Nora Aunor and the Filipino Machete Machine

“The Filipino Machete Machine” is an artistic expression that for purposes of this blog replaces “The Philippines: A Culture of Criticism”. We are dealing with the arts, so we should strive for more passion in our word work, or if not that, at least the deeper meanings that come with the incomprehensible. Artists hereabouts apparently don’t … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Philippine Government

How President Aquino can assure a win for his pick in 2016

Thanks to reader chit navarro for inciting this blog. The Philippines is comprised of two distinct voting populations: (1) the middle class, and (2) the poor: The middle class votes based on security and opportunity. That is, they want non-corrupt leaders who can get things done and who give them promise of a better, richer day … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Politics

Looking at values inside out, or why the Left has it all wrong

I have a friend in the U.S. who is a very successful veterinarian, tending to the dogs and cats of the stars of Hollywood. She once took a drawing class at UCLA Extension and raved about the class. “We are being taught a method of drawing the spaces in and around things, rather than the thing … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Politics

Spurs 2014 champion team is a blueprint for governance

  By Andrew Lim I begged for Joe’s indulgence to allow me this short piece on the San Antonio Spurs’ recent championship in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This is not a sports blog, but the team had distinct characteristics that made for good analogies in geo-politics, economics and life in general. As disclaimer, I … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Questions that ought to be asked of Presidential contender Binay

I’ve been disturbed by some of Vice President Jejomar Binay’s activities the past year or two. His cabinet duty is head of the National Housing Authority, so he has important things to do. But he seems to want to insert himself in other activities, almost as a “counter-balancing” president. It seems that he is working as … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics, USA/Americans