Entertainment News: Cebuano Films, SB19 at Lollapalooza, TIFF Selection and More
Key Takeaways
- •Silenced Nights is the first Filipino film selected for TIFF’s Platform main juried competition since the section began 11 years ago.
- •SB19’s 2026 Lollapalooza performance will stream on Disney+ as part of the festival’s live broadcast from July 31 to Aug. 3.
- •The CCP Channel added works from Virgin Labfest, Cinemalaya, and Gawad Alternatibo to its subscription library in July.
- •Nike After Dark Tour Manila 2026 will feature a women’s 10K race, with registration opening at noon on July 29.
- •Sunshine was chosen among the first 10 films acquired by the new nonprofit label Alternativa Distribution.

Moving Eyelands to present Cebuano films in Quezon City
Regional film initiative Moving Eyelands PH will hold a free screening of Cebuano films on July 29 at 6 p.m. at Chapterhouse Creative Hub on Madasalin St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.
The program, titled Buang Man Diay Ta?! (Are We Crazy?!), is designed as a playful viewing experience that brings audiences into the streets of Cebu City. The lineup includes Ang Noble Savage/Nagpahungaw sa Iyang Emotional Baggage (2025) by Mico Lorenzo Minerva, Cinebuano (2023) by Juaquin Perocillo, Leonora Kilat (2017) by Mariya Lim, Ikaw: Ako (2017) by Ronnie Gamboa, Jr., and May Nalang Ni Kay Sa Magdrugs (2011) by Keith Deligero. By bringing the program to Quezon City, the screening places regional Cebuano storytelling in front of Metro Manila audiences while keeping access free.
SB19’s Lollapalooza performance to stream on Disney+
P-pop group SB19 will be part of the 2026 Lollapalooza livestream lineup on July 31. The group is the first homegrown Filipino act to perform at the music festival, appearing alongside other featured global artists.
The full Lollapalooza program will stream live exclusively on Disney+ from July 31 to Aug. 3. The livestream begins daily at 3:45 a.m. Philippine time, giving Philippine viewers direct access to the festival broadcast despite the time difference.
CCP Channel highlights stories of courage and hope
For July, the CCP Channel has expanded its selection with productions from the Virgin Labfest (VLF), films from the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, and finalists from the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.
The VLF plays available on the channel are Carlo Vergara’s Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, Vergara’s Dear and Unhappy, and Jerry O’Hara’s O’Donnell. The Cinemalaya titles are Anj Macalanda’s Wawa, Ralston Jover’s Hiblang Abo, and Onnah Valera’s My Fake American Accent.
The Gawad Alternatibo finalists featured are Jenser Recosana’s Si Balong At Si Doro, Mark Ellison Dimzon Mungcal’s The Naughty And The Hungry, Ja Turla’s Things You Wanted To Say But You Typed It Nalang Sa Socmed, and Elijah Dennis Quert M. Magtibay’s Agawan Sa Pamana.
Launched in 2026, the CCP Channel serves as a gateway to performances, films, and creative works by Filipino artists. Its July additions bring together works from three major CCP-linked platforms — VLF, Cinemalaya, and Gawad Alternatibo — in one subscription service. Viewers can access its growing collection of Filipino plays, films, and performances through a monthly subscription of P99 or an annual subscription of P599. To subscribe, visit culturalcenterph.channel.
Filipino film Silenced Nights to compete in Toronto
Director Lawrence “Law” Fajardo’s new sociopolitical drama Silenced Nights has been officially selected to compete in the Platform section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The selection is a historic moment for Philippine cinema, as Silenced Nights is the first Filipino film to enter TIFF’s main juried competition since the program was launched 11 years ago.
Written by Troy Espiritu and shot on location in Happyland, Tondo, Silenced Nights follows an ordinary laborer who witnesses police officers kill a teenage boy. The story takes inspiration from the 2017 death of Kian delos Santos, a major turning point during the Philippine government’s war on drugs.
After its world premiere at TIFF, the film is scheduled to open in Philippine theaters on Sept. 16.
Undertale and Jujutsu Kaisen concert tours coming to the Philippines
Film Concerts PH is bringing two symphony tours to the Philippines. The first, UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony, marks the 10th anniversary of the game Undertale and will be staged at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati, on Oct. 17.
The concert will feature music curated by Undertale creator and composer Toby Fox, performed live by the 25-piece Filharmonika Orchestra and conducted by Thanapol Setabrahmana. Newly arranged orchestral music will be paired with gameplay footage shown on a big screen.
Pre-sale access begins on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m., exclusively for members of the Film Concerts PH community. Public ticket sales will open on Aug. 11 at noon via Ticketmelon.
The second production is Jujutsu Kaisen in Concert, scheduled for Nov. 28 and 29 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. The concert uses a hybrid ensemble of classical and modern instruments to perform music from the animé Jujutsu Kaisen.
The show aims to reimagine the series’ most iconic musical moments from all three seasons, with scenes projected on a large HD cinema screen. Together, the two productions show how game and animé music are being presented locally as full live-concert experiences. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmelon, with prices ranging from P1,499 to P6,999.
Nike After Dark Tour to make Manila stop
Women runners across the Philippines will have the opportunity to take part in one of Nike’s global running experiences this November. The Manila leg of the Nike After Dark Tour will feature a 10K race open to women of all backgrounds and abilities.
Now in its second year, the Nike After Dark Tour is a global race series designed for women and powered by Nike. It spans seven major cities worldwide: Manila, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Sydney.
In Manila, the race will start at KM 0 in Luneta, pass through the historic streets of Old Manila and landmarks including Intramuros, the National Museum, and Jones Bridge, and continue toward the finish line at Quirino Grandstand. The route places the global race format within some of Manila’s most recognizable civic and heritage spaces.
Registration for the Nike After Dark Tour Manila 2026 opens at noon on July 29.
JENNIE releases new single
Global performer JENNIE has released her new single and music video, “Less than a Lover,” now available through ODDATELIER/Columbia Records.
The single is described as JENNIE’s ode to summer, capturing the excitement and lingering emotions of a relationship that falls somewhere between friendship and romance. Written by the performer, the track features a soft alternative-pop sound built around lo-fi guitar textures and vintage electric keyboards.
“Less than a Lover” is now available on all digital music streaming platforms.
Filipino film Sunshine selected for global nonprofit distribution
Sunshine, the critically acclaimed Filipino film by director Antoinette Jadaone, has been chosen as one of the first titles acquired by Alternativa Distribution, a newly launched nonprofit distribution label supported by global mobility platform inDrive.
The film follows a young gymnast navigating an unplanned pregnancy. It was selected for wider global distribution because of its honest portrayal of women’s reproductive rights.
Sunshine is among the first 10 films acquired by Alternativa Distribution. The selection also includes films from Colombia, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, Mongolia, China, Iran, Mexico, and Georgia. The slate positions Sunshine alongside films from multiple regions as Alternativa begins building an international catalog.
Alternativa Distribution marks inDrive’s first move into the global film industry.
Fil-Am singer-songwriter Rocco releases new EP
Rocco, a 23-year-old Filipino-American singer-songwriter, has released an EP titled A Comedy Romantic (Act.1).
Inspired by a deep love for romantic comedies from the 1990s and 2000s, the project sees the singer building an immersive universe. The release is accompanied by an episodic short-form narrative series across his social platforms, showcasing his acting talents and using a rollout format that has already generated considerable reaction online.
Built from a conversational perspective, the EP’s focus track, “Palm,” reflects the realization of growing apart from someone who once knew you best.
A Comedy Romantic (Act.1) is now available on all digital music streaming platforms.
Richmonde partners with Barkhaus for pet-friendly stays
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel has expanded its pet-friendly hospitality offerings through a new partnership with Barkhaus, a one-stop pet care destination in Eastwood City.
Located a short walk from the hotel on the 4th floor of Eastwood City Mall, Barkhaus supports Eastwood Richmonde’s “Furtastic Pet-cation Package,” which provides guests and their pets with exclusive perks, activities, and wellness services.
The package includes exclusive Barkhaus vouchers with discounts on grooming services, daycare, playpark access, BarkStudio self-shoot sessions, Barkday celebration packages, and Barkhaus hotel bookings, which can be reserved for the same dates as the pet owner’s stay. The arrangement extends the hotel stay into nearby pet-care services within Eastwood City.
The Barkhaus partnership is available until March 15, 2027.
Singapore-based Filipino artist bloo! releases debut EP
bloo!, the recording project of Singapore-based Filipino artist Thea Madrideo, has released her debut EP, in moments of stillness, on all major streaming platforms worldwide.
The five-track collection was written by Ms. Madrideo over two years and documents the act of healing with intimacy and pop rock energy. Inspired by artists including Kitchie Nadal, Alanis Morissette, and Michelle Branch, the songs move lyrically between English and Filipino.
Oasis documentary to open in Philippine cinemas
The documentary Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger, produced by Magna Studios and presented by Sony Music Vision, will open in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 11.
After its theatrical run, the Hulu Original film, which follows the British band, will stream internationally on Disney+.
The film will have its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. It was produced by Steven Knight and directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, who trace Liam and Noel Gallagher’s reunion tour, Oasis Live ’25. The release plan gives the documentary a festival premiere, a Philippine cinema run, and an international streaming window.