Sinners Sinners

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Now Playing: Sinners

An audio-visual treat that will make you think
All photos courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures

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Over the last few years, I’ve made it a point to dodge any piece of fiction with a hint of horror in it. So why on earth did I volunteer to watch Sinners? Simple, my YouTube algorithm suggested a Hot Ones video featuring Hailee Steinfeld and Michael B. Jordan. I didn’t care what Sinners was about after that. I just dove straight in. 

Leading up to the screening date I did have my qualms. After checking out one trailer, I saw that there will be vampires and that it’s supposed to be terrifying. Still, I persisted. After all, it’s another Ryan Coogler x Michael B. Jordan collaboration with Hailee Steinfeld to boot. 

Drawing people in with an A-List cast, director, and billing it as a vampire romp. I was all in. Fast forward to the end of the film and I felt like there was a bait and switch. Yes, there were vampires, but the trailers appeared to show one movie when the actual film was something else entirely. And I mean that in the best way possible. 

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD.

Not just another vampire movie 

Sinners

If you’re in here for the vampires and the vampires alone, you’ll find yourself waiting quite a bit. Sinners takes it sweet time introducing you to every key character first. It was only about a little over an hour into the film before we got any tangible vampire sighting. But that’s because the movie is more than just about the vampires. 

Smoke and Stack – the twin brothers played by Michael B. Jordan – return to their hometown after making it big in Chicago. The film primarily focuses on them and their cousin Sammie Moore played by Miles Caton who is an absolute revelation in this film. 

One of the supernatural aspects showcased in the film is how, sometimes, transcendent musicians are able to conjure the music from both the past and present and attract various other supernatural forces due to their inherent talent alone. And Sammie is one hell of a talent. 

It’s his talent that ultimately draws in the vampires. When starts to truly rip it at the juke joint that Smoke and Stack sought to open in the setup stage of the film, the film truly takes-off.

When we meet the rest of the cast, we are also slowly exposed to the film’s setting. The film is set during a time when African American people are still openly oppressed and hunted by the Ku Kux Klan or KKK. It’s a tumultuous time in America.  

The first hour or so serves to establish the characters, the place, and the inciting incident.

It doesn’t take too long to realize that while the vampires are a real threat, the people in the juke joint were also already facing a clear and present danger but not of the supernatural kind. 

Music, lore, and more

Sinners

I am truly out of my depth when it comes to all the music and lore presented in Sinners. But in the context of the film, viewers should easily make the connection between these local folklores, the role of Blues music, and religion. 

Some of it shows that although overpowering humans in nearly every way imaginable, vampires can’t just go wherever they want. They need to be invited in first. It’s this ‘rule’ or ‘mechanic’ that creates the tension as the film ramps up to its climactic confrontation. 

One of the immediate reactions I saw online about the film is how it’s ‘a celebration of African-American culture’ and that absolutely hits the nail on the head. 

Director Ryan Coogler draws from his personal experiences growing up and weaves an inquisitive story. He tugs on the strings of the music and lore of African Americans, how it’s been co-opted by other races, and people’s general attitude toward the culture. 

What does it mean to be free?

Sinners

The film has a mid-credits and post credits scene. I would say the true ending is the mid-credits scene. It is there where the message of the film truly hits. 

We already know that African Americans suffer racism even to this day. It’s in the way that the presence of vampires, the Blues music that Sammie plays, and the choices made throughout the entire film come full circle. 

To me, at least, the film asks what it means to be truly free? What does Freedom entail? 

It’s hard to explain all of these without spoiling the film so I’ll leave it at that. 

An audio-visual treat that will make you think

Sinners is an extremely measured story. Everything from the setting, the music, and the supernatural elements involved feel intentional. They all serve to force us to confront the cultural appropriation still going on today. 

All of these deeply layered themes and invitations for deep self-inquisition are served on a film that’s beautifully scored and shot. 

Sinners is a treat to the ears, eyes, and a challenge to the mind.

Oh and yeah, this:

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Entertainment

Crunchyroll Winter 2026 anime season lineup and schedule

Full schedule of anime releases for this season

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December 20, 2025

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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

7 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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December 20, 2025

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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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December 20, 2025

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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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