***Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, The April 2020 issue was cancelled and it was combined with the May 2020 issue. ***

Growing up in the suburbs where lush trees and farm animals are a common sight, I have always considered nature as my second home. Of course, my family’s way of living is another reason. Ever since I was a kid, my parents have always made sure that we’d have the time to go out of town and visit different parts of the country. Both Mom and Dad are environmentalists, and it only occurred to me when I was already a college student that maybe they raised us the way they did because they wanted to instill in us the value of meeting people and being one with nature.
Now that we’re facing a crisis like the COVID -19 pandemic, I can’t help but feel uneasy. More than the fact that my “second home” was taken out of my reach, I have also realized an ugly truth: Many of us have become too caught up with our lives that we’ve taken for granted the real value of human interaction and the environment.
This realization makes this month’s Travel Issue all the more important. Here, we feature stories that will not just feed your wanderlust, but will also take you back to your roots and let you see the real value of humanity and nature. 
Like nature itself, this month’s issue has a lot of exciting stories to feed your soul and awaken your love for Mother Earth. There is still so many people to meet and places to see and experience, so go on an adventure with My Pope and be inspired to live life to the fullest!

As we enter the Lenten season, we bring you stories that let you ponder on these two concepts. Reflect on the true meaning of forgiveness with “The Heart of Letting Go” (page 38), look deep into the importance of solitude with “Peace Within the Chaos” (page 46), and learn how to practice your faith regardless of how busy you are with “Keeping Faith” (page 9).

Just as thought-provoking are the stories of our featured personalities who are the perfect embodiments of second chances and rising above hardships. Read about how grit and perseverance allowed Melanie and Alexis to provide for their family (page 13), see how Dr. Romy Modomo gave the horses of Taal Volcano Island a fighting chance at life (page 16), and be inspired by how actor Alden Richards uses his faith to pull through tough times (page 30).

We hope that this issue serves as a point of inspiration as you begin to contemplate in this holy season. We hope that, with My Pope as your companion, you will be able to look deep, reflect, and find new light from within. As Pope Francis so dearly reminds us, “Lent is a time to start

The love month is a special time to celebrate relationships. Even Lolo Kiko—whose concept of love extends not just to his family and friends, but also to everyone else in the
world—would agree. Which is why, for this month’s issue, we bring you heartwarming stories of how our dear Pope Francis expresses his love to everyone—regardless of whether they share the same values or not. Read about how he promotes respect and unity among all religions (page 20), the story behind his special chair that was meticulously crafted by Muslim artisans (page 24), and his historic visit to the Great Synagogue, a Jewish place of worship in Rome (page 42).

Speaking of love, peace, and unity, we also feature personalities who are the exact embodiments of these three words. Be inspired by the stories of florist Liezel Nicor, who unexpectedly found love for the art of arranging flowers (page 13); Patrick and Rachel Renucci, who left their life in Paris to support the farmers of typhoon-struck Leyte (page 16), and veteran actors Shamaine and Nonie Buencamino, who are using their love for theater arts to promote better understanding and acceptance toward those who are dealing with mental health issues (page 36).
Of course, this issue would not be complete without a few points for self-reflection to help you improve your relationships with others—and more importantly, with yourself. See how you can move forward and grow as a person with our “How to Break Up with Your Past Self ” article (page 46), learn healthy ways to address relationship issues with our “I Love You, But...” feature (page 26), and get to know your significant other on a much deeper level with our “Before You Do the ‘I Do’” story (page 14).
Together, let us celebrate relationships—always, in all ways!

 There’s a reason why they call this season the most wonderful time of the year. Everything feels more festive, people are warmer, and the decorations that deck our halls play up the Christmas spirit to the hilt. Which is why we thought to bring you not one, but three stories on the beautiful symbols that help make these days both meaningful and merry. (Check them out on pages 11, 12, and 20.) But it’s not just Christmas and New Year that we’re celebrating this December. At My Pope, we have another extra-special occasion that we honor: the birthday of our dear Lolo Kiko! We hope you’ll be excited to send him some love when you read our feature on page 39.

Speaking of our magazine’s namesake, where would we be without the Christmas teachings of Pope Francis (page 30)? And to honor his oh-so-important ideas, we bring you a host of uplifting stories on those who have taken the Santo Papa’s message to heart. Read about the young Villalon sisters (page 10) who bake cookies to help those in need, the SINAG Foundation that takes “love thy neighbor” to the next level (page 18), and singer Jose Mari Chan who tells us what he loves most about Christmas (page 26). And before you get too caught up in the busy-ness (or even sheer exhaustion!) of the season, we look into how you can end things on a high note (page 34) as well as how to have a fresh (re)start so you can revisit old goals and be more successful in achieving them in the new year (page 42).

Wishing you all the best this Christmas and beyond!

Working on the pages of My Pope is always a privilege for the entire team, but we have to admit that putting November’s Food Issue together is an extra-special treat! And why wouldn’t it be? With stories about the indulgent ice cream flavors that are inspired by Lolo Kiko (page 44), the farm- fresh dishes that are served in Casa Santa Marta (page 20), and the delicious comfort food whipped up by Chef Baba Benedicto (page 10), we can’t help but wonder about our next meal. 

But it isn’t just what we feed our bodies that makes this issue so special. Taking our cue from our dear Pope Francis, we made sure to fill you up with what will also feed your minds, hearts, and spirits.

Bringing good news, inspiration, and all things Lolo Kiko to you, our dear reader, has been a true joy, and this issue, being our “birthday,” put an extra-celebratory spring in our step. We have the Pope’s favorite films, and even clue you in on what his different facial expressions really mean! Noted personalities like Mike Enriquez, Rajo Laurel, and Chef Jessie Sincioco tell us all about how the values and virtues of Pope Francis inspire them, and we’re pretty sure you’ll agree!

Indeed, this issue is jam-packed with feel-good vibes, and it includes a special feature on another pope, our beloved Pope John Paul II who is now a saint! And perhaps the most surprising feature of all is the one on how the “bad guys” of the 501st Legion– Philippine Garrison actually have hearts of gold. It was a wonderful reminder that what may seem negative or worrisome at the start, might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all your support!

 In this month’s Well-Being Issue, we celebrate all the oh-so- crucial little things that make for a happier, healthier lifestyle. We bring you features on yummy yet healthy snacks (page 9), easy-to- pick-up healing habits that make life better (page 44), and even how to help a loved one avoid Caregiver Burnout (page 34). We’re also confident that you will be inspired by the stirring words of Bb. Pilipinas Universe, Gazini Ganados, on her advocacy, elderly care (page 10), and the eye-opening insights of neurologist Joven Cuanang, who believes in the healing power of art (page 14). And we hope the advice our health, fitness, and wellness advocates have to share will urge you to follow their lead.
We have all these and more for you in this issue, and can’t wait for you to discover what we mean for yourselves. So read on, stay well, and remember:

 When you’re feeling rushed, pressured, or stressed, just slow down, pause, and don’t forget to breathe.

In this issue  you will find uplifting stories of a teacher- turned-second mom (page 10), an architect who builds homes and dreams for the less fortunate (page 14), as well as heartwarming insights on family from noteworthy personalities such as Heart Evangelista and RJ Ledesma (page 32). 

We bring you invaluable advice on how to make your “sorry” count (page 9), how to deal with teenage angst (page 28), and the better way to talk to your siblings now that you are all grown up (page 40). 

And of course, this month’s issue would not be complete without our dear Lolo Kiko’s own take on the importance of grandparents (page 42), and the extraordinary role parents play every day (page 20). We even take a look into the Santo Papa’s family history (page 24)!

You have all these and more to look forward to in our Family Issue. May it inspire you to celebrate the bonds you share with your nearest and dearest, and encourage you to heal any past hurts in the hope and light of love.

Did Pope Francis always want to become a priest? This might come as a surprise to you, but the answer is no! In fact, he had a totally different dream as a little boy, as well as many different jobs as a young man, and none of them were even remotely related to being our beloved Santo Papa.

Indeed, Lolo Kiko’s journey is truly fascinating, and he has served as the perfect inspiration for our Life Purpose issue. We explore everything from what he does with his salary (page 32), to what a pope’s job entails (page 8), and even the five life-shaping choices that unknowingly led him to the papacy (page 30).
So if you’ve ever felt lost or confused, take heart; everyone’s path has its twists and turns, and all will be well if we work with faith and hope in our hearts.
We’ve also got tons of uplifting advice for those who have hit some roadblocks. We show you how to ask for—and interpret—the all- important messages of guidance from above (page 42). And we even give you valuable and practical tips on how you can make your money personality work for you (page 9), as well as how to deal with sticky financial situations (page 58).

But we also have to remember that it’s not just our problems or our triumphs that define us. And oftentimes, simply embracing the ins and outs of our everyday lives and offering up what we do to God is enough to make each day remarkable, just as our True Believer, St. Josemaría Escrivá, inspires us to do on page 52. And we’re pretty sure that Gianni Crea, the key keeper at the Vatican Museums would agree with him. Turn to page 36 to find out why!

May this issue become your faithful companion as you chart your course forward.

My Dear Young People,” Pope Francis said as he addressed the youth before the presentation of the Preparatory Document of the Synod of Bishops. “I wanted you to be the center of attention, because you are in my heart.” He also once said that “Young people are more than the future of our world. Even now they are helping to enrich it.” 

Such is Lolo Kiko’s love for the youth! He not only cares for them, but believes in their passion, and constantly spurs them on, urging them to change the world for the better. And it seems as though
many of the youth today are living up to his challenge!

In this Youth Issue alone, we have 20-year-old Janrey Nevado, the summa cum laude son of a security guard (page 14), the formerly at-risk youth who work and thrive at Messy Bessy (page 18), and 16 amazing examples of brave young adults from all over the globe who can serve as inspiration for us all (page 20). And because young people are also in our hearts, we made sure to tackle pressing issues such as bullying (page 42) and the dynamic between parents and teachers, where we explore the type of rearing that would truly help children flourish into responsible, loving, and successful members of society (page 30). 

We hope this issue adds a spring to your step and joy to your heart. Because as 82-year-old Pope Francis continuously reminds us with his words, deeds, and spirit, we never have to grow older, just wiser.

 They say that April showers bring May flowers, and even if we’re short on water these days, we can still find so many reasons to keep on blooming—especially in this issue, which is just bursting with happy thoughts and bright ideas. First off, we can find inspiration in Mang Nanie Guanlao, whose 24/7 library passion project has brought the joy of reading to so many bookworms, and the team of college students behind the Bathala Rocket Stove, an invention that has changed the lives of the Dumagat tribe. If you’re still in need of a pick-me-up, just turn to page 44, where our easy tips will help you nurture a fertile mindset that’s so vital for flourishing in all aspects of life.
And of course, the merry month of May would not be complete without a tribute to mothers everywhere—as well as a very special mother to us all, Mama Mary! In fact, our dear Pope Francis even has a very special devotion to Our Lady (page 20) and encourages us all to seek her intercession. And because motherhood is truly an honourable calling, we’ve made it a point to honour selfless mothers everywhere with a gift guide full of super-thoughtful presents any mom would love (page 36). To tug on your heartstrings even more, we also give you an intimate glimpse into the mother-child relationships of personalities like Zsa Zsa Padilla and Karylle (page 32).
Last but not the least, we bring you not one, but two patron saints of motherhood: St. Monica, whose steadfast faith was instrumental in the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, and St. Gianna Beretta Molla, who is considered as a modern-day, working mom saint. For indeed, with the ups and downs of life, it never hurts to have love, guidance, and support from above.

In the Northern hemisphere, Easter comes—quite fittingly—in the springtime, just as the earth reawakens after a long winter. In the Philippines, it comes in the midst of summer—but it brings with it its own special radiance to brighten up our days and warm our hearts. As such, we’ve decided to breathe some fresh air into this month—with an issue that will help you face each day with an extra spring in your step, and a new song in your heart.
There is so much to see, do, and experience! And as we venture forward on our own paths, may we always travel light, keep our chins up, and realize how blessed we are (more on this on page 42)! And should we ever find ourselves faced with rocky terrain, may we resist the temptation to sweep our issues under the rug. Instead, may we find inspiration in our dear Pope Francis, whose courage reminds us that if we are brave enough, we can transform and heal the world.

In time for the 40 days of Lent, we’ve come up with a My Pope issue that will serve as Your Own Personal Retreat no matter where you are. 

All you have to do is flip through these pages.
We talk about the benefits of unplugging (page 9), show you the Pope’s favorite spots for prayer (page 20), point out where you can find peace and calm in the city (page 28), and help you bring meaning to the season with the themes in Your Lenten Guide (page 26), and the real-life reflections in Your Holy Week Companion (page 28). And if there is one voice in particular we wish you’d drown out, it’s that of your inner worrywart (more on this on page 42). St. John the Beloved shows us what it means to be a true friend (page 52), while actress Jodi Sta. Maria talks about her inspiring visit to the Holy Land (page 10).


We hope this issue helps you see that underneath the flash and pizzazz that can distract you from your problems, lies a Voice that will bring you true purpose and joy.

It’s the perfect mindset for the month of February.  And we’re thrilled to announce that this issue is filled with extra doses of TLC, beginning with our features on Lolo Kiko’s take on marriage (page 24) and his signature hugs (page 8)! With all his inspiring ways, we’re sure you would agree that the Pope deserves the title “The King of Hearts” (page 20).
And just as inspiring is the love story of premier ballet dancers Nonoy Froilan and Edna Vida (page 10) as well as Myra Logro’s special advocacy, Teddy Hugs (page 11). We look into how forgiveness can bring healing and happiness into our lives (page 48) and the “soulmate hotline” for anyone still on the lookout for The One (page 52).

We feel sure that these and all our other joyful stories are guaranteed to fill your cup until it overflows. Here’s hoping that our pages encourage you to bring a little more love and compassion into this world.

In a country where the holiday season starts in September, talking about Christmas in December makes us seem a little late for the party. But we’d like to think that we are right on
time. Because after all the decorating and shopping are done, we now have room to focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas, when the light of the Christ Child dispelled the darkness with the hope for a new life. To help centre our minds and hearts on this, we’ve prepared a December calendar filled with inspiring events that are sure to add a bright spark to the last month of your year .

Wishing you all the best this Christmas, and may peace and love brighten up your days in the New Year!

To share a meal—and not just food, but also affection, stories, events—is a fundamental experience,” Pope Francis once said, and it is the spirit behind these wise words that served as our inspiration for this month. It motivated us to dream big and whip up stories that would not only whet your appetites, but also warm your hearts. After all, when it comes to a “Food for the Soul” issue, we all know that it is not just what we eat that comes into play—feeling enriched, sharing a bounty, being thankful, and bonding over the breaking of the bread are just as important.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that we celebrate My Pope’s first- year anniversary as our dear Pope Francis finds himself in the spotlight under the most trying circumstances. But just as our Pope has always inspired us in good times, he has proven to be even more admirable when faced with challenges. 

Instead of acting defensively, he has shown his character, reminding us all to live with truth, integrity, and love as our guiding lights. Indeed, the world can be a very dark place, but we must always remember that—like Pope Francis—we do not need to succumb to negativity. Instead, we can choose to focus on what brings happiness and inspiration to our lives.

With your well-being in mind, we have come up with a whole range of stories that we hope will inspire you. We have everything from a room-by-room guide on how to create a healthy home (page 20), tips for keeping cool in traffic (page 28), and even Lolo Kiko’s prescription for a better life (page 36)—plus an exclusive interview with his very own acupuncturist (page 40). And if the time to exercise seems to elude you, turn to page 8 and discover how you can sneak in a workout during Mass! Because if there’s anything we learned from Chantal Umali (page 10) and Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo (page 11), it’s that it’s never too late to try something new—and we should always make time for what makes us happy.

Every family has its favourite stories, myths, and legends, and the Pope’s is no different. In this issue we bring you the origins of the Bergoglio family as well as the different homes of Lolo Kiko’s childhood, and the influences that shaped him. We also fast forward to the present, and give you a peek into the Santo Papa’s private life in his new home, Casa Santa Marta. And because this issue is all about family, we bring you wonderfully real stories that celebrate how families can come in many different shapes and forms.

Putting this issue together has been extra-inspiring for us because we were able to meet so many dedicated individuals who are leaving their mark in the fields they’ve chosen. We bring you features on a preschool teacher who works to include kids with special needs in the mainstream classroom and a young doctor who sprung into action along the MRT tracks. We have a nun who practices acupuncture to heal infertility—along with successful personalities Sandy Daza, Ito Kish, Chris Tiu—and more! 
 We hope their journeys will encourage you to keep embracing your own. And for those who don’t quite have the answers just yet, let us help you map things out with our blueprints on page 9 and page 30.
If you sometimes feel frustrated over how “imperfect” your life is, turn to page 36 for some encouraging news: The Pope’s desk is messy! And if you still need a reason to smile, turn to page 45 for our lighthearted article on handsome men of the Church!

We hope this issue will inspire you to “get off the sofa” as our dear Pope Francis likes to say. Because it is in mindfully doing that we stretch and warm up our minds, bodies, talents, and hearts, helping us grow into our own skin.

“Dear young people...” Lolo Kiko often begins his speeches to today’s generation with these words, and the ones that follow them are always filled with fervour and passion, helping him get his message across, loud and clear: that he counts on them, that he urges them to be brave, that he believes they can do great things! To him, they are not a lost generation, but one filled with fresh minds and hearts that can make a difference.

The Pontiff believes in them, and they believe in him, too!

Every year, when May comes around, we honour Mother Mary with our long-held traditions—and this issue of My Pope is no different! The month of May is also significant because we pay tribute to our own mothers who have guided us through the years. 

We bring you 10 things you might not know about the Blessed Virgin (page 34), and look into the beautiful custom of Flores de Mayo (page 12). And because the Santacruzan is the highlight of the Flores de Mayo, we pulled together a lavish spread that celebrates not just this practice, but its fashion as well. To  find out what top designers Jontie Martinez, Renee Salud, and Edwin Uy have to say about their favourite designs, turn to page 26. And of course, no homage to Mama Mary would be complete without a feature on Marian pilgrimages (page 40).

We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song,” Pope John Paul II once said. It’s a beautiful identity we can fully embrace now as we celebrate new life. And what a celebration it is! In the Philippines, Easter comes around just as the summer months move into full swing, allowing us to give in to our wanderlust and to shake o  any overly serious mindsets. Before you hit the road, we invite you to pack light—just as Lolo Kiko does (page 7). And while the Santo Papa is famous for bringing only the essentials and even carrying his own bags, the one thing he likes to take with him when he travels is his favorite Popemobile—which is proudly Philippine made!
As Pope Francis said, “We ask the Risen Jesus who turns death into life, to turn hate into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace.” Let us plant seeds of compassion, kindness, and joy and tend them into full
bloom for our time in the sun. Happy Easter!

In this issue, we hope to inspire you with the real-life stories of a janitor-turned-lawyer (page 14) and the humble beginnings of basketball champ Isaac Go (Page 10).  And let’s not forget St. Peter (page 52), the  flawed man whom Jesus believed in, who became our  first pope! And last but not the least, our very own readers share miracles (page 60) as a wonderful reminder that while our lives may not always have the bright lights of Christmas, we must always have faith in the Risen Lord, because it is always darkest before the dawn. And with each new day comes the promise of love and hope.

Happy New Year! 
In this months combined issue, lets start the year right!

We tickle your fancy with the pope’s funny side, and his confidence in the uplifting power of laughter (pages 7 and 20). And with the love month just around the corner, we clue you all in on the secret to smoother and more harmonious relationships ( page 8) and share the romantic journeys of three married couples who were blessed by none other than Lolo Kiko!

There really is so much to look forward to in the next 365 days, and we hope you make all your #happinessgoals come true with our heartfelt advice from our beloved Pope Francis (page32).  And if that isn’t enough to spur you into spinning your thoughts into deeds, turn to pages 10 and 14 and be inspired by how beautiful souls, Rissa Mananquil Trillo and Lynn Pinugu, are doing what they can to make this world a better place—just as we all should.

 Here’s to a sparkling New Year!

Did you know that December brings us two extra special birthdays? The first one is on December 17, and it’s the birthday of our dear Pope Francis! This year, he turns 81, and to celebrate, we’ve pulled together an exclusive feature with photos from his childhood as well as his words of wisdom. You’ll find all of these and more if you turn to page 20. 

The second birthday is, of course, on December 25, the day the Baby Jesus was born—putting the Christ in Christ-mas. To help highlight the festive air of the season, turn to page 32 where we give you a glimpse of the Vatican’s holiday decorations over the past few years, as well as page 48 where we share the yummy  Christmas recipes from Lolo Kiko’s days as a cardinal.  

May your Christmas be filled with peace and light!

My Pope Philippines Second issue is here!

Whet your appetite while reading about the pope’s favorite meals, and discover the hearty dishes his mother used to cook when he was growing up. Take a whiff  of the freshly baked bread from the Vatican’s bakery, marvel at the harvest from the verdant organic farm of the pope’s summer home, or whip up one of the pizza recipes our Filipino chefs created just for Pope Francis.

And last but not the least, our menu would not be complete without some food for the soul. Which is why we’ve added the pope’s gourmet-themed parables, some encouraging words from Cardinal Tagle, and a few uplifting updates from the children Lolo Kiko spoke to during his Philippine visit. We hope this issue  fills to the brim with inspiration.

The magazine will feature heartwarming and enjoyable stories about Pope Francis, what he stands for, and other Pope Francis-like people who live out his values. Stories and photos will be very positive and uplifting.

April  - May 2020

March 2020

February 2020

December 2019 / January 2020 

November 2019

October 2019

September 2019

August 2019

July 2019

June 2019

May 2019

April 2019

March 2019

February 2019

December 2018 - January 2019

November 2018

October 2018

September 2018

August 2018

July 2018

June 2018

May 2018

April 2018

March 2018

January - February 2018

December 2017

November 2017

October 2017

My Pope Philippines is an adapted English version of Italian magazine, Il Mio Papa, dedicated entirely to Pope Francis.  Every month, My Pope describes the life of the Holy Father, an emotional ride of meetings, words, and simple gestures of his daily life that highlight the important message of change that permeates his pontificate.
 At least 65% of the content is international and 35% is created by the local editorial team in the Philippines to feature stories highlighting the encouraging developments in the lives of Filipinos, whose values and actions reflect those that the Pope stands for, with sections on good news, inspiring stories, traditions, arts and crafts and everyday heroes.

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