Thi My Chi Tran
Six Days, Two Cuisines: What I Eat in Manila
As a Vietnamese student in Manila, food has become one of the easiest ways for me to navigate two cultures. I tracked my Vietnamese and Filipino meals for six days…
Manila in the News: Flood Management and a City Preparing for Heavy Rain
On September 25, 2026, the Philippine News Agency reported that the Department of Public Works and Highways was linking a proposed Parañaque spillway, upstream dams, retarding basins, and local drainage…
My First Jeepney Ride
Before coming to Manila, I had seen pictures of jeepneys online, but photographs could not prepare me for seeing them moving through the streets in real life. They looked colorful,…
What Filipinos Taught Me About Hospitality
When I first arrived in Manila, I expected the city itself to be the biggest adjustment I would have to make. I was prepared for unfamiliar streets, a different academic…
Things Filipinos Say That Confused Me at First
Moving to Manila introduced me to Filipino expressions that made absolutely no sense at first. From “bahala na” to “mamaya na,” these phrases slowly became part of my everyday vocabulary…
A Little Escape to Boracay
From Vietnam to the Philippines, every trip gives me a new story to tell. This time, I traded school stress for sandy beaches and sunny skies in Boracay. Come along…
Maybe I’m Not Choosing
Moving to Manila made me question how much of my Vietnamese identity I would keep. Along the way, I realized that adapting to Filipino culture does not mean leaving Vietnam…
A Little Bit of Vietnam, A Lot of Manila
Living in Manila has taught me that home can exist in more than one place. Through food, college life, city views, and cultural celebrations, I have found ways to stay…
How to Survive Your First Week in Manila: A Vietnamese Student’s Guide
Moving to Manila as a Vietnamese student can feel like entering a whole new universe. From figuring out Filipino food and transportation to decoding slang and making friends, I’ve learned…
Coco Mama: A Little Taste of Boracay in a Coconut
During my trip to Boracay, I tried Coco Mama, a colorful coconut dessert topped with creamy ice cream, mango, sticky rice, and crunchy toppings. The familiar tropical flavors made me…