Writer

Leila Simon

Leila is a political science student, a part-time fangirl, and an all-around try-hard barista. If she could raid anyone’s closet for a day, it’d be the Queen of England’s (for the hats).

Written Articles

Food

Tiny kitchens, big advocacies

FOOD IS both personal and political—it sustains people and provides livelihoods, but at the same time, the overproduction of food can destroy our lands and limit our resources.  When one thinks of consumption and production, they usually imagine large food suppliers or well-known restaurant chains. However, over the years, it seems that a new business […]

By Kris M. Fetiza, Leila Simon and Chanel Ang

October 27, 2022

By Kris M. Fetiza, Leila Simon and Chanel Ang • October 27, 2022

Hub

Vantage POINT: September 2022

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 Chanel Ang, Kris M. Fetiza and Leila Simon

September 26, 2022

By Chanel Ang, Kris M. Fetiza and Leila Simon • September 26, 2022

Other

Vantage POINT: May 2022

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 Kris M. Fetiza and Leila Simon

May 24, 2022

By Kris M. Fetiza and Leila Simon • May 24, 2022

Theater & Arts

Books on love and loss

The month of love comes with many things. To some people, it comes with flowers and chocolates; to others, it might be loss and longing. After all, it is often said that there will always be grief for as long as love exists. For those going through it—whatever it might be—we’ve listed down a few […]

By Noelle D. Lejano and Leila Simon

February 14, 2022

By Noelle D. Lejano and Leila Simon • February 14, 2022

Exposé

Get, get, aw!: The Sexbomb Girls and their explosive influence

THE SEXBOMB Girls’ impact is undeniable—both in Filipino popular culture and in the Asian music scene. The group’s songs are still go-to karaoke staples at birthday parties and family gatherings, especially the crowd favorites “Bakit Papa?” and “The Spageti Song.” Their career highs and the success of these songs have made the girls a household […]

By Jewel Ruther Miraña and Leila Simon

December 2, 2021

By Jewel Ruther Miraña and Leila Simon • December 2, 2021

TV & Film

Diana: The Musical is a little tone deaf

Decades have passed since the untimely death of Diana, Princess of Wales, yet her story still captures the hearts of many. The public continues to scrutinize her life and create their versions of it—from multiple documentaries to an award-winning series. Recently, a new interpretation in the form of a musical has come into the spotlight. […]

By Leila Simon

October 9, 2021

By Leila Simon • October 9, 2021

Theater & Arts

#VantSuggests: Books about food and culture (that are not cookbooks)

Food and culture are inextricably linked; we turn to food to create communities and form relationships. In various works of literature, food is rarely absent as it has always been a vital aspect in telling stories about people and their lives. With culture’s increasing complexity comes the rise of narratives rooted in the substances that […]

By Leila Simon and Ryan Reyes

August 29, 2021

By Leila Simon and Ryan Reyes • August 29, 2021

Exposé

Seeing double: Behind the fake Instagram

Reliance on social media is at an all-time high, since people are compelled to participate in online activities. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have allowed us to make up for the distance between people we typically interact with in person. To some degree, we are watching each other’s lives through screens and highlight reels—but […]

By Leila Simon and Justin Ginete

June 24, 2021

By Leila Simon and Justin Ginete • June 24, 2021

Music

Life is a Taylor Swift song

Coming-of-age is a Vantage column where staffers share their opinions on a specific beat. From in-depth analyses of TV series to miscellaneous musings in music (and everything in between), this monthly column is an avenue to spread and inspire thought-provoking ideas. In this column, Vantage Magazine staffer Leila talks about how Taylor Swift’s songs captured […]

By Leila Simon

April 30, 2021

By Leila Simon • April 30, 2021

Other

Home Alone: Ateneo dormers in quarantine

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought massive changes to everyday routine—from beloved restaurants shuttering to daily wearing of face masks and shields. Ateneo, a home for many students, also closed its gates and moved learning to the virtual space. While the lockdown brought many dormers back to their families and away from Katipunan, some Ateneans have […]

By Zoe T. Andin, Gabrielle I. Lombos and Leila Simon

February 23, 2021

By Zoe T. Andin, Gabrielle I. Lombos and Leila Simon • February 23, 2021

Other

Vantage POINT: January 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 Zoe T. Andin, Gabrielle I. Lombos and Leila Simon

January 18, 2021

By Zoe T. Andin, Gabrielle I. Lombos and Leila Simon • January 18, 2021

Hub

Take this quiz and we’ll guess what Ateneo building you belong in

It’s going to take some time until we get to step foot on campus again. While we continue to attend classes in virtual classrooms, it’s good to remember the spaces that we once occupied! This quiz will help determine which Ateneo building you belong in based on how you plan a regular day in school! […]

By Leila Simon

January 18, 2021

By Leila Simon • January 18, 2021

Hype

Understanding the holiday blues

For Filipinos, the Christmas spirit is measured by the preparations that begin as early as September. However, the expectations of a perfectly planned holiday can cause immense pressure for anyone. As we schedule family Zoom calls, scale down Noche Buena plans, and figure out how to exchange gifts online, we remember that mental health should […]

By Leila Simon and Patricia Villoria

December 28, 2020

By Leila Simon and Patricia Villoria • December 28, 2020