How to run a proper blog in the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on September 4, 2015 · 193 Comments 

A group of journalists and bloggers has been hosting annual blogging awards in the Philippines for some time now. The call for nominations for 2015 awards has just gone out, and all the information in the world about the awards and nominating process can be found at: bloggys.ph For me, only one line is pertinent: Not … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts

Power, blogging and politics

Posted by josephivo on August 16, 2015 · 191 Comments 

  By josephivo Introduction A blog can have two different objectives: present how interesting the writer is, his knowledge, wit, style . . . and/or share information and thoughts to convince others. Politics, too, can have two objectives: defensive, to strengthen oneself or one’s own party and/or offensive, to get decisions taken and achieve political … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Politics

The 2016 election is about Philippine character, and China

Posted by JoeAm on August 13, 2015 · 413 Comments 

I’ve come to understand that the Philippines is the center of the world. It is the pivot around which the fate of the planet revolves. Now you may pretend some false modesty and say, “Oh, Joe, you kidder you!”  I’m not kidding. Consider the weather patterns. The Philippines wobbles between northern and southern, eastern and … Continue reading →

Category China, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

The beast in us . . . and presidential candidates

Posted by JoeAm on August 2, 2015 · 310 Comments 

If you are like me, you think you are an independent, autonomous being working his way through life the best way possible. You pretty much control things, get up, get out, get on with the day. Alas. In reality, we are not independent. Far from it. We are a part of a greater environment that shapes … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Politics

The INC forest fire: Politics corrupts, corrupt politics corrupts absolutely, even religion

Posted by JoeAm on July 26, 2015 · 89 Comments 

x By Popoy Del. R. Cartanio The title begs with sincerest apologies to Lord Acton who said in almost the same tune the power syndrome, now almost a clichéd broken record: “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”.  Power and politics, they are not brothers like the thief and the liar as declared by the clean as a … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Philippine Politics, Religion