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ILLUMINAKING BY FAIZ FAISAL


Song Of The Week: Kiss N Tell - Aespa
Is aespa’s "KISS N TELL" a catchy summer hit, or is it a bit too safe? While the new track delivers a bright, fun house beat, it feels like a massive pivot from the hard-hitting, dark-synth anthems like "Drama" and "Black Mamba" that defined their identity. Plus, with its heavy Y2K aesthetic, it begs the question: is the music industry lagging behind a trend that the fashion world retired years ago?

Faiz Faisal
Jul 291 min read


Tuesday Tech: Samsung Z Fold 8 Series
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is here, but the innovation spark seems missing. As a Z Fold 6 user, this year’s confusing lineup—splitting into a stumpy standard model and an ultra-thin Fold 8 Ultra—feels more like playing it safe than leading the market. With Chinese competitors offering better specs for less and rumors of the Z Flip being killed off, has the tech giant lost its edge? Here is why I’m skipping this annual upgrade and holding out for true innovation.

Faiz Faisal
Jul 282 min read


WDWN: Oh-gust!
August arrived faster than expected, bringing with it a career shift I didn't see coming. In this month's WDWN, I reflect on turning 35, embracing a new direction at work, and learning that marketing is much bigger than social media. Sometimes the best opportunities begin with a simple "what if?"

Faiz Faisal
Jul 273 min read


Sunday Short: The Girl Who Can't See Ghosts
Every tenant fled the haunted house within days—except the newest one, who never seemed afraid.

Faiz Faisal
Jul 264 min read


Saturday Style: Cosplay
Cosplay is more than costumes—it can be a gateway to personal style. From Sailor Moon to Andy Sachs, fictional characters often inspire some of the boldest fashion choices. Could cosplay be the ultimate cheat code to discovering your own aesthetic?

Faiz Faisal
Jul 253 min read


Movie Reviews: The Bride! & They Will Kill You
This week's double feature couldn't be more different. The Bride! aims high with its gothic, artistic take on Frankenstein but left me wanting more, while They Will Kill You embraces its bloody, over-the-top survival horror roots and delivers a fun, entertaining ride despite its obvious Ready or Not comparisons. Here are my spoiler-free thoughts on both films.

Faiz Faisal
Jul 244 min read
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