While most teenagers spend their money on the latest iPhone or sneakers, Karl Castro was saving his money for something far less ordinary — a greenhouse. With just his ₱50 daily allowance, tucked away peso by peso, Karl transformed what many would consider spare change into the seed capital for...
At 23, Jomari Ferrer dreams of a future in public service. He travels the streets of Pangasinan on two wheels, not with his feet but on his trusty wheelchair. Last Saturday, Sept. 20, he traveled a road far more meaningful – the stage of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)...
Erika Dy holds a special place in this basketball-crazy nation. Driven by passion and a woman armed with sheer will, Dy rose high in the sporting world marked by male leaders. She is the first-ever female executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), and her position should ring...
“Here in Naneng, we don’t greet each other ‘good morning,’” Tabuk City Acting Supervising Tourism Officer Marjorie Amla-Lingbawan said in Tagalog. “When we greet someone, we say, ‘Have some coffee!” About 45 minutes away by car from Tabuk City proper, Naneng Heritage Village is the...
As September arrives, a captivating magic fills the air for many Filipinos, marking the official start of the beloved holiday season. This time of year, known as the 'ber ' months, brings a vibrant sense of excitement and anticipation. Twinkling lights begin to adorn shopping malls, and...
When Chris Hernandez first fell in love with small toy cars, he never imagined it would lead to the kind of community building that helped shape one of the country’s most significant collector movements. For years, he was a passionate collector, one of many Filipinos who scoured stores for toy...
GYODONG ISLAND, South Korea — Chae Jae Eok, 94, hasn’t met his family for 79 years now although they live just across this island. They are in North Korea, the most secretive place on earth. He wants to meet them just to know if they 're now able to eat well or if they still experience the...
When it takes a few keystrokes to generate songs, “What’s the point of musicians anyway?” I set up a call with Vic Icasas, CEO and managing partner of Hit Productions, and composer BP Valenzuela. Hit Productions works with clients to create engaging audio for advertising and entertainment. We...
Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete, called “Toto” by his peers, never dreamed of becoming a soldier. Unlike many of his classmates at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who had long envisioned themselves in uniform, his journey into the armed forces was...
“A symbol of courage and conviction.” This is how many young Filipinos today remember the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who, on Aug. 21, 1983, was assassinated at the airport tarmac moments after his arrival in Manila. As the nation commemorates Ninoy’s 42nd death anniversary,...
With only ₱500 for fertilizers and a budding curiosity, Romeo Antipuesto Jr. embarked on a bonsai journey that would eventually define his career. At 38, the Davao City native credits his friend and mentor, Oliver Pavo, for helping him find his footing. Starting with lower-grade materials, the...
In a cultural tapestry rich with tradition, many Asian communities will observe the Ghost Month, commencing on Aug. 23 and stretching until Sept. 21, 2025. During this time, Filipino-Chinese families often avoid certain activities to keep their fortunes balanced. The air is thick with superstition...
