For many of us, our day wouldn’t be complete without listening to the radio. It’s a great way to pass the time, especially if the music is great and the DJs are entertaining. But because of the sonic nature of radio, we’re not really sure what the DJs look like. Sure, they have a great sense of humor and a voice as sweet as honey, but does the voice match the face? For many of the DJs in Manila, the answer is yes.

So we decided to investigate and check out the pretty radio DJs of Manila. The girls are all pretty and we had a hard time ranking them, so we put them in no particular order:

30. Lexy Angeles (Monster RX93.1)

Lexy may look intimidating because of her so-called “resting bitch face” and her sarcastic persona, but getting to know her is worth the wait because she’s both beautiful and geeky. She likes anime, K-dramas, comics, Friends, and Disney.

29. Margaux Sue (99.5 Play FM)

There’s plenty to love about Margaux Sue Cortez. Her blonde hair, her expressive eyes, and her charming smile. She also has great taste in music (just take a look at her Twitter and Instagram pages) so a day with her would be about discovering new musicians and songs.

28. Mama Emma (Barangay LS 97.1)

Hot momma alert! Mama Emma is definitely one hot momma with her sweet smile, great style, and her hugot lines. She can cook, too, and you know what they say: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

27. Candy Gamos (Jam 88.3)

Candy’s on-fleek eyebrows prove that girls with a strong brow game are ace. She’s also a rocker: she’s a member of the indie rock band Cheats and she has definitely sung her way into our hearts.

26. Jada (FM 1 Philippines)

Jada may be the mom of a teenager but she sure can keep up with the younger DJs with her beauty and her knowledge of what the kids are listening to these days. She calls herself the “24/7 voice in your head,” and can we just say that we don’t mind at all?

25. DJ Chloe (Wave 89.1)

DJ Chloe is one of radio’s OGs, having started in the industry since she was in college. Today, she asks listeners random questions for her #AnoSagot segment in the morning. We have one question for her, though: go out on a date with us?

24. Katz Salao (99.5 Play FM)

Katz is beautiful and always advocates kindness on her social media pages, but don’t get on her wrong side because she can kick your butt. She is a pilates and cycling enthusiast, which also explains her great physique. To top it off, she’s a fur mom to two beautiful doggos!

23. DJ Sheena (Energy FM)

Sheena describes herself as a writer, art lover, unicorn, mermaid, and a biba kid. What can you expect when she’s a DJ for Energy FM? She may be a lot of things and probably so much more, but we’ll do whatever it takes to keep up with her.

22. Rica G. (Monster RX93.1)

Rica G is what guys would call a Cool Girl: she’s pretty, sexy, and has a great relationship with food. She once tweeted, “Love the smell of cooking garlic and onion together in a pan full of oil. I NEED A PERFUME IN GINISANG BAWANG AT SIBUYAS.” Treat her right and you’ll have the world in the palm of your hand.

21. Lyka Barista (90.7 Love Radio)

A date with Lyka Barista would be filled with laughs because this gorgeous lady is funny. Apart from the beautiful selfies she posts on her Instagram, she also posts Tiktok clips and memes, showing off her taste in comedy and perfect timing. Now if only we can make her laugh.

Check out more DJs on the next page!

A post shared by JANINE (@janinegutierrez) on Sep 1, 2018 at 6:16am PDT

The name on many young women’s lips is Nicholas Young, the leading man in the blockbuster movie Crazy Rich Asians. He’s portrayed by the dashing Henry Golding, a relative newcomer whose portrayal in CRA skyrocketed him to dizzying heights. But Janine Gutierrez has been ahead of the curve as she gushed about meeting him in an event last year in Singapore.

According to her Instagram post, “Dear Nick Young, I will learn mahjong for you and I will also teach you patintero. Please reconsider. Love, [a] (Slightly) Crazy Hardworking Filipino.”

Crazy Rich Asians has done well in the US, where it earned $34 million (roughly P1.82 billion) domestically in its first five days. It also has a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, citing a “terrific cast and a surfeit of visual razzle dazzle,” as well as taking “a satisfying step forward for screen representation while deftly drawing inspiration from the classic — and still effective — rom-com formula.”

The film is adapted on Kevin Kwan’s hugely successful trilogy, which follows Rachel Chu, an Asian-American professor, who visits Singapore to visit his boyfriend’s family. Unbeknownst to her, her boyfriend Nick Young’s family is one of the richest in Asia.

Crazy Rich Asians has done well in the US after Hollywood has faced backlash on the lack of representation in cinema. It is the first film since 1993’s Joy Luck Club to have a nearly all Asian-American cast.

Crazy Rich Asians stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, and Michelle Yeoh.

What did you think of the movie? Share your thoughts below!

Follow When in Manila Koji for more stories like this!

If you’re one of the many fans looking forward to Korean group BTS’s world tour, we have something to tide you over until the YouTube clips. A dance video where the band is practicing their moves for their song “Idol”!

Watch it below:

BTS, or Bangtan Boys, is a seven-piece group known for their The Most Beautiful Moment in Life trilogy of albums. Their debut album 2 Cool 4 Skool won the group several New Artist of the Year awards.

BTS is the second Korean artist to win an award at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017, following Psy’s win of the Top Streaming Song award in 2013 for “Gangnam Style.”

The group won the Top Social Artist award, becoming the first K-pop group to be recognized at the annual ceremony. The Top Social Artist award is a fan-voted category. Justin Bieber took home the crown since the category’s inception in 2011, but BTS changed that with an overwhelming 300 million votes on Twitter. The group beat Bieber, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and Shawn Mendes.

Are you excited for their world tour? Share your thoughts below!

Follow When in Manila Koji for more stories like this!

Words by Micah Avry Guiao

There’s no other time more than today where debuts are being approached upon with such significance. What was once a simple coming-of-age celebration in front of friends and family now goes beyond the usual showcase of beauty and talents. Girls on the brink of maturity and womanhood are scouting and yearning for the perfect theme, the perfect gown, and the perfect night.

I had recently attended a friend’s debut who I knew is a huge Potterhead. At first, I didn’t expect much of it since Harry Potter-themed debuts have been done for years, but debutant Alyanna Gopez doesn’t just take it up a notch–she managed to take something larger than life fit inside the Marriott Grand Ballroom (and this includes a life-sized Hogwarts Express). This is nothing like you’ve seen before.

To say the experience was magical would be a complete understatement. It’s been a week and I’m still at a loss for words. Even a friend of mine who had never read or watched any of the Harry Potter franchise was almost put to tears as she strolled across Diagon Alley. Let the video do the talking.

RELATED: This Girl’s “Beauty and the Beast” Themed Debut is Made from the Stuff of Dreams

As seen from the Same Day Edit video above, the debut faithfully incorporated almost everything that can be seen in Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The cocktail area encompasses the entire expanse of Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank (complete with the dragon atop its edifice), and Weasley Candy Emporium. And of course, Butterbeer was served.

To enter the Grand Ballroom, one must “go through” the platform wall. As it turns, the Dining Hall is exposed to view. All sorts of paraphernalia flooded the ceiling–levitating candlelights, dangling owl cages, draping house banners, and cascading Hogwarts acceptance letters.

The program itself was just as grandeur. As Alyanna took her entrance, she waved her wand as she sang, creating mists of her own Patronus on the LED screen. To add to the already extravagant spectacle were the aerial dancers who enthralled the guests with their mesmerizing performance.

Alyanna, whose 18th birthday was actually on the 5th of November last year, decided that she would rather have a well-planned debut half a year later than a disorganized one on date. Hence: Alyanna turns Eighteen and Three Quarters.

She said her debut planning and preparations took over a year: “I’d been 18 for 9 months when my debut happened because […] we had to make sure that everything was perfect.”

Every wall, every corner, and every embellishment was so meticulously done that it’d simply leave you in awe, so much so that I was compelled to take a video of everything. Never have I ever attended a debut that took up so much of my phone storage space.

Two of the five wardrobe changes she had were a midnight blue gown to represent her Ravenclaw house and a lightened variation of Hermoine Granger’s Yule Ball dress.

Alyanna recounted: “I think all debutants would say that planning a debut [is] stressful. I would have fights with my parents who I can’t be mad at because they were the ones paying for everything, and nights when I’d just worry about how everything could go wrong. I was really surprised when I finally saw everything we’ve been planning for months come to reality. I almost didn’t want to start the program because I wanted to explore the whole thing.”

What did you think of this Harry Potter themed debut? Let us know in the comments!

Could you ever be in a long distance relationship? Moreover, could you be in a long distance relationship for 12 years?

The question of long distance relationships, and whether it actually works or not, have long divided people into two camps—the believers and the naysayers. After all, long distance relationships are not, and probably will never be, easy. It’s not for the faint of heart.

But for some people, perhaps the bravest of us, the answer to whether they could make long distance relationships work is a no-brainer. Like for this one particular couple, for example.

For Aila and Jet, the answer was clear. It was a resounding yes that, after 12 years of braving the odds, blossomed into an I do.

The couple who made it

Aila and Jet met in 2004, all the way back in high school. I went to school with them (Aila is my cousin and Jet is my friend), so I tell this story as someone who’s witnessed their love story from the very beginning. She was then a freshman and him, a senior. It didn’t take long before the universe kind of played its part I guess—it was all really so effortless. Seeing one another in school almost every day, they both just developed this crush on each other, albeit from afar.

Soon enough, Jet would be hanging around Aila’s service at dismissal, just so he could say hi to her when she passed by. Letters then followed, exchanged between the freshmen building and the seniors’. And not long after, bike rides from Jet’s neighborhood to Aila’s (which wasn’t near!), where he would hang out with her at her home, under the supervision of Aila’s welcoming parents. Yes, they were teenagers, but from the get-go it was pretty obvious, this was no ordinary high school love story. That was 2004.

Image: @RuleofThirdsbyJrSalonga on Facebook

In 2006, Jet’s family migrated to Canada. Even without knowing what that meant for their relationship, Aila and Jet decided to do the impossible: to stay together. Thus began the 12-year long distance relationship that, just last month, in August, finally concluded with a walk to the altar, equipped with vows to stay together forever, for better or for worse.

Their relationship throughout the years, despite the distance

Making it work wasn’t easy for sure, but man, these two made it seem like LDR is a piece of cake. Aila and Jet are, honestly, two of the nicest people I know, and I know that it’s their inherent kindness and patience that made all this possible. Well, that, and the magical thing that is the internet. :p

Talking to Aila’s mom after the wedding, she said, “I’m just glad that Aila can sleep now,” talking about the couple’s struggle (and sacrifice) given the significant time difference between Philippines and Canada.

Valentine’s? No problem. The couple would do virtual dates where they would each set up their own dinner in front of a web camera.

In 2009, Jet came back to the Philippines for the first time since he left, to surprise Aila on the night of her big 18th birthday. She cried tears and tears of joy upon seeing him again after three years!

Just one of the many times Aila has dropped Jet off at the airport, after a short visit to the Philippines. Aila would say it doesn’t become easy, no matter how many times they part, and is heartbreaking each time.

But in 2014, nine years into their relationship, Jet finally decided to put a ring on it with a surprise grand proposal in front of family, friends, and happy on-lookers. You can watch the proposal here:

I swear, these two put Lilypad and Marshmallow to shame.

And, finally, the I do.

Finally, in August 10th 2018, after thousands of video calls, sleepless nights, virtual dates, 13 years of love, and 8,000 miles of distance, Aila Mabanglo and Jet Mabini stood in front of a minister and became Mr. and Mrs. “Thirteen years!” Jet proudly yelled through the microphone at the ceremony, as they high-fived each other. We all celebrated with them. They truly beat the odds.

Image: @RuleofThirdsbyJrSalonga on Facebook

As for how they made it work? Aila simplified it in this post:

She said, “No spell needed. Trust mixed with pixie dust and a whole lot of Faith.”

You can watch their wedding video here:

To Aila and Jet, to the couple who made us believe that love can indeed conquer anything, including impossible distance, congratulations. <3

Melnar Arquillo seems like a simple guy but he dated a lot of celebrities and broke most of their hearts… at least on Facebook, that is.

Melnar has an album shared on Facebook where he photoshopped himself to some photos with celebrities and they appear realistic. Every photo comes with a letter on how and why he had to break up with them.

The photo album came with a caption:

• An Apology Letter to My Exes •

Sa mga naging ex ko, alam kong walang kapatawaran ang ginawa ko sa inyo. Hindi ko man nasabi noon, gusto kong mag-sorry sa pamamagitan ng sulat na ito. Sana’y mabasa niyo.

Maine Mendoza

Maine,

I’m very sorry for being an assh*le. Nakalimutan kong red nga pala ang napag-usapan nating i-suot. Next time, pula na talaga isusuot ko, ‘di na assh*le.

Sorry din noong dumalaw ka sa bahay. Natata* ka na no’n pero walang tubig sa banyo. Bilib ako sayo kasi napagkasya mo ang isang pirasong tisyu para lang makapaglabas ng sama ng loob.

Kathryn Bernardo

Kath,

Sorry kung di marunong ang photographer na na-hire ko. Pati tuloy ako nawalan ng pokus sa’yo. #KatMel

Maja Salvador

Majal kong Ivy,

Sorry kung tinulugan kita noong kinukwento mo kung paano ka nata* sa gown mo sa kasal niyo ni Arnaldo at kung paano tumirik ang mga mata ni Emilia noong naamoy niya ito.

Liza Soberano

Liza,

Sorry kung pinanggigilan kita. GigiL muh k4Ze c AquOh!

Liza,

Wala akong dapat ihingi ng sorry dahil ako itong iniwan mo. Alam kong darating ang araw na babalik ka sa ‘kin at eto lang masasabi ko: “Coca Cola lang sana ang ‘yong minahal, ‘di ka na muling luluha pa.”

Megan Young and Kylie Verzosa

Megan & Kylie,

Sorry kung nag-away pa kayo para lang pag-agawan ako.

Kim Domingo and Meg Imperial

Kim & Meg,

Sorry kung pinagsabay ko kayo. Nakakalito kung alin ba ang dapat na piliin ko – busilak na kalooban? O ganda ng kinabukasan?

Pia Wurtzbach

Pia,

Sorry kung nagalit ka noong nangyari ‘to:

“Honey,” bulong mo habang naglalambing at hinahaplos ang braso ko, “wala na akong underweahhhhhr.”

“Ha?” tanong ko. “Wala na naman? Kabibili ko lang last week ah! Bakit nauubos yan? Baka kung kani-kanino mo pinamimigay ha? Di bale, hayaan mo’t bukas na bukas ay ibibili kita. Matulog ka na.”

Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko alam kung bakit na-badtrip ka. Tinupad ko naman promise ko. Hay, ewan.

He even had a celebrity exes from Hollywood. LOL!

Selena Gomez

Adele – Hello

Miley – Wrecking Ball

Ariana – Break Free

Selena – telege kung ako’y mejo tenge

Katy Perry

Katy,

Sorry kung ‘di ko natupad ang wish mong magkaroon ng sariling swimming pool. Inflatable pool lang ang afford ko e. Sorry din kung di mo maintindihan ‘tong nakasulat dito. ‘Di ako marunong mag english e. Nano-nosebleed ako.

Eto nga’t pina-translate ko kay Pareng Gugel para maintindihan mo:

“I’m sorry if I did not wish to your swimming pool. Inflatable pool only I can afford e. Sorry also if you do not understand ‘tong says. I do not speak english e. I’m nosebleed.”

What do you think of these photos? Amazing photoshop job, right? :D

Airport-bound passengers from Quezon City now have a more convenient option to travel as the Araneta Center partners with UBE Express, Philippine’s premium point-to-point bus service, to offer a new route from the bustling commercial district to the four terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and vice versa with a fare of only P100 per head.

Formally launched on September 3 with officials from the Araneta Group and UBE Express, the premium bus service to and from NAIA will begin its run on September 4, Tuesday.

UBE Express’ top-of-the-line buses are fully air-conditioned, equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) technology, Wi-Fi connection, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, and easy access to persons with disabilities.

While waiting before their trip to the airport, the riding public can also enjoy a throng of dining, shopping and leisure options in Araneta Center. Upon arriving from NAIA, they, too, have the option to stay in Novotel Manila Araneta Center, located a few blocks away from the UBE Express lounge at the Araneta Center Bus Station, and enjoy what the country’s premier lifestyle and leisure hub has to offer.

Trip schedules to follow.

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.

In romantic movies, meeting the ultimate love of your life often goes something like this: a guy walks into a room, sees a beautiful woman, they lock eyes, and alas, the world stops.

But in the real world, that isn’t always the case. Time doesn’t stop, there won’t be clear signs, or maybe there won’t be fireworks. Sometimes it’s messy, complicated, and unclear. Despite that, I think many people would agree that one of the best moments you’ll ever experience in life is that moment you realize you have found “The One”. After all, don’t we all just want to find our one true person?

We wanted to know real stories of people about finding their ultimate love, so we asked engaged and married people this one simple question: “How did you know your partner is The One?” And here are their answers.

ALSO READ: Couple in LDR for 12 Years Finally Marry—Here’s How They Beat the Odds

9. It’s in the little things 

“My husband and I met in 2002. We are good friends and he confessed twice but I said no. But in 2012, we had this casual conversation at a playground. We were sitting on the swing, having a nice talk about us. Then, we just hold hands. It was that simple moment, nothing fancy, just the comfort and genuine feeling of being yourself with this person.”

-Lucielle, married for 5 years

8. Nothing is real until it’s gone

“The exact moment I knew was when I was close to really losing him. It dawned on me that my reality will soon be without my better half. It’s such a cliché, but nothing really is real ‘til it’s gone.”

-Matt, married 1 year and 5 months

7. The redemption

“Back in mid 2015, I was jaded as f*ck. I hated emotions, I didn’t want to be attached to anyone, I had zero f*cks to give. Then I met a nerd named Nico. We had the same interests. Skate, surf, hiking and was even in the same industry. He was different from the other guys I dated before, he’s a good guy. But I still didn’t want any commitment.

One month into dating him, I went home to Baler with some of my friends. But unfortunately, we weren’t able to surf because there was a typhoon that weekend. At the height of the typhoon, I found myself under the sheets praying to God, asking him to keep us safe. My exact words were ‘Lord, please ayaw ko pa po mamatay, may babalikan po ako sa Maynila.’ The time when I realized that I would want to spend the rest of my life with Nico. When I came back to Manila, he gave me a bouquet of bacon and I told myself, ‘Yup, this one is a keeper.’ 

We’re turning 3 [years] in October and getting married next year. It’s cliche but, it’s true when they say that the person destined for you will come when we least expect it.”

-Ayin, engaged and marrying in March 2019

6. The person that changes everything

“That moment was when things started to turn out right for me. I never had any clear direction in life. (Naks, drama) But seriously, here are a few examples: I never had any ambition in life until she became my girlfriend. I never got to do the things that I really loved until she became my girlfriend. I would always make the wrong choices in life, well mostly bad decisions until I met her. I started to realize that there was so much more than surviving lang. But what really cemented it was when we were husband and wife already, 5 years into it when our strength was tested. We lost our first daughter whom we waited for 5 years to come. I happened to also lose my job 3 weeks before that fateful day. It was the wife who was the stronger one and helped me overcome the darkest time of our lives. Thank you, Alpha. I owe all that I am now to you.”

-Niel, married for “8 awesome years”

5. Just like in the movies

“When I met him it was like in a movie where everything stood still. His face was the only one brightly flashed in the picture. I can remember his smile, his dimpled cheeks. The whole background was blurred except for a castle behind him (we met on a weekend in Baluy beach, Olongapo with the view of Subic’s White Castle). I didn’t know right away that he was ‘the one’, but I knew then that I had just met someone really special.”

-Anne, married for 37 years

4. When it takes losing someone to realize what you have

“I’m a foreigner very happily married to a Filipina. I didn’t realise she was “the one” right away. In fact, it was only after we broke up briefly that I realised she was everything I ever wanted. It literally took a break for me to realise that.”

-James, married for 4 years

3. The one that makes you laugh

“I think the moment I realized that [my husband] is the one was when we visited the US for 2-3 months and we were living in my auntie’s house. My auntie super loved him. He also got along really well with my cousins and their craziness. I felt how it was to have him around the house. Also, I realized then, he can make me laugh. Although he’s not sweet in a lot of ways, but he can make me laugh. I feel like that’s super important, growing old with someone. You need to be with someone who gets you and can make you laugh, like a best friend.” (Translated from Tagalog)

-Joanne, married 7 years

2. When you. just. know.

“Hmm exact moment? Uhm…..this is one question I find hard to answer. I was asked by my friend the same question 4 years ago when I proposed to [my wife], and I also didn’t know how to answer then. It really made me think. What I could tell my friend was “For some reason, I JUST KNOW.” It might sound corny and a bit of a cliché, but I only see my future with her. And that’s really how I feel.” (Translated from Tagalog)

-Jet, married for 1 month

1. When you can’t see yourself with anyone else

“At first I didn’t know that [my husband] really was “the one”, because at that time we were just in high school. I was in 3rd year, he was in 4th year. But when I was already working, and we were in LDR for 9 years, that was when I realized he is “the one” — I met many other guys who tried to win my affection, even when he wasn’t around and we would only see each other once in a while, I never liked anyone else. I couldn’t see myself with anyone else but him.” (Translated from Tagalog)

-Leng, married 27 years

–

In a world of 7.4 billion people, how lucky are those who find The One. <3

What’s your story? How did you know your partner is The One? Share your story with us in the comments!

The To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before hype is so real and strong. No matter where you look on the web, someone’s hyping it up. And we don’t blame them! It kind of rekindled that adrenaline-pumping pure kilig that we might have missed out on the past few months.

The swoon factor? Many would agree that it’s Peter Kavinsky. The back-pocket-holding, note-writing, hot-tub-simmering hottie has captured hearts all over the world and has people bemoaning the fact that they don’t have their own Peter. But worry not! We asked around and found some real life significant others even sweeter than Peter Kavinsky!

Check out the stories below:

Therese Justine Bruel

The significant other went to my condo to set up this surprise for me because we hadnt seen each other in two weeks. I love my significant other.

He also made me lugaw when I was sick and brought me calamansi juice/Chinese medicine when he found out my throat hurt!

Pat Chan

Every single date we have, he buys me a flower. I sundry them and save them in a jar.

Thea Bonifacio

He walked all the way from Medical City to the school that I teach at to surprise deliver me Coco even though I would be seeing him later that night.

Maggie Mendez

I walked in the rain on the way to a facial place near my house and I told him about it. So you know how you sleep during facials… Suddenly my derma woke me up and I opened my eyes to him with a jacket for me. Thing was, he lives kinda far from me and at the time he didn’t have his own transpo so it amazed me he made it all the way to my facial place.

Kat Mayuga

She organized a surprise birthday party for me. Every little detail was planned. Even the cake had a cartoon version of me! Then her shirt had the same pattern as the gift wrappers  the best part was I didn’t expect to see her that day. She was out of town but I didn’t know she went back to Manila just to be with me.

Cinta Posadas

After a night out of drinking, he’ll arrive at my door the morning after with McDonald’s breakfast because he knows that McDo is my go-to hangover x recovery food. 

Anonymous

My boyfriend, who’s in the US marine corps, and I have been in an LDR since May. It started when he mailed me a birthday package and I mailed him back a book as a thank you gift. Since then, we’ve been writing letters to each other to make up for time we wish we had together. Sometimes, we send small gifts and polaroids. 

Chynna Santos

Not sure if Peter Kavinsky knows how to program/write code, but my SO made me a video game when we first started LDR, every level was a recreation of some of our memorable dates 

Angel Salcedo

We got into a really big fight the evening of December 31st. I guess he didn’t want to start the year on a bad note, since even when the clock hit 12 we still weren’t okay. When suddenly at 3 am my phone starts ringing and I find him outside my house. (I live in Rizal, he lives all the way in Tandang Sora ) He isn’t allowed to drive or anything so the fact he took a cab meant a lot to me. He handed me a 2018 calendar which had “Atin ‘to” all over it. And I cried like a baby. Hahaha romantic movie as heck.

Gaby Mendiola

On our first real date, he parked near the back gate of LGV. He opened the trunk and there was a picnic ready for us. He made most of my favorite food (SUCH a good cook) and we ate as we watched the sunset.

Sky Gavin

1) It was my birthday and JR was in the States. i was working the whole day but in the morning I got a delivery of a harry potter cake 
2) I wanted to buy cursed child but didn’t have time to go out and get it due to work sched. One day he surprised me w the book 

Nicole Villaluz

My boyfriend writes me postcard letters. The first one he gave me was back when we had just started dating. He said that if I happen to like it, there would be more for the future. I loved it, of course, and until now he’d write me one from time to time, although I never really know when I’d get them. That’s what makes it so exciting. I’m always looking forward to getting a new postcard letter from him. Plus, he’s quite the writer too, so I can’t help but fall in love more with everything he writes. 

This is the first postcard he ever gave me.

Gabs Ilagan

I was having a terrible day and my two friends cancelled on watching a performance of both my favorite spoken word artists and I didn’t have a car to drive 1.5 hours (one way) away to do it alone so I resigned myself to not going. But he called me out of nowhere saying he booked a rental car and I was still going to make it to that show.

He’d never heard of either of the spoken word artists before but knew how much I loved them so he drove me all the way there and back and paid for a ticket even if he had so much work due the next day that he just stayed outside in the lobby to work while I was inside watching, all so my day would end on a high note and I could see my favs perform :'(

He’s done other things–rented out a helicopter so we could fly above the mountains, dressed up in a suit and carried flowers to watch every one of my dance shows during college even if everyone else was there in sweatpants, and would regularly walk half in hour in the snow to get to my room from his room, etc.–but that’s the first one that came to mind. We’re not together anymore but we both agree we were really lucky to have each other. :)

Stephanie Ann Puen

He woke up at 2/3 in the morning to go to McDonalds when McGriddles came out to get me one of each kind so I could try it, since I was really wanting to try it but didn’t have time to go in the morning. :))

Also, learned to cook all my favorite foods (despite being the epitome of the person who only eats to fuel his body and can’t identify flavors).

Anonymous

I was supposed to leave for JTA (Junior Term Abroad–foreign exchange student program) and he wrote me a song with the zipcode of the place I was supposed to go to as the title, he took it down from his Soundcloud tho but I still remember parts of the song. “and I will fly, to the deepest darkest parts of you. I will fly to the sky, anything just to keep you on my mind.” JTA didn’t push through and I was really devastated about it but he was there for me through it all, and I guess that song brought comfort to me. It’ll be a year since we’ve broken up tomorrow and things were rough but this will always be special, there were still good things that came out of this.

Vida Cruz

One time, I was crying in the cafeteria while we were eating together, and he made a smiley face on his plate with rice and cut up pork. <3

Anonymous

It was Christmas Eve, he went to my house and played Bibingka by Ben&Ben (my f a v e Ben&Ben song ever huhu) from his laptop, baked homemade bibingka, and wrote on ~20 illustration boards (just like the scene from the movie Love, Actually!!)

The last one said, “Will you be my BEHBEHngka this Noche BAEna?”

Ele Gealogo

My girlfriend writes. She wrote me a letter for whenever I’m feeling certain ways, good and bad. She also wrote for 30 days straight before my birthday and gave me a month’s worth of letters as a gift.

I think honestly the cheesiest thing she ever did was just smile at me and every time she does, parang naka-quota na ako sa life HAHAHA.

Anonymous

I was absent from class once because I got sick. When I came back my ex made me a mix CD of indie songs he thought I’d like to listen to, to make me feel better. Ever since then we’d made and swapped mix CDs every special occasion.

Willa Tac-An

It was our first valentine’s day together, about 3 weeks into our relationship so it was still an adjustment period haha. I never liked Valentine’s since I saw it as a waste of time. My boyfriend knew that so we didn’t plan anything for that day. B U T it didn’t stop him from doing something for me huhu 

My friend and I went to my org’s ticket booth when I found a yellow (my favourite colour) balloon with a “W” written on it in my penmanship. My (accomplice!!) org mates gave me a bunch of safety pins (he got me a whole pack bec I always ran out of my own) to pop the balloon. A note fell out and it had a poem — a clue to the next balloon. So a couple of my friends and I were p much running around campus committing a balloon massacre :)) Turns out the balloons were all at places significant to our relationship.

The very last balloon was in front of the Old Lib, where he was waiting for me with a balloon with “Willa you be my valentine?” written across it (huhu) and a mixtape with songs he listened to as our friendship progressed over the months. I was honestly in shock throughout the whole thing and really confused but it was really the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.

Lesly Bries

Just recently my SO sous-vided steak for hours & cooked pasta for us. He greeted me at the door all suited up, wine chilling and a list of our special songs for slow-dancing all ready. It wasn’t even our monthsary. He does stuff like this all the time. Kavinsky who?

Alfonso Arvisu

After a certain party, Roxy (his girlfriend) and I went out to the parking lot and I confessed my feelings for her on the back of my pick-up truck whilst under the starry skies.

Rissa Coronel

My now-SO of almost four years used to be my chemistry classmate. He suddenly became my seatmate One day he sneakily wrote “Back of Gesu (Church in Ateneo), 3pm” on my planner I showed up. Lo and behold, he was there.

He showed me a nice view of Marikina (from a restricted area), and then we somehow got to a roofdeck, from which he also showed me a nice view (also restricted).

Between going to/seeing nice views on campus we got to talk a lot about life and idk, it was exhilarating and sweet to me at the time.

Genesis Santos (@genesisxsantos on Twitter)

My boyfriend grabbed my hand in public, drew me closer, and danced in an open field while my favorite band plays.

Anonymous

I was sad and missing my friends so my ex surprised me and told me to go downstairs one night and he was there. He brought my whole barkada to my house and they each had one of my favorite foods/drinks so they legit had cartons of my fave juice, buckets of KFC etc. :-(

He also sent me a fruit bouquet when I was on a diet “I wanna be SWEET but since ur on a diet… here’s some fruit instead.”

We hadn’t seen each other for a while and we were planning to go eat ramen because we were both craving for the longest time. We also weren’t allowed to go on dates much so this ramen date was a big thing. But I got super sick :( Next thing I know he shows up to the house with take out ramen because he wanted to bring the date to me.

Nikki Gomez

We were in front of an artwork in the Ateneo Art Gallery and Matt said: “I have a question, what does this mean?” Then I explained. In front of another artwork, he told me he had a question. I said smiling: “what? ‘What does this mean?’” then he said “will you be my girlfriend?”

Mikee Generoso

My boyfriend once wrote a poem about me on a starbucks napkin.

Anonymous

During the summer after my junior year (and his summer after senior year), we didn’t see each other for 2-3 weeks because our trips and schedules didn’t align. The last part of this “separation”, he was in Japan. He told me that he was coming home on a certain day (I forgot when!) but it turns out his flight got moved and he was going home two days earlier. He didn’t snap or tweet when he went home, and we even skyped when he was already home! The day after he arrived, he went to my house and literally said “BOO!” and I was so genuinely surprised. He told me “get dressed, I asked permission— we’re going out!”

Chandra Pepino

My boyfriend asked me to grab something from his locker (we work together) and I opened it to find an electric toothbrush. I mentioned wanting one in passing cause I never got to have one as a kid, and he remembered! Hehe.

Words by Danielle Castillo

If you’re obsessed with memes like us then we’ve got you covered. Let’s celebrate the fact that we’ve made it more than halfway through the year with Filipino memes we’ve all come to know and love this 2018!

25. Manny Pacquiao’s New Year

While this isn’t actually what you would call a new meme (as the original video was published in January 2016), it always manages to trend and go viral every year. Happy New Year indeed, Manny! As for why this video became a meme, maybe it’s because people love Manny wayyyy too much?

24. Sobrang lamig

Blogger Mocha Uson has gained notoriety in the social media world for her stands on political matters. However, that’s not the only thing she’s known for online. Last January, she posted a video that, quite honestly, confused a lot of people.

Gaano kalamig ang jowa mo by Mocha Uson

a. Ang lamig lamig po
b. Ang lamig
c. Grabeng lameeeeg
d. Di naman po masyadong malamig, sakto lang po
e. Parang baguio na mas malamig po

— Vi Jr. (@VioletNaJr) January 27, 2018

23. Traveling Volcanoes

Another meme that gained popularity sometime in January was the traveling volcano meme. The context? Mocha was given an award as a UST Alumnus serving on the government and some people didn’t like that. Thus, tired of the bashing, she attempts to redirect the masses’ energy to a more pressing issue, namely the impending eruption of the Mayon Volcano in… Naga?

While Uson has already apologized, netizens have already made funny edits and memes about the situation.

The beautiful Mayon Volcano is now on its Philippine Tour!

Jan 25-27: Naga
Jan 27-29: Makati
Jan 30-31: Batangas
Feb 1-3: Romblon
Feb 4-6: Iloilo
Feb 6-8: Cebu

More venues to be posted.
Reserve your tickets now! Follow Mocha Uson for further announcements!

Thank you!

— Andrei (@HeyDrei06) January 25, 2018

22. Liza Soberano’s Sinigang

Liza Soberano’s newest project in ABS-CBN, Bagani, drew flak because netizens said that the actors involved weren’t real Filipinos. To those who criticized, Liza responded with this and thus, a new meme was born.

In the Philippines we don't say "I'm Filipino". We say "I love sinigang" and I think that's beautiful

— `++ (@jendeux_) February 28, 2018

Prof:Give a scenario where a person is considered a Filipino Citizen under the 1987 Constitution.

Liza:Me,Sir!

Liza: My Father is full filipino.I was raised by two filipinos since the age of 4.I looooove sinigang i think thats as pinoy as pinoy can get.

Prof:
Bernas:
Knorr:

— CJ (@cjohnjugs) February 19, 2018

21. Ge talon! Una ulo

Filipino memes, I’m convinced, are comprised of dumb everyday stuff. Not complaining. This can be seen in this short video of some kids jumping bridges turning viral because of a few phrases.

20. Mingmingming VS Swswswswsw

Siwsiwsiw pa rin!!! from Philippines

While no one is entirely sure how this meme came to be, it has surely led to the dissolution of many relationships. Everyone was arguing whether mingmingmingming is more or less effective than swswswswsw when calling our beloved cats. Personally, I’m a swswswsw fan because ~science~ says that it sounds like small prey cats like to chase after.

19. Selfie muna bago…

Ah, one of our fave Filipino memes. If you’d like to read about this meme, we have an entire article about it here.

Crossover meme? Crossover meme.

18. A G I K

This is one of the memes that got under our skin and stayed there for a while. “Agik! ‘Nu ginagawa mu,” is now a legit phrase that can be thrown around in regular conversations thanks to this meme.

CLICK ON PAGE 2 FOR MORE FILIPINO MEMES

A restroom is a functional place whether in a home or in a commercial establishment. However, it is rarely given much attention let alone decorated well for people to take notice of it. However, there are those who put on their creative hats when decorating their restrooms.

Benjohn Michael Perez noticed this funny sign in a restroom in a restaurant.

Take a look below.

The sign says:

Please do not flush excessive amounts of toilet paper, sanitary care products, your ex-boyfriend’s photos, credit card statements, lotto tickets, and you mother-in-law down this toilet bowl. They will come back to haunt you.

Benjohn said he took the photo from the restroom of Zubuchon in SM Megamall.

Yeah, don’t flush those in there. LOL.

Have you seen other funny restroom signs that you want to share? Let us know!

Spotted on the busy streets of Metro Manila is this rather tall vehicle that has a sign written on its rear, which caught the eye of Adrian Tan. He took a photo of it and shared it on Facebook.

Written at the back of the car is a ‘hugot’ that is so deep.

It said:

Binasted mo ‘yung matino

Binoyfriend mo ‘yung g*go

Tapos sasabihin mo lahat ng lalake pare-pareho?

(Rough translation: You rejected the nice guy. You had a relationship with the jerk. Then, you say all men are the same?)

He captioned the photo with:

Not all heroes wear capes

Adrian said he took this photo along Commonwealth Ave.

What do you think of this? Do you agree or not?

Beshie, we all know you’re fabulous–that’s a given. But while strutting around looking and feeling fab is probably second-nature to you, it’d be for the best if you remember when and where you have to be strutting and who you have to gift with your presence.

Which is why we’re presenting this adorable planner from The Rainbow Collective. Pages upon pages of celebration, love, and most importantly, RAINBOWS! Start 2019 with a PAK with this planner!

Want to learn more lingo? They’ve got it for you. This planner greets you with two adorable rainbow penguins, a warm welcome, and a space for you to emblazon your name with pride. Subtle? This planner hasn’t heard of subtle. It’s as fierce and as pak as you are!

This planner goes above and beyond in every aspect. It features art and writing from LGBTQ+ artists, too! Every month you’re greeted by visual and written splendor centered on the experience of queerness. I might have even shed a tear more than once looking at them (keyword: might) (who am I kidding–of course I did!).

The colorful art and the moving words are sure to inspire you and your plans this 2019. And if you’re looking for someone who understands your experiences? Just crack this planner open and read up on any of the brave stories shared in it.

This planner isn’t just a stunner to look at, it’s also out to school you! Inspired and getting educated? Sign me up! The Rainbow Collective also sought out to include LGBTQ+-related vocabulary, symbols, and references. My personal favorite was the Kinsey Scale!

The Rainbow Collective planner also tackles HIV awareness, marriage equality, mental health, and a plethora of other topics that the LGBTQ+ community may find helpful. Its primary goal is to educate and it does a pretty fantastic job at it all while looking good.

Infographics, illustrations, and information on how to best support the LGBTQ+ fills up these pages. So aside from making dinner plans every month, you can smash gender and sexuality stereotypes while you’re at it. And you can learn more about what the SOGIE Bill has to offer. Is there another planner that can get all this done? Talk about multi-tasking!

Woke and fab. The best combo.

The best part? 20% of sales are going to Project Halipan, a domestic violence campaign that seeks to encourage those in abusive relationships to enlist in therapy so they may stop being abusive to their partners. This planner and The Rainbow Collective are out there changing the world one rainbow at a time for only PHP 789 (discounted if you buy 2 or more on their website)!

What’re you waiting for? We’re pre-ordering as we speak! Buylaloo na!

The Rainbow Collective

http://trc.therainbowcollectiveph.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therainbowcollectiveph/

Words by Hannah Angelique Bacani

BTS’ golden maknae, Jeon Jungkook just turned 21. And although he’s a year older, he still never fails to make our hearts flutter with his childish antics and naturally adorable self.

Here are 10 of the countless reasons why Kookie is the cause of our euphoria (also maybe the cause of our deaths).

READ ALSO:LOOK: Jungkook Fans Put Up a London Tube Ad to Greet Him a Happy Birthday

10. His Bunny Smile

With his scrunchy nose and crinkled eyes, Jungkook’s smile never fails to make our hearts skip a beat with his bunny smile. It’s contagious and effortlessly charming that it might as well be in his DNA.

9. Jungkook is a Memelord

He can go cross-eyed, double-chinned, derp-faced, and still be adorable. Well, he can’t be ugly even if he tried.

8. He’s also a Fanboy!

If there’s someone who can totally relate with what it feels like to be a fanboy/fangirl, it’s Jungkook. We all know about his undying love for Korean star IU. And really, we can’t help but be jealous of her.

7. He’s a Hard Worker and so are His Hyungs

Since their debut, BTS has been working very hard to be where they are now. And their hard work is paying off as more and more people show their love and appreciation not only for Jungkook but for all seven boys.

6. VOCALS!!!

Jungkook’s voice does wonders. It can make you feel a lot of things–soothe you, give you chills, make you want to sing and dance along, sing you to sleep, and make you feel alive. Whether it’s one of their original songs or an English song cover, live or acapella, Jungkook can kill it.

5. DANCE MOVES!!!

His dance moves can make him go from adorable to HOT real quick. I’ll let this gif do all the talking.

4. Girl Group Dance Moves

If you think Jungkook only learned b-boy moves, you’re hugely mistaken. Just look at him dance to the hits of Girls Day, Girls Generation, AOA, and APink!

3. His Relationship with his Hyungs

He can sometimes be mean and annoying with his impression of his hyungs, but also be sweet and protective of them. Either way, you know that his love for his hyungs isn’t fake love.

2. For All the Times His Tears Made Us Cry Too

Makes him more real to us.

1. HIS LOVE FOR ARMY!!!

Because he loves his fans just as much as they love him!

There are a million things to love about Jungkook. What’s your favorite thing about our precious maknae? Share it with us in the comments!

Words by Carinna Reyes

There’s no denying that the era of romcom is upon us once again. With movies like To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Love, Simon, and of course, Crazy Rich Asians, the representation of protagonists in search of great love have become more colorful and diverse, which is absolutely worth the hype as it gives us more hope of our own forever after.

Yes, 2018 is sweet, fluffy, and #20GAYTEEN is flourishing. Amidst all the horrible news, people are hungry for all kinds of love stories. So where is our lesbian romcom?

gays have love simon

straights have to all the boys I’ve loved before

lesbians this is your turn now

— ALEXANDER J. (@ItsAlexJackson) August 27, 2018

This Twitter user sums it up pretty well on how lacking our world is when it comes to cute, innocent girl-to-girl relationships (but bless you, Lesbian Jesus, we love you):

the gays have love simon the straights have to all the boys I’ve loved before and the lesbians have hayley kiyoko's music videos

— saddy the bubbline warrior (@lesbihayley) August 29, 2018

Here’s the tea, sis: Lesbian relationships onscreen are heavily sexualized and fetishized to suit the sexual fantasies of the male audience.

And we are OVER it.

can y'all just… imagine a lesbian equivalent to love simon??? all the fluff and innocence of 2 young girls coming out to supportive families and falling in love with no sexualizing them or weird unhealthy power dynamics or one involved with a guy on the side and a HAPPY ENDING

— destynie (@voidofcolour) March 19, 2018

im so happy that gay men got love, simon and in a heartbeat and believe me they both made me happy as all FUCK but can we pls get something like that for lesbians like . a lesbian movie with no porn , or a lesbian baby cartoon that just helps normalize and un-sexualize lesbians

— kilo loves kendall (@kilosnavi) May 5, 2018

Because no, one successful movie about a gay couple isn’t enough. Remember, the LGBTQIA+ community does not comprise of only gay men:

oh and can you cishets stop telling me that “love, simon” is my representation too. don’t get me wrong, i adore that movie and it made me emotional but gay men do not represent lesbian/bi/pan women.

— tam (@sapphictam) August 20, 2018

Positive lesbian representation in media and the first thing lgbt+ people complain about is that it isn’t men. Lesbians literally have no positive representation. We don’t have Love Simon. 90% of gay media is directed towards men. Stop trying to undermine lesbian representation.

— BUBBLINE IS CANON @ BLIZZCON (@fluffigator) June 12, 2018

I mean, we already have some suggestions, if any network is interested (ehem Netflixpleaselisten ehem):

i want a cute love story w two teenagers tht fall in love and do heartwarming things together.. i want a cute love story tht doesn’t end in sadness or death.. a cute love story like love simon or to all the boys i’ve loved before…. but w GIRLS… we deserve it… it’s our turn

— kya (@softsadsatan) August 27, 2018

my own spinoff of to all the boys i've loved before called "to all the girls i instantly fell in love with on public transport and then never saw again"

— sami (@geminiaquarius) August 19, 2018

Love, simon had him writing anonymous emails to his crush. To all the boys I’ve loved before had Lara jean writing unsent letters to her previous crushes. The new revolutionary lesbian coming of age movie will have two girls always tweeting about how they want a girlfriend

— calli (@mariusmontpercy) August 24, 2018

With Zendaya and Auli’i Cravalho as the actors? Uh YES PLEASE.

okay but consider this: a teenage romcom lesbian movie starring zendaya and auli'i cravalho… with best friends to lovers trope AND a happy ending please i deserve this pic.twitter.com/sQZThKVPlC

— gabi (@harleivy) August 21, 2018

Can’t you give us a lesbian protagonist with a snazzy room we can copy from too?

love simon and to all the boys i’ve loved before are getting credit for a lot on twitter this weekend, but one thing they’re NOT getting enough credit for: bringing back the covetable, cool teen bedroom pic.twitter.com/ux4Ta1ovpR

— mcquizzy (@casey_mcquiston) August 19, 2018

Tl;dr: The lesbians need our romcom too. We need it NOW.

Because for some of us, there’s no denying this truth as well:

to all the boys i’ve loved before:

i date girls now.

— Chelsea Nachman (@chelseanachman) August 28, 2018

Also Read: Sometimes It’s Okay Not To Come Out

Words by Mara Karniella Sugue

We did it, ladies. We survived 1,000 days without One Direction. It’s been that long since One Direction had their last performance on The X Factor back in December 2015 (that’s around 2.7 years without 1D!). Even if our hearts are still truly, madly, deeply in love with the group, we can’t help but be proud of them now that they’re thriving in their own solo careers. So what are the boys up to nowadays?

Harry

Kissy. Thank you for coming out to see us, it has been a pleasure playing for you all. I'm off to write some more music and I hope I'll be seeing you again very soon. Thank you to my band, the crew, and all of you for making this tour so wonderful. Treat people with kindness. Goodbye for now. I love you all. H

A post shared by @ harrystyles on Jul 16, 2018 at 12:43pm PDT

Back in May 2017, Harry released his first solo album. And along with that, he also recently finished the final show of his first world tour last July. Harry also starred in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk which was also nominated for Best Picture in the Oscars back in 2017. He even shot an ad campaign with Gucci! Right now, Harry is currently on a break and hasn’t done anything since the end of his tour, but we’re hoping that would change soon with rumors of HS2 just being around the corner.

Niall

“ Her eyes could burn down the room “ On The Loose . @conormcdphoto

A post shared by Niall Horan (@niallhoran) on Feb 20, 2018 at 11:50am PST

From the release of his first single, This Town, Niall is now on the last leg of his first world tour. His album, Flicker, which was released in October of 2017, also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Niall also released a song called Finally Free for the animated movie, Smallfoot. Aside from his music career, he also signed with Wilhelmina Models and is now currently dating Hailee Steinfeld (*heart eyes emoji*).

Liam

My new EP is OUT NOW including ‘First Time’ featuring @frenchmontana Go stream it, download it and let me know what you think. Link in bio. #LPFirstTime

A post shared by Liam Payne (@liampayne) on Aug 23, 2018 at 9:40pm PDT

Liam released his first EP, First Time, just last month. Prior to this, he also released songs like Strip That Down and Bedroom Floor. His collab song with Rita Ora, For You, was also the theme song for the movie Fifty Shades Freed. Last May, he also announced that his album will be released on September 14! After the 1D hiatus, Liam also had a baby boy (named Bear) with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.

Louis

A post shared by Louis Tomlinson (@louist91) on Jul 27, 2018 at 4:53pm PDT

Despite being the only One Direction member to not have an album or EP out, Louis is also doing some impressive solo stuff. He first appeared as a celebrity judge on The X Factor, but is now a full-time judge on the 15^th season of the show. Before being a judge, he also released some music including Just Hold On and Back To You. Louis also promised his fans that a full-length album is on the way and we can’t wait! #LT1IsComing

Zayn

A post shared by Zayn Malik (@zayn) on Apr 13, 2018 at 6:53pm PDT

Of course, we have to include Zayn. His solo career started early after he left the group. After the release of his album, Mind of Mine, he also released music here and there (including a collab song with Taylor Swift). He also said that he has a second album on the way. Zayn also did some modeling on the side, and is also currently going strong with girlfriend Gigi Hadid.

What are your thoughts on the boys’ solo careers? Leave your comments down below!

Words by Hannah Angelique Bacani 

Photos by Caitlin Rodil

Rody Vera as Junyee in Balag at Angud

Tanghalang Pilipino opened the curtains to its 32nd season with Balag at Angud, a play written by Palanca award-winning playwright, Layeta Bucoy and directed by veteran actor and director, Audie Gemora. The play is a musical that dramatizes the life of protest and installation artist  Luis Yee Jr., otherwise known as Junyee. Beyond the remarkable music by Dodjie Fernandez and Upeng Fernandez, and spectacular set design by Toym Imao, what made Balag at Angud a spectacle is the story of Junyee’s journey as an artist–one that all aspiring artists can draw inspiration from.

READ ALSO:&#8220;Aurelio Sedisyoso: A Rock Sarswela&#8221; Rocks the Stage at Tanghalang Pilipino

Like most artists, Junyee struggled to earn his parents’ approval in his pursuit of fine arts. His Chinese father who regarded his son’s art as “trash” wanted him to take the path to business, where money is sure and secure unlike in the arts. But despite his father’s aversion to the arts, Junyee left his home in Agusan del Norte to chase after his dream of becoming an artist.

Far from home and alone, Junyee struggled to live and fend for himself. He took the job in a funeral home as a makeup artist to sustain his every day.

But soon enough, Junyee found himself as an apprentice of National Artist Napoleon Abueva at the University of the Philippines Diliman where he studied and majored in sculpture. There he became a part of movements against the then dictatorial regime, creating sculptures and other pieces that criticized the government. He eventually built his first installation (the “Balag“) a group of bamboo sticks drawn together and bounded by a rope, on which other students could hang their poems and words of protests. This then marked the start of his career and began yet another series of fateful events for Junyee and his art.

Bayang Barrios as the Muse

Junyee became known for his use of natural materials to create art that stood against many issues including environmental destruction and government corruption. He went from the boy whose art was called “trash” to the country’s pioneer in installation art and site-specific works. Balag at Angud highlights the struggles of an artist to pursue and believe in his art no matter what, despite the negative beliefs of others. It brings hope to all artists that one day, it can be them and their art that influences and inspires.

Balag at Angud runs from August 31 to September 16 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Little Theater.

It’s only halfway through 2018 but it has already been a great year for book-to-film adaptations. With the number of adaptations still coming this year, read on for a list of books that every book and film lover must catch before seeing them on-screen!

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Set in post-World War II London in 1946, this epistolary novel follows author Julie Ashton as she corresponds with the members of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club hastily created by its members as an alibi for breaking curfew during the German occupation. As she gathers information for an article she is writing, Julie also forms a bond with the residents of Guernsey. The film adaptation is directed by Mike Newell and stars Lily James as Juliet Ashton. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is currently available on Netflix.

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. The author, who graced last year’s Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) for a book signing event, was inspired to write To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before from her habit of writing letters to her crushes when she was a teenager. The novel tells the story of 16-year-old Lara Jean Covey, whose life spirals out of control when her letters are secretly mailed out. Susan Johnson directs the Netflix film based on the novel, released on August 17. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before stars X-Men: Apocalypse’s Lana Condor as Lara Jean.

• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. This breakout debut novel pulls readers into the whirlwind that is the lives of, well, crazy rich Asians. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians is the first Hollywood film since The Joy Luck Club in 1993 to feature an all-Asian cast. Catch it in cinemas on August 22! (Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for Kris Aquino’s cameo!)

• First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen. This official biography gives an in-depth account of astronaut Neil Armstrong’s life and career and the journey leading to the momentous Apollo 11 mission, which made Armstrong the famous “first man on the moon.”First Man, the film based on the biography, stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong and Claire Foy as Janet Shearon, Neil Armstrong’s first wife. The movie is set for a theatrical release in October 2018.

• The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz. As the fourth book in the late Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, Lagercrantz continues the gripping saga that began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In The Girl in the Spider’s Web, hacker Lisbeth Salander assists journalist Mikael Blomkvist in investigating an organization named the Spider Society. Taking the place of Rooney Mara, Claire Foy plays Lisbeth Salander in the sequel directed by Fedé Alvarez, also known as the director of acclaimed thriller Don’t Breathe. The Girl in the Spider’s Web hits theaters in November this year.

• Boy Erased: A Memoir by Garrard Conley. In his 2016 memoir, Conley recounts his childhood as the son of a Baptist pastor and a devout Baptist mother who was made to undergo conversion therapy after being outed to his parents at 19 years old. Boy Erased: A Memoir includes Conley’s detailing of his as well other participants’ experiences of the program. Joel Edgerton directs and stars in Boy Erased, also starring Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe as the parents of Jared Eamons, played by Lucas Hedges. The film is set to be released in November 2018.

• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling. Potterheads, it’s time to dive back into the wizarding world! The 2016 adaptation to J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a textbook by character Newt Scamander on the many magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe, is being followed up with a sequel this November. Eddie Redmayne reprises his role as Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, accompanied by Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore and Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald. David Yates returns to direct the sequel with a screenplay again written by Rowling.

• Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve. This book imagines a post-apocalyptic world in which London has been transformed into a “Traction City” that moves on wheels and consumes other cities to obtain resources and sustain itself. The first novel in the tetralogy, Mortal Engines follows Tom Natsworthy and Hester Shaw as they find themselves stranded outside of London. Co-written and co-produced by Peter Jackson, Christian Rivers’ film adaptation comes out in December, starring Hugo Weaving and Hera Hilmar as leads Tom Natsworthy and Hester Shaw, respectively.

• My Heart Is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots by John Guy. The author challenges the notions that paint Mary as inferior to Elizabeth I. Guy examines the archives and re-analyzes the life of Mary Stuart, opening room for new interpretations of the queen’s tragedy-laden life. Golden Globe winner Saoirse Ronan stars as Mary Stuart opposite Academy Award nominee Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I in this historical drama directed by Josie Rourke. The film’s release is set in December of this year.

• Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers. It’s only been a 54-year-long wait, but finally, the much-anticipated sequel to the classic film starring Julie Andrews and Dick van Dyke is coming in December. Mary Poppins Returns will see Emily Blunt starring as the titular character, with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep joining her in the cast. In the meantime, revisit her magical adventures with the Bankses through P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins series – there are eight books in total, so it’ll keep you well-occupied until Mary Poppins’ return!

Grab all of these books and more at the 39th MIBF, set on Sept. 12-16 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City! The MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and the Overseas Publishers Representatives’ Association of the Philippines. For details, call 896-0661 or 896-0682, e-mail bookfair@­primetradeasia.com, or follow @ManilaBookF

Starbucks opened its first store in Italy and it probably is the most stunning Starbucks to date.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery opened in Milan and it looks grandiose.

Starbucks Partners shared photos of the newly opened store on their Facebook page and my jaw dropped just by looking at them!

Starbucks Partners also gave a brief info about the newly opened store.

Today, we celebrate the opening of our first store in Italy and the most beautiful Starbucks in the world: the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan.

At the Milan Roastery, heritage and innovation take center stage against a backdrop of stunning design and immersive discovery. As you enter the building, you’re met with a jaw-dropping view that spans every aspect of the Roastery experience. Vibrant colors reflective of the Italian fashion and design community greet each person, and over the course of the day, the space transforms from the light filtering through the glass ceiling.

At the heart of the environment is a fully-functioning Scolari coffee roaster, manufactured just miles outside of the center of Milan. To the right, customers will find the main bar, where classic espresso beverages mingle with cutting-edge coffee innovation. The wood-fronted bar features fluting, which echoes a motif found in Italian architecture throughout history, and is topped with marble sourced from the world-famous quarries of Tuscany.

Upstairs on the mezzanine, customers can discover Arriviamo Bar – where mixologists are on hand to create specialty cocktails behind a 10-meter (30-foot)-long marble bar carved from a single block of Calacatta Macchia Vecchia. And finally, to the left, customers will see upon entering a Princi Bakery, complete with a wood-fired oven, built brick by brick, onsite by hand using a crew of masons and artisans. “We have spent the past year living and breathing the city of Milan, working closely with dozens of local artisans to bring to life our most beautiful retail experience that engages each one of our customers’ senses – sight, sound, touch, smell, and of course, taste,” said Liz Muller, chief design officer. “From the palladiana flooring that was chiseled by hand to the bright green clackerboard made by Italian craftsman Solari, everything you see in the Roastery is intentional, offering moments of discovery and transparency.”

Throughout the Roastery, the physical retail environment is complemented by an interactive augmented reality (AR) experience, encouraging customers to use their mobile device to uncover more about Reserve coffees, the roasting process and the company. The centerpiece of the AR experience is a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall visual representation of Starbucks history and its coffee – engraved in brass by local craftsmen, burnished to an ombre finish and backlit to bring warmth to the story. Outside on the building’s terrace, customers can enjoy the full range of Roastery coffees, cocktails and cuisine in a distinctly European environment – that of a street-side café.

*All photos are from Starbucks Partners Facebook Page

Packs my bags and flies to Milan for a cup of coffee.

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.

Words by Camille Geguera

Even though there are still three months left, Christmas is definitely around the corner. With malls blasting familiar yuletide carols, it is nearly impossible to not hear a Jose Mari Chan Christmas song during this season! Pinoys have become so accustomed to Jose Mari Chan’s songs being played during the holidays, that Christmas almost feels incomplete without it.

Naturally, though, the internet’s wit brought us all the Jose Mari Chan memes to commemorate the arrival of Christmas, and here are our favorites!

ALSO READ: 25 Filipino Memes That Saved Our Lives This 2018

13. When Jose Mari Chanos warned us all. 

12. When September 1 was “declared” as an official holiday. 

11. When “Wake Me Up When September Ends” was slapped by Jose Mari Chan—ending its era. 

10. The one only Game of Thrones fans would understand.

9. When all malls seem to play the same album all throughout the holidays. 

8. When the To All The Boys I Loved Before fever was still upon us, but September came along. 

7. And that one photo that is a tell-tale sign that Christmas is indeed coming.

ALSO READ: It’s Officially Christmas Season and Jose Mari Chan is Back to Rule our Lives Again

6. When hugot culture just gotta…

5. Yup, they just got to do it. 

4. When the LSS is. so. REAL.

3. Tita Winnie approves this meme. 

2. When math helped proved the theory of September 1 as the Jose Mari Chan holiday. 

1. But someone presented another logical explanation to Jose Mari Chan’s correlation to Christmas. 

Yup, Filipinos surely know how to welcome Christmas, aka Jose Mari Chan season! We got to admit, though, the catchy and nostalgic tunes of Jose Mari Chan’s holiday songs are partly why Filipino Christmases is one of the best out there.