The STANDS - An Inquirer Sports Newsletter

 

May 17, 2024

The Lady Bulldogs are once again queens of the UAAP. (AUGUST DELA CRUZ)

Hey there sports fan, Before anything else, a question: The NU Lady Bulldogs won their second UAAP volleyball title in three years and how many overall in school history? The answer is at the end of this email. Congratulations are in order for National University, which dominated UAAP Season 86 volleyball with a golden double. The men's and women's teams defeated their rivals from University of Santo Tomas via sweeps. Like men's coach Dante Alinsunurin said, they're out to dominate the UAAP. The amazing Bulldogs won their fourth straight men's crown and proved that they are still the league standard. Not even a UST team that rode into the Finals on the wings of history could stop them. The Lady Bulldogs, meanwhile, proved a tough nut to crack. Led by Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon and two-time league MVP Bella Belen, NU crushed the hopes of a young and undersized—but hard-fighting—UST Tigresses.  Granted, Santo Tomas entered the Finals with a handicap: Top gun and runaway rookie of the year award winner Angge Poyos rolled her ankle in Game 1 and started on one good leg in Game 2. But the depth and spunky character that carried UST to a surprise Finals appearance were enough to forge a 1-1 tie in Game 2, and a lead late in Set 3. Until they weren't. NU's experience and nerves came to the fore and in the end, the Lady Bulldogs reclaimed the title they lost to La Salle last season.

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Ivy Lacsina is at the center of a talked-about swap between sister teams.  (PVL IMAGES)

Meanwhile... …The Inquirer broke a story​ about a trade between sister teams Akari and Nxled recently and it caught a lot of people by surprise. Nobody was more surprised than PVL president Ricky Palou, who thought he made it clear​ that sister teams can no longer engage in swap meets.  The trade, still unofficial, nearly took the spotlight off Creamline's amazing run​ back to the throne of the All-Filipino, after a conference where the country's winningest volleyball club looked highly vulnerabl​e​. In the PBA, San Miguel Beer survived an unexpected challenge​ from Terrafirma and the Philippine Cup's top seed needed to reach for its twice-to-beat card to send the Dyip packing​ and enter the semifinalist, where it will battle surprise entrant Rain or Shine. More on the PBA: I think this story​ is not getting the attention it deserves.  What we're up to next: NBA! PBA! Basketball will switch to higher gear as the Philippine Cup enters its semifinal round, with intriguing matchups headed your way. Aside from the battle between the Beermen and the Elastopainters, we'll also have old rivals Barangay Ginebra and Meralco squaring off in  the other side of the semifinal fence. In the NBA, the playoffs is also kicking into high gear with the conference Finals looming. Stay up-to-date by keeping it here across all our platforms. Number of the Week: 25 Number of athletes the Philippine Olympic Committee hopes it will field in this year's Paris Olympics.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We don 't have anyone to match up against them, but we will make things difficult for them.” —Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, on his team's semifinal showdown against San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Cup.

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Four. That's the answer to the trivia question above. Think you can ace the rest of the quiz? head over to our Viber community and try the test out! Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

Vivamax reaches another milestone with 11 million subscribers

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

May 16, 2024 11:07 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• To celebrate this 11-million milestone, the spotlight is on 11 new artists to heat Vivamax even more!

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Vivamax has reached another milestone! In just one year, Vivamax subscribers have grown to 11 million, up from 7 million in June 2023. Launched in January 2021, Vivamax is still the fastest-growing video-on-demand service in the country.  In three years, Vivamax’s content has vastly grown. To date, it has close to 500 titles, and the original productions are already nearing 200. Every week there are brand new releases, proving that Vivamax keeps pushing its limits in giving the audience immense satisfaction. To celebrate this 11-million milestone, the spotlight is on 11 new artists to heat Vivamax even more!Dyessa Garcia was first seen in “Tuhog” and “Araro” in 2023, then started playing a major role in “Dilig” in January of this year, followed by “Kabit” in February. Most recently, she played a character who explored her sexuality in the movie “Sweet Release”, opposite Vivamax Princess Ataska.  It enjoyed the top spot in Vivamax movies upon its release this past April. 

Rica Gonzales made it easy for the viewers to go crazy over her from the time she showed off her alluring beauty in “Hibang” last year. Her follow up movies this year showed her versatility as an actress. She’s a manipulative bride in “Dilig”, a carefree girlfriend in “Mapanukso”, a sickly and weak wife in “Kapalit”, and a sexy dancer seeking a new life in “Dayo”.  

Christy Imperial was already in the company of today’s brightest actors in her first projects on Vivamax. She was part of the cast of “The Rain in España”, “La Querida”, “Dirty Ice Cream”, and “Asintado”. Even as she enters showbiz, Imperial still keeps up with her studies and other interests. She is good in swimming and volleyball, and can do ramp modelling. 

Arah Alonzo’s first two Vivamax movies were “Araro” and “Sex Games” in 2023. This year, she had lustful encounters in “Kalikot” and “Stag”. Alonzo had acting workshops as a child. Much later, she joined pageants and became part of “Sexy Babe”, a segment on It’s Showtime. She was then referred to the management of Jojo Veloso, which opened up opportunities for her.

Vern Kaye can sing and dance in real life. In reel life, she sure can play an unfaithful wife. In “Kasalo”, she hops in bed with Albie Casiño whom she met in a car sharing app. In “Salitan”, she gives in to temptation with a complete stranger even as she is married to the character of Nico Locco. Viewers should see what more Kaye has to offer in Vivamax. 

Athena Red is of Filipino, Spanish and Kuwaiti descent. She is a culinary student, and has done modeling gigs. She describes herself as funny, but serious about making it in showbiz. Vivamax is cooking up something where her acting skills will be showcased. First on the list is “Ang Pintor at ang Paraluman”. 

Alessandra Cruz is completely new to the industry, but being here has been her dream since she was little. Discovered through talent agencies, Cruz says that she is eager to learn and is very grateful for the opportunity Vivamax is giving her. “Nurse Abi”, her first movie project, is coming out in July. 

Jenn Rosa was part of the series “Araro” in 2023. This May, she is one of the three lead stars in “Kulong”, a movie about three friends who aim to write a great screenplay. To get them inspired, they go on a sexual adventure. She also stars in “TL”, now streaming on Vivamax. Rosa’s beautiful and fit figure could be attributed to her love for vegetables. 

Candy Veloso hails from Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur. She moved to Manila just last year. Veloso admits that getting into showbiz was not in her plans, but her appearance in It’s Showtime segment Expecially For You went viral, and soon after she was discovered by Jojo Veloso. Her first acting experience was in “Kapalit”, and now she’s starring in “Dirty Ice Cream.”

Mariane Saint has attended different workshops to prepare her for the challenging and titillating Vivamax movies in store for her. First on the list is “Top 1”. Keep tuned in for the release date, and find out if she’ll be a saint or a sinner. In an Instagram post, Saint has expressed her gratitude to her manager Lito De Guzman, and her excitement for her professional growth.

Skye Gonzaga is one of the metro’s hippiest DJs, and has just signed a contract as the official DJ artist under Viva Artist Talent Management. If you enjoy listening to her, you’ll also love watching her. Her voluptuous body is a sight to behold in her upcoming Vivamax movies, “Only Friends”, and “Ang Pintor at ang Paraluman.”  

Vivamax has built up the careers of many talented artists such as Angeli Khang, Azi Acosta, Yen Durano, Christine Bermas, Robb Guinto, Angela Morena, Micaella Raz and AJ Raval. Through the 2023 reality show,“Pantaxa (extreme 4play)”, Vivamax has also paved the way for beautiful, brave, and determined young women like Aiko Garcia, Apple Dy, and Angelica Hart to become the VMX Crushes that they are now. That said, the 11 new artists are definitely in good hands. 

Sandara, CL, Minzy, Park Bom reunite to mark 2NE1’s 15th anniversary

BY JONATHAN HICAP

May 17, 2024 08:00 AM

  

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The former members of K-pop girl group 2NE1 celebrated their 15th anniversary by releasing group photos and greeting their fans. 

2NE1 debuted in May 2009 under YG Entertainment with Sandara Park, CL, Minzy and Park Bom. In November 2016, the agency announced the group’s disbandment. 

(From left) 2NE1's Sandara Park, CL, Minzy and Park Bom pose for a photo to mark their 15th anniversary (Instagram)

On May 17 KST, Sandara, CL, Minzy and Park Bom uploaded photos on their Instagram accounts showing them in group photos and greeted their fans.  

It was on May 17, 2009 when 2NE1 made their debut performance on a TV music show following the release of their song “Fire.” 

Along with the photos, each member greeted fans. 

“2NE1 has always been my house that made me feel the freedom to love, to play, to express , to create , to shine , to mix, to connect and share with people. Hope today 2NE1 reminds you to feel your light ::) Thank you alwayz NOLZA,” CL wrote. 

Sandara posted, “Happy 15th Anniversary 2NE1 & Blackjacks.”

“Happy 15th anniversary. Love you, BlackJack,” Minzy posted on Instagram. 

Park Bom wrote, “#214L Happy 15th anniversary 2NE1.” 

In April 2022, 2NE1 had a reunion performance at Coachella in the US, performing “I’m The Best” at Coachella’s main stage as part of 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Forever. 

Sandara, meanwhile, visited the Philippines with Minzy and had a reunion with her teacher and adviser. 

These Filipino personalities brought major style moments at the Gold Gala 2024

The annual gala puts the spotlight on Asian Pacific changemakers.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

  

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Just in time for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Gold House, the nonprofit organization that amplifies Asian Pacific Americans (AAPI) voices, laid out its red carpet for its annual Gold Gala. Now in its third year, the event aims to put the spotlight on Asian Pacific changemakers through its A100 list.

This year, the gala took place at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles on May 11. On the red carpet, major style moments were served by its attendees, which include noted Filipino personalities. Check out what they wore below:

Geena Rocero (Photo by Sthanlee Mirador)

Geena Rocero

Transgender advocate and “Horse Barbie” author Geena Rocero donned a black strapless gown from Rick Owens’ spring-summer 2024 collection and adorned it with her #Artists4Ceasefire pin.

R’Bonney Gabriel (Photo from @rbonneynola/Instagram)

R’Bonney Gabriel

Filipino designer Ehrran Montoya crafted an ultramarine blue gown, an ode to the classic Maria Clara, for Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel.

Bella Poarch (Photos from @bellapoarch/Instagram)

Bella Poarch 

Social media star Bella Poarch was simply enchanting in her two-piece coquette style Filipiniana ensemble by Filipino designer Vania Romoff. She also served another Filipiniana look, only more dramatic, by Filipino designer Abdul Gaffar.

Gordon Cormier (Photo from @gordoncormier_official/Instagram)

Gordon Cormier

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” star Gordon Cormier charmed everyone on the red carpet with his custom ivory look by New York-based brand Saaf Garments.

Bianca Bustamante (Photo from @racerbia/Instgaram)

Bianca Bustamante

Filipina racing driver Bianca Bustamante was a vision of elegance in a pale blue creation by Filipino designer Monique Lhuillier. 

Manny Jacinto (Photo from @ilariaurbinati/Instagram)

Manny Jacinto

“The Acolyte” star Manny Jacinto looked dashing in his Eleventy Milano ensemble.

David Foster returning to Manila with Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight

From left: Brian McKnight, David Foster, and Katharine McPhee

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

The STAR / file, Katharine McPhee via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning music producer David Foster is coming back to Manila after including the Philippines in his "David Foster & Friends" Asia Tour.

Foster's Philippine return is set on June 18 at the Araneta Coliseum, but he won't be alone.

Accompanying Foster for the special night are his wife Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, All-4-One, as well as local artists JV Decena and Joaquin Garcia.

"American Idol" alumna McPhee is best known for her song "Terrified" with Zachary Levi, while McKnight has churned out R&B hits like "One Last Cry," "Back At One," and "6, 8, 12."

R&B Group All-4-One won a Grammy for their second single "I Swear" and are expected to perform other hits such as "I Can Love You Like That" and "So Much in Love."

Foster, for his part, has won 16 Grammys from 47 nominations and has collaborated with a variety of global artists including Beyonce, Josh Groban, Kenny Rogers, Bryan Adams, Chicago, Diane Warren, and Jake Zyrus.

Tickets for the Philippine leg of the "David Foster & Friends" Asia Tour — an all-seated show — are now available on ticketnet.com.ph ranging from P900 (General Admission) to P15,000 (two SVIP sections in front of the stage):

P900 - General Admission

P1,600 - UB Regular

P3,000 - UB Premium

P3,800 - LB Regular

P5,300 - LB Premium

P6,900 - Patron A (sides) and Patron B

P7,300 - Patron A (center)

P9,300 - VIP (sides)

P12,000 - VIP (center)

P15,000 - SVIP