Arts & Culture

Just Millennial Things: “Memes” On Your Timeline

Since its birth, memes have been a topic for laughs by many. If you didn’t get the meme you’d be callled a “normie” and sometimes if you’re not laughing at a meme or editing one to fit your humor, you’re probably the “meme-able” one. How we communicate has truly evolved through social media, and interpreting memes and actually understanding them and using them as a form of communication reassures that.

If you understand the humor behind certain photos with captions edited into them shared by thousands, well, congratulations! You’re still part of this generation. These posts are dubbed as “memes”, it is referred to as a “catchphrase, concept or an activity” that eventually found its way to being a “piece of media that eventually spreads”. If there’s one thing that’s true about these forms of media, it’s that it’s humorous, to say the least.

Memes are manipulated and edited clips from movies, or photos from paparazzi that mirror everyday situations of the ordinary person. It is a product of creativity that eventually clicks towards the culture and environment one spreads it to.

Said to be coined in the year 1976, Richard Dawkins had shared that these memes on the Internet are a “hijacking of the original idea”, which would prove that the evolution and mutation of these media are the very things that support its existence.

There are so many memes born in a span of a week sourced from famous events, TV shows and of course, in unusual circumstances. Even if there are some that have failed to crack us up or have left the internet world forever, there are some memes that stuck with most netizens and lived on long enough for us to scroll through on our “TLs” (timelines) a couple of times.

Classical Art Memes

Photo: Sherdog Forums

Art appreciation and meme-loving is a mix we can all enjoy. Take for example these classical art memes that truly speak to this generation’s woes and is relatable to our everyday experiences and “feels”.

Even if these art were made ages ago, their meanings (or how we interpret them) still holds true until this day. In this world of screens, it’s still worth our while to go over originals on canvas that are national treasures.

Kim Kardashian Memes

Photo: Gabriel Zamora on Twitter

We all love her for her and her family’s reality TV show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and also because of her merchandise and cosmetics line. Except for all the attention she’s getting about her behind, there are some clips from the TV show that portray Kim as a “meme-able” gal.

Buff Kim is just one of the memes going around social media that have truly made us think Kim’s more than just this Barbie girl in her fabulous and expensive Barbie world.

“Is This A Pigeon” Meme

Photo: inews.co

This meme was picked out from a scene in a Japanese anime TV series “The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird”, and it was about how the protagonist in the series mistakenly identified a butterfly as pigeon. From then on, in most social media sites, it is used to describe sarcastic confusion on things.

When you do not know how to respond to your clueless friend, just go on over an editing app and make yourself a new meme featuring your friend and their dubieties.

Distracted Boyfriend Meme

Photo: Reverend Scott on Twitter

This famous photo started off as a stock photo you could see with just one click away on Google when you’d want a sample photo of different happenings and activities.

The source image, taken by photographer Antonion Guillem, has the description “Disloyal man with his girlfriend looking at another girl” before it even went into the spotlight in the “meme world”. This meme is used when one’s wanting something other than what one already has, hence, the disloyalty in the relationship reference.

Kermit the Frog Memes

What we know as a cartoon character back in the day has now reincarnated itself to fit the new generation. If you’re frequently on Twitter, you’ve probably known how the latest “chika” is now in the form of the word “tea”, which gladly fits this Muppet’s image right here, who’s sipping a cup of Lipton tea and talking about “hypocrisy” and “stupidity” of different people.

Netizens mostly use it to “throw shade” at different people they either hate or would want to start a feud with. Well, Kermit’s got to do all the talking about this “tea”. You need to spill!

Salt Bae Meme

“Salt Bae” is actually Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe, who became viral for his video while fabulously sprinkling salt on the carved steak he was cooking up. He is long known to be prepping his meals in the sassiest ways, often called a “theatrical” preparation of food.

The meme can be used in a number of different ways. It may be taken literally as to sprinkling something on someone like (“K”s to your boyfriend when you’re mad), or it could mean that one’s really being #extra just like chef!

Mocking Spongebob Meme

Photo: PassionX

Also known as “Spongemock”, this particular image was sourced from the episode of the animated comedy series SpongeBob SquarePants called “Little Yellow Book”. In the episode, this meme was born because of Squidward when he happens to go over SpongeBob’s diary, discovers that whenever SpongeBob sees plaid, he acts like a chicken!

This mocking meme is paired with captions with alternating upper and lower case letters comprising a sentence.

Featured Photo Credits: marketingturkiye.com.tr

Arts & Culture

Asia’s Fashion Czar I Knew as Tito Pitoy; Remembrance of a Friendship Beyond Fashion with Designer Jose R. Moreno

by Jose Carlos G. Campos, Board of Trustees National Museum of the Philippines

My childhood encounter with the famous Pitoy Moreno happened when I was eight years old. My maternal grandmother, Leonila D. Garcia, the former First Lady of the Philippines, and my mother, Linda G. Campos, along with my Dimataga aunts, brought me to his legendary atelier on General Malvar Street in Malate, Manila. These were the unhurried years of the 1970s.

As we approached the atelier, I was enchanted by its fine appointments. The cerulean blue and canary yellow striped canopies shaded tall bay windows draped in fine lace—no signage needed, the designer’s elegance spoke for itself. Inside, we were led to a hallway adorned with Art Deco wooden filigree, and there was Pitoy Moreno himself waiting with open arms—”Kamusta na, Inday and Baby Linda,” as he fondly called Lola and Mommy.

“Ahhh Pitoy, it’s been a while,” Lola spoke with joy.
“Oh eto, may kasal na naman,” my mom teasingly smiled.

Linda Garcia Campos and Pitoy Moreno’s friendship started when they were students in the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

When Dame Margot Fonteyn came for a visit to Manila, Pitoy Moreno dressed her up for an occasion.

We had entered a world of beauty—porcelain figurines, ancient earthenware and pre-colonial relics. It was like stepping into a looking glass, only Pitoy could have imagined.

Destiny led me back years later when my mother Linda told me that Pitoy Moreno was working on his second book, Philippine Costume, and needed research material and editorial advice. At this point, around the 1990s, I was in between assignments—unsure of how a broadcasting graduate like me could possibly contribute to a fashion icon’s masterpiece. Fortunately, I agreed to the project.

Former First Lady Leonila D. Garcia and daughter Linda G. Campos in Malacañang Palace.

Returning to the designer’s atelier brought back a rush of pleasant memories. The gate opened, and there stood Pitoy Moreno, beaming as always.
“Come in, hijo. Let me show you what I have in mind—and call me Tito Pitoy, okay?”
He led me to his worktable.
“I want to publish a book that tells the story of Philippine fashion—from our pre-colonial roots to the present. A designer’s collection of images and heritage expressed in clothing.”

I was awestruck. “How can I help you?” I inquired.
“Did you know that your mother, Linda, was my barkada in the University of the Philippines in Diliman?” he grinned.

US President Dwight Eisenhower with First Lady Leonila Garcia and President Carlos Garcia in a state dinner at Malacañang Palace in Manila.

That friendship soon led to one of the proudest moments of the designer’s life. He had the opportunity to dress not only the First Lady Leonila D. Garcia but also President Carlos P. Garcia during his term. It was also during this time that the President of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower, came for an official visit to Manila. The designer was able to make clothes for the President, his daughter, and his staff.
“Eisenhower even asked for discounts on the barong Tagalog,” Tito Pitoy laughed.

Tito Pitoy then asked if I could find a terno he had made for my Lola, the former First Lady, which she wore for President Eisenhower’s state visit in 1960.
“How about her other ternos, dated from the 1920s to the 1960s?” I offered.
He lit up.

I scoured my Lola’s extensive closet—it felt like unearthing a legacy. Tucked behind layers of vintage ternos from countless fashion designers, I found that terno, which was photographed by Dick Baldovino along with other pieces for the book project. Once the project was finished and I myself had moved on, my bond with Tito Pitoy never wavered.

When my Lola passed away, he was deeply touched when I personally informed him of the sad news. Once, at the wake of former Vice President Salvador Laurel, he asked me to assist him in the placement of the medals in the chapel.

Philippine Costume by Jose Moreno is the designer’s collection of images and heritage expressed in clothing.

Tito Pitoy later invited me to his 80th birthday celebration—a dazzling Manila affair in 2012. During the evening’s festivities, he handed me a printed copy of Philippine Costume and added warmly,
“Thank you, hijo. I’ll call on you for the next one.”

The highlight of his career—and his most unforgettable moment—came during the Metro Magazine Gala fashion show: A Tribute to Pitoy Moreno, Fashion Icon. A collection of evening gowns spanning six decades—many of them unseen and tucked away in his atelier—were revealed that night. When the finale came, Tito Pitoy walked the stage, triumphant and waving to a sea of admirers. Longtime friends from the industry, society’s finest, and fashionistas rose from their seats and gave him a standing ovation.

It wasn’t just to celebrate his craft and ingenuity—it was to honor the man who brought elegance, history, and heart in every stitch.

Arts & Culture

Queer Coding in Cinema: The Best Shows to Binge for Pride Month 2025

compiled by Edge Javier

As Pride Month 2025 goes into full swing, the best way to celebrate LGBTQIA+ voices is with a binge-worthy lineup of shows that center queer stories, joy, love, resilience — and yes, of course, drama. From groundbreaking recent series to must-watch staples and fan favorites, here are the top shows to stream this June that reflect the vibrant spectrum of the queer-coded experience.

1. Heartstopper – Season 3 (Netflix)
Nick and Charlie are back, and the coming-of-age sweetness is stronger than ever. Season 3 explores deeper emotional territory while keeping the wholesome tone fans adore. Expect more queer joy, nuanced relationships, and tearjerker moments that feel like a warm hug.

2. Drag Me to Dinner (Hulu)
Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, this chaotic culinary competition pairs drag duos in a battle to throw the most fabulous themed dinner party. With outrageous challenges, surprise twists, and plenty of camp, queens serve up equal parts food, flair, and fierce shade. It’s RuPaul meets Top Chef—served with a side of sequins.

3. Queer Planet (Apple TV+)
Hosted by Janelle Monáe, this visually stunning docuseries dives into queerness in the animal kingdom and parallels in human identities. It’s smart, groundbreaking, and perfect for those who want to feel seen—and informed.

4. Fellow Travelers (Paramount+)
This period romance-drama set during the Lavender Scare continues to grip audiences with its tragic beauty and sharp historical insight. If you missed Season 1, now is the perfect time to catch up before the highly anticipated Season 2 lands later this year.

5. The Buccaneers – Season 2 (Apple TV+)
The unapologetically queer period drama returns with more scandal, sapphic yearning, and feminist rebellion among American heiresses navigating high society in 1870s London. Think Bridgerton, but with more edge and better sapphic representation.

6. Our Flag Means Death – The Finale Special (Max)
This fan-favorite pirate rom-com wraps up with a one-hour finale special airing this June. Whether you’re rewatching from the start or jumping into the last hurrah, this show remains a shining example of queer love told with heart and humor.

7. This Is Me Now… The Series (Prime Video)
Following Jennifer Lopez’s genre-blurring film-musical hybrid, the series version delves into themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance, and features cameos by queer icons and allies. It’s campy, messy, and made for Pride Month mood-boosting.

8. Sort Of – Final Season (Max)
This critically acclaimed dramedy about a gender-fluid millennial navigating love, grief, and identity in Toronto comes to a close with an emotionally rich final season. A thoughtful and often hilarious story that never loses its beating heart.

9. Red, White & Royal Blue – Limited Series (Prime Video)
After the hit film adaptation, the beloved queer romance returns in a serialized format, expanding on Alex and Henry’s story with new twists and deeper character arcs. It’s romantic escapism, elevated.

10. POSE: The Legacy (FX/Hulu)
This documentary miniseries honors the cultural legacy of POSE and the real-life ballroom legends who inspired it. Featuring interviews with cast, creators, and icons from the scene, it’s a must-watch tribute to queer history and resilience.

Whether you’re looking for laughter, tears, romance, or revolution, these Pride Month picks for 2025 offer it all—while honoring the complexity and beauty of LGBTQIA+ lives. So press play, turn up the volume, and let queer stories shine this June and beyond. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

Arts & Culture

Chaos and Clarity: Zen Aesthetic in Oj Hofer’s Art

by Jing Ramos |

Oj Hofer, our fashion contributing editor, is a Fine Arts graduate from the University of the Philippines. Though he began painting at the age of eight, his artistic journey took a transformative turn in 2013. While volunteering as a costume designer for Siddhartha: The Musical, he encountered Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy, sparking a deep devotion to Japanese sumi-e painting and kanji calligraphy. Over the years, he refined his craft, using his art to share the Dharma through exhibitions while supporting the Hsing Yun Educational Foundation. In 2022, his spiritual path deepened at Nan Tien University, where he embraced Zen and Humanistic Buddhism, shaping his artistic philosophy.

“Plum Blossoms in Moonlight.” Serigraphy on abaca.

In his recent works, Hofer merges traditional calligraphy with serigraphy, drawing inspiration from his friend Charles Lahti—an internationally recognized New York-based painter and printmaker. Lahti, known for his collaborations with post-war American artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Donald Judd, Andy Warhol, and LeRoy Neiman, introduced Hofer to silkscreen techniques. Through a workshop Lahti conducted in Cebu—arranged by their mutual friend Greg Urra—Hofer integrated silkscreen into his Zen artworks, particularly those on abaca.

“The Circle of Harmony” Serigraphy and Calligraphy on abaca.

Hofer’s cross-disciplinary approach challenges conventional Zen aesthetics. His layered paintings on abaca may seem far from tranquil at first glance, but closer contemplation reveals a meditative core. His serigraph of an Enso circle, for example, initially appears chaotic, filled with Tang Dynasty poetry and overlapping, repetitive forms. Yet, by focusing on a single calligraphic element, the viewer experiences a moment of clarity—a glimpse of awakening within the visual complexity.

“Monkey Mind” Serigraphy and Calligraphy on abaca.

Even more engaging is his diptych Monkey Mind. At odds with the traditional Zen emphasis on negative space, this piece is deliberately busy, reflecting the restless nature of the mind. A distracted viewer may struggle to find a focal point, but one attuned to emptiness and presence will perceive clarity amidst the seeming disarray.

Ink and intention—creating calligraphy in support of one of my advocacies.

By fusing Zen philosophy with the discipline of serigraphy, Hofer invites his audience to look beyond surface impressions and discover stillness within movement, balance within complexity. His art does not merely depict Zen—it embodies the paradoxes at its core, offering a path to mindfulness through the act of seeing and the experience of doing.