Lifestyle & Features

By Alvin I. Dacanay A 20-year-old college student who has written stories on the online reading platform Wattpad and a 32-year-old business writer have emerged as the top winners at the 65th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards (CPMA) for Literature, which saw 55 other creative writers, including two previous Hall of Fame inductees and an independent filmmaker, clinch prizes. 

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s celebration of its opening to the public continues as it extends its offering of special introductory rates—P3,500 net for single occupancy and P3,800 net for double occupancy in a Deluxe Room, with buffet breakfast and wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) Internet access included—until September 13. 

By Monika Scislowska / The Associated Press Warsaw, Poland—Almost every month brings something new in Warsaw. With nearly 2 million people, Poland’s capital has been developing fast ever since the once-communist nation joined the European Union in 2004. From skate parks and roof gardens to historic palaces and some of the continent’s most modern buildings, visitors will find plenty to see …

Wondering how to spend a extraordinarily fun and relaxed weekend with your family, special someone or friends, or even by your fabulous self? Stay at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas (RHO) and choose from among its wonderful Weekend Packages. 

By Alvin I. Dacanay A radio-show host, a recent inductee to the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Fame, a veteran journalist, and a former director of the oldest writers’ workshop in Asia are among the writers chosen to receive this year a lifetime achievement award from the Philippines’s largest organization of Filipino writers, it was learned recently. 

By Lincee Ray / The Associated Press Author Jennifer Weiner delicately sets the stage for a story detailing the celebrations and challenges of romance in Who Do You Love (Simon & Schuster). 

Philippine-Czech ties in culture and the arts are expected to be strengthened further with the recent launch of a new translation-exchange program between the two countries. 

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata /  Philippines News Agency Why do some people say August is “Ghost Month”? How come Ghost Month falls on August, and not October or November, when Halloween and All Souls’ Day are celebrated, respectively? A lot of Filipinos, myself included, sometimes ask these questions.

Review by Rasha Madkour / The Associated Press A new book written by a schoolteacher has a simple, yet compelling message for parents: Back off. 

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata / Philippines News Agency It was that time of the year again when legislators, their wives and other government officials walked the red carpet to listen to President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address (Sona)—his last—last Monday. Who do you think was the most fashionable?