HOTLY ANTICIPATED KOREAN SERIES “PERFECT CROWN” CONFIRMED TO BE COMING TO DISNEY+ IN 2026

After months of anticipation following their starring roles in some of Korea’s biggest series to date, IU and Byeon Wooseok will debut exclusively on Disney+ in 2026 in an all-new Korean series called Perfect Crown.

Announced just moments ago at the Disney+ Originals Preview at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Perfect Crown is set in a reimagined modern-day Korea that operates under a constitutional monarchy. A touching romantic comedy, the series follows the people’s favorite royal, Grand Prince Wan, as he becomes embroiled in a power struggle with other members of the royal family. With pressure on the prince to marry, he strikes up a marriage of convenience with Heeju, the heir to a Korean conglomerate, but while the pair will work together to advance their own ends, things don’t go quite as smoothly as planned.

Previously titled Wife of a 21st Century Grand Prince, Perfect Crown stars IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines, My Mister) as Heeju, the second in line to inherit one of Korea’s biggest conglomerates, and Byeon Wooseok (Lovely Runner, Strong Girl Nam-soon) as Grand Prince Wan. The series is directed by Park Joonhwa (Alchemy of Souls, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim) and is written by Yu Ain.

Held on November 13 at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the 2025 Disney+ Originals Preview showcased the creative momentum of The Walt Disney Company, giving all in attendance an unprecedented glimpse at some of the Japanese, Korean and Global series set to debut on Disney+ through 2026 and beyond. Featuring guest appearances by some of the biggest creative names in the world of entertainment from Hollywood, Korea and Japan, the event underscored the Company’s deepening commitment to bold, award-winning storytelling on Disney+.

Stay tuned for more information about Perfect Crown, coming soon to Disney+.

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About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu, along with The Simpsons and much more. The service offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on select compatible mobile and connected TV devices.

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY ASIA PACIFIC PREVIEWS UNPARALLELED GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT SLATE COMING TO DISNEY+

The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific today unveiled its highly anticipated global general entertainment slate for 2026 at the Disney+ Originals Preview. The star-studded event was held at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and featured top talent from the U.S., Korea, and Japan -- underscoring Disney’s creative momentum and its deepening commitment to bold, award-winning storytelling on the streaming platform.

At today’s preview, Shōgun star and executive producer Hiroyuki Sanada, along with series co-creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, took to the stage to discuss the spectacular storytelling that defined Season 1 as they prepare for production to commence for Season 2. In 2024, Shōgun broke new ground and made history with a record 18 Emmy wins in a single season.

“We have incredible assets at The Walt Disney Company – our legacy, our franchises, our ecosystem, our global reach, and the relationship we share with our fans,” said Eric Schrier, President of Disney Television Studios & Global Original Television Strategy for Disney Entertainment. “For Disney+, we serve that fandom and connect audiences by creating and curating powerful, authentic, local stories that can stand proudly alongside our global franchises. Disney has a long and proud history in Asia, and we’re building on that foundation every day – through creativity, collaboration, and our shared belief in the power of great storytelling.”

The event also offered an exciting preview of upcoming global general entertainment titles on Disney+, featuring new seasons of fan-favorite series such as Paradise (Season 2), FX’s The Bear (Season 5) and Percy Jackson and The Olympians (Season 2). There were also sneak peeks of all-new, star-studded original series and documentaries including Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember, the festive special, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie and Pole to Pole with Will Smith - a new series that follows Will Smith as he travels across all seven continents in 100 days. 

Additional highlights included the news that Alien: Earth will be returning for Season 2, as well as a preview of The Testaments, a gripping spin-off series that takes place a few years after the events in The Handmaid's Tale. There were also APAC previews of FX’s The Beauty, a highly-anticipated global drama series from acclaimed producer Ryan Murphy; and Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, a fresh installment in the beloved “Descendants” franchise introducing a new character, Chessy the Cheshire Cat, and a first look at Season 2 of the Australian Original, The Artful Dodger, an irreverent follow-up to Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist exploring his adult double life in the far-flung penal colony of Port Victory, Australia.

With its creative momentum on full display, The Walt Disney Company today also unveiled bold new stories from Korea and Japan that will soon debut on Disney+. Global and regional senior executives shared insights into Disney’s content strategy, emphasizing how APAC Originals complement the platform’s award-winning global general entertainment lineup – all part of the company’s continued commitment to deliver unparalleled storytelling. 

“Today’s preview is a celebration of the creative excellence and the momentum we’re building on Disney+,” said Luke Kang, President, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific. “It’s also a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering a steady stream of original stories from Asia Pacific to Disney+ audiences – stories that enrich and complement our global general entertainment slate.”

Global General Entertainment Titles Highlighted at the Disney+ Originals Preview:

• A Very Jonas Christmas Movie – In A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, and Kevin Jonas face a series of escalating obstacles as they struggle to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families. A Very Jonas Christmas Movie premieres November 14, 2025.

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 – Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is based on the second installment of Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series titled The Sea of Monsters by award-winning author Rick Riordan. In the new season, Percy Jackson returns to Camp Half-Blood one year later to find his world turned upside down. His friendship with Annabeth is changing, he learns he has a cyclops for a brother, Grover has gone missing, and camp is under siege from the forces of Kronos. Percy’s journey to set things right will take him off the map and into the deadly Sea of Monsters, where a secret fate awaits the son of Poseidon. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 premieres December 10, 2025.

• Descendants: Wicked Wonderland – The latest installment in the Descendants franchise explores what “happily ever after” really means for Red (Kylie Cantrall) and Chloe (Malia Baker) following their time-traveling adventures in the 2024 hit film Descendants: The Rise of Red. Set primarily in present-day Wonderland with a host of new and familiar characters, this sequel delves into the warning at the end of the previous movie: There are consequences when you alter the fabric of time. Descendants: Wicked Wonderland premieres in 2026.

• Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember – In this intimate and uplifting documentary, Chris Hemsworth turns the spotlight away from himself and toward his father, Craig, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Determined to help, Chris designs a therapeutic “road trip back in time,” revisiting key places from their past to explore the powerful science of social connection — a crucial but overlooked tool in protecting brain health. Along the way, Chris uncovers surprising research showing that connection isn’t just good for the soul; it can also reduce the risk of dementia, slow cognitive decline, and even prolong life. This emotional journey across Australia becomes a chance for Chris and Craig to deepen their bond, relive memories, and discover how love, community and nostalgia can be potent medicine. Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember premieres November 24, 2025

• Pole to Pole with Will Smith - National Geographic’s new series follows Will Smith as you've never seen him before. Setting out on an extreme journey of exploration, the series sees Will travel across all seven continents in 100 days on an incredible voyage of discovery and experience firsthand what it is like to live in some of the most amazing and extreme landscapes on the planet. Pole to Pole with Will Smith premieres in 2026.

• Paradise Season 2 – Paradise is set in a serene community inhabited by some of the world's most prominent individuals. But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs, and a high-stakes investigation unfolds. Paradise will return for Season 2 in 2026.

• The Testaments – The Testaments is based on Margaret Atwood’s Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name, which was published in 2019 and takes place in the dystopian theocracy of Gilead. Years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments is a coming-of-age story that finds a new generation of young women in Gilead grappling with the bleak future that awaits them. For these young women, growing up in Gilead is all they have ever known, having no tangible memories of the outside world prior to their indoctrination into this life. Facing the prospect of being married off and living a life of servitude, they will be forced to search for allies, both new and old, to help in their fight for freedom and the life they deserve. The Testaments will premiere in 2026.

• The Artful Dodger Season 2 - Jack’s back! Dodger and Belle’s forbidden romance is under threat and a murderer stalks Port Victory. The Artful Dodger will return for Season 2 in early 2026.

• Only Murders in the Building Season 6 - From the minds of Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman comes a comedic murder-mystery series for the ages. Only Murders In The Building follows three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it’s too late. Only Murders in the Building will return for Season 6 in 2026.

• FX’s The Bear Season 5 – A young chef from the fine dining world comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in his family. A world away from what he's used to, Carmy must balance the soul-crushing realities of small business ownership, his strong-willed and recalcitrant kitchen staff and his strained familial relationships, all while grappling with the impact of his brother's suicide. As Carmy fights to transform both the shop and himself, he works alongside a rough-around-the-edges kitchen crew that ultimately reveals itself as his chosen family. The Bear will return for Season 5 in 2026.

• FX’s Shōgun Season 2 – An original adaptation of James Clavell’s novel, FX’s Shōgun is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne, comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, Toda Mariko, a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.

About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu, along with The Simpsons and much more. The service offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on select compatible mobile and connected TV devices.

Hanabishi’s Latest Cooling Innovations Bring Comfort, Protection, and Style into Filipino Homes

 

When it comes to your family’s comfort and safety, Hanabishi Appliances is a brand you can always trust. Staying true to its commitment of creating practical household solutions, it has launched new cooling solutions -- the Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans and Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans.

 

“Like all the products we manufacture, the Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans and Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans are designed with Filipino families in mind. We want to make your everyday living less stressful and more enjoyable at home,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Finance and Marketing of Hanabishi Appliances.

 

Safe and Gentle Cooling for the Home

 

The Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans are available in two variants: a desk fan and a stand fan, and are perfect for both modern home spaces as well as kids’ rooms and nurseries. They have safety-first features like mesh fan grills and thermal fuse-protected motors for worry-free use.  

 

These fans come in three fun colors: blue, pink, and grey, and are durable and dependable with features like 3-speed control, oscillation function, and industrial body build for long-lasting use.

 

Cooling and Protection for the Whole Family

 

The Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans not only cool rooms, but also help keep mosquitoes away with their heat-activated mosquito repellent pads. Also available in desk fan and stand fan variants, they are a great stylish and practical addition to any space inside the home.

 

Perfect for the country’s tropical climate, these innovative fans deliver powerful airflow while ensuring safety with their thermal fuse-protected motors. They are also equipped with 3-speed control and tilt and oscillation functions.

 

“With the Holidays just around the corner, these new fans make the perfect gift for families and new homeowners. They are simple, yet meaningful ways to show you care,” Ong-Chua said.

 

Visit https://myhanabishi.com/ to learn more about the Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans and Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans. Follow Hanabishi’s official social media accounts to stay updated on its latest products, events, and promotions.

 

About Hanabishi:

Sa Bahay at sa Business Mo, Hanabishi!
Hanabishi is a Filipino household name for appliances for over 35 years. It is a brand engineered to fit the lifestyle of the Filipino both for homes and businesses.  Hardworking, durable and resilient, are the attributes that personify Hanabishi making it the brand of choice of every Filipino mom and businessman when it comes to value and practicality. Hanabishi is the mark of quality that grows with you through the years.  Built with passion and an impeccable desire to uphold the quality of life in every Filipino home, Hanabishi will remain to be the PRACTICAL choice and KAPARTNER, today and for the many years to come.

For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop and  like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/

Therapeutic touch or trouble? When massages might do more harm than good

What’s not to love about a massage? It’s calming, relaxes your muscles, stimulates the lymphatic system (which keeps our body’s fluid level in check and protects us against infection), and improves circulation and skin tone, among other health benefits. Whether you prefer yours amid the flicker of candles and the scent of fruits and flowers in a high-end spa, or in the comforts of your own home from your suking masahista, a massage can help make you feel better in minutes.

 

Or it can make things worse. A vigorous or deep tissue massage can result in bruising and pain in areas where there wasn’t any, or more serious conditions like the loss of sensation in the arm or leg, or even a full-on fracture. While rare, rhabdomyolysis is still a possibility: The breakdown of muscle tissue due to pressure from an intense massage releases protein and electrolytes into the blood, which can affect severely the heart and kidneys.

 

“Massages are generally safe,” says Ma. Elena Lourdes R. Tan, MD from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Problems can arise during the application of excessive pressure in the wrong spots and for prolonged periods. This could reduce circulation or affect nerves, resulting in temporary or permanent damage.”

 

On the other hand, clients could also inadvertently turn a harmless session into a health risk for their therapist. “If you have a skin infection or a contagious respiratory illness like a cold, flu, tuberculosis, or COVID-19, you could easily infect others with close contact,” warns the doctor.

 

Still, you can make your next massage a pleasant and safe one when you observe these practical reminders from MakatiMed.

 

Dr. Tan shares that it’s a must to choose a reputable establishment that puts the comfort and boundaries of their clients first and foremost. “Ideally, you should get a massage in a place with properly trained therapists, as they are trained to adhere to professional standards.” Dr. Tan points out. “Of course, you have to check if the place is well-maintained, clean, and tidy at all times .”

 

The doctor also underlines disclosing any health conditions before you begin the session. “Are you pregnant? Do you have a fracture or think you do? Are you currently treating rashes or an open wound? Do you have an underlying health condition? If you do, then it’s not advisable for you to get a massage until cleared by a physician,” says Dr. Tan.  “Feeling ill is also an indication to skip a massage and stay home.”

 

Spas and wellness centers often aim for ultimate relaxation with their quiet ambiance, dim lighting, and soothing music. However, your active participation is key to a truly beneficial massage. Dr. Tan encourages, “Communicate what you want. Tell your therapist how light or strong you want the pressure and stretching, and where you don’t want to be touched. Speak up when you feel uncomfortable or develop any pain.”

 

If your pains and discomfort are related to sports or an injury, the expert suggests consulting a physiatrist, then a physiotherapist. “In this case, a healthcare professional with a background in human anatomy might be a better choice than a massage therapist,” shares Dr. Tan. “In addition to helping you manage pain through exercise and manual therapy, a physiotherapist can improve your mobility.”

 

As wonderful as massages make you feel, they are, at best, a complementary treatment to either conventional medicine, physical therapy, or both. “A massage doesn’t cure diseases or injuries,” explains Dr.  Tan. “If your pain prevails or returns even after a massage, please see a doctor immediately.”

 

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

Samsung PH Unveils the Top 10 Next-Gen Heroes of Solve for Tomorrow 2025

It’s now official! Samsung reveals the Top 10 finalists of its global program, Solve for Tomorrow competition – now in its 3rd year in the Philippines, and 15th year globally.

Bringing fresh ideas to real-world challenges, Samsung continues its mission to inspire the Filipino next-gen heroes with the return of Solve for Tomorrow 2025, as part of Samsung’s global initiative, partnering with the Department of Education (DepEd) to showcase innovative solutions from all government science high school students in grades 8 to 10, addressing challenges faced by their local communities.

The teams that will move forward to compete for the top 3 grand-winning prizes are: FloodSafe Routes AI from Philippine Science High School - Caraga Region Campus; Mangrove Health Monitor (MaHeMo) from Cavite Science Integrated School; SINAG from Bansud NHS - Regional Science High School; SARIMAX from Pasay City Science High School; The S.W.E.A.T Project from Philippine Science High School Main Campus; ShellTer from Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus; VITALBAND from Marikina Science High School; S.A.G.I.P from Cavite Science Integrated School; BANTALAY from Tuguegarao City Science High School; and EGGNovation from Cavite Science Integrated School.

This year, Samsung garnered over 300 submissions, involving more than 1,000 students from across the Philippines. Each team, with up to four student members, was tasked to create a proposal following this year’s themes: Environmental Sustainability through Technology, Social Change through Tech and Sport, and Solving Community Problems with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

To evaluate this year’s entries, Samsung convened with a distinguished panel of industry leaders from the fields of technology, innovation, and education. The panel includes Monchito Ibrahim, the Executive Member of the National Innovation Council; Michelle S. Alarcon, President of Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines; Alwyn Rosel, Executive Director of IdeaSpace Foundation and QBO Innovation; and Rachelle Perez, the Campus Program Lead of DEVCON Philippines, together with Dianne Capuz, Head of Consumer and Market Insights from Samsung Electronics Philippines.

The 10 finalists will now embark on an idea mentorship with Samsung experts, collaborating with their assigned coach to refine proposals, build proof-of-concepts, and create mock-ups ahead of the final presentation. This December, they will be presenting their proposals live for a chance to win over PHP 2 million in cash prizes and Samsung devices for their schools, teams, and teacher advisers. Joining the judging panel for the final round is Julius Arguson, Head of Product Engineering and Technical Compliance at Samsung Electronics Philippines.

“We are very happy with the increasing interest in Solve for Tomorrow, as we can see from the growing number of entries and teams joining the competition every year. It shows that more and more students from Science High Schools nationwide are harnessing their STEM knowledge and skills to help solve the issues their communities face, so we can have a better tomorrow,” shared Minsu Chu, President of Samsung Electronics Philippines.

“It is truly a special competition this year as we celebrate our 15th year globally for Solve for Tomorrow, and an honor to witness our Next-Gen Heroes share their innovative ideas powered by science and technology. We look forward to what our top 10 Next-Gen heroes have to offer as they move to the final round of the competition,” he added.

Back and bolder in its third year in the Philippines, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow continues to champion the creativity and compassion of Filipino youth. With this year’s focus on developing real-world solutions through the power of technology and artificial intelligence, the program inspires students to uplift their local communities—proving that innovation is most meaningful when it creates positive change where it matters most.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-236241 Series of 2025

About Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

 

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

European organic standards and adoption highlighted at the 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement

Naturland e.V., one of the world’s leading international organizations for organic agriculture, with support from the European Union (EU), emphasized the expanding influence of European organic standards and the vital role of organic farming in strengthening a more resilient food system during the 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement.

 

“Every time we choose organic, we’re choosing a system that respects people, animals, and the planet,” said Alexandra Castillo, Philippines' Coordinator for Promotions and Market Linkages at Naturland e.V. “Organic practices help protect the soil and water that sustain us and make sure that everyone can enjoy safe, healthy food now and in the future. Together with our partners, we work hand-in-hand with stakeholders across the value chain to turn these standards into everyday practice and support the shift toward organic more sustainable food systems.”

 

Organic farming promotes animal welfare, biodiversity, as much as it does environmental responsibility. Europe upholds some of the world’s most stringent standards on organic certification and through specific regulations and rigorous inspections, the EU ensures that every stage of production meets these criteria.

 

With these high standards, organic practices offer practical pathways to achieving sustainability across the entire food value chain–from farmers and suppliers to restaurants and consumers.  

 

Naturland also emphasized that the organic movement presents new opportunities for businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, and retailers. By offering certified organic products, they not only appeal to consumers who care about the quality, safety, and origins of their food, but also build trust through transparency and traceability. The EU Organic Logo and the Naturland seal serve as marks of credibility that signal responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship, values that resonate with today’s consumers.

 

Ongoing efforts to grow the organic movement in the Philippines include the “European Organic: Nurturing Every Juan” campaign, implemented by Naturland with support from the EU, which seeks to make European organic products an accessible, everyday choice for consumers.

 

Naturland also co-organized the 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement, initiated by Pristine Solutions, a consultancy working to advance sustainability in the country. The event annually gathers sustainability organizations and representatives from the hospitality, culinary, development, business, and public sectors, including Naturland partners PYC Foods and One World Deli.

 

Over the past decade, the movement has helped increase awareness and drive the adoption of more responsible practices across the country’s hospitality and food sectors. As it looks ahead, it aims to build on this momentum by shaping resilient food systems rooted in transparency, accountability, and shared purpose.

 

  

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

 

About Naturland

Naturland is the largest international organic farmers’ association. More than 120,000 farmers in 60 countries around the world demonstrate that ecological, social and fair farming can be a successful project. In Germany and Austria alone, around 7,000 organic farms belong to this association. Worldwide, the majority of Naturland farmers are smallholders organized in cooperatives and producer groups.