7 years after the release of “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” TBA Studios is officially starting production for its next sequel, “Quezon.”

TBA Studios, a film production and distribution company known for distributing internationally acclaimed films “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Past Lives,” and “Triangle of Sadness” in the Philippines, announced that its much-anticipated biographical historical movie, “Quezon,” begins production this year.

“Quezon” is the continuation of the film production company’s cinematic “Bayaniverse” — a series of films based on Philippine history, including box office hits “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

Filming will begin in March 2025, with a planned theatrical release the same year.

“Quezon” is anticipated to follow the life of former President Manuel L. Quezon, a Filipino lawyer, soldier, and politician who was elected President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944. The highlight of the film is said to be his presidential campaign against Emilio Aguinaldo, which was teased during the mid-credits in “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

The film will be released locally and worldwide, according to TBA Studios President and COO Daphne Chiu. She later added that the film will be produced as a stand-alone, although existing within the same cinematic continuity as “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

In 2021, director Jerrold Tarog teased that the film already had a finished script and was awaiting approval. In 2024, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) pledged support for the project as part of its CreatePHFilms Funding Program. “Quezon” will also be supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA).

This marks a milestone and a shared goal between TBA Studios, NCAA, and FDCP to strengthen the Philippine film industry through the delivery and promotion of world-class films.

Casting for the major and supporting roles for “Quezon” is ongoing, with the announcement coming soon. TBA Studios’ COO Daphne Chiu teased that the cast will have names that will “surprise and excite fans audiences and hardcore fans of the Bayaniverse alike.”

Actors Benjamin Alves and TJ Trinidad are set to reprise their roles as the younger and older versions of Manuel L. Quezon in the third film, announced back in 2018 with the release of “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

In 2020, Jerrold Tarog revealed in an interview that the film will span decades of historical events involving Quezon, presented as “four short films.” He also described the movie as a “comedy,” with a satirical take on historical events.

“Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” are available to stream on TBA Studios’ YouTube channel.

Filipino alternative pop sensation, Cup of Joe, is serving up a new album and is ready to take the OPM Scene by storm!

The band introduced their sophomore album in an intimate media conference last Jan. 13 at The Astbury in Makati City. Gian Bernardino (vocalist), Raphael Ridao (vocalist), Gabriel Fernandez (guitarist), CJ Fernandez (guitarist), and Xen Gareza (keyboardist) unveiled “Silakbo,” their forthcoming studio album slated for release on Jan. 17. This is the band’s first full album and explores a different sound from their 2023 EP, “Patutunguhan.”

'Silakbo': A Poignant Look into Human Experiences

“Silakbo” features 10 tracks, all of which are emotionally charged and embody the group’s raw honesty and personal experiences. The Filipino word describes a sudden burst of intense emotions which perfectly encapsulates the content of the record for it explores the five stages of grief — with two tracks representing each stage from denial, anger, bargaining, and depression to acceptance.

“We poured our hearts and souls in ‘Silakbo,’ and it’s a reflection of not just the emotions we’ve been through but also those of our listeners,” shared Rapha, one of the band’s vocalists.

The album opens with denial tracks “Bagyo” and “Wine” which the group described as tempestuous and filled with longing and vulnerability. The quintet also talked about how the album showcases a different side of their musicality and how sonically wise, it’s familiar but also different as they explored new sounds and grew as artists while creating the album.

“We’re very excited about this track because there’s something in that track that we’ve never done before. So, watch out!” teased Gian.

“Kanelang Mata” and “Bubog” were written by the band’s vocalists and were explained as the stage where one is trying to blame their pain on the situation, others, or oneself. Rapha shared how “Kanelang Mata,” which in English means Cinnamon Eyes, was written at a time when he felt lost and had “solid anger” towards himself. Meanwhile, track four talks about finding it difficult to look at yourself in the mirror.

The group also offers a more intimate sound with “Siping” and “Pahina” as it talks about the bargaining stage where one starts to question their situation — even the hypothetical ones, such as "What if?" and "If only." Meanwhile, the depression tracks “Multo” and “'Di Maari” provide a haunting retrospection before closing off with “Hinga” and the title track “Silakbo” where the record finds peace in acceptance, offering a powerful resolution.

“This track [Hinga] is about allowing yourself to breathe in the middle of the darkness, and to accept your reality,” Gian explained.

“We actually wrote this in the middle of production,” added Rapha, saying how the idea for the song was unexpected and fit into the concept right away, allowing them to compose and produce it quickly. They also told us how the last two tracks focus more on self-growth rather than the concept of moving on from the pain. We believed it was a beautifully conceptualized album, urging listeners to grow with the highs and lows of life instead of trying to avoid or hold back these intense emotions.

“Hayaang sumigaw ang pusong nabilango” is a lyric shared by Gian from their title track, making us even more excited for its release. The band also performed an acoustic version of the album’s lead single, “Multo” which was released last Sept. 14.

A perfect blend of heartfelt lyrics and musical innovation, Cup of Joe continues to prove that with them, it’s more than just music, but also about the shared experience of being beautifully — and heartbreakingly — human.

The 'Silakbo’ Concert Series

Since forming the band in 2018, Cup of Joe has released a series of singles and collaborations that put them on the map. In 2024, they performed their first solo concert — a two-day sold-out show at the New Frontier Theatre.

This time around, the band is shattering expectations as they announced their upcoming two-day concert series set next door at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a testament to their ever-growing fan base and their knack for delivering electrifying performances. Happening on Feb. 8 and 9, the event will also serve as the grand unveiling of “Silakbo,” bringing its poignant tracks to life in a night of unforgettable music.

“Having the opportunity to connect with our fans through this album and these concerts feels like a dream come true,” Gian expressed, having manifested their dream of playing at a huge venue from a previous interview.

But that’s not all. Cup of Joe is also taking “Silakbo” on the road with an exciting regional tour. They’ll be back in their hometown Baguio for a two-day concert at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center on Mar. 6 and 7 before moving to Davao to play at the SMX Convention Center on Mar. 22. The tour wraps up in Cebu on Mar. 29 at the IC3 Convention Center.

Tickets are already on sale and by the looks of it, the Araneta show is already sold-out! However, Cup of Joe invites everyone to listen to their new album and join them on this incredible journey of music, emotion, and connection. Whether you’re grieving, healing, or somewhere in between, the band emphasizes that your feelings are validated and hopes that their new album will make their listeners feel more seen and heard.

You can pre-save “Silakbo” here. Follow Cup of Joe on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates, teasers, and behind-the-scenes peeks on their most ambitious project yet.

Every Carat is bound to have the best weekend this week, all thanks to SEVENTEEN.

As if the opening of SEVENTEEN’s Artist-Made Collection Season 1 Pop-Up isn’t enough, SEVENTEEN and Spotify are bringing the “Spotify Carat Station” to Manila, too!

From Jan. 17 to 19, 2025, the Spotify Carat Station is aimed to be the “ultimate starting point” for every Carat attending the upcoming “Right Here World Tour” at the Philippine Sports Stadium this weekend.

The pop-up coincides with the concert weekend, and fans (whether they’re attending the concert or not) will be able to enjoy a playground filled with SEVENTEEN’s colors and creative vision.

The event will also feature metro-themed photo spots and interactive activities carefully curated by SEVENTEEN and Spotify to give fans a thrill of what’s to happen at the “Right Here World Tour.” Fans will also get to listen to SEVENTEEN’s songs all throughout the pop-up to get the vibes up and running before the concert. Exclusive giveaways and concert essentials are also up for grabs at the Carat Station, while stocks last, of course!

The Spotify Carat Station in Manila will be open at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from Jan. 17 to 19, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 10 PM.

This is the fourth installment of the Spotify Carat Station, following Seoul in September 2024, New York in October 2024, and Tokyo in December 2024.

Looking for the SEVENTEEN playlist to prep for the concert? Tune in to the “SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [RIGHT HERE] Live Set” playlist on Spotify!

For more information and updates, follow Spotify Philippines on their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages!

When and Opening Hours: Jan. 17 to 19, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 10 PM

Location: Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Ave, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue cor. Pasay Road, Makati Avenue and EDSA, Makati City

Admission Fee: FREE

Thought you’d miss out on this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) screenings? You’re in luck because they’ve just extended it for one more week!

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Jan. 6, 2025, that the MMFF official entries will continue screening in select cinemas until Jan. 14, 2025, due to “insistent public demand.”

“We, at the MMFF, are overwhelmed with the continued support of the public for the festival’s 50th edition. Due to public clamor, we have decided to extend the theatrical run of the MMFF movies to further showcase the locally produced films that are truly impressive and artistically excellent,” said MMDA Chairman and MMFF Overall Chairman Atty. Don Artes.

The MMDA also announced that the MMFF complimentary passes will still be honored until Jan. 14, 2025.

Atty. Don Artes and the MMDA added that the proceeds from the MMFF screenings will be distributed to beneficiaries in the film industry, such as the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is in its 50th year, originally scheduled from Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 7, 2025. The annual film festival celebrates Filipino cinema and filmmakers, with movie theaters screening only Filipino-made films (excluding IMAX and 4D theaters).

The 2024 MMFF features 10 official entries, which were awarded at the “Gabi ng Parangal” on Dec. 27, 2024, at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

The suspenseful prison drama film “Green Bones” was one of the most-awarded films of the night, winning “Best Picture,” “Best Actor,” “Best Supporting Actor,” “Best Screenplay,” “Best Cinematography,” and the “Best Child Performer” awards.

Stay updated with anything MMFF-related through their Facebook page!

Filipinas across the country have found an accomplice in Adelina Eugenio. Her relatable humor and easy-to-follow makeup routines have become a staple for many in her audience, which – might we add – is currently over 3.5 million strong (and growing!).

“It’s still crazy to think I have over 3 million followers on TikTok!” Adelina exclaimed. “Honestly, TikTok feels like the perfect platform for me – it lets me show [people] the real [me].”

Also known as Deng, Adelina is a content creator who’s recently skyrocketed to fame. She came into the social media scene in 2023, posting “get ready with me (GRWM)" videos on her social media page. Before it became a full-time career, Deng recalled that she would film the same kind of content before heading to her classes at university. “From there, I realized I wanted to share more of my life and ideas with a bigger audience,” she said.

Since then, the content creator has banked on both authenticity and relatability to build her name and community. “Staying true to myself and embracing my unique humor and personality is what really helped me stand out,” she mused. “People can tell when you're real, and it’s so much easier to connect with them that way.”

Of course, consistency is key too. Posting regularly keeps the momentum going, which Deng admitted is helpful when navigating unpredictable algorithms. Today, she’s active on three platforms: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. And while she is her most authentic self on each one, she revealed that different types of content work differently on each one.

“TikTok is all about short, catchy, and fun videos that grab attention right away,” she explained. “On Instagram, I get to showcase more polished content – I can share everything from photos, stories, and reels. It’s a more curated space where I focus on aesthetics and storytelling. Facebook, on the other hand, is where I really focus on building a community. I love interacting with my audience there, whether it's replying to messages or joining discussions.”

Yet, out of all these platforms, Deng finds most of her fan base on TikTok. There, she collaborates with fellow creators such as Zoozoo, who she acknowledges as someone she already follows and admires. She's also filmed content with personalities such as Christian Bautista and Lauren Spencer Smith.

But even on her own, it’s obvious that Deng’s humor – often loud and energetic – is a magnet for viewers. Already knowledgeable about the social media scene, Deng shares that gaining followers – and attention – isn't always easy.

“The first three seconds are crucial for grabbing attention,” she shares of Tiktok. “So I always think of a catchy opening hook. For example, I might ask my followers to guess what I’m about to unbox, or even start with an excited scream to show how hyped I am for a product.”

These kinds of tips showcase Deng’s mastery of her platform. And while she acknowledges that luck has had a role in her virality, she knows that proper timing and understanding algorithms are even bigger factors when determining who gets to be under the spotlight – or on someone’s screen.

“That’s why I always emphasize the importance of posting regularly; the frequency helps keep your content visible on people’s feeds. But beyond that, hard work and genuine passion are the real foundation,” she stressed.

Follow Adelina on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok

Mark your calendars for Feb. 22, 2025 as Maxieverse: The Concert will take center stage at Aliw Theater, Pasay!

Experience a celestial, solar-system-themed extravaganza with Maxie Andreison for one night only, and prepare to be blown away by the fabulous and sensational Filipino drag performer and actress.

Maxie Andreison, the crowned superstar of Drag Race Philippines Season 3 and a standout contestant from Season 2 of the global singing competition Queen of the Universe, is a name that resonates with many.

More than just a concert, Maxieverse: The Concert is a celebration of Maxie's inspiring rise to drag royalty. Hailing from Santa Ana, Manila, Maxie has quickly become a star, celebrated for her intrinsic ability to mesmerize audiences with her powerful vocals and onstage charisma.

Joined by special appearances from her drag family and featuring surprise guest performances from iconic Original Philippine Music (OPM) legends, the concert is a must for people wanting to experience unforgettable moments filled with music, glamour, and Filipino pride.

There will also be the chance to meet Maxie herself with an exclusive meet-and-greet schedule after the show.

Tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this spectacular, star-dusted event. For tickets, DM Beyond Events here.

For more details, follow Maxie Andreison on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).

It’s always a good idea to get to know yourself better. Perhaps that’s why personality quizzes seem to be on the up lately, especially online. Among these tests is the ever-popular MBTI, which classifies people into sixteen different personality types.

Known as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), MBTI looks at four key dichotomies that include: extraversion versus introversion (E vs I), sensing versus intuition (S vs I), thinking versus feeling (T vs F), and judging versus perceiving (J vs P). The theory is that this spectrum can describe an individual’s tendency, and knowing where one lies can help one understand one’s self better.

“Being aware of your personality enables you to focus on your strengths and your areas for improvement,” said Clinical Psychologist Ma. Alodia Cueno-Mercado. “If you know your nature, you may be able to describe, define, and control your behavior when exposed to stressful or anxiety-provoking situations.”

Alodia, who’s spent her professional life observing how people act and react, also attests that MBTI results – while often thrown around in the most casual conversations – are reliable indicators of people’s personalities. “The four preference scales on the MBTI assessment have internal consistency reliabilities of around .90, and test-retest correlations are over .80 for periods up to 15 weeks,” she explained. “Basically, this means that MBTI has high reliability and validity.”

This is perhaps why MBTI personality types are so popular: aside from the fact that results are typically easy to access (just take a quiz online!), MBTI personalities tend to be accurate for some time. That doesn’t mean one’s MBTI won’t change, but it does help an individual to be aware of how he or she responds to things at the moment.

To add to that, MBTI results can make something as complicated as personalities easier to understand. They simplify one's tendencies in a way that people find relatable or approachable. This is particularly helpful for those seeking to improve themselves or better their perspective in life. It’s also a helpful step for those looking to be more mindful.

“To be more mindful, observe yourself: how you react to things, how you process information, and how you see the world. Be mindful of your limitations and do something about it,” Alodia advised.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that a person can be reduced to four simple letters. As Alodia has acknowledged, personalities are complex and ever-evolving. They develop through time and are influenced by multiple factors: biology and genetics, environment, and experiences. “The existing needs may also alter the way people prefer to act, most especially when we are talking about survival,” she added.

What MBTI personality types can offer is guidance for people looking to change for the better. This is particularly helpful for the new year when resolutions often come to mind. A helpful tool that Alodia recommends is a journal. Journaling has been proven to have benefits for one’s mental health and it can also be a valuable stepping stone to achieving goals.

“If you want to change or achieve something, you can monitor yourself better if you have a planner that can guide you through your journey in actualizing your plans,” said Alodia.

For this, people can turn to the 2025 MBTI Planner from Limelight Planners. Tailor-made for each personality, this innovative journal promises users 365 days of self-discovery, using tools that are sure to be beneficial to different thinkers.

To know more about the planner, visit their social media pages or grab one from Shopee or Lazada.