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Taking spiritual journeys: On altered states of consciousness

The question of what reality is—of different dimensions, alternate timelines, or even the nature of our existence in this world—has continued to boggle scientists and philosophers from thousands of years ago until this very day. While others simply bury these concepts under the rug, many consider things like the possibility of an afterlife as fundamentally…

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Pride March 2020: Liberty and the path of most resistance

“Isang mapagpalayang Pride!” These words took over social media—in greetings, in calls to action, in statements of solidarity and comfort—throughout Pride March 2020 commemorations. Representing both an acknowledgment and a wish, the statement is a celebration of the hard-fought victories of those that came before, and a battlecry for the war that is far from…

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Strutting with Pride: Representation through ARTSvocacy Journey

Last June 22 to 26, a FAST2019 flagship project, ARTSvocacy Journey: PRIDE (ARTSJ: PRIDE),set sail in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. It aimed “to advance the [LGBTQ+] sector through inclusive governance and holistic opportunities,” according to Batch Vice President and ARTSJ spearhead Verrick Sta. Ana. Headed by FAST2019’s Mark Jay Casipit, Wylie Valerio, and Francine…

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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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No filter needed: A glimpse into the lives of social media managers

Likes, comments, tweets, and shares—these are the benchmarks of social media posts. These are deciding factors that could make or break the online presence of a business and determine its potential success. With more and more people signing up for well-known social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, brands and businesses have almost…

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News for the Deaf community: Meet the Filipino Sign Language Access Team for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a disruption of our day-to-day activities. During this time, we are all encouraged to stay home—if we can—and to remain vigilant. Now more than ever, we are reliant on daily news broadcasts and trusted sources on social media. Access to credible and accurate information regarding the pandemic and the preventive…

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Under quarantine: From the eyes of the working class

The roads are deserted—an unusual sight at this time of the year. Only a few take to the streets as if it were any other day, running an errand to a nearby store as early as 6 am. With half their faces covered in face masks, none of them can take a single, full breath…

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Power to the people: A look into COVID-19 donation efforts

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we look toward those who are not as privileged as us who may have food on our plates and a roof above our heads, and to the frontliners who tirelessly sacrifice themselves for the rest of society. In times of crisis, organizations and individuals try to extend a helping hand…

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Balay Aruga: A home far from home

Nestled under the shade of an ageless tree stands Iloilo City’s first-ever home care facility for patients with neurological disorders—Balay Aruga. At a glance, one might mistake it for a typical suburban home; it features a well-kept garden and a friendly pet dog, while situated at its center is a humble structure with walls decorated…

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On criticality: Fostering political dialogue in the classroom

In a world where an opinion is never a finite resource, educators who can help guide and develop the way the youth thinks—without tainting or manipulating them to submit to personal biases—are crucial in every classroom. The interactions shared between teacher and student may not always result in complete intellectual alignment, but they are part…