GMA Network features special programming schedule for Holy Week 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 25, 2024 10:21 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• On Good Friday, “Jesus” airs at 6:00 am, while the internationally acclaimed religious program “Power to Unite” starts at 7:30 am.

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In observance of the Holy Week season, GMA Network presents its special Holy Week programming schedule this Maundy Thursday (March 28), Good Friday (March 29), and Black Saturday (March 30).

Maundy Thursday opens with the biographical religious drama “Magdalena” at 6:00 am.

Following it is a lineup of animated movies: “Rise of the Guardians” at 7:30 am, “Stuart Little 3” at 9:00 am, and “Lassie” at 10:30 am.

The comedy-drama film “Marley & Me” then airs at 12nn, followed by animated and adventure movies “The Adventures of Tintin” at 2:00pm; and “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” at 3:00 pm

The award-winning documentary program “The Atom Araullo Specials” comes in at 5:30 pm.

Afterward, tune in to GMA’s flagship newscast “24 Oras” at 6:30 pm, the Hollywood classic retelling of the Biblical story of Moses in “The Ten Commandments” at 7:00 pm, and “Reporter’s Notebook” at 11:00 pm. 

On Good Friday, “Jesus” airs at 6:00 am, while the internationally acclaimed religious program “Power to Unite” starts at 7:30 am.

Kids can look forward to “Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina” at 8:00 am; “Anastasia: Once Upon A Time” at 9:00 am; and “Jumanji” at 10:30 am.

Recall Jesus' seven last words from the Sto. Domingo Church via “Siete Palabras” at 12:00 nn, to be followed by “Women of the Bible” at 2:00 pm.

Catch “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” at 3:00 pm and CBN Asia's Blocktime at 5:30 pm.

GMA’s flagship newscast ‘24 Oras’ again airs at 6:30 pm, followed by drama film “Tanging Yaman” at 7:00 pm and the epic biblical drama film “Son of God” at 9:00 pm.

Cap off the night with GMA Public Affairs’ “I-Witness” at 10:30 pm.

On March 30, Black Saturday begins with “The Story of Jesus for Children” at 6:00 am and “Dragonlance” at 7:30 am.

Teens’ favorite animated features are made available starting at 9:00 am with “Wonderpark” followed by “Scooby Doo” at 10:30 am, “Superman Returns” at 12:00 nn, and “Smurfs The Lost Village” at 2:00 pm.

Then catch another installment of “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” at 3:00 pm, followed by “Farm to Table” at 5:30 pm, “Seven Sundays” at 7:00 pm, “Forrest Gump” at 9:00 pm, and GMA Public Affairs’ “Brigada” at 11:00 pm.

Cherish our Lord this Lenten Season through these Holy Week specials from March 28 - 30 only on GMA-7.

SB19 Pablo collaborates with WWF-Philippines as Earth Hour 2024 music ambassador

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 18, 2024 01:11 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The annual Earth Hour celebration will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila City for its 16th anniversary. 

SB19 leader Pablo is WWF-Philippine's new Earth Hour Music Ambassador who will be the main guest of the annual switch-off event in Manila City on March 23, 2024.

“Pablo, for us, represents the passion and resilience of Filipinos, and we want these qualities to be front and center for the annual Earth Hour celebration, which will be the 16th anniversary in the Philippines,” Earth Hour Philippines National Director Atty. Angela Consuelo Ibay said. 

“As SB19’s songwriter, creative director, and CEO of their label, Pablo has masterfully infused his music with Filipino culture, flavor, and style. Earth Hour is a global grassroots movement for the environment and we celebrate it in our own unique Filipino way. Pablo is the perfect ambassador for Earth Hour,” Ibay said.

The annual Earth Hour celebration will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila City for its 16th anniversary. Earth Hour Philippines was celebrated for the first time in the Philippines back in 2008 at the CCP Complex grounds.

This yearly global switching off of lights will be observed from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, local time. Over 190 countries and territories around the world will also follow suit as part of this one-of-a-kind global grassroots movement for nature. Since the first Earth Hour in Australia in 2007, millions of people worldwide participate every year in Earth Hour with the partnership of governments, businesses, civil-society groups, making it an authentic movement of humanity for the environment.

In partnership with the Manila City Local Government, the program will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan beside the city hall building, with the iconic Manila Clock Tower as the backdrop. Aside from Pablo, performers include Ched and Lirah Bermudez.

"All of us Filipinos are going to feel the impact of climate change through extreme storms, flooding, heatwaves, and droughts,” Ibay said. “Such a complex and multi-sectoral problem will likewise require solutions from all levels of society.”

“This is why Earth Hour is such a great platform to convene government, businesses, civil-society organizations, the academe, and of course, the very vocal and influential youth,” Ibay said. “Bringing everyone together for us to tackle and solve plastic waste pollution and environmental degradation is Earth Hour 2024’s main theme.”

Prior to the ceremonial switch-off at 8:30 pm, there will be a solutions fair for partner non-government organizations and social enterprises. The event will also mark the official start of the Earth Hour virtual run organized by Pinoy Fitness.

Visit www.earthhour.org to learn more about events happening this Earth Hour around the world. Follow WWF-Philippines on social media for updates and events related to Earth Hour Philippines 2024. Lend your support to the environment with the official Earth Hour hashtags #EarthHour2024 and #BiggestHourForEarth.

Sharon, Sarah G, Kim and BINI light up the 'ASAP Natin 'To' stage for Women's Month

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 15, 2024 11:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Awardee, Sarah, as she performs Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” and Teddy Swim’s “Lose Control.” Megastar Sharon also serenades viewers with OPM hits as she is joined by Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid. 

Celebrate Women’s Month with stellar performances from Sharon Cuneta, Sarah Geronimo, Kim Chiu, BINI, and many more this Sunday (March 17) on "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

Get ready to be in awe with the first Filipina Billboard Global Force Awardee, Sarah, as she performs Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” and Teddy Swim’s “Lose Control.” Megastar Sharon also serenades viewers with OPM hits as she is joined by Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid. 

Aside from these, Kim wows viewers with her contemporary dance of “Never Enough,” while Nation’s Girl Group BINI performs their viral hit song “Pantropiko” on the “ASAP” stage.

Watch out for the star-studded performance of Martin, Ogie, Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, Pops Fernandez, Vina Morales, Darren Espanto, Klarisse De Guzman, Shaina Magdayo, Kim, Janine Gutierrez, KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elha Nympha, Lyka Estrella, Jason Dy, JM Yosures, Khimo, Frenchie Dy, Bituin Escalante, Katrina Velarde, JM Dela Cerna, Reiven Umali, Jeremy G, Kyle Echarri, Chie Filomeno, Joao Constancia, Jameson Blake, Aljon Medoza, BGYO, BINI, Gela Atayde, Sheen Belarmino, Krystal Mejes, Lara Maigue, and Edward Barbers. They are also joined by ‘90s stars Jolina Magdangal, Nikki Valdez, Rica Peralejo, Roselle Nava, and Lindsay Custodio.

Join Martin, Regine, Ogie, Zsa Zsa, Bituin, and Erik as they perform Pinoy band hits. Follow it up with Elton John songs delivered by singing champions Jed Madela, Angeline Quinto, Morisette, Jona, Klarisse, Fana, Annrain, Khimo, JM, Sam Mangubat, Lyka, Marielle Montellano, Bituin, Sheena, and Lara.

Prepare your hearts as Enrique Gil dances the weekend away and Donny Pangilinan serenades us with his song “Biglaan.” More ‘kilig’ vibes await viewers as BGYO sings “Patintero” and Kyle, Jeremy, and Jason take on the viral song “Ere.”

It is going to be a dance party this Sunday as AC, Darren, Gela, Jameson, and Sheena bring their dancing prowess on stage, while Vina, Chie, Regine Tolentino, Jane De Leon, and Aubrey Miles get together for the ultimate dance showdown.

More ‘biritan’ to come with the En Vogue hits collab from ASAP divas Regine, Vina, Sheryn, Frenchie, and Bituin.

Catch all these acts from the country's longest-running and award-winning musical variety show, "ASAP Natin 'To," this Sunday, 12 NN on local TV via Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, A2Z, and TV5, online through Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC, and worldwide via TFC.

Vivamax ramps up the heat with 'Kalikot' and 'T.L.'

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 13, 2024 07:14 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Another offering is T.L., a provocative film exploring the consequences of ambition becoming dangerous.

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Arah Alonzo (left) and Shiela Snow

Join Shiela Snow, Arah Alonzo, and Van Allen Ong in their sneaky and lustful encounters in Kalikot, streaming on March 12.

In a film by Temi Cruz Abad, Kalikot tells the story of a part-time auto mechanic who enjoys fixing cars and fantasizing about the woman who lives across the auto shop.

Van Allen Ong plays Arnold, a mechanical engineering student who works part-time at his uncle’s auto shop while on a semester break. One day at work, he sees and gets mesmerized by the sight of Salve, aka Sal (portrayed by Shiela Snow), a beautiful woman who moves into an apartment building just in front of the shop. Arnold has got it down badly for Salve that even during his sexual encounters with Jenna (Arah Alonzo), his no-strings-attached partner and classmate, he still thinks about Salve.  

To Arnold’s luck, Salve visits the shop and has her car serviced, which Arnold gladly takes care of. The young man’s admiration for Salve grows stronger, which Salve finds attractive. Soon, they find themselves having an illicit affair. Worse, Arnold learns that Salve is the newest professor in his college. 

What will be the future of their relationship that began with lustful desires? What other secrets and surprises will Arnold discover about Salve? Will it still please him, or will it become his worst nightmare? 

FROM LEFT: Arah Alonzo, director Temi Cruz Abad, and Shiela Snow

Another offering is T.L., a provocative film exploring the consequences of ambition becoming dangerous.

Directed by Jay Castillo, ‘T.L.’ follows the story of Brenda (Jenn Rosa), a seasoned call center agent who, despite her hard work, finds herself repeatedly overlooked for promotion. Her colleagues allegedly resort to giving sexual favors to their TLs (team leaders) in exchange for promotion.

Although she’s disheartened by her stagnant career, she feels lucky that she gets to work in the same company with her boyfriend, Phil (Armani Hector). They even make time for their sex life while in the office. Their secret encounters come to a halt when Phil gets transferred to a different shift. 

With Phil’s absence comes a new chance for Brenda to climb the corporate ladder when she meets TL Carl (Nico Locco), the man tasked with approving her promotion. Unlike other supervisors rumored to exploit their positions, Carl presents himself with a clean reputation: he is a family man with no hint of scandal. Brenda feels encouraged that her hard work will finally pay off this time.

However, it seems that Carl is harboring a secret life that Brenda will discover one day. Will Brenda finally achieve the promotion she desires? Or will her new TL only cause her more setbacks and heartbreaks? ‘T.L.’ is available for streaming on March 30.

To stream Kalikot and T.L., subscribe to Vivamax at web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, App Store, or Huawei App Gallery. 

'Sexy Babe' Cianne plays the waiting game in debut single 'Traffic'

 Written and produced by her 'It’s Showtime' co-host Teddy Corpuz

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 11, 2024 08:37 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The former “Sexy Babe” contestant explores ‘situationships’ or relationships without any label in the song and conveys the restlessness in waiting similar to the tedious feels of being stuck in traffic. 

Cianne Dominguez

“It’s Showtime” host Cianne Dominguez is taking on a new path as a recording artist with her first single “Traffic” released under StarPop.

The former “Sexy Babe” contestant explores ‘situationships’ or relationships without any label in the song and conveys the restlessness in waiting similar to the tedious feels of being stuck in traffic. It was written and produced by her “It’s Showtime” co-host and Rocksteddy lead vocalist Teddy Corpuz.

“Sa interpretation ko doon sa song nakikita ko yung situationship lalo na nauuso ito ngayon. Nasa isang situationship ka na walang usad, walang nangyayari. Naiinip na sa kakahintay ng label sa kung anong meron kayo,” Cianne said.

She also expressed her gratitude to Teddy who helped her in bringing out the emotions of the song.

“Sobrang smooth and chill ng jamming namin ni Kuya Teddy. Super happy rin ako kasi ako yung naisip niyang kumanta ng song niya and at the same time super thankful din kasi nabigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity,” Cianne shared.

As a kid, the up-and-coming artist dreamt of becoming a singer and even auditioned for “Tawag ng Tanghalan” and other singing competitions to hone her skills as an artist. 

“Noong bata palang ako hilig ko na talaga sumali sa singing contests and lagi ako and yung family ko kumakanta sa church. Nag-try rin ako sumali sa ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ before kasi gusto ko talaga mag-pursue ng singing lalo na pangarap ko rin makasama sa mga play,” she said.

Aside from her singing talent, she has also showcased her dancing and comedy chops through other “It’s Showtime’s” popular segments “Girl On Fire” and “Isip Bata.” Some of her musical influences are Idina Menzel and Lea Salonga.

Sarah Geronimo makes history at 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards

BY NEIL RAMOS

  

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Sarah Geronimo made history becoming the first Pinay to receive the Global Force Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards held in Inglewood, California, on March 6.

She shared the recognition with Italian singer-songwriter Annalisa and Brazilian singer-songwriter Luisa Sonza.

In her acceptance speech, Sarah said the recognition "signifies courage and hope."

"Courage to accept and embrace oneself. Courage to break boundaries and define standards. Courage to rise above all the setbacks and challenges that one artist or one person has to face,” the 35-year-old singer-songwriter added.

“And the hope that one day this recognition will bridge the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity through the world to the power of music."

She ended, "Muli ako po si Sarah Geronimo, isang Filipina. Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang OPM.”  Other awardees:

Karol G (Woman of the Year)

NewJeans (Group of the Year)

Charli XCX (Powerhouse)

Ice Spice (Hitmaker)

Tems (Breakthrough)

Victoria Monét (Rising Star)

ABS-CBN honored with 11 awards at 1st Perpetualites Choice Awards

Vice Ganda emerges as big winner

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 4, 2024 10:43 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “It’s Showtime” won as the Best Noontime Variety Show, while Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda were hailed as Best Female TV Personality and Best Noontime Variety Show Host. 

ABS-CBN continues to receive love and support from the academic community as it earned 11 awards including Best Media Company from the University of Perpetual Help JONELTA System’s 1st Perpetualites’ Choice Awards on Friday (Mar 1).

“It’s Showtime” won as the Best Noontime Variety Show, while Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda were hailed as Best Female TV Personality and Best Noontime Variety Show Host.

Vice also proved that she is still ‘Unkabogable’ and well-loved by the youth as she scooped up three other awards including Best TV Personality, Best Game Show Host, and Most Service Oriented Media Personality.

Star Magic artists, Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz, also emerged triumphant, winning Best Young Male and Female Media Personality, respectively.  Meanwhile, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla took home the award for Best Love Team.

"ASAP Natin 'To's" very own Moira dela Torre was also named Best Female Solo Artist. 

The winners of the 1st Perpetualites’ Choice Awards were voted by Perpetualites from the various campuses of the University of Perpetual Help JONELTA System in Isabela, Pangasinan, Manila, GMA, Pueblo de Panay, and Laguna.