Rank Magazine

30/12/2024

THE UNBREAKABLE

From a chance meeting with a Filipino photographer in South Korea during his trainee days, to his first film outing produced by a Filipino team, it is safe to say that it is kismet that brought Kim Ji Soo back to Philippine shores. Now, as he sets up camp on the new, hopeful acts of his still-evolving story as an actor and a human being, it makes perfect sense that his resurgence finds new direction in a familiar zip code.

Hot off the heels of his recent outings as he breaks new ground in Philippine entertainment this year, from a number of television series in what is now his home network, GMA Network and its talent management arm, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, along with a film pairing with Filipina actress , the South Korean actor sets out to cross borders in every known sense of the word—far from his own country where, he grew to become a promising new addition to the pantheon of wildly-popular drama actors of his generation, and away from the noise that dampened this very meteoric rise.

With this seismic shift, setting up new frontiers anew in a foreign but familiar land, the now-31-year old actor is finding his fresh footing, making his next, bold move in a new, bold world, following tumultuous years of controversy and intrigue. And as he continues to face the storm head on, he forges and builds a brand new path, and in the process draws us in on a strong, compelling case—an invitation, even—to see the talent, the charm, and the unbreakable grit of the actor that he was and he sets out to be.

Produced by Rank Magazine
Creative, fashion and beauty direction, and styling by Leo Balante
Photography by Ver Sacol
Assisted by Bhernn Saenz
Hair and grooming by Raffy Francisco
Editorial and multimedia associates: Bella Dela Merced, Graziella Mateo, Angel Cruzada, Patricia Kate Azicate
Location and creative partner: Studio LAJ
Shoot assisted by Ayee and Lauren Javier
Fashion by Nina Amoncio, Proudrace, and Randolf
With acknowledgments to Mark Sablan, Vincent Rodriguez, and team at Universal Records Philippines

**Our annual Flight Issue revolves around the themes of ‘being and becoming’—a look into a change or a movement of thought on our select subject’s journey as an artist and an individual. In recognition of the devastating news in South Korea, Rank Magazine and Kim Ji Soo’s management at Universal Records Philippines, share in the grief and mourning of the families of the lives lost in the recent plane crash that took the lives of many. While ‘The Flight Issue’, produced and prepared weeks before the tragic news, refers to the evolution of our subject’s person, and in no way connected to recent catastrophe, we wish to rename this as The Yearend Issue in light of this tough, sensitive time and in respect to those impacted by this tragedy. -Editor

21/12/2024

THE FLIGHT ISSUE
All Eyes on

Markki Stroem is no stranger to the grind. For starters, he has built himself from the ground up, taking on talent competitions, learning the ropes of theater, hosting, and recording, down to immersing himself in the world of drag for a role he took in the midst of the pandemic.

Growing to become an effective radio host, fitness enthusiast and model, creative entrepreneur, online creator, and multi-faceted actor across platforms from his international debut as Rolf in the Philippine staging of the iconic “The Sound of Music” via GMG Productions, even bagging citations for his outing in ’s “Little Shop of Horrors”, it is safe to say that Stroem is and has always been a man on a mission.

Now, he is rolling his sleeves up to step on one of the biggest stages of his ever-evolving career, this time treading on uncharted territory representing the Philippines for Mister Universe in a finale happening days before the end of the year—culminating efforts he valiantly set up and toiled like a true warrior with independent collaborators who have shown support, months since he was announced to compete and best 20 final candidates across the globe.

With all these things going on, it is safe to say that Stroem is showing no signs of slowing down, continuously flexing his creative muscles, his laser sharp focus set on the next stage, or stages, of his life and career we can only declare he is bound to excel in.

Produced by Rank Magazine
Creative, fashion, and beauty direction, styling by Leo Balante
Photography and art direction by Ver Sacol
Assisted by Lauren and Ayee Javier
Styling and editorial associate Bhernn Saenz
Hair and grooming by Raffy Francisco
Shoot associates: Bella Dela Merced, Graziella Mateo, Angel Cruzada, Patricia Kate Azicate
Location and creative partner: Studio LAJ
Fashion by Nina Amoncio, and Randolf Clothing

18/12/2024

LISTENING STATION: Just last month, NCT DREAM dropped their fourth full Album—"DREAMSCAPE", the continuation of their mini album. Where "DREAM( )SCAPE" represents the worries and pain felt during the escape from a dark reality, "DREAMSCAPE" talks of the excitement and freedom of youth you encounter in a utopia. Here's what you need to look out for.

NCT Dream just dropped their fourth full Album—"DREAMSCAPE", the continuation of their mini album. Where "DREAM( )SCAPE" represents the worries and pain felt during the escape from a dark reality, "DREAMSCAPE" talks of the excitement and freedom of youth you encounter in a utopia.

18/12/2024

TECH & GEARS: Touted as OPPO’s newest and finest flagship device, the OPPO Find X8, is now available nationwide in the Philippines, redefining what a smartphone can do with its next-level photography capabilities and advanced AI features. Learn more:

Touted as OPPO’s newest and finest flagship device, the OPPO Find X8, is now available nationwide in the Philippines, designed for ambitious go-getters in search for the best things in life, redefining what a smartphone can do with its next-level photography capabilities and advanced AI features.

18/12/2024

LISTENING STATION: As she took the stage across Asia in support of Tori Kelly, young singer-songwriter, Maisy Kay takes Manila by storm, just this August on the heels of the recent track release of "Technicolor Honeymoon". She sits down in Novotel Manila Araneta City to talk career inspirations, creative process, and a game plan to forge a vibrant road ahead on her musical journey. (From the archives)

As she took the stage across Asia in support of Tori Kelly, young singer-songwriter, Maisy Kay takes Manila by storm, just this August on the heels of the recent track release of "Technicolor Honeymoon". She sits down in Novotel Manila Araneta City to talk career inspirations, creative process, and

18/12/2024

FASHION & STYLE: Clean lines and fine details mark Uniqlo's 2024 Fall/Winter collection with British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller to capture this very propulsive rhythm of city life through a line of elevated LifeWear essentials, with visual cues from brutalist landmarks in London.

Clean lines and fine details mark UNIQLO's 2024 Fall/Winter collection with British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller to capture this very propulsive rhythm of city life through a line of elevated LifeWear essentials, with visual cues from brutalist landmarks in London.

18/12/2024

LISTS & GUIDES: With the Holidays already upon us, Grab and digital bank Maya are joining hands to offer a fast and convenient way to access extra funds in time for the holidays. Here's how:

With the holiday season fast-approaching, Grab and digital bank Maya are joining hands to offer a fast and convenient way to access extra funds in time for the holidays.

18/12/2024

SPORTS: In a recent move to amplify support for the sport, adidas launches its first dedicated range of padel footwear; the CRAZYQUICK Padel collection, slated for release this month.

In a recent move to amplify support for the sport, adidas launches its first dedicated range of padel footwear; the CRAZYQUICK Padel collection, slated for release this month.

18/12/2024

NARRATIVES & PERSPECTIVES: The movement has undeniably reshaped the landscape of accountability, laying bare the misdeeds of numerous influential figures. Now, let's unravel the latest downfall of prominent figures in the entertainment industry amidst the ongoing wave of accountability spurred by the movement. (From the Archives)

The movement has undeniably reshaped the landscape of accountability, laying bare the misdeeds of numerous influential figures. Now, let's unravel the latest downfall of prominent figures in the entertainment industry amidst the ongoing wave of accountability spurred by the movement.

18/12/2024

LIFESTYLE & EXPERIENCES: Here's how Ayala Malls Manila Bay is looking to bring a thrilling lineup of activities as part of Ayala Malls' "Christmas In My Home" campaign that celebrates cherished Filipino family traditions of the season.

As the most festive time of the year kicks in, here's how Ayala Malls Manila Bay is looking to bring a thrilling lineup of activities as part of the Ayala Malls' "Christmas In My Home" campaign that celebrates cherished Filipino family traditions of the season.

18/12/2024

BRANDS & CAMPAIGNS: For the second year in a row, Jollibee is inviting families and friends to visit their brightly-lit and merrily-decorated stores, celebrating the season of joy for its Filipino consumer base. See more:

For the second year in a row, Jollibee is inviting families and friends to visit their brightly-lit and merrily-decorated stores, celebrating the season of joy for its Filipino consumer base.

16/12/2024

THE TAKEOVER ISSUE
The Arrival of Tiana Kocher

From her rise right at the entertainment capital of the world and now re-tracing her roots, Los Angeles-based Manila-born singer-songwriter, , in her young, already-blossoming career is letting us in on a peek into what makes her certifiably a smooth operator—no non-sense, unapologetic, confident.

With back to back drops this year—from “Lesson” last June and “Position” at the tail-end of September—a beautiful confluence of influences with her leanings into ‘90s contemporary R&B, and a proclivity for the performing arts, seen in her appearances to stage productions of “The Wizard of Oz”, “Into The Woods”, and “Legally Blonde: The Musical” in her early years, Kocher brings her sense of self-assuredness in each hypnotic bop.

Now, with a 2020-EP tucked nicely under her belt and a string of collaborations with icons from Faith Evans to TLC among others, Kocher is in it for the long haul, going for the jugular with an upcoming record and an even greater promise of asserting her position in the Philippines and on the global stage.

Produced by Rank Magazine
Creative, beauty, and fashion direction, styling by Leo Balante
Photography and art direction by Ver Sacol
Makeup by Mayesa Delos Santos
Hair by Patty Cristobal
Location and creative partner Studio LAJ
Editorial and multimedia associates: Patricia Kate Azicate, Graziella Mateo, Angel Cruzada, and Bella Dela Merced
With fashion from Nina Amoncio, Jan Garcia, Proudrace, Randolf, and accessories from Thian Rodriguez
With acknowledgments to Ahwel Paz and Kate Adajar

09/12/2024

FASHION & STYLE: ICYMI, Levi's reopens in SM Makati as part of the label’s rollout of its Next-Gen store concept, setting a new benchmark in providing an immersive, modern, and convenient shopping experience in the bustling Makati area. Learn more.

Levi’s reopens in SM Makati as part of the label’s rollout of its Next-Gen store concept, setting a new benchmark in providing an immersive, modern, and convenient shopping experience in the bustling Makati area.

09/12/2024

FASHION & STYLE: With its release, the new adidas Adizero Evo SL brings Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 design DNA to non-race moments, and is engineered for those who want to look good and feel fast on training runs.

With its release, the new Adizero Evo SL brings Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 design DNA to non-race moments, and is engineered for those who want to look good and feel fast on training runs.

09/12/2024

BRANDS & CAMPAIGNS: Even in its continuing challenge adapting and providing for the ever-rising consumer demand for the Holiday season, Grab takes it upon themselves to remain grounded by its core mission to be better.

Grab Philippines shares commitment to ramp up its efforts to better manage the balance between supply of vehicles with passenger demand this holiday season, and to also effectively serve the rise of on-demand deliveries. Here's how.

30/11/2024

THE TAKEOVER ISSUE
Melai Cantiveros - Francisco of the People, by the People, and for the People

From her appearance in an iconic culture-shaping reality competition on mainstream television, her eventual triumph, down to her inevitable ascent to entertainment success in a time when social media has yet to be the end-all and be-all of fame, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco’s flight all the way to the pantheon of the Philippines’ comedic greats is kismet—almost divinely ordained.

As a chance audition she vividly remembers led her now to be a decorated actor in Asia in her return to film, the unstoppable Cantiveros-Francisco, the patron saint of “Kuan” and everything silly, unserious, and downright hilarious is bringing a beautiful revolution—intoxicating us with her wit, her smarts, and her unadulterated comedic genius.

Now on the road to the second season of her online-bred talk show with iWant TFC, “Kuan-on-One”, filmed in her native Visayan tongue and backed by an artillery of fellow Visayan celebrities—emerging artists and A-listers—at her beck and call, the 36-year-old comedienne, host, actress, and social media juggernaut is looking to take over. And take over, she will. She serves, and we shall eat what she serves.

Produced by ABS-CBN Studios and iWantTFC for Rank Magazine
Creative, beauty, and fashion direction by Leo Balante
Art direction by Rens Dingli
Photographed by Eilyn Yatco
Make-up: Maxene Delos Santos
Hair: Villa Lyn Ochavez
Head Stylist: Abby Geneve Paulino
Associate Stylists:
Danril John Escamillas
Maria Faye Cuenco
Multimedia Manager: Bhernn Saenz
Junior Editorial Associates: Patricia Kate Azicate, Bella Merced
With acknowledgments to:
ABS-CBN
STAR MAGIC
Kate Anjela Dolino
Dayana Ross
Niña Fererr
ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube Channel
iWantTFC
Vaughn Hautea
Kuan-On-One Family

25/11/2024

FOOD & DRINKS: ST. ALi Manila, a pioneer in the specialty coffee space and a brand synonymous with Melbourne’s famous laneway coffee culture, makes its way to Manila, opening its doors to a community of coffee lovers as the brand continues to expand their presence internationally.

ST. ALi Coffee, a pioneer in the specialty coffee space and a brand synonymous with Melbourne’s famous laneway coffee culture, makes its way to Manila, opening its doors to a community of coffee lovers as the brand continues to expand their presence internationally.