LSS Alert: Bruno Mars, Sexyy Red, Lady Gaga, and BLACKPINK’s Rosé Unite for a Musical Spectacle

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Bruno Mars has done it again—setting the music world on fire with his latest boundary-pushing collaboration. Teaming up with rising rap sensation Sexyy Red, the Filipino-American superstar has dropped the bold and unapologetic track “Fat Juicy & Wet.” The official music video, co-directed by Mars himself and Daniel Ramos, features none other than pop icon Lady Gaga and BLACKPINK’s Rosé in show-stopping cameo roles.

Released on January 24, 2025, the music video has already amassed over half a million views in just a few hours. Packed with sultry visuals and magnetic energy, it’s no surprise fans are calling it an instant hit. Bruno Mars, known for his ability to innovate and redefine genres, proves yet again why he’s a global force in the music industry.

Star-Studded Visuals

The video takes viewers on a visual journey that’s both edgy and glamorous. From Mars steering a boat to playing the role of a janitor, the narrative keeps you hooked. Sexyy Red shines with her confident verses, delivering a vibe that perfectly complements Mars’s smooth vocals.

But the real moment of magic arrives with Lady Gaga and Rosé. Gaga, draped in a bold red fur ensemble and rocking a fiery wig, commands attention with her undeniable star power. Meanwhile, Rosé brings her signature elegance and energy, effortlessly blending into the sultry, electric atmosphere. Together, the duo elevates the video to an unforgettable cinematic experience.

A History of Chart-Topping Collaborations

Bruno Mars is no stranger to working with global superstars. Just weeks before this release, Mars and Lady Gaga teamed up for the ballad “Die With a Smile,” which has reigned at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks. The track is already being hailed as a Grammy frontrunner.

Additionally, his collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Rosé on the track “APT.” has been climbing the charts, recently peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fans and critics alike are praising Mars for seamlessly blending K-pop influences with his signature sound, creating a cross-cultural masterpiece.

A Strip Club Anthem for the Ages

Speaking about his latest project with Sexyy Red, Mars described “Fat Juicy & Wet” as a “strip club anthem” that’s both playful and empowering. With its infectious rhythm and bold lyrics, the song captures the essence of fun, freedom, and celebration.

The release has sparked a wave of excitement across social media. One fan summed up the sentiment perfectly, tweeting: “Bruno Mars just keeps raising the bar. Never thought I’d see Gaga, Rosé, and Sexyy Red in the same video, but it WORKS!”

The Bruno Mars Effect

As Bruno Mars continues to explore new creative horizons, his ability to fuse genres and bring together unexpected collaborations cements his legacy as one of the most innovative artists of our time. Whether he’s dominating the charts with soulful ballads or shaking things up with dance-floor anthems, Mars has a knack for keeping his audience captivated.

“Fat Juicy & Wet” is more than just a song—it’s a statement. A testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when creative giants come together. With Gaga, Rosé, and Sexyy Red in the mix, this is one track destined to live rent-free in our playlists for a long time.

Has Bruno Mars set the tone for 2025? Let's see if it’s going to be one unforgettable year in music.

Teachers Demand Accountability: ACT Philippines Leads the Call to End Poverty, Corruption, and Impunity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a powerful display of solidarity, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines convened a press conference on January 24, 2025, in Baguio City to demand government accountability for worsening poverty, systemic corruption, and unchecked impunity. The group, a staunch advocate for educators and students alike, condemned the administration’s anti-people policies and neglect of the education sector, underscoring the disproportionate burden borne by teachers, education workers, and students.

A System in Crisis

The Philippine education system has long been under siege, plagued by chronic underfunding, poor learning outcomes, and systemic corruption. A 2021 World Bank report painted a grim picture, citing widespread "learning poverty" linked to ineffective teaching practices and inadequate teacher training. Moreover, the Human Rights Measurement Initiative revealed that the Philippines meets only 79% of its potential to fulfill the right to education based on its income level—a clear indicator of systemic failure.

Corruption further deepens the crisis. Reports of public officials misusing funds intended for education have not only hindered improvements but also eroded trust in government institutions. The ACT emphasized that these issues leave educators and students struggling in a system that perpetuates inequality and inefficiency.

A Nation in Political Turmoil

The press conference comes amid heightened political unrest. In December 2024, civil society groups filed impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of grave misconduct, constitutional violations, and the misuse of public funds. These allegations have ignited widespread criticism and renewed calls for transparency and accountability across all levels of government.

The administration’s hardline approach to governance has also drawn concern. The 2024 BTI Transformation Index reported a shift toward authoritarianism, with governance increasingly rooted in a law-and-order model that many argue prioritizes control over progress. These developments have fueled public outcry and amplified demands for systemic reform.

ACT’s Vision for Reform

For decades, ACT Philippines has been a vocal champion of educational reform, fighting for fair wages for teachers, better learning environments, and adequate funding for public schools. In their latest statement, the group reiterated their call for an education system that uplifts not just the privileged few but all Filipinos.

“Teachers, students, and education workers are at the heart of our nation’s future, yet they are being neglected,” an ACT spokesperson said. “We cannot allow corruption and misgovernance to continue depriving them of the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

The group’s declaration of solidarity with movements advocating for government accountability underscores their commitment to addressing the root causes of the education sector’s struggles. For ACT, reform is not just a goal—it is a necessity for the survival and progress of the nation.

Hope for Change Amid Adversity

As the Alliance of Concerned Teachers rallies to expose systemic flaws, their message resonates far beyond the confines of the education sector. Their fight is part of a broader call for a government that serves its people with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to justice.

The stakes are clear: without urgent and meaningful reform, the education crisis will continue to deprive millions of Filipinos of their potential, and the broader societal issues of corruption and impunity will remain entrenched. Through their advocacy, ACT Philippines shines a light on the path forward—one paved with accountability, reform, and hope.

It is now up to the nation’s leaders to rise to the challenge or face the growing tide of public demand for change.

The Fight Against Immorality: Senator Estrada's Privilege Speech on Protecting Filipino Values from Explicit Content

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a privilege speech delivered with conviction and urgency, Senator Jinggoy Estrada addressed a pressing issue that has stirred controversy in the Filipino entertainment industry—the proliferation of explicit and pornographic content on streaming platforms. His speech, titled "Laban sa Malaswang Nilalaman: Proteksyon Para sa Kabataan," called for accountability and moral responsibility, challenging streaming giants like VMX (formerly Vivamax) to uphold Filipino values over profit.

A Cry for Moral Revival

The senator began by lamenting the state of the Philippine film industry, an art form he has consistently championed. Once celebrated for its creativity and cultural richness, Estrada argued that the industry has been overshadowed by an influx of exploitative films prioritizing vulgarity over artistry.

"Are we normalizing porn on streaming platforms now? Ang mga ganitong klaseng pelikula ba ang magsasalba sa industriya?" Estrada questioned, calling attention to how explicit content is eroding the moral fabric of society.

For Estrada, this is not simply a fight against obscene content but a battle for the preservation of family values, human dignity, and cultural identity—qualities that define the Filipino nation.

The VMX Controversy

Estrada placed VMX at the center of his critique. With over 12 million subscribers worldwide as of December 2024, the platform has become a dominant player in Filipino streaming services. While VMX offers a mix of genres, Estrada noted that its library is overwhelmingly populated with "sexy content," easily accessible for as little as PHP 169 a month.

What makes this alarming is that despite the platform’s subscription model and child-lock features, many young Filipinos are still exposed to explicit material. Estrada emphasized that Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code explicitly prohibits the distribution of obscene and immoral content. Violations can result in fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of business permits, yet platforms like VMX continue to operate with impunity.

A Broken Promise of Regulation

In January 2023, VMX entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), pledging to self-regulate and align its content with Filipino cultural values. However, Estrada revealed that this promise has not been kept.

MTRCB's monitoring efforts found that VMX's content remains heavily skewed toward pornographic material, with many films resembling those found on adult websites. "Malinaw ang batas," Estrada declared, emphasizing that the streaming platform is clearly violating its agreement and undermining public morality.

Exploitation Within the Industry

Estrada also exposed an unsettling practice within the industry: the exploitation of actors. Reports suggest that actors in explicit VMX films are paid as little as PHP 15,000 per day of shooting, often completing full-length movies in just two days. Estrada criticized this as not only exploitative but also a reflection of how the industry prioritizes profit over the well-being of its talents.

"Kapalit ng pagbilad ng kanilang katawan sa harap ng kamera ay ang halagang labinlimang libong piso lamang," Estrada shared. For him, such practices diminish the dignity of Filipino actors and reduce the art of filmmaking to a mere transaction.

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility

Estrada clarified that his stand is not about stifling artistic freedom but about protecting society, particularly the youth, from harmful influences. "This is not about censorship but about protecting our youth and society from the harmful effects of such content," he stressed.

Estrada called for stricter regulations and heightened accountability from streaming platforms. He also urged content creators to recognize their influence in shaping societal values, encouraging them to produce works that inspire and uplift rather than exploit.

Industry Pushback

The speech has sparked a polarizing debate. Actor and VMX host Janno Gibbs defended the platform, arguing that it is a private service accessible only to paying subscribers. Gibbs noted that VMX implements child-lock features and requires payment cards, making it less accessible to minors.

"VMX is not a public viewing venue. Magbabayad ka. Naka-child lock eh," Gibbs stated during a press conference for his upcoming gag show "Wow Mani." He also acknowledged Estrada’s right to express his opinion but maintained that VMX operates within legal boundaries.

A Cultural Crossroads

The controversy surrounding VMX is a microcosm of a larger societal dilemma: how to reconcile creative freedom with moral accountability in the digital age. Estrada’s speech is a wake-up call, not just for VMX but for the entire entertainment industry.

"The normalization of such content erodes the fundamental principles of respect, decency, and empathy," Estrada warned, highlighting the broader implications of explicit media on individual and societal well-being.

A Call to Action

Estrada concluded his speech with a passionate appeal to all stakeholders—lawmakers, creators, and consumers alike—to work toward reviving the Philippine film industry in a way that aligns with the nation’s values.

"Naniniwala ako sa galing at talento ng ating mga alagad ng sining sa pinilakang tabing," he said. "Ngunit hindi ito ang paraan para buhayin ang industriya."

Estrada’s call is clear: the Filipino film industry must strive for a higher standard of creativity and ethics, one that uplifts and unites rather than divides and degrades.

As the debate continues, the question remains: will the industry rise to the challenge of protecting Filipino values while fostering artistic innovation? Or will profit-driven content continue to erode the moral foundations of the nation? Only time—and collective action—will tell.