Rising from victimhood

  By Pinoy in Europe For many centuries, Filipinos have seen themselves as victims. As part of colonial manipulation, the Spanish friars inculcated into a formerly warrior people a spirit of passivity and glorified victimhood similar to what they were not able to teach to people in Europe anymore, which had passed from the Middle … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Politics, Religion

When military is undisciplined, failure follows

There is always some risk when I overlay American ways on Filipino ways. For one thing, it is often okay for there to be two different ways. No problem. But I think in the matter of military discipline, the codes are universal. So I will overlay my own American experiences on what I observed during … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs and Defense

How the Nacionalista Party can regain prominence in the Philippines

The Nacionalista Party (NP) has not been at the forefront of Philippine government, in the executive office, for some time. Let us assume we are in NP President Manny Villar’s shoes. How would we develop a game plan? As we will see, it is a tad problematic. But before getting to that, let’s get some background … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Bangsamoro Basic Law – Managing Risks

By Pinoy in Europe PART 1: INTRODUCTION The purpose of the BBL is to finally put an end to decades, even centuries of conflict in the Muslim-dominated southern regions of the Philippines. It was made in the hope of empowering the region and ending conflict by increasing affluence. This is a great hope and important … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Philippines is in great shape. It’s in the numbers.

We often complain about the way things are in the Philippines. We grouse about the politics, the lousy tabloid media, the poverty, the poor storm preparation, the trash and over-fishing, the corruption, the murderous rebels, the crazy bishops, the congestion, the electricity, the slow bandwidth. Today looks a lot like yesterday, and we don’t figure there will … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Family/Parenting/Children, Philippine Government