By Philip Joshua D.C. Santiago and Ryanne Jancell A. Relos June 24, 2021. Dawn breaks over the Philippine nation, and amidst the surging pandemic, media outlets such as social media networks, and radio and television programs broke news over the passing of the predecessor of the current Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Despite the information, no confirmation was given to which they handed the responsibility over to the family members. As breaking news of the death o

By Philip Suzara Pondering … as I sit here at the edge of my mythical life pond. One can see many things happening at the edge of life’s pond, as in any pond. Decisions are made there, life changing decisions, defining moments … to get in the pond, or not. The pond is encircled by its edges in different forms and kinds … straight, jagged, rough, rocks, pebbles, sand, soil, or mud. Very much like people. No matter the differences we have, we all belong there … around the life

Cartoonist: Kartunista ZACH Kartunista ZACH is a young cartoonist, illustrator, and satirist. The common themes of his works are about the current events, social justice, and human rights in the Philippines. His works appear in a number of widely-known magazines and newspapers, nationally and internationally. He is a member of Netherlands-based Cartoon Movement and France-based Cartooning for Peace. Check more of his works on his website (www.cartoonistzach.com) and social me

By Menchu Aquino Sarmiento As Pride Month winds down, we reflect upon the LGBTQI (Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Queer-Intersex) whom we know and celebrate every day. Some are close to home. On my mother’s side, one of the first openly transgender women in Iloilo was a member of her clan. Miss Gustilo, as she was known, was already teaching at the Iloilo Public High School before the second World War. Mom recalled how the more mischievous students would press against her to