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

Questions that ought to be asked of Presidential contender Binay

Posted by JoeAm on June 18, 2014 · 30 Comments 

I’ve been disturbed by some of Vice President Jejomar Binay’s activities the past year or two. His cabinet duty is head of the National Housing Authority, so he has important things to do. But he seems to want to insert himself in other activities, almost as a “counter-balancing” president. It seems that he is working as … Continue reading →

Category China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics, USA/Americans

Dear Senator Poe. Why your time is now.

Posted by JoeAm on June 16, 2014 · 34 Comments 

Dear Senator Poe, Please allow me to be direct. I believe it is a quality you very likely appreciate. You are an intelligent and respectful woman. You have what many in politics miss or what is driven out of them after a few years of believing their own political puffery. You have humility. It is a refreshing … Continue reading →

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