HAPI Scholars

09/21/2026

Isn’t it fascinating that with billions of years of cosmic evolution and in the grand scheme of things, you are the stardust that became conscious of itself. What are the odds of that? So, be the universe, shine like a constellation of stars as you live your life before you reach your end because eventually, the time will come that like stars, you will also run out of light.

"The surface of the Earth is the shore of the cosmic ocean. On this shore we've learned most of what we know. Recently we've waded a little way out, maybe ankle deep, and the water seems inviting. Some part of our being knows this is where we came from. We long to return. And we can. Because the cosmos is also within us. We're made of star-stuff. We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."

Carl Sagan ; Cosmos "The Shores Of The Cosmic Ocean"
❤☮🌎

09/20/2026

HAPIsko na, RSW pa!🎉

HAPI proudly celebrates HAPIsko Charles L. Llaguno on officially becoming a Registered Social Worker! 🥹✨

After years of sleepless nights, challenges, sacrifices, and perseverance, the dream has finally become a profession. This milestone is a testament to Charles’ dedication and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

From the HAPI family, we celebrate this well-deserved achievement with you! May your journey as a social worker be filled with compassion, purpose, and opportunities to create positive change in the communities you serve. 💙

Congratulations, HAPIsko Charles! RSW, 2026! 🎓✨

09/19/2026

🤍 “Humanity is affected when good people die because their absence reminds us how badly the world needs the qualities they represent and how much of their goodness is now ours to carry forward.”

Why does losing figures like Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, or Peter Cullen feel so deeply personal?

In a thoughtful reflection, HAPI Associate Editor Glemir Sordilla explores how public figures who embody generosity, humor, and courage touch our lives from a distance. Mourning them reminds us that our human existence is never isolated, and that the best way to honor their memory is by continuing their kindness in our daily lives.

Read more in HAPI Associate Editor Glemir Sordilla's latest piece:
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The recent loss of three pop culture icons highlight how important it is to leave a good mark on the world we currently live in, and why it is still worth it.

09/18/2026

“Global linguistic diversity continues to decline today, with at least four languages dying out every year, per the editor’s summary of the new research,” is such a disheartening statement.

Preserving our language is preserving our culture.

09/16/2026

✊ “This is a call for everyone in the room to champion the cause in their own companies, because no one will do this but us.”

Human dignity is owed to people simply because they are human. HAPI CFO Diosa Aguila-Aguirre shares her key takeaways from representing HAPI at the Partners Networking Soiree in Makati.

From legal protections under free political expression to building sustainable funding for civil rights movements, everyday inclusion requires continuous commitment from local leaders.

Read more in HAPI CFO Aguila-Aguirre DM's latest piece:
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Reflections by Diosa Aguila-Aguirre, HAPI CFO, at Halxyon Club, Poblacion, Makati last August 4. On August 4, 2026, Halxyon Club in Poblacion, Makati opened its doors for the Partners Networking Soiree, an invitation-only gathering co-presented with Pride PH. The theme for the evening was "Beyond Pr...

09/12/2026

🏙️ "A city is more than concrete, steel, and zoning laws. It is also the people who live in it."

What makes a community truly thrive? For Michael Sherman, longtime city planner and HAPI Chairman, building better environments is a direct expression of compassion, empathy, and human dignity.

In our latest spotlight article, we explore Michael's journey from overcoming early life adversity in Florida to finding his moral homecoming in secular humanism. Rather than letting past hardship make him cynical, Mike transformed his experiences into a dedication to helping others build better lives with agency and dignity.

That same philosophy guides his work today with HAPI. Serving alongside grassroots communities in the Philippines, his approach to leadership is simple yet profound: listen first. By bringing humility and an open heart, he helps ensure local voices directly shape HAPI’s mission from the ground up.

Read more in HAPI Scholar Shawn Evans Quiming's latest piece:
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Michael Sherman, AICP, is more than just a pro city planner and advocate for secularism; his life shows that you can overcome tremendous pain and still see the good in people.

09/10/2026

Another addition to the checklist of organelles to memorize. 😭

NEW ORGANELLE FOUND! 🔬🧫

Scientists have identified a previously unknown structure inside mammalian cells called the hemifusome.

Using advanced imaging known as cryo-electron tomography, researchers were able to see the tiny structure in detail. The hemifusome appears to involve partially fused vesicles, or small bubble-like compartments that help move and process materials inside the cell.

Researchers believe hemifusomes may play a role in how cells package, sort, and recycle internal materials. In simpler terms, they may act like a cellular “loading dock,” helping vesicles connect and transfer cargo inside the cell.

This discovery is important because organelles are specialized structures that help cells function properly. Finding a new one gives scientists another piece of the puzzle in understanding how cells stay healthy, communicate internally, and manage waste or transport systems.

However, the discovery is still in its early stages. Scientists are continuing to study what hemifusomes do, how common they are, and whether problems with these structures may be linked to diseases involving cellular transport.

The hemifusome shows that even after centuries of studying cells, there are still hidden structures waiting to be discovered inside the microscopic world of life.

08/20/2026

✊ “There is no final win. There is just one battle, to be fought over and over and over again.”

HAPI heads to Ottawa for the World Humanist Congress! 🌎

Find out how we recharged our hope for the humanist movement in the face of resurgent fascism.

In a powerful recap, HAPI Scholars Chief and Editor-in-Chief Shane Haro shares what it meant to represent Filipino humanists on the global stage alongside HAPI Founder Marissa Torres Langseth and HAPI Chairman Michael Sherman—from bringing local issues like q***r rights and divorce to international discussions, to showcasing HAPI's original animated videos to global delegates.

Read more in HAPI Scholars Chief Shane Haro's latest piece:
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HAPI heads to Ottawa for the World Humanist Congress! Find out how we recharged our hope for the humanist movement in the face of resurgent fascism.

08/18/2026

🤍 “In many families, the eldest daughter is expected to carry responsibilities far beyond her years, taught to prepare for sacrifice long before she can dream for herself.”

In a deeply moving piece, HAPI Scholar Glemir Sordilla shares how working full-time for her sister’s education turned quiet sacrifice into strength, showing that supporting family doesn't mean giving up on your own dreams.

Read more on Glemir Sordilla's latest piece:
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In many families, the eldest daughter is expected to carry responsibilities far beyond her years. She is often viewed as a second parent, a role model, and eventually a provider. Even during childhood, she may hear words like, "Skwela mayo para ikaw mabulig sa utod mo." (Study well so that you can h...