Stars come out for ABS-CBN Ball 2025

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 5, 2025 11:43 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Experience the magic of Filipino storytelling and see your favorite Kapamilya stars in their red-carpet looks by tuning in on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, iWantTFC, and TFC-IPTV. Catch the replays on Metro Channel starting April 6 and on Kapamilya Channel and TFC-IPTV beginning April 13.

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Coco Martin and Julia Montes

It was a night of 100 celebrities or even more. Imagine a gathering of stars all in one place, and it felt like a big celebration of talent and fun.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as actors, musicians, and very important persons (VIPs) mingled and shared laughs. Everyone was dressed to impress, from stunning gowns to stylish tuxedos, creating a vibrant and glamorous vibe. It was one of those nights where everyone was having a great time, making it truly unforgettable. 

Stars and VIPs walked the red carpet at Solaire North in Quezon City on April 4. The ABS-CBN Ball, previously known as the Star Magic Ball, started in 2007 and has become one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment industry. 

This year, ABS-CBN celebrates the power of Filipino storytelling at the much-awaited "ABS-CBN Ball 2025: Brighter Together" by paying tribute to the stories that inspire, entertain, and uplift while reflecting the lives, hopes, and dreams of Filipinos worldwide.

Aside from honoring the stars and people who bring these stories to life, the ABS-CBN Ball also shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals behind the scenes—employees and creatives—whose passion and talent help elevate Filipino storytelling, and industry partners—networks, digital platforms, and advertisers—who help bring meaningful stories to more audiences worldwide.

This year’s ball is an event with a cause: a portion of the proceeds will support the ABS-CBN Foundation’s programs.

Experience the magic of Filipino storytelling and see your favorite Kapamilya stars in their red-carpet looks by tuning in on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, iWantTFC, and TFC-IPTV. Catch the replays on Metro Channel starting April 6 and on Kapamilya Channel and TFC-IPTV beginning April 13.

Check out some of the eye-catching looks from the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 in these snaps shared by Nice Print Photography and ABS-CBN:

Jane De Leon

BINI Aiah

BINI Maloi

BINI Stacey

BINI Gwen

BINi Colet

BINI Sheena

BINI Mikha

BINI Jhoanna

Janine Gutierrez

Andrea Bautista

Anne Curtis-Smith

Rep. Arjo Atayde

Ashley Ortega and Mavy Legaspi

Chai Fonacier and Jake Cuenca

Charo Santos-Concio

Annette Gozon-Valdes (Instagram)

Sharon Cuneta and former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan (Instagram)

Daniel Padilla

Darren Espanto

Cassandra Danielle B. Ynares and mom Andrea Bautista. Cassandra is the granddaughter of former Rizal Governors Casimiro 'Ito' Ynares and Rebecca 'Nini' Ynares, and the niece of Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. Carrying on her family’s legacy of public service, Cassandra is a passionate advocate for youth development and welfare, with a special focus on children’s mental health. She is committed to creating supportive environments where young people can thrive emotionally and intellectually.

Dimples Romana

Dominic Roque and Sue Ramirez

Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano

Elisse Joson

Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz

Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra

Gary V and Angeli Pangilinan

Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto

Heart Evangelista

Ivana Alawi

Kaladkaren

Kathryn Bernardo

KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad

Kim Chiu and Paolo Avelino

Kyle Echarri

Direk Lauren Dyogi

Lovi Poe

Maris Racal

Maymay Entrata

Melai Cantiveros

Nadine Lustre

Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid

Piolo Pascual

Richard Gutierrez

Samantha Bernardo

Sofronio Vasquez

Vice Ganda

JhaiHo

High chance of rain across parts of Mindanao, Palawan due to ITCZ — PAGASA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 6, 2025 09:52 AM

  

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, April 6 warned of scattered light to heavy rains across parts of Mindanao and Palawan over the next 24 hours.

PAGASA said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)—which occurs when winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge—will bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms to Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Palawan.

Residents in these areas are warned of the possibility of flash floods or landslides, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is expected to experience generally partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, with a chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon or evening, due to the easterlies.

The easterlies are warm winds from the Pacific Ocean.

PAGASA also advised the public to remain vigilant during severe thunderstorms, as these could trigger flash floods or landslides.

The Secret Side of Philippines No One Talks About! | Travel Video 4K

Discover The Secret Side of the Philippines No One Talks About! in stunning 4K travel footage! From the mystical beauty of Siquijor, known for its enchanting legends, to the breathtaking underwater paradise of Tubbataha Reef in Palawan, the Philippines is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. Experience the untouched charm of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, a cultural and natural wonder. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this video is your ultimate travel 2025 guide. Get ready to uncover the Philippines like never before! Subscribe for more 4K tourism content and let this travel 2025 video inspire your next trip. Your travel 2025 adventure starts now! 00:00 Intro 03:53 Coron Palawan 06:05 Chocolate Hills, Bohol 08:15 Hundred Islands, Pangasinan 10:14 Boracay Island, Aklan 12:28 Ilocos, Norte 15:03 Intramuros, Manila 16:49 Nacpan Beach, Palawan 19:10 El Nido, Palawan 21:22 Malapascua, Cebu 23:50 Apo Island, Negros Oriental 25:54 Tinago Island, Lanao Del Norte 28:14 Siquijor 30:04 Sagada Valley, Mountain Province 32:04 Tablas Island, Romblon 34:15 Zamboanga 36:12 Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao 38:27 Balicasag Island, Bohol 40:40 Taal Volcano, Batangas 42:59 Palawan 45:02 Siargao, Surigao Del Norte 47:16 Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur 49:26 Lake Sebu, South Cotabato 51:32 Camiguin 53:43 Mayon Volcano, Albay 56:03 Tubbataha Reef, Palawan 58:21 Batangas 01:00:30 Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Morissette - LOVE THE PHILIPPINES (Official Music Video)

630,449 views  Feb 14, 2025  #LoveThePhilippines

Love echoes across the 7,641 islands of the Philippines.

From the gentle hums of everyday life to the shared laughter over a warm, indulgent meal. From the rhythmic crash of waves against our shores to the rustling of leaves in our forests. From the quiet moments of gratitude to the thunderous cheers of triumph—big and small.

Wherever you are in the world, whatever love means to you, we invite you to listen to the melodies of love that take you home to the Philippines.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Asia's Phoenix, Morissette, for gracing us with her incredible talent and genuine love for the Philippines!

Tough luck for Pagara, Progella in Nuvali Asian beach spikefest

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Apr 4, 2025 08:24 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sofia Pagara aand Khylem Progella had their sizzling run doused by a dispiriting officiating blunder as China’s Yu Tong and Jiang Kaiyue beat the Alas Pilipinas duo, 14-21-15-21, on Thursday in the Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

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Sofia Pagara aand Khylem Progella had their sizzling run doused by a dispiriting officiating blunder as China’s Yu Tong and Jiang Kaiyue beat the Alas Pilipinas duo, 14-21-15-21, on Thursday in the Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

(Contributed photo)

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Invitational champions, coming off a straight-sets win in their opener, looked set to seize a set from the pair of Chinese six-footers when they held a 12-9 lead in the second.

But the streak was halted by an errant ball touch call against the Filipinas by a line judge on a shot that sailed long.

Progella and Pagara, who both stand 5 feet 9 inches, were stunned with the call and the crowd at the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts started shouting in disbelief.

That triggered a series of errors on the Philippine side and allowed the Chinese to regain the lead, scoring eight straight points on the way to their second victory in pool play.

“It’s about momentum in beach volleyball, and it was quite disheartening right when we were getting our groove back. Our run was cut short just because of that very wrong call,” the 19-year-old Progella said.

The 20-year-old Pagara and 19-year-old Pagara, who beat Malaysia’s Ee Ling Pua and Rachael Go of Malaysia, 21-8, 21-18, march on after going 1-1 in pool play of the tournament organized by the PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, also chief of the AVC.

The University of Santo Tomas pair vowed to put the loss behind them and reset as they prepare for the  Round of 16 on Thursday.

“We don’t even want to know right now who we are facing next. For now, we rest,” Pagara said.

The Philippines men’s team also suffered tough early losses on the second day of pool play, as Lerry John Francisco and Edwin Tolentino could not get past Thailand’s Surin Jongklang and Kittituch Khomkham, 14-21, 12-21, and wound up 0-2 in pool play.

Ronniel Rosales and Alex Iraya kept it close against Yosi Firnanda and Danangsyah Pribadi, getting chance to steal the second set but ultimately falling, 16-21, 20-22, to also slip to 0-2 in the 44-team, 11 nation tournament.

Iran’s Ghalehnovi Amirali anad Salemiinjehboroun Bahman romped past China’s Mao Yuan and Lui Yuan, 21-18, 21-7, while Kai Kurokawa and Ryuichi Adachi of Japan downed Lee Cheukhei and Lee Liftung, 21-14, 21-13.

Australia’s Ben Hood and Oliver Merritt squeaked past Song Jinyang and Zhang Tai, 19-21, 21-13, 16-14, while Japan’s Dylan Kurokawa and Yoshiumi Hasegawa routed Uzbekistan’s Dilshodbek Tolibaev and Azamat Daulbaev, 21-8, 21-8.

New Zealand’s John McManaway and James Sadlier defeated Hong Kong’s Kan Szehang and Wong Chun, 21-17, 21-10, while Japan’s Nassim Malki and Kosuke Fukushima overpowered Uzbekistan’s Mustafoev Golibjon and Nodirjon Alekseev, 21-8, 21-6.

SM empowers women artists with sustainability-themed Sining Filipina exhibit

Co-presented by Chinabank and SM Supermalls for the benefit of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Sining Filipina is the Philippines’ only nationwide, all-women art competition.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

On March 27, 2025, ten women artists were celebrated as the best of the best at SM Aura as  Sining Filipina held its awarding ceremony and opened its exhibit. Co-presented by Chinabank and SM Supermalls for the benefit of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Sining Filipina is the Philippines’ only nationwide, all-women art competition.

 

Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future winning artists pose with distinguished guests, including Sining Filipina judge Tina Colayco, Mme. Roswitha Brieger of the Austrian Embassy, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs’ President Joanne Andrada-Zapanta, Chinabank Executive Vice President and Head of the Financial Markets Segment Ollie Palanca, Mme. Endo Akiko of the Japanese Embassy, and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. President Elizabeth Sy.

 

Jowee Anne Aguinaldo (4th from the left) claims first prize in this year’s Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future competition. Presenting the award are (L-R): Austrian Embassy’s Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Chinabank Executive Vice President and Head of the Financial Markets Segment Ollie Palanca, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs’ President Joanne Andrada-Zapanta, Japanese Embassy’s Mme. Endo Akiko, and SM Hotels and Convention Corp. President Elizabeth Sy.

 

Finalists’ artworks are on display at the SM Aura Upper Ground Level Atrium until April 3, 2025. 

 

This year, 52 finalists from across the Philippines were chosen to display their outstanding works, showcasing a wide variety of artistic styles, themes, and mediums–from traditional painting to experimental mixed media. The public is invited to explore this collection of remarkable works at the SM Aura Upper Ground Level Atrium, where the exhibit is open from March 27 to April 3, 2025. 

The Sining Filipina competition not only provides a platform for artistic expression but also offers Filipino women artists a valuable opportunity for recognition and financial support. This year, winners had the chance to take home up to Php 250,000 in cash prizes and gain recognition from the nation's leading art connoisseurs.
 

Wencyl Mallari (center) receives a special award for donating the full value of her paintings for two years in a row to the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs’ charitable endeavors. 

 

Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future champion Jowee Anne Aguinaldo wins Php 250,000 in cash and a custom trophy for her painting titled “Panagtagpi-tagpi.”

 

Geanne Gentizon from Guimaras Island wins second place with her painting titled “Si Nanay sa Merkado,” taking home Php 150,000 in cash and a custom Sining Filipina trophy.

 

“Pinagtagpi-tagpi” by 3rd placer Shara Chan is an ode to women’s roles in sustainability efforts across the Philippines.

 

4th placer Ma. Jezsheel Asares with her painting “Bayan ni Juana.”  

5th placer Sunshine Vitto wins Php 50,000 and a Sining Filipina trophy for her artwork “Salamin ng Kahapon.”

 

As the exhibit continues at SM Aura, visitors can experience the powerful narratives and emotions conveyed through the artworks, as well as witness the immense talent shaping the future of Philippine art. 

 

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future, whose work continues to inspire and showcase the limitless potential of women in the arts!

 

For more information on SM Supermalls’ activities empowering women and the arts, follow @SMSupermalls on all social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com.