With over 24 songs performed and nearly two and a half hours long, BTS’s Permission To Dance On Stage concert was a night filled with fun, energy, and positivity.

Related: Our 9 Favorite Moments From BTS Muster 2021 Sowoozoo

Whenever BTS performs, it’s always considered an event given how the boys always give it their all. And that was on full display during their recently held Permission To Dance On Stage online concert. Performing at the Olympic Stadium, albeit with no crowd, BTS poured their hearts and souls out on stage to make the ARMY tuning in online around the world feel like they are live in concert. Despite there being no crowd, the group didn’t skimp out on giving an A-tier show and giving all their love to ARMY. The concert was even more special considering that they only performed OT7 songs, no solos or unit performances, so it was just the boys together. Here are some of the unforgettable moments from Permission To Dance On Stage.

BTS SERVES LOOK AFTER LOOK

THIS ISN’T THE BTS I KNOW ?!!?!?WHO ARE THEY ?!?!??

?????????????????#PTD_ON_STAGE pic.twitter.com/o7Ccs1oaKY

— BTS_UPDATES⁷ ? (@BTSupdate_7) October 24, 2021

BTS rarely disappoints when it comes to serving looks and their outfits in Permission To Dance On Stage were no exception. Every member looked great, but there were a few fashion moments that stood out. First, while Taehyung wasn’t able to dance with the rest because of leg pain, he still gave it his all from his chair. He also shook many ARMY with his large tree-like tattoo that ran from his chest all the way to his neck. There was also Hobi’s white jumpsuit and shades combo at the beginning of the concert that made him look 10x cooler. It was like the next evolution of his Dior fit.

Jungkook debuted a new mint green hair color and sported a black cropped top suit halfway through the show. He also paired the look with a few chains that made for a truly breathtaking visual. Jimin wore a blazer with nothing underneath and was just being held together by one button and bias wrecked many viewers. Overall, everyone looked amazing.

THE NEW FIRE REMIX IS FIRE

WHAT KIND OF CRACK DID THEY PUT IN THE FIRE REMIX!?!??%#!!?
pic.twitter.com/iwKRtSQoLd

— elli⁷ (@jiminsvkook) October 24, 2021

While it was nice to see BTS perform their songs on PTD On Stage, the concert was also an opportunity for the group to debut new remixes and reworks of some of their old songs. One particular standout was the remix to Fire. The original song was already a whole bop, but the remix brought the song to the next level and made it even better than it already was. It gave the song a whole new vibe.

A BEAUTIFUL OPENING FOR BLACK SWAN

Black Swan forever the most elegant and captivating masterpiece…the ace of bangtan’s discography #PTD_ON_STAGE @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/MIFDhjIUVJ

— P⁷ (@MoonWalker_o) October 24, 2021

A beautiful song like Black Swan deserves just as beautiful a performance. And BTS did that during Permission To Dance On Stage. After performing a heartfelt rendition of Blue and Grey, a flurry of dancers rushed the stage with outfits that made them look like they had feathers on their arms. The boys then proceeded to quickly change from their white outfits to black outfits. The choreography, formations, and music were stunning and gave what needed to be given.

BTS PERFORMS BLOOD SWEAT TEARS AND TRANSITIONS INTO FAKE LOVE

Blood sweat and tears pic.twitter.com/R7ulJUrruK

— 별 ᵔᴥᵔ (@ttokitae) October 24, 2021

While there’s nothing wrong with BTS performing their new songs, it’s always a treat to see the boys perform their old classics, especially ones that they don’t perform as often these days. So, when BTS started performing Blood Sweat and Tears, it was an exciting moment. And let’s not forget the seamless transition between BST into Fake Love.

 A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM DYNAMITE INTO BUTTER

THE DANCE BREAK IN THE TRANSITION FROM DYNAMITE TO BUTTER?!?? AAAAAA pic.twitter.com/PCAbFupaGH

— mina⁷ (@EUPH0RIAL0VE) October 24, 2021

Speaking of a seamless transition, ARMYs were in for another treat later on in Permission To Dance On Stage. As BTS was performing their hit Dynamite, they ended the song on an amazing dance break that then seamlessly transitioned into Butter. It was such a cool transition that you could say it was, ehem, smooth like butter.

JUNGKOOK ADDRESSES THE HATERS

JUNGKOOK, YOU TELL EM KING !! SO WHAT ?? pic.twitter.com/5kZOZXi75e

— ︎♥︎ 정구기⁷ (@dreamjeons) October 24, 2021

Given how BTS is one of the biggest musicians in the world, it’s no surprise that they have millions of fans. But that attention has also brought the group many haters. During the concert, Jungkook took the time to address the haters and only in a way he can. When they were performing So What, Jungkook said that he wanted to say something to people who do not like him or want him to change. He then proceeded to shout so what with his full chest, as he should.  

BTS PERFORMS THE HEAVY HITTERS

young forever into spring day…yeah someone has to answer for that pic.twitter.com/i4HDDnFFoM

— morgan⁷ ? is in the soop (@soop_fm) October 24, 2021

The night also wasn’t just about singing, dancing, and uplifting spirits. BTS also brought the emotion to the stage and maybe quite a few ARMY teary-eyed as they performed Young Forever and Spring Day back-to-back. As the concert was wrapping up, BTS performed their more emotional anthems, and seeing them perform them at an empty stadium made us want to be there in person even more. Their end concert speeches, meanwhile, tugged at a few heartstrings. But not one to end things on a sour note, they then closed the show with the concert’s namesake, Permission To Dance.

Continue Reading: 7 Times BTS Used Their Platform To Help Make The World A Better Place

From SEVENTEEN, Maymay Entrata, Alamat, and more, we list down some of the best new bops of the past week.

Related: The New Music Releases Of The Week

Another week has passed by, which means we had another busy week in the world of music. Among other things, SB19 snagged their first MTV EMA nomination for Best Southeast Asia Act. The P-pop group was also recently named the newest ambassadors of NCAA. The past week also saw Girls Planet 999 have its much-anticipated finale as well as the final nine girls who will be part of the new girl group Kep1er. Of course, the week also saw a bevy of artists release new songs so here is a roundup of some of the notable releases of the past week.

Rock with you – SEVENTEEN

When SEVENTEEN says that they want to rock with you, they mean it. The 13-member boy group recently had their latest comeback with the release of the song, Rock with you. The track is unlike anything they’ve done in the past as it features a distinct rock sound complete with guitar riffs. This rock sound is also present in their ninth mini-album Attacca. The EP contains 7 new songs including their first-ever full English single, the pop-punk-inspired 2 MINUS 1.

SG – DJ Snake, Ozuna, Megan Thee Stallion, and LISA

It’s time to start the party with this tropical bop. DJ Snake brings together some of the hottest artists from around the world for a truly global collaboration in his new song SG. Ozuna sounds great, Megan is serving bars and body, while LISA kills it with her vocals and dance moves. 

AMAKABOGERA – Maymay Entrata

Maymay Entrata recently dropped her new song and it’s a whole bop. AMAKABOGERA is a pop song that sees Maymay sing about confidently showing off your own beauty and not trying to fit into a certain mold or standard. When you listen to the track, it feels like you are getting a rush of confidence and are ready to unleash your inner queen.

Di Na Mag-iisa -NOBITA

Filipino rock group NOBITA dropped their new song called Di Na Mag-iisa. Just like their hit single Ikaw Lang, Di Na Mag-iisa is set to tug on your heartstrings with its emotional sound and message. The group makes songs that capture the beating heart of the young generation and their new song blends sparse, soulful instrumentation with words of romantic earnestness.

Moth To A Flame – Swedish House Mafia and The Weekend

EDM powerhouse group Swedish House Mafia has teamed up with The Weekend on the new song Moth To A Flame. The slightly moody track is a great blend of The Weekend’s signature vocals and a beat drop that fits with the song’s vibe so well.

11:59 – KZ Tandingan

OPM superstar KZ Tandingan brings the vocals, as usual, in her new international single, 11:59. This emotional jam is an amazing showcase of KZ’s unique yet oh-so-satisfying vocals. 

strawberry moon – IU

IU is aiming to get us in our feels once more with the release of her new digital single strawberry moon. The romantic pop-ballad is that kind of song you wouldn’t have a hard time picturing being used in a romantic K-Drama. IU truly never misses, and her new song is no exception.

Present – Khalid

In Khalid’s new song, Present, the young musician expresses his love for someone special. The romantic R&B tracks feature a smooth beat and great use of guitar. 

Tie a Cherry – CL

International superstar and K-pop icon, CL has finally released her highly anticipated debut solo studio album ALPHA, After months of anticipation and buzz, the 11-track masterpiece is finally here and it’s worth the wait. With a track list that exudes power and independence, CL delivers an effortless fusion of Korean and American rap and pop. Along with the release of her album, CL also dropped a new music video for her latest single, Tie A Cherry.

porque – Alamat

P-Pop boy group Alamat is back with a new song with the release of their rendition of porque by Maldita. In their cover, the boys introduce the poetic beauty of Chavacano in their laid-back pop version. The group delivers a romantic charm that complements well with the mellow beat arrangement of the track, including folk instruments.

If You Lie Down With Me – Lana Del Ray

Lana Del Ray recently dropped her latest full-length studio album called Blue Banisters. At over 15 tracks long and an hour in length, Lana’s new album should be a treat for her fans.

SOMEBODY – keshi

keshi just released his latest song, SOMEBODY, and as expected, it’s a bop. The smooth and sensual R&B song is a whole mood and will definitely get you feeling some type of way. 

Nothing Feels Better – Pink Sweat$

If you’re looking for an uplifting and sweet song, then Pink Sweat$ and his new song have got you covered. Nothing Feels Better is a sweet love song about recognizing how special your significant other is. Pink Sweat$’s new song is that kind of track you want to listen to after a long and stressful day.

Hinto – Hannah Pangilinan

While you may know Hannah Pangilinan as a YouTuber and content creator, the young star is also a musician and that is on full display in her recently released EP Phases. Hannah’s first-ever EP features 5 new tracks mostly in the acoustic and R&B genre as well as collaborations with Better Days and Rico Blanco.

SMS – Because

Filipino rapper Because returns with a new track titled SMS. In contrast with his new track’s lonesome lyricism, Because won’t let you wait in vain to hop on to his jam. Although serving an upbeat hip-hop vibe, it masquerades the languish for someone’s reply to your messages, breezing through Because’s R&B hooks in chilly emotions of despair.

Continue Reading: The New Song Releases Of The Past Week

International makeup brand Y.O.U Beauty ensures we reach the kind of beauty we want and deserve

While “beauty” is a subjective term, there are still some days where we don’t feel our best. Even if people tell us otherwise, it’s undeniable that we sometimes don’t see ourselves as beautiful in spite of all the things we do to enhance our beauty, whether it’s through makeup or skincare. One of the reasons why we still end up feeling this way is because the products we use don’t exactly give us the outcome we initially thought we would get. Long-lasting beauty may take a while to reach, but it’s far from impossible! Y.O.U Beauty continuously researches the various needs and wants of makeup users all across Southeast Asia in order for us to achieve the long-lasting beauty we deserve.

Related: Yes, A Skincare Order Exists, And This Is What You Should Follow ASAP

Top-of-the-line technology

Driven by the desire to meet consumers’ needs, Y.O.U Beauty has been constantly tapping on the latest technology through their Open Lab R&D system that aims to inspire us to go beyond our limits in embracing beauty.

This all-around research process that starts with their unshakeable partnership with BeautyStreams, a global go-to beauty industry reference, provides the brand the latest insights on trends, all from the perspective of industry experts. Through this, Y.O.U Beauty exceeds our expectations in meeting our specialized needs with all the data they receive. They transport these data to a team of top-notch cosmetic scientists who have a keen eye in developing the brand’s products with materials from world-class suppliers.

Collaborating with the world’s top suppliers that originate from places such as CRODA in Great Britain, DOW in the United States, and Taiyo Kagaku in Japan; as well as their International Certification, Y.O.U Beauty ensures outstanding quality for all their products, which ultimately lead to everyone’s goal of achieving long-lasting beauty. These products such as their best sellers like the Biomecera Advanced Booster Serum that is infused with SK-INFLUX®, as well as the Litestay™ Technology in the new NoutriWear™ series that consist of base makeup products like foundation, concealer, loose powder, and setting spray are all developed carefully and with the intent to cause no harm to the skin. This leads to having a much easier way for us to meet the long-lasting beauty we aspire to reach.

Elevated radiance

With all of their efforts in research and development, Y.O.U Beauty continues to meet their own commitment in giving all of us access to good quality beauty products that match our individual styles. The brand aims to create experiences that exceed expectations every time each product is used. They encourage and empower us to not only embrace, but also be proud of the long-lasting beauty we attain as well.

To know more about Y.O.U Beauty, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Y.O.U Beauty is now available online at Shopee and Lazada, and soon in all major retail stores nationwide.

Fashion and technology may seem like worlds apart, but they both play a pivotal role in the evolution of self-expression and self-actualization for the ever-stunning Liza Soberano

How far will you take your styling game? Apart from the usual tops, bottoms, kicks, and even outerwear or jewelry on occasion, how else do you express your personality? Over the turn of the past decade, people have been integrating technology into their daily fits. Tokyo street fashion has been a pioneer in this space, with teens rocking retro-tech like Tamagotchis and Game Boys as accessories, in working condition or not. For a more contemporary style, you see this reality in people who proudly tout their headphones, earbuds, and smartwatches—tech turned into statement pieces. However, people are now turning to a seemingly mundane item they already carry with them daily as their newest fashion accessory—smartphones.

This power in our pockets is now becoming more integrated into our fashion. No matter how varied your personal style can get, whether you like the expressive color clashes and pattern plays, or the classy elegance of formal wear, your smartphone is always by your side. Actually, one of today’s beloved online fashion mavens, Liza Soberano, admits to this as she finds herself right in the middle of an extensive style search. I got to sit down with the trailblazer herself and discuss the evolution of her style, the impact of fashion influence in today’s youth, and how our phones are becoming more personal than ever before.

Fashion is More Than Just Material

After having gone through multiple outfit changes throughout the production of this story, Liza comfortably takes a breather in a baby blue robe and reminisces on how far her journey in the industry of spotlights has taken her fashion game. “I think the industry that I’m in allows me to play around a bit, and that’s great because when I have a certain role [in film] and [pose] in magazine shoots, I get to try different looks, and that’s where I get to discover what I really like and what really fits me.” Even the worldwide industry has influenced her tastes, such as, “I’m super attracted to the K-Pop industry, like I’m obsessed with it. They’re always experimenting, and in every [group] comeback, they always have a different look and a different style approach. Sometimes, I wish I had the opportunity to do [that].”

However, more than the outer appearances that shift with every project, Liza opens up about how self-acceptance has become such a beautiful outcome of this exploration. “Back in the day, I would try to avoid anything too girly or feminine because I don’t like it when people notice me because of my body, or how much of a womanly figure I have. Now that I’m getting older, I’m trying to embrace that femininity in myself and I’m becoming more comfortable with my body. I guess that’s because I learn to love even my flaws, which I didn’t appreciate before.”

RELATED: Liza Soberano’s 90s Super Model Look Was All Sorts of Stunning

Liza focuses on a great point that needs to be mentioned time and time again: it’s how you feel about yourself and your outfit that will shine through, more than the glamour or how “put together” everything may seem. It’s a great perspective in answering the age-old question: Does the person make the outfit, or the outfit make the person? Initially torn, Liza gathered her bearings to settle in the middle, “If I’m trying a different look than I would normally wear on a daily basis… I think it [shows] a different side of me. But if I were to style myself in everyday fashion, it’s about me working my outfit more because it’s something that’s more personal. I’m not copying a certain trend or look, so it’s really my personality that has to come out and bring that outfit to life.”

The Trendsetter’s BFF

If you really want to get a good read of who someone is, pay attention to their wardrobe. They say first impressions last, and there’s no bigger first impression you can make than through your clothes. Unconsciously, however, we tend to look past the fashion and shift your judgemental eyes to the phone. Admit it: in this hyper-digital world, your phone says a lot about who you are. In fact, try to remember the evolution of your phone over the years, such as its features and looks. “People nowadays are so into cases and lanyards, or putting stickers and photos on your cases, and it’s telling of their fashion sense and their personality,” Liza Soberano shares.

Lots of people have been obsessing over their phones just as much as how they would obsess over a good designer jacket or the latest sneaker collab. It is today’s biggest essential, containing our most personal information, digital payments, and online access on-the-go.

Of course, talking to someone who’s always on the pulse of fashion, beauty, and entertainment, I had to know what smartphone the Liza Soberano was packing in her purse and how it compliments her style and daily necessities. Fitting right on the palm of her hand is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, the latest in Samsung’s family of foldable devices and a stunning piece of tech. For Liza, when someone holds this phone, it’s an easy read of their personality: “With the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, you can tell that person is adventurous and a trendsetter because they want to be in the now… They want to constantly try out new things.”

And new is right, with its 6.7-inch Infinity Flex Display that impressively folds to square off the phone into a mere 4.2 inches—an exciting feature that puts you on the bleeding edge of technology. Liza finds this as both practical and suited to her interests, as she reveals, “I don’t like [big and heavy] phones because I like playing games, and I don’t want to get trigger finger or my wrists to hurt after playing. It also needs to fit into my pocket and small purses.” 

The ingenious build is accompanied by every online leader’s essentials: a 120Hz refresh rate on the Dynamic AMOLED 2X display for smooth-scrolling through your feeds, an IPX8 rating that makes this the world’s first water-resistant foldable smartphone for outdoor adventures, a three-camera system for a variety of shots, and the unique Cover Screen on the face of the phone when folded closed for productivity without even opening the phone. Or, let’s face it, you would mostly use the Cover Screen as a display for high-quality, wide selfies using the rear cameras.

Yes, Your Phone Can Be a Personality Trait

It recently dawned on me how over the years, as smartphones constantly refine their functionalities to suit our needs, they are now being transformed into visual extensions of ourselves. Liza and I reminisced on this cultural shift we’ve grown with over the years: “Before, you would only have two [phone] colors to choose from: black and white. Although black and white are timeless, people nowadays want to show their personality through their gadgets and clothing. Today, people are all about diversity.”

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G itself, accessories aside, already presents itself in a selection of expressive colors: Cream, Phantom Black, Lavender, and Green. In a playground of pop, Liza emanates personalities based on these colors, from the nostalgic, Y2K teenage dream that can play with Lavender and Green, to the timeless glamour of a woman all grown up with the equally timeless Cream and Phantom Black colors. It’s the visualization of a multi-faceted Liza, a woman who effortlessly comes off as both the nation’s sweetheart through her youthful aura, but also a queen of classical eras as she is often described as having an “old soul” fit for the 50s. 

Running through the palette, Liza and I had fun trying to characterize the colors with their distinct auras. “Because the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes in different colors, you can tell automatically what kind of person that is. If they go for the Lavender, that person is probably more feminine and playful. If somebody goes for Phantom Black, you can tell they’re more serious. People who like Cream are more of the simple kind… and they know that phone will fit into each and every outfit they wear. Lastly, maybe the people that like Green are more of the masculine type, but maybe that’s just me.” 

The Flip Side of Fashion

If this is where we are headed with the marriage of fashion and technology, then I’m here for it, and so is Liza Soberano. “I know a lot of people will try to match their phones with their outfits. I feel like a lot of people will be more conscious about that in the coming years, especially when people like taking mirror selfies nowadays and, [for example], candid photos where they’re just scrolling on their phones and their friend takes a picture of them, of course they want their phone to be at par with their outfits.”

This consciousness in one’s own appeal is stronger today than ever before. The urge for constant discovery and productivity keeps the online world abuzz, like sharing a great style mix in a soon-to-be viral TikTok, or finding new ways to multitask with your Galaxy Z Flip3 5G on Flex Mode while your hands can do more. However, as Liza and I got a bit excited about the future of fashion and technology, Liza opened up about a concern that hits close to home, and one we must all keep in mind: “I’m very conscious with what I post on social media because I don’t want to get hated on for things I truly love and [for me] being authentic… Honestly, I don’t like fashion police. I’m okay if you talk about me by myself, but I don’t like it when you compare me [and my outfit] to other people’s.”

So, as you begin to make your mark in society, why not do so by taking the lead in both fashion and technology? As Liza interestingly shared in our conversation, “Only 13% of the population are the people that try out things for the first time, and 50% of the population are the people that copy the people that try for the first time.” Be that top 13% who not only want to try new things, but also innovate with these new possibilities—new ways to snap a photo, to be entertained, to stay in touch with your friends and fans, and to be more productive.

If it isn’t obvious already, phones are indeed fashionable. So, as you take a look at your entire fit from head to toe just before you head out of home, and as you make some last-minute hair brushes or tugs on your shirt, take an extra minute to look at your phone and check if it fits your look—not just stylistically with the right color, but also literally as you flip it shut and slip it neatly into your pocket.

Creative Direction and Cover story KRISTOFF SISON

Art, Fashion, and Beauty Direction EL PEREIRA

Styling PERRY TABORA

Makeup MICKEY SEE

Hair RENZ PANGILINAN

Production Design ADSET

Videography KIERAN PUNAY

Shoot Coordination by LOUIS ESGUERRA andMJ ALMERO

From What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim to It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, here are some worthy K-Dramas with accurate depictions of mental health issues.  

Related: Mental Health Services You Can Avail Of

While K-Dramas are a great source of fun, enjoyment, and escapism for many people, they can also serve as a medium to talk about serious topics. One such topic that K-Dramas have discussed in the past is mental health. Attempts to portray mental health have been made in media for decades and more often than not, it usually is inaccurate or does a disservice to the people who suffer through, and K-Dramas (as well of its entertainment ecosystem) are guilty of this as well. However, there are K-Dramas that are not only great, but also take the time to portray accurate depictions of the complex world of mental health is, because it’s not just someone who is sad and lonely. Here are nine K-Dramas that you can stream right now with considered representations of mental health.

BE MELODRAMATIC

Be Melodramatic is a female-centric K-Drama that follows the lives of three friends entering their 30s. There’s Lim Jin-to, a rookie screenwriter, Lee Eun-jung, a documentary director, and Hwang Han-joo, a marketing executive. The series revolves around the three of them navigating life, love, and careers and is a good watch for a young adult living in the city. What’s notable about the show is that it doesn’t shy away from the fact that Eun-jung suffers from severe depression, which affects her relationships. She also has an openly gay brother named Lee Hyo-bong who is in a relationship, a rarity for a K-Drama.

CLEAN WITH PASSION FOR NOW

Adapted from a webtoon, Clean With Passion For Now follows CEO Jang Seon-kyul. He is an extreme germaphobe who suffers from mysophobia, a fear of germs. In fact, he actually runs a cleaning company. He wants everything neat and clean and his anxiety for germs prevents him from enjoying things normally. One day, he meets Gil Oh-sol, the exact opposite of Seon-kyul when it comes to neatness and the two unexpectedly form a romance.

GOOD DOCTOR

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because this K-Drama was adapted into the popular American TV series, The Good Doctor. This medical K-Drama follows Park-Si-on, an autistic savant with genius memory and keen spatial skills. He is given six months as a resident at the Sungwon University Hospital to prove himself as a surgeon. But because of his mental and emotional situation, it causes tension and friction between him and the hospital staff. His problems get worse after he falls in love with fellow doctor Cha Yoon-seo as people questions their relationship. Ultimately, this show is about learning to work with people who are different from you and accepting their flaws or quirks.

HYDE JEKYLL, ME

Hyun Bin stars as Gu Seo-jin, a cold and cynical chaebol executive. He is a theme park owner and is next in line in his family to be the next CEO of the family conglomerate. But the problem is that he has dissociative identity disorder or split personality. Whenever his heart rate goes above 150, he turns into Robin, a kind and gentle personality with a savior complex. Because of this, he shuns forming relationships and other stimulating activities. The tension comes though when he spars with Jang Ha-na, the grandmaster of the circus troupe in the theme park. He wants to remove them while she wants to keep them. Things get more awkward though as Ha-na falls for Robin.  

IT’S OKAY, THAT’S LOVE

The story centers on Jang Jae-yeol, a mystery novel author and radio DJ who has schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. When his mother kills her father, he falsely testifies that his brother did it, which leaves him with intense guilt. One day, he meets Ji Hae-soo, a 1st year fellow at a hospital’s psychiatry department. While she is determined to help her patients, she has her own problems such as having a negative attitude towards love and relationships. While the two initially don’t get along, they soon form a relationship and realize that their mental health issues are more serious than they thought.

IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY

This acclaimed K-Drama is considered by many to be an important stepping stone in destigmatizing mental health in Korean media. It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is a romantic drama that centers on Moon Gang-tae, a selfless empathetic caregiver at OK Psychiatric Hospital. He has an autistic older brother named Moon Sang-tae who he also takes care of. One day, Gang-tae meets Go Moon-young, an antisocial children’s book writer who suffers from an antisocial personality disorder. The two soon form a romantic bond and what follows is a story of emotional healing and dealing with past traumas.

SKY CASTLE

Set In the high-class residential community of Sky Castle, SKY Castle follows the lives of Korea’s elite families and the ambitions and expectations of their kids. While on the surface, SKY Castle might just seem like a drama about rich Koreans, it also talks about the pressure parents put onto their children, which is something many people can relate to even if you don’t come from a rich family. The show takes a look at how parental expectations and burdens can impact the mental and physical health of their kids.

SOUL MECHANIC

Also known as Fix You, Soul Mechanic follows the story of Lee Shi-joon, a psychiatrist who likes to help his patients struggling with mental health issues through sometimes unconventional means. One day, he is assigned to Han Woo-joo, a rising musical actress whose mental health struggles run deep such as suffering from a borderline personality disorder and having anger management issues. The rest of the series sees Lee Shi-joon determined to help Han Woo-joo with her problems and heal her mentally and emotionally.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM

Based on the novel of the same name by Jung Kyung-yoon, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim stars Park Seo-joon as Lee Young-joon, the vice-chairman of a major corporation. One day, he is shocked when he learns that his talented secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young), announces that she is resigning from her position after nine years. Lee Young-joon then hatches a plan to make sure Kim Mi-so doesn’t leave his side. While this popular series is most known for the relationship that forms between the two lead characters, the show also delves into how past traumas can affect a person as they get older. Both Young-joon and Min-so have their own past traumas to deal with and the series explores how the two try to get over their traumas and heal.

Continue Reading: Why Jirisan Might Be Your Next Favorite Mystery K-Drama

Mind you, this is how you use your platform!

nadine lustre & liza soberano said “LETS END STIGMA AGAINST MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES!”

and that’s on QUEEN BEHAVIOR.#MentalHealthAwareness pic.twitter.com/q9B5ppVzl1

— ً (@livelikepotter) October 19, 2021

While the stigma on mental health in the Philippines is still very much present and persistent, personalities like Nadine Lustre, Liza Soberano, and Yassi Pressman are fighting with us to end this toxic mindset. The good news? Nadine just confirmed that the three of them are actually working on a platform called Mind You, that’s aimed to make consultations with psychiatrists therapists more accessible to the public.

Nadine Lustre is working on a mental health platform called 'Mind You' with Yassi Pressman and Liza Soberano: It's a platform that will create easier access to therapists, psychiatrists. There is still a stigma on mental health so we are trying our best to normalize it.

— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) November 10, 2021

While this isn’t the first time they opened up about the discussion on mental health, a short video surfaced online where they were asked questions that are often hard to answer. “How do we tackle the current national mental health crisis? What can we do to help the Filipinos?,” asks Nadine. She herself has received countless insults for openly talking about her mental health and battle with depression and anxiety. Nadine Lustre knows what it feels like and she continuously claps back and stands up against this toxicity.

Really hoping that this movie will spread awareness and enlighten us on the struggles of dealing with mental health. But the poster? It’s a no for me. Mental health is NOT a joke. Stop the stigma. pic.twitter.com/EHndPS2khs

— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) February 8, 2021

“Mental health is NOT a joke. Stop the stigma,” says Liza. If you can recall back in February, she called out a film director for using a controversial poster for his film that made fun of those who are mentally ill. Firm about her beliefs, she said, “Really hoping that this movie will spread awareness and enlighten us on the struggles of dealing with mental health. But the poster? It’s a no for me.” In case anyone forgot, Liza herself is a psychology major.

Yassi Pressman on the other hand recently opened up about her realizations on how she takes care of her mind. She likened it to surfing against big waves. “Take a couple of breaths in a spot where the waves are calmer, and when you are ready start paddling back. Get back to the beginning, no matter how well you do, take the risk,” says Yassi in an Instagram post she shared on World Mental Health Day. Another surprise? It was actually her who powered this campaign with Mental Health Summit to end the stigma through her new venture, MIND YOU—a platform dedicated to providing accessible therapy & counseling to individuals. A true queen, indeed!

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A post shared by Yassi Pressman (@yassipressman)

While this will certainly not end the stigma deeply embedded in our culture, and these women know it first hand, it at least helps drive the conversation to a wider, more encompassing scale. And with every chance they get, they try to get the message across. Now this is how you use your platform, folks. These three ladies may look like they have everything figured out, but beneath the surface, they have hidden battles that they’re fighting, too. And every chance they can get, they educate the masses against the unending toxic stigma against mental health like you and me by baring their truth of truths.

CONTINUE READING: The Real Glow Up: Celebrities That Are Making Their Younger Selves Proud

Make way for P-Pop’s new It-girls, in fashion’s best, no less.

For starters, BINI, (short for Binibini) is an eight-member P-Pop girl group that just debuted this year, but has already been making headlines for their unique sound and inspiring lyricism. The girl power is even better, stronger even with these talented early twenty-somethings that are indeed, born to win. This year alone, they collaborated with one of the OGs of Filipino fashion, Francis Libiran in show-stopping looks from modern ternos to his gowns with signature architectural details made for the girls of BINI to stand out. As they bloom in front of our eyes, we can’t help but wonder how the fierce females of the P-Pop girl group would actually look like in the latest runway collections straight from Milan, New York, Paris, and London.

READ MORE: See BGYO Reimagined in the Latest Designer Collections of the Season

GWEN AND STACEY FOR BLUMARINE SPRING/SUMMER 2022

BINI’s lead vocal and rapper Gwen together with Stacey, the main rapper and lead dancer, are living the Y2K fantasy in head to toe looks by Italian Fashion House, Blumarine. Fun fact, the denim butterfly look worn by Stacey was recently rocked by Dua Lipa!

SHEENA AND MIKHA FOR OZLANA S/S2022

Main dancer Sheena and main rapper Mikha of the P-Pop girl group are both dressed to kill in furry looks by Australian brand OZLANA. Imagine all the girls of BINI wearing the whole collection. The power that they hold!

JHOANNA AND COLET FOR LANVIN S/S 2022

In this feminine fantasy c/o Lanvin, BINI’s leader Jhoanna and main vocals Colet look breathtaking in a floral mini dress and romper from the recent collection. Can we please talk about the platform heels, too?

MALOI AND AIAH

Maloi and Aiah may have the most angelic faces, but when you ask them to show some fangs, they’ll do it 101%. Channeling their inner baddie, BINI’s main vocal and main rapper are in sharp, sensual looks by Nensi Dojaka.

CONTINUE READING: What If SB19 Were Dressed By These Luxury Designers?

These TikTok content creators are using their platform and voice to fact-check and combat misinformation, making social media a little bit safer.

Related: TikTok Philippines Partners With Comelec To Combat Misinformation In Halalan 2022

When it comes to TikTok, like most social media sites, it has the ability to make nearly anything go viral in an instant. The video-sharing app has seen regular people and songs go from relative obscurity to some of the top creators and songs right now. But for all the good TikTok can bring, it can also be used for nefarious purposes. The site also has the ability to make misinformation and disinformation go viral make it seem like gospel.

A nasty rumor can become the hottest trend if picked up by the algorithm and people’s For You pages. Luckily, there are TikTok content creators out there who use their platforms to fact-check misinformation and share accurate and credible facts. While these people won’t be perfect substitutions for reputable news and sources of information, they do serve as places to help amplify what needs to be said. Here are some TikTok content creators who you may want to follow for some accurate information and a fact-checked timeline.

ARSHIE LARGA

@arshielife

Reply to @maeyu7 moderna COVID-19 Vaccine? Eto ang mga dapat mong malaman. ##learnontiktok ##healthtokph ##tiktokskwela

♬ original sound – Arshie Larga

Over the last year, registered pharmacist Arshie Larga went viral over social media for his accurate advice on medicine and other medical facts. He gamely responds to people who have questions about medicine, COVID-19, vaccines, and more. Arshie also takes the time to disprove any misconceptions or rumors about medications and other related topics. The best part is that he does it in a way that is easy to understand to any regular person.

ATTY. TONY ROMAN

@attytonyroman

Pwede ko bang ireklamo ang Nanay ko? ##TikTokLawyerPH ##trending ##viral ##lawyer ##edutok ##lawyer ##learnontiktok ##legal ##privacy ##abuse ##legaladvice

♬ Epic Music(812424) – Pavel

Understanding law can be very tricky. There are so many rules, conditions, and regulations involved that most people end up not knowing what is legally right from wrong. This is why TikTok is home to many lawyers who use their knowledge to make the law easier for people to understand. One such popular TikToker is Atty. Tony Roman. With over 1.4 million followers and counting, Atty. Roman is a go-to source for legal advice and questions. He clarifies the law in bite-sized chunks to make it more digestible.

ABBIE RICHARDS

@tofology

1 million of you liked this.

♬ original sound – Abbie Richards ?⛳️

Abbie Richards has “TikTok disinformation and extremism researcher” on her bio, so you can already tell what her videos will be about. If you’ve ever come across a questionable conspiracy theory on TikTok, then Abbie most likely has a video on it debunking it. She takes on hot topics from vaccines, to race, extremism, and other related topics. She uses her videos to call out harmful conspiracy theories that have been making the rounds on TikTok and point out the issues with them.

DR. INNA KANNEVESKY

@dr_inna

Sorry, I’m tired, but I’m getting so many tags on this video that I thought I should explain. ##pseudoscience ##graphology ##fakepsychology ##factcheck

♬ original sound – Inna Kanevsky, Ph.D. (she/her)

In school, we are always taught to cite our sources. And that’s not just because so the paper could look proper, but because those will be used to prove your points. The same applies in the real world. If someone claims something is real, but doesn’t produce credible sources to back it up, then you may need to think twice. For Dr. Inna Kannevesky, she uses her TikTok account to debunk lies about psychology while also sharing credible sources to back it up. She also includes the sources at the link in the bio section of her profile, so you can check them out, too.

DR. KILIMANGURU

@dockilimanguru

Tinatanong pa ba ‘yan? CHAR! ##Maligo2xADay with @headanshouldersPH and Safeguard para safe, fresh at clean! ##Bathman ##HeadandShouldersPH ?

♬ original sound – Dr. Kilimanguru

Dr. Kilimanguru, whose real name is Winston Tiwaquen, is one of TikTok’s most-followed edu-creators with over 3.7 million followers. And that’s for a good reason. The licensed medical doctor uses his account to share and talk about factual and accurate medical concepts with a bit of a comedic touch. From COVID-19 to vaping, and common symptoms, Dr. Kilimanguru has answered some of the internet’s most asked medical questions.  

JAMES JIMENEZ

@iamjabjimenez

Don’t spread fake news. ##fightfake

♬ original sound – iamjabjimenez

As election season starts to ramp up and we get closer to the 2022 elections, it’s undeniable that we are going to see a lot more talk about elections, especially on social media. The concern for election misinformation is real and with so much noise online, it might be hard to differentiate fact from fiction. This is why it’s always best to head straight to the source. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez has his own verified TikTok account and uses it to share any and all relevant and correct election information. Whether it be about voter registration or voting itself, he has answers to your questions.

JAN ANGELO

@ongiel

Reply to @migs713 Hindi dapat ginagamit ang face oils as moisturizer, here’s why! ?

♬ MONEY – 리사 (LISA)

It seems that every day, there is a new skincare miracle that will solve all your problems. But then you try it yourself and your problems just get worse. In the world of skincare, if you’re looking for someone to give you considered advice, then check out Jan Angelo. On his TikTok account, he posts skincare tips, as well as debunk myths related to skincare. He also shares information to help you expand your skincare knowledge so you can be more prepared the next time you look for your next favorite skincare product.

LYQA MARAVILLA

@teamlyqa

AT LEAST o AT MOST ##learnwithlyqa ##tiktokskwela ##studyhacks ##learnontiktok ##languagelearning @lyqamaravilla

♬ original sound – Team Lyqa

It’s not just fake news and misinformation that we need to watch out for on TikTok. Sometimes, we also just need help with how to properly do school work. This is why Lyqa Maravilla is here to help. The teacher and motivational speaker mainly uses her account to share tips and tricks to study English and Math. Even if you are no longer in school, some of her advice can also be useful as well.

MARIA KUTSINTA

@mariakutsinta

##filipino ##filipinorelatable ##squidgame ##philippines

♬ original sound – Maria Kutsinta

Learning Tagalog is not easy, especially for people who did not grow up speaking the language. Even for people who are comfortable speaking it, sometimes they can make grammatical mistakes here and there. Luckily, Maria Kutsinta is here to give you tips and tricks in speaking Tagalog. Have certain words and phrases got you confused? Then Maria probably has a hilarious video teaching you how to use certain words and terms properly. Not only do you get to learn, but you get entertained in the process.

MIGHTY MAGULANG

@mightymagulang

Reply to @theunknown28 Civil records versus Books ##kasaysayan ##genealogy ##backtotiktokskwela

♬ original sound – Mighty Magulang ??

In a time when historical revisionism is rampant, now more than ever do we need people who champion facts and historical accuracies. Mona Magno-Veluz, or more popularly known as Mighty Magulang online, is one such person. On her TikTok page, you can see her share videos on Philippines history and debunk historical misinformation. Aside from this, she also is into genealogy and has videos that trace the family origins of some of the most famous families in the Philippines. She also leaves a list of sources you can read in her link in bio such as books and scholarly citations if you yourself want to read up to them. Mighty Magulang is that history teacher we all needed in school.   

RAMBO TALABONG

@rambotalabong

The Kim Seonho controversy in 90 seconds. ##kdrama ##hometownchachacha ##kimseonho ##kdramanews ##newsexplainer ##rappler

♬ original sound – Rambo Talabong

One of the basic responsibilities that a journalist should do is always report the facts and not share misinformation. Rambo Talabong is one such journalist whose TikTok account is all about accurately reporting on current events and other timely issues. The Rappler news reporter mainly talks about current affairs to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in the country as well as a behind-the-scenes look at life as a journalist.

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

After her historic appointment as the first ever K-pop global ambassador for MAC Cosmetics, Lisa Manoban finally blesses us with the very first makeup collection she designed herself.

These days, the phrase “breaking the internet” gets thrown around so easily on the daily that somehow, its smashing premium loses brilliance at every misnomer and exaggeration attached to it. As loose as it is being assigned, there are only a few that really make a dent on the world wide web beyond going viral. When it was announced around the exact same time last year that Lisa Manoban of Blackpink was to front several campaigns and collections for MAC cosmetics as the global beauty brand’s first K-pop ambassador, naturally, and we mean it this time, she broke the internet. Following this historic appointing, the rapper, singer, and dancer dazzled with everything from a wicked winged eye, shimmer swiped lids, and bold lips, and now, Lisa finally gets even more creative as she drops a new makeup collection for MAC cosmetics that she designed herself.

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A post shared by M•A•C Cosmetics Philippines (@maccosmeticsph)

Having an already smashing year following her long-awaited debut as a solo artist with record-breaking hits such as Lalisa and Money, Lisa fired up much of social media recently with the announcement of the first makeup collection she designed. “Designed by LISA. Created by MAC. Exclusively for you,” the initial noise-making post read on the brand’s Instagram account. “Featuring all her favourite products—plus all-new shades inspired by what she loves most—@lalalalisa_m’s first-ever MAC Collection is coming soon.”

Graduating from the brand’s roster, and some of her favorites, including the Powder Kiss Lipticks, Dazzleshadow Liquids, Glow Play Blush, Skinfinish, and Love Me Liquid Lip Colour, Lisa Manoban is set to expand her imagination and creativity in a makeup collection that is uniquely her.

Wait, There’s More

While not much else is known just yet, the MAC and Lisa-designed makeup collection does come with a MAC Loves Lisa website, an offshoot platform specifically made for the release. True enough, there is a lot of love for Lisa, because as “designed by Lisa” trended on Twitter, the sharp sleuths of the blue bird app were quick to find more information and images on the upcoming special drop.

LISA’S 1ST EVER MAC COLLECTION

It looks so good! ???

DESIGNED BY LISA #MACLovesLISA pic.twitter.com/rVDVqIexFy

— TEAM LISA PH (@TeamLisaPH) October 20, 2021

Based on the internet investigating, the first ever makeup collection designed by Lisa Manoban for MAC features a purple glittered pouch, which could house potential releases that include a lip/eyebrow pencil, face compacts, and a range of matte lipsticks. In addition to the striking first look at the collaboration through the photo of a blonde Lisa, reports of a face kit of neutrals and metallic, as well as of some sort of highlighter with a sculpted lily and sunflower hybrid, two things close to Miss Manoban’s heart.

An edelweiss flower
DESIGNED BY LISA#리사 #LISA @BLACKPINK pic.twitter.com/rpsZ98vbn6

— LI니Boo⒮⒢????? (@Boo111009) October 20, 2021

Grateful since day one for MAC Cosmetics, Lisa has always been vocal about how incredible it is to be working with a brand that is at the forefront of trends and incredible artistry. “It’s an honor to partner with a brand with such an incredible heritage and unrivaled expertise in makeup artistry. I am thrilled and looking forward to this journey,” she said in a statement. And now, we have come to such a milestone for her.

Say Lalisa, Love Me

Never one to shy away from bold beauty choices and big risks, the first-ever makeup collection designed by Lisa is totally right up her alley. While we wait for the right time for everything to come light or well, our area, we can rest easy knowing that if her recent creative pursuits are any indication, this will soon break the internet.

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A post shared by LISA (@lalalalisa_m)

With a lot going for Lisa Manoban, she doesn’t have to tell us twice, because while “say Lalisa, love me, Lalisa, love me” is now nearly permanently drilled into our consciousness, there was no question about it. What’s not to love about Lisa? Exactly.

Let the Lalisa domination continue.

Want in on the Lisa Manoban-designed makeup collection when it drops here in the Philippines? Waste no time and sign up for the waitlist here, all for the love of Lisa, of course.

CONTINUE READING: IN LOVE ME MODE, BLACKPINK’S LISA MANOBAN STUNS IN THIS SHOWSTOPPING BEAUTY MOMENT

True to its name, BINI’s Born To Win debut album wants to make the listener feel like they can take on any challenge in life.

Related: Love And Inspiration Take Center Stage In BGYO’s Debut Album, The Light

As bold as it may seem for some people, naming your debut album Born To Win is not that bad, especially if you’re P-pop girl group BINI. As the first P-pop girl group from ABS-CBN and BGYO’s sister group, it would be inevitable that a spotlight would be placed on BINI. So, from their debut song Born To Win all the way until now, the group has made a concerted effort to deliver music that uplifts and lets out your inner #boss. For their debut album, BINI made a 12-track undertaking (including the Bahasa, Japanese, Thai, and Spanish version of Born To Win) whose whole vibe is empowerment and positivity. And not to mention some danceable tunes along the way.

AN EMPOWERING OPENING

BINI’s Born To Win album opens with the title track and debut single, Born To Win. The hard-hitting pop track sets the tone for the rest of the album as BINI sings about overcoming challenges and having a can-do attitude. It definitely shows that BINI is confident when it comes to knowing what they want to achieve. That is then followed up by their latest single, Golden Arrow. Sonically, it features a nice disco-funk sound, which is something that is also present in other songs on the album. The track continues the empowerment vibe in Born To Win as the girls sing about feeling confident and being reassured of themselves. While you get down on the dance floor, it wants you to feel like you got this.

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A post shared by BINI_ph (@bini_ph)

We then reach the first new track on the album, the interestingly titled B HU UR. It sounds quite like the phrase “be who you are,” which is used repeatedly in the song. This upbeat and groovy pop track is a collaboration with rapper Kritiko and is another empowering bop. When you hear the song, it sounds like it could be an anthem for love and positivity.

A DETOUR INTO LOVE

Midway through the album, BINI takes a bit of a detour as the next couple of songs revolve around romantic love. At first, Na Na Na sounds like a typical romantic song about falling in love. But as you go through the song, it turns into a track about how you keep falling into the same mistakes and ignore the red flags, something a lot of people can relate to.

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A post shared by BINI_ph (@bini_ph)

And then there’s Kinikilig. This funk-inspired track talks about someone making you fall in love again after you thought you wouldn’t. While thematically, both songs don’t necessarily bring anything new to the table, they stand out as probably the best new songs on the album, both musically and vocally. It’s not that hard to imagine any of these songs being included in the soundtrack of a rom-com movie or series.

CLOSING OUT WITH FRIENDSHIP AND FANS

As we reach the end of the album, the songs return to the main theme of believing in yourself, as well as taking a closer look at the group themselves. Out of all the songs on Born To Win, Kapit Lang is probably the most on-the-nose when it comes to its message. The electronic-pop song served as the group’s second official single and is all about overcoming challenges and striving against hardships. According to the song’s writer, Lian Kyla, she was inspired to write Kapit Lang because of the pandemic and wanted a song that was sensitive to the times. It definitely would be nice to see this song get an acoustic version for its message to shine further.

That is then followed by 8. Unlike the other songs on the album, 8 is a bit slower and a laid-back jam. On the surface, the song is about friendship, but it wouldn’t be hard to imagine that it is also about BINI themselves. After all, the song’s title is 8 and there are eight members in BINI. The phrase, walo hanggang dulo, is also repeated a few times in the track. The song could serve as a reflection of BINI’s journey, how after all the training and hardships they’ve been through, they finally reached or are aiming to reach their goal as a team.

The album closes on Here With You, an uplifting anthem on the power of friendship and how people are there to support you. The track serves as a thank you to BINI’s fans, the BLOOMS, and can be an appropriate end of concert final song to sing along.

THE BEGINNING OF THEIR JOURNEY

Overall, BINI’s first studio album is quite good. Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikah, Sheena, and everyone else involved in the album gave a good effort. It’s a well-produced album. The group’s exploration into the funk and disco sound really suited them well and the group’s vocals are stunning, as in they served in that department. It’s going to be interesting to see how BINI reinterpret these songs for their upcoming concert this November. Given how this is just their first album, BINI is only going to grow from here and we can’t wait to see the girls explore more genres, themes, visuals, and sounds.

Continue Reading: Watch Out! The Forces Come Together As BGYO And BINI Unite In Their First Concert