Entertainment

PLAVE is back with an even more powerful comeback this 2025

The virtual K-Pop group you need to stream right now

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PLAVE is ready to take on the center stage again this 2025 with an even stronger comeback!

Who on Earth?

As the GadgetMatch team’s decade-old K-Pop stan, PLAVE isn’t a “누구” (nugu) as I already knew them from the get-go — especially when they made their surprising debut way back in 2023.

But to those who missed it, PLAVE (플레이브) is one of the industry’s so-called “virtual groups” where members aren’t real human beings (at least superficially). Rather, anime-like characters or avatars.

VLAST (which is both an entertainment agency and a VFX company), formed and introduced this K-Pop super group that pushes the boundaries in both music and entertainment.

Furthermore, PLAVE is pioneering the K-Pop industry when it comes to showing the advancements in graphics and technology, immersive story-telling, as well as self-produced artistry.

Reyal or Fakeh?!

What makes PLAVE different from other virtual idol groups is that, they are actually NOT AI. Real people are still behind the avatars you’re seeing that happened to be behind their respective MoCap (Motion Capture) suits.

Cutting to the chase, the members are talented artists who happen to make real music but also, promote in the form of virtual characters inspired from Korean webtoon series or popularly known as “Manhwa” (만화).

Members Yejun (예준), Noah (노아), and Eunho (은호) are responsible for the music — lyrics, composition, and production.

On the flip side is where Bamby (밤비) and Hamin (하민) focus on anything and everything related to choreography and performance.

Bop to the Top

PLAVE has actually made milestones ever since the beginning of their career. They became the first ever virtual K-Pop group to top major music charts — even securing first place on several music shows in South Korea.

After a year of not having any official music release (excluding OSTs), Caligo PT.1 was finally revealed to the public this February 2025.

Their latest EP (Extended Play) has attained remarkable success. Within 24 hours, it became the highest streamed album during its first day on Melon — South Korea’s top music chart.

And with their steadfast popularity, PLAVE has also entered the “Billions Club” with over a billion of cumulative streams on the said streaming platform. Six days later, their cumulative streaming total surpassed two billion.

Believe it or not, despite being a virtual K-Pop group, their latest album has sold over a million of physical copies.

Furthermore, the group’s latest title track ‘Dash’ has also made its debut on the Billboard Global 200. Meanwhile, four tracks from the album entered the Billboard Global Excluding US chart.

As of this writing, their latest music video has already garnered 10 Million Views — which is also a testament that the quintet is going stronger than ever regardless of being “just” a virtual K-Pop group.

Their live performance in Mnet’s M Countdown (South Korea’s top streaming platform on TV) even exceeded 1 Million Views.

And with almost 1 Million subscribers on YouTube, it shows how effective PLAVE is when it comes to serenading the ears and capturing the hearts of all viewers and listeners.

You can now stream PLAVE’s full Caligo Pt.1 EP in all music platforms.

And for the greatest music experience possible, stream it in Hi-Res Lossless Audio. 😉

Entertainment

Crunchyroll Winter 2026 anime season lineup and schedule

Full schedule of anime releases for this season

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Crunchyroll has added nine exclusive titles for its Winter 2025 anime season lineup for Philippine viewers.

Step into the worlds of these titles as part of the lineup:

  • Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
  • Trigun Stargaze
  • Sentenced to be a Hero
  • My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2
  • Oshi no Ko Season

The streaming platform is also offering a limited-time year-end sale. Fans can avail of the annual Fan and Mega Fan Premium Memberships for PhP 560 and PhP 710, respectively until December 30.

For its winter calendar, Crunchyroll will simulcast several titles weekly throughout the season. Below is the official schedule.

31 December

  • Tamon’s B-Side 
  • Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None 

2 January

  • The Outcast 6

3 January

  • Sentenced to Be a Hero 
  • Fate/strange Fake

4 January

  • Hana-Kimi
  • MF GHOST Season 3
  • The Daily Life of a Part-time Torturer
  • Journal with Witch
  • Kunon the Sorcerer Can See

5 January

  • My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2
  • Wash It All Away

6 January

  • Tune In to the Midnight Heart 
  • The Demon King’s Daughter is Too Kind!!
  • There was a Cute Girl in the Hero’s Party, so I Tried Confessing to Her
  • Isekai Office Worker: The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter

January

  • SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table
  • Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord
  • An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29

8 January

  • JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3
  • The Holy Grail of Eris
  • Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You Season 2
  • The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife
  • ROLL OVER AND DIE

9 January

  • Fire Force Season 3 Part 2
  • DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR

10 January

  • TRIGUN STARGAZE
  • Dead Account
  • A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans

11 January

  • You and I Are Polar Opposites
  • Kaya-chan isn’t Scary
  • The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom
  • In the Clear Moonlit Dusk

12 January

  • ‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess Season 2

14 January

  • 【OSHI NO KO】Season 3

16 January

  • Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
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Entertainment

Binge-watch your favorite anime with this new Ani-One YouTube channel

Ani-One PH Collection channel features full season compilations

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Ani-One Philippines has officially launched Ani-One PH Collection, a new YouTube channel made for non-stop anime marathon viewing.

Created especially for Filipino fans, the dedicated hub is designed for the ultimate binge-watching experience.

It takes hit titles from the main Ani-One Philippines channel and reimagines them for the binge-watching audience. Videos range from about four to nine hours in length.

This means no more need to click “Next Episode” every 20 minutes or so; the new channel also features Full Season Compilations — entire seasons of one’s favorite anime stitched together into single, uninterrupted videos.

Among the anime titles that can be found on the channel are:

  • Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
  • The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
  • The Healer who was Banished from his Party is in fact the Strongest
  • In Another World With My Smartphone
  • The Dreaming Boy is a Realist

In addition, content is localized for those who prefer Tagalog-dubbed anime. For instance, Kaiju No. 8 is available in Tagalog audio.

There are also curated libraries depending on one’s preferred genre, like Isekai, Romance, Fantasy, and Action.

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Accessories

Thoughtful gift ideas for modern living: 2025 holiday gift guide

Gift ideas that feel intentional and considered

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The best gifts aren’t impulse buys nor extravagant. This year’s holiday gift guide is about giving with intention. Each pick was chosen not as a novelty, but as something that adds value to your loved ones’ lives. They support routines, encourage rest, create shared moments, elevate everyday comforts, and provide peace of mind. These are the kind of gifts that feel considered, personal, and truly meant for the person receiving them.

Peace of mind, wherever the day goes

OrbitKey Travel Sling (3L), US$89.90

This sling is designed for moving through the day feeling organized and secure. Along with its compact, structured layout, it includes RFID-protected pockets that help shield cards and personal information from digital theft. It’s ideal for both commuting and traveling and comes in Black, Stone, and Terracotta.

Statik TireHero Smart Tire Pump, US$69.99

This is the kind of gift that helps people feel prepared rather than reactive. Compact and easy to use, it quickly inflates tires at home or on the road. A small tool that offers real reassurance, it’s especially useful for drivers and cyclists alike.

ExpressVPN Aircove Go, US$169.90

This pocket-sized router creates a secure, VPN-protected network anywhere, making public Wi-Fi far safer to use. Ideal for travelers, remote workers, or anyone handling sensitive information on the go. It’s small enough to travel with but powerful enough to protect privacy beyond the home.

OrbitKey Foldable Duffel, US$49

Having an extra bag when you didn’t know you need one can remove a surprising amount of stress and unnecessary expenses. This duffle folds down flat for easy storage, then opens into a 55L bag when packing gets too ambitious and you’re being charged at the airport for your overweight suitcase. It’s reliable, flexible, and quietly reassuring to have on hand.

Thoughtful tech for home and productivity

Native Union WEIGHTER, starts at US$29.99

Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference. This weighted desk accessory keeps charging cables from slipping out of reach, reducing friction in everyday routines. It’s a subtle but satisfying improvement for someone who works from home or their messy night stand. It comes in Black and Sandstone, and two models: 1 Cable and 3 Cables.

Rocketbook Core, US$38.99

For someone who loves writing by hand but also wants their notes organized digitally, this reusable notebook allows handwritten notes to be stored in the cloud. It’s great for planners, students, even creatives that don’t want clutter. It combines the satisfying tactility of pen and paper and digital convenience.

Nomad Stand One Max, US$159

Built with Qi2 25W, this charger brings calm to the end of the day. With one solid, beautifully weighted base, it charges the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one place. It reduces clutter and decision-making, turning charging into a simple ritual.

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set, starts at US$105

Extra storage becomes invaluable once someone starts creating, traveling, or documenting more of their life. This portable SSD offers fast, reliable storage with a magnetic sleeve that makes it easy to attach and carry. It’s ideal for backing up photos, videos, and important files without fuss. It’s a practical gift to support that creative in your life and help them stay organized.

Rituals, wellness, and slowing down

Üllo Original Wine Purifier, US$79.99

For someone who enjoys a glass of wine as part of winding down but hates the headaches that come after: Üllo removes sulfites while aerating the wine. It helps enhance the flavor and aroma of wine while being gentler for those sensitive to additives. Add the hand blown Decanter that’s made from ultra transparent lead-free crystal to make any bottle taste fancier.

La Jolie Muse Season of Stories Trio Set, US$60

With artful vessels and clean-burning soy wax, these candles feel as much like decor as they do self-care. The scents are cozy and ideal for winding down or hosting. It’s a gift that invites pause.

LEGO Botanicals, starts at US$14.99

A calming, screen-free build that becomes a beautiful piece of home decor, each set invites someone to slow down and enjoy the process. With flower bouquets, bonsais, and plants to choose from, it’s a satisfying project that brings a sense of completion without the upkeep of real plants. As an added bonus, if you can build it together it turns the gift into a shared memory, so every time they see the finished piece, they’re reminded of the time you spent creating it together.

Small joys, big upgrades

SURI 2.0 Electric Toothbrush, US$135

This device makes an everyday habit feel more intentional. Created with sustainability in mind, it’s a sleek yet practical gift that elevates anyone’s bathroom shelf. It’s got wireless charging and the redesigned travel case powers UV cleaning on the go. It comes in five colors: Winter Fern, Sea Mist, Sunset Bloom, Midnight Black, and Morning Waves.

XGIMI MoGo 4, US$499

This portable projector makes it easy to turn any wall into a big screen. You can give the gift of a quiet solo night for someone who needs to decompress from work, or movie nights shared with their loved ones. It’s great for a cozy home setup this winter or the outdoors when the weather starts to get warmer.

Eve Flare, US$109.95

Lighting is one of the most overlooked features in any space, but is truly transformative. This smart LED lamp creates soft, customizable ambient light that works indoors or outdoors. It’s perfect for someone who just moved into a new apartment, or that person in your life who cares about mood and intentional design.

Liiton American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set, US$129

This glassware set transforms drinking into a sensory experience, whether on display or in use. It’s a great conversation piece and makes a nightcap more intentional. Place your glass in the freezer and get chilled and aerated whiskey in just 18 seconds thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System. Made from lead-free crystal, the glassware is sculpted with the majestic U.S. mountain peaks: Mount Whitney, Yosemite, Smoky Mountains, Mount Rainier, and The Rockies.

For growing lives and staying connected

loog mini acoustic, US$129

With fewer strings and a simplified design, kids can start playing real songs quickly without feeling overwhelmed. It builds confidence and creativity while introducing musical fundamentals. It’s a gift that supports learning through play.

Instax Mini Link 3, US$99.99

This gift turns fleeting moments into tangible memories. With a few taps, photos on your phone become physical prints that can be shared, saved, and displayed. In an age where taking photos has never been easier, having physical prints encourages reminiscing without increasing screen time. It’s a wonderful gift for families and friends who love documenting life.

Arzopa Digital Photo Frame, starts at US$99.99

Bring warmth to someone’s home without requiring technical effort. This photo frame is great for that loved one who’s moved far away. Photos can be updated remotely, making it easy to feel closer despite the distance. It comes in two sizes: 10″ and 14″, both with a champagne colored bezel.

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