Writer

Arnald Paguio

Arnald is a junior constantly looking for songs to add to his playlist. Find him on Twitter: @Arnald_VantMag.

Written Articles

Food

The search for disappearing dishes

It’s ironic how food—something so universally revered—can still be taken for granted. Often, it’s the simple pleasures of life that we miss the most when they’re finally gone. And yes, food, like most things, has a lifespan. Sometimes a relative may fail to pass down a treasured recipe, or a favorite restaurant may unfortunately decide […]

By Arnald Paguio, Danielle H. Ramos and Patricia Villoria

March 29, 2021

By Arnald Paguio, Danielle H. Ramos and Patricia Villoria • March 29, 2021

Other

Vantage POINT: February 2021

This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little […]

By Arnald Paguio, Danielle H. Ramos and Patricia Villoria

February 8, 2021

By Arnald Paguio, Danielle H. Ramos and Patricia Villoria • February 8, 2021

Music

Reveling in range: Plastic Hearts review

It’s 2020, and Miley Cyrus is restless. “I don’t give a fuck, I don’t believe in love,” she proclaims ceremoniously in “Bad Karma,” possibly ruminating over her recent divorce with long-time partner and husband, Liam Hemsworth. That line, backed by a metronomic drum beat and rhythmic moans, perfectly sums up Plastic Hearts. In her seventh […]

By Arnald Paguio

December 8, 2020

By Arnald Paguio • December 8, 2020

Theater & Arts

Sources of inspiration

The life of any individual artist involves navigating various unfamiliar circumstances and mental blocks in pursuit of creative endeavors. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented an almost-insurmountable challenge to artists. With venues closing and quarantine restrictions, artists have been forced to stay home—devoid of commissions or any outside inspiration. After eight months of lockdown, Vantage […]

By Arnald Paguio and Danielle H. Ramos

November 11, 2020

By Arnald Paguio and Danielle H. Ramos • November 11, 2020

Other

Vantage POINT: May 2020

This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little […]

By Andrea Mikaela Llanes, Arnald Paguio, Beatriz C. Reyes and Caitlin C. Young

May 11, 2020

By Andrea Mikaela Llanes, Arnald Paguio, Beatriz C. Reyes and Caitlin C. Young • May 11, 2020

Music

Welcome (back) to Tago

It wasn’t long ago when Tago was quite literally a home for jazz in the Philippines. Back in 2011, Tago was little more than just a room in a house tucked within a dimly-lit neighborhood in the Cubao area. On a busy night, the cafe could accommodate 50 people at most, most of them standing […]

By Gabriel V. Saulog and Arnald Paguio

April 5, 2020

By Gabriel V. Saulog and Arnald Paguio • April 5, 2020

Food

Okawari review

With the hustle and bustle of a typical lunch hour in JSEC, it’s easy to miss Okawari as one strolls around Ateneo’s beloved mess hall. Okawari—which means “more rice, please” in Japanese—doesn’t draw much attention to itself with its relatively muted branding, in contrast to the radiant signages of surrounding stalls. Despite appearances, Okawari does […]

By Arnald Paguio

October 16, 2019

By Arnald Paguio • October 16, 2019

Exposé

Walk the talk: Teachers beyond the classroom

To the typical student’s eye, the professor may simply be another face among many that they encounter day-to-day. Often confined to the classroom or the occasional greeting along the hallway, both parties can assume the traditional roles of master and pupil with hardly any deviation. But lest we forget, behind the faculty IDs and reams […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Allan Popa on literature for society

A writer, professor, and advocate, Allan Popa, PhD (Department of Filipino) serves as a creative force to be reckoned with. In collaboration with Heights Ateneo, he is a contributor to Kuwentong Pambata 2019. The project serves as a platform for Lumad children to showcase their culture through art. This is in line with his dream […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Michael Pante on activism and historical truth

A true champion of the truth, Michael Pante, PhD (Department of History) advocates against historical revisionism in light of events such as the burial of Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Previously, he was a member of Tanggol Wika, an organization that was formed after the protest against the Commission on Higher Education […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Arjan Aguirre on politics in practice

Whether through research or the occasional stint on network news, Arjan Aguirre, MA (Department of Political Science) constantly seeks ways to make a difference in the sociopolitical sphere. He mainly provides policy recommendations to legislators based on his field work. All this activity outside the classroom is channelled back into it, with his lessons in […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Jaya Pilapil Jacobo on gender equality

As a transgender woman and professor, Jaya Pilapil Jacobo, PhD (Department of Filipino) is deeply immersed in the LGBTQ+ community. She promotes gender equality and its importance inside and outside the classroom—and in turn, opens students to a better understanding of it. She helps organize workshops on LGBTQ+ youth literature, in affiliation with the University […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Clarissa Mijares-Ramos on dance awareness

Clarissa Mijares-Ramos, MA (Department of Sociology and Anthropology) remains ever prepared for her next performance with her background in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Thanks to a personal research interest in music ethnography and dance awareness, she translates her teachings into a form beyond words. She is a former member of Airdance Manila and continues […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Karl Castro on art for the nation

Renowned for his art across a variety of mediums, Karl Castro (Department of Fine Arts) is a passionate professor and activist. He is a member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, an organization of artists who use their craft to tackle the national situation, and is also a strong advocate for the fair treatment […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Other

Vantage POINT: September 2019

This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 7, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 7, 2019

Theater & Arts

Inside Philippine jukebox musicals

Over the years, jukebox musicals have become some of the most recognizable shows onstage. These productions, rather than featuring an original score, revolve around the tried-and-tested hits of popular artists. With Western examples like Mamma Mia!’s (1999) ABBA-inspired storyline to the Green Day-backed play American Idiot (2009), it’s clear that the theatrical genre holds no […]

By Natalie R. Gavino and Arnald Paguio

August 14, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino and Arnald Paguio • August 14, 2019

Other

Enzo Tan: The renaissance man

      There’s really no pegging Enzo Tan (4 BS CTM): He’s the quintessential jack-of-all-trades, the school’s very own renaissance man. While known for his merits in filmmaking, Enzo’s activities range from music, writing, photography, and even cuisine—he currently co-runs the stall Chile Chicos in the John Gokongwei School of Management Student Enterprise Center […]

By Arnald Paguio

July 28, 2019

By Arnald Paguio • July 28, 2019

Music

Conventional yet irresistible: a review of Devices’ The Element of Surprise

The Element of Surprise is subtle proof of the still-ongoing romance between local indie rock and Arctic Monkeys (ie. Nanay Mo, Rusty Machines, etc.). Subtle is the keyword here. Amidst the wave of conventionality within the circle of bands that swoon over Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, Devices has carved out a sonic space of […]

By Arnald Paguio

January 2, 2019

By Arnald Paguio • January 2, 2019

TV & Film

Horror around the world

Every region in the world embodies a unique spirit towards making horror films. Avid horror fans would be delighted to discover that what often keeps people up at night can take various forms, depending on where you’re from and the culture you’re raised in. This Halloween, Vantage has prepared a rundown of the best horror […]

By Arnald Paguio and Lorenzo Tan

October 29, 2018

By Arnald Paguio and Lorenzo Tan • October 29, 2018

Other

The Grill Shack review

Summer never ends—at least for The Grill Shack it doesn’t. For those missing grills by the beach, The Grill Shack is where to be—its simple yet delectable dishes are meant to satisfy your protein needs and summer dreams. Taste The first bite of any dish on the menu is a ride of tenderness. This is […]

By Arnald Paguio

October 14, 2018

By Arnald Paguio • October 14, 2018