Viva launches VMB, Phl's first vertical-format streaming platform

Viva Communications Inc., the country’s largest entertainment powerhouse, marks its 44th anniversary with a groundbreaking milestone — the launch of VMB: Viva Movie Box, the Philippines’ first vertical streaming platform designed for today’s mobile-first generation. This bold innovation signals Viva’s continued evolution in the digital space, adapting to the fast-changing ways Filipinos consume entertainment in an age dominated by smartphones and short-form storytelling.

Unlike traditional streaming platforms, Viva Movie Box reimagines how stories are told and experienced through a vertical video format — the same orientation used on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The format is crafted specifically for on-the-go audiences who live on their phones. Each episode, known as a “micro-drama,” runs between one to two minutes — offering bite-sized yet emotionally charged narratives that fit perfectly into the fast-paced rhythm of modern life.

The pioneering platform features a compelling mix of serialized Filipino content — romantic dramas, family sagas, bold adult-themed stories, and campy, stylized narratives condensed into compact yet addictive arcs. Viva’s storytelling DNA remains intact, only now optimized for the vertical screen: fast-moving, high-stakes, and designed to hook viewers with every swipe.

Among the flagship titles slated for early 2026 are Aking Ka Lang, Elisa: Batang Kabit, Maid for Revenge, Love Forbids, Inagaw na Anak, A Mistress’ Guide to Moving On, and She’s Not My Sister. These local originals star some of the most recognizable and daring names in Philippine entertainment — Ryza Cenon, Mon Confiado, Rhen Escano, Nathalie Hart, Albie Casiño, Rose Van Ginkel, Denise Esteban, Meg Imperial, and Louise delos Reyes, alongside an ensemble of veteran performers. Complementing these are curated Asian micro-dramas renowned for their quick, cliffhanger-driven episodes — a nod to the region’s love affair with serialized storytelling.

In an official statement, Vincent del Rosario, President of Viva Communications Inc., emphasized the strategic importance of this launch:

“The introduction of Viva Movie Box is our direct response to the ongoing shift in viewing behavior. We see audiences consuming stories in shorter, more dynamic formats — and we want Viva to stay ahead of that curve. This platform ensures that we remain central in the streaming landscape while staying deeply attuned to Filipino preferences. It’s a celebration of innovation and our 44-year commitment to evolving with our audience.”

Leading the charge behind the project is Valerie Salvador-del Rosario, President and COO of Studio Viva Inc., who describes VMB as the natural extension of Viva’s creative universe.

“With Viva Movie Box, we’re translating our strength in serialized drama into a new digital medium,” she explained. “The vertical format allows us to reach a younger, highly mobile audience — those who want stories they can watch anywhere, anytime, without losing the emotional pull. It’s about making storytelling more accessible, more immediate, and more relevant to the next generation.”

Available for download on both Google Play and Apple App Store, Viva Movie Box follows the company’s successful track record with Viva One and VMX, further expanding its entertainment ecosystem. For only ₱59 per week, subscribers gain access to a growing library of titles built for binge-worthy, scroll-stopping engagement.

With the launch of VMB: Viva Movie Box, Viva Communications not only celebrates 44 years of entertainment excellence — it ushers in a new chapter for Philippine media. By bringing serialized storytelling into the vertical era, Viva once again proves that Filipino creativity knows no bounds — not even the screen’s orientation.