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Biola Bayo’s glow steals spotlight at Babaloja’s Premiere

They say after the storm comes the sunshine, and Nollywood’s Abiola Adebayo is proving that in every sense of the word.

Following the shocking collapse of her marriage, which left many fans stunned given her calm and graceful nature, the radiant actress has chosen not to stay in the shadows of heartbreak.

Instead, she has picked up the pieces with admirable strength, channeling her energy into new projects and self-growth.

Her fast-rising podcast, Talk To B, has become a refreshing platform where actors and actresses open up about their struggles and triumphs, a space that reflects Abiola’s empathy and resilience.

It’s no surprise that the actress, fondly called ‘Biola Bayo,’ continues to endear herself to both fans and colleagues alike.

But it was her recent outing at the star-studded Babaloja movie premiere that truly stole the spotlight.

Looking effortlessly chic in a crisp white shirt and blue jeans, Abiola dazzled on the red carpet with her glow and confidence, radiating a beauty that spoke louder than words.

Onscreen, she played a significant role in the movie, but offscreen, she became the evening’s highlight.

Cameras couldn’t get enough of her as she laughed, mingled, and later hit the dance floor with veteran actor Femi Branch.

The duo swayed to the evergreen tunes of Haruna Ishola, skillfully served by the famous DJ Gavpop, and the crowd loved every moment.

For an actress who has weathered personal storms, Abiola’s appearance was more than just style, it was a statement. A statement that she is moving on, rebuilding, and glowing stronger than ever.

Create wealth, save your allowances – NYSC DG urges Corps members

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged Corps members to embrace self-reliance by cultivating a savings habit and investing in themselves rather than waiting for government jobs.

Speaking during his visit to the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream ‘Two’ Corps members at the NYSC orientation camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, he told the Corps members that their monthly allowance could be the foundation for future financial growth if managed wisely.

He explained that the key to creating wealth lies in discipline and prudent spending.

The NYSC DG said that by saving a portion of their monthly allowance, Corps members could accumulate enough capital to start small ventures that may grow into sustainable businesses.

‘Create your own wealth, create your own start-up? How do you do that? Save out of your allawee. As soon as you open your bank account, open a savings account also,’ he said.

Nafiu pointed out that NYSC provides an equal opportunity for all graduates regardless of their family background, emphasizing that financial success depends on personal choices, not privileges.

He said, ‘And that’s why NYSC is giving all of you a level playing field. You’re all sitting here now, you don’t know those that are from wealthy families. You don’t know whether you’re ever sitting next to someone that was getting N500,000pocket money.

‘As far as we are concerned, 77K can maintain all of you. When you cut your clothes according to your size, choose your style according to the available fabrics. Save 20% of your 77K, that will give you N15,400 every month.’

The NYSC DG also encouraged Corps members to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and not rely solely on government for employment. He cited examples of past Corps members who started small side businesses during their service year that eventually became their main source of income.

He reminded them that the NYSC scheme was established to build national unity, leadership capacity, and civic responsibility among young Nigerians, urging them to view their service year as a launchpad for their personal and professional development.

‘With diligence, commitment. passion, you can start a business or businesses. Instead of everyone waiting and sitting at home for many years.

‘Don’t wait for government. Employ yourself and help government out by employing others. The people that have been coming to your SAED training, some of them thought it was government who would help them, but they started a side hustle, and the side hustle has turned to main hustle,’ the DG stated.

Nafiu, therefore, advised Corps members to conduct themselves responsibly in their host communities, avoid negative social media commentary about the state, and maintain respect for local customs.

He said, ‘The NYSC is not to waste your time. It’s designed to help you to integrate. It was instituted 52 years plus ago. To foster national unity, build bridges, foster national cohesion, contribute to development, and build leadership skills into the young graduates. All the country look forward to, or look up to, as the leaders of tomorrow.

‘You are the leaders of tomorrow. It’s a matter of fact, you own this country. With your population, with your intellect, with your skills, with your voice, you can shape the future of this country and make this country greater than it’s been handed over to you.

‘Be good, responsible, and respectful guests of the Oyo people. Don’t go on social media talking about the state.

‘Believe in this country. If you don’t believe in this country, it’s going to be difficult for things to work for you. Because when you see opportunity, you will not even trust it, and you will slip up.’

On his part, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Peters Kayode, briefed the DG on the smooth conduct of the ongoing orientation course involving 2,363 Corps members.

He noted their good behaviour and enthusiasm toward camp activities and commended the Oyo State government for its consistent support, including improvements to camp facilities, but appealed for additional bunk beds to address accommodation needs and reaffirmed the staff and corps members’ commitment to the goals of the NYSC scheme.

‘So far, this set of leaders are discharged in the most exceptional way. It is also imperative to bring the attention of the Director-General that camp officials are on top of the assignment. Camp facilities are adequate and functional,’ he said.

The state coordinator informed the NYSC DG that the state government had already taken steps to improve camp infrastructure. He explained that the government had requested a cost estimate for flooring the camp’s multipurpose hall, adding that the project would soon be completed.

He also noted that both the state and local governments had pledged to supply between 1,000 and 2,500 plastic chairs to make camp life more comfortable for corps members.

‘This camp continues to enjoy the support of Oyo State government and our various stakeholders, which make things much easier for the operation of the scheme.

‘It is my belief that at your next visit, these facilities will have to be put in place. Equally, I am pleased to inform the Director-General that I will continue to maintain the operational models of the scheme in Oyo State, as I have been doing since my assumption of duty as the State Coordinator. Challenges and needs of the orientation camp,’ he added.

Trade Fair demolition: Stop your vendetta against Igbos, Ohanaeze warns Sanwo-Olu

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, accusing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of orchestrating a deliberate attack on Igbo investments.

In a statement released Sunday, signed by Deputy President General and National Spokesman Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Chinemeze Ohia, the group demanded an immediate halt to the demolitions, describing them as a ‘calculated political vendetta’ aimed at dismantling Igbo economic contributions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The demolitions, which targeted structures largely owned by Igbo traders, have sparked outrage, with Ohanaeze labeling them a ‘profound injustice’ and an ‘economic affront.’

The group argues that the actions violate the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 40 on freedom of association and movement, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the 1978 Land Use Act, which mandates lawful revocation of occupancy rights, advance notice, and compensation. According to Ohanaeze, no such due process was followed.

‘The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to address, with unwavering candor, the insidious actions perpetrated by the Lagos State Government under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We hereby demand an immediate cessation of all demolition activities that specifically target Igbo investments within Lagos State. Such measures are not merely administrative actions; they are perceived as a calculated political vendetta designed to systematically dismantle the economic contributions of the Igbo residents in Lagos State, compelling them to vacate the state in advance of the 2027 elections.

‘With the utmost gravity, Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. These acts represent a profound injustice, an economic affront, and a blatant violation of the rights of traders, the majority of whom are of Igbo ancestry. The recent demolitions blatantly contravene the protections afforded to individuals by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 40, alongside the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the foundational provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, which unequivocally requires lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy, advance notice, and just compensation for affected property owners.

‘Independent investigations commissioned by Ohanaeze Ndigbo have revealed alarming violations of the Urban and Regional Development Law of Lagos State. Notably, there was a conspicuous absence of environmental impact assessments or consultations with stakeholders prior to these demolitions. Insights obtained from interviews with Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, underscore that the Trade Fair Complex is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, thus inherently questioning the legality of state-led demolition actions.

‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo resolutely calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to halt these assaults on Igbo properties and investments in Lagos State. We remind the Governor that he was overwhelmingly supported by the Igbo community during his 2019 electoral campaign. Since his administration’s commencement, our records reveal that over 2,753 properties-houses, shops, and their valuable contents-have been callously demolished without due recourse to the owners, representing colossal losses amounting to approximately 23 trillion Naira in investments. It is incumbent upon us to confront these issues forthrightly, irrespective of any political sensitivities.

‘Our assessments evince a concerning pattern; it appears that the Lagos State Government may be engaging in acts of political retribution against Ndigbo in Lagos, particularly in the wake of the electoral dynamics observed in the aftermath of the 2023 elections. The prevailing inflation rate of 23.9% only exacerbates the economic harm inflicted upon Igbo traders, and indications suggest that further demolitions will occur as a means to diminish the Igbo presence prior to the 2027 elections.

‘ln a passionate plea, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly in this matter. The President must order an immediate cessation of further demolitions and compel the Lagos State Government to deliver adequate compensation to those affected. Additionally, we advocate for the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, which has languished in disuse for 59 years, and call for the establishment of a new Southeast Seaport at the Azumiri Blue River, in Ukwa East LGA Of Abia State,located a mere 34 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

‘Furthermore, it is imperative that we alert the Igbo community residing in Lagos State to the troubling prospects ahead. Information at our disposal indicates that additional demolitions targeting Igbo properties may occur as early as 2026. It is high time for Igbo business owners to evaluate the sustainability of their investments in Lagos and consider reestablishing their enterprises in the Old Eastern Region, particularly the Southeast. The ‘Think Home’ philosophy (Ak? Ruo Ulo) is increasingly seen as the most viable strategy in response to the ongoing demolitions. Standing united, we shall confront these injustices and ardently defend the rights and livelihoods of the Igbo people’.

EDITORIAL – A good occasion marred

What was supposed to be joyous occasions last September 28 during the arrival of then Archbishop-designate Alberto Uy in Cebu and later on during his installation as archbishop on September 30 were marred by alleged violence by a group of parish volunteers against members of the media.

According to the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists, members of the Kabalikat 940 Metro Cebu Chapter harassed and forcefully removed members of the media who were covering the events. They also allegedly struck them with instruments and took pictures of their Press ID cards.

“What should have been a solemn and historic occasion for Cebu was tainted by the shameful treatment of media workers, including those affiliated with the Church. Instead of being recognized as professionals documenting a milestone for the Catholic faithful, they were treated as security threats. This incident occurred despite an existing agreement with Church officials that designated coverage protocols and media areas were already in place,” the federation said in a statement published on social media.

We have yet to hear the side of the parish volunteers in this story. But from what we are seeing for now, they either became too zealous in their assigned duty or some of them developed a grudge against members of the media.

It could have been chalked up as a one-time event if this only happened during Uy’s arrival on September 28. But since it reportedly happened again two days later during his installment as Cebu archbishop, we can’t help but think there was some grudge involved.

Granted that the group wasn’t familiar with the coverage protocols or didn’t know the reporters regularly covering the Church beat, there was still no reason for them to behave like they were duly deputized to attack and harass others.

But then again, like we said, it would seem the group hasn’t issued any statement yet regarding the said incidents. Not that we can compel them to, but perhaps it would help if they explained to clear up the issue.

SK leader killed in Cotabato ambush

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman was killed while two others were wounded in an ambush by motorcycle-riding assailants in this city yesterday.

Prince Mohaz Matanog, SK chairman in Barangay Poblacion 5, was declared dead on arrival in a hospital due to multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

Reports said Matanog and his brother Muamar was in a Toyota Raize when the assailants ambushed them at past 10 a.m. at the intersection of Jose Lim Sr. street and Sinsuat Avenue.

The gunmen also shot and wounded Pat. Norsaiden Laguiali who responded to the incident.

Muamar and Laguiali were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Probers recovered 92 bullet shells at the scene of the ambush.

Fajardo’s eyes glued to 9th MVP title

San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo looms large as the PBA fetes the best individual performances in the Season 49 Leo Awards today at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Fajardo is hunting for a record-extending ninth MVP, making a strong case for the coveted accolade by logging a leading 42.1 average statistical points and copping Best Player of the Conference in both the Philippine Cup and Governors’ Cup.

NLEX’ Robert Bolick, No. 2 in stats with 36.7 SPs, and Arvin Tolentino, the Commissioner’s Cup BPC winner who ranked third in stats with 35.3 SPs, are challenging JMF’s bid in the 3 p.m. ceremonies.

‘Hindi ko actually iniisip (going for MVP No. 9) pero syempre isang karangalan pag nakuha natin,’ said the Kraken, who is on the hunt for his third straight since coming back from a shin injury that sidelined him in 2020.

‘Sino ba mag-aakala, hindi ba? Hindi talaga ako mahilig sa basketball (growing up) tapos ngayon, ‘pag palarin, makaka-nine-time MVP ako, hindi ba? Hindi natin talaga masasabi ‘yung buhay kasi ano lang ako dati tapos ngayon ang dami ko na na-achieve, ang layo na narating ko sa basketball. So thankful ako kay God sa mga blessings na binibigay niya sa akin at sa mga blessings na parating.’

Aside from a spot in the Mythical First Team, the 6-foot-10 gentle giant is also in contention for the center position in the All-Defensive Team.

Meanwhile, Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield, Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos, Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson, Phoenix’ Kai Ballungay and Meralco CJ Cansino are contesting the Rookie of the Year honors.

Magnolia’s Zav Lucero, Titan’s Joshua Munzon, ROS’ Adrian Nocum, Terrafirma’s Louie Sangalang and Converge’s Schonny Winston are disputing the Most Improved Player plum while Meralco’s Aaron Black, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt and Scottie Thompson, SMB’s Marcio Lassiter, ROS’ Gian Mamuyac, Meralco’s Bong Quinto and Phoenix’ Tyler Tio are vying for the Sportsmanship Award.

Tightening the noose on corruption

Will People Power Begin on Nov. 30?

The anger on the revelations about the substandard and ghost projects of the floor control programs has reached another level. It is turning out to be a total fight against corruption. The last few weeks have revealed that substandard and ghost projects are not limited to flood control but include other public works projects like farm to market roads, bridges, school buildings, health centers and even a personal project of First Lady Liza Marcos which was supposed to be a building in Intramuros meant for the film industry.

There are now reports emerging about graft and corruption in the Department of Education, Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture.

I recently received a letter from someone who has been closely following events regarding the substandard and ghost projects of the government. The letter contains a few proposals on how the fight against corruption should continue.

Here is the letter:

‘The public should continue to press all the three branches of government for major reforms. As for the executive branch, particularly for hard infrastructure projects, the corruption should be plugged by first addressing whether these are the right projects specified in the NEP (National Expenditure Program) and GAA (General Appropriations Act).’

I am sure the writer meant that the executive branch should ensure that there are no insertions and illegal amendments to the NEP and GAA.

‘Second, did the implementing agency or office conduct a truly competitive public bidding to determine the right cost?

‘In order to ensure the right quality, did the agency with independent entities inspect the progress and completion of the project as to compliance with the project specifications?

‘There is also the need to change the measure of an agency’s performance based on financial disbursements as the principal metric of an agency’s performance needs to be changed.

‘The role of the COA (Commission on Audit) needs to be changed to pre-audit and not just post-audit.

‘As to Congress, the influence of legislators over the implementing office – district engineers – has to be addressed.’

The most difficult reform is to determine how the implementing agency will be forced to conduct a truly competitive bidding process. There must be a way to ensure that the bidding is truly made public.

In the past, there have been different ways that have been attempted to remove the influence of legislators – senators, congressmen, local government officials – over the implementing office. During the term of President Noynoy Aquino, it was felt that the removal of the pork barrel system achieved this objective. However, recent events have shown that the removal of the pork barrel system simply led to another means of graft and corruption due to the undue influence of legislators over the entire process.

Moving on to another topic, I want to express again my strongest appeal to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to listen to the public clamor for the hearings to be made public. In the last couple of weeks, in every gathering that I have attended, I have heard constant speculation relating to what is happening in the hearings. There are even supposed leaks going around and all of this is not healthy for this whole process.

There must be a way of addressing this need of the public to know what is going on. The hearings could take months or even more than a year before a final report is released to the public. If the ICI does not want the public to know what is going on, this could lead to a frustrated public that will look for solutions on the streets, rather than the courts of law.

Perhaps a reasonable compromise could be found that will satisfy the need for the public to have access to what is going on and the desire of the ICI to maintain confidentiality until all information has been thoroughly verified. This is a very serious challenge that the ICI should address or face possible consequences.

The issue of graft and corruption has become a worldwide phenomenon today. It has caused violence in the streets, especially by the youth sector in Nepal and in Indonesia. The most recent countries where this is now happening are Morocco and Tunisia. In Nepal, the president had to resign and was immediately replaced.

The ICI should feel that they have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that public frustration does not begin with the public becoming frustrated and losing total trust in the integrity of the ICI. If this happens, the next step will be a resort to people power or even worse, to violence or a coup d’etat.

On Nov. 30, there will be a second Trillion Peso March. Hopefully, there will only be a single united rally, unlike the Sept. 21 rallies which were held separately.

It may sound like a cliché, but the Philippines is truly at a crossroads today. Perhaps the direction of our future may be decided long before the 2028 elections.

CBCP calls for National Day of Prayer amid calamities

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the faithful to join a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance in light of the calamities and corruption that continue to plague the nation.

In a letter to dioceses, CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David announced that the observance will be launched on Tuesday, Oct. 7, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.

‘In the spirit of the prophetic exhortation of Baruch, which is a prayer of national confession and contrition, and in the context of the calamities that continue to afflict our land, we call for a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance to be launched on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary,’ David said.

Prayers will be held in all parish churches, chapels and homes starting Tuesday and every succeeding Sunday leading up to the Feast of Christ the King on Nov. 23, as part of a sustained supplication for mercy and renewal.

‘This act of national contrition is also a step in our journey of synodality – walking together as God’s people, listening to the Spirit and to one another, in humility and hope,’ he said. ‘As we mark this pilgrimage year of hope, we cling to the promise of the Apostle Paul: ‘Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

David urged the faithful to pray ‘with contrite hearts and steadfast trust, through the intercession of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary,’ for national healing and renewal.

The CBCP also released the official prayer titled ‘A National Cry for Mercy and Renewal,’ which implores God to hear the voices of the people ‘as we walk in the valley of darkness.’

It likens the Filipino people to ‘a stray sheep that has fallen from the cliff, clinging desperately to a brittle branch, crying out for rescue.’

Business sector to review regulatory processes

The private sector is set to conduct a review of regulatory processes in the country to help address the longstanding issue of red tape.

The review is being spearheaded by the Philippines – Ease of Doing Business Foundation Inc. (EASE PH), which serves as the private sector convenor of the Buklod Bayani Coalition composed of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of the Interior and Local Government and business groups including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

EASE PH president Roberto Alvarez Jr. told reporters during the initiative’s launch that the private sector is undertaking the review to simplify processes for securing permits and clearances.

Alvarez said the initiative would also support ARTA’s ongoing review of processes.

While the ARTA is undertaking a review focusing on certain sectors, he said the agency has limited manpower.

The review will involve working with industry organizations in all sectors including real estate, mining, telecommunications and energy.

After the review, Alvarez said the private sector would come up with recommendations to be presented to the government agencies and local government units involved, as well as the ARTA and President Marcos.

‘Many of the steps are unnecessary. Some of these were placed by the government before. Maybe two presidents or three presidents ago. It’s no longer necessary. So, we will tell them to remove that,’ he said.

Apart from simplifying and reducing the number of steps, he said the initiative is expected to help curb corruption.

‘When they know they will get caught or they know they can be seen, they will hesitate to do it. If they know they can get away with it, many people will just do it, right? But now, if they think that somebody’s looking at them, then it’s going to be harder,’ he said.

While the initiative may not eradicate corruption, he said it may make it harder for such to take place as the process for doing business becomes easier.

Board of Investments chief investments specialist Lubin De Vera Jr. said the Ease of Doing Business – Anti-Red Tape Advisory Council has passed a resolution recognizing EASE PH as the convener of private sector participation in the review of regulatory processes, acknowledging the crucial role the sector plays in advancing reforms.

‘Businesses, both domestic and foreign, still encounter regulatory complexities, delays and inefficiencies,’ De Vera said, noting that it can take up to 75 days for local firms and more than 100 days for foreign firms just to complete registration.

These numbers are above global averages and those seen in other Southeast Asian countries.

‘If we are serious about making the Philippines an investment destination of choice, these delays must be addressed directly and decisively,’ De Vera said.

Alvarez said the initiative would also be presented during the PCCI’s Philippine Business Conference later this month to increase awareness and get more sectors involved.

Andres-Ashtine chemistry blooms in ‘Minamahal’

Whether or not you’ve seen the hit Viva One series ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E,’ there’s no denying the chemistry between Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga as their onscreen spark has already earned them their first big-screen movie for their second project together.

Teaming up with Viva’s writer-director Jason Paul Laxamana, ‘Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna’ is a coming-of-age tale about two young lovers, Raffy and Luna. The film takes viewers through the journey of their relationship from senior high school to college.

Raffy is not one to hide his emotions. He’s already in love with Luna, and she doesn’t mind starting a relationship as long as whatever they’re doing isn’t ‘kaderder’ (her playful version of ‘kadiri,’ meaning gross).

Things become complicated as the two find themselves on different paths in life. While Raffy slowly comes out of his shell, Luna has to stop schooling to help her abused mother. When Luna finally escapes her predicament, the dynamic in their relationship begins to shift – leaving viewers to wonder if two people from different worlds can find common ground to keep their love afloat.

Despite its subtitle, don’t mistake ‘Minamahal’ for a sequel or even a spin-off of the ‘Para Kay Stella’ duology starring JC Santos and Bela Padilla. The only connection lies in this concept: 100 items given by the protagonist to the object of their affection.

This time, however, the film doesn’t focus as heavily on the symbolic gifts as ‘Stella’ did with poems and songs. Instead, the flowers serve as subtle markers of where their relationship stands, up until the final bloom.

While Fidel and Stella felt like lovers straight out of a romantic comedy, Raffy and Luna come across as more true-to-life. Their romance and their personal struggles feel grounded and relatable beyond the usual ‘hugot’ dialogue.

Laxamana’s storytelling wavers at times, with contrasting tones that make the film feel like several stories stitched together without smooth transitions. However, it manages to land on an ending that makes sense within the film’s arcs.

The performances of its leads show promise. Andres may not yet match his father, Aga Muhlach, in acting range, but he demonstrates potential once he refines his line delivery. Olviga, however, is the clear standout, with an effortless portrayal that makes Luna feel both real and compelling.

As a duo, Andres and Ashtine work so well together. They clearly understand the emotional dynamics between their characters, highlighting the strengths of Laxamana’s script.

One major complaint that AshDres ‘shippers’ will likely notice right away is the blatant product placement throughout the film. A telco company and a restaurant owned by Viva’s parent company are featured so prominently that they become distracting. It almost feels like watching a music video where the artist is forced to include a product shot just because it helped fund the production.

Product placements aren’t new, and they’re forgivable when integrated naturally. Unfortunately, these moments feel more like advertisements that take viewers away from the story.

Still, there’s much to enjoy in ‘Minamahal’ if you’re willing to overlook its script’s lapses and not-so-subtle advertisements, thanks to the palpable chemistry between Andres and Ashtine – a pairing that makes this two-hour film worth watching in cinemas. Three stars out of five.