The Pope and the Philippines

Posted by JoeAm on January 19, 2015 · 64 Comments 

A few reflections on Pope Francis and the Philippines. Summation: A triumph! The big question: Will it have legs? That is, was it a showtime event, or an event with lasting significance? The Pope is controversial in Rome on theological grounds (“Italian writer stirs a hornet’s nest . . .“). Theology means little in the Philippines. … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Politics, Religion

The connected Filipino; running naked in the forest

Posted by JoeAm on November 25, 2014 · 64 Comments 

I wonder what it is like to be born into the world of computers and instant communication around the globe where dramatic photos can be uploaded to the world in the middle of a disaster or insults registered around the globe in 141 characters. Where relentless tapping of text messages is very likely evolving the shape … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Technology/Internet

A secular moral code to take the place of The Philippine Golden Rule

Posted by JoeAm on October 16, 2014 · 103 Comments 

It is a mind-bender for those of us who subscribe to The Golden Rule to recognize that self-dealing in the Philippines is an accepted moral value. The Golden Rule says: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is a fundamental value statement that advocates for kindness and consideration among any group … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics, Religion

Have Filipinos sold their souls to family bloodlines? And Mr. Aquino?

Posted by JoeAm on August 22, 2014 · 46 Comments 

“The world is in a constant conspiracy against the brave. It’s the age-old struggle: the roar of the crowd on the one side, and the voice of your conscience on the other.” [General Douglas MacArthur] An Aquino family endorsement of Jejomar Binay for president, along with the Aquino sisters’ recent off hand remark that they could … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

The Philippines is now an English speaking nation; deal with it

Posted by JoeAm on June 27, 2014 · 60 Comments 

The term “deal with it” is an American idiomatic expression. It is normally used in a confrontational manner, as a final exclamation point. A translation would be, “tough luck, nothing’s going to change, so you have to accept it. Nyaah nyaah nyaah!” But I don’t mean it as confrontational. I mean it as polite advice. I … Continue reading →

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