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 →

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

The Philippines is in great shape. It’s in the numbers.

Posted by JoeAm on March 26, 2015 · 448 Comments 

We often complain about the way things are in the Philippines. We grouse about the politics, the lousy tabloid media, the poverty, the poor storm preparation, the trash and over-fishing, the corruption, the murderous rebels, the crazy bishops, the congestion, the electricity, the slow bandwidth. Today looks a lot like yesterday, and we don’t figure there will … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government

When will the Philippines reach a Tipping Point?

Posted by JoeAm on February 26, 2015 · 196 Comments 

  by PinoyInEurope A lot of things have been happening in the Philippines recently. Even more, a lot of Filipinos in the country abroad, as well as foreigners interested in the country, have been adding to a groundswell of discussion on the Internet. What is interesting is that in spite of a lot of negativity … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Economy, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government

The Pope brought love. It lasted two weeks.

Posted by JoeAm on February 1, 2015 · 112 Comments 

I am ignorant in my ways, of that I am convinced. People here and elsewhere have told me so. I agree, because my emotional and intellectual capacities do not comprehend. The topic today is grief and compassion. grief, ɥrēf/, noun, deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death. Synonyms: sorrow, misery, sadness, anguish, pain, distress, heartache, heartbreak,agony, torment, affliction, … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government, Religion

Education, kids and the culture of impunity

Posted by JoeAm on January 27, 2015 · 51 Comments 

I ask this as follow-up to questions that Society member Juana Pilipinas fired up about how to end submission as a way of life that feeds into the culture of impunity here in the Philippines. How do we get to candid expression focused on reason, not emotions? In the Philippines, emotions seem bi-polar, swinging widely between: (a)  insecurity, fear or … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government