Parsing Fitch

The critics of the Philippines ate another bite of hat the other day when the Fitch Rating Agency upgraded Philippine debt to investment grade. Discussion threads on the upgrade were again the habitat of the 100 percenters, broken down about 80/20, with 80% offering commendations and full credit to President Aquino, and 20% claiming all … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts, Economy, Philippine Government · Tagged with , , , ,

A Society Tipping Point

The Underbelly of  a Nation Rising This blog is at a tipping point. It represents almost 600 articles dedicated to Joe’s education and various observations and opinions. It has been a forum for excellent discussion. Rarely negative, generally respectful, often enlightening or entertaining. Knowledge is never complete. But at some point, we have to ask … Continue reading →

Filed under Blogging/Journalism · Tagged with ,

Blueprint for Philippine Defense?

Philippine and American Training Exercise The following news report appeared in Ariraing News last week. It is short and well worth reading. Commentary follows. _______________ S. Korea-U.S. Joint Forces Sign New Defense Plan Arirang News, March 25, 2013   Since North Korea’s torpedo attack on a South Korean warship and its shelling of a South … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, USA/Americans · Tagged with , , , , ,

Charmaine Clamor

It is good to step back from the words and the analyses and the tensions and joys of the reach for understanding to simply experience a Philippines that is beyond words. Sometimes we catch it in a photograph. Sometimes in a smile. Sometimes in a song. Thanks to Attila for introducing Charmaine Clamor, and Cha … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts · Tagged with

OFWs and Aliens: A Nation Unto Themselves

It is amusing sometimes, the chain of thoughts that generates a blog. This one started because I was trying to write a different one.   I was going to resolve the “Top 12 Filipino Entertainers” list by ranking those entertainers who I think have carved out a special place of distinction in the Philippines. So … Continue reading →

Filed under Culture and Arts · Tagged with , , ,