PETA Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival 2025 as A Brave Exploration of Narrative Change

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – PETA kicks off the year with another exciting line-up of fresh and bold works with Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival, which brings new reimaginings of Filipino stories to the theater stage.

J-mee Katanyag, festival director and newly appointed company artistic director, has curated a collection of provocative original works that highlight the exploration of diverse performative and theater forms, including puppetry, movement, interactivity, and digital theater. These elements come together to reimagine traditional Filipino folklore, values, and contemporary issues, crafting narratives that traverse the past, engage with the present, and envision futures.

The festival's centerpiece is a remounting of Melvin Lee's critically acclaimed trilogy Kumprontasyon, as well as new and experimental works, improv performances, live music jams, and more, which will take place from February 6-23, 2025, at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City.

The following events and shows are open to the public: 

Main Theater Performances

“Kumprontasyon”

February 6-9, PETA-Phinma Theater

Described by critics as a “theatrical masterpiece,” Kumprontasyon explores unresolved historical and political events in three one-act plays: Allan Palileo’s Lakambini featuring Teroy Guzman and Sherry Lara, Guelan Luarca’s The Impossible Dream featuring Romnick Sarmenta and Ron Capinding, and Joshua Lim So’s A Color for Tomorrow featuring Missy Maramara, Adrienne Vergara, Gillian Vicencio, and Uzziel Delamide.

“Twin Bill”

February 14-15, PETA-Phinma Theater

Twin Bill features two revisited plays from Control + Shift 2024: Dominique La Victoria’s Kislap at Fuego, an enchanted love story set during the Philippine revolution, and Mixkaela Villalon’s Children of the Algo, which navigates the digital age and the ills of a technology-obsessed generation.

“Control + Shift + SPIT: An Improvised Show”

Feb 16, 2025 – 8:00 PM, PETA-Phinma Theater

This one-night-only show features The Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT), Manila’s most sought-after improv group. SPIT borrows the set of PETA's Control + Shift 2025 Festival for a night of spontaneous hilarity and fun!

Studio Theater Performances

PETA’s Studio Theater lineup features eight new works, running from February 7-16, 2025.

• Studio Theater Set A | Unboxing - Felinda V. Bagas’ The Little Girl in a Box takes audiences on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. A story about a little girl and her search for her true home.
  
  

• Studio Theater Set B | Time and Tide - Sig Pecho’s Failed Puppeteer and Felinda V. Bagas’ Noche Buena highlights how Filipino family values adapt through generations and in times of crisis.
  
  

• Studio Theater Set C | Codes of Corruption - Herlyn Alegre’s Monit-oh! Monit-ah! and John Custer’s hUst1Sy@.exe underscores how Filipino values are tested in the face of corruption and the pursuit of justice, exploring both traditional and modern ethical dilemmas.
  
  

• Studio Theater Set D | Breaking Free - Teatro Balagtas' Ang Kuwento ni Babae, PETA ARTSZone Youth ARTvocates’ Taya! Sabay Yakap, and Tanghalang Bagong Sibol and Mikaela Regis’ At Nagkatawang-Tao Ang Verbo reimagines dominant narratives of gender, childcare, and faith through stories of resilience and empathy.

Metrobank-Exclusive Sale

From January 15-19, 2025, Metrobank credit cardholders will enjoy an exclusive sale when they buy tickets via TicketWorld. Cardholders can select their desired event from the Control+Shift Arts Festival line-up and enjoy 10% off on their tickets. 

Metrobank is PETA’s official 2025 theater season bank partner and a platinum partner of Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival. 

Festival tickets are now on sale via bit.ly/PETACS2025Tickets.Tickets start at Php 700 for Studio Theater performances and Php 1,000 for Main Theater performances. 

For more information follow PETA’s social media channels:

@petatheater (Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok).

The PMPC Star Awards Welcomes 2025 with Newly Elected Officers

The PMPC Star Awards proudly announces its newly elected officers for 2025, continuing its rich tradition of honoring excellence and contributing to the dynamic growth of the Philippine entertainment industry. 

The elected officers and their affiliations are as follows:

President: Mell Navarro 

(Tempo, PEP, Manila Bulletin, Pinoy Entertainment Guide [FB])

Vice President: Fernan de Guzman

(Saksi, Wow It’s Showbiz Blog, IBC-13 DWAN 1206AM “Eto Pala Ang Latest (E.P.A.L.)

Secretary: Jimi Escala

(Police Files Tonite, People’s Balita, Remate, Remate Online, Kabayan, X-Files, Balita Online)

Assistant Secretary: Mildred Bacud

(Marisol Academy [Host], Marisol Academy Tonite [Host], DWAR 1494 Abante Radyo, Showbiz Unlimited, Showbiz Fence Online)

Treasurer: Boy Romero

(Police Files Tonite, Balitang Klik Online, Showbiz Round-Up PH Blog)

Assistant Treasurer: John Fontanilla

(Hataw, Showbitz, Showbizzz Blog, Barangay LSFM97.1 [Host], Showbiz Republika)

Auditor: Rodel Fernando

(Showbiz Republika [Editor], Abante TNT, Marisol Academy [Host])

PRO for English: Eric Borromeo

(Pinoy Aksyon News Online [Editor], Showbiz 24/7 Online, Showbiz Manila Ph)

PRO for Filipino: Blessie Cirera

(Police Files Tonite [Editor])

Board of Directors:

Roldan Castro

(Abante Tonite Entertainment [Editor], Marisol Academy Tonite [Host], DWAR 1494 [Abante Socmed], RFC Entertainment Blog, Roldan Castro YouTube Channel

Evelyn Diao

(Kabayan, X-Files, Bistado, Tiktik [Editor])

Leony Garcia

(ABS-CBN Online, Bandila, Showbits & Pieces [FB], Whatchamacallit)

Rommel Gonzales

(PEP, Police Files Tonite, Hataw, PSR,People’s Balita)

Rommel Placente

(Police Files Tonite, Hataw, Saksi, Remate, Marisol Academy [Host], Marisol Academy Tonite [Host]

Francis Simeon

(Philippine Showbiz Republic, X-Files)

For over 40 years, PMPC has been at the forefront of recognizing and celebrating excellence in Philippine movies, television, and music through its prestigious annual events—the Star Awards for Movies, Star Awards for Music, and Star Awards for Television. These much-anticipated ceremonies honor outstanding talent and achievements in the entertainment industry.

Beyond its role as an award-giving body, the PMPC is deeply committed to delivering the most relevant and fresh entertainment journalism across all platforms. 

Its members, composed of professional multimedia practitioners, strive to provide accurate, insightful, and engaging content that reflects the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Under the leadership of its newly elected officers, PMPC is poised to continue its mission of uplifting the industry, recognizing creative excellence, and ensuring the public stays informed and entertained.

WHY ESPANTAHO DOESN'T TAKE ITSELF SERIOUSLY AND WHY YOU SHOULDN'T: A FILM REVIEW

SCORE: 3/5

So, Espantaho got a zero from Goldwin Reviews. I decided to bump it up on my schedule and watch it right away. "It couldn't be that bad," I told myself.

The first two frames got me thinking, "Hmmm, maybe this does deserve a zero," The death of Pablo, the patriarch at the beginning, was supposed to set the tone for everything.
But, the way someone fell down during the scene while convulsing was just so awkward and fake, just like the plate smashing slo-mo.

It doesn't help that afterwards we get an apparition of Pablo looking like a skinless longganisa, or Rosa (Lorna Tolentino) chastising Monet (Judy Ann Santos) how they should
just buy more food on their outings so they don't have to go to the market everyday.

"I'll probably walk out of this halfway into the movie," I told myself.

Nope. It never happened. Instead, what followed was 90 minutes of delicious campy horror melodrama.

When the legal family led by Adele (Chanda Romero) arrived, everything started to make sense.

"Paalisin mo yang mga kontrabida yan ha, " Adele blurted out.

And I started snickering. Espantaho directed by Chito Rono never meant to scare us, it was meant to make us laugh.

The film and those in it knows that its funny. And they are so game.

Chanda has long been stereotyped in the Kapuso network playing a condescending & quarrelsome characters, so she plays Adele here with much aplomb, putting Monet and Rosa in their places from the get-go. Rosa maintained her sulky temperament almost all throughout the film, an other woman ready to fight tooth and nail to defend Monet's honor, with her best scenes involving a table and a cane which really elicited a loud laughter from me.

So, why did Judy Ann Santos win Best Actress? Because she balanced all the drama. She was the calm in the midst of the storm, which made the thing a lot more funnier.

If the horrible (not horrifying) musical scoring with sudden close-ups of the characters' faces as well as the bad special effects isn't enough to convince you that the film really is making fun of itself because it wants you 2 have fun too, then Eugene Domingo's line as Aling Gloria will. There is a scene there where she gets asked about the thing to find the Espantaho with, and her facial expression was just so "nakakagago".

However, despite its antics and being a "loving hate letter" to the genre just like what Cabin in the Woods did, it does actually have a very feminist message tucked within
its core, particularly about how misogyny, just like the evil painting, is a pestilence that makes its way into women's lives and wreaking havoc without them ever knowing it exists till it's too late.

I would have given this a higher score if Chito Rono's direction was more resolute campiness but it's not. Chris Martinez, known for his intelligent comedies, wrote the
script. I think it might have worked better if he directed this himself or maybe Lem Lorca who did Echorsis.

Espantaho might look flawed and messy at times, but really, it is so much fun once you get the hang of it.

Beautéderm CEO Rhea Tan's Birthday Graced by Celebrities

Rhea Tan, founder of Beautéderm, recently celebrated her birthday with celebrity endorsers of her popular brand at Taupe by Chef Francis Tolentino in Taguig City.

Guests included Maja Salvador with husband Rambo Nuñez, Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, Rayver Cruz, Sanya Lopez, Ruru Madrid, and veteran actress Lorna Tolentino.

Young stars Darren Espanto, Cassy Legaspi, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Sofia Pablo, and Allen Ansay were also in attendance.

Other celebrity pals were Jelai Andres, Darla Sauler, EA Guzman, Shaira Diaz, DJ JhaiHo, Thou Reyes, Alex Castro, Sunshine Garcia, Ervic Vijandre, KitKat, Thia Thomalla, Ejay Falcon, Jana Falcon, and Kakai Bautista.

According to the Beautéderm CEO, the gathering was her most personal celebration to date. Tan said she considers herself fortunate to have these celebrities as real-life friends.

“Despite their busy schedules, they took time to celebrate my birthday, for which I am grateful. More than business, I regard them as friends. I’ve watched all of their showbiz projects, but having them on my birthday makes me happy,” Tan said.

As part of her birthday celebrations, the business mogul contributed 1 million to the Kasuso Foundation. She has been assisting the aforementioned foundation for years and plans to do so every year on her birthday.

“My life’s mission is to serve others. I would like to believe that God rewards me so that I can share it with others. Aging is a natural part of life for me, but helping others is what makes your birthday truly memorable,” the celebrity entrepreneur expressed.

Despite her major success in the beauty industry, Tan maintains a spirit of kindness and humility. She stated that all she wants is for others to realize their aspirations as well.

Max: The New Streaming Experience Coming To Southeast Asia, Taiwan And Hong Kong On November 19

Max, a brand new streaming experience for Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, will launch today, Tuesday, November 19. Bringing together the highest quality entertainment from brands like HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Discovery, AFN, Cartoon Network and HGTV, fans will be able to enjoy blockbuster movies, groundbreaking series, iconic hits, engaging real-life content and family favorites all in one place.

As the exclusive home of HBO Originals, Max will premiere Dune: Prophecy from the expanded universe of Dune on November 19, starring Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May and Mark Strong. Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. 

Max will be the entertainment destination for audiences in the region, featuring culture-defining programming including Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Friends, The Last of Us and The White Lotus. Latest series like The Sex Lives of College Girls, The Penguin and The Franchise will also be available on Max. 

Joining this amazing collection will be the first show from the new DC Studios, the adult animated series Creature Commandos, written and executive produced by James Gunn, which premieres on Max, December 5. 

The highly anticipated premiere of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, a reality competition spotlighting legendary storytelling and fantastical edible creations, hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) will premiere on Max. Fans of Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID^* and HGTV’s real-life programming can look forward to new seasons of Deadliest Catch, Gold Rush, Naked and Afraid, 90 Day Fiancé, Dr. Pimple Popper and  Property Brothers.

Featuring the best of Hollywood movies from some of the biggest studios including Warner Bros., Paramount and NBCUniversal, subscribers will have access to the complete Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings movie collections, as well as Oppenheimer, Fast X, The Fall Guy, Despicable Me 4, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Expend4bles, IF, Trolls Band Together, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. 

With Max’s extensive kids offering, families will be able to stream Batwheels, LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising, Grizzy and the Lemmings: World Tour as well as everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur in Barney’s World.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

From November 19, subscribers can enjoy an elevated streaming experience, complemented by a robust platform and customizable experience that will invite fans to find their favorite stories in a seamless way with Max:
 

• Multiple devices^**: Max will be available on many different devices - phones, tablets, computers, TVs, and other major platforms.

 

• Mobile login: Subscribers can access Max using their mobile number after setting up their account for an easy login experience.

 

• Personalization: Subscribers can create up to five unique profiles, each customizable with favorite characters as avatars, and receive personalized recommendations based on viewing habits. 

 

• Localization: Subscribers will have the option to choose their preferred language when using Max’s interface and can also customize their viewing experience with a selection of subtitles and dubbing languages.

 

• Navigation: Providing a more intuitive way of exploring Max, subscribers will be able to explore the content offering in seconds by brand, category or genre using a seamless search function.

 

• My Stuff: Fans can save their favorite content for later in My List or pick up where they left off with Continue Watching. 

 

• Download: Subscribers will have the option to download content for offline or on-the-go viewing.

 

• Kid-friendly viewing: Kids streaming experience can be customized with personalized profiles curated with age-appropriate content and parental controls including Kid-Proof Exit as an optional setting to keep kids from accessing other profiles.
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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Max will offer a choice of different plans^*** and will be available for subscription at www.max.com^****, and via app stores, including the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Max will also be available through local third party service providers^{^}. For additional details on plans and pricing for Max in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, click here.

 

*ID: Investigation Discovery

**Subject to plan and may vary by provider.

***Existing HBO GO subscriptions will become Max subscriptions on November 19 and bring subscribers of HBO GO a brand new streaming service.

****Direct subscriptions via www.max.com not available in Taiwan at launch.

^Mobile plan available via select partners in certain markets.

Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit help.max.com.

 

About Warner Bros. Discovery 
Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, BluTV, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Max, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Film Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit http://www.wbd.com.

 

About Max
Max is the premier global streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery that delivers the most unique and captivating stories, ranging from the highest quality in scripted programming, movies, documentaries, true crime, adult animation, and live sports and news (where available). Max is the destination for prestigious entertainment brands such as HBO, Warner Bros., Max Originals, DC, Harry Potter, as well as iconic shows like Friends, all in one place. www.max.com

Introducing NEON and “Sana Kapiling Ka” -- his Tagalog Christmas debut single, penned in America

A Christmas-themed Tagalog ballad penned due to separation anxiety, and its heartfelt recording delivered by a voice that deserves to be heard by the public, resulted in a must-heard digital single called “Sana Kapiling Ka.” 

The heartfelt track released last November 15 and distributed by the highly revered ABS-CBN’s Star Music is the debut single of guitar playing singer NEON, a discovery being touted by select music insiders as a pop artist to watch out for.  

The new record is produced by marketing expert May Manuel, with NEON (a musical director and record producer himself) and his music proficient buddy Chi Capulong taking care of its mixing and mastering.    

“Heto na ang panahong pagninilayan ang kahapon/ Sa tuwing humuhuni’ng mga ibon,” expressed the opening line of the song written by composer and music journalist Yugel Losorata.

The music columnist, book author, and recording artist was staying at his mother’s place in Southern California, USA at the time he wrote the piece.

NEON has been busy producing and gigging around since the pandemic restrictions were lifted. Music critics including Atty. Marivic Benedicto, head of music publishing and new media at ABS-CBN Productions, compared his singing prowess to that of the likes of Ariel Rivera, Erik Santos and Daryl Ong. 

“Sana Kapiling Ka” is a moving ballad anchored on neatly sentimental lyrics, an embracing tune, a gallant mix of acoustic guitar, violin, and NEON’s sweeping vocals. 

Both NEON and Yugel have been friends for quite some time, with the former arranging a previous release by the latter's band affiliation The Pub Forties where he used to be its chief songwriter playing bass guitar. Their camaraderie led to a collaboration agreement in which Neon would record songs penned by Yugel. 

The music scribe wrote “Sana Kapiling Ka” amid his emotional struggle being physically away from his wife and kid after he flew to the US for personal reasons in 2022. After spending several years honing his craft in the Philippine band scene, he is currently making waves in the US, having become the recipient of an Outstanding Journalist and Author award from Filipino-American Press Club of California (FAPCCA), and after he was included among the 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans (MIFA) released by Blogtalk with MJ Racadio for its 2024 edition. His latest book, the music memoir “And For The Record,” was published by Penguin Random House South East Asia last August. 

Yugel released his own version of the said song under its original title “Hosanna Kapiling Ka,” which was distributed by the Los Angeles-based NSFU.    

NEON’s “Sana Kapiling Ka” is being projected as a Christmas ballad which OFWs, its families, and lovers engaged in long-distance relationships should find relatable. Expect the new voice in town to make the rounds singing the song he gave justice through excellent musicianship, care for a friend, and belief in its message and melody.

G22 rallies teams at the Predator League Philippine Finals with a live performance of ‘It Lies Within’

Acer ambassadors AJ, Alfea, and Jaz of the P-pop girl group G22 performed the Predator League anthem “It Lies Within” at the Predator League 2025 Philippine Finals in Robinsons Galleria Cebu. First introduced during the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals in Manila last January, the song perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Predator League. As the tournament’s anthem, participating territories have adapted it in their language.

“We are proud that Acer Philippines is the proponent of the Predator League anthem. The song captures the mindset of esports players, especially their relentless pursuit of greatness,” said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager of Acer Philippines.

The Predator League is a battlefield for esports teams of all experience levels to test their skills and fight for supremacy. Every year since the tournament started in 2018, thousands of teams across the Asia Pacific region sign up for a chance to join and live out their dreams of winning on a massive esports stage.

“We have a lot of talented players waiting to be discovered. As a brand known to support esports from all competitive levels, Predator League has been instrumental in Predator’s growth across the region, especially the Philippines,” said Acer Philippines Managing Director Sue Ong-Lim.

The stage is set for the sixth edition of the Asia Pacific Predator League Grand Finals, which will take place in January 2025. Fifteen top Dota 2 and VALORANT teams from across the regions will gather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to compete for a US$400,000 prize pool and the chance to make esports history. 

G22 is set to perform “It Lies Within” in front of the Asia Pacific Predator League Grand Finals crowd. Additionally, the Philippines will be represented by Execration and Ivory in Dota 2 and ZOL Esports and Team Secret in VALORANT.

Raise your favorite team’s banner and listen to “It Lies Within” by G22 on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer. Stream the music video on the Predator Gaming PH YouTube channel and Facebook Page.

For more information about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, or visit www.acer.com.