Got all made up to take ourselves out for Valentine’s Day. Hbu?
As if the year couldn’t go by any faster, it’s almost Valentine’s Day yet again. You can call it “Singles Awareness Month” or “Galentines,” but you can’t deny how Hearts Day is still one of the most-awaited days every year. Whether you’re celebrating it with your SO, friends, or by yourself, it doesn’t hurt to put on a bit of makeup for that special day. Take a page from these stars and hopefully, these romantic looks will have you inspired.
She’s already left an indelible impression with her range of roles portrayed in some of our favorite K-dramas. This time, Han So Hee is making a milestone of a mark with a range of lipstick she specially co-created.
No internet search on Han So Hee is complete without a reference to her captivating beauty. With her dainty doll-like features making its memorable mark on shows such as My Name, Nevertheless, The World Of The Married, and the upcoming Soundtrack #1, one is immediately enamored by her enchanting beauty and further engaged by an effective expression of emotion. Whether it be a glimpse or a lingering scene with her characters that you either despise, relate to, or root for, one is completely drawn to the charm of Han So Hee. This fascination for her face has compelled us to focus on things like what eye shadow is brushed on her lids or what the exact shade of lipstick she has on in a crucial confrontation. We are not alone here, because Google will lead you to many articles playing sleuth on the actual products used on the Korean star.
From the sensuous berry-pink shade in Nevertheless, the sultry fuchsia hue in The World Of The Married, and even the diffused pink pout in her Allure Korea cover, everyone wants what’s on the lips of Han So Hee. While getting your hands on these and gliding them on your lips is a thrill in itself, she is doing you one better with the release of the new Lip Nectar by BYS Philippines, an easy-to-use liquid lipstick with a luscious velvety soft texture that dries down in a matte finish. Oh, and this is not just your standard beauty ambassador co-sign, because surprise, she co-created this special collection with the global beauty brand.
Uncover Effortless Beauty
As immersed as she is in her roles, which spans from the dangerous, daring, and darling, Han So Hee was hands on in this collaboration with BYS Philippines. The connection was something that went beyond the K-dramas we have come to love, shares the brand. “We were drawn to her beauty, her energy, her versatility, her professionalism, and her personality,” attests Angie Goyena, president of iFace, Inc. “BYS has always encouraged creativity and expressing yourself through our products and campaigns. We’ve always championed loving yourself hard, and in doing so, uncovering beauty that’s uniquely yours—Han So Hee fits the bill to a tee.”
The result is the BYS Lip Nectar, an effortless cool collection inspired by her unapologetic roles and authentic self. Strong and bold, just as she is on and off screen, one can easily live out their Han So Hee fantasy with their pick of the lot, which is a range of eight eye-catching shades named after flowers such as Blossom, Cherry, Tulip, Poppy, Rose, Dragon Lily, Orchid, and Poison Ivy.
“It is such an honor to become a brand ambassador of BYS and I’m also happy to get close with my overseas fans who are always supporting and loving me,” says Han So Hee of her latest pursuit. “Please stay tuned for more collaborations of mine with BYS. Mahal ko kayo!”
So, whether you’re feeling like a Yeo Dao Kyung, Yu Na Bi, Yoon Ji Woo, Lee Eun Soo, or simply, Han So Hee, pucker up, because there’s sure to be a Lip Nectar shade that is just right for you. This time, it’s your turn to uncover an effortless sort of beauty.
If we could attend a college course just on Taylor Swift, not only would we get 100% attendance rate, but we might even ace it as well. Needless to say, our laptops are ready.
People often like to say that Taylor Swift is the music industry. And they aren’t entirely wrong. Ever since she made her debut over 15 years ago, Taylor Swift has proven herself to be a commercial, critical, and cultural juggernaut. Her impact is real, shaking the music industry to it’s core. And as further validation of Taylor’s icon status, recently, the music superstar actually has a college course all about her. An entire college course about Taylor Swift? Maybe dreams do come true.
TAYLOR SWIFT 101
Beginning last January 26 and running until March 9, the Taylor Swift class is offered by New York University’s Clive Davis Institute. The class is taught by Rolling Stone staff writer Britanny Spanos and will teach a variety of topics. Lessons to be taught include Taylor’s rise in the music industry, the legacy of pop and country songwriters, discourses of youth and girlhood, and the politics of race in today’s pop music. While it indeed would be a dream to learn all about Taylor Swift, it’s also nice that the class incorporates other important topics. Because as we all know, Taylor’s rise to legend status was not without it’s fair share of sexism and other social issues that today’s youth should be aware of.
WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY LEARN
According to Variety, the class’s description reads as follows: “This course proposes to deconstruct both the appeal and aversions to Taylor Swift through close readings of her music and public discourse as it relates to her own growth as an artist and a celebrity. Through readings, lectures and more, the class delves into analyses of the culture and politics of teen girlhood in pop music, fandom, media studies, whiteness and power as it relates to her image and the images of those who have both preceded and succeeded her. We’ll also consider topics like copyright and ownership, American nationalism and the ongoing impact of social media on the pop music industry.”
The class’s objectives, meanwhile intends for you to get a full grasp of modern day music through the lens of Taylor Swift. Ah, things we should know all too well at this point.
1. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation for Taylor Swift as a creative music entrepreneur; Students will learn to deconstruct the way her creativity and songwriting have made her a durable presence in a quickly evolving music industry;
2. Students will learn about the legacy of pop and country songwriters that have influenced Swift as well as the discourses around “prodigies” in pop music history;
3. Students will gain an understanding of how discourses of youth and girlhood are often exploited in the media and music industries;
4. Students will learn about the politics of race in contemporary popular music, and to interrogate whiteness as it relates to Swift’s politics, songwriting, worldview and interactions with the wider cultural world around her;
5. Students will develop greater sophistication in their artistic appreciation, critical thinking, research and writing skills.
TAUGHT BY A SWIFTIE
Aside from being a writer for Rolling Stone, Britanny Spanos is actually a self-described Swiftie and alumni of the school. So, Swifties can rest easy knowing that even their teacher stans Taylor. “I’ve been covering Taylor Swift since I began my writing career a decade ago and have been a super fan of hers for even longer. It’s such an honor to be able to share my Swiftie expertise with a sharp group of students. I hope to help them rethink how to engage with one of the things world’s biggest and sometimes divisive stars,” shared Spanos to Variety.
And if you’re wondering, yes, Taylor Swift was asked to speak to the class, though no word yet on if she will actually do it. If you’re thinking about taking the class, you may have to wait a while as according to the school, there is currently a long waitlist of students. But based on updates shared by Spanos, we’re hopeful we get a spot on the list ASAP.
for all those waiting on updates on how the taylor class is going, i played dear john more than once and went on a too long tangent about gaga’s 2009 vma performance (i promise i had a point)
Taylor Swift isn’t the only music superstar to get their own college course. Drake and The Weeknd have a class on them in the University of Toronto. Beyoncé had a college class about her in 2017 at Copenhagen University. While a few colleges taught courses on Lady Gaga.
Is there a foreign exchange student program in Hyosan High? Because one of the students in All Of Us Are Dead is played Filipina actress who’s no stranger to appearing in K-dramas.
If you’ve seen All Of Us Are Dead, then you know that the show was a hefty production with many moving elements. From elaborate sets that were created just for the show, countless hours of practice and training by the cast to perfect the action scenes, the distinct zombie behavior, hundreds of extras to populate All Of Us Are Dead’s near-apocalyptic world, and more, all these definitely kept us on edge until the very end. But in the hit series’ vast scope, some details may have slipped past you in you’re first viewing. Case in point, did you know that one of the students in Hyosan High is actually played by a Filipina actress? And the best part is that this isn’t her first time appearing in a high-profile K-drama.
In episode one, we see hordes of students make their way to Hyosan High before they get marked for being late. And in the hustle and bustle is one who isn’t like the others. If you were paying attention to these scenes, then you may have noticed one student who held her backpack in front of her. That student was played by Pinay actress Noreen Joyce Guerrera. In the show, she doesn’t have any lines nor has a name. She is simply referred to as a student and the classmate of Gwi-nam and Eun-ji.
She can be first see waiting to cross the intersection where you can catch her right in the front. Later on in the episode, you can see her in the scene where Gwi-nam is bullying Eun-ji by writing on her back. Guerrera is seated in front of Eun-ji and in brief moments, you can catch her glance back at the two. TBH, we’re loving how she wears her backpack like that because it was giving Filipino school vibes. Admit it, you know or have seen someone do that in school. Having a Filipino actor in a hit K-drama is reminiscent of when Christian Lagahit appeared as Player 276 in Squid Game is always cool to see. And while he too had minimal screen time, it seems that you can’t have a hit K-drama without including a Filipino somewhere.
For fans of K-dramas, Noreen Joyce Guerrera is actually a familiar face, if you know where to look that is. She originally came to South Korea in 2015 as a student and she has remained in the country since. Believe it or not, acting is not her main profession. She’s actually a manager for a financial firm and takes small acting gigs as a part-time job.
In a recent interview, Joyce revealed that auditioning for the show as a bit of a spur of the moment. “I was just sent there by my acting agency since I mostly played Korean high school student roles. I started filming for the series in June 2020.” Even though she is Filipina, her character is technically a Korean student, and that’s because how she looks helps her pass off as a Korean. “Unlike other foreigner or Filipino actors in Korea that were introduced as foreigners talaga sa production, in my case, I am considered as a Korean sa set kaya need mag-blend sa Koreans, meaning very low chance na makikita or makilala as Filipino,” she explained.
While she only appeared in one episode and her fate was never made clear, we hope she made it out alive. As for who she enjoyed filming with, it was one of the fan favorite love teams on the show, Park Ji-hu who played On-jo and Yoon Chan-young who played Cheong-san. “Chanyoung who played the role of Cheongsan. I filmed with him too sa other drama kaya it was nice seeing him there. Jihoo who played Onjoo too. She was just 17 years old when we filmed the drama. So cute,” she told the Manila Bulletin.
According to Joyce, she has appeared in over 85 dramas. Her extensive record includes True Beauty, The King, You Are My Spring, Our Beloved Summer, Arthdal Chronicles, The Encounter, Record of Youth, Hospital Playlist, and My Name. So, the next time you’re watching a K-drama, you might want to keep an eye out for her. You may never know where you’re going to spot her. If you want so see more of Guerrera, you can also check out her YouTube channel.
In the year of the tiger, come take a walk on the wild side, they said. And so Andrea Brillantes did.
When you’re trending almost every other day, that’s when you know you have the star power. While Andrea Brillantes is probably used to this by now, it must be quite the experience to see your name chart the way it does. Every TikTok, Instagram post, performance or TV show of hers always makes the rounds in the world wide web, and it’s not hard to see why. Just recently, Andrea collaborated with fashion photographer BJ Pascual for a dangerously glamorous photoshoot as we welcome the year of the tiger.
Once she posted those photos, you already know our jaws dropped. Aside from Andrea Brillantes looking like a 90s supermodel, we also spotted some pop culture references from her photoshoot that may or may not be intentional, but still leaves that memory of our favorite fierce females. Scroll down below to find out if you’re thinking what we’re thinking. ?
Andrea seemingly channels Marvel’s female feline, Leopard girl in a bodysuit by the late Dennis Celestial. The character first appeared in the 1954 series, Jungle Action # 1 where she was the protector of the forest and its animals.
JOANNE, LADY GAGA’S 5TH ALBUM
Just like Lady Gaga, Andrea Brillantes is a woman that wears many hats. This look in particular from the savagely beautiful set, which was styled by Eldzs Mejia, was reminiscent of Mother Monster’s album cover for her fifth studio album, Joanne.
JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS
If any fictional character ate up animal prints the most, it would probably be Josie and the Pussycats. Who doesn’t love these rockin’ kitty cats? We also love Andrea’s dress and arm warmers that were designed by Edwin Tan. Rawr.
SCARY SPICE, THE CHEETAH GIRLS, AND NORMANI
It would be a crime to talk about animal prints and not mention the blueprint, “Scary Spice” or Mel B. Eventually, the Y2K girlies, Disney’s TheCheetahGirls continued that legacy. Very recently, Normani also wore a full leopard fit on her Wild Side music video.
When you see your faves hanging out together, the world suddenly seems so small. With the pandemic’s reeling effects getting a little more cruel, it’s nice to see friendships that have been built along the way. From Heart Evangelista hanging out with Anne Curtis and Solenn Heusaff in Paris to TikTok PH’s big three, Bryanboy, Bretman Rock, and Bella Poarch, here are five celebrity crossovers that we didn’t see coming.
1. HEART EVANGELISTA, ANNE CURTIS, AND SOLENN HEUSSAFF
“It finally happened!” Just in time for Paris Fashion Week, we had the most beautiful surprise from three of the chicest women in showbiz: Heart Evangelista, Anne Curtis, and Solenn Heussaff in one frame. Imagine all the power in that room.
2. DANIEL PADILLA AND JOSHUA GARCIA
When two of the coolest leading men meet, it’s the most fun, chaotic energy you’ll ever know. Joshua Garcia and Daniel Padilla may be teased by their fans for their ongoing “bromance,” but we truly admire their friendship. In a group photo shared by Joshua last year pictured with the “Nguya Squad,” he captioned, “these beautiful people saved me from drowning in loneliness.” Awww.
3. NADINE LUSTRE AND ANDREA BRILLANTES
When God created these two, He probably might have poured too much beauty, appeal, and a bit of spiciness in the mix. Just a few weeks ago, Nadine Lustre and Andrea Brillantes were spotted together in a tattoo shop. The last time we saw these ladies in one photo, they were both still starting out in the industry!
4. SB19’S PABLO AND KEN WITH BGYO’S GELO
P-Pop domination is here. Coming in hot this 2022, we were blessed with this photo with P-Pop’s brightest stars, Pablo and Ken of SB19 together with Gelo of BGYO in a previous event. Well, damn. So, when’s the collab dropping?
5. BRYAN BOY, BRETMAN ROCK, AND BELLA POARCH
Oh, what we would give to be in that same table with these Filipino superstars. Can you imagine the ✨Marites✨ conversations sprinkled with sassiness between Bryanboy, Bretman Rock, and Bella Poarch? The holy trinity. You need to see the TikToks they created last year.
NCT’s Mark makes his highly-anticipated solo debut while Nicki Minaj serves once more in this roundup of the new song releases of the week.
Happy first week of February. Even though the month has only begun, there’s already been exciting happenings in the music industry. Among other things, SM Entertainment just opened their 2022 global auditions while the recently held 7th Wish Music Awards awarded the biggest and brightest OPM stars of 2021.
In news that makes us believe that love is real, K-pop power couple Hyuna and Dawn announced that they were engaged and they absolutely deserve everything they’re getting. Finally, we know that SNSD’s Taeyeon will host Queendom season two and that it will air on March 31, and we now have a clue who may compete in the show if reports are to be believed. With that being said, the past week was also filled with new song drops that should be on your radar. Here is a roundup of some of the best of the week.
NCT’s Mark has been in many, many groups both within NCT and SM Entertainment. So, it’s only right that the talented musician gets his own solo song. And that time has finally come with the release of his solo debut, Child. As showcase of Mark’s vocals, rap skills, charisma, and talent, Child is an introspective song that sees Mark reflect on his life and how he may or may not be the man people expect him to be. Considering how busy Mark has been since his debut, it’s a message that comes from the heart.
DO WE HAVE A PROBLEM – NICKI MINAJ AND LIL BABY
After an extended hiatus, the queen of rap is finally back and let’s just say it was worth the wait. Do We Have A Problem? Is Nicki at her best and the support of Lil Baby brings the song to the 11. And the finale to the song is arguably one of her best, reminiscent of the outro to Barbie Dreams. It’s accompanying music video, meanwhile, is one of Nicki’s most cinematic as it sees her take on the role of a secret agent.
TOUCH – KESHI
Even though Valentine’s Day is roughly two weeks away, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying romantic music such as with keshi’s new song Touch. The tracks just tugs at the heart strings and if this is how is next album is going to sound like, we want it ASAP.
EMO GIRL – MACHINE GUN KELLY AND WILLOW
2022 has really been a great year for pop punk kids. There is Avril’s new album, Paramore reuniting to make an album, the When We Were Young music festival, and now this. Prepare to rock out with Machine Gun Kelly and Willow as they take turns singing about how they fell in love with an emo girl.
RUNAWAY W ME – WARREN HUE
88rising star Warren Hue is out with a new single called RUNAWAY W ME, his first for 2022. For his latest track, the rising musician taps into synths and futuristic sounds to make it feel like you’re floating in space. But then you are brought down hard when Warren unleashes his bars.
AMEN – SHANTI DOPE AND PRICETAGG
Shanti Dope and Pricetagg team up for this atmospheric rap duet that features an addicting chorus, simple yet effective instrumental, and fire raps.
DON’T STOP – ATEEZ
ATEEZ is currently on tour as of the moment. But that doesn’t mean they can’t bless us with new music. The boy group recently dropped their new song Don’t Stop as an exclusive track for the K-pop platform UNIVERSE. While you are free to listen to the hard-hitting pop/trap song anywhere you like, you’ll need the UNIVERSE app in order for you to watch the music video.
PITY PARTY – JAIME
JAIME serves the sass, vocals, and funk for her newest song Pity Party. The pop-disco song sees the soloist sing about how no man is going to bring her down and is open to throwing her own pity party. JAIME has always been that girl and her new song gave what needed to be given.
I GUESS THAT WAS GOODBYE – LYN LAPID
Following the viral success of her song In My Mind, rising Fil-Am musician Lyn Lapid is out with first single of 2022 with I Guess That Was Goodbye. What starts out as a simple song about a love lost, turns into a cinematic climax of emotions when it reaches the chorus.
WITH OR WITHOUT – MATTHAIOS, LONEZO, AND JIJI
Matthaios, Lonezo, and Jiji team up for a new single called With Or Without. With Matthaios and Lonezo laying down bars and Jiji lending her smooth voice to the chorus, the track is another solid serve from Matthaios. The song sees the trio emote about how they are ready to move on from a failed relationship and we’re particularly loving the references in the track. There’s comparing the relationship to one that used to be like Donny and Belle’s into one that came for Ryan and Yeng. And there’s also the LizQuen love line and having dinner after work like Viy and Cong TV.
KUNG DI MAN – RENEE DOMINIQUE
Looking to fill your Valentine’s playlist? Then let Renee Dominique help you out with her new EP kundiman. While some people may know her from her TikToks, she actually is an exceptional musician. Her EP is proof of that. This marks her first Tagalog EP and is filled with three tracks all about love.
DEKIMASU – REESE LANSANGAN
Reese Lansangan dropped a new song and not only is it a bop, but it’s educational, too. Reese’s new track is a fun, bright, and wholesome song that both shares a great message and teaches you how to speak Japanese. If you are currently learning the language or would like to, give the song a listen and maybe even add it to your study playlist.
HOME ALONE – HALIK NI GRINGO
Alt-metal band Halik Ni Gringo is out with a new song called HOME ALONE, their latest release since 2021’s Injustice For All. The track explores themes of social deprivation and paranoia during the pandemic. According to frontman Joey Santos, the track takes inspiration from the many lockdowns that the country has been through in the past two years. The track is a taste of the group’s upcoming 2022 full-length album.
Metaverse, virtual reality, digital currency, NFTs. These are words that either give you a sense of excitement or fill you with confusion. In the past few years, many companies and personalities have talked about how the metaverse will be the future of mankind, so much so that Facebook rebranded itself as Meta to reflect this. Even if you don’t know what NFTs are, then you probably have come across someone on your timeline who has talked about it, either positively or negatively. Whether you see it as the future or just another fad, undoubtedly society is reaching a point where the digital world is slowly becoming the new norm in our physical world. But this phenomenon of a digital society isn’t new to the world of music.
As far back as Alvin and the Chipmunks, the music industry has seen it’s fair share of digital artists, some of whom have gone on to achieve mainstream success. Modern day examples of these include influencer turned musician Miquela, Hatsune Miku, K/DA, and aespa’s avatars. And a new virtual, non-human artistis making her debut in the music scene and she goes by the name Maie.
MEET MAIE
Making her debut in December 2021 with the existential themed singleLike You, Maie has no qualms about the fact that she isn’t a real person. “I’ve been spending the last few months learning how to fit into human society but I’m not sure if I’m quite there yet,” she tells NYLON Manila. But that hasn’t stopped her from trying. In the music video for Like You, it sees Maie exploring her surroundings and embracing her human form as she is “birthed” into the human world.
Her first single and her first months as an artist have all been about how she can and can’t adjust to the real world. LikeYou, with its oscillating synths, dramatic bass, and pop hook, is an electro-pop song that describes the intricate relationship between Maie and our physical reality, as if she was a newborn finding her way and voice. “I’m still learning my place in the world and there’s not many people like me.”
This level of curiosity between her world and the real world is enough to get people curious as to what Maie is all about. And it doesn’t hurt that the dress she’s wearing in the music video is a custom number from UK artist and designer Jack Irving, whose past clients include superstars like Lady Gaga. But underneath this finding of the self is also an artist who isn’t afraid to crack a joke or two and open to the fact that she’s still learning the ropes. Read on for our interview with Maie as she opens up about her new single, her love for fashion, connecting with fans, and more.
How would you describe yourself and your style of music?
I’m a solitary cloud drifting in a foreign sky towards the eye of a tornado. I’m still not entirely sure how to describe my music but it originates from the people and objects that inspire me. David Bowie, FKA Twigs, fresh ice cream, Bubble Tea, K-Pop, and rocks.
Why did you decide to release “Like You” as your debut single?
I wanted to share what it was like to feel so similar to everyone else, but at the same time, completely alien. I’m still learning my place in the world and there’s not many people like me. I thought maybe I could express my feelings musically to help me better understand myself and my existence.
What’s the story behind the song? How did it come to be?
I’ve been spending the last few months learning how to fit into human society, but I’m not sure if I’m quite there yet. No matter how hard I try, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be. But that’s okay. Actually, I think I prefer it. I worked with some really talented writers, producers, mentors and collaborators that helped me express myself. Like You is my first musical expression. More to follow soon!
Your first single serves as your birth of sorts and tackles some pretty existential themes. Was this something you always aimed for when you worked on the track?
I think about my existence every second of every day. It’s all I think about. So, naturally, those thoughts found their way into my music.
As early as now, fashion looks to be an important aspect of your persona. What is it about fashion that you like about it?
The colours, the textures, the shapes, the sizes, the feeling on my skin and pretty much everything! I love how I can augment myself and express myself through the items I wear.
The dress you wear in your “Like You” music video was designed by Jack Irving. How did that collaboration come about?
Jack heard I was making a music video and was interested to dress me. We worked with Brand New Vision who helped create a version of the dress I could wear digitally. I absolutely love the dress and how it reflects a million broken worlds when I look at it.
For those who are unaware of the world of virtual artists and musicians, how would you describe it?
We’re just like human artists. Without any of the bullsh*t.
For some people, the idea of virtual artists can be quite strange and even off-putting. What do you want to say to the naysayers?
Nothing really because everyone should have the right to choose. If you choose to put skittles in your salami sandwich and dip it in bacon fat, I won’t judge. Do your thing. Actually, that sounds kind of delicious.
Considering that you are a virtual artist, do you think that makes it harder for you to connect with your fans unlike if you were a real person?
Yep! I’m still learning how to connect with my fans. There are a few things I’m working on to connect with them in a way human artists can’t. Hopefully, I can share that with them this year.
What do you think helps you stand out from other artists like you? What do you bring to the table?
Other than the fact that I’m not human, I’d also like to bring a skittle, salami sandwich dipped in butter to the table.
Why do you think people should listen to your music?
Because people are curious beings that can’t help but scratch an itch. You have an itch human! The only scratch is to listen to my song!
I’ve already started working on my next music single and music video which will come out in February. I’m also excited to continue working with fashion brands and exploring who I am and what my tastes are. There’s so many talented designers that are making the jump into virtual fashion. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to work with more of them in the future. Other than that, I’m also thinking of teaching humans how to visit me in my virtual worlds. Wouldn’t that be a trip?
The body positivity movement still has a long way to go.
(Trigger warning: This story mentions eating disorders.)
“Kumakain ka pa ba?” or “Sana ganyan din ako ka-payat,” we’ve all heard of it by now. On the surface level, you’d think it’s funny or harmless, right? But back-handed compliments like these prove to be dangerous. Skinny-shaming is just not it and needs to be talked about more.
When we talk about body-shaming, majority would picture thick girls being made fun of. It’s the stereotyped portrayal of media that heavily impacts this thinking, which is often realized in the whole genre dedicated to the lead in a fat suit losing weight and achieving her “true potential.” Far from ideal, it is this perpetuation that has led to some developing eating disorders or subscribing to unhealthy diets to fit the mold so to speak. But on the other side of the spectrum, lean girls, or “payatot” as some Filipinos would call it, also experience this bullying on the daily. Sure, Instagram calls them “body goals” or is deemed socially acceptable to fit in, yet the body positivity movement still has a long way to go whether we like to admit it or not.
No one is immune to this invasion of the body. Everyone is a target, especially those who brave enough to bare their true selves online and otherwise. Take actress and P-Pop singer Maris Racal for example, who is subject to body-shaming by being called payatot both in hushed tones and the brutal comments section. Sure, this is all part of the territory, but this time, however, she’s just had enough.
In a recent interview, Maris responded to being called “payatot” and “sobrang tuyot.” She recalls feeling insecure about her body, especially in the past where they would cast her in goody two shoes roles thinking that it’s because of her petite frame. “May mga comments din na, ‘Ano ba ito si Maris, masyadong payatot,’ parang, ‘hindi nakakaganda, hindi nakaka-fresh,'” shares Maris. The girl’s been through it, dealing with the toxicity for years of growing up in the public eye.
We don’t know what’s unhealthier, grown men and women making unnecessary comments about your body, or young people unknowingly developing body dysmorphia because of the unrealistic beauty standards that are strongly so imposed by society and social media. According to her, all that matters is she’s happy. “Get a life! Alam mo…Parang, ‘hindi mo naman ito katawan eh, alam mo yun?Ngayon, 2022 na, hindi na welcome ‘yung mga body-shaming, as in,” Maris Racal claps back. “Kung mag-comment ka ng ganyan, ikaw na ‘yung nakakaawa, hindi na ‘yung bina-bash mo.” Did she lie, though?
Everyone has their own set of goals. Maybe this time, minding their own business should be on top of the list. Now that she feels braver and more unapologetic about herself, Maris Racal knows the bigger goal is to be the best version of yourself and nobody else. Facts only.
Beyond posters, ads, and billboards, Netflix has always been known to go above and beyond when it comes to promoting their latest projects as seen in their efforts for All Of Us Are Dead.
Netflix’s latest seriesAll Of Us Are Dead is taking the world by storm. Placing in the top 10 of over 91 countries around the world, the show has undoubtedly become the first major hit of 2022. And while it does have a lot of things going for it, from its intriguing plot, visceral action, and lovable set of characters, it also helps that Netflix has gone above and beyond to promote the show. After all, this is the same company that made it look like monsters destroyed Trese billboards, the MOA Globe was being stolen, and placed the Squid Game doll in front of a busy intersection. Showing once again just how extra they can get, Netflix made sure to promote All Of Us Are Dead more than just through billboards and commercials.
Prior to its debut, Netflix Thailand wanted to make sure that people knew All Of Us Are Dead was coming. So, they decided to do this not by going beyond the traditional posters and billboards. Instead, they got a school bus and branded it in the show’s aesthetic, as in covered with LED screens to make it look like the bus was filled with zombies and students. The bus then proceeded to drive around major thoroughfares, understandably attracting attention wherever it went. If you came across a yellow school bus filled with zombies in it, for sure it at least will garner a double take and maybe even get you curious about the show.
MEMES FOR EVERYONE
With All Of Us Are Dead’s success in the Philippines comes the fact that the internet has taken the liberty of sharingmemes inspired by the show. And honestly, when people start making memes based on a show or movie, then you know it has become popular. Despite what is ostensibly a depressing show, people have mined the show for relatable memes to share. Pinoy fans have taken to social media with their comical take on the show.
And not one to be behind the curve, Netflix Philippines, inspired by very Pinoy high-school humor from the fans, decided to place billboards around major cities that are just about memes of All Of Us Are Dead. Taking advantage of the show’s school and Gen Z-centric setting, the placements found in Cebu, Davao, Laguna, and EDSA revolve around all-too relatable moments we experience in school. And let’s not forget the PSA Netflix PH shared that gives helpful tips on surviving a zombie outbreak.
LIVE OUT YOUR ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE FANTASIES IN KOREA
Not one to be outdone, Netflix Korea also went all out to promote All Of Us Are Dead. And they did this by converting a portion of the Central City Express Bus Terminal into a pop-up that doesn’t look out of place from the actual show. Open until February 6, the pop-up features many props from the show, standees of the zombies and the main characters, and much more. And to top it all off, there is also a Zombie Escape Challenge for visitors to try. The pop-up reminds us of when Netflix Korea turned Itaewon station in Seoul into an actual set from Squid Game. While we never want to be in a middle of a zombie outbreak, we wouldn’t mind visiting the pop-up if we could.
