Angekyla Barroquillo

With its characteristic umami, strong aroma, and vibrant green color, matcha has captured palates worldwide from its ceremonial, chasen-whisked origins to its modern use in multiple sweet treats. Yet, a year ago, who would have expected the dawn of social media and “Matchatok” to catapult this green-tea based powder to superstardom? The surge nearly caught the unprepared Japanese industry blindsided, as average prices of the first season’s tea auctions rose to 60 percent compared to 2025.

Growing up right across our city’s sports complex, it was no surprise that my childhood was spent covered in dust and sweat. From my early fascination with football to trying out taekwondo and biking, I sampled almost every sport within my reach. But with everything that I’ve tried, the one sport that truly struck me was tennis. Since second grade, the tennis court in front of our house had been my second home.

“Wow, Pisay! Ang talino mo siguro, ano?” (You must be really smart, right?) For graduates of Philippine Science High School (PSHS or Pisay), this reaction may sound familiar. But who can blame people for being impressed that someone they know is from the leading science high school in the Asia-Pacific region?