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I’m Shazmeen (or Shaz), a psychology student trying to make sense of brains and behavior... like both in theory and in the chaos of daily life. Inaaral ko ang utak at lipunan, madalas nga lang tulog. I have a deep love for art and writing, though burnout and I are far too familiar. When I’m not drowning in academic or creative pursuits, I’m probably admiring cats, deer, and sea otters or keeping up with social issues. Oh and btw, I advocate for greener hiraya pero ako na bahala sa mga pagong 'wag lang ako bigyan ng paper straws 🙁 𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

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Right: Original photo, Left: Screenshot from the Hunger Games Movie

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Hunger Games

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Hunger Games

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The Hunger Games had such a chokehold on me that I took it a step further I actually started learning archery. Something about the world-building, the survival aspect, and Katniss as a character made me obsessed. Archery itself is such a cool, precise skill that requires patience and control, and I love that it’s not just for the sake of the fandom but also a new skill that makes me feel like a baddie.

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Photo from her official instagram account.

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I may have been late to the Beyoncé train and too young to properly stan Queen B in her prime, but once I got her, I got her. Despite not growing up as a hardcore fan, I still understand and appreciate her essence as an artist. The sheer talent, the perfectionism, the way she commands every stage like it’s built for her. She’s not just about the music, she’s about evolution, discipline, and creating a legacy that speaks beyond the charts. Even coming in late, I can see why she’s untouchable and I love it so much!

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Mini-fan

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Mini-fan

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I have reached a point where stepping outside without my magical mini-fan feels like a personal attack from the universe. The sun? Unforgiving. The humidity? Merciless. But with my trusty Goojodoq mini e-fan in hand, I become untouchable like I have my own personal climate control system. It’s small, it’s mighty, and it has quite literally saved me from melting into a puddle on multiple occasions. Some people carry power banks; I carry air-conditioning on demand.

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Leni Robredo

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Leni Robredo

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Leni Robredo represents the kind of leadership I admire, being grounded, genuine, and focused on real impact. It’s not about grandstanding but about action, which is why she stood out. Beyond politics, she became a cultural icon, proof that integrity and good governance can still exist in a system that often feels broken. Her initiatives, even post-elections, show that public service isn’t tied to a position but to purpose. While she’s primarily a political figure, her influence has extended beyond politics into social movements, internet culture, and even meme culture.

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Call of Duty Mobile

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: Call of Duty Mobile

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There’s just something about the chaos of Call of Duty Mobile that keeps me hooked. One second, I’m outplaying opponents like a pro, and the next, I’m getting absolutely wrecked. The thrill of strategizing, reacting in split seconds, and pulling off a clean kill? Chef’s kiss. And when I’m on a winning streak? Best believe I’m flexing my MVP status like it’s an achievement of national importance. As for why it’s pop culture, it’s a phenomenon. With millions of players worldwide, it’s a staple in mobile gaming, shaping online communities and even influencing esports. Its collaborations with pop culture icons (like anime skins or movie crossovers) make it a cultural force.

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Photo credits Netflix Korea, HZ Entertainment

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: K-drama

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𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭: K-drama

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I don’t just watch K-dramas, I invest in them. Not all K-dramas are worth the hype, but when a top-tier one comes along, like Queen of Tears, it’s an experience. The storytelling, the cinematography, the emotional rollercoaster—I’m here for all of it. A well-written drama just hits differently, making me think, feel, and sometimes even suffer emotionally (but in a good way).

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One of the most interesting contemporary pop culture trends in the Philippines is the rise of improvisational (improv) comedy, with SPIT Manila (Silly People's Improv Theater) at the forefront. SPIT has been around for years, but their performances have gained more traction in the past few years (2021-2025), especially with more Filipinos looking for smart, spontaneous, and interactive comedy. Unlike scripted stand-up, improv thrives on audience participation, quick wit, and social commentary, making it both unpredictable and deeply relatable. SPIT’s brand of humor isn’t just about making people laugh—it’s about challenging perspectives, reflecting on Filipino culture, and even addressing political and societal issues in a clever, engaging way. Their performances have helped push improv into mainstream entertainment, proving that comedy can be both fun and thought-provoking.

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SPIT Manila and the Rise of Improv Comedy

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SPIT Manila and the Rise of Improv Comedy

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Using Carnival Theory, SPIT Manila’s improvisational comedy can be seen as a form of cultural resistance that challenges traditional norms and power structures. Improv thrives on spontaneity, unpredictability, and audience interaction—elements that disrupt the rigid, scripted nature of mainstream entertainment. Unlike traditional stand-up, which often revolves around pre-written jokes, SPIT’s performances embrace chaos, allowing marginalized perspectives, taboo topics, and satirical critiques to surface in a playful and engaging way. This aligns with the carnival spirit, where hierarchies are temporarily subverted, and people are free to laugh at authority, societal issues, and even themselves. Through their sketches, SPIT often pokes fun at the absurdity of bureaucracy, the contradictions in Filipino culture, and even political dynamics—allowing audiences to reflect on these issues while being entertained.

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SPIT Manila and the Rise of Improv Comedy

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SPIT Manila and the Rise of Improv Comedy

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Moreover, SPIT’s rise reflects a shift in Filipino media consumption and identity, where audiences crave more interactive, intelligent, and socially aware forms of humor. In an era where digital media platforms like TikTok and YouTube amplify comedic content, improv’s raw and unscripted nature resonates with a generation tired of manufactured, formulaic entertainment. It also fosters a sense of community, whether through live performances or online clips, where audiences don’t just consume content but actively shape it through participation and engagement. By embracing improv as a tool for social commentary and cultural introspection, SPIT Manila plays a crucial role in redefining Filipino humor, proving that laughter can be both liberating and revolutionary.