Author: Ely Valendez

Lola Helen Panciteria in Marikina

Lola Helen’s Panciteria: Marikina’s Humble Heart in the Michelin Guide Philippines

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There are restaurants that dazzle with spectacle — and then there are restaurants that warm you with familiarity. Lola Helen’s Panciteria in Marikina belongs to the second kind: the quiet, comforting kind. The kind that feels like stepping into a memory you didn’t even know you missed. For 25 years, this unassuming eatery has served classic Filipino-Chinese stir-fried noodles to loyal locals who know exactly what they’re coming for: honest food, generous portions, and flavors that feel like home. In 2025, that warmth and sincerity earned Lola Helen’s a place in the Michelin Guide Philippines, proving once again that culinary excellence can be found far from the glitz of fine dining. Sometimes, it lives in the steady hands of a cook tossing noodles in a battered wok, and in the simple joy of a steaming plate placed before you. ⸻ A Pancit Story Rooted in Tradition Pancit is more than a dish in the Philippines — it’s a cultural motif. We eat it during birthdays, family milestones, town fiestas, and even on the most ordinary …

Miss International 2025 Winners Colombia, Philippines

Miss International 2025 is Colombia; PH’ Bet Myrna Esguerra Places 4th RU

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The Miss International stage has a new queen, and her name is Catalina Duque of Colombia. In a night filled with elegance, emotion, and cultural pride, Duque emerged victorious among dozens of global candidates, taking home the crown and solidifying Colombia’s status as a pageant powerhouse. The evening concluded with a strong and diverse final lineup representing four continents — Africa, Asia, and the Americas — each carrying impactful advocacies and memorable performances. Miss International 2025 Official Results Miss International 2025 is Catalina Duque of Colombia Colombia’s Catalina Duque captivated the judges with her polished communication skills, timeless beauty, and advocacy on cultural identity and environmental consciousness. Her final speech emphasized unity and purpose — a standout moment that sealed her win. First Runner-Up is Yollanda Chimbarami — Zimbabwe The Zimbabwean representative delivered one of the most heartfelt closing statements of the night. Her advocacy on youth empowerment and inclusive education resonated worldwide, marking the highest placement for Zimbabwe in Miss International history. Second Runner-Up Paola Guzman — Bolivia Bolivia’s Paola Guzman impressed with her …

Miss Universe 2025 Top 5 Winners

Miss Universe 2025 — when beauty, scandal, and mistrust collide

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The coronation of Fátima Bosch of Mexico as Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok was supposed to be a night of celebration. Instead, it became the centre of a firestorm — judge resignations, allegations of manipulation, online wars between fandoms, and criminal investigations swirling around the organisation’s top leadership. By the next morning, the question wasn’t “Who won?” — it was “Can Miss Universe still be trusted?” The allegations: rigged, manipulated, and mishandled Fans worldwide have been unusually unified in one sentiment: “Something didn’t feel right.” Among the biggest reasons: • Judges resigning before the finale, with at least one cryptically hinting at process issues. • On-stage and backstage altercations circulating on social media. • Delegation walkouts and complaints about inconsistent treatment. • Leadership miscommunication, livestream rants, and contradictory official statements. These were not small hiccups — they were structural cracks. And they pointed to one name repeatedly: Raul Rocha. Raul Rocha: the controversy magnet at the centre of it all Even before the coronation, Raul Rocha, co-owner and president of the Miss Universe Organization, was …

Jeproks the Musical

Jeproks: The Musical — Pinoy Rock, Privilege, and the Stories We Repeat

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There are nights at the theater that feel like Manila is whispering an old story back to you — a story about youth, rebellion, privilege, growing pains, and the kind of music that refuses to die. Watching Jeproks: The Musical at GSIS Theater on November 23 felt exactly like that. It wasn’t just a show. It was a reclamation of memory. And backstage, as I met with the cast — seasoned OPM names returning to their musical roots — it became clear that Jeproks is more than a jukebox musical. It is a mirror held up to the Philippines, past and present, lit by the anthems of Pinoy rock legend Mike Hanopol. What “Jeproks” Really Means: A Word We Thought We Understood Most Filipinos know jeproks as a fun old slang word — retro, quirky, a callback to the hippie aesthetic of the 70s. But the word has teeth. Jeproks comes from “projects” — specifically the QC Projects, which in the 1970s were home to upper-middle-class and well-off Filipino youth. The aesthetic was long-haired, kalas, …

Where to Dance in Taguig: Imperial Dance Studio Opens at Venice Grand Canal Mall

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If you’re looking for unique things to do in Taguig, there’s a new creative spot right above the iconic gondolas of Venice Grand Canal Mall. Located on the second level of the San Marco Wing, Imperial Dance Studio is the newest addition to McKinley Hill’s growing creative community. This 100-square-meter dance hall first opened on October 15 and officially held its grand opening on November 22, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. ⸻ Who’s Behind Imperial Dance Studio? The studio is led by Milai Imperials, a former member of the UP Filipiniana Dance Group in Diliman and Douglas Nierras Powerdance, one of the country’s most respected contemporary dance companies. She later performed professionally at Hong Kong Disneyland. Her husband, Franz Gerald Imperial, is a theater actor and international performer who also performed at Disneyland Singapore. Together, they bring decades of performance experience into McKinley Hill’s newest creative space. ⸻ What Classes Do They Offer? Imperial Dance Studio offers one of the most multi-disciplinary programs in Taguig. Their lineup includes: • Jazz • K-pop • Ballet • …