Self-respect and self-expression often go hand in hand, yet they are not always understood the same way. For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, embracing one 's identity and expressing it openly can be an act of self-respect rather than defiance. But in a society where authenticity is still met with...
A few hours before I was asked to do this piece for Father’s Day, my distraught niece called to tell me that she had taken my 82-year-old dad to the emergency room. The doctors were asking if they could put a tube down his throat and hook him to a ventilator, and she asked me to make the...
SM Book Nook, the community reading and learning space of SM Cares, has been recognized by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) as Autism Works Partner of the Year. The award recognizes organizations that contribute to advancing inclusive hiring and opening pathways for talents on the autism...
Traditionally, the financial services industry has often been associated with sales figures, targets, performance metrics, and a fast paced environment. Building long term relationships was not always considered a primary focus. But over the years, businesses have increasingly recognized the value...
It is one thing to see and admire a work of art, but seeing it with movement is another. The experience is somewhat extraordinary, magical even, as if seeing the masterpiece come to life as it shines, makes a sound, and lures viewers in to look closer. That’s exactly what Filipino artist Ivan...
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2026 Retail Asia Awards held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, earning four major recognitions across its mall destinations in the Philippines. Leading this year’s wins is Lucky Chinatown, which was named Mall of the Year in...
No family is ever truly prepared for loss. One moment, life feels steady and familiar, and in a snap, everything changes in ways no one could have imagined. For Mary Ann Bensal, that moment came on Nov. 21, 2019. Her husband died in a vehicular accident along Marcos Highway, leaving behind a...
Richie Carrido, a nurse during the 9/11 attacks whose US visa later expired, is the 300th successfully placed nurse in the United States by Grandison. In her testimonial, she emphasized that the organization’s ethical, transparent, and pivotal healthcare recruitment offered her the security and...
A great design often involves the right balance. A silhouette must be striking yet have the right proportions. A perfect mix of softness and structure creates both elegance and ease. But for a seasoned designer, the mark of good design isn’t just about something visual—it’s about how a piece...
This month, modern Filipino moms are proving that motherhood and entrepreneurship can thrive hand in hand. Across the country, more mothers are stepping beyond traditional roles and embracing life as “mompreneurs,” building businesses from home, pursuing their passions, and reshaping the future...
The International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippines recently held its 2026-2028 officers’ induction ceremony led by new chairperson Claire de Leon-Papa. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave M. Gomez inducted the new officers at the Malacañang Palace compound on...
Often hailed as the “First Lady of Philippine musical theater,” Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo has spent decades shaping the local stage with her commanding presence and emotional depth. She began her theater journey at just 15, and from that moment, the stage became her sanctuary. Over the years, she...
