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Handle with care: Unpacking misconceptions on sustainability

Now that the world has found itself at the mercy of a climate crisis, the need has arisen for a middle ground—which, as agreed upon by 193 countries in the United Nations, was sustainable development. These days, sustainability is more commonly known through the proliferation of metal straws and Instagram-worthy eco-friendly packaging. However, this commercialized…

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On the hook: Going deeper into Pinoybaiting

Get yourself a clueless foreigner uncomfortably munching Jollibee’s Filipino-style spaghetti and you’ll instantly get a thousand likes from elated Filipinos. Other times, it’s some Hollywood celebrity endorsing a local brand, causing passionate fans to stampede to its stores. Without a doubt, Filipinos have normalized—and celebrated—the sight of a foreigner grasping Filipino culture in their hands.…

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Hala, bira: Keeping the fiesta alive

Loud thumping beats underscore the palpable excitement of eager spectators on the streets. Flashes of vivid colors dance before you like a parade of people clad in the most intricate costumes pass by. You make your way under the fluttering banderitas with a paper plate in hand, gladly helping yourself to some of the best…

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Rant and Rave: ‘Black Widow’ gets license to kill

The world has gone without a Marvel film for over two years. Spider-Man: Far From Home gave us all a tease on how the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would play out. Thankfully, that drought ends now.  Natasha Romanoff—played by Scarlett Johansson—has been a pillar in the MCU since the second Iron…

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Writer’s Recap: Quaran-TUNES plays for unity amid the pandemic

The arts have been one of the hardest-hit industries by the pandemic. The shutting down of theaters and productions all over the country left thousands of creatives unmoored as artists are plunged deeper into crisis after crisis. It seemed like the magic of live performances wouldn’t be felt again for a long while.  But the…

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Rant and Rave: ‘Trophies’—Triumphs and losses in love

It has been over 11 years since the unassuming grade-schooler Greyson Chance wowed an audience with his cover of Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi. Even now, that video of him stands at a whopping 69 million views, with commenters still expressing amazement at his vocal range and control at such a young age. This viral moment would…

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Rant and Rave: Queers invisible no more in ‘DC Pride’ and ‘Marvel’s Voices: Pride’

Superheroes, be it on-screen or on printed media, have been the childhood idols of a great many throughout the decades. They have come to represent our desires, dreams, and values. However, this connection between superheroes and the audience becomes muddy when these figures become alien from one’s lived-in experiences. While LGBTQ+ characters in comic strips…

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Of dots and strokes: The inner workings of Malate Literary Folio

Readers mostly only see the tail-end of a long and laborious process. This emphasis on tangible results may sometimes leave artists entirely overlooked. After all, regardless of the artist, the art will have to stand on its own against the world. But by doing so, an important aspect of art becomes sidelined. The unsung tales…

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Rant and Rave: ‘Your Choice’ makes us ready to love

Just like the warmth of the morning sun, Seventeen’s music has a certain joy that never ceases to make one’s day. Consisting of 13 members with three subunits, Seventeen is a self-producing Korean-pop idol boy group serving powerhouse performances and diverse discography since their official debut six years ago. From their exhilarating Very Nice to…

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Ang Pride ay protesta: The fight for queer liberation

They marched with placards on one hand and a rainbow flag on the other. Yet the police still chose violence. In commemoration of last year’s Stonewall Manila anniversary, the Bahaghari-organized Pride March that doubled as a protest against the Anti-Terror Law was greeted with policemen in riot gear, leading to the arrests of 20 individuals.…