Whether it be for gems or not, always be cautious with what you do or share on the internet, especially if it’s private information.

Related: Why Do We Act As If Social Activism Is A Crime?

If you’ve been to an establishment recently, you may have noticed that may accept Lyka GEMs. For those who aren’t in the loop, Lyka is a social media app that launched in March 2019. On the app, you can earn GEMS (gift card in electronic mode) by doing a variety of things from posting on your profile to sharing anything, or max rating (liking) content on Lyka. Users can also freely share and send GEMs to other users, even celebrities and influencers on the app to their followers. The GEMs in turn can be used to buy a lot of things from clothes, food, groceries, even a car.

The app has blown up in popularity in the country with thousands of users regularly on the app. Even if you don’t use it, you might have come across someone who does, has talked about it, or even invited you offering you the so-called GEMs. Lyka sounds like a dream. Just use the app and make money. But as they say, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. And with the recent events surrounding Lyka, it should serve as a cautionary tale that you need to be careful with what you put out and share on the internet.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH LYKA

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Just recently, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) told Lyka to suspend payment operations in the country until it is registered with the central bank. In a statement, BSP said that the purchasing activities on Lyka make it an OSP (operator of system payment), which therefore requires it to be registered with BSP. Any and all OSPs in the country need to be registered with the central bank for them to operate in the country. Lyka has said that they are willing to register with BSP, though no official date or announcement has been given so far.

This isn’t the first time that Lyka has been in hot water. Previously, security and privacy concerns about the app have been brought up. Lyka has been cited for the extensive data farming of its users. They take so much data that it “forms a very clear picture of someone’s identity and allows unscrupulous users to use these data through nefarious means.” In Lyka’s privacy policy, they also can share a user’s data with other users, partners, and service providers. Also, once you set up an account on Lyka, you cannot delete or deactivate it. Because user experience is what drives Lyka, it’s not hard to imagine that the app is selling that information to other parties for more data.

BE CAREFUL AND PROTECT YOUR PRIVATE DATA ONLINE

Of course, Lyka isn’t the only app that sells users’ information, but what’s happening with the app should be a sign to always practice caution online. You make money by posting and sharing on Lyka, but what happens if you share too much and your data gets sold to a third party you don’t know of? Since the app is free to use, you are, in essence, Lyka’s product and will value what you do on the app and make money off of that (like with most social media apps).

At the end of the day, you should always be careful with what you post online and what you give out on the internet. No matter where you are on the internet, not just on Lyka, always practice safety and caution with the information you share. If it doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t. Be discerning with what you put and share online.

With the recent news of the text scam and package text scam going around, there are many ways for your private information to be thrown around over the internet. Your phone is your digital you, so if your data gets hacked or stolen, who knows what could happen to you next.

If you are still determined to use Lyka or want to set up an account, it’s highly advisable that you read the terms of use so that you can know the risks and understand your rights. Don’t do things just because they are trending or popular. Always be wise when giving your private information.

Continue Reading: What We Can Learn About Social Activism From Young Hollywood Celebrities

You too can be part of this movement by making your own #Tumindig icon.

Related: This Isn’t The Time To Play Cute, Especially If You Have A Platform To Speak Up

They say every movement begins with a spark of hope. All this clamor for change needs is just one match to light up the endless darkness, leading to an inevitable protest where thousands join. It’s something we see a lot in online protests, especially during the last year. This is also something that happened recently thanks to a single artwork by animation director and satirical graphic artist Kevin Eric Raymundo, who you may know as Tarantadong Kalbo on social media.

On July 17, he posted an image of a standing glowing fist surrounded by similar figures who are bowing. The caption? “Tumindig.” The fist, of course, is the signature pose of President Duterte and his supporters. The artwork though symbolizes dissent and that the raised fist won’t be a blind follower like the bowing fists and making a stand (tindig). This isn’t the first satirical artwork the 34-year old artist has made though. A quick scroll through his social media pages shows multiple satirical artworks that call out accountability for government incompetence.

#TUMINDIG

The artwork went viral as more artists, activists, and personalities participated in drawing their own #Tumindig figures and joining Tarantadong Kalbo in solidarity and protest. According to Raymundo, he drew the artwork to encapsulate his feelings as an artist and activist in today’s climate, specifically under President Duterte and the Anti-Terror Law. He initially didn’t plan on making this something people can join as there wasn’t an outright call to action.

As the artwork went viral, people organically started making their own raised fist figures. Artists Kapitan Tambay Hulyen, Rob Cham, and Cartoonist Zach were some of the first to join before artists from all over the internet joined in. Everyone else got in on the action and made their own take on #Tumindig fists.

Raymundo shared a follow-up to his original post that shows 73 dissenting Filipino artists from diverse backgrounds raising their fists in defiance through their own unique way and advocacy. Each avatar can be seen either donning their advocacies or carrying placards. The caption reads: “Artista ng Bayan, Ngayon ay Lumalaban!”

Artista ng Bayan, Ngayon ay Lumalaban! ✊?✊?✊?✊✊?#Tumindig https://t.co/Vc5Pq8gVv9 pic.twitter.com/5NlOSMpMyI

— Tarantadong Kalbo (@KevinKalbo) July 21, 2021

He also thanked everyone who joined and supported the movement with new artwork of him and the raised fist on his shoulder. “Hindi ko inasahan ito. Napakaraming sumali. Napakalakas ng sigaw. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng #tumindig,” he said in the caption.

As for his message for his fellow artists, he said “’Wag tayong mabuhay sa takot. Let’s use our skills and talents to our advantage. Having the choice to ‘be positive’ in our art is a privilege. I am aware of my own privilege as well, and I will use it to amplify the voice of the oppressed, even at the cost of losing ‘fans.’ I do not create art for the sake of aesthetics. Art is always political, whether we like it or not.”

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN

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Meanwhile, if you want to make your own #Tumindig icon, you can thanks to a blank slate that you can edit. There is a blank version of the raised fist icon as well as a  transparent .PNG template for those that want to change the icon’s color. “Edit. Draw. Paint. Print. Digital. Trad. Lahat tayo ay #Tumindig,” the caption reads. You also don’t need software like Photoshop or drawing skills to make your own as you can edit it through simpler means like Instagram via IG stories or PicsArt and other similar apps.  

While the different, raised fists icons are nice to look at, the biggest and most important takeaway that we should get from #Tumindig is that it’s never wrong to stand up and speak out for what is right. If anything, never underestimate the power of collective action and people from different walks of life coming together for a common cause. After all, that was how change was brought into this country a few times through history.

Check out some of the renditions and iterations of #Tumindig below:

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Continue Reading: Meet The Kakanin Squad: This Filipino Artist Drew Sticky Rice As Video Game Characters

The Kings of the Road are here to stay, and they did it in the most artistic way.

SB19 just keeps on carving their own path in OPM, digging even deeper in their roots. As if their well-rounded and astounding new EP, Pagsibol, wasn’t enough, the boys, together with Spotify Asia, decided to promote it Filipino-style. (You know, just not the usual K-Pop blueprint that they were once expected to follow.) What better way to celebrate this major milestone in Philippine music than to collaborate with local visual artists to paint jeepneys that are inspired by SB19’s new bops, ballads, and bangers? Yes, they did that.

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They enlisted the help of notable names in the art scene such as Ang Gerilya, Soleil Ignacio, Nelz Yumul, Jappy Agoncillo, Anina Rubio, and June Digan. Imagine how immersive the experience would’ve been if there was an actual exhibit of these jeepneys during Pagsibol’s launch if it weren’t for the pandemic? But even if we’re just living the experience through our screens, SB19 made sure that we’d be aware of how they will always wear their hearts on their sleeves all while raising the flag wherever they go. Scroll down to read more about the amazing hand-picked Filipino artists.

READ MORE: Breaking New Ground, SB19 Takes Root and Grows Even More With Pagsibol

ANG GERILYA FOR “WHAT?”

Complete with the SB19 flag that was famously seen in their phenomenal music video for WHAT?, they collaborated with art Ang Gerilya, an art collective known for their street art, graffiti and of course, their guerilla works. They take inspiration mostly from Philippine history and social commentary, but usually interpreted with comic relief.

SOLEIL IGNACIO FOR “MAPA”

SB19’s song, MAPA, still has us in our feelings every time. An emotional tribute to their mama and papa, Filipina illustrator Soleil Ignacio was tasked to pour all those feels with her signature intricate details of flora and fauna created together with Stell. The jeepney was in full bloom with the heart-warming lyrics of the song.

NELZ YUMUL FOR “MANA”

Illustrator Nelz Yumul definitely went beast mode on the MANA jeepney along with Ken. The song speaks of how SB19 likens their passion to an aswang who transforms at dawn, fights crab mentality, yet still manages to keep a part of themselves on the ground and Nelz did not disappoint. He also made use of the airbrush technique that our jeepneys are known for.

JAPPY AGONCILLO FOR “BAZINGA”

If anything, SB19 loves a little poetic justice. For their track Bazinga” they enlisted the help of artist, Jappy Agoncillo, who’s known for his murals centered on pop culture. Together with Josh and his love for video games, they envisioned the jeepney to have elements of Marvel vs Capcom that emulated the playful vibe of the song. “Who’s the boss now?” was a sassy touch.

ANINA RUBIO FOR “IKAKO”

A peek into Anina Rubio’s body of work and you’ll immediately realize her advocacies for nature and sustainability. Designed with Justin, the SB19 song, Ikako, was their homage to all the frontliners and Filipinos who have been surviving in these crazy times. Babangon tayo, padayon!

JUNE DIGAN FOR “SLMT”

SB19 wouldn’t be the same without their beloved A’TIN who have been supportive every step of the way. Filipina artist June Digan and Pablo collaborated on this jeepney mural that paints the boys together with their fans on top of a hill, including an image of an eagle soaring high. June’s whimsical style was the perfect choice to paint this intimate connection between SB19 and A’TIN.

Stream Pagsibol here.

READ MORE: Sure, The Shoes Are Cool. But Can We Talk About the Art Inside the New Jordan Store in Manila?

Highlighting the artistry of Filipino designers, Miss World Philippines 2021 candidates raised the bar for the national costume segment even more.

The beauty of living in an era where the Met Gala and RuPaul’s Drag Race not only exists, but also ingrained into our unique conversations is how our standards when it comes to red carpet events have evolved. Some people think joining pageants may seem superficial, but in reality, it’s an avenue to empower the modern Filipina. In the same breath, it also has grown to be a platform for the Filipino artistry to shine. Not to mention how its counterpart in the US is the Superbowl because of how huge the pageant fans are here in the Philippines. From the La Paz Batchoy couture gown that went viral to the Sorbetera look inspired by the mid-day cold treat, here are the most jaw-dropping national costume looks we’ve seen at Miss World Philippines’ Charity Gala.

READ MORE: Kisses Delavin, Ayn Bernos and Maureen Wroblewitz Are Officially Joining Miss Universe Philippines 2021 And We’re Already Excited

NATASHA JUNG AS A TAKLUB

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Representing Tacloban city, Miss World candidate number 12 Natasha Jung wore a taklub-inspired costume made by designer Daniel Guarino. Inspired by the bamboo contraption used to catch fish and crabs by the natives, talk about fresh catch of the day!

ANN PALMARES AS A LA PAZ BATCHOY

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We love how Miss World candidate number 29 Ann Palmares went all out camp with her La Paz Batchoy look that represented the Ilonggos. Just zoom in on every detail of the look that was made by designer Tata Blas Pinuela. She even brought her own toyo!

LEA MACAPAGAL AS A SORBETERA

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Representing the city of Dinalupihan, Miss World candidate number 1 Lea Macapagal was one of the scene-stealers during the gala with her sorbetera look. Doesn’t she look sweet in this ensemble created by Ken Batino and Jevin Salaysay? Missing the days when all we needed was Manong Sorbetero’s dirty ice cream after a long day.

LEWIS JANELLE AS A SANTO NIÑO

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With an angelic face like hers, Miss World candidate number 4 Janelle Lewis represents the city of Angeles, Pampanga. The details on her butterfly sleeves and the angels on the terno made her look even more divine.

MARA RUIZ AS AN ANTOLIHAO

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Taking flight, Miss World candidate number 42 Mara Ruiz takes inspiration from Bohol’s provincial bird, the Antolihao or black-naped oriole. The yellow feathered number represented the city’s ecological paradise and was designed by Noel Bompat Estopito.

JULIE TARRAYO AS AMAN SINAYA

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Paying homage to the fisherfolk of Northern Samar, Julie Tarrayo’s national costume was rich in intricate details and culture. Designer Er Stephen Alvarado revealed that the inspiration was Aman Sinaya, the goddess of the sea in Philippine mythology.

ANDREA SULANGI AS A PHILIPPINE ROYAL

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In true Filipino fashion, Andrea Sulangi wears an intricate ensemble by designer Edwin Uy, full of details about Philippine culture once you look closely. The drama of it all!

SHANNEN MANZANO AS A WARRIOR PRINCESS

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And she’s ready for battle! What may seem like a stunning terno worn by Shannen Manzano became a full-blown gold armor once the cape was unraveled, complete with weapons. A fresh take on how national costumes should be.

TRISHA MARTINEZ AS THE PAILAH

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Trisha Martinez wore a national costume inspired by the culture of Pailah (Palay, Isda, Lilok, Antigo and Halaman) Festival. The details were all on point in this gown made by Louis Pangilinan including the rice scepter, the stained-glass inspired cape, and the butterfly sleeves shaped as a Salakab used by fishermen.

ASHA GUTIERREZ AS THE BANGKA

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We can only imagine how challenging it was to strut the runway in a bangka-inspired gown designed by Don Don Cristobal like candidate number 19 Asha Gutierrez. She really said, rock the boat!

Photo credits: The Qrown PH, AJ Laylo, Advan Ramirez, Pageant Mag PH

CONTINUE READING: This Designer From Antique Made These Stunning Dolls Inspired by Rabiya Mateo

From TOMORROW X TOGETHER to ATEEZ, TREASURE, and more, here are 7 K-Pop boy groups that you need to start paying close attention to.

With every generation of K-Pop comes a new wave of groups and artists that bring the genre to the next level. In the early to mid-2010s, groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE have helped K-pop reach global heights and make it the worldwide phenomenon that it is today.

Because of this, the current generation of K-pop groups entering the scene are catering not just to an Asian fan base, but a global one. Like the groups before them, the current crop of K-pop boy groups are bringing their own style and music to the stage and changing the game. With that being said, here are 7 4^th generation boy groups that you need to watch out for.

Related: Stray Kids Are Finally Getting The Praise And Attention They Deserve

TOMORROW X TOGETHER

You could say TXT had a mountain of pressure on their backs before their debut. As the first group to debut under Big Hit since BTS, all eyes were on TXT to see whether or not they would live up to the hype. Some people even just saw them as BTS’s little brother group and nothing more. But in the two years since their debut, TXT, composed of members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai, has proven that they are more than just the juniors of BTS.

They deliver intense and smooth performances. Their songs are so good and are varied that can be seen in how CROWN was an upbeat pop song while 0x1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) had a more pop-rock sound to it. They bring unique concepts to the table like how one of their songs is about them growing horns from their heads, them turning into animals, and one inspired by Harry Potter. The fact that people can Yeonjun the 4^th gen It-boy and most of their songs touch upon issues and themes that adolescents go through makes it even better. TXT has rightfully placed itself as a 4^th generation boy group to follow.

STRAY KIDS

If the past year has proven anything, it’s that Stray Kids are on the cusp of global superstardom. This 8-member boy group from JYP Entertainment has been charming Stays since 2017. They always bring it in terms of performance and delivers on the looks, visuals, and production. You’ll never be going to get a dull moment when you watch Stray Kids. Their songs like God’s Menu, MIROH, and Back Door are pure bops. Add to that their producing team of 3Racha, who are composed of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, amazing dancers in Felix, Hyunjin, and Lee Know, and stunning vocalists in Seungmin and I.N, you have the recipe for a must-watch group.

ATEEZ

The fact that the group went viral even before they debuted should be a sign that ATEEZ is a group to watch out for. Formed by KQ Entertainment and composed of members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho, ATEEX has captivated fans around the world since their debut in 2018 with Pirate King. They are regarded as some of the best performers in K-Pop right now and they don’t know how to make a bad song. From WONDERLAND to Wave, Say My Name, and more ATEEZ continuously makes bop after bop (not to mention their covers are exceptional as well). If you haven’t heard of these boys yet, give this group a listen.

TREASURE

TREASURE’s time in the spotlight has been a long-time coming. YG Entertainment’s latest boy band was formed in 2019 through the reality-survival show, YG Treasure Box. But it wasn’t until 2020 that this 12 member group, composed of members Hyunsuk, Jihhon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Mashiho, Jaehyuk, Asahi, Yedam, Doyoung, Haruto, Jeongwoo, and Junghwan, officially debuted with their first EP The First Step: Chapter One and its lead single, Boy. And it was worth the wait. The group immediately stole hearts with their catchy songs and captivating performances. The fact that 2020 was so successful for them and they won numerous Rookie Of The Year Awards shows that TREASURE is a group to watch out for. They are only getting started and we can’t wait to see what they have in store.

THE BOYZ

It took a while for THE BOYZ to reach the heights that they are in now, but at least more people are aware of the talent that this 4^th generation boy group exudes. Thanks to a stellar 2020 and so far promising 2021, Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Haknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric have ascended to their highest peak yet.

If you have only heard of this group recently, know that they always deliver when it comes to their performances. Just watch some of their stages during Road to Kingdom and in award shows. When they perform, they PERFORM. Their songs are fire and even their covers are great. Juyeon is regarded as one of the best dancers in K-Pop right now and some of his dance covers have gone viral. Q is also known to clean up on the dance floor. They also deliver when it comes to vocals and rap. Even their visuals are top-notch. Their teaser video for their The Stealer comeback was so good and their special films scream quality while also mixing important themes for the new generation. This boy group from Cre.ker Entertainment gives what needed to be given.

ENHYPEN

Like some of the groups on this list, ENHYPEN was formed through a survival show with theirs being I-Land. This 7-member boy group, composed of members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki, was formed by Belift Lab, a joint venture between CJ ENM and Hybe Corporation.

Ever since their debut in November 2020 with the EP Border: Day One, the group has been making noise as one of the 4^th generation boy groups to watch out for. Their first and latest comeback Border: Carnival proved that they have the talent, and it wasn’t just all hype. Drunk-Dazed is an amazing song and is currently one of the best K-Pop songs of 2021. Keep an eye out for ENHYPHEN because they have so much more to give.

A.C.E.

Some people sleep on beds while others sleep on A.C.E. They are arguably one of the most underrated boy groups currently active. Composed of members Jun, Donghun, Wow, Byeongkwan, and Chan, the group caused a bit of a stir with their debut song Cactus. This was because when they initially performed the hard-hitting song, they wore short shorts that made some people uncomfortable (though they arguably look good in them).

Their songs such as Savage and Goblin (Favorite Boys) are earworms. They deliver A-tier visuals (like it’s THAT good). Their choreography is intense and exciting. And let’s not forget their amazing covers, which for some of you may be the reason why you know who A.C.E is. Some of the covers that you need to watch are their covers of Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved, 5 Seconds of Summer’s Youngblood and Easier, and BLACKPINK’S How You Like That.

Continue Reading: 5 Things You Need To Know About K-Pop Boy Group THE BOYZ

Blythe’s new room is making us want to Marie Kondo our way this quarantine.

If you’re like Andrea Brillantes or Blythe who’s already been able to build their own house before turning 18, there’s a high chance that you’re still figuring out what to do with the home interiors. Luckily, she had Mundo Builders to help her transform parts of her house. First stop, Blythe’s room. She’s shared in her vlog that she wanted a retro, vintage vibe mixed with her gamer girl personality and true enough, her new room looked amazing and very cozy. Think: actual liveable spaces instead of empty halls you usually see in some celebrity homes. Aside from the nostalgic corners of Blythe’s room, we saw some cute, eye-catching details in her room like her roller skates and her Pokeball chandelier. Below, we’ve found the exact same pieces that we saw in the vlog and where to get them.

READ MORE: 18 Times Andrea Brillantes Made Major Headlines

ROLLER SKATES

This part of Blythe’s room is where she displays all her board games, books, and memorabilia. One of the items that caught our eye is her retro roller skates. Not gonna lie, we wanted one too, so we looked up for some online shops that sold them and we found Squad Skates and Chaser Action Sports.

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Their roller skates range from P4000 to P8000! You can purchase them here or at Chaser SM Mall of Asia and SM North Edsa.

READ MORE: It’s Lit! Here Are Some Unique Candles To Spice Up Your Room Decor

COTTON CANDY MACHINE

Aside from Blythe’s red mini fridge, her snack bar also had a cute electric cotton candy machine. What fluffy dreams are truly made of. We’ve found the exact one on Shopee for P2628.

STEEL LOCKER

Blythe calls this corner the “muni-muni” area where she can chill and just do nothing. It was a good decision to paint it in yellow too, especially the locker that reminds us of our high school days. We’ve found a steel locker on this furniture site that’s priced at P5890 which you can just paint in any color you like.

POP CORN MAKER

Keeping up with the retro vibe of Blythe’s room, she just had to have a vintage pop corn maker at her snack bar. There’s an existing one on Lazada that’s fast-heating with a non-stick pot at P5650.

POKEMON CHANDELIER

Out of all the items in this list, the Pokemon chandelier in Blythe’s room was the hardest to find. Probably because it looked custom-made. But nevertheless, we found alternatives for the LED Pokeball that you can either recreate or purchase while the industrial iron droplight is up on Lazada for P1474.88.

You can watch Blythe’s full room tour below:

CONTINUE READING: Here’s Where To Get Those Quirky Home Decorations You See on Pinterest For Less

From Maris Racal to Ranz Kyle, SB19’s Josh, and more, these celebrities and personalities prove that careers aren’t set in stone and it’s never too late to do something different.

It really is true, the only thing constant in this life is change. While we all wish to have that dream career that lasts for most of our lives, the reality is that it doesn’t happen often. It’s possible to feel that the career you have now is not the career you wanted or would like to do something else. It’s normal to think this way and it’s something that celebrities have gone through, too. They originally started out with a certain career path but are now a completely different one. Here are 11 celebrities and personalities who shifted careers.

Related: 10 Young Stars Who Juggle Both Going To School And Having A Career

BENEDICT CUA

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These days, you may know Benedict Cua as a social media influencer, YouTuber, actor, and musician. But did you know that before he became a content creator, he used to work in the business world? He graduated with a degree in Business Management from De La Salle University in 2013 and worked at Nestle Philippines for three years. At one point, he even reached the position of a key account executive.

GRETCHEN HO

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Gretchen Ho got her claim to fame as a volleyball player. First, she played for the Ateneo Lady Eagles for five years, including two times where she played in the finals. She then played professionally for the Petron Blaze Spikers in the Philippines Super Liga and even helped the team to a championship win in 2014. But Gretchen, who holds two degrees from Ateneo, wouldn’t limit her talents to playing sports. As of late, she is a TV host, reporter, correspondent for ABS-CBN, and a frequent face on Umaga Kay Ganda. Earlier this year, she transferred to TV5 to join Frontline Pilipinas as a sports anchor.

MAINE MENDOZA

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You could say that Maine Mendoza becoming an actress was an accident. Initially, Maine had a different career planned for her. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management Major in Culinary Arts from CSB. She also interned at the upscale The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, New York for six months of training as a chef. Maine first used Dubsmash (remember that?) as more of a hobby, but soon built a following on the app. She was then scouted by GMA and invited on Eat Bulaga, and the rest, as they say, is history.

MARIS RACAL

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Believe it or not, there would have been a chance that Maris Racal would have gone by Dr. Racal. The actress, singer, and PBB alumni studied Medical Technology at the Trinity University of Asia before stopping due to her busy schedule. She has said though that if she weren’t in showbiz, she would be a doctor or healthcare frontliner. Considering that she’s only 23 years old, who knows if Maris would actually go back to school to become a doctor.

MARVIN FOJAS

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Marvin Fojas is one of the most popular Filipino TikTok creators. With over 7.7 million followers on the app and counting, Marvin has entertained millions with his funny skits and videos. It seems that Marvin was born to be an entertainer, but he used to work in a completely different field. Marvin is a licensed pharmacist and that was his day job for five years. In October 2020, he announced that he was quitting his job to pursue his passion, content creation, full time.

RAIZA CONTAWI

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Beauty content creator Raiza Contawi has amazed fans with her impressive makeup skills. She has more than 600,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel which makes her one of the larger beauty gurus in the local makeup scene. But before she was a content creator, Raiza used to work in corporate as a financial analyst and marketing assistant. She actually has a B.S in Commerce from FEU, but she quit her job to pursue content creation full time.

RANZ KYLE

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Ranz Kyle has made a name for himself as one of the most popular content creators in the Philippines. With over 14.3 million subscribers, his YouTube account is one of the most followed in the Philippines. But before he became the content creator that he is today, Ranz actually used to be in a boy band. The group was called Chicser and it was a six-member group composed of him and his long-time friends in school. Ranz also acted in a few TV shows and movies when he was younger.

ROBI DOMINGO

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As one of the most popular hosts in the country, Robi Domingo is a familiar face on TV. But it wasn’t always meant to be that Robi would have a career in the entertainment industry. He graduated from Ateneo de Manila with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences. As the son of two doctors, Robi was initially supposed to go to medical school but didn’t to focus on his showbiz career after his appearance on PBB. As more and more opportunities came in Robi’s way, he has yet to enter medical school and continues his career.

SANDARA PARK

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As part of the K-Pop girl group 2NE1, Sandara Park, or more commonly known as Dara, entertained millions around the world with their performances and was one of the first K-Pop groups to really make an impact outside of Asia. But before she became a K-Pop idol, Sandara was already a household name in the Philippines thanks to her movies and music. She competed in Star Circle Quest in 2004 and made it to second place behind winner Hero Angeles. Dara then stared in a few movies like Bcuz of U and Can This Be Love and released a few songs including the hit In or Out. She and her family then returned to South Korea where she eventually signed with YG Entertainment.

SB19’S JOSH

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SB19 is proof that you should never give up on your dreams no matter how hard things go. From being ignored and disrespected, the group is now one of the top acts of the Philippines and a rising star internationally. All five members look like they were born for the stage, but they used to live different lives before their debut. Take Josh for example. Before he became an idol, he used to work as a call center agent. Maybe you even talked to him once on the phone when trying to call customer service. He’s also not the only member to leave behind a different career to be an idol. Pablo used to work in real estate while Ken was a college student studying architecture before he entered ShowBT Philippines.

WIL DASOVICH

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Before Wil Dasovich became the high-profile YouTuber and vlogger he is now, he used to work in a different career. He studied business in college in California. When he first came to the Philippines, he started out as a model. Wil was actually discovered by a talent scout during his stay in the country and did a series of ads for both print and video. He even dabbled a bit as a host. In fact, if you watch Wil’s older videos, they’re about his career as a model and TV personality.

Continue Reading: 5 Important Life Lessons We Learned From Young Stars On Toni Talks

SB19 finally gives us the full musical lowdown of the highly anticipated release of Pagsibol, and they aren’t joking around here: A classic is born.

In the long-running American sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper wasn’t conventionally funny—at least in the most obvious laugh out loud way. He had humor, sure, but even if it was categorically dry and cerebral, it was often out of place in conversations with his friends. To spell out his ruse, the theoretical physicist would blurt out, “Bazinga,” an interjection of victory that lets us in on his prank as if saying, “joke’s on you.” While the connection wasn’t made explicit, the very essence of the halfway mark that is on the latest release of SB19 in Pagsibol. “Every day, I think the load gets heavy / Throw it away, the world unloads hostility,” the boys sing in Bazinga, a counter-diss track meant to armor the band against the hate they get. “Go throw a stone, it might break a bone / But be wary because I won’t condone.”

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Picking up from the bellowing of a bold and brave battlecry in What?, the track not only echoes the aggression and grit that ushered in the new era of SB19 in Pagsibol, but it also perfectly encapsulates how Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo and Stell are taking root and growing in music. In the six-track sophomore effort, the boys are breaking new ground, settling into their sound, and carving out an identity that is completely authentic to each and every one of them. “We want our EP to symbolize our beginnings, origins, or simply our roots,” SB19 says in a statement. Expanding this further, Justin adds, “Our songs in Pagsibol will talk everything about our growth, about our journey as SB19 from the beginning up to where we are today.”

Asserting their truest selves, as they always espouse and encourage in their songs, SB19 is out to make it clear in the imprint of Pagsibol that this a creative undertaking completely of their own doing. Strap yourselves in because you are in for quite a ride.

Related: ALL FIRED UP: THIS IS WHY WE SHOULD BE PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE DOMINATION OF SB19

Waving The Flag

“Gusto po namin na pag nakinig sila, the next song will be a different sound from that they’ve heard dun sa nauna,” says Pablo of how they envision their latest release to be as received by the listener. “Parang gusto namin na sumakay sila sa rollercoaster, talagang maiiba-iba ‘yung mood, ng ganun di nila mapre-predict or mabibigla sila sa mapapakinggan nila.”

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Not only does SB19 take us for a spin into different genres in Pagsibol, such as pop rock, reggaeton, electro pop, hip-hop, and R&B, we are also given a glimpse of their paths and process, proving how close to their hearts this EP is. “Mas creative lang kami ngayon. Masasabi namin na mas may voice kami ngayon na gawin ‘yung gusto namin and ipakita kung sino kami kasi binigyan na kami ng power to do our own way,” reveals Josh. “Kasi dati, 50-50 ‘yung opinion. Syempre may company din kami, may mga bosses din kami, so minsan kailangan palitan ng ideas. Ngayon, almost 90 to 100 percent, ‘yung iba binibigay ‘yung freedom na gawin ‘yung kanta and creative stuff.”

The result is a distinct and definitive discography that shows their deep well of range, talent, and innovation, all while with a firm grip on the pulse of the Filipino. “’Yung soul namin purely Filipino. Dito talaga kami nanggaling at eto ‘yung inspirations namin, kung ano ‘yung nasa paligid namin,” details Josh. “Hindi siya solely inspired by K-pop. In-apply lang namin ‘yung pwedeng plus points for us to grow as a group. Nung simula’t simula pa lang talaga, kung ano ‘yung ginagawa namin and kino-compose namin, soul po namin ‘yung pinapakita.”

Piecing Together Pagsibol

At this point, we’ve already interfaced with the rousing and riveting What?, the tear-inducing MAPA, and an updated take on the tender telling of Ikako to critical and commercial acclaim. From the sharp turns in tempo, the nuance of lyrics, and swift serves in feelings of these tracks from SB19 in Pagsibol, we are introduced to the aforementioned Bazinga, a heated in-your-face effort charged with high-octane production; Mana, a striking mid-tempo banger with impressive low register notes by Ken that expands to something ominous, electrifying, and profound all at once; and the buoyant bop that is SLMT, an homage to their fans-turned-family, A’Tin, rendered in a smooth symphony of Filipino instrumentation and jabs.

“Hindi kami mahihiyang sabihin na meron kaming kasama, meron kaming family,” says Justin when asked about what makes them proud, promptly making mention of their supporters. “Another thing is we’re proud of who we are as SB19, our hard work, we were able to reach this, inspire for other people and make something new.”

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As if there was any morsel of doubt, SB19 seals the deal of their authenticity, authorship, and artistry in the musical essay that is Pagsibol. Pushing the limits of their context of edgy pop, Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo, and Stell continue to challenge the conventions of OPM with their quiet confidence and genius, honest exposition in lyrics, and unerring humility. “Kahit na iniisip mo na magaling ka na sa isang bagay, darating ‘yung point na may matutunan ka pa pala. Ang hirap i-gauge nung learning curve kasi ako hanggang ngayon, ang dami kong natutunan and hindi ko alam kung kelan ako titigil,” shares Pablo of their desire to defy the norm by way of learning as they go.

Grow As They Go

“Everyday is a learning process, hindi lang po para sa mga artists, pati sa mamamayang Pilipino. Kung sa tingin mo okay ka na, kinabukasan mare-realize mo, kaya ko pa, you can give more, do more,” continues Stell, shedding more light into the wisdom that SB19 has amassed and appropriated in Pagsibol. “Sa totoo lang po, lahat ng ginagawa namin ngayon, hindi kami sigurado nung una. Pero ngayon, nag-e-explore pa rin kami kung ano talaga ‘yung dapat namin gawin para mas mapaganda pa namin ‘yung maipapakita namin sa taong nakatingin sa amin.”

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At this point, everyone is not only looking at SB19, but they are listening. Utilizing the universality of music for the greater good, the scions of OPM and crowned kings of P-pop are changing the music industry in their own way. Breaking ground, taking root, and growing at each rise and fall of the day, Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo, and Stell are firmly embedded into the culture of sound and song in the Philippines, creating timeless classics as they intended to since day one, struggles and all.  

“’Yung buong idea ng Pagsibol, even if the terrain is harsh, the weather is harsh, tutubo pa rin tayo, may pag-asa kumbaga. Sana pag nadinig nila ‘yung Pagsibol, mabuhayan sila, mas ma-motivate sila sa mga gusto nilang gawin sa buhay,” says the music genius of SB19 that is Pablo, perfectly punctuating the entirety that is Pagsibol. “Darating ‘yung panahon na sumisibol ka pa lang, tatatag ka, magiging puno ka na.” While we are too deep into the metaphor, it still is oddly but inherently worth a chuckle. It grows on you, as humor-laced wisdom usually does. This time, however, there is no joking around; SB19 scores a solid win with Pagsibol. So, yes, you can say it now: Bazinga.

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CONTINUE READING: RUMOR OR NOT, SB19, OLIVIA RODRIGO, AND BTS PROVE THAT IT IS THE YEAR OF MUSIC COLLABORATION

Jennie Kim isn’t called the “Human Chanel” for nothing.

Jennie Kim, main rapper and lead vocalist of Blackpink, Vogue Korea’s guest fashion editor, and luxury fashion house Chanel’s ambassador. A woman of many names, Jennie is one of Korea’s trendsetters of all things fashion and beauty. Clearly, she has exquisite taste and a big bank to boot that she worked hard for. Oftentimes, we’ve spotted Jennie wearing Chanel on most days with pieces ranging from street to luxury. Some of the pieces she’s shown on Instagram may seem affordable as they’re just casual wear like slippers or cardigans, but it still comes with a pretty hefty price tag, too. From the P103,033 ($2050) house sandals to her bracelet that costs P580,505 ($11,550), here are some of the most expensive Chanel pieces that Jennie Kim has ever worn.

READ MORE: We Found the P50,000 Bodysuit Jennie Kim Was Wearing On The Late, Late Show

CHANEL HAT WITH PEARL STRANDS – P118,111 ($2,350)

For Blackpink’s Ice Cream music video featuring Selena Gomez, Jennie Kim’s stylist definitely did not hold back. She wore a classic Chanel boater hat with pearl strands that cost P118,111 or $2350.

CHANEL SANDALS – P103,033 ($2050)

How to be like Jennie Kim? Wear P103,033 or $2050 Chanel sandals at home.

CHANEL PINK CARDIGAN – P213,605 ($4250)

Even Chanel’s cardigans are unsafe from Jennie. She was first seen wearing Chanel’s pink cardigan for a magazine cover, but in her Instagram post, she wears a more casual look, pairing the P213,605 ($4250) piece with jeans.

CHANEL IRIDESCENT TWEED JACKET – P464,905 ($9,250) AND SKIRT P130,560 ($2600)

Jennie wore an iridescent tweed jacket with a matching skirt from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection for her recent photoshoot with Elle Korea. The cost? P464,905 or $9250 then the skirt is $2600.

CHANEL TWEED JUMPSUIT -P638,302 ($12,700)

Jennie Kim’s convincing us to invest on a luxury piece from Chanel like this tweed jumpsuit that costs P638,302 or $12,700. We’d love to be one of her dogs in another lifetime.

CHANEL BRACELET IN WHITE GOLD DIAMONDS – P580,503 ($11,550)

Oh you know, Jennie Kim just casually wearing P580,503 or $11,550 on her wrist on the cover of Vogue Korea. No big deal.

CHANEL TWEED CROPPED JACKET – P369,411 ($7,350)

A fashion enthusiast knows that if you buy a Chanel piece, it’s as good as a framed artwork on your wall. Pretty much like how Jennie Kim wore a P369,411 or $7350 tweed jacket for one of their promo pictures.

CHANEL DRESS AND BELT – P588,193 ($11,703)

Coco Chanel has been known for her love of the little black dress, and so does Jennie Kim. She wears a P588,193 or $11,703 dress for one of Blackpink’s cover shoots in the past.

CHANEL EMBROIDERED SILK DRESS – P630,763 ($12,550)

Chanel’s embroidered silk dress from their Spring/Summer 2020 collection was memorable not only because of the infamous gate-crasher that Gigi Hadid escorted out, but also when Jennie wore their $12,550 embroidered silk dress for their Style Talk Week.

CHANEL TWEED DRESS – P691,075 or $13,750

As cliché as it sounds, there’s no where to go but up for Jennie Kim’s Chanel outfits. This tweed dress alone costs $13,750 or P691,075.

CONTINUE READING: The Best K-Pop and High Fashion Crossovers We’ve Seen So Far

Among other things, the Delta variant is a more contagious strain than other variants and vaccines have been proven to be the best protection against it.

Related: People Skipping Their 2nd COVID-19 Vaccine Dose? It Happens And There Are Reasons For It

If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you know that COVID-19 is far from gone. In fact, it’s facing a resurgence due to the spread of a new mutation called the Delta variant. This variant has been cited as the main reason why many countries around the world have been seeing their COVID-19 cases explode. It was first discovered in India in December 2020 and is said to be why the country saw six digit case counts on a daily basis earlier in the year. In Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, and especially Indonesia have been recording record-breaking daily cases that are mainly driven by the Delta variant.

In the UK, which is currently going through a resurgence of cases, 99% of new COVID-19 cases there are caused by the Delta variant. It is also the dominant strain spotted in the US, with recent reports saying that 83% of COVID-19 cases there are caused by the Delta variant. More importantly, the variant recently landed on the shores of the Philippines.

So, what exactly is the Delta variant? While researchers still don’t have a complete picture of the variant, from what we know, the Delta variant should be a cause for concern.

WHAT IS THE DELTA VARIANT

The Delta variant, or also known as B.1.617.2., is a strain of COVID-19 that has been spotted in at least 80 countries so far. The reason why there is a Delta variant in the first place is that COVID-19, like most viruses, mutates over time. Some of the previous COVID-19 mutations that have been identified include Alpha (first spotted in the UK), Beta (first spotted in South Africa), Epsilon (first spotted in the US, and Gamma (first spotted in Brazil).

What makes the Delta variant different though from the others is that its mutations give it an advantage over the other strains. Most importantly, the Delta variant is more transmissible than any other variant due to mutations that makes it better at latching onto cells in the body. Research has suggested that the Delta variant is 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was 60% more transmissible than the original strain first discovered in China. To put this into context, if the original strain of COVID-19 can infect 2.5 other people, the Delta variant can infect between 3.5-4 people and that spreads exponentially.

Specifically, studies have shown that the Delta variant grows more rapidly inside a person’s respiratory tract as compared to other strands. It is estimated that people infected with the Delta variant have about 1000 times more copies of COVID-19 in their respiratory tracts when compared to people infected with the original strain of COVID-19. The Delta variant is apparently is very contagious that a man in Australia was infected by it just by walking past an infected person, in a 5 to 10-second encounter. While this isn’t meant to be treated as a one size fits all situation, it does illustrate that the Delta variant can spread very quickly. The Delta variant has proven to be such a dangerous strain that The World Health Organization (WHO) called it “the fastest and fittest” COVID-19 variant. The CDC meanwhile said that the Delta variant was a “variant of concern.”

MORE CONTAGIOUS, BUT NOT AS DEADLY (SO FAR)

The good news is that the Delta variant is not deadlier than other variants, or at least the data so far is inconclusive to suggest that it kills more people. Early data out of the UK shows that the Delta variant is only killing 0.2% of those it infects and that could be attributed to vaccinations. The data also is still inconclusive if the Delta variant makes you sicker compared to other variants. Though studies do suggest that people infected with the Delta variant could be more likely to be hospitalized, up to twice as much. All of this though could change as more research is done on the variant.

THE PROBLEM WITH A HIGHLY TRANSMISSIBLE VARIANT

The Delta variant having higher transmissibility is a huge danger to people without immunity either from vaccination or prior infection, even if the variant is not deadlier than previous versions of the virus. As seen in other countries, the Delta variant can rip through and infect tens of thousands of people easily. Having a virus spread like this is dangerous because the longer a virus is active, the bigger the chance that it can mutate into something more dangerous. Scientists are worried and you should be too. The worst-case scenario is if COVID-19 mutated further into a virus that not only infects fast but kills faster.

And before you even think about it, there is nothing good with the Delta variant infecting thousands of Filipinos so we can achieve herd immunity faster. The people who are going to suffer the most in this situation are the most vulnerable. If too many people are infected at once in a particular area, the local health care system will become overwhelmed, strained, and burdened which can lead to more unnecessary deaths.

DELTA PLUS

You may have also heard of something called Delta Plus. It is a slightly altered version of the Delta variant that has been found in a handful of countries. Delta Plus contains an additional mutation called K417N that affects the spike protein that the virus needs to infect cells. But this shouldn’t be a major cause of concern, at least as of now.  “I predict 417 is not an important enough mutation. Delta is bad enough as it is and I don’t think 417 will change [it] that much or become dominant,” said Ravindra Gupta, professor of clinical microbiology at the Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases in an interview with Time Magazine.

DELTA VARIANT’S SYMPTOMS

So, how do you know or spot someone who has the Delta variant? Well, there is no definitive answer to that yet, given the data is still early. Symptoms for the original COVID-19 include things like dry cough, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, or a combination of these. But so far, those who get infected by the Delta variant show different symptoms. “It seems like cough and loss of smell are less common. And headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are present based on the most recent surveys in the U.K., where more than 90% of the cases are due to the Delta strain,” said Dr. Inci Yildirim, MD, Ph.D., a Yale Medicine pediatric infectious diseases specialist, and a vaccinologist.

GETTING VACCINATED IS THE BEST DEFENSE

While all of this may all sound scary, there is a way to stop the Delta variant, and that is through getting vaccinated. The best defense against the Delta variant is vaccination, especially when you are fully vaccinated as compared to just one dose. Those who aren’t vaccinated are at high risk of getting infected and worse, succumbing to the virus. And even if you are vaccinated, it does not give you free rein to do whatever you want. You still have to follow health and safety protocols, always wear your mask, and avoid large crowds whenever possible.

It’s also not yet suggested that those who are already vaccinated should get a booster shot. It’s too early to know whether booster shots modified to target the strain or any other variant are needed. Pfizer is planning to do clinical trials in August for a booster shot that would potentially be used against the Delta variant. But other than that, no official word has yet to be given.

At the end of the day, the best way to stop COVID-19 and its variants, in general, is to practice proper safety and prevention practices, and most importantly, vaccinate people before they can be exposed to the virus. The Delta variant is a dangerous strain (especially if you’re unvaccinated) and sad to say it’s in the Philippines. Be careful, stay safe, and get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Continue Reading: How Do You Get More People To Get The Vaccine For COVID-19? These People May Offer A Clue