Star Magic launches new talents, including Janine Gutierrez's brother Diego

 

Star Magic launches new talents, including Janine Gutierrez's brother Diego, Esang, James Philippe, Jarlo Base and Diego Gutierrez

Philstar.com / Jan Milo Severo

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

March 13, 2025 | 10:32am

MANILA, Philippines — Star Magic introduced a new roster of emerging artists, including Esang, James Philippe, Jarlo Base and Diego Gutierrez, in a contract signing and concert held early this week in Noctos Music Bar, Quezon City.

The event marks a new chapter in their careers as they officially join the country's premier talent management agency. Attended by family, friends, and ABS-CBN executives, the four singer-songwriters expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to hone their craft and showcase their talents on a bigger stage. 

The event titled "Magical Vibes: Star Magic Music Room Contract Signing" was graced by the presence of ABS-CBN TV Production and Star Magic Head Laurenti Dyogi, ABS-CBN Music Head Roxy Liquigan, Head of Digital Services and Business Development Ms. Elaine Uy-Casipit, Head of Star Magic Special Events and Digital and Senior Talent Manager, Love Almazan-Capulong, ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Sir Raymond Dizon, and Creative Director of ABS-CBN Music Jonathan Manalo, who all expressed their confidence in the new batch of Star Magic artists.

Best known for her vocal prowess and stage presence, Esang joined “The Voice Kids Philippines” Season 2 where she was mentored by the Tony Award award recipient Lea Salonga. During the launch event, it was Salonga who introduced her, recognizing her as a promising talent. 

PAGASA: Heat index in 3 areas may reach 'danger' level on March 13

Metro Manila, other parts of the country affected by easterlies

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Mar 13, 2025 09:35 AM

  

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The heat index in three areas may reach the “danger” level on Thursday, March 13, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

(MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN)

Based on PAGASA's two-day forecast as of 5 p.m. on March 12, Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Virac in Catanduanes, and Cotabato City in Maguindanao are expected to record the highest heat index, ranging from 42°C to 45°C.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and most parts of the country are under the “extreme caution” level, with the heat index expected to range between 31°C and 41°C.

According to PAGASA, the heat index refers to the apparent temperature, or how hot it feels due to the combined effects of actual air temperature and humidity.

Weather update

PAGASA, in its weather forecast, said easterlies will affect the country.

Easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms to Eastern Visayas, according to PAGASA.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are also expected in Metro Manila and the rest of the country due to the easterlies.

PAGASA warned that flash floods or landslides are possible during severe thunderstorms or periods of moderate to heavy rains in the affected areas.

BingoPlus holds block screening of new romcom movie ‘Everything About My Wife’

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 13, 2025 01:32 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The brand-new film, starring Jennelyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, and Sam Milby, has been making waves since its premiere. It is currently showing in over 200 cinemas in the country.

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Cast members Alex Agustin (left) and Joyce Glorioso (right) attending the BingoPlus block screening of ‘EverythingAbout My Wife.’

BingoPlus, your comprehensive digital entertainment platform in the country, organized an exclusive block screening for the latest romantic-comedy film, ‘Everything About My Wife.’ The special event unfolded on March 6, 2025, at Bonifacio High Street Cinemas in Taguig City.

The brand-new film, starring Jennelyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, and Sam Milby, has been making waves since its premiere. It is currently showing in over 200 cinemas in the country.

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Sponsored by BingoPlus, the brand invited VIPs, media, and influencers. A delightful photo wall was set up for moviegoers to enjoy as well. In addition, BingoPlus showed some love to the attendees by giving free merchandise to revel in.

Moreover, BingoPlus provided snacks to all attendees upon arrival. While watching, a mix of positive reactions was garnered from the viewers. Thus, expect to laugh, cry and feel ‘kilig’ as you watch the film.

For a well-put movie, a solid commendation must be extended to the whole crew and production behind ‘Everything About My Wife’. Furthermore, it would not be possible without BingoPlus’ support. As the brand aims to champion Filipinos' pride in the film industry, BingoPlus will support more upcoming local films. 

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates SpinPlus, and GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

MOVIEGOER: Ruffa G: Embracing 50

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Mar 13, 2025 07:43 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Facing media with full confidence that makes her more beautiful with every word uttered, the veteran actor said she’s marking this age milestone by loving herself more profoundly.

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Ruffa Gutierrez (Instagram)

Days, weeks, months before turning 50 on June 24, 2024, Ruffa Gutierrez admits she was crying a lot. Suddenly, she said it seemed like her whole life was being flashed in front of her, the lost youth, the age of innocence, the carefree days.

Then, she realized, what the heck, she might as well embrace being 50, a golden age.

Facing media with full confidence that makes her more beautiful with every word uttered, the veteran actor said she’s marking this age milestone by loving herself more profoundly.

“I take care of myself, I exercise, I watch my diet,” she said. Never did the words self-love and self-care resonate to her more than at this point. Truth is, she made a conscious move to double her effort in that direction. 

“Instead of moping some more, I  thought I should just embrace it. It’s a blessing to still be alive, to still be healthy, to still have work at my age."

Ruffa announced that this early, the new year has blessed her with two TV projects for different channels, the details of which she could not reveal just yet. She’s also studying some new endorsements.

Thirty-seven years in the industry, having started at age 13, Ruffa calls herself, “I’m very masipag, and I want to continue being masipag. I believe every woman should make her own money. Women should not depend on men or other people to be happy.” 

Ruffa has been a single parent to her two daughters, Lorin and Venice for many years. At one point in the post-conference interview, she revealed that her ex-husband, Yilmaz Bektaz, has offered to remarry her. She no longer wants to marry.

“I’m quite content with my two girls,” she said.

That March 11 afternoon in this Quezon City café-bar, the 1993 Miss World Second Princess faced the media as the brand ambassador of three of Luxe Skin’s new products: lotion, lip cream and Luxe Slim.

Showing her support for the brand with a wide range of health and beauty products, she had a glass of her favorite Luxe juice drink beside her, from which she sipped bits and pieces between questions and answers. The vision delighted CEO Anna Magkawas.

Rentenerhöhung: Drei Millionen Rentnerinnen und Rentner profitieren doppelt

Stand:12.03.2025, 12:57 Uhr

Von: Max Schäfer 

Drei Millionen Beziehende profitieren gleich doppelt von der Rentenerhöhung im Juli. Neben der Rente steigt auch der Zuschlag.

Berlin – Durch die Rentenerhöhung zum 1. Juli 2025 erhalten Rentnerinnen und Rentner in Deutschland 3,74 Prozent mehr Geld. Der Wert eines Entgeltpunkts erhöht sich damit von derzeit 39,32 Euro auf 40,79 Euro im Monat. Drei Millionen Beziehende profitieren zusätzlich von der Steigerung. Denn auch der Rentenzuschlag der drei Millionen Erwerbsminderungsrenten steigt. 

Rentenerhöhung am 1. Juli 2025: Drei Millionen Rentnerinnen und Rentner profitieren doppelt

Seit Juli 2024 zahlt die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) diesen Zuschlag an Beziehende einer Erwerbsminderungsrente und der daran anknüpfenden Alters- und Hinterbliebenenrenten. Vom Zuschlag profitieren Menschen, die eine Rente wegen teilweiser oder voller Erwerbsminderung erhalten und deren Rentenbeginn in den Jahren 2001 bis 2018 lag. Auch Alters- und Hinterbliebenenrenten bekommen seitdem den Zuschlag, die unmittelbar an diese Erwerbsminderungsrenten folgen. 

Bereits seit 1. Juli 2024 bekommen die Beziehenden der Erwerbsminderungsrenten den Zuschlag von 7,5 Prozent, wenn sie in der Zeit von Januar 2001 bis Juni 2014 in diese Rentenform eingetreten sind. Bei einem Rentenbeginn ab Juli 2014 bis Dezember 2018 sind es noch 4,5 Prozent. Die Auszahlung erfolgt seitdem automatisch. Der Zeitpunkt ist unabhängig von der Rente selbst zwischen dem 10. und 20. des jeweiligen Monats. Ab Dezember 2025 wird der Zuschlag dann gemeinsam mit der üblichen Rentenzahlung überwiesen.

Rentenzuschlag steigt mit der Erhöhung am 1. Juli um 3,74 Prozent

Mit der Rentenerhöhung am 1. Juli 2025 steigt auch der Zuschlag der Erwerbsminderungsrenten. Die drei Millionen Beziehenden profitieren damit doppelt: einerseits von der Erhöhung ihrer regulären Rente – und eben vom Anstieg des Zuschlags. Beide Zahlungen erhöhen sich dabei um 3,74 Prozent. 

Beziehende von Renten wegen voller oder teilweiser Erwerbsminderung erhalten durch die Rentenerhöhung im Juli gleich zweifach mehr Geld. (Symbolfoto) © FrankHoermann/Imago

Dieser Wert hatte sich aus der Entwicklung der Löhne und Gehälter der Erwerbstätigen berechnet. Der Nominallohnindex, der die Steigerung der Bruttolöhne berücksichtigt und für die Rentenanpassung entscheidend ist, ist laut Statistischem Bundesamt um 5,4 Prozent gestiegen. Durch die doppelte Haltelinie fällt die Erhöhung mit 3,74 Prozent jedoch etwas niedriger aus.

Erwerbsminderungsrente und Zuschlag steigen: Wie viel Geld gibt es?

Doch wie viel Geld bekommen Rentnerinnen und Rentner dadurch? Die Berechnung des seit 2024 geltenden Zuschlags erfolgte auf Basis der Rentenzahlung. Bei einer Rente von monatlich 1000 Euro, die 2013 begann, beträgt der Zuschlag 7,5 Prozent. Damit gibt es 75 Euro im Monat. Mit der Rentenerhöhung 2025 steigen die Zahlungen um jeweils 3,74 Prozent. Die reguläre Erwerbsminderungsrente steigt damit um 37,40 Euro, liegt damit bei 1037,40 Euro. Der Zuschlag von bisher 75 Euro steigt um rund 2,81 Euro auf 77,81 Euro im Monat. Insgesamt gibt es im Beispiel damit rund 115,21 Euro im Monat.

Diese Berechnung des Rentenzuschlags gilt laut der Deutschen Rentenversicherung jedoch bis Ende November 2025. Ab Dezember erhalten Rentnerinnen und Rentner den Zuschlag gemeinsam mit der Rente in einer Summe. Dann sind die persönlichen Entgeltpunkte Grundlage der Berechnung.