By Renee Karunungan-Edwards

I vividly remember the morning I received my first from Duterte supporters back in 2016. It was a weekend. The day before, I had written a Facebook post criticizing Rodrigo Duterte while waiting for my laundry at the neighbourhood laundromat. The next morning, as I made my usual green tea and oatmeal, I opened Facebook—and the floodgates of hell opened with it.

Thousands of messages flooded my inbox, most of whom were Duterte supporters, attacking me in various ways. They ranged from petty insults, calling me fat, ugly, and stupid, to chilling threats against my life and my family. My heart raced as I opened each message, unsure what I needed to do next and if I would take the threats seriously.  I knew many were emboldened by the anonymity of the Internet, hiding behind their screens and believing themselves untouchable. But the truth is, they weren’t. Actions have consequences.

At the time, I lived alone in the Philippines. Alarmed, I informed my colleagues and reported the threats to the police who initially said they could do nothing. So, as a precaution – just in case the threats came to reality – I posted the threats publicly. That decision led Filipino human rights groups and lawyers to reach out, helping me file charges against 22 individuals under the country’s and the .

That was nine years ago. Since then, subpoenas have been sent, hearings scheduled, and the case drags on. In those years, I moved to the UK, pursued a PhD, and turned my experience into , intolerance, and hate speech on Facebook during the Duterte regime. 

Online hate speech is alive and well in the UK too as shown by the that took place across the country in the summer of 2024. However, justice was swift – within weeks, and convicted for stirring up hatred on social media, with one sentenced to 38 months.   

Social media has become a battlefield for political discourse, a war zone of morality and ideology where only those with the thickest skin can survive. Nowhere is this more evident than on Facebook, the in the Philippines. My research found that pro-Duterte influencers dominated this space, using posts laced with incitements to violence, hate speech, and extreme intolerance. Here, threats to kill are as casually tossed around as memes and stickers.

Facebook is a place where civility, once the foundation of respectful political discourse, has become scarce. By civility, I do not mean the absence of anger or strong language, but rather the presence of respect: a willingness to engage in disagreement without resorting to dehumanisation. On Facebook, that principle has all but vanished. 

Now, with Duterte’s arrest by the ICC, his supporters are back, spewing hatred not just at those who welcome his detention, but even at families of drug war victims. What lessons have we learned? Apparently none.

Once shocking, – or attacks and threats against individuals and groups — has become mundane. Death threats are now just another comment on a thread. This is the legacy of Duterte’s rhetoric, where glorifying violence was standard practice, extrajudicial killings were normalised and public discourse followed suit. My research confirmed that among pro-Duterte influencers, posts containing hate speech had the highest average engagement. The more violent the message, the more viral it became.

It is disturbing that this comes from a country deeply rooted in religious traditions. How does a supposedly devout nation support a leader who openly admitted to murder? Perhaps the answer lies in a machismo, and blind obedience. In a system that rewards silence and punishes dissent, the strongman thrives — while those who challenge him are seen as threats, not just to power, but to tradition itself.

Is it still possible to engage in political discourse online without being attacked? Occasionally, I’ve encountered Duterte supporters who debate respectfully. But when emotions run high, civility crumbles. However, incivility starts to happen when things heat up and emotions get high. And it’s not unusual. Emotions play a huge role in political discourse. We cannot detach our politics from our values — it is personal. 

Yet incivility, as I explored in my research, is not always bad. It can be productive, even necessary, in democratic spaces. Disruption can highlight inequality and injustice. But intolerance and hate are different. When disagreement turns into dehumanisation, democracy begins to erode. Intolerance silences, isolates, and excludes. Hate incites real-world harm. These are not just online issues; they have real-life consequences. 

Where do we go from here? Clearly, threatening lives cannot become casual, throwaway remarks. I doubt these people would walk up to someone in the street and say the things they say online. But the Internet’s anonymity strips away accountability, making it both powerful and dangerous.

There are lessons to be learned — and initiatives, including my own research, that aim to tackle online hate speech. But Facebook has failed miserably at moderating this space. Their interventions, when they do come, are too little, too late. 

Beyond policy changes, what we genuinely need is cultural change. We need to recognise that participating in democracy comes with responsibility. That . That anger can be valid, but it must not turn into hate.

To those who continue to weaponise social media for political gain: What you post has power. And that power can either heal—or destroy.

In the end, the fight is not just for the truth. It is for our humanity. If we cannot engage politically without tearing each other apart, then we are not just losing arguments — we are losing democracy itself.

About the author

Dr. Renee Karunungan has a PhD in Political Communication from Loughborough University. She currently works as a communications specialist for charities and think tanks across the UK and EU.

The post From ‘Change is coming’ to death threats: How Facebook became a political war zone in the Philippines  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 Julienne Raboca

On an unassuming street in Holloway, where artists’ studios blend with residential blocks, signals the growing presence of Filipino cuisine in this corner of London. Visiting one Sunday evening, I weave past football fans spilling out from the nearby Emirates Stadium after an Arsenal game and step into a warmly lit space.

High ceilings give the restaurant an airy feel, while dark green walls and gold metal detailing on the lights add a modern touch. A small grocery section in one corner catches my eye — shelves lined with Filipino pantry staples, from Mama Sita’s adobo and sinigang sauce mix to ChocNut, a childhood peanutty, powdery candy wrapped in paper foil.

The attention to detail extends beyond the dining room. In the bathroom, Rituals hand soap and cream offer a thoughtful touch. A staircase leads to an upper level, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels reveal views of the public square lined with neighbouring establishments — a bubble tea shop is around the corner, and across kitchen that hosts social cooking classes.

From family catering to cultural hub

What began as MM Catering Services in 2011, named after the founders’ children, has evolved into an ambitious venture contributing to London’s Filipino food landscape.

Head chef and patriarch David Miguel brought his culinary expertise from Zambales, Philippines, where he owned a restaurant before moving to the UK in 2009. His wife Meriam arrived earlier, in 2000, as a sole-charge nanny, later reuniting the family in London.

Their son, Dave, transitioned from IT to CEO, stepping into the family business during the pandemic when his parents considered closing their then-thriving catering operation. At its peak, MM Catering managed up to ten events per day. “We had to sell assets during the pandemic,” Dave recalls. “Now, we operate at a more focused pace, handling five events per week, mostly on weekends.”

Celebrating Filipino cuisine

The menu showcases the depth of Filipino cuisine. Crowd favorites include inasal (Filipino-style grilled chicken) and liempo (grilled pork belly). The kare-kare, a rich peanut-based stew, stays true to traditional flavours. “We didn’t want to change too much in presentation or flavor so it’s recognisable to Filipinos,” Dave explains. “We’re still keeping it standard.”

We thought the sisig, a sizzling pork dish, could have been crunchier and benefit from a lighter oil. Meanwhile the palabok, a noodle dish described The New York Times as chicken ragù with shrimp, had room for more sourness, smokiness in the fish, and crispness in the chicharon (salted and deep fried pork rind).

The ube cake stands out among the desserts, presented with crumbled Sky Flakes crackers and a tableside pour of ube sauce, accompanied by delicate lemon macaroons. The restaurant shows promise in adapting Filipino classics for London diners, though some dishes are still being refined.

Building community through food

D’Cocina’s influence extends beyond its menu. A partnership with Rhejim, a Filipino store in Helsden, expands their grocery offerings, bridging the gap between restaurant dining and home cooking. “We want to grow with the Filipino community,” says Grace, the manager who transitioned from an office job to her first role in hospitality.

The restaurant’s profile received a significant boost when Valerie ‘Bangs’ Garcia, , joined the team. “She has been invited to invest in other Filipino restaurants but she has chosen the D’Cocina because our vision and values align,” Dave notes.

The space has also become a cultural hub, hosting everything from intimate weddings to fashion shows. Recently, it transformed into a runway for Maud London’s , highlighting its role in London’s Filipino cultural scene.

Expansion with a community-first approach

Community investment drives D’Cocina’s expansion strategy. Their Birmingham location, set to open in March 2025, emerged from consistent catering requests in the area. “We offered people the chance to invest and become shareholders,” Dave explains. Manchester and Reading are next, with Bangs Garcia planning to oversee her branch.

D Cocina’s success lies in its blend of authenticity and community spirit. “It’s not just us; it’s also the community,” Dave emphasises. This collaborative spirit extends to their dessert menu, which features items from various Filipino suppliers, such as the ube cake drizzled with ube coconut syrup. A purple yam native to the Philippines, ube has a naturally vibrant hue and a subtly sweet, almost nutty flavour. Unlike taro or purple sweet potato, which are often mistaken for it, ube has a soft, creamy texture that makes it a staple in Filipino desserts, from cakes and jams to ice cream.

And then there’s the special halo-halo, available only from June to August. A famous Filipino dessert, halo-halo consists of crushed ice and milk mixed with an array of ingredients, including ube halaya (ube jam), kamote (sweet potato), sweetened beans, sago (chewy tapioca pearls), banana, pinipig (toasted young rice for added crunch), and leche flan (a rich caramel custard). 

Some customers travel up to two hours to dine at D Cocina, drawn by its authentic flavours and community atmosphere. They get “positive feedback,” Dave notes, though he admits they are still refining their menu after just four months of operation.

D’Cocina’s approach to growth, rooted in community investment and collaboration, suggests a new model for restaurant expansion. Their approach marks a shift in the community’s culinary landscape, where Filipino restaurants have traditionally operated independently. As Gordon Ramsay recently called Filipino cuisine D’Cocina is helping awaken it in the heart of London.

is open Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM, Saturdays from noon to 10 PM, and Sundays from noon to 8 PM. Closed on Tuesdays. Reservations are recommended for weekend dining and special events. Their address: Unit 14 Studios Hornsey St, London N7 8EG

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.

The post D’Cocina: Filipino food finds its footing in North London 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������.