The Philippines is one of many countries that suffer from political incompetence, dominated by political dynasties and political patronage.   If you ask any Filipino what they think about the Philippine government, they would express their frustration with the system and how, most particularly, the minority, the less fortunate, and the lower and working classes often suffer the most. From job hunting and public transportation to stretching a minimum wage through relentless inflation and finding housing.   They are the ones who cannot afford privilege.   They will go on and on about why they don’t feel safe, secure, and...

No one prepares you to live alone in Manila. Some nights, it’s just you, cradling your pillow and crying into your blanket; other nights, you’re with friends somewhere in Binondo or on the bustling streets of Fusion Alley.   But most of the time, it’s just you, within the four corners of your room, entangled in secrets or soft wishes you tell yourself as nightfall hits.   You learn that loneliness can exist even in a city that never seems to sleep. Outside your window are jeepneys passing by, conversations spilling onto sidewalks, distant horns, and the constant hum of...

It is understandable why many Filipinos gravitate toward foreign media and literature over local works. The Philippines’ history of colonization under Spanish, Japanese, and American rule has left a deep and lasting imprint on Filipino culture. Over generations, foreign influences have become woven into the fabric of everyday life, shaping not only the media we consume and the stories we are drawn to, but also the food we eat, the way we live, and even the values and moral perspectives we carry. In many ways, our cultural identity has been shaped through a continuous meeting of our own traditions with...

The Philippines and the European Union have reached a substantial agreement on a free trade agreement, a development that the government says could bring more jobs, investments, and export opportunities to the country. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has described the agreement as an important step toward expanding economic cooperation between the Philippines and the EU.   The development is significant. The European Union is already one of the Philippines’ major trading partners, and the agreement could provide greater access for Filipino products to the European market. It could also encourage European investments and create opportunities for local industries, including farmers,...

When people talk about successful tourism, they often look at how many visitors come, how many hotels are booked, and how much money is spent. But tourism should also benefit the locals who live in the places being visited.   The Philippine economy is highly dependent on tourism. A report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) says that tourism directly contributed ₱2.27 trillion to the economy in 2025, or 8.1% of the country’s gross domestic product. Tourism-related industries also provided jobs to around 7.70 million people, or 15.7% of total employment.   These numbers show how important tourism is to...