Singer-songwriter Alex Warren teams up with global icon ROSÉ to release their highly anticipated collaboration, “On My Mind” – listen here. The song was announced as a surprise track on Warren’s upcoming album You’ll Be Alright, Kid, dueout July 18th, pre-order here. Warren started teasing the potential ROSÉ collab on his socials a few weeks ago, and fans have been anxiously awaiting the release ever since.
“On My Mind” is a swelling love song in Alex Warren’s mastered style of anthemic pop. Produced by Ammo and John Ryan, the record beautifully meshes Warren and ROSÉ’s vocals for a striking listen. The accompanying music video was directed by Colin Tilley – watch here.
Alongside “On My Mind,” Alex’s new album You’ll Be Alright, Kid will feature all the songs on You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1), released last fall, and 11 entirely new tracks. Amongst these new tracks are Warren’s chart-topping, global smash “Ordinary” and “Bloodline (with Jelly Roll)”. The majority of the album is co-written by Alex Warren, Cal Shapiro, Mags Duval and produced by Adam Yaron. While You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) focuses on dealing with grief, You’ll Be Alright, Kid turns the page with healing, resilience, and optimism.
Warren’s earth-shattering hit, “Ordinary,” was released in February to rave reviews, counting nearly 1 billion streams to date, and topping the charts. The smash hit spends its third week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently #1 across the Global 200 Ex US, Top 40 Radio, Hot AC Radio, UK Songs Chart and Spotify Global Top 50. “Ordinary” was not only Warren’s first top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it also makes him the first male soloist to earn an initial Hot 100 #1 this year.
“Ordinary” spent 12 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the UK chart. This marks the longest running No.1 in the UK by a US male solo act in OCC chart history and the longest running No. 1 of the 2020s. It just returned to #1 for its 13th week. In Australia, “Ordinary” at its 13th week is the second song this decade to have the longest continuous run at #1. “Ordinary” has also reached #1 at Top 40 Radio & Hot AC Radio and currently holds the top US radio audience. Warren now tallies over 2.4 billion career streams to date.
Warren’s previously released singles “Bloodline (with Jelly Roll),” and #1 song “Ordinary,” have seen massive success. “Bloodline” debuted in the Top 10 on the Spotify US Streaming Chart upon and had the highest debut on May 23 on Spotify. With nearly 3 million streams, it is the top song debut in both the US and globally. Directed by B.K. Barone, both Alex and Jelly Roll star in the music video that is set in medieval times – watchhere.
Most recently, Warren made his award show debut with a powerful performance at the 2025 American Music Awards – watchhere. Earlier this year, Warren also made his late night debut with a performance of “Ordinary” on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – watchhere. He also performed the song with Ed Sheeran at a local bar around Coachella – see his Instagram posthere.
Warren recently wrapped his first leg of his Cheaper Than Therapy Tour, hitting major cities across Europe and North America. He announced a 15 date extension to additional cities throughout the US, kicking off in August.
Atlantic Records’ upcoming F1®THE ALBUM, the supercharged and star-studded musical companion to Apple Original Films’ high-octane, action-packed film F1® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is speeding towards the finish line with today’s premiere of “Drive” by 4x GRAMMY® Award-winning, RIAA Diamond-certified global superstar Ed Sheeran, available everywhere now HERE. F1® THE ALBUM is available now for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, June 27th in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Produced by GRAMMY®Award-winner Blake Slatkin (Lil Nas X, Lizzo) and 7x GRAMMY®Award-winner John Mayer, “Drive” sees Sheeran backed by an all-star combo that includes Mayer on guitar alongside Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl on drums, legendary bassist Pino Paladino (Eric Clapton, The Who), and keyboardist Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters, The Wallflowers), with additional keyboards and drum programming by Slatkin. The dynamic new track is joined by an official music video, directed by filmmaker Chris Villa (Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, A$AP Rocky, Young Thug), premiering today on YouTube HERE.
From the label that brought you the award-winning, blockbuster soundtracks Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album,The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad and more,F1® THE ALBUMwill feature massive new tracks from an unprecedented lineup of superstar artists, including Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Burna Boy, Madison Beer, Peggy Gou and more. See below for the full tracklisting.
F1® THE ALBUM was produced and overseen by multi-GRAMMY® Award Winner, 7x GRAMMY® Award nominee, and Atlantic Records West Coast President, Kevin Weaver (Soundtrack Album Producer of Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad, Daisy Jones & The Six, Birds Of Prey) along with Atlantic Records’ EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R, Brandon Davis and Atlantic Records’ SVP A&R/Marketing, Joseph Khoury. Named by Rolling Stone as a “soundtrack guru,” Weaver has produced numerous multi-platinum soundtrack projects that have amassed tens of millions of albums sold worldwide. Additional key players involved in the project include Soundtrack Album Executive Producers Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, and Music Supervisors David Taylor and Jake Voulgarides.
ABOUT ED SHEERAN:
Ed Sheeran is an era-defining artist, responsible for some of the biggest songs of this decade, selling nearly 200 million records across the globe, and amassing over 100 billion streams worldwide. One of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation, the 4x-GRAMMY award winner was also one of the first artists to earn three RIAA-Diamond certified singles, with “Thinking Out Loud,” “Shape of You,” and “Perfect” all achieving sales equivalents exceeding 10 million in the US alone. Widely regarded for his incredible live performances, Sheeran is currently in the midst of his record-breaking Mathematics Tour, smashing attendance records at stadiums all around the world.
ABOUT F1® THE MOVIE:
From Apple Studios and the filmmakers of Top Gun: Maverick comes the high-octane, action-packed feature film F1® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski. The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kosinski, seven-time FORMULA 1® world champion Lewis Hamilton, Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman.
Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie, intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition—and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.
“To become a good comedian, you need to have proper timing,” said Michael V.
Courtesy: GMA Network
Comedian and singer Michael V., also known as Bitoy, is beaming with joy these days for a good reason. He feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude that their weekly gag show, Bubble Gang, has managed to remain on the air for 30 years.
Through its humor and innovative sketches, Bubble Gang has not only entertained audiences but has also cemented its place in Philippine television history, making it the longest-running gag show in the country. This remarkable milestone reflects the dedication of the cast and crew, as well as the unwavering support of their loyal fans.
Michael shared that he was introduced to the world of show business when he participated in a rapping contest on Eat Bulaga many years ago. His talent in rap brought him fame and opened doors for him in movies and television. His comedic abilities were further showcased during his time on Tropang Trumpo, a former gag show on Channel 5.
Good Comedian
According to Michael V, mastering the art of comedy requires a keen sense of timing. He emphasizes that delivering a punchline at just the right moment can make all the difference in eliciting laughter from the audience. Without this crucial skill, even the funniest material may fall flat.
How do you come up with your antics?
“I get my ideas from everyday life,” he shared. “Good sources are my community and surroundings. I observe people, and I go around. I read books. I watch a lot of movies, TV shows, sitcoms, foreign shows, and gag shows as much as I can. I watch cartoons a lot. Then, I implement the foundation, which is my environment. I know that it will be effective among a mass audience.”
Do you also watch yourself?
“I often do. I would say I’m my own worst critic. Every time I watch myself, I notice areas for improvement. I think things like, ‘My timing was off. This line should have been delivered earlier or later. I shouldn’t have made that facial expression.’ However, I remind myself that there’s always a next time.”
How do you digest each character you portray?
“First, I have to read the script. So I would know the strengths and weaknesses of the character. It would take around a week to have an idea of the character. Then another week for me to imbibe thecharacter.”
As a comedian, the oddest character he has portrayed was a lechon, while the weirdest character he became was a bird.
Since he was a child, Bitoy has dreamed of becoming a comedian. “I made sure to watch the movies of Nino Muhlach and Dolphy; I never missed them,” he said. “When I was four years old, I wanted to be a waiter because I was fascinated with the bow tie. After watching Muhammad Ali on TV, I wanted to become a boxer. The funny thing is, I was skinny at that time, and people would laugh at my appearance. Later, when I learned to draw, I aspired to be a painter. But like many kids, I also dreamed of becoming a movie star someday.”
Michael V. expressed that his remarkable ability to crack jokes and bring laughter to those around him is a natural gift. His unique flair for humor resonates with people, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. This innate talent, combined with his quick wit and sharp observational skills, has allowed him to consistently stay at the forefront of his field for many years. It’s no surprise that he continues to captivate audiences and maintain his status as a top entertainer in the industry.
On his 13th death anniversary, I thought of sharing my #throwback exclusive interview with the late King of Comedy, Rodolfo Vera Quizon, also known as “Dolphy” to many of his adoring fans. He was truly Daddy Dolphy, with a big heart for his children, both on and off-screen.
He was one of my dream interviewees, and I was truly delighted to have had the opportunity to have this conversation with him before he passed away at the age of 83 due to multiple organ failure.
Here is an excerpt from the feature article which appeared in the old issue of Mirror Weekly Magazine:
He may have been less than ideal as a “husband,” given the long list of relationships in the open book that’s been Dolphy’s life. But as a father who sired all of 18 children by several women, the “King of Comedy” is tops, by his children’s own account.
His real-life children attest to his goodness and greatness of heart, which, they say, more than compensates for his unusual route to fatherhood several times over. Even on-screen, Dolphy has played father roles depicting a truly admirable dad — one quite deserving of the affection and admiration of his brood despite his unconventional ways.
As in the long-running TV sitcom John en Marsha where he played bumbling but devoted dad to young Maricel Soriano and other budding stars. “I must admit that my being a father has not been normal. The mere fact that you’re in showbiz, the more that it becomes atypical,” he intimates. But in his own way, however, he has tried to make up for the lack of normalcy, he says. “With all my children, I would say that I have been fair to them. Whenever I’m here, I make it up to them; I give all my time to them.”
A loving father
He delves into his life as a father with gusto, appearing to enjoy talking about his numerous children. Being a father has not been easy because it entails a lot of responsibility and discipline. “What’s important for now is to see my children bonding together, instead of quarreling with each other. You’ll be surprised that they have different characters when they came from only one person,” he jokes.
Dolphy with son Eric. Photo courtesy of pep.ph
Dolphy admits he finds more pleasure in his children when they’re still in their infancy. “Pero kapag malalaki na, ang sarap pagsasakalin,” he smiles. Although he claims he allows no favoritism to cloud his love for his kids. But he treasures his girls. “Minsan napapansin ng iba na mas malapit ako sa mga babae, kasi nga iba ang karinyo nila,” he tells.
Throwback photo shoot of Dolphy with daughters Nicole and Zia.
His children have only good words for the loving father. “He is very different from everyone because he’s the kind of person who has a big heart. He’s very loving and friendly. We always talk and we go out. We’re like brothers. Happy Father’s Day! I’ll always be here for you. I love you so much,” intimates Vandolph. “He always has time for us. He’s a nice, loving, and generous person,” said Nicole and Zia.
His priority has always been his family. “Pero siyempre, una ang trabaho ko bago sila. Kung naiintindihan nila iyon, sila ‘yon. As a father, you have to provide something for your family, and that’s my role.”
He adds: “Even when I was just starting in showbiz, I frequently went abroad. I was the first one to become a Japayuki (that was in 1951). Most of the time, I would stay there for six months and my family would miss me. Then I would go back and stay for a month, then, I would leave again. And when I was here, I would accept engagements, especially during Christmas Day and New Year’s Day because the pay was triple. So, I had to work doubly hard because I wasn’t moneyed at that time, and of course, my children were growing.”
It’s both a joy and a pain to have so many children. “Mahirap talaga dahil kailangan mo silang pagbigyan lahat,” he says. “They always come to me if they need something or they want my advice, maski hatinggabi na. But most of the time, we go out, especially on Sundays.”
The late Dolphy with former live-in partner, Zsa-Zsa Padilla, daughters Zia and Nicole. Photo courtesy of Showbiz Chika
Dolphy has no regrets for all the things he has done in his life, like having children out of many relationships. “Hindi ko naman ginustong magkaroon ng anak na marami,” intimates Dolphy, a quiet and reflective thinker who admits to praying twice a day, morning and night. “Kapag nahiwalay ka sa asawa mo ang tendency mag-aasawa ka uli. I just tell my children not to do what I have done. It’s righteous to have only one wife and you have an anniversary to look forward to. That’s what I don’t have.”
I asked him how he would like to be remembered, and he replied, “As a good person. I want them to mention my name with a smile. That’s my mission in life: to make people happy.”
This June 14 and 15, the spirit of freedom and Filipino pride takes center stage for an exhilarating 6-hour showcase of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as Malaya Music Fest 2025 returns to Okada Manila for its fifth and most electrifying edition yet. The two-day OPM celebration will be held at the iconic Cove Manila, the world-class indoor beach club and event venue at the heart of the integrated resort.
Now in its fifth year, Malaya Music Fest has grown into a flagship celebration of Pinoy artistry—bringing together thousands of fans, top-tier performers, and the unmatched atmosphere of Cove Manila. Made possible by Coca-Cola Philippines, San Miguel Beer, and Quantum – with Rakuten Viber and Radyo5 TrueFM as official media partners – this year’s festival pulls out all the stops with a high-octane artist lineup guaranteed to set the stage on fire.
Malaya Music Fest
Two Nights. One Stage. All-Out OPM.
On June 14, OPM icon Ely Buendia headlines a 90-minute rock-charged night alongside Mayonnaise, I Belong to the Zoo, and the rising indie favorites Amiel Sol and The Vowels They Orbit. The night kicks off with beats by DJ Phillip Japor.
Then on June 15, get ready for pure adrenaline-pumping experience as Kamikazee takes the stage for another electrifying 90-minute set performance joined by a powerhouse lineup Sandwich, Silent Sanctuary, Earl Agustin, Hey June!, and party vibes from DJ Lovezy.
Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the sing-alongs, or the next big OPM sound, this year’s Malaya Music Fest is your front-row ticket to an unforgettable musical escape.
Tickets and Reservations
Tickets start at PHP 2,000 and are available through SM Tickets, TicketWorld, and Ticket2Me. For complete ticketing details, visit okdmnl.ph/Malaya2025. Guests may also contact Okada Manila directly for assistance and reservations via phone at +632 8555 5799 or email at RestaurantReservation@okadamanila.com.
Doors open at 4 PM. This event is for 18 years old and above.
Let your voice rise, your heart roar, and your soul dance—Malaya Music Fest 2025 is calling.
As an actress, Ara Mina embodies a unique innocence that distinguishes her from others. In her personal life, she radiates happiness, serving as a reminder that life is filled with beautiful transitions. With the right person by your side, every moment can become a source of inspiration and joy.
“Ara Mina has a certain innocence and is in a category completely her own,” according to Director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna. It’s a bonus that the actress is both sexy and charming in person. She titillates readers with candid remarks on her sexuality.
Meanwhile, this interview reveals a half-child, half-woman excited and eager to give her best shot.
Possessing a strong and sculpted physique fills her with an unshakable sense of confidence, radiating energy, and poise in every step she takes. Ara Mina described herself as “dibdib manok. Medyo hiwalay siya (referring to her breasts), so you need to push it to achieve cleavage. The fit can sometimes vary based on the dress or bra I’m wearing.”
Courtesy: Ara Mina FB page
To maintain her 36-24-35 figure, Ara Mina said she works out at the gym twice a week and follows specific dietary restrictions. “I have my dumbbells,” she mentioned. She also shared that she hasn’t eaten rice for the past two months, and soft drinks have not been part of her diet for two years.
Her liberal view of woman-to-woman relationships
Back to her past movie “Tatlo,” Ara Mina admitted she felt uncomfortable kissing another girl.
“I was tense, especially with my kissing scene with Ate Rita,” she said. “Ingat talaga ako. Mayroong torrid kissing scene pero hindi naman labas ang tongue. Actually, na-tense din siya.”
Ara Mina, however, confessed that she has a liberal view of woman-to-woman relationships in real life.
“It’s fine with me. In “Tatlo,” you can’t blame Elsie (my character in the film) if she falls in love with another woman (Rita Avila). She’s looking for something that she cannot find in her husband (Tonton Gutierrez).”
She recalled how she experienced difficulties doing a love scene with Rita. She called it the “Scandinavian style” ( a pumping scene between lesbian lovers, but she did not explain it in detail).
“We tried to relax . . . Nakakangawit talaga, pinagpawisan ako,” she relates. “Biniro ko pa nga si ate Rita na ituloy na namin sa kuwarto. Sa eksenang yon naisip ko, parehas naman kaming babae. So I decided not to wear any plaster. Pero talagang makikita ang boobs namin doon.”
Ara Mina admitted that she can be attracted to members of both sexes.
“I think there’s nothing wrong with having a relationship with another woman as long as there’s no sex involved. I couldn’t imagine myself having sex with another woman. I have best friends who are all girls. Sometimes I develop a crush on them. Sometimes, I feel I like a woman, and sometimes I like a man.”
But she denied being bisexual.
“Hindi ko masasabi,” she says. “Minsan gandang-ganda ako sa babae. Minsan nagsasabi pa ako, ‘Ang seksi niya.’ Wala naman akong nararamdamang feelings for her. It’s like an admiration.”
Reflected Ara Mina: A man is completely different from a woman when it comes to expressing affection.
“Ang lalaki siyempre medyo brusko; ang babae tender ang dating . Kaya lang nakaka-ilang kung humahampas ang boobs níyo,” she laughed.
In real life, Ara Mina said she has had lesbian suitors.
“I treat them as friends. Natatawa nga ako dahil kapag nanligaw sila, itsura nila babae, tapos inaamin nila na may boyfriend sila, pero may gusto sa akin at nag-I I love you,” she related. “They write love love letters, send flowers, chocolates, and stuffed toys. I entertained them kasi kung iniiwasan mo minsan delikado. Grabeng ma-in love ang mga lesbians; they’re very posessive, parang nakakatakot.”
Portraying meaty roles
Now that she gets to portray meaty roles, Ara Mina hopes that she will be noticed for her acting ability and not just her ability to show off those curves.
“Kahit na naghuhubad ako, gusto ko namang mapansin nila ang acting ko lalo na sa mga pelikulang ginagawa ko, para irespeto rin nila ako. Natutuwa naman ako dahil hindi nila sinasabi na bastusin ako, kahit na naghuhubad ako.”
She said she’s only daring in the movies. But she emphasized that she hasn’t experienced doing her onscreen love scenes in real life.
“That’s one good thing about me. At first, it was really difficult for me because I used to portray sweet roles. Like the scenes in my previous movie, “Sagad Sa Init” na nakipag-laplapan ako sa bubungan at sa kotse. As of now, ‘yong mga wild things na nagawa ko sa movies pa lang.”
Career transition
Ara Mina’s life changed when she junked her sweet image. But the transition was not easy. Going the bold route made it possible for her to land her first starring role in “Maldita.”
But it was in the movie “Curacha, Ang Babaing Walang Pahinga” that film critics began to pay attention to her. Before this, she became a supporting player in such movies as “Roller Boys,” “Butch Belgica Story,” and the “Flor Contemplacion Story.” She entered showbiz at the age of 14 via the teenybopper show That’s Entertainment.
Ara Mina said she couldn’t imagine herself portraying bold roles or posing nude for pictorials. She was conservative then, she said. She recalled how she would react negatively to the bold pictures she saw in the newspapers.
“Now, pagbukas ko ng dyaryo, ang sinasabi ko, Okay lang naman as long as ang mga shots mo na hubad ay artistic ang pagkakakuha,” she smiles.
Because of the attention, she’s getting at the moment, she vowed never to let success get into her head. She said she is especially thankful to her parents for understanding her when she decided to go bold without their permission.
In the near future, she hopes to bag an acting award, “Para masabi ko na rin na may narating yong paghuhubad ko,” she said.
Real-life
Ara Mina is Hazel Reyes in real life. Her mom combined the names of her two sisters Ara Christine and Mina Princess to come up with the name Ara Mina.
The eldest in a brood of six (two boys and four girls), Ara Mina is a product of a broken family. She was only seven years old when her parents separated. However, she was not disheartened by what happened to her parents. Although both have their own individual families, they maintain open communications. “They are on good terms now,” she notes.
Ara Mina is a high school graduate of Morning Dew Montessori. If her schedule permits, she said she plans to take up Interior Design or Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines (UP).
Off-camera, Ara Mina is a sweet, simple person. She doesn’t talk much during interviews.
“Hindi ako palaaway,” she relates, “gusto ko lahat ng tao kasundo ko. Tapos sweet pa rin, nando’n pa rin ‘yong pagiging childish ko. Sa set nga, nagugulat ang iba dahil parang ang lakas kong maghubad sa eksena. Then after the scene para akong bata. They are confused. That’s who I am. Trabaho lang.”
Her type of man is someone who resembles actor Matthew Mendoza. “Parang hindi siya makabasag pinggan, tipong hindi ka lolokohin. And he’s a gentleman, baby face talaga, she notes. “Yong guy dapat mabango ang hininga, malinis sa katawan, sweet, and understanding.”
Although she admits she has had two boyfriends before, one from showbiz, and one from non-showbiz. She prefers to stay at home during her free time and shuns the nightlife.
Ara Mina feels that her job is quite fulfilling at present. In her five-year stay in the business, she has been able to buy a condominium unit, a car, and jewelry. The other earnings go to her savings (time deposit) and her family. She rewards herself by shopping for signature clothes and accessories.
“Nakakatuwa dahil at my age, nakakabili na ako ng mga ganitong bagay sa sarili kong kita. . . kung baga sarili kong pagod.”
Older men go for her. Ara Mina reveals that she has received around five “indecent proposals” from different men.
“May nag-alok pa nga sa akin ng house and lot with matching brand new car and allowance. Siyempre ang kapalit no’n iiwanan ko ang career ko,” she revealed. “Yong tipong ibabahay ka. Hindi ko pinapatulan ang mga offers nila kasi kaya ko namang kitain sa sarili ko. Besides, I don’t want to experience what my parents had experienced in the past.”
Ara Mina is embracing a new chapter in her life, filled with love and inspiration. Recently married to her non-showbiz husband, Dave Almarinez, who is the CEO of the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), she is embarking on a journey that symbolizes growth, partnership, and the beauty of shared dreams. Their union reflects a deep commitment to supporting one another in both personal and professional endeavors. This new phase is not just a celebration of love but also an opportunity for Ara to explore new possibilities and create lasting memories together. It’s a reminder that life is full of beautiful transitions, and with the right person by your side, every moment can be a source of inspiration and joy.
(Based on the same writer’s exclusive article published at the now-defunct Mirror Weekly Magazine.)
Featured photo courtesy of Ara Mina Almarinez Facebook
Celebrity fathers Ogie Alcasid, Ariel Rivera, and Cesar Montano are, no doubt, happy with how their respective careers have turned out, but they all agree they experienced far greater joy when they became parents. Needless to say, fatherhood has put meaning to their lives.
Let’s get to know their thoughts on fatherhood and child-rearing experiences.
Ogie Alcasid: “I found my place in the greater scheme of things”
“I found my place in the greater scheme of things,” uttered Ogie from a previous interview. Ogie is a doting and very supportive dad to three children (two girls, Leila and Sarah from his first marriage with former beauty queen Michelle Van Eimeren; and one son Nathaniel James with wife Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid).
Ogie with his children. Courtesy: Ogie Alcasid on Instagram
Ogie is enjoying his role as a father to the fullest. “Every moment that I’m with my children is important for me,” he shared. He became more of a child, too, “because when you’re already a parent you have to play with your kids. At the same time, you can’t take things for granted.”
He advises parents to have time for their family. “Even if it only takes two to three hours a day, make it a point to play and talk to your kids if you don’t want them to grow up not knowing you,” Ogie said.
Ariel Rivera: “The love for a parent to a child is unconditional love”
“There are no words to express my feelings when I became a father,” intimated Ariel from an earlier interview. “Now, I realized that your love for a son is very different from the love you have for your wife and mother.”
Ariel with his wife Gelli and children Joaquin and Julio. Courtesy: Jose Ariel Rivera FB page
With their two sons around, Joaquin and Julio (who are now attending schools in Canada), Ariel and his wife Gelli de Belen have become closer and stronger through times. The couple opted not to have a nanny when their children were still younger. “We didn’t get a nanny because I want to follow what my parents have done for us. My parents raised the five of us in Canada without a yaya. If they were able to do it with five kids, why can’t we do it? Kayang-kaya naman. Ang pinoy kasi gusto natin parati tayong komportable.”
The lesson he learned from child-rearing is the love of a parent to a child. “You’ll never know until you have one,” he said, “It’s unconditional love.”
The earnest balladeer has attained more depth and maturity in his musical career and personal life.
Cesar Montano: “Teach them the value of hard work and money”
Actor, film producer, and director Cesar Montano admitted that he’s a very lenient parent. “Kasi ngayon hindi na panahon ng lecture nang lecture sa bata. The children will not always listen to you, but for sure they will imitate you. ‘Yon ang paniniwala ko,” he explained from a previous interview.
As a parent, he has experienced the worst. But one thing he learned from it is “life should go on no matter what happened. Everyone learns from the lessons of life.” Needless to say, he has developed a broader perspective in life. “Lahat naman ng ito ginagawa ko para sa kanila. Mapalaki ko sila ng maganda at magkaroon ng magandang buhay.”
Cesar has admitted that he’s a very lenient parent. Courtesy: Cesar Montano FB page
One thing he learned from child-rearing, and which he inherited from his late dad, Genovevo, is to make life a little difficult for your children. “Hindi dapat bigay hilig. Hindi kailangan ng lahat ng pangangailangan nila ibibigay mo. Teach them the value of hard work and money.”
Life in Sta. Ana, he said, was the best time of his childhood days. His favorite hangout in Sta. Ana is Plaza Hugo, where he would always play basketball with his peers.
Did he imagine that he’ll become a popular star someday? “Ay, oo. Noong nagtitinda ako ng ice cream sabi ko siguro magiging sikat ako. Hawak ko ang bibingka, sabi ko ‘Cesar Montano ako paglaki,’” he guffawed. “Hindi ko akalaing maiisip ko ‘yon.”
Cesar is proud of his roots. “Siyempre. Dahil hindi ka magiging ganito ngayon, kung hindi ka magiging proud sa pinagdaanan mo. To be able to spend your life in your own way is a success in itself,” he ended.
(Based on the published feature article in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)
Featured photos: Courtesy of Jose Ariel Rivera FB page, Ogie Alcasid FB page, and Cesar Montano FB page
Century Tuna is changing the game when it comes to the fan meet experience. Be part of the story with Park Seo Jun July 12, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Think you’ve seen a fan meet like this before? Think again.
On July 12, Century Tuna transforms Araneta Coliseum into a full-scale PSJ experience—where every corner feels like a scene, and you’re no longer just a fan watching from the sidelines. You’re part of the story! Fit of Any Role: The Ultimate Fan Fest is your chance to see Park Seo Jun step out of the screen and into an all-access world made just for his fans. Bolder and ProteinFit-powered for bigger fan energy! This anything but ordinary event reinvents the fan meet experience with immersive activities that bring you closer to your #CenturyTunaOppa in the most exciting (and kilig!) ways possible.
We’re talking interactive booths, on-stage games, exclusive interviews, exclusive merch, fun freebies, and so much more—all only experienced in this once in a lifetime event. Ready to play and pose with your favorite oppa? Century Tuna is giving fans the full K-fan fantasy with fun relay games onstage, maybe with the one and only PSJ.
But wait—there’s more (cue excited fangirl scream). You’ll also get full access to themed activity booths made for every type of stan. Snag exclusive PSJ tuna recipes straight from his kitchen. Take on fun fitness challenges inspired by PSJ’s workout. Lights, camera, click!
Say hello to your main character energy and be there—exactly right there, in a mini movie set with your PSJ-signature poses. And just like a #ProteinFit superstar, imagine walking on a Walk of Fame where you literally step into iconic roles and snap star-worthy photos. It’s one day, one stage, and one leading man at the center of it all. Whether you fell for him in Itaewon Class, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, or Fight for My Way, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and live out that PSJ moment—no edits, no pause button.
Korean star Choi Bo Min is set to make his Philippine debut through the series Beauty Empire. He was actually in the Philippines last March 2025 for a contract signing with Universal Records and GLXY Talent Management, and to also shoot for Beauty Empire, a series produced by GMA, Viu, and CreaZion Studios.
Recently, it was his co-stars’ turn to go meet him in South Korea to shoot some scenes over there. Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, and Aaron Maniego reunited with the Korean actor, who also acted as a tour guide, showing them around.
Apart from scenes for the series, the cast members have been shooting a lot of content while in Korea. For example, there is a video of Bo Min and Kyline revealing the natural chemistry between the co-stars. There is also a viral video of Bo Min and Barbie doing a dance challenge aboard a train; uploaded on the Facebook page of GMA Public Affairs, it has already generated over 6.7 million views, showing that people are excited about the Bo Min-Barbie pairing for Beauty Empire.
There is definitely a lot to be excited about when it comes to Beauty Empire, a series about the rivalry among powerful women in the cutthroat beauty industry. Starring talented actors like Ruffa Gutierrez, Gloria Diaz, Sam Concepcion, and Sid Lucero, this marks Korean star Choi Bo Min’s Philippine debut, partnering him with Kapuso actresses Barbie Forteza and Kyline Alcantara.
Still currently in production, Beauty Empire will premiere soon on Viu before it makes its debut on GMA.
From her iconic looks to her entrepreneurial spirit, she captivated the youth at a young age, paving the way for countless fashion enthusiasts. Jolina wasn’t just a style icon; she was a trailblazer who inspired a generation to embrace their individuality and creativity.
Currently, Jolina is enjoying a successful career in showbiz. She actively hosts the TV show “Magandang Buhay” on ABS-CBN while also working on movies. Jolina is now a mother and is married to Mark Escueta. Over the past 35 years, she has established herself as a talented singer, actress, TV personality, and an entrepreneur.
