‘Hello, Love, Again’ hits
P1-billion mark
The Philippine film industry celebrated a milestone as Hello, Love, Again starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards surpassed the P1-billion mark worldwide. This achievement makes it the first Filipino film to reach this remarkable feat.
In an ABS-CBN Films video, the lead actors shared their astonishment and gratitude:
“We love you a billion times. Hindi namin ini-expect na aabot po ng ganito ‘yung gross income ng Hello, Love, Again globally. No words can say how grateful we are. Maraming-maraming salamat po,” Richards said.
For her part, Bernardo said fans and moviegoers are part of the success of Hello, Love, Again.
“No words po; we are just extremely grateful. Thank you sa lahat nang sumusuporta sa movie, sa lahat ng mga kababayan natin. Grabe, parte kayo nito. Thank you for making this happen. Thank you for making this possible,” Bernardo shared.
As of 23 November, Hello, Love, Again has grossed P1.06 billion globally, solidifying its place in Philippine cinema history.
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the movie is the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster movie Hello, Love, Goodbye.
Sofronio Vasquez is first Filipino and Asian winner of ‘The Voice USA’ Season 26
On 10 December, Sofronio Vasquez etched his name in the annals of history, triumphing as the inaugural Filipino and Asian champion of The Voice USA Season 26. His soul-stirring renditions of Sia’s “Unstoppable” and “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman mesmerized millions, securing the coveted title, a $100,000 prize and a prestigious recording contract.
“Your mentorship is a gift — not just to me but to my family and every dreamer chasing big things,” Vasquez gushed to his coach Michael Bublé, moments before his victory was sealed. “You’ve opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”
Michael, in turn, couldn’t hide his emotions, saying, “What a wild, unbelievable journey it’s been to stand here with you.”
First Miss Universe Asia is a Filipina
Chelsea Manalo was crowned the first-ever Miss Universe Asia during a post-pageant press conference in Mexico City. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for the Philippines.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 shared a heartwarming video on Instagram, showcasing Chelsea’s heartfelt greeting to her fellow Filipinos.
“Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! We are making history as Miss Universe Asia,” she said in the video.
The Bulakenya beauty queen is set to travel around Asia and will be joining some of the official trips of the Miss Universe organization.
Screenshots galore: Anthony Jennings-Maris Racal
A social media firestorm erupted after the former girlfriend of actor Anthony Jennings, Jamela Villanueva, exposed alleged intimate conversations between him and co-star Maris Racal. Villanueva, apparently hurt by Jennings’ betrayal, shared screenshots from his phone on Instagram Stories (3 December) revealing: Private exchanges between Racal and Jennings, including a June conversation about deleting messages; Villanueva’s feelings of betrayal and hurt; her motivation: seeking truth and protection for herself and family.
Villanueva’s statement: “When Maris came into the picture, I was genuinely happy... Despite red flags, I supported you both. Betrayal cuts deep.”
Fashion icons feud: Rumored rivalry heats up
Philippine fashion icons Heart Evangelista and Pia Wurtzbach were embroiled in a long-standing rumored rivalry, fueled by industry whispers and social media drama.
Evangelista, dubbed the “Queen of Fashion,” and Wurtzbach, a former Miss Universe, have been pitted against each other in the public eye.
The tension reportedly began when Wurtzbach collaborated with Evangelista’s former glam team, sparking claims that Wurtzbach “stole contacts” to boost her fashion presence.
At a press conference for her GMA Network show Heart World in October 2024, Evangelista addressed the rumors:
“Woman to woman, I never had a problem with Pia. I cheered for her in the past. Complications arose when she worked with my former glam team. Congratulations, you have what you needed. I wish you nothing but the best. Good luck.”