Long before the rise of multi-city complexes, a trip to the mall was a sacred ritual for most Filipino families. We remember a time when “going to the mall” meant dressing up in one’s Sunday best piling into the family car or a jeepney and preparing for an entire day of exploration. It was never…
When we look at the food map of Southeast Asia, a very specific image usually comes to mind. We think of the fiery red curries of Thailand, the chili-heavy sambals of Indonesia, and the aromatic, heat-packed laksas of Malaysia. For most travelers and food lovers, “Southeast Asian food” is almost a synonym for bold heat…
For many Filipino workers, payday is a moment of triumph, yet it is also a moment of risk. Ranking second to last globally in work-life balance, many of us navigate a landscape of “megamalls” and grueling four-hour commutes in humid jeepneys. This environment creates a “reward deficit,” where the mind seeks a restoration of dignity…
In the ever-evolving landscape of global communication, the Philippines has long been a powerhouse of linguistic creativity. As of the March 2025 update, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)—widely considered the most authoritative record of the English language—formally welcomed 11 new Filipino words and senses into its prestigious pages. This milestone continues a decade-long trend of…
Looking at the Philippine map, Ilocos Norte seems remote. Sitting at the northern edge of Luzon and skimming the West Philippine Sea, the region, however, offers so much more than just a long drive. There’s something deeply satisfying about getting in your car, pointing north, and discovering scenic routes and detours unseen anywhere else in…
In the Philippines, dining out has long been more than just a convenience—it’s a celebration of connection, milestones, and culture. According to a report by Restroworks, the country’s overall food service market, encompassing fast food, full-service, and cloud kitchens, is expected to reach USD 30.5 billion by 2030. Yet even as inflation and supply costs…
Manila, a city brimming with history, culture, and a relentless forward momentum, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its hospitality landscape. From the grand, colonial elegance of the Manila Hotel to the imposing, yet iconic, brutalist structure of the Manila Peninsula, the city’s hotels have always mirrored the architectural trends of their eras. However, a…
Earlier in 2025, a report titled The State of Sustainable Fashion in The Philippines was presented to discuss how Filipinos take care of fashion items. The report states that 50% of clothes in most Filipinos’ closets are brand-new every year, with 29% of Filipinos surveyed reporting that they throw away their clothes after wearing them…
In the Philippines, 80% of businesses are family-run, mostly having begun as small shops or modest ventures. Over decades, these businesses grew into national brands, creating empires that are passed on to the next generations. But while these businesses changed over the years, the values that built them stayed the same. Assets and titles are…
Palawan was named the number one best island in Asia by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, beating out popular destinations like Bali and the Maldives in popular voting. The island province earned high scores on various criteria such as natural attractions and activities, among others. Palawan earned the top score of 93.60 in…