Fandom's still good.

I just wanted to love on some things that have been making me happy recently, because too often my mind jumps to looking at things with a critical eye, making meaning out of it, or thinking about its ramifications. As important as I think that is to fan/work, there are times when I feel it’s also important to focus on appreciation, especially during times like these when there’s a lot of bad stuff happening. What’s fandom if not a place for a little joy?

Here are some of the things bringing me joy lately:

A Filipino band called Cup of Joe. I’m a recent convert to Cup of Joe, having discovered their music last year after recommendations from fellow BINI fans and seeing one BINI member on one of their music videos. I’ve always appreciated their lyrics and storytelling, and I LOVE their first album, Silakbo, which they’ve described as a journey through the different stages of grief.

One of the tracks on the album, Multo (which loosely translates to ghost in Filipino), has earned a cult following since its release, and its bittersweet, yearning music and lyrics have inspired people to incorporate it into videos and fanvids for different TV shows and movies.

There’s a Fleabag edit, one for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and even one Wandavision and Multiverse of Madness.

What intrigues me as someone working in marketing and communications is that when Filipino songs make it to the point where they make it to edits and dance choreos, they end up revealing themselves to be hits.

And that’s what’s happening to Cup of Joe now. The love for this track is so strong, Multo is now #28 on the Spotify Global chart, making it the highest charting Filipino track.

They have a fantastic discography and if you’re looking for a new artist to listen to, you have to give Cup of Joe a shot.

Coop’s Collection. On my YouTube feed, I started seeing videos from a channel called Coop’s Collection on my feed, where this collector and card seller named Coop gives away cards to kids and older Pokémon fans. It’s such a breath of fresh air, especially in a space where trading and selling can make it more consumer-oriented and all about the green, to see someone just wanting to spread the joy to fans and collectors. Some of his videos have gotten me teary-eyed because the fans are just so delighted to encounter someone who loves Pokémon as much as they do.

Elmo's Karaoke Booth. I have loved Elmo since I was a kid and so it tickled me when I discovered this TikTok account with someone puppeting an Elmo toy and doing covers. I love when I get to see old or childhood favorites recast or played with because it gives them new life and keeps that spark alive.

What are your current favorites?