A hallmark of Filipino culture is how we treat our elderly with respect and utmost care. Indeed, it is normal for a family to have at least one grandparent living with them — and if not living with them, then frequently visiting to make sure the children and grandchildren are doing well. With this in …
OPINION
Getting yelled at by a dawdling jaywalker
Last October, I wrote about one of the most striking instances of “culture clash” witnessed since moving to the Philippines, the way in which pedestrians seem to enjoy walking in the middle of the road, completely oblivious to the cars zooming around them. The other day, encountered a rather lively specimen while entering a local …
The province is on the move
I was humbled to be invited to attend the inauguration of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer. Six months since that event, it is clear the governor is serious in his position and has been sensible in managing the province. Observers say they do not feel the “air of politicking” …
Pagiging katok at ganid ng Pinoy, lumitaw muli sa ‘Taal’
INSPIRASYON SA BUHAY: “…Ngunit habang pinag-iisipan ito ni Jose, nagpakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sinabi nito sa kanya, `Jose… huwag kang matakot na pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat ang sanggol na dinadala niya ay mula sa Espiritu Santo. Magsisilang siya ng isang batang lalaki at Jesus ang ipapangalan mo sa sanggol …
Avoid over-familiarity
During the proximate preparation for my priestly ordination, an idea that was repeatedly hammered ‘ad nauseam’ on us, the ‘ordinandi,’ was that we should never get accustomed to the sacred things, especially the celebration of the Holy Mass. Our formators told us that we should celebrate each Mass as if it were for the …
Sex, cancer
You have to give it to the New York Post to start an article with: “Well, this sucks.” The story is about mouth cancer rates at record high. And the raunchy newspaper had to ask: “Is oral sex to blame?” It’s a good question though. The tabloid quotes Dr. Nigel Carter, chief executive of the …
Dinagyang’s real ‘problem’
“Paranoia is just another word for ignorance.” –Hunter S. Thompson There is nothing to worry about; Dinagyang Festival 2020 is in safe hand. The Iloilo City Festivals Foundation Inc. (ICFFI) has managed the event magnificently. In addition, Department of Tourism-Region VI, led by Atty. Helen C. Catalbas, along with the Iloilo City Hall Tourism Office, …
Let’s always purify our intentions
In anything that we do, let’s see to it that our intentions are pure. That is to say, that we have to be motivated always by love for God and neighbor. And by love, we mean that we follow God’s commandments as clearly articulated by Christ himself: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (Jn …
Mga pangulo ng D 3810 Rotary Clubs, mga anghel mula sa langit
INSPIRASYON SA BUHAY: “…Nangyari nga ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta, “tingnan ninyo, maglilihi ang isang birhen at magsisilang ng isang sanggol na lalaki, at tatawagin itong… Makapangyarihang Diyos, Walang Hanggang Ama…” (Mateo 1:22-25, at Isaias 9:6, Ang Tanging Daan Bibliya). *** MGA PANGULO NG …
No ‘signal jamming’ during Dinagyang!
“There is no country on Earth where Internet and telecommunications companies do not face at least some pressure from governments to do things that would potentially infringe on users’ rights to free expression and privacy.” –Rebecca MacKinnon After leading the opposition and criticism of the proposal by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to shut down …