’70s matinee idol Dondon Nakar dies at 66

The entertainment world is mourning the passing of Dondon Nakar, the beloved matinee idol who captured hearts in the 1970s. Nakar, whose birth name was Guillermo Nakar III, passed away on November 1 at the age of 66.

His family shared the somber news, stating that he "passed away unexpectedly" after experiencing a cardiac arrest. While deeply saddened by their loss, the family expressed comfort in knowing that Dondon is now "with the Lord."

A prominent figure in the '70s, Nakar was celebrated for his talents as both a singer and an actor. His charm and charisma made him a household name during his heyday.

Throughout his career, Nakar graced the big screen in several memorable films, including *Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang*, *Ang Barbaro at si Genghis Khan*, and *Binhi*. One of his most iconic roles was playing Ding alongside the legendary Vilma Santos, who portrayed the titular heroine in *Darna and the Giants*.

Beyond film, Nakar also delighted audiences on television as part of the music variety show *Apat na Sikat*. He shared the spotlight with fellow stars Arnold Gamboa, Winnie Santos, and Maribel Aunor, captivating viewers for five years until the show concluded in 1981.

For those wishing to pay their respects, Dondon Nakar's remains will be at Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City. Viewing will be held from November 5 to 6, between 2 PM and 9 PM.

In ‘The Chosen Adventures,’ two kids meet the creator of the universe

Get ready for an exciting new adventure! Prime Video is launching "The Chosen Adventures," an animated series that invites young viewers to step back in time to 30 CE Capernaum. This fresh take introduces us to two spirited children, Abby (voiced by Romy Fay) and her friend Joshua (Jude Zarzaur), as they navigate their ancient world and have life-changing encounters with Jesus of Nazareth, depicted as a compassionate craftsman and teacher.

Ryan Swanson, co-writer and executive producer of the globally popular "The Chosen," takes the helm as showrunner for this animated spin-off. Swanson, alongside executive producers Derral Eves and Dallas Jenkins, aimed to create the kind of faith-based content they wished they had growing up. "We were trying to do is create the show that we wished we had had as young kids who went to church and sometimes felt scared about church," Swanson revealed in an interview, hoping the series sparks meaningful conversations between children and their parents about faith and life.

Fans of the original series will be delighted to hear that Jonathan Roumie reprises his role as the voice of Jesus. The talented voice cast also includes Romy Fay as Abby and Jude Zarzaur as Joshua, alongside a delightful array of talking animal friends voiced by Paul Walter Hauser (Sheep) and Yvonne Orji (Pigeon). Other notable names like Jordin Sparks (Fish), Danny Nucci (Abba), and Elizabeth Tabish (Mary) also lend their voices to this immersive world.

Comprising 14 episodes, each approximately 11 minutes long, "The Chosen Adventures" seamlessly integrates into the established universe of "The Chosen." Showrunner Ryan Swanson notes that the animated series benefits from the creative team's extensive experience with the original hit, which has captivated over 280 million viewers worldwide, with significant popularity in countries like the Philippines. Viewers can look forward to three special crossover episodes this season, two of which draw directly from scriptural events like the miraculous catch and the healing of the paralytic.

While designed for a younger audience, the creators emphasize their deep respect for the source material. "We never alter what’s in the scripture," Swanson affirmed. The animation offers a unique lens, allowing the team "a little bit more freedom because we’re not trying to tell the story of Jesus’ ministry" directly. Instead, it dramatizes the experiences of individuals who might have witnessed these biblical events, exploring their journeys from a child's perspective. The team also carefully considers how character behavior is portrayed, even consulting with experts to ensure actions reflect appropriate lessons and consequences.

Dallas Jenkins, whose 5&2 Studios is behind "The Chosen," praised the new animated show as "funny, heartwarming, for adults as well as kids." He adds that it "appropriately captures these great stories through the eyes of a child." "The Chosen Adventures" promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience, inviting families to explore timeless stories of faith and curiosity together.

Lav Diaz’s ‘Magellan’ wins Best Picture in Valladolid International Film Festival

Filipino cinema has just marked a significant milestone on the global stage! Acclaimed director Lav Diaz's ambitious historical drama, 'Magellan,' proudly took home the Golden Spike, the top Best Picture honor, at the 70th Valladolid International Film Festival (SEMINCI) in Spain. This prestigious recognition underscores the rising influence of Philippine storytelling in the international film circuit.

The epic narrative, set in the tumultuous 16th century, shared this coveted award with Kelly Reichardt's 'The Mastermind.' This dual win for 'Magellan' is particularly notable, considering it emerged victorious from a strong competition slate that included works by esteemed filmmakers like Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Sergei Loznitsa, Bi Gan, and Gabriel Mascaro.

Upon receiving the accolade, Diaz shared a heartfelt dedication, stating, "Para sa bayan at para sa pelikulang Pilipino" – a sentiment that beautifully translates to "For the Philippines and for Filipino film." This triumph comes at an opportune time, as 'Magellan' is also set to represent the Philippines in the Best International Feature category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

The film, which features Gael Garcia Bernal in the titular role of Ferdinand Magellan, has been making waves internationally since its global debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, presented within the Cannes Premiere section. Critics have universally praised Diaz's latest opus, currently holding a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Hollywood Reporter notably described it as an "exquisitely crafted feature," suggesting it might be one of the director's most approachable works to date.

Audiences can expect a compelling cinematic experience brought to life by a talented cast, including Angela Azevedo, Amado Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro, Hazel Orencio, Rafael Morais, Bong Cabrera, Dario Yazbek Bernal, and Tomas Alves. The grand scale of the production is further enhanced by its stunning filming locations across the Philippines, Spain, and Portugal.

Jackson Wang talks about breaking stereotypes, creative process

Manila is abuzz! International pop sensation Jackson Wang has landed, poised to ignite the Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 2 with his "MAGICMAN 2" concert. Ahead of the highly anticipated show, Wang offered fans a peek behind the curtain during an exclusive interview, diving deep into his artistic philosophy.

During the discussion, Wang, widely recognized for his groundbreaking approach to K-pop, passionately articulated his commitment to authenticity within the music industry. He delved into how this dedication to being true to himself directly fuels his unique creative process, highlighting his hands-on involvement in solo projects, especially his renowned prowess in visual and video production.

What's next for the multi-talented artist? Wang revealed that the "MAGICMAN 2" era is officially drawing to a close, a significant chapter now behind him. Fans can eagerly anticipate new music on the horizon, as he also hinted at how his current tour will dynamically evolve to reflect this fresh narrative shift.

Tracing his remarkable journey, Wang first captivated audiences as a dynamic rapper, singer, and dancer with the globally beloved K-pop group GOT7. Since then, he has masterfully cultivated his solo career, independently producing his work through his own esteemed companies, Wang Records and Team Wang.

Duffer brothers tease big and emotional ‘Stranger Things’ final season

Get ready, fans! The Duffer Brothers have dropped some exciting teasers about the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Netflix's phenomenon, *Stranger Things*. They promise a conclusion that will be both grand in scale and deeply emotional.

Speaking at a global promotional event in Lucca, Italy, creators Matt and Ross Duffer shared their anxiety and excitement about unveiling the culmination of three years of work. Matt Duffer emphasized that the upcoming season will feature a larger scope, more action, and enhanced special effects, but above all, it will be "by far the most emotional season" as it brings a definitive end to the beloved characters' intertwined stories.

Mark your calendars! The epic conclusion is set to unfold in three distinct parts. The first four episodes will premiere on November 26, followed by another three on December 25. The grand finale will then drop on December 31, with a special treat for fans: the very last episode will also be screened in select cinemas across the United States and Canada.

Since its 2016 debut, *Stranger Things* quickly captivated audiences worldwide. This Emmy Award-winning series, steeped in 1980s nostalgia, transports viewers to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, where a group of young friends bravely confronts supernatural horrors emanating from the mysterious Upside Down. Its immense popularity has since blossomed into a global franchise, encompassing video games, merchandise, cosplay, immersive experiences, and even a Tony Award-winning play.

Beyond the captivating plot, the show's talented ensemble cast has been a cornerstone of its success. Led by seasoned actors like Winona Ryder and David Harbour, *Stranger Things* launched young stars such as Millie Bobby Brown, who embodies the powerful Eleven, into international fame. Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role as Dustin Henderson, spoke candidly about the emotional weight of concluding a decade-long project. "You work on something for a decade and we become a family and saying goodbye to it, it’s full of emotions," he shared, recalling a final day on set filled with "tears and giggles and hugs."

The exciting announcements were made during the Lucca Comics & Games convention in the picturesque Italian city of Lucca, where the Duffer brothers also participated in a fan Q&A and screened the very first episode of the series, giving fans a nostalgic look back at where it all began.

NASA to Kim Kardashian: We’ve been to the moon 6 times

During a recent episode of "The Kardashians," reality television personality Kim Kardashian sparked considerable discussion by expressing skepticism about the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, suggesting she believes the iconic event was a fabrication.

Kardashian explained that her doubts stemmed from an online video featuring astronaut Buzz Aldrin. She stated that she interpreted Aldrin's comments in the video as an admission that the lunar mission, which saw Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon, was not real.

However, Aldrin's remarks, reportedly from a 2015 appearance at Britain’s Oxford Union debating society, seem to have been taken out of context. When asked about the "scariest moment" of the mission, Aldrin reportedly dismissed the idea, saying, "It didn’t happen" in a way that suggested no frightening incidents occurred, not that the mission itself was fictional.

The highly publicized comments from Kardashian prompted a swift and direct response from Sean Duffy, NASA’s acting administrator. Taking to the X social media platform, Duffy emphatically clarified the agency's position: "Yes, @KimKardashian, we’ve been to the Moon before … 6 times!"

Duffy further highlighted that the United States is actively preparing to return to the moon, under the leadership of President Donald Trump. He referenced the upcoming Artemis II mission, scheduled for 2026, which will send astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon, preceding a planned lunar landing in 2027. Duffy confidently added, "We won the last space race and we will win this one too."

Conspiracy theories questioning the authenticity of the moon landing have intermittently circulated since the 1970s, despite the event being witnessed live by millions worldwide. NASA, however, consistently maintains the factual integrity of its historic Apollo program achievements.

Rappler Live Jam: LUMI

Prepare for an unforgettable musical experience as the incredibly talented LUMI takes the spotlight at Rappler Live Jam this Thursday, October 30, 2025!

Once known as Lucas Miguel, this 23-year-old singer-songwriter and producer has a knack for weaving compelling stories of love and heartbreak into his distinctive sound, captivating audiences with his heartfelt compositions.

LUMI's creative journey culminated in his debut full-length album, "Intimate," released just last September. This 10-track collection showcases his versatile artistry, blending elements of indie pop, slow rock, and alternative R&B, with fan favorites including "Nahulog," "Sunday," and "AKIN."

Be sure to mark your calendars to catch LUMI perform live from the Rappler HQ. Tune in at 8 PM PHT by bookmarking this page or heading directly to Rappler's official YouTube channel for an evening of exceptional music.

Puregold CinePanalo announces full-length official entries for its 2026 run

 

There was a hush at Cinema 12 of Gateway Cineplex 18 as the screen showed a woman reaching for cocktail cans during the big reveal of the seven official entries in the full-length category of Puregold CinePanalo 2026. The cinematic moment sparked drama and excitement among the gifted filmmakers whose dream projects were set to come to life.

  

The seven feature films are Joseph Abello’s Wantawsan; BC Amparado’s Mono No Aware; Thop Nazareno’s Apol of my Ai; Carl Joseph Papa and Ian Pangilinan’s Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry); Lawrence Fajardo’s Beast; Mikko Baldoza’s Stuck on You; Rodina Singh’s Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo).

As previously announced, each of the seven entries will receive a production grant of P5,000,000 and a chance to compete for the festival’s awards. The select feature films will be shown on screen alongside twenty short films made exclusively by student filmmakers.

 

In addition to the cinematic reveal videos, the event also showcased its retail roots by awarding each of the seven official entries with a giant stylized grocery receipt signifying their record-breaking production grant.

 

“The upcoming 2026 Puregold CinePanalo is going to be the festival’s biggest installment yet,” says Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “It was only right that we revealed the Top 7 films with a splash of our own.”

 

Puregold CinePanalo organizers likewise affirm that each of the seven film entries will surely amaze audiences and live up to the lofty expectations set by the success of its past festivals.

 

“Puregold CinePanalo is giving its biggest grants to date, largesse that all seven participants truly deserve by showing us the passion, creativity, and ‘panalo sa husay’ spirit that only Filipino filmmakers can bring,” festival director Chris Cahilig says. “These films are going to make audiences laugh, cry, and everything in between. We can hardly wait for audiences to see what lies ahead at the festival.”

 

Now on its third year, the Puregold CinePanalo has served as a platform for intrepid Filipino filmmakers in crafting their dream projects, some of which were eventually selected to compete at international film festivals across Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

 

“Puregold has always believed in the power of supporting and nurturing Filipino artists,” says Hayagan-Piedad. “It is one of Puregold’s greatest prides that CinePanalo has grown to this level and given so many Filipino filmmakers the chance to produce world-class movies. We have no doubt that the seven films competing next year will be no exception.”

 

The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo will be held next year at the Gateway Cineplex 18 and Ayala Malls. The Festival is proudly supported by Canon Marketing Philippines, CMB Film Services, Terminal Six Post, IM Rentals, the Asia Pacific Film Institute, Stage Post Audio and Music Productions Inc., the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

For more information on the Puregold CinePanalo, you may stay updated through the official Festival Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo

Reward Yourself with Jollibee Super Meals: Best-Tasting in One Special Plate

 

Some days just call for something extra — and after long hours, endless deadlines, or that long-awaited sweldo, you #SUPERDESERVE a meal that delivers the best of everything you crave. With the Jollibee Super Meals, you no longer have to choose between Jollibee favorites because it’s got them all in one special plate.

The lineup includes:

• Super Meal A: 1-pc. Chickenjoy, Burger Steak, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Rice and Drink
• Super Meal B: 1-pc. Chickenjoy, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Fries and Drink
• Super Meal C: Yumburger, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Fries and Drink

Each option brings together classic Jollibee dishes in one rewarding meal— making it easy to celebrate and treat yourself to something special without having to choose.

 

It’s the reward that hits every craving while giving you big servings and big value, making it the well-deserved treat-yourself meal for paydays, celebrations, achievements, or extra-gutom days.

“We want all Filipinos to celebrate their wins and achievements in life, whether big or small—with Jollibee to be part of that joyful experience. With Super Meals, you get a rewarding meal, bringing together Jollibee’s best-tasting favorites in one hearty, special plate. It’s a bundle made for everyday indulgence and joyful moments alike,” said Luis Berba, Assistant Vice President of Jollibee Philippines.

 

So, the next time you’re asking yourself, “Which Jollibee favorite should I treat myself with, in celebration of today’s big win?” — don’t stress. The answer is you #SUPERDESERVE all of them, in the Jollibee Super Meals!

 

The Jollibee Super Meals is available nationwide in all Jollibee stores for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Order now through the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, or foodpanda, and give yourself the super treat you #SUPERDESERVE.

 

 

About Jollibee

Jollibee is the largest fast food chain brand in the Philippines, operating a network of more than 1,600 stores in 17 countries. A dominant market leader in the Philippines, Jollibee enjoys the lion’s share of the local market that is more than all the other multinational fast food brands in PH combined. With a strict adherence to the highest standards of food quality, service and cleanliness, Jollibee serves great-tasting, high-quality and affordable food products to include its superior-tasting Chickenjoy, mouth-watering Yumburger, and deliciously satisfying Jolly Spaghetti among other delicious products.

 

Jollibee has embarked on an aggressive international expansion plan, with more than 270 international branches in the United States, Canada, China (Hong Kong & Macau), Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, Spain, and in the United Kingdom.

The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card Just Dropped—Here’s Why Everyone’s Obsessed

ICYMI: Maya, the #1 Fintech Ecosystem and #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, just dropped its newest Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card, and everyone is raving about it. This isn’t just another card in your wallet, it’s the card you’ll want to carry, use, and show off every single day.

All glitter. No filler. 

The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card delivers on all fronts: design, function, and benefits. Its matte glitter finish gives it a premium, polished look while ensuring it slides smoothly into ATMs and payment terminals for easy, worry-free transactions.

It’s the perfect mix of style and smarts: cool enough to match your everyday aesthetic, practical enough to keep your finances on track, and designed so that even the little things including your daily coffee run, a grocery haul, or weekend shopping spree, actually work for you.

And it’s not just about looks. This globally accepted debit card lets you pay, shop, and withdraw anywhere Visa is accepted, all while helping your money grow with up to 15% p.a. interest on Maya Savings.

Your Ticket to Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments

Using the Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card doesn’t just reward you financially, it could literally take you places. From October 1 to November 11, every swipe with this glittery card could take you straight to the BLACKPINK [DEADLINE] World Tour in Manila. Thanks to Visa and Maya, your everyday spending might just score you VIP fan packages or even daily ticket giveaways!  

The Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card isn’t your only way in. You can also use:

• The Maya Black Visa Credit Card —   a sleek, numberless card that gives you instant miles and global airport lounge access for no annual fees. Perfect for travelers and lifestyle enthusiasts.

• The Maya Visa Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card — your cashback card for everyday purchases. Earn 5% at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on everything else every time you swipe.

Here’s how to join:

1. Open the Maya app and go to the Tickets tab.

2. Tap “Join today’s giveaway” to start earning entries for the monthly and daily giveaways. 

3. Get and/or use your Maya Visa Landers Credit Card, Maya Black Visa Credit Card, or Maya Visa Debit Card to earn raffle entries

A minimum spend of ₱500 in a single transaction qualifies you for one daily entry.

With Maya, your everyday doesn’t have to stay ordinary. It’s your go-to that makes spending smarter, saving easier, and moments more rewarding, whether you’re chasing miles, cashback, or the concert of your dreams.

Stay updated by visiting maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. 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.