A Tribute to Atty. Lucas Carpio Jr.
As I entered the chapel at Heritage Park in Taguig City with William Seva and Raquel Espina, I saw fellow De La Salle University alumnus and the country’s second gentleman,…
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Joy Mendoza Rojas Holds 10th Solo Exhibition at ArtistSpace
Atty. Jose Ferdinand “Joy” Mendoza Rojas II, a practicing lawyer and former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, presented his 10th solo art exhibition, “Sequens Gradus,” at ArtistSpace…
My Encounter with De La Salle Brother Armin Luistro
“I remember my father saying that the Luistros are originally from Taal, Batangas,” recalls Brother Armin Altamirano Luistro, the Filipino educator and former education secretary who now leads the De…
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump Hosts “Fostering the Future Together” Luncheon in New York
Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and other first spouses at the “Fostering the Future Together” luncheon held on September 22, 2026, on the sidelines…
My Second Encounter with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
It was my second encounter with Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, or FL LAM. It happened during the opening of “LIKHA 5: Likha Ko, Lahi Ko,” where she was the…
A Glimpse at Anna Orlina’s First Solo Exhibit
Glass sculptor Anna Orlina has stepped out of the shadow of her famous father, Ramon Orlina, to present her highly anticipated first solo exhibition, “Reflections of Being.” Running from September…
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….
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…