Jun Lana’s ‘About Us But Not About Us’ Wins in Estonia’s Tallinn Film Fest

Looks like more KKV stores will be opening in more locations soon!

Chinese lifestyle brand KKV is planning to open 200 stores in the Philippines within the next three years. This follows the brand’s recent openings in SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, Gateway Mall, and Southwoods Mall Laguna, which have all been met with raving reviews by patrons and guests online. 

KKV is owned by KK Group, a multinational retail company whose portfolio includes The Colorist, a beauty concept store, and X11, a trendy toy brand. Known for their campaign, “Great Life Without Boundaries,” KKV offers over 20,000 products across eight categories, which include trendy toy concepts, home goods, daily essentials, cosmetics and beauty products, stationery, and more. 

Since its arrival in the Philippines in 2024, KK Group has established a partnership with retail giant SM Group. With KKV’s young, diverse, and high-value brand positioning aligning with the needs of the Filipino Gen Z consumer group, KK Group is looking to introduce its two other brands, The Colorist and X11, to the Philippines. 

A Trending Brand for Gen Z

KKV has become a trending brand among Gen Z consumers in the Philippines, with its stores known for their visually striking interior, and viral videos on TikTok and Instagram. During the opening of the brand’s first branch at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), KKV generated over 20 million social media views. 

The most popular categories under KKV were beauty, snacks, and trendy accessories. 

Follow KKV Philippines on Facebook and KKV Global on Instagram for more updates!

Step into the world of live theatre with "Standing Ovation," your trusted companion for navigating Asia's vibrant performing arts scene. From the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong to the historic stages of Manila, we're scouring the region to bring you honest, engaging reviews of the most talked-about shows. Whether you're drawn to the flawless elegance of ballet, embarking on a musical journey through moving tunes, or the raw emotion of dramatic plays, let us guide you to the performances that will resonate with you. So grab your playbill and join The Beat Asia as we immerse ourselves in the region's dazzling arts & culture scene. The curtain's rising – let the review begin!

As children, we all believed that adulthood meant being certain of our actions and acting without hesitation. But now that we’re all here, it seems that we’re all dealing with an overwhelming number of questions and a yearning for simpler times. 

“We Aren’t Kids Anymore” by Drew Gasparini is a stimulating coming-of-age musical that delves deeply into the messy reality of growing up (and its accompanying growing pains). It reflects that point in life when you realize that who you thought you’d be isn’t who you’re becoming, when the dreams you promised to pursue don’t look like what you had imagined, and when the world stops being as simple as it once was. 

The musical features a poem by Keith White and orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Justin Goldner and Drew Gasparini. It is a song cycle filled with gut-punching songs that navigate through all the changes while realizing that life does not come with a manual. 

Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s adaptation features an all-star cast. The five characters are played by Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and Myke Salomon. 

The musical is helmed by Rem Zamora as Director, Myke Salomon and Farley Asuncion as Musical Directors, Jomelle Era as Movement Director, Joey Mendoza as Production Designer, Hershee Tantiado as Associate Production Designer, D Cortezano as Lighting Designer and Technical Director, and Aron Roca as Sound Designer. 

“We Aren’t Kids Anymore” will be staged for four weeks from May 2 to 25, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati. The show will run for 90 minutes with no intermission, and there will be no admission for latecomers. The production of “We Aren’t Kids Anymore” is licensed by Concord Theatricals. 

The Beat Manila got to watch their amazing opening night last May 1, 2025, and we’re here to tell you why you shouldn’t miss out on it! 

The Shared Struggles of Blindly Navigating Through Adulthood

Stories typically feature clear-cut narratives, plotlines, and character arcs that can either be linear or nonlinear. But “We Aren’t Kids Anymore” isn’t any of that; there are no obvious heroes, tidy conclusions. Instead, we are met with a series of deeply personal vignettes done through music. It’s an emotionally raw song cycle that cuts deeply, touching on anything and everything — from ambition, to regret, to mental health, broken dreams, and the slow burn of time. 

Every performer – Gab Pangilinan, Myke Salomon, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, and Luigi Quesada – brought out distinctive emotional textures on stage, which helped tie everything together. 

Watching each one of them play as characters dealing with the complexities of growing up was like looking into a mirror. They channeled every emotion so deeply, delivering a soulfully intimate performance that felt almost like we were eavesdropping on a therapy session. 

There was undeniable power in their vulnerability, creating space for the audience to see themselves reflected in every note and lyric. The intimacy of the venue deepened this connection even more – a quiet permission to feel every emotion openly, even in a room full of strangers, with just enough shadow to keep one’s own feelings safely tucked away.

The live band, featuring Farley Asuncion (keyboard), Jordan Amaca (guitar), Tin Vargas (bass), and Karmi Santiago (drums), also gave the musical a different vibe, making it feel alive and a reminder that says, “You’re here. You’re in the now.”

Fragmented Feelings

But there’s a catch: for someone not steeped in the language of theater, this structure can feel overwhelming and confusing. The absence of a traditional narrative thread – a clear beginning, middle, and end – does leave room for emotional interpretation, but also risks alienation and indifference. 

The opening number, “My Name is Drew,” sets a personal tone for the entire show but offers little to no clarity on what or who we’re about to follow. 

At times, parts of the musical dangled on the edge of oversharing and a “trauma dump session” – like an emotionally charged journal entry that was turned into a performance. Yes, there was emotional catharsis, but some parts felt overly saturated. Some moments were less storytelling, more extremely revealing monologues with music. 

Depending on where you are in life, those parts can either be deeply moving or slightly draining. We suspect, however, that this might be one of their intentions.

The Beauty of Relating in the Rawness of Life

Still, there is beauty in the unfiltered sincerity of We Aren’t Kids Anymore’s ensemble. Marrone Cruz’ performance of the title song was definitely a standout moment — her powerful performance perfectly encapsulated the ache of everyone on stage into one stellar performance. 

Luigi Quesada also delivered a memorable turn in “I’ll Stick Around.” His presence throughout the show was subtle at first, until he blooms into a cathartic, emotional release. His portrayal of a character veiled in mystery, silently bearing an unnamed weight, felt incredibly profound once he performed Keith White’s spoken word poetry. This build up to his emotional release was quiet, until it salvoes unrestrained, deeply echoing a message of hope. 

“We Aren’t Kids Anymore” speaks to a generation raised on ambition, who are now haunted by the crippling fear of failure and burnout. Adulting is a universal language and a pain everyone understands, and that is what this show aims to show. 

The nostalgia, the grief for our childhood, and the desire to find meaning in ordinary – these are far from foreign to any of us. This musical feels like an outstretched hand in the dark, gently patting us on the shoulder that reminds us that we’re not alone. It’s more like a friend whispering, “Hey, we’re in this together.” 

Final Thoughts

“We Aren’t Kids Anymore” didn’t tie things up neatly, and maybe that’s the point of it all. Sure, there may have been parts that felt incredibly raw, or moments when we all might have felt a little too exposed. But you know what, maybe that discomfort was totally intentional.

Growing up rarely comes with neat endings or clear outcomes. What this musical offers instead is something more honest: a connection through music, melody, and a gentle acceptance that says, “Hey, we’re growing up, and maybe that’s not a bad thing.” 

It might not be for everyone, but for those who are struggling to reconcile who they were with who they’re becoming, this show might feel like a mirror. And for one night, that might be enough. 

Overall, we agree that it's a must-watch. You’re going to be in for 90 minutes filled with existential crises, reflection, and well, a much-needed reality check. 

“We Aren’t Kids Anymore” runs from May 2 to 25, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati. There are only two ticketing tiers: Gold (P3200) and Silver (P2700). You may get your tickets via Barefoot Theatre Collaborative. 

Follow Barefoot Theatre Collaborative on Facebook and Instagram for updates. 

Get ready, Manila, for a weekend party packed with explosive musical performances, pop culture activities, and the chance to meet your favorite content creators. 

Happening on May 30 and 31 at Okada Manila, the first-ever &FRIENDS Festival is a place where culture, creators, and music collide. Organized by Clout Kitchen, &FRIENDS is a lifestyle+ event brand that brings together some of the world’s biggest names to Asia while also giving local rising acts and creators a chance to shine on the global stage. 

“We’ve seen how festivals like Coachella, EDC, and Tomorrowland unite music lovers from all over the world, and now it’s Manila’s turn,” said Justin Banusing, CEO of Clout Kitchen, in an official statement. “&FRIENDS is about bringing people together — whether you’re here for the biggest names in EDM, viral popstars, or the next breakout artist, this is the festival for fans who want it all.”

Planning to go to this one-of-a-kind event? This guide will help you navigate everything from line-up highlights and immersive experiences to essential tips for making the most of your time. From daytime sets to late-night dance floors, &FRIENDS isn’t just a festival, it’s where memories are made together.  

When & Where

&FRIENDS festival is happening on May 30 (Friday) and 31 (Saturday) at Okada Manila in Parañaque City. The massive hotel and entertainment complex is located at the heart of Entertainment City 3, which is a few minutes' drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, making it convenient for travelers. 

Commuting to Okada can be quite a challenge and involves indirect routes for jeepneys, a combination of buses and shuttles, as well as train transfers should you take the Light Rail Transit (LRT) route. We encourage you to take either a private car, as guest parking is available at the venue, or hail a taxi or book from ride-hailing apps such as Grab, InDrive, or Angkas instead. 

If you’re a guest at the hotel or a Reward Circle member, you can also enjoy a free journey via the Okada Manila Express. Several terminals run daily rides around the metro, including in Quezon City, Araneta City, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, Binondo, SM BF Parañaque, and Robinsons Galleria. You can view the schedules here.

Festival Hours

The different sections of the festival will be open at the following times:

• Expo Floor: 12 NN to 11 PM
• Creator Stage: 12:30 PM to 6 PM
• Day 1 Music Night (May 30): 4 PM to 4 AM
• Day 2 Music Night (May 31): 4 PM to 4 AM 

Festival Highlights: Music and Activities Lineup

The event features a daytime and nighttime lineup packed with music, activities, and immersive experiences. For Music Nights, be prepared to dance the night away in Cove Manila, the hotel’s indoor beach club, to some of the most popular music acts in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene, including Grammy-winning EDM icon Zedd, multi-platinum rapper bbno$, and Billboard Music Top Dance/Electronic Album awardee ILLENIUM. 

This marks Zedd’s second visit to Manila after nearly three years, and bbno$ and ILLENIUM’s debut on the Philippine stage. Other EDM acts to look forward to are Dutch electronic duo €URO TRA$H, Singapore’s fastest rising DJ Kiara, and the creator of melodic dubstep, Seven Lions. 

Although mainly rooted in EDM, fans can expect a fusion of genres at &FRIENDS as it also offers an unparalleled music experience featuring explosive K-Pop acts and rising OPM (Original Pilipino Music) artists.

East Meets West on May 30 as legendary K-Pop DJs 2Spade and Hoaprox turn the music stage into a K-Pop rave, while the following night will put the spotlight on local stars such as Filipino-Australian Ylona Garcia, indie singer Amiel Sol, lo-fi rapper Kiyo, and creative collective Planet Workshop. See below for the complete lineup for each day:

More than a music festival, &FRIENDS will also have a Creator Expo where you can explore interactive panels, meet your favorite content creators, and shop around merchant booths. The Creator Stage is set up on the Expo’s floor and will be the venue for variety shows featuring world-class talents such as record-breaking VTuber Ironmouse, indie VTuber Shoto, Tuonto, Antony Chen, and well-known local creators Charess, Jujumao, and more.

The Glass Ballroom will become the venue for meet & greets with the content creators, which you can avail as an add-on with your ticket purchases, while the Crystal Pavilion is set to house various merchant booths selling clothes, accessories, collectibles, and prints from Filipino artists such as Sskait, Adonis, Little Things PH, Yokify, Hunghang Flashbacks, and Libreng Komiks. 

Tickets and Passes

With two days of live performances and exciting activities, &FRIENDS has got you covered with a variety of ticket options to tailor your festival experience, all of which include access to the Creator Expo. 

You can enjoy both days with the 2-Day Music and Expo Tickets priced at P8,500 (General Admission) and P15,000 (VIP). If you can only attend one of the days, solo day tickets are priced at P6,000 (General Admission) and P9,000 (VIP) for Day 1, which is headlined by Zedd, €URO TRA$H, Kiara, Fairlane b2b Siangyoo, and other EDM acts. Meanwhile, Day 2 can be bought for P3,500 (General Admission) and P6,000 (VIP), and is headlined by bbno$, ILLENIUM, and Seven Lions. All tickets are for standing only.

For those looking to upgrade the experience, we recommend availing the VVIP Cabanas, starting at P54,000 for Day 2, for 9 pax. Cabanas for Day 1 are unfortunately already sold out. This package includes a private section and access to a cabana near the music stage for the selected night, as well as a butler service and a drink package. 

Alternatively, you can also avail Music Night Tables, which include VIP access to all activities plus a welcome drink package for 6 pax (P90,000) and 12 pax (P180,000). Solo day tables are also available for the following prices:

DAY 1

• VIP Cocktail (6 pax): P54,000
• VIP Cocktail (12 pax): P108,000

DAY 2

• VIP Cocktail (6 pax): P36,000
• VIP Cocktail (12 pax): P72,000

&FRIENDS is all about bringing people together, so why not squad up and bring your friends along? There are solo and two-day bundles available for 5 pax starting at P25,000. These tickets include access to the Music Stage, Expo, and Creator Stage. Upgrades for General Admission tickets are also available at P2,500 (Day 1 to Day 1 and 2 Music & Expo) and P5,000 (Day 2 to Day 1 and 2 Music & Expo). 

Expo-only passes can be bought for P500 (Day 1) and P1,000 (Day 2). This gives you access to the Expo and Creator Stage from 12 NN to 11 PM. 

You can buy your tickets here. To buy in USD, you can purchase your tickets via Ticketmelon or Plvr.

Meet & Greet Add-on

Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s top content creators. Starting from P1,000, you can meet and interact with your favorite creators at the Glass Ballroom. See below for the schedule of meet & greets:

DAY 1 (May 30)

Kenny Song, Fred Lu, Jujumao, Donut Daddy

Time: 4:30 PM to 6 PM

Price: P1,000

Philip Vu, Justin Han, Igumdrop

Time: 6:10 PM to 7:40 PM

Price: P1,000

DAY 2 (May 31)

Antony Chen, BTMC, Tuonto

Time: 12:40 PM to 2:10 PM

Price: P1,000

Fobmaster, Lilyis, Tsikyo, Xlice, Dish

Time: 2:20 PM to 3:50 PM

Price: P1,000

Charess, Kitz Cua, Een, Knite

Time: 4 PM to 5:15 PM

Price: P2,000

Shoto

Time: 5:30 PM to 7 PM

Price: P2,000

Things to Note

To make your festival experience smooth and enjoyable, here are some reminders to keep in mind.

1. The festival has age restrictions. Minors (below 18) are prohibited during Music Night, while children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the Expo.  
2. Pets are not allowed.
3. Outside food and drink are not allowed. Don’t worry, there will be food and beverage options at the venue.
4. A priority lane will be available for PWD (Persons with Disabilities) and Senior Citizens. Their companions will be asked to go to their respective lines, while event staff will be there to assist the PWD/Senior.
5. Ticket refunds will only be provided should there be event or talent cancellations. Any tickets not refunded will serve as event ticket credits for the new dates of the event.
6. All tickets except meet & greet passes are transferable.  

Some Tips

Considering that the festival will run at least 16 hours per day, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Other things you might need are an extra shirt, handheld fans, and your phone chargers or power banks. We wouldn’t want your phones dying once Zedd’s “Clarity” comes on, right?

Pack light and make sure to include a hygiene kit packed with sanitizers, wet and dry tissues, and band-aids, as well as small towels, as things could get warm in the mosh pit. 

Review the lineup beforehand to know when your favorite content creators will be on to manage your time and make the most out of every show. Remember to pace yourselves during Music Night. Stay hydrated and find some breathing room in between sets. Most importantly, feel the beats and just have fun!

Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind music festival experience? See you on May 30 and 31 for a party like no other!

For more information and updates, stay tuned on &FRIENDS’ official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram pages. 

Location: Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Parañaque City, Metro Manila 1701

When: May 30 to 31, 2025

Admission Fee: P8,500 (2-Day General Admission) and P15,000 (2-Day VIP). More ticket options here. 

Music in the Philippines is an expansive industry that has taken many forms through the years, from the rise of traditional folk songs and OPM (Original Pinoy Music) to covers and the P-Pop wave. Musical mimicry has long been a talent among Filipino singers who are known to perform songs as good as their original artists. But there is something about cover artists that makes us want to hear more. 

While attending the recently concluded Cosplay Carnival, we witnessed a Filipino Japanese idol cover group take to the stage to perform a few tracks. Impressed by their thrilling performance, we were inclined to get to know these talented ladies. 

Ivy! Musume is the brainchild of John Espiritu, the founder of Hello! Project Philippines, a music organization handling various idol groups and artists. John describes the group as a reimagined Filipino version of Morning Musume, one of Japan’s top all-girl groups formed in 1997. The group is currently the lead artist of Hello! Project Japan, holding the Oricon record of most top 10 singles — 64 of them to be exact!

Consisting of members Trina, Nicole, KD, Elaine, Liya, Kayli, Colin, and Jade, Ivy! Musume was formed in 2010 and has since been the cornerstone of the Philippines' Japanese idol scene, delivering powerful performances at various events nationwide. Fourteen years later, the group remains strong, having “graduated” several members through the years — their lineup ever-fluctuating yet retaining their charm, talent, and charisma. Now, the current generation and their creator are hoping to direct their path towards releasing original music that will ultimately transform what Ivy! Musume is all about. 

The Beat Asia sat down with the members as well as their handler, John, to know more about the group’s origins, their journey as cover artists, and what we can expect from the girl group this year.  

Hi Ivy! Musume! Can you introduce yourselves and your roles in the group?

Trina: Hello! I'm Trina. I'm the leader and one of the main vocalists.

Nicole: Hi! I'm Nicole. I'm the appointed sub-leader, one of the main vocals, and lead dancer.

KD: Konnichiwa (hello)! I’m KD, and I hold the title “Ambassadress of Hello! Project Philippines.”

Elaine: Hi! My Name is Elaine, I’m currently the main dancer.

Lia: Hi! I’m Lia, also one of the lead dancers.

Kayli: Hi! I'm Kayli, one of the lead vocalists, and hold the kawaii (cute) concept in the group. My image color is Sky Blue!

Colin: Hi! I’m Colin, one of Ivy Musume’s main vocalists.

Jade: Hi! I'm Jade, one of the lead vocalists and the visual of the group. I'm also the youngest.

Can you tell us about how the group formed?

John: Back in the 2000s, there weren’t a lot of cover groups in Manila covering Morning Musume, so I came up with an idea to start one. It was a challenge, but I was determined to start a ‘sing and dance’ group. 

Although at first, I was banking on a solo idol because I loved Aya Matsuura. She was the first Hello! Project Act I have known. Previous J-Pop acts I’d gotten into were Shibuya Kei [pop microgenre], liked Pizzicato Five, Kahimi Karie, Ayumi Hamasaki, and of course, Ayaya. From there, I was introduced to Morning Musume. By being into Aya, I was able to absorb all the ingredients to start a formal group that eventually became Ivy! Musume in 2010.

It was first formed and patterned after Morning Musume from Japan and took inspiration from Bananarama in the 80s and the Spice Girls from the 90s as its blueprint, who were two of the most successful all-time girl group acts at that time.

Is there a story behind the group name?

John: I’m a big fan of indie pop music. There was this song called “Imperial Violets” which I repeatedly listened to in 1999, and I thought of how it was a nice name for a band or musical group. I’ve kept that in mind since. 

When the girl group had their very first stage performance in the House of Runes café in West Avenue, Quezon City — thirty minutes before their stage performance, I christened them the name Ivy! Musume. 

“I” is from “Imperial” because I wanted them as if with royalty of East Asia, while “Vi” is from Violet. I changed the I to Y, added a punctuation mark, then appended the Japanese word “Musume.”

Cool! Did all the girls undergo training?

John: Yes, all members were taken into training because the group's concepts were new for each member, since the first generation was to be indoctrinated. First, basic vocal harmonies will be assigned to each member, as well as the dance choreography. They are simple, but fun compared to the more strict K-Pop movements prevalent at that moment. 

We also had to elect a leader and sub-leader to manage the group members. Discipline and commitment are basic requirements to join. They need to prove their loyalty to what they are doing. I also choose the best material for their covers. 

For the members, did you always enjoy listening to Japanese music? Anything you’re currently listening to?

Trina: I like the melody and calmness of “Chiisana Koi No Uta” covered by Kobasolo & Apricot Masako.

Nicole: I rarely listen to J-pop songs, but there are some that I would like to hear again, like “Kokoronashi” by Majiko and “Tokyo Summer Session” ft. Chico and HoneyWorks. 

KD: I’m an avid fan of BENI (Beni Arashiro), mostly her “Best of BENI” collection; Morning Musume (“Renai Hunter”), Maki Goto (“Tear Drops” and “Eyes”). I’m also still experiencing LSS (last song syndrome) to “Chichi wo Motomete” by Aoi Akira.

Elaine: “Yuzurenai Negai” by Naomi Tamura, the OST version. It was popularized by the anime “Magic Knight Rayearth,” which was famous back then.

Lia: I like Aimyon's songs, especially “Marigold” and “Hadaka no Kokoro.”

Kayli: I have a lot, but so far I have been listening to my favorite groups Liella, Girls², and ME:I recently. “Ikenai Borderline” by Walkure is one of my most repeated songs right now, too.

Colin: I started listening to J-Pop because of Babymetal’s “Road of Resistance” that I played on Osu’s beatmaps. So, yeah! It’s one of my most memorable J-Pop/Kawaii Metal songs. Another is Babymetal’s “Arkadia” for its message, and lastly, “Ima Suki Ni Naru” by HoneyWorks.

Jade: One of my favorite J-Pop songs is “Morning Coffee” from our beloved girl group Morning Musume.

Do you have a favorite or memorable performance?

Trina: For me, it’s our performance at Pinoy Otaku Festival 2017: Danketsu. Ivy! had solid coordination that time, and our performance was appreciated even by those people who don't have any idea about our piece. The crowd was cheering and applauding for us.

Nicole: Our performance at NyanCon 2015 at Robinsons Place Antipolo! It was the first performance of the 5th generation together with the senpais (seniors). I could still remember the adrenaline I felt when I first performed in a group. It made me want to keep on performing with them.

KD: I have two in mind. One is 1st Manila Idol Matsuri 2018. That was a blast and a fun experience to be on the same stage with other idol groups like MNL48 and Japh Dolls. Second is the “Pinoy Otaku Festival 2017: Danketsu.” I loved the crowd as we could hear them applauding and my friends in the community were very supportive of us. Plus, the staff was very accommodating!

Elaine: One of my unforgettable performances was the 1st Manila Idol Matsuri last 2018, because we had the chance to meet some other local idol groups in the Philippines, such as MNL48, Japh Dolls, and Pastel Mix, who are all well-known in the industry. We even performed together on one stage! We enjoyed the warm welcome and the stage performances. It was a pleasure to be part of that big event.

Lia: My most memorable moment is when we performed at Geek+Pop, where we met Japanese idol groups!

Kayli: Our performance at Cosplay Carnival 2025 Day 1, of course! And also every time Ivy! Musume performs with eight complete members.

Colin: I would say Geek+Pop is my most memorable performance because I got sick days before the performance. *laughs* I thought that I wouldn’t be able to recover in time, but good thing that I felt a lot better two days before and was able to join my fellow 9th Gen for our debut performance.

Jade: All of them so far! I really like performing, and it’s especially fun when we perform together as eight complete members.

Can you tell us about some of the challenges of being in a girl group?

Trina: There are actually lots such as managing our member schedules, financial ability, and group coordination. Also, charming the audience. We need to find songs that are popular to get support, considering that we have so many idol groups now who are covering J-Pop songs that have a bigger fanbase. Now that we're working with our original songs, I hope we still shine for the audience as we perform our own this time.

Nicole: One of the challenges is time. Every one of us has different lifestyles, so it's really hard for some of us to engage in group activities. That also makes our practices very limited and makes us work harder to deliver a good performance.

How would you describe your journey so far?

Trina: Overwhelming yet fulfilling. We may be all getting tired due to successive events, but at the end of the day, my heart is happy because we're getting the exposure and opportunities the group deserves. I can really say that we are now really getting into our goals.

KD: Happy and fulfilling regardless of sweat and tears. It’s all worth it. As long as we’re still aligned, I will support them.

Jade: Fun and full of surprises!

John: It has its own highs and low points, but overall, we’re happy we made it to our 14th year together with each different generation to continue Ivy! Musume’s legacy.

Considering Ivy! Musume’s long-standing history, what else does the group hope to achieve?

John: I want to direct Ivy! Musume’s path into singing original songs composed specially for them and getting them released for fans to disseminate more awareness and following. Also, to produce more quality, conceptualized videos.

Trina: To be a legitimate artist and produce our own content with our original songs. I also want to experience performing overseas. Dream big, right? 

Nicole: To release our own songs and perform in other places. 

KD: The next thing I want to achieve is to produce and release our very own songs. Hopefully, we can perform as well in Japan. 

Elaine: Hoping we can perform in Japan with our idol group Morning Musume! 

Lia: The thing I want to achieve is to perform in Japan.

Kayli: To perform in any Cosplay PH events and outside Metro Manila in the future. Hopefully, we also get to release our very own original song.

Colin: Same with most of the members. I hope for the group to perform outside Metro Manila — in Japan, specifically.

Jade: For me, it’s to release our own songs and to inspire people by doing what we love. 

Please tell us what we can look forward to from Ivy! Musume this year.

Trina: We are now working on our original songs, and we're all hoping that an album will be released this year. We're so excited about that! And of course, expect more live events from us till the end of this year. How about a live concert? Let's see! *laughs* 

KD: Surprise and secret! We’re cooking something up!

Elaine: Just follow us for more updates!

Lia: Yes! Please look forward to our first original song.

Kayli: There’s A LOT! We’re currently planning and preparing things to share with you all in the future. 

Jade: Please look forward to our new merch and continue to support us throughout this journey! 

Follow along Ivy! Musume’s official Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on new releases and upcoming events. 

It’s a known fact that romance and poetry are two of the most popular genres in the Philippine literature scene, but did you know that there’s a genre that has the potential to make it big in the next few years?

Science Fiction (Sci-Fi or SF) has gained traction in recent years with the release of dystopian-themed novels and shows about robots and aliens. In an article from The Statesman, Claire Gehlic stated that due to the renewed interest in cutting-edge technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and increased Internet access, “people’s desire for escapism has reached new heights, resulting in the increased production of books, television series, and films in the genre.”

If we were to look at the numbers, there is a steady rise in terms of profits for the genre. According to statistics from Wordsrated, Sci-Fi and Fantasy earned US$590 million in revenue in the United States alone in 2023. In the world of comic books, sci-fi sales grew by 8.3% in 2021 compared to 2020, and the genre ranks within the top 10 on Amazon’s most competitive categories list.

In the Philippines, the SF genre began in the 1940s with the release of novels such as “Doktor Satan” by Mateo Cruz Cornelio, which was an R. L. Stevenson-inspired story about a medical doctor searching for a cure for his mother’s terminal illness. Apart from a couple of novels from this time, the genre was only ever read in comic books with most being in the pulp variety. 

We don’t know about you, but we’re seeing a lot of untapped potential for Pinoy Sci-Fi considering its global demand. And this is what Sci-Fi and urban fantasy author Renato Tranquilino intends to do as he spreads more awareness for the genre to revive Pinoy Sci-Fi to its former glory. 

But what exactly is Pinoy Sci-Fi? We asked the author himself. 

“Pinoy Sci-Fi is a genre that attempts to combine Philippine myths and creatures with advanced tech and weaponry. Think Riddick or the Dragonriders of Pern. Then when you think of the universe I created, think of Raymond E. Feist's ‘The Riftworld Saga.’ My recent book available on Amazon is ‘The Culling in Proxima,’ and this book shows how I see the Philippines, combining the world of mysticism and science.”

Renato embarked on his writing journey in 2019 when he wrote his first novel, “The Merovingian,” which also had a comic book version called “The Rise of the Filipino Merovingian.” Currently, the Filipino-Australian has four books under his belt, including “The Hong Kong Connection” and “Fate of a Distant Future,” which was featured at the Hong Kong Book Fair and Frankfurt Book Fair to represent Pinoy Sci-Fi. 

There’s no doubt the genre provides escapism that audiences crave and has many thrilling subjects and premises that have yet to be explored. But the question still stands: Is Pinoy Sci-Fi a profitable genre to write in? 

“Online-streaming studios are hungry for new content,” Renato explained. “That's why they started to do a lot more things like Netflix's ‘Black Mirror’ or Apple's ‘Severance.’  But they also started to get more Asian content, like the ones from Thailand, and of course, ‘Trese.’ Half the world’s population is in Asia!”

The SF author also added that there’s a global interest in diverse Sci-Fi stories, which encourages publishers to produce more books that feature stories beyond the West. In turn, production companies and streaming platforms are releasing more shows and movies in the genre, with books being one of their top source materials. This proves that financial opportunities go beyond book sales and can expand to film, TV, and eventually merchandise. 

“It’s new and it has not been commercially available for over 20 years,” Renato told The Beat Asia as he explained that Pinoy Sci-Fi lacks recognition of being classed as literature in the Philippines. It was even removed as a genre from the Palanca Awards in 2006, the country’s most prestigious literary award for writers. The author also voiced that due to this, there is a lack of commercial support from most educational institutions except the NBDB (National Book Development Board). 

“Apart from something new, I think the financial reward that this genre will bring to the country is what makes it an exciting genre to pursue.”

Monetizing Strategies for Authors

If you’re a budding writer looking to get your foot in the door, the first step is to have an actual book to sell. Renato gave a fascinating talk during the Philippine Book Festival last month about how to make money from Pinoy Sci-Fi, and how authors can profit from their writing careers.

Renato emphasized that a book is a product, and that for it to be able to sell well, authors must make sure it’s ready. Books usually undergo a long process of proofing, editing, and research. One must know their target audiences and prepare their online pages, such as a website or social media handles, to have a space to display their work. 

When it comes to getting published, Renato explained that there are three paths one can take: Traditional, Self-Publishing, and the Literary Agent route. 

Traditional Publishing

• Pro: You won’t have to pay anything.
• Pro: Marketing is handled by the publisher.
• Con: All rights belong to the publisher.

Self-Publishing 

• Pro: All rights belong to the writer, including for film and merchandise.
• Con: You will have to pay for all costs and handle everything, including marketing, negotiations, and publicity.

Literary Agent

• Pro: They will negotiate terms with the publisher.
• Pro: They will market your work and get the publicity it deserves.
• Pro: Agents can get you published by bigger or international publishers, thus you’ll have a wider audience reach.
• Con: Agents get a 20% cut or more of your earnings.
• Con: Agents know best, so you must comply with all their plans for your book.
• Con: You will need to query and find an agent interested in representing your work.

All paths have their advantages and disadvantages, but when it comes to making the most out of your work, Renato suggested, “Get a literary agent. I have tried both, and getting an agent is best because they will connect you with the right publisher who will pay your story's worth.”

Renato also explained in his talk how a huge part of being a writer is marketing your work, which can be done in several ways, including:

• Maintaining and creating content on your social media pages. This also includes regularly posting purchase links for your books and setting up giveaways.
• Doing talks at schools and universities.
• Attending book events for exposure and networking opportunities.
• Entering competitions to gain recognition and awards.
• Working with a PR (Public Relations) person for guestings.

The author also mentioned the importance of getting connected with NBDB as the organization offers Philippine authors the chance to gain more exposure for their work such as sending writers to represent the country in international book fairs, providing grants for book translations, and getting you connected with all the right people in the global publishing industry. 

If you’re planning to self-publish or don’t have a traditional publisher yet, Renato encourages you to sign up with the organization to utilize their services and opportunities. You can register here. 

Currently, Renato is taking the agented route and has just released the sequel to “The Merovigian,” as well as two other books entitled "Eden” and “Proxima.” Advanced copies are now available on Amazon or via direct order from the author. 

If you’re interested in checking out his other works, you can purchase them from Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, 8Letters Bookstore and Publishing, Fully Booked, and Lazada.

You can also follow the author on Facebook for more updates on his latest releases and book events. 

Did a new show pop up on your Netflix watchlist? Or maybe there's a new Asian drama making its rounds on social media? Stop scrolling before you fall into the spoilers black hole and let us help you decide if it's worth watching.

From Hollywood sitcoms that tickle your funny bones and thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seats to romantic K-Dramas that make your heart skip a beat, The Beat Asia is taking a first look at the latest series releases for your viewing pleasure.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the review!

When Life Gives You Tangerines: Netflix K-Drama Series

Slice-of-Life, Romance

16 Episodes

Since the release of its first four episodes in early March, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” has received resounding praise from viewers around the world. As of April 2025, the series has been at the top of the Global Top 10 Non-English Shows list on Netflix for six weeks, racking in around 5,400,000 views. 

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the K-Drama received a 100% rating, with an average of a 9.40 out of 10 rating. On IMDb, it received a 9.3 out of 10-star rating, with each episode averaging an above 8.5 rating. In the Philippines, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” sat at the No. 1 spot in the Top 10 Shows in the Philippines list on Netflix for four weeks, remaining in the top spots soon after. 

The K-Drama also led the nominations at the upcoming 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards with seven nominations. 

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” stars IU (“Hotel del Luna,” “My Mister”), Park Bo-gum (“Reply 1988,” “Love In The Moonlight”), Moon So-ri (“Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born,” “Legend of the Blue Sea”) and Park Hae-joon (“The World of the Married,” “My Mister”). 

Written by Lim Sang-choon (“Fight for My Way,” “When the Camellia Blooms”) and directed by Kim Won-seok (“Sungkyunkwan Scandal,” “My Mister”), the K-Drama follows the life and trials of Oh Ae-sun, a spirited young woman born in Jeju Island in 1951, and Yang Gwan-shik, a steadfast young man who loves and cherishes her. 

The drama has its heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments, with its first episode perfectly hooking viewers with the build-up for Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-shik’s love story. With powerful actors IU and Park Bo-gum leading the way, the drama undoubtedly touched our hearts with its rollercoaster of emotions and compelling storyline.

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a perfect example of what the slice-of-life genre has to offer, as well as how no one can truly stop what life has to offer; we must simply make do with what we have and live on. Read on to know why. 

Recap: Episode One, Spring in a Heartbeat

Run Time: 57 minutes

Subtitle Availability: English, Filipino, Spanish (Latin America), Korean, Chinese (Simplified, Traditional), and more.

Audio Availability: Korean, English, Filipino, Japanese, Spanish (Latin America), and more. 

SPOILER ALERT! This section contains details from the pilot episode of “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” 

The episode opens with a much-older Oh Ae-sun (Moon So-ri), who appears to be reflecting on her life through poetry and a drawing of the sea, with her emotions seemingly heightened by the word “mom.” We are then carried back to Jeju Island in the 1960s, where a younger Ae-sun (Kim Tae-yeon) is first seen calling out to her mother, Jeon Gwang-rye (Yeom Hye-ran). 

At the same time, we are introduced to a group of haenyeo, a tight-knit group of spirited women who dive in the sea for survival, and a young boy named Yang Gwan-shik (Lee Chun-moo), who quietly becomes a part of Ae-sun’s world. As she comes ashore, the group of haenyeo berate Gwang-rye for “being greedy” and say that they (the haenyeo) live and die together. 

At home, Ae-sun struggles with being treated as an outsider among her extended family and yearns to live with her mother. When tensions boil over, Gwang-rye fiercely takes Ae-sun under her care. 

Through school struggles, hard lessons about survival, and moments of wanting to break free from tradition, Ae-sun’s story unfolds with rawness and resilience. She and her mother dream together of a better future, with more of their relationship unraveling while the tides begin to shift around them. 

As seasons pass, we see Ae-sun grow and flourish through hard work, heartbreak, and silent rebellion with Gwan-shik by her side. Together they worked on a cabbage field and are later seen selling their wares on the street. 

The episode ends with hope for freedom, with Ae-sun and Gwan-shik running towards an unknown future in full spirits.

REVIEW: The journey to becoming powerful is one with pain.

Slice-of-life K-Dramas typically revolve around typical tropes — ordinary characters living ordinary lives, with the exception of some extraordinary conflict, comedic scenes, and a budding love story.

However, in “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” the “extraordinary conflict” doesn’t stem from any outside factor; it’s simply life. 

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” began with a barrage of introductions, as is customary for the first episode. However, experiencing such a wide range of emotions right off the bat was unexpected. The drama’s trailers led viewers to believe that it was a romantic comedy starring two of the best actors in the Korean drama industry, but the first episode proved otherwise. 

Echoing another review in our Screen Test series, the first episodes can be a bit tricky to navigate since they do tend to drown us in lengthy backstories. However, for “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” it was definitely the right choice. 

Rather than beginning with the love story between Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-shik, which would be the focus of the following episodes, the episode focused on Ae-sun’s origins and what shaped her to be the way she is today. Starting off the episode with an elderly Ae-sun calling out to sea was an emotional introduction to her lifelong connection to the sea, a recurring theme in her eventful, spirited life. 

Every scene was important to watch, and everything was even more meaningful when you consider every little cultural aspect that the production incorporated into the drama. The culture of the haenyeo, the shaman, the balsam paste dye, the jeongnang, and more. 

Being introduced to the culture of Jeju Island this way was particularly beautiful, and when you take a closer look at the meaning of “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” the drama takes on an even deeper meaning. In English, the title is a play on the adage “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In Jeju language, “Possak sogatsuda” literally means, “Thank you for your hard work.” 

The title itself is a poetic ode to the drama’s subject, the women. We are introduced to a multitude of women from the beginning of the episode — Ae-sun, Gwang-rye, the haenyeo, Ae-sun’s grandmother, Gwan-shik’s grandmother, and more — who mirror the matriarchal familial structure in Jeju. 

The haenyeo, with the word meaning “sea women” in English, are female divers known for their independent spirit and determination. These women serve as breadwinners for their families, and their struggles are highlighted throughout the K-Drama. 

Beyond their toils in everyday life, the haenyeo represent something more profound– a quiet rebellion against time, tide, and tradition. These women are living witnesses to the resilience in learning to breathe beneath the surface — literally and metaphorically. The drama doesn’t romanticize hardships but honors them with reverence. Ae-sun draws her strength and grit from these women, and then we start to understand that this story isn’t one of individual survival. 

It's about a collective memory that is passed down through grief, grit, and grace. Through the lens of Jeju’s haenyeo and Ae-sun, this drama becomes more than a slice-of-life — it’s an ode to the women who endure not because they must, but because they choose to — for a better life and future. 

Final Verdict

In a world that often wishes to point fingers at people and things for all the hardships in life, this drama firmly presses a foot down and says, “Take a closer look.” It reminds us that quiet resilience lives without fail in our everyday lives, that love can be subtle and transformative, and that grief doesn’t linger; it gives strength to carry on. 

Episode 1 of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” left an impression that’s hard to shake off. The storyline whispers and lingers, with its gentle pacing, rich cultural layers, world-building, and emotional storytelling. It doesn’t just tell a story; it invites us to sit with it, breathe with it, and find ourselves within it. 

For its sincerity, soul, and unwavering embrace of the mundane and of life, we’re giving this episode 5 BEATS. 

Netflix released the K-Drama’s final volume (episodes 13 to 16) on Mar. 28, 2025. If you haven’t started it, start it now! Watch it here.

Beabadoobee fans, listen up! Live Nation Philippines has just announced that the Filipino-British bedroom pop sensation will be bringing her Asia tour to Manila! She’ll be performing on Aug. 12, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Born in Iloilo City in 2000 before moving to London, Beabadoobee (aka Bea) has captured hearts worldwide with her catchy and comforting indie anthems like “Glue Song,” “The perfect pair,” “the way things go,” “Beaches,” and “Worth It,” to name a few.

She rose to fame with her debut song “Coffee,” which instantly went viral when she first uploaded it to YouTube in 2017.

This is not the young star’s first concert in the Philippines. In September 2022, she took to the stage for "Beatopia Tour 2022 Live in Manila," and in the same year, she made history as the youngest Filipina artist to perform at Coachella. And that was just the beginning — by 2023, she was opening for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour.

Fans eager to hear tracks from her latest studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, the wait is almost over!  

Ticket prices for the upcoming show are as follows: Balcony 1 is priced at P1,750, Balcony 2 is P2,750, Loge is P3,750, Floor B Standing is P4,550, and Floor A Standing is P5,550.

The ticket sales will kick off with an artist presale on May 5 from 11 AM to 11:59 PM, followed by a Mastercard presale on May 6, 10 AM to May 7, 10 AM. 

Live Nation Philippines members will get early access on May 7, from 12 NN to 11:59 PM. General ticket sales will begin on May 8 at 12 NN.

Don't miss your chance to catch Beabadoobee live — be sure to grab your tickets soon! For more information, visit Live Nation Philippines on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).