Here For It: Bella Poarch’s Signature Beauty Looks To Try

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Bella Poarch is making us want to try the sunburnt cheeks and tons of highlighter combo.

Filipino-American social media star Bella Poarch’s single Build A Bitch is more than just a viral TikTok hit. It became a power anthem for everybody who were victims of twisted beauty standards.

READ MORE: Are These Viral Tiktok Trends Worth A Try?

BELLA’S DOLL-LIKE EYELASHES

Even during her training days in the army, Bella has always worn doll-like lashes. It’s doing what she can, where she can, especially since you can’t really put anything much on your face when you’re training 24/7.

SUBTLE OVERLINED LIPS

Who else wasn’t guilty of overlining their lips back in 2019? Bella’s everyday nude matte lipstick look was proof that even she gave in to the trend.

SUNBURNT CHEEKS

The beach-y sunburnt look has now become Bella’s signature beauty look (including those pig tails!). In her Get Ready With Me video for Vogue, she shares that the trick is to apply the blush not too close under your eyes.

KILLER HIGHLIGHTER

Aside from her love for blush on, Bella is also obsessed with highlighter. As she should!

SOFT SMOKEY EYE

Life without drama is boring. Take it from Bella’s soft smokey eye that doesn’t look too loud. Just the right amount of depth and dimension to define the creases.

cruella references

You Missed, We Spotted: These Scenes In Cruella Were An Homage To 101 Dalmatians

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A fair warning: Spoilers abound.

While it set out to be completely different from its predecessor, 101 Dalmatians, Cruella didn’t stray too far. The devil was truly in the details with these winks and nods to the classic Disney animated flick.

Before she was “brilliant, bad, and a little bit mad,” the vampy and vile villain that is Cruella was Estella. A terribly misunderstood girl with strikingly odd black and white hair, she stood in more ways than the obvious, stomping on school grounds with her unique take on the dress code and a resolve to fight back. Naturally, she was a regular at the headmaster’s office, where her previously pristine record would be dotted with consequences for her actions. Cruella wasn’t quite the scary thing than any evil thing was, where seeing her was to take a sudden chill, nor was she like a spider waiting for the kill we’ve been told to beware of in 101 Dalmatians. Before she took a liking for spots (woof, woof), all she wanted was to live her dream of being a designer and make her mother proud.

Just as she saw the world differently, the re-imagining of Cruella was hell-bent on making sure everyone else saw it in the way she did. Already made clear from its dark and eerie first act, the origin story not only traced her trajectory from misinterpreted to madwoman, but it most certainly celebrated the unique in all its unapologetic, unhinged, and unbridled punk rock glory. “We just wanted to do a very original version of this and I didn’t want to have anything contaminating my vision,” asserts director Craig Gillespie, in an interview with Cinemablend. “It’s so uniquely specific, this is such an origin story, it’s set in 70s London punk that I didn’t think there would be too many things in terms of comparison. So, we really worked on trying to figure out what Emma Stone’s version of Cruella would be.”

Related: THE ONE WHERE EVERYONE REMEMBERS: HOW THE FRIENDS REUNION PROVED THAT NOSTALGIA WILL ALWAYS MATTER

Introducing: Estella

Resolute in steering the Coupe de Ville away from the iconic 1961 animated classic, 101 Dalmatians, and the legendary turn of Glenn Close in the riotous romp of a retelling in the 1996 and 2000 live-action film, Cruella was compelled to completely its own canon. After all, this is where it technically begins for the campy antagonist. By delving into who she was, what her context and circumstances were, and why she made certain choices, the caricature of the wispy woman drowning in a fur coat, colored only with red lining, red lips, and a pat of green on her sunken lids, would become more fleshed out with motives and emotions that make her more human and not just a textbook definition of extreme hubris.

In no way does the film condone what is inherently and morally wrong, but it does make you see things from a different point-of-view to understand the intentions of Cruella, and give credence to a little poetic justice. You know, before she completely loses it, eventually. However, even if this well-received film was meant to be of its own, it couldn’t quite separate itself from its literary origins. If you happen to look closely, several winks and nods were placed throughout the movie to allude to 101 Dalmatians. Without missing a chance to pay respect to the genesis itself, the devil is really in the details.

Make no mistake about it, this is not the cackling and crazed Cruella you once knew. But even if she isn’t quite the despot of Dalmatians just yet, she is every bit brilliant, bad, and a whole lot mad as promised. And guess what, she’s just getting started.

Just in case you missed the references made to the classic cartoon, 101 Dalmatians, we’ve spotted them for you.

Regent Park

In the 1961 animated original, 101 Dalmatians, Regent Park at the heart of London was the serendipitous spot where Roger and Anita would meet, or well, get entangled by their dogs, Pongo and Perdita. However, this wasn’t just a landmark for the good guys, because in Cruella, this would hold such a sentimental value for Estella, who was once promised by her mother that they would have tea by the fountain as they dreamed of their new life together. When in need of a moment, this was where she would be found, and yes, she had teacups in hand.

You See, We’re More Alike Than Different

One of the more memorable scenes at the beginning of 101 Dalmatians was when Roger and Pongo were people and dog watching by the park. As mundane as it sounds, it would prove to be enlightening once you do realize how the humans curiously resembled their pets. This was given a nod in Cruella where Horace and Jasper where preying on the pet Dalmatians of The Baroness in front of the groomers. “You notice how some dog owners look like their dogs?” asks Horace. Well, he wasn’t wrong.

Television Then, Television Now

In a particularly tense scene in Cruella, when she was sewing garments and Horace and Jasper are watching television with a bunch of dogs, Dalmatians included, it reminded us of the pivotal scene in 101 Dalmatians when the puppies plotted their escape through a hole in the wall. No one gets left behind, not even Rolly.

Honk, Honk, The De Ville Chariot Is Coming

The homage wouldn’t be complete without the creepy chariot of Cruella de Vil. With its harrowing honk to the hearse-like chassis, the infamous Coupe de Ville, makes a scene in the origin story in more ways than one. From sparking the idea behind her devilish last name to exact deranged expression while violently zigzagging her way across London in 101 Dalmatians, the iconic car was not to be missed, much to the delight of eagle-eyed fans.

Cruella, Cruella…de Vil

If the film that ran approximately an hour too long didn’t wear down your patience, then you obviously sat through the end with a surprise treat. A pay off for pushing through, a mid-credits scene dropped, showing how Anita and Roger got Perdi and Pongo for the first time. An apparent gift from Cruella herself, this was obviously a well-placed fan service and well-executed set-up for a potential sequel. Before it completely trailed off, we see Roger (complete with pencils in his ear and lips) struggling to string bits and pieces of lyrics to what would become the eponymous earworm of a jingle, Cruella de Vil. And just like in 101 Dalmatians, the scene would cut to a scene of the sky, imminent with danger lurking behind the gray clouds.

Clearly, we haven’t seen the last of Cruella, Cruella…de Vil.

CONTINUE READING: WITNESS MANILA LUZON, GOTTMIK, AND GIGI GOODE UNLEASH THEIR MOST WICKED CRUELLA DE VIL-INSPIRED DRAG

friends: the reunion favorite moments

Our 7 Favorite Moments From Friends: The Reunion

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So many iconic moments in just a short amount of time.

Friends: The Reunion was such a joy to witness as we watched our favorite friends reunite for the first time in years. We list down our 7 standout moments from the reunion’s special.

Related: The One Where Everyone Remembers: How The Friends Reunion Proved That Nostalgia Will Always Matter

Finally, after years and years of waiting, the cast of Friends has reunited on the set of the iconic sitcom for the first time in 17 years. Friends: The Reunion fulfilled the wishes of many Friends fans, both old and new, to see the main cast reunite after the show wrapped in 2004. The 1 hour and 40-minute reunion special had a lot of memorable moments, so here are our 7 favorite moments from the reunion.

The One Where The Cast Reunite For The First Time On Set

The special starts by saying that the main cast has only been together in the same room once since the show ended in 2004. So, when Jennifer Anniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry, and Matt LeBlanc be reunited together for the first time on the iconic Friends set, it was a special moment. The cast got emotional to the point where Jennifer and Courtney started crying and we got a bit teary-eyed seeing them together again. It was so nice to see the cast hang out in the apartment and the Central Perk coffee shop again after all these years. The interview portion with James Corden being filmed in front of the iconic water fountain made things all the better.

The One Where The Cast Played A Trivia Game

Another highlight of Friends: The Reunion was when the cast played a trivia game in the style of the trivia game played during a memorable Friends episode where Monica and Rachel lose their apartment to Joey and Chandler. The trivia game was based on everything and anything Friends, which not only tested the cast’s knowledge but the viewer as well. The game also served as a great transition into remembering the show’s greatest moments. It also served as a way for some guest stars to make cameos like Tom Selleck who played Monica’s ex, Richard. Having the quiz be done in front of a live audience made the experience even more of a joy to watch.

The One Where It Was Revealed How The Cast Was Formed

Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler, and Joey are all memorable characters that people loved and continue to love to this day. All six of the actors gave amazing performances so it was nice to see the show’s creators go over how they each cast the six characters and learn interesting trivia along the way. Ross was written with David Schwimmer in mind, but at the time, he was in Chicago doing musicals after quitting television. It was the producers who conceived him to do the show. Jennifer and Matthew both were attached to other shows before they were cast on the show. Thankfully, those shows did not do well, and they were able to join the cast of Friends. Courtney was originally considered for the role of Rachel while the actor that nearly got the role of Joey was featured on the show as a lookalike Joey.

The One Where Friends Fans From Around The World Shared Their Appreciation For The Show

Friends is a US-based TV show, but clearly, the show had global appeal. People all over the world know, have watched, and love Friends. The show has touched and affected people around the world such as when RM of BTS talked about how he learned how to speak English through the show. We also loved how the special had a segment where fans from around the world talked about how Friends affected their lives. Some saw the show as a form of comfort during hard times. Others said that the show helped them learn new things about themselves. While some fans talked about how the show taught them to be free and live their truth.

The One Where Lady Gaga Sings Smelly Cat

Smelly Cat is one of the show’s most memorable running gags. Seeing Lisa Kudrow sing the song again after all the years was a dream come true. But when Lady Gaga walked in dressed in her Phoebe-inspired look, we knew things were about to get epic. The two then sat down on the Central Perk couch and sang Smelly Cat together. They sounded amazing together and the addition of the choir made things even better. We’re patiently waiting for Lisa and Gaga’s version of Smelly Cat to be available on streaming sites.

The One Where Jennifer Anniston And David Schwimmer Revealed That They Had A Crush On Each Other

The on-again/off-again relationship of Ross and Rachel was one of, if not the, most compelling relationship featured on the show. For Friends’ 10 year run, fans eagerly followed Ross and Rachel’s relationship and its many, many ups and downs. One of the most memorable moments of the special then was when Jennifer and David revealed that they had a crush on each other during season one. David said that since one was always in a relationship, things never really got off the ground, while Jennifer added that they channeled their love for one another through Ross and Rachel. We then get a scene of the two of them script reading a pivotal moment in Ross and Rachel’s relationship. The two of them reading their lines as it switches back and forth with the actual episode shows that they still got it even after all these years.

The One with the Fashion Show

Aside from memorable lines, skits, and gags, Friends also gave us some memorable costumes. Friends: The Reunion celebrated the show’s iconic costumes by having a fashion show featuring some of the show’s costumes. Cara Delevingne came out on the runway wearing Rachel’s bridesmaid’s dress from Barry and Mindy’s wedding in Season 2. Supermodel Cindy Crawford then strutted her stuff while wearing Ross’s leather pants. Justin Bieber made an appearance as he modeled Ross’s Halloween costume, Spud-nik. Cara came out once again this time wearing the Holliday Armadillo costume. And they saved the best for last as Matt LeBlanc came out wearing all of Chandler’s clothes.

Continue Reading: The New Movies And TV Shows Of June 2021 That We Can’t Wait To Watch

And The BIG Winners Are: NYLON Manila’s BBB Awards

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Congratulations to all the BIG winners!

You have spoken. Here are the winners of Favorite P-Pop Group, Favorite Ship, Favorite Viral Game Streamer, Favorite Makeup Transformation, and Favorite IG Content Creator.

Related: And The BOLD Winners Are: NYLON Manila BBB Awards

The Big category was meant to recognize the people who made big waves in their respective industries. The nominees here may have come from different backgrounds, but they all had one thing in common: they broke barriers, started trends, and has us talking about them. With over a million votes turned in for your faves, these polls turned into talked about, exciting, and hard-fought races.

The Favorite

The winners of the Big categories are the fan favorites. They are trendsetters and leaders in their respective fields. The winners showed the world that Filipino boy groups can release music and give performances on par with K-Pop and global acts while breaking big records along the way. They prove that gender is no longer important when it comes to recognizing a ship. They are one of the faces of the Filipino gaming scene, deliver jaw-dropping makeup looks, and put out S-tier IG content that is follow-worthy. It’s clear that the fans love the nominees, but especially the winners.

Without further ado, here are the winners of Favorite P-Pop Group, Favorite Ship, Favorite Viral Game Streamer, Favorite Makeup Transformation, and Favorite IG Content Creator.

Favorite P-Pop Group

BGYO

SB19 – WINNER

MNL48

ALAMAT

P-POP GENERATION


Favorite Ship

DonBelle (He’s Into Her)

PangPang (Gaya sa Pelikula) – WINNER

EliKoy (Gameboys)

SethDrea (The Gold Squad)

KyCine (The Gold Squad)


Favorite Viral Game Streamer

Bianca Yao (Biancake) – WINNER

Rojean Delos Reyes

Carl Dave Musni

Edgar Dumali (Choox TV)

Dexie Diaz


Favorite Makeup Transformation

Rovin Mizuse – WINNER

Yanna Parpan

Alonzo Sumadsad

Marlyn Ocampo

Slo Lopez


Favorite IG Content Creator

Issa Pressman

Jaz Reyes

Angelique Manto

Mike Miguel

Johan Kyle Ong – WINNER

Continue Reading: And The BRAVE Winners Are: NYLON Manila BBB Awards

NYLON Manila Big, Bold, and Brave Awards would like to thank: Delicieux Goodies, Mood Cocktails, and Grazing Box MNL for their support.

The Modern Woman, Explained by Elena Virata in This Short Film

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"Do whatever you want, be whoever you want, because the potential a woman has is endless and powerful."

Go in-depth with Filmmaker and Director Elena Virata as she talks about the vision and unique filmmaking process with the OPPO Reno5 in celebrating the mysteries and wonders of a modern woman

To “push people towards their self-reflection, growth, and higher selves” sounds like a tall order for any visual artist, but for Elena Virata, she proudly writes this in her “Who Am I” section on her website. As a filmmaker and director, Elena isn’t short of concepts that could tug on other people’s heartstrings or spark a sense of curiosity. Not only is this what she hopes to evoke, but is also the driving force behind her creative process. “Throughout my life, I’ve just experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Put simply, I’ve felt the whole spectrum of emotion ever since I was a kid… I feel so much purpose to share the things I’ve learned with all the things I’ve been through. If I could spark conversation, emotion, inspiration about important life matters, then I know I’ve done something right.” These conversations on human life and experience gives purpose to her work and fuels her creativity to make content.

In a short film (which she likes to label as “EV FILMS”) entitled She, Elena captured a nimble Issa Pressman tip toeing not in her Jordans, but in mismatched socks as narrations on what a woman is echoes in the background. It’s captivating, thought-provoking, and at times, reassuring. Aside from films, she also captures snapshots of life and fleeting thoughts through “EV LIFE”, long-form videos that get rather personal. But for more expressive content, she unleashes her creative prowess in quick creations called “EV SHORTS”. The latest one, entitled How To Spell Woman, was the result of creative experimentation and the powerful smart camera features of the OPPO Reno5 5G–with a sprinkle of women empowerment.

W-O-M-A-N

“I’ve said before that I take pride in the fact that I’m in a career that involves a male-dominant world. I believe that women can do anything and can do many things even better. I live by that.” You don’t just hear Elena communicating this in her How To Spell Woman video, but you feel it, too. Her narrations are a healthy mix of self-reflections, learnings from the past, and advice for her viewers. “I feel inspired to share the lessons I’ve learned so that other people don’t need to go through the mistakes or the hardships I’ve been through to know what to do.”

Related: Owning Their Power, These Trans Women are Pushing the Conversation of Identity, Visibility, and rights to Greater Heights

But amid the mesmerizing video effects, clever transitions, and background music you can definitely vibe to, Elena’s message in How To Spell Woman is rather clear-cut: “My friends and I are always doing things that aren’t considered to be activities for women but who cares about that anymore? Do whatever you want, be whoever you want, because the potential a woman has is endless and powerful.”

A Vision Realized

The video’s message echoes the sentiments Elena has been preaching for years, but when it came to the actual production, she felt that she needed to switch it up, not because of time or material restraints, but because of the potential lasting impact. “People have already seen my style and the films that I’ve done, so I felt like with this one, I wanted it to have a faster pace and a more upbeat and fresh score… I think that deviating from that same treatment, location, and vibe really brought more attention to this different kind of work. As a filmmaker, I think it is super important to experiment and discover other styles and tastes.”

Elena Virata with the OPPO Reno5

When it comes to making an impact, others can get caught up with having elaborate studio set-ups and professional level equipment to produce stunning works of art. But as Elena showed, that’s far from the truth. Set on an eggshell-toned backdrop, with a chair, table, books, and a cup of tea in hand, Elena let the message and the film themselves do the talking. Finding this core message in every project and letting it shine through accessible equipment is vital for both young and experienced filmmakers alike. “We live in a world that has 960fps on a smartphone like the OPPO Reno5. We literally have it all in our hands to create good content… The fact that you just need one simple gadget to create a film is crazy to me.” With professional-level camera technologies made accessible in our hands through the OPPO Reno5 4G and OPPO Reno5 5G, every creative person can tell stories of their own–no excuses needed.

Picture Life Together with OPPO

With imaginative color processing, light processing, and post-processing technology, the OPPO Reno5 lets you take unique portrait videos and images with ease, helping you and your style to stand apart from the rest.

Dual-view Videos in the OPPO Reno5 makes use of both the front and rear cameras for dynamic shots in an instant
Dual-view Videos make use of both the front and rear cameras for dynamic shots in an instant

Its feature-rich camera system allows for any kind of filmmaker or creative. As seen used by Elena in the key segments of her video, features like the Timelapse and 960fps AI Slow-motion, to name a few, add an extra layer of dynamic visuals to your narrative, especially for one-woman shows. As Elena shared, “The 960fps AI Slow-motion is so smooth and looks so great, so I loved that feature most. You don’t even need a gimbal since the phone has an Ultra Steady Video stabilization feature built in, too. With this feature, you are able to shoot smooth dynamic shots directly from the phone itself. That eliminates the use of bigger equipment.”

For collaborative projects, the phone’s 64MP rear quadcam matrix and a 44MP ultra clear front camera make for amazing Dual-view Videos, enabling you to record videos from the front and rear camera simultaneously. Start filming your next podcast, or perform a duet with a friend in real-time. 

The OPPO Reno5's front camera is set at a crisp 44MP, while its main rear camera is 64MP, accompanied by an array of Ultra Wide-angle, Macro, and Mono cameras.
The OPPO Reno5’s front camera is set at a crisp 44MP, while its main rear camera is 64MP, accompanied by an array of Ultra Wide-angle, Macro, and Mono cameras.

Every filmmaker also needs proper lighting, and spot-on quality for the perfect shot. OPPO clears these worries away with an industry-first feature called AI Highlight Video. Using AI algorithms to detect light conditions in different scenarios, the phone optimizes video quality in the dark so nighttime shots look bright, sharp, and natural. When detecting backlit scenes, it uses the Live HDR Algorithms to capture perfectly exposed subjects and backgrounds with natural colors and fine details. And to ensure the star of the show is the prime focus even in low light settings, AI Highlight Video uses Live HDR Algorithm, allowing the phone to get perfectly exposed subjects and backgrounds that solve the problem of the content being too bright or too dark in high-contrast and backlit scenes.

“I would recommend that young filmmakers start with using the powerful resources they already have: a smartphone. Our smartphones have [the same] accessible features that professional cameras have. This is already a cheat and shortcut in itself! Practice with what is readily available to you, build your skills, and then when you are able to put in the capital for equipment and are serious enough to invest, go crazy,” expressed Elena. But whether you’re a newbie or an industry professional, having a smartphone built to express your vision on-the-go, no matter what the conditions are, is pretty exciting. “I absolutely loved my experience using the OPPO Reno5 in my EV SHORTS. I honestly haven’t produced anything recently with a phone so it was pretty refreshing for me to see how the output looked,” she added.

The OPPO Reno5 4G and Reno5 5G are now officially available in the Philippines via OPPO brand stores, partner dealers, and exclusive e-commerce partners Shopee and Lazada, and retails at PHP 18,999 and PHP 23,999 respectively. To stay updated on the latest OPPO news, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

news shows movies june 2021

The New Movies And TV Shows Of June 2021 That We Can’t Wait To Watch

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Get ready to put some of these movies and TV shows on your watchlist.

From horror movies to musicals, anime, and explosive action movies, here are the new movies and TV shows of June that should be on your radar.

Related: 6 Reasons Why We Are Excited To Watch Trese, The First Netflix Anime Based On A Filipino Comic Book

June is just around the corner, which means it’s another month of new movies and TV shows. Whether you’re into anime, horror, or big action, June promises to offer a diverse slate of entertainment that should excite a wide variety of people. Here are the new movies and TV shows of June 2021 that we can’t wait to watch.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie Part 1/Part 2

Sailor Moon is a pop culture icon. Even if you don’t watch anime, you probably know or have seen images of her. So, it’s only fitting that she’s getting an animated movie for a new generation. The plot of the movie revolves around when a dark power covers the planet after a total solar eclipse, the scattered Sailor Guardians must reunite to bring light back into the world. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie (yes, that’s the full title) should delight both old fans of the 90s anime and new fans who just got into the series. The best part is that it comes in two parts for double the fun. Catch this one on Netflix on June 3.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

The Conjuring series is back with its 3rd mainline entry and 8th in the expanded universe and this one looks to be a doozy. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorrain Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga respectively) investigate a murder that may have been caused by demonic possession. What makes this movie so interesting is that it mixes scary ghosts with police procedural, which could make for a compelling plot. Horror movies haven’t had a lot of big releases this year so far. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It should serve as much-needed content for horror fans. The movie premieres both in theaters and on HBO Max June 4.

Sweet Tooth

If you’re still craving for more comic book-inspired content not related to Marvel, Sweet Tooth has you covered. The series is a post-apocalyptic fairytale based on the DC Comic of the same name by Jeff Lemir. The show is set in a world after “The Great Crumble,” an event that destroyed the world and led to the creation of hybrids, babies that are part human, part animal. Gus (Christian Convery), a 10-year-old hybrid dear boy befriends Jepperd (Nonso Anozie), a wandering loner, and the two sets of on an adventure to discover the truth about Gus’ origins. Sweet Tooth streams on Netflix on June 4.

Lisey’s Story

Lisey’s Story is a drama-suspense-thriller series about Lisey (Julianne Moore), a woman who has to deal with a mysterious stalker who is obsessed with her dead husband’s work as a novelist. The show is an adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name. But what makes this Stephen King adaptation stand out from the others is that Stephen King himself wrote the script for the show, which is something he doesn’t do often. Aside from Stephen’s increased involvement and an intriguing plot, the supporting cast includes some top-tier talent such as Clive Owen and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Lisey’s Story lands on Apple TV Plus on June 4.

CLICK, LIKE, SHARE

CLICK, LIKE, SHARE is a four-episode anthology series that is set to star all four members of The Gold Squad, Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, and Seth Fedelin. Each episode will “explore the dangerous consequences of irresponsible social media use through a unique way of storytelling.” Meant to explore a certain aspect of social media and the role it plays in the everyday lives of people, especially young people, this series isn’t your regular TV drama, and it looks to be very Black Mirror-inspired. Catch this show on KTX.ph and iWantTFC starting June 6.

Loki

Marvel’s hot streak of MCU-related TV shows continues with Loki, the first Marvel Studios project centered on a villain. The events of the show will follow the version of Loki that escaped the Avengers during Endgame. But he’s not out of the woods yet as his time-traveling shenanigans have gotten him in trouble with the Time Variance Authority (TVA). To avoid being erased from time and space, Loki agrees to help the TVA fix the timeline and stop a bigger emerging threat. WandaVision and The Falcon And The Winter Soldier delivered jaw-dropping revelations and we just know Loki will do the same given the fact that the show will serve as a set-up to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Loki premieres on Disney Plus on June 9.

In The Heights

2021 is set to see a few highly anticipated movies based on musicals hit the big screen. In The Heights will be the first release of these big hitters. Based on the acclaimed musical of the same name by Lin Manuel Miranda, the movie follows a group of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights in Manhattan. In The Heights will mainly center on a young man named Usnavi (Anthony Ramos). He is a bodega owner who is taking care of an aging Cuban lady living next door to him and likes to sing about his hopes and dreams. Early reviews have been great, and the movie looks to satisfy both the original musical’s fans as well as bring in new ones. In The Heights will hit theaters and HBO Max on June 11.

Trese

Netflix’s first-ever anime adaptation of a Filipino comic book is finally coming with Trese. The show is an adaptation of the Filipino graphic novel created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. The series will follow a young woman named Alexandra Trese, a supernatural investigator. The show is set in modern Manila, but where mythical creatures of Philippine folklore like aswang, enkanto, and multo live in secret amongst humans. The series will see Alexandra Trese go against a criminal underworld comprised of evil supernatural beings. Along the way, Trese will have access to an arsenal of magical spells and tools, but she won’t be doing things on her own as she will have the help of some special friends. Trese is available to stream on Netflix starting June 11.

Luca

Following the success of Soul, Pixar is back with a new movie in Luca. The film follows Luca Paguro (Jacob Tremblay), a sea monster who can disguise himself as a human. He forms an unlikely friendship with a human and the two go on fun adventures along the Italian Riviera. Pixar constantly delivers and we feel that Luca will do the same. The visuals and animation look vibrant and stunning. Luca may just be the perfect summer movie of 2021. We can’t wait to pretend as if we were in the Italian Riviera and experiencing the sun, sea, and gelato. Luca premiers on Disney Plus on June 18.

F9

The Fast & Furious series started out as a semi-grounded movie about streetcar racing. But over the years, the movie series has morphed into over-the-top action movies that turn the spectacle to 11. F9 looks to up the ante for the series even further. The plot sees Cipher (Charlize Theron), the main villain of Fast & Furious 8, enlist the help of Jakob (John Cena), Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) younger brother, to enact revenge on Dom and his team. Based on the trailers alone, we’re getting flying cars, maybe the series’ first voyage into space, and who knows what else. F9 hits theaters on June 25.

New Seasons

These shows aren’t technically new, but they are premiering new seasons in June which are worth mentioning. Feel Good Season 2 (June 4), Love, Victor Season 2 (June 11), Lupin Part 2 (June 11), Hospital Playlist: Season 2 (June 17), Elite Season 4 (June 18), RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars Season 6 (June 24).

nylon manila new music

The New Song Releases Of The Past Week (May 22-28)

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Here are our picks of some of the new song releases of the past week.

From Ben&Ben, Darren Espanto, Red Velvet’s Joy, and more, here are some of the new song releases of the past week that should go on your playlist.

Related: The New Music Releases Of The Past Week (May 15-21)

Even though the month of May is coming to a close, it’s not stopping musicians from releasing new music. It’s a diverse list of music this week as we highlight our picks of the new song releases of the past week.

Leaves – Ben&Ben and Young K

Ben&Ben surprised fans when they announced that they were releasing a new version of their song Leaves with DAY6’s Young K. We were curious to see how these two artists would mix and the results are amazing. The vocals are on-point and the song hits just as hard as when first introduced in 2017.

Tama Na – Darren Espanto

Darren Espanto has a new song out called Tama Na. His voice sounds so good as he sings about ending a relationship that’s too toxic for him to continue.

California – 88rising, Rich Brian, NIKI, and Warren Hue

88rising, along with Rich Brian, NIKI, and Warren Hue are out with new music with a song called California. The song serves as the second single for 88 rising’s upcoming Head in the Clouds III album.

Je T’aime – JOY

Red Velvet’s Joy showcases her beautiful vocal prowess in Je T’aime, a remake singer Hey’s song of the same name. The song serves as a pre-release single for Joy’s solo album Hello, which will be filled with Joy’s take on classic songs.

telepatia (acoustic version) – Kali Uchis

Kali Uchis has just released an acoustic version of her hit track telepatía alongside an accompanying video. Her voice sounds heavenly in this version and the best part is that the track comes from an acoustic EP she is releasing on June 4. The EP will feature acoustic versions of a handful of tracks from her second studio album, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).

FIRST – EVERGLOW

K-Pop girl group EVERGLOW just dropped their latest EP Last Melody this week. FIRST serves as the hard-hitting lead comeback single for the EP.

Pick Me Up – Sam Feldt and Sam Fischer

Dutch DJ and producer Sam Feldt have teamed up with singer/songwriter Sam Fischer for a new song called Pick Me Up. The single mixes Sam Feldt’s signature feel-good sound lacing the production, and Sam Fischer’s excellent vocal delivery.

Darkest Hour – Tate McRae

Tate McRae has a new song out called Darkest Hour. Tate serves some mesmerizing vocals in the song that serves as the theme for Panic, a new original series on Amazon Prime.

One Foot in Front of the Other – Griff

London-based singer Griff just released a new song called One Foot in Front Of the Other. The song was written and produced by her over lockdown and showcases Griff’s unique style.

R.Y.F – Catriona Gray

You may know Catriona Gray as a former Miss Universe, but did you know that she is also a singer? She actually has a great voice. She also just released a brand new song called R.Y.F or raise your flag, an upbeat and uplifting anthem with a timely message.

Mirror- Sigrid

Norwegian pop singer Sigrid hasn’t released any new music in over two years, but she blessed her fans with a new song called Mirror. And just after our first listen, it’s a complete bop that we’re going to play on repeat over the weekend.

Continue Reading: The New Song Releases Of The Past Week (May 8-14)

And The BOLD Winners Are: NYLON Manila BBB Awards

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As they should!

Bold of you to assume that your faves were done making you proud. With the first ever BBB Awards finally coming to an end, we at NYLON Manila present the boldest of the generation.

Mapping out the boldest personalities of today was no easy task. The nomination process itself at the Big, Bold, and Brave Awards was difficult for the NYLON Manila team, given a lot of new names deserve the rightful recognition and a bigger platform. Whether it be creating sustainable clothing, getting 8 million views in a month for a music video, earning the title for “Box Office Queen,” or simply becoming the youngest social media star in the Philippines—NYLON Manila has a place for every individual who’s unafraid to make the biggest moves.

READ MORE: Introducing NYLON Manila’s Big, Bold and Brave Awards

The Daring

Cementing their status as now-pop culture icons in the making, these personalities have taken all the risks and knew their voice matters not just to their circle but to millions of people around the world. As if the clues weren’t obvious enough, here are the winners of the Bold category at the first ever NYLON Manila BBB Awards. From Gen Z-approved beauty brand, fashion designer, celebrity, hit song, and Tiktok star, you better keep an eye out for these trailblazers.

Gen-Z Approved Beauty Brand

Colourette Cosmetics

Careline

Issy & Co.

BLK Cosmetics – WINNER

Strokes Beauty Lab


Gen Z-Approved Fashion Brand and Designer

Riotaso

Jann Bungcaras – WINNER

Jude Macasinag

HA.MU

Rhude by Rhuigi Villaseñor


Gen Z-Approved Celebrity

Nadine Lustre

Kathryn Bernardo – WINNER

Liza Soberano

Maymay Entrata

Maris Racal


Gen Z-Approved Hit

Binibini by Zack Tabudlo

Soda by James Reid

Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay by Ben & Ben

White Rabbit by Nadine Lustre

WHAT? by SB19 – WINNER


Gen Z-Approved Tiktok Star

Niana Guerrero – WINNER

Bella Poarch

Andrea Brilliantes

Otakoyakisoba

Argie Roquero

NYLON Manila Big, Bold, and Brave Awards would like to thank: Delicieux Goodies, Mood Cocktails, and Grazing Box MNL for their support.

Filipino-American Personalities Open Up About What It’s Like Being Asian In Hollywood

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From Olivia Rodrigo to Jacob Batalon, HER to Darren Criss; Filipino-Americans have been making waves in the industry. They’re front-lining music charts, and starring in some of the biggest cinematic crossovers to date. And with the ever-looming presence of anti-AAPI sentiment all across the western world, their presence within the spotlight and the platforms they’ve been provided is more important now than ever.

But the biggest names aren’t the only ones that matter. There are Filipino voices ringing all across the so-called industry, taking up space and representing. And even as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month comes to a slow close, it is never too late to appreciate and give love to these Filipino-Americans opening doors and opportunities for those coming after.

We have behind-the-scenes magic-makers responsible for all the fancy red carpets and film festival events. We’ve got influencers, up-and-coming music artists, and children of Hollywood veterans. We even get to talk to an anime enthusiast and voice actor, reminding us Filipinos that one of the biggest staples of Filipino entertainment and obsession can be more than just that—it can be a career, a dream within your reach, too. But more than anything, we’ve got people who have a lot to say about their Filipino heritage and their Asian American experience.

Related: We Asked 4 Filipinos Who Grew Up Abroad What’s The Worst Thing A Non-Asian Has Ever Said To Them

Asia Jackson

I’ve been thinking about summing up the Asian American experience, and I can’t actually—I think it’s impossible.

Asia Jackson is an actress and influencer best known for creating the #MagandangMorenx movement on Twitter. This hashtag centers around the celebration of brown skin in the Philippines, a stand against the colorism prevalent within the Filipino community. Asia is Afro-Filipino; her mom is indigenous–Igorot from Baguio–and wanted her and her brother to stay very connected to their culture. Despite her military background and constant movement from place to place, she visits Baguio every other year and has been heavily exposed to her indigeneity. Most of her favorite memories to do with the Filipino side of herself is celebrating Cañao in the Cordilleras mountains.

Growing up, she felt out of place and went through an identity crisis. “A lot of mixed people have always talked about not feeling this enough, or not feeling that enough,” she says. But, as she started exploring her identity and embracing it, things got a lot better for her. Still, her Afro-Filipino make-up is prone to the effects of colorism, whether it be for the positive or the negatives; as a light-skin black woman, she actually benefits from colorism, but in Asian communities she’s considered dark.

Because of this, finding acting roles authentic to herself is trying. From her experience, most mixed people who are Black in Hollywood are mixed with White, so any other race mixed with Black are not represented accurately, if at all. “I think in all the 800 auditions I’ve done in my career, I’ve only auditioned for one character that was specifically Black and Asian,” she says. While she herself has not personally experienced anti-AAPI sentiment as she is not visibly Asian to the western perception of the race, tension still remains. She especially worries for her mom–who has to wear baggy clothes, big hats, masks and sunglasses–who has to hide her Asian appearance just to go on walks.

A message to fellow Filipinos in the Philippines with family abroad: “Being connected to what’s going on, and having conversations with your parents and your family is really important. I think it’s important for everyone to know that they have support, and that they have people looking out for them, because for a lot of immigrant communities, when you migrate to other places, you feel very isolated, and very alone. So, I think it’s really important to stay connected to your community, and with your family.”

A message to fellow Filipino-Americans trying to just strive and survive: “I think it’s really important to stay on top of your mental health. All parts of your health are connected; mental health and physical health are absolutely connected. And I know that in a lot of Filipino, or a lot of Asian communities, mental health is something that’s very stigmatized. Just because of the way our parents grew up, and the way our grandparents grew up. If you’re not feeling the way you should be feeling, it’s okay to seek help. If you’re trying to strive and survive, you have to be all of that.”

Dawn M. Bennett

Dawn M. BENNETT | Anime-Planet

“On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force than his heart.” –José Rizal

Dawn M. Bennett is a voice actor and music director. Her most notable English dub work include Kale from Dragon Ball Super, Frosch from Fairy Tail, Frederica Baumann in Re:Zero, and Frieda Reiss in Attack on Titan. She got her first job as a voice actor as Frosch a month after she graduated from Berklee College of Music. Dawn grew up in Texas, away from most of her Filipino family in California. Therefore, she never got to learn the language at length. Still, her mother with that love for singing, joined multiple Filipino groups and choirs in Dallas which she’d often tag along to. Because of that, she got to go to Filipino festivals and Philippine Republic Day celebrations.

While Dawn didn’t get to celebrate many Filipino traditions growing up, she has a lot of fond memories of her Filipino side. “Watching my grandmother eat halo-halo despite being very diabetic, seeing tinikling performers completely nail the dance without tripping, which is insanely awesome, having parties devolve into non-stop karaoke as the night went on, having a full on kamayan feast for one of my birthdays including a whole pig–lechon kawali–and listening to my Filipino grandparents talk about how my grandfather courted my grandmother,” are just some of the few she mentions. She really connects with this side of herself through the music and food.

Half a Filipino, and a quarter Ashkenazi Jewish, Dawn sees moments in her career where she isn’t considered for Asian casting. Even some people online call her non-POC because they just don’t know. Sometimes, she even finds herself nervous at times reading for Asian characters because of her multiple ethnic backgrounds. Although she has not experienced the anti-AAPI sentiment, she worries for her relatives and constantly notifies them of anti-AAPI crimes within their area.

A message to fellow Filipinos in the Philippines with family abroad: “Your family member is doing their best to make you proud and they love you so much. Please keep in touch with them as much as you can, show your support of them from the other side of the world. It’s okay to be scared, but also trust that your family member will do the best they can to stay safe. Things will be all right someday, and before you know it, you’ll see each other again. Stay strong.”

A message to fellow Filipino Americans trying to just strive and survive: “We’re almost at the end of this pandemic! Keep holding on! Soon, we’ll be able to have karaoke parties again! But really, I’ve seen a lot of Filipino Americans making the most out of the past year, organizing to do charity streams and creating some awesome work. Filipinos have always been hardy and resilient. You all are doing such amazing things and make me proud to be Filipino.”

Ella Jay Basco

We are so much more than you think we are.

Ella Jay Basco, born from a Korean mother and Filipino father, hails from a family of actors. Her godfather and uncle, Dante Basco, is known for his role in Steven Spielberg’s Hook as Rufio, and many voice acting roles from Avatar: The Last Air Bender to Disney Channel’s American Dragon: Jake Long. Ella made a name for herself with an explosive film debut as Cassandra Cain in Cathy Yan’s DC blockbuster, Birds of Prey, starring herself alongside names such as Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth-Winstead. Furthermore, Ella is also a musical artist in her own right, with several singles and an EP under her belt. Her latest venture is the release of her single Gold, which celebrates her “gold complexion” amidst the anti-AAPI sentiment across the western world.

Growing up, Ella was exposed to her grandmother teaching her how to make lumpia, and the Filipino love for karaoke. While there are difficulties for her in terms of balancing her Korean and Filipino side–one of which she jokingly states as her parents egging her on which side she likes best and which side she’s most like–her family have taught her to honor her heritage and appreciate her culture, helping her respect and embrace both sides of herself.

Coming from a family of industry veterans, Ella does think it’s harder for her to establish a name outside of it, especially as an Asian American where opportunities are scarce. She does feel blessed in the sense that her family help her prepare for auditions, and provide guidance within the industry. While she has not experienced the extremes of anti-AAPI hate, and despite the diversity present in school–including her many other Asian friends–there were times where she was bullied for being Asian. “There were points where I did feel kind of like, other,” she says.

A message to fellow Filipinos in the Philippines with family abroad: “Stay hopeful, continue to persevere, and continue to push yourself to be the best person you can be.”

A message to fellow Filipino Americans trying to just strive and survive: “I probably just want to hug them, and talk to them, and communicate to them that it was never their fault, and that they’re heroes, being just who they are.”

Queenie Mae Villaluz

The Asian American experience is a sweet, but fiery thing; they may look shy but when they speak their mind, they’re so bold, so courageous, and so inspiring.

Queenie Mae Villaluz is 1/5th of the girl group BOYS WORLD, who are slowly taking over the world one pop song and rainbow-clad music video at a time. BOYS WORLD’s latest single All Me is up to 200K views and counting on YouTube just four days since release. “Taking in the reigns” from her mother who is a professional singer, Queenie’s family moved to California in 2007 to pursue better opportunities and experiences for her future. One of her favorite memories she recounts is her birthday before she left for the US. She had a big pool party that her mom’s family of 13 siblings attended, blocking down the whole street.

Growing up in a Filipino household helped keep her grounded and connected to her family and culture. Her Christmases see parols and midnight ventures to the church for Simbang Gabi. She visits every summer in the Philippines, and grew up in a diverse community in the Bay area – something she feels like she might’ve missed were she to grow up in the Philippines. In high school, she had a Filipino teacher who taught her Baybayin, and she looks up mostly to her mother who she feels she relates to the most because she’s a singer.

Queenie can’t vividly remember any instances of anti-AAPI sentiment towards her. While she has been stereotyped into knowing Math and being good at certain things she wasn’t because of her Asian heritage, she’s not the type to dwell on all those things nor does she let them haunt her to this day. Her mother however has been bullied at work and she, ever the type to stand up for herself, never stands for it.

A message to fellow Filipinos in the Philippines with family abroad: “As easy as it is to say, stand up for yourself, stand your ground, and stuff like that, there are times where it’s kind of pick-and-choose your battles. For the families…check-in. I feel like checking in always so important for my family—staying in touch is so, so important. It makes me feel, from my personal experience, so warm-hearted. Trust in them and motivate them every single day because we are working very, very hard out here for the family as well”

A message to fellow Filipino Americans trying to just strive and survive: “When it comes to work, life—anything like that—manifestation is so important. Always speak into the world what you want, stop dwelling in the past and just move on with your best intentions. Honestly, just smile throughout the day, and just be sure to be a positive light for others, but also be yourself because making yourself happy is just as important as making others happy.”

Rembrandt Flores

Our parents dreamed “The Impossible Dreams” but we made them all come true for them.

Rembrandt Flores is a Filipino businessman in-charge of the behind-the-scenes magic of Hollywood events, from red carpet glams, brand announcements, to post-festival soirees. He started out in the industry as part of a talent agent program before slowly climbing up the ranks from talent management, TV production to PR, before finally creating the Entertainment Fusion Group. Born to two Filipino parents–a powerhouse couple composed of an electrical engineer father and medical technologist mother–who joined thousands of immigrants coming into the US during The Third Wave in search for a better life.

Raised in the US, there wasn’t so much of an adjusting period for Rembrandt; “We were all just kids, perhaps different colors and creeds, but Americans through and through. I truly didn’t have any problems maintaining my Filipino-ness at home and my American-ness outside of it,” he says. Extremely grateful for his grandparents who lived with them, he attributes learning the language, culture, norms and Filipino values from them. His favorite memories are the birthday and holiday celebrations, with all the food and rental chairs and tables set-up, alongside games of mahjong, poker and other such card games. “There were times I would wake up at 7:00 AM and the adults would still be up playing games and laughing or crying depending on whether they won or lost their money that night,” he says.

Rembrandt has experienced micro-aggressive increments of anti-AAPI, specifically kids being mean just to be mean and point out differences. While he never felt unsafe or feared for his life growing up, he understands that this is a very real sensation for many people, and something he cannot discount just because he personally has not gone through it.

A message to fellow Filipinos in the Philippines with family abroad: “I understand your fear and honor it. But remember, we are a resilient people and we will no longer be silenced and be hurt. We will fight back and let the world know that you cannot mess with us without serious consequences. Do not worry. We will protect one another, help one another until this is over. Believe me, I will make sure of it.”

A message to fellow Filipino Americans trying to just strive and survive: “Never give up. Our parents, grandparents, and ancestors never gave up their willingness to fight for what’s right so let’s remember that as we go about this rollercoaster of life. We must remain vigilant and continue being strong for those who cannot.  We do this for those who come before us and more importantly, those who come after us.”

nylon manila bbb awards

And The BRAVE Winners Are: NYLON Manila BBB Awards

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All hail the fearless!

In an exercise to highlight, honor, and hero the biggest, boldest, and bravest, we are proud to present the winners of the first ever NYLON Manila BBB Awards. First up, the BRAVE ones.

After a journey mapped out with an intense two weeks of voting across platforms, enthusiastic campaigns, site crashes, a whopping 6,187,926 votes cast, and a lot of lessons learned, the first ever NYLON Manila Big, Bold, and Brave Awards has come to a close, officially. As an inaugural undertaking, it wasn’t without its fair share of challenges, which we heard and worked hard to address. But through it all, the NYLON Manila BBB Awards truly underscored that the voice of the audience isn’t only understood, but actually taken into careful account. In its essence, this is part and parcel of the purpose, to highlight, honor and hero the biggest, boldest, and bravest in Filipino pop culture, fashion, beauty, and youth, as sourced and decided by you. And yes, you all came through for your faves, even beyond our wildest expectations.

Guided by the points that define us at NYLON Manila, we really went big, bold, and brave for the milestone making initiative to recognize who shapes and shakes the conversation of our everyday in different spaces online and in real life. From breakthroughs, trendsetters, and barrier-breakers, this was a celebration of what makes our lives much more colorful, energetic, and thought-provoking. Spanning across its main sections (big, bold, brave), as well as of the categories and nominees within, it is high time to finally reveal the winners of the NYLON Manila BBB Awards, starting with the Brave set.

Related: INTRODUCING NYLON MANILA’S BIG, BOLD, AND BRAVE AWARDS

The Fearless

With a distinctly diverse assemblage of conversation starters and change makers, the Brave segment highlights not only the passions and perspectives realized in many of the shifts that happened over the past year or so, but also the fearless people that made all of us rethink, recalibrate, and repurpose in different necessary and important capacities. As truly inspiring the individual efforts of the nominees are, it is the coming together of these voices that prove that the future will not only be alright, but infinitely better.

Without further ado, here are the winners of the Fearless Social Media Account, Fearless Internet Clapback, Fearless Social Media Star, Fearless Global Filipino, and Inspiring Personality for the first NYLON Manila BBB Awards.

bbb awards

Fearless Social Media Account

Media Commoner

Kids For Kids PH

Hacktibista

PAGASA.PH — WINNER

For The Future


Fearless Internet Clapback

Liza Soberano

Nadine Lustre

Maris Racal — WINNER

Richard Juan

Janella Salvador


nylon manila awards

Fearless Social Media Star

Kerwin King — WINNER

Kakie Pangilinan

Inka Magnaye

Sassa Gurl

Sam Salazar


olivia rodrigo nylon manila bbb awards

Fearless Global Filipino

H.E.R.

Alex Eala

Patrick Starrr

Olivia Rodrigo — WINNER

Bretman Rock


Inspiring Personality

Angel Locsin  — WINNER

Ana Patricia Non

Liza Soberano

Catriona Gray

Mayor Vico Sotto

Nylon Manila Big, Bold, and Brave Awards would like to thank: Delicieux Goodies, Mood Cocktails, and Grazing Box MNL for their support.