In the quiet space between doubt and devotion, there’s a moment every creator faces—the point where something deeply personal begins to take shape in the world. For Chef Lordfer Lalicon, that moment wasn’t defined by certainty, but by questions that carried the weight of culture, identity, and responsibility. Before the recognition, before the Michelin nod, there was only the fear of whether Filipino food—his Filipino food—would be understood, accepted, and respected in space

Recognition often marks a milestone, but for Kathleen Liechtenstein, it also signals a renewed responsibility. Recently named among the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World  by the Filipina Women's Network, the president of Ballet Philippines views the honor not as a personal accolade, but as affirmation of a larger mission: using the arts to uplift communities, open doors, and redefine who ballet is for. For Liechtenstein, the recognition carries deep meaning. On a p

In Pangasinan, where the land itself tells stories through salt, life moves to a rhythm shaped by sun, wind, and patience. For Roda Ignacio, that rhythm began early. The salt farms were not just part of her surroundings, they were her first understanding of the world. As a child, she watched hands carve livelihood out of seawater, learning that behind something as ordinary as salt is a life built on sacrifice, discipline, and care. “To many, salt is just a seasoning,” she sha

Photography by: Aileen Wang

In a digital world that often pushes creators toward trends and quick visibility, Cheska Torres Ibasan chooses a quieter path—one rooted in reflection, cultural memory, and the layered realities of Filipino identity. Her work moves through the spaces in between: between softness and strength, heritage and reinvention, solitude and community. Rather than trying to define what it means to be Filipino in a single frame, she leans into the complexity of it, allowing contradictio

Women are often described as the “light of the home”—a phrase meant to embody the nurturing qualities of a mother. But beyond the domestic sphere, women also illuminate communities, spaces, and creative ecosystems that they inhabit. They not only keep things together; they initiate, build, and transform. Maryrose Gisbert My Love 16x25in Soft Pastel on Paper 202 Lumière, derived from the French word for “light,” expands this understanding. The exhibition positions women not as

For photographer Gail Geriane, stepping behind the camera to photograph Shaira Luna was more than a professional opportunity. It was a moment that quietly carried years of inspiration, admiration, and personal history. Shaira’s presence in the industry has long been felt, especially among women photographers who saw in her a kind of confidence that made the creative world feel a little more accessible. For Gail, that influence was deeply personal. Coming from the province and

There’s something quietly disarming about seeing Shaira Luna on the other side of the lens. For someone whose work has long defined how others are seen, this cover shifts the gaze. Shot by emerging photographer Gail Geriane, it isn’t about reinvention. It’s about reflection, trust, and a kind of creative exchange that feels both natural and necessary. For Shaira, being photographed is never something she fully settles into. “The awkwardness and excitement never really go away

There’s a quiet kind of discipline behind every great bartender—the kind shaped not just by skill, but by patience, setbacks, and an unwavering sense of purpose. For Ralph Allen Santos , the journey into bartending wasn’t something he mapped out from the start. It began unexpectedly, built through observation, persistence, and a willingness to learn the craft the hard way. Today, he stands at the forefront of Manila’s cocktail scene, fresh from being named Diageo World Class.

Before the global campaigns and agency rosters, before her name carried weight across Asia, Jiratchaya Kedkong was simply stepping into the unknown. This 2018 cover story captures her at a pivotal moment, fresh from her win on Asia’s Next Top Model, standing at the edge of everything she had yet to become. There’s a rawness to this chapter. A sense of discovery. Tawan, as she’s known, wasn’t just entering the industry, she was still learning herself in the process. Every cast

Welcome to “Alternations,” an exhibition that brings together different artistic voices into one shared space. The works in this show come from artists with varied backgrounds, practices, and visual approaches—each distinct, yet connected through a collective intention to express, respond, and engage through art.  Rather than aiming for uniformity, the exhibition allows these differences to exist side by side. Each artwork holds its own position, yet gains meaning through pro

Denial   A temporary shock absorber, often expressed as "This isn't happening to me". Anger  Frustration and rage directed towards the situation, asking "Why me?" or "Who's to blame?". Bargaining   Making deals with a higher power, hoping to reverse or delay the loss, like "If only I had... I would... ". Depression Overwhelming sadness, feeling the reality of the loss, leading to withdrawal and helplessness. Acceptance  Coming to terms with the new reality, not necessarily me

Come and see a showcase of the rich cultural landscape of Pasig City!  Kapitolyo Art Space proudly shares "Kalinangan: Preserving our Culture and Heritage Through Art", an exhibition that delves into the heart of Filipina identity through our shared heritage. "Kalinangan" is more than just culture and heritage, and more than just structures; it is the refinement of our collective spirit, shaped by the land, the sea, and centuries of history. It is a tribute to Pasig's rich cu

Nathan Studios’ trailblazing film claims the spotlight, shining a light on love, dignity, and inclusion as it takes home top honors.  Three weeks into the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival, “I’m Perfect” has not only touched hearts as the season’s most emotionally stirring entry but now stands triumphant as Best Picture, etching its legacy into Philippine cinema history.   Adding to its historic triumph, Anne Krystel Daphne Go made MMFF history with her Best Actress win for

The Hero Who Stays In an era where heroism is often defined by spectacle, certainty, and noise, Piolo Pascual is choosing something quieter—and perhaps braver. With Manila’s Finest, the most recent entry to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival, the actor steps into a role that resists grand gestures and instead leans into endurance, doubt, and moral persistence. It is a performance shaped by time, experience, and a deep understanding of what it means to serve in a complicated

A new collection of hand-embroidered kimonas, bibs, tapis skirts, and sarongs fill the pop up space of Dennis Lustico. Beyond it being a holiday offering, the Filipiniana Collection echoes the designer’s musings on what it truly means to build an enduring wardrobe and dress beautifully. Dennis Lustico’s pop up space on the second level of the Powerplant Mall resembles a jewel box. A velvet chartreuse sofa, Persian carpets, deep red curtains create a sense of being cocooned in

At only 27, Hong Kong–based photographer Michelle Lau has already carved out a voice that feels both intimate and transportive. A multimedia graduate of PolyU, Michelle’s journey into photography began in a simple, personal way. Back in 2011, she and her then-boyfriend would spend their days taking photos together. What started as a shared pastime opened a door she never closed. Over the years, that early spark grew into a deeper pursuit of storytelling through images. For M

The 38th Awit Awards powered by Vibe delivered a #LEGIT celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as the nation’s most credible and long-standing music honors returned to the Meralco Theater on November 16, 2025.  For 38 years, the Awit Awards—organized by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI)—has stood as the country’s premier platform recognizing Filipino musical artistry, originality, and achievement.   Strengthened by its partnership with Vibe, MQues

Her story is one of craft, resilience and cultural pride. She reflects on the flavors that raised her, the recognition that marked a turning point in her career, and the responsibility she feels as a Filipina sharing her work with an international audience.

Honoring icons, rising stars, and passionate fans, the 38th Awit Awards powered by VIBE elevates OPM to new heights through innovation, access, and engagement. With 38 years of credibility and integrity, the Awit Awards stand as the country’s most prestigious recognition of musical excellence. This year, its partnership with MQuest Ventures’ (MQV) youth-driven platform Vibe  strengthens that legacy—blending tradition with modern energy to deliver a fresh, inclusive, and #LEGI