Filipina singer Gwyn Dorado places 2nd on Korean show 'Sing Again 4'

Filipina singer Gwyn Dorado places 2nd on Korean show 'Sing Again 4'

Philstar Global
Kristofer Purnell
07 January 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino singer-songwriter Gwyn Dorado finished second on the fourth season of Korean talent competition show "Sing Again," the sole foreigner in the finale up against three local contestants.

Dorado finished just 41.67 points behind winner Lee Oh-wook, who along with the title, received a 300 million won (P12.2 million) cash prize.

The Filipina, who had a weighted total score of 3009.39 in the finale, finished well ahead Kim Jae-min (2402.14) and Slowly (1537.42) thanks to nearly-perfect scores from judges.

The final two episodes saw Dorado perform "I Want You" produced by Kim Do-hoon, a collaboration on Yoon Sang's  "Even Though You Said So Easily," Exhibition's "Etude of Memory," and "Light Up" produced by GroovyRoom.

Earlier in the competition the former "Asia's Got Talent" contestant also sang Choi Ho-seob's "As Time Goes By," Jang Hye-jin's "One Late Night in 1994," Yoon Jong-shin's "Rebirth" and original song "On My Way."

"Sing Again" hosted by Lee Seung-gi is a "new-concept rebirth talent show" that gives artists a second chance at the big stage to "sing again."

The latest season's judges were Girls' Generation Taeyeon, Super Junior Member Kyuhyun, Lim Jae-beom, Yoon Jong-shin, Baek Ji-young, Kim Eana, Lee Hae-ri and Code Kunst.

Dorado previously competed on the first season of "Asia's Got Talent" when she was just 10 years old, making it all the way to the finals.

That season was won by "Pilipinas Got Talent" Season 3 4th placer El Gamma Penumbra. Dance group Junior New System finished joint-second with Triqstar from Japan while Filipino-German singer Gerphil Flores — a semifinalist on "Pilipinas Got Talent" Season 1 — placed third.

Pinay animator Meryl Chan wins big in Taiwan for her sustainability animation

 Pinay animator Meryl Chan wins big in Taiwan for her sustainability animation

GMA Lifestyle
07 January 2026

There is a specific kind of heartbreak in seeing the ocean's "rainforests" stripped bare for profit. For 24-year-old animator Meryl Chan, that heartbreak became the catalyst for a global win.

At the 2025 Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC)—often dubbed the world's largest stage for student creatives—Chan stood out as the lone Filipino awardee. Out of a staggering 16,000 entries from over 1,000 schools worldwide, her thesis film, Dive and Trek, took home the Environmental Sustainability Special Award (Animation).

A Story of Survival

The film doesn't just preach; it probes the gray areas of survival. Dive and Trek follows Alon, a fisherman caught between the desperate need to provide for his daughter, Pearl, and the preservation of the sea that sustains them. When Alon succumbs to the temptation of the illegal coral trade—pushed by the demands of tourism—the consequences are both systemic and deeply personal.

"This film was made to shed light on the dangers of coral harvesting and the systemic pressures faced by coastal communities," Chan shared on her Instagram. "It was such a meaningful experience to be among so many talented creatives... and spend time in Taiwan."

What makes the film resonate locally is its "All-Star" Filipino soul. The project features a score by the legendary Louie Ocampo, with voice performances by Raki Diga, and Sean, Serj, and Talisa Arezza.

A Manila native, Chan honed her craft at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City, graduating with honors in 2D Animation. Even before her TISDC win, Dive and Trek was already making waves: it ranked #1 in storytelling during the SVA BFA Animation Thesis Grants; was featured in the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Educators Forum; and was a finalist at the My Hero International Film Festival.

But Chan isn't a one-hit-wonder. Her other work, Miss Illusion, secured a Silver Award at the Collision Awards in the Film (Student) category, proving that her creative direction is as versatile as it is socially conscious.

L-R_ Haorui Tian, Meryl Chan, TPCA Environment Foundation Sponsor, Chin-Yen Cheng, Zih-Hong Jiang

Putting the Philippines on the Design Map

The 2025 TISDC theme was "Diversity," aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a win rate of only 0.5%, the competition is notoriously difficult to penetrate. By securing a spot among the 76 winners, Chan has effectively placed the Philippines on the map of global sustainability-led storytelling.

As the only Filipino recognized this year, her achievement is a reminder that the most "local" stories—those of our fishermen, our reefs, and our struggles—are often the ones the world needs to hear the most.

For Meryl Chan, this global recognition is more than a personal milestone—it's a love letter to the Philippine seas and a wake-up call for her generation. By bridging the gap between world-class animation and local advocacy, she proves that Filipino creativity doesn't just belong on the global stage; it has the power to protect the world it depicts, one frame at a time.

Dennis Trillo is Best Actor in Asian Academy Awards

 Dennis Trillo named Asia's best actor at Asian Academy Creative Awards 2025

GMA Integrated News
05 Dec 2025

Dennis Trillo received a major recognition at the Asian Academy Creative Awards — he was named Asia’s Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Domingo Zamora in “Green Bones!”

The Filipino actor beat out several other top artists, including Jacob Elordi for “The Narrow Road to the Deep Road” and Park Bo Gum for “When Life Gives You Tangerines.”

“PANALO ang Pilipinas! Panalo ang PILIPINO,” Dennis said on Instagram.

“Truly grateful for this,” he said and tagged the award-giving body. “Thank you very much.”

GMA Network Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions for Entertainment Group and Philippine Ambassador for the Asian Academy of Creative Arts Gigi Santiago-Lara accepted the award on behalf of Dennis and “Green Bones” at the ceremony in Singapore.

“This is such a surprise and we are so honored to receive this in behalf of Mr. Dennis Trillo, ‘Green Bones,’ the producers, Nessa Valdellon, the writers Mr. Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza,” she said in her acceptance speech.

“’Green Bones’ did very well in the Philippines and we are so honored to receive this award. Thank you to the academy.”

"Green Bones" is the official entry of GMA Pictures to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024, where it won several awards including Best Actor for Dennis, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, and Best Picture.

The film follows Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru), a young policeman determined to keep notorious criminal Domingo Zamora (Dennis) behind bars.

Dennis also won a Gawad Urian award in October for the role.

“Green Bones” is streaming on Netflix.

World's Second Best Rice is found in the Philippines

Philippines’ Dinorado Achieves Global Recognition

Sugbo.ph
December 1, 2025

Dinorado rice has placed the Philippines firmly on the global culinary map after being named second best rice in the world at the World’s Best Rice Awards 2025 held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Department of Agriculture announced the win, celebrating the variety’s signature tenderness, aroma, and flavor.

A Strong Finish Against Global Favorites

This year’s competition was tight, with Dinorado finishing just behind two gold winners, Vietnam’s ST25, a three-time champion, and Cambodia’s Phka Rumdoul, known for its floral fragrance. The recognition puts Dinorado in league with the world’s elite rice varieties.

A Product of Filipino Innovation

Developed in 2009 by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dinorado, also known as Rc218, was designed to elevate everyday meals with its softness and fragrant quality. Its combination of high eating quality and strong yield potential has made it a favorite among both consumers and farmers.

More Than Quality: A Statement of Identity

For industry leaders, the victory carries deeper meaning. Rowena Sadicon, founder of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement, said the award is “not just about quality, it’s about identity,” emphasizing that the Philippines is capable of producing rice that stands proudly on the world stage.

A Triumph for Farmers and Scientists

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. hailed the achievement as proof of what collaboration between Filipino farmers and scientists can accomplish. The award underscores the country’s ability to produce sustainable, world-class rice despite being one of the world’s largest importers.

A Win That Elevates the Nation

Dinorado’s success is more than a medal, it’s a celebration of Filipino craftsmanship, perseverance, and agricultural excellence. Each grain is a reminder that the Philippines can grow not just rice, but global recognition and pride.

Philippines back-to-back victory in beauty tilt

 Another back-to-back crown: Philippines wins Face of Beauty Int’l 2025

Kathleen A. Llemit 
Philstar.com
November 30, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — In less than two months, the Philippines has scored more than two back-to-back pageant wins, with Nikki Buenafe securing the country’s back-to-back Face of Beauty International crown. 

Buenafe was crowned earlier tonight in Taichung, Taiwan as Face of Beauty International 2025 by fellow Filipina, Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano.

The Filipino-Iranian beauty bested 32 other delegates to take home the crown for the Philippines. 

Her runners-up are Lucy Dimitrova of Sweden (first runner-up), Julia Podkolina of Finland (second runner-up), Jing Mun Phan of Malaysia (third runner-up), and Suppanika Nopparat of Thailand (fourth runner-up).

Buenafe’s back-to-back victory comes days after Arianna Pantaleon won the Miss Environment International 2025 last November 24. 

Emma Mary Tiglao, meanwhile, retained the golden crown for the Philippines after she won Miss Grand International 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand last October 18. Her fellow Filipina beauty queen, Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, reigned as Miss Grand International 2024. 

Athisa Manalo is Miss Universe 2025 3rd runner-up

Athisa Manalo finishes Miss Universe 2025 journey as 3rd Runner-Up

Leana Bernardo
The Filipino Times
21 NOvember 2025

Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo finished as 3rd Runner-up in the pageant held at the Impact Muong Thong Thani Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned the new Miss Universe.

Manalo’s placement marks the Philippines’ first return to the Top 5 since Beatrice Luigi Gomez in 2021.

Throughout the coronation night, Manalo impressed judges and audiences, donning a white two-piece ensemble in the swimsuit segment and a sleek silver gown for the evening wear competition.

During the question-and-answer portion, the Top 5 finalists were asked how they would use the Miss Universe platform to empower young girls.

Manalo highlighted her work with Alon Akademie, an organization that provides opportunities for underprivileged youth. She said she aims to continue helping young people realize that their circumstances “do not define where they will go,” and that deserving individuals from low-income backgrounds should have equal opportunities to succeed.

Earlier in the competition, Manalo made a strong showing in the preliminaries with her fiesta-themed national costume and a Philippine Pearl-inspired evening gown.

Philippines climbs to 56th in global competitiveness report

Philippines climbs to 56th in global competitiveness report

Louella Desiderio 
Philstar Global 
05 November 2025 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines climbed five places to the 56th spot out of 69 economies in this year’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center (WCC).

The Philippines got a score of 50.87 this year, an improvement from 45.18 last year.

Released annually, the report measures the capacity and readiness of economies to adopt digital technologies for economic transformation in business, government and the wider society.

Economies are ranked using hard data and survey responses from business and government executives.

Through the report, IMD aims to help policymakers and companies understand what drives performance and where they should focus their resources.

IMD looks at digital competitiveness through the following factors: knowledge, technology and future readiness.

In the knowledge factor, the Philippines’ ranking slid to 65th from last year’s 64th.

The report cited female researchers as the country’s strength, while artificial intelligence articles were tagged as a weak point.

Meanwhile, the Philippines moved up to 54th place from the previous year’s 56th in terms of technology.

IMD said investments in telecommunications and high-tech exports are strong areas for the Philippines in technology, but starting a business, enforcing contracts and communications technology need improvement.

When it comes to future readiness, the Philippines went up to 52nd place from the previous year’s 58th spot.

While the Philippines is strong in flexibility and adaptability and public-private partnerships, the report showed that the country needs to work on the government’s cybersecurity capacity.

Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines lagged behind its neighbors Singapore (third), Malaysia (34th), Thailand (38th) and Indonesia (51st).

Overall, Switzerland topped the list, followed by the United States and Singapore.

Amid global trade fragmentation, the report said economies need to find new strategic advantages in the digital sphere.

IMD WCC director Arturo Bris said that trade fragmentation is affecting digital competitiveness in three main ways.

In particular, it is creating winners and losers in digital infrastructure, based on investments made in building a better framework for telecommunications and use of technologies.

While talent remains mobile, Bris also said that people are not entering certain countries in the same numbers due to geopolitical instability.

“This affects digital competitiveness when domestic policies and regional instability combust into a situation where more talent is leaving the country than entering it,” he said.

Bris also cited regulatory advantages as key determinants of digital competitiveness.

“Regulatory clarification and safety enable companies and governments to incorporate the technology available as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he said noting that the European Union, US and Southeast Asia are recognizing this through certain regulatory improvements.