What does it take to make a friendship work? Best friends Vivoree Esclito and Kaori Oinuma talk all about the power of female friendships and how it takes time, effort, and commitment to sustain something beautiful.

Related: Kaori Oinuma Has Been Manifesting Her Career Since She Was 16, Vivoree Writes, Co-Directs, and Stars in the ‘Dalawang Isip’ Music Video

Someone once told me that there’s nothing like female friendships. A connection between two people—founded on trust, forged in laughter, strengthened through shared experiences over time—is nothing short of magical.

Female friendships are beautiful and complicated. Even if they come from different backgrounds or upbringings, a bond between girls is unique in that no one else understands what it’s like to be a girl in this world except them. They’re strengthened by every sleepover, side-eye, debrief, rant about relationships, and yes, even petty fights. 

Chainmail dresses used as top by La Glamour Queen, Denim skirts by Levi’s

But of course, female friendships are also prone to trouble. Jealousy, competition, serious fights, and drifting apart as lives shift and change can alter the trajectory of a female friendship forever. But at the core of female friendships lies a girl’s feelings of being seen, heard, and validated. They can help her keep going.

So for Gen Z artists Vivoree Esclito and Kaori Oinuma, it’s wonderful that being young, genuine souls working in the same industry got the stars aligning for them to build a friendship. The two friends worked together on hit teen shows He’s Into Her and Tara, G!, slowly forming their friendship while also cementing themselves as talented young women making a name for themselves.

The two are the epitome of kind. On cover shoot day, Kaori, the half-Japanese actress whose hype-worthy projects A Very Good Girl and Fractured air this September, came into the room smiling as she went over to our little NYLON Manila staff table in the studio and shook all of our hands, introducing herself with grace. And when the bright and glammed-up Vivoree entered the studio for the podcast shoot, she held the door open for everyone and laughingly said, “Acts of service po love language ko, eh!” The singer and actress released three singles this year and is currently filming In His Mother’s Eyes.

All throughout the long day, Vivoree and Kaori exuded a sparkling warmth that brought a smile to everyone in their vicinity. From leaning on each other to exchanging laughter and high-fives, the love and affection inherent to their friendship was unmistakable.

While the two would cross paths later in life, they did get their start similarly, as contestants on Pinoy Big Brother. Vivoree was on the seventh main season that ran from 2016 to 2017, while Kaori entered the house one season later in 2018. Soon after, the two found themselves crossing paths more frequently, and—as they say—the rest is history.

SLOW-BURN FRIENDSHIP

Vivoree and Kaori didn’t start off as besties immediately. Their friendship, like all great ones, took some time and effort to be as wholesome as it is now. They first met at a go-see for He’s Into Her, but they admitted that they watched each other’s seasons of PBB and admired how kind and genuine the other was.

Planet print coordinates and boots by Just Bonita by Bonita Penaranda

The pair got the chance to bond when they were roommates during the filming of He’s Into Her season 2 and Tara, G! in the same year. They learned quite a bit about each other, like how Kaori is more organized than Vivoree, and how Vivoree inspired Kaori because the former could shower anytime, even with cold water! 

On a more serious note, early on in their friendship, the two were able to bond over how they’re not the kind of people who open up to others easily.

“Since hindi talaga kami nag-oopen up sa ibang tao, parang nagkaroon kami ng connection to open up to each other,” Vivoree shares. “Parang may trust na nabui-build, which is something nice. Iba yung friendship ko talaga with Kaori.”

SHARED EXPERIENCES

It’s often difficult to find someone on the same wavelength as you are—someone who you can relate to, trust, and be yourself with—especially in Vivoree and Kaori’s unique line of work. But a big part of many friendships is owed to having shared experiences and offering unwavering emotional support through it all.

From their respective stints in Big Brother’s house to working on the same projects, the pair bonded over their experiences as young women in showbiz.

Vivoree explains, “It’s rare to find a friendship in showbiz… people come and go.” She adds that sometimes you get to work on a project with great people, but afterwards, the friendship doesn’t grow to be anything more than work acquaintance.

But with Kaori, through all of the acting work, hosting stints, and baking vlogs, they kept the embers of their friendship burning, despite the lightning-fast pace of the entertainment industry.

SUPPORT AND SISTERHOOD

However, shared experiences don’t guarantee the strength and longevity of a friendship. Women and young girls are constantly compared and pitted against each other, especially in the entertainment industry, both internationally and locally. Picking sides over media-amplified issues about boys, artistry, superficial stuff—it’s like we can’t allow more than one young woman to be happy and successful. And sometimes, all that outside pressure causes a deeper rift between them.

So in this world where young women are constantly pitted against each other, it’s refreshing to see Vivoree and Kaori’s friendship be pretty different. They’re generous with their praise for one another and firm in their desire for each other to succeed. 

“Super genuine ng soul niya,” Kaori raves about the singer-actress. “Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na isa ako sa mga naniniwala sa kanya, and happy ako na nakikita ko siyang nag-grow and, as in, lumalayo yung nararating niya.” She cites Vivoree as one of her inspirations, a sentiment born of watching her on PBB.

Vivoree was also full of praises for the young star. “Ang warm ni Kaori. She’s not hard to love as a friend, as a person.”

The faith and trust they have in one another is undoubtedly strong. And it’s great to witness how these two young women constantly uplift each other and prove that they’re each truly a girl’s girl.

“Yun ako as a person,” Kaori explains. “Ayoko masira yung tiwala sakin ng tao, lalo [pag] babae, of course. Tayo tayo lang nagkakaintindihan.”

The two align like stars when it comes to listening and understanding where the other is coming from, given their shared experiences and how far they’ve come to trusting each other. Staying as each other’s support system despite their high-speed careers necessitates all that faith and trust, and a commitment to love.

“Yun nga yung magic with my friendship with Kao,” Vivoree gestures to Kaori. “Kasi even if may kanya-kanya kaming life or projects, we still look out for each other. Kinakamusta pa rin namin yung isa’t isa, and we still support each other, which is is something na talagang importante sa friendship for me.”

Kaori refers to Vivoree as someone who’s like family to her, like a sister. They are kindred spirits. They listen wholeheartedly to each other’s stories, providing a safe space of comfort and validation whenever they needed it. “I promised naman sa kanya na kahit anong mangyari, makikinig ako sa kanya.”

SUSTAINING FRIENDSHIPS

Although their busy schedules keep them from seeing each other all the time, Vivoree and Kaori do have some secrets to sustaining their friendship—one of which, they agreed on, is being a good listener. They strive to be understanding and open to trusting, and they strive to make time for each other. 

“Pagka mayroong oras na kaya naming magkita, makapag-usap…gagawin namin,” Kaori assures. 

The pair, having had their share of both good and bad experiences with people, have learned a few things about life and friendship. Vivoree advises people not to trust blindly. “Basahin mo yung tao, kilalanin mo muna slowly.” When you believe you can develop the bond and solidify the connection, you can trust someone deeply and openly. Kaori shares similar sentiments.

“Kung gusto mong pagkatiwalaan ka ng tao…magtiwala ka rin,” she says. “Matuto ka magtiwala.” Kaori herself was apprehensive about trusting people, particularly in showbiz. But when she met Vivoree, she felt that her colleague was open to trusting her, and so she, in an act of faith, reciprocated.

But when it comes to toxic friendships, Vivoree advocates for knowing that you have the freedom to leave the relationship. “Not everyone deserves your space, deserves your time and attention. Yung tendency niyan, you’ll be the one who’s gonna get drained. Ikaw yung mauubos, tapos sila, puno sila nang puno.”

On the other hand, Kaori draws on what she admires about Vivoree and urges people to just be kind and authentic to everyone. “Maging genuine ka na lang sa lahat ng makakasalamuha mo, and then kung ma-reciprocate yun, that’s good. Magkakaroon ka ng friends. Pero kung hindi…siyempre di mo na kailangan i-overthink yun.”

Thoughtful, loyal, and wise, these two young women exemplify the power of genuine female friendship—how it’s often hard to come by, how it provides shelter in the raging storm of life, how it makes life better and just that much brighter. Not everyone can come into a strong female friendship outright. It’s not enough to have the same interests and experiences—you have to work on powering through pressure, examining and reevaluating your relationships, and genuinely growing as friends as well as people. So when I remembered someone telling me that there’s nothing like female friendship, I realized that Vivoree and Kaori’s genuine, love-filled friendship was nothing short of magical.

Creative & Art Direction GELO QUIJENCO

Sittings Editor AYN BERNOS 

Cover Story NICA GLORIOSO

Photography GAIL GERIANE

Photography Assistant JOTHAM MEREGILDO & BENEDICT BIGALBAL

Videography KIM SANTOS & EXCEL PANLAQUE

Associate Producer MIKA TAFALLA 

Associate Editor RAF BAUTISTA 

Video Editor BENI MATEO & GELO QUIJENCO

Shoot Assistants EZRI MITRA & JAMES JACINTO

Production Design SAMANTHA NICOLE MARTIN

Art Department MHARHEA BANTING

Fashion Stylist RYUJI SHIOMITSU 

Associate Stylists BEA GUERRERO & MIGUEL QUILANG

Makeup Vivoree JANELL CAPUCHINO 

Hair Vivoree MYCKE ARCANO

Makeup Kaori ARON GUEVARRA

Hair Kaori BRIX BATALLA

Nails PRECIOUS OPINION

Catch the rest of Vivoree and Kaori’s story, including more advice about friendship, dealing with friendship breakups, and more on Seated with NYLON Manila on YouTube or Spotify!

Continue Reading: Vivoree is Fearlessly in Love in Her Latest Track, ‘Matapang’, Kaori Oinuma Goes to EK With Team Wise in Her Fun Barkada Vlog

Selena Gomez’s reactions at the MTV VMAs led to hot takes and a wide array of thinkpieces. The way she responded to all the viral moments prove that she’s really over all of it and brings up an important discussion about celebrity social media discourse and public opinion.

Related: Miley and Selena Are Taking Back Their Crowns With New Music—and the Internet is Nostalgic

Whatever you think of all the Selena Gomez viral videos and hot takes about her VMAs appearance on social media, she’s over it. The multi-hyphenate’s reactions during the MTV Video Music Awards garnered plenty of attention, and all sorts of discourse has put her on the top of the trends list once again.

“DRAGGED FOR BEING MYSELF”

Selena went viral during Olivia Rodrigo’s VMAs performance, where the deja vu singer reenacted her vampire music video by staging a faux stage and pyrotechnic malfunction and Selena could be seen holding a hand to her ear. And of course, the narrative people on social media ran with was that she didn’t like Olivia’s performance.

This is completely unfair and out of context: Olivia pretended to have her set break down and semi-explode as she was fake rushed off stage, and Selena was reacting to that, probably thinking something was really going wrong. #VMAs https://t.co/lOYsxKv2Ct

— Gibson Johns (@gibsonoma) September 13, 2023

People defended her, though, clarifying that Olivia’s set surprised and confused the audience, especially with the singer’s fake-worried reaction to her own stage. Selena herself commented on an Instagram post about her reaction, explaining “I heard a loud noise and it scared me.”

Instagram/BuzzfeedCeleb

Second, when she made a face at convicted assaulter Chris Brown’s nomination, she earned all sorts of reactions—mostly positive, though. She was praised for showing disapproval of the artist. And then she made headlines again when she commented on an iHeartRadio Australia Instagram post about the “incident” saying, “Who cares lol.”

Instagram/IHeartRadioAU

Selena took to Instagram after all that to comment, saying, “I will never be a meme again. I’d rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much love.”

Instagram/Selenagomez

Within a day, public opinion about Selena swayed so fast with just a few seconds of videos and some viral posts. And it’s happened many times to Selena before, her Francia Raisa incident among them.

And while it’s ironic she’s making headlines (even ours) after subtly (and perhaps inadvertently) shedding light on sensationalism, it’s worthy to have a discussion about the problem with going viral, unwarranted think-pieces, and pushing our own narratives on celebrities and everything we see on social media.

THE PROBLEM WITH VIRALITY

Selena has had a year in the spotlight. From the “beef” with Hailey Bieber, to being made a meme multiple times, the star has gone viral so often just for existing—as celebrities often do.

insatgram/selena gomez

 

And whether or not you like or care at all about Selena, all these instances beg the question of how easy it is for us to fall into the trap of basing our opinion of people and issues on what we see through a screen. Of course, a person’s actions do help form our opinion of them, but in the spotlight, at a time where anybody can post a photo or video without context and frame a moment however they like, our assumptions and hot takes are less grounded on actual facts and context and instead hinges on “what’s this account with thousands of followers implying?” or “what’s the majority of people saying?” for fear of getting cancelled.

Celebrities themselves can also frame a narrative however they like (they literally have teams of people advising and executing such plans), so it’s really been tough to critically examine things or form our own opinions when control of media and public opinion is so easy to take.

So, it’s kind of new and refreshing to see someone like Selena Gomez herself take control of the narrative and stand her ground with the truth on her side. People are quick to turn unnecessarily cruel or perceive not just celebrities, but anyone they see online, not as people but as fodder for hate or gossip or think-pieces. The online world has become so tricky and exhausting that we really often need to take a step back and reexamine ourselves, our obsession with celebrities, and our social media consumption.

Continue Reading: 4 Times Nadine Lustre Unapologetically Set Her Boundaries

Whether it’s a fancy dinner or a spontaneous trip, Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia will make you say #SanaAll.

Related: Gabbi Garcia And Khalil Ramos Get Emotional And Romantic In Their California Trip

All-around actors, singers, and foodie entrepreneurs, Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia are a celebrity couple whose years-long relationship is straight goals. After spending six years together, we can confidently say that Khalil and Gabbi are the standard. During the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala, we quizzed them about their secret recipe for keeping things exciting, and the perfect pair spilled the tea, revealing they’re all about those date nights (or days). Whether it’s a cozy speakeasy bar or an art museum date, they’re making every moment count.

If you’re running out of ideas, no worries—we have Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia for date ideas. The celebrity couple are always at the most IG-worthy hangouts. It’s time to start taking notes.

Plan an Amusement Park Date

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A post shared by Gabbi Garcia ♡ (@gabbi)

Feeling that adrenaline rush? Plan an amusement park date! No stress, it doesn’t have to be Disneyland—maybe Enchanted Kingdom, Skyranch, or Star City? Nothing says quality time like screaming your hearts out on roller coasters, sharing cotton candy, and splurging on water gun games.

Roadtrips? Always.

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A post shared by Khalil Ramos (@khalilramos)

Imagine: your soulmate, the perfect playlist, and a wide-open road ahead. Whether you’re cruising along coastal highways, camping beneath the stars, or traversing those winding mountain roads—road trips are a fail-proof date idea. It’s an adventure where you can connect, take scenic shots, and capture candid moments that will last a lifetime.

Same Music Taste? Try a Concert Date

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A post shared by Gabbi Garcia ♡ (@gabbi)

Sometimes, nothing can compare to the electrifying experience of attending a live concert with your significant other. Just like every cute couple having their song, you’ll have an entire tracklist that resonates with your love story after attending a concert together.

Slow Days and a Pottery Class

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A post shared by Gabbi Garcia ♡ (@gabbi)

Slow days and pottery classes—it might not sound like the most feed-worthy date idea, but here’s the thing: as young adults who are always on fast-forward, stepping back and embracing creative activities is a charming, calming, and downright romantic escape. And the best part? You have the opportunity to take your creations home as adorable mementos.

Work Together at a Café

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A post shared by Khalil Ramos (@khalilramos)

Why not spend some quality time while working together at a cozy café? It isn’t your usual ‘date night’, but imagine being productive while spending time with your significant other—now that’s the ultimate Gen Z power move.

Continue Reading: The New Food Business Of Gabbi Garcia And Khalil Ramos Is Made For And By Steak Lovers

Shipping is a big thing in any country. (No, not that shipping, rabid add-to-cart-ers. The other more mushy, love team kind.) There’s just something about people’s undeniable chemistry on-screen that resonates with the audience even off-screen. In the Philippines, however, once a love team becomes a sure hit for the masses, you’ll rarely ever see those actors partnered up with different actors anymore. All their future projects will be linked together, their fandoms become one, and together, they’ll take over box office records, teleseryes, magazine covers, and more.

RELATED: Remember These Filipino Adaptations Of Korean Movies And K-Dramas?

But some of these actors didn’t always have their one true pairing right away. Some of them got a chance to work with other stars. Do you remember those days? Here’s a quick refresher.

Liza Soberano and Daniel Padilla

Okay, so they weren’t necessarily paired up to be endgame, but we got a glimpse of what they would look like as a couple. Liza Soberano appeared in several things with Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. From Must Be Love to Got To Believe, she sure made a big impression.

Kathryn Bernardo and Enrique Gil

Before LizQuen, Enrique Gil also got to pair up with Kathryn Bernardo in Princess and I. Though everyone was clearly rooting for Daniel Padilla’s character to end up with Kath, Enrique was a strong contender because of his irresistibly charming character.

Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino

Who was all up in their feels after watching Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino’s movie, Isa Pa With Feelings?

Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards

Of course, we can’t forget about the pairing between Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards in the movie, Hello, Love, Goodbye.

Andrea Brillantes and Kyle Echarri

Before Andrea found her Ali in Seth Fedelin, she was actually poised to pair up with Kyle Echarri in Kadenang Ginto. Luckily, the Gold Squad had better plans for them, which led them to their love teams now; Kyle with Francine Diaz and Seth with Andrea.

Julia Barretto and Enrique Gil

Enrique Gil was the leading man of Julia Barretto in her first lead role in Mirabella.

Piolo Pascual and Bea Alonzo

Remember the 2005 film, Dreamboy? Bea Alonzo and Piolo Pascual had chemistry there, you can’t deny it.

Rico Yan and Judy Ann Santos

We all know that Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan were goals, as were Judy Ann Santos and Wowie De Guzman, but Rico and Judy Ann were just as cute together in the film, Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.

Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis

We all know of the Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa love team at the turn of the new millennium, but he once was paired with Anne Curtis when they starred in the movie, Baler. That movie got Anne awarded Best Actress in 2008’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

Nadine Lustre and Paulo Avelino

On The Wings of Love gave us a tiny glimpse of what Nadine Lustre would look like paired up with Paulo Avelino. These are two amazing actors we’d still love to see together in a film one day.