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QuaranTrends: Online Trends During Quarantine

One year ago, everyone thought that the quarantine would only last for a week, who would have thought that it would last this long? Pinoys can never be stuck at home doing nothing, we must always have something to do to entertain ourselves, and because of that several trends posted in social media were made and tried.

We listed several trends we all have been obsessed with for the entire year.

Dalgona Coffee

I will never forget how many times I experienced hand cramp for whisking the coffee to create the perfect dalgona coffee. This trend started after a TV show clip of South Korean actor Jung Il Woo tried to whip a coffee at a café in Macau.

Tiktok

TikTok’s popularity rose during the pandemic. It is composed of different videos of TikTok users creating energetic and fun videos. We are all hooked up with #challenges and dance routine made by other users. This app is a breath of fresh air where users can interact and produce content.

Shop! Shop! Shop!

Online shoppers have increased in numbers at the beginning of the quarantine until now. Since we cannot go outside we rely more on online shops to provide our cravings, needs and necessities. I remember waiting almost every month for the monthly sale of my favorite shopping apps.

Boys Love Series

The number of Boys Love fans in the Philippines has been at its peak during the quarantine. Even if Filipino BL existed before, we cannot deny that “2gether:The Series” opened up the hearts of Pinoy fans to BL series. Later on, a lot of Filipino writers and directors have taken the risk and produced BL series in the Philippines. Some of them are: Gaya sa Pelikula, Game Boys, Hello Stranger and etc.

Certified Plantito and Plantita

Filipinos found a more relaxing hobby this quarantine. Everybody seems to enjoy planting and being called a “plantito/pantita”. This has been a healthy coping mechanism to survive the depressing state of our country due to the pandemic.

“Wala naman kasing ibang pwedeng gawin, at least sa pagtatanim naiiwas atensyon mo sa mga nakakastress na bagay for a while.” Noemi Batsantos, a certified plantita.

Virtual Parties

Since we are no longer allowed to conduct a social gathering due to the threats of Coronavirus, virtual parties and meetings arise. Zoom and Google Meet has been a very useful tool to conduct such online gatherings.

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MNL48 Abby hailed as Third Generation’s Center

As part of the three day online event of MNL48’s Third General Election, MNL 48 announces the final results of the Third General Election last Februay 20, 2021 on It’s Showtime where MNL48 Abby was declared as the Third Generation’s Center.

“I’m very happy, I’m so happy! I’m emotional right now because I can’t believe I’m the third Generation’s Center! I am excited to be the next Center for the 7th single! I am very thankful for the support of my fans and I’m going to do my very best to make all of my supporters proud of me.” said MNL48 Abby.

Before being elected as the Third Generation’s Center, Abby ranked at the 3rd spot during the Second General Election last 2019.

The said annual event is based on the fans’ votes on who they think should be included in the group’s Top 48 which is based on MNL48’s international sister group, AKB48.

The girls will be categorized based on their rankings. Official members who ranked 1 to 16 will be declared as the Senbatsu, Top 17 to 32 will be called as the Under Girls, and girls who will be on Rank 33 to 36 are official members of MNL48 and considered as reserves for Undergirls and/or Senbatsu in case of unavailability of absence of those group members. Members who will be voted as Top 37 to 48 will be Third Generation’s Kenkyuusei or trainees.

The ranking results were completely based on the public voting which happened from March 15, 2020 to November 30, 2020 om the group’s official website and Fan Clup app by using a voting ticket which can be acquired by purchasing any selected MNL48 merchandise and MNL48 6th Single Album.

The result was checked and verified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) representative and Hallohallo Entertainment Inc. (HHE) officials to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the election data.

You can follow the official social media pages of MNL48 (@mnl48official) for more details, or visit their official website (mnl48.ph) and download the app to be in the loop and get the latest updates.

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Five Must Have Filipino Make-up Brands

Make-up is a form of artistry. Filipinos who are naturally creative, found its way on producing high quality make-up products and have been fighting to find its place in the competitive market. Despite having to deal with international brands, locally made products are beginning to be more recognized and loved by Pinoy make-up users.

We listed some Filipino make-up brands you should definitely check out!

1. COLOURETTE

We stan a versatile brand!

Colourette introduced multipurpose products for the modern Pinoy. Their products can be used for both lips and cheeks. Giving you the opportunity to save time and space in your bag. Who would have thought that one product is enough for several uses.

Their bestseller is their oil-based lip tints that come in matte finish. The product has an overwhelming quality and is very pigmented.

2. HAPPY SKIN

If you love a long lasting and effortless look, this one's for you!

Happy Skin is well known for their lightweight lip crayon with an ultra matte finish that is non-drying. Make-up users often worry of having a dry lips when trying out matte lipstick, Happy Skin made us worry no more by releasing such magnificent product

They don’t just sell make-up, skin and nail products are also available.

3. FILIPINTA

Filipinta is not just a make-up brand but a catalyst for change!

Their products are crafted and made for the natural beauty of Pinoy. They promote make-up products suited for any skin color. Stopping the toxic culture of colorism and encourage Pinoy to love their kayumanggi skin.

Their branding is inspired by Filipino folklore and culture.

4. SUNNIES FACE

We love the brand's aesthetic!

Sunnies comes with a minimalist look. The formula and the feel of their lipstick is what made their customers come for more. It gives a moisturizing feel yet will give you a matte finish.

We assure you that this brand can compete with most of the international brands.

5. EVER BILENA

A classic!

An established brand loved by many. If you don't own one of these, are you even Filipino? Kidding!

This brand has been a favorite for low budget Filipino make-up users for its good quality and very affordable price. You can buy it from the nearest drug store. Best for people who still practice make-up.

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KULTURA 101 WITH CATRIONA GRAY

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Elissa Gray, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), hosts the newest web series that aims to promote Philippine Arts and Culture titled “Kultura 101”.

In celebration of the country’s Arts Month, The 5-part digital series produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) was launched last February 20, 2021

The fourth Filipina Miss Universe titleholder described that the said web series will help its viewers discover the country's hidden gems such as the Philippine textiles, dances, food, and other things depicting the Filipino culture

“It has to do with my love of Philippine culture and arts. It really was a journey of discovery for me and little by little, I fell in love with different arts, crafts, food, music, and textile,” the beauty queen said.

Catriona stated that being an NCCA ambassador gave her the opportunity to discover new things and realization. She said. "Arts allowed us to be connected with each other. Arts are meant to be shared."

For its premiere, Kultura 101 aired its first episode titled “Parikitan” which was uploaded on Catriona Gray’s social media platforms. It discussed the pre-colonial and indigenous jewelry and accessories, and tattoos.

Watch the first episode of Kultura 101 here and share your thoughts by leaving comments to Catriona and the team behind the show for its commendable purpose which is champion Filipino arts and culture.

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Swipe Right: Love May Be 10 km Away

Looking for that special someone who you can share the same energy and vibe with, is never easy. This pandemic makes it even harder to find “the one”. The current situation we are in has rewritten the rules of finding our soulmate. Bars are close, gatherings were strictly prohibited, meeting with other people is not a very responsible and smart move - considering the current status of our country.

Luckily, we still have a chance in love! With our technology today, we can easily connect and find a companionship online! All it takes is a right swipe.

Dating apps have been used by plenty even before the quarantine, but the number of users expanded during quarantine last March 2020.

According to a survey on mobile dating apps conducted by Rakuten Insight in September 2020, approximately 71 percent of Filipino respondents between 16 and 24 years old stated that they use the mobile dating app called Tinder the most. The same survey found that around 42 percent of the respondents used mobile dating apps in the Philippines.

Paula Joy San Blas, a 22 year old college student is one of many youth who have tried using dating apps. She started even before the pandemic but has been more active during quarantine.

Tinder and Bumble are the dating applications she usually uses.

Tinder is one of the most widely-used mobile dating applications, not just in the Philippines, but all over the world. Tinder aims to connect people in nearby proximities, it effectively allows other people to figure out a user’s location. Swipe left in Tinder means you’re not interested to the profile you currently see on your screen. Swiping the profile to your right means you like the user. After swiping, it’ll give you another profile you can choose from.

On the other hand, Bumble is like Tinder except that only female users can make the first contact with matched male users, but in same-sex matches, either person can send a message first. Matches will expire in 24 hours, but if both parties share a conversation, then it will not expire.

There are lots of different dating apps you can choose from, some are Grindr, OkCupid, Badoo and etc. Check the terms and conditions of the dating app you use, install the app that makes you feel safe with the identity details you post online.

Installing this application doesn’t guarantee you of finding your special someone, chances may be big or small, depending on several factors - location and users during the time you install.

However, Paula is one of the lucky users who have found her match. She has been in a relationship with someone she met online. It doesn’t last long but what they had, she believed, is true and is treasured.

Dating apps, according to Paula, can be a bridge towards finding “the perfect match” but actually committing and having a relationship is a different thing.

Just like in face-to-face dating, you should also be cautious, you may also encounter catfish. Someone who uses false information to cultivate a persona online that does not represent their true identity. This commonly involves using stolen or edited photos, usually taken from an unwitting third party.

Therefore, Paula has a message for people who are planning to install dating apps, “Be wise enough, people who you met online will always be dangerous. Be vigilant while also enjoying the fun of using these apps. Always look for someone with a verified account on the said app to make sure that those are not poser accounts.”

Meeting someone, whether online or face-to-face, is both a risk. Guard both of your physical safety, and your mental state.

Using dating apps can be exhausting, it may take a lot of hello and goodbyes before you meet someone that matches your vibe. I personally recommend that you install this, only if you’re ready to take the leap on committing.

What are your thoughts about this suki? Will you swipe right or left to dating apps?

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Check out these hilarious ‘Paubaya’ memes that have been making the rounds online

With over 7 million views in just 24 hours, Moira Dela Torre’s “Paubaya” music video definitely dominated the online community. The song is about a story of loving someone and being left with no choice but to let them go because you are no longer the reason of their happiness.

Despite of its heartbreak message, netizens still managed to make the situation a funny one. Filipinos showed their wit and sense of humor to take their “Paubaya”-related posts to the next level. Here are some memes that have surfaced on the internet:

DON’T LET YOUR PROFESSORS SEE THIS

PAYDAY FEELS :’(

TECHNICALLY NOT A MEME BUT SAME 

SMILING THRU THE PAIN

HAPI ASH WEDNESDAY, FRIENDS!

These are just some of the funniest memes that were produced from Moira’s latest single. How about you? What is your favorite paubaya meme?

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Self Love: Filipino Romantic Movies to Watch on Valentine's Day

Hello, Suki!

Valentine’s day is around the corner. A day for love and romance, for chocolates and flowers, hugs and kisses. But for some, it is a day for longing - a sip from a bitter tea. But worry no more, for your time will come. Valentine’s day will be as magical as what other couples tell us. For now, a comfy bed, hot cocoa and Filipino romantic movies that will  the butterflies in your stomach wild is the best company you could ever have. We listed several movies you must watch on Valentine's day. Enjoy!

100 Tula Para Kay Stella

This movie is not your typical college boy who likes the cool rockstar girl. It is more of a journey of shortcoming, growth, acceptance and everything in between. Fidel (JC Santos), a freshman college who limits himself in speaking more than three words, met Stella (Bella Padilla) during their freshman night. The encounter sparks a friendship due to Fidel’s stained pants - a friendship turned into a one sided love only expressed by Fidel’s 100 poems written on his notebook.  If you love coming of age movies, this ones for you!

Starring: JC Santos and Bella Padilla Directed and Written by: Jason Paul Laxamana

Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?

Here’s for the fans of the iconic 90’s love team - Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin. A story of two best friends who obviously have feelings for each other but are unable to express themselves, not until they play matchmaker to each other, triggering the hidden feelings to show. This is a god-tier friend zone movie, totally recommended for people who currently have a crush on their bestfriend. 

“Oh yes. Kaibigan mo lang ako… And I’m so stupid to make the biggest mistake of falling in love with my best friend.” - Bujoy (Jolina Magdangal)

Starring: Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal Directed by: Jerry Lopez Sineneng

A Very Special Love

Who doesn’t love a romantic-comedy movie, right? This story is neither too profound nor too light. It is about a bubbly lady met a cold, over achieving guy, their attitude doesn’t match but surprisingly found a spark of romance. Whether you’re single or heartbroken this movie will surely give you a good time. You better take note of Laida and Miggy’s “da moves”. It might come in handy in the future *wink*

Starring: John Loyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo Directed by: Cathy Garcia Molina

Alone Together

Maybe one of the reasons why you don’t have a date on a Valentine’s day night is because you’re still in love with someone else? Mmmmm… Well, we just have a movie for you! Alone Together is a movie of a once college lovers who end up breaking-up due to personal reasons. Eight years later, they reunite. A lot has changed, except for their feelings for each other. Can they go back on what they used to be? This movie will make you message your ex. Kidding! Definitely, recommended. 

Starring: Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano Directed by: Antoinette Jadaone

Barcelona: A Love Untold

Sometimes, the reason we can’t fly is because we bind ourselves to our past. If you’re currently under the sheets not being able to move forward because of your past, at your own pace, learn to accept your shortcomings and embrace what’s ahead. This movie might inspire you to finally close the last chapter of your life and proceed to another. This movie teaches its viewers to let go of the past, learn from its mistakes and take one step forward. 

Starring: Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo Directed by: Olivia Lamasan 

You don’t have to feel alone this Valentine’s day, you can still celebrate love without having a partner. Treat yourself a good movie marathon date, relax and enjoy!

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THERE IS A SONG FOR THAT: LISTEN TO THESE HIMIG HANDOG WINNERS THIS COMING VALENTINES DAY!

Valentine’s Day will never be the same for everyone. Some people are excited toward receiving stuffed toys, chocolate and roses, and surprises while there are some who just let the day pass and question the thought of cheesy gifts and over-priced dinner courses. But, there is one thing that can be shared by everyone on this special day – music. Whether that can be listening to love songs or break-up songs, there’s something on the playlist for everyone.

Here are the winners of Himig Handog – the country's premier song writing competition, through the years; songs that you can vibe with this love month:

IF YOU WERE NOT CHOSEN, LISTEN TO:

KUNG AKO NA LANG SANA (2002)

It was written by Soc Villanueva and was hailed as ABS-CBN Himig Handog Music Love Song Festival’s grand prize winner last 2002 and was performed by Bituin Escalante who was also awarded as the Best Interpreter. This is the perfect song to listen by people who experienced unrequited love and were crashed for not being chosen.

IF YOU ARE NOT YET READY TO COMMIT, LISTEN TO:

KAILAN KITA MAMAHALIN (2003)

Anna Fegi won the Grand Prize of  Himig Handog (2003) competition on the ABS-CBN network with the song "Kailan Kita Mamahalin" which was composed by Arnel De Pano. The song is about a person who likes someone but is unsure to give the person a chance because of their previous experiences in love. It is all about someone’s will to love and commit to another person, but not being able to do it because half of their heart is still afraid because of the pain, fear, and doubt.

IF YOUR RELATIONTSHIP IS STARTING TO DRIFT APART, LISTEN TO:

ANONG NANYARI SA ATING DALAWA? (2013)

After 10 years, the competition made a successful comeback last 2013 and ended with "Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa" as the first place by Jovinor Tan and was interpreted by Aiza Seguerra.The song narrated the painful process of how some stories did not last forever and how it started to fall apart. It circulated on the person’s unanswered question as to want went wrong and who was to be blamed for what happened with their relationship.

IF YOU CANNOT DECIDE WHO TO CHOOSE, LISTEN TO:

MAHAL KO O MAHAL AKO (2014)

Composer Edwin Marollano bagged the competition’s grand prize last 2014.  KZ Tandingan was the chosen interpreter for Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako and also received the Favorite Interpreter Award. The said song is for those people who are stuck in a situation on who are they are going to choose – the person he/she likes or the person who loves him/her more? It was probably one of the most successful songs that were produced by Himig Handog because it was also used for several shows on ABS CBN like Nasaan Ka Nung Kailangan Kita and Love Thy Woman.

IF THINGS DIDNT GO THE WAY YOU PLANNED IT TO BE, LISTEN TO:

DALAWANG LETRA (2016)

On the year 2016, "Dalawang Letra", a song entry composed by Pinoy Dream Academy alumnus Davey Langit and interpreted by Itchyworms band was named as the grand winner. With its feel good beat, you would not expect that the song is about a guy who had false hopes and expectations from a girl she is courting. The story is about a boy who thought that everything was cool with him and the girl she likes – only to find out in the end that they do not share the same feelings.

IF YOU ARE A HUGE FAN OF MOIRA, LISTEN TO:

TITIBO-TIBO (2017)

Songwriter Libertine Amistoso won the grand prize last 2017 with her entry Titibo-tibo which was interpreted by Moira Dela Torre. Amistoso said that the song was based on her personal story and she also shared on one of her interviews that one of the reasons why she made this song is because she noticed that there are only few songs that are being produced for boyish women. However, a lot of people pointed out that there are some problematic views on the song. There were issues and criticisms saying that the song implies that being gay women is just a phase can be ‘cured’ and will eventually pass by.

IF YOURE STILL WAITING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON TO COME, LISTEN TO:

SA MGA BITUIN NALANG IBUBULONG (2018)

Sa Mga Bituin Nalang Ibubulong which was composed by Kyle Raphael Borbon, interpreted by JM de Guzman and performed by Jason Dy during the grand finals on ASAP was declared as Himig Handog 2018 Grand Winner. In a short film produced by Borbon on Youtube, he shared the story behind Sa Mga Bituin Nalang Ibubulong. He shared his realization that people are always in search for something that will be constant in their life but tend to forget those beautiful little things that they do already have. This is the perfect song to listen by those people who are still in search or who are still waiting for that one person.

IF YOU JUST WANT TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY, LISTEN TO:

MABAGAL (2019)

Dan Martel Simon Tañedo owned the Himig Handog 2019’s stage because aside from winning the grand prize for his song “Mabagal”, he also bagged all the special awards for the said event. Mabagal won the Listeners' Choice Award, MOR 101.9 Choice, MYX Best Music Video Choice Award, and the One Music Philippines Favorite Interpreter Choice Award for Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre. If you are planning to surprise your partner with a simple date and just let your hearts beat with the music, this song is definitely a perfect choice to set the mood.

Last September 26, the Top 12 finalists of the Himig Handog 2020 were introduced via ABS-CBN social media platforms and the interpreters were revealed on October 24, 2020 The grand finals day for the said competition was yet to be announced.

Regardless of what situation you are in, there is always a perfect song to describe what you are feeling. You just need to embrace your heart’s beat and find that perfect rhythm.