Jose Paolo Dela Cruz, Author at PeopleAsia

Loren, literature and a Philippine landmark in Germany

A teary-eyed Sen. Loren Legarda announced that she’s buying a house in Germany, when she was the keynote speaker at a luncheon held in honor of German media delegates at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. Which house in particular? No less than the one Dr. Jose Rizal…

Celebrate mom with these timeless treasures from Miladay

It’s time to make every day feel like Mother’s Day with these timeless treasures from Miladay. Even before she opened the first Miladay store with her husband Ting Dayrit some 59 years ago, Mila Dayrit had always believed that “looking good is feeling good.” Today, her children and grandchildren live…

Championing and safeguarding women’s economic opportunities in a digital world

As National Women's Month draws to a close, BPI head of consumer banking MARIA CRISTINA 'GINBEE' L. GO pens an empowering message for women in the digital age. March is an inspiring time as we come together to celebrate National Women’s Month. This year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor,…

SM City Sta. Mesa: Mall at once

BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ With its newly opened pickleball court, indoor kids’ playground that comes complete with bump cars, jaw-dropping cinema, and a plethora of dining and shopping options to choose from, SM City Sta. Mesa is no longer the SM Centerpoint of your youth. It's even better.…

Red, white and rosé: Ribera del Duero flows into Anya Resort in Tagaytay

By JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ This tranquil getaway gives food and wine aficionados another sumptuous reason to visit Tagaytay with the launch of its 2025 Anya Wine Dinner Series. Refreshed and rejuvenated, thanks to a signature massage at the Niyama Wellness Center in Anya Resort Tagaytay, my friend and…

Fossils, feasts and finding oneself in Fukui

Photos and Text by JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ You won’t find Godzilla in Fukui, but you’ll certainly unearth wonder after wonder in this multi-faceted prefecture along the Sea of Japan. After an hour-long flight from Haneda in Tokyo, we find ourselves in the quaint Komatsu Airport, located between Kanazawa…

Suit up: Cebu’s finest sartorial secret makes it to Manila

By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz In the Godfather films, “omerta” refers to that all-powerful “code of silence” among members of the Mafia. But in Cebu, and more recently, in Manila, the word trades in its darker definition for something more stylish and bespoke — an ode to a lifestyle…

From BCDA to DoTR: Who is Secretary Vince Dizon?

BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ/Photos by Mark Chester Ang Before being appointed as Transportation Secretary, Dizon made waves as part of the Duterte Administration's "Build,Build, Build" team, where he served as president and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). As a presidential appointee, he led BCDA…

Chef Gaita Fores, ‘gentle giant’ of the kitchen, passes away at 65

In an Instagram post, Amado Fores, the son of celebrated chef Margarita ‘Gaita Fores,’ announced that his mother had passed away. She was 65 years old. From Instagram: @amadofores “It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. Our family…

Poet Anna Maniego paints colorful worlds

Words find form in this artist and poet's unique artworks. Whether it's past relationships, professional challenges or personal hurdles, every little (or big thing) fuels Anna Maniego's fire as an artist and poet. And take note: she does not only write her feelings. She paints them, too! "I began writing…