I guess the best time to talk about the paranormal is around this time of year. Here are a couple of personal stories. According to Nanay (my mother), my lola (grandmother) is a faith healer. She used herbs, oils, and prayers in their little town in Negros Oriental. My Lola died relatively young. Nanay said […]
When I was a child, my brother used to say Mormons are CIA agents. Our village’s gate is right next to an LDS church. I assumed he got these ideas from Tom Clancy. He loves military and espionage novels. Then I read just the other day that due to Mormon’s language skills they’re scouted and […]
SMC CEO Mr. Ramon Ang and his team have outlined the plan for PAREX. The project is certainly ambitious and impressive. The 19.37-kilometre elevated highway will be built over the Pasig River. The plan proposes to reduce traffic congestion between Manila and its environs. According to reports the “project would create a six-lane, elevated expressway […]
Why is it that when a person succeeds and makes a name for himself or herself abroad, (particularly our media) gets so hyped if he or she has any Filipino connections? I’m not sure what the motivation is, but I’m wondering if this is about seeking some kind of validation and recognition? Case in Point […]
To the English-speaking world, Filipino is a truly distinctive word. It is a demonym of Spanish origin but has made its way into the English language. Why did we not end up being called Philippineans? or Philippinese? or Philippine Islanders? I remember a conversation with a Latin American colleague who noticed this. “We’re addressed as […]
These days, when we hear the word baúl or kabán (sp. baúl) We are reminded of treasures (tag. kayamanan) buried deep, somewhere. Most people have never seen one in person let alone have used or owned one. Lucky for me, I have seen old houses with bulky trunks in them. Baúls then are everyday items […]
I saw on Facebook that Instituto Cervantes is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. I thought that they had been around longer. In the Philippines, when you hear the mention of Spain, people often have an impression that something is really old. Instituto Cervantes was established in 1991 in Madrid (in Alcalá de Henares, Cervantes’ birthplace). […]
By Elizabeth Medina, Vienna, Austria, June 12, 2001 On this day of our Independence, these thoughts come to me. What defines a nation is the mutual recognition established between people who identity with similar values and aspire to a common future. Mutual recognition Between people who identify with similar values Aspiring to a common future. […]
It’s not every day that you get to thank a personal hero in front of an audience (well, an online audience that is). I am happy to have been a part of this program by the Vibal Foundation called “Academia Filipina de la Lengua Española Tertulia & Concert to Honor Its New Honorary Academics”. The […]
Rumor is that Pacquiao took on fighting Errol Spence this August with this in mind: Once he wins, he will announce his Philippine presidential candidacy! Now that’s a huge risk. Go big or go home mentality: the expression often used to refer to the mindset of taking an extreme position. Imagine Pac putting out the […]
I spoke with some kabayan on the basketball court the other day. We talked about overseas voting registration. Surprise, surprise. Most have not registered to vote for the coming 2022 election! Less than 100 days left for the Overseas Absentee Voters Registration. This is for the May 2022 national and local elections. The registration runs only […]
As expected, former Philippine President Benigno “Pnoy Aquino III’s death has awakened the nastiest online comments, most coming from those who are upset about his past government and political alliances. Filipinos are taught from a young age to respect the dead. Many people forget to do this. Tons of nasty stuff making the rounds. Some […]
I work 6 days a week. So I try to tune out negative news and focus on what I can control. But the deaths of Keith and Nolven Absalon by the CPP NPA were disheartening and frustrating. I have been reflecting on the deaths of the Absalon cousins in Masbate City for some days now. […]