CNN’s Quest’s World of Wonder Unleashes the Heartbeat of Manila in a Dazzling Filipino Adventure

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In the latest exhilarating episode of CNN’s Quest’s World of Wonder, the indomitable Richard Quest lands in the vibrant chaos and soulful harmony of Manila — a city that refuses to sleep, where tradition wrestles with modernity, and where every corner thrums with stories waiting to be told.

From sizzling street food to surreal folklore, Quest embarks on a spellbinding journey through the Philippine capital, not just as a curious tourist, but as a cultural explorer unearthing the treasures that make this Southeast Asian archipelago unlike any other.

A Culinary Welcome Like No Other: Kamayan and the Boodle Fight

Quest’s first stop is a feast not just for the belly but for the soul. Led by local guide Maul, he plunges into the heart of Filipino culinary tradition with Kamayan — a hands-on, no-cutlery, banana-leaf-laden banquet designed to be shared with laughter, stories, and unbridled joy. At the center of this cultural ritual is the “Boodle Fight,” a military-born dining practice that has transformed into a communal celebration across the country.

“The Kamayan Boodle Fight is an absolute institution here,” Quest muses as he gleefully partakes in grilled seafood, crispy fried chicken, and steaming mounds of rice. “You can see why — it brings together family and friends in this wonderful spirit of friendship and unity.”

Morning Rush and Midday Madness: Surviving Manila's Commute

As the sun rises and Manila’s roads buckle under the morning surge, Quest finds himself in the studio with local radio legends Chico Garcia and Markki Stroem, co-hosts of the popular Morning Rush show. Between witty exchanges and rapid-fire banter, Quest flips the script, becoming the interviewee.

For Stroem, whose résumé reads like a multi-hyphenate marvel — actor, singer, pageant king — the show is more than just a reprieve from traffic. It’s a platform for expression, identity, and even advocacy. “Pageantry in the Philippines is like the Super Bowl,” Stroem explains, recounting his victorious portrayal of the Tikbalang, a mythical half-horse, half-man figure, during the 2024 Mr. Universe pageant. “But mine wasn’t feared — it was a protector of nature.”

Into the Wild: Mysticism Meets Conservation at Masungi Georeserve

Quest then journeys to the lush Masungi Georeserve, a living testament to the Philippines’ fierce environmental spirit. Nestled within its limestone-rich terrain and cloud-kissed cliffs is an unfolding story of resilience and restoration.

There, conservationist Ann Dumaliang shares her life’s work, treating the reserve as kin — a “little brother” she’s watched grow from barren wasteland into a thriving sanctuary. From the towering Balete tree — a legendary gateway to the supernatural — to forest spirits requiring whispered greetings of “Tabi Tabi Po,” the ethereal becomes real in this oasis of biodiversity.

Pageants and Pride: The Philippines' Fascination with Beauty and Brilliance

No exploration of Filipino culture would be complete without diving into its pageant phenomenon. Quest finds himself in the presence of Rodgil Flores, a titan in the beauty pageant world, who has spent over three decades sculpting queens who command not only the stage but the hearts of millions.

“It’s more than beauty,” Flores says. “It’s identity, pride, and the Philippines rallying behind a single person — a symbol of hope, grace, and victory.”

Rolling with the People: The Iconic Jeepney Ride

Finally, Quest hops aboard a Jeepney — the gloriously gaudy, chrome-plated chariots of the masses. With fares less than 25 cents and routes woven into the very veins of Manila, these vehicles are more than transportation — they are culture in motion.

“I think what I really love,” Quest laughs over the cacophony of traffic and street vendors, “is that a ride in a Jeepney assaults all of the senses. The noise, the smell, the people — it’s got the lot!”

More Than a Destination — Manila is a Feeling

Richard Quest’s Manila escapade isn’t just about ticking off tourist spots. It’s a love letter to the Philippines — to its people, its passions, and its pulse. Through food, folklore, and festivity, Quest’s World of Wonder unveils a metropolis that dances between the ancient and the modern with unapologetic flair.

Catch the full Manila episode of Quest’s World of Wonder on CNN International on the following dates:

Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 6:30pm HKT

Sunday, April 20 at 3:30am, 9:30am, and 3:30pm HKT

Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23 at 4:45am HKT

Saturday, April 26 at 1:30pm HKT

Sunday, April 27 at 12:30am HKT

Monday, April 28 at 5:30am HKT

Don’t miss it — because in Manila, every moment is a world of wonder.

Revolutionizing the Future of Work: DepEd, CHED, TESDA Ignite Unprecedented Education-Employment Alliance Under PBBM Administration

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In a move hailed as a bold and transformative leap toward national development, Education Secretary Sonny Angara led a historic convergence of the Philippines' top education and labor institutions to launch a unified front in reforming the country’s workforce framework under the Marcos administration.

Held at the heart of Pasig City, the high-level Philippine Qualifications Framework-National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) meeting brought together the trifocal pillars of Philippine education—DepEd, CHED, and TESDA—alongside key agencies from the labor and professional sectors. The event signaled a dramatic shift from fragmented reform to synergized action, rooted in the vision of a workforce ready to rise in a hypercompetitive global landscape.

Present at the landmark assembly were CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III, TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, DOLE Undersecretary Carmela Torres, PRC Assistant Commissioner Louis Valera, and SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director Majah-Leah Ravago. These leaders stood united behind a single goal: to forge an agile, future-ready education-to-employment pipeline that empowers every Filipino.

“What was once a seldom-seen level of collaboration is now becoming the standard,” declared Secretary Angara. “Our trifocal education system is no longer operating in silos—it is leading the way in building a system that connects education more directly with employment.”

A Triumvirate of Transformation: The Strategic Blueprint

Secretary Angara unveiled three ambitious pillars that will anchor the Marcos administration's education-to-employment transformation:

Unified National Learning Outcomes – A standardized, sustainable framework that aligns academic and technical training outcomes across basic education, tertiary education, and vocational skills development.

Seamless Learner and Worker Mobility – Integrated pathways that allow Filipinos to move fluidly across sectors and industries, breaking traditional barriers and unlocking greater career versatility.

Global Recognition of Qualifications – A bold alignment of Philippine credentials with international benchmarks to ensure global competitiveness and wider recognition of Filipino talent abroad.

"The PQF is more than a framework—it is a commitment to our people's empowerment,” Angara emphasized. “It is a passport to better livelihoods, career resilience, and international mobility.”

Preparing for a Rapidly Evolving World

Beyond curriculum changes, the Department of Education will embed critical and strategic thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning mindsets within the K to 12 system. These “future-of-work” competencies are designed not only to help students survive, but thrive, in a world driven by rapid technological disruption and global uncertainty.

To accomplish this, DepEd will overhaul teacher training to embrace competency-based learning methodologies and work closely with TESDA and CHED to eliminate duplicative or outdated programs in favor of streamlined, labor-aligned offerings. Engagement with private industry will also be prioritized, ensuring that education is responsive to real-world needs and emergent trends.

PQF-NCC: Building the Bridges to Opportunity

The PQF-NCC will lead initiatives to institutionalize joint labor market scanning, curriculum integration, regional information drives, and timely updates to qualifications standards—mechanisms vital to a responsive and modernized education and training ecosystem.

“The future is no longer a distant horizon,” Angara stressed. “We must build a system where every Filipino can transform learning into lasting opportunity—where every skill becomes a stepping stone, and every qualification becomes a launchpad for personal and national growth.”

As the Philippines embarks on this ambitious course, the convergence of education and labor institutions serves not only as a symbol of unity—but as a powerful catalyst for reform. Under the guidance of the PQF, the nation moves closer to realizing its vision of a workforce that is not only skilled and competitive, but empowered, mobile, and globally recognized.

This is not just a policy shift—it is a national awakening.

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Celebrating Words, Culture, and Connection: Día del Libro 2025 Invites Manila to a Day of Literary Wonder

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Manila is about to be swept into a whirlwind of stories, colors, and culture this April as the Instituto Cervantes de Manila and the Embassy of Spain invite everyone to a grand celebration of the written word – the much-awaited Día del Libro 2025 (World Book Day).

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Makati, this annual literary fiesta transcends language and borders, turning the city into a buzzing hub for bibliophiles, artists, and culture lovers of all ages. It's not just an event—it’s a cultural phenomenon, a tribute to Spain’s literary legacy, and a bridge between the Filipino and Hispanic worlds.

A Day When Books Come Alive

Traditionally celebrated on April 23rd to honor the death anniversaries of literary giants Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, Día del Libro (Day of the Book) has grown into a global movement. In Manila, it is reimagined with a uniquely Filipino-Spanish flavor, featuring a bustling book market, live performances, and a smorgasbord of artistic experiences.

Whether you're a lifelong reader or a curious wanderer, this event promises more than just books. It offers a full day of family-friendly activities—from storytelling sessions and poetry readings to musical concerts and art exhibits.

And yes, as tradition goes, don’t miss the timeless custom of receiving a red rose with every book purchase—a nod to the Catalan “Diada de Sant Jordi” that sparked this beautiful celebration.

More Than Just a Book Fair

This year’s event is more ambitious and inclusive than ever, with collaborations from over 40 institutions across the literary, cultural, and diplomatic spectrum. Co-organized with the support of esteemed partners like AECID, Ayala Corporation, Make it Makati, the PTC Group, Acciona, Vibal Foundation, NCCA, NBDB, and more, the celebration becomes a melting pot of cultures and stories.

Adding even more vibrancy are the contributions from embassies of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, México, Panamá, and Venezuela, alongside publishing houses and organizations such as Ateneo University Press, FEU Publishing House, Milflores, Komiket, Romanceclass Books, and many others, turning this event into a true celebration of international literature and Filipino creativity.

An Invitation to Rediscover Our Shared Stories

The Día del Libro 2025 is more than a festival—it is a reminder of the power of literature to bridge generations, inspire minds, and connect nations. As we leaf through pages of history, poetry, fiction, and dreams, we’re also leafing through the shared experiences of humanity.

So whether you're searching for your next great read, hoping to meet your favorite author, or simply looking for an enriching weekend experience, the Instituto Cervantes and the Embassy of Spain warmly invite you to join the festivities.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this joyful, dramatic, and deeply inspiring celebration of words. Viva el libro! Viva la cultura! See you at Día del Libro 2025!

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