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‘Babaye sa Bubon,’ ‘Kundoktor’ Lead Winners at 9th Sine Negrense Film Festival Awards

The 9th Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival honored the region’s outstanding filmmakers and student storytellers during its Awarding Ceremony held on June 20, 2026, at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

The festival showcased films from both the Open Competition and Inter-School categories, recognizing excellence in directing, acting, screenplay, cinematography, and other filmmaking disciplines. Festival screenings were conducted from December 3 to 6, 2025, at the Cinematheque Centre Negros.

In the Open Competition Category, “Babaye sa Bubon” emerged as the festival’s top winner, earning the Best Film award along with a cash prize of P30,000. The film also garnered several major awards, including Best Director for Ginboy Bataclit, Best Actress for Jonah Sabijon, and Best Sound Design for Ry Cortez and Wenny Lord Bacabac.

The Jury Prize, accompanied by P20,000 in cash, was awarded to “Pagdumdom,” which also secured awards for Best Screenplay (Mhika Jhella Cenizal), Best Supporting Actress (Jing Torrecampo), and Best Actor (Jessiah Makilan).

Other Open Category winners included Jade Clarence Susper for Best Cinematography for “Hilum,” Kyle Decana for Best Editing for “Handurawan,” Jehu Peria for Best Production Design for “Hilum,” Chaz Katalbas for Best Musical Score for “Kabay Pa,” and Johnwine Janipin for Best Supporting Actor for “Maria.”

The award for Best Original Song went to “Kaisog sa Imo Makita,” written by Jabez Rees Gonzales and Angel Kay Dejaros for the film “Hilum.”

Special Awards in the Open Category were presented to “Kabay Pa” for Best Trailer, “Pagdumdom” for Best Poster, and “Snatcher” for the People’s Choice Award.

Meanwhile, in the Inter-School Category, “Kundoktor” emerged as Best Film, receiving the top prize and P20,000 cash award. Its director, Joshua Pastora, also won Best Director and Best Screenplay honors.

The Jury Prize, together with P10,000 in cash, was awarded to “Ngaa Tugnaw ang Gab-i.” The film also produced the category’s Best Actor, Paco Gloria, and earned Best Production Design for Kyle David Ebro.

“Gugma sa Balod” dominated several technical awards, winning Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Design, and Best Original Song. Khyle Anasta received multiple recognitions for his contributions to the film.

Acting honors in the student category were awarded to Fourth Dillomes of “Isa Ka Higayon” as Best Supporting Actor, Jing Torrecampo of “Gugma sa Balod” as Best Supporting Actress, Wilma Larrazabal of “Isa Ka Higayon” as Best Actress, and Paco Gloria of “Ngaa Tugnaw ang Gab-i” as Best Actor.

Special Awards in the Inter-School Category went to “Hinangpanay” for both Best Trailer and Best Poster, while “Libod Para sa Handum” received the People’s Choice Award.

The Inter-School Category was judged by filmmaker and “Love Child” director Jonathan Jurilla, Negros Director and Manager Candy Nagrampa, and film professor Jag Garcia, who served as jury chairman.

The Open Competition jury was composed of Bakunawa Fest Festival Director Elvert Bañares, film critic and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Committee on Cinema head Tito Valiente, and award-winning filmmaker Jeffrey Jeturian, who served as jury chairman.

Serving as the guest and inspirational speaker during the awarding ceremony was Butch Ibañez, Chief Content Officer of Solar Studios, Inc. Addressing filmmakers, students, and festival supporters, Ibañez shared insights from his decades-long experience in the Philippine media and entertainment industry and encouraged aspiring storytellers to pursue excellence in filmmaking while remaining true to their unique voices and cultural roots.

Festival organizers expressed their gratitude to the Film Development Council of the Philippines headed by Chairman Joey Reyes, Cinematheque Centre Negros, The Performance Laboratory Inc., The Negros Museum, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts led by Chairman Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo for their continued support of regional filmmaking initiatives.

The organizers also acknowledged the NCCA Committee on Cinema, former committee chair and Solar Studios Chief Content Officer Butch Ibañez, volunteers from the University of St. La Salle’s IWAG Image Makers Collective and the Maskara Theatre Ensemble, and the Province of Negros Occidental under Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” V. Lacson and Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando P. Diaz II for helping make the event possible.

Now on its ninth edition, the Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for showcasing the talents of filmmakers across Negros Island and nurturing the next generation of regional storytellers.

June 22, 2026
Toast: The Best of Bread Live in Davao Added to Tour

In response to the fast-selling two-city performance of TOAST the Best of Bread in Manila and Cebu, Ovation Productions has added a third city; Davao. The three-city Philippine Tour dates are now August 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, August 13 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao, and August 15 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

TOAST the Best of Bread has faithfully re-created all the hits of the 1970’s legendary band, Bread, as well as the solo works of its founders David Gates and James Griffin. Concertgoers and die-hard fans consistently praise the band for their strikingly accurate recreations of Bread’s warm, sentimental tracks and complex harmonies. The band tours internationally, often packing major venues and bringing a feel-good, emotional experience to audiences worldwide.

The expanded itinerary gives more Filipino fans a chance to experience the band’s live renditions of timeless classics and hits by Bread like “Make It With You”, “If”, “Baby I’m-A-Want-You”, “Everything I Own”, “Aubrey”, “Sweet Surrender”, “It Don’t Matter To Me”, “Clouds”, “Mother Freedom”, “Everything I Own”, “Guitar Man”, “Games Of Magic”, “Lost Without Your Love”, “Goodbye Girl”, among many other Filipino favorites.

Toast the Best of Bread is composed of Jeff Clark, Brett Hart, Rich Bischoff, Robbie Lopez, Davie Rocks, and Troy Jolley. Their three-city Philippine Tour also features Noel Cabangon as special guest. Tickets available through ovationtickets.com. Presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Blast TV.

Visit Ovation Productions’ website and social media accounts for more updates on the seat map, ticket prices, and other official announcements.

June 22, 2026
BINI Joins DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” OST with New Song “A Parallel World”

BINI Brings P-pop Power to a Proudly Filipino Animated Adventure

BINI is adding their signature P-pop sparkle to DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island.” The nation’s girl group has joined the film’s original soundtrack with their upcoming track “A Parallel World,” marking another exciting moment for Filipino music on the global entertainment stage.

Blooms were treated to a wonderful surprise at the start of BINI’s Signals World Tour, where the group performed a sneak peek of the song for the first time. Complete with special choreography, the performance gave fans an early taste of the vibrant sound and emotion that BINI is bringing to the film.

Fans can watch BINI’s performance of “A Parallel World” on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

A Soundtrack Filled with Filipino Talent

The soundtrack of “Forgotten Island” brings together an impressive lineup of Filipino and Filipino-American artists. Alongside BINI, the film features SB19 with a cover of Francis Magalona’s “Mga Kababayan,” as well as Ruby Ibarra and Carl Angelo with “Salbahe Ako.”

The star-studded roster also includes H.E.R., KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza, and Lea Salonga, making the soundtrack a heartfelt celebration of Filipino artistry, heritage, and sound.

With each artist bringing something unique to the mix, the music of “Forgotten Island” is set to deepen the film’s emotional story while proudly spotlighting Filipino culture.

A Magical Story of Friendship, Memory, and Growing Up

At the center of “Forgotten Island” is an emotional story about lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, who find themselves on one last extraordinary adventure before life pulls them in different directions.

After discovering a mysterious portal, the two are transported to Nakali, a mythical island filled with magical beings inspired by Filipino folklore. Some are friendly, some are fearsome, and some may change the way Jo and Raissa see their friendship forever.

As they search for a way home, the best friends uncover a heartbreaking truth: returning to the real world may cost them the memories of their entire friendship. Suddenly, their journey becomes a race against time as they fight to hold on to the bond that shaped their lives.

A DreamWorks Film with a Stellar Voice Cast

DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind beloved stories of friendship in “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Shrek,” and “The Wild Robot,” brings another dazzling bond to the big screen with “Forgotten Island.”

The film stars Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist H.E.R. and international star Liza Soberano as Jo and Raissa. Joining them in the all-star voice cast are Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Jenny Slate, Dave Franco, Ronny Chieng, and Tony-winning icon Lea Salonga as the dreaded Manananggal.

Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, and produced by Academy Award nominee Mark Swift, the film comes from the creative team behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”

“Forgotten Island” Opens in PH Cinemas September 23

Fantastical, emotional, and proudly rooted in Filipino culture, “Forgotten Island” invites audiences to rediscover the magic of friendship and the stories passed down through generations.

Catch DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” in Philippine cinemas starting September 23.

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

June 22, 2026
“Gisingin ang Mundo”: Nescafé Fusion Launches a Cultural Movement to Champion Filipino Music

On June 26, 2026, the Filinvest City Events Grounds will transform into the epicenter of Filipino youth culture as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival returns in partnership with Nescafé.

This year, the festival leaps beyond the format of a traditional concert to become a true cultural movement, all anchored on the rallying cry of Nescafé’s campaign: “Gisingin ang Mundo.” Nescafé Fusion is not just about putting on a show, it is awakening the youth to take action, to stand for what they care about, and to be one in support of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Nescafé Awakens the Filipino Youth

We live in an age of uncertainty where economic pressures and digital fatigue often leave the youth feeling disconnected. Yet, a new generation of “Gleamers”, radical optimists who find power in small wins, is rising to combat the chaos.

For decades, Nescafé has been the daily companion that helped generations of Filipinos start their mornings and power through long nights. Now, it is using its legacy to fuel the youth with the language that resonates best with them: music. By merging Nescafé’s global scale with Fusion’s deep roots in Filipino music culture, we are rousing a movement that champions local artistry and human connection over the isolation of the digital world.

Democratizing the Stage and Empowering Voices

At the heart of Nescafé Fusion is a festival experience that belongs to the community. Students are no longer just spectators to history-in-the-making; they are co-creators of the movement. By working in deep synergy with student organizations, we are bringing together the brightest youth to build a festival that reflects the true spirit of today’s generation.

This commitment to the future is best exemplified by the return of Nescafé Fusion FreeJam, an intercollegiate battle of the bands. Supported by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP), FreeJam is a pillar in nurturing the next generation of Filipino musicians. Finalists receive financial support for their music journey and mentorship from the industry’s best directors and partners. They don’t just warm up the stage, they perform back-to-back with our headliners during the prime segments of the festival.

The movement is also bolstered by an unprecedented unity of media organizations. Cignal, a major media partner, brings the movement from the music community to the sports community through properties such as the UAAP to connect with youth culture even further. Myx, one of the country’s iconic music platforms, remains a long-time partner of Fusion, sharing our vision of promoting our very own music.

Walking the Talk: Sustainability and Community

Nescafé Fusion believes that global ambitions must be matched by local, tangible action. We are moving beyond the “table stakes” of sustainability to create a truly resourceful event that today’s consumers trust and champion. We are partnering with Briyo Energy to power parts of our festival using solar power, directly addressing the environmental impact and carbon footprint delivered by large-scale entertainment events.

We are also working with The Plastic Flamingo to ensure that concert plastic waste, which is significant in events of this scale, is upcycled into useful products, such as school chairs, that circle back to serve the student communities that define our roots.

A Unifying Celebration for the Future

Nescafé Fusion transforms the Filinvest Concerts Grounds into a vibrant, multi-sensory playground where the electric energy of the movement is felt in every corner. Elevating this experience is the Nescafé Mansion, a festival centerpiece that elevates on-ground experiences beyond the stage.

The festival’s lineup is a direct reflection of the youth’s own voices. Featuring a powerful roster of OPM icons like IV of Spades, Maki, Angela Ken, BGYO, Earl Agustin, and Arthur Miguel, the artist selection is meticulously guided by the performers that the youth listen to and relate to on their own journeys. Adding to the excitement, the Fusion FreeJam finalists are not only an opening act, they have a spot in the limelight, performing back-to-back with Fusion main artists during prime segments of the festival.

Beyond the music, Nescafé Fusion walks the talk in community support through the Nescafé Fusion Youth Village. This space will hold student entrepreneurs and youth artisans to sell their products without any concessionaire fees or commissions, providing a tangible platform for the next generation of young creators to thrive in a real-world setting.

The festival culminates in a powerful, unified moment when the audience gathers for the anthem, “Gisingin ang Mundo.” To be performed alongside university hitmaker Earl Agustin, this performance serves as the ultimate call to action, uniting the crowd in a collective chorus that champions Filipino music that we’re proud of.

Shared Rituals for a New Generation

The Nescafé Fusion experience is also a reflection of how the brand is evolving alongside the very audience it celebrates. As the culture of coffee shifts from a purely functional morning ritual toward personal “micro-moments,” the kind that defines one’s identity and social rhythm, Nescafé is meeting today’s generation exactly where they are.

Whether it’s through refreshing, on-the-go coffee experiences that fit a fast-paced festival lifestyle or accessible options for daily life, the brand is prioritizing versatility. By integrating into the social rituals of the youth, Nescafé aims to be more than just a drink; it serves as a companion to the moments, big or small, where young Filipinos continue to connect, dream, and shape their future.

Join us on June 26, 2026, as we transform the Filinvest City Events Grounds into a beacon of the Filipino youth’s creativity, hospitality, and hope. Together, we are building the next global cultural phenomenon in awakening the world to the heartbeat of Filipino culture.

Lock in your ticket on Ticketmelon and be part of the #GisinginAngMundo movement. Follow Fusion’s page for updates.

June 22, 2026
Rody Vera Cast as Older Noah in The Notebook, The Musical

Theatre Group Asia (TGA) proudly announces that renowned playwright, screenwriter, actor, and singer Rody Vera will take on the role of Older Noah in its highly anticipated international premiere of The Notebook, The Musical.

A towering figure in contemporary Philippine theater, Vera has spent over four decades helping shape the country’s cultural landscape through his various artistic endeavors as a performer, writers and cultural voice. His career has traversed the worlds of theater, film, television, literature, and advocacy, making him one of the rare artists whose influence extends both onstage and behind the scenes.

As an actor, Vera has delivered memorable performances across generations of Philippine theater. He first gained prominence onstage in productions such as PETA’s Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas and the landmark musical 1896, where he portrayed Andres Bonifacio. Over the years, he has built a body of work encompassing both Filipino classics and international repertoire, appearing as Padre Damaso in Noli Me Tangere, The Musical, Edgar Jopson in EJ, Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson, Iago in Otelo, Reuven in Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto, Gov. Danforth in The Crucible, and Bobby Gonzales in Mario O’Hara’s Stageshow, a performance that earned him the Gawad Buhay! Award for Best Featured Actor. Audiences have continued to embrace Vera’s performances, from his role as Fernan in the hit musical Rak of Aegis to Tawfiq in the Philippine production of The Band’s Visit, and his performance in Tiny Beautiful Things. Most recently, he is most known for his role as The Narrator in TGA’s phenomenally successful staging of Into The Woods alongside Lea Salonga, Eugene Domingo, and Arielle Jacob.

Internationally, Vera has collaborated extensively with Singapore’s renowned The Necessary Stage, appearing in productions such as Mardi Gras, Top or Bottom, Good People, The Year of No Return, and most recently Old Gaze at Victoria Theatre in Singapore. His international work has also brought him to Hong Kong, Romania, Hungary, Tokyo, and New York, where he participated in productions and collaborative projects exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and performance across borders.

TGA Creative and Overall Artistic Director Clint Ramos remarks, “Rody Vera is one of the most important theater artists of our time. He is a master storyteller whose artistry is rooted in compassion, intelligence, and an extraordinary understanding of the human experience. As Older Noah, he brings a lifetime of wisdom, emotional truth, and theatrical excellence to a role that demands all three. We are honored to welcome him to The Notebook.”

For Vera, the role resonates deeply with the musical’s central themes of memory, devotion, and enduring love. “The Notebook reminds us that love is not only found in grand gestures but in the choices we make every day to remember, to stay, and to care with patience and loyalty ,” he reflects. “What moves me most is how the story finds beauty even in fragility. I am grateful for the opportunity to tell this story alongside Celeste Legaspi and this remarkable company of artists. And I’m very proud to be part of this musical’s international premiere.”

His casting as Older Noah alongside the previously announced Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie brings together two of Philippine theater’s most respected and beloved artists. Together, they anchor a multigenerational cast that also includes Morissette as Middle Allie, Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah, Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie, and Benedix Ramos as Young Noah.

Based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks and the beloved film adaptation, The Notebook, The Musical is a sweeping story of love that endures across decades, memory, and circumstance. Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter, the musical has captivated audiences worldwide with its intimate portrayal of a love that evolves through youth, adulthood, and old age.

With Rody Vera bringing his impassioned artistry, humanity, and lifetime of theatrical achievement to the role, TGA’s production promises a moving and unforgettable portrait of one of literature’s most enduring love stories.

For more information, visit TGA’s website www.theatregroupasia.com, Instagram @theatregroupasia, or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theatregroupasia.

Watch Rody Vera’s Performance of “Iron in the Fridge” from The Notebook: The Musical

June 22, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’ Shines a Spotlight on the Sadness of the Gay Man

I’m a huge Luca Guadagnino fan. I have always found his work to be visually stimulating while cutting through the complexities of human emotions. We see this in his in drama like Challengers or Call Me by Your Name. and even when h e filters intimacy through the lens of the paranormal or supernatural, like in Suspiria and Bones and All. There is a sensuality to his filmmaking that really gets my attention. Because of this, I am always eager to see what new thing he puts out, even if it is less than stellar, as was in the case with After the Hunt, which I still enjoyed but not as much as the others.

Naturally, my anticipation for Queer was incredibly hight. When I saw it, I was completely unaware that the film was an adaptation of a William S. Burroughs novella. While I have previously read some of Burroughs’ essays and watched the film adaptation of Naked Lunch, which was based on his landmark novels, not realising the source material here left me entirely unprepared for the for the emotional coldness of the characters and the deeply trippy third act of the film.

(left) Daniel Craig as William Lee, (right) Drew Starkey as Eugene in Queer | Photo credit: A24

Set in the 1950s Mexico City, Queer follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), an American expatriate who spends his days and nights drifting through bars and sleeping with younger men. His routine was disrupted when he meets Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a. younger American expat and recently discharged serviceman. William quickly becomes infatuated with Allergen and follows him around, trying to get his affection. While the tow men form a bond, Allerton remains intentionally distant, insisting he does not view his own sexuality in the same “queer” light as William’s. In order to push their relationship further, the drug-addicted William convinces Allerton to join him on a journey search for a psychotropic plant that promises telepathic communication and a higher state of consciousness.

Queer | Photo credit: A24

What is so striking about Queer is how Guadagnino alongside cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom and regular collaborators Trent Reznor and Atticus Rose working on the musical score, captures the profound loneliness of older gay men, particularly during that era. It is a time that offered them no recourse for building a traditional home or family. Ostracized and despised in their homeland, they often sought solace in foreign countries to enjoy the shield of anonymity, escaping the burden of bringing shame upon themselves or their families. On the surface, William lives vicariously, talks big, and projects an aura of sophistication at every turn; beneath it all, however, he is a lonely man. Guadagnino and his team are so precise in how they translate this internal desolation onto the screen for all of us to witness.

Daniel Craig as William Lee in Queer | Photo credit: A24

Craig is incredible – throwing himself into the role with so much commitment that one completely forgets he ever played James Bond (and he is easily my personal favourite Bond). There is a palpable neediness to the way he looks at Drew Starkey’s Allerton, who does a solid job of standing on his own two feet opposite an acting powerhouse like Craig on the opposite side of the screen. The tension between them is electric, and continues to highlight the epidemic of loneliness that a forced relationship and mind-altering drugs appear to be the only recourse William has left to feel whole.

(left) Daniel Craig as William Lee, (right) Drew Starkey as Eugene in Queer | Photo credit: A24

Watching Queer serves as a poignant reminder of how precarious a gay man’s life can be, even in the modern world. It explores how one can conflate sex with true emotional intimacy, and that sometimes, just being able to hold someone is a far more powerful act than a sexual one. The film’s incredible, hallucinogenic third-act trip that William and Allerton take becomes a metaphor for something deeply abstract – what a relationship needs to feel like for persecuted people like queer people are. Ultimately, this melding of bodies stands as a striking form of pure intimacy.

It is a categorically sad film and a stark reminder of what it means to feel rejected and isolated from the rest of the world. Yet, despite its cold and distant nature, Queer remains a beautiful film. What I saw on the screen is a portent of a long, frightening life of being alone as a gay man. It is not a pretty picture, but then again, not all of art has to be.

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

What are your thoughts on Luca Guadagnino’s haunting new vision? Whether you caught the film or are just following Wanggo’s cinematic reviews, drop a comment to share your take on Daniel Craig’s fearless performance and this devastating portrait of isolation.

June 19, 2026
“Minions & Monsters” Tickets Now on Sale, Opens in PH Cinemas June 30

Banana-loving chaos is heading back to the big screen, and this time, the Minions are bringing monsters with them.

Illumination’s beloved yellow troublemakers return in “Minions & Monsters,” a riotous new chapter in the studio’s animated universe. Opening in Philippine cinemas on June 30, the film introduces a different tribe of Minions, a fresh set of characters, and a wildly funny story about ambition, accidents, and the strange magic of early Hollywood.

Tickets are now available, so moviegoers can already reserve their seats for what promises to be a loud, lovable, and monster-sized cinematic adventure.

Watch the trailer for “Minions & Monsters” here:

Lights, Camera, Minions!

In “Minions & Monsters,” a new tribe of Minions sets out in search of a new evil boss. Naturally, their mission does not go exactly as planned. Their journey takes them to 1920s Hollywood, a place buzzing with invention, spectacle, and the irresistible pull of motion pictures.

What begins as a hunt for villainy soon becomes something hilariously unexpected. The Minions discover movies, and with that discovery comes a brand-new dream: making their own monster movie.

Set during a time when cinema was still being shaped, the film turns Hollywood’s early years into a playground for the Minions’ signature brand of physical comedy. With every stumble, scream, and spectacular mistake, “Minions & Monsters” celebrates the joy of filmmaking through characters who have always spoken best through action, expression, and pure comic timing.

Pierre Coffin Takes the Director’s Chair

Longtime franchise creative Pierre Coffin directs the film, marking his first solo directorial outing in the series. Coffin previously co-directed four films in the franchise and has been the unforgettable voice behind the Minions in every film.

The idea for “Minions & Monsters” came from Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri, whose pitch instantly clicked with Coffin.

“Chris called me with the idea of a Minions movie about the Minions trying to make a monster movie,” Coffin says. “I loved it right away because it felt very funny and very true to them. The Minions are always trying to serve someone else’s dream, but this gave us a way to let them discover one of their own. We immediately thought that setting it in the 1920s made sense because cinema was still being invented. It was a world of instinct and physical comedy, which felt like the perfect place for the Minions to end up.”

A Minions Story Made for the Movies

Once the concept was in motion, Coffin began shaping the screenplay with Brian Lynch, who wrote “Minions” and shares story credit on “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

For Lynch, collaborating with Coffin brought an extra layer of fun to the writing process.

“I’ve worked with Pierre a lot, but this was the first time co-writing something with him,” Lynch says. “I loved it. We would bounce ideas off each other, and then send script pages back and forth, trying to make the other laugh. Plus, I got to write a Minions movie with the Minions as my co-writer. Who else can say that?”

That playful spirit runs through the film’s DNA. Rather than simply placing the Minions in Hollywood, “Minions & Monsters” lets them crash into the earliest days of moviemaking, where instinct, performance, and imagination mattered most.

A Love Letter to Cinema, Minion-Style

For Meledandri, the movie is especially meaningful because of Coffin’s personal connection to the characters and to the story being told.

“This is a very personal film for Pierre,” Meledandri says. “He has labored over every frame, and you can feel his love of cinema throughout the movie. I have always seen the film as a story about discovering the magic of making movies, told through characters who were almost made for silent cinema. The Minions have always communicated through performance and physical comedy, so placing them in that era allowed us to celebrate the birth of film in a way that felt completely natural to them.”

Indeed, the Minions feel right at home in a world built on slapstick, spectacle, and visual storytelling. Without needing much explanation, they turn every scene into a gag, every plan into a disaster, and every disaster into something unexpectedly delightful.

Get Ready for Monster-Sized Mayhem

With its 1920s Hollywood setting, playful monster-movie twist, and the return of the franchise’s endlessly lovable troublemakers, “Minions & Monsters” is set to bring big laughs to cinemas this June.

Grab your friends, bring the whole family, and prepare for a hilarious adventure where the Minions do what they do best: cause trouble, chase a dream, and somehow save the day along the way.

“Minions & Monsters” opens in Philippine cinemas on June 30. Tickets are out now. Visit your local cinema or check online ticketing platforms to book your seats.

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

June 18, 2026
Ayala Malls Cinemas Is Ready for Playtime as ‘Toy Story 5’ Comes to Life on the Big Screen, Now Showing

Ayala Malls Cinemas is the home for fun family experiences as it showcases the latest chapter in a beloved franchise. Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 return for another big screen adventure, with toys meeting tech as shiny new tablets get kids hooked on screentime. Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), disrupts the peaceful life the toys have with their kid Bonnie, taking her attention away and changing what playtime is all about. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack lend their voices once more as Woody the sheriff, astronaut Buzz Lightyear and Jessie the cowgirl respectively.

Ayala Malls Cinemas is joining the celebration, welcoming families, longtime fans, and a new generation of moviegoers to experience the magic of Toy Story 5in premium comfort and state-of-the-art presentation. Years after the last film, Toy Story 5 is a chance for audiences to reconnect with a story that has been part of their lives for decades.

The Toy Story franchise was a childhood companion for many moviegoers, a film that grew alongside them throughout the years. Now, as Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the toys return to the big screen, Ayala Malls Cinemas offers the perfect setting to create new memories while revisiting old ones, bringing the film in exciting and immersive formats such as 4DX. To add to the experience, visit the Toy Story 5 activation at Glorietta activity center where kids and adults can experience both tech and play until June 21.

While Ayala Malls Cinemas is known for its premium moviegoing experience, the true luxury lies in sharing the moment with the people who matter most. Whether it’s parents introducing Toy Story to their children for the first time, siblings reliving the films they grew up with, or friends gathering to celebrate a franchise that raised them, Toy Story 5 becomes both entertainment and a shared experience.

At Ayala Malls Cinemas, the premium experience goes beyond the screen, becoming about laughter shared across generations, friendships rekindled through familiar characters, and memories made together in the dark of a cinema as a beloved story unfolds once more.

Toy Story 5 comes to life in Ayala Malls Cinemas, Now Showing.

June 18, 2026
ASUS Republic of Gamers Launches the 2026 Strix Gaming Laptop Series

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announces the availability and pricing of the 2026 Strix G and Strix SCAR series gaming laptops in the Philippines. The ROG Strix G and Strix SCAR represent the pinnacle of gaming experiences, with the new 2026 models combining upgraded ROG Nebula Display technologies, refinements to ROG Intelligent Cooling, expanded high-speed connectivity, and the latest-generation hardware to deliver an even more immersive gaming experience in a sleek, upgrade-friendly chassis.

2026 ROG STRIX G – POWER UP TO THE LIMIT

The 2026 ROG Strix G raises the bar for mainstream gaming laptops with faster Nebula displays, expanded high-speed connectivity, and next-generation performance. Retaining its gamer-focused design and advanced thermal solution, the latest Strix G empowers users to game and stream like never before.

The Strix G series are more ready than ever to accelerate your victories. Both the ROG Strix G16 and Strix G18 feature stunning 2.5K ROG Nebula Displays, now upgraded with an ultra-fast 300Hz refresh rate that delivers exceptional motion clarity and responsiveness, allowing gamers to stay ahead in even the fastest-paced competitive titles.

Both models are capable of ultra-high framerates for all the latest AAA games, thanks to the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. Advanced ROG Intelligent Cooling technology featuring end-to-end vapor chambers, ROG Tri-Fan Technology, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal reduces internal temperatures by up to 15°C, keeping the Strix G performing at its best for uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and demanding professional workloads.

2026 ROG STRIX SCAR 18 – ULTIMATE POWER

The 2026 ROG Strix SCAR continues ASUS ROG’s pursuit of uncompromised gaming performance, combining flagship-grade hardware with premium display technologies and advanced thermal engineering.

The ROG Strix SCAR 18 features the world’s first 18-inch 4K 240Hz Mini LED laptop panel with over 2,000 dimming zones, delivering stunning visual fidelity and ultra-smooth gameplay. ROG Nebula ELMB provides up to 16x greater motion clarity, while up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and AGLR technology reduce reflections and enhance contrast by up to 4.5x for exceptionally vivid visuals.

Armed with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus, the Strix SCAR 18 delivers exceptional graphics fidelity, enhanced by DLSS 4, Multi-Frame Generation, and GPU-accelerated technologies for the latest AAA titles

Engineered for peak performance, the 2026 Strix SCAR 18 boosts total system power to 320W in Manual Mode and features a 20% thicker vapor chamber, now 3.5mm versus 2.5mm on the previous generation. Upgraded Liquid Crystal Polymer fans increase total airflow by 91%, while the chassis sides and bottom serve as dedicated intake zones and exhaust airflow is directed toward the rear hinge to keep mousing hands cooler during extended gaming sessions. These advanced cooling features reduce internal temperatures by up to 15°C, while a new graphite-and-copper heatsink solution exclusive to the Strix SCAR 18 lowers SSD temperatures by up to 12°C.

TOOL-LESS UPGRADES AND ICONIC ROG STYLING

The 2026 Strix G and Strix SCAR feature a patented tool-less design to make upgrades easier than ever, and allows for simple access to RAM, SSD, and fans, and even includes our latest Q-latch system for the SSDs. A specially designed frame covers the rest of the mainboard to protect the other components, but it can be easily removed with a few screws for users who want to tinker further.

Gamers can also showcase the sleek ROG aesthetic on the Strix G and Strix SCAR 18 with a full-surround Aura RGB light bar, customizable through the Armoury Crate app. Originally pioneered on the Zephyrus series, the Strix SCAR 18 also features an AniMe Vision display on the laptop lid. With an array of 810 LEDs shining through 8,522 precision-milled holes, users can express their style with a wide selection of pre-made animations, import a GIF of their choice, or create custom animations from scratch.

ASUS NO. 1 QUALITY & SEVICE AND MORE

Available through authorized retailers, the ROG Strix G and Strix SCAR laptops will come with the  ASUS No. 1 Quality & Service Program, featuring a 3-year International and Local Warranty with a 1-year Local Accidental Protection, as well as up to 6x claim of the Premium Care package.

The series will also include the following out-of-box: ROG Universal Backpack, ROG gaming mouse, 3-months PC Game Pass, Office 2024 Lifetime License, 1-year access to Microsoft 365 Basic with free 100 GB cloud storage, and up to 700 GB ASUS Cloud Storage Bundle.

LIFE WITH ROG

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.

June 18, 2026
New “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” Trailer Reveals Peter Parker Facing a Powerful Unseen Villain, Tickets Available Now

The world may no longer remember Peter Parker, but Spider-Man is still watching over it.

A new trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has been released, offering a thrilling glimpse at Tom Holland’s return as the beloved web-slinger. This time, Peter finds himself protecting a city where his identity has vanished from everyone’s memory, including the people who once knew him best.

Still, even without recognition, Peter remains committed to the responsibility that has always defined him.

Watch the Trailer Here:

A Hero the World Has Forgotten

In “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Peter Parker is living a lonely new reality. With no one remembering who he is, he continues to fight crime full-time as Spider-Man while watching his old friends move forward without him.

That emotional pressure begins to take a toll, sparking a change in Peter that he may not be able to control. Yet, as danger grows, that transformation could become the very thing that helps him face what is coming next.

A Powerful Threat No One Can See

The new trailer also teases a shocking enemy unlike any Spider-Man has faced before. The city is threatened by a powerful villain no one can even see, raising the stakes for Peter as he struggles to protect the people he loves from an invisible danger.

Caught between isolation, responsibility, and a mysterious new threat, Peter must once again prove what it means to be a hero, even when the world has forgotten the person behind the mask.

Tom Holland Returns as Spider-Man

Tom Holland reprises his role as Peter Parker, leading a cast that includes Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo.

Swinging Into Philippine Cinemas This July

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” arrives in Philippine cinemas on July 29. Tickets are available now. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

Film Credits

Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton

Written by: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, and Justin Kuritzkes

Based on the Marvel Comic Book by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Produced by: Kevin Feige, p.g.a., Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Avi Arad, Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a.

Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, David Cain

_{Note: Credits not final.}

June 18, 2026