The correct answer to situationships? Communication. After all, it’s still a relationship.

Related: Heartbreak Anniversary: 8 Spots to Breakup with Your Not-So-Special Someone

Imagine this scenario: You and someone not-so-special have been spending a lot of time together, enjoying each other’s company, and even going out to the occasional dinner date. At this point, you share inside jokes, a Spotify playlist, and dive deep into the craziest conversations at three in the morning. While it sounds like the typical dating stage, there’s a plot twist: You’re ‘not dating,’ and you’ve never explicitly defined your relationship.

In the tangled web of contemporary relationships, a new term has sprouted to encapsulate the territory between casual dating and full-blown commitment: situationships. Characterized by their blurry nature and the absence of well-defined boundaries, these ‘relationships’ can throw individuals into a whirlwind of emotional entanglement. Best believe, we’re all a bit confused.

If you’re wondering whether you’re in a situationship, scroll through the signs that might indicate you’re stuck—for better or for worse.

What is a Situationship, Exactly?

The world seems to invent new catch phrases for casual connections almost daily. From the classic booty call to the trendy friends with benefits, and now the latest addition: situationship. But what’s the scoop behind this term, and how is it different from talking stages and FUBUs?

A situationship is often likened to a friends-with-benefits setup or FUBUs, where physical intimacy is involved without the expectation of dinner dates or post-encounter contact. Now, the distinction lies in the possibility of mimicking a couple’s behavior while still avoiding commitments—a situation that goes beyond friendship but falls short of a long-term, committed relationship.

Picture this: It’s when you’re casually chatting with someone (but not consistently), making plans on the fly (typically at night), and the romantic connection lacks a clear definition. Yes, there might be moments of cuddling or hand-holding, but there’s no introduction to the parents or distant dreams of ‘settling down.’

Signs You’re in a Situationship

Consistency? What’s That?

In a real relationship, you can count on a consistent connection with your favorite person. Situationships, on the other hand, lack predictability. You might spend every waking moment together one week, only to shift to a no-contact act the next.

Last-Minute Plans

Couples in committed relationships plan their lives together like they’re mapping out world domination (well, almost). In situationships, the agenda is more like, “Hey, wanna grab a coffee in 20 minutes?” Sure, they might whisk you away on a 3AM road trip, but don’t hold your breath for holiday breaks or invites to the family reunion.

Mum’s the Word on the Future

While your late-night convos might cover everything from aliens to secret talents, there’s one topic that’s MIA: the future – especially your relationship’s future. It’s a simple equation: no plans for the long haul? No need to talk about it.

Third (or Fourth) Wheeling

A major red flag? Discovering your partner’s intimate or romantic rendezvous with one or more people. Even in open relationships, it’s all about those clear-cut boundaries. Unfortunately, situationships aren’t renowned for their openness, so brace yourself for these revelations via the gossip grapevine, social media scrolls, or worse, unexpected face-to-face encounters.

Stuck in Situationship Traffic

If your relationship feels like it’s stuck in its own little traffic jam with no natural progress, that’s a classic sign you’re in a situationship. And if your situationship seems to be extending longer than the Lord of the Rings trilogy without any commitment talk, that doesn’t mean you’re ‘getting there.’ Take cues—perhaps one of you isn’t ready for a real relationship.

Actions Speak Louder

When their actions scream, “I’m not that into this,” it’s time to listen. Sometimes, words don’t tell the full story, and if they’re not showing signs of wanting to get serious, consider it a neon-lit sign.

Here’s How to Handle the “Relationship”

If you’re content with the current state of things and want to maintain that, take a moment for some self-reflection: Am I genuinely game with this situation? Embracing the nebulous nature of relationships can be a blast—it brings fun, satisfaction, and a taste of liberation. A situationship provides the freedom to explore a connection without the pressure of making a definitive decision. But remember: setting clear boundaries is non-negotiable.

At the same time, don’t sideline your own needs just to keep the peace or please someone else (and don’t count on them catching feelings either—it’s not always a given). If you’re craving more, it’s time to speak up. Begin by expressing appreciation for the good times, highlighting what you like (or love) about them, and then throw out the big question about where this train’s headed. But hey, be ready for any curveballs—they might not actually be in the market for something serious right now.

The answer is all about communication and putting yourself first. Don’t let your situationship hold you back from finding what truly works for you.

Continue Reading: No Date? No Problem: 11 Solo Date Ideas to Manifest More Self-Love In 2024

Interactive Gen Z musical ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ opens soon at the Blackbox Theater! R-U-R-E-A-D-Y?

Related: Curtains Up! All The Musicals And Plays Coming To The Philippines This 2024

Manila theater company The Sandbox Collective is celebrating its 10th year by bringing young talents to the stage to tell a story a little bit about spelling and all about the pressures and pains of growing up. Their first staging of the year is award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which centers around a—you guessed it, a school spelling bee contest.

The musical is staged in partnership with ABS-CBN’s talent management arm Star Magic and Teatro Kapamilya. It will be spearheaded and directed by theater mainstay, actress and professor Missy Maramara. Musical direction and choreography are led by Rony Fortich and Franco Ramos, respectively.

Besides being stacked with familiar names both within and outside theater circles, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee promises to deliver a comedic, engaging story driven by music, dance, and acting performances that’ll make you laugh and also get you a little sentimental. Bringing a 2000s American musical to a modern, Filipino audience can’t be an easy feat, but its themes are timeless. This makes for a great opportunity to connect with theater audiences and tell a unique story with unique characters. Buzzing with anticipation yet? Read on for some more reasons to catch the show during its limited run.

SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING FRESH—FROM A CLASSIC

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents who vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime. It was workshopped in 2004 and premiered on Broadway in 2005. Spelling Bee received acclaim during its run, along with a handful of award wins and nominations—including two Tony Awards and a Grammy nomination.

A distinctive aspect of the Spelling Bee is that it’s largely character-driven, what with its ensemble of diverse, off-beat characters. There are the six young “Spellers”: Chip, Marcy, Logainne, Barfée, Olive and Leaf, and the three adults: Rona, Douglas, and Mitch. Despite each one’s quirks, though, each character is crafted and portrayed with much nuance and relatability, making the show not just hilarious, but resonant. This ensemble comes together to explore not just the pressures placed upon students (concentrated in the form of a Spelling Bee), but also themes about family, friendships, and growing up.

TALENT IN SPADES

Featuring a mix of seasoned veterans, rising young musical theater actors, and newbies to the world of theater, the Spelling Bee strives to make good of its promise to highlight eclectic personalities, captivating voices, and energetic performances. And from the glimpses we’ve caught on TV and social media, it’s clear that the Spellers have talent and charisma in spades, and we can’t wait to see them in action.

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The cast will feature Star Magic talents AC Bonifacio and Shanaia Gomez as Marcy Park, and Krystal Brimner and Angela Ken as Olive Ostrovsky. Becca Coates and Justine Narciso will share the role of Loggaine SchwartzAndGrubennierre, and alternating in the role of Chip Tolentino will be Diego Aranda and Luis Marcelo. Rounding out the spelling bee contestants will be Joshy Ramirez and Ron Balgos in the role of William Barfée, and Elian Dominguez and Shaun Ocrisma in the role of Leaf Coneybear.

The show will also feature theater veterans as the Spelling Bee’s adult characters: Audie Gemora and Robbie Guevara as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Nyoy Volante and Jordan Andrews (in certain
performances) as Mitch Mahoney, and Liesl Batucan-Del Rosario as Rona Lisa Peretti.

ARE YOU A GOOD SPELLER?

Another notable feature of the musical is the involvement of “guest spellers.” At each show, four audience members will be given the chance to join the cast onstage as fellow contestants of the bee. They’ll be given a word to spell, and hopefully they spell it correctly! Not only will this contribute to the immersive nature of the production, but it also ensures that every show will have a wild card element in the form of these guest spellers. Are you up for the C-H-A-L-L-E-N-G-E?

FUNNY AND TOUCHING

The musical’s book by Rachel Sheinkin has been praised for being touching while still being lighthearted. The music by William Finn is also a highlight (hence the Grammy nom). Throughout the musical, we learn about the Spellers’ (and the adults’) lives, feelings, motivations, and relationships—the good, the bad, and even the hilariously unfortunate.

From wins to woes, pubescence to tumultuous familial relations, puppy-love crushes to high-stakes sabotage, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has it all. This local staging is bringing plenty of hopes up, and the only way to see if it lives up to the hype is to watch it.

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Catch this charming musical at the PowerMac Spotlight Blackbox Theater at Circuit Makati from February 24 to March 17. Get tickets here (priced from P1900 to P3300). Also, check out the hashtags #SpellSandbox2024 and #SandboxNowandTen for more information, sneak peeks, behind the scenes, and soon, maybe even some reviews!

Images courtesy of The Sandbox Collective.

Continue Reading: AC Bonifacio Makes Her Musical Theatre Debut With ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

When they’re essentially empathic and defined by their sensitive side, these celebrities prove that Pisces are still the baddest out of all zodiac signs.

Related: All the Reasons Why BINI’s Mikha Lim Is A Total Textbook Scorpio

While they’re essentially empaths, hopeless romantics, and able to tap into their sensitive side (which is never a bad thing), Pisces are also creative people. They have an appreciation for art, an eye for beauty, and a penchant for dressing well.

Ever wondered why Pisces dominates the creative scene? It’s in their cosmic DNA. These imaginative individuals naturally channel their emotions through artistic masterpieces or soulful melodies. Among the ranks of artistic powerhouses born under this water sign are Andrea Brillantes, Denise Julia, and Kaila Estrada. Each might have made their name on their terms, but they share a common thread—they’re all baddies. Highly confident, independent, and undeniably unapologetic.

To welcome the start of Pisces szn, take a look at the list of personalities born between February 20 and March 20. You’ll most likely arrive at the conclusion that Pisces is the baddest out of all zodiac signs.

Alexa Ilacad

Alexa Ilacad’s baddie behavior? She’s straight-from-the-shoulder direct and allergic to naysayers. Born on February 26, 2000, the actress has been in show business for a while, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopping from clapping back whenever necessary.

Andrea Brillantes

Born on March 12, 2003, Andrea Brillantes has been standing up for herself and her family from a young age. Apart from her acting career, she is the CEO of her own beauty brand and serves as the family’s breadwinner. Balancing all these responsibilities while facing countless criticisms from the media? Now, that’s baddie behavior at its finest.

Denise Julia

If you’re trying to picture a textbook baddie, Denise Julia has you covered. Born on February 26, 2002, the hailed Patron Saint of Situationships is three things: has her boundaries set, priorities straight, and is undeniably unapologetic. If you’re aiming to channel that type of confidence, listen to her music—ASAP.

Jillian Ward

Born on February 23, 2005, Jillian Ward has seamlessly transitioned from being a ‘bibo’ child actress to a bigger, bolder, and brighter star. While we may frequently see her on television, scrolling through her Instagram will reveal that she’s winning both on and off the screen. Who could forget her first sports car at the age of 17?

Julia Barretto

Born on March 10, 1997, Julia has been in the limelight ever since she can remember—meaning she’s also a target for countless criticisms and rude comments. While it’s important to clap back whenever the situation calls for it, there’s one thing we all learned from Julia Barretto, it’s that sometimes, it’s better to protect your peace. Yes, being a baddie doesn’t always mean you have to put on a fierce face.

Kaila Estrada

Born on March 16, 1996, and another actress with a family in the industry, that didn’t stop Kaila Estrada from making a name for herself on her own terms. With stellar performances in Can’t Buy Me Love and Linlang, the rising star didn’t need her surname for people to remember who she is. At this point, we’re on the edge of our seats, eagerly waiting for the next chapter of this Pisces.

Lexi Gonzales

If there’s one thing that people remember about Pisces, it’s that they’re caring and compassionate—the traits embodied by Lexi Gonzales. Born on February 23, 2000 to a single mother, the actress revealed that she entered the industry to help her mom raise a younger brother who has autism. As the stars align for this empathetic Piscean, Lexi Gonzales proves that kindness knows no bounds, on and off the screen.

Olivia Rodrigo

Born on February 20, 2003, nobody embodies the ~Pisces personality~ quite like Olivia Rodrigo. If you’ve ever listened to her music (I mean, who hasn’t?), you know that all feelings are on the table: angst, betrayal, love, and a reckoning with the pressures of the world.

And when she releases albums like GUTS, the Filipino-American artist captures the thoughts and deepest daydreams of every Pisces like no other.

Continue Reading: 6 Songs From Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS Album That Didn’t Have To Go That Hard

Without saying much, Hay, Buhay speaks to the trials and tribulations of being a Filipino student in these times.

Related: Expect A Year-Long Celebration of Komiks And Art With Komiket 2024

Student life has never been easy for many, with the demands of school alone enough to cause some to go into a spiral. But when you add the stress of daily life, it’s a whole other challenge, something that’s keenly felt by many of today’s students. From high inflation, taxing public transportation, and more, surviving as a student who doesn’t have access to the finer things in life is a burden no one should carry. 

It’s this feeling that is brought to life by artist and illustrator Kulas Jalea in his wordless digital comic, Hay, Buhay. Taking inspiration from the daily struggles of a student-commuter, the comic highlights the various societal factors that make life even harder for a student. And going by the comic’s reception on social media and that it’s been made available in print, many people can see themselves in the comic’s story. 

BACK TO THE GRIND

Hay, Buhay is a comic rooted in student life. Fittingly enough, it has its origins in school. As Kulas shared with NYLON Manila, the comic was a requirement for his Production Methods class during his sophomore year as a Fine Arts student. “We were tasked to create a wordless book by using a chosen onomatopoeia to describe the feeling or emotion of our subjects,” he says. “In this case, I used ‘sigh’ to express the frustration of the protagonist in circumstances involved in the story.” Hence, the reason why this is a wordless comic. 

The comic begins with the protagonist waking up at 7 am to get ready for school. But as early as then, the grind starts as he gets caught in traffic and struggles to find a ride to get him to school. Overpriced cafeteria food, a long exam, and the pain of the daily commute back home round out his day as the cycle continues. Hay, Buhay indeed. 

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

The project features a few aspects of daily life many students are (sadly) familiar with. Early in the day, the protagonist has to deal with an ever-present transportation crisis, something Kulas has witnessed firsthand. “Having to endure endless traffic in Metro Manila, as I live in Marikina City, commuting to school every day is a struggle. I am consistently late and often have little to no time for proper preparation before heading out. This struggle is not unique to me; it’s a shared experience among many students and others whom I’ve spoken to.”

Another issue seen in the comic is how inflation has affected our spending habits. Simple acts such as buying food and commuting are getting more expensive, which makes life even harder for students who don’t have a lot of disposable income. “Acquiring funds for commuting, purchasing food, and meeting academic needs is a daily struggle,” expresses Kulas matter-of-factly. “The rising food prices in canteens further strain the budgets of students. Growing up without a silver spoon in my mouth, I am compelled to take on freelance jobs or rakets just to sustain my daily living expenses. Relying solely on my parents’ support is no longer sufficient given our family’s financial status.” 

And if that wasn’t enough, there is also the grind of academic requirements that’s made more challenging due to certain socio-economic factors. “In light of the aforementioned issues, these factors collectively impact a student’s performance significantly. For instance, chronic lateness due to traffic, insufficient access to food due to inflated prices, and returning home late with pending deadlines exacerbate the already exhausting experience of student life.”   

While it doesn’t use any lines to convey what is happening, the wordless comic makes up for it through a simple yet striking visual style that gets the feeling across. “The visual style is inspired by illustrations and comics of the contemporary period, characterized by detailed linework, emotive characters, and dynamic compositions,” the artist shares. “The palette used was limited to three colors, as per the instructions for this plate. I chose red, teal, and beige to incorporate warmth and harmony into the story, creating a visually cohesive and emotionally evocative narrative.”

THAT’S LIFE

Without saying much, the comic speaks to what so many are going through. But more than just serving as a relatable piece for readers, Kulas hopes his Hay, Buhay comic allows them to find their place in how they can address these issues. “Understandably, all of us go through challenges in life, and we all collectively experience these societal crises. In this comic, may we carry exhaustion towards anger, frustration, and accountability, with patience and love—whether for the country, others, or ourselves.” 

Hay, Buhay is another example of art being used to talk about today’s society and highlight important issues. In this case, it’s about a student whose life is made exponentially more difficult by social and economic inequality. While the initial thought is that the government and the powers at be to be held accountable and do a better job at addressing the needs of the masses, which is valid, Kulas also sees his viral comic as another medium that serves as a reminder that we too have a part to play in seeing change happen.

As he puts it, “As ordinary citizens, we share this responsibility. By demanding good governance from the government, we recognize that the power to change society ultimately rests with the people.” 

Art and images courtesy of Kulas Jalea. You can read the Hay, Buhay comic in full here.

Related: This Pinay-Written Queer Fantasy Komik Is Getting A Global Manga Release

An abundance of dick jokes and a sex-positive story make for a raunchy and rowdy time.

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

What do you do when your girlfriend of five years decides to dump you during your proposal? If your answer is to go to Thailand with your friends and get laid, you probably have the same mindset as Luis Carpio, the lead character of I Am Not Big Bird. 

From director Victor Villanueva comes this tale that follows Luis (Enrique Gil), who, after a string of fails, decides to bring his two friends, Macky (Nikko Natividad) and July (Red Ollero), on a trip to Bangkok to have a wild time. But this comedy gets even wilder when Luis is mistaken to be the long-lost famous porn star, Big Bird, as his arrival in the city brings together a colorful cast of characters who all want a piece of Big Bird. 

Both as a vehicle for Enrique Gil’s acting comeback and a movie from a mainstream production house, I Am Not Big Bird is not what one would expect. But apart from its R-rated madness, the movie is pretty decent and doesn’t let its absurdity get in the way of telling a story of friendship and love that goes beyond the private parts. Curious to know if this mature comedy is for you? We break down the things we enjoyed about the film.

THE TRIO AT THE CENTER OF THE MOVIE GET THE JOB DONE

Enrique Gil, Red Ollero, and Nikko Natividad make for an unlikely trio to lead a comedy. But they make it work with their strong and dynamic chemistry. While Luis, Macky, and July may fall more into certain stereotypes, they bring the fun as they make their way through Thailand on this porn-fueled adventure filled with its ups and downs. 

Gil plays double duty as Luis and Big Bird, and it’s fun to see him really go all out and play outside what people have come to know him for. Natividad captures July’s flamboyance to a T. Ollero, meanwhile, serves as the movie’s lowkey standout as the blunt but level-headed Macky. Given his background as a stand-up comic, Ollero’s comedic timing is impeccable and delivers some of the movie’s best lines and laughs. 

IT’S ABSURD COMEDY FROM START TO FINISH

If you want to know how crazy I Am Not Big Bird can get, the opening scene of the film has a guy lose an eye after his friend’s semen hits him as he was masturbating to a porno of Big Bird’s. There’s a joke in the movie about how Big Bird’s penis is so big, it ends up hitting people who pass by him. There’s a scene where the three main characters are arguing while their pants are down and their private parts are seen. Oh, and one of the characters can shoot bananas out of her vagina like a machine gun. 

The sexual comedy on display here is a lot, but the film mostly doesn’t fall into the trap of being absurd just to be OA. The jokes aren’t mostly cringe and are quite funny as the slapstick humor has a purpose behind it. Depending on your taste, your mileage may vary on the heavy amount of penis jokes, but there’s no denying the movie isn’t afraid to push the envelope when it can, making for a memorable time. 

UNAFRAID TO TALK ABOUT SEX

Despite the strides we have made as a society, Philippine mainstream media still has its way to go when it comes to talking about sex as something not to be embraced or ashamed of. This is why it’s nice to see a movie like this have its narrative unapologetically focused on the human body. It doesn’t shy away from talking about dicks, sex, needing sexual pleasure in a relationship, and more. And it does so without demonizing its characters or topics. 

Luis’ issue of having a small penis symbolizes how he’s insecure about himself, which lends itself to the topic of toxic masculinity. Big Bird, meanwhile, feels that people just see him for his big dick and not as an actual human being, which speaks to the issue of sexualizing people. It’s fair to say that I Am Not Big Bird is sex-positive, at least in how it doesn’t sermonize the audience into hating what it talks about. While it’s unlikely that this will become the standard for how local mainstream media should approach the topic, it’s still progress. 

UNSERIOUS YET DECENT STORY 

I Am Not Big Bird tells a fairly decent if basic story that, while wholly unserious, lands on its feet with a raunchy, rowdy, and satisfying conclusion. The movie does suffer from a few plot holes and underbaked and one-note supporting characters, but it is a boys-trip-abroad-gone-wrong that knows how to have fun and not take itself too seriously. Ever since I Am Not Big Bird dropped its first trailer, the movie has not been shy about what it is. And it’s commendable that it doesn’t sanitize itself. This is a wild, mature, and R-rated comedy about people finding their purpose, no matter the size of their manhood. 

A movie can be a serious deep dive into what goes on in society, but it can also be stupid fun, which is where this movie falls. When you have a film that features a scene of a character beating up goons with his big penis, you know you’re not getting a thorough examination of the human psyche. And there’s nothing wrong with that. While not everything in this movie works, it is unique and a nice change of pace for local cinema that can elicit a few chuckles. 

I Am Not Big Bird is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Continue Reading: Enrique Gil’s Comeback Role? A (Mistaken) Porn Star In Thailand

POND’S is now bigger, brighter, and better than before as they launch breakthrough ingredients—Niasorcinol and Hexyl-Retinol.

Related: Achieve The Glass Skin Look With This 5-Step Skincare Routine Curated For Sensitive Skin

Step into the radiant world of skincare science with POND’S as we take a look back at the grand launch of the POND’S Skin Institute at the Glass Garden last February 12, 2024. Amidst the glittering event, the renowned beauty brand reveals a new chapter, promising a bigger, brighter future for all things skincare and anti-aging.

Featuring revolutionary ingredients like Niasorcinol and Hexyl-Retinol, POND’s unveils the Bright Miracle and Age Miracle, ushering in a new era of transformative beauty. But the grand launch wasn’t just about these groundbreaking products—it was a showcase of innovation that also introduced the fresh faces of the beauty brand.

When we had the privilege of catching up with these shining stars, they peeled back the curtain on their personal routines and discover the POND’S products they can’t live without. So, grab your front-row seat, scroll through, and get ready to immerse yourself in the skincare stash of these radiant individuals.

Behind the Skincare Science

At the heart of POND’S careful commitment to innovation lies the promise of a bigger and brighter future in skincare science. The brand, renowned for its skincare staples, introduces an all-new dimension to these beloved products, making them even better.

Central to this innovation is the introduction of two ingredients—NIASORCINOL and HEXYL-RETINOL. Now at the forefront of skincare, these two mark a significant leap forward in the pursuit of radiant skin.

Niacinamide, everyone’s favorite ingredient known for fading sunspots and post-acne marks by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to skin cells, takes center stage in NIASORCINOL. This breakthrough technology combines these two potent ingredients and has been proven more effective than basic brightening actives such as niacinamide and vitamin C.

On the other hand, HEXYL-RETINOL, a blend of Hexylresorcinol, Retinol-C, and Niacinamide, emerges as a miraculous force in boosting repair. It targets signs of aging like spots, wrinkles, and enhances skin elasticity in 10 transformative ways.

Here’s How Miracles Happen

The spotlight, however, shines brightly on the new products—the Bright Miracle and Age Miracle lines. These offerings are supercharged with NIASORCINOL and HEXYL-RETINOL, representing the pinnacle of POND’S dedication to providing skincare solutions. Introduced at the grand launch, these lines symbolize a transformative era in beauty, promising a skincare experience like never before.

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Within this revolutionary lineup, the new POND’S Bright Miracle Serum with NIASORCINOL takes center stage. Featuring a blend of Niacinamide and E-Resorcinol, this dynamic duo works in tandem, diving deep—up to 10 layers deep, to be precise—initiating a micro-repair process that skillfully fades dark spots. The outcome? In just three days, we are promised the unveiling of ultimately clearer skin.

But the skincare spectacle doesn’t end there. Enter the equally enchanting POND’S Age Miracle Serum with HEXYL-RETINOL. Engineered to boost collagen effects and repair skin through 10 distinct pathways, it holds the potential to unveil ultimately youthful-looking skin within a mere three days. Together, these products redefine the boundaries of skincare, offering visible and transformative results in a short span.

The Fresh Faces of POND’S

During the launch of the POND’S Skin Institute, not only were the products introduced, but the event also unveiled fresh faces that bring a new perspective to POND’S—Heart Evangelista and Julia Barretto.

These shining stars are the poster girls for glowing skin. Whether gracing movie screens, magazine covers, or TV commercials, their naturally radiant skin shines through, showcasing the effectiveness of POND’S products. Even during their downtime, the effortless glow of Heart Evangelista and Julia Barretto is evident through their Instagram posts, further emphasizing the transformative power of POND’S products as their skincare secret.

Wondering which POND’S products they swear by? Heart Evangelista, an advocate for timeless beauty, swears by the transformative power of the POND’S Age Miracle Serum with HEXYL-RETINOL. On the other hand, Julia Barretto, with her youthful radiance, adheres to the classic combination of the Bright Miracle Serum and Moisturizer within the NIASORCINOL line. Despite their different choices, what these two share in their pursuit of radiant skin is their routines.

Having both been POND’S girlies since a young age, Heart and Julia spill the tea on skincare lessons learned over the years: simplify the process. No need for a ten-step skincare routine; instead, they advocate for a streamlined approach—cleanser, moisturizer, and serum. This trifecta, according to the fresh faces of POND’S, is a consistent and manageable routine, regardless of how exhausted you are at the end of the day or how bleary-eyed you feel in the morning.

One last tip from Heart Evangelista? Stay consistent because no matter how promising the products are, they won’t work if you’re skipping steps.

The new POND’S Bright Miracle and Age Miracle are now available on Lazada, Shopee, and at Watsons. It’s time to see how miracles happen.

Continue Reading: This Beauty Brand Marries Skincare And Makeup

K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE shares all about how their second full album [2] came to be and how you can become your own ‘Super Lady’.

Related: (G)I-DLE, aespa, and IVE Collaborate On Upcoming Single “NOBODY”

From being Queencards to Super Ladies, (G)I-DLE have made sure to blaze their own musical trail as empowered, confident young artists. Composed of Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, and Shuhua, the K-pop girl group is bold in their artistry, unafraid to experiment, and brave enough to tackle social and gender issues through their music. With their latest album [2], (G)I-DLE shows they stand tall and strong, despite all the challenges thrown their way.

LOUD AND PROUD

Largely a self-producing group led by writer, composer, and producer Soyeon, the members of (G)I-DLE have always had a hand in crafting their work. Their latest album is no exception, as each one participated in composing and writing lyrics for each of the eight tracks.

Almost six years into their career, through all of their concepts and eras and evolutions, one thing has remained consistent with (G)I-DLE—they champion empowerment, self-confidence, and the freedom to be who you are. As young women in the high-pressure world of music, and particularly in K-pop, their collective experiences as individuals and as a group largely make up what they share with the world.

From wanting to break free from the stereotypes imposed upon them due to their gender or the intense career path they’re taking, to imparting messages of confidence, the quintet stands out. Their concepts, confidence, authenticity, and creativity have earned them distinction of being one of the most successful girl groups of the generation.

Super Lady, the title track from their sophomore full album, is a loud, proud, anthemic song of the power and confidence they’re now known for. The group also loves to play around with concepts, aesthetics, and performances, making every comeback a treat to the eyes, ears, and brain—just as they intend for it to be.

IMPACT AND INTENT

Like many great artists, (G)I-DLE continues to practice the art of embedding layered and multifaceted meanings in their work. Soyeon in particular, as a pillar in their creative foundation, has clear vision for what she wants to achieve with their music, and—arm-in-arm with her members—they tell stories of who they are, their experiences, and what they see and feel as they exist in the world.

For instance, their pre-release single Wife is a satirical take on stereotypical gender roles, where the wife is perceived to only exist to serve her husband. (G)I-DLE doesn’t ever shy away from talking about social issues through their lyrics and visuals. Wife, although packaged in a head-bopping sound with a cute dance music video, is a classic (G)I-DLE move—playful and fun, but invites you to prod deeper into what the heck they were talking about, exactly—and why.

The girl group also made waves for their song Nxde back in 2022, as Soyeon’s intent regarding the song was to shift perspectives about the word “nude,” critique our collective sexualized understanding of the word, and also have an impact on searches involving it. Soyeon shared in an interview that creating a song with such a title could help overshadow any inappropriate results that would come from searching “nude.” Queen behavior, actually. But essentially, through such concepts and music, their perspectives on female empowerment and liberation are made clear.

In an exclusive written interview with NYLON Manila, the girl group talked about how it felt to come back with their second full album, the inspiration and creativity that goes into their work, and what it takes to be your own Super Lady. Read on below.

How does it feel to be releasing your 2nd full album after 1 year and 10 months?

MIYEON: It’s been a long time, so we have prepared with excitement to show our new song and performances. I hope that many people will enjoy and like our album.

SHUHUA: Since this was our Second Full Album after 1 year and 10 months, I was very nervous. I am happy that we received so much love.

What are some things you learned from your last album and EPs that you carried over while you were making [2]? Are things easier this time around?

SOYEON: This was probably the most difficult album I’ve done. I wanted to do something new that we hadn’t done previously.

All the tracks on this album were songs which the members participated in composing and writing lyrics. Please tell us how the album was put together like this.

MIYEON: This album is also filled with songs that our members wrote. With a great opportunity, I was able to participate in writing lyrics as well.

MINNIE: In the Second Full Album [2], I participated in Vision and 7Days as a composer and lyricist. Please show a lot of support and love towards our songs!

SOYEON: Each member worked in their own style, so we hope our fans enjoy our Second Full Album [2].

YUQI: Soyeon, our leader, mainly developed this album. Once the basic frame is completed our members start working and adding on the details accordingly!

What is your favorite track from [2] and why?

MIYEON: I love all our songs but if I had to pick one it would be 7Days, whenever I listen to this song the lyrics are very healing as well as the melody.

MINNIE: I would have to pick Vision. This is the first song to work on the lyrics with Miyeon which made the song even more special. I am sure that our fans would love it as soon as they listen to it!

SOYEON: I chose Wife as my favorite track since this is the song that I composed and even arranged.

YUQI: My favorite song is Rollie. It was my first time composing a hip-hop genre song. The song vibe, our members’ voices, and the overall arrangement worked well together as I expected.

SHUHUA: 7Days by Minnie is a song that makes me flutter and Rollie by Yuqi is very catchy. so please check them out!

There are a lot of amazing visuals in this comeback, like the 360° Paparazzi Room website and the Super Lady MV. What inspired the visuals and creative direction for this album?

MINNIE: We come up with ideas when talking with our members naturally. We are inspired by various conversations.

YUQI: I get inspired by various musical and creative parts in my daily life. I always feel different depending on the mood of the day, such as when I am in a car and look out the window to see the sunset or when I go for a walk at night.

Your Super Lady music video looks like an extravagant production. What messages and feelings did you want to express with the music video?

MIYEON: I think it’s an extension of the message of being confident and loving yourself, which has been in our songs so far. We wanted to show our fans that (G)I-DLE has grown up to be more confident.

YUQI: I wanted to share my belief in self-confidence with the world.

Is there any TMI or fun story you have about preparations for the album or the music video shoot?

MIYEON: There were a lot of background casts who attended and participated in the group dance scene with us. I focused more on the scene since it seemed like we were performing when I was looking at us from below the stage.

MINNIE: Actually, there is a cute episode that I remember. In our Super Lady music video, I acted as Medusa for my solo part. I had to braid about five pieces for my hairstyle, and everyone, including me, were surprised because it was a new hairstyle that I tried.

SOYEON: We had about 600 dancers and actors in our music video Super Lady. When looking at the music video you will be able to see the largest scale that we did.

YUQI: I played as Cruella in this music video! There’s a scene where I’m playing with the dogs. Actually four Dalmatian dogs that were prepared. However, they were so powerful that I couldn’t control them. Following discussions with the director, just two of them appeared in the scene.

SHUHUA: It was my first time filming with foreign actors, and I was surprised by how well all of them spoke Korean. It turns out that everyone lived in Korea for 8 to 10 years!

Do you have any advice for people on how they can become their own “Super Lady”?

MINNIE: I’d like to advise that everyone can be “Super Lady” when we believe “I am the best” and don’t care about others.

SHUHUA: People can become their own “Super Lady” by always loving and believing in themselves, regardless of their circumstances.

What message do you have for your supportive NEVERLAND?

MIYEON: As always, I would like to thank NEVERLAND for waiting for the new album and (G)I-DLE. We’ll try our best to get back to our fans.

MINNIE: NEVERLAND in Manila! Thank you for consistently supporting and loving us! We are always ready to meet our NEVERLAND and will be there soon. Please wait for us. I love you!

SOYEON: NEVERLAND! I love you and thank you as always. We will be there someday, so please wait a little longer!

YUQI: NEVERLAND! We’re continually working hard to bring back your love through our work and music, so please stay tuned!

SHUHUA: Thank you so much for enjoying and loving this album, NEVERLAND. Please look forward to our upcoming activities!

Interview has been edited for formatting purposes. Images courtesy of (G)I-DLE on social media. Special thanks to CUBE Entertainment.

Continue Reading: When Worlds Collide: 10 Crossovers Between K-Pop and The Gaming Community

Make some space in your playlist for new tracks from Dua Lipa, Beyonce, LE SSEREAFIM, and more.

Related: Big Bold Brave Awards 2024: Gen Z-Approved Hit

Mid-month checkpoint. Believe it or not, we are already past the halfway mark this February. And with that comes the fact that we already had half a month’s worth of new music. So, in case you haven’t updated your 2024 playlist yet, we rounded up a few of our favorite tracks from February, so far. From your phone to the AUX cord, these tracks may spice up your month as you reach the home stretch. 

EASY – LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM really knows how to make it look easy, as seen in their trap-inspired and vibey new single that’s all about their determination to pave their own path.

TRAINING SEASON – DUA LIPA

Dua Lipa said “no more bad dates” in her new spunky single that embraces singlehood and dating life without feeling any pressure of finding the ‘right’ one.

GET RIGHT – JOSH CULLEN AND YURIDOPE 

Delivering a remix that sounds like a completely new track, the duo rocked the remix with an insatiable drive to flip the beat, get the verses turned up, and deliver a performance that is equally compelling as the original. It’s an inter-genre tweak that pushes the envelope forward as far as production is concerned.

DON’T MATTER – DENISE JULIA AND DENY

Denise Julia + DENȲ = a charming, sing-along bop that’s centered on empowerment, freedom, and self-love—three virtues that triumph over the prospect of everything going wrong in a leap of faith.

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM – BEYONCE

Grab your cowboy boots as it’s time to go country with Beyonce, who has us feeling like we’re at the saloon looking for a good but respectable time. 

I NEED YOU – SPOTIFY SINGLES – ENHYPEN

This official remake finds ENHYPEN a more topical spin to the BTS classic that brought the boys their first music show win. It’s a fitting cover for ENHYPEN and where the group is now in their journey. 

STUPID IN LOVE – MAX AND YUNJIN

While it’s no longer Valentine’s, you can bet we’ll be playing this LSS-inducing song well into the year.

LONELY DANCERS – CONAN GRAY

Conan’s 80s era continues in this synth-heavy pop song that would fit in any 80s set rom-com. 

BAM YANG GANG – BIBI

If wholesome and eccentric met in a song, it would sound like this BIBI track about saying no to an ex and saying yes to the taste of sweet chestnut red bean jelly. 

ISAORAS – ARTHUR MIGUEL

Arthur’s streak of no miss hits continues. 

KILLIN’ IT – P1HARMONY

The K-pop group is indeed killin’ it in this minimal composition that incorporates a catchy 808 base with well-crafted rap flow paying homage to a fusion of K-pop and 90s hip-hop.

PWEDE BA KITANG LIGAWAN? – THE JUANS

This catchy, fun, and almost breezy new song is all about those moments where the kilig is and where the potential for love begins. 

AMAFILIPINA – MARINA SUMMERS

*Adds to confident AF playlist*. If you ever needed a track to help you embrace being a Filipino, you can count on Marina and her interpolation of AMAKABOGERA that is unapologetically Pinoy focused. 

YOU DIDN’T – ANJI SALVACION 

Okay Anji Lipa. The Gen Z star channels her inner pop star for an empowering number about not letting a former flame take your shine away. 

FREE – DOM GUYOT

Dom gives us pretty boy pop in this bop about living your best life free from inhibitions. 

DAYDREAM – DARLENE 

Making her P-pop soloist debut, Darlene keeps it cute and classy in her track about finding that special love.

Continue Reading: The Round-Up: The New Bangers Of The Week That Might Become Your Next Obsession 

Lost in the maze, in the darkness (no more).

Related: 4 BTS Dances You Can Thank Brian Puspos For

Enhypen just released their cover of I Need U, W Magazine unveiled their collaboration with V, Jung Kook’s new Calvin Klein ad is out, and SUGA comes up with new episodes of Suchwita almost every week. Jin gives us a video greeting each month that he is away, while we are still not over Jimin’s Harper’s Bazaar cover, RM says hello through Weverse entries while j-hope’s Instagram story is a pleasant surprise. BTS truly made sure that we don’t feel lonely while they are in the military. But let’s admit it, not seeing them as a group, performing, truly feels like a very long and cold winter.

So, aside from counting down the days until our Astronaut and our Sunshine returns this year, we’ve compiled three new ways how you can cope as you miss BTS.

Learn Korean every day through 365 BTS Days Calendar

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A post shared by Apop (@apopbooks)

This perpetual calendar is filled with simple Korean expressions for every day of the year, which are lifted from RUN BTS!, live broadcasts, and other programs featuring the group. It also contains a section that will help us pronounce and read the dates in Korean easily.

Have a break or exercise your mind and fingers through BTS Island: In The Seom and soon-to-be-released mobile cooking game, BTS Cooking On

INSTAGRAM/INTHESEOM_BTS

These two games may look cute like their creators, but we all know that BTS loves challenges. Strategize and think with their animated versions, be it on your tablet or your phone. Just make sure you have your chargers around because the animation and background music are also too good to be put on silent mode.

Experience B★VERSE, BTS Singing The Stars Exhibition This May 2024

Last February 16, Araneta City announced that we can finally purchase tickets for this immersive exhibit via TicketNet. From May 17 until August 16, ARMYs can experience BTS in a new light on Level 4 of the new Gateway Mall 2. You can avail of the discounted passes from February 23 (Friday) to 25 (Sunday) that come with exclusive freebies such as:

1. zipped lock pouches
2. battery-operated ARMY star badges
3. photocards

All of these can be claimed on the day of the exhibit visit. 

Early-bird buyers will get a chance to pre-order official exclusive merchandise like postcards, calendars, brochures, and tote bags. B★VERSE, BTS Singing The Stars Exhibition allows the BTS ARMY to watch RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook perform using virtual reality headsets, experience the seven rooms with displays representing each member, and dance our heart out in the projection mapping room that plays BTS’ top hits.

While all these may not be enough to prevent you from shedding a tear. But just like BTS, ARMYs are strong. And while in the process, why don’t we all exercise on our treadmills like Allie Bennett or try cardio and strength training with Cardio Party Mashup while listening to BTS songs? While we miss our Bangtan together, let’s invest this time for personal growth and exploration. The magic is in finding your way to celebrate BTS and spread their kindness beyond our Universe.

Continue Reading: 8 Things You Can Do While Waiting For BTS In 2025

Just like Taylor Swift herself, drag artist Taylor Sheesh is taking over the world, one city at a time.

Related: Here’s What 6 Of Your Favorite Pinoy Celebs and Creators Wore To The Eras Tour Japan

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has been one of the most iconic pop culture moments in recent history, spawning plenty of viral videos, performances, memes, covers, stories and pop culture moments that can stand on their own. One emergent moment extremely relevant to us is that of the story of Taylor Sheesh—a drag persona taken by one Mac Coronel.

Instagram/heyyymacyou

Taylor Sheesh as a drag performer has provided much-needed dosages of Taylor Swift to those unable to attend an Eras Tour concert themselves (ahem, Filipinos), but has grown to be an icon in her own right. Her performances have attracted crowds of hundreds, even thousands—all participating in a celebration of music, performance, and artistry all drawn from the music, energy, and stature of Taylor Swift.

Taylor Sheesh has brought her own Errors Tour, where she performs Taylor Swift songs clad in extravagant Eras Tour outfits, to different cities in the Philippines, and she’s now going international with performances and press coverage abroad. From Manila to Singapore, Cebu to Melbourne, here are some moments where the performer has become a global icon in her own right.

VIRAL ICON

While Taylor Sheesh has been in the drag and impersonation game for a while (she has been impersonating Taylor Swift since 2017), her most viral success came right at the heels of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Her free mall performances in full Taylor Swift garb, down to recreations of the singer’s iconic Eras Tour outfits, has gained traction all over social media—and not just in the Philippines. People in Tokyo and Japan have come up to the performer to pose for photos, and posts on X in different languages show just how pretty popular Taylor Sheesh is across the world.

GLOBAL FEATURES

From Rolling Stone to Vulture, Taylor Sheesh and her performances have been featured in international publications, all exploring her intent, impact, and the social and pop-cultural circumstances that led to her massive success. Sheesh told Vulture that the Errors Tour simply emerged from a desire to “celebrate and experience the Eras Tour as much as possible.” In these international interviews, Sheesh reveals the work that goes into the Errors Tour and her love for Taylor herself. People all over the world also get a glimpse of the talent and effort that goes into the performances, as well as the growing support.

SINGING IN SINGAPORE

@heyyitsmeroy TAYLOR SHEESH 1st International gig in Singapore 🇸🇬🎉 Had so much fun with her performance in our One Party, One MBS (company party) sobrang nakakaaliw sya grabe 🫶🏻 more gigs to come taylor sheesh, ipakilala mo kung sino ka 🇵🇭 ! manifesting na mainvite sya ni taylor swift sa eras tour🤞🏻 #taylorsheesh #theerastour #taylorswift #singapore #mbs #dragqueen #pinoy ♬ original sound – 𝕽

Taylor Sheesh’s first international performance was in Singapore in late 2023. “Naunahan pa kita @taylorswift13 makapunta sa Singapore,” she wrote in an X post. She will also be returning to the country this March for her own headlining performance at the Hard Rock Cafe.

MORNING TALK SHOW GUEST

Fresh off her Melbourne show, Taylor Sheesh appeared as a guest on the Today Show Australia. “We didn’t expect that will have a massive crowd,” she remarked about her Fed Square performance. “The Aussie Swifties are insane.” Taylor Sheesh also had a guest appearance on Good Morning America late 2023, where they introduced the drag queen and talked about her virality and growing popularity.

AUSSIE ERRORS TOUR

This was Fed Square last night, as Taylor Sheesh, a Filipino Taylor Swift drag tribute act, performed for the thousands of fans who didn’t get tickets. It was so much fun 💕 pic.twitter.com/696LzrjOH3

— Dr Una McIlvenna 💀🎶 (@UnaMcIlvenna) February 17, 2024

It wasn’t just Kathryn Bernardo and Anne Curtis who lived their Taylor Swift fantasy in Australia recently. After seeing Taylor Swift in Tokyo, Sheesh went to Melbourne and performed her own set of iconic Taylor Swift songs, invited by Fed Stage. Who could’ve thought a drag artist lipsyncing to the blonde superstar in mall shows in the Philippines would get to perform her own show at an outdoor festival stage in Australia? A huge crowd cheered on Taylor Sheesh, solidifying her icon status across seas and country boundaries.

Continue Reading: 4 Things You Can Do In Case You’re Feeling FOMO About The Eras Tour