BUDAPEST — English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran won best artist and best song for “Bad Habits,” while K-pop stars BTS snatched four awards at MTV’s Europe Music Awards, which returned as an in-person event after a virtual 2020 edition due to the pandemic.

MTV said Sunday’s EMAs, hosted in Budapest, would go ahead to show solidarity with Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community following a June law banning the “display and promotion of homosexuality” among under-18s.

It said the 2021 EMAs, held at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sport arena, would be “a global celebration of music for all audiences around the world.”

“I am so excited, I am very grateful to MTV. I think censorship of any kind of love sucks, and this is kind of a stand against that,” international pop star Kim Petras, the first transgender performer at the EMAs, said on the red carpet.

Some gay couples arriving at the show were kissing on the red carpet and others were dressed in rainbow-colored clothes in a show of support for LGBTQ+ people.

Lil Nas X was awarded best video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” while Korean band BTS won the most awards with four including best pop, best K-pop, best group, and biggest fans.

First-time EMA winners Måneskin took home best rock, while show host and performer Saweetie won best new artist.

Nicki Minaj earned a top award for best hip-hop, Olivia Rodrigo was awarded best push, Maluma won best Latin, and YUNGBLUD snagged the award for best alternative.

For the first time, the “MTV EMA Generation Change Award” winners were recognized during the EMAs main show, honoring five young people promoting equality while fighting against anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

Viktoria Radvanyi, a Hungarian board member of Budapest Pride, accepted the award on behalf of the winners.

ANXIETY
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces a tough 2022 election, says the June law is aimed at protecting children. European Union (EU) leaders say it discriminates against gay and transgender people and goes against EU values.

The law has caused anxiety in the LGBT community under Orban’s government, which has stepped up its campaign against LGBT people ahead of next year’s ballot.

As Budapest prepared to host the EMAs, Mr. Orban was re-elected chairman of the ruling Fidesz party unopposed. The anti-LGBT line featured strongly on the agenda at his party congress, with several speakers pledging to protect what they see as Hungary’s traditional Christian values.

Mr. Orban’s opposition challenger, Peter Marki-Zay, an energetic political outsider, has said he would scrap the anti-LGBTQ law if elected. He has said same-sex couples should be allowed to marry and deserve equal rights.

The show derived inspiration from Budapest’s popular thermal spas and the Danube River, which runs through the capital, with stages that appeared to be floating.

Grammy award-winning Mr. Sheeran opened the night surrounded by neon graffiti to perform his latest single, “Overpass Graffiti.” Later he performed his chart-topping hit “Shivers.”

Imagine Dragons returned to the EMAs for the debut of their new single “Enemy.” Bathed in laser lights, the best-selling band rocked the stage alongside Grammy-nominated rapper and artist J.I.D and a squad of dancers.

Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and best alternative award winner YUNGBLUD closed the night with a pyrotechnics-filled performance of his latest single “fleabag.” — Reuters

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Five free films in Japan film fest pre-event

WHILE waiting for the Japanese Film Festival Online next year, which will run from Feb. 14-27, the organizers are releasing five of the most popular films from last year’s film festival online for free. The films are: the romance drama Little Nights, Little Love; the musical comedy Dance With Me; the animated film, Gon, The Little Fox; the documentary Tora-san In Goto; and, the romance drama The Great Passage. To watch the films, visit the Japanese Film Festival Online 2022 website (https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/jffonline2022/philippines/), create an account, and choose the films. The Japanese Film Festival Online 2022 Pre-Event will run from Nov. 15-21. The films can be streamed within 48 hours after clicking the “Play” button. On the last day of the festival, the streaming will end at 23:59 JPT regardless of the remaining time.

IC holds concert honoring Luis Eduardo Aute

ON NOV. 18, Instituto Cervantes (IC) and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines will pay tribute to the Manila-born artist and musician Luis Eduardo Aute, with an online concert in which several Filipino singers will cover select iconic songs by Aute. The event, Con tu latido: Filipinas canta a Aute. A Tribute, will be streamed at 7 p.m. on the Instituto Cervantes Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/InstitutoCervantesManila. Luis Eduardo Aute was born in Manila in 1943, and his family moved to Spain in 1954. In the 1970s, he was creating soundtracks for films and made a career as a singer, with hits like “Las cuatro y diez,” and “Al alba.” Mr. Aute passed away in Sept. 2020, leaving behind a vast collection of works in several fields, in literature, music, cinema and painting. Now, seven Filipino singers are gathering to pay tribute to his musical legacy by covering some of his most iconic songs in Spanish. They are singer-actress Bituin Escalante; Mark Anthony Carpio, choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers; Toma Cayabyab, a member of the Ateneo Chamber Singers and the Villancico Vocal Ensemble, and jazz sextet, Debonair District; tenor Julius Sinoy; James Barbecho; soprano Sheila Ferrer; and composer, singer, conductor, and actress Ella Castro. The concert will be completed by Spanish singer Rosa León’s rendition of Mirándonos los dos, a song released by Mr. Aute in 1980. Admission to the concert, Con tu latido. Filipinas canta a Aute, is free. For further information about the event, visit the website of Instituto Cervantes at https://manila.cervantes.es or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

MTV Asia presents Oasis concert film

THE CONCERT film Oasis Knebworth 1996 will premiere exclusively on the MTV channel in Southeast Asia on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. (WIB), 8 p.m. (SG) and 9 p.m. (MY). Directed by Grammy-Award winner Jake Scott, the film celebrates one of the most iconic live concerts of the last 25 years and the special relationship between Oasis and their fans. The story is told through the eyes of the concertgoers and features extensive and never-before-seen archival concert and backstage footage, plus interviews with the band and event organizers. Liam Gallagher said, “Knebworth for me was the Woodstock of the ’90s. It was all about the music and the people. I can’t remember much about it, but I’ll never forget it. It was biblical.” Oasis’ two record-breaking nights at Knebworth took place on Aug. 10 and 11 in 1996, with over a quarter of a million fans from all over the world converging on Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire in England to see the legendary sets.

Robinsons Malls Fun Ride returns

FOR THOSE who missed the Robinsons Metro East and Robinsons Place Antipolo Bike Tour in October, you have another chance to take part because Robinsons Malls and the National Bike Organization (NBO) will hold another edition on Nov. 21, Sunday. Riders will convene at Robinsons Metro East’s East Deck, located at the 6^th floor roof deck. The ride starts at Robinsons Metro East along the Marikina-Infanta Highway in Pasig City at exactly 6 a.m., covering the slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, and ending at Robinsons Place Antipolo in Rizal. Robinsons Malls continues to collaborate with NBO for regular biking lessons held at Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Place Manila. Robinsons Malls also recently launched self-service Bike Repair Stations and provide bike parking areas in Robinsons Malls nationwide.

Ortigas Malls holds online fundraising concert

UNDERSTANDING the plight of entertainment workers, Ortigas Malls launched a holiday campaign and a fundraising concert to help get the industry back on its feet. Titled Christmas with the Stars, the online fundraising concert will see performances from some of the country’s brightest stars: Ogie Alcasid, Ian Veneracion, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Ryan Cayabyab, and many more on Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Funds raised for the concert and accompanying programs will be in support of the Independent Production Workers Group (IPWG), an organization that seeks to professionalize the production industry in the country and represents thousands of live events workers nationwide. The concert is in partnership with Alcasid Total Entertainment and Artist Management (ATEAM). Those who want to attend the concert can donate a set amount on the Christmas with the Stars ktx.ph page to gain a ticket to the concert. Select mall-goers can also score a free ticket for a P1,000 minimum purchase (single or accumulated) at Ortigas Malls from Nov. 4 to Dec. 10. They just need to log on to www.ortigasmalls.com and upload their receipts. Ortigas Malls will also be holding a series of online mini concerts titled KUMUnity Nights on Nov. 20, 27, and Dec. 24 as a lead up to the main concert where viewers can watch performances with an option to support the cause online. The concerts will be streamed live on the KUMU app with recorded replays on the Ortigas Malls’ Facebook pages (Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia, and Industria). Mall visitors can also shop freely and safely while enjoying holiday tunes with the Community Live Sessions starting Dec. 6 in Greenhills, Tiendesitas, and Estancia. They can also support the cause onsite via donation boxes located at the live session locations and at the Greenhills Night Market.

Part 2 of Julie Anne San Jose online concert

ON NOV. 20, singer Julie Anne San Jose’s music journey around the country continues in Limitless Part 2: Heal. The first part of the musical journey covered Mindanao and was shown on Sept. 17. In the second part, San Jose will enjoy the beach and the beats of the Visayas with fellow Clash Master and friend Rayver Cruz. Joining her is The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin. Paolo Valenciano is the creative director of Limitless, A Musical Trilogy while musical direction is by Myke Salomon. It is produced by GMA Synergy. Tickets to the online show are available at gmanetwork.com/synergy for P599 (General Admission), P999 (Synergy Pass GA), P1,199 (VIP), P2,199 (Synergy Pass VIP), and P2,799 (Synergy Pass Premium). Special merchandise awaits ticket buyers who purchase the VIP, Synergy Pass VIP, and Synergy Pass Premium. Ticket buyers can avail of a ticket bundle for both the Nov. 20 and Feb. 19 legs. Follow www.facebook.com/GMASynergy for more details.

Anilao underwater ‘shootout’ is back

THE UNDERWATER photography contest, the Anilao Underwater Shootout (AUS), held in Anilao, Batangas, returns on Dec. 1-5. Consistent with the gradual and safe reopening of the dive destinations in the new normal, organizers of the Shootout are pulling out all the stops to exhibit the country’s diving industry anew and gather divers, professional and amateur underwater photographers, and marine enthusiasts from around the globe. This year’s panel of judges is made up of renowned underwater photographers Mike Bartick, Scott Gutsy Tuason, and William Tan, along with Underwater360 Group founder John Thet. Winners across the competition’s 11 categories will be awarded prizes from underwater photography gear brands Nauticam, Scubalamp, AOI, XDEEP, Crest, and Fourth Element. AUS will continue to implement a “no marine life manipulation” policy, a strict guideline that has set standards for other underwater photography competitions in the world. The local community of Anilao will also be briefed to remind guests to follow proper underwater conduct and sign a code of conduct accord prior to the event. In the Anilao Underwater Shootout 2018 edition, over 220 contestants from 23 countries participated in the event. Other dive destinations in the country that have already re-opened include Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Malapascua, Cebu; Dauin, Negros Oriental; and Anilao, Batangas. More information can be viewed at the Dive Philippines Facebook page.

Bonifacio High Street Cinemas reopen

BONIFACIO High Street Cinemas have reopened to fully vaccinated citizens. Aside from it being sanitized regularly, the cinemas use UV before and after screenings to ensure that all areas are clean and disinfected at any time of day. Hand sanitizers and alcohol are also available for use, and there are temperature checks upon entry. As extra precaution, moviegoers need to fill up health declaration forms before their ticket purchases and must keep their face masks on at all times. Bonifacio High Street’s cinema experience can be enjoyed with recliner seats that have more than one meter of space allocation versus other cinema standards. A space for dining in the cinema lobby has also been created for individuals to use before or after the movie screening. Food and drinks, except for a bottle of water, are temporarily not allowed inside the movie theaters. The BHS Cinemas are open to fully vaccinated individuals every Wednesday to Sunday only. Ticket reservations and purchases can be done from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For landline reservations, contact 7956-8942. To keep up with the latest happenings in BGC, visit Bonifacio Global City and Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook pages.

Hip-hop quartet releases pop-rap crossover

HIP-HOP quartet VVS Collective pays tribute to the women of the countryside with “Probinsyana,” a romantic serenade for every “country” lass who took their breath away. King Promdi, who is part of the hip-hop group, produced the track and incorporated a sticky, ear-candy chorus. VVS Collective’s “Probinsyana” is out now on all streaming platforms via Def Jam Philippines.

Pokemon releases special bonuses

THE POKÉMON Company recently announced that trainers of Nintendo Switch software titled Pokémon Legends: Arceus!, who have played Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield, are now able to claim a Shaymin Kimono Set and will get a chance to catch Shaymin. All trainers that have play records from Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield can now take on a research request in Pokémon Legends: Arceus in which they’ll have a chance to add the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin (Land Forme) to their team. Moreover, trainers can also claim a Shaymin Kimono Set, designed after this Mythical Pokémon. In addition, trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, can claim a Pikachu Mask and an Eevee Mask in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For more details about these bonus gifts and previously announced early-purchase bonuses, please visit the official Webpage, https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/.

Ang Lihim ni Annasandra returns to GMA

THE ROMANCE-FANTASY series Ang Lihim ni Annasandra, about a woman who seeks true love while keeping a mystifying secret, returns to GMA’s Afternoon Prime block starting Nov. 15. The original drama series stars Andrea Torres, Mikael Daez, and Pancho Magno.

GMA Network releases Christmas station ID

GMA network has released the song and video “Love Together, Hope Together” as its 2021 Christmas station ID. An annual holiday tradition, the network’s Christmas station ID also serves as a reunion for its artists and talents, including GMA News journalist Jessica Soho, celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Heart Evangelista, Bea Alonzo in the video. The jingle was performed by Julie Anne San Jose, Lani Misalucha, Aicelle Santos, and Christian Bautista. The upbeat tune paired with uplifting lyrics was composed and arranged by Simon Peter Tan with words by BJ Camaya, Emman Rivera, and Jann Lopez. “Love Together, Hope Together” is available for streaming worldwide on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

ABS-CBN releases Christmas ID

ABS-CBN has released the music video “Andito Tayo Para sa Isa’t Isa: Ang Christmas ID ng Pilipino.” Together with AB-CBN stars, families, youths, teachers, medical frontliners, OFWs, community heroes, drivers, economic frontliners, and safety and security personnel are included in the music video. The participating ABS-CBN stars are Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Kathryn Bernardo, Andrea Brillantes, Sharon Cuneta, Seth Fedelin, Vice Ganda, Sarah Geronimo, Angel Locsin, Belle Mariano, Coco Martin, Martin Nievera, Daniel Padilla, Donny Pangilinan, Piolo Pascual, and Gary Valenciano. ABS-CBN is inviting the public to be part of the Christmas ID ng Pilipino by joining the #ChristmasIDChallenge. Viewers must use the instrumental version of the song on Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, YouTube Shorts, and Kumu Klips and record themselves singing their version of the song. They should indicate in the caption to whom the video is dedicated and post it on social media with #ChristmasIDChallenge. The lyrics of the song were written by Robert Labayen and Love Rose De Leon of ABS-CBN Creative Communication Management (CCM) division with Thyro Alfaro. The music video can be viewed on ABS-CBN cable channels like Kapamilya Channel and online via Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page and YouTube channel and other ABS-CBN digital platforms.

Heart Evangelista stars in new GMA romance drama

GMA ENTERTAINMENT Group presents the romance drama, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon, starring Heart Evangelista, along with Richard Yap and Paolo Contis.  Ms. Evangelista plays a fashion designer and socialite engaged to a dashing debonair man (played by Mr. Yap. But when she reluctantly returns to her hometown, Sorsogon, she is forced to face the emotional baggage that she left behind when she moved to Manila, including her old flame (played by Mr. Contis), who stirs up feelings she thought she had long forgotten. I Left My Heart in Sorsogon premieres on Nov. 15 and airs weeknights after 24 Orason GMA Telebabad. Viewers abroad can catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines.

Smart announced NextUp Philippines finalists

SMART Communications, Inc. has announced the 12 finalists for NextUp Philippines 2021, a contest that gives Filipino content creators a chance to realize their full potential and grow their YouTube career. The 12 finalists are: artist and best-selling author Abbey Sy; Mark Mendoza (Diskarte with Mendy); dermatologist Gaile Robredo-Vitas; digital creator and filmmaker Egypa Balindong; singer-songwriter, actor, recording artist, and DJ Guji Lorenzana; lifestyle blogger Michelle Gacasan (Michelle G.); food and lifestyle vlogger Myra Caray (Mai Goodness); lifestyle and travel vlogger Meljean Solon; fitness instructor Keoni Tamayo (Reps to the Rhythm); Van Vincent Go (VandomVincent); chicken farmer Aj Añavesa (Wandering Soul); and work-from-home mom Arra Solis (Rookie Mommy PH). The finalists will participate in an online Creator Camp where they will get a crash course on production techniques and receive in-depth training to further build their channels. A series of online training workshops for the non-finalists and other creators will be organized as well. Each of the 12 finalists will receive an equipment stipend worth P100,000 and free data packs while three winners will be granted a 12-month endorsement contract with Smart. NextUp was first launched in the Philippines in 2017.

Nadine Lustre launches audio NFT collectibles

SINGER-ACTRESS Nadine Lustre has released an audio NFT with ENTER.AUDIO. ENTER.AUDIO provides an easy entry point for upcoming and established musicians to segue into minting and selling audio NFTs where they can opt to have as much as 20% in royalties on all future resales of their music. The multi-minting feature also allows the artist to mint 20,000 editions of their NFT. Royalty splitting ensures transparency in collaborations with fellow artists and charities. For details on how to own Ms. Lustre’s audio NFT, follow ENTER on Instagram and Twitter at @enterNFT and #enterAudio #enterNFT #enterArt, or visit www.enter.art.