My Experience Attending the LEC Investment Forum in Manila
A day before the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum, we were told to pick up our media/press badges at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City….
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Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II, an Artist Who Draws Inspiration From His Travels
DURING his teenage years at La Salle Green Hills, Atty. Jose Ferdinand “Joy” Mendoza Rojas II was already engaged in buying and selling different kinds of goods, which he offered…
Asia’s Next Generation of Stars: 12 Rising Talents to Watch
Meet 12 exceptional young talents, all age 20 and younger, selected for their achievements and potential. Already making waves across Asia’s entertainment landscape, they represent a new generation helping shape…
Singer-Actor Eduard Bañez Reconnects With His Motherland
Eduard Bañez is a former Filipino actor and television host and a current U.S.-based educator and digital entrepreneur who identifies as a historian and philanthropist. After a diverse career in…
A Day with ATOM on August 21
In August 1983, we had a rehearsal for our De La Salle University graduation, but there was a sudden blackout in metropolitan Manila. At the time, former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy”…
Virtual Press Briefing with Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby
On Aug. 13, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, I joined a virtual press briefing with Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge A. Colby, who discussed the Department of War’s defense…
Advancing U.S. Safety, Strength and Prosperity in Southeast Asia
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was recently in Manila, Philippines, to engage with ASEAN and regional leaders, advance the U.S. vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, reaffirm U.S. commitment…
A Tribute to Photojournalist Mandy Navasero
Whenever I think of the late photojournalist Mandy Navasero, I remember the four tense days I saw her during the EDSA Revolution from February 22 to 25, 1986. The uprising,…
Philippine Export Opportunities in Latin America
Several centuries ago, the galleon trade was the first means of global commerce that enabled cross-continental trade from Asia to Latin America. At present, there is a challenge to reinvigorate…
U.S. Efforts to Prevent and Combat Transnational Sextortion of Children
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Bedard oversees the Office of Europe and Asia Programs in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the State Department’s counter-crime…
Roundtable with U.S. Trade and Development Agency Head Tom Hardy
Thomas “Tom” R. Hardy, acting head of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), recently held a roundtable with foreign press members in Washington, D.C., moderated by Zafar Hashemi. …
Crafting a Niche in the American Food and Furniture Landscape
The Philippines is strengthening its presence in the American market by showcasing its agricultural heritage, design expertise and sustainable products at major U.S. trade shows. Led by the Department of…
My Encounters with Pres. Noynoy Aquino
“Nasaan ka ba?” (“Where are you?”) then-Sen. Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, fondly called Noynoy, asked in an Aug. 31, 2009, text message to me. I was among those…
My Memory of Teaching at the University of Makati
Dra. Elenita Binay, wife of former Makati Mayor and former Vice President Atty. Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, encouraged me to teach at the University of Makati. Years ago, I visited Mayor…
Asian Journal Joins the Ceremonial Signing of LOVEPH
Asian Journal Publications’ marketing development director Jesus Noel Godinez represented Roger Oriel, the publisher of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. and Balikbayan Magazine, during the pioneering ceremonial signing of LOVEPH last…
Asia Clean Energy Forum 2026 at ADB
The Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2026, held June 8–11, celebrated the Asian Development Bank’s 60th anniversary while addressing pressing challenges in the clean energy transition. Reflecting ADB’s updated 2025…
A Pet as a Stress Reliever and Real Friend Part 2
Interacting with animals can significantly lower cortisol, the primary stress hormone, and decrease blood pressure. Just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat can trigger the release of “happy…
PhilStagers’ thespian OJ Arci advocates punctuality
OJ Arci is a prominent Filipino theater actress and singer. In the competitive world of Philippine performing arts, she and the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) advocate absolute punctuality as a…
Actor-Dancer Gerald Magallanes in Focus
I could never forget the dance workshop facilitated by Gerald Magallanes in one day. What was once the champion of the dance floor during my younger years, especially when I…
Thanks to director Anton Juan for nominating me as Best Supporting Actor
THE rehearsals were exhausting, often lasting until late midnight, for Vince Tañada’s “SA” Series at the Philippine Stagers Foundation Blackbox Theater on Calabash A corner G. Tuazon streets in Balic-Balic,…
JP Lopez and the discipline of creative trust
If Maria Cristina Lopez were still alive today, she would likely take immense pride in the accomplishments of her son, JP Lopez, now recognized as a writer and director with…
FL Melania Trump at the 113th Annual First Lady’s Luncheon
First Lady Melania Trump delivered remarks at the 113th Annual First Lady’s Luncheon held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., emphasizing initiatives focused on children and youth. She addressed congressional spouses…
Philippines’ “Likhang Filipino” Permanent Showrooms
Through the initiative of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, six permanent showroom sites now rise along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, establishing a year-round marketing and business platform for Micro, Small,…
My Encounter with Joseph Estrada
The first time I met actor Joseph Estrada—former mayor, senator, vice president, and president of the Philippines—was when I was still in grade school at Aquinas School in San Juan…
A Series of TV/Radio Guesting Experiences
FROM the warm hospitality of radio booths to the bright lights of TV studios, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind. It is always a privilege to step into…
Dogs, Cats Give You Joy and Protection
In March 2026, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), prohibiting Department of Defense (DOD) funding for “painful research” on domestic dogs…
What Is Taking Shape in 2026 (Part 2)
As the first quarter of 2026 draws to a close, the year is no longer about anticipation; it is beginning to reveal direction. I asked seven individuals from different fields…
A Memorable Gahol Reunion
I witnessed, for the first time, the reunion of the Gahol clan of Taal and Balayan, Batangas, held at the clubhouse of Corinthian Garden Village in Quezon City. The gathering…
My Encounter with Three Nieces of Sen. Ninoy Aquino
As we observe Women’s Month, I encountered the nieces of the late martyred senator Ninoy Aquino: courageous sisters Roxanne Aquino and Jackie Aquino, and Mia Concio. As a child and…
Memories of JDV: Family and Friends Remember Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
I voted for then-presidential candidate Jose Claveria de Venecia Jr. in 1998, but he lost in the national elections. Despite that defeat, he never stopped serving the country. His public…