Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi let us in on what it’s like to be back as a trio and finding fun in the things they do.

Related: Moments From SEVENTEEN’s BeTS In Manila That Prove The Philippine Air Hits Different

With the way SEVENTEEN figuratively snatched our wigs in 2022 with their numerous comebacks and world tour, you would think that the 13-member boy group earned themselves a much-needed rest in 2023. But that wasn’t the only thing on the agenda for the group, or at least for Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi. While the world was treated to numerous group comebacks in the past year, CARATs were long due a comeback from BSS, the group’s sub-unit whose name is the acronym for BooSeokSoon, each of the three letters taken from the Korean name of the members.

It was in 2018 that fans were first introduced to this trio with the release of their digital single, Just do it. There was no album, physical release, or even official music video. But the potential for BSS was there, and it took five years for fans to see that again with the sub-unit’s long-awaited comeback in early February. And this time, they’ve come prepared with a three-track album, a music video for the comeback single, and a whole lot of other goodies for CARATs. Just like the album’s name, the comeback of BSS is giving second wind energy to face a world that tries to run people down.

THAT SECOND WIND

It doesn’t take long to realize what concept BSS is going for with their comeback. Sports, activities, adrenaline, and excitement were all on the mood board at PLEDIS. In SECOND WIND, BSS transforms themselves into the listeners’ running crew. Like that supportive coach, the trio runs alongside them and acts as a boost of energy and persistence needed to achieve their respective goals. They aim to be that shot of serotonin. 

“Since our goal for this album was very clear, the theme of ‘a race’ and ‘running tracks’ just felt right,” shares Hoshi in an interview with NYLON Manila. The album’s tracklist is designed to resemble a workout playlist, with each of the three tracks corresponding to different times of the day. First, there’s the lead single Fighting featuring rising rapper and everyone’s favorite drinking host, Lee Young Ji. The song opens the EP as the perfect background music to kick-start the day. Up next is the pop R&B track LUNCH, which helps fight off post-lunch drowsiness. Siesta who? We don’t know her.

Finally, SECOND WIND closes with 7 PM (featuring Peder Elias). As the last song, the mid-tempo track sets the mood for a laid-back evening, bringing the listeners full circle and preparing them for another day. “We want to provide the energy and support needed for everyone running their races, and also deliver the message that we’ll always be running by their side in the race,” explains Hoshi.

ALL FOR FUN

Given how it’s been five years since we got a BSS release, it would be understandable if the trio had any trepidation about the comeback. But to hear them talk about it, any concern was thrown out the window because of how much fun they’re having. “Being back together as a trio, it’s a lot of fun that we’re able to explore roles different from the ones we usually play when we’re SEVENTEEN, the full group,” says DK.

For the celebrated vocalist in particular, he loves how he’s the leader of BSS, a change from his usual role in the main group. “I’m the ‘highly-esteemed leader’ for BSS! The rest of our SEVENTEEN members play a different role as well, we have to respect them as our seniors. These changes in our dynamic are fun for us, and I hope it’s also the case for our CARATs.”

Fun is probably an apt word that can be used to describe this comeback, or success. Ever since the album’s release on February 6, the sub-unit has been seeing killer chart performance, such as the lead single debuting at No.1 on Billboard Japan Hot 100. In their native South Korea, BSS has bagged numerous music show wins to the point where they celebrated their achievement with a fun video.

And the best part is that they get to enjoy this all with their famous friends in K-pop. From Hoshi appearing on Suga’s Suchwita show to pulling as many 3rd and 4th gen idols as they can to do the Fighting dance challenge on TikTok, BSS has been doing it all. The trio even got the K-pop idols at the 12th Circle Charts Music Awards to sing and dance to Just do it. It’s a moment they are appreciative of.

“So many of our friends and artists helped us along the way, including the two amazing artists featured in the album, Young Ji and Peder, as well as our SEVENTEEN members, and many artists who took part in the Fighting challenge. We can’t thank them enough. I think that everyone who got involved shared a single goal in doing so—we want to spread a sense of positivity as much as we can through music,” expresses a grateful DK. Echoing these sentiments, Hoshi adds, “We released this piece of music to be a source of energy, but I feel like we ended up with a greater amount of energy than what we started with, thanks to all our friends and fellow artists.” 

GIVING BACK TO THEIR FANS

With all the energy BSS has been giving as of late, you would be forgiven if you forgot that SEVENTEEN just came off the globe-trotting tour that took them to numerous countries with three stops alone in the Philippines. But while Seungkwan recognizes the grind, that’s beside the point. “Physically speaking, it’s hard to say tours aren’t exhausting, but there is a lot more we take away from our shows, from the CARATs who come to see us perform.”  

With how Seungkwan sees it, this BSS comeback is their 2023 recharge and their gift to CARATs for their undying support. “Hearing and seeing our fans CARATs is what helps us reach our second wind. Our comeback as BSS is one of the ways we are trying to give back everything our fans have given us during the tour.”

If there’s anything to take away from BSS’s first comeback and the SECOND WIND era, it’s the power of having fun. When Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi came together in 2018 for this sub-unit, it was a bit of a silly thing in itself. But here they are, currently making history as one of the most successful sub-units in years. “Compared to five years ago when we first came together as BSS, I think that the other two members and myself have gotten better at having fun during our performances,” is what Seungkwan had to say regarding his takeaway from the project. The trio never took themselves too seriously and brought the euphoric freedom of just letting loose—and we’re all the better for it.

All photos are courtesy of PLEDIS Entertainment.

Continue Reading: How TOMORROW X TOGETHER Tempted Us With Yet Another Exceptional Comeback

With a cryptic and poetic introduction, Josh Cullen of SB19 finally announces the beginning of his solo artist journey.

Related: 6 Times Josh Of SB19 Got Real About Mental Health

We’re just two months into the year but SB19 has already been spoiling us with their exciting career moves. This month alone has already been filled with satisfying highlights that include Ken’s comeback as FELIP and the release of his debut EP, COM • PLEX, and SB19 performing their duties as youth and cultural ambassadors this National Arts Month. And just as February enters its last week, SB19’s lead rapper and dancer Josh Cullen treats us to a special announcement, in an enigmatic fashion, that marks his official debut as a solo artist.

THE KING OF NIGHT

On Valentine’s Day, Josh Cullen unveiled his Youtube channel on his social media platforms with a reveal of his official logo. What follows are atmospheric, poetic, and cryptic videos which, as per Josh, provide hints at something special to come. 

“I am a paradox / A mystery untold,” narrates Josh in a menacing tone on the first soundbite titled Listen to Me. Drenched in black and red hues layered with eerie tones and visuals that will remind you of a period horror film, the teaser videos suggest a sinister vibe and storytelling that will run through Josh’s debut.

“The king of night / Make his return / In wicked right / To castles burned.” The second one-minute soundbite also furthers the dark mood and heightens the excitement for Josh Cullen’s mystery of an introduction. Then days ago, just when you thought Josh had pulled all the tricks, he posted riddles and puzzles online which made a lot of stans scratch their heads yet ultimately pumped. They turned out to be clues as to the location of his wild surprise: LED billboards which revealed the title of Josh’s first single, Wild Tonight. 

Were you there? 👀#JoshCullen #JoshCullenLEDTakeOver@JoshCullen_s pic.twitter.com/NHhwXeairO

— NewFrontierTheater (@NewFrontierPh) February 20, 2023

On February 20, 2023, fans finally received their reward and it all proved to be worth the wait and the good stress of cracking Josh’s mystery game. They got the first glimpse of the Wild Tonight teaser, which gave just the right amount of shots to get us all hyped up. 

Now published online, the title reveal video confirms fan speculations of Josh going for a vampiric energy for his debut. With shots of an old mansion, a damsel in distress, a majestic crown, some curious sculptures, a full moon, and matched with an upbeat melody in the background, Josh Cullen teases a gothic-inspired offering that will surely make everyone go wild. 

You can’t help but give Josh Cullen and his team their dues for creating an engaging and inventive way to signal his beginning as a solo artist. And as expected from SB19’s standards in music and style, we all know that Josh’s solo endeavor will not disappoint. Wild Tonight drops on Friday, February 24, 2023, via Josh’s YouTube channel.

Continue Reading: All The Times SB19 Dominated In Their Solo Moments

Donny Pangilinan says better late than never as he comes back to TikTok with a video that’s amassed millions of views already.

Related: Donny Pangilinan Has Finally Made His Youtube Comeback And We Couldn’t Be Happier

One of TikTok’s taglines is “make your day.” And true enough, a lot of days were made when phenomenal heartthrob Donny Pangilinan surprised everyone with a TikTok comeback days ago. After months of being absent, Donny sure knows how to make quite a return, posting a dance challenge video that has melted millions of hearts already.

DONNY’S IMPACT? SURE THING

After filling hearts full with what seemed to be a Valentine’s date between him and Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan pulled another trick that captured a lot of fans’ attention and, by the looks of it online, changed lives last weekend: a long overdue TikTok post. While admittedly “late to the party,” Donny signaled his return to the app after months of being gone with his 20-second entry to the Sure Thing challenge.

@pangilinandonny I know…. I’m late to the party 🤪 #fyp ♬ Sure Thing (sped up) – Miguel

Viewed over four million times already, Donny’s latest TikTok video has surely sated a lot of content-hungry stans. For some reason, Donny is rarely active on the short-form video hosting platform having only made six posts since 2020. His last—and currently the most viewed—post is that creative Halloween bit that he did with Belle last year where they went as Peter Pan and, well, Tinker Bell, respectively. This is why a lot of Donato’s fans were satisfied after his much-awaited TikTok reappearance and took to online to share their fangirl moments.

here again to say that if you’re simping for donny pangilinan then congrats bcs you have a better taste in men, this MAN set my standard way too high! https://t.co/g7G7Q5onns

— ches (@soluviedb) February 18, 2023

As do most stans, one Twitter user can’t help but simp over Donny’s effortless charm while adding that he has just raised their standards in men so high. “A man of everybody’s dream,” another fan seconds while countless others gush over relentlessly.

Effortlessly being the man of everybody’s dream https://t.co/MIQzZMiAix

— jade (@thejadesake) February 19, 2023

The fact that he’s just trying to be funny pero beh kahit anong gawin mo pogi kaaaaaa!! ONLY DONNY PANGILINAN 🤪 https://t.co/9iAanzX1xy

— aye (@dunbilsus) February 18, 2023

STOP LOOKING AT MY HUSBANDpic.twitter.com/jbJatxV7Ru https://t.co/fVz8TRf9BB

— NIKS:) | THAT HARR𝓞W KID | (@TAWAN4NEWWIEE) February 19, 2023

@mojojolienne, on the other hand, claims that she’s a grown woman, but the amount of scream that left her body after watching Donny’s TikTok video is inexplicable. Playing it on repeat, another user has reveled in the video for hours long. Sure thing, Donny Pangilinan’s impact is undeniable. “See you next year,” a fan jokingly comments on the TikTok video. Here’s to hoping they won’t have to wait for long.

I’m 26 years old. I’m a grown woman, but the scream that just left me… i can’t explain. I’m sorry. https://t.co/DEQRZkMV4k

— jo ✨ (@mojojolienne) February 19, 2023

why is this video 3 hrs long https://t.co/p04tNJwvOb

— jaycee (@jayceebautista) February 20, 2023

we love a handsome/cute guy who is politically aware and also has manners and substance 😌🫶🏼 https://t.co/r07JV26tmL

— 🌸🍉🍞🌻¹²⁷ (@johnjaemarky) February 18, 2023

Continue Reading: How Donny Pangilinan Handles Being An Introvert In Showbiz

Hito, a dystopian short film by Stephen Lopez, is the only Filipino film in a competitive section of the prestigious 73rd Berlin International Film Festival.

In the world of cinema, one of the most sought after film festivals is the Berlin International Film Festival, also known as Berlinale. Now on its 73rd edition, Berlinale is one of the oldest cinematic events in the world and belongs to the so-called Big Three of film fests alongside Cannes and Venice. Spanning nine competitive and exhibition sections with industry-related events (like its talent campus, Berlinale Talents), Berlinale opens the year with one of the biggest gatherings of filmmakers, creatives, and enthusiasts. 

Over the years, Filipino talents have been gracing and triumphing at the Berlinale. From arthouse filmmaker Lav Diaz winning the Silver Bear in 2016 for the historical A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery and Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana becoming the first Filipino short film to receive the jury prize in 2020, the Philippines has been getting its spotlight at the coveted event. And it continues this year as another jam-packed delegation heads to the chilly capital city of Berlin this month to proudly represent the country. One of them is Stephen Lopez and his sci-fi, political, and youth-oriented short Hito, which is the only Pinoy film selected in a competitive section at this year’s Berlinale. 

Related: These Grants From QCinema And FDCP Will Bring Your Short Film Ideas To Life

KIEFER THE TALKING CATFISH

“It started with the urge to make a creature or sci-fi film in the vein of Godzilla or Mothra merged with the stupid idea of a talking catfish,” shares writer-director Stephen Lopez in an exclusive interview with NYLON Manila. His sophomore short effort, Hito, is part of the Berlinale’s youth-focused sidebar Generation 14plus. 

In a section that caters to “wild and angry, heartfelt, and headstrong” narratives about young perceptions and worldviews and makes the worlds of young protagonists more tangible, Hito fits in comfortably with a selection of 24 feature-length and 31 short films.

Part absurdist, part science fiction offering, Hito follows a 14-year-old girl named Jani who lives in a dystopian world devoid of empathy and where history holds no meaning. She finds comfort in her slippery friend Kiefer, a talking catfish who will be her company in her journey to freedom. Yes, to say that Hito’s premise is interesting is an understatement, as it’s loaded with a story that took years to develop and eventually realize.

THE MAKING OF HITO

For his research on the story of Hito, Stephen was inspired by the strange experiments of the American scientist, John C. Lily, particularly his attempt to communicate with dolphins by inducing them with LSD and letting them live with a woman in an inundated house. 

“I combined this weird science concept with the stories told to me by people I know regarding their experiences during the Marcos dictatorship,” furthers the 31-year-old filmmaker. “I also did some [research about] the unbelievable story of the Marcoses bringing back African wildlife to the Philippines and putting them on an island called Calauit.”

According to Stephen, it took him and his team four whole years to develop and make the film. In 2021, Stephen was part of ANIMA Studios’ (formerly Globe Studios) Short Film Lab where he and other emerging filmmakers were mentored by industry experts from story development to post-production. 

“Of course it was extremely hard to sell to producers. But for some reason ANIMA Studios believed in us and allowed us to be part of their short film lab wherein we were given the tools, some funding, and mentorship needed to fully develop the concept.” 

After two years of trying to look for funding, a whole year allotted for story development and production, and another year for post-production, the extraordinary world of Hito has finally come to life. “We wanted to make a film on our own terms where we would do our best to have proper working hours and conditions,” declares Stephen. 

For sure, it was no easy feat making the film, but for Stephen and his team, a compassionate working setup was a top priority. “It was a struggle and we failed at times. But for the most part I think we succeeded and proved that it was possible to have a humane film set and create somewhat decent films in the process. In the end, what emerged was this strange anti-fascist sci-fi film with a talking catfish who escaped from the Calauit safari.”

BERLINALE-BOUND

Prior to Hito, Stephen Lopez worked as sound recordist for several films. It then took him “seven years and a near-death experience on a film set” before directing his debut short film, the Halloween-themed Gabi ng Kababalaghan, which bagged the best short film prize at the CineFilipino Film Festival in 2018 and ultimately, motivated him to write and develop more of his concepts.  

About his decision to submit Hito to the Berlin International Film Festival, Stephen reveals that it was the selection of Maria Estela Paiso’s short It’s Raining Frogs Outside and the films of Filipino maverick director Khavn dela Cruz in the fest’s past editions that inspired his team to do so. “We thought like a bunch of idiots that they must like ‘strange’ Filipino films in the Berlinale so they might consider us too. Well, apparently, luck favors the foolish and we got into the Generation 14plus section.”

While Stephen believes that people experience films in different ways and that a short film is “but a microscopic dent in the system,” he wishes that watching Hito in the future will leave viewers with quite an optimistic thought.

“I wish generations in the future could watch this film and say what we say whenever we see the brutal nature of life in the Dark Ages: ‘What a terrible time that must have been for someone to have imagined such a thing. It’s a good thing our leaders are much better now and people are much kinder.’” 

Hito will have its world premiere at the Berlinale on February 20, 2023 and will be screened in the festival cinemas until February 25, 2023. Meanwhile, you can watch award-winning shorts from past Berlinale editions here.

Continue Reading: 7 Alternative Streaming Platforms That Offer A Different Cinematic Experience

The universe aligned when Belle Mariano, AC Bonifacio, and Maris Racal shared the stage to perform Nadine Lustre’s Paligoy-Ligoy.

Related: Trend Alert: Paligoy-Ligoy x NewJeans Is An Actual Thing—And It’s Amazing

We hoped for a lot of things when the New Year began. But what we didn’t expect when 2023 kicked off was that Nadine Lustre’s nearly decade-old bop, Paligoy-Ligoy, would come back from the dead on TikTok courtesy of the chore of NewJeans’ Hype Boy. 2.1 million video uses on TikToK later, and Paligoy-Ligoy has once again entered the pop culture conversation with a viral dance challenge. And this moment is a gift that continues to keep on giving as we were blessed with a performance of the track from the A-list lineup of Belle Mariano, AC Bonifacio, and Maris Racal.

WELCOME TO THE STAGE, B.A.M (Belle, AC, Maris)

On the February 19, 2023 episode of ASAP, some of our new-gen P-pop princesses, Maris Racal, Belle Mariano, and AC Bonifacio, came together for their take on the Paligoy-Ligoy dance challenge. Belle, AC, and Maris on the same stage performing a Nadine Lustre song? We stay winning. While any one of the girls performing the song would have been more than ok in our book, the fact that they did it together is further proof that manifestation is real. ASAP knew exactly what they were doing with this stage, and we thank them for it.

While the girls technically didn’t do the Hype Boy choreography during Paligoy-Ligoy’s chorus, they did give the song justice with their vocals and dance moves. Like the song, the performance was so wholesome while their ‘fits, from Maris’ headband to the crocheted tops and skirts, gave Y2K chic. Seeing the three of them together was like a soft launch of ASAP’s next girl group, which we would be more than ready to support. The vocals, dance moves, and charisma, they all have it. All we need now is for Nadine to join them one of these days to complete this fantasy.

Continue Reading: Belle Mariano Is BINI’s Ninth Member In Their ASAP Collab Performance

Filipino cuisine just has that flavor that hits different.

It’s no secret that the way to a Filipino’s heart is through their belly. If we’re talking spices and flavor, the Philippines has it all and then some. Every dish has that warmth and vivid color that most cuisines don’t, almost like it came straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. With the eclectic yet palatable food combinations that we come up with, even international celebs couldn’t get enough of the food. From Cardi B to Selena Gomez, here are some of these stars’ favorite Filipino dishes. Really, who doesn’t have one? We’ll take ube jam anytime of the day in one sitting.

READ MORE: 6 Spots Around Manila That Turn Into Secret Bars At Night

VANESSA HUDGENS – PANCIT, LUMPIA, HALO HALO, ADOBO

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Name a person who doesn’t love adobo, we’ll wait. For the part Filipino actress, she knows it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without dishes like lumpia and adobo served at a party. She even said in a past interview that she eats rice everyday like an average Filipino.

OLIVIA RODRIGO – LUMPIA

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For rising pop-rock star Olivia Rodrigo, her guilty pleasure is lumpia (spring rolls). “My dad grew up in a house where they were always making Filipino food, his grandpa always spoke Tagalog,” shares Olivia in a past interview.

CARDI B – LUMPIA, BUKO SALAD

Thanks to her Filipina aunt-in-law, rapper Cardi B is now part of the lumpiang shanghai fan club. “I don’t know WTF this shit’s called, but this shit is good as hell with some motherf*cking barbecue,” she says on her Instagram stories before. Cardi also tried buko salad and like most of us, never looked back since.

FLORENCE PUGH – LUMPIANG SHANGHAI

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Growing up with a best friend who’s half Filipino certainly has its perks. Florence Pugh’s favorite Filipino food? Lumpia. “Her mum was a master at cooking. She knew I loved them and would make a batch, freeze them, package them up for me to take home after our sleepover,” the Midsommar star says.

HALSEY – TURON

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When everyone else was making dalgona coffee during the height of the pandemic, Halsey was out here making turon “all the time.” She revealed this during a Twitter Q&A when someone asked if she’s ever tried to cook any Filipino food.

I make turon all the time! https://t.co/LewG3BSobA

— h (@halsey) April 23, 2020

SAWEETIE – SINIGANG, SILOG, PANDESAL

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Rapper Saweetie has always kept it real when it comes to her Filipino heritage. She’s a big foodie and a picky eater at the same time, but dishes from home will always be her top one. Everyday, she has a Silog breakfast platter which includes pandesal, garlic rice, fried eggs, Longganisa sausage, which is loaded with carbs. Saweetie’s soul food on the other hand is sinigang and adobo.

ANTHONY BOURDAIN – LECHON

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For the late Anthony Bourdain, he once said during one of his No Reservations series episode back in 2009 that Cebu’s Lechon is the “best pig, ever.” Only Cebu has the thickest, juiciest and most mouth-watering pigs in the world and we couldn’t agree more.

H.E.R. – SINIGANG

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The new Belle has called it: Sinigang is officially the best Filipino dish ever made. So much so that she even made the nickname “Sinigang Gang” for her and fellow Fil-Am musician, Saweetie, when they promoted their song, Closer. H.E.R. also had a Filipino food crawl video in the past and she was able to name most of the dishes that they ate.

SELENA GOMEZ – ADOBO

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Selena Gomez’s cooking show is unsurprisingly chill. On one of the episodes for “Selena + Chef,” her guest was Filipino-Canadian chef Jordan Andino. He owns Flip Sigi, a Filipino-Mexican fusion restaurant in New York and they bonded over making the fan-favorite dish, the adobo.

DARREN CRISS – CASSAVA CAKE, BIBINGKA, LUMPIA

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Fil-Am actor Darren Criss is a big lumpia and cassava cake fan boy. When he went back to the Philippines for a tour, he tweeted that he was hoping they’d “serve lumpia on the plane.” In another interview, Darren also mentioned that his Filipino aunts and uncles would ask him to eat because he looked too thin. (The usual, TBH.) Now, he’s heavy on lumpia, pancit, cassava cake, bibingka, adobo, and even calamansi juice.

LANA CONDOR – LUMPIA

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Vietnamese-American actress Lana Condor discovered lumpia through her Filipino friend’s mom. A huge Asian foodie, she shares, “I became so obsessed that I would force my friend to force her mother to make me my own private batch.”

CONTINUE READING: Celebrate Filipino Food and Flavors With These 15 Local Food Shops

It wasn’t just Blacklist International vs. ECHO Philippines that got us tuning in to the first weekend of MPL Season 11.

Related: 7 Times Alden Richards Went Above And Beyond With His Love Of Video Games

While some are already preparing for the start of the summer season, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang players and viewers are currently enjoying the start of something else, MPL Season 11. The weekend of February 17-19 saw the opening matches for the newest MLBB competitive season as eight teams battle it out for three months to claim a $150,00 prize pool, as well as represent the Philippines in the MLBB SEA Cup in June. The hype for Season 11 was already palpable thanks to exciting moves made pre-season, and its opening weekend met expectations, to say the least. Here are just some of the major moments that went down.

OPENING BATTLES

Before the start of the new season, one of the biggest stories people are following is reigning champion Blacklist International and their quest to defend their Season 10 crown. They were also coming into the competition looking for redemption against ECHO Philippines, the team who denied the Tier One group a second global championship as the Orcas won M4 last December. Also, gaming influencer Renejay made the switch from Nexplay EVOS to Blacklist for this season. The fact that the first game of the entire season was Blacklist vs. ECHO made for the tensest of sports moments.

In the end, it was ECHO who came out on top with a commanding 2-0 against Blacklist. The Orcas defeated their rivals in eleven minutes in match one. And while Blacklist gave a strong fight in match two, it wasn’t enough to stop ECHO from breaking the code once more. Meanwhile, that same day, Renejay’s old team, Nexplay EVOS, swamped TNC 2-0. The following day, ECHO continued their sweep with a 2-0 score against Bren Esports. Redemption, though, was at hand for Blacklist International when they made up for their loss to ECHO with a 2-0 win against TNC. Finally, ONIC PH bested Smart Omega with a score of 2-1.

On the final day of the opening weekend, RSG Slate PH made a splash, both in terms of debuting their latest recruit, former Nexplay player H2wo, and also lapping ONIC PH to a score of 2-0. The final match of the day went to Smart Omega and Bren Esports as the latter cleaned up with a 2-0 win.

THE STAGE IS SET

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Overall, ECHO Philippines ended weekend one with the most points at six to claim the top of the leader boards. Nexplay, RSG, Blacklist, and Bren all tie with three points. Onic has two points, Omega has one, and TNC sits at the bottom with zero points. Of course, this is just the start of Season 11 so things can change. But already, the pro leagues delivered thrilling games with a little tension on the side. New matches will take place every weekend until April.  

Continue Reading: 13 Filipino Characters You Can Meet Or Play As In Video Games

Keep your personal information to yourself. Remain safe and choose to be private behind your chosen @username when banking digitally.

No doubt, living in the digital age offers unparalleled convenience in doing daily activities and interactions like updating our family and friends, getting work done, online shopping for our favorite brands, ordering for our cravings, and sobbing to our favorite films all from the comforts of our homes. Even essential errands like banking and sending money have gone digital.

But this era is not exempted from risks. It has its own vulnerabilities. That is why more and more companies are innovating and applying security and privacy features nonstop to ensure everyone’s safety while taking advantage of this convenience—just like what your all-in-one digital bank Maya has done.

Conventionally, the way to send money is to detail certain information such as account numbers, mobile numbers, full names, and email addresses. It is already an exposure of your personal information that online scammers and identity thieves are hungry for. Maya is way ahead of the game as the first digital bank in the Philippines to introduce a new, more private, and secure way to send and receive money, via @usernames. This way, just like friend-tagging in social media, Maya users can opt not to share their critical information to everyone—keeping their personal information, personal.

Easy targets for identity theft are prominent and public figures such as celebrities. Stars like James Reid, Mimiyuuuh, Cong TV, and Sassa Gurl are enjoying this @username feature by Maya, keeping their personal information behind their preferred usernames: @james, @mimiyuuuh, @congtv, and @itssassagurl.

More and more celebrities are taking advantage of this secured and clever way to transact too like pop singer-songwriter Ena Mori (@enamori), renowned Manila songbird Moira Dela Torre (@moira), rap and hip hop artists and Ex Battalion members Flow G (@flowg) and MC Einstein (@mceinstein), and music sensation Zach Tabudlo (@zacktabudlo).

It can’t be stressed enough to put utmost care and protection into your hard-earned money. You, too, can avoid spilling your personal information too with this @username feature. To have yours:

1. Tap the “Profile” icon on the upper-left corner 
2. Tap “Get Started” 
3. Key in your preferred username and hit “Confirm” 
4. Key in the One Time Password (OTP)

With Maya’s user-friendly interface, sending money is like a walk in the park. Simply tap “Send Money” on the Maya app, spell out the @username of your recipient, input the amount, then tap “Continue”. Review the details, tap “Send” when done, and an SMS from Maya will be sent to you as proof of confirmation.

You can also request your Maya physical card:

1. Tap the cards tab & choose “Order Physical Card”
2. Tap “Add Your Username”
3. Add your delivery details & pay
4. Wait for your card to arrive

The fun, more interactive, and secure way to send money is now here with Maya on top of being a free, feature-packed digital bank. Choose and claim your preferred @username now before someone else does and enjoy the convenience of the digital era without compromising your safety and privacy. 

Keep updated on Maya’s latest trends and offerings. Follow them on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts. You may also visit them on their website. 

Now, who told Sarah Geronimo, Arthur Nery, Zack Tabudlo, and beabadoobee to release new music in the same week?

Related: The Round-Up: The Can’t-Miss New Tracks Of The Week

To some, the past week was all about Valentine’s and finding those extra special ways to make that significant other feel even more loved. But to others, it was just another regular week in February. But regardless of how you spent your time, music will always be there for you. And music once again came through as the past week was filled with hot drops courtesy of some of our favorite established and indie acts. So, put on those headphones or Bluetooth buds and get a listening to some of the week’s best new tracks.  

O NINANAIS – ARTHUR NERY

The best way to enjoy o ninanais, Artthur Nery’s latest heart-tugging love song, is to sit by a quiet place and reminisce on that special someone. The song has that old-school vibe that makes for the best kind of nostalgia.

HIMIG NG PUSO – SARAH GERONIMO

If Sarah G isn’t giving us pop bops, she’s getting us in our feels with her slow jams. And that’s exactly what she does with Himig Ng Puso. The song doesn’t do too much, it’s just a guitar and Sarah’s powerful vocals that touch each corner of the track.

DIYOSA – ZACK TABUDLO

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Zack Tabudlo dropped his second studio album, FOR ALL, and it’s 10 tracks that further solidify his status as the new gen Hugot King.

HEAVEN – NIALL HORAN

First, Harry Styles gives a shout out to the boys during his BRITs speech. And now, Niall Horan drops his new single. Directioners are eating good this year. Heaven, which serves as the first single off Niall’s new album coming in June, is an upbeat track all about how life is perfect as long as you have that love of your life.

TADHANA – ACE BANZUELO

A slow jam this is not as Ace Banzuelo’s latest song is a catchy, upbeat track that keeps listeners basking in a summer glow. Providing R&B-inspired vocals atop new wave beats and disco elements, Ace gives us a joyous song that brings the past and the future together.

GLUE SONG – BEABADOOBEE

beabadoobee is in love and she’s expressing that through her latest track, Glue Song. The song is a reflection Bea’s current love life as she sings about being stuck on someone she loves. Using her signature lullaby-like vocals, Bea gave us yet another track to add to our hugot playlist. And plus points for its music video being shot in her hometown of Iloilo.

TEDDY BEAR – STAYC

STAYC’s latest comeback is giving early 2010s K-pop and it’s honestly quite cute. It’s fun, wholesome, and nostalgic all at the same time. And we’ll never get tired of the girls saying, “STAYC girls, it’s going down”

A&W – LANA DEL RAY

A seven-minute track on being an American wh*re? Only Lana Del Ray can get away with that. While the first half of the track is quite broody, once the bass and beat kick in in the second half, that’s when the fun starts.

FLOWERS & CHOCOLATE – EYEDRESS

Dropped right on Valentine’s Day, Flowers & Chocolate is Eyedress’ shoegaze-infused single about trying to make things right in a relationship. The music video, meanwhile, finds Eyedress cruising around Los Angeles in a red convertible filled with flowers as he rushes home to impress his partner.

SMOKE – CAROLINE POLACHEK

If you aren’t listening to Caroline Polachek’s newest album, Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, then you’re missing out on one of the best albums of the year so far. It’s an experience, movement, and realization all wrapped into one body of work.

I WANT YOU – ICONA POP AND GALANTIS

Whether it be 2013 or 2023, Icona Pop will always serve club bangers. Just take a listen to their newest song, I Want You, their collab with Galantis that’s definitely going to get the party jumping.

BALARAW – PRESS HIT PLAY

Press Hit Play go R&B with Balaraw, a moving love song that may just make you feel a certain type of way.

KEENAN TE – SCARS

Keenan Te’s Scars is a song that expresses a deep vulnerability of opening one’s heart to love again after being hurt in the past. Based on his current relationship, this track represents the hesitance of letting one’s guard down, but deciding to take the leap for a potential love worth it all.

IF IT’S TIME – HAYDEN CALNIN

Indie-folk singer Hayden Calnin just dropped his haunting new track If It’s Time. The song is about learning to move on from a relationship inspired from the mending of Calnin’s broken heart and the turning of a new chapter.

PARCHED – OLIVE KLUG

Olive Klug’s latest song, Parched, alludes to a relationship that has lost its purpose, in essence feeling ‘parched’ and in need of something to quench this insatiable thirst for love and attention.

Continue Reading: Big, Bold, Brave Awards 2023: Gen Z-Approved Hit

Just like when he successfully vaults a pole, EJ Obiena also inspires us in the way he overcomes life’s hurdles and stands for what’s right and true.

Related: EJ Obiena Is Truly Deserving Of Being One Of The World’s Best Pole Vaulters

Recently, one of the people that’s been embodying the meaning of “Pinoy Pride” triumphantly is the Filipino pole vault sensation, EJ Obiena. Making consecutive podium finishes (four golds, two silvers, and one bronze) in seven out of his eight competitions for his indoor season, the Olympian, two-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist, and Asian record holder carried the flag to greatest heights. Add to that historic win at the World Athletics Championships (first Filipino to win a medal) last year in Oregon and indeed, EJ is a national treasure.

But as you may all be aware of, it has not always been a smooth sailing journey for the world’s third best pole vaulter. From facing unfair allegations from his own sports association to repeatedly suffering financial woes that threaten the future of his career, EJ has been through a lot of obstacles that have put his will to test. Yet always, EJ leaves us proud as he overcomes these challenges with that same grit every time he jumps the pole. Below are some of the moments that shows why EJ Obiena is the ultimate inspiration for all of us.

STANDING UP FOR TRUTH

It was in late 2021 when EJ Obiena was accused by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) of allegedly falsifying liquidations of his coaches’ salary expenses and was even recommended to be charged for swindling. You can just imagine how demoralizing it was for EJ, who was preparing for his next season at the time, to be attacked and unfairly treated by his own sports federation and to be judged by the public without due process. This dispute even went as far as PATAFA threatening EJ to be dropped from its roster of athletes and to stop competing for the country.

But EJ, thanks to his solid resolve and determination, courageously stood up for truth and never kept the public in the dark about it. Even when pressured to keep silent, he did not waver in informing his fellow Filipinos and shedding light on the said issue with grit and integrity. As you may all know, the celebrated pole vaulter has eventually succeeded in this battle even amid the stress and pain of his reputation being put at stake. “My every jump is my defiance to everything that is wrong in the sport,” says EJ Obiena. “[It is] an affirmation that the Filipino is tough, enduring, loyal and will stand up for what is right and true.”

TRANSPARENT

Another quality of EJ Obiena that makes him beloved by the nation is his being open and vocal about his struggles as an athlete. Not only does he let us celebrate with him during his successful stints, but also keep us abreast of the problems that he encounters along the way. Just like earlier this month, when he took to online to share that because of logistical and financial reasons, he will be unable to participate in the Asian Indoor Championships in Kazakhstan, one of the supposed highlights of EJ’s indoor season. While brokenhearted to break the news, EJ’s tenacity still shines as he looks forward to his future competitions with optimism and hope, and continue to bring honor to his nation.

LOYAL

The dedicated and decorated athlete that he is, EJ Obiena deserves all the best support that he can get. But even after experiencing unjust treatment by his mother organization and being encouraged by concerned Filipinos to consider international offers to achieve his full potential, EJ remains committed to carry the Philippine flag. “I see these statements on social media and active encouragement to switch allegiances,” shares EJ. “But this is not who I am and why I do this. I want to win for the Philippines and show the world what we can do. I want to win for us.”

A MAN OF INTEGRITY

Even when the going gets tougher, EJ Obiena never forgets to stay humble and honorable. After posting about his inability to join the Asian Indoor Championships, EJ received an outpouring of support, with some even willing to help him in his finances. And while appreciative of their support, EJ recognizes that these supporters are the same Filipino taxpayers who have already contributed to his expenses. And that it would be questionable and unethical to be “double dipping” and taking advantage of others’ kindness. What an honorable Filipino indeed.

A TRUE INSPIRATION

While busy collecting medals and reaping the fruits of his effort, EJ Obiena takes the time to impart lessons he’s learned throughout his own challenging journey. And there’s no other better person to get these wise words from than the man who’s been through it all. “Even if it’s a tough path and uphill, go forward, don’t stand still,” declares EJ in one of his “My Pole Vault Life Lesson” posts. “Take a step, one at a time. You’ll be amazed [by] how far you’ve come.” Take it from the man who has steadfastly jumped over life’s hurdles and landed ever so successfully.

Continue Reading: 5 Athletes Who Show Us That It’s More Than Okay To Take A Mental Health Break