What in the world is a foreigner to do?

Posted by JoeAm on June 1, 2018 · 108 Comments 

By JoeAm As a foreigner living in the Philippines, I find myself straining to find a place to fit in. On one hand, I love the Philippines, Filipinos, the dynamic culture, the food, the sea and land adventures, and even driving in the chaos. On the other hand, the nation has become a bit of … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

News is getting dissembled on us

Posted by JoeAm on May 30, 2018 · 48 Comments 

By JoeAm How do you get your news? How do you vet that it is factual and not propaganda or political pap? It is getting more and more difficult to have confidence that one is not being fed someone’s political line or vested interest. Moodys says the Philippines may be brewing a debt problem and … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Government, Technology/Internet

The Philippines is an abusive society

Posted by JoeAm on May 28, 2018 · 71 Comments 

By JoeAm The Philippines is an abusive society, today. The abusers are the government, its paid staff and trolls, and its followers who choose threat over debate and vilification over compassion. But the abuse was evident well before President Duterte took office. He just made it official. President Aquino and his staff (Abaya, Roxas, Abas, … Continue reading →

Category Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Being gracious, a strength or weakness?

Posted by JoeAm on May 23, 2018 · 55 Comments 

  By JoeAm Many witnessed the marriage of royalty in the UK this past weekend, with impressive pomp surrounding the happy circumstance. Prince Charles substituted as the father of the bride and was masterful as the gracious dominant male authorized to walk her down the aisle and give her to Prince Harry. Then we have … Continue reading →

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

Peering at Senator Sotto in the manner of Jonathan Swift

Posted by JoeAm on May 21, 2018 · 59 Comments 

By JoeAm The way I figure it, writer Jonathan Swift, who died in 1745, was one of the world’s first bloggers. Well, in those days, they called him a “political pamphleteer”, but the profession is the same: frequent writings that inform or provoke or advocate. Swift was a master at it. He is best known … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Humor/Satire, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government