This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little bit), then we’ve done our jobs.
With school back in season, we know that stress is at an all-time high. Vant is here to remind you that it’s always good to take a break once in a while to rest and recharge. To help you unwind and relax, here is a list of our favorites for the month of September!
Photo sourced from Rappler
Drag Race Philippines
Release: August 17, new episodes weekly
We’re only four episodes into the show, but fans are already calling Drag Race Philippines the “best franchise” from the entire Drag Race series. The Philippine iteration of RuPaul’s Drag Race is the latest spin-off in a long line of the show’s international versions. It still follows the quintessential Drag Race format, but with a more Filipino touch, thanks to the vibrant personalities of the queens and the judges. The way the show caters to the Filipino audience makes it more enjoyable because I can laugh at the references and actually understand them without the need for translations.
From the humor, the drama, and the challenges (like Ter-No She Betta Don’t! and Shake, Rattle, and Rampa), Drag Race Philippines is something everyone should watch out for. Catch the queens every Wednesday on WOW Presents Plus and HBO Go, and see who stays and who has to sashay away. - Leila
Photo sourced from the Ateneo Art Gallery
Weaving Women’s Words on Wounds of War at the Ateneo Art Gallery
Release: Exhibition runs from August 22-October 1
No campus tour is complete without a visit to the Ateneo Art Gallery (AAG). The university museum is located at the Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing in Areté. AAG currently has five ongoing exhibitions, with Weaving Women’s Words on Wounds of War as their most recent launch. WWWW can be found on the 3rd floor of Areté, at the following galleries: the Fredesvinda Almeda Consunji Gallery, the Ambeth R Ocampo Gallery, the Elizabeth Gokongwei Gallery, and the Alicia P Lorenzo Gallery.
According to the museum’s website, WWWW was created to depict the experiences of impunity in small Muslim and katutubò communities under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law regime. The women concerned worked directly with research partners to show how their lands and culture were exploited and abused.
Of all the exhibitions in AAG, I’m most excited to visit WWWW. Women affected by natural and manmade disasters is a cause close to my heart since it’s also the general theme of my group’s thesis topic. - Leila
Photo sourced from Netflix Tudum
Date and Related
Release: September 2
Looking for a Netflix series to binge-watch? All ten episodes of Date and Related will be available on September 2 to fulfill all your dating reality TV needs, but the premise comes with a twist!
Date and Related presents 16 participants who will have to work with their siblings as they all search for love. Sounds chaotic? It definitely will be, but that’s the best part!
Unwind from the stress of school and join our contestants inside a villa in the south of France. This reality TV show might just be your new favorite! - Chanel
Photo sourced from Manila Bulletin
Where the Crawdads Sing
Release: September 5
Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kya in this long-awaited film adaptation of Delia Owens’ bestselling novel of the same name. Where the Crawdads Sing brings to life the lively marshes of North Carolina and all of the charm in Barkley Cove. Moreover, its soundtrack boasts an original song from Miss Americana herself, Taylor Swift.
Other than experiencing the Folklore-like melody from Swift's “Carolina” on the big screen, I am most looking forward to Edgar-Jones’s performance given how this is her third project for the year. For me, the novel was at its best when we watched Kya interact with the natural world that embraced her after her family’s abandonment. I’m looking forward to the film magnifying the gentle wonder we hold for Owens’s artful descriptions of nature and wildlife. - Kris
[Photo sourced from: MIBF]
Manila International Book Fair 2022
Release: Convention runs from September 15-18 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila
In the past two years, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) has been held virtually. Now, the organizers are looking for a return to the familiar convention halls at the Mall of Asia. With 114 confirmed participating companies and counting, one can expect this to be the largest gathering in the country for the publishing industry.
As someone who had attended an onsite MIBF pre-pandemic, I am mostly looking forward to the generous discounts from participating publishers. It’s also the perfect opportunity to scout for rare book finds within the small and independent stalls at the fair. - Kris
Photo sourced from GENIUS
5SOS5 by 5 Seconds of Summer
Release: September 23
5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) is not here to play with their brand-new album! Songs such as the sweet and upbeat “Complete Mess,” as well as the cathartic and nostalgic “Take My Hand” are just some of the exciting lead singles the group has put out for 5SOS5.For this album, we can enjoy 14 tracks including the catchy bops “Me Myself and I” and “Blender.” Beyond the hits, however, band member Luke Hemmings says this is one of 5SOS’ most introspective works yet! Sit back, relax, and let your tiring day feel like a summer’s night with 5SOS! - Chanel