CNN Philippines

It’s been quite a year — or decade, really — for dogs in the Philippines. In 2023 alone, our country saw major wins in international dog pageantry. And if you weren’t aware that Manila hosts “the largest dog show in Asia,” you’ve probably witnessed as dogs became increasingly big business even before the pandemic — what’s led to today’s glut of grooming and daycare centers, priest-officiated pet blessings at malls, and products spanning pup pastries to dog barongs. The Philippine fur baby boom has been hard to ignore, but does it mean the long-neglected aspin finally has our attention? Our year-end cover story examines whether a nation that’s seen the power of its paw-driven peso can invest in a better future for its native dog. 🐾 Making a strong bid for the country’s affections is our first canine cover star, Morgan. A senior dog, Morgan follows the long succession of aspins dubbed “Hachiko of the Philippines.” He gets his name from the Caloocan City morgue he waited loyally outside of for over a year after his human died from COVID-19. Morgan joins the other praise-worthy pups we photographed for this story - link in bio. Story by @mafalda.makes Photos by @jljavier Cover design by @publicschoolmnl Produced by @mafalda.makes and @geriemedina Sittings by @gabygloria Special thanks to ATTY. HEIDI CAGUIOA, @akfanimalrescue, JACLYN BUENDIA, PHILIPPINE FOREST DOG LEGACY INC., and @itscamilleco

This year's @qcinemaph QCShorts presents "an equal number of hits and misses," says @jokermanio of the six short films created through awarded grants. "It is a far cry from the complete thematic program of previous years. But the program has its moments," he says, citing impactful scenes between two forlorn ravers in @apaagbayani's @abutanmantayo as well as the forbidden teen longing in "A Catholic Schoolgirl" (dir. Myra Angeline Soriaso). From a feat in animation to a legendary filmmaker's "fumbled" attempt, read the full review on the high (and low) points of #QCShorts — link in bio. QCinema runs until Sunday, Nov. 26. Visit @qcinemaph for the full QCShorts screening schedule.

“’Yung pandemic kids mas hungry sa live music, live performance, [basically] doing something in real life,” says @zildbenitez on the often black-clad yet vibrant community that’s found a home at his shows. Whether at a basement bar in QC or a major mall in Makati, these “Paniki kids” pack each venue and create a welcoming space that celebrates various subcultures, supports new indie acts, and erupts into lively (and respectful) moshing in the process. At the link in bio, writer @gabygloria meets a performer who’s bared his soul through his songs, given life to Pinoy punk and emo, and amassed a following that would gladly follow him into the dark. Photos by @jljavier Sittings by @geriemedina Styling by @pauljatayna assisted by @lowmaintenancefriend Cover design by @publicschoolmnl Video by @givemesam Produced by @gabygloria

How does court queen @alyssa_valdez2 continue to soar in her sport? 🏐 She stays grounded and grateful for every second she gets to play the game. Read our July 2023 cover story on #AlyssaValdez & the domination of Philippine volleyball at the link in bio. Video by: @givemesam

In the last 15 years, Philippine women’s volleyball went from being a campus craze to a national obsession. Volleyball’s astronomic ascent can be traced to @alyssa_valdez2, the first among a galaxy of star players who have commanded everything from reality TV stints to big-brand endorsements. Now 30, Valdez meets a new generation of players on the court who grew up watching her. Not to mention, last night’s plot twist: Japan’s @kurashiki.ablaze snatching the #PVL2023 crown from Valdez and the #CreamlineCoolSmashers, making them the first foreign team to win the @pvlph championship. With fiercer competition and new hunger for #SEAGames gold, Philippine volleyball is bound for even greater thrills. Read about how a phenom spiked a phenomenon at the link in bio. Story by @mafalda.makes Additional reporting by @geriemedina Photos by @jljavier Styling by @cvprojects Makeup by @delosreyesjason Hair by @iammjrone assisted by @donaldlapez Cover design by @publicschoolmnl Video by: @givemesam Produced by @gabygloria Special thanks to @vmgasia

This is the state of the nation, according to Filipinos. Complete recovery from the pandemic, fair wages, and accessibility to education are just some of the issues that matter to the citizens we interviewed at Commonwealth Avenue. At the nearby Batasang Pambansa complex, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives. Read the #SONA2023 Photo Essay at the link in bio.

This is the state of the nation, according to Filipinos. Wage hikes, inflation, peace and order, and the Philippines’ territorial claim vs. China are just some of the issues that matter to the citizens we interviewed at Batasan Hills, Quezon City. At the nearby Batasang Pambansa complex, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives. Stay tuned for part two. #SONA2023

What is Pride to Jon Santos? A conversation with @jon_to_the_world is a sprawl through history, a network of anecdotes and memory, but always making its way back to the lessons of his life. In the cover story at the link in bio, we make our way through his illustrious three-decade career on the stage and screen. Video by @givemesam

Thousands of penitents, locals, and tourists flocked to San Fernando City, Pampanga on April 7, Good Friday, to witness the 2023 “Maleldo” Lenten rites, held again for the first time since 2019. The Holy Week tradition in Pampanga is one of the Philippines’ many localized forms of the “Senakulo,” or staged reenactments of the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The lenten ritual in San Fernando City is particularly known for its crucifixion act in which some penitents’ hands and feet are physically nailed onto the wooden crosses. See the full photo essay by @jljavier at the link in bio.

Sen. @hontiverosrisa on the SOGIE bill, being a Pisces, and taking up space Read the full cover story at the link in bio. Interview by @reynavalmores and @givemesam Photos by @kitkatpajaro Styling by @sampotenciano Makeup by @nadynnemarie Hair by @aldrinjalandoni Produced by @donjaucian and @gabygloria Cover design by @publicschoolmnl

How the local VFX industry brings to life Filipino fantasies Read the cover story by @gorygeorgies at the link in bio. Cover art, design, and animation by @wibblewebble Produced by @gabygloria

With “Nocebo” finishing its theatrical run in the Philippines and “Maria Clara at Ibarra” down to its last few weeks, it's certain that greater things lie ahead for Chai Fonacier. Read the cover story by @rcdsmith at the link in bio. Photos by @ralphmendo Styling by @sampotenciano Hair and makeup by @idasiasoco Produced by @donjaucian and @gabygloria Cover design by @publicschoolmnl