We’ve had a busy year full of live music, and all that’s done is make us want more. This year, we’ve seen SEVENTEEN, Ed Sheeran, RADWIMPS, Laufey, NCT Dream, and more take the stage—and the fun doesn’t stop there! There may only be four months left in the year, but there’s no doubt it’s going to be jam-packed with live shows from your favorite artists, local and global. Catch Red Velvet, SB19, BINI, Stray Kids, HORI7ON, LANY, 2NE1, ZEROBASEONE, and more in concert and end your year with a bang.
Whether you’re thinking of attending one concert or five, let us know which ones left this year you’re looking forward to the most by voting in our poll below. Also, don’t forget to check out the full list of upcoming concerts up until 2025 right here. Voting is now closed.
UPDATE: Congratulations to the Nation’s Girl Group BINI for winning the poll! The P-pop group’s 3-day Grand BINIverse Concert at the Araneta Coliseum on November 16, 17, and 18 won as the most voted upcoming concert of 2024. The hype is real. The top 5 most highly-anticipated concerts also include those to be held by SB19, Maki, HORI7ON, and Stray Kids.
Six-member girl group KATSEYE may have only made their official debut just a few months ago, but they’re already on their way to being one of the girl groups to watch out for. Since we first met them in Dream Academy, Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae have captivated many with their musicality. Touch may just be one of the best girl group songs of the year while their Netflix documentary was the talk of stan Twitter for a moment.
But aside from their undeniable talent, KATSEYE has also endeared themselves to many with their personality and charm that’s distinctly Gen Z. If you follow the group on social media, especially on TikTok, then you know these girls don’t play when it comes to their online game. It’s giving chronically online but in the best way. Read on for more times the sextet knew how to have fun and had us wishing we were besties with them irl just because of their social media posts.
See, this is how you end rumors. When social media is ablaze with rumors that the members are beefing, KATSEYE is here to end the speculation the way only a Gen Z girl group can. All Lara and Manon want to do is be part of your SYMPHONY.
Forget a makeup product or tool, if you want to have a face card that never declines, you need to start with your skin. The skin, after all, is the base where everything goes. And even if you don’t wear makeup, having a good skincare routine is still a must.
But while it’s one thing to take care of your skin, it’s another to find products that actually work on it. This is especially true for Filipinas whose skin comes in different shades and tones and products that just don’t fit the bill. But what if we told you that there is a new skincare brand on the scene that formulated their products for the Filipina skin? And the best part? They are proudly Filipino.
SKINCARE FOR THE FILIPINA
There’s a new player in the skincare market, and it’s giving Filipina skin its time in the spotlight with products fit for a wide variety of needs. Real Perfection, a new brand that challenges everything there is to know about achieving the best version of you, believes that perfection comes in different forms. To that end, they recently partnered with MEGAStyle to launch their variety of skincare lines that cater to different skin styles and champion the same message: to achieve perfection, you have to keep it real. With its carefully crafted formula and ladderized step-by-step process, this brand aims to cater to all skin types regardless of factors and elements that affect health and well-being.
“Real Perfection is about embracing who we are, with all our unique qualities, and redefining beauty in our own terms,” said Maricor Flores, the mind behind Real Perfection and CEO of South Care Cosmetics Manufacturing, Inc., during the brand’s launch at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Furthering this, Cat Goitia, the Chief Executive Officer of Real Perfection, shared how their offerings go beyond the typical whitening products we’ve seen time and time again. “It is more than just a skincare brand; it is a commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity. We are dedicated to helping our customers and business partners achieve their skincare goals with products they can trust, all while contributing to a more sustainable and ethical world.”
As proof of that, Real Perfection had models of different shapes, sizes, and skin colors bring glamor to a runway while carrying the skincare brand’s various collections. The crowd also reflected the diversity in beauty Real Perfection stands for with personalities in attendance including Francine Diaz, Janeena Chan, Princess Legaspi, Shaha Meta, Janica Nam, Rhanzelle, and Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose. Skincare from a local brand that puts Filipina beauty front and center? We love to see it.
Curious to know what their skincare line offers? Check out some of their products below.
ACNEFENSE SET
Dealing with acne at any age is difficult, and sometimes finding skincare for acne-prone skin makes it more challenging. Real Perfection offers handpicked ingredients that are dermatologist-recommended to help in healing and clearing your acne.
GLOW BOOSTER SET
When our skin looks good, we feel good. Real Perfection offers a skincare set that restores luminosity, promotes even skin tone, and recaptures the appearance of a healthy, youthful complexion.
ADVANCED ROSE PEEL SET
With Real Perfection’s Rosy Peel set, it will help you look as vibrant as you feel. This set provides multiple benefits to both men and women, who want to improve their skin from the problems caused by aging, sun exposure, pollution, stress, and skin conditions.
SKIN RESCUE SET
Skin woes such as enlarged pores, excessive oil, and rough, problematic skin are the main targets of their Skin Rescue set. They’ve combined Vitamins A and C, and Amino Acids which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and hydrating ingredients that will keep your skin moisturized.
RETINOL BOOSTER SET
This skincare set will effectively improve the appearance of wrinkles, reduce pore size, improve skin tone, and aid in depigmentation. The formulation is a combination of retinol with antioxidants and peptides for a clearer, more radiant and younger-looking complexion. Their Retinol Booster skincare set targets collagen production to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while improving the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
In this big year of 2024, you would think we’ve moved past blatant discrimination, especially in public spaces, but time and time again, people do something that makes us question how far we’ve really come in terms of being an accepting society. And in the age of social media, we can document and see clearly how people still harass, catcall, and discriminate based on gender, sexuality, and identity. Whether as victims ourselves, bystanders, or strangers on the Internet watching it go down, what are we doing about it?
When a viral video of a security guard said “hoy, bawal yan, bakla ka,” to a couple of queer students at an arcade circulated, we saw how they didn’t respond by simply being passive or shrinking away. No, they went right up to the guard and asked him what his problem was.
This instance is yet more proof that the anti-discrimination Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Bill should be passed, because LGBTQIA+ people still face rampant discrimination and harassment. They’re taking it upon themselves to combat the oppression and injustices they face, and they’re teaching us a lesson on being brave enough to stand up for ourselves and our own when facing discrimination in public—because sometimes, these kinds of people need a little humbling.
THE VALUE OF SPEAKING UP
yung fragile, homophobic, at tigas-tigasan ka tas tinawag ka lang nilang “maldita” 😭 HSHHSHAAH PURRR
anw, PASS SOGIE BILL NOW ‼️🫵 the community needs protection from this kind of ppl https://t.co/atx5aXWzm8
First off, why are we still using “bakla” as an insult in 2024? As they said, yes, they were queer, so it’s not untrue, but it was very clear that the guard’s intention was to be insulting. The way he was so comfortable doing so in a public space, knowing he was in a position of power, is sadly a familiar sight. Too many people think they can get away with saying things like he did, or even worse ones, in public.
Whether or not what the students were doing at the basketball game was against arcade policy (as they revealed that one of them, Alexa, hit the ball too hard), why did he have to use such language with the intention of demeaning them and using bakla as an insult?
Regardless, the students were having none of it, and the two were seen confronting the guard and letting it be known that they were not going to take that act of discrimination sitting down. People online reacted very well to how quick and unwavering they were to stand up for themselves. Often, when faced with blatant acts of discrimination, we default to ignoring them.
Speaking up, defending yourself or someone else, can be a tall order for many people. We’ve all heard of the bystander effect. But a bigot, catcaller, or homophobe deserves to be called out for their blatant disrespect for another human being.
goodnight gays reminder that it’s okay to speak up to ur friends and family when they’re being homophobic. call out disgusting behavior and if they don’t change, stop giving them ur time. chances are, if they don’t respect the lgbt community, they don’t respect u or ur sexuality.
A lot of the times, things like catcalling and discrimination come from a place of power. Harassers, catcallers, and bigots want to intimidate and exert dominance over the people they target. If you can, don’t let them. Some women resort to retorting, responding in a way that guilt-trips them, or even barking or making loud noises to throw them off and let them know that what they’re doing is not okay. It’s bleak that we have to resort to that. But acting upon being disrespected is sometimes better than letting it go and letting them think it’s okay to keep doing that to other people.
Of course, not everyone is the confrontational type, and not every circumstance is safe for people to be as assertive as the two students in this case. Violence against women and the LGBTQIA+ community is still unfortunately rampant. But in instances where you believe it’s worth it to be brave enough to stand your ground, loud and proud, don’t hold back. You don’t even have to be the one being addressed—you can stand up for others, as well.
Speaking up and facing the problem is also a way you can get justice or resolve an issue quickly, and to make it known that such acts of discrimination or harassment are not without consequence. The students also did the responsible thing and reported it to the establishment management. Hopefully, this sheds light on something we’re well-aware of but has rarely been acted upon by our institutions in a tangible way: the prevalence of acts of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people.
In the meantime, when we can, let’s consider being brave enough to speak up for what’s right and standing up for ourselves as well as people who are being victimized just for existing—in public, in our close circles, and wherever possible. We’ve all got a voice—let’s put it to use.
If you asked us to list our core memories as students, we’d unapologetically put down “whenever there was a class suspension announcement”. Going on your phone and scrolling on social media or section gc as you wait for updates from the LGU on whether classes are suspended is a right of passage for any student.
With the rainy season upon us, expect those moments to be more frequent in the coming months. But while many cheer whenever classes are suspended, what do you do now? Don’t let the boredom win with our suggestions of how you can make the most of a class suspension. And in all of this, let’s not forget that being stuck at home during a typhoon or rainy day is a privilege some students don’t have. At the end of the day, calls for class suspensions are amplified by students first and foremost for their safety and well-being, not just because they want a break from school.
No school? Then use the day to catch up on your sleep. School is harsh enough as it is with how it messes with the sleep schedule, so take the day off to enjoy the comforts of your bed by getting in those missed sleep hours. It’s time to put the chaos of school behind (for the day at least) and focus on rest and relaxation. Your health, after all, shouldn’t be neglected and is important to take care of.
With a whole day to yourself, you now have more time to work on that paper you’ve been cramming. Use your new free time to get on the homework, tasks, projects, and readings you’ve been meaning to do. And if you’re feeling extra productive, you can also do some extra studying to prepare for a test or exam.
If you don’t have any homework to do or that needs to be completed soon, why not work on your hobbies that you seemingly never have the time to do because of school? Read a book, draw, paint, or assemble a Gunpla kit. Whatever you like to do as a hobby (and that can be done safely in your home), do it. And the fact that you get to take your mind off school, at least for a few hours, is a bonus.
Raise your hand if you never have any free time because you’re so busy with school. 🙋♂️ With a whole day to yourself, use your newfound free time to enjoy what you like to do. Whether it be playing video games, binge-watching shows, or just scrolling on TikTok while lying on your bed, this is a day to focus on yourself and what makes you feel good.
Most of this list is based on being stuck but safe at home during a typhoon or heavy rains. But students call for #WalangPasok to mainly to keep safe during bad weather, so if you live in a flood-prone area, your priority should be to prepare for the upcoming storm or hazardous weather. Your safety is your top priority, so keep safe, stay updated, and take all necessary precautions.
An actor’s dedication knows no bounds, and these Filipino stars prove it as they went the extra mile for a character and project they felt strongly about.
We often harp on how their careers are, a lot of the time, glitz and glam with all the fame and everything, but an actor’s job can truly be very difficult. Often, a movie or series requires more than just them talking, gesturing, and emoting in front of a camera—whether the project itself requires it, or because they, as actors, believe it’s the best way to create something great.
Not every actor is Tom Cruise, who will do anything—no matter how difficult or dangerous or both—for realism, but some actors truly will push to do their best for a project, even if it means taking on more responsibilities or taking extra hours to train and learn something totally new to them. Just ask these Pinoy stars! From Maris Racal to Manny Jacinto, whether it’s because of their dedication to realism or commitment to relating to their character or both, these Filipino actors went above and beyond for a role—and their hard work paid off.
Maris Racal is currently a hot topic, what with her role as Olympic-bound gymnast Sunshine on the already-viral upcoming film Sunshine. The film delves into the story of a young woman who finds out she’s pregnant right before national team tryouts—her life changing in more ways than one. Despite her busy schedule working on at least two projects (Can’t Buy Me Love and Sunshine) at once, Maris underwent gymnastics training for the past year as she took on the role of Sunshine, overcoming the physical and mental strain of being an athlete.
Elijah Canlas stands out as one of this generation’s more versatile actors, his acting training, commitment to his characters, and love for cinema showing through every one of his roles. He also loves a challenge. So it’s no surprise that the young actor also puts his all into characters that require more physicality, such as when he trained as a boxer for his role as Dos in sports drama series Suntok sa Buwan (2022). During the series, Elijah trained with coaches as well as his fellow actors, picking up tips here and there that he found “very useful during shooting.”
RYZA CENON
Adding herself to the roster of actors who shaved their heads for a role, Ryza Cenon pulled out the razor and buzzed her hair off in preparation for upcoming film Lihim. Though hair does grow back, changing it drastically, like shaving it all off, is a huge commitment—just ask any girl from America’s/Asia’s Next Top Model. But the actress was fully committed to her role. “Mas makakatulong siya sa karakter ko,” she said in an interview.
From training to be a fighter pilot in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) (he deserved more screen time!) to learning how to wield a lightsaber in The Acolyte (2023) (which ended too early), Manny Jacinto has pushed the limits of his physicality and mental ability—because that’s how dedicated he is.
While we think we’re above the anti-snake propaganda (like sharks, they’re not as bad as the media makes them out to be!), we probably still wouldn’t casually handle snakes and have them in our home. Janella Salvador, on the other hand, wanted to really channel Valentina—her character in Darna (2022)—and got herself a pet snake!
The actress and singer adopted a ball python to celebrate getting the role and also to be able to feel more comfortable with them as snakes are a big part of the character. Janella used to have snakes as a pet, so it’s nothing new for her, but the Valentina character really meant a lot to the actress, and her love and dedication for the role showed through.
Whether it’s the 1960s or the 2020s, people can’t seem to stop talking about celebrities’ dating life. While they are public figures and it comes with the territory, the obsession over celebrities’ love lives can get out of hand sometimes. It comes to the point where stars are reduced to and judged by dating rumors and gossip and not their talents or work.
So it’s a good thing then that a new generation of artists is changing the way people consume and talk about celebrity culture. One such star is Kyline Alcantara. The 22-year-old actress has never been shy about keeping it real and saying what’s on her mind, and that includes clapping back at nosy netizens who just want to pick her love life apart. Below, see how the Gen Z star is showing us how we should be talking about a celeb’s dating life.
MOVE ON
Aside from a series of cryptic posts in 2023, Kyline has never fully shared what happened between him and fellow Gen Z actor Mavy Legaspi. And honestly, she doesn’t have to. But that hasn’t stopped people from speculating the reason for their falling out. During an interview onFast Talk With Boy Abunda, Kyline laid those rumors to rest, not by confirming what happened, but by looking at the brighter side of that time of her life. “In every relationship naman po that I have or had, whether it’s professionally, friendly man, or romantic, I always try to learn something from it. Both the good and the bad experiences,” she said.
INSTAGRAM/ITSKYLINEALCANTARA
Later on, she implored everyone to stop the speculation and just move on with their lives. “Right now, I think we should move on from that experience. I will treasure that moment po kasi siyempre it makes me who I am today—or it made me who I am today with all that happened. I feel grateful that I experienced that po.” Kyline lowkey told people to mind their business, as she should.
SHE SAID WHAT SHE SAID
Kyline is sadly no stranger to facing rumors and intrigue about her private life. These days, the rumor mill has focused on the real score between Kyline and basketball player Kobe Paras. It’s gotten to the point where she’s being asked about it on national news. During an interview on 24 Oras, Kyline was asked about the viral video of her and Kobe at karaoke. Her response was *chef’s kiss*.
“I feel like it’s my right to not answer or to answer questions, or to deny nor confirm anything. I don’t need to explain myself din naman po to other people. Whatever they see, that’s what they’re gonna get, and as long as alam ng pamilya ko at ‘yung mga close kong mga kaibigan or my loved ones what’s really happening behind cameras, I feel like I don’t owe the public any explanation naman po.” Exactly.
INSTAGRAM/ITSKYLINEALCANTARA
When Kyline does talk about Kobe, it’s not to answer invasive questions about her relationship status but how they both support each other. As she told Boy Abunda, “Lagi po naming napag-uusapan, at lagi niya pong sinasabi sa akin na I am more than the issues that is thrown at me. And I am more than my love life, that’s why lagi niyang sinasabi na, ‘O dito lang ako, ikaw na muna. I will let you shine.’ ‘Coz he knows po kung ano ‘yung mga napagdaanan ko.”
Kyline Alcantara is one of the most successful and talented actresses of her generation. Her new teleserye, Shining Inheritance, is airing soon, and she’s walking at the New York Fashion Week for Chris Nick. She’s staying booked and busy, so to reduce Kyline to just her past relationships or who she’s dating is not the vibe. Her responses to questions about her relationships show how Kyline isn’t afraid to put boundaries on what she is willing and won’t talk about, and we love that for her. She doesn’t owe anyone an explanation on her private life.
Her personal life is exactly that, personal, and Kyline, like any celebrity, has the right to talk about it if and when she wants to. This kind of discourse just contributes to the sensationalism that has proven time and time again to be too toxic. At the end of the day, Kyline stays thriving and her idgaf answers to questions about her love life is a reminder that there’s more to life than wanting to know who your fave is dating.
If you’re still floating on the dreamy spell Bruno Major cast over Manila last year, get ready to be whisked away by his magic once more. The British singer-songwriter, who turned every moment into a home with his melodies, is making his return this September. With his intimate and soulful tracks, from the nostalgic sways of ‘The Most Beautiful Thing’ to the heart-on-sleeve confessions of ‘Tell Her,’ he’s all set to rekindle that musical enchantment.
KARPOS is proudly bringing Bruno Major back for a one-night-only event on September 7, 2024, at the PICC Plenary Hall. And if you missed his first show or simply can’t get enough, you’re in luck—he’ll be back again on September 11, 2024. So whether you’re planning to catch him once or twice, prepare for an evening where every song feels like a heartfelt encore.
Now that you’re set to experience this return, here’s what you can expect from Bruno Major’s Manila comeback and why it’s going to be the highlight of your September.
What’s New This Time?
Last year’s show had us convinced that the end was nowhere in sight, as Bruno Major’s melodies wrapped us in a strange kind of beautiful experience. After a five-year break, he returned to the Philippines with his Tour of Planet Earth 2023, and his August 15 performance at the New Frontier Theater was the soundtrack for the highs and lows of love, yet we were still finding themost beautiful thing about it all.
Fast forward to 2024, and KARPOS has heard our heartfelt cries for more and is delivering with an extra night of Bruno Major’s spellbinding performance! Due to the overwhelming demand and the sell-out success of the September 7 tour stop, they’ve added a second date to keep the experience alive. If you missed out on the first night, don’t worry—there are still tickets available for the September 11 show.
What to Expect
Prepare to be swept off your feet as Bruno Major graces the stage with his signature blend of intimate ballads. His setlist is expected to feature favorites such as “Easily,” “Nothing,” and “The Most Beautiful Thing,” alongside other crowd-pleasers like “Tell Her” and “Home.”
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, get ready to experience a night so memorable that even your playlists might need a new favorite!
Fashion Forecast
For those planning to attend, KARPOS has set a formal or semi-formal dress code for the occasion at the PICC Plenary Hall. Leave the shorts, slippers, and tank tops at home and step out in style. It’s the perfect excuse to don that chic outfit you’ve been saving for a special occasion—and let’s be honest, you’ll want to look as stunning as the music you’ll be savoring!
Availability and Seating
Ready to catch Bruno Major live? The September 7 show is already a sell-out sensation, but don’t fret—there’s still a chance to see him on September 11! Grab your tickets now before they disappear.
Ticket options include:
SVIP – PHP 6,100.00
VIP – PHP 5,000.00
LOGE – PHP 3,350.00
BALCONY – PHP 1,700.00
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience a night of Bruno Major’s music. Check out the available dates and ticket options via KARPOS to secure your spot.
There are many different types of travelers—calm ones who just need to lay down in the sun for half the day, adventurous ones who try out all the extreme sports and activities, history buffs who tour every museum in the new city they visit, and more. Our local celebs are also different types of travelers, but as they share their travels and experiences with their audience, we get to learn a little bit how they travel too, and sometimes, we can pick up a nugget of wisdom or two.
There’s always something new to be done in different places, and honestly, the biggest lesson we can learn from these celebs is to be open to trying out new things—because they can be very good for you. Among frequent travelers like Liza Soberano, Kyle Echarri, and more, they’ve learned their fair share of travel lessons—practical or otherwise. Check out some of them below.
No shame in asking for help! It can be scary and overwhelming to be lost or stuck in an unfamiliar place, especially in the middle of nowhere, but staying calm and looking for help if you need it will help keep you safe and go about your journey. For actor and singer Kyle Echarri, who was riding through the Oregon woods and got a flat tire, they were lucky to find people who helped them out.
However, we also have to exercise caution when lost or stuck in an unfamiliar place. Always have a backup plan or at least carry knowledge of possible “outs” when exploring a new area. Kyle and his father being adult men is definitely an advantage for them. It’s not good to be too trusting and naïve in a world where people so frequently take advantage of others, but it’s also not good to assume the worst of people in a different place. Thankfully, he was able to find people willing to help and kept his wits about him.
ANDREA BRILLANTES
Travel can be so very therapeutic, and actress and entrepreneur Andrea Brillantes knows that for sure. Last year, Andrea went off on a solo trip to Spain and took home peace of mind and refreshed perspective. Solo travel, especially for first timers, can be very scary, but almost everyone who’s done it at least once or twice, including the young star, say it’s a pretty life-changing experience. If you’re in a funk, maybe a solo trip is all you need to get out of it.
CATRIONA GRAY
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray had a less-than-ideal travel experience in London. Vacationing in the United Kingdom with her family, Catriona shared that their car was broken into and their belongings stolen when they were parked for lunch on the way to the airport. “Our passports and belongings—gone,” she wrote in an Instagram Story.
Just goes to show how you can’t ever be too careful in a different city. Robbery and pickpocketing are rampant in tourist-frequented cities, so make sure to be aware of your surroundings and don’t just leave your things laying around.
ALEXA ILACAD
Something so sweet and refreshing about seeing Alexa Ilacad on her travels is how she’s excited and grateful for each and every moment. It can be so easy to be jaded about things, and while travel is something people are normally thrilled about, it’s always nice to adopt a positive mindset when embarking on a new trip or journey. As Keith from the Try Guys says, “It’s fun when we’re positive! If we don’t want to have fun, we wont.”
Speaking of frequent travelers! Actress Gabbi Garcia constantly off on her own, with friends, or with her partner Khalil Ramos. The daughter of a flight attendant (her mom’s been with Philippine Airlines for over three decades), Gabii has travel in her blood. Take the opportunities you’re given, no matter how booked and busy you are. You may come to regret it.
Liza Soberano going global is no understatement. From Seoul to Los Angeles, the actress has explored different cities and cultures, and has done so with plenty of respect. Liza’s never been one to shy away from trying out new things. The adventurous, driven, and down-for-anything Liza is pure inspiration not just for aspiring travelers and globetrotters, but generally, for people who want to pursue their dreams and live their best lives.
We as a society have come a long way with how we talk about the LGBTQIA+ community. But there are still pain points when it comes to the discourse on sexual orientation, particularly on people’s tendency to assume whether or not someone is part of the community. It goes without saying that you just don’t assume those kinds of things and take it as fact even though the individual never publicly said so.
This kind of mindset does more harm than good with how it takes away from coming out being a personal decision or leads to stereotypes of what people think someone who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community should act. No one is immune to these rumors, but they’re especially common with celebrities. Take SB19’s Stell, for example. Despite being a talented artist with an insane set of pipes, Stell is often the subject of rumors that he’s gay or people assuming he is. Well, he’s had enough of it and recently let it be known that there’s nothing nice that comes from these rumors.
SO WHAT?
In an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Stell was asked about the rumors that he’s gay, and ended the shady comments with a fire response: “Tingin po ba nila insulto iyong ganong klaseng bagay?” He went on to express that the gossip doesn’t bring him down if that was the intention.
INSTAGRAM/STELL16_
And besides, for Stell, being gay isn’t an insult or a problem. “I don’t mind na kung if ever man isipin nila na ganon. Kasi, if ever man na ganon ako, what’s the problem? So if ever na ganoon ako, anong problema? So, may issue ba tayo if for example maging bakla ako or anything naman na matawag niyo sa akin?” he told Boy Adunda.
Adding on to that, Stell shot down the idea that not being straight makes you less of a person. For the P-pop idol, your sexual orientation should not be a factor in your worth as a human being. “Pare-parehas naman tayong tao. Pare-parehas naman tayong kumakain. Pare-parehas naman tayong dumudumi. So, I don’t think mayroon kang kinalamang sa akin.”
UNHEALTHY SHIPPING
When it comes to assuming celebrities’ sexual orientation, a factor that fuels the discourse is the prevalence of shipping in fandoms. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, putting too much focus on ships may have fans projecting ideas and unrealistic expectations on the personality when that isn’t who they are in real life. Celebs have been vocal about how uncomfortable it can get to be seen as something they’re not in ships. And Stell is another star who knows how problematic excessive shipping culture can get.
INSTAGRAM/STELL16_
While acknowledging that shipping is a part of fandoms, Stell called out how too far it can go sometimes. “Sa issue naman po na yung mga fans mahilig sa shipping, hindi namin maiiwasan ‘yon. Kasi kami nga minsan, nagkakaano rin kami… bakit parang ganon yung tingin ng tao. Ayaw rin naman naming hayaan siya at maapektuhan kami as friends, as a group,” he said in the interview. Stell sees misleading shipping videos and fans taking them too seriously as helping fuel gay rumors and other issues. “Kasi kung sa amin joke lang siya at sa iba, sa public iniisip nila totoo, magagawan pa ng malalang isyu, na parang doon sa napanood ko.”
Even though it’s 2024, we still have to deal with grown adults with questionable and frankly homophobic mindsets who see being part of the LGBTQIA+ community as an issue. It’s admirable that Stell would speak up about this problematic behavior and how being LGBTQIA+ is not a problem given his platform as an A-list star. Maybe instead of assuming someone’s sexual orientation or putting unrealistic and even harmful ideas on your faves, why not mind your business and let them open up if and when they want to?
