The Film Development Council of the Philippines is once again bringing critically-acclaimed films to Philippine cinemas this March 6-12.

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And all the film buffs rejoiced. Kidding aside, it’s always nice to have a wide selection of media to consume. There’s nothing quite like being open to try out different film genres and styles, because who knows? You might like a movie, or you might not—in which case now you know what you do like. Plenty of critically-acclaimed films aren’t crowd favorites, and plenty of films that audiences enjoyed aren’t critically-acclaimed. Just a quick exploration of Rotten Tomatoes shows the differences in perspectives between critics and audiences. But you can’t form a complete opinion about a movie unless you watch it, right?

One thing that has marked and continues to mark movies and filmmaking these days is accessibility—some films aren’t shown in some regions, ticket prices are getting higher and higher every time you look, and sometimes a film itself is tailored to a certain demographic. It’s always good to broaden our horizons and formulate our own perspectives, so when what was once inaccessible is made accessible, it’s a pretty good opportunity. This March, the FDCP, or the Film Development Council of the Philippines, is bringing a curated list of global classics and contemporary films to local theaters through FDCP Presents: A Curation of World Cinema. These films will be shown at select SM Cinemas from March 6 to 12. Get tickets on the SM Cinemas website, app, or ticket booths, priced at P250 in Metro Manila and P200 in provincial branches.

ANATOMY OF A FALL

The award-winning French drama Anatomy of a Fall (2023) is a mystery and family drama all rolled into one. It’s written and directed by Justine Triet. It follows German writer Sandra (Sandra Hüller) and her visually-impaired son Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner) as they deal with the aftermath of her husband’s death—in which Sandra stands accused. For the screenplay, directing, the cast’s performances, and its overall filmmaking, Anatomy of a Fall won two Golden Globes, one BAFTA, the Palme d’Or, among dozens of awards and even more nominations.

HOW TO HAVE SEX

Trigger warning: the following film deals with sexual assault.

This sobering coming-of-age drama written and directed by Molly Manning Walker follows three best friends Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), Skye (Lara Peake), and Em (Enva Lewis) as they try to make the best of their holiday in Crete. What they want to do this summer is simple: drink, party, and hook up. Skye and Em are a stark contrast to Tara, whose summer experience becomes an uncomfortable nightmare when she is assaulted by one of the boys they meet on the island. How To Have Sex won the Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard award in 2023 and received positive reviews for its candid and powerful depiction of the volatility of being and growing up as a young woman.

ONLY THE RIVER FLOWS

This Chinese neo-noir contemporary film follows a police chief, Ma Zhe (Zhu Yilong), as he tries to uncover the truth surrounding a series of murders in a rural town in the 1990s. Suspicious locals, the dark underbelly of a community, and deeper mysteries make for an atmospheric crime thriller of an art film.

CHUNGKING EXPRESS

FDCP Presents: A Curation of World Cinema is making a lot of film buffs happy by bringing the best of Wong Kar-wai’s filmography to the big screen. One of the auteur’s most popular films—if not the most popular—Chungking Express (1994), tells two separate stories about police officers looking for love, contemplating loss, desperate for connection. Stylistic, witty, visually intense, and well-loved by plenty of audiences, Chungking Express is a classic many consider to be groundbreaking cinema.

HAPPY TOGETHER

This Wong Kar-wai queer romantic drama stars Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung as lovers in constant push-and-pull. Their tumultuous relationship, further complicated by a new city, financial troubles and a co-worker named Chang, is depicted in Wong Kar-wai’s now-trademark style. It also delves into place, identity, and belonging. This film earned Wong Kar-wai the Best Director award at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival and brought him even further into the international spotlight.

FALLEN ANGELS

Set in 1995 Hong Kong, Fallen Angels tells two stories of a hitman and a mute ex-convict, both wanting to lead different lives and ground themselves amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It delves into redemption and moving on. Like his other works, Wong Kar-wai wanted a story told in fragments, highlighting feel and atmosphere, making place seem like a character of its own.

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

In the Mood for Love (2000) is yet another Wong Kar-wai classic, all about affairs, intimacy, time, and place. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung star as Chow and Su, respectively, two expats who realize their partners are having an affair and eventually form a connection. Leung won the Best Actor award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival for his performance in this film.

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Looking for makeup inspo that can help you go from a cute summer day out to a romantic date night? Look no further than Toni Sia’s barenbliss look—which you can recreate yourself.

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Content creator and makeup influencer Toni Sia has been a known name in the beauty industry for a while now. She’s known for her vlogs featuring beauty and lifestyle content, as well as her makeup tutorials. From glam baddie to simple, glowing girlie, her beauty looks are always eye-catching and on-trend.

Her recent collaboration with South Korean beauty brand barenbliss was no exception, as the look featured the hottest Korean beauty trends like: rosy shades, the aegyo sal, and a soft mousse lip—all coming together to make a youthful, luminescent look that’s perfect for all seasons, all occasions.

Want to achieve that rosy glow yourself? We’ve got some suggestions. With just four products, you can be on the road to perfecting fresh, trendy makeup looks that could make you feel as great as you look. Check them out below!

TRUE BEAUTY INSIDE CUSHION

First things first—see how flawless Toni’s base looks? Clean, glowy, and fresh, you can also achieve that perfect canvas for any makeup look with skincare and a good base product.

The barenbliss True Beauty Inside Cushion is a medium-high coverage lightweight cream base that settles matte into your skin. This makes a good canvas whether you want to look dewy or fully matte. Like any good, multipurpose base makeup product, the Cushion is a makeup and skincare hybrid, featuring SPF and other ingredients that are kind and helpful to your skin. Throw it in your bag for any touchups, and you’re good to go for the day! Find it on Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.

SET N’ SLICK LASTING BROWCARA

Eyebrows make or a break a makeup look. The Like A Pro! Shockproof Durabrow Pomade by barenbliss is a “browcara” – an eyebrow mascara that styles, defines, and sets your eyebrows. With its spoolie brush, you can fill in, color, and clean up your brows with just a few swipes. It’s quick-dry and mess-proof, perfect for beginners and more advanced practitioners. Start doing your brows like a pro. Get it on Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.

DREAM CHASER QUAD EYESHADOW

Sometimes, all you need is a subtle color and a swipe of glitter on your eyelids to instantly elevate your look. Toni’s eye makeup combination here is just a hint of peachy-pink topped with a shimmer on the center of the eyelid and on the inner corner of her eye—which immediately brightens up her look.

The four-pan Dream Chaser Quad Eyeshadow is a cute, compact, beginner-friendly eyeshadow palette with matte, shimmery, and glittery shades for natural but glam looks. With one palette, you can come up with multiple combinations for eyeshadow looks and play around with shine, pigment, and color. The pressed powders are fine when applied, and blend smoothly without smearing or smudging. Grab a palette on Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.

APPLE MAKES ADORABLE MOUSSE TINT

A new sister to barenbliss’ successful lip tint lines, the Apple Makes Adorable Lip Tint goes from applying watery to drying down with a satin finish—but it still keeps your lips moisturized. The mousse tint is non-sticky, non-drying, and transferproof for up to 12 hours, too! Apply a thin layer and wait for it to dry before you apply another to get that gradient lip that’s all the rage these days to finish off the look. It comes in six shades, which you can browse on Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.

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Step into the reimagined world of iconic 2000s runners with adidas Original’s latest collection.

With all things Y2K making a cosmic comeback with vintage and 00s-style sneakers, we’d bet that most people aren’t aware that adidas is the original pioneer in these silhouettes. From formal to casual cool OOTDs inspired by the iconic generation, it’s time to learn more about the history behind the shoes we’re all obsessing over.

In a nostalgic nod to the turn of the millennium, adidas Originals is traveling back in time with their latest release: the 2000s Running Collection. Venturing deep into the adidas archive, this collection offers one-to-one remakes of some of the most iconic running silhouettes from the early 2000s, alongside a new contender designed to bridge the gap between then and now. Getting curious? Scroll through the star sneaker of this collection that’s blending both worlds.

The Then and Now

When we think of adidas, we immediately envision timeless style staples perfect for everyday wear. However, in this era of reimagined classics, where vintage vibes are the currency of cool, adidas is leading the pack with their latest take on archival classics—the same trend they pioneered in the 2000s.

The adidas Ozmillen

Step into the reimagined world of iconic 2000s runners with the adidas Ozmillen. Drawing inspiration from the Ozweego of the 2000s running archive, this sneaker evolves from the past to embrace the future. 

Infused with the experimental side and aesthetics of that timeless era, the Ozmillen boasts metallic overlays, mesh uppers, and a distinctive two-tone color palette. Yet, it’s not all about nostalgia; modern-day technology shines with Adiplus cushioning, ensuring wearers will always stride with confidence.

 Styling the adidas Ozmillen

Out with the old notion that these silhouettes are solely for running; the Ozmillen is the new must-have in any sneaker lineup. Offering style without compromising comfort, you’ll find something for every ensemble. From athleisure to laidback looks or that trending preppy Y2K-inspired aesthetic you see on Pinterest, this pair has you covered.

If you’re taking inspiration from the iconic looks of the Year 2000, style the adidas Ozmillen with your casual or oversized T-shirts, effortlessly creating a stylish statement when paired with jeans, shorts, or skirts. Of course, don’t forget the power of a good monochrome moment, where you can let the adidas Ozmillen be your canvas, coordinating these trendy sneakers with your clothing for a bold and cohesive OOTD.

If you’re reviving the textbook definition of Y2K, simply color block, follow the big bottom and little top fashion formula, and you’re good to go. Remember: When in doubt, wear sneakers.

The adidas Adistar

Also one of the standout silhouettes of the 2000s running collection, the adidas Adistar still looks as futuristic today as it did back in Y2K. Like a blast from the past with a modern twist, this sneaker is ready to impress the next generation.

With its breathable mesh upper, reflective details, and the trendiest metallic elements, it’s got everything you would expect from a classic 2000s sneaker. The best part? It’s equipped with Adiprene cushioning for that extra support you need, because in today’s fashion scene, we’re not compromising comfort for anything else.

If you’re considering this design, the one with neon green outlines is the pop of color everyone needs for even the most basic outfits. From a black monochrome to the classic combo of white and denim, you can never go wrong with a little green.

The adidas Response CL

Get ready to experience pioneering running technology, straight from the archive and into the present day. The adidas Response CL has been reimagined for the modern era, paying homage to the storied archive while effortlessly blending into the contemporary scene.

At the core of this sneaker’s design lies the innovative spirit and experimentalism of the brand’s iconic past. With ventilating segments, synthetic elements, and a two-tone color palette, the Response CL captures the essence of its predecessors while standing out in today’s fashion scene. Enhanced with modern-day comfort and technology, these sneakers offer wearers the perfect fusion of style and functionality.

Shop now at adidas.com.ph to get your hands on this iconic pair. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a statement wherever you go!

Photography by MINA AGLIPAY/ART BY MINAENAE
Assisted by CJ AQUINO AND JOHN ALLAN PALOGAN
Creative & Art Direction GELO QUIJENCO
Styling by JANA SILAO & SOPHIE SILAO
Hair and Makeup by VIOLET OCAMPO

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Through smiles, stories, and, singalongs, actor and singer Park Hyung-sik’s “SIKcret Time in Manila” cured the hearts of his old and new fans in the Smart Araneta Coliseum last February 17, 2024.

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In 2021, in the third episode of Disney+’s reality show, In The Soop: Friendcation, you will hear Park Hyung-sik say to his trusted friends, known as the Wooga squad, “I’d like to do something, whether it’s on OTT (over-the-top, also known as streamed content) or something else, that would make me proud of myself.” His friend, rapper, and producer Peakboy, was quick to respond, “We are proud of you, now.” But Hyung-sik continues, “But that becomes a positive stimulant for me.” Fellow actor, Park Seo-joon shares, “That’s good.” Hyung-sik adds, “I think it makes me want to continue to try things and challenge myself.

Little did Hyung-sik know that in the coming months, he manifested and triumphed over a lot of challenges while also restoring the mental health of his audience through his projects. His two hit dramas, Soundtrack #1 (Disney+) and Our Blooming Youth (TVN and Amazon Prime Video) became crowd favorites. His return as Ahn Min-hyuk for a cameo in Strong Girl Nam-soon (JTBC and Netflix), a sequel to his romantic comedy series 2017 hit, Strong Girl Bong-soon (JTBC and Netflix), is just a tease of what he will be accomplishing two years after filming that reality show. 

It is safe to say that Park Hyung-sik is currently one of South Korea’s most recognized and loved actors. But his new series, Doctor Slump, catapulted him to superstardom in 2024. This JTBC drama, which also airs on Netflix every Saturday and Sunday, tells the story of a budding romance between two once-rival doctors while experiencing their downfall. Starring alongside one of Korea’s most accomplished actresses Park Shin-hye, Doctor Slump resonated globally with its relatable themes of burnout and finding solace in unexpected connections. Their chemistry and the strong storyline made the show the no. 1 non-English TV series worldwide.

Initial Diagnosis

For Filipino SIKcrets (the name of Park Hyung-sik’s fan club), July 8, 2023 is a special day: the announcement of his first fan meet in six years! Months of anticipation followed, fueled by the official photos and fan guesses about the Manila leg. Finally, on a Saturday night in February, SIKcret Time materialized at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It was made possible by PUBLICITYASIA and MQLIVE from the Philippines, in collaboration with Korea’s P&Studio and TONZ Entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Park Hyung Sik International 

Beyond acting, Park Hyung-sik boasts a diverse career. He started as a K-pop idol in the group ZE:A in 2010 and showcased those skills with a playful performance of Breathe from their 2014 album, First Homme, during the Manila fan meet. His musical theater experience includes successful productions like The Three Musketeers and Elisabeth, which also adds another layer to his artistry. He was also in movies and dramas such as The Heirs, where he starred with his current leading lady in Doctor Slump, Hwarang, Happiness and the Korean adaptation of Suits to name a few.

With such a talented and multifaceted performer at the center, expectations for SIKcret Time in Manila were sky-high. Fans from across the Philippines and even abroad gathered to witness the event. With top host and content creator Janeena Chan as the master of ceremonies, fans couldn’t contain their excitement as they waited for February 17 to come.

Laughter is The Best Medicine

Park Hyung-sik began the fan meeting with a video from Save The Children Philippines. PUBLICITYASIA served as the Fan Project Lead that spearheaded the donation drive. They also produced and directed all the fan videos, including the fan project video shown at the event.

A portion of the Diamond Premium ticket sales from “SIKcret Time” in Manila was dedicated under the name of the actor and singer. Those funds will be used to support the organization’s initiatives in securing Filipino children’s rights and ensuring their continued learning, survival, and protection. As of press time, Save The Children Philippines announced that exclusive signed merchandise will be available for auction in exchange for donations.

What followed was an official countdown, signifying that SIKcret Agent H (Hyung-sik’s name during the event proper) was on his way. MQLIVE x CTV were in charge of staging and production at Araneta Coliseum, which bloomed to full effect when the multi-hyphenate appeared on stage to sing 몽우리 (Bud), which is part of his K-drama, Our Blooming Youth’s OST. Around 7:23 PM, Janeena came up on stage to hype up the crowd and Hyung-sik began the first part of the interview.

Interpreter Ara Jo and PUBLICITYASIA worked on the script translations with the latter fixing the grammar as well as the Tagalog translations. Janeena’s wit and comedic skills kept everyone aligned, on time, and in high spirits, including Hyung-sik. The show then progressed with Hyung-sik performing Justin Bieber’s Off My Face.

Fun is contagious

Games such as Physical Coordination, where Hyung-sik played Jegichagi (similar to the Philippines’ sipa), and Memory Game (where he has to remember and act out eight of the emojis previously shown on screen) entertained the audience. As lovers of music, the Poker Face Challenge could possibly be one of the most memorable activities. Hyung-sik was tasked to keep a poker face while he tried to find the right mic to sing, as only one of the four on stage was normal, and the rest were altered to make his voice sound deep or a chipmunk. In this segment, he sang James Ingram’s Just Once, ZE:A’s Breathe and Two People or 두 사람, the OST of The Heirs.

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In the intermission that followed, a video of Hyung-sik in his SIKcret Agent H persona appears, where he was given a mission to do such as reading funny scripts without laughing. It included pick-up lines and sentences praising his physical attributes and charming personality. It ended with Hyung-sik’s message to his fans, giving thanks for their support throughout his 13-year career as a performer.

When Hyung-sik went back to the stage, he started singing 너의 모든 순간 or Every Moment of You. This ballad was part of the original soundtrack of the hit K-drama, My Love From the Star.

Going Viral

The momentum once again picked up as Janeena facilitated the Code Breaking Ability Test, another activity similar to Pinoy Henyo. A word-guessing game popularized by the television show Eat Bulaga, this quickly became the most exciting segment as lucky fans were selected to make Hyung-sik speak the words, buwaya, mahal kita, masarap, labi, sapatos and gwapo. After this, a second round of the Question and Answer portion commenced, with Janeena and Hyung-sik reading the inquiries written on paper by fans. His genuine interaction with Janeena, his interpreter Ara, and his fans has been the top trending topic on social media platforms since last Saturday.

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The photo segment came afterward. Hyung-sik posed in different areas of the stage so the fans could capture the moment. And in any fan meet or concert, Hyung-sik was encouraged to face the screen so he could take a photo with the SIKcrets behind him. Little did he know that his fans from Park Hyung Sik International could also make him feel kilig.

Ready for Discharge

They say time flies when you’re having fun. And that was the case here as before fans knew it, it was already the end of the fanmeet. But the show didn’t end without a heartfelt prescription from Hyung-sik. His parting message? “After four years, ngayon lang ako nakabalik. Thank you so much for all your passionate love. You know, I believe that you all have a great response when you see ‘Strong Woman Do Bong-soon.’ I can see that you really love that drama here in the Philippines. Thank you so much. And also for my current show, ‘Doctor Slump,’ thank you so much for your love.” 

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He adds, “Now I go back to Korea, I’ll come back with a lot more better projects. Sana maging excited kayo sa susunod. And siyempre, I want to make more opportunities in the future to meet all of you more. Thank you very much.” 

Hyung-sik concluded the show the best way he knows how, by singing 그 사람이 너라서 or Because of You, the official soundtrack of Strong Woman Do Bong-soon.

A New Lease on Life

With the Korean Wave sweeping through the global culture, it can be challenging for performers to stay true to why they do what they do. Instead of just following trends, Park Hyung-sik’s SIKcret Time in Manila is an example of how a fan meet should be done. The setlist was an ode to Hyung-sik’s past projects, while also championing his vocals and his ability to act through songs. It also displayed his wit combined with his comedic skills. Rather than just making a foreign artist speak in Filipino, our language was incorporated into games where both the celebrity and the fans could have a better interpretation and association with the words.

It is so easy to stick to the same script during Asian and world tours to lessen the burden on the staff and the artist. But Hyung-sik and his Production team, composed of Filipinos (PUBLICITYASIA and MQ Live) with Koreans (P&Studio and Tonz Entertainment) carefully created a show specifically for the Pinoy audience. All the videos and game mechanics had Filipino and Korean subtitles, accommodating both Hyung-sik and the crowd. It is this attention to detail that separates a fan meet to a lasting fan experience filled with harmony, humor, and in Hyung-sik’s case, humanitarianism with Save The Children. 

If all concerts and fan meetings in the future will be as experiential and meaningful as SIKcret Time, the Philippine concert scene will truly be an antidote to stress that we all deserve. If given the chance, we’d like to pat Hyung-sik on the back for a job well done.

As for me, a night with the SIKcrets and seeing Park Hyung-sik performing live, in his element, is exactly what the doctor ordered.

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Who would have thought that a case of media censorship at the University of Santo Tomas would start with Type B uniforms and a convenience store selling Slurpees?

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Apart from mango shakes in Dapitan and street food around campus, certified Thomasians typically live for two things during the scorching summer: strolls to 7-Eleven for a pocket-friendly Slurpee and Type B uniforms. Although seemingly small aspects of the day-to-day life of college students, the combination of these two has recently made headlines.

With just a casual scroll through X (formerly Twitter,) you’ll find the go-to convenience store being tied to what people are saying a case of media censorship. Intrigued about what links a candid photo of College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) students chilling outside 7-Eleven to the trending #DefendPressFreedom? Here’s the lowdown on why the University of Santo Tomas is under fire for what could’ve been a mere summer snapshot.

A Fine Line Between Humor and Humiliation

Summer season means it’s time for the Type B uniform at the University of Santo Tomas, an alternative and more comfortable attire ~mandated~ to be worn by students until the term concludes in May.

To celebrate this small win, as many students prefer this setup, TomasinoWeb took photos of students wearing their Type B uniforms and posted them on social media. Among the sea of snapshots, it was the College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) students who stole the spotlight with their uniform’s uncanny resemblance to the attire of 7-Eleven employees.

Much to the amusement of outsiders and Thomasians, these CICS students found themselves immortalized in cyberspace as they made their way into the convenience store. Little did they know, this moment of lightheartedness would soon turn into a debacle in the eyes of UST’s Office for Student Affairs (OSA), who interpreted the candid campus photo as nothing short of public mockery. After all, there’s a fine line between humor and humiliation.

Campus Life and Media Censorship

READ: The official statement of TomasinoWeb regarding the Photograph of CICS students wearing their Type B uniform. pic.twitter.com/TjCxR0R7bx

— TomasinoWeb (@TomasinoWeb) February 16, 2024

The photograph surfaced on February 15, sparking curiosity when it mysteriously disappeared the following day. As the dust settled, TomasinoWeb shed light on the situation later in the evening, and the plot thickened.

It turns out, some eagle-eyed members of OSA weren’t exactly fans of the photo. They raised “concerns,” deeming the image a “source of public ridicule” due to the supposed resemblance of the CICS Type B color palette to the attire of 7-Eleven employees.

In response to the issue, TomasinoWeb released a statement, stating, “To rectify this, we have removed the photograph from the album across all our social media platforms,” emphasizing that their intention had always been lighthearted and harmless. Nevertheless, to appease the situation, they made the executive decision to pull the controversial photo from the album across all their social media platforms.

'NATAPAKAN 'YUNG PAGKA-JOURNALIST KO'

WATCH: Former TomasinoWeb adviser Leo Laparan II talks about the takedown of the photo of two information and communication technology students that raised concerns from some UST administrators. pic.twitter.com/vZhAmDtgJ2

— The Flame (@abtheflame) February 19, 2024

In the wake of the controversy, TomasinoWeb’s adviser, Leo Laparan, made the difficult decision to resign from his post on February 19. Having served as the publication adviser for over a year, the respected instructor faced the challenging aftermath of the photo incident. In an interview with The Flame, the official student publication of the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, Leo expressed the publication’s stance, asserting their decision to stand by the photo.

Disheartened by the situation, he stated, “We could not do anything; I felt my being an adviser (was) irrelevant.” He went on to characterize the incident as an example of media censorship, emphasizing, “That is a glaring illustration of censorship because there’s nothing wrong with the photo.”

Press Freedom? We Don’t Know Her

Since then, social media has witnessed an uproar with the powerful hashtags #DefendTomasinoWeb and #StandWithTomasinoWeb. This rallying cry goes beyond defending a university publication; it stands as a collective assertion in safeguarding the core tenets of press freedom.

The discourse highlights a broader concern about media censorship, and the stakes are even higher when we consider that these digital spaces are the training grounds for the future journalists of our country. Especially when we continuously fight for journalists in the Philippines, these trusted universities should be on our side, providing a space where we can freely share our opinions, perspectives, and intellectual work—an environment that will shape the ethical and professional standards of the next generation of media practitioners, empowering them with the ability to influence and inspire positive change.

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Enhance your skills or exercise your brain by trying out one of the free courses on these sites and platforms.

Related: 14 Interesting Courses You Didn’t Know Are Being Offered In The Philippines

Whether you want a new skill certification or just want to try learning something new, online courses are a godsend. More and more courses with a full suite of lectures, quizzes, and readings have been made available online—and for free! There’s nothing like learning on-ground with a community, of course, but for a short time of just a few weeks, you can pace your learning yourself and even earn a certificate or degree in any field you fancy.

Sure, you can easily watch a series of videos online to learn about a topic (sometimes even in one-minute TikTok videos), but these websites and platforms offer curated, cohesive learning programs. And even though they’re free, you can be assured that the materials are made professionally and purposefully. But, like with any educational endeavor, exercise your own critical thinking. Learning isn’t just about trying to memorize as much information as you can. It’s also about formulating your own perspective, coming to logical, well-researched and analyzed conclusions, and asking questions of your own.

So if you want to learn how to code or deepen your knowledge about medieval history, these websites and online platforms can help you out—and it won’t cost a thing but time and effort.

COURSERA

With a massive library of classes, courses, projects, and degrees, Coursera has long been a mainstay in the online learning game. There are thousands of online courses and programs where you can earn a certificate or even a degree. You can build your resume by taking on a technical skill-building course or broaden your horizons as you satiate your thirst for knowledge with a philosophy or humanities course.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

One of the most prestigious universities in the world does try to make their well of knowledge accessible to learners across the globe. Harvard University has got courses on data science, politics, biology, managing mental health, community and social work, literature, music, and so much more available on their website. Each course is hosted on different platforms like edX or on the Harvard site itself, but this catalogue makes it easy for you to brows and choose. You can audit these classes free-of-charge, but if you want a verified certificate, you have to pay a fee. But if you’re someone who doesn’t mind not having a document and simply wants to learn a new thing or two from Harvard school educators and resources, audit away.

UP OPEN UNIVERSITY

The University of the Philippines Open University is offering 24 free massive open online courses this 2024. From Gender Sensitivity Training this February to Principles of Graphic Design in April to Implementing and Evaluation Programs for Child Rights at the end of the year, the UP Open University courses can help you build your skills. As a bonus, given that these are taught by a UP institution, what you learn will also be that much more relevant in a localized context. Read the guidelines here and register here.

ACADEMIC EARTH

Academic Earth offers less tailored modules and more curations of courses or lectures that can help round out your education for your degree or career. The site can help you find your field of interest, show courses you could take, and direct you to websites and categorized lectures from accredited institutions.

KHAN ACADEMY

Khan Academy is a familiar name for those of us who has ever been desperate for some outside help with schoolwork. Not quite a platform dedicated to supplying learners with degrees and certificates, Khan Academy asserts that they exist to supplement “normal schooling.” Through the free classes and courses they offer for all ages of learners, you can learn more broadly about topics and subjects that either you need help in or are simply more curious about.

ALISON

Alison offers a wide array of classes and courses in the fields of health, information technology, business, personal development, education, and more. Their courses range from a two to twenty hours, and they’ve got all kinds of niche subjects and training, like Feminist Writings and Food Allergen Awareness.

edX

Like many of these sites, education learning platform edX brings together classes and courses from different high-performance institutions and universities from all over the world. And they’re all packaged up into programs you can learn at your own pace, ready for you to start your learning journey. With over 4,000 courses, learn from schools like MIT and Columbia University, and institutions like Google and IBM. Take astrophysics courses like The Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe or prepare for International English Language Testing System test—whatever you want to learn, edX has your back.

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13 Websites That Will Help You With Your Thesis

When celebrity relationships are closely followed by the public eye, the concept of the power couple has reached new heights—all thanks to hard launching.

Related: 6 Signs You’re in a Situationship–And How to Handle It

In today’s entertainment era, where love stories usually unfold in the public eye, fans can’t seem to get enough of the romantic escapades of their favorite stars. While some celebrity couples keep their romance under the radar, others dive headfirst into what we affectionately call a hard launch.

The term has become our go-to expression whenever someone spills the beans about their recent relationship and goes all-in, making their swoon-worthy story public. Whether it’s a celebrity sharing selfies on social media or strutting down the red carpet arm in arm, we’re always all ears for the latest scoop on the next power pair. That said, take a scroll through our list of the best celebrity couples who went hard with their hard launches.

Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon

Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon were among the first celebrity couples of last year. These two initially shared the screen in the 2020 series A Soldier’s Heart, and, soon after, had us all playing detective when dating rumors started swirling in December 2022. From sly sightings to a full-on family vacation in La Union, the evidence simply spoke volumes.

And guess what? The actor confirmed their relationship status with the breakout star of Fan Girl in a January 2023 interview when Carlo Aquino was in full movie-promo mode. According to the man himself, their story kicked off right after they touched down in the Philippines post-Star Magic’s US tour. With that kind of hard launch, the I Love Lizzy leading man set the bar high for other celebrity couples.

Coco Martin and Julia Montes

After a decade of keeping their lips sealed about their rumored romance, Coco Martin finally acknowledged that he has been in a relationship with Julia Montes for a whopping 12 years. Whew, these two took lowkey to another level!

Expressing his sentiments in a TV Patrol interview, the Batang Quiapo actor remarked, “Napakasarap ng pakiramdam dahil ito, 12 years na kaming magkasama, pero pareho pa rin gaya ng dati.”

Dia Mate and Juan Karlos

Juan Karlos turned this Valentine’s Day into a spectacle, pulling off a hard launch that left the town talking. Known for his love affair with motorcycles, the ERE hitmaker flaunted his soft side alongside Miss Universe Philippines-Cavite 2024 candidate and musician Dia Mate. Picture this: balaclavas, a red heart caption, and a whole mood that screamed love in every pixel – all in his February 14, 2024, post.

As if that weren’t enough to spotlight the now-public status of their relationship, the new celebrity couple went a step further by sharing recent rooftop date snippets on the ‘gram—moments that had fans swooning. Now, that’s definitely a Valentine’s Day to remember!

James Reid and Issa Pressman

James Reid and Issa Pressman sparked a flurry of dating rumors by sharing snapshots of their rendezvous at a Harry Styles concert, complete with hand-holding antics. Yet, these snapshots didn’t just fuel speculation about their budding romance; they also reignited the rumor mill that had previously churned during the Careless Music CEO’s January 2020 breakup. Faced with a digital storm of whispers and clicks, James took the reins of his Instagram to set the record straight.

In a move that wasn’t exactly the textbook definition of a smooth ‘hard launch’ into relationship territory, the actor declared, “I feel the need to speak up now because this is the start of something beautiful. And I’m not gonna let anyone take that from me.” Since that moment of digital defiance, James and Issa have taken their romance out of the shadows. Talk about turning the rumor mill on its head!

Leren Bautista and Ricci Rivero

After weathering the twists and turns of his recent breakup, Ricci Rivero has decided to put an end to the suspense and finally launched his relationship with Leren Bautista. In a heartfelt Instagram post dedicated to the Los Baños, Laguna councilor, the basketball player expressed, “With all the wrongs hounding me, I’m blessed to have found the right one. Allow me to shield you from things you don’t deserve.”

Reflecting on the time when their relationship was merely speculated, particularly when they were spotted together at an outreach program, Ricci affirmed, “I love seeing how you genuinely continue to help and care for people every day despite others trying to ruin your reputation. Rest assured I will be with you in inspiring people to always be better. Thank you for being so selfless and simple.”

Continue Reading: 5 Date Ideas According To Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia

When you’re as talented as Stell Ajero, going viral and breaking the internet becomes second nature.

Related: 11 Of The Best Coach Stell Moments From The Voice Generations

Both as a member of SB19 and a solo artist, Stell Ajero is as talented as they come. He’s an amazing singer, a killer dancer, a proficient choreographer, and his comedy has us thinking that he’d do well as a comedian if ever he decided to pick up a side gig. It’s this talent that also extends to his TikTok account, which boasts a whopping 2.6 million followers as of this writing. From his take on dance challenges, flexing his vocal chops, and more, here’s proof that Stell is a pro at getting social media talking with his viral videos. 

DON’T GO INSANE

@stellajero16 🖤 dc: sooram #sb19_stell ♬ Don't Go Insane – DPR IAN

At over two million likes and counting, this is Stell’s most-liked video on his account, and for good reason. Stell knew exactly what he was doing when he hopped on the viral belt dance of DPR IAN’s track, Don’t Go Insane (which is a bop, BTW).  

THAT VOICE THOUGH

@stellajero16 #everysummertime @officialsb19 #sb19_stell ♬ original sound – Vester Ajero

If you follow Stell, you’d know he has an A+ voice, something he’s flexed a few times on TikTok. His cover of NIKI’s Every Summertime is arguably his best to the point where the audio had a mini viral moment in itself. 

ANO BA ANG TAWAG

@stellajero16

LSS malala 😀

♬ original sound – not janine berdin

Watch us (and over 5 million people) use this video to imagine what it would be like to be in a situationship with Stell.

STELL X PABLO MOMENTS

@stellajero16 labag sa loob niya yan HAHAHAHAHA #sb19_stell #sb19_pablo ♬ оригинальный звук – scar1exa

Pablo, blink twice if you need help. It’s these kinds of interactions between the members that make for the best moments. 

IT’S SO LONELY IN MY MANSION

@stellajero16 😬 #sb19_stell ♬ AGORA HILLS lonely in my mansion – DojaFantasy (fan account)

One thing about Stell, he knows how to tease his audience, as seen by how this video has over 500,000 likes and 20,000 comments. 

THIS JUNGKOOK LOOK

@stellajero16 Hi 👋🏻 #sb19_stell ♬ Seven (feat. Latto) – Clean Ver. – Jung Kook & Latto

The orange hair, tank top, the Jungkook piercings filter, the way the sun hits his face, Stell did that. 

FUN TIMES WITH THE BUNSO

@stellajero16 Another one with @jahdedios.77 #cosplay #ppoprise #todoroki #superman #sb19_justin #sb19_stell ♬ Pull Yourself Together – H

You know that whenever Stell and Justin are together, it’s going to be a good time. From unleashing their inner cosplayer to pranks, they have that recipe to get millions of views. 

FOR THE FANS

@stellajero16 haynako di talaga ako maka hindi sa a'tin HAHAHA #fyp @officialsb19 #sb19_stell #SB19 ♬ Ginseng Strip 2002 – Yung Lean

We love an artist who knows how to give proper fan service. 

Continue Reading: 8 Moments That Prove Stell Is The Comedian Of SB19

BINI’s inability to miss with their bubblegum pop songs continues with their latest hit, Pantropiko.

Related: 5 Times BINI Showed That There Was No One Like Them In P-pop

As early as their pre-debut era, BINI has always delivered viral and catchy bops that live rent-free in the minds of many listeners. It’s one of the many reasons why the girl group continues to make new fans, called BLOOMs, by the day. And it’s this trait that is splattered across their latest release, Pantropiko. Released in November 2023, the single is signature BINI with an upbeat sound, bright energy, and wholesome message of feeling like it’s the best summer ever with your special someone. It’s no wonder that the song continues to make waves months after its initial release. 

With over 7.3 million streams on Spotify alone and reaching the Top 3 in Spotify’s Viral 50 Philippines chart, Pantropiko is becoming netizens’ newest favorite P-pop jam. Add to that a viral dance challenge, the positive reception from their other 2023 single Karera, their first EP dropping later this year, and routinely going viral on social media, BINI has been eating the P-pop game, as they should. Scroll down to see how the Pantropiko fever has been taking over the Philippines and beyond.

NIANA GUERRERO

@nianaguerrero

stan bini

♬ Pantropiko – BINI

Niana Guerrero dancing to a BINI song? This is the best kind of crossover we needed. And bonus points for the reveal at the end. 

HORI7ON

@hori7onofficial Pantropiko (Giniginaw Ver.) ❄️🥶 #HORI7ON #호라이즌 #REYSTER #레이스터 #VINCI #빈치 #KIM #킴 ♬ Pantropiko – BINI

It may have been winter when Reyster, Vinci, and Kim of HORI7ON filmed this, but they brought the summer energy. 

RED VELVET’S IRENE

240214 IRENE InterAsia Chill Kill Fancall Event #IRENE #아이린

I mentioned how 🐰 was always doing Tiktok challenges during Chill Kill era and asked if she can do the ‘Pantropiko’ challenge by @BINI_ph & showed her @bini_aiah’s video doing the challenge! pic.twitter.com/Ez0TGBSGEJ

— nicole talked to 🐰💖 (@baechustokki) February 14, 2024

In case you didn’t know, Pantropiko is going international. Even K-pop idols are doing it, as seen with how netizen baechustokki got Red Velvet’s Irene to do the Pantropiko dance. It feels correct.

ENHYPEN’S JAY

031024 SHOPEE KPOPMERCH Orange Blood Video Call Fansign Event R2

BINI Pantropiko Tiktok Dance Challenge with ENHYPEN JAY 🧡 (ang cute may pa-ending fairy pa siya hihi)

Bawat araw mas sumasaya 🥰🎶 , magmula nang nakita ka 👀🌴 @ENHYPEN @ENHYPEN_members

#ENHYPEN #제이 #JAY pic.twitter.com/kFmgHkjXrD

— WATER THUNDER SERVICES 🌊✨ (@WATERTHUNDERTWT) March 10, 2024

At this point, everyone has the Pantropiko fever. Even ENHYPEN’s Jay is doing it.

ALAMAT

@alamat.official Happy Anniversary ALAMAT, and Belated Happy Anniversary BINI!! here's a little treat Blooms, and mga Magiliw!! ✨ #AlamatDayAndNightDC #BINI_PantropikoDC ♬ original sound – ALAS DA GREAT

The BINI-LAT supremacy lives on. This remix of Pantropiko and Day and Night is giving, and it’s nice that the two P-pop groups finally performed this gem together. 

ITYZ’S RYUJIN

@solacesrj we tried 😭😭😭 @BINI PH #bini #bini_pantropiko #bini_pantropikodc #itzy #ryujin #kpop #fansignvideocall #fancall #fyp #류진 #pantropiko ♬ original sound – rj

Yup yup yup. Thank you to @solacesrj for asking Ryujin to do this during a fancall. Mikha is probably having the best time rn.

DENISE JULIA AND MIKHA LIM

@denisejuliuh

results😙 sugar n spice mv reaction with ms. nonchalant out now on my yt channel &lt33333

♬ Pantropiko – BINI

The power this duo has. It’s giving nonchalant gf and OA gf. Manifesting a Denise Julia x BINI collaboration soon. 

LEA HUENING

@lea_navvab

This song💛✨✨

♬ Pantropiko – BINI

See, whenever a Filipino dance goes viral on TikTok, you can always count on Lea to hop on and show some love. 

JOSH CULLEN

@joshcullenn Pantropiko all day @BINI PH ♬ Pantropiko – BINI

We love seeing P-pop idols supporting their fellow P-pop idols. You’ll never see us leave if these two were on the tropical island. 

ECLYPSE

@eclypse_ph oh shux 🫢 sa islang PANTROPIKO 🌴 @BINI PH #BINI #PANTROPIKO #BINI_PANTROPIKO #ECLYPSE #ECLYPSE_PH #PPOP #PPOPRise #GKDLABELS #ECLYPSE_LEX #ECLYPSE_GILLY #ECLYPSE_DEAN #ECLYPSE_GAB #ECLYPSE_CLYDE #ECLYPSE_RAVE #ECLYPSE_JOSHUEL ♬ Pantropiko – BINI

The energy, moves, and attitude? Eclypse just gave us even more reasons to watch out for this rookie P-pop group. 

MAKI

@clfrnia_maki Replying to @🐈 sa kyusi sa up sa islang pantropiko 😍🌊🏝️ #Bini #Pantropiko ♬ original sound – Maki *ੈ✩‧₊˚

From QC, UP, BGC, and the tropical island, Pantropiko is becoming that viral bop you can’t stop listening to. 

Continue Reading: 11 Times BINI’s Maloi Broke The Internet For Being *That* Girl

The Netflix live adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender is fast approaching, so if you’re scrambling to rewatch the original animation to refresh your memory we’ve got a list of our favorite moments right here!

Related: Your February 2024 Won’t Be Complete Without These New Movies and Shows

Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) premiered in 2005 and is still regarded as an extremely well-written animated series. The Nickelodeon show tells the tale of Aang, the titular Avatar – a powerful individual whose existence in the world is necessary for keeping the balance of power in check. The series follows his adventures as he masters the four elements (Air, Water, Earth, and Fire) and makes friends along the way. 

Don’t let the fact that it’s a cartoon fool you – as the story takes place during a time of war, it covers a lot of very nuanced, complex topics, making it a series you can enjoy for its humor, action, animation, or deep storytelling, as well as something that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.  

With Netflix’s live action adaptation of Book One: Water just around the corner, you may be wanting to binge the entire first season of ATLA for a refresh or just to relive the amazing moments. But since it’s the middle of the school/work week and we definitely don’t recommend staying up and ignoring your responsibilities to do so (we won’t judge, promise), here’s a list of some scenes that had all of us shocked at how *real* they got.

Sexism  

Sokka, the skeptic non-bender of the group who is often a source of comedy in the show, is a beloved member of Team Avatar. But he wasn’t always the most likable. In fact, the first few episodes saw him level some pretty wild sexist statements at his sister, and women in general. However, when outmatched by the warriors of Kyoshi island – a highly skilled combat group of entirely female soldiers – he quickly learns his lesson and starts to show the women around him the respect they deserve, going even so far as to humble himself and ask the Kyoshi warriors to train him in their ways. We love a man who can admit his mistakes and grow as a person. 

Another moment where the show tackles sexism head-on is when Katara, after traveling with Aang for months to find a Waterbending master only to be refused by Pakku as he believes women can only be “healers” and not “combatants”, stands up for herself and shows off her strength and potential. This moment was a big moment for young girls watching, clearly sending the message: “Gender standards be damned!”

The Genocide of the Air Nomads

Aang, having been frozen in the iceberg for a century, was probably grappling with the fact that basically everyone he knew was no longer alive. However, when returning to his home in the Southern Air Temple to reminisce the good old days, he discovers remnants of the Fire Nation’s assault on his people and must come to terms with the fact that his home was violated and his people violently wiped from existence. The episode is chilling, and serves to remind us all of the horrors of armed conflict. 

Learned Hopelessness and Rebellion

When Team Avatar encounters a small Earth Kingdom town that is being heavily oppressed by Fire Nation soldiers – to the extent that all Earthbenders are imprisoned with no hope of release – Katara takes it upon herself to infiltrate the prison to help their new friend, Haru, and the others escape. However, when she first arrives she finds that their spirits have been broken by their extremely harsh environment. After providing the inmates with the material needed to fight back, however, the rebellion succeeds. It was a heartwarming reminder that: sometimes all you need is a spark.

Is *All* Fair in War?

Midway through the season we are introduced to the charming Jet and his band of Freedom Fighters – a group of vigilantes that actively disrupted various Fire Nation activities in order to drive them from their home – and many teens and preteens met their first crush. That feeling is quickly spoiled, however, when we see that Jet acts indiscriminately against anyone from the Fire Nation – even civilians. This episode begs the audience to consider: How far will you go to seek revenge? How different are we from our enemies? Is anyone truly innocent? 

The Loss of Innocence and Childhood

This one is a huge theme that persists throughout all seasons of the show. The exchange between Aang and Zuko when they first meet (“You’re just a child”-“Well you’re just a teenager”) hits much, much harder watching the show as an adult. But one of the most painful examples of this that we see in Book One is during the season finale, when after the treacherous Commander Zhao kills the Moon spirit, endangering all life in the different nations, Yue must give back the gift of life bestowed upon her by the spirit at birth to save everyone. She gives up her young, mortal life and love for the sake of others, kissing Sokka goodbye forever. (We’re not crying, you’re crying.)

You can rewatch the original animated series or catch the new live action adaptation on Netflix Philippines.