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Scout’s tagline, “The best thing about being young,” has become rather difficult to affirm and find today. After all, what’s there to aspire and work towards when we’re all but surrounded by insurmountable barriers to social mobility, and rampant corruption?

For our long-overdue return to print, the goal was clear: find the best thing about being young through the stories and experiences of today’s youth.

@mimiyuuuh, our cover star and now independent “Salcedo gurlie,” is reaping the rewards from years spent in front of the camera. But amid a changed lifestyle, she now faces the challenge of unrelatability to an audience that once aspired with her.

Also in this issue: We take a look at the journeys and experiences of creatives @kristinejadeleon, @raliugaleinad, and @naburok, as well as the unique adventures of six young professionals. Their tales touch on feelings of imposter syndrome, uncertainty, and self-doubt, as they braved industries they had no business being in.

So what’s the best thing about being young? While these “success stories” hinge on different circumstances unique to each one of us, take it from them who dared to dream.

Find our January 2026 issue in the Sunday issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Not a subscriber? Stay tuned for more distribution locations.

Photography by @dennisulit
Cover layout by @angela.nicca
Story by @gagopolis
Styling by @lynus, assisted by @jasperuevo
Makeup by @thazziafalek
Hair by @dalemallari_
Shot at @studioyel
Editor’s note by @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #MimiyuuuhForScout #mimiyuuuh

On Bantayan Island in Cebu, one of the places she calls home, @shuveeetrata used to live in a modest house by the beach. And whenever she felt like clearing her head, she would go for a walk along the shore and feel the breeze brush her cheeks. With eight siblings under one roof, quiet wasn’t always a given.

Alone with her thoughts, she would set her sights on the ocean—her way of meditation. And in the vastness of the waters before her, she couldn’t help but feel small. “I know deep in my heart, I’m just a tiny particle in this world,” Etrata says.

Still, she always knew that there was more to life than the one she had known—that if she tried hard enough and was good enough, she would find that beyond what the eyes could see awaited “better opportunities, greater things to achieve, and new places to see.”

“Alam kong malaki ang mundo kaya malaki rin ang mga pangarap ko,” she says. “I have always been a dreamer.”

For our November digital cover, Shuvee Etrata shares her dreams and fears, and faces the uncertainty of fame head on.

Head to the link in bio for full story.

#ShuveeForScout

Photography by @jljavier, assisted by Jam Mariñas
Creative direction by @agnesdaniella
Story by @gagopolis
Styling by @brinnlenecolumbine, assisted by Bullet Reyes
Makeup by @thazziafalek
Hair by @dalemallari_
Produced by @ericatlass
Shot at @yespleaseph
Special thanks to @sparklegmaartistcenter, @francosaycon, @maimorato, and Cara Fornoles

On the cover: Shuvee wears bodysuit blazer and high-waisted pants by @nat_manilag

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #shuveeetrata

“Parang hindi lahat ng kwento, kailangan magsimula sa grief, or sa loss para lang magbunga into something great,” says @ralph_dl.

In an industry far too often caught between two extremes: out-of-touch lavish lifestyles and borderline poverty porn, the actor strikes the golden medium by understanding that “ a good story can also start good” while being cognizant of sociopolitical conditions and staying committed to doing the right thing—all while keeping us entertained and kilig all the same.

Brains, brawns, and popularity, undoubtedly—but there’s more to our October digital cover star and “Dutiful Judo-Son ng Cavite” than meets the eye.

Head to the link in bio for the full story.

#RalphForScout

Photography by @skyline.jt 
Art direction by @angela.nicca
Written by @allythereses
Styling by @perrytabora
Hair by @jonaxlucas
Makeup by @mickeysee
Produced by @marts.agustin
Shot at @artsandbeanscafe

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #RalphDeLeon #RDL

Still haven’t gotten your Switch 2? Maybe the opening of Nintendo’s first official store in the Philippines is your sign.

The Nintendo Store is located on Level 2 at SM Makati.

#scoutmagph #nintendo

To write a microdrama is to go against the conventions of screenwriting. With only a minute or two per episode, there’s no room to dillydally. Scene progression is nearly nonexistent, and there’s no clear character arc.

Instead, you get a hook, an escalation, and a cliffhanger. And for someone used to traditional film and television series, the drastic change in pace can indeed be jarring.

“Everything I learned about screenwriting from my teachers, I had to throw out the window,” Miguel Sevilla, who wrote iconic romantic comedy flicks such as “My Amnesia Girl,” “Unofficially Yours,” and “Miss You Like Crazy,” tells Scout.

The full scoop at the link in bio

✍🏻: @gagopolis
🎨: Loraine Villacortez

#scoutmagph

Finally, BTS is coming back to the Philippines.

As part of their “Arirang” world tour, the K-pop kings will be performing their biggest hits at the Philippine Sports Stadium on March 13 and 14, 2027.

Ticket tiers are divided into four groups: VIP Soundcheck - P25,000; Floor Standing - P20,000; Bleachers 1 - P13,500; and Bleachers 2 - P7,500.

Though from what we’ve seen so far in their recent “Arirang” stops, the concert will feature a revolving stage, allowing ARMY a good look at the boys, regardless of where they are.

Head to the link in bio for the full story.

#scoutmagph #bts #arirang

Five years after their debut project together, “Tayo sa Wakas” will be Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano’s last for the foreseeable future. Then, the love team “DonBelle” will part ways.

Read the full story via the link in bio ☝🏻

✍🏻: @gagopolis

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

Moms, for all their quirks and oddities, have a knack for saying what you need to hear and being there for you whenever you need them most. That trait extends past the screen and into the very shows and films we watch.

Here, we look to the pop culture moms who have served as our secondary parent, and are wonderful examples we should look up to.

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

@spriteph lights up SM By The Bay with the ‘Ultimate Sunset Summer Party,’ bringing together an electrifying lineup of local acts including BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena, and Maxie Andreison, who keep the crowd hyped with back-to-back performances.

Partygoers also take on the ultimate Sprite quest by visiting every booth across the venue for a chance to score exclusive Sprite merch and freebies.

To top it all off, attendees stay refreshed with free-flowing Sprite that perfectly matches the unforgettable summer party experience.

In Partnership with @spriteph

#YanAngResfreshing
#SpriteSummer2026
#BrandRoom

For the “YSpeak 2.0” pilot episode, co-hosts Elijah Canlas and Ralph de Leon asked whether or not influencers should be held to the same standards as journalists.

In a 2025 study, “Journalists vs. Influencers: Who Shapes Public Opinion Today?” author Sofia Martinez clarifies the difference between the two: While traditional journalism has built up a reputation for credibility, waning public trust has fostered skepticism toward media outlets.

Not to mention, with the necessary steps involved in reporting, from fact-checking to sourcing, this has led to their content being outpaced by influencers who can simply post in real time.

“Influencers often enjoy high trust within their follower base, but this trust doesn’t always stem from expertise,” Martinez adds. “Instead, it arises from perceived authenticity. However, this dynamic can be a double-edged sword: Misinformation can spread quickly when influencers share unverified opinions.”

So who should adjust?

Perhaps, it's not about who should be held to whose standards. After all, be it influencers or media outlets, we’re all sides of the same coin that can learn a thing or two from one another.

Read the full story at the link in bio ☝🏻

✍🏻: @marts.agustin

#scoutmagph

@officialxonara made waves as they made their official debut last May 16 at the historic Queen of Manila streets—Escolta ❤️‍🔥

Fans filled Escolta Street as the seven-member girl group from @1zentertainment.ph performed their debut single “TABI” and screened their first MV.

They also spoke to members of the press to introduce their group, creative process, and what’s coming next.

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #xonara #ppop

Carmel Ilustrisimo cites the case of gamers, who, through loving the world of say, Genshin Impact, start reading Genshin fan fiction, and discover that “I can do it! I can actually sit down and read!”

“And the next thing you know, you’re reading for fun. You’re looking up history for fun. You’re reading mythology for fun,” she says, noting that many eventually try their hand at fan fiction and learn the related skills of listening to audiences while also standing up for their own stories.

✍🏻: @drunk_nightingale
🎨: @pazzzeyy
👩🏻‍💻: @zoesabandal

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #fanfiction

Carmel Ilustrisimo cites the case of gamers, who, through loving the world of say, Genshin Impact, start reading Genshin fan fiction, and discover that “I can do it! I can actually sit down and read!”

“And the next thing you know, you’re reading for fun. You’re looking up history for fun. You’re reading mythology for fun,” she says, noting that many eventually try their hand at fan fiction and learn the related skills of listening to audiences while also standing up for their own stories.

✍🏻: @drunk_nightingale
🎨: @pazzzeyy
👩🏻‍💻: @zoesabandal

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #fanfiction

Carmel Ilustrisimo cites the case of gamers, who, through loving the world of say, Genshin Impact, start reading Genshin fan fiction, and discover that “I can do it! I can actually sit down and read!”

“And the next thing you know, you’re reading for fun. You’re looking up history for fun. You’re reading mythology for fun,” she says, noting that many eventually try their hand at fan fiction and learn the related skills of listening to audiences while also standing up for their own stories.

✍🏻: @drunk_nightingale
🎨: @pazzzeyy
👩🏻‍💻: @zoesabandal

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #fanfiction

Carmel Ilustrisimo cites the case of gamers, who, through loving the world of say, Genshin Impact, start reading Genshin fan fiction, and discover that “I can do it! I can actually sit down and read!”

“And the next thing you know, you’re reading for fun. You’re looking up history for fun. You’re reading mythology for fun,” she says, noting that many eventually try their hand at fan fiction and learn the related skills of listening to audiences while also standing up for their own stories.

✍🏻: @drunk_nightingale
🎨: @pazzzeyy
👩🏻‍💻: @zoesabandal

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #fanfiction

Carmel Ilustrisimo cites the case of gamers, who, through loving the world of say, Genshin Impact, start reading Genshin fan fiction, and discover that “I can do it! I can actually sit down and read!”

“And the next thing you know, you’re reading for fun. You’re looking up history for fun. You’re reading mythology for fun,” she says, noting that many eventually try their hand at fan fiction and learn the related skills of listening to audiences while also standing up for their own stories.

✍🏻: @drunk_nightingale
🎨: @pazzzeyy
👩🏻‍💻: @zoesabandal

#scoutmagph #lifestyleinq #fanfiction