Life in a Village Borg

I recall a few years ago that I was lectured for referring to my place of residence as a “Fishing Village”. The critic said there are no villages in the Philippines, just cities and municipalities. Well, that is the difference between a practical person and an artist. We artists use whatever word-paint we choose, and … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Family/Parenting/Children

Taiwan Runs Amok

Taiwan to me is like that guy in high school who is in your class but hangs out in a different crowd. This particular guy hangs out with the geeks, the nerds, the genius guys who take computers apart and put them back together again and they actually WORK. In other words, not bad guys, … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Foreign Affairs and Defense

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Returning from vacation is always a delight. There is something very comforting about the familiarities of home. Traveling involves a lot of tension, from making airports on time to dealing with people who speak a different language and impose new cultural behaviors. Like handing important items one to the other with two hands instead of one. … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism

Observations on a Philippine Election

The 2013 bout of nationalistic censorship is done and foreigner JoeAm can speak once more about candidates. Let me offer some observations: Congratulations to the Philippines for conducting a rigorous and well-organized election, one where people may be inclined to complain about the hiccups, but that cannot change one thing: this was a huge logistical … Continue reading →

Filed under Philippine Politics

The Remarkable Photogenic Philippines

For the past few months, I have featured photographs on this site volunteered by Attila, New York based student of Philippine affairs, and a sharp, handsome European married to a beautiful and intelligent Filipina. Attila has been a member of this elite Society for some time now, regularly popping in to share a perspective on … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts