Three options for Philippine citizens

Posted by josephivo on April 12, 2015 · 188 Comments 

  by josephivo 1- INTRODUCTION Who to vote for? How to reduce the victim mentality and build confidence? Dynasties? A free and thriving Philippines? Important questions, but two higher questions should be answered first. Just as Lenin always asked ironically: “Freedom — yes, but for whom? To do what?”, we could ask “For what Filipinos? … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

The elegance of China’s island strategy

Posted by JoeAm on April 11, 2015 · 185 Comments 

It was reported by US intelligence services that China is actively building Coast Guard ships. It is likely that these ships will be deployed to the reclaimed “islands” that formalize China’s “sovereign domestic territory” in the South China Sea. That territory includes contested outposts within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. By using Coast Guard ships, China accomplishes … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

In defense of knowledge: Philippine victimhood, the sequel

Posted by JoeAm on April 9, 2015 · 338 Comments 

A recent blog by Pinoy in Europe gave me the opportunity to sit back and reflect for a change, rather than engage in the dialogue. PiE’s point was that it is time for Filipinos to set aside the notion of being victims, which is a powerless role, and aspire to take control of their lives, … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Religion

The ethics of impunity

Posted by JoeAm on April 7, 2015 · 273 Comments 

Often I overlay my observations about the Philippines with personal history, that being American, corporate, and socially liberal, touched with military, sports, travels and family. Often, I am met with the pointed point that “we do it differently here, Joe”, or its obverse, “the US is the same way.” Well, if I am here to learn … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics

Rising from victimhood

Posted by JoeAm on April 5, 2015 · 224 Comments 

  By Pinoy in Europe For many centuries, Filipinos have seen themselves as victims. As part of colonial manipulation, the Spanish friars inculcated into a formerly warrior people a spirit of passivity and glorified victimhood similar to what they were not able to teach to people in Europe anymore, which had passed from the Middle … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Politics, Religion