The Centre Communautaire de Joli Bois in Brussels came alive on May 11, 2025, as it hosted the 5th Philippine Food Festival. Organized by the Philippine Art and Culture Exchange (P.A.C.E.), the event showcased traditional Filipino dishes along with local …
ULB cut their ties with Israeli universities after student protests
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) has decided to cut ties with Israeli universities following a rally organized by student groups on November 21. The protest was set to coincide with a meeting of the ULB’s Academic Council (CoA) debating on …
The Planet is Heating Up. Is It Too Late to Make a Difference?

Pollution of the Tetovo city with smoke and smog under Shar Mountain - Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
If you read the news, you probably know that our planet is on fire — literally. It might feel hopeless, and you might want to tune out, but don’t be fooled — there’s still time to turn this around. What’s going …
Is the Mine Ban Treaty at Risk?

The UN estimates the Ukraine is now the most mined nation in the world. Photo: Creative Commons - Landmine warning sign in BiH - Darij & Ana / CC BY 2.0.
An anti-personnel mine is an explosive device designed to injure or kill people. It is widely banned under the Ottawa Treaty due to its long-term threat to civilians. However, some NATO countries are considering leaving the treaty. Why is this …
Iraqi painter Hamdan Saray: “Art is also a way of showing the horror in this world”
Hamdan Saray, a 49-year-old Iraqi painter born in Baghdad, fled his homeland in 2003 after the American invasion of Iraq. He transformed the trauma of surviving three wars into a powerful artistic journey. Saray, who currently resides in Belgium, explores …
“Wow, I did that. It’s now forever on me”: Belgian-Filipino shares her journey to becoming a full-time tattoo artist
Behind the artist of the illustrations permanently inked on the human skin, a deep story lies. This is Joan Dumez, a 27-year-old full-time tattoo artist in Belgium. Moving here when she was still young, having majored in game graphics, she …
Did you ever hear about The Cryalot?
For centuries, humans have been afraid of vampires, yet many forget that this bloodsucker is not the only creature that preys on the unsuspecting. The cryalot, an often-forgotten spirit from ancient folklore, thrives by sucking up the emotions from people …
Actress Nicole Rushing: “Throw yourself into it and love it.”

Nicole Rushing's extensive theater career has taken her to the Netherlands, England, and Japan among other countries (Credit: Anna Bures)
I couldn’t tell you when I knew I wanted to be a performer. My parents were both ballet dancers, so I grew up in the theater world. It has always been a part of my life – I’m a complete …
Jazz bassist Piotr Górka: “All I ever do is music – it’s a blessing and a curse”
“It’s like riding the bike, you’re free to do whatever you want and choose the paths you desire – the lack of stability pins you down to Earth.” Polish double bass player and jazz musician Piotr Górka (39) has played …
Jay the Author, a forever stranger with a mission: The Dear Stranger Project

Jay's 'Dear stranger' project consists out of hanging up letters in public places all over the world, like the Grand Place in Brussels. photo taken by De Laurier Nikki.
From the COVID lockdown streets in Melbourne to cities all over the world. Jay Ventress, better known as Jay the Author on Instagram, shows how even strangers can make you feel seen with his handwritten letters. Jay, a 27-year-old street …