Let the music play with new tracks from Doja Cat, EXO, Laufey, and more.

Related: Songs To Listen To On SB19’s PAGTATAG! EP Based On Your Mood

Life can be so hectic sometimes. Luckily, music can rarely fail us. And when it comes to the new releases of the week, we’ll have enough beats to lose ourselves to. Drown out the rainy days and humidity by checking out some recent releases that may just have you be pressing “add to playlist” ASAP.

ATTENTION – DOJA CAT

Doja Cat has made it no secret that she wants her new album to focus more on her rap side (even though she’s already proven herself as a rapstress). And Attention is the first taste of this new direction. The track features a grittier Doja, one who is looking to prove something while also showing that she doesn’t care for the haters. And it’s brought together by her soft, almost angelic vocals.

SUPERGLUE – JOAN AND ZACK TABUDLO

superglue was one of the highlights of Joan’s debut album of the same name. And it gets even better in this remix featuring Zack Tabudlo. With a heartfelt message and a gospel-like sound, the superglue remix is hitting at all the right spots. And the best part about this link-up is that it came about after Zack DMed the group one day asking to work with them. Lesson learned, always shoot your shot.

RAINING IN MANILA – LOLA AMOUR

Referencing the current weather in the Metro, Lola Amour’s fun and jazzy new single has the band reconnecting with a former flame with the hopes of rekindeling that lost spark.

ANGEL PT. 2 –  CHARLI PUTH, JVKE, JIMIN, AND MUNI LONG

Angel Pt. 2 drops the raps and adds Charli Puth (who created the most famous song to come from Fast & Furious) for this vocals-focused remix that is as heavenly as its title.

LET ME IN – EXO

For the first taste of their long-awaited comeback this July, EXO gives us Let Me In, a moving R&B ballad about wanting to spend more time with that special someone.  

DAY AND NIGHT – ALAMAT

Alamat + island vibes = a bop that feels too good on the ears.

THE MORNING AFTER – THE ITCHYWORMS

The Morning After, with its somber tone and introspective lyrics, feels like it was tailor-made for that scene in the movie where the main character reflects on all their bad decisions.

MARSHMALLOW – MISAMO

If this is how Misamo’s debut will sound like in July, then TWICE’s Japan line is going to devour. Marshmallow is a calming love song that is as soft as its name.

PROMISE – LAUFEY

Laufey can make songs that feel right at home for hopeless romantics, and she can also make music that will shatter your heart into pieces. Case in point, her new single Promise, which serves as her first single of her new album coming this September. Laufey goes straight for the heart in a song about promising herself to stay away from a potential partner.

FADEAWAY – YOUNG COCOA

In case you didn’t know, Young Cocoa spent a significant portion of his childhood in Indonesia. And his new single pays homage to that and his Manila roots as his love letter to Manila and Jakarta pays great respect and honor to the two places that he calls home in a crossover track bursting with lush sounds and sophisticated melodies.

DON’T SAY LOVE – LEIGH-ANNE

While a Little Mix comeback may not be on the cards anytime soon, we at least are getting fed by Leigh-Anne with her solo debut, Don’t Say Love. She ate that, as expected, as she confidently sings about wanting real love in her relationship.

BOUNCY – ATEEZ

ATEEZ’s ability to make floor-pounding music shines once more with their latest comeback, Bouncy. That chorus, along with its choreography, gave everything it needed to be given.

PRETTY PLEASE – VXON

When P-pop and R&B meet, it can make for magic. Such is the case with VXON’s new single, Pretty Please, a vibey number about looking for reconciliation with that special someone.

THE GOOD WITCH – MAISIE PETERS

In many ways, The Good Witch serves as the older, wiser and scorned counterpart to Maisie Peters’ debut album, You Signed Up For This. Written in real time during her whirlwind 2022 touring schedule, the LP served as a time capsule for Maisie, enabling her to chronicle a period of time in which she was searching for balance between career highs and personal lows. It finds Maisie at her most introspective and self-reflective, drawing inspiration from the works of Joan Didion, J. M. Barrie, Greek mythology and Western movies; the record explores the complexities of romantic breakups, the preciousness of friendship and true value of self-worth.

ON MY MAMA – VICTORIA MONET

Make some room for your confidence-boosting playlist for this Victoria Monet jam that’s all about flaunting what you’ve got.

SAME AGAIN (FOR LOVE) – DAGNY

Dagny’s new album better come quick because she’s dropping pop bangers that’s beaming with irresistible energy.

FEARLESS IS THE FLAME – WILL JOSEPH COOK

Dressed in soul-stirring soundscapes that are reminiscent of sounds from MGMT to Prince, Will offers his take on fiery romantic tension in his new single. The guitar riffs steal the show, their rich grooves setting the stage for Will to explore this intense yet somewhat conflicting sensation.

MAY IBA NA BA – JEMAY SANTIAGO

Favoring an expressive but understated approach to contemporary pop and R&B, Jemay Santiago marks a new chapter in her career with May Iba Na Ba. A sensuous slow jam that glides atop butter-smooth production and trap beats,  the song reflects on a rollercoaster of doubt and insecurities, while navigating a romantic relationship that is headed towards going astray.

GLOSSY LIPS – DAYNIM

Thai band Daynim’s new single, Glossy Lips, aims to transport listeners into an iconic scene from a classic rom-com high-school movie—the unforgettable dressing-for-a-party moment. By encouraging self-expression and confidence, Daynim weaves a tale that resonates with audiences while incorporating modern unisex fashion trends.

Continue Reading: The Round-Up: These New Songs Are As Hot As The Summer Sun

Let the beauty bash begin! Careline is celebrating their 18th birthday by giving us amazing treats and giveaways.

Turning 18 is a big moment in many peoples lives. For some, it’s the start of adulthood, while for others, it signals a new chapter. So, as Careline is turning the big 1-8 and is all set to blow out 18 candles on their birthday cake, it’s going to be a moment. It’s time to celebrate in style and indulge in a whirlwind of beauty delights.

From vibrant lipsticks to mesmerizing eyeshadow palettes and everything in between, Careline has been our partner in crime on this colorful journey of self-expression. And guess what? They’re turning up the volume on the celebration by offering their holy grail products with their amazing deals. So put on your party hats, gather your besties, and get ready for an epic 18th birthday bash with Careline! 

THE PARTY IS JUST GETTING STARTED

Believe it or not, there are ways to stay on top of the latest beauty trends without having your bank account run for the hills. That’s why Careline’s 18th birthday treat is absolutely a dream come true. For a limited time, their holy grail products, the secret weapons of every beauty guru, are up for grabs at an incredible price of just 180 pesos. From bold lipsticks to versatile eyeshadow palettes and long-lasting foundations, Careline has everything you need to create stunning looks that turn heads. A birthday party where we are given gifts? Yes, please.

Get your shopping calendars ready because Careline’s 18th Birthday Promo is in full swing from June 1 to 30, 2023. No need to go on a wild treasure hunt to find these amazing deals – they’re available at your favorite physical stores like Watsons, SM, and other leading beauty outlets nationwide. Can’t make it to the mall? Don’t fret, the party continues online, where you can browse and purchase Careline’s discounted goodies on Shopee and Lazada. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy some retail therapy from the comfort of your own home. So go ahead, treat yourself, and bring the birthday vibes to your beauty routine.

EXCITING PRIZES AWAIT

All these birthday budols are fine and all. But you know what’s better than that? A budol with a good giveaway, that’s what. Careline’s #SELFlebration Giveaway is here to make your beauty dreams come true. Imagine winning exclusive GRAPH-INK packages filled with Careline’s best products? All you need to do is head on over to their Instagram and Facebook page! Two chances of winning is better than one. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to win Careline’s GRAPH-INK package with exclusive CARELINE merch from its 18th #SELFlebration Instagram Giveaway! Just follow these easy steps:

Continue Reading: 10 Local Brands That Are Defining Filipino Beauty (Or “F-Beauty” As They Call It)

Needless to say, TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s latest world tour is not to be missed.

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

With a new single dropping this July and the group returning to the Philippines with a concert at the Philippine Arena in August, Pinoy MOAs have been eating good as of late. And as Filipino fans wait in anticipation to see their best boys again, Cielo Perez gives us a look at what to expect at their ACT: Sweet Mirage World Tour with a review of their Duluth shows last May 19-20.

BIGHIT’s TOMORROW X TOGETHER made a pit stop in Duluth, Georgia as part of their ACT: Sweet Mirage World Tour. Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai spent 2 days (May 19th-20th) performing at the Gas South Arena. Duluth MOAs greeted TXT with their Southern Hospitality.

TXT recently finished the US leg of their ACT: Sweet Mirage World Tour on May 28th in Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium. For this tour, it was definitely an upgrade from performing in theater-like venues in the US (ACT: Lovesick World Tour in 2022) to the arena, stadium-like venues and will soon be returning to the US in August 2023 as one of the headliners for LOLLAPALOOZA Chicago.

THEIR MUSIC STORYLINE STARTS HERE

Members of TXT had a strong opening to their Duluth show wearing ceremonial outfits and performing Blue Hour. Into the chorus break of Blue Hour, Heuningkai walked forward to the main stage asking MOAs if they’re ready to perform with the members all night long. The rest of TXT followed him to the main stage and immediately went stomping on their right foot to finish out the song. The first round of confetti shot up in the air and MOAs nearby tried to grab heaps of it.

All of them greeted MOAs with their introduction of “One! Dream! Hello, we are Tomorrow x Together!” after their Can’t We Just Leave the Monster Alive? performance. As each member said their name, MOAs screamed with delight, with Yeonjun getting a particularly raucous reception.

As they got into the 2nd act of the show, the members changed into athletic outfits for Drama. Soobin then took center stage as they transitioned to No Rules. The track had a mix of retro and pop punk genres; the song itself is about an adolescent learning to live with the norm of no responsibilities or rules. With lyrics that discuss no responsibilities or rules, it complemented the backing track’s groovy sound that anyone can dance to.

BARKING FOR TXT

“I just wanna be your dog, Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh!” was the one lyric from Cat and Dog that got every MOA barking for TXT. The loud chants of barking even led to another talking segment of their show where the members were asked to bark individually in various ways. When Soobin’s shy self was encouraged to bark for MOAs, Hueningkai hyped him up with “[He’s] the hottest and cutest dog!” Instead of barking, Yeonjun meowed for MOAs on Day 1 of the Duluth concerts and he went back to barking on Day 2. He teased MOAs with small body rolls after he meowed or barked for them. As for Beomgyu, his barking was similar to a chihuahua on Day 2.

MOAs had the chance to participate with TXT using their moabongs (TXT lightsticks) by following their movements. All the members spread out on the main stage to teach certain sections of the audience how to follow them. The admirable thing about TXT is that they rotated around the main stage for other talking segments. That way, MOAs who sat or stood in different parts of the venue had a view of them.

Taehyun offered his hand to MOAs asking, “Should we run away?” as they transitioned to performing 9 and Three Quarters (Run Away). The bass dropped in the beginning and the members were lined up behind each other to roll off one dance movement after another. At the end of the song, Hueningkai was left onstage to have his solo movement and ran back to the center stage.

HUENING KAI THE MAN YOU ARE #TXT_ASM_TOUR_DULUTH #TXT_ASM_TOUR #TOMORROW_X_TOGETHER_World_Tour pic.twitter.com/TmGSQERkrt

— han🦋💫 (@jimooneyeon) May 19, 2023

CROWD FAVORITES

As we’re going through their nearly 3-hour show, fan-favorite songs such as LO$ER=LO♡ER and Anti-Romantic brought back the earlier days of their music career. Their outfit changes for these songs reflected the teenage nostalgia clothes that some of us wore back in our high school days: Vans, ripped-knee jeans, and slightly oversized tops.

To align with their The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION album concept that was released in January 2023, they changed to white tank tops and began with the addictive afrobeat-infused Tinnitus (Wanna be a Rock). Taehyun teased MOAs by flashing his abs during the performance. Resembling a devil’s irresistible whisper, the Devil by the Window track had a repetition of lyrics that says, “dream on, dream on, goodnight”. Hueningkai’s tenor voice singing those lyrics in repetition expresses the tone of being lured by a mysterious devilish voice.

Their fifth outfit change was white and blue pattern jackets over their white tank tops. MOAs were in for another participation when TXT taught everyone the Happy Fools (Feat. Coi Leray) dance challenge. Beomgyu’s baritone voice opened up the 3rd to the last song of their setlist with Sugar Rush Ride.

ENCORE MOMENTS

To close out The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION concert, TXT came out once more dressed in prince-like white long-sleeve tops. All of the members sat on a shipwrecked prop in the center stage and sang Farewell Neverland. The lyrics speak upon facing reality and saying farewell to paradise where someone lives their fantasies. Staying in paradise isn’t ideally the place to live in a perfect world and the lyrics come to terms with accepting the changes that lie ahead.

The group then performed Blue Spring, an unreleased track, that served as another dedication to their beloved MOAs. The repetition of the lyrics stating “flowers, flowers” is in reference to the fandom growing each day. Since it was an unreleased track, the lyrics were displayed on the stage screens for MOAs to follow along with the lyrics.

Atlanta day 1 did not disappoint for our summer 😭😭 #TXT_ASM_TOUR_DULUTH #TXT_ASM_TOUR #txtinduluth #TXT #txtduluth pic.twitter.com/6eFqzlTr8v

— Chanel ♣️✘ (@Jisuvity) May 20, 2023

To wrap up the show, TXT sang Our Summer from their 1st EP, The Dream Chapter: STAR. More confetti blasted towards the audience shimmering in white and gold colors. In one of the last speaking segments, Beomgyu said he thanks MOAs for coming to their show and hopes they can play at a bigger venue next time they come back. It took TXT a long time to leave the stage as they waved goodbye to MOAs. Where TXT started in 2019 with nearly 1000 fans for their US showcase to thousands of fans in arenas in 2023 shows how much they’ve grown in a few years.

Photos courtesy of BIGHIT Music.

Continue Reading: TOMORROW X TOGETHER Impress In Their First Online Solo Concert

Featuring hundreds of artists across the country, the 29th Fête de la Musique Philippines goes grander, celebrating the best of music and championing a noble cause.

For all the music lovers out there, this one’s for you! The country’s most popular and free music event has expanded its horizons, becoming even more impactful. Celebrating its 29th year, the Fête de la Musique promises a remarkable fusion of Filipino culture, music, and an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. Music plus advocacy, we know you’ll say yes to that!

Related: And We’re Live: Concerts, Festivals, And Fanmeets Coming To The Philippines This 2023

MERSEA

This June, Fête de la Musique Philippines is set to captivate audiences as it expands its reach for the 2023 edition, uniting hundreds of artists across 43 stages nationwide. But it doesn’t stop there—#FetePH continues its tradition of going beyond music, dedicating itself to a noble cause: ocean advocacy. “In spite of all our differences, music – just like the oceans – connects us humans with each other,” says Xavier Leroux, Executive Director of Alliançe Française de Manille.

Named “MerSea,” a wordplay combining the French words for ‘sea’ (mer) and ‘thank you’ (merci), the upcoming 2023 installment of #FetePH carries a twofold purpose. It aims to express profound gratitude for 29 years of fruitful Franco-Filipino cultural connections while simultaneously making significant contributions towards the preservation of our oceans. By embracing this theme, the event sets sail on a mission to foster cultural appreciation and amplify the importance of ocean conservation efforts.

THE FETE-STIVITIES

Fête de la Musique has always been known for showcasing a diverse array of local talents, bringing together the finest and freshest performances the country has to offer. And so it continues this year at #MerSeaFetePh in a much grander scale as it offers everyone to witness this incredible display of talent across the archipelago. And we’re here to guide you through all of it.

First of, there’s the Fête de la Musique Main Stage, which will be in Greenbelt, Makati. Here, you’ll get to vibe with some of the hottest and rising local artists in the scene including Lola Amour, Blaster & the Celestial Klownz, Cheats, ena mori, of Mercury, and KINDRED among others. Scheduled on June 23, the Main Stage program also has more surprises and performances to be announced, so be sure to stay tuned to Fete de la Musique PH. 

Destination Stages are also set across the Philippines, giving Pinoys from different regions the opportunity to revel in some #MerSeaFetePH goodness. These stages will be in Albay, Baguio, Baler, Caloocan, El Nido, Laguna, Pampanga, Palawan, Siargao, Tagaytay, and Zambales. While Siargao and Cebu will host their stages on June 21, all other destinations will be joining the celebration on June 24. Meanwhile, there will also be 31 independently produced Pocket Stages around Metro Manila, adding even more choices to the range of musical genres and vibes the festival offers.

Of course, it’s not Fête de la Musique without a dose of French music. This 2023, #MerSeaFetePH will treat Filipinos to some French jazz with the renowned Rémi Panossan Trio. This ensemble is composed of  pianist Rémi Panossian, bassist Maxime Delporte, and drummer Frederic Petitprez and has graced prestigious stages and festivals in over 500 cities, showcasing their extraordinary musical prowess. And this June 21, the trio will be bringing their music to the heart of Manila, with a performance at the Long Bar at Raffles Makati.

Adding another insightful dimension to this year’s #FetePH, the festival proudly joins forces with SONIK Philippines, supported by the Institut Français and the French Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs, to present the inaugural SONIK SESSIONS FETE: Music Export France. Taking place on June 16, SONIK SESSIONS is a conference that aims to shed light on both the business and artist facets of the music ecosystem, working towards uplifting the entire industry and shaping the future of Philippine music.

FOR THE OCEANS

As mentioned, the 29th Fête de la Musique Philippines also aims to further the cause of protecting the Philippine oceans. This is why the festival has partnered with ScarletBox.io for a special fundraising campaign dedicated to ocean conservation. 

This collaboration features 1,000 NFT art pieces created by renowned photographers across the Philippines and aims to raise funds to support the valuable work of LAMAVE (Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines).

NFT holders will also have the chance to win prizes and can opt to purchase archival prints of their artwork. You can be part of this inspiring endeavor by visiting www.scarletbox.io on June 19 and make a difference for our oceans while owning exclusive digital art pieces.

Further advancing this advocacy for environmental change, #MerSeaFetePH is also collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to host a series of activities inspired by World Oceans Day and the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution.

From Metro Manila to Siargao and Cebu, these activities include coastal clean-ups, tree-planting events, and interactive learning opportunities for the youth. Through these programs, #FetePH participants, especially the youth, will have the chance to actively contribute to environmental conservation effort, fostering their passion and commitment towards a sustainable future.

The 29th edition of Fête de la Musique Philippines is presented by the Alliance Française de Manille in partnership with B-Side Productions and the Embassy of France to the Philippines and co-organized by the Department of Tourism. For more details about its jam-packed events.

Continue Reading: Don’t Miss These Plays And Musicals Coming To The Philippines This 2023

A lot of planning went into the shoot. But it was worth it seeing all the efforts come to fruition for this special collaboration between NYLON Manila, Samsung, and DonBelle.

Related: Independently Awesome: DonBelle Is Embracing Their Main Character Era With Samsung 

In our bucket list of personalities we want to have on our cover, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano are near the top of that list. As two of the hottest Gen Z actors, it was a goal of ours to get them on the cover of one of our fanzines. So, when the opportunity presented itself to have DonBelle be the cover stars for a special Independence Day fanzine with Samsung, we jumped at the chance. 

Through the creative direction of NYLON Manila’s Kenneth Dimaano, we went for a shoot that emboldened Donny and Belle as the main characters of their stories with the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G being their go-to tool to achieve independent awesomeness. Admittedly, we had our work cut out for us preparing this massive undertaking, but we feel it was worth it in the end. Curious to know how it all came to be? Let’s give you a quick look at the process.

HOW IT CAME TO BE

Before we shot Donny and Belle at the studio, first came the pre-production stage, which required the editorial team to be in constant communication with Samsung Philippines, DonBelle’s team, the production crew, the studio staff, and other parties involved in this shoot. For this cover, we went with the theme of “Main Character” and wanted to envision DonBelle as the Gen Z stars that they are.

“For this NYLON Manila cover shoot, we aimed to create a set that would truly showcase the star power of Donny and Belle. Working closely with the NYLON Manila team, we collaborated on an exciting set design that would bring their youthfulness and fun-loving personalities to life,” explains Kenneth. This manifested in two layouts, one featuring an LED screen backdrop, and another with a chain link fence setup. “We decided to incorporate a striking LED screen backdrop and a soft silver couch, providing an energetic and visually captivating environment. We added a fence prop that symbolized breaking barriers and pushing boundaries. This fence not only added visual interest but also represented the idea of DonBelle transcending limitations and embracing their individuality.”

The team, along with production designer Priscilla Zialcita and the rest of the talented creatives, brought the concept to life in what became NYLON Manila’s biggest shoot to date. All that hard work came together on a breezy Saturday at Secret Studios in Mandaluyong. With crew being there as early as 7 AM for the setting-up of the LED screen backdrop and the final video being shot just past 5 PM, it was a long day for everyone involved.

But everyone’s spirits were high, thanks in no small part to DonBelle’s energy they gave on set. Stylists John Lozano and Adrianne Concepcion worked their magic to make Donny and Belle be the personification of independent awesomeness as Dookie Ducay’s photography brought that vibe to life. As for Donny and Belle, both were equal parts fun and professional, not to mention radiating Gen Z energy with their Galaxy A54 5G and A34 5G.

GEN Z POWER COUPLE

Here at NYLON Manila, we don’t just ask our cover stars to pose in front of the camera and call it a day. We want to tell a story in our editorials and portray them in a different light. For DonBelle, we wanted them to embrace their main character moment, and that meant doing more than just the normal poses.

“The thing I love about NYLON Manila is when I see the artists that we put on the cover feel challenged to do something out of the ordinary. Like the poses, makeup, styling… The youthful and creative energy in the studio was felt all around,” shares Elyse Ilagan, NYLON Manila’s Brand Associate. In three layouts, Donny and Belle served with face cards that were never declining. And even if Donny and Belle were on set for hours, weaving between photo and video shoots, there was no diva behavior as they gave what needed to be needed.

Adds Elyse, “This is actually the first shoot we did in a while that I was able to help in the creative aspect. I’m very happy with how it turned out. Working with Belle and Donny was a breeze. They’re such kind and fun people to work with.”

As the one who spent the most time working with Donny and Belle as he directed the shoot, Kenneth had nothing but praise for the power love team. For Belle, he praised her versatility and professionalism, especially coming from previously working with her for our January fanzine. “While directing her in the past, I was pleasantly surprised by her professional modeling skills in addition to her acting and singing talents. Belle’s ability to adapt and excel in different creative realms is a true testament to her multifaceted abilities. She approaches every project with a commitment to bringing her best, understanding the importance of collaboration and achieving the desired looks. Her dedication and enthusiasm make me excited to work with her more on future fashion films and photoshoots.”

And when it came to Donny, working with the actor for the first time was an “absolute delight” for Kenneth. “He truly slayed in every frame, showcasing his professionalism and dedication to his craft. What impressed me the most was his clear vision and his ability to balance my direction with his own creative ideas. There was a seamless collaboration between us on set, resulting in an incredible outcome. Donny’s willingness to contribute his own insights while staying open to guidance made the shoot truly amazing. I appreciate his collaborative nature and his commitment to achieving the best look.”

If you’re itching for more looks at the cover, check out the behind-the-scenes video of the shoot, which, among other things, sees Donny and Belle share their thoughts on being awesome and their favorite feature of the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G, as well as their fashion film.

BEHIND THE SCENES COVER SHOOT

FASHION FILM

GRAB YOUR COPY OF THE SPECIAL DONBELLE FANZINE NOW BY HEADING TO SHOP.NYLONMANILA.COM.

Fashion film director KENNETH DIMAANO
Videographer JR RAMIREZ
Video editor ANDREY DULALIA

Creative Direction KENNETH DIMAANO
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY
Sittings Editor RAF BAUTISTA
Brand Associate ELYSE ILAGAN
Styling ADRIANNE CONCEPCION (for Belle) and JOHN LOZANO (for Donny)
Makeup JAKE GALVEZ (for Belle)
Hair JERRY BUAN JAVIER (for Belle)
Nails by Nica
Grooming JAM PARENO (for Donny)
Production Design PRISCILLA ZIALCITA
Shoot Coordinator MIKA TAFALLA
Shot on Location at SECRET STUDIOS

As BINI marks their second year, let’s look back at all the times the Nation’s Girl Group proved that they were born to win.

Related: Born To Win: BINI Is In It For The Long Haul

The Pinoy pop landscape has evolved throughout the years, making the proudly local genre known and appreciated globally while also transforming the music scene into a more competitive and cutthroat industry. But if there’s a group who was brave enough to take on the challenge and has been consistently thriving in their P-pop journey, BINI is definitely on the upper echelons of that list.

Since their debut two years ago, preceded by rigorous training and meticulous preparations, BINI has remained unwavering in embodying the essence of modern Filipinas. With their fierce beauty, independent spirit, and exceptional talent, they epitomize a local group of global caliber. Amplifying girl power eightfold, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena continuously demonstrate that with determination, passion, and unwavering dedication, success becomes attainable.

Two albums, countless stages, some viral hits, well-deserved recognitions, and thousands of supportive BLOOMs later, BINI maintains their winning momentum, growing and blossoming each year while remaining true to their title as the Nation’s Girl Group. Now, as BINI celebrates their second anniversary, what better way to reflect on the extraordinary power these ladies hold than by revisiting some of their unforgettable performances throughout the years.

In their anniversary video, BINI shares that performing and bringing happiness to people has always been their purpose and fulfillment. And it truly shows, as with every stage they grace, their impact is undeniable. Let’s then take a look at some of the defining moments where BINI proved that they were born to win.

FIRST LIVE PERFORMANCE

Well, who will forget BINI’s first-ever live performance? Fresh in their pre-debut era, BINI performed their single Da Coconut Nut on It’s Showtime. Their performance of their pre-debut single, which puts a spin on the Ryan Cayabyab and Smokey Mountain classic, also went viral online with the girl group gaining praise for showing a lot of promise.

BINI: THE LAUNCH

BINI’s official debut came in June 2021. Titled BINI: The Launch, the special announcement treated fans to a two-part grand online event where they got to know more of the group and their journey. On June 4, fashion and music collided in The Runway where BINI donned specially designed creations from renowned designer Francis Libiran.

The main event came on June 11, where fans had the opportunity to connect with the group through The Showcase. This captivating event featured exhilarating performances, a fan conference, exclusive videos revealing the members’ inspiring journey to becoming BINI, and the highly anticipated premiere of their music video for Born to Win. A core memory-worthy moment for the Blooms indeed.

BORN TO WIN ON ASAP NATIN ‘TO

BINI further proved that they’re a force to be reckoned with on stage with their performance of Born To Win on the longest-running musical variety show, ASAP Natin ‘To. This marked the girls’ first live performance as a debuted group and just like their song, BINI really showed that there’s nothing they can’t do.

ONE DREAM: THE BINI & BGYO CONCERT

On their journey towards becoming the next P-pop sensations, BINI took center stage in a digital concert alongside their Star Magic sibling group, BGYO. Following the success of their debut albums, Born To Win and The Light, BINI and BGYO demonstrated their immense potential in One Dream: The BINI & BGYO Concert.

During the concert, BINI captivated the audience with performances of their original songs such as Born To Win, Unbound, and Kapit Lang, as well as mesmerizing renditions of KZ Tandingan’s Imposible, Maymay Entrata’s Magdamag, and Gary Valenciano’s Ngiti. One Dream undeniably revealed BINI’s remarkable versatility, highlighting their exceptional vocal abilities and impressive choreography skills.

1MX DUBAI

BINI had their early taste of the international stage as they participated in One Music X 2021 (1MX2021) in Dubai, the comeback live event of the The Filipino Channel (TFC). Dubbed as the biggest international Filipino music festival, 1MX Dubai saw the Nation’s Girl Group bannering P-pop with pride alongside BGYO and other Pinoy artists Moira dela Torre, Gigi de Lana, EZ Mil, and Bamboo.

PPOPCON

BINI made history by being a part of the groundbreaking Pinoy Pop Convention (PPOPCON), a momentous event that served as the ultimate fan gathering and a vibrant celebration of Pinoy pop culture and music. PPOPCON also signaled the return of live entertainment in the country following the pandemic.

It goes without saying that BINI slayed with performances of Born To Win, Golden Arrow, and Da Coconut Nut in the PPOPCON stage that they also shared with other P-pop stars including SB19, BGYO, MNL48, Alamat, KAIA, VXON and more. The night was not only overflowing with P-pop greatness but also was a testament to the genre’s vibrant future.

TIKTOK AWARDS

Not only did BINI set the stage on fire with their electrifying renditions of their hit songs Na Na Na and Lagi at the second TikTok Awards Philippines, they also received the P-pop Group of the Year award alongside BGYO, SB19, and MNL48. Nothing here, just Nation’s Girl Group things.

FEEL GOOD ALBUM SHOWCASE

Marking the beginning of a new era, BINI treated the BLOOMs to an intimate event launching their sophomore album with their Feel Good Album Showcase at the SM City North Edsa Skydome. BINI served fiercer, pop star energy as they unveiled their seven-track album including their previously released and chart-topping key track, Strings. A one-for-the-books experience for both BINI and their stans, the musical showcase was a reminder of how far the girls have come and offered a glimpse into the thrilling future that awaits them.

ASAP NATIN ‘TO LAS VEGAS

With their newfound fierceness, BINI then conquered yet another international stage for ASAP Natin ‘To. This time, the girls made their explosive debut in the United States with a fiery set of their comeback single, Strings, at the jam-packed Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. To say that BINI ate is an understatement.

MTV JAMMIN’

Continuing their international takeover, BINI was featured by MTV Asia for their MTV Jammin’ segment. BINI brought the heat to a frigid New York City with performances of their hit tracks Na Na Na, No Fear, and Strings. The girls also went busking in Times Square and collaborated with hip-hop dance company, I Love Dance, gaining new fans along the way.

STAR MAGIC HOT SUMMER PARTY AND STAR MAGIC ALL-STAR GAMES

And most recently, BINI has continued to shine as the main characters on the stage, being featured as headline performers at the Star Magic Hot Summer Party and the Star Magic All-Star Games. BINI’s booked and busy, as they rightfully should be.

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Celebrate BTS’ 10th anniversary with a new feature from Spotify that allows you to flex your fave songs from the group.

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On June 2013, a group of seven young men called the Bulletproof Boy Scouts from a little-known Korean entertainment company crashed their yellow school bus into cardboard boxes and began rapping and singing about society’s expectations of the youth. Ten years later, BTS continues to grow strong as they became that culture-shifting force in the music scene. And even though BTS are still in their military service era, that doesn’t mean our Bangtan Boys would leave their 10th-anniversary celebrations barren. To celebrate the milestone, the members (and especially V) posted a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes pics and videos over the years.

The group also dropped a new song called Take Two, which serves as their latest ode to ARMY. And this all happened under the events of FESTA 2023, which means the celebrations are just getting started. Naturally, BTS being a decade old calls for marathoning their music. But with ten years of hits, bops, and underrated gems, it can honestly be overwhelming to decide which track to play first. Luckily, Spotify is here to help with that with their latest feature that will have you coming up with a whole assortment of playlists, My Top 5: BTS Songs.

TOP 5 WITH BTS

To celebrate BTS’ 10th anniversary, Spotify and the group teamed up to launch this curated love letter experience for ARMY and Spotify listeners. We all have our fave BTS bangers, and with My Top 5: BTS Songs, you will now get a chance to visualize that by ranking and curating your favorite songs from a selection of BTS discography. “Each step of our journey together has been unique and has sounded different along the way. We hope many people enjoy this new experience with Spotify’s My Top 5: BTS Songs and share their favorites with us,” BTS shares.

With a catalog that spans genres like hip-hop, R&B, pop, and more, BTS has music to fit all types of moods. More so than just picking a top five, this curated special selection from BTS with Spotify celebrates their collective discography of the past decade.

SO MANY COMBINATIONS

If you want to use the feature for yourself, here’s how. First, go on the Spotify app and make sure that it’s up to date with the latest version available. Next, head on over to this link. You will be redirected to the in-app experience which will a curated selection of BTS songs. Most of the songs from their main albums, EPs, and singles will be available for you to choose from as you select your five favorite songs. Drag and reorder them in the visual display to create your definitive list.

Of course, the songs you pick are up to you. Maybe you want to go for fave comeback singles, or ballads that will always get you in your feels, B-sides that slap, and so much more. Once you’re done, you’ll receive a personalized digital card with your selections that you can share on social media so that you can let your friends know your taste. And, as the cherry on top, you can select a sharecard that showcases your bias (or bias wrecker). So, go and get to making those Top 5s.

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The Norwegian pop star opens up about her childhood, loving pop music, dealing with fame, and more.

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In the world of music exists the dreaded second album curse or the sophomore slump. It’s basically the belief that following a successful debut album, the second album wouldn’t be able to live up to the hype. But if Heartbreak In The Making, Norwegian pop star Dagny’s first single off her second studio album coming later this year, is any indication, then she’s dodging all those flop allegations.

Dagny Norvoll Sandvik, who goes by her first name of Dagny, has been in the industry since the late 2000s. But it was only in 2016 that the Tromsø, Norway-born artist achieved her breakthrough as she dropped a string of successful singles and collaborations. With her talent of sonically capturing topics with a unique sound, through smart pop hooks, big choruses, and songs that stick, she established herself as one of Europe’s best pop imports.

Her acclaimed 2020 debut album Strangers / Lovers deserved a spot in pop playlists, and with her second full-length effort coming later this year, Dagny is set to solidify her reputation as a pop maestro. We recently got the chance to chat with Dagny as the Norwegian musician opened up about her life, the new chapter that awaits her, and more. Read on below for what she had to say.  

How would you like describe growing up in Norway?

I had a really nice childhood. It was very, very, very musical. I grew up with two parents that were are doing music as well. My parents are jazz musicians and bossa nova. I think that probably influenced my music quite a lot or just my love for music.

How did you end up falling into the pop genre?

When I was growing up, we didn’t really have any pop in the house, and not really rock. I didn’t know a lot about the kind of history and pop-rock because we just didn’t have a lot of it at home. But I would say, being a child of the 90s, it was where a lot of the very melodic pop music came in. I will say it’s a very vivid memory from growing up was listening to the Spice Girls and dressing up as them and so I think that was kind of my first meeting with pop music And then just like discovering the guitar and wanting to write, I think I just naturally did pop melodies.

From where you began as a musician to being a global pop star, has the way you approached your music changed?

I think I’m very much the same person but I would say that my style of music has changed. A lot of my music was very singer-songwriter, more mellow and I was playing a lot more guitar. Once I discovered electric guitars and drums, that’s when I made music that was more energetic and I think it felt more in line with my personality. So I would say that it’s gone from being more vulnerable, melancholic, to be like, empowering in a way.

How do you manage to balance that line between your public and private persona?

I do wonder sometimes whether like, that pressure on artists to kind of share everything and to be so public about every single thing in your life through social media, whether that’s part of why it’s easy to lose yourself and feel like you don’t really have anything that just is private. I grew up in a time when we didn’t have iPhones. So for me, social media doesn’t come as natural as it does for a lot of people that grew up today.

And actually, I feel like that’s also naturally given me a sense of division between sharing and being personal, but not oversharing. By the time people started listening to my music and getting familiar with me as an artist, I’d already had a lot of experience, and I’ve learned to deal with things better. I always say to young artists to spend some time figuring out who you are and how you deal with situations and what you want and don’t want to share.

I met this young girl that was 16 years old, and we were talking about music. And she said to me, yeah, I really want to be a musician, but I feel like it’s too late for me. And I was like, Oh, my God, you’re 16. Like, you’re just getting started. And I think that it’s okay to take your time and learn your craft. I was really lucky to have a lot of time to kind of discover who I was as an artist, before anyone else discovered it. We fall for the pressure to do what everyone tells you. But just trust yourself and then find your own limits to who you are and what you want to do.

When you are in the studio, how do you know when a song is ready?

I don’t think songs are ever ready. I think you can continue on a song forever. And you just always think, Oh, I just need to tweak it a little bit. When you write a song, at least for me, I can feel when it’s a song that I’m just very connected to, and when it’s not. I just don’t believe in perfection. I don’t think there exists such a thing. So sometimes you just have to not overthink it and not think that you know, you have to tweak the song to make it right.

If you feel something when you listen to it, then maybe it is right. And at some point, you just have to learn to let go and let everyone else hopefully connect with it. It’s always a really fine line because you don’t want to release something before you feel like it’s ready. But then you don’t want to get to the point where you overthink it.

Do you ever have regrets when it comes to your music?

Yeah, definitely. It’s good to listen back to the stuff that you did earlier and maybe think, Oh, if I did this today, I will do it like this and this and this because that means that you’ve grown and it means that you’ve developed. At the same time, I think that it’s really nice to listen back to stuff that you’ve done earlier because it’s like a print and image of the time you were in. It’s nice to have a catalog to look back and be like, Oh yeah, that was that period where I was feeling like this or I was really inspired by this and this artist.

But there’s been times where I’ve release a thing and think, Oh, I should have done this and this and this, but then it’s kind of too late because the single is out. But I never feel like pressure to release music just to release music. I’d rather not release music for a moment, while I’m making songs that I’m really happy with, and allow myself that space of creativity.

Did you ever imagine your life or career would take you to where you are now?

I don’t know. I’m a horrible long term planner, so I never imagined like, Oh, where am I going to be in five years? In a way, I didn’t really have an idea of where I was going to be at the age that I’m now. And I think there’s something really nice about that, because you’re just present where you are and you do your best with what you’ve got at the time. And you just hope that that’s going to lead you to whatever comes next.

But I guess if you’ve asked me at like 15 if my only dream was to be become a songwriter. Then I probably would have thought it was crazy to like, fast forward 15 years and seeing that I actually get to live that dream and I really don’t take it for granted. I feel so happy that I get to do this job. I love it so much and I love everything about it.

By the time 2023 comes to an end, what are you hoping to achieve?

I want to put out another album. I don’t want to end this year without having released an album that’s for sure. I’m also doing my biggest show to date in November and I just really want to make an amazing pop show. I went to see Dua Lipa last year and she was just so badass. She was so amazing on stage and so ideally, I would love to make as great of a show as she did. And then I would love to travel, a kind that’s got nothing to do with music. I would love to go somewhere in Asia or South America.

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Lewis Tan shares his preparations for his action roles, his time working on Mortal Kombat, being Asian in Hollywood, representation, and more.

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Film and television actor Lewis Tan is known for his starring roles in Wu Assassins and the Mortal Kombat reboot. In Deadpool 2, he had a small but memorable role as the mutant Shatterstar. And most recently, he played Tolya Yul-Bataar in the second season of Netflix’s Shadow and Bone. His take on action roles is also fitting considering he had extensive martial arts training thanks to his father Philip Tan, a stunt coordinator and fight choreographer. In case you didn’t know, Philip Tan was instrumental in training Everything Everywhere All at Once Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan’s fight scenes in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

As one of the few lead Asian actors in the Hollywood scene, especially when it comes to taking on action roles, there were limited options for him early in his career. “Roles for Asian actors were few, mainly very surface level, never really deep nuanced characters,” Lewis tells NYLON Manila. Because of that, he had to find ways to make room for the depth Asian roles deserved.

“I would have to create things myself that were not in the script that would help me develop a simply written role.” Whenever he books roles and is familiar with casting directors, he keeps his fighting style different, and it’s that tenacity and grit that has helped Lewis establish his presence in the scene. 

TRAINING FOR ACTING ROLES  

While Lewis has played his fair share of challenging roles, playing a Texas high school football player for the American indie drama film Sacrifice, where he played a high school football player and bully from Texas, was the most grueling training he had to prepare for. “I spent many weekends hanging around the Walmart in Texas just listening to people talk and trying to create the accent that I wanted, studying their behavior and mannerisms,” Lewis recalls. 

He wanted to feel authentically Texan, even if that meant catching glances from Walmart security. “I think the Walmart security thought I was a weirdo who was planning to rob the store, so I always bought random things on the way out.” 

Another grueling training that Lewis had to prepare for was Mortal Kombat, a movie that arguably gave Lewis his biggest role to date as Cole Young. Looking back, though, his time on set wasn’t a flawless victory. “Mortal Kombat was the most physically demanding and I wasn’t sleeping a lot so I would rather not relive that again. and if I did I would try to approach it in a more relaxed way.” Still, at the end of the day, he was grateful to have been a part of the adaptation. “I poured my heart and soul and every bit of my body into that one and at the end of the day you can’t control everything, it was a great learning experience.” 

As for Netflix’s Shadow and Bone, he doesn’t miss being outside in the winter of Hungary when he swung around a sword in a sleeveless shirt. The 36-year-old says, “We were filming through COVID-19 protocols which can be extremely tiresome and tedious, so it was inspiring to be surrounded by people who were kind, humble, and a lot of fun to be around.” 

INSPIRING GROWTH 

As an actor, Lewis embodies the roles he takes on. Admittedly, his line of work is one where the line between the role and the self is blurred. “You definitely find those boundaries being blurred and crisscrossed, part of you gets left in the role, part of the role is in you.” He adds regarding setting aside boundaries for the sake of art, “You open part of yourself up to being exposed and that is part of the art form, that is part of being an artist…you have to be able to be a reflection of society in a way that inspires growth, and anything that inspires growth takes sacrifice.” 

He thinks it’s neither right nor wrong as it’s his interpretation of fulfilling his duties as an actor. Art has no boundaries and it’s completely up to the artist themselves if they want to put those limitations. If you learn those boundaries in the art you create, they act as a tool to navigate where you want to take them. 

Even making “it” as an actor, Lewis doesn’t feel that way and hopes he never does. There will be a time you reach a certain point in meeting your goals and you’re thinking what’s the next step. So, what’s Lewis’ next step? “I want to make films forever till I can no longer do it, and then I will just write and travel. I seek the feeling of constantly creating art that you believe in, what happens after that is just extra blessings.” 

Those blessings come in the form of being able to say that you’ve inspired kids to chase their dreams. “When I go to a comic con and there is a huge line of kids that want my autograph and I have made an impact on their lives and inspired them, that is my idea of “making it” I made a difference, that is somewhat satisfying.” 

IMPROVING ONE’S CRAFT

After he completes a big acting project, Lewis admits that he’s not one to rest as often as he’d want to. His type of resting isn’t a quiet day at home though but traveling all over the world, which is his way to reset himself and ground his energy. “Traveling through the African desert on a camel, or sand surfing in Brazil, or free diving in Thailand…these moments are powerful to me and charge me up in a way, so that is my rest.” 

Fully embracing he’s good at what he does, it’s a continuous state of wanting to improve his craft. “It is a constant process of maturation, most people will say the first album of a particular band is always the best, most raw, but the last albums are sell-outs and oh they changed, but I like to see the maturation, I like to see the art form as a whole process.” 

Back in 2021, he was seen on a billboard on the side of a building for Mortal Kombat promotions. The kind of message he wants to relay to his fellow Asian artists wanting to break barriers in a predominantly Westernized entertainment industry is “Seeing is believing. Find some bigger buildings for the billboards, we are here to stay.”

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Whether you’re a part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, Pride Month is a time to live and be free.

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While we’ve celebrated Pride for decades, this year’s celebrations and protests feel just as urgent. With all the advances we’ve had as a society in terms of inclusion and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community, there have been multiple setbacks. Drag continues to be vilified, the transgender community is under attack from those who wish to erase them, and the SOGIE Bill counties to languish in government.

Now, more than ever, we should not turn our back on Pride as we continue to advocate for people across all backgrounds and spectrums. As Pride Month continues, we’ve listed down a few suggestions on how you can still make the most of the month and live the spirit of Pride. 

ATTEND PRIDE EVENTS AND MARCHES

This June will see dozens of events be held all over the Philippines to celebrate, commemorate, and advocate for Pride, If you’re looking to do just that, you may want to attend one, two, or multiple events. Two of the biggest ones will be happening on June 24. The first is Pride Festival 2023, which will have a theme of Love, Laban: A Celebration of the Fight for Love in All Forms and Ways, and will be going down in Quezon City. The second one is Metro Manila Pride’s march and festival with this year’s theme being Tayo and Kulayaan and will take place at Circuit Makati.

If you’re looking for that special music kick in your Pride festivities, you may also want to attend Pop Emergency and UMUSIC Philippines’ Pride and Power Volume III: Loves Takes Space in Quezon City on June 17, which will see drag queens, queer advocates, and allies come together. Chances are, a Pride event may be happening in your neighborhood, so feel free to attend any you like. Just remember what the whole point of these events is about, and tip your local drag queens, if you can.

BE A GOOD ALLY

Pride Month, and all months of the year actually, is a good time to be a supportive ally towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride is all about celebrating and fighting for the rights of the community, and the last thing they need is for people to turn their backs on them. It doesn’t take long to realize that we still have a long way to go for LGBTQIA+ acceptance in the Philippines. Pride is still a protest, after all. Support also doesn’t need to be done through grand gestures, it can be as simple as accepting and respecting LGBTQIA+ family and friends and making them feel seen and heard. It literally costs zero pesos to be a good ally.  

BE WHO YOU ARE

Pride Month is all about waving your flag and embracing who you are. A time to be loud and proud, Pride Month brings together the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies to advance the cause of creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone to live to the fullest. Simply being who you are and living your truth is enough to bring meaning to Pride. While some try to tear down the community and brush off their concerns as not important, that shouldn’t stop you from embracing your liberating, unapologetic, and boundless colors.

SUPPORT QUEER-OWNED AND ALLIED BUSINESSES

While it is nice seeing big corporations show their support to the LGBTQIA+ community, rainbow capitalism can be a double-edged sword, especially since some companies can back away from their support at the hint of criticism (*cough* Target *cough). This is why, this Pride Month, show your support towards queer Filipino-owned and true allied businesses by directing your wallet towards them. Cop yourself items that are brimming with Pride, such as LollyKiss’ sweet and special Pride lollies that feature over 30 designs across the spectrum. Whether you are a part of the community or an ally, know that your shopping is going to the right people.

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