PhilWeb Corporation Propels HANN Casino into Digital Space with Launch of HANN Online

MANILA, Philippines — February 05, 2026 — PhilWeb Corporation (PSE: WEB), a leading provider of regulated gaming technology in the Philippines, is pleased to announce the official launch of HANN Online. 

This digital expansion marks a significant milestone in PhilWeb’s partnership with HANN Casino, one of the country’s premier integrated resort operators.

Driving Incremental Revenue through Digital Transformation

The launch of HANN Online creates a powerful new business stream for HANN Casino, providing a sophisticated digital channel that generates incremental revenue alongside its traditional land-based operations. By transitioning the premium onsite experience into the digital realm, PhilWeb is enabling HANN to capture a wider market share and ensure its brand remains accessible 24/7 in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

Brian Ng, President of PhilWeb Corporation

Agile Deployment and B2B Versatility

Demonstrating industry-leading technical agility, PhilWeb designed, integrated, and deployed the HANN Online platform within a rapid two-week development timeline. This achievement highlights PhilWeb’s capacity to deliver secure, PAGCOR-compliant infrastructure while meeting the specific operational requirements of its partners. As a dedicated B2B service provider, PhilWeb remains open to collaborating with all industry stakeholders, offering scalable and reliable systems to any party looking to modernize their gaming presence.

“This launch highlights our commitment to building the infrastructure that supports a stable, transparent, and responsible gaming industry,” said Mr. Brian Ng, President of PhilWeb Corporation. 

“While we are proud of our partnership with HANN Casino, this project also signals PhilWeb’s broader mission as a neutral B2B partner. We are fully equipped and ready to provide any gaming operator with the secure, compliant infrastructure necessary to thrive in the regulated ecosystem.”

Platform Features and Institutional Security

HANN Online offers a seamless user experience backed by a library of over 3,000 casino games and PhilWeb’s robust backend architecture. The platform is fully Payment Gateway Ready, supporting popular local options such as GCash and QRPH to ensure frictionless transactions. To drive engagement, the system includes meticulously prepared promotional cycles ranging from registration rewards to first-deposit bonuses and cashback incentives.

Supported by 24/7 dedicated customer service teams, the platform is built around rigorous Know-Your-Customer (KYC) processes and full compliance with Philippine government regulations. These features ensure that player verification, data protection, and responsible gaming controls are embedded across all operational layers, providing a secure and institutionally governed environment for all users.

'Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global' announces partnership with PGH's Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation

THE much-anticipated Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global returns for its second year, bringing 23 candidates from 15 countries in a celebration of Chinese heritage, culture, leadership, and identity. 

The coronation night will be held on February 10 at the iconic Araneta Coliseum and will be aired on the Kapamilya Channel and All TV Channel 2, marking the first free-to-air broadcast of the event since the pandemic. Created to serve as a platform for individuals of Chinese descent worldwide, Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global 2026 goes beyond beauty and talent. 

The pageant highlights personal stories, leadership, and cultural pride while honoring the shared heritage of the global Chinese community. What began as a community initiative in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, has grown into a global celebration, taking its vision from the historic streets of Manila to the international stage. 

Pageant Director Nicole Cordoves

“United by culture yet shaped by diverse global experiences, we show that Chinese identity continues to evolve across borders and generations,” shared Pageant Director Nicole Cordoves. 

“Through this platform, they do not simply compete… they transform, emerging not only as titleholders, but as global Chinese committed to creating meaningful good in the world.” 

The 23 candidates competing in this year are comprised of Mr. Chinatown Global candidates: Adriel Kam-Shung Yuan, Australia;  Yi Fang Gao, Canada; Karl Chung-Tan, French Polynesia; Zhang Yiwen, Hong Kong;  Ang Wei Yang, Malaysia; Yaw Kan Tong Adrien Sin On, Mauritius; Htoo Aung Wai, Myanmar; Aldrich Chen Kenneth Perez, Philippines; Oliver Liu Xu, Switzerland; and Nattakhun Thitithanon, Thailand.

Ms. Chinatown Global candidates: Kolianne Emilie Mailfait, Cambodia;  Tyra Rosnuk, Canada 3. Tang Keyuan, China; Haurani Elodie Jiying Chan, French Polynesia; Liu Chunyan, Macau; Belle Nanphasorn, Malaysia;  Maria Vanella Estelinna Ah-Hon, Mauritius; Sasha Viola, Myanmar; Monica Geronimo, Philippines;  Christina Cai, Singapore; Khaohom Passawalee Seearamroongruang, Thailand; Charlotte Yeung, United Kingdom; and Rochelle Kirsten Canlas, USA.

In a meaningful milestone, Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global launches its advocacy partnership with Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation–PGH, supporting less-privileged stomach cancer patients. This advocacy, deeply personal to the organizers, turns the platform into one that brings hope and support to those in need. 

(photo by: BENJIE TIONGCO)

This year, audiences will also get an intimate look behind the scenes through a 60-minute documentary series, showcasing the candidates’ stories, their roots, and what it means to embrace Chinese identity in different parts of the world. Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global 2026 is presented by CHiNOY TV and Oishi. 

This edition is also made possible thanks to the support of brand partners, sponsors, and community collaborators who share in the vision of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global, helping bring the second year of this celebration to life. 

About Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global is the premier international pageant celebrating Chinese heritage, culture, and leadership across the globe. Founded in Binondo, Manila, it provides a platform for individuals of Chinese descent to showcase not only talent and beauty but also identity, community impact, and cultural pride.   

Fire and Ice Entertainment Expands into Full Creative Ecosystem, Announcing Concerts, Films, and Series for 2026

A day filled with music, storytelling, and major announcements marked the official launch of Fire and Ice Entertainment’s expanded creative ecosystem, bringing together concerts, new music releases, original films and series, and theatre productions set to roll out throughout 2026.

Held at Noctos Music Bar, the grand media launch gathered artists, industry partners, members of the press, and cultural stakeholders as Fire and Ice Entertainment introduced five distinct yet interconnected brands: Fire and Ice LIVE!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and Fire and Ice Consultancy. 

Together, these divisions form an integrated artist-led platforms spanning live events, music, theatre, film, series development, and cultural consultancy—marking a significant scale-up from project-based production into a fully integrated creative ecosystem.

More than a company launch, the evening positioned Fire and Ice Entertainment as a long-term creative home for artists—one that prioritizes sustainability, authorship, and collaboration over one-off projects.

“Fire and Ice Entertainment was built on the belief that artists and ideas deserve long-term support, —not just one-off projects.” said Liza Diño, Chief Executive Officer of Fire and Ice Entertainment. 

“By formally launching these five brands, we are putting structure behind a vision that allows creativity to thrive across live performance, music, screen, theatre, and cultural development while contributing meaningfully to the growth of the Philippine creative industry.”

Fire and Ice LIVE!: Expanding the Live Entertainment Landscape

Fire and Ice LIVE! revealed a robust lineup of major concerts and live productions for the year, underscoring its commitment to premium, artist-driven live experiences. 

Confirmed headline events include:

• Being Ice: Live! at the New Frontier – February 27, New Frontier Theater, headlined by Ice Seguerra
• Love, Sessionistas – April 18, Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino
• Sittiscape: The City of Bossa – May 17, Newport Performing Arts Theater, featuring Sitti
• Divine Divas: Divine Rules the World – May 31, Newport Performing Arts Theater, starring the Divine Divas 

In a significant international push, Fire and Ice LIVE! also confirmed overseas touring plans, with “Being Ice” set to tour Australia and Europe, signalling the company’s growing global ambitions.

Further strengthening its theatrical footprint, Fire and Ice LIVE! in collaboration with Fire and Ice Studios, announced upcoming  stage productions:

• Still Alice (September 27 – October 5)
• ’Night, Mother (November 26 – December 5) 

Fire and Ice Music: Building Artist-Centric Careers

Fire and Ice Music officially launched its artist roster, reinforcing the company’s commitment to music as both creative expression and career-building platform. The initial artist slate includes Ice Seguerra; Princess Velasco; Divine Divas (Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas DeLuxe, Brigiding); and Louise. 

The label also announced a slate of upcoming EP releases:

• Tamang Panahon – Ice Seguerra
• Always You – Louise
• Divine Rules The World – Divine Divas
• Still Here – Princess Vales

These releases form part of a broader strategy focused on original music, narrative-driven releases, and closer artist involvement in creative direction.

Fire and Ice Media: Original Stories for Screen and Sound

Fire and Ice Media outlined its growing pipeline of screen and audio projects, bringing together auteur-driven works by established and emerging filmmakers alongside original projects developed in-house by the Fire and Ice creative team, reinforcing the company’s commitment  to long-form storytelling across film, series, documentary, and audio. 

Feature Films:

• Aid directed by Brillante Mendoza
• Karaoke News directed by John Paul Su
• Becoming Ice documentary by Tey Clamor
• Funeral Flowers - an original Fire and Ice Media project by Liza Diño and Ice Seguerra
• Island Girl - an original Fire and Ice Media project by Ice Seguerra

Series In Development:

• Never The Bride - an original series  created by Liza Diño
• Behind The Line - an original series  created by Liza Diño

Key announcements include the return of Talk Sheets with Ice and Liza for its second podcast season.

Fire and Ice Consultancy: Creative Strategy and Cultural Development

Completing the ecosystem is Fire and Ice Consultancy, the company’s professional advisory arm focused on cultural, creative, and strategic consulting. Initial initiatives include consultancy support for UNESCO Creative City applications, as well as involvement in the development of QCinema Industry 2026, extending Fire and Ice Entertainment’s impact beyond production into policy and cultural planning.

Fire and Ice Entertainment As A Multi-Platform Creative Group

“At the heart of Fire and Ice is the artist. Everything we announced today—concerts, music releases, films, theatre productions—comes from a desire to create work that is honest, intentional, and deeply collaborative,” said Ice Seguerra, Fire and Ice Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer. “This ecosystem allows artists to tell their stories across different platforms without losing their voice.”

With the official launch of its five brands, Fire and Ice Entertainment positions itself at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture, offering an integrated model that supports artists, develops original intellectual property, and contributes to the long-term growth of the Philippine creative industries.

Further project announcements, partnerships, and international developments are expected throughout the year.

MENTORQUE announces BARAKOFEST 2026 happening on March 26 to 28

LIPA CITY, BATANGAS — Mentorque officially announces the return of BarakoFest, one of Southern Luzon’s most anticipated multi experience festivals, happening on March 26 to 28, 2026 along the Manila–Batangas Bypass Road in Lipa City, in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Batangas and the Lipa City Government. 

The three day event brings together music, culture, lifestyle, and community in a purpose built open air festival ground designed for scale and immersive experience.

Leading the first wave of artist announcements is Ben&Ben, one of the country’s most sought after bands, known for drawing massive crowds and delivering powerful live performances. Organizers confirm that more artists and festival experiences will be revealed in the coming weeks.

BarakoFest 2026 is positioned as a full spectrum festival that goes beyond music. Attendees can expect a dynamic blend of live performances, regional flavors, automotive showcases, competitive sports, and cultural experiences that reflect the energy and identity of Batangas.

Music that moves. Flavors that define. Cars that amaze. Sports that excite. Culture that unites.

“With BarakoFest, we are building more than a concert. We are creating a large scale shared experience that brings people together through sound, movement, and culture,” said Mentorque, the festival’s official organizer. 

“The vision is to elevate the festival standard in the region while celebrating the spirit and energy of Batangas.”

The festival grounds are being developed to accommodate large audiences, immersive stage production, curated concessionaires, and interactive lifestyle zones, reinforcing BarakoFest’s position as a major destination event in the Philippine festival calendar.

BarakoFest carries the official tagline FEEL THE ENERGY, reflecting the intensity, atmosphere, and collective spirit the festival aims to deliver.

Partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and concessionaire applications are now open. 

Official Event Organizer: Mentorque Inc.

Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DTsBWqnJc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Kim Molina stars opposite Jerald Napoles in fun-filled movie 'Wonderful Nightmare'

VIVA Films proudly presents an adaptation of “Wonderful Nightmare”, the 2015 Korean blockbuster hit about a career woman who wakes up in the body of a housewife after an accident due to a clerical error in heaven. 

Kim Molina stars opposite Jerald Napoles in this fun-filled movie directed by RC delos Reyes.

Molina plays Atty. Ma. Luisa “Lui” Manuel, a successful lawyer known for being ruthless in handling cases. People regard her as cold-hearted because she shows no emotions. But, Lui is only guarding herself from more pain. Orphaned at a young age, and scarred by a series of unfortunate events, she vows to not live poorly and not to be needy of men and love.

JERALD NAPOLES & KIM MOLINA

Lui’s calculated life ends abruptly when she gets into a car accident, then wakes up in heaven. Her untimely death is a mistake, and to fix it, she must live as another woman for a month. 

Back to earth, Lui is now the haggard-looking wife of Julian Alcantara (Napoles), and mother to 14-year-old Jaja (Althea Ruedas) and 6-year old Justin (Achilles Wenceslao), and they live in a shabby apartment.

Lui can’t believe that she has to take care of her temporary family with the meager salary that Julian is receiving as a municipal employee. This is exactly the kind of life that she tried to avoid before.

KIM MOLINA

As days go by, Lui slowly adapts and learns to accept life as a mother, taking care of her family and being a wife. She finds her husband Julian corny, but she also can’t ignore his sweet and loving nature. She’s thankful that her son Justin is sweet and thoughtful, unlike her daughter Jaja who is in her rebellious stage.

In this new life, she also gets a new set of friends: Olga (Yumi Lacsamana), the one who always finds a side hustle, Sansan (Quinn Carillo), a leche flan seller, and Daisy (Divine Aucina), the most logical friend of them all. 

JERALD NAPOLES

As the story progresses, we see when and how exactly Lui’s perception of her situation changes. In her past life, never dared to dream of having a family and being filled with love and happiness. 

Now, what she considers a nightmare is leaving all this behind. But the clock is ticking, and very soon, she will have to wake up from the most she wonderful thing she’s ever experienced.

Also starring in “Wonderful Nightmare” are Al Tantay as the Chief of Heaven’s intermediary, Candy Pangilinan as Lui’s complaining and grumpy neighbor, Krissha Viaje as Lui’s fellow lawyer, Jaycee Parker as Lui’s mother, and many more.

Opens in cinemas nationwide on February 25, 2026. 

BINI Jhoanna plays a cameo role in Puregold’s heartwarming tribute to sari-sari store owners

PUREGOLD carries on with its heartfelt tribute to Filipino sari-sari store owners or micro-entrepreneurs with its Sari-Sari Stories video series, the newest installment of which features a special cameo from BINI’s Jhoanna. 

“The Witness” is a short film that tells a tender, coming-of-age love story, one that unfolds across the years, shaped by change, constancy, and the quiet presence of a sari-sari store owner who sees it all.

Jhoanna’s cameo adds an extra layer of warmth and relatability to the narrative, underscoring the film’s message of appreciation for small business owners across the country. 

Affirming the role sari-sari stores play in Filipinos’ everyday lives, Jhoanna shared, “Importante na hindi mawala ang sari-sari store. Bukod sa pagiging very Pinoy, ito pa rin ang pinaka-accessible sa maraming komunidad. Iba pa rin yung may mapupuntahan kang malapit sa’yo.”

The latest Sari-Sari Story follows the budding romance between two childhood sweethearts, their youthful ardor eventually evolving—through the years—into real enduring love. The video depicts the highs and lows of their relationship, all from the perspective of a humble sari-sari store owner who witnessed them all.

Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad echoed Jhoanna’s sentiments, saying, “Puregold has always been a proud ally of micro-entrepreneurs across the country. Through Sari-Sari Stories, we continue to uphold the role sari-sari store owners play in our everyday lives. In their communities, they bring people together by providing convenience and access to daily essentials.”

“The Witness” rides on the momentum of earlier Sari-Sari Stories installments such as “Ways” featuring SB19’s Stell, and “The Sign,” which included a cameo by Skusta Clee.

The series has collectively sparked conversations online and resonated with netizens, Aling Puring members, and Puregold followers, reinforcing the remarkable part sari-sari stores play in everyday Filipino life.

As the series continues, audiences are spurred to watch for the next story, reflecting how sari-sari stores have—over time—integrated themselves into people’s lives and into the communities they serve.

Facebook Video Link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1254850073159331

YouTube Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VucWLfCPvIk

Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like

@puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Puregold CinePanalo announces top 20 Student Shorts finalists for 2026 festival run

PUREGOLD CinePanalo, currently on its third iteration, has unveiled the top 20 student short films culled from an impressive pool of 267 submissions nationwide. 

Chosen from an initial top 53 shortlist, the select entries were crafted by the Philippines’ most promising student filmmakers who are poised to shape the future of Philippine cinema. 

The following are the 20 Student Shorts selected for this year’s Puregold CinePanalo:

“Starfish” by John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

“Alumahan” by Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

“A MILLION DREAM” by Ace Joven Balleta, University of Eastern Philippines 

“Kanibal” by Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines (Visayas) 

“Miss Intrams” by Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines (Mindanao) 

“THE SOUND OF K” by Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University

“TEKS BATTLE: SHOOT PATI PATO!” by John Russel Capule, University of Caloocan City

“TINGI” by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School

“Pulis Dunggab” by Maxine Dela Bajan, iACADEMY Cebu

“Kapag Tapos na ang Umpukan” by Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

“Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” by Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of

 the Philippines (Visayas)

“Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas” by Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines (Open University)

“12 Shots” by Minnesota Flores, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

“No Mad is An Island” by Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University

“Nakabinbin” by Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila

“When Heaven Inched Towards Earth” by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

“Limlim” by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje, St. Dominic College of Asia

“Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked)” by Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines 

“Kun Hain? Bisan Diin” by Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

“Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

The young filmmakers behind these top entries will benefit from this year’s more expansive Puregold CinePanalo, which offers a production grant of Php 200,000 and sponsorship of equipment packages to support the production of their films. 

Furthermore, Puregold CinePanalo, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), presents expanded educational incentives for the student filmmakers. Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI, alongside additional tuition benefits and career guidance programs. 

Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, extends her congratulations to the top 20 finalists. “Reaching this stage was no easy task. We believe these young filmmakers carry some of the most important stories that need to be told today. We are proud to provide them with a platform to bring these stories to life, and we look forward to seeing how the Filipino audiences connect with and respond to these films created especially for them.”

Now a recognized platform in the Filipino film industry, Puregold CinePanalo is a festival dedicated to amplifying young Filipino voices and their craft. Since its launch, the festival has awarded hundreds of thousands of pesos in grants to student filmmakers, creating opportunities for their professional development and exposure. 

The festival is scheduled for September 23 to October 4, 2026 at Araneta City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, where the 20 student shorts will screen alongside seven full-length feature films. 

Films produced and launched through previous Puregold CinePanalo festivals have gone on to garner critical acclaim, with alumni works screening and earning awards at notable film festivals here and abroad. 

For more information on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, you may stay updated through the official festival Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.