The Beauty of Women in Philippine Government

Posted by JoeAm on February 12, 2014 · 53 Comments 

I am fascinated by the power and influence of women in Philippine government. I know I risk getting caught up in gender wars, but it seems to me appropriate to recognize this peculiar circumstance. How did it come to pass that women, in a substantially Catholic nation, would rise so broadly to positions of authority. … Continue reading →

Category Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

The President’s State of the World Address (SOWA)

Posted by JoeAm on February 10, 2014 · 24 Comments 

Good evening distinguished guests and senators. My name is Joe America, and I’m a straight-shooting blogger in the best Filipino tradition. President Aquino had a date tonight and so he has asked me to stand in for him to present what will become an annual gala event, the “State of the World Address”. His instruction … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Humor/Satire, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Of Hong Kong and Dignity

Posted by JoeAm on February 3, 2014 · 34 Comments 

Hong Kong is starting a program of sanctions to punish the Philippines for declining to apologize, state-to-state, for the botched bus massacre in 2010. The Philippines has expressed its regrets and condolences to the family members, which is a step short of admitting state culpability in the massacre. Hong Kong wants the Philippines to accept … Continue reading →

Category China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

BAKIT MAY RESPETO AKO KAY PANGULONG AQUINO?

Posted by JoeAm on February 2, 2014 · 23 Comments 

Translation of Joe’s Jan 20 blog by Dee. Further editorial suggestions are welcome. Walang perpektong presidente. Kailanman ay walang isa, magpakailanman wala kahit isa. Maaari nating banggitin ang mga Pangulo na sa pangkalahatan ay nagkamit ng mataas na alang-alang ng mga tao, at ang mga iba pa na tumanggap ng mababang pagsasa-alang-alang ng sambayanan. Paano … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government

2016 Dream Team: Aquino and Aquino

Posted by JoeAm on January 31, 2014 · 39 Comments 

We need a new approach. One of the things I wrestle with in my cross-cultural discovery trek is the apparent fact that an American style government overlaid on the Filipino hierarchical culture creates a lot of odd results. Like local mayors become dynastic warlords and the Congress gets packed with dynastic power-mongers, boxers, crybabies, plagiarists … Continue reading →

Category China, Entertainment, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Humor/Satire, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics