Entertainment News (06/02/26)

MTRCB allows screening of Love, NGO

AFTER undergoing a stringent review process and extensive dialogue with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has cleared the local film Love, NGO, produced by Viva Communications, Inc., for public screening with an R-16 classification. The film was reviewed by a committee after concerns were raised by NCDA regarding the portrayal of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The comedy-drama film is directed by Darryl Yap and stars Jerald Napoles as Ngo, a hardworking young man with a cleft palate, as he navigates romance, heartbreak, and self-love. Despite seemingly discriminatory portrayals of persons with a speech impediment, as well as frequent vulgar language and sexually suggestive expressions, the MTRCB ultimately found that the movie “has redeeming value in its story and treatment.” It premieres in cinemas on June 3.

Viral The Amazing Digital Circus holds fan screenings

ENCORE Films Philippines is bringing the viral internet animated sensation The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act to Philippine cinemas starting June 5. Blending surreal comedy, psychological themes, internet humor, and emotional storytelling, it enticed audiences worldwide with its colorful visuals hiding darker existential themes underneath. There will be special fan screenings on June 4 at 11 p.m. at SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM City Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Marikina, SM City North EDSA, and SM City Dasmariñas. Tickets are priced at P800, inclusive of an A3 poster, collectible ticket, and lanyard. After that, it will be released in regular cinemas starting June 5.

Ayala Malls presents Venice Film Fest entry Queer

DIRECTED by Luca Guadagnino, Queer will hit Philippine cinemas on June 10 in time for Pride Month. The film was based on the novel by William S. Burroughs then joined the official competition at the 81^st Venice International Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. It stars Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, alongside Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Henrique Zaga, and Omar Apollo. Set in 1950s Mexico City, it follows an American expatriate living in isolation in a small foreign community. His life shifts when he meets a young student who awakens in him a powerful and unexpected sense of connection.

Dave Moffatt joins Music Travel Love tour in PHL

MUSIC TRAVEL LOVE, the duo composed of Canadian brothers Bob and Clint Moffatt, announced that they are bringing along their brother, Dave Moffatt, as a special guest for the entire multi-city Philippine tour in June. Performances are scheduled at The Atrium, Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City on June 26; at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in Cebu on June 27; and New Frontier Theater, Araneta Center, Quezon City in Manila on June 28.

Marvel’s X-Men ’97 returns for season two

MARVEL ANIMATION’S Emmy-nominated series X-Men ’97 returns to Disney+ for a second season on July 1. The first season was one of the most-watched Disney+ Original animated series (based on hours streamed globally). Season 2 continues with the X-Men divided and thrown across different eras in time as they struggle to navigate their return home. Meanwhile, back in the 1990s, suspicious foes and new strains of mutant intolerance are on the rise in the wake of the X-Men’s absence. The second season features nine episodes.

Icona Pop releases new single

AWARD-winning duo Icona Pop is back with its new single “Butterfly Feelings,” out now. Lifted from its forthcoming album Ritual, arriving Aug. 14 via Ultra Records/Iconic Sound Recordings, “Butterfly Feelings” finds Icona Pop leaning into the dizzy emotional rush of falling in love hard and fast. Co-written by the duo, the song pairs futuristic synths, pop melodies, and a snappy club-ready beat.

AI-generated artist Tata drops new single

TATA Taktumi (known as Tata), an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated artist, has released a new single, “Not So Bad,” via Pacific Music Group. Developed under the creative direction of multi-Grammy Award winning producer Timbaland, the project underscores the philosophy that technology requires human intention and that creativity is still driven by real people. “Not So Bad” was made with creative direction from Timbaland, with the claim that Tata’s foundation “remains deeply human, rooted in lived experience, artistic instinct, and hands-on collaboration.”

Filipino duo Aviators releases new single

FILIPINO chamber rock duo Aviators is back with a new track titled “Come & Go,” out now via Offshore Music. What started as an Iloilo-based music project between two friends, John Roxas and Arvy Zafra, has evolved into a band with unique sonic imagery: retro-pop with lush and ornate arrangements and post-punk sensibilities.

Jonas Blue delivers new summer song

JONAS Blue has returned to Defected Records with “Girl,” a follow-up to the 2025 hit “Edge of Desire.” “Girl” sees the singer bringing his global crossover power into the Defected world, with his catchy vocal hooks and guitar patterns. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.

Silent Sanctuary drops music video with Xyriel Manabat

SILENT Sanctuary has teamed up with actress Xyriel Manabat for the official music video of “Una,” now available on the Universal Records Philippines YouTube Channel. In the music video, Xyriel portrays an overseas Filipino worker, highlighting the sacrifices, silent struggles, loneliness, and emotional distance endured for the love of family.