Ube: The World’s Next Matcha, or the Philippines' Last Harvest?

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The purple tuber that launched a thousand viral desserts is currently a global superstar—but back in the fields of Bohol, the soil is telling a far more fragile story.

Eight years ago, the outlook for Philippine ube was described as stark. The industry was a tinderbox of systemic neglect, fueled by three primary threats: a lack of young successors willing to take up the spade, the volatile unpredictability of climate change, and a pervasive apathy toward agriculture. Today, despite ube appearing on menus from New York to Tokyo, those same shadows loom over the Philippine landscape.

The irony is as rich as the jam itself. While the world’s appetite for the vibrant purple yam reaches a fever pitch, the very foundation of the crop is fracturing. But it isn't just a supply crisis—it is an identity crisis.

The Stolen Heritage

In a compelling cover story for the newly revived F&B Report, James Zarsadiaz, a Filipino American history professor, sounds a chilling alarm: we are losing ube’s Filipino identity on the global stage.

"Many in the US have heard about ube, they know the ingredient, but they don’t make the connection that it is part of Filipino culture," Zarsadiaz warns. As ube is assimilated into the "aesthetic" food trend machine, it is being stripped of its roots. It risks becoming a nameless commodity, a "pretty purple flavor" detached from the hands of the Filipino farmers who nurtured it long before it was a hashtag.

This is why, during Filipino Food Month, the mission has become urgent. Putting the spotlight back on this iconic crop isn't just about nostalgia; it is a desperate bid to save an industry and support the farmers who are its last line of defense. As writer Sam Beltran notes, "It’s not too late for the Philippines to turn the tides on ube."

A Return to the Tangible

This battle for cultural preservation mirrors F&B Report’s own bold pivot: a return to print. In an era defined by digital fatigue and the fleeting nature of a scroll, the magazine is betting on the "magic of the tangible." Returning in a concise, limited-run, and free format, the publication seeks to engage an audience that is increasingly hungry for intentional consumption.

Just as a farmer tends to the soil, this issue tends to the stories of Filipino grit and innovation. Beyond the ube fields, the pages profile the culinary evolution of Valery Anthony of Lusso, and the expansion journey of Neven and Nicole Charpentier behind Crepe Glazik. It even makes a case for the future of the local spirits industry through the eyes of King and Vanessa del Rosario, the siblings pioneering Filipino mead at La Mesa Mead.

More Than a Trend

Whether you are traveling vicariously through a Disney Cruise Line voyage with managing editor Pauline Miranda or diving into the technical struggles of agricultural sustainability, the message is clear: some things are too precious to let fade away.

The "signature touch" of Filipino gastronomy—and the ink on a physical page—requires more than just passive interest. It requires advocacy. From the volcanic soils of our provinces to the high-end patisseries of Manhattan, the story of ube is the story of the Philippines itself: vibrant, resilient, but in need of its people to claim it.

The tide can be turned, but only if we recognize that ube is more than a color—it is a legacy.

Experience the return of print. Sign up here to secure your copy of the latest issue: https://bit.ly/4sOKBTs

Story by Sam Beltran | Photos by Jar Concengco | Styling by Chichi Tullao | Art Direction by Ella Lambio | Editor: Eric Nicole Salta

The Art of Survival: How a Filipino Non-Profit is Rewriting the Climate Narrative

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In the heart of the Philippines—a nation standing on the jagged frontline of the global climate crisis—a quiet revolution is being staged. It isn't being fought with steel or silicon, but with stories, sketches, and the relentless power of community.

KOMUNIDA, Inc. has spent three years proving that resilience isn't just about surviving the next storm; it’s about the justice that follows. Now, as they enter their third year of the Resilience Builders program, they are handing the microphone—and the paintbrush—to the people who need it most.

Beyond the Sandbag: A New Toolkit for Justice

For too long, the global conversation around climate change has been trapped in the cold language of "disaster risk management" and "logistical mitigation." KOMUNIDA is shattering that mold. By introducing the Resilience Builders: Climate Justice Education Toolkit, the organization is shifting the focus from simply bracing for impact to demanding equity.

This isn't a dry manual. It is a living, breathing resource designed to foster:

Art-Based Education: Using creativity to bridge the gap between complex climate science and local lived experiences.

Human Rights Integration: Framing environmental issues as a fundamental right to a safe, livable future.

Locally Grounded Action: Ensuring that solutions aren't imported from glass offices, but grown in the soil of the communities they serve.

Currently available in English, the toolkit is a blueprint meant to be dismantled and rebuilt. KOMUNIDA’s vision is clear: for this resource to be truly effective, it must speak the language of the people—literally and culturally.

The Frontline is Young, Bold, and Ready

"It’s high time that, beyond disaster resilience, we shift the conversation toward climate justice—recognizing that young people are at the forefront of driving meaningful action."

This sentiment from the KOMUNIDA Secretariat underscores a pivotal shift in their mission. The youth are no longer just the "future" victims of climate change; they are the current architects of its solution. From the shores of Oriental Mindoro to the bustling streets of Mandaluyong, the next generation is leading intergenerational dialogues and creative fellowships to ensure their voices aren't just heard, but heeded.

A Global Call for Co-Authors

KOMUNIDA isn't just releasing a toolkit; they are building an alliance. The organization is actively seeking partners, institutions, and visionaries to help scale this impact. The mission is vast, and the opportunities for collaboration are diverse:

Area of Collaboration Objective

Translation & Contextualization Breaking language barriers to make justice accessible to all.

Storytelling & Research Documenting the human face of the climate crisis.

Creative Fellowships Empowering artists to become climate communicators.

Summit Facilitation Creating platforms for youth-led productions and dialogues.

KOMUNIDA is calling for support in every form—from digitizing and printing the toolkit to facilitating "crash courses" in climate justice education.

Join the Movement

The climate crisis is a global story, but the most important chapters are being written locally. KOMUNIDA invites the media, community leaders, and global citizens to help amplify this narrative. Whether through on-site interviews or digital dissemination, the goal is to ensure that the most affected communities are the best equipped.

Are you ready to build resilience?

Collaborate: Expression of Interest Form

Connect: Reach out via WhatsApp at +639303608642 or email hello@komunida.org.

Visit: www.komunida.org

In the face of a changing climate, we can no longer afford to just wait for the rain to stop. We must learn to build, to create, and to demand justice together. This is the work of KOMUNIDA. This is the work of us all.

The Heartbeat of the Ring: Stepping Into the Sacred World of Sumo in Ginza

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

TOKYO – In the hushed, sophisticated corridors of Ginza, where the neon pulse of the future meets the refined elegance of the past, a heavy, rhythmic thud echoes. It is the sound of the shiko—the ceremonial leg stomp used to drive away evil spirits. For centuries, this world has been a fortress of tradition, shielded from the casual gaze of the outsider.

But today, the veil has been lifted.

In a landmark cultural partnership, MIMARU is transforming the travel experience from mere observation into breathtaking immersion. Through an exclusive collaboration with Hirakuza, guests are no longer just tourists in Tokyo; they are initiates into the disciplined, spiritual, and bone-jarringly powerful world of Sumo.

Beyond the Spectacle: A Living Heritage

Sumo is far more than a wrestling match; it is a Shinto ritual, a test of will, and a living museum of Japanese history. While most travelers are content to watch matches from the distant rafters of a massive tournament arena, MIMARU guests are invited to sit at the edge of the dohyo (ring).  

Hosted at the newly opened Hirakuza dining establishment, this experience strips away the barriers of the stadium. Here, the sweat is real, the impact is audible, and the philosophy is personal.

The Purification: Witness the intricate rituals that define the sport, from the salt-tossing ceremonies to the spiritual gravity of the wrestlers' movements.  

The Discipline: Learn the "why" behind the "how." Professional wrestlers share insights into their grueling lifestyles, the etiquette of the stable, and the cultural weight of the topknot.

The Interaction: This is an intimate dialogue. Guests are encouraged to engage with the practitioners, asking the questions that bridge the gap between two very different worlds.

A Bridge Between Generations

For families navigating the complex cultural landscape of Japan, finding "meaningful" engagement can be a challenge. MIMARU has positioned itself as the ultimate translator. By facilitating direct access to these titans of tradition, they provide a rare educational opportunity that captivates children and adults alike.

It is a shift in the very fabric of tourism. No longer is the goal simply to "see" Japan; the goal is to understand it. By stepping into the ring, travelers gain the context and confidence needed to navigate the rest of their journey through the archipelago.

Experience It Now

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s premier district, Hirakuza opened its doors in January 2026, creating a sanctuary for those who seek the authentic.

Exclusive Guest Access: Special benefits and privileged booking opportunities are now available for guests staying at select MIMARU Tokyo properties.

In a world that is moving faster than ever, take a moment to stand still in the presence of a tradition that has refused to bend to time. The door is open. The ring is waiting.