Feeling the summer heat cranking up ten degrees? Staying cool and casual suddenly tops the list of priorities. Whether you’re soaking up sun by the pool, strolling city streets, or unwinding at the beach, comfort doesn’t have to take a backseat to style. Because let’s be real, looking good is the ultimate mood booster.
We understand the need for fresh yet stylish staples, which is why this month’s curated collection strikes the perfect balance between comfort and trendiness. Check out these fashion finds and add them to your summer style arsenal, ensuring you’re undeniably fashionable all season long.
4CCCCEES Esker Pace
I own no shoe quite like the 4CCCCEES Esker Pace. The sheer bulk, size, and height of this shoe make an impact and adds so much to an outfit without being too out-of-this-world. It also reminds me of chocolate. Don’t be intimidated by the almost 3-inch platform—this shoe is comfy! A worthy investment for the contemporary fashionista that’s trying to diversify her style without going too far. – Nica Glorioso, Features Writer
ADIDAS SL72
“This running shoe from the 70s gets a modern and stylish makeover. These shoes have been my go-to pair recently whether I’m going to the office or hanging out with friends. It’s lightweight, comes in a variety of colorways, and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time.” – Rafael Bautista, Managing Editor
ROXY Surf.Kind.Kate. Bike Shorts
The first time I slipped into some ROXY was during the GRIND Epic Summer Getaway event, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Whether I’m sprinting, splashing in the water, or just strolling to the nearest café, ROXY is my trusty sidekick as I hustle for that beach body (lol). My top pick? The ROXY Surf.Kind.Kate Bike Shorts and Cropped Lycra, decked out in pink florals that are as comfy as a cloud. No sticky, clingy feeling on my skin—just pure bliss whether I’m on the move or chilling out! – Precy Tan, Beauty Writer
UNIQLO Bra Top
My collection of bra tops has become a little obscene at this point, however I have no intentions of downsizing any time soon as these guys are definitely staples in my wardrobe. Especially now that we are in peak summer, I use them every single week and each of them gets so much love from me. They’re perfect for days when I’m lazy but want to look decent, and the support they provide is pretty good, too. – Maggie Batacan, Editor-in-Chief
Vanwalk Bowling Bag
The perfect summer bag that can spice up any outfit by ‘Jane Birkinifying’ your bag (adding lots of accessories to its exterior). The pockets are both functional and aesthetically appealing, perfect for storing your summer essentials such as hand fans or sunscreen sticks! The overall bag is spacious and sturdy! – Gelo Quijencio, Multimedia Artist
From skincare saviors battling the heat to makeup must-haves that beat the sweat, we’re spilling the secrets to surviving and thriving in the scorching summer months.
Dive into the summer scene. As the sun’s rays intensify, we’re turning to tried-and-true beauty buys that not only keep us feeling fresh but also bring out our inner glow. If you can’t imagine yourself basking in the warmth with flawless skin and makeup that stays put through the hottest days, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with our must-have products of April 2024. Scroll through the selection of summer staples that have been put to the test and approved by our team of beauty girlies.
BARENBLISS Set N Slick Lasting Browcara
I thought the Barenbliss Set N’ Slick Lasting Browcara would wash off easily with my regular cleanser in the shower, but to my surprise (and amusement), it didn’t budge. My eyebrows stayed put, and I had to use some micellar water to remove it. It’s long-lasting, pigmented, and definitely waterproof. The only thing I would mention is that it deposits a bit too much product for my liking, so I use a clean spoolie to brush it through my brows. – Nica Glorioso, Features Writer
Colgate Purple Whitening Toothpaste
At first, I was drawn to it because, hello, purple! But being a tea, coffee, and colorful beverage lover, my teeth had seen better days. So, when I stumbled upon this product and saw its bold claims, I was SOLDT with a capital T! The minty flavor leaves your breath super fresh, and I swear, my teeth were visibly stain-free after using it. – Gelo Quijencio, Multimedia Artist
GRWM Cosmetics Glam & Go Stix
This local beauty brand has been my ride-or-die since day one, and they just keep leveling up! Their latest release for summer? The GRWM Cosmetics Glam & Go Stix—it’s a game-changer. While the entire line boasts blush, bronzer, contour, and highlighters, I can’t get enough of their blush shades, especially Pablo’s Latte. We all know cream formulas are supposed to last, but this one? It survived a full beach day without budging! – Precy Tan, Beauty Writer
KIMUSE Hair Finishing Stick
I personally have a lot of baby hair, so the KIMUSE Hair Finishing Stick saves me from constantly picking them out, especially when I do a clean, low bun hairstyle. It’s also perfect for all hair types and saves you from bad hair days, haha! It stays longer compared to other hair sticks I’ve used! – Jasmin Dasigan, Production Associate
Rom&nd’s Better Than Cheek
My beauty picks of the month are Rom&nd’s Better Than Cheek powder blush in Vine Nude and Rom&nd’s Glasting Color Gloss in Peony Ballet. The blush shade is the perfect topper for any liquid and cream blushes, while the gloss makes my lips look plump and juicy. Put them together? Soft girl realness. – Shane Sy, Social Media Associate
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow
It is a perfect “one and done” product that I just put all over my lids and it makes my eyes sparkle. It lasts long and, though it does crease on me as the day progresses, it’s very forgiving and easy to fix on the go. The shade that I have in particular (Wanderlust) also has a subtle pink-green-gold shift, so it makes my eye look seem more elaborate than it is. – Maggie Batacan, Editor-in-Chief
ZEESEA Milky Way Setting Spray
I initially thought ZEESEA Milky Way Setting Spray was just another TikTok hype, but I gave in due to its price. Girl, was I surprised! It’s not just talk—it works wonders for my naturally sweaty skin, especially in this summer heat! – Mika Tafalla, Creative Services Producer
It seems that “cross-cultural production” has been the newest buzzword this year. But more than just a phrase to add in marketing campaigns, it, if done properly, signals that the production smartly combines different elements of different cultures to make for a project that delivers. That seems to be the case for Secret Ingredient, the cross-cultural series from Unilever Nutrition and Viu.
The show stars Sang Heon Lee, who plays Ha-Joon, a Korean man who has it all, which he suddenly leaves behind to find some answers and hopefully, rekindle the past. His journey for answers leads him to meet Maya, played by Julia Barretto, and Chef Arif, played by Nicholas Saputra, who offer him a fresh perspective on life and teach him forgiveness, understanding, and acceptance.
On the outside looking in, Secret Ingredient looks like a conventional cooking drama featuring Philippine, Korean, and Indonesian actors and sponsored by a multinational corporation. But dig deeper into its recipe, and you’ll find a show that promises a solid viewing experience. Curious to know if this show is worth your time? Here are some of our takeaways from our preview of the first two episodes.
THE CAST MAKE FOR A COMPELLING TRIO
One might think that featuring so many nationalities in one cast for a show that needs strong chemistry to work might be a difficult task. But Secret Ingredient makes it work, thanks mainly to its three lead stars. Julia Barretto shines as Maya, the determined OFW working as a chef in Jakarta looking to have a better life for herself. She is joined by Sang Heon Lee’s Ha-Joon, the well-meaning rich boy, and Nicholas Saputra’s Arif, the headstrong executive chef of the restaurant Maya and Ha-Joon work at.
Together, they make for a trio who play off each other’s energies. It’s like a study of contrasts between Ha-Joon and Arif, with the former giving golden retriever energy, and the latter radiating black cat energy. Maya, meanwhile, is caught in the middle as she anchors both of them away from their worst tendencies.
THE STORY KNOWS HOW TO CAPTURE YOUR ATTENTION
Secret Ingredient is a regional K-drama through and through, which means the usual trappings of the genre like love triangles, CEOs in hiding, paying off debts, and more. But the show also surprises with how much of an edge-of-your-seat experience it can be. Every episode of this six-episode series ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more to know what happens next.
In all that, the show opens up potentially interesting plot lines like Maya trying to pay off her debts back home and the reason behind Ha-Joon’s disappearance. It’s a heartwarming escape that sizzles with teases and twists. And with even bigger revelations coming later in the season, Secret Ingredient has a lot more up its sleeves.
THE FOOD IS *CHEF’S KISS*
No food show can work if the food doesn’t look any good. Luckily, Secret Ingredient got the memo on keeping audiences fed with mouth-watering shots of various dishes. From fast-paced and hectic scenes of cooking in a restaurant kitchen to the more serene cooking in more homely settings, the show doesn’t disappoint when it comes to giving the viewer something to look at.
Some of the food shots will have you wishing you could smell the screen, with a particular rice dish at the end of episode one that is sure to get tummies grumbling. It should also be noted that since the show is in collaboration with Unilever Nutrition Southeast Asia and Indonesia, there is noticeable product placement in Secret Ingredient, though, for the most part, it doesn’t come off as intrusive.
IT’S A NICE BLEND OF DIFFERENT CULTURES
As Viu’s first regional K-drama, Secret Ingredient has been flexing in its marketing campaign that it blends the cultures of the Philippines, South Korea, and Indonesia into its story. And, for the most part, it works. So far, this cross-border tale finds a sweet spot in featuring each of the three countries’ cultures, such as using Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, and Korean in the script and using meals and ingredients from each region. Depending on how the rest of the season goes, we could really be in for a delectable culinary journey that proves love comes in all flavors.
Secret Ingredient is now streaming exclusively on Viu, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday.
Life has a funny way of working sometimes. One day, you can be killing it on the dance floor as a professional dancer, the next, you’re a rising filmmaker lensing a fresh and female perspective in a male-dominated industry. Such is the case for Elena Virata. She started out as a member of award-winning dance crew A-Team for over ten years. But her love for filmmaking started to come to the surface when she filmed her travels with the team on a GoPro and used her downtime to edit the footage.
As Elena recalls on the moment, “I was so thrilled that I could relive and recreate the best moments and feelings in my life through a video.” From that creative spark, she honed her skills in the filmmaking space, which eventually led her to being signed to Arcade Film Factory as a full-time director in 2023.
There are no boundaries when it comes to creativity, only endless possibilities waiting to be explored. Through the minds of visionaries like Elena Viarata, the art of filmmaking creates not just representation through frames and pixels, but it tells stories of emotions and life itself. Elena carved her path, telling different tales that resonate not just locally but globally. It’s no wonder her relentless vision has been celebrated as a go-to director for various global brands and artists from around the world. Below, get to know more about Elena in our chat with the creative as she opens up about her work, experiences, and more.
How did you start as a director?
I didn’t become a director right away, actually; I really worked my way, starting off as an assistant, then as an editor, then as a videographer, then as a one-woman band, being a producer, director, and editor all at once. Ultimately, after four years of honing my skills and gaining experience, brands noticed my work. Eventually, my work was recognized by award-winning production house, Arcade Film Factory, and I was signed as a full-time director.
What inspired you to be a director?
Many things inspire me as a director. Mostly though, I am inspired by life and the lessons I learn. I have a strong passion to share stories and lessons I’ve learned in the rollercoaster of my life and films have been the best way to express myself. I have a very intricate way of thinking and my mind needs a proper outlet. Filmmaking is such a powerful medium and it involves many things I am passionate about – movement, music, philosophy, dance. There are just so many things you can incorporate in a film.
Could you talk about your transition from being a professional dancer to being a full-time director?
I was a professional dancer for about 10 years, training with A-Team Philippines. Within those years, I was competing and performing in different countries. I decided to bring a GoPro to document my travels with the team, and when I would edit videos of my experiences, my burning passion for filmmaking came alive. I was so thrilled that I could relive and recreate the best moments and feelings in my life through a video.
Before I graduated, I thought about what could make me happy if I did it for the rest of my life, and filmmaking came to my mind because it had such a wide range that I could incorporate all my passions and hobbies. That’s when I started making short dance films. It really grew from then on.
As a creative, where do you get inspiration from in terms of shooting and creating?
Once again, life gives me inspiration. I am inspired by everything that happens around me and within me. I am a learner and a student of life, I notice everything that happens to me, I study it, and I apply it. I am inspired by conversations, experiences, music, travels, nature, people, and life! When you open yourself up to the world, the world has so much to offer. My angels up in heaven also inspire me heavily. They inspire me to share the stories and experiences in my life with the world one day. Their love and resilience give me so much strength and make me feel like I can do and achieve anything in the world.
What’s your creative process as a director?
My environment is very important to me. I need to light up my incense, meditate, put some classical music on, and have my alone time to really get my mind right and focused. Being in nature also gives me the reset I need if I want my mind to come from a very peaceful place. Music really inspires me to think and imagine, but watching films, studying other directors, writers, and screenplays helps me a lot too. Studying other works, and browsing references really helps to also jumpstart my mind.
As a woman, have you ever faced challenges or hurdles in the industry just because of your gender?
Luckily, I have not had any major challenges as a woman in the industry but it is largely due to the fact that I present myself as a woman that can’t be messed around with. Yes, I am a woman, but I know what I’m doing and I’d like to think that people see that too. I’m passionate, empathetic, and driven, and that’s what makes people want to keep working with you. You need to have thick skin, confidence, and a strong front as a young woman in this industry because I’m surrounded by men and older, more experienced people. I’m proud that I come off as… “unf*ckwittable*.
What is it like being a female director in the Philippines?
I definitely feel I have more to prove being a young female director, but I think that applies in general and not just in the Philippines. Again, this is a male-dominant industry and I’m stepping in like I’m fresh meat. But I have prepared myself for these moments, I worked extremely hard to get to where I am and all of it is paying off with how I approach my work and the teams that I work with.
How are you bringing your talent and creativity to be seen not just in the country but also around the world?
I’m trying my best to create work and films that have a powerful impact universally. I’m passionate about sharing stories, and there’s a lot of things that I’ve been through that I’m passionate to one day share. Life could’ve really broken me… I’ve lost so many people in my life in the past few years – my grandparents, my parents, two uncles and my aunt.
Life hasn’t been easy. Sometimes I feel very much alone without them, but at the same time they give me so much inspiration. I will try my very best that in this lifetime I get to make a powerful impact through my films by resonating with universal experiences of love and loss and showing how you can still be genuinely inspired and happy in your life.
How would you describe your aesthetic or visual style?
I have a very soft yet colorful style. I do have a more delicate side when it comes to my films, but I also have a very dynamic approach with my advertising work. I look at my work like a choreography – I think about the flow, the movement, the musicality, the way they all tie in. As an editor, the flow is very important to me and how the viewer takes the story.
“I’m passionate about sharing stories, and there’s a lot of things that I’ve been through that I’m passionate to one day share.”
– Elena Virata
In your career, what’s the most memorable shoot you did and why?
My most memorable shoot so far was my San Mig Light project because it was the most massive production with a huge star, Sandara Park. First of all, having so much trust by an agency and brand as huge as they are is incredibly humbling. I prepared SOOOO hard for that, and it all paid off because it was one of the smoothest projects ever. I was very proud of myself because I knew everyone in the team were proud of the job that we did together, and most of all everyone had fun doing it. Life is too short to be so serious! I try my best to let everyone enjoy the work they do.
What lessons or skills you picked up as a dancer have helped you as a director?
It’s the musicality and expression through movement that helps me as a director. Everything is a flow to me, I’m very particular about timing and pace. And I learned all of that through dancing. But most of all, it’s the discipline that I got from dancing that helped me. My coaches, Coach Angelica Arda and Coach MJ Arda really taught me discipline – to do the work no matter how hard it is. The teamwork I learned from dancing also made a huge impact for me because I always think of my projects as a team effort. Everyone has an impact.
What is your advice to women out there who are just starting in the creative industry?
Never let anyone say you can’t do it. And even if they doubt you, just work in silence and work hard. When you’re truly skilled and talented, gender isn’t in the conversation. So stay focused, stay passionate, and work.
Ah, the wonders of technology. From our phones to the games we play, we all love the little rush of dopamine we get from the tech and digital world. It doesn’t have to be expensive stuff like a new laptop or anything—it could be anything from a secondhand digital camera to a new app that gets you to reorganize your life. For instance, our April faves are filled with gadgets and items that are totally budget-friendly. Whether you’d rather stay indoors with a game or head outside with a camera, we’ve got our list of tech and digital finds that made our April 2024 that much cooler.
JISULIFE 3-IN-1 PORTABLE TURBO JET FAN – Maggie Batacan, Editor-in-Chief
This little device’s price might turn you off, but in terms of girl math I have more than gotten my ROI on it considering how often I use it (AKA daily). It speeds up my skin care and makeup routine by a lot, and it definitely comes in handy on days when I’m going to be out in the sun. The battery seems to last forever, too (so far I’ve only charged it twice since buying it).
Making the hop from Spotify had not been ideal at first, but the more I got to explore the layout and the features of the platform, notably the Karaoke feature, I fell in love with it and it’s one of my favorite tech switches to date. On the plus side, if you’re also a little bit of a nerd when it comes to sound quality and music stems, Apple Music provides a feature for some tracks where you can listen to it in Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio.
VIBE 501F 35MM FILM CAMERA – Nica Glorioso, Features Writer
I took my VIBE Photo 501F 35mm camera with me on my UK trip, and while it didn’t thrive as well as I’d hoped (it produces its best work when it’s bright and sunny, and we all know what the weather’s like in the UK), it’s become such a unique way to capture moments, sights, and memories. The camera is affordable, lightweight, beginner-friendly, and comes in the cutest colors. (I got mine from Shopee.) Though an expensive hobby, film photography is alive and well, y’all.
MOFII WIRELESS CHARGING POWER BANK – Gelo Quijencio, Multimedia Artist
Aesthetic meets functionality. If you are a fan of retro items plus customizing it through adding stickers, then this power bank is perfect for you. Not only can it charge 2 phones to full battery, it looks visually appealing when you hold it because of its compact size. Bonus point: it has a wireless-charging feature as well.
This app takes me back to my high school days, but I’m diving back into Dazz Cam because of all those fancy digicam pics flooding social media. Trust me, it outshines every filter out there, making that small purchase fee a total steal!
TOMB RAIDER I–III REMASTERED – James Jacinto, Art Contributor
If you’re chronically online like me, chances are your TikTok FYP might have passed by funny streams of the recently remastered Tomb Raider trilogy. As someone who grew up tagging along with Lara Croft on my old PC years ago, I’m definitely looking forward to getting a hold of the game remasters.
Something about this heat got us craving for some delightful snacks, drinks, and dishes. And we know we’re not alone! If you’re looking for something hot and spicy, something filling and hearty, or something sweet and refreshing, we’ve got a list for you. From snack combos to poke bowls, the NYLON Manila team has rounded up our faves this April so you can have new things to add to your café hopping list, delivery app faves, and grocery shopping carts. As usual, let us know some of your delicious picks from this April, too!
A combination of watermelon, mango, and peaches with a dash of frozen yogurt, this limited edition beverage is refreshing AF and I have been indulging myself every chance I get (especially in this heat). Plus, the natural flavor of the fruits is enough to make the drink sweet without any additional syrups or sugar (I asked) so I can have it relatively guilt-free (if you don’t count the cost).
Relatively inexpensive but highly addictive, their original flavor takoyaki just hits every flavor profile I could ever ask for in a savory snack. The sauce is salty-sweet, the dough has just the right amount of chew, and the bonito flakes really tie everything together. Just make sure to be patient and wait a bit before eating so you don’t burn your mouth (totally not speaking from personal experience whatsoever).
Whenever I have the funds to splurge on a nice meal, I go to Kodawari. Their take on Japanese cuisine is a 10/10, with a personal favorite of mine being their Gyudon with a side of their Karaage. I’m already getting hungry just thinking about it.
CARAMIA SALTED S’MORES CAKE – Gelo Quijencio, Multimedia Artist
Caramia’s Salted S’mores cake has the perfect balance of sweetness. The chocolate moist cake, the saltiness of the marshmallow on top, and the crunch of the graham crust is truly a blast in one bite.
STARR’S FAMOUS SHAKES – Nica Glorioso, Features Writer
Throwing it back to my high school days when Starr’s reigned supreme, I recently found myself going back to it, trying out their new flavors and shakes. And they’ve still got it! They’ve got a wide selection of drinks that border on dessert territory—who isn’t down for that? They’re also available on GrabFood and FoodPanda, which means I’ve indulged in more Choco Banana Split milkshakes than what’s probably recommended.
I used to turn up my nose at pork and beans, but then a friend introduced me to Tostillas chips paired with Hunt’s Chili Con Carne, and now I can’t get enough! If you’re into walking nachos, these are your best bet for a tastier and budget-friendly snack.
DRIP KOFI’S MATCHA FLOAT – Shane Sy, Social Media Associate
My food pick of the month has got to be Drip Kofi’s Matcha Float. Their matcha has always been a favorite of mine since my college days, and for a good reason. I like how the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream balances out the matcha flavor. And in this scorching hot weather? There’s no better pairing than a good matcha and ice cream.
LA CHICKS – Jasmin Dasigan, Editorial Assistant
I’m a big fan of chicken tenders and burgers in general. So when I discovered about LA Chicks serving both in a combo, it really made me so happy! Plus, it’s very affordable, too! What I love about their food is it has enough of a kick of spice to still taste the savory flavor of the chicken, burger and fries.
It’s a little on the pricier side, but it’s a great dish when you want to treat yourself. It’s definitely worth your money, especially if you’re a miso and poke bowl lover. This dish checks all the boxes, will leave you full and happy. I’ve recommended this dish and the place to different people, and I’ve never received negative feedback. So, go. Treat yourselves.
Discovering MOD Coffee during an unexpected stroll around Salcedo was *chef’s kiss*. Apart from literally having great coffee and food choices, the overall ambiance reminds me of cozy apartment therapy vids online.
After a years-long hiatus, Pinoy Big Brother is set to launch a new season this July. With that, thousands of hopefuls are looking to become part of the next batch of housemates with the start of auditions for the new season. The popular reality show’s return means a new cast of colorful characters to get to know and maybe even stan by the end of the year.
But as fun as it is to watch the show, experiencing it isn’t as easy as it looks, something many netizens have been pointing out recently with a viral trend on TikTok as they share the relatable af reasons why they’d be eliminated first from the house. Maybe being a housemate is not for everyone. In honor of PBB’s return to the airwaves with season 11, check out some of the early eviction reasons that will have you feeling seen and heard.
While everyone is busy with the weekly task, we’re busy filming our GRWM video and finding a potential love team partner. You need to look good for the camera, after all.
If our housemates are going to nominate us for eviction because we aren’t afraid to call out that one misogynist and judgmental housemate, then so be it.
It’s not every day that you get to interact with your faves, especially when your fave is Beyonce. Given her icon-level status, Queen B isn’t one you just so happen to cross paths with at your local grocery store. So, when you manage to get her attention for the right reasons, it’s like winning the lottery. That’s something these Filipinos can proudly share with how Beyonce knows who they are. While a Beyonce concert in the Philippines seems out of the cards (for now), it gives us hope that Bey has given flowers to a few Pinoys, literally and figuratively. Scroll down for a list of Filipinos who can include “noticed by Beyonce” in their CVs.
TWO-YEAR-OLD TYLER GETTING FLOWERS FROM HIS BESTIE BEYONCE
This two-year-old might be the luckiest kid in the world. Tyler, the son of radio host Bea Fabregas and content creator Nikko Ramos, made waves online when a video of him referring to Beyonce as his “friend” went viral on social media. Well, his “friend” saw the video and reached out to his family to send him a gift. As shared by Bea Fabregas on Instagram, Beyonce sent Tyler a bouquet of blue flowers, a stuffed animal, and a message that included the lines “To my friend Tyler,” and “I see your halo, Tyler.” Tyler is about to become the most popular kid in his school.
MAMA LULU BEING FEATURED IN THE BREAK MY SOUL VIDEO
Mama Lulu and her son Oliver (@otakoyakisoba) make for a hilarious duo on TikTok. Even Beyonce had to stan. When the musician dropped a lyric video to Break My Soul, she included Mama Lulu in a prominent role, the opening scene. The video starts with a viral TikTok video Oliver posted of him telling his mom that he doesn’t like Break My Soul, to which Mama Lulu replied, “Get out of here before I break your soul.” When Beyonce says you’re the visual, she is referring to Mama Lulu.
GAB VALENCIANO COLLABORATING WITH BEYONCE ON HER 7/11 MUSIC VIDEO
Beyonce has inspired countless artists over the years. But imagine YOU being the one to inspire Beycone? That’s the case for Gab Valenciano, whose Super Selfie videos inspired Beyonce when she was conceptualizing her 7/11 music video. Not only did Queen B watch his videos, but she also had her team reach out to him for a brainstorming session. If that wasn’t enough, Gab, along with Beyonce and Chris Grant, received a nomination for Best Choreography at the 2015 MTV VMAs. Talent inspiring talent.
BEYONCE TAPPING BRETMAN ROCK TO BE AN AMBASSADOR FOR CECRED
Bretman Rock is known for many things, and that includes his fabulous hair that’s more than just a style statement. It’s no wonder Beyonce tapped the content creator to be one of the faces of her haircare line, Cécred. Naturally, when he met Beyonce during the brand’s launch, it was a dream come true moment. “Growing out my hair has been such a sacred journey personally because I started growing it out when my dad passed because he was always a man with long hair… and two years later my hair is a model yuh! Love you,” he wrote on Instagram. This visual of Bey and Bretman together is next level.
We wonder what it’s like to get a call from Beyonce’s team asking you to dress one of the most famous people in the world. It can be daunting, for sure. But a handful of Filipinos rose to the challenge to make stunning original looks for the queen. Among the many serves Bey has served over the years are outfits from Filipino designers Furne One (Mrs. Carter Tour and 2015 Grammys performance), Chris Habana (headpiece for her Dubai performance), and Ryan Pacioles (Dubai performance and Renaissance Tour).
“Hey, hey Dein,” three words that changed this Filipino member of the BeyHive forever. Dein truly lived the Y/N life when he attended the RENAISSANCE TOUR last July. How so? First, Beyonce noticed his sign and said his name while she was performing Love On Top. Next, he met her mom, Tina Knowles. Finally, Dein and his killer looks were featured three times on Beyonce’s official website. That’s the dream right there.
Believe it or not, the last full week of April is now over and we’re down to the last few days of the month. Consider this your sign that you survived, and even thrived this April. So, why not celebrate by listening to some new music from all four corners of the world? And given that it is the last weekend of the month, artists came out with a bevy of new releases, some of which we collated below. Check out these new tracks that you may want to add to your playlist ASAP.
SPOT! – ZICO AND JENNIE
The beat, vocals, and production, this is an insane collab that delivered on the hype.
FEELING LUCKY – BIBI AND JACKSON WANG
BIBI’s captivating vocals and Jackson’s dynamic presence make for a steamy and sultry pop duet.
BUBBLE GUM – NEWJEANS
At this point, NewJeans is allergic to not serving.
MUNCHIES – ILLEST MORENA
Clearly, Illest Morena was hungry and she ate this R&B slow jam.
MINAHALAGAD – BECAUSE AND HEV ABI
With these two rap stars on the track, this slow-burner is an ear-tweaking and infectious rap track heavy on groove and sonic charisma.
BORED – LAUFEY
Laufey’s storytelling skills shine once more in this relatable track on being bored with a self-centered lover.
GOOD ENOUGH – CRWN AND JASON DHAKAL
crwn’s dance-centric production intertwines with Jason Dhakal’s introspective exploration of self-doubt for a song that has us bopping while being moody fr.
POTENTIAL – LAUV
With heartfelt lyrics that capture the uncertainty of a budding romance, Lauv invites listeners to share the feelings of anticipation and excitement in something special.
FREAK – YUQI
YUQI cleared with this English single on being down bad for the freaky girls. Bonus points for a music video that’s a joy for any horror fan.
AHI – ANITTA AND SAM SMITH
This is so island girl late night during the after-party coded.
SWEAT – ZEROBASEONE
ZB1 was so real for naming their new song SWEAT when we’ve all been sweating from this summer heat. This is going straight to our Summer 2024 playlist.
1:59 – NORMANI AND GUNNA
Bestie, wake up. We have new Normani music that sounds like quintessential Normani.
LITTLE LIGHT – DOYOUNG
For his solo debut, Doyoung gives us an inspirational banger on finding your light.
SWEET RELEASE – KIANA V
This beat though. It’s giving main character at the club energy.
TATLONG BUWAN – SPONGE COLA
Like you, Sponge Cola has also been obsessed with Queen of Tears lately. It even inspired them to make a track based on the K-drama’s story as the song explores a couple’s journey toward healing and reconnection.
SABIHIN – ZEPHANIE
Zephanie’s cover of Sabihin by Zelle is giving us goosebumps. The vocals are vocaling.
ISA DALAWA TATLO – PRESS HIT PLAY
It will take you less than the count of three to get into this groovy bop.
DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR HEART – BENJ PANGILINAN
We wouldn’t be surprised at all if this gets included in the OST for a rom-com, specifically during the scene where the main character realizes that he does love her.
NEW BEGINNINGS – HILLARI
HILLARI gets real on her new track based on her reflections and experiences around the transition from student life to a hectic life as an artist.
You might remember him as the scene-stealer from PBB7, and boy, has he kept us entertained ever since. Now, as the book boyfriend come to life from the series ‘Rain in España’ as Kalix Martinez and the charming other half of MarVen, let’s meet Marco Gallo, who’s here to dish out some insider insights from the world of show business.
Fresh off his photoshoot with NYLON Manila in partnership with YOU Beauty, get to know more of the 23-year-old Filipino-Italian actor in this a candid chat about career twists, love teams, and what lies ahead.
After your role as Kalix Martinez in the romcom series ‘Rain in España’, is there a specific genre that you would like to work on, and why?
Definitely drama. I always said I’m not a dramatic person, but based on my experiences and what my friends told me, apparently, that’s who I am. I think it goes back to my Italian heritage; we’re known to be passionate. Then again, this is something I’d love to portray more, mainly because I want people to know they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through in life. For me, this is what acting is all about—creating something that audiences can relate to.
As an actor, what’s your approach to building a character? Is there a creative process or flow that you follow?
When it comes to building a character, I follow a method that involves reading the script multiple times. There are scenes where I might not initially understand why my character would say or do something. So, I read and discuss it with the writers until I fully grasp the motivations behind my character’s actions and dialogue. Given the back and forth involved and the need to immerse yourself in your character’s past, even when it’s not always shown on screen, Heaven really helped me work through that process. I found myself slipping into the character’s mindset almost without realizing it.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you work through them?
I think trying to fit into a world I didn’t think I belonged to was definitely a tough journey. You’re thrown into this industry that’s bigger than what you are at fifteen. With that, you come to realize the struggles of being an adult and meeting all of these people that you can and can’t trust. There’s just one way to learn, and it’s to go through it.
What are your thoughts on the changes in the television industry since you started acting and how has that shaped your career choice?
I never really thought about becoming an actor; my dream was to become a flight attendant. So, I began studying languages back in Italy. Then PBB happened. With one contract after another, I was initially blinded by the money. However, when the pandemic hit, it struck me hard. I felt like I wasn’t committed to my work. It was a wake-up call. I realized that if I failed in this business, I wouldn’t want to come home without knowing that I gave it my all. So, as soon as I returned to work, I delved deeper into acting, and I simply started to fall in love with it.
Given everything that’s going on, how do you manage to balance your personal life with the demands of your career?
It’s a bit of a challenge, you know? In this industry, we typically work for two straight months, sometimes followed by just a week or a month’s break. But here’s the thing—it’s not always easy to detach from the character you’ve been living as on set. It tends to stick with you, even during those short breaks. So, when it comes to balancing work and life, it’s definitely an area I’m constantly working on as an actor. In the meantime though, biking and traveling are things that help me detach whenever necessary.
If there’s one misconception or myth about acting careers that you would like to debunk, what would that be?
I think there’s a common misconception among people about how easy it is to make money in this business, but they don’t realize the toll it takes on you mentally. For instance, when you have to tackle difficult scenes, you often find yourself revisiting past pains. Before you know it, you’re coming home emotionally and mentally drained.
How do you handle feedback from the public and from people you know personally?
I’m not going to lie, the first years were tough because I was just a regular kid from Italy. Like anyone else, I cared about what people said, and to this day, it still affects me. However, as long as I learn from it and strive to become better every day without hurting anyone, I simply tell myself, ‘You chose to be a public figure—deal with it.’
Can you share a moment or a role that you feel was a turning point in your acting career?
The recent role that stands out for me is Kalix from ‘The Rain in España.’ I’ve always struggled with being typecast into comedic roles, even though I know I should be portraying a variety of characters. However, Kalix was different. He felt so close to me in real life. While I may not be as quiet as he is—I can start conversations easily—I connected with his observant nature and subtle nuances. It’s funny how they say a role can become a part of you. I feel like I did become a bit like Kalix—a person who pursues what he wants and loves passionately, much like his relationship with Luna.”
Speaking of which, the MarVen ship has really set sail with fans! Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline for you and Heaven Peralejo?
We have a couple lined up, but the others are not confirmed yet. At the moment, we’re only shooting one project, and I know the fans have already caught wind of it. So, if there’s something I could talk to you about, it’s that this project is one of the biggest things I’ve been a part of. I’m excited for everyone, especially the fans, to see it because it’s so relatable and realistic.
Editor’s Note: Marco is referring to his new movie with Heaven Peralejo, MEN ARE FROM QC, WOMEN ARE FROM ALABANG. But at the time the interview was conducted, Marco was not allowed to reveal details of the film.
