Direct Ronald and Claudine Barretto Praise Jojo Mendrez’s “Yakap” Revival

Direct Ronald Carballo shared how Jojo Mendrez’s version of “Yakap” gave the song a fresh and more emotional feel. According to him, Jojo’s vocals sounded smooth and heartfelt, making every lyric feel genuine and easy to connect with. He also appreciated how Jojo, known as “The Revival King,” was able to preserve the classic OPM vibe of the song while still adding his own style and personality to the performance. The overall delivery created a comforting and nostalgic atmosphere that made the video even more enjoyable to watch.  

Direct Ronald also highlighted how natural and sincere Jojo’s rendition sounded from start to finish. He mentioned that the arrangement perfectly complemented Jojo’s voice, allowing the emotions of the song to stand out effortlessly. Rather than simply recreating a classic hit, Jojo managed to give “Yakap” a modern touch that can resonate with both longtime OPM fans and younger listeners today.  

 

Even Claudine Barretto praised Jojo Mendrez’s performance, sharing that for her, this is one of the best versions of “Yakap” she has heard. Her appreciation made the revival even more special and proved how Jojo was able to give new life to a timeless OPM classic.

  

Jojo Mendrez’s heartfelt revival of “Yakap” is now available on all digital streaming platforms. Released under Star Music and produced by Jonathan Manalo, the song brings a fresh yet timeless take on the beloved OPM classic.

“In The Grey” Promises Intense Action for Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal

From high-stakes finance to explosive extraction missions, director Guy Ritchie dives

into a world where legality and danger collide in In The Grey, arriving in Philippine

cinemas on May 13.

The action thriller follows elite operatives who move through the shadows, navigating

both influence and firepower to recover a stolen billion-dollar fortune. What begins as an

impossible heist quickly escalates into a deadly battle of strategy, deception, and

survival.

In the latest clip released from the film, Eiza González shares that her character Rachel

Wild has worked with the characters played by Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal for so

long that they are the only two she trusts to keep her alive.

With ruthless tycoon Manny Salazar, played by Carlos Bardem, owing a billion dollars,

Sid and Bronco — portrayed by Cavill and Gyllenhaal — are sent to steal it back. The

two operatives embark on an action-packed mission to Salazar’s island fortress, where

they face off against his private army.

The pair is described as men who operate between the moral and the immoral —

between black and white. They work in the grey.

Alongside Cavill, Gyllenhaal, and González, the film also stars Rosamund Pike, Fisher

Stevens, and Kristofer Hivju.

Written and directed by Ritchie, CreaZion Studios International's latest offering in the

country explores the murky intersection of money, law, and power. According to the

filmmaker, In The Grey was inspired by real stories from international lawyers who

specialize in recovering massive debts hidden through shell companies and offshore

accounts.

“It’s really a commentary on the murky world of finance,” Ritchie said in the production

notes. “It’s about money and law. How would you practically manage to settle debts

without people being killed and without you being a gangster?”

The filmmaker added that while the story has been fictionalized, the billion-dollar conflict

at the center of the movie was inspired by real-world cases.Production for In The Grey took place primarily in Tenerife, Spain, with additional filming

in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The film reunites Ritchie with several longtime collaborators,

including cinematographer Ed Wild and producer Ivan Atkinson.

Catch In The Grey in cinemas nationwide starting May 13.

Unite in White: Vice Ganda Leads White Party Manila’s Comeback This June 27

 

Once hailed as the Philippines’ biggest and most iconic pride celebration and a high-caliber production, White Party Manila makes its most-anticipated comeback this June 27 at the World Trade Center Manila, led by the Philippines beloved LGBTQ+ icon and the unkabogable superstar Vice Ganda. 

This year’s White Party Manila is a collaboration project between LoveYourSelf and Mentorque Productions, with a portion of the event proceeds will support HIV Awareness programs, testing, and care because Pride is not only celebrated, it is protected. 

 

Long known as the ultimate symbol of freedom, unity, and love, 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮: 𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 brings in a powerful new era for the 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤𝗜𝗔+ 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 its 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀. It’sa night where everyone is 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦. This 2026 edition set to be bigger, bolder and brighter than ever as Mentorque brings together  exciting performances from LGBTQ icons and allies, surprise celebrity appearances, and phenomenal DJs uniting as one this Pride month.  “I’m so excited for the party. White Party was really the party 10 years ago. It was the most unkabogable celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community at that time,” shared by Vice Ganda about its comeback.

“Celebrating with everyone in white, seeing that sea of beautiful individuals, solid and united for a specific goal, is such a powerful experience. Converging together, meeting new friends, seeing everyone I haven’t seen in the longest time—‘yun talaga yung inaabangan ko,” added by MMFF 2025 Best Actor. 

“Vice Ganda is the perfect person to represent everything White Party Manila stands for: authenticity, courage, and joy,” shared the Mentorque team. “Having Vice as the face of this year’s comeback feels more meaningful, especially as we reignite the spirit of Pride through celebration, community, and purpose while delivering a Pride night to remember,” from Mentorque team. Alongside Vice Ganda, iconic LGBTQIA+ personalities such as John Sweet Lapus, KaladKaren, Ice Seguerra, Liza Dino, Joey Mead-King, Angie King, Andoy Ranay, Alex Diaz, Klea Pineda, and Mimiyuuuh will join the festivities on the 27th. Allies including Janella Salvador and Chie Filomeno, as well as LoveYourSelf ambassadors and volunteers such as Joy Barcoma and Hannah Arnold, are also among the names taking part in the celebration.

Some of the exciting acts lined up for the event include Ben&Ben, Maki, Marina Summers, and Gloc-9. Streetwear designer Bang Pineda will also unveil the White Party Manila Collection.

Get your tickets now at Ticket2Me.net, White Party Manila’s official ticketing partner. Be part of the advocacy, as a portion of the proceeds will support LoveYourSelf’s HIV awareness programs, HIV testing, care, and research.

For White Party Manila updates, follow White Party Manila on Facebook and Instagram; Mentorque Productions on Facebook, Instagram, and X; and LoveYourSelf on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Play, move, and chill at SM Supermalls this summer

 

MANILA, Philippines, 21st April 2026 – This summer, your most-loved SM Supermalls turn up the energy with experiences designed for every kind of barkada. At the heart of it all is the SM Active Hub—a growing community of movers, players, and fitness enthusiasts—bringing together activities that let you truly Gala To The Max.

The SM Active Hub sets the tone for a season filled with movement, connection, and fun. Fresh from celebrating its first anniversary with a series of activities across select SM malls last April 11 to 12, the community continues to build momentum with even more ways to stay active all summer long.

Whether you’re picking up a new sport or leveling up your routine, the SM Active Hub brings together experiences that make every visit more dynamic and engaging—giving you more ways to Gala To The Max this summer.

The summer experience gets even better with the SM Coolers Fest 2026, happening from May 15 to 31 across participating SM malls. From halo-halo and fruit shakes to iced coffee and specialty beverages, the festival brings together a wide selection of refreshing treats from mall tenants and MSMEs.

Customers can also explore these favorites through SM Malls Online, making it easy to enjoy coolers anytime, anywhere. In select malls, Coolers Fest Market booths offer an expanded and vibrant on-ground experience.

From active moments at the SM Active Hub to refreshing breaks and everyday discoveries, everything comes together for a maxed-out experience made for kids, families, and barkadas.

Make it a summer to play, move, and chill—only at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

Stronger Futures Start Here as Job Opportunities Open Nationwide This Labor Day

 

This Labor Day, SM continued empowering community opportunities as multiple Job Fairs were mounted across 15 venues nationwide. This brought together 650 employers and 17,400 jobseekers, with more than 1,000 Filipinos hired on the spot—a powerful reflection of how accessible, community-based platforms can deliver real employment outcomes.

But beyond the numbers are real stories—of courage, determination, and new beginnings.

Across multiple SM malls, thousands of Filipinos walked in carrying resumes—and walked out with something more: real opportunities, renewed confidence, and for many, a fresh start. The SM Job Fair once again served as a platform for employment, connecting jobseekers, employers, and government partners in one convenient, community-centered space at their most-loved SM Supermalls.