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Living more with less: A look into minimalism

Minimalism just might be the new black. More than just being the opposite of hoarding, the minimalist lifestyle is at once vivid and monochrome, striking and humble. In a time of luxurious imaginings and gluts of clutter, screaming the word “more” in flashing neons, still there are those who remain steadfast to the lifestyle of having few…

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Cutting across the conventional relationship

The strongest of bonds are forged from the fires of the toughest challenges; be it by proximity, societal perception, or just simply superficial incompatibility. These are barriers faced by the modern day Romeos and Juliets who struggle to gain recognition that their love is not so different at its core. When it comes to love,…

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Know your body: A reintroduction to the Reproductive Health law

Over the years, the infamous Republic Act No. 10354—colloquially known as the RH Bill but now called the RH Law—has been constantly delayed in implementation due to the uprising of the church and pro-life groups. Although the bill has long been passed, there seems to be little to no change in the healthcare scene as…

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Living with a disability: A blessing or a curse?

Sometimes a normal man’s motivation is another’s limitation. Whether it has done wonders to the former or angst to the latter does little to shed light on how Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are and should be perceived. It is of no secret that PWDs are cut from a different cloth. Some are able to still…

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Comedy and the city: Stand-up and beyond

Mow’s comedy bar, a faintly lit room nestled inconspicuously within the basement of a Chinese restaurant, houses a crowd of about twenty people hoping to have a few laughs. Huddled around wobbly steel tables and equally flimsy bar stools, they make attempts at conversation as The Strokes’ Reptilia blares through the speakers set up in…

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IN RETROSPECT: The rollercoaster that was 2016

The last few days of every year are usually met with the same mundane routine: Christmas zips into New Year’s Eve, people rush around traveling or attending parties, and, when asked, ‘How was your year?’ an indifferent ‘Meh, uneventful’ would probably be the reply.  Last year proved to be different. There’s no denying that 2016…

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Strutting in heels: A burlesque drag’s journey

The drag scene in Manila is far from dragging. Identity theft is a crime common around the world, but not when it’s done in bars. Behind the comforts of great company and comedic ambiance, impersonation has become a staple among the midnight stages of the metro. Places like Obar and Wicked have become breeding grounds…

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Beyond the lights: Unwrapping the Filipino Christmas spirit

You step out of the church and it all hits you. The bright lights—red, green, and yellow—twinkle around the windows of every house. Some are slowly fading in and out, some seem like they are dancing to the tambourines and the choir singing Joy to the World, echoing from inside. The midnight air embraces you,…

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What’s your favorite thing about Christmas?

“I know it might sound shallow, but the little things get me excited the most—like holiday edition drinks from Starbucks, and Christmas jazz music. Of course, on the more intimate side, it’s the one time a year that I get to unite with my relatives; even just having my mom and cousin with me is…

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A very secular Christmas

It begins, as most celebrations do, with the act of informing everyone at arm’s length that it is almost here. We then count the days that lead to it—excitedly and religiously—and there is almost a sense of collective relief as we get to cross off another day on our calendars. Then there are the images…