Ratziel San Juan
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Mother of dragons @mnlstandardph Volunteer @altermidya | Ex @BBPHOfficial @philstarlife @PhilstarNews | 📩 ratziel.sanjuan@gmail.com
Articles by Ratziel San Juan
Current trend for males 'still alarming'
By Alexandra S. Demaisip Content warning: This article mentions suicide.
QC’s pilot OASIS Schoolyards offer recess from extreme heat
They say that education is not limited to the four walls and corners of the classroom, but three elementary schools in Quezon City took that age-old adage further with a real-life lesson in addressing the worsening impacts of climate change. Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary School (DPMES), Manuel L.
Bato chase turned into viral game ‘Senate Run’
An indie app builder created a free online game simulating Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa being chased by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents inside the Senate building, as popularly captured by CCTV footage. Developed and designed by Joniffer Mandac, the game is a fictional parody made for entertainment purposes only. It features a cartoon version of Dela Rosa running through the Senate against obstacles like NBI agents and wet floor signs.
PGMN exposé on Martin scored as ‘underwhelming’
“This is the episode you’ve all been waiting for,” the controversial Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) teased its supposed exposé on former House speaker Martin Romualdez, as it finally dropped the highly anticipated 109-minute video on Sunday evening.
‘The Devil Wears Prada’ while sipping java
Starbucks Philippines on Wednesday, April 29, launched an exclusive menu of four custom drinks in time for the local release of “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” These include the Miranda Caffè Latte (Caffè Latte with no foam, an extra shot of espresso, and extra hot nonfat milk), the Andy Oatmilk Cappuccino (Cappuccino with substitute oatmilk, two pumps of caramel syrup, and cinnamon powder), the Nigel Espresso con Panna (Doppio Espresso con Panna with one pump of mocha sauce), and the Emily Iced...
Rep. Marcoleta mixes up John Lloyd role with Piolo line in manifestation
Sagip party-list Rep. Paolo Marcoleta on Wednesday appeared to have confused a line delivered by Piolo Pascual in the 2014 film “Starting Over Again” with John Lloyd Cruz’s character Popoy in the 2007 film “One More Chance” and its 2015 sequel “A Second Chance.” The lawmaker made a manifestation during the House of Representatives Committee on Justice’s hearing on the two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Health advocates launch campaign to address alcohol’s harm on Filipino families
Health advocates on Friday launched the “Sinasaktan ng Alak ang Pamilya” campaign, urging Filipinos to understand how alcohol harms their families and calling on the national government to act immediately. Specifically, the campaign seeks decisive action on alcohol policy through proven and cost-effective measures. Advocates warn that without an increase in alcohol taxes and stronger enforcement of existing regulations, alcohol-related harms will continue to burden families and the Philippines.
Over 100 Obando evacuees report sickness amid landfill fire
The Municipal Health Office of Obando, Bulacan, on Tuesday said it recorded various health issues among 107 evacuees temporarily staying at Obando National High School as the Navotas Sanitary Landfill continues to burn. “The cases we are looking into at the evacuation area, and then when we visited the coastal area, in Brgys.
Obando fun run funds planting of 136 mangroves in June
OBANDO, Bulacan — A fun run held in this city on Saturday raised around P20,000 for local mangrove planting and coastal cleanup activities scheduled in June.
Solon brings Mary Grace, Piattos to VP Sara impeachment hearing
Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña on Wednesday brought a paper bag from bakery and café chain Mary Grace containing Piattos potato chips during the initial hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
‘Boodle fight’ among 7 new Filipino words in Oxford dictionary
Food-related terms in the Philippines, such as “boodle fight,” “inasal,” and “palengke,” are among the newest words from the country added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Oxford Languages announced its latest update to the OED, including more than 500 new words, phrases, and senses, as well as over 950 revised entries. The update sees additions from across the world, including words from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and Ireland.
My road to recovery with this new Ortigas wellness club
“Pushing” 30 is as close as I get to any physical activity. My work-from-home life consists of sitting down for the most part, a lifestyle so sedentary that it comes as no surprise that I bear lower back pain already in my late 20s. Fortunately, I was recently invited to visit Polarity Wellness Club (PWC), a newly opened membership-based wellness club at The Podium, Ortigas Center.
Roblox given one month to address safety concerns or face PH ban—CICC
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) issued a 1-month ultimatum for the popular online gaming platform Roblox to address serious allegations of illegal activities occurring within its app. CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso warned that if Roblox fails to coordinate with the Philippine government within the next 30 days, the agency, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), will move for a total nationwide block.
CICC gives Roblox 1 month to address safety, legal concerns before PH ban
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) issued a 1-month ultimatum for the popular online gaming platform Roblox to address serious allegations of illegal activities occurring within its app. The platform, which has officially been placed under strict monitoring, is widely used by Filipino children. According to the CICC, Roblox has become a “hunting ground” for threat actors like pedophiles and drug traffickers.
Kuya Kim reacts to Padilla 'weak' remark on depression
Television host “Kuya Kim” Atienza responded to the recent controversial remark of Sen. Robin Padilla regarding depression and the supposed weakness of today’s generation of children. “You don’t get it, senator. It’s not that simple,” Atienza wrote in Filipino in the comments section of a news organization’s post covering the issue.
How hybrid work changed corporate culture for good
THE effect of hybrid work setups on employee productivity can be debated any which way, for better or worse. What everyone can agree upon is that these post-pandemic work arrangements have changed the workplace for good. There is simply no going back, even for return-to-office contexts, without incorporating work-from-home (WFH) in some form.
Sights to see at 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) is set to take flight from February 13 to 15, with New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, ready to serve as the country’s biggest open-air runway for the occasion. The fiesta’s latest iteration, titled “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” will host a range of activities aside from the main event of hot air balloons.
De Lima, 'President' Nadine file bills on animal welfare, health
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Tuesday was joined by award-winning actress Nadine Lustre and other advocates in filing several legislative measures that seek to promote animal welfare, health, and the environment. These include House Bills 7696 and 7697, or the proposed “Animal Welfare Enforcement Act” and “Gulay para sa Kalusugan at Kalikasan Act,” respectively.
Brit favorite? Manila tops trending holiday destinations
Brits are no longer dreaming of a white Christmas with its glistening treetops and characteristic snow. If anything, the holidays have taken a decidedly warmer turn. That means basking in the sun, sand, and all else that the tropics offer. The Philippines, in particular, has taken hold of British fliers, according to leading travel search engine KAYAK. “Our list of trending destinations couldn’t be more diverse.
2025 holiday catering trends for the season
For the culinary-challenged, a primary concern is how to feed a whole household with a table full of menu items that everyone will enjoy. It’s a good thing that caterers abound in time for Christmas and New Year festivities. These holiday heroes, such as premier catering service Juan Carlo, are ready to serve bellyfulls of premium Filipino and international fare directly to one’s dining table.
ASEAN seeks to finalize South China Sea code by July 2026
The Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS) that Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states are negotiating with China may be finalized as early as July next year during the Philippines’ chairmanship of the regional group.
TikTok Shop blooms, work from cemetery among modern ways Pinoys mark Undas
Filipinos have kept the flame of local Day of the Dead observances alive through the years, unextinguished by changing times nor dampened by generational differences. The time-honored tradition of Undas (a collective term for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day), however, is not without some welcome innovations.
Public health, harm reduction experts seek Philippine drug policy overhaul
Policy experts have urged the Philippine government to completely overhaul the country’s existing law to address drug use, arguing that it is anti-poor, counterproductive, and outdated. During a dialogue organized by the Drug Policy Reform Initiative this past weekend, public health and harm reduction advocates said the Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, has enabled the country’s “war on drugs” approach.
Why Cebu’s M6.9 quake was more destructive than Davao’s M7.4
In terms of both casualties and damage, the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu that took place on September 30 was far more destructive than the stronger 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental on October 10 — even with the latter being followed by a 6.8-magnitude twin quake the same day.
What lies beneath at Ilagan Japanese Tunnel
The descent into Isabela’s caliginous and cavernous Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is a deep dive into history itself. Measuring 40 meters in length and 3.66 meters in both height and width, the tunnel is the sole of the various documented tunnels in the locality that was restored, preserved, and developed into an eco-tourism attraction during the administration of Ilagan Mayor Josemarie Diaz, DMD.
Tuguegarao's Batil Patong for starters at Eva's Panciteria
Noodling around Tuguegarao to find where to get the best Pancit Batil Patong in its birthplace will spawn countless answers. That’s because almost every square kilometer in Cagayan’s capital is home to at least one panciteria, each with its own variation of the famed noodle dish. Maybe it all comes down to a matter of subjective preference, but for local tourism officials, the answer was objectively Eva’s Panciteria.
TPB, DOT spotlight Cagayan Valley tourism in 15th Regional Travel Fair
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its marketing and promotions arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, successfully hosted the 15th run of the Regional Trade Fair (RTF) through the biannual event’s first installment held in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, from August 15 to 17. The government-initiated travel fair, which strategically explores and conducts events in different regions nationwide, seeks to sell and promote domestic tour packages.
Kaufman denies ‘internal’ rift in Rody’s team
The legal counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte denied any reported claims of internal disagreements among his immediate family and his defense team. “There are absolutely no internal disagreements among the persons responsible for handling the former President’s defense… There are also absolutely no personal misunderstandings between those who are of importance to the former President,” lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said in a written interview with the Facebook page Alvin & Tourism.
Fujiwhara effect heightens impact of storms
Hosting not one, but two tropical cyclones at once is clearly bad news for any country. The Philippines, for example, has been severely affected by the twin tropical cyclones, Tropical Storm “Dante” and Typhoon “Emong,” on top of the southwest monsoon and the preceding Severe Tropical Storm “Crising.” However, Dante and Emong are particularly of note due to their demonstration of a rare weather phenomenon known as the “Fujiwhara” effect. What exactly does this mean?
Simple tweaks to elevate Filipino comfort food
When we mention “comfort food,” we often mean dishes that disarm us with unapologetic servings of carbs and sugar, or stir memories of childhood and cherished moments. A guilty pleasure of sorts. However, a trend over the past couple of years is to view comfort food in a more sophisticated light. It is very much possible to elevate food that speaks to the stomach and soul without sacrificing nutritional or emotional value.
Lutong bahay, oh my! Restaurants offering Pinoy comfort food worldwide
Even Filipino food works hard overseas. There is no shortage of restaurants offering Filipino food worldwide, keeping it real and authentic for the Pinoys living abroad while still catering to international tastes. Here is just a handful of such establishments that have served as the Philippines’ pride over the years due to their comfort food offerings, unlike anything else on the market.
A user-friendly app for the deal-hunting foodie
As a corporate girlie pushing 30, I’ve been working long enough to know that price tags of prized goods aren’t getting any lower, the same way I’m not getting younger. Fortunately, a game-changer I’ve recently adopted at the behest of a trusted coworker is leading superapp Grab’s latest Dine Out feature, perfect for dine-in customers looking out and about for a delicious deal.
Putting the 'deli' in delicious in Alabang
Healthy food grocery One World Deli has moved into the Alabang neighborhood, where it hopes to nurture a food community with its curated selection of premium ingredients and beverages. Since it was founded in 2022, the Manila-born concept has amassed quite the loyal following all thanks to its chef-crafted meals, responsible sourcing, and well-stocked retail section. One World Deli’s venture into the South aptly enough is a departure from the direction of its other locations.
Salem Bed opens doors in BGC
Premier mattress and home furniture manufacturer Salem Bed recently opened its newest store and showroom in the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The premium Salem Enclave rests at the Two Maridien Tower along 26th Street in Bonifacio South Street. This location boasts a curated selection of mattresses, bedframes, and other products like sofas and foldable mats.
Nutritionist shares tater thoughts on potatoes in Pinoy diets
Registered nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian has made the case for why potatoes deserve a spot on your plate. The TikTok-famous personality is known for making nutrition fun, easy, and accessible to help Filipinos build healthy relationships with food and their bodies.
'HERitage Market' champions women-led brands, stories in QC bazaar
A two-day bazaar event featuring women-led businesses, brands, and creators is set to take place at the UP Town Center Activity Area in Katipunan, Quezon City, from March 22 to 23 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Known as “HERitage Market,” the initiative is brought by the UP Delta Lambda Sigma Sorority (UP DLS) in time for the International Women’s Month observation. The weekend event will give women entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories, sell their products, and build a supportive community.
1 week into ICC detention, Duterte reports Filipino food cravings
In the days that followed since former president Rodrigo Duterte was surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC), his camp had already reported his cravings for Filipino cuisine. “He is in very high spirits.
ICC lists prosecutors; Sara with defense
The International Criminal Court has formed its prosecution team with deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang joining Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan in the ‘crimes against humanity’ case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. Khan was responsible for securing arrest warrants against Duterte, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged crimes against humanity. Niang has held senior positions in the Senegalese judicial system.
British-Israeli named Duterte’s lead counsel
Vice President Sara Duterte has named lawyer Nicholas Kaufman as the lead counsel of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Kaufman is set to join the legal team, which also includes former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. The Vice President said her father’s defense team will meet with Kaufman upon the latter’s arrival in The Hague.
Full steam ahead for popular hotpot's new Mandaluyong branch
Chinese hotpot chain Jiang Nan has opened its newest branch at Mandaluyong’s Fame Mall. This marks the popular hotpot’s seventh Philippine branch, which will continue its mission of “bringing authentic Chinese cuisine and a delicious hotpot experience across the metro.” “We aspire to bring the rich authentic culinary flavors from China province and create an experience unparalleled by any other hotpot or grill for Filipinos to enjoy,” the store’s owners said.
Marcos: PH will always choose path of peace, stability
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will always choose the path of peace as he led the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig on Saturday. “Filipinos paid the highest price for democracy to be preserved and for democracy to flourish.
DSWD's SLP not 'sustainable lovelife program,' Marcos quips
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proved he is still in tune with the times, finding an opportunity to joke about “labels” and “situationships” during the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) 74th-anniversary event at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.
Debunking myths about life-saving statins
In the Philippines, where cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been a leading cause of death for over three decades, the information disorder proves to be deadly in its own right. You may be familiar with the “bad cholesterol” known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is potentially dangerous at high levels as it can lead to CVD. Fortunately, a group of medicines called statins can help lower LDL cholesterol in the blood and reduce bad cholesterol production inside the liver.
Chefs, public figures honor Margarita Forés
The best of the Philippine culinary scene paid tribute to one of their own: chef Margarita Forés, whose sudden passing announced Tuesday shocked the country. Named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, Forés owned several restaurants, including the Cibo chain, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta. Here are just some of the many tributes that poured in for Forés in light of her passing.
PAGASA: 'Medium' chance LPA outside PAR becomes tropical depression
PAGASA on Tuesday reported it is monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). As of 2 p.m. today, the LPA was located 305 kilometers southwest of Kalayaan, Palawan. It has a “medium” chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, according to the state weather bureau’s 24-hour tropical cyclone formation outlook issued at 4 p.m. PAGASA has since advised all stakeholders to monitor updates.
DOST’s textile arm weaves ‘circular’ pattern for Philippine Tropical Fabrics
The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) premier textile research and development arm known as the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) successfully launched several initiatives designed to extend the life cycle of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTFs). DOST-PTRI recently held its 2025 National Textile Convention (TELACon), a two-day event showcasing efforts to promote sustainability in the local textile industry through circular design principles.
Life-saving statins are a hard pill to swallow in the Philippines
In the Philippines, where cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been a leading cause of death for over three decades, the information disorder proves to be deadly in its own right. You may be familiar with the “bad cholesterol” known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is potentially dangerous at high levels as it can lead to CVD. Fortunately, a group of medicines called statins can help lower LDL cholesterol in the blood and reduce bad cholesterol production inside the liver.
Longtime Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman passes away
Albay 1st District Rep. and Liberal Party president Edcel Lagman passed away on Thursday afternoon, according to his family. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman in a statement said her 82-year-old father died of cardiac arrest. He was brought to St Luke’s Hospital where doctors pronounced his passing at 5:01 p.m. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Albay First District Representative and Liberal Party President Edcel C. Lagman,” Krisel said.
Day tour detour in Binondo
Manila’s Binondo district isn’t the world’s oldest Chinatown for nothing. Beyond its Ongpin Street famed for food crawls is a thriving Filipino-Chinese community with decadeslong livelihoods positioned at each twist and turn. The media including Manila Standard recently visited the less-explored but culturally abundant parts of the neighborhood ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration.
‘Auspicious year’ for Marcos–fengshui expert - Manila Standard
The Year of the Wooden Snake appears auspicious for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. This is according to feng shui master Chau Kam Shing during his recent special forecast for the Chinese New Year delivered virtually to the media at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. “I can tell you your president, President Marcos, was born in the Year of the Rooster,” Chau Kam Shing said. “This year, he has good luck,” he added.
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