Philippines: From the Edge to the Middle of Things

Posted by JoeAm on September 14, 2020 · 7 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Irineo B. R. Salazar The Philippines weren’t isolated before, but they had some distance from other places. Visayan pirates allegedly raided Taiwan in the 12th century, but not the Chinese mainland as it is around a week’s sailing away, while ancient Greeks according to legend attacked Troy which is near modern … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Economy, Education, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Religion

The National Village

Posted by JoeAm on September 9, 2020 · 13 Comments 

Analysis and Opinion By Irineo B. R. Salizar Joe noted in 2018 that Philippine culture is not damaged, but fluid. Clearly it is: more personal than institutional. Lots of Filipinos feel uncomfortable with formal institutions; feel more comfortable with personal arrangements like utang na loob and patronage. The President acts personalistic, like a village chief. … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Economy, Education, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Religion

The hole in the Philippine psyche

Posted by JoeAm on September 6, 2020 · Leave a Comment 

Opinion By Joe America The Philippines is a damaged culture according to some, and a failed state, looking around. It’s leaders hunt down citizens rather than lift them up. Their response to a global health crisis was to do nothing for four months and then scramble around blaming the citizens. Their position in opposition to … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Letting go of the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on August 15, 2020 · 192 Comments 

Opinion By Joe America When you are young, you tend to wonder about the future. When you are old, you tend to look back at the past. Along the way, you slot into life as it is presented, the ‘now’ being what it is. Most of our angers and anxieties arise because our present circumstance … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Double whammy: corona virus and loss of moral bearings

Posted by JoeAm on April 20, 2020 · 119 Comments 

OPINION By Joe America We can read a lot of speculation about how the coronavirus will reshape our social interactions. More distancing. More cleanliness. Fewer hugs. More people working at home. Without question, today we are living a strange existence, keeping away from people and polishing everything with soap and water, or disinfectant. My guess … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Education, Laws and Ethics