Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga lead 2026 Grammy nominations

Music enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards have just dropped, and it looks like a heavyweight battle is brewing at the top. For the second consecutive year, rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with an impressive nine nods, closely followed by pop icon Lady Gaga, who secured seven nominations for the music industry's most coveted honors.

Both Lamar's critically acclaimed album "GNX" and Gaga's electrifying "MAYHEM" are set to go head-to-head for the prestigious Album of the Year title. Interestingly, despite numerous past nominations in this category, neither artist has yet claimed the top album prize – could this be their year?

The Album of the Year field is packed with diverse talent, also featuring Bad Bunny with his Spanish-language hit "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," Justin Bieber's "Swag," and Sabrina Carpenter's "Man’s Best Friend." Rap fans will be pleased to see three genre entries in this category, including Tyler, the Creator’s "Chromakopia" and the duo Clipse’s "Let God Sort Em Out," alongside Lamar's "GNX."

Conspicuously absent from the Album of the Year race is Taylor Swift, whose record-breaking "The Life of a Showgirl" was released after this year's eligibility window. Swift, who holds an unmatched four Album of the Year wins, will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in future ceremonies.

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is also having an incredible run, landing six nominations, including nods in the highly competitive Record, Song, and Album of the Year categories. This makes him the first Latin artist ever to achieve nominations in all three major categories in a single year, ahead of his anticipated Super Bowl halftime performance.

According to Billboard awards editor Paul Grein, the Album of the Year battle is likely a showdown between Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar. Grein, while acknowledging Gaga’s universal appeal, gives the edge to Lamar, speculating he could make history as the first solo male rap artist to win the coveted award.

The Song of the Year category, honoring songwriters, saw a groundbreaking moment with two K-pop entries. "Golden," from the soundtrack of Netflix’s most-watched film, "KPop Demon Hunters," earned three total nominations, while "APT." by Rose and Bruno Mars also secured a spot. Rei Ami, a voice from the fictional "Demon Hunters" group HUNTR/X, expressed genuine surprise, stating, "Never did I imagine this level of success. It’s really hard for all of us to process still."

"APT." further garnered nominations for Record of the Year (awarded to producers and performers) and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Other notable contenders in Record of the Year include Gaga’s "Abracadabra," Lamar and SZA’s collaboration "luther," and Bad Bunny’s "DtMF." Meanwhile, the Best New Artist category introduces exciting talents like Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, and Alex Warren, with R&B and soul artist Leon Thomas also receiving an Album of the Year nomination for "Mutt."

The highly anticipated Grammy winners, selected by the approximately 15,000 voting members of the Recording Academy, will be unveiled during a star-studded red-carpet ceremony in Los Angeles on February 1. It promises to be a night of celebration and potential historic wins!

How girl group DNA is making their own name

Meet DNA, the dynamic girl group previously known as the Mitra Sisters. What might surprise you is that their journey into the spotlight began with a firm "no." When their famous aunt first pitched the idea of them forming a group, the sisters initially declined.

Ezri, the eldest, explained that after years spent together during the pandemic, they each sought individual paths. Tasha, the youngest, felt this most acutely, expressing a desire to forge her own identity, free from the constant comparisons of being "so-and-so's sister," a common experience having attended the same schools as her siblings. The concern was also that a professional collaboration might strain their personal bond, despite their shared passion for performing arts.

However, understanding Tasha’s initial hesitation requires a look at their formidable family tree. The Mitra sisters boast a lineage steeped in Philippine entertainment royalty. Their mother, Cacai Velasquez-Mitra, is a renowned figure in performing, talent management, and concert production. Their father, Raul Mitra, is a highly respected music director, composer, and arranger. Their uncle is the celebrated singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, and the very aunt who initially proposed the group was none other than Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

From their early days as the Mitra Sisters to their current identity as DNA, their famous lineage has always been a focal point for the public and media. Ezri acknowledges this, stating it’s something they’ve been prepared for their entire lives. "It was always gonna be there," she remarked, explaining that even before their public debut, the expectation and association with their family were ever-present. Yet, the sisters view this as a blessing, confident in their own unique talents and what they bring to the table.

While conscious that their family name helped open doors with Star Pop and also fuels public scrutiny, the sisters remain grounded. Ezri emphasizes that their focus is on demonstrating their effort and unique capabilities. Julia adds that their family's unwavering support alleviates the pressure to "live up to" their elders; instead, the real challenge is to showcase their own distinct strengths and perform to the best of their abilities. They are particularly grateful for the early embrace from the "Reginians," their aunt’s devoted fanbase, who showed up in force at their first ASAP taping.

As DNA, the sisters are consciously charting a unique musical course, diverging sharply from the iconic emotional pop ballads their family is known for. Their debut single, “Don’t Ask Me Why,” is a bold statement—edgy, brimming with swagger, and a testament to their full-throttle production. Penned by Ezri herself, the track was born from her experiences with comments on her fashion choices, evolving into an empowering anthem urging people to mind their own business.

Interestingly, "Don't Ask Me Why" wasn't originally their top choice for a debut. It was one of several songs Ezri presented to the production team, who unexpectedly championed it after collaborative songwriting sessions. Ezri’s initial arrangement on Logic was refined by her father, Raul Mitra, for the demo, then ultimately produced and arranged by Jonathan Manalo. Tasha playfully admits, "We didn't vote for 'Don't Ask Me Why,'" highlighting the team's strong belief in the track.

With Star Pop managing visuals and marketing, the sisters, all adept in visual arts, play a pivotal role in DNA's overall creative direction. Ezri collaborates closely with Star Pop's songwriting and production teams, supported by Jonathan Manalo and Roxy Liquigan, on musical and instrumental aspects. Tasha notes how supportive the team is of Ezri's vision, a sentiment echoed by Ezri who felt fortunate that their personalities and established musical patterns naturally aligned with the team's creative consensus. Their defined aesthetic is "definitely pop" with R&B infusions, a darker edge, and a "futuristic" vibe, positioning them as a more mature presence among Asian girl groups.

Reflecting on their debut, "Don't Ask Me Why" serves as an impactful introduction, a captivating anthem that brilliantly showcases their collective talents in rapping, singing, and dancing. Its music video, launched on October 16, perfectly embodies their desired futuristic and dark aesthetic. While it's a strong starting point, Ezri hints that it’s just a taste of their evolving sound, promising that their music will continue to define their unique identity. As they look ahead to new releases and a future full of possibilities, DNA is poised to prove that their artistry is entirely their own, despite their illustrious background. They aspire to be recognized for their hands-on approach and authentic creations, ensuring their talents shine independently.

Fil-Am Darren Criss nabs first Grammy nomination, two awards closer to EGOT title

Exciting news from the music world! Filipino-American talent Darren Criss has just earned his very first Grammy Award nomination, bringing him tantalizingly close to achieving the coveted EGOT status. This prestigious acknowledgment from the Recording Academy recognizes his incredible work as a vocalist/performer for the original Broadway cast recording of "Maybe Happy Ending" in the Best Musical Theater Album category.

Criss's journey towards EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) is truly inspiring. He previously bagged a Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 for his role in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story," and most recently, a Tony Award in 2025 for his lead role as Oliver in "Maybe Happy Ending." A proud son of a Cebuana, Darren also made history in 2019 as the first Fil-Am to win a Golden Globe. His nominated musical, "Maybe Happy Ending," is a critically acclaimed show that swept six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.

The Grammy nominations didn't stop there for Filipino-American artists! Marco Paguia, another exceptional talent, also received a nod in the Best Musical Theater Album category for the original Broadway cast recording of "Buena Vista Social Club." This comes after his historic win in June (presumably 2025, based on the article's date), where he became the first Filipino and Asian to win a Tony for Best Orchestrations, alongside a special Tony as part of the "Buena Vista Social Club" band.

Adding to this wave of Filipino pride is Sophia Laforteza, who gained her first Grammy recognition as a member and leader of the burgeoning global girl group KATSEYE. The group secured two significant nominations: Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, a testament to their rapid rise in the music industry.

Sophia's path to global stardom is equally compelling. She was the sole Filipina to triumph in HYBE and Geffen Records’ "The Debut: Dream Academy" reality show in 2023, forming KATSEYE which officially debuted in June 2024. Known for their hits like "Debut" and "Gnarly," the group also claimed the 2025 VMA Push Performance of the Year. Sophia is the daughter of beloved singer-actress Carla Guevara and Resort’s World executive chef Godfrey Laforteza.

Escape the Performative Money Trap and Start Making Moves That Matter with Maya

 

We’ve all been there: swearing that this is the year we’ll finally save, spend smarter, and stop the endless cycle of “budol” buys. But somehow, the plan to get our finances together turns into another “next time” situation.

Truth is, most of us fall into performative money habits. We mean well, but our actions don’t always match our intentions. If you’re serious about leveling up your finances before the year ends, it’s time to trade old patterns for smarter habits that actually grow your money. Thankfully, Maya, the #1 Fintech Ecosystem and #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, makes it easier (and more rewarding) to do just that.

Here’s how to break free from the usual money traps: 

1.  Start saving with purpose (and peace of mind)

Let’s be honest, if you’re saving whatever’s left after bills and brunches, there usually isn’t much left to save. It’s time to make this your first move: start treating saving like your first bill of the month and not as an afterthought  With Maya Personal Goals, you can set up specific savings targets — whether it’s for a trip, a new gadget, or an emergency fund — and earn up to 8% interest per year as you go.

Here’s how it works:

• Create up to five Personal Goals inside the Maya app.

• Name each goal, set your due date and target amount.

• Fund it from your Maya Wallet, Maya Savings, or even another bank.

Once you’ve set your goals, all that’s left to do is watch your money grow. Each one earns 4% interest per year right away, and every ₱20,000 you add unlocks a higher rate—up to 8% per year for deposits up to ₱100,000. There are no lock-up periods or penalties, so you stay flexible while still growing your money.

2. Make every spend work harder for you

If you’re spending anyway, you might as well make it count. With Maya, every swipe does more for you boosting your Maya Savings interest up to 15% p.a. and unlocking even more rewards through Maya Credit Cards.

Got weekend plans? Use your Maya Credit Card and earn up to 20% cashback when you dine anywhere until December 31, 2025. Love grocery runs or bulk shopping? The Maya Landers Credit Card gives you 5% cashback at Landers every time you stock up.

And if you want to take it up a notch, the Maya Black Credit Card lets you earn Maya Miles for every purchase so your daily spending can literally take you places.

3. Take control of credit and use it to build your future

A lot of us were raised to think credit is bad. But when done right, credit is actually a powerful tool for growth.

If you’ve never had a credit card before, Maya Black Express is a great way to start. It gives you access to credit perks of Maya Black but with less pressure. You just make a one-time Express Deposit (starting at ₱12,500) that sets your spending limit and that deposit stays in your Maya Savings, earning 3.5% interest per year while you use your card.

Every purchase helps you build your credit score, bringing you closer to qualifying for the full Maya Black Credit Card and all its lifestyle-level perks in as fast as six months.

4. Start where you are and scale with Time Deposit Plus

You don’t need to wait for a pay raise to start managing your money better. But once you’re ready to take your savings to the next level, Maya Time Deposit Plus can help you grow more consistently.

You can lock in your money for 3, 6, or 12 months with rates as high as 6% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱1 million per Time Deposit Plus account, and with up to five accounts, that’s as much as ₱5 million in total interest-earning deposits.

The best part? You can keep adding funds anytime, even after reaching your target amount. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the structure of a time deposit, but the flexibility of modern saving.

We’ve all made money mistakes — what matters is learning how to move past them. Breaking from performative habits starts with one small, intentional change, and Maya makes that change rewarding, simple, and smart.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

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About Maya 

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.   

For more information:

JM Granado’s making holiday cheer from simple ingredients

How much can you achieve using just one ingredient as inspiration? That’s the challenge that JM Granado has set for himself in his latest TikTok minseries. The task is deceptively difficult: create five holiday recipes all built around one single ingredient at a time.

The first ingredient in Granado’s sightline is the ubiquitous Pinoy staple: rice. Even in just selecting the types of rice he’s meant to use, Granado showed the cleverness that can be found in a sharp and creative home cook such as himself. Instead of sticking to just the standard cup of white rice, he also utilized the biproducts and variations of rice. That includes galapong, balatinaw, and even local rice wine.

The last of those, he showcased well in the first of this miniseries by including the rice wine in a home mix of sangria. The cocktail with a little twist of Pinoy flavors, he termed Tapuy Sangria. The video smartly highlighted the bottle of Pedronanan Tapuey that Granado used for the drink, demonstrating his knowledge and passion for local brands.

In his second video in the series, Granado used galapong to make ube cheese tupig rolls, a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors in a familiar lumpia package. In the third, he took a bowl of leftover rice and miscellaneous leftovers in the fridge to make crispy rice bites.

Granado’s over 138,000 followers on TikTok are eagerly awaiting the recipes to come from just the first ingredient that is rice. There’s also great anticipation over the ingredients that might follow in new iterations of this series. Whether it be humble staples or even familiar branded favorites, Granado is sure to create an inspiring menu for all.

Already in this miniseries, Granado has displayed his signature ability to take familiar, soul-soothing Pinoy flavors and adding the slightest twist to make them fresh again. Such has been Granado’s approach to food content online since becoming one of the fastest rising creators on the internet. The young restaurant owner’s talent for giving new life to local favorites has landed him features on major platforms such as GMA, ABS-CBN, and more. His sharable and engaging content has also made him an attractive collaborator for such major brands as Knorr, Heinz, Selecta, and Grab.

In the weeks to come, the holidays are looking a little more exciting with JM Granado cooking up recipes for all to enjoy.

For further inquiries, contact Sphere Celebrity and Influencer

Management at 09178017876 or inquiresphere.ph@gmail.com.

Angelina Jolie visits Ukraine’s frontline city Kherson

In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie recently made an impactful visit to Kherson, one of Ukraine's most perilous frontline cities, and the neighboring Mykolaiv region. Her presence brought much-needed attention to the ongoing struggles faced by civilians caught in the heart of the conflict.

During her time in these war-affected areas, Jolie dedicated herself to meeting with local medical personnel, dedicated volunteers, and ordinary citizens who endure relentless attacks from Russian troops. Her statement, released by the Legacy of War Foundation, which facilitated the trip, underscored the profound resilience she witnessed: "At a time when governments around the world are turning their backs on the protection of civilians, their strength, and their support for each other is humbling."

She further praised the unwavering spirit of the residents, noting, "The people of Mykolaiv and Kherson live with danger every day, but they refuse to give in." Photos from her visit depicted Jolie wearing a flak jacket in a basement, a stark visual testament to the conditions, and engaging with children in a windowless room, underscoring the grim realities of daily life.

Her itinerary included tours of medical and educational facilities that have been strategically relocated underground, a necessary measure to shield them from the constant barrage of Russian assaults. These efforts highlight the extraordinary lengths communities go to in order to maintain essential services amid adversity.

Kherson, once a bustling city home to nearly 300,000 people, now stands as one of Ukraine's most dangerous urban centers due to its proximity to Russia's frontline weapons. The city endured an eight-month occupation by Russian forces starting in March 2022 before its liberation; however, Russian troops maintain positions on the opposite bank of the Dnipro River, keeping it under constant threat.

The severity of the situation was recently reinforced by a UN inquiry last month, which concluded that Russia has been deliberately targeting civilians near the front line with drones, coercing thousands into displacement – actions deemed a crime against humanity. Despite Russian denials of intentionally targeting civilians, local officials reported that Ukraine’s military successfully intercepted approximately 2,500 out of 2,646 Russian drones launched at the Kherson region in just the past week alone.

Oleksandr Tolokonnikov, deputy head of Kherson’s regional administration, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Jolie's visit, telling Ukraine’s main state-controlled TV, "Sometimes it seems that we have been forgotten, but we can see that this is not the case." Such high-profile visits serve as a crucial morale boost, reminding those on the ground that their plight has not gone unnoticed.

This visit marks Angelina Jolie's continued commitment to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, following her previous trip to the western city of Lviv in the spring of 2022, where she met with individuals displaced by the conflict.

How Myrna Esguerra turned her wait for Miss International into a year of purpose, growth

A year and a half after her crowning moment, Myrna Esguerra, the Philippines' representative for Miss International 2025, is poised to take the global stage. As the coronation night approaches, the beauty queen from Abra arrives with a heart full of reflections on patience and a strengthened commitment to her chosen advocacy.

For this 24-year-old, what might have seemed like a prolonged wait was, in fact, a vibrant period of growth and dedicated preparation. Far from idle, these months allowed Myrna to deeply immerse herself in the country’s diverse cultures and gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing various communities. She viewed this extended period as a significant advantage, enabling meticulous preparation and ensuring everything was perfectly in place for the international competition.

Myrna proudly recounts how this time allowed her and her team to journey across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, conducting impactful community outreach programs and charity visits. She witnessed firsthand the beauty of Tboli culture, the charm of Santa Fe in Bantayan Island, and the heartwarming smiles of children supported by organizations like World Vision Philippines and SOS Pilipinas.

Beyond engaging with communities, this extended year became crucial for solidifying her advocacy: quality education. Drawing inspiration from her own challenging upbringing, Myrna will champion Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 at Miss International, a pageant renowned for its support of the UN's SDGs.

From an early age, Myrna took on various side hustles to support her family and fund her schooling. From selling candies at school and online products to working in a coffee shop, and later, part-time hosting and freelance modeling, her journey instilled a profound appreciation for education. As the sole graduate with a four-year college degree among her 16 siblings, her personal story fuels her passion for this cause.

She emphasized that refining this advocacy and immersing herself in diverse cultures were central to her year-long preparation. Myrna hopes to leverage her platform to impact children's lives and address barriers to quality education. In this mission, she collaborated with organizations and publishers, including Adarna House Publishing, to donate books and establish literacy programs in marginalized communities, aiming to bridge the learning and reading gap among Filipino children.

For Myrna, embodying her cause is the truest form of beauty in the modern world, one that endures. Having overcome humble beginnings, she firmly believes that true beauty is defined not by one's origin, but by the choices made in life and the purpose served.

As she prepares for the international stage, Myrna also carries with her lessons gleaned from the experiences of the Filipino people over the past year, particularly the enduring value of hope for a brighter future. Despite challenges like recent corruption issues and the devastating effects of major earthquakes, she observed the Filipino spirit remains steadfast, optimistic, and determined.

She noted the unwavering smiles of Filipinos amid calamities, a reflection of the nation's unbreakable camaraderie. These are the values Myrna intends to share with fellow candidates and a global audience, embodying the Filipino spirit herself. “I want to be that smile on the international stage that will remind everyone here in the Philippines that there is always hope,” she expressed.

As she flies to Japan on November 9, Myrna hopes her journey will be remembered for her confidence and authenticity, showcasing how she transformed life's struggles into strengths. She aims to be a testament that achieving dreams requires not just determination, but also humility, gratitude, and a kind heart, embracing every day as an opportunity for self-improvement.

Her participation resonates deeply with her friends and family, including 2025 Binibining Pilipinas First Runner-up Dalia Varde Khattab and 2016 Miss Grand International First Runner-up Nicole Cordoves, who laud her compassionate heart and inspiring story. They believe her powerful narrative will deeply touch and inspire many.

Carrying her advocacies, messages, and dreams, Myrna feels ready to bring home the seventh Miss International crown for the Philippines. Beyond a personal victory, she sees it as a testimony to faith and God’s power, proving that all dreams take time and nothing is impossible with an unwavering heart.

Miss International, one of the world's Big Four pageants, is organized by the International Culture Association in Tokyo, Japan. Its mission extends beyond beauty and intellect, promoting "Love, Peace, and Beauty" and supporting the candidates' advocacies globally. The pageant, which saw its 2020 and 2021 editions canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held this year on November 27 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, broadcast live on the pageant’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Philippines boasts a proud history at Miss International, having secured six crowns previously through Gemma Cruz Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016).

From Beckham to Bailey: A decade of People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive

For four decades, People magazine's coveted "Sexiest Man Alive" title has captivated audiences, celebrating not just physical attractiveness but also the charisma, talent, and style that define Hollywood's most compelling figures. Since its inception with Mel Gibson, this annual feature has crowned actors, athletes, and musicians who embody the essence of desirability, sparking conversations and anticipation worldwide.

As Jonathan Bailey takes the coveted crown for 2025, marking the feature's 40th anniversary, we're taking a thrilling journey back through the last ten years of iconic men who graced the cover. From global sports legends to superhero titans and beloved TV stars, each selection tells a unique story of rising fame and enduring appeal. Let's delve into the remarkable careers and magnetic personalities of People's Sexiest Men Alive from 2015 to 2025.

2015: David Beckham kicked off our decade review, a name synonymous with both athletic prowess and unparalleled style. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy midfielder, who retired from professional football in 2013, represented England in three FIFA World Cups. Beyond the pitch, his highly publicized marriage to Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, along with their four children, has made them a power couple. A recent Netflix docuseries, "Beckham," offered an intimate look into their lives. Notably, after receiving an OBE in 2003, Beckham was knighted by King Charles in November 2025, overcoming a past tax avoidance controversy.

In 2016, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson flexed his way onto the cover. This multi-hyphenate star famously transitioned from a 10-time world champion in WWE's "Attitude era" to a Hollywood box office king. His acting career began in 2001 with "The Mummy" and "The Scorpion King," and he's since starred in blockbusters like Disney's "Moana," the "Fast and the Furious" franchise, "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," and "Baywatch." Beyond his on-screen might, Johnson made headlines in 2023 for a historic seven-figure donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the largest single individual contribution ever received for strike relief.

The spotlight shifted to the world of country music in 2017 with Blake Shelton. Shelton became a force in the genre with his 2001 debut single "Austin," which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks. His self-titled debut album quickly achieved platinum status. Inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2014, Shelton also cemented his television presence as a popular coach on "The Voice" from 2011 until his final season in 2022.

2018 marked a historic moment with Idris Elba, the first Black celebrity in the 2000s to grace the Sexiest Man Alive cover, following Denzel Washington in 1996. The British actor gained critical acclaim for his lead role as John Luther in the BBC One psychological crime thriller "Luther," earning a Screen Actors Guild Award. Marvel Cinematic Universe fans recognize him as Heimdall, while he also joined "The Rock" and Jason Statham in "Hobbs and Shaw." Elba’s extensive voice acting portfolio includes Chief Bogo in "Zootopia," Shere Khan in "The Jungle Book," Fluke in "Finding Dory," and currently, Knuckles the Echidna in the "Sonic the Hedgehog" franchise. In 2016, his contributions to drama were honored with an appointment as an Officer in the Order of the British Empire.

The year 2019 celebrated John Legend, the soulful singer-songwriter behind hits like "All of Me." Before his solo stardom, Legend honed his craft as a pianist for artists such as Lauryn Hill and contributed uncredited backing vocals to tracks by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. After signing with Kanye West’s GOOD Music, his 2004 debut album "Get Lifted" featured the hit "Ordinary People," achieving double-platinum certification. A Grammy powerhouse, Legend boasts an impressive 13 wins from 39 nominations, including three for Best R&B Album. His last visit to the Philippines was in 2018 for his Darkness and Light world tour.

In 2020, Michael B. Jordan, affectionately known as "MBJ," earned the title. His film career began in 2001 with "Hardball," but his breakthrough came in 2013 as Oscar Grant III in "Fruitvale Station," a role that led Time magazine to include him in their "30 people under 30 who changed the world." Jordan's fruitful collaboration with director Ryan Coogler continued through Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" duology and the horror film "Sinners." He also famously portrayed Adonis "Donnie" Creed in the "Creed" trilogy, making his directorial debut with "Creed III" in 2023.

The ever-charming Paul Rudd was crowned in 2021, a beloved figure to '90s kids for his role as Josh Lucas in the iconic teen comedy "Clueless." Rudd’s career spans a diverse range of projects, from supporting roles in "Romeo + Juliet" and "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers" to memorable TV appearances in "Friends" as Mike Hannigan and more recently, Hulu’s "Only Murders in the Building." To comic book enthusiasts, he's best known as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he's a frequent collaborator with director Judd Apatow.

2022 saw Chris Evans, a key member of Marvel's "Original Six," take the mantle. Rising from early 2000s teen movies like "Not Another Teen Movie," Evans gained global recognition first as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in "Fantastic Four" and then, most famously, as Steve Rogers/Captain America in the MCU. His Captain America trilogy and "Avengers" films collectively grossed billions worldwide. A nostalgic callback to his Human Torch role even appeared in "Deadpool & Wolverine." Post-Captain America, he ventured into voice acting as Buzz Lightyear in 2022 and showcased his villainous side in the acclaimed 2019 mystery film "Knives Out."

In 2023, Patrick Dempsey, the Maine-based actor, captured hearts. His early film roles included 1987’s "In the Mood" and the rom-com "Can't Buy Me Love." However, Dempsey truly became a household name as Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd in Shonda Rhimes' medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," where his on-screen romance with Meredith Grey became a cultural phenomenon. His enduring contributions to film and television were recognized in 2022 when he was inducted as a Disney Legend alongside fellow industry stalwarts.

The multi-talented actor and director John Krasinski was named Sexiest Man Alive in 2024. Best known for his iconic portrayal of Jim Halpert in NBC’s "The Office" from 2005 to 2013, a series where he also served as producer and director for several episodes. He later starred as the titular character and executive producer in the Amazon Prime Video series "Jack Ryan." Krasinski garnered critical acclaim for writing and directing the post-apocalyptic horror film "A Quiet Place," co-starring his wife Emily Blunt. Marvel fans also enjoyed his cameo as Earth 838’s Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in 2022’s "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

Finally, for its 40th anniversary, People magazine bestowed the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive title upon Jonathan Bailey. The British actor shot to global fame with his breakthrough role as Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest son in the hit Netflix series "Bridgerton," where his romance with Kate Sharma dominated season two. In 2023, he earned accolades for his role alongside Matt Bomer in the historical romance miniseries "Fellow Travelers," depicting male lovers during the McCarthyism era. Bailey is currently set to appear as Prince Fiyero Tigelaar in the highly anticipated "Wicked" and its sequel, and Dr. Henry Loomis in "Jurassic World Rebirth." Significantly, Bailey is also the first openly gay man to be featured on the People magazine cover, making his recognition a landmark moment.

The Explainer: Manolo Quezon reviews ‘Quezon’ the movie

Imagine getting a film review directly from the family. That's precisely what unfolded when Manuel L. Quezon III, grandson of the revered Philippine president, offered his unique take on the new biopic, 'Quezon.' It sparks an intriguing discussion: when does a historical film transcend the traditional biopic, or even historical fiction, to become something altogether different?

This eagerly awaited film, 'Quezon,' brings the curtain down on TBA Studios’ ambitious 'Bayaniverse' trilogy, which captivated audiences with 'Heneral Luna' in 2015 and continued with 'Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral' in 2018. A notable thread connecting all three historical dramas is director Jerrold Tarog, a versatile filmmaker also well-known for helming multiple installments of the enduring local horror franchise, 'Shake, Rattle and Roll.'

Tarog's diverse directorial portfolio naturally leads to a fascinating inquiry: could his extensive experience in the horror genre have influenced the perspective through which 'Quezon' portrays the historical figure and his significant era? As Manolo Quezon suggests, the film delves into numerous 'frightful things,' some of which, he notes, are not easily attributable to the former Philippine president himself, prompting a re-evaluation of cinematic historical narratives.

Westlife on 25 years, new music, and upcoming tour

Irish pop sensations Westlife are celebrating an incredible 25 years in the music business, treating fans to both new sounds and a highly anticipated world tour. The beloved group promises an experience that will walk audiences down memory lane while showcasing what they call their "best show" yet.

Formed in 1998 when its original five members were still teenagers, Westlife rapidly rose to stardom. Over their illustrious career, they've achieved staggering success, selling over 55 million records and landing 14 UK No. 1 hits with iconic tracks like "Swear It Again," "Flying Without Wings," and "Uptown Girl." After a brief hiatus from 2012 to 2018, the now four-piece, comprising Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily, reunited to the delight of their global fanbase.

Their latest offering, "25 – The Ultimate Collection," is set to release in February and includes four brand-new songs, one of which is the recently dropped single "Chariot." This album paves the way for their expansive "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour," which doesn't just mark their two-and-a-half decades in music, but specifically celebrates 25 years since their inaugural world tour.

While Mark Feehily, who has been navigating health-related issues, is a vital part of the new album, he will unfortunately not be joining his bandmates on the upcoming tour. His fellow members confirmed in a recent interview that his vocals on the new tracks are exceptionally strong, eagerly anticipating his return to the stage when he is ready.

Speaking about what fans can expect, Shane Filan shared their ambition to deliver their most spectacular show to date, rich with all their classic hits and enhanced visual elements. The challenge, he admitted, lies in curating a setlist that resonates with every fan's cherished memories.

Reflecting on their journey, Nicky Byrne fondly recalled their recent performance at the Royal Albert Hall as a monumental "event," describing the band as being "on fire." The experience has fueled their ambitions, with dreams of playing legendary venues like Madison Square Garden or The Sphere, underscoring a belief that "there are no rules" for what they can achieve next.

Kian Egan thoughtfully added that none of them could have possibly imagined such sustained success when they first started out at 18. Despite their global fame and constant touring, the members consider themselves "normal guys" who return home to surprisingly ordinary lives, even taking out the bins the very next day.