.
He also left a now-deleted comment on one of Julia’s Instagram posts, saying, “Kapal ‘nyo (You’re all shameless).”
April 10, 2025: Dennis says he has decided to cut ties with his Barretto children
In an interview with Ogie Diaz published in the early hours of April 10, Dennis said that he has decided to end his relationship with Julia, Claudia, and Leon.
Dennis was under the impression that he would be the one to walk Claudia down the aisle. He shared that he approached the organizer to question why he, the father of the bride, was excluded from the program. The organizer allegedly sympathized with him and told him that she raised the issue during the planning stage, but was told to just stick to the program she was given.
Padilla, his brother Gene, and their mother then decided not to attend the reception. He said he handed his gift to the wedding coordinator and asked her to pass it on to the newlyweds. When he was about to leave, the coordinator supposedly told him to stay for a bit longer, as Claudia had specifically requested a photo with him at the altar.
“Ayoko na, surrender na. I’m finished. Tatay na lang nila ako, pero bringing back the relationship, wala na siguro. Maybe we can just play around with the memories pero it’s finished,” Padilla told Diaz, adding that he would take down all his social media posts of his children.
(I surrender. I’m finished. I’m just their father, but there’s probably no more bringing back the relationship. Maybe we can just play around with the memories but it’s finished.)
“Ngayon ko lang narealize na not one of my children even posted my picture in their Instagram, not once. Ni wala akong picture sa kahit saang social media nila. Ni walang mention ng pangalan ko, ng nanay ko, ng tatay ko na artista rin, sa kanilang mga social media post. As in, zero,” he added.
(I just realized now that not one of my children even posted my picture in their Instagram, not once. I don’t have a single photo on any of their social media accounts. They never mention my name, my mother’s name, or the name of my father who is also a celebrity, in their social media posts. As in, zero.)
Dennis then went on to say that from then on, he would no longer give Julia, Leon, and Claudia a chance to see or talk to him. He added that this is a “permanent goodbye,” and said that the last time they would see him would probably be in his casket at his funeral. – Rappler.com
SHANGHAI, China – In a studio tucked inside a Shanghai mall, Shirley Chen is living out her K-pop idol dreams.
The 28-year-old is at Chen Go, a K-pop-inspired “idol experience center,” where customers get a chance to live like their favorite stars, if only for a day.
A visitor talks on a video call while wearing a costume at Chen Go, an ‘idol experience center.’ All photos by Go Nakamura/Reuters
Opened last year by entrepreneur Chen Rong, the center attracts about 40 customers daily who dance choreographed routines and pretend to sign autographs for imagined fans at a mock meet-and-greet.
Guests can choose from more than 200 outfits — some imported from South Korea, others custom-made — and step into carefully designed sets designed to resemble backstage dressing rooms and South Korean music programs.
A full package, including the outfit, shoes, hair, and makeup, set visitors back 329 yuan ($45.01).
K-pop fans enjoy the full experience, including dancing for the cameras while wearing trendy fits.
“This place is great because they prepared a lot of backgrounds, you can change clothes, put together some videos by yourself, and accomplish your dreams of being an idol,” said Chen, who traveled from Ningbo, south of Shanghai, to celebrate her upcoming birthday at Chen Go.
“When I was a child, I liked to dance. So you could say that I wanted to develop on a similar (idol) path. However, as I got older, my parents wanted me to do something that could make money. So they kind of killed my childhood dreams in the cradle.”
The two Chens are unrelated.
Founder Chen Rong is a K-pop fan too and her original plan was to open a photo studio mimicking an idyllic classroom with blackboards and desks, a nod to popular Korean reality TV shows where idols dress like high school students.
Chen Rong, owner of Chen Go, holds up a costume available on rent at her shop where visitors dress up as K-Pop idols.
“Then I made a meet and greet set-up, and later the backstage set-up. After expanding in this way, I thought that all of my set-ups are related to the idol topic, so I can directly open an all-in-one idol experience center,” she said.
The studio, which also attracts tourists from Russia, Japan, and South Korea, is undergoing an expansion and will double in size by next month. Among other plans, Chen said she will start featuring social media influencers as guest emcees and building a stage with a projector.
Young visitors apply their own Korean-inspired makeup in front of a mirror. Fans take selfies with their fun K-pop wear.
MANILA, Philippines – Marjorie Barretto has come forward to refute Dennis Padilla’s claims about their children, following the wedding of their second daughter, Claudia.
In a rare interview with Ogie Diaz published on the evening of Friday, April 11, the former actress-politician clarified that her kids Julia, Claudia, and Leon are estranged from their father because he would continue to do interviews where he would air out their personal matters. This, Marjorie says, hurts their children, as each of them receive public backlash every time Dennis speaks out.
“We have common friends that I always tell, ‘Tell Dennis, the sooner he stops agreeing to interviews, the faster the reconciliation will be,'” Marjorie said in a mix of English and Filipino.
She also denied claims that she “brainwashes” her children into thinking negatively of Dennis, alleging that it is actually the other way around.
“Mula nung bata pa mga anak ko, bago kami maghiwalay, 18 years ago, tuwing hinihiram niya mga anak ko, para sa kaalaman ng lahat ng tao and as God is my witness, ako ang sinisiraan niya sa mga anak ko. Dennis, huwag mo ‘tong i-dedeny, ever, because ang lagi mong sinasabi tuwing susunduin [mo] mga anak ko, ‘Paglaki ‘nyo, I will tell you what your mom did to me,'” she shared.
(From when they were still kids, before Dennis and I separated 18 years ago, every time he would borrow the kids from me, for everyone’s information and as God is my witness, it was me that he would speak badly about to my kids. Dennis, don’t ever deny this, because what you always say every time you pick the kids up is, ‘When you grow up, I will tell you what your mom did to me.’)
Marjorie also alleged that Dennis never fought for joint custody of the kids. She also said that she shouldered all of the kids’ finances in the 18 years that she and Dennis have been separated.
Alleged physical abuse
While it’s long been public knowledge that Dennis was short-tempered, Marjorie revealed for the first time that he would physically abuse her.
“He was physically abusive to me. He was, Ogie. I have been quiet for 18 years. Dennis, you were physically abusive. He has a very bad temper,” she said.
She shared that when Julia was just a few days old, Dennis had slapped her so hard that years later, she had to undergo surgery to recreate an eardrum.
Marjorie went on to say that it was when Julia started her showbiz career that he began granting press interviews, where he would speak badly about his children. Because of this, Julia would allegedly lose endorsements.
The mom of five then said that Dennis was her kids’ anxiety trigger; they would supposedly tremble in fear every time they’d hear his voice. She added that they underwent years of therapy to heal.
She also said that every time Dennis would do public interviews, her kids’ progress would go back to zero, as all the pain would come rushing back to them.
“Ang gusto ni Dennis, hindi relasyon sa mga anak niya. Ang gusto niya, atensyon,” she said.
(What Dennis wants is not a relationship with his children. What he wants is attention.)
She shared that Dennis has the tendency to exaggerate his claims, which has led to their kids to be on the receiving end of severe bashing.
Claudia’s wedding
Claudia — Dennis and Marjorie’s second daughter together — is supposedly the most distant from their father.
Marjorie explained that Claudia wanted to keep her wedding under wraps, and didn’t even share when she got engaged. She also didn’t want to publicize the wedding. However, she convinced Claudia that the right thing to do would be to invite Dennis. She said this would sometimes cause friction between her and Claudia, but she eventually agreed one day, on the condition that he would not walk her down the aisle.
“I hope my daughter is not judged here. Ano bang ibig sabihin ng ‘walking the bride down the aisle?’ (What does ‘walking the bride down the aisle’ mean?). It’s a father who raised you, provided for you, nurtured you, protected you, was your safe space. You’re handing over your daughter now, after raising her, to the man who’s going to be in charge of her. So, why would he hand over Claudia? She doesn’t even know anything about him. He doesn’t even know anything about her,” Marjorie attested.
Marjorie said she didn’t want to walk Claudia down the aisle to prevent Dennis from causing a scene, as she claimed that she knew how explosive his temper could get when things didn’t go his way.
March 18 dinner
She then said that Claudia only had two requests for Dennis: don’t divulge the details of the wedding, and that she would walk herself down the aisle.
Marjorie revealed that when Dennis, Julia, Claudia, and Leon reunited over a meal on March 18, it was so Claudia could “set boundaries” and tell her father she would walk herself down the aisle. He allegedly agreed to both requests, with Marjorie saying that had he disagreed, he wouldn’t have been invited to the wedding at all in the first place.
Marjorie then said that her children were ecstatic after the reunion, believing that this would signal the start of their healing from all the trauma they’ve received over the years.
Dennis’ behavior during the wedding
Marjorie said that as soon as she saw Dennis at the church where Claudia’s wedding was held, he was already looking at her in a way that she could only describe as “maangas (arrogant).”
She also shot down Dennis’ claims that everybody had ignored him and his family during the wedding, presenting photos proving that he was “warmly greeted” by her family. In one of the photos she showed, Leon even had his arm around him.
Marjorie Barretto presents a photo from Claudia’s wedding, refuting Dennis’ claims that he was ignored by the Barrettos during the ceremony. Screenshot from Ogie Diaz’s YouTube page
Marjorie went on to clarify the issue with the seating arrangement. Dennis had earlier complained that he was seated at the back, and that the coordinator told him he could transfer to where the godparents were when he asked about it. Marjorie said that from the start, Dennis was really assigned to sit at the front row, but he had chosen his own seat at the back of the church.
She also claimed that Dennis was accompanied by his assistant, who was supposedly filming and taking photos the entire time.
Marjorie also clarified that Claudia did walk herself down the aisle, and that she merely met her halfway so she could lift her veil when they got to the altar.
“I was seated at the front row, where the mother and the father of the bride should be, and I will not say sorry for that. I raised my child single-handedly, Dennis. I raised her. From the last day of her single life, I was there with her. I took care of her, I did everything for that daughter. I deserved that seat in the front,” Marjorie declared.
In part two of the interview, Marjorie shared that Dennis was already posting on social media even before the wedding reception — going against one of Claudia’s specific requests.
She refuted more of his claims: that he and the wedding coordinator cried together about the seating arrangement, and that his mother cried because he didn’t walk her down the aisle.
Marjorie went on to mention that he repeatedly called Claudia on the night of the wedding, and the morning after at 6 am. She added that he also kept trying to call Julia and Leon, but they didn’t pick up as they wanted to enjoy the night, and they could already foresee his anger on the other end of the line.
Claudia tied the knot with her longtime partner Basti Lorenzo on April 8. On April 10, Dennis did an interview with Ogie to talk about the wedding, and said that his relationship with Claudia and her siblings Julia and Leon was over from that point on.
MANILA, Philippines – Original Pilipino music (OPM) has bid farewell to another legend.
Pilita Corrales, who earned the title of “Asia’s Queen of Songs” for her invaluable legacy in Philippine music, has died, her family announced on Saturday, April 12. She was 85.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” Pilita’s granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, wrote in a Facebook post.
“Pilita touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family. Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life,” Janine added.
With her crystal clear voice and unique singing style, Pilita is regarded as one of the Philippines’ original divas. Part of the superstar’s signature performances was bending her back while singing effortlessly.
A native of Cebu, Pilita served as an inspiration to young singers and hosted the iconic TV show “Ang Bagong Kampeon,” where Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez came from. Pilita is the mother of local showbiz figures Jackie Lou Blanco, and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, Janine’s father.
Born in Lahug, Cebu City, Pilita started her music career at age 16, according to Cebu-based The Freeman. She also made a name in Australia, topping its pop charts, with her “Come Closer to Me” recording in 1958, and was hailed as Tokyo Music Festival’s best performer in 1972, The Freeman reported.
Pilita’s most memorable songs include “Rosas Pandan,” “Usahay,” “A Million Thanks to You,” “Matud Nila,” and “Kapantay ay Langit.”
Tributes
Filipinos paid tribute to Pilita online, among them Senator Grace Poe who extended her condolences to the family she left behind.
“Si Pilita ang halimbawa na ang tunay na ganda at talento ay hindi kumukupas sa pagdaan ng mga taon. Sa kanyang anim na dekada niya sa showbiz, nakatatak sa kaisipan ng mamamayang Pilipino ang kanyang natatanging istilo ng pagkanta at ang kanyang nakakahalinang liyad kapag tumataas ang mga nota. Ang kanyang 135 na album ay patunay ng kanyang matimbang na ambag sa musikang Pilipino,” the senator said in a Facebook post.
(Pilita is an example that genuine beauty and talent do not fade over the years. She had ingrained her singing style among Filipinos during her six decades in showbiz, including her bending backwards as she hit high notes. Her 135 albums are proof of her contribution to Philippine music.)
“Isang milyong pasasalamat sa iyong kontribusyon sa sining at industriya at sa mabuting pagkakaibigan sa aming pamilya, Tita Pilita (A million thanks to your contribution to art and the industry and to the good friendship with our family),” she added, referencing one of the icon’s hit songs.
Actor Jericho Rosales said in his IG story, “Her songs engraved in my mother’s heart. Grateful for this artist.”
Janno Gibbs, who collaborated with Pilita for a remake of “Kapantay ay Langit” in 2002, recalled how thrilled she was to do her first-ever music video for the song. “Your voice stayed golden till the end,” he said on IG. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – BTS’ J-Hope electrified the Manila crowd in his ‘Hope on the Stage’ concert, then vowed to come back as his Filipino fans came in droves.
J-Hope said Manila’s BTS ARMY, the K-pop group’s fan club moniker, “inspired him,” saying the huge crowd that packed the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, April 12, was “beyond expectation.”
LUCKY. Some Filipino fans get to shake hands with J-Hope. All photos from J-Hope’s Instagram page
“It’s such a long time since I last visited Manila, Philippines, and of course, it’s beyond expectation,” said J-Hope with the help of a translator during the opener of his two-day concert.
“Na-absorb ko talaga ‘yung energy ‘tsaka ‘yung vibe niyo kaya I’m looking forward to this Asia tour. (I really absorbed your energy and vibe that’s why I’m looking forward to this Asia tour.) And with that, you guys gave me a lot of inspiration today.”
Before his encore performance composed of his songs — “Equal Sign,” “Future,” and “NEURON” — J-Hope tried to repeat the phrase “walang uuwi” (no one’s going home), which was being chanted by Filipino fans, who enjoyed his attempt to engage with them, and had a laugh as he was saying it incorrectly.
The 31-year-old dancer and rapper featured songs from his solo mixtapes — Hope World (2018) and Jack in the Box (2022) — and collaborations with BTS’ Jung Kook, HUH YUNJIN, Gaeko, Yoon Mi-rae, and Miguel, among others in the 25-song setlist.
Manila’s BTS ARMY also prepared surprises for J-Hope over his two concert showings.
On Day 1, fans were given squirrel masks to be worn after his song “STOP.” On Day 2, sunflowers will be distributed to be placed on light sticks before “Sweet Dreams.”
J-Hope was the second among the seven members of BTS who entered mandatory military service after Jin. He was discharged on October 17, 2024.
The Manila concert also marks the beginning of the 70-day countdown until all seven BTS members complete their military service.
BTS has held three concerts in Manila, the last one in May 2017 for “The Wings Tour.” – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines — They say that music is a universal language. It transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together to create communities that share the same passion for their craft. That’s what this year’s All of the Noise was all about.
Curated by The Rest Is Noise (TRIN), a music events production outfit based in the Philippines, All of the Noise is an annual festival that aims to celebrate all things music through live performances and discourse led by figures from the industry. To mark their 10th anniversary, TRIN expanded their program with even more insightful, multi-format activities that strengthen their core of community-building and creating inclusive spaces for artists, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike.
Held at The Astbury in Makati City on April 4 and 5, All of the Noise 2025 was two days full of music documentary screenings, cultural discussions, a photography exhibit, and live performances of artists and bands from the Philippines and different parts of Asia.
Here’s a recap of what happened at the event:
Getting the rhythm of Filipino music culture through documentaries
An homage to a now-defunct music magazine and a deep dive on the grassroots music dance craze that took the world by storm — these are the two documentaries that kicked off the series of activities for the event.
Day 1 started off with a screening of Budots: The Craze (2019) by Jay Rosas. The film explored the creation of “Budots,” a type of Pinoy electronic music originating from Davao that was pioneered by Sherwin Tuna, better known as DJ Love.
DJ Love’s Budots has rightfully transformed into a dance craze and a genre of its own — going on to become a pretty important part of Filipino culture.
On Day 2, Jingle Lang Ang Pahina (2012) by Chuck Escasa went on to reintroduce Jingle Magazine,an independent publication that served as an outlet of the song industry and emphasized teaching its readers guitar chords.
Founded by Gilbert Guillermo, Jingle Magazine was dubbed the country’s music bible that revolutionized music journalism in the Philippines.
During the talkback session, Escasa shared that he wanted the editing of the documentary to be “irreverent and cheesy” but remain transcendent to viewers at the same time, in an attempt to reflect how he felt when he was reading the magazine in his youth during the ’70s in the province.
Once he secures the rights to use the songs in the documentary, Escasa shared that he has plans to remaster and expand Jingle Lang Ang Pahina, so it can be screened for wider audiences.
More volume to the industry
Building deeper on the discourse sparked by the two documentaries, All of the Noise 2025 also included “Cut through the Noise,” a music conference program where resource speakers and moderators spoke about varying topics related to the local music scene.
Day 1 aptly started off with a discussion on the VisMin music community’s roots, evolution, and its fight to further expand the local music scene — where the country’s acts thrive not just in the metro, but also everywhere else. One of the resource speakers was Karl Lucente of the Cebuano band Mandaue Nights, which later performed during the music showcase.
This was followed by a discussion on kickstarting a sustainable career in music, which featured insights from industry figures David Siow, Dylan Amirio, and Gino Rosales, and was moderated by TRIN co-founder and creative director MC Galang.
All of the Noise holds a panel discussion titled “Music Showcase & Creative Industry Development – A Career-Building Guide.” Juno Reyes/Rappler
In Empowering Queer Visibility and Imagery of Pinoy Music, singer Pixie Labrador, alternative music artist Pette Shabu, and musician Ed Croix shared the importance of having genuine queer representation in order to hone real-life narratives and create safer spaces where art can prosper.
Empowering Queer Visibility and Imagery of Pinoy Music on Day 2 of All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rappler
Meanwhile, in Brash Maximalism: ‘Budots’ and the Global Future of Pinoy Electronic Music, author Lex Celera, sound artist Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V, and Budots: The Craze director Jay Rosas highlighted how the Budots phenomenon, once dismissed as “baduy,” (kitschy) reflects internalized self-loathing and serves as a decolonizing force that embraces regional identity and artistic expression.
Lex Celera, Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V, and Jay Rosas’ talk establishes Budots as a symbol of regional identity and creative freedom. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
Visual tribute to music
TRIN also mounted a photo exhibit featuring the works of renowned music photographer Karen De La Fuente.
VIBRANCE OF MUSIC. Karen De La Fuente’s “Welcome to the Static” displayed on the walls of The Astbury. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
The collection, titled “Welcome to the Static,” is a curation of the photos De La Fuente has taken of local and international music acts throughout her career. Her shots of Ben&Ben, Autotelic, Zild, Sandwich, and Japanese Breakfast, among others, were defined by the vibrant colors she used to add depth to the photos.
More of Karen De La Fuente’s work, featuring shots of LANY, Sandwich, Lauv, and the iconic cover art for SOS’ “Whatever That Was” album. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
A whole universe of sonic lanes
Of course, it’s not a music festival without live performances.
For All of the Noise 2025, bands and artists from the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand were invited to bring their music to The Astbury — making for a live music showcase that had representation from any genre you could think of.
On Day 1, Pixie Labrador kicked off the show with performances of songs that chart her experience as a queer artist who grew up studying in an all-girls Catholic school.
Sapphic artist Pixie Labrador opens the live music showcase on Day 1 at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rappler
Audiences in the event space then began to let loose and dance when six-piece band cheeky things took the stage.
The band cheeky things at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/RapplerAudiences let loose during cheeky things’ set. Juno Reyes/Rappler
Hip-hop artist San the Wordsmith then brought his bars from Singapore to the Philippine shores — even doing several rounds of freestyle with the help of the audience who fed him words like “chicken” and “Jollibee.”
Singapore’s San the Wordsmith on Day 1 of All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rappler
Hailing all the way from Cebu, Mandaue Nights also came to bring their fun synth-pop sound to The Astbury.
Mandaue Nights represents Cebu at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rappler
When Pedicab set foot on stage, you could immediately tell that the 20 years they’ve spent in the industry was built on their unique ability to really make people move with the help of electronic rock. Nobody in the crowd stood still during Pedicab’s set, and it was a moment you just had to be there to experience yourself.
Pedicab at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/RapplerThe audience during Pedicab’s set at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rappler
It was the same for solo artist ena mori, who danced just as much as the audience did when she sang her synth-rich hits like “VIVID,” “Funny,” and one of her oldest songs, “Telephone.”
Japanese-Filipina artist ena mori at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rapplerena mori and One Click Straight’s Tim Marquez at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rappler
The last act of the night, SOS’ All of the Noise 2025 appearance came at the perfect time — just after the release of their second album in eight years: It Was A Moment. During their set, we got to hear a good mix of old and new favorites, such as “Favoritism,” “Please Lang,” “Seryoso,” “Whatever That Was,” and as an encore, “Leave Me Out of It.”
SOS’ lead singer Roberto Seña at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/RapplerSOS’ bassist Anjo Silvoza and drummer King Puentespina at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/RapplerSOS’ Andrew Panopio on lead guitars and Ram Alonzo on synths and keys at All of the Noise 2025. Juno Reyes/Rappler
Bacolod-based musician Novocrane set up a perfect starter for the second day, easing into their set with the soothing “Safe and Sound” before amping up the energy with “Mosh Pit.”
Bacolod’s Novocrane at All of the Noise 2025. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
This energy carried over to Cebu’s IIICCCYYY’s set. Her performance encouraged the crowd to unleash their wildest, most authentic selves as she powered through originals like “Habit,” “Love Gun,” and “Anything for You.”
Cebu’s IIICCCYYY at All of the Noise 2025. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
Fresh off his Wanderland 2025 debut, Waiian brought a dose of his playful hip-hop prowess to All of the Noise 2025. His set featured tracks from his latest album, including “MAN IN THE MERROR,” “LOSE MY NUMBER,” and “MALAKING BIRD.”
UDD’s Paul Yap and Musical O’s Mario Consunji then debuted their collaborative electronica project Double Shy, followed by Indonesian soloist Logic Lost’s own electronic set.
Indonesia’s Logic Lost at All of the Noise 2025. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
Obesedogma.777’s set was an homage to budots, something you couldn’t help but just dance to, even if it meant bumping shoulders with those next to you.
obesedogma.777 at All of the Noise 2025. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
Other experimental artists who came to showcase their unique blend of music were Fashion Island and alternative rapper Pette Shabu.
Alternative rapper Pette Shabu at All of the Noise 2025. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
The penultimate act of the night, Taiwanese band The Chairs showcased their vibrant fusion of ‘60s to ‘70s psychedelic pop through the songs “Maybe Maybe,” Paradise…How Far,” and Rollin’ On.”
Zhong, Jin, and Benson of Taiwan’s The Chairs at All of the Noise 2025. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
Wrapping up the two-day event was Thai indie-pop band KIKI.
Indie-pop band KIKI represents Thailand at the live music showcase of All of the Noise 2025. Kevin Lampayan/Rappler
This artist lineup was what brought TRIN’s community-building vision to life. With the open-room layout of The Astbury coupled with a variety of both eye-opening and sonically appealing activities, music fans, industry professionals, and artists could freely mingle and connect through different sounds — almost like exploring parallel universes linked by music.
What’s especially commendable about the event is its commitment to addressing social struggles through different lenses in the music industry. Beyond just a celebration, All of the Noise 2025 served as a space for reflection and advocacy, encouraging its audience to see and use the art of music as a tool for change. – with reports from Tris Tolentino and Franz De Castro/Rappler.com
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The power of storytelling won over technology at this year’s Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) as a mobile phone-shot film took home the festival’s highest honor, proving that good stories can also triumph without always needing expensive equipment.
Ang Gadya Sang Suba (The Elephant of the River) by Daniel Dela Cruz was awarded Best Film during the MFF 2025 Awards Night, also known as Panagdadayaw, held at the Baguio Country Club on March 30.
“This proves that the best tool we can have in creating films is not the latest camera, but a heartfelt story,” Dela Cruz said in his acceptance speech, drawing applause from the crowd.
The mobile film also won Gold in the Mobile Category, underscoring the festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in filmmaking. Other winners in the same category included Kataw by Ashley Manugas (Silver) and Handom sa Natugbong Nga Yuta (Memories of the Collapsed Land) by Aveguel Sinangote (Bronze).
Recognizing diverse Filipino voices
Now in its fifth year, MFF continues to provide a national platform for emerging filmmakers, particularly those outside the mainstream industry, to tell stories rooted in Filipino culture and everyday struggles.
In the Documentary category, Mama by Alexandra Brizuela won Gold, followed by Daíng (Woes) by Jan Darryl Villafuerte (Silver), and Woven Dreams by Jhayzen Parañal (Bronze).
Under the Narrative category, Open Time by Mark Moneda earned the Gold Award while Ang Huling Liham (The Last Letter) by Miguel Potestades received Bronze.
Special Awards celebrate creativity and cultural identity
Aside from the main competition, MFF also recognized outstanding films for their artistic innovation and cultural significance.
Sa Ilalim sa Balabal sa Alitaptap (Beneath the Firefly Veil) by Juvy Ann Clarito – The Independent Spirit Award
Cinebuano by Joaquin Perocillo – World Building Award
Dakit (Boat) by Francis A. Dumalig – Best Emerging Cinema Award
Meanwhile, Kidlat Kapwa Awards, given by National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik to films that reflect indigenous values and storytelling, were handed to:
Pagtaghoy sa Hangin by Kyle Erika Saycon
Silbi by Danica Sy
Los Mandayas by Jhayzen Parañal
Bolilyo by Patrick Nicolas Yacob
National Artist Kidlat Tahimik takes a selfie using his iconic bamboo camera with this year’s Kidlat Kapwa Awardees at the Montañosa Film Festival 2025. Mia Magdalena Fokno/Rappler
Honoring the next generation of filmmakers
In its Pilik Ubbing (Young Eyes) category, which highlights films created by young or first-time filmmakers, Gold went again to Dela Cruz’s Ang Gadya Sang Suba, while JP Corton’s Nanlumos Akong Papa sa Sabaw took Silver, and Arapaap by Zeus Batondo won Bronze.
The Sine Patok Award, given to the most entertaining film, went to Kita Mo ’To? by Jermaine Tulbo.
A long list of special jury citations recognized exceptional performances, direction, animation, environmental themes, and regional entries, showing the breadth of talent that MFF continues to nurture across the country.
Cinema Open expands MFF’s reach
MFF 2025 was also notable for introducing its Cinema Open program, allowing filmmakers from across the Philippines to submit finished films instead of just project proposals. This year’s competition attracted finalists from Iloilo, Cebu, Rizal, Leyte, Quezon City, Laguna, Isabela, and Davao, among others.
For the first time in its history, MFF also featured an Experimental Film Category, showcasing innovative works like All the Things Left Unsaid by Josh Van Campo and Daisy by Aditi Dixit, Pepot Atienza, and Shecid Domínguez Aguilera.
Supporting Filipino stories
Creative Baguio City Council chairperson Marie Venus Tan reminded the audience of the importance of supporting Filipino filmmakers, especially in independent and regional cinema.
“MFF is that event every year where we really celebrate artistry and the expression of who we are as a people — as Cordillerans,” Tan said.
MFF continues to champion film tourism for the Cordillera Region, positioning Baguio City as a creative hub under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The festival’s vision is clear, to give voice to stories that matter, wherever they come from, and however they are told. – Rappler.com
When music becomes the air you breathe as a child, it almost seems natural to go on to carve your own path as an artist as you grow up. This is what singer-songwriter Justin Vasquez’s beginnings were like.
In the room where the young Justin’s mother and two uncles — who were in a band — were rehearsing one day, there were three instruments: a guitar, a set of drums, and a keyboard. He tried his hand at everything. But there was nothing quite like his connection with the keys, which became the first-ever instrument he would learn to play.
Eventually, he’d muster the courage to get behind the mic, too, crediting his current sound to Filipino R&B acts like Bruno Mars, Gabe Bondoc, Kyla, South Border, Jay R, and Michael Pangilinan.
“My fingers weren’t quite strong enough to play the guitar and I had trouble staying in rhythm with the drums. Once I picked up playing the keys, the singing kind of just followed. It was a natural process,” Justin shared.
It’s taken a lot to get Justin to where he is now, constantly going back and forth from the two countries he’s called home: the Philippines and Australia. But it’s clear the one thing that’s gotten him through it all is his authenticity.
It’s easy for any artist to call themselves authentic, but it’s truly one of the first things you’ll notice about Justin. Beyond his musical prowess, he isn’t afraid to get candid about his experiences, and perhaps it’s one of the reasons why he’s in this year’s Spotify RADAR program.
The real Justin Vasquez
One of Justin’s first-ever public appearances was in 2014 on X Factor Australia. 15 years old then, he saw the music survival show as a way to determine if music really was the right path for him.
On the surface, it was glamorous. You got to be on television, and you were getting mentored by a world-class panel of judges. But as with any survival show, there were grueling moments that only the contestants themselves saw behind the scenes.
“The experience was wild and we did countless interviews every day. [It was] almost traumatic. There were hundreds of contestants and the waiting time was exhausting. Overall, it was an amazing experience. I met great people but I personally wouldn’t go through that again,” he admitted.
A year or two later, that young teen on The X Factor Australia would start posting his covers on YouTube, and even start sharing some of his original songs on Spotify. And it was all because he wanted to be heard by anyone who was willing to listen.
“I wasn’t so much into making music to set myself up financially, I’ve always been passionate about making music, period. Making money along the way was a bonus. Being acknowledged by people for my work was all I really wanted,” he told Rappler.
Justin’s resolve to pursue music had really only strengthened from there, so much so that in 2019, he decided to enter another competition to brush up on his songwriting: Himig Handog. It was at this Filipino competition where Justin was able to deepen his understanding of the basics of music — equipping him not just with the right amount of passion to sing his way through it all, but the technical skills he needed to mold himself into a better musician.
It’s safe to say, then, that the Philippines was truly where he got to explore the heights he could reach as a rising artist.
“The opportunities are endless here and everyone has a chance to make it in the music industry. Filipinos love music. Australia doesn’t appreciate the art of music as much as us Filipinos appreciate music,” Justin said. “It wasn’t such a huge transition because I never really felt known or appreciated for my work when I was in Australia. In a nutshell, the Philippines made my dreams come true.”
Some artists transform into a different persona when they’re on stage. For Justin, though, what you see when he’s performing is what you’ll get when he takes his artist cap off. Watch a few of his live performance videos, and you’ll understand what we’re talking about.
This, he says, is what he wants people to see more of in time.
“Makulit ako. Sobra (I’m really playful). I just never really got the chance to show it because [the] majority of my performances is me sitting down with a guitar. I really want to show people my persona. I’m a fun dude, and I’m very very playful and malambing (loving). I’ve been performing a lot lately with a live band, and I know it’s another step closer to showing the people who I really am,” he shared.
Reviving old R&B
Now, Justin is well on his way to becoming one of the local music scene’s R&B artists to look out for. The one thing he hopes to put out there is his knack for creating original music — and he’s got his eyes set on several long-term goals in his career.
“I pray and I’m really hoping for a hit song. I want to be known and established as a singer-songwriter and not just a cover song artist anymore. Respectfully, I will always appreciate my cover songs that blew up, but [through] Spotify RADAR, I really want to show the people that there’s more to me than just cover songs. I’m hoping for one of my songs to become top 10 most listened songs of the year,” he shared, adding that he wants to bring back the ‘90s and early 2000s R&B sound.
Photo courtesy of Spotify Philippines
Justin’s latest single “What U Need” might just be his ticket to achieving all these and more.
But more than anything, Justin just wants to enjoy the process behind it all, and it looks like he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The process is the best part. You get so creative and it’s an open book. There’s no limits when it comes to music. The best part about writing a song is the satisfaction of completing one. The best part about releasing songs is the love, acknowledgment and support that I receive. Overall, the best part is mainly performing. You get to soak in all the love, all the screams and all the support from the fans,” he mused. – Rappler.com
“Maddie was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease — something we had never even heard of. And seeing our little girl in pain, hooked to IVs, enduring tests and meds, was the hardest thing we’ve ever gone through as parents,” Gil wrote.
Mostly affecting children below five years old, Kawasaki disease “can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels.” According to reliable medical websites, the exact cause of Kawasaki disease is not known and it is not contagious.
Those diagnosed with Kawasaki disease would typically have a fever lasting five days or more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other possible symptoms include rashes, swollen lymph glands, red and swollen hands and feet, red and irritated whites of eyes, and irritated and inflamed mouth, lips, and throat.
“But even in the scariest moments, God showed up — in the peace He gave, the people He sent, and the healing He allowed. We give Him all the glory for carrying us through and for Maddie’s recovery,” Gil continued.
The singer-actress also shared that they were able to bring Maddie home already after she was discharged from the hospital. Maddie will continue her recovery.
Born in October 2021, Maddie is Gil’s second child with her husband BJ Albert.
INDIO, USA – Lisa and Jennie of the Korean pop music group Blackpink performed for the first time as solo artists in front of massive crowds at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Friday, April 11, and Sunday, April 13, bringing out their unique hip-hop styles.
Lisa twerked to the heavy beat of her song “Drop Some Money” in a red outfit under red lights.
Other K-pop performances at Coachella include seven-member Enhypen, a South Korean boy group who performed on Saturday, and XG, an acronym for Xtraordinary Girls, a South Korea-based Japanese girl group, performing later on Sunday, local time.
Signaling the rising US interest in K-pop in recent years, Blackpink has made history at Coachella twice, first in 2019 as the first female-led K-pop group to perform at the festival, and then again in 2023 as the first ever K-pop headliner.
Starting with hip-hop trio Epik High in 2016, Coachella has been bringing more Korean acts to the festival scene, including Aespa, DPR (Dream Perfect Regime), LE SSERAFIM, ATEEZ, and The Rose.
“Alter Ego” is Lisa’s 2025 debut solo studio album since the Thai singer left YG Entertainment in 2023, joining RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music.
The 28-year-old will continue to record for Interscope as part of Blackpink, along with fellow members Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo.
The album has 15 tracks that incorporate hip-hop, electropop, and trap genres and includes guest singers Raye, Doja Cat, Tyla, Rosalía, Future and Megan Thee Stallion.
Lisa has embarked on an acting career as well with her first acting role in the Max television series “The White Lotus.”
Jennie also opted to pursue her solo music career, releasing her first single “Solo” in 2018 with YG Entertainment and Interscope.
The 29-year-old made her acting debut in the Max series “The Idol” in 2023. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Benjie Paras has shut down rumors that his son, Kobe, and his girlfriend, Kyline Alcantara, have broken up.
In a Viber interview with PEP.ph published on April 13, Benjie said that Kobe and Kyline are still together.
Speculations of the couple’s split began circulating when social media users noticed that some of their photos together had been deleted from their respective Instagram pages. As of this writing, only their photos and videos from their brand endorsements are still up on their accounts.
Asked why some of their photos together appear to have been taken down, Benjie said he had no idea why.
“Ewan ko sa kanila. Magkasama lang kami, nag-inuman pa, e (I don’t know. We were together, drinking),” Benjie told PEP.ph.
Kyline’s camp also told PEP.ph that she and Kobe are doing okay, adding that they didn’t know why the rumors began circulating.
In November 2024, Kobe confirmed in an interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines that he was dating Kyline. He said he realized he had a crush on her towards the beginning of the year.
Kobe played in the UAAP for the UP Fighting Maroons for one season in 2019, and was part of the Gilas Pilipinas roster in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. He eventually went on to pursue a basketball career abroad in April 2021. The 27-year-old also played for the Japanese B. League club Altiri Chiba before he and the team mutually decided to terminate his contract in March 2023.
Kyline, meanwhile, is a 22-year-old actress who has starred in numerous series. She appeared in Annaliza; Kambal, Karibal; Inagaw na Bituin, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon, Wildlflower, and Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit, to name a few. Her most recent project is GMA’s Shining Inheritance.
As of this writing, Kyline and Kobe themselves have yet to speak up on the circulating rumors. – Rappler.com
Pop star Katy Perry and five other women launched into space on a Blue Origin rocket and successfully returned to Earth on Monday, April 14, marking the first all-female spaceflight in more than 60 years.
The crew lifted off from West Texas at 9:31 a.m. ET (1331 GMT) and traveled to the edge of space, where they experienced a brief period of weightlessness before returning to Earth in a flight lasting around 11 minutes, according to a live broadcast by Blue Origin, the space company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos.
The spaceflight is a high-profile win for Bezos’ New Shepard launch vehicle, which has been developed for space tourism.
The six-person crew also included Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez, CBS host Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, scientist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
King said that when the crew returned to their seats after weightlessness, Perry sang Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’.
“I feel super connected to love,” Katy Perry said after landing back on Earth.
She was holding a daisy flower, which she took into space, to remind her of her daughter, Daisy.
“Daisies are common flowers, but they grow through any condition … They are resilient. They are powerful. They are strong.”
It was the first all-female spaceflight since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova — the first woman in space — orbited the Earth during a nearly three-day solo flight. – Rappler.com
HONG KONG – J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecent assault before a Hong Kong court on Tuesday, April 15, after he was accused of assaulting a woman at a Hong Kong restaurant in March.
Kamimura, 25, is a former member of the six-member boy group ONE N’ ONLY but was fired by his management agency, Stardust Promotion in March over “the discovery of a serious compliance violation”, according to the company statement.
Kamimura’s hands were shaking before the hearing began, and he broke out in tears after loudly pleading “not guilty” at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court.
When Magistrate Li Chi-ho asked if he needed a break, he said he could continue, adding “no problem” in Hong Kong’s Cantonese language.
Under Hong Kong law, indecent assault carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment. Reuters was unable to reach Kamimura’s lawyers for comment.
Dozens of his fans started queuing up outside the court early in the morning to get passes to enter the courtroom.
Some said they had flown in from Japan and China to see the star, known for his role in the Japanese drama Our Youth.
A judiciary clerk said they have given away over 170 passes.
Kamimura was granted bail, with the next hearing scheduled for July 30 and expected to last 3 days.
According to the charge sheet seen by Reuters, he was charged with indecently assaulting a woman in a restaurant in the city’s busy Mong Kok district on March 2 this year. The charge sheet did not provide further details. – Rappler.com
LOS ANGELES, USA – “I have found it incredibly liberating to be nude on camera. It has actually been healing in many ways,” Hacks star Hannah Einbinder declared in a recent press conference for Season 4 of her award-winning series with Jean Smart.
In its new season on HBO Max, Hacks tackles the continued tension between Jean’s Deborah Vance, who’s about to launch her first late-night talk show gig, and Hannah’s Ava, who is the show’s head writer. Ava blackmailed Deborah to get the position, so the would-be host is giving her top writer a tough time.
In the media conference held at The London Hotel in West Hollywood, Hannah, answering a journalist’s question about a scene that shows Ava’s relationship with a married straight couple, brought up her views on onscreen nudity.
“I think it has helped me, it’s quite simple when you say it this way, but like to normalize the female form,” said Hannah, who is bisexual and talks about her sexuality in her standup performances. “Obviously, this form takes many genders, of course, but it’s like a man or a cis guy takes his shirt off, and that’s cool.”
“It’s like what is actually stopping that from applying to women, like a puritanical societal code. What do any of these codes even mean?”
The actress, who earned several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Ava, added, “So in doing that, I have started to think about that and deconstruct that. Obviously, I’m not going to take my frickin’ shirt off right now, but you know what I mean?”
Saying that doing nudity has made her “feel cooler and freer,” the daughter of actor Chad Einbinder and original Saturday Night Live cast member Larraine Newman declared, “Just like, this is my body, and I’m alive. It was really liberating.”
She cited actresses Mikey Madison and Emma Stone. “I’ve heard them talk about it in a similar way. They have similar experiences where it does feel freeing and empowering.”
On that scene with a straight couple, the Los Angeles native said, “We have a great intimacy coordinator this year. I loved working with her. And…the other actors in the scene are so wonderful. We got to know each other and really got comfortable…”
Jean quickly teased, “I bet you did.”
Hannah, composed, continued, “They’re such great actors and really cool people. I was just lucky. I’m in a really safe environment.”
“So it’s a good environment and really beautiful writing. Obviously, you’re at work, it’s a job. Like my boys are around me, all the camera guys. It’s not like that. Like, it’s cool…I have a lot of queer people around me, a lot of women around me.”
LEADS. Jean Smart (left) and Hannah Einbinder in Season 4 of ‘Hacks.’ – All still images from Max
The actress and standup comedian, who turns 30 in May, explained that what she likes about Hacks’ sex scenes is that they are penned with humor. “Nothing is just gratuitous at all,” she pointed out. “There’s always a comedic angle, which I enjoy.”
Hannah stressed it was “very meaningful” to have multiple queer characters in the show launched by HBO Max in 2021. “I’m sure that will always be a part of all of our work. Jean’s first acting role, (Last) Summer at Bluefish Cove, was a lesbian play.”
Jean confirmed, “It started my whole career. Yeah, kissing a girl.”
Referring to US President Trump’s Executive Actions that are impacting LGBTQ rights, Hannah shared, “It’s important now more than ever (to depict queer characters).”
“I really do think in the face of such horrendous fascist crackdown on our community, it’s really important for people to be able to see themselves fully and in a way that is fully realized. It is really meaningful to be a part of it.”
Rappler visited the Hacks set at the Universal Studios back lot late last year when they shot this new season’s opening sequence. Deborah and Ava, followed by their late night show crew, walked in the office hallway, then the latter went into her room, smiling triumphantly as she closed the door.
But it was a momentary grin of confidence. Deborah called to say she was coming to Ava’s room. What followed was a terse exchange between the two protagonists, with Deborah forcing Ava into a corner, resulting in a tense faceoff.
Deborah threateningly hissed, “Well, aren’t you a big, brave girl,” complete with a jerking motion like she was about to hit Ava.
They shot this scene for several takes, and each time, it was mesmerizing to watch Jean and Hannah, two fine actresses, internalize their characters’ tense relationship. And on each take, the two women acted with subtle changes but were always riveting.
Hannah did this hallway-to-office sequence with a few words but compellingly with her eyes and body. Jean was entrancing as the ever intimidating dowager Deborah with her swagger and years of experience.
Watching the two women act in person reminded why Hacks has drawn viewers and won awards since it premiered. The comedy-drama about two unlikely collaborators, disparate in age and attitude – a formerly rising young writer and an aging comedian on the Strip – continues to captivate.
Now, the duo find themselves prepping for a late night show in La La Land, a trailblazing move for Deborah who, in age-obsessed Hollywood, is considered past her prime. But she is determined to succeed and make history.
Rappler asked Jean, Hannah, and Lucia Aniello, one of the show’s writers and directors who was also in the press conference panel, about this scene and how the leads’ actor’s instincts kicked in.
Jean began, “It’s a moment that’s been coming. You think, that kind of makes sense that it comes to this point. But yeah, it is a very kind of threatening moment.”
“As an actor, you play the scene. And to play opposite Hannah, everything’s easy because it’s true. It’s in her eyes. She’s right there.”
Hannah, for her part, said, “I learn from the best, and my great team lifts me up. We are so locked into where we leave off in Season 3. We all have such a palpable sense memory of that.”
Recalling that “walking through the hallway and getting to the office” sequence, Hannah said, “That last moment is so real. Because also, we’ve watched it a million times.”
“Like the first time we saw it, I was over hanging with the writers, and I think we rewound it like nine times because they’re just like, ‘Crazy.’ So it is super fresh still, like, leaving off there.”
The actress added, “And especially, the brilliant direction and the camera moves on that shot. It is continuous. And so, you really are able to track walking through the hallway, walking into the door, sitting at the desk hearing the knock, Jean coming in like everything is happening in real time.”
“You’re not breaking it up. So, it has a beautiful flow in that way, and that helps to really have that continuous shot. To Jean’s point, I feel the same way about her obviously being face to face with her.”
Better, meaner, nastier
Even with the cameras and crew hovering around Jean and Hannah in the office set, the scene felt real. Hannah observed, “We are so deeply close to these characters, and it really does just come naturally, and the dialogue, of course, leads the way. And so we’re able to just embody that and it frickin’ rips.”
Lucia, who is one of Hacks’ showrunners, along with her fellow Emmy winners Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky, said, “Something that we sometimes do in the writing is feel like we have to explain how people feel and try to make sure that the audience is connecting with the characters.”
“But once, especially Jean and Hannah, and all of our actors start to embody it, all of a sudden, you realize so much of that was superfluous because they’re able to show such vulnerability. That really makes it easier for us.”
The creator, who also produced Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, continued about the two actresses: “They do so much of the heavy lifting in terms of helping the audience get into the emotional perspective of the character. So, it is really easy to write and direct for them in that way. They do a lot of the hard work for us.”
As for Deborah making history as a woman landing a late-night show host job at this late stage in her career, Jean said, “Yes, it’s sort of a bucket list to pretend to be a talk show host.”
But Deborah is having some panic attacks. “She definitely has something,” Jean agreed. “It’s sort of be careful what you wish for. I mean, the pressure gets to her. Definitely.”
On still showing new sides of Deborah and winning two Golden Globes and three Emmys, Jean gave “credit to the to the writing…It continually amazes me that they are able to find more and more for us and also to keep this dynamic going.”
“A lot of the fun for the audience is this relationship and the fact that they’ve been able to keep that the way they have. My biggest fear after the first season was that now that they’re kind of friendly and working together, is that going to be as much fun for the audience to see them butting heads?”
She added, “But it’s amazing to me that it continues in the same vein, and it just gets better, and meaner and nastier.”
Speaking of meaner and nastier, Jean commented about Deborah, “There’s a lot of characters throughout history that were fun – we love to hate them. It might be partly that, too, but hopefully, you see the part of her that’s also a little bit more vulnerable.”
Adversarial thing
Hannah, asked about Ava’s new position as a head writer and if she has changed, answered, “I think her hand has kind of been forced. A lot of people ask me, has Ava turned bad or like, is she? No, I think she has to kind of speak Deborah’s language.”
“But she still has her core. She retains that spirit but has to play ball. And it’s been really cool to get to play the adversarial thing.”
“It’s obviously like when we have to fight, Lucia calls cut, and we’re just like hugging, like, I’m sorry. It is fun to traverse this windy road with the two of them.”
“We’ve all had that in our own lives,” Jean replied about the show’s mastery of combining comedy and drama. “You know, tragedy and comedy. That’s just what life is.”
“And so to be able to do that and to still have the tone of the show be essentially fun and joyous. But then the reality of there’s always the flip side of the coin.”
An extra treat this new season is the appearance of surprise guest stars.
Asked about the sexist convention that women in the workplace become adversaries, Jean countered, “I’ve always found it a little bit insulting that people have this idea that women can’t get along and that men do. I’ve found that strange.”
“I remember a million years ago when I was doing Designing Women, people used to ask us that constantly. ‘Wow. What’s it like on the set with four women?’ Oh, boy, that must be…oh!’ ”
“We’d think, what? I said, ‘Do you guys ask the Barney Miller cast that question?’ I find that really bizarre.”
Jean remarked, “Who said I was grounded?” when asked the usual question about what keeps her grounded. “It’s a dreadful thing to say!” she exclaimed.
“I used to say, especially when my kids were younger, I just sort of think of myself as a housewife with a really weird job. But I know certainly that’s naive to say that in a way.”
“I know that the outside world, as we put it, the civilian world, they look at our job as being very exciting. God knows it is sometimes. No, it’s just we had kids and a house that kept you grounded.”
The Seattle, Washington-born performer added that she was “lucky” and grateful to her parents. “I was brought up by really wonderful parents. We didn’t have much. My dad was a school teacher. He worked two jobs, just because he had four kids.”
“And my mom made our clothes. I didn’t feel like I lacked for a thing but we didn’t have extras. I’m glad that I was not spoiled.”
“I’m actually very grateful for my childhood. Everything nice that’s happened to me in my adult life, I don’t take for granted.”
‘Hacks’ mansion burned down
On the growing number of senior characters in television, Jean quipped, “I think it’s happening because of me.” She complemented her joking statement with a dramatic pose.
But the 73-year-old actress admitted, “I get a little uncomfortable when the subject comes up because I feel like I don’t want to be the poster child for older actresses.”
“But certainly, it’s nice to be able to play a character where you show that people have the same kinds of hopes, dreams, and desires and everything that they do when they’re 30.”
“So, for people to be able to see that and get used to that is just because it’s not something we used to see in film and television. But why not? That’s part of real life. And no, it’s great. And if our show has helped with that a little bit, then bravo.”
Jean cited her Deborah character as a welcome character on the screen. “That’s been a great thing to see on the show because she was a person who just hung on to anger, bitterness, and resentment.”
“And to see her being able to maybe let go or at least recognize that, it’s important because it’s shocking how long it takes you in life to learn stuff.”
She emphasized, “It really is true. You think, oh, God, why didn’t I figure that out 30 years ago?”
A sad footnote is that the mansion that was used as Deborah’s home in Hacks burned down, one of several famous estates that were razed in the LA wildfires last January.
“The beautiful mansion that was built in 1930 (actually 1915), I think,” Jean confirmed. “It’s been sitting there for 100 years almost. And it burns. And it was really sad.”
“We had just finished shooting there, I think the week before (the fires). And to envision those beautiful rooms, that beautiful fountain, the backyard, and the couple that lived there and their dog. They’re safe, thank God. But that was shocking.” – Rappler.com
