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A lot has happened these past few years. And no words can even describe how the pandemic, the Philippine election, and their respective aftermaths have affected most of our relationships with our Pinoy loved ones. We cannot deny that diverse views, geographical distance, and numerous corona restrictions left a big awkward gap in how we interact with others. Difficult as it may seem, finding ways to bounce back can, in comparison, be the heaviest load moving forward.

Nothing beats the first year in Germany! This is the best time for adjusting, integrating, and learning. When you live in another country, you will usually be confronted with a lot of cultural differences or some unique scenarios, which you will find confusing whether to accept or just shrug off. Let me list down my fair share of personal experiences.

“Malayong lupain, amin mang marating, di rin magbabago ang damdamin.” [“Far tho we wander, o’er island yonder, Loyal thy sons we’ll ever be.”]

124th Philippine Independence Day Celebration, National Day Fiesta in Geneva

Born Napoleon Chu Javier, Nikki grew up in Zambales. She is the youngest biological child of a Filipino-Chinese entrepreneur mother and a Filipino-Spanish lawyer father. Her family is politically inclined—her uncle was a mayor, and her other relatives are also into politics. With this background growing up, she felt the need to always prove herself and to excel.

Filipinos are known around the world for our warm hospitality. What distinguishes us from other nationalities is how we wear our hearts out, to the point that we go out of our way to make everyone feel that they are at home. Whenever there are fiestas (feast), handaan (gatherings), or parties, we usually fill our tables with sumptuous dishes and we gladly share them with our relatives, guests, and even neighbors. Filipino gatherings will not be the same without karaoke sessions, as well as parlor games where kids and adults really have fun. Before everyone leaves, there will always be pabaon or take-away food to bring home and reheat the next day. This is the kind of gathering that every Filipino overseas always miss.

Or why the Netherlands is a great country for Pinoys overseas

On a normal Saturday afternoon, in their home in Milan, six-year-old Megan Chloe Quiambao would be holding coloring pencils, drawing on her sketchbook. At first glance, you may find nothing extraordinary. Megan is a kid like most any other: She goes to school, does gymnastics, and likes playing with her brother, Sean. But as you give her another look, you may get a feeling of déjà vu, like you’ve seen this little girl before. Well, you may be right. Perhaps you have.

If you told Ryan Arbilo 20 years ago that he would become a famous photographer in France, he would have said you were living a fantasy. And if you told him then that he would be an owner of a contemporary gallery in the city of lights, he would have thought you were out of your mind. But life is full of surprises and some fantasies do become realities. Today, Arbilo owns the Arbilo Gallery on Avenue de Champaubert, a few minutes walk from the iconic Eiffel Tower, and his photographic works have been exhibited with huge success at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in France and at the Yuchengco Museum in the Philippines. He is also currently finishing his latest project—something we think could be his biggest one yet.

Catherine Valdez is no ordinary beauty queen

To provide much-needed help to thousands of Filipinos affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, SM Foundation, SM Supermalls and SM Markets together with SM affiliates and partners, initiated its immediate disaster relief response through its Operation Tulong Express Program (OPTE) and allotted over 33,000 care and relief packs for the victims of the super typhoon. The SM Kalinga packs consisting of rice, bottled water, and other basic essentials were distributed to over 35 barangays in the VisMin region which were devastated by typhoon Odette.

Due to their exemplary performances and contributions to improve the quality of life of Filipinos, especially those from the countryside, former Senate President Manny Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar led the awarding of 16 cooperatives nationwide during the virtual and face-to-face ceremony on December 17.

Field teams bring Christmas cheer as more areas restored

Dinagat Islands, Siargao and Surigao City are now connected Rumps up relief operations

San Beda Law graduate Michelle Hatol did not have second thoughts when her father asked her to take on the family business New Isabela Grains Milling, a supplier and advocate of local rice since 1982. Hatol is currently #BrigadangAyalaKaakay’s supplier for its 12-week food distribution program to 10,000 families in Metro Manila.

Senator Cynthia A.Villar and the Together Ensemble Foundation have agreed to work together to further maintain and preserve the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), which was listed in the Ramsar Convention as Wetland of International Importance.

Two well-respected Filipino medical luminaries applauded the Senate for ensuring that minors are protected in the so called vape bill or Vaporized Nicotine Product (VNP) bill now being discussed in the chamber.