The Philippines, a land of Mafia dons and dead journalists

Posted by JoeAm on July 4, 2014 · 44 Comments 

We read a lot about the shooting of journalists in the Philippines and the inability of the government to stop this assault on one of our most prized democratic values, freedom of the press. The killings are an affront to a nation that prides itself on being among the most expressively free in the world . . . … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

China’s plan to take Pagasa Island (Titiu), inhabited by about 200 Filipinos

Posted by JoeAm on July 2, 2014 · 18 Comments 

China’s enduring march to expand in the South China Sea is not flexible or fluid. It was set in action 10 years ago and is proceeding as scheduled. Every objection is met with a rebuff that paints the party objecting as an intruder into sovereign Chinese territory, as defined by the now-famous nine-dash line. Nothing the … Continue reading →

Category China, Economy, Philippine Government

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

Nora Aunor and the Filipino Machete Machine

Posted by JoeAm on June 24, 2014 · 58 Comments 

“The Filipino Machete Machine” is an artistic expression that for purposes of this blog replaces “The Philippines: A Culture of Criticism”. We are dealing with the arts, so we should strive for more passion in our word work, or if not that, at least the deeper meanings that come with the incomprehensible. Artists hereabouts apparently don’t … Continue reading →

Category Culture and Arts, Philippine Government

Spurs 2014 champion team is a blueprint for governance

Posted by JoeAm on June 19, 2014 · 13 Comments 

  By Andrew Lim I begged for Joe’s indulgence to allow me this short piece on the San Antonio Spurs’ recent championship in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This is not a sports blog, but the team had distinct characteristics that made for good analogies in geo-politics, economics and life in general. As disclaimer, I … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Government, USA/Americans