The University of the Philippines (UP) announced on Tuesday, November 10, that it will not be holding its annual UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) for incoming freshman students for school year 2021-2022 due to the continuing threat of Coronavirus in the country. The university said in their statement posted on UP’s official website that councils within the UP system “unanimously decided” to do away with the UPCAT “in light of logistical issues.” “The University Councils (UCs) of the eight constituent universities (CUs) of the University of the Philippines System, as the highest academic bodies of the CUs, unanimously decided that...

In an interview with Boy Abunda which aired on Wednesday, Liza Marcos (Marcos Jr.’s wife) was asked if she was consulted by his husband in running for presidency. Liza answered, "You know, six months ago, he wasn't yet sure what to do, he had no party.” And she added, "And then one day, we were watching 'Ant-Man' in the room, 'cause we love Marvel movies, and then he looked at me and he goes, 'Okay, we're gonna do this.” Liza ended her answer stating that upon watching the Ant-Man movie, presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. decided to run for...

  The debut single from the 17-year-old Disney actress Olivia Rodrigo became a massive hit of 2021, a TikTok smash, has broken Spotify records and topped the Billboard chart, all thanks to an abundant marketing, gossips, and promotions. Since the beginning of 2021, we’ve been seeing “drivers license” all over the social media as listeners’ favorite song of the year by far. If you are one of the few people who have not been repeatedly listening and going ‘emo’  to Olivia Rodrigo’s new single, while driving around random suburban towns, you may have no idea who this 17-year-old artist is...

Known for his critically acclaimed work as an experimental hip-hop producer and a drummer for iconic Filipino bands Kjwan and Kapatid, Hong Kong-based beatsmith and rapper J-Hoon stages a comeback with the release of his sophomore album, Noodles II.   In his 14-track release, J-Hoon documents a decade of witnessing social instability, chaos, and fear in his hometown, Hong Kong—a city that has struggled to retain its degree of independence up until now. The eclectic, hip-hop-driven album also sees the multi-hyphenate share his personal observations on life and culture in general with no filter, as he goes back and forth...

Continuing its mission to champion both emerging and established artists from across the region and beyond, the prominent showcase festival promises a diverse and compelling lineup that invites global audiences to experience Southeast Asia’s creative energy firsthand.   New Additions to the lineup   Joining the previously announced batch of performers are some of Indonesia’s most celebrated acts, including Fanny Soegi, a rising singer-songwriter known for her introspective pop style, and a special collaboration between Feel Koplo and Toxic Dev!, aimed at reintroducing dangdut, a grassroots dance music genre from Indonesia.   Other headline-worthy acts from Southeast Asia that are set to drive the conversation forward are...