Edge Magazine

SPECIAL REPORT | More Than Aesthetics: What Social Media Misses About Alt

Alternative culture has traditionally been encountered through local communities, music scenes, and shared experiences. Today, social media has made those spaces more accessible, allowing users to discover alternative fashion, music, and communities through algorithm-driven feeds.

Yet much of what appears online represents only a portion of the culture itself. Social media can introduce users to its visible expressions, but understanding the values, relationships, and experiences behind them often requires deeper engagement.

Words by Raisa Micole Musni (.m)
Graphics by Princess Judith Gueco ()

Photos courtesy of Kayl Ven Ray



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Freedom is found in the voices that refuse to be silenced, in the art that dares to challenge the society’s standards, and in the communities that carve out spaces of belonging beyond the boundaries of conformity. Independence exists not solely within the pages of history, but also within the creations and movements that continue to question, disrupt, and reshape the world around us.

On the 128th Philippine Independence Day, we celebrate a freedom that continues to transform with every generation. The freedom fought for by our heroes continues to echo through the artists, creators, and communities who challenge norms, break conventions, and carve new paths of expression. True independence lives in the courage to be different, redefine boundaries, and amplify the voices that refuse to be unheard.



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OPINION | Diagnosis: Alt

Nakasuot palagi ng itim? Check. Puno ng piercing at tattoo? Check. Dark ang taste sa music at art? Check. We hate to break it to you pero meron kang problema sa pag-iisip.

Ang batayan ng “diagnosis”? Aesthetic.

Words by Tracy Althea Ramos ()
Graphics by Dulce Amor Rodriguez ()



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BALITANG LATHALAIN | Truth Commission, tanglaw sa dilim ng drug war victims

Tangan ang responsibilidad na palitawin ang katotohanan, opisyal nang inilatag ang mga kasapi ng Philippine Truth and Reconciliatory Commission sa Archbishop's Palace nitong Mayo 27.

Habang nawawaglit ang hustisya at konteksto sa extrajudicial killings sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte, mahalaga ang papel ng komisyon sa pagbuo ng mapagkakatiwalaang naratibo ukol sa kampanya kontra droga.

Words by Marc Nathaniel Servo ()
Graphics by Eden Mae Garcia ()

Photos courtesy of Grig Montegrande/Inquirer, Micah Guiao/Rappler



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FACT-CHECK | B**g Suntay not arrested over Anne Curtis remarks

Claims that Quezon City Rep. Jesus “B**g” Suntay was arrested by police following his remarks about actress Anne Curtis are not supported by any official reports or verified police records.

Always verify information through credible and official sources before sharing claims online. Unverified posts involving public figures and legal incidents may contribute to misinformation and public confusion.

Words by Milyn Carreon ()
Graphics by Marc Servo ()



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OPINYON | Payag ka, invisible ka pero kita pepe?

Paano kung magkaroon ka ng pambihirang abilidad—ang maging invisible? Pero may twist: kita ang ari!

Para sa kababaihan, hindi na nila kailangan pang magkaroon ng ganitong kapangyarihan. Dahil para sa kanila, reyalidad na ito ng buhay—ang maging invisible, ang hindi makita ng lipunan, at sa halip ay pahalagahan lang batay sa kayang ibigay ng kaniyang ari, sa usapin man ng sekswal o kakayahang magparami.

Sino ang isang babae higit pa sa kaniyang puke?

Opinyon ni: Bea Katrina Florendo
Grapiks ni: Princess Judith Gueco



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SPECIAL REPORT | Collaboration in illusion: How PPPs favor the private over the public

As modernization surges forward like a fervent current, development projects continue to emerge in its wake. However, these initiatives often meet resistance, especially where competing stakes are at play.

One clear example is the privatization of public markets (palengke), which has been the subject of ongoing scrutiny. At the center of the debate is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, which many local governments have opted to adopt.

Although advocates perceive PPP as a strategic approach to enhancing collaboration between the government and private sector for economic advancement, oppositions still come into view.

In the context of public market privatization in the Philippines, vendors—as the most affected stakeholders—have openly and consistently voiced their concerns: threats to livelihoods, rising rental fees, rigid tenancy arrangements, and even displacement.

Words by Carlito Aguilar ()
Graphics by Marc Servo ()

Photos courtesy of Cris Fernan Bayaga (Bulatlat), J.M. Rosario (Herald Express), and Manila Bulletin



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COMMUNITY | Echoes from Below: How Underground Bands Continue to Thrive

The underground music scene is often described by what it does not have: mainstream exposure, commercial backing, and widespread recognition. But for those who live within it, its meaning is shaped less by absence and more by what they can build in this place.

Words by Milyn Carreon ()
Graphics by Eden Mae Garcia ()



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