Writer

Ching M. Balina

Written Articles

Music

Review: Harry Styles

“It’s surprisingly good” is probably a line you’ve heard people toss around when talking about Harry Styles’s self-titled debut. Having already earned his star status as part of the biggest boy band in recent memory, it would have been difficult for fans (and even non-fans) to separate Styles from the bubblegum pop that made him […]

By Ching M. Balina

January 29, 2018

By Ching M. Balina • January 29, 2018

Food

Cyprus review

Some think that the key to standing out in JSEC is to go big and bold with the theme and food options. Although Cyprus may not be the first stall that your eye catches on your way in, it is one that’s worth a second look (and taste). Taste The main offerings of this Mediterranean-themed […]

By Online Media, Ching M. Balina and Angela Natividad

September 23, 2017

By Online Media, Ching M. Balina and Angela Natividad • September 23, 2017

TV & Film

Togas and a movie reel: Films for the graduate

While most of us are excited to get our graduation togas on, none of us really know what’s going to happen after we come down from the hill. Some already have job offers from various companies while others are still weighing their options, but the bottom line is: It’s going to be far different from […]

By Ching M. Balina, Patrick L. Roasa, Online Media and Angela Natividad

June 10, 2017

By Ching M. Balina, Patrick L. Roasa, Online Media and Angela Natividad • June 10, 2017

Food

Ridiculous comfort food: A review of Lazy Bastard

Indulging yourself with your favorite comfort food is the guaranteed “pick me up” we all need once in a while – nothing fancy, just some delicious dish that is sure to make you smile. We like to think of these treats as a reward for when we pass a major exams, or a motivator before […]

By Ching M. Balina, Patrick L. Roasa, Online Media and Angela Natividad

February 20, 2017

By Ching M. Balina, Patrick L. Roasa, Online Media and Angela Natividad • February 20, 2017

Music

2017 Grammy Awards Predictions

For a number of musicians, a Grammy award is the ultimate goal. For some, it can also be considered as the endpoint of their career, and for good reason. Taking the stage alongside the music industry’s best and to be acknowledged on international television is unquestionably an immense achievement in its own right, and earning […]

By Franco M. Luna, Ching M. Balina, Online Media and Angela Natividad

February 12, 2017

By Franco M. Luna, Ching M. Balina, Online Media and Angela Natividad • February 12, 2017

TV & Film

Essential Christmas Movies

When you start seeing twinkling lights as you drive down the streets of your neighborhood or when you hear someone singing “Jingle Bell Rock” with utmost enthusiasm, it can only mean one thing: It’s Christmas time! There really is no season like it — from the stirring of our holiday spirits when we set up […]

By Ching M. Balina, Deany R. Cheng, Online Media and Angela Natividad

December 21, 2016

By Ching M. Balina, Deany R. Cheng, Online Media and Angela Natividad • December 21, 2016

Music

Album of the year: Staff picks

Regardless of where you stand in the wide spectrum of music genres, it’s hard to argue that 2016 wasn’t a good year for music. After four years of silence, Frank Ocean unleashed what could be his greatest release to date. Justin Timberlake put out a single that was later immortalized in the hearts of Atenean […]

By Franco M. Luna, Regis Andanar, Romano Santos, Carlito O. Mortel, Martina R. Roces, Ching M. Balina, Deany R. Cheng, Online Media and Angela Natividad

November 15, 2016

By Franco M. Luna, Regis Andanar, Romano Santos, Carlito O. Mortel, Martina R. Roces, Ching M. Balina, Deany R. Cheng, Online Media and Angela Natividad • November 15, 2016

Hype

Tenement: Born and bred on the streets

Tenement’s distinct style is simple, yet intriguing enough to grab your attention. Whether it’s the subtle graphics displayed on their caps, or the louder designs adorning the backs of their tees, there’s something about the brand that feels familiar and personal. Their designs are clean and sleek, while playing on a theme that hits close […]

By John T. Lansangan, Ching M. Balina, Online Media and Angela Natividad

October 24, 2016

By John T. Lansangan, Ching M. Balina, Online Media and Angela Natividad • October 24, 2016

Hub

Where to study for thesis

With every new school year comes new beginnings. With the first semester already nearly halfway done, students are slowly getting used to the daily hustle and bustle of schoolwork. While these past few weeks have been an exciting new beginning for the fresh-faced freshmen excitedly roaming around campus, a new challenge awaits the seniors just […]

By Ching M. Balina, Maia R. Puyat, Angela Natividad and Online Media

September 24, 2016

By Ching M. Balina, Maia R. Puyat, Angela Natividad and Online Media • September 24, 2016

Theater & Arts

Beyond the books: Ateneo Blue Repertory’s Real Life Fairytales

Whether it’s fairy dust trailing after the Darling siblings as they leap out their nursery window, or the glass slipper sitting idly on the staircase of an extravagant kingdom, fairytales have always been staple in children’s bedrooms for many years. They are familiar and magical, allowing kids to step into the realm of the whimsical […]

By Ching M. Balina, Angela R. Natividad and Online Media

September 19, 2016

By Ching M. Balina, Angela R. Natividad and Online Media • September 19, 2016