RAINBOW’S END: Manila’s famous ‘Golden Gays’ search for a forever home
Manila’s “Home for the Golden Gays” was among the few bricks-and-mortar care facilities for the elderly LGBTQ community in the Philippines. However, when the facility closed more than a decade ago, most of its elderly residents were left homeless and struggling in their final years. The surviving Golden Gays are now trying to build a new permanent centre for themselves and future members. The group has been accepting donations from sponsors, but they insist on performing in drag in shows of appreciation. W3 AWARDS GOLD WINNER 2025
Living among the dead in a Manila cemetery
Jocelyn De Los Santos uses an elevated tomb as a stepping stone every time she wants to leave or enter her home. Her makeshift house sits atop a mausoleum in Manila North Cemetery, in one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The cemetery is home to thousands of the Philippine capital’s poorest people. Many eke out a living by selling candles and soft drinks, or by cleaning tombs for a small stipend from crypt owners.
The last of Hong Kong’s street food rebels
Distinct, delectable, but disappearing: streetside hawker stands in Hong Kong known as dai pai dongs, and the classic comfort food they serve are an iconic part of the city’s history, offering up a striking contrast to the modern polished skyscrapers that throng the city skyline. While many have closed down over the years, others have adapted to the times. From the classic food stands to cooked food centres to mushroom pavilions nestled in public housing estates known as dung gu ting, this episode of Hong Kong Authentic explores the history behind the famed food stalls and the families that run them.
Is Hong Kong’s education system failing non-ethnic Chinese children?
Kraiz Kayastha grew up attending a Chinese-medium primary school in Hong Kong. But after almost six years, the Nepalese Hongkonger still struggles to understand his lessons, let alone speak the language. Despite record government funding allocated to programmes meant to boost Chinese proficiency among its non-Chinese student population, a language crisis has persisted for many years. One local charity is on a mission to bridge the language gap in time for pupils to transition into Chinese-medium schools.
The two faces of China’s young, fed up workers
A 20-year-old South Korean cartoon character named Loopy has found new fame on Chinese social media. Conceived as a shy and timid character two decades ago, the new Loopy persona is now a sarcastic and outspoken office intern. She has also become the go-to subject for various memes among China’s labour force, known as dagongren. This episode of Cultured looks at why this pink cartoon beaver has seen a resurgence and how it has resonated with so many people.
Jayson Albano 