Bam Aquino delivers on campaign pledge with the launch of RLE financial assistance for nursing and allied health sciences students.

Another campaign promise fulfilled for Senator Bam Aquino as his Related Learning Experience (RLE) financial assistance program was formally launched on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the AHEAD (Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students) grant.

Sen. Bam helped secure the P500 million allocation in the 2026 national budget to help cover the RLE expenses of nursing and allied health sciences students during his time as chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education.

In a Facebook post, Sen. Bam said 19,000 qualified allied health science students may receive a one-time ₱25,000 RLE subsidy under the AHEAD grant.

“Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga nursing at allied health students na matagal ding nag-alala kung paano mababayaran ang kanilang Related Learning Experience (RLE) at clinical internship fees habang nagsasanay para makapaglingkod sa bayan,” Sen. Bam announced.

During the 2025 senatorial campaign, Sen. Bam vowed during his meetings with nursing students to address their concerns over the high cost of RLE, which is similar to on-the-job training (OJT) and is required for graduation.

“Matagal nating ipinaglaban na mabigyan ng suporta ang ating mga future healthcare professionals, kaya naman napakahalagang hakbang ng paglulunsad ng AHEAD (Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students) grant ng CHED upang mas marami pang kabataang Pilipino ang makapagpatuloy sa kanilang pag-aaral at mas mapalapit sa kanilang pangarap na maging healthcare professionals,” he stressed.

Sen. Bam expressed gratitude to CHED, under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis, for creating this program, swiftly releasing the guidelines, and developing the portal that students can use to apply for the RLE subsidy.


During the launch, 10 nursing students from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar) held a ceremonial enrollment via the online application portal for the AHEAD grant. (https://ahead.ched.gov.ph/).

Enter If You Dare: The “Backrooms Immersive Experience” Launches Ahead of the Philippine Release of A24 and CreaZion Studios’ Horror Event Backrooms

The nightmare is becoming real.

 

Ahead of the highly anticipated Philippine release of Backrooms, CreaZion Studios is bringing horror fans face-to-face with the terror through the “Backrooms Breakout,” an immersive horror escape room happening for a limited time only from May 23 to June 7 at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City.

Inspired by the viral horror phenomenon that terrified millions online, the experience plunges guests into the eerie, endless maze of yellow corridors and unsettling liminal spaces that made the Backrooms a global obsession. Participants will navigate distorted hallways, mysterious rooms, and an atmosphere designed to make every step feel wrong.

Built as a chilling lead-up to the film’s Philippine premiere, the attraction invites fans to physically enter the world of Backrooms before it arrives exclusively in cinemas on June 3, 2026.

“Backrooms is more than just a movie release for us — it’s an experience designed to pull audiences deeper into the world of the film even before they enter the cinema,” said Anter RJ San Agustin, CEO of CreaZion Studios. “We wanted Filipino horror fans to feel the fear, the mystery, and the disorientation that made Backrooms a global phenomenon. This is something audiences have never experienced before.” 

HOW TO ACCESS THE EXPERIENCE

Guests may access the “Backrooms Breakout” by presenting a pre-purchased Backrooms movie ticket from Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinemas. Tickets may be purchased online or directly through the cinema box office.

Each movie ticket corresponds to one player admission to the attraction. Guests who wish to experience the attraction again must purchase another Backrooms movie ticket.

For online reservations, guests may reserve slots in advance through the official booking website. Reservations will only be held for 24 hours and will only be confirmed upon submission of proof of movie ticket purchase or online reservation through Customer Service.

The Backrooms movie ticket serves as the official entry pass to reserve a slot and experience the attraction.  

www.breakout.com.ph

Directed by Kane Parsons — the creator behind the original viral Backrooms videos — the feature adaptation stars Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cannes Best Actress winner Renate Reinsve. Produced by A24, the film has quickly become one of the most talked-about horror releases of the year.

For horror fans, thrill-seekers, and the chronically curious, the question is simple:

Can you get out of  the Backrooms?

  

HOW TO ENTER THE BACKROOMS

 

·       Present a pre-purchased Backrooms movie ticket from Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinemas.

·       Tickets may be purchased online or through the cinema box office.

·       1 movie ticket = 1 player.

·       Want to enter again? Purchase another movie ticket to play another round.

·       For online reservations, guests may visit the official website to reserve a slot in advance.

·       Reservations are only held for 24 hours. Only 20 game slots are available each day with 6 players each. The Backrooms Breakout Immersive Experience starts at 11 AM - 8 PM at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong.

·       To confirm your booking, guests must send proof of their movie ticket or online reservation and show the physical ticket upon entering the Backrooms Experience Escape Room.

Your Backrooms movie ticket serves as your official entry pass to reserve a slot and experience the Escape Room.

Directed by Kane Parsons and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, Backrooms opens exclusively in Philippine cinemas starting June 3, 2026.

 

Limited slots only.
Enter at your own risk.

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.