On April 29, 2026, the Voices of the Pipol have been part of the celebration, as Village Pipol Magazine, PiPOL mgZn, and RED Entertainment delivered the awards night of the 7th edition of the VP Choice Awards, an annual award-giving body organized by these three entities. The 7th VPCA is for the benefit of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, the animal welfare organization chosen as the advocacy partner and official beneficiary for this year.
On the day when the awards night took place at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, the DRPS PHCA made a special coverage on Facebook and X/Twitter accounts that provided timely updates on the awardees’ appearances, in terms of celebrities and the people behind every business, who were nominated, and later awarded, with a VPCA Obelisk trophy.
It is the first time that the VP Choice Awards night has been delivered on DRPS PHCA’s social media accounts, since the award-giving body launched in 2019, through DRPS PHCA Free Live, and the second award-giving ceremony-related event to deliver on our pages, after the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival’s Gabi ng Parangal.
DRPS PHCA Free Live is a time-to-time live pictorial coverage service available on DRPS PHCA’s social media accounts, introduced in 2024, which delivers timely updates about the biggest events on Philippine Television, expanding to include awarding ceremonies in late 2025. The service was previously known for Star Magical Prom 2024, Star Magic Hot Summer 2024, Star Magical Christmas 2024 and 2025, GMA Gala 2024 and 2025, ABS-CBN Ball 2025, and the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025.
With PAWS and online votes through Facebook Stars sent to any of the reels published on Village Pipol, PiPOL mgZn, and VPCA’s Facebook pages, your vote made a significant choice and helped in combating animal cruelty, as a donation cheque from the award-giving body, worth PHP 100,000.00, has been given to the beneficiary partner.
Additionally, Choicely, the 7th VPCA’s co-presentor, made a powerful, yet secure voting experience for the nominees of the 7th VP Choice Awards, as well as the Pi-POLL Choice 2025’s Face (Teen and Adult, Male and Female) and Sexiest (Male and Female) of the Year, done on a four-batch basis, with voting done monthly from mid-August to mid-December 2025, towards the Final 20 nominees of each batch of the award category on January 15, 2026, to February 14, 2026. Choicely served as the official voting partner for the VP Choice Awards app, downloadable on Google Play and App Store, or via the Web Voting Portal.
The live pictorial coverage from DRPS PHCA Free about the 7th VP Choice Awards on the DRPS PHCA’s Facebook and X/Twitter accounts was a success, with an overall, combined impression count of over 734,300, according to data from both Facebook and X/Twitter for DRPS PHCA’s accounts of each social media platform, for the period of April 29 and 30, 2026 (count includes those that are not related to the 7th VP Choice Awards).
For the complete list of winners in the 7th VP Choice Awards, please refer to their blog post on the Village Pipol Magazine website. The DRPS PHCA wishes to congratulate all the winners and newly named Hall of Famers in the 7th VP Choice Awards.
Village Pipol Magazine and PiPOL mgZn organize the VP Choice Awards, and it is produced by RED Entertainment.
Entertaining for Kapamilyas
The Chambermaid’s Daughter, no. 1 on iWant, ASAP XP, moves its timeslot to 17:30 from May 17, 2026
A few days after the release of all 30 episodes of the first vertical drama produced by ABS-CBN Studios, The Chambermaid’s Daughter, headlined by “GeLex”, the pairing of BGYO’s Gelo Rivera and Alexa Ilacad, took over in the number one spot among shows on iWant in the Philippines.
The said vertical drama was the first of its kind in ABS-CBN Studios, joining a vast library of iWant’s vertical drama lineup, along with A Mother’s Vengeance, Runaway Love, Shadow CEO, The Heiress Deception, I Am Your Daughter, When Brothers Fall, and The Billionaire Swap. This marked the delivery of quality entertainment content in the form of microdramas, told through short, easy-to-watch episodes designed for quick viewing.
Apart from the microdrama’s leadership on iWant, the first five episodes on the ABS-CBN Facebook page drew about 5 million combined video views. Among these is the most-watched 4th episode of the vertical drama, which has drawn over 3.7 million video views since its premiere.
The synopsis of the series follows that Hannah Montano (Alexa), a hotel room attendant who is often overlooked, until Korean executive Daniel Jeon (Gelo) hires her as his private Tagalog tutor, setting off a chain of events that changes her life and leads to an unexpected romance.
The first five episodes of The Chambermaid’s Daughter are available for streaming via the iWant app, its YouTube channel, and on ABS-CBN’s Facebook page. The other 25 of the 30 total episodes are available exclusively via iWant through subscription plans, priced at PHP 35 (Basic) or PHP 119 (Premium) per month in the Philippines, or for Kapamilyas abroad, USD 12.99 in the United States, CAD 9.99 in Canada, and USD 4.99 a month elsewhere (or equivalent currency).
Furthermore, ABS-CBN Studios has recently released its official licensed sticker packs of the iWant microdrama, available for purchase via Wimzi’s Shopee marketplace and its official website, which highlight the memorable lines and visuals from the trending iWant series. Fans of “GeLex” can relive their favorite lines and emotions through the sticker packs and bundles made possible through this exclusive collaboration between ABS-CBN and Wimzi.
Meanwhile, just weeks ahead of the upcoming live concert for ASAP XP, taking place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, situated in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City, scheduled for May 10, 2026, at 12:00 (Show 1) and 19:00 (Show 2), last Saturday (May 2, 2026), as announced in a teaser for the Kapamilya Musical Variety Show, it will air the final broadcast on the noontime timeslot, on the same day as the event.
As a result of this announcement, on May 17, 2026, ASAP XP, which will air a portion of the said live event, will broadcast on a new timeslot of 17:30. At the time of making this post, ABS-CBN did not announce the full programming schedule beginning that date, and will share some programming changes on the DRPS PHCA in the future.
The two shows of the ASAP XP will feature a star-studded performance that ASAP delivered on-air and online, including AC Bonifacio, Alexa Ilacad, Angeline Guinto, Bamboo, Carmelle Collado, Darren Espanto, Elha Nympha, Erik Santos, Esang de Torres, Fyang Smith, Gary Valenciano, Gela Atayde, Jameson Blake, Jane de Leon, Jarren Garcia, Jason Dy, Jeremy Glinoga, JM dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, JM Ibarra, JM Yosures, Jona, Kai Montinola, KD Estrada, Khimo Gumatay, Klarisse de Guzman, Kyla, Maki (1st show only), Martin Nievera, Maymay Entrata, Mayonnaise (2nd show only), Regine Velasquez-Alcasod, Reiven Umali, Sofronio Vasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, P-Pop Groups BGYO, BINI, and DNA, and many others.
At the moment, the tickets for the 1st and 2nd shows of ASAP XP are almost sold out, with the General Admission tickets for both shows and the Upper Box tickets for the 2nd show still available for purchase via Ticketnet Online and Box Office outlets.
However, following the announcement that ASAP will move to a primetime timeslot, after 31 years, which will continue to air on Sundays, rumors on social media said that the noontime variety show of ABS-CBN, It’s Showtime, will also air on Sundays, alongside Mondays through Saturdays, on May 17, 2026.
Following these rumors, It’s Showtime responded that it will continue to air from Monday to Saturday at 12:00, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, ALLTV2, A2Z, GMA, Kapuso Stream, and iWant, and not occupy the former timeslot assigned to ASAP on Sundays, as it reads in an art card, “Sundays: Pahinga po kami”.
Additionally, the days following our Fake News Alert debunking about the XP in ASAP XP would stand for “Xtra Pamamaalam,” which was claimed by the Facebook Page of Tele News, which was later renamed as Media Watch PH, another post had claimed that the former timeslot of ASAP will be replaced with an upcoming “Sunday noontime show” titled “SaLinggo Na Sila”. It also claimed that the upcoming show will feature Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo, Archie Alemana, Pokwang, Alvin Aragon, Amy Perez, Agot Isidro, Mura, and Dagul.
The Facebook post about “SaLinggo Na Sila” replacing the former timeslot of ASAP is not true, and ABS-CBN did not announce it on their official social media accounts or on the ABS-CBN Corporate Press Releases website. Additionally, some of the celebrities he claimed from the post are from GMA (including Sparkle) and TV5 (including Star Worx), and not from ABS-CBN (including Star Magic). Amy Perez, however, appears on It’s Showtime as a co-host.
Thus, the news that Media Watch PH (otherwise known as Prok Noy and Tele News) is false and misleading. Only trust the official social media pages of ABS-CBN (i.e., ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN PR, ASAP XP, etc.) and its Corporate Press Releases website for accurate information about the Kapamilya network and its future offerings and announcements.
What’s happening on GMA Prime shows
Encantadia’s YouTube Channel received 2 YT Play Buttons, The Master Cutter, premieres May 11
Earlier, before the highly anticipated finale of Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, that aired on GMA on May 8, 2026, at 20:00 (after 24 Oras, on GMA Prime block), the online reach via YouTube marked a significant digital milestone, when its channel (@EncantadiaGMA) surpassed one million subscribers (1.47 million as of this writing), earning the Gold Play Button (1 million subscribers) and Silver Play Button (100 thousand subscribers) Creator Awards from the video-sharing platform.
The official YouTube channel of the iconic fantasy primetime series on GMA, managed by GMA New Media, serves as a hub for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes features, and extended storytelling, which provides a more immersive viewing experience beyond television for fans.
The new-gen Sang’gres, led by Bianca Umali (Sang’gre Terra), Angel Guardian (Sang’gre Deia), and Kelvin Miranda (Sang’gre Adamus), together with Rhian Ramos (Mitena), received these two Play Buttons from YouTube during the recently held Sang’gre Finale Media Conference on April 30, 2026.
Meanwhile, GMA Entertainment Group is set to redefine the action with the highly anticipated action-drama series, The Master Cutter, headlined by the award-winning TV and film actor Dingdong Dantes, marking his grand return to a leading primetime role. Set to premiere on May 11, 2026, the lead star will step into a gripping and complex role that showcases his remarkable range as an actor, honed over almost three decades in the industry.
The primetime drama follows the story of Anthony “Atoy” Padua (Dingdong), a highly skilled Scout Ranger who decided to have a quiet life as a tailor while secretly working as a man-hunter and tracker-for-hire. Behind the closed doors of his tailoring shop, Atoy becomes the go-to person for people seeking justice, hunting down criminals, or even recovering stolen prized game cocks.
Haunted by the tragic passing of his girlfriend, Elaine (Max Collins), Atoy attempts to rebuild his life and rekindle his relationship with his father by taking over the family business. But just as he begins to find his footing, he encounters a case that could change his life forever.
Blending family-centered, lighthearted drama with pulse-pounding action, The Master Cutter will prove that every cut tells a story–every week brings a new experience worth watching.
Apart from Dingdong and Max, Shuvee Etrata (Tonet), Sienna Stevens (Ibyang), Jo Berry (Ame), Paolo Contis (Red), Tonton Gutierrez (Dmitri), Joey Marquez (Delfin), Polo Ravales (Paldo), Ketchup Eusebio (Emerson), Max Eigenmann (Martina), Rio Locsin (Cita), and Sparkle stars Charlie Fleming, Prince Carlos, and Anthony Constantino will join in this star-studded action series.
Directed by Dominic Zapata, The Master Cutter is set to deliver a cinematic blend of intense action and emotionally charged storytelling.
The Master Cutter will premiere on May 11, 2026, on GMA, GTV, Kapuso Stream, and GMA Play, replacing Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre on its 20:00 timeslot.
PBB Housemates Update
Almost Us, now showing, Love Is Never Gone, now out, Carmelle’s Morena, now streaming
May 6, 2026, marks the premiere day of the highly anticipated romantic film, topbilled by Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 alums JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, Almost Us (MTRCB Film Rating: PG), directed by Dan Villegas. The Regal Entertainment-Project 8 Projects produced film began showing across 165 cinemas in the Philippines.
It is the first movie lead pairing between JM and Fyang, and their third film to appear in cinemas, after My Love Will Make You Disappear (with Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino) and the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival entry film Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins (2025 episode, co-starred with PBB Gen 11 ex-housemate Dylan Yturralde, among several casts from that episode, along with 1775 and 2050).
The casts of the film, along with most of the celebrities, PBB Gen 11 ex-housemates, including Therese Villamor, Dingdong Bahan, Patrick Ramirez, Jan Silva, Gwen Montano, Dylan Yturralde, Binsoy Namoca, JP Cabrera, and Kolette Madelo, appeared in the film’s Grand Premiere Night, held yesterday, at the SM Megamall Cinema 2. The people and moviegoers have spoken positively about the film, with reviews on social media and the Internet.
Additionally, JM and Fyang also appeared in SM Mall of Asia, SM City Molino, and Robinsons General Trias for their ticket-selling event on May 3, 2026. The two screenings for Almost Us at the SM Mall of Asia sold out their tickets at the time this ticket-selling event happened.
Team JMFyang Official, the fanbase of the said love team, also announced that it will have 61 block screenings of the film, led by its affiliates, sponsors, and chapters. The fandom also announced that the guests for the grand launch for Almost Us are Archie Roquero, Patrick Fresno, Sachzna Laparan, Owy Posadas, Julie Fortes, Rhanzelle, Lantis Espiritu, Melissa Enriquez, The Aguinaldos, Meiko Montefalco, DJ Jhai Ho, Celine Nobleza, Yesha, JC, Via, Alicia, Arvin, and Kenaniah.
Earlier, on April 29, 2026, the 7th Village Pipol Choice Awards (VPCA) announced that JM and Fyang received one of each two awards, one for Breakthrough Movie of the Year for JM’s Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana, and the other for the Breakthrough Star of the Year for Fyang.
Regal Entertainment also announced that it earned a first-day gross sales of over PHP 5 million, while the production entity will continue to add more screenings of Almost Us in other parts of the Philippines.
Furthermore, fans of JM and Fyang, played by the respective roles of Ronnie Manalang and Raya Verona, will experience a touch of kilig via Prime Video, for Love Is Never Gone, headlined by Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi, together with Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza, Michael de Mesa, Epy Quizon, Dina Bonnevie, JC Alcantara, Rans Rifol, Kiko Matos, Argel Saycon, Heart Ramos, Alex Medina, Benj Manalo, Carlo San Juan, Ara Mina, and Irma Adlawan.
In a teaser video published on May 1, 2026, via the social media accounts of Prime Video Philippines, you might also have seen another PBB Gen 11 ex-housemate appear in the upcoming Prime Video Original, especially the familiar voices that say, “Sa likod ng pay parking for rich and privileged people!”, accompanied by a fight between the said star and Raya.
In fact, if you heard the voice or saw this ex-housemate appear in “Love Is Never Gone,” then that was Kanata Tapia, according to what we’ve seen in the video and the comments on the Instagram and TikTok posts of the said teaser. It would be her first “Kontrabida” role since she debuted as the Lola-Ving Apo in PBB Gen 11, and the second series to appear, following her previous act as Chiyaki in “Tropang G.O.A.T”. The said scene will be shown in the third episode of the series via Prime Video.
Love Is Never Gone, filmed in Morocco, is the second PBB Gen 11-starred series on Prime Video, following Saving Grace, where Kai Montinola portrayed the teenage version of Mary Grace Banaag in the finale episode. The original series premiered last Friday, May 8, 2026, and took over the number one spot in Prime Video Philippines’ most-watched shows.
Citing that Kanata will be part of the series, it is also not the first time that it features another PBB Gen 11 ex-housemates along with JMFyang, because the first one was Ghosting, where, apart from JMFyang as the lead stars, JP Cabrera, Joli Alferez, and Jan Silva also appeared as guest characters.
Additionally, Kanata Tapia would also be the second PBB Gen 11 ex-housemate to tap for a “Kontrabida” role, following Jan Silva, who appeared as a school bully against Louisa Soria (played by Mutya Orquia) in a Kapamilya primetime series, What Lies Beneath.
Meanwhile, just a few days ahead of an upcoming concert taking place at the SM North EDSA Skydome on May 17, 2026, Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 ex-housemate, dubbed as the Riles Diva of Camarines Sur, and Polaris artist Carmelle Collado, known as a contestant of The Voice Kids Philippines Season 4 under Kamp Kawayan of Bamboo, and the first grand champion of It’s Showtime’s singing reality show Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown Season 1, turns up the confidence with her first original solo offering, “Morena,” the first single following her PBB journey.
The empowering pop-dance track emphasizes the importance of loving one’s skin and championing Filipina beauty, as the track title implies. Jonathan Manalo, the creatives, content, and operations head of ABS-CBN Music, produces and composes this latest single, co-written with Star Music artists Jeremy Glinoga and WRIVE Members Russu Laurente, Ishiro Incapas, and Asi Gatdula.
Furthermore, the Star Music artist will prove her status as a new-gen pop diva in “CARMELLE LIVE!” happening on May 17 at the SM North EDSA Skydome, the first solo event since she debuted as a singer, following her appearance in several United States and Canada tours for “Love, KimPau,” headlined by Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino.
On May 6, 2026, all the tickets for “CARMELLE LIVE!” have been sold out at SM Tickets outlets and its website. The said event offered a soundcheck access add-on, priced at PHP 299, available for purchase on the said SM Tickets platforms. The “CARMELLE LIVE!” will also feature Jarren Garcia, Anton Vinzon, It’s Showtime’s Baby Dolls, WRIVE, and Lyka Estrella.
Carmelle Collado previously released her cover singles Maalaala Mo Kaya (with Sofronio Vasquez, used as the official theme song of the Saturday anthology drama series of the same name since 2025, upon its return for the 31st season of the show) and Stay. The artist also participated in the anniversary single series of prolific composer Soc Villanueva, where she performed Unti-Unti with Kevin Yadao.
Carmelle will also appear in ASAP XP, taking place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tomorrow, May 10, 2026, a week before “CARMELLE LIVE!” performance at the SM North EDSA Skydome.
The DRPS PHCA is always online, anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Threads, and Instagram for updates. Visit DRPSPHCA.com/Blog for more blog content like this. You can also support DRPS PHCA by donating via Buy Me a Coffee or Ko-fi.
© 2026 DRPS Philippine Commercial Archives (DRPS PHCA). All Rights Reserved. PHCA CID: PHCA-2026H1-6725/May 9, 2026.
