THIRD EDITION January 2025
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
![on white background is fluid 24 karat yellow gold liquid_edited_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fae480_51569838cd1b48febc67c3848919eaa5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_634,h_569,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/fae480_51569838cd1b48febc67c3848919eaa5~mv2.jpg)
MUST READ ESSAYS
![A Fuller Spectrum of the Complexity of Filipino Culture and Identity](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fae480_9665d0ff60d64bde927aa345202cbd88~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_186,h_186,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Wood%20Face_edited.jpg)
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](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fae480_4d78cebc09d14c5fa6c20fb8b1ab37c5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_153,h_186,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Wood%20Face_edited.jpg)
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](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fae480_ad5d581916ad4257be2c65f96859f8d9~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_169,h_186,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Wood%20Face_edited.jpeg)
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
Travel & Lifestyle Diary
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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](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fae480_39d34771ae07488abf490b14aa2bf22c~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_0,y_150,w_1652,h_1386/fill/w_379,h_318,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-05-30%20at%2014_23_11.jpeg)
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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