WHY MOVING ABROAD STRENGTHENED MY CONNECTION TO THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippine Star|November 29, 2024
There's this fear that I'll suddenly become ignorant of the things going on back home and that a lack of knowledge will mean I'm turning my back on the Philippines.
By PATRICIA MANARANG
WHY MOVING ABROAD STRENGTHENED MY CONNECTION TO THE PHILIPPINES

Since I moved out of the country, I've been consuming more Filipino culture than when I was back home. I'm more invested now in Filipino news, internet memes or jokes, celebrity culture, and more. I've been cooking and craving more Filipino food. Spotting Filipinos walking around here brings me so much excitement; I have to stop myself from approaching them because it might seem creepy.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so they say, but why is that the case? I chatted with some of my amazing friends to get their perspectives on why we want to reconnect with our national identity more when we're away from the homeland.

MUSIC, MEDIA, AND POP CULTURE
My timing seems off when it comes to Pinoy pop culture. Bakit kasi lalong sumikat ang BINI kung kailan ako umalis at hindi ko sila na mapanood mag-concert? The best season of Drag Race Philippines aired when I couldn't go to viewing parties either. But are there really more iconic things happening now, or am I just seeking them out on purpose?

My friends gravitate more to Filipino movies and shows now than when they were readily available back home. My friend Issa Soliongco, a designer who pursued her Master's abroad, found herself going through funny Pinoy content accounts on Instagram. I'm the same way, too; it's a slight feeling of taking things for granted that's pushing me to consume more.

This story is from the November 29, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 29, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE PHILIPPINE STARView All
David Pardo Ayala Moved to Manila with Knives, Cookbooks & a Heart Full of Love
The Philippine Star

David Pardo Ayala Moved to Manila with Knives, Cookbooks & a Heart Full of Love

While at the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York over two decades ago, Colombian-born David Pardo Ayala met the love of his life, a Filipina named Gianella.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Lucky Dumpling opens at Hann Resorts
The Philippine Star

Lucky Dumpling opens at Hann Resorts

Ever been up to the Pampanga and Clark area and craved Chinese food? There is good news since Lucky Dumpling just opened at Hann Resorts in Clark and is a perfect place to have dim sum and Cantonese food for lunch or dinner, even if one is just passing by the area.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
FROM LEGENDS TO CHART-TOPPERS: 2025 CONCERT LINEUP FOR EVERY MUSIC FAN
The Philippine Star

FROM LEGENDS TO CHART-TOPPERS: 2025 CONCERT LINEUP FOR EVERY MUSIC FAN

From Dionne Warwick to Boyz II Men, a bountiful lineup of nostalgia acts will be hitting the Philippine stage this year.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
WHY STREAMING SERVICE MAX IS BETTING BIG ON FILIPINO VIEWERS
The Philippine Star

WHY STREAMING SERVICE MAX IS BETTING BIG ON FILIPINO VIEWERS

ONE OF THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LOCAL entertainment scene in the last quarter of 2024 was the entry of a new streaming service: Max. The platform, operated by Warner Bros. Discovery, brings together iconic brands such as HBO, Harry Potter, Cartoon Network and the DC Universe under one umbrella.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 07, 2025
50th MMFF Extends Run Until Jan. 14 Due to 'Public Demand'
The Philippine Star

50th MMFF Extends Run Until Jan. 14 Due to 'Public Demand'

The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to continue for an additional week due to \"insistent public demand.\"

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

Jollibee Takes Majority Control of Taiwan-Based Soup Brand

Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is boosting its position in the Chinese cuisine segment with the acquisition of a majority stake in a leading wellness soup brand in Taiwan.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

DA funds to cushion impact of imports get substantial hike

Filipino farmers affected by imports, especially coffee and poultry producers, are expected to get at least a billion peso worth of support this year after the Department of Agriculture (DA) received an exponential increase in its earmarked fund meant to enhance farmers’ competitiveness.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

The reality on the ground can damage reputation

Are we like goslings or baby geese that follow a mother goose wherever it goes? It appears that way, at least in my case.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

MGen unit bags 600-MW gas project in Singapore

PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. (PLP), controlled by Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), has secured the right to build, own and operate a 600-megawatt gas plant in Singapore.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

Market Stays Blemish-Free in 2025

The local stock market has kept its record blemish-free so far this year, extending its winning streak to three sessions ahead of the release of the country's December inflation data today.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025