Precious Paula Nicole Stars in Award-Winning Filipino Short Film at CinePride Festival

MANILA, Philippines — Precious Paula Nicole, winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 1, has again captured attention with her leading role in the short film Lip Sync Assassin. Directed by Jan Galvez, the film premiered at the inaugural CinePride Festival in Los Angeles, an event dedicated to showcasing LGBTQIA+ narratives from around the world. Lip Sync Assassin follows Sampaguita, a drag performer who doubles as a hired assassin to financially support her daughter, ailing mother, and her drag family. The film distinguished itself as the Philippines’ sole entry among over 30 international productions, earning Galvez the Best Director award and Precious the Best Performance in a Leading Role accolade. Galvez explained that Sampaguita’s story is inspired by the collective hardships of Filipino breadwinners, including his personal experience. He emphasized how systemic corruption forces many to adopt desperate measures to provide for their families. "We need to hustle, you know, because society is so corrupt. It’s just sad that people like me still have to fly to another country to support our family," Galvez said. The director also aimed to highlight the often unseen struggles of entertainers and comedians, whose performances mask their personal challenges. Sampaguita embodies this duality as both a compassionate provider and a ruthless killer, illustrating the lengths individuals must sometimes go under oppressive social conditions. Galvez remarked, "That’s the story of Sampaguita but of course, it’s very fictionalized. I wanted to showcase drag excellence and artistry in a creative way." Precious was Galvez’s deliberate choice for the lead role due to her exceptional talent and authentic connection to the character’s narrative. "Beyond Precious’ flawless skills, it is her kindness, passion, and love for her family that made her perfect for Sampaguita," the director shared. Precious echoed this sentiment, relating closely to her character’s circumstances, especially the challenges of caring for an ill mother. Despite the short film’s limited runtime leaving some of Sampaguita’s motivations unexplored, Precious emphasized the importance of viewers understanding why the character resorts to difficult decisions, aiming to raise awareness of unseen struggles. Precious’ accomplishment marks a milestone as the first Filipino drag queen to receive international film recognition, showcasing Filipino artistry on a global stage. "This proves that nothing is impossible. If you work hard, give your best, and pour your heart into your craft, recognition will come," she said. Beyond personal success, Precious hopes her achievement inspires other drag artists to explore new avenues beyond traditional performances. She said, "Who would’ve thought a drag artist could win an award abroad? I want to show other queens that there’s more we can achieve." Lip Sync Assassin, following its success at CinePride 2025, is now part of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival with screenings scheduled across multiple venues in Metro Manila from September 24 to 30. Precious expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Filipino drag culture on an international platform and for the wider message the film delivers about resilience and change.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Tie the Knot in Private Ceremony

Pop singer Selena Gomez and renowned music producer Benny Blanco have officially married. Gomez shared a series of photos and videos from their wedding day on Instagram, revealing that the ceremony took place on September 27, 2025. In the images, Gomez is seen in an elegant backless, halter-top bridal gown, while Blanco wore a traditional tuxedo ensemble. The two first attracted attention as a couple in 2023 when dating rumors surfaced on social media before they confirmed their relationship publicly in December of that year. Their engagement was announced one year later, in December 2024. Benny Blanco, acclaimed for producing chart-topping hits such as Katy Perry’s "I Kissed a Girl" and Kesha’s "Tik Tok," has also worked closely with Gomez, notably on her 2019 single "I Can’t Get Enough." This union marks a significant milestone in both artists’ personal lives. Gomez captioned her Instagram post with the date "9.27.25," commemorating their special day and celebrating their commitment to each other.

Bacolod Artist She Quivis Launches Solo Exhibition at Aida’s Manokan Art District

The recently inaugurated Aida’s Manokan located in the Art District of Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City, is currently hosting its first solo art exhibition, featuring the works of acclaimed local artist and entrepreneur Sherryann Quivis-Candiasan, widely known as "She Quivis." A graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising from La Consolacion College Bacolod, She Quivis integrates her design expertise with a vibrant artistic expression that emphasizes themes such as womanhood, identity, and environmental sustainability. Her repertoire blends bohemian, realist, and contemporary styles, reflecting a deeply personal and nature-inspired aesthetic. Utilizing a variety of mediums including acrylic, pen and ink, watercolor, gouache, and even coffee, her artwork is heavily influenced by her home garden, evident through recurring floral motifs and textured palettes. Notable pieces on display include "Red Munia," executed in acrylic on recycled handmade paper, and other works like "Lemon Blooms" and "Banderas," showcasing her versatility and commitment to eco-friendly materials. In addition to paintings, She Quivis produces unique handcrafted items such as miniature artworks and hand-painted masks. She is also the creative mind behind Ilongga Totes and Basta Ilongga, Gwapa — projects that celebrate local heritage and storytelling. As a dedicated sustainability advocate, her art frequently incorporates recycled materials and eco-conscious methods. Beyond painting, she crafts jewelry from upcycled goods and handmade paper, further reinforcing her commitment to environmental responsibility. Moreover, She Quivis actively collaborates with fellow creatives through groups like the Negros Artists Circle, Inc. (NACI) and ArtistiCrew, fostering local artistry and cultural craftsmanship. Her exhibition not only highlights her distinct artistic vision but also her dedication to community engagement and sustainable practices, inspiring others within and beyond the artistic sphere.

SB19's Justin De Dios Wins Fans as Ec’naad in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre Debut

SB19 member Justin De Dios made a remarkable impact with his inaugural appearance as Ec’naad in the television series "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre" which aired Monday night. His performance swiftly propelled him to the top of trending topics in the Philippines on X (formerly Twitter), where two hashtags linked to his role dominated conversations. The hashtag "JustinBilangEcnaad" secured the number one spot with over 27,000 tweets, while "EncantaJAH" ranked second, amassing more than 37,000 tweets at the time of reporting. Fans lauded Justin for his strong on-screen presence, composure, and impressive physical attributes befitting his character. Support also came from his fellow SB19 member, Stell Ajero, who posted a photo of Ec’naad on television along with the caption, "Lagot kay Ec’naad." On X, Justin lightheartedly joked about his character’s tumbling moves, suggesting that Coach Jay, their dance choreographer, would be thrilled to watch them. Stell responded with a humorous GIF illustrating Coach Jay’s reaction. In a separate tweet, Justin shared highlights from the episode and expressed anticipation for the upcoming installment, tweeting, "Magkita-kita tayo muli bukas sa Devas!" In Monday’s episode, Ec’naad emerges as a formidable warrior and the gatekeeper of the realm of Devas, warning that the living have no right to enter this heavenly domain. Prior to the show’s debut, Justin revealed he underwent acting lessons and fight choreography training to prepare for the role. "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre" features a star-studded cast including Bianca Umali, Angel Guardian, Faith Da Silva, and Kelvin Miranda. The series airs weekdays at 8 p.m. on GMA Network, following "24 Oras," and is also available for streaming on YouTube via Kapuso Stream. Justin’s successful portrayal of Ec’naad marks a promising start to his acting career beyond his established music persona, delighting both loyal fans and new audiences alike.

SB19's Justin De Dios Makes a Strong Debut in "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre" as Ec'naad

SB19 member Justin De Dios captivated audiences with his first appearance as Ec'naad in the latest episode of "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre," which aired Monday. His character, a warrior and gatekeeper of the Devas, plays a pivotal role in barring key characters, including Pirena, Terra, Flamarra, Adamus, and Deia, from entering the celestial realm. Shortly after the episode’s release, Justin’s performance quickly became a hot topic online, securing two spots among the trending topics on X (formerly Twitter) in the Philippines. For those unfamiliar with Justin, he is not only a talented performer but also a key figure behind SB19’s visual identity. Debuting with the group in 2018 alongside Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Josh, Justin serves as SB19’s sub-vocalist, youngest member, and creative director. His responsibilities encompass shaping the group’s artistic direction, including music video concepts and concert visuals. In addition to his contributions to SB19, Justin has propelled his solo career with remarkable creativity. He holds a degree in Multimedia Arts from De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, graduating with Honorable Mention in 2018 while balancing intensive training with his group. In 2024, Justin performed at the opening ceremony of the 100th NCAA season, representing both SB19 and his alma mater. Earlier that year, he released his solo debut single "Surreal," followed by "Kaibigan" in July, both accompanied by visually striking music videos that have garnered praise. Justin has openly shared the nervousness he faced entering the solo music scene, highlighting the challenges behind his transition from group member to solo artist. In 2025, he collaborated with Bicolana singer Dwta on the track "Sampung mga Daliri," showcasing his versatility. Outside of music and acting, Justin embraces life as a pet owner, caring for his three cats: Saoirse, Menggay, and Timtim. His passion for visual arts extends into photography, evidenced by his active film-focused Instagram account under the username justfi7m. Justin De Dios’s emergence in "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre" further solidifies his growing prominence in the entertainment industry, blending his multifaceted talents as an artist and creator.

Carlo Tanseco Unveils "The Anthropometric Man" Exhibition in Makati

Art Cube is set to launch "The Anthropometric Man," the 11th solo exhibition by celebrated multimedia artist Carlo Tanseco, opening on October 4, 2025, in Makati City. This new collection advances Tanseco’s continued investigation into the intersection of form, design, and human expression. In this latest series, Tanseco draws inspiration from anthropometry—the precise study of human body measurement and proportion. Leveraging his architectural background, he transforms anthropometry from a purely scientific practice into a creative framework that centers balance and proportion within his artistic language. For the artist, anthropometry is deeply personal as it was his introductory gateway into architectural education, where the human form is regarded as both the genesis and ultimate user of design. This perspective infuses his work with a humanistic dimension, emphasizing proportion not just as a technical exercise but as a core element of his creative exploration. Known for his fascination with patterns, order, and symmetry, Tanseco’s work simultaneously challenges these principles. His pieces traverse a dynamic space between meticulous structure and purposeful disruption, allowing precision to yield subtly to spontaneity, and uniformity to give way to individuality—while maintaining reverence for the human figure. The exhibition revisits mythological icons including Icarus and Narcissus, emblematic of ambition and beauty, integrating them within his distinctive proportional motifs and layered patterns. Additionally, the artist pays homage to Siargao—a beloved island and personal sanctuary—fusing its landscapes and spirit into his discourse on form. Works such as his yin and yang-inspired pieces manifest a powerful expression of duality and balance, weaving a narrative that connects mythology, place, and memory. A defining feature of this new body of work is Tanseco's use of multi-dimensional canvases that extend beyond traditional flat surfaces into sculptural forms. These three-dimensional, layered artworks maintain his signature symmetrical patterns and intricate detailing, reinforcing continuity with his established aesthetic while expanding the boundaries of his creative practice. Throughout his career, Tanseco’s exhibitions have charted an introspective journey. His debut solo show, "Juxtaposed: Between Order and Complexity" (2021), revealed his trademark style of precise grids disrupted by complexity, featuring mythological and cultural icons. Subsequent shows like "Alias Elias" and "Panapanahon-Paraparaan" offered visual reinterpretations of national hero José Rizal, while "Ex Libris" (2022) reflected on classic literature through symbolic imagery and patterning. More recent exhibitions such as "Lupang Hinirang" (2023) explored Filipino identity via the national anthem, and "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto" (2022) alongside "Waka Waka" (2023) delved into childhood nostalgia with anime and video game references. In his latest shows, "Canned Thoughts" (2024) and "Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi" (2025), Tanseco transformed everyday Filipino consumer goods into artistic canvases, invoking themes of memory, identity, and humor—earning viral acclaim for their innovation and cultural resonance. "The Anthropometric Man" represents the next evolution in Tanseco’s oeuvre, turning inward to explore the human body’s proportions and introducing three-dimensional elements that elevate his ongoing dialogue between order and disruption, personal memory, and cultural meaning. **Selected Works from "The Anthropometric Man" (2025):** - *Anthropometric Man: Dusk and Dawn* — Acrylic on 3D Multi-Layered Canvas with Metal Screws, 36 x 36 x 1.5 inches - *Anthropometric Man: Icarus* — Acrylic on 3D Multi-Layered Canvas with Metal Screws, 37 x 40 x 2 inches - *Anthropometric Man: Surfer 2* — Acrylic on 3D Multi-Layered Canvas with Metal Screws, 30 x 38 x 1.5 inches - *Anthropometric Man: Walk (Right)* — Acrylic on 3D Multi-Layered Canvas with Metal Screws, 36 x 26 x 2 inches

Karylle Reflects on Relationship with Dingdong Dantes: From Past to Present

During a recent appearance on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Karylle opened up about her past relationship with Dingdong Dantes and their recent encounter on the set of "It's Showtime." The pair, who dated for three years before their breakup in 2008, briefly crossed paths earlier this year, prompting public curiosity about their current dynamic. Addressing whether the meeting was uncomfortable, Karylle explained, "I did see a lot of clips, and I wouldn\'t have put myself in a situation that I wasn\'t ready for. Sometimes people ask why you don\'t face someone, but if you\'re not prepared, why put yourself in an unfavorable position?" She further elaborated that any perceived avoidance was due to timing, not intention, noting, "Some people thought I was avoiding him, but sometimes it\'s just about schedules and work commitments." She described their reunion on "It\'s Showtime" as a "beautiful moment," expressing optimism about their current rapport. "All is well," she said, acknowledging the challenges that come with public breakups. Reflecting on her own life experiences, Karylle remarked, "Even in my childhood, at six years old, I went through a very public breakup, so protecting your sanity is important." When asked about the prospects of friendship with Dingdong, Karylle responded candidly, "I don\'t know if 'friends' is the right term. Being in the same industry, I imagine we can support each other professionally." She highlighted the mutual support they have extended for each other\'s projects. "I see that he supports our movie, and I do my best to support theirs. So, supporting each other might be possible, but friendship might not be in the cards anymore." Currently, Karylle is married to Yael Yuzon, frontman of the band Sponge Cola, while Dingdong Dantes is married to actress Marian Rivera. Their shared history and professional respect continue to shape their interactions within the entertainment industry.

Vice Ganda Embraces Being Addressed as "Sir" Amid Identity Discussions

During the recent episode of "It's Showtime" aired on Tuesday, Vice Ganda addressed the usage of the term "sir" in reference to her. When a contestant referred to Vice as "sir" while sharing his name story in the "Laro Laro Pick" segment alongside hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario, Vice remained unperturbed. She clarified her stance, stating, "For once and for all, let's normalize me being called 'sir.' I'm okay with 'sir.'" She emphasized the importance of ending the ridicule often associated with the term by adding, "Para hindi na siya ginagawang katatawanan 'yung pagtawag sa 'kin ng sir kasi okay lang naman sa 'kin ang 'sir.' Normal lang 'yun." Vice Ganda further noted her comfort with being addressed as "ma'am," reinforcing her openness to varied pronouns and forms of address. In a 2021 episode of "It's Showtime," Vice publicly identified as non-binary, expressing no offense when referred to with either masculine or feminine pronouns. The show itself marked a significant milestone with its debut on GMA's GTV in July 2023 and expanded its reach in April 2024 by airing concurrently on both GTV and GMA's primary channel.

Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 Festival Costume Competition Highlights Local Culture and Creativity

The Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 Festival Costume Competition took center stage at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Saturday, featuring 15 candidates clad in colorful costumes that embodied the unique culture and pride of their respective barangays. Organized in collaboration with the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., each costume was crafted by a local designer and inspired by notable barangay festivals, including the Agihi Festival of Alijis, Tapsanay Festival of Bata, Dinagyawan Festival of Villamonte, and Kauswagan Festival of Estefania. Pageant director Carlos Durana officiated the event, underscoring its cultural significance: \"We celebrate not only beauty but creativity and culture. This competition honors our local talent and the vibrant traditions rooted in our communities.\" As part of the MassKara Festival’s grassroots festivities, the competition highlights the artistic expressions and heritage found at the barangay level. The Festival Costume segment accounts for 20 percent of each candidate’s total pageant score. Winners of the Best Festival Costume and Best Festival Costume Designer awards will be revealed during the Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 coronation night. Looking ahead, the pageant’s Corporate Day event is scheduled for October 8 at SM City Bacolod.

Johnny Manahan Joins MQuest Ventures, Ushering New Era for Filipino Talent Development

Prominent entertainment figure Johnny Manahan, affectionately known as Mr. M, has officially inked a deal with MQuest Ventures and MQuest Artists Agency, marking a fresh strategic alliance within the MediaQuest Group. The signing ceremony took place on November 6 at the TV5 Media Center, attended by key executives including MediaQuest chairman Manny "MVP" V. Pangilinan and president Jane Jimenez-Basas. Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. M remarked, "This partnership feels like a natural fit for me. MQuest shares the same passion I've always had in discovering, developing, and celebrating great Filipino talent. I'm excited to collaborate with this incredible team and help create opportunities that inspire." Manny "MVP" V. Pangilinan underscored the significance of the partnership, highlighting its alignment with MediaQuest’s commitment to fostering Filipino creativity. "We’ve always believed in investing in Filipino talent, their stories, their artistry, and their dreams," he said. "Having Mr. M on board strengthens that mission. Together, we aim to bring out the best in our people and elevate the industry to new heights." Jane Jimenez-Basas added that Mr. M’s unparalleled experience and impact in the entertainment sector perfectly complement their aspirations. "His legacy in building talent and shaping the Philippine entertainment landscape perfectly aligns with our vision to create a nurturing, world-class home for artists." Johnny Manahan’s remarkable journey began in the early 1970s as a television director and writer. Over decades, he has become a pivotal figure in Philippine entertainment, earning renown as "The Master of Star-Making" by discovering and mentoring numerous top Filipino stars through his unique blend of discipline, creativity, and compassion. This new venture with MQuest Ventures marks a continuation of Mr. M’s lifelong dedication to identifying and cultivating the next generation of Filipino performers, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of the local entertainment industry.