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  • The Tale Continues in Wicked: For Good

    After the huge success of last year’s prequel, Glinda and Elphaba are back, bringing all the fun, drama, tears, and the friendship we love in ‘Wicked: For Good’, now playing in theaters. So what kind of magic are they stirring up this time?

    Wicked: For Good official poster (instagram.com/wickedmovie)

    Elphaba’s tragic fate?

    In the first movie, we watched the lovely bond between Glinda (Ariana Grande) a gorgeous, wildly popular witch with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) a witch with a dark past and a look that set her apart from everyone else. Elphaba had spent her whole life feeling like an outcast and useless. However, Glinda showed her that the world could actually be full of joy.

    ”Their friendship then became something warm and genuine… right up until Elphaba was possessed and turned into the Wicked Witch.”

    By the end of the prequel, we were all left wondering what would happen to Elphaba, now seen as the story’s main villain. Would she end up fighting Glinda and terrorizing the city? Or would she somehow return to the Elphaba everyone once knew? 

    ‘Wicked: For Good’ finally gives us the answers, laying out their story with real depth, magic, and emotion.

    Huge enthusiasm from all over the world

    The arrival of ‘Wicked: For Good’ has been eagerly anticipated by fans all around the world. And it’s easy to see why: the prequel pulled in more than $758.7 million (around Rp11.8 trillion) globally. Beyond its massive box-office success, Wicked franchise also became the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical in history.

    Now, we finally get to follow Glinda and Elphaba’s adventure back on the big screen. ‘Wicked: For Good’ officially hits Indonesian theaters starting November 21, 2025.

    Ready to hear Ariana Grande’s magical vocals again?

    Read more: Why ‘The Elixir'(Abadi Nan Jaya) Feels Like a Fresh Apocalypse

  • Is This Finally Arsenal’s Year?

    After falling short in the last few seasons and earning the title of the ‘Kings of Runner-Up,’ Arsenal are now sitting on top of the Premier League with a six-point cushion. Is this finally their year?

    North London is rising (instagram.com/arsenal)

    Top of the league

    As we roll into Matchweek 13 of the Premier League, Arsenal have shockingly stormed their way to the top of the table. Arteta’s squad sits on 29 points, built from 9 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 defeat. Their closest chaser? Chelsea, with six points behind.

    This impressive run comes from a mix of rock-solid consistency and real squad depth. Sure, it also helps that their usual rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool, are having far-from-perfect seasons. But credit where it’s due to several Arsenal stars have been on fire, from Bukayo Saka, William Saliba to Jurrien Timber.

    ”Not only sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League, but the London giants are also ruling their Champions League group. They’ve just taken down Bayern Munich 3–1, handing a team with a perfect record their first real punch of the season.”

    Is this gonna be their season?

    Arsenal’s chances of lifting trophy this season are wide open. But Martin Ødegaard and co. can’t afford to lose focus, because we’re not even at the halfway line yet. They still have to survive the chaos of Boxing Day and face their toughest rivals to prove their quality.

    Truth is, The Gunners have been in this position before over the past few seasons. Fans are hoping this time they don’t bottle and drop points when the finish line starts coming into view. It’s been more than two decades since they last won the Premier League.

    ”’And maybe, just maybe, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for a long-long time.”

    Will Mikel Arteta bring the glory back to The Gunners?

    Read more: Walk The Talk, Lamine Yamal!

  • East Indonesian Song Taking The Charts by Storm

    Eastern Indonesian songs have been dominating charts and social media lately. From ‘Kaka Main Salah,’ ‘Tabola Bale,’ to ‘Ngapain Repot,’ the new wave seems to be unifying the musical taste across the country. But what is actually behind this phenomenon?

    ‘Ngapain Repot’ singer Toton Caribo on stage (instagram.com/totoncaribo)

    Sing, dance, and repeat

    At the heart of every Eastern Indonesian track is a driving, high-energy beat paired with unique lyrics. Many artists lean into their regional accents, turning local dialects into a signature charm rather than a barrier. The result is music sticks even faster, and listeners singing along with surprising fluency!

    Like the lyrics of ‘Ngapain Repot’: Ko tolong bilang, cinta ka tidak? Ko cinta ka tidak? Jang sampe dukun bertindak. It may sound a bit quirky, but the song actually carries a message about the importance of clarity in a relationship. At its core, the lyrics aren’t really about having fun.

    ”However, the theme is packaged in such an upbeat way that it never turns into a sad, heartbroken anthem, even though the message is similar to many melancholy songs.”

    Gained national recognition

    The success of this eastern song is really just a matter of time before it conquers the national stage. The peak moment came when the singers of the hit song “Tabola Bale”: Silet Open Up, Juan Reza, Jacson Zeran and Diva Aurel, were invited to the state palace. They were entrusted with performing at the August 17th Independence Day ceremony in front of the president and state officials.

    This moment undoubtedly marks a new chapter in the history of Indonesian eastern music. Millions of eyes watched, celebrating together with pure joy.

    ”The momentum hasn’t slowed down, even a while ago, at the popular Bahkan Voli 3 event, the opening act featured Fresly Nikijuluw, one of the voices behind “Ngapain Repot.”

    Reached Southeast Asia audience

    Hype surrounding Eastern Indonesian tracks isn’t limited to local listeners anymore. The wave has spread across neighboring countries, including Malaysia and the Philippines. They frequently feature these songs on social media and even try to sing along.

    It’s a domino effect that proves this rising Eastern Indonesian music trend is far from niche. You can see it’s becoming a regional force with unexpected scale. Could it be reach beyond Southeast Asia soon?

    ”So, is this trend just a fleeting hit, or it really become a new standard in the scene? Time will be the judge.”

    Read more: Cynantia Pratita Parts Ways with Stereowall

  • #AndNew: Islam Makhachev Claims Welterweight Title

    #1 pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev defeats Jack Della Maddalena in Welterweight title shot. He is now a double champ, after previous long reign at lightweight. Could Topuria be his ultimate challenge?

    Makhachev claims Welterweight title after defeating JDM (instagram.com/UFC)

    Very different fighting style

    After dominating the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev made a move that sparked reactions. He moves up to welterweight, claiming he no longer faced real challenges. The 27-1-0 fighter then aimed for Australian Jack Della Maddalena’s (JDM) welterweight belt.

    Their showdown headlined UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, New York. In the opening rounds, Islam and JDM danced cautiously, each wary of a single strike that could end it all. Besides, wrapping up the round quickly is more effective.

    ”JDM dazzles with his striking, while Islam dominates on the ground, a clash of styles that made this battle between two elite fighters truly irresistible.”

    Islam takes JDM to his world

    Islam performed well in the following rounds. Almost every round, he managed a takedown whenever JDM let his guard down. Eventually, Islam dragged the reigning welterweight champion into a fight from which there was no escape.

    By the fifth round, JDM was still trapped in Makhachev’s game plan. He barely landing any significant strikes throughout the match. As a result, Islam Makhachev was announced the winner by unanimous decision.

    Topuria waiting?

    After defeating JDM, UFC fans are eagerly anticipating Islam Makhachev’s next challenge. Many are waiting for a matchup with Ilia Topuria, who is now the UFC Lightweight Champion. The tension is further fueled by Topuria himself, who tweeted that Islam’s fighting style is very boring.

    ‘‘If Topuria and Makhachev do face each other, this could be the biggest UFC fight since Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor.”

    UFC fans, what do you think?

    Read more: Perfect Ending for Lando Norris, Piastri, and McLaren?

  • Why ‘The Elixir'(Abadi Nan Jaya) Feels Like a Fresh Apocalypse

    Zombie-apocalypse theme films often feel very predictable. From the outbreak, the scientists’ warnings, to the inevitable spread that brings about the end of the world. But does The Elixir offer something different?

    ‘The Elixir’ (Abadi Nan Jaya) first look (YouTube.com/Netflix)

    Finally, not a metropolitan sights

    Cities with tall buildings and advanced technology are often the backdrop of zombie films. In The Elixir, we won’t see that (at least for most of the time), because the film is set in a village called Wanirejo. This village still appears lush, with stretching rice fields and friendly, close-knit residents.

    Yet beneath this peaceful setting lurks an ambition that could threaten the world. Sadimin, a middle-aged owner of a failing herbal-medicine factory, clings to his old-fashioned ways and refuses to let the place go. One day, he drinks one of his own concoctions, and suddenly looks younger!

    ”In fact, the liquid turns out to have side effects that make its users instantly lose control, become feral creatures, and take the life of anyone in front of their eyes.”

    Huge step for Indonesia?

    Netflix announced this project in 2024 and entrusted Indonesian director Kimo Stamboel to lead the production. Most of the main cast are well-known Indonesian actors, such as Dimas Anggara, Mikha Tambayong, Donny Damara, Marthinus Lio, etc. This combination of Indonesian talent with international-style production has earned much appreciation.

    After its global release on October 23, 2025, on Netflix, The Elixir reached the number 1 spot in the top movies. This reflects a significant rise in Indonesian cinema, through competition with abroad blockbuster films. It will be interesting to see whether another zombie-apocalypse masterpiece will emerge from the country in the future.

    ”In addition, ‘The Elixir’ also serves as a window for the international audience to see the beauty of Java, such as the landscape, social culture, and the way their people view the world.”

    Read more: No More Haunted House in Agak Laen 2: Menyala Pantiku

  • Perfect Ending for Lando Norris, Piastri, and McLaren?

    The 2025 F1 season is coming to an end soon. Even so, it looks like McLaren will be the ones celebrating. Their two drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, currently sit first and second in championship standings. But who will be crowned champion?

    Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren (instagram.com/lando)

    Doesn’t matter Norris or Piastri

    McLaren can already afford to wait sweetly for either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri to be crowned this season’s world champion. Norris is currently first in the standings, with Piastri following in second place. The two McLaren stars have already built a comfortable points gap over third-placer Max Verstappen.

    Following Norris win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, he pocketed an additional 25 points. This brings him closer to his first world title ever in career. Currently, the 25-year-old has 390 points with 7 wins and 17 podium finishes.

    ”Now, there are three Grand Prix races left this season: Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Three different venues to mark a new history for McLaren with Norris and Piastri.”

    McLaren’s perfect year

    McLaren was crowned the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Champion at the Singapore Grand Prix. The outstanding performances of Norris and Piastri throughout the season played a key role for the British manufacturer. After a thrilling points battle with Mercedes, Singapore GP proved to be the perfect place for McLaren to seal the title.

    This title marks McLaren’s tenth in its history. Additionally, this is McLaren’s second consecutive championship title, having also won it last season. In fact, only Ferrari has more Constructors’ titles than McLaren, with 16 titles.

    ”After securing the Constructors’ Championship title, which driver will bring home the drivers’ championship for McLaren after a 17-year drought?”

    Read more: Is It Too Soon to Call Shohei Ohtani the GOAT?

  • Cynantia Pratita Parts Ways with Stereowall

    News about band members leaving their groups never seems to fade over time. However, for fans, this type of thing will always come as a surprise. And this time, it comes from Cynantia Pratita, vocalist of Stereowall.

    Cynantia Pratita of Stereowall (instagram.com/cynantiapratita)

    13 years riding the wave

    We’re no longer see Tita rocking the stage with Stereowall again. She just announced her departure from the Jakarta alternative rock unit recently. In case you don’t know, Tita has been with the band since 2012.

    Her decision is said to be due to her recent pregnancy. The decision was supported by all members, denying rumors of her exit. Now, Tita and Stereowall urged the fans to show the support as both parties are ready to start a new chapter.

    ”This intention has been there since long before I got pregnant or even this year. Thank you, Stereowall, for the 13 years we’ve been together. We’ve been through ups and downs, and we will always be good friends no matter what. Thank you, everyone,” wrote Cynantia.”

    Before Tita’s exit, Stereowall has experienced few lineups changes. They then decided to continue the music with Tita (Vocal), Rama (guitar), Mamed (bass), Usay (guitar), and Garda (drums). Now, the band has introduced Zevana Arga as the new lead vocalist.

    What it means for Stereowall and the fans

    Tita’s departure from the band leaves a big question. Especially since Stereowall is known to be closely identified with the 29-year-old vocalist’s persona. Her vocals blend perfectly with Stereowall’s past album collaborators, such as For Revenge, Tuan Tigabelas, and Chandraerin of Sunrise.

    Tita’s 13 years of dedication with Stereowall left a memorable legacy. They have released three albums, which are Never Ending Drama (2013), Prologue (2025), and asing (2025). A number of hit songs included such as “Jakarta Hari Ini,” “Terjebak Imajinasi,” and “Alive”, which seamlessy harmonized with Tita’s vocals.

    ”Now, the question is, how will Stereowall give a different impression from now on?”

    Read more: BLACKPINK Lights Up Jakarta and Leaves Fans Wanting More

  • No More Haunted House in Agak Laen 2: Menyala Pantiku

    We will see Indra Jegel, Oki Rengga, Boris Bokir, and Bene Dion return in this sequel of ‘Agak Laen’. The quartet is ready to make a splash after the huge success of the first movie. But are they stepping into a haunted house once again?

    Agak Laen 2 first look (YouTube.com/Imajinari)

    Different plot and characters

    After reached 9 million viewers for the prequel, ‘Agak Laen’ franchise will return to theaters soon. However, director Muhadkly Acho has prepared plenty of new things. Of course, the original quartet will still be part of the story, but they’ll be playing new characters.

    In this sequel, they are no longer working as nighttime ride attendants. Bene, Boris, Jegel, and Oki are now detectives involved in a mission. The catch? they keep failing at their job.

    ”Until one day, the four detectives are finally given one more chance. Surely, there will be a lot of laughter from these detectives who are supposed to be extremely serious, right?”

    High expectations

    Any successful movie is likely to generate high expectations for its sequel. Like Warkop DKI Reborn, Dilan, and others. Since the main reason is emotional attachment and also opens up new possibilities for “what happens next.”

    However, few sequels didn’t live up to its expectations, as tend to experience drop in viewership. Not sure if there’s any thing such ‘viewers fatigue’ for movies though.

    Meanwhile, the ‘Agak Laen’ production team does not seem burdened by that risk. Under the guidance of experienced like Ernest Prakasa and Muhadkly Acho, the teams move forward with high confidence.

    ‘Agak Laen 2’ release date

    ‘Agak Laen 2’ will be released on November 27, 2025, in theaters across Indonesia. Are you ready to catch up with Jegel, Oki, Boris, and Bene’s new adventure?”

    Read more: One Last Time: Stranger Things 5 Release Details Revealed

  • Is It Too Soon to Call Shohei Ohtani the GOAT?

    LA Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has just won the World Series championship. This is his second consecutive title, having also won it in the previous season. After his dominant run, where does Ohtani rank in baseball all-time greats?

    Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (instagram.com/shoheiohtani)

    Historic season

    This season, the three-time MVP led the Los Angeles Dodgers back to World Series back-to-back. Ohtani and company defeating the Milwaukee Brewers easily with a 4-0 sweep. However, in front of the home crowd, Ohtani stole the spotlight in Game 4, overshadowing the sweep victory.

    In that game, he hit three home runs and struck out ten opposing batters. These statistics are remarkable, considering that no player in MLB playoff history has ever done that before. On top of that, his performance in Game 4 was described as exactly what the greatest athletes should have done.

    ‘Shotime’ historic season also ended in a perfect way, as he won the World Series. His team, Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays by a 4-3 tight margin of final score. Ohtani finished the 2025 season leading the league with 146 runs scored, 380 total bases, and 89 extra-base hits.

    What’s left for Ohtani’s legacy?

    After his historic run, the baseball world would be guilty if not including Shohei Ohtani in the GOAT discussion. The 31-year-old Japanese pitcher now should be in the same category with Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, and Barry Bonds.

    This argument can’t go wrong, as Ohtani accolades speaks for themselves. He was already a 2x World Series champion, 3x MVP, 5× All-Star, 5x All-MLB First Team, and ALB Rookie of The Year. Moreover, Ohtani also won 3× Silver Slugger Award, 2x Hank Aaron Award, and 2× Home run leader.

    ”Friendly reminder, Ohtani did all of these incredible feats in just seven MLB seasons. Yet, he’s not done, Ohtani is already eyeing for the three-peat next season.”

    Do you think Shohei Ohtani just ended the GOAT discussion?

    Read more: Walk The Talk, Lamine Yamal!

  • BLACKPINK Lights Up Jakarta and Leaves Fans Wanting More

    BLACKPINK‘s concert at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, has just ended. Held over two days, the global phenomenon delighted thousands of fans who came to see the show. Let’s deep dive further.

    K-pop phenomenon: Jennie, Rose, Lisa, and Jisoo (instagram.com/blackpinkofficial)

    Not their first time in Jakarta

    Actually, yesterday’s concert was not BLACKPINK’s first time in Jakarta. Previously, the K-pop powerhouse held their first tour in Indonesia on January 19 and 20, 2019, at ICE BSD, South Tangerang. Their first show, ‘BLACKPINK 2019 World Tour’ [In Your Area] and was very much welcomed by the fans.

    Fans then had to wait about four years to see Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose perform again in Jakarta. Besides the COVID-19 pandemic factor, their busy schedule also meant that Indonesian BLINKs had to wait a long time. Suddenly, in 2023, BLACKPINK announced they would hold their second concert in Indonesia.

    ”BLACKPINK’s second concert in Jakarta was held for two days, March 11-12, 2023 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. The venue is also a difference maker from their previous concerts, and made history as the first K-pop girl group to hold a solo concert at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK).”

    Indonesian BLINKs are satisfied

    After the huge success of their second concert, BLACKPINK returned to the same venue this year. Through ‘DEADLINE’ Tour, the K-pop phenomenon performed in November 1 and 2, 2025. Fans were extremely excited, as thousands of tickets sold out, despite the high prices.

    This proves that Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose are still at the top of their game. In fact, not only BLINKs but also many Indonesian celebrities were seen attending the concert yesterday. Among them were Enzy Storia, Nagita Slavina, and Hesti Purwadinata, were all spotted eagerly singing along to BLACKPINK’s hit songs.

    ”Even though they have held three concerts in Indonesia, the fans’ enthusiasm for BLACKPINK has not faded one bit. They even hoping the group will return to Jakarta as soon as possible.”

    Read more: Why Everyone’s Talking About ‘Multo’ Right Now