Showbiz Round-Up

By Boy Romero  MANILA, Philippines – [January 13, 2026] – Some struggles don’t show up as chaos. They show up as silence, routine, and people convincing themselves that things will eventually pass. In many Filipino homes, that’s how mental health issues are dealt with, quietly, awkwardly, and often too late. Breaking the Silence focuses on those situations, particularly how mental health issues among today’s youth are often handled. Or not handled at all. While awareness has improved over the years, many families still treat anxiety, emotional distress, and behavioral changes as phases rather than warning signs. Let’s face it. Mental health among today’s youth is still treated as a sensitive topic. We like to say awareness is better now, and in some ways it is. But when it comes to actual conversations at home, many are still avoided. Anxiety gets labeled as drama. Emotional withdrawal as attitude. Asking for help becomes something to postpone. Written and directed by E...

By Boy Romero  MANILA, Philippines – [November 28, 2025] – As filming for the Down syndrome movie and Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry "I'mPerfect" wrapped, something truly beautiful unfolded.  While the final day of any film shoot is typically a joyful 'cast wrap' party, the cast, crew and families found themselves instead in an emotional farewell.   Executive Producer Sylvia Sanchez, when asked for a message, started with a long, tearful, wordless bow. Not long after, the cast with Down syndrome ran to her, overcome by love. They embraced her tightly, still no words spoken—their silence speaking volumes of the deep bond they shared with her and everyone during the course of the filming. From an instant connection that began as soon as production started, each day of filming became a family-like ritual, a warm get-together with food and conversations in between takes, and punctuated by dance performances by the gifted cast. While unusual for a...

By Boy Romero  Jennifer Lee has come a long way since her showbiz days. After stepping away from acting, she went back to school at Enderun Colleges and earned a degree in BS International Hospitality Management, major in Hotel Administration and Culinary Arts. She later worked as a chef and even co-hosted a cooking show with Chef Luigi Muhlach. At one point, she also launched her own food delivery and catering business. But music stayed close to her heart. Jennifer studied how to be a DJ. Not long after, she started winning awards and eventually became a multi-awarded DJ in the Philippines. She was later named an Aliw Awards Hall of Famer for Best DJ for Electronic Music. In 2021, Jennifer met Lipa City councilor Mark Aries Luancing in Batangas. Mark is a public servant in Lipa City. Their relationship grew quietly. Soon after, they were blessed with a son named Jediel. The couple tied the knot on December 6, 2025, at Madonna del Divino Amore Parish. Jennifer walked do...

By Boy Romero Gen Z singer and Star Pop artist Janah Zaplan walks into tougher ground this time. She becomes the voice of Ricky Rivera’s anti-corruption song Oh Panginoon Pangunahan Mo Ang Pagbabago, a move not many young artists would take. The track is now out on all digital platforms. We met her at the launch held at Tribute Hotel in Quezon City on Dec 1, 2025. She said she was grateful when Rivera chose her for the piece. “Honored ako,” Janah said. “Kasi ako yung napili niya para iinterpret yung song.” The timing feels sharp. The song reminds people to stay alert and not let these issues fade. And it also points to something many Filipinos want but rarely see. Accountability. When we asked how someone from her generation can help fight corruption, she kept it real. She has strong opinions, but she’s an introvert. She doesn’t join rallies or shout in public. “May strong opinion ako about it,” she said. “Pero introvert ako, so hindi ko kayang i-express sa pagsigaw. Naie-e...

By Boy Romero  Kinasasabikan na ang papalapit na 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies na sinisigurong maghahatid ng isang gabi ng alaala at engrandeng selebrasyon. Ngayong Nobyembre 30, 2025 (Linggo), sa engrandeng Makabagong San Juan Theater sa Pinaglabanan Road, San Juan City ay gaganapin ang una nitong showbiz awards event — isang napapanahong pagbubukas ng entabladong magbigay-buhay sa mga kuwento, sining, at talento. May temang “Bagong Dekada ng Makabagong Pelikula,” ito ay magsisilbing himig ng gabi — isang pagpupugay sa nagbabagong mukha ng Pelikulang Pilipino at sa mga manggagawa nito, na patuloy na lumilikha at nagtataguyod ng sining. Mapapanood ito nang LIVE sa iWantTFC streaming platform, sa ganap na 6:50 PM, sa halagang PHP 149 at USD 2.99, kaya’t madali para sa publiko, saan mang panig ng mundo na makiisa sa selebrasyon. Pangunahin ang pagho-host ng mahusay at maaasahang aktres na si Gladys Reyes, kasama sina Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza, at ang sing...

By Boy Romero   In a world full of beauty brands popping up literally everywhere, one name quietly stands out. Why Not Yans Beauty Products.  Behind it is a young and driven businesswoman from Iloilo, Ms. Yana Ong. She’s proof that beauty and business can go hand in hand.  During the soft opening of Why Not Yans Beauty Products at the Clubhouse of Don Enrique Heights two weeks ago, guests were quick to notice something. The products actually work. The team tested the brand’s whitening line right on their skin. Within minutes, they saw instant results. Fast and surprisingly effective. No doubt about it. People can confidently say that this brand delivers what it promises.  Yana’s story started far from the city lights. Born and raised in Iloilo, she was already selling candies in school while other kids carried notebooks. She knew early on that business was her thing.  By 2016, at just 18 years old, she began her first venture with only ₱60,000 c...