Characters from movies, series that redefined Pride

 

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jun 26, 2025 11:04 am

“Agatha All Along,” Episode 6, Familiar By Thy Side

Agatha isn’t just the most dangerous witch in town—she’s canonically queer, deeply complex, and fiercely self-assured. The line, delivered during an intense moment of reckoning, reflects her own journey. After centuries of loss and survival, she still stands tall—defiant, sharp, and absolutely magnetic. She doesn’t tiptoe around her power—she revels in it. Pride, for Agatha, is about reclaiming space, trusting your voice, and owning every part of who you are. With flair, fire, and zero apologies.

Elektra Abundance

“POSE,” Season 2, Episode 9

Elektra doesn’t just take up space, she claims it like a runway. This line, hurled like a dagger at the height of a ballroom showdown, is Elektra in her element: fierce, unfiltered, and immovable. In a world that tries to erase trans women like her, she turns the spotlight on herself and dares it to stay.

Her Pride is defiance in heels. A statement of survival, sisterhood, and power dressed in red and gold. Elektra doesn’t whisper her worth—she shouts it for the whole room to hear.

Charles Blow

“Late to the Party: Coming Out Later in Life”

Charles Blow’s journey isn’t about teenage rebellion—it’s a courageous reclamation in midlife, carving space for older LGBTQIA+ voices. Delivered at the culmination of the documentary, this line echoes resilience and self-love after decades of hiding. He reminds us that Pride doesn’t have an expiration date—it can be found at any time, and you’re exactly enough when you arrive.

Victor Salazar

“Love, Victor”

Victor isn’t just coming out—he’s coming into himself. In this pivotal moment, he finally lets go of everyone else’s expectations and chooses his own happiness. After seasons of navigating culture, family, and fear, this scene is his declaration. He doesn’t whisper it—he claims it.

Pride, for Victor, is the journey of saying “yes” to yourself, even when it’s terrifying. Especially when it’s terrifying.

Freddie Mercury

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

Before taking the stage at Live Aid, Freddie says this line—and it’s pure fire. It’s not about just performing; it’s about performing as himself. In a world that wanted him to tone it down, he turned the volume up. His Pride is in his presence. His voice. His glitter and grit. He was loud, queer, and unforgettable—and that’s what makes him legendary.

Santana Lopez

“Glee”

Coming out to her abuela in one of the show’s most emotional scenes, Santana’s voice shakes—but it never breaks. This moment crystallizes the terror and strength it takes to claim your truth in the face of rejection. She’s fierce. She’s vulnerable. She’s real. And that’s exactly what made her a queer icon for an entire generation. The right words, in the right moment, can spark something life-changing. These quotes—from queer characters and fierce allies—aren’t just catchphrases. They’re battle cries, love letters, and reminders that you’re not alone. So whether you’re out, questioning, healing, or holding space for someone else, may these stories remind you: your voice matters, your truth is valid, and your Pride is powerful.

New album 'bomb' showcases K-pop girl group ILLIT's growth as singers

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jun 16, 2025 10:10 pm

Composed of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha, ILLIT debuted in the music scene in March last year with the album “Super Real Me.”

“Bomb” marked an evolution from the introspective themes of their earlier albums to a focus on interactive emotions, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of a blossoming relationship.

Yunah said, I'm proud that we've already released three albums. I'm most looking forward to the reactions of our fans who have been waiting for a long time.

On the other hand, Wonhee said, I'm very excited to show you a new side of us. The third mini-album ‘bomb’ is an album where you can see ILLIT’s confident charm and further growth.”

For every song in the album, ILLIT conveyed the message “be bold in ambiguity, follow your heart in doubt.”

They said the biggest appeal of their music is the relatable messages.

I think many people relate to our story, which makes them feel closer and more comfortable. Our music is a story about people our age, but at the same time, it evokes relatability because it's a story that everyone has experienced at least once,” said Yunah.

The main track, “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance),” a French house-inspired track, captures the giddy tension of a first date.

Highlighted by its romantic and whimsical string arrangement—sampling “優雅なる脱走(Yuga Naru Dasso),” the original soundtrack from Japanese anime “The Five Star Stories”—the song delivers ILLIT’s unique flair with an addictive hook, catchy phrases like “Wiggle Meow” and a sprinkle of French lyrics—reminiscent of a magic spell.

*Billyeoon Goyangi,” meaning “a borrowed cat in English, is a Korean proverb commonly used to describe the feeling of being lost or out of place.

ILLIT also released a music video for the song in which they embark on a magical journey, diving headfirst into a blossoming love.

In the music video, after a chance encounter with a mysterious boy, the girls set off across small towns and bustling cities to find him, culminating in a heart-fluttering reunion at an amusement park. The video’s vibrant animation-like visuals and growth-themed symbolism reinforce the song’s magical vibe.

ILLIT showed their signature “cat stretch dance”—a purr-fectly cheeky combo of nimble paws and bold charm.

“Bomb” contains five songs: “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance),” “little monster,” “jellyous,” “oops!,” and “bamsopoong.”

Their decision to unveil snippets and highlight medleys prior to release reflects their strong artistic confidence.

BLACKPINK to return to PH for 'Deadline' world tour

 

By Jonathan Hicap

K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will be returning to the Philippines for a two-day concert set in November. 

Promoter Live Nation Philippines made the announcement recently noting the series of concerts form part of BLACKPINK's “Deadline” World Tour.

It happens Nov. 22 and 23 at the Philippine Arena. 

“How you like that? Get ready, BLINKs! BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR  IN BULACAN is lighting up the Philippine Arena this November 22 & 23, 2025!” Live Nation Philippines posted on X. 

Ex-K-pop girl group member accuses her agency’s CEO of sexual harassment

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Apr 30, 2025 06:56 PM

  

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A former member of a K-pop girl group has filed a complaint for sexual harassment against the CEO of her agency. 

Ga-eun, 19, former member of idol group Madein, accused CEO Lee Yong-hak of 143 Entertainment of sexual harassment. She is also seeking a formal apology and the termination of her exclusive contract with the agency. 

K-pop girl group Madein (Instagram)

Former Madein member Ga-eun (X)

On April 29, Ga-eun’s side, including her mother, held a press conference about the sexual harassment, which reportedly happened in October last year.  

During the press conference, a handwritten memorandum allegedly made by Lee Yong-hak was released. 

The memorandum stated, "I sincerely apologize for the sexual harassment. In future contractual relationships with 143 Entertainment, I will step down from the position of legal representative director and take responsibility to ensure that I am not disadvantaged. I will also give Ga-eun the right of first choice in contract extensions and other contractual relationships,” Korean media reported. 

143 Entertainment issued a statement, saying, "It is also deeply regrettable that Ga-eun's side demanded a large sum of consolation money based on one-sided claims related to an incident that was already reported last year, and when this was refused, they filed a criminal complaint about six months after the incident occurred." 

The controversy was first reported by a current affairs program of Korean TV channel JTBC in November last year. 143 Entertainment denied the allegations. 

Also last November, 143 Entertainment announced the departure of Ga-eun from Madein and denied the sexual harassment allegations. 

Madein, formerly Limelight, debuted in September last year. The group’s current members are Mashiro, MiU, Suhye, Yeseo, Serina, and Nagomi.

Jisoo kicks off ‘Lights, Love, Action!’ Asia fan tour in Manila: ‘Mahal ko kayo’

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Mar 18, 2025 10:12 AM

  

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K-pop star Jisoo, a member of girl group BLACKPINK, kicked off her solo Asia fan tour in Manila. 

The singer and actress, who is currently starring in Prime Video’s zombie series “Newtopia,” held her “Lights, Love, Action!” fan meeting in Manila on March 14 at the Araneta Coliseum. 

The fun-filled night saw Jisoo performing before Filipino fans, decorating a gift, playing games, and going to the audience area.  

Manila was the first stop in her “Lights, Love, Action!” Asia fan tour. For the whole March, she will be in Bangkok, Tokyo, Macau, Taipei, Hong Kong and Hanoi. 

K-pop star and actress Jisoo at her fan meeting in Manila on March 14 (Photos provided by Collective Touring Philippines)

K-pop star and actress Jisoo at her fan meeting in Manila on March 14 (Instagram)

Before the Asia fan tour, Jisoo released his first solo mini-album “Amortage” on Feb. 14, a fusion of the words “amor” (love) and "montage."   

“Amortage” sold 523,971 copies by the end of March, based on Hanteo Chart data. 

In Manila, Jisoo started the fan meeting by performing “Earthquake,” the main track from “Amortage”  followed by “Your Love,” “Tears,” “Hugs & Kisses,” “Flower” and “All Eyes on Me.” 

“Long time no see,” Jisoo greeted the crowd. “At first I was very nervous but as I came up the stage and I saw all my Blinks, it felt like a really good sign and I really gained strength. 

Jisoo came back to the Philippines after two years since BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” world tour held in the country in March 2023. 

“Even though it's been a long time since I've been here, they hung up banners like this outside and welcomed me so warmly and cheered me on so I really gained strength. It was good from the very beginning,” she said. 

Outside the Araneta Coliseum, banners featuring Jisoo were put up in different areas. 

When asked which is the most meaningful song for her, Jisoo chose “Your Love,” saying, “The lyrics of this is actually my message to Blinks so every time I see this, I feel like I show all my love.”

On Korean food that she would like to recommend to her Filipino fans, she said, “I really like Korean pancakes like  ‘pajeon’ or ‘kimchijeon.’” 

Jisoo also picked the words "tough," "cool" and "cute" to describe her personality. 

If she could relive one moment in her career, Jisoo said, “The memories of performing are really precious to me so I think this moment of our first fan concert today will be memorable for a long time.”

In one segment, Jisoo decorated an album that was given to a lucky fan and signed it with “mahal kita (I love you).” She also gave away a Polaroid photo with the words “mahal kita.” 

In another segment, Jisoo learned Filipino phrases including “mahal ko kayo” (I love you), “masaya ba kayo? (Are you happy?) and “charot” (a Fiipino slang which means “just kidding”). 

Jisoo also played charades with fans acting the keywords, including “The Matrix,” “Aladdin,” “Harry Potter,” pencil, computer, bag, clock, cell phone, sticker, glasses, tie, calendar, soccer, doctor and singer. 

During her performance of “All Eyes on Me,” Jisoo roamed around the audience area to be close to her fans. 

As she wrapped up her fan meeting, Jisoo said she is happy to spend time with fans. 

K-pop star and actress Jisoo in Manila on March 14 (Instagram)

K-pop star and actress Jisoo's photo outside the Araneta Coliseum on March 14 (Jonathan Hicap)

“This is my first time doing my first solo tour fan meet. I was actually very much looking forward to it but also worried. But right now even having this time, I guess, it was so much fun that the time just flew and spending time with my Blinks, I really want to just tell you how much happier I am,” said Jisoo. 

She added, “And also, of course, I really want to extend my gratitude to everyone, all the staff who have really worked hard to make this performance, to make this happen.”

In an Instagram post, Jisoo wrote, “Thank you for be part of my very first solo fan meeting! Happy to started with big cheers of BLINK Manila. So grateful you made me lovely AMORTAGE. Can‘t wait to see you again! MAHAL KO KAYO, XOXO.”

Jisoo’s “Lights, Love, Action!” Asia fan tour was produced by Paradise E&A, Monday Morning Creative Lab, Askara Nation, and Collective Touring Philippines.

Lisa, Doja Cat, Raye perform James Bond themes at Oscars

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Mar 4, 2025 05:06 PM  

BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye performed at the 2025 Oscars ceremony to pay tribute to James Bond films. 

The three performed a medley of themes from James Bond films. Lisa became the first K-pop star to perform at the Oscars. 

Lisa performed "Live and Let Die" from the 1973 James Bond film. It was originally recorded by the rock band Wings. 

Doja Cat performed "Diamonds are Forever" while Raye sang "Skyfall.” 

Doja Cat and Raye are featured in Lisa's song "Born Again" that is included in her "Alter Ego" album that was released on Feb. 28. 

Here are the photos of Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye at the 2025 Oscars: 

Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye at the 2025 Oscars (All photos by Etienne Laurent, Al Seib, Phil McCarten, Trae Patton, Richard Harbaugh, and Kyusung Gong for The Academy/AMPAS)