Veejay Floresca on winning 'Project Runway,' showcasing at NYFW, and claiming spaces

 

By John Legaspi

Published Jan 24, 2026 01:02 pm

When Veejay Floresca returned to the Philippines during the holiday season, she came back with renewed confidence. Not that she wasn’t confident before—but returning home after becoming the first Filipino and trans woman to win the 21st season of the design competition series “Project Runway” definitely added a bounce to her step.

Veejay Floresca showcasing her latest collection at NYFW under Filipinxt

“There’s an unfinished story that I need to put an ending to—that’s why I joined,” Veejay said in between a mini Miss Universe 2026 preliminaries viewing. The moment was a tad amusing, as she previously went viral for her reaction video to the pageant’s 2010 edition.

Veejay studied fashion design and merchandising at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in the Philippines and later earned a master’s degree in fashion from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She also studied bridal wear at Central Saint Martins in London.

Her participation in the US edition of “Project Runway” was a full-circle moment for Veejay. Before that, she first joined its local version, “Project Runway Philippines,” back in 2008, where she became a finalist. Then, in 2024, she competed on Hulu’s “Dress My Tour,” a competition series where designers are tasked with creating performance-ready, show-stopping fashion pieces for major musical artists.

“The encouragement really came from the idea that I really wanted to join ‘Project Runway’ US. But I joined ‘Project Runway Philippines’ because I couldn’t join the US edition. Technically, ‘Project Runway Philippines’ was more like an alternative,” Veejay recalled.

Veejay’s shuttlecock dress is her favorite piece she showcased on the show

Veejay observed many differences between the two franchises, but the biggest change she noticed was internal—her purpose for competing again. “I think I am more prepared. When I competed before, I lacked the hunger,” she said. “This time, I have to win this because it is a lifeline. Being a designer in the US is hard—financially and in many other ways. That’s my motivation to win. I need it.”

Pursuing fashion design as a career is already a challenge on its own; doing so in a foreign land makes it even more daunting. Veejay faced these challenges while living in California for 12 years before moving to New York to take her design career to the next level.

“It’s more business. Moving to New York is another fresh start. I have to start again from zero, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take. I think it paid off,” Veejay said. “New York is more inspiring. Fashion is at the core of the city. When you go out on the streets, you’ll see inspiring people dressed up. There are so many things to draw inspiration from.”

Veejay with fashion designer Christian Siriano and 'Project Runway' host Heidi Klum

Her transition also allowed her to deepen her understanding of fashion, design, and her clients. Veejay sees being trans as a superpower, giving her the ability to seamlessly merge feminine and masculine elements.

“I was born male, and before, I didn’t always fully understand how women dress,” Veejay mused. “Now that I’ve transitioned, I know what women want and what makes them feel good wearing something. I include all of those things when I design my pieces.”

Part of her prizes for winning “Project Runway” includes mentorship from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). This February, she will stage her first solo show in the US and is part of the CFDA lineup for the upcoming New York Fashion Week. The show is the cherry on top of a major milestone—opening her shop in Manhattan. As she has done in the past, the show is expected to feature trans, non-binary, androgynous, and curvy models on the runway, echoing her mission that fashion should make one “feel seen and celebrated with confidence.”

Veejay Floresca

“Growing up as a fashion designer from the Philippines, I used to watch New York Fashion Week and imagine myself on the official calendar. It felt wild. Crazy. Almost impossible—but that once-impossible dream is now real,” Veejay said. “To every artist who is still fighting for their dream: keep going. Your moment will come—right on time. And to my fellow immigrants, to my trans community: we belong. We have a place in this world, and we deserve to take up space boldly and unapologetically.”

Renewable energy: Toward a sustainable PH energy future

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Jan 26, 2026 12:05 am

Jan. 26 is marked globally as International Day of Clean Energy to underscore the growing importance of renewable energy. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was established to promote the widespread and sustainable use of renewables; it has since become a key multilateral platform guiding countries toward cleaner, more resilient energy systems.

For the Philippines, this observance is more than symbolic. It is a timely reminder of the urgency to recalibrate an energy mix still heavily dependent on coal and imported oil.

Despite the country’s abundant natural endowments—sun, wind, water, and geothermal resources—the Philippines remains overly reliant on fossil fuels. Coal continues to account for a dominant share of power generation, while oil dependence exposes the economy to volatile global prices and geopolitical disruptions. This structural vulnerability is magnified by climate risks, as the Philippines ranks among the most climate-exposed countries in the world. Energy security, economic stability, and climate resilience are thus inseparable concerns.

The case for scaling up renewable energy is compelling.

Renewable sources reduce exposure to imported fuel shocks, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create opportunities for inclusive growth through green jobs and local energy development. Over the past decade, policy reforms such as the Renewable Energy Act, the Green Energy Auction Program, and the opening of renewable projects to greater foreign investment have signaled progress. Yet renewables still account for a modest share of the overall energy mix, far short of what is required to meet long-term sustainability and climate goals.

What, then, are the imperatives the Philippines must achieve to accelerate the transition?

First, policy consistency and regulatory certainty are paramount. Investors—both local and foreign—require a stable and predictable policy environment. Streamlining permitting processes, reducing bureaucratic delays, and ensuring transparency in power contracts will help unlock long-term capital for renewable projects.

Second, grid readiness and infrastructure development must keep pace with ambition. Renewable energy cannot scale without a modernized grid capable of handling variable power from solar and wind. Investments in transmission, storage technologies, and smart grid systems are essential to ensure reliability while increasing renewable penetration.

Third, financing mechanisms must be expanded and democratized. While large-scale projects attract institutional capital, community-based and distributed energy systems—such as rooftop solar and microgrids—need access to affordable financing. Blended finance, green bonds, and partnerships with development institutions can bridge this gap and make the energy transition more inclusive.

Fourth, local capacity building and technology transfer must be prioritized. Beyond importing equipment, the Philippines should cultivate domestic expertise in renewable engineering, project management, and maintenance. This strengthens energy sovereignty and ensures that the benefits of the transition extend to Filipino workers and enterprises.

Finally, public awareness and political will must converge. Energy transition is not merely a technical undertaking; it is a societal choice. Consumers, local governments, and industry must be aligned behind a shared vision of sustainability, supported by leaders willing to make long-term decisions beyond short-term costs. The Department of Energy’s recent moves to enforce accountability among those required to establish renewable energy facilities follow this trajectory.

Indeed, renewable energy is no longer aspirational; it is achievable and necessary. For the Philippines, embracing this reality is both a responsibility and an opportunity. A cleaner, more diversified energy mix is not only vital to confronting climate change, but to securing a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

FASHION PULIS: Trouble in paradise

 

By Mike Lim

Published Jan 24, 2026 10:46 am

Despite the outward silence surrounding their relationship, things may not be as they seem regarding Partner One (PO) and Partner Two (PT).

Endorsements came aplenty for this couple. The image they projected was impeccable. From the moment Partner One (PO) expressed interest in Partner Two (PT), fans cheered them on. Both PO and PT were successful in their respective fields, and their pairing seemed like a match made in heaven.

Although red flags allegedly surfaced early in the relationship—such as temper getting the better of certain situations—these incidents reportedly ended with apologies, with PO promising to do better and give PT a good life. From what the public could see on social media, PO appeared to keep that promise.

As PO and PT grew into their relationship, fans remained optimistic that PT had made the right choice in settling down with PO. Both were present at family reunions and frequently brought fans along on their travels, showing that they enjoyed spending time together. Fans also noticed PO’s presence when PT was honoring her own commitments. These moments highlighted how supportive he was, especially when it was PT’s time to shine.

However, rumors suggest that despite the outward silence surrounding their relationship, things may not be as they seem. PO and PT are rarely at the center of power-couple separation rumors. Perhaps they never will be—at least for now—given that their brands would not welcome the negative publicity that breakups often bring. The question remains: will PT continue to suffer in silence and carry on with their fairytale love story?

‘Part of me likes appearing 'normal' around others - at least when I'm capable of doing so. When I'm around my friends and I pretend to be OK, it's almost like I can fool myself into believing that I actually am during that time.' — Anonymous

Explosive secret

Now that the festivities are over, a deep, dark secret has allegedly come to light. Committed Man (CM) has reportedly been the subject of a troubling past narrative—one he may have either disclosed to or kept from Committed Woman (CW). When CM and CW tied the knot some time ago, the atmosphere was jovial, and the two appeared perfect together, united in their commitment to forever.

However, A Source (AS) revealed that CM allegedly targeted intoxicated friends and attempted to take advantage of them. CM is said to have had several victims, but most were too afraid to speak up. Aside from the fear, CM’s well-liked personality made accusations difficult, as speaking out without strong evidence could easily be dismissed.

According to AS, her incident with CM happened years ago, when they were still close friends. After having a few drinks, she felt safe with him—until she wasn’t. The realization of what had occurred only struck her months later. CM had allegedly attempted to take advantage of her. Eventually, other friends came forward privately, sharing that they had experienced similar encounters with CM. Once again, fear prevailed, keeping them silent.

Before CM formalized his relationship with CW, AS wanted to reveal her story but was discouraged by her circle, who feared that coming forward would damage her reputation. By then, CM had already established influential connections. AS now wonders whether CM ever admitted to his past before marrying CW, who is known to be kind and low-key despite her upbringing. Should CM’s past be exposed, the resulting scandal could turn him into one of the most hated figures, bringing shame not only upon himself but also upon CW.

‘The secret you hide will eventually surface, no matter how deep you bury it... silence has cracks, and guilt leaves traces.’ – Cody Bret

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Please continue to send your comments and juicy stories to fashionpulis2023@gmail.com.

The sin that cannot be forgiven

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

CHRIST mentioned this kind of sin in that episode where he was accused by some scribes that he cast out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. (cfr. Mk 3,22) He said: “All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men…but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit shall never have forgiveness, but shall be guilty of an everlasting sin.” (Mk 3,29) That’s because they accused him of having an unclean spirit.

Obviously, it is an unforgivable sin since it involves a deliberate and complete rejection of God’s mercy, making it impossible for the person to repent and receive forgiveness. This kind of sin is committed when we attribute God’s miracles to the devil, when we refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Messiah, and when we reject God’s offer of salvation.

This unforgivable sin is precisely the sin of the demons themselves who refuse to believe in God in spite of everything God would do to help them. In other words, one who commits this unforgivable sin, that is, who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, is like the demon himself.

Let us always remember that God always likes to forgive. Remember Christ offering forgiveness to those who crucified him just moments before his death: “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” (Lk 23,24)

In this case, those who crucified him did not really know what they were doing. And, in fact, they were converted when after Christ died, they confessed that he was truly the Son of God. (cfr Mt 27,54; Mk 15,39) But in the case of those who saw the miracle on the Sabbath, they persisted in their disbelief.

We have to see to it that we avoid falling into committing this unforgivable sin. We may not understand everything in our life and that is why we commit sins, but let us not directly, formally and openly reject God in the face of the many good things and blessings that we also enjoy.

Let us make our sins an occasion to get closer to God instead, to understand better his will and ways, and even to attain sanctity. Sin, of course, does not cause sanctity. But if handled well, it can occasion the way to holiness. It can trigger a strong impulse toward developing a greater love for God and for others, which is what holiness is all about.

It’s really a matter of how we react to our sinfulness. If we are sorry for our sins and try to make up for them, then sanctity would be at our reach. God, always a loving father to us, will never deny his mercy. Neither will he deny his grace to make us as we ought to be—true image and likeness of his, and a good child of his.

In fact, if we go by the reasoning of St. Paul, God seems to have the habit of choosing the foolish things of the world, the weak, the lowly and the despised, in order to confound and shame the wise, the strong and the proud of this world. (cfr 1 Cor 1,27-28) Along this line, He can also choose a sinner to confound those who pride themselves in a worldly way as saints.

Let’s be quick to ask forgiveness the moment we realize we fall into sin. And when faced with a mystery that is hard, if not impossible, to understand or to cope despite all our efforts, let’s be humble enough to abandon ourselves in God’s hands, in God’s providence.