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Entertainment

Ahtisa Manalo dazzles in natcos and preliminary performance in Bangkok

November 20, 2025 9:07 PM
PST

Ahtisa Manalo owned the global stage yesterday with her poised and elegant performance during the natcos and preliminary match. More than just her confidence, Ahtisa’s presence shone brightly in Bangkok, representing the brilliance, hospitality, and grace of the Filipino.

“With every step, I become the living festival of the Philippines—carrying the brilliance of a thousand lanterns, the warmth of Filipino hospitality, and the timeless grace of María Clara onto the Miss Universe stage.” she posted in her Facebook post.

Her Festival Queen style in NatCos screams the symbol of beauty and cultural pride. The costume was inspired by the traje de mestiza, featuring camisa and saya, with a modest pañuelo draped across her shoulders. 

The concept of her costume pays tribute to María Clara, the literary icon of virtuous, modest, and dignified Filipinas.

The costume was influenced by history. The camisa, made from piña leaf fibers, gives honor to the patience and craftsmanship of the Filipinos, which has been passed down through generations. 

The vibrant colors of saya (or skirt) mirror the grandest celebrations in the Philippines, such as the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, and the Panagbenga Festival from Baguio. The ensemble represents the history, tradition, and radiant festivity.

The "Festival Queen" continued to fascinate the crowd in the swimsuit competition with her poised and confident walk in a blue two-piece swimwear.

Later, in the preliminary match, she flaunted her stunning, sparkling midnight blue gown. 

The radiant gown and the natcos were both created by a prominent Filipino fashion designer, Mak Tumang. He is also known for his iconic design of the "Lava Gown" worn by Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray.

The event was also an opportunity to show the Filipino pride and excellence in craftsmanship. Simeon Cayetano, a Filipino designer, is the creative brainchild behind the national costumes of Denmark, Sweden, and Guinea.

Cayetano is proud to see that the excellence of the Filipino in arts and design is recognized globally. He is also looking forward to dress our own country’s representative in global pageants. 

“Nakakataba ng puso, it’s an overwhelming feeling. Syempre as a filipino, nakaka-proud na tinatangkilik ng ibang countries yung talents, yung craftsmanship na meron tayo. At yon, hoping, looking forward to the fact that sooner or later, mabihisan naman po natin naman yung sariling bansa natin.” 
It warms my heart; it’s an overwhelming feeling. Of course, as a Filipino, it makes me proud that other countries are patronizing our talents and the craftsmanship we possess. I am hoping and looking forward to the time when we will be able to dress our own country’s representative.”  he said.

The battle is not yet over. Our very own Festival Queen, Ahtisa Manalo, will continue to shine once again to represent our country. Show your support on Coronation Night tomorrow at 9:00 AM PST.

Entertainment

Ahtisa Manalo shines in the 74th Miss Universe - National Costume Show

November 21, 2025 12:53 PM
PST

The crowd screamed so loudly when she owned the stage. Her beauty captivates the audience, making them show their loud support for our very own Miss Universe candidate, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo.

Her top is made from a textile woven from the fibers of pineapple leaves, which represents patience and pride of the skilled Filipinos. 

The vibrant colorful skirt was inspired by the nation’s grandest celebrations, such as the Giant Lantern Festival (Pampanga), Pahiyas Festival (Lucban), and Panagbenga Festival (Baguio). 

Every vibrant color in her dress, plus the elegance in her performance, embodies good vibrations, local celebrations, history, and traditions.

Let’s watch her shine again during the Coronation Night on November 21, 2025.

Entertainment

The winning formula — film and music merge in Wish: Date Loves Tales, approved for Bulakenyos

October 30, 2025 10:44 PM
PST

After successfully capturing the hearts of the Wishers in Metro Manila and Batangas, the Wish Date: Love Tales tour just scored another win, bringing its all-packed concert experience to Malolos, Bulacan. The tour, presented by KDR Music House and Wish 107.5, delivered a powerful surge of warmth, depth, and mixed emotions that clearly resonated with the Bulakenyos.

POV: Old-Gens and New-Gens on the blend of music, film, and theater

Wishers from Bulacan expressed their genuine appreciation for the enchanting blend of new-gen and old-gen music, film, and theater. 

The live music performance strengthened their understanding of the film's narrative, amplifying the emotional impact of the all-packed performance on stage.

One of the audience, Miles, told us: “Maganda ‘yung collaboration nung film at tsaka nung music. It coincides and naiintindihan namin ‘yung nararamdaman nung pelikula dahil sa kanta.” (The collaboration between the film and the music is great. It coincides, and we understand the feelings in the film because of the songs.)

The powerful emotional experience was undeniable. Two dominant emotions, the joy and pain, embraced the Wishers. They felt the music, and with that, they understood the film narratives, which gave them valuable real-life lessons. 

Erica, another audience, told us: “Mas nabibigyan pong buhay ‘yung awit sa pamamagitan ng story. Hindi ko po maipaliwanag. Basta masaya na masakit pero in the end may matututunan tayo” (The music really breathes its life through the story. I cannot exactly explain how it feels. All I know is, it's satisfying yet painful, but in the end, we learned something relevant.)

The successful collaboration between film and music goes deeply, allowing the audience to clearly understand the film's narrative through the balance of old and new favorites.

Talented artists and performers nailed it once again!

Angela Ken and Aquila Packing never failed the Wishers. Heartfelt and soulful performances were present as they returned to the stage. The two iconic OPM bands - Soapdish and Color It Red added to the warmth of the tour as they brought up the energy to new heights through their nostalgic music. 

Alongside the tour, artists from KDR Music House - Letters from JuneHakki, and Destiny boarded the iconic Wish Bus, coupled with a meet and greet session with their fans.

Mission Accomplished!

It’s a wrap, Wishers! Your heartwarming support contributed to the success of the tour. 

The Malolos stop achieved the tour's winning formula: the powerful blend of narrative and melody that goes deep into the hearts of the fans. You didn't just listen; you understood and felt the story through the songs. With Angela Ken, Aquila Packing, and the nostalgic power of Soapdish and Color It Red, it creates an unforgettable night to remember.

The Wish Date: Love Tales tour wasn't just another stop; it was a vibrant and passionate celebration of OPM, where film and music collide to bring about emotions and real-life lessons. With performances that spanned decades of sound, the tour has firmly established itself as a must-see event, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its next destination.

Entertainment

Wish Date: Love Tales concert tour rolls into Bulacan after its successful stop in Batangas

October 28, 2025 4:49 PM
PST

Following a highly successful stop in Batangas (last October 5, 2025, in FPJ Arena), the tour is heading to Bulacan for its next station of romantic musical destination.

This tour is packed with nostalgia and romance, taking over the Malolos Sports and Convention Center. Presented by KDR Music House and Wish 107.5, this performance delivers a heartfelt musical experience, defining a tour's growing success.

Returning favorites and new anthems

Get ready for a performance of a fusion of new-gen performers and classic OPM tracks, bringing their enchanting mix for the fans.

Aquila Packing (a TikTok sensation) and hitmaker Angela Ken, who earned massive support from the crowd in Batangas, are returning to the stage. Expect their soulful performances and heartfelt storytelling to once again resound with the audience in Malolos.

Soapdish and Color It Red will join the lineup, bringing you their signature hits that have been a part of Filipino love stories through the years.

The continuous growing journey of Wish Date

Following the successful tour from Metro Manila and Batangas, the next journey in Bulacan is now a reality due to your heartwarming support. 

This newest stop of the tour would be another chapter of unforgettable moments of growth and success for the tour, recognizing also the unwavering effort and support of KDR Music House and Wish 107.5.

Also, Wish Date passionately celebrates Filipino music through bringing heartwarming performances nationwide.

So, Wishers, what are you waiting for? Don't miss the chance to experience the enchanting blend of stories and musical performance. Get your tickets now!

Politics

Unified RFID System, now effective in Luzon

October 22, 2025 3:52 PM
PST

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially confirmed that motorists are no longer required to use multiple RFID accounts for toll payments.

In the implementation of “One RFID, All Tollways”, motorists have the freedom to choose and secure only one RFID service provider — either Easytrip or Autosweep, depending on their primary travel routes.

“Kung hindi niyo naman nagagamit ang isang sistema (mag-set up kayo)... bahala kayo kung ano ang kailangan ninyo… manatili kayo doon sa inyong pang-araw araw ninyong pangangailangan.” PBBM said on the official launch of the unified system in SLEX.

“Ngunit kung ninanais niyo ng mas simple na pinagsamang account, pwedeng pwede na.” he added

Easytrip currently services NLEX, SCTEX, CAVITEX, and CALAX, while Autosweep covers Skyway, SLEX, NAIAX, STAR Tollway, MCX, and TPLEX.

The registration is free and available both online and via walk-in procedures. The steps to enroll an account are as follows:

  1. Go to the official website of the chosen RFID service provider.
  2. Remove the unchosen extra RFID sticker and account
  3. Load up your chosen account

The scope of this implementation is only effective in Luzon areas, as the President said,  “Simula ngayon, iisang RFID sticker nalang ang kailangan para sa mga Toll Expressway natin sa buong Luzon.” 

PBBM also recognized the convenience brought by the unified system, as it “reduces the necessary stress and delays” for our motorists.