2020 vision: what the next year holds for film and TV from the Philippines

Who will represent the Philippines on the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ sequels? What's next for ‘Idol Philippines’ winner Zephanie Dimaranan?

From left: ‘Australian Survivor winner Jericho Malabonga, ‘Idol Philippines’ winner Zephanie Dimaranan and  ABS-CBN chief executive Charo Santos-Concio.

Here are our predictions for who and what to look out for from the Filipino entertainment industry next year, including potential blockbuster hits, comebacks and promising newcomers. 

What does the future hold for ABS-CBN? 

Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte threatened not to renew the state-­approved broadcast franchise of ABS-CBN, the Philippines's largest TV network, when it expires on March 30 next year. Duterte accused ABS-CBN of biased coverage against him but the company, led by chief executive Charo Santos-Concio, denies the claims. If the network's franchise is not renewed, ABS-CBN would have to shut down operations, a move that would affect more than 10,000 employees, including some of the country's biggest stars. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemned Duterte's threats, saying: "Do not allow one man's vindictiveness to displace thousands of workers, including journalists and artists, and spell the end for freedom of the press and of expression."

Will ‘Halfworlds’ pave the way for more Filipino content on HBO?

HBO Asia announced there would be a third season of its fantasy action series Halfworlds, with the main plot to move from Bangkok to Manila. The eight-part series will be directed by Filipino filmmaker Mikhail Red and will feature Filipino actors Bianca Umali and Sam Concepcion, along with cast members from previous seasons. Halfworlds is the first HBO show to be filmed entirely in the Philippines, with production set to begin next month. Meanwhile, Filipino actor Joseph Marco will join the cast of HBO Asia crime drama The Bridge for the second season of the series based on the 2011 Swedish series of the same title. It is Marco's first international project. 

After topping Twitter’s trending list, what’s next for Maine Mendoza? 

The actress was the most-trending name on Twitter in the Philippines this year, according to the social networking site. Mendoza and her former on-screen partner Alden Richards (who was ranked No 4 on the trending list) have featured prominently on such lists since their TV debuts in 2015. Their romantic comedies have been consistent hits with audiences, as well as being box-office record breakers. How can Mendoza top all that next year? Perhaps record and release an album, star in a dramatic feature film, or even host her own talk show? Among the younger superstars in the Filipino showbiz industry, she has the capacity to surprise audiences in the next 12 months. 

Who will represent the Philippines on the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ sequels?

Two Filipino actors featured prominently in popular romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians last year – Nico Santos, in a scene-stealing turn as Oliver T'sien, and Kris Aquino, who appeared as Princess Intan during one of the film's climactic sequences. Next year, director Jon Chu will film back-to-back sequels, titled China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems respectively, based on author Kevin Kwan's bestselling books. Should we expect any Filipino representation in these films? Santos is likely to return given the popularity of his character, while Aquino could be cast in another cameo in the final instalment. But Filipino actress Heart Evangelista is also a name to look out for as Kwan is a fan of hers and she appeared in a Harper's Bazaar multimedia feature about "real crazy rich Asians". In recent months, Evangelista has been travelling to and from China for an undisclosed project, creating speculation she is working on China Rich Girlfriend. 

Can Zephanie Dimaranan sustain her ‘Idol Philippines’ fame? 

Idol Philippines, a part of the reality TV singing franchise, returned this year after more than a decade. Although it was criticised for its dull judging panel, it produced an excellent winner in Zephanie Dimaranan, 16. Idol Philippines also was the most-searched TV show in the Philippines this year, according to Google. It will be interesting to see what Dimaranan, along with studio Star Music, will make of her reality competition success. She is working on her debut album, which is expected to feature mostly dramatic power ballads and perhaps a few up-tempo pop-dance tracks, too. In the coming months, Idol Philippines is also set to announce details for the show's next round of auditions. 

Is vlogging the future for Filipino entertainment?

Filipino celebrities from the film, TV and music industries have jumped on the vlogging bandwagon, creating their own YouTube channels, posting snippets from their daily lives and engaging with fans online. Actress Alex Gonzaga leads the pack and since launching her YouTube channel last year, she has garnered about five million subscribers and represented the Philippines at a YouTube summit for global creators and artists. While Gonzaga has appeared in mainstream film and TV, it was her YouTube channel that truly catapulted her to fame. The long list of recent Filipino celebrity vloggers includes Aquino, Evangelista, Kim Chiu, Judy Ann Santos, Bea Alonzo, Maja Salvador and Jennylyn Mercado. YouTube vlogging has also launched the careers of new performers such as Mimiyuuuh. Expect more vloggers to make a name for themselves in the next 12 months.

Can Jane de Leon bring Darna to life on the big screen?

Last summer, about 300 actresses auditioned to play the role of Filipino superheroine Darna after Star Cinema announced it was producing a film based on the comic book character that has entertained the public since the 1950s. Stars such as Nadine Lustre, Sarah Geronimo, K C Concepcion, Jessy Mendiola and Sarah Lahbati tried out for the role, but it was given to newcomer de Leon, 21, and is the first lead role of her career. Filmmaker Jerrold Tarog will direct the film and he says he wants to tell a more introspective, less campy superhero story. With principal photography to begin in the coming weeks, Darna is arguably the most anticipated Filipino film for next year. 

What will happen during the first Miss Universe Philippines?

After 55 years, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities no longer owns the Filipino version of the Miss Universe pageant. Instead, a new organisation, called Miss Universe Philippines will select the country's representative at the annual international beauty contest. Shamcey Supsup, who finished third at the Miss Universe pageant in 2011, will serve as national director of the organisation, while veteran pageant coach Jonas Gaffud will take on the role of creative director. Under the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, the Philippines took home the Miss Universe crown four times – Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018). It may well be time for a fresh reboot, given Gazini Ganados was unable to advance to the top 10 round this year, which was the country's poorest showing in a decade. 

Can Jericho Malabonga defend his ‘Australian Survivor’ title?

Filipino flight attendant Jericho Malabonga made waves on Australian reality TV in 2017 after winning Australian Survivor, part of the international franchise in which contestants are marooned on a remote island. Malabonga, who immigrated from the Philippines to Australia in 2014 to work as a cabin cleaner, outlasted 23 other castaways after 55 days of competition in the Samoan island of Upolu. Network Ten, which produces and broadcasts the show, announced an all-star version of Australian Survivor will be broadcast in February, with 24 previous contestants returning. Rumour has it Malabonga will be among them. Known for his sociable yet strategic gameplay, Malabonga could outwit his peers to win again.