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Taptap Send Honors Overseas Filipinos with a heartfelt Campaign and a chance to fly Home for Christmas

For millions of Filipino families, Christmas is the most sacred and highly anticipated holiday of the year. Yet, behind the festive lights and early holiday carols lies a sobering reality: seasonal data reveals that only about 5% of Overseas Filipinos are actually able to fly home to the Philippines for the holidays.

Addressing this reality head-on, Taptap Send—a fast and zero-transfer fee remittance app that allows Filipinos living in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Australia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, to transfer money directly to the Philippines—is stepping up to help families reunite.

While the homeland celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world, the final quarter of the year represents the most demanding work period for global Pinoys. Driven by skyrocketing holiday airfares, grueling Q4 workplace targets, and rising family expenses back home, the vast majority of overseas workers choose to stay behind, making a silent sacrifice for their families. It is during this very season that global remittance transfers reach their absolute peak, serving as a physical manifestation of long-distance love.

Recognizing these quiet struggles, digital remittance trailblazer Taptap Send has partnered with GoTyme Bank and Cebu Pacific to launch its highly anticipated “It’s Tyme to Come Home” Christmas campaign.

As a centerpiece of the campaign, Taptap Send is rolling out an emotional 4-part short film series that chronicles the relatable journey of an overseas professional navigating the bittersweet tension of the holiday season. From scratching out “Flight Ticket” on her budget notebook month over month, to managing the isolation of watching coworkers plan their homecomings, the series captures the real-world choices most Filipinos working abroad make every single day.

This campaign carries a deep layer of authenticity as it was conceptualized and produced entirely by an all-Filipino creative team of Overseas Filipinos who poured their own firsthand personal experiences, heartaches, and triumphs of living away from home into every frame of the project.

“Our partnership with GoTyme Bank makes it even easier for overseas Filipinos to send money home through one of the fastest-growing and most trusted digital banks in the Philippines. This collaboration is especially meaningful as a way to give back to our Overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries this season,” said Faye Sta. Ana-Corpuz, Head of the Philippines & Regional Growth Manager for Southeast Asia at Taptap Send.

To help reunite families, the homecoming promo runs from September 16 to November 30, 2026. Users qualify by sending at least ₱5,000 (or foreign equivalent) via Taptap Send to a GoTyme Bank account. Entries are unlimited, with grand prizes including two round-trip economy flights to the Philippines, transfers from the airport to their hometown, a family salu-salo, and ₱20,000 cash. Taptap Send will announce the winners around the 2nd week of December, just in time for Christmas homecoming. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

The Taptap Send app is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, offering secure, fast, and zero-transfer fee* remittances to GoTyme Bank accounts and other major networks in the Philippines.

*no transfer fee on eligible bank and mobile wallet transfers to the Philippines. FX rates apply.

TapTap Send Payments Co., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the Banking Department of the State of New York. NMLS ID: 2108069; T T S Financial Services Middle East L.L.C, incorporated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, commercial license number 1601866, registered office at Office No. 1.03, Dubai World Trade Centre Commercial LLC, Trade Centre 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank to offer stored value facilities, exchange business and retail payment service; Taptap Send Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 21 675 932 386) Australian Financial Services Licence No. 559468, and Taptap Send Bahrain B.S.C is authorized and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as a payment service provider. Address: Office 2944, Level 29, United Tower, Building 316, Road 4609, Block 346, Manama, Water Bay, Kingdom of Bahrain.

September 29, 2026
The Rockwellist App Officially Launches at Alabang Town Center

Starting September 30, 2026, every visit to Town comes with exciting rewards. Become a Rockwellist member and turn all your everyday favorites such as coffee runs, dining out with the crew, and shopping sprees into exclusive perks. Every swipe and spend at participating stores earns you Rockwellist points, bringing you closer to signature rewards, special privileges, and daily VIP perks.

Celebrate the launch. Opening highlights include a Crane Game featuring special prizes and vouchers, as well as the official Town Merch release with the exclusive Rockwellist tote bag in Cream and Brown.

How to become a Rockwellist member?

Getting started is easy. Simply download the latest version of The Rockwellist App via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, pull up your digital member QR code, and scan it at checkout at participating stores. However you like to spend your day at Town, every visit now brings effortless rewards.

Ready to level up? Download today to claim 200 FREE bonus points, available until October 31 only.

More Points, More Exclusive Rewards

As your points add up, your benefits level up. Unlocking higher tiers bring you exclusive discounts at select dining and retail spots, hassle-free parking perks, special cinema privileges, and VIP invites to Town’s premier events—making every visit even more enjoyable.

Plus, there’s even more in store this holiday season. Earning points gives you direct entries into Rockwell’s highly-anticipated Christmas Raffle. Every qualified spend at Alabang Town Center brings you closer to driving home a brand-new car and winning other incredible prizes!

What’s Next for Townies?

Now that The Rockwellist has arrived at Alabang Town Center, Townies can also look forward to a more signature Rockwell lineup of exclusive pop-ups, curated lifestyle experiences, and special events throughout the year.

For full program mechanics, participating stores, and VIP tier privileges, visit therockwellist.com or follow Alabang Town Center on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates.

September 29, 2026
Dakota Johnson Uncovers Dark Secrets as Lowen Ashleigh in ‘Verity’, in Cinemas September 30

Verity is as much the story of its namesake as it is about the people pulled into her unsettling world.

In the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s sensual psychological thriller, celebrated author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) hires struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) to ghostwrite her upcoming novels. But what begins as a career opportunity soon takes a disturbing turn.

While staying at the Crawford family home with an unresponsive Verity, her husband Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), and their son Crew (Brady Wagner), Lowen begins uncovering troubling secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about the family.

Watch the trailer:

Dakota Johnson steps into Lowen Ashleigh’s complicated world

After finding the perfect Verity in Anne Hathaway, the filmmakers turned their attention to Lowen, a writer who has struggled to find success with her published work while dealing with the recent loss of her mother to cancer.

They found their Lowen in Dakota Johnson.

Lowen is an extremely complicated, grieving, confused, sort of lost but brilliant person, Johnson explains.

For the actress, Lowen’s complicated personality offered plenty of compelling material to explore.

She ends up getting involved in this family and their web of secrets and lies and truths like a moth to the flame.” Johnson says. “She’s got a pretty traumatic past. She means well and is trying to succeed in being an author, but she’s also in a vulnerable place that starts to impact her judgment.

That vulnerability becomes increasingly important as Lowen gets closer to the Crawfords. With secrets slowly surfacing and the line between truth and deception becoming harder to distinguish, her stay in the family home becomes anything but ordinary.

Anne Hathaway praises Johnson’s mysterious performance

Hathaway was equally thrilled to perform alongside Johnson, recalling how impressed she was by her co-star during filming.

To listen to the musicality of the language, it was genuinely thrilling. I loved it so much and I love what she’s doing in this performance, Hathaway says.

Dakota connects so deeply in an emotional way with every beat. She has that thing where you can see thoughts just flit across her face, but she also is really mysterious at the same time. That combination of emotional transparency and the mystery that she brings in, it’s an unbelievable combination. I wish we had more scenes together.

It is that balance between vulnerability and mystery that makes Johnson an intriguing fit for Lowen, a character caught in an increasingly tangled web of desire, grief, suspicion, and buried truths.

Michael Showalter finds his ideal Lowen

Director Michael Showalter had long wanted to collaborate with Johnson, and Verity finally provided the opportunity.

I love Dakota and have always wanted to work with her,” says Showalter. “She has such a unique onscreen presence and an aura. This part is really perfect for her.

Despite the film’s dark and psychologically charged material, Josh Hartnett says working with Johnson behind the scenes was an enjoyable experience.

She is showing a side of herself in this film that I don’t think people have seen before,” says Hartnett. “Both of the actresses who I work with in Verity are phenomenal presences on screen.

Dakota is so charming, she makes you feel so at home when you’re working with her. We had a really good time doing our scenes together. It’s nice to work on a film where genuinely everybody is there to do a good job and are also really good people.

Colleen Hoover gives Dakota Johnson her seal of approval

For Verity author Colleen Hoover, Johnson’s casting was an immediate yes.

I’m such a big fan of hers. I am friends with E.L. James and so when they put her in that role for 50 Shades of Grey, I feel like I got to follow along with her rise and her career as a fan first, Hoover says.

And then when they cast her in this, she’s the perfect Lowen for me. She embodies everything that I was hoping an actress could bring to that role and she’s just so effortlessly gorgeous on screen and in person and so kind.

With Johnson stepping into one of Hoover’s most psychologically complex characters, Verity brings its seductive mix of mystery, obsession, secrets, and shifting truths to the big screen.

Just how much of what Lowen discovers can be trusted?

The mystery grows when Verity arrives in Philippine cinemas on September 30. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

September 29, 2026
ASUS Republic of Gamers Launches ROG G1000 Gaming Desktop and ROG Edition 20 Gears in the Philippines

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) Philippines today announced the arrival of its latest flagship desktop and gaming lifestyle gear, redefining immersive performance and gamer mobility for local enthusiasts. Designed for ultra-enthusiasts who demand uncompromising power, cutting-edge thermal engineering, and standout personal expression, the new lineup brings bold innovation both on and off the desk.

Leading the charge is the ROG G1000, a revolutionary step forward in gaming performance, personalization and thermal efficiency, with limited edition ROG Edition 20 gears designed to protect your setup while celebrating two decades of pioneering gaming innovation.

The ROG G1000 redefines what a gaming desktop can be, combining extreme performance with show-stopping innovation. At its core, the built-in AniMe Holo fan is the world’s first holographic fan system in a prebuilt gaming PC that can project customizable holographic visuals, transforming the environment into a medium of personal expression.

The AniMe Holo module is housed in an independent chamber that incorporates the hinge-door design, ensuring airflow does not interfere with the main components’ thermal path and helping reduce overall system noise by limiting vibration from the Holo system. The ROG Thermal Atrium, dedicated for CPU cooling, channels fresh air through 420 mm AIO liquid cooler with three fans and isolated airflow paths, ensuring critical components remain cool and stable during extended gaming sessions.

Equipped with ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 and support for up to 128GB DDR5 memory, the G1000 is tuned and ready for peak performance. The 104L ultra tower chassis enhances airflow, accommodates larger cooling hardware, and supports easy maintenance, while the Fan Key unleashes maximum airflow when you need it, with a single touch.

Customization is extensive with Armoury Crate and Aura Sync, letting users control RGB lighting across GPU, cooling fans, water-cooling blocks, and the AniMe Holo, delivering a system that is as visually striking as it is powerful. The G1000 gives gamers and creators the confidence to push limits without compromise.

The ROG G1000 (GM1000TY) will be available at select ROG Exclusive Stores at an introductory price of PHP 399,995.

ROG EDITION 20 GAMING GEARS: Innovate. Perform. Dominate.

ROG SLASH Backpack Edition 20

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of ROG, the ROG SLASH Backpack Edition 20 reflects the brand’s lifestyle ethos through a functional, premium, and stylish design. It features a black-and-translucent-gold palette accented by the signature ROG SLASH pattern woven into every detail.

An adjustable roll-top design allows users to expand or condense the backpack to suit varying loads, providing total control over capacity on the go. The front face features a custom ROG 20th anniversary FIDLOCK Magnetic quick-release buckle in matching black-and-translucent-gold, keeping gear securely fastened during travel.

Built to accommodate up to an 18-inch laptop alongside peripherals and additional essentials, the backpack offers flexible storage for both short trips and extended travel. Crafted from high-end materials, the ROG SLASH Backpack Edition 20 delivers a distinct look while maintaining everyday practicality.

The limited-edition ROG SLASH Backpack Edition 20 will be available at ROG Exclusive Stores in Q4 2026 for PHP10,995.

ROG SLASH Hard-Case Luggage Edition 20

The ROG SLASH Hard-case Luggage Edition 20 ensures all gear arrives safely at its destination. Featuring the same black-and-translucent-gold palette as the Edition 20 SLASH Backpack, this limited-edition luggage incorporates a stainless gold-steel plate, bringing ROG’s iconic DNA to every journey

A 100% polycarbonate outer shell backed by an aluminum frame with reinforced corners adds structural rigidity without extra weight, allowing it to easily handle airport baggage claims. The 360-degree silent skate wheels feature enhanced shock absorption and a new translucent black design for smoother rolling and refined travel performance

True to the ROG brand, the hard-case luggage includes a specialized compartment designed specifically for gaming equipment. Laptops, handhelds, and accessories fit securely inside the luggage for added peace of mind, while a removable foam divider featuring a woven ROG 20th Anniversary tag allows users to customize the interior layout to their exact needs.

Also available at ROG Exclusive Stores in Q4 2026, the ROG SLASH Hard-Case Luggage Edition 20 is priced at PHP 15,995.

AVAILABILITY

Visit the ROG Exclusive Store nearest you to get yourself of the latest ROG gaming desktops and gears.

Celebrating 20 years of gaming leadership, ROG Philippines continues the festivities with the Life with ROG campaign. Get a chance to win exclusive prizes! Visit the official Life with ROG website to learn more: https://rog.asus.com/ph/content/life-with-rog-ph/.

Stay updated on the latest gaming machines by following ROG Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

September 29, 2026
The Road to Miami Begins: Red Bull Wings Cup Calling Filipino EA Sports FC™ 27 Players
The road to Miami begins. Filipino EA SPORTS FC™ players have a chance to compete on the international stage as Red Bull Wings Cup opens in the Philippines. A new EA SPORTS FC™ 27 competition giving everyday players the chance to compete for the opportunity to represent their country on a global stage like never before.

Taking place across almost 80 countries and in partnership with EA SPORTS and PlayStation, Red Bull Wings Cup welcomes players of all skill levels to compete, whether from home or on campus. Only those who rise to the top will earn a place at their National Finals for the chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Wings Cup World Finals at Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium in Miami, USA, in early 2027. The once-in-a-lifetime World Finals will combine competitive gameplay with real-life football moments as finalists compete to become the inaugural Red Bull Wings Cup champion.

The journey begins when players register for one of two leagues:
- The University League – where currently enrolled university students compete on PlayStation® 5 consoles in on-campus qualifiers against other students from across Metro Manila and Cebu, playing EA SPORTS FC™ 27 Rush.
- The Open League – where players can log into PlayStation Tournaments on their PlayStation® 5 consoles to compete online using their own squad, playing EA SPORTS FC™ 27 Ultimate Team.
Red Bull Wings Cup is open to everyone of all skill levels, aged 18 and over who is a current resident of the Philippines. Local Terms and Conditions may apply. The University League will be from September 28 – October 16, 2026 and the Open League from October 17 – 18, 2026.

The top players from both the Open and University Leagues will progress to the National Finals on November 7, 2026, at Matchpoint Sportsbar, with eligible National Champions earning the right to represent their country at the World Finals in Miami against competitors from around the globe.

Red Bull Wings Cup is in partnership with EA SPORTS and PlayStation® Tournaments.
September 29, 2026
CF Sharp Crew Management Opens New Office, Unlocking More Opportunities for Filipino Seafarers

CF Sharp Crew Management Inc. has officially opened its new branch office at Harton Corporate Center in Aseana City, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and strengthening its commitment to Filipino seafarers and their families.

USEC Darlene Pajarito, DMW USEC for licensing, and anti-trafficking and Owner’s Representative Kjell Hjartnes join CF Sharp Holdings President/CEO Juan Jose Rocha, and CF Sharp Crew Management Inc. President/CEO Miguel Angel Rocha during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the company’s new branch office at Harton Corporate Center in Aseana City

The new facility represents an important step forward for CF Sharp as the company prepares to service the rapidly growing passenger ship segment. With the expansion of the passenger ship industry expected to generate thousands of new employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers, CF Sharp is positioning itself to play a leading role in connecting qualified Filipino maritime professionals with these emerging opportunities.

CF Sharp’s largest principal is at the heart of the need for this expansion. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ newbuilding program includes 16 new ships across its three brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—and is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs for Filipino seafarers over the next 10 years. Having partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for more than 28 years, CF Sharp is proud to support its long-standing principal as it enters this exciting new chapter of growth.

CF Sharp Crew Management Inc staff

Designed as a one-stop service center, the new office brings together personnel from across CF Sharp’s various departments under one roof. This integrated approach allows the company to provide more accessible, efficient, and comprehensive services to seafarers throughout their employment journey.

A key feature of the new facility is the Family Center, supported by CF Sharp’s Social Welfare Department. The center provides assistance and support services not only to seafarers, but also to their families—recognizing that the challenges of working at sea extend well beyond the individual seafarer.

CF Sharp Crew Management Inc. President/CEO Miguel Angel Rocha welcoming guests and staff to CF Sharp’s new headquarters.

The new office will also serve as the headquarters of SeaFam International, CF Sharp’s non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting seafarers and their families. SeaFam International provides training, seminars, and workshops addressing a wide range of issues specifically relevant to the realities of the seafaring lifestyle, including family relationships, communication, financial matters, parenting, emotional well-being, and the unique challenges faced by families separated by long periods at sea.

“This new office is more than an expansion of our physical presence. It is a reflection of where CF Sharp is headed and, more importantly, of our commitment to the people who make our industry possible,” said Miguel Rocha, President/CEO. “As the passenger ship sector enters a period of significant growth, we want to make sure Filipino seafarers are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities ahead—and that their families have the support they need along the way.”

The establishment of the Aseana City branch underscores CF Sharp’s vision of providing end-to-end support for seafarers, combining professional crew management and employment services with social welfare and family support.

As the company enters this next period of growth, CF Sharp remains focused on its long-standing role in developing Filipino maritime talent and helping create sustainable opportunities for Filipino seafarers around the world.

The opening of the Harton Corporate Center office marks not simply the addition of another branch, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CF Sharp Crew Management, its seafarers, and the families who stand behind them.

About CF Sharp Crew Management

CF Sharp Crew Management Inc. is a leading provider of crew management and maritime employment services, committed to developing Filipino seafarers and connecting them with opportunities in the global maritime industry. Through its integrated services and people-centered approach, CF Sharp supports seafarers throughout their careers while recognizing the vital role their families play in their success.

About SeaFam International

SeaFam International is a non-profit organization established to support seafarers and their families through education, training, seminars, workshops, and other programs addressing the unique personal and family challenges associated with a career at sea.

September 29, 2026
Camille Thomas Joins Cayabyab and Almario for MSO Centennial Concert V

Presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance, co-presented by EastWest Bank and DENZA Alabang by ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc., the Manila Symphony Orchestra continues its 100th Anniversary Season with a concert featuring internationally acclaimed Franco-Belgian cellist Camille Thomas and the World Premiere of Pasasalamat for choir and orchestra, music by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab with text by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, under the musical direction of MSO Principal Conductor Maestro Marlon Chen.

Commissioned by the MSO for its centennial, Pasasalamat reflects on the meaning of gratitude not only as a personal feeling, but as a responsibility to others and to the community. Almario’s text considers the values that shape a shared life, from compassion and respect for differences to freedom, justice, culture, knowledge, and the willingness to accept criticism and change. At its heart is the idea that being human is not simply a given, but something we become through our choices and actions.

For the MSO, the work is particularly fitting, offering an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities that come with being the longest surviving institution that has been part of Philippine musical life and history for a century. The text will be brought to life by MSO’s featured choir, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Bagong Himig Serenata.

The concert also features Camille Thomas, an internationally renowned Franco-Belgian cellist known for her expressive performances and technical artistry. An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist since 2017, Thomas has performed with major orchestras and conductors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Her recording Voice of Hope, released in partnership with UNICEF, reflects her belief in music as a means of creating connection and inspiring hope.

Thomas’ artistic advocacy resonates with the ideas at the heart of Pasasalamat. Both approach music as a way of connecting people and encouraging reflection and compassion. In the context of the MSO’s centennial, this shared perspective gives the program a contemporary dimension, inviting audiences to consider the role music can continue to play in bringing people together and strengthening the communities it serves.

Thomas joins the MSO for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33. Written in 1876, the work draws on the elegance of the Classical style while giving the soloist opportunities for expression and virtuosity.

The program concludes with Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, Op. 48, performed with MSO and the award-winning PUP Bagong Himig Serenata. Fauré’s Requiem offers a gentler and more intimate take on the traditional music of remembrance. Its setting is lyrical and peaceful, focusing less on fear and judgment and more on comfort, hope, and rest. It brings the evening to a quiet and reflective close.Bringing together a new Filipino work by National Artists for Music and Literature, an internationally acclaimed cellist whose artistry is rooted in a sense of purpose, and music spanning different eras and musical worlds, Centennial Concert V finds common ground in music’s power to connect and inspire hope. MSO at 100 looks ahead with the belief that orchestral music can certainly build more harmonious communities around the world.

Tickets range from P1000-P5000 and are available on Ticketworld. Discount codes for students, seniors, and PWDs are available.

Sponsored by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, Grand Hyatt Manila, National Performing Arts Grantee, and SM Hotels and Conventions.

Special thanks to JTI ALL IN, The Laufey Foundation, Austrian Embassy Manila, HSTL Foundation, EON Group, 98.7 DZFE-FM | The Master’s Touch, and The Manila Times.

September 28, 2026
‘Forgotten Island’ Makes History With P97.2 Million Opening Weekend in the Philippines

Filipino moviegoers have found their way to Forgotten Island.

DreamWorks Animation’s Filipino-inspired adventure debuted at No. 1 at the Philippine box office, earning P97,236,533 during its opening weekend. The impressive haul marks Universal Pictures’ biggest opening weekend in the country for 2026 and the biggest opening for a non-franchise animated film in the Philippines.

For a story rooted in friendship, Filipino culture, and the creatures many Filipinos grew up hearing about, the milestone makes its arrival on the big screen even sweeter.

And there is plenty of Pinoy talent helping bring the island of Nakali to life.

Filipino Stories Take Center Stage

Forgotten Island follows lifelong best friends Raissa and Jo, voiced by Liza Soberano and H.E.R., as they reach a turning point in their friendship.

Having been inseparable since grade school, the two are preparing to head down different paths after high school graduation. But before they can say goodbye to this chapter of their lives, one final night together takes an unexpected turn.

They stumble upon a mysterious portal and are transported to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical beings and creatures inspired by the stories they heard growing up in Filipino families.

Some of the island’s inhabitants are friendly. Others definitely are not.

Among the dangers waiting for them is the fearsome Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Tony Award-winning Filipino icon Lea Salonga.

As if being stranded on a mysterious island were not enough, Raissa and Jo soon discover that their memories are disappearing.

Suddenly, their adventure becomes something much more personal.

If they cannot find their way home, they risk losing the memories of the friendship that has defined much of their lives. Worse, escaping Nakali may come with a price neither of them is ready to pay.

A Pinoy-Powered Cast and Soundtrack

Adding to the film’s distinctly Filipino spirit is a stacked voice cast featuring Filipino and Filipino-American stars.

Alongside Soberano, H.E.R., and Salonga are Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy.

The larger ensemble includes Dave Franco as the well-meaning but hapless weredog Raww, Emmy nominee Jenny Slate, and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng.

The Filipino representation does not stop with the cast.

Homegrown music acts BINI and SB19 are also among the artists featured on the film’s soundtrack, adding another Pinoy connection to the DreamWorks Animation original.

Critics and Audiences Are Feeling the Magic

The movie’s strong Philippine debut arrives alongside an enthusiastic response from moviegoers and critics.

Forgotten Island received a 95% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its audience score stands at 97%.

Behind the film is the creative team responsible for one of DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed recent adventures.

Forgotten Island is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Academy Award nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

DreamWorks Animation is, of course, no stranger to stories about unforgettable friendships. The studio has given audiences the unlikely partnership of Shrek and Donkey in Shrek, the bond between Hiccup and Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon, and the touching relationship at the center of The Wild Robot.

This time, the friendship worth fighting for belongs to two young women standing at the uncertain point between growing up together and growing apart.

Watch the trailer here:

Welcome to Nakali

Fantasy may send Raissa and Jo into another world, but there is something wonderfully familiar at the heart of Forgotten Island.

It is about reaching that moment when life begins pulling two friends in different directions. It is about the memories that turn a friendship into something irreplaceable. And, wrapped around that emotional story, it is a colorful adventure filled with creatures inspired by Filipino mythology.

Now, with P97.2 million at the Philippine box office during its opening weekend, audiences have given the film another milestone to celebrate.

So, ready to take a trip to Nakali?

Forgotten Island is now showing in Philippine cinemas.

For more updates, follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok.

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures.

September 28, 2026
Disney+ Korean Medical Thriller “Hyper Knife” Nominated at the 2026 International Emmy® Awards

The scalpel-sharp tension of Hyper Knife is getting international recognition.

The Korean medical thriller has been nominated in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category at the 2026 International Emmy® Awards, marking a major international nod for the Disney+ Korea Original.

Premiering in March 2025, Hyper Knife drew audiences into a dangerous world of medical obsession, fractured mentorship, revenge, and morally questionable surgeries. Led by Park Eun-bin and Sul Kyung-gu, the eight-episode series turns the familiar medical drama into something darker and far more unpredictable.

“Hyper Knife” Joins Disney+’s International Emmy® Nominees

Hyper Knife is among several international Disney+ titles recognized at the 2026 International Emmy® Awards.

The United Kingdom series A Thousand Blows is nominated in the Drama Series category, while Mexico’s La Peor Vuelta Al Mundo (The Worst Trip Around The World) received a nomination for Non-Scripted Entertainment.

For Hyper Knife, the TV Movie/Mini-Series nomination puts the spotlight on a Korean thriller that pairs the precision of neurosurgery with an increasingly dangerous battle between two gifted doctors.

A Brilliant Surgeon With Everything to Lose

At the center of Hyper Knife is Jeong Seok, a visionary neurosurgeon with exceptional surgical skills and an intense obsession with becoming even better at her craft.

Her promising career takes a devastating turn when she uncovers a shocking truth and clashes with her mentor, Choi Deokhe. Soon, Seok finds herself cast out of the medical profession and stripped of her license.

But losing her credentials does not stop her from operating.

Determined to continue the work that consumes her, Seok enters the shadows of the medical world, secretly performing illegal surgeries for people who have nowhere else to turn.

Then, the man connected to the destruction of her career comes back into her life.

Her former mentor needs her help.

Suddenly, Seok is faced with an irresistible opportunity: attempt an operation few surgeons could hope to perform or seize the chance to settle the score with the man who took away the future she had worked for.

That volatile reunion becomes the beating heart of Hyper Knife, where every decision can carry consequences far beyond the operating room.

Park Eunbin and Sul Kyunggu Face Off

Bringing Jeong Seok to life is Park Eun-bin, whose acclaimed credits include Extraordinary Attorney Woo and The King’s Affection.

She stars opposite veteran actor Sul Kyung-gu, known for films including Memoir of a Murderer and Oasis. He plays Choi Deokhe, Seok’s former mentor and a formidable neurosurgeon in his own right.

Rather than relying solely on life-or-death medical emergencies, Hyper Knife builds much of its suspense around the complicated relationship between Seok and Deokhe. Their shared brilliance is accompanied by resentment, ambition, betrayal, and a history neither can easily leave behind.

As their paths collide once again, the question is not simply whether they can pull off the impossible. It is whether either of them can trust the other long enough to do it.

The Creative Team Behind “Hyper Knife”

Behind the intense medical thriller is writer Kim Sunhee, whose previous work includes Quiz From God: Reboot.

The series is directed by Kim Junghyun, known for After the Rain and My Fellow Citizens!

Together, the creative team combines intricate medical scenarios with psychological tension, turning Seok and Deokhe’s complicated relationship into a high-stakes story about talent, obsession, revenge, and the price of pursuing greatness.

Now, with its 2026 International Emmy® Awards nomination, Hyper Knife has another reason for viewers to put the Korean thriller on their watchlist.

All eight episodes of Hyper Knife are streaming exclusively on Disney+.

September 28, 2026
My Favorite Works from the CinePanalo Student Short Films

With 19 entries in a competition alone, a huge number of short films in any festival plus a separate Panoramal section, CinePanalo Film Festival is making a big move to champion new voices in Philippine filmmaking landscape. The lineup was selected by a committee reviewing the screenplays before selecting the entries who would receive sizable production grants to their works. While a few films fell short of their scripts’ full potential, many were able to bring their visions to life.

But even if some of the films didn’t fully achieve the vision laid out during conceptualization, the mere fact that they finished and premiered their works in a major festival like CinePanalo is a wonderful opportunity for them to grow as filmmakers and do even better in their next outing.

While some films are still figuring out their voices, certain talents shine through instantly, like Jonalyn Mateo’s lead turn in “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan,” Kaleb Ong’s supporting role in “When Heaven Inched Towards the Earth,” or the VFX team of “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!”

Of the 19 entries, these are the ones that stood out to me:

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

The Sound of K

Directed by Jay Gabriel Canada (Visayas State University)

Raw in its execution, there is poetry in the script that plays out while the actor (who is also the director) showcases a wonderfully nuanced performance that truly captures the anxieties and fears of someone with a speech impediment. There is a strong indie feel to the whole production that amplifies the sincerity of the piece, making it stand out to me.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Alumahan

Directed by Christian Melvin Arejola (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

A dark, very quiet coming-of-age story about a young boy searching for belonging in a seaside town. There is a constant state of danger that lies just underneath as the young boy joins a gang. It is a tight narrative that packs a punch and features some strong performances from its cast.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Pulis Dunggab

Directed by Maxine Dela Bajan (iAcademy – Cebu)

I was so involved with the direction, editing, and writing of this story about a kid’s game that turns frighteningly real. There is genuine love and respect for the locale and the milieu, and the characters really shine with strong performances by the two leads, Van Jordan Gacayan and Elj Seth Tababa. There is such good control here of the film elements that the whole movie felt truly polished.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Limlim

Directed by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje (St. Dominic College of Asia)

Another example of a strong short film where the director had full control of the film elements, “Limlim” is a haunting story of a young girl with a dark history. The film tackles a challenging and very relevant issue with quiet grace and careful restraint.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Miss Intrams

Directed by Henri Marie Belimac (University of the Philippines – Mindanao)

Though a bit overwritten, Belimac’s “Miss Intrams” is an insightful exploration of a queer trans man’s understanding of hisself through joining a pageant. Belimac’s direction shows a good grasp of mainstream aesthetics and filmmaking, with strong performances from its cast and a great use of music.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Nang Matakasan Ang Tagay

Directed by Giancarlo Santiago (University of the Philippines – Diliman)

Santiago’s film navigates the inner struggles of a marino who is about to leave for another deployment while he spends time with his son and attends drinking sessions with his friends. The film explores toxic masculinity and the layers underneath. It is another entry where the rawness of the filmmaking amplifies the sincerity of the piece, and its almost-cliched ending brought me to tears with just the right amount of heart.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Kun Hain, Bisan Diin

Directed by Jomarie Reyes (University of the Philippines – Diliman)

A very polished work about a woman who embarks on a journey to find her activist mother in Samar before her wedding, the film makes excellent use of editing to convey the intense history of the complex relationship between mother and daughter. It is a smart film that shows great restraint from Reyes, who pulls back from the drama to let the story speak for itself.

September 28, 2026