Ring in the Festive Season with New Premieres on HBO Max this December

(Credit: HBO Max)

PHILIPPINES, DECEMBER 1, 2025 – From the adrenaline pumping new spy series The Copenhagen Test with Simu Liu, Tom Cruise’s iconic death defying operations in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, crime action K-drama Villains, and live-action movie How to Train Your Dragon, starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker and Gerard Butler, to its animated trilogy for the family, HBO Max has got it all for you.

As the holiday season approaches, fans can explore a lineup of festive programming, including Dear Santa with Jack Black, The Polar Express voiced by Tom Hanks, A Christmas Mystery, The Heist Before Christmas and Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie!. Kids can also join in the celebrations with festive episodes of Tiny Toons Looniversity Season two and Teen Titans Go! Season nine.

FEATURED MOVIES ON HBO MAX

• Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie!, premiering December 6
• How to Train Your Dragon, premiering December 12 and will also be available on HBO on December 13 at 9pm
• Dear Santa, premiering December 20
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, premiering December 20 and will also be available on HBO at 9pm
• M3GAN 2.0, premiering December 26

FEATURED SERIES ON HBO MAX

• HBO Original Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East, premiering December 3 
• New episodes of Booba Season five, premiering December 4
• HBO Original The Yogurt Shop Murders, premiering December 6
• New episodes of Jellystone! Season three, premiering December 11 / 24
• Villains, premiering December 18
• Amadeus, premiering December 21
• The Copenhagen Test, premiering December 27

Stream the grippingly intense finales of Dear X on December 4 and HBO Original IT: Welcome to Derry on December 15. 

FEATURED REALITY SERIES ON HBO MAX

• TLC’s Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie, premiering December 4
• Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship Season 11, premiering December 7
• Discovery’s Louvre Heist: Minute by Minute, premiering December 14 
• Discovery’s Wild Winter, premiering December 14
• AFN’s Thai Street Food: Best Kept Secrets, premiering December 18
• TLC’s Gingerbread Land: The Biggest Little Holiday Competition, premiering December 24
• HGTV’s Castle Impossible, premiering December 25
• Discovery’s Expedition X Season 10, premiering December 31

Subscribe to HBO Max at  www.hbomax.com or via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store from only ₱149/month & ₱1,040/12 months and stream on HBO Max via your preferred device.

Ring in the Festive Season with New Premieres on HBO Max this December
Source: Balita Viral Trending

Meet the 10 Finalists for Cebuana Lhuiller’s ‘Happiest Pinoy 2025’

Cebuana Lhuillier proudly announces the Top 10 finalists of the 2025 Happiest Pinoy—extraordinary Filipinos whose stories of resilience, optimism, and service rose to the top of this year’s nationwide search, following a thorough external judging process that identified each one as a true reflection of the Filipino spirit at its strongest. Another round of panel interviews will determine the grand winner, with the contenders sharing their defining challenges, the reach of their initiatives, and their vision for the future. 

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of P.J. Lhuillier Inc., captured the essence of the campaign: “In a world that tests us constantly, the Happiest Pinoy reminds us that true strength is measured not by the absence of hardship, but by our capacity to lift others while we rise. These finalists show that joy and service travel hand in hand—each story a lesson that hope is contagious and resilience can be taught.” 

This year’s finalists reflect powerful journeys of advocacy, creativity, and community impact: 

1. Darwin Tadifa (Inspiradong Champion), a public school teacher and ALS implementer from Iloilo who has spent 22 years educating out-of-school youth, founding DAGYAW ALS to support thousands of learners. 

2. Zacarias Mansing Jr. (No Way Kapansanan), a literacy advocate working from a wheelchair, whose “Books for Kids Project” has reached tens of thousands of students. 

3. Cresencia “Nanay Cresing” Ilao (Happy at 60), a 95-year-old master potter from Batangas preserving and teaching traditional pottery. 

4. Naprey Almario (Bibo sa Negosyo), a Davao entrepreneur creating inclusive livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities. 

5. Ronnel Ojas (Proud as Pride), an advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and mental wellness through Project I Am Wonder. 

6. JoshuaCharles Saguban (Masayahing  Gen Z), a youth leader spearheading community feeding programs while balancing school and volunteer teaching. 

7. Christian Apolinario (Creative Pinoy), an artist and filmmaker advancing disability inclusion through creative work, including para-dance. 

8. Juan Carlos Soriano (Bagong Bayani,  Hatid Sigla), an OFW seafarer championing mental health awareness and disaster relief outreach. 

9. Jason Roy Sibug (Katutubo TRIBO), an Indigenous leader strengthening education and sustainable livelihood programs for tribal communities. 

10. Glaidel Joy Balog (Happiest Ka-Cebuana), a radio DJ from Quezon known for self-funded outreach activities that uplift marginalized families. 

Each finalist stands out not only for heartfelt storytelling but also for measurable, lasting community impact. 

The esteemed panel of judges will score them across four criteria—Resilience; Optimism and Genuine Happiness; Champion of Hope and Impact; and X-Factor—supported by live scoring to ensure transparency throughout the process. The session will follow a structured format of introductions, timed Q&A, and deliberations. 

This year marks the much-awaited return of Happiest Pinoy, reaffirming Cebuana  Lhuillier’s commitment to celebrating Filipinos who turn compassion into action. As the awards ceremony approaches, the Top 10 finalists stand as a tribute to the many unsung heroes whose lives prove that joy—rooted in purpose—remains one of the nation’s most powerful strengths. The winners will be announced on December 2, 2025. 

(Cebuana Lhuiller’s Press Release)

Meet the 10 Finalists for Cebuana Lhuiller’s ‘Happiest Pinoy 2025’
Source: Balita Viral Trending

Jem Macatuno Releases Soul-Soothing ‘Kumpas’ Version for ‘Meet, Greet & Bye’

Rising Kapamilya singer Jem Macatuno has reimagined the song “Kumpas” as the official theme song of the mega blockbuster film “Meet, Greet & Bye.” 

Viewers commended Jem’s heartfelt emotions and tender vocals on the lyric video of the song posted on ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel. 

“I prefer this version, bagay na bagay sa movie. Just finished watching it, and I ended up crying,” one of the viewers said. 

“Grabe talaga tong vocals ni Jem, punong puno ng genuine emotions, remember yung PBB Eviction song na Bagong Simula, sobrang tusok na tusok, and this version of Kumpas, pengeng tissue,” posted another netizen. 

A contestant of “The Voice Teens” season 1 and a housemate in “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso,” Jem continues to shine as one of the standout rising artists under ABS-CBN’s StarPop label. His previous releases include his self-penned single “EDSA” and his remake of “Ikaw ang Aking Mahal.”

“Kumpas” was composed by Moira dela Torre, who first popularized the song, and Jason Marvin Hernandez. The original version  served as the theme song of the hit ABS-CBN series “2 Good 2 Be True.”

Check out “Jem’s “Kumpas” remake, watch the movie “Meet, Greet & Bye,” which is now in its third week in cinemas worldwide. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.  

Jem Macatuno Releases Soul-Soothing ‘Kumpas’ Version for ‘Meet, Greet & Bye’
Source: Balita Viral Trending

Freddy and the Gang are Spreading Fear on a Whole New Level in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’

In PH cinemas Dec 3

Freddy’s back and he’s bringing more friends in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, the sequel to the 2023 box-office horror phenomenon based on the hit game series  by Scott Cawthon. Animatronic horror gets on a whole new level with iconic Freddy Fazbear nightmares debuting on the big screen. 

As the first Five Nights at Freddy’s became a box office sensation, earning nearly $300 million worldwide, producer Jason Blum credits the success to the careful collaboration with original creator Scott Cawthon. “Scott Cawthon is one of the most thoughtful creators I have ever worked with,” Blum says. “He is deeply involved in every part of Five Nights at Freddy’s—the strategy, the business and the creative decisions. What really sets him apart is how connected he is to the fan community. He is constantly thinking about what will surprise them, what will make them happy, and how to honor what they love about the franchise.” 

In Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, former night shift security guard Mike (Josh Hutcherson)) and his sister Abby (Piper Rubio) are still reeling from the nightmare unleashed at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. When Abby sneaks out to reconnect with the haunted animatronics Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy, a dark series of events unfold, and the mystery surrounding the origin of Freddy’s come screaming into the light.
As with Cawthon’s original vision, and how his storytelling unveils lore throughout the series, returning director Emma Tammi wanted to pay tribute by connecting each movie to corresponding games in the Five Nights at Freddy’s line. “Scott always envisioned that if there were multiple films, each would connect to its corresponding game: the first film to game one, the second to game two, and so on,” Tammi says. “So, we already had a clear blueprint of what needed to be included, from the setting to the animatronics. Beyond that, it was about blending those game elements with our ongoing story and figuring out how our characters’ arcs would evolve alongside them. It was a balance between honoring the game and deepening the emotional journey of the characters.”

The element of horror that comes from the animatronics is vital to the film, so they return to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and spent half a year refining the new lineup of unsettling characters for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. With three times the amount of animatronics as the first film, long-time fans can expect some favorites making their big-screen debut.

The sequel also broadens the scope in which the film is set. Out of the pizzeria, the animatronics can be free to unleash horror unlike audiences and fans have seen before.  “It was only a matter of time before the animatronics had to leave the pizzeria,” Tammi says. “In the sequel, we meet them in a new location, which is exciting on its own, but then gets even more thrilling when they break out into the real world. Seeing them in everyday settings is both hilarious and terrifying. Staging those moments was one of my favorite parts of making this film.”

This reimagined idea for Five NIghts at Freddy’s 2 transforms the franchise to leave fans with surprises, but keeps its identity solidly in what the game franchise stands for. “We are building on everything that connected with fans the first time, but we are also taking risks,” Tammi says. “It is sharper, scarier and more unpredictable, and every choice was made to pull the audience deeper into this world.” 

Hang out with Freddy and friends if you dare as Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 arrives in Philippine cinemas on December 3.  Follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest updates.

Check out the new clip:

Freddy and the Gang are Spreading Fear on a Whole New Level in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’
Source: Balita Viral Trending

Dey Say Announce their Original Holiday Project ‘Christmas Wish – The EP’

Africa’s breakthrough A-Pop boyband brings festive nostalgia with a fresh global sound out Friday, 28 November

Spearheading their signature sound A-Pop, South Africa’s trailblazing boyband Dey Say unveil their debut festive project, the fully original Christmas Wish EP, landing worldwide on Friday, 28 November.

As the first South African pop boyband in nearly two decades to emerge outside of a reality-TV format, Dey Say are rapidly defining a new lane on the global pop map. Their fusion of global pop, R&B, and Afro influences continues to resonate with fans across continents, positioning them as one of the most exciting new acts to watch internationally.

Christmas Wish EP features four original holiday songs — “Sweetest Gift,” “Mistletoe,” “Let The Snow Fall,” and “Hold Me Close” — delivering classic boyband harmonies wrapped in fresh, feel-good festive energy. Lead track “Sweetest Gift” stands out as a holiday playlist contender, capturing the warmth and nostalgia of the season with a contemporary pop edge.

The EP follows a milestone season for Dey Say. Their first-ever music video “Calling For You (Ringback)” surpassed 250K views in its first week, with the original version of track debuted at #1 on the 5FM Pop Chart and peaking at #12 on the Heart FM Top 40. unprecedented achievements for a newly launched independent pop group from South Africa. In the Philippines, the music video premiered on popular music TV network MYX on release.

Now stepping confidently onto the international stage, Christmas Wish EP marks Dey Say’s next chapter as they expand their A-Pop movement to global and Pan African audiences.

Christmas Wish EP is out worldwide Friday, 28 November.

Dey Say Announce their Original Holiday Project ‘Christmas Wish – The EP’
Source: Balita Viral Trending

EastWest, Foodpanda, and Visa Launch a Credit Card Built for Food Lovers

The new EastWest foodpanda Credit Card, powered by Visa.

EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa jointly introduced their cobranded credit card at a launch event held in Makati City, where they welcomed media friends for a first look at the new product. It is positioned as the Ultimate Foodie Card for food lovers seeking an instantly rewarding experience for everyday cravings.

The EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card offers up to 10 percent cashback on foodpanda orders worth up to Php 4,000 (or cash back worth PHp 400) after which, foodpanda orders will continue to earn 3 percent. It also gives 1 percent cash back on all international spend and 0.3 percent on local transactions, with a total monthly cashback cap of Php 1,000 to be credited weekly to the user’s pandapay wallet. These features bring real-time value to one of today’s most popular digital lifestyles.

“This partnership brings together three brands that drive convenience, value, and digital innovation,” said Jerry Ngo, Chief Executive Officer of EastWest. “At EastWest, we continue to build financial solutions around real daily habits. The EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card is another way we make banking easier, turning every meal into a moment of value.” 

Built on a shared goal of creating connected experiences, the card is designed to simplify how customers pay, order, and enjoy their everyday essentials. It offers full digital application through the foodpanda app or EastWest AI chatbot ESTA, with approved cards delivered straight to customers and ready for use across all Visa-accepted channels, online or in-store. It also streamlines everyday spending with automatic weekly cashback.

Every new cardholder gets a waived annual fee for the first year, and the first 50,000 approved applicants unlock six months of free pandapro membership plus exclusive vouchers for extra rewards.

“This collaboration is truly the perfect recipe for everyday delight,” said Daniel Jaramillo, Managing Director of foodpanda Philippines. “We believe that every transaction deserves the best reward—food. With the new card and its weekly cashback, our customers get to treat themselves to the food they love, and enjoy instant wins with every purchase.”

“Visa is proud to power this partnership, expanding secure, contactless, and rewarding payment options for Filipino consumers,” added Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines Country Head. “Together with EastWest and foodpanda, we’re enabling the next wave of digital payments in the Philippines.”

The launch supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ digital payments roadmap, which targets 70 percent adoption by 2030, and aligns with EastWest’s strategy to embed banking within the everyday digital ecosystems of Filipinos.To learn more or apply, visit the foodpanda app or www.ewlend.com/esta.

EastWest, Foodpanda, and Visa Launch a Credit Card Built for Food Lovers
Source: Balita Viral Trending

Julie Anne San Jose Embraces Creative Freedom with New Single ‘Simula’

Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose welcomed the press on November 29 at Seda Hotel North to celebrate the release of her newest single, “Simula,” now available on all digital platforms. The track is especially meaningful because she wrote and composed it herself, marking another step in her creative journey. For Julie, having full control over her music feels liberating, and she hopes listeners can find their own stories within the song. She shared that “Simula” carries many meanings, touching on different phases and emotions people go through, which is why she crafted it to resonate with anyone navigating life’s highs and lows.

“Marami siyang meanings in different aspects of our lives. Of course to be able to relate to people, I created a song that can resonate kung ano man ang pinagdaraanan natin sa buhay natin,” she said.

Julie also opened up about her growth as a songwriter. She admitted that she used to hold back when expressing her emotions, afraid to reveal too much of herself through her music.

“Medyo takot pa ako before, ‘yung mag-express ng aking emotions and feelings. There was like a certain point before that I’m scared or parang takot pa ko to open myself up to other people when it comes to writing songs and music ganyan. Pero at the end of the day, may mga tao rin kasi na nakaka-experience ng mga na-eexperience ko rin. That’s the beauty of writing songs e, you can relate to people and you connect with them so you know the lyrics the melody, para po sa akin ‘yun talaga ang gusto ko…for some reason parang gusto ko palagi na may mata-touch ako na puso kung sino man po ang makikinig sa akin,” she said.

Over time, she realized that the experiences she once kept hidden are the same ones many people silently share. This connection, she said, is the heart of songwriting: creating lyrics and melodies that touch someone’s life in ways words alone can’t. Her goal is always to move listeners, even just one heart at a time.

“Simula” is already making waves, reaching top spots on iTunes Philippines shortly after its release. Fans can now stream the single on iTunes, Spotify, and all major digital platforms nationwide.

Watch the Lyric Visualizer for “Simula” below:

“Simula” art card courtesy of photographer Dave Graciadas on X

Julie Anne San Jose Embraces Creative Freedom with New Single ‘Simula’
Source: Balita Viral Trending