ABS-CBN Franchise Renewal, for real in 2025? (January 7)

On January 7, 2025, Congressional Representative for Albay Joey Salceda filed a bill to issue a 25-year renewal of the broadcast franchise to ABS-CBN Corporation, which shut all of their TV (free-to-air analog and digital) and Radio (AM and FM) operations nationwide on May 5, 2020, following the expiration of the 1995 franchise.

It came to light that the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, during deliberations on the network’s franchise renewal in the House, certified that the grantee did not violate the ownership restrictions and had no pending tax liabilities. Although ABS-CBN was not aware of this filing, including that of other congressional representatives (Gabriel Bordado Jr., Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Raoul Manuel, Johnny Pimentel, and Rufus Rodriguez), who had also filed similar renewals, the network agreed to their contributions.

On January 13, 2025, the franchise renewal bill passed the first reading. In later days, Congress tackled all the franchise bills. On February 5, 2025, a briefing by the House of Representatives was held involving the ABS-CBN Franchise Renewal, in light of the Philippine Competition Commission’s report on the alleged high market concentration in the broadcast industry. The current competition landscape, according to the PCC, has caused potential harm to competition because the dominant players may deny individual and small content producers access to airtime, otherwise known as input foreclosure, as well as making it difficult to enter the content production market, which limits the number of program choices available for the viewers.

Currently, GMA Network, ABS-CBN’s competitor, according to the PCC, has a market share of approximately 92.82% with total revenue of over P19.2 billion. The other TV Network, i.e., TV5, had a 4.07% market share, while CNN Philippines (now known as RPTV on February 1, 2024) had a share of 2.14%, and A2Z had a 0.30% share, with other channels having a lower market share.

ABS-CBN will continue to provide its shows on-air even without a franchise, and the network’s officials decided not to file a new legislative franchise.

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition (January 27)

On January 24, 2025, PBB announced that “Big News” would be revealed on January 27, 2025, which was shared on their social media accounts right after the airing of Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11’s “Big 4Ever” spin-off show, signalling the possible airing of the reality show on GMA Network.

On the day of the announcement through a contract signing event, the reality show revealed that Pinoy Big Brother would be broadcast on GMA Network, under the title “Celebrity Collab Edition”, which features several Kapuso (Sparkle) and Kapamilya (Star Magic) stars as contestants (“Housemates”) inside the Big Brother house, staying inside. At the same time, he gives several tasks to them.

This edition of PBB was a collaboration between ABS-CBN, the Philippine owner of the Big Brother Franchise (developed by Endemol/Banijay), and GMA Network, the country’s leading television and radio network, along with their respective talent agencies, Sparkle-GMA Artist Center and Star Magic.

On March 9, 2025, the season premiered, with fifteen celebrity housemates, eight (8) from Sparkle (Ashley Ortega, AZ Martinez, Charlie Fleming, Dustin Yu, Josh Ford, Michael Sager, Mika Salamanca, and Will Ashley) and seven (7) from Star Magic (AC Bonifacio, Brent Manalo, Esnyr Ranollo, Kira Balinger, Klarisse de Guzman, Ralph de Leon, and River Joseph), entering the house, along with Ivana Alawi, the first-ever houseguest of the season. Weeks after the premiere, the other five Sparkle and Star Magic housemates entered, including Shuvee Etrata, Xyriel Manabat, Emilio Daez, Bianca de Vera, and Vince Maristela.

Campaigning for 2025 Midterm Polls (February 11)

On February 11, 2025, the campaigning period for the 2025 Midterm Elections began. It ran until May 10, 2025, when all candidates for this election would campaign through on-site campaigning, political advertisements on television and radio, and printed campaign paraphernalia (i.e., print ads, stickers, etc.).

In Philippine Television, the first political TV ads from the candidates appeared on-air during commercial breaks. They were later shared publicly on DRPS One Channel’s YouTube, Facebook, and X/Twitter accounts, as part of the DRPS PHCA’s launch of “Politicalism 2025”.

On the first day of campaigning, senatorial candidates Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Vicente Sotto III, Lito Lapid, Rodante Marcoleta, and the party-list group 1PACMAN aired their campaign ads on television networks, including TV5, GMA, and several ABS-CBN channels that are owned by them (i.e., ANC, Kapamilya Channel), and are affiliated with them (i.e., A2Z, TV5, ALLTV, and Prime Media). Several days later, more candidates aired their political ads as well, which include senatoriables Abby Binay, Bam Aquino, Ben Tulfo, Ronald dela Rosa, and party-list group AKBAYAN.

In Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.’s campaign ad, which aired on television, it involves the Republic Acts he authored and sponsored, such as the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, the Kabalikat Sa Pagtuturo Act, the Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death, and Marriage Act, the Expanded Centenarians Act, and the Motorcycle Helmet Act.

The Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate comprises the following candidates: Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, Francis Tolentino, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Ping Lacson, Erwin Tulfo, Vicente Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Manny Pacquiao, and Camille Villar.

The DuterTEN senatorial slate comprises the following candidates: Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, Jimmy Bondoc, Jayvee Hinlo, Raul Lambino, Doc Marites Mata, Apollo Quiboloy, Vic Rodriguez, and Phillip Ipe Salvador.

The Kiko-Bam senatorial slate comprises the following candidates: Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, streamed by 1 Million PCV (February 21)

Within the period of February 17 to 21, 2025, it was proved that FPJ’s Batang Quiapo continued to rise in peak concurrent viewership record of more than 800K, three episodes in a row (two of them, from February 18 and 19) breached an another all-time high record, with the most recent, February 21, 2025 episode, entitled “Mag-Ama”, broke once again, this time for reaching 1,004,554 of Kapamilyas online, all are from Kapamilya Online Live, via ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube Channel.

This is not the first time ABS-CBN has reached more than a million in peak concurrent viewers since introducing Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube and Facebook, although it is the first time for 2025. The most current all-time high peak concurrent viewership record since KOL’s launch was approximately 2.26 million Kapamilyas who tuned in to the “Final Stage at the Big Night” Live Broadcast of Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 last October 26, 2024.

In terms of TV Ratings provided by Kantar Media and Nielsen NUTAM Research (combined, same timeslot), the “Mag-Ama” Episode of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo was voted by 26.3% and 18.5%, respectively, compared to Lolong’s respective ratings of 13.8% and 7.4%. The most-watched primetime drama premiered on television on February 13, 2023, and continued to gain popularity both on-air and online.

The episode of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo aired last February 21, 2025, was a hit among netizens as it spawned multiple reaction videos on social media showing their enthusiasm for the blow-by-blow fight showdowns and intense revelations, while they have also expressed their excitement over the impending team-up of Tanggol and Ramon, as a teaser showed the duo gearing up for another intense battle.

Former Pres. Duterte, Arrested, recent developments (March 11)

On March 11, 2025, amidst the campaigning for the 2025 Midterm Polls, Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (dubbed as “Rody”) was arrested for his alleged crimes against humanity. He was sent to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

Despite his pending cases involving the war on drugs that raised controversies in the country, and citing that he was a mayoral candidate in Davao City (Davao del Sur), about 662,630 people voted for him, against Karlo Alexei Nograles, who received 80,852 votes.

On November 28, 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber unanimously rejected all three grounds for interim release. The Duterte Family accepted the decision with “peaceful hearts”. At the same time, they will continue “to work with the defence team and to lead the former president free from jail in The Hague”, while Malacanang respects the court’s decision to reject it.

Meanwhile, supporters of the former president expressed disappointment over the ICC’s decision. In addition, the victims of families caused by the war on drugs and Human Rights Advocates had broadly welcomed the decision to reject the Interim Release of the former president.

Maalaala Mo Kaya Returns (April 24)

After almost two and a half years since the airing of the finale episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (in December 10, 2022), one of the most iconic anthology series of the Kapamilya Network that stood its viewership from the time it premiered in May 15, 1991 on then ABS-CBN, the series returned on the air on April 26, 2025, with advanced streaming available on iWantTFC.

The first episode of the 31st edition of Maalaala Mo Kaya, as a Limited Edition Series, under the title of “Apoy”, involves the life of The Voice USA Season 26 Grand Winner, Sofronio Vasquez. The casts are: Elijah Canlas, Romnick Sarmenta, Janice de Belen, Yves Flores, Lui Manasala, Dustine Mayores, and Sean Tristan. It is written by Chie Floresca and directed by Theodore Boborol.

Other episodes from this season include “Camera” (the life story of Sheena Catacutan, a member of P-Pop Group BINI), “Bahay” and “Envelope” (the story of the Maguad siblings, Gwynn and Boyboy), “Gumamela”, “SIM Card” and “Bintana” (the life story of a cyberscam operation in Myanmar), “Makeup” (the story of Hajie Alejandro and Lenie Aycardo), “Lobo”, “Medal” (the life story of Trixia Arellano, a 200-meter dash gold medalist of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa), “Trumpo” (the life story of Cardong Trumpo, a grand winner from the seventh season of Pilipinas Got Talent), “Pinto”, and “Habal-Habal” (the life story of Venerando “Andot” Ebarita Jr.)

The 32nd season of Maalaala Mo Kaya is slated to premiere in 2026 on the same streaming platform and on-air channels: iWant, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, ALLTV2, and Kapamilya Online Live. Viewers can still access these episodes of the 31st season of MMK for free (for a limited time) on iWant.

2025 Midterm Polls and the Winning Senators (May 12 and 17)

After several weeks of campaigning for all candidates, the voters decided who among the twelve senators and one party-list group would shade the circle on the ballot, including local candidates, in the May 12, 2025 Midterm Polls in the Philippines. Approximately 82.2% (voter turnout rate) of the over 69.67 million registered voters had exercised their right to vote for at least 12 senatorial, one partylist group, and various local candidates.

And as for this, according to the Final and Official results for the 2025 Elections, as provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the top twelve (12) most voted senatorial candidates are officially proclaimed as senators for the 20th Congress, which happened on its proclamation day at the Manila Hotel on May 17, 2025.

These top 12 most voted senators are namely Bong Go (27.12-M votes), Bam Aquino (20.97-M votes), Ronald Dela Rosa (20.77-M votes), Erwin Tulfo (17.11-M votes), Kiko Pangilinan (16.34-M votes), Rodante Marcoleta (15.25-M votes), Ping Lacson (15.10-M votes), Tito Sotto (14.83-M votes), Pia Cayetano (14.57-M votes), Camille Villar (13.66-M votes), Lito Lapid (13.39-M votes), and Imee Marcos (13.33-M votes).

About six (6) among of the twelve of these top voted senatorial candidates are from the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas Slate (they were Tulfo E., Lacson, Sotto, Cayetano, Villar C., and Lapid), while three (3) of them are from the DuterTEN Slate (Go, Dela Rosa, and Marcoleta), two of them are from the Kiko-Bam Slate, in which both Pangilinan and Aquino B. are part of the magic 12, and only one from the Nacionalista slate, which is Marcos R. (which is a guest candidate from the DuterTEN + 2 Slate).

For Partylist Groups, AKBAYAN (2.77-M votes), DUTERTE YOUTH (2.33-M votes), TINGOG (1.82-M votes), and 4PS (1.46-M votes) will win three seats this 20th Congress. Apart from these partylist groups, ACT-CIS and AKO BICOL will also win two seats for having a respective vote count of 1.23-M and 1.07-M, respectively, and the rest will also win one seat, including newly entered partylist groups like SOLID NORTH PARTY, PPP, ML, FPJ PANDAY BAYANIHAN, and others.

However, the COMELEC suspended Duterte Youth’s proclamation of winning three seats in Congress due to some pending disqualification cases, including one from 2019. Additionally, the BH (Bagong Henerasyon) Partylist was also suspended from proclaiming, also due to their pending cases. The said party-list group received 0.77% of the votes, equivalent to 315,937 votes, winning only one seat in the Congress.

The COMELEC proclaimed Bagong Henerasyon with one seat on June 5, following the dismissal of the disqualification case against the party-list group; however, for Duterte Youth, with a vote of 2-1, the commission’s second division cancelled its registration, while the en banc counterpart affirms the decision to disqualify with a vote of 5-1. As a result, the three seats that were supposed to be allocated for Duterte Youth were replaced with one seat each for the winning party-list groups: Abono, Ang Probinsyano, and Murang Kuryente.

GMA and TAPE Controversy (May 22)

In an official statement of GMA Network issued on May 22, 2025, it stated that they have filed a criminal complaint for estafa with abuse of confidence against the officers of Television and Production Exponents, the company behind their former noontime show that aired on GMA 7, Tahanang Pinakamasaya (formerly known as Eat Bulaga! until January 5, 2024), for the cause of misappropriation of funds amounting to PHP 37,941,352.56.

The statement said that it filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, which involves the following executives of TAPE as respondents – Romeo Jalosjos, Jr. (former President and CEO), Romeo Jalosjos, Sr. (Chairman of the Board), Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos (Treasurer), Malou Choa-Fagar (former COO and current President and CEO), Michaela Magtoto (former Senior Vice President for Finance), and Zenaida Buenavista (Finance Consultant).

While GMA Network is pursuing legal action to hold the responsible officers accountable and to recover the said misappropriated amount, the complaint stems from the respondent’s failure to remit revenues from advertising collected from clients, which had been contractually assigned to GMA under a 2023 Assignment Agreement, even the funds were not transferred to them for the purpose of using the operational expenses of TAPE, which resulted as a violation of the trust arrangement as stated in their agreement between GMA and TAPE, amidst their multiple formal demands.

Before this, TAPE has been criticized for issues involving the Eat Bulaga trademarks used by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, which were seen on air through TV5 in 2023. Their noontime show, “Tahanang Pinakamasaya,” ended on March 8, 2024, following a mutual agreement to call off the show.

Return of DZMM Teleradyo and Radyo Patrol 630 (May 29)

The well-loved AM Radio Station of the Kapamilya Network, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, returns on May 29, 2025, at 20:00, after the airing of TV Patrol, as well as the return of DZMM Teleradyo on TV and Online Platforms.

This return came as part of their rebranding from their former names, DWPM Radyo 630, owned by the Philippine Collective Media Corporation (PCMC), and Teleradyo Serbisyo, Media Serbisyo Production’s content provider for DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, which is also seen on TV.

The sounds that they always heard when DZMM was heard on the radio on the 630 KHz AM under ABS-CBN before (until when it halted it’s airwaves on May 5, 2020 as a result of the ABS-CBN Shutdown and Franchise expiration), apart from their thrust of “Una sa Balita, Una sa Public Service” (transl. First in News, First in Public Service), will be heard again, especially in the new generation of today.

The well-known radio anchors and personalities of the Kapamilya Network, which was known for, including Noli de Castro, Charo Santos-Concio, Doris Bigornia, and Alvin Elchico, will also be part of the round-the-clock programming lineup of this station as well, through the radio airwaves, on Digital Free to Air, on Pay TV, and online.

DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM Teleradyo also aired a simulcast of ABS-CBN News’ flagship news program TV Patrol.

Encantadia Returns, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo continues (June 16)

Note: This is taken from the DRPS PHCA Free Newsletter for June 21-27, 2025. Parts of which are modified.

After eight years and a month from the time when a well-known fantasy TV Series on GMA Network, Encantadia (the 2016 version), aired it’s finale episode last May 19, 2017, the Filipino fantasy franchise returns once again, as GMA premiered the much-awaited Encantadia Chronicles, Sang’gre last June 16, 2025, while ABS-CBN, continued to air FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, the competitor of that series, when Coco Martin, the Primetime King playing the lead role of Tanggol, hits the start of his political era, marking the beginnings of “Tagapag-Tanggol ng Pagbabago”, wherein he begins his campaign for Mayor in Manila, with a new theme song and a new poster featuring Tanggol in a heroic-like pose.

For the number of TV Ads based on the data from our DRPS PHCA TV Ad Listings, on our first day of the countings between Sang’gre and FPJ’s Batang Quiapo last June 16, 2025, the DRPS PHCA TV Ad Listings had counted about 36 TV Commercials on GMA for Sang’gre (where the first gap had aired 9 TV Ads, then the second gap had 10, the third gap had 9, and the fourth and final gap had 8), when compared with FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, where it aired 113 TV Ads on Kapamilya Channel, 82 TV Ads on A2Z, and 85 TV Ads on TV5 (39+36+37 on KapCha, 29+26+27 on A2Z, and 30+27+28 on TV5).

On the remaining weeks of our countings, for Sang’gre on GMA, among all of the four commercial gaps that we have counted through our DRPS PHCA TV Ad Listings, the June 17, 2025 episode aired 24 TV Ads, then on June 18, 2025 episode, it had 28, the June 19, 2025 episode aired 25 TV Ads, and on June 20, 2025, it aired 28 TV Ads. Totalling all of our five-day TV Ad Counting period, it aired 141 TV Commercials during the commercial breaks of Sang’gre on GMA, within that time period.

For FPJ’s Batang Quiapo on ABS-CBN Network, the Coco Martin-led TV Series, for the June 17, 2025 episode aired about 88 TV Ads on Kapamilya Channel, 57 TV Ads on A2Z, and 61 TV Ads on TV5, then on the June 18, 2025 of it, it aired 91/59/64 TV Ads (note the Ad Loads of Kapamilya Channel/A2Z/TV5 formatting of each numbers), then on June 19, 2025, had 82/51/55 TV Ads, and on June 20, 2025, aired 82/49/53 TV Ads. Combining all of our five-day countings of FPJBQ from June 16 to 20, 2025, it aired 456 TV Ads on Kapamilya Channel, 298 TV Ads on A2Z, and 318 TV Ads on TV5.

Turning into the TV Ratings side, for the June 16, 2025, Nielsen NUTAM Report, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo continued its leadership in TV Ratings of 12.9% (c. Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5) if compared with the ones with Sang’gre within the Same Timeslot alone of 11.5%. This does not include the ones aired within Delayed Timeslot, wherein GTV aired the series as a “delayed encore telecast” aired at 21h40, which had a rating of 2.2%, thus combining with the ones aired on GMA will have a total of 13.7%. For the period of June 17 to 20, 2025, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo had a Same Timeslot combined rating of 13.3% vs. Sang’gre’s 10.0% (+2.1% with GTV Delayed Telecast) for the June 17, 2025 part, while for the June 18, 2025 episode, it’s been voted by 13.3% vs. 9.4% (+2.0% GTV DT), and 14.0% vs. 9.5% (2.2% GTV DT) for the June 19, 2025 episode (note: TV Ratings for the rest of it are %RTG of FPJBQ vs. %RTG of ECSG).

And when it comes to the Peak Concurrent Viewership of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo on Kapamilya Online Live, the June 16, 2025 episode was viewed by 556,704 people online (source: X/Dreamscape Entertainment via ABS-CBN Entertainment YT), compared to Sang’gre’s approx. 330,000 viewers on Kapuso Stream (source: LionhearTV via GMA Network YT), then on the June 17, 2025 episode, the Coco Martin-led series was viewed by 630,900 people than those from approx. 271,600 people have tuned in to Kapuso Stream to watch Sang’gre, and on June 18, 2025, it had 603,825 on KOL vs. 239,000 on KS. For the June 19 and 20, 2025 episodes of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, it’s been seen by about 601,417 and 623,304 of Kapamilyas online, respectively.

To sum all of these up, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo continued its leadership even as a new TV Series of GMA, like Sang’gre, defeated in their ratings and online live viewership penetration, especially on TV Ratings if done so on a combined, same timeslot basis without comparing it with Sang’gre’s airing on the delayed timeslot on GTV. When it comes to ad loads, the Primetime King’s TV Series continued to have more commercials than the ones from the 2025 TV Series from the Encantadia Kingdom.

Pinoy Big Brother Collab 1.0’s First Big Winner Duo (July 5)

Note: This is taken from the DRPS PHCA Free Newsletter for July 5-11, 2025 (Extra Edition). Parts of which are modified.

After 118 days of staying inside the house, from the entry of 20 housemates of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition (10 Sparkle and 10 Star Magic housemates) to form fifty duos within the whole edition and the entry of 22 houseguests since Day 1, until all of the 12 housemates have been evicted to create the Big 4 Duos all the way to the final evictee of this edition, which are Dustin Yu and Bianca de Vera of DusBi, a new, 19th and 20th Big Winners of Pinoy Big Brother since it’s launch in August 21, 2005 (and yes, the Filipino reality show that was based on the franchise of Big Brother, originally created by John de Mol and made possible by Banijay turns 20 this year) was named – there is none other than Brent Manalo, the Gentle-linong Hearthrob of Tarlac, and Mika Salamanca, the Controversial Ca-BABE-Len of Pampanga, who are widely known as the Final Duo name of BreKa, that shined their wonderlust purple color as a result of being the Big Winners of this edition, being voted by a combined result of 33.03% (33.46% BBS votes – 0.43% BBE Votes). As Brend and Mika are named as the Big Winners of PBB Collab, they will receive PHP 2,000,000.00 worth of cash prizes – P1,000,000.00 for each of them.

The Big Collab Charity Mission, which is backed by the reality show’s e-money and digital banking partner, Maya (which is also used for voting for a nominated housemate for eviction night, or for the Big 4 then a Big Winner in the penultimate ending of the edition, since PBB Gen 11), made a big contributions to their charity partners, GMA Kapuso Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation, for letting the housemates to save PHP 462,916.00 worth of savings, to be donated to the charity. And because of the completed tasks that involve Live Circus skills of the remaining housemates that turned into a sold-out event, the P1,000,000.00 donation will also be given to these two charity organizations.

Furthermore, the three Big Placer Duos were also announced before the declaration of the Big Winner Duos of PBB Collab. AZ Martinez and River Joseph, who are known as the Final Duo Name of AZVer, will shine in green with being the 4th Big Placer Duos, voted by 8.77% of total votes (11.54% of BBS – 2.77% of BBE), while Charlie Fleming and Esnyr Ranollo, known for the Final Duo name of CharEs, received a total vote of 22.91% (23.26% of BBS – 0.35% of BBE), and Ralph de Leon and Will Ashley of RaWi had a combined vote of 25.88% (27.03% of BBS – 1.15% of BBE). They will receive P200,000.00, P300,000.00, and P500,000.00 in cash prizes for each duo, respectively.

At the end of the show’s broadcast, the reality show is looking forward for it’s “Next Collab Edition” of Pinoy Big Brother within the second half of 2025, with the same partnership of two networks, ABS-CBN Studios, the franchise holder of Pinoy Big Brother, and GMA Network, one of the country’s leading and most watched television broadcaster, that turned 75 years old this year since DZBB was first broadcast on the AM Radio back in 1950.

iWantTFC’s rebrand as iWant (July 9)

Note: This is taken from the DRPS PHCA Free Newsletter for June 21-27, 2025. Parts of which are modified.

The Kapamilya Network’s own online streaming service, iWantTFC, was rebranded back to iWant, which boasted a brand-new graphical user interface (or GUI, pronounced as gooey) on its own mobile app (upon app update on Google Play and App Store) and website.

This new change happened on July 8, 2025 (a day before the rebrand), for the Mobile App when an app update message popped up upon the opening of the app, requiring users to install the new, latest update to take the new GUI into effect.

iWant is currently working on to add more content to the platform aside from the ones made by ABS-CBN Studios, which may include those from GMA Network, Regal Entertainment, Viva Communications, Black Sheep, ABS-CBN News, Cinema One, Metro Channel, Star Cinema, Project 8, Nathan Studios, Epic Media, Quantum Films, KreativDen, and among other content production entities, just to name a few.

iWant has offered several TV and online series to viewers and subscribers since its relaunch, with premium live channels (including Cinemo, Jeepney TV, and ABS-CBN News Channel), early access content, exclusive content, microdramas (under the “Quick Feels” brand), and original series and films available to all subscribers of any of their paid plans for just PHP 35.00 a month for their ad-supported Basic plan. Several Kapamilya shows of the past that made a revival for a new season, including Maalaala Mo Kaya and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), are also part of the platform.

Star Magic All-Star Games 2025 (July 20)

For the second time around, the Cong TV’s Anbilibabol Basketball Team remains lost against the opponent, Star Magic Shooting Stars, as seen in the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025 last July 20, 2025, organized by ABS-CBN Studios and held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with a final score of 70-73 (ANBI-STARS).

Before the basketball rematch between the two, the All-Star Games also held its two volleyball matches, the Men’s Volleyball and the Women’s Volleyball. At the end of each match, Team Smashers wins in the Men’s Volleyball against Team Aces, with a score of 2 (23-25-16)-1 (25-19-14). For Women’s Volleyball, the winning team was Lady Spikers, with a final score of 1 (25-23-11)-2 (23-25-15).

Below is the list of Star Magic Artist-Players who were named Rookie, Mythicals, and MVP for this year’s Star Magic All-Star Games 2025:

Men’s Volleyball

Winning Team: Team Smashers

Runner Up: Team Aces

Rookie: Marc Santiago

Mythical 6: Bong Gonzales, BGYO JL, BGYO Akira, Dylan Yturralde, Giles Torres, and Patrick Ramirez

MVP: Patrick Ramirez

Women’s Volleyball

Winning Team: Lady Spikers

Runner Up: Lady Setters

Rookie: Fyang Smith

Mythical 6: Reign Parani, BINI Mikha, Rain Celmar, Analain Salvador, Carmella Ford, and Janah Zaplan

MVP: Analain Salvador

Basketball

Winning Team: Shooting Stars

Runner Up: Anbilibabols

Rookie: JM Ibarra

Mythical 5: Donny Pangilinan, Argel Saycon, JV Kapunan, Nelson Mendoza, and Patrick Bernal

MVP: Argel Saycon

GMA Network Station ID 2025 (August 4)

To commemorate with the 75th year of GMA Network since it’s radio station, Super Radyo DZBB, heard on 594 KHz on the AM dial, was first signed on in 1950, the broadcaster had recently aired it’s 2025 Station ID, featuring the well-known people, newscasters and journalists, and celebrities, with a heartfelt message of “Kapuso, maraming salamat”.

Based on the theme of the network’s slogan for its 75th anniversary, “Forever One With The Filipino”, in a press release from GMA Corporate Communications, the station ID serves not only as a tribute but a heartfelt expression of gratitude and celebration of the bond between the Network and its viewers.

From its humble beginnings as a radio station to becoming the Philippines’ leading broadcast network, GMA’s journey has always been fueled by the unwavering support of its Kapuso viewers. This enduring bond takes center stage in this star-studded video.

Last August 2, 2025, the network held its GMA Gala 2025 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The gala night turned into a success with over 500 million views across all of the posts tagged with the hashtag “GMAGala2025”, according to TikTok and Tubular Labs.

It’s Showtime’s First-ever Laro Laro Pick Winner (September 22)

In a live broadcast of ABS-CBN’s noontime show aired last September 22, 2025, It’s Showtime, a factory worker who took part in their game show segment, Laro Laro Pick, named “Khen”, won a jackpot prize of PHP 650,000.00 – the show’s promise of helping their audiences in every way they need, apart from entertaining.

In the Jackpot Round part of the segment, Khen showcased confidence when he answered the final question involving the current Senate President Pro Tempore of the 20th Congress of the Philippines, who was Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, which the contestant answered without hesitation.

“Maraming salamat po sa Showtime, sa lahat ng bumubuo. Maraming-maraming salamat po makakauwi na ko sa amin,” Khen said in his final thanks to the entire It’s Showtime team for giving him the cash prize winnings in the jackpot round. The prize would help him rebuild his family and pay off his debt.

On top of this, the entire host of the noontime show, including their gap show, Showtime Online U, wear white clothing with their white ribbon around their wrists, solidifying their solidarity against corrupt officials, a day after the recent political rallies that they also appeared in the Trillion Peso March rally last September 21, 2025.

It’s Showtime continued to deliver its “Laro Laro Pick” segment to give the players a chance to win cash prizes, even for those who are in need of help.

PBB Collab 2.0 (October 25)

The intensive collaboration between the Kapuso and Kapamilya Networks continues as GMA Network and ABS-CBN Studios recently inaugurated their newest season of Pinoy Big Brother, under the title of “Celebrity Collab 2.0”, which premiered on GMA and ABS-CBN Platforms on October 25, 2025.

As part of the reality show’s 20th anniversary, this milestone builds on the phenomenal success of the first batch of celebrities, which sparked nonstop buzz among wider audiences and opened countless opportunities across TV, online, movie, and even endorsements. With deeper connections and bolder group dynamics, PBB Collab returns to redefine reality TV all over again with a mix of “Gen Z Kabataang Pinoy” featuring Sparkle Artist Center and Star Magic artists.

This season, Pinoy Big Brother welcomes a fresh batch of celebrity housemates–all born in 2005, the same year the show first aired on August 21, 2005. Two decades later, they will live inside the iconic “Bahay ni Kuya” to build meaningful connections through active social interactions while discovering themselves alongside peers their own age, igniting a strong sense of belonging.

Between October 21 and 24, 2025, the first four Star Magic and four Sparkle artists are proclaimed as housemates of Big Brother – Starting with Joaquin Arce from Muntinlupa, Sofia Pablo from Quezon City, Miguel Vergara from Antipolo City, Princess Aliyah from Bulacan, Krystal Mejes from Samar, Heath Jornales from Taguig, Carmelle Collado from Camarines Sur, and Marco Masa from Antipolo City.

Completing the experience, “Pamilya ni Kuya” – Bianca Gonzales-Intal, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Gabbi Garcia, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Enchong Dee, Alexa Ilacad, Mavy Legaspi, and the returning host joining his family, Luis Manzano, which was announced on the show’s premiere – are ready to guide, connect, and celebrate another vibrant season. The season premiered with a new version of Kabataang Pinoy, sung by BGYO and Cloud7.

And to also complete the whole Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 housemates throughout the house, the other twelve housemates joins inside – six of which are from Star Magic namely Eliza Borromeo from Cavite, Rave Victoria from Tarlac, Iñigo Jose from Parañaque, Lella Ford from Tacloban, Reich Alim from Makati, and Fred Moser from Albay, and six of them are from Sparkle, like Anton Vinzon from Baguio, Waynona Collings from Quezon City, Caprice Cayetano from Quezon City, Lee Victor from Cavite, John Clifford from Cebu, and Ashley Sarmiento from Las Piñas.

As of December 28, 2025, there are 14 PBB Collab 2.0 Housemates inside right now, six of whom have been evicted from the Big Brother house since November 15, 2025. The first two evictees of this edition are Reich Alim and Waynona Collings. However, six housemates are nominated this week – Fred Moser, Krystal Mejes, Rave Victoria, Anton Vinzon, Ashley Sarmiento, and Princess Aliyah. Two of which (one Kapuso and one Kapamilya) will be evicted by January 3, 2026, and the voting lines are still open on the Maya app until that date.

Star Magical Christmas 2025 (November 23)

Several artists from Star Magic “Sleighs the Night” at the Okada Manila on November 23, 2025, including veteran actors and actresses, Pinoy Big Brother alums, finest loveteams of today (DonBelle, FranSeth, RKane, JMFyang, LoiNie, and many more), P-Pop Groups (like BGYO, WRIVE, BINI, and DNA), singers and songwriters, and many more.

In the main part of the event, seven (7) artists have remained a part of Star Magic for about 20 years and deserve a pledge of loyalty with an award given to them. These artists include Gerald Anderson (known for Sins of the Father), Jake Cuenca (known for What Lies Beneath), Joem Bascon, Zanjoe Marudo, Sam Milby, Enchong Dee (known for being a host of Pinoy Big Brother), and Kim Chiu (also known for being a host of PBB and known for The Alibi).

Additionally, the Best Dressed Awardee of Metro Magazine was awarded to Brent Manalo and Jessy Mendiola, with Esnyr Ranollo being named as the Slayable Look of the Night, provided by the event’s sponsor, Shein, and Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin (FranSeth) were named as the Couple of the Night by Okada Manila.

Additionally, BGYO and the casts of Ghosting (JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith, Vivoree Esclito, and Zach Guerrero) shared the magic of giving as seen in their respective Share the Magic videos shown during the live streaming of the event and on Star Magic’s official YouTube Channel last November 23, 2025.

The PHP 1,000,000.00 of donations provided by Okada Foundation was given to the PGH Medical Foundation, while PHP 500,000.00 of it provided by the lending app and event’s sponsor, Billease, was donated to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation (the ABS-CBN Foundation).

ABS-CBN Shows on ALLTV2, announced (December 17)

On December 4, 2025, ABS-CBN received a notice regarding the partnership between the network and TV5 Network, Inc., the owner and operator of the TV5 channel that aired these shows through a TV Content Supply Agreement, alongside A2Z (an ABS-CBN Blocktimer, owned and operated by Zoe Broadcasting Network, Inc.), the network announced that “it will part ways very soon”.

In its statement regarding the ABS-CBN-TV5 partnership, “while ABS-CBN is doing everything for this, they can resolve this within the short time they’ve been given, the network wants to be transparent with the public about what’s happening”.

However, contrary to all media reports, the claims regarding the partnership deal between ABS-CBN and TV5 will remain “disputed”, and their obligations to TV5 Network are in the works to address their payments for transmitting their shows on the said television network. ABS-CBN also denied the claims and accusations regarding “delayed payments” due to financial constraints stemming from circumstances beyond its control.

The ABS-CBN-TV5 partnership began on January 24, 2021, through an agreement to air their shows, firstly for their Sunday noontime show ASAP, followed by the following primetime shows on the Kapamilya network at the time when this happened on March 8, 2021: FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, Walang Hanggang Paalam, and Pinoy Big Brother: Connect (for the remainder of the season’s airtime).

The network also aired its weekday noontime show, It’s Showtime, on July 16, 2022, but it lasted until June 30, 2023, when it moved to GMA Network’s sister channel, GTV, on the following day, while TV5 did also broadcast the entire season of Pinoy Big Brother under the season of Gen 11 that ran between July 20, 2024 and October 26, 2024, with its spin-off called “Big 4 Ever” was aired on December 9, 2024 to January 24, 2025, following the edition’s success with a Nielsen NUTAM Report Rating of 10.7% (combined Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5), and an all-time high concurrent online viewership record of over 2.26 million on Kapamilya Online Live.

Following this, TV5 Network issued an official statement regarding this case, stating that “their content agreement with ABS-CBN required them to remit on a timely basis, while TV5’s share of revenues they collect are from the advertisers.” The amounts collected from these shares are being held between the two networks, and have reached “such material value as to severely affect the Kapatid network’s own ability to settle all of the obligations”.

The TV5 Network repeatedly appealed to ABS-CBN, but “it failed to pay what is due”. The value of partnering with TV5 and ABS-CBN is part of the broadcast industry, and to ease the financial constraints the Kapamilya network has faced since May 5, 2020, when the government halted all TV and radio broadcast operations by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) due to the franchise expiration, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that was happening at the time.

TV5 Network, however, also faced challenges that may lead to the end of the airing of ABS-CBN’s shows, such as FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, What Lies Beneath, ROJA, ASAP, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and many others. The company needs the funds owed to it.

On December 17, 2025, TV5 Network decided to terminate the Content Agreement for ABS-CBN Shows effective January 2, 2026, thus resulting in the stop airing these programs from that date, and they shall be moved to ALLTV2. These shows that may affect this change may include: FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, Roja, What Lies Beneath, Go Ahead, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and ASAP.

Back on April 23, 2024, AMBS and ABS-CBN announced their partnership to deliver the past Kapamilya shows on ALLTV, including ABS-CBN News’ flagship primetime news program, TV Patrol, which started on May 13, 2024, under the “Jeepney TV sa ALLTV” brand. Its programming was then later expanded to It’s Showtime on June 17, 2024, and almost a year later, when Maalaala Mo Kaya made a return on-air, the channel also aired the said anthology drama, followed by Rainbow Rumble months after. But that will change beginning January 2, 2026, as Kapamilya Channel will be broadcast via ALLTV2, through a licensing agreement between ABS-CBN Corporation and Advanced Media Broadcasting System, Inc.

What the viewers are watching in 2025 on ABS-CBN

Below are the following TV Shows on ABS-CBN channels (non-GMA) that premiered on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV (delayed), TV5, ALLTV2, Kapamilya Online Live, iWant (including online dramas), and Netflix, throughout 2025. This does not include internationally-produced content and reruns of the network’s shows.

• January 18, 2025: Time To Dance
• January 20, 2025: Incognito
• January 27, 2025: How To Spot A Red Flag (on-air)
• March 3, 2025: Saving Grace, The Untold Story (on-air)
• March 29, 2025: Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7
• April 26, 2025: Maalaala Mo Kaya Season 31
• June 17, 2025: Kuan On One Season 3
• June 20, 2025: Love At First Spike
• June 23, 2025: Sins of the Father
• June 28, 2025: Idol Kids Philippines Season 1
• June 28, 2025: Rainbow Rumble Season 2 (currently airing)
• July 15, 2025: Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories Season 1
• July 16, 2025: Sparks Camp Season 3
• July 19, 2025: Ghosting Part 1
• July 21, 2025: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
• October 4, 2025: Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 4 (currently airing)
• October 20, 2025: What Lies Beneath (currently airing)
• October 24, 2025: Scene of the Crime Operatives
• October 28, 2025: Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories Season 2
• November 1, 2025: Ghosting Part 2
• November 2, 2025: TV Patrol Regional (currently airing)
• November 7, 2025: The Alibi
• November 11, 2025: AFAM Wives Club
• November 19, 2025: Benta Nights
• November 24, 2025: Roja (currently airing)
• November 25, 2025: Kuan on One Season 4

What the viewers are watching in 2025 on GMA

Below are the following TV Shows on GMA (including ABS-CBN-produced shows) that premiered throughout 2025. This does not include internationally-produced content and reruns of the network’s shows.

• January 6, 2025: Mga Batang Riles
• January 13, 2025: Princesa ng City Jail
• January 13, 2025: My Ilonggo Girl
• January 20, 2025: Lolong, Bayani ng Bayan
• February 1, 2025: Maka Seasons 2 and 3
• February 10, 2025: Binibining Marikit
• February 24, 2025: Mommy Dearest
• March 9, 2025: Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition
• March 24, 2025: Slay
• June 8, 2025: The Clash 2025
• June 16, 2025: Encantadia Chronicles, Sang’gre
• June 23, 2025: My Father’s Wife
• June 23, 2025: Sanggang Dikit FR
• June 30, 2025: Akusada
• July 7, 2025: Beauty Empire
• July 21, 2025: Cruz vs. Cruz
• September 6, 2025: Maka Lovestream
• September 14, 2025: The Voice Kids Season 7
• October 13, 2025: Hating Kapatid
• October 25, 2025: Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0

PH TV Reality Competition Wins

Below are the following reality competition winnings on Philippine Television throughout 2025.

• January 18, 2025: Carmelle Collado from Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown (It’s Showtime)
• March 1, 2025: Zeah Pala from Showtime Sexy Babe 2025 (It’s Showtime)
• April 12, 2025: Ice Almeria from Time To Dance
• April 26, 2025: Marko Rudio from Tawag ng Tanghalan: All-star Grand Resbakbakan (It’s Showtime)
• June 22, 2025: Cardong Trumpo from Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7
• July 5, 2025: Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca from Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition
• August 3, 2025: Shanen Garciso from Sing Galing Season 3
• August 17, 2025: Pepe Herrera as Foxtastic Samurai from Masked Singer Pilipinas Season 3
• September 6, 2025: Jean Jordan Abina from The Clones, Ka-Voice of the Stars (Eat Bulaga!)
• September 7, 2025: Jong Madaliday from The Clash 2025
• September 28, 2025: Alexa Mendoza from Idol Kids Philippines
• October 18, 2025: Rodjun Cruz and Dasuri Choi from Stars on the Floor
• November 8, 2025: Kent Villarba from Tawag ng Tanghalan, ika-9 na taon (It’s Showtime)
• December 4, 2025: Bjorn Morta from Tanghalan ng Kampeon Season 3 (TiktoClock)
• December 14, 2025: Sofia Mallares from The Voice Kids Season 7

Philippine Entertainment Coverages we’ve shared

Below are the following Philippine Entertainment Coverages we’ve shared via live streaming on DRPS PHCA’s social media.

• April 4, 2025: ABS-CBN Ball 2025
• June 29, 2025: GMA Beyond 75 (delayed)
• July 20, 2025: Star Magic All-Star Games
• August 2, 2025: GMA Gala 2025
• November 23, 2025: Star Magical Christmas 2025
• December 27, 2025: 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal

2025 PH Entertainment Deaths

The following notable people in Philippine Entertainment who passed away in 2025.

• January 25, 2025: Gloria Romero (b. 1933)
• April 12, 2025: Pilita Corrales (b. 1939)
• April 16, 2025: Nora Aunor (b. 1953)
• April 22, 2025: Hajji Alejandro (b. 1954)
• May 2, 2025: Ricky Davao (b. 1961)
• May 27, 2025: Freddie Aguilar (b. 1953)
• July 3, 2025: Lolit Solis (b. 1947)
• October 22, 2025: Emman Atienza (b. 2006)
• December 4, 2025: Budoy Marabiles (b. 1971)
• December 16, 2025: Jefferson Utanes (b. 1971)
• December 24, 2025: Kuhol (b. 1959)
• December 27, 2025: Jimmy Regino (b. 1969)

51st Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal

Below are the following awards of each entry film of the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival, which held its Gabi ng Parangal on December 27, 2025.

Hall of Fame Awardees
For Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos
For Best Production Design: Ericson Navarro

Stars of the Night
Male: Dustin Yu, Will Ashley
Female: Bianca de Vera

Entry Film Awardees
Best in Float: UnMarry, Manila’s Finest
Gender Sensitivity Award: Call Me Mother
Best Visual Effects: Santelmo, Inc. of Shake, Rattle & Roll – Evil Origins
Best Production Design: Digo Ricio of Manila’s Finest
Best Sound: Roy Santos of Manila’s Finest
Best Official Soundtrack: Sandalan by Vehnee Saturno from Manila’s Finest
Best in Cinematography: Raymond Red of Manila’s Finest
Best Child Performer: Lucas Andalio in Call Me Mother
Best Supporting Actress: Odette Khan in Bar Boys After School
Best Supporting Actor: Tom Rodriguez in UnMarry
Best Screenplay: Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba of UnMarry
Breakthrough Performance Awardee: Zack Sibug in UnMarry
Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: Bar Boys After School
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Memorial Award: Manila’s Finest
Best Ensemble Award: ImPerfect
Best Lead Actress: Krystel Go in ImPerfect
Best Lead Actor: Vice Ganda in Call Me Mother
Best Film Director: Director Jeffrey Jeturian of UnMarry

Best Picture Films
3rd Place: Call Me Mother, Manila’s Finest
2nd Place: UnMarry
1st Place: ImPerfect

ABS-CBN Ball 2025, Unforgettabolabolabol FanCon

Note: This is taken from the DRPS PHCA Free Newsletter for April 5-11, 2025. Parts of which are modified.

Dazzling with the other artists of ABS-CBN, GMA, and other well-known people in the industry of Philippine Television, the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 at the Solaire Resort North, Quezon City, held last April 4, 2025, brought a brighter beginning to every Kapamilya, thanks to their strategic partnerships on-air and on streaming platforms, both on television and on the radio.

And so for this, not only several well-known people, and including the Kapamilya Stars joins in the Red Carpet Walk that shines even brighter, but also the New Gen Housemates of Big Brother takes part in the once-in-a-lifetime event of the Kapamilya Network – meaning to say that our PBB Gen 11 Housemates that turned Star Magic Artists are at the grandest event of the network.

The first housemate of PBB Gen 11 to take part in the Red Carpet Walk of the ABS-CBN Ball was Therese Villamor, the first evictee of that edition, followed by the duo housemates, Dingdong Bahan and Patrick Ramirez, as well as Gwen Montano, Jan Silva, Marc Nanninga, JP Cabrera, Joli Alferez, Kanata Tapia, Jas Dudley-Scales, Binsoy Namoca, Dylan Yturralde, Jarren Garcia, Kai Montinola, Kolette Madelo, and the highly evolved, totally dominant love team of this edition – JMFyang – JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith. An interview with MJ Felipe was also conducted for JMFyang and KaiRen as well, in the middle of the Red Carpet Walk with some of the people in the industry today.

Furthermore, Fyang (4th) and Kai (6th) are among the top ten best-dressed females for the ABS-CBN Ball 2025, while Kai and Jarren, and JM and Fyang, are also part of the Hottest Couples of the Night as well, according to Metro (dot) Style.

The following day (April 5, 2025), the New Gen Housemates are at the SM North EDSA Skydome for a FanCon under the title, “The Unforgettabolabolabol GEN-eral Assembly”, as hosted by Ai Dela Cruz and Lorraine Galvez, with a special participation of Love Kryzl and Wrive. The fans of PBB Gen 11 Housemates experienced fun and enjoyment through explosive performances, engaging games, and bonding with the housemates.

The ending part of the said FanCon performed their song “C U Happy”, which is coined from one of the three videos of their weekly task called “Likes, Camera, Upload!”, which gained popularity online since it was uploaded, while the PBB Gen 11 housemates are inside the house. The “C U Happy” video stars Kai Montinola, Jarren Garcia, Binsoy Namoca, Kanata Tapia, Marc Nanninga, JM Ibarra, and Fyang Smith.