It’s so Sweet, knowing we’re only less than two months away from bedroom pop band Cigarettes After Sex’s return to Manila. No need to Cry anymore, because this band has been locked in our hearts forever since they first visited the country in 2018, and we’re so ready to say hello again!
We know you’re counting down the days to head to the Mall of Asia Arena on January 14 dressed in your best black outfit for their show courtesy of Karpos, but as a treat to warm you up, we have something for you.
Whether you’ve got the lyrics to their every song memorized or you’re looking to expand your CAS knowledge before the big show, get ready to add these ten songs to your pre-CAS concert playlist that we can’t wait to hear live from one of our fav Tumblr fever dream bands.
APOCALYPSE
Your lips my lips, apocalypse.
Currently the band’s number one song on Spotify with more than 1 billion listens, Apocalypse is one of the top songs we can’t wait to sway to (or respectfully sing our hearts out) during the show.
Whether you’ll be dancing with your significant other to this unbelievably romantic song, winging it with your fellow CAS-obsessed friends, or you want to go solo, you can’t deny that this song will make your heart flutter upon hearing it live.
K.
Think I like you best when you’re dressed in black from head to toe.
Whether you first heard this track while scrolling through Tumblr during the late 2010s or on TikTok as the background song to an edit of your favorite movie, K.’s iconic intro is one for the books, and hearing it live will be transcendental.
Even if your name is not Kristen, a live version of this song will make you feel as if you’re being serenaded by the band itself.
SWEET
It’s so sweet, knowing that you love me.
We’ve all been through phases where we would gladly let someone break our hearts. So what better way to commemorate (or heal?) this phase than to hear one of the best anthems about the (ironically) accompanying bitterness of the sweetness that comes with love? Whether you consider this song to be an ode to your loved one or a reminder of the person who you let break your heart, hearing Sweet live is sure to be a one of a kind experience.
SUNSETZ
When you go away, I still see you.
Another CAS classic, Sunsetz is a nostalgic tale of a love long gone. This track is perfect for days when you want to reminisce on a love lost from the throes of your youth. Hearing a live rendition is sure to leave you with a pinch on your heartstrings.
CRY
I swear, I’ll only make you cry.
Put your hands up if you’ve ever cried to CAS’ Cry. There is an endless catalogue of songs about being broken hearted, but this song pulls the UNO reverse card and tells the story of a heart breaker. Be ready to bring tissues to this show, because hearing a live take of this song at MOA Arena will bring back painful memories of being told, “Maybe I’ll change for you someday,” (or maybe you were the one who said these words).
JOHN WAYNE
Baby, he’s got to be crazy.
CAS’ only eponymous song, John Wayne takes the mood back to the airy feeling of being in love. John Wayne was an American actor during Hollywood’s golden age, a staple in the Western movie genre. Often playing larger than life cowboys, John Wayne’s characters were, more often than not, getting caught up in unbelievable situations.
Evocative of the times we’ve fallen crazy in love, John Wayne live can be one of the best auditory experiences you can have.
HIDEAWAY
Take me back into that hideaway.
A track from the band’s newest album X’s, Hideaway will leave you wanting to pack a bag and head to the beach with your dearly beloved to hide from the rest of the world, and fade into each other. Even if you’ll be surrounded by thousands of other fans, this track live will make you feel as if you are the only two people in the arena.
DREAMS FROM BUNKER HILL
Do you wanna make it forever?
Another ethereal hit from X’s, Dreams From Bunker Hill masks the melancholic story of a couple whose honeymoon phase has drifted away with a dreamy flow of notes (as CAS has the proclivity to do). Make a memory that’ll last forever by hearing this song live.
OPERA HOUSE
I was meant to love you, and always keep you in my life.
Arguably one of the band’s most romantic songs, Opera House, which comes from their first album, is an unequivocal confession of love. Featuring one of their discography’s most sonically unique tracks, a live version of this song will haunt you in all the best ways, even after all the lights have gone out in the arena, and you are already back home.
HEAVENLY
I’m giving you all my love.
From the 2019 album, Cry, Heavenly is not only the song title, it is also the way we feel when we listen to this bop. This track is perfect to dedicate to the person who makes us feel as if we are floating on Cloud 9 whenever we are with them. We can’t wait to take that experience up a notch, and have this song bless our ears live.
As much as we love a riveting drama or edge-of-your-seat horror in this house, there are also those moments where we prefer our movies and shows to be light and let the vibes take over. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a lighthearted rom-com now and then? And to that end, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano serve up a plate of lighthearted rom-com action, feels, and sun and surf with coffee on the side with their latest series, How to Spot a Red Flag. With the first two episodes out now on Viu, we break down a few things you can expect from this tale of catfishing gone potentially right.
MAMA A CATFISHER BEHIND YOU
Set in the sand and surf of La Union, How to Spot a Red Flag follows Cha Fontanilla (Belle Mariano), a strong-willed and determined barista, and Matt Flores (Donny Pangilinan), a soon-to-be businessman who just moved back to his hometown after studying in Manila. Over a few months, we find Cha in the talking stage with someone who is believed to be Matt and they decide to meet in person for the first time. But it turns out that Cha was catfished, as she catches Matt giving flowers to his girlfriend, Christine. A confrontation ensues that leads to, among other things, Matt breaking up with his girlfriend after she decides to follow her calling of being a missionary to Uganda.
INSTAGRAM/DREAMSCAPEPH
However, it seems that Matt and Cha’s hostile first impression of each other and misunderstanding might change as Matt decides to extend peace to Cha, leading to a potential friendship and maybe even something more. In the first two episodes, the show introduces Donny and Belle’s characters as confident young people with their own ambitions, but, like many Gen Z, fall victim to the struggles of modern love in the age of social media, like fake accounts, and catfishing, and online identities hiding secrets.
Making things even more complicated, it turns out that it was Matt’s close friend, JR, who used Matt’s photos to catfish Cha because he thought that the only way she would talk to him was by pretending to be Matt. Oh, and the gag is that Matt knows JR pretended to be him to talk to Cha. We see you potential love triangle.
A DIGITAL SERIES ON DIGITAL LOVE
While it might seem that the red flag referenced in the title is about Matt, the show looks beyond that and instead gives an honest look into the red flags we often find in the digital age. As Matt tries to win Cha’s trust, we look to be getting a fun and lighthearted story of misunderstandings, trust, connection, and the ever-confusing world of young love. If someone seems like a red flag to you at first, does that make them a red flag forever? Is it a red flag if you catch feelings for someone you thought was a red flag?
They’re questions many of us have or are trying to answer, and so too will the series. It’s relatable in the sense that the show’s themes revolve around how social media has changed the dating game (the series includes pop-ups to explain certain concepts like Talking Stage and Catfishing), and, in general, it’s a scenario that you or someone you know has gone through.
INSTAGRAM/DREAMSCAPEPH
How many times have you thought you met “the one” online only to be disappointed when you meet them IRL? And it’s all told through a light and vibrant setting that ditches the heavy drama for fun times and vibes at the beach. Having a show like this take place at La Union gives it an effortless, laidback, and charming energy.
Joining Donny and Belle in the series is an A-list cast that includes Jameson Blake, Christian Vasquez, Benjie Paras, Mylene Dizon, Angel Aquino, Kira Balinger, and Esnyr Ranollo. Topping it all off, award-winning director and writer Dwein Baltazar, who you may know for directing Third World Romance and Hello Stranger: The Movie, is bringing the show to life as its director. Okay talent.
It’s a love story that’s easy to get into with humor and heart, and one you want to see through to the end to know what happens with Matt and Cha. It is honestly a low stakes show, and there’s nothing wrong with that. And at around 20 minutes per episode, it’s a short watch that makes for a casual binging session if you want that beachside kilig. Coffee lovers can also get something out of How to Spot a Red Flag with both leads being involved in the coffee business one way or another (lowkey need to try that orange coffee).
How to Spot a Red Flag, the first local original series collaboration between Viu and ABS-CBN, is currently streaming on Viu with new episodes dropping weekly.
And while these challenges feel especially heavy in your 20s, they’re a part of life at any age—a reminder that growth often comes through the mess, and healing reveals itself in its own time.
Life in your 20s is a beautiful mess. You’re swimming in uncharted waters, drowning in dreams that feel impossible and heartaches that seem insurmountable. The uncertainty comes in waves: Will I ever heal? Will I ever be whole? But here’s the truth: the stumbles, the unknowns, and even the unanswered questions are all part of the ~plot~.
That’s the premise behind Tiny Beautiful Things, a story born from Cheryl Strayed’s raw and deeply personal advice column, Dear Sugar. From a bestselling book to a Hulu series, it now comes alive on stage, reminding us that life’s tiny moments can carry the biggest lessons.
Running until December 8, 2024, The Sandbox Collective brings Tiny Beautiful Things: A Play About Life – In Letters to Manila, closing its 10th anniversary season with an emotional powerhouse of a production.
Led by award-winning actress Iza Calzado as Sugar, the play dives into lived experiences, brought to life by Rody Vera, Ketchup Eusebio, and Gabby Padilla. Set against the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, this adaptation personifies the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between that make us human.
Be brave enough to break your own heart.
Be brave enough to break your own heart. That’s what we often forget when we’re tangled up in relationships, whether it’s with another person or a part of ourselves we once believed in. It’s easy to get stuck in the idea that love—whether it’s romantic, professional, or personal—should always be fought for. But sometimes, the most honest thing you can do is walk away, even when everything in you is screaming to stay.
“You are not a terrible person for wanting to break up with someone you love,” Sugar reminds us. Wanting to leave doesn’t mean they’re terrible or toxic; it simply means the relationship is no longer serving you. It may not always make sense in the moment—whether it’s walking away from a relationship that once felt like home or leaving a career that once lit you up. But in the end, remember: Wanting to leave is enough.
Forgive for yourself.
Forgiveness is a strange thing. It’s not about pretending the pain never happened, it’s about releasing yourself from a past you can’t change. Maybe you’ve distanced yourself from those who’ve hurt you—new lives, new beginnings—but there’s an invisible heaviness you carry without even realizing it.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to forget; it means you choose to stop letting their choices dictate your peace. Forgive for yourself, not because they deserve it, but because you deserve the freedom to heal.
Grief isn’t something you move on from.
They say there are five stages of grief, but Tiny Beautiful Things taught us that the process isn’t about moving on—it’s about learning to live with the absence. Sugar’s conversation with Living Dead Dad highlights this truth so beautifully: The person you once loved, who’s now gone, will always leave a hole in your heart. That’s not something you try to fix or fill. It’s a presence you make room for, an ache that becomes a part of who you are.
Grief, in a strange way, becomes your new home—a reminder of love lost, but also of how deeply you were able to feel. It’s not about letting go, but about learning to carry it in a way that allows you to move forward, slowly but surely.
Healing happens with those who understand.
Healing becomes a lot harder when you’re surrounded by people who say they’re there, but you can feel the disconnect between their words and actions. They tell you to take your time, but somewhere along the way, you start to sense that they’re moving on without you. You begin to feel like an outsider in your own life, wondering why everyone else seems to be thriving while you’re still standing in the same place, trying to piece yourself back together.
In those moments, Sugar’s advice hits home: you need to surround yourself with people who have been through the same pain, who truly understand the weight of what you’re carrying because they’ve carried it too. These are the people who will help you heal—not with empty words, but by simply being there, sharing the space of your grief and reminding you that you’re not alone.
Most things will be okay eventually, but not everything will.
In life, we often find ourselves fighting for what we want—relationships, dreams, and ambitions. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we lose. There are moments when you hold on to something with everything you’ve got, only to realize that the only way forward is to let go. As Sugar puts it, “Most things will be okay eventually, but not everything will.”
Reality check: not everything is meant to work out. But walking away doesn’t mean you didn’t give it your all or that you’ve failed. It’s choosing acceptance, like a small, centered room—a space where you allow yourself to move on, protect what matters, and trust that what’s truly meant for you will find its way to you.
Stop worrying about whether you’re fat.
We’ve all been there—endlessly scrolling through social media, comparing yourself to those flawless celebrities and content creators, wondering why your reflection doesn’t match the picture-perfect standards. But here’s the truth: nothing is more dull or disheartening than obsessing over the shape of your stomach.
As the play so boldly says, “Stop worrying about whether you’re fat. You’re not fat. Or rather, you’re sometimes a little bit fat, but who gives a shit?” Feed yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The people who truly deserve your love won’t care about the size of your waist—they’ll fall for the depth of your laughter, the warmth of your heart, and the way you show up in the world. You are so much more than what the scale says, and the sooner you realize that, the more you’ll radiate.
Say ‘thank you.’
There’s a bittersweet wisdom that comes with time—a lesson we often learn too late. When asked what she would tell her 20-something self now that she’s in her 40s, Sugar reflects on a moment she wishes she could rewrite: “When your mother gives you a warm coat that she saved for months to buy, don’t look at her skeptically after she tells you she thought the coat was perfect for you. Don’t hold it up and say it’s longer than you like your coats to be and too puffy and possibly even too warm. Your mother will be dead by spring. That coat will be the last gift she gave you. You will regret the small thing you didn’t say for the rest of your life.”
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The times we’ve let frustration cloud our gratitude, failing to say the one simple thing that could’ve meant the world: thank you. We don’t always realize the weight of small moments until they’re gone, and the words left unspoken echo in the silence. So, say thank you—when it’s easy and when it’s hard, because those who care for us should never wonder if we appreciate them.
The seemingly useless days will add up to something.
In your 20s, it can often feel like you’re stuck in the middle of something you can’t quite see—the messy, in-between years where nothing seems to make sense. But as Tiny Beautiful Things reminds us, “The useless days will add up to something.”
It’s in the quiet, the waiting, the wondering—the days that feel like nothing—that you’re actually building yourself. The endless questions about the world and your place in it, from sex to God and even whether you should shave your arms, aren’t wasted time. In the mundane, you’re becoming the person you’re meant to be.
You don’t have a career; you have a life.
The pressure to constantly be working towards the next promotion or perfecting your resume can make you lose sight of what really matters. Your 20s are meant to be messy, full of moments where you’re figuring out who you are. Yes, drive and ambition have their place, but they shouldn’t consume you.
Life is happening all around you—those spontaneous trips that will drain your bank account, the late-night conversations, and the friendships that turn into family. In the end, it’s not all about building a career; it’s about building a life you’ll look back on with a smile, not a list of achievements.
You shouldn’t have to try to make someone love you.
As you experience the messy, beautiful process of discovering yourself, it’s only human to crave reassurance in the arms of others. Love, in all its forms, becomes something to prove you deserve. You may find yourself bending, stretching, and contorting into someone you’re not, all to earn affection that feels fleeting, like a shadow you can never fully catch. But here’s the truth: love is not something you have to earn, nor is it something you should chase—as cliché as that may sound.
The most genuine love is the kind that flows effortlessly, fits without forcing, and is offered freely without conditions. Contrary to popular belief, the right people will cherish you not for the version of yourself you’ve shaped to please others, but for the authentic self you’ve always been.
You’re stronger than you realize.
Loss is the toll we pay for love—one that clings to your first heartbreak, your childhood home, or even the dreams you once held close. When it’s gone, it leaves you breathless on days when you’re convinced you can’t take another step, wondering if you’ll ever feel whole again. But here’s the thing: you will.
You’ll rise—even when it feels impossible—because you’re far stronger than you know. It’s in the unassuming resilience, the way you wipe your tears after another sleepless night, the way you keep moving forward even when the world feels unkind. Yes, life will break you—but in the wreckage, it will also reveal that you’re more capable than you ever imagined.
You have the right to tiny, beautiful things.
In the depths of your pain, when everything feels broken beyond repair, it’s easy to convince yourself that you no longer deserve the good things—the tiny, beautiful things. “One hot afternoon during the era in which you’ve gotten yourself ridiculously tangled up with heroin,” Sugar recalls, “you will be riding the bus and thinking what a worthless piece of crap you are.” These are isolating thoughts, but the world will find a way to remind you of your worth.
For Sugar, it’s a little girl with two purple balloons who steps onto the bus, and though her innocent offering—one of those balloons—feels like a symbol of happiness you no longer have the right to claim, “You’re wrong. You do.” No matter the mistakes or the hurt, the world still has room for you to receive and to heal. The most important thing you can do is forgive yourself—for the times you failed to protect your heart, for the moments when pain passed through and left its mark. You have the right to embrace the small, beautiful moments that remind you that even in your brokenness, you are worthy.
The realm of beauty, particularly beauty in the context of the Philippines, is one we’ve only begun to explore, and is ever-evolving. What better way to continue this exciting journey of discovery, rediscovery, and change than to establish a platform dedicated to doing just that?
ICYDK, Allure Philippines, the third edition of the global beauty magazine (after Allure and Allure Korea) is landing in the Philippines very soon—March 2025, to be exact. A partnership between Conde Nast and MEGA Global Licensing Inc., Allure Philippines is set to change the game in terms of local beauty.
The brand announced today who exactly will be taking the helm as Editor in-Chief—Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, a beauty expert, entrepreneur, best-selling author, beauty journalist, and model with over 20 years of experience in the business of beauty.
FACE OF BEAUTY
Rissa Mananquil Trillo is an award-winning entrepreneur, published author, and UN Women champion. She grew up in the Philippines, studying Business Management at the Ateneo de Manila University before going on to earn an Executive MBA from the Asian Institute of Management. She also studied Business Sustainability Management at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Her work in the business of beauty and fashion has spanned two decades, not only as a model, but also as a beauty columnist for The Philippine Star. She also served as President of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines for five years.
As a beauty entrepreneur, Rissa was granted the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 award at Ernest & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines. Rissa has actively advocated for gender equality and women’s empowerment through her work with UN Women Philippines. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential for her contributions to Philippine fashion and beauty. She also published a book, Read My Lips: What It Takes to Be a World-Class Homegrown Brand.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY
“I am excited to have Rissa leading Allure Philippines, bringing her deep-rooted passion and vision for beauty and wellness into this new edition,” says Archie Carrasco, Chairman and CEO of MEGA Global Licensing Inc. “Rissa’s expertise and commitment to both beauty and advocacy will undoubtedly make Allure Philippines a source of inspiration and authority for our audience.”
With her vast experience, Rissa envisions “shaping the future of beauty in the country” with Allure Philippines. “With over three decades of unparalleled beauty reporting, Allure has established itself as the most trusted global beauty authority by offering expert-validated advice that speaks to real-world beauty needs. The entry of Allure Philippines will pioneer a new era of beauty expertise for Filipinos,” she says.
“What excites me most is the power of beauty to influence change. Leading Allure Philippines allows me to shape how Filipinos see themselves through stories of beauty, wellness, authenticity, diversity, inclusivity, social responsibility, and empowerment. We won’t just be reporting on beauty—we’re actively shaping it for the next generation.”
Sign up to the Allure Philippines newsletter on allure.ph, and follow @allurephilippines on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Threads to get updated on the latest news.
From BINI to Fyang Smith, these stars that graced the Star Magical Christmas Ball 2024 had ensembles that were the perfect blend of creative and festive.
People are always seated to see what looks stars will serve at the annual Star Magical Christmas Ball, where artists give their Christmas best for a good cause, and this year did not disappoint. But besides being a festive gala that rings in the holidays, ICYDK, the Star Magical Christmas Ball 2024 is also a fundraising initiative. Each attendee carried toys to donate to the kids of Bantay Bata 163, and audiences can also donate to the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya initiative.
Every attendee on the white carpet carrying those toys served looks, whether it be simple or elaborate, sultry festive or adorably merry and bright. But we’ve rounded up several looks that stood out as being creative, comedic, or dazzling. From Noche BINI to the Grinch, here are our Most Creative Outfits awardees at the Star Magical Christmas Ball 2024.
BINI
x/bini_ph
BINI continues to be one of the most highly-anticipated guests at the Star Magical Christmas Ball, and not just because they’re BINI. The girls continue their streak of being creative and comedic at the ball by dressing up as a Noche Buena BINI feast (they went as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves last year)! From Queso de Bola to Lumpiang Maloi, and every holiday dish in between, the BINI girls ate—literally.
FYANG SMITH
IG/starmagicphils, niceprintphoto
The Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 winner was an eye-catching, sparkling, enchanting purple flower at the Ball, channeling her inner Odette from Barbie of Swan Lake(2003). The Ehrran Montoya piece was a perfectly unique choice, and Fyang stands out as a festive, lavender fairy nymph among a sea of reds, greens, and whites.
RAIN CELMAR
IG/starmagicphils, niceprintphoto
One thing about Gen Z—they know how to stand out and give a new layer of meaning to holiday goodness. PBB Gen 11 runner-up Rain Celmar was a sweet treat on the white carpet, with a colorful pastel dress adorned with all types of candy, from candy canes to gummy balls. We’d wear that candy choker any day!
Kolette Madelo, third placer on PBB Gen 11, turned up in an adorable Nutcracker ballet-esque ensemble, with gold epaulets and loops and a tulle skirt that was simply very demure, and ever-so-classy.
KAI MONTINOLA
IG/starmagicphils, niceprintphoto
PBB Gen 11 fourth placer Kai Montinola was the prettiest snowflake in any wintry forest with her all-silver ensemble. Her silvery dress and giant snowflake were reminiscent of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2023 segment Snow Angels, and she truly made the whole place shimmer.
BGYO
IG/bgyo_ph
BGYO once again went for adorably festive for their Star Magical Christmas Ball 2024 ensemble. Last year, they committed to dressing as holiday emblems, and this year, the P-pop boy group turned themselves into Christmas stockings that anyone would love to have hanging on their fireplace mantel.
KARINA BAUTISTA
IG/starmagicphils, niceprintphoto
Actress Karina Bautista was giving regal goddess with her silver sequined ensemble, mirrorball-like from head to toe. Edgy, modern, and glamorous, this was a holiday look like no other.
PEPE HERRERA
IG/starmagicphils, niceprintphoto
Pepe Herrera arrived ready to steal away everything Christmas at the Ball! Adorned in colorful fabric “scales,” the actor gave his take on the Grinch, obviously having plenty of fun at the event.
Angeline Quinto brought Kalokaliketo the Star Magical Christmas Ball carpet. In a campy, iconic move, the actress and singer embodied the holiday season by dressing up as the “Patron Saint of Christmas,” harbinger of the holiday season, and All I Want For Christmas singer Mariah Carey.
AYA FERNANDEZ
My outfit is an upcycled zero-waste suit! (Made from quilted comforter in handcrafted patchwork). Category is sustainability, as usuallll hehe 🥰♻️🎄 https://t.co/O6a2URRR1t
Aya Fernandez’s upcycled, zero-waste ensemble was not only a holiday serve, but it was also a showcase of the actress’ advocacy of sustainability. The suit was made of upcycled quilted comforters. Underrated outfit, TBH! It’s a winner in our book.
RACE MATIAS
IG/starmagicphils, niceprintphoto
We’ll be honest—when actor and dancer Race Matias walked the white carpet, we were confused for a good few seconds until we realized what he was referencing. If you’re familiar with the classic Christmas movie Home Alone (1990), you’d recognize Race is dressed as Marv (complete with the iron burn on the face), one of the thugs that targeted the McAllister home but was faced with a slew of booby traps courtesy of Kevin (Macaulay Culkin).
Only a few things in this world get us as excited as the anticipation of seeing the new songs that dropped and pressing play, not knowing that the fresh release might just become your next fave bop. So, with that, check out these recent releases that might find a new home in your playlists.
NUMBER ONE GIRL – ROSE
The vocals?! We’re not ready for Rose’s heartbreak era when her album drops.
“I’M OKAY” – MOIRA DELA TORRE
Thank you, Moira, for giving us an album where we can lie down in bed and feel like, despite the challenges, everything’s going to be ok.
HAPPY ENDING – ROB DENIEL
There’s just something so enchanting about Rob Deniel whenever he gets in that studio to make a happy bop.
M.I.N.O.Y. – MRLD
It’s giving OST of a 2000s teen rom-com set in the suburbs.
HOME SWEET HOME – G-DRAGON, TAEYANG, AND DAESUNG
A BIGBANG reunion was not on our bingo cards this year, but we’ll gladly take it. Aside from reuniting at MAMA 2024, they also gave us a new mid-tempo song that delivers a poignant message of reconnection and continuity as they sing of picking up where they left off.
TEARS – TYLA
Tyla doesn’t just give us bops; she can also slow down for more emotional numbers, such as this acoustic jam about being a shoulder to cry on.
BALIK – DOM GUYOT AND ADIE
Now who thought it was a good idea to have these two vocal powerhouses together in one song, especially one about yearning?
LETTER TO MYSELF – TAEYEON
Exactly Taeyeon. Whenever she’s pissed, you know she’ll serve.
HIRAYA – ALAMAT
A bop from start to finish, ALAMAT does it again with their latest single.
TOXIC – MEOVV
Sonically, it’s definitely different. Lyrically, it’s lowkey relatable with a message on being in a toxic relationship that you just can’t leave.
ANONG DARATNAN – BELLE MARIANO
Belle knew exactly what she was doing in that recording booth, and she delivered.
BIGHANI – ACE BANZUELO
This dreamy pop track captures the magic of experiencing a profound connection with someone. Blending neon synths and lush instrumentation with heartfelt lyricism, the track delivers a smooth, sophisticated sound that nods to the cosmopolitan allure of ’80s pop.
DAMDAMIN! – SYD HARTHA
The lilting, guitar-driven pop track, unapologetically about love and its transformative power, sees the artist shed the autopilot mindset that once held her back, allowing herself to feel deeply, confront her emotions with honesty, and let go of what cannot be changed. In doing so, she calls us to pause and savor life.
I’D RATHER BE – AUGUST WAHH
This production though? And the lyrics are introvert-approved.
TOKYO NIGHT DREAMING – BMSG POSSE AND NO ROME
With a beat that captures Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, this emotional song combines urban flair with a nostalgic feel.
THINKIN’ ABOUT YOU REMIX – H1-KEY AND JOSH CULLEN
Did we see this coming? No. But we’re kinda here for it. K-pop girl group H1-KEY teams up with Josh Cullen on this remix as both artists reflect on themes of emotional growth and mature breakup experiences.
FLEETING – KREMESODA
You know that feeling of leaning your head on a car window while looking outside during a road trip? That’s the vibe we get from this track.
AYAM – YASMINA MOONLIGHT
For this artist’s first Arabic single, the songstress demonstrates her musical range as she reflects on both sweet and painful moments spent in love.
If you think about it, social media and music go hand-in-hand. So, since both thrive off each other, we see our fair share of social media content creators who try to parlay their success into becoming recording artists. Most famously, we have the rise and rise of Addison Rae as the newest pop girl on the scene. And in that conversation of successful music content creators, the North Star Boys, aka NSB, can be included.
Composed of members Oliver Moy, Sebastian Moy, Regie Macalino, Ryan Nguyen, Justin Phan, Darren Liang, Tyler Bray, and Kane Ratan, NSB came together in 2021 as a boy group of popular Asian-American content creators. In the years since, not only has NSB kept up with their music career, but the group has also attracted fans worldwide called Stars who subscribe to their fun and personable content and discography. Nobody is doing it quite like NSB, and that’s why they continue to thrive (they recently dropped their comeback single, Stardom, and are currently on an Asia trip) in an era where trends and viral fame come and go. Best of all, they are navigating this journey like Gen Z best friends who don’t let the attention get to their friendship.
During the group’s recent trip to the Philippines, which included, among other things, performing on Unang Hirit and a show at One Ayala, we caught up with the boys as they opened up about their return to the country, taking on new career paths, how their bond has formed over the years, and more. Read the full interview below.
How does it feel to be back in the Philippines as a group after a couple of years?
Sebastian: It feels amazing. We’ve been trying to come back for the past two years, and now that we released our new single Stardom, we found a perfect opportunity to come and visit our Filipino fans. We love them so much. We always say that this is one of the best countries because the people and the culture is one of our favorites. And of course, the food.
How would you describe your Filipino stars?
Oliver: Very dedicated. Our Filipino stars are very dedicated, very welcoming. Every time we visit the Philippines and we have an event or a show, they’re all sure to join us in a very special moment. So seeing them in the audience is such a lovely thing.
You guys have quite a busy week here in the Philippines. How do you feel about your shows in Manila?
Oliver: Very excited. We’ve been doing a lot of rehearsals, planning for this Asia trip, and I think we are ready.
So some of you have met BINI recently. What was it like getting to meet and shoot content with them?
Oliver: BINI is very lovely. They’re very lovely. They’re very sweet. Their team was very kind and helpful, and I hope that we can work with them moving forward as well.
You guys have been together for a while now. How do you think your group dynamic has changed from when you first started to now?
Tyler: I believe that our group dynamic from the very beginning has been very friendship oriented, and as we grew and lived together and learned together and pushed through hardship together, our bond just really became a lot closer, because we know the good sides of everyone. We know the bad sides of everyone, when people are super tired and working super hard, and we just know how to talk to each other, lift each other up, and just be there for our fans. And so I think that’s how the dynamic really has changed. Throughout the years, we’ve just become better friends.
How was it like to live together?
Tyler: First two years, we all lived in the same house, but I remember sharing rooms. Some of us had to sleep on beds, on the floor, on couches, and it wasn’t the easiest, but it really brought us closer together, just to go through all that and never be separated.
Oliver: I miss it! I miss it. I like the loud environments. Nothing—it was never a boring day.
They say never work with your friends, right? How do you navigate being NSB while still having all members’ opinions and voices be heard?
Oliver: I think everything is all about compromising. Since we are a team, of course, there are members who might have disagreements. However, we are doing this for the Stars and, you know, for our families.
Regie: So we’re very open minded.
Kane: We always put each other first before the business. We always make sure our friendship stays intact no matter what.
Sebastian: And one thing I really appreciate about everyone here is that the willingness to understand different perspectives. We all come from different backgrounds, and I think it’s a beautiful thing that we all have different opinions on many things. And, you know, we don’t use that to bash heads or mix things up in the pot. We understand that, ‘hey, you may have a different opinion.’ And I think that goes a long way when it comes to our music as well. Although we may want to have different directions for this song a lot of the times—if not every single time—we decide, like, ‘hey, I’ll trust you on this,’ because we don’t know the outcome of the future, but we might as well enjoy the journey.
Tyler: And I think, just to cap it off, I think friends is an understatement. We’re brothers, so we make it work.
Aside from the music, you guys are also content creators. What have you learned from your background in social media that has helped you as a music group?
Justin: Being a content creator—it really differentiates us, because we know how to make content already, so we can build better ideas around music when we chop away songs and things.
Sebastian: Also, I think social media now is filled with music everywhere, right with TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, we hear music, so since we are content creators, we get a lot of inspiration from other songs, and we’re able to take the inspiration and create our own music and kind of make our own mark in the music world.
Oliver: I would also like to share, to any aspiring social media content creators or artists, even, I would suggest that all artists and upcoming artists look into social media, because I think it’s a great way to form a community and get closer with your fans. I believe that without social media, and we just did music, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many Stars and touch as many hearts, because they may not understand our personalities. And I think when you watch a content creator and you can match them, they can become your friend through the phone. And I think that’s how we feel with our stars. We are really close with them.
What’s the best thing about being in a multicultural group?
Justin: We get a taste of every food.
What’s your favorite?
Justin: I like pork tocino.
Sebastian: I personally love sisig. It’s my favorite.
Kane: I’ve been addicted to the porks around here. I don’t eat pork in America, but I ate pork every single day here.
Oliver: Also, besides like Filipino culture and food, we visit Tyler and Kane’s family back in Texas quite frequently when we do shows there, and their mom cooks really well. So sharing cultures and different foods from different cultures is such a cool thing. When we were in Texas, Darren’s dad took us out and we had really cool Chinese food. So I think that’s another beautiful thing about us having different backgrounds, that we’re able to enjoy each other’s cuisines.
How do you balance that line between being public figures on social media and also giving yourself the space to be young and explore the world?
Tyler: I think, ultimately, when you try to live two separate lives, it’s almost impossible to maintain that. But when you stay true to yourself and you can connect authentically with your fans and with the people that you love, I think it’s not difficult to live a life that you want to live, right? We’re eight best friends who travel the world with each other and get to be in front of 100,000 people who support us every single day and watch us perform and see us do our passion. I think that it when you look at it that way, it’s not difficult to maintain that, because we’re just living the lives that we want to live, and we’re chasing the dreams that we want to chase.
What would be your advice to people who also want to follow those paths, like a non-typical 9-to-5 job, that you guys are pursuing now? What’s your advice to young people who want to try other opportunities, whether it be content creation or music?
Sebastian: It’s very hard to take the leap of faith to try something new, because most of the time, you’re not going to have a clear path in front of you. So for those that don’t want to work the nine-to-five life and want to become something, whether it is through entertainment or maybe starting your own business, then really you just have to do it, and you have to start and work your way through all the hardships. It’s not going to be easy, but it definitely will be worth it if that’s what you want to do.
Oliver: Surround yourself with people who want the best for you. I think that’s very important to your own success is surround yourself with people who are always trying to push you towards being your best and towards your own success. And you help them out. They help you out.
Kane: I think a lot of people are very hesitant, and they have wonderful and like great ideas. However, they are always overthinking ‘what if this doesn’t happen, what if this doesn’t happen,’ but you never know unless you try. So I say, just do it. If you have a great idea, just go for it.
Ryan: I would say the number one thing is to always believe in yourself and be confident about everything you do.
For people who may not have heard of NSB yet, how would you introduce yourselves to them?
Oliver: It is our goal to bring music to different planets, and we believe that one day soon, we will be able to achieve that. And we will perform on different planets. And we’ll do live streams there too. But for the people that just discover us and want to know what type of people we are—we are very crazy sometimes. We can be a little bit unfiltered at times, but I don’t think you’ll ever find a more loving group. We not only love each other, but we also love our fans. We do everything for them, and we will go the extra mile to make sure that they have the best day of their life, whether it’s just watching us online or seeing us in person. I cannot describe to you how many times we’ve gone that extra mile, but that’s something that is engraved into us, and something that we will always do for the rest of our career.
Creative Direction by GELO QUIJENCIO
Photography by ROYCE MAGSANOC
Assisted by GIEO MARCK SANTOS
Makeup by KATHY ORAN & ED ALFARO
Managing Editor RAFAEL BAUTISTA
Brand Associate BIANCA LAO
Interview Conducted by NICA GLORIOSO
Shoot Coordination by JASMIN DASIGAN & NICA GLORIOSO
As we celebrate our fourth anniversary this November, we’re getting nostalgic, and one of the moments we’re remembering is our 2024 covers. When we envision our covers, we see them not just as beautiful images, but as stories worth telling. From imagery to the cover story, these pieces come together to delve into relevant topics that have or should have Gen Z talking, such as navigating a first job and dealing with your mental health, with cover stars who share in that message.
And speaking of cover stars, Year Four was filled with a who’s who of rising stars who represent the new, now, and next of Generation Now. From actors, content creators, students, social media stars, P-pop groups, and more, our cover stars came from multiple sides of the Filipino youth, showcasing how being young today is more than just one idea and far removed from the stereotypical beliefs some have.
So, as we look back on the year that has been and look forward to Year Five, we wanted to use this moment to ask you: which 2024 cover was your favorite? From the covers we released this year, which one had you stop scrolling to double-tap?
Show some love to your favorite cover by voting for it in the poll below. Voting ends on November 30, 11:59 PM.
UPDATE: The votes are win and with an overwhelming majority, the winner is SB19’s Justin May 2024 cover, and it was a special one as he served as the inaugural cover star of our MyZine print. Shoutout as well to our runner-ups; our October 2024 issue featuring Hyacinth Callado, our August 2024 issue featuring Arshie Larga, and our Anniversary issue featuring Elijah Canlas, Abi Marquez, Eara Cayanga, and Gab Mejia, as well as the rest of our covers and cover stars for 2024. Thank you to everyone who voted in the poll and for joining us for our 4th anniversary celebrations!
DANIELA STRANNER – MARCH 2024
JUSTIN DE DIOS – MAY 2024
CRIZA TAA – JUNE 2024
AJAA – JUNE 2024
ASHLEY GARCIA – JUNE 2024
BETHANY TALBOT – JULY 2024
SAMANTHA LEE – JULY 2024
CHEZKA CARANDANG – JULY 2024
ESNYR RANOLLO – AUGUST 2024
ARSHIE LARGA – SEPTEMBER 2024
HYACINTH CALLADO – OCTOBER 2024
ELIJAH CANLAS, ABI MARQUEZ, GAB MEJIA, AND EARA CAYANGA – NOVEMBER 2024
REFRESH THE PAGE TO VOTE AGAIN
What's Your Favorite NYLON Manila 2024 Cover? (Poll Closed)
Time and time again, BINI shows us exactly why they’re the Nation’s Girl Group, and their recently-concluded Grand BINIverse three-day concert at the Araneta Coliseum is just more proof. Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena gave their all during all three shows, with never-ending slays, plenty of surprises, and endearing messages and productions that not only showed their talent, but their kind, grateful, slayful selves.
From special guests with unmatched humor to meaningful surprises, epic outfits to duo performances, here are a few highlights from the grandest Grand BINIverse yet. (And don’t worry if you missed the show—they’ll hold another BINIverse concert at the Philippine Arena on February 2025!)
Well, was anybody expecting anything less than excellence at BINiverse? With every performance, be it an upbeat, summery track or a mellow, vocal-focused ballad, BINI gave their all into their singing, dancing, and stage presence. Top charters like Pantropiko and Karera were given just as much love as tracks like Ang Huling Cha Cha and Na Na Nandito Lang.
The show also featured some extra special duo cover performances with Sheena and Colet, Maloi and Jhoanna, Mikha and Gwen, and Aiah and Stacey. With stunts, DJ sets, harmonious vocals, and stellar performances, the girls stepped up the surprise solo performances from the previous BINIverse shows by maximizing their joint slays.
THE EXTRA SPECIAL GUESTS
X/bini_ph
BINI wasn’t the only legend on stage those three nights. The girl group also brought out some icons from all corners of pop culture!
#BINI: Ola, hey, RAMPA! Shining, slaying, and QUEEN-ing their way to the top! ✨💅🏻
From Gary V, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Maymay Entrata, and Vice Ganda to drag performers Precious Paula Nicole, Maxie, Angel Galang, Eva Le Queen, Viñas DeLuxe, M1ss Jade So, Hana Beshie, and Popstar Bench, BINI’s special guests brought the house down with their talent, flair, and even humor.
Antics on stage will never not be funny, and the drag queens brought the fun to the colorful Karera stage and beyond, bringing alarma to the Grand BINIverse as they tossed various members up and down in celebration. There was no shortage of humor at the concert, whether it be the girls joking around with their guests or bantering with each other, and it all added up to a memorable, fun experience.
Of course, a mishap or two could happen anytime, anywhere, but keeping in good spirits still makes for a fun time. Take Jhoanna for instance—the singer was left behind by the stage lift during the first night, but kept dancing and singing to her heart’s content. Everybody had a laugh about it after!
NEVER-ENDING STYLE SERVES
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Every outfit at the Grand BINIverse was breathtaking. They brought the glam, the sparkle, and even the coordination, making every group ‘fit cohesive. From all-black-and-crystal rocker ensembles to holiday-esque rainbow sets, shipwreck- and merfolk-inspired outfits to angelic white formal gowns, the BINIverse outfits had audiences’ eyes glued to the eight performers the entire night—if they weren’t already.
X/bini_ph
MOVING CARTS
#BINI: EYY-able carts comin’ thru for the “Karera” performance! Gotta love this (literal) paandar!🤙🏻
In an effort to reach BLOOMs from all the way across Araneta, BINI made use of a K-pop stan-favorite: moving carts! They got up close and personal with fans all around the arena, giving every tier a chance to see their faves beyond the stage.
And they didn’t stop there! They also had rigs flying high above the Coliseum, letting the girls see everyone from way up there and fans look up at them in a brand new light—literally.
ALL THE EMOTIONS
We love you, girls, so soo much! Deserve nyo lahat ng pagmamahal 🥹
There was no way people—BINI or BLOOMs—were going to leave Araneta Coliseum without shedding a tear, what with this massive milestone that the girl group achieved. From the inspiring and kind words of Gary V to the emotional high of realizing just how far they’ve made it, the BINI members teared up a few times during the course of their concert, and the fans were right there with them. Pride, joy, and euphoria all around.
x/bini_ph
MEANINGFUL SURPRISES
11162024 | The Grand BINIverse Day 1
Along with tonight's concert and celebration, BINI uses their stage as a platform for their advocacy as they shared their previous visit in the deaf community.
BINI’s always one to use their platform to champion advocacies and lend a helping hand. Their concert not only showed them standing in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community by inviting drag performers to share the stage with them, but also with children and the deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) community. Besides a VCR where BINI talked about their previous visit to the deaf community, they also performed Kapit Lang in sign language as a tribute to the community.
Several sections of the concert were also holiday-themed, such as their performances of Cherry on Top (Holiday ver.), Joy to the World, and Star ng Pasko, where they were joined on stage by children from the audience, who also received gifts. Talk about spreading holiday cheer!
ALL FOR BLOOMS
did you notice blooms’ artworks being included in their cherry on top prod? 🥹 BINI x Bloom hanggang dulo, indeed ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/bY2pbeaVis
The connection between BINI and their BLOOMs is truly something special. It wasn’t enough that the girls put on a spectacular show for their fans, but they also deepened their connections with them by integrating BLOOM fanart from artists like @zylisticart and @jiyaneru (on X) into their stages. We stan a group that’s equally as grateful for their fans as the fans are for them!
Annie Clark, who you probably know better from her stage name St. Vincent, has yet to step foot in the Philippines. But if you ask the musician her thoughts on the country and Filipino fans, she’ll yap her heart out with appreciation. Recalling a concert she held in Singapore years ago, Annie marveled at the dedication she saw from her Filipino fans. “Ages ago, I played a solo show in Singapore. And I was amazed by the amount of people who got on an airplane and came to Singapore from the Philippines to see me,” she tells NYLON Manila.
Since then, Annie has gotten better at what she does and her Filipino fans have been waiting with bated breath for the chance to see her live. Those two moments will be colliding this 2025 as she holds her first-ever concert in the Philippines when she takes her All Born Screaming Tour to The Filinvest Tent on January 8.
Thanks to Karpos, who will be bringing the Grammy-winning artist to the Philippines, fans get to experience her latest acclaimed studio album live, as well as a collection of her fan-favorite hits. It’s an energy St. Vincent can’t wait to share in Manila. “I’m so excited, and I really mean that because I, one, I’ve always wanted to go to the Philippines. And two, I’ve been aware, ever since probably my first or second record, that people in the Philippines were listening, which is so astounding to me,” she gushes.
Read our full interview with St. Vincent below as she opens up about performing in the Philippines, traveling the world, and more.
This January, you’re coming to Manila for the All Born Screaming Tour. How do you feel bringing the show to the country?
I’m so excited, and I really mean that because I, one, I’ve always wanted to go to the Philippines. And two, I’ve been aware, ever since probably my first or second record, that people in the Philippines were listening, which is so astounding to me. Ages ago, I played a solo show in Singapore. And I was amazed by the amount of people who got on an airplane and came to Singapore from the Philippines to see me play a solo show in Singapore. So I never take it for granted when people, especially in not English as a first language countries, are fans of what I do. I’m just really, really honored.
So as this will be your first time in Manila, are there other things you’re looking forward to doing, aside from the show?
Well, I mean, I’ll say the kind of obvious things, which would be like, meet people and eat food, you know? I mean, that’s like kind of the best case scenario.
Whenever you get to travel to a new city or a new country, do you have an itinerary set, or is there something you want to do while you’re still there?
You know who is so good at making sure that he sees something interesting every single time he goes to a new place is David Byrne. And I feel like David Byrne also has a connection to the Philippines, and that he wrote an entire musical on the Marcoses and the bloodless coup, which still boggles my mind. It’s still so amazing to me that the power of the people was able to go, ‘we’re not not going to be violent, but we are going to put our foot down.’
Anyways, I think I just sort of walk around and find what I stumble into, and get to see, you know, just a slice of life and wherever I am. I’m a little bit more like that when I travel. But David always had such a good, he had a destination in every single city of like okay, we’re going to this museum or going to see this odd thing that doesn’t exist anywhere. Actually, you know what? I’ll hit him up about Manila.
INSTAGRAM/ST_VINCENT/ PHOTO BY CAPTIQUE
In your opinion, what do you think is the best part about getting to travel the world to do what you love to do?
There are so many great parts about it that I would hesitate to even name just one, but I will say that we’re in a world that is made in some ways increasingly small by the internet. You know, there’s a feeling that we could be connected to people anywhere around the world and connected by our mutual interests or whatever. But I think there’s nothing like actually seeing the world and traveling the world to make you feel not just intellectually, but really feel how connected we are as a human species.
Human beings are endlessly fascinating. Culture is endlessly fascinating. How did we become who we are? Why does something mean one thing in this culture, and in a totally different thing in another culture? What connects us? What is essential, and then what is eternally strange about us? So I think just that, that feeling of actually really being connected to, to everyone on the planet, yeah, is that’s the thing that gets me.
All Born Screaming was quite a personal album for you, but it resonated with a lot of people over the world. As the artist and creative behind it, how does it make you feel to see that this album and your work in general has resonated with people from different countries?
I think it makes me feel, it makes me feel so grateful. It makes me feel very lucky, because I’m not sure. I don’t know what it is about what I do that resonates with people in certain cultures, honestly, more than others, you know, it just does. Whatever I make seems to resonate, like, for example, in the Philippines, maybe even more than it does in like Paris, you know? And so you go, ‘Okay, why is that? Why is that?’ I really don’t have the answer. I mean, you might have a better grasp of it than I do, but I think more than anything, it just makes me so grateful. It makes me feel less alone.
INSTAGRAM/ST_VINCENT/ PHOTO BY CAPTIQUE
What can Filipino fans expect from the show? What vibe or experience should they watch out for?
You know, I think we’re always, in our own ways, just trying to claw toward something that feels like freedom. And for me, the show, I’m always just trying to get to something that feels like freedom, freedom from the day to day, freedom from pain, even if freedom from pain means, you know, looking at pain right in the face. It’s like, just, how do we get to the thing that feels like our humanity is most connected to other people.
So in the instance of this show, I think it’s like, it’s on one hand, kind of a rock pummeling, a bludgeoning, as it were. And then there are other moments that are very tender and very forgiving, and then other moments that are like, okay, let’s have an ecstatic dance party. You know, let’s dance like it’s the end of the world. So, yeah, try to put all those things in one show in 90 minutes and call it a day.
What message do you have for your Filipino fans who are eagerly waiting for you next year?
Just honestly thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for paying attention. Thank you for having a heart. Thank you for being receptive to what I do, and as a result, allowing me to come to your country and allowing me the freedom to get to go there and experience all of you all.
St. Vincent’s All Born Screaming Tour heads to Manila this January 8, 2025, at The Filinvest Tent. You can get your tickets now here.
