A documentary on the negative stereotyping of Filipinas and how global Pinays chose to respond.

A platform for budding creative talent. Illustrado features the works of Filipino photographers on the Gulf

Does a diplomat have to give up his artistic pursuits to be called worthy of public office? Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes talks about his passion for singing and keeping it real while being a respectable leader of the Filipino community in the emirates. “Advised to scale down on my singing and be a ‘Congen,’ I thought about how much of myself I must divest to be an authentic public servant. As Consul General, I play the role of my ‘kababayans’ last ray of hope, their role model, and their de facto leader. Where does authenticity lie in the context of these roles? What does being true to oneself mean for those of us in the Foreign Service?”

In a time when the media glare on women’s issues is particularly strong, and intersectionality in feminism is a proven necessity, a song like this one tick multiple boxes.