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Jasha Gamao

Entertainment

Wish Date: Refrain explores second chances, what ifs and reconciliation

August 14, 2025 8:27 PM
PST

Eloi’s confession hits hard, right? 

Ang masakit lang, best friend ko yung mahal ng mahal ko.”

WishDate: Refrain broke the roof of MOA Arena last Sunday, introducing us to Sarah and Richard, who had an unconventional relationship during their undergraduate years.

They competed and argued about almost everything; even their grandfathers hated each other after being rivals in local politics, as depicted in the story. Despite this, they secretly felt good when they were around each other.

The story of Sarah and Richard is a testament to how love can truly find its way. 

Despite their constant bickering and teasing, Richard eventually confessed his feelings to Sarah, who happily reciprocated. 

This marked a turning point, transforming their endless quarrels into moments of laughter, sweetness, and genuine joy.

However, their newfound happiness was short-lived, proving that love, even when blooming, isn’t immune to missteps and misunderstandings that will eventually linger for years.

As per Doctor Clark’s words in his narration: "Sometimes we fall victim to our own emotions, leading to unwanted circumstances," encapsulating the aftermath of the lovers' breakup.

The painful separation led both Sarah and Richard to lose faith in their feelings and their love, leaving their story unfinished and their hearts heavy. 

This emotional burden cost them precious time as silence echoed and distance grew between them, a period filled with self-doubt, blame, and resentment.

But as fate would have it, years later, Sarah and Richard were unexpectedly brought back together by their high school friend, Eloi, who is also Sarah's best friend. 

The initial reunion was awkward and filled with old resentments, leading Sarah to try and avoid Richard at all costs.

However, Richard was not ready to give up. Like a refrain in a song, he relentlessly pursued Sarah, determined to win her back. Sarah, with a heart hardened by past hurt, refused to listen to any explanation. 

It wasn't until Eloi shared a heartfelt confession with Sarah, revealing the true depth and purity of Richard's love for her, that Sarah was left speechless and regretful. She began to realize how her anger had not only driven Richard away but had also cost them their relationship.

Leaving the audience with a question: when the past resurfaces, will they choose love, or the comfort of walking away?

In the end, Doctor Clark’s words grounded the story with quiet conviction: “None of that matters, because their love stood the test of time.” 

Sarah made peace with the love she had once abandoned, and Richard found the courage to love her still. Their story wasn’t just about falling in love — it was about finding the strength to rebuild it.

As Sarah and Richard confront their past and contemplate a potential future, audiences are left to ponder the timeless question: What if they had never waited that long to return to each other? What if they had never seen each other again? 

What if Sarah had chosen to hear things from Richard? Can true love truly conquer all, even a decade of separation?

WishDate: Refrain hit the Mall of Asia Arena last Sunday, June 1, 2025, as the 18th installment of Wish 107.5 and KDR Music House's renowned concert series, which, as promised, provided a compelling and emotionally rich cinematic and musical experience.

Watch out for more WishDate concert installations in the coming months, where OPM and Filipino artistry shine on stage. 

Follow KDR Music House for fresh releases, live showcases, and behind-the-scenes moments that celebrate music, stories, and the heart of homegrown talent.

Entertainment

Kitchie Nadal to collab with new breed of musicians on her homecoming solo concert at The Big Dome

August 14, 2025 8:27 PM
PST

OPM's biggest female pop-rock artist, Kitchie Nadal, is poised to make history with her first solo concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 8:00 p.m entitled "New Ground Manila," the highly anticipated event promises to be a departure from her previous performances, signaling a new chapter in her music career. 

Nadal herself expressed her excitement, stating, "New Ground is all about me exploring a new direction in my music career. 

You can expect fresh music, new collabs, and an even bigger experience than what we shared at the 20th Anniversary concert held last 2024." 

She also hinted at "really out of the box" collaborations with guest artists she has never worked with before, promising unexpected genre mixes and moments.

Nadal's journey to becoming a solo OPM icon began as the original lead vocalist of Mojofly. She then rose to become a defining voice of the Pinoy Rock resurgence in the 2000s, propelled by her self-titled debut solo album. This album featured the chart-topping single "Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin," alongside other massive hits like "Bulong!!!", "Same Ground," and "Breathe." 

The album quickly climbed the Philippine Albums Chart, reaching number one and achieving a certified 7× Platinum status by 2004, solidifying her place in Filipino music history.

Collaborators in the much-awaited concert are composed of new breed musicians like the girl group Kaia, singer-songwriter and a member of IV of Spades Zild, the Filipino rapper Skusta Clee, and HAKKI of KDR Music House is also set to hit the “New Ground Manila” concert of Kitchie Nadal as a front act of the show.

HAKKI said in an interview that she is thrilled, humbled and honored at the same time to play her biggest performance by far.

Kitchie Nadal's "New Ground Manila 2025" will take place on June 21, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum in partnership with Wish 107.5. 

This iconic event is presented by RG Productions, Black Star Entertainment, and Flow Asia. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet physical branches and online at ticketnet.com.ph

Entertainment

Kitchie Nadal electrifies Araneta Coliseum with "New Ground" concert

August 14, 2025 8:27 PM
PST

Filipino rock icon Kitchie Nadal successfully staged her highly anticipated "New Ground" concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 21, 2025, marking her monumental first-ever solo show at the big dome. The night was a powerful display of Nadal's enduring influence and artistic evolution, captivating a multi-generational audience with her signature hits and surprising new arrangements. 

Adding to the excitement of the evening was the impactful front act performance by KDR Music House singer HAKKI, setting a dynamic tone for the night's musical journey.

HAKKI, an emerging talent from KDR Music House, opened the show with a soulful and inspiring performance that truly impressed the crowd. Her inclusion as a front act was particularly noteworthy, stemming from a viral TikTok duet she performed with Nadal's hit "Huwag na Huwag mong Sasabihin." This opportunity, born from a digital collaboration, showcased the power of social media in fostering new connections and propelling rising artists onto larger stages, a testament to Nadal's support for the next generation of OPM talents.

Following HAKKI's captivating set, Nadal took the stage and delivered a genre-bending performance that blended fan favorites like "Huwag na Huwag mong Sasabihin," "Same Ground," and "Bulong" with fresh renditions of OPM classics, including Eraserheads' “Ligaya” and Rivermaya’s “𝟤𝟣𝟦.” 

The stage also saw exciting collaborations with new-generation artists, most notably a dynamic duet with singer-songwriter Zild Benitez, former Ex-Batallion rapper Skusta Clee, newest girl group Kaia, and a surprise performance from Arthur Nery showcasing Nadal's continued relevance and influence across different musical landscapes.

"New Ground" was not just a concert; it was a bold statement of artistic growth and an invitation to both long-time devotees and new fans. Nadal, who now resides in Spain, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support, citing the energy from younger audiences as a key inspiration for this groundbreaking show. The success of the Araneta Coliseum concert sets the stage for potential international legs of the "New Ground" tour, promising a new era for the beloved OPM rock icon.

Sports

People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao proves his dominance in thrilling comeback

August 14, 2025 8:27 PM
PST

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao once again captured the heart of the world with a spectacular performance, proving that even at 46, he remains a dominant force in the boxing world. Stepping into the ring for the first time in four years, the Filipino boxing legend fought a younger and bigger Mario Barrios to a majority draw at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a result that felt like a win to many of his fans and a nation watching with an electric atmosphere cheering and supporting for the People's Champ.

From the opening bell, Pacquiao defied all expectations, showcasing his trademark speed, relentless energy, and masterful footwork. He landed crisp combinations and consistently outmaneuvered Barrios, who struggled to keep up with the veteran's pace. Pacquiao’s boxing IQ was on full display, as he used his experience to control the tempo of the fight and land the cleaner, more effective punches throughout the earlier and middle rounds. His performance was a vintage display of skill and heart, silencing the critics who doubted his ability to return to the highest level of the sport.

As the fight progressed, Barrios, 16 years younger than Pacquiao, showed his resilience and began to find his rhythm in the later rounds, taking the final three on all scorecards to salvage the draw. Despite the championship rounds belonging to the younger fighter, Pacquiao had done enough in the early stages to hold his own. The final decision, with two judges scoring it a 114-114 draw and one giving it to Barrios 115-113, was met with mixed reactions, with many believing Pacquiao had done more than enough to earn the victory.

The fight may have ended in a draw, but for the Philippines and his fans around the globe, it was a profound victory. Manny Pacquiao's comeback was more than just a fight; it was a testament to his enduring legacy, a showcase of his unwavering discipline, and a symbol of Filipino pride. He didn't just compete with a world champion in his prime; he proved that he can still stand toe-to-toe with the best, leaving no doubt that he has more than enough "Pac-Man" power left in the tank. With both fighters open to a rematch, the world eagerly awaits to see what the legendary pugilist will do next.

Sports

NCMH wellness warriors soar to historic first win in UVL Season 3

August 14, 2025 8:28 PM
PST

The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) volleyball team secured their first-ever victory in dramatic fashion on May 25, 2025, capping off their inaugural season on a positive note after winning over the NHA Home Masters at the Paco Arena, Manila.

The long-awaited triumph, achieved in their final game of the season, ignited a joyous celebration and marked a significant milestone as a rookie team joining the UNTV Volleyball League Season 3. 

Though the season had been a challenging one, punctuated by a string of losses, the Wellness Warriors' relentless spirit and steady improvement culminated in a memorable performance.

From the opening serve, a renewed energy was palpable from the NCMH squad. Demonstrating crisp passing, precise setting, and powerful attacks, giving them the advantage to secure the first two sets against the Home Masters, (25-23, 25-19).

However, the NHA Home Masters mounted a strong comeback, taking the third and fourth sets in their favor and forcing the NCMH Wellness Warriors into a thrilling fifth set (25–20, 25–19).

On set number 5, the NCMH Wellness Warriors did not give up on their chances to win their first game this season and finished the Home Masters with the score of 15-7, earning a 3-2 win against the NHA.

NCMH Coach Arnaldo Dino is hopeful for a strong comeback next season and vowed to strengthen the team's composition that can compete in a high-level tournament.

“By next season, mas maganda na yung team composition namin, mas okay para maganda laban.”  Coach Dino said in a postgame interview.

“Hard training talaga and then experience, kasi makikita mo naman yung top teams dito, third year na nila, so makikita mo yung playing experience and iba talaga yung blending ng team.”

He added this when asked about what the NCMH Wellness Warriors' comeback might look like.

Tune in for the schedule of UNTV Volleyball League knockout matches and upcoming semifinals on UNTV socials.