Latest Philippine and International News

• The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced a "Special Program in Focus" featuring a six-film tribute to honor the late Korean cinema legend Ahn Sung-ki. • Simultaneously, the festival's market arm has designated Thailand as the inaugural recipient of a newly established top-tier country partnership.

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a sudden decision to return to the United Kingdom, sparking widespread speculation. • The visit raises critical questions regarding the couple's security detail and their current standing within the Royal Family.

• Buckingham Palace confirmed to CBC News on Wednesday that Prince Harry and Meghan are moving back to the United Kingdom. • The couple will be relocating to the U.K. along with their children.

• Actor Yash has released the English-language trailer for his upcoming film, "Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups." • Prime Media Studios has been appointed as the official distributor for the movie in North America.

• A' Design Award & Competition has officially opened the call for entries for the A' International Entertainment, Content Creation and Streaming Media Design Awards 2026. • Announced on August 19, 2026, in Como, Italy, the competition aims to recognize global innovation in content creation, media experiences, and streaming formats.

• Movie theaters are increasingly diversifying their programming with "alternative content," specifically leaning on concert films from global superstars like Taylor Swift and BTS. • This strategy expands beyond music to include sports events, such as F1 races and World Cup games, as well as live broadcasts from Broadway and the West End.

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning a return to the United Kingdom accompanied by their children, according to a British newspaper. • Film writer Lindsey Bahr provided a positive review for a new R-rated movie by director Schoenbrun, which explores themes of transitioning and is scheduled for theatrical release this Friday.

• Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Award nominations with a total of 11 nods. • If she wins all 11 categories, she will tie with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.

• The Taipei Music Expo (TMEX) 2026 will take place from August 27 to 30 at the Taipei Music Center under the theme "Tune in to Taiwan. Sync with Asia." • The event will feature "JAM JAM ASIA," a showcase across seven stages on August 29 and 30, featuring over 80 musical acts from 14 different markets.

• The Chaoshan-dialect film "Dear You" has expanded its overseas release, premiering in Thailand on August 6 and Indonesia on August 7. • The expansion follows the movie's previous box-office success in China and earlier screenings in Singapore and Malaysia.

• Madonna has secured the lead for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, continuing a streak of nominations spanning every decade of her career. • To celebrate her 68th birthday on August 16, 2026, an interactive installation titled “C’mon Meet Me On The Dancefloor” was launched at Outernet London.