Stories & Photographs by Jofelle Tesorio

Osaka is a vibrant metropolis that pulsates with a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern dynamism. Often regarded as the culinary capital of Japan, this city is a gastronomic paradise, renowned for its delicious street food delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Beyond its culinary prowess, Osaka's skyline is a testament to its futuristic ambitions, with dazzling skyscrapers standing tall against the backdrop of historical landmarks such as Osaka Castle, a remnant of Japan’s feudal past. Osaka's neighborhoods each tell their own story, from the bustling shopping streets of Shinsaibashi and the neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori, to the tranquil, cherry blossom-lined pathways of Osaka Castle Park. The city thrives on its unwavering energy, embodied in its residents, known for their warmth and distinctive Kansai dialect, which adds a colorful charm to everyday interactions. Culturally rich, it is home to an array of museums, the...

  Are you going to vote today? The campaigning in the past months in the Netherlands has been intense with more new parties coming up, two big parties joined forces, one splintered from a big one to form another. What I like is how the parties encourage voters to go out there and vote and the platforms of debates. The party heads appeared in a small debate on Jeugjournaal, a news program for children, where children got to ask questions themselves. Questions like "what is your biggest fear", "what was your greatest dream when you were a kid and how did you follow up that dream" and "what can you do for us?" were posed by children. The politicos had to convince the children and they also had a quiz show where some questions were asked: "what does the expression 'ai-naa! mean'?' or "what is the favourite expression of Ronaldo when he scores?" The politicians also appeared on First Dates, a dating program, where they had to be on a...

  When a pilgrim on the way to the burial site of the apostle Santiago or Saint James (Jacobo in other languages) sees a scallop shell in front of a house or monastery, he/she/they is welcome to stay. But of course pilgrimage tourism is huge these days and one can just choose a hotel or hostel along the way, with careful planning of course. Many years ago, when pilgrims completed their journey, they took scallop shells from the beach nearby as proof of completion, but now they just have to buy it from the shop and get a certificate from an office approved by the Catholic church. Jog or walk early morning around  #santiagodecompostela  and you see pilgrims just starting their walk or arriving from long arduous journey, and some crying after making it to their destination.

 A collection of photos from years past when I was assigned in Thailand. For tourists, the Southeast region is a cheap and exotic destination where year-gappers choose to travel around in backpacks and stay in cheap hostels. For expats, the perks include a weekly massage, nightly drinks at bars, or hanging in their pools. Whatever the reason for coming to Asia, it is a region overflowing with hospitality, warmth, and culture. And a smile is not very hard to come by.   A tourist walks around the holy temples of Angkor Wat. Siam Reap, Cambodia (2012) A group of young performers in Angkor Wat earn money from visitors' donations. Siam Reap (2012) A man transports on his motorcycle trash for recycling. Siam Reap, Cambodia (2013) Believers wash themselves and collect water from the Holy River. Kolkata, India (2008) A rickshaw driver waits for passengers near a public market. Kolkata, India (2018) Visitors play with their reflections in the water in Bogor Botanical Gardens. Bogo...

  AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS:  If someone asks about Dutch cuisine, the standard answer would be mashed potatoes with sausage topped with gravy or deep-fried fish fillet called ‘kibbeling’. And that ends there. It is the perceived ‘nothingness’ of the Dutch gastronomy that has paved way to the immense popularity of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Suriname, Japanese, and Thai food in the Netherlands. Every city has restaurants and takeaways that offer ‘orientalist’ food. But what is missing in the Netherlands is recognition of the Filipino food. The Dutch don’t have any idea about the Filipino dish unless they have been to the Philippines or married to a Filipino.   The two Filipino restaurants, both located in The Hague, mostly have Filipino patrons (and their Dutch partners or friends). There is no Filipino equivalent yet to sushi , satay , pho , roti or pad Thai – popular dishes that are easily identifiable to an Asian country.  So when Dutch couple and missi...