Entertainment Editors, set to announce the nominees for the '8th EDDYS'

THE Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) is set to announce the nominees for the highly anticipated 8th EDDYS (Entertainment Editors’ Choice) on Tuesday, July 1.

The announcement will be held at 1 p.m. at the Rampa Drag Club, located at 27B Tomas Morato Avenue Extension, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City.

Nominees will vie for 14 acting and technical awards, with contenders drawn from films released in cinemas and select digital platforms in 2024.

Among the major awards to be presented this year are Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

Max Eigenmann, Best Actress at the 6th EDDYS, and RS Francisco, this year’s Isah V. Red awardee, will join SPEEd officers and members in announcing the nominees for the major categories.

MAX EIGENMANN

SPEEd earlier named this year’s special awardees. GMA Pictures will receive the Producer of the Year award, while Nathan Studios will be recognized as Rising Producer of the Year.

Entertainment columnist, TV-online host, and content creator Ogie Diaz will be honored with the Joe Quirino Award. Former entertainment editor Crispina Belen will receive the Manny Pichel Award.

The Isah V. Red Award, which is given annually to personalities who inspire and consistently extend help to fellow Filipinos in need, will be presented to RS Francisco, who is also an actor, entrepreneur, and producer.

One of the highlights of this year’s EDDYS is the tribute to six Movie Icons: Laurice Guillen, Odette Khan, Perla Bautista, Pen Medina, and the husband-and-wife tandem of Rosemarie Gil and Eddie Mesa.

For the second year, SPEEd will also present the EDDYS Box Office Heroes, honoring those who continue to drive the resurgence of the Philippine movie industry.

The 8th EDDYS will be held on July 20, 2025, at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. The awards night will have a delayed telecast on Kapamilya Channel and Jeepney TV, with worldwide streaming via iWantTFC on Sunday, July 27.

The event is presented by Play Time in cooperation with Newport World Resorts and ABS-CBN, and produced by Brightlight Entertainment, led by Pat-P Daza and directed once again by Eric Quizon.

SPEEd is currently led by its president, Salve Asis, of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang Masa.

For more updates, follow the official Facebook page of The EDDYS (The Entertainment Editors’ Choice).

Andres Muhlach, the new face of the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich (now comes in three bold flavors)

Jollibee takes crunchy, juicy goodness to new heights with the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich now available in three bold dressing flavors—featuring two new exciting limited-time offer (LTO) options, Golden BBQ and Chili Cheese, alongside the fan-favorite Creamy Ranch. 

Designed to give chicken sandwich fans more ways to indulge, the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is all about choice, flavor, and full-on sarap.

To kick off the flavorful celebration, Jollibee introduces Andres Muhlach as the new face of the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich. Already part of the growing Jollibee family, Andres now brings his youthful charm, star talent, and undeniable energy to champion this exciting line of bold flavors.

“May pagka-thrill-seeker talaga ako as a person, always searching for adventure. I love food that’s crunchy, flavorful, and exciting—and Jollibee’s Crunchy Chicken Sandwich really delivers,” said Andres. 

“What’s even better is that now, you can pick your favorite flavor and make the sandwich your own.”

The Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich line-up features Jollibee’s signature crunchy chicken fillet, hugged by soft-glazed buns and made even better with bold, crave-worthy sauces. There's the already popular Creamy Ranch, which is tangy and creamy with just the right richness; the new Golden BBQ, a smoky-sweet dressing; and the debut of Chili Cheese, a cheesy blend with a balanced kick—perfect for those who like a bit of spice.

With these bold flavors, the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich sets the bar even higher for what a chicken sandwich can be. Whether you’re loyal to one flavor or on a mission to try them all, the campaign invites you to rally behind your top pick and ask: What’s your Flavorite?

Perfect for a wide range of food-lovers who enjoy good food and fun discoveries, the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is now available in the following options: 

            Solo: ₱62

            With Drink: ₱87

            With Fries & Drink: ₱125

            Also available in Mix & Match: ₱88

Available now, these flavor-packed sandwiches are already making waves in stores nationwide. Fans are already picking sides—are you Team Creamy Ranch, Team Golden BBQ, or Team Chili Cheese? Whichever you choose, one thing remains true: Lahat, serving sarap!

Choose your flavorite! 

Try the new Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich flavors now and have ‘em safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X and Instagram.

Entertainment editors to recognize industry trailblazers at '8th Eddys'

THE Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) will honor media personalities and a film industry veteran at its 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (The Eddys) on July 20 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

This year’s Joe Quirino Award will be given to showbiz columnist, TV host, and content creator Ogie Diaz, while veteran entertainment editor Crispina Belen will receive the Manny Pichel Award. 

The Joe Quirino Award is named after the late entertainment columnist and TV host who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, while the Manny Pichel Award honors the legacy of a respected broadsheet entertainment editor.

Meanwhile, actor-entrepreneur-producer RS Francisco will be awarded the Isah V. Red Award, which recognizes individuals who have consistently supported and inspired underprivileged Filipinos.

Six seasoned actors—Laurice Guillen, Odette Khan, Perla Bautista, Pen Medina, and spouses Rosemarie Gil and Eddie Mesa—will be honored as Movie Icons.

The ceremony will also present 14 acting and technical awards for 2024 film releases. Additional categories include Producer of the Year and Rising Producer of the Year.

A delayed broadcast will air on Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, and iWantTFC on July 27.

The event is co-presented by Newport World Resorts and ABS-CBN, with production by Brightlight Entertainment under Pat-P Daza and direction by Eric Quizon.

SPEEd, led by president Salve Asis (Pilipino Star NGAYON, Pang Masa), comprises current and former entertainment editors from major Philippine publications and online platforms. 

For updates, follow the official Facebook page of The Eddys (The Entertainment Editors’ Choice).

SPEEd to honor Laurice, Odette, Perla, Pen, Rosemarie and Eddie as Movie Icons at the '8th EDDYS'

VETERAN actors Laurice Guillen, Odette Khan, Perla Bautista, Pen Medina, and the couple Rosemarie Gil and Eddie Mesa will receive the Movie Icon award at the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards (The EDDYS), organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd).

The honor recognizes their contributions, dedication, and lasting influence on the Philippine film industry.

“It has long been our tradition to honor the pillars and veterans of the movie industry. In addition to their talent and contributions to Philippine cinema, their legacy continues to inspire both seasoned artists and the new generation of actors,” said SPEEd president Salve Asis.

LAURICE GUILLEN

The awards ceremony will be held on July 20 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. A delayed telecast will air on Kapamilya Channel and Jeepney TV, with global streaming available via iWantTFC on July 27.

ODETTE KHAN

Apart from the Movie Icon award, SPEEd will present 14 competitive acting and technical awards based on films released in theaters and on digital platforms in 2024.

PERLA BAUTISTA

Special awards include the Isah V. Red Award, which honors individuals who inspire and assist Filipinos in need, as well as the Joe Quirino Award and Manny Pichel Award, which recognize outstanding members of the entertainment media.

PEN MEDINA

The Producer of the Year award will also be presented to a film outfit recognized for consistently delivering high-quality films with a lasting impact. In addition, the entertainment editors’ group will recognize contributors to the resurgence of Philippine cinema through the EDDYS Box Office Heroes award.

ROSEMARIE GIL

The 8th EDDYS is co-presented by Newport World Resorts and ABS-CBN, produced by Brightlight Entertainment under Pat-P Daza, and directed by Eric Quizon.

For updates, follow the official Facebook page of The EDDYS (The Entertainment Editors’ Choice).

EDDIE MESA

Get a chance to win a Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw, a year’s supply of data, iPhones, and more with the 'TNT Anibersaya' Raffle promo

AS part of its 25th anniversary celebration, value mobile brand TNT is giving back to subscribers with the launch of its Anibersaya Raffle promo offering exciting prizes, such as a brand-new Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw, a year's supply of data, smartphones like iPhones, exciting cash prizes, and more!

Running from June 17 to July 31, the TNT Anibersaya Raffle promo lets new and existing TNT subscribers to earn and accumulate raffle entries with every subscription to selected data promos via all channels, including sari-sari stores, e-wallets, online stores, and accredited retailers nationwide. 

Join by texting ANIBERSAYA to 5858

To join the raffle, subscribers must simply text ‘ANIBERSAYA’ to 5858.

Eligible TNT subscribers will earn 1 raffle entry with every subscription to selected promos with one-day validity; 2 raffle entries with every subscription to selected promos with 2- and 3-day validity; and 5 raffle entries with every subscription to selected promos with a 7-day validity.      

Every week, TNT will reveal and draw exciting prizes, including some of the latest gadgets and smartphone bundles.

On the other hand, for the Aug. 6 grand draw, 25 subscribers will win a year-long supply of data, while one lucky subscriber will take home a brand-new Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw!

MAX Saya for all TNT KaTropas

The TNT Anibersaya Raffle promo is just one of the many ways TNT is bringing maximum or MAX 'saya' to its KaTropas during its year-long celebration.

The brand is committed to delivering MAX Malakas or a stronger 5G network through continuous rollouts across the country. It also offers MAX Sulit or more affordable offers tailored to the budget and lifestyle of KaTropas nationwide. Furthermore, TNT promises MAX Exciting experiences, such as special surprises for subscribers every month.

To learn more about the TNT Anibersaya Raffle promo, visit https://tntph.com/Pages/Anibersaya2025.#  

Puregold’s OPM Con 2025 is this year’s destination music event

SET to light up the Philippine Arena on July 5, Puregold’s OPM Con 2025 is sparking a global wave of excitement, with fans across the world making plans to witness the historic music festival—live. 

With ardent concert goers reportedly flying in from Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, with Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) intent on coming home, as well, the much-anticipated OPM Con is shaping up into a lavish homecoming and celebration rolled into one.

Across the archipelago, local buzz reflects the ongoing global draw. Puregold stores in Butuan, Bacolod, and Leyte report early ticket sell-outs, with shoppers booking flights and long-haul bus rides to be part of the musical milestone. The Philippine Arena is expected to welcome not just fans, but a wave of homegrown tourists seeking a full-blown concert experience on a grand global scale.

“More than anything, we organized the Puregold OPM Con 2025 as a service for all our shoppers and music fans,” says Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s Senior Marketing Manager. “Expect a powerful lineup and heart-pounding performances. Whether you’re a stan for today’s hottest artists or grew up on classic OPM, join us as we make music history together.”

Whichever way it goes, this unprecedented interest attests to the power 

of Puregold’s retailtainment—and to the fusion of heart, heritage, and showmanship. With a lineup featuring today’s most iconic OPM artists and a vision to make world-class entertainment accessible to every Filipino, OPM Con 2025 isn’t just this year’s destination music event—it’s a celebration of who we are.

 

As the countdown to July begins, one thing is clear: the world is watching.

 

For more updates, follow and subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

IT’S A VIBE: Jollibee Kicks Off Coffee Blends Pop-up with Surprise Event Featuring Atasha Muhlach

JOLLIBEE is bringing coffee joy to fans across the country with its exciting Jollibee Coffee Blends Pop-up. 

The initiative kicked off with a surprise event at Jollibee E. Rodriguez, where customers were treated to free Iced Mocha and a special appearance by brand ambassador Atasha Muhlach...

The nationwide pop-up booth is set to reach central business districts, schools, transport terminals, and major events, where Jollibee will set up interactive activities, offering customers a chance to try the deliciously rich choco-coffee blend of Jollibee Iced Mocha for free.

Each booth features a fun roulette game where participants have the chance to win exciting prizes by simply posting a photo from the event on their social media using the hashtag #JollibeeCoffeeBlends.

The surprise store visit was a hit with customers, who were thrilled to meet Atasha in person as she joined Jollibee in handing out free cups of Iced Mocha. Guests enjoyed quick selfies and fun interactions as Atasha encouraged everyone to try her favorite Jollibee Coffee Blend.

“Moments like these are what Jollibee is all about – bringing joy to our customers in fun and unexpected ways,” said Pamela Cruz, Marketing Director of Jollibee Philippines. “We’re excited for more people to discover how our Iced Mocha has that choco-coffee blend that many people will love.”

Stay tuned— the Jollibee Coffee Blends Pop-up might visit your city next.

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok

Direk Nijel de Mesa's “Hot Maria Clara” for Sanya Lopez, Number 1 on the Music Charts

MANY recognize Director Nijel de Mesa as an award-winning filmmaker, but recently, it came as a surprise that one of his songs, “Hot Maria Clara,” has become one of the hottest tracks on the internet, radio, and television. 

After three years since its release, “Hot Maria Clara” has unexpectedly topped the Spotify charts, alongside popular songs like SB19’s “Dunka,” BTS’s Jin with “Don’t Say You Love Me,” and Cup of Joe’s “Multo.” The song was written by him for Sanya Lopez and GMA Music.

SANYA LOPEZ & DIREK NIJEL DE MESA

“I am deeply grateful to Ms. Annette Gozon-Valdes and Ms. Tracy Garcia of Sparkle for making this collaboration possible three years ago. My sincere thanks also go to Boss Rene, Sir Kedy, Paulo, and Ma’am Michelle of GMA Music. This just proves that good things come to those who wait,” said Direk Nijel.

Aside from “Hot Maria Clara,” Nijel de Mesa has also written popular songs such as “Missed You” performed by Sam Concepcion, “Itigil Mo Na” performed by Bianca Umali, and “Sadly Falling” performed by Hannah Precillas. 

When asked why he chose the theme of “Hot Maria Clara” for Sanya, he explained: “Sanya embodies the modern Filipina — sexy without being vulgar. True sexiness is about strength of character and independence, not just external beauty. She has a sense of gravitas when she’s on screen.”

SANYA LOPEZ & DIREK NIJEL DE MESA

It appears that Director Nijel’s career in the music industry has been reignited. He has long served as a Board Member of FILSCAP and has been a key organizer for independent musicians in the Philippines before transitioning into filmmaking. Currently, his patriotic single “Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas” remains popular, often performed at live events where he is met with standing ovations.

When asked which is more important to him—music or film—he replied: “Both are important, but God guides me to where I am needed. I thank God for this success, and I am grateful to my loved ones, Ms. Jan, my family, and my mother for their unwavering support—and NDMstudios.”

ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC Brings '8th Eddys' to Global Viewers

THE 8th Eddys (Entertainment Editors’ Choice), a film awards show organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), will be streamed globally for the first time through a partnership with ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC.

The ceremony is set for July 20 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. It will be simulcast on ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC, Kapamilya Channel, and Jeepney TV on July 27.

The partnership was formalized at the ABS-CBN headquarters in Quezon City, attended by Kane Errol Choa, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, and Ralph Menorca, head of ABS-CBN Programming and On-Air Operations.

“Our partnership feels like a coming home for The Eddys, since ABS-CBN was our media partner in the inaugural edition of our film awards show back in 2017,” said Salve Asis, president of SPEEd. 

“With ABS-CBN’s global presence, we are confident that more people, especially Filipino communities across the globe, will witness how we recognize and give importance to the pillars and icons of Philippine cinema, as well as the people who keep this industry thriving.”

The Eddys will present 14 awards across performance and technical categories, with nominees drawn from films released in cinemas and on selected digital platforms in 2024.

A tribute segment will honor a new batch of Eddys Icons—veterans in acting, directing, and other areas of the local film industry. Special awards include the Isah V. Red Award, given to individuals who provide assistance to fellow Filipinos in need, and two honors for entertainment journalists: the Joe Quirino Award and the Manny Pichel Award.

SPEEd will also present the Rising Producer of the Year and Producer of the Year awards. The group will once again name Eddys Box Office Heroes, recognizing actors featured in the year’s highest-grossing local films for helping bring audiences back to cinemas.

Additional details about the upcoming ceremony will be announced closer to the event.

Launched in 2017, the Eddys is considered a major development in the country’s film awards landscape. SPEEd is composed of current and former entertainment editors from top Philippine newspapers and online platforms.

MTRCB Statement in Response to DGPI’s Remarks on SB No. 2805

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) calls out the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) for its irresponsible claim that the Agency is being used as a “cash cow.”

This is an unfair and baseless claim. The MTRCB is a government agency with a clear mandate to protect the public, most especially children, from harmful content. To describe our mandate as profit-driven is both misleading and disrespectful to the 31 board members, many of whom the DGPI knows and may have worked with in the past. 

The remark disrespects the dedicated men and women of the MTRCB who have devoted their careers to monitoring, reviewing and rating thousands of local and international materials to ensure they align with contemporary Filipino cultural values. These 31 Board Members are the ones who actually review and classify the materials submitted to the MTRCB.

We categorically reject this unfounded accusation. The MTRCB is a regulatory body created by law to classify content in a way that protects the viewing public, especially minors, while recognizing constitutional freedoms and respecting the rights of the public and the stakeholders we are duty bound to serve.  

We also note that while Senate Bill No. 2805 was recently passed on third and final reading in the Senate, its counterpart measure in the House of Representatives has yet to be passed. With the 19th Congress ending next week, the measure is unlikely to be acted upon in the current Congress. This means the bill is still far from becoming law and presents ample opportunity for further scrutiny, refinement, and consultation.

We appeal to all stakeholders to approach this matter with reason and respect. We expect no less than civility from entities like the DGPI, which is not a government agency, especially in public discourse. 

While the amendments in the recently-passed SB 2805 seek to include online streaming platforms and online curated content providers (OCCs) and streaming videos on-demand (SVOD), the Board does not seek to rate or review these materials. There is no prior restraint or a mandatory review before content is shown. 

Rather, the measure seeks to ensure that the State is not left helpless in addressing valid concerns and issues such as harmful online contents, particularly materials involving child abuse, exploitation, or voyeurism. This is by way of appropriate mechanisms for cooperation between the MTRCB and OCCS and SVODs and adoption of safeguards such as “safety by design” principles, and the creation of structured feedback mechanisms and accountability. 

Finally, we emphasize that MTRCB performs in duties under PD 1986 without censorship, without prior restraint, and with full respect to the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of expression. 

(Sgd.) ROBERTO C. DICIEMBRE
Executive Director II
05 June 2025

Ben&Ben, Syd Hartha and Arthur Miguel to Headline 'Tic Tac Music Awards 2025'

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Mark your calendars for the freshest celebration of OPM in the upcoming and inaugural 2025 Tic Tac Music Awards on June 13 at the BGC Amphitheatre, Taguig. 

More than the recognition of the best soundtracks, the stage is also set to feature iconic performances from some of the country’s beloved artists—Ben&Ben, Syd Hartha, and Arthur Miguel.  

 

THE MUSIC AWARDS 

Tic Tac is bringing its signature good vibes to the big stage, with a music awards experience that’s fresh, flavorful, and full of surprises. 

This year’s awards is inspired by five Tic Tac flavors, each reimagined as a music category that recognizes the OPM songs that fit the mood. The categories are the following: 

• Orange award for joyful vibes; 
• Strawberry award for romantic vibes; 
• Citrus award for duet vibes; 
• Spearmint award for relaxing chill vibes; and 
• Mint award to recognize recent songs that bring new vibes. 
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From May 15 to July 8, fans have the chance to win Apple AirPods in daily giveaways with every purchase. Tic Tac is also opening the floor for music lovers to support their favorites. Cast votes and help shape the awards by following this process: 

• Purchase Any Tic Tac flavor; 
• Upload receipts to TicTacph.com; 
• Get a chance to win Apple Airpods 4 (2 winners everyday); and 
• Vote for one or more of your favorite songs from each awards category (optional). The winners will be announced at the Tic Tac Music Awards ceremony!
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UNLOCKING THE POPSTAR DREAM 

In a move that puts fans at the heart of the celebration, everyone can turn their popstar dreams into a reality. Win a Sony camera, a Rode microphone, and a chance to perform at the Tic Tac Music Awards by following these steps: 

Step 1: Record a TikTok duet to any of the Tic Tac Music Awards video posted by any of the 3 performers: Ben&Ben, Arthur Miguel, and Syd Hartha. 

 

Step 2: get creative and add Tic Tac stickers to the video. Just search for "Tic Tac Music Awards" on TikTok’s sticker library. 

 

Step 3: Post on your TikTok video with the hashtag #TIcTacMusicAwards2025. See the sample video on TicTacPH.com. 

 

Submit this video to TicTacPH.com for the judges to determine the winner. Submission dates are from May 15 to June 4.  

 

TIC TAC PH  

 

Follow Tic Tac on Facebook for more updates or visit tictacph.com for more information on all its good vibe promos.