Hello there!

If you feel anxious about the world lately, you’re not alone. The war in the Middle East, its impact on the economy, and on our day-to-day life, combined with other existential crises like climate change is heavy on the mind and heart.

It’s for these reasons that a sense of community, of being in this together, is becoming even more important.

Sure, companionship may not solve the problem at hand. But there is comfort in togetherness, in listening to each other and exchanging experiences.

At Rappler, we want to provide this space for camaraderie and fellowship, around this collective hope for our country and the world. That’s why we are going to hold quarterly town halls with our Rappler+ community: a gathering where patrons of our work can exchange ideas with Rappler leaders and staff, and stay updated on our initiatives and how we can work together.

Our first Rappler+ town hall is happening next week, on March 27, at 2 pm. 

Over free-flowing coffee and snacks, we’ll dive into a discussion about our latest investigative series on Chinese espionage in the Philippines. Bea Cupin, the multimedia reporter behind the investigation, will walk Rappler+ members through the story behind the story. How did she find the young defense and security workers baited by this Chinese espionage network? How did she tell their stories? What challenges arise when reporting on national security?

Bea’s short presentation will be followed by a fireside chat with Rappler co-founder and executive editor Glenda M. Gloria, who has covered defense and security extensively herself. Afterwards, Rappler+ members can ask the two their questions, or share insights about the story and what comes after.

Apart from this editorial spotlight, our team will also update Rappler+ members on upcoming initiatives, including our sold-out AI RappLearn workshops, civic empowerment roadshows, our revamped Rappler+ benefits, and exciting new ways brands and institutions can collaborate with our newsroom.

We’re excited to hear from Rappler+ members and partners. What can we work on together? On the horizon is World Press Freedom Day in May, the first elections of the Bangsamoro region, and the 2028 national elections.

Bring your ideas, or even your anxieties, to our town hall! Let’s ideate, or commiserate, together.

If you’re interested in becoming a Rappler+ member, here’s where to sign up. Being part of this community is the best way to experience our journalism and civic engagement work, and support them as well.

Hope to see you on the 27th!

Hindi Ito Marites: Questions for President Marcos

Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug has some questions for the President in light of his approval ratings and the 2028 presidential elections looming in the horizon.

Fare hikes: How much jeepneys, buses, and ride-hailing cars now cost

Commuters, this one’s for you.

Who owns this Boracay land? IPs protest over canceled land titles 

Rjay Zuriaga Castor writes about the Ati community’s fight for land rights in the famous island of Boracay.

International parental kidnapping: What can left-behind parent do under Philippine laws?

Lawyer Francesco Britanico walks us through the legalities of this more-common-than-you-think family issue.

– Rappler.com

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