Ren Meguro Cast as Lead in Live-Action Sakamoto Days Film Adaptation

Japanese actor and singer Ren Meguro has been officially chosen to star as Taro Sakamoto in the forthcoming live-action adaptation of the acclaimed manga and anime series "Sakamoto Days." The story centers on Sakamoto, a retired hitman who has transitioned into a peaceful life as a family man and convenience store owner, frequently interrupted by assassination attempts. Meguro, 28, a member of the Japanese idol group Snow Man and recognized for his dynamic acting in productions such as the 2023 live-action "My Happy Marriage," expressed his enthusiasm about leading the project. He stated, \"I am truly honored to be playing the lead role in 'Sakamoto Days,' a beloved manga and anime series. Until now, I have mainly appeared in serious roles with messages for others, but this time, I wanted to perform in 'SAKAMOTO DAYS' for myself.\" The casting presents a unique challenge, as Meguro will embody Sakamoto's contrasting personas—once a formidable assassin and now a gentle husband and father, notably depicted as a "fat assassin" in the original work, a signature aspect fans eagerly anticipate seeing on screen. Meguro acknowledged this difficulty, commenting, \"The character I play was once a legendary assassin but is now a devoted family man. This contrast is his most compelling trait, making him incredibly cool.\" Reflecting on his role, Meguro revealed this project marked his first significant action experience, which uncovered new facets of his abilities and boosted his confidence. \"I even found myself wanting to become an action actor who can take on any challenge (laughs),\" he added. Under the direction of Yuichi Fukuda, Meguro aimed to faithfully capture the original manga’s humor and emotional depth. \"I put my heart into portraying the characters' world and charm. I hope to resonate with long-time readers, fans, and new audiences alike,\" he remarked. The film is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters during the Golden Week holiday in 2026, spanning from April 29 to May 6. Details regarding its release in the Philippines remain forthcoming. Created by Yuto Suzuki, "Sakamoto Days" has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since November 2020, compiling 23 volumes in Japan and 18 in English. The anime adaptation, directed by Masaki Watanabe and produced by TMS Entertainment, debuted on Netflix in January 2025, further boosting the series’ popularity.

Rocio Zobel Showcases Dreamy European Summer Vacation on Instagram

Rocio Zobel recently treated her followers to a captivating glimpse of her European summer vacation through a series of radiant golden-hour photos posted on Instagram. Her trip epitomized the ideal summer escape, combining relaxing beach afternoons, oceanfront cocktails, and leisurely conversations beneath the warm sun. Embodying the quintessential summer vibe, Zobel presented her signature look characterized by glowing skin, naturally tousled, damp hair, minimal accessories, and airy neutral-hued tops. Her itinerary was filled with a variety of sun-drenched activities, including horseback riding, yacht excursions, and dancing under the stars. Throughout her journey, she stayed energized with numerous cups of coffee, while carefree evening drinks and celebratory toasts added to the enchanting atmosphere of her holiday. Zobel's social media highlights capture the essence of an ideal summer getaway, blending adventure with moments of serene relaxation and joyful celebration.

TWICE to Perform with Eight Members at Philippine Arena as Jeongyeon Takes Health Hiatus

JYP Entertainment announced on Thursday that Jeongyeon will be taking a break from TWICE's upcoming concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan to concentrate on her health. The agency emphasized that this decision was made after thorough deliberation, prioritizing Jeongyeon's well-being above all else. They stated, "We sincerely apologize to ONCEs who were looking forward to seeing all nine members, but Jeongyeon’s health and well-being come first." Despite Jeongyeon's absence, TWICE will proceed with an eight-member lineup featuring Jihyo, Nayeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu during their performance on October 4. This concert is part of their ongoing "This Is For" world tour, which has been attracting large audiences across Asia. The announcement has sparked a wave of support from fans online, who have expressed understanding and encouragement, highlighting that prioritizing health is a sign of strength. Numerous messages, trending hashtags, and fan initiatives are demonstrating Jeongyeon's vital role within the group, even while offstage. Looking ahead, TWICE is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone with the release of their special album "TEN: The Story Goes On" on October 10, commemorating their 10th anniversary. This album aims to showcase their decade-long journey and the strong connection they hold with fans around the globe. Since debuting in 2015, TWICE has established themselves as a premier K-pop girl group with hits like "Cheer Up," "TT," "What Is Love?," "Fancy," and "The Feels." For many ONCEs, the Bulacan concert represents a new chapter in the group’s story — underscoring that even in moments of absence, the essence of TWICE remains whole.

"KPop Demon Hunters" Vocalists Cite Hip-Hop Influence Amid Netflix Record-Breaking Success

The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," currently Netflix’s leading English-language title, has captivated audiences worldwide, bolstered by its record-breaking soundtrack and vocalists drawing inspiration from prominent Black American hip-hop artists. Vocalists EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna, who lend their voices to the New York-set film’s fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X, have credited artists like Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, and Doechii as major influences on their musical style. Korean American rapper and singer Rei Ami reflected, "I think I discovered West Coast rap in high school, and I learned a lot about storytelling, lyricism and rhythm." EJAE further emphasized Lamar’s impact, stating, "His flow is insane, cadence, his way of writing, his way of vocal producing, I learned a lot from that." Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film follows a trio of demon-hunting K-pop idols, blending supernatural action with music. Since its June 20 release, the film’s soundtrack has amassed over 3 billion global streams, with the hit single "Golden" reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. According to Luminate, the soundtrack is the most consumed in the U.S. this year, based on combined sales and streaming data. The movie itself garnered 5.4 billion minutes watched and 2.1 billion on-demand audio and video streams domestically by late September. Notably, a sing-along edition of the film topped the domestic box office during its August 23-24 opening weekend, marking a historic achievement for Netflix. Looking ahead, EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna will make their live debut performing "Golden" on "The Tonight Show" on October 7. Rei Ami expressed excitement over this milestone, calling it an "overdue" honor to share the stage with her fellow vocalists. The filmmakers have indicated they are exploring the possibility of a sequel, though they remain focused on managing their current commitments. Both Kang and Appelhans expressed gratitude for the Oscar and Grammy buzz surrounding the project, with Kang saying, "It’s an honor to be even recognized, to be potential nominees." With ongoing success and growing recognition, "KPop Demon Hunters" continues to make significant waves in the entertainment and music industries.

Restored Filipino Classic "Kisapmata" to Screen at Brooklyn Academy of Music

A landmark Filipino film, Mike de Leon’s 1981 psychological drama "Kisapmata," has been given a 4K restoration and is set to be screened at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in New York from November 7 to 13. The update was highlighted by Letterboxd, a popular social networking platform for movie aficionados, through a teaser shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The brief preview showcased the film’s enhanced visuals ahead of its upcoming screening event, which will also feature De Leon’s "Batch ’81." Both films previously premiered internationally together at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival, marking an important debut for the director. The social media announcement by Letterboxd attracted considerable attention, amassing over 142,000 views and numerous comments from Filipinos who expressed pride and enthusiasm for the recognition of their national cinema. One commenter encouraged viewers to explore more Filipino classics, citing titles such as "Insiang," "Himala," and "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Na Kami Ngayon?." Another expressed surprise and delight at seeing a Filipino film featured prominently on an international cinephile platform. "Kisapmata" tells the story of Mila, portrayed by Charo Santos, a young woman who struggles to free herself from the oppressive dominance of her father by marrying her colleague. The film draws inspiration from National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s true-crime article "The House on Zapote Street," published in the Philippine Free Press. This account detailed a tragic real-life domestic incident involving Pablo Cabading, a retired policeman who, after a family confrontation, fatally shot his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and then himself. Mike de Leon is widely celebrated for his insightful filmmaking, often addressing themes such as power dynamics, morality, and social justice. The restoration and international screening of "Kisapmata" reaffirm the importance of Philippine cinema in the global film community.

Helmet Malfunction on Davao Motorcycle Ride Goes Viral on TikTok

A humorous incident unfolded in Davao City when a TikTok user captured a motorcycle ride featuring a passenger dealing with a faulty helmet. The video, posted on October 9 by user @mr.kingsman07, shows the passenger visibly uncomfortable as the helmet's visor detaches on one side and repeatedly flaps in the wind. As they navigate city streets, the flapping visor generates a constant slapping noise that adds a comedic element to the clip. The lighthearted video quickly gained popularity online, amassing nearly 10 million views and over 900,000 likes, along with thousands of comments and shares. Viewers found amusement both in the passenger’s predicament and the sound of the loose visor, which some compared to a tapping machine. Comments included playful remarks such as \"\'Kuya lumipad. hinayaan ko na lang po,\" (Bro flew off, I just let it happen) and \"Kuya natanggal\" (Bro, it fell off). Others joked about the passenger’s possible thoughts and the difficulty of maintaining shyness amid the chaos. This viral video highlights how relatable everyday mishaps can bring laughter and connection among social media users. — With reporting by Rosette Adel

Emerging Filipino Filmmakers Honored at 8th Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival

The 8th Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival culminated with a prestigious awards ceremony held at Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinemas in Mandaluyong City, spotlighting the talents of young Filipino filmmakers aged 18 to 23 from across the country. Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) as a highlight of the Philippine Film Industry Month, the festival aims to amplify the voices of the nation’s youth through bold and diverse storytelling. The intimate family drama "When It Rained Malunggay Leaves" emerged as the festival’s biggest winner, securing Best Short Film, Best Screenplay for writer-director Cedrick Valenzuela, and Best Editing credited to Vince Maliksi. The film poignantly explores themes of generational trauma and reconciliation as it follows a young woman returning home for All Saints’ Day. Valenzuela described the malunggay leaf as a healing symbol woven throughout his narrative, underscoring the story’s emotional depth and cultural resonance. Meanwhile, the Cebuano short film "Sunog sa Sugbo" (Fire in Cebu) made a strong impression by winning the Special Jury Prize, Best Direction awarded to Jon Owen Lepiten, and Best Cinematography for Kirk Bryant Nuñez. The film tells the compelling story of a teenage breadwinner compelled to make a devastating choice after his home is lost to fire. "Coding si Papa," directed by Michael Angelo Pogoy, received a Special Mention for its heartfelt portrayal of a young boy’s efforts to give his hardworking father a well-deserved day off. The touching narrative highlights familial love and sacrifice. Rounding out the roster were finalists including "4 Better or 4 Worse" by RonJay Mendiola, "Blooming!" by Ronnie Ramos, "City’s Laundry & Taxes" by Diana Galang, "Due Date na ni Judith" by Kieth Earl Rebaño, "Elephant Paths" by Joshua de Vera, "Sa Tumoy sa Walay Kahumanan" by Von Jorge Actub, and the animated entry "Signal Pending" by Lourchielle Hael. Selected from over 200 submissions, these finalists each received production grants of 200,000 pesos. The festival continues to serve as a vital platform for emerging Filipino filmmakers, enabling them to share youth-centric stories that reflect regional diversity. The awards night was attended by FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, FDCP Education Head Rica Arevalo, prominent industry figures including Danzen Santos-Katanyag and Jules Katanyag, as well as Full Post Asia President and CEO John Wong. The event was hosted by broadcaster and TV personality Gretchen Ho. FDCP Chair Jose Javier Reyes emphasized the festival’s role in nurturing fresh cinematic voices, stating, "Sine Kabataan is dedicated to developing the next wave of Filipino filmmakers who will carry forward our rich storytelling tradition with passion and innovation."

Rochelle Pangilinan Triumphs at Cinemalaya 2025, Wins Best Supporting Actress

Rochelle Pangilinan is celebrating a significant career milestone after clinching the Best Supporting Actress award at Cinemalaya 2025. The Kapuso actress made her indie film debut with "Child No. 82," a performance that earned critical acclaim. Sharing her joy on Instagram, Rochelle posted a photo holding her trophy alongside a touching message. She described the achievement as "still surreal" and revealed the depth of emotion she invested in her role. "I poured my soul into this role, and to be recognized in this way… it feels like a dream," she wrote. The actress also expressed her gratitude for the steadfast support from fans, and gave a heartfelt acknowledgement to her husband, Arthur Solinap, and their daughter, Shiloh. "This isn’t just my win. It’s ours," she affirmed. Embracing her newfound success, Rochelle declared, "Today, I can finally say it with all my heart — I AM AN ACTRESS!" Prior to this achievement, she garnered wide recognition late last year for portraying Amalia Dimalanta-Torres, also known as Tiya Amalia, in the Kapuso historical drama "Pulang Araw." Beyond acting, Rochelle continues to honor her beginnings as one of the original SexBomb Girls. In September, she hinted at a reunion concert for the iconic dance group scheduled for December. The SexBomb Girls originally rose to fame through consistent appearances on a popular noontime variety show, later headlining the afternoon drama "Daisy Siete," and achieving success as recording artists.

Ely Buendia Clarifies Pronunciation of His Surname on Social Media

Ely Buendia recently addressed a common question about the pronunciation of his last name following an episode of the "Dogshow Divas" podcast hosted by comedians Macoy Dubs and Baus Rufo. The hosts had openly wondered whether his surname is pronounced as "Bwen-ja" or "Bwen-dee-ya." In a TikTok video, Ely was seen listening to the podcast with a guitar on his lap before clarifying, "Guys, I’ll save you the trouble of interviewing me. It’s ‘Bwen-dee-ya.’" He went on to explain, "‘Bwen-dee-ya’ has always been the way, my family at least, pronounced our surname." Responding to Ely's video, Baus expressed his gratitude humorously in the comments section, stating, "HUHU thank you for stating the nation with this address! Salamat po sa airtime! Mabuhay ang OPM." Similarly, Macoy replied on Instagram, "Thank you for answering the million peso question, Sir. Charot! More power." "Dogshow Divas" is known for its lighthearted discussions on Filipino culture, entertainment, fashion, and societal topics. The show is hosted by Baus, a comedian and co-founder of the production company Bekenemen, and Macoy, a content creator recognized for his character Auntie Julie. Ely Buendia remains a revered figure in Filipino rock music, having gained fame as the frontman of the Eraserheads. He later founded the band Pupil before pursuing a solo career, releasing his solo album "Method Adaptor" in 2024.

Negrense Artists Circle Launches "MassKara...Gifting Smiles" Mask Exhibit in Bacolod

In a vibrant celebration of Bacolod City's renowned MassKara Festival, the Negrense Artists Circle Inc. (NACI) inaugurated a group exhibit titled "MassKara...Gifting Smiles" at the McCafé of McDonald's The Upper East last Saturday. The display featured unique hand-painted masks created by members Alden Macazar, Christopher Fernandez, Doreen Dofitas, Dynalyn Tan, Jerrylin Mangao, Joey Cabiles, Michelle Ma Belle Tupaz-Corteza, Olive Torres, Sherryann Quivis, Sherwyn Cadianza, and Wara Ichi. Queenie Gonzales, Customer Experience Manager at McDonald's The Upper East, was present during the exhibit opening alongside the participating artists. The event highlighted the cultural significance of the MassKara Festival, a celebration famous for its mask-wearing participants adorned with smiling faces, symbolic of Bacolod's nickname, "The City of Smiles." The term "MassKara" was originally coined by the late Negrense artist Ely Santiago. It is a blend of the English word "mass," meaning a large group of people, and the Spanish word "cara," meaning face, effectively representing "a multitude of faces." Through this artistic showcase, NACI continues to promote local culture and artistic expression, capturing the festival's spirit and the community's joy through their vibrant creations.