Rakuten Viki Launches “Viki Celebrates Women” Collection for International Women’s Day

SEOUL, March 11, 2026— There is something quietly powerful about settling in with a drama that resonates—the kind that reflects the messy, complicated, and beautiful realities of women navigating life. 

Rakuten Viki, the leading destination for Asian entertainment, is celebrating women around the world this International Women’s Day with a specially curated collection of fan-favorite, female-led Korean dramas. Titled “Viki Celebrates Women,” this collection will be featured on Viki’s homepage, spotlighting stories that champion female-led storytelling– from boardroom power plays to slow-burn healing arcs to memorable romances.

To help viewers get started, Rakuten Viki has selected standout titles organized by mood and resonance, ranging from resilient female leads embarking on journeys of self-discovery to ambitious career women breaking barriers.

For the Nights You Just Want to Feel Something

Love Me 

On paper, Seo Jun Kyung (Seo Hyun-jin) has everything: a respected career as an obstetrician, her life neatly in order. But beneath the composed exterior, there's a wound that never fully healed, a family tragedy she's spent years quietly carrying. When a free-spirited music director moves in next door, her carefully constructed walls begin to shift. Love Me explores vulnerability, healing, and the possibility of letting someone inside your walls.

My Mister

Lee Ji An, portrayed with striking restraint by IU, is young, exhausted, and burdened by debt and obligation. When she crosses paths with Park Dong Hoon (Lee Sun-kyun), a middle-aged engineer struggling quietly within his own life, the connection that develops between them is defined less by romance than by empathy and understanding. Widely praised for its emotional depth, My Mister remains one of the most poignant and quietly powerful dramas of its kind.

Yumi's Cells 

Breakups are messy. Healing is messier. Yumi’s Cells captures this experience through the animated emotions living inside Kim Yumi’s (Kim Go-eun) mind, each representing different facets of her inner life as she navigates love, heartbreak, and personal growth. The series blends inventive storytelling with a relatable exploration of everyday emotions.

Bitch X Rich

Dark, sharp, and gripping, Bitch X Rich blends emotional drama with the tension of a thriller. After witnessing a murder, Kim Hye In (Lee Eun-saem) transfers to an elite high school where power defines the social order and secrets are a means of survival. As she becomes entangled in the school’s ruthless hierarchy, Hye In quickly realizes she must navigate a dangerous web of alliances and rivalries to protect herself.

For When You're Channeling Your Inner CEO

Love Scout

Kang Ji Yun (Han Ji-min) built her headhunting empire from the ground up and thrives in the cut-throat world of corporate recruitment. Despite her professional brilliance, she struggles with the practicalities of her mundane life. When her highly capable secretary begins to play a larger role both professionally and personally, their dynamic gradually shifts in unexpected ways.

Agency

Go Ah In (Lee Bo-young) is determined not only to earn a seat at the table, but to lead it. Agency follows her relentless climb through the ranks of a major advertising firm as she sets her sights on becoming its first female executive. Lee Bo-young delivers a compelling performance in a story that highlights the persistence, ambition, and resilience required to succeed in competitive corporate spaces.

First Lady 

Just as Cha Su Yeon (Eugene) is about to step into one of the most powerful roles in the country, her husband blindsides her with divorce papers. What follows is a masterclass in watching a woman refuse to be written out of her own story. Blending political intrigue with personal drama, First Lady centers on a woman reclaiming control of her future.

For When You Want the Fun Stuff (Romance Included)

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo 

A beloved coming-of-age story, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo follows aspiring weightlifter Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung-kyung) as she pursues both athletic dreams and personal growth. With heartfelt friendships, lighthearted romance, and an endearing lead character, the series remains a standout favorite among K-drama fans.

Doctors

Yoo Hye Jung (Park Shin-hye) was written off early as a rebellious teenager with nowhere to go. After a mentor recognizes her potential, she embarks on a path that ultimately leads her to become a skilled and determined surgeon. Doctors is a satisfying slow burn that rewards patience, and Park Shin Hye is utterly compelling as a woman who built herself from scratch and discovers the mystery of her past.

Suspicious Partner

When legal intern Eun Bong Hee (Nam Ji-hyun) suddenly becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, an unlikely ally emerges in a prosecutor who chooses to help her uncover the truth. Blending elements of legal thriller and romantic comedy, Suspicious Partner offers suspenseful storytelling alongside a compelling central partnership.

From quiet healing to determined ambition, from boardrooms to courtrooms to high school hallways, these stories highlight the many ways women navigate challenges, pursue growth, and define success on their own terms.

The "Viki Celebrates Women" collection is now available to stream on Viki, with even more titles to discover.

The Barkada Gets a New Adie

The wait comes to a thrilling close as Bagets The Musical reveals the cast for the final lead role.

Mico Hendrix Chua is set to play the new-generation Adie, the baby-faced charmer first made iconic by Aga Muhlach in the beloved 1984 coming-of-age classic.

Get ready to swoon over his dimples and boy-next-door vibe as he brings a fresh twist to the 2026 stage adaptation.

Chua makes an acting comeback as Adie

The rising artist has been on stage since his teens, performing in local theaters in Iloilo before making the move to Manila. In 2021, he joined the reality show Born to Be a Star, which earned him a contract with VIVA.

“After I signed, I had to move to Dubai, where I worked multiple jobs while studying,” he recalls. “I started as an admissions counselor, then became an administrator.”

Despite the hiatus, the 22-year-old never let go of his love for the craft. 

“I had a pretty stable life abroad, but deep down, my heart was always with performing,” says Chua. “I can always go back to that life, but I’m not getting any younger. I want to give my all to what I truly love.”

Now back in the Philippines, the stars have aligned for him.

“This is my first project since I returned. During the auditions, I was anxious, especially with so many callbacks,” he continues. “At first, I didn’t expect anything. But the more I went through the process, the more I wanted the character.”

In the shoes of a classic 

Interestingly, Chua’s initial choice was not Adie. He had hoped to play Topee, a role he felt connected to because of their shared accent.

The switch, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“We’re a lot more alike than I thought,” he reflects. “I think many can relate when I say we’ve all had that time in our lives when we were young, naive, and just letting our emotions get the best of us.”

The artist acknowledges moments of peer pressure and recklessness in his past—qualities that make embodying Adie feel like reconnecting with an old version of himself.

Fans may remember the persona as a slightly confused romantic who juggles love, crushes, and meaningful connections.

“I’ve had those encounters before—stealing glances at your crush and all. But it’s all in the past now,” he says. “I think I’ve matured since then.”

The beauty of Bagets The Musical is that we can relive those moments and savor all the joy and buoyancy of youth.

Rising to the challenge

Though he relates to the character, Chua admits the weight of portraying such an icon was real. 

“The pressure went higher, but it’s also a great challenge,” he concludes. “It means I get to give my best and portray someone as legendary as Aga Muhlach. I’m excited and deeply honored.”

The rising star rounds out the new-generation lineup of Bagets The Musical. He will alternate performances with another VIVA artist, to be announced soon.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Chua in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel, and Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee. 

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.  Bagets the Musical is also supported through a partnership with Sun Life Philippines.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Introducing the OG Conyo Boy, Arnel

Bagets The Musical shows no signs of slowing down its big barkada reveal.

This time, the excitement is at an all-time high as the original conyo makes his entrance. First portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco, Arnel is a polished teen torn between following his heart and meeting his mother’s expectations.

The 2026 stage production invites a new generation to rediscover the character through the performances of young stars Ethan David and KD Estrada.

Ethan David on embracing the challenge

Ethan David is exactly the performer the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has been looking for. 

A member of the P-pop boy group G.A.T., he also boasts a solid acting resume, with credits in TV series such as Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond.

“I did theater abroad, but since coming home, I’ve focused more on screen work than stage,” he shares. “On TV, subtle expressions can work,” he explains. “On stage, I have to make my movements bigger and project my voice for the audience.”

Rather than shy away from the challenge, he embraces it by stepping out of his comfort zone with vocal training and stamina-building exercises.

“Arnel’s always all-out for his friends,” adds David. “I want the audience to feel that energy and see he’s there for them, whether in big gestures or small ones.”

Such dedication reflects how deeply he connects with the character. The artist admits that he’s faced his fair share of conflicts about what he wants. 

“Despite his flaws, I hope the audience sees how he musters up courage and motivates others to do the same,” he shares.

KD Estrada on becoming one with Arnel

There is no mistaking it: KD Estrada is a complete mirror of Arnel. The accent, the height, the vibe — everything about him exudes a well-mannered charm.

“When I auditioned, my number one pick was Arnel because I see myself in him,” he begins. “I’d say if he were real right now, he would be exactly like me.”

The beloved character is fun but responsible, chill but not one to give in to peer pressure.

“I admire that about him. In the film, you can always see his hesitance,” he says. “That he just doesn’t do things because they’re ‘in’ or what you’re supposed to do.”

Arnel’s strength, however, comes with a cost. Estrada notes that he empathizes with the role’s struggles, especially the uncertainty it brings.

“I’m grateful to have a strong support system at home,” he shares. “But I guess we all go through that phase where we don’t know whether to follow our own dreams or what other people want for us.”

Portraying such depth is not new to him. This is his second theater production, following his debut in PETA’s Walang Aray with screen partner Alexa Ilacad. 

He has also appeared in several TV series, including Unloving You, Bola Bola, Run to Me, and his latest, Pira-pirasong Paraiso.

When asked about his favorite takeaway and the lesson audiences should remember, the artist answered without hesitation: "The friends that you make in high school are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.”

Arnel proves that the struggles of growing up never fade. With Ethan David and KD Estrada bringing him to life, his story of friendship, courage, and staying true to oneself continues to resonate across generations.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. More cast members will be revealed soon. 

Joining David and Estrada in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, and Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton. 

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf

The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Topee, the martial arts ace and certified athletic heartthrob. Originally portrayed by J.C. Bonnin in the 1984 classic, Topee makes his stage debut in the 2026 production of Bagets The Musical, where Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf will take on the role. These young stars will spark high school kilig as they bring their own brand of charm and mystery to the beloved character.

Embodying Topee’s Hiligaynon roots with Jeff Moses

Jeff Moses is set to showcase Topee’s Hiligaynon roots in the upcoming Bagets The Musical, a detail that deeply resonates with his own background.

Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Moses knows the weight of distance and the bittersweet pull of home.

“Puli ‘ta Bacolod. Madalas ‘yun ‘yung sinasabi niya sa nanay niya (Let’s go home to Bacolod. That’s what he often tells his mother),” he shares. “Ako ramdam ko ‘yung bigat no’n kasi tuwing holidays na lang din ako nakakauwi sa’min. (I can really feel the weight of that because I only get to go home during the holidays).”

After signing with GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Moses moved to Metro Manila, where he began building a career in film and television.

He has since starred in Under a Piaya Moon, earning Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, and appeared in the television series Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. He was recognized as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines in the 2023 Philippine Outstanding Men & Women Awards.

“Si Topee kasi mabait, mature, at tinatratong pamilya ‘yung mga tropa niya, (Topee is kind, mature, and treats his friends like family),” he continues. “Pero deep inside, may tinatagong vulnerability (But deep inside, he hides a vulnerability).”

Life does not make it easy for the beloved character. He is pushed to grow up fast, stand on his own, and figure things out.

“Kahit ganun, siguro ang gusto kong ma-realize ng mga manonood ng Bagets The Musical ay hindi mawawala ’yung pagiging young at heart natin (Even so, what I hope audiences take away from Bagets The Musical is that our being young at heart never goes away,) ” Moses concludes. 

“Pwede pa rin tayong sumaya o malungkot na parang bata (We can still feel joy or sadness like a child.”

The 24-year-old artist is looking forward to his first theater stint. He admits feeling nervous about performing on a stage with no take twos or edits, just raw, live acting.

Finding Topee in Sam Shoaf

Sam Shoaf has a fun side unknown to most people. He loves the ’80s—the music, the fashion, the bright, lively colors.

“Everything was just full of life back then,” he says.

It’s the same spark he saw in Topee when he first watched the coming-of-age classic.

“If he were alive today, I think he’d be the kind of guy obsessed with working out on TikTok, always on his phone but never missing the fun,” adds Shoaf.

This is the quality he shares with the character. The young artist is passionate about learning different forms of martial arts. His role in Ang Mutya ng Section E even gained popularity for its fighter edge.

“I see a lot of similarities between me and Topee,” he shares. “We love staying active, but at the same time, I think we both prefer keeping much of what’s going on in our lives to ourselves.”

Most teenagers, or even adults, have felt emotions that are hard to explain. These feelings are at the heart of Bagets The Musical.

“The story is about us,” he explains. “Just a different timeline, different variables, but the same plot.”

Having appeared on The Voice Kids Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar, Shoaf says he’s excited to bring that heart to the stage through acting, singing, and dancing.

Such vibrant production captures that messy, thrilling ride of growing up. It shows that the magic of adolescence never truly disappears; it simply evolves over time.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining Moses and Shoaf in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, and Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel. 

The musical is produced by Newport World Resorts in cooperation with VIVA Communications Inc. and The Philippine STAR, guided by the vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. Bagets the Musical is also supported in partnership with Sun Life Philippines.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

The Pod Network Launches Audio Anthology series 'Stories @ The Pod' with 'Trese' writer Budjette Tan

18 September 2025 Manila, Philippines — The Pod Network, the country’s leading podcast network, announces the launch of Stories @ The Pod, an audio anthology series that transforms Filipino literary works into immersive, cinematic podcast experiences.

Co-produced by award-winning audio production company Hit Productions, the limited series is designed to showcase contemporary Philippine literature through audio listening.

"I'm excited that Hit Productions’ collaboration with our partners at The Pod Network and author Budjette Tan has made it possible for his stories to reach new and wider audiences,” Hit Productions CEO Vic Icasas said.

The first season kicks off with four tales from ‘Kwentoys,’ the upcoming book by Budjette Tan, the writer behind the Netflix animated series Trese. Kwentoys is a collection of short stories he wrote over a span of 20 years, blending folklore, memory, and the magic of everyday Filipino life and features illustrations by his brother Brandie Tan. The tales are eerie, nostalgic, and deeply personal, each with an interesting backstory from the author.

"These stories deserve to be heard—literally. They're not just retold; they’re reimagined,” shared Kwentoys creator Budjette Tan.

Episodes of Stories @ The Pod feature a fully-produced audio drama adaptation from Steve and Nyx of the Book of Bad Ideas podcast and a heartfelt conversation with Budjette with Earl of the Philippine Campfire Stories podcast, diving into the inspiration, culture, and emotion behind each tale.

With narratives about lost kids, ancient myths, and childhood memories, Stories @ The Pod is a new space for Filipino authors to share their work and a chance for listeners to connect with literature through an immersive soundscape.

"We at The Pod Network are thrilled to share this collaboration with such creative minds and talents in the literature, sound, and podcast spheres,” says Inna Salazar Acuña, Head of Content at The Pod Network.

Catch Stories @ The Pod on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. For more information about The Pod Network, you may visit www.thepodnetwork.com or their Facebook page.

Ber Months, Ber Vibes Binges: The Perfect Movies & Series to Start Your Cozy September

While we're counting down to the most wonderful time of the year, start the Ber months right with a cozy watchlist that feels like a warm hug.

There’s something about the “Ber months” that feels instantly different. The nights get cooler, Christmas playlists start sneaking into jeepney rides and malls, and the air carries that faint mix of nostalgia and excitement. In the Philippines, September doesn't just mark the start of the holiday countdown – it’s also the perfect excuse to slow down, cozy up, and indulge in feel-good entertainment.

Whether you’re into love stories that make your heart flutter, supernatural romances with a bite, or dramas that feel achingly real, Lionsgate Play has something for every mood. Here are five comforting picks to kick off the Ber month binge.

The Twilight Saga

Few things match the brooding mood of September better than vampires, werewolves, and a love triangle that had the whole world choosing sides. Long before today's headline-making romances – yes, we're looking at you, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce – Bella and Edward had their own ultimate ‘forever’ moment, an engagement reveal that sent Team Edward and Team Jacob into absolute overdrive. The Twilight Saga follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), an ordinary girl who falls for the enigmatic Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), only to discover he's a vampire. As their romance deepens, childhood friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) steps in with his own secrets. With danger, desire, and supernatural stakes at every turn, it’s the perfect marathon for nights when you want a love story as intense as it is iconic.

What Women Want

When a freak accident gives advertising exec Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) the power to hear women’s thoughts, his world – and ego – turn upside down. At first, he uses his new ability to get ahead at work, but everything changes when he meets his brilliant new boss Darcy McGuire (Helen Hunt). As Nick begins to understand the women around him, he also learns a few things about himself and what it really takes to win someone’s heart. Witty, charming, and just the right amount of cheesy, What Women Want is proof that love can be found when you least expect it.

Dirty Dancing

Set in the summer of 1963, this beloved musical follows Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) on vacation with her family at a sleepy Catskills resort. When she meets dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), she’s drawn into his electrifying world of music, movement, and late-night rehearsals. What starts as secret lessons quickly turns into a romance that challenges both their worlds and leads to one of the most iconic final dance scenes ever filmed. With its legendary soundtrack and unforgettable final dance, this film isn’t just a favorite – it’s a rite of passage.

Normal People

This beautifully raw series, based on Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel, follows Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a sharp and solitary young woman, and Connell (Paul Mescal), the well-liked boy from her school, as they weave in and out of each other’s lives from high school through university. Their relationship shifts from secret romance to deep friendship to painful estrangement, all while they struggle with family pressures, personal insecurities, and the push and pull of first love. With its quiet intensity, breathtaking performances, and deeply relatable moments, it’s the kind of drama that lingers long after the last episode.

Warm Bodies

A zombie romcom? Believe it. When undead loner R (Nicholas Hoult) saves human survivor Julie (Teresa Palmer), an unlikely romance begins to bloom and maybe even spark the end of the apocalypse. With its clever humor, surprising warmth, and a romance that literally brings new life, Warm Bodies is an offbeat love story perfect for a cozy night in.

From classic romances to supernatural adventures, Lionsgate Play has everything you need to set the perfect mood this September. Time to grab a blanket, pour yourself something warm, and let the Ber month binge begin.

Mond Gutierrez Pushes Creative Boundaries with vivo V50’s Multifocal Portrait Mode

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - In the digital world where nothing truly disappears, high-quality content is more important than ever.

This rings especially true for Mond Gutierrez, whose Instagram feed looks straight out of a glossy fashion magazine. 

As a creative director, Mond is known for his sharp eye and meticulous attention to detail. Everything he touches is refined to perfection. There’s an art to the way he sees the world, always searching for that one shot where everything aligns perfectly in a single frame.

With Mond’s elevated standards as a benchmark, the vivo V50 proves its power in portrait creation.

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“I’m always chasing that perfect shot - lighting, angle, and emotion all in one frame. The vivo V50 delivers exactly that,” Mond shared in his Instagram post.

He added, "With its ZEISS Multifocal Portrait Mode (23mm, 35mm, 50mm) and AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0, I can shoot studio-quality portraits anywhere, anytime."

Frame your creative vision with vivo V50's Multifocal Portrait Mode

Playing with focal lengths goes far beyond the technical. It’s how stories are told, feelings are shaped, and impact is made.

Mond demonstrates how he can move effortlessly between focal lengths with the vivo V50’s Multifocal Portrait Mode to enhance visual narrative, mood, and impact, which are all essential elements to his craft as a creative visionary.

Designed for artistic flexibility, this mode conveniently offers 23mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths at just a tap, empowering passionate creators to capture stunning portraits from their unique perspective without losing momentum.

With the crystal-clear detail captured by its 50MP ZEISS All Main Camera and studio-quality lighting delivered by its AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0, best believe, the result will always turn out looking effortlessly pro.

The portrait powerhouse, now at its NEW price

Shoot with the same clarity and finesse as Mond. Get the vivo V50 for as low as Php 25,999 — Php 2,000 off its original price. Visit any vivo store nationwide or shop online now via Shopee, Lazada, or vivo e-store.

'Overstimulated' Pinoys Drive Podcast Listenership for Emotional Refuge - Study

18 June 2025 Manila, Philippines - Filipinos are turning to podcasts for emotional refuge amidst overstimulation from digital fatigue.

This is the key finding of “The Two Faces of the Overwhelmed,” a study conducted by The Pod Network, the country’s leading podcast network, in partnership with socio-cultural research firm The Fourth Wall, which looked at the consumption behavior of the podcast listenership in the Philippines.

The study, which surveyed hundreds of digital users early this year, reveals that more Filipinos are turning to podcasts as tools to cope with feeling emotionally overwhelmed or mentally saturated, a result of today's hyperconnected digital landscape.

According to the study, there are two faces of podcast listeners: the 'mindful navigators' and 'content grazers.' The 'mindful navigators' are categorized as those aged 25 and above, balancing work, life, and family responsibilities, who turn to podcasts for relief. Their overstimulation stems from doing too much, and they seek podcasts for genuine relief, not mere distraction. With a stimulation score of +2.06 and a higher reliance on podcasts (53% identifying it as a key source of relief), ‘Mindful navigators’ spend up to six hours daily listening to narrative, reflective, or calming shows, often during commutes, chores, or end-of-day wind-downs.

Meanwhile, 'content grazers' are those under 25 who are immersed in a multi-platform world, jumping between TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube. They show a lower stimulation score (-1.63) and lighter podcast reliance (47%), listening 1-4 hours per day, often while multitasking. Unlike 'mindful navigators,' their podcast use isn't emotionally anchored but more driven by boredom or habit.

The study also reveals that while podcasts emerged as tools for calm, the emotional value they bring to consumers extends beyond just meditation apps or self-help monologues. 'Mindful navigators' prefer clear, calm, conversational content, with ideal episode lengths of 30-45 minutes, especially during evening de-stressing periods (6:00–8:00 PM). Meanwhile, 'content grazers' are drawn to humor, energy, and cultural relevance in shorter, dynamic episodes.

John Brylle Bae, Research Director at The Fourth Wall, emphasizes the implications for creators, saying, "Today's digital landscape presents a generation overwhelmed by multitasking, digital noise, and attention fatigue. Hence, podcasts are increasingly becoming a reset button for silence and mindfulness. This key finding emphasizes that engagement is not just about time, but about purpose, opening new strategic ground for creators to better connect with their audience."

Alan Fontanilla, CEO of The Pod Network Entertainment, underscores the growth and opportunities within the industry. 

"This study not only provides insights into the listenership behaviors of Filipinos but, more importantly, offers a roadmap for action for creators and brands. Podcasts are increasingly becoming emotional infrastructure. Therefore, creators must understand the importance of designing podcast shows for emotional need, while brands need to realize that podcast ads aren’t interruptions but opportunities to build emotional trust."

The "Beyond the Headphones: The Portrait of a Podcast Listener as Filipino" report, released last year, indicated over 17 million weekly podcast listenership in the country, with comedy emerging as the top genre for Filipinos.

You may access the full report via https://thepodnetwork.com/tpn-insider or visit https://thepodnetwork.com/ for more information.

Revolutionising digital Entertainment in the Philippines

Traditional bingo is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. Such gaming activities have served as a space where people from all walks of life get to enjoy, relax, and build meaningful connections with every game.

However, the unprecedented times brought by the pandemic changed the entire gaming industry amidst quarantine restrictions preventing any form of social gatherings. The public crisis also rapidly pushed digital adoption across the world. This comes amidst a digitally adept young demographic and a significant penetration of the Internet and smartphones in recent years.

This brought both a challenge and an opportunity for gaming and leisure company DigiPlus Interactive in leading digitalisation in the Philippine gaming industry whilst creating enjoyable experiences for its players across channels.

DigiPlus Interactive has launched BingoPlus in January 2022. It is the first digital platform where bingo-loving Filipinos can play with the convenience of time and place by bringing the game live online. BingoPlus leverages the company’s deep understanding of its customers whilst bringing in innovation and technologies to offer new entertainment product formats to more Filipinos.

BingoPlus’ brick-and-mortar or traditional bingo operations also complemented the foray into the digital space. DigiPlus Interactive currently operates at least 200 bingo halls in different parts of the Philippines, which continue to be popular amongst Filipinos.

The strong performance of BingoPlus propelled the robust growth of DigiPlus. In 2022, DigiPlus posted a turnaround in its financial performance, with a net income of ₱686.9m coming from a net loss of ₱894.6m in the previous year. Furthermore, in the first nine months of 2023, DigiPlus registered a net income of ₱2.1b, more than a tenfold growth from 2022.

As the first and only government-licensed digital bingo platform in the country, BingoPlus is reshaping the country’s gaming industry. Continuing to dominate the digital gaming space, BingoPlus has opened up new opportunities, triggering a proliferation of online gaming platforms in the Philippines. This healthy competition fosters innovation and creativity that fundamentally benefits the customers.

The platform has also since become a community and entertainment platform, a source of revenue for the Philippine government, and a contributor to various social and educational non-profit programmes.

“The success of BingoPlus has paved the way for [DigiPlus] to undertake a strategic transformation to position itself as a digital entertainment platform,” the company said. It added its plans of launching new and innovative game offerings to cater to broader demographics and lifestyle preferences.

The platform’s continued investment in research and development, as well as its efforts in revolutionising the digital gaming experience, has been lauded by the inaugural Asian Management Excellence Awards, with the company bringing home the Philippines Innovator of the Year - Media & Entertainment category win.

The coveted awards programme celebrates the finest business leaders, innovators, and companies in Asia, and commends exceptional achievements in the various aspects of operations, including employee engagement programmes, diversity and inclusion projects, and health and wellness initiatives.

BingoPlus Newest Endorser Stars in “An Ultimate Night with Piolo Pascual”

When showbiz heartthrob Piolo Pascual celebrated his 25 years in the entertainment industry, BingoPlus – the first and only live streaming bingo in the Philippines and the leading entertainment gateway for Filipinos – made sure he would have a spectacular celebration.

“An Ultimate Night with Piolo” – a concert that showcased the sparkling personality and talent of BingoPlus’ newest endorser – looked back and honored the hard work and success of the Filipino film and TV actor who is also a recording artist, host, commercial model, film producer and multi-awarded performer.

The sold-out concert featured Jericho Rosales, Arnel Pineda and Iñigo Pascual as special guest performers. Dedicated to Piolo’s fans who have given him their unending love and support throughout his career, the audience at the concert was treated to a special song number that Piolo performed with Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The audience broke out in applause and a swoon over the exquisite number. .

“BingoPlus’ sponsorship of this grand event is an expression of our brand’s all-out support for our newest official celebrity endorser. It is a testament to how much we value the partnership we have with the country’s most sought-after actor who continues to deliver excellent quality entertainment to the Filipino people,” said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc., the company that introduced the BingoPlus brand.

BingoPlus is the proud flagship brand of Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Digiplus Interactive Corp continues to enrich the gaming experience for Filipino players across the nation.

To know more, download the BingoPlus app now via the App Store and Google Play or visit http://www.bingoplus.com. Sa BingoPlus, Bingo sa Saya, Plus sa Panalo!

How Samsung's 2023 Flagship TVs Bring More Wow Into The Homes of Erwan Heussaff, Doug Kramer, and Alodia Gosiengfiao-Quimbo

Filipinos continue to spruce up their home and living spaces, maximizing each room for maximum enjoyment and use. And with a lot of on-demand entertainment now made more accessible, a family’s home entertainment system has evolved from just being a device to watch movies and series with to a multipurpose and flexible device.

This is why there is now an increasing interest in building personal home theaters – with celebrities and personalities leveling up their home entertainment systems and showing the results on social media. 

And with Samsung, this is made more innovative and exciting. Samsung remains the leader in the TV segment with unparalleled picture quality and mind-blowing sound, and is bringing more wow to the TV experience. The 2023 Neo QLED, Samsung OLED, and updated Q Soundbar are set to redefine premium viewing and continue Samsung’s unsurpassed streak as the #1 global TV brand.

Samsung launched this next-gen home entertainment lineup at the More Wow Than Ever event and guests immersed themselves in a world of premium entertainment like never before at experience pods. The brand also took the opportunity to introduce three ambassadors who personify the Samsung holistic entertainment experience.

Building an epic home theater with a fully immersive entertainment experience

Doug Kramer is known as a family and sports fan, but many are not aware that he is also a huge tech fan. Over the last few years, the husband, father, and digital content creator has built his own home theater with the top of the line entertainment system and Samsung now brings more wow to his third home theater with the Neo QLED 8K TV.

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K TV is a game-changer allowing Doug Kramer to see every detail and feel every moment like never before.

“When I built the Kramer home theater, I wanted to give our family movie nights the optimal experience. Watching movies together is one of our favorite pastimes, and it’s important for me to spend quality time together, especially as the kids get older,” he says.

Kramer enjoys the cinematic perfection the Neo QLED 8K TV brings to his home, which he says is even better than going to a movie theater. The first-class screen boasts the highest resolution available in the market. This brings life-like colors, textures, and details, transporting the Kramers right into the action. Its Mini LED technology offers exceptional contrast and precision, making blacks deeper and whites brighter. The lighting guarantees clarity and accuracy, even in the most explosive blockbuster scenes.

The cinematic experience is complemented by the updated Q Soundbar with wireless Dolby Atmos. Its rich, cinematic sound transforms the room into a movie theater or live concert venue with the power of up to 22 speakers working at once. The complete entertainment setup of the Neo QLED 8K plus Q Soundbar lets Kramer see, hear, and feel every scene.

Building memories and connecting with family through a world of content

Erwan Heussaff is a creative maverick who champions food, travel, and Filipino culture. He is exposed to a world of content and this expanded further with his growing family. Now, he turns up the wow and connects with his family through watching films with the Samsung Neo QLED TV.

For Erwan Heussaff, there’s nothing quite like being able to access a world of content with ease through Samsung Neo QLED’s Smart Hub, a feature that intuitively curates what’s next on the watchlist for every single person in his household.

“Before having [my daughter], I watched a lot of action movies and travel documentaries. Now we have to compromise a bit at home. Having Dahlia diversified the content we watch, and truthfully, it’s amazing how Samsung gives us access to a world of content that we can watch as individuals, as a couple, and as a family,” says Heussaff.

The creator and his family use the Samsung Neo QLED’s Smart Hub, which gathers everyone’s favorite content in one the place. The curation of titles is intuitive, taking the guesswork out of selecting what to watch so Heussaff can spend more time with his family.

Picture quality is always next level as Samsung upscales all types of content to 4K. EyeComfort Mode also automatically adjusts the picture’s brightness and colors depending on the environment to lessen eye strain, an important feature for growing families. 

Building legendary entertainment experiences at home for gaming and beyond

Alodia Gosiengfiao-Quimbo defeats her opponents in style as the country’s best-known cosplayer and e-sports gamer. She brings the wow every time with a premium gaming setup by Samsung.

As someone who’s serious about gaming, Alodia Gosiengfiao-Quimbo is a believer in Samsung’s OLED TV which not only provides immersive, life-like visuals but also features an impressive 144Hz refresh rate.

“I’m happy that the gaming industry has flourished throughout the years. Gamers can now pursue this career full-time. With that in mind, they have to level up their gaming gear. I’m happy that Samsung provided these top-level gaming TVs,” she shares.

Gosiengfiao-Quimbo triumphs over challenges with Samsung’s latest addition to its TV lineup: the OLED TV. As games continue to refine their graphics, Samsung exceeds expectations with innovations like the Neural Quantum Processor 4K. This ensures that every detail has breathtaking clarity and depth with perfect blacks and infinite contrast.

The gamer remains undefeated with the Samsung OLED TV’s 144HZ refresh rate. This means a lightning-quick response time with unnoticeable low input lag, resulting in smooth gameplay and realistic and fluid motion.

It’s no wonder that top creators like Doug Kramer, Erwan Heussaff, and Alodia Gosiengfiao-Quimbo choose Samsung for their personal home entertainment. They expect a certain standard that only the #1 global TV brand can bring.

For more information, please visit samsung.com/ph.

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About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

THE SUPER AMERICAN CIRCUS PERFORMS IN MANILA THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

Family bonding made awesome at the Newport Performing Arts Theater

This Christmas, Filipino families can finally go out of their homes after two years of pandemic lockdown to enjoy and be amazed at the world-famous Super American Circus, coming to the Philippines on December 21, 2022 until January 8, 2023, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
Families will be in for a marvelous two-hour treat with what is dubbed as the biggest ensemble of live one-ring circus today. The Super American Circus puts together an incredible array of performers whose acts earned standing ovations all over the world. Some of them were winners of the prestigious world-class talent search America’s Got Talent.

The Super American Circus is a modern one-ring circus that will showcase acts that will excite and delight Filipino family members and barkadas of all ages. Witness thrilling acts like the motorcycle team in the Globe of Danger, the amazing Sky Wheel, the High Flying Motorcycle, life challenging aerialists, beautiful aerial ballerinas, and amazing jugglers that will happily keep you hanging on the edge of your seats.

The Super American Circus is produced by Global Entertainment Productions. Its President and CEO Mr. Cornell "Tuffy" Nicholas is also the show’s ringmaster. "Tuffy" comes from a family with extensive circus history. His father "Count Nicholas" was the lead Ringmaster extraordinaire of the traveling Ringling Brothers circus. Tuffy was actually born on the Sarasota stop of the Ringling Brothers Traveling Circus. The Nicholas’s raised their three children on-the-road and Tuffy grew up amongst some of the world’s most famous performers and celebrities. Under the careful eye of the Count, he became a great performer mastering a variety of different acts and skills. He made his first appearance as an honorary ringmaster on a main-street float alongside his proud father at the ripe old age of 3.

For more than 35 years now, Mr. Nicholas has been a successful producer and promoter of circuses, concerts, festivals and sporting events around the world. As president and CEO since 2000, he has produced over 5,000 performances around the World – Moscow State Circus, Modern American Circus, International All-Star Circus are just a few of Mr. Nicholas's productions. In 2005 he produced Cirque Hawaii, a multi-million-dollar, state of the art, permanent theatrical spectacular, that showcased the award-winning talent of over 35 performers from around the world and thrilled Hawaiian audiences.

An incredible show like Super American Circus deserves an equally incredible venue. The Newport Performing Arts Theater is located at the center of Newport World Resorts, Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay (across NAIA Terminal 3). A regular venue for patrons of the Philippine theater arts, the Newport Performing Arts Theater has been the venue of choice for a host of major concerts, plays, musicals, exclusive productions, and more. TV audiences may also recognize the Newport Performing Arts Theater as the venue of the highly popular reality television singing competition, The Voice of the Philippines. The Newport Performing Arts Theater was designed by prominent Hong Kong-based interior design expert Joseph Sy, which won him the coveted 2011 Perspective Awards-Certificate of Excellence and the 2011 Asia Pacific Interior Design Silver Award. The Newport Performing Arts Theater also earned the distinction of being BroadwayWorld Philippines’ Best Theatrical Venue for 2011, and was one of the top six contenders in the Leisure and Entertainment class of the Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards.

The Super American Circus production in the Philippines is made possible in partnership with Newport World Resorts and SGE Productions. The good news of Super American Circus’ coming to the Philippines’ was launched to the Philippine press community on October 18, 2022 at the Golden Bay Restaurant, Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City. It was hosted by Cerah's Hernandez Co, a former DJ at Monster RX FM and is not a content creator and event host.

The Super American Circus will have performances at 3pm and 8pm beginning December 21, 2022. Tickets are available at SM Tickets in these prices: Php5,000, Php4,000, Php2,000 and Php1,000.