Academic regalia: Origin of the graduation gown
A complete account of the origin and background history of the graduation gown would fill a book. But to make a very long story short, the early academic dress in…
Category: Life & Style
Covering the week’s most noteworthy life & style news stories impacting the Filipino-American and Global Filipino community.
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The gift of service
There is in all work of service a deep soul — something that has called those who participate in it and sustains it. Tangible and visible, whose objects had been…
The gospel and theology of mercy
NO one is ever late for God’s mercy and forgiveness. This contention is what Pope Francis has always reflected on in all his actions and words, especially in promulgating 2016…
These Filipino celebrity dads make fatherhood so adorable
They say, “Anyone can be a father but it takes a real man to be a dad.” As Father’s Day approaches, I would like to pay tribute to all the…
Hollymont Castle is ready for more Chopin concerts
Hollywood—Peerless on its grace and splendor with changes subtle and grand, noble and patriotic this unending testimony of class, tradition and old world elegance has left even the most eloquent…
Julee Ann Marie Bourgoin: ‘Beauty could be a blessing, an asset, and a curse…’
As beauty authorities often say: “A beautiful woman has the most probability to explore every possibility but failure sets in the absence of an excellent head on her shoulders.” Realistically,…
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
ABOUT 20 percent of people in the United States (323.58 million population) have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) of some type, a condition that is not well-understood and is under-diagnosed. I…
A flavorful experience across Vietnam at The District by Hannah An
Hearing the “An” last name immediately draws a connection to Crustacean, a fine-dining institution with locations in Beverly Hills and San Francisco. For three generations, the An family has successfully…
Vacations fade fast
VACATIONS are nothing more than series of moments that you remember between all the exhaustion, moving from one place to another. It’s the special times obliterated by little things that…
Chefs Michael Hung (Viviane) and Alvin Cailan (Unit 120) team up to host a Filipino backyard BBQ to benefit No Kid Hungry
LOS ANGELES—Spend an evening feasting with friends and supporting a great charity with Chef Alvin Cailan and Michael Hung at their Filipino Backyard BBQ in support of No Kid Hungry,…
Meeting world-renowned fashion designer, Francis Libiran
I had the pleasure of meeting this fashion guru at the Golden Globe Awards two years ago. He and Business Manager Arsi Baltazar were there. And I-being-me, I wouldn’t pass…
Church and state, church and God
“WE worry a great deal about the problem of church and state. Now, what about church and God? Sometimes there seems to be a greater separation between the church and…
Crowns, scepters, bouquets, smiles, & camera flashes brimmed over at PAFCOM’s 26th Friendship & Coronation Night
By and large, the venue’s ambiance was ecstatic and rapturous while every attendee’s mood was indubitably exuberant. The unswerving jauntiness and high spirited countenance that prevailed around the four corners…
What is coronary angioplasty?
WHAT is coronary angioplasty? Commonly called angioplasty, the procedure is technically known as Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA). Percutaneous refers to “the needle puncture thru the skin,” transluminal means “the…
Las Vegas, a paradise beyond art
Las Vegas is a city of a thousand flashing lights racing on and off, bizarre and beautiful, meant to confuse people that there is no time here, no night and…
Meet the Filipino ‘instant celebrities’ of Social Media
We consider it a once-in-a-blue-moon event whenever we run into famous personalities. And to memorialize that moment, we ask for their autographs (for those who still know what that means)…
Our love for the Eucharist
JESUS, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this…
The great game of golf: From tee to green
There is a funny thing about golf. It is more than strong shots or strong hands, beautiful knee action, smooth and self assured putting attributes or strokes. A tough player hides…
Duterte and the Philippines’ health
With the election of Rodrigo Duterte, The Punisher and Dirty Harry of Davao, as the next president of the Philippines, are the Filipinos headed towards a healthier, safer, and corruption-free…
When love turns around
LAS VEGAS: On a hot, dry day in May, the whole city was breathing and heaving like a tired beast. On the strip that controlled all the luxurious hotels, cursing…
Contouring is out, strobing is in: The latest makeup trend for your summer look
Don’t you just love it when summer is approaching? I love how the suns sets so late and how it makes you feel like you have more daytime hours; not…
The actions of the Trinity in the world
“WHY do we hear all this stuff about the Trinity?” The question burst from a man in the audience of a talk of mine. “Why can’t we just be good…
Five popular eateries coming to downtown Glendale
Some exciting news for foodies who live and work in Glendale. Caruso Affiliated, the privately held real estate company behind The Americana at Brand and the Grove, announced on Thursday,…
The perils of Kristeta: The back story
A long, long time ago, Kris Aquino and I sat together by the steps of the Guest House, the official residence of then President Cory Aquino. We goofed around at…
Music & Magic: back to the forefront to make magical music together again
The current trend of reuniting disbanded or gone-on-its-own-way old-time singing groups and bands, in a despicable evaluation, could offer a nostalgic flashback while simultaneously proving their (still) acceptable capability to…
Tanning salons: A skin cancer risk?
THE US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning on the use of tanning beds at home and salons. Tanning increases the risk for melanoma, a deadly type of…
The ‘pause’ every woman endures
They call it hormonal mischief. It is the new perspective coming into view in every woman’s major life passage. A midlife agitation, literal and poignant — first, the gushing, like…
‘Change is Coming:’ A warm welcome to the newly-elected PH President
CHANGE. A six-letter word that’s easily spelled than done. This concept is basically embedded in every platform and in any campaign speech we heard from presidential candidates. But if there’s…
Living, working, and governing in the Spirit
“THE Spirit is present only when charity, joy, peace, patience, endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity are deeply in our lives—and permeate the air around us.” –Fr. Ron Rolheiser,…
Glowing goldies and the magical fun of dancing
I am struck by women who are no longer young. At the same time, startled by the beauty of their old faces. Lived, grooved and puckered as they may…