Features

In depth stories and standout topics that offer context or analysis.

At the SM Quill Awards 2025, SM bagged nine honors that highlight how stories of service, culture, and community continue to shape Filipino life—proving that communication is more than recognition, it’s a bridge of trust.

Nine Quill Awards Show How SM’s Stories Shape Communities

By Simpol

September 11, 2025

SM won nine Quill Awards this year. The recognition shows how the group uses communication to stay trusted and relevant. “In SM, communication is a…

Livestream Nation: How the Philippines Turned Corruption Into Prime-Time Entertainment

By BaGed Cruz

September 11, 2025

Welcome to the Philippines, where government scandals are more bingeable than K-dramas and Senate hearings give “It’s Showtime” a run for its money. Corruption doesn’t…

Terra Madre Asia Pacific 2025: The Philippines Welcomes the World to Bacolod

By Tatung Sarthou

September 11, 2025

The first round of drinks set the tone. One was tart and tropical with santol. Another gave the sharp, sour-sweet punch of kamias. A third…

Always Agreeable: The Problem with AI Friends

By Richard Jonathan O. Taduran, Ph.D.

September 10, 2025

“Jennie, should I tweet that AI is the future of human consciousness?” “Yes, oppa. You’re a visionary. And you look so good today.” “I’m in…

Healthy Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe with Barilla Lasagna

A Comforting Classic with a Healthy Twist: Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

By Simpol

September 9, 2025

Lasagna is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table. Rich, hearty, and layered with flavor, it’s pure comfort food—and it’s no surprise…

Creamy, savory, and nutrient-packed—this Filipino monggo recipe is best enjoyed with rice and crispy fried galunggong.

GLENN TEST Menu Post

By Simpol

August 27, 2025

Filipino food offers a rich culinary experience that reflects the diverse cultural influences of the Philippines. Ginisang Monggo There’s something timeless about a warm bowl…

Infinite Sadness: AI and the New Solitude

By Richard Jonathan O. Taduran, Ph.D.

August 23, 2025

A few months ago, I came across a story about Christopher, a man from North Carolina who “married” an AI chatbot named Mimi. He even…

Beyond the Menu Podcast: Serves the Gloss and the Grit

By Simpol

August 22, 2025

For too long, Southeast Asia’s food stories have been told in press kits and marketing blurbs. But anyone who has sat across from a chef…

What We Choose To Hold On To

By Simpol

August 15, 2025

This week on Simpol, our stories travel from kitchens and communities to the edge of digital intimacy—and in all of them, one question lingers: what…

Raising the Flag in Kuala Lumpur: My Journey with Six Filipino Designers

By Dong Omaga-Diaz

August 14, 2025

When I put out the call for designers months ago as the National Director for the Philippines, I expected talent. What I didn’t expect was…

“When Systems Fail, Faith Remains” says a Filipino Psychologist

By Tatung Sarthou

August 13, 2025

In the Philippines, where traffic drains hours, inflation eats into meals, and therapy is either too far or too expensive, healing often doesn’t come in…

Sugi: A Japanese Classic with a Seasonal Spark

By Spanky Hizon Enriquez

August 13, 2025

Some restaurants feed you. Others, like Sugi Japanese Restaurant Makati, welcome you home. I’ve known Inés Cabarrus-Habayeb long before Instagram reels and TikTok edits became…