POP NEWS PHILIPPINES

Birdshot,” a coming-of-age drama about a girl who accidentaly shoots a rare eagle, is the entry of the Philippines in the upcoming foreign language selection of the Academy Awards, popularly known as The Oscars. The choice was made by a specially-formed committee within Film Academy of the Philippines, which announced its decision last September 26. Initially the committee was evenly split between “Birdshot” and “Sunday Beauty Queen.” That required Jose N. Carreon as chairman to cast a deciding vote, according to Variety, a popular entertainment website in the US. “Birdshot” debuted at the Tokyo International Film Festival, where it won top prize in the Asian Future section in 2016. Then it took part in other festivals. On Aug. 16, "Birdshot" was part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. The critically-acclaimed movie stars Arnold Reyes, Mary Joy Apostol, John Arcilla, Manuel Acquino, Dido de la Paz

Actress Toni Gonzaga-Soriano has said that she is very secure as a woman and as a wife to director Paul Soriano these days. "Now? I can say 10! Without batting an eyelash. Naks!" said Gonzaga when asked how secure she is a woman and a wife, during an interview on "Tonight With Boy Abunda" on ABS CBN. Gonzaga also said that she was not affected by rumors linking her husband to actress Erich Gonzales. "Honestly Tito Boy, hindi. Wala akong naramdaman. Tutoo yun sa isang babae meron tayong gut-feel eh. Parang feeling ko God's gift 'yun to women. Meron kang nararamdaman eh," said Gonzaga when asked if she got jealous of Gonzales. She added: "Sabi nila 'yun eh. Kahit walang lumabas na issue, pag may naramdaman ka, mararamdaman mo yun." Gonzaga also reacted to a hypothetical question on how she would handle infidelity. "Nung kinasal ako, sabi ko 'ay ganito pala, kapag may karapatan ka na, may asawa ka na, pwede

The Misters of Filipinas 2017 contest is just one step away to crowning the new batch of winners. On September 26, the 24 candidates of the premier male pageant in the country competed in the preliminary competition held at the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino. The gorgeous hunks competing for the title started out the show by introducing themselves. Then they paraded in swim wear, resorts wear and formal wear. It was also an opportunity for the judges to choose the candidates who will  make it to the semis. The results will be announced during the finals which will be held at One Esplanade, SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Organized by Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. or PEPPS led by Carlo Morris Galang, the winners of the pageant will represent the country in various competitions abroad namely Man of the World, Mister International, Mister Supranational, Mr. Universe Tourism, Man of the Year and Mister Ocean. At the en

Actresses Aiko Melendez and Ara Mina have reconciled after they ended their longtime gap. This was revealed by reporter-comedian Ogie Diaz on his Facebook last September 23. Diaz said that Melendez and Mina settled their differences during the wake of their common friend. "Past is past. The important is now. Nice to see them na tsikahan nang tsikahan. All is well that ends well. #Nice. Sa burol pa talaga nangyari ha? Hehehe," said Diaz on his post. Mina, 38, posted then on Instagram: "It was nice seeing you@aikomelendez." Melendez, 41, reposted the photo with Mina with the caption: "So good to finally catch up with you after so many years! Hang out soon :) @therealaramina." "So good to finally talk and chit chat with you Hazel. It's been ages!!! We both can freely take selfies together without the awkward feeling. Lets hang out soon!!! Katawa ang dami nameng exchanges of textes ahahahaha!" said Melendez on Facebook. It

Kapamilya star Kim Chiu has said that she is not ready to settle down five years from now. Chiu made the comment during an interview on "Tonight With Boy Abunda" on ABS CBN. "Wow! Hindi pa, hindi pa. Pero hindi mo rin masabi. I don't know. Let's see," said Chiu when asked if she sees marriage five years from now. Chiu, 27, also frowned on reports that she and rumored boyfriend Xian Lim have split. Until now, however, they refused to label their relationship. "Okay naman kami. Medyo naging busy lang," she said. Asked how often they see each other, the actress said: "Not that often." Sought to give advice on love, Chiu said: "Never stop learning. Love yourself more. Take it easy." Chiu also described herself these days as "stronger, tougher and more mature." In the future, Chiu also said that she wanted to travel to Iceland alone. "Iceland. Isa yun sa mga gusto kong puntahan. I want to trav

Teachers, a financial analyst, engineer, university beauties, models, and a grand daughter of a former Philippine president were among the 20 official candidates who will compete in the 2017 Jewel of the Philippines beauty contest. This year's candidates are Jennifer Daguro, member of Isinai ethnic tribe of Nueva Ecija; Maria Gianna Margarita Llanes, grand daughter of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Czarina Totanes, Centro Escolar University student; Andrea Delgado, medicine student; Kristine Somera, graduate of UP-Baguio; Michelle Carcido, business managament graduate; Archelle Joy Medrano, dance choreographer; Kristine Einna Lister, software engineer; Sarah Jireh Asido, teacher; Mary Rose Cajayon, interior decorator; Mary Grace Tautuan, financial adviser; Cyrhill Querejero, student; Kayla Fajardo, student; Gina Faye Belmonte, teacher; Rhejeam Julienne Duran, hotel manager; Karen Grace Atienza, teacher; Ana Rose Tee, student; Kimberly Joy Asetre, student; Geraldine

The Misters of Filipinas 2017 contest is nearing its homestretch as it holds pre-pageant activities in Laoag City this week. Twenty-four candidates are vying for the prestigious male pageant. The winners will be sent to various competitions abroad namely Man of the World, Mister International, Mister Supranational, Mr. Universe Tourism, Man of the Year and Mister Ocean. The winners of the 5th Misters of Filipinas 2017 contest will be chosen during finals at One Esplanade at the Mall Of Asia complex in Pasay City on September 30. You can help your favorite candidate enter the semifinals of the Misters of Filipinas 2017 contest via the People's Choice award. The winner of People's Choice online vote will automatically land a slot in the semifinals during the finals night. Here's how: 1) LIKE the Official Misters of Filipinas FB Fan Page 2) Go to the Misters of Filipinas 2017 People's Choice Album 3) LIKE and SHARE the photo of your favorite Mi