Now that we’re welcoming the sun-soaked days of summer, the last thing you should worry about is green ears and tarnished rings.

Related: These Filipino Jewelry Brands Are As Good As Wearable Art

Whether you’re shimmering in silver or gleaming in gold, a well-chosen piece can truly be the cherry on top of your summer OOTD. But let’s be honest, nothing dampens the mood faster than the all-too-common concern: tarnished accessories and skin irritation.

As summer rolls in and we trade our sweaters for sundresses, it’s about time we invest in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that can withstand our beachside shenanigans without breaking the bank. After all, it’s more practical to opt for fuss-free pieces than to constantly replace cheap ones. So, say hello to local brands that allow you to shine brighter than the summer sun without worrying about tarnishing.

ISLA PH

Dive into the sea of style with ISLA PH’s Paradiso Collection. Why settle for just gold and silver when you can have the colors of the ocean? Each piece in this collection dances with the translucence of cultured beach glass, recycled glass beads, and the iridescence of pearls and natural shells. It’s like wearing a piece of paradise. And hey, if it’s good enough for Andi Eigenmann, Celeste Cortesi, and Kylie Verzosa, you know you’re in for a celebrity-approved treat.

MAZEE

Step into the world where Vintage French femme meets street style at MAZEE, the ultimate destination for the cool and cultured. While this local brand is already making waves across social media, there’s a crucial detail you don’t want to miss: their commitment to delivering casual cool pieces without compromising on practicality. 

Each item is meticulously crafted from a diverse range of high-quality materials sourced from across Asia and lovingly hand-constructed right here in the Philippines. So, if you’re looking to infuse your wardrobe with a blend of timeless elegance and urban edge, MAZEE has you covered.

Penny Pairs

When their minimalist jewelry isn’t just about aesthetics, Penny Pairs is shaking up the jewelry scene with their eco-friendly ethos and sustainable style. Picture this: ear cuffs, necklaces, and rings crafted from 100 percent recycled silver and decked out in 18k gold plating.

And that’s not all—every pearl and precious stone is sourced conflict-free, staying true to the brand’s standards. So, not only do you get to rock some seriously stylish bling, but you can also feel good about doing your part for the planet.

Sunspell

When they say they’re ‘made for the golden days,’ Sunspell truly means it. Whether you’re plunging into the season headfirst or putting in the work for that summer body, this tarnish-free, hypoallergenic brand ensures you can rock their pieces while swimming, sweating, or even showering.

Crafted from stainless steel and treated with the special 18K gold coating process known as the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Method, these accessories are not only stylish but also durable and rust-resistant. From necklaces to earrings, bracelets, and anklets, Sunspell has you covered. And guess what? You can even customize your very own pieces for that touch of ~extra~.

Tala by Kyla

In 2018, Tala by Kyla burst onto the scene with the force of a star, powered by its fearless founder, Kyla Cañete. Back then, the young CEO wore every hat in the game —from packing parcels to shouting about her brand from the rooftops—all on her lonesome. 

What really makes this brand sparkle, though, are its designs inspired by her eclectic passions, be it K-pop, Barbie, or anime. And talk about hitting the high notes of collaboration—the brand even jammed with one of the Philippines’ hottest bands, Ben&Ben, to cook up a limited-edition necklace that became the talk of the town. Through it all, Tala by Kyla remains synonymous with durability, as their commitment to delivering tarnish-free jewelry never wavers.

Continue Reading: Spice Up Your Beach Outfit With These Accessories Like Nadine Lustre

After a month-long of fashioning, influencers, celebrities, creatives working in the industry, fashion brands, and designers have trickled us with fashion pieces and style hints for the season. 

Related: A Gen Z Stylist Takes Us Behind The Runway At BENCH Fashion Week 2024

Of all the garb and accouterments we’ve seen this past month throughout the four fashion capitals—New York, London, Milan, and Paris—as the fashion month concludes, it’s safe to say that certain fashion trends have dominated the cities’ streets, as well as the runway, and intrinsically our social media feeds.

With the rise in popularity of trends such as the mob-wife aesthetic, its influences are evident this season. Showcasing tailored long coats, faux fur, bold pieces, and statement accessories while embracing sustainable practices, this year’s new hotness is, just like the cyclical nature of fashion, akin to trends from previous years, though highly inspired and more elevated.

Absolutely, in the ever-evolving world of fashion, these trends are poised to set the stage for the seasons and months to come. Here are 15 fashion trends of 2024 that are being interpreted, from which we can draw inspiration to enclasp with our own twist and personal style.

POPS OF COLOR

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Get ready to paint the town red in a vibrant palette of bold and beautiful colors that pop and sizzle with energy. Mix and match these shades to create head-turning looks that are a feast for the eyes. Inject bold pops of color into your wardrobe with statement pieces in shades like merlot red, lilac, pink, light blue, yellow, orange, and navy green.

SHORT SHORTS

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Kristen Stewart isn’t the only one ditching the pants. Get ready to show off those fabulous legs in trendy, almost scantily short shorts that scream style and confidence. Whether you go for nude or bold colors, plain or fun patterns, make a statement and own those minuscule shorts. Pair them with structured blazers or oversized shirts for a chic look.

CLEAN WHITE

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Exude the purity of chic all-white ensembles that will have you feeling like a fashion icon effortlessly in style. With crisp, clean flair that evinces elegance and minimalism, play with different shade palettes by pairing a white linen top with tailored white trousers for a sophisticated monochromatic outfit. It’s a perfect blank slate to play around with and incorporate your style.

HIGH-WAIST EVERYTHING

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The higher, the better! Elevate your look and make a stylish statement with high-waisted trousers, pants, or jeans. Create a flattering silhouette by styling high-waisted pants with cropped tops or tucked-in blouses. Opt for wide-leg or straight-leg cuts for a modern appeal. Throw in a blazer, and you are good to go. 

FLORAL ROSE BONANZA

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Embrace the romantic floral trend with rose prints or embellishments on dresses, blouses, or skirts. Mix and match different floral patterns for a bold yet harmonious look. The depictions of roses bloom with elegance and grace in every petal-inspired outfit.

PREPPY SPORTS CLUB

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Revamp the classic sporty look with a preppy twist that’s all about sophistication and charm. From varsity jackets and knits to collared shirts, embrace the preppy vibe and let your style shine with playful yet polished looks. And don’t forget to complete the look by pairing it with a pleated skirt or a tailored vintage bottom.

SATIN METALLICS 

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Slip on in luxurious satin that give next-level glam. Add a touch of metallics to your wardrobe with satin slip dresses, blouses, or skirts. Opt for metallic tones and pair them with neutral basics for a balanced look.

BOWS AND TENDRILS 

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Serve baby girl realness by incorporating bows or tendrils into your outfits. Consider a bow-tie blouse or a dress with delicate tendrils for a whimsical touch, with charming bows and fabulous curls that dance with every move you make. Embrace the fun side of fashion and let these details twirl you into a world of style and fantasy.

90’s CORPORATE CORE

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Get ready to time-travel back to the ’90s with vintage preppy and dapper looks that are all about retro vibes and cool nostalgia. Mix and match pieces to create a modern yet classic style that’s uniquely yours, such as channeling the off-duty look with oversized blazers, pencil skirts, wide pants, or mom jeans.

SEE-THROUGH SHEER AND HOSIERY

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Ready to show some skin? Sheer fabrics and hosiery that tease and tantalize are calling your name. Play with transparency and layering to create looks that are both sensual and sophisticated, leaving a little to the imagination. And don’t forget to experiment with sheer fabrics and hosiery to add depth and playfulness to your outfits, such as layering sheer tops over bralettes or style hosiery under skirts and dresses. 

WESTERN INFLUENCES 

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Saddle up for a wild ride with Western-inspired details that bring a touch of the frontier to your wardrobe. Think western hats, cowboy boots, fringe accents, and oversized belt buckles. Incorporate denim, suede, and leather pieces for a modern twist on classic Frontier style. Your cowboy and cowgirl era awaits you.

SPARKLY SEQUINS 

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As a queen once said, “Shine bright like a diamond.” Dazzle in sequins that add a touch of sparkle and glamor to your outfits. Whether you’re hitting the dance floor or stealing the spotlight, sequins are your secret weapon to being the star of the show. Elevate your evening looks with sparkly sequined pieces like dresses, tops, or skirts. Choose sequins in metallic hues for a glam touch, and pair them with simple accessories to let the sequins do all the talking.

XL BAGS

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While mini bags had their moment in the past few years, big bags never really left the limelight. This season, designers are emphasizing functionality and making a statement with oversized bags. Consider a large tote or a shoulder bag that can fit your entire closet.

LEO ANIMAL PRINTS

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Roar with style and confidence in fierce leopard and animal prints that bring out your wild side. From coats to dresses, embrace your inner feline and unleash your fashion prowess with these bold and daring prints. Make a fierce statement with leopard or animal print pieces like coats, dresses, shirts, pants, or accessories, and mix animal prints with neutral basics for a balanced look that will get heads turning.

DENIM ON DENIM 

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Nail the denim-on-denim trend by pairing different washes or colors of denim together. Try a denim jacket with jeans in a slightly different shade for a modern double-denim look that’s effortlessly cool. Double up on denim and rock the classic denim-on-denim look with a modern twist. Mix and match different washes and styles to create effortlessly cool outfits that are all about casual chic and laid-back charm.

Continue Reading: 6 Street Style-Approved Ways To Style Denim, As Seen On Michelle Dee

From topics about Taylor Swift to SEVENTEEN, these college students put together what they loved and what they wanted to learn about into pop culture theses that they’re proud of.

Related: 6 Fields You Can Enter With A Communications Degree

Listen. We’ll be real here. The undergraduate thesis is a beast. It’ll make you question all your years of college (and then some), spend 99% of your time hunched over papers and laptops. But it doesn’t have to be a miserable endeavor. Choosing thesis topics that pique your personal interests while still having the potential to impart something of unique value to the world is 100% possible. And what with the ever-changing landscape of media and entertainment, celebrity and pop culture studies is never a dull field.

Just take it from these students, who have embarked on learning journeys that required them to dive deep into their interests and passions, and encounter pop culture like they never have before. From Taylor Swift to Regine Velasquez, these studies explore a central pop culture icon or moment and connect it to aspects of society and humanity, from communication to power to identity.

SWIFTIE FAN CULTURE

X/itsKateTime

University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication alum Katherine Joy Tolentino became one of several Swifties across the globe to add to the ever-growing discourse surrounding pop superstar Taylor Swift in 2019. Her thesis, Look What You Made Me Do: A Study on the Individualized Fan Culture of Filipino Taylor Swift Fans, explored how Taylor Swift fans developed self-esteem, identity, and empowerment through engaging with the star’s music and content.

REGINE’S IMPACT ON THE GAY COMMUNITY

In a viral moment last year, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid came face-to-face with UP Diliman Broadcast Communication graduate Waxee R. Galang’s thesis titled You Make Me Shine: The Gay Fandom of Regine Velasquez and the Making of a Gay Icon. If that title wasn’t clear enough, Waxee’s thesis involved studying the impact of the gay community of fans on the iconicity of Asia’s Songbird and vice versa. How does a celebrity become a gay icon? How does the queer community form a deep connection with an artist? These questions are all explored in the study. A huge fan, Waxee himself shared the stage with his idol Regine on an episode of talk show Magandang Buhay.

BLACKPINK AS A POP CULTURE ICON

SCOUT

Communication major Cayl Andrew Franco used theories on visual rhetoric to examine the influence of BLACKPINK’s media visuals and performances in their music videos on audiences. In A Case Study on the Rhetorical Power of BLACKPINK as a Popular Culture Icon, Cayl found that while BLACKPINK, like many K-pop groups, are being commodified by YG Entertainment, their fans understand that their messaging can also be taken to be empowering. The idol group, through their branding and identity and their own fans’ fan labor, are pop culture icons with influential power themselves.

CARAT FANDOM IDENTITY

K-pop group SEVENTEEN inspired a viral thesis last year, this time done in the Sociology program at UP Los Baños! Fellow CARAT and Woozidan (Woozi-biased) Raymart Rodriguez did a deep dive into the identities, shared experiences, and perspectives of Filipino CARATs to find out what meanings were made and shared between SEVENTEEN, their content, and the fans themselves. Slipping Into the Diamond Life: Filipino Carats’ Identity and Meaning as Fans of the K-pop Boy Group SEVENTEEN is both personal yet interesting to those fascinated by fandom and identity.

SEVENTEEN’S UNESCO EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

Photo courtesy of Margaux Riola

A CARAT through and through, BS Development Communication major Margaux Maria Yzabelle Riola found her thesis topic in SEVENTEEN’s Going Together advocacy campaign with UNESCO. The global campaign champions the importance of accessible and quality education, an advocacy Margaux shares. Her thesis, Evaluating the Impact of the #GoingTogether Campaign by SEVENTEEN and Korean National Commission for UNESCO on the Behavior of Selected Filipino SEVENTEEN Fans towards Education and Literacy, sheds light on the impact an idol group has on the perspectives of fans regarding education.

Continue Reading: 13 Websites That Will Help You With Your Thesis The UP Diliman Taylor Swift Class Really Shouldn’t Be This Polarizing

From Denise Julia to members of BINI, these Filipino artists have read an AU or two!

Related: ICYDK, These Movies Have A Fan Fiction Past

Fanfiction has long been a part of fandom. But there’s an unspoken rule that it’s taboo to let idols, celebrities, musicians, artists, or anybody who’s ever had a fanfic or an AU (alternate universe fanfiction) written about them actually see or engage with the work. Fanfiction and AUs allow fans not just to exercise their imagination, creativity, and writing skills, but also share expanded and transformed worlds (ones that they already love, or ones with the people they already have a connection to) with other fans, as well.

These days, when everything is on the Internet for the world to see, and everybody—even your idols—are on it anyway, there’s very little, if at all, chance a celebrity hasn’t encountered a fictional story based on them. Some of the most popular ones exist on X, where you can find an artist or two lurking here and there. On X, these fanfictions are social media AUs (stories told through a thread of screenshots of messages, texts, and social media posts, sometimes interspersed with prose narration).

In our case, our own local artists and musicians, especially those who are part of the generation that was pretty much raised on fanfics, are sometimes actively seeking out written work based on themselves. From Denise Julia to the members of BINI, here are a few Filipino artists that have made it known that yes, they read AUs, too.

DENISE JULIA

ayusin niyo mga au pls nagbabasa ko

— denise julia ♡ (@denisejvlia) February 5, 2024

R&B songstress Denise Julia has been open about her getting into reading AUs, even calling on people on X to write great ones because she’s reading them. She’s read a couple of AUs about P-pop girl group BINI, and even mentioned it on a vlog with BINI member Mikha!

BINI MIKHA

Sige ako na red flag sa mga au ok lang tanggap ko na👍🏻

— mikha (@bini_mikha) February 5, 2024

BINI’s Mikha Lim is often a star in BINI AUs, deemed fun to write because of her presence and personality. The characters based on her are often a “red flag,” exhibiting some not-so-healthy characteristics and dealing with issues in often frustrating fashion. As Mikha goes through some fans’ AUs (while Denise Julia teases her both for reading and for being a red flag), she jokingly accepted her fan-determined fate.

BINI JHOANNA

reading — au, p’wede kayong maging direktor blooms kaloka kayo HAHAHAHA

— Jhoanna Robles 🦋 (@bini_jhoanna) December 30, 2023

Do you think BINI members recommend AUs to each other? Do they talk about an AU of the week like a book club? Because it seems like plenty of them are interested in seeing how they’re being portrayed and written about by their very own fans. BINI’s leader and all-around multi-hyphenate Jhoanna Robles humorously praised BLOOMs for their creativity and storytelling skills, saying they could very well be true writers.

BINI MALOI

@bini_macolet where can u see an idol that reads out loud an au about them while their fans are watching 😭😭 btw, kudos to the author of that au kahit ang sakit nung nangyari sa kwento and mas dama pa kasi si maloi yung nagbabasa 😭💔 #bini #biniph #maloi #bini_maloi #ppop #au #biniau #alternateuniverse #pov ♬ original sound – bini_macolet

“Sige, pakita niyo! Gawa-gawa, pinopost niyo sa Twitter? Sabihin niyo, eto na, andito na ko, babasahin ko,” BINI member Maloi Ricalde challenged BLOOMs in a livestream, trying to find some AUs she could read aloud. Maloi then went on to read an angsty Maloi x Colet AU, reacting to the lines her own character “Monique” says. “Bakit ganito mga AU namin ni Colet, mga masasakit?” Truth be told, and I’m sure many will agree—it’s because angst is very fun to write and read, despite all the hurt.

MRLD

so pagbabasa nalang po ng au nagpapakilig sakin ngayon saya naman

— mrld (@thisismrld) January 26, 2022

Singer-songwriter mrld, real name Meriel de Jesus, is also another Gen Z musician that’s open about reading AUs, particularly of K-pop girl group TWICE. She’s dabbled in her fair share of angsty ones, even admitting that reading AUs get her inspired. In a post on X, mrld wrote, “never let me read an au again because i would directly write a song after reading.” Wait—but we’d love to hear a fanfic-inspired song!

VXON FRANZ

HAHAHAHA WHAT IN THE AU IS THIS? https://t.co/ts5gWrAMxY

— VXON franz (@frnzchuaa) April 3, 2023

Is anyone surprised? VXON‘s Franz Chua spends a lot of time online (he’s just like us!), and with his simple reference to AUs, we immediately clocked him as someone familiar with the practice. We are simply left to wonder what AUs he reads. Do you think he’s encountered a VXON AU or two?

KATHRYN BERNARDO

Though perhaps not an avid social media AU reader, Kathryn Bernardo has read the Pinoy KathNiel AU and socmed serye Along España by Gwy Saludes. Yes, the same Gwy Saludes that wrote Wattpad novel The Rain in España and the rest of the University Series, which has since been turned into published novels and adapted as a series streaming on Viva One. Along España was a viral hit, and Kathryn praised the young writer, saying “Naaliw ako!” She also added that she couldn’t wait to read what happened next.

Continue Reading: 5 Reasons Why Fanfiction Writers Should Be Given More Appreciation

Lensing some of the biggest and most acclaimed local movies, shows, and music videos are these talented Filipina cinematographers.

Related: Lights, Camera, Action: Meet The Women Directors That Are Changing The Way We See Cinema

The conversation on representation of women behind the camera goes beyond positions such as director and scriptwriter. There are dozens and even hundreds of creatives who make and shape what we watch and consume possible. Arguably one of the more underrated but vital roles is the cinematographer or Director of Photography (DOP). They are the ones responsible for filming and translating the ideas of the director and producers visually. As such, their work is important, especially when it comes to lensing a variety of narratives. 

In the local media industry, quite a few Filipinas have made and are continuing to make a name for themselves through their work as cinematographers and DOPs and making a space for the female gaze. A cinematographer’s work is no joke and these following creatives have a vision that cuts through the noise to help frame unique, different, exciting, and necessary stories. Their work is paving the way for more women to make it in a typically male-dominated industry.

MARTIKA ESCOBAR

INSTAGRAM/MARTIKA.ESCOBAR

While you may know Martika Escobar for her critically acclaimed and globally-recognized directorial debut Leonor Will Never Die, the director has also flexed her talents in a multitude of fields, most notably cinematography. She’s served as the cinematographer for music videos to top artists such as The Juans, Zack Tabudlo, and Ace Banzuelo, and movies like When This Is All Over and A Catholic Schoolgirl. Is there anything she can’t do?  

LEE BRIONES-MEILY

When talking about legends in the local film industry, there’s no one doubting the contributions of Lee Briones-Meily. The two-time FAMAS winner for Best Cinematography is the woman responsible for the visual storytelling behind classics such as Tanging Yaman, Baler, Crying Ladies, Ekstra, and more.  

SHAYNE SARTE

With four FAMAS and five Gawad Urian nominations to her name, Shayne Sarte has become a go-to cinematographer and mentor to other Filipina cinematographers for a reason. First Love, Kimmy Dora, Milan, Got 2 Believe, and Minsan, Mahal Kita are all films she has been behind the lens for. 

CESCA LEE

INSTAGRAM/_CESCALEE

Cesca Lee is an example of what happens when you nurture talent in the local industry. The creative has had quite a few stints abroad to further her talent, most notably being accepted as a cinematography fellow in the Asian Film Academy (AFA) in Busan under the Busan International Film Festival and participating at the Kyoto Filmmaker’s Lab. 

Her career, meanwhile, has a range that goes from independent to the mainstream, with credits for projects such as T.P.O. Temporary Protection Order, Purgatoryo, Sleep With Me, and Love Is Color Blind. She’s also worked with her mentor, Neil Daza, to shoot the acclaimed Fan Girl and the top-grossing Filipino movie of all time, Rewind. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, you can thank her as the visual mind behind Senior High and Linlang.  

ANNE MONZON

INSTAGRAM/ANNEMONZON

What do Fantastica, Miracle in Cell No. 7, Barcelona: A Love Untold, A Second Chance, Four Sisters and a Wedding, and She’s Dating The Gangster all have in common? They all credit Anne Monzon as their cinematographer. Name a top-grossing Filipino movie, and chances are you’ll find her name as the DOP or cinematographer. Anne has also lent her visual talents in the music video space, where she served as the cinematographer to FELIP’s Bulan and ROCKSTA MVs.

TEY CLAMOR

INSTAGRAM/TEYCLAMOR

With blockbusters like Isa Pa With Feelings and indie darlings like Metamorphosis, for which she won the Cinema One Originals 2019 Best Cinematography, under her belt, Tey Clamor has a thriving career as a cinematographer, DOP, and camera operator. But most notably, she makes magic whenever she teams up with director and writer Rae Red. Love the cinematography of Roadkillers and Babae at Baril? You can thank this FAMAS and Gawad Urian winner. 

SASHA PALMOARES

From the lovestruck mountains in That Thing Called Tadhana, to the tense classrooms in Bar Boys, the sapphic energy of Baka Bukas, and more, FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and FAP nominee Sasha Palmoares has been through it all as a cinematographer and DOP. 

EVA MARIE PAZ

INSTAGRAM/EVALECTRIC

Denise Julia’s Sugar n’ Spice music video was made for the girls and by the girls. So, it only feels right that a woman was behind the MV’s cinematography, and that is none other than Eva Marie Paz. Her extensive portfolio also includes the series K-Love and a bevy of commercials for major brands. It’s giving versatility. 

KARA MORENO

INSTAGRAM/FILIPINOCINEMATOGRAPHERS

Ask a Filipino cinephile who the best Filipina cinematographer working today are, chances are they’ll give Kara Moreno as one of the names, and for good reason. Her work as a cinematographer and DOP has brought to life numerous projects, such as Hello, Stranger, Third World Romance, Suntok Sa Buwan, and MMFF 2023 entries Becky and Badette and Kampon. She knows how to give what needs to be given. 

Continue Reading: These Women Scriptwriters Are Behind Some Of Our Favorite Narratives In Entertainment

More than just a smartphone.

Related: Meet imma, The Virtual Star Ready To Show You Picture-Perfect Nights With The New vivo V25 Series

In this day and age, a smartphone should go beyond just being able to make calls and take pictures. It should serve as your pocket-sized companion that has the tools and features to give you the confidence to take on the world. Your smartphone is an extension of your body, and when it comes to VIVO’s V30 smartphone, it shows you know how to navigate your way around town in style. Combining stunning design with industry-leading features, the V30 is checking all the right boxes.

DESIGNS FOR THE YOUNG AND STYLISH

Just looking at the smartphone, the V30 radiates winning energy. The device comes in two stunning colorways, Petals White and Green Sea. But beyond looking aesthetically pleasing, the designs take inspiration from the vibrancy of Southeast Asia and Gen Z, showcasing expressions that resonate with young people who have a passion for taking on life.

GROUP SELFIES TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Petals White flows from flowers and the cultural significance of the cycle of budding and blooming, while Green Sea takes Emerald Green to the next level and conveys Southeast Asia’s beautiful seas. Both were made using techniques that make them look like they belong in the museum. But the V30 isn’t just pleasing to look at, it is also pleasing to hold with its 7.45mm slim body and 3D curved surface. Rounding it out is its 1.5K ultra clear AMOLED display and a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing an immersive, clear, and smooth visual experience.

VIVID IMAGERY AT THE PRESS OF A BUTTON

VIVO is known to never miss when it comes to the quality of their smartphone’s cameras. And the V30 continues that legacy with camera features that will make photography second nature. Its 50 MP Group Portrait features an ultra wide-angle camera with an extended field of view of 119°, enabling you to capture the moment no matter where you are in the world in striking detail.

LIGHTING ALWAYS IMPECCABLE WITH THE V30

YOUR FACE CARD NEVER DECLINES WITH THE V30

The 50 MP VCS True Color Main Camera, meanwhile, is going to be your next best friend with features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and exclusive vivo Camera-Bionic Spectrum (VCS) technology that will have your friends and family wondering if you took photos straight from your eye. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and with the V30, they’ll speak 10,000.

AS IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN MOBILE LIGHTING SETUP

THE V30’S FOOD MODE IN ACTION

Also, we all have faced that shared struggle of trying to take quality photos at night. But the V30’s Aura Light Portrait 3.0 will turn that into a thing of the past. Light becomes gentler, shining brightly without dazzling as the Aura Light can intelligently adjust brightness and temperature. It provides optimal brightness and colors with only one tap, ensuring that you look radiant from sunset to sunrise. Near or far, soft or cool, the V30 said, “Photos with questionable lighting? We don’t know her.” Added features such as video and image stabilizer, Food Mode (yes, you read that right), and Micro Movie means the V30 equips you with your own content creation toolkit at the palm of your hand.

BUILT FOR GENERATION NOW

The V30 smartphone is a stunner, and underneath the hood is an equally impressive slate of features that power it to performance. It is equipped with 512 GB ROM, 12 GB RAM + 12GB Extended RAM, and a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 that balances high performance and low power consumption, offering an extremely smooth experience. The best part? All this power and storage doesn’t compromise the battery life, with the V30’s 5000 mAh 4-Year Durable Battery and 80W FlashCharge.

With a generation is constantly on the go, Gen Z needs a smartphone that will be ready anytime, anywhere. This makes the V30’s 80W FlashCharge a welcome feature with how the smartphone can recharge to 100% in 48 minutes. Say goodbye to hovering around the charging plug. It’s the slimmest phone with a 5000mAh battery and 3D curved AMOLED screen display, combining style and function in a sleek package.

STYLE MEETS QUALITY IN THE V30

Oh, and don’t worry about those slippery fingers, as the V30 is dust and water-resistant, features a comprehensive cushioning structure that significantly enhances the safety of both external and internal components, and even lets you use the phone when your hands are wet with the newly upgraded Wet-Hand Touch algorithm.

THE V30 IN PETALS WHITE

Clearly, VIVO got the memo on what today’s smartphone needs. The V30 is slimmer and lighter and makes full use of every inch, all while having a longer battery life. An uncompromising camera and head-turning design make the smartphone fit for a Gen Z ready to take on the world.

If you think the V30 is calling your name, you can grab yours now for Php 24,999 SRP (12+256 variant) and Php 27,999 SRP (12+512 variant) on VIVO’s website, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok stores.

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Hear all about Viu’s upcoming food-centered romantic dramedy Secret Ingredient from stars Sangheon Lee and Julia Barretto!

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The Philippines, South Korea, and Indonesia are coming together to create a delicious blend of culture, love, and cuisine in new Viu series Secret Ingredient! The rom-com drama stars Julia Barretto, Korean actor Sangheon Lee (XO, Kitty, Grand Turismo), and Indonesian actor Nicholas Saputra.

Secret Ingredient, produced by Viu in partnership with Unilever Nutrition Southeast Asia and directed by South Korean director Cho Young-kwang, is a regional K-drama about food, love, and culture. As food, from sourcing to preparation, is intrinsically rooted in a people’s culture, it’s an interesting central concept to any story. Just look at media like Chef (2014) and Replacing Chef Chico (2023)!

Julia, Sangheon, and Nicholas will embark on a journey of finding love, reaching ambitions, and discovering culinary excellence. NYLON Manila got a chance to chat with lead cast members Julia and Sangheon about their experience preparing for the show and exploring Filipino cuisine together. Watch out for their upcoming video interview on YouTube soon!

TASTING TABLE

Centered around Hajoon (Sangheon Lee), a Korean socialite, the story follows his quest to reconnect with his lost love Maya (Julia Barretto). Their journey, set against the backdrop of Jakarta and the Philippines, involves a cultural intertwining of food, place, and culture. Nicholas Saputra joins as the head chef that brings another level of flavor to the story.

“Be excited for the food,” Julia teases in an interview with NYLON Manila. Everything about the teasers, promo, and even the snapped photos of Julia and Sangheon filming, gave us a glimpse into the culinary world of Secret Ingredient.

“We really got ourselves dirty in the kitchen,” Julia remarks. Sangheon actually learned how to cook himself while he was at university, learning from YouTube videos. But both actors shared that they underwent more professional and rigorous culinary training for weeks to prepare for their roles, getting a taste of what it’s like to work in a professional kitchen setting. Sangheon recounts how difficult it was to work in a kitchen, and that it would be an even more hellish experience if you didn’t love what you were doing.

“But he went into the kitchen and we were like, ‘maybe don’t be that good,'” his co-star interjects. Sangheon has truly immersed himself in Filipino culture and cuisine, trying out everything from restaurants to street food, leading Julia to joke, “He’s more Filipino than me now!” The actor delves into trying one of the more intimidating street foods, balut, from a cooler right on the street. And, to him, it really wasn’t that big of a deal.

Sangheon is admittedly very adventurous in more ways than one, always game to try new things. Julia, unfortunately, was allergic to a lot of the food on the show—particularly seafood. But she, Sangheon, and Nicholas were able to make and try a whole bunch of different dishes, and get acquainted with kitchens and restaurants in a way they never had before.

A RECIPE FOR ROMANCE

Julia and Sangheon seem to have built a rapport, bonding over their similarities and differences not just when it comes to food. When asked what food they would use to describe each other, Sangheon compared Julia to a green mango, an unexpected yet very Pinoy food that he’s only tried here.

“I want to choose a dish [found] in every country,” Julia thoughtfully says about her co-star. She eventually chooses pasta, a dish that can be found prepared in a variety of different ways in every nation. “It feels like you were molded by different cultures and influences.” That statement pretty much encapsulates what the entire series is about—a story of diversity, collaboration, and cultural and human connections. The entire cast and crew of the series, though hailing from different countries, worked tirelessly on a story of love and food, and it’s about to hit streaming real soon.

A uniquely-flavored drama, a collaboration between three different Asian countries, Secret Ingredient is a showcase of Asian talent and cuisine with a promise to satiate its viewers with a heartwarming, home-cooked meal. Secret Ingredient premieres this April on Viu.

Behind the scenes and set photos courtesy of Viu Philippines.

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You might be confused as to why this viral song has suddenly been obliterated from our playlists. 

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Crowned as Bangsamoro Pop (B-pop) Queen, rising star Shaira took the internet by storm after releasing her single ‘Selos,’ climbing its way to the top of Spotify’s Viral 50. This modern-day B-pop representative song has entered a league of its own, hooking listeners all over the country.

Moments after celebrating the view from the peak, the song has met some flak. One snap and ‘Selos’ has been wiped from all digital streaming platforms. Fans were distraught by this sudden disappearance, speculating on what could have led to the deletion of the song. 

One could say that the song has made friends with trouble. 

The Sticky Situation

The situation came to light after X user @allchartsPH posted about the song being removed from all streaming platforms. Australian singer-songwriter Lenka has apparently taken legal action for completely incorporating the melody of her 2008 hit song ‘Trouble Is A Friend’ into Shaira’s ‘Selos.’

Shaira's "Selos" has been taken down from digital streaming platforms. pic.twitter.com/JUbsLUb6WV

— allchartsPH 🇵🇭 (@allchartsPH) March 19, 2024

Although ‘Selos’ was tagged by the artist as a parody of ‘Trouble Is A Friend,’ the song was distributed to music download stores with claims of sampling Lenka’s song. With Lenka confirming the speculations of the copyright claim via Instagram comments, Shaira’s agency, AHS Productions, has voluntarily removed the song from streaming platforms. 

Interpolation vs. Sampling

There are several licenses and clearances to be issued by the law in order to wield an already existing beat, not to mention copying the entirety of its sound. In the Philippines, instances of stolen patents are protected by Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. 

While AHS Productions first classified ‘Selos’ as a cover sampling Lenka’s ‘Trouble Is A Friend,’ what Shaira actually did was an interpolation.

Sampling happens when a musician directly takes a snippet of another artist’s song and incorporates it into their music. According to Medium, sampling essentially mirrors the process of copying and pasting the sonic creation process. An example of this would be Ex Batallion’s (ExB) hit song ‘Hayaan Mo Sila,’ which sampled Diamond Style’s ‘One Kiss,’ where Ex Battalion had to pay P200,000 to get the song back on streaming sites. 

Interpolation, on the other hand, recreates and reinterprets already existing elements note-for-note, such as melodies, lyrics, or rhythms, from one song and incorporates them into a new composition. One recent example of this instance is gins&melodies and Hev Abi’s ‘Babaero,’ which interpolated Randy Santiago’s song of the same title.

Like ‘Babaero,’ Shaira’s ‘Selos’ was interpolated from Lenka’s ‘Trouble Is A Friend,’ reinterpreting its once haunting tunes into a bouncier rhythm that suits the B-pop genre better. The flak comes from the fact that the song was commercially distributed without proper and legal permission from the original creators.

Online Commotion

AHS Productions immediately took accountability and released an official statement relaying their apology and actions to be taken next.

“On behalf of our artist, Shaira, AHS Productions would like to convey our heartfelt apologies to all those who have enjoyed listening to ‘Selos’ as it is now unavailable [on] all online streaming platforms,” Shaira’s agency said.

Currently, AHS Productions is in talks with Lenka’s team to secure a cover license. Shaira’s team hopes to re-release ‘Selos’ as an official cover once approved, with a promise of original music soon, and we are tuning in!

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Whether it’s to protect your eyes or bat them at your secret crush, here are some ways to maximize your lash care game.

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The appearance of full, curled lashes is every beauty enthusiast’s dream. Some of us are born with it, while some of us need extra help to achieve the wide awake look (especially when you have to show up to work after binging your favorite drama the night before). We’ve compiled a list of tips to help give your natural lashes a fighting chance.

Proper Cleansing

This is especially true for the makeup lovers out there, the first step to ensuring healthy lashes is making sure that your lash line and lids are clean at the end of every day. If you wear mascara, falsies, or lash extensions, extra care is needed to ensure that those areas are cleansed at the end of the day to give room to breathe. Additionally, the eye area is extremely sensitive and you want to give it every chance to be as healthy as possible and avoid infection. 

Getting Enough Sleep

This one’s for all the low maintenance guys and gals out there. You’ll be happy to know that another method for helping your lashes grow that doesn’t require additional effort or steps in your nightly routine is: sleeping! Not only is getting your daily 6-8 hours good for your overall wellbeing, it’s when your body releases the growth hormones needed for restoration and regeneration. So take that nap, guilt-free! 

Silk Sleeping Masks

Not only will a sleeping mask help improve the overall quality of your sleep (by providing a dark environment that will help you become sleepy easily), it can help protect your lashes as you sleep and even help train them to curl up naturally. Just make sure that the fabric that is being used is something gentle to both your lashes and your skin. Silk as a material for this and for hair bonnets is growing in popularity for this exact reason, but find what works for you.

Use Special Oils

Don’t underestimate the power of natural oils in helping to encourage lash growth. A popular and common choice that you can easily find in drugstores is Castor Oil. Another option is Coconut Oil, which is said to potentially improve your lashes’ thickness and fullness as opposed to length. Just remember to exercise caution and stop immediately if any irritation occurs. 

Brush Those Lashes

Even if they’re tiny, eyelashes are basically hair. They may grow extremely slowly, but the types of follicles that house them are similar to the type on your head. So stimulating the hairs by brushing should help them grow, even if it’s not that obvious. Any random, clean spoolie will work for this. Just gently brush from root to tip the way you would when brushing your own hair.

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Over 25 years after X-Men: The Animated Series ended its legendary run, X-Men ‘97 is here to pick up where it left off, and promisingly pull it off.

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Even if you haven’t seen X-Men: The Animated Series (and you probably should if you’re reading this article), you’ve at least seen its impact from everything from the X-Men movies of the 2000s to the MCU at large. Airing from 1992-1997, the series helped turn the X-Men from comic book fave to mainstream stay. And with the X-Men set to make their debut in the MCU, the show’s influence is more relevant than ever. Understandably, the announcement that the show would be getting a long-awaited sequel series called X-Men ‘97 got heads turned and radars lit up with cautious optimism. 

X-Men ‘97, which serves as a direct sequel to the original show, is carrying massive expectations. So, with the show finally on Disney+, does it live up to the hype? We had the chance to catch the first three episodes, and so far, signs are pointing to the positive. While anything can happen in the remaining eight episodes, the first three episodes preview what is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the iconic original. Here are a few reasons why X-Men ‘97 has been hitting the mark, so far.   

ENGAGING STORY 

Set directly after the conclusion of X-Men: The Animated Series, which ended with the supposed death of Professor X, X-Men ‘97 finds the team coping without the professor as Cyclops takes on the role of team leader. But things get more complicated when Magento becomes the new leader of the X-Men as per Professor X’s last will and tries to carry on his mission of human and mutant coexistence.

This plotline of loss, as well as old foes learning how to forgive and work together, makes for a so far engaging storyline as it tests the X-Men in new ways. More than just the action and adventure, the show looks to delve into what it means to move forward, which has the potential to open up exciting storylines later down the line. 

SATURDAY MORNING ACTION

Right off the bat, ‘97 doesn’t skimp on giving the action that made the original so popular. The fight scenes are fun and flashy, akin to the 90s cartoon with the X-Men getting to flex their skills accordingly. An early standout is the introduction of fusion powers, which sees the X-Men use their powers in synergy to deliver an epic attack. Those moments are appropriately grand. And another highlight to watch out for is some of the X-Men having their time to shine with bombastic displays of power. No spoilers here, but the way some of the X-Men show off their powers is beyond cool.  

90s MEETS MODERN STYLE 

Combining modern animation with a 90s sheen, X-Men ‘97 finds that balance and blends between being an animated show made in the 2020s while also paying homage to the iconic visual style of the original series. The result makes for a distinct art style that shines in all the right places and compliments the series to a T while still retaining the spirit of its predecessor. 

THEMES AS RELEVANT AS EVER 

Ever since the X-Men were introduced in the comics, they have always centered on the message of fighting for the oppressed and those deemed different in society. Acceptance and inclusion are core tenets of the mutants, and that message continues in X-Men ‘97. Those pillars are still there, and as relevant as ever. More than just dealing with the villain of the week in each episode, the show explores the personal and interpersonal threads that make the X-Men, making for rounded characters driven beyond just saving the world. 

X-Men ‘97 is currently streaming on Disney+ with a new episode dropping every Wednesday.

Photos courtesy of Disney+ and Marvel Animation

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