Metroscene Mag - For the young, empowered & creative

If your current playlist feels a little too manufactured, it’s time to deep-dive into a band that is building an entire universe of their own. Meet NEW LORE —the all-female alt-pop trio that is quickly becoming the undisputed soundtrack of the local creative youth. Composed of visual artist and poet Tita Halaman on vocals and guitar, Kim Escalona on bass, and Carole Lantican on drums, this three-piece act doesn't just write hooks. They turn physical art into indie melodies. The Evolution of the Lore ICYDK, the band originally started out as NO LORE, a dynamic indie-electronic sibling duo. But when that era came to a close, frontwoman Joisha Juatco fully embraced her visual artist moniker, Tita Halaman. Ready to expand her sonic universe, she teamed up with Escalona and Carole Lantican last year to officially birth NEW LORE. What makes them a total visual and sonic experience is their creative process. Supported by independent record label Off The Record in a distribution partner...

Forget everything you thought you knew about Waiian . You might remember Waiian for his off-kilter rhymes and cartoonish bravado. But with the release of his third studio album BACKSHOTS ? It's a different beast entirely. Sure, the trademark quirkiness is still there, like a mischievous grin peeking out from behind in his album cover. But underneath the playful surface, a mature, almost unsettlingly self-aware artist is emerging.  "I think right now, in 2025, Waiian is gonna be unapologetically him," he proclaims, a statement that lands with the force of a well-placed backhand or a BACKSHOTS if you may. And he's not wrong. The nine-track is a masterclass in controlled chaos, a tightrope walk between the absurd and the profound. It's the sound of an artist who's finally found his voice that's both hilarious and mature. "My writing has shaped to completely suit my personality outside of music," he reveals. "So when I do enter the studio for wo...

When words fail to convey what we truly feel. When speaking does not help in explaining our thoughts and inner struggles– art is always there to comfort us. In the creativeness where most of us seek solace, Gracinha “Inha” Arceo is one of them– a playful and versatile contemporary artist that advocates for mental health.  For Inha, being honest and vulnerable gave her her own sense of relief. It is through her art where she is able to showcase “breaking free” from oppressing ideals and mental struggles, to be able to realize what is more important to her—own personal growth and well-being. “I wouldn’t say there was just a moment to encapsulate art being an extension of myself - but actually “multiple everyday moments” where art becomes an extension of myself as it becomes an outlet, my own safe space where I can breathe and just “be.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Art Portfolio of Inha Arceo (@inhaarceoartportfolio)

In a world where art is often seen as either an elite privilege or an undervalued hustle, Art by Minaenae is carving out a space where passion meets accessibility. Founded by digital artist and entrepreneur Mina Aglipay, the studio is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that creativity belongs to everyone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by minaenae (@minaaglipay) The Struggles Behind the Studio Mina’s journey into the art world wasn’t easy. Pursuing a career in digital art wasn’t initially supported by her family, who saw it as an unstable path. “I had to fight for this,” she says. “I had to prove that art isn’t just a hobby; it can be a way to build something real.” With no financial backing and a mountain of self-doubt, she started small—taking commissions, working odd jobs, and reinvesting everything into her craft. View this post on Instagram A post shared by minaenae (@minaaglipay) The idea of a stud...

In a world where the boundaries of creativity are continually expanding, Guss Chua, lovingly known as Gusstelier, emerges as a Filipino AroAce Illustrator, a dreamer with profound sensitivity, hailing from the vibrant neighborhoods of Tondo and Binondo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Guss Chua (@gusstelier) From a young age, Guss had a vision of himself in the creative realm, a world where his imagination could run free. He embarked on a journey through college, initially pursuing a course in 3D Modelling and Animation. However, in a pivotal moment, he discovered his true calling lay in the realm of Illustration, a path that would lead him towards a fulfilling career. Dive into the Ethereal Realm Guss's artistic influences are drawn from a diverse spectrum of creators. He shares a deep connection with otherworldly artists like Yoshitaka Amano, Qingyi33, Yesterdhir, and Pngianne. Their work has not only inspired him but also fueled his desire to ex...