Bumping into Alya B. Honasan while having a quick breakfast. Alya’s accomplishments span various fields, including writing, editing, and performance. A survivor of breast cancer and depression, she has emerged as a resilient advocate for mental health awareness and environmental sustainability. She is also a devoted dog mother.
At the Ateneo, she pursued her passion for literature under the tutelage of professors like poet Emmanuel Torres. Her literary and cultural studies pedigree has significantly influenced her professional trajectory, allowing her to do writing and editing work, especially with the Manila Chronicle, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and https://www.thediarist.ph
Recently, she authored "Binibining Pilipinas: Beauty Ever After" (BPCI, 2024), a comprehensive chronicle of the rich history of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant over the past six decades. In it, Alya highlighted the cultural significance of pageantry and reflected her deep appreciation for popular culture and narratives that shape Filipino identity.
Mentored by National Artist for Theatre and UP Professor Emeritus Antonio Mabesa, her acting credits include powerful performances in Gorky's "Summerfolk" ("Mga Bakasyonista"), Rizal's "Fili," and various plays by the Palanca-winning Floy Quintos, including "And St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos," "Collection," and "Fake."
In addition to her professional endeavors, she is an avid Iyengar yoga instructor, embodying the principles of mindfulness and well-being she passionately advocates. She is a proud member of the BTS Army, which proves her enthusiasm for contemporary culture and her ability to connect with diverse communities. Alya inspires many with her resilience, creativity, and commitment to positively affecting the world.