TINAWAG KANG BOBO SA GC, PWEDENG KASUHAN?

TINAWAG KANG ‘BOBO’ SA GC, PWEDENG KASUHAN?

Hindi lahat ng alitan sa trabaho ay natatapos lang sa loob ng opisina — madalas, umaabot din ito online, lalo na sa mga group chat. Pero paano kung ang isyu ay nagiging personal at nakaka-offend? Pwede ka bang magsampa ng kaso kung ikaw ay ininsulto ng iyong katrabaho?

Ito ang concern ni Emilio mula Marikina na nagtanong sa segment na Tanong ng Pilipino ng Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA): “Nabasa ko po sa GC (group chat) na tinawag akong ‘bobo’ ng isa kong officemate dahil daw hindi ako magaling mag-English, kaya hindi ako mapromote-promote. Pwede ko po ba silang kasuhan?”

Ipinaliwanag ng legal expert na si Atty. Sari Reyes na may ilang kaso na maaaring isampa sa ganitong sitwasyon, ngunit isang partikular na remedyo ang tumutugma dito: libel, lalo na ang cyberlibel.

“Yes. Marami po tayong pwedeng ikaso pero in this case, ang gusto ko pong i-discuss ay libel, particularly cyberlibel, dahil nagawa po ito online,” ani Reyes.

Dagdag pa niya, kahit na sa group chat lang nasabi ang insulto, pasok pa rin ito sa requirement ng batas na tinatawag na publicity. “Although sa group chat po ito nasabi, meron pa rin pong publicity requirement na na-satisfy sa ating batas kasi meron po tayong Supreme Court case na sinasabi na basta merong ibang tao na makakita – na hindi siya ‘yung dapat makakita o ‘yung pinagsasabihan – already qualifies us for a public act.”

Ipinaliwanag pa ni Reyes ang iba pang elemento ng libel: dapat ito ay nakakasira ng reputasyon, malinaw na matukoy kung sino ang pinapatungkulan, at may paratang na krimen, bisyo, o kapintasan. Sa kaso ni Emilio, aniya, malinaw na present ang lahat ng elementong ito.

Nagbigay naman ng mas malawak na pananaw si Boy Abunda hinggil sa isyu.

Aniya, “Hindi po nangangahulugan na [dahil] marunong kang mag-Ingles, matalino ka, or hindi ka marunong mag-Ingles, hindi ka matalino. It doesn’t follow. Mahabang paliwanag po ito dahil may pagka-cultural. Kaya ‘wag nating isipin na ang kaisa-isang basehan ng pagiging matalino ay pagsasalita ng Ingles.”

Sa talakayang ito, muling ipinakita ng CIA with BA hindi lang ang mga legal na hakbang na maaari mong gawin sa panahon ng digital age, kundi pati na rin ang kahalagahan ng pagbuwag sa stereotype na ang talino ay nasusukat lang sa kahusayan sa pagsasalita ng Ingles.

Pinangungunahan ng magkapatid na sina Senador Alan at Pia Cayetano, kasama si Tito Boy, ang CIA with BA ay nagpapatuloy sa adbokasiya ng yumaong Senador Rene Cayetano. Mapapanood ito tuwing Linggo, 11:00 p.m. sa GMA7, at may replay tuwing Sabado, 10:30 p.m. sa GTV

CIA WITH BA : CAN YOU SUE AN OFFICEMATE WHO CALLS YOU BOBO?

CIA with BA’: Can you sue an officemate who calls you ‘bobo’?

Conflicts at work don’t always stay inside the office — they can also erupt online, especially in group chats. But what if the issue becomes personal and offensive? Can you actually take legal action if you’re insulted by a colleague?

This was the concern of Emilio from Marikina, who asked in the Tanong ng Pilipino segment of Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA): “Nabasa ko po sa GC (group chat) na tinawag akong ‘bobo’ ng isa kong officemate dahil daw hindi ako magaling mag-English, kaya hindi ako mapromote-promote. Pwede ko po ba silang kasuhan?”

Legal expert Atty. Sari Reyes explained that there are possible cases that may be filed in such situations, but one specific legal remedy stands out: libel, particularly cyberlibel.

“Yes. Marami po tayong pwedeng ikaso pero in this case, ang gusto ko pong i-discuss ay libel, particularly cyberlibel, dahil nagawa po ito online,” she said.

Reyes pointed out that even though the insult was made within a group chat, the law’s requirement of publicity is still satisfied. “Although sa group chat po ito nasabi, meron pa rin pong publicity requirement na na-satisfy sa ating batas kasi meron po tayong Supreme Court case na sinasabi na basta merong ibang tao na makakita – na hindi siya ‘yung dapat makakita o ‘yung pinagsasabihan – already qualifies us for a public act.”

She further explained the other elements of libel: the statement must be defamatory or damaging to a person’s reputation, the subject must be identifiable, and the remark must impute a crime, defect, or vice. In Emilio’s case, these elements were clearly met.

For his part, Boy Abunda offered a broader cultural reflection on the issue.

“Hindi po nangangahulugan na [dahil] marunong kang mag-Ingles, matalino ka, or hindi ka marunong mag-Ingles, hindi ka matalino. It doesn’t follow. Mahabang paliwanag po ito dahil may pagka-cultural. Kaya ‘wag nating isipin na ang kaisa-isang basehan ng pagiging matalino ay pagsasalita ng Ingles,” said the award-winning TV host.

Through this discussion, CIA with BA highlighted not only the legal remedies available in the digital age but also the importance of dismantling stereotypes that equate intelligence solely with fluency in English.

‘CIA with BA’--led by sibling senators Alan and Pia Cayetano, together with Tito Boy–continues the advocacy of the late Sen. Rene Cayetano. The program airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.

PIA CAYETANO NAGBABALIK SA CIA WITH BA

Pia Cayetano, nagbabalik sa ‘CIA with BA’

Opisyal nang nagbalik si Senator Pia Cayetano sa Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA), muling nakasama ang kanyang kapatid na si Senator Alan Peter Cayetano at TV host na si Boy Abunda sa paboritong trio na matagal nang hinahangaan ng mga manonood.

Sa episode noong Agosto 24, nagpasalamat si Pia sa paglalakbay na kanyang pinagsaluhan kasama ang kanyang mga co-host at mga manonood: “Mahigit dalawang tao na tayong magkakasama dito sa Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda. Sa bawat kwento, natututo kaming lahat—kami ni Alan, ni Tito Boy—at sa bawat problema, sinisikap naming tulungan ang mga lumalapit sa ating programa.”

Binalikan din niya ang kanyang karera sa politika at ang mga unang taon niya sa paglilingkod publiko.

“Noong 2004 o 21 taon na ang nakalipas mula nung una akong nahalal bilang babaeng Senador. Ako po ‘yung pinakabatang Senador noon. Isa po akong ina, maliliit pa ang mga anak ko no’n, at dala ko ang inspirasyon ng aking ama, the late Senator Rene Cayetano. Isa rin po akong abogado katulad ng aking ama,” ani Pia.

Ngayon, sa kanyang ikaapat na termino, nagpasalamat siya sa publiko sa muling pagtitiwala: “At ngayon sa ikaapat na pagkakataon, ibinigay niyong muli ang inyong tiwala na ako ay ihalal bilang Senador. Maraming salamat po.”

Ang pagbabalik niya sa CIA with BA ay hindi lamang isang comeback—ito rin ay simbolo ng kanyang patuloy na dedikasyon sa paglilingkod, sa Senado man o sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ng mga Pilipinong lumalapit para humingi ng tulong at gabay.

“Kaya ngayon [na] nakabalik na ako sa Senado, muli din akong bumabalik sa Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda. Sa programang ito, tuloy-tuloy ang ating paglilingkod hindi lamang sa loob ng session hall ng Senado kundi sa mga barangay, sa mga tahanan, at sa mga pusong nag-aantay ng tulong,” ani Pia.

Para kay Pia, sa Senado man o sa telebisyon, pareho lang ang layunin: maglingkod nang may malasakit at dedikasyon.

“Sa Senado man o sa telebisyon, isang karangalan para sa akin ang paglingkuran kayo,” aniya.

Sa pagbabalik ni Ate Pia, muling kumpleto ang paboritong trio na kinikilala ng mga manonood—Alan, Pia, at Boy—na handang magpatuloy sa pagbibigay ng gabay at inspirasyon sa publiko tuwing Linggo ng gabi sa GMA7.

CIA WITH BA : PIA CAYETANO RETURNS , REAFFIRMS SERVICE ON AND OFF SCREEN

‘CIA with BA’: Pia Cayetano returns, reaffirms service on and off screen

Senator Pia Cayetano has officially returned to Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA), reuniting with her brother Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and TV host Boy Abunda in the much-loved trio that viewers have long admired.

In the episode on August 24, Pia shared her gratitude for the journey she has taken alongside her co-hosts and the viewers: “Mahigit dalawang tao na tayong magkakasama dito sa Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda. Sa bawat kwento, natututo kaming lahat—kami ni Alan, ni Tito Boy—at sa bawat problema, sinisikap naming tulungan ang mga lumalapit sa ating programa.”

She also reflected on her political journey, looking back at her early years in public service.

“Noong 2004 o 21 taon na ang nakalipas mula nung una akong nahalal bilang babaeng Senador. Ako po ‘yung pinakabatang Senador noon. Isa po akong ina, maliliit pa ang mga anak ko no’n, at dala ko ang inspirasyon ng aking ama, the late Senator Rene Cayetano. Isa rin po akong abogado katulad ng aking ama,” she stated.

Now on her fourth term, Pia thanked the public for once again placing their trust in her leadership: “At ngayon sa ikaapat na pagkakataon, ibinigay niyong muli ang inyong tiwala na ako ay ihalal bilang Senador. Maraming salamat po.”

Her return to CIA with BA is more than just a comeback—it reflects her unwavering commitment to public service, both in the Senate and in the lives of ordinary Filipinos seeking guidance and support.

“Kaya ngayon [na] nakabalik na ako sa Senado, muli din akong bumabalik sa Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda. Sa programang ito, tuloy-tuloy ang ating paglilingkod hindi lamang sa loob ng session hall ng Senado kundi sa mga barangay, sa mga tahanan, at sa mga pusong nag-aantay ng tulong,” she assured.

For Pia, whether in government or on television, the mission remains the same: to serve with compassion and dedication.

“Sa Senado man o sa telebisyon, isang karangalan para sa akin ang paglingkuran kayo,” she said.

With her return, the familiar trio of Alan, Pia, and Boy is once again complete, ready to continue guiding and inspiring viewers with wisdom, empathy, and action every Sunday night at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7.

OUTSTANDING STARS AND PROGRAMS HONORED AT THE 37TH PMPC STAR AWARDS FOR TELEVISION

OUTSTANDING STARS AND PROGRAMS HONORED AT THE 37th PMPC STAR AWARDS FOR TELEVISION 

The 37th Star Awards for Television lit up the VS Hotel Convention Center in Quezon City on Sunday, August 24, 2025, with a glamorous celebration of the best in Philippine Television for 2023.

Presented by BingoPlus, the event honored outstanding television stars and programs originally scheduled before the pandemic, but finally recognized this year by PMPC Star Awards, Inc.

GMA 7 emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, bagging Best TV Station along with a string of major trophies including Best Drama Anthology for "Magpakailanman," Best News Program for "24 Oras," Best Magazine Show for "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," and more.

In acting, some of the country’s most beloved stars took center stage. Joshua Garcia won Best Drama Actor for "Unbreak My Heart," Rhian Ramos was named Best Drama Actress for "Royal Blood," while Alden Richards and Rochelle Pangilinan were honored with Best Single Performance by an Actor and Actress, both for episodes of "Magpakailanman."

In his heartfelt speech, Joshua thanked those who supported him for his victory:

“Maraming-maraming salamat, una sa Panginoon, and to my family and friends, sa ABS-CBN, sa GMA… sa Star Magic, and of course sa nagtiwala sa akin at nagbigay sa akin ng role na ‘to, kay Sir Deo Endrinal.

“Hindi ko ito matatanggap kung hindi dahil sa co-actors ko, so thank you kela Jodi (Sta. Maria), Gabbi (Garcia)… of course, sa aming director at writers. Ang award na ito ay para sa buong team ng Unbreak My Heart.”

Rhian also gave an emotional message, thanking her home network and her loved ones:

“I would like to dedicate this to my home network, GMA 7, to whom I have dedicated 19 years of my life, and I will continue to dedicate every good thing that comes to me. Thank you so much, GMA, for the trust in me…

“I also want to thank my boyfriend (Sam Versoza) who always encourages me and makes me believe that I’m great and that I can do things.”

LIFETIME HONORS and SPECIAL AWARDS

PMPC paid tribute to four pillars of Philippine television through the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed upon 92-year old veteran actress Caridad Sanchez (accepted by her daughter Cathy Sanchez Babao, presented by Sylvia Sanchez), legendary host Ariel Ureta (presented by Boots Anson-Roa), dance icon Geleen Eugenio (presented by Maribeth Bichara), and TV executive Malou Choa Fagar (presented by her protégé Joey Marquez).

Seasoned broadcaster Angelique Lazo also received the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Bill Velasco.

The German Moreno Power Tandem Award was given to popular loveteams Barbie Forteza & David Licauco (for "Maria Clara at Ibarra" and "Maging Sino Ka Man") and Francine Diaz & Seth Fedelin (for "Dirty Linen").

Here is the official list of winners of 37th Star Awards for Television:

• Best TV Station: GMA 7

• Best Drama Actor: Joshua Garcia (Unbreak My Heart, GMA 7)

• Best Drama Actress: Rhian Ramos (Royal Blood, GMA 7)

• Best Single Performance by an Actor: Alden Richards (Magpakailanman: Sa Puso At Isipan, The Cantillana Family Story, GMA 7)

• Best Single Performance by an Actress: Rochelle Pangilinan (Magpakailanman: The Abused Teacher, GMA 7)

• Best Drama Supporting Actor: Elijah Canlas (Senior High, TV5, A2Z)

• Best Drama Supporting Actress: Cherry Pie Picache (FPJ's Batang Quiapo, TV5, A2Z)

• Best Child Performer: Euwenn Mikael (The Write One, GMA 7)

• Best Drama Anthology: Magpakailanman (GMA 7)

• Best Primetime TV Series: Maria Clara at Ibarra (GMA 7)

• Best Daytime Drama Series: Abot Kamay Na Pangarap (GMA 7)

• Best Mini Series: Walang Matigas Na Pulis Sa Matinik Na Misis (GMA 7)

• Best Comedy Show: Pepito Manaloto (GMA 7)

• Best Comedy Actor: Paolo Contis (Bubble Gang, GMA 7)

• Best Comedy Actress: Chariz Solomon (Bubble Gang, GMA 7)

• Best Variety Show: It’s Showtime (GTV, A2Z)

• Best Male TV Host: Robi Domingo (ASAP Natin ‘To, TV5, A2Z) and Paolo Ballesteros (E.A.T., TV5)

• Best Female TV Host: Kim Chiu (It’s Showtime, GTV, A2Z)

• Best Documentary Program: The Atom Araullo Specials (GMA 7)

• Best Documentary Program Hosts: Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, Kara David, John Consulta, Sandra Aguinaldo (I-Witness, GMA 7)

• Best Magazine Show: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA 7)

• Best Magazine Show Host: Korina Sanchez (Rated Korina, TV5, GTV, A2Z)

• Best News Program: 24 Oras (GMA 7)

• Best Male Newscaster: Joee Guilas (PTV News Tonight, PTV 4)

• Best Female Newscaster: Karen Davila (TV Patrol, A2Z, All TV)

• Best Game Show: Emojination (TV5)

• Best Game Show Host: Dingdong Dantes (Family Feud, GMA 7)

• Best Public Service Program: Wish Ko Lang (GMA 7)

• Best Public Service Program Host: Edinel Calvario (Healing Galing, GTV)

• Best Celebrity Talk Show: Fast Talk With Boy Abunda (GMA 7)

• Best Celebrity Talk Show Host: Boy Abunda (Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, GMA 7)

• Best Public Affairs Program: Cayetano In Action With Boy Abunda (GMA 7)

• Best Public Affairs Program Hosts: Boy Abunda, Pia Cayetano, Allan Peter Cayetano (Cayetano In Action With Boy Abunda, GMA 7)

• Best New Male TV Personality: John Clifford (Pepito Manaloto, GMA 7)

• Best New Female TV Personality: Gela Atayde (Senior High, TV5, A2Z)

• Best Lifestyle/ Travel Show: Pinas Sarap (GTV)

• Best Lifestyle/ Travel Show Host: Kara David (Pinas Sarap, GTV)

• Best Morning Show: Unang Hirit (GMA 7)

• Best Morning Show Hosts: Arnold Clavio, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Susan Enriquez, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, Matteo Guidicelli, Shaira Diaz, Anjo Peritierra, Cheska Fausto, Sean Lucas, Shuvee Etrata, JR Royol, Kaloy Tingkungko (Unang Hirit, GMA 7)

• Best Children’s Show: Talents Academy (IBC 13)

• Best Children’s Show Hosts: Jace Fierre, Shiloh Isaiah Haresco, Jessica Marie Robinson, Mikayla Go, Candice Ayesha, Madisen Go, Anika Dominique Figueroa, Ysabelle Luisa Perez, Cara Bartolo (Talents Academy, IBC 13)

SPECIAL CITATIONS:

BingoPlus awarded the Female TV Star of the Year to Rhian Ramos and the Male TV Star of the Year to Sam Versoza, marking the first time the celebrity couple received a joint recognition in a showbiz industry event.

Joshua Garcia and Rhian Ramos were chosen as Male and Female Faces of the Night (from Intele Builders and Development Corporation), while Joshua and Rochelle Pangilinan were named Male and Female Celebrities of the Night (from Jojo Mendrez). 

Newcomers Gela Atayde and Larkin Castor received the Timeless Smile Awards from Smile 360 Dental Clinic.

In addition, BingoPlus granted ₱50,000 cash incentives to both Best Drama Actor and Best Drama Actress winners.

PMPC also presented Plaques of Appreciation to Atty. Persida Rueda Acosta, Atty. Ernelson Trojillo, Ms. Cecille Bravo, BingoPlus, VS Hotel Convention Center, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

The ceremony was directed by Vivian Poblete Blancaflor, with stage design by Rico Ancheta. The awesome red carpet and photo wall were sponsored by BingoPlus.

“Ang aming mainit na pagbati sa lahat ng mga nagsipagwagi. Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang mga naiuwi ninyong karangalan. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga sumuporta,” said Mell T. Navarro, PMPC President.

Founded in the late 1960s, PMPC Star Awards, Inc. is recognized as the pioneer entertainment media organization in the Philippines, continuing its tradition of organizing the annual Star Awards for Television, Movies, and Music.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!

SPARKS FLY BETWEEN ANNE AND JOSHUA IN PH'S IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY

SPARKS FLY BETWEEN ANNE AND JOSHUA IN PH'S "IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY"

The slow-burn romance between Patrick ( Joshua Garcia) and Mia ( Anne Curtis) is finally simmering and fans are loving it.

In a recent media conference, Joshua himself spilled the beans, confirming that his famously guarded character is set for a major change of heart.  Mia’s persistence is finally paying off, and viewers might see his character fall for her.

However, aside from the budding relationship between Patrick and Mia, viewers should also watch out for the interesting stories of the patients at the OK hospital.

Joshua and the cast—including Kaori Oinuma, Xyriel Manabat, Maricel Laxa, Sharmaine Suarez, Michael de Mesa, Albie Casino, Ana Abad Santos, Alora Sasam, Bianca de Vera, Louise Abuel, Mark Oblea, and Alyssa Muhlach revealed they participated in seminars with psychiatrists. These sessions helped them better understand the complexities of mental health, whether playing patients or mental health practitioners.

Meanwhile, see how the other cast members Carlo Aquino, Bodjie Pascua, Rio Locsin, Francis Magundayao, Bobot Mortiz, Agot Isidro, Enchong Dee, and JV Kapunan will affect the lives of Patrick and Mia. 

Don't miss new episodes of "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" airing on weeknights at 8:45 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC, and Kapamilya Online Live. The series is also available for advance streaming on Netflix and iWantTFC. 

JOSHUA UNTI-UNTI NANG LALAMBOT ANG PUSO KAY ANNE SA PINOY ADAPTATION NG IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY

Kaabang-abang na ang bawat eksena sa isa sa most-watched series sa Netflix PH na "It's Okay To Not Be Okay" lalo pa at ibinunyag ni Joshua Garcia na malapit ng lumambot ang puso ng kanyang karakter na si Patrick kay Mia (Anne Curtis). 

Ngayong linggo, makikita ng manonood na hindi na natiis ni Patrick si Mia at hinabol niya ito sa ulan matapos ng hindi nila pagkakaunawaan. 

Paliwanag ni Joshua na may dahilan naman ang kanyang karakter kung bakit umiiwas sa karakter ni Anne. Aniya, mabigat kasi ang pinagdaanan ng kanyang karakter at labis niya itong pinaghandaan. 

"Ang bigat kasi ng dinadala ng karakter ko dito. Pasan niya yung mundo, yung kapatid niya, yung hustisya sa nanay niya pati yung gusto niya nung bata siya," saad ng Kapamilya actor. 

Bukod kay Joshua, labis din ang naging paghahanda ng ibang cast members na sina Kaori Oinuma,  Xyriel Manabat, Maricel Laxa, Sharmaine Suarez, Michael de Mesa, Albie Casino, Ana Abad Santos, Alora Sasam, Bianca de Vera,Louise Abuel Mark Oblea, at Alyssa Muhlach para sa kanilang roles. Dumaan sila sa seminars kasama ang ilang psychiatrists para mas mapaintindi sa kanila ang kanilang roles bilang pasyente at doctors sa serye. 

Inisplook din ng creative head ng serye na si Henry Quitain na importante ang bawat storya ng pasyente lalo pa at makaka-apekto din ito sa buhay nina Patrick, Mat-Mat (Carlo Aquino), at Mia (Anne Curtis). 

Samantala, mas kilalanin din ang iba pang karakter sa serye na ginagampanan nina Carlo Aquino, Bodjie Pascua, Rio Locsin, Francis Magundayao, Bobot Mortiz, Agot Isidro, Enchong Dee,at  JV Kapunan.

Tutukan ang kaabang-abang na episodes  ng “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” tuwing weeknights simula 8:45 PM sa Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC, at Kapamilya Online Live sa YouTube channel at Facebook page ng ABS-CBN Entertainment. Panoorin ito in advance sa Netflix at iWantTFC.

MGA MUNTING TALA AND SINAGTALA : A SIMPLE STORY WITH A THOUSAND LESSONS

Mga Munting Tala and Sinagtala: A Simple Story with a Thousand Lessons

Director Errol Ropero is quietly reshaping Filipino youth and family cinema with two films that shine brightest when seen together—Mga Munting Tala and Sinagtala. Different stories, different audiences, but one heartbeat: the struggles of childhood, the bonds of family, and the stubborn glow of hope.

Mga Munting Tala doesn’t lean on a single hero. Instead, it threads multiple lives into one story, every child carrying a lesson. Direk Errol explains, “This isn’t about one main character. I wanted to show that every child has a story, a struggle, and a light to share. I grew up seeing how kids, no matter how small, carry so much on their shoulders—poverty, broken families, even the search for love and acceptance. Through this film, I wanted people to realize that kids aren’t just background characters in life—they are the story, they are the future. That’s what gives the film its depth, and that’s why every character matters.”

The young leads—Potchi Angeles (Caleb), Franchesco Maafi (Aaron), Shira Tweg (Rose), Kyle Almenanza (Isaac)—deliver performances far older than their years, while the “Munting Tala kids”—Ryrie Sophia, Scarlet Alaba, Francis Saagundo, Drey Lampago, Yassi Ibasco—bring joy, pain, and truth in equal measure. Around them, a strong ensemble of veterans like Jeffrey Santos, Miles Poblete, Richard Kuan, Patani, Lito Napolitano, Jessica Nogas, Paul Espinosa, Jordan Pacheco keep the world grounded.

“I’ve always wanted to tell stories that are simple but real,” Direk Errol shares. “I don’t have to create superheroes or fantasies—life itself is already dramatic enough. Children, like little stars, can shine even in the darkest times. When I was writing this, I kept remembering moments from my own childhood, when even small acts of kindness gave me hope. That’s the heart of these films: that even when the world feels heavy, light always finds a way to break through.”

That image—the tiny stars in darkness—summarizes both films. Mga Munting Tala speaks gently to elementary students, while Sinagtala steps into deeper waters for teens, tackling sacrifice, love, and choices that shape futures.

The second film follows sisters Magdalena and Rebecca, raised without parents, who end up in love with the same man. Wounds from their choices ripple into the next generation—Caleb, Aaron, Mary, Hannah, David—who rise above by holding onto honesty, faith, and hard work. The message: our roots don’t define us, but our choices do.

Backing this vision is producer Edward “Mamu” Fabros Lagan, who poured time, trust, and money into both projects. At the Gateway 2 premiere, Mamu admitted, “I was deeply touched watching the film. To be honest, it was an emotional moment for me. Every sacrifice—the sleepless nights, the stress of production, the countless problems we had to solve, and even the financial risks—it all flashed before my eyes as the credits rolled. And when I saw the story come alive on screen, when I saw the kids shining in their roles, I knew it was all worth it. It reminded me why I decided to produce films in the first place—not for profit, not for glamour, but for the chance to tell stories that actually mean something.”

His trust in Direk Errol was clear. “From the very start, I only had one request from him—honesty. I told him, ‘Direk, as long as you tell the truth through your films, I will always support you.’ And that’s exactly what he did. He gave me honesty. He gave me stories that felt raw, heartfelt, and real. And when you have honesty in art, people feel it. That’s why the audience connects.”

Highlights abound, but one stands out: a raw, single-take performance by Ryrie Sophia and Drey Lampago that still makes the director teary-eyed.

For Direk Errol, none of it would be possible without Mamu’s steady support. “Mamu has been my anchor. When I doubted myself, when critics said nobody would watch these kinds of films, he was the one who told me, ‘Direk, keep going. This is important.’ He reminded me that we weren’t just making movies for entertainment—we were making films that could touch children’s lives, guide families, and give hope to people who feel forgotten. That’s bigger than any box-office result. That’s the true reward for us.”

Both Mga Munting Tala and Sinagtala will reach audiences this August through a series of initial screenings across major malls and cinemas:

August 23 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Calamba, SM San Pablo, SM Lucena, SM Clark, SM San Jose Del Monte

August 24 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Fairview, SM San Jose Del Monte, Vista Mall San Jose Del Monte

August 30 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Calamba, SM San Pablo, SM Lucena, SM Naga, SM Cabanatuan, SM Baliwag, SM Santa Rosa

August 31 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Naga, SM Cabanatuan, SM Baliwag, SM Santa Rosa, Vista Mall General Trias, Vista Mall Somo, Fora Mall Tagaytay, Robinson’

 

BINGO PLUS BRINGS THE EXCITEMENT TO THE 37TH PMPC STAR AWARDS FOR TELEVISION WITH GUESS AND WIN PROMO

BingoPlus Brings the Excitement to the 37th PMPC Star Awards for Television with “Guess and Win” PromoTelevision fans, get ready to put your prediction skills to the test! 

BingoPlus has teamed up with PMPC Star Awards, Inc. to make the 37th PMPC Star Awards for Television  more thrilling than ever with the  Guess-and-Win Promo. 

Fans not only get to watch the biggest names in Philippine TV shine on stage—they can also win ₱2,000 worth of gift certi/cates by predicting the winners in the following categories: Best Drama Actress & Actor Best Drama Supporting Actress & Actor Best Male & Female Host BingoPlus Male & Female TV Star of the YearJoining is simple—just head over to BingoPlus’ o1icial Facebook page for full promo details.

The star-studded awards night will take place on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at   the  VS   Hotel   Convention   Center,   Quezon   City,   and   promises   a spectacular evening. Hosting the event are television icons Boy Abunda and Pops   Fernandez,   alongside  Gela   Atayde,   Elijah   Canlas,   and   Robi Domingo.   

The   stage   will   come   alive   with   performances   by  Dingdong Avanzado, Jessa Zaragoza, Christian Bautista, Kai Montinola, Jarren Garcia, One Verse, InnerVoices, and Jed Madela. The night is directed by Vivian Poblete Blanca@or, with dazzling stage design by Rico Ancheta.

“This partnership allows fans to actively engage with the awards night while enjoying the thrill of winning exciting prizes,” said PMPC President  Mell Navarro. “It’s not just about celebrating outstanding television—it’s about bringing fans closer to their favorite stars and letting them be part of the fun.”

Winners   of   the  BingoPlus   promo  will   be   announced   on  BingoPlus’ Facebook page shortly after the event, giving lucky participants even more reasons to celebrate. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the country’s most anticipated television nights!

 

CIA WITH BA : PUWEDE BANG MAGSUMBONG SA DOLE KAHIT HINDI PA REGULAR?

‘CIA with BA’: Pwede bang magsumbong sa DOLE kahit ‘di pa regular?

Karaniwang tanong ng mga bagong pasok sa trabaho kung may karapatan na ba sila kahit hindi pa regular. Madalas kasi, iniisip ng mga fresh graduates at on-the-job employees na wala silang laban hangga’t hindi pa sila nare-regular. Pero totoo ba ito ayon sa batas?

Sa episode ng “CIA with BA,” tampok sa segment na Tanong ng Pilipino ang tanong ni Luis mula Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Aniya: “Bagong graduate ako at first job ko itong trabaho ko ngayon. Totoo bang wala akong karapatang magsumbong sa DOLE kung hindi pa ako regular?”

Diretsahang sinagot ito ni Atty. Marian Cayetano: “Hindi po totoo na porke hindi kayo regular, hindi na kayo pwedeng magsumbong sa DOLE.”

Ipinaliwanag niya na lahat ng manggagawa — regular man o probationary — ay may mga karapatang protektado ng batas.

“Para mas malinaw, lahat ng manggagawa, whether regular o hindi regular, may mga karapatan pong protektado ng ating batas,” ani Atty. Marian.

Kabilang dito ang tamang pasahod, overtime pay, proteksyon laban sa diskriminasyon at harassment, at ang pagkakaroon ng ligtas at maayos na lugar ng trabaho. “Isa sa mga karapatan na ‘to, of course, ‘yung tamang pagpapasweldo, or dapat nababayaran sila ng OT (overtime), or hindi sila pwedeng madiskrimina o ma-harass sa kanilang trabaho, or dapat safe and healthy ‘yung working environment nila,” dagdag pa niya.

Binilin din niya na hindi dapat makaramdam ng kawalan ng lakas ang mga bagong graduate o probationary employees.

“So ‘pag ganon po, hindi po ibig sabihin na [kapag] bagong graduate, hindi pa regular, hindi na sila protektado ng batas at wala silang magagawa, so pwedeng-pwede magsumbong sa DOLE,” giit ni Atty. Marian.

Ang diskusyong ito ay nagsilbing paalala para sa mga kabataan at bagong salta sa mundo ng trabaho: mula unang araw pa lang, may karapatan na sila. At kung may paglabag sa mga ito, may DOLE na handang pakinggan at umaksyon.

Ang ‘CIA with BA’ ay pinangungunahan nina Sen. Alan Cayetano at award-winning host na si Boy Abunda. Ipinagpapatuloy ng programa ang legasiya ng yumaong Sen. Rene “Compañero” Cayetano. Napapanood ang programa tuwing Linggo, 11:00 p.m. sa GMA7, at may replay tuwing Sabado, 10:30 p.m. sa GTV.