On an early Tuesday, I found myself on the road to the nearby province of Pampanga with fellow journalists. Our mission was twofold—to explore the renowned Filipino craftsmanship in furniture making and to indulge in the culinary delights of the country’s gastronomic capital. These are two...
US INDEPENDENCE From left: US executive director of ADB Amb. Chantale Wong, DFA Asec. Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, US Amb. MaryKay Carlson, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Rev. Charles Brown, and US Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava The US Embassy in Manila celebrated 247 years of independence in...
Every year, on June 12, Filipinos around the world come together to commemorate the hard-fought independence of the Philippines. As our nation celebrates its sovereignty, its embassies and consulates worldwide play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and pride among the Filipino diaspora...
Images courtesy of Helsinki Partners In a world fraught with ever-increasing stress and uncertainty, one nation consistently stands out as a beacon of contentment and wellbeing. HAPPINESS ON HELSINKI DAY On June 12, the city's birthday, Helsingians gather around tables going about the same length...
I celebrated another trip around the sun on June 10 and didn’t have any plans, except for watching the famous Japanese taiko group Yamato. It was a rainy Saturday, but I was really excited to go to the Solaire Theater just for this. I love taiko performances. There’s always something captivating...
LIFE IN MANILA Amb. Mellbin leans into life in Manila. He and his wife Eva harvest their own produce in their backyard, including the bananas in the photo Denmark’s Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin arrived in September last year, but it feels like he’s been around for much longer. Being...
GREAT RESULTS Camille Prats-Yambao says there's no pain or downtime when it comes to Emface Beautiful, glowing skin is a reflection of our inner health and vitality. As we age, however, the signs of time and lifestyle habits can begin to show on our skin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other...
In the bustling area of Metro Manila that is Bonifacio Global City, the aptly named Shangri-La always felt like a luxurious oasis that one can quickly escape to. I have a fondness for hotels, even when I’m not traveling. You get that feeling of escape the moment you enter one. Yet, what truly sets...
STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY Malaysia's cultural dance show highlighted the different cultures of its people (Photo from Tourism Malaysia) One of the most intriguing aspects of the portrayal of diplomats in popular media is the misconceptions it can perpetuate. In a recent episode of Netflix’s hit...
LUNCH CONVERSATIONS Amb. Veron goes home for lunch whenever he can–and for good reason Whenever possible and barring any work engagements, Ambassador Luc Veron of the European Union’s delegation (EU) to the Philippines likes to go home for lunch and eat with his wife, Mme. Nicole Weismann. They...
TO PH-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP Apostolic Nuncio Charles Brown, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, and DFA undersecretary Carlos Sorreta The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines celebrated a historic event on May 4, marking the 75th Independence...
HAYAHAY Have a signature Visayan massage at the resort’s Sea Tree spa A quick getaway to the islands of Bohol during this time of year is always a good idea. Pristine, blue waters rich in marine life, breathtaking views, and the draw of a slow-paced way of living that’s only possible on a...
