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Devotion and diversity: What makes fans gatekeep?

Falling down the rabbit hole of a fandom is so easy that, before one even realizes it, one’s feet are no longer on the ground. Exploring the whimsical world of a fandom may be easy enough, but feeling accepted by the community might prove to be a bigger challenge. Especially for newcomers in fandoms, where…

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Mike Navallo: Principles over fear

“Truth is our defense.” With these words, Mike Navallo reaffirmed the importance of accurate reporting and encapsulated the essence of credible journalism—presenting stories backed by evidence. Prior to becoming a reporter for ABS-CBN, Navallo worked as a lawyer and a researcher for Amnesty International. However, he has always had an interest in news reporting, and…

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Another voice: Clement Corominas, citizen journalist

A lot can happen in two minutes. The first thing Clement Corominas noticed when he arrived at the campus of University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu was the number of police officers surrounding the school. It was June 5, and a rally was being held in protest of the yet-to-be-signed Anti-Terrorism Bill. Stepping out of…

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Writer’s Recap: Sana OL, Present!

Performing theater, online at least, has become a familiar sight during the pandemic. After all, the Virgin LabFest was presented live and free-of-charge this year via their official Facebook page. But if Sana OL, Present! has anything to prove, it’s that there’s still room for new talent in the world of online storytelling. Sana OL,…

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Beyond choreography: PH folk dance embodies culture, collective identity

As the country celebrates Buwan ng Wika this August, it feels apt to look back in time to explore what we know of the Philippines’ stories and cultural depth, and move forward toward how we can preserve and continually keep the nation’s vibrant colors alive well into the future.  We often try to appreciate our…

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Heart and soil: Sowing the seeds of urban gardening

Months ago, the uncertainty surrounding lockdown measures became more pressing, with hordes of shoppers storming supermarkets to stock up on essential goods. With customers loading an alarming amount of fresh produce in their carts, the unfolding scene eerily resembled a dystopian tale—but this growing fear of a food shortage was not completely baseless. Food security,…

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Rant and Rave: 2020 Virgin Lab Fest—Part Two

With a diverse collection of stories, Virgin Labfest (VLF) 2020 offers intriguing narratives for every kind of viewer. This is part two of The LaSallian’s VLF review, appraising more thought-provoking pieces from the online showcase. Mayang Bubot sa Tag-Araw, Sabrina Mayang Bubot sa Tag-Araw is not afraid to experiment online. Using shadow puppetry to supplement…

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Rant and Rave: 2020 Virgin Labfest—Part One

TheVirgin Labfest (VLF) is back and better than ever. Since its inception in 2005, the annual festival, normally held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, has been the birthplace of plays crafted by both veteran and newcomer Filipino playwrights. The festival has never shied away from boldness, consistently staying true to its tagline of…

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Baking a difference: Capturing the flavors of Filipino bakeries

Who can resist the allure of a good bakery? Whether it be a local panenderia that carries Filipino favorites, like ensaymada and pandesal, or the kind of bakery whose windows feature decorated cakes that are just as much a treat for the eyes are they as for the taste buds, it’s hard to not give…

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Coffee Sessions: Going beyond the cup

Coffee Session, an online panel discussion on the Philippine coffee industry, was held last May 18, featuring a diverse cast with a common passion for coffee. Reflecting the collaborative nature of the coffee industry, several coffee experts were in attendance—Tere Domine, country director for local coffee brand Kalsada Coffee; Nathaniel Ongchuan, an award-winning barista; Mich…