ARTICLE | When Scripture Meets Reality: Rethinking How Christian Parents Respond to Gay Children

Much has been said—often loudly and without nuance—about how parents should treat their gay children “according to the Bible.” The conversation tends to collapse into slogans: “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” “The Bible is clear.” “God made you this way.” But is it really that simple? Or have centuries of translation, cultural assumptions, and theological debates complicated what many claim is straightforward? If we are going to invoke Scripture in conversations that affect real families and real children, then we owe it to both faith and humanity to understand what scholars actually mean when interpreting the passages often cited about homosexuality.

The Passages Most Often Quoted

When Christians speak about homosexuality, they typically reference a handful of texts:

The story of Sodom in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 19)
The holiness code in the Book of Leviticus (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13)
Paul’s writings in the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 1:26–27)
Vice lists in First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 6:9)

These texts are frequently presented as universally condemning all same-sex relationships in every context. However, many biblical scholars argue that the cultural and linguistic realities behind these passages are far more complex.

Context Matters: Ancient Worlds vs. Modern Identities

One major point scholars raise is this: the Bible was written in ancient contexts that did not conceptualize sexual orientation the way modern societies do. In the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, same-sex acts were often associated with:

Power imbalances (such as master/slave dynamics)
Exploitative relationships
Temple prostitution
Acts tied to pagan ritual practices

For example, the story in Genesis 19 is increasingly understood by many scholars not as a condemnation of consensual same-sex relationships, but as a narrative about attempted gang rape, violence, and inhospitality—serious breaches of ancient moral codes. Similarly, when Paul writes in Romans 1, some scholars suggest he may be describing excessive lust, idolatrous practices, or exploitative relationships common in Roman society—not committed, loving partnerships between equals (a concept largely foreign to that era). This doesn’t mean all scholars agree. But it does mean that responsible interpretation requires wrestling with historical context rather than reading ancient texts through modern categories.

Translation and the Weight of Words

Another significant issue involves translation. The Greek term arsenokoitai, found in 1 Corinthians 6:9, has been translated in modern Bibles as “homosexuals” or “men who have sex with men.” Yet the exact meaning of the term is debated. It is a rare word, and its usage outside biblical texts is sparse. Some scholars argue it may refer specifically to exploitative sexual practices, not sexual orientation. Others maintain a broader interpretation. What is clear is that translating an ancient, ambiguous term into a modern psychological identity category is not a simple or uncontested move.

What the Bible Is Unambiguous About

While debate continues about sexual ethics, there is far less ambiguity about how parents are called to treat their children. Scripture consistently emphasizes:

Love
Compassion
Patience
Kindness
Protection of the vulnerable

In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly centers mercy over legalism. His harshest words were not directed toward marginalized individuals but toward religious leaders who weaponized law without embodying love. If Christian parenting is modeled after Christ, then rejection, humiliation, or emotional abandonment of a child stands in stark contrast to that example.

The Psychological and Spiritual Reality

Beyond theology lies lived experience. Research consistently shows that rejection by parents significantly increases risks of depression, anxiety, homelessness, and self-harm among LGBTQ youth. Affirming support, by contrast, dramatically improves outcomes. Regardless of one’s theological position on sexuality, the command to love one’s child is not conditional. The deeper question for Christian parents may not be, “How do I correct my child?” but rather, “How do I embody Christ to my child?”

Faith Without Fear

The anxiety surrounding this topic often stems from fear—fear of moral compromise, fear of cultural change, fear of disobedience to God. But faith, at its best, is not rooted in fear. It is rooted in trust. Trust that truth can withstand inquiry. Trust that love is not weakness. Trust that God is not threatened by honest questions. Biblical interpretation has evolved on many issues over centuries—slavery, women’s roles, divorce, usury. Christians have re-examined texts in light of deeper understanding and broader context before. Wrestling with Scripture is not rebellion; it is part of the tradition itself.

So What Does This Mean for Parents?

It means the conversation is more nuanced than soundbites.
It means that citing a verse is not the same as understanding it.
It means that how a parent responds may shape not only a child’s mental health—but their lifelong relationship with faith.

And perhaps most importantly, it means that whatever conclusions one arrives at theologically, love is not optional. Because if Scripture is to be taken seriously, then so is this: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” In the end, debates may continue. Scholars will keep writing. Churches will keep arguing. But in living rooms and at dinner tables, the question remains deeply personal:

Will a child experience Christianity as rejection—or as love?

TRAVEL | Songkran 2026 Packing Guide

Songkran 2026

Essential Packing & Festival Guide

0% packed

Absolute Essentials

Waterproof phone pouch Quick-dry clothes Comfortable sandals Small waterproof bag Cash in small bills Water-resistant sunscreen

Highly Recommended

Water gun Extra clothes Power bank Microfiber towel Hat or cap

Optional but Fun

Festival outfit Waterproof camera Sunglasses with strap Mini speaker Face paint

Cultural & Respectful

Modest temple outfit Small offering bag Respectful mindset

Print Packing Checklist

ARTICLE | Longing Without Illusion

We just celebrated Valentine’s Day this week, and though it was meant for couples to celebrate, it also meant celebrating love in many forms—because love should never be confined to just one kind of act.

For many gay singles, Valentine’s Day arrives with a peculiar quiet. Not always loneliness in the dramatic, movie-scene sense, but something subtler—an awareness of absence. The world seems briefly organized around pairs: reservations for two, bouquets meant to be received, hands meant to be held in public without explanation. And in that arrangement, those who stand alone are asked, silently, to account for themselves.

Yet growing older—especially as a gay person—often means learning that longing and clarity can coexist. The desire for affection does not disappear. The wish to be chosen, to be seen, to build something tender with another human being remains deeply real. But alongside that desire comes a harder-earned understanding: romance alone is not enough to sustain a life. Practicality, self-preservation, emotional independence—these begin to matter just as much, sometimes more.

There is an existential honesty in this space.
To admit: Yes, I want love.
And also: I cannot pause my life waiting for it.

Because many gay lives are shaped early by waiting—waiting to come out, waiting to be safe, waiting to be accepted, waiting for the right city, the right people, the right timing. After years of postponement, something shifts. Survival turns into intention. You begin choosing stability over fantasy, peace over chaos, truth over performance. Not because you have stopped believing in love, but because you have learned the cost of building your entire future around the possibility of it.

So Valentine’s Day becomes less about roses and more about reckoning.

It asks quiet questions:
What does a meaningful life look like if romance never arrives in the way you imagined?
Who are you when no one is watching, desiring, or choosing you?
Can a life be full without the narrative we were taught to expect?

Existentialism tells us that meaning is not given—it is made. And in that sense, the gay single life can be strangely liberating. Without the default script of marriage, children, and convention, you are left with open space. Terrifying, yes. But also honest. You must decide what matters. You must build structure where none is promised. You must become, in many ways, your own home.

Practicality, then, is not the enemy of romance.
It is what allows you to survive long enough to experience real love if it comes—and to live fully even if it does not.

It is choosing financial security so you are never forced to stay where you are not valued.
It is nurturing friendships that hold real intimacy, not just distraction.
It is caring for your body and mind because your life is not a waiting room.
It is understanding that affection is beautiful, but dignity is essential.

And perhaps the quiet truth many gay singles carry—especially on Valentine’s Day—is this:

We are not less romantic.
We are simply less willing to disappear for the sake of romance.

So while couples celebrate love across candlelit tables, there is another, quieter celebration happening too. One without flowers or photographs. One made of endurance, self-knowledge, and the stubborn decision to keep building a life that is meaningful—even in solitude.

Because love, in its most existential form, is not just something we receive.

It is something we choose to continue living for.

THE QUIET CORNER | Not the Center, Yet Not Insignificant

Human beings have always had a tendency to see themselves at the center of existence. It is an understandable instinct. We experience the world from behind our own eyes. The sky stretches above us, the ground rests beneath us, and history seems to unfold around us. For much of early civilization, this perspective shaped our understanding of the cosmos. The Earth was believed to sit at the center of everything, with the Sun, moon, and stars revolving around it.

Modern science dismantled that view.

When astronomers such as Edwin Hubble observed that distant galaxies were moving away from us, it became clear that the universe was expanding. Not expanding outward from Earth as a focal point, but expanding everywhere at once. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, turned out to be just one among billions. Each of those galaxies contains billions of stars, and many of those stars host planets. In terms of scale, Earth is a tiny speck in an almost incomprehensible cosmic landscape.

If we look in the opposite direction—toward the smallest components of reality—the sense of displacement continues. Everything we see and touch is made of atoms. Within those atoms are even smaller particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Beneath them lie quarks and quantum fields. At this microscopic level, reality behaves in strange and counterintuitive ways. Particles do not exist in fixed states but in probabilities. Observation itself can influence outcomes. The solid world we experience is, at its foundation, a dance of invisible forces.

Between the vastness of expanding galaxies and the strangeness of quantum particles, humanity occupies a narrow middle ground. We are neither the largest structures in existence nor the smallest building blocks. We are suspended between scales—too small to grasp the universe directly, too large to perceive quantum events without instruments.

This realization can feel unsettling. If we are not at the center of the universe, and if the cosmos would continue its expansion regardless of our presence, what role do we play? Are we necessary? Are we useful?

From a purely physical standpoint, the universe does not appear to depend on us. Stars will continue to burn hydrogen into helium. Galaxies will continue to drift apart. Entropy will continue to increase. The equations of physics make no reference to human purpose.

And yet, there is something remarkable about our existence.

The same cosmic processes that forged stars also forged the elements within our bodies. The carbon in our cells, the oxygen we breathe, the iron in our blood—these were created in ancient stellar explosions. In that sense, we are not separate from the universe; we are a product of it. As astronomer Carl Sagan once suggested, we are a way for the cosmos to know itself.

What makes humanity distinctive is not size or centrality, but awareness. Matter has organized itself, through billions of years of evolution, into beings capable of reflection. We can map galaxies millions of light-years away. We can study particles smaller than atoms. We can ask questions about our own existence.

Perhaps the mistake lies in equating centrality with significance. To be at the center is a matter of position. To be significant is a matter of impact or meaning. The universe may not revolve around us, but through consciousness, it has produced something extraordinary: self-awareness.

In the greater scheme of things, humans are small. Our planet is minor, our lifespans brief, and our presence fragile. But within that smallness lies an unusual power—the ability to think, to question, to create, and to choose.

We may not be the center of the universe. We may not be required for its continuation. Yet we are a rare outcome of its unfolding—a point where stardust became conscious and began to wonder about itself.

And perhaps that, in a universe so vast and so indifferent, is meaning enough.

SPA | R3 Ratchada Review: Bangkok’s Laid-Back Sauna with a Local Soul

Bangkok has no shortage of saunas and nightlife spaces, but every now and then you stumble upon one that feels less like a scene and more like a community. R3 Ratchada is exactly that kind of place. It doesn’t try to compete with flashier venues in Silom or Sukhumvit—and that’s precisely its charm.

Location & First Impressions

R3 is located in the Ratchada area, a neighborhood better known for offices, residential buildings, and local eateries than nightlife glamour. That already sets the tone: this is a local hangout, not a tourist-driven venue.

From the outside, the building is discreet and low-key. Inside, the atmosphere is functional but welcoming—clean, organized, and refreshingly unpretentious. It’s not a luxury spa, but it feels comfortable and well cared for.

Facilities & Layout

R3 keeps things simple but effective. Facilities typically include:

• Dry sauna
• Steam room
• Cold plunge pool
• Lockers and resting areas
• Small café / common space

The layout is easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors. Everything feels practical, clean, and well maintained—qualities that matter more than flashy design.

Crowd & Atmosphere

The crowd at R3 is predominantly local Thai men, with a wide age range but a noticeable number of regulars. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, not rushed or overly performative.

While foreign visitors do come by, the venue clearly caters first to locals, which gives it a grounded and authentic feel. If you’re looking to experience a more everyday side of Bangkok’s sauna culture, R3 fits the bill.

Social Vibe

One of R3’s strongest points is its community atmosphere. People linger, chat, and unwind without pressure. The common areas encourage casual conversations, and the overall pace is slower and more relaxed compared to busier areas of the city.

There’s no booming music or party-style energy—just a comfortable space to relax, socialize, and recharge.

Pricing & Value

Entry prices are reasonable and affordable, especially by Bangkok standards. While R3 doesn’t offer luxury spa features, it provides excellent value through cleanliness, consistency, and atmosphere.

It’s an ideal option for long-stay travelers or anyone who prefers a dependable, no-frills sauna experience.

Final Verdict

R3 Ratchada may not be the most famous sauna in Bangkok, but it’s one of the most genuine. It’s calm, welcoming, and quietly confident—perfect for those who prefer authenticity over hype.

Best for:

• Travelers seeking a local experience
• Visitors who prefer relaxed, low-pressure environments
• Anyone wanting a break from the busier Silom scene

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Authentic, relaxed, and community-driven.

THE QUIET CORNER | Why I'm Choosing the Now Over the "Someday"

I was driving home late the other night, just me and some empty road, when that "what if" finally caught up to me. You know the feeling. You’re cruising along, maybe checking your reflection in the rearview or thinking about that direct deposit that just hit, and you start doing the math. I’ve been so locked in lately, focusing on the "long game." Every spare bit of cash goes into a digital bucket I’m not allowed to touch. I’m out here skipping the late-night eats and passing on the weekend trips because I’m obsessed with this version of me that exists ten years from now. I’ve been treating my life like a project I’m trying to finish instead of something I’m actually supposed to be living.

But staring at the road, it just felt so… fragile.

Like, I’m out here grinding 24/7, gatekeeping my own happiness to fund a "someday" that isn’t even promised. If a car swerved into my lane right now and it was game over, what was all that saving even for? To be the most financially stable person in the afterlife? It’s such a scam. We’re taught to sacrifice our peak years—the years when we actually have the look, the energy, and the community—just to make sure our 70-year-old selves can sit in a slightly nicer chair.

I looked at the passenger seat and realized how much I’ve been missing because I was too busy being "responsible." I’ve been saying "next time" to so many things. Next time there’s a festival. Next time the group chat actually coordinates a trip. Next time I see those shoes that make me feel like the main character.

But what if the "next time" is literally right now?

I’m tired of the guilt that comes with spending money on things that don't have a "return on investment" other than pure joy. I want the memories that keep me awake at night because they were that good, not the anxiety of a budget spreadsheet. I want to invest in my chosen family and the experiences that make me feel like I’m actually part of the world, not just a spectator saving up for the finale.

I’m not going to be reckless—I still want to be that gorgeous, well-funded elder one day—but the balance has to shift. I’m done living for a ghost. If I’m going to put in the work, I deserve to see some of the rewards while I’m still young enough to enjoy them.

The road is long, sure, but I’m done staring so far ahead that I forget to enjoy the view from the driver's seat.

SPA | KRUBB Bangkok Review: Inside Sukhumvit’s Popular Gay Sauna & Social Club

KRUBB Bangkok Social Club & Sauna isn’t a restaurant — it’s a multi-level gay sauna, social club, relaxation space, and nightlife hangout located in Sukhumvit-Phrakanong, Bangkok. The venue operates daily from about 2 PM to midnight and is designed as a place to relax, socialize, enjoy facilities like steam and dry saunas, and meet people in a fun environment. (thain8.com)

• Sauna & wellness spaces – dry and steam rooms, whirlpool, plunge pools.

• Social & lounge areas – a bar, cafe, co-working lounge, rooftop bar.

• Activity spaces – gym, themed rooms, group events.

• Community vibe – regular events like game nights or workshops. (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)

It’s a hub for locals and visitors (lots of Europeans, Americans, Japanese, Koreans) and draws mainly adults around their 30s, 40s, and 50s. (Pride Voyage)

Location & Access

• Address: Soi Sukhumvit Plus 2, Phrakanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)

• Transport: Walkable (~5–7 min) from BTS Phrakanong Station (Exit 4). (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)

• Hours: ~14:00–24:00 daily. (thain8.com)

• Age Restriction: Only guests 20+ (teenagers not allowed). (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)

Facilities & Vibe

Six floors of spaces: sauna rooms, steam, dry heat, lockers, gym, dark/cruising rooms, themed play areas, and a roof-top whirlpool + bar — said to be one of the largest heated whirlpools among gay saunas in Thailand. (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)

• Sauna & steam rooms: Chill out, sweat it out, unwind.

• Gym: Casual workout space included.

• Social lounge & bar: Good place to chat, sip, and meet people.

• Pool and rooftop areas: Relax with colorful lights and chill vibes in the evenings. (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)

Crowd & Energy

• Diverse mix: Locals and international visitors. (Pride Voyage)

• Peak times: Evenings (especially Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun). (Travel Gay)

• Atmosphere: Social and open, sometimes busy, often friendly. (whereis.gay)

What People Say (Pros & Cons)

Clean & welcoming: Many visitors praise the friendly staff, cleanliness, and the overall vibe — especially compared to other saunas in Bangkok. (Travel Gay)
Great social spot: Good for meeting people and relaxing with drinks, sauna, or pool. (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)
Activities & events: Regular weekly offerings keep the place lively. (Krubb Bangkok Sauna)

Some Cons

Space can feel tight: A few reviews mention crowded areas during peak hours and small room sizes. (whereis.gay)
Not “premium” for everyone: Some visitors say it doesn’t feel “high-end” compared to others — facility quality is good but not luxury. (Travel Gay)

Tips for Visiting

Best times: Head there in the early evening or during special event nights for a livelier crowd. (Travel Gay)
Dress & entry: Pay attention to any dress guidelines (smart/casual for social areas) if staying for drinks or events. (thain8.com)
Bring extras: Towels are given, but some people like to bring their own. (whereis.gay)
Be open to socializing: The vibe thrives on interaction — great if you’re outgoing! (Travel Gay)

Overall Verdict

KRUBB Bangkok is more than just a sauna — it’s a social hub where wellness, nightlife, and community come together. Most visitors find it fun and friendly, a good mix of chill relaxation and social energy. If you’re curious about Bangkok’s LGBTQ+ sauna social scene and want a place with good facilities and a lively vibe, KRUBB is worth checking out. (thain8.com)

TRAVEL | Top Men Sauna, Spa & Onsen in Bangkok

Top Men Sauna, Spa & Onsen in Bangkok

A clean, swipe-style guide — no scrolling, no clutter.

Table of Contents

KRUBB Bangkok R3 Ratchada Chakran Sauna Sauna Mania 39 Underground Sauna 1/0 Maxwell Sauna Kaikan Onsen Kino Sento

KRUBB Bangkok Social Club & Sauna

Sukhumvit · Afternoon – Midnight · THB 390–490

ModernSocial

Modern six-floor social club with rooftop pools, gym and whirlpool. Popular with a younger international crowd.

R3 Ratchada Sauna

Ratchada · Afternoon – Late · THB 300–460

Energetic

High-energy party sauna famous for foam nights and packed weekends.

Chakran Sauna

Ari · Afternoon – Midnight · THB 350–450

RooftopRelaxed

Relaxed local favorite with rooftop onsen and open-air garden.

Sauna Mania

Silom · Afternoon – Late · THB 320–440

Central

Tourist-friendly Silom staple with diverse international crowd.

39 Underground Sauna

Saphan Kwai · Daytime – Midnight · THB 200–240

Budget

Raw, local-focused sauna with gritty underground energy.

Sauna 1/0

Silom · Afternoon – Midnight · THB ~300

Compact

Sleek, minimalist sauna popular with sporty locals.

Maxwell Sauna

Silom · Afternoon – Late · THB 250–350

Classic

Japanese-style wellness bathhouse with calm, mature vibe.

Kaikan Onsen

Daytime – Evening · THB 500+

Japanese

Luxury Japanese onsen with iconic milk bath.

Kino Sento

Daytime – Evening · THB 400–600

Wellness

Massive Japanese-style onsen designed for long stays.

FASHION | Key Elements of Bracelet Designs That Sell Out Quickly in Boutiques

In fashion, there are items that are timeless and, as far as boutiques are concerned, that means they will sell year after year, season after season. These are not trendy items but mainstays that resonate on a cultural level with clients. Because of this, people instinctively know the difference between a good suit and a bad suit, even if they don’t own one, or a well-made leather bag and something that is shoddy. When it comes to jewelry, this sensation is heightened to extreme degrees. In this article, we are going to talk about how you can spot what works when sourcing high-quality bracelets that will sell. From offering customers a unique design to materials and wearability that match the aspirations of the customer, we will guide you through the often intuitive but not at all mysterious world of bracelet design and how you can spot a must-have product for your boutique.

Offering customers something that will make them feel unique and special is perhaps the biggest challenge when selling wholesale bracelets. After all, most people want to feel like one in a million, not one of a million, but even with mass production, you can use your unique insights into your customers to get quality products that resonate with them.

One exercise that will help you in this endeavor is to describe your current customer in terms of fashion-related adjectives. Pick seven to start and think of things like elegant, sophisticated, practical, trendy, conservative, eclectic, and so on. You want to paint an image of who shops at your store and then hone in on the bracelet designs that resonate with this persona. After all, it would make little sense to sell diamond tennis bracelets to clients who prefer hemp bracelets.

Speaking of materials, you will want to align this with the persona that you craft. You will notice that wholesale bracelets sold at boutiques like Dear Lover match the aesthetic and persona of the potential buyer. This is a marketing signal that transmits affinity between product and customer. That is why materials must be aligned with this persona. Metal, hemp, leather, or any other combination must align with the aesthetic your clients generally pursue. You will also want to consider the purpose. Heavy versus lightweight materials, for example, tend to factor into what the bracelet will be used for, whether during active sessions at the gym or at the desk at work.

There is also the aspect of visual versatility that ties in with both your client’s persona and the material of the wholesale bracelets. Do you typically sell statement pieces or everyday wear? What do people expect when they shop at your store? This will also lean heavily into the trends or mainstays of the persona you explore. Trendy items are somewhat hard to classify and rarely speak purely to function or utility, making them harder to attach to a certain customer type. Again, you need to consider expectations: What do my clients expect when they arrive in my store? The answer to this question will help you appropriately source items, whether it is an occasional statement piece, trendy one-time wear, or wardrobe mainstay. 

Related article:
Why Mixing Wholesale and Private Label Clothing Increases Boutique Profits

THE QUIET CORNER | Burnout Isn’t Laziness: It’s Survival Fatigue

As a 40-year-old Pinoy guy, living with aging parents can quietly wear you down in ways people don’t often talk about. On the outside, it looks like responsibility. On the inside, it can feel like slow, constant burnout.

I live with parents who are both ill. My father is a stroke survivor. My mother has diabetes. Their conditions don’t pause, don’t take weekends off, and don’t wait until it’s convenient. Every day comes with monitoring, reminders, appointments, worries, and that ever-present fear of “what if something happens today?”

ARTICLE | Why Are Filipinos Considered the Friendliest People — Even When We Don’t Feel Like It?

Quite recently, I found myself doing what I do best when I’m avoiding my own thoughts: scrolling. Somewhere between outfit videos and unsolicited life advice, a viral street interview popped up. Filmed in Europe. Casual. Harmless. The question was simple: Which country has the friendliest people? I barely registered it—until the Philippines came out on top. Thailand followed closely behind. I paused. I rewound. I watched it again. And as a Filipino, my first reaction wasn’t pride. It was confusion. Are we… really that friendly?

JOURNAL | The Guy Who Never Came Back

Some men come into your life for a night. Some men come in for a week. And some men… think they can just sprint in, get what they want, and vanish like Houdini. That was him - the Grindr guy. We’d been chatting on Grindr for almost a month — half-Pakistani, half-Turkish, tall, hairy, the kind of man who makes you think, Yes, yes, yes. I didn’t expect him to actually show up that night. It was almost midnight. In this city, men at midnight are usually either drunk, desperate, or delusional. Spoiler alert: he wasn't any of the three.

He arrived. Cute, confident, hair in all the right places… and smelling like he had personally wrestled a basket of onions. Yes, it was gross. Yes, it was intoxicating. I’ll admit it: sometimes stinky can be sexy. And honey, I know sexy when I smell it. He made his intentions clear, and let’s just say… I obliged. We were two consenting adults in a city that doesn’t exactly encourage this kind of freedom, and for a few minutes, it was fun, raw, hot — everything you'll want about a man.

Then came the classic move: “I just need to grab condoms from my car.”

PAGEANT | Miss Universe 2025: A Crown, A Crisis & A Turning Point for Global Pageantry

Bangkok, Thailand — Long before the new Miss Universe took her victory walk under the glittering lights of Impact Challenger Hall, it was clear that this year’s pageant would not be remembered solely for the beauty, gowns, or final question. Miss Universe 2025 became a collision point—between tradition and modernity, between spectacle and accountability, and between a well-rehearsed global production and the messy realities of human behavior under pressure. At the center of it all stood Fátima Bosch of Mexico, now wearing one of the world’s most recognizable crowns. Graceful, composed, and visibly emotional, she accepted her win in a hall buzzing with cheers, whispered rumors, and the fresh scent of controversy still lingering from backstage.

ARTICLE | A Critique of Mandatory HIV Testing for Residency Renewal

For many expatriates, myself included, renewing a resident visa comes with a familiar routine: undergoing a mandatory medical test. On the surface, this requirement appears to be just another bureaucratic step in maintaining legal status. Yet, when revealed, the test is often focused almost exclusively on HIV. This focus raises serious ethical, human rights, and public health questions.

THE QUIET CORNER | Existing But Not Living

The past few days, I’ve noticed something unsettling about myself. It feels like I’ve degenerated. Not in the dramatic, world-ending kind of way, but in the quiet, almost invisible sense where you suddenly realize that the spark you once carried has dimmed into something you can barely feel anymore. I used to look forward to people. Conversations. Even the things I once loved doing. Now, when I come home after a long day, all I want to do is collapse into bed. No music, no books, no hobbies, no laughter — just the dead weight of exhaustion pressing me into my mattress. Is this depression? Or is it some kind of soul crush — that strange emptiness where you’re not exactly broken, but you’re not alive either. Days roll into each other, and the future doesn’t even glimmer. It just looks… blank.

ARTICLE | What We Talk About When We Talk About La Union

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from long bus rides or late-night drinks—it comes from showing up for people who don’t show up for you. I didn’t know that would be the takeaway when I said yes to a spontaneous Labor Day trip to La Union. All I knew then was that my last few weeks had been a blur of overpriced cocktails, chaotic group chats, and the kind of emotional whiplash that only comes from partying too hard and trusting too easily. Bangkok. Puerto Galera. And now, apparently, the beach town of La Union. I said yes because I always do. Because the idea of another weekend spent “recovering” felt more suffocating than spending it in a car full of vague plans and flaky friends. Because there’s always the hope that this time, the chaos will be worth it. Spoiler: it wasn’t. But also—maybe it was. In a different way.

NEWS | Tensions Escalate into Open Conflict: Unpacking the Ongoing Cambodia–Thailand War

Southeast Asia at a Boiling Point: Cambodia–Thailand War Intensifies

What began as simmering border tensions has now exploded into a full-scale military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, marking one of the most serious escalations in Southeast Asia in over a decade. As of July 2025, both nations have mobilized thousands of troops along their shared border, triggering fears of a broader regional instability. Here’s a comprehensive look into how this war started, what’s currently happening, and what it could mean for the region and the world.

TRAVEL | Puerto Galera 2025: Where Gays, Chaos, and Check-In Times Collide

Where do I even begin? This year’s Puerto Galera edition was, dare I say, a masterpiece in organized chaos. Unlike last year’s minimalist collection of 10 lost souls and a failed group coordinator (read: flop era), this time we leveled up with 20 fabulous attendees squeezed into 6 rooms. A glamorous logistical puzzle, but at least I was there to steer the glittery ship myself. It’s still a relatively “small” group—especially compared to those mega gay exoduses where 100 half-naked men descend upon an island like a RuPaul army. But as I always say: under 50 gays = manageable. Over 50 = start praying to Santa Santino. Puerto Galera Holy Week is our annual excuse to leave behind the sins of the city and commit brand new ones by the beach, complete with glitter, rum, and terrible decisions. My role? Fairy godmother of accommodations, land travel, and trying not to scream.

TRAVEL | The Great La Union Labor Day Fiasco

So, picture this: I’m sprawled on my couch, recovering from the financial bloodbath of back-to-back shindigs in Bangkok and Puerto Galera, when ping—a random message about a La Union trip for Labor Day pops up. My brain’s like, “Bruh, you’re broke, and this is soon.” But my heart’s screaming, “YOLO, it’s La Union, let’s surf this wave!” So, naturally, I yeet caution to the wind and say, “Screw it, we’re doing this.”

To read more about La Union, click here:
Discovering La Union: The New Summer Hotspot for LaborUnion Festivities

TRAVEL | Discovering La Union: The New Summer Hotspot for LaborUnion Festivities

Fresh from the vibrant shores of Puerto Galera, our group was buzzing with excitement for our next adventure: La Union, the rising star of summer destinations in the Philippines. Known for its LaborUnion festivities, La Union has emerged as a top getaway spot, especially around May 1st, a national holiday that gives Filipinos the perfect excuse to escape the hustle of Manila for a few days of sun, sand, and celebration. But what makes La Union the go-to destination for summer revelry, especially after Boracay’s iconic Laboracay lost its sparkle? Let’s dive into why “Elyu,” as locals affectionately call it, is stealing the spotlight.