Sophia Hernandez Talks Pathogens, Making Science Accessible
Manila/ Vibe/ Celebs & Influencers

Scientist Sophia Hernandez: Studying Pathogens, Making Science Accessible

Sophia Hernandez Header1 Photo by Photo Supplied by Sophia Hernandez.

The portrayal of a scientist in popular culture as an eccentric, lab-dwelling, likely unsociable male genius was probably at one point amusing, but it would be difficult now, perhaps, to regard this hackneyed typecasted image as anything other than tiring if not unimaginative. It's a notion that did not happen in a vacuum.

For 11 years, between 1966 and 1977, a group of researchers led by social scientist David Wade Chambers asked about 4,800 children from kindergarten to fifth grade to draw a picture of a scientist. Known as the Draw-A-Scientist-Test, the study revealed that out of thousands of drawings collected, only 28 women scientists were drawn by the kids (and entirely by girls), which was less than 1% of all the schoolchildren who participated.

The representation and visibility of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) surely have come a long way from the time when women were deliberately excluded and unacknowledged in science. In fact, a meta-analysis of five decades of Draw-A-Scientist studies, published on March 20, 2018, on the Child Development journal, showed that children's drawings portrayed women scientists more often in later decades, albeit less among older children, as the representation of women in science increased considerably.

It helps to have someone to look up to.

A study published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal on Sept. 10, 2020, showed that when it comes to encouraging young girls to go into STEM fields, exposing them to the lived experiences of women role models who are thriving professionally in their respective STEM disciplines can be favorable.

This rings true for Sophia Hernandez, a current PhD student in Molecular Biology at Umeå University in Sweden. Having parents with a background in chemistry, the thought of becoming a scientist never seemed impossible for her. In an interview with The Beat Asia, Sophia credited her mom, Dr. Christine Hernandez, a professor at the Institute of Chemistry at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, as her influence in pursuing a career in STEM.

Filipino scientist Sophia Hernandez
Sophia in Curiosum, a science museum of Umeå University in Sweden. Photo Supplied by Sophia Hernandez

"I feel like because [my mother] was one, I never felt I couldn't be one and I think that's a pretty big [thing], to know you can be one..." she said about becoming a scientist. "It's still my mom who's the biggest influence because early on, at least I could feel I can be in this field."

Math and science had always been her strongest suit in high school, after all. For her, it wasn't so much a question of whether or not she wanted to pursue science as her career of choice but whether she'd rather go to medical school or graduate school after her undergraduate studies.

"I thought about whether med school would be a path [that] I want, parang hindi (not like) because I'm more interested in the experimental side of science and asking questions and trying to find out more of the biology of something," she said.

Sophia graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from UP Diliman in 2018. Her field of study centers on pathogens, her interest kindled after she took an immunology class in college.

"'Yung topic was how pathogens evade the immune system or hide from the immune system para hindi siya ma-clear (so they would not be cleared) and I thought sobrang interesting noon kasi 'yung pathogens nito, they're small in every way pero they can think of really clever ways to adapt..." she said.

"A lot of these pathogens, they're quite understudied or they usually only occur or mostly occur in areas na developing regions, so in terms of economic or financial investment they're not as big for pharmaceutical companies, for example, to invest lots of money into studying or developing treatments for them so... there was this need or demand to study pathogens."

For the unknowing, pathogens are organisms that bring disease to a host and can either only live and reproduce in a host cell (obligate) or in and outside it (facultative). These comprise viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotes, many of which are harmless to humans, though a small number can be detrimental to human health.

Much of Sophia's research experience is concentrated on Plasmodium, a genus of the Sporozoa class that includes parasites that cause the disease malaria. Her undergraduate thesis was also based on Plasmodium, which was partly influenced by her thesis adviser.

"Usually if you're in a lab, there are already ongoing projects and you try to contribute to that project [because] it takes time and it's a group effort as well, so that's how I got started there," she shared. "As I kept reading on the parasite, of course it [became] more interesting for me." 

The Sanger Prize and Forskar Grand Prix

One of Sophia's biggest personal achievements was when she won the Sanger Institute Prize of the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the United Kingdom in 2018. The prize is directed towards undergraduate students who are studying and have an active interest in genomics and who belong to low- or middle-income countries. Winners of the competition are offered an all-expenses-paid internship at the institute, where they get to work in their lab of interest.

Sophia spent three months at the Sanger Institute in 2019 as a visiting scientist, where she worked in the lab of Dr. Julian Rayner studying antimalarial mutations.

In late 2021, she bagged the second prize in the Forskar Grand Prix (Researchers' Grand Prix) in Stockholm with her presentation, "Tackling Malaria by Looking at the Biology of Parasites." The Forskar Grand Prix is a competition wherein scientists in Sweden compete to present "the most understandable, captivating and inspiring presentation of their research in just four minutes."

In her presentation, Sophia shared that she had wanted to become a superhero when she was a kid. Sure, this childhood dream didn't really pan out for her, but she did get close enough: she became a scientist who investigates pathogens. She likened scientists to superheroes who work with people to defeat villains like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and identified Plasmodium as her super-nemesis that she must beat with science. Using the genome editing system CRISPR-Cas9, Sophia has made it her mission to study Plasmodium and have a better understanding of it to help develop ways to target it.

Yet despite these achievements that speak of her brilliance, Sophia also shared that there were instances wherein she doubted her own abilities and felt that she had to work harder than her peers because she’s a woman. While the representation of women may be getting better in STEM, Sophia said that there are still biases that exist.

"I've been made to feel that I'm not credible enough or I don't know enough about [something] or people doubt you in what you say, and the annoying thing is [it's] something you realize in retrospect so at the moment, you don't feel [it]. I guess because some of it is so ingrained in some people, like their biases, you don't feel that they are being sexist towards you, but then after you think about it, 'Oh, bakit ako ganiyan yung treatment pero 'yung peer ko na lalaki hindi ganun? (Why was I treated that way, but my male peer was not?)'" she said.

Apart from experiencing sexism, she, too, has had to grapple with impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome usually occurs among women and high achievers who, despite their success and accomplishments, doubt their merits and believe they're a phony or an impostor.

"All the time," she admitted when asked if she had ever experienced impostor syndrome. "Especially in academia. I've asked my supervisor this and she said it never ends, but I think you just try to be kinder to yourself and know you deserve [the] credit, you deserve these different achievements."

More Filipinas in STEM

In the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute's (DOST-SEI) "Women in Science" report from December 2021, it was shown that the number of women in science and technology careers between 1990 and 2015 has increased. In 2015, there were 10 million bachelor's degree holders in the Philippines; of this figure, 3.7 million had science and technology degrees, and about 45% comprised women.

Women were generally in the fields of nursing, midwifery, and health disciplines, although the report found that women in engineering, architecture, and information and communication technology are now on the rise.

Of course, the report was not without gaps and inequalities. It was shown that women workers in the fields of science and technology were mainly located in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. High gender disparity was also observed in engineering and architecture.

Interestingly, despite the small number of science and technology workers with graduate degrees, it was found that there were more women (54.3%) who held such degrees. The DOST thus underscored the need to improve the science and technology human resources in the Philippines by increasing the number of Master’s and PhD graduates.

As per Sophia, there are many women in STEM fields back home, citing brilliant professors as well as women in leadership positions. However, it seems to be the lack of visibility that still remains to be a problem.

"I think it needs to be more out there [that these women] exist so more people know it's a career that they can take, and you can be successful in it kahit babae or lalaki ka (whether you're a woman or a man)," she said.

As for young Filipinas who want to pursue a career in science, the door is wide open.

"There's space for you in science, there's space for everyone and if there's something that interests you, just go for it. It shouldn't be a field that's exclusive to males.”

She also shared that there's no doubt Filipino scientists are amazing at what they do; it isn't so much the expertise or skills that are wanting.

"I think it's the systems that restrict people from doing good science," she said, adding that the priority must be in procuring equipment. She also pointed out the lack of job security in science and research positions.

"[Procurement] goes through a very difficult process to the point it takes three months to get a chemical or reagent whereas here, [in Sweden], you can order something, and it could arrive the week of. So, imagine in terms of time, how much that saves you and how productive you could be if only things would arrive," said Sophia.

"I also think for many projects, 'yung mga research associates and lab technicians, they're also contractual... I think that also makes it difficult for people to do their job properly."

Democratizing Science, Dealing With Misinformation

When COVID-19 came to the fore, so did the onslaught of misinformation about the disease that pervaded the internet. Opposing rhetoric to the COVID-19 vaccines were varied and divisive, some on the pretext of bodily autonomy or religion, others on unfounded fears over being implanted with microchips or becoming infertile.

For scientists living in these pandemic times, the widespread misinformation about COVID-19, and science in general, seemed to be the big fat elephant in the room. Here, now, arose an urgency to separate the facts from the myths, the wheat from the chaff.

Yet even though Sophia finds herself frustrated over these things, she takes a kinder approach that's a refreshing swerve from the vitriol that multiple sides can sometimes be guilty of.

"We also have to understand because there are no avenues, you can't really fault the public if they believe this because if there's no way for them to know better, what can they do? [This] is the information that is presented to them, so I think misinformation, it's a two-way thing," she said.

She maintains that the public should be open to scientific advancements and critical about what they read online, but she also acknowledges that communication from the side of scientists is lacking.

"I think it's a challenge for many of us to explain to people in a way that's understandable, what we do, and because it's hard..." she said.

"Sometimes I feel like science tends to be sensationalized 'cause sometimes we just want a headline, a headline is what attracts people, what attracts clicks but then with stuff like that, madaming nawawala, or namimisinterpret, or namimisunderstand (a lot is lost, misinterpreted, or misunderstood), so I think proper conveying of different scientific advancements is necessary. I think it's also important for people to understand [that] science is always changing, so [there’s] stuff you think is correct or people thought is correct today, but new evidence shows that it's not, so it's always changing."

At its core, it's about making science approachable and accessible to the public: that it isn't something to be feared or an area that is beyond the grasp of common people and only understood by a select few.

Sophia believes that even little steps made from one’s corner, such as educating those within the community and being generous with one’s time to inform others, can go a long way.

It's these acts, small they may be, that nonetheless build up in the course of time, ultimately.

"[Being] open to answering questions or at least educating [the] immediate people around you. Just being open to that because I think it's good that they're asking, they're trying to get your opinion. So, whenever my friends ask me or [my] family, I always try to [explain]. I think the easiest thing is to just not explain. It's harder to make an effort to explain – but I think it's important."

Check out Sophia’s science art Instagram account @labdrawer, as well as her takeover of the Pinoy Scientists Facebook page here

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Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Reel or Real? The Enduring Magic of Filipino Love Teams
Filipino Love Teams

In the world of Philippine entertainment, few phenomena are as beloved and enduring as the “Love Team.” There’s nothing quite like it. Sure, Western cinema has given us some iconic celebrity pairings, but Filipinos have taken fanaticism up a notch with their Love Teams. We can even say it practically runs the showbiz industry with its expansive and fiercely loyal fanbase that has endured for many years. These on-screen pairings have captured the hearts of audiences, blurring the lines of fiction and reality

From the golden era of Philippine cinema to the rise of social media-driven fandoms, Love Teams have not only fueled blockbuster movies and top-rated teleseryes (television dramas), but have also shaped the careers of actors and networks, and ultimately redefined the country’s pop culture landscape. 

But what exactly makes these pairings so compelling? What is it about their chemistry, and how do industry executives know when two actors are meant to be on screen? In our latest explainer, we’re diving into the concept of “Love Teams” and why, in the Philippines, romance is not just a storyline but a national obsession

What is a ‘Love Team’?

From the name itself, a “Love Team” is a pairing of actors who are depicted to the public as a romantic couple. This concept can be traced way back to the 1920s with the tandem of Gregorio Fernandez and Mary Walter, who starred in local silent films.

Love pairings in cinemas aren’t exactly new, nor is it something that’s solely practiced in the Philippines. We’ve seen Hollywood actors in romantic feature films too, but the Philippine showbiz world operates in an unorthodox manner when it comes to these tandems. Once actors are paired up, they are expected to work together on multiple projects and even extend the act off-screen, which somehow ends up with the actors involved being at the mercy of their respective fandoms. 

By that, we mean people start to fiercely root for them, hoping they end up together for real, which has indeed happened multiple times over the years. Just look at Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, two of the most beloved actors who were once a love team for over eleven years and are now married. 

Much like how lovers develop feelings for each other over time, fans develop this belief that the actors within a Love Team are somehow brought together by fate thus expecting them to live out a love story akin to the stories they play on screen. The more real a love team becomes, the more money it brings into the actors' and networks’ pockets.  

But what exactly makes a good love team? Are there qualifications? We consulted with an industry insider, award-winning screenwriter Noreen Capili who has worked on multiple films and television programs for one of the country’s top media conglomerates, to get her opinion on what makes a love team “click.”

“Two things: Chemistry and authenticity,” she answered. “Chemistry is that unexplainable magic yung titigan palang, kinikilig ka na (from the way they stare at each other, you instantly feel the butterflies). It has to be natural, not forced.”

“But chemistry isn’t enough, it also has to feel authentic. Fans will know if it’s fake. They want the truth behind the kilig — even if you can’t truly confirm if they’re together for real, you feel there’s something there. Plus, the journey matters. It’s not all about the sweet moments. There also has to be growth, which is shaped by conflicts and heartbreaks, while still finding their way back to each other. 'Love Teams' that evolve with their audience stay longer and mature alongside their fans.”

Love Teams on Becoming a Brand

On the bright side, being in a Love Team can boost an actor’s popularity and shape their careers and is a sure way to gain stardom in the industry. This can be assumed from how the highest-grossing films in the country, including the only one that surpassed the billion-peso mark stars loveteams. In fact, if we are to look at the top 10 alone, six of these films feature popular love tandems and were able to bring in millions of pesos!  

This is mostly due to the fandoms they build, and how they gain massive support simply by working together on various projects. Of course, this comes with the fact that fans enjoy seeing their relationship develop, hoping that the more they work together, the higher the possibility of developing actual feelings for each other. This shows how many Filipinos are hopeless romantics and simply love the concept of “falling in love.”

“Filipinos are naturally romantic. We’re into love stories and happy endings,” Noreen said when asked why Love Teams are so popular among local audiences.

If you ever tried marathoning Filipino movies that star Love Teams, you’ll notice a pattern in their projects and how it’s almost always romantic comedies or dramas. The Cinderella trope is probably the top trope used in these stories or the “good girl x bad boy” story where the girl inevitably changes the guy to be better. Some examples include KathNiel’s “She’s Dating the Gangster” and JaDine’s “Ang Diary ng Panget.”

“We all want to consume stories that make us feel kilig, that will make us laugh then cry towards the end,” Noreen told The Beat Asia. She also mentioned that looking back on Pop Culture history, romance stories have always played an important role in Filipinos' lives. 

An example would be the “Precious Hearts Romances” (PHR) pocketbooks, which gained popularity in the '90s up until the 2010s as they were bought and read by working-class Filipinos. From the sales ladies at the department stores down to the factory and office workers, everyone was holding one of these pocketbooks, reading them during their lunch breaks or while stuck in heavy traffic. In 2012, PHR published 40 to 50 titles a month and was named the most prolific publisher of local romances. Today, its mother company, Precious Pages Corporation (PPC) created Life is Beautiful (LIB) Books which is aimed at encouraging online readers to return to the pages by publishing popular fiction from Wattpad and other platforms. One of their most bestselling titles includes Maxinejiji’s “He’s Into Her” series, which was adapted into TV show starring one of today’s biggest loveteams, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano.   

“They offered escape and entertainment,” Noreen stated. “Even for just a little while, they are taken with a romantic story. It comforts them that no matter how hard life gets, they can still find true love.” 

“It’s the same with Love Teams. Whenever we watch KimPau, DonBelle, KathNiel, LizQuen, or even during the times of Claudine-Rico, Judy-Piolo, Maricel-William, and Sharon-Gabby, we are like co-authors in their love stories. We root for them because we want to believe there’s hope in love. Love Teams fuel that hope and fantasy. Sa mundong puno ng trabaho, trapik, at problema, kilig is our sweet escape (In a world filled with work, traffic, and problems, stories of love are our sweet escape).”

Although Love Teams bring in sales and a loyal and passionate fan base, it can also be very limiting for the actors involved. For Love Teams, pairings with other actors are limited and if they pursue projects with a different actor, these artists often get bashed and painted like “villains” in their supposed love story.

Solenn Heussaff, an actress and entrepreneur, once spoke about the truth on Love Teams in an interview with GMA News, saying how being involved in such a pairing is “difficult” as it limits one’s growth as an artist.

"You want to act with different people because you learn from every new person you act with. But when your love team is too strong and you get a job where you have to act with someone else or you have to be the love interest of a different person, someone gets attacked," she said.

Liza Soberano, who rose to fame as half of the love team “LizQuen” with her on-and-off screen partner, Enrique Gil, also opened up about her experience being in a Love Team in an podcast interview with Korean singers Ashley Choi and Peniel. She talked about how actors were tested on projects and how once their tandem takes off, they are inevitably “shipped” by fans, which starts the Love Team frenzy.

“In Love Teams, you’re expected to be with just one person. We’re supposed to be ‘real’ and ‘reel’ and only work with each other throughout our careers.” Liza said. 

She also mentioned how they’re not allowed to reveal if they’re officially dating or worse, dating other people, as it’s their job to keep the people hungry for them to be actually dating. This incites excitement for their projects and encourages fans’ support. In turn, support means higher ticket sales, ratings, and more brand partnerships. 

“A successful Love Team can carry a network or production company for years,” Noreen said. “They’re truly a huge investment. The chemistry of a Love Team is the product, and if it clicks, it becomes a brand.”

Filipino Love Teams Through The Years

It may have its ups and downs but one thing is certain, Love Teams make us believe in love again. For a couple of hours or through a handful of episodes, we can live vicariously through these actors' love stories, making our days a little brighter, and our loads a little lighter. 

As long as we can keep that line clear between fiction and reality and respect the actors’ boundaries and their need to grow in their careers outside of their tandems, then Love Teams can be an enjoyable source of entertainment.

Why don’t we take a stroll down memory lane and see some of the most iconic Love Teams through the years that have made an impact in the Philippine entertainment scene? We’ve included some of their most popular works too, so feel free to check them out and watch a romcom…or two!

Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III

This phenomenal tandem drew much adoration from fans in the ‘70s. Some of their most successful movies include “D' Musical Teenage Idols” (their debut pairing in 1969), “Fiesta Extravaganza” (1969), “Young Love” (1970), “Nasaan Ka, Inay?” (1970), and “Guy and Pip” (1971).

Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion

Sparks definitely flew between Sharon and Gabby, and if there was a top Love Team in the 80s, it was most definitely them. They first starred in “Dear Heart” (1981), which became an instant blockbuster. The following year, when VIVA Films was established, they were paired up again for the film “P.S. I Love You,” which also became a box-office hit. This began Sharon's reign as the Box-Office Queen of Philippine Movies, a title she held until 1993. 

The two of them starred in a string of films together before getting married (yes, in real life!) in 1984, but unfortunately separated after three years. They have one daughter, KC Concepcion, who’s also an actress and showbiz personality. 

Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin

These two got their start as part of the popular teen show “Gimik” (1996) and were the strongest Love Team on the show. One of their popular films is “Labs Kita...Okey Ka Lang” (1998), a friends-to-lovers story that has since become one of the most iconic love stories in Philippine cinema.

Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan

Even though their partnership was short-lived due to Rico’s passing in 2002, there’s no doubt that this real-life couple was the King and Queen of the ‘90s and will forever remain in our hearts as the pair that made us believe in love again. 

Their film “Got 2 Believe” was a box office success and was considered by critics as one of the greatest romance films of all time, and continues to be a blueprint for Filipino romance movies today. 

Bea Alonzo & John Lloyd Cruz

Their story began in 2003 when Bea, at only fifteen years old, was cast as a 20-year-old lawyer in the 2002 drama, “Tagal Kang Hinintay” alongside John Lloyd Cruz. This paved the way for a series of hit teleseryes and blockbuster films, including “It Might Be You” (2003), “Maging Sino Ka Man” (2006), and “One More Chance” (2007).

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

Marian and Dingdong’s team up in the adaptation of a Mexican drama series, “MariMar” (2007), set a record in Philippine television at that time with a 52.6 percent rating for its final episode. They also starred in the fantasy series “Dyesebel” (2008) before finally debuting on the silver screen in “One True Love,” which was, unsurprisingly, a big hit! 

The two are also an off-screen couple and have been married since 2014. Last year, not only did they star in one of the Philippines' highest-grossing films to date, "Rewind," but they also renewed their marriage vows in celebration of their 10th anniversary. See? Happy endings do exist!

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

Much like Jolina and Marvin, ‘KathNiel’ starred in a teen-oriented series called “Growing Up” in 2011, which paved the way for their primetime hit series, “The Princess and I" (2012-2013). 

Kathryn and Daniel proved to be one of the most enduring pairings on screen and even starred in one of the highest-grossing films in Philippine cinema, “The Hows of Us” (2018). Although no longer a tandem on or off screen, they surely cemented their status as one of the industry’s most beloved Love Teams.  

Nadine Lustre and James Reid

Dubbed as “Team Real” by their fans, ‘JaDine’ made fans swoon when they practically confirmed their off-screen romance at their Love Valentine Concert at the Araneta Coliseum in 2016.

Nadine and James had several music, film, and TV show collaborations, including their debut movie pairing in “Ang Diary ng Panget” (2014) and the highly-rated drama “On The Wings of Love” (2015).

Maine Mendoza & Alden Richards

Born from the country’s longest-running noontime show, “Eat Bulaga!”, this accidental Love Team broke TV ratings, Twitter trends, and ticket sales during its peak. There was a time when all people could talk about was “AlDub” and their popular improv soap called “Kalyeserye,” which many people tuned into during their lunch breaks.

Maine and Alden also starred in several films: “My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore" (2015) and “Imagine You and Me" (2016), which was filmed in the city of love, Verona.

Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil

Liza and Enrique’s debut series, “Forevermore” (2014) was a massive hit, even breaking the record for the highest recorded national TV rating on Philippine television in 2015. 

This Love Team played many roles throughout their careers and starred in various romantic films from sweet rom-coms like “Everyday I Love You” (2015) and “Just The Way You Are” (2015) to heartbreaking dramas, such as “My Exs and Whys” (2017) and "Alone/Together” (2019). 

Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan

We’re adding a Gen Z Love Team to this list, and one of the more popular ones today is ‘DonBelle.’ 

They broke out as a tandem in the series “He’s Into Her” (2022), where they showed off their undeniable chemistry before following it up with “Can’t Buy Me Love” (2023). 

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Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Author Anthony Shieh on Coming Home to the Horror Genre
Anthony Shieh

Looking for a new book to read? There’s a new novel hot off the press, and if you’re a fan of horror or speculative fiction, you’re going to want to sit down for this. 

Head by the Ceiling” is a horror novel by Anthony Shieh that follows the story of a group of employees at a network company who are hounded by a series of murders. As fear takes hold, they begin to suspect that these horrors are far from coincidental. Each chilling event brings them closer to a horrifying truth — one far more sinister than they could have ever imagined. 

The Beat Asia got in touch with the Filipino-Taiwanese-Dutch author to pick his brain on his inspiration and influences for this bone-chilling tale. This marks the author’s debut in the genre, which he described as a “homecoming” after publishing a string of successful diverse books including “Death of a Loved One in the Time of Pandemic,” one of Philippine Inquirer’s Noteworthy Books of 2024; the #1 Amazon Bestselling BL (BoysLove) romanceWhite Mocha Americano,” and “VERGE” — a poetry collection about life at its breaking point. 

A true genre chameleon, Anthony enjoys experimenting with his writing and finding new ways to tell a story. But his latest book is a fulfillment of a childhood dream, having written his first horror story at only fourteen years old! The author expressed that while his previous novels explored different genres and improved his craft, they were also stepping stones that led him back to where he truly belonged: in the dark and mysterious world of the horror genre. 

In our latest exclusive, we’re diving into Anthony’s current magnum opus, his processes and influences, as well as how the genre has shaped his career as a storyteller. 

On Returning to Horror

Despite being his debut, “Head by the Ceiling” wasn’t Anthony’s first brush with the genre. The author had been a fan of all things horror at a young age, fostered by a love for horror films such as “The Exorcist” and “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.” His mother often brought him to their local video stores to rent Filipino horror movies like “Aswang” and “Shake Rattle and Roll,” which exposed him to the local tales. It was from there that his interest in the genre took root and led him to write his very first horror story, “Tormented,” when he was only fourteen years old. However, the author revealed an intriguing fact about where his fascination with the supernatural also comes from. 

“Beyond film, it also comes from personal experience. I have a 'third eye,' which opened when I was four years old. The first elemental I ever saw was a Kapre perched atop a coconut tree on Makiling St. At first, I mistook it for the PLDT Radio Light, but then I noticed two fiery red dots…eyes, glaring back at me. As I focused, its full silhouette emerged. This experience later became a key influence in my debut horror novel.”

Anthony also revealed that he’s gifted in palm reading, a skill passed down from his Oma in Taiwan to his mom — who also reads tarot — and then to him. It’s clear to see that the writer’s relationship with the genre is deeply rooted in his culture and family history, and how these ties to the unseen have shaped his perspective and his writing. 

Anthony Shieh
Photo from Anthony Shieh

When asked about his definition of horror, Anthony replied, “Horror has always been part of our lives. It’s stitched into our history, our fears, and even our Filipino DNA. From oppression and war to crime and the everyday dangers we face, it lingers in the background. It’s not just a genre, it’s something we all experience in different ways. More than just scares, horror reflects the world around us. It brings to light our anxieties, struggles, and hard truths. People don’t always give it the credit it deserves, but horror is one of the strongest forms of storytelling. It makes us feel, question, and see the world in a way no other genre can.”

With the release of his latest novel, Anthony likens it to a homecoming as he finally wrote a story that fully embraces horror — a genre he had always felt destined to write. It features LGBTQ+ characters, explores themes of friendship, love, and family, and even draws inspiration from Japanese folklore, yokai, and films like “Final Destination,” “Evil Dead,” “Pulse,” and “It Follows.” 

“‘Head by the Ceiling’ is the realization of that dream,” he told The Beat Asia. “It's an emotional rollercoaster with immersive world-building and intense, terrifying moments. One reviewer called it ‘a gory & nightmarish horror with great pacing, non-linear storytelling, and vivid, eloquent writing that adds to its cinematic feel.’ That’s exactly what I strive for: stories that play out like a film in your mind, pulling you in frame by frame.”

On Reinventing Storytelling

Debuting his first horror novel is a true milestone, indeed, but Anthony has been known for his craft for years, having released both prose and poetry books that showcased his versatility, wit, and talent as a writer. 

“Horror is my tribe, but I’ve always been the kind of writer who likes to explore. I’ve dabbled in memoir, dramedy fiction, and poetry. Always experimenting, always testing my limits. Each writing has pushed me to try something new, but no matter how much I explore, I always circle back to horror. Every story I’ve written has been part of that journey, pushing me further, sharpening my voice, and ultimately reinforcing that this is where I’m meant to be.” 

“I love writing both [prose and poetry], but at the core, I’m a novelist,” he added. “Poetry lets me capture emotions in snapshots; raw, introspective, and sometimes cathartic. But novels? That’s where I thrive. I love building worlds, shaping characters, and letting stories unfold in their own time. There’s something about the long form that allows me to dive deeper, to really explore the layers of a character or theme. A novel feels like a journey, and I love bringing readers along for the ride.”

Anthony also gave us a glimpse into his brainstorming and planning process, which is almost as intriguing as his palm reading talent! The author admitted to having taken inspiration from dreams and how he would sometimes wake in the middle of the night to jot down the details, which has shaped many of his stories, including “Head by the Ceiling.”

My writing process is structured yet flexible. Some days, I focus on one novel, and the next, I might feel drawn to another. It all depends on my mood,” he shared. “While many say you should write daily, I disagree. I believe you should write when you feel like writing. Otherwise, you’ll just end up hitting the backspace button.”

The author also listed some impressive influences that have shaped his craft through the years. He admitted to gravitating towards novelizations and screenplays more, finding inspiration in works like “Alien” by Alan Dean Foster, Fede Álvarez's reimagination of “Evil Dead,” and Stephen King’s  “Carrie.”

He also listed some local favorites, explaining how horror in the Philippines is deeply rooted in culture and folklore. He expressed how he has so much respect for authors such as Dean Francis Alfar, Kenneth Yu, and Yvette Tan, whose passion and dedication to Philippine folklore and realism have contributed immensely to the reason why it’s still alive and thriving today. 

With a new book just released and a whole lot more in store — including his participation in an upcoming anthology and two more novels in the works (you heard it here first!), Anthony is shaping the Philippine horror fiction landscape one chilling story at a time, and we simply can’t wait to devour more of them! 

You can get “Head by the Ceiling” at National Book Store (NBS) branches nationwide and online at Anvil Publishing and NBS website, Shopee, and Lazada shops. You can also learn more about Anthony Shieh by visiting his official website and following him on Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming events and releases. 

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Manila/ The List/ What's On
EXO’s D.O. Is Returning to Manila for His Second Asia Tour, “DO It!”
20250414 DO EXO Photo by Company SooSoo/Instagram

Calling all Philippine EXO-Ls and Dandanies! 

Missed out on EXO member D.O.’s first solo fan concert, “Bloom” in Manila last year? No worries, because he’s set to return to Manila this August 16, 2025, for his second Asia concert tour, “DO It!” 

D.O. will be performing in nine cities across Asia for his second Asia concert tour from July to October, beginning in Seoul, to be followed by Taipei, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Bangkok, and will be concluding in Tokyo. More cities and dates will be announced in the future. 

D.O.’s Manila stop will be handled by concert organizer Wilbros Live, who also handled his first concert in Manila a year ago. Ticketing details and more have not been revealed yet, so stay tuned for more announcements! 

D.O.: EXO member, Solo Artist, and Critically Acclaimed Actor

Doh Kyungsoo, most famously known as D.O., first debuted as a vocalist of K-Pop boy group EXO in 2012. He, as part of the group, went on to release chart-topping hits such as “Growl,” “Call Me Baby,” “Ko Ko Bop,” “Tempo,” and “Love Shot.” He debuted as a solo artist in 2021 with his first extended play, “Empathy.”

Apart from his singing career, D.O. is also a renowned actor, with his leading roles in K-dramas such as “100 Days My Prince” (2018), and “Bad Prosecutor” (2022), and roles in movies like “Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds” (2017), “Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days” (2018), “Swing Kids” (2018), “The Moon” (2023), and “Secret: Untold Melody” (2025). 

D.O., along with fellow EXO members Xiumin and Kai, are set to hold solo fan concerts in Manila this year, with Xiumin performing at the New Frontier Theater in May and Kai at the Araneta Coliseum in July. 

For more information and updates, follow Wilbros Live on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages. Follow D.O. on his official Instagram account here.

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Manila/ Vibe/ Artists
Artist Spotlight: Finding Inspiration in the Cliché with Jezzel Wee
Jezzel Wee

In a world where art often bridges the tangible and the transcendent, Jezzel Wee’s works are experiences rather than mere objects. Drawing inspiration from shifting landscapes, the organic beauty of nature, and the rich artistic legacies of both Japanese and Filipino cultures, her work is a seamless fusion of intricate patterns and natural textures that transform clay into immersive, interactive installations that invite touch, movement, and exploration

Rooted in tradition while also deeply contemporary, Jezzel Wee’s ceramics are a story of noticing the small details and finding inspiration in the cliché. 

In our latest artist spotlight, Jezzel Wee talks about her journey into ceramics, learning from masters, and leaving a message of hope through her work. 

What led you to pursue ceramics as a medium?

I like the tactile quality of clay, and I was also drawn to the process of ceramics. It is very tedious, and it has risks, but at the same time, it has high rewards. 

I learned that you learned your craft from a Japanese ceramic artist. Can you share your journey in learning the craft?

I learned from Ryoji Matsumiya, owner and potter of Tsugaru Kanayamayaki in Aomori, Japan. In Tsugaru Kanayamayaki, they process their own clay, fire climbing (noborigama) and anagama wood kilns, and have studios that focus on the slab technique, wheel throwing technique, slip cast technique, jigger and jolly technique, and pressure mold technique. 

I was fortunate to have done and learned most of the techniques of production in Tsuguru Kanayamayaki. They also trusted me to make designs for them, I had to learn what designs were appealing to the Japanese market. 

The biggest challenge for me was when they assigned me to be their chief designer. One of the last projects I made for them was the lamp design production for Hoshino Resorts in Aomoriya, Misawa, and Aomori, Japan. 

Strict discipline and respect for the art and craft are needed.  

Who or what are your biggest influences in your work?

I cannot name a specific person who influences my work because all my mentors, potter friends, and artist friends inspire me to do well in my work. It may sound cliché, but nature and my surroundings have the biggest influence on my work. 

How would you describe your style of aesthetic in ceramics?

I think my style/aesthetic in ceramics is a blend of Japanese and Filipino patterns and influences. 

You find inspiration in the complexities of organic forms and relate them to changing landscapes. Can you share specific examples of natural elements that have significantly influenced your recent works?

For the “Liberating the Chawan” show last 2022 in Pinto Art Museum, most of my works were inspired from growing moss and marine life. Another example is my work for “Weighing Seeds, Pulling Through” at Gravity Art Space, the installation was inspired from Kapok pods and seeds that I often see when I walk around UP Campus. 

I like the idea on how nature can present itself in a broad perspective and as we spend time immersing ourselves, we notice the small details that completes the whole. I guess those characteristics significantly influence my work. 

How did your involvement in the Art Fair PH 2025 come about?

It started when Eya Beldia and I were having a conversation about an exhibition that I wanted to do. Ms. Dawn Atienza of Tin-aw Art Projects and Eya Beldia told me last September that they proposed the idea to Art Fair PH 2025 and got chosen for their special projects. 

What does it mean to you to have been a part of this event?

It meant that I could show another perspective or way to appreciate ceramics as an art form

Can you describe your work, “Pagbulong”?

Pagbulong” is a site-specific ceramic art installation where the viewer is encouraged to hold and engage with the pieces. 

Each ceramic doll is a bell that they can gently shake after they whisper their wishes. As they hold and shake the ceramic doll, a ringing sound will be heard, and other dolls will resonate the same sound. 

What motivated you to create interactive art, and how do you think it enhances the connection between the artwork and the viewer?

For the past few years, my works have always been interactive and immersive; I wanted to create a space where viewers are invited to engage with the work. I think I want to share my experiences with the viewers on how I view the world. 

The tactile or the sense of touch grounds us to be at the present, the sound being produced prompts us to pay attention to the work or what’s in front of us. I think that the time spent with the work creates this intimate connection between the work and the viewer.

What did you hope to convey to the viewers through your exhibition, “Pagbulong”?

I hoped that they had the time to slow down and take the opportunity to say wishes for themselves, for others, or even our country. To realize that each and every one of us carry that wish or hope for things to be better. 

How do you see your work evolving after Art Fair Philippines?

My work will always be grounded in creating experiences for the viewers, to connect with themselves and be more self-aware. I think I will explore more on how to create site-specific works that will engage viewers.

Do you have any upcoming collaborations or exhibitions your audience can look forward to?

As of now, the bulk of the preparation was for Art Fair Philippines. Maybe a few group exhibitions in the 3rd or 4th quarter of the year. 

Learn more about Jezzel Wee and her works by following her on Instagram

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Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Uy Philippines! Oxford Dictionary Adds 11 Filipino Words, Including 'Gigil'
Pexels pixabay 45170

The West yearns for more Filipino words in their dictionaries. 

The Oxford English Dictionary has recently added 11 new Filipino words to their Philippine English category. This addition includes the untranslatable word to express a feeling of intense cuteness aggression, “gigil.” 

The Oxford English Dictionary describes “gigil” as both a noun and an adjective; as a noun, the dictionary says it’s “an intense feeling caused by anger, eagerness, or the pleasure of seeing someone or something cute or adorable, typically manifested by the tight clenching of hands, gritting of the teeth, trembling of the body, or the pinching or squeezing of the person or thing causing this emotion.” 

As for the adjective, Oxford Dictionary describes it as an emotion felt by a person “overwhelmed by an intense feeling caused by anger, eagerness, or the pleasure of seeing someone or something cute or adorable.” 

Aside from “gigil,” the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) added 10 other Filipino words to the Philippine English category—totaling to eight (8) new words and three (3) added definitions to existing entries. Here are the other words that have been added: 

CR  

 (noun) a toilet; a lavatory; comfort room. 

Kababayan 

(noun) A fellow Filipino; one’s fellow Filipino. A person from the same Philippine region or town as another. 

(noun) A small, sweet cake, similar to a muffin, typically yellow in color, in the shape of a salakot.

Lumpia  

(noun) In East and Southeast Asian cookery: any of various types of spring roll, typically consisting of a very thin pancake filled with minced meat, seafood, or vegetables, rolled into a cylinder (and sometimes deep-fried) and served with a dipping sauce. 

Pinoy (This was added in 2006 and modified in March 2025.)

(noun) A (usually male) native or inhabitant of the Philippines; a person of Filipino descent. 

(adjective) Of, belonging to, or relating to the Philippines or Filipinos.

Salakot

(noun) A type of lightweight Filipino hat traditionally worn by farmers as protection against the weather, typically domed or conical in shape, with a wide brim and often having a spiked or ornamental finial at the tip of the crown. 

Sando

(noun) A sleeveless garment worn under or instead of a shirt; a vest. 

Thomasite

(noun) An American teacher in the Philippines during the period of American occupation (1899=1946); esp. one belonging to the first group of teachers who arrived on the U.S. Army Transport Thomas in 1901, tasked with establishing a new public school system, teaching basic education, training Filipino teachers, using English as the primary language of instruction. 

Videoke

(noun) A form of entertainment popular in bars, at parties, etc., in which a person sings the vocal line of a popular song to the accompaniment of a pre-recorded backing tape while following the lyrics which appear on a screen in time with the music. Also, the equipment used for this. 

Load

(noun) Credit purchased for a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. 

Terror

(adjective) A teacher that’s strict, harsh, or demanding.

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Manila/ Vibe/ Celebs & Influencers
The Beat Manila’s Up-And-Coming: Singer-Songwriter Earl Agustin
Earl Agustin

The Beat Manila’s Up and Coming is a series where we feature rising talented artists from the Philippines, giving them a platform to share what they’re passionate about and to promote the music they (and us too!) would love for the world to hear. Do you want or know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at [email protected] or slide through our DMs on FacebookorInstagram!

It’s always thrilling to see new names appear on the Top OPM (Original Pinoy Music) Artists chart, and we’re here to tell you about one rising singer-songwriter that should be on your radar. 

Currently holding the title of #1 Top OPM Artist on Spotify Philippines, Earl Agustin has become the most-streamed OPM artist in the country for the first time, and the first Filipino artist in history to reach the Top 50 on the Global Spotify chart. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to his talent and steady rise in the industry.

The singer-songwriter from Mindanao is known for his retro-pop jams such as “Tibok,” an original love song that once topped several music charts in the country, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music; as well as “Dalangin” and “Dito Sa’kin," which are currently at #9 and #37 on the Spotify Top 50 PH chart, respectively (as of Mar. 31, 2025). The rising artist also holds an impressive social media following with a combined follower count of 369.4K on TikTok and Instagram as of writing. 

The Beat Asia sat down with the musician to get to know more about his musical roots, his writing process, and what he intends to achieve in his burgeoning musical career. We also got the scoop on his current #1 hit and how the song was actually inspired by a real-life experience! Earl talks more about his clever artistic choices for the track in our latest exclusive.

Hi Earl! How did you get started with doing music?

I actually started writing music during the pandemic. But before that, my dad used to train Drum and Lyre corps in schools, and I happened to join one in grade school. I guess that was my first exposure to music. 

In high school, I enrolled in a Special Performing Arts (SPA) program and studied visual arts for four years. My friends at the time were all musicians, and it was around that time that I started picking up instruments, learning to sing and play guitar. I was 16 or 17 when I realized I could really sing and do music. 

During the pandemic, I got involved in the [music] community. I met an artist on Facebook sometime around 2020 to 2021, and I really liked their stuff. From there, I learned about virtual gigs and would often join in. That's when I also started to post covers on TikTok, Facebook, and sometimes on YouTube. 

Cool! Did you learn to play instruments on your own?

Most of it was self-taught. I enrolled in guitar summer classes, but it was a beginner's course, so most of the stuff I was taught there I was already aware of. But I suppose that was my most formal training. 

Before the pandemic, did you ever consider pursuing music as a career?

No, actually. I was studying AB Communications in college, so my expected trajectory was to be in the news or media. But during my internship around 2022, I was discovered by Viva’s (Viva Artist Agency) A&R through one of my TikTok covers. So, after I graduated, I quickly pursued it. 

I don’t think a lot of people get the opportunity to get scouted by a big company like Viva, so I gave it a chance.

And you came all the way from Mindanao! How was the experience of transitioning to a new place and pursuing this unexpected path?

It’s big. It was definitely a huge transition for me because I used to live in a city where original music didn’t really thrive. The music scene there is mostly cover bands, so to transition into living in a place where original compositions are valued, it’s a big thing!  Plus, there’s me being Bisaya and having to learn the language. I mean, I could speak Tagalog well, but there are still some cultural differences. 

Let’s talk more about your music. Have you already established your signature sound? How would you describe it?

I think it’s safe to say that I’ve found it. Two years ago, I was struggling to really establish a sound for myself because I’ve always liked R&B, and it has always resonated with me. But it was with my first single with Vicor Music that I started my journey to finding the sound I wanted to produce and sustain as a brand, which is the Retro Pop-Soul — or makalumang tunog na R&B (vintage sounding R&B). 

My music is also very influenced by artists like Silk Sonic, VST & Company, and Apo Hiking’s Society. It’s a mix of the Western Motown sound with OPM

What inspires you to write songs?

The songs that I write are mostly love songs. I love love. I love writing about it, and it became a goal for me as a songwriter to write about that shared human experience of love.

Speaking of love songs, congratulations on your #1 hit “Tibok.” How does it feel that it has gotten so much attention despite being released in 2023? Did you ever expect it to blow up?

Absolutely not! Among the songs I’ve written, it’s actually the one I thought wouldn’t be popular with the masses. It’s super wordy compared to the other songs I wrote. Parang mas commercial yung iba, pang-masa (My other songs are more commercial, more mass appealing), so I didn’t expect it would resonate with a lot of people. But masaya 'yung feeling (I feel great about it). 

It’s a testimony that when you’re just really honest about what you write, people resonate with it more. I think this is the most honest song I've written and the realest I’ve been. I believe that’s what contributed to its success. 

Can you tell us a bit about what the song is about and what inspired you to write it?

It’s not a happy love song. It’s a song about mixed feelings and emotions. I had this experience where I had a crush on somebody, and then we were just talking until we faded into nothing. That’s exactly what I was trying to say in the song. 

If you listen to it, it starts [out with a happy vibe]. Kikiligin ka (you’ll feel the butterflies), but towards the middle and end of the song, the trajectory goes down. The uncertainty kicks in, which is when you start asking yourself if they have feelings for you or if they like you back. 

For the last part of the song, I chose to do a fade-out. It’s an artistic choice because it represents what happened in real life — how we just faded into nothing. The song captures the raw emotions of what was really happening at that time, asking: 'Where is this going?'

When composing, what comes first: music or lyrics?

It depends. Most of the time, when I’m doing the most random things in the house, that’s when the melodies come to my head. There are also times when I thought of a phrase that’s nice, or I read something, and I feel the urge to write about it. But mostly, it’s music first, based on my experience. 

Now with a few hits under your belt, how does it feel to be deemed as one of the top acts in OPM right now?

Grabe, it’s surreal! I can’t believe it. In all honesty, I never dreamed about being on top among these amazing artists. Just releasing songs was my victory. That was my definition of success

But now, being on this list filled with amazing artists and musicians, sobrang surreal ang pakiramdam (It feels unbelievable), but I don’t want to get used to the feeling of being on top. Life is like a wheel, after all. Sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down. I feel really, really blessed. This doesn’t happen often to people like me. 

Can you tell us about your most memorable performance and why?

I have a lot! *laughs* But one of my favorite gigs was the one we did in Nasugbu, Batangas, with Amiel Sol

At that time, I didn’t expect the crowd to sing along to my songs. But the moment I stepped on stage, I was shocked! Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and they were singing my songs. It’s a big thing for me. 

What do you love most about being a musician or performer?

I think what I love the most about it is the effect of music on people. I really love performing for people, and there’s this unexplainable joy when you hear music — that feeling music can provoke in a person. 

When you play for people, you get to connect with them. It doesn’t even matter if the song is in English, Tagalog, or Bisaya. Whatever language it is, it connects people in a way that is special

Do you have any dream collaborations?

For sure, Anderson Paak and maybe Jacob Collier. For local artists, Dionela, Arthur Nery, and Zack Tabudlo. 

musicians
From left: Earl Agustin, Arthur Nery, and Amiel Sol | Photo from Facebook/Earl Agustin

After peaking at number one, do you still have goals you want to achieve as an artist?

I guess the goal right now is to release more songs and cement my name in OPM, to leave my legacy as a songwriter. I want to be known as somebody who wrote real and honest songs about love or anything else. 

Is there anything we should look forward to from you this year?

I have a lot of things prepared this year compared to the last two years, starting with a new single. There’s other stuff I can’t say yet, but they’ll come out this year. Also, hopefully, I’ll be able to do more gigs and music festivals.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You can follow Earl Agustin’s musical journey by keeping up with his TikTokInstagram, and Facebook pages. 

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articles here.

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Manila/ The List/ What's On
Get Ready for Dear Evan Hansen Live in Manila in September
Untitled design 2025 04 02 T110333 509 Photo by GMG Productions/Website

Get ready theatre fans, because Dear Evan Hansen is finally coming to Manila — And yes, You Will Be Found in the audience. 

After years of waiting (and countless “Waving Through a Window” covers), GMG Productions has announced the Tony and Grammy-winning musical will make its Philippine debut in September 2025 at The Theatre at Solaire, bringing its heart-wrenching story and soaring anthems to the stage.

Fans of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s heart-wrenching score (“Disappear,” “You Will Be Found”) can now experience the Manila run of the UK touring production live and in full theatrical glory.  

“Filipino audiences have been asking for Dear Evan Hansen for years, and we’re beyond excited to finally bring it to Manila,” said Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions. “The story, music, and message resonate deeply, and we can’t wait for Filipino fans to experience it live.”  

The show follows Evan Hansen, a socially anxious high schooler who stumbles into a lie that spirals beyond his control. First staged in Washington, D.C., in 2015 before its Broadway debut in 2016, "Dear Evan Hansen" went on to win Best Musical at the 2017 Tony Awards, along with a Best Actor win for Ben Platt.

Tickets officially go on sale Apr. 15, 2025 via TicketWorld. If you want early access, UnionBank cardholders and GMG waitlist members can grab pre-sale tickets from Apr. 8 to 14, 2025 here.

For more information, visit GMG Productions on their website, Instagram, Facebook, or X (Formerly Twitter).

Location: The Theatre at Solaire, 1 Asean Avenue Entertainment City Tambo, Paranaque City 1701 Metro Manila

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