The Philippines: A Faiths Based Nation
Ambitious Muslims, following a plan shaped mainly by their extremist warriors, are pushing the Philippine government to grant more autonomy to Muslims on Mindanao. Although I personally see this as an unfortunate capitulation of state to faith, I am fully willing to carry the idea forward to its ultimate vision: The Philippines as a Faiths … Continue reading
"Ilustrado" by Miguel Syjuco
I just finished the book “Ilustrado” by Filipino writer, Miguel Syjuco. The book, published last year, won the Man Asian Literary Prize. I admire people who pack a big dictionary in their brain. Syjuco’s writing is rich with the intricacies of expression that can only be found in free-thinking and well educated minds. The style … Continue reading
Daddy!!
An American in the Philippines is an entertainment treat for most Filipinos. We white or black skinned foreigners stride the malls under a constant gaze of amusement or awe or distaste. Because I stand 6’ 4” and – what can I say – look the way I look, I get a lot of teen aged … Continue reading
Irony and Associations
I appreciate the posture of some blog sites to moderate comments. It is their right as publishers. There is a move afoot to establish an association of bloggers. One of the pushers is represented on a web site “tonyocruz”. I offered up a comment on the site and it has been in moderation for over … Continue reading
A Tsunami of Little Beasts
A tsunami of kids is being birthed in the Philippines, rising through the nation’s schools like unrelenting swarms of hungry piranha mashing toward the job and food markets with mouths open wide and angry teeth flashing, threatening the security of every Filipino. Arrogant priests drive their overpopulated flocks toward the brutal truth, the torment of … Continue reading