Photo courtesy of Bienvenido Garcia Tapang Jr. 1st Place Winner of PRA Photo Contest 2026 Koala Reed, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, Rep. Ramon Guico Jr., Mayor Ramon Guico IV and other leaders lead the unveiling ceremonies inaugurating the Museo de Binalonan housed in an over a century old former school and historic Gabaldon building.
Carlos Bulosan’s Hometown Opens Museo de Binalonan
A Tribute to Community Pillars, Heritage By Alfred Gabot It was once a wilderness of the principalia of Manaoag. Then settlers came in slowly from many places, as far as Ilocos and the Caraballo mountains in the Cordilleras. The migrants brought with them “baon” or “balon” as they cleared their future settlements or their kin would bring them “baon” or food provision as they toiled for days or weeks. Thus, the settlement became known as Binalonan, a place for the packed food, as the inhabitants eventually succeeded in having their settlement separated from emerging “miraculous” town of Manaoag and have their own town. Binalonan’s rich history and the pillars behind its metamorphosis from wilderness to a progressive first class municipality is encapsuled in an over a century old Gabaldon edifice located in the heart of the town once occupied by the Binalonan North Central Elementary School which on August 14 was inaugurated as the “Museo de Binalonan.” The event was led by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose mother, the late First Lady, Dr. Evangelina Macaraeg Macapagal, was born in Binalonan. Also, at the forefront of the opening ceremonies were Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, his father, Rep. Ramon Guico Jr., and Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico IV one of whose ancestors was a founder of the town. Former President Arroyo and Governor Guico, stressed the importance of the landmark museum, as they spoke in gist, revolving on a Philippine proverb popularly attributed to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal: “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan hindi makararating sa patutunguhan.” (He who does not look back at where he came from will never reach his destination.) Both emphasized the value of gratitude
and remembering one’s roots that helped the people grow and succeed. An ebullient former resident aptly described the Museo de Binalonan as “a school for the young generation, a place of memory and a torch to guide the incoming generation.” The Binalonan museum immediately attracted a good crowd after the rain-soaked ceremonies outside the edifice at the center of the beautifully landscaped historic former school grounds. Among of the centerpieces of the museum are the bust, clothes, photographs and other mementos of a pride of Binalonan, the late First Lady Dr. Eva and that of her father, Juan Guico Macaraeg, born in Binalonan in 1888, was one of the bright Filipino students during the
A bust and mementos of former First Lady Dr. Evangelina Macaraeg Macapagal, mother of former President Gloria M. Arroyo, in a section of the museum called Pillars of the Community.
American occupation of the Philippines sent to study engineering at the Lewis Institute in Chicago (later Illinois Institute of Technology) and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with the degree of B.A. in Engineering in 1912 under the Pensionado Act of the Philippines of 1903. Upon his return to Manila, he worked with the Bureau of Public Works and led in designing and building vital infrastructures, one of which was the iconic Ayala Bridge over the Pasig River leading to Malacañang. In her speech, former President Arroyo took pride also in stating that one of the founding fathers of Binalonan was Castro Guico when he signed a petition to separate the visita of Binalonan from the old Manaoag town, now known for the Miraculous Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, early in the 19th century. For Governor Guico, who earlier had spearheaded the opening of the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum in the capital town of Lingayen, the Museo de Binalonan serves as a doorway to the past that preserves the historical, cultural and artistic treasures that had shaped the Binalonians. “Here we know our identity, where we came from… our parents, ancestors, history, culture, heritage,”
A monument of famous Filipino writer and labor union activist in America Carlos Sampayan Bulosan would greet guests at the entrance of the museum.
Governor Guico said at the ceremonies. “To navigate our future, we should know our past,” he stressed. Mayor RG Guico described the Museo de Binalonan thus: “This is more than just a museum. It is a place where we can look back at where we came from, appreciate where we are today, and share our story with the next generation of Binalonians. What was once a vision is now a reality—a place that we can all call our own and be proud of. Truly, a proud moment for every Binalonian.” Another feature of the museum is the homage to famous Filipino writer and labor union and workers’ rights advocate Carlos Sampayan Bulosan through a monument depicting him in concentration while holding a book, some photographs and mementos. Some of his books are separately displayed in an adjoining building called the Allos Book and Coffee Bar; Allos is a nickname of Carlos.
A proud daughter of Binalonan, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo calls on the people to love their culture and heritage and know where they came from in a speech outside the old Gabaldon school building converted as the Museo de Binalonan.
President Arroyo paid tribute to Carlos Bulosan in her speech as she mentioned him as one of the famous Filipino writers in America. She recalled that Bulosan’s masterpiece was the novel “America is in the Heart” which recounts the lives and struggles of Filipinos and other ethnic groups in America. The book, which was republished by the University of Washington in Seattle, is a reference in Asian American studies in colleges and universities, especially in California and Washington. On February 19, 2010, then President Arroyo led in the launching of Ilocano translation of Carlos Bulosan’s book, “Adda Iti Pusok Ti Amerika,” at the Binalonan Airport hangar with leaders of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), including this writer who spearhead the publication, alongside the inauguration of the North Luzon Aeronautical Highway. The Ilocano translation was made by Pangasinan writer Manuel Diaz and serialized in Bannawag Magazine. The book is available for reading at the Carlos Bulosan Mini Museum at the University of Eastern Pangasinan. The museum also features other pillars of the town like the late Mayor Ramon Guico Sr. who put Binalonan
Governor Ramon Guico III takes pride in the corner featuring his grandfather Mayor Ramon Guico Sr., some mementos and photos of the presidencia.
Old maps of Binalonan carefully preserved by experts.
in the national map by being awarded as one of the country’s outstanding farmers. Under his leadership, Binalonan was declared one of the cleanest and beautiful towns of the Philippines. Another pillar honored in the museum is Chief Justice Manuel Vicente Palisoc Moran of the Supreme Court. Moran had also served as ambassador of the Philippines to the Vatican and Spain. He is the grandfather of beauty queen Margarita “Margie” Moran and uncle to lawyer-journalist-industrialist Carlos Moran Sison, one of the founders of the Makati Stock Exchange. Other pillars from Pangasinan are also featured in the museum. They include National Artists F. Sionil Jose from Rosales town and Victorio Edades, another pensionado from Dagupan City who earned a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Washington in Seattle. The museum is still evolving as more contents are being prepared and more pillars of the community will be featured, according to Jessica T. Bautista, the town’s tourism and information officer who currently heads the museum staff, who guided our group in a tour of the museum. The museum also features artifacts of the old town like the “lusong,” “bangar,” wooden mortar (bayo), “araro,” “fishing basket,” earthen stove (kalan), anahaw
Binalonan Mayor Ramon RG Guico IV and staff during the museum inauguration
salakot, gas lamp, and others, reminding the townsfolk of the evolution from a farming town (rice, vegetables and sugar cane) to educational center and a future industrial and economic zone. A section of the museum is aptly called “Tawir” and is devoted to a visual arts exhibit of topnotch artists from Pangasinan. Paintings and sculptures of the Pangasinense artists are among the come-ons for the museum for a month or two. Other exhibits will be scheduled there in the coming months. Beyond history recorded in old photographs that features Binalonan through the generations and embellished with artifacts and furniture, the museum complex also features a Pasalubong Center showcasing products from Pangasinan, making it a fun stop for travelers who want to explore, learn, and bring home local finds. Officials sum up the Museo de Binalonan as a place filled with historical pieces. “It’s a space where the town’s history, culture, and heritage are preserved
Old maps of Binalonan carefully preserved by experts. Congressman Ramon Guico Jr. is all smiles as he welcomes guests during the inauguration of the Museo de Binalonan.
and brought closer to the community. Places like this remind us that every town has a story worth knowing, remembering, and passing on to the next generation. The Museo de Binalonan also serves as an inspiration for other cities and municipalities to recognize the value of museums and create spaces that preserve, celebrate, and bring their own local history and heritage to life. One piece of curiosity at the museum are maps of the old Binalonan settlement early in the 17th century, carefully preserved in a glass topped wooden cabinet. Pangasinan’ newest heritage attraction, the Museo de Binalonan, is open Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Schedule your visit now and be proud part of the town’s cultural renaissance.
The author is a journalist, author and professor and a native of Binalonan, Pangasinan. He is a nephew of famous writer and labor union advocate Carlos S. Bulosan, also of Binalonan. He can be reached at alfredgabot@aol.com or alfred_gabot@hotmail.com.
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From flavorful pours to versatile spaces, every experience starts here.
Searching for your next go-to spot? At Gourmet Bar by Novotel, every meal becomes an occasion, from slow mornings over coffee to evenings filled with good food, cocktails, and conversation. Gourmet Bar by Novotel offers a warm and contemporary dining space designed for both casual moments and meaningful gatherings. Savour the new eat bar experience with comforting favorites, flavorful specialties, and refreshing beverages thoughtfully crafted for every part of the day.
Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua
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A Year of Milestones, Season of Togetherness at Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua As Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua celebrates another anniversary this November, what does this milestone mean to you and the team? This anniversary feels especially meaningful to me because I’ve been part of the journey as General Manager for the past two years. During this time, I’ve seen the property go through many improvements, from our facilities and guest experiences to the way our team works together. It’s rewarding to look back at how far we’ve come and, more importantly, to see the team continue to grow with the hotel. The Philippines is known for having the world's longest Christmas celebration. From your perspective, what makes this season especially meaningful in the hospitality industry? Christmas is a season of togetherness, which makes it especially meaningful in hospitality. But working in this industry also comes with sacrifices, as we don’t always get to spend the peak holidays with our own families. For me, my family has made it special by coming to visit me during the season, allowing us to celebrate together even while I’m at work. It’s a reminder that Christmas is about being present for the people who matter, whether that’s with our own families or with the guests we welcome. As travelers' needs and expectations continue to evolve, what changes have you noticed among today's guests, and how has Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua responded to create experiences that go beyond the traditional hotel stay? Guests today are more intentional about how they travel. They want to feel comfortable, but they also want to eat well, stay active, make time to recharge, and have spaces where they can connect or get work done. For us, that has meant looking beyond the traditional hotel experience and understanding what our guests need throughout their entire stay. This is where Novotel’s five pillars: Eat, Sleep, Move, Meet, and Ocean come to life. Whether it’s enjoying more mindful choices at Gourmet Bar, getting a workout at the InBalance Fitness Centre, taking a swim, resting in the comfort of our suites, or bringing people together in spaces like Maysilo Meeting Room, each experience is designed to support a different part of the guest journey. We want guests to leave not only feeling well-rested, but also well taken care of.
One of the property's recent milestones is the enhancement of Maysilo Meeting Room. What inspired this investment, and how does it elevate the meetings and events experience?
Whether welcoming families, business travelers, or balikbayans, togetherness is at the heart of hospitality. What does that mean to you as a hotel leader?
The enhancement of Maysilo Meeting Room was really inspired by the needs we were seeing from our guests and clients. We were receiving more inquiries for larger meetings and events, and we wanted to be in a better position to accommodate them. Previously, Hulo and Coronado Meeting Rooms served as our main meeting spaces, so expanding our offerings gave us more flexibility in welcoming different types and sizes of gatherings. For us, it was not simply about having a bigger space, but about creating more options so that guests can find a setup that feels right and comfortable for their event.
For me, togetherness means creating a sense of belonging, no matter why someone walks through our doors. Families come to create memories, business travelers come to connect and accomplish something, while balikbayans often come home to reconnect with the people and places that matter to them. As a hotel leader, I’m reminded that our job is not simply to provide a room or a service, but to create an environment where people feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.
The hotel has also recently launched Gourmet Bar. What inspired this new dining concept, and what do you hope guests experience when they visit?
What excites me most is the opportunity to continue building on everything we’ve accomplished so far. In the past two years, I’ve seen the property evolve in many ways, and I believe there is still so much more we can do.
Gourmet Bar is one of Novotel’s dining concepts, built around the idea of “Savour the New Eat Bar Experience.” For us, adopting the concept was a natural opportunity to bring the Novotel dining experience to life in a way that suited our property and, most importantly, our guests. Our existing restaurant layout, particularly the bar and show kitchen, already provided a great foundation for the Gourmet Bar concept. We saw an opportunity to make these features more central to the experience and create a space that feels more open, interactive, and engaging. So, rather than simply changing our restaurant concept, we adapted the Gourmet Bar experience to our property while staying true to the Novotel brand. Ultimately, it is about making dining more than just a meal. Whether guests are spending time with family and friends, meeting colleagues, or simply unwinding, we want Gourmet Bar by Novotel to be a welcoming space where people can connect and enjoy themselves. This also reflects the wider Accor commitment to creating thoughtful and memorable experiences for every guest.
IN CONVERSATION WITH
MR. PEDMARK JULIAN MADRIDEJOS General Manager Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua?
We want Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua to continue being a place where guests can eat well, rest comfortably, stay active, connect with others, and create meaningful memories. More importantly, I’m excited to see our team continue to grow and bring new ideas to life. The future is about continuing to improve, staying relevant to our guests, and making every stay better than the last.
T
he best hotel stays are rarely remembered for the number on the room door. We remember the dinner that lasted longer than planned, the conversation that continued long after dessert, the sunset everyone stopped to watch, and the people who made an ordinary weekend feel like something worth remembering. Sometimes, where we stay matters most because of what it gives us more of: time together. At Monaco Hotel in Taytay, Rizal, hospitality is less about simply having somewhere to stay and more about creating a place where people can reconnect, celebrate, dine, unwind, and enjoy the time they have together. Hotels are often defined by what happens between check-in and check-out. But some of the moments we remember most from a stay have very little to do with the room itself. They happen over an unexpectedly long dinner. During a sunset that makes everyone stop talking for a moment. Around a table filled with family members who rarely manage to be in the same place. They happen when dinner turns into drinks, drinks turn into music, and nobody is particularly interested in calling it a night. That idea of making more out of time together is part of what has shaped Monaco Hotel in Taytay, Rizal. The property was envisioned by Engr. Reynaldo A. Carpio, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Grand Monaco Land, Inc., as the company expanded from residential development into hospitality. Inspired by a visit to Monaco, Carpio wanted to bring some of the destination's architectural character, elegance, and cosmopolitan energy closer to Filipinos. The result is a property with a distinctly European influence but a sensibility that remains unmistakably Filipino. That combination can be seen in the surroundings, but perhaps more importantly, it is felt in how the hotel approaches its guests.
Monaco was designed as a place to stay, dine, conduct business, celebrate, and enjoy entertainment without having to move from one destination to another. Today, Approche Hospitality helps shape that experience through its service standards, operations, team development, and strategic direction. MORE TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS Location plays an important part in the experience. Set along Ortigas Extension in Taytay, Monaco Hotel offers an alternative to staying in Metro Manila's traditional commercial districts. It remains accessible to the capital while providing a convenient base for eastern Metro Manila and Rizal, particularly for guests visiting relatives, attending celebrations, or doing business in the area. For balikbayans, that convenience can mean something particularly valuable: less time spent moving through traffic and more time with the people they came to see. A family can meet for lunch, spend the afternoon together, celebrate an occasion, stay overnight, and continue the following morning without constantly deciding where everyone needs to go next. The 100 rooms are complemented by a swimming pool, mini gym, massage services, dining, event facilities, entertainment, and the Sky Lounge. And should guests want to venture farther, the hotel can also serve as a starting point for discovering Rizal. The Taytay Tiangge is nearby for local fashion shopping, while Antipolo offers destinations such as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and Pintô Art Museum. Farther into the province, Masungi Georeserve offers an entirely different experience for those drawn to nature and adventure.
WHEN DINNER IS ONLY THE BEGINNING If there is one place where Monaco's emphasis on togetherness becomes especially apparent, it may be around the table. At Grimaldi RestoBar, Filipino favorites share the menu with international dishes. Crispy Pork, Beef Kare-Kare and Pork Binagoongan sit alongside pizza, pasta, katsudon, Beef Rendang and Salmon Kimchi. One of its more unusual signatures, Sinigang na Baboy sa Ube, gives a familiar Filipino dish an unexpected interpretation. But food is only part of what happens there. As evening progresses, Grimaldi can shift from restaurant to entertainment venue with concerts, comedy, karaoke, and special performances. A meal doesn't necessarily signal the end of an evening. It can be where the evening begins. For something quieter, there is the Sky Lounge. Set above Taytay with views toward the Metro Manila skyline, the open-air space comes into its own around sunset, equally suited to an intimate dinner, private celebration, or simply lingering over the view.
VENUE FOR THE OCCASIONS THAT MATTER Togetherness, of course, does not always require an occasion. But when there is one, having everyone in one place can make it considerably easier to enjoy. Monaco Hotel hosts weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, conferences, seminars, meetings, and company events, with guestrooms, event spaces, an in-house kitchen, banquet service, and a dedicated food and beverage team available within the property. A new ballroom currently in development will accommodate as many as 300 guests, expanding the hotel's ability to host larger gatherings. Yet facilities alone rarely determine how people remember a hotel. Some of its most meaningful stories come from guests who first arrived for an overnight stay, corporate event, or show, then returned with family and friends because they remembered how they were treated. Its service philosophy emphasizes sincerity, respect, attentiveness, and care, with the goal of building relationships rather than simply completing transactions. Perhaps that is where the real Monaco Hotel experience lies. Not simply in a European-inspired room, a dinner, a show, or a skyline view, but in what those things make possible: another reason to gather and a little more time to stay. Because years later, we rarely remember every detail of a hotel room. We remember who was there with us.
SOME MOMENTS DESERVE MORE TIME The best gatherings are the ones no one wants to end. At Monaco Hotel, give yourself the time and space to stay a little longer, reconnect a little deeper, and make the moments together count.
Plan your stay at Monaco Hotel. www.monacohotel.com.ph Reservations: reservations@monacohotel.com.ph Mobile | WhatsApp | Viber: 0953 736 1420 The Monaco Strip, along Ortigas Extension, Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
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Nature’s Therapy:
Five Outdoor Adventures That Can Help You Recharge By Rocelle Añabeza In today’s always-connected world, taking a break often means scrolling through another screen. Yet one of the most effective ways to reduce stress has been here all along: spending time outdoors. Whether you’re visiting the Philippines for a vacation, returning home as a balikbayan, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the country’s mountains, rivers, coastlines, and forests offer countless opportunities to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with nature. In today’s always-connected world, taking a break often means scrolling through another screen. Yet one of the most effective ways to reduce stress has been here all along: spending time outdoors. Whether you’re visiting the Philippines for a vacation, returning home as a balikbayan, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the country’s mountains, rivers, coastlines, and forests offer countless opportunities to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
VISIT A NATIONAL PARK National parks provide a peaceful escape from busy cities, allowing visitors to experience lush forests, waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes while enjoying the proven mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Mt. Apo Natural Park in Mindanao, Mount Pulag National Park in Benguet, and Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan each offer a different way to appreciate the country’s remarkable natural beauty.
EXPLORE A NEW HIKING TRAIL Hiking combines physical activity with fresh air, scenic views, and the simple satisfaction of reaching a destination under your own power. Beginners can enjoy the rolling hills of Masungi Georeserve in Rizal or the panoramic summit of Mt. Batulao in Batangas, while experienced hikers may prefer the dramatic peaks of Mt. Pulag or Mt. Guiting-Guiting in Sibuyan Island.
TRY PADDLEBOARDING OR CANYONEERING Whether you’re gliding across calm waters on a paddleboard or navigating rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools during a canyoneering adventure, both activities encourage you to stay present and embrace the moment. Paddleboarding is especially popular in
Coron, Palawan and Boracay, while thrill-seekers flock to Kawasan Falls in Cebu for one of the country’s most famous canyoneering experiences.
EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SKYDIVING Few experiences match the exhilaration of freefalling thousands of feet above some of the Philippines’ most spectacular scenery. Beyond the adrenaline rush, skydiving challenges fears, builds confidence, and offers a perspective few ever experience. Skydive Siquijor and Skydive Greater Cebu have become popular destinations for adventure travelers seeking an unforgettable view from above.
GO ISLAND HOPPING Sometimes the best way to recharge is simply being surrounded by open water, sea breezes, and quiet beaches. Island hopping offers the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, allowing travelers to disconnect from daily routines while discovering hidden coves, snorkeling spots, and white-sand beaches. Some of the country’s most memorable island-hopping experiences can be found in El Nido, Coron, Honda Bay in Palawan, and the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur. Nature has a remarkable way of helping us reset. Whether it’s the quiet of a mountain trail, the thrill of jumping from an airplane, or the calm of paddling across crystal-clear water, stepping outside often provides exactly what a busy mind needs. The next time life feels overwhelming, consider trading screen time for green spaces. You may return home with more than beautiful photos. You may come back feeling refreshed, re-energized, and ready for whatever comes next.
The Second Act:
How to Make Retirement Your Best Chapter Yet Lance Gregory For generations, retirement was often viewed as life’s final chapter. It was the reward for decades of hard work, a time to slow down, stay close to home, and enjoy a well-earned rest. Today, however, many Filipinos are redefining what retirement looks like. Instead of stepping away from purpose, they are embracing new passions, discovering hidden talents, and finding fulfillment in ways they never imagined during their working years. Longer life expectancy, improved health, and greater financial planning have given many retirees something previous generations had less of: time. Rather than asking, “What do I do now?” many are asking, “What have I always wanted to do?” The answer is leading them down some remarkable paths.
PAINTING A NEW PICTURE
Others are finding peace much closer to nature. Small-scale farming and gardening have become increasingly popular among retirees looking for a slower, healthier lifestyle. Some cultivate vegetables for their own families, while others grow orchids, herbs, or fruit trees that become modest sources of additional income. Beyond the harvest itself, tending a garden offers a daily routine, regular physical activity, and a sense of accomplishment. Watching something flourish under one’s care reminds many retirees that growth doesn’t stop simply because a career has ended. For those fortunate enough to retire in the provinces or relocate from the city, farming often becomes both a lifestyle and a return to familiar roots.
FINALLY TAKING THE TRIP
For some retirees, creativity that had long been tucked away beneath busy careers is finally coming to life. Across the Philippines, retirees are enrolling in painting workshops, learning photography, writing memoirs, and even performing in community theater. Many discover that artistic expression offers something beyond a pleasant pastime. It provides purpose, stimulates the mind, and creates opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. Social media has also opened new doors. Retirees now share watercolor paintings on Instagram, sell handcrafted jewelry through online marketplaces, and display their photography to audiences around the world. What begins as a hobby often grows into something deeply rewarding, proving that creativity has no retirement age.
PAINTING A NEW PICTURE
Throughout their working years, many Filipinos postpone travel while raising families, building careers, or supporting loved ones. Retirement often becomes the first opportunity to explore places they had only dreamed about visiting. Some finally experience the beauty of Batanes after years of seeing it in photographs. Others revisit hometowns they left decades earlier, reconnecting with relatives and rediscovering childhood memories. International travel also becomes more attainable for many retirees who now have the flexibility to plan
businesses, vacation rentals, and neighborhood cafés are also becoming popular second careers. Unlike businesses started out of financial necessity, these ventures are often fueled by passion and experience. Years spent building professional skills become valuable assets, allowing retirees to approach entrepreneurship with patience and confidence. Many describe their businesses not as jobs, but as opportunities to continue learning while remaining active and engaged.
REDEFINING RETIREMENT
extended vacations without worrying about work schedules. Travel offers more than sightseeing. It introduces new cultures, broadens perspectives, and reminds retirees that there is still much of the world waiting to be explored. Every journey becomes proof that curiosity doesn’t fade with age.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Not every retiree measures fulfillment by personal achievements. Many discover that helping others provides the greatest sense of purpose. Across the country, retired teachers tutor children, former healthcare professionals volunteer at medical missions, and business executives mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Others dedicate their time to church ministries, environmental organizations, animal rescue groups, or local charities. Years of professional experience become invaluable gifts that cannot be found in textbooks. Retirement provides the freedom to share that knowledge without the pressure of deadlines or promotions. In giving back, retirees often discover that they continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
BUILDING SOMETHING NEW Perhaps one of the biggest surprises is the growing number of retirees becoming entrepreneurs. Without the pressures of climbing the corporate ladder, many finally pursue business ideas that had been waiting for years. Some open cafés or small restaurants featuring family recipes. Others launch online shops selling homemade baked goods, handcrafted products, or specialty foods. Consulting
Retirement today looks very different from what it did a generation ago. It is no longer simply about leaving work behind. Instead, it has become an opportunity to write an entirely new chapter. That doesn’t mean every retiree needs to start a business, climb mountains, or travel the world. For some, fulfillment may be found in spending more time with grandchildren, mastering a favorite hobby, or simply enjoying quiet mornings without an alarm clock. The definition of a meaningful retirement is deeply personal. What matters most is approaching this stage of life with curiosity rather than hesitation. The skills, experiences, and wisdom accumulated over decades do not disappear after the final day at work. They become the foundation for new opportunities, new friendships, and new dreams. Perhaps that’s why so many retirees now describe this chapter not as an ending, but as a beginning. After years spent building careers and caring for others, retirement offers something that can be surprisingly rare: the freedom to choose how each day is spent. The second act is not about slowing down. It is about discovering that some of life’s most meaningful accomplishments begin only after the first career has ended.
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Hues of Happiness in Puerto Princesa MODERN. POLISHED. URBAN. Just five minutes from the airport, Hue Puerto Princesa is where urban efficiency meets the spirit of Palawan. It is a space designed for the modern traveler where business meets leisure. Designed for every kind of traveler. Hue Puerto Princesa features 122 rooms, including: Deluxe Room Suite Room Family Room
At the rooftop, guests can unwind at the swimming pool and The Flamingo Social, the hotel’s lively hub for cocktails, music, dining, and panoramic city views. On the ground floor, Bright Buds Play Club offers a fun and creative space for kids, alongside LA-UD Restaurant, where Filipino favorites are reimagined using fresh local Palawan ingredients. The 4th floor features the hotel’s Fitness Center for guests looking to stay active during their stay. Km. 3 Puerto Princesa North Road Brgy. San Manuel, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
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Bringing Color to Boracay IN AN ISLAND MADE FOR ESCAPE, HUE STANDS OUT. Located along the Station 2 Main Road, Hue Boracay is positioned where the island energy is most concentrated. This is the social capital of Boracay, a place designed for those who want to be exactly where the action is. Hue Boracay features 127 rooms, including: Deluxe Room Deluxe Pool View Suite Family Room Spectrum Suite
Station X is Hue Boracay’s vibrant lifestyle hub, home to local restaurants, bars, shops, and the laid-back Turf Lounge with arcade games and karaoke rooms. At the pool, The Flamingo Social serves cocktails and tropical vibes from sun-up to sundown. Guests can also enjoy LA-UD Restaurant for more modern flavors, stay active at the fitness center, or let the kids play at Bright Buds Play Club with slides, trampolines, and climbing walls. Station 2, Main Road, Malay, Aklan Province 5608
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Wake up on Cloud 9 SIARGAO DOESN’T DO ORDINARY AND NEITHER DOES HUE. Now open along Tourism Road in General Luna, Hue Siargao introduces a fresh, design-forward stay on the island with only 33 casitas, offering an intimate way to experience Siargao. Choose your stay: Deluxe Garden, Deluxe Seaview, Garden Casita with Pool, Seaview Casita, or Seaview Casita with Pool. Selected casita categories feature private pools, creating a more secluded escape designed for uninterrupted relaxation.
Beyond the casitas, the experience flows naturally. Bright Buds Play Club welcomes younger guests, while the Fitness Center, with sauna and ice bath, offers a full reset. At Dayána, coastal flavors are served in a relaxed setting made for slow, lingering moments. At the heart of the property, the pool sets the tone, vibrant by day, serene by sunset. Hue Siargao is now open. Book your stay and experience a new rhythm of island living.
Tuazon, Tourism Rd, Brgy. Catangnan, General Luna, 8419 Surigao del Norte
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Festivals Worth Traveling for in 2027 By Kathryna Zamosa
Some travelers plan their vacations around beaches. Others chase mountain views or culinary adventures. In the Philippines, however, one of the best ways to experience the country’s rich culture is to plan your trip around a festival. More than colorful parades and lively street dancing, Philippine festivals are living expressions of history, faith, artistry, and community. Every celebration tells a story, transforming entire cities into stages where traditions are proudly passed from one generation to the next. If you’re planning a visit in 2027, these festivals deserve a place on your calendar. SINULOG FESTIVAL, CEBU CITY (JANUARY 2027) One of the country’s grandest celebrations, Sinulog honors the Santo Niño with a spectacular blend of devotion and festivity. Streets come alive with rhythmic drumbeats, elaborate costumes, and synchronized dances that reenact Cebu’s rich history. While the colorful parade captures international attention, attending an early morning Mass and joining the candle-lighting ceremonies offer a deeper appreciation of the festival’s spiritual heart. PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL, BAGUIO CITY (FEBRUARY 2027) Known as the Flower Festival, Panagbenga transforms Baguio into a sea of blossoms every February. Intricately decorated floats, marching bands, and street dancers celebrate the city’s resilience and its thriving floral industry. Combined with Baguio’s cool mountain climate, lively cafés, and pine-lined streets, it makes for one of the country’s most enjoyable festival getaways. MORIONES FESTIVAL, MARINDUQUE (HOLY WEEK 2027) Unlike any other celebration in the Philippines, the Moriones Festival turns Marinduque into a living theater during Holy Week. Residents wearing intricately carved Roman soldier masks reenact the story of Longinus through dramatic street performances and processions. It is a fascinating blend of faith, folklore, and craftsmanship that has become one of the country’s most distinctive cultural traditions. PAHIYAS FESTIVAL, LUCBAN, QUEZON (MAY 2027) Every May, Lucban bursts into color as homes are decorated with elaborate displays of fruits, vegetables, rice, and vibrant kiping leaf ornaments to honor San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Walking through the town feels like stepping into an open-air art gallery where every house competes to create the most imaginative display. KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL, DAVAO CITY (AUGUST 2027)
Celebrating the cultural diversity and abundant harvests of Mindanao, Kadayawan showcases colorful floral floats, indigenous performances, fruit displays, and street dancing inspired by the region’s eleven ethnolinguistic tribes. Beyond the festivities, visitors can explore Davao’s thriving culinary scene, nature parks, and nearby beaches. MASSKARA FESTIVAL, BACOLOD CITY (OCTOBER 2027) Known as the “Festival of Smiles,” MassKara is one of the Philippines’ most joyful celebrations. Streets fill with dancers wearing brilliantly crafted smiling masks, energetic drumlines, and colorful costumes that create an atmosphere of nonstop celebration. Originally created to lift community spirits during difficult times, the festival has grown into one of the country’s most iconic cultural events, proving that optimism and resilience can become traditions in their own right. Why go: The energy is infectious, the costumes are spectacular, and Bacolod’s famous chicken inasal makes the trip even more rewarding. The Philippines doesn’t simply celebrate its festivals. It lives them. For a few extraordinary days each year, ordinary streets become stages, churches become gathering places, and entire communities come together to honor their history, faith, harvests, and traditions. Visitors may arrive for the spectacle, but they often leave remembering something far more meaningful: the warmth of the people, the stories behind every celebration, and the unmistakable feeling of being welcomed as part of it all. If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines in 2027, don’t just choose a destination. Choose a celebration. Some of the country’s most unforgettable memories are made when an entire community invites you to join the festivities.
RIESA MANAGEMENT 1/4AD
Fourteen Days, Countless Memories
The ultimate holiday itinerary through the Philippines By Billy De La Cruz
From centuries-old landmarks to a vibrant modern skyline, Manila offers the perfect introduction to the many stories of the Philippines.
The Philippines is impossible to experience in just two weeks. With more than 7,000 islands, hundreds of festivals, countless regional cuisines, and centuries of history spread across three major island groups, no itinerary could ever capture everything the country has to offer. But if you had fourteen days between Christmas and the New Year, this would come remarkably close. Designed for balikbayans eager to make the most of their holiday, this itinerary blends history, culture, food, mountains, beaches, and festive traditions into one unforgettable journey. It’s ambitious, yes, but every stop reveals another side of the Philippines, proving that the country’s greatest attraction has always been its remarkable diversity.
his final days. Continue to the National Museum Complex before spending the afternoon exploring Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, where every street offers another culinary discovery. From Spanish colonial architecture to bustling Chinese-Filipino heritage, nowhere tells the story of the Philippines quite like Manila.
DAY 3: CHRISTMAS BEGINS IN PAMPANGA Drive north to Pampanga, widely regarded as the country’s culinary capital. Taste authentic sisig where it was born, enjoy freshly made tibok-tibok and other Kapampangan delicacies, then spend the evening in San Fernando, home of the world-famous Giant Lantern Festival.
DAY 1: WARM WELCOME IN MANILA After a long international flight, resist the temptation to immediately rush to your next destination. Spend your first day rediscovering Manila at a gentler pace. Check into a hotel in Makati or Bonifacio Global City before making your way to Manila Bay in time for sunset. End the evening with a classic Filipino dinner featuring crispy pata, kare-kare, or fresh seafood while the city’s Christmas lights sparkle across the skyline. Sometimes the best way to begin a holiday is simply by remembering how good it feels to be back.
DAY 2: FOUR CENTURIES IN A DAY Dedicate your second day to discovering the country’s rich history. Walk the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, visit Fort Santiago, and stand where José Rizal spent
The journey to Mount Pinatubo rewards travelers with dramatic landscapes, crystal-blue crater waters, and one of the Philippines’ most unforgettable natural wonders.
As dusk falls, enormous handcrafted lanterns transform the city into a dazzling display of color and craftsmanship, capturing the unmistakable magic of a Filipino Christmas.
DAY 4: INTO THE PINES Continue north to Baguio, where crisp mountain air offers a refreshing change from the lowland heat. Spend the afternoon strolling along Session Road before enjoying coffee at one of the city’s many cafés overlooking pine-covered hills. As evening arrives, visit Baguio Christmas Village, where festive lights and holiday displays create a winter atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the Philippines.
DAY 5: SLOW DOWN IN BAGUIO Cool mountain air, towering pines, and a slower pace make Baguio the perfect place to pause and recharge during the holiday season.
Not every day needs a packed schedule. Begin with breakfast overlooking the mountains before exploring Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, and the BenCab Museum. Browse local markets for strawberries, handmade crafts, and woven textiles, then warm up with a bowl of strawberry taho before calling it a day. Baguio reminds travelers that sometimes slowing down becomes one of the most memorable parts of any journey.
DAY 6 : A WALK THROUGH TIME IN VIGAN
Every stroll along Calle Crisologo is a step back in time, where history continues to live in cobblestone streets and centuriesold architecture.
Leave early for Ilocos Sur and arrive in Vigan by afternoon. Ride a kalesa through Calle Crisologo as antique lamps illuminate beautifully preserved Spanish colonial houses. Visit traditional pottery workshops, sample the city’s famous empanada and bagnet, and spend the evening wandering quiet streets that feel remarkably unchanged despite the passing centuries. Few places preserve Philippine history quite as beautifully as Vigan.
DAY 7: WELCOME TO CEBU Fly south to Cebu, where history and modern city life exist side by side. Visit Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro before ending your day with what many consider the country’s finest lechon. If your visit coincides with the holiday season, attend an evening Simbang Gabi, where centuries-old traditions continue to bring communities together.
DAY 8: CEBU BEYOND THE CITY
From historic landmarks to world-famous lechon, Cebu blends heritage, faith, and island charm into one unforgettable destination.
Spend the day discovering another side of Cebu. Whether you choose to visit the mountain viewpoints of Busay, explore nearby heritage churches, or enjoy a relaxing day by the coast in Mactan, Cebu offers the perfect balance between history, nature, and contemporary island living.
Before boarding tomorrow’s flight, don’t forget to pick up dried mangoes and local delicacies that have become favorite pasalubong for generations.
DAY 9: WELCOME TO PARADISE A short flight brings you to Boracay. There is only one item on today’s itinerary: slow down. Walk barefoot along White Beach, enjoy fresh seafood by the shore, and watch one of the world’s most celebrated sunsets paint the sky in brilliant shades of orange and gold. After days of exploring cities and heritage sites, Boracay offers the perfect opportunity to simply breathe.
DAY 10: ISLAND TIME Spend your second day in Boracay exactly as you wish. Go island hopping, try paddleboarding, indulge in a relaxing massage, or simply spend hours beneath a beach umbrella with a good book. Sometimes the greatest luxury isn’t another activity. It’s having nowhere you need to be.
DAY 11: ISLAND HOPPING TO SIARGAO Trade Boracay’s lively beaches for the laid-back charm of Siargao. The island’s relaxed rhythm becomes immediately apparent as palm-lined roads, surf cafés, and friendly locals welcome visitors. End the afternoon at Cloud 9, where surfers and spectators gather beneath one of the country’s most iconic sunsets.
DAY 12: DISCOVER SIARGAO Spend the day exploring Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, or the island’s smaller surrounding islets. Unlike many destinations, Siargao encourages visitors to do less rather than more. Conversations last longer, meals are savored more slowly, and time seems to move at its own unhurried pace.
DAY 13: A HOLIDAY BY THE SEA
Some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets are best enjoyed with your feet in the sand and nowhere else to be.
Few experiences feel more uniquely tropical than celebrating the holidays beside the ocean. Whether it’s Christmas week or New Year’s Eve, Siargao offers a refreshing reminder that festive traditions don’t always require cold weather. Beachside dinners, live music, bonfires, and fireworks reflected across the Pacific create a celebration found nowhere else in the world.
DAY 14: ONE LAST SUNSET Every journey eventually comes to an end. As you watch your final Philippine sunset before heading to the airport, you’ll likely realize there are still countless places left to discover. The Chocolate Hills, Batanes, Palawan, Davao, Camiguin, Bohol, and hundreds of other destinations will have to wait for another visit. Perhaps that’s the greatest beauty of traveling through the Philippines. No matter how much you experience, the country always leaves you wanting just one more day, one more meal, one more island, and one more unforgettable memory. Fourteen days may never be enough to see everything, but they’re certainly enough to remember why the Philippines remains one of the world’s most rewarding holiday destinations.
Some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets are best enjoyed with your feet in the sand and nowhere else to be.
The Stories Behind Noche Buena By Rocelle Añabeza There is a moment during every Filipino Christmas when the conversations pause and everyone’s attention turns to the table. Someone slices the ham. Another reaches for the queso de bola. Bibingka still carries the warmth of the oven, while fruit salad waits patiently in the refrigerator until the very end. Every family has its own version of Noche Buena, but many of its most familiar dishes share stories that stretch far beyond the dining room. They tell the story of trade, faith, migration, and generations of Filipinos who made these flavors part of Christmas. BIBINKA Warm, fragrant, and slightly smoky, bibingka has long been associated with the Christmas season. Traditionally baked in clay ovens lined with banana leaves and topped with salted egg and grated coconut, it became a familiar sight outside churches during Simbang Gabi. Worshippers would buy freshly baked bibingka after dawn Mass, turning a simple rice cake into a reward for early morning devotion. Today, it remains a comforting reminder that some of the season’s happiest memories begin with the simplest traditions. PUTO BUMBONG Often found alongside bibingka, puto bumbong is instantly recognizable by its deep purple color and the bamboo tubes used to steam it. Made from glutinous rice and served with butter, grated coconut, and muscovado sugar, it has become another beloved Simbang Gabi treat. Its origins may trace back to Southeast Asian rice traditions, but in the Philippines it has become inseparable from Christmas. The sight of steaming bamboo tubes and the aroma of freshly cooked rice cakes signal that the holiday season has truly arrived. HAMON Christmas ham reflects the influence of Spanish and later American holiday traditions, but Filipino families have made it their
own. Glazed with pineapple, brown sugar, or local honey, hamon often takes center stage on the Noche Buena table. For many families, it was once considered a luxury reserved exclusively for Christmas, making every carefully sliced serving feel like part of the celebration. Even today, seeing a beautifully prepared ham often signals that the family has gathered for one of the year’s most anticipated meals. QUEZO DE BOLA Wrapped in bright red wax, queso de bola has become one of the most recognizable symbols of a Filipino Christmas. Originally imported from Europe, the aged Edam cheese found its way into Filipino holiday celebrations during the Spanish colonial period. Its rich, slightly salty flavor provides the perfect balance to sweet ham and festive breads. Beyond its taste, queso de bola has become a visual tradition, with many families proudly placing it at the center of the table as a sign that Christmas has officially begun. FRUIT SALAD Unlike many traditional Christmas dishes, Filipino fruit salad is a relatively modern addition to the holiday table. Introduced during the American period through canned fruits, cream, and condensed milk, it quickly became a favorite because it was easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Every family seems to have its own version, with additions ranging from nata de coco and kaong to cheese and fresh fruits. Chilled and colorful, fruit salad has become the sweet ending that many Filipinos look forward to after every Noche Buena feast. The dishes served during Noche Buena tell a story that goes far beyond food. They reflect centuries of cultural influences, family traditions, and memories passed from one generation to the next. While recipes may change and new favorites find their way to the table, these familiar flavors continue to remind Filipinos that Christmas is best celebrated together, with good food, shared stories, and the people who make every holiday feel like home.
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Destinations that capture the heart, history, and spirit of a Filipino Christmas By Lance Gregory Some destinations are worth visiting for their scenery. Others for their history, cuisine, or architecture. Visit them during Christmas, however, and they reveal an entirely different side of themselves. Across the Philippines, cities and towns embrace the season through traditions shaped by generations of history and local pride. Whether it’s a dazzling lantern festival, a pre-dawn church service, or a walk through beautifully preserved heritage streets, each destination offers its own interpretation of the holidays—and its own reason to visit.
SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA: WHERE LANTERNS BECOME LEGENDS
As dusk settles over the City of San Fernando, thousands of lights suddenly awaken, transforming the evening sky into a dazzling display of color and movement. This is the Giant Lantern Festival, locally known as Ligligan Parul, where towering lanterns measuring up to 20 feet in diameter compete in a spectacular showcase of artistry and engineering. What began more than a century ago as simple bamboo lanterns carried during religious processions has evolved into one of the country’s most iconic Christmas traditions. Today, each lantern is meticulously handcrafted over several months by teams of local artisans, incorporating thousands of bulbs synchronized into mesmerizing patterns that dance across the night. The festival is more than a competition. It is a celebration of Kapampangan creativity, craftsmanship, and community pride. Entire neighborhoods work together to build these masterpieces, passing techniques from one generation to the next while embracing new technology without losing sight of tradition. Standing beneath the glowing lanterns, visitors quickly understand why San Fernando proudly calls itself the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR: A CHRISTMAS WRAPPED IN HISTORY Few places capture the romance of Christmas quite like Vigan.
Walking along Calle Crisologo during the holiday season feels like stepping into another era. Spanish colonial houses glow softly beneath traditional lanterns while horse-drawn calesas gently make their way across centuries-old cobblestone streets. Heritage buildings, churches, and ancestral homes become the backdrop for one of the country’s most enchanting Christmas experiences. Unlike destinations known for elaborate light displays, Vigan celebrates with understated elegance. The city’s timeless architecture allows visitors to experience Christmas much as generations before them might have. Families stroll through plazas illuminated by warm lantern light, local musicians fill the evening air with familiar melodies, and cafés serve regional favorites that invite guests to linger a little longer. No visit is complete without sampling Ilocano specialties such as empanada, bagnet, and longganisa, followed by locally made delicacies that have become part of countless family traditions. In Vigan, history is not preserved behind museum walls. It lives in every street, every home, and every Christmas celebration.
BAGUIO: CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY OF PINES While much of the Philippines celebrates Christmas beneath tropical skies, Baguio offers something wonderfully different. The crisp mountain air, towering pine trees, and cool evenings create an atmosphere that feels remarkably close to the winter holidays many Filipinos have only
seen in movies. During the Christmas season, the city’s charm becomes even more magical. Families gather at Baguio Christmas Village, where illuminated displays, themed attractions, and festive performances transform the city into a wonderland for visitors of all ages. Session Road sparkles with colorful lights, Burnham Park glows with holiday decorations,
Mass to share breakfast before beginning the day’s activities. The experience extends beyond worship. It is about community, continuity, and the quiet comfort of participating in traditions that have united generations for hundreds of years. Visitors are often struck not by grand decorations but by something far more meaningful: the sense that Christmas here begins not with shopping or celebrations, but with gratitude and reflection.
DAVAO: A SOUTHERN CELEBRATION OF UNITY
and the city’s famous night market buzzes with shoppers searching for handcrafted gifts and local delicacies. Beyond the festivities, Baguio invites visitors to slow down. Mornings begin with cups of locally grown coffee overlooking mist-covered mountains. Afternoons are spent browsing artisan markets, discovering galleries, and enjoying conversations beside a fireplace. For generations of Filipino families, a Christmas trip to Baguio has become a tradition in itself, proving that sometimes the best holiday memories are made simply by spending time together. Long before sunrise, while much of the city still sleeps, thousands of worshippers quietly make their way toward churches across Cebu. This is Simbang Gabi, the beloved nine-day series of dawn Masses that has become one of the Philippines’ most enduring Christmas traditions. Few places observe it with as much devotion as Cebu, where centuries of Catholic heritage continue to shape the rhythm of the season. Outside church doors, the scent of freshly cooked bibingka and puto bumbong fills the cool morning air.
CEBU: WHERE FAITH WELCOMES THE DAWN
Far from the country’s traditional Christmas destinations, Davao offers its own vibrant interpretation of the holiday season. The city’s parks, business districts, and public spaces come alive with dazzling light installations, towering Christmas trees, and festive displays that welcome residents and visitors alike. Holiday markets feature local crafts, regional delicacies, and performances showcasing Mindanao’s rich cultural diversity. What makes Christmas in Davao particularly meaningful is its spirit of inclusivity. Home to Christian, Muslim, and Indigenous communities, the city reflects how people of different cultures can celebrate side by side while respecting one another’s traditions. This unique harmony gives Davao’s Christmas celebrations a warmth that extends beyond decorations. Travelers can spend their days exploring museums, parks, and nearby natural attractions before joining evening festivities that highlight both local creativity and southern hospitality. It is a reminder that while Christmas traditions may differ across the Philippines, the values they celebrate remain remarkably universal.
ONE COUNTRY, COUNTLESS CELEBRATIONS
Street vendors prepare steaming cups of sikwate, the region’s rich hot chocolate, while families gather after
lanterns. In another, it begins before sunrise with centuries-old traditions. Some invite visitors to wander heritage streets, while others embrace the holidays with cool mountain air or lively community festivals. That diversity is part of what makes traveling across the Philippines during Christmas so rewarding. Every destination offers a different perspective on a familiar celebration, proving that the country’s most memorable holiday traditions are found not in a single place, but across the many communities that continue to keep them alive.
What Memory Sounds Like By Hanadi Ahmad
As cities modernize and lifestyles evolve, the soundtrack of the Philippines is changing. While some sounds remain as familiar as ever, others are becoming less common with each passing year. They remind us that culture isn’t experienced only through what we see. Sometimes, it’s carried through what we hear. THE BELL THAT MEANT ICE CREAM For generations of Filipino children, excitement arrived with a simple ring. Before the colorful sorbetero cart came into view, the bell had already announced its arrival, sending children running outside with coins in hand. It was a sound that turned an ordinary afternoon into a small celebration. Today, supermarkets and delivery apps have changed the way many families buy treats, making the neighborhood ice cream bell a little less familiar than it once was. RAIN ON A TIN ROOF Few sounds are as comforting as rain falling on galvanized roofing. It brings back memories of suspended classes, steaming bowls of lugaw, afternoon naps, and families gathered indoors while the storm passed outside. Many newer homes now use different roofing materials, but for countless Filipinos, the gentle rhythm of rain on a tin roof remains one of childhood’s most unforgettable soundtracks.
Long before a place becomes a memory, it becomes a sound. THE ROOSTER’S MORNING CALL Before alarms buzzed from bedside tables, mornings often began with the crow of a rooster. Even today, in many provinces and rural communities, that familiar call signals the start of another day. It is one of the simplest reminders that despite rapid urban growth, much of the Philippines still wakes to rhythms that have remained unchanged for generations. ONE MORE SONG No soundtrack of the Philippines would be complete without karaoke. Whether it’s a birthday, a reunion, a town fiesta, or an ordinary weekend, someone inevitably reaches for the microphone. The singing may not always be pitch-perfect, but that’s never mattered. Karaoke has become less about performance than participation, bringing families, friends, and even neighbors together one song at a time. “BALOOOOT!” Some sounds don’t need an introduction. The unmistakable call of the balut vendor drifting through the evening streets has been part of Filipino neighborhoods for generations. Often heard after sunset, it signals more than the arrival of a late-night snack. It reflects a way of life where street vendors remain part of the community, recognized not by uniforms or storefronts, but by voices that every neighborhood instantly understands. Not every one of these sounds will disappear, but together they tell the story of a Philippines that continues to evolve. Some may become quieter as cities grow and technology changes the way we live. Others will endure because they have become woven into the country’s everyday rhythm. The next time you hear an ice cream bell in the distance, a rooster greeting the morning, a karaoke duet next door, or the familiar call of a balut vendor, take a moment to listen. One day, those ordinary sounds may become the memories that bring you back to the Philippines long before your plane ever lands.
The Most Important Decision Isn’t Strategic By Enrique M. Soriano Most founders believe strategic planning begins by deciding where the business should grow. In my experience, the most important strategic decision is made much earlier. It is whether the family has agreed on the future it wants to build together. Following my previous article, several founders asked me a similar question: “If a business plan is not enough, where should strategic planning begin?” Most expected me to talk about market expansion, digital transformation or competitive positioning. Instead, my answer surprised them. Before discussing strategy, a family enterprise must first agree on its purpose. I was reminded of this while facilitating a strategic planning retreat for a successful second-generation family enterprise preparing for regional expansion. The management team had spent months evaluating market opportunities, investment requirements and financial projections. The numbers were compelling, and the proposed strategy appeared well researched. Before we began discussing expansion, however, I asked each family member to answer one question privately: “What should this family enterprise look like ten years from now?” The responses revealed a reality that no market study could have uncovered. One sibling envisioned becoming a regional player through acquisitions. Another believed the priority should be preserving family wealth while strengthening the existing businesses. A third wanted to professionalize management and gradually reduce family involvement in day-to-day operations. The youngest admitted he had not yet decided whether he even wanted to build his career in the family enterprise. At that moment, the discussion changed completely. The family did not have a strategy problem. It had an alignment problem. After more than three decades of working with and advising family enterprises across Asia, I have found this to be one of the most common discoveries during strategic planning. Families invest significant time analysing markets, competitors and investment opportunities, yet devote remarkably little time to discussing the future they hope to build together. Expansion becomes the priority before purpose has been established. This distinction matters because every strategic decision ultimately reflects a family’s underlying aspirations. A family committed to long-term stewardship will evaluate opportunities very differently from one focused on rapid expansion or near-term liquidity. Neither approach is inherently right or wrong. Difficulties arise when different family members quietly pursue different ambitions while believing they are working toward the same objective.
Prof. Enrique M. Soriano is Executive Director of W+B Advisory Group. He is a Fellow and Mentor of the Singapore Institute of Directors’ (SID) Board Readiness Programme, a former World Bank/IFC Governance Consultant, and advises boards and multi-generational family enterprises across Asia on governance, strategy, succession and long-term stewardship.
In many family enterprises, disagreements rarely surface during periods of stability. They emerge only when the business begins to grow, larger investments become necessary, leadership transitions draw closer, or difficult decisions can no longer be postponed. Growth does not create these differences. It merely exposes them. That is why I have come to believe that the greatest value of a strategic planning exercise is not the document produced at the end of the process. It is the honest conversations that take place before the strategy is ever written. Before discussing markets, products or expansion, every family enterprise should first ask itself a few fundamental questions. Why do we want to grow? What legacy are we trying to preserve? How much risk are we prepared to accept? What role should future generations play? Which responsibilities should remain with the family, and which should be entrusted to professional management? These are not merely governance questions. They are strategic decisions because they shape every major choice the enterprise will make. One founder later told me that the most valuable outcome of our planning retreat was not the five-year strategy. It was discovering that his children had very different expectations for the future of the enterprise. Had those differences remained unspoken, the family might have spent the next decade managing conflict instead of creating value. Markets rarely derail strategic plans. Misaligned families do. A business plan helps an organisation manage today’s operations. A strategic planning process should first ensure that the family is united around tomorrow’s purpose. Only then can strategy become a powerful instrument for building not just a bigger business, but an enduring family enterprise.
More Than an Aguinaldo
Have we forgotten what it really means to be a ninong or ninang? By Billy De La Cruz Every Filipino knows what it’s like to have a long list of ninongs (godfathers) and ninangs (godmothers). Some are relatives. Others are lifelong family friends, trusted mentors, beloved neighbors, or people you’ve simply called Tito and Tita for as long as you can remember. Unlike many countries where a child has just one pair of godparents, Filipino children often grow up with several. It is a tradition that’s uniquely ours. Soon come the family visits, warm hugs, and, if they’re lucky, a crisp bill tucked inside a Christmas card or a folded envelope. Birthdays bring another round of greetings, gifts, and perhaps another visit from a favorite godparent. Somewhere along the way, many of us began associating ninongs (godfathers) and ninangs (godmothers) with two occasions: birthdays and Christmas. But that was never meant to be the whole story. The tradition of choosing godparents dates back centuries, with roots in the Catholic faith. During baptism, a ninong or ninang promises to help guide a child not only in matters of faith, but also in character, values, and life. In many parts of the world, a child has just one godfather and one godmother. The Philippines embraced the tradition and gave it a uniquely Filipino touch. Instead of one pair, many children grow up with several ninongs and ninangs. Some are relatives, while others are lifelong family friends, respected mentors, trusted colleagues, or neighbors who have become like family. Each represents another adult whom parents trust to help guide their child through life. At least, that is the intention. Today, the role is often remembered most during the holidays. Children eagerly look forward to aguinaldo, the traditional Christmas cash gift, while some godparents jokingly prepare for a long list of inaanak (godchildren) making their annual rounds. The exchange has become such a familiar part of Filipino Christmas that it is easy to forget the promise made long before the first envelope was ever handed over. The baptism may last only an afternoon, but being a godparent is meant to last a lifetime. That doesn’t necessarily mean giving expensive gifts every December. Sometimes it means remembering an inaanak’s birthday without relying on a Facebook reminder. Asking how school is going. Showing up at a graduation. Offering advice before a first job interview. Being someone a young person knows they can call when life becomes uncertain. Those moments often leave a deeper impression than any amount of money. For parents, choosing a ninong or ninang has never simply been about filling seats at a baptism. It is an act of trust. It is an invitation to become part of a child’s support system, someone who will encourage, guide, celebrate achievements, and offer reassurance through
life’s challenges. That tradition remains just as meaningful today, even as Filipino families become increasingly global. Many godparents now live overseas, send birthday greetings through video calls, or transfer aguinaldo digitally. Distance may change how relationships are maintained, but it doesn’t change what the role was always meant to be. Eventually, every Filipino child grows up. The Christmas rounds become less frequent, the envelopes disappear, and one day, many become ninongs and ninangs themselves. Perhaps that is when the tradition takes on a new meaning. Yes, your inaanak will probably remember the Christmas gifts. But years from now, they are even more likely to remember the conversations, encouragement, and quiet presence of someone who kept showing up long after the baptism ended. After all, the greatest gift a ninong or ninang can give isn’t something that fits inside an envelope. It is the reassurance that, no matter what stage of life their inaanak is in, they will always have someone in their corner.
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More Than a Meal:
The Filipino Art of “Kain Tayo” By Kathryna Zamosa You don’t have to be invited. Walk into almost any Filipino home around mealtime, and chances are you’ll hear the same words before you’ve even taken a seat. “Kain tayo.” Most Filipinos understand the phrase instinctively. Sometimes it’s a genuine invitation to join the meal. Other times, it’s offered even when there’s only enough food for the family. Regardless of whether the guest accepts, saying it matters. It reflects one of the country’s most enduring values: no one should feel left out when food is shared. In the Philippines, hospitality isn’t measured by grand gestures or expensive dinners. It reveals itself in simple moments. A plate is quickly set on the table. An extra chair appears from another room. Someone insists on serving the guest the biggest piece of fried chicken or the last slice of mango, even if it means taking a smaller portion themselves. The meal becomes secondary. Making someone feel welcome is what truly matters. This tradition is deeply rooted in Filipino culture, where food has long been a language of generosity. Celebrations, family reunions, fiestas, birthdays, and holidays almost always revolve around the table. Even ordinary afternoons
often begin with, “Have you eaten yet?” before any other conversation takes place. To decline food too quickly is often met with another gentle invitation. “Sige lang.” “Kain pa.” “Tikim lang.” These aren’t simply offers of food. They are expressions of care. The same spirit extends beyond the dining table. When friends gather, another familiar invitation often follows. “Tagay tayo.” Sharing a drink has become its own ritual of connection. Whether it’s beer after work, a glass of wine during the holidays, or a bottle shared at a family reunion, the first toast rarely celebrates the drink itself. It celebrates the company. Stories become longer, laughter becomes louder, and strangers often become friends before the evening ends. Like “Kain tayo,” “Tagay tayo” isn’t really about eating or drinking. It’s about making sure no one feels like an outsider. That instinct has traveled far beyond the Philippines. Filipino families overseas continue to welcome guests with overflowing dining tables, homemade dishes, and enough food to feed far more people than expected. A simple visit often turns into an invitation to stay for dinner, while holiday gatherings become opportunities to introduce friends and neighbors to Filipino cuisine and traditions. For many balikbayans and overseas Filipinos, preparing a favorite family recipe is more than cooking a meal. It’s a way of preserving a connection to home. In a world where schedules grow busier and interactions increasingly happen through screens, these traditions remain refreshingly personal. They remind us that hospitality isn’t something reserved for special occasions. It lives in ordinary acts of kindness repeated every day. Perhaps that’s why so many visitors leave the Philippines remembering more than its beaches or historic landmarks. They remember being welcomed into homes they had never entered before. They remember being offered another serving even after insisting they were full. They remember conversations that stretched late into the evening because no one seemed eager for the gathering to end. A shared meal lasts only an hour or two. The feeling of being welcomed can last much longer. That may be the Filipino gift for hospitality. Not simply offering food or a drink, but offering a place at the table, a seat in the conversation, and the quiet reassurance that, for however long you’re there, you’re already part of the family.
Where Dreams Are Nurtured and Futures Begin
Carmela O. Punayo, Founder & President of Carmela Children Collaborative Every child carries a dream. Yet for many children, those dreams are often overshadowed by poverty, limited opportunities, or the absence of someone who believes in them. For more than fifteen years, Carmela Children Collaborative has been quietly planting seeds of hope in the hearts of young people, encouraging them to dream, discover their potential, and believe that their future can be brighter than their present circumstances. This work was never born from wealth or abundance. It was born from compassion and a refusal to ignore the needs of children in the community. That compassion found its driving force in Carmela Punayo, an educator, musician, and community advocate who founded Carmela Children Club in 2009. What began as an effort to create opportunities for children would eventually evolve into Computer Children Club, providing young people with opportunities to learn, connect, and explore new possibilities. As the needs of the children grew, so did the vision. The initiative expanded beyond educational activities to embrace mentorship, outreach, character-building, and creative programs in music and the arts that nurture the whole child. Today, that work continues under a new name, Carmela Children Collaborative, reflecting the belief that transforming a child’s future is a shared responsibility. It takes parents, teachers, volunteers, community leaders, and compassionate individuals working together to create opportunities that allow
children to thrive. Over the years, the initiative has touched the lives of more than 2,000 children in communities including Baler, San Luis, San Isidro, Suclayin, Ditumabo, Cabanatuan, Baesa, and Barangay Bayanihan. Through outreach activities, educational support, mentorship programs, and creative learning experiences, children have been reminded that they are seen, valued, and capable of achieving great things. One question captures what the collaborative ultimately hopes to awaken in every child: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For some children, this simple question becomes their first invitation to imagine a future filled with possibility. Some dream of becoming teachers. Others aspire to become doctors, musicians, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, or public servants. While their dreams may differ, they all deserve the opportunity to pursue them. As Punayo puts it, “I believe every child deserves someone who sees their potential before they see it themselves.” Carmela Children Collaborative seeks to be part of that support system, not only by responding to immediate needs through community programs, but also by opening doors to experiences and opportunities that many children might otherwise never encounter. One of those dreams is Carmela Music School, envisioned as a way to give children with passion and talent access to music education through sponsorships and community support. It is an idea rooted in a simple belief: talent should never be limited by financial circumstances. Sometimes, all a child needs is someone willing to say, “Let’s give your dream a chance.” More than an organization, Carmela Children Collaborative is a reminder that kindness creates ripple effects. A shared meal can restore dignity. A lesson can build confidence. A mentor can inspire purpose. An introduction to music or the arts can uncover a talent a child never knew they had. And a community working together can transform lives. As the collaborative continues to grow, its vision remains clear: to nurture hope, empower children, and create opportunities that enable every child to discover and develop their potential, regardless of their circumstances. Because when we invest in children, we invest in the future. And sometimes, changing a life begins with something as simple as showing up, listening, and reminding a child: “Your dreams matter.”
The Art of Becoming:
Anna Vergel R.S. Enters a New Creative Era Beyond colors, shapes, and textures, art tells stories that invite us to see the world through a different lens. While many people encounter art every day—in the architecture of their cities or in museums that house masterpieces spanning generations—few choose to collect it, and even fewer take the time to understand the history and meaning behind each work. Among those dedicated patrons are Herbert Joseph G. Tan, President and CEO of C5 Mansions Development Corporation, and Alfonso C. Keh Jr., Chief Operating Officer of the company. For nearly two decades, the two have been devoted collectors of Anna Vergel R.S.’s works, acquiring pieces that trace the evolution of her artistic journey—from her earliest creations to her most recent masterpieces. As owners of the building that houses Anna Vergel R.S.’s art studio, Tan and Keh recently celebrated their long-standing friendship with the acquisition of her Venus Stones mural series. The collection reflects themes of modernity, transformation, and artistic evolution, marking a new chapter in Vergel R.S.’s creative practice. One of the murals from the series is currently on display at the SMX Convention Center, introducing her contemporary vision to a wider audience. Throughout her career, both Tan and Keh have
encouraged Vergel R.S. to continue refining her voice in contemporary art. Their support echoes the guidance she once received from National Artist Napoleon Abueva, who also mentored her mother, Ma. Josefina Vergel. It is a remarkable distinction that both mother and daughter studied under Abueva at the UP College of Fine Arts Diliman. One of Abueva’s most memorable pieces of advice came when he visited Vergel R.S.’s 2008 solo exhibition entitled, Linear & Abstract, in Makati. Looking directly at her, he said, “Anna, I am thrilled to tell you—I may not be around to see it—but promise me that you will continue and revisit these abstract series 15 to 20 years from now. It will be the perfect time. You’ll see.” Those words stayed with Vergel R.S. for years. Reflecting on them today, she shares, “This is the era Professor Abueva was talking about. Let’s make it happen.” Honoring her mentor’s vision, Anna Vergel R.S. has remained steadfast in her artistic practice. Despite balancing motherhood, family life, and sports, she has continued to paint tirelessly and happily, producing six successful solo exhibitions throughout her career. Her dedication now leads to another milestone: her highly anticipated seventh solo exhibition, scheduled to open within the coming year.
Honoring Our Manongs and Manangs 2026 By Lorna Lardizabal Dietz Standing (L-R) Joe Gacoscos, San Francisco Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon, Mona Lisa Yuchengco, Brig. Gen. Steve McLaughlin, Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret.), Roderick Medallon and Lloyd LaCuesta. Seated: Dr. Richard Tenaza, Dr. Joy Bruce, Luzviminda Micabalo, Perla Ibarrientos and Polly Cortez Photo by Minerva Amistoso
Dressed in “something Filipino” --- from traditional Filipiniana to modern Philippine-made fashion accessories --- Filipino American elders, community leaders, families, and supporters gathered in style for the third annual “Building Communities: A Tribute to Our Manongs and Manangs.” A packed Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library served as the backdrop on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for a moving three-hour afternoon program honoring 12 Filipino American leaders. Their collective lives represent decades of pioneering achievement and selfless service across military defense, diplomacy, public service, medicine, literature, field science, entrepreneurship, and grassroots advocacy. Organized by Positively Filipino, a premier digital magazine chronicling the global Filipino story in all its complexity, in partnership with Cris and Evelyn Raimundo, Publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco described the honorees as true “living treasures” who have safeguarded culture and carved out paths for future generations. “We honor them today to express the gratitude and appreciation they so richly deserve, and to let them know their hard work and sacrifices have not been forgotten. Their stories remind us of where we came from and guide us to a better future. Their experience and wisdom give us hope and new beginnings,” Yuchengco stated,
grounding the event in purpose. She also mentioned the passing of two honorees: Peter Jamero (2024) and Diosdado “Dado” Banatao (2025). The afternoon opened with greetings from Jaena Rae Cabrera, Program Manager of the library’s Filipino American Center. Cabrera offered a land acknowledgment, paying respect to the Ramaytush Ohlone people as the original caretakers and sovereign inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. Veteran television journalist Lloyd LaCuesta served as emcee, steering the audience through a rich repertoire of community introductions, trophy presentations, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and family remembrances. The resonant gongs of the Kulintang Dialect ensemble, led by educator and composer Conrad Benedicto, provided live music that anchored the ceremony in pre-colonial cadence and diaspora pride. Marking a historic milestone in longevity, this year’s tribute honored a vast span of life experiences, from the youngest honoree in his active mid-70s to an extraordinary matriarch celebrating 110 years of life. It is with profound respect and affection that the 2026 tribute spotlights these remarkable Manongs and Manangs. LT. GEN. EDWARD SORIANO, US ARMY RET. (COLORADO) The first Filipino American promoted to general
officer in the U.S. military, Soriano retired in 2005 after 35 years of service as a three-star lieutenant general. He had commanded I Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington, and was the highest-ranking Filipino American in U.S. military history at the time.
EDDIE FLORES, JR. (HAWAII)
Lloyd LaCuesta read the introduction prepared for Susie Quesada, president of Ramar Foods, who was unable to attend. Co-founder of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and author of Franchising the American Dream, Flores overcame a learning disability and academic struggles to become one of Hawaii’s leading Filipino entrepreneurs and community builders.
Lt. Gen. Edward Soriano, U.S. Army Ret. (Colorado)
Introduced by Brig. Gen. Steven McLaughlin, Soriano appeared by video and urged younger Filipino Americans to recognize the opportunities created by those who came before them. “The door is open. It was opened for me by people I never met, and we carry a duty to hold it open for others coming behind us,” he said. “There will be challenges, obstacles, and naysayers along the way. So, don’t quit or give up.” He added that legacy is “not about the title you carry, but the example you left.” His son, Keith Soriano, accepted the award and offered a more personal portrait of the general as a devoted father and grandfather. PERLA GANGE IBARRIENTOS (CALIFORNIA)
Introduced by Dr. Rod Daus-Magbual, a council member and former mayor of Daly City, the 91-year-old community leader was honored for nearly four decades of volunteer service, including her longtime work with the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC). A pharmacist by training, she immigrated to the United States in 1973 and later found her calling in community service.
Perla Ibarrientos receiving the award from Dr. Rod DausMagbual Photo by Minerva Amistoso
“Tita Perla” called Daly City her extended family and spoke warmly about the rewards of volunteering. “In my 37 years of service, serving the community, I found out volunteering is amazing. It’s rewarding,” she said. “I touched so many people, so many people’s lives in my 37 years.”
Eddie Flores, Jr.
After joining the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii --- the nation’s first Filipino chamber, founded in 1954 --- Flores became deeply involved in the effort to build the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. Recruited by Roland Casamina, he spent nearly a decade helping turn the dream into reality, including raising funds through Filipino community celebrations. The 50,000-square-foot center opened in 2002. Flores has often said that building it was a greater accomplishment than growing L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. “For me, giving back to the Filipino community is very important,” Flores said in a video message. His younger sister, Vicky Leon, accepted the award on his behalf. EVANGELINE ABELLERA PAREDES (WASHINGTON, D.C.)
Zeni Mallari, president of Gordon Manor, offered a remarkable look at the 110-year-old Manang Vangie’s life of public service and volunteerism. During World War II, Paredes served as secretary to Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon when his government was based in Washington, D.C. She later worked for the Philippine Embassy, traveled across the country with Gen. Carlos P. Romulo to visit Filipino communities, and joined the U.S. Department of Defense in 1957.
Evangeline Abellera Paredes Photo by Jon Melegrito
Asked what she was most proud of, Manang Vangie pointed not to her government career but to helping raise funds for the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, serving underserved Black families in Washington. Even in her 90s, she continued volunteering and speaking out against racial injustice. Her advice for a long life was just as memorable: “Volunteer, help others as much as you can, be kind and generous, eat plenty of nuts, chew your food well… Most of all, don’t take yourself too seriously.” “I’m ready to go any time,” Manang Vangie said, “but I’m not pushing it.” MILAGROS “MILA” MEDALLON-KA‘AHANUI+ (HAWAII)
A pioneering social worker and former executive director of Hawaii’s Office of Community Services, Manang Mila devoted more than four decades to defending the dignity of immigrants, Filipino World War II veterans, care-home residents, and other marginalized communities. Introduced posthumously by Dr. Angelica Cortez, founder and CEO of LEAD Filipino, her story showed a life spent not only helping people in need, but building systems to support them.
Milagros “Mila” MedallonKa‘ahanui+
When Filipino World War II veterans began arriving in Hawaii in 1992 with little support, Mila mobilized housing, food, citizenship assistance, and social services. She created a state task force for Filipino veterans, helped establish immigrant resource centers on three islands, and fought for stronger standards for care homes. Her son, Rod Medallon, remembered a mother who was “very, very tough, but kind-hearted.” He recalled her emptying the family pantry to feed veterans who had nowhere else to turn. “Her compassion was never passive,” he said. “She was a woman of fire and grace, strong as steel against injustice… but she had a tender heart.”
Dr. Jocelyn “Joy” Bruce, accepting the award from Gayle Romasanta Photo by Minerva Amistoso
She founded NANAY, meaning “mother” in Filipino (Tagalog), in honor of her own mother. “I decided that whatever time I did not spend with her, I’m going to spend with all the other elders who are still around,” Bruce said. She wanted to provide companionship, address depression, and help elders enjoy their remaining years. Her service went beyond NANAY. Bruce founded the Philippine Charities Foundation in Miami in 1992 and the Philippine American Federation of South Florida in 1998, which brought together 20 Filipino American associations. She also served as Southern Regional Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. After seeing a CNN report about children imprisoned with adults in the Philippines, she helped establish Advocates for Children and Elders International Philippines, which advocated for changes in the country’s juvenile justice law. But Manang Joy turned her recognition of past accomplishments into a responsibility for the future. “I’m challenging everybody to get together, join hands, and make sure that we serve these people who are needy, elders who need companionship, and youth who need guidance. Can we do that?” LINDA TY-CASPER (MASSACHUSETTS)
At 95, Manang Linda, author and poet, is best known as a legendary historical novelist who transformed a troubling library discovery into a 60-year literary crusade to tell the complex history of the Philippines. She was introduced by scholar, professor, and writer Michael Gonzalez.
DR. JOCELYN “JOY” BRUCE (FLORIDA)
Retired neuropathologist, tenured professor at the University of Miami, author, and community advocate, Manang Joy was introduced by Gayle Romasanta, author and trustee of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). Alongside her distinguished medical career, Bruce founded organizations serving Filipino American families, elders, and youth.
Linda Ty-Casper
Her fascination with Philippine history began with her grandmother’s stories about the Revolution against Spain and the Philippine-American War. Years later, while studying at Harvard, she discovered inaccurate and
derogatory accounts of Philippine history and Filipinos in Widener Library. Determined to challenge those narratives, she turned to historical fiction, eventually writing more than 20 books. Her novels explored war, colonialism, political corruption, human-rights abuses, and the Marcos dictatorship, preserving difficult chapters of Philippine history for generations of readers who did not experience them firsthand. Her work continues to reach new generations. The Three-Cornered Sun, set during the Philippine-American War, was reissued in 2024, while a revised critical edition of A Small Party in a Garden was reissued in 2026. Even in her 90s, she remains productive, publishing a memoir in 2025. LUZVIMINDA SAPIN MICABALO (NEVADA)
At 88, Manang Luzviminda is a healthcare leader and philanthropist whose professional success became a platform for decades of service. Lourdes Moldre, a nurse executive at UCSF Health, traced her career from establishing Cabrini Medical Center’s first home health agency to becoming a healthcare executive, while building an equally remarkable record of humanitarian work in the United States and the Philippines.
Luzviminda Micabalo, receiving the award from Lourdes Moldre Photo by Minerva Amistoso
With her late husband, surgeon Dr. Zosimo E. Micabalo, she participated in medical missions across the Philippines for more than 27 years, bringing healthcare to underserved families. In 2001, she established a nonprofit foundation in Nevada to support underserved communities in the United States and the Philippines. In 2007, the couple donated land in Oroquieta City to Gawad Kalinga to build homes for poor families. She also supported educational programs, raised funds for disaster victims, and advocated for Filipino nurses’ rights. Long retired from her professional career, she continues to join medical missions. Manang Luz turned those accomplishments back toward the people she served. “When we lift someone, we lift the whole community,” she said. “This award belongs to you, the community, and to my husband, whose compassion still guides me.” She added, “If our small part inspired others, even one person to help others, then I feel that we have won our cause.” DR. RICHARD TENAZA (CALIFORNIA)
Manong Richard is a renowned field biologist, Professor Emeritus at the University of the Pacific, primate
researcher, and namesake of Antarctica’s Tenaza Peak. Elena Mangahas, co-founder of Little Manila Rising in Stockton, gave the audience a worldview of Dr. Tenaza’s accomplishments.
Dr. Ricard Tenaza, receiving the award from Dr. Elena Mangahas Photo by Minerva Amistoso
Born into a Filipino migrant farmworker family, Tenaza spent his earliest years living in a packing-crate home near Half Moon Bay. From those humble beginnings, his curiosity about nature took him around the world, from the Arctic tundra and California’s Farallon Islands to the rainforests of Indonesia, the savannas of East Africa, and Antarctica, where his pioneering research on Adélie penguins led to Tenaza Peak being named in his honor. But his legacy extends beyond scientific discovery. During three decades at the University of the Pacific, he took generations of students out of the classroom and into forests, oceans, and distant lands where science became something they could experience firsthand. He also devoted decades to Filipino American education and community organizations, including FANHS, and served as the first faculty advisor to Kilusan Pilipino, mentoring Filipino students as they explored their own history and identity. POLLY SANTIAGO-CORTEZ (CALIFORNIA)
Manang Polly is a retired federal banking regulator, Vice Chair of the Friends of UP Foundation in America, and President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation.
Polly Cortez, accepting the award from Flor Nicolas Photo by Minerva Amistoso
Introduced by Flor Nicolas, South San Francisco councilmember and the city’s first Filipino American mayor, Polly was recognized for a life that joined professional achievement with community service. During 38 years in federal banking regulation with the U.S. Treasury, she helped oversee financial institutions and protect the public interest. Beyond government
service, she has encouraged Filipino Americans to participate in civic life and pursue positions of leadership. For nearly two decades, she has served the Friends of UP Foundation in America, helping channel alumni support toward scholarships, research grants, and professorial chairs. A lifelong Girl Scout, she has also served as a board member, financial consultant, and mentor. She helped establish the sister-city relationship between South San Francisco and Pasig City and, through the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, continues working to preserve and share Rizal’s legacy with future generations. Manang Polly traced her drive to serve to a neardeath experience when she was struck by lightning at age eight. Given what she considered a second chance at life, she built a personal mission around her “P” words—purpose, positive prayer, participation, perseverance, persistence, principles, and passion. “This is not the end; we have to keep going,” she said. Her mission: “Building bridges, making a difference that matters, guided by purpose and powered by passion.” Manang Polly ended with a challenge that captured the spirit of the afternoon: “May we continue to turn our compassion into action, service with impact, purpose into legacy.”
Festival in 2004 and became founder and president of Union City Friends of Sister Cities, promoting friendship and understanding among communities across several countries. Until her death on May 22, 2026, shortly after her 81st birthday, she continued encouraging others to embrace civic engagement and community service. Her son, Joe Gacoscos, remembered another side of his mother, a woman who could make friends with anyone, regardless of wealth, race, gender, or political influence. In her recorded message, Manang Pat said their generation was “giving it to the younger people to accept the challenge” and become of service to the community. MAJ. GEN. ANTONIO “TONY” TAGUBA, U.S. ARMY RET. (VIRGINIA)
Manong Tony’s life reflects military service, moral courage, and a commitment to preserving Filipino American history. Introduced by Cecilia Gaerlan, founder and executive director of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society, Taguba rose to major general during a 34-year Army career. The son of a Philippine Scout who survived the Bataan Death March, he gained international attention in 2004 when he led the investigation into detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. His report documented widespread abuse and failures in military oversight, even though speaking the truth came at great personal cost to his career.
PACIENCIA “PAT” GACOSCOS+ (CALIFORNIA)
Manang Pat was honored posthumously. Manny Fernandez, a former Union City councilmember and longtime friend, recalled the retired public servant and community activist who became the first Filipino American woman elected to the Union City Council.
Paciencia “Pat” Gacoscos+ Photo by Mona Lisa Yuchengco
Her public service began long before elected office. In the late 1980s, she spoke out against racism and called for greater minority participation in politics. She served eight years on the New Haven Unified School District Board of Education, where she helped bring Tagalog instruction to James Logan High School. Later, as Union City vice mayor, she supported a resolution backing the DREAM Act and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrant youth. Manang Pat also believed in building bridges across cultures. As chair of the Human Relations Commission, she founded the Union City Sister City
Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, accepting the award from Cecilia Gaerlan Photo by Minerva Amistoso
Retirement opened another chapter of service. As chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), Manong Tony led the national campaign that secured the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino World War II veterans. But he believed a medal was not enough. FilVetREP went on to develop “Duty to Country,” an educational program designed to teach new generations about the veterans’ service and sacrifice. “That’s their legacy,” Taguba told the audience. “You got to tell their story.”
This year’s tribute honored a vast span of life experiences, from the youngest honoree in his active mid70s to an extraordinary matriarch celebrating 110 years of life.
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Philippine heritage is in full bloom in Manila FAME Experience premium crafts from across the Philippines under one roof Furniture & Furnishings | Home Decor & Accessories | Lamps & Lighting | Fashion Accessories and Wearables | Components: Coverings, Parts & Fittings | Holiday & Seasonal Decor | Premium Gifts, Souvenirs, & Giveaways
BUYER PROFILE International and Local Retailers, Wholesalers, Merchandising Agents, Trading Firms, Buying Offices, Department Stores, Specialty Stores, Specifiers, Architects & Interior Designers, Facilities Managers
EXHIBIT HOURS: 9 AM TO 7 PM
See you at Manila FAME 2026.
ADMISSION FEES ₱500
₱400
₱250
FREE ADMISSION
General Public
Students
PWD & Senior Citizens
Trade Buyers, Media,
Scan the QR code to learn more.