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Thread & Truth

I write to make culture and conviction meet—and nothing’s off the record.

Hi, I'm Ren,

An aspiring fashion editor.
I write about fashion & faith... amongst other things.

MNL, PH.

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Instagram: @renndelgado
Design Instagram: @deka.atalier

My Articles

The Scoop Asia •

Speaking of Consent, Why Is It So Difficult to Say “No”? | The Scoop Asia

[Trigger warning: Sexual harassment]Let’s talk about consent. Saying no has become an easy go-to answer for some women when being asked out or harassed by men, while for others, it is a mothe#*@^!ng challenge to say “no” and it’s time we figure out why. Let me speak from firsthand experience before diving into the general thoughts revolving around the topic. I have (or at least, had) a very close friend of the opposite gender who only recently started asking me if I’d be down to hook up. I grew...
The Scoop Asia •

Getting Lost in the Pressures of Adulthood | The Scoop Asia

Everybody has their story to tell about their early 20s. It could be a story about how you partied till the break of dawn, it could be a story of how your friends drifted apart when everybody started getting jobs, it could be about how you’re still an undergraduate struggling to get that diploma, and it could even be about the heartbreak from your first serious relationship. Adulthood, especially when you’re fresh out of your teenage life, is like riding a rollercoaster while blindfolded: you go...
The Scoop Asia •

The REAL TEA on Being a Woman (Dealing with Body Dysmorphia, Insecurities, etc.) | The Scoop Asia

Everybody has something they don’t like about their appearance; from a crooked smile to a uniquely shaped nose, or even the size of one’s ears–insecurities are like a beating heart:  everybody has them. However, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a whole other story. When the thoughts of one’s insecurities cause a significant amount of emotional distress, including self-consciousness and anxiety, and even interfere with their everyday life, this falls under Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I was initial...
The Scoop Asia •

The Truth About Laying Out A Plan In Your Early 20s | The Scoop Asia

Some of us wanted to be astronauts, some of us wanted to become the President of our own countries, and some of us even dreamt of sailing across the globe––and some of us really did accomplish the dreams we had when we were younger. Others, on the other hand, took a completely different path, and that’s okay. Becoming different people with different dreams, different personalities, different mindsets, and different goals is a part of growing up.The reality of growing up is that circumstances can...
The Scoop Asia •

On Having a Reliable Support System in Life | The Scoop Asia

Did you sing along too? (If you don’t know the song–well, you should. It’s a good song. Scan the code to have a listen!) I’m sure we’re all pretty aware that no man is an island; social interaction is what makes us not only human, but healthy humans as well. Having a strong and stable support system you can turn to when things aren’t exactly going your way can reduce your stress by a long-mile. Officially, there are three core groups that comprise a strong support system, starting with family, t...
The Scoop Asia •

Why is Weight Loss an Automatic Compliment? | The Scoop Asia

[Trigger Warning: Mental Illness] “Uy, pumayat ka!” feels so good to hear! I mean, it is an automatic compliment after all—isn’t it?We as a society have been complimenting people who have lost weight and constantly encourage them to continue, however, when we do this, we don’t always realize that we probably have no clue if they’ve been successfully losing weight, or if it was a deeper struggle than we thought.Let’s get real: For the longest time now, there’s always been a certain “physique” tha...
The Scoop Asia •

What I Wish I Could Say: Happy Mothers’ Day, Mama! | The Scoop Asia

Happy Mothers’ Day! The day we all show our appreciation to our mothers and all the hard work they put in for us (and the patience they’ve developed throughout our mischief). While Mothers’ Day is one of the greatest holidays for most people, it can be a difficult day to wake up to for some. Strained relationships with one’s mother can be one of the most tragic experiences a person can go through––most especially when it’s between a mother and a daughter. With this in hand, we took this opportun...
The Scoop Asia •

The Realities of Self-Care | The Scoop Asia

Bath bombs, staying in to binge on Netflix, staying lowkey on social media, and getting a new hairdo after a painful breakup––self-care is one of the greatest things we can invest our time in; but it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. I remember my initial perception of what self-care looked like when I went through a recent breakup; I cut my hair about a week after, I started exercising on a regular basis, and I even isolated myself for a bit so I could focus on work. Then I realised that w...
The Scoop Asia •

I love being a damn woman, and I ain’t afraid to say it. | The Scoop Asia

Why, of course. I am a woman after all. Some days, you can’t help but to be thankful for the women who dedicated their lives to fighting for women’s rights. Women empowerment has personally become one of my favorite topics to talk about, and is certainly my favorite advocacy. For so many years, women have been forced to adjust to the standards set by society on what beauty is truly about. Society says it’s about having the deepest curves on our waistlines, having the perkiest cheek bones on our...
The Scoop Asia •

Things We're Thankful for That Happened in 2020 | The Scoop Asia

Was 2020 a chapter that we would all like to go back to someday? Probably not (okay, most likely not), but what would happen to our character development if we didn’t at least appreciate the good within the bad? I can’t blame you if you’re unaware of all the positive things that happened this year; everybody’s mental health took a toll and focusing on the positives was definitely not easy for a handful of us, so let me take the liberty to share with you now all the positive things we might not b...
The Scoop Asia •

The Beauty of Christmas in the Philippines | The Scoop Asia

Christmas in the Philippines has been known to have the world’s longest Christmas celebration. The holidays in the Philippines start once the “BER” (September, October, November, December) months begin––yes, that’s right, we get into the Christmas vibe even before we start thinking about Halloween. Christmas in the Philippines can look somewhat like the celebrations we see in Western films, but particularly different at the same time. To start with the obvious, we don’t have snow in the Philippi...
The Scoop Asia •

Crash Course: The History of Women's Rights in the Philippines | The Scoop Asia

After doing some research, I’ve found out that to my surprise, the position of the Philippines with regard to women’s rights is relatively developed compared to many other nations. Currently, the Philippines has the Republic Act No. 9710, which is the act providing for the Magna Carta of Women. Section 2 of the act states that:“The State affirms women’s rights as human rights and shall intensify its efforts to fulfill its duties under international and domestic law to recognize, respect, protect...
The Scoop Asia •

The Five Telling Signs of a Manipulative Apology | The Scoop Asia

As human beings, it is only nature for us to build relationships with other people. As the old saying goes, no man is an island; however, if we’re talking about what’s natural for us as human beings, then we can’t deny that it is also natural for us to mess up. We make the wrong decisions, we hurt other people, we say foul things in negative tones; we’re not perfect. That’s when apologies come in. It takes great vulnerability to tell somebody that you’re sorry. An apology can either be sincere a...
The Scoop Asia •

Let's talk about Pandemic Discrimination | The Scoop Asia

We all had a routine before this pandemic started, and they all involved socializing and stepping out of the house. Whether it was turning up at BGC on a Saturday night, or having brunch out with family & friends on a Sunday morning, leaving the house was practically essential. However, since the lockdown took place, you might have read sarcastic comments on social media such as “Wala na bang pandemya?” or “Sobrang pasaway, sabi na ngang ‘wag umalis ng bahay, diba?” which you might even consider...
The Scoop Asia •

Halloween in Movies vs Real Life | The Scoop Asia

Shhh. Listen. Do you hear that? If you close your eyes and listen carefully, you’ll hear the sound of a hundred bats flapping their wings, the sound of a wolf howling on top of a nearby cliff, and children yelling “Trick or treat!” then screaming out of fear 5 seconds later–but if you open your eyes, you’ll see that it was just a movie. Happy Halloween! Halloween in real life might not be as accurate as how it’s portrayed in movies, but that doesn’t make Halloween any less fun (and spooky). Imag...
The Scoop Asia •

Knowing the Limits to Your Media Consumption | The Scoop Asia

We all have our limits.Some of us can only workout for half an hour each day; some of us can only binge-watch three episodes of a series before getting bored; some of us can only have three bottles of beer before we get blackout drunk, and some of us can only give out four(teen) chances before we draw the line (you know what I’m talking about, tama na ‘yan). In this case, however, we’re going to talk about the limits of our Media Consumption. We are all aware of the tragedies happening in our co...
The Scoop Asia •

The New Normal Dating Experience | The Scoop Asia

Boo! You’ve been: ghosted. Or you ghosted them–either way, online dating doesn’t always end in “happily ever after,” most especially during the pandemic. To refresh our minds, let’s go over the cliche/stereotypical/unspoken casual dating rules: …or at least these were the rules on the movies I’ve grown up watching have taught me. But what about the films that state the dating rules when all you can do is talk on a dating app all day? What about the film that teaches the dating rules on what to d...
The Scoop Asia •

We Asked Some Students How Online Classes Are Going (Spoiler: It’s Not Going Well) | The Scoop Asia

The sound of our dogs barking, the construction noise from one of our neighbor’s houses, the music from the karaoke machine coming from next door, and the voices of our parents calling us to finish our household chores: ah, yes. The sounds of online classes.  We all have our own struggles amidst this pandemic that we all wish to be over soon, but one struggle that all students currently share is the nightmare of online classes. It’s a common misconception that online classes are much easier than...

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Flavored PH •

5 Ways to Pair Your Fries from New York Fries and Dips

French fries are one of the most versatile side dishes or snacks out there. You can have them salted, dipped in ketchup, covered in cheese powder, or topped heavily with a wide variety of ingredients—tailored for any mood. Fries aren’t always just for burgers or fried chicken, sometimes they can be perfect on their own too. We came up with 5 tasty pairings that will make you want to get out of bed and straight to the kitchen. Trust us, your stomach will thank you. So come on, take your NYFD frie...
The Scoop Asia •

Why Being Beautiful Isn’t Limited To One Standard | The Scoop Asia

Our current campaign, DivHERsity, aims to celebrate all women and to promote self-love. This isn’t limited to embracing our skin color alone but learning to be comfortable in our own skin, whether it involves having skin conditions, tattoos, covering ourselves up with makeup, or anything that would make you feel like the best version of, well, you.  The Philippines, which is considered to be the melting pot of Asia, has been colonized by so many countries, that naturally, Filipinos have evolved...
The Scoop Asia •

Women in Technology: Revising the Gender Gap | The Scoop Asia

According to the Global Gender Gap Report, remaining to be the top country in Asia in terms of closing the gender gap is the Philippines. The Philippines has closed roughly 78% of its overall gender gap, however, despite these statistics, it is a known fact that women are still quite at a disadvantage. Women are still fighting for gender equality, most especially in the workplace, and the tech industry falls under one of those areas where women are underrepresented. This is coming to an end. Tar...
The Scoop Asia •

PASBO Serves the Ultimate Comfort Food This Father’s Day | The Scoop Asia

Pasta brings everybody comfort to a certain degree, whether it be our childhood favourites such as the classic Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Spaghetti and Meatballs, or pasta that our adult-selves grew to love such as Pasta de Sardine or even Spaghetti with Avocado Sauce. To our surprise, we found a brand that gives us the comfort that pasta can provide: PASBO. PASBO is a concept that was cooked up by two women in the midst of the pandemic last year. PASBO, which is short for Pasta in a Bowl (we know, we w...
The Scoop Asia •

Fairy Doll and You: This Season’s Combination | The Scoop Asia

For those who have acne prone skin and are interested in skin whitening, not a lot of brands are easy to trust. Fortunately for us, known for helping those with the exact same issues, Fairy Doll is our go-to Fairy Godmother. Every day, I open my Instagram account and find my friends sharing their skin-care routines on their IG stories! Skin-care has become so common that it isn’t solely a woman-like thing to do anymore; even men drop their routines! By now, I’m sure we’re all aware how essential...
The Scoop Asia •

Palaweño Products by Palawan Local Market Now in Manila

Do you often catch yourself holding a fork while watching your favorite series on Netflix? Or do you ever catch yourself having difficulty concentrating on work when you have nothing to chew on?Stress causes a handful of people to ignore their hunger cues and abstain from eating for long periods of time, however for the other handful of  people, stress turns them into emotional eaters who mindlessly munch. So don’t be hard on yourself for standing up every half an hour or so and walking to the p...
Flavored PH •

This Local Patisserie in Davao that you Should Try

Davao City––known for its famous dishes such as Guso or Lato (Fresh seaweeds made into salad), Kinilaw na Tuna, Sinuglaw, and of course, Durian. These dishes in Davao City cannot be compared. 
You don’t have to go very far in Davao City to bump into a restaurant that serves food that can satisfy both your hunger, and your taste buds, and what sounds perfect right after a good, whole-hearted Dabawenyo meal? Dessert.  If ever you find yourself craving for something sweet, here’s a local patisserie...
The Scoop Asia •

A Sweet Dabawenyo Christmas with Eaterior, Your New Favourite Online Pastry Shop | The Scoop Asia

Davao City––known for its famous dishes such as Guso or Lato (Fresh seaweeds made into salad), Kinilaw na Tuna, Sinuglaw, and of course, Durian. These dishes in Davao City cannot be compared. You don’t have to go very far in Davao City to bump into a restaurant that serves food that can satisfy both your hunger, and your taste buds, and what sounds perfect right after a good, whole-hearted Dabawenyo meal? Dessert. Eaterior, founded by local Dabawenyo, Gio Maniwan, is your new favourite online bu...
The Scoop Asia •

Wear Your Natural Filipina Beauty: Morena the Label x The Scoop Asia Exclusive and Limited Edition Merchandise

Over the years, the standards for beauty have changed remarkably, both for the good and for the bad. In the age of technology and social media influencers, the pressure to look “perfect” on our Instagram feeds has taken away the fun and excitement of being unposed and candid. However, there’s one other aspect of “beauty” that women have started to shed some light on: skin color. For the longest time now, women with fair complexion were always considered to be the most beautiful (or at least that...
The Scoop Asia •

A First For Davao, Made In Davao: Dose’s Bottled Cocktails | The Scoop Asia

*Although based in Davao, Dose currently does not serve or sell in the city of Davao due to the imposed liquor ban, however, all bottles are still available for ordering in Metro Manila.A cocktail: An alcoholic mixed beverage.A cocktail from Dose: An alcoholic beverage that has a unique story to tell. Dose: your new and unique brand of cocktails that not only has out-of-the-ordinary flavors for you to try, but delivers bottles of your preferred flavors right to your doorstep. A hot summer aftern...
The Scoop Asia •

Kookies and Kim’s Kooky Kookies | The Scoop Asia

A cookie is a baked food that is typically small, flat, and swee–who am I kidding, we all know what a cookie is and we all have at least one kind that we love; we’re all familiar with chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, and even the oh-so-popularly-hated raisin cookies; we’ve tried them all before! The people’s cry for cookies that have been taken up a notch is in order. Well, look no further. Kookies & Kim is here to give the people what they want: cookies with a twist. Founded by budding...
The Scoop Asia •

24/7 Business by a 24/7 Mom | The Scoop Asia

Founded by Czarina Ledesma, and established in 2019, Food Czar desires to make your everyday experiences more special by offering simple, convenient, and unique home-dining experiences. By gathering over 100 of everybody’s favorite restaurants in one virtual house, Food Czar has made party-planning so much simpler. In addition, Food Czar Meal Kits, which feature chef-designed meals, help ensure foodies get to recreate the dining-out experience in the safety of their very own homes. Together with...
The Scoop Asia •

WiTech: Breaking Gender Stereotypes Through Technology | The Scoop Asia

Who says you can’t start changing the world at just fifteen? Audrey Pe, founder of Women in Technology Organization (Or in its official abbreviation, “WiTech), started the organization when she was a sophomore in high school. WiTech’s mission is to educate, inspire, and the youth to break gender stereotypes, and make a difference using technology. Pe shares her insights on what inspired her to start the organization, the ups and downs of it all, and even gives advice on aspiring young Filipinas...
The Scoop Asia •

A Hassle-Free Summer at Port Barton! | The Scoop Asia

Unfortunately, despite travel restrictions loosening up a bit, we all know summer this year’s still going to be different. Remember when all we had to worry about was our budget and deciding on where to go? The sky was the limit. Still, though—the hassle of planning out a trip has always been a tiring aspect of summer, and the questions remain the same; where do we go? Which places are budget-friendly right now? Add in the ultimate question of “which resorts follow health and safety protocols?”T...
The Scoop Asia •

Confidently Filipina With These Statement Pieces | The Scoop Asia

The feedback on our Gandang Kulay collection has made our month, and we’re glad you loved our products!Every woman is empowered by different things, and rightfully so. Some women are empowered by leaving their houses bare-faced and make-up undone; some women are empowered by dressing in conservative clothes, while others gain their confidence by showing some skin, and some, feel empowered by wearing a statement.  Scoop Asia Shop, our online store, is now up and running to hold the products you’r...
The Scoop Asia •

Ala Mod: Staying Classic in the 21st Century | The Scoop Asia

Grace Kelly, Janis Joplin, Josephine Baker, Jane Birkin… all such amazing women with amazing style––or in other words, classic. Classic women’s fashion will always have recognition, but isn’t always seen in the streets today. Alaine Pang, a local, Davao-based fashion designer, and the founder of Àla Mod by Ala Mod Studio, aspires to exist in a world where people can express themselves through fashion, while keeping the state of our environment in mind. Ala Mod, a recently launched fashion line b...
The Scoop Asia •

Amarela Philippines: How to Find Your Voice for Your Advocacy | The Scoop Asia

The lack of sexuality and gender awareness in the Philippines can be quite alarming, although, there is still great news: more and more advocates are using their platforms to educate not only the youth of our country, but also the older generations.Amerela PH not only advocates for reproductive and sexual healthcare in the Philippines, but also fights for women empowerment and gender inclusivity. With the pandemic and the requirement to shift our lives online, Amerela PH currently holds frequent...
The Scoop Asia •

Davao and Palawan, Come Satisfy Your Quarantine Cravings With Flavored | The Scoop Asia

It is day 217 of quarantine—ladies, you’ve been stressed in isolation, gotten tired from work, procrastinated your online classes, and been ghosted for the nth time. But, one thing that has been with us through the madness of it all is food (and occasionally, good old-fashioned alcohol). It’s about time you get your much-needed pick-me-ups because your Manila favorites are finally reaching your doorsteps through Flavored!Flavored is a food and beverage e-commerce company that sells and delivers...
The Scoop Asia •

Perfume with a Purpose: Louis Mireille Parfum Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary | The Scoop Asia

Fragrance is like a language that everybody can speak. Bookworms love the smell of new books, car enthusiasts love the smell of new leather seats for their cars, chefs love the smell of amazing dishes being cooked in the kitchen; now, women? They love the scent of perfume.Louis Mireille Parfum, founded in 2019 in Davao Del Sur, Mindanao, is a home-grown business founded by Leading Lady, Louise Tan. Currently, LM Parfum offers 8 signature scents, mainly: Golden Sunrise, Florence, Kallie, and Chry...
The Scoop Asia •

808 Studio: Dance Fitness From the Studio to an Online Party | The Scoop Asia

Despite the unexpected changes that the pandemic has brought upon them, Sofia Coyiuto and Dorthee “Dot” Li, have become prime examples of the popular quote: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” They are Leading Ladies, after all. 808 Studio, being the first boutique dance fitness studio in Manila, brings their choreography online. With 808 Studio, you can be sure that your workouts, whether online, or face-to-face once this pandemic is over, will have strength and cardio integrated into...
Flavored PH •

3 Classic Breads and Pastries from Local Filipino Businesses

Foodies who live on the sweeter side of life are experiencing a dilemma this quarantine. With so many new online bakeshops opening, no one is sure which ones are good. Luckily, we here at Flavored collaborate with only the best small, Filipino-made brands we can find. Here are our great finds for people with sweet tooths.
Chock Chonk Cookies 
CO2’s first line of cookies is 135 grams of chocolatey goodness. Packed with 70% dark chocolate chunks, they’re definitely a treat. Have it served with the...