JOSHUA AND IVANA GRAPPLE WITH LOVE AND BETRAYAL IN MOROCCO-SET SERIES “LOVE IS NEVER GONE”

ABS-CBN stars Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi blend romance and suspense for their first-ever project together, “Love is Never Gone,” the first Filipino series shot in Morocco that will stream on Prime Video beginning this May 8 (Friday).

Set against the vibrant and shadowed charm of Morocco, the drama spotlights Joshua and Ivana in fiery roles that combine intimate and steamy scenes with thrilling high-octane encounters.

Joshua plays Teo, a hardworking mechanic and breadwinner who moves to Morocco to make a living. His life will take an unexpected turn when he confronts Yana (Ivana), a scheming member of a crime syndicate, for stealing his wallet, only to find out that she’s driven to do it to help pay for her ill mother’s medical expenses.

Their complicated encounter spirals into a vicious twist of betrayal and revenge when Teo is led to believe that Yana framed him for a crime that leads to his wrongful imprisonment. Years later and back in Manila, he crosses paths yet again with Yana, who is now a socialite with a new identity.

As two former lovers are forced to fight for survival in a dangerous world of illegal activities and vengeance, Teo’s quest for justice will take an unexpected turn when he uncovers painful secrets connected to Yana’s past.

“Love is Never Gone” features a diverse acting ensemble that includes Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza, Michael De Mesa, Epy Quizon, and Dina Bonnevie, together with Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, JC Alcantara, Rans Rifol, Kiko Matos, Argel Saycon, Heart Ramos, Alex Medina, Benj Manalo, Carlo San Juan, and with the special participation of Ara Mina and Irma Adlawan.

It is directed by Manny Palo and Jojo Saguin and under Dreamscape Entertainment, the production unit behind hit ABS-CBN series such as “Linlang,” “Saving Grace,” “Dirty Linen,” and “The Alibi.”

Delve into the world of romance and betrayal in “Love is Never Gone,” streaming exclusively on Prime Video beginning May 8. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

SPEEd to honor to Vice Ganda, Richard, Kim-Paulo and Maricel as Box Office Heroes at the 9th Eddys

AS viewing habits continue to evolve, local cinemas are relying on popular film releases to drive ticket sales. Alongside this effort to bring audiences back to theaters, the 9th EDDYS (Entertainment Editors’ Choice) is once again training the spotlight on the stars whose movies drew the biggest crowds of the previous year.

The Box Office Heroes award will be handed out as a special honor in the 9th edition of The Eddys, happening in July at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

“We honor the stars whose films brought audiences back to theaters and reminded everyone of the excitement of watching Filipino stories on the big screen,” said Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) president Tessa Mauricio-Arriola. 

“These artists led projects that energized the local box office and helped usher in a vibrant period for Philippine cinema.”

MARICEL SORIANO & VICE GANDA

TV host and comedian Vice Ganda leads this year’s honorees for the comedy drama “Call Me Mother,” which earned P392 million at the box office. Veteran actress Maricel Soriano will also be recognized for the family drama “Meet, Greet, & Bye,” which grossed P260 million.

PAULO AVELINO & KIM CHIU

Screen partners Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino will be cited for the romcom “My Love Will Make You Disappear,” which took in P173 million. 

Actor Richard Gutierrez will be honored for headlining “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins,” which earned P140 million and extended the long-running horror franchise.

RICHARD GUTIERREZ

The Box Office Heroes award returns for its third presentation, following its debut at the 7th Eddys in 2024.

SPEEd is composed of entertainment editors from national broadsheets, tabloids, and online news platforms.

The Eddys serves as the group’s way of encouraging Filipino filmmakers, producers, writers, actors, and other allied artists in the Philippine movie industry to continue pursuing their passion for creating films that mirror the realities of society while also recognizing artistic merit and box office impact.

Ice Seguerra Reunites with Vicor Records to Celebrate 25 Years of “Pagdating ng Panahon,” New Version Now Available

25 years after the release of one of the most beloved OPM ballads of all time, Ice Seguerra officially marks a new chapter for the timeless classic “Pagdating ng Panahon” with the release of its newly recorded 25th anniversary version, now available on all major streaming platforms.

The milestone release comes following a renewed collaboration between Seguerra and Vicor Music Corporation, the original record label behind the song. On March 12, Seguerra, together with producer Liza Diño, CEO of Fire and Ice Music, formalised a new agreement with Vicor, bringing the song back to where it all began while opening a new chapter for today’s generation of listeners.

Originally released in the early 2000s, “Pagdating ng Panahon” quickly became one of the most recognizable love songs in Filipino music. With its heartfelt lyrics and emotional resonance, the song has been woven into weddings, anniversaries, and deeply personal milestones while becoming part of the emotional soundtrack of countless Filipino lives.

Revisiting the song 25 years later is both nostalgic and deeply personal for Seguerra. What began as a defining moment early in his career has since grown into a cultural touchstone.

“Recording ‘Pagdating ng Panahon’ 25 years ago was already special, but I never imagined how deeply it would become part of people’s lives,” Seguerra shared. 

“Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories of how the song became part of weddings, proposals, and even moments of healing. To revisit it now, with Vicor once again, feels like coming full circle.”

Now, with decades of lived experience behind every note, Seguerra delivers a renewed and more layered interpretation of the song.

“The meaning of the song changes as you grow,” Seguerra added. 

“When I first recorded it, I was singing about hope and love in a very youthful way. Now, after everything life has taught me, the emotions feel deeper and more layered. Revisiting it now gives me the chance to honour the song and the people who made it part of their stories.”

The collaboration also underscores the enduring relationship between Seguerra and Vicor Music Corporation. By revisiting the track 25 years later, the partnership preserves the legacy of one of OPM’s most iconic ballads while introducing it to a new generation discovering music through digital platforms.

Producer Liza Diño emphasized that the project serves as both a celebration and a continuation of the song’s journey.

“‘Pagdating ng Panahon’ has become part of the emotional soundtrack of many Filipinos’ lives,” Diño said. 

“As a producer, it’s rare to work on a piece of music that continues to resonate this deeply across generations.”

She added that reconnecting with Vicor was a meaningful step in bringing the project full circle.

“Vicor was part of the song’s beginning, and it felt right that they would also be part of this new chapter. This collaboration is about honoring the history of the song while ensuring it continues to reach new audiences.”

As the song begins its new chapter, the 25th anniversary version of “Pagdating ng Panahon” invites longtime listeners to revisit a piece of music that has accompanied countless love stories while offering new listeners the chance to discover a classic that continues to stand the test of time.

“I’m thankful that after 25 years, people are still listening, still singing, and still finding themselves in this song,” Seguerra said. 

“That’s something I will never take for granted.”

The newly recorded version of “Pagdating ng Panahon” is now streaming on all major platforms.

Alfred Vargas and wife file criminal case against parents of bully: “This is where it stops”

TAKING a firm stand against the culture of silence in bullying, Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas and his wife, Yasmine, filed a criminal complaint on Monday against the parents of a minor who allegedly bullied and abused their son during swimming activities.

The complaint, filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila, cites respondents Juvelle Bacosa and Robert Vincent Sy for violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

ALFRED VARGAS & JASMINE ESPIRITU-VARGAS

The legal action stems from a pattern of conduct where the respondents’ minor child repeatedly pushed and held the Vargases’ son underwater during swimming training sessions. 

These bullying incidents, by way of drowning the Vargas couple’s child, occurred several times despite efforts, reminders and appeals made by the Vargases to the parents of the bully to tell their child to stop and to manage the minor’s conduct.

“Mayroon pa ngang ginawa yung bully na hindi talaga appropriate at sobrang sakit sa kalooban namin. Kinadyot niya yung anak ko sa malaswang paraan at nung nakita ng misis ko at sinabi sa nanay, tinawanan pa ng nanay at sinabi, ‘He’s just dancing!’,” Vargas said. 

JASMINE ESPIRITU-VARGAS & ALFRED VARGAS

“Every time we go to the parents to try to resolve these issues, we were either dismissed or gaslighted,” he added. 

The situation reached a breaking point during a swimming competition at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex last February. 

In the event, Vargas and several other people personally witnessed the minor pushing his child at the side area of the pool during warm-up period, almost injuring his son right before the competition. 

After the near-injury, two other friends of the bully laughed at his son as he was left on the ground, causing the child severe fear and emotional distress.

Vargas further recounted how the mother of the bully shrugged off the incident and pretended that nothing happened when he brought the matter to her attention. 

Adding insult to injury, the mother started posting misrepresented content online and never stopped.

“Bilang ama, may isang bagay na hindi mo kayang tiisin: ang makita ang anak mo na inaapi,” Vargas said in a statement. 

“The only regret we have is we didn’t do it sooner,” he added.

“Ilan lang ang mga ito sa marami pang ginawa sa anak ko. Hindi ito simpleng ‘away ng bata.’ Hindi ito bagay na dapat palampasin,” he added.

In the complaint, the Vargas couple emphasized that the respondents failed in their legal duty under the Family Code to supervise and discipline their child. 

Despite having actual knowledge of prior similar incidents that occurred during swimming sessions, the parents allegedly failed to take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of the dangerous behavior.

This negligence enabled acts prejudicial to the Vargas child’s welfare, which constitutes child abuse under Section 10(a) of RA 7610. The law penalizes acts that cause psychological or emotional suffering, even in the absence of physical injury, as supported by established jurisprudence.

“Bullying is not normal. It is not harmless. It is not acceptable. Maaari sanang maiwasan ang insidente na ito kung hindi napabayaan ang bata ng magulang. Kaya ngayon, pinili naming lumaban. Hindi para maghiganti kundi para manindigan para sa anak ko at para sa lahat ng batang natatakot magsalita,” Vargas said.

A staunch advocate for child protection, Vargas has previously urged the Quezon City Council to discuss parental accountability in bullying cases. He has also expressed support for national measures to strengthen anti-bullying policies and reporting systems in schools.

By filing this case, the lawmaker hopes to serve as an example for families who suffer in silence. 

“Kung ikaw ay naging biktima ng bullying, o magulang na dumaan dito, alam kong hindi ito madali. Pero hindi tayo pwedeng manatiling tahimik. This is where it stops,” Vargas said.

Love, Lies, and Betrayal Await: Prime Video's 'Love Is Never Gone' starring Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi premieres May 8

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 - Prime Video today unveiled its upcoming Filipino romance drama series Love Is Never Gone, announcing its exclusive premiere date of May 8 and releasing the official key art. 

Produced by ABS-CBN Studios and Dreamscape Entertainment, it is set against the vibrant backdrop of Morocco, the series blends romance and suspense, following two lost souls who find strength and love in each other only to discover that lies and betrayal threaten to derail their path to happiness.

The series features a powerhouse ensemble led by Joshua Garcia, Ivana Alawi, Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza, Michael de Mesa, Epy Quizon, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, and Dina Bonnevie.

Teo (Joshua Garcia) is a devoted son who dreams of a better life for his family. He falls victim to Yana (Ivana Alawi), a cunning thief known as "Chameleon," but soon learns she steals out of desperation to care for her sick mother. What begins in anger turns into love, forged through shared loss and sacrifice.  

However, Yana's ties to a crime syndicate lead to betrayal and Teo's wrongful imprisonment, leaving him convinced she destroyed him. Years later, pardoned and back in the Philippines, Teo tries to rebuild his life, only to discover that Ace Verona's (Jameson Blake) wife, Gem, is the very image of Yana. 

As he infiltrates her world seeking justice, he uncovers dangerous secrets about the powerful Verona family and the shocking truth about Gem's sacrifice to free him. Caught between love, betrayal, and the corruption of a ruthless clan, Teo is forced into a final reckoning where passion, vengeance, and survival collide—proving that love endures even after betrayal.

The series is directed by award-winning filmmaker Emmanuel Palo, known for Sta. Niña (2012) and Jojo Saguin, known for Linlang (2023) and The Alibi (2025). They are joined by celebrated scriptwriter Ayi Tamayo, whose credits include Dirty Linen (2023).

Love Is Never Gone joins thousands of titles available on Prime Video, including Filipino favorites such as The Silent Noise, The Alibi, LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines, Saving Grace, Linlang, and Drag Den with Manila Luzon Seasons 1 and 2; Korean titles like Siren’s Kiss, Spring Fever, Surely Tomorrow, Nice to Not Meet You, Confidence Queen, Head Over Heels, GOOD BOY, Newtopia, and Marry My Husband; and anime hits including Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, and Rurouni Kenshin.

The service also features award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon MGM Studios series and films such as Young Sherlock, Fallout, Heads of State, Reacher, Red One, Road House, The Boys, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and The Summer I Turned Pretty, alongside licensed fan favorites like John Wick and Challengers. Prime Video also offers exclusive access to live sports, including the NBA, as well as acclaimed sports documentaries such as Bye Bye Barry, Kelce, and Earnhardt.

Prime Video members can watch anytime, anywhere on thousands of compatible devices. Through the Prime Video app, members can also download content on mobile devices and tablets for offline viewing at no additional cost. Prime Video is available in the Philippines for just P149 per month.

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” powers up as the biggest worldwide debut of the year at $372.5M, and breaks local record of biggest opening day of the year in PH

It’s-a hit! The Super Mario Galaxy Movie soars to the stars as it debuted to a record-breaking $372.5 million worldwide, with $182.5 million coming internationally. 

This puts the video-game inspired film at the top as 2026’s biggest debut. It also achieved the title of biggest opening day in the Philippines, at PHP 12,474,229. 

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is the second installment to Universal, Illumination, and Nintendo’s film adaptation of the beloved Super Mario franchise. In this film, brothers and best pals Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are off on their biggest adventure yet, as the galaxy calls for heroes against a new threat. Joining them are Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) , Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), and the newest member of the party, Yoshi (Donald Glover). 

Also returning to voice a now-tiny Bowser is Jack Black, and longtime Nintendo fan Brie Larson debuts in the franchise as the protector of the Cosmos, Rosalina.

The galaxy awaits as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now showing in Philippine cinemas. Check out Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest news and updates.

Puregold Highlights Sari-Sari Stores’ Role in Driving Grassroots Commerce and MSME Growth

IN its final installment of the Sari-Sari Stories, Puregold releases “Pangalan,” a moving tribute to the sari-sari stores that continue to power daily life, grassroots enterprise, and community connection across the Philippines.

Following “Ways,” “The Sign,” and “The Witness,” Puregold broadens the conversation from nostalgia to economic relevance, highlighting how sari-sari stores continue to serve as accessible retail touchpoints, community anchors, and entry-level enterprises that support household livelihoods in the country.

 

Sari-sari stores go beyond informal neighborhood retail. They function as last-mile commerce points that respond to everyday consumer needs with proximity, familiarity, and flexible purchasing options. Their resilience has allowed them to remain relevant even as the retail landscape continues to evolve.

SB19’s Stell also makes an appearance in Puregold’s Sari-Sari Stories series.

 

That economic role is matched by social relevance. At the heart of Pangalan is the idea that sari-sari stores are more than neighborhood shops: they are trusted spaces that people turn to not only for essentials, but for connection and reliability. The film captures this dual role in distinctly Filipino terms: the store as tanungan, tambayan, and takbuhan.

Jhoanna of BINI brings familiarity to Puregold’s Sari-Sari Stories, appearing in “Pangalan.”

 

The narrative is reinforced by appearances of OPM artists Jhoanna Robles of BINI, Stell Ajero of SB19, and Skusta Clee, whose personal recollections reflect the deep familiarity of sari-sari stores in Filipino life. Their participation adds cultural relevance to a message ultimately anchored in enterprise, accessibility, and community-based retail.

 Skusta Clee lends authenticity to “Pangalan,” as he appears in a cameo role.

 

Puregold’s focus on this segment remains rooted in mass-market demand and the practical realities of everyday consumption. By spotlighting community-based retail, the company reinforces its relevance at the grassroots level while drawing attention to the vital contribution of MSMEs to the domestic economy.

 

The timing is equally strategic, with MSMEs already looking ahead at the upcoming Puregold Tindahan Ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention in May. The annual event has become a key platform for sari-sari store owners, entrepreneurs, and partner suppliers, underscoring Puregold’s enduring commitment to small business development and ecosystem growth.

  

Watch the full video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAE7m6Ts2ew

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.