ASIAN JOURNAL

08/19/2025

On this day in 1878, the Philippines’ second president was born in Baler, Aurora.

08/19/2025

The Happy Hollow National High School (HHNHS) continues to promote organic farming, empowering learners to cultivate sustainable practices and contribute to efforts of sustaining food security.

Through the Project Offering Resources Growing Agri-product Nutrition in the Community (ORGANIC), the school employs a holistic approach, combining organic farming, nutrition education, and vocational training, not just for the learners but for the community as well.

Full story: https://pia.gov.ph/baguio-based-school-revives-youth-interest-in-agriculture-for-food-security/

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08/19/2025

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=745926455024544&id=100088215896296&mibextid=wwXIfr

In certain rivers of Palawan, thousands of fireflies gather in mangrove trees and flash their lights in perfect unison — like a living constellation.

This rare phenomenon of synchronized bioluminescence is unique in Southeast Asia, and scientists believe it helps males attract females more effectively. It’s one of the Philippines’ most magical natural spectacles, often compared to Christmas lights floating in the dark.

08/18/2025

MGA P20,000 - P30,000 ANG KAILANGAN MO PARA MAKAPAMUHAY NG NAKANGITI SA BAGUIO
(Pag medyo nagtitipid ka, nasa P15,000)

The Real Cost of Living in Baguio City (2025): A Local’s Perspective

When people talk about the cost of living in Baguio City, most figures you’ll find online are geared toward expats or digital nomads. They’ll throw numbers like ₱30,000, ₱40,000, even ₱50,000 a month. Sure, that’s true for some lifestyles, but if you’re a local, the story looks a little different.

For everyday Baguio residents, the monthly budget can actually be more modest. Based on shared experiences from locals and updated data, a single person can get by with ₱15,000 to ₱25,000 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle.

Let’s break it down.

Rent is the biggest factor. If you’re staying outside the city center, a one-bedroom apartment can go for as low as ₱6,000–₱12,000. Move closer to Session Road or Burnham Park, though, and expect ₱11,000 to ₱20,000 or more. Some locals even go for shared apartments or boarding houses to keep rent under ₱10,000.

For food and groceries, locals report spending around ₱5,000–₱6,000 monthly. Add a little extra for fruits, veggies, and meat from the market, and it’s still manageable compared to Manila prices. Utilities are fairly reasonable too: electricity averages around ₱1,000, water about ₱400, and internet around ₱1,200.

Put all these together and you get a realistic budget of ₱15,000 if you’re frugal or about ₱25,000 if you want a more comfortable lifestyle. That covers rent, food, transport, and bills, basically everything you need without the extras.

Of course, lifestyle still makes the difference. If you love dining out at cafés, riding taxis instead of jeeps, or living right in the city center, expect your costs to climb. But if you’re practical, live a little outside the busiest spots, and cook at home, Baguio remains one of the most affordable and livable cities in the Philippines.

At the end of the day, the cost of living here isn’t just about numbers, it’s about balance. Baguio offers cool weather, fresher produce, and a slower pace of life compared to Metro Manila. For many locals, that’s priceless.

Sources:

LivingCostdotnet – Cost of Living in Baguio (2025)
Reddit – Locals discussing monthly expenses
Numbeo – Cost of Living in Baguio

08/18/2025

'A RELIABLE AND SECURE VALID ID'

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is urging Filipinos to use their Digital National ID in transactions, reaffirming its validity as proof of identity.

Read: https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2025/08/15/300668/psa-digital-national-id-proof-identity-transactions/

08/18/2025

HONESTY IS MORE THAN A PERSONAL CHOICE; IT IS A DUTY WE OWE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND A LEGACY WE CARRY FOR OUR HERITAGE

In the Cordillera, especially among the Igorots, honesty is seen as more than just a virtue, it’s part of everyday life. People grow up with the idea of inayan, an unwritten moral code that teaches you not to do wrong because it brings "bain" (shame) to yourself and your family.

It’s about respect, trust, and protecting the family name. In small, close-knit communities where everyone knows each other, your reputation is your greatest asset. That’s why it’s common to hear stories of Igorots returning lost money, valuables, or even helping strangers without expecting anything in return.

There have been many real-life examples that made the news. In Baguio City, taxi drivers have often been commended for returning wallets, gadgets, and even large sums of cash left by passengers.

A tahô vendor once found a bag containing one hundred fifty thousand pesos near the Lion’s Head along Kennon Road and immediately returned it.

Another time, taxi driver Reggie Cabututan returned a tourist’s bag containing a passport, laptop, and money, an act that earned him public recognition and even a scholarship. In Sagada, there’s the famous “honesty store,” where customers take what they need, leave their payment, and walk away. It works because people value the trust given to them.

Of course, it’s important to be fair, just like in any community, not every Igorot is perfectly honest. Temptation and mistakes happen to all of us. We’re all human, and sometimes we fail the test of integrity.

But what makes many Igorots stand out is how much they try to live up to the standard they were raised with. They understand that honesty is not just a personal choice but a responsibility to their community and heritage.

This is something everyone can learn from. If we make honesty part of our identity, something we guard as much as our name, then it becomes harder to throw it away. When a community teaches, expects, and celebrates honesty, people are more likely to practice it, even in challenging situations. In a world where dishonesty often gets overlooked, the example of the Igorots reminds us that while no one is perfect, striving to be honest is a choice we can make every day. And when we choose it often enough, it becomes who we are.

08/18/2025

Patingin naman ng alaga mong aspin. 🐶

Follow na sa DZMM Teleradyo page para sa balitang kumpirmado at serbisyong sigurado.

08/18/2025

The Chinese sided with the British when the latter invaded Manila in 1762.

08/18/2025

Museum Highlight: BAYBAYIN Gallery
Preserving Traditional Filipino Scripts

Did you know that ancient syllabic scripts are still alive in the Philippines today?

In Mindoro, two remarkable systems- the Hanunuo-Mangyan (Latag) in the north and the Buhid script in the south- have endured for centuries. In Palawan, the Tagbanua people continue to write in their ancestral script, which was also shared with the Pala’wan community before World War II and preserved ever since.

Far from being relics, these scripts are part of everyday cultural life. They appear in 7- to 8-syllable verse used for love letters, prayers, ceremonial invitations, and songs. Traditionally inscribed on bamboo containers, wooden beams, and even musical instruments, these writings capture the voices and stories of generations.

The artistry extends to the tools as well-thorns, coconut leaf midribs, and a small knife called pisaw were once used to carve words into bamboo, banana leaves, and wood. Customarily, Tagbanua men were taught the skill of writing, while women focused on household tasks, reflecting older ways of life.

In recognition of their significance, the Hanunuo, Buhid, Tagbanua, and Pala’wan scripts were declared National Cultural Treasures in 1997 and inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Registry in 1999.

Today, these living scripts continue to inspire preservation efforts and stand as a testament to the Philippines’ deep-rooted cultural heritage.

Reference:
National Museum of the Philippines

゚viralシ

08/18/2025

DEFYING AGE: 82-YEAR-OLD GRANDMA BECOMES OLDEST SKYDIVER IN SIQUIJOR

Age is truly just a number for Iluminada Fabroa, an 82-year-old grandmother who made history as the oldest person to skydive in Siquijor, Philippines. Her breathtaking jump proves that courage, determination, and a zest for life can shine at any age.

But Fabroa’s adventure doesn’t stop in the skies—she has also climbed Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country, and tried thrilling activities like cliff diving and canyoneering. Her grandson shared that her thirst for adventure has always pushed her to test her limits, both figuratively and literally.

Outside of her daring pursuits, Fabroa is equally inspiring in her professional life as a Certified Public Accountant and a lawyer, careers that demand discipline, hard work, and dedication. Her achievements prove that she is not only fearless in facing challenges but also determined to excel in every path she takes.

Fabroa’s story echoes that of other seniors breaking barriers worldwide, like the 97-year-old gymnast who continues to win medals. Together, they remind us that dreams have no age limit and that passion can keep us young at heart.

Her inspiring journey is a powerful message: it’s never too late to chase new adventures, rewrite your story, and show the world that life can be lived to the fullest—no matter how many years you’ve counted. 💪✨

This story originally appeared on brightside Graphics and edits by Destination PH.

08/18/2025

NO MORE GOING TO CLASS HUNGRY

Have you ever gone to class so hungry that your tummy’s growl was louder than your instructor’s voice while they were ironically teaching about the digestive system? Then the quiz comes, and you score zero… because your stomach was also running on zero. Oh, my goodness!

Baguio Launches ₱2,500 Monthly Free Meal Program for College Students

The Baguio City Council has officially approved the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Baguio City Free Youth Meals for College Students Ordinance of 2023, paving the way for a program that directly addresses one of the biggest silent struggles of many students going to class hungry.

Under this ordinance, qualified students will be granted ₱2,500 worth of food vouchers per month, redeemable at accredited partner food establishments within the city. This means students don’t just get financial aid—they get access to nutritious meals without the stress of finding where to eat or how to afford it.

This program goes beyond feeding students, it’s an investment in their education and well-being. It aims to reduce food insecurity, boost retention rates in higher education, and promote better health and nutrition, especially among those from low-income households. It applies to college or university students in Baguio, including student assistants, provided they meet specific requirements:

Must be a Baguio resident from a low-income family
Must pass the screening process by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)
Must maintain passing grades
Must not be a recipient of another government subsidy

Kudos to Baguio City for leading the way. This ordinance is proof that good governance isn’t just about passing laws - it’s about changing lives, one meal at a time.

source || Baguio City - Sanguniang Panglungsod