By Julienne Raboca

Ten years after arriving in the UK, Lady San Pedro shares how her upbringing in Manila prepared her to create innovations that resonate across cultural divides in London’s competitive design industry.

“Growing up in Manila exposed me to a broad spectrum of low-income and high-income communities,” she says. “Exposure to this economic reality helped shape my approach to design by understanding the people I design for, and being attuned to their varied needs, aspirations, lifestyles, and motivations.”

San Pedro is the Director of Innovation for Mrs Wordsmith, an focused on empowering young people with literacy skills. Her work involves developing products, programmes and partnerships that foster meaningful engagement across the UK, US, and beyond, including adapting award-winning illustrated books for non-native English speakers in multiple languages.

Finding Freedom in London’s creative scene

When Lady San Pedro relocated to London in 2015, accompanied by her golden retriever and Persian cat after a stint in Barcelona, she entered a competitive design landscape where her unique Filipino perspective would prove to be both a challenge and her greatest asset.

“I had no network when I first moved,” she recalls. “It was jarring to be confronted by the fact that people here were unfamiliar with my provenance and credentials.”

But what might have intimidated others became an unexpected advantage. Free from preconceptions, San Pedro found her work evaluated on its merits rather than connections. “That same thing made it reassuring when people took a genuine interest in my achievements,” she says.

London’s design industry, she quickly realised, valued holistic creative identities. “I felt that the decision-makers I attracted really paid attention to my portfolio, profile, social presence and blog at the time,” she says. This perspective led her to refine her work with greater intentionality, ultimately shaping a career marked by nuance, strategy and vision.

San Pedro’s career spans global creative agencies including McCann, TBWA and Leo Burnett. These experiences, she says, “developed my acumen for strategy, which is essential for leaders in design and innovation. Any project, product, or programme needs a purpose and a plan!”

London’s dual emphasis on commercial viability and creativity provided a promising canvas. “I like to advocate for work that is both beautiful and meaningful,” San Pedro says. “London is a great city for this. With so many simultaneously cool, mission-driven startups and studios, I feel lucky being in a space that values commercial impact as much as creative achievement.”

Her ability to balance both artistic and strategic objectives has brought her notable success. Her work in children’s literacy, for example, has earned widespread recognition. Her designs for Mrs Wordsmith’s Word Tag for Schools won Children’s Home Learning Product of the Year at the Digital Education Awards in 2024 while Storyteller’s Word a Day received gold at the Parents’ Choice Awards, alongside accolades from the Mom’s Choice Awards and Tillywig Brain Child Award in 2019.

Beyond these honours, San Pedro contributed to UNICEF’s Design Toolbox for Children’s Well-being in 2024 and has established partnership programs with the NSPCC Children’s Charity to safeguard vulnerable children.

On leadership: Be less cautious, be more candid

Her experiences as a woman in leadership have reinforced the importance of confidence and decisiveness. “Men still dominate leadership because they speak and act faster, with less preparation.”

Her observations have led to personal growth strategies. “I’ve observed women feel the need to perfect their work or their language before proceeding and therein lies a gap to make an impact,” she explains. “I’ve taught myself to be less cautious and more candid in this sense. You move forward faster that way.”

This recognition has enhanced her efforts to mentor emerging female talent. In 2024, she worked with the Diana Award in 2024, guiding young women into design and leadership roles. “The young women I mentored at an East London high school planned a social action project around the theme of misogyny to highlight the pressing need to support women and girls,” she shares. “Leadership here meant paying attention to give relevant support; paying attention to the facilitators who do this for a living and paying attention to the mentees who struggle to feel seen and understood.”

Cultural fluidity as design advantage

In her work in children’s educational technology, San Pedro emphasises user-centred approaches. “It’s important for design to be influenced by the people it serves,” she says. “In the children’s space, this means gathering insights not just from students but also from their teachers and caregivers through focus groups, pilots, and other research methods.”

This approach has produced tangible improvements. “Insights from these efforts have led us to refine content in apps, the size and weight of books, and graphic elements within interfaces, making them more effective or enjoyable to use.”

Her foundational work in Manila has made her acutely aware that users from different backgrounds have diverse needs. This sensitivity has informed her work across borders. Her first design role in London, focused on sustainability at provenance.org, saw her work featured in Forbes, BBC News, Fast Company and Financial Times. Later, her contributions to children’s educational technology led her to shape UNICEF’s framework for Child Rights and Business.

Seeing success beyond titles

San Pedro’s approach to leadership defies conventional goal-setting. “On standards versus goals, it’s an approach I hold as a personal ethos rather than a checklist to complete,” she explains. “It was never a fixed goal to win any particular design award, or work in children’s literacy, or design for sustainability, or even live in London at all. Setting a standard for beautiful, meaningful work has naturally led me down these paths.”

All said and done, San Pedro’s most fulfilling project remains deeply personal. “I loved for Italian heritage brand Alberto Guardiani,” she says. The design featured “a slim butterfly wing piece propping up a red, round-toe pump,” with subsequent seasons introducing “sandal and boot versions, in a range of colours and materials.”

Her design was featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, and other titles. But the recognition was secondary to the personal significance. “Unlike everything else I design, I designed it for myself. It is beautiful and meaningful to me.”

San Pedro’s definition of success has evolved with her career. “I don’t view success as a goalpost but as an orientation,” she reflects. This perspective manifests in continual learning: “I follow a lot of industry accounts to stay up to date. I read about innovation in intersecting fields. I attend in-person talks with authors and designers and ask them lots of questions.”

San Pedro discovers novel and niche areas of practice in her quest to feed her curiosity: “I take workshops on table setting or calligraphy,” she says. “I do all these all on my own because you really cannot wait for your friends or colleagues to be free to go with you!”

Unlike her early career when she “benchmarked success on a title,” San Pedro now finds fulfilment in “the active, lived experience” – including London’s cultural offerings. “I’m a city girl and love all the cultural and culinary offerings of the city. London feeds my appetite for art, design, film, stage, wining, dining and fitness.”

Looking back, San Pedro admits surprise at her own journey. “My younger self would be surprised I’m even here! It was never a goal or plan to live or work abroad,” she says. “In spite of my strong interest in world cultures, it didn’t occur to me that I would in fact want to experience them through travel or migration.”

For young Filipino women looking to follow her path, San Pedro’s advice is simple: “Find the ideas you want to work on. Work on them and the rest will follow!”

About the author

Julienne Carlos Raboca is a London-based journalist with over a decade of international experience in digital marketing, content management, and communications. After 10 years in Hong Kong, she is now working as a commodities reporter at Fastmarkets, having completed an MA in Journalism, Media and Globalisation as a European Commission scholar at Aarhus University and City, University of London.

Updated: 2 April 2025

The post Lady San Pedro: A Filipina leader in innovation and design appeared first on ŷ������.

In 2025, audiences across the North are invited to experience AKA Theatre Company’s exciting new folk musical The Flood.

Based on true accounts of flooding in the Calder Valley, this show invites audiences to celebrate hope, creativity, and the strength of community in the face of disaster.

On Boxing Day 2015, the picturesque town of Hebden Bridge was devastated by the worst floods in a century. Homes and businesses were submerged. Lives were turned upside down. Yet, amidst the chaos, the spirit of the Valley rose. Neighbours joined forces, artists found new inspiration and Hebden Bridge rebuilt itself stronger than ever.

Performed by a cast of five talented actor-musicians, the show blends live traditional music and heartfelt storytelling to celebrate the strength of community.

“We’re thrilled to launch The Flood at Leeds Playhouse before taking it to audiences in York, Manchester, and other communities,” says director Lucie Raine.

“This is a story about what it means to come together when everything falls apart. It’s not just a play — it’s a tribute to resilience and creativity, inspired by Hebden Bridge and its people. It’s a celebration for all communities who have faced adversity and emerged stronger.”

The Flood premieres at Leeds Playhouse (19th April) and will then tour to Chester Storyhouse (24th – 26th), The Atkinson Southport (1st May), Georgian Theatre Royal Richmond (2nd May), 53Two Manchester (7th – 8th May), Friargate Theatre York (9th – 10^th May), Hull Truck Theatre (13th May) and Hebden Bridge Little Theatre (16th – 17th May).

For tickets and more information, visit , or contact the Box Office at 0113 213 7700.

AKA Theatre Company is a company. With the motto “Seeking freedom through limitations,” their aim is to highlight and cater to original works of upcoming artists and creatives that want to share their stories and ideas in a safe space. Freedom of collaboration and artistic expression.

Leeds Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, known for its vibrant programme of world-class productions. For over 50 years they have been committed to sharing stories that inspire, challenge, and connect communities across Leeds. They were recently recognised at the UK Theatre Awards where they were named the Most Welcoming Theatre 2022.

The post A love letter to a town that refused to sink under appeared first on ŷ������.

By Jacob Delos Santos

The arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday has triggered a wave of online disinformation, with his supporters flooding social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube with unverified claims and falsehoods.

On 11 March, on the strength of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for crimes against humanity he allegedly committed between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019.

Human rights groups estimate that up to 30,000 people were killed under Duterte’s watch, from his tenure as mayor of Davao City to his presidency, where he spearheaded a violent “war on drugs” that drew international condemnation.

Duterte’s arrest has deeply polarised Filipinos worldwide, leading to street protests both in the Philippines and in The Hague. Online, the divide has played out through a flood of misleading, unverified, and false reports, largely pro-Duterte, according to VERA Files, .

“Every day since Duterte’s arrest, we have concerning it and the ICC (International Criminal Court). Overwhelmingly, the disinformation is pro-Duterte,” Celine Samson, head of the online verification team at VERA Files, told the Philippines Star.

Here, we break down some of the false, misleading, and unverified claims that have been spreading online.

FALSE: Trump issues statement in support of Duterte after his arrest

Social media posts have circulated a , allegedly covered by Fox News, voicing support for Duterte.

Despite Trump’s historically warm relationship with Duterte, he has not issued any statement regarding the arrest. Facebook has now flagged these posts as false information, citing third-party fact-checkers.

FALSE: The ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines

A widely shared claim by Duterte’s supporters is that the ICC lacks jurisdiction because the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019.

However, the committed while the Philippines was a state party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. This means it still has jurisdiction over Duterte’s alleged crimes, reported to have been committed between 2011 and 2019.

To date, 53 complaints have been filed against Duterte with the ICC, including by Rise Up for Life and Rights, an organisation advocating for families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims.

FALSE: Duterte is only accused of 43 extrajudicial killings

Some Duterte supporters have downplayed the number of alleged killings committed during Duterte’s time. They claim that the arrest warrant only , contrary to 6,000 to 30,000 deaths cited by human rights groups.

However, the warrant explicitly states that there are “reasonable grounds to believe” that widespread attacks against civilians took place over several years, with “thousands of deaths.” The 43 cases referenced in the warrant are merely “a sample” used for legal analysis.

The warrant also uses the phrase “at least” to qualify the number of crimes alleged to have been committed against civilians.

FALSE: Duterte ‘went missing’ from ICC detention center

A claim made by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea suggests that from the Scheveningen detention center on March 13, with some alleging that the ICC had “kidnapped” him.

However, the ICC immediately refuted this, stating that Duterte was undergoing routine medical checks, a standard practice for all new detainees.

“When a suspect arrives in ICC custody, the Court takes measures to protect their health and well-being,” the ICC confirmed in a statement.

Manipulated videos: Protests taken out of context

In an effort to bolster the narrative of global support for Duterte, some social media accounts have shared videos of large crowds from Argentina and Serbia, falsely claiming they were pro-Duterte protests.

The ICC has since released a clarifying Duterte’s legal situation, rights as a suspect, and next steps in the case.

In order to help distinguish fake news online, VERA Files’ Cecile Samson advises the public to “Check, check and check, before you believe anything on the internet.”

She continues, “Check your emotions. Does a post make you enraged, sad, incredibly happy? Bad actors use people’s emotions to make you click on their posts, and more clicks mean more money to them.”

About the author

Jacob Delos Santos is a master’s student at SOAS, University of London. Originally from Marikina City, he now lives in Oxfordshire, working in medical advertising at IPG Health.

Beyond journalism, Jacob enjoys anime, swimming, and cooking vegan Asian dishes. His favorite fruit? Fresh mangoes from his family’s province in Zambales.

The post Fact or fiction? Disinformation surges online after Duterte’s arrest by the ICC appeared first on ŷ������.

It has been an incredible year for Filipinos in Care, the first and only organisation for Filipinos working in the health and care sector in Britain. They are celebrating their first anniversary on 5 April, 10 AM at the Holiday Inn Kensington Hotel W8 5SP.

As they mark their founding anniversary, they invite everyone to join them at this free event in celebrating the resilience, dedication, and success of Filipinos in the social care sector.

This is a FREE event with limited tickets. Register here to attend:

Hear real stories of challenges, triumphs, and the strategies that helped our community thrive. This is more than just an event — it’s a moment to connect, inspire, and uplift one another!

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a meaningful celebration.

The post Filipinos in Care: Celebrating a year of success appeared first on ŷ������.

By Jerome Babate

For John Alex Maramba Melencio, nursing has never just been a profession — it is a calling, a journey of perseverance and a testament to the power of unwavering commitment. At just 31 years old, he achieved a milestone that many only dream of — becoming a senior clinical site manager at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, one of the world’s most prestigious teaching hospitals.

Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “I never imagined rising to this position so soon, especially as a Filipino nurse in the UK. But I’ve always believed that hard work, continuous learning, and faith can open doors.”

A strong foundation in the Philippines

John Alex’s career began in the Philippines, where he built a solid foundation in patient care. He gained valuable experience at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City, first as a maternal and child nurse and later as an emergency care nurse. His natural leadership abilities soon led him to managerial roles in the Emergency Department at Marikina Doctors Hospital and Medical Center.

However, he sought greater challenges, and in 2016, he moved to the United Kingdom, starting as a band 5 staff nurse, an entry level role in the health service.

Dedication to learning

Many nurses from the global majority typically take years to reach a band 8 or a senior leadership role. But through sheer determination, John Alex defied expectations, rising through the ranks in just a few years.

“There were doubts — people wondered if I was moving too fast,” he admits. “But I knew that if I put in the effort, pursued the right education, and proved my capabilities, I could achieve more.”

John Alex’s credentials speak volumes about his dedication to lifelong learning. He holds active nursing licenses in the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His impressive academic portfolio includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiorespiratory Nursing from Buckinghamshire New University, a Nurse Executive Board Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and recognition as a Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (USA).

In addition, he holds a Master of Arts in Nursing from the University of the Philippines, where he specialised in Maternal and Child Health and graduated magna cum laude from Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. Currently, he is pursuing two additional master’s degrees — one in International Health at the University of the Philippines – Open University, and another in science at Buckinghamshire New University.

Leading a prestigious hospital

As senior clinical site manager, John Alex is the most senior person on duty out of hours, overseeing the entire hospital’s operations during evenings, nights, and weekends. He manages patient flow, emergency responses, and bed capacity, making critical decisions that affect both clinical and operational aspects of the hospital. Even junior doctors often turn to him for guidance.

“In the Philippines, doctors traditionally hold the highest ranks, and nurses rarely get decision-making roles at this level,” he notes. “But here, I have the authority to make hospital-wide decisions. This is proof that Filipino nurses can be recognised as leaders in world-class institutions.”

Challenging the status quo

John Alex hopes his success inspires other Filipino nurses to aim for leadership roles. “We need to break the mindset that nurses are only meant to follow doctors’ orders. We are highly skilled professionals capable of leading, managing, and innovating.”

His leadership is deeply influenced by Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, which emphasises holistic, compassionate care. “True nursing is giving oneself wholeheartedly,” he says. “It’s not just about treating illness — it’s about making sure patients feel cared for in every way.”

A beacon of inspiration

Outside of work, John Alex enjoys traveling, watching movies and anime, reading, and cooking Filipino dishes. He believes a well-rounded life enhances his ability to connect with both patients and colleagues.

One of his guiding principles is simple yet profound:
“Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”

From Band 5 staff nurse to band 8 senior clinical site manager, John Alex’s rapid rise challenges systemic barriers and sets a new standard for Filipino nurses worldwide. His story is a powerful reminder that with education, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, Filipino nurses can take on senior leadership roles in globally renowned healthcare institutions.

“If there’s one thing I want others to take from my journey, it’s that we are capable of so much more than we think. Don’t be afraid to dream big.”

About the author

Jerome Babate, RN, PhD, is the Executive Director of the  based in Sydney, Australia.

The post Dreaming big: A Filipino nurse’s journey to senior leadership in the UK healthcare system appeared first on ŷ������.

“Thank you for being here, thank you for being part of Britain…This (referring to 10 Downing Street) is my home where I live and work. It is yours as much as everyone else’s.”

These were the words of Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the first Lunar New Year reception he hosted at Downing Street for the East and Southeast Asian community on 10 February. Despite the wet and cold weather, around 100 attendees from diverse sectors — including the civil service, charity, politics, technology, health, business, and arts and culture — gathered for the evening reception.

Among them were seven Filipinos led by Lotis Bautista, ward councillor for King’s Cross and chair of the . They were joined by Myla Arceno, Labour councillor for Stevenage and an NHS physiotherapist, and Zahra Lee Spencer, a hospice manager and committee member of the same Labour group.

Liezel Longboan, founder and director of ŷ������, reflected on the significance of the occasion. “Being in that room with others who trace their heritage to East and Southeast Asia reaffirmed our place in Britain’s migration history. The difference today? We are more visible. We are taking up space in all aspects of British life.”

Adrian Rabe, head of the Real World Evidence Centre of Excellence for Boehringer Ingelheim UK and Ireland, noted the Prime Minister’s recognition of the Asian community’s role in shaping a progressive and diverse Britain. He said Mr Starmer’s speech aligns “with Labour’s manifesto on enhanced migration routes that encourage the best and brightest in the world to come to the UK.”

The reception was not just about policy discussions and networking, it was also a celebration of culture. Dumpling’s Legend provided delicious dim sum, encouraging networking and conversation, while the entertained everyone with their vibrant lion dance. “It was a warm, homey celebration,” Mr Rabe remarked. “It recalls a time when 10 Downing Street was open to the public, allowing ordinary citizens to feel physically closer to the government.”

For Froi Legaspi, lead organiser at , the event was an opportunity to foster unity among different East and Southeast Asian communities. “Only by working across differences can we build a stronger, more united nation—one that is ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century together.”

Mark Gadong, a Scrum product manager and founder of the East-Southeast Asian Employee Group at Sky, shared his thoughts on LinkedIn. “Making new friends in politics, discussing the immigration process for Filipinos (which me and my wife are both experiencing right now) as well as connecting with peers excelling in representing ESEA culture in their own fields reminded me that there is much more work to do; but we are being seen and it makes the effort worthwhile.”

The event at 10 Downing Street underscored the growing visibility of Filipinos and other East and Southeast Asians in Britain, highlighting their contributions and the importance of continued engagement in the country’s social and political landscape.

The post Filipino community leaders invited to Downing Street appeared first on ŷ������.

By Jerome Babate

As a young nurse in ŷ������ and haemodialysis at the Manila Doctors Hospital in the Philippines, Shella Sandoval never imagined she would one day work with technology. Fast forward to today, she is the chief nursing information officer (CNIO) and digital clinical safety officer at the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust where she bridges the gap between nursing and technology, ensuring that digital solutions are practical, effective and empowering for nurses on the frontline.

When she moved to the United Kingdom in 1999, she specialised in renal nursing and became a clinical nurse specialist in renal vascular access. As a testament to her expertise, she co-authored peer-reviewed publications and served as a faculty member of the Vascular Access Society of Britain and Ireland until 2013.

Driven by her passion for patient-centred care, Shella established a private haemodialysis unit but her desire to make a broader impact brought her back to the National Health Service (NHS) as the lead nurse for home therapies. To further strengthen her knowledge, she pursued an MSc in Healthcare Leadership at the University of Birmingham.

Embracing change, understanding technology

Shella’s transition into nursing informatics was unexpected but transformative. Initially sceptical about the electronic patient record system implemented at her hospital, her curiosity soon turned into fascination. “I realised how much data and insights were at my fingertips. It completely changed my clinical practice,” she recalls. This epiphany led her to apply for the role of nursing information officer, marking the start of her journey in digital health leadership.

“Technology is only as good as its adoption,” Shella emphasises. She explains that one of the biggest challenges in digital transformation is resistance to change. She believes that winning the hearts and minds of nurses is the key to success. She emphasises the importance of understanding the ‘why’ behind every new technology, ensuring that nurses see its value and impact on patient care.

Nursing informatics is not just for the tech-savvy, according to Shella. “Many assume that being a CNIO requires deep technical expertise, but it’s more about understanding nursing, leading change and being passionate about improvement,” she explains. She encourages Filipino nurses aspiring to lead in digital health to be curious, get involved, and embrace continuous learning. Digital transformation in healthcare is inevitable and nurses play a critical role in shaping its future, she adds.

A curious and resilient leader

Originally from Tanza, Cavite, Shella’s leadership is deeply influenced by her Filipino heritage which impressed on her the values of resourcefulness (diskarte), adaptability and problem-solving. Working in critical care settings in Manila taught her to deliver high-quality care despite limited resources, nurturing her ability to think outside the box — a skill she now applies to healthcare innovation.

Shella’s journey has been one of resilience, curiosity and impact. As the first Filipino internationally educated nurse (IEN) to become CNIO in the UK, she is paving the way for future Filipino leaders in healthcare technology. Her contributions to digital health, clinical safety and nursing informatics have made her an influential figure in the UK’s healthcare landscape.

Her story doesn’t end here. Shella is currently undertaking the through the , further preparing her for higher executive roles in healthcare innovation. “I’ve always believed in continuous growth. Leadership is not about reaching a destination but about evolving to create more impact,” she reflects.

From critical care nursing in Manila to digital transformation leadership in the UK, Shella demonstrates that adaptability, courage and a commitment to excellence can drive meaningful change. She continues to champion innovation in nursing, ensuring that technology enhances — not replaces — patient care.

About the author

Jerome Babate, RN, PhD, is the Executive Director of the based in Sydney, Australia.

The post From ŷ������ to CNIO: Filipino nurse leads in digital nursing innovation appeared first on ŷ������.

A forgotten Filipino heroine is stepping into the spotlight once more—this time on stage. This Is My Name, an electrifying new musical in development by UK-based Filipino theatre-makers Dominique La Victoria and Melisa Camba, will be showcased at Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musicals Showcase on Thursday, March 6, 2025.��

A story erased by history, now reclaimed 

The musical follows Señora Maria del Rosario Gil y Montes de Sanchiz, a bold activist and writer who earned the moniker Madre de los Filipinos (Mother of the Filipinos) for her dissent against Spanish colonial rule. Rumoured to be the mistress of Governor-General de la Torre, on a fateful night in September 1869, she arrived at a ball in Malacañang Palace wearing ribbons in her hair saying VIVA LA LIBERTAD (Long Live Freedom) and VIVA EL PUEBLO SOBERANO (Long Live the Sovereign Nation). Her defiance angered colonial officials and friars, leading to her erasure from history. 

In this one-woman musical, the audience is transported to the moments before her grand entrance. In the intimacy of her bedroom, Señora prepares for the night ahead—rehearsing her speech, confronting her fears, and singing the story of love, scandal, and resistance that defined her life. With each note, she reclaims her name and her place in history. 

A rising new musical in development 

This Is My Name is the work of Glasgow-based Dominique La Victoria and London-based Melisa Camba. The musical was selected for , a musical theatre development scheme led by Burnt Lemon Theatre and The REcreate Agency, culminating in a showcase at The Other Palace, London. In 2024, it became part of , a year-long mentorship program guided by writer and dramaturg Victoria Saxton and composer and musical director Tim Sutton. Songs from the musical were also performed in Manila by Melisa Camba at the concert ‘Halfway Home: A Musical Revue’ in August 2024. 

Ms La Victoria’s plays have been staged and read in the Philippines, US, UK, Malaysia, and Japan. Her critically acclaimed play Ang Bata sa Drum was staged in the Virgin Labfest in 2016 and 2017 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), published in the 3rd Virgin Labfest Anthology, and won in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Her play Toward the Fires of Revolution (inspired by the short story Odd and Ugly by Vida Cruz) also won at the Palanca Awards and was read at the Soho Theatre in London in 2018. The play was translated into Filipino by Gentle Mapagu as Kislap at Fuego for staging at the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA) in 2024 and 2025.

Ms Camba composed the songs for This Is My Name in collaboration with Dominique. She has played Meg March in Little Women: The Broadway Musical (Dugdale Arts Centre) and as Namira in The Legends of Arahma (The Actor’s Church).

The showcase will take place on Thursday, March 6, with performances at 1:30 PM and 7:15 PM. Tickets are priced at £8 in advance / £10 on the day and are available now at . Other exciting new musicals developed through the scheme will also be featured in the showcase, offering audiences a sneak peek into the future of musical theatre. 

Don’t miss this powerful new musical that brings a forgotten Filipina heroine back to life. .

The post Filipino musical ‘This Is My Name’ takes the stage at Birmingham’s New Musical Theatre  appeared first on ŷ������.

By Chi Sandford

I want to share with you, all, my experience of attending a beautiful workshop with my Lola (Lola in Tagalog means grandmother but, sorry to be confusing, I call my mum Lola because she is the grandmother to my two cats). It was facilitated by the amazing Ainara (IG @GoddessBuwan) and mostly had other Filipino mothers with really young children/babies attend. It was the first time I’ve ever done a workshop with my Lola, and I think it was the first time my Lola had been to a workshop as a mother – I’m sure she went to many when she was a student.

The whole experience was so incredibly foreign but deeply, deeply profound.

We were asked to draw portraits of each other, which my mum would like to add is no easy task. Neither Lola nor I are drawers by any stretch of the word – but this task had very little to do with drawing each other’s face and more to do with noticing. Re/connecting.

I really witnessed my Lola’s face for probably the first time in my adult life, and yet something felt familiar. As I started to outline the curvature of her face, I remembered all the times I held my mum’s face. Her slightly loose skin on her jaw in my hands (sorry, Mum!), which I was taking great care to draw accurately. Her face was always delicate and cold but carried her beautiful smile that brings so many people joy. Why was her face always so cold growing up?

I traced her age-lines that I realised had gotten deeper with life, and thinking back now, resemble rivers and streams. When did you get older, Mum? I find myself drawing each line with a profound sadness and grief. I’d draw a laughter line and I think of all the silly things my mum finds hilarious, and for those who have had the absolute utmost privilege of meeting her, she will always be, and continues to be, the youngest person in the room. She is youthful and knows joy like a lifelong best friend. It felt like an honour to draw each memory, forming a sort of map of her life. I acknowledge I will never get to witness her as a young teen figuring out life as she goes along, but God do I wish I had been there. I found myself missing and loving her, all whilst she was in front of me, trying to draw me as I tried to draw her.

Something about drawing her whilst she’s right in front of me moved something. Drawing the features that we share, this Filipino face, focusing on the directions of her age lines, all whilst she focuses on her own portrait of me. It gave me time, it gave us time. Time to really indulge in each other, in us as a team, and what we’ve lived through together and separately. What we’ve put each other through. What has been shared, taken, given, to and from each other; a face I’ve seen my whole life grow, change, smile, cry. She’s so soft and tender in her parenting, so giving in her love, so warm in her embrace. Drawing my Lola gave me time to thank her. Words simply cannot capture her. Nor can photos…a portrait did a little of that, but honestly, you just have to be her daughter!

This journey continued as I completed the portrait, and she fluctuated between looking both familiar and unfamiliar to me. I had a recurring thought pop up, that Lola had known me for my whole life; she carried and continued to protect me to the best that she knew how for 25 years (at that time, I’m now 26).

She also had a whole life before me. She is also a daughter, a sister. I’ve realised this more and more as the years go on, but it only really settled into my body when we went to the Philippines for the first time as a whole family in 15 years, that’s a few months after the workshop.

My mother is the youngest of 16 children. Some passed away when they were 1, 2 or 3 years old, and others lived long lives. As of right now, my Lola has only one sister who is still alive. When we went to the Philippines in April 2024, her brother was still with us. He sadly passed recently.

It was on this trip to the Philippines that I really saw, that I really felt my Lola’s different roles in life. And what really hit me was this:

In the UK and in English, my Lola is a mother, a wife, an employee.

In the Philippines and in Tagalog, my Lola is a sister, a daughter, grieving and surviving.

This language separation is important, because I don’t speak Tagalog. And so, in a way, I will never get access to the side of my Lola that is so profoundly similar in ways to me, as a daughter and sister.

My Lola seldom talks about her family who passed before I was born. I don’t even know much about my real Lola and Lolo (her parents, my grandparents), yet I keep their wedding photo in my room on my altar. I have a desire to know and a curiosity to ask but I think…I think my mum needs that privacy. I think my mum needs her space to be a daughter and a sister. I bought her a ‘Mum, Tell Me Your Story’ book for the Christmas just gone, and so if she wanted to share her stories of her life before me and my brothers, she can. The option is there. But she is private, and I can imagine there’s a lot of grief laced into many of the stories she holds. I know I’d feel it. The distance, the loss, the memories.

And so I draw her face, the map of her life, and simply accept that she’s private, as well as incredibly open. I am her daughter the way she was a daughter, she is my mother in the way she tried to be.

I’m not quite sure where this fits, but I’m reminded of a quote the founder of Filipino Mothers UK shared with me recently:

“Every child has their mother’s legacy in them”.

To hold my Lola’s legacy in me means I carry her mother’s legacy – despite not understanding or knowing it. Regardless if I can hear it or not. And so I must also carry that potential of warmth and care with my loved ones and she does. And I feel it sometimes, noticing myself and realising… this is from my mother.

There were many other tender moments I was blessed to witness from my Lola (again, it was the first time I’ve seen her in this environment, so I was caught off guard quite a bit).

This workshop was the beginning of my realisation that I really don’t know all of my Lola. I know her as mother, I know her English. But I feel her sisterhood, her daughterhood. And as someone with only brothers, I’m forever grateful.

There are so many different and complex sides to people we don’t see. I have to say, Ainara, wherever you are, thank you. Thank you for bridging my connection with my Lola.

This means a lot to me. She means a lot to me.

This article was originally published in

About the author

Chi (she/her) is a Filipino British, London-based multidisciplinary artist, researcher and network builder. Working in a range of mediums, Chi often debates the themes of belonging, identity and home within her works. With a range of exhibitions, performances, workshop facilitation and community engagement roles under her belt, Chi is keen to bring communities together and spark honest and vulnerable conversations, bringing to the forefront collective care and decolonising shame. She blogs at .

The post A Love Letter to Lola appeared first on ŷ������.

By Jacob Delos Santos

Did you know that Filipinos celebrate ?  Once the first of September kicks in, radio stations across the Philippines start playing Christmas carols to signal the start of the festive season. Families start putting up Christmas decorations and plan family reunions, if they haven’t yet scheduled it in advance. 

How do Filipinos in Britain mark this festive season? 

“Christmas is in our hearts – you can celebrate it anywhere,” says Luigi Crespo, Filipino language tutor and founder of the UK-based Filipino language company . 

Originally from Parañaque, Metro Manila, Luigi now celebrates the holidays in London with her husband and two young boys. This Christmas, she and her family volunteered at a feeding programme with , a homeless charity based in Oxfordshire. 

“Growing up in the Philippines, we would volunteer at orphanages during the holidays as a way to give back. [Christmas] is really about community. I wanted to instil that in the boys – they loved it,” she says. 

Having celebrated Christmas for many years in Pasig City, Angelo describes how his festive values have been shaped by the importance of community. A master’s student of food anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), he says, “For Christmas in the Philippines, extended family will come over, such as (first) cousins, second cousins, aunts and uncles – I don’t even know half their names! I once did a headcount and there were like 30 people in my house.”

Both Luigi and Angelo talk about the absence of family members among Filipinos in Britain. Some immigrants may be lucky enough to have a complete nuclear family with both parents and their children living in the UK. However, the majority don’t have their extended family here – grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. The most recent says that 164,962 people born in the Philippines were residents of the UK, making up only 0.2% of the British population. 

Building your own extended Filipino family 

Sophia, a Filipina data analyst based in Harrow, shares a similar sentiment. Whilst having celebrated Christmas in Tarlac City as a child, Sophia notes that she has “no extended family in the UK, so Christmas day will just be my parents and siblings.” 

However, she goes on to describe the “Pasko sa barangay” (or Christmas in the village)   party that her mum throws at the start of December every year. “This party kicks off the Christmas celebrations in my community. My mum immigrated here 20 years ago, and she’s known the people I routinely see at the party since then. They’ve seen me and my sister grow up, and I got to see them have their own kids. This community is the closest thing I have to an extended family here,” she says. 

At Sophia’s family party, there’s Filipino food, Filipino songs playing in the background and everyone is speaking Tagalog or Filipino, the country’s national language. 

“The party feels more like Christmas back home. I would honestly say that seeing family, even if we’re not blood relations, is my favourite part of the holidays,” she says.

Belen, simbang gabi and noche buena

Filipino Christmas and New Year’s celebrations blend indigenous, Spanish and Chinese traditions. However, Christmas remains a deeply religious event for Filipinos who have been influenced by over 300 years of Spanish Catholicism.   

The belén is a prominent Christmas decoration in Filipino households. Short for Bethlehem in Spanish, it depicts the traditional nativity scene of Jesus’ birth. The city of Tarlac hosts the annual festival which boasts giant scale �����é�Բ�. 

In Britain, people generally celebrate on Christmas Day. But for many Filipinos across the world, Christmas celebrations typically begin on the 24th of December with the n, or “the good night.” Back in the Philippines, they would attend the s, a series of daily masses starting from December 16th, which culminate on Christmas Eve known as Misa de Gallo. 

Upon returning home, the noche buena banquet is served, ringing in the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Aguinaldo, or Christmas gifts, are then exchanged. Derived from the Spanish word meaning “small gift”, the phrase originally referred to the Christmas bonus given to colonial Spanish soldiers. 

Lechon, kakanin, noodles and 12 round fruits

Traditional Filipino cuisine remains a favourite for both Christmas and New Year celebrations. A popular savoury dish enjoyed during the holiday season is lechon or roasted suckling pig. For those who can afford it or those who host big parties, they have a whole lechon which serves as the centrepiece at the dinner table. 

“I don’t usually cook – I probably shouldn’t say that”, laughs Luigi, “but for Christmas I will prepare food for the boys and my friends. I’ll make the classics: fruit salad, ginataang bilo bilo, lumpiang shanghai and a box of �첹�첹�Ծ���.”

Kakanin or are a must in any Filipino gathering, especially at Christmas. Cooked mainly with glutinous rice, coconut milk and sugar, they are served to make family bonds sweeter and tighter. There is a wide variety of delectable kakanin for everyone: puto bumbong, bibingka, palitaw, suman, sapin-sapin, and a whole lot more!         

Following , Filipinos display 12 round fruits in the belief that they symbolise prosperity for each month of the year. On various UK Facebook groups, Filipinos have been showing their fruit bowls laden with grapes, watermelons, oranges and other fruits. They extend this round motif to clothing, wearing polka dots during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

“We always serve palabok”, says Sophia. “It’s my favourite. The long length of the noodles represent long life as well as prosperity. Growing up, we would also put coins in our pocket and jump outside when midnight struck. My parents said it would make us taller.”

Blended holiday celebrations

It is a different experience for second-generation or those with mixed Filipino-British heritage as they navigate two or more cultures to observe the season.  

Severina, a master’s student in fine arts at Goldsmiths, describes her experience with Christmas. “My mum is from Lapu Lapu and my dad is British. Growing up in Basingstoke meant that I would spend most Christmases with my dad’s side.” 

She goes on to detail insights between UK and Filipino culture as a mixed Filipina: “It’s a white Christmas but with Filipino colourings.” She explains that they usually celebrate Christmas in the British way with her dad’s family which can be a bit challenging for her mum.

“My mum is always super eager to help and cook — very family-oriented. My dad’s family, on the other hand, is very reserved. They’re not as open to alter traditions. I find it hard to insert biko (rice cake) into the menu. I can’t find that merge.” 

But on New Year’s Day, Severina celebrates a more traditional Filipino meal. “My mum cooks adobo and prepares a bowl of 12 round fruits. I’m not superstitious, but I’m happy to keep up the ideas. I know how important they are to my mum.”

Whilst holiday celebrations in both the Philippines and the UK share core traditions, practices vary among families. “The most important thing is to not compare,” insists Severina. “There is beauty in realising the fusion of a Filipino UK Christmas. It is a special and unique holiday experience.” 

Luigi sums up the meaning of Christmas. “What makes Christmas special? More material things?” she asks. “What do you want in life? Maybe it’s my age,” she laughs. “I have a home, I have heating during the cold, I have food on the table. Life is peaceful. Think of Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, Syria. There is just unimaginable suffering. Be grateful for what you do have. I can’t ask for anything more.”

For Filipinos everywhere, being with family and friends and sharing the food they love in the spirit of community is the essence of Christmas.

About the author:

Jacob is a master’s student at SOAS, University of London. Born in Marikina City, he now lives in Oxfordshire, working in medical advertising at IPG Health. 

Jacob enjoys anime, reading, swimming and cooking vegan Asian food. His favourite food is fresh mango, most specifically from his home province of Zambales. 

The post Reflections on celebrating Filipino Christmas in the UK appeared first on ŷ������.