Content creators gather for second YouTube Pop-up Space Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Video-sharing website YouTube held its second Pop-up Space Manila event from October 19 to 21, 2017 at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati to support creative minds in line with YouTube Spaces' mission: "learn, connect and create."

YouTube NextUp Manila winners with the production experts and fast-ring creators at the 2017 #YouTubeSpaceMNL. Photo by: Instagram/karlzarate

Inside the YouTube Space Manila, creators can use the set and equipment for free, learn about video production and collaborate with other creators. There is a lounge area and multiple meeting rooms for creators to use as well.

"The YouTube Pop-up Space Manila is our latest effort to invest in the development of the Filipino creator community, which has grown over the past year," Moe Inaki, YouTube Space Asia Pacific Senior Strategist said.

The event is a follow up of the successful introduction of YouTube Pop-Up Space at Bonifacio Global City Arts Center in April this year.

Participants include the winners of the first YouTube NextUp in the Philippines, launched in Manila last July: singers Reneé Dominique and Karl Zarate, who serenaded the attendees of the launch event; Cebuano musician Manolo Martinez (BoogieBoy36); beauty vloggers Raiza Contawi, John Jafael Juane (About Raf), Helen Payawal (HelenOnFleek), Trisha Sanchez, and Mae Layug.

Also included were vlogger Nate Punzalan; sports enthusiast Dionino Ventura (Hype Streetball); doll custom artist Maureen Gabrielle Hermoso (Mozekyto); and educator Jan Angelique Maravilla (Team Lyqa).

NextUp winners teamed up with production experts to learn new techniques in camera, lighting, and sound, and receive coaching from the YouTube Partnerships team on how to grow their audience like a pro. They also received advice from previous YouTube NextUp grads and the opportunity to meet and work with other fast-rising creators in the program.

YouTube also presented the Gold Play Button awardee, the dancing sensation Niana Guerrero for amassing 2 million subscribers on her YouTube channel.

Follow updates about YouTube Pop-up Space at #YTPopupSpaceMNL. Find more creator resources at youtube.com/creators and learn more about YouTube Spaces across the world at youtube.com/space.

Team Vhong's touching mirror dance act wins Magpasikat 2017

MANILA, Philippines - Team Vhong Navarro's powerful dance routine and mirror illusion act built around the themes of isolation and loneliness won the title of Magpasikat 2017 grand champion.

Photo Credit: Instagram/Karylle Tatlonghari

The winners were announced on Saturday, October 21, with the hurados for this year's "Magpasikat Week," as part of the noon time show's eighth (8) anniversary, praised all the teams on their explosive performances.

Team Vhong Navarro got perfect score of 10 from the judges composed of director Rory B. Quintos, actress Ina Raymundo, Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, reporter Marc Logan and singer Janno Gibbs.

“Vhong, you are a creative genius. I am impressed beyond words,” said Quintos.

“Very timely ang message! ‘Yung mga kabataan talaga ngayon ay nabibiktama ng depression. Sobra akong tinamaan sa performance niyo. Yung timing niyo, sabay-sabay talaga. World-class,” Raymundo commented.

As the "Magpasikat Week" champions, Navarro, along with Hashtags members Nikko Natividad, Tom Doromal Bugoy Carino and Kid Yambaro, and Girltrends Erin Ocampo and Joana Hipolito, won P300,000 for their chosen charity.

Placing second and third were the team of Vice Ganda, Teddy Corpuz, and Jugs Jugueta; and the team of Karylle and Jhong Hilario, taking home P200,000 and P100,000 for their chosen charities, respectively.

The two remaining teams -- Anne Curtis, Nadine Lustre and Ryan Bang and Billy Crawford, Amy Perez and James Reid -- received consolation prizes for their chosen charities.

Showtime hosts show gratitude

In today’s grand finale, It's Showtime hosts reminisced all the performances from the previous years and thanked madlang people for the continous support. There was even a ceremonial burning of guitar to wish the show’s following year to be another successful one.

In a touching scene, the hosts recalled how being part of It’s Showtime has changed their lives. Gathering in a big group, their family prayed together.

This week had been a whirlwind of excellent performances. With the theme of Phantom of the Opera, Billy’s team presented a magical show. Vice, Jugs and Teddy showed that love trumps everything as Teddy married in real wedding.

Anne, Nadine and Ryan was all about love and party for their love parade. Karylle and Jhong’s musical play was also well applauded as they become insects in love.

Congratulations to all the winners!

What do you think of the results of this year's Magpasikat? Did your bet win?

— The Summit Express