Philippines

LAS VEGAS - A panel of judges has narrowed the field of beauty queens competing for the Miss Universe title in Las Vegas to 15.

HONG KONG - Philippine director Brillante Mendoza says he hopes his new movie about two grandmothers will resonate with a broader audience than his dark Cannes-winning crime thriller "Kinatay." His best director win at the Cannes Film Festival last year earned him fame and a cash prize from the Philippine president, but Mendoza's works are still only shown outside of the commercial film circuit in his home country at informal screenings at schools and universities.

MANILA, Philippines - Black Eyed Peas singer apl.de.ap has flown to his native Philippines following devastating back-to-back storms to perform a benefit concert and deliver much-needed aid.

WASHINGTON - Black Eyed Peas star Apl.De.Ap has asked fans to come forward and help the victims of floods caused by Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines earlier this month.

MANILA, Philippines - Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada, once an action movie star, is returning to the big screen with his first film since he was toppled on corruption charges.