Kirby Gaitano

On September 26, 2025, Davao City marked a cultural milestone with its very first Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit held at Holy Cross of Davao College. The event was co-organized by Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), in partnership with the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts (OCA), the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). More than 300 creatives, artists, and cultural workers from 16 different sectors — including music, film, design, literature, gastronomy, architecture, and heritage conservation — gathered to share ideas, tackle challenges, and collaborate on shaping the future of Davao’s cultural identity. A Space for Dialogue and Collaboration The summit served as a platform for meaningful conversations about the role of culture in building inclusive and livable communities. Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel A. Dominguez d...

We all have that favorite burger we can't stop thinking about. For Marshall Eriksen in How I Met Your Mother , it was a tiny, forgotten joint in New York that served what he called the best burger of his life . He spent an entire episode chasing that memory, not just for the taste, but for the feeling it gave him. For me, that burger moment happened in Siargao, back in 2017. It wasn’t just a meal, it was an experience. Jalapeños brought the heat, cream cheese cooled it down, and a perfectly fried egg sealed the deal. The usual suspects were there too: juicy beef patty, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and a soft bun that held it all together like a warm hug after a surf session. And now? I’ve found its twin at Zark’s. A dupe so close, it’s like biting into nostalgia. Just like Marshall’s quest, rediscovering this burger felt like reclaiming a piece of myself, proof that sometimes, the best things in life do come around twice. I was really craving that burger, but you know, one can’t jus...

 Let’s be real,  we all have that playlist. The one we blast in our headphones when no one's watching. The one that makes us feel like we’re in a dramatic movie montage. For me? It’s a glorious, genre-bending, unapologetically fabulous Spotify playlist that makes absolutely no sense on paper... and yet, it’s pure perfection. But I’ve got a confession: I never connect my phone to the gym speaker. Ever. Not because I’m shy, but because I know the moment Celine Dion starts soaring through the Bluetooth, or Cher belts out "Do you believe in life after love?" , the gym bros might start looking around like the dumbbells just betrayed them. It’s not insecurity… okay, maybe it’s a little insecurity. But mostly, I like to keep the magic to myself. So, buckle up as I spill the sequined tea on what’s living rent-free on my "Guilty Pleasure" playlist — and why I’m learning not to feel guilty about loving every second of it. There’s something about a diva with a big voic...

  As someone who thrives on organization, aesthetics, and productivity, having the right stationery items on hand is a must. Whether I’m journaling, studying, planning my week, or doing quick sketches, my stationery kit is curated for both function and form. Today, I’m sharing a look inside my daily essentials — my favorite tools I carry everywhere. Stationary items were mostly bought during my Japan trip because Japan is stationary heaven. Let’s start with the container my container, a minimalist dream. I use a Muji Polypropylene Case  from Japan. It's sturdy, frosted, and keeps all my tools visible and organized. Though originally meant for glasses or small items, the perfect size for my compact stationery. Next are my pen and writing tools. I use the following: 1. Muji Waterbased Felt Pens In sleek gray and pastel purple, these pens are a joy to write with. Smooth, bleed-resistant, and perfect for lettering or underlining notes. 2. Muji Fountain Pen Elegant and clean, th...

Have you ever wondered what people carry with them during international travels? I’ve always found “What’s in my bag?” posts fascinating—like little windows into someone’s daily life, habits, and priorities. So today, I’m spilling the contents of my own bag and giving you a peek at what I consider must-haves, lifesavers, and maybe a few unexpected items that I brought with me to Japan. Whether you’re looking for packing inspo or just enjoy digging through someone else's stuff, here’s everything I carry with me that keeps me sane while traveling. For my trip to Japan, I knew I needed a bag that could keep up with the pace. Something comfortable, versatile, and functional without compromising style. That’s why I chose my Anton Loewe Sling bag. It’s incredibly ergonomic, making it perfect for long days of walking through bustling city streets, hopping on and off trains, or exploring shrines and side streets. I love that it keeps my hands completely free. Plus, the sleek, minimal desig...

 Get a taste of the Squid Game experience in real life—brought to you by PLDT Home! Apply for any PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan now and get the chance to bring you and a plus-one to Seoul, South Korea for an immersive playground experience inspired by a hit Netflix series ! Fan of  Squid Game and thought, “I could totally win that”? Now’s your chance to prove it—minus the life-or-death stakes, of course!  Get ready for adrenaline-pumping challenges, loads of fun, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t forget. PLDT Home, in partnership with Netflix, is giving five lucky winners and their plus ones the chance to fly to Seoul, South Korea for Squid Game: The Experience ! 🇰🇷🎮 It’s a fully immersive attraction based on the hit Netflix series, where you’ll get to play exciting games inspired by Squid Game —minus the danger, but with all the fun! Squid Game: The Experience is located in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul. 🎉 Who Can Join? This promo runs from April 1 to ...