summer blows over

We are already halfway through September.  The ninth month of the year and one of the most powerful for seeing our manifestations and intentions come to life! 

If you like to set intentions in the first few months of the year, September is often a time when we can start to see some progress.

A new season brings a new rhythm.

1. ​Ground. Bring grounding stones, earthy incense, and protective ritual goods into your space.
2. Refresh. Clear out the energy of summer with cleansing sprays, smoke, bells, and other space-clearing tools.
3. Gather. Stock up on the incense, candles, herbs, and ritual essentials you’ll want close at hand as the days grow shorter.

​Prepare your space, refresh your ritual, and rebuild your altar. Gather what you need for the months ahead. 

hard rain's gonna fall

As we reach the middle of the month, we experience the Equinox and the Sun moving into Libra. This is a powerful day for our planet, and a time when we can really soak up Mother Earth’s healing vibrations with ease. 

celebrating a life path, birthday, new orbit

Our beloved one and only Mahala turns 47 today - that's a Master Number, 11. Eleven is the bringer of spiritual awareness and a devout supporter of humankind. It is truly a messenger of the universe. 

Its energy is tied to intuition, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. If you’ve been drawn to the meaning of number 11, you may be on the path to discovering your higher purpose.

Eileithyia, divine mother of the cosmos -
guiding the birth of the world & future generations

Focus on your studies and deepen your understanding. The more work you do on yourself, the better you will contribute to the world at large.

being strong & steady stewards

We celebrated agriculturalists month in July, highlighting the central role of agriculture in many aspects and sectors of our daily lives. 

The workers, producers and stewards are also the current custodians of not just agriculture but also the environment and our biodiversity. Along with the ecosystem and sustainability, all are closely linked and entwined. 

For centuries, humanity has benefitted from Earth’s rich bounty of natural resources. But these last few decades also make us aware of the ensuing global impact the human footprint makes. Climate change, biodiversity loss, disrupted ecosystems, land degradation, and public health emergencies, including novel pandemics. 

travel trap tourism

Too often we are presented with the same tourism photos showing off spectacular views of popular wonders of the world. 

Many do not even look for a different perspective - one that presents the true reality, which often is never as perfect or pretty. 

Taj Majal & its surroundings - Agra, India

Global tourism, as currently practiced, is underperforming, highly vulnerable and heading towards breakdown. Its operating model is no longer fit for purpose and needs to be replaced. ~ Managing Sustainable Tourism Growth, 2019

balanced & sustainable

It seems like I have been spending the majority of 2025 and 2026 ranting against the transactionality and commodification, decolonization and better care of human beings - whether we are on home ground or abroad. 

Touristification is a phenomenon that is happening worldwide - in both in the north and the south hemispheres or in both high traffic or far flung areas. 

a working balance between local & tourist needs

Born and raised in the Philippines, I moved to the US right after 9/11, and have returned for almost two years now - after being abroad for 20 years. 

This is a reflection on how touristification can transform a place you love and where once possessed a strong sense of belonging - when you are priced out of it. 

being human

“We are not people anymore. We have been products for a long time, and these are our labels” 

In a world of therapy-speak, Freya India argues we’ve lost the language of character - replacing quirks with conditions. But are we mentally ill, or just human? 

authentic & unapologetic

This is part of a deeper instinct in modern life to explain everything - psychologically, scientifically, evolutionarily. Everything about us is caused, categorized, and can be corrected. 

global fair food festival

The Terra Madre global Slow Food community cane together to celebrate the people, traditions, and food systems of the Asia and Pacific region - a five day, fully immersive, gastronomical convention to protect biodiversity and nourish our future food sources and systems.

#TMAP2025 at the Capitol Lagoon Park, Bacolod City, Negros Island

December 10 is designated Terra Madre Day around the world. From small gatherings to large community festivals - every Terra Madre Day event shines a light on the power of local food cultures and the importance of "Good, Clean and Fair food for all."