By Marivic Mercene In the Philippines, fair skin is often seen as the standard of beauty. From whitening soaps and lotions to countless advertisements, the beauty industry thrives on the idea that being maputi (fair-skinned) means being more attractive or successful. This mindset traces back to our colonial past, when lighter skin was associated
By Marjorie Engcoy One of the last things I remember doing  in Fiji was starting a livelihood program for women – though quite unintentionally. Unintentionally, I say, because it wasn’t something  I planned for, not even remotely. I was pressured into it by expectations; in other words, I was forced. My heart was not
By Fr. Rex Rocamora, SSC The MiRLeC (Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference) multi-sectoral dialogue held on August 5, 2025, at Notre Dame University, Cotabato City, carried the theme “Faith and Peace in Action, A Multi-sectoral Dialogue for Peaceful BARMM Elections.” More than just a gathering of leaders, it became a moment of shared introspection and
A reflection on First Mission Assignment By Lydio Mangao, Jr., Columban Student in Chile Each week, I make it a habit to visit the nine chapels of the Columban parish of San Mathias in Bajos de Mena, Santiago, where I have been sent, choosing one or more at random. Riding a bicycle, I would
By Michael Javier, Columban Lay Missionary The Columban house in Myitkyina, Kachin state, is located within the compound of Eden. It is surrounded by bamboo and a variety of trees that provide more than enough shelter for the different kinds of animals, including birds, snakes, bees, and more. There is also space for growing
By Fr. Kurt Zion Pala, SSC It has been two years since we last hosted the Student Leadership Camp, and much have changed since then. While most parts of the world have already recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Myanmar (formerly Burma), sadly, has not. While the world is slowly recovering, Myanmar
