Entertainment News (06/23/26)

HKTB launches Hong Kong Summer Fun

THE Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched its “Hong Kong Summer Fun” campaign, offering more than HK$20 million (around P150 million) worth of retail and dining promotions alongside citywide events until Aug. 31. Travelers who book participating Hong Kong hotel stays through Trip.com or Ctrip can access “Summer Getaway Packs” with discounts of up to 50% on attractions such as Ngong Ping 360 and Big Bus Tours. Visitors arriving between July 1 and Aug. 31 can also redeem digital cash vouchers and merchant offers at participating malls, while registered users of the Discover Hong Kong platform can avail of limited dining deals, including HK$1 pastries and HK$10 meals. The campaign coincides with major events such as the Pixar Summer Fest at Hong Kong Disneyland from June 12 to Aug. 31, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival which is ongoing until July 1, Ocean Park’s Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration from June 26 to Aug. 31, the Design Ah! exhibition at the M+ Museum from June 27 to Jan. 10, and the immersive Bubble Planet experience at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal starting June 29. For the latest event listings for “Hong Kong Summer Fun” and “Summer Deals,” visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/summer-fun.html.

Tom Hiddleston headlines Pompeii: Out of Time

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC has announced that Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston, a three-part docudrama, will premier on July 23 on Disney+. Hosted by the Loki star and produced alongside Loki executive producer Kevin R. Wright, the series blends scripted drama and documentary storytelling to explore the final hours before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Guided by archaeologists, historians, geologists, and disaster experts, Mr. Hiddleston investigates new evidence that challenges long-held assumptions about Pompeii, including findings suggesting many residents may have had opportunities to escape. The series follows the stories of real Romans — a teenage apprentice, a businesswoman, and a Praetorian Guard — as they confront the unfolding disaster. Produced by Plimsoll Productions, the project combines recent archaeological discoveries with cinematic reenactments, aiming to present Pompeii not only as a tragedy but also as a story of resilience, sacrifice, and survival. The three-part show streams on Disney+ beginning July 23.

MBNel releases new album Forever II

FILIPINO-AMERICAN rapper MBNel has released his latest album, Forever II, via Muddy Boyz and EMPIRE. The project serves as a follow-up to his debut mixtape Forever I (2018) and reflects his growth as an artist, father, and individual. The album includes the single “Internet” and follows the success of “Ashtray” with O Side Mafia, which charted at No. 15 on Spotify Philippines and No. 25 on YouTube Trending, amassing more than 10 million streams. Hailing from Stockton, California, MBNel built his career through music inspired by his experiences growing up in the city. Signed to EMPIRE, he has collaborated with artists including BLXST, Mozzy, $tupid Young, and O Side Mafia, while his music has also reached sports audiences through tracks such as “Born To Win,” which was used by the San Francisco 49ers. With Forever II, MBNel continues to expand his international presence while highlighting his roots and personal journey. Listen to the album here: https://music.empi.re/forevermbnel.

Barbie’s Cradle reunites for a comeback concert

FILIPINO ALTERNATIVE rock band Barbie’s Cradle is set to make its comeback this year with the release of three new songs and a one-night-only concert on Aug. 1 at the Music Museum, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan. The band — composed of vocalist-guitarist Barbie Almalbis, drummer Wendell Garcia, bassist Rommel dela Cruz, and guitarist Kakoy Legaspi — said the new material reflects their growth as musicians and collaborators. Known for albums such as Barbie’s Cradle, Music from the Buffet Table, and Playing in the Fields, the group became one of the most influential acts in the local alternative music scene and has received multiple NU Rock, Awit, and KATHA Awards. The comeback concert, titled Barbie Almalbis: One Night Only, is presented by Manila-based promoter GNN and will feature both classic hits and new music. Tickets are now available at: https://www.ticketmelon.com/gnn-entertainment-productions/barbiescradlereunion.

Garrett Bolden releases theme song for The Master Cutter

SINGER Garrett Bolden has released “Mamang Sastre,” the official theme song of GMA Prime’s action-drama series The Master Cutter. Released under GMA Playlist and now available on digital streaming platforms, the upbeat track was written in collaboration with Pio Balbuena and features lyrics by the TV show’s director, Dominic Zapata. According to Mr. Bolden, the song reflects themes of justice, resilience, and standing up for what is right, mirroring the journey of Anthony “Atoy” Padua, the tailor-turned-manhunter portrayed by Dingdong Dantes. The Master Cutter follows Atoy as he attempts to rebuild his life while becoming entangled in dangerous cases and long-buried family secrets. The series airs weeknights on GMA Prime and streams via Kapuso Stream and GMA Play.

Lola Amour, Over October, Shirebound headline concert

OPM acts Lola Amour, Over October, and Shirebound will headline the first edition of Alt.chestra, a new concert series that reimagines contemporary Filipino songs through orchestral arrangements. Set for Aug. 8, at the Music Museum, Alt.chestra Vol. 1 will feature orchestral interpretations of select tracks by the three artists under the musical direction of Ronald Tomas. Presented by GNN, the show will also include a special collaborative performance bringing all three acts together onstage. Collectively, the performers have garnered more than a billion Spotify streams and established strong followings through their live performances, critical acclaim, and appearances at major music festivals. Tickets are now available via bit.ly/altchestravol1, with VIP, Orchestra, and Balcony packages being offered.

‘Spidey Tracker’ launched ahead of Spider-Man film

SAMSUNG has unveiled the “Spidey Tracker,” an interactive fan experience tied to Sony Pictures’ upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which premieres in theaters on July 31. Inspired by a device created by Ned Leeds in the movie to track Spider-Man’s whereabouts, the tracker has been transformed into a website where fans can follow Spider-Man sightings, access exclusive content, discover hidden Easter eggs, and participate in community-driven activities. The experience will be available in 35 countries through SpideyTracker.com and the @SpideyTracker account on X. Samsung also confirmed that its Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold, and Galaxy Watch devices will be featured in the film. The collaboration aims to extend the movie’s storytelling beyond the screen while emphasizing themes of connection and communication that align with both the Spider-Man franchise and Samsung’s technology.

BTS releases Spotify music video for ‘Merry Go Round’

K-POP supergroup BTS has released the Spotify Music Video for their song “Merry Go Round,” giving fans a new way to experience the track directly on the streaming platform. The music video is now available to watch via Spotify. The release adds to BTS’ growing catalog of multimedia content on the platform, offering listeners an immersive visual companion to the song. Fans can stream the track and watch the music video through Spotify’s music video feature.

Tayo Sa Wakas box office hits P110M

STAR CINEMA’S romance drama Tayo Sa Wakas has grossed P110 million at the box office as of June 19, making it one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of 2026. The film also marks the biggest movie success to date for lead stars Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan. Now on its fourth week in Philippine cinemas, the Cathy Garcia-Sampana-directed film continues its international rollout, with screenings already underway in Canada, Guam, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. The movie is set to open in Hong Kong on June 21, Singapore and Malaysia on June 25, and Taiwan on July 10, with Macau screenings also planned. The film follows longtime couple Cisco (Pangilinan) and Cheska (Mariano) as they embark on a “breakup trip” to determine whether their relationship still has a future amid conflicting personal and professional ambitions.

Sanggang Dikit FR debuts on Netflix PHL

THE action light drama series Sanggang Dikit FR, headlined by Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, is set to premiere on Netflix Philippines on June 30, bringing its mix of high-intensity action, humor, and emotional storytelling to streaming audiences. The series follows police officers Antonio “Tonyo” Conde, a resourceful investigator known for unconventional crime-solving, and Roberta “Bobby” Enriquez, a competitive and upbeat officer, whose lives intersect after a high-profile murder case tied to their personal losses forces them to work together while confronting unresolved trauma and the possibility of healing, alongside a supporting cast that includes Joross Gamboa, Liezel Lopez, Juancho Trivino, Sam Pinto, and veteran actors such as Roi Vinzon, Al Tantay, and Nova Villa.