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I N F I N I T E ∞ 

I S S U E N O . 1 | J U N E I S S U E 

BONUS! 

SquareUp_Blackpink 

trends in Twitter. The 

Boom _Pow Comeback 

of Blackpink! 

Perceptions 

about Black 

Beauty 

(p.3) 

Is being Gay 

okay? 

a brief preview about gender 

acceptance in the Philippines 

(p.10) 

The Life after 

College 

and an in depth discussion 

about quarter life crisis 

(p.5) 

FRANK SALMO 

AND HIS INTROSPECTION 

THROUGHOUT HIS GLORIOUS 

JOURNEY AS BATTLE TO THE TOP 

AMBASSADOR

RIP THE LIMITS

ARTICLE 

WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA SHOWED 

ME ABOUT PERCEPTIONS OF 

BLACK WOMEN IN BEAUTY 

B Y J A N - R H E N Z C A S T R I L L O 

"In our society, it’s so easy to see a black 

At first glance, there are several reasons why this 

image can be read as problematic, and most of the 

woman in a role that involves serving 

another." - Alisha Acquaye 

reasons are problematic within themselves. The first 

is the obvious: skin tone, positioning, and posture. 

A woman stands proudly in a fur coat, balanced on 

Kim is dark-skinned, she’s behind Nicki, and she is 

tall black heels like a boss. Red lips. A challenging 

even bending down to fix her hair. Out of context, 

stare. A train of long, silky black hair flows behind 

these are all traditionally seen as serviceable 

her for miles until landing in the grasp of another 

gestures that reminds many of the historical 

woman dressed in all black. She gazes at the hair; 

inequalities of labor that black women endured: 

she’s patient and deliberate. She’s working to 

slavery, indentured servitude, and so on. But in the 

maintain the quality of the masterpiece she bestows 

proper context, Kim is simply doing her job as a 

upon the cloaked woman’s head: a weave — a crown 

hairstylist, a job that has led to her winning several 

of prestige, art, and glamour in the black 

awards and achieving success in the industry. 

community. It’s also the thread that binds the two 

women together in this moment, a pink sky 

The conversation that has ensued has reminded me 

surrounding them. 

that we can’t ignore how dark-skinned women are 

portrayed in media and culture, both historically and 

The image described above is of Nicki Minaj and 

presently. Black women with lighter complexions 

celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble from Elle’s July cover 

have typically been considered more beautiful and 

story. Although it is impeccably styled and 

valued in society, and it reflects in advertisements 

photographed, it immediately caused a social media 

depicting light-skinned black women to show 

debate when it debuted on June 13. Some made 

“diversity.” We want to see more images of black 

harmful assumptions about Kim, based on her being 

women together where equality and inclusivity feels 

a dark-skinned black woman, and voiced their 

balanced and genuine. But, while we strive for this 

opinions that the photo was indicative of mammy 

normalization, we have to question our values on 

stereotypes. 

what equality means beyond race. Stylists, makeup 

But, for those who recognize Kim’s influence in the 

artists, and individuals who create the look or 

celebrity hairstyling world, this photo is another 

experience of an artist are just as influential as the 

landmark moment that increases her visibility. 

artists we adore. 

3 

INFINITE MAGAZINE | PAGE

WE AIM FOR 

GREATNESS 

2 0 1 8

career is chugging along when a 

Your 

question falls from the sky. 

simple 

A l l I w a n t e d t o b e i s t o b e t h e r e a l m e 

The Life 

After 

College 

W r i t t e n b y J a n - R h e n z C a s t r i l l o

ARTICLE 

THE INCREASING COST OF EDUCATION AND HOME 

OWNERSHIP HAS PUT IMMENSE PRESSURE ON 

DEBT-SADDLED MILLENNIALS. ENTER: THE 

QUARTER LIFE CRISIS. 

Lo and behold, another depressing study about the 

most vilified generation of all time. 

We know that they're struggling to get laid, desperate 

to swap their family for fame and swapping the dream 

of home ownership for perfectly ripe avocados. But 

guess what? Turns out they're also really, really 

unhappy! 

A worrying 6 in 10 millennials believe they are suffering 

from a 'quarter life crisis' according to new research 

from First Direct bank. 

Psychologist Dr Oliver Robinson, who assisted with the 

research, commented that: “There’s two sides to a 

quarter-life crisis. They’re often feared as periods of 

difficulty and distress, but in my experience they can 

also be times of openness, curiosity and growth." 

Cue all of the think pieces from Baby Boomers raging 

that if they just saved up enough avocado skins, 

they'd be able to build a house themselves! Bloody 

entitled millennials. 

Of the 2,000 Britons aged 25 to 35 that were 

surveyed, 60 percent said that they were struggling to 

cope amid financial, career, and personal pressures. 

As reported by the Standard, "The study shows 53 

per cent of young adults are finding it difficult to 

make ends meet, and trying to find a job has 

stressed out another 23 percent. Their current 

living situation has led to feelings of despair for one 

third, while 28 percent are struggling with a job 

they find challenging." 

*image from modernmom.com 

PAGE 6 

INFINITE MAGAZINE |

than one month after BTS 

Less 

records with their new 

shattered 

Love Yourself: Tear, South 

album, 

girl group BlackPink have 

Korean 

several major milestones 

passed 

their new EP, Square Up, and 

with 

K-pop quartet dropped their 

The 

anticipated new EP and the 

highly 

Ddu-Du” music video on 

“Ddu-Du 

The video earned an 

Friday. 

33.7 million views in its 

estimated 

24 hours, scoring the highest 

first 

YouTube debut for a K- 

24-hour 

girl group, Soompi reports. 

pop 

previously set the 

BlackPink 

with their 2017 single, “As If 

record 

Your Last,” which earned 

It’s 

13.3 million 

approximately 

been less than 10 months since 

It’s 

released their self-titled 

BlackPink 

but fans were already 

EP, 

for their “comeback.” 

clamoring 

group delivered big-time with 

The 

“Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” video, a 

the 

spectacle that features the 

glitzy 

strutting through fiery 

members 

swinging on 

wastelands, 

and munching on 

chandeliers 

atop bejeweled tanks. 

popcorn 

song itself is a certified 

The 

combining crisp trap 

banger, 

breezy synth hooks and 

beats, 

has not yet confirmed 

YouTube 

"Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" figure; the 

the 

view count usually ends up 

official 

less than the number 

being 

at the 24-hour mark. But 

displayed 

if YouTube shaves a few 

even 

views off the count, 

million 

will easily hold the 24- 

BlackPink 

YouTube record for a K-pop 

hour 

group. The estimate also 

girl 

the fourth-highest 24-hour 

marks 

debut for a music video, 

YouTube 

well as the second-highest of 

as 

and of any K-pop group, 

2018 

BTS’ “Fake Love,” which 

behind 

35.9 million views in its first 

scored 

last month. Taylor Swift's 

day 

What You Made Me Do" still 

"Look 

the record, earning 43.2 

holds 

views in its first 24 hours 

million 

ENTERTAINMENT 

#SQUAREUP_BLACKPINK trends 

worldwide for Black Pink's 

comeback! 

its first single, “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du.” 

infectious vocal melodies. 

YouTube views in its first 24 hours. 

last August. (Continued on page 9) 

INFINITE MAGAZINE | PAGE 8

on the final numbers, “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” 

Depending 

drop to No. 5 on the overall list, behind Nicky 

could 

and J. Balvin’s “X (Equis),” which earned 29.7 

Jam 

views in its first 24 hours. BTS’ “Fake Love” 

million 

about 6 million fewer views than its original 

earned 

of 41 million; if BlackPink follow a similar 

estimate 

there’s no denying BlackPink have 

Regardless, 

accomplished several remarkable goals 

already 

their new release. By Saturday, “Ddu-Du Ddu- 

with 

had achieved a “certified all-kill,” which means 

Du” 

hit No. 1 across all major Korean music sites and 

it 

charts. The music video also eclipsed 50 

real-time 

YouTube views in less than three days, 

million 

record for a K-pop girl group, Soompi 

another 

Twice's “What Is Love?” formerly held the 

reports. 

hitting 50 million views in just under nine 

record, 

four members of Blackpink—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé 

All 

Lisa—launched personal Instagram accounts 

and 

Friday to coincide with the release of Square Up, 

on 

they’ve already gained between 1.9 and 2.1 

and 

followers apiece. Last year, they became 

million 

first K-pop girl group to notch three No. 1 hits 

the 

Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, and 

on 

the immediate frenzy surrounding “Ddu-Du 

given 

ENTERTAINMENT 

#SQUAREUP_BLACKPINK trends 

worldwide for Black Pink's 

comeback! (2nd part) 

trajectory, then it seems likely they’ll take the fifth 

spot on the overall chart. 

days. 

Ddu-Du,” they seem poised to repeat themselves 

soon 

**images from Google.com/ 

poster from yg official website 

INFINITE MAGAZINE | PAGE 9

across the Philippines 

tudents 

bullying and 

experience 

in school because of 

discrimination 

sexual orientation and gender 

their 

Human Rights Watch said in 

identity, 

report released today. While 

a 

law provides protections 

Philippine 

discrimination and exclusion 

against 

schools, lawmakers and school 

in 

need to take steps to 

administrators 

68-page report, “‘Just Let Us Be’: 

The 

Against LGBT Students 

Discrimination 

the Philippines,” documents the 

in 

of abuses against lesbian, gay, 

range 

in secondary school. It details 

students 

bullying and harassment, 

widespread 

policies and practices, 

discriminatory 

an absence of supportive 

and 

that undermine the right to 

resources 

under international law 

education 

students in the Philippines are 

“LGBT 

the targets of ridicule and even 

often 

said Ryan Thoreson, a fellow 

violence,” 

the LGBT rights program at Human 

in 

Watch. “And in many instances, 

Rights 

and administrators are 

teachers 

in this mistreatment 

participating 

of speaking out against 

instead 

and creating 


where everybody can 

classrooms 

Rights Watch conducted indepth 

Human 

interviews and discussions with 

students and 46 parents, teachers, 

98 

administrators, service 

counselors, 

and experts on education in 

providers, 

cities in Luzon and the Visayas. 

10 

students said that existing 

LGBT 

are irregularly or 

protections 

implemented, and that 

incompletely 

school policies and 

secondary 

often facilitate 

practices 

and fail to provide 


students with information and 

LGBT 

support. 

in the Philippines have 

Lawmakers 

that bullying in secondary 

recognized 

is a problem and have taken 

schools 

steps to address it, Human 

important 

Watch said. In 2013, the 

Rights 

Congress passed an anti- 

Philippine 

law and the Department of 

bullying 

issued regulations 

Education 

bullying on the basis of 

prohibiting 

orientation and gender 

sexual 

During the 2016 presidential 

identity. 

too, Rodrigo Duterte 

campaign, 

condemned bullying and 

vocally 

against LGBT people. 


Duterte has spoken out 

“President 

bullying and discrimination 

against 

LGBT people in the past, and 

against 

should do so now,” Thoreson said. 

he 

ADVOCACY 

by Jan-Rhenz Castrillo 

O KAY? 

I S B E I N G 

S 

ensure they are fully implemented. 

bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) 

and put LGBT youth at risk. 

(Continued on Page 11) 

learn.” 

INFINITE MAGAZINE |PAGE 10

Human Rights Watch’s research 

Yet 

that LGBT students still 

shows 

physical bullying, verbal 

encounter 

sexual assault, and 

harassment, 

in schools. Many 

cyberbullying 

were not aware of anti- 

students 

policies or did not know 

bullying 

to seek help if they were 

where 

I was in high school, they’d 

“When 

me, punch me,” said Carlos M., a 

push 

gay student from 

19-year-old 

City. “When I’d get out of 

Olongapo 

they’d follow me [and] push 

school, 

call me ‘gay,’ ‘faggot,’ things like 

me, 

(Names of students quoted in 

that.” 

report were changed for their 

the 

hostility students face in school is 

The 

exacerbated by discriminatory 

often 

and practices, Human Rights 

policies 

said. Schools in the Philippines 

Watch 

gendered uniform and hairlength 

impose 

requirements without 

for students who do not 

exceptions 

as their sex assigned at birth. 

identify 

inflexible requirements cause 

These 

LGBT students to feel 

many 

or unwelcome at 

uncomfortable 

be turned away by school 

school, 

failure to pass an antidiscrimination 

“The 

bill puts LGBT kids at 

of discrimination and violence,” 

risk 

Meggan Evangelista of 

said 

Network. “If lawmakers are 

LAGABLAB 

about making schools safe for 

serious 

students, they should stop delaying 

all 

pass anti-discrimination 

and 

students seeking help are 

Harassed 

by the lack of information 

hindered 

resources pertaining to LGBT 

and 

at the secondary school level. 

youth 

issues are rarely discussed in 

LGBT 

curricula – and when they do 

school 

teachers often make negative or 

arise, 

comments about LGBT 

dismissive 

including instructing their 

students, 

that being LGBT is sinful or 

students 

say that gays are the main focus 

“They 

HIV,” said Jonas E., a 17-year-old gay 

of 

in high school in Mandaue City. 

boy 

a bit ashamed of that, because I 

“I’m 

once in section where I’m the 

was 

gay, and they kept pointing at 

only 

Virtually none of the students 

me.” 

had received LGBT- 

interviewed 

sexuality education, leaving 

inclusive 

ill-equipped to navigate 

them 

and keep themselves 

relationships 

(Continued on Page 12) 

safe. 


O KAY? 

I S B E I N G 

protections as soon as possible.” 

persistently bullied. 

protection.) 

unnatural. 

guards, or skip class or drop out. 


few students have access to 

Very 

or counselors who are 

teachers 

to provide support for LGBT 

trained 

as they grow and develop. 

students 

LGBT student groups have been 

While 

successful at providing peer 

highly 

and support at the 

education 

level, few exist in secondary 

university 

schools 

at every level of 

Authorities 

should take steps to 

government 

student safety, equality, and 

promote 

to education in schools, 

access 

Rights Watch said. Congress 

Human 

pass anti-discrimination 

should 

that protects LGBT 

legislation 

in schools. The Department 

students 

Education should survey schools to 

of 

anti-bullying protections are 

ensure 

fully implemented, train 

being 

to be responsive to the needs 

teachers 

LGBT students, incorporate LGBT 

of 

into curricular modules, and 

issues 

model policies 

promulgate 

discrimination in schools. 

prohibiting 

the school level, administrators 

At 

strengthen anti-bullying and 

should 

policies to ensure 

anti-discrimination 

bullying against LGBT 

“Prohibiting 

was an important first step,” 

youth 

said. “Now lawmakers and 

Thoreson 

administrators should take 

school 

steps to make those 

concrete 

meaningful and promote 

protections 

for LGBT youth throughout 

respect 

Philippines’ school system.” 

the 


I S B E I N G 

O KAY? 

LGBT youth are safe and respected. 

**photos from hrw.org and cnn.com 


F R E E D O M 

FROM DISCERNMENT 

FRANK SALMO SHARES THE STORY OF HIS CONQUEST AND VICTORY 

Interview and Article by: Jan-Rhenz Castrillo 

Photographs by: Yuan Lee

" I R E A C H E D T H E P O I N T I N M Y L I F E 

W H E R E I N I A S K M Y S E L F I F I A M 

S O M E O N E W H O I S D E S T I N E D T O C L A P O N 

S O M E O N E E L S E ' S V I C T O R Y . " 

rank Salmo, a 26 year old lad from Tarlac, is fond of joining male pageantries and modelling 

Fcompetitions. 

"Ever since a kid, I always wanted to join in-school pageant competitions, however, I always get unpicked 

since my looks are contradictory to the usual "heart-rob" classification." This is his statement when I 

asked him how did his desire popped out of the balloon. 

Frank is a victim of bullying due to his complexion and unusual height. "They always call me "Kapre" 

(Tree giant) or sometimes "Taong Putik" (Mudman). I had this experience before that I don't talk to anyone 

in school since I am in the perception that they will only tease me." 

When Frank reached his youthful stage, he managed to overcome his fears by brave-heartedly 

joining a local male pageant in Tarlac. "I don't know, I think I just woke up one day telling myself that I 

should not feel bad about how I look. Since this is a God-Given archipelago, and I should be able to use it to 

express power and greatness." 

"I joined my first local pageant with butterflies in my stomach." 

"I even felt almost vomiting by the time my name was called due to extreme nerve breakdown. But 

whenever I have that sentiment, I always think that my dreams are bigger than my mini heart attacks." 

"But guess what, I wasn't able to grab even a single award when I joined that pageant." 

"But I know, on that point, I promised myself that I will someday sit on a throne, with a crown and sash on 

me, and I think that is self-rewarding on my part since on that very moment I had the ambition." 

From that event, Frank didn't stopped joining pageants. What happened differently this time is he 

always gets placed; either 3rd, 2nd, or 1st runner up. For him, that is already an achievement - but 

that believing didn't last for a long time. 

"One day during the announcement of winners on a pageant that I joined, Only 2 of us are left standing in 

the stage. By that time I feel no pressure, no butterflies, not even pain, or anything. I stared blankly on the 

crowd. As the host blabbered on the mic "The name that I am going to call is the 1st Runner Up." , an yup, 

just as expected, I landed first runner up. " 

"Then voices on my head started to appear. Questioning my capabilities, my humanity and all. From there, 

I reached the point in my life wherein I ask myself if I am someone who is destined to clap on someone 

else's victory." 

Frank took a rest from joining pageantries by that time and decided to spend his time on 

personality development classes. Thus, leading him to join Star Magic Workshops which he stands 

as a Level 2 Trainee. 

(more on the next page) 


" I L E A R N E D T H A T T R I U M P H S , W H E T H E R 

B I G O R S M A L L , S H O U L D B E 

C E L E B R A T E D S I N C E T H O S E A R E S T I L L 

V I C T O R I E S I N A N U T S H E L L . " 

In his short break from pageantries, Frank decided to try his luck by joining an online modeling 

competition named "Battle to The Top". 

"I expanded my skills and I believed that I might be successful in this path." 

"I always consider myself as my biggest enemy, (since) I think there's no better 

challenge than self-improvement." 

"From that time the competition started, my goal in every photoshoot is to bring 

something new to the table." 

Frank dedicated his time and effort, making sure he tops all photoshoots 

and challenges in the production. 

"But the best thing I have imbibed on that competition is the camaraderie 

and open-door policy of the production heads with the contenders. They 

always make sure that our concerns are heard and not taken for 

granted." 

Frank, was able to enter the Grand Finals for Battle to the Top Season 3, 

and without a doubt, he top-notched the cycle and was hailed as the 

First ever Male winner of Battle to the Top. 

"On that point, I even thought that they called my name because I am the First-Runner 

Up, but to my surprise, the presenter of the award is pushing me in the middle stage and 

asking me to take my first walk as the winner." 

Battle to the Top's 3rd Season is titled "The Exceptional", wherein the production opened 

it's doors to aspiring models without any qualifications. 

"I think that season is really made for me and I am really thankful that Battle to the Top made that season 

since it promotes a "category-free" environment in the modeling industry." 

As of now, Frank continues to promote the production. He also attended several interviews and got 

featured in magazines. 

I asked him what's his advice to the upcoming successor of his crown. He uttered- "The journey 

never really begins till the time you were crowned. Enjoy it, and don't be afraid to teach and learn new 

things from and to people since the greatest success is to make sure you have contributed something in 

your quarter month journey as a crown holder." 

Frank will be passing his crown to the upcoming successor on June 30th at Valenzuela Auditorium. 


T H E C H O S E N 1 1 

A B a t t l e t o t h e T o p S p e c i a l A r t i c l e 

T 

he battle is on! this is the usual tagline that 

I say every season of Battle to the Top 

- an online Modeling Competition that has been 

running for a year. Now, on it's fourth season, 

The Director (Art Dela Pierre), decided to take 

the final runway on a big leap and do the event 

on a bigger stage. 

On it's 4th Cycle, We came up to a strategic plan 

wherein we chose to upsize the number of 

finalists who will be able to express their runway 

skills on stage. From the usual 4-5 finalists, This 

season is composed of 11 models who would 

wear creations of different Fashion Designers 

which all reside in Valenzuela City. 

The 11 Finalists will be strutting their stuff in 

series of catwalk which will be held at 

Valenzuela Auditorium on 30th of June 2018, 

Who will rise up? and who will be the new 

ambassador of Battle to the Top? Find out soon! 

(See next pages for Finalists name and Photo) 

*Photos by Pocholo Mendoza 

Article by: Jan-Rhenz Castrillo 

The 5 designers; named Patrick Clariño (Patz 

House of Fashion), Ahne Mendoza (Ahne 

Mendoza Collections), Elyson Hernandez (Elyson 

Collections), Edz Resos (Edz Couture), and Jen 

Milan Mallari (Milan Mallari Circle of Elite) have 

gathered to create wonderful collections for the 

finalists. 


IRA CALUYA

PRINCE RAE

MICHELLE CASIMIRO

RENZMORRIZ RAMOS

ALLIAH RIEL

YURI ALMOCERA

SHIRIMAH DIMARUNSING

MELLAN GLODO

BRAVECRISTINE NIETO

CHARLES LETADA

CARLA TOBIAS

∞ INFINITE MAGAZINE ∞ 

COPYRIGHT 2018. 

ALL PHOTOS AND ARTICLES ON THE PAGES ARE EITHER WRITTEN OR OWNED WITH 

RIGHTS. ANY FORM OF COPYING WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PUNISHABLE BY LAW

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