Hell University (HU) could be Viva One’s next big hit. Based on Wattpad novels by KnightinBlack, it is arguably the streaming app’s most fascinating new offering yet. While most Viva One shows lean toward romance dramas, HU veers into horror and draws inspiration from The Purge films. Director Bobby Bonifacio Jr. has promised a cinematic vibe for HU, and its set design alone, led by Ericson Navarro, proves the budget and effort poured into building the show’s world. The titular Hell University was created from scratch inside an abandoned old building, which Navarro and his team transformed with a sleek…
Author: Julienne Loreto
Julienne Loreto
Julienne (they/them) is a lesbian journalist and university student. Their work has previously appeared in international publications like Positively Filipino (USA) and the prestigious British music magazine The Line of Best Fit.
Visayan idols are nothing new in P-pop. For instance, SB19’s Ken incorporates Bisaya (Cebuano) lyrics into the group’s releases like “Crimzone,” as well as his solo hits “Palayo” and “Mictest.” BINI’s Colet and Aiah are also a proudly Bisaya duo. ALAMAT’s R-Ji hails from Samar in Eastern Visayas, while fellow member Alas is from Davao, the latter debuting with his Bisaya-English-Tagalog single “Don’t Play.” Many of P-pop’s standout soloists, including Vivoree, Maymay Entrata, and Karencitta, are Bisaya as well. They have always been part of the industry. But as P-pop artists embrace their roots more openly, it’s fascinating to see…
A viral post has sparked buzz that actress and P-pop soloist Vivoree Esclito has been chosen to play the Filipino superhero Wave in Marvel’s Agents of Atlas. Back in 2023, Geekosity reported that Marvel was searching for a Bisaya actress in her 20s for the role. The late Marvel insider Mikey Sutton, who ran the site, even hinted that Wave and the Agents of Atlas could debut in the Shang-Chi sequel. That description seems tailor-made for Vivoree. Born and raised in Bohol, just next to Wave’s home turf of Mactan, Cebu, the actress turned 25 last August 3. Who is…
A paraw (sailboat) has been sailing around Boracay, proudly displaying Colet Vergara’s face alongside fan-made artwork. The initiative is called Project Huyuhoy, “huyuhoy” meaning breeze in Bisaya. It’s the first project of its kind for any idol, a testament to fans’ admiration for BINI’s Boholana member. Just six years ago, Colet entered ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy (SHA) idol training program. Already gifted, she nonetheless struggled with the pressures of training, which temporarily forced her back to Bohol. Even after returning to SHA, her journey was far from easy. Still, she persisted and in the years since, she has won the…