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Hi loves! I’m Trischia Abjelina, but I go by Tara! I’m a 20 year old sophomore studying at Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao in Davao City, Philippines. While my academic life keeps me busy I always find time to travel, and this includes cultural exploration, especially pop culture. I enjoy expanding the scope of my knowledge to other places, but my Filipino heritage has been always been instilled in my interests. I love how our culture constantly evolves while staying rooted in traditions, and so, in this Padlet, I'll be sharing my curated collection of Philippine Pop Culture from my personal interest!

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OPM or Original Pilipino Music has always been a huge part of my life. I admire artists like Moira Dela Torre, whose heartfelt ballads such as Malaya and Paubaya never fail to hit deep, Denise Julia, whose R&B sound with NVMD and B.A.D. has a fresh appeal, and Arthur Nery, whose sultry, poetic lyrics in Pagsamo and Take All The Love create a different kind of intimacy in music. Zack Tabudlo, with songs like Habang Buhay and Binibini, also stands out with his ability to blend pop and emotional depth. Their music captures the Filipino soul—nostalgic, passionate, and deeply expressive.

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The way social media shapes Filipino pop culture is fascinating. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram influence everything—from viral dance challenges to emerging artists. Trends spread like wildfire, whether it’s a new Budots dance craze, a trending hugot line, or a small business going viral overnight. What I love most is how Filipinos use social media not just for entertainment but also for advocacy, humor, and a strong sense of community.

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I’ve always been a sucker for Filipino romance movies and drama series, especially those featuring the country’s most popular love teams. One of my recent favorites is Hello, Love, Goodbye and its sequel Hello, Love, Again, which beautifully captures the complexity of love and ambition. Growing up, I would rush home after school, excited to watch teleseryes. My nanny used to binge-watch Pasion de Amor, Wildflower, and Kadenang Ginto, and I eventually got hooked on them, too. Those series had intense storylines, larger-than-life villains, and plot twists that kept me glued to the screen.

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Filipino fashion has evolved so much, especially with influencers setting new standards of style. While there are many with impeccable taste, Heart Evangelista is in a league of her own. Her wardrobe is a masterclass in elegance, effortlessly blending luxury with timeless chic. Whether she’s walking the streets of Paris in haute couture or styling local pieces in her day-to-day life, she embodies sophistication. I find her ability to mix high fashion with accessible style inspiring—her curated looks always seem like a must-have.

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Beyond the mainstream, I find the street culture of the Philippines incredibly vibrant, and Davao City is a prime example. From local streetwear brands showcasing Davaoeño style to the electric energy of our festivals, there's a beautiful and dynamic mix of tradition and modernity in our Pop Culture Identity. Take Kadayawan Festival, for instance—it's a heartfelt gathering of Davao's diverse indigenous groups, a time for thanksgiving and community. The streets explode with color during the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan and Pamulak Kadayawan, showcasing traditional dances and floral floats. While Kadayawan has adapted to modern times, incorporating contemporary elements, it remains a celebration of heritage, where families and communities unite, sharing food, laughter, and a profound sense of belonging. It's this blend of timeless tradition and contemporary expression that makes Davao's street culture so captivating.

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One of the most exciting groups in today’s Philippine music scene is BINI, a P-pop girl group making waves both locally and internationally. While I wouldn’t call myself a fan or someone who actively listens to their songs, I love seeing female artists thrive, and BINI’s rise to success is truly impressive and that’s why I’m featuring them here. Their music blends Filipino and global influences, and their synchronized performances, catchy songs, and stylish concepts have earned them a dedicated following. Their song Pantropiko became a huge hit, proving that OPM girl groups have the power to compete on the global stage. While I don’t personally have their songs on repeat like some of my peers, I respect their artistry, hard work, and what they represent—women in the local music industry claiming space and setting new standards.

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BINI’s success is a reflection of how Filipino audiences engage with pop culture in ways that go beyond passive consumption. Using the Uses and Gratifications Theory, we can see that their appeal stems from different needs they fulfill for their listeners and fans. For many, BINI provides entertainment through their upbeat music, lively performances, and visually stunning concepts. Their songs often have feel-good, empowering themes, making them a source of motivation and escapism. Beyond just listening, fans interact with BINI through social media, joining fandoms, engaging in trends, and even participating in viral challenges like those featuring Pantropiko or Karera. This active participation fosters a sense of belonging, which is a key aspect of the theory—audiences seek and engage with media that aligns with their personal and social needs.

Moreover, BINI represents aspirational and cultural identity, another layer of the Uses and Gratifications Theory. The group embodies modern Filipino youth—confident, globally competitive, and stylish—making them relatable yet aspirational figures for their fans. Young women, in particular, look up to them as examples of self-expression and empowerment. Their ability to seamlessly blend international pop elements with local influences, such as singing in Filipino while maintaining a polished global appeal, strengthens the identity of OPM in an increasingly interconnected world. Their rise to fame also challenges the male-dominated landscape of P-pop, proving that female-led groups can succeed and set industry standards.

Through the Uses and Gratifications lens, BINI’s impact goes beyond their music. They are part of a larger movement in Filipino pop culture, where fans actively shape and engage with the content they consume, making them not just listeners but participants in a growing cultural phenomenon.