Trending on social media recently was Frankie Pangilinan’s fearless views on various topics, including sensitive issues such as rape. The daughter of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and singer-actress Sharon Cuneta is back in the Philippines for spring break from studies in New York, arriving in Manila only a few days before the lockdown. Just into the first month of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Frankie already caught the attention of the netizens when she, together with her parents and other celebrities, contributed to post bail for the 21 residents of a community in Quezon City who were detained after rallying for food on the streets amidst the ECQ. While the outspoken singer-songwriter announced social (media) distancing for now, she still commits to spreading awareness for things that matter.

Chef Colin Mackay’s restaurants Sala, Sala Bistro, People’s Palace and Blackbird are all institutions in Manila’s dining scene. It was therefore a shock to receive a message that his restaurants were closing. This made Whatsapp group chats buzzing and crying out “Why?”. When we asked Colin, he told us, “We are not closing for good. Just till government relaxes transportation for our staff, many of whom live in the province; and extends mall hours. Also, when there is no more resistance to dining in. For now, it’s not sustainable. But the food you loved in People’s Palace and Sala will be available in Blackbird, which we reopened. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back!” Phew! Now, that’s good news for Manila denizens. We love all of Colin’s restaurants, which have revolutionised the metro’s dining scene.

Read More: COVID-19 Has Closed F&B Favourites Around The Philippines

Recently elected last June as the Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council is Cynthia Barker, a native of Laguna province, the first Filipino mayor of this borough in Hertfordshire, England. Prior to her political victory, she served as deputy mayor and councillor of Hertsmere, dubbed as the “Home of Film and Television”. Two years before, Barker, who has lived in Hertsmere for 29 years, was named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World. She adds to the list of other Filipino political leaders like Danilo Favor, the first Filipino mayor of East Grinstead in West Sussex, UK, and Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino member of the New Zealand Parliament.

See Also: 25 Filipina Power Women

Nothing could stop these couples from tying the knot, and yes, not even the pandemic. After dating for five years, Anton and Sofia Cojuangco finally exchanged vows at an intimate ceremony in San Antonio Parish, Makati City. They were forced to cancel the original double celebration planned in Manila and Cebu (both scheduled in March) as the number of Covid-19 cases escalated and the country was placed under enhanced community quarantine. Meanwhile, Jim and Missy Ayala’s daughter, Andie, and her fiancé, Ben Taylor, exchanged “I dos” at an exclusive wedding weekend in Princetown, New Jersey in June. Also recently hitched were Anro Ang and Claud Bacani. In the end, love prevails.