Angelica Panganiban to make comeback via BINI Sheena’s acting debut in ‘MMK’

Seasoned actress Angelica Panganiban (left) makes her TV comeback via the life story of BINI Sheena (right) in upcoming episode of 'Maalaala Mo Kaya.'

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

April 27, 2025 | 5:02pm

MANILA, Philippines — BINI Sheena’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode will not only serve as her acting debut but also the comeback of Angelica Panganiban. 

A still from the upcoming episode was posted on iWantTFC’s Instagram page yesterday announcing the pair’s collaboration in the return of the popular drama anthology. 

By the looks of the stills, Angelica appears to play a mother figure to Sheena, who plays herself. 

Apart from them, the episode also features Bembol Roco, Tart Carlos, Aljon Mendoza, and Malou de Guzman. 

“Maalaala Mo Kaya” returns as a limited series and streams on iWantTFC. It airs every Saturday on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z. 

BINI brings out the fun with Noche Buena outfits at Star Magic Christmas ball

 P-pop girl group BINI donning Noche Buena treats at the Star Magical Christmas Ball held in Solaire North in Quezon City on November 24, 2024. Philstar.com / Marco Beech

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

November 25, 2024 | 8:41am

MANILA, Philippines — BINI knows how to have fun with the eight-member P-pop group donning favorite Noche Buena treats, such as Lechon, Lumpia, and Fruit Salad, as they strutted the white carpet at Sunday night’s Star Magical Christmas Ball in Solaire North, Quezon City. 

BINI was among the Star Magic artists who came with quirky outfits as opposed to the usual Western-inspired Christmas outfits of elves, reindeer and Santa Clauses. 

Leader Jhoanna came as the Palihi 12 fruits for Noche Buena. Similarly, Stacey’s outfit has any of the 12 fruits as inspiration for her Fruit Salad ensemble. 

Maloi came as the favorite pika-pika or appetizer Lumpia, while Mika is another pika-pika food that can perfectly pair with cured meats, crackers, or as part of the salad as Queso de Bola. 

Colet and Aiah came as the meats, with former looking like a Christmas ham, while the latter is aptly donned in a Lechon, an obvious homage to her native Cebu, which is famous for its Cebu Lechon. 

Sheena is the refreshment soda that Filipinos opt to wash down their greasy meats and stews, while Gwen is the candelabra that gives light to the Christmas spread. 

Blooms, who are BINI’s fans, immediately made memes out of their favorite P-pop group. 

Miss Universe 2024 winner to wear Filipino-made crown

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua is crowned by Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — This year’s Miss Universe 2024 winner will be the first to wear the Filipino-crafted crown made by international brand Jewelmer. 

The brand announced its new project via an Instagram post on Wednesday. 

“Jewelmer makes history with the first Filipino-crafted crown for Miss Universe. Countless hands have contributed to this masterpiece — from Jewelmer’s dedicated pearl farmers to the Filipino master craftsmen — making it a striking emblem of the magic that transpires when man works in harmony with nature,” the brand wrote on its Instagram post. 

Jewelmer is renowned for its South Sea pearls. The brand was established in 1979 by a French pearl farmer and a Filipino entrepreneur. 

The brand’s chief executive officer, Jacques Christophe Branellac, posted about the company’s feat in his Instagram account. 

“From Palawan to the Universe! Off we go to Mexico City to launch the new crown of Ms Universe by @jewelmer ! First time for the Universe to have a crown made in the Philippines adorned by our national gem, the golden south sea pearl! Para sa bayan!” Branellac wrote on Instagram. 

In 2022, Miss Universe unveiled a new crown designed by luxury jeweler Mouawad. Named "The Crown Number 12: Force for Good,” the Mouawad crown was pear-shaped with blue sapphires surrounded by diamonds. It was valued at approximately $5.58 million (about P332 million).

Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel was the first to wear the Force for Good crown when she was crowned the winner of the 71st Miss Universe Competition on January 14, 2023 held in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. R’Bonney was succeeded by Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios who will crown her successor on Sunday (Manila time) in Mexico City. 

L'Oreal pays tribute to David's Salon founder David Charlton

 

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — David Charlton, the founder of popular salon chain David's Salon, has passed away. He was 69. 

News of his passing broke early today, as a tribute was posted on the official Facebook page of L'Oreal Professionel. 

"Today, we pay tribute to David Charlton, the visionary founder of David’s Salon. His legacy of creativity, dedication, and unparalleled service will continue to inspire us. He will be deeply missed," the post read. 

It was accompanied with the familiar photo of the entrepreneur in black and white. It also indicated the years of his birth and death, "1955-2024." 

Charlton was born in Suderland, in Tyne and Wear, England in 1955. He came from a family of hairdressers, which was considered as one of the in-demand careers in England. 

According to the chain's website, Charlton was exposed to hairdressing at an early age. He was 16 when he started working for his uncle's salon while studying at the Durham Technical College. He passed with distinction the City and Guilds of London Institute Examination in Men’s and Ladies’ Hairdressing after three years of studying. 

Charlton came to the Philippines in 1978 as the manager of Rever Salon in the old Mandarin Oriental in Makati City. He later on became a partner and sole owner of Rever Salon and opened at five locations. 

He opened the first David's Salon in 1989 in New Farmer's Market in Cubao, Quezon City. Charlton was said to be inspired by the need to provide "high-quality hairdressing" at friendly prices. 

David's Salon currently has 200 branches. It opened its first branch in the United States in Los Angeles, California in 2008. Two years after in 2010, David's Salon opened its firs

'Pulang Araw' stars Sanya Lopez, Ashley Ortega call for justice for comfort women

 

Ashley Ortega and Sanya Lopez attend the Pandesal Forum on World War II Comfort Women held in Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City last October 24, 2024.

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

October 27, 2024 | 12:35pm

MANILA, Philippines — Sanya Lopez broke into tears while recalling the first time she met some of the lolas (grandmothers) who were comfort women during World War II. Her "Pulang Araw" co-star Ashley Ortega revealed that it was the same scene when they first met the lolas before they filmed the ongoing war series on GMA-7. 

Sanya and Ashley were invited to the Pandesal Forum on the comfort women during World War II last October 24 held in Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City. 

"Napakabigat po ano. I mean, kanina pa sumasakit ang batok ko kaka-control ng nararamdaman ko. Artista lang naman po ako. Sa totoo lang po pero ramdam ko 'yung mga ipinaglalaban ng mga kababaihan natin dito," Sanya began. 

She currently plays Teresita Borromeo, a bodabil (vaudeville) star from a wealthy family who catches the attention of the ruthless Japanese Imperial Army Colonel Yuta Saitoh (played by Dennis Trillo). 

"Naiiyak ako. Sa totoo po, ganito rin po 'yung naramdaman ko noong una ko silang nakasama." 

“Pasensiya na po kasi nu'ng nakausap ko sila, sobrang durug na durog din po ako. Sobrang sakit po sa puso na marinig ‘yung kuwento nila," she added. 

Sanya recalled meeting two of the lolas when she visited the organization Lila Pilipina. 

“Isa po sa mga tumatak sa akin doon ‘yung kuwento ni Lola Isang (Narcisa). Sabi niya po, kapag nakikita niya ang mga kabataan ngayon, ‘masaya sila, kung siguro ako ‘yun ngayon, siguro ang saya-saya ko.’ Doon ko na-realize na sobrang suwerte pala ng henerasyon ngayon, na hindi natin naranasan ‘yung naranasan nila nu'ng panahon ng Hapon. Napaka-palad po sobra natin na hindi natin naranasan ‘yun," Sanya said in tears. 

She also appealed for justice because there are only a few lolas who are alive today.

"Nakakalungkot po na dalawa na lang po sa kanila ang natitirang buhay. Kailan kaya nila matatanggap ang hustisya na nararapat para sa kanila? Kasi konti na lang sila, so kailan pa, 'di ba po?" Sanya said. 

Ashley agreed with her co-star. She also recounted her own experience meeting the lolas because she is also among the actresses tapped to play a comfort woman. 

Ashley plays Sister Manuela Apolonio, a nun who was dragged by Japanese Imperial Army soldiers when they saw her inside the church to be one of the comfort women. 

"Noong una, kinabahan talaga ako kasi magiging honest po ako. Hindi pa ako masyadong aware sa lahat ng mga nangyari sa comfort women. But I am really grateful na na-meet ko 'yung mga lolas. I was heartbroken.

"Tama sinabi ni Ate Sanya. Lahat kami nag-iiyakan kami noon. May kasama kaming creatives and press, pati sila naiiyak, hindi lang kaming mga artista ang gaganap ng role nila," she recalled. 

She noted that just like her, she has read feedback and comments from young people who were like her who had limited knowledge about the events and atrocities of World War II in the Philippines. 

"Ngayon lang nila nalalaman na may ganito palang nangyayari during World War II. 'Yun ang gusto talaga namin iparating sa mga hindi pa completely aware sa mga pinagdaanan nila.

"Now I am happy na 'yung mga students siguro na nalaman na nila ang mga nangyari and I think it's about time na you know isalaysay namin 'yung mga istorya ng mga comfort women. Para hindi maulit ang nangyari noon at para mabigyan ng hustisya 'yung mga comfort women natin," Ashley said. 

She agreed with Sanya and the calls for justice for comfort women, many of those still alive are yet to receive them. 

Ashley noted that as an actor, she felt the raw emotions felt by the comfort women while playing her role. 

"'Yung mga iba hindi pa nakakatanggap ng hustisya at 'yun siguro 'yung pinakamasakit na pwedeng maramdaman nila. Kasi kami bilang mga comfort women (in the show), alam mo 'yung parang naranasan din namin 'yung naranasan din namin 'yung naranasan nila? 'Yung mga eksenang mabibigat talaga, na iniisip ko every after scene na, 'Grabe nangyari talaga ito. Hindi lang pala ito teleserye.' So what more pa kaya 'yung mga totoong comfort women na talagang pinagdaanan nila 'yun. So talagang masakit talaga sa puso," she said. 

Ashley is happy that the cast and their show "Pulang Araw" can be a voice for the comfort women and victims of World War II. 

"I'm happy na naging voice ang 'Pulang Araw' at naging aware ang mga kabataan natin kung ano ang nangyari hindi lang sa comfort women story pero 'yung mga nangyari talaga noong giyera. Napakaraming Pilipino ang nag-sakripisyo at lumaban," she said. 

"Pulang Araw" currently airs on GMA-7 after "24 Oras." It remains in the Top 10 most streamed show in Netflix Philippines since it premiered last July 29. —

Blackpink's Lisa, Cher, Tyla ramp up Victoria's Secret 2024 comeback show

FASHION AND BEAUTY

Thai singer Lisa (R) performs during Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Duggal Greenhouse at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York on October 15, 2024. AFP / Angela Weiss

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

October 16, 2024 | 2:07pm

MANILA, Philippines — Pop stars Lisa of Blackpink and Cher opened and closed the comebacking Victoria's Secret Fashion show in a dramatic fashion. 

 The almost two-hour fashion and music extravaganza made its return after 2018's last show. 

The K-pop star opened the show via her grand entrance leaning on a bike wearing a two-piece ensemble. She quickly hit the first few notes of her "Rockstar" song released last June. 

She did her a bit of dancing and catwalk to her song, and the first to come out among the returning Angels is supermodel Gigi Hadid in light pink ensemble and her own wings. 

"I'm super excited right now. I've been a big fan, so you know it's like a dream come true. I'm just so happy to be part of this iconic comeback," Lisa said during the pre-show interview. 

The show was divided into five segments, with each models wearing light to dark colors as the show progressed. 

Supermodels spotted on the Victoria's Secret runway included Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid, Kate Moss and Tyra Banks. 

Tyla, meanwhile, went the opposite way in terms of her ensemble — a blinged out lingerie complemented by feathered wings. 

She sang two of her songs, "Push 2 Start" and the popular song "Water." 

Lisa came to dish out her other freshly released song earlier this month, "Moonlit," which interpolates lyrics and melody from Sixpence None The Richer's hit song "Kiss Me." 

The K-pop star, this time, wore her own wings as she sang to her latest single while the models strutted the stage. 

Victoria's Secret aptly ended its all-women show with a mini Cher number, where the icon was given her own choral entrance and back-up dancers. 

An all-women choir lined up the stage vocalizing on Cher's song and then it quickly cut to the icon making her grand entrance with backup dancers as she sang "Strong Enough."

Dressed in a front corset and tight black pants, Cher was given a three-step golden platform where she continued to perform her other iconic song "Believe." 

Supermodels went back on stage, all doing the customary finale catwalk, coming out one after another. 

Supermodel Tyra Banks closed the come backing show, confidently owning the Victoria's Secret 2024 stage. 

Nadine Lustre finds a way to 'remove' people in photos, thanks to AI

 

Actress Nadine Lustre in the Oppo store in SM Sta. Rosa, Laguna for the launch of the Oppo Reno 12 5G series on July 13, 2024

Philstar.com / Kathleen A. Llemit

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

July 19, 2024 | 10:32am

MANILA, Philippines — For Nadine Lustre, removing people in her photos can be as easy as a click or tap on the phone.

"It's really important for my photos to be clean, and to be more minimal, minimalist," the actress kept repeating last Saturday, when she helped Oppo launch its new and first artificial intelligence (AI) series, the Reno 12 Series 5G in SM Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

The singer-actress, who is known for spending a lot of her time in the island destination of Siargao, also shared her thoughts on artificial intelligence in general. 

"Honestly, I think it's amazing that, you know, that AI is available now just because it's accessible. It's already in your phone, as compared to before na, we really have to plug in to our laptops and edit everything, which really takes a long time. So, I'm very happy that at least now after I take the photo, I can easily use it now and edit my content and mas mabilis," she said. 

The Reno 12 Series 5G features upgraded AI Eraser 2.0, which now has a “Remove People” function on top. As its name suggests, the function allows users to "erase" people or objects in a photo or selfie in a matter of seconds as long as the smartphone is connected to the Internet. 

Nadine also explained that the improved erase function allows her to edit any element that distracts the look that she aims for in her photos. 

The Reno phones' erase function also have the improved accuracy of Smart Lasso and Paint Over functions since their initial introduction in the Reno11 Series 5G last April.

Apart from these, the series also features an AI Studio, which allows users to create their own digital avatars. 

Playwright Floy Quintos dies

 

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

April 27, 2024 | 11:04pm

MANILA, Philippines — Playwright and director Floy Quintos passed away on Saturday morning. He was 63. 

His niece, Celina Quintos, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post. 

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I, on behalf of my family, announce that Floy Quintos, esteemed playwright and director, but more importantly beloved brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend, has returned to the arms of the Lord. He passed suddenly in the ER (emergency room) from a heart attack this morning," Celina wrote. 

She added that arrangements are being made for Quintos' wake at the Arlington Memorial Chapels. They will be posting the date and time once they have arranged it. 

Quintos wrote several Palanca-winning pieces, including "The Kundiman Party" and "The Reconciliation Dinner." He also served as the creative director of the opening ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), which the Philippines hosted. 

He also appeared as one of the council members of GMA-7's artista search "Starstruck." 

Female Aeta makes history as 1st Criminology board passer from her tribe

 

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

March 20, 2024 | 2:00pm

MANILA, Philippines —Lady Anne Duya is said to be the first female from her tribe to pass the Criminology licensure exams.

In an ABS-CBN report, it said that the Porac, Pampanga-raised Duya passed the recent Criminologist licensure exam. 

Duya hails from the Mag-indi or Mag-antsi tribe. She was among the scholars of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Pampanga and her provincial government. According to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Ayta Mag-antsi and Mag-indi are a group that live in the central portion of the Zambales Mountain Ranges, particularly within Pampanga.

She graduated from Central Luzon College of Science and Technology in July 2023 and was awarded with several citations, including Most Outstanding Criminology intern, service awardee and Best in Thesis. 

"Sana 'wag mawalan ng pag-asa. Mangarap lang nang mangarap kasi hindi tayo babae lang o hindi tayo Aeta lang kundi isa rin tayo sa mga tao na puwedeng tumupad sa mga pangarap natin," Duya said. 

Duya is among the 15,684 out of 32,495 who passed the Licensure Examination for Criminologists given by the Board of Criminology last February. The Professional Regulation Commission released the result last March 6. 

In January last year, Dexter Santos Valenton became the first Aeta to pass the Criminology Board Exam.