The inimitable Jeepneys of the Philippines

By Chemrock The mainstay of public transport in the Philippines is the iconic jeepney. With their loud colors, individualistic facade decorations, and unique vehicular bodywork, they make good advertisements in tourist brochures. Apart from beauty queens and sandy beaches, the jeepneys embody the 7,107 islands. It’s more fun in the Jeepneys There was the thrill … Continue reading

The character of your associates

By Joe America Associates Group A: Leni Robredo, Risa Hontiveros, Edcel Lagman, Waldon Bello, Solita Collas-Monsod, Abigail Valte, and Leila De Lima. Associates Group B: Alan Cayetano, Manny Pacquiao, Salvador Panelo, Bebot Alvarez, Dick Gordon, Mocha Uson, and Vit Aguirre. Do you see the commonality of character within the two groups, and the differences between them? Hint, … Continue reading

The Rainbow Rebellion, a crowd-sourced opposition

By Joe America Let us suppose that the Philippines is engaged in a to-the-death battle between two very different value systems. One is the old ‘me-first’, tribal system of favor and power. The other is democracy with its attempt to engage everyone equally and fairly. Tribal values have the edge in the Philippines today because … Continue reading

Making a Deal with the Devil: The Faustian Bargain

By Andrew Lim When ancient man figured out that living in groups, specially large ones was more advantageous, he quickly learned how to make a deal- get something by giving up another. The deal could be between two entities: a modus vivendi, or internally, with one’s conscience. In German legend, Faust was an intellectual who … Continue reading

By the people, for the people

By Josephivo Being stuck in the present we should remember the future too, the Philippines in 10, 20 years’ time. This piece is intended just as a warming up exercise. The subject is too vast and interlinked with almost every aspect of life. These few paragraphs cannot cover it all. Just some thoughts by thinking … Continue reading