MANILA, Philippines – National Artist Nora Aunor was laid to rest on Tuesday, April 22, at the most fitting place for a legendary Superstar: the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Aunor was a phenomenal artist — an exceptional actress who could completely transform on screen, and a singer whose vocals were unlike any other. But beyond her talent, she was remembered as an artist who was selfless about the love she gave to those around her.
In a solemn procession to where Aunor would be interred, the icon’s children — Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth — led the way along with their own families.
National Artist Nora Aunor is given full military honorsNora Aunor’s celebrity children (from left) Lotlot, Matet, and Ian de Leon, together with the rest of the family, look emotional during the interment rites.
The family was teary-eyed as they were called to sprinkle holy water on Aunor’s casket. The fans present at the funeral, however, enveloped them into a warm hug as they all sang “Handog,” a Florante original that Aunor herself famously covered.
Ian de Leon sprinkles holy water over his mother’s casket.
Aunor’s loyal fans known as the Noranians paid their final respects at the funeral rites with their Nora memorabilia. Many of them had shown up in shirts with Aunor’s face on it. Some brought along their photo collections of the late Superstar, CDs and cassette tapes of her greatest hits, and large tarpaulins with messages of love for their departed idol.
But perhaps the true testament to their love for Aunor were the fond memories they shared with her.
Ian de Leon receives the folded Philippine flag during the state funeral rites..Members of ‘Noranians Worldwide’ hold up a tarpaulin from when Nora Aunor was announced as a National Artist in 2022. Juno Reyes/Rappler
Most of the fans there were senior citizens who took pride in being Noranians, and it showed. They traveled all the way from their hometowns, some from the provinces, to Manila for the necrological services at the Metropolitan Theater, then to Taguig City for the burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, enduring the scorching heat if it meant they could bid farewell to “Ate Guy” in person, one last time.
Music was clearly a big part of the funeral — a fitting ode to Aunor’s first rise to fame as a singer. After the screen icon’s family viewed her remains for the last time, they were asked to toss flowers into the plot where Aunor’s casket was lowered.
The perfect song had come on at that moment: “Superstar ng Buhay Ko.”
From there, the rest of the funeral attendees were invited to toss their own flowers onto Aunor’s casket, and they all did so while singing along to the track, as if they were trying to attest that, yes, she was the Superstar of everyone’s lives.
Last message
Aunor’s family displayed quiet strength. After her casket was lowered and sealed shut, the late icon’s son Ian thanked everyone who supported their family the past week, his voice trembling but clearly fighting to finish delivering the message.
“Dahil sa pagmamahal na binigay ‘nyo sa mommy namin, siya lang po ang nag-iisang Superstar dahil sa inyong lahat,” he said.
(Because of the love you gave to our mommy, she is the one and only Superstar.)
Even after the funeral rites had already ended, fans still continued to show love to the late Atsay actress. The flower arrangement perched at the foot of the plot was broken up among the many Noranians who weren’t ready to leave yet, and they tossed the flowers and branches into the open space.
“I love you, Ate Guy,” they would say. “Rest in peace, Ate Guy. Thank you.”
Aunor was a Superstar for a reason, and it wasn’t just because of her artistic abilities. It was because she was good to those around her, and that was something that held through until the very end of the National Artist’s funeral rites. – Rappler.com
Nora Aunor, the legendary Filipino actress and singer who inspired generations of fans, died on Wednesday, April 16. She was 71.
A National Artist, Aunor will be honored with a fitting state funeral on Tuesday, April 22, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, after a decorated career that includes iconic films Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976), Ikaw ay Akin (1978), Atsay (1978), Bona (1980), and Himala (1982).
Bookmark this page for live updates on the necrological services and final tribute to the country’s one and only Superstar.
MANILA, Philippines – The country mourns the loss of national treasure Nora Aunor, who was laid to rest on Tuesday, April 22, with a fitting state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
The late Superstar joins other National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts who were also honored and laid to rest at the Heroes’ Cemetery, which was built by the Philippine government to pay tribute “to the gallant Filipino men and women who brought honor to the country.”
First established in 1947 as a resting place for Philippine military personnel who served during World War II, the Libingan ng mga Bayani has since become designated as the official place of burial for deceased Filipino soldiers, statesmen, heroes, and patriots. Later, Executive Order No. 131, signed by President Ramos in 1993, would allow for the state funerals and burials of National Artists and Scientists.
A burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani signifies the highest honor and recognition. Being buried there marks the deceased as someone who has made a significant contribution to the nation and is meant to inspire the next generation of Filipinos.
Here we celebrate the five National Artists for Film and Broadcasting/Broadcast Arts who have been honored with a burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani since 1981.
Gerardo de León
Gerardo “Gerry” de Leon (1913–1981) was an award-winning film director and actor. His works that are now considered classics include Daigdig ng Mga Api, Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Sisa, and Dyesebel. De Leon was conferred the National Artist award in 1982. His biggest pre-war hit was Ang Maestra, with its screenplay written by the then-unknown Eddie Romero.
De Leon produced many anti-American propaganda films during World War II. After the Japanese were defeated, he was arrested, charged with treason, and was almost executed by the Philippine government until evidence showed that De Leon secretly assisted the Filipino resistance throughout the war came to light.
De Leon is also known for the cult horror films he directed during the 1960s — Terror Is a Man, Brides of Blood, and Mad Doctor of Blood Island, among others. Some of these were co-directed with Eddie Romero and co-financed with American money.
Ishmael Bernal
Ishmael Bernal (1938–1996) was a filmmaker, stage and television director, actor, and screenwriter. Hailed as a maestro and “the genius of Philippine cinema,” Bernal is best known as a director of films that serve as social commentaries that depict the struggle of the Filipino.
An activist since his days at the University of the Philippines, he protested film censorship as part of the Free the Artist movement and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines. His films — which include Nunal sa Tubig, City After Dark, and Himala — are best known for their moral and social realist themes.
Weaving together aesthetics and politics, Bernal sends a message of fighting the censors, freeing artists, and giving justice to the oppressed, creating cinema that both entertains and enlightens. Bernal was declared a National Artist in 2001.
Marilou Diaz-Abaya
Marilou Díaz-Abaya (1955–2012) was a film and television director and screenwriter. She began her career in the 1980s as part of the “second golden age of Philippine cinema.”
Her first collaboration with Ricky Lee was for Brutal. They’d then go on to collaborate for half of Díaz-Abaya’s body of work. Brutal became a box-office success and a critically acclaimed work, for which she received her first Best Director award from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Díaz’s filmography largely reflects sociopolitical issues — with emphasis on the struggles of the Filipino poor, women, and children — and works towards social reform.
Díaz was the treasurer of the directors’ union under Lino Brocka for several years. In 1983, she joined the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, co-founded by Brocka. The Concerned Artists of the Philippines opposed film censorship by the Marcos regime and organized anti-government rallies.
Eddie Romero
Eddie Romero (1924–2013) was a screenwriter, film director, and producer. Romero’s body of work largely situates characters within specific historical contexts — from prehistoric Philippines (Kamakalawa, to the Spanish revolution, to American colonization (Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon?), to the politically turbulent late 1960s (Banta ng Kahapon), where Romero comments on corruption in politics.
When he was a teenager, Romero wrote screenplays for Gerardo de León. Romero was named National Artist in 2003.
Nora Aunor
“Superstar” Nora Aunor (1953 – April 16, 2025) boasts an impressive filmography of 170 films. This number is exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from award-giving bodies and organizations, both local and international.
In television, Aunor starred in her musical variety show that ran for over two decades, and in theater, she performed in two major productions of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). In 1999, she was one of the recipients of the Centennial Honors for the Arts, awarded to 100 Filipinos who have made significant contributions to culture and the arts in the 20th century. In 2012, she became the first Filipino actor to be inducted into the Asia Pacific Screen Academy. She was awarded the National Artist title in 2022.
Within her extensive filmography are award-winning masterpieces of cinema, including Himala, Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo, Andrea, and Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina?. – Bea Gatmaytan/Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has officially withdrawn the third runner-up title of Miss Universe 2024 Thailand’s Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, citing a breach of contractual obligations.
The MUO confirmed in a statement released on April 22 that the decision was prompted by the actions of TPN Global, the organizer of Miss Universe Thailand, which failed to comply with the organization’s protocols by allowing Chuangsri to join another external pageant before completing her reign.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri was officially crowned Miss World Thailand 2025 on Tuesday, April 22. She was set to compete in the Miss World 2025 international pageant in India on May 31.
“Being a Miss Universe titleholder is both an honor and a responsibility,” the organization stated.
Winners are expected to fulfill their duties throughout the entirety of their 12-month reign, it added. “The actions of the ND compromise the decorum and professionalism of the Queen’s full 12-month service.”
Starting May 1, 2025, the Miss Universe Organization will enforce strict regulations for all National Directors (ND) regarding titleholders. “Our shared goal is to empower the Miss Universe family to maintain mutual respect, faith, and trust among all its members,” the group said.
Chuangsri finished as third runner-up in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico last November. – Rappler.com
Bookmark this page to watch the interview on Thursday, April 24, at 6 pm.
Dr. Tricia Lopez-Ramos, a scientist, discovers an unknown species of bacteria in hot springs in the fictional town of Santa Cristina, somewhere in the Philippines, and it puts her in a dilemma. The springs are at the center of a tourism development project on which the town’s economic hopes are pinned. Also, Santa Cristina Springs is the brainchild of Mayor Peter Lopez — her brother.
Produced by local theater upstarts CastPH and Mad Child Productions, In the Eyes of the People adapts Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 play An Enemy of the People into a contemporary Philippine setting. It runs from April 26 to May 4 at the Mirror Studio Theater in Poblacion, Makati, just as the country heads into local elections on May 12.
In this episode of Rappler Talk Entertainment, director Nelsito Gomez and actor Jenny Jamora, who plays the conflicted scientist, talk about the process of adapting Ibsen’s classic political drama into the Filipino milieu, and the importance of thought-provoking drama in the political life of the country.
Watch the episode starting 6 pm on Thursday, April 24. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Alynna Velasquez, the longtime partner of the late OPM icon Hajji Alejandro, made an emotional visit to his star at the Eastwood City Walk of Fame after being unable to attend his wake.
“I was unable to go to your wake for reasons I don’t have control of,” Velasquez shared in an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 23. “But I am glad I am here to pray for you and watch your star shine!”
“You truly are a legend and your wonderful music will live on forever. We love you so much!” she added, ending the post with the hashtags #IMissYouLove and #HappyAnniversary.
To mark what would have been their anniversary, Velasquez visited the late singer’s star at the Walk of Fame, bringing a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten “Happy Anniversary” note. The star was surrounded by candles and a portrait of Alejandro, which she tenderly kissed during the visit.
Last March, Velasquez shared in an interview that she had left home following tensions with the family, who had blamed her for publicly sharing Alejandro’s condition in March.
But in a separate post on Tuesday, April 22, Velasquez said she was grateful to have spent “the last 8 days” with Alejandro, after being contacted by two of his children, Rachel and Ali.
Velasquez opened up about Alejandro’s final days, revealing that he had chosen to spend his remaining time at home under palliative care, surrounded by loved ones.
“You refused another trip to the hospital and chose palliative care instead, in the comforts of your home, in the company of people you love. You knew you were leaving us soon,” she wrote.
“We listened to our favorite songs and we both had tears in our eyes. Your precious voice has been impaired because [cancer] had constricted your respiratory system as well. But I felt your love even without words. And despite the pain, restlessness and hallucinations, you tried to hold my hand.”
Alejandro, dubbed the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” (college girls’ heartthrob), was one of the pillars of OPM in the ’70s and ’80, known for iconic hits like “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Nakapagtataka,” “Panakip Butas,” “May Minamahal,” and “Tag-araw, Tag-Ulan.”
His family confirmed his passing on April 22, asking for privacy as they mourned the “tremendous loss.” – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – There are no set criteria to be considered an actor’s fan. Often, you just need to have enjoyed some of the movies they starred in, and that already counts. For the late Nora Aunor’s “Noranians,” though, everything they do goes way beyond that.
There’s nothing quite like the dedication Noranians have shown to their beloved Ate Guy over the years, from her Tawag ng Tangahalan victory in 1967 and her molding into a film icon to the moment she was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22.
On the morning of Aunor’s state necrological services, fans had readily shown up to pay their final respects — some arriving at the first venue, the Metropolitan Theater, as early as 5 am, wearing white T-shirts with the late icon’s face on it. Most of the fans there were senior citizens who had started idolizing Aunor as teens. Decades later, they showed up for Ate Guy the final time.
Anything for the late Superstar
Noranians loved Aunor just as much as she loved them — and it shows in more ways than one.
For Nimfa Marcial, who said she became a fan in 1974, she’s never looked up to any other celebrity as much as she did Aunor. The Superstar’s death hit her hard, she told Rappler, her voice trembling. She had traveled all the way to Manila from the province just to bid Ate Guy farewell at her funeral.
“Forever namin siyang mamahalin. Hindi namin malilimutan ang mga nagawa niya sa pelikulang Pilipino,” Marcial said.
(We’ll love her forever. We’ll never forget everything she’s done for Filipino film.)
With photos of Aunor in tow, Cecilia Duca humorously shared that she immediately hopped on a motorcycle going to Aunor’s wake in Heritage Park in Taguig City when she learned of her passing. She made sure to attend the funeral, too. Duca had been a Noranian for the Superstar’s entire career — first getting captivated by the icon when she competed at and won the singing show Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967.
Like most Noranians waiting outside the Metropolitan Theater that day, Duca was in tears when she was giving her final message to Ate Guy. However, she takes comfort in knowing that Aunor is now happy to reunite with her family members who passed on before her.
Helen Elvie Ricafrente, meanwhile, had taken time off her job at the Caloocan City Hall to come to Aunor’s funeral. She remains a staunch supporter of the Superstar, recalling the time she even enrolled at Centro Escolar University after finding out that Aunor was studying there.
“Kahit mahirap lang kami, talagang sumunod ako doon (Even though we were poor, I followed her there),” she said.
Aunor was the only celebrity Ricafrente admired that much. She said that it had even come to a point where her parents would spank her for coming home late from Aunor’s film screenings. But she had no regrets.
Susie del Mundo also became schoolmates with the Bona star, playfully recalling how she and her classmates would peek through the window of Aunor’s classroom and even cut classes to go to her tapings with actor Manny de Leon.
Remembering Aunor’s kindness
Lourdes Recilla, 89, showed up to the necrological services alongside fellow members of the Federation of Nora Aunor Followers, which they say is the first-ever Aunor fan club. Having become a Noranian at 59 years old, Recilla carried with her a photo album full of the Superstar’s photos from when she was younger — proudly showing off her collection to the camera while she narrated everything she loved about the icon.
Aunor’s daughter Matet had told Rappler during the wake that Noranians should know how just how much the late National Artist loved them.
This was apparent in the fans’ stories. Many of the ones Rappler spoke to before the state funeral couldn’t name just one favorite memory they had with their Ate Guy just because there were so many. The same three adjectives kept getting mentioned: kind, generous, and loving.
“Tuwing may okasyon, nandoon kami sa bahay nila. Sobrang accommodating niya talaga. Ang bait… Pag nasa bahay kami nila, hindi talaga kami nagugutom, tapos tatanungin kami [kung] kumain na ba kami,” Elvira Villegas fondly remembered.
(Every time there was an occasion, we would be at their house. She was so accommodating and kind. Every time we were at her house, we would never go hungry, and she’d always ask if we had already eaten.)
This kindness is something fans will always carry with them.
Gloria Reyes Dela Peña shared that when she learned of Aunor’s passing, she and Maria Teresa Coronel traveled from Batangas to Manila to go to her wake. They spent several days there, and had camped out on flattened mineral water boxes until the chapel was opened to the public.
“Ate Guy, sabi mo walang iwanan, tapos ito, ikaw pala ‘tong mang-iiwan sa amin,” Dela Peña said in her emotional final message to Aunor. “Hindi mawawala ‘yung alaala mo sa amin. ‘Wag kang mag-alala, kahit nandyan ka na sa heaven, mahal na mahal ka pa rin namin. Kaming mga Noranian mo, hindi kami mabubuwag kahit wala ka na.”
(Ate Guy, you said we’d never leave each other but it turned out you’d leave us first. Your memory will never go away. Don’t worry, even though you’re there in heaven, we still love you so much. We Noranians will always stay together even though you’re gone.)
It’s true. Even as the Noranians paid their final respects to her, it was clear that they’d never forget the Superstar. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to award four female icons who passed away in 2025 with Presidential Medals of Merit, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Wednesday, April 23.
“Ang Presidential Merit Award ay isa sa pinakamataas na parangal na iginagawad ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas sa mga indibidwal bilang pagkilala sa kanilang kontribusyon sa nation-building,” PCO director Sheryl del Mundo explained.
(The Presidential Merit Award is one of the highest honors awarded by the president of the Philippines to individuals to recognize their contributions to nation-building.)
Aunor, a National Artist who excelled in both singing and acting and earned the “Superstar” title, passed away on April 16 at 71 years old due to acute respiratory failure. Corrales, an OPM legend known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” died just several days prior on April 12 at 87 years old.
Romero, a veteran actress touted as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” died on January 25 at 91. Fores, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, was also an acclaimed restaurateur who founded the Cibo chain of restaurants. She died on February 11 at the age of 65 due to a cardiac arrest.
Other notable figures who have received the Presidential Medal of Merit include musician Francis Magalona, theater icon Lea Salonga, bowler Paeng Nepomuceno, and boxer-politician Manny Pacquiao, among many others. – Rappler.com
LOS ANGELES, USA – Lav Diaz’s Magellan (Magalhaes), starring Gael Garcia Bernal as the titular Portuguese explorer, will debut in the Cannes Premiere section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May.
Magellan, written and directed by Lav and shot in the Philippines, Portugal, and Spain, is the Filipino auteur’s third film in the world’s most prestigious film festival. Lav’s The Halt (Ang Hupa) screened in the Directors’ Fortnight in 2019, while Norte, the End of History (Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan) in the Un Certain Regard section in 2013.
Cannes Premiere was created by the film festival in the South of France to give a place in the official selection for films that would have screened in competition, but could not be included due to the limited number of slots.
The inclusion of Magellan was announced Wednesday, April 23 (Thursday, April 24, Manila time) by the Cannes Film Festival as part of its additions to the official selections announced last April 10.
The internationally acclaimed filmmaker, whose many awards include the 2016 Golden Lion (Best Film) for The Woman Who Left (Ang Babaeng Humayo), rushed to edit Magellan into almost three hours for Cannes.
Gael Garcia Bernal as Ferdinand Magellan in Lav Diaz’s Cannes Premiere entry, ‘Magellan.’ All photos by Hazel Orencio
The film’s working title was Beatrice, the Wife to Magellan. But the Cannes version shifted the focus from the explorer’s wife, Maria Caldera Beatriz Barbosa, to the noted navigator himself, whose full name was Ferdinand Magellan. Lav plans to release his director’s cut later.
Lav informed Rappler about his Magellan project last year, but the Maguindanao, Mindanao native requested that the international production not be announced while he was filming Gael in Quezon province. The production managed to keep Gael’s presence in the Philippines low-key.
The cast of the film, produced by Black Cap Pictures, Rosa Filmes, and Andergraun Films, includes Dario Yazbek as Duarte, Angela Ramos (Beatriz), Amado Arjay Babon (Enrique), Ronnie Lazaro (Raja Humabon), Bong Cabrera (Raja Kulambo), and Hazel Orencio (Juana).
Amado played Setong in Lav’s Phantosmia, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year.
Hazel, who also served as the movie’s production manager in the Philippines, said in a message, “Amado’s role is really big. He shot scenes in Europe and the Philippines. It was an overwhelming experience for him acting alongside Gael. He’s a theater actor.”
Amado Arjay Babon stars as Enrique in ‘Magellan.’
As if he’s not busy enough, Lav is acting, yes, acting alongside Lovi Poe, Timothy Granaderos, and Enchong Dee in Prime Cruz’s The Sacrifice.
Lav answered Rappler’s questions for this piece after coming from the filming of the movie, produced by Lovi and her husband, Monty Blencowe, in Mount Makiling, Laguna.
The 66-year-old auteur quipped, “Umaarte para may pangkain (I’m acting so I could buy food).”
The following are excerpts from Rappler’s email interview:
Can you talk about Magellan being your third film at the Cannes Film Festival?
I did seven years of earnest research on this project. Seven or eight years ago, Albert Serra curated a retrospective of my works in a museum in Barcelona. He told me that he can help me get funding for my films if I have material that would connect the Philippines and Spain.
This coincided with Joaquim Sapinho telling me, he can help me, too, if I have a story that would connect Portugal and the Philippines. Of course, it’s Magellan.
How did Magellan evolve? Did it start with your story idea on Magellan or his wife, Beatriz? Or Andergraun Films (Spain), Rosa Filmes (Portugal) and Black Cap Pictures (Philippines) wanted a project with you and you thought of this story?
While doing research, I was well aware that there have been many works on Magellan. So, I thought of his wife, Beatriz Barbosa.
Was Gael Garcia Bernal as Magellan involved from the start of this project?
Yes, Joaquim Sapinho and Albert Serra suggested Gael and they communicated with each other. They met up in Berlin. I had a meeting with Gael in Lisbon later, and we decided to work together.
Ronnie Lazaro as Raja Humabon in Lav Diaz’s ‘Magellan.’
There have been several films on Magellan. How is your film different from those? Is the film told from the Malays’ perspective? What new insights about Magellan and his so-called “discovery” of the Philippines does the film offer?
I balanced it so there’s the Malay perspective. Not just the boring white man’s perspective and the more boring “dominant eye.” And while doing research, a big part of it was that I played the part of a detective, an investigator.
And a big realization was that Datu Lapulapu is a myth. Nobody saw him. There was a big question on how and why he was created (by careless historians) or how he became a big part of the Magellan saga.
In your research on Magellan and his wife Beatriz, what were some of your discoveries?
I took liberties with the Beatriz part. She was just a footnote in the written materials about Magellan; maybe two, three sentences, e.g., as the young wife of Fernando Magalhaes and the daughter of Diego Barbosa, one of the best friends of Magalhaes.
This is your first time to work with Gael. Can you talk about that, especially since this was his first time to film in the Philippines?
For a Filipino or a Malay director, I learned so much from it. It was an experience.
You and the production managed to keep Gael’s presence in the Philippines a secret. How was that challenge? How did you keep his identity a secret from the local residents?
We didn’t intend to keep it a secret. We just wanted to avoid distractions. We focused on the work.
Did you film mostly in Quezon or did you shoot in other parts of the Philippines?
We did some shooting in the southern part of Portugal, Cadiz, Spain, and Sampaloc and Mauban, in Quezon province of the Philippines.
Lav Diaz on set of ‘Magellan’ in the Philippines.
From the Philippines, you continued shooting in Portugal and then Spain. What was that experience like for you?
It was great to observe and experience how they do production work.
Did you make a replica of Magellan’s ship? Where did you shoot the ship scenes?
We used the renovated Victoria, the ship that returned to Spain. It’s the real one. It’s stationed as a museum on the Cadiz shore. So, we used the real one.
Who are the other main characters in the film and who play them?
Gael is, of course, Fernao de Magalhaes. Amado Arjay Babon as Enrique, the Malay slave.
What is the focus of the version that you will screen in Cannes? How long is the version? What will your nine-hour version show more of?
The Cannes version is almost three hours. It’s a more balanced perspective of the story. Being a Filipino Malay, I wanted to show more of our part of the story.
You are usually the DP (director of photography) in most of your films. This time, you collaborated with Artur Tort. Who are the film’s cinematographers?
Artur Tort, I, and two more generous artists did the cinematography here.
You usually also work as the editor in your films. Are you the editor of Magellan?
I did the original edit, and Artur Tort worked on it.
You got seriously ill from pneumonia and tuberculosis after filming Magellan. Did that reminder about our mortality add to the urgency of finishing post-production work on Magellan? And did it make you reflect on this specific film’s importance in the context of your acclaimed body of work?
I almost died. Two days after finishing the first edit, I vomited blood. I was really close to drowning. Witnessing two harrowing TB (tuberculosis) deaths in my family during my youth helped me survive.
My near-fatal vomiting of blood happened three times. It was the result of eight years of work. There’s more epic poetry to it, really. Think of Odyssey.
But not Mi Ultimo Adios by Jose Rizal, not yet. Marami pang tulang lilikhain. At buong pagpapakumbaba kong natantong hindi ko pa rin naaarok ang hiwaga ng buhay.
(There’s more poetry to be written. And I’ve humbly realized that I have yet to fully understand the mysteries of life.) – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Rachel Alejandro penned a touching tribute to her late father, OPM legend Hajji Alejandro, who died on April 21 after a battle with colon cancer.
On her social media pages on the evening of April 23, the singer-actress looked back on the times she and her siblings would go with their father everywhere he went.
“[W]e tagged along to all his activities, be it shows, rehearsals, basketball games — it didn’t matter what it was. We would fall asleep at Dolphy’s house if he was there for an all-night poker game. There was nowhere else we would rather be than by his side because every minute in his presence was fun,” Rachel wrote.
Rachel shared that even as they grew up and got married, things never changed — they still longed to be around their father, adding that the late icon “loved to make people laugh as much as he loved to sing and dance.”
The Ang Larawan actress said that her father never had a talent manager and had never had to pay for any efforts to market himself.
“He was a bonafide star and his success was purely because [of] talent, hard work and charisma. He was always so entertaining on and off stage and made everyone around him feel special,” she continued.
Rachel revealed that Hajji had asked them to keep his illness private as he had plans to make a full recovery and return to work immediately after.
She remembered the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” as a happy and optimistic man who strived to provide for his partner, mother, and children. She recalled that Hajji had her when he was just 19, and since then, he had never canceled any shows.
Rachel said her father had seen every show as a blessing, so much so that he fought to perform in two more events before undergoing surgery despite already being in pain.
“Two months of hospital stays and spending time with him at his home and I was still not prepared as I helplessly watched him breathe his final breath. What happens to those a star of this magnitude leaves behind? I don’t have answers for that yet as I struggle to grasp living in a universe without our Daddwaps,” Rachel admitted, adding that she aims to make him proud in whatever she does.
“I will now just be singing and dancing with Dad in my dreams,” she added.
Hajji Alejandro was a legend in the Filipino music scene, having started out as a member of the Circus Band. He further made a name for himself as a solo artist, releasing memorable hits like “Nakapagtataka,” “Panakip Butas,” and “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan,” among many others, throughout his decades-long career.
Hajji had two daughters — Rachel and Barni — with former partner Myrna Demauro, and a son with his second wife Rio Diaz: Ali. He also had a daughter named Michelle.
His longtime partner of 27 years, Alynna Velasquez, earlier said that Hajji chose to go home and spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones.
His cremated remains are now at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. Details of public viewing, however, have yet to be announced. – Rappler.com
NEW YORK, USA – Rapper Kendrick Lamar earned a leading 10 nominations for the American Music Awards on Wednesday, April 23, including nods for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for his Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us.”
The song is part of a longstanding feud between Lamar and Canadian musician Drake, who has sued Universal Music Group for defamation over its release.
Post Malone landed eight nominations including Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for F-1 Trillion. He previously won AMAs in rap/hip hop and pop/rock categories.
Next on the list were Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey, who earned seven nominations each.
Taylor Swift, who has picked up more AMAs than any other artist over her career, received six nominations this year.
Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, which took the top award at this year’s Grammys, was nominated for Album of the Year and Favorite Country Album at the AMAs. She also is in the running for Favorite Female Country Artist.
Fans will vote on the winners, which will be announced at a May 26 ceremony hosted by Jennifer Lopez. The show will be broadcast live on CBS.
Nominations were based on performances on the Billboard music charts, streaming and album sales, radio play and social media engagement. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines — Jamba Juice has teamed up with homegrown coconut milk brand Dehusk for its first collaboration with a Filipino food company!
Dehusk is a plant-based coconut milk brand co-founded by actress Nadine Lustre and her boyfriend, Siargao-based entrepreneur Chris Bariou. Together with Jamba Juice, they created a three-drink, coconut milk-forward series called Loco for Coco, inspired by the couple’s Siargao island life.
COUPLE CHRIS BARIOU AND NADINE LUSTRE. All images from Jamba Juice PH
The plant-based smoothie line uses creamy, dairy-free coconut milk as the base for three new tropical drinks, each naturally sweetened with agave and made with 100% plant-based ingredients.
“Chris and I are actually big fans of Jamba,” Nadine told guests during the BGC store launch. “So you could just imagine our excitement for this collaboration.”
VEGAN AND PROUD.
Going coconuts
For the Dehusk team, the partnership goes beyond flavor — it’s also about intention. The coconut milk is sourced from coconut farms in Palawan using ethical and sustainable practices, offering a homegrown and healthier alternative to imported dairy substitutes.
Dehusk’s health-conscious formula (which took over four years to develop) mimics the creamy mouthfeel of dairy without additives. It’s also fortified with calcium, iodine, and B vitamins.
HANDS-ON COLLABORATORS.
Nadine herself had a hand in curating the flavors — according to Jamba’s senior marketing manager Ysabel Cruz, the collaborative process involved hands-on tasting and recipe tweaking right in-store, proving the couple’s genuine passion for the cause.
What’s your flavor?
Unlike other almond or soy options, Dehusk’s coconut milk is thick, creamy, and has that subtly sweet, mellow flavor that doesn’t overpower the fruit; there isn’t actually a strong coconut flavor. It’s more neutral than nut milks, but with enough body to give the smoothies that creamy texture.
Among the three, Berry-Nana Twist stands out as a personal favorite — it’s a classic blend of strawberries and bananas, with the coconut milk rounding it out and the agave sweetening up the tangy strawberries.
LOCO FOR COCO LINE.
The Banana-Go Coco is the the creamiest and most tropical-tasting of the bunch — banana and mango are blended into a thick, banana-forward, dessert-like smoothie.
Passion Tango is the lightest and most juice-like of the three — less of a thick smoothie and more like a refresher. The peach and mango notes are fruity and zingy, while the coconut milk and agave helps to mellow everything out.
For the vegans, vegetarians, the lactose-intolerant, and the health-conscious, Nadine Lustre and Chis Bariou’s limited edition Loco for Coco line with Jamba Juice is available in all Jamba stores nationwide and via delivery apps until April 30. – Rappler.com
In the early ‘70s, Hajji Alejandro would start his music career as a member of the Circus Band, after being recruited by one of its members, Basil Valdez.
Along with Basil, Hajji would later pursue a solo career, and become regarded as one of the most legendary Filipino musicians of all time.
Dubbed the original “kilabot ng mga kolehiyala (college girls’ heartthrob),” the OPM icon died on April 16 at 70 years old after losing his battle with colon cancer.
While the Philippines may have lost another giant in the industry, Hajji’s lasting legacy will continue to live on through his greatest hits. Look back on some of them here:
Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan
Hajji made his debut as a solo musician with the song “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan” in 1977. This song is a Filipino adaptation of “Charade” by Australia’s the Bee Gees.
May Minamahal
Hajji’s quick molding into an OPM legend only continued from there, with the release of another well-loved hit in 1977, “May Minamahal.”
A song that tells the story of what it’s like to love someone romantically, “May Minamahal” was eventually used as the theme song for a 1993 movie of the same name topbilled by Aga Muhlach and Aiko Melendez. The film’s version was performed by actress-singer Agot Isidro.
Mundo ng Panaginip
Hajji also released “Mundo ng Panaginip” in 1977, putting a Filipino spin on the 1971 song “Pure Imagination” sung by Gene Wilder from the critically acclaimed film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Panakip-Butas
Hajji’s 1977 hit “Panakip-Butas” is the Filipino version of American group The 5th Dimension’s “The Worst That Could Happen,” released 10 years prior in 1967. Hajji’s version was written and composed by J. Webb and Willy Cruz.
The same year, Hajji would go on to make his movie debut in the film Panakip Butas based on the song. The movie also starred the late Superstar Nora Aunor, who died just days before Hajji did.
Nakapagtataka
Composed by APO Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes, “Nakapagtataka” was released in 1978, and would go on to become one of Hajji’s most popular songs to date.
Hajji’s daughter Rachel released her own cover of the hit in 1991 as a part of her Watch Me Now album — introducing “Nakapagtataka” to even more audiences.
Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika
In the same year, Hajji entered the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, where he interpreted the song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” written by National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. The song went on to win the competition’s first-ever grand prize.
“Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” would then reach the South Korean shores, where Hajji won the Best Singer Award at the Seoul International Song Festival in 1978.
Ikaw at ang Gabi
Another collaboration between Hajji and Ryan C., “Ikaw at Ang Gabi” was released in 1978.
Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa’yo
Released in 1998, “Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa’yo” was composed and written by prominent songwriter Nonong Pedero.
Lani Misalucha’s version of the song was used as the soundtrack for the 1998 movie of the same name, starring Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, and Caridad Sanchez.
Dati
“Dati” marks Hajji’s first song in 20 years — released in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. According to Rachel, the track’s conception was a family affair. Its lyrics were written by Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, the wife of Hajji’s son Ali. Ali had then produced the song, after which Hajji’s nephew Nino released it under his label, Rebel Records Philippines.
When Rachel asked Hajji to describe the song, this is what he had to say:
“Dati is a song that takes me back to a happier place in time when the world was filled with hope, love, peace and freedom. The lyrics yearn to revert to that time and space where everything was perfect,” Hajji told Rachel. “As soon as I heard the intro and the first few lines, I knew it was mine.”
‘Di Ba Puwede
“‘Di Ba Puwede” was the last song Hajji released before he succumbed to colon cancer. Released in February 2025, this song was composed by fellow OPM icon Rey Valera.
What song of Hajji’s do you enjoy most? – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Netflix dropped the official teaser trailer for the widely anticipated new season of Wednesday on Wednesday, April 23.
In the hit Netflix series, Jenna Ortega reprises her titular role as the sharp and gloomy Wednesday Addams. Ortega is joined by series regulars including Emma Myers as the bright and cheerful Enid, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman as Morticia and Gomez Addams, Isaac Ordonez as Pugsley Addams, and Victor Dorobantu as Thing.
Also returning are Steve Buscemi, Joy Sunday, Billie Piper, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo, Moosa Mostafa, Georgie Farmer, Evie Templeton, Owen Painter, Noah B. Taylor, and Hunter Doohan.
Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 premieres on August 6, while Part 2 premieres on September 3.
Joining the cast as well are guest stars Fred Armisen as Uncle Fester, Christopher Lloyd, Jamie McShane, Joanna Lumley, Joonas Suatamo, Thandiwe Newton, Heather Matarazzo, and Frances O’Connor.
The two-minute trailer opens with Wednesday being held back at the airport security checkpoint and having to remove a variety of dangerous prohibited items from her person.
By the 40-second mark, Wednesday is shown returning for her second year at Nevermore High, a private school for outcasts. “It’s like returning to the scene of a crime,” Wednesday deadpans, “I already know where the bodies are buried.”
As chaos ensues, Wednesday is seen sitting among a fray of creepy dolls, and reuniting with her roommate Enid and even gifting her with a doll made with real human hair. Towards the trailer’s end, Wednesday declares, “I do my best work in the dark.”
Season 1 of Wednesday — released on Netflix on November 23, 2022 — concluded with Wednesday revealing the Hyde’s secret identity as Tyler (Hunter Doohan), and subsequently confronting and defeating the remaining threat in Nevermore faculty member Ms. Thornhill.
But as she leaves Nevermore, the season ends with a cliffhanger as Wednesday receives threatening text messages from an unknown number.
Christina Ricci — who previously starred as Wednesday in the 1991 Addams Family film as well as its 1993 sequel — played Ms. Thornhill.
Tim Burton returns as director and executive producer. Wednesday is also written and executive produced by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.
The show’s executive producers include Steve Stark, Andrew Mittman, Meredith Averill, Karen Richards, Gail Berman, Jonathan Glickman, Tommy Harper, Kayla Alpert, and Kevin Miserocchi. Burton is joined in directing by Paco Cabezas and Angela Robinson. – with reports from Bea Gatmaytan/Rappler.com
Bea Gatmaytan is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
MANILA, Philippines – What makes a good story? For Charo Santos-Concio, the longtime host of the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), there’s “no exact science” to it.
Charo would know. MMK dramatized real-life stories from letter senders for 31 years, and now that it’s back as a limited series, she hopes the show will resonate with the younger audience.
But of course, it all starts with the selection of good stories.
“When you choose stories, you kind of listen to your heart, to your intuition. We’re not very structured. We listen — this story will make an impact, there is a great lesson to this story, or this story has a very strong emotional connection with our viewers,” she said.
“You go with the flow. There is no exact science in saying what is the best story. Every story is unique.”
MMK debuted in 1991 and became Asia’s longest-running drama anthology before it ended in 2022 — one of the shows that suffered from the twin blows of the pandemic and ABS-CBN’s franchise closure.
Returning as a limited series, MMK will air 13 episodes on television every Saturday at 8:30 pm starting April 26 on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z, as well as on Kapamilya Online Live.
Each episode also features a director’s cut, which will be streamed 48 hours in advance on iWantTFC.
Just like before, the show starts with Charo reading a letter in her signature calm voice that, for years, not only soothed but also spawned many “Dear Charo” parodies.
While the award-winning host and actress doesn’t mind, she also hopes to hear more from the younger viewers.
“Now we’re welcoming the stories of the Gen Zs, the social issues that are being faced now by the young people, by the parents of these young people,” said Charo.
“[The new show is] more relevant to the new generation of viewers, and we hope that the older generation will be more appreciative of the perspective of the now.”
COMEBACK. Charo Santos-Concio poses with Elijah Canlas (left) and Romnick Sarmenta, the two actors starring in the first episode of MMK’s comeback series. Photo by Jasmine Payo/Rappler
The first episode features the story of Sofronio Vasquez, the first Asian winner of The Voice USA.
Award-winning young actor Elijah Canlas plays Sofronio, while Romnick Sarmenta, who starred in MMK‘s pilot episode as a teen son in 1991, returns, this time playing the role of Sofronio’s father.
The life story of one member of the popular P-pop girl group BINI will also be featured in the second episode.
Much like in past seasons, Charo said the show will feature a mix of celebrities and regular letter senders sharing their stories, which she hopes will inspire or open conversations.
“Stories are the ones that keep us alive, that connect us with each other,” said Charo. “So, in whatever form…storytelling will always be a part of our lives.” – Rappler.com
PARIS, France – A group of men dubbed the “grandpa robbers” will be among 10 people to go on trial next week accused of stealing millions of dollars worth of jewelry from Kim Kardashian, who was held at gunpoint in her apartment during Paris fashion week in 2016.
The reality TV star will travel to Paris to give evidence against the defendants, including men in their 70s, in the trial which will run for almost a month, her lawyer said.
The suspects, wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, tied Kardashian up in the bedroom of the luxury suite, before making off with a $4 million engagement ring given to her by her then husband, rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), and other jewels, according to investigators.
The heist left Kardashian, whose bodyguard had accompanied her sister Kourtney to a nightclub on the night of the robbery, badly shaken but unhurt.
“They were yelling at me in French,” Kardashian recalled in an interview with David Letterman in 2020. “They kept on saying ‘the ring, the ring’.”
“I kept looking at the concierge,” she said. “I was like ‘are we gonna die? Just tell them I have children, I have babies … I have to get home’.”
Kardashian’s legal team said she would not comment ahead of the trial.
“At this time, Ms. Kardashian is preserving her testimony for the court and jury,” the team said. “She wishes for the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case.”
Diamond target
In total, 10 people will be tried by the criminal court. Five of them face armed robbery and kidnapping charges. The others are charged with complicity in the heist or the unauthorized possession of a weapon.
Investigators say that in the early hours of October 3, 2016, three of the men allegedly gained entry to the building under the pretence of being police, threatening the concierge at gunpoint. Two of them forced him to lead them to Kardashian’s suite.
The apartment block, with several secret entrances, was in a discreet building behind the city’s Madeleine church often frequented by movie and music stars who paid up to 15,000 euros ($16,800) a night.
One of the accused, Yunice Abbas, 71, has admitted his participation in the robbery. He told French television channel TF1 that he struggled to make ends meet as a pensioner having spent 20 years of his working life in jail.
The “big job was to be the last”, he said, adding that he had been told a big diamond was the target but that he had no idea it belonged to a celebrity billionaire.
The men fled on bicycles with an estimated $9 million in loot. Abbas fell off his bike, losing some jewels on the pavement.
Abbas’ lawyer, Gabriel Dumenil, told Reuters his client had immediately acknowledged his involvement in the heist under interrogation. Abbas denies being the ringleader and had not been aware arms would be used, his lawyer said.
DNA traces found on plastic bands used to tie the wrists of Kardashian helped French police make arrests the following January. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Days after National Artist and Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, her daughter Lotlot de Leon reflected on her gratitude and grief in a touching letter addressed to her late mother.
In an Instagram post on Friday, April 25, Lotlot shared a black and white childhood photo of her hugging her mother. In the letter, Lotlot promised to care for her siblings Matet, Ian, Kiko, and Kenneth, as well as Aunor’s grandchildren.
“Ma, alam mo po I find myself talking to you everyday.. at alam ko nakikinig ka. Nasabi ko na din naman sayo lahat mommy.. at alam ko din na ang bilin mo sa akin ay ang mga kapatid ko at mga apo mo. Yung tinuro mo sa akin na maging matatag sinusubukan ko po talagang gawin,” Lotlot wrote.
(Ma, you know, I find myself talking to you every day… and I know you’re listening. I’ve already told you everything, Mommy… and I also know that your reminder to me was to take care of my siblings and your grandchildren. I’m really trying to do what you taught me — to be strong.)
“Ma, maraming nagmamahal sayo. Sobra! Sana nakikita nyo po yun. They all showed up for you and our family and kame na mga anak mo sobrang grateful po,” Lotlot added, thankful for the constant support of her loyal fans, the Noranians.
(Ma, so many people love you. So much! I hope you can see that. They all showed up for you and for our family, and we, your children, are so very grateful.)
Lotlot, in her letter, spoke about how her family is trying to stay strong, just as their mother had taught them. Through this, she also said that it has united her and her siblings even more.
“Si Ian, Matet, Kiko, Ken at ako. Basta look after us always ma.. alam ko hindi mo kame pababayaan sa bawat desision na gagawin naming magkakapatid. At lalo pa kame nagkakaisa dahil sayo. And we promise to take care of your legacy, Ma, kame ng mga kapatid ko” Lotlot wrote.
(Ian, Matet, Kiko, Ken, and me. Please look after us always, Ma… I know you won’t leave us in every decision we siblings have to make. And because of you, we’ve become even more united. And we promise to take care of your legacy, Ma… us, your children.)
“Rest easy ma. Your daughter forever, Lot,” she ended her post, followed by a white heart emoji.
Despite their deep bond, the Aunor-De Leon family has had its share of rifts, many of which became public over the years.
One of the most notable was Nora’s absence from Lotlot’s 2018 wedding to Lebanese businessman Fadi El Soury. It came a decade after Lotlot’s annulment from actor Ramon Christopher Gutierrez. But whatever differences they may have had in their “not perfect” relationship, Lotlot said their bond was full of love and forgiveness.
During Nora’s 70th birthday celebration in May 2023, all five of her children — Ian, Matet, Kiko, Ken, and Lotlot — were present.
“There are a lot of people who don’t understand our personal life with our mom. But we learned to forgive, that’s what our mom showed us,” Ian said during the wake.
“As a person, a lot of people can testify to my mom’s generosity, not just with her craft, but in everything. And that’s why she’s really loved by plenty. She’s genuine, sweet to everyone, the way she helps others also,” Lotlot said.
“We just try our best. We will never be able to match her work. No one will be able to match her work. She’s the only Superstar.”
Nora was laid to rest in a state funeral on Tuesday, April 22, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. She died from acute respiratory failure on April 16. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – A two-night concert in the world’s largest indoor arena, grander marketing executions, collaboration with international producers, mixing genres — P-pop group SB19 took bolder moves as it released its new extended play “Simula At Wakas” on Friday, April 25.
In an interview with Rappler, SB19 member Justin said every new release from the group seemed like a new beginning, as they’ve always said. But this time, the risks they took made all the difference. After the release of single “DAM,” all eyes are on them as fans anticipate five more songs from the EP.
Different genres, underlying theme
As the group’s main rapper Josh puts it, the EP has “different flavors and different scenarios” for different types of listeners.
“Kung hindi mo man-trip itong isang genre na ito, or hindi para sa’yo ito — kung ayaw mo ng maingay, ayaw mo ng tahimik, meron pa ring para sa iyo. May hip-hop, may rock, mayroong ballad,” he said.
(If you’re not a fan of one genre, if you feel like one genre is not for you — if you don’t like loud music, or sentimental music — there’s still something for you. There’s hip-hop, rock, there’s ballad.)
SB19 leader Pablo recommended tracks for certain moods. “Siguro kung mag-work out ka, pakinggan mo yung ‘8TonBall,’ ‘yung ‘DUNGKA!,’ ‘DAM,’ ‘yan pang-work out. Kung gusto mong mag-senti, after work, tapos madilim na, tahimik na, pakinggan nyo ‘yung ‘Time.’ Pakinggan nyo ‘yung ‘Quit.’ Hindi kayo magsisisi. Kung gusto mo lang ng feel-good vibe na parang nai-enjoy mo lahat ng bagay sa paligid mo or gusto mo travel, ‘Shooting for the Stars.’”
(If you’re working out, listen to “8TonBall,” “DUNGKA!,” “DAM.” Those songs are good for when you’re working out. If you feel sentimental, after work, when it’s dark and quiet, listen to “Time.” Listen to “Quit.” You won’t regret it. If you want a feel-good vibe when you want to enjoy the things happening around you, or when you’re traveling, listen to “Shooting for the Stars.”)
Delving deep into the group’s discography, it becomes clear the members are sharing parts of themselves through their songs, sharing vulnerability through the lyrics.
Josh revealed, “For me, it’s the highest form of art. I feel like, if di ka authentic, hindi ka true to yourself sa pinapakita mo in terms of everything you do. Kung itatago mo lang din lagi yung vulnerability mo, hindi na ikaw yun. Or if it’s not your story, I feel like, hindi na genuine, hindi makakarelate or hindi na natural.”
(For me, it’s the highest form of art. I feel like if you’re inauthentic, you’re not true to yourself in terms of everything you do. If you will hide your vulnerability, that’s not you anymore. Or if it’s not your story, I feel like it’s not genuine anymore. People won’t be able to relate to your art, or it’s no longer natural.)
“Life is bigger than any of my thoughts,” Pablo added. “Itong gift na meron ako, technically hindi siya para sa akin. Itong gift na meron ako, para siya sa ibang tao. So parang puno or ‘yung DAM tree. Kung baga ‘pag nagbunga kami, ‘yung mga fruit na napaproduce namin, hindi sya technically for us, but for others. Kaya as much as possible, sinasabi ko ‘yung thoughts ko through our music. Sinasabi ko ‘yung mga gusto kong sabihin, ginagawa ko ‘yung gusto kong gawin.”
(This gift that I have, technically it’s not for me. This gift is for other people. Like a tree, or our DAM tree. When we bear fruit, the fruit is technically not for us, but for others. So as much as possible, I express my thoughts through our music. I say what I want to say, I do what I want to do.)
More collaborators
Pablo said the collaborators they worked with for the EP were not necessarily “chosen” — in a way the songs chose the collaborators — since they prioritized choosing songs that tell their story.
The members worked with different producers for different songs: Xerxes Bakker, Alawn, August Rigo, Simon Servida, and Josue of RADKIDZ all helped to complete the tracks.
Josh shared that the process for “8TonBall” felt enlightening for him. “Mas naging mahirap sa akin siguro ‘yung part na I’m trying to speak for the entire group or trying to write for the entire group, rather than just myself. Kasi syempre, iniisip ko talaga kung ano ‘yung gusto rin nilang sabihin, kung ano ‘yung ano yung gusto ng part — na parang para sa part na ito, ano kaya ‘yung bagay for this voice? Parang iniisip mo agad kung ano ‘yung part ni Justin, part ni Ken, part ni Stell, ‘yung mga ganon,” he added.
(What was more challenging for me was the part where I’m trying to speak for the entire group or trying to write for the entire group, rather than just myself. Of course, I was thinking about what they wanted to say. Or what part they want to sing. For example, whose voice would be most suitable for this certain part? It’s like I was already thinking which will be Justin’s part, or Ken’s, or Stell’s.)
Main dancer Ken, who has a prolific discography under his solo project FELIP, also talked about how “Quit” was supposed to be a solo song. “The song was pretty much done. Melody, lahat. And then, after nung ma-select nila yung kanta, nabago talaga doon. Kasi kailangan mag-fit din talaga sa group,” he said.
(The song was pretty much done. Melody and all. And then, after we have selected the songs to include in this EP, we had to change the arrangements of the song because it has to fit the group.)
Surprise music video
With the EP released on April 25, the group also put out the music video for “Time.” Described as an “anthemic ballad,” it talked about how things may pass, as nothing is permanent.
In a statement, SB19 said, “Time will run out soon. All we can do is try our best and make the most out of it.”
Surprising fans, the group also dropped a music video for “DUNGKA!” on Friday.
The high-energy piece with echoes of activism featured celebrities Mimiyuuuh, Maymay Entrata, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Sassa Gurl, Jayat, Kween Yasmin, Malupiton, Ghost Wrecker, Shehyee, Smugglaz, Pat Lasaten, Agnes Reoma and Vice Ganda — all seemingly calling for collective action.
“They’re people who also want to speak up, who want change, who want to be part of a movement that challenges a flawed system. Everything just fell into place. The concept, the message — it all aligned. It felt like the right time to show people that we can do this now — that this is where SB19 is,” the P-pop group said.
Stell, the group’s main vocalist, expressed his excitement to perform these songs for the fans. “Kapag with dance, excited ako i-perform ‘yung ‘DUNGKA!’ Pero when it comes to kanta-kanta, parang excited ako sa ‘Time,’” he said.
(If you’re asking me in terms of dance or performance, I’m excited to perform “DUNGKA!” But when it comes to singing, I’m excited for “Time.”)
DAM Tree
Another part of the EP release is the infamous DAM Tree installed in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Fans visiting the tree get to experience the world of “Simula At Wakas” by listening to the tracks through parabolic sound drones.
🍎 'DAM' Tree in BGC
Step into the World of ‘DAM’! Visit the ‘DAM’ Tree at 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street Central, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience—open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Seven hours after tickets went on sale, seats for Day 1 of the group’s world tour kick-off were already sold out. This prompted the group to add another day to their concert at the Philippine Arena.
This makes SB19 the first Filipino act to hold two days of concert in the world’s largest indoor arena, and promises to give a breathtaking show. The members shared they have been working on new arrangements and choreography for some of their songs.
Justin invited fans, saying “Sana po makapunta kayo dahil super boogsh yung concert namin.”
(I hope you can come because the concert will blow your mind.)
Ken said in an earlier interview that they hope to give concert-goers a full experience. Their big ambition: transport the fans to the “Simula At Wakas” dimension.
More risks
With all the risks the group has taken, the members say they have no regrets. Almost seven years since their debut, they say all their learnings have been worth it.
Stell added, “Feeling ko kaya ako naging ganito ngayon, based din sa mga ginawa ko noon. So kung babaguhin ko yun, or may isiskip ako doon, baka wala ko ngayon dito. Baka napunta ko sa ibang path, baka iba yung buhay ko ngayon, baka hindi ako matinong tao, baka nagiba yung perspective ko sa life.”
(I feel like I am who I am now because of the things I did before. So if I will change that, or if I will skip something from the past, I might not be where I am now. I might be on another path. I might be living a different kind of life. I might not be the same person, my perspectives might be different.)
Fans will have to wait and see how the P-pop trailblazers will outdo themselves again. – Rappler.com
NEW YORK, USA – Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyer told a judge on Friday, April 25 that the “swinger” lifestyle is common, laying out part of the hip-hop mogul’s strategy for securing an acquittal on sex trafficking charges after he rejected a plea offer.
Federal prosecutor Madison Smyser disclosed the plea offer and Combs’ rejection at a hearing in Manhattan federal court, shortly after Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo spoke in his client’s defense. Smyser did not provide details about the offer.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking for allegedly coercing women to participate in elaborate sexual performances known as “Freak Offs” with male sex workers.
The rapper and Bad Boy Records founder has argued that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
At a hearing before US District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan, Agnifilo said Combs’ belief that it was not inappropriate to have multiple partners or hire escorts showed he never intended to commit crimes.
“It’s relevant to the defendant’s intent that there’s a lifestyle called swingers, call it whatever you will, that he was in, that he might have thought was appropriate,” Agnifilo said. “Part of the reason people think it’s appropriate is because it’s common.”
Another prosecutor, Maureen Comey, urged the judge to bar Combs from offering evidence about other prominent people unrelated to his case who had hired escorts. Agnifilo said the defense would not do that, but was entitled to establish that the alleged bad behavior was “part of a lifestyle.”
The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
Jury selection begins on May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12.
Also known during his career as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, Combs is credited with helping turn rappers and R&B singers such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars in the 1990s and 2000s.
But prosecutors have said his success concealed a dark side. They say he used threats of physical violence and cutting off financial support to coerce women into the “Freak Offs.” Prosecutors say the performances were often days-long, drug-fueled events during which Combs would sometimes record and masturbate. Smyser said jurors would see videos of some encounters.
Combs has been jailed in Brooklyn since September. He faces the possibility of decades in prison if convicted. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – It’s a special Live Jam episode as the show heads to the 2025 Onslaught National Enduro Race, where the best off-road riders from all over the Philippines gather at the Enduro Factory track in Vermosa, Cavite.
Catch femme rock star Caren Tevanny with her band and four-piece indie rock band Plagpul perform electrifying sets on Saturday night, April 26. Hosted by Zach and Cay Lucero, this Live Jam episode is produced in partnership with RFS.
Watch the show starting at 7 pm by bookmarking this page or heading to Rappler’s YouTube! – Rappler.com
