Jasmine Curtis-Smith Refutes Rumors of Cosmetic Surgery Amid Appearance Changes

Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith addressed circulating online rumors suggesting she had undergone cosmetic surgery, firmly denying the claims. In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Curtis-Smith explained that her altered appearance is the result of a recent weight increase and emotional stress rather than medical enhancement. She wrote, \"I\'ve seen the Reddit rumor and comments. No, I haven\'t gotten anything done to my face. I have gained 6kgs from my recent trip to Australia and have been crying on and off for a few days.\" Curtis-Smith emphasized that the changes are natural and related to personal circumstances, rejecting speculation about surgical interventions.

Puerto Princesa Councilor Proudly Supports Daughter in MMFF Parade of Stars

Puerto Princesa Councilor Matthew Mendoza recently shared his excitement and pride as he supported his daughter, Bea Mendoza, during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Bea, one of the leading stars of the film #ImPerfect, participated in the festival’s highly anticipated Parade of Stars. Mendoza expressed his admiration for Bea’s outstanding presence during the event. "Ate Bea was truly shining at the Parade of Stars! We are incredibly proud of her," he remarked. In a heartfelt social media post, Mendoza encouraged the public to support his daughter and the entire cast of #ImPerfect, which is set to be shown on December 25. He wrote, "Let us all support her and the whole cast of #ImPerfect, screening this December 25." Bea’s involvement in the MMFF adds to the excitement surrounding the festival’s annual celebration of Filipino cinema, highlighting emerging talents and established artists alike.

Happy Ongpauco Tiu Curates Festive Christmas Décor in Her Home

Happy Ongpauco Tiu took hands-on control of her home’s Christmas decoration, meticulously arranging every detail from the indoor table settings to outdoor embellishments. In a recent social media post, she showcased her festively adorned living space featuring lush poinsettias, sparkling fairy lights, and a majestic Christmas tree that anchors the room’s holiday theme. The festive spirit extended beyond the home’s interior, with cheerful additions like a Santa Claus figurine positioned on the fence, enhancing the holiday ambiance at the doorstep. Consistent with her signature style, Ongpauco Tiu carefully layered various ornaments, greenery, and seasonal accents to achieve a harmonious and well-rounded décor throughout the property. She explained in her caption that her intention was to infuse the environment with warmth, comfort, and an inviting holiday spirit for both family and guests.

Timezone Eyes Expansion Amid Growing Demand for Experiential Retail in the Philippines

Timezone, a leading entertainment chain owned by The Entertainment and Education Group (TEEG), is gearing up to expand its footprint in the Philippines as consumer demand shifts from products to experiential offerings. This trend is bolstered by local developers transforming malls into dynamic lifestyle hubs. "There is a global shift that’s so profound in the Philippines where there’s more demand for experiences than products," said Sonaal Chopra, CEO of TEEG, headquartered in Australia. "As malls such as those developed by Ayala, SM, and Robinsons evolve into experience-centered destinations, Timezone is positioned right at the forefront." Since launching its inaugural Philippine outlet in 1998, Timezone has grown from a simple arcade to a comprehensive entertainment network with 51 full-scale venues and over 50 smaller locations nationwide. Notably, more than two-thirds of these venues now offer multiple attractions. Chopra highlighted, "Following our transition to multi-attraction formats, visitation rates have increased by 23% this year in the Philippines." The surge in experience-focused retail aligns with a broader expansion in the country’s shopping infrastructure. Retail space completion tripled to 265,000 square meters this year from 86,900 square meters previously, with expectations of an additional 111,000 square meters by 2028, according to market analysts. Timezone’s growth strategy hinges on continual innovation, network expansion, and deepening guest engagement. Approximately 25% to 30% of the game offerings are refreshed each year to maintain excitement and variety. Karaoke rooms, immensely popular among Filipino consumers, are a key focus; plans include enlarging the number of rooms and regularly updating song libraries. Other favored attractions include Street Fighter, basketball zones, virtual reality, photo booths, and social bowling. The chain also caters to corporate clients with party room bookings, especially during peak holiday seasons. Chopra emphasized the company’s strategy to broaden its reach beyond Metro Manila into regional centers, responding to lifestyle developments in provincial areas. "Next year, we’re launching new venues in Bacolod and Solenad in Laguna, with Baguio and Pampanga also in our expansion pipeline," he said. Additionally, Timezone leverages digital solutions such as the Timezone Fun App, which boasts over one million downloads from Philippine users. The app enables seamless card reloads, offers exclusive promotions, and tracks rewards, enhancing customer interaction. Despite the rise of digital gaming, Chopra noted the pandemic increased the appetite for shared, in-person entertainment. "Shopping centers are investing heavily to reinvent themselves, driven by consumers placing greater value on time and social connections post-COVID," he explained. Timezone Philippines operates via a joint venture between TEEG and Ayala Land, Inc. The company plans to open between 30 and 40 new venues annually across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Australia, and New Zealand. "We have a striking opportunity to double our network size in existing markets over the next five years," Chopra added. When asked about his personal favorite Timezone feature, Chopra noted his affinity for social bowling and the innovative ColourGrid attraction. "When I’m in the Philippines, I try the karaoke booths, though I must admit... Filipinos sing so well, I can’t compete," he remarked with a smile.

Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval Presents Best Actor Award at 51st Metro Manila Film Festival

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval took part in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal as one of the event presenters. Expressing her honor at being part of the star-studded occasion, Sandoval said, "Isang karangalan po ang makasama sa naging makulay na Gabi ng Parangal ng 51st Metro Manila Film Fest na dinaluhan ng mga tanyag na bituin at personalidad sa industriya ng pelikula." During the ceremony, Mayor Sandoval presented the Best Actor award to Vice Ganda, recognizing his outstanding performance in the high-grossing movie "Call Me Mother." This marked Vice Ganda's first MMFF Best Actor win. The film also features acclaimed actress Nadine Lustre. Mayor Sandoval expressed gratitude to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for spearheading the event, which celebrates excellence, talent, and passion within the Philippine film industry. She stated, "Maraming salamat sa Metropolitan Manila Development Authority sa pangunguna sa programang ito na ipinagdiriwang ang tunay na husay, talento, at pagmamahal sa industriya." Concluding her remarks, she congratulated all the winners and extended her support for Filipino cinema, saying, "Congratulations sa mga nagwagi! Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino."

Hong Kong Disneyland Commemorates 20th Anniversary with Festive Events and Lea Salonga Concert

Hong Kong Disneyland is celebrating its 20th anniversary throughout the year by offering a variety of seasonal attractions and activities across multiple park areas. Visitors can enjoy festive decorations and themed experiences in popular sections such as World of Frozen, Toy Story Land, and Fantasyland. At World of Frozen, guests are immersed in a winter wonderland with Arendellian-inspired decorations featuring Anna and Elsa. An ice sculpture of Kristoff and his reindeer Sven serves as a centerpiece for "Kristoff\'s Sven-Tastic Surprise," an interactive event that encourages guest participation. In Fantasyland, holiday embellishments adorn the Cinderella Carousel, enhanced with lights and festive details that have become a favorite photo spot for visitors. Additional seasonal celebrations are taking place in Zootopia, Adventureland, and Main Street, USA, with themed culinary offerings such as waffles, paw-shaped mousse cakes, and blueberry pies. A standout event in the anniversary lineup is the "Disney Legend Live in Concert" featuring Lea Salonga, a celebrated performer who previously graced the park during its grand opening in 2005. She will return on January 10, 2026, for a one-night-only concert showcasing songs from Disney animated classics. The concert will feature accompaniment by a string ensemble from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra alongside the Hong Kong Disneyland Band. The performance will be conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga, Lea\'s brother, adding a personal touch to the highly anticipated event.

Jessica Sanchez Reflects on Milestone Year with AGT Victory and Motherhood

Jessica Sanchez has described 2025 as \"the most incredible year of my life,\" highlighting key moments such as the birth of her child and her triumphant return to America\'s Got Talent (AGT). In a heartfelt Instagram message, the singer reflected on a year filled with personal and professional milestones. \"From the moment I found out we were expecting our little miracle, to stepping onto the \'America\'s Got Talent\' stage... and then winning it... and welcoming a healthy, beautiful baby into our world. My heart is overflowing with gratitude,\" Jessica expressed. She extended thanks to God, her family, her team, and supporters who have stood by her through every chapter of her journey. \"This year changed me forever, as an artist, as a woman, and as a mother. I am so excited for everything the new year holds,\" she added. Jessica first gained national attention at age 10 when she reached the semifinals on AGT. She later achieved widespread recognition as the runner-up on \"American Idol\" Season 11. Her recent AGT comeback in July saw her performing \"Beautiful Things\" by Benson Boone, earning a golden buzzer from Sofia Vergara. In the finale, she captivated audiences with \"Golden Hour\" by JVKE, ultimately securing her victory. In addition to touring, Jessica recently performed during the New Year\'s countdown in the Philippines. Looking ahead, she is slated to perform at the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu, as the Philippines assumes the chairmanship in May. She is also preparing to release a new album featuring Tagalog songs and collaborations with Filipino artists, signaling a meaningful connection to her heritage and fans worldwide. \"Thank you for walking this journey with me. I love you all so much,\" Jessica concluded, underscoring the gratitude that has defined her landmark year.

Jillian Ward Shares Pressure and Excitement Ahead of "Never Say Die" Premiere

Kapuso actress Jillian Ward revealed feeling both honored and pressured following the unveiling of a giant billboard advertising her upcoming series "Never Say Die" along EDSA. Sharing a photo of the impressive billboard, Jillian expressed her gratitude, stating, \"It was such an honor na ilagay ang show namin sa pinakamalaking billboard ng GMA.\" While thrilled about the exposure, she admitted the size of the campaign adds to her sense of responsibility.\n\n"Sa totoo lang masaya ako, pero nakakadagdag ng pressure, ganoon, which is a good thing din naman po," Jillian noted. The actress, who is venturing into action for the first time with this project, said the challenge has motivated her to perform well during taping.\n\n"First time ko kasi din po talaga mag-action eh. So di ko sasabihin na madali ang journey ko dito sa show na ito dahil ‘yun first time ko nga mag-action tapos syempre primetime pa siya. Mas nakakadagdag po ng kaba pero more than that parang ini-enjoy ko kasi ‘yung taping days namin," she shared.\n\nJillian also praised her co-stars David Licauco, Raheel Bhyria, and Kim Ji Soo. About Raheel, she described him as a supportive confidant who offers valuable life advice. \"Si Raheel, lagi siyang andiyan sa akin para makinig. If kailangan ko siya, very supportive. Kumbaga pwede kang mag-share sa kaniya ng mga personal na nangyayari sa life mo. Magbibigay siya ng life advices,\" she said, adding that Raheel is surprisingly well-read and knowledgeable.\n\nRegarding Kim Ji Soo, Jillian characterized him as \"medyo makulit\" yet very dedicated and focused on set, qualities she admires from working with him on a previous project.\n\nDavid Licauco, according to Jillian, inspires her confidence and intellect. \"He makes me feel like an empowered woman kahit na younger ako sa kaniya. 'Pag kausap ko po si David, talagang parang 'ay wow feeling ko ano, feeling ko ang dami kong natututunan.' He makes me feel like I’m smart also,\" she said.\n\nOn a more playful note, Jillian addressed curiosity about the mystery man in her viral TikTok video following the \"Big Guy\" trend. Though keeping his identity under wraps, she hinted that the man is quite tall and was crouching to avoid showing his face. \"Hayaan niyo naman akong kiligin. Mag-21 na ako," she quipped, teasing a forthcoming video reveal.\n\n"Never Say Die" also features a star-studded cast including Raymart Santiago, Richard Yap, Angelu De Leon, Analyn Barro, and Wendell Ramos. The series is slated to premiere soon on GMA Prime.

BTS Announces Global Tour Following New Album Release

South Korean K-pop sensation BTS has confirmed it will kick off a global concert tour this April, following the release of their first album in more than three years. The tour is scheduled to commence on April 9 in Goyang, South Korea, and will feature a total of 79 performances across Asia, the United States, and Europe through July, according to the group’s management agency. The band recently concluded a hiatus during which all seven members completed South Korea's mandatory military service. Ahead of the tour, BTS is set to release their new album on March 20, although the album's title has yet to be disclosed. BTS’ previous album, "Proof," released in 2022, achieved significant global success, debuting at number one in 18 countries and accumulating approximately 16.7 billion streams worldwide. The group is managed by Hybe Co, which serves as the parent company of BTS' label and agency. This return marks a major milestone for the group and their fans, signaling a full-scale comeback to the international music scene with extensive touring and new music releases.

ABS-CBN: Philippines' Premier Media and Entertainment Powerhouse

ABS-CBN stands as the Philippines' leading media and entertainment company, recognized for its extensive reach across television, radio, digital media, and film industries. The network is dedicated to delivering high-quality content that resonates with Filipino audiences and upholds the nation's core values. Beyond entertainment, ABS-CBN prioritizes public service, aiming to inspire and unify viewers both within the country and internationally. The company’s commitment extends to a strong corporate governance framework and investor relations, ensuring transparency and sustained growth. With a strategic focus on international distribution, ABS-CBN continues to expand its global footprint, connecting Filipino communities worldwide through its diverse and meaningful programming.