Over the past year, a lot of us have been developing new hobbies to pass the time at home or to simply relieve some stress, one of which is gaming. The gaming community in the Philippines is growing more and more, even becoming more profitable. Gamers who play something as simple as Among Us, or the complex ones like ML, CoD, LoL, have become a huge thing when they stream their content on social media.
The gaming content is endless on platforms such as Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, and the like. Just take CORPSE as an example of this successful phenomenon. That said, we’ve been keeping our eyes on the Filipino video game streamers worth following, so read on to find out who the internet is raving about now.
Bianca Yao is a gaming video creator that has 2.3 million followers on Facebook. She streams Dota and Valorant and frequently plays these games with her followers.
Christine Samson has nearly 900 thousand followers on Facebook. She’s a model, a host, and a proud streamer—there’s no shortage of content for this hot shot!
Aeriel Garcia is a streamer on Facebook with more than 400 thousand followers. She plays PUBG and Call of Duty, and you might have seen her hanging with her gang of celebrity friends like Kathryn Bernardo and Gabbi Garcia.
Ann B. Mateo is the scene-stealing star with 2.8 million followers on Facebook. She’s got a sick gaming set up you’ll be sure to envy and she frequently plays and streams Dead by Daylight,
At this point, everybody knows who Alodia Gosiengfiao is. Check out her insane gaming PC and how she crushes every game she streams on Facebook. Alodia now has 7.3 million followers, one of the most followed streamers on the site. As for her sister, Ashley Gosiengfiao, she has 1.3 million followers on Facebook and she streams on Twitch as well.
Get your daily dose of crazy streaming with Een Mercado. She has nearly 400 thousand followers on Facebook, where she streams her games such as Valorant and Dota 2 among others.
Megan Young has got it all. Beauty, brains, and a competitive spirit. No wonder she enjoys game streaming–and people love to watch her, too! She has 3.3 million followers on Facebook.
Riku PH is not just a game steamer, but she prides herself for being a shout-caster and voice actress. She plays League of Legends, Valorant, and more.
Rojean Delos Reyes has 877 thousand followers on Facebook. Aside from streaming games like Call of Duty on Twitch and Facebook, she also uploads vlogs on YouTube.
You’ll surely be entertained watching Kristine Santamena stream her video games on Facebook, where she has 2.1 million dedicated and active followers. Catch her streaming Mobile Legends on her profile.
Dexie Diaz is the freshest face among the many gorgeous gamers and streamers. 5.5 million people follow her on Facebook where you’ll see her streaming Mobile Legends, Apex Legends, and more.
ChooxTV has a whopping 5.21 million followers on YouTube. He plays ML and it’s guaranteed that you’ll have a good laugh from watching his streams.
Ah, we can’t leave behind the internet heartthrob that is Carl Dave Musni. He made rounds on Twitter for his charming good looks in a simple black tank top and headset. Catch him live on Facebook while he plays LoL and more.
Profound and deeply complex, there is certainly a lot to pull from the incredibly diverse and full of depth narrative of the X-Men. Sure, there is lots of action and tension to keep one engaged and emotionally invested until the next page of panels in the comic books or next episode in the 90s animated series, but from its rubble of destruction comes a highly insightful commentary into the greater world we live in beyond the realm of make believe. Inclusion, acceptance, and courage are constantly woven into the dialogue that goes in and out of realities, further driving the point that even in the most advanced of human evolution, there is no great difference or divide between man and mutant.
From the very beginning of all its adventures, Professor Charles Xavier was always about the next step—starting from an earnest indoctrination of gifted teenagers to protect and educate as part of a pursuit of harmony between human and mutants. Much like the challenges they have had to face in the X-Men canon, there is no singular introduction to the uncanny world of superheroes and marvelous mix of merry mutants. There are the willing and open-minded, there are the resistant, and naturally, there are those lost and confused.
In the same parallel beyond fantastic fiction, there are the more traditional gateways through the library of literature that are comic books and graphic novels, but access points such as animated series, television shows, films, video games, and toys shouldn’t be disregarded at all. In a world where access to information is quite literally everywhere, there should no gatekeeping of what is presumably right or wrong. The point is, at least more people are being taken into this co-existence that Professor X has long dreamt of, finding their path towards a story that they most resonate with, and most importantly, understanding who they are themselves.
Take Gabriel Yap (@_gagabobo), for example. A licensed architect and self-professed geek who has done everything from collecting, cosplaying, and consuming all things X-Men, it was only fairly recently until he has taken a next step in his commitment to the series. Over the long holiday break, he embarked on a creative passion project, which was a direct offshoot of photos he was already publishing on Instagram and his brother’s extensive library of X-Men comics. “I initially planned on just printing an X-Men Alphabet as a Christmas present for my young niece—a compilation of Instagram photos I shot from September to October 2020. Once I found a suitable printer for that X-Men Alphabet, I started thinking of other themes I could compile in book form,” he details. “I remember reading an official Xavier Institute Alumni Yearbook from 1996 that gave me my first history lesson in all the X-Men’s real names and team rosters (there was no Wikipedia yet at the time!)”
From posting his X-Men history series on social media, Gabriel Yap widened the parameters of his recreations and worked towards recreating an updated version of the aforementioned Alumni Yearbook using his toy photography instead. “It was all just a matter of laying them out to look like a real school yearbook. I was able to complete 20 team photos for Instagram—covering team rosters from the X-Men’s debut in 1963 all the way to 2013. 20 pages seemed too short for a yearbook, so I took solo photos of 64 characters that officially joined the X-Men and other affiliated teams to complete the yearbook vibe of the project,” he says. “Unlike most toy collectors, I don’t display my action figures on my shelves because I play with them and take photos of them all the time. Removing them for photos and rearranging them would take up all of my time if I did display them. My Instagram is really my digital toy display, and this X-Men Yearbook project was a way for me to have a compact yet aesthetic inventory of my collection. It was also a way of keeping me busy with a creative project during the long holiday break, so my mind could keep its momentum once work started again.”
Just like the memories tucked within the yellowed pages of yearbooks from our time in high school, this re-imagination of the Xavier Institute Alumni Yearbook is a true feast for the eyes with all its details and dedication. Now, wherever one figures in the spectrum of appreciation and obsession, this dream come true of a passion project is definitely one to marvel at.
NYLON Manila: What got you into the toy collecting, assembling, and photography?
Gabriel Yap: I got into toy collecting as an adult in 2014 during my first job after college. I was in charge of organizing a Halloween party for my department, and I bought some Lego superhero mini figures as prizes for the young trick-or-treaters. Most of the prizes were ignored by the kids who were more interested in candy, so after the party, I decided to just keep the figures for myself. Taking photos of the toys at my desk was very therapeutic and stress relieving, so I started posting toy photos on Instagram.
As I progressed in my professional career, and my purchasing power grew, I was able to expand my collection from Lego mini figures to Funko Pops, and eventually to action figures like the Marvel Universe 3.75” line and the Marvel Legends 6” line. I used my personal Marvel Legends collection for the Yearbook & Alphabet projects, along with several custom figures made by my talented brother Paolo Yap (@teamyap_toys).
NYLON Manila: As a fan of the X-Men series, why was it important for you to realize this passion project in the way you did?
Gabriel Yap: I really value accuracy when I do my toy photos. I often post kilometric captions on Instagram with every toy photo, because I enjoy sharing geeky trivia with my followers. (One of my biggest pet peeves is when collectors pose characters from different eras together, or when collectors pose characters who weren’t in the same team together.)
Prior to starting this project, I really did my research to maintain comic accuracy as much as I could with the options I had in my collection. I even made a spreadsheet to ensure that I was able to arrange my photos in the correct chronological order. It was important for me to honor over fifty years of comic canon because I really am such a huge fan of the X-Men franchise.
NYLON Manila: How has the response been so far? Was it anything you anticipated at all?
Gabriel Yap: I shared my X-Men Alphabet and X-Men Yearbook projects on Instagram and local collector Facebook groups, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive! I got so many messages from collector friends and online acquaintances asking if they could get a copy of this for themselves. I’ve even been getting requests for orders from other countries, even though I never said I was selling them. I was able to print several more copies for my collector friends because sharing is caring.
I guess in a way, I inadvertently made a collector’s guidebook on which X-Men have been released in Marvel Legends form, and which comic-accurate teams could be formed using those releases. That was something I did not expect to achieve, but it was very validating that a project I really just made for myself was received so well by the geek community.
NYLON Manila: What is it about the X-Men that is so special to you and why should the younger fans get into its canon?
Gabriel Yap: The X-Men are my favorite superheroes because they represent minorities who have been hated and persecuted for simply existing. And yet despite that harsh treatment from the world, they choose to fight for their rights while protecting a world that hates and fears them. The X-Men welcomed diversity, and that diversity is what makes them strong. Many X-characters have been shunned by society but established strong family ties with their chosen community. Plus, it was through the X-Men that I was exposed to so many strong female and LGBTQ+ superheroes!
That was something that really resonated with me growing up weird, gay, and misunderstood. Cliché as it may sound, the X-Men comics have taught me how to embrace what made me different, and use that power to enact positive change upon the world—something I try to keep in mind every day.
The X-Men comics have around sixty years of comic book canon and history, so it’s very daunting for new readers to dive into it. Most people are more familiar with the heavily diluted X-Men movies, but I wish more people would explore the richer and more vibrant themes of the comics. I hope this personal project of mine would help generate interest especially with the younger generation because so many stories could apply to the real-life political climate we have in the world right now.
Talented, beautiful, and yes, maybe still a little (playfully) krung-krung, Sandara Park charms the world over with her unique and assured sense of self.
As an adolescent navigating about the mostly memorable but potentially treacherous world of high school, there are many things one does not quite understand. While algebraic formulas, trigonometry functions and even the laborious language of Shakespeare’s old English were eventually conquered; there was one gnawing construct that I personally couldn’t wrap my curious mind around—hallyu, a neologism of the popular Korean wave and its fanatic derivatives.
At the heels of the fanaticism of Filipinos over Asian dramas (see: Taiwan’s Meteor Garden), the rise of the Korean wave wildly washed over Philippine shores in 2003, sending local fandoms into an alarming frenzy. From kimchi to K-pop, everything was obsessed—pledging allegiance to love teams, singing and dancing to their bouncy music, passionately discussing which entertainment group was better and even going as far as learning the language to understand the K-dramas better. I only went as far as learning how to spell out my name in Korean.
It shouldn’t be so hard to figure out why the Filipinos embraced this phenomenon wholeheartedly and expedited it into a rabid craze. Master storytellers and visualists in their own right, their brand of pop culture brought about a lightness, humor and finesse compared to our penchant for hysterionics and drama (not that there is something wrong with that, it is entertaining—most of the time). A growing aspiration on the local forefront then, one of the unknowing beneficiaries of the time was a young Korean hopeful trying out her luck in Star Circle Quest, ABS-CBN’s televised star search in 2004.
Amongst the throng of screaming, shouting and crying auditionees, practically throwing themselves at the judges, a 19-year old Sandara Park stood out. Finding her impressive and cute, the judges were subsequently blown away by her dynamics and how well she took directions. Despite finding herself in tears, she endeared herself to audiences and eventual fans for her lack of pretense and her charming personality.
Her antics later on in the show earned her the nickname Krung-Krung, a coloquial term that loosely translates to crazy. While yes, she may have been a little (playfully) crazy, she proved to be a lot talented, which in turn made people go crazy for her. Sandara Park didn’t win the show but she ran away with something much better and irreplacable, the hearts of the Filipinos.
Wait, scratch that. We were obsessed.
THE QUEST
However, contrary to popular belief, she wasn’t always as confident as she appears today. “Dati pa super shy type ako. Sa school hindi ako nagsasalita. Kung nagha-hi ang mga friends ko, shy ako magha-hi. Ganun lang ako lagi,” she recalls. “When I joined SCQ, parang hindi ako naniwala sa sarili ko na kakayanin ko ‘yan, pero nandyan ‘yung mga fans ko, and they gave me so much energy. Nagbago ako little by little, wala na ‘yung fear of [the] stage. So, one day, I found myself having really having fun on stage.”
Fueled by the unmatched love of her fans, she went on to dominate the local showbiz landscape where she starred in TV shows such as SCQ Reload: Ok Ako, Krystala and Crazy For You as well as film roles in Bcuz of U, Can This Be Love and D Lucky Ones. “Hindi na ako [naging] nervous. It’s like magic. I think ‘yun ‘yung binigay sa akin ng mga fans ko, a miracle. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa akin pero ‘yun nga, ngayon nagbago na ako.”
With newfound confidence, her career skyrocketed to great heights, Korean broadcaster KBS took notice of her and presented a documentary on her aptly titled, My Name Is Sandara Park, which gave more insight to Sandara and her fame. As luck would have it, this documentary caught the eye of Yang Hyun-Suk of the famed YG Entertainment who took notice of Sandara and found a potential for her in the Korean plane of show business.
And before we knew it, our pambansang krung-krung was off to her native South Korea where a new world of possibilities awaited her.
NOW, THE WORLD
It was a painful decision for her, in as much as we felt a dent in local entertainment. “I think I wrote a long letter for Philippine fans who felt sad about the news,” Sandara reminisces of the time she decided to leave the country for good. “I cannot remember the sentences, but definitely I felt like I was leaving my home. I remember I was crying in the plane heading to Seoul. After then, I spent a long time missing friends and fans in Philippines, but now I am happy to see you again in these smiling faces.”
In the extremely rare case that you have been living under a rock, Sandara Park soon gained widespread popularity as one part of the Kpop group, 2NE1. Disrupting the Korean music scene with their addicting hit Fire, the group spawned worldwide fame through their evocative videos, intricate fashion and with other pop hits such as I Don’t Care, Lonely, Missing You and I Am The Best. “I never knew it was going to be like this. The fact that we can travel around and meet fans from different parts of the world is just amazing and surreal. I want to do more of that. Wait for me! Clearly, she was meant for greater things and her success in Korea is a clear realization of that. We wouldn’t need to wait any more because it was and still is unraveling at a pace that still catches her by surprise.
To date, she is not only a Korean superstar, she is also a fashion muse and darling, often seen wearing the latest and the best, and when it was still possible, sitting front-row in Paris Fashion Week. And let’s not forget of her television and film moments across the pond in The Return of Iljimae, Style, My Love from the Star, What’s Eating Steven Yeun?, Dr. Ian, We Broke Up, The Producers, Missing Korea, One More Happy Ending, Dinner Mate, Two Yoo Project Sugar Man, Get It Beauty, Living Together in Empty Room Relationship Appeal, All Broadcasting In The World, Mimi Shop, Borrow Trouble, Real Man 300, Video Star, and Stage K. But despite an enviable success that one only dreams of, Sandara Park remains to be the same soft-spoken and unassuming woman she was back then. Her fluency in tagalog is still as sharp and her Filipino humor is still intact. And yes, she is still krung-krung. “I really like that nickname,” she chides.
“I was such a kid when I worked in Philippines,” she opens up, explaining where she changed and why it matters. “You guys probably know, but I cried a lot of times on TV shows.” A laugh portrays her delicate doll-like features, toughened up by painted eyebrows and skin that is seemingly lit-from-within. In a blink of an eye, the memorable image of Sandara Park in tears, waving at the camera as the words “Mahal ko kayo” stumbles out of her lips, is gone. What we have sitting in front of us is a brighter, cooler, and more confident Sandara.
LARGER-THAN-LIFE
If there is anything Sandara Park is truly and constantly grateful for, it is her fans. In fact, she never claimed the fame for herself. She always, always made sure that her fans were as involved because it is because of them that she is who she has become today. “I would like to say thank you for fans who always trust me and waiting for me.”
“Whenever I perform on a stage or when I arrive at an airport or an event venue, I imagine how many fans will be there to greet us and it makes me super excited,” she says, a child-like excitement laced through her words. “I cannot forget every moment meeting fans waiting us. That is a really happy and thankful moment.”
With a stronghold in Korea, Sandara Park is able to maintain and strengthen a connection with the Philippines because, at least prior to the pandemic, she would regularly come home to visit. Aside from once-upon-a-time clothing endorsements, a stint as a reality TV show judge, and larger-than-life billboards (“Actually parang after [so many] years, first time ko nakita ang billboard na ganun kalaki. On the way, Parang feeling ko nakita ko ‘yung sarili ko and it was really big, so na-touch ako,” she recalls, pausing only to take a breath. “And the driver slowed down the car and said, ‘You can take pictures,’ so nag-picture ako. Sobrang saya!”), she features the beauty of the country as much as she can on her YouTube channel, Dara TV. Remember when she took her “VIP client” CL to witness the wonders of Palawan? Every opportunity she gets, it seems Sandara Park never fails to give a nod back to the Philippines such as the time she went to a Filipino market in Korea and when she and JAY from iKON covered Inigo Pascual’s Dahil Sa’yo.
“I’m still the same Sandara,” she said in an interview with Boy Abunda, and as clichéd as this sounds to many who have gone through the glitz and glamour of show business, it holds very true to for Sandara Park. In fact despite her fame and fortune, she was “super happy” when she found a Filipino restaurant in Seoul serving Sisig, kangkong, garlic rice, and Red Horse beer.
Oh, a woman after our own heart indeed.
Sisig & kang kong & garlic rice & red horse! Ang dinner ko ngayon~ ang sarap!!! 😋😋😋 take out ko~ 🍽 may nahanap akong masarap na Pinoy resto sa Seoul. Super happy ako!!! 😆😭👍 pic.twitter.com/cDUsd9aWYG
Who would have thought that the young girl miming the words to Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw by Regine Velasquez would command the world over as a bonafide Kpop sensation? People cried with her, laughed with her and now they are singing and dancing with her, it is a turn of the tides that is reserved for soaring underdog stories in literature. But Sandara Park was always that underdog, inspiring everyone that despite hindrances, setbacks, and disappointments, one will always pull through—with a steely tenacity, a smile, and a wave of a hand.
At the beginning of her career, she was at the mercy of an audience who would vote if she was in or out in her quest to be a star. It may have taken a little time, but the universe smiled at her and gave her a resounding yes, because today, her star shines the brightest.
(Interview via MEGA magazine May 2016; Images courtesy of Meg.)
The pain and beauty of letting go in the new music video by Selena Gomez demanded to be felt and we are still ugly crying. The flower crown she was wearing? There might be more to it than meets the eye.
“I actually think I sing better in Spanish,” says Selena in a recent interview. In case you missed it, she released her latest single, De Una Vez (At Once), after teasing a full Spanish album for almost a decade. Before you point fingers at her for appropriating cultures, the Hispanic singer revealed that she worked with Spanish-speaking creators in order to get things right as she reconnected with her roots. With magical realism at the core, Tania Verduzco (1/2 of the director tandem along with her husband, Los Perez) explained that they wanted the video to feel like an emotional journey, and that it’s “a song about a mature woman healing a wound, leaving the past behind, and entering into a new chapter.” Now that seems like a tale all too familiar, not just for Selena, but for everyone.
One of the most infamous Hispanic female artists who got her heart broken yet made beautifully painful art was Frida Kahlo. From struggling with her turbulent relationship with ex-husband Diego Rivera, estabishing herself as a female artist in a man’s world, and battling with polio and her long-term injuries, she definitely had her fair share of heartaches. Come to think of it, it’s no surprise that Selena would take inspiration from the icon herself, especially with her widely-publicized life and her fight with lupus. In fact, the singer also made use of the sacred heart symbolism that’s popular in Mexican culture as seen on some of the artist’s work, and they both sport flowers in their hair, too.
While this remains a theory, we can’t help but compare the strength these women have carried all throughout their lives. Scroll down below for the scenes we spotted that closely mirrored Frida Kahlo’s paintings.
In the opening scene of the video, Selena wakes up next to the shadow of her lover despite nobody being actually in the frame. Leaving her heartbroken, almost in a deathbed. In The Dream (The Bed) by Frida, she expresses her feelings about perishing (a recurring theme in her work), despite her former husband Diego claiming that it was her “lover” when in reality, it was just an amusing reminder of “people’s morality.”
ROOTS, 1943.
In this scene, Selena lays down on the floor, surrounded by things that belong to her past, until the ceiling blows up and everything else gets sucked by the storm—leaving no more excess baggage for her to carry and just herself in the room, to heal. With Roots, Frida’s torso opens up as the vines grow out of her: symbolizing growth and life.
THE TWO FRIDAS, 1939.
Duality was a common theme in Frida’s work as shown in The Two Fridas, where she compared her Mexican and European persona. In De Una Vez, Selena sees a reflection of herself in the clouds, contrary to what is seen in her reality.
SELF PORTRAIT ALONG THE BOARDER LINE BETWEEN MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES, 1932.
In the last scene, Selena knows that she is control of everything in her life and towards the end of the video, she leaves the house and is finally ready to face what lies ahead of her before briefly hinting on what could possibly be her next track. With this self-portrait by Frida in a pink dress, she is torn between being in the USA (her husband worked on several commissions and she felt homesick), and her hometown in Mexico. She holds a Mexican flag on her hand, showing the world where her heart truly belongs.
Drop everything now and watch Selena’s breathtaking video below:
(Photos of Frida’s works courtesy of fridakahlo.org)
We’re so ready to add new music to our everyday playlists, starting with these Filipino music artists on the rise.
This year is already off to a good start for music. As fast-rising stars like Fil-Am musician, Olivia Rodrigo–who just released her first single drivers license–proved that it’s not too early to be considered the 2021 song of the year, we’re hopeful that more Filipino musicians will be recognized for their talents as well. We’ve picked out a fresh array of Filipino artists you should be streaming now so that this time next year, you can proudly say that you were one of the OGs.
The artist behind the hit song, Ulap, is Rob Deniel; a 17-year-old singer-songwriter. Ulap, which has about 2 million streams on Spotify was apparently single-handedly written, produced, and arranged by Rob on the app, Garageband. Gen Zs, am I right?
Fern.
Fern. is coming back with a new album and we’re excited for the new sound he has to offer. Mark our words, people. You’ll be seeing his name everywhere soon. While you wait for his comeback, have a listen to his latest single, Want U Bad.
BGYO
Without spoiling anything about their debut on January 29, we can confidently say that BGYO is the next P-Pop boy group you’ll be raving about.
…. Let’s just say that once you hear their song, you’ll be seeing the light as to why they have such a strong fanbase already.
Nathan & Mercury
Welcome to the indie scene as we welcome the band, Nathan & Mercury, composed of Nathan Huang on guitar and vocals, Angelo Sison on bass, Alex Samonte on guitars, and Daniel Monong on drums. You might have heard their single, Fools, while watching Gaya sa Pelikula. So, if you like the sound, then you should check out their discography.
Zack Tabudlo
Zack Tabudlo is a promising musician in the alt-pop and R&B landscape. His song, Nangangamba is almost at 1 million streams on Spotify and an insider tells us that he’ll be releasing more music soon. Don’t miss out!
Darren Espanto
You’re obviously no stranger to the powerhouse voice and charming good looks of the one and only Darren Espanto. He’s releasing new music real soon, so while you wait, feel free to jam to his hit songs.
Lala Vinzon
Is it just us or does Lala Vinzon give you superstar vibes, too? She’s got the face of a leading lady and the voice of a pop star in the making. Our personal favorite is her latest release, Pansamantala.
Huhsmile
Huhsmile is a fantastic songwriter and her latest song feels like it came straight out of a kilig rom-com series. Have a listen to Kung Pwede Lang by huhsmile!
J-Nine
If you’re into R&B, then check out the upcoming R&B singer, J-Nine. You’ll love her aesthetic and let’s face it: undeniable beauty. To all the gamers out there, this one’s for you. Listen to GG by King Promdi, featuring J-Nine.
Alexa Ilacad
She’s not just a veteran actress, but an up and coming musician as well. You’ll be havingLove At First Sight when you listen to this rising star‘s latest single.
Far from the persona of Marianne in Normal People, Daisy Edgar-Jones joins the unique story of Simone Rocha in this delightfully feminine collaboration.
For the most part, it is extremely challenging to find a good in the distressing year that has come to pass. Pummeled by constant changes and significant shifts, people have been tethered to the consistency of family and friends, as well as of the many facets of entertainment that consumed our time in lockdown, isolation, and quarantine. One of the breakouts of 2020 came quite early into it and yet it still remains seared in our stream of consciousness to this day. A complex and compelling narrative of relationships and the human spirit, Normal People has charmed the world over, catapulting its stars, Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones to superstardom seemingly overnight. (Let’s be real, that’s the amount of time it took you to pore through the heart aching, soul crushing, and gut-wrenching story of Connell and Marianne.)
Living at a time where one would tend to argue on what is normal, we have since been seeking ways to stand upright, despite being swayed and shaken by the circumstances of the world. Despite the very fabric of fashion being wrung beyond its capacity, fashion has stood its ground, powering forward amid the limits that have been set. One of the collaterals of style spectrum was the anticipated H&M designer collaboration, which has had to work around the pandemic, but finally, it sees the light of day.
“I am so thrilled to be working with H&M on this very special collection. It truly is a celebration of the signatures of my brand, and the influences that have shaped me. As a designer, and as a customer, I’ve been such a fan of the H&M collaboration concept. Margiela, Alber Elbaz, Comme des Garçons—it’s such an amazing list of alumni to be a part of,” expresses Simone Rocha, the bright light of London high-street fashion. “Being able to do something and share it with so many people across all ages, all sizes, all nationalities, it was really important for me that the collection brought femininity, strength, and modernity.”
Known for her distinct feminine point-of-view, one that decidedly skews from the sedate sensibilities of London, Simone Rocha strikes this landmark collaboration with H&M, a first for an Irish designer to do so. As she takes over the mantle that many known fashion forces have done before her, Simone Rocha celebrates her inter-ethnic heritage and the myriad of inspirations that have defined the trajectory of her label. Taking from the traditions and crafts of Hong Kong to the great lessons of art history, the collection will see everything from poetic silhouettes, decadent embellishments and embroideries, swoops of dainty bows, introductions of florals and tartan, and an assortment of sustainably-sourced materials, which was a definite draw for the Dublin-born designer. “A company like H&M has a much bigger footprint than something like Simone Rocha, so yes, sustainability for us came into the fabrications. We were able to use an organic cotton, recycled polyester, a new compostable yarn. Actually, it was very interesting to see what could translate, and I think people will be surprised by the quality when they see it,” she details in a statement. “So I hope it will be special enough to want to wear forever.”
The effervescent and enchanting Daisy Edgar-Jones is a sight to behold in the behind-the-scenes of the collection, which sees an inclusive and diverse assemblage of figures to breathe beautiful life into the collaboration. Together with the likes of Adwoa and Kesewa Aboah, as well as of Michael Ward, which truly makes the undertaking feel like a community more than anything else. “There’s a real community feel, and a family feel, and I feel very happy to be involved in that,” says Daisy Edgar-Jones who is clad in a white puffed-sleeve button-down with sequin band, pearl collar details, and decorated black bows clipped to her hair. “I feel that her clothes are made for everyone and I think more fashion should be like that.”
The collection, which launches worldwide on March 11, 2021, is not only a study of the brand’s past 10 years, but also a proposition of its future, which includes menswear and children’s fashion. “Looking at my first collections, I did a lot of cross-pollinating between femininity and masculinity: brogues, tailoring, cropped trousers, trench coats. I didn’t want to do ‘Simone Rocha frivolity for men,’” she says of her fashion exploration in a conversation with Vogue. “I stripped it back, so it became about practicality, ease. I translated my Aran knits into cotton yarn, some with pearl embroidery. I just wanted it to be boyish, cool, and real.” The result is a commitment that really bolsters that idea of family that the designer considers a core of her brand. “I really hope there is something for everyone—every woman, every guy, the whole family,” Simone Rocha concludes.
“When I realized that I could be a designer was the way that I could actually translate emotion, thought, perspective, narrative through clothes,” the designer contemplates at the sneak peek into the collaboration. A clear parallel to the pervading purpose of Daisy Edgar-Jones, it definitely makes the most sense that they come together for this revelation. Quiet on the onset, but brimming with so much stories tucked within, you will want this extension to be a part of you, for sure.
Now, who’s in the mood for a Normal People re-watch?
From trading cards to playing for hours on a Nintendo Game Boy, Katy Perry and Pokémon promise this milestone to be the very best like no one ever was.
Has it really been 25years since Pokémon first came into our stream of geeked out consciousness?
If you happen to have been at the beginning of it all, as in collecting and trading the cards, playing the video games on a Nintendo Game Boy, tearing out magazine clippings and forming a collage out of it, furiously memorizing the PokéRap, and sitting in front of the television voraciously watching every episode of the anime week after week, then guess what? You’re old. Not that it’s a bad thing, but whoa, where did the time go? With many editions and adventures that have followed since, there is nothing quite like the robust imaginations of the Pokémon universe. Evolving with the times, but keeping its core values of camaraderie, consistency, and courage intact, there is a reason why the beloved Pocket Monsters from Japan endure to this very day.
Everyone was into Pokémon at some point, even pop stars. In fact, some still are. One of them might be a little surprising, but if you really think about it, the admiration does make complete sense. “Where you were directly affects where you are now,” writes Katy Perry on her Instagram. “Meaning…I can’t believe I used to trade my POGS for @Pokemon cards at lunch in junior high and now I get to be part of the #pokemon25 celebration…let’s just say I’m feelin pretty electric about it.”
A pleasantly shocking team up, Katy Perry joins Pikachu and the gang who are represented in the time capsule video of sorts that travel from the genesis of a Poké Ball rolling up to the imminence of a celebration. Partnering with the iconic franchise on P25, a yet-to-be-revealed musical festivities with Universal Music Group, Katy Perry is truly psyched to be part of the Pokémon canon. “I love being a part of anything that is playful and is good storytelling and has really good messages to share with the world,” the singer reveals in an exclusive interview with People. “Now having a child myself, I understand that it’s so important to play. This is a continued extension of who I am.”
There is little known on what the rest of the year looks like for Pokémon, but after its major fashion and gaming collaboration so far, and by all accounts so far, it is going to be quite the charming and colorful coming together. “Every party needs a playlist,” declares the iconic franchise on its website. “Pokémon is teaming up with some of the biggest names in music including pop icon Katy Perry, and you’re invited to join the fun!” As entertaining and bright as the spirit of Pokemon stands to be, it also is most importantly, uplifting. “In this moment of unknown, there are dependable places and characters and institutions and people, and I hope I can be one of them,” says Perry in the same published conversation. “That’s what I hope for in my personal self, and even in my involvement with this collab.”
In a world inundated with odd collabs left and right, this is certainly one of those we thought we didn’t need, but as it turns out, we actually do. Whatever the efforts will reveal itself to be, whether it be releasing a special new song or a recording of her own take on the Pokémon theme song and the Pokémon: First Movie anthem, Don’t Say You Love Me, we’re already feeling the tingling sensation as early as now. If they say it’s going to be electric, it sure is going to be electric, especially if Pikachu has anything to do with it.
That’s not just your heart or discontent, it really is that cold lately. Cozy up because reports say this is going to last well up to February.
When PAGASA announced a few days ago that the temperature may drop until 18 degrees Celsius in Manila, netizens quickly tweeted “LF: cuddle buddy” or like “it’s that time of the month ?,” but to some of us who remain single, we can only relate to that infamous “bigyan ng jacket” meme. But we’re not really complaining because obviously we don’t have a choice.
Speaking of outerwear, we Filipinos don’t actually know how to dress up for our awkwardly transitional weather here since there aren’t much choices aside from summer and/or summer with rain. No snowflakes aside, we picked 10 local brands that aren’t bothered by the cold days at all. Ranging from bomber jackets, knit cardigans, to sweaters and hoodies, they have you covered for this big chill.
Logo tees have now evolved as sweaters and we’re not even mad. Charlotte Folk’s playful pieces are giving us real Cali vibes, reminiscent of the times when we could just travel. Sigh.
Spun out of the finest fabrics, Rafi Kimono’s cozy printed pieces are versatile and makes us feel like the main protagonists of an animé series. One step closer to our dream for sure.
This new year welcomes a fresh batch of things to look forward to; new TV shows, movies, and actors poised to become the next big thing.
While stuck in this seamlessly never-ending quarantine in the Philippines, we’ve had the chance to really watch and explore all sorts of media. Discovering new talents left and right, we can already tell that these actors on our radar will make a mark in the industry. While they may not be household names in the strictest sense just yet, some of them are already starting strong. Check back in after the end of this year to see these Filipino actors make a name for themselves, for the next generation.
On her first lead role in a dark coming-of-age film, Fangirl, Charlie Dizon made waves last 2020 as she was awarded Best Actress in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). She also starred in Four Sisters Before The Wedding, the prequel of the 2013 film, Four Sisters And A Wedding.
ALEXA ILACAD
Though we’ve been familiar with Alexa as a veteran child actress from Goin’ Bulilit, she’s making herself known as she dips her toes not just in acting, but in the music industry as well. Catch her in Four Sisters Before The Wedding as Bobbie Salazar and listen to her latest single, Love At First Sight.
GILLIAN VICENCIO
Gillian Vicencio is a newcomer in the acting industry, but that didn’t stop her from making an impression as young Alex Salazar (formerly portrayed by Angel Locsin) in Four Sisters Before The Wedding.
BELLE MARIANO
We can’t forget about the casting of Belle Mariano as Gabbie Salazar in, you guessed it, Four Sisters Before The Wedding. Tbh, we hope whoever cast these four beautiful ladies in the movie got a raise.
VIVOREE ESCLITO
We’re calling it: Vivoree Esclito is the next It-girl. She’s got the unique charm of a leading lady and a bright personality that her fans know and love. Last but not the least, she’s a multi-talented star, too.
LEXI GONZALES
Lexi Gonzales is StarStruck Season 7’s First Princess and she’s in for a great start this 2021 as she started the year taping for the newest fantasy rom-com series, My Fantastic Pag-ibig.
ADRIANNA SO
Just as much as everyone loves Pearl Next Door, we’re loving Adrianna So, the lead actress for the show, just as much! Here’s to manifesting that she gets to be a part of more important stories to be told.
FRANCINE DIAZ
We’re excited about the range that Francine is going to offer. After showing us her amazing performance in Kadenang Ginto as a protagonist, catch her next role as the rebel daughter in Huwag Kang Mangamba, opposite to her co-star, Andrea Brillantes.
KOKOY DE SANTOS
Is this list really relevant without our first NYLON Manila cover star, Kokoy De Santos? With his breakout role in Gameboys, we fully believe that Kokoy will reach new heights and become a household name.
KELVIN MIRANDA
If you watched Dead Kids on Netflix, then you’ll know that Kelvin has a bright future ahead of him. Already starting a buzz for his latest movie, The Lost Recipe, whose trailer came out yesterday, we can tell that his career will go no way but up!
JC ALCANTARA
In JC Alcantara’s performance of his own story in the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode, TV, he has exhibited a promising career ahead of him. Moved by his performance and his now main role in the BL series, Hello Stranger, there’s not a doubt that we’ll be seeing more of him in the future.
ELIJAH CANLAS
Elijah Canlas was already an acclaimed indie actor for his role in Kalel, 15. Rising through stardom with the hit Boys’ Love series, Gameboys, we’re so ready to see more of him as he proves to be the most promising actor of this generation.
IAN PANGILINAN
Gaya Sa Pelikula is the talk of the town as it hit major streaming service, Netflix this month. Ian Pangilinan, who stars in the movie as Vlad shows great potential for more iconic roles.
PAOLO PANGILINAN
Paolo Pangilinan, who plays the main character, Karl in Gaya Sa Pelikula, will definitely be someone to watch out for. Paolo isn’t just a great actor, but a skilled gymnast as well.
KYCH MINEMOTO
You may have seen Kych in your favorite recent indie movies and BL series as a side character, but we firmly believe that with his range of acting and confidence that exudes through the screen, he’ll be getting his breakout role that will leave you wanting for more.
Sari Yap will be mostly remembered as the woman who pioneered the fashion magazine industry in the Philippines, but I will always remember her as the fierce woman who had a passion for helping the youth and a visionary in the ever-evolving media industry. Today, on her birthday, we celebrate the indelible mark she leaves for the next generation of creators.
The first time we crossed paths was for my interview in One Mega Group. I knew she was the CEO of the company back then, but I had no idea of her reputation as a strong and powerful woman. My legs were shaking and I was praying that she wouldn’t hate my outfit. You know, being a fashion icon and all. But the moment she spoke to me, she brought a sense of comfort in the room and I thought to myself, “Maybe I’ll find a home in this company after all?”
Sari Yap was the first person in my career who saw potential in me; a 21-year-old girl with a drive to prove herself. She spoke with motherly tenderness, yet she sat across me with an open mind to the thoughts of a naive Gen Z. We talked about how social media behavior was changing and how the lack of mental health awareness in the Philippines was something that mattered to my generation. Upon accepting the position, it felt like it was my duty to make the youth feel that the brand I was in was the platform that could understand my generation.
Ms. Sari also had an understanding of the youth that not every adult possessed. She didn’t treat the younger audience like kids, she treated them like growing teens who had just as much to say as the next cover girl.
The conversation with Ms. Sari went as far as talking about her own mental health; how for 10 years, she also struggled with depression and wanted to take her own life. She was self-aware, coming to her senses even in her darkest hours to get herself back up. “There are more pressing matters of the soul. If I were to divide things, I would say that matters of the spirit and knowing who we are in this world is really for us. Understanding now, young people are really adults who can actually already bring up and resolve issues,” said Ms. Sari.
“Our titles must evolve,” Ms. Sari said upon turning our brands digital. “It has to evolve to answer the pressing concerns of the young people of today, which is not necessarily the same as 20 years ago. I think that now, we are in a better position to pursue what we have always tried to do, which is to help young people.”
I kept those words in mind whenever I wrote my stories: “Be a trailblazer, guide my generation to become better individuals, address the concerns of the youth.” And so the last time I saw Ms. Sari, it was at our annual company meeting. I was on stage, accepting an employee of the year award and she held my hand, saying, “Elyse! Congratulations! Oh ‘di ba, nakaya natin?”
If only then I knew that those were the last moments I’d get to spend with her, then I would have thanked her a thousand times more for giving me this big break and being the first in the company to believe in me. Though I haven’t had the honor of working closely with Ms. Sari like my colleagues before me, the loss of our founder is still as deeply visceral, showing just how big of a legacy she leaves behind for the people.
And that still rings true to this day. Without Ms. Sari, NYLON Manila wouldn’t be here today. As the first international franchise of One Mega Group, Ms. Sari believed that this was the brand that will speak and resonate with the young people.
Ms. Sari Yap once thought that everybody is on a path to enlightenment and that people go through a journey that we shouldn’t question why. Success is not the end and everything in this world continues to evolve and grow. And so her legacy will continue to live on and she will be remembered as a fearless woman, unafraid to face the world with what she believed in.
