Hello,

We’re all bombarded with identity politics nowadays, be it on social media or television. For some, it’s merely a woke buzzword to get the conversation going, but for those who are fighting for the right to be themselves, the debate strikes a much deeper chord.

For child star Ice Seguerra and his wife Liza Diño, while their love easily outweighs the trepidations that come with representation, the struggle remains ever-present and profound.

With that, we invite you to read through our roster of inspiring stories about the Filipino LGBTQ+ community, how far we’ve come, and the long path that lies ahead:

• Angie and Joey Mead King’s incredible story of love and pride
• LGBTQ+ narratives celebrated in Filipino pop culture
• Senator Risa Hontiveros shares how she overcomes challenges in the political landscape
  

Cheers for diversity,
Dowee Untivero
Digital Director & Editor

Armed with a mission to make world-class cosmetic surgery and medical aesthetics accessible to Filipinos, Dr Victoria G Belo founded the Belo Medical Group in 1990 and has since brought many ‘firsts’ to our shores. In her pursuit of transforming the Philippines into a global tourist destination for beauty, she has garnered multiple awards and recognitions from reputable organisations like the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging World Congress.

Discover how Dr Victoria G Belo MD opens many avenues to self-confidence.

Despite being in progressive times, there is still a notable number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) that face hardships in employment. There is an estimate of over 650 million PWDs in Asia, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Highlighting the challenging environment they face in the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also shared data stating that the unemployment rate for PWDs increased to seven percent in January 2022.

Know more about these 52 companies aiming to address the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace.

Situated in the quiet Sta Elena Golf and Estate in Sta Rosa, Laguna, Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary combines breathtaking lakeside and garden views with contemporary, world-class services to bring an omnichannel, lifestyle retail and leisure destination. A homage to Rico and Nena Tantoco, the event space goes beyond four walls as it embodies their spirit and zeal.

Discover Lakehall, the newest event space in the metropolis and could be the most beautiful.

This year’s Cinemalaya presented a variety of thought-provoking movies that resist fixed ideas of what defines a nation and its culture. Through its theme “Ilumi Nasyon” (a clever twist on ‘illumination’), the audiences were greeted by stories that challenged preconceived notions and celebrated the rich tapestry of human experiences. “Cinemalaya pushed the boundaries for creative expression in the last 19 years by bolstering artistic integrity,” says festival director Chris Millado. 

Know about these Cinemalaya entries that stand out remarkably and are likely to win prestigious awards.