On November 6, 2021, Dr. Leo De Castro —a Philosophy professor at the University of the Philippines—received four birthday cakes from an old grade school friend. They both studied at Nellie E. Brown Elementary School (NEBES), a public school in Olongapo City.   Connected to Subic Bay and facing the West Philippine Sea, Olongapo is known for being part of a US Naval Base from 1901 to 1959. Placenames in Olongapo tell stories about this time, as streets, schools, and establishments carry foreign names – most of which can easily be traced to navy officials who were previously stationed there,...

Sony Music Entertainment Philippines (SMEP) continues to give back to disadvantaged communities through food aid and relief.   This comes as part of Sony Music Group’s global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, where the company and its artists are paying it forward to the countries in which the international music label operates. Across the world, SMG is supporting global organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.   This year, the international music label has partnered with Reach Out...

 “There is always light,” says 21-year old Irish Miras, as she remembers the trauma she experienced as a child. Her voice is soft, her words strong. “If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell her: ‘We are alive. We are doing okay.’”   Irish is one of four young women featured in the documentary Sine Niña, a film that showcases the unique stories of women across the Philippines. Each story is set to inspire, uplift, and empower audiences—as well as start important conversations around equality, purpose, and mental health.   The film is the culmination of a...

Living in the 20th century is both an opportunity and a tough job. People get to experience the advancement of technology which makes daily activities much easier. On the other hand, getting exposed to anxiety more often due to social media’s pressure of dealing with “I should have more than this”.   The thrill of this century breaks the stigma of “living a complicated life”. Similarly, arising perspectives such as it’s okay to have no children than to add another liability, cutting off toxic relationships (including family ties or relatives) and quitting some commitments (job, organizations, and the like)  ...

Have you tried waking up whereas, one day, you can’t face the person anymore? You can’t go to the place where you once called a “happy place”? You can’t even take to hear the voice of those you loved dearly? Because today, they are your anxiety triggers. This article is written with empathy for those who are trying to overcome anxiety and depression. Those brave individuals keep on showing up despite of having no enough sleep. Despite of not eating well. Despite of all the odds that keep on boxing him or her in their own gloomiest days. You matter....