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Michael Diez

A copywriter, editor, content writer, and features writer with over 20 years of experience in print, television, radio, and online publishing.

Philstar Life •

McDonald's and Coca-Cola bring Christmas cheer to indigents in Rizal

Over 100 families in Sitio Pintor in Rodriguez, Rizal celebrated Christmas early last Dec. 11 as McDonald’s, through its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald’s House Charities (RMHC), and Coca-Cola Philippines hosted performances, games, giveaways and more in this remote area of Barangay San Isidro. Barangay Chairwoman Mae Hernandez welcomed McDonald’s and Coca-Cola to San Isidro, saying that the festivities are exactly what the families need this holiday season. “Ito ang pinaka-bonggang celebrati
Philstar Life •

Exploring Kota Kinabalu: A look into our Malayan heritage

If you’ve always wondered what the Philippines would be like when we finally get our act together, Kota Kinabalu would be it. A mere two hours travel from NAIA, there are striking similarities between the streets of Kota Kinabalu (locally referred to as KK) and Metro Manila—that is if we’re talking about the streets of BGC, Makati CBD, and similar areas. Much like our capital, Manila, the city center of Kota Kinabalu is surrounded by coastal waters. It spans only two kilometers. If you’re so inc
Philstar Life •

Jun Urbano: Mr. Shooli, a plate of peanuts, and the lost art of satire

Most Filipinos know Jun Urbano as his famous alter-ego Mr. Shooli. The self-styled Mongolian character that he created in the late 1980s rose to fame for his satirical take on Philippine politics and Filipino culture. Yet many may not know that Urbano has also helped define a generation through classic commercials that he directed in the late 1970s through the early 1980s. Among that body of work was a series for a local beer. It includes an unforgettable tag that would make people of that gener
Philstar Life •

Neil Gaiman on calamansi, adaptations as sausages, and the future of 'The Sandman' series

Neil Gaiman is a busy man. The prolific author is currently showrunning and editing two television series, finishing a new novel, and busy promoting The Sandman—which is, by all accounts, the biggest streaming show everywhere. Gaiman gave an exclusive interview with a small number of media outlets in the Philippines recently, including PhilSTAR L!fe. He talks to us about working with Tom Sturridge, learning from his experience with the Good Omens and American Gods adaptations and gave insights i
8List.ph> •

Killing Us Softly: The Return of the Disease No One Wants to Talk About

This was the face of AIDS in the 90s. It was easy then to stereotype those infected. Sarah Jane was a sex worker. The Department of Health made her the poster girl for AIDS prevention. Sarah Jane and, consequently, the controversies surrounding her while advocating AIDS prevention put the rising epidemic on the headlines. It worked. When Sarah Jane died in the year 2000, so too, it seemed, the spectre of the disease in the country. But HIV is back. With a vengeance.

In the month of August 2018
Philstar Life •

Layover Guide: Kuala Lumpur in 24 hours

Below is an account of my experience, and I am confident that you, too, can cram these places in your itinerary before your scheduled flight—should find yourself in the same circumstance.

With travel normalizing, transit stops to reach connecting flights or board cruise ships are a part again of the new normal travel, so it's best to know what you can do in a destination with limited time.

I planned on making the most out of my time in Kuala Lumpur. It helped that I have been here once before.
Philstar Life •

What makes noche buena complete?

Christmas is a time for family and loved ones to get together and catch up with one another’s lives. It has been a time-honored tradition, whether good or bad. You take the good (seeing balikbayan relatives, being surprised at how your pamangkins have grown), with the bad (“uy tumaba ka”, “ kelan ka ba mag-aasawa?”).

But the past two years have been difficult, as the pandemic prevented everyone from seeing each other—regardless whether it’s the holiday season or not. Being apart from loved ones
Philstar Life •

‘Pitch Perfect’? ‘Glee’? UP's Concert Chorus did it first

“In the history of choral group singing, I think we were the first to choreograph dance and movements alongside singing,” said Attorney Dot Gancayco, President of the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) Alumni Association. “UP Concert Chorus is a pioneer of choral singing through movement,” UPCC’s artistic director and conductor Jai Sabas-Aracama confirmed. She said that even before the Americans brought show choir to the Philippines, choir singing was already popular with Filipi