Features Archives - 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��

Manila’s Finest: Moira Lang on Memory, Policing and the Quiet Arrival of Martial Law

loriehalliday@gmail.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:33:16 +0000

By Veronica Pedrosa

By the time “Manila’s Finest” reached Philippine cinemas last Christmas, it was an anomaly. A slow burn, character-driven film set in the late 1960s—years before Ferdinand Marcos formally declared martial law—it arrived in a commercial film landscape dominated by spectacle, comedy and easy sentiment.

And yet, against the odds, it seems to have found its audience.��

Co-written and co-produced by filmmaker Moira Lang, “Manila’s Finest” has since picked up awards and strong word-of-mouth, praised for its restraint and emotional weight.

Rather than retelling history through an explicitly political lens, with speeches and slogans, the film inhabits the everyday lives of Manila police officers at a moment when the institutions meant to protect the public were quietly beginning to change.

For Lang, that approach is deliberate—and deeply personal.

From independent cinema to an unlikely Christmas release

Lang is no stranger to independent filmmaking. Her first producing credit, “The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros” (2005), became a landmark of Philippine queer cinema, screening at Sundance, Berlin and beyond.

This year, more than two decades on, it returns to the Berlinale as part of the Teddy Awards’ 40th anniversary retrospective—a reminder that Philippine art cinema has long been alive, if often working at the margins.

She later co-produced Lav Diaz’s “Norte, the End of History,” the four-hour epic inspired by Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment,” that cemented her reputation internationally. For many viewers outside the Philippines, Norte was a revelation: a film unafraid of long silences, moral ambiguity and class fracture.

That same sensibility runs through “Manila’s Finest,” even if the film’s origins were unexpectedly modest.

“It began with a Facebook post,” Lang recalls. “A friend living abroad wrote a long, intimate reflection about a policeman in late-1960s Manila—a tribute filled with anecdotes and quiet affection. The subject, it turned out, was his father, a member of the Manila Police Department, then popularly known as “Manila’s Finest.”

Reading it, Lang immediately saw cinematic potential. “I thought: this has to be a personal story,” she says. “But the bigger story is what’s happening around them that they don’t yet see.”

Manila as a testing ground

As Lang researched the period, a pattern emerged. Long before the official declaration of martial law in 1972, the signs were already there: curfews, protests, creeping militarisation, and the growing presence of the Metropolitan Command or METROCOM encroaching on civilian policing.

METROCOM was a specialized unit of the Philippine Constabulary created by President Ferdinand Marcos on July 14, 1967, through Executive Order No. 76.

“In a way, Manila became a testing ground,” she explains. “You could see how far the state could go. It was a microcosm of what was about to happen to the whole country.”

Crucially, “Manila’s Finest” never centres Marcos himself, or any of the powerful figures behind the scenes. Instead, the camera stays with the policemen—men who still believed they were serving their communities, who remembered a time when people felt warmth rather than fear when they saw a uniform.

“That’s what moved me,” Lang says. “A time when people still had affection for the police. And how that affection slowly erodes.”

The tragedy of the film lies in what the characters cannot yet recognise. The political shifts are there—in rumours, in absences, in offhand remarks—but by the time the changes become undeniable, they are already in place.

“At some point,” Lang says, “when you finally realise what’s happening, it’s already too late.”

Making the film—against the odds

From a producer’s standpoint, “Manila’s Finest” was a hard sell. A period piece. No obvious commercial hook. Too bleak to be a “feel-good” film, yet too grounded to sit comfortably as art house fare.

Even Lang was sceptical when MediaQuest, the production company backing the film, suggested submitting it to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)—a Christmas festival synonymous with mass-appeal releases.

“I told them, ‘Are you crazy?’” she laughs. “It’s not a Christmas movie.”

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What changed everything was the involvement of star actor Piolo Pascual, who responded strongly to the script and agreed to attach his name to the project. With deadlines looming, Lang and her collaborators—including veteran writer Michiko Yamamoto—rushed to complete the screenplay in a matter of weeks.

Against expectations, the film was selected.

It looks and sounds terrific. The art direction, production design and musical score wonderfully evoke a bygone era with an affectionate but open-eyed nostalgia. Lang shared the deeply romantic playlist of kundimans from the era with me when I commented on the careful curation of music in the film.

It reclaims “Dahil Sa Iyo [Because Of You],” from the fatigue of overuse in Imelda Marcos’ political rallies back in the velvet tones of Diomedes Maturan. Leopoldo Silos’ “Filipino Offbeat Cha cha cha” is another perfectly placed track in the movie that lifts and colors the emotional narrative and somehow gives it back to ordinary people who lived through those turbulent years.

The film’s initial reception was mixed. Opening on Christmas Day, audiences distracted by holidays and reunions were unsure what to make of it. But as the weeks passed, something shifted. The film stayed in cinemas longer than expected, buoyed by word-of-mouth and a growing sense that it was speaking—quietly but clearly—to the present moment.

Lang remembers leaving early screenings unsure how audiences would respond. “That first week was hard,” she admits.

A film that resonates beyond the Philippines

Watching “Manila’s Finest” today, it’s hard not to draw parallels beyond Philippine history. Lang herself notes how the film resonates amid the global return of “strongman” politics—from the Philippines to the US and Europe.

“What’s happening in the system that’s supposed to protect the public,” she asks, “that turns it into something people fear?”

For Filipinos in the diaspora—particularly second- and third-generation viewers—the film offers a way back into history without didacticism. It invites reflection rather than demanding allegiance.
Lang is especially pleased when viewers catch small historical references, such as the subtle nod to Liliosa Hilao, the student activist whose death in custody became a turning point in opposition to the Marcos regime. These details, she says, are acts of remembrance.

“They honour the people of that time.”

What comes next

For now, Manila’s Finest has screened primarily in the Philippines. Lang and her team are submitting it to international festivals, hoping to premiere the film abroad later this year. The goal is clear: to bring the film to Filipinos overseas—and to non-Filipino audiences curious to understand the country beyond headlines.

“It’s not just about 1971,” Lang says. “It’s about how erosion happens—slowly, quietly—until one day everything is different.”

For viewers willing to sit with its silences, “Manila’s Finest” offers something increasingly rare: a film that trusts its audience to feel, remember and think.

About the Author

Veronica Pedrosa is an award-winning international journalist with more than 20 years of frontline experience. She has reported, anchored and produced for the world’s leading broadcasters, including Al Jazeera English, CNN International and BBC World News.

Her career also spans humanitarian advocacy and strategic communications, with extensive field experience, giving her deep insight into crisis communications, strategic messaging and the ethics of storytelling in emergency contexts.

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Special Filipino recipes for Valentine’s Day

loriehalliday@gmail.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0000

By Lorie Halliday

St. Valentine’s Day is upon us again, and it’s a great time to celebrate the ones we love. Though some of us may still be recovering financially from the excesses of Christmas, there’s a way to mark the occasion without spending much, like making affordable, but delicious, homemade dishes.

Let’s find ways to��show how much people mean to us whenever we can. For Filipinos, one way we express love and care is through food. Whenever we meet a family member or a friend, we never fail to ask, “Kumain ka na (Have you eaten yet)?”��

For those who enjoy cooking or are willing to just give it a go, you are in for a treat! We’re sharing simple recipes that you can try at home. You can prepare these dishes using everyday, simple ingredients to share with your loved ones, or even as a treat for yourself.��

We have special recipes from devoted Filipino chefs Rex De Guzman and Mark Corbyn, which are sure to make your loved ones feel like royalty and ask you to make extras.

“I’m Rex, a Filipino chef and founder of Turo Turo Filipino Bar & Grill in London. My work focuses on showcasing Filipino food through bold flavours, shared dining and dishes that tell personal and cultural stories—bridging tradition with modern hospitality.

I chose Royale Bibingka because it represents indulgence at its best. It’s rich, soft and deeply comforting. It’s everything you want from a dessert meant to be shared. Unlike everyday bibingka, the royale version leans fully into decadence, with a luxurious texture that feels celebratory rather than casual.

This recipe also carries personal meaning for me. It’s something I learned from my partner, Angel Deduyo, and over time it’s become a dish I associate with warmth, generosity and togetherness. For me, that emotional connection makes it a perfect choice for Valentine’s—food that feels intimate, nostalgic and made with care.”

Recipe: Royal Bibingka – Glutinous Rice Cake

Ingredients

2 Whole eggs
175g Caster sugar
390g Coconut milk
45g Melted butter
210g Glutinous rice flour, sifted
50g Self-raising flour, sifted
Table Salt
100g Mild Cheddar cheese, grated

Method

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy for about 5 minutes. Gradually add the coconut milk and melted butter, and whisk together.
Meanwhile, sift and combine the self-raising flour and glutinous rice flour. Add the salt.
Add dry ingredients and combine well together to form the bibingka batter.
Quickly heat the banana leaves over an open flame until the oil starts to shine through. Be careful not to burn. (optional) – OR make a Cartouche with greaseproof paper.
Fill the skillet pans with about 200g of Bibingka mix.
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for approx 18-20 minutes until the top starts to brown and is almost cooked.
Top each bibingka with a good sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese.
Bake for a further 5-8 minutes until just set, and the cheese is well melted.
When cooked, remove the bibingka from the oven. Using a skewer, lightly poke holes around each bibingka.��
Meanwhile, in a pan, melt and boil together the unsalted butter with caster sugar, then brush and glaze each individual bibingka
Allow to cool at room temperature.

“I’m Mark Corbyn, the chef behind The Adobros, a Filipino catering company doing everything from private dinners to weddings, in London and across the country. When not in the kitchen, I love spending time with my wife, daughter and dog, and also write about Filipino food and culinary culture on my Substack, For the Love of Adobo.

Leche flan is one of my wife’s favourite desserts. So when I told her that I wanted to develop a recipe for The Adobros, she was very excited – but also very keen to taste test and ensure that I did a good job. I think I went through about four iterations before she was happy with the result, and now she always asks me to make extra whenever I have an order for leche flan. And indeed, I will be making it for her this Valentine’s weekend!”

Recipe: Leche Flan

Makes 1x 2lb loaf tin or regular-sized llanera (good for 3-4 servings)

Ingredients

For caramel
60g Sugar
15ml Water

For leche flan
5 Egg yolks
1 Egg white
198.5g (½ can) Condensed milk
205g (½ can) Evaporated milk
¼ tsp Vanilla extract or pandan extract

Method

Put the sugar in a small saucepan, then add the water. Wait until the sugar is fully hydrated.
Heat the sugar mixture on high, taking care not to stir it. Watch it carefully until it starts to brown at the edges – at this point, start to gently swirl it and allow the mixture to caramelise.
Once a dark golden brown colour and starting to smoke, take off the heat and immediately pour into the loaf tin or llanera, taking care to spread it evenly. You can bang the tin on the counter, to help disperse any bubbles. Leave to cool.
Mix the egg yolks, egg whites, vanilla/pandan extract, condensed milk and evaporated milk in a bowl, stirring vigorously with a spatula to mix well (without incorporating too much air).
Strain the custard mix into another bowl through a sieve, to remove air bubbles as well as to further mix everything.
Stir the custard mix a few times, then strain again into another bowl through a sieve, to further remove air bubbles and encourage smoothness.
Strain the custard mix a third and final time into the tin with the caramel base.
Heat the oven to 175c.
Cover the custard mix tray tightly with tin foil. Place the tray into a larger oven tray; add water to the oven tray until it is about halfway up the side of the custard mix tin.
Bake in the oven for at least 40 minutes.
Once 40 minutes is done, check the flan; if it has a solid-ish wiggle in the middle, it is done. If not, cover again and bake for another 5 minutes. Once ready, take out the oven, remove the foil and then leave to cool completely.
Run a knife around the edge of the leche flan. Flip the tray onto another tray; the leche flan should come out, and the caramel over it too.
Portion up and serve.

Here’s a recipe that my husband and I love to make for special weekends or to take with us on a long hike with our dog.

What is the difference between empanadas and pasties? Well, it seems to be mostly cultural. Both offer a combination of shortcrust pastry and delicious savoury fillings of meat, onions and vegetables. However, the empanada comes from Northern Spain and the pasty from South West England, which are not a million miles away from each other.��

The real origin of the dish is hard to pinpoint, and most cultures have a variation on this humble folded pie. The recipe probably originated in the Middle East and was brought by Spanish settlers to Latin America and the Philippines.��

This is a vegan version of the classic recipe, but feel free to replace the tofu with ground meat if you prefer. We will oven-bake these savoury pastries rather than deep-frying them, but the results will still be delicious.

One of the best things about this recipe is how it doesn’t require any expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. It will make four medium-sized empanadas, but feel free to double the ingredients and prepare more if you like.

Recipe: Vegan Empanadas / Pinoy Pasties

Ingredients

For the dough:

200g All-purpose flour (known as plain flour here in the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��)
100g vegan margarine, butter or any baking fat
Pinch of salt
2 Tablespoons of water

For the filling:

¼ red bell pepper
1 medium potato
1 medium carrot
1 medium onion
180g block of tofu
1 tablespoon soy sauce
A dash of pepper (white or black)
A quarter teaspoon of margarine for each pastry

Making the dough

First, we’ll mix up our dough ingredients. It’s actually better to make the pastry in advance and leave it in the fridge, which makes it easier to work with.��

Weigh the flour and margarine into a bowl, then rub the margarine into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs.
Add a pinch of salt to the mixture. You can leave this out if you are using salted margarine or butter and prefer less salt.��
Add two tablespoons of water and stir with a silicon spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture forms a tight ball. This shouldn’t take too long, but if the mixture remains crumbly, add a little more water. Try not to knead or squash the dough too much, as this will make it chewy and bread-like.
When your dough is prepared, put it in a container and leave it in the fridge until ready to use.

Making the filling

Dice the potato, onion, bell pepper and carrot into small cubes, then combine them in a bowl, making sure they are evenly mixed.
In a bowl, crumble the tofu into small chunks and stir in the soy sauce. Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan and fry the tofu on a medium heat for around five minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the texture is chewy.
Leave them to cool.

Making the empanadas

Season the potato, onion, carrot and bell pepper mixture with a little salt and pepper. White pepper is really good in empanadas, but if you don’t have it, just use black pepper. Add the fried tofu to this mixture and stir it well.
Heat your oven to 180°C and prepare a baking tray to place your empanadas on.��
Shaping the dough is the trickiest bit about making empanadas, but it’s also the most fun. I usually cut the dough ball into four even quarters, then roll them into balls.��
At this point, it’s important not to touch the dough too much because the heat from your hands will melt the margarine and make the dough sticky. Just spread a little flour on your counter, take one of the dough balls and squash it flat with your palm.��
Using a rolling pin (or the edge of a glass bottle), roll the dough ball into a circle about 5 mm thick. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but feel free to use a small plate to cut around if you find it easier.
Spoon a quarter of your vegetable and tofu mixture into the middle of the dough, leaving at least 1 to 2 cm space at the edge. Put a quarter teaspoon of margarine on top. This will help the vegetables cook inside the empanada.
Finally, fold one half over on top of the other and seal by crimping along the edge with a fork, or rolling the edge over as I have.
Place on your baking tray and cook in the middle of the oven for around 30 minutes.��

Make the day special by preparing bibingka and leche flan like a proper chef, baking our vegan empanadas (Pinoy pasties), or enjoying a meal out.��

After all, Filipinos always find a way to make any day a special day – as long as there’s good food and good company!

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Your voice, our future: Take the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� Reader Survey 2026

Liezel Longboan — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:29:42 +0000

99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� will celebrate its sixth anniversary as a community social enterprise in 2026. This year, we are taking a bold step to refocus our mission so we can make a deeper, more meaningful difference to Filipinos across the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��. We can only do this by hearing directly from you.

Since 2020, 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� has worked to be a vibrant voice and essential hub for the Filipino community. We have shared original stories and insights, organised relevant events and training, and sought to reflect the rich and diverse experiences of the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� Filipino diaspora. Now, as we step into 2026, we are excited to launch a major new initiative: the first-ever .

What’s the aim of the survey?

Our community is changing, and so are its needs and interests. We want to be sure that the direction we take truly reflects what matters most to you. To serve you better, we need to understand your priorities, concerns, and aspirations.

Filipinos are rarely asked about our views as a community. This marks a pivotal moment — our commitment to staying relevant, impactful, and genuinely representative of Filipino voices across Britain.

What do we want to know?

We’d like to hear about the things that matter to you most:

How can we better support you as a Filipino living in the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��?
What stories do you want to read?
Which issues or topics are you most interested in — and why?
If 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� could offer one key service, what should it be?

How long is the survey?

The takes just 3–5 minutes. Your responses are confidential and will be used only to help improve our services for Filipinos and the wider Southeast Asian community in Britain.

What can I get out of the survey?

As a thank you for your time, participants who share their email will be entered into a prize draw to win a logo or business card design service, or 250 printed business cards worth £50 from Rise Research. You’ll also receive a complimentary PDF guide, How to Write an Effective Press Release, prepared by Liezel Longboan.

What does this mean for our community?

Your feedback will directly shape:

Our mission: helping us deliver the services and stories that truly matter to you.
Our future work: guiding who we collaborate with and how we develop community projects.
Community representation: ensuring Filipino voices, concerns, and achievements from all UK regions are heard and highlighted.

Together, we can ensure that 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� remains a powerful, positive force for Filipinos in the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� for many years to come.

Complete the today!

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Karaoke culture: Filipino voices needed

Liezel Longboan — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:02:06 +0000

Image generated by Gemini / Google AI

British filmmaker Craig Ellis with experiences across the BBC, Channel 4 and Discovery is creating an international documentary that explores karaoke’s deep roots in Filipino life. He is keen to understand what has been described as “My Way killings” with real context rather than sensationalism.

Craig wants to hear from the following:

Filipino and Filipino British journalists

Community members who understand karaoke culture

People with lived experience in the Philippines

Creatives who celebrate Filipiino identity and representation

This is an early development project with no obligation at this stage. Any future involvement or payment will be discussed in line with broadcast protocols.

Help ensure Filipino voices lead this story.

Please contact Craig at craigellis803@gmail.com

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In pictures: Filipinos add colour to London New Year’s Day parade 2026

Liezel Longboan — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 08:50:14 +0000

Braving the cold January weather, 200 Filipinos came together on the streets of central London on New Year’s Day 2026 to represent the Filipino community across Britain. Community leaders, nurses, doctors, carers, teachers, solicitors, beauty queens, young Filipinos, and performers — the group reflected the diverse and vibrant histories and contributions that make up the Filipino presence in the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��.

Some 8,000 participants from 20 countries joined the parade, considered as one of the biggest New Year’s day events in the world.

Filipinos’ participation in the London New Year’s Day Parade was both a celebration and a statement of presence — Filipinos are here, contributing, and proud to be seen. Organised by Errol Isip with the help of community leaders in different fields, the delegation was supported by Filipino businesses.

All photos by Andrea Santoni.

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Filipino educator Edison David awarded MBE

Liezel Longboan — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:33:05 +0000

Credit: Edison David

By Liezel Longboan

Edison David, a London‑based Filipino educator, has been named Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours List for his outstanding contribution to education in the United Kingdom.

In the honours list published in The Gazette, David was recognised for his work as at Granton Primary School in Lambeth.

David, 53, is believed to be the first Filipino British person to receive an MBE in the field of education. Filipino nurses Brenda Deocampo and have been previously honoured with MBEs for their contributions to the nursing profession.

This prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals whose sustained commitment and service have made a significant, long‑term impact on their communities and fields.

Credit: Edison David

Speaking to 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��, David said, “This means a lot for my mum. This is the best Christmas gift I could ever give her.” Currently on holiday in Tarlac City, Philippines, with his family, David said his mum Minda, who is 83 and a retired teacher, was overjoyed by the news.

From Tarlac to London

Born in Tarlac City, David began his career as a public school teacher, where he developed the values of resilience, dedication and belief in the transformative power of education that have guided his work abroad.

After moving to the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��, David rose through the ranks to become executive headteacher at two Outstanding-rated primary schools in London’s Lambeth borough. Under his leadership, these schools achieved notable improvements in academic performance and community engagement, particularly among disadvantaged pupils.

Service to British society

Beyond individual schools, David has served as a lead inspector for Ofsted, helping strengthen standards across the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��’s education system. He has also advised other school leaders as a school improvement consultant, supporting strategies to enhance teaching quality and foster inclusive learning environments.

David’s influence extends to national policy. He has contributed to advisory groups under the Department for Education, offering expertise on leadership reforms and school improvement strategies that have helped shape education policy in England.

Raising the flag for Filipino educators

Reflecting on the MBE, David emphasised that the award is a recognition not just of his work, but of Filipino educators worldwide. “This award is not just for me — it is for every Filipino teacher working tirelessly in classrooms, whether here or back home,” he said. “I hope it inspires more of us to dream boldly, lead with purpose, and carry the Philippine flag with pride.”

David’s achievement also serves as a compelling reminder of the global influence of Filipino professionals. At a time when discussions on diversity, inclusion and representation are increasingly central to public discourse, his recognition underscores the vital role that educators from diverse backgrounds play in shaping the minds and futures of young learners worldwide.

The MBE will be formally conferred at a ceremony in the coming months. As the Filipino community celebrates this moment, Edison David’s story stands as a powerful testament to the contributions of Filipino talent on the world stage.

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Giant parol lights up Folkestone town centre

Liezel Longboan — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:54:08 +0000

From left: PTA officer Lauren James, Melissa Dizon, Saint Augustine headteacher Sarah Thomson and PTA officer Wynnona Kruger. Credit: Mel Dizon

A giant sustainable Christmas lantern inspired by the iconic Filipino parol is on public display in Folkestone, celebrating culture, community, and shared hope this festive season.

The project, titled Wish Upon a Giant Christmas Star, brought together local families, schools, businesses and volunteers, highlighting cultural diversity while giving children a platform to share their hopes for the future.

This year’s Giant Christmas Star features handwritten wishes from pupils of St Augustine Catholic Primary School in Hythe. Its outer finish is made from recycled Tesco bags, reinforcing the project’s message of environmental awareness and creative reuse.

Folkstone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughn visits the parol at the town centre.

A teacher helps a pupil stick his Christmas wish on the giant ecco-friendly parol.

“Among many Asian cultures, Filipinos remain one of the least visible in the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��. By sharing the parol, we invite our neighbours to know us better,” said Melissa Grace Dizon, community leader of the Folkestone & Hythe Filipino Community Network and lead organiser of the project.

“The parol reminds us that even in challenging times, we choose light, resilience, and a colourful future ahead,” she said.

The Filipino parol, derived from the Spanish word farol meaning lantern, traditionally symbolises the Star of Bethlehem and represents hope, unity, and guidance. Traditionally crafted from bamboo and paper, modern parols have evolved to include sustainable and recycled materials.

The handcrafted lantern is showcased at 53 Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 1NY (formerly Claire’s), in the heart of the town centre, and will remain on view throughout the Christmas period.

The Folkestone & Hythe Filipino Community Network (FHFCN) is a grassroots, community-led organisation dedicated to promoting Filipino culture, inclusion, and civic engagement across Folkestone, Hythe, and the wider Kent area.

Photo credit: Mel Dizon

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Moments of gratitude: Christmas reflections from our readers

Liezel Longboan — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:34:31 +0000

Christmas is a time for thanksgiving. We asked readers to tell us what they are grateful for this year. Thank you for sharing your reflections with us.

By Givette Kristine Novacescu

For the year 2025, my husband and I welcomed our first child in the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��. We are very thankful for all the support we received despite being away from family in Romania and the Philippines. For this year, we both chose to spend our first Christmas as parents apart (sic) so our family in the Philippines can experience the beginnings of our child’s future. As most Filipino families face the same situation, we are very thankful to have each other in this festive time.

By Astrid Dumanglan

I am grateful for so many things this Christmas but I am most grateful that my family is healthy, joyful, and surrounded by love. Even though distance keeps us apart, my heart feels close to them in every way that matters. My greatest happiness comes from being able to provide for them, knowing that my efforts help create comfort, security, and hope for our future. This season reminds me that true blessings are not found in gifts or celebrations but in the well-being of the people I cherish most. Gratitude fills me with strength, and love keeps us connected despite the miles between us each day.

By Viva O’Flynn

This Christmas, I am grateful for family, both near and far. My family is in the Philippines, and although the distance is not easy, I thank God for my husband by my side. Christmas is about Christ, whose love gives true meaning to this season.

England has become my second home, where I found friendship, support, and purpose. I am grateful to serve as the Mock Mayor of Barton this year and as Secretary of the Filipino Association of Gloucestershire.

Through Christ, I am reminded that love overcomes distance, service strengthens community, and faith makes every place feel like home.

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Phil Wang on joining The Traitors:��“I’d just get voted off because I’m Asian with glasses!” ��

Liezel Longboan — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:26:59 +0000

Award-winning comedian talks about reality TV’s unconscious bias problem on podcast for East and Southeast Asians.

In an exclusive interview for the Eastern Hunnies podcast releasing Monday 22nd December 2025, British-Malaysian comedian Phil Wang delivered a sharp, funny take on why he’d never survive BBC’s hit show “I’d just get voted off because I’m Asian with glasses.”

The comment cuts to the heart of what thousands of viewers have been discussing on TikTok since The Celebrity Traitors aired: that unconscious bias plays out in real-time on reality TV, even on Britain’s most beloved shows. “When I get asked, would you do The Traitors?” Wang told hosts Melissa Legarda and Isabelle Landicho, “I say, ‘Yeah, I’d love to, but I’d just be voted off.’ I’d get voted off just because I’m Asian with glasses.”��

The reality TV bias pattern

Discussing the recent Celebrity Traitors series with the hosts, Wang noted: “My girlfriend and I were laughing our heads off at how they’re just like, ‘Bye!’ For no reason at all they’re voting Niko off.”

When Melissa mentioned actor Mark Bonnar’s comment about EastEnder’s star Tameka Empson (“There’s just something about Tameka”), Wang highlighted how these moments reveal underlying biases: “That’s what makes the show so interesting – a pack mentality develops, their biases come to the surface.”��

The representation gap

Phil Wang (Netflix, Taskmaster, 8 Out Of 10 Cats) is one of few visible East Asian personas on British television. A 2020 Creative Diversity Network report found that across the five main broadcasters, and 0.7% in senior production roles.

Eastern Hunnies is a lively podcast spotlighting East & Southeast Asian voices shaping Britain today hosted by writer Melissa Legarda (left) and art director Isabelle Landicho, both of Filipino heritage.

Reflecting on his experience breaking into UK comedy, Wang told Eastern Hunnies: “Being the only East Asian was a benefit, because on the night if I did a gig, people would remember the one Chinese guy.” He added: “It’s probably tougher for those behind the scenes, because you need mentors to look out for you.”

The full episode features Wang discussing Christmas traditions across cultures, his journey through Cambridge Footlights to becoming one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, navigating identity as a mixed-heritage person, and his refreshingly honest take on New Year’s resolutions.

London-based co-hosts Melissa and Isabelle bring expertise on��intersectionality and navigating creative industries as��Southeast Asian women.�� Ms Legarda is a mixed-race writer and content producer of Filipino and Spanish heritage interested in travel, culture and��diaspora storytelling. Ms Landicho is an award-winning Filipino-British art director, fashion��stylist and image-maker.

You can listen to their latest podcast on 22 December on

Photo credit: Eastern Hunnies

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Food Delivery brings the West Philippine Sea dispute to UK audiences

Liezel Longboan — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:44:52 +0000

Film director Baby Ruth Villarama (extreme right), producer Chuck Gutierrez (front row, second from left) and the film’s UK producer Lincia Daniel (back row, fourth from left) pose with attendees to Food Delivery’s UK premiere at the School of Oriental and African Studies. Credit: Junart Nieva/Facebook

By Naomi Edge

A documentary about delivering food supplies to remote military outposts in the West Philippine Sea might not seem controversial at first glance. Yet the Chinese government appears to think otherwise: it has blocked screenings of the film Food Delivery in New Zealand, Switzerland, and several other countries.

Even in the Philippines, the film was its debut at the CinePanalo Film Festival, an event funded by the supermarket chain Puregold. Some to show the film, according to film director Baby Ruth Villarama. That is precisely what makes community screenings, particularly those outside the Philippines, so significant. On 6 December, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, hosted the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� premiere of Food Delivery, with Ms Villarama and producer Chuck Gutierrez in attendance. The screening was organised by Dr Cristina Juan, head of the Philippine Studies programme at SOAS.

The film was also screened on 10 December at Rich Mix in Shoreditch.

The human stories behind a maritime dispute

Food Delivery documents the escalating tensions between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and the impact of that dispute on Filipino fishers who increasingly find themselves on the front line of a geopolitical conflict. Both countries claim ownership of the waters, despite a in The Hague that rejected China’s expansive claims and affirmed the Philippines’ rights.

The West Philippine Sea is a vital trade route and a mineral-rich fishing ground that provides livelihoods for more than 1.8 million Filipinos. Yet, despite its strategic and economic importance, the dispute has received relatively limited attention in Western media.

The film follows Arnel Satam, a Subic-based fisherman, and shows the struggles of fisherfolks who are prevented from fishing at Scarborough Shoal by the Chinese Coastguard. Credit: Voyage Studios

“When we entered the story, we’re coming from the geopolitical viewpoint, based on the news that we’ve witnessed, but when we immersed ourselves within the community then we discovered how personal the story of the West Philippine Sea is and how human it is and how we are related to it, how we are connected to it,” Ms Villarama said during the Q&A after the screening.

As tensions intensified, Villarama and her team felt compelled to move beyond observation. “There came a point when we needed to stop being spectators and pick up our cameras and activate our own curiosity and figure out, ‘What is going on?’ We went to the area and met with a few of the fisherfolk, and discovered the lived experience of how they’re being harassed and how bountiful and beautiful and essential the West Philippine Sea is to the community and to the entire Philippines,” she said.

Baby Ruth Villarama (front row, left), Dr Cristina Juan, head of Philippine Studies at SOAS (front row, second from left), Chuck Gutierrez (back row, left) and Junart Nieva, an officer of the Knights of Rizal–UK (back row, second from left), pose after the screening at SOAS.

A collective story that demands attention

The film captures the multiple pressures facing Filipino fishers: intimidation by the Chinese Coast Guard, dangerous working conditions at sea, and policies closer to home that further undermine their livelihoods. Fishers are routinely prevented from accessing Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground, by Chinese patrols. In one scene, a fisherman is forced to retreat as Chinese vessels with armed guards close in.

At the same time, local fishers struggle to compete with cheap imported frozen fish, a policy supported by the Philippine government. After hours battling rough waters, their fresh catch fetches little in local markets.

“We fish just to have food for our family, that’s enough for us,” one fisherman says, exhaustion and frustration etched across his face.

The post-screening discussion was moderated by Dr Roderick Galam, senior lecturer in sociology at Oxford Brookes University. He described Food Delivery as a response to a long-standing challenge raised by Filipino scholars.

Attendees mingle at the lobby of the Khalili Theatre in SOAS after the film showing. Credit: Naomi Edge

“How could we go beyond anger when we talk about what is happening in the West Philippine Sea? How could the issue be linked more with the lives of Filipinos?” he asked.

He told 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ��: Food Delivery highlights not only issues of national sovereignty and security but also how the lives of millions of ordinary Filipinos are threatened by China’s actions (and the collaboration of past presidents). It is a film that could be used to teach Filipino children and students about many social and environmental issues and that simultaneously enables us to generate further critical conversations about (what is happening in) the West Philippine Sea.”

Resonance beyond the Philippines

Audience members reflected on the film’s wider implications. Malcolm Conlan, a British social media influencer and supporter of former president Rodrigo Duterte and current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr, said he was concerned about the broader consequences of escalating tensions.

“There are overseas Filipino workers all over China,” he said. “If the situation worsens, that could affect them. This film is an opportunity to see what Filipino fishermen are experiencing from the inside.”

For Villarama, the project deepened her respect for fishing communities, where women have taken to the sea themselves to support their families. “It’s not a third-person story,” she said. “It’s our collective story. Protecting them means protecting our future.”

Her closing message extended beyond the West Philippine Sea. “Protect what you have before somebody else takes it from you,” she told the audience. “Appreciate the democracy and freedom you have, and don’t allow external forces to influence your path to freedom. Democracy is a gift that we enjoy and we have to protect it.”

Despite efforts by the Chinese Embassy, and “external forces” in the Philippines, to block screenings across multiple countries, each showing of Food Delivery has become an act of quiet resistance. As audiences left SOAS and stepped into the London evening, they carried with them not just an understanding of a distant territorial dispute, but a reminder that sovereignty, livelihoods, and democratic freedoms — like the waters of Scarborough Shoal — must be vigilantly defended, or risk being claimed by those with greater power.

About the author

Working in digital marketing, Naomi is a Filipino-British who is passionate about design and writing. She has previously worked with the British Council, Birmingham Arts Council and Wilderness Festival on a variety of fundraising and awareness events, including the “Birmingham Weekender” and “The Janus Project.” You can follower her on Twitter

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Rising Filipino artist releases debut single

Liezel Longboan — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:06:49 +0000

Credit: Sanay Bennur

Drez Camino, a young artist of Filipino heritage, released his debut single, For a Little While, on Friday, 12th December, marking the long-awaited first chapter in a sound he has spent years quietly shaping behind closed doors.

Based in London, Drez crafts indie-soul soundscapes rooted in deep reflection yet raw in execution, with a sound pulled from sodium-lit soul, VHS-punk grit and a voice that both enchants and burns, like cigarette smoke dancing into your eyes.

Drez Camino performs For a Little While with his band.

On the surface, For a Little While describes the emotional fallout of a toxic relationship. Beneath that, it unravels into an angsty meditation on mundane stillness, and a quiet plea to “let me lay here” when everything turns overwhelming.

The track was recorded during a period of transition, as Drez moved from a home-set up in a friend’s attic to a professional studio. By the time he arrived at the new set-up, much of the song already existed. Rather than starting over, he kept the early takes intact, letting their gritty, imperfect textures provide a layer of honesty and rawness.

Raised in Reading, just an hour west of London, Drez’s childhood orbited an indie-rock culture that defined his identity yet denied his image. Never to see an Asian artist command the scene he loved, Drez Camino has never had the choice of imitation. Now, as he starts his own path, he is thrilled to make is own mark in the music scene.

Early in his career, Drez is already finding his place on the same stages he once watched from afar, with headline shows the O2 Academy Islington and Amersham Arms.

With his debut single out now on all platforms, Drez is gearing up for a debut EP set for 2026, building momentum with no sign of slowing down. To listen to his new song, .

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Banned film to hold UK premiere

Liezel Longboan — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:11:01 +0000

Filipino fisherman, Arnel Satam, on his way to fish in the contested waters. Credit: Lincia Daniel

After attempts to silence it at home and abroad, an award-winning Filipino documentary, Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea, opens in London on Human Rights Day, Wednesday 10 December 2025.

Amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Food Delivery follows Filipino fishers and Coast Guard officers risking their lives in some of the world’s most contested waters. At its centre is Arnel Satam, a fisherman chased by the China Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal — revealing the daily danger coastal communities silently endure.

Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama and produced by Chuck Gutierrez through their company , Food Delivery was pulled out of the PureGold CinePanalo Film Festival in the Philippines, two days before its planned, March 2025 world premiere, citing “external factors”. New Zealand provided an alternative launch pad when the film was selected for the Doc Edge Festival and eventually screened for the first time on 30 June 2025. But its journey through turbulent waters did not end there.

Fishermen worry about their boats getting damaged by Chinese water cannons. Credit: Lincia Daniel

In a written request, the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland, asked the festival organisers to refrain from future screenings. The organisers, followed by their reply: “Doc Edge stands by our Kaupapa and the festival’s independence and curatorial freedom. We are, however, happy to put forward the point of view of the Chinese Consulate-General for the sake of transparency and fairness. We encourage audiences to seek their own sources, view the film, and engage in open conversation and dialogue.” The film went on to win the Tides of Change Award.

Watch as Filipino fishers and Philippine Navy officers talk about the risks posed by the Chinese coastguard’s water cannons and blockades in this trailer.

Responding to the accolade, Villarama said, “At Doc Edge in New Zealand, audiences were moved, some wept. Some offered to fund boats for the fishermen. It reminded me that cinema is still a form of resistance – and compassion travels faster than censorship.”

Food Delivery is on the official entry list for the Academy Awards taking place in 2026.

The film’s UK premiere will be on Saturday, 6 December at 18:00 in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, School of Oriental and African Studies, Torrington Square, London WC1H OXG.

The film opens on Human Rights Day, Wednesday 10 December at Rich Mix, 35-37 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA. Tickets can be purchased . There will be a Q&A with Baby Ruth Villarama after each screening.

To reserve a press ticket at the premiere and arrange interviews with the filmmakers please contact: Lincia Daniel – Email: Lincia.Daniel@gmail.com. Lincia Daniel is an independent film and television producer based in London and the 99re��߾�Ʒ��ŷ�� distributor of Food Delivery.

Updated 29 Nov 2026 to include a sentence that the film is on the official entry list for the Academy Awards taking place in 2026.

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