Almost halfway into 2022, the year has definitely been a wild ride to date. From trending new releases, edge-of-your-seat sports upsets, and viral news from fashion, the past week has seen no shortage of exciting news from entertainment and pop culture.
Listening Station
ASAP Rocky releases newest single “D.M.B.” and a music video of him and Rhianna getting married
ASAP Rocky is back with a new single, “D.M.B.”, along with an accompanying music video, dropping last Thursday, May 5. The American rapper’s latest track gives us catchy, powerful hip-hop beats along with his signature unique lyricism. With romantic lyrics presumably in reference to his partner Rhianna, “D.M.B.” contains many of his feelings and emotions towards their relationship.
The official music video features ASAP Rocky and Rhianna walking around New York City, where he grew up. The two are constantly seen together throughout the video, serving as a highlight and celebration of their devotion to each other.
The one that really made headlines is near the end when ASAP Rocky bares his teeth, with gold-plated grillz spelling out the words “Marry me?” In response, Rhianna answers with her own gold grill, which reads “I do.”
The couple are currently expecting their first child together, and this latest single and music video is ASAP Rocky’s way of expressing what he feels about his current situation with Rhianna and their growing family.
Ben&Ben and SB19 release “Kapangyarihan” performance video in time for the 2022 national elections
Filipino indie band Ben&Ben along with Pinoy Pop group SB19 have released their highly-anticipated performance video of their collaborative song “Kapangyarihan” ahead of the 2022 Philippine national elections.
Premiered last May 5, the video starts off with an empty stage surrounded by screens projecting historical footage from the Philippines’ political history, from rallyists and activists filling the streets to presidential speeches and inaugurations.
Ben&Ben and SB19 are then joined by various people that form the very fabric of Philippine culture and society. Students, teachers, farmers, medical workers, and indigenous people join the band onstage as they perform the track.
As the video goes on, the lighting noticeably starts out pink, the color of Philippine presidentiable Leni Robredo’s campaign, which Ben&Ben have publicly supported, performing at the historical rally at Emerald Avenue, Pasig, including the recent miting de avance of the candidate on May 7, 2022 that then collected almost 1 million attendees.
The lighting then transforms into blue, yellow, and red, the colors of the Philippine flag. The performance and video ends with all onstage pointing their fingers painted in the colors of the flag towards the sky.
Screening Room
Spy x Family takes the world by storm
Spy x Family, an anime series that is the hottest talking point of both new and long-time fans of anime today, premiered last April 9. The story follows Twilight, a famous spy on a mission in another country to stop a potential conflict. Taking on the identity of Loid Forger, the spy finds himself in a predicament, needing to find the perfect cover story of an established and well-off family man in order to gain the necessary information.
He adopts Anya, a child with special powers of telepathy, and enlists the help of Thorn Princess, real name Yor Briar, an assassin to act as his wife and mother to Anya.As one would imagine, having a family consisting of a spy, assassin, and telepath creates many bizarre and comical scenarios.
Now at 4 episodes, the series has since become an instant viral hit and is talked about all over social media. With this, fans and followers of the anime eagerly await each week for the newest episode.
Fashion
The Met Gala 2022 sets the world of fashion and entertainment abuzz
The annual Met Gala just came back on its resounding return for its 2022 iteration last May 2 at the historic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
With the theme of In America: An Anthology of Fashion, the world’s most prestigious fashion event showcased artists and celebrities from various disciplines in entertainment donned in mesmerizing and eye-catching outfits that became the talk of multiple media and entertainment outlets all over the world.
While the Internet has seen a number of underwhelmed comments, calling it “MEH Gala”, some of the notable and talked about pieces include Kim Kardashian’s version of Marilyn Monroe’s exact golden dress, Blake Lively’s custom Versace gown inspired by the history of New York City architecture, and Billie Eilish donning a corseted Gucci number reminiscent of the 19th century high Victorian-era fashion.
Sports
UP Ends Ateneo’s Flawless UAAP Season 84 Run
The University of the Philippines managed to outlast the Ateneo de Manila in an exciting, edge-of-your-seat game in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84’s men’s basketball last Sunday, May 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons ended the impressive winning streak in 39 games of the Blue Eagles, beating their Katipunan neighbor and rival 84-83.
The final moments of the game saw Ricci Rivero securing two free throws, giving UP the 84-83 lead with 22.2 seconds left on the clock. SJ Belangel then missed his three point attempt to give Ateneo back the lead in the last 1.6 seconds, thus securing the win for UP.
With this win, UP improved to a 12-2 win-loss card while also denying Ateneo an outright Finals berth with its 13-1 slate.