#NIGHT OWL
The fight for gender equality starts at home
When we talk about gender equality, the conversation often focuses on the corporate boardroom, government leadership, or social movements. But real progress toward equality requires more than just putting women in high-ranking positions or passing new legislation. It begins in the most fundamental space of all: the home. Sharing household duties and responsibilities is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a critical first step toward creating a culture where women have the time, energy, and support to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
If the Philippines is serious about gender equality, it must start with its laws
The Philippines has long prided itself on being one of the more progressive nations in Asia when it comes to gender equality. Women have held high positions in government, business, and civil society, and the country has consistently ranked well in global gender parity indices. But beneath these statistics lies a glaring contradiction: a legal system that continues to treat men and women unequally in matters of fidelity and family law.
Arkipelago Analytics partners with Manila Bulletin for data-driven journalism
Arkipelago Analytics, a data science and analytics firm, announces its strategic partnership with Manila Bulletin, a trusted media institution in the Philippines. This collaboration integrates data into reporting on official national and local issues.
What I’ve learned from Biz Stone
My first encounter with Biz Stone, the co-founder of Twitter, took place in the historic Sheldonian Theater — a grand seventeenth-century venue designed by Christopher Wren. Sitting there, surrounded by curved seating and a spectacular painted ceiling, I found it hard to imagine a more striking contrast: a centuries-old theatre hosting the man who helped revolutionize modern communication. Yet as Biz Stone began to speak, I realized how seamlessly innovation and tradition can coexist, and how one can inform the other in unexpected ways.
Governments must take a stronger stance on endangered languages
Worldwide, nearly half of all living languages—3,045 out of 7,164—are endangered, with as many as 95 percent at risk of extinction by the end of the century. This crisis extends beyond the linguistic realm and into the heart of cultural, historical, and social identities. Preserving these languages is not merely a sentimental endeavor; it is an obligation that governments, particularly in developing economies, must shoulder. Without proactive government leadership, minority languages can quickly fade, taking with them irreplaceable cultural heritage and crucial knowledge systems.
What I am most afraid of
The first time I saw war up close, I was in Marawi, on an assignment to help rehabilitate a city scarred by violence. I remember the day with unnerving clarity: As our helicopter touched down, a bomb detonated with a thunderous roar, shaking the ground beneath us and sending a plume of thick smoke into the sky. My heart pounded as the debris settled, but we were forced to press on, to find ways to rebuild amid the chaos. That moment taught me how fragile life can be — and how easily war can turn everything to dust.
How AI can protect indigenous lands, environment
In the fight to protect our planet, technology has often been seen as both a problem and a solution. But when used ethically and responsibly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be one of our strongest allies in safeguarding the environment and indigenous lands — especially in regions where traditional monitoring methods have failed or proven inefficient.
Shaping AI for people, not just algorithms
I am writing this column the morning after the She Shapes AI Awards ceremony, still feeling the weight of the conversations, the shared aspirations, and the collective determination in the room. Winning the AI & Learning award is an honor, but more than that, it is a privilege to stand alongside five extraordinary women who are proving that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a force for good—if we build it with intention, responsibility, and inclusivity.
Beyond algorithms: How AI can be a force for equity and education
I am writing this column while on the train from Oxford University to the UCL Campus in Canary Wharf, reflecting on the meaningful journey that has led to today’s milestone: being recognized as a winner of the inaugural She Shapes AI Award for AI & Learning. It is a humbling honor that reaffirms my lifelong commitment to ensuring that technology—AI in particular—serves the most marginalized and underrepresented communities around the globe.
Lady Elish Angiolini: ‘I have never been scared’
I first set foot at St Hugh’s College on a crisp Oxford morning, my footsteps muffled by the gently mown lawn that leads up to the tall, red-brick building. It’s one of the younger Oxford colleges, founded in 1886 by Elizabeth Wordsworth, expressly to give women a place to pursue their studies at a time when higher education was almost entirely dominated by men. Walking through its gates now, it can be hard to imagine the barriers female students once faced here.
Tiffany Lafuente: A young artist conquering the art scene
Tiffany Lafuente is a name quickly becoming synonymous with contemporary art that challenges conventions while offering a whimsical yet deeply introspective lens into human nature. The young Filipino artist has already carved an impressive path in the art world, with her works showcased in over 10 solo exhibitions in just five years. Most recently, her paintings captivated audiences at Singapore Art Fair further cementing her status as a trailblazer in the global art scene.
Honored to be a finalist for She Shapes AI
Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world, and I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for the She Shapes AI Award for AI and Learning. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the power of AI in fostering education, inclusivity, and societal change. To stand alongside incredible innovators like Floretta M., founder of Hola Soy Violetta, and Ndipabonga Atanga, founder of Batazia, is both humbling and inspiring.
The silent extinction: Languages lost to climate change and the era of AI
In the grand tapestry of human civilization, language is the primary thread that binds communities, conveys identity, and preserves cultural wisdom. But around the world, centuries-old tongues are on the brink of vanishing. Their disappearance represents not merely a loss of vocabulary, but the fading of unique cultures, oral histories, and ways of interpreting the world. Now two powerful forces — climate change and rapid technological progress, including artificial intelligence — are accelerating this unfortunate trend, both independently and in combination.
A privilege to be part of Manila Bulletin’s 125-year history
I still remember the first time I saw my byline in the Manila Bulletin. It was the moment “Night Owl” was born, the column that became my voice, my chronicle, my ever-evolving perspective on the world. I was young, brimming with ideas, eager to share the stories that mattered to me. My first column was about love and patience — the story of my parents, their decades-long journey to marriage, and the lessons they unknowingly passed on to me. Looking back, I realize how much my writing has transformed over the years. As I matured and traversed life, so did my columns.
Loneliness or social isolation linked to serious health outcomes
Loneliness and social isolation may carry far greater health consequences than many people realize. According to a meta-analysis of 90 studies published in June 2023 in the journal “Nature Human Behaviour,” living with minimal social contact or feeling consistently lonely can increase the risk of dying early from any cause. Researchers examined data on more than two million adults, followed over periods ranging from six months to 25 years, and found that social isolation led to a 32 percent higher risk of premature death, while loneliness raised that risk by 14 percent. Although previous studies have sometimes produced mixed or controversial findings, the sheer size and scope of this new research underscores how powerful an impact human connection can have on physical health.
Philippines is LSE Generate’s 23rd International Chapter
Jan. 22 felt like the culmination of a year-long journey. I stepped into a bustling reception in Manila to celebrate the launch of LSE Generate’s 23rd international chapter — a monumental moment that introduced LSE Generate’s very first international cluster, connecting the Philippines with Vietnam and Indonesia under one collaborative umbrella. As someone who benefited immensely from the LSE Generate Programme while developing NightOwlGPT, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as I witnessed our country stepping onto a global stage in such a dynamic way.
My entrepreneurial journey
When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I had the passion and a clear vision for the kind of impact I wanted to create. What I lacked was a reliable support system—an incubator where my ideas could take shape in a holistic, resource-rich environment. Enter LSE Generate, the London School of Economics’ entrepreneurship center, led by LJ Silverman, which has been a pivotal force in turning my vision for NightOwlGPT into a reality. Today, I am honored to serve as a country ambassador for LSE Generate in the Philippines, alongside the unwavering support of Senator Mark Villar, who has championed our expansion in the region.
Reflections on the She Shapes AI award
I am deeply honored to be named among the Top 33 Leaders in Responsible AI by She Shapes AI. This acknowledgment not only recognizes my personal journey but also underscores the transformative power of technology in connecting people, preserving cultures, and driving inclusive growth. To me, the award signifies a collective affirmation of our greater mission: ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a bridge rather than a barrier, opening up opportunities and uniting communities worldwide.
Shaping Asia’s future through innovation
It all began with a conversation over coffee, surrounded by the centuries-old walls of Oxford — a place where the weight of tradition meets the pulse of innovation. As I looked around the room, I was struck by the incredible diversity of talent, ideas, and ambitions, yet I couldn’t help but feel there was something missing. Amid the excitement of entrepreneurship and social impact projects, I noticed a gap: a space dedicated to addressing Asia’s unique and pressing challenges. That realization gave birth to the Oxford Asian Impact Ventures Club.
What Arkipelago Analytics stands for
In an increasingly complex world, understanding the needs, aspirations, and concerns of citizens has become vital for shaping effective policies and creating meaningful change. This is where data becomes not just a tool, but a bridge—one that connects policymakers, planners, and the public. Arkipelago Analytics stands at the forefront of this mission, committed to transforming data into actionable insights that illuminate what truly matters to Filipinos.
Democracy: A pillar of progress and accountability
Democracy, at its core, is the belief that every individual has a voice and a right to shape the collective future. It is the cornerstone of freedom, equality, and accountability — a system that thrives when citizens are informed, engaged, and empowered. While democracy has proven to be one of the most resilient forms of governance, its strength relies on the integrity of its processes and the active participation of its people.
Addressing the challenges of public healthcare in the Philippines
An ideal healthcare system ensures equitable, accessible, and high-quality care for every individual, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. Such a system would meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard of at least one doctor per 1,000 people, provide universal coverage, a well-distributed workforce, robust infrastructure, and sustainable financing.
How AI will change lives in 2025: Voices from the margins
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, its transformative potential is undeniable. From healthcare and education to agriculture and commerce, AI promises to reshape industries and create unprecedented opportunities. Yet, amid the hype surrounding AI breakthroughs, one critical question often goes unanswered: How will these advancements impact those on society’s margins—the communities traditionally excluded from technological revolutions?
AI access: A human right in the digital age
In our rapidly evolving digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of innovation, reshaping industries, governance, and education. Yet, as we marvel at the transformative power of AI, a troubling disparity looms large: the access to AI technologies—and the opportunities they unlock—is not evenly distributed. It is time we recognize AI access as a fundamental human right, essential for equity, inclusion, and global progress.
Lessons from the Nativity: Timeless truths for modern life
The Nativity story, at the heart of Christmas, is a tableau of simplicity and profound significance. Its familiar images—a manger, shepherds, a guiding star, and the Christ child—convey deep moral and spiritual lessons that transcend time and place. Even in our modern, fast-paced world, the Nativity offers truths that resonate, reminding us of what truly matters in life.