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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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Filipina Parisian Chef

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Trans-woman Couturier

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New York Runway Model

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Luxury Real Estate Agent

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Baybayin Calligraphy Artist

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MUST READ ESSAYS

A Fuller Spectrum of the Complexity of Filipino Culture and Identity

A Fuller Spectrum of the Complexity of Filipino Culture and Identity

By: Pamela A. Coumans

How will young Filipinos shape their future while honoring their past? Fort Santiago's colonial legacy overshadows the rich heritage of ancient Filipino culture. This essay challenges this narrative and envisions Intramuros as a modern cultural hub—a new barangay. Picture museums, academies, and monuments that celebrate Indigenous achievements and unity. Let’s break down colonial walls and build a future rooted in authentic Filipino identity. Are you ready to redefine our legacy?

Growing Roots in the Air

Growing Roots in the Air

By: Renee Valerie Fajardo

Building community spirit is impossible without pakikisama or an appreciation for togetherness. This is not so much the willingness to compromise as it is the recognition that harmonious relationships are more important than one’s ego.

The Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum

By: Julia Sy

"Art should be beyond personal possession... a common and free experience"

Isamu Noguchi

UNTOLD
SHORT
STORIES

Rituals on the Ancestral Land

BATO, Boracay Ati Tribal Organization | Boracay, Philippines

Fluid Gold Journal extends our deep gratitude to the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO) for granting us permission to share and publish two of their rituals. The following rituals have been translated from the ATI Community local dialect. Our culture in the past was rich in numerous rituals. While we still teach our children about the various types of rituals, the process of performing them is no longer passed down. Due to the influence of Catholicsm and the establishment of the church, it is now rare to find medicine people, healers, or shamans, and many rituals are no longer practiced. A shaman is considered more powerful than a healer. Many of the shamans from earlier times have passed away, and only one healer, Tay Johnny, remains. As a result, we now seek the help of a shaman from a different province and also go to the hospital when we are sick. Despite this, we still believe in the value of our rituals, as they have the power to save lives and cure illnesses that Western medicine cannot. Palubad This ritual is conducted to determine if supernatural entities reside on the land. A hole is dug to plant a coconut seed. After three days, the hole is re-excavated to inspect the seed. If the coconut shakes, it indicates a negative presence on the land. If it remains still, the land is deemed safe for use and settlement. Sanag This ritual is for a newly constructed house. The father of the house or head of the household will conduct the ritual where the house will be built using stone or money. Plant the coins along the perimeter of the house in order to buy the land from supernatural entities.

Travel & Lifestyle Diary

The Miao People in China

by: Su Xianshun | China

It’s a very traditional Miao village located in Rongshui, Liuzhou, Guangxi, in China. We were attracted by the sign on a house along the way to the top of the mountain. The sign displayed Mandarin characters representing some unknown meaning in the Miao language, which were later explained by the grandson of an old man. The old man, with a distinct Miao appearance, couldn’t understand any Mandarin, nor could we understand Miao. Our interest peaked when the kid told us the sign was about Miao music. They ushered us in, and the old man took his precious 古瓢琴 (ancient gourd lute musical instrument) from the wooden wall as we were viewing the unusually humble house. He carefully cleaned the instrument and tuned it, knowing what we were expecting. It took him quite a while to make it work again. It was completely unexpected when he sang for us in Miao while playing the 古瓢琴(ancient gourd lute musical instrument)! The sound of his voice and the instrument was ancient and touching. For a moment, we were transported on a journey to those fluid golden days that are gone forever. Part of the lyrics means: “We only met because you came here.”

Photo and Video Credit: Su Xianshun

Scenic view of Luxembourg

Lost in Lucious Luxembourg

by: Raffid Mahmood | Pakistan

When I had first heard of Luxembourg, I didn’t really know what to expect. The only information I had prior to my visit was that there was a lot of French and German influence behind it. However, I was left utterly stunned and enchanted on my first visit to the country. The roads wind and twist around the city and in a car it feels as though you’re on a roller coaster going up and down and all around. The colossal bridges tower above the town and it’s seemingly nestled in between a valley, this makes Luxembourg city feel distinct and unique in the way it almost disconnects you from the hustle and bustle of modern life. I would definitely love to visit again!

Photo Credit: Raffid Mahmood

HUMOR US SECTION

We invite our readers to show us some love and send us some humor to quench our community's thirst for laughter! 

Send us an email via Contact page and note HUMOR on the subject line.

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