In this issue

***Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, The April 2020 issue was cancelled and it was combined with the May 2020 issue. ***

Growing up in the suburbs where lush trees and farm animals are a common sight, I have always considered nature as my second home. Of course, my family’s way of living is another reason. Ever since I was a kid, my parents have always made sure that we’d have the time to go out of town and visit different parts of the country. Both Mom and Dad are environmentalists, and it only occurred to me when I was already a college student that maybe they raised us the way they did because they wanted to instill in us the value of meeting people and being one with nature.
Now that we’re facing a crisis like the COVID -19 pandemic, I can’t help but feel uneasy. More than the fact that my “second home” was taken out of my reach, I have also realized an ugly truth: Many of us have become too caught up with our lives that we’ve taken for granted the real value of human interaction and the environment.
This realization makes this month’s Travel Issue all the more important. Here, we feature stories that will not just feed your wanderlust, but will also take you back to your roots and let you see the real value of humanity and nature.
Like nature itself, this month’s issue has a lot of exciting stories to feed your soul and awaken your love for Mother Earth. There is still so many people to meet and places to see and experience, so go on an adventure with My Pope and be inspired to live life to the fullest!

Happy Meals

Bento by Kat’s Instagram-worthy creations are too cute to eat!

2 mins

Healing Hunger

Reach Out Feed Philippines makes sure kids in some of the poorest areas of the country head to school with delicious and nutritious baon.

2 mins

From The Farm To Lolo Kiko's Table

The vegetable garden provides fresh produce for Casa Santa Marta’s kitchen so the Pope always eats healthy meals!

2 mins

Enjoy These Easy Recipes From Casa Santa Marta's Summer Menu

As we know and have written about several times, Pope Francis is always frugal at the table—and the menu of Casa Santa Marta’s kitchen reflects this. Lolo Kiko’s hot-weather menu includes these very simple and healthy recipes that use fresh ingredients that we can all easily prepare.

3 mins

Sweet Inspirations

Chef Baba Benedicto talks about comfort food, making a big shift, and baking for Pope Francis.

2 mins

The Many Faces Of Pope Francis

… And what they mean!

1 min

Rise To The Occasion

Five tips for making the most of your opportunities!

5 mins

Of Feasts And Festivals

For Filipino Catholics, special occasions abound throughout the year!

2 mins

Lights, Camera, Action!

Ube Lola, the star of My Pope’s commercial, Bridge, tells us how she loves every acting opportunity that comes her way because of her passion for the craft.

2 mins

Dogs' Best Friend

By training pet owners to be more responsible, Lestre Zapanta makes the lives of our furry four-legged friends so much better.

5 mins

Believe In Something

Lolo Kiko’s values are admired the world over. Seven individuals tell us about how he inspires them to live better lives. How does he inspire you?

10+ mins

At The Cinema With The Pope

We take a peek at Lolo Kiko’s taste in films, and look into what he loves about his favorite movies!

4 mins

A FORCE FOR GOOD

They may don the costume of the bad guys, but the 501st Legion-Philippine Garrison spread a lot of cheer to kids and kids at heart all over the country.

2 mins

The Pope's Slumber

Lolo Kiko Knows The Value Of A Good Rest. My Pope Takes A Closer Look At How He Catches His Zzzs...

4 mins

Swap Your Snack!

Switch From Junk Food To Healthier Choices So You Can Enjoy Your Favorite Treats With Less Guilt.

2 mins

Soap Dish

Executive Director Of Rocked Philippines And Principal Of The Idea Academy On How Soap Making Can Be Therapeutic.

2 mins

Never Lose Hope

After The Tragic Loss Of Her Daughter To Suicide, Fashion Designer Jean Goulbourn Channeled Her Grief Into The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, Which Aims To Raise Awareness About Mental Health Issues And Suicide Prevention.

2 mins

Good Sports

These Saints And Popes Were Champions Of All-Around Fitness!

2 mins

Beyond The Crown

Find Out How Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados Takes Her Love For Her Grandparents To The Next Level.

2 mins

A Holy Healing

My Pope Takes A Closer Look At “The Last Sacrament,” And How It Helps Bring New Life To The Body, Mind, And Spirit.

2 mins

A Beautiful Cure

For Neurologist Joven Cuanang, Art In Tandem With Medicine Makes For A Powerful Remedy.

4 mins

We Are Family

You don’t need to have a “typical” setup when love and respect keep your bonds strong.

10+ mins

Blood Is Thicker Than Water

…but what if someone else is more deserving?

1 min

Family Takes Care Of Family

…but what happens when relatives take advantage?

1 min

Honor Thy Father And Thy Mother

…but what if what you feel is right goes against your parents’ wishes?

5 mins

How To Silence Your Inner Worrywart

Turn down the volume on all your useless anxieties.

4 mins

Beyond Orders

Every day, Ibarra Gargantiel and Nicky Villareal prove that they can work against their condition in a café that employs young adults with special needs.

5 mins

The Good Staff

Over the years, Pope Francis has used different kinds of pastoral rods. Let’s learn the stories behind the more unusual ones.

3 mins

The Chosen One

A young man’s life changes after he hears the call of the Lord.

3 mins

The Discovery Of The True Cross

A pious mother searches for a holy relic in the beautiful tradition that is the Santacruzan.

2 mins

Read all stories from My Pope Philippines

My Pope Philippines Magazine Description:

My Pope Philippines is an adapted English version of Italian magazine, Il Mio Papa, dedicated entirely to Pope Francis. Every month, My Pope describes the life of the Holy Father, an emotional ride of meetings, words, and simple gestures of his daily life that highlight the important message of change that permeates his pontificate.
At least 65% of the content is international and 35% is created by the local editorial team in the Philippines to feature stories highlighting the encouraging developments in the lives of Filipinos, whose values and actions reflect those that the Pope stands for, with sections on good news, inspiring stories, traditions, arts and crafts and everyday heroes.