Selpink chillin' in your area

When BLACKPINK (BP) finally released their most-anticipated collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Ice Cream,” I was surprised with the genre they went with—bubble pop. Neither BP nor Selena are known for this kind of music. It was definitely refreshing to see a new side to all the ladies involved. After watching a couple (okay, maybe several) times more, I wondered why all five of them never interacted. Turns out they filmed at separate locations for safety, so big applause for the production team on making it look so seamless still.

THE SONG

I liked this the most among their 2020 releases, ranking above both “Sour Candy” (a collaboration with Lady Gaga) and “How You Like That,” but still nowhere near what they have released before. What I liked about “Ice Cream” is that it’s light, easy to listen to, and has a proper flow. Honestly, the lyrics could make more sense but I like how each girl fit the concept with their own unique styles.

Especially with Lisa owning the rap parts. I honestly don’t know what she was rapping about, (again, I would like to reiterate the lyrics could have been better) but she flows well, so I’m not that bothered. I don’t know what “Mona Lisa kinda Lisa” means but I’ll be saying it all the time now.

Have you also taken time to appreciate Jisoo singing entirely in English? I think she has reached a milestone! Those English lessons with Jennie have paid off. One thing I would also do to improve the song is to give Rose more singing parts. Her voice just fits the song well and she slayed all the high notes in the chorus.

THE MV

If this collaboration won at anything, it would definitely be the music video. Every time I tried listening to this song on Spotify, I found myself opening YouTube instead. Each frame was a beauty shot that emphasized both the cute and sexy side of each person. Definitely loved how Selena was introduced “driving” the ice cream truck in a bikini (that whole look and vibe was fire).

But also, I’m still processing how quickly Jennie switches sides, with one second all smiley and cute, then fierce and a bit sexual the next. There were definitely some awkward moments (which makes as much sense as their lyrics), which is topped by Jennie sharing a carrot with a capybara. These cut scenes came too quickly which makes its viewers instantly move on to their next look.

Speaking of looks, was I the only one that tried to keep count of how many they had an outfit change and failed? My personal favorite is the one shown towards the end; a bit on the edgy side with leather accents and Jisoo was wearing a bandana for a top. I didn’t know it was still a thing. Sadly, it’s the look where they had least screen time in.

Now let’s all celebrate by learning the moves from BLACKPINK x Selena Zepeto dance performance and continue in the wishful thinking that we’ll see them all perform this song together in the future.

A Conversation on doing better

Two MCHS alumni talk about #MCHSDOBETTER and what the school should stand for

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#MCHSDOBETTER has brought shock, anger, and disappointment to the Miriam College community in the last few days. As Miriam College alumni of Green Batch 2011, we sat down and recounted some of our own high school memories, and quickly realized that we’ve had firsthand experience of many of the school’s institutional flaws that have been revealed recently. 

Multiple groups of former MCHS students have come together over the past couple of days to demand change from the school’s administration. Independently, concerned alumni have come up with plans of action that can be taken moving forward.

At some point, we asked ourselves: Why is this up to us? Shouldn’t an institution, that’s almost of centennial existence, already have an efficient system in dealing with issues such as sexual harassment? For claiming to stand for truth, peace, and justice, what actions must MC take in order to keep its student body safe and reassured? What changes must they make in order to truly uphold and embody the core values that they teach their students? 

We shift through the emotions and issues one by one to come up with solutions, insights and an avenue of expression. Hopefully our conversation encourages you to facilitate discussions with your own peers and the proper authorities, and reach out to victims to express your support, empathy and the assurance that we will be demanding justice with accountability and transparency.