Archives

NIKKO DIZON traces the steps and story of artist/mountaineer Tomas Leonor, who walked around the Philippines to raise funds for kids with cancer. He described his project, STEP JUAN, as “a crazy idea” that even his own family and friends, at first, didn’t think he would really do. But the cancer-stricken youngsters whom he met …

A highly traditional, specialized form of close-range combat, Wing Chun employs a broad system of open-hand forms and weapons, which are effective for exercise and self-defense. Globally, Wing Chun enjoys a wide following as popularized by Bruce Lee. In the Philippines, Michelle Varron is the first Filipino woman to gain respect and fame in the …

In a society where babies are abandoned in planes and bus stations, we meet soon-to-be-mothers who will defy the odds to make a better life with their children. Reports from Mixkaela Villalon and Anika Ventura. Do you want to see my baby?” 14-year-old Jenny* asked as she took my hand. We followed her to a …

Less than two years after opening his shop in Los Angeles, the works of Orani, Bataan-born designer Oliver Tolentino have gone to the Golden Globes, Oscars, and Grammys. When did you realize you wanted to design clothes? I guess I always knew. At seven, while the other kids in the province were outside playing, I …

Twice the rector of the University of Santo Tomas (1990-98 and 2008-present), and a former head of the Commission on Higher Education (2004-2007), this Dominican has education at the core of his spirit. Describe a Thomasian in three words. Committed, compassionate, competent. These qualities are in the mission-vision of the University. What will UST be …

Besting 300 nominations from all over the world, Filipino social entrepreneur Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, president of Rags2Riches, was among only five laureates who were chosen for the prestigious Rolex Awards for Enterprise: Young Laureates Programme in 2010. Reese works with the women of Payatas, alongside the Philippines’ big-name designers, to make saleable rags and stylish fashion …

British ocean rower and UN Climate Hero Roz Savage was a typical London yuppie when she exchanged her sports car for a high-tech row boat and decided to cross oceans with a message on environmental responsibility. She completed the Atlantic trip in 2006 and became the first woman to row solo across the Pacific in …