The final members of the upcoming girl group pix!e from The Girl Group Project have been making the rounds on social media, and after months of training and evaluations, they’re almost ready to take on the P-Pop stage.

Related: 10 Things You Need to Know About Dream Academy’s Sophia Laforteza

If you were on TikTok the last few weeks, then you definitely have come across the “I Wanna Go Back” dance trend set to a sped-up version of Do It Again by Pia Mia. Well, did you know that the creators of the trend are young Filipino trainees getting ready to debut as members of a new, upcoming P-pop girl group?

@ggprojectmedia boy can we go back? 🤷🏻‍♀️ dc: jezrene 🐝 & nicole 🐣 #fyp #ppoprise ♬ do it again – ᶜ ʰ ˡ ˡ ˣ ᵉ ᵈ ⁱ ᵗ ˢ

That’s right, dancers and artists Jezrene and Nicole, whose names you may have seen credited under TikToks of the trend, are members of a new girl group formed by DreamCloud Media Productions, who in October revealed the group name to be pix!e! DreamCloud recognized the immense potential of Filipinos in the pop music industry, and so, in early 2023, they started The Girl Group Project. It was a passion project, an initiative to select, train, and evaluate talented young girls to form a group ready to take the P-pop world by storm.

After the final evaluation at Eton Centris last July 30, seven trainees were selected to debut. It’ll take some more time, work, and decisions before they make it big, but for now, let’s meet the young girls of pix!e who have made it steps closer to living their dreams.

NICOLE

1/2 of the pioneers of the “I Wanna Go Back” trend, Nicole is The Girl Group Project’s center, and has shown her prowess in singing, dancing, and playing the ukulele—which she’s been playing since she was in high school. She’s driven by her desire to show the world her talent. She’s a Virgo, and her MBTI is ESFP-T.

JEZRENE

The other half of the TikTok trend’s creators, 19-year old Jezrene is a strong singer, which got her the position of lead vocalist. A true introvert but with a powerful voice, she’s a Gemini, an INFP, and, like most of us, her hobbies include sleeping. She’s been inspired by K-pop since she was young, and pushed through some mental and physical challenges before she got to where she is now.

HANA

Keen-eyed girl group enthusiasts may recognize the 22-year-old as a former center of idol group MNL48! Her stage name used to be Aly, and she can be seen in MNL48’s videos like Ikaw Ang Melody. Hana is the group’s lead rapper, visual, and sub-vocalist. She’s a Capricorn, INFJ, and she likes playing mobile games.

JANE

Jane is the group’s main rapper and a lead vocalist. She’s a Capricorn and an INFJ-T, often in dark clothing and makeup to match her fierce and independent spirit. She likes to sing, cook, and watch anime. She made, sold, and delivered food to help out her sick parents all while studying and trying hard for her dreams.

KATH

Kath was the first trainee to be announced as part of The Girl Group Project. The 20-year old is the group’s main dancer and lead rapper while also being a diligent university student at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. She’s got grit and stage presence for days, and is a Taurus and ISFJ-T.

MITA

Lead vocalist and dancer Sushmita, or Mita for short, is a proud Taurus and INTJ. She loves cats and owns a handful of them—18 to be precise. A multi-talented performer, Mita was influenced by her aunt to get into music.

PEARL

The ever-fashionable Pearl is the group’s main vocalist and resident baton twirler. A Taurus and INFP-T, she was the last trainee to complete The Girl Group Project. She also loves to design clothes. Emotional during her last interview before making the final lineup, Pearl is driven and determined to reach her dreams.

Stay tuned on The Girl Group Project’s social media accounts (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram) to keep up with these talented Gen Z artists! Do you have a bias yet?

Photos courtesy of Jionor Verona for The Girl Group Project/Facebook

Continue Reading: Girl Group Calista Puts the Pedal to the Metal With Their Debut, ‘Race Car’

There’s another kind of pandemic going around: people that think it’s okay to take photos or film strangers in public and subject them to Internet ridicule or vitriol just for a few thousand likes. We really should stop invading people’s privacy.

Related: The Joys Of A Solo Movie Date (And Why There’s Nothing Wrong About It)

Isn’t it crazy how you could just be eating lunch at a restaurant, minding your business, and you could go viral for being that pathetic, lonely person on your phone eating by yourself? Or how you could just be at a concert or a sports game with a poker face, but you were caught in the background of a content creator’s video and now your face is blasted to hundreds of thousands of people and you’re being called out for being mean?

You could be scrolling on TikTok or X and stop short when you realize “Wait…is that me?” and then you open the comments to see people either laughing at you or pitying you.

Anything can go stupid viral these days. The age of virality and content creation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives people the chance to get creative and earn a living. But on the other hands, it allows people to think they’re entitled to everything because hey, they’re just making content.

It’s nothing new to take photos or videos of someone without their knowledge and post them for the world to see. But TikTok and the way we currently use social media these days have exacerbated the problem. For the most part, it’s pretty reasonable why we shouldn’t encourage this practice, but in case you’re still not really sure why, read on.

It’s an invasion of privacy.

Honestly, why are people still surprised when strangers glare at those filming in public? Why wouldn’t people get upset at being made into content in desperate attempts at humor or virality? It’s an invasion of their privacy, especially if their faces are seen. There are so many weirdos out there that can find a person’s school or workplace by just their face, and you could invade someone’s privacy even more that way by posting them online without their knowledge.

But listen, if filming is necessary to ensure yours or someone’s safety—by all means, film away. We’ve all seen how important it is to have documented proof of injustice.

But when all you’re doing is making weird faces over your dinner or doing an outfit check, get a grip. You don’t need to bother people by putting them, on purpose or otherwise, in your content. Please respect people’s privacy. Most of us don’t walk around the streets hoping to get famous because we’re in the background of someone’s TikTok.

Just because you’re in public doesn’t mean they consent.

I get it. It is pretty difficult to film your own content in public without having anyone else in the shot. But in such cases, you can easily ask someone if they’d be okay with appearing in the video, inform them you’re filming, or even blur out their faces in post.

Because what’s so hard about asking people if they’d like to be part of a video? And if you’re uncomfortable with asking them directly to their face about filming, then there’s obviously something wrong with what you were planning to do.

Unfortunately, people don’t really value strangers’ consent to be filmed when the content they’re making banks on the reactions. There’s a whole slew of content out there that makes strangers the butt of the joke, or participants in something they don’t know about. And while sometimes it’s harmless, it’s never guaranteed that a person is okay with posting a moment they’re involved in for the world to see for a number of valid reasons.

If your content relies on stranger’s responses or reactions in the moment without prior knowledge, then what’s so hard about asking if they’re okay with the video being posted after the fact? There’s plenty of things and topics we can use to consume as media—unconsenting people shouldn’t be one of them.

People are not yours to make fun of or make sad stories about.

Like HOW can people not see that this is a massive violation of privacy, and it opens up that person to ruthlessness of Internet comment sections … even if the video isn’t mean half the comments will be

— RUDI (@diazepants) September 13, 2023

We’ve become so desensitized to things because of our social media consumption that we take a look at one photo or a few seconds of video and immediately pass judgment without knowing the context. The infamous TikTok wherein a young girl gets upset at being touched by a content creator received tons of comments from people asking why it was such a big deal to her, saying she was racist, and generally being unnecessarily cruel to a young girl who never consented to being filmed or touched by a stranger.

The girl’s sister clarified that she was on the autism spectrum and had “contamination OCD,” but the damage has been done. People have proven that they’ll jump to conclusions and run with their own uninformed narratives just because they saw something on social media and wanted to express their opinion. What happened to knowing the context? What happened to minding your own business?

People also love to project their own insecurities onto people they see and make up their own stories based on a single photo or a few seconds of video. Listen, just because someone is eating alone doesn’t mean they’re sad or pathetic. Willingly exposing people to ridicule or vitriol and not realizing the possible outcome of our actions signals a very dark future for humanity—and I’m really not being overdramatic.

Know your boundaries.

Seriously, don’t film, touch, or harass people randomly in public for content. That’s just basic respect for their privacy, boundaries, dignity, and personal space. It’s just really sad that boundaries are being crossed or disrespected in the name of content. A sense of knowing when it’s okay to do something for content and when it isn’t is critical in this day and age. And if you’re unsure—just ask!

Many people have said that it might be a good idea to adopt Japan’s practice of having your camera make a sound whenever you take a photo, and while it’s usually just an offhanded statement to highlight the unethical practice of taking photos and videos of people in public, the sentiment is understood. This mindset that we have that it’s okay to do whatever serves us without considering how it could affect other people needs to change. And it’s much easier and far better for everyone if we all just listened to our conscience and started caring more about the people around us.

Continue Reading: 5 Lessons I Learned From Being Pickpocketed In Paris

Long-time BFFs AC Bonifacio and Darren Espanto, along with other stars, recently went to Italy for ASAP Milan, and the duo showed everyone just how fun, vibey, and funny their friendship is!

Related: 6 Celebrity Friendships That Prove That There’s Nothing Wrong With Guys And Girls Being BFFs

Darren Espanto and AC Bonifcaio have been friends for almost a decade now, after first meeting in 2015. Both hailing from Canada, the two bonded over their shared roots and pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. The multi-talented duo can sing, dance, and act! It’s giving triple threat.

After all of that, it’s true that they have chemistry—but not in the way you think! Because even if people do ship them together, the two have repeatedly firmly established that they are just great friends. Their energy together is always fun, fresh, and playful, and it’s always refreshing to see wholesome platonic friendships in an industry that always wants male and female stars to get together.

And that was on full display when they, along with a slew of Kapamilya stars, went to Milan for ASAP Milan had tons of fun. From orchestrating group TikToks with icons like Piolo Pascual and Regine Velasquez to pretending to be IG livesellers, best friends AC and Darren totally made the most of their trip to Italy! So, to show off this great friendship, we compiled a few moments to show you what these besties were up to in their European adventures.

LIVE SELLER ERA

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Darren Espanto (@darrenespanto)

Darren and AC opened up Instagram Live for a few minutes on September 13 and pretended to sell products live in an outlet store in Milan, imitating live sellers that were surprisingly doing it for real in the same store. The two showed off shoes, hats, bags, and joked around the exact way friends goofing off do, complete with Darren showing off a pink gradient bag and comparing it to AC’s own currently red hair (he even called her “bes“)!

ENDLESS SELFIES

Instagram/acbonifacio

Instagram/darrenespanto

What’s a trip without countless selfies? AC showed off her .5 photo-taking skills in both of their Instagrams, showing everyone first their comfortable digs on the plane and then the ornate surroundings and skyline of Milan.

SANDY’S INFLUENCE IN THE AIR

@andreebonifacioo

one more time in the air

♬ walshy bae owns this sound – RECXRDDEAL

Even before the pair landed in Milan, Darren and AC were already having fun filming TikToks and taking photos on the plane. A clear favorite, they did the famous “Sandy Super Bass” TikTok trend again while in the air—their third time in three weeks!

STAR OF THE SHOW

Instagram/acbonifacio

Listen, when you look this good, sometimes you just need to crop your bestie out of the photo. Kidding aside, this cropping is such a bestie move and so representative of Darren and AC’s playful friendship.

‘FITTED UP BFFS

@andreebonifacioo

we forgot to film a bunch of times so enjoy!!! HAHAHAH

♬ original sound – EX7STENCE™

You can always count on young artists like Darren and AC to have absolutely fire drip. Their outfits in Milan, often matching and always set against the beautiful backdrop of Italy, were the epitome of casual chic, and the pair showed them off the with, what else, a TikTok.

VIBIN’

@andreebonifacioo

VIBES

♬ Wassup Gwayy – FamousSally & YB

In a dig at all those shippers, Darren and AC made a TikTok proving to everyone that guys and girls, especially in the showbiz industry, can just be friends. AC even shut down a commenter under the TikTok who said “No I want you guys to be [a] couple 😢” by responding “sana ok ka lang.” The pair have shared before that they really never had feelings for each other, and that they’re more like siblings—they know everything about each other, they’re always down for a fun TikTok or two, and they’re always there to support each other.

Continue Reading: 7 Wholesome KyleDrea Moments That Make Us Believe Girls And Guys Can Truly Be BFFs

As someone with naturally oily (and sweaty) skin, I can confidently say that the Dazzle Me Get a Grip Makeup Setting Spray didn’t disappoint.

Related: Setting Spray Vs. Fixing Spray: Which One Is More Necessary?

Having setting spray in your makeup collection is an absolute necessity. After all, what’s more annoying than having your makeup melt off your face just a few hours after you’ve put in all that effort? Without setting spray, you’ve got instant crusty concealer, rogue mascara, and a shiny T-zone.

But here’s the thing: if your skin is naturally oily like mine, finding a setting spray that will keep your makeup intact throughout the day is easier said than done—and I know that they often don’t come cheap, too.

That’s when I came across the Dazzle Me Get a Grip Makeup Setting Spray on my Tiktok FYP. One after another, beauty girlies were doing smudge tests and all-day wear tests. Obviously, I had to personally test these claims. And girl, I’ve got to tell you something. This viral setting spray is trending for a long list of reasons.

All About Tiktok’s Favorite Setting Spray

@rasha_hizon Ok I didn’t expect that 😳 #beautyph #selfcare #dazzlemesettingspray #dazzlemeph #hulasproof #beautytok #fyp ♬ original sound – rasha

There’s a reason TikTok is obsessed with Get a Grip, and finally, I got a front row seat to what it can do.

This Get a Grip Makeup Setting Spray is your final touch to 12-hour makeup that won’t move at all. With high-tech film-forming ingredients, your makeup turns fade-proof, waterproof, and sweat-proof. It also has hydrating and skin-loving ingredients we all know and love: hyaluronic acid and rose water. At this point, it’s like a guardian angel against makeup mishaps. 

The mist itself is refreshing and has a fresh coconut scent. Personally, I love that. Packaging-wise, while some may appreciate a handy bottle, I’m lowkey hoping for Dazzle Me to release a version larger than their original 60ml. Something that good might as well come in a bigger size.

I Tried the Viral Setting Spray and Here’s What I Think

@precyrto The Get a Grip Setting Spray isn't just talk. It served every claim on a silver platter. Waterproof? Check. Sweat-proof? Check. Life-proof? 100% yes. #dazzlemesettingspray #dazzleme #weartest ♬ r&b loop – Official Sound Studio

The moment I snagged the setting spray, I knew I had to recreate the trending swatch test. I swatched purple eyeshadow on both arms, and set the other one with Dazzle Me. In the video, it shows that the swatch with Dazzle Me didn’t budge at all.

Of course, I also did a full face wear test. For this one, I did my makeup around 8 AM, using my regular primer but skipping any retouching. It was the ultimate experiment—a long, busy, rainy work day. After 12 hours of work, I wasn’t really expecting anything anymore when I found myself drenched in that downpour on the way home. 

But here’s the thing: after all that traffic, sweat, rain, and hours of good ol’ hard work, I still had my blush, contour, and highlight. Typically, they fade fast, but for the first time ever, I came home around 9:30PM with my nose contour intact, my cheeks still blushing, and my highlighter blinding. Although I noticed a little shine on my forehead, no rain and sweat were strong enough to set off my setting spray.

Here’s How the Setting Spray Works on Powder vs. Cream Products

@precyrto

The NYLON Manila team tries Dazzle Me's viral setting spray

♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

I’ve heard that setting spray works better with powder-based products than with cream products, so let’s put that to another test. Only this time, the entire NYLON Manila team tried the Get a Grip Setting Spray. Here’s what we think.

As expected, it didn’t budge on powder-based products, but there’s a little smudging with cream-based products (and lipsticks). It’s honestly still impressive, considering that cream contours and liquid highlighters tend to fade quickly. Well, that’s a tip for all beauty girlies: this setting spray works best for powder products.

Final Verdict

For reference, here’s a before and after photo.

FINAL VERDICT: The Get a Grip Setting Spray isn’t just talk. It served every claim on a silver platter. Waterproof? Check. Sweat-proof? Check. Life-proof? 100% yes. Today, I gave the setting spray another go, and the moment that mist settled on my makeup, I was ready for anything. From attending an event to powering through a full workday, the Dazzle Me Get a Grip Setting Spray is the new holy grail. It’s safe to say, I’m stocking up on these bottles.

Continue Reading: Beauty Beat: Recent Drops From Our Favorite Filipino Beauty Brands That Deserve The Hype

The reunion of Kyle Echarri and Andrea Brillantes is the BFF comeback of 2023! And their wholesome moments are proving that guys and girls can be besties.

Related: 6 Celebrity Friendships That Prove That There’s Nothing Wrong With Guys And Girls Being BFFs

Even if it already is 2023, we still live in a world where guys and girls can’t just be friends. Pop culture, as a reflection of our society, perpetuates the notion that these friendships always have to turn romantic. This expectation not only spreads stereotypes, but often overlooks the beauty of platonic relationships.

In showbiz, where celebrity culture reigns supreme, this pressure reaches an apex. It’s no secret that the entertainment industry thrives on gossip, shipping, and speculation. Whenever male and female friends are seen together, the rumor mill goes into overdrive. Every exchange is scrutinized, and every shared smile is dissected under the microscope of public opinion.

While shipping your picture-perfect couple is giving feels, it can get problematic fast. FYI, men and women can go on friendly dates, travel abroad, and make TikToks together without romantic feelings entering the equation. Just take a look at Kyle Echarri and Andrea Brillantes. Despite what people may say about them, the two Gen Z actors have not let it affect their friendship. So, here are wholesome Kyle Echarri and Andrea Brillantes moments that make us believe girls and guys can truly be BFFs.

All About That Comeback

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been friends for years—sometimes, life happens. But the thing is even if they take a break, it doesn’t mean they won’t come back into your life. Speaking of comebacks, we’re all about this KyleDrea reunion. The recent episode of ‘Perspectives’ had everyone buzzing as people rooted for Kyle Echarri and Andrea Brillantes’ friendship. When he captioned the YouTube vlog, ‘I finally had a deep talk with my best friend after years of no constant communication,’ everyone felt relieved because they were finally back in each other’s lives.

Serving Tiktok Trends

@username3147600375

Parang may mali

♬ walshy bae owns this sound – RECXRDDEAL

Are you even besties if you haven’t dropped TikToks together? Well, KyleDrea doesn’t dissappoint. If you scroll through their feeds, you’ll find them slaying every trend. Our personal fave is their attempt at the Super Bass trend—Kyle totally tried his best.

These Besties are Swifties

@username3147600375

♬ original sound – Username0234561189

If you need another reason to stan KyleDrea, this bestie duo are Swifties, though at admittedly two different levels.

THAT FIBA Kiss Cam Moment

@mojokyledrea i lov:kiss cam (bff version)🤭🧡 #kyleecharri #andreabrillantes #kyledrea #fyp #fypシ゚viral #fypシ ♬ original sound – KYLEDREA

Kyle Echarri and Andrea Brillantes were the talk of the town during the FIBA games. When they found themselves on the infamous kiss cam, Kyle gave Andrea a quick kiss on the forehead instead. Naturally, KyleDrea gave everyone butterflies with that wholesome gesture.

Another FIBA Moment

@blightcws ang saya nila aaaaaaa >> #andreabrillantes #kyleecharri #kyledrea #blythe #fyp ♬ original sound – jay

In another FIBA moment, KyleDrea was caught in a proposal and we’re living for their genuine (and matching) reaction. We’re all about people celebrating other people’s happiness.

Wanderlust Buddies

@echarripapi

new podcast series called "Perspectives" with blythe up on my YouTube channel tomorrow at 6pm.

♬ original sound – Kyle Echarri

KyleDrea isn’t just serving #BFFGoals—they’re travel goals too! We’ve spotted them in Cebu, on a yacht, and on a jet ski, but recently, they posted pictures of themselves hiking.

We Are Family

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marichu 🦋 (@marie_gp22)

Sometimes, friends become family, and KyleDrea is living proof. Last week, Kyle’s mom posted about a family dinner with Andrea, complete with baby playtime!

Continue Reading: I Finally Understand Why Ending Friendships Feels Like An Actual Breakup

Trouble may be brewing among the student body of Northford High, but off the set, the Gen Z stars of hit series Senior High give off major bestie vibes!

Related: What to Expect in “Senior High” Starring Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, and Xyriel Manabat

Senior High started airing August 28th, and it’s chock-full of secrets, suspense, drama, and serious and sensitive issues. Its star-studded cast includes young stars Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, Xyriel Manabat, Juan Karlos Labajo, Elijah Canlas, Zaijan Jaranilla, Daniela Stranner, Miggy Jimenez, Tommy Alejandrino, and Gela Atayde. However, when the cameras are off, this young Gen Z cast gets to goof around and have fun as friends do!

From TikToks to pretend talk shows, hangouts and events, these stars make the most of their time and friendship together as they work on the game-changing youth-oriented thriller.

CHIKA SESSIONS WITH BLYTHE AND XYRIEL

@username3147600375

Sky nyo may chika kay roxy haha

♬ No Me Diga – Daphne Rubin-Vega & Stephanie Beatriz & Dascha Polanco & Leslie Grace & Melissa Barrera

In a video that only spurred our curiosity, Senior High leads and close friends Andrea and Xyriel used the “tell me something I don’t know” TikTok audio from In the Heights to spill some clearly piping hot tea—a secret that required emoji censors to prevent even lip readers from finding out! The follow up TikTok was also giving “tried-and-true besties trying to knock some sense into each other” as a Xyriel playfully throws Andrea around in a bout of gigil in response to the secret.

DOGSHOW TALK SHOW SHENANIGANS

They’re so unserious! In Kyle’s newest vlog, co-stars Juan Karlos and Elijah have some fun playing around with the concept of a talk show, where they invite Andrea to talk about what’s been bothering her today. (Spoiler alert: she’s got some unfortunate bathroom troubles.) The fake characters, the serious, dramatic acting and music, and the “crime” and the “conviction,” make for a hilarious watch.

COORDINATED OUTFITS

Instagram/ericjohnsalut

Don’t they look like they’re a group of friends going to a concert? Or a dance crew ready to rock the stage? For their appearance on ASAP, the crew donned funky matching ‘fits in the show’s signature purple as they promoted Senior High to a lively audience.

POBLA NIGHTS

i love how senior high cast hang out outside of taping 🥹🫶🏻💘 LOVE THIS CAST SM https://t.co/J2l7LYdjVR

— ayla (@kyldrew) September 3, 2023

Spotted in Poblacion, Makati: the Senior High cast taking in the vibrant nightlife! What’s a friendship without fun night outs, right? At the end of theirs, the cast say their goodbyes to each other and the fans that ran into them. Apparently, Andrea also gave a rose to one of the fans! Hopefully they all had a great night.

RIDING THE TIKTOK TRENDS

@blythe SENIOR HIGH MAMAYA NA PO! 9:30PM sa kapamilya channel, kapamilya online live , iwanttfc, A2Z, jeepney tv at tv5! ! #fyp #seniorhigh ♬ nhạc nền – xiao xiao 💦

We all know how Andrea loves her TikToks, particularly the recent “Sandy Super Bass” trend she’s done several times with different people. It’s a special treat when she got the Northford High students all together for a quick TikTok dance on the day the series premiered. And with the uniforms, they even look so much like those friend groups who do TikToks in their school hallways!

Continue Reading: Senior High is Giving Teens and Troubles a New Look on Primetime

Meet Sophia Nuestro, a 23-year-old fresh graduate and the proud owner of SONU Vintage.

Related: How This Filipino Creative Went From College Dropout To In-Demand Makeup Artist

Thrift. Repurpose. Rewear. Once a taboo topic in the fashion scene, the growing market for pre-loved items is now being more widely accepted and shopped by the masses, especially with Gen Z. With a continuous fight against throwaway culture and fast fashion, today’s trends are pointing towards clothing pieces that our parents probably still have hanging in their closets. Of course, you can snag secondhand goodies from vintage markets, thrift shops, and sidewalk vendors. In tandeem with the power of social media, Gen Z isn’t just paving the way for a more sustainable future— they’re also creating their own success stories.

For Sophia Nuestro, she’s all about redefining vintage. Starting as an online business venture for her pre-loved clothing collection, this self-made Gen Z entrepreneur turned a small-time hustle into the ultimate hotspot for celebrities and content creators. Meet the 23-year-old fresh graduate and the proud owner of SONU Vintage, your one-stop-shop for vintage (and authentic) designer pieces.

A One-Woman Team

Sophia managed all the ins-and-outs of SONU Vintage, from sourcing the designer pieces and curating collections, to advertising and packing parcels. Did we mention that this business girlie started SONU Vintage while she’s getting a degree in the University of Santo Tomas?

Well, nothing stopped Sophia from working hard on her business venture. “Balancing academics alone is really hard; adding business to the picture is much harder. Time management is really the key. When I have free time, I use it productively and also multitask. Looking back, I was listening to school discussions through Zoom while preparing parcels for shipping,” she explained.

From Facebook live selling to becoming financially-free (and now traveling the world), get to know more about this self-made Gen Z by reading the interview below.

How did SONU Vintage come about?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonu Vintage (@sonuvintage)

Sonu Vintage began as a vintage designer shop on Instagram. I curate collections from luxury bag brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Christian Dior, Céline, and many more. In fact, the brand initially started when I began selling preloved and thrifted clothing. Once I had accumulated enough capital to launch my first ‘bag collection,’ I emptied my bank account and took the risk.

When did you realize that SONU Vintage was genuinely growing as a brand? 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonu Vintage (@sonuvintage)

I realized SONU Vintage was truly growing as a brand when my sales kept increasing, going from selling 10 items to over 100 items in a single collection. Additionally, being recognized and followed by celebrities and content creators I totally admire was a significant milestone. Then there are customers making repeat purchases, it was incredibly rewarding; it’s a whole new level of kilig.

What was your first big break?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonu Vintage (@sonuvintage)

I believe it was my recent LV Collection. One morning, I woke up to our Instagram DMs flooded with inquiries from Europeans about the items. I was curious about how they found out about my shop, and then I realized that I had recently posted a TikTok video that had garnered a significant number of views and engagement in European countries! Interestingly, it was the same collection in which I achieved my first seven-digit sales in a single collection alone.

What were the challenges that you faced as a young entrepreneur? 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOPHIA (@sophianuestro)

Figuring things out on my own and starting from scratch, the early stages of business have been the most challenging for me. It’s difficult not to compare yourself to those who already have large followings and successful, sold-out collections. I find myself making these comparisons, which is unfair to myself. I once read, ‘We shouldn’t compare our early stage to someone else’s peak,’ and that really rings true.

What are the pros and cons of owning a business at a young age?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOPHIA (@sophianuestro)

Pros: You can earn your own money, and it feels really good not to rely on your parents for financial support. I was able to pay for my own tuition fees, cover our monthly bills, and start building my savings. Now, I get to travel and explore the world.

Cons: It’s quite unusual to have slow days and just lie in bed for some Netflix and chill. My health is also at risk since I engage in live selling until very late at night, causing me to sleep late.

What’s your message for aspiring young entrepreneurs? 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonu Vintage (@sonuvintage)

First, figure out the type of business that truly interests you. It’s crucial to have a passion for your business because you should be your own biggest supporter. Second, focus on your own path; don’t compare yourself to others. Every successful entrepreneur didn’t start with high sales. Lastly, just go for it; you’ll never know until you start!

Continue Reading: Beachside Coffee? Maris Racal Just Opened A Cute Cafe In La Union

An approach popularized on social media, a skincare smoothie is the next self care layering.

Related: Yes, A Skincare Order Exists, And This Is What You Should Follow ASAP

In the ever-evolving world of Instagram beauty gurus and TikTok skincare hacks, we’re being introduced to skincare smoothies. An approach popularized on social media, a skincare smoothie is the next skincare layering. Imagine creams, moisturizers, and serums—all of your skincare must-haves—carefully concocted into a handful (or more accurately, a glob) of product.

And when skincare smoothies are mentioned, one beauty brand comes to mind: Drunk Elephant. I would wager that you’ve spotted those pop-colored products somewhere, whether in the store or on social media. ICYDK, these are clean and minimalist skincare products that are supposedly suitable for every skin type. I recently started trying their products and I must say that I’m obsessed (and a little overwhelmed as a beginner). If you’re like me, here’s what you should know about skincare smoothies and must-try recipes.

What are Skincare Smoothies, Exactly?

@leanne_page Replying to @stella drunk elephant skincare smoothie 🤍 what routine should I do next? #drunkelephant #skincaresmoothie #skincare #skincareroutine #skincareasmr ♬ stargirl – lana del rey

When you’re feeling tired the morning after a wild party, there’s a hangover smoothie for faster recovery. Then there’s pre-workout smoothies and your daily dose of morning smoothies for energy boost. Like choosing ingredients for your beverage based on what your body craves, you should select products for your skincare smoothies based on your skin’s needs.

Imagine a new day, new smoothie—blend products with your skin type in mind. Nevertheless, I always advise people to consider their skin’s concerns as well. I concoct my skincare smoothies depending on what my skin feels that day. While it’s naturally oily, it could sometimes feel dehydrated in a cold room or become balanced after my period. Listen to your skin, it doesn’t always require the same treatment.

Skincare Layering vs. Skincare Smoothies

@joshzeichnermd Layering vs mixing your skincare #skincaretiktok #skincaretips #retinol #sunscreen #learnedontiktok #Dermatologist ♬ Sunny Day – Ted Fresco

Generally (and I mean very generally) speaking, skincare layering is a suggested sequence for applying skincare products: cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing, and then sunscreen. But before overthink your skincare routine, I can’t stress enough that there is no correct amount of products. Whether your routine consists of two steps, three steps, or five steps— the choice is yours.

Between layering and skincare smoothies, the deal-breaker here is the time spent on your skincare sesh. With beauty brands like Drunk Elephant, some skincare products are formulated for a one-step only routine. As an on-the-go girlie, those extra minutes are a life saver.

Are there any skincare ingredients that should NOT be mixed together?

@bellamaddd highly requested vid: what ingredients to mix and what NOT to mix in skincare 😤 #skincare #skincareph #skincaretips ♬ original sound – Bella🔅@isabellieeee (IG) – Bella ♡

Creating your very own skincare smoothies and trying these various cocktails is a skin-loving type of fun. While there aren’t rigid guidelines and rules, be cautious when combining active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and Retinols. Also, don’t blend sunscreens and skin tints into your skincare smoothie as well. The bottom line is—unless the skincare products are explicitly formulated by the manufacturers to be mixed, then don’t.

With Drunk Elephant products, creams, serums, and oils can become a skincare smoothie in the palms of your hands, allowing you to apply them all at the same time. Take note that the long list of recipes doesn’t include C – Firma Fresh Day Serum and T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, with one formulated for nighttime use and the other for your morning routine. Then again, apply the Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 last. Remember, the protective zinc sits on the skin’s surface and should always be the last step in your daily skincare routine.

Skincare Smoothie Recipes

@leanne_page Replying to @stella drunk elephant skincare smoothie 🤍 what routine should I do next? #drunkelephant #skincaresmoothie #skincare #skincareroutine #skincareasmr ♬ stargirl – lana del rey

Recall the basic lesson from skincare 101: it’s dry, oily, or sensitive skin. But here’s the thing: our skin needs are constantly changing depending on the products, the weather, and our overall lifestyle. Disclaimer: these recipes are mere recommendations for specific skin types. Feel free to mix and match them depending on your skin concerns.

Dry Skin: Lala Retro Whipped Cream + B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum + Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

Oily Skin: Protini Polypeptide Cream + T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum + T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Sensitive Skin: Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser + Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray + F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial

Continue Reading: This Year, Double Down On Self-Love With These Skincare Resolutions

[OPINION] The concept of glimmers help us find joy and hope in the everyday, but can we rely on them to truly change our lives?

Related: The Joys of a Solo Movie Date (and Why There’s Nothing Wrong About It)

To put it simply, “glimmers” refer to the experience of small moments of joy and positivity in everyday life. As each experience puts us in a state of peace and happiness, when they accumulate over time, they move us towards hope and a sense of overall well-being.

@shaynateresetaylor I love the idea of focusing on these throughout your day 🤍 what glimmers have you noticed recently? #foryou #glimmer #glimmers #smallmoments #slowliving #slowlivinglifestyle #romanticizeyourlife #intentionalliving #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness ♬ Bird Song – Nature Sounds and Music for Sleep and Relaxation

Glimmers “could be seeing a friendly face, hearing a soothing sound, or noticing something enjoyable in the environment,” clinician and social worker Deb Dana writes in her book Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring The Self in Safety. Glimmers could be laughing with your friends, feeling your pet cuddling up to you, watching a beautiful sunset, or belting out your favorite karaoke song.

Introduced by Dana, “glimmers” is a relatively newly-identified concept rooted in finding hope in the mundane. But why is it suddenly making the rounds on social media? And what do “finding our glimmers” really achieve?

WHY PEOPLE ARE EMBRACING GLIMMERS

@yourmillennialpsych Alam niyo ba ang opposite ng triggers? #LearnItOnTikTok #triggers #glimmers ♬ original sound – Riyan Portuguez, RPsy, RPm

The concept of glimmers has been spreading across social media, among the many concepts relating to health and well-being that make their way into the collective consciousness of the chronically online and even beyond—for better or for worse.

Dana writes that people pay more attention to negative events than positive ones, but being introduced to the concept of glimmers allows us to be aware of them and their possibilities, and in turn, we start to look for more. As stressors increase in our ever-so-chaotic world, it makes sense that we cling onto things that can make the days just that much brighter.

HOW GLIMMERS CAN HELP OUR WELL-BEING

@realtalk.therapist Replying to @Mary Petrie have you heard of TRAUMA GLIMMERS? #traumatok #traumatiktok #couplestherapy #therapytok #healingtok #therapistsontiktok #traumatized ♬ CUFF IT – Beyoncé

The more we are made aware of the glimmers, the more we look for them, and the more they can, albeit slightly, change our days. They can help, and they can heal. Glimmers can remind us that in this difficult life, there are still good things. It’s a beautiful sentiment, really. Finding joy in the small things helps us keep going. You could say you had a good day simply because something funny happened to your friend, or because you took a walk and the sunshine made everything golden.

Glimmers ground and bring us to what Dana calls a “ventral state,” in which life seems more manageable: “We see options, have hope, and hear new stories. We connect to ourselves, to others, to the world around us, and to Spirit. We are regulated and ready to engage.” This aspect of glimmers implicitly highlights the inherent connection we have to things beyond ourselves.

Finding glimmers, holding them close, allows us to find the good and face our days with a strength rooted in hope.

A SOLUTION TO EVERYTHING?

@jodie.melissa Some wellness trends that it’s time to deinfluence… #deinfluencer #deinfluencing #toxicwellnessculture #toxicwellness ♬ original sound – jodie.melissa

These days, more and more concepts surrounding well-being are being identified and embraced on social media in attempts to find genuine joy and peace during a time when everything just feels like it’s falling apart.

There are, of course, arguments against the ever-increasing concepts of wellness in favor of criticism and action against systemic issues. On one hand, prevalent skepticism in TikTok health and wellness culture is perfectly understandable. Discussion has even sparked on if wellness culture, exacerbated by social media, is going too far. The lack of infrastructure for health and well-being also forces us to find our own ways to go on with our days.

Further, the onus of well-being often falls on the individual—we just have to accept that life is hard. We just have to stay resilient. Isn’t that such a familiar sentiment? But for how long can we accept things as they are and not collectively try and make things better?

MOVING US FORWARD

@theholisticpsychologist Glimmers ☀️ #selfhealers #glimmers #healingtiktok #healingjourney ♬ Chill Day – LAKEY INSPIRED

On the other hand, many also argue in favor of pursuing mental wellness and well-being. You can’t ignore your mental and psychological well-being and live in despair, burning yourself out trying to change a world seemingly wanting to bring you to your knees.

It’s difficult to think of it as an either-or situation. We can’t expect finding glimmers will cure our mental illnesses or solve the problems of someone who’s trying to make ends meet, but we also can’t live out our days believing there’s no hope left. Dana even tells Newsweek that glimmers don’t take away the trauma or the suffering, but it’s a reminder that our biology can hold all that pain and still, we can experience sparks of joy.

There’s no harm in finding and experiencing glimmers, and there’s no harm in using all that hope to carry us forward.

As social media, in particular, lays bare the complexity of humanity, there is definitely a space in the world for us to find our glimmers and find joy in our days, while still refusing to take things as they are and pushing for something better.

Continue Reading: What Viral Game Monopoly GO! Has Taught Me About Humanity

Here are some fast facts about Sophia Laforteza, up-and-coming superstar and the only Filipino competitor on The Debut: Dream Academy!

Related: Meet the Only Filipina Competing for A Spot in HYBE X Geffen’s New Global Girl Group

In case you didn’t know, Sophia Elizabeth G. Laforteza is competing to become part of the newest global girl group formed by K-Pop industry leader HYBE’s collaboration with American record label Geffen Records! Using her talent in singing and performance, the 20-year-old Filipino artist will participate in K-pop survival reality show The Debut: Dream Academy.

The show’s first episode aired on September 1 along with the competitors’ introduction videos. While we’ll definitely learn more about Sophia during her The Debut: Dream Academy journey, for now here are some fast facts about the up-and-coming it-girl.

She’s the only Filipina to make it to the final 20 of Dream Academy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚊 𝙻𝚊𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣𝚊 👑 (@sophia_laforteza)

Out of hundreds of thousands of applicants all over the world, Sophia Laforteza is the only Filipino performer who made it to the top 20 finalists competing for a spot in the new girl group. With her style, talent, and pride in her Filipino roots, Sophia is blazing a trail for the new generation by taking the chance to be a world-renowned artist under one of the biggest K-Pop companies in the world.

Talent is in her blood.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carla Guevara Laforteza (@carlaguevaraofficial)

As the daughter of actress and performer Carla Guevara Laforteza and chef and former performance artist Godfrey Laforteza, Sophia’s very genetic makeup is filled with talent and ambition. Her parents have also been constantly rooting for her on social media since the Dream Academy lineup was announced.

She’s an ARMY—just like her dad!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚊 𝙻𝚊𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣𝚊 👑 (@sophia_laforteza)

In an Instagram post, Sophia showed off her purple blood as she posed with her father after watching supergroup BTS’ Permission to Dance in Seoul livestream. Dressed to the nines, with an ARMY lightstick in hand, we can plainly see her love for the boys, and we can only guess how excited or nervous she was to audition for the company that houses her idols.

The Debut: Dream Academy isn’t her first time in the spotlight.

At the young age of 5, Sophia made a guest appearance with her family in the Philippine talk show She Said, She Said where she talked about how she wanted to be a pediatrician and a performer. She also showed off her pipes by dueting with her mother!

She’s been singing since she was 3, and she’s been dancing for around the same time.

@sophialaforteza #duet with @clintonkane ib: @ysawitha_y ♬ original sound – clintonkane

Sophia’s been showing her talent on social media for years, and let us tell you—this girl can sing. We’ll let her TikToks speak for itself. Also, at five years old, she was already taking a variety of dance lessons at Julie Borromeo’s dance studio! She mentioned in She Said, She Said that she loved dancing and wanted to be an artist just like her mother.

Her confidence took a hit after an ankle injury—but she bounced back stronger than ever.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚊 𝙻𝚊𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣𝚊 👑 (@sophia_laforteza)

In her intro video for The Debut: Dream Academy, Sophia revealed she had to sit out some of her work due to an ankle injury and that it really affected her confidence. “I need you to give your everything,” she told herself. Once recovered, Sophia bounced back tenfold and performed well in one of her “strongest months in the program.”

Being nurturing and practicing self-love are integral to her character.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚊 𝙻𝚊𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣𝚊 👑 (@sophia_laforteza)

Sophia believes being nurturing is a special characteristic of Filipinos, and that it’s a big part of who she is, as well. After her ankle injury, she pushed herself to do her best and told herself that she deserves to be where she is. Self-love, no matter how “cheesy,” as she said in her introduction video, helped her “a lot” and allowed her to continue pursuing her dreams.

She graduated in 2021 with high honors and adorned with medals.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carla Guevara Laforteza (@carlaguevaraofficial)

Sophia is a graduate of the Humanities and Social Sciences strand from Multiple Intelligence International School. She won 10 awards and 7 medals, proving that the young trainee is not just a superstar in the talent industry, but also in school! Bonus: she was also accelerated in school at a young age.

She has a killer fashion sense.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚊 𝙻𝚊𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚣𝚊 👑 (@sophia_laforteza)

One look through Sophia’s Instagram and you’ll see how trendy and stylish the 20-year-old is. From pink pants to sequined dresses, her clothing pieces are always styled to perfection. She exudes an effortless, genuine charm through her fashion, and we’re this close to spamming her with questions as to where she gets her collection of boots.

She’s going to be performing Paramore’s Still Into You with fellow competitors Lara, Celeste, Samara, and Nayoung.

@dreamacademyhq Are you ready for Mission 1? ✨Your first chance to watch and vote for your Dream Academy fav is coming Sep 6. Watch the announcement now on YouTube! #DREAMACADEMYHQ #HYBEGEFFEN #HYBE #GEFFEN ♬ original sound – Dream Academy HQ

The girls’ first mission on The Debut: Dream Academy was revealed on September 1. Split into four teams—two dance and two vocal teams—the competitors will perform their assigned songs to secure their spot in the next stage of the show. Sophia’s team, Vocal Team B, will be performing a special arrangement of Paramore’s Still Into You.

All of the performances will premiere on September 6, 11 PM Philippine time on YouTube. After the missions, two girls will be eliminated, so be sure to stay in-the-know about voting by joining the Dream Academy Weverse community and checking on their socials!

Mark your calendars and set your alarms. ⏰

The Dream Academy curriculum just dropped.

‘Mission #1 Performance Videos’ are coming Sep 6th on HYBE Labels.#DREAMACADEMYHQ #HYBEGEFFEN #HYBE #GEFFEN pic.twitter.com/qYPaW2MzA9

— The Debut: Dream Academy (@dreamacademyhq) September 2, 2023

Stay tuned on the Dream Academy website, socials, and HYBE LABELS+ on YouTube to be updated with the show and Sophia’s journey! Voting also begins September 6th on Weverse and YouTube.

Continue Reading: All the Major Announcements From HYBE’s Community Event Briefing