Entertainment
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When April Plays Again: Music, Memory, and Your Lie in April
Written by Ruthie Suarez Every April, I always end up rewatching Your Lie in April. It has become something I naturally return to when spring comes around. There is something about that time of year that matches the story’s feeling. Everything feels a little softer and more emotional, and the show fits that mood in a way that makes it hit differently every time. The first time I watched it, I did not expect it to stay with me the way it did. I thought I was just watching a sad anime about music, but after it ended, I couldn’t really move on right away. It stayed in my head…
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Seeing Ourselves On Screen: Why Representation Matters
Written by Hannah Sazon I was scrolling on my phone when I first saw that there was a new DreamWorks Animation movie centered around Filipino culture coming out. Forgotten Island is about 2 Filipino best friends who find themselves transported to a mysterious island inspired by Filipino folklore, and encounter mythological creatures that uncover deeper connections to their identity and heritage. I was honestly really excited finding out, and it made me think about why. In recent years, there’s been an increasing Filipino representation in the media. Whether it’s music artists like Olivia Rodrigo, small scenes of Tagalog in The Pitt, or quick references in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this…
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How Godzilla: Minus One Encapsulates Perseverance
Written by Sydney Nguyen October 25th, 1944, marked the first organized kamikaze attack that took place during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The success of the kamikaze tactic (a suicide attack that involves a pilot flying their aircraft directly into enemy ships) was exaggerated greatly through Japanese military propaganda, as it was rooted in the Japanese ideals of honor, sacrifice, and religion. Therefore, in post-war Japan, the kamikaze pilots who returned alive were perceived by citizens as cowards who failed to serve their nation and were viewed as physical representations of Japan’s defeat. Fear is a prominent motif that drives the plot of Godzilla: Minus One. Kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima…
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Why “Transform” by Daniel Caesar Feels So Real
Written by Ivan Li Some songs don’t just sound good—they feel honest. “Transform” by Daniel Caesar is one of those songs. It connects with a lot of people because it reflects the way people actually are, not some perfect version of life. Right from the beginning, when he says, “If a leopard never changes its spots, how can I change what I’ve got?” It brings up a question that a lot of people probably think about at some point. Everyone wants to grow or become a better version of themselves, but it’s not always easy. Sometimes it feels like certain habits or parts of your personality are just stuck with…
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Spring into Music: Refreshing Songs for the Soul
Written by Chloe Tabaco It’s a beautiful day outside. Birds are singing, and flowers are blooming. On days like these, people like me… are creating their 259th playlist. As the weather gets warmer and we set the clock an hour forward for better sunsets, I find myself wanting to share the gift of music with all who wish to broaden their horizons. I take pride in my search for uncut gems with fewer than 10,000 listens, as well as the songs with millions that I still feel need love. From indie rock to disco-lounge, this article will go over my top five spring songs to stop and frolic in the…
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Ponyo: A Platonic Love Story
Written by Sophia Kim Studio Ghibli movies are always filled with a magical sense to them, and watching Ponyo is no different. Between the beautiful art style from Hayao Miyazaki and immersive music from Joe Hisaishi, Ponyo would make an amazing watch for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion! Ponyo starts off with the premise of Ponyo (the goldfish) wanting to become a human and experience life on land. Similar to the plot of The Little Mermaid by Disney, there is a feel of “love story” to Ponyo, but to write it off as simply a love story would be a misinterpretation. Ponyo is truly centered around trust, pure affection, and…
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3 Love Songs That Hit Different: Thinking Out Loud, Goodbye, and All of Me
Love comes in many forms: sweet, tearful, exciting, and heart-melting. Music has a way of expressing these emotions that words alone often can’t. From the thrill of new romance to the ache of heartbreak, certain songs stand out for their lyrics, melodies, and pure emotional energy. Here are three love songs that hit differently and remain timeless favorites. 1. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran No list of modern love songs is complete without Ed Sheeran’s masterpiece. With its smooth piano, gentle rhythm, and heartfelt lyrics, Thinking Out Loud is the ultimate celebration of enduring love. Sheeran’s voice makes every line feel personal and intimate, whether you’re slow dancing…
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The College Student’s Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide
Written by Jodie Li Exams are over! It’s finally time to put your whole heart into the holiday season. The first half of December can be a blur after pushing your brain to the max, but the reward of finishing is amazing. Now, we’ve entered the next phase of the month: the joyful, yet hectic, world of holiday shopping. Finding presents can be tough, expensive, and so last-minute for us college students. Don’t stress, though, we aren’t here to do that! Here is my list of affordable, thoughtful gift ideas, broken down into categories to help you find the perfect thing for anyone on your list. For the Sleepy &…
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Best Christmas Songs
Written By Mikhaella Lopez Christmas. Pasko. There are many different names for Christmas across all cultures. Even for the families that don’t celebrate Christmas, everyone hears the same songs on the radio. No, I’m not talking about the same five pop songs that you hear on the morning AM radio on the way to work or school. I’m talking about Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You”, or Wham’s “Last Christmas” on repeat for the nth time in thirty minutes. As someone who started celebrating Christmas the moment September 1st hit, I’ve been listening to among the hundreds of thousands of holiday songs Spotify and the radio have…
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My Go-To Comfort Shows and Movies
Written by Steven Pham With Thanksgiving break right around the corner (and exams stressing all of us out), I figured this was the perfect time to share some of my go-to comfort shows and movies. I’m also breaking down the science behind why rewatching comfort content can genuinely help you relax and reset. If you need something to unwind with this break, here are a few of my favorites: One Punch Man Light, hilarious, and perfect when you want action without the stress. It’s also incredibly entertaining to watch the main character be so effortlessly overpowered. Ratatouille Cozy, warm, nostalgic, and always satisfying. This movie is an instant comfort classic…
