Jeremiah Abraham has worked with some of the biggest studios in Hollywood and is also using his position to properly spotlight Asian Americans in the industry.

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

When it comes to representation in Hollywood and entertainment in general, the kinds of people behind the scenes are just as important as the people who we see on camera. From directors, producers, executives, and more, having a diverse working staff doesn’t only lead to more points of view, but allows certain decisions to be made that normally wouldn’t be done if it was just an all-white meeting room. It’s no secret that Hollywood has made many questionable decisions when it comes to representing Asians on screen. This is why there are those who not only have managed to break that proverbial glass ceiling to have a seat at the table but use their position to properly promote Asian Americans. One such person is Jeremiah Abraham.

MAKING MOVES IN HOLLYWOOD

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Born and raised in the Philippines, Jeremiah never imagined himself working in the film industry. But he always knew that movies had a special place in his heart. “Films were always so impactful to me, whether the story was personally inspiring or it’s tied to a memory that I shared with loved ones,” he tells NYLON Manila. It was only during his late 20s that Jeremiah really dove into the entertainment industry. Over 15 years later, it has been smooth sailing since. Jeremiah currently works as a PR and marketing executive in Hollywood. From starting out as an intern for Disney, he has climbed his way to working with some of the biggest companies in entertainment like Lionsgate, Paramount, Universal, Hulu, and A24.

As one of the few Filipinos who has had an influential hand in some of Hollywood’s biggest properties, Jeremiah has achieved a lot in his career. But his work doesn’t stop there. He has also used his influence to lift up his fellow Filipinos in entertainment, partner with anti-AAPI hate campaigns, and change the narrative on how Hollywood has portrayed members of the AAPI community. He and his team have consulted with studios on films like Everything Everywhere All At Once, Moonfall, and Fast and Furious 9 to help projects be more culturally aligned and that the community is included in campaigns. Jeremiah even has served as a co-producer on films that focus on Filipino Americans such as Yellow Rose and Lingua Franca.

In March 2020, he founded Tremendous Communications, a Filipino-American run PR and marketing company in Hollywood. Among other things, they work with movie studios on what it actually means to feature Asian Americans in entertainment. “We make sure that we guide movie studios away from stereotypes, microaggressions, and unproductive depictions of Asians and Asian Americans from production to release.” Get to know more about Jeremiah Abraham in our interview with him below.  

Did you always see yourself working in the entertainment industry?

Yes and no. As a kid, I absolutely loved films, TV, and video games. Films were always so impactful to me, whether the story was personally inspiring or it’s tied to a memory that I shared with loved ones – like watching Independence Day with my Lolo or the first film I saw in the US after moving from the Philippines. I knew I liked entertainment, but I didn’t know you could work in it. It wasn’t until later on in my 20’s that I really explored what it meant to be in this space.

How did you get started in your field of work?

Well luckily, the first company to give me an internship after undergrad was The Walt Disney Company. I was in awe at the behind-the-scenes and inner workings of the company. I never knew doing work on shows like Hannah Montana or developing marketing campaigns for Pixar movies could be so enjoyably challenging. But getting an undergraduate degree in computer engineering led me to a different path for a few years, until I rediscovered entertainment again at the same company I started in.

How would you describe your job?

I would say I have 20 jobs! As an entrepreneur, you wear multiple hats, from strategy, to business development, team leader, designer, etc. I’ve always been good at communications and negotiation, so I use those skills to help shine a spotlight on Asians and Asian Americans in Hollywood. I use publicity and marketing to make sure our value is seen in the industry and the world, working with movie studios like Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and more. It’s 2% Hollywood glamor and 98% sweat and anxiety.

What made you want to start Tremendous Communications?

I’ve always had a specific vision of what I wanted to accomplish both for myself and for my community. I needed a platform to make those decisions for myself and steer it in a direction that I chose. It took me a while to get here, spending a good 15 years under the guidance of some amazing studio executives and leaders. And now I’m so happy to have my own company that is helping to change the narrative in Hollywood, toward authentic representation and genuine inclusivity.

What kind of services does Tremendous Communications offer?

Primarily we offer publicity and marketing services to our clients. This includes providing strategy and outreach to media outlets, community leaders, influencers and celebrities, and more. In that respect we also plan immersive experiences and activations to help support our clients needs. I think one of the most important services we provide is cultural guidance. We make sure that we guide movie studios away from stereotypes, microaggressions, and unproductive depictions of Asians and Asian Americans from production to release. That’s what guides the rest of our tactical execution, the need for stories that don’t devalue us as human beings.

What differentiates Tremendous Communications from other Hollywood PR companies?

Our mission, core values, and the people we represent. We are here in service of our community, while being able to pay our rent. Filipinos aren’t paychecks to us, they are our people. Tremendous is founded on this and this is what really sets us apart. We are boots on the ground. We don’t clock out of this community at 5 PM, because this is our life and who we are.

You’ve worked with some of the biggest companies and properties in entertainment. How do you handle the pressure?

Anxiety and pressure are normal in every job. It’s important for us to recognize that and create a personal plan to face it. I will admit that my current position is the most pressure I have ever felt, because I’m not only trying to succeed for myself but now people depend on me to thrive. My employees, the people we serve, our clients…It’s a lot and sometimes overwhelming. I just try to make sure I identify small things I can do each day to express gratitude and have some fun.

What is the most memorable project you have worked on so far?

For a few years in my career, I led global digital and social media marketing for WB Interactive. This includes working on some great games like Mortal Kombat, Batman Arkham, and the LEGO series. The LEGO Batman 3 video game was great because it gave me an excuse to work with some legends like Adam West. There was one time where I was his talent handler at one of the big comic cons. He was bored between fan meet ups, turned to me and asked, “Jeremiah, who is a favorite actor of yours?” Being a Star Trek fan, obviously Leonard Nimoy. So, he proceeds to draw me a picture of him. I often look back in disbelief that Batman himself drew me a picture of Spock. It’s those little moments of awe that keep me inspired to be in this industry.

It’s no secret that Hollywood has not been the most open or sensitive towards AAPI representation. Could you talk about your experience working as a Filipino-American in Hollywood?

It’s historically been tough being Filipino American in this industry, because for a long time there were a limited number of us. We didn’t have the support that we needed and continuously had to prove our worth across the board. There were no organizations or resources that we could lean on for support. I’m glad that has shifted today and I’m grateful to have had leaders to teach me immensely powerful lessons in order to become a leader myself. Today there are more Filipino Americans who are in positions of power in Hollywood, but honestly still not enough. I’m so thrilled that we are building a foundation together, uplifting each other, and making sure our voices are heard throughout the industry.

Why do you think it’s important to have AAPI representation in Hollywood?

The way you are seen and depicted on screen, directly affects how you are treated in the world. I 100% stand by this. Imagine if instead of racist stereotypes the last few decades, we had strong AAPI characters in major Hollywood blockbusters. How different would your life have been? How many acts of violence could we have avoided if people actually saw Asians on screen that were heroes, versus being consistently dehumanized? That’s the value of having Simu Liu as Shang Chi, for example. Generations of Asian kids all over the world will be changed because of this character.

Aside from your work in PR, you’re also a co-producer having worked on films like Yellow Rose and Lingua Franca. What attracted you to these projects?

One thing that I really appreciated about Yellow Rose and Lingua Franca is that both films didn’t hone in on WHAT makes us Filipino, but WHY we are who we are. A culmination of our values, families, friends, and connections. I’m so happy both films were successful and seen by the masses. Many thanks to Sony Pictures and Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY Now for giving these films that opportunity.

What do you hope your efforts do for the industry?

I really hope my work helps us and others fully realize our value. Not just with work and finances, but our value as people worth celebrating and our stories worth telling. This is something we’ve consistently been fighting for in Hollywood. We’re making some pretty major strides, but there’s still more work to be done. I hope we can inspire others to make their films, write their screenplays, and just be actively involved in creating. That’s the biggest thing we can do… is to be loud and to fight for what we’re worth.

What else are you looking to achieve in the future?

I want to make more movies and TV shows! I’m going to put this out there into the universe and manifest it now, but I would love to have my own production company and movie studio. Wouldn’t that be amazing? A full-on studio that’s dedicated to creating Filipino American stories?

Which Filipino-American artists working in Hollywood do you think deserve more attention?

I can name a hundred Filipino-Americans right now that deserve attention and spotlight. They are all amazing and thoughtful artists who are paving the way for us to succeed: Diane Paragas, Isabel Sandoval, Andrea Walter, Marie Jamora, Ramona Diaz…just to name a few, are filmmakers who everyone should know about right now.

What advice would you give to young creatives looking to make it in the industry?

Resilience is key. If you believe in your project, then do what you need to do to get it done and seen. Whether it’s raising the money yourself or networking with others who can take you to the next step–put yourself out there and make some noise. I’ve always been so inspired by Diane Paragas who didn’t give up on her dream of creating Yellow Rose. It took her 15+ years to get it made and now the film is part of our cinematic history.

It’s not enough now to have an idea, but you need to have a plan to get it going. Start by reaching out to people who are in this space. We do our very best to uplift Filipino American filmmakers as much as possible.

What message do you have for your fellow Filipino-Americans?

If we want to be seen, then we need to show up. Yes, let’s post our support on social media and be vocal about Filipino and Filipino American films, but the important thing is to support these projects with our money. Hollywood is a business and if we don’t buy a ticket or rent or purchase films like Yellow Rose or The Fabulous Filipino Brothers on opening weekend, then we won’t be counted. The more we show up, the more films will be made and the more opportunities we can give to our Filipino American creatives.

Interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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Prepare to see Nadine Lustre in a new light in Greed if you can get past its slow burn of a story.

Related: Tenement 66 Is Good Enough For A Good Scare

Warning: Minor spoilers for Greed ahead

When it was announced that Nadine Lustre would be making her return to acting in film, many of her fans rejoiced in celebration. For context: Her last movie was all the way back in 2019 and she spent her time since then focusing on her other passions like her music career. Even in her hiatus from the screen, it still remained a fact that Nadine is an excellent actress who has given award winning performances in the past, so this was a much awaited comeback. And when the trailer for her film, Greed, finally dropped, it left many people waiting in anticipation for her new project.

Nadine covered in blood and channeling her inner psycho? Yes ma’am. Sadly, the trailer was another one of those moments where it was just a little too good compared to the movie it was promoting. Because while Greed sees Nadine Lustre deliver a stunning performance, it also features a dull storyline that takes a bit too long to get exciting.

A LOTTERY WIN TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE

Greed mainly revolves around three people. There’s Kichi (Nadine Lustre), Tomi (Diego Loyzaga), and Dadong (Epy Quizon). Tomi and Dadong are both farmers in the rural countryside while Kichi is Tomi’s girlfriend. All three come from impoverished backgrounds and as hard as they try, their crops can’t grow properly and therefore can’t sell them. Looking to alleviate their hard scrabble life, all three decide to buy a lottery ticket and lucky enough, Kichi and Tomi bought the winning ticket.

But the couple are fearful of what the community might react if they found out that they won the lottery. So l, the duo decide to hightail it out of their home and move into a new community as they wait out there days to get the winning money. That is of course, until Dadong realizes their lie and goes on a mission to hunt them down.

SLOW BURN PLOT

First things first, you need to realize that Greed is not a heart pumping, fast paced thriller. It is a slow burn of a movie that takes its time to reach its much marketed climax. That already is the biggest flaw of the movie. Before it reaches its third act, there isn’t a lot going on with the movie’s narrative. At times, it can even get boring with mundane scenes that don’t add much to the overall plot. It could be best described as narrow peaks and wide valleys. Greed has a few moments where it really kicks into gear. But after that, it’s monotone once more.

If you don’t really pay attention to what’s happening, there is a chance that you can tune out to the movie and only get reeled back in when things start moving again. Greed’s plot is inherently gripping, but the problem is that it doesn’t go far enough to really hook you in.

HOW GREED CORRUPTS

Watching the movie, you could tell that writer and director Yam Laranas wanted to tell a tale of how money, greed, and desperation can corrupt, affect your trust in other people, and warp your view of the world. Kichi and Tomi winning the lottery was their proverbial golden ticket to a better life, but it seems that it only lead their lives to more suffering. To add to this, the film employs a 50 shades of brown monotone color palette. The film is nearly devoid of bright colors so as to add to the sense of dread and despair. At times, Greed showcases these themes well, but it’s not consistent throughout the entire film. There could be an interesting discussion on sharing your wealth with others, but the following scenes just end up being boring. The metaphors in the film could have definitely been stronger.

EXCELLENT ACTING

But despite Greed’s flaws in its pacing and story, it shines when it comes to its acting. Nadine Lustre does not disappoint when it comes to her comeback role. She embodies the role of the world-weary yet confident Kichi and she really gets to flex her acting muscles by the film’s third act. Clearly, Nadine hasn’t lost her touch and her role here is arguably one of the most memorable she has ever done. Diego Loyzaga is also good as Tomi. While he doesn’t give the best performance of the movie, he is good enough to give the role of the hardworking Tomi justice.

Epy Quizon shines in his role as Dadong. His progression from a foul-mouthed farmer who slowly goes unhinged is a sight to see. He doesn’t hold back as Dadong, especially when he really snaps in his quest to find Tomi and Kichi which makes for a wonderful villain. It would have been better though if the characters had their personalities fleshed out more. For example, the relationship between Kichi and her father is hinted as being something dark, but it’s not fully explored.

THE THIRD ACT, AKA GREED’S REDEMPTION

Finally, for those who were wondering of whether or not Greed’s ultimate confrontation was worth the hype, the answer is a resounding yes. The first two acts of the movie weren’t the roller coaster rides of tension that some expected. But the film really hits its stride during its last 30 minutes. It’s a tense, violent, and bloody sequence that shines as the best part of the film. By the time it reaches its ending, Greed moves to unexpected places and finally unleashes its full potential.

When Kichi finally snaps, we get a peek of Greed at its finest. This is arguably Nadine at her near best and she carries the final girl energy to a T. We need more of Nadine Lustre in these kinds of roles because she does them so well. The third act of Greed is so good and that gripping exercise in violence that we wanted.

MORE NADINE LUSTRE IN THRILLERS PLEASE

So, is Greed worth the price of admission? If you’re a fan of Nadine Lustre, yes. While this isn’t the best movie she’s ever been in, she does a tremendous job in the film. Watching Nadine in the third act is honestly worth the price of admission alone. As for the movie itself, you need to come in with proper expectations. Prepare to hunker down for the first hour or so as there won’t be a whole lot going on.

Yam Laranes is no stranger to making horror and thriller movies. And the third act is proof that he can do them well. When Greed finally lets its wheels go at full speed, it’s enthralling. It’s just that the rest of the movie needed more time in the oven to be more interesting and engaging. If anything, Greed is a sign that Nadine Lustre needs more characters like Kichi because an unhinged character is something that deserves to be put on film. Overall, Greed is an okay movie that features great acting performances, a wonderful third act, and a story that doesn’t hit as hard as it should.

Greed is available to stream on Vivamax and Amazon Prime.

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As more schools revert to face-to-face classes again, we ask college students what it’s like to finally head back to a classroom.

Related: Students Open Up About What It’s Like Going Through Online Learning

With most provinces and cities under Alert Level 1, most establishments, venues, and activities are starting to open up and be held again. One of the most important is the re-opening of schools. The education system was one of the hardest hit when the pandemic began, forcing schools to close. But after over two years, face-to-face classes are set to occur once more. Now, much has been said about the shift to online classes and how it has affected many students, but with in-person classes resuming this August, a generation of students are set to experience a semblance of normalcy during a pandemic. As students prepare to head back to the classroom, we reached out to a few college students to get their take on face-to-face classes, adjusting to a new normal, and their feelings on going back to school,

I’M JUST LOOKING FOR WHATEVER NORMALCY I CAN BRING IN MY LIFE

For Kara, the fact that she gets to go back to her campus for classes is a blessing she has been dreaming for. “I never really liked online classes. I just never vibed with it as much as if it were in-person classes.” Currently on her 4^th year, Kara admits that she had to take a few months off online class for her mental health and other personal reasons. But she hopes that now that she can return to her school, she can have a better learning experience. “I was always one who learned better in a school setting, especially with other people around me.”

As for what she’s looking forward to the most in face-to-face classes, Kara shares that she’s just happy she’s back on campus and all the nostalgic memories its buildings and locations brings with it. “My college life pre-pandemic won’t be the same now, but I’m just looking for whatever normalcy I can bring in my life.”

I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT

“I don’t know what to expect. It feels so new to me,” says Migs when asked on his return to face-to-face classes. You can’t really blame him though as he became a college freshman during the middle of the pandemic. From freshman orientation to meeting his blockmates, all were done online and through video calls. “What I thought I was going to experience on campus kinda flew out the window.” Migs, who is currently taking up a degree in Psychology, initially felt bitter for the fact that he spent his first years in college all online. “Sometimes, I would think to myself, ‘Is this really happening?’”

But overtime, he learned to accept it and is looking forward to finally study in the same college as his parents. Most excitingly, Migs shared that he’s looking forward to finally seeing his blockmates in person for the very first time. “I only met a few of them in person, so it will be nice to finally see all of them face to face.”

IT’S HONESTLY BOTH EXCITING AND SCARY

When the COVID-19 pandemic cut Pat’s freshman year short, it left the communications major in a bit of a loop. “I wasn’t going back to school. The plans I had with me and my friends were gone. There was so much going on in the world. It was a lot to take in.”. He shares that he initially wanted to take a year off from school “because I wasn’t in the right mindset.” But he persevered and enrolled the following school year. Now, Pat admits that he has taken a bit of a liking to online classes. In fact, he found himself in a daily routine that he finds hard to disrupt. “My school routine is that I wake up, head on over to my computer table, do my school work, then go back to bed.”

So, how does Pat feel about the return of face-to-face classes? “It’s honestly both exciting and scary. Exciting because I finally get to go back to campus after so long. But scary because I got so used to my current situation that it’s going to be hard to adjust again.” Pat isn’t looking forward to waking up at 6 AM just to make it to school on time or spending extra money on food and transportation. But he says, “I feel that it might be all worth it in the end to experience what I missed.”

I WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF MY TIME IN COLLEGE

They say you miss the most the things that you take for granted once it’s gone. For Adrian, that manifested in the form of face-to-face classes. “I never really enjoyed the experience of waking up early and going to school. But once we transitioned to online classes, that was when I really missed it.” Adrian, who is taking up a degree in Creative Writing, wasn’t the biggest fan of online learning, especially with how he had to adjust to some of the classes. “Imagine doing PE in a small room. It’s not fun.” What bothers Adrian the most though is the fact that he’s currently a senior and is set to graduate college soon. “I feel that I never got the college experience that I thought of or wanted.”

Needless to say, when he heard that his school was going to allow students to return to the classroom, he was over the moon. “What I miss the most is the feel and experience of it all. Walking along campus, being with your friends, doing org activities, eating at the nearby restaurants along Katipunan, those brought a lot of good memories for me.” While he knows that what he enjoyed in the past won’t be the same now with a pandemic, getting to be back on campus is a win for him already. “I want to make the most of my time in college.”

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Have what it takes to be part of a top tier P-pop group? Then you may want to audition for TV5’s newest P-pop reality show.

Related: Mark Your Calendars P-Pop Fans, Because A Convention And Music Festival Is Coming Your Way IRL

When people say P-pop rising, they mean it. As late as a few years ago, P-pop and specifically P-pop groups were mostly seen as gimmicks and afterthoughts in the industry. They rarely got the training, production, and promo needed to really make it big. But thanks to the success of groups like SB19, that mindset is changing. Now, P-pop groups are slowly being seen as premier artists to pay attention to and take seriously. And with this increase in attention comes more people who wish to live out their superstar dreams. If you are one such person, you’re in luck as right on time, a new reality show set on finding the next big P-pop group is coming soon

RISE TO THE TOP

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Announced this March, Top Class: The Rise To P-Pop Stardom is the newest reality show-slash-training program following the formation of the next P-pop stars. It serves as a collaboration between Cornerstone Entertainment, kumu, and TV5. Catriona Gray is set to serve as the host and will feature a series of special judges and mentors for the trainees such as KZ Tandingan. They are currently on the search for a new batch of would-be P-pop idols to join the program and become a trainee. Here’s how you can audition.

HOW TO JOIN

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If you’re male between the ages of 16-26, then you are applicable to join. To audition, all you have to do is go on the kumu app and press the Karlito on the LIVE Page. After that, film your audition video. You must include your name, age, where you are from, and show off your talent in either singing, rapping, or dancing. The clip must be no longer than 57 seconds. Afterwards, upload that clip on your kumu page and include #kumuTOPCLASS in the caption. Make sure to also fill out the Top Class Audition Form found at the How To Join tab in kumu. Deadline for applications is until April 20, 2022. Make sure to check your kumu DMs as that is where the producers will inform you if you make it to the next round.

Make it all the way until the end, and you’ll be one of the 30 trainees part of the Top Class Trainee Batch 2022. Do know that not only is Cornerstone Entertainment home to some of the biggest names in the industry, but they’re also the company behind rookie P-pop groups VXON and G22. Both have impressed with their debut, so if you do make it, know that your training is going to be no joke. So, if you feel that you have what it takes to become the next P-pop idol and the skills to make it to the top, warm up those vocal chords, dust off your dancing shoes, and film that audition tape. Who knows, you may just become the next idol we will be stanning.

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New drama, new relationships, new characters, and a new soundtrack. Season two of He’s Into Her is shaping up to be an exciting one.

Related: What We Know About He’s Into Her Season Two So Far

As we are now in the summer season, things are heating up, literally and figuratively. It’s not just the increase in temperature that is happening, but a progression of releases of the hottest movies and shows of the year. One such highly anticipated show is season two of He’s Into Her. After months of anticipation, the new chapter is finally coming this April 22 and it’s sure to be one to watch out for.

And with the release of it’s full length official trailer last March 19, it only has gotten us more hyped for what it to come. The trailer alone gave us many tantalizing details for the new season that we can’t wait to discover in earnest. As we eagerly wait for a new semester at Benison to start, here are six reasons why we we’re looking forward to season two.

MORE CHALLENGES FOR TAGSEN

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As we closed the chapter on season one, Max and Deib finally made their relationship official. And as we can see in the trailer, they are happily together. But that doesn’t mean they’re getting their happy ending. They first need to face a cascade of challenges that look to form most of season two’s plot. For starters, Deib still needs to get Max’s father’s approval and by the looks of things, it won’t be easy. Trust also looks to be a major theme this season as Max and Deib will be at odds over the level of trust they have with each other, which may lead to some exciting drama. It definitely will be interesting to see how the two persevere through the pains of a relationship.

DEIB’S NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET

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This season two, Deib Enrile is a changed man. He’s no longer the bully and bad boy he used to be. But his past looks to haunt him this go around. In the trailer, we see that a parent has filed a complaint against Deib for all the bullying he has done in the past. It should also be noted that after this scene, we see that Deib’s father will finally be appearing in the show. Considering how he was absent during the entire run of season one, his appearance opens the doors for a new dynamic. Where these potential plot threads end up leading to will be intriguing to follow.

We also appreciate how the creators included this scene because it shows the fact that we all have to face our consequences of our actions. Yes, Deib is a changed man, but he also wronged many people before, not just Max, and he needs to own up to that.

HE’S STILL INTO HER

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During the final moments of the season finale of season one, Max finally let’s go of her ex Randall to be with Deib. But it looks like their still may be some feelings left over between the two. Throughout the trailer, we see that Randall will play a significant role in the season as he and Max may or may not be rekindling their romance. And of course, we got that tantalizing clip of Kim talking to Randall of how they can get their former flames back. Why does young love have to be so complicated?

NEW CHARACTERS TO FOLLOW

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While we love to see most of the original cast return, we also are excited to see what season two’s new characters bring to the table. During the Global Assembly last March 19, we got a teaser of who these new characters are. Reich Alim will be playing Rhuzmell, the sister of Randall. Serving as his debut acting role, Rajo Serrano will play Karlie, one of Kim’s closest friends. Shaina Gomez will be playing Dom. During the Global Assembly, she teased that she will be playing a love interest of one of the characters that will cause some interesting plot twist.

The Southbay Sharks are set to be expended this season as CJ Salonga, River Joseph, Zach Castaneda are all playing students from Southbay as Digz, Jaybee, and Kurt respectively. Then there’s JC Alcantara, who is playing the mysterious M. And in a surprising twist, the trailer revealed that Mikha Lim, aka BINI’s Mikha, will be playing Elle, as in Max’s half sister Elle. When Mikha got casted, we were curious as to what role she was going to play. It turns out that she took on the role of Elle as the original actress, Melizza Jimenez, had scheduling conflicts with shooting and her studies in Australia.

A POSSIBLE LOVE TRIANGLE?

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The drama and kilig this season two is not just limited to Max and Deib. There are also other love teams who are getting their time in the spotlight. One of the most notable moments during the trailer was how Naih commented that she wasn’t into artsy stuff and then Lee told Ysay that she appreciates someone who understands his passions in life. Could a love triangle between the three be brewing? We’ll have to wait and see. Speaking of trouble in paradise, we also see that Michiko is now alone as Tob and his family have left. Will she now bake for herself or will she find a new flame to cook for? We’ll have to tune in this April to find out.

NEW SOUNDTRACK

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The soundtrack of season one served as a highlight for many fans. And it looks like for season two, we’re getting an equally banging OST. Artists confirmed to be included in season two’s soundtrack include Nameless Kids, Trisha Denise, and Jon Guelas. Most excitingly, we finally got confirmation that BGYO are making a new theme song for the season entitled Best Time. Our playlists are ready.

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Bust out the ascots and tighten those corsets, because while you wait in anticipation for the grace and gossip of Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton, you can get the chance to live out your Regency Era romance fantasies in Villa Bridgerton.

The last time we heard from the intrigue of Lady Whistledown, she was teasing her own identity in a succession of scribbles that had us gazing at every flick and flourish as if there was something written in between the lines. “Perhaps I will come forward one day. Though you must know dear reader, that decision will be left entirely up to me,” taunts the omnipresent voice dashed with danger. “Until then, yours truly,” she signs off before riding off into the night. Since then, we have been buzzing for the schemes and secrets of the Regency Era romance of Bridgerton, which has of course, in its charming, clever, and compelling nature become a pure viewing pleasure over a year ago.

While the clash of duty and desire is nigh, with the premiere of season two coming in just a few winks of sleep, there exists a good sense of fiction to quell the famish. Not too far off in the land of legend and literature in London, the fantasy orchestrated by Shonda Rhimes and Netflix is brought to life in the Philippines with Villa Bridgerton.

As if whisked away in time, the sprawling grounds in Quezon city is dressed up in the fashion of the period of excess, complete with a romantic carriage ride, an impressive mansion, and even a court for a coy game of croquette, one is given a glimpse of what it is to live like a debutante (or duke) in a time gone by. Where the binge-worthy show thrives on gossip and grace, there courses an energy and elegance that beguiles at every turn. Even the queen approves.

Welcome To Villa Bridgerton

The moment one sets foot in Villa Bridgerton, a symphony from a string quartet strikes and soars through the scene, where an assemblage of towering coifs, decadent dresses, and mouth-watering treats occupy the scene for your indulgence. Scenes from the first season immediately come to mind, playing in visceral succession as you make your way through the mansion, but while one naturally relishes in the nostalgia, there is a lot to look forward to in the return of the headline regulars of Lady Whistledown, the Bridgertons. Where the introduction saw us wait in anticipation for what would become of the Duke of Hastings and Daphne after that exhausting season-long chase, the second chapter will delve into the romance and rigors of the eldest of the Bridgertons, Lord Anthony.

But before the dizzying drama unravels on Netflix come March 25, some of your favorite TikTok personalities, and self-confessed Bridgerton fans, want you to get in on the spectacle of it all. Inspired by the Queen, Daphne and Eloise Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington, and the latest additions to the entanglement of of tradition and truth, Kate and Edwina Sharma, Pipay (@pipaykipayy), Ychan Laurenz (@ychanlaurenz), Paula Pelaez (@its_me_paulapelaez), Gaia Poly (@gaiapoly), and Justine Luzares (@justine_luzares) gallivanted into a world gone by mapping out the wonders of Villa Bridgerton. With a wink and nod to their online personalities, they were delightfully in character, sparring stares as if it was an episode of the regal romp.  And just like the glistening tea served, the allure of Ivana Alawi heated up the fantastic foreword, gliding in and out of the grounds before punctuating the open invitation in a searing stare and smile.

Until Then

Now, while your presence is graciously awaited, you must make haste, because slots to Villa Bridgerton is limited, naturally. Everyone is invited, of course, but just like the etiquette that lorded over that period in time, waiting is a royally frowned upon. So, while you count down the days until the return of Bridgerton, you might want to schedule a trip to the world where lust, love, and legend come together in real life. It is one’s wildest dreams come true, for sure, and who knows, you might just lock a gaze with someone that will make you say, as emphatically as the Duke once did: “I burn for you.”

Until then, air out the ascots and tighten those corsets, because Lady Whistledown will be waiting.  

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Villa Bridgerton is located at 35 Broadway Avenue, Corner 9th Street, New Manila, Quezon City (Google Maps here) and will be open to the public from March 25, 2022 to April 3, 2022. For more information and to book your free tour of the villa, visit villabridgerton.com. Meanwhile, Bridgerton season two premieres on March 25 only on Netflix.

CONTINUE READING: THERE’S NOTHING TO BE GUILTY ABOUT—BRIDGERTON IS PURE VIEWING PLEASURE

Ever imagined yourself living out your movie star fantasies at the Cannes Film Festival? Well, now you can with the help of a TikTok video.

Related: The New Movies And Shows Of March 2022 That Should Be On Your Radar

When you think of the Cannes Film Festival, you think of prestige cinema, some of the world’s biggest stars, red carpet glamour, and the French Riviera. You normally wouldn’t associate the world’s oldest film festival with TikTok, but that is about to change. The French film festival recently announced that TikTok was going to be one of the official partners of its upcoming 75^th edition. With the goal of connecting more film fans from around the world, the partnership between Cannes and TikTok is set to make this year’s festival a bit more interesting.

CANNES MEETS TIKTOK   

Aside from the premieres of some of the most anticipated movies of the year, you can also expect to see the festival get a bit of a TikTok twist. “We are delighted to partner with TikTok to share the magic of the Festival with a wider, much more global and just as much cinephile audience than ever before. With this collaboration – which is part of a desire to diversify the audience – we’re looking forward to sharing the most exciting and inspiring moments from the Festival and seeing the Festival reimagined through the lens of TikTok creators and its community. We look forward to discovering all this with great eagerness and curiosity,” said Thierry Fremaux, General Delegate, Festival de Cannes in a statement on TikTok’s official website.

Modern technology and the Cannes Film Festival haven’t exactly gone hand in hand in the past. In 2018, festival organizers banned taking selfies on the red carpet, a policy that still stands. Streaming services, most notably Netflix, have also been at odds with premiering their movies at the festival because of certain rules they need to follow. So, this partnership with TikTok marks quite a shift. Now, what can we expect from this team up? According to Variety, TikTok users will have access to exclusive content from the festival that range from backstage peeks, red carpet moments, interviews with the festival’s stars, and much more. This exclusive content is set to last for the entirety of the festival, May 17-28.

MAKE A TIKTOK, FLY TO CANNES

But you won’t just be able to get exclusive content from the festival. Users will also have the chance to actually attend it as well. And all you have to do is make a short film on TikTok. Announced with this partnership is the launch of #TikTokShortFilm, a global film competition held within the app. All entries must be vertical short films that are between 30 seconds to 3 minutes long. The theme or topic of the short film can be anything you want, just make sure it follows the set guidelines. Entries for the short films will be accepted only until April 8, 2022.

A jury composed of yet to be revealed well-known directors will determine the top three winners. Three prizes are up for grabs:Grand Prix, which is basically Best Picture, Best Script, and Best Editing. Winners will be announced at the end of April. The best part is that the winners will receive a cash prize and a trip to attend the Cannes Film Festival in May. The three awards will then be handed out in an event during the festival that will be attended by Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux and possibly other big names in the industry.

NEW OPPORTUNITY TO GET DISCOVERED

This actually isn’t the first time that Cannes had a program to spotlight young and emerging filmmakers and creatives. They also have the three days in Cannes program that began in 2018. It sees nearly 2,000 selected individuals between the ages of 18 to 28 travel from around the world to France to attend the festival. TikTok has already been a place for young creatives to get their work out their been seen by a global audience, so this competition is another opportunity for them. So, if you have a movie idea in mind and have TikTok on your phone, get to shooting. Who knows, the competition might just be the big break you were looking for. In the meantime, you can check out Cannes’ official TikTok account.

Continue Reading: Lights, Camera, Action: Meet The Women Directors That Are Changing The Way We See Cinema

For part two of Niana Guerrero and SB19’s collab, the duo take to the streets as they show off their dance moves to unsuspecting motorists.

Related: Niana Guerrero Got SB19 To Spill Some Secrets And Some Of Them Are Spicy

Imagine this: You’re driving on the road, on your way to whatever destination you are headed to. Then, while you’re waiting on a red light, a sixteen year old girl with tens of millions of followers on social media and one of the top P-pop group in the country suddenly start dancing in front of you. For drivers, motorists, and passersby in BGC, that scenario became a reality when Niana Guerrero and SB19 joined forces for a crosswalk concert and it’s giving us major FOMO.

NIANA X SB19, THE SEQUEL

Much was speculated on what SB19 and Niana Guerrero were set to do for their much anticipated collaboration. We already know that Niana played a fun and spicy game with SB19 when she visited their dance studio. And now we know the full extent of their collaboration. She actually was there to learn the choreo from the group themselves. For those who wished for a SB19xNiana song, sadly, you’re out of luck. But in its place, we got a fun outdoor performance that is very reminiscent of James Corden’s popular crosswalk musical series. SB19 and Niana prepared a three song set that consisted of What?, Bazinga, and Go Up. SB19 were dressed in matching purple and red fits while Niana stood out in her blue and white ensemble.

As seen in the video, they made their way to a busy crosswalk in BGC using electric scooters like the bad-ass clique that they are. Once the traffic light hit red, that was when Niana and SB19 would hit the stage…erm, the street and started performing the song. With every red light, they would go back to the crosswalk for another song, making it as if it was a mini-concert of theirs.

TURNING THE CROSSWALK INTO THEIR STAGE

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Niana and SB19 are already pros when it comes to performing in front of an audience, but in front of cars it was a totally different experience. Needless to say, it was fire. We love how Niana managed to learn all of the dance steps to the songs in just a few days and slayed once she hit the crosswalk. Let’s not forget the little cheers that Stell would say to hype them up, it made for a fun performance to watch. And a shoutout has to go to Black Cookies Production who made the whole thing look as smooth as it did.

Considering how ticket prices for an SB19 concert can reach in the thousands, the motorists who were present to watch their performance were definitely lucky. At the very least, they got to be entertained by some of the best young performers in the country before they continued on with their journey. TBH, if we were there and weren’t in a hurry, we would have parked the car and watched the rest of it. The only thing we need now is for Niana Guerrero and SB19 to perform together on an actual stage with a full production behind them. Now that would be epic.

Continue Reading: Vlad Hoshin And Eya Borja Finally Went Live Together And It Was A Moment

In the latest episode of Liza Soberano’s podcast, Nadine Lustre opened up about the different methods she employed to deal with her mental health struggles.

Related: We’re Living For Nadine Lustre And Liza Soberano’s Low Maintenance Friendship

Nadine Lustre is known for many things. She’s an actress, musician, entrepreneur, LGBTQIA+ ally, and environmental advocate just to name a few. But the multi-hyphenate star is also one who knows how to keep it real. Nadine always speaks out for what she believes in and stands up for her advocacies. She walks the talk when others try to keep it cute. And Nadine’s being outspoken includes her battles with mental health, something that is extremely close to her and her family. She isn’t afraid to clapback at those who try to downplay the seriousness of the issue. And just recently, we got to her from President Nadine herself on how she has been able to cope with her mental health.

REALIZING THERE WAS A PROBLEM

Nadine was the latest guest on Liza Soberano’s Mind You podcast and among other things, Nadine shared to her fellow superstar the journey with her mental health. In a vulnerable moment, Nadine told Liza that she first felt that something was wrong with her mental health during 2015 as she was filming OTWOL. She admitted that while she did feel off, she didn’t figure out the root cause right away. She explained that during her birthday trip to Korea in 2015, she felt disinterested in nearly everything she did. It was only later on that Nadine realized that her mental health was the cause of her concerns.

During the interview, Nadine attributed part of her struggles with how she used to keep everything inside of her. She shared how growing up as a kid, she wasn’t one to open up to her parents too much, especially since she was the eldest in her family. Even as late as 2020, Nadine would bottle up her feelings and let all that negative energy warp her way of thinking.

GETTING THE HELP OF A LIFE COACH  

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So, how did Nadine address and fight through her mental health struggles? According to the actress and musician, it really helps to let a good cry out. Nadine and her best friend would have cry fests for a good emotional purge. “We wanna talk about our emotions and what we are dealing with and to just release. As soon as you let it all out, automatic na you find solutions. That’s always been my process of dealing with stuff,” she said. What has also helped Nadine a lot is the help of her good friend and life coach, Tita Cindy. When asked by Liza if she sought the advice of a therapist, Nadine said that she instead has a life coach in Tita Cindy. “She pretty much held my hand through the roller coaster that I was on in the [past] couple of years.”

According to Nadine, she first met her during an album launch of a close friend. Tita Cindy wanted to talk to Nadine at the party and a couple of weeks later, they had a session at Nadine’s place. Unlike some life coaches, she used a more holistic approach and employed the Millennium Method, a relatively new form of alternative healing that uses the power of energy. Tita Cindy uses cards with different designs to them, similar to that of tarot cards. But it differs as “[I]t shows you that all the things you are having problems with or things you need to work on.” As narrated by Nadine, Tita Cindy would go to the back of her nape and “downloads the cards.”

TAPPING INTO HER ENERGIES

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Some might see it as odd, and the star herself admits that there are people in her life who think it’s crazy, but Nadine believes in the power of energy. More importantly, she considers Tita Cindy as a best friend who’s there 24/7 whenever she’s dealing with anxiety. A shoulder to cry on for Nadine, she uses her energy-focused teachings to help Nadine achieve inner peace and manifest great things. Speaking of manifesting, that also has played a strong role in Nadine’s life. Back in around April-May 2021, Tita Cindy had Nadine write down on a piece of paper where she wanted to be in six months in an exercise on manifestation. She wrote “near the ocean or the mountains” and in just a few months, Nadine found herself living in Siargao. So, you could say Nadine manifested her move to the island.

Nadine’s belief in the power of energy is also reflected on her beliefs in the afterlife. In a candid moment, Nadine told Liza that she has accepted her brother’s passing. She felt that his spirit was too kind for this world and that he wanted to be in another plane. Nadine also believes that her brother is still with her spiritually. In fact, Nadine shared how Tita Cindy told her once that it was Nadine’s brother who reached out to her to tell her that Nadine needed help.

DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM

Whether or not you agree with Nadine is up to you. But how she has dealt with her mental heath shows us that everyone has their own paths and journeys. What Nadine went through may not necessarily relate to you and that’s fine. We all deal with our personal struggles differently. What’s important though is that we recognize the problem and address it accordingly. As we can learn from Nadine Lustre, it helps to not keep everything inside of you like a box. There’s little point in keeping it locked up inside you. Let it out to the appropriate audience or even just through a good scream or cry. There’s no shame with seeking help if need be, even Nadine Lustre herself has people to go to for support.

Aside from mental health, the podcast is also filled with other interesting discussions between two people many have wished to work together for a long time. In the episode, Nadine also opens up about her life in Siargao, what’s next for her career, her wasabi ice cream recipe, and much more. Listen to the podcast below.

Continue Reading: 8 Times Liza Soberano Used Her Platform To Help Make The World A Better Place

As much as we hate to see it, there are moments when members of an idol group decide to part ways for a variety of reasons.

Related: 15 Filipino Celebs And Their K-Pop Bias

When it comes to making a successful pop group, there are a lot of ingredients that go into that perfect recipe. One crucial factor is the team work and relationship between the group members. A pop group can’t be great at what they do if the team members can’t get along or don’t have great chemistry together. This is true whether the discussion is on the world of K-pop or P-pop. People can tell when the things don’t just fit, which can lead to serious issues down the road. And throughout history, there have been moments where members have left their respective groups for one reason or another, whether it be to pursue other goals, scandals, or what have they. Here then are ten times, from both K-pop and P-pop groups, where members left their group. 

KAIA

As the sister group of SB19 and the first P-pop group to come from ShowBT Philippines since the runaway success of their predecessor, KAIA has quite a few expectations to meet. But even before they had their official debut, the group already went through some shakeups. On January 2022, just a month after the group dropped KAYA, their pre-debut single, it was announced that Joanna was leaving the group. With five members, it seems though that this change doesn’t affect their momentum too much as they are still set to make their official debut this year.

STRAY KIDS

When it comes to the conversation of the top 4^th gen K-pop boy groups right now, Stray Kids needs to be included in that discussion. Since 2017, the boy group has slowly but surely climbed their way to the near top. But along the way, the group has dealt with scandal and challenges. Most notably, Stray Kids debuted as a nine-member boy group. But in 2019, Woojin had to leave the group. While the exact reasons for his departure wasn’t given, Bang Chan has hinted that there might have been some behind-the-scenes drama regarding Woojin’s exit. Since leaving the group, Woojin has re-debuted as a solo artist, but also got into a scandal when he was accused of sexual harassment.

ALAMAT

When ALAMAT made their debut in February 2021, the P-pop group immediately stood out for good reasons. Their whole concept revolved around how each member came from a different part of the Philippines. The members also incorporated their local languages into their music for a cultural and unique experience. But the group has not been immune to losing members. Debuting as a nine-member boy group, ALAMAT lost a member just a few weeks after their debut when they parted ways with Kin. This 2022, ALAMAT announced that Valfer was leaving the group who was then joined by Gami, leaving the group with just six members.

LE SSERAFIM

As HYBE and Source Music’s first girl group, LE SSERAFIM came out of the gate swinging with the addicting FEARLESS as well as its viral B-side Sour Grapes. But the early success also included early scandals and that came in the form of former member Kim Garam. Soon after their debut, many Korean netizens accused Garam of being a bully at her school. While she and the company denied the rumors at first, the evidence was overwhelming and on July 20, Source Music announced that they were terminating their contract with Garam and LE SSERAFIM would continue as five members. And just like that, Garam now holds the record for fastest K-pop idol to get kicked out of their group.

TREASURE

2022 was such a strong year for TREASURE. Their long hiatus finally came to an end with their new era seeing them attain even bigger success thanks to hits like DARARI. Sadly, tragedy would also strike the group when it was announced that Yedam and Mashiho were both leaving the group, making their hiatus from group activities permanent. Wherever these two may go, we wish them nothing but success.

THE BOYZ

Starting out in relative obscurity, THE BOYZ has managed to rise in the past couple of years to become a force amongst their fellow 4^th gen boy groups. It’s undeniable that the past few years saw the group really break out into the mainstream. So, it might be a surprise to some new fans that THE BOYZ had a 12^th member. When they debuted, Hwall used to be part of the group. But in October 2019, he left the group due to health issues before pursuing his own solo career. Hwall, who now goes by Hyunjin, is still acting while THE BOYZ continue their rise in the industry.

MNL48

Making their official debut in 2018, you could say MNL48 was one of the first P-pop groups to usher in the modern age of P-pop. They proved to be very popular and got to perform around the country and even internationally. But the unique system the group employs meant that members have left MNL48 over the years. Since their debut, quite a handful of members have left MNL48, some of whom have gone on to their own careers. For example, Rans Rifol successfully transitioned into becoming an award winning actress while Gabb Skribikin is a housemate in the current season of PBB Teens.

G(I)-DLE

Arguably one of the most controversial member departures in recent times, this decision still stings for many G(I)-DLE and K-pop fans in general. In 2021, many K-pop idols were hit with bullying allegations by Korean netizens that started many fires within the industry. While most were either put out or saw some members take a hiatus, others weren’t so lucky. One of the most prominent is G(I)-DLE’s Soojin who had her own bullying allegations against her. In August 2021, Cube Entertainment announced that Soojin would depart from the group and G(I)-DLE would promote as a five-member group. Many fans were understandably incensed by the decision. Also, if you read between the lines of their TOMBOY comeback,  it’s not hard to imagine it being about Soojin or their frustrations toward what happened to her.

LITZ

While you may know LITZ has a quintet, did you know that they were originally meant to be six members? Prior to their official reveal to the public, LITZ had an original lineup of six girls. But that sixth member ended up leaving for personal reasons and went back to Japan. And in April 2022, Yumi left the group but was still part of VIVA, leaving LITZ as a quartet.

IKON

Debuting in 2015, iKON managed to overcome the expectations that a boy group under YG Entertainment has and achieved a successful career that they continue to enjoy to this day. But their journey to success wasn’t without it’s pot holes. In 2019, it was revealed that B.I attempted to buy marijuana and LSD three years prior. The rapper and producer confirmed the allegations and as a result, he left iKON and his contract with YG Entertainment was terminated. It was a heartbreaking moment for many, but all hope was not lost for B.I as in 2021, he debuted as a solo artist and has released a series of bangers since.

P-POP GENERATION

Instead of just being one singular girl group, P-pop Generation from VIVA is actually divided into three different groups with 15 members each, Team A, Team B, and Team C. With over 45 members, that’s a lot of people to take track of and over the years, quite a few girls have left the group for other opportunities. Some have even moved to other groups within VIVA, such as LITZ where most of its members used to be part of P-pop Generation.

MONSTA X

With their solid vocals, attention grabbing visuals, and slick dance moves, MONSTA X is a fan favorite among many K-pop fans. They were formed during a reality show under Starship and stood out from the crowd, but scandal soon found its way to the group in late 2019. During this time, Wonho was embroiled in a bit of a storm as he was accused of not paying a debt. It got to the point where Wonho had to leave the group because of it, a decision that many fans to this day do not agree with. But there is a happy ending to this story as Wonho got to re-debut as a solo artist while MONSTA X is still active in the industry.

Continue Reading: 7 Times F4 Thailand’s Tu Tontawan Proved That Her Love Of K-pop Knew No Bounds