David Chua Straddles Fantasy and Reality in Daring Socmed ‘Experiment’

Will the chinito actor/director marry his AI girlfriend?

Early last September, keen showbiz fans were pleasantly surprised when actor/director David Chua broke his long, self-imposed hiatus from the showbiz limelight and revealed his alleged new girlfriend, Sophia Moretti, through an Instagram post.

While many congratulated him for his flourishing love life, a few skeptics expressed their doubts, especially when they noticed how perfectly-curated Sophia looked, with her drop-dead gorgeous features and mysterious vibe.

WILLING TO MARRY SOPHIA?

In the weeks that followed, David’s Instagram posts chronicled his sweet moments with Sophia, each one showing a heightened level of intimacy, with the most recent showing the couple in a perfect proposal pose amid a romantic sunset backdrop.

THE BIG REVEAL

In a special segment on Rated Korina which aired on TV5 on Sunday, October 18, Korina talked about Filipino viewers’ fascination with online AI dramas, and elaborated on how the new platform is literally changing Pinoy viewing habits, with many getting hooked, and even falling in love with popular AI characters, including Mr. Sterling, Mr. Deluca, as well as other dragon-inspired or mythical names and faces.

Among the celebrity interviewees in the segment was David himself, who openly admitted his fascination with AI and its infinite potential as a media tool which could easily blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

As the interview soon turned towards his viral videos with his alleged girlfriend, David finally confessed that Sophia was a character that he created using AI (artificial intelligence).

DARING SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERIMENT

What inspired him to create Sophia’s persona and share their beautiful moments online?

David explains, “I think I finally reached a point where I could enjoy life again without feeling like I constantly had something to prove. After everything that happened, I needed to find my footing again.”

“Honestly, it started as an experiment, but somewhere along the way, it became a form of therapy.”

“And surprisingly, part of the healing came through something I never expected: artificial intelligence. What started out as curiosity became a creative outlet. I found myself experimenting, imagining different possibilities, and rediscovering the excitement of creating something simply because it made me happy. For a while, I kept that part of my life private. But eventually, I thought, why not share a little of it?”

SETTING THE BOUNDARIES FOR AI

For a technology that’s still at its infancy, AI has admittedly been getting a lot of flak. How does David transcend all this negativity?

He explains, “I understand the scepticism. Every major technological advancement has been met with some degree of fear, and AI is no different. But as a filmmaker, I see AI as another creative language. It allows us to visualize ideas the previously required enormous budgets, large production teams, or resources that independent filmmakers simply didn’t have.”

“As a viewer, I’m excited about the possibility of discovering stories from people who may never have had the opportunity to make films before.”

Despite his strong endorsement for AI, David still believes where clear boundaries have to be made.

He asserts, “But ultimately, I don’t believe AI should replace human creativity. It should expand it. Technology can generate images, but it still takes a human being to give those images meaning.”

TICKLED PINK BY NETIZENS’ REACTIONS

Through it all, David admits to being fascinated by netizens’ reactions to his latest posts.

He confesses, “Let’s just say the reactions have been interesting.”

“Some people were fascinated, some were confused, and I’m sure a few wondered whether I had completely lost my mind.”

“But no, I’m not crazy. I’m just creative. Although I supposed there’s sometimes a very thin line between the two.”

“For me, it’s a hobby, a creative expression, and occasionally an escape from reality. And I think everyone needs a little escape sometimes. Mine just happens to involve artificial intelligence.”

Despite his revelation, David remains optimistic about finding love in the real world. 

He says, “I haven’t given up on love. I’ve simply learned not to lose myself in the process of finding it.”

Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, Mon Confiado, Michael V Lead PH National Winners in Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026

Images courtesy of Instagram: Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, Mon Confiado, Michael V 

ASIA PACIFIC’S SCREEN ELITE UNVEILED IN ASIAN ACADEMY’S 2026 NATIONAL WINNER REVEAL 

SINGAPORE, SEPT 30, 2026: The Asian Academy Creative Awards has revealed the 335 National Winners, representing 18 nations and territories, across the 39 categories, for the Gala Awards Final at Singapore’s historic Capitol Theatre this December.

Singapore’s Mediacorp (23), Prime Video India (19), Astro Malaysia (19) and CNN (15) topped the company tally after today’s livestream announcement.

Acting heavyweights Jackie Chan (Chinese Mainland) and Anil Kapoor (India) were amongst the action thanks to their Best Feature Film work on The Shadow’s Edge and Subedaar respectively.

Today’s livestream announcement was a bittersweet one for Malaysia with horror film “Malam Terlarang (Forbidden Night)” wining 4 categories including Best Feature Film, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Sofia Jane and Best Direction (Feature Film) going to Norhanisham bin Muhammad who passed away in May.

Chinese drama series The Lead scored the most number of categories with 6 wins including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Liu Haocun. Ironically it missed out on Best Drama Series to the big budget Legend of the Magnate.

 
Astro’s family crime drama series Good Boys Go to Heaven claimed a powerful 5 categories for Malaysia including Best Actor and Best Drama series nods. Japan’s Song of the Samurai was another 5 category winner but was edged out by Alice In Borderland for Best Drama Series (Japan). In the Best Actress category it would be Non who would claim National honours for her role in Miss King.

 
China’s Swords Into Plowshares and India’s The Family Man Season 3 each scored 4 categories for their respective nations with Bai Yu claiming Best Actor In A Leading Role (Chinese Mainland).

 
Dogman from Taiwan’s PTS also claimed 4 category wins including Drama Series and key acting categories thanks to Chang Hsiao Chuan and Tarcy Su. GMMTV’s Enigma Black Stage impressed with 4 National wins but was caught up in a fierce scripted battle that saw Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak claim Best Actor (Thailand) for Ticket to Heaven and Best Actress to MONO’s Manatsanun Phanlerdwongsakul for Sweet Dreams.

Entertainment host Vice Ganda is a megastar in the Philippines but had to withstand an additional tie breaker round to claim a highly coveted Best Actor nod for the feature “Call Me Mother”. His co-star Nadine Lustre is also through to the Grand Final but for her lead role in Viu’s Love, Siargao.

 
Singapore’s Best Feature Film went to the The Violinist, voiced by Tan Kheng Hua and Ayden Sng, who also claimed the Best Actor In A leading Role (Singapore) for drama series Double Helix. The Violinist also scored Best Animation and Best Screenplay.

CNN won’t have any trouble accessing the Gala Awards in December, thanks to an impressive 15 wins across the factual categories including former winner Kristie Lu Stout’s National win for Best Factual Presenter (Thailand). She’ll face off with another former winner, Singapore’s Wei Du for CNA’s Walk The Line: ICE Nation.

Singapore indie, Refinery Media impressed with 3 National wins for lifestyle programme Man of the Hour.

The Asian Academy Creative Awards National Winner Announcement was launched by Awards Chairperson, Beverley McGarvey (President & Streaming Lead, Paramount ANZ) who noted that “each year, these awards remind us just how much talent, ambition and originality exists in our region” before adding “Our stories are becoming more confident, more distinctive and more influential, not only in their home markets but with audiences all around the world”.

Ms McGarvey noted entries were on par with last year and the large number of National Winners has created the largest showcase of Asia-Pacific content in the world. She also acknowledged the Members of Jury and announced that, this year, jurors from 38 countries taking part .

Clear Skin, Real Confidence: Andrea Brillantes x Belo AdvaClear

It Was Never Just About Acne

For a young person, persistent breakouts affect much more than the skin.

Ask any teenager who has woken up with a new breakout on the morning of an important day, and they will likely tell you the same thing: acne is never just about the skin. It is the extra time spent in front of the mirror trying to cover a pimple. It is turning away from the camera, deleting a photo before anyone else can see it, or suddenly deciding not to attend something they had been looking forward to for weeks.

For parents, these sudden changes can be heartbreaking and difficult to understand at first. A child who once loved having their photo taken may suddenly avoid it. Someone who used to be bright and outgoing may begin keeping to themselves. The breakouts may be visible on the surface, but the devastating effect they have on a young person’s inner confidence often remains completely hidden.

When Breakouts Begin Affecting Confidence

Acne appears as persistent pimples, clogged pores, excess oil, redness, or dark marks that remain long after a breakout has healed. Crucially, acne is not a sign that a teenager is unhygienic, careless, or simply not trying hard enough. It is a complex skin concern driven by excess oil production, bacteria, inflammation, hormones, and genetics.

Because these biological causes and severity differ wildly from person to person, the exact routine that worked for a friend, sibling, or online content creator may not be the right match for your child. That is why professional assessment is what truly matters.

"Acne does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. Before recommending any treatment, we first assess the type and severity of the patient’s acne and identify the factors contributing to breakouts. This allows us to develop a treatment plan based on what the patient’s skin actually needs."

— Dr. Jacqueline M. Luna, Deputy Medical Director, Belo Medical Group

Andrea Brillantes Knows the Feeling

Andrea Brillantes may be one of the country’s most recognizable young stars, but growing up in front of the camera also made her deeply conscious of her skin. Behind the polished photographs and television appearances was a young woman who understood exactly what it felt like to want to hide.

"There was a time I was so acne-prone that I'd show up to set in full foundation, too embarrassed to let anyone see my skin. And when you grow up in front of the camera, that self-consciousness follows you everywhere. But my Belo family helped me through it. My skin started to clear once I began AdvaClear, and my confidence came back," shares Andrea, reminding young people that they never have to go through their acne journey alone.

(NOTE: Translated from Taglish)

Start with Understanding: Meet Belo AdvaClear

When a child is struggling, a parent's first instinct is often to purchase another cleanser or spot treatment product. However, worsening acne requires a professional medical assessment. At Belo, the journey begins with an in-depth skin analysis by a Belo doctor to design a personalized treatment plan matching the patient's age, lifestyle, and comfort level.

For suitable candidates, Belo doctors may recommend Belo AdvaClear, an advanced laser treatment that uses two complementary wavelengths to target active acne without requiring numbing cream and with minimal downtime. It works by:

● Targeting and neutralizing acne-causing bacteria directly

● Calming overactive oil glands to minimize excess sebum production

● Reducing active redness, acute inflammation, and swelling

● Improving the appearance of stubborn post-acne dark marks and uneven skin texture

Depending on the doctor's assessment, advanced skin-recovery solutions like ASCEplus Exosomes may be added to further accelerate tissue healing, texture correction, and cellular repair.

For Parents: Support Begins with Listening

Real skin journeys from personalities like Andrea Brillantes, Celeste Cortesi, Caitlyn Stave, Raheel Bhyria and content creators like David Guison, and Bethany Talbot, carry a powerful message: seeking professional help makes the path less overwhelming. When your child is struggling, the most helpful first step is simply acknowledging how they feel. Let them know that acne is not their fault, and avoid dismissing it as a simple 'phase' they must endure. Beyond improving their appearance, the right clinical support ensures a young person feels heard, cared for, and deeply confident during a formative stage of life.

Clearer skin starts with the right understanding. Book a professional skin analysis and consultation with a Belo doctor today to discover a treatment plan suited to your child's unique skin needs.

Aquino Plotado Wins Best Film Producer Award at the 12th Emirates Film Festival 2026

Aquino Plotado with His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates.

Aquino Plotado with son Kaden Hamdan Plotado

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Filipino entrepreneur and film producer Aquino Plotado was honored with the Best Film Producer Award at the 12th Emirates Film Festival 2026, held on July 26, 2026, at the New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

The award recognizes his production efforts for the short film As the Call, So the Echo, which also garnered a Best Actor win for lead star Enzo Pineda, as well as a Best Director award for writer/director Rusty Palacio Guarin at the 11th Emirates Film Festival last year.

The recognition adds to Plotado's growing list of achievements in the UAE. In July 2025, he also received the Billion Dirhams Deal Maker Award at the Emirates Real Estate Awards 2025, recognizing his excellence in both the real estate and film industries.

Leading this year's winners was "Bukal," directed by Epy Quizon, which received the coveted Best Film award. Quizon also earned Best Director, making Bukal one of the festival's biggest success stories.

John Moreland Lynn won Best Actor for his outstanding performance in Quiet on Set, while Ruwani Tebuwanage received Best Actress for Police Seat. The award for Best Screenplay went to Tilamsik sa Dakilang Apoy, recognizing Francis Gacer's compelling storytelling, while Vera claimed the Best Cinematography honor for its exceptional visual artistry.

Other major winners included:

• Best Editor: Thraattu

• Best Sound: Cassandra's Client

• Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Yung Tayo Na Hindi Naging Tayo

• Best Production Design: Toxicity (Canada)

• Best Cast Ensemble: Osman

• Best Supporting Actor: Ritchie Barrios (Yung Tayo Na Hindi Naging Tayo)

• Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Miranda (Batingaw)

The festival also celebrated outstanding films from different regions of the world through its Regional Film Awards:

• Best Regional Film (South Asia): Thufaili (Uninvited Guest) — Shamnas PP (India)

• Best Regional Film (Southeast Asia): Tilamsik sa Dakilang Apoy — Frances L.J. Gacer (Philippines)

• Best Regional Film (Middle East): The Keyboard — Mohammed Mamdouh (Egypt)

• Best Regional Film (Europe): L'Appel — Maroussia Bleitrach (France)

• Best Regional Film (GCC): Unleash Your Imagination — Meral Niazi

• Best Emirati Film: The First — Noor Al Qasimi

The festival also recognized rising talents through its special awards, with Charmae Cabrera receiving the EFF Promising Actress award and Ron Jordan De Ocampo named EFF Promising Actor, and Orli Gayeta, who received the EFF Filmmaker Recognition Award, highlighting the next generation of filmmakers.

Looking ahead, Founder and CEO Ron Awa announced his vision of elevating the Emirates Film Festival into a more globally recognized event by welcoming filmmakers from around the world in future editions. His goal is to further establish Dubai as an international destination for cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Jessica Miranda received the Best Supporting Actress award for her remarkable performance in Batingaw. Her powerful screen presence and outstanding acting captivated both audiences and the jury, making her one of this year's distinguished winners.

Reset with Intention: The Belo Body Reset

Reset with Intention: The Belo Body Reset 

A closer look at Belo Medical Group’s doctor-led, personalized weight management program 

Weight and wellness are deeply personal. Every woman has her own body with its own nuances, her own needs, and her own definition of health. The journey can feel overwhelming – often shaped by trial and error, conflicting advice, and short-term solutions that lack satisfaction. The challenge becomes even more complex when science-backed options exist, yet the space is crowded with under-trained providers and unverified claims. In this landscape, trust matters just as much as outcomes. 

This is where Belo Body Reset comes in. 

Developed by the Belo Medical Group, Belo Body Reset is an expert-led, personalized weight management program that places medical guidance at the forefront of every plan. Every patient starts with a consultation, where doctors assess individual goals, health history, and lived experiences. Programs are then designed and tailored to each patient’s unique needs with a curated menu of treatments designed to support each patient’s journey comfortably, safely, and sustainably. The focus is not quick fixes or trends, but long-term, health-forward outcomes guided by medical expertise. 

Belo Babies Solenn Heussaff, Liz Uy, Isabelle Daza, and Georgina Wilson have grown in the public eye, evolving into mothers, founders, and creatives beyond the spotlight. Through Belo Body Reset, they each explored doctor-recommended programs suited to their individual needs and lifestyles. 

Prime Contour X — Solenn Heusaff 

Artist, host, and entrepreneur Solenn Heusaff turns to Prime Contour X for non-invasive body and skin contouring. The treatment targets localized fat, supports skin tightening, and improves texture while reducing the appearance of cellulite. With zero downtime, it supports post-pregnancy or post-weight-loss concerns without interrupting daily life. 

Body Reset Drip — Liz Uy 

Stylist Liz Uy moves at a pace that requires sustained energy and focus, balancing long hours on set with motherhood and entrepreneurship. The Body Reset Drip is an in-clinic IV infusion designed to support metabolism, enhance energy, and improve fat-to-energy conversion. It supports liver function and muscle recovery—ideal for individuals balancing long workdays with active lifestyles. 

Metabolic Reset — Isabelle Daza 

For content creator and entrepreneur Isabelle Daza, whose work spans travel, hosting, and daily on-camera commitments, metabolic balance is an essential. Belo’s Metabolic Reset is a doctor-supervised program involving Mounjaro, a prescription medication administered through injections. Designed to support appetite regulation and metabolic balance, the program focuses on gradual, medically guided weight management under professional supervision complemented by a healthy and active lifestyle 

V-Contour — Georgina Wilson 

Model and entrepreneur Georgina Wilson’s work spans multiple cities across Asia, where precision matters. V-Contour is a physician-performed treatment that delivers targeted sculpting through localized injections. The treatment addresses stubborn fat, fluid retention, and mild skin laxity while supporting skin texture and vitality.

What these treatments share is a commitment to effectiveness guided by medical expertise. Each ambassador followed a program selected to suit her individual needs, reinforcing how the Body Rest program is designed to work: personalized, considered, and never one-size-fits-all. Every Belo Body Reset journey is distinct and handled with care. 

The Belo Medical Group invites patients to reset with intention. Belo Body Reset is built on personalized, medically supervised care guided by doctors you can trust. Programs are designed to work with the body you have, supporting health-forward goals and results that last. Book a consultation at any Belo clinic to begin a Belo Body Reset program tailored to you.