There's Cosmo In The Everyday—And In The BTS You Didn't See

Here's what went down in July and August.

Published on Sep 6, 2025

Cosmopolitan letter from the editor September

PHOTO: Belle Dinglasa / ILLUSTRATION: Ica Del Mundo

Lately, life's been feeling like one big Cosmo feature—reconnecting with friends I hadn't seen in forever (is everyone engaged yet?), putting myself out there in new ways (yes, I finally posted on TikTok, lol), and realizing the bigger story behind the little moments (one editor's relationship dilemma always seems to turn into another editor's assignment).

It's proof that Cosmo isn't just something you read or scroll through—it's everywhere once you see it. It's that invisible thread that ties the girlypops together, even when they don't realize it.

It shows up in the little things that make everyday life feel a little more vibrant. It's in the way someone carries themselves with heart, or the moments of creativity and connection that turn ordinary days into something memorable. July and August were full of these moments—on shoots, at events, and even in the meetings that make those big moments happen.

That's how I've been seeing it lately: the Cosmo Girl energy isn't just on our site or a couple of scrolls away on your feed—it's woven into how we live. Fun, fearless, forward don't just exist in our content. They show up in the everyday ways we move through the world.

And that's the energy we’re bringing into September: celebrating the ordinary and the aspirational, and proving that with the right mindset, you can always make it happen.

But first!

Here's what went down in July and August at Cosmo:

Covers, Crushes, and Exclusives

July and August were full of cover-star energy that left a mark in completely different ways. Belle Mariano graced our July cover in partnership with PH Care with her signature "pure heart" energy—warm, gracious, and effortlessly authentic. I was introduced to her at the shoot, and it was impossible not to feel how naturally she lifts the people around her, making even first-time greetings feel personal.

Then G22 took over in August, proving that you don't need the spotlight to shine—you just need to bring your all. Their energy was contagious from the first take, and teaching Cosmo team their hand sign in between layouts had us leaving the shoot officially certified Bullets. 💅

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Choi Bomin was the ultimate Cosmo Crush in July—charming, effortlessly cool, and full of personality that makes you want to root for him instantly. On set, his playful energy and approachable vibe made everyone feel at ease, proving that talent and charisma go hand in hand. It was his first time ever doing a bag raid, but he was more than graious to show us what his essentials were.

Just a couple of weeks later, we caught up with Ang Mutya ng Section E star Rabin Angeles for our Cosmo Exclusive, and here was another star in the making—grounded, candid, and fully aware of the hard work it takes to chase big dreams. Starring in the series adaptation of Seducing Drake Palma, Rabin opened up about chasing big dreams while staying true to himself. I enjoyed seeing how grounded he is, from candid one-on-one chats to the heartfelt gifts he keeps close from his fans.

Cosmo Vibe Tribe 2025

The story of this year's Cosmo Vibe Tribe actually starts at the go-see. I made sure to be on the panel to see firsthand who would be representing Cosmo online, at events, and in brand campaigns. What stood out was they understood how important it is to have Cosmo in their corner, especially for girls and non-binary folks, and that confidence and awareness shone through.

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Photo: Ennuh Tiu, ART DIRECTION: Ica del Mundo

By the time shoot day rolled around, their creativity, individuality, and confidence was impossible to miss. From solo portraits to group shots—and, of course, their TikToks—they owned every moment, fully understanding the assignment when it came to their 'fits (I should know—I laid out the do's and don'ts, lol).

This batch reflects Cosmo's commitment to celebrating every kind of self-expression, and being around them reminded me just how exciting it is to witness talent, heart, and hard work in action.

Cosmo Beauty Club: Lip Combo Sesh

Our second Cosmo Beauty Club session of the year doubled as the launch party for the Cosmo Vibe Tribe, and it was all about playful lip combos. We tried out different local lippies and had fun sharing our real thoughts about each one. It was the perfect metaphor for the unique personalities in the room—everyone blending creativity, individuality, and a little bit of boldness all at once.

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Photo: Belle Dinglasa

During the editor's roundtable, the Vibe Tribe asked such thoughtful questions about beauty content that it quickly turned into a really fun and meaningful conversation. It’s not every day you get to share a publication's POV directly with creators who are shaping the space themselves, so I loved talking about beauty not just as a creative playground, but also as a business that supports real livelihoods.

By the end of the session, the room was buzzing with curiosity, laughs, and inspiration—it was one of those moments that makes you remember why we do what we do.

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What's Next At Cosmo

Cosmo Campus Playground

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Photo: Ica Del Mundo

The Cosmo Campus Playground 2025 is making stops at UP Diliman, San Beda, Adamson, and Centro Escolar University, turning school grounds into mini Cosmo festivals with games, booths, and of course, our Cosmo Crushes.

At my first stop earlier this year, I loved seeing students light up, taking a much-needed breather from busy schedules. Each campus was a reminder of why IRL connections with our readers are pure magic.

Cosmo Beauty Awards 2025

The team's knee-deep in testing over 800 (!!) products and treatments for this year’s Cosmo Beauty Awards. The theme: The Era of Unfiltered Beauty. Because our Cosmo Girls know what they want, how they want to look, and aren't afraid to own it. These awards are all about celebrating products that empower and inspire real, unapologetic self-expression.

Cosmo Social Shopping Playground

Something new is coming: the Cosmo Social Shopping Playground! Picture this—Cosmo Girls trying out products from their fave brands, taking TikToks, and going home with freebies from our Cosmo Beauty Awards winners. It's beauty, community, and play all rolled into one interactive experience.

Women at Work

We're featuring a board-certified dermatologist who's been keeping it real with Gen Z by breaking down the science of skincare and treatments—no gatekeeping, just honest, practical advice.

Plus, a Filipina leader in creative tech who proves that empathy, adaptability, and community—the very traits we call our own—are powerful tools in leading teams and pushing creativity forward.

More Covers, Crushes, and Exclusives

We've got even more cover stars, exclusives, and stories lined up—celebrating fresh voices, rising talent, and the personalities who inspire and entertain us all. Can't wait to share what's next!

Cosmo's Executive Editor Drops The Inside Scoop On Our Covers, Crushes, And Hottest Summer Moments

Blinked and it's July?! Good thing you were in it with us.

Ida Aldana is the Executive Editor of Cosmopolitan Philippines. A lifestyle journalist and self-proclaimed pop culture curator, she moves through life always half-writing, turning mundane moments into meaningful stories. She holds an M.S. in Publishing: Digital and Print Media from New York University—and a lifetime degree in memes.