Words and reactions during this pandemic It’s been two years and I feel like this pandemic has aged most of us. The worries and uncertainties it brought are enough to make us suffer from daily, mini-breakdowns. Death, sickness, and mental troubles circle us like vultures waiting for that moment...
In this day and age when authenticity is held at such a premium, are we given a free pass to just say what we want, even if it hurts? I love a good diplomatic line. After all, there’s this quote often attributed to Winston Churchill that sums it up pretty well: “Diplomacy is telling someone to...
Expats in the Philippines share how our New Year’s Eve traditions compare to theirs When you’re far away from family and long-time friends, how do you ring in the new year? While living in Kuala Lumpur, we started our tradition of welcoming the New Year in a different place from the last....
Sorting out holiday wines with Australian ambassador Steven Robinson WINE PRO Australian ambassador Steven J. Robinson Merry Christmas, everyone. As this column comes out, the worst of the holidays—a.k.a preparing for it—is behind us. All that’s left to do is to enjoy great food and look...
A get-together over wine and nibbles with friends from Belgium SAY CHEESE The St. Maure de Durbuy (ashened cheese on the right) was an instant favorite The holiday season is in full swing and I have a confession to make. I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas. I know it makes me sound like a...
Touched by angels CHERUBS AND TREES In photo: Ambassador Gaschen with QC Mayor Joy Belmonte and guards of QC Female Dormitory. Cover design by Jules Vivas By this time, Christmas decorations are starting to go up in most Filipino homes. That is, if they haven’t been there since September. There...
From Berlin to Seoul TEAM PHILIPPINES All smiles as the Ambassador engaged with Team Philippines at the Embassy, immediately after her presentation of credentials After a highly productive stint in Berlin, Ambassador Maria Theresa ‘Tess’ Dizon-de Vega is now the Philippines’ top envoy to...
Indoor farming was something I first encountered in Berlin back in 2017. As only the freshest regional ingredients—preferably foraged in a nearby forest—became the trend for most Michelin-starred joints in Europe, it was only a matter of time technology entered the picture. Why leave it to...
After moving online last year, the Olympics of the publishing world returns, bringing in thousands of publishers and authors to Frankfurt from Oct. 20 to 24. It’s going to be the Philippines’ sixth consecutive year of participation. BLIBLIOPHILES DREAM Frankfurt book fair 2017 (AFP) I’ve long...
To this diplomat’s wife and executive coach, the key to success is nourishing your different needs as a human being CONFIDANTE TO LEADERS Matilda Ciro In a world where standards are set so high, is it possible to have it all? There’s a lot to do every single day and with only 24 hours at our...
SITTING PRETTY Myrza Sison (Jico Joson for Female Network ) I first met Myrza Sison at an event hosted by the French Ambassador in her residence. It was media night—before we went into stricter regulations once more—and I was enjoying the conversation with the fun and fabulous woman with blunt...
RUSH ME NOT Manila Bulletin Lifestyle editor AA Patawaran and the author For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been in a state of rushing. Rushing to school, rushing to finish a project. I was always in a hurry to grow up, to get a job. To run after sources and to finish my stories. My time...
