Back

Jasha Gamao

Entertainment

A Night of Icons: The 11th Wish Music Awards crowns OPM’s finest at the Big Dome

January 14, 2026 11:23 AM
PST

QUEZON CITY—The 11th Wish Music Awards electrified the Araneta Coliseum last night, January 11, 2026, celebrating a stellar year for Filipino music. From P-pop dominance to soulful balladeers, the "Big Dome" witnessed a powerful showcase of talent and philanthropy.

Here is the complete breakdown of the night’s big winners.

The Top Honors

The evening's most prestigious titles went to the artists who defined the airwaves over the past year:

  • Wish Artist of the Year: TJ Monterde
  • Wish Group of the Year: Cup of Joe
  • Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Earl Agustin
  • Wishers’ Choice Award: SB19

Performance of the Year (Wishclusives)

These awards honor the best live recordings captured inside the iconic Wish Bus:

  • Pop: SB19 – “DAM”
  • Ballad: SB19 – “Time”
  • R&B: Lil Eddie and Jay R – “Statue (Tagalish Version)”
  • Rock/Alternative: Cup of Joe – “Multo”
  • Hip-Hop: Paul N' Ballin – “POGI”
  • Contemporary Folk: Amiel Sol – “Sa Bawat Sandali”
  • Contemporary R&B/Neo-Soul: Janine – “Hulaan”
  • Collaboration: James Reid and TJ Monterde – “Pahinga”

Song of the Year Categories

  • Pop Song: “DUNGKA!” – SB19
  • Ballad Song: “Darating Din” – TJ Monterde
  • R&B Song: “Marilag” – Dionela
  • Rock/Alternative Song: “Multo” – Cup of Joe
  • Hip-Hop Song: “Gusto Ko Sakin Ka Lang” – Robledo Timido
  • Contemporary Folk Song: “Saranggola” – Ben&Ben
  • Contemporary R&B/Neo-Soul Song: “Tayong Dalawa” – Earl Agustin
  • Song Collaboration: “Umaaligid” – Sarah Geronimo and SB19

Special Recognition & Icons

Wish 107.5 also paid tribute to legends who have shaped the industry:

  • KDR Icon of Musical Excellence: Apo Hiking Society
  • KDR Icon of Music and Philanthropy: Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM)
  • KDR Icon of Breaking Boundaries: TJ Monterde

SB19 and TJ Monterde emerged as the night's heavy hitters, with the P-pop kings sweeping performance and fan-voted categories, while Monterde solidified his status as a premier solo artist. True to the Wish tradition, each winner also received a cash prize for their chosen beneficiaries, proving that OPM sounds best when it gives back.

‍

Politics

Sen Imee Marcos quits flood control probe, alleging high-level cover-up

January 9, 2026 7:40 AM
PST

PASAY CITY—Senator Imee Marcos officially withdrew from the Senate investigation into the flood control scandal, branding the entire proceeding a "moro-moro" or a sham. 

During a press conference, the presidential sister claimed that invisible hands are actively suppressing the truth to protect "big time" government officials. 

She revealed that investigators are being restricted to targeting low-level DPWH employees and contractors while being forbidden from climbing the political ladder to find the real masterminds.

Marcos expressed deep frustration over the selective nature of the probe, noting that her speaking time is frequently cut short whenever she nears sensitive topics. 

She pointed out that while former House Appropriations Chairperson Zaldy Co is frequently mentioned, names of much higher-ranking officials are being intentionally omitted from the official narrative. 

The Senate leadership immediately fired back, dismissing the Senator’s claims as pure fabrication. Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III denied that any restrictions were placed on members, calling Marcos’s allegations "invented".

Meanwhile, Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Panfilo "Ping" Lacson refused to engage further, labeling the accusations as "unfair, untrue, and baseless." 

Despite the internal bickering, the scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the 20th Congress and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Sports

UNTV Cup S12 tips off March 22 at Rizal Memorial Coliseum

April 19, 2026 7:50 AM
PST
QUEZON CITY—The UNTV Cup officially returns for its 12th season on March 22, 2026, with an action-packed opening ceremony set for the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, at exactly 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
Organizers and team representatives finalized preparations during a general meeting on January 6 , 2026 at the Pork Barrel Bar and Grill in Quezon City to coordinate the return of the ‘Liga ng mga Public Servant’.
This season features a powerhouse lineup, including the four-time champion AFP Cavaliers, the Season 11 runner-up Ombudsman Graftbusters, and competitive squads from the BJMP, Comelec, DOJ, Senate, and PNP.
Intensity is already high as teams enter rigorous training camps to secure the championship and support their chosen charities. 
The Ombudsman Graftbusters are determined to claim the top spot after their second-place finish last year, emphasizing a "one game at a time" strategy to navigate the competitive field.
Meanwhile, the AFP Cavaliers are ramping up their schedule with five-day-a-week practices and tune-up games, confident that their seasoned roster will dominate the hardwood once again.
Beyond the trophies, the league remains dedicated to its mission of "service to the public," with all prize earnings donated to the teams' selected beneficiaries.
For more updates regarding UNTV Cup Season 12, please make sure to subscribe and follow UNTV News and Rescue and UNTV Sports social media platforms.
‍
Politics

Sotto backs Marcos’ P92.5-B veto to ensure 'squeaky clean' 2026 budget

January 7, 2026 6:04 PM
PST
PASAY CITY—Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III threw his full support behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, January 5, 2026 following the veto of P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations. 
Sotto emphasized that the President’s decision reinforces Malacañang’s commitment to fiscal discipline and ensures the 2026 national budget remains free from questionable allocations. The move signals a unified front between the executive and legislative branches in prioritizing transparency over discretionary spending.
The Senate President described the 2026 spending plan as the "cleanest ever" but noted that the President’s veto aims to make it "squeaky clean." Sotto specifically praised the inclusion of a Senate-led provision designed to dismantle political patronage. 
By stripping away these funds, the administration aims to prevent politicians from using the national budget as a tool for personal or partisan gain, shifting the focus back to essential public services.
Sotto’s endorsement suggests that the Senate will continue to align with the President’s anti-corruption agenda during the implementation of the fiscal year’s projects. 
Both leaders are positioning the 2026 budget as a landmark document for accountability, setting a new standard for how government funds are allocated and defended against last-minute insertions.
Sports

Youth conquers Auckland: Eala and Jovic oust tennis icons

January 8, 2026 10:07 AM
PST

The next generation of tennis didn't just arrive in Auckland—they took over. In a pulse-pounding opening round at the ASB Classic, 20-year-old Alex Eala and 18-year-old Iva Jović delivered a masterclass in fearless tennis to eliminate the legendary Venus Williams and veteran Elina Svitolina on Monday, January 5, 2026.

After gritting out a grueling first-set tiebreak at 7–6(7), the young duo caught fire, overwhelming the seasoned champions with blistering pace and relentless court coverage to sweep the second set 6–1.

This statement victory sends Eala and Jović charging into the doubles quarterfinals and signals a massive shift in the 2026 landscape. 

By defeating two of the most decorated names in the sport, the teenage sensations have officially put the tour on notice. 

Their chemistry and composure under pressure suggest this isn't just a flash in the pan but the beginning of a dominant season for the sport's brightest rising stars.

‍