How Serena Magiliw is rewriting the Filipino trans narrative

Wazzup Pilipinas?!




For Serena Magiliw, the camera and the stage are both platforms for performance and battlegrounds for visibility. The Manila-based independent actor, director, and cultural worker recently completed the highly competitive program The Master Series: Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026.

While the selection marks a significant milestone in her career, it also underscores Magiliw’s evolution into a multidisciplinary force disrupting traditional power structures through raw, queer, and trans-centered storytelling. Her artistic foundation is deeply rooted in academic and cultural exploration. She studied Filipinology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and has blended transmedia narrative techniques with institutional critique.

Magiliw’s portfolio features critical performance research, including her piece “Rampa” for the Asian Performing Arts Camp 2021 and a directorial stint for the Tokyo Festival Farm 2022 Farm-Lab Exhibition. By 2022, her creative voice reached global audiences when New York’s New Perspectives Theater Company showcased her play “KASARIAN 101.” She has cemented her status in the local independent scene, racking up acting accolades in various film festivals.

What sets Magiliw apart is her refusal to separate her craft from her convictions. Offscreen, she is deeply embedded in grassroots and systemic advocacy. She actively champions human rights as a member of the Society of Trans Women of the Philippines, the country’s premier organization dedicated to transpinay rights. In addition, she works to protect creative liberties through her involvement with the Membership and Alliance Committee of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, an organization steadfast in its defense of freedom of expression.

Magiliw’s recent acting slate showcases her effortlessly moving between mainstream television and independent cinema. She played Betchay in the 2026 series “A Secret in Prague,” sharing the screen with Andrea Brillantes and Enrique Gil, and appeared with Angeline Quinto and Eugene Domingo as Jessi in “The Happy Homes of Diane Hilario” (2025).

A frequent face at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, she co-starred as Barbie Ann with KaladKaren and Lance Reblando in “Warla” (2025). Her repertoire also includes a role in the feature “Huling Palabas” (2023) and in this year’s Cinemalaya short film finalist “Muli Na Ka, Merlie” (“Merlie, Go Home”).

Currently, Magiliw is channeling her energy into SARÍ/SÁRI, her signature Queer-Trans Embodiment practice, and Trans Midya, a self-started creative hub dedicated to Filipino trans and nonbinary storytellers. Backed by the “Shift the Narrative Fellowship” grant from the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Rights, Trans Midya seeks to aggressively dismantle the damaging stereotypes and reductive tropes that have historically plagued trans representation in media.

As a full-time creative, Magiliw remains dedicated to collaborating with artists, filmmakers, and organizers who share her commitment to progressive, inclusive storytelling. For future projects, artistic collaborations, or creative inquiries, you can reach Serena Magiliw via email at serenamagiliw@gmail.com or follow her journey on Instagram at @ma.giliw.

“Where Love Takes You”: Marriott International Philippines Launches First Wedding Campaign, Celebrating the Philippines as a World-Class Wedding Destination

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Weddings in the Philippines are not getting bigger—they’re evolving. Rather than focusing on size or tradition, couples yearn for celebrations that reflect who they are, from choosing meaningful themes to destinations that evoke their story. 

Responding to this shift, Marriott International Philippines launches Where Love Takes You, its first wedding campaign in the Philippines in partnership with Let’s Celebrate founder, Marbee Shing-Go. At an exclusive watch party held at The AC Hotel by Marriott Manila on July 15, 2026, the campaign was unveiled through a gathering of esteemed wedding suppliers in the Philippines and reputable media. It champions not only Marriott International Philippines’ portfolio of hotels and its flair for remarkable encounters, but also the Philippines’ appeal as a dynamic destination to say, “I do.” 

While the hospitality leader has long celebrated weddings through its hotels’ distinct offerings, Where Love Takes You marks the first endeavor to champion the Philippines as a wedding destination that rivals other countries. Beyond its venues, the brand showcases how the country's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culinary scene, and renowned Filipino hospitality create unforgettable celebrations and meaningful milestones. So, as a wedding expert with a longstanding credibility for making only the best gatherings happen, Marriott International Philippines sees no one but Marbee to launch the plan.

What the partnership entails

At the forefront of the campaign is the belief that love is a journey. For Marriott International Philippines, the goal is to be part of the beginning and every chapter that follows. Helping bring this vision to life is Marbee Shing-Go, who has curated countless wedding expos, uplifted local destinations and suppliers, and helped couples achieve their dream weddings. “I have spent much of my career celebrating the people who make Philippine weddings extraordinary, so this partnership feels both personal and purposeful. It is a chance to show that love can take you to beautiful places, brilliant creatives, and hospitality that comes from the heart. For me, it is also a way of giving back to an industry I love—and to my Philippines.” Shing-Go shared.

In agreement with this, Lala Quilantang, Market Director for Sales and Distribution of Marriott International Philippines, expressed, “Marbee has long been an advocate for the Philippine wedding industry. Together, we share the same goal of upholding the country as a top-notch wedding destination and putting us on the map of world-class stops for tying the knot.”

Loyalty that goes places

Marriott Bonvoy® is Marriott International’s free loyalty program, and when it comes to weddings, the hero benefit is the continuity. When couples host weddings at participating Marriott hotels, they earn points that can be redeemed for hotel stays, dining experiences, and more. It's a cycle that extends well beyond the big day. Picture an engagement dinner at a MICHELIN-awarded Marriott restaurant, where points earned can be used for a relaxing pre-wedding stay. Hosting the reception at a Marriott-affiliated hotel then earns couples even more points, which they can reserve for their honeymoon, anniversary getaways, or other future celebrations.

“This is precisely where our campaign is anchored—our loyalty program that extends to the most important milestones of our guests. A wedding is not only a moment where love begins, but a reminder of how far it can take you. With this initiative, we turn them into the start of a lifetime of experiences and where milestones are more rewarding,” shared JM Sequihod, Director of Field Marketing at Marriott International Philippines.

The program also creates value for planners. In every event they book and handle, they, too, earn points through Marriott Bonvoy® Events convertible into miles or Elite Night Credit. This—plus their personal stays—allows them to reach Elite Member status much faster. 

Where love leads, Marriott International Hotels are there

More than picture-perfect moments, what lingers long after a wedding is what the newlyweds were made to feel. Whether they envision it in an elegant city or a romantic seaside, Marriott International has the perfect place to match their vision. 

At Manila Marriott Hotel and Clark Marriott Hotel, grand celebrations come to life in aspirational settings made for unforgettable milestones. Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resort, Sheraton Manila Bay, and Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort set the stage for heartfelt gatherings where loved ones come together beyond the occasion itself. Meanwhile, The Westin Manila offers purposeful, highly personalized celebrations, with every detail intentionally curated around the couple and their guests.

Beyond Marriott's premium portfolio of hotels, Marriott Bonvoy's select brands in the Philippines offer distinctive venues designed to suit every kind of celebration. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a semi-large-scale event, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo provide stylish and versatile spaces for memorable occasions. If you've always dreamed of saying "I do" against the breathtaking backdrops of Palawan or Boracay, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa and Four Points by Sheraton Boracay offer stunning island settings for unforgettable weddings. For couples seeking convenience paired with warm, heartfelt hospitality, Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan and Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City provide the perfect venues for intimate celebrations in the heart of Cebu.

“What sets Marriott apart is the breadth of choice and the consistency of our hospitality,” said Sequihod. Each hotel works closely with every pair, ensuring customizable wedding packages, bespoke culinary menus, venue styling, and immersive guest experiences are provided. Moreover, the planning journey is made seamless by dedicated wedding specialists who guide couples through an easier decision-making process. To discover the different packages, learn more here.

When loyalty meets love

“I’ve seen a lot of weddings, and with Filipinos, one thing is for sure: rain or shine, tuloy ang kasal,” said Shing-Go. Together, Marbee and Marriott International Philippines are inspiring a new generation of celebrations, where every detail is rooted in the couple’s identity and genuine hospitality. Wherever love takes them, the wedding day is just the beginning of the many more milestones worth cherishing. 

The Wedding Conversations at AC Hotel by Marriott Manila was made even more memorable through the expertise of esteemed brand collaborators who brought every detail to life. The AC Grand Ballroom was beautifully transformed with elegant, delicate floral arrangements by Amelia Blossoms, the hotel's trusted styling partner. Guests also enjoyed an elevated culinary experience with the signature mobile bar of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the Philippines' oldest distillery, renowned for over five generations of master blending. Adding another thoughtful touch was Buzz and Brew Manila, whose artisanal coffee cart delighted guests throughout the event. Bringing the entire experience together was the state-of-the-art audiovisual and lighting production by BK Pro Audio Visual & Lighting, creating an immersive and sophisticated atmosphere befitting the occasion.

From July 18 to 19, 2026, soon-to-be-weds can also visit the Let’s Celebrate Expo at the SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City, where Marriott Bonvoy will have a dedicated booth to share more about their packages and offerings.

For celebrations that are rewarding in more ways than one, explore Marriott International Philippines wedding venues and packages here. Visit the loyalty program’s website to learn more about how to sign up and the perks that further every gathering.

The Boiling City: How Dhaka’s Informal Workforce is Being Drowned by Invisible Heat

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

As the afternoon sun hammers down on Dhaka’s sprawling Tejgaon neighborhood, the asphalt radiates a blistering, suffocating fury. In a narrow, tin-roofed room that acts less like a home and more like a domestic pressure cooker, Samiha Begum gathers her school-aged children and flees to the shade of Hatirjheel Lake.

“The room starts heating up as soon as the sun rises,” Samiha says, the despair of survival etching deep lines into her face. “Even if it rains in the morning, the heat becomes like a boiler once the sun comes out. My children cannot stay inside... Here, the air is cooler than in my house.”

For Samiha, and millions of others driving the beating heart of Bangladesh’s capital, extreme heat is no longer a fleeting seasonal discomfort. It is an escalating, multi-pronged catastrophe creeping into their homes, eroding their health, and quietly devouring their livelihoods.

A Crucible of Climate Change

Bangladesh stands on the frontline of a planetary crisis, and its mega-city capital is bearing the brunt. According to recent data, the country’s maximum temperature has climbed by 1.1°C since 1980, but the true agony lies in the “feels-like” index—which has surged by a staggering 4.5°C. In Dhaka, the heat index routinely spikes 65% higher than the national average, transforming the world’s second-largest city of 37 million people into an urban furnace.

Meteorologists warn that the nature of the heat has fundamentally warped. It is no longer confined to the scorching depths of summer; it now bleeds dangerously into the monsoon season. Intense, erratic cloudbursts end abruptly within hours, leaving behind a merciless sunshine that locks humidity into the atmosphere, creating a suffocating greenhouse effect.

Nowhere is this felt more acutely than in Dhaka’s sprawling informal settlements. Home to an estimated 4 to 5 million people, these neighborhoods are packed with cramped, poorly ventilated tin-roofed rooms that trap heat long after dark.

The Economy of Exhaustion

The human toll of this thermal siege is inextricably tied to an economic crisis. A landmark study by People’s Courage International (PCI) into informal workers across South and Southeast Asia reveals that 74% of surveyed migrants in Dhaka report direct, severe negative impacts from rising temperatures, while 100% report suffering from extreme weather events.

Bangladesh’s informal economy employs roughly 85% of its entire national workforce—nearly 60 million people. When heat strikes, it strikes the pillars holding the nation’s economy upright. In 2024 alone, heat-related health impacts and productivity losses stripped the country of 250 million workdays, costing a staggering $1.78 billion—about 0.4% of the nation’s GDP. Dhaka recorded the worst productivity losses of any surveyed city, a grim testament to its heavy reliance on outdoor labor, grueling manual factories, and a complete absence of cooling infrastructure.

Consider the daily grind of Tayeb Ali, a rickshaw puller living in the Rayerbazar slum. To earn a living, he must manually push a heavy passenger cart through streets that feel like open ovens.

“Ten minutes of running rickshaw means twenty minutes of rest. I get exhausted quickly,” Tayeb confesses, his body buckling under the strain.

Even when the sun goes down, relief refuses to come. Researchers call it a “recovery deficit.” Workers spend all day marinating in blistering heat, only to return to homes that act as thermal reservoirs at night. Tayeb runs multiple electric fans in his cramped room, yet sleep remains an elusive luxury. Chronically sleep-deprived and physically depleted, he wakes up late the next morning, cutting his hours short and trapping his family deeper in a cycle of poverty and debt.

The Health Toll of the Invisible Crisis

Beneath the lost wages lies a silent health epidemic. The PCI study highlights that among Dhaka’s urban migrants, 71% face heat-linked physical ailments, 69% grapple with food insecurity, and 66% struggle just to access clean water and sanitation.

Prolonged thermal exposure triggers a cascade of physiological collapses: dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular strain, severe exhaustion, and creeping kidney disease. Yet, for Dhaka's informal workers, missing a day of work means missing a meal. Mothers like Hamida Begum in the Mirpur area watch helplessly as their children fall sick over and over again. “They sweat all day and become ill more often than before,” she says.

Between 2001 and 2022, Dhaka recorded 35 separate heatwave events—a frequency and duration that is only accelerating as urban heat islands expand across the concrete expanse.

A Race Against Time

The warnings from experts are stark and unyielding. Mitigating this crisis demands an immediate, radical pivot in urban planning: aggressive urban greening, massive investments in climate-resilient housing for the urban poor, upgraded public health networks, and robust early-warning systems.

For now, however, millions of workers in Dhaka wake up each morning facing a cruel binary choice: brave the blistering elements to earn a meager crust, or stay home and watch their families starve. As the climate clock ticks forward, the city's informal workforce remains trapped in the crosshairs of a warming world—struggling not just to progress, but simply to survive the day.