Fill those creepy nights with these Filipino horror games that are brimming with haunting tales and locally made scares.

Related: 9 Filipino-Made Video Games That Are Worth The Download

From classics like the Resident Evil series to more modern hits like Dead by Daylight, horror video games will always have a special place in gamers’ hearts. First-person, third-person, shooter, multiplayer, survival-horror, and more, scary video games come in all kinds of genres that continue to keep us at the edge of our seats. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of putting on your headphones, turning off the lights, and playing your favorite horror game as you feel as if someone or something is watching you. Even if you don’t play horror games, you’ve probably watched a couple of Let’s Play of people doing so. 

But while we will always have our Outlasts and Dead Spaces of this world, we turn the spotlight to locally-made horror games. The Philippine gaming scene is a small one, but it is growing with a talented community of Filipino developers who are making games for a variety of genres, and that includes horror. So, if you’re looking to spice up your horror games library with some local frights, check out these following Filipino-made horror games. 

LIGAW

You’ve probably seen this game on your feed recently, and that’s for a good reason. Psychological horror game Ligaw was developed by Raven Studios and served as their thesis at the University of Caloocan City in 2022. The game centers on the life of a delivery package rider as the player is tasked with delivering packages in Caloocan City. But one day, you are asked to drop a delivery inside a house, which soon leads the character to experience strange visions as they realize that something wrong is afoot. 

This Philippines-set game puts the focus on the delivery riders of the country with how the dark atmosphere, unsettling story, and creepy occurrences serve as a creative reflection of how their livelihoods aren’t easy to come by. You can download the game here. 

NIGHTFALL: ESCAPE

From Zeenoh Inc. comes this Filipino horror game released in June 2016. With a story that spans from Spanish colonial rule to the present day, the survival horror game has players assume the role of Ara Cruz, an investigative reporter who is researching a set of mysterious murders. Her search leads her to an old mansion where creatures, monsters from Filipino folklore, and dark spirits roam its halls as players have to solve the mystery and make it out alive. You can download the game here. 

ANG OSPITAL

Hospitals have always been a great setting for horror games for reasons you can probably guess. Such is the case with this project from Underdog Games, a group of developers from the University of Caloocan City. The first-person game takes place at the Bridgerough National Institute of Mental Health in Baguio City. The player takes control of Kate, who is goaded by her friends to go ghost-hunting in Baguio, which leads them to the abandoned mental hospital. But they soon realize that there are horrors inside the institution that have yet to be buried as Kate, and by extension, the player, has to find out what happened to their friends and not die. 

Aside from being a survival horror experience, Ang Ospital also serves as a commentary on the not-so-ideal state of mental care in the Philippines. Mental health is a major pillar of the game, as seen in how Kate is struggling with her mental health as players need to control her anxiety. You can download the game here.  

GOODNIGHT

This Solitary Studios-developed indie game follows Veronica, a young girl who survives a fire that kills her entire family. As the only survivor of the incident, Veronica is left scared as the accident causes her to experience haunting paranormal activities. You can check out the game for yourself by downloading it here. 

LUCAS

When your inspirations for a horror game are Resident Evil 7 and Outlast, you know you’re on the right track. That’s the vibe Lucas is hoping to give. Developed by Kenneth Agar, who is also behind other horror titles such as Nyctophobia Devil Unleashed, Lucas brings players into a demented world where they can’t fight back as players can only hide from the terrors the game has in store. As of this writing, Lucas is still in its demo phase, but it’s worth checking out, which you can do here. 

SAINT MAKER

Unlike the other games on this list, Saint Maker, which was developed by Yangyang Mobile, is a story-focused visual novel that features heavy use of religious iconography. Players follow Holly Beltran as she goes on a religious recollection at Saint Idelora’s Convent. As you can imagine, things don’t turn out well for Holly as the convent holds its fair share of dark secrets. With over six hours of content, professionally-voiced lines, and different endings based on the player’s choices, Saint Maker is going to have you relive those traumatic recollection experiences all over again. You can download the game here. 

Continue Reading: 9 Horror Movies That Will Keep You Up All Night On Halloween

From clothing swaps to joint pop-ups, community fashion events are a fun, practical, and unique way to shop for clothes.

Related: This Mid- to Plus-Size Clothes Swap Event Is Tailored Towards Inclusivity and Sustainability

We’ve all pretty much heard of pop-up shops before. They’re little stores that are “deliberately temporary” because perhaps the store doesn’t have a permanent fixture in that location, or the brand doesn’t actually have a physical store.

But they’re not just stores. In this context, community fashion pop-up events can house clothing swaps or closet sales—any kind of fashion event that involves moving of clothing from one ownership to another. Last October 21-22, photographer Shaira Luna hosted a creatives closet sale in Makati where people could score designer or vintage pieces owned by creatives, including the likes of Zild and Anne Curtis.

On October 28-29, one of such community fashion pop-up events will be held at Spotlight Creatives Studio in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. The Diwa Community pop-up event Be Your Own Muse offers not just pieces from brands like Nin and Yang, Le Scarpe, and Beyond Collective, but also workshops and a chance to get flash tattoos. The growing diversity of fashion pop-up events allow for building community, generating conversation, and conscious consumption. If that’s not enough to get you interested in hunting for pop-ups near you, let the reasons below change your mind.

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A post shared by Likhaan (@atinglikhaan)

ITS A COMMUNAL EXPERIENCE

Photo courtesy of Likhaan

Shopping’s always better with a friend. More than that, pop-up events allow you to interact with other people, see what they’re interested in, maybe exchange tips or fashion knowledge, and so much more. As community fashion pop-ups gain traction, you’re able to actually get to know the people behind the brands, and the people whose interests and style perhaps align with yours.

FROM ONLINE TO IRL

Photo courtesy of Likhaan

Be honest, how many brands you’ve seen on your Instagram feeds have you wanted to try but didn’t because it’s hard to figure out if a piece fits you online? Well, look no further. These are usually the kinds of brands that have no physical store, but will set up shop at pop-ups.

YOU CAN SUPPORT LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES

instagram/beyondcollective__

Labels such as Nin & Yang, Beyond Collective, Sanina, Miu The Label, and so much more, are not your typical big-name fast fashion conglomerates. Some of them are founded and led by young women who are at the forefront of mindful creation and consumption. By shopping at pop-ups, you can patronize these small local brands.

YOU CAN FIND SOMETHING UNIQUE—OR SCORE DEALS

Photo taken by Mikey Martin (@badwriterworselensmanproject)

One of the best things about patronizing small brands at pop-ups is that you can find something totally unique—something not worn by anybody else or something that’s one-of-a-kind because of the way its pieced together (like retaso pieces). Brands also sometimes offer discounts, early access to new releases, or pop-up exclusive items, like what sustainable brand Beyond Collective is doing for the Be Your Own Muse event. Imagine the rare loot you can cop.

THERE’S MORE THAN JUST SHOPPING

Photo courtesy of Likhaan

As pop-ups diversify, they don’t just end up as bazaars where people hawk at customers to buy their products. There can be food, cafe-style hangout areas, styling or photography workshops, and so much more. Some events host panels or roundtables where creators or brands can talk about their advocacies. The possibilities are endless, and it’s wonderful to see how these kinds of events can change fashion practices among communities.

Photos in artwork courtesy of Likhaan, Mikey Martin, and Beyond Collective.

Continue Reading: Project Pop Up: In The Renaissance Of Filipino Fashion Fairs, Young Creatives Are Front And Center

DonBelle’s new romantic drama Can’t Buy Me Love is so far not disappointing when it comes to the bardagulan between wealthy socialite Caroline and an already stressed-out Bingo.

Related: Can’t Buy Me Love’s Full Trailer Got Us Even More Excited For DonBelle’s First Teleserye

At six episodes in so far, Can’t Buy Me Love is proving itself to be a primetime favorite, blending genres and telling a compelling narrative helmed by its superstar leads Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan. Can’t Buy Me Love tells the story of Caroline Tiu (Mariano), a wealthy heiress who finds herself in the middle of a dangerous plot, and Bingo Mariano (Pangilinan), a struggling young man who saves her and gets tangled up in the mess.

The series delves into crime, romance, family, and class disparities, putting fresh twists on classic tropes. Amongst the heart-racing and sad scenes, the comedy in the series is also a hit, largely owed to the dynamic between Caroline and Bingo, the stoic, sosyal heiress versus the working class and down-on-his luck young man. Here’s a few of our favorite comical moments from the show we can’t get enough of.

STRESSED NA SI BINGO

@dbubblyssa Goodmorning cargo😆❤️ #bellemariano #donnypangilinan #donbelle #donbellempire #starcreatives #netflix #iwanttfc #ggthemovie #cantbuymelove #dbubblyssaedits #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – 𝓔𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓷𝓪¹⁴³

Bingo, who’s already struggling with money and the health complications of his lola, gets hit with a new wave of stress when his and Caroline’s paths cross. The young man saves her from a kidnapping plot and from drowning, but now has to deal with someone whose life is so vastly different from his. This screaming scene is the epitome of “rich girl gets thrown to the wolves” and the way Mariano and Pangilinan commit to the bit is so funny to watch.

A CAB RIDE THE PRICE OF A PLANE TICKET

@netflixph waiting for the day i get to use “anak ng panty” in a sentence, too 💀 #CantBuyMeLove #CBML #DonBelle #DonnyPangilinan #BelleMariano #Netflix #DonBelleEndgame #DonBelleEmpire ♬ original sound – Netflix Philippines

“Anak ng panty” indeed! After Caroline hails a cab to run some errands, she and Bingo reunite and he discovers the fare meter’s up to a whopping five thousand pesos. That’s enough for a trip to Boracay!

BINGO’S TIP

Tip talaga ni Bingo 'to para sa mga katulad kong gastadora, Caroline kasi ramdam ko tuloy yung magTIPid ka 😭#CBMLOnNetflixEP7 #CantBuyMeLove#BelleMariano #DonnyPangilinan pic.twitter.com/ba79TGAXYl

— lia tiu (@jj98100210) October 22, 2023

This one hit a little too close to home! From Caroline’s Taglish to Bingo’s hilariously snide remark that she stop spending so recklessly, these 6 seconds capture their banter-driven dynamic so well. There’s a reason it’s racked up over 2 million views and enticed people to watch the show!

SHINGALING

@celldbedits BINGO😭😭 #bellemariano #donnypangilinan #cantbuymelove #bingomariano #carolinetiu #donbelle #fyp ♬ original sound – 𝐂

You know, we kind of get Caroline’s exasperation. Shingaling pa more. This kind of banter is truly amusing, as the characters and storylines are something new for the two actors. Mariano and Pangilinan do a great job at showing range.

20 FOR SHAMPOO

@ndg971 San kaya gawa yung shampoo mo Ling😅😂 #cantbuymelove 🥰 #carolintiu #bellemariano #donnypangilinan #tiktokvideo #foryourpage ♬ original sound – NDG

The shampoo chronicles are the driving comedic force behind this episode. While Caroline adjusts to temporarily living with less, shampoo is one thing she refuses to skimp out on. From the misunderstanding of what 20 means to trying to look for her shampoo at a sari-sari store, Caroline’s naivete and Bingo’s increasing stress and incredulity make for an entertaining narrative thread.

LIST IT DOWN

@abscbn Kaya sa may mga utang d’yan, bayad bayad din. 😆 #CantBuyMeLove #Kapamilya #ABSCBN #FYP #DonBelle ♬ original sound – ABS-CBN

Caroline’s already racked up a bit of a debt to Bingo, amounting to over 200,000. Bingo listing it down so accurately is not just funny, but alongside the serious exchange they had about how much money means to Bingo, it’s a glaring indication of how different their lives are. And the way bingo unlocks the phone with his cute smile is too wholesome for words.

The show does well to show these disparities both in comedic and serious light, nuancing the relationships and narrative within it. Can’t Buy Me Love is shaping up to prove itself able to balance genres and endear us to both Caroline and Bingo, making us want to see more of them, their relationship, and the whole story.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND, BINGO?

@doughnbil wait? tawang tawa ko 😭 the way tarzan was anticipating for it? BINGO IS SO READY FOR IT #cantbuymelove #donbelle #fyp #foryou #donnypangilinan #bellemariano #trending ♬ september on crack ft. a recorder (Earth, Wind & Fire – September) – frickin weeb

Now, Bingo, what could you possibly be thinking? As Caroline starts with her makeover, Bingo’s mind clearly went to places, only to be let down by the result. The disappointment was palpable!

THE BLAME GAME

@netflixph in 200 characters, sino ang may sala sa pagka-late ni bingo? discuss. #CantBuyMeLove #CBML #BelleMariano #DonnyPangilinan #DonBelle #Netflix #Donbelleendgame #donbelleempire ♬ original sound – Netflix Philippines

Upon meeting again, Caroline and Bingo had a bit of a standoff as Bingo realizes that the vehicle that caused him to be late for his presentation was owned by Caroline. Angry and adamant, he scolds a confused Caroline—who immediately, hilariously, turns the tables.

You can watch more of Caroline and Bingo’s adventures on Netflix, iWantTFC, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Jeepney TV, TFC, A2Z, or TV5.

Continue Reading: 6 Reasons Why We’re Hyped For DonBelle’s First Teleserye, Can’t Buy Me Love

It may have taken a while, but The Corrs undoubtedly left us breathless with their two-day concert in the Philippines.

Related: Five Years Later, ONE OK ROCK Have Nothing But Love For Their Filipino Fans

Here’s a bit of trivia for you: the last time The Corrs held a concert in the Philippines was all the way back in 2001. For some of you reading this article, you probably weren’t even born yet at the time. But still, the band remains a staple for many Filipinos’ musical diets. From the playlists to the karaoke bars, The Corrs have a dedicated fanbase in the country.

So, even if an entire generation came of age in between their concerts, the crowd at their recent two-day show at the Araneta Coliseum was ready for them. The nostalgia hit was real as thousands of Pinoy fans revealed in The Corrs’ staple of hits and timeless classics. Here are a few highlights from the evening. 

THE LOVE FOR RUNAWAY

@kristofferpatrick Runaway 🥰🥹 The Corrs witnessing the love of the Filipino fans 🥰 Andrea for sure felt that 🥹 #thecorrs #thecorrsrunaway #thecorrsinmanila #thecorrsinmanila2023 #concert ♬ original sound – Kristoffer Patrick

No matter what mood you’re in, Runaway will always get you singing. It’s no wonder that when the band played the hit track during the tail end of their concert, fans got excited and sang the song like their families’ lives were dependent on it. 

WHEN THEY PLAYED BREATHLESS

@kristofferpatrick Everyone went nuts!!! The Corrs live and back in Manila after 22 years!!! So much worth the money and wait!!! #thecorrs #thecorrsbreathless #thecorrsmanila2023 #philippines #concert ♬ original sound – Kristoffer Patrick

It’s hard to have just one favorite The Corrs song, but if we were to choose, Breathless would be near the top. The first five seconds just bring out something inside us and make us feel like we time traveled back to the early 2000s. The hype was real for what was a clear crowd favorite on both nights. 

ANDREA CORRS GETTING EMOTIONAL

@perkeenli Still just as popular today as it was when it was first released. ❤️ #thecorrsmanila2023 #thecorrsrunaway ♬ original sound – Jen

It has often been said that Filipino crowds are some of the best concert crowds in the entire world. A general love of live music and the nostalgia of seeing The Corrs live again meant that The Big Dome was brimming with fans who were ready to let it all out. And lead singer Andrea Corrs was a witness to all that. 

You could tell that Andrea was moved by the love and passion of the Filipino audience to the point where she even got emotional and shed a few tears. During Runaway, she even got on her knees as she asked the crowd to sing the chorus. It’s that kind of special moment you can only see between an artist and their fans. 

THE TAGALOG SPIEL

@04kevin1980 Andrea Corr Speaks Tagalog In Filipino Fans Live in Manila 2023 #thecorrs #thecorrsmanila2023 #fyp ♬ original sound – HomoSapien🇵🇭▶️🇹🇼▶️🇰🇼🇨🇦

Filipinos weren’t the only ones showing love at The Corrs concert. So too did the band return the love, like when Andrea spoke a bit of Tagalog to the audience during one of her spiels. “Masaya kami makabalik dito,” she said to roars from the crowd. If The Corrs do come back to the Philippines, hopefully, it won’t take another twenty years. 

Continue Reading: And We’re Live: Concerts, Festivals, And Fanmeets Coming To The Philippines This 2023 (And Beyond)

I will not advise you to delete Facetune or go filter-free on your posts, but like anything else, it’s best to use photo editing in moderation.

Related: You’re Not the Best And That’s Okay: Here’s Why You Should Stop Comparing Yourself to Other People

Back then, face filters were fun and made for the carefree. Remember that ghost from Camera 360, the grids from Retrica, and Snapchat circa 2016? Those playful filters added a touch of ~personality~ to our photos, creating laughter and shared memories with friends. Fast forward to today, and it’s undeniable that as social media plays an increasingly significant role in our lives, the influence of editing apps and face filters cannot be overstated.

These once not-so-harmful features have evolved into a cultural phenomenon that extends beyond mere entertainment. They have become powerful tools for communication, self-expression, and personal branding in the digital age, shaping not only our selfies but also our online identities, our perception of reality, and our relationship with our body.

With Facetune at my fingertips, I must admit, I’ve been one of those who became dependent on photo editing for the sake of approval from strangers on social media. Ever since I started feeling insecure about my weight, my waistline, and my face shape, I recall spending hard-earned money on a subscription. That’s years of annual fees I won’t get back. But that’s the point, right? Facetune and TikTok face filters made me feel like that girl for a split second, until I had to look in the mirror. If you’re like me, here’s a reality check, and let’s start taking notes on the personal side effects that come with excessive enhancement of photos.

Unrealistic Self-Image

The hype around face filters and Facetune is all about that instant glow-up, right? A few swipes, and voilà, I’m serving the waistline and skin texture of an IG model. We’ve all been there, embracing the power of photo-editing tools to create that picture-perfect version of ourselves. But then, it gets tricky: seeing these edited images all the time has somehow set these unrealistic (and highly personal) beauty standards that mess with how I see my own body.

We live in a world where the line between who we present ourselves as on social media and who we are in real life blurs more each day. In the pursuit of being Insta-worthy, I obsessed over Facetune and photo enhancement tools that, at one point, I almost forgot what I truly looked like. I vividly recall that it was during a trip when reality came crashing back. A friend airdropped a few unedited photos of me, and that’s when the Filter Frenzy became too real. It was a moment of realization, serving as a reminder that our digital personas and real-life selves should coexist, without allowing one of them to overshadow the other.

Depleted Self-Confidence

The relentless pursuit of the picture-perfect image using Facetune has had a profound impact on my self-confidence. For those unfamiliar, there’s this little option at the bottom right corner of the app that reveals the before and after versions of your photo. Every time I click on it to ensure no pixel is out of place, I find myself in a perpetual tug-of-war. On one hand, there’s a sense of pride that I’ve mastered the art of editing, creating stunning photos that, in truth, feel far from reality. But on the other hand, there’s a nagging frustration that I actually don’t look like that, and I’m caught between these conflicting emotions.

When I first realized that I had the power to alter my photos to conform to these idealized standards, it was exhilarating. The likes, the comments, the validation, even from people I don’t like—they all became addictive. This depleted self-confidence is a direct consequence of relying on external validation, particularly from people who were, essentially, strangers.

Living for the Likes

The pressure to maintain that meticulously curated digital persona? It’s relentless, and it feels like an endless game. The more picture-perfect the image, the more those likes and comments roll in, and thus the vicious cycle of seeking validation continues. You see, those face filters and Facetune create this high-pressure environment where the reward is that momentary rush of ‘OMG, you’re stunning’ type of social media approval. It’s instant gratification, but it’s also incredibly fleeting, like a digital high that leaves you craving more.

It’s easy to feel like I’ve tied my self-worth to my data analytics and engagement metrics, letting the number of likes and comments define how I perceive myself. It’s a dizzying, sometimes soul-crushing ride.

No Truths, All Lies

Back in my student days, I can recall girls from the batches below me sliding into my DMs, saying how I had boosted their self-confidence. It felt amazing to realize that I’d become a role model for them, and honestly, I wished I had someone like that to look up to when I was their age. But here’s the kicker — it was a total wake-up call when I realized that the person who had inspired them to become confident in their skin is someone who has no confidence at all.

I’ve always been well aware that social media is fake. But it’s a whole different level of frustration when you’re the one behind the curtain, creating and feeding the illusion. I mean, trusting the whole process of taking photos, playing around with color grading, and finding those angles for that perfect shot is one thing. Then it’s a whole other thing when you’re morphing your face, widening your hips, and smoothing your skin through Facetune. The pressure to maintain that Instagram feed takes a toll, and the line between real life and the carefully constructed persona starts to blur. It can leave you wondering, who am I, really? It’s a trip down the rabbit hole of self-identity in the digital age.

Social Media vs. My Reality

My life through the world of Facetune, face filters, and the quest for a picture-perfect image has been quite the ride. I’ve tried these digital tools, the relentless pursuit of validation, and the challenges they pose to my self-esteem and self-identity.

What I’ve learned recently is that while these technologies can alter my photos, they shouldn’t define my self-worth. It’s never too late to embrace self-acceptance and self-love, to recognize that genuine confidence isn’t rooted in the approval of strangers or the pursuit of fleeting ‘likes.’ The silver lining? Entering the era of self-identity and authenticity in the digital age is a process, and you have the power to reclaim that sense of self. In a world where pixels and face filters reign, remember that real beauty and self-worth are far from the phone screen.

Continue Reading: Here Are 7 Small Beauty Business Ideas for Every Gen Z Girlie

In the latest episode of playable Filipino characters in video games, Apex Legends joins the list with the introduction of their newest legend, Conduit.

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

If we had a peso for every time a video game would include a playable Filipina character with electricity powers, we’d have two, but the fact that there’s more than one seems to indicate that developers have a type. And that number is about to go up by one, as after Zeri from League of Legends and Neon from Valorant, a new playable Filipina with the power to control electricity enters the fray with Apex Legends’ Conduit.

UTANG NA LOOB 

If you’ve been keeping up with Apex Legends as of late, then you’d know that EA’s popular free-to-play battle royale is launching its 19th Season this October 31, with the new update introducing a new playable character. Over the past few days, Respawn Entertainment has been teasing that the new character was going to be of Filipino origin after it shared an image of the legend talking to their parents in a mix of English and Tagalog. The release of their latest Stories from the Outlands series gave us our first look at the Filipina. 

As the four-minute video shows, we find a young Conduit as her village is being attacked by the Ion Force. That is, until, a Monarch Titan with a shoulder detail of the sun seen on the Philippine flag lands and saves the village. As the titan 1-v-5s other titans, it decides to nuke itself (a true Titanfall experience), saving the village. We then find Conduit growing up in happier times with her family, all while lines of Tagalog and other displays of local culture are seen. 

But one day, her sister, Rowenna, comes home with a grave injury, which affects her family’s livelihood as bills start to pile up on the table. Desperate to help her family, Conduit goes to the grave site of the fallen Monarch Titan as her exposure to the radiation from the mech’s battery gives Conduit her powers that she will use in the Apex Games as she seeks to help her family. 

A FILIPINA LEGEND 

Conduit’s origins tie into the title for her Stories from the Outlands video, For Us, Utang na Loob, as it serves as a reflection of how she Apex Games because of how it’s her turn to help her family. “Inspired by the hero that once saved her life, Conduit trades her own future for the opportunity to become an Apex Legend and provide for her family,” says the official description of the video. A very Filipino origin story is we do say so ourselves. 

In the game, she’ll don blue and yellow armor crafted from a Titan, a fitting homage considering that she was saved by and got her powers from a Titan. As per her gameplay trailer, Conduit’s passive is Savior’s Speed, which grants her increased movement speed when running towards a teammate outside tactical range. Her tactical is Radiant Transfer, which grants her allies temporary shields. Her ultimate, meanwhile, is Energy Barricade where she launches an array of shield jamming devices that damages and slows enemies. You can check out the support legend for yourself when she launches alongside Season 19 on October 31. 

Continue Reading: Neon Is The Latest Agent Coming To Valorant, And She’s Filipino

There’s definitely a few reasons why so many artists praise the Philippines for being a great stop and Filipinos for being a great concert crowd!

Related: 6 Ways You Can Keep Yourself Safe At Your Next Concert

“Manila has a different energy.” “The Filipino fans are loud. They aren’t like other fans. They sing with us, interact with us.” “This may not be the biggest arena that we’ve been to, but definitely the loudest.” “Easily the loudest crowd we’ve played to in a very long time.” These are just a few of the praises sung by international artists about a Filipino crowd, namely from The Rose, ONE OK ROCK, ENHYPEN, and Kodaline.

Of course, it’s common practice for artists to praise the crowd they’re performing for everywhere. But something just hits different in the Philippines, and plenty of artists admit it. Do bigger crowds and bigger stadiums do better somewhere else? Sometimes. Are we the perfect crowd? Maybe not. But are we able to express our appreciation and enthusiasm in a way that artists are able to realize just how much we love them? Absolutely. So, here’s a few reasons why artists often say that they love the crowds and that they’ll definitely come back to the Philippines “soon” in almost every concert.

WE’RE NOT AFRAID TO BE LOUD

Chaelisa getting goosebumps bc the manila crowd’s so loud 😭 pic.twitter.com/KS2g9aRscD

— chaelisa best (@chaelisaonli) March 25, 2023

I dare you to scour through the internet to find a concert from an international artist where they don’t praise a Philippine crowd for having epic energy. Even fans from other countries who attend their faves’ concert here often admit that Filipino crowds are unlike anything they’ve experienced before. We’re loud, we’re proud, and we don’t care who hears.

WE CAN AND WILL SING

Personally, we will never get tired of seeing the look of appreciation and awe on artists’ faces when a crowd—any crowd—sings their songs back to them beautifully. The Philippines is no exception, as Filipinos can sing songs like its their own. Must be all that karaoke. Whatever language the songs may be in, and whether it’s before the show with all the instrumental tracks (like at SEVENTEEN’s Be The Sun in Manila) or during, like with Sam Smith themself, it’s guaranteed that voices will fill that stadium like the artist got their own choir singing backup.

WE’LL SCREAM FOR YOU NO MATTER WHAT

@nylonmanila This will never not be funny 😭😭😭 #READYTOBE_IN_BULACAN_D1 #TWICE_5TH_WORLD_TOUR #TWICE ♬ original sound – NYLON Manila

No matter who you are or what you say—if we’re in that arena or stadium with you, you can bet we’ll be screaming and chanting our heads off. At festivals, even if we only came for one of the artists on there, we’ll still be cheering you on. If an artist says anything from “Are you ready?!” to “I want to try lechon,” we will scream and chant your name like it’s a performance of its own. Peak energy.

WE HAVE PARTIES OF OUR OWN

Listen up, Taylor Swift. Whether you come here for a show or not, we’ll be celebrating you and your music like a concert of our own. Whether it’s a show by Taylor Sheesh or in cinemas watching your Eras Tour film, we’ll prove how much we love the party that is the shared experience of music.

And also, for concerts, we hold little gatherings of our own. From getting ready together to giving away freebies and giveaways in the parking lot of a concert arena, or having our own afterparties after the show, there’s a good time beyond the concert itself. Remember when Louis Tomlinson was at Xylo?

WE TREASURE EACH EXPERIENCE DEEPLY

@nylonmanila #SabrinaCarpenter on Manila (and the Philippines) making Nonsense go viral. 🇵🇭🥹✨#SabrinaCarpenterMNL #EmailsICantSendMNL ♬ original sound – NYLON Manila

From singing each note flawlessly to matching the energy of their performances, Filipino concert crowds are lively, passionate, and highly appreciative of the live show and artistry they witness . We love the live show experience—we don’t just stick to listening to the song on our phones. We will queue for hours to get tickets, get to concert venues way early, or keep mementos of each show. Plenty of crowds around the world are the same, of course, but there’s truly nothing like a Filipino concert audience.

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With street style, princesscore, and edgy ensembles, Bea Borres proves that the color pink isn’t ‘too girly.’

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It might not be Wednesday, but we’re painting the town pink. Whether it’s bubblegum pink, princess pink, or the iconic pink from the Barbie movie, this stunning shade has been making a splash in the fashion scene, spotted on fashion-forward individuals and runway-ready A-listers alike.

While you might initially think that wearing this color can be too girly, bold, or anything in between, Bea Borres is making a compelling case for pink outfits—and we’re obsessed. Here’s a rundown of every pink OOTD she has worn to brunch, photoshoots, and while traveling Europe.

BLACKPINK-Inspired

Wearing this Blackpink-inspired ensemble, Bea radiates the confidence of an edgy idol, as if she’s commanding a concert stage in the heart of Paris. And those ribbons? They’re not just accessories; this 20-year-old knows her presence is the present.

Malibu Barbie IRL

Channeling her inner Malibu Barbie, Bea wears this form-fitting dress in the iconic shade of hot pink. And with that body, it’s ok if Bea isn’t wearing any accessories. This Skims Lounge Long Slip Dress is the moment.

It’s Giving Sarah Cameron of Outer Banks

We’ve seen Outer Banks-inspired outfits trending on TikTok, and this particular ensemble is channeling the spirit of Sarah Cameron herself. The combination of denim shorts, a bikini top, and an oversized shirt has me eagerly counting down the days until we can embrace the carefree comfort of t-shirt weather.

Princess Diaries

Whether you’re looking at the beautiful background, the pretty pink dress, or the diamonds, we can’t deny that Bea looks like a modern-day princess in these photos. I mean, that silk simply adds that touch of sophistication.

Sundresses and Sunny Days

You can’t go wrong with a maxi summer dress, and did I mention that it’s pink and floral? This combination not only promises comfort and style but also brings a touch of nature’s beauty to your summertime wardrobe, making it the perfect choice for sunny days, picnics in the park, and leisurely strolls by the shore.

Think Pink

If you’re heading out to a Sunday brunch with your girlfriends, think pink and take notes from Bea’s dainty OOTD. I don’t know which one I’d want to steal – the makeup look, the corset top, or that heart-shaped bag. Like, everything looks pretty in pink.

Winter is Coming

While we traditionally associate winter with cool, icy colors like blue and white, Bea has a wardrobe that reimagines winter OOTDs. She effortlessly introduces a touch of playfulness by vibing with pink puffer vests, cozy leg warmers, and adorable ear muffs.

Y2K Yearbook

Why jump on the AI trend train when you can create your own Y2K Yearbook photoshoot? For this theme, Bea incorporates all things pink, from her dress to her hair clips and props. It’s a creative way to celebrate the past while bringing a touch of that retro charm into the present.

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Even our brains need their sweet company.

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It’s pretty fascinating to think about how our brain is carrying literally everything we have ever seen, heard, smelled, tasted, felt, and learned throughout our lives. All the little fragments of existence from our birth to this very moment are stored somewhere within our brains. Considering the amount of information it holds, we could send it into overdrive, affecting both our productivity and performance.

It has been said that brains are for creating ideas, not for storing them. There are tons of ways on how to keep our brains healthy and organized. One click on YouTube, and you’ll probably see a meditation video instructing your brain to relax, whichever works for you. Another technique is to sort out those scribbles of thoughts by building a second brain. 

Basically, It’s Like A Flash Drive For The Brain

via GIPHY

Coined by productivity expert Tiago Forte, the second brain is creating a system – outside your physical skin-and-bone bodily boundaries – for storing, organizing, and eventually transforming information.

Simply put, a second brain acts like an external flash drive or an extension of your brain. It could be something tangible, like a journal or a planner. It could also be digital, which is more common, in the form of a Notion page, an online tracker, or simply your Notes app. It is allotting a new outlet for thoughts or to-do lists where it can physically be seen by the eye. 

Translating important information outside your brain and into a physical and tangible outlet prevents it from slipping into your mind as you go about your day. With the world continuously feeding your brain with both necessary and unnecessary information, some things might slip out of it while trying to contain everything that’s going on around you. Offloading information onto a second brain will provide more space and air for creativity to flow freer. 

The C-O-D-E Methodology

So, how does one build a second brain? Tiago Forte, the originator of Building A Second Brain, has identified four elements that are key players in forming the second brain: Capture, Organize, Distill, and Express or CODE. 

CAPTURE tells you to take notes efficiently by listing all the information that resonates with you. From recipes to links to birthday gift ideas, Write. It. Down. Capture also asks you to list everything in a single centralized space of your choice. Examples are Notion, Google Docs, Notes App, or even a physical planner.

ORGANIZE tells you not to just dump all your ideas mindlessly. Instead, Forte proposed the PARA method: Projects, Areas, Resource, Archive, which is a comprehensive system that keeps all your information stored  in an orderly manner. 

via GIPHY

DISTILL tells you to transform long and exhaustive information into bite-sized summaries. Adding value to a note and making sense of it will make it easier for you to go back to it once you need it in the future.

EXPRESS tells you to translate the past few steps out into the real world by creating a concrete product of what used to be thoughts and words on paper. Putting all your note-taking and information dumping into use might just be one of the most fulfilling things you can do with this productivity technique.

By utilizing the different advancements and innovations brought about by fast-evolving concepts and technology, we are able to create such techniques that help enhance the quality of our performance as functioning members of society. Additionally, isn’t it just satisfying to look back and have tangible evidence of what used to be ideas alone?

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You can trust Ningning to carry out the K-pop legacy into the 4th generation and beyond.

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In an industry that has been home to incredible talents for decades, it might be difficult to find an edge that would set you apart from the rest. The K-pop scene has always delivered when it comes to harnessing and producing individuals set to captivate the world—and they (SM Entertainment in particular) definitely hit the jackpot with 4th generation gem Ningning. 

aespa themselves are known to be an ace group with all four members, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning being hailed as multi-talented queens. Dance, vocals, rap, visuals, name it, and 4/4 would probably be ticking the mark. 

But today, we are shining the spotlight on aespa’s maknae and only Chinese member as we list 7 reasons why Ningning is acing the slaying game:

Versatile Vocals

Since their much-anticipated debut in 2020, aespa  has swept the world by storm with their unique sound and one-of-a-kind energy that sets them apart from their peers. SM Entertainment is known to be home to the most groundbreaking vocalists the industry has ever witnessed and aespa’s main vocal Ningning isn’t lagging behind in keeping this legacy. 

From ballads to feel-goods, pop to soul, Ningning is a vocal shapeshifter who can rock every genre known to mankind. Just check out her rendition of Ave Maria! Ningning is also a collab favorite, with artists left and right expressing wanting to collaborate with her. I mean, who wouldn’t want to?!

Lucid Looks

versace weibo update with ningning! pic.twitter.com/1yOo10qlcS

— َ (@aespabbl) October 18, 2023

Aside from SM’s vocal print, Ningning also inherited the SM visual branding. With doll-like features and striking energy that only she can emulate, Ningning carries herself like she was born to shine on and off the stage. This Versace muse has the visuals you just can’t get enough of!

Ball Of Energy

With Ningning being the youngest in aespa, she has definitely developed a peculiar sense of humor that heavily mirrors the Gen Z banter. Several clips of Ningning have been making the rounds on the internet for its happy virus and feel-good energy. Definitely a fan-favorite as a source of reaction pictures. Hailed as aespa’s meme queen, this ball of sunshine is set to put a smile on everyone’s face!

Camera Cutie

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A post shared by NINGNING (@imnotningning)

Ningning has definitely mastered the art of taking the most captivating photos. Leaving behind face apps and filters, she is the epitome of keeping it real. Ningning has shown a knack for posting photos that carry such indescribable Gen Z print. From beauty shots to blurred mirror selfies, Ningning can flawlessly pull it off. 

Gen Z Icon

ningning asking about rihanna’s album… I KNOW THATS RIGHT pic.twitter.com/0gccmqo05K

— ‏ؘ (@qtsooya) May 27, 2021

Speaking of Gen Z, Ningning is probably the epitome of embodying her whole generation. Take a peek at her bbl (the app), and you’ll see a wide selection of memes she has sent, sometimes even posting them on her stories.

Her true mark of being a Gen Z lies in mundane behaviors and incidents that no other generation is brave enough to do. Like that one instance where she cut her hair by herself while on Instagram Live or how she utilized her interview sessions by asking Rihanna to release an album. Truly one of us.

Immaculate Music Recommendations

One of Ningning’s admirable ways to bond with her fans is the constant exchange of music recommendations. So far, we have been getting good music from Ms. Ningning, with an abundance of Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar, and Kehlani on her playlist. She has taste, wbk. 

Sexy Mind

211010 #NINGNING'S FANSIGN

“You guys might be worried that I will feel because the antis or whatever, but in fact I don’t care about those rumours. I look for my own mistakes from myself to keep me improving, so I won’t be affected by those anti comments.”#닝닝 ©️煎妮橘子酱 pic.twitter.com/OXOKqhPvTc

— CHINA NINGNING Bar (@NingNing_Bar) October 10, 2021

Above all these, Ningning’s most praiseworthy quality is how she thinks and looks at life. Being in an industry with almost all of your life being featured for everyone to feast and see can significantly impact these idols’ mental well-being. With this, Ningning makes sure to keep a healthy mind regarding haters and unrealistic expectations towards her and the whole of aespa.

On one fansign call, she reassures fans that they do not have to worry about Ningning being exposed to hate comments because she knows better than to acknowledge comments that are out to get her. “You guys might be worried that I will feel because the antis or whatever, but in fact I don’t care about those rumors. I look for my own mistakes from myself to keep me improving, so I won’t be affected by those anti comments,” she shared to the fan.

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