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Reminiscent of the Past, in Touch with the Present: Astrological Gatherings, Spaces, and Online Connections

by Jamilah Tala

After a long time spent connecting only through screens—exchanging charts, ideas, and

fragmented conversations—we are finally together, under the same stars, in the same room.






On December 28, 2025, members of Astrology Friends Philippines hosted a Christmas get-together at Nono’s Comfort Kitchen & Bakery at Festival Mall, Alabang. 


The get-together was the group’s first Christmas gathering since the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was a small gathering attended by Filipino astrologers, students, and enthusiasts from a spectrum of ages and skill levels. In line with the season, attendees were encouraged to bring small tokens for gift-giving. Prizes and other fun mementos were also given following the fun astrology-themed games. For some members, the gathering was the first time they attended an astrology-themed event in person. The event allowed them to mingle and connect further with members of the local astrology community beyond online groups, livestreams, and chats. I was among one of those people.


When I first joined Astrology Friends Philippines in July 2023, I had no prior experience meeting other local astrologers and true-blue enthusiasts; the pandemic had made sure of that. Connecting with other local astrologers who spoke the same language as me was a relief. The small, tight-knit community was a little pocket that grounded my studies and practice in the community and world directly surrounding me. And while I will always be thankful for the connections made possible online, I do have to admit that there is something special about offline, unfiltered gatherings.


According to Astrology Friends Philippines’ founder, Resti Santiago, the group’s Christmas celebration was not an assured regular occurrence, even preceding the pandemic. However, he also shares that the group used to host regular monthly astrology-themed nights in the 2010s, where astrologers and enthusiasts could come together and discuss everything astrology. Having mostly honed my astrological skills and interest during the pandemic, I of course missed out on these nights and gatherings. However, hearing about them from Resti, along with the knowledge that interest in astrology is steadily growing amongst my peers and in the country, makes me hopeful for the future of local astrology-themed events and community building.


When COVID-19 forced the world to a standstill in 2020, everyone was forced to pivot to digital worlds and cyber interactions to keep the wheel rolling. Some of us had an easier transition to the seemingly endlessly online life, while for others, there was a bit of a learning curve. As the world continues in a post-pandemic world, we slowly learn to carve up spaces and gatherings reminiscent of the past but also very much in tune with the times and the large-scale events that have transpired. December’s Christmas gathering was the first post-pandemic event for Astrology Friends Philippines, and it opened doors and conversations that probably wouldn’t have happened online, while simultaneously wouldn’t be possible without previous connections made through the internet. Here’s to hoping that it’s only the first of many to come.
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