What was once a beacon of vibrant, colorful, and glamorous entertainment is now a forgotten, struggling and lonely place. Downtown Manila has been known as a center of educational and commercial activities. Movie houses were very prominent as early as 1930s with the screening of local films. First-run theaters such as Times, Dilson, Roben, Vista…
Tag: Manila
When Manila Went Gaga Over the Goo Goo Dolls
Anyone who grew up in the Philippines in the 90’s will easily recognize The Goo Goo Dolls as the band behind the hit “And I don’t want the world to see me,” the original soundtrack to the film City of Angels. For some 90’s kids like me, it wasn’t until I asked my older siblings that…
Nanlaban
Ang dali. Ang daling sabihin: “Eh kung ‘di naman kasi sila tamad, kung nagpursige ba sila sa pag-aaral. Kung ‘di sila nag-anak ng apat, anim, siyam. Kung ‘di na lang sila umalis sa probinsya para maghanap ng trabaho sa Maynila. Kung tumanggi sila. Kung ‘di sila adik. Kung ‘di sila tulak.” Ang daling sabihin kasi…
Their Last Moments on Earth
After dusk, when darkness sprawls over the metro — thieves, murderers and drug personalities find their most opportune time to do business. And where these hooligans leave a bloody mess, that’s where my duty as a graveyard reporter begins. The dirty job takes some getting used to. But I’ve never thought that my graveyard shift will…
Less Is More: The True Value of Vote-Poor Places Like Batanes
In a faraway province in the northernmost parts of the Philippines, Ryan Cardona is excited for the month of May. The clear blue skies, pristine waters of the Pacific, and the warm winds from the ocean during this month are all good signs for his business. Ryan works as a tourism officer in Batanes, ushering…
Trial by Fire
We don’t even have to wait for March to talk about fire prevention. We can have this discussion during the first day of every New Year. Instead of enjoying Media Noche with their families, our firefighters are busy babysitting reckless people who are literally playing with fire through firecrackers. Some say it’s our custom. Some say it’s tradition….
Indochina: Four Tales of Heartbreak
Love has a quota. That’s according to Ricky Lee in his masterpiece “Para kay B.” Only one in every five people who fall in love will have a happy ending. The others might love someone who will not love them back. Or love without learning. Or love hopelessly. And some might not love at all….
The Myth of ‘The Butcher’ Jovito Palparan by Dano Tingcungco
On August 12, 2014, after two years of hiding, NBI operatives finally captured retired Major General Jovito Palparan in Sta. Mesa, Manila. He now has to face charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention for the disappearance of UP students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006. Palparan has carved a reputation as “The Butcher.” It wasn’t…
Why Manila Is Better than London
My editor asked this question right after I went back to work: “Bakit umuwi ka pa? (Why would you want to return?)” The Executive Producer of a morning newscast asked me the same, with additional input: “Something is very wrong with you.” This was not the first time I heard these remarks. I have just returned from a two-week vacation…
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