Wikipedia

Elia Ilano

Elia Maria Norelle "Elia" Ilano (born 24 March 2010) is a Filipino TV, movie and theater actress[2], TV host[3] and an international non-profit organization Youth Leader for State of Youth by KidsRights Foundation[4] where she became the youngest chapter leader in the world.[5] She is labelled as a "Future Super Actress"[6] by the Filipino-American Community Newspaper, Asian Journal.

Elia Ilano
Born
Elia Maria Norelle Ilano

(2010-03-24) March 24, 2010 (age 16)
Marikina, Philippines
Occupations
  • Actress
  • television personality
  • singer
  • youth leader
  • humanitarian
Years active2015–present
Agent
Notable work

She began her acting career as a child actress and became known for her performances in a variety of television shows and movie genres. She rose to fame for playing the young Nadine Lustre in Ulan[7] and as Ningning in La Luna Sangre.[8]

She has received numerous accolades, including a FAMAS Award[9], a PMPC Star Awards for Movies[10], a Campinas International Film Festival Best Actress award at Brazil,[11] an Amader International Short Film Festival Best Actress award at India[12] including two nominations from Aliw Awards.[13][14]

She is also a short story writer and poet whose works were published through The Department of Human and Family Development Studies' (DHFDS) Tsikiting Stories Samut Saring Kwento Volume 3.[15]

Early life and background

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Elia Maria Norelle Ilano was born on March 24, 2010,[16] in Marikina City, to Sheng Ilano and Paulo Xavier Ilano.[17]

In April 2026, Ilano completed junior high school at NCD Integrated School Inc. with flying colors.[18]

Career

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2015-2017: Early career and breakout

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She started with small roles in television series such as The 700 Club.[19]

In 2016, she made her primetime television debut as Gigi in Ang Probinsyano.[20]

In 2017, she was part of the main cast of Viva Cinema's (formerly Viva TV) very first original TV series, "Oh My Guardians!" as Ela (The White Guardian).[21] Her notable performance as Young Ningning in the hit TV series La Luna Sangre marked her rise to fame allowing her to be a guest celebrity/performer in top-rated shows such as ASAP (TV program) and Gandang Gabi, Vice!.[22][23][24]

2018-2021: Established child star

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During this period, she appeared in major films like the top-grosser film[25] Ulan (film) (2019) and the award-winning thriller The Housemaid (2021). Elia played the young version of Nadine Lustre’s character[26] in Ulan which was screened at the San Diego Asian Film Festival in the United States[27] and premiered at the prestigious Copenhagen Asian Film Festival 2020.[28]. While in The Housemaid (2021), which is the first Filipino film to be shown in the theaters of the United Arab Emirates and Europe since the pandemic started,[29] she played the role of "Nami" that gained praises from the press and recognition from the viewing public.[30]

She was a mainstay in the daytime television show Sana Dalawa ang Puso as Tamarra "Tamtam" Tabayoyong where she won a recognition from RAWR Awards. The award clearly indicates being active or maybe the brightest child star the public has come to endear with.[31]

Elia won back-to-back "Bibo of the Year" awards which is the best child artist through the combined public vote, online presence and metrics from LionhearTV, Dailypedia, and PH Entertainment, and a pool of bloggers, PR practitioners, and brand partners at the LionheartTV RAWR Awards in 2018 and 2019 that solidified her status as a child star in the Philippine entertainment industry.[32][33]

2022-2024: Award-winning years and theater musical and hosting breakthrough

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Elia took on more breakthrough and challenging roles, such as Young Lyra in the techno-horror film Deleter (2022).[34]

Her role in Pinoy Ghost Tales (2023) earned her the Best Child Actress trophy at the 2024 FAMAS Awards[35], Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards[36] and 2nd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards.[37]

In October 2023, she was nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize for her work as a youth leader focusing on Youth Development and Welfare with KidsRights Foundation. [38]

In November 2023, Elia portrayed the younger version of Nadine Lustre in the Amazon Prime Video miniseries Roadkillers. This role marked her third time, following Ulan (film) and Deleter, playing Nadine’s younger counterpart. [39]

In 2024, her portrayal of "Malena" in SM Supermalls' 5th Sine Sindak Film Festival, Nanay Tatay movie, earned her two acting awards: Best Child Performer and Best Child Actress at the Rising Filipino Awards [40] and the 13th OFW Gawad Parangal[41], respectively. In the same year, Elia joined the main hosting team of the Artsy Craftsy program on the People's Television Network.[42] The show is an informative, Anak TV Seal Awards awardee [43] series that focuses on arts, crafts, and educational trivia for young audiences.

For its November 2024 issue, Bisaya Magasin, published by Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, featured her as its cover girl, marking Elia’s first national magazine cover in the Philippines.[44]

She starred as the lead in Maria Goretti: The Musical by the National Mobile Theater Company of the Philippines, Philstagers Foundation.[45] This performance earned her a nomination for Best Child Performer (Female Category) at the 37th Aliw Awards.[46] US-based writer and producer, Barbara Oleynick, with nearly 25 years of productions in the United States and the Dominican Republic, brought The Miracle of Fatima: The Musical in the Philippines where Elia portrayed one of the lead roles, Lucia dos Santos.[47][48]

2025-present: Transition to teen roles and international recognition in acting

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Now transitioning into teen actress territory, she starred as Theresita Agbayani in the Viva One series I Love You Since 1892 (2025).[49]

She continued to receive acting awards in 2025 from multiple awarding giving bodies here in the Philippines for her role as Malena in Nanay Tatay. In total, she won three awards from prestigious organizations for the said movie: the 4th Primetime Media Choice Awards[50], the World Icon of Excellence and Leadership Awards, and the 2025 Manila Film Critics Circle Awards.

In same year, her acting skills received international recognition by winning two Best Actress awards in international film festivals: first at the 5th Campinas International Film Festival held in Brazil[51], and second at the 2025 Amader International Short Film Festival in India[52], for her lead role in Teresa (2025 film) who is a young girl from an underprivileged community who dreams of becoming an engineer.

In early 2026, she was named "Distinct Teenage Actress of the Year" by the Philippines Distinct Men and Women Excellence Awards.[53]

She is set to take the lead in an internationally-produced film "Violet" [54] which is a powerful movie about a 15-year-old girl navigating a difficult domestic situation.

Filmography

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Film

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YearTitleRole
2016HigantiYoung Jean
2018DistanceYoung Therese
2019 Ulan Young Maya
Mina-Anud Grace
2020You With MeChi Chi
2021The HousemaidNami
2022Ang Babaeng Nawawala sa sariliYoung Albina
DeleterYoung Lyra
2023Mary Cherry ChuaStudent
Pinoy Ghost TalesLea
2024Nanay TatayMalena
2025ArapaapYoung Sarah
Magkapatid, Dreamers in TandemChristina delos Santos
Teresa (2025 film)Teresa Agbayani
2026Violet (short film)Violet

Television/web series

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YearTitleRole
2015The 700 ClubYoung Amparo Magallanes
2016Ang ProbinsyanoGigi
Langit LupaYoung Corazon/Heart
The 700 ClubYoung Teresa Pastera
2017Maalala Mo Kaya: Mansanas at JuiceYoung Kathy
Ipaglaban Mo: LihimYoung Letlet
Gandang Gabi, ViceHerself/Guest with La Luna Sangre Kids
La Luna SangreYoung Ningning
ASAPHerself/Guest Performer
Oh My GuardiansEla
2018Sana Dalawa ang PusoTamtam Tabayoyong
2019Maalaala Mo Kaya: RattleYoung Anna
Love You TwoYumi Batungbakal
Ghost AdventuresGab-Gab
MarsHerself/Guest
2020UnconditionalYoung Agnes Martinez
2022Abot-Kamay na PangarapYoung Grace Villar
2023RoadkillersYoung Stacey
2024Rise and Shine PilipinasHerself/Guest
Chasing in the WildSofia Camero
2024–presentArtsy CraftsyHerself/Host
2025I Love You Since 1892Theresita

Theater

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YearTitleRoleProducer
2024Maria Goretti The Musical [55]Maria GorettiPhilippine Stagers Foundation
2024The Miracle of Fatima The Musical [56][57]Lucia dos SantosThe Miracle of Fatima Foundation Inc. USA
2026Rizal 3000 [58]Philippine Stagers Foundation

Awards and honors

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Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref
LionheartTV Rawr Awards 2018 Bibo of the Year Sana Dalawa ang Puso Won [59]
9th OFW Gawad Parangal 2019 Most Promising Child Actress Won [60]
LionheartTV Rawr Awards Bibo of the Year Ulan (film) Won [61]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2021 Best Child Performer Ulan (film) Nominated [62]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2023 Best Child Performer The Housemaid Won [63]
International Children's Peace Prize Youth Development and Welfare Category Nominated [64]
FAMAS Award 2024 Best Child Actress Pinoy Ghost Tales Won [65]
Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards Best Child Actress of the Year Pinoy Ghost Tales Won [66]
2nd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards Most Outstanding Child Actress of the Year Pinoy Ghost Tales Won [67]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best Child Performer Deleter Nominated [68]
Rising Filipino Awards Best Child Performer Nanay Tatay Won [69]
7th Gawad Lasallianeta Most Outstanding Educational Show Host Artsy Craftsy Nominated
37th Aliw Awards Best Child Performer (Female) Maria Goretti the Musical Nominated [70]
13th OFW Gawad Parangal Best Child Actress Nanay Tatay Won [71]
4th Primetime Media Choice Awards 2025 Best Child Actress Nanay Tatay Won [72]
PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Children Show Host Artsy Craftsy Nominated [73]
Philippine Faces of Success 2025 (2nd Young Faces of Success) Official Awardee For outstanding contribution as a TV, Movie, Stage Actress and TV Host Won [74]
World Icon of Excellence and Leadership Awards Best Child Actress Nanay Tatay Won
Asia Pacific Topnotch Men and Women Achievers Teen Actress of the Year Won [75]
2025 Gawad Parangal sa mga Natatanging Propesyonal Gawad Parangal sa Natatanging Propesyonal sa Larangan ng Sining at Pagtatanghal Won
Asia Diamond Elite Awards 2025 Cultural Beacon Award for Transformative Roles in Film, Stage, and Youth Television Won
Manila Film Critics Circle Awards Breakthrough Performance Award Nanay Tatay Won
3rd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards Lifetime Achievement Award for Best Child Actress Won [76]
2025 Net Makabata Award Star Awardee Artsy Craftsy Nominated
8th Gawad Lasallianeta Most Outstanding Educational and Youth Oriented Show Hosts (with Joseph Ancheta and Nicollo Cholo) Artsy Craftsy Nominated
38th Aliw Awards Best New Artist (Female) Nominated [77]
5th Campinas International Film Festival (Brazil) Best Actress Teresa (2025 film) Won [78]
Philippine Fashion Trends 2025 Asia's Most Iconic Award-Winning Young Actress of the Year Won
7th VP Choice Awards Female Face of the Year (Teen Category) Nominated [79]
3rd Philippines Distinct Men and Women of Excellence Awards 2026 Distinct Teenage Actress of the Year Won [80]
1st PAFTA Awards Best Child Actress Nanay Tatay Won [81]
Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) Best Actress Teresa (2025 film) Won [82]

References

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  1. ↑ . NewsKo (2017-07-25). Retrieved on 2024-03-28.
  2. ↑ Mateo, Pilar (24 April 2024). "Maria Goretti: A Story of Faith, Sacrifice, and Forgiveness". Showbiz 24/7. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  3. ↑ Nicasio, Nonie (11 September 2024). "Elia Ilano, kaabang-abang sa pelikulang Nanay Tatay". Hataw Tabloid. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Chapter: State of Youth Manila Philippines". State of Youth. 18 January 2026. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  5. ↑ "LIST: Elia Ilano pinakabatang lider sa buong mundo ng State of Youth organization". Police Files Tonite. 8 January 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  6. ↑ Medina, Rogelio Constantino (24 October 2024). "Elia Ilano, future super actress". Asian Journal. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  7. ↑ "LIST: Ending the drought". Philippine Star. 8 January 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  8. ↑ "LIST: Child actress na si Elia Ilano, mas kilala na bilang Ningning dahil sa La Luna Sangre". NewsKo. 25 July 2017. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  9. ↑ Inquirer (26 May 2024). "Kathryn Bernardo, Piolo Pascual, Alfred Vargas lead FAMAS 2024 winners". inquirer.net. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  10. ↑ "LIST: Star Awards 2023 winners". Philippines Star. 18 July 2023.
  11. ↑ "Campinas Film Festival Winners List". butoh.com.br. 13 December 2025. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
  12. ↑ "Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 in Kolkata, India". policefilestonite.net. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
  13. ↑ "38th Aliw Awards finalists revealed ahead of Dec. 15 ceremony". entertainment.inquirer.net. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  14. ↑ "Aliw Awards Foundation has released the nominees for its 37th Annual Awards". gmanetwork.com. 5 December 2025. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  15. ↑ "LIST: Tsikiting Stories Samut Saring Kwento Complete Ebook". Scribd. 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  16. ↑ "FAMAS Best Child Actress Elia Ilano Magdadalaga Na". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  17. ↑ "Mother's Day series: A salute to mothers from all walks of life". asianjournal.com. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  18. ↑ "Elia to Star in a New Film". policefilestonite.net. 13 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  19. ↑ "Viva Artists Agency Elia Ilano". Viva Artists Agency. 24 February 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  20. ↑ "Elia Ilano profile". TV Guide. 12 January 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  21. ↑ "VIVA TV's 1st Series: Oh My Guardians!". Archived from the original on 10 January 2018.
  22. ↑ Baltan, Angela (18 November 2017). "Elia Ilano wins Bibo Award". Lionheart TV. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  23. ↑ "Elia Ilano Celebrity". GoldPoster. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  24. ↑ Cruz, Maddie (12 January 2024). "As promised, Vice Ganda gives child actress Elia Ilano a gift". LionHeart TV. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  25. ↑ "'Ulan' Now The No. 1 Local Movie". The Scoop PH. 22 March 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  26. ↑ Topacio, Fernando (19 March 2019). "Ending the drought". Philippine Star. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  27. ↑ Biong, Ian (15 October 2019). "Nadine Lustre wins fans' praise as 'Ulan' enters San Diego Asian Film Festival". entertainment.inquirer.net. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  28. ↑ Francisco, Tricia. "VIVA films "ULAN" at "NUUK", ipapalabas sa Copenhagen Asian Film Festival 2020! | VIVA Entertainment". Retrieved 12 February 2020.[dead link]
  29. ↑ Robert Requintina (7 September 2021). "Kylie Verzosa sizzles in her first major film 'The Housemaid'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  30. ↑ Hawson, Fred (11 September 2021). "Review: 'The Housemaid' is a faithful adaptation of Korean original". ABS-CBN.com. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  31. ↑ Baltan, Angela (16 November 2018). "Elia Ilano wins Bibo Award". lionheartv.net.
  32. ↑ "RAWR Awards Year 2018 Winners". nognoginthecity.com. 16 November 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
  33. ↑ "Full List of Winners of the RAWR Awards 2019". lionheartv.net. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
  34. ↑ "Viva Artists Agency Elia Ilano". Viva Artists Agency. 24 February 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  35. ↑ Garcilla, Bombo JB (27 May 2024). "72nd FAMAS Awards 2024, pinarangalan na ang mga nagwagi ngayon taon". Bombo Radyo. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  36. ↑ Medina, Rogelio (16 June 2024). "Maraming salamat sa 2nd Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards at sa Asia's Golden Globe Excellence Awards". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
  37. ↑ Oggie Medina (21 August 2024). "Salamat sa 2nd Dangal ng Lahing Pilipino Award". policefiles.net. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  38. ↑ "Elia Ilano - State of Youth Manila Philippines Chapter Leader". RingCentral. 30 October 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
  39. ↑ "Elia Ilano Filmography". Viva Artists Agency. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  40. ↑ Oggie Medina (11 March 2025). "FAMAS Best Child Actress Elia Ilano Magdadalaga Na". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  41. ↑ Oggie Medina (11 March 2025). "FAMAS Best Child Actress Elia Ilano Magdadalaga Na". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  42. ↑ "Elia to Star in a New Film". policefilestonite.net. 13 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  43. ↑ "Anak TV Grants Seals". anaktv.ph. 1 April 2025. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  44. ↑ "Bisaya Magazine - November 2024". Magzter. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  45. ↑ Mateo, Pilar (24 April 2026). "Maria Goretti: A Story of Faith, Sacrifice, and Forgiveness". Showbiz 24/7. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
  46. ↑ "2024 Aliw Awards". gmanetwork.com. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  47. ↑ "'The Miracle of Fatima' Musical to be Staged this December". theaterfansmanila.com. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2026.
  48. ↑ Almo, Nherz (21 July 2024). "Filipino talents to star in 'The Miracle of Fatima The Musical'". gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
  49. ↑ "I Love You Since 1892". PlexTV. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 18 April 2026.
  50. ↑ Oggie Medina (11 March 2025). "FAMAS Best Child Actress Elia Ilano Magdadalaga Na". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  51. ↑ "5th Campinas International Film Festival". stage32.com. 1 October 2025. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  52. ↑ Medina, Rogelio (26 February 2025). "Elia Ilano Amader International Short Film Festival". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  53. ↑ "3rd Philippines Distinct Men and Women Excellence Awards". hatawtabloid.com. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  54. ↑ "Elia to star in a new film". policefilestonite.net. 24 February 2025. Retrieved 18 April 2026.
  55. ↑ Oggie Medina (28 April 2024). "Elia Ilano Bilang Maria Goretti sa Abril 29". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  56. ↑ John Fontanilla (11 July 2024). "Elia Ilano bibida sa Miracle of Fatima Musical Play". hatawtabloid.com. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  57. ↑ Rogelio Constantino Medina (13 July 2024). "The Miracle Of Fatima The Musical In PH". asianjournal.com. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  58. ↑ Oggie Medina (15 May 2026). "Elia Ilano To Star in Violet". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  59. ↑ Baltan, Angela (16 November 2018). "Elia Ilano wins Bibo Award!". Lionheartv.
  60. ↑ "Viva Artists Agency Elia Ilano". Viva Artists Agency. 24 February 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  61. ↑ "Full List Of Winners of the RAWR Awards 2019". Lionheartv. 15 November 2019.
  62. ↑ Requintina, Robert (19 March 2021). "PMPC releases official list of nominees for 36th Star Awards for Movies". Manila Bulletin.
  63. ↑ "LIST: Star Awards 2023 winners". Philippines Star. 18 July 2023.
  64. ↑ "ELIA". KidsRights Official Website. 26 October 2023.
  65. ↑ Inquirer (26 May 2024). "Kathryn Bernardo, Piolo Pascual, Alfred Vargas lead FAMAS 2024 winners". inquirer.net. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  66. ↑ Van Garzon (4 June 2024). "Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards 2024 — Here's Complete List of Awardees". philnews.ph. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  67. ↑ Oggie Medina (21 August 2024). "Salamat sa 2nd Dangal ng Lahing Pilipino Award". policefiles.net. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  68. ↑ "PMPC reveals nominees for 39th Star Awards for Movies". manilabulletin.com.ph. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  69. ↑ Oggie Medina (11 March 2025). "FAMAS Best Child Actress Elia Ilano Magdadalaga Na". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  70. ↑ "Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, SB19, BINI among nominees at 37th Aliw Awards". inquirer.net. 2 December 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  71. ↑ Oggie Medina (11 March 2025). "FAMAS Best Child Actress Elia Ilano Magdadalaga Na". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  72. ↑ Oggie Medina (11 March 2025). "FAMAS Best Child Actress Elia Ilano Magdadalaga Na". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  73. ↑ Pinoy Askyon News (1 February 2025). "38th PMPC Star Awards for Television Nominees". pinoyaksyonnews.com. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  74. ↑ Metro Sun Daily (27 March 2025). "The 6th PH Faces of Success 2025: A Celebration of Filipino Achievement and Charity". metrosundaily.com. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
  75. ↑ Tonite (3 August 2025). "Elia Ilano Bibida sa Pelikulang "Teresa"". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  76. ↑ Tonite (19 November 2025). "Thanks to the 3rd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards '25". policefilestonite.net. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
  77. ↑ "38th Aliw Awards releases full list of finalists for theater, concerts". abs-cbn.com. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  78. ↑ "Campinas Film Festival Winners List". butoh.com.br. 13 December 2025. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
  79. ↑ "PIPOL's Face of the Year Batch 1 Teen Nominees Announced". pipolmgzn.com. 12 August 2025. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  80. ↑ "3rd Philippines Distinct Men & Women of Excellence Awards star studded". hatawatabloid.com. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  81. ↑ "Manila Hotel to host first-ever PAFTA Awards Night on Feb. 21". mb.com.ph. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  82. ↑ "Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 in Kolkata, India". policefilestonite.net. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
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