Nadine Lustre on Her Creative Independence

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“Multi-hyphenate” is a term that gets tossed around often, but it’s a title that fits Nadine Lustre like a glove. We’ve seen Nadine grow from a teen actor into a FAMAS awardee, a singer, an unofficial Siargao ambassador, and an environmental advocate. Every milestone required a push against the boundaries set on young talents, and […]

Waiian on Embracing an Authentic Sound

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Change is inevitable—all the more towards the reformation of Filipino sound. The industry proudly welcomes flavors from across the archipelago, gearing towards a community inclusive of voice and aesthetics. A sense of bayanihan (togetherness) is rooted in Original Pilipino Music (OPM)—growing and evolving together. With the rap/hip-hop wheels churning in the present, Waiian procures a […]

Season Pass’ Lean Torres and Red Moraleta on Riding the Vintage Wave

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Vintage continues to reign as a go-to wardrobe tenant. Its movement generates stylishness with hints of nostalgia, amassing a global audience. With present fashion trends seeping onto Philippine soil, acquiring such garments brings accessibility—with the nearby ukay (thrift) and fledgling Instagram stores settling as premier options. Despite the influx of vintage curators in the present, […]

Miss A and Fateeha on Modern-Day Filipino Femcees

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While Filipino hip-hop has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to female representation, the culture has seen sporadic debuts of wildly talented femcees. The sibling duo of Miss A & Fateeha is the latest in a long line that proves that women more than deserve a spot. Born to long-time producer […]

DBTK’s Emil and Vince Javier on Being the Gateway to Filipino Streetwear

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For many purveyors of Filipino streetwear, Don’t Blame The Kids was their gateway to the culture. Launched in 2012 by brothers Emil and Vince Javier, DBTK rose when international labels like Supreme and Stussy dominated the scene. The brand would evolve from small stalls at conventions to launching high-profile collaborations with H&M and Pokemon, showcasing […]

Because on the Evolution of Filipino Love Songs

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Filipinos, at their core, are hopeless romantics. What cannot be expressed in cheesy hugot lines or words of affection, we leave to music. Mainstream pop led the way, with OPM offerings that deal with love found, lost, butterflies in our stomachs, and will they/won’t they moments. But a recent evolution has seen R&B and soul […]

Jack Animam on the Future of PH Women’s Basketball

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Basketball will forever be considered the Philippines’ unofficial national sport, as history evidences the people’s unwavering support and criticality. With cagers populating the broadcasts, showcasing local or international fixtures, the once male-dominated sport undergoes a timely reform—welcoming the fledgling female talent across the archipelago. 2013 saw the emergence of Jack Animam, from an avid badminton […]

Nika Higashionna on the Convergence of Style and Hype

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Fashion in the Philippines has been predominantly traditional—with the 2000s channeling a reform in adapting more foreign influences. Choosing the perfect fit transcends the mere utility of being clothed but presents a persona rich in personal expression and taste. With “hype” options playing a recurring wardrobe component in the past decade, the ability to incorporate […]

Jeff Ong & Rhea Bue-Ong

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Sneaker culture has evolved beyond the initial throngs of hip-hop and basketball. Virgil Abloh famously led the bridging of streetwear and luxury clothing with his Off-White collaboration with Nike on “The Ten,” and the movement has continued in audiences integrating iconic silhouettes in a wide range of styles. Sustaining this culture are content creators like […]

Pauline Lopez

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Famously known as a basketball country, recent times have seen the Philippines succeed in more individualistic sports. Filipinos have been scooping up medals in international tourneys featuring weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and karate, emphasizing an innate skill in fields that place little emphasis on height and length. Pauline Lopez is an enduring example of this evolution. The […]