Meet Thea Guanzon: Filipina NYT Bestselling Author
Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

NYT Bestselling Author Thea Guanzon on Love that Weathers the Storm

Thea Guanzon Exclusive Photo by The Beat Asia

With the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) just around the corner, book lovers are just teeming with excitement preparing the list of books they’ll be purchasing at the biggest book event of the year. ICYDK, it’s happening from Sept. 11 to 15 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

If you’re still curating your TBR list, we’ve got one title we strongly encourage you to pick up! If you’re a reader of fantasy and romance, you must have heard of Thea Guanzon and her buzzy debut novel, “The Hurricane Wars.” You might have seen it on your Instagram and BookTok feeds or might have even spotted it among our recent Romance Awareness Month book recs. Bottom line is, it’s the talk of the town—an electrifying "romantasy (romance-fantasy)" story that easily secured a spot on the New York Times Bestsellers list, and was listed among Barnes and Noble’s Best Books of 2023.

Set in a lush Southeast Asian-inspired world, “The Hurricane Wars” follows the story of Talasyn, an orphan girl living in a kingdom under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor and who has found a home among the soldiers fighting for their freedom. She also holds a deadly secret: she possesses a rare light magic believed to have been extinct, one that can potentially cut through the Night Empire’s shadows.

Meanwhile, Prince Alaric, heir to the Night Empire, has been tasked to obliterate any threats to the empire’s rule with massive armies and a mighty Shadow magic to back him up. No one has ever bested him, until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.

Just from the brief blurb alone, surely you can tell it’s LIT and definitely something that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

The Beat Asia sat down with the author herself to talk about her writing journey towards creating this thrilling NYT Bestseller, her early beginnings as a fanfiction writer, and her insights on why the romance genre continues to entice and captivate readers worldwide.

PS: Keep reading and you just might catch a special snippet from her upcoming sequel too! *winks*

Hi Thea! Can you tell us when you began writing? Was it something you always wanted to do?

I’ve been writing stories since grade school, so for as long as I can remember! I had a hyperactive imagination as a child, and writing was a way to express that. Eventually, I fell in love with the craft itself — playing around with language and evoking senses and emotion through the written word.

From grade school to university, I was an active participant in campus publications and writing contests. Even when I started working, I’d still write during lunch breaks and weekends. But I never really envisioned myself as a published author because it’s quite difficult to make a living out of the arts here in the Philippines, and I also come from a very traditional family where everyone is either a doctor or a lawyer, so I thought I had to be one, too.

You’ve always had ink in your veins! We heard you’ve got some background in writing Fanfictions too?

Yes! I owe my entire writing career to fanfiction. It was my hobby throughout my late teens up until my thirties.

It was how I honed my craft and developed an ear for dialogue and romantic beats. It was also how I got “discovered” — an editor who had been reading my fics reached out to me and asked if I had ever thought about writing an original novel. I decided to give it a shot, and I haven’t looked back since.

That’s so cool! So, what inspired you to write “The Hurricane Wars?”

Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope of all time, so this series is my interpretation of that — its setting is informed by my Filipino background, and its beats are derived from all the Asian dramas that I grew up watching.

Also, in the world of Lir, the main weapons of mass destruction rely on storm magic, which is something that we are all too familiar with here in the Philippines because weather disasters are as much a fact of everyday life as it is an ongoing conversation on how to mitigate their effects. Everyone has a typhoon story, a flood story. I wanted to write about people coming together to stop the hurricanes and help one another rebuild in the aftermath.

Did you have to do a lot of research on Filipino myths? Was it a subject you’ve always been interested in?

I'm a huge fan of mythology in general, and I especially love Philippine myths. It was cool to research them beyond the surface level, in a way that could help me adapt them to the made-up cultures of an imaginary world while still being an homage. I learned a lot of things along the way; stuff like our indigenous constellations that we aren't taught in school. The research process for this series has instilled in me a deeper appreciation of our ancestral folktales.

Considering you’ve incorporated high fantasy elements; it must’ve taken a huge amount of worldbuilding! Can you tell us a bit about your process of creating it and the magic system at work in the world?

I wish I had a better answer for this, but I was honestly just going off of vibes! For example: I needed a main mode of transportation that referenced ancient seafaring Filipinos, but I also didn't want the characters to spend days on a boat, so I settled on the concept of airships modeled after our heritage vessels such as the karakoa and the vinta. Then I had to think about what enabled the airships to fly, which led me to wind magic, which then also led me to the other branches of elemental magic and how they could be incorporated into the world's technology.

Were there any characters or plot points that you really enjoyed writing or developing for this book?

I definitely enjoyed writing Alaric and Talasyn’s relationship. Tracking the evolution of their dynamic from hatred to attraction to a reluctant kind of softness and understanding… It was just really fun for me.

We all love a good love story! Do you think there’s a reason the romance genre is so popular and continues to entice all kinds of readers from different backgrounds 'til this day?

I truly believe that everyone's a romantic deep down! We all want to believe in happy endings. It's a form of escapism to chase that "kilig" (a Filipino term describing a person exhilarated by an exciting or romantic experience, according to the Oxford English Dictionary) feeling in media, and romance allows us to interrogate what we think we deserve from our partners and what we want for ourselves.

The love for romance transcends genres and personal backgrounds because it's a very human experience that all of us can relate to. For example, my dad is more into historical stories and thrillers rather than fantasy, but when he read my book, he started reminiscing with me about when he first saw my mom and it was like "the stars fell down from the sky." One very important scene in the book reminded him of that moment in his life.

Do you have a favorite romance trope?

Enemies-to-lovers because there's just something so compelling, as both a consumer and a creator, to straddle that fine line between two very different kinds of passion.

In a way, this trope necessitates a conquering of the self, because the characters have to let go of their preconceived notions and expand their existing worldview in order to make room for the other person in their heart.

Also, it's just really sexy.

We totally agree! And “The Hurricane Wars” surely delivered in that aspect. How did you feel when it became a New York Times bestseller?

It was very surreal. I found out through social media because my followers started tagging me before my editor could get a hold of me. My notifications were going off very early in the morning our time, then I spoke to my agent and my editor, and we all cried!

I wish I could have stayed online to celebrate more, but I had a mani-pedi appointment scheduled, so I had to go to that. *laughs*

But as I was sitting there getting my nails done, the thought "I can't believe my book is an NYT bestseller" was just running through my head on loop. I am so grateful to my HarperVoyager team and all the librarians, booksellers, and readers who made this possible.

But the journey is only beginning for Talasyn and Alaric. Rumor has it the sequel, “A Monsoon Rising” is coming soon! What can we expect?

Yes! It publishes on Dec. 5th in the UK and Dec. 10th in the US. In “A Monsoon Rising,” Alaric and Talasyn navigate their contentious political marriage and reluctantly grow closer amidst a whirlwind of new magic, old secrets, and hidden dangers.

It's also much spicier, so I am begging my relatives not to read it. *laughs*

Oooh! Can we get a sneak peek?

I think that as of now I'm at liberty to share one quote. Basically, some thoughts that Talasyn has during a certain scene:

"I'll never be the same. I will always remember this. Just him and me and the monsoon."

That quote gave us chills! Do you have any dream projects or tropes you would like to explore or write about next?

I would love to keep on writing Filipino-inspired fantasy, maybe next time with horror elements. Ours is a very rich tapestry of mythology, folklore, and urban legends, and I’m eager to explore more of that in future projects.

Romance Quick Q&A with Thea Guanzon

Enemies-to-Lovers or Forbidden Romance?

Enemies-to-Lovers!

Sweet or Spicy?

Spicy.

Passing Secret Love Notes or Grand romantic gestures?

Grand romantic gestures.

Romantic Comedy or Dark Romance?

Dark Romance.

Kiss under the Stars or Kiss in the Rain?

Kiss under the Stars.

Quirky writer trait that you have?

When I'm in the thick of drafting, I eat shawarma rice at least once a day. It's my brain food.

BONUS QUESTION: If Talasyn and Alaric lived in our world, what would their careers have been, and would they have still fallen in love?

I really enjoy the idea of Alaric and Talasyn in a modern corporate setting as the respective heirs of rival family businesses. Sort of like Romeo and Juliet meets Crazy Rich Asians.

And, yes, I believe that they would find, and hate, and then love each other in whatever universe.

Don’t miss the sizzling sequel to Thea Guanzon’s bestselling romantasy series, “A Moonsoon Rising,” hitting shelves December 2024! You can pre-order your copies here.

You can also follow the author on Instagram for updates on her latest releases.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

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This Week's Event In Manila

Manila/ The List/ What's On
2015 Film “Die Beautiful” to Get the Stage Adaptation Treatment this 2025
20250210 Die Beautiful Photo by IMDb/Website

Trisha Echeverria lives on! 

IdeaFirst Live! is set to bring the 2015 LGBT comedy-drama film “Die Beautiful” to the stage later this year. This was revealed by Jun Robles Lana, co-Artistic Director and director of the 2015 film, during a press preview held for the upcoming stage adaptation of Anino sa Likod ng Buwan,” set for March 2025. 

“Die Beautiful” is one of the movies that IdeaFirst Live! is thinking of bringing on stage. They are also currently developing original materials for future productions. As for their motives behind their live production, Jun Robles Lana says that they want to be loud and clear about who they are and what they stand for as a company. 

“If we go into musicals, the kind of materials that we will do would be something like ‘Die Beautiful.’ That’s who we are as a company and as entertainers. But definitely, one of the things we want to do is to make original materials for the stage; just because the films we made were successful doesn’t mean we’ll immediately adapt them to the stage.” 

“Die Beautiful” by Jun Robles Lana

The film follows the life and story of Trisha Echevarria, a trans woman who died of a cerebral aneurysm after being crowned as Binibining Gay Pilipinas. Every day during her wake, Trisha is transformed into different female celebrities through her best friend Barbs’ skills in makeup. 

The film was an entry to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, where Paolo Ballesteros (Trisha Echevarria) and Christian Bables (Barbs) won the awards for “Best Actor” and “Best Supporting Actor”.  The film also competed in the Main Competition of the Tokyo International Film Festival, from Oct. 25 to Nov. 3, 2016, winning the “Best Actor” and “Audience Choice Award.” 

It is followed by a sequel, “Born Beautiful” (2019), focusing on the life of Barbs, now portrayed by Martin del Rosario.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Manila/ Vibe/ Artists
'Everything About My Wife' Cast and Director on Matters of the Heart
Everything About My Wife

Filipinos love love and no one knows this better than the storytellers who narrate such tales. “Everything About My Wife,” the much talked about movie that reunites real-life couple, Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, onscreen is set to hit cinemas on Feb. 26, 2025, just in time for Feb-ibig

With an official trailer that has amassed over 2 million views and counting, “Everything About My Wife” is set to become the rom-com of the year. We can't be the only ones in tears when Jennylyn uttered this line in the trailer: "Nangako tayo for better or for worse, pero sumuko ka at our worse (We made a vow [to stick together] for better or for worse, but you gave up at our worse).”

Hugot line of the year alert!

Produced in collaboration with GMA Pictures and CreaZion Studios (of which the film’s director, Real Florido is Chief Creative Officer) “Everything About My Wife” tells the story of a Filipino couple as they traverse the challenges of their relationship. The film introduces us to Dom (Dennis Trillo) and Imogen (Jennylyn Mercado), a husband-and-wife duo who try to build a family and find ways to keep the spark alive between them. But as they enter their seventh year of marriage, hardships set in as Dom faces the feeling of being trapped in his relationship. Enter ladies’ man and "Cassanova," Miguel (Sam Milby) who comes into Imogen’s life and further tests the couple’s relationship. 

Headlined by award-winning actors, “Everything About My Wife” explores themes close to Filipinos’ hearts and opens a discussion about what love truly is. As the movie tagline so succinctly put it: "'Pag ang better naging worse (When better becomes worse), can love heal everything?

The Beat Asia, in an exclusive interview, talked to Director Real Florido, Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, and Sam Milby about their creative process, their characters, and what they’ve learned about love along the way. 

Director Real, what did you want your viewers to take away from this film?

Director Real Florido: [While] I love the ridiculousness of the premise, at the same time, I know that a lot of people go through similar challenges in their relationships, whether married or not. That’s why I think it's very important to have this kind of discussion on marriage because for us Filipinos, marriage is sacred and it's very important. So, I feel strongly about the movie because of the topic alone.

Also, when I first saw [the script], I just knew in my mind that Jennylyn and Dennis would be the perfect couple to do it.

What do you think audiences will be surprised to see in the film?

Real: The performances! The actors pushed themselves to commit to the hilariousness of the characters they portrayed. But at the same time, it’s all very grounded in reality.

Audiences will see performances [by the actors] that they might not expect. For example, people have seen Dennis do a lot of things: from a Japanese colonel (in “Pulang Araw”) to a person deprived of liberty in “Green Bones.” Jennylyn naman is known as a dramatic actress and a very bankable rom-com star. We’ve seen Sam Milby in a lot of classic, Filipino adult movies and teleseryes [and so I think] when people see the movie, they will not expect how versatile these actors truly are. People might be surprised at how well they do all these ridiculous things, but be very serious when necessary.

Dennis, Jennylyn, and Sam, did you guys relate to your onscreen characters in any way?

Sam plays  Miguel in "Everything About My Wife"
Sam plays Miguel in "Everything About My Wife" | Instagram/CreaZion Studios

Jennylyn Mercado: Yes, nakaka-relate ako. Mag-asawa kami ni Dennis sa totoong buhay and yung pinortray ko na role ay wife niya rin. So malaking bagay yung influence ng personal life ko sa character ko (Yes, I relate to my onscreen character because in the movie, I portray Dennis’ character’s wife and I’m also his wife in real life. So definitely, my character was influenced by my personal life). 

The last time Dennis and I worked together was 10 years ago. When we were doing this film, it was kind of rough at first, but when we got the flow of it, it was much easier because we had a good sense of teamwork.

Sam Milby: I’m the shy, introverted, quiet type but my character is outgoing and overly confident so he’s very different from me. At the same time, however, I can still relate to him because I went through a time in my life where, [like my character], I was going through heartbreak. I guess I can relate to him [especially when I think back to] that point in my life.

This is a movie about marriage and relationships. Dennis and Jennylyn, what lessons did you learn from your own marriage?

Dennis and Jennylyn are a real life married couple
Dennis and Jennylyn are a real life married couple | Instagram/Jennylyn Mercado

Jennylyn: Bukod sa magkaroon ng mahabang patience, napaka-importante  na  ayusin ninyo lahat ng problema niyo na kayong dalawa. Hindi kayo matutulog  nang nag-aaway. Lahat ng mga malilit na bagay, huwag niyo nang  palakihin, palampasin niyo naKailangan ng mahabang patience,  understanding, at laging, laging  nangingibabaw 'yung love (Aside from learning to stay patient, I also learned that it’s so important for a couple to be able to fix their problems. Don’t go to sleep angry at each other. Don’t let small things become big things, let the small things slide. In a marriage, it’s important to have plenty of patience, and understanding. Make sure that love comes out on top).

Dennis TrilloAko naman siguro pinaka-importante sa akin 'yung pagiging  team  player, lalo  na  kapag  you're  in a  relationship,  kailangan always  present  yung  teamwork. Hindi pwede na isa lang 'yung gumagawa ng paraan para maging okay 'yung relationship. (For me, I learned about the importance of being a team player, especially while in a relationship. You should always work as a team. The relationship won’t work out if only one person is finding ways to make the relationship work.) Always work hand in hand. Stick together through the highs and lows no matter what happens.

What was your creative process in bringing your characters to life?

Dennis: This project is an adaptation of an original concept that already has a lot of versions. [There’s 'All About My Wife', which is the Korean version and 'Un Novio Para Mi Mujer' or 'A Boyfriend for My Wife', which is the Argentinian version]. I think it was very important for me to watch those original films and take notes before putting [my] own flavor into it for the Filipino version.

Were there any challenges that you faced during the filming of the film?

Jennylyn: I’m very comfortable na kasi working with Dennis and Sam. Nakatrabaho ko naman sila pareho [before] and si Direk Real, matagal ko na siyang kakilala, though first time ko siya nakatrabaho as director (I’m very comfortable working with Dennis and Sam because I’ve already worked with them before. I’ve also known Director Real for some time now, though this is the first time I’ve worked with him professionally).

Pero I’m very happy dahil importante kasi 'yung collaboration ng director and actor and hindi niya kami pinabayaan. Ang sarap ng feeling na maganda 'yung collaboration. Hindi ako nahihiyang magtanong. Very comfortable ako sa set with  Dennis and Sam. Tapos if may mga suggestions si Direk, open kami gawin lahat (But I’m very happy because I know how important collaboration is between a director and actor, and Director Real gave us plenty of support. I didn’t feel uncomfortable asking questions and I’m very comfortable on set with Dennis and Sam. If Director Real had any suggestions, we were all open and willing to do it).

Excited ako na mapanood nilang lahat dahil maganda 'yung chemistry  naming tatlo (I’m excited for people to see the movie because Dennis, Sam, and I have great chemistry onscreen).

Aside from Everything About My Wife, what projects are you looking forward to this 2025?

"Everything About My Wife"
Instagram/CreaZion Studios

Jennylyn: Magkakaroon kami ng TV series ni Dennis sa GMA. Malapit na, sa second quarter of this year. Mayron din akong new album under Star Music.  And sana marami pang maging project ang Brightburn Entertainment, production company namin (Dennis and I will star in a new TV series with GMA to be released during the second quarter of this year. I also have a new album coming up under Star Music. And I’m hopeful that Dennis and I can land more projects for our production company, Brightburn Entertainment).

Sam: Besides this movie, there’s my teleserye with Julia Montes called 'Saving Grace.' It’s still airing. I’m also hoping to get back into music this year. I have a friend who teaches music production and [you know] music has always been my first passion. I haven’t done music for a long time so I want to learn the ins and outs of music production while I’m waiting for my next movie or TV series.

Real: My company, CreaZion Studios, will be launching a lot of big projects this year including an international co-production for a TV series. It will be in collaboration with a local network. We will announce more details about it soon but it’s a very big project. We also have a lot of movies coming out soon from CreaZion Studios.

"Everything About My Wife" is set to hit cinemas on Feb. 26, 2025.

Follow CreaZion Studios on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit their website to learn more.

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Manila/ Vibe/ Celebs & Influencers
Meet Your Resident Funny Girl on TikTok: Lottie Bie!
Lottie Bie

If you’re anywhere on social media, the name “Lottie Bie” might have come up once or twice. 

With her comedy skits making its rounds on TikTok, earning her millions of likes and a staggering 3.2 million followers on the platform alone as of writing, it’s safe to say that Lottie Bie is a social media star! 

Popular for her satire and comedy content, Lottie is shaping the content creator scene one skit at a time. It’s more than just “funny.” Part of what we believe makes her videos so entertaining is their relatability aspect. These dialogues and scenarios embody a type of humor that is very Filipino like her “English series,” which shows hilarious dialogues about the struggles of translating Tagalog or switching to what is otherwise known as “conyo English” in everyday conversations. 

If you follow Lottie, you’ll know that she’s more than her funny skits. In fact, the content creator wears many hats: director, writer, and NFT (non-fungible token) artist. A woman of many talents, Lottie has taken social media by storm, and if she can do that in a few years, we believe she can do anything.

But how did it all start? The Beat Asia talked to the TikTok star herself to know more about her career journey, her inspirations, and her creative process. 

A Passionate Endeavor

Like many influencers today, Lottie started her content creation journey at the height of the global pandemic, when social interaction was limited and all that was available then was to connect online. 

“It all started during the pandemic when I was diagnosed with ADHD,” she told The Beat Asia. “I was looking for an outlet and ended up downloading TikTok. I started uploading dance videos. Secretly, at first. I never shared them with friends or family. And then I moved on to skits, and eventually, my satire and comedy content started blowing up. I stuck with it because the reactions excited me. Ang saya pala mang-trip (It’s actually fun to joke around)!”

If you all don’t know already, Lottie’s name was inspired by a nickname she got in college for her gorgeous curls. “Lottie” was taken from “Kulottie,” a cute term for “kulot” which means curly in Filipino, while “Bie” is from her real name. With her online screen name, Lottie had made a name for herself not just for her funny content videos but also in other forms of media.

Lottie Bie
Photo from Midnight Dream Photo Studio | Photographed by: Dom Cruz, Make-up: April Ibañez Hidalgo, Hair: John Erik Pangasinan

Having already been used to being in front of the camera, it’s no surprise that she has dipped her toes in acting and was even seen in the 2023 Cinemalaya entry, “When This is All Over.” She also published a book called, “Crumpled Pages,” which features a collection of letters that showcased her creativity and sensitivity. Additionally, Lottie is a successful director, business owner, and artist

When asked if she had always been inclined to the arts, the multi-talented creator answered, “Yes. Ever since I can remember, I never liked math, so I’ve always been a creative girlie. I was involved in theater, choir, and music. When I started working, I wore many hats. I’ve always been working. Back in high school, I had a summer job as an encoder. In college, I tried working at a call center. After graduation, I became an events coordinator, then an editor, a writer, an English teacher — yes, I taught English to foreign students as hard as that is to believe *laughs* —an assistant director, a producer, and now, a full-time director and content creator.”

A triple threat and some, Lottie can practically run an entertainment empire by herself and it’s amazing to see how she had utilized these talents to create art — and more importantly, share it with the world and inspire people to follow their passions as well. When asked how she got to this point in her career, the artist humbly replied, “God. To be honest, all grace and opportunities come from Him. I was simply doing what I loved, and opportunities just presented themselves.”

I stayed consistent with my passion. I didn’t stop when I felt discouraged. I kept posting, improving, enjoying, and engaging. I like singing, so I sing. I like acting, so I act. I like writing, so I write. I surrendered my work to God, and everything else followed. I also learned to ignore negativity along the way.”

@lottiebie

Bahala kayo tatalon nalang ako (lottiebie on IG)

♬ original sound - lottie

Lottie Bie On Keeping it Real and Being a Source of Laughter

Lottie had always known she had an innate talent for humor. The massive support she received in the past few years, however, was something entirely unexpected.  

“I never expected my videos to blow up when I started. I simply wanted an outlet. But I’m glad they did well, and because of people’s support, I get to do what I love and share my blessings with others,” she said. “I think I’ve always been this way. Finding me funny is subjective, though. I’ve always been a weirdo — talking to myself and having imaginary friends. I guess that’s what happens when you’re an only child. My jokes have had their seasons. When I was younger, not many people understood my sense of humor. But luckily, I make people laugh now.”

The content creator also emphasized that she couldn’t take full credit for everything considering the majority of her content was inspired by interactions with her friends. 

“Life, experiences, watching content, my ADHD. I get ideas everywhere! I write them down immediately when I get them because ideas are everywhere. But if you don’t express them, they’ll simply evaporate.”

@lottiebie Celebrate the Sheroes in our life! Gift them a #HerSHE #CelebrateHerSHE ♬ original sound - lottie

When asked about how she feels about being the resident “funny girl” on TikTok, Lottie is all about keeping it real, explaining that her online persona is 100% her, minus details about her private life which are kept in the shadows. 

But the humor? The creator commented, “That’s all me. But it’s also not all of me. Gets ba? Haha, basta! (Does that make sense? Anyway!) I don’t overthink it. If I find it funny, that’s good enough for me. I’m the type of person who laughs at my own jokes. Bahala na sila if they enjoy it too (it’s up to them if they enjoy it too).”

Lottie also gave us a glimpse into her creative process and how she creates her viral skits. She mentioned that her process is quite different from when she is directing projects and creating her personal content. 

I’m more loose and lenient when it comes to my personal content. When it comes to directing, I have to consider the clients,” she said. “As for the process… In directing, I love collaboration. I get ideas from the production team and I encourage them to suggest things as long as they align with the creative vision. I’m also a fan of authentic reactions. I always tell my camera crew to keep rolling even after I yell ‘cut!’ because actors tend to loosen up when they think they’re not being recorded.”

When asked if there’s a profession she particularly enjoys more, Lottie responded, “I can’t choose; I enjoy both. I get to wear different hats, and that, in itself, is the best part of what I do. I don’t favor one over the other. When I’m a creator on the set of another director, I enjoy being a talent — the director’s problems are not mine to figure out. If I’m the director, I give my talents the freedom to express themselves.”

In content creation, talks on social responsibility would always come up because influence is power given to those who have acquired a wide audience like Lottie who has garnered millions of loyal fans. With that kind of reach, there’s always the possibility of cracking under pressure and expectations. But the director, however, has an interesting mindset:

“The pressure comes from making sure I don’t influence anyone negatively. But at the same time, I don’t create content to please everyone. I understand that people have different viewpoints, so… what’s the point? *laughs*”

When asked if the numbers and engagement stats have ever influenced her, she mentioned that her relationship with them has changed over time.  “At first, I didn’t care about likes and followers. Then I started caring too much and overthought everything. Now, I’m somewhere in the middle. I consider the likes and followers, but they’re not my driving force anymore. I create because I love creating.”

Now a full-time director and content creator, the world is at her fingertips and we can only hope for more — be it a TikTok skit, a movie, a new book, or even a song. This multi-talented artist and content creator is definitely someone to keep on your radar. 

We asked her if there were any other creative endeavors she wished to pursue, and Lottie replied, “I’m not sure, to be honest. I wanted to write, so I wrote a book. I wanted to sing, so I released a single. I wanted to act, so I said yes to TV and film work. I guess my goal now is to stay consistent in all those paths I’ve taken. But if another opportunity knocks, I’m game. Maybe voice acting would be fun?”

Whatever she tries to pursue next, we’re sure it’s going to be a hit! 

You can follow Lottie Bie on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to see more of her hilarious and fantastic content. 

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Manila/ Vibe/ Trends
Tired of Flowers? Get These Unique Valentine’s Day Bouquets Instead
Snapinst app 450818548 777756334225196 8641969609098414657 n 1080 Photo by Flowerstore.ph/Instagram

Valentine’s is right around the corner! While many Christians will attribute the celebration to the Roman St. Valentine’s, the historic holiday is thought to have its roots in an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia. In particular, Lupercalia was a celebration of the coming of spring, as well as of rebirth.

But despite its hazy history, there’s no doubt that people of all countries and ethnicities love the day. It is, after all, a celebration of love! The date itself is especially popular in the Philippines and is in fact the most popular wedding date among Filipinos. 

If you’re among those with a beloved to spend the day with, it's only right to treat him or her to gifts, cuddles, and plenty of love. But if you’re looking for something quirky and offbeat, then do consider getting them one (or more) of these fun bouquets

Money Bouquet

Money Boquet
Instagram/Flowerstore.ph

What makes the world go round? Some people say it’s love, while others argue it’s money. Why not have both together with a fun money bouquet? This cheeky gift is practical but humorous, making it a unique choice for your paramour. They also make great gifts for important milestones such as birthdays or graduations. Of course, some people might see giving money as offensive, so make sure your partner is the right audience for this kind of gift. 

For this, we suggest heading over to Flowerstore Philippines, a popular flower shop that also creates money bouquets in various arrangements. We’re definite fans of the Pink Moonstone Bouquet which features gerbera flowers and a beautiful stargazer lily all arranged around 10 pieces of 500-peso bills. Colorful, eye-catching, funny, and definitely practical for any receiver – what more can you ask for? 

Shop Flowerstore.ph here 

Pain Relief Bouquet

Pain Relief bouquet
Website/Flowers N' Giftshop

This one is for the thirtysomethings already complaining of back pain. If your love is among the demographic, then there’s nothing better to get him or her than a bouquet made of popular ointments. Flowers N’ Giftshop offers a layered bouquet featuring 12 different kinds of popular pain relievers such as Katinko oil, Pau liniment, and a Vicks inhaler. You can even customize the bouquet by adding a dozen roses, a teddy bear, balloons, or a chocolate bar to make it more romantic. But after all, what’s more romantic than a partner who cares about your health and well-being? 

Shop Flowers N’ Giftshop here 

Skincare Bouquet

Skincare bouquet
Instagram/Commalax

Is your special someone a fan of skincare? If so, then we’ve found the perfect bouquet for him or her. Treat your partner to a full self-care routine with a skincare bouquet from Commalax. A popular importer of Korean skincare, Commalax carries brands such as Innisfree, COSRX, Mediheal, and SKIN1004. 

To pre-order your customized skincare bouquet, all you have to do is visit the Commalax website, check out which set of skincare products you want to include in your bouquet, pay at check out, and wait for confirmation from the team. Customized skincare bouquets are also available upon request, just make sure to message the team at least two days before you plan on gifting it to your lover. 

Shop Commalax here

Face Bouquet

Face bouquet
Website/Flowerstore.ph

Nothing is more thoughtful than a personalized gift. If you’re looking for something funny and heartwarming, consider gifting your love with a face bouquet. This unique bouquet from Flowerstore Philippines features six pieces of KitKat bars with a cute little teddy in the middle. But what makes it so fun are the photo cutouts that come along with it! Have your face or their face printed out to accompany the bouquet or have it personalized with a photo of their loved one, dog, or favorite celebrity. There are so many ways to make this idea fun for both of you! 

Shop Flowerstore.ph here

Vegetable Bouquet

Vegetable bouquet
Instagram/The Sexy Chef

Flowers are nice and all, but they wilt after a few days. This Valentine’s, gift your love something practical – and healthy – with a vegetable bouquet. Arranged artistically, vegetable bouquets make for wonderful gift ideas. It also saves the receiver a trip to the market! 

This vegetable bouquet from The Sexy Chef features beautiful squash blooms, bitter gourds, and eggplants as the centerpiece. They are further beautified with strings of beans and bright, red tomatoes alongside leafy greens, an onion, and a piece of garlic. Very healthy, very practical, and very unique, this fun Valentine’s Day bouquet would make great gifts for health buffs and chefs. 

Shop The Sexy Chef here

Lollipop Bouquet

Lollipop bouquet
Website/Knots

Candy and flowers are the quintessential Valentine’s Day treat. Mix it all up with a lollipop bouquet for an aesthetically pleasing sweet treat that your partner is sure to enjoy. This lollipop bouquet from Knots is beautifully arranged to include pastel-colored dried flowers such as misty white, bunny tail, ruscus, and white Rhodes. Eight lollipops are also included between each arrangement to make the bouquet pop beautifully! It’s the perfect choice to give your beloved who’s just as sweet as candy. 

Shop Knots here

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Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Manny Pacquiao Represents the Philippines in 'Physical: Asia'
20250205 Manny Pacquiao Physical 100 Photo by Netflix/Twitter and Netflix/Website

One of the greatest professional boxers of all time joins the quest for the ultimate physique. 

In a surprise announcement on Feb. 4, 2025, Netflix revealed that Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will be joining the South Korean reality competition “Physical: Asia.” 

Slated for release later this year, “Physical: Asia” is an expansion of “Physical: 100,” where “the most physically fit contenders from across Asia will compete fiercely, representing their countries with pride.” 

Netflix also teased a change in the dynamics of the competition, instead of it being an individual contest, competitors will be “uniting under their national flags for the toughest, most pulse-pounding missions yet.” 

Physical: 100” topped the Netflix Global Top 10 TV Series (Non-English) list when it first came out, making history as the first South Korean reality TV show to do so. 

No further details have been revealed as of this writing. Stay tuned to learn more, and follow Netflix on FacebookX (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

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Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Why PH History Deserves the Spotlight: Historian Xiao Chua Weighs In
Historical Period PH Media

Have you ever imagined a Filipino historical fiction teleserye centered on Filipino mythological figures with a modern twist? Or a series where Filipino aswangs are not only dramatized but also humanized? How about a movie set during the early Spanish colonial era where Filipinos still believed in animism and practiced witchcraft?

Sounds like stories that today’s audience would eat up, right?

When “Maria Clara at Ibarra” aired back in 2023, there was a renewed interest in Jose Rizal’s magnum opera, the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” and the Philippines was swept up in a renewed enthusiasm for Philippine history. Similarly, “Pulang Araw” captured the audience’s attention with its narrative being at the forefront of the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines during the Second World War.

GMA Network teleseryes "Maria Clara at Ibarra" (left) and "Pulang Araw" (right) that became popular.

The popularity of these GMA Network TV series proves that our country’s past and history have a wealth of stories that can still resonate with today’s viewers. These historical dramas, which the Philippine entertainment industry has a severe lack of, showed that when these productions are done with creativity and authenticity, this genre has the power to entertain, educate, and even inspire.

This success then begs the question: What other chapters of Philippine history are waiting to be rediscovered and dramatized? There is still so much in our country’s history found in literature that remains unexplored on screen.

The Beat Asia had the opportunity to chat with Prof. Michael Charleston "Xiao" Chua, a Public Historian and Assistant Professor at De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU), who shared their perspectives on the untapped potential of historical narratives, the dramatization of Philippine history, and what makes historical narratives relevant today.

The Appeal of Historical Dramas

Now, we’re aware of the success and influence of historical dramas recently. Since the release of Jerrold Tarog’s 2015 film “Heneral Luna,” today’s generation has been clamoring for more movies and series with historical narratives. Xiao explained that it’s because history also talks about the present.

“We love historical dramas because the historical dramas actually reflect also why we are here, why is the present like this? In 'Maria Clara and Ibarra,' for instance, when Klay entered the world of 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo,' we see the past in what’s happening in the present. So we are able to compare, we are able to see the differences and similarities, and, in a way, we reflect."

Historical dramas don’t just appeal to audiences through historical accuracy, Xiao emphasized. They captivate through artistic interpretation. Quoting writer Manolo Quezon, he added, “It’s arriving at the truth through make-believe.”

The Risks of Glamorizing and Oversimplification

There is always a risk to dramatizing history, despite it sparking interest in the audience. Xiao stressed that oversimplifying complex events into simpler narratives can also become distortion.

“That’s why,” he said, “Even in series, it should be fully contextualized on why things were happening, so people will understand why that happened. It is also important to note that history is not only about the actors of history, but also about the context of why the protagonist is affected. Because what sometimes happens is that it’s about personalities, the audience fails to see the historical context, which is much more important."

Exploring Stories Unknown

As Philippine dramas and movies now continue to explore historical narratives, the question of which chapters of our past remain untapped arises. If you’ve noticed, our historical films and series often gravitate toward iconic periods and figures, such as the Spanish colonial era with heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, and the figures during the Philippine-American War such as Emilio Aguinaldo, Antonio Luna, and Gregorio del Pilar. We’ve also seen stories adapted from Ancient Philippine history.

While these stories are significant, they only represent a fraction of the Philippines’ history. With so much of our history still being untold and are yet to be adapted on screen, we asked the professor: Which historical period in Philippine history do you think has the most untapped potential for film or TV adaptation — and why?

His answer: the Post-War era.

"We already have ancient Philippine history…We have ‘Heneral Luna,’ that’s been pretty much explored already. What hasn’t been explored for me is the Post-War [era]. Neo-colonialism, because we already have a lot of war dramas," he explained.

Xiao also shared a personal suggestion for a historical series or film, focusing on the political struggles and transition from Elpidio Quirino to Ramon Magsaysay — a period often glossed over in history books.

"That’s when you can see how the Americans were meddling in politics. You know, the HUKBALAHAP rebellion, the conniving, the Cold War context. It was very dramatic, with Magsaysay betraying Quirino, his 'uncle,' like that," he said.

He added that this era could do well as an action film or series, tackling the crime rates of the time, widespread corruption, Cold War tensions, and the drama surrounding the HUKBALAHAP rebellion.

When asked about other “Philippine heroes” who could be made films or series about, Xiao mulled over having a series about women in Philippine history.

"At the top of my head, maybe Josefa Llanes Escoda, for example. Women, I wish there was a series about women heroes. Tandang Sora, Teresa Magbanua…so it could be about women this time," he elaborated.

Where can our Philippine historical series and films go from here?

As we uncover more stories in our history, one thing inevitably becomes clear: the power of these historical narratives goes beyond entertainment. They give us a chance to understand the intricacies of our past, reflect on our present, and eventually shape our national identity.

But these productions always face the challenge of balancing accuracy with audience appeal. Relying solely on accuracy risks losing viewer interest, while prioritizing marketability over substance diminishes its value.

For Xiao, who has served as a historical consultant for various productions, the solution is striking a balance between the two. He emphasized the importance of blending historical accuracy with relevance to connect the past and present.

The success of recent historical dramas and films like “Heneral Luna,” “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” and “Maria Clara at Ibarra” have undeniably sparked a renewed interest in Philippine history, giving hope for more stories to be dramatized and brought to life.

These productions have also paved the way for a deeper appreciation of our past, becoming examples of how stories from different eras can still be relevant and resonate deeply with today’s audiences. But are these selections enough to set the direction for the future of Philippine historical dramas? Do they serve as strong stepping stones for even bolder and more diverse explorations of our history? 

For Xiao, while what we have now is a good start-off point, these films may not always be commercially viable. And as well all know, at the end of the day, it's still a business.

There are a couple of things that recent Philippine historical dramas have done right — bridging history with the present and sparking conversations about our patriotism. Whether they use material from iconic eras or dramatize underexplored eras such as the Post-War era or reimagine mythological tales with a modern twist, the possibilities for this genre are endless.

The question is, are our filmmakers and storytellers ready to do just that? Even more importantly, are film production companies and producers ready to bank these films? Although, maybe it’s also up to the public to support these stories, too. If anything, we cannot wait to see more historical dramas and films in our screens — television or cinema.

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Manila/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
POP MART PH to Open Second Pop-Up Store in the Philippines this February
20250203 POP Mart PH Photo by POP MART PH/Instagram

The blind box pop culture phenomenon continues!

Following the end of POP MART Philippines’ first-ever pop-up store run at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) last January 2025, the toy company will be opening their second pop-up store real soon.

POP MART Philippines announced on their Facebook page that its second pop-up store will be on the 3rd Floor Concourse of SM Makati and will be opening on Feb. 14, 2025, which is almost a week away!

“We know you loved our first pop-up store, so we’re officially launching in a new location!” said POP MART PH in their post. It also came with a teaser for the new CRYBABY Crying for Love Series, which is currently available on the POP MART Philippines website, Lazada, and Shopee.

The CRYBABY Crying for Love Series includes 12 designs that tell “a love story through the language of tears.”

The 12 figurines in the CRYBABY "Crying for Love" Series
Courtesy of POP MART Philippines

If we are to assume correctly, this series would most likely be available at the new location and just in time for Valentine’s Day! Maybe you’ll finally get a chance to buy your own Labubu, Hirono, Skullpanda, and CRYBABY, too!

The POP MART characters have become immensely popular on social media, capturing the hearts of local and international celebrities such as LISA of BLACKPINK, Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, and Vice Ganda.

It’s still not the permanent POP MART store that Filipino fans have been wanting, but it’s something!

Follow POP MART Philippines on their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for their toy releases, collab updates, and more!

Location: POP MART POP UP Store, 3rd Level Concourse, SM Makati, Makati City, Metro Manila

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