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Beyond the curtains: Art on stage

Theaters have long created a home for art and artists alike. Within its halls, art and culture come alive, reflective not only of the celebration of human life but also of the passion and creativity of the artists themselves. They have created a safe space where passion for the arts thrive, nurtured and honored by…

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The art of fashion: Passion between threads

The right dress can make any person the center of attention with a few magical snips and snaps. But there is definitely more than meets the eye when viewing a designer piece; there are stories in the smallest of beadings, in the most intricate laser-cut carvings, and even in the way the dress fits the…

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Wedding woes: How wedding coordinators plan the perfect wedding

“Here comes the bride, all dressed in white.” A time for first-glimpses and grand entrances, the bride’s march toward their beloved is often considered one of the highlights of any wedding as the couple promises their futures to each other in front of loved ones. While the future spouses—as well as many members of the…

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Silent sidewalks: The unheard voices of Manila’s street vendors

Mere months after assuming office, Mayor Isko Moreno upheld his promise to clean up the nation’s capital. From an outside perspective, Moreno’s rebuilding efforts for Manila manifests as brilliantly lit trees and obstruction-free walkways. Massive cleaning operations in Divisoria and Quiapo have made headlines, with similar operations in smaller street markets also meeting the same…

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Reevaluating romance: The inner workings of polyamory

The Valentine’s season often heightens one’s awareness of the presence of couples—hand in hand, enjoying time spent together, and perhaps even sharing a kiss or two. For many, this is the de facto image of love and romance: one person cherishing the presence of another romantically. However, this vision of romance does not necessarily hold…

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The history and landscape of Kundiman

In every love story, there is a courtship stage. The suitor serenades their beloved atop the balcony in the hopes of winning their heart—staple of romantic gestures to this day This scene remains a popular motif in Filipino media, from teleseryes and variety shows, to your neighbor’s random hugot posted on their Facebook page. Courtship…

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The world of shadow teaching

Teaching can be both a challenge and a reward, as handling children can sometimes relieve or induce stress. Children with special needs, however, require a different approach; unlike their peers, these children may have conditions that inhibit their ability to learn or require a different kind of learning altogether. In these cases, some parents opt…

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On queer film censorship

Onscreen, scenes often depict fragments of stories of people from all walks of life, sometimes providing a preview of realities normally unseen. Cinema serves as a platform through which people can express themselves and tell their stories—by capturing the essence of human life and narrating it in ways not only meant to entertain but also…

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Life without sight

It is easy to take for granted the vision most of us have. However, there is a significant chunk of the population that must navigate life without their sense of sight, and much more are visually impaired in some form or the other. Blindness is a condition that comes in different forms. There is absolute…

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Hitting the right notes: A look into the lives of student-musicians

Good grades, enough sleep, and a sustainable social life; we’ve probably all seen memes with these words plastered onto the corners of a triangle, and some variation of the phrase “Welcome to college: you can only choose two” placed forebodingly at the center. For the most part, this rings true. Student life can often feel…