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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.…

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Out of the shadows: The fight for intersex inclusion

People often whisper in hushed tones the word “hermaphrodite” as an insult or a means to label something which they cannot fully comprehend. Now considered a pejorative slur, this misnomer has pervaded Philippine society, creating this barrier of ignorance that has stigmatized the intersex community. Replacing the misnomer, “intersex” is a more inclusive and appropriate…

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Finding a home in animal shelters

City sidewalks have long been a refuge for strays and abandoned animals alike. Left alone in the cold to fend for their survival, these furry little creatures have had to face harrowing ordeals, come rain or shine. Death is a fate that many have succumbed to—either due to hunger or the injuries and illnesses sustained…

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Of the people, for the people: The power of community pantries

Aside from a health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has also only brought about an economic one. The shutting down of businesses and subsequent employee lay-offs have greatly exacerbated the already-pervasive issues of hunger and unemployment in the country. As ayuda (relief aid) and other government support services remain insufficient for the needs of the people,…