Our newest podcast NYLON Manila VOICES promises to be an illuminating yap-athon about navigating life as Generation Now. Are you ready to let your voices be heard?

Related: Your Favorite Local Podcasts Are Coming Together Under One Community

Your favorite podcast’s favorite podcast…or however that goes. This 2025, we’re kicking things up a notch and bringing stories straight to your ears (and eyes, but that’s as per usual!). Introducing—NYLON Manila VOICES, the podcast where we listen and we don’t judge. Literally!

With the intent of letting a wide range of voices be heard as we discuss pertinent and relevant topics about growing up and dealing with change, our newest podcast will hopefully serve as a map for anyone a little lost about navigating this world we live in. 

NYLON MANILA VOICES

NYLON Manila VOICES is the podcast where we discuss all the things we as the young generation wish we knew beforehand, so we have the proper tools to navigate and change the world.

What are things you’d like to know before dating? How do you balance being financially responsible and allowing yourself a treat every now and then? What are your options after graduation? What are some current issues that need to be discussed so we know how to move forward in appropriate ways? What can we do to be more sustainable as a society? How do you maintain a school/work-life balance?

If these sorts of questions are constantly floating in the back of your mind as you go through life as part of Generation Now, then VOICES is the perfect podcast for you. With our ever-changing roster of guests, we’ll address burning questions and lay down how-tos, spill the tea and learn from our mistakes, and bridge the gap between knowing and not knowing—and that’s always a good thing.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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NYLON Manila VOICES will air its first episode this January 31, and it will be available first on YouTube, then on Spotify. Listen to us on the road, in your room, in your favorite pretty little cafés, in the campus library, while you’re painting or crocheting or cleaning, or even at work! Expect about 40 minutes of yapping, chaos, laughter, and lessons as we hear from people from all walks of life and collectively use our brain cells to provide an insight or two (or more) just for you.

Curious yet? Here’s what to expect from NYLON Manila VOICES!

2 (OR MORE) GUESTS

Every episode, we’ll be inviting at least one guest (everyone from content creators, students, Gen Z leaders) whose experiences and life paths are aligned with what we’ll be talking about for the episode, as well as one expert on the topic, whether it be a life coach or a professional. We’ll be incorporating diverse voices and creating a safe space for discourse to flourish, so you can hear a whole slew of experiences and perspectives that not only will get those brain gears turning, but also possibly inform some decisions you’ll make down the line—we hope!

2 HOSTS

NYLON Manila VOICES is hosted by NYLON Manila Brand Associate Bianca Lao and Features Writer Nica Glorioso, two self-professed Gen Z yappers who are eager to hear several voices out, talk about topics on their radar, and learn from the roster of guests.

1 TOPIC

Every episode, one topic, question, or issue will be tackled on VOICES. From prevalent Gen Z discourse to things no one really tells you how to navigate, this podcast is the space for that and then some. From dealing with cancel culture to making your way into the dating scene, learning how to be more responsible with your money to figuring out what you can do after graduation, we’ve got your back. All you need to do is press play on NYLON Manila VOICES, hear our voices out, and find your own as you blaze your way through life.

GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES

In VOICES, we’ve got three segments—which allows you (and us!) to stay on track and really get into the topic at hand. Read more about them below!

WHAT’S THE SITCH?

What’s the Sitch? is the first segment of the show, where the hosts and our guest/s lay down the situation, the circumstances, and the facts of what we see on our radar. An overview, if you will! Why are we talking about a certain topic? Why is it important? What don’t we know and what do we wish we knew about it? We’re bringing it all up in What’s the Sitch?

SPILL THE TEA

Think chika with a purpose! Dedicated to letting the guests speak their mind and look within, Spill the Tea will delve into the personal experiences of guests (and even the hosts) regarding the topic. If they’ve got a spicy story to tell where they learned a thing or two, or if they’ve got some insider knowledge, or if their life revolves around this certain topic, Spill the Tea will put the spotlight on these stories, perspectives, and experiences.

SOS!

As the wise Jonas Brothers have said, “This is the bottom line, it’s true.” For the last segment, we’ll be sending out an SOS! to our expert guests so they can help us out with some specific situations. For example, “SOS! How do I hold my friend accountable for something they’ve done?”

We’ll seek help from the expert for their advice on how to possibly appropriately navigate the situation at hand. You can also send in your own SOS by commenting on each VOICES episode, and maybe we’ll feature it in a future episode and you’ll get some answers directly from a well-versed expert.

Excited yet? NYLON Manila VOICES will drop very soon on YouTube and Spotify—stay tuned on our social media for updates!

Continue Reading: If You Like To Listen In On Conversations, Press Play On These Filipino Podcasts

All sorts of budol are found in every corner of the world these days, but these pieces from small local brands are totally worth the buy.

Related: 3 Local Sustainable Fashion Brands Founded by Young Women

Balancing being a responsible spender and someone who just wants a little treat every now and then can be a difficult task. The world today really does just whisper “buy, buy, buy” in our ears 24/7. You don’t have to buy everything you see that’s trendy or cute, but if you have the urge to shop, we’ll give you the deets on a few pieces from small local brands that are not only stylish, but versatile and unique. You’ll be looking great while also supporting local, a win-win in our book. From bags to shoes to tops, check out a few locally-made style pieces that deserve a home in your closet. Trust us, these items will become fast favorites in your wardrobe.

MIU THE LABEL’S SOL TOP

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The most popular top from Miu the Label had its moment last year, and with good reason. The Sol top is a versatile high-neck, sleeveless tie top that snatches you right in and gets you ready for brunch, an event, a party, or date night! Available in a variety of colors, this top is trendy for a reason—and you won’t care that you’re going to be matchy-matchy with the it-girls of the Metro, like Julia Barretto, Bella Racelis, and Nadine Lustre.

NIN AND YANG’S CONVERTIBLE DENIM SET

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Stylish and sustainable! Nin and Yang’s pieces are all multi-wear, and are made of deadstock fabric or “retaso”, and their Double Trouble Jacket, Pants, and Skirt are no different. Made of discarded denim scraps, the Double Trouble pieces, which can be converted from long to short (long sleeves to short sleeves for the jacket, pants to shorts for the pants, and midi/maxi to mini for the skirt) will be the coolest set in your closet.

COLLINS LATONIO’S BOW BAG

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Plain bags OUT, cutesy, unique bags IN. Student designer Reese Collins Latonio‘s bow bags are a beloved weekend market favorite. The bow-shaped bag that comes in a variety of colors and sizes is a step up from your usual hobo and shoulder bags, and instantly adds so much personality to an outfit.

AZTRID PH’S DENIM HOBO BAGS

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Speaking of personality! AZTRID PH’s denim Jojo hobo bag is something you didn’t know you needed, but you did. The all-denim surface makes it the perfect backdrop to a variety of enamel pins, badges, keychains, and all other anik-anik. It comes in three sizes, a multitude of colors, and a few styles (plain, butterfly print, and striped faded) and you can customize it however you want. Paint it, embroider it, attach pins to it—the sky’s the limit.

RIOTASO NECKTIES

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Corpo-inspired style—but make it bold. RIOTASO crafts clothing items out of retaso as well, stitching colorful pieces that stand out. Their neckties are unlike any other—unique combos of colors, patterns, and fabrics that are instant eye-catchers. Whether you’re dressing preppy, formal, or casual-cool, these ties will tie your outfit together.

OAK THE LABEL’S REMI AMARETTO HEELS

Ditch the black, red, and white Mary Janes—Oak the Label’s Remi Amaretto heels are a rich brown Mary Jane-style shoe that you’ll find yourself reaching for possibly more often than you think. Locally made with full grain leather, this shoe is comfortable and stylish, able to take you from day to night in just a few steps.

GVN THE LABEL’S DIY MINI MICRO

Color your life your way with this DIY micro bag by GVN The Label! If their hobo bags in faux leather or suede aren’t your thing, these colorful shoulder or crossbody bags might be. You can choose your own combination of the color of the bag body itself, the short strap, and the long strap—and you can buy more to mix-and-match and wear it with a variety of outfits.

Continue Reading: These 6 Sustainable Filipino Brands Are Turning Old Clothes And Retaso Into Statement Pieces

It looks like 2025 is shaping up to be a year for opportunities and career growth for these young artists and personalities.

Related: These 10 Pinoy Gen Z Artists and Rising Stars Are Ready To Take Over 2025

January 29, 2025, marks the start of the 2025 Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. And this year, we’re celebrating the year of the Wood Snake. It is said that the year promises to be one of transformation regardless of your animal sign and a time for you to set new goals and plan your future. For those born in the year of the Snake (ie. 1989, 2001, 2013), 2025 is especially abundant as opportunities for growth and improvement in your career abound. 

2025 is shaping up to be a year of Ws for those with the snake animal sign, such as these Gen Z artists and personalities who are already teeing up exciting career moves. Bold choices, after all, lead to bolder fortunes. Check out the ‘01 babies attracting that auspicious energy this Year of the Snake below. 

BINI’S AIAH (JANUARY 27, 2001) AND COLET (SEPTEMBER 14, 2001)

How fitting that in a year slated to have a major focus on career growth, two members of the biggest P-pop group in the country were born in the year of the Snake. It’s no secret that BINI will continue their momentous rise in 2024 into 2025 thanks to their historic concert at the Philippine Arena, an upcoming world tour, new music, and other plans they have in store. The sky’s the limit for BINI at this point, and we’ll be there to watch them reach even further heights. 

JUAN KARLOS (FEBRUARY 5, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/JUANKARLOS

If his concert at MOA Arena last November is any indication, Juan Karlos is lowkey one of the most exciting young OPM stars on the scene right now. After ending his 2024 with an award from the MMFF for the song Ang Himala Ay Nasa Puso, we’re hoping 2025 is for even more exciting opportunities for the Gen Z artist, whether new music or acting projects. 

CARL TAMAYO (FEBRUARY 13, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/CARLTAMAYO10

From Manila to Seoul, Carl Tamayo is shooting W after W. Whether he’s repping the PH flag as part of the roster for Gilas Pilipinas or playing for the Changwon LG Sakers in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), Carl continues to prove his hype. We can’t wait to see what he gets into this 2025, especially now that his fellow Fighting Maroon teammate JD Cagulangan is also playing in the KBL.  

KEVIN QUIAMBAO (APRIL 22, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/QU1AMBS

In UAAP Season 87, Kevin Quiambao was the DLSU Green Archers’ star player and one of the it players of the season. A miss at the championship win couldn’t diminish his accomplishments, such as his back-to-back MVP awards. While his days playing for the green and white are over, Kevin is taking his game overseas as part of the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League . Get ready for Kevin’s pro era. 

DARREN ESPANTO (MAY 24, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/DARRENESPANTO

Darren Espanto has been everywhere these days, and we expect that to continue in 2025. The It’s Showtime co-host has proven himself a versatile artist no matter the output, so he’ll give his 100% in what the new year has for him.   

ZAIJIAN JARANILLA (AUGUST 23, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/ZAIJIANJARANILLA1

No discussion on the best Filipino Gen Z actors is complete without including Zaijian Jaranilla. Even now as a young adult, Zaijian has proven his game is as strong as ever thanks to the one-two punch that was Senior High and High Street in 2024. So what’s next for the child star turned young adult actor this year? A reunion movie project with fellow Gen Z slayer Xyriel Manabat called Guryon. Yeah, we already know it’s going to be a masterclass in acting. 

ANDRES AND ATASHA MUHLACH (NOVEMBER 5, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/AAGUPY

The Muhlach twins come from showbiz royalty and are used to the public spotlight. But 2025 is the year they own the space as artists in their own right. Atasha is set to continue being a Gen Z it-girl making moves in acting and singing while Andres kicks his showbiz career into high gear as a rookie actor. Already, he’s been making the rounds thanks to the popularity of Ang Mutya Ng Section E which has us feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of Andres this 2025.    

GRAE FERNANDEZ (NOVEMBER 7, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/GRAEFERNANDEZ

After taking a few years off for personal reasons, Grae Fernandez honed his craft and returned in fine form in 2024 with a supporting role in Senior High and a lead acting role in the teleserye Pamilya Sagrado. Acting alongside Gen Z stars and titans in the industry, Grae proved he could hold his own, which solidified his status as a rising Gen Z leading man to watch out for.  

ZACK TABUDLO (DECEMBER 6, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/ZACK.TABUDLO

From a successful career to a thriving personal love life, Zack Tabudlo has been reaping the rewards of his hard work these past couple of years. But this 2025, we’re ready for Zack to have us feeling things again with his new music. Fingers crossed that we might even get a new album this year considering it’s been two years since his last LP.  

ALYSSA SOLOMON (DECEMBER 14, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/ALYSSAJAEEE

There are a lot of collegiate stars to watch out for with the upcoming start of the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament. And one name on our radar is Alyssa Solomon. The two-time UAAP women’s volleyball champion and Season 86 Finals MVP is a certified star on the court, and that is set to continue with Season 87. With the NU Lady Bulldogs defending their championship title this season, look to their stacked team and pillars like Alyssa on why they are the team to beat. 

ESNYR (DECEMBER 15, 2001)

INSTAGRAM/ESNYRRR

It can honestly bring a tear to the eye when you realize how far Esnyr has come from his TikTok skits he’d film by himself to the full-blown productions of his YouTube series. But that’s what happens when you’re great at what you do. Understandably, we’re hoping for more episodes of his popular high school series and even more guest stars in the Esnyr multiverse. And if he can also squeeze in new acting projects this 2025, consider us seated. 

Continue Reading: Make 2025 *Your* Year With These Planners and Journals

With new tracks from JENNIE, Tate McRae, GOT7, and more, it’s time for a playlist refresh.

Related: The Round-Up: Check Out These New Bops For The Playlist

Another week, another promise of adventure. Who knows what you’ll get yourself into these coming days? So, why not make things a bit more exciting by soundtracking your days with some bops and bangers? Check out these recent music drops that we haven’t stopped listening to since their release.  

FAT JUICY & WET – SEXXY RED AND BRUNO MARS

These lyrics??? At least they leave nothing to the imagination. And bonus points for the epic Lady Gaga and ROSE cameos in the MV.  

SPORTS CAR – TATE MCRAE

When Tatiana takes over, she takes over, as heard in this dominating track where she is in control. 

ZEN – JENNIE

If you thought JENNIE could only stick to a certain type of pop girl anthem, she proves you wrong in this defiant surprise release that’s visually told in arguably her best music video to date. 

MAHAL – DILAW

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the band’s newest song talks about how priceless true love is and someone’s commitment to unwavering devotion.

BASIC BEING BASIC – DJO

First single in a few years and it’s already packed with personality. 

PYTHON – GOT7

The production eats! Their long-awaited comeback single, which speaks to the inescapable fate of those destined to be together, might be a little heavier compared to what we’re used to from GOT7, but it still delivers on the catchy melodies and hooks. 

SAMPUNG MGA DALIRI – DWTA AND JUSTIN

A reimagining of the classic Filipino nursery rhyme, this folk-pop lullaby captures the degradation of a love that was once formidable and promising for a poignant tale of doomed romance, with no way to save it.

PAGITAN – ARTHUR MIGUEL

Adding this to the “distance is irrelevant love songs” playlist. 

DOCTOR! DOCTOR! – ZEROBASEONE

Yeah, ZB1, you better call the doctor because you’re sick, sick for dropping this song so casually on us. 

CHILDLIKE THINGS – FKA TWIGS AND NORTH WEST

If you’re on the lookout for a new pop girl to check out this 2025, we suggest giving FKA twigs her flowers with her new album, EUSEXUA. 

HER – MINNIE

MINNIE said “You’ll never be me” and we have to respect her for that. 

THUNDER – CIX

If this comeback is any indication, CIX is entering their new chapter with the same quality you expect from the group. 

CECILIA – SHYE

This heartfelt exploration of identity and the longing to find one’s place in the world invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, finding beauty in the mundane. 

Continue Reading: The Round-Up: Get Into The New Music Releases Of The Week

It’s like a gift from the rom-com Gods.

Related: Anne Hathaway Is Lowkey Bringing Back Our Childhood In The Best Way Possible

If there’s one genre Filipinos will give their time and money to watch, it’s rom-coms. Whether foreign or local, rom-coms have a chokehold on many Filipinos who look to the genre for their dose of kilig and lighthearted vibes. And really, there’s nothing like a good rom-com, whether it be your first watch or nth rewatch, to get you in a good mood. We know Y2K rom-coms hate to see us coming every Saturday night. And speaking of, in one of the first unexpected yet welcomed news of 2025, the Philippines is set to play host to an upcoming rom-com made by some of the best in the industry.  

WHEN A HOTEL EXECUTIVE MEETS A CHARMING PILOT 

In case you missed the news, it was announced that Donald Petrie will be directing a new rom-com set in the Philippines with the screenplay written by Karen McCullah. Now, to the untrained eye, they might seem like just two regular creatives from Hollywood, but they aren’t just any director and writer. Petrie has been in the industry for decades, but you may know him best as the director of Miss Congeniality, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Just My Luck. 

McCullah, who was born in the Philippines but raised in the US, is the scribe behind some of the quintessential 2000s rom-coms. Her writing credits 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde, The House Bunny, She’s the Man, and Ella Enchanted. Yes, her pen game is that good. Between these two, they practically helped raise a generation on the power of rom-coms and inspired many to imagine a different life for themselves with films that are rewatched, dissected, and culturally relevant to this day. Now, they’re teaming up for a new rom-com in the Philippines, which honestly feels correct. 

The film, which doesn’t have a release date yet, is titled The Last Resort and follows a hotel executive sent to scout a new resort location in the Philippines. Her work trip becomes more than that though as she’s captivated by the country’s scenery, people, and culture—and also meets Ben, a handsome expat charter pilot. 

The plot synopsis is giving meet cute vibes, and we’re here for it. Details on The Last Resort, such as the cast and where exactly in the Philippines they will be shooting, are sparse as of this writing, but the movie is currently in pre-production. Also, here’s a little tidbit for you; Manny V. Pangilinan (yes, that MVP), will serve as the movie’s executive producer. Needless to say, we’ll be keeping our eye out for this movie as details develop and manifest that it’ll be a good one. 

Continue Reading: 8 Rom-Coms With Less Than 50% On Rotten Tomatoes That You Should Definitely Watch

Beating the FOMO may seem pretty hard in this digital age, but don’t do it at the expense of other people and the cost of your critical thinking.

Related: The “If It Wasn’t On Social Media, It Didn’t Happen” Mindset Needs To Stop

These days, it’s so easy to just pick up a phone, film ourselves, slap a trending sound on it, and hit post. It’s practically a cakewalk to gain numbers, earn a following, and get addicted to whatever you get out of posting on social media.

Unfortunately, this culture of fast-paced, oversaturated content means more FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), more desire to do what everybody looks like they’re having fun doing, and less instances of critical thinking—of thinking long and hard about the content one is about to make or post. This then can lead to making and thoughtlessly consuming content that can be tone-deaf, harmful, inaccurate, and offensive.

Whether it’s emulating a trending video or making a joke in the hopes of becoming viral and reap the sweet, sweet reward of clout, it’s high time we think a little more critically about the content we make and consume.

PEOPLE UNDERSTAND DIFFERENTLY

For the most part, not everyone who follows social media trends has the intent to be harmful, mocking, or offensive. Sometimes, we don’t even realize something is harmful until someone brings it to light—and there’s no shame in not knowing (…most of the time. Don’t be willfully ignorant!). There’s only shame in refusing to take different perspectives into account and defaulting to hostility if you get called out—or even worse, doubling down and asserting that what you did was in fact not harmful, thereby invalidating other people’s feelings and opinions.

Even if you don’t initially perceive something as harmful or tone-deaf, some people would—especially if they’re of a different culture or environment. But don’t blame your ignorance on other people. It’s up to us as content consumers and creators to have an awareness of what’s morally right, yet still be open to different perspectives and understandings. Just hear each other out!

And, if you find yourself of the opinion that something is being blown way out of proportion and something is actually not as bad as people make it out to be, don’t just succumb to the peer pressure of holding the same opinion as others. Exercise your own critical thinking and do your due diligence.

CONSIDER…RUMINATE…CONTEMPLATE…

Pexels

Of course, there are those who disregard all moral judgment and just post because they know something is trending and that they’d just get clicks out of it (or those who don’t care about morals and just post about anything and everything, even if its inaccurate, harmful content).

For instance, when Amber Heard was facing off against Johnny Depp in court, her testimony was mocked and made viral online, with celebrities, comedians, and influencers making a joke of her recounting her abuse and struggle. TikTok was rife with pulled audio from the court proceedings. It was a gross, abhorrent trend that made light of survivors and perpetuated misogynistic standards that only serve to silence victims.

Another instance would be to constantly make deepfakes of people, spreading and promoting the use of generative AI to make people seem like they’re doing or saying something that they never actually did or said. It’s highkey scary to live in a world where there could be “video evidence” of you doing something you never did. Even if it’s just a fun little edit of your fave, it’s still promotes the widespread use of something that raises ethical concerns.

There was also that trend where people acted like they were “zombies,” and it rubbed some the wrong way, because it definitely came off as a mockery of persons with disabilities.

So before you follow social media trends you see online, really think about it. Think about your own personal context, your audience, and the ethical and moral implications of your content. We may find the THINK acronym cheesy, but it can genuinely help you be a better, kinder, more considerate chronically online communicator. Not all trends have to be followed or redone—because not all trends are kind or funny. You can defeat the FOMO—we believe in you.

BE ACCOUNTABLE

If you ever find yourself realizing that something you posted was perhaps a little tone-deaf, insensitive, or worse, hold yourself accountable. It’s not the end of the world, even when it feels like every voice is yelling at you and amounting your entire being to what could possibly be a mistake. There’s space for you to be better.

And don’t just make decisions based on being afraid of being cancelled—make decisions because you did enough due diligence and research to stand for and do what’s right. The best apology is not a Notes app screenshot that says “I’m sorry you got offended,” it’s changed behavior and accepting accountability. Being aware, sensitive, and responsible is leagues more valuable than being clouty. So before we hit record, play, reshare, or like, let’s all be a little more critical about and responsible with the content we consume and create.

Continue Reading: The Problem With The ‘Clean Girl’ Tiktok Trend And ~Aesthetic~

In ten minutes, short film ‘Lazy Bird’ tells an amusing and resonant tale about expectations and young adulthood.

Related: What The Viral Success of ‘A Catholic Schoolgirl’ Means To Student Filmmaker Myra Soriaso

Ah, growing pains. Young adulthood is a wild, wild time—in many ways. And we’re not just talking about fights with friends, breakups, late nights, academic failures, familial expectations, and all that—all the inner turmoil of questioning what you’re doing in your life and what you want to do with it just adds to the stress.

If you’ve ever watched Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird (2017), you’d see this turmoil manifest in a story about a young girl with dreams of flying free from the humdrum of her hometown and a frustrating but loving relationship with her family, particularly her mother. The coming-of-age film tackles universal themes and experiences of growing up and dealing with family, friendship, and change, and has inspired many a writer and/or director to channel that realistic, resonant, and empathetic way of filmmaking and tell simple but affecting stories about ordinary people in all their extraordinary glory.

Right here in the Metro, one such filmmaker ventured into the unknown and drew inspiration from Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed film to make her own short but thoughtful tale about the “in-between of getting better and growing up.” Titled Lazy Bird, this 2025 short film was written and directed by aspiring young filmmaker and creative Lian Laya, in collaboration with a team of young creatives and actors.

PRESSURES AND PAINS

A passion project by Lian, Lazy Bird details a day in a young woman’s life (Kristina, played by Thea Reyes) and presents the measures she has to go through to not make her life any more tiring than it already is.

From responding in appeasing ways to her mother who wants to set her up on a blind date with a friend’s son to trying to work through the awkward beginnings of meeting someone new, Kristina is the epitome of just powering through all of it, day by day. The blind date between her and Jacob (Lau Apostol) brought to light their shared struggles involving the meddling, expectations, and worries of their respective mothers.

“I wanted to write about expectations mostly, and how people like Kristina [the main character] deal with meeting new people and bring their own personal ‘baggage’ along with them,” Lian says to NYLON Manila. “Personally, I really needed that story to be real and true.”

All the awkwardness, frustrations, weariness, and homesickness—they paint a picture so familiar to anyone who’s finding their way far from where they grew up. It’s not easy to make a life for yourself and break away from what you want yourself to be free from.

“Sayang naman kung hindi mag-aasawa si Kristina,” Jacob’s mother tells Kristina’s mother. Traditional norms of living, in all their clichéd and eyeroll-worthy glory are presented as a foundation for the main characters’ woes.

Which of us haven’t faced the eternal questions of “Ba’t ayaw mo maging doctor/lawyer/engineer?” or “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?” Though times are ever-changing, and the different ways in which we live our lives are getting to be more and more accepted, behind us always looms shadows of expectations.

THE TIES THAT BIND

Kristina is introduced by her mother as a soon-to-graduate, Latin honor-receiving med school student with her own condo in Manila. We find out exactly who she is as we see more of a life her own mother doesn’t get to see herself—one that’s lived in a messy condo by a tired girl who’s no longer in med school, who reluctantly agrees to a set-up to please her mother.

“This is Kristina’s story first,” Lian asserts. “And the whole allegory of expectations second.” We end up sympathizing and even rooting for the young Kristina, who’s just a young girl in this big world trying to get by. The relationship between mother and daughter is also highlighted, emphasizing the desire of Kristina to not let her mother down, and to assure both her mom and herself that things will turn out alright.

“Because it was a short film, I wasn’t too keen on exploring every nuance,” the writer and director says. “But I enjoyed writing about motherhood in the Filipino sense, which can be overbearing with high expectations for a lot of young people.”

We also get to meet Jacob, Tita Sally’s son who she thinks is about to take the bar exam (and who Kristina’s mom assumes is rich), who is actually a Twitch streamer who doesn’t want to become a lawyer.

When the two meet, they don’t reveal the truth of who they are to each other. The guarded, secretive ways we adopt as young adults stems from the need for self-preservation and to avoid conflict, and we can immediately understand that neither Kristina nor Jacob are too eager to let other people know about what they perceive as shortcomings in their lives (and perhaps it’s not just because they don’t want their truths reaching their respective mothers).

Lian acknowledges that young Filipinos do a lot of hiding and keeping secrets to make sure they always seem like they’re living up to the expectations of their parents, but she relays that she personally has a better relationship with her parents now than before, and she credits that to what she chooses to be private about or what she chooses to leave unsaid.

“Parehas naman tayong loser, eh,” Jacob tells Kristina in the film. In the end, he offers to help her clean her condo, two people unsure of where life is going to lead them next, but they’ll take it one step at a time.

EXPLORING STORYTELLING

Though an amateur short film, Lazy Bird conveys its messages and themes in an immersive, engaging way—and does bear shades of similarity to Lady Bird. The relationship between mother and daughter, the breaking down of a relationship between two people who don’t really know each other, the secrets of people who just want to live their own lives—they all add up to an evocative yet simple story of the struggles of everyday life.

“When it comes to the inspiration from Lady Bird, I really didn’t try to copy anything word per word or scene by scene, because I thought that might be too “’lazy,'” Lian says. “But when I was writing the script, I thought that the mothers as characters would be an effective way to explore the theme of expectations vis a vis mothers and daughters and mothers and sons.”

A creative through and through, Lian’s still just new to filmmaking, getting her feet wet and exploring a new medium of storytelling.

“I like telling stories about young Filipino women. I think theres a lot of potential with that category to explore. I’m relatively new to filmmaking and the arts! I want to be able to explore genres other than coming-of-age to tell stories about women—I just love women!” Though the experience of a young woman is drastically different from that of a young man, especially in this patriarchal society we live in, in Lazy Bird, having trouble with expectations is presented as a similar shared burden—and as we know, shared burdens make for lighter loads to bear.

For her start in filmmaking, Lian Laya put heart onto screen, and with a team of young creatives, crafted a pretty emotionally resonant story. “There’s something also to be said about a more feminist narrative in film, but thats something I hope to explore the more I create.”

Images from Lazy Bird, Lian Laya.

Continue Reading: ‘Saan Ako Pinaglihi?’ Filmmakers On Film As A Safe Queer Space And The Different Forms of Love

Esnyr Ranollo’s friendship with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano is what we want in our friendships.

Related: Spill It: Esnyr Ranollo Knows About How Gen Z Slang Can Change The World

Friendships can be fickle in the entertainment industry. But once you find your crew, they’re your friends for life. Just look at Esnyr Ranollo with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano. After first meeting in 2021, the trio have been good friends ever since, both on- and off-screen. They are on of our fave barkadas in showbiz and you know it will always be a riot when they’re together. Fans like to say that Esnyr is DonBelle’s first child, and honestly, we see it. No need to hire another actor when you have Esnyr out here winning the internet as our favorite DonBelle 3rd wheel. Scroll down for some of the moments we were here for this trio’s friendship.  

IT’S A GENUINE FRIENDSHIP SINCE DAY ONE

@viuphilippines a day in my life as a third wheel pala to 😭 #HowToSpotARedFlag, streaming soon on Viu! 💛🚩 #DonBelleOnViu #HTSARF #ViuOriginal ♬ original sound – Viu Philippines

In a sign of the kind of character Donny, Belle, and Esnyr have, they became instant friends when they first met. Initially meeting on the set of DonBelle’s movie, Love Is Color Blind, in which Esnyr had a supporting role, the trio became fast friends, with Donny and Belle being more than welcoming to Esnyr when he moved to Manila and helped him settle in the city. As you can expect, this friendship has lasted to this day. Even as Donny and Belle have seen their stars rise considerably over the years, they’re still besties with the talented content creator and treat him like any BFFs would treat each other.

ESNYR LOW-KEY BEING A HIGHLIGHT OF DONBELLE PROJECTS

@daughnvail Kuhang kuha mo nanaman ako Esnyr 😭😭 | #howtospotaredflag #donbelle #donbelleempire #donnypangilinan #bellemariano #bubblies #fyp #fyp ♬ original sound – reign | #HowToSpotARedFlag 🚩

As of this writing, Esnyr has appeared in two of DonBelle’s acting projects; Love Is Color Blind and How to Spot a Red Flag (he also was on He’s Into Her, but that was more a cameo role). But whenever he makes an appearance, we’re seated. His comedic chemistry with the love team, especially with Belle on How to Spot a Red Flag, makes their scenes an instant highlight. We been knew Esnyr is charismatic, and his roles are further proof of so. 

WHENEVER ESNYR HELPS BELLE BE MORE ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

@donbaelle tinuruan ba naman 😭 #esnyr #bellemariano #donbelle #fyp ♬ original sound – a – el | #HowToSpotARedFlag 🚩

What happens when a chronically online is besties with a chronically offline? You get the friendship between Esnyr and Belle and how he tries to get the actress to post more on social media, especially on TikTok. Honestly, Esnyr is doing the good work and we support his cause. 

WHENEVER ESNYR IS DONBELLE’S NUMBER-ONE CHEERLEADER

PALIBHASA ALAM NA ALAM MO PANO AKO KUNIN EH pic.twitter.com/0rOUA1uC3T

— Esnyr (@esnyrrr) May 23, 2022

We love a supportive bestie. A sign of a green flag friendship is how even if you don’t see each other every day or just reunite every few months, you’ll still be there for each other. Just look at how supportive Esnyr is of the duo, whether it be a new project, event, or whatever situation they find themselves in. Remember when the trio competed in a padel competition and Donny gave Esnyr 10k just because DonBelle entered the semi-finals? Yeah, sana all may mayaman na bestie. And of course, DonBelle is willing to return the love any way they can (with a side of dogshow). They got each other’s backs fr.  

WHENEVER THEY DO TIKTOKS TOGETHER

@esnyrrr NASA PRIMETIME TV NA KAMI THIS JAN 27!🚩 #HowToSpotARedFlag ♬ original sound – 🎶🎧

Donny and Belle rarely post on their TikTok accounts, so we’re thankful to Esnyr for giving us content with the A-list love team when they can. You can count on Esnyr to make sure those videos don’t stay on the drafts with collabs as fun and chaotic as you’d expect them to be.

Continue Reading: 14 Times Celebrities Were Each Other’s Biggest Cheerleaders

What’s a day in the life of a Filipino Gen Z climate activist like? YACAP organizer Alab Mirasol Ayroso lets us in on what it’s like to advocate for people and planet.

Related: These 6 Young Pinay Environmentalists and Climate Activists Are Paving the Way To A Just, Sustainable Future

It’s not easy to hold onto hope in a world that makes it so easy to lose it, but in any life path you choose, the people around you make the burdens easier to bear. In the world of advocacy and activism, whether you’re defending land or standing in solidarity with people, learning about the world and wanting things to change could lead to taking steps to transform your life—and plenty of young leaders have done so.

Gen Z leaders and advocates have long been campaigning for climate action and mitigation as well as standing up for marginalized communities. One of such young leaders is one of the founders and formerly the national coordinator for Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), Alab Mirasol Ayroso. She is a climate justice activist currently serving as an organizer and spokesperson for the organization. She is also a member of other youth orgs like People’s Rising for Climate Justice Youth.

The daughter of a mother with indigenous roots and a land defender father who was the victim of enforced disappearance, Alab chose a life advocating for people and land. She’s also a BS Biology graduate from UP Diliman with a focus on ecology and community-centered conservation.

Besides doing on-ground organizing and campaigning work with YACAP, Alab has also traveled the world for international climate conferences and events like the United Nations Climate Change Conference, connecting with advocates and climate activists from different countries, discussing pertinent issues regarding climate and human rights, and demanding for change on large platforms.

To get a glimpse into the life and motivations of a Filipino climate activist, read the full interview with Alab below!

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT WITH ALAB MIRASOL AYROSO

What is life like as a young climate justice activist? What is the work that you do?

What we do is essentially voluntary. This is a life that we chose, and I chose this early on during my undergrad years in college. When I started joining my organizations, I saw that the world was so much bigger than just my classroom. I saw that you can make change by campaigning, organizing, by getting people to understand the different social issues in the world, both climate and human rights, and how they’re interconnected, it became so much more fulfilling than answering my homework.

The life of a climate activist is very much dependent on the different projects that they’re doing, whether it be something in climate education or hosting a fashion show. All of this points towards one direction of organizing, of getting people to understand these issues better in order for more people to take action and for more people to come together to demand the rights that we’ve been calling for.

As part of YACAP, you also attended COP29 last year. [YACAP has been present at international climate conferences for years.]

What we do [at COP] is basically bringing the demands and calls of Filipino youth to the international stage. Because even if we say that everyone is impacted by the climate crisis, it’s still very different when you hear it from the farmers, from the fisher folk themselves. And you don’t really get to see that in those international spaces, where they talk in very technical terms—very separate and disengaged from the communities that are actually affected by climate change.

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A post shared by YACAP – Fridays for Future PH (@yacaphilippines)

So that’s usually the main purpose of being there, aside from creating international solidarity bonds with different climate activists as well in those spaces.

It seems to be very tough, very rough work, but it’s meaningful work as well. You also get inspired by these people you meet and work with, and the people that are fighting the same fight as you.

Exactly, it’s actually like opening up the world to us. Realizing that it’s not just us—it makes it so much better. We have all of our members, we’re reaching all these youth from different schools. It feels really good to meet other people who are doing the same thing [abroad]. It makes it feel very much possible that we’re creating a better world because we’re all doing this in different areas in different ways, but it’s all towards the same goal of calling for more progressive changes.

What are some meaningful interactions or conversations you’ve had during global conferences for climate action that have stuck with you?

I have a friend from Mexico, Adriana—she got into the climate movement because of what was happening in her home, where there are also extractives. We got to talking about the destruction happening in our hometowns, and it stuck to me that even if we come from different ends of the world, we’re all fighting for the same things. When we’re in those spaces, we are standing united together, and it’s very powerful that we get to do that. We’re very fortunate that we get to actually meet in those spaces.

It’s pretty inspiring to see so many young people lead the fight for climate justice, and the movement has gained much traction over the last several years. As someone part of an organization specifically for this movement, what impact do you think the youth has on climate mitigation and action?

The youth holds all the power for the future. I really do believe that our decisions and our actions now will impact the rest of our lives, the rest of our futures, and the generations ahead of us. We are making these demands because we want a better future. When we make [our voices] louder and we connect with the different sectors—we are making known all the changes that we want to see.

If enough people are there to show up and enough to demand it, it’s possible to push for policies. It’s enough to stop projects that are destructive, and it could change the path of the rest of the world.

Seeing people demand action from corporations and governments, and them actually taking action, could really make you hopeful despite it all. Even small steps can make a meaningful difference. Here’s hoping more conferences are more productive than they usually are!

Right! Actually, our stance when it comes to these conferences—it’s definitely to criticize it. Obviously, it’s not enough that they have these annual meetings. There’s 29 of them already, pero parang wala pa ring nangyayari. But at the same time, there’s so much attention on it and people are really engaging with it because people are hopeful that these negotiations will end up somewhere. As long as we hold on to that hope, we also have to be critical about how maybe they’re just playing the game just so they get the [reaction] that they want.

Seeing how these global conferences turn out, and how global leaders are moving less than ideally regarding climate action and climate justice, how do you ensure you don’t fall into the common pitfall of “climate doomism”? How do you stay inspired and feel uplifted despite it all?

I think there’s two ways. One, internally, wherein we cope with each other because we live as a collective, me and my members, especially the full-time activists in YACAP. Basically we inspire each other because we’re all very capable of many things. Nasasalo namin yung isa’t isa. That’s one, being there for each other and caring internally. Another is getting inspiration from everyone else. Like meeting other people from different parts of the world or even from the communities in the Philippines.

While advocating for causes on social media and the Internet is important as well—when you reach out to communities and see the people you’re fighting for and with, it’s a very different experience.

We really try to do it more regularly—community visits. It’s a way to really [remind] yourself that this is why we’re doing it, this is who we’re doing it for. We inspire each other because whenever we have these community visits, lagi silang nagpapasalamat na bumisita kami, nagpapasalamat sila na we’re one with their fight. It’s very heartwarming because we’re like, “pumunta lang kami dito, anong ginawa namin?” But just the fact that we were there and we wanted to learn about them, it makes it better and it inspires us.

It can be easy for people to separate the climate crisis and climate justice from the human rights aspect of it all. Could you elaborate on the notion that the fight for human rights is the fight for climate justice?

I get that some people would tend to separate it. I think it all boils down to what is the fight for climate? Maybe that’s the kind of question that we want to ask. Para kanino ba yung fight for climate? Isn’t it for future generations? Isn’t it for the people who are suffering right now? And what is the one thing that we want to ensure that they have? What is the one thing that they’re not getting—that’s human rights.

It’s their right for livelihood, it’s their right for food, it’s their right for clean water, and because of climate change, those rights are being robbed from them. Another side of it is the people who are trying to fight for these rights—the people who are trying to help farmers, the people who are trying to help indigenous peoples by organizing, by being part of these organizations—sila pa yung naha-harass, sila pa yung nakakasuhan, nare-redtag, sila pa yung pinapatay at nadudukot.

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A post shared by Alab Mirasol Ayroso (@alabmirasol)

We have to bring it back to the basics of para kanino ba ‘to—what are we doing when it comes to climate change and why we don’t want it to worsen. It’s going to lead to a lot of people suffering. It also goes hand it hand with protecting the people who are [advocating] for land and climate justice, the call to demilitarize, to stop wars, to stop genocide. We go back to the call that we can’t have climate justice if we don’t have human rights.

Interview edited for length, form, and clarity. Photos courtesy of Alab Mirasol Ayroso.

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There’s something so special about an entire arena crowd understanding the vibe without doing too much.

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Cigarettes After Sex may not come at you with a level of extravagance and bombast as compared to other artists. But the American band does know where to hit you where it hurts with their moody and haunting music, which is the stuff of playlists and sentimental IG posts. It’s that energy they brought to their sold-out show at the Mall of Asia Arena last January 14 in what was their biggest show in the Philippines to date. So, what happens when you’re in an arena filled with people singing along to Sweet? Everything and then some.

IT’S SO SWEET, KNOWING THAT YOU LOVE ME

Artists often inspire their fans to dress a certain way whenever they attend their concerts. For Cigarettes After Sex? The unspoken rule of the night was that everyone wore black to match the band’s black-and-white aesthetic. Just past 8 PM, the lights dimmed to the screams of fans as Greg Gonzalez (vocals and guitar), Jacob Tomsky (drums), and Randall Miller (bass) headed to the stage and kicked off the show with X’s. The stage was minimal in design with just the three members, simple background visuals, and a giant disco ball at the center of MOA Arena, but that was enough for the vibes. 

For more than one and a half hours, the band treated their Filipino fans to a mix of new tracks from their latest album, X’s, as well as CAS favorites like Apocalypse and Sunsetz. Their angst-filled tracks and dreamy synths filled the arena with a mesmerizing melancholy as Greg Gonzalez’s soft yet distinct voice reverberated throughout the entire arena. CAS didn’t have to do too much to make people feel vulnerable. And once again, the Pinoy crowd superpowers kicked in when our nonchalant king Gonzalez broke his nonchalant persona a few times to smile at the crowd’s reaction and singing. 

HEAVENLY 

Did Cigarettes After Sex give the most energetic performance MOA Arena has ever seen? No, and maybe for some people, that won’t be their cup of tea looking for a more upbeat concert. But for the thousands there, it was more than enough. Besides, this is CAS we’re talking about. High energy, pyrotechnics, and backup dancers do not make a CAS show. All you need is to let their music do the talking. Filipinos love to get sentimental, after all, and the dream-pop indie band had the crowd moving, swaying, and reflecting on life. It was moody, but not depressing, with how CAS had you sitting with yourself while taking in all the good music. 

As the concert came to a close with Opera House, it reminded us that while our time with the band was coming to an end, we will always have these memories to cherish. The first major concert by a foreign act in MOA Arena this 2025 served as CAS’ Manila comeback, and it was decidedly muted, but in a way that felt appropriate for the band. For two hours, you had permission to feel it all. Seeing your CAS playlist come to life was not a bad way to spend a Tuesday night.   

Photos by Ber Garcia and courtesy of KARPOS

Continue Reading: Upcoming Concerts, Live Shows, & Fanmeets In The Philippines This 2025