By Rex Catubig   (Note: At the height of the pandemic, this crime of passion was broadcast in the news. It was so unbelievably gruesome and shocking that it begged to be retold in a manner the untamed human heart can grasp. This is my retelling of the story–of a…

By Rex Catubig   (Note: Of late, there has been news of a brewing resentment among the fish vendors of Magsaysay market, who despair that their supposed deplorable condition allegedly has not been addressed. This piece is in homage to that vital, vibrant, vigorous soul of the city.) WHEN Metro…

By Rex Catubig   SHE was the love of his life — for Adams Ryan Evaristo, an amiable young man who who worked as a waiter in a casual diner, aside from doing other odd jobs, while waiting for the opportune moment. The apple of his eye, the joy of…

By Rex Catubig   NOTE: In February 2020, the Pangasinan collective artist groups, the UL cultural group, the DCNHS Arts program department, and the Jayceeken, combined forces, partnered with the Dagupan City Tourism bureau, and mounted a mammoth art competition and exhibit billed as Darapilan to celebrate National Arts Month….

By Rex Catubig   AFTER the project launch for the restoration and revitalization of the old PNR Train Station, skeptics were quick to raise the issue of priority. “Bakit yan ang ginagawa, wala namang pakinabang ang tao diyan?” Coming from residents of the city who profess love for and loyalty…

By Rex Catubig   (I wrote this piece much earlier, but not much has changed since then. Except for a plan to relocate the monument–which very much depends on who is in the City Hall). There are no road markers to lead visitors to the site. The site, in fact,…

By Rex Catubig   IN the midst of the controversy that attended the demolition of the old HE building at the West Central Elementary School, I was asked what personal reason I had for my passionate protest against its earlier desecration. This is my answer: To the uninitiated, it is…

By Rex Catubig   AT year-end past, I’m usually all agog expecting to be dazzled by the whizz and brilliance of fireworks. But this year is different. Because I’m blindsided by a sinister and remorseless pyrotechnics display that’s far from heavenly. I’ve seen it before. But my gaze is always…

By Rex Catubig   POPPING up amid the heartbreaking stories in the wake of Typhoon Odette, is the birth of a baby in an ambulance rocked by rampaging wind and rain. Stories of the persistence of life under dire straits and the most inhospitable circumstances are stuff legends are made…

By Rex Catubug   TWO large paintings jump at you just right off the entrance of the Anakbanwa exhibit at the newly restored historic WCES HE Building that was Gen Douglas MacArthur’s living headquarters during the Liberation. The exhibit showcases the offshoot of Cong Toff’s PD4 arts and culture initiative….