𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "200+ trees felled along Quirino Avenue; DENR permits expressway project" by Jhaebilyn Pallorina

Layout by: Erelah Janika Geniza

Published by: Jellyssa Boniza

Date Published: May 22, 2026

Time Published: 6:27 PM

Over 225 mature, decades-old trees were cut down along Quirino Avenue, Manila since April 28, 2026 after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) approved San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to remove 617 trees for the construction of the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) issued a “tree-cutting and earth-balling” permit to SMC on March 26, 2026 for the implementation of the SALEX project under a public-private partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The nearly four-kilometer SALEX features four segments: the C3-R10 Extension, Shoreline Expressway, Quirino Extension, and Buendia Extension; it is designed to connect major roads in Manila such as Skyway Stage 3, NAIAX, and Roxas Boulevard.

According to DENR-NCR, one of the 225 trees that were cut down was a narra tree estimated to be over 50 years old.

On the other hand, residents and environmental advocates raised concerns over the removal of mature trees along Quirino Avenue, emphasizing that the decades-old trees provided shade and helped lessen heat in the area.

Some also questioned whether the replacement seedlings would be enough to compensate for the environmental impact caused by the cutting of fully grown trees.

Meanwhile, the Manila Department of Environmental Services (DES) assured the public that it will strictly monitor the implementation of the planting of 50,700 replacement seedlings in exchange for the cutting operation from San Marcelino Street to Roxas Boulevard.

REFERENCES:

GMA News. (2026, May 21). Manila LGU, tiniyak na tututukan ang tree replacement program sa mga apektado ng konstruksiyon ng SALEX. GMA News. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CjpJ3joW5/

GMA Integrated News. (2026, May 20). Manila folk sad over 200 trees felled along Quirino Highway for expressway project. GMA News Online.https://share.google/u8CLCBjCUxNbVot1Y

Magbanua, S. (2026, May 21). Expressway construction triggers tree removal along Quirino Avenue. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/20/expressway-construction-triggers-trees-removal-along-quirino-avenue

𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟: "Views vs. News" by Mary Claire D. Rosel

Cartoon by: Alexa Robil

Published by: Jellyssa Boniza

Date Published: May 20, 2026

Time Published: 8:31 AM

In recent weeks, the debate between journalists and influencers has intensified following public discussions during YSpeak 2.0 involving actor Elijah Canlas and reality personality Ralph de Leon on whether influencers should be held to the same standards as journalists. During the discussion, Ralph emphasized the growing power of online personalities, stating, “Influencers influence people; that’s why they’re called influencers.” His statement reflects today’s reality: social media creators now shape conversations, opinions, and even public beliefs as strongly as traditional media outlets. As digital platforms dominate how information is consumed, society increasingly turns to creators who discuss news, offer opinions, and frame narratives online.

Yet influence alone should not be mistaken for credibility.

While influencers and journalists both hold the power to shape public opinion, they are not built on the same foundations. Journalism is grounded in ethics, verification, and accountability. Journalists do not simply publish information for engagement—they are expected to confirm facts through interviews, multiple sources, and evidence before reporting. Newsrooms operate under editorial standards where claims are reviewed, corrections are issued, and reputations are placed at risk when false information is spread. In many cases, journalists may face legal consequences, public scrutiny, or professional sanctions if they fail to uphold these responsibilities.

Influencers, on the other hand, often work independently—driven by engagement, relatability, and personal branding. Their content may be entertaining and accessible, but accessibility should never excuse the absence of verification. Unlike journalists, creators are not always required to pass information through editors or fact-checking systems before publishing content to millions of viewers.

This distinction matters now more than ever. In an age where misinformation spreads faster than facts, society cannot afford to confuse popularity with reliability. A creator with millions of followers may command attention, but reach alone does not guarantee responsibility. When inaccurate claims go viral, the consequences can be serious: false narratives can mislead voters, create public panic, damage reputations, and influence decisions based on misinformation rather than truth.

There is no denying that influencers have transformed the modern media landscape, particularly among younger audiences who consume information through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Many creators now discuss political issues, social concerns, and current events, making complex topics easier to understand and more relatable to ordinary people. In some cases, influencers help spark meaningful conversations that traditional media struggle to initiate.

However, relatability must not replace responsibility.

When journalists fail to verify information, the public can lose trust in institutions built to protect truth. But when influencers spread unverified claims, misinformation often travels faster because of algorithms that reward virality over accuracy. One misleading post can reach millions within hours, shaping public opinion before facts have the chance to catch up. In today’s digital environment, the consequences of careless content are no longer harmless—they affect elections, public health, and social unity.

The growing dominance of influencers should not weaken the public’s trust in journalism. Society still needs institutions committed to seeking truth, verifying evidence, and holding power accountable—especially on issues involving governance, public safety, and national concerns. Journalism exists not simply to gain views but to inform citizens accurately and responsibly.

Still, this conversation should not be reduced to a battle between journalists and influencers. The goal is not competition but accountability. Influencers who discuss serious public matters must recognize the weight of their platforms by practicing fact-checking, citing credible sources, and correcting misinformation when mistakes occur. At the same time, media institutions must adapt to changing audiences by becoming more accessible and engaging in digital spaces where young people actively consume information.

But responsibility does not end with journalists or influencers—it begins with the audience. Readers must stop treating virality as proof of truth and learn to question what appears on their screens. Schools should strengthen media literacy, educators must teach critical thinking, and policymakers should support efforts against online misinformation. In a world where falsehood spreads with a single click, silence and ignorance are no longer harmless.

The question is no longer who shapes public opinion—journalists or influencers—but who protects the truth. As consumers of information, society must demand responsibility from everyone with a platform. Views may trend, followers may grow, and opinions may shift—but truth, accountability, and credibility must never become optional.

REFERENCES:

[1] Ahmed, K. (2025, October 10). Drawing the line between influencers and journalists. Inquirer Net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/186638/drawing-the-line-between-influencers-and-journalists

[2] Martirez, S. (2025) Journalists vs. Influencers: Who Shapes Public Opinion Today?. Global Media Journal, 23:77. https://www.globalmediajournal.com/open-access/journalists-vs-influencers-who-shapes-public-opinion-today.php?aid=95697

[3] Mallorca, H. (2026, May 11). Elijah Canlas, Ralph de Leon on influencers, journalists. Inquirer Net. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/668569/elijah-canlas-ralph-de-leon-on-holding-influencers-to-same-standards-as-journos/amp

[4] Calibud, A. (2026, May 11). Elijah Canlas vs Ralph De Leon: Should Influencers Be Held to the Same Standards as Journalists? Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/11/elijah-canlas-ralph-de-leon-debate-influencer-accountability-on-yspeak-20

𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠: "Komedya Ba’To?" ni Ayessa Julianna V. Rivera

Dibuho ni: Alexa Robil

Inilathala ni: Jellyssa Boniza

Petsang inilathala: May, 18 2026

Oras na inilathala: 12:27 PM

Sa bansang kung saan kayang dakpin ang maralita nang walang warrant at mabilis na pairalin ang batas laban sa ordinaryong mamamayan, tila nagiging mas komplikado ang usapin ng hustisya kapag makapangyarihang personalidad na ang nasasangkot.

Sa mga nagdaang araw, mistulang eksena sa teleserye ang Senado: may tensyon, lockdown, pagtutol sa pag-aresto, at samu’t saring pahayag mula sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno. Ayon sa ulat ng GMA News, nagkaroon ng tensyon sa Senado kaugnay ng usapin hinggil sa umano’y ICC-related arrest order laban kay Senador Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa. Samantala, iniulat naman ng ABS-CBN News na mariing sinabi ng Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms na hindi nila pahihintulutan ang anumang pag-aresto sa loob ng Senado.

Mas lalong naging kapansin-pansin ang kaniyang muling paglitaw matapos ang ilang buwan na hindi pagpasok sa Senado, lalo na sa gitna ng usaping impeachment ni VP Sara Duterte at pagbabago sa liderato ng Senado. Matapos ang ilang buwan na hindi pagdalo sa mga sesyon, saka lamang siya muling nagpakita nang magsimulang umugong ang posibilidad ng kaniyang pag-aresto kaugnay ng warrant mula sa ICC. 

“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤!”—isang linyang mabilis naging meme at naging usapin sa social media, sa gitna ng tensyon at kontrobersiyang bumabalot sa Senado. Ngunit sa likod ng katatawanan, may mas seryosong tanong na hindi dapat iwasan: bakit tila naaalala lamang ng ilang opisyal ang kanilang tungkulin kapag ang sariling interes at kapangyarihan na nila ang nanganganib?

Habang abala ang publiko sa tinaguriang “political drama,” muling lumilitaw ang matagal nang usapin patungkol sa hindi pantay na hustisya ng bansa. Maraming mahihirap ang agad nadadakip at nakukulong kahit kulang ang ebidensya at walang sapat na kakayahang ipagtanggol ang sarili. Ngunit ngayon na isang makapangyarihang senador ang nahaharap sa warrant at imbestigasyon, biglang nagiging mahalaga ang usapin ng legal na proseso, at proteksiyon.

 
Dito mas nakikita na may sistemang mabilis humusga at kumilos kapag ordinaryong mamamayan ang sangkot, ngunit nagiging maingat at mabagal kapag nasa hanay na ng kapangyarihan ang kailangang managot. Nagiging palaisipan sa taong bayan kung ang gobyerno ba ay tunay na para sa serbisyo publiko o isa na lamang entabladong pinagtatanghalan ng iilang may kapangyarihan.

Mas nakababahala rito ang tila pagtrato ng ilang institusyon sa seryosong usapin bilang isang palabas na kailangang kontrolin, imbes na isang problemang dapat harapin at resolbahin. Sa halip na tumuon sa pananagutan, mas nangingibabaw ang drama sa politika—may pagtatanggol sa mga personalidad na matagal nang nakapuwesto sa sistema ng kapangyarihan.

Bilang Pilipino, hindi na bago ang paulit-ulit na pagkukulang ng sistema—ang pabago-bagong paninindigan, piling hustisya, at pagyurak sa mga institusyong dapat sana’y naglilingkod sa bayan. Habang patuloy na ginagamit ng makapangyarihan ang impluwensiya bilang panangga sa pananagutan, mas lumilinaw na hindi pantay ang bigat ng batas, depende sa kung sino ang humaharap dito.

Maaring maantala ang hustisya, pagtakpan ng impluwensiya, at ipagtanggol ng may kapangyarihan, ngunit hindi nito mabubura ang mga tanong na matagal nang naghahanap ng kasagutan. Sapagkat habang kayang protektahan ng sistema ang iilan, mas lalo lamang nitong pinatutunayan kung gaano kalalim ang pagkabulok ng hustisyang ipinagkakait sa bayan.

MGA SANGGUNIAN:
[1] Sepe, F. G., Jr. (2017, April 3). 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘳. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/specials/healing-drug-war⁠

[2] Rita, J. (2026, May 13). 𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘐𝘊𝘊. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987428/bato-dela-rosa-rejects-senate-minority-call-to-surrender-to-icc/story/

[3] Laqui, I. (2026, May 11). 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘢, 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/05/11/2527208/senate-protects-dela-rosa-cites-pursuers-contempt-after-building-chase

[4] GMA News Online. (2026, May 12). 𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘢 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦: ‘𝘏𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘨-𝘩𝘪𝘺𝘢 𝘯𝘢 𝘢𝘬𝘰’. GMA Network. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987387/bato-dela-rosa-senate-return/story/

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "DOJ verifies valid ICC arrest warrant vs. Bato dela Rosa" by Jhaebilyn Pallorina

Layout by: Queen Xyra Blancia 

Published by: Jellyssa Boniza

Date Published: May 16, 2026

Time Published: 11:52 PM

The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the existence of a valid warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on May 15, 2026.

During a press conference, DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that the Philippines had duly received the ICC’s request to serve the arrest warrant against the senator.

Vida said that once all legal issues have been resolved, he expects the Senate to surrender dela Rosa to the DOJ. 

Meanwhile, Vida also warned that any attempt by dela Rosa to leave the country would be treated as a “mockery of justice.”

“Kung siya ay magtatangkang umalis ng Pilipinas, ibang usapan na iyon,” Vida said during the press briefing.

He also stated that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) had been issued against the senator, while law enforcement agencies were directed to carry out an appropriate arrest if dela Rosa attempt to leave the country.

References:
ABS-CBN News. (2026, May 15). DOJ confirms ICC arrest warrant vs Dela Rosa. ABS-CBN News. https://www.facebook.com/100064957951102/posts/1506248748217043/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

GMA News. (2026, May 15). DOJ press conference. GMA News. https://www.youtube.com/live/SbuawjFwB-k?si=NnYJ4fd-IAVIyTib

GMA News. (2026, May 15). The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirms that there is a valid ICC arrest warrant vs. Sen. Bato dela Rosa. GMA News. https://www.facebook.com/s
hare/p/1DrJ3oxjcJ/

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔: “Usapan sa ‘Lifetime Fuel’: Isyu sa Gantimpala ni Hidilyn Diaz, Muling Umingay” ni Dennise Ubalde

 

Layout by: Erelah Janika Geniza 

Published by: Keshia Gwyneth Esposa

Date Published: March 26, 2026

Time Published: 12:47 PM 

Inungusan ng kontrobersiya ang Philippine sports noong Marso 12 matapos sabihin ng kampo ni Hidilyn Diaz na ang ipinangakong “lifetime free fuel” mula sa Phoenix Petroleum matapos ang kanyang gintong panalo sa 2020 Tokyo Olympics ay hindi umano ganap na naipatupad, dahilan upang muling pag-usapan ng publiko kung bakit naputol ang naturang insentibo para sa Olympic champion ng Pilipinas.

Noong 2021, matapos daigin ni Diaz ang matitinding kalaban sa women’s 55-kg weightlifting event ng 2020 Tokyo Olympics, umulan ng gantimpala mula sa gobyerno at pribadong sektor.

 Isa sa pinakamalaking pangako ay mula sa Phoenix Petroleum ₱5 milyon at sinasabing “lifetime free fuel” bilang pagkilala sa makasaysayang gintong medalya ng atleta.

Ngunit kamakailan, kumawala ang bagong usapin matapos sabihin ng manager ni Diaz na si Noel Ferrer na ang naturang lifetime fuel incentive ay naging “drawing” lamang o planong hindi umano tuluyang naisakatuparan.

Sa gitna ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa pandaigdigang merkado, umungos sa social media ang diskusyon ng mga netizen na nagtatanong kung bakit tila hindi natupad ang pangakong insentibo para sa Olympic champion.

Habang umiinit ang diskusyon, nagpumiglas ang iba’t ibang opinyon mula sa sports fans, may ilan na naniniwalang dapat tuparin ang pangako bilang pagkilala sa sakripisyo ng atleta, habang ang iba naman ay nagsasabing maaaring may limitasyon ang naturang alok.

Sa kabila ng isyu, nananatiling nakatuon si Diaz sa kanyang training at paghahanda para sa susunod na kompetisyon, patunay na ang isang tunay na kampeon ay marunong bumalikwas sa anumang hamon sa loob man o labas ng platform.

Sa pagtatapos ng season, kumalas man ang ilang kontrobersiya sa paligid ng kanyang pangalan, umaasa ang mga coach at atleta na sa mga susunod na taon ay magiging mas malinaw at mas matatag ang suporta sa mga Pilipinong kampeon na patuloy na lumalaban para sa karangalan ng bansa. 

References:

[1] ABS-CBN News. (2026, March 12). Phoenix airs side on “lifetime fuel incentive” for Hidilyn Diaz. https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/12/phoenix-airs-side-on-ifetime-fuel-incentive-for-hidilyn-diaz-1752

[2] PEP.ph. (2026, March 11). Hidilyn Diaz lifetime free fuel incentive “drawing” only. https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/191309/hidilyn-diaz-lifetime-free-fuel-incentive-a4118-20260311

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Bato seeks permission to use Senate Mansion in Baguio" by Renee Jayne Canale

Layout by: Reynald Tan

Published by: John Lhoyd Venus

Date Published: March 26, 2026

Time published: 7:31 AM

Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa requested Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s permission to allow his family to use the Senate Mansion in Baguio City from March 26 to 29 for the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) Cup 2026.

Sotto confirmed on Friday that he had received a letter from Dela Rosa, who has been absent from the Senate for the past four months.

The letter stated, “May we request your good office to allow us to use the Senate Mansion on March 26-29, 2026? The mansion will be used solely to accommodate the undersigned’s family during the CSAFP CUP 2026 in Baguio City.”

The Senate President noted that the letter was a privileged communication and said he did not know how the media obtained it.

At the same time, the letter was also received of the Office of Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza on the same date, and it was not indicated whether Dela Rosa would accompany his family.

However, the request will be denied due to ongoing repairs at the Senate mansion, Mendoza stated, adding that a reply will be sent to Sen. Dela Rosa.

REFERENCES:

[1] Cabato, L. (2026, March 13). "Dela Rosa asks Sotto to use Senate Mansion; request nixed due to repairs" INQUIRER.net.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2195290/dela-rosa-asks-sotto-to-use-senate-mansion-request-nixed-due-to-repairs?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

[2] Ombay, G. (2026, March 13). "Bato seeks use of Senate Mansion for family; Senate exec says unlikely due to ongoing repairs" GMA Integrated News. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979913/senate-mansion-request-bato-baguio

[3] Cruz, R. G. (2026, March 13). "Bato sought permission for family to use Senate mansion in Baguio, Sotto confirms" ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/13/bato-sought-permission-for-family-to-use-senate-mansion-in-baguio-sotto-confirms-1717

𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡: “Kilay, Kulay, at Kanta: Ang Kwento sa Likod ng Sikat na Bebot, Kikay, at Kakaibabe Trend” ni Thea Faye Mari A. Beracis

Disenyo ni: John Maclen Dolor

Inilathala ni: Shaina Pajarillo 

Petsang Inilathala: Marso 25, 2026

Oras na Inilathala: 10:30 AM

Smokey eyeshadow? Check!

Makulay na mga hair clip? Check!

Eleganteng suotan? Check!

Sa checklist na ito, ano nga ba ang depinisyon ng isang marikit na Pilipina? Mahirap itong sagutin sapagkat iba-iba ang dating at kanya-kanyang mood na dala ng mga Pinay sa nagdaang trends ng makeup at fashion. May mga talagang nagpapalingon sa mga tao sa daan, at mayroon ding kuntento sa sariling depinisyon ng “Filipina beauty.”

Alin man sa mga ito, iisa lamang ang nais iparating—masining at mayaman ang paraan ng mga Pilipina sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang estilo at personalidad.

Habang lumilipas ang panahon, patuloy ring nagbabago ang uso sa paraan ng pag-aayos ng mga Pinay. May mga nagtatangkang magtugma ng iba’t ibang estilo ng buhok at kasuotan, at mayroon ding nag-eeksperimento ng kolorete sa mukha. May payak, may magarbo, at mayroon ding nasa gitna lamang ng lahat ng ito.

Mas lalong naging malinaw ang pagkakaiba ng mga makeup look at fashion ng kababaihan nang, sa pagpasok ng taong 2026, nilamon ng “Bebot, Kikay, at Kakaibabe” trend ang social media. Maraming Pilipina ang nakisali sa transition challenge na ito, kabilang sina @lolydlplr, @kimberlykimpena, at @samanthajeg, na umani ng milyon-milyong views sa TikTok.

Ngunit higit pa sa pagpapakita ng mga sikat na aesthetic ang pag-usbong ng challenge na ito. Ipinapakita rin nito ang iba’t ibang pagkakakilanlan at personalidad ng mga Pinay mula sa magkakaibang panahon. Hindi tulad ng ibang trends, hindi ito sumikat dahil bago—kundi dahil nagbalik-tanaw ito at nagdiwang sa pagiging Pilipina. 

At tulad ng pagbalik-tanaw na ito, tuklasin din ang kuwento sa likod ng viral na “Bebot, Kikay, at Kakaibabe” trend.

IKAW ANG AKING BEBOT

Lahat na ba ay alam kung ano ang “historically accurate” na Bebot?

Kung hindi pa, maaaring ipagpalagay na kung “Filipina baddie” ang tawag sa kanila ngayon, “Bebot” naman ang tawag sa kanila noong dekada 2000.

Ang salitang “Bebot,” na maaaring isalin sa Ingles bilang “hot chick,” ay mas nakilala matapos maitampok sa kantang “Bebot” ng Black Eyed Peas noong taong 2005. Isinulat ito ng Filipino-American na miyembro ng banda na si Apl.de.ap bilang pagbibigay-pugay sa kanyang pinagmulan bilang Pilipino. Dahil dito, nakatanggap ang kanta ng malawak na suporta at pagmamahal mula sa mga Pilipino lalo na nang itanghal ito ni Apl.de.ap sa nasyonal na telebisyon.

Kaya naman hindi na nakapagtataka na makalipas ang halos dalawang dekada, muling nabuhay ang kantang ito bilang pagdiriwang ng angking ganda ng mga Pilipina sa anyo ng makeup transformation.

Humugot ang Bebot look ng malaking impluwensya mula sa Y2K na aesthetic—cool-toned na smokey eyeshadow, manipis na kilay, makintab na labi na halos kapareho ng kulay ng balat, mabigat na bronzer, volumized na buhok, at kaakit-akit na kasuotan na lalong nagpapalakas sa palaban na aura.

Ngunit higit pa ito sa isang makeup look. Sinasagisag din nito ang natural na kayumangging kulay at kagandahan ng mga Pinay. Tulad ng mensahe ng kanta, ang trend na ito ay nagdadala ng pagmamalaki sa sariling kultura at likas na katangian ng mga Pilipino.

MAHILIG MAGPA-CUTE AY KIKAY

“Sobrang Jolina!” ay isa sa mga karaniwang maririnig kapag ikaw ay naka-Kikay look.

Ang “Kikay” ay isang Filipino slang na tumutukoy sa babaeng mahilig mag-ayos o magpaganda—isang bagay na maihahambing sa tinatawag ngayon na “girly girl.”

Ang Kikay aesthetic ay umingay sa buong bansa dahil sa Filipino pop icon na si Jolina Magdangal, na naging simbolo ng cute, makulay, at bubbly na estilo noong dekada 1990.

Ang konseptong ito ang nagbigay-inspirasyon sa Filipino pop group na Viva Hot Babes upang lumikha ng kantang “Kikay” noong taong 2004. Katulad ng Kikay fashion, ang kanta ay naghatid ng masigla, masaya, at nakakaaliw na melodiya na sinabayan pa ng buhay na buhay na boses ng mga miyembro ng grupo.

Upang maging isang Kikay tulad ni Jolina, maaaring magsuot ng mga butterfly hair clip, makukulay na damit, at maglagay ng matingkad na kolorete sa mukha—mga elementong nagpapalabas ng cute, maharot, at mapaglarong personalidad.

Sa muling pag-usbong nito sa internet, ipinapakita ng Kikay trend na ang pagiging Pinay ay maaari ring maging masigla, makulay, at puno ng ningning.

MINSAN LANG MAKAHANAP NG ISANG KAKAIBABE

“Simple pero elegante.” 

Ito ang mga salitang maaaring maglarawan sa isang Kakaibabe.

Pinasikat ng kantang “Kakaibabe” ni Donnalyn Bartolome noong taong 2014 bilang opisyal na soundtrack ng ‘Diary ng Panget: The Movie’. Ang salitang ito ay pinagsamang “kakaiba” at “babe,” na naglalarawan sa isang Pilipina na hindi pangkaraniwan—confident, natural, at may sariling dating.

Kasabay ng Bebot at Kikay, sumikat din ang Kakaibabe bilang isang makeup at fashion look kung saan simple lamang ang hitsura ngunit may hindi maipagkakailang karisma.

Makikita ito sa pagsusuot ng simple, moderno, at komportableng damit na naaayon sa sariling panlasa, kasama ang minimal at eleganteng kolorete—natural at hindi sobra. Ito ang gandang nasa gitna lamang: hindi maingay, ngunit hindi rin madaling malimutan.

Hatid ng “Bebot, Kikay, at Kakaibabe” trend ang tiyak na larawan ng mayamang pagkakaiba ng mga Pilipina pagdating sa fashion, lifestyle, at pagkakakilanlan. Bawat isa ay may sariling kulay, panlasa, at personalidad—mga katangiang mananatiling espesyal kahit lumipas pa ang maraming taon.

Sa pagpasok ng Marso—buwan ng mga kababaihan—nararapat lamang na pahalagahan ang mga simpleng bagay na tulad nito. Sapagkat hindi lamang ito nagsisilbing repleksyon ng pagbabago ng estilo ng mga Pilipina sa paglipas ng panahon, kundi ipinagdiriwang din nito ang angking ganda, lakas, at pagkamalikhain ng kababaihan.

At sa gitna ng lahat ng ito, isang tanong ang patuloy na namumutawi sa social media:

“Isa ka bang Bebot, Kikay, o Kakaibabe?”

MGA SANGGUNIAN:

[1] Balugo, K. (2026, February 25). What is a bebot and why is everyone on TikTok turning into one? Hypebae. https://hypebae.com/2026/2/bebot-filipino-y2k-makeup-beauty-trend-explainer

[2] Villena, K. (2026, February 26). "Kikay" Is Back—and It Signals a New Era of Unapologetic Girlhood. Preview PH. https://www.preview.ph/beauty/tiktok-kikay-trend-thinkpiece-a8071-20260226-dyn

[3] “Kakaibabe” from Diary ng Panget OST goes viral 11 years after its release. (2025, July 15). Pikapika PH. https://www.pikapika.ph/pikadaily/kakaibabe-from-diary-ng-panget-ost-goes-viral-11-years-after-its-release

IMAGE SOURCE

Delpilar, I. (2025, September 1). Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOCnGPvjyT9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=

Gonzales, J. P. (2026, March 16). Why Marian Rivera can’t have another baby soon. Manila Standard. https://manilastandard.net/?p=314373803

Guiral, A. N. (2026, February 19). What does it mean to be ‘kikay’? 5 things to know about the trend. Tatler. https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/beauty/get-to-know-the-kikay-trend

Windorski, B. M. (2026, February 19). Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DU8EFTFE-IP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==