The Philippines: promise on the brink

History is scattered with incidents that explode to change the world. An assassination here, a boat sunk there, a sneak attack in the brilliant Hawaiian sun. The incidents themselves are not always huge. People die all the time. Boats sink all the time. It is what they inspire that changes the world, the rising up of a people. The … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Philippine Government

Our own intellectual Truth Commission, starting with the BBL

As the Philippine National government, or “Central government” as it is termed in the Bangsmoro Basic Law (BBL), wrestles with the aftermath of a horrid battle in the cornfields of Mindanao, let us take a different approach. The official government investigations will center on the battlefield and from that consider the BBL. We will start … Continue reading →

Filed under Crime/Corruption, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Religion

Mindanao . . . An Opinion

  by Taga Bundok This is the opinion of one person who has spent some time in Mindanao, and has been paying attention for a while. It is not meant to be presented as “truth” or as the only possible valid opinion. There is a great deal that could be said and most perspectives deserve … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

The Pope brought love. It lasted two weeks.

I am ignorant in my ways, of that I am convinced. People here and elsewhere have told me so. I agree, because my emotional and intellectual capacities do not comprehend. The topic today is grief and compassion. grief, ɡrēf/, noun, deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death. Synonyms: sorrow, misery, sadness, anguish, pain, distress, heartache, heartbreak,agony, torment, affliction, … Continue reading →

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

Way too many Filipinos are looking for culprits; grief is personal

I got into a twitter argument with popular columnist Boo Chanco over President Aquino’s decision to welcome Japanese investors to the Philippines rather than welcome war casualties for burial. Boo was livid about it. I like Boo. He did a story about one of my blogs long ago. He thinks earnestly. Blogger Cocoy Dayao explained that this … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans