From VMX screen to dramatic depth: Ashley Lopez polishes her acting skills

Wazzup Pilipinas?!



Stepping into the realm of intense dramatic acting is a daunting leap for any performer, but Ashley Lopez is tackling it head on. The actress recently wrapped up her time at The Masters Series: FDCP Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026, an intensive ten-day program organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

FDCP organized the workshop to refine the acting skills of both theater and screen performers, diving into character development, vocal control, and interpreting a director’s creative intent.

For Lopez, who had been searching for professional training since last year, her selection into the program arrived at a crucial moment in her career, offering the creative breakthrough she was looking for.

“I am incredibly thankful to the FDCP for giving me a chance, even though I come from VMX,” Lopez noted, looking back at her background. “I learned so much from Day 1 to Day 10. Since this was my very first formal workshop, I can genuinely say I’ve seen my own improvement.”

Stepping into the room initially triggered a bout of stage fright, especially with several theater actors in the mix. However, that initial nervousness quickly gave way to a strong sense of community. Lopez described her fellow workshop participants as “genuinely kind people” who transformed the shared artistic space into something meaningful.

The program gave Lopez the opportunity to learn directly from veteran directors Laurice Guillen, Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, and Joel Lamangan, cinematographer Lee Briones, and acting coach Ana Guillen Feleo. Each mentor contributed a distinct layer to her evolving skill set.

Working with Direk Laurice and Ms. Feleo, Lopez focused heavily on emotional regulation. “They taught me how to manage my emotions,” she revealed. “They likened my initial approach to diving into a pool so deep that I struggled to resurface. They helped me find that balance.”

Direk Joey provided a mix of strict corrections and vital affirmation. He pointed out the clear evolution in her creative choices during the sessions compared to her prior film roles, offering a memorable vote of confidence, “You deserve better, you deserve a bigger role.”

Meanwhile, Direk Joel explained intricate acting methodologies, completely reshaping how she approaches the camera. Though Lopez had relied on similar creative instincts in the past, the training gave her a clear understanding of the “why” and “how” behind the onscreen techniques.

Lopez also highlighted the vital role Ms. Briones played, thanking her “for always guiding us and helping us see what still needed to be done and improved in every scene.”

Equipped with new technical skills, a richer approach to character analysis, and a newfound sense of self-assurance, Lopez looks at the experience as a cornerstone for her artistic future.

Beyond the valuable networking, the logistical backing from the FDCP team, and the bonds built with peers, the workshop has completely changed her perspective on career longevity.

“I will carry everything I’ve learned with me,” Lopez shared. “The brilliance of these three directors gave me lessons that I will undoubtedly use for the rest of my life in this industry.”

How Serena Magiliw is rewriting the Filipino trans narrative

Wazzup Pilipinas?!




For Serena Magiliw, the camera and the stage are both platforms for performance and battlegrounds for visibility. The Manila-based independent actor, director, and cultural worker recently completed the highly competitive program The Master Series: Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026.

While the selection marks a significant milestone in her career, it also underscores Magiliw’s evolution into a multidisciplinary force disrupting traditional power structures through raw, queer, and trans-centered storytelling. Her artistic foundation is deeply rooted in academic and cultural exploration. She studied Filipinology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and has blended transmedia narrative techniques with institutional critique.

Magiliw’s portfolio features critical performance research, including her piece “Rampa” for the Asian Performing Arts Camp 2021 and a directorial stint for the Tokyo Festival Farm 2022 Farm-Lab Exhibition. By 2022, her creative voice reached global audiences when New York’s New Perspectives Theater Company showcased her play “KASARIAN 101.” She has cemented her status in the local independent scene, racking up acting accolades in various film festivals.

What sets Magiliw apart is her refusal to separate her craft from her convictions. Offscreen, she is deeply embedded in grassroots and systemic advocacy. She actively champions human rights as a member of the Society of Trans Women of the Philippines, the country’s premier organization dedicated to transpinay rights. In addition, she works to protect creative liberties through her involvement with the Membership and Alliance Committee of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, an organization steadfast in its defense of freedom of expression.

Magiliw’s recent acting slate showcases her effortlessly moving between mainstream television and independent cinema. She played Betchay in the 2026 series “A Secret in Prague,” sharing the screen with Andrea Brillantes and Enrique Gil, and appeared with Angeline Quinto and Eugene Domingo as Jessi in “The Happy Homes of Diane Hilario” (2025).

A frequent face at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, she co-starred as Barbie Ann with KaladKaren and Lance Reblando in “Warla” (2025). Her repertoire also includes a role in the feature “Huling Palabas” (2023) and in this year’s Cinemalaya short film finalist “Muli Na Ka, Merlie” (“Merlie, Go Home”).

Currently, Magiliw is channeling her energy into SARÍ/SÁRI, her signature Queer-Trans Embodiment practice, and Trans Midya, a self-started creative hub dedicated to Filipino trans and nonbinary storytellers. Backed by the “Shift the Narrative Fellowship” grant from the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Rights, Trans Midya seeks to aggressively dismantle the damaging stereotypes and reductive tropes that have historically plagued trans representation in media.

As a full-time creative, Magiliw remains dedicated to collaborating with artists, filmmakers, and organizers who share her commitment to progressive, inclusive storytelling. For future projects, artistic collaborations, or creative inquiries, you can reach Serena Magiliw via email at serenamagiliw@gmail.com or follow her journey on Instagram at @ma.giliw.

“Where Love Takes You”: Marriott International Philippines Launches First Wedding Campaign, Celebrating the Philippines as a World-Class Wedding Destination

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Weddings in the Philippines are not getting bigger—they’re evolving. Rather than focusing on size or tradition, couples yearn for celebrations that reflect who they are, from choosing meaningful themes to destinations that evoke their story. 

Responding to this shift, Marriott International Philippines launches Where Love Takes You, its first wedding campaign in the Philippines in partnership with Let’s Celebrate founder, Marbee Shing-Go. At an exclusive watch party held at The AC Hotel by Marriott Manila on July 15, 2026, the campaign was unveiled through a gathering of esteemed wedding suppliers in the Philippines and reputable media. It champions not only Marriott International Philippines’ portfolio of hotels and its flair for remarkable encounters, but also the Philippines’ appeal as a dynamic destination to say, “I do.” 

While the hospitality leader has long celebrated weddings through its hotels’ distinct offerings, Where Love Takes You marks the first endeavor to champion the Philippines as a wedding destination that rivals other countries. Beyond its venues, the brand showcases how the country's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culinary scene, and renowned Filipino hospitality create unforgettable celebrations and meaningful milestones. So, as a wedding expert with a longstanding credibility for making only the best gatherings happen, Marriott International Philippines sees no one but Marbee to launch the plan.

What the partnership entails

At the forefront of the campaign is the belief that love is a journey. For Marriott International Philippines, the goal is to be part of the beginning and every chapter that follows. Helping bring this vision to life is Marbee Shing-Go, who has curated countless wedding expos, uplifted local destinations and suppliers, and helped couples achieve their dream weddings. “I have spent much of my career celebrating the people who make Philippine weddings extraordinary, so this partnership feels both personal and purposeful. It is a chance to show that love can take you to beautiful places, brilliant creatives, and hospitality that comes from the heart. For me, it is also a way of giving back to an industry I love—and to my Philippines.” Shing-Go shared.

In agreement with this, Lala Quilantang, Market Director for Sales and Distribution of Marriott International Philippines, expressed, “Marbee has long been an advocate for the Philippine wedding industry. Together, we share the same goal of upholding the country as a top-notch wedding destination and putting us on the map of world-class stops for tying the knot.”

Loyalty that goes places

Marriott Bonvoy® is Marriott International’s free loyalty program, and when it comes to weddings, the hero benefit is the continuity. When couples host weddings at participating Marriott hotels, they earn points that can be redeemed for hotel stays, dining experiences, and more. It's a cycle that extends well beyond the big day. Picture an engagement dinner at a MICHELIN-awarded Marriott restaurant, where points earned can be used for a relaxing pre-wedding stay. Hosting the reception at a Marriott-affiliated hotel then earns couples even more points, which they can reserve for their honeymoon, anniversary getaways, or other future celebrations.

“This is precisely where our campaign is anchored—our loyalty program that extends to the most important milestones of our guests. A wedding is not only a moment where love begins, but a reminder of how far it can take you. With this initiative, we turn them into the start of a lifetime of experiences and where milestones are more rewarding,” shared JM Sequihod, Director of Field Marketing at Marriott International Philippines.

The program also creates value for planners. In every event they book and handle, they, too, earn points through Marriott Bonvoy® Events convertible into miles or Elite Night Credit. This—plus their personal stays—allows them to reach Elite Member status much faster. 

Where love leads, Marriott International Hotels are there

More than picture-perfect moments, what lingers long after a wedding is what the newlyweds were made to feel. Whether they envision it in an elegant city or a romantic seaside, Marriott International has the perfect place to match their vision. 

At Manila Marriott Hotel and Clark Marriott Hotel, grand celebrations come to life in aspirational settings made for unforgettable milestones. Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resort, Sheraton Manila Bay, and Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort set the stage for heartfelt gatherings where loved ones come together beyond the occasion itself. Meanwhile, The Westin Manila offers purposeful, highly personalized celebrations, with every detail intentionally curated around the couple and their guests.

Beyond Marriott's premium portfolio of hotels, Marriott Bonvoy's select brands in the Philippines offer distinctive venues designed to suit every kind of celebration. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a semi-large-scale event, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo provide stylish and versatile spaces for memorable occasions. If you've always dreamed of saying "I do" against the breathtaking backdrops of Palawan or Boracay, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa and Four Points by Sheraton Boracay offer stunning island settings for unforgettable weddings. For couples seeking convenience paired with warm, heartfelt hospitality, Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan and Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City provide the perfect venues for intimate celebrations in the heart of Cebu.

“What sets Marriott apart is the breadth of choice and the consistency of our hospitality,” said Sequihod. Each hotel works closely with every pair, ensuring customizable wedding packages, bespoke culinary menus, venue styling, and immersive guest experiences are provided. Moreover, the planning journey is made seamless by dedicated wedding specialists who guide couples through an easier decision-making process. To discover the different packages, learn more here.

When loyalty meets love

“I’ve seen a lot of weddings, and with Filipinos, one thing is for sure: rain or shine, tuloy ang kasal,” said Shing-Go. Together, Marbee and Marriott International Philippines are inspiring a new generation of celebrations, where every detail is rooted in the couple’s identity and genuine hospitality. Wherever love takes them, the wedding day is just the beginning of the many more milestones worth cherishing. 

The Wedding Conversations at AC Hotel by Marriott Manila was made even more memorable through the expertise of esteemed brand collaborators who brought every detail to life. The AC Grand Ballroom was beautifully transformed with elegant, delicate floral arrangements by Amelia Blossoms, the hotel's trusted styling partner. Guests also enjoyed an elevated culinary experience with the signature mobile bar of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the Philippines' oldest distillery, renowned for over five generations of master blending. Adding another thoughtful touch was Buzz and Brew Manila, whose artisanal coffee cart delighted guests throughout the event. Bringing the entire experience together was the state-of-the-art audiovisual and lighting production by BK Pro Audio Visual & Lighting, creating an immersive and sophisticated atmosphere befitting the occasion.

From July 18 to 19, 2026, soon-to-be-weds can also visit the Let’s Celebrate Expo at the SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City, where Marriott Bonvoy will have a dedicated booth to share more about their packages and offerings.

For celebrations that are rewarding in more ways than one, explore Marriott International Philippines wedding venues and packages here. Visit the loyalty program’s website to learn more about how to sign up and the perks that further every gathering.