To love is a fundamental necessity—one that is patent and true. It is what makes people feel at one with life, sparking light in the world even in its most hopeless corners. But to love oneself and all of our parts as a whole is still the ultimate challenge. Each one of us interpret and […]
A cultural behemoth, that’s what it is. There is no arguing how the internet and by extension, social media, occupies a unique place in our lives. Its ubiquity brings with it modes of communication and interaction that most take for granted, hiding in plain sight. For the internet is now so integrated in how we […]
Ghosts are no longer just wispy shapes in our peripheral vision. Ghosts don’t stay behind the creaking doors and dilapidated footsteps anymore as the clock ticks. Ghosts are now living persons hiding behind messages left on “seen”, questions left unanswered, and issues left undiscussed. Both, though, leave behind the same ripples of distress and curiosity—haunting […]
I remember the days when my tiny feet were marching along with people who were dressed in saris, flamencos, kilts, kimonos, cheongsams, and all the other dresses representing the globe; my school called it appreciation of different cultures. I remember the days when my tiny fingers were flipping through pages of history books learning the […]
There is a common misconception that Binondo and Ongpin are one and the same. Many use the names interchangeably to refer to the oldest Chinatown in the Philippines and the world, but Binondo is the official name of Manila’s Chinatown and Ongpin is merely one of the most famous streets. Nestled near the heart of […]
Mama, can you tell me a story? As children, we found refuge in stories. But myths are more than just stories we tell—they reveal something about the culture they’re from. As children, how many times have we heard the story of Pinang, the little girl whose mother said that she needed multiple eyes to find […]
For the Kids (FTK) 2019 kicked off its program this January 20 with high excitement. The mini-olympic event invited children with special needs, called “angels”, to participate in a meaningful day with their Ate and Kuya volunteers. Already on its 30th anniversary, it coincides with the tercentenary celebration of St. John Baptist De La Salle’s […]
With the rise in popularity of animal cafés, anyone who is fond of these lovable creatures now had a go-to place for food and warm hugs. Yet, a now viral post on social media brought a more critical eye toward these animal wonderlands. As Wagging Tails, a pet café, became increasingly notorious among netizens, so […]
With every pulse-pounding sports game on your television or phone screen, there is always a pair of voices feeding you the action on the court. They detail the patterns, the numbers, and the activity of all the athletes in sight. Their narrative, mixing with the boisterous cheers from the crowd, provides the ebb and flow […]
Family has a hallowed place in Filipino society. For decades, the model of the nuclear family has been hailed as the archetype of virtuous citizens in a strong community. The dutiful wife, the provider husband, two children, and a nice home—the only thing society will deem as the epitome of a fulfilled life. Anything different […]